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VXINIiRSITV OF
TORONTO PRESS
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This edition, published by arrangement with
Messrs. Archibald Constable and Com-
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No.
7.5b.
I
i
THE PASTON LETTERS
A.D. 1422-1509
THE
PASTON LETTERS
A.D. I422-I509
NEW COMPLETE LIBRARY EDITION
EDITED WITH NOTES AND AN INTRODUCTION
BY
JAMES GAIRDNER
OF THE PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
VOLUmE V
LONDON 2 EXETER
CHATTO &,WINDUS ^ JAMES G. COMMIN
1904
24V
1/ £•
Edinburgh : T. and A. Constaih.e, Printers to His Majesty
<
y
THE PASTON LETTERS
Rdward IV
695
WILLIAM EBESHAM TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
T'o my moost worshupfull maister^ Sir John Paston^
Knyght.
MY moost woorshupfull and moost special! maister, with i469(?)
all my servyce moost lowly I recomande unto your
— gode maistirship, besechyng you most tendirly to see
me sumwhat rewardid for my labour in the Grete Booke^
which I wright unto your seide gode maistirship. I have
often tymes writyn to Pampyng accordyng to your desire, to
enforme you hou I have labourd in wrytyngs for you ; and
I see wele he speke not to your maistership of hit. And God
knowith I ly in seint warye \janctuary'] at grete costs, and
amongs right unresonable askers. I movid this mater to Sir
Thomas ^ late, and he tolde me he wolde move your maistir-
1 [From Fenn, ii. lo.] By the date of one item in the account subjoined
to this letter it must have been written after the year 1468, probably in the year
following.
2 This ' great book ' has been identified, on evidence which at first sight seems
conclusive, with MS. 285 in the Lansdowne library in the British Museum. But
probably this latter is only another transcript by Ebesham of a very similar volume.
See Account of this MS. in ' Sailing Directions for the Circumnavigation of England,'
published by the Hakluyt Society in 1889.
3 Sir Thomas Lewis, a priest.
VOL. v. A I
THE PASTON LETTERS
i469(?) ship therein, which Sir Thomas desirid me to remembir wele
what I have had in money at soondry tymes of hym.^
And in especiall I beseche you to sende me for almes con
of your olde gownes, which will countirvale much of the
premysses I wote wele ; and I shall be yours while I lyve, and
at your comandement ; I have grete myst of it, God knows,
whom I beseche preserve you from all adversite. I am
sumwhat acqueyntid with it. Your verry man,
W, Ebsham.
Folowyng apperith, parcelly, dyvers and soondry maner of
writyngs, which I William Ebesham have wreetyn for my gode
and woorshupfull maistir. Sir John Paston, and what money I
have resceyvid, and what is unpaide.
First, I did write to his
maistership a litill booke of
Pheesyk, for which I had paide
by Sir Thomas Leevys^ in
Westminster yixd.
Item, I had for the wrytyng
of half the prevy scale of Pam-
pyng viij^.
Item, for the wrytynge of
the seid hole prevy seale of Sir
Thomas ij^.
Item, I wrote viij. of the
Witnessis in parchement, but
aftir xiiij'^' a peece, for which I
was paide of Sir Thomas . . xj.
Item, while myseide maister
was over the see in Midsomer-
terme
Calle sett me a warke to
wryte two tymes the prevy seale
1 Here (according to Fenn) follows the account as stated more at large in the
subjoined Bill.
2 Fenn's modern transcript reads Lewis. Is ' Leevys ' in the other a misprint for
' Lewys ' ?
2
EDWARD IV
in papir, and then after cleerely I469(?)
in parchement iiijj. viij^.
And also wrote the same
tyme oon mo of the lengist
witnessis, and other dyvers and
necessary wrytyngs, for which
he promisid me x^- whereof I
had of Calle but iiij^ viij*^- car.
v^" iiij'^- vs. iiij^.
I resceyvid of Sir Thomas
at Westminster, penultimo die
Oct., anno viij iijj. iiij^.
Item, I did write to quairs
of papir of witnessis, every quair
conteynyng xiiij. leves after ij"^'
a leiT injj. viij^.
Item, as to the Grete Booke
— First, for wrytyng of the
Coronacion, and other tretys
of Knyghthode, in that quaire
which conteyneth a xiij. levis
and more, ij'^- a lef .... i'js. na.
Item, for the tretys of Werre
in iiij. books, which conteyneth
Ix. levis aftir ij'^- a leaff ... xs.
Item, for Othea^ pistill,
which conteyneth xliij. leves . viij'. \^a.
Item, for the Chalengs, and
the Acts of Armes which is
xxviij" less iiijj. viij<3.
Item, for De Regimine Prin-
cipum^ which conteyneth xlv"
leves, aftir a peny a leef, which
is right wele worth .... iiJ5. ix^.
1 Othea means a treatise on Wisdom. — F. The name is derived from the Greek
'fi 6ia, but was used in the Middle Ages as a proper name. See a poem beginning
' Othea of prudence named godesse,'
mentioned in the Third Report of the Historical Mss. Commission, p. i88.
3
THE PASTON LETTERS
I469(?) Item, for Rubrissheyng of
all the booke
Summa rest'
Summa non solut'
pro magno ^ libro scripto xxvij^ cum diu'
chal.2
Summa Totalis
ms. iiij-^.
xxijj. 'm]d.
xljj. j/s'., unde
iij//'. iijj. v^.
William Ebesham.
In further illustration of the payments made in that age for writing, etc., Sir John
Fenn gives the following extracts from an original quarto ms. then in his possession,
containing —
The various expences of Sir John Howard, Knight, of Stoke by Neyland,
in Suffolk, (afterwards Duke of Norfolk), page 136.
Item, the vij"' yere of Kynge Edward the iiij*, and the xxviij. day of .luly
( 1 467 ). My master rekened with Thomas Lympnour of Bury, and my master
peid hym —
For viij. hole vynets . . . prise the vynett, xii^., . . viijj.
Item, for xxj. demi vynets . . . prise the demi vynett, iiij^. vijj.
Item, for Psalmes lettres xv*^- and di' . . . the prise of C.
iiij^. ........... vj. ij^.
Item, for p'ms letters Ixiij'^- . . . prise of a C, j</. . . v. iij^.
Item, for wrytynge of a quare and demi . . . prise the quayr,
xx^. ........... ijj. v'jj.
Item, for wrytenge of a calender, ..... xij^.
Item, for iij. quayres of velym, prise the quayr, xx^. . . vj.
Item, for notynge of v. quayres and ij. leves, prise of the
quayr, viij [J.] ......... iijj. yij^.
Item, for capital drawynge iij"^- and di', the prise, . . . iij^^.
Item, for floryshynge of capytalls, v"-- . . . . . yd.
Item, for byndynge of the boke, ..... xijj.
cs. ijd.
The wyche parcellis my master paid hym this day, and he is content.
This is an account of a limner or illuminator of manuscripts, who resided at
Bury.
' magna, ' m° ' in Fenn.
2 So in Fenn. Qu. cum diurnali challengiorum ? Fenn omits the whole of this
clause, unde .... chal\ but notices its occurrence in a footnote.
EDWARD IV
696
THE EARL OF OXFORD TO SIR JOHN PASTONi
To the worshipfull^ and with alle myn hert right entierly bilovyd
Sir John Paston^ Knyght^ this lettre be delivered.
Th'Erle of Oxinford.
RIGHT hertly welbilovyd, I grete you wele. And where I469(?)
I am for trowth enformyd that the Duchesse of J^^- 7
Suffolk wolle hold a court on Monday next commyng
at Coton, to th'entent that she wolle fynde the maner of
Thempnals holde of hir by knyghts service and they that
ben possessioners of the same shulde payle certeine of the
Parke of Weverston ; and by cause this is nat performyd
nor don, thoo that ben possessioners shall at the said court
be amersid. And it is agreed that Sir William Yelverton,
Sir Thomas Hoo, shalle be at the said court and wolle pay
the amercyment, and to delyver the said Duchesse possession
of the said service and palyng, and so by this meane to be
come tenauntes to the said Duchesse. And what wolle be
falle more herof I kan nat sey. Wherfor me thinkith it
were welle don ye were at the said court with your councell,
and to do therin as they wolle avise you. Also as ye come
to the said court take your wey by the said Duchesse to
th'entent that ye come to se hir welfare, &c. Do herin
as your councell wolle avyse you. I wolde ye dud welle.
And to my power I wolle help you. And our Lorde kepe
yow. Writyn at Tatyngston the vij. day of Januer.
Endorsed: Th'Erle off Oxenfford.
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] It will be seen by No. 690, that in October 1468
the Duchess of Suffolk had a design of suddenly entering the manor of Cotton and
dispossessing Sir John Paston. This letter, in which it is said she proposes to hold
a court there, was probably written in the beginning of the following year.
5
THE PASTON LETTERS
697
ABSTRACT 1
1469 W. CoTiNG to John Cook, draper of Norwich, 'and that he deliver or
JAN. y send this bill to Richard Kalle in all goodly haste, for the matter is of
substance.'
This day in the grey morning three men of my Lord of Norfolk with long
spears carried off three good horses from John Polejm, ' one of your farmers at
Tichewell,' telling him to treat with my Lord of Norfolk. Wishes to know
what to do, *for such an open wrong unremedied knew I never.' Saturday
after Epiphany.
♦ Anno viij° ' is written below.
[The signature of this letter is written in an abbreviated form, * W. Cot.'
According to Blomcfield, W. Cotyng was rector of Titchwell from 1450 to
1457, and he had been previously rector of Swainsthorp, to which he was pre-
sented by Judge Paston in 1444. This letter is twelve years later than the
date at which his incumbency of Titchwell is said to have terminated ; but
doubtless he is the writer. He is referred to as living even in the year 1485,
in a letter written by Dame Elizabeth Browne, who says that he and James
Gresham were clerks to her father Judge Paston.]
698
EDWARD IV. TO SIR JOHN PASTON 2
To our trusty and welbeloved Sir John Paston^ Knight.
By the Kinge.
JAN. 18 r I CRUSTY and welbeloved, we grete yow well. And
I how be It that we late addressed unto yow our
letters, and commanded yow by the same, for the
conslderacions in them conteined, to have ceased of makinge
any assemblye of our people for the matter of variance de-
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
2 This letter is reprinted from the Paston Genealogy in the Norfolk Archceology^ to
which we have already several times referred {see Nos. 484, 641, 643, etc.). Edward
IV. was at Salisbury in January 1469, one of his privy seals being dated there on the
1 6th of the month.
EDWARD IV
pendinge betwixt yow on that one partie, and our right 1469
trustie and right entirely beloved cosin the Duke of Norffolk J^'*- ^^
on that other, and to have appeared before the Lords of
our Councell at our Palleys of Westminster at a certeine
day in our said letters specified ; yett nevertheless we under-
stonde not as yet if ye have conformed yow to the per-
forminge of our said commandement or not. We therefore
eftsones write unto yow, willing and straitly charging yow to
cease of the said ryotts and assemblies ; and that incontinent
upon the sight of these our letters that ye dispose yow
personally to appear afore the said Lords of our Councell
at our said Pallis, there to answere to such thinges as in
that behalfe by them shall be laid and objected against yow,
not failinge hereof, all excuses laid aparte, as ye will avoide
our displeasure. Yeven under our signet at our citye of
Salesbury, the xviij. day of January.
699
SIR JOHN PASTON TO ROGER TOWNSEND^
I'd the ryght worshypfull and hys best betrustyd
Frende^ Roger 'Townesende.
RIGHT worshipfull sir, I comaunde me to yow, praying 1^6'j-g
yow hertly to remembre that by the award made by- f^B- 12
twen yow and me by Roger Townesend for a tenement
in Stratton in Norfolk callid Rees, I shuld delyver yow all the
evydens apperteynyng to the said plase, and not from thens
forth to chalenge nor interupte my lady your wife ner yow of
the said tenement ; And that for thes said causes ye shuld and
therto were agreyd to geve me an horse and x/i. to an barneys.
And moreovir before Cristemasse in the kynges chambre ye
ther ageyn promysed me that ye wold such tyme as I send to
yow home to yowre plase by any servant of myne er any man
1 [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 186.] This letter was probably written after the death of
John Paston, the writer's father, but the precise year is uncertain.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1467-9 from me, that ye wold delyver it hym and send it to me by
FEB. 1 z hym. My hrothir John hath send me word that he remembird
yow therof on my behalfe and that you answerid hym that ye
wold gyfe hym or me a fayre harneys at your comyng to
London. I deme in yow that ye thynke par case to bye a
fayre harneys here for x. markz ; but, cosyn, as God help
me, I bowte an harneys syn that tyme for my self, which cost
me xx//. But I con not desire of yow so moch. Wherfore,
cosyn, with all myn hert I pray yow accordyng to yowre
promyse that it like yow to send me by my servaunt, berer
herof, the said somme of xli., as my trust is in yow, and as I
wolde in like case have don to yow, and as in the premysses I
delt feithfully with yow and evir so shall dele, with the grase
of God, Who have yow in Hys kepyng. Wretyn at London
the xii. day of Feveryer. — Youris,
John Paston, k.
700
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
T'o my mastyr, Sir John Paston^ knyght, in Flet stret.
1468-9 ^^YR, &c. It is so that, with owght ye have hasty re-
n\ ^^\ paracyon doon at Caster, ye be lyek to have doubyll
^^ cost in hast, for the reyn hathe so moystyd the wallys
in many plasys that they may not tylle the howsys tyll the
wallys be reparyd ; or ellys ye shall have doubyll cost for to
untylle your howsys ayen at syche tyme as ye shall amend the
wallys. And if it be not do thys yer, many of the wallys wyll
lye in the moot or longe to ; ye knowe the febyllnesse of the
utter coort of old. John Pampyng hathe had hame to Caster
as good as x""'- tylle fyr the plase at Yermeuthe, and it wer
pete that the tyll wer lost ; and the lenger that it lythe un-
leyd the wers it wyll be. I have thys day bespok as myche
lyme as wyll serve for the tyll. Wherfor I prey yow re-
1 [Add. MS. 33,597, f. 4.] The year in which this letter was written is doubtful,
but it was most probably either 1468 or 1469, at the beginning of Lent.
8
EDWARD IV
membyr the cost of the werkmanschep and purvey the money 1468-9
by 00 mean or othyr, what shefte so evyr ye make. And, for (?)
your owne profyte, remembyr to goo thorow with Hwghe of
Fen ; for by my trowthe ye wyll ellys repent yow er owght
longe. For bothe ye shall loose hys good wyll and lett pera-
venture that avantage that he myght do yow in your lond
recoveryng ; wher as he may do yow harme and [//"] he wyll
and then, to late wyse. Item, that ye remembyr your relesys
and gounys of my Lord of Norffolk er ye com hom. Item, I
send yow by the berer herof a lettyr dyrect to yow that a
man of my Lord of Oxenfortheys dely verd me ; whych lettyr
comyth fro the Kyng. Item, that ye remembyr in eny wyse
to serche for the fyne in syche plasys as my modyr sent you
woord of in a lettyr ; for myn oncyll and my grauntdam report
that they have serchyd in all plasys thar as it shold be, but
they can not fynd no thyng of it. Also that ye look whedyr
the fyne was reryd to eny feeffeys mor then to my graunt-
fadyr and my grauntdam and ther issu ; for and ther wer eny
feeffeys namyd in the fyn, it is the bettyr for yow. My
Lady and my grauntdam be com to London for the same
mater; wherfor it wer well do that the jwgys wer enformyd
of your mater befor they spok with theym. I prey yow
hye yow hom hastyly and se your owne profyte your sylf.
Pampyng and I shall clowt up your howsys as we may with
the money that we have tyll more come, but ye shold do
bettyr your sylf. I prey red thys byll onys on a day tyll ye
have sped thes maters wretyn her in; thowe it be to your
peyne to labore theym, remembyr your profyt. Nomor, &c.,
but God kep yow thys Lent fro lollardy of fleshe. Wretyn at
Norwyche the Twysday next aftyr that I departyd fro yow.
J- p-
THE PASTON LETTERS
701
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
To Sir John Paston, knyght^ he this delivered in hast.
1469 T GRETE you wele and send you Goddes blyssyng and
MARCH 12 I myn, desiryng you to recomaund me to my brother
William, and to comune with hym and your councell
in such materis as I wryght to you, that ther may be purveyd
be some writyng fro the Kyng that my Lord of NorfFolk and
his councell seas \cease'\ of the wast that thei done in your
lordsheps, and in especiall at Heynford ; for thei have felled
all the wood, and this weke thei wull carie it a wey, and lete
renne the wateris and take all the fyssh. And Sir William
Yelverton and his sone William, John Grey and Burgeys,
William Yelvertons men, have ben at Guton and takyn dis-
tresses, and with ought that \unless\ thei wull pay them thei
shall not set ought no plow to till there lande ; thei byd them
lete there land lye on tilled but if \unless'\ thei pay them. So
that if the tenauntes have no remedy that thei may pesibily,
with ought assaught or distresse takyng, be the seid Yelverton
or his men, or of any other in there names, at there liberte
herye there landis, with in this vij. days there tylth in the
feldis be lost for all this yere and thei shall be on doon ; and
though ye shuld kepe it here after pesibilly ye shuld lese the
ferme of this yere, for thei may not pay you but if \unless'\ thei
may occupie there landis ; thei set not so sone a plow ought
at ther gatis but ther is a felesship redy to take it. And thei
ride with speris and launyegays, like men of werre, so that the
seid tenauntis arn a ferd to kepe there owyn howses. Ther-
fore purvey an redy remedy, or ellis ye lese the tenauntis
hertis and ye gretly hurt ; for it is gret pety to here the
swemefuU ^ and petowse compleyntis of the pore tenauntis
that come to me for comfort and socour sometime vi. or vij.
1 [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 202.] This letter must have been written in 1469, after
the Duke of Norfolk and Sir William Yelverton had taken possession of Fastolf's
lands. 2 snjoemeful, sorrowful. — Halliwell.
10
EDWARD IV
to geder, Therfore, for Goddis love, se that thei ben helpyn, 1469
and desire my brothere William to geve you good concell march i 2
here.
Also it is told me that my Lady of Suffolk hath promysed
you here good will, if your bargayn of the mariage ^ holdyth,
to do as largely as she shall be disired, or largelyer if there be
any appoyntment takyn a twix you for any materes a twyx
her and you. And [i.e. if] thei wuld avyse you to geve any
money to here to make here refuse or disclayme here titill, me
semyth ye may wele excuse you be the money that she had
last, and be the wrongis that were don be here and here men
in fellyng of wood and pullyng doune of your place and logge
at Heylesdon, and takyn a wey of the shep and your faderis
goodis, which were takyn a wey at the pullyn don of the seid
place ; wheche wele considered, she were wurthy to recom-
pense you. And [z/] the Kyng and the lordis were wele
enformed thei wuld considere the redilyer your hurtis. It
semyth this Sir William Yelverton hath comfort that he is so
bold, for [he^] hath ryght prowde and fowle langage and
ryght slaundrows to the tenauntis, as thei have reported to
me. Therfor be ryght ware that ye bynde not your self nor
mak non ensurance till ye be suer of a pesibill possession of
your lande ; for oftyn tyme rape rueth, and whan a man hath
made such a covenante he must kepith it, he may not chese ;
there[fore ^] be not to hasty till your londe be clere. And
labore hastly a remedy for thes premysses, or ellis Sir John
Fastolffis lyvelode, though ye entre it pesibilly, shall not be
worth to ye a grote this yere with ought ye wull on do your
tenauntis. I pray you remembre a kerchye of Cremyll for
your suster Anne. Remembre to labore some remedy for your
faderis will whill my Lord of Caunterbury ^ lyvyth, for he is
an old man and he is now frendly to you and if he happed to
dye, how [wko~\ shuld come after hym ye wote never ; and if
he wer a nedy man, in asmych as your fader was noysed of so
greet valew he wull be the mor straunge to entrete. And lete
this be not for gete ; for [if] ther were on \_one^ that aught us
no good wyll he myght calle us up to make accounte of his
1 With Anne Haute. ^ Omitted in MS. ^ Cardinal Bourchier.
II
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 goodis, and if we had not for to showe for us where by we
MARCH 12 have occupied, he myght send doun assentence to curse us in
all the diosyse and to make us to delivere his goodis ; which
were to us a gret shame, and a rebuke. There fore purvey
hastly and wyssely therfore whill he lyvyth, and do not as ye
dede whill my Lord of York ^ was Chanceller make delays, for
if ye had labored in his tyme as ye have do sith, ye had be
thurgh in your materis ; be ware be that, and lete slauth
nomor take you in such diffaught ; thynk of after clappes and
have provysion in all your work, and ye shall do the better.
God kepe you. Wretyn on Myd Lent Sonday in hast.
Be your moder, M. P.
702
CARDINAL BOURCHIER'S DECLARATION 2
1469 ^ I ^O all cristen men to whom this present writyng shall
I come, Thomas, by the providence of God, Preeste
Cardinall Archiebisshopp of Caunterbury, Primat of all
Inglond and Legat of the Appostallic See, gretyng. Where
now late Alice, Duchesse of Suffolk, come to us and desirid of
us to dismysse us of oure estate and to enseall a deed of a
relees of the maner of Haylysdon with the appurtenaunce in
the counte of Norffolk ; which we denyed, in as myche as wee
stode infeoffyd in the seid maner with othirs to the use of Sir
John Paston knyght, sone and heire to John Paston sqwyer ;
to the whiche the seid Duchesse replied, seying and affermyng
that she was accordyd and agreed with the seid Sir John
Paston by the meane of the ryght Reverent fader in God,
George Archebysshop of York, and that the seid Sir John
Paston was fully assented and agreed that the seid Duchesse
shuld have the seid manere wyth th'appurtenaunce to hir, hir
1 George Nevill, Archbishop of York. He surrendered the Great Seal on the 8th
June 1467.
2 [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 127.] From what Margaret Paston writes to her son Sir
John in the end of the last letter about his father's will, and also from what she says a
little later about the Duchess of Suffolk (^see page 15), we may assign this document
with great probability to the year 1469.
12
EDWARD IV
heyris and assignes for ever more, and that all the feoffees 1469
enfeoffid and seisid in the seid manere wyth the appurtenaunce
shuld relees and make astate to hir or such as shee wolde
assigne of the seid manere wyth th'appurtenaunce ; the wehych
we answerde and seid upon condicion that the seid Sir John
Paston weere so agreed we wold relees wyth a goodwyll, and
els not ; and yff so were that we cowde understand hereafter
by the seid Right reverent Fadir in God, George Archebisshop
of York, or by the seid Sir John Paston, that ther ware noon
such accorde made by twex the seid Duchesse and the seid Sir
John, that than oure deed and relees by us so ensealed off the
seid maner wyth th'appurtenaunce shuld stond as voyd, and of
no force nor effecte ; to the wehyche the seid Duches agreed,
and prayd us that we wold sealle hir a deed of the same maner,
wyche shee had theere redy, uppon the same condicion and
uppon noone other. And wee than, at hir specyall request
upon the condicion aforeseyd rehersid, sealid the seyd deed and
delyvered it ; and the seid Duchesse at the same tyme pro-
mitted us that she wold use and kepe the seid writyng noo
notherwise, nor to noon othir use but uppon the same con-
dicion as is aforeseid. In witnesse whereoff, to this oure
present writyng we have sette oure seall.
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
To myghf well belovyd brother, John Paston,
or to John Dawbeney, in his absence.
RYGHT worschypful and well belovyd brother, I comand march 17
me to yow, letyng you wete that Sir Thomas Howes
hadde a free chapell at Castr, wher of the gyfte longyth
to me, whyche chapell, as I understande, scholde be in the olde
tyme, er the place at Caster wer bylte, with in the motte, wher-
1 [From Fenn, iv. 308.] Sir Thomas Howes appears to have died in the latter
part of the year 1468. Before the end of that year his living of Pulham was vacant,
and his death is alluded to in a letter of Margaret Paston's, written on the 30th
September 1469, as having occurred 'within this twelvemonth.' It would appear by
13
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 for I ame but the better pleased ; and soo it is now that at the
MARCH 17 speciall request of the Qwen and other especiall good Lordes
of myn, I have gevyn it to the berer her of, callyd Master
John Yotton, a chapleyn of the Qwenys. Neverthelle[ss] in
tyme passyd I proposyd that the master of the colegg scholde
have hadd it, and so er longe to I hope he schall, wherfor
I thynke he most take possession, and that is the cawse of hys
comyng. Wherfor I pray yow make hym good cher. He is
informyd that it scholde be worthe Cs. be yer, whyche I belyve
not ; I thynke it der jnow x\s. by yeer. He most have it as
it was hadde befor.
Item, thys daye I understonde that ther be comen letteris
from my moder and yow, and Dawbeney, wherin I schall sende
yow answer when I have seyn them.
No mor at this tyme, for within this iij. dayes I shall lette
yow have kneleche of other maters.
Wretyn the xviij. day of Marche.
Whether he nedyth indoccion, or institucion, or non, I
wot not ; if it nede, brother, ye may seale any suche thynge as
well as I. Master Stevyn kan tell all suche thynges.
John Paston, K.
704
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
To Sir John Paston.
I
APRIL 3 T GRETE you wele, and send you Godds blissyng and myn,
thankyng you for my seall that ye sent me ; but I am
right sory that ye dede so grete cost ther up on, for on
of yi\d. should have served me right wele. Send me ward
the following extract, quoted by Fenn, from the Institution Books of the Bishop of
Norwich, that Sir John's presentation referred to in this letter was not allowed, or was
not made out in time, and that the Bishop presented by a lapse : —
' Cantaria in Cayster-hall.
'Lib. xi. p. 170, 21 March 14.68. Mr. Joh'es Yetton, S.T.P. ad col. Ep'i.
per laps'.'
1 [From Fenn, iv. 312.] Allusion is made in this and the next letter to the
expected visit of Edward iv. to Norfolk in 1469. Owing to the proposed marriage
of Sir John Paston with his kinswoman, Anne Haute, Lord Scales appears at this time
14
EDWARD IV
what it cost you, and I shall send you money therfor. I send 1469
you a letter be a man of Yarmoth ; send me word if ye have april 3
it, for I marveyll ye sent me non answer ther of be Juddy.
I have non very knowleche of your ensuraunce [engage-
ment], but if ye be ensured I pray God send you joy and
wurchep to geder, and so I trost ye shuU have, if it be as
it is reported of her ^ ; and a nemps God, ye arn as gretly
bownd to her as ye were maried, and therfor I charge you up
on my blissyng, that ye be as trew to her as she wer maried on
to you in all degrees, and ye shall have the mor grace and the
better spede in all other thyngs.
Also, I wuld that ye shuld not be to hasty to be maried til
ye wer more suer of your lyvelode, for ye must remembr what
charge ye shall have, and if ye have not to mayntene it, it wull
be gret rebuke ; and therfor labour that ye may have releses
of the londs, and be in more suerte of your lond, or than ye be
maried.
The Duchesse of Suffolk ^ is at Ewhelm, in Oxford shir,
and it is thought be your frends her that it is do that she
myght be ferr and ought of the wey, and the rather feyne
excuse be cause of age or sikenesse, and if that the Kyng wuld
send for her for your maters.
Your elmyse [enemies] be as bold her as thei wer befor,
wherfor I can not thynk but that thei have sume comfort. I
sent to Cayster that thei shuld be war in kepyng of the place,
as ye dede wright to me. Hast you to spede your maters as
spedily ye can, that ye may have lesse felesshep at Cayster, for
the expences and costs be grete, and ye have no nede therof
and [if] ye remembre you wele what charges ye have beside,
and how your liffelode is dispoyled and wasted by your adver-
saries.
Also I wuld ye shuld purvey for your suster ^ to be with
to have interested himself in Sir John's behalf. On the back of this letter, as Fenn
tells us, is a note : ' The L. Scales is now frend to Sr. J. Paston.' But the hand-
writing is not contemporaneous.
1 The lady here referred to is Anne Haute.
2 Alice, widow of William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk.
3 This was most probably Margery Paston, with whom the whole family were,
very soon after the writing of this letter, so much displeased for having without their
consent contracted herself in marriage to Richard Calle. — F.
15
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 my Lady of Oxford/ or with my Lady of Bedford,^ or in sume
APRIL 3 other wurchepfull place, wher as ye thynk best, and I wull
help to her fyndyng, for we be eyther of us werye of other. I
shall tell you more whan I speke with you. I pray you do
your devyr her in as ye wull my comfort and welefar, and your
wurchep, tor diverse causes which ye shall understand after-
ward, &c.
I spake with the Lord Skales at Norwich, and thanked hym
for the good lordshep that he had shewed to you, and desired
his Lordship to be your contynuall good lord ; and he swore
be his trought he wold do that he myght do for you ; and he
told me that Yelverton the Justice had spoke to hym in your
maters, but he told me not what ; but I trow, and ye desired
hym to telle you, he wuld. Ye ar be holdyng to my Lord of
his good report of you in this contre, for he reported better of
you than I trow ye deserve. I felt be hym that ther hath be
profered hym large proferes on your adversaries parte ageyn
you.
Send me word as hastly as ye may after the begynnyng of
the terme, how ye have sped in all your maters, for I shall
thynk right long till I her sume good tidyngs.
Item, I pray you recomaund me to the good mayster^ that
ye gaffe to the chapell of Cayster, and thank hym for the gret
cost that he dede on me at Norwych ; and if I wer a grette
lady he shuld understand that he shuld far the better for me,
for me semyth be his demenyng he shuld be right a good
man.
Item, I send you the nowche^ with the dyamaunch, be the
berer herof. I pray yow forgate not to send me a kersche ^
of Cr'melle for nekkerchys for your syster Anne, for I am
1 Elizabeth, the daughter of Sir John Howard, Knight, and widow of John de
Vere, Earl of Oxford, who was beheaded in 1461-2. — F.
2 See vol. iv. p. 188, Note 3.
•^ Dr. John Yotton. See No. 703.
* An ouch is a collar of gold, formerly worn by women ; a gold button, set with
some jewel, is likewise so called, and that most probably was the ornament here men-
tioned to be sent to Sir John by his mother; we may suppose it was intended as a
present to his betrothed bride. — F.
* A kersche of Cr'melle, perhaps means a kerchief of Cremell, crewel or worsted,
to be made into neck-handkerchiefs for her daughter Anne, who appears to have been
for education and board with some lady of consequence. — F.
16
EDWARD IV
schente of the good lady that sche is with, be cawse she hathe 1469
non, and I can non gette in all thys towne. april 3
I xuld wrythe mor to yow but for lakke of leyser. God
have yow in Hys kepyng, and send yow good spede in alle
your maters. Wry ten in haste on Eestern Munday.
Be your Moder.
705
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON^
To Master Syr John Paston.
SYR, I pray yow recomand me to my Lord Scalys good ^^^^^ 7
lordshep, and to let hym weet that, in lyek wyse as hys
Lordshep gave me in comandement, I have enqweryd
what the gentyllmanys answer was that my Lord of Norffolk
sent to to awayte up on hym at the Kyngs comyng in to thys
contre. Hys answer was to my Lord of Norfolks messenger,
that he had promysyd my Lord Scalys to awayte up on hym at
the same seson, and in as myche as he had promysyd my Lord
Scalys, he wold not false hys promesse for no man on lyve. I
fond the menys that the seyd gentylemanys wyfe mevyd hyr
husbend with the same mater as thow she had axyd hym of hyr
awne hed, and he told hyr that he had gevyn thys answer.
Thys gentylman is Sir William Calthorp ; ^ but I pray yow tell
my Lord Scalys that ye undyrstand not who it is, for he preyid
me to be secret ther in.
I pray with all my hart, hye yow hom in hast, for we
thynk longe tyll ye coome. And I pray yow send me woord
whedyr ye shall be mad a Crysten man or ye com home, or
nowt ; and if so be that ye send eny man hom hastly, I pray
yow send me an hat and a bonet by the same man, and let hym
bryng the hat upon hys hid for mysfacyonyng of it. I have
1 [From Fenn, iv. 318.] For the date of this letter see preliminar}' note to the
last (p. 14, Note i).
2 Sir William Calthorpe, Knight, had been High Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk,
both in this and the preceding reign, and died very old in 1494. His second wife
was Elizabeth, daughter and co-heir of Sir Miles Stapleton, Knight, of Ingham. — F.
VOL. V. B 17
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 ned to bothe, for I may not ryd nor goo owt at the doorys
APRIL 7 with non that I have, they be so lewde [s/ia^l^y']. A murry
bonet, and a blak or a tawny hat. And God send yow your
desyr. Wretyn at Caster, the viij. day of Apryll.
Your J. Paston.
706
LORD SCALES TO THE COUNCIL OF
THE DUKE OF NORFOLK 1
Ih's.
APRIL 10 ^ "jr TYRSHYPFULL and my ryght gode frend, I
^^ comaund me to you. And where as I am en-
^ formed that my Lorde of NorfFolk pretendeth title
to serteyn londys of Sir John Pastons whych were late of Sir
John Fastolf, it is sayd that by the comaundement and sup-
portacyon of my sayd Lord, sertayn hys servaunts felleth
wode, maketh grete wast, and destrayned the tenants of the
seyd lands, to the grete damage of the seyd Sir John Paston
and hys sayd tenants ; and also that my sayd Lord entendyth
to entre sertayn places of the same. And for asmoch as
maryage ys fully concluded by twyx the seyd Sir John Paston
and on of my nerrest kynneswomen, I dout not that your
reason wele conceyveth that nature must compelle me the
rather to shewe my gode wylJe, assystens, and favour unto the
seyd Sir John in such thyngs as concerne hys enherytans.
And because I am on of my said Lordys councayll, and must
and will tendre hys honour, I hertely pray you that it may
lyke you to advertyse and avyse my sayd Lord and yourys,
that all such entres, fellyng of wode, destraynyngs of tenants,
and all such maters lyke touchyng the sayd londes or any part
1 [From Fenn, iv. 322.] This and the following letter were printed by Fenn
from contemporaneous copies, written on the same paper without signature or address.
On the back, however, is the following memorandum : — 'Copea literz Dni de Scales;'
to which has been added in a later handwriting: 'ad Conciliu Due' NorfF' et aliis
(sic) in favore J. Paston mil. eo quod maritaret cognata suam Anna Hawte.' The
date is clearly in the year 1469, when the Duke of Norfolk laid claim to Caister.
18
EDWARD IV
of them, be cessyd unto such tyme as a resonabell meane may 1469
be founde by my sayd Lords counsayll, my Lord my faders^ ^''^'^ ^°
and other cousyns and frendes of my seyd kynneswoman thys
next terme, as may be to my sayd Lordys honour, and to the
savyng of the ryght tytle of the seyd Sir John Paston.
Over thys I pray you that ye wille enforme my gode frend
James Hobard of the premysses, that he may advertyse my
seyd Lord in lyke wyse ; and that ye will yeve credens unto
William Paston, and I shal be welwilled to do that may be to
your plesur, with Godds mercy.
Fro Westmynstre, the x. day of Apryll.
707
LORD SCALES TO
RYGHT trusty and welbelovyd, I grete you well. And
for asmoch as a maryage ys fully concluded bytwyx
Sir John Paston and my ryght nere kynneswoman
Hawte, I will that ye and all other my servaunts and tenants
understand that my Lord, my fader,^ and I must of nature
and reason shewe unto hym our gode assystens and favour in
such maters as he shall have a doo. Wherfor I pray you
hertely that ye will take the labour to come to Norwych, to
comen with William Paston, and to yeve credens unto hym in
such maters as he shall enforme you of myne entent, and of
sertayn persones with whom ye shall comen by th'avyse of the
seyd William Paston, of such maters as touch the sayd Sir
John Paston; prayng you to tendre thys mater as ye wolde do
myne owne.
Fro Westmynstre, the x. day of Aprill.
1 Richard Woodville, Earl Rivers.
2 [From Fenn, iv. 324.] See preliminary note to the last letter (p. 18, Note i).
3 See Note i, supra.
^9
THE PASTON LETTERS
708
ABSTRACT!
1469 Citation by Thomas, Cardinal Archbishop of Canterbury, to William
MAY 5 [^Waynflete]], Bishop of Winchester, and John Beauchamp, Knight, Lord
Beauchamp, to appear before the Archbishop in fifteen days after being
summoned, and take upon them the charge of the execution of Sir John
Fastolf 's will, if they so will to do.
Lambeth, 5th May 1469, in the 15th year of the Archbishop's translation.
[The MS. belongs to the Castle Combe Collection.]
709
ARCHBISHOP NEVILL TO SIR JOHN PASTON 2
To my right trusty and welbeloved Sir John Paston.
Ih's.
i469(.?) I ) IGHT trusty and welbeloved, I grete you hertely well,
MAY 7 r^ and sea^ you by Thomas your childe xx,''-, prayng
you to spare me as for eny more at this tyme, and to
hold you content with thessame, as my singlr truste is in you ;
and I shalle within bref tyme ordeigne and purveye for you
such as shalbe unto your pleasir, with the grace of Almightty
God, who have you in His proteccion and keping.
Writen in the manoir of the Mor ^ the vij"" daye of Maye.
G. Eborac.
1 [Add. Charter, 18,249, B.M.]
2 'From Fenn, ii. 34.] This letter was almost certainly written between the years
1467 and 1469, and is not unlikely to be of the latter year, before the Nevills and the
Archbishop had come to be regarded as open enemies of Edward iv.
* The Moor in Hertfordshire, a seat of Archbishop Nevill.
20
EDWARD IV
710
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTONi
SYR, plesyth it to undyrstand, that I conceyve, by your 1469
lettyr whyche that ye sent me by Jwde, that ye have [may]
herd of R. C.^ labor whyche he makyth by our un-
gracyous sustyrs^ assent ; but wher as they wryet that they
have my good wyll ther in, savyng your reverence, they falsly
lye of it, for they never spake to me of that mater, ner non
othyr body in ther name. Lovell axyd me onys a qwestyon
whedyr that I undyrstood how it was betwyx R. C. and my
suster. I can thynk that it was by Callys menys, for when I
axyd hym whedyr C. desyird hym to meve me that qwestyon
or not, he wold have gotyn it aweye by humys and by hays,
but I wold not so be answeryd ; wherfor at the lest he told
me that hys oldest sone desyird hym to spere [inquire'] whedyr
that R. C. wes swyr of hyr or nowt, for he seyd that he knew
a good maryage for hyr, but I wot he lyeyd, for he is hole
with R. Cale in that mater, Wherfor to the entent that he
nor they sholl pyck no comfort of me, I answerd hym, that
and my fadyr, whom God asoyle, wer a lyve, and had con-
sentyd ther to, and my modyr, and ye bothe, he shold never
have my good wyll for to make my sustyr to selle kandyll and
mustard in Framlyngham ; and thus, wythe mor whyche wer
to longe to wryet to you, we departyd.
And wher as it plesythe you in your lettyr to crye me
mercy for that ye sent me not syche ger as I sent yow mony
for, I crye yow mercy that I was so lewde [hid] to encomber
yow with eny so sympyll a mater, consyderyng the grette
maters and weyghty that ye have to doo ; but need com-
1 [From Fenn, iv. 344.] This letter appears by the contents to have been written
a little before Whitsuntide after the death of Sir Thomas Howes, and when the Duke
of Norfolk was preparing to make good a claim to the manor of Caister, which, as we
shall see, he regularly besieged and took in September 1469. The date is therefore
certain.
2 Richard Calle's 3 Margery Paston.
21
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 pellyd me, for in thys contre is no syche stuffe as I sent to
[may] yow for.
Also, wher as it plesyth yow to send to Rychard Calle to
delyver me monye, so God help me, I wyll non axe hym for
my sylfe, nor non had I of hym, nor of non othyr man but of
myne owne, syne ye depertyd ; but that lytyll that I myght
forbere of myne owne, I have delyveryd to Dawbeney for
howsold, and pay it for yow in menys wagys ; and ther for
who ever sendys yow word that I have spent yow eny mony
syne ye went hens, they must geve yow an othyr reknyng,
savyng in met and drynk, for I eete lyek an horse, of purpose
to eete yow owte at the dorys. But that nedythe not, for ye
com not within them ; wherfor, so God help me, the felaushep
her thynkys that ye have forgetyn us alle. Wherfor and eny
thyng be ille rewlyd when ye come home, wyet it [impute it to\
your selfe for defawt of oversyght.
Also, I undyrstand for verry se[r]teyn, and it is sent me
so woord owt of my Lordys howse, that thys Pentcost is my
Lordys consell at Framlyngham, and they purpose thys week
and the next to hold coortys her at Caster, and at all othyr
maners that wer Sir John F.,^ and purchasyd of Yelverton and
of Syr T. H.,^ whom God asoyle, and how that my demenyng
sholbe, it is to late to send to yow for avyse ; wherfor, and I
do well I axe no thank, and if I do ille, I pray yow leythe the
defawt on over lytyll wyte, but I purpose to use the fyrst
poynt of hawkyng, to hold fast and I maye ; but so God help
me, and they myght pulle downe the howse on our hedys, 1
wyet \blame\ hem not, whyche I trust to God to help hem
from; for by God that bowght me, the best Erie in Inglond
wold not dele so with my Lord and my Lady as ye do, with-
owt makyng of some menys to them ; so God help me, whoso
ever avyse yow to do so, he is not your frend. And I may,
I trust to God to se yow abowght Mydsomer or befor, for in
good feythe I wene ye purpose yow that it shall be Estern er
ye come hom, for all your servants her wen \_here ween] that
ye purpose ne more to dele with them, but to leve hem her
\here'] in ostage to my Lord of Norfolk.
1 Fastolf's. 2 Sir Thomas Howes.
22
EDWARD IV
Also, syr, I pray yow purvey what Ine that my brodyr 1469
Edmund shall be in, for he losythe sore hys tyme her, I l^^"^]
promyse yow ; I pray yow send me word by the next messenger
that comyth, and I shall eythyr send hym or bryng hym up
with me to London.
Also, syr, we pore sanz deners of Castr have brook iij. or
iiij. stelle bowys ; wherfor we beseche yow, and ther be eny
maker of Steele bowys in London whyche is very kunnyng,
that ye wyll send me woord, and I shall send yow the bowys
that be broken, whyche be your owne greet bowe, and Roberd
Jacksonys bowe, and Johon Pampyngs bowe ; thes iij. have
kast so many calvys, that they shall never cast qwarellys ^ tyll
they be new mad.
I praye yow fynd the menys that my Lord have some
resonable meane profyrd, so that he and my Lady may undyr-
stand that ye desyr to have hys good lordshep. I promyse
yow it shall do yow ease and your tenaunts bothe, and God
preserve. J, P.
711
ROBERT BROWNE TO SIR JOHN PASTON^
To the right worshipful Sir John Paston knyght be
this delivered.
RIGHT worshipfuU Sire, I recommaunde me to you, &c., 1469
certefying you for certeyn that the kyng sent a lettre
unto my Lord of Norffolk for to contenue all maner
of materes unto suche tyme as he sholl take a direction therin,
as I am enformed by Master Haute, and by a messenger of his
owne [it was sent^], &c. Acordyng to the same entent and
^ See vol. ii. p. loi, Note 3.
2 [Add. MS. 33,889, f. 70.] The date of this letter is fixed by Roger Ree being
SherifFof Norfolk, which he was from November 1468 to November 1469. The time
would seem to be April or May 1469, when the Duke of Norfolk was proposing to
take forcible possession of Caister.
3 These words are interlined before ' &c.,' but possibly are intended to be read
with the next sentence, which is difficult to construe, there being no punctuation in
the MS.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 the rehersall by estimacion by cause the Secretary of his Clerkes
was with the Kyng the Quene hath sent a ^ lettre unto my
Lady of NorfFolk and a nother lettre unto my Lady of Suffolk
the elder, desyeryng theym to common with my lordis that all
such materis as the Kyng wrote unto them fore mabe kept so
that no defaute be founden in them, as ye may understand by
youre lettre sent frome the Quene, &c. Also Roger Ree the
Shirereve of the Shire wilbe at Caster, as my Lord Tresourer
told me, upon Tuesday or Wedynsday, to se that goode rule
be kept. Also my Lord of York^ sendis you a lettre, &c.
My Lord Scalez is with the Kyng, &c. I take unto the
brynger herof xxs. that is sufficaunt as he wille telle you, also
the secretarye, vjj. viij^^. As for all othere materes for haste
I contenue unto that I may have leyser to write to you. I
pray you to recommaunde me to my mastres your moder.
At London upon Sonday in hast.
Robert Browne.
The letter is endorsed in another hand : —
* The Counsell of my Lord of Suffolk, Robert Harlesdon. The Counsell
of my Lord of Norffolk, Sir Thomas Walgrave, knyght [sergeant at] lawe and
Richard Southwell and to everiche of them.'
712
ABSTRACTS
Richard Calle to Sir John Paston
MAY 22 I would have been with you on Sunday before Ascension Day, had I
received any command to that effect. Henry Wheler told me my day of the
surety of peace was quindena Tr'tnitatis, ' and thereof he made me a bill. He
is foully to blame to serve me so.' I am much bound to you, nevertheless, for
the safeguard of my sureties. Gives an account of monies disbursed since
parting with Sir John at London. Repaid ' my mistress ' 66j. 8^., part of
iooj. she lent for Mariot's matter. Paid Dawbeney for household since
Midlent, 30j-. Received from the farmer of the dairy, £^^, us. ^J.
^ Before the word ' a ' ' nothere ' is interlined, probably by inadvertence.
2 Archbishop Nevill.
3 [From Paston Mss., B.M.]
24
EDWARD IV
Delivered * to the master of the college onward for his hire,' 50J. Has 1 469
received of Paston's • lifelode ' since he came from London but ;^i8, ioj. may 22
Has spent ^12, 10s. more than he received, and has borrowed of John Wellys
and others. Could borrow nothing of Mr. William. * And of all this twelve-
month I have not had one penny for my wages. There is none of them that
hath purveyed nor chevised have so much as I have done. Here is no man
paid of their wages, but all spent in household.' Cannot get a penny in all
Suffolk or Flegge, of Paston's * lifelode,' nor in Boyton nor Heyneford. Can
get money only at Gughton, which I must gather myself, for the bailiff will
not come there. Much malt made, which had better be sold to pay the men's
wages, who complain grievously, ' and the master of the college and Sir John
Stille both.' Will obtain for Dawbeney in ten days 6 or 7 marks more, which
should keep the household for the next seven or eight weeks. The price of
malt is but 20</. a quarter, but it would be better to sell some than that the
men should be unpaid. Wonders he has no word from him about letting
Spoorle. Cannot give Mariot an estate in Bekham as Paston directs, for Paston
has the deed which James Andrewes sealed, but will talk with him and see
how he is disposed ; for it would be well that Paston were through with him.
He is not trusty, but seeks pretexts for delay. Jekson's crossbow is broken.
Shall he send it to London to be mended ?
Caster, Monday in Pentecost week.
[The mention of Jekson's crossbow being broken proves this letter to be of the
year 1469. Compare No. 710, p. 23.]
RICHARD CALLE TO MARGERY PASTON 1
MYN owne lady and mastres, and be for God very trewe 1469
wyff, I with herte full sorowefuU recomaunde me
unto you, as he that can not be mery, nor nought
shalbe tyll It be othewise with us then it is yet, for thys lyf
that we lede nough is nowther plesur to Godde nor to the
worlde, consederyng the gret bonde of matrymonye that is
made be twix us, and also the greete love that hath be, and as
I truste yet is be twix us, and as on my parte never gretter ;
wherfor I beseche Almyghty Godde comfort us as sone as it
* [From Fenn, iv. 350.] This letter was evidently written about the same period
as No. 710. The original appears to have had no address, although Fenn prints one
in the right-hand copy ; but on the back was the following memorandum, evidently
not quite contemporary : ' Litera Ric'i Calle Margeriae Paston filiae Joh'is Paston ari
quam postea duxit in uxorem.'
25
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 plesyth Hym, for we that ought of very ryght to be moost to
gether ar moost asondre ; me semyth it is a m"' [^ikousana'] yere
a goo son that I speke with you. I had lever thenne all the
goode in the worlde I myght be with you. Alas, alas ! goode
lady, full litell remembre they what they doo that kepe us thus
asunder ; iiij. tymes in the yere ar they a cursid that lette
matrymonye ; it causith many men to deme in hem they have
large consyence in other maters as wele as herin. But what
lady sufFre as ye have do ; and make you as mery as ye can,
for I wys, lady, at the longe wey Godde woll of Hys ryght
wysnes helpe Hys servants that meane truly, and wolde leve
accordyng to Hes lawys, &c.
I undrestende, lady, ye have hadde asmoche sorwe for me
as any gentelwoman hath hadde in the worlde, aswolde Godd
all that sorwe that ye have hadde had rested upon me, so that
ye hadde be discharged of it, for I wis, lady, it is to me a
deethe to her that ye be entreted other wise thene ye ought to
be. This is a peyneful lyfe that we lede. I can not leve thus
withoute it be a gret displesure to Godde.
Also like you to wete that I had sent you a letter be my
ladde from London, and he tolde me he myght not speeke with
you, ther was made so gret awayte upon hym and upon you
boothe. He told me John Threscher come to hym in your
name, and seide that ye sent hym to my ladde for a letter or a
token, weche I shulde have sent you, but he truste hym not ;
he wold not delyver hym noon. After that he brought hym a
rynge, seyng that ye sent it hym, comaundyng hym that he
schulde delyver the letter or token to hym, weche I conceyve
sethen be my ladde it was not be your sendyng, it was be my
mastres and Sir Jamys ^ a vys. Alas, what meane they ? I
suppose they deeme we be not ensuryd to gether, and if they
so doo I merveyll, for thene they ar not wele avised, re-
membryng the pleynes that I breke to my mastres at the
begynnyng, and I suppose be you bothe, and ye dede as ye
ought to do of very ryght ; and if ye have do the contrare, as
I have be enformed ye have do, ye dede nouther concyensly
nor to the plesure of Godde, withoute ye dede it for feere, and
1 Sir James Gloys, a priest.
26
EDWARD IV
for the tyme to please suche as were at that tyme a boute you ; 1469
and if ye so dede it for this service it was a resonable cause,
consederyng the grete and importable callyng upon that ye
hadde, and many an on trewe tale was made to you of me,
weche God knowt I was never gylty of.
My ladde tolde me that my mastres your modre axyd hym
if he hadde brought any letter to you, and many other thyngs
she bare hym on hande,^ and a monge all other at the last she
seide to hym that I wolde not make her prevy to the begynn-
yng, but she supposyd I wolde at the endyng ; and as to that,
God knowt sche knewe furst of me and non other. I wott
not what her mastreschip meneth, for be my trowthe ther is
no gentylwoman on lyve that my herte tendreth more then it
dothe her, nor is lother to displese, savyng only your person,
weche of very ryght I ought to tendre and love beste, for I am
bounde therto be the lawe of Godde, and so wol do whyle that
I leve, what so ever falle of it. I supose, and ye telle hem
sadly the trouthe, they wold not dampne ther soules for us ;
though I telle hem the trouthe they woll not be leve me as
weele as they woll do you ; and ther for, goode lady, at the
reverence of Godde be pleyne to hem and telle the trouthe,
and if they woll in no wise agree therto, betwix God, the
Deelf, and them be it, and that perell that we schuld be in, I
beseche Godde it may lye upon them and not upon us. I am
hevy and sory to remembre ther disposicion, God sende them
grace to gyde all thyngs weele, as wele I wolde they dede ;
Godde be ther gide, and sende them peas and reste, &c.
I mervell moche that they schulde take this mater so
heedely as I undrestonde they doo, remembryng it is in suche
case as it can not be remedyed, and my desert upon every be
halfe it is for to be thought ther shulde be non obstacle a
yenst it ; and also the worchipfull that is in them, is not in
your mariage, it is in ther owne mariage, weche I beseche
Godde sende hem suche as may be to ther worschip and plesur
to Godde, and to ther herts ease, for ell[es] were it gret pety.
Mastres, I am aferde to write to you, for I undrestonde ye
have schewyd my letters that I have sent you be for this tyme ;
1 See vol. ii. p, no, Note i.
27
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 but I prey you lete no creatur se this letter. As sone as ye
have redde it lete it be brent, for I wolde no man schulde se it
in no wise ; ye had no wrytyng from me this ij. yere, nor 1
woUe not sende you no mor, therfor I remytte all this matre
to your wysdom. Almyghty Jesu preserve, kepe, and [give]
you your hertys desire, weche I wotte weele schulde be to
Goods plesur, &c.
Thys letter was wreten with as greete peyne as ever wrote
I thynge in my lyfe, for in goode feyth I have be ryght seke,
and yet am not veryly weele at ease, God amend it, &c.
JAMES HAWTE TO SIR JOHN PASTON ^
To my worchypfull brother. Sir John Paston,
be thys byll delyvered in hast.
MAY 22 I ^ YGTH worchipfull brother, I recomaund me onto you,
rv lettyng you to wytte, that my Lorde Stafford^ was
■^ made Erie of Deveneschere apon Sonday ; and as for
the Kyng, as I understond, he departyt \_departeth^ to Walsyng-
game apon Fryday com vij. nygth, and the Quene also, yf God
send hyr good hele.
And as for the Kyng [he] was apoyntyd to goo to Calys,
and now hyt ys pute of. And also as for the goyng to the see,
my Lord of Warwyke schyppys gothe to the see, as I under-
stond. None other tydynggys I can none wryte unto you, but
Jesu have you in Hys kepyng,
Wretyn at Wyndysore on Monday after Whytsonday, in
hast, &c.
By your brother, James Hawte.
1 [From Fenn, il. 16.] The King's visit to Norfolk and the creation of Lord
Stafford as Earl of Devonshire both fix the date of this letter as 1469. The writer
seems to be the brother of Anne Hawte, to whom Sir John Paston was engaged, and
he accordingly calls him his brother.
* Humphrey Stafford, Lord Stafford of Southwick, was created Earl of Devonshire
on Sunday, 7th May 1469 ; so that the writer ought to have said, not ' upon Sunday,'
but 'upon Sunday fortnight.'
28
EDWARD IV
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTONi
To my Modr^ and to my brother, John Paston.
BROTHER, it is so that the Kyng schall come in to 1469
Norffolk in hast, and I wot nat whethyr that I may june
come with hym or nowt ; if I come I most do make a
livere of xx'" gownes, whyche I most pyke owt by your advyse ;
and as for clothe for suche persones as be in that contre, if it
myght be had ther at Norwyche, or not, I wot not ; and what
persones I am not remembryd.
If my modre be at Caster, as ther schall be no dowt for
the kepyng of the place whyl the Kynge is in that contre, that
I may have the most parte at Caster ; and whether ye woll
ofFre your selfe to wayte uppon the Lorde of Norfolk or not,
I wolde ye dyde that best wer to do ; I wolde do my Lorde
plesur and servyse, and so I wolde ye dyde, if I wyst to be sur
of hys gode lordeschyp in tyme to kome. He schall have
CC. in a lyverye blewe and tawny, and blew on the leffte syde,
and bothe darke colors.
I pray yow sende me worde, and your advyse by Judd of
what men and what horse I cowde be purveyd off, if so be that
I most nedys kome, and of your advyse in all thyngs be
wryghtyng, and I schall send yow hastely other tydyngs.
Late Sorell be well kept.
John Paston, Kt.
1 [From Fenn, ii. 22.] This letter must have been written in the beginning of
June 1469. Edward iv., as appears by the dates of his privy seals, was at Windsor
on the 29th May and at Norwich on the 19th June in that year. Fenn says he was
also in Norfolk in the year 1474, but I can find no evidence of the fact.
29
THE PASTON LETTERS
716
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
1469 ^ I ^O begyn, God yeld yow for my hatys. The Kyng
JUNE I hathe ben in this centre, and worchepfully receyvyd
in to Norwyche, and had ryght good cher and gret
gyftys in thys centre, wherwythe he holdyth hym so well con-
tent that he wyll hastyly be her agayn, and the Qwen allso,
with whom, by my power avyse, ye shall com, if so be that
the terme be do by that tym that she com in to this centre.
And as for yowr maters her, so God help me, I have den as
myche as in me was, in laboryng of theym, as well to my
Lord Revers- as to my Lord Scalys,^ Syr John Wydwyll,*
Thomas Wyngfeld, and othyr abewt the Kyng. And as for
the Lord Revers, he seyd to myn oncyll William, Fayrfax,
and me, that he shold meve the Kyng to spek to the two
Dukys of NorfFolk and Suffolk, that they shold leve of ther
tytyls of syche lend as wer Syr John Fastelfs. And if so be
that they weld do newt at the Kyngs reqwest, and then the
Kyng shold cemand theym to do no wasts, nor mak non
assawtys nor frayis upon your tenants nor plasys, tyll syche
tym as the lawe hathe determynd with yew or ayenst yow ;
this was seyd by hym the sam day in the mornyng that he
depertyd at noon. Whedyr he meved the Kyng with it or
newt I can not sey, myn oncyll Wyllyam thynkys naye.
And the same aftyr none folowyng I told my Lord Scalys
that I had spekyn with my Lord hys fadyr, in lyek forme as I
^ [From Fenn, iv. 334..J Edward i v. arrived at Norwich in the middle of the
month of June 1469. There are privy seals dated at Bury on the 15th and i6th of
the month, at Norwich on the 19th and 21st, at Walsingham on the 21st and 22nd,
at Lynn on the 26th, and at Stamford on the 5th July. Edward did not return with
the Queen as he intended, but she visited Norwich without him a little later. See a
paper on the subject of her visit by Mr. Harrod, in the Norfolk Archeology, vol. v.
p. 32.
2 Richard Woodville, Earl Rivers, father to the Queen, Lord Treasurer and
Constable of England.
3 Anthony Woodville, Lord Scales, eldest son of the Earl Rivers.
* A younger son of Earl Rivers.
30
EDWARD IV
have rehersyd, and axyd hym whedyr that my Lord hys fadyr 1469
had spokyn to the Kyng or nowt, and he gave me thys answer, J^^e
that whedyr he had spokyn to the Kyng or nowt, that the
mater shold do well inow.
Thomas Wygfeld told me, and swore on to me, that when
Brandon meuvyd the Kyng, and besowght hym to shew my
Lord favour in hys maters ayenst yow, that the Kyng seyd on
to hym ayen, ' Brandon, thow thou can begyll the Dwk of
Norffolk, and bryng hym abow the thombe as thow lyst, I let
the wet thow shalt not do me so ; for I undyrstand thy fals
delyng well inow.' And he seyd on to hym, more over, that
if my Lord of Norffolk left not of hys hold of that mater,
that Brandon shold repent itt, every vayn in hys hert, for he
told hym that he knew well inow that he myght reauyll \_rule]
my Lord of Norffolk as he wold ; and if my Lord dyd eny
thyng that wer contrary to hys lawys, the Kyng told hym he
knew well inow that it was by no bodys menys but by hys ;
and thus he depertyd fro the Kyng.
Item, as by wordys, the Lord Scalys and Syr John
Wydwyll tok tendyr your maters mor then the Lord Revers.
Item, Syr John Wydvyll told me, when he was on horsbak
at the Kyngs depertyng, that the Kyng had comandyd Bran-
don of purpose to ryd forthe fro Norwych to Lyne, for to tak
a conclusyon in your mater for yow ; and he bad me that I
shold cast no dowghtys but that ye shold have your entent,
and so dyd the Lord Scalys also ; and when that I preyd them
at eny tyme to shew ther favor to your mater, they answered
that it was ther mater as well as yours, consyderyng, the alyans^
betwyx yow. Comon with Jakys Hawt, and he shall tell yow
what langage was spekyn betwen the Duk of Suffblks consell,
and hym, and me ; it is to long to wryght, but I promyse yow
ye ar be held to Jakys, for he sparyd not to spek.
Item, the Kyng rod thorow Heylysdon Waren towads
Walsyngham, and Thomas Wyngfeld promysyd me that he
wold fynd the menys that my Lord of Glowsestyr ^ and hym
sylf bothe shold shew the Kyng the loge that was breke down,
1 This refers to the contract between Sir John Paston and Anne Hawte. — F.
2 Richard, Duke of Gloucester, afterwards King Richard in. — F.
31
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 and also that they wold tell hym of the brekyng down of the
JUNE plase. Contrary to thys maters, and all the comfort that I
had of my Lord Scalys, Sir John Wydvyll, and Thomas
Wyngfeld, myn oncyll Wylliam sethe that the Kyng told hym
hys owne mowthe, when he had redyn for by the loge in
Heylysdon Waren, that he supposyd as well that it myght fall
downe by the self as be plukyd downe, for if it had be plukyd
down, he seyd that we myght have put in our byllys of it,
wehn hys jugys sat on the oyeer determyner in Norwyche,
he beyng ther. And then myn oncyll seythe how that he
answered the Kyng, that ye trustyd to hys good grace that he
shold set yow thorow with both the Dwkys, by mene of trete ;
and he seythe that the Kyng answerd hym that he wold
neythyr tret nor spek for yow, but for to let the lawe proced,
and so he seyth that they depertyd. And by my trowthe, and
my Lord Tresorer encorage you not more than he dyd us
her, ye shall have but esy [indifferent'] help as on that party.
Wherfor labor your maters effectually ; for by my trowthe it
is nedy[s], for, for all ther wordys of plesur, I cannot undyr-
stand what ther labor in thys contre hathe don good ; wherfor
be not ovyr swyft tyll ye be swyr of your lond, but labor sore
the lawe, for by my trowthe tyll that he passyd with yow, ye
get but esy help as I can undyrstand.
I had with me on day at dener in my modyrs plase, she
beyng owt, the Lord Scalys, Sir John Wydvyll, Sir John
Haward, Nicolas Haward, John of Par, Thomas Gornet,
Foscwe, Cheyny, Trussell, the Knyghts son, Thomas Boleyn,
qua propter^ Brampton, Barnard, and Broun, Perse, Howse,
W. Tonstale, Lewes Debretayll, and othyr, and mad hem good
cher, so as they held them content.
Item, my Lord of Norffolk gave Bernard, Broom, nor me
no gownys at thys seson, wherfor I awaytyd not on hym ;
notwithstandyng I ofyrd my servyse for that seson to my
Lady, but it was refusyd, I wot by avyse ; wherfor I purpose
no more to do so. As for Bernard, Barney, Broom, and
W. Calthorp, ar sworn my Lord of Glowsetyrs men, but I
stand yet at large ; not withstandyng my Lord Scalys spok to
me to be with the Kyng, but I mad no promes so to be, for I
32
EDWARD IV
told hym that I was not woorthe a groote withowt yow, and 1469
therfor I wold male no promes to nobody tyll they had your J"ne
good wyll fyrst ; and so we depertyd.
It was told me that ther was owt a preve seall for yow to
attend upon the Kyng northeward ; and if it be so, I thynk
veryly it is do to have yow fro London be craft, that ye shold
not labor your maters to a conclusyon thys terme, but put
them [in] delaye. I pray yow purvey yow on it to be at horn
as sone as the terme is doone, for be God I take gret hurt for
myn absence in dyvers plasys, and the most part of your men
at Caster wyll deperte withowt abod, and ye be not at hom
within thys fortnyght. I pray yow bryng hom poynts and
lasys of sylk for yow and me. J. P.
717
ABSTRACT!
Richard Calle to Sir John Paston
Has arranged with Mariot's debtors at Bekham, and discharged him of the july 3
debt of j^i6. Has thus taken an open estate in the manor, as Paston desired.
Had much trouble to bring Mariot, and especially his wife, [to reason], but with
fair words and money got her out of the house. Lord Scales has sent to-day to
Mr. Roos and others for men to come to Middleton on Wednesday, — short
warning enough ; and we were in doubt ' what purveyance ye had made at
London.' I believe my mistress and my master your brother have sent you
word of the demeaning of the King and the Lords here.
Norwich, Monday after St. Peter's day.
[The reference to the King's being in Norfolk fixes the date of this letter
to the year 1469.]
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
VOL. V. — c 33
THE PASTON LETTERS
718
JOHN AUBRY^ TO SIR HENRY SPELMAN^
To the right reverent Sir Henry Spelman^ Recorder of
the Cite of Norwich^ be this Letter delivered.
^4^9 I ) IGHT reverent sir, I recomaunde me to you. Plese it
JULY 9 r^ you to knowe, this same day com to me the Shirreve
of Norffolk ^ hymself, and tolde me that the Quene
shall be at Norwich up on Tuysday * cometh sevenyght suyrly.
And 1 desired to have knowe of hym, by cause this shuld be
hir first comyng hedir, how we shuld be rulyd, as well in hir
resseyvyng, as in hir abidyng here. And he seide, he wold
nat ocupie hym ther wyth, but he councelid us to wryte to you
to London, to knowe of hem that ben of counsell of that cite,
or wyth other wurshepfull men of the same cite, that ben
knowyng in that behalf, and we to be ruled ther aftir, as were
acordyng for us ; for he lete me to wete that she woU desire to
ben resseyved and attendid as wurshepfully as evir was Quene
a forn hir. Wherefore, sir, I, be the assent of my Bretheren
Aldermen, &c., prey you hertily to have this labour for this
cite. And that it plese you, if it may be, that at that day ye be
here in propre persone ; and I trust in God, that outher in
rewards, or ellys in thankynges, both of the Kyngs comyng,
and in this, ye shall ben plesid as worthy is.
Wrete in hast at Norwich the vj. day of Juyll Anno ix"
Regis E. quarti.
By your weelwyller, John Aubry, &c.
1 Mayor of Norwich in J469. 2 [From Fenn, ii. 18.]
3 Roger Rec was Sheriff of Norfolk this year. * i8th July.
34
EDWARD IV
719
EDWARD IV. TO THE DUKE OF CLARENCE, &c.i
These iij. letteres undirwreten^ the Kyng of his own hand wrote unto 1469
my Lords Clarence , Warrewyke^ and Archbishop of Tork. Ju^y 9
The credence wherof in substaunce waSj that every of them
shulde in suech pesibil wise, as thei have be accustumed to ryde,
come unto his Highness.
R. E. To our Brother of Clarence.
BRODIR, we pray you to yeve feight \_faith'] and credence
to our welbeloved Sir Thomas Montgomery and
Morice Berldy, in that on our behalf thei shal declare
to you. And we truste ye wole dispose you accordyng to our
pleser and comaundement. And ye shal be to us right welcome.
At Notyngham the ix. day of Jull.
To our Cosyn TKerl of Warr .
COSYN, we grete you well, and pray you to yeve feight
and credence to Sir Thomas Mongomery and Morice
Berkley, &c. And we ne trust that ye shulde be of
any suech disposicion towards us, as the rumour here renneth,
consederyng the trust and afFeccion we bere in yow. At Not-
yngham the ix. day of Jull. And, cosyn, ne thynlc but ye
shalbe to us welcome.
To our Cosyn TK archbyshop of Torke.
COSYN, we pray you that ye wul, accordyng to the pro-
myse ye made us, to come to us as sone as ye goodely
may. And that [ye] yeve credence to Sir Thomas
Mongomery and Morice Berkly, in that un our behalve thei
^ [From Fenn, ii. 40.] The dates of Edward the Fourth's privy seals show that
he was at Nottingham in July 1469. He was not there in 1470, the year to which
Fenn assigns these letters ; and both Clarence and Warwick were then in France. It
would appear, therefore, that these letters were written at the time of Robin of
Redesdale's rebellion, which the King was going northwards to suppress.
zs
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 shal sey to you ; and ye shalbe to us welcome. At Notyng-
juLY 9 ham the ix. day of Jul.
720
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON ^
'To Sir John Pas ton y be this delivered in hast.
I
AUG. 3 1 IT GRETE you wele, and send you Godds blyssyng and
myn, letyng you wete that Sir John Hevenyngham was at
Norwich this day, and spake with me at my moders, but
he wuld not that it shuld be understand, for my Lord hath mad
hym on of the capteynes at Caystre of the pepill that shuld
kepe the wetche abaught the place, that no mann shuld socour
them, if my Lord departed. I desired hym to favour them, if
any man shuld come to them fro me or you, and he wuld not
graunte it, but he desired me to write to you to understand if
that my Lord myght be mevyd to fynde suerte to recompense
you all wrongs, and ye wuld suffre hym to entre pesibilly, and
the lawe after his entre wuld deme it you. Be ye avysed what
answer ye wuld yeve.
Item, sith that that I spake with hym, and the same day a
feythfull frende of owrs came on to me and mevyd me if that
my Lord myght be entreted to suffre endifferent men to kepe
the place, and take the profites for bothe parties till the right
be determyned be the lawe ; and my Lord for his parte, and
ye for your parte, to fynde sufficient suerte that you nowther
shuld vex, lette, ner trobilled the seid endifferent men to kepe
pesibiley the possession of the seid place, and to take the pro-
fights on to the tyme to be determyned be the lawe, to his
behowe that the lawe demeth it. And the seid persones
that so endifferently kepe possession befor ther entre into the
seid place, to fynde also sufficient suerte to answer the parte
that the lawe demeth it to, of the profits duryng ther posses-
sion, and to suffire hym pessibilly to entre, or any in his name,
^ [From Fenn, iv. 366.] This letter was written after the Duke of Norfolk had
begun to besiege Caister, which he did in the year 1469.
36
EDWARD IV
whan so ever thei be required be the parte to whom the right 1469
is demyd of all thes premyses. Send werd how ye will be aug. 31
demened be as good advyse as ye can gete, and make no
longer delay, for thei must neds have hasty socour that be in
the place, for thei be sore hurt, and have non help. And if
thei have hasty help it shall be the grettest wurchip that ever
ye had, and if thei be not holpen it shall be to you a gret dis-
wurchep ; and loke never to have favour of your neybors and
frends but if this spede wele ; therfor pretend it in your mend,
and purvey therfor in hast. How so ever ye do, God kepe
you, and send yow the vittory of your elmyse, and geve yow
and us al grace to leve in peas. Wretyn on Sent Gyles Evyn,^
at ix. of the belle at nyght.
Robyn came home yester evyn, and he brought me nowther
writyng from you, ner good answer of this mater, which grevyth
me right ill that I have sent you so many messangers, and have
so febill answers ageyn.
Be your Moder.
721
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON^
IGRETE zowwel, and send zow Godds blyssyng and myn, 1469
letyng zow wete that on Thurysday last was my moder
_ and I wer with my Lord of Norwych,^ and desyerd hym
that he woold no mor do in the mater towscheyng zowr syster,
tyl that ze and my brother and other that wern executors to
zowr fader mythe beyn her to geder, for they had the rule of
her as weel as I ; and he sayde playnly that he had be requeryd
so oftyn for to exameyn her, that he mythe not nor woold no
longar delay yt, and schargyd me, in peyn of cursyng, that sche
schuld not be deferred, but that she xuld a per beforn hym the
1 St. Giles' Day is the ist September; St. Giles' Eve the 31st August.
2 [From Fenn, iv. 358.] This letter has reference to the contract of marriage
between Richard Calle and Margery Paston in 1469. See No. 710, preceding. The
last paragraph seems to have reference to the propositions mentioned in the preceding
letter. 3 Walter Lyhert.
37
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 nexte day ; and I sayd pleynly that I woold nowder bryng her
nor send her ; and than he sayd that he woold send for her
hym sylfe, and schargyd that she schuld be at her lyberte to
cume wan he sent for her ; and he seyd be hys trowthe that he
woold be as sory for her and [//] sche ded not welle, as he wold
be and sche wer ryth ner of hys kyn, bothe for my moder ys
sake and myn, and other of her frendds, for he woost welle
that her demenyng had stekyd soor at our harts.
My moder and I in formyd hym that we kowd never
onderstond be her sayyng, be no language that ever sche had
to hym, that neyther of hem wer bownd to other, but that they
myth schese bothe. Than he seyd that he woold sey to her as
wele as he kowde, before that he exameynd her ; and so that
was told me be dyverse persones that he ded as welle and as
pleynly as sche had be rythe ner to hym, wych wer to long to
wrythe at thys tyme : her aftyr ye xalle wete, and hoo wer
laberers ther in. The schanseler ^ was not so gylty her in as I
wend he had ben.
On Fryday the Bysschope he sent for her be Asschefeld
and other that arn ryth sory of her demenyng. And the
Bysschop seyd to her ryth pleynly, and put her in remem-
berawns how she was born, wat kyn and frendds that sche had,
and xuld have mo yf sche wer rulyd and gydyd aftyr hem ;
and yf she ded not, wat rebuke, and schame, and los yt xuld
be to her, yf sche wer not gydyd be them, and cause of for-
sakyng of her for any good, or helpe, or kownfort that sche
xuld have of hem ; and seyd that he had hard sey, that sche
loved schecheon [such one'] that her frend[es] wer not plesyd
with that sche xuld have, and therfor he had her be ryth weel
avysyd how sche ded, and seyd that he woold undyrstand the
woords that sche had seyd to hym, wheyther that mad matri-
mony or not. And sche rehersyd wat sche had seyd, and seyd,
yf thoo wordds mad yt not suher, she seyd boldly that sche
wold make that suerher or than sche went thens, for sche seyd
1 Fenn thinks this was Dr. John Saresson, otherwise Wigenhale, who, he tells us,
was Chancellor to the Bishop from 1435 to 147 1, and had other Church preferment in
the Diocese. But I am a little doubtful whether he lived so long, as it does not appear
that he kept any other of his preferments to so late a date. W^e know that Dr. William
Pykenham was Chancellor in 147 1.
38
EDWARD IV
sche thowgthe in her conschens sche was bownd, wat so ever the 1469
wordds wern. Thes leud wordds greveth me and her grandam
as myche as alle the remnawnte. And than the Bysschop and
the Schawnseler bothe seyd that ther was neyther I ner no
frend of hers wold resey ve [her] .
And than Calle was exameynd aparte be hym sylfe, that her
wordds and hys acordyd, and the tyme, and wher yt xuld a be
don. And than the Bysschop sayd that he supposyd that ther
xuld be fownd other thynggs ageyns hym that mythe cause the
lettyng ther of ; and ther for he say he wold not be to hasty to
geve sentens ther upon, and sayd that he wold geve overe day
tyl the Wednsday or Thursday aftyr Mykylmes, and so yt tys
delayyd. They woold an had her wyl performyd in haste,
but the Bysschope seyd he woold non other wyse than he had
seyd.
I was with my moder at her plase whan sche was exameynd,
and wan I hard sey what her demenyng was, I schargyd my
servaunts that sche xuld not be reseyved in my hows. I had
zeve hir warnyng, sche mythe a be war a for, yf sche had a be
grasyows ; and I sent to on or ij. mor that they xuld not
reseyve her yf sche cam ; sche was browthe a geyn to my place
for to a be reseyved, and Sir Jamys ^ tolde them that browthe
her that I had schargyd hem alle and sche xuld not be reseyved ;
and soo my Lord of Norwych hath set her at Roger Bests, to
be ther tyle the day befor sayd, God knowyth fule evel ageyn
hys wyle and hys wyvys, yf they durst do other wyse. I am
sory that they arn a cumyrd with her, but zet I am better
payed that sche isther for the whyle, that sche had ben in other
place be cause of the sadnes and good dysposysion of hys sylfe
and hys wyfe, for sche xal not be sou'd [suffered .?] ther to pleye
the brethele." I pray zow and requer zow that ye take yt not
pensyly, for I wot wele yt gothe ryth ner zowr hart, and so
doth yt to myn and to other ; but remembyr zow, and so do
I, that we have lost of her but a brethele,^ and set yt the les to
hart, for and sche had be good, wherso ever sche had be, yt
xuld not aben as it is, for and he wer ded at thys owyr, she
^ Sir James Gloys.
* Brethele or brethelyng signified a worthless person.
'}^9
THE PASTON LETTERS
1 469 xuld never be at myn hart as sche was. As for the devors
\_divorce] that ze write to me of, I supose wat ze ment, but I
scharge zow upon my blyssyng that ze do not, ner cause non
other to do, that xuld offend God and zour conschens, for and
ze do, or cause for to be do, God wul take vengawns ther upon,
[and] ye xuld put zour sylfe and other in gret joparte ; for
wettyt wele, sche xal ful sor repent her leudnes her aftyr, and
I pray God sche mute soo. I pray zow for myn hard ys hese
[heart's ease\ be ze of a good cownfort in alle thynggs ; I trust
God xal helpe ryth wele, and I pray God so do in alle our
maters. I wuld ze toke hed yf ther weher any labor mad in
the kort of Cawntrybery for the leud mater forsayd.
But yf [i.e. unless] the Duke ^ be purveyd for, he and hys
wyse kow[n]sel xalle lefe thys cuntre ; yt is told me that he
seythe that he wul not spar to do that he is purposyd, for no
Duke in Ynglond. God helpe at nede.
722
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MASTER WRITTILL2
To Mastyr Wryttyll.
[SEPT.] ]iy|' ASTER WRYTTYLL, I recomande me to yow,
\/| besechyng yow hertely, as myn holl trust is in yow,
that ye doo yowr devoyr to contynew trews tyll
Fryday or Saturday in the mornyng, by whych tyme I hope
the massanger shall come, and that ye be not dryven to take
an appoyntment if ye kan undrestand by any lyklyed that itt
be able to be abydyn and recystyd, and that ye fele my
brotherys dysposycion therin, as my trust is in yow, prayng
yow to remembre that it restythe, as God helpe me, on all my
well. For as God helpe me, I hadd levyr the place wer
1 The Duke of Norfolk.
2 [From Fenn, iv. 370.] Master Writtill, to whom this and the next letter are
addressed, is mentioned later as a servant of the Duke of Clarence, by whose means
Sir John was endeavouring to arrange a suspension of hostilities with the Duke of
Norfolk, who was now besieging Caister.
40
EDWARD IV
brennyd, my brother and servants savyd, than the best I4"9
appoyntment that evyr ye and I comonyd of scholde be my L^'^'"^-]
goode wyll be takyn, if this massage from the Kynge may
reskwe it. And if it be so, that my Lorde be remevyd by
the Kynges comandement, whyche restythe with hys honour, I
may in tyme to kome do hym servyse, as schall recompence
any grodge or dysplesur that he evyr had, or hathe to me or
myn ; and ye, if it the rather by your wysdam and polesye the
moene above wry ten may be hadd, schall be as sewr of the
servyce of my trewe brother and servantys, and me, as ye kan
devyse by my trowthe ; for in goode feythe thys mater stykyth
mor nyghe myn hart and me than I kan wryght on to yow, and
to my brother and servaunts mor ner than as God knowyth
they wot off. Wherfor, Master Wryttyll, all owre welfare
restyth in yow, besechyng yow to remembre it. For thys
mater is to all usse eyther makyng or marryng.
Item, asfor Arblaster or Lovell, I kan not thynke that
they or any of them may be with yow. Wherfor in yow is
all, and God have yow in kepyng.
Wretyn at London, the day next affor yowr departyng.
I schall sende yow mor knowleche to morrow, with Godds
grace. Yowrs, John Paston, K.
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MASTER WRITTILL^
RYGHT wershypfuU syr, I recomaund me to you, thank- sept. 10
yng you of your grete labour whych I have nozt as
yet, but I shall deserve to my power ; and ferther-
more lyke yow to wyte that I have thoght ryght long after
you ; nevyrthelesse I remember well that ye delt wythe
ryght delayous peple. My Lord Archbyshop and other of
my Lords, and I, dempte by cawse of your long tarryng,
that by youre sad dyscrescyon all hadde ben sett thorow.
* [From Fenn, iv. 372.] See preliminary note to last letter. We have adopted a
different punctuation from that of Fenn in some parts of this letter.
41
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 Neverthelesse I understend by your wrytyng that my Lord
SEPT. 10 of Norffolks concell thynketh that hys entent, whych ye
sertefyed me by your wrytyng, sholde be more to hys
wyrshep than the appoyntements and rewU made by the
Lords of the Kyngs concell whych be to my seyd Lord of
NorfFolk ner kyne [near kin\ ; whych appoyntements sythen
yourr departyng hath be largely remembryd amongs the seyd
Lords here, thynkyng it in hem self so honorabyll to my
Lord of NorfFolk, that ther shuld non of my Lords concell
well avysed mevyd to the contrary.
Jamys Hobard^ was sent fro my [Lord] of Norffolk
heder, and spake with my Lord Archbyshop,^ and answer
he had of my seyd Lord ; and howe my Lord tendryd the
mater yet and wyll I trowe he have told you, and yf he have
not, the brynger her of schall informe you ; and he broght
thys same appoyntement from my Lord, that my Lord was
well agryed that I shulde ocupye. For my parte, iff I shud
take no other apoyntement but acordyng to your letter, it
wer hard for me and for my tytell to putte my Lord in that
possessyon ; for ther ys thyngs in erthe [uneath, i.e. scarcely]
to myn esse in your letter, gode for me in that appoyntement,
savyng the suerty of my brothers lyffe and my servants,
whych ye thynke dowtefuU yf so be that thay lakke stuff,
shotte, and vytayll ; mervaylyng sore, and thynk it im-
possybell in thys shorte season, or in iiij. tyme the season
heder towards, that thay shuld lakk other [either\ with owte
it soo be that m.y Lords men have enterd owght the place, and
so had ther stuffe from hem, whych I cannot thynk. Also, sir,
for \_fore'\ the tyme of your comyng to my Lord of Norffolk,
servaunts of [my Lords wer with]^ my moder at Norwych,
mevyng to send to my brother hyr sone, to delyver the place
under such a forme as youre lettere specefyeth, and so I
cannot understand what regard my Lords concell takyth to
my Lords letter, and to your labour in thys behalf, but that
^ This most probably was James Hobart, who, in 14.78, was Lent-Reader at
Lincoln's Inn, and in 1487 Attorney-General. — F.
2 George Neville, Archbishop of York.
3 The original ms. was indistinct in these places.
42
EDWARD IV
they offeryd as largely afore. Ze wryteth in your letter that 14^9
ye durst not passe your credens ; please you to remember that ^^^'^- ^^
seyd your credens affore the Lords was ryght large, and as
large as myght well be in thys mater, both to my Lords concell
of NorfFolk to withdrawe the seege, with moor other mater as
ye knowe ; and to the Justice of the Peas and to the ShyryfF
and hys offycers, your awtoryte was grete inow to iche of them.
Wherfor, Mayster Wretell, I never for this, nere zet wyll,
take appoyntement in thys mater, but as my Lords wyll and
my Lord Archbyshop, whych, as well as I my self, have holy
putte our tryst to youre dyscrete dyreccyon ; and my seyd
Lord sythen youre departer, zour zoyng,^ thynkyng you alls
mete a man in executyng ther comaundement as cowde be
chosyn. Neverthelesse for awnswer to you at thys season,
my Lord Archbyshop ys north wards towards the Kyng ;
how be it, it ys seyd, uppon a metyng with my Lord of
Clarens, my Lord shuld retourne a yen ; and as zester evyn
he send a servaunt of hys to me, wenyng to hys Lordship that
Sir Humfray ^ and ye wer in Caster as was appoynted, and ye
shuld send to hys Lordshyp answer of the gydyng ther by
wrytyng, comaundyng me that yff any such wrytyngs cam
from you, yf hys Lordshyp wer not past xx. myle fr[om
Lond]on,^ to com to hys Lordshyp with the same. Under-
standyng for sertayn that he ys nott yet so ferr, wherfor I
will in althe hast possybell ryde nygt and day till I see hys
Lordshyp, and after comunicacyon had with hys Lordshyp, as
sone as ys possybell that a man may go be twext, ye shall have
an answer of hys dysposicyon ; for hys intres is such that, as
I have wryten, I shall never do therin withoute hym, as my
cosyn, brynger herof, more playnly shall enforme you ; for I
canne thynke ryght well, that as ze wryteth to me, my broder
wyll not delyver the place to non erthly person, but yf he see
wrytyng fro my Lord.
It semyt be yowr wrytyng that my Lord of Norffolk
1 The words ' zour zoyng ' (your going) seem to be redundant.
2 Sir Humphrey Talbot was a Captain at this siege, under the Duke of Norfolk.
— F.
2 The original MS. was indistinct in these places.
43
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 conseyll intende not that my Lord Archbyshop shuld dele in
SEPT. 10 thys mater, for he ys not named in your letter, wherof I
mervayle ; for it was movyd to you at your departyng hens,
the Kyngs concell shuld have take dyreccyon in thys mater,
or els my Lord Cardenall,^ my Lord of Clarens, my Lord
Archbyshop, and my Lord of Essex,^ &c. Neverthelesse,
Mayster Wryttyll, all profytht, maner, or lyflod, leyd apart,
if it be so that thorow reklesnese my brother and servaunts
be in such joperte as ye have wryten to me (whych shold be
half impossybell in my mynd that thay shold myssuse so
mech stuff in iiij. tymes the space), and that ye have evident
knowlych by my seyd brother hym self therof, I woll praye
yow to se hyni and them in suerte of ther lyfiys, what so ever
shold fall of the lyfBode; how be it I wold not that my
brother and servaunts shold gyff upp the place not for a mVi.,
yf thay myght in any wyse kepe it and save ther lyves. And
therfor, at the reverens of God, sycht it ys so, that my Lord
Archbyshop and my Lords all, and I, have putte our trust
in you, that ye wyll do your devoyer to have the verrey
knowlech of my brother hymself, and not of my Lords men,
wheder he stante in such jopertye as your letter specefyeth or
net, for I dowte not uppon the syzth of thys letter, and of the
letter that ye had before, that my brother will put no mystrust
in you, consyderyng that he knowyth that ye com from my
Lords, and my Lord Archbyshop, and have my wrytyng ; and
as for my Lord Archbyshop wrytyng and aunswere, such as
it shalbe, ye shall have it in all the haste possybell. But I
thynke veryly that my Lord eschewyth to telle you any
thyng without that he myght speke with you allone, and me
thynketh veryly that thay ought not to lette [hinder] you to
speke with hym allone, consyderyng that ye have auctoryte
and wrytyng from the Lords so to do. And as for the
justificacyon of entryng the place, and sege layng to [the
same] ^ and the comaundement of the Justice of the Pease
and the Sherewe to assyste my Lord in thys gydyng, 1 wote
' Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Cardinal.
2 Henry Bourchier, Earl of Essex.
3 Here the original MS. was indistinct.
44
EDWARD IV
ye understond that the Lords knowe all that mater, and ye 1469
herd it comened, and how thay toke it in ther consayts. sept. 10
Ther ys no more, Mayster Wryttell, but I commyth all
thys wrytyng unto your dyscrescyon; and as ye thynk best
acordyng to such menys desyre as have entretyd you therin,
and for my moyst avayle, I pray you, sir, soo doo, and I shall
se un to your besynes and labour, that ye shall have cause to
do for me in tyme comyng, and as the brynger herof shall tell
you. And I pray God have you in Hys kepyng.
Wryten at London, the x. day of Septembr.
By your frend for ever,
John Paston, K.
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON ^
IGRETE you wele, letyng you wete that your brother sept. 12
and his felesshep stand in grete joperte at Cayster,
and lakke vetayll ; and Dawbeney ^ and Berney ^ be
dedde, and diverse other gretly hurt ; and they fayll gunne-
powder and arrowes, and the place sore brokyn with gonnes
of the toder parte, so that, but thei have hasty help, thei be
like to lese bothe ther lyfes and the place, to the grettest
rebuke to you that ever came to any jentilman, for every man
in this countre marvaylleth gretly that ye suffre them to be so
longe in so gret joperte with ought help or other remedy.
The Duke hathe be more fervently set therup on, and more
1 [From Fenn, iv. 382.] This and the other letters relating to the siege of
Caister are all rendered certain in point of date by the documents touching its
surrender on the 26th September.
2 John Dawbeney, Esq.
3 Osbert Berney, the other person here mentioned as dead, was not killed at the
siege. He survived, and died without issue some years after, when he was buried in
Bradeston Church in Norfolk, there being a brass plate in the chancel having the
following inscription to his memory: — *■ Hie jacet Osbertus filius J oh. Berney, Armig.
de Redeham Dni. et de Brayston.^ He was the son of John Berney, Esq., by Catherine,
daughter of Osbert Mundeford of Hockwell, Esq. — F.
45
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 cruell, sith that Wretyll, my Lord of Claraunce man, was
SEPT. 12 ther, than he was befor, and he hath sent for all his tenaunts
from every place, and other, to be ther at Cayster at Thorys-
day next comyng, that ther is than like to be the grettest
multitude of pepill that came ther yet. And thei purpose
them to make a gret assaught — for thei have sent for gannes
[^«?/j] to Lynne and other place be the seeys syde — that, with
ther gret multitude of gannes, with other shoot and ordy-
naunce, ther shall no man dar appere in the place. Thei shall
hold them so besy with ther gret pepill, that it shall not lye in
their pore within to hold it ageyn them with ought God help
them, or have hasty socour from you.
Therfor, as ye wull have my blyssyng, I charge you and
require you that ye se your brother be holpyn in hast. And
if ye can have nonmeane, rather desire writyng fro my Lord
of Clarens, if he be at London, or ell[es] of my Lord Arche-
busshop of York, to the Duke of NorfFolk, that he wull
graunte them that be in the place her lyfes and ther goodes ;
and in eschewyng of insurreccions with other in convenyens
that be like to growe within the shire of Norffolk, this
trobelows werd [world], be cause of such conventicles and
gaderyngs within the seid shire for cause of the seid place,
thei shall sufFre hym to entre up on such appoyntment, or
other like takyn be the advyse of your councell ther at
London, if ye thynk this be not good, till the law hath
determyned otherwyse; and lete hym write a nother letter
to your brother to deliver the place up on the same appoynt-
ment. And if ye think, as I can suppose, that the Duke of
NorfFolk wull not aggre to this, be cause he graunted this
aforn, and thei in the place wuld not accept it, than I wuld
the seid massanger shuld with the seid letters bryng fro the
seid Lord of Clarence, or ell[es] my Lord Archebusshop, to
my Lord of Oxenford, other letters to rescue them forth
with, thowghe the seid Erie of Oxenford shuld have the
place duryng his lyfe for his labour. Spare not this to be
don in hast, if ye wull have ther lyves, and be sett by in
NorfFolk, though ye shuld leys the best maner of all for the
rescuse. I had lever ye last the lyfFelode than ther lyfes. Ye
46
EDWARD IV
must gete a massanger of the Lords or sume other notabill 1469
man to bryng ther letters. sivpt. 12
Do your devoir now, and lete me send you no mor
massangers for this maters ; but send me be the berer her of
more certeyn comfort than ye have do be all other that I have
sent be for. In any wyse, lete the letters that shall come to
the Erie of Oxen ford comyn with the letters that shall comyn
to the Duke of Norffolk, that if he wull not aggree to the ton,
that ye may have redy your rescuse that it nede no mor to
send therfor. God kepe you.
Wretyn the Tuesday next befor Holy Rood Day, in hast.
Be your Moder,
SIR JOHN P ASTON TO MARGARET PASTON^
MOODR, uppon Saterday last was, Dawbeney and sept. 15
Bernay wer on lyve and mery, and I suppose ther
com no man owt of the place to yow syn that
tyme that cowde have asserteynyd to yow of ther dethys.
And as towchyng the fyrsenesse of the Duke or of hys
peple schewyd syn that tyme that Wryttel departyd, I trowe
it was concludyd that trews and abstynence of werre scholde
be hadd er he departyd, whych shalle dewr tyl Monday
next comyng ; and by that tyme I trow that trews shall be
takyn tyll that day vij. nyght aftr, by whych tyme I hope of
a goode dyreccion schall be hadde.
And wher as ye wryght to me that I scholde sewe for
letteris from my Lordys of Clarans and Yorke, they be not
her, and if they wrot to hym as they have don ij. tymes, I
trow it wolde nat advayle ; and as for to labor thois letteris
and the rescu to gedre, they ben ij. sendry thyngys, for when
the rescu is redy, that the cost ther of is don. For if I be
drevyn therto to rescu it er they com ther that scholde do it,
it shall cost a m'. escuys, and as meche after, whyh wey wer
* [From Fenn, iv. 386.] This letter was clearly written in reply to the last.
47
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 harde for me to take, whyll that 1 maye do it otherwise ;
SEPT. 15 but as to sey that they schall be rescuyd if ail the lands that
I have in Ingelond and frendys maye do it, they shall, and
God be frendly, and that as schertly as it may goodlely and
wele be brout abut. And the grettest defawt erthly is mony
and som frendys and neyborys to helpe ; wherfor I beseche
yow to sende me comfort with what money ye coude fynde
the menys to get or chevysche uppon suerte sufficient, er uppon
lyflod to be inmorgage er yit solde, and what peple by
lyklyed yowr frendys and myn kowde make uppon a schort
warnyng, and to send me worde in all the hast as it is need-
full. But, moodre, I fele by yowr wryghtyng that ye deme
in me I scholde not do my devyr withowt ye wrot to me
som hevye tydyngs ; and, modre, if I had nede to be qwyk-
ynyd with a letter in thys nede, I wer of my selfe to slawe
\_too slow] a felaw ; but, moodre, I ensur yow that I have herde
X. tymes werse tydyngs syn the assege by gan than any letter
that ye wrot to me, and somtyme I have herde ryght goode
tydyngs both. But thys I ensure yow that they that be
within have no werse reste than I have, ner castyth mor
jupperte ; but whethyr I had goode tydyngys er ill, I take
Gode to wittnesse that I have don my devoyr as I wolde be
don for in case lyke, and schall doo tyll ther be an ende
of it.
I have sent to the Kynge to Yorke, and to the Lordys,
and hope to have ansswer from them by Wednysday at the
ferthest, and after that answer shall I be rewlyd, and than send
yow word, for tyll that tyme kan I take non dyreccion. And
to encomfort yow, dy[s]peyre yow not for lak of vytayle ner
of gonne powder, ner be natt to hevy ner to mery therfor ;
for and hevynesse or sorow wolde have be the remedy ther of,
I knew nevyr mater in my lyfe that I kowde have ben so hevy
or sory for, and with Goddys grace it schall be remedved well
inow ; for by my trowthe I hadde lever lose the maner of
Caister than the symplest mannys lyfe therin, if that may be
hys saveacion. Wherfor I beseche yow to sende me worde
wat mony and men ye thynke that I am lyke to get in that
contre ; for the hasty purchace of mony and men schall be the
48
EDWARD IV
getyng and rescu of it, and the sauevacion of most mennys 1469
lyfys, if we take that weye, sept, i 5
Also thys daye I porpose to sende to Yorke to the Kyng
for a thyng, whych same only maye by lyklyod be the savacion
of all. Ye must remembre that the rescue of it is the last
remedy of all, and how it is nat easy to get ; and also ye sende
me worde that I scholde nat kome hom withowt that I kome
stronke. But if I had hadd on other stronge place in Norfolke
to have comen to, thowe I have browt ryght fewe with me, I
scholde, with Godds grace, have rescued it by thys tyme, er
ellys he scholde have ben fayne to have besegyd bothe placys
or yit, and the Duke had not kept Yarmoth owthe. But,
mother, I beseche yow sende me som mony, for by my trowth
I have but xs. I ^ wot not wher to have mor, and moreovyr I
have ben x. tymes in lyke case or werse within thys x. wekys.
I sent to Rychard Call for mony, but he sendyth me non.
I beseche yow to gyde the evydence that Pekok can tell
yow of, and to se it safFe ; for it is tolde me that Richard Call
hath hadd right large langage of them. I wolde nat they com
in hys fyngrys. I have no worde from yow of them, ner
whether ye have yit in yowr kepyng the evydence of Est
Bekham owt of hys handys, ner whethyr ye have sent to my
manerys that they schold not paye hym no mor mony or not.
Also that it like yow to geve credence to Robyn in other
thyngs.
Wret the Fryday next after Holy Roode Day.
John Paston, K.
^ /. The right-hand copy in modern spelling reads 'and.'
VOL. V. D
49
THE PASTON LETTERS
726
WRITTILL TO THE BESIEGERS OF CAISTERi
Sir John Hevyngham^- Th. Wyngfeld^ Gilbert Dehenham,*^ Wil.
Brandon^ and to every ch of them severally in otheris absence.
1469 T TTIT is so that accordyng to such direccion as was mevid
[sept.] I I to be desird of my Lords beyng heer, as for such as
heere bee they marveil gretly therof, thynkyng and
remembring in themself that such ofFre as was made by my
credence to my Lorde/ and to fore you reported, shuld have
sownyd more to his pleasure and honour than this his desire.
Nevirthelesse my Lords thenke where as they wrote and
desirid joyntly that such credence as ye remembre myght be
observyd and taken, and by you refusid, nowe yif they shuld
assent to the desire of this direccion, hit is thought in them
not so to doo ; for it is so fortuned that dyvers of my Lords,
from whome I brought both wrytyng and credence, be at the
Kyngs high commaundement hastely departed unto his High-
nesse, trustyng in God to have heeryng in brief tyme of their
hasty ayen comyng, atte which tyme my Lords that heere be,
and they that shal come ayen, shal comon and speke to gyder
of this desire and direccion, and such answere as they geve and
make shall be sent unto you than with haste possible. Ovir
1 [From Fenn, iv. 404..] This letter is anonymous, but was evidently written by
Writtill during his negotiations for a suspension of hostilities.
2 Sir John Heveningham, Knight and Banneret, was a descendant of an ancient
family situated at the town of Heveningham, in SufFolk. His son Thomas became
owner of the estate at Ketteringham, in Norfolk, where this family continued for
several generations. — F.
3 Sir Thomas Wingfield was a younger son either of Sir Robert or Sir John
Wingfield of Letherlngham, in Suffolk. — F.
* Sir Gilbert Debenham, Knight, was descended of an ancient and knightly
family in the county of Suffolk. — F.
s Sir William Brandon married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Robert Wingfield, and
was ancestor to Charles Brandon, afterwards Duke of Suffolk. — F.
8 The Duke of Norfolk.
50
EDWARD IV
this, me thenkith for your excuse of burden and charge such 1469
as I hier will be leid unto you concernyng the grete werks that [sept.]
dailly be and ar at the maner of Castre, yif ye thenk that God
shuld have pleasir, and also the Kyng oure sovereign Lorde,
and that my seide Lords shuld thenk in you gode avise or sad,
and that ye entendid to avoide the sheddyng of Cristyn blode
and the destruccion of the Kyngs liege people, that at your
politik labour and wisedome ye myght bryng my Lord to
th'abstynence of warre, and a trieux to be had and contynued
unto tyme of the retourn of my seid Lords, or els knowlege
of their entent ; certifieng you for trouth that ther be
messengers sent unto my seid Lords with lettrez of such
answere as I had of you to your desire to gyder, knowyng
certeinly that ther shal be hasty relacion of ther entents in the
premisis, which answers ye shall have atte ferthist by Monday
Cometh sevenyght. Ferthirmore lettyng you wit that I
understond for certein that my Lords that be heere eschewe,
for such inconveniense that myght fall, to conclude any answere
by them self, consideryng that my credence was geven by all
the Lords ; prayng you, as shal be doon to the continuaunce
of this trieux aforesaid, that I may be acerteyned, or yif at this
houre ye coude yit thenk my credence resonable and honour-
able to be accepted and taken, sendith me woorde in wrytyng
from you by my servant, brynger of this, al delaies leid aparte.
For I acertein you, as he that owe you service, I was and yit
am gretly blamed for my long tarying with you, for dyvers of
my Lords taried heere for me, by th'assent of al my Lords,
lenger than they wold have don, to know myn answere and
guydyng from you.
And ovir this I certyfie you that ye cannot make my Lords
heere to thenk that yif ther be inconvenient or myshief,
murdre, or manslauter had or done, but and your wills and
entents were to the contrarye, my Lord is notid so well
disposid that, with oute your grete abettement, he neither will
doo nor assent to non such thyng ; prayng you therfor, as
your frende, to remembre wele your self, and so to rule you,
as my Lords may have in tyme to come knowlege of your
more sadd disposicion than as yit I feele they thenk in you.
51
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 And how that my Lords note sum of you, James Hobert,
[sept.] beyng of my Lords counsel, can enforme you ; wherefor for
Godds sake remembr you, and delyver my servant, and yif ye
thenk my first credence or this advertisement shal be taken to
effect, than I pray you that my servaunt, brynger hereof, may
have sure condyte to speke with John Paston, and to report to
hym these direccions, and upon that to delyver hym a bill
certlfyng the same.
727
WRITTILL TO THOMAS WINGFIELDi
MR. WYNGFELD, I recomande me to you. Please
you to wit I have sent a lettre joyntly to you and to
al my Lordes ^ counsel ; nevirtheles, for the special
favor and service that I bere and owe to you, I write to you
aparte, praying you to put your hasty devoir to the delyver-
ans of my servaunt, with th'answere of the same ; and ovir
that for Goddis sake remember you hou that ye stond my
Lordes nygh kynnesman, and by whom my Lordes wulle
gretly be steerid, that ye eschewe and avoide to be non of
those that my Lordes here thenk shuld set or cause my Lord
to do thynges otherwise than accordith to the pleasir of my
Lordes ; for it is so that there be dyvers of my Lordes counsel
stond in hevy report of my Lordes, of which I wold ye were
non ; certifieng you that I know so ferre that yif ye any thyng
doo in this mater to the pleasir of my Lordes, it will neither
be unremembrid ne unrecompensid, not doutyng but that
hereafter to have a large thonk of you for this my counsel ;
praying you ferthermor to move Sir John Hevyngham, and
such as ye knowe wele disposid, to assist you in this ; and that
this bille be kept secrete, as my trust is in you. Wreten at
London.
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] This and the letter following are corrected drafts
upon the same paper, and both evidently written at the same time, and by the same
writer, as the last letter,
2 The Duke of Norfolk's.
5-
EDWARD IV
728
WRITTILL TO JOHN PASTONi
MR. PASTON, it is so that sith tyme I spake with you
I sent you a bill which concludith an abstinence of
werre to be had unto Fryday last was, trustyng in
that season that by the menes of my Lordes heere a conclusion
shal be taken ; lettyng you wit that before my comyng hider
certein of my Lordes were departid hens towards the Kyng
northwards. And for asmich as I cannot in this season have no
hasty answere of such lettrez as were sent unto them concern-
yng this mater, I have wretyn by the meanes of my Lordes
heere 1 have wretyn a lettre to my Lordes counsell a lettre,^
and amonges other thynges movid them in the seid lettre to
advertise my Lord for abstynence of werre til Monday come
sevenyght ; and yif my Lordes and his counsell so agree, I
have comaundid my servaunt, brynger hereof, to geve you
knowlege of the same, avisyng you that contenuyng the seid
seson to absteyne you from werre gevyng outward in like
wise ; and by that season I hope to have knowlege of my
Lordes ententes.
729
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON ^
To John Paston^ and to non othyr.
IRECOMAND me to yow, and promyse yow that I have 1469
and schall labore and fynde the meane that ye schall have sept. 18
honor of yowr delyng as ye have hyddr towards, as all
Ingelond and every man reportythe ; and moreover I am in
weye for it by many dyverse weys, wherof ther schall be one
exicutyd by thys day xiiij. nyght at the ferthest, and pera-
^ [From Paston Mss., B.M.] See preliminary note to last letter.
2 So in the MS., the redundant words being left uncancelled.
3 [From Fenn, iv, 394.] See preliminary note to No. 724.
S2
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 ventur within vij. dayes. And ifF ye maye kepe it so longe, I
SEPT. 18 wold be gladde, and aftr that iff ye have nott from me other
wryghty ng, that than ye do ther in for yowr safFgarde and
yowr felaschep only, and to yowr worschypys ; and as for
the place, no force therfor. Ye knowe thys hande, therfor
nedythe no mencion from whem it comythe ; and more ovyr,
they that be abut yow be in obloquy of all men, and mor ovyr
they have ben wretyn to by alse speciall wryghtyng as myght
be, after the worlde that now is, and promyse yow that the
Dukes concell wolde that they had nevyr be gon it ; and more
ovyr they be chargyd in payne of ther lyvys, that thow they
gate the place, they scholde not hurt on of yow. Ther is
nowther ye ner none with yow, but and he knewe what is
generally reportyd of hym, he or ye, and God fortewne yow
wele, may thynke hym iiij. tymes better in reputacion of all
folk than evyr he was. Be war whom ye make a concell to
thys mater.
Also I lete yow wete that I am in moche mor comfort of
yow than I maye wryght, and they that be about yow have
cawse to be mor ferde than ye have ; and also bewar of
spendyng of yowr stufFe of qwarellys, powdr, and stone, so
that if they assaut yow er we come, that ye have stufFe to
dyiFende yow of over, and than of my lyfe ye get no mor,
and that your felaschyp be evyr ocopyed in renewyng of your
StufFe.
Wretyn the Mondaye next aftr Holy Roode Daye.
I trow, thow ye be not prevy ther to, ther is taken a trews
new tyl thys day vij, nygh.
54
EDWARD IV
730
PASSPORT TO THE BESIEGED ON
SURRENDER OF CAISTERi
The Due of Norfolk.
WHERE John Paston, esquier, and other divers per- 1469
sones have, ageyn the peas, kepte the manoir of ^ept. 26
Caster with force, ageyne the wille and entent of us
the Due of NorfFolk, to oure grete displeaser ; whiche not-
withstanding, at the contemplacion of the writing of the moost
worshipful! and reverent Fader in God the Cardenall of Eng-
land, and our moost trusty and entierly beloved Unkel the
Archbisshop of Canterbury, the right noble Prince my Lord
of Clarence, and other Lords of oure blood, and also at the
grete labour and enstaunce of our moost dere and singler
belovid wiffe, we be agreed that the seid John Paston and his
seid fellaship, beyng in the seid maneur, shall depart and goo
out of the seid maneur without delay, and make therof deliver-
aunce to suche persones as we will assigne, the seid fellaship
havyng their lyves and goods, horsse, and barneys, and other
goods beyng in the kepyng of the seid John Paston ; except
gonnes, crossebows, and quarells, and alle other hostelments,
to the seid maneur annexed and belonginge. And to have xv.
dayes respyte aftir their seid departing out, to goo in to what
place shall like theim, without any accions or quarell to be
taken or made by us, in our name to theim, or any of theim,
within our fraunchise or without, duryng the seid tyme.
Yoven under our signet at Yermouth the xxvj. day of
Septembr the ix'^ yere of King Edward the iiij'*"'
Norff'. ©
1 [From Fenn, ii. 24.]
ss
THE PASTON LETTERS
731
JOHN PASTON AND THE SURRENDER OF CAISTERi
the Due of Norff\
1469 TOHN, Duke of NorfFolk, Erie Marshall of Sussex,
SEPT. 26 I Surrey, and of Nottyngham, Marshall of Inglonde,
^ Lorde Mowbray of Segreve, Bromfelde, and Yalle, to al
our frendes, servauntes, and othir Crystyne people, gretyng.
Wher John Paston, esquier, and othre diverse persones for-
seble hath kepte the manoir of Castre, contrary to our will
and pleaser, and aftirwarde by his lowly labour and gret
meanese to us maade, the seide John Paston hathe maade
cdeliveraunce of the seide manoir to such persons as we have
assignede, and he and his seide felouship by our lycence to
departe out of the same. Wherefore we pray, wil, and charge
you and everysche of you, that ye ne vexce, trouble, manase,
ne greve the forseid persones, nor eny of them, for the kep-
yng of the seide manere contrary to the Kynge our Sovereynge
Lordes lawyes, for we have takyne them in our safe garde.
Yevin undir our signet and signmanuell the xxvj" day of Sep-
tembre, the ix'^ yere of Kynge Edward iiij'-
Norff'. (ls)
732
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 2
Caystr yelded. — J. P.
[sept.] I *% YGHT werchepfull sir, I recomand me on to yow.
1^ And as for the serteynte of the delyverance of Caster,
John Chapman can tell yow how that we wer enforsyd
therto, as wel as mysylf. As for John Chapman and his iij.
* [From a MS. in the College of Arms.] The original of this document, signed
and sealed by the Duke of Norfolk, is inserted in the MS. volume called Brooke's
Asptlogia, vol. i. p. 35.
2 [From Fenn, iv. 4.10.]
56
EDWARD IV
felaws, I have purveyd that they be pay id ache of them xb., 1469
with the mony that they had of yow and Dawbeney ; and that [sept.]
is inow for the seson that they have don yow servys. I pray
yow geve them ther thank, for by my trowthe they have as
well deservyd it as eny men that ever bare lyve ; but as for
mony, ye ned not to geve hem with owt ye wyll, for they be
plesyd with ther wagys. Wryttyll promysyd me to send yow
the serteynte of the apoyntement. We wer sor ^ lak of vetayl,
gonepowdyr, menys herts, lak of suerte of rescwe, drevyn ther-
to to take apoyntement.
If ye wyll that I come to yow, send me woord, and I shall
pervey me for to tery with yow a ij. or iij. dayis. By my
trowthe, the rewardyng of syche folkys as hathe ben with me
dwryng the sege hathe putt me in gret danger for the monye.
God preserve yow, and I pray yow be of good cher tyll I
spek with yow, and I trust to God to ese your hert in some
thynggys.
J. Paston.
733
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON ^
To Sir John Paston, in hast. A matre.
1GRETE zow wele, and send zow Godds blyssyng and sept. 23-
myn, letyng zow wete that me thynke be the letter that 3°-
ze sent me be Robeyn, that ze thynke that I xuld wryte
to zow fabyls and ymagynacyons ; but I do not soo. I have
wrytyn as yt have be enformed me, and wulle do. It was told
me that bothe Daubeney and Berney wer dedee, but for serten
Daubeney is dede, God asoyle hys sowle ; wher of I am rythe
sery, and yt had plesyd God that yt mythe abe other wysse.
Remembyr zow, ze have had ij. gret lossy s withyne thys
towylemonth, of hym and of Sir Thomas.^ God wysyth
1 sor. So the word stands in Fenn, and 'sore ' in the copy in modem spelling; but
I suspect a misreading of ' for.'
2 [From Fenn, iv. 396.] This is written, as will be seen, in reply to No. 725.
' Sir Thomas Howes.
57
THE PASTON LETTERS
1469 [visiteth^ zow as yt plesythe Hym in sundery wyses ; He
SEPT. 23- woole ze xuld know Hym, and serve Hym better than ze have
3° do be for thys tyme, and than He wuU send zow the mor
grace to do wele in ale other thynggs. And for Godds love,
remembyr yt rythe welle, and take yt pacyentely, and thanke
God of Hys vysitacyon ; and yf ony thyng have be a mysse
ony other wyse than yt howte to have ben befor thys, owther
in pryde or in laves expences, or in eny other thyng that have
ofFendyd God, amend yt, and pray Hym of Hys grace and
helpe, and entende welle to God, and to zour neybors ; and
thow zour poor heraftyr be to aquyte hem of her maleys, zet
be mersyfulle to hem, and God xale send zow the mor grace to
have your entente in other thynggs.
1 remembyr thys clawsys, be cause of the last letter that ze
sent me. I have sent to Hary Halman of Sporylle to helpe
to gete as ze desyerd me, and he canne not gette passyd v. or
viij. at the most, and zet yt wule not be but yf [unless'] he
cume that ze trust upon that xuld cume, for they long a parte
to hym. And Ryschard Sharman hathe asayed on hys parte,
and he cane not gette passyd v. ; for thoo that long to us, thei
long also to our adversarys, and they have be desyerd be them,
and they woold nowte do for hem, and ther for they thynke
to have magery of the toder parte.
As for the jantylman that ye desyerd me to speke with, I
spake with hys wyfe, and sche told me he was not in thys
cuntre, ner nowte woost wan he xuld be her ; and as for the
toder man, he hath bowthe [bought] hym a livery in Brome-
holme Pryery, and have geve upe the woord [world]^ &c.
Item, as for mony, I kowde getee but x//, upon pledges,
and that is spent for zour maters her, for payeng of zour men
that wern at Caster, and other thynggs, and I woot not wer to
gette non, nowther for suerte ner for pleggs ; and as for myn
owyn lyvelod, I am so sympely payed ther of that I fer me I
xale be fayn to borow for my sylfe, or ell[es] to breke up
howsold or bothe.
As for the zeddyng [yielding] of the place at Caster, I trowe
Wretyll hathe told of the pawntements [appointments] how ytts
delyvered. I woold that [it] had be so her [ere] thys tyme,
58
50
EDWARD IV
and zan [then] ther xuld not a ben do so mykyle herte as ther 1469
is in dyverse weyes ; for many of our welewyllers arn putte sept, 23-
to loosse for our saks, and I fer me that [it] xale be long her 3<^
yt be recumpensyd ageyn, and that xale cause other to do the
lesse for vus her aftyr.
I woold ze xuld [send] zour brother woord, and sum other
that ze truste, to see to zour owyn lyelod to sette yt in a rule,
and to gader ther of that may be had in haste, and also of Sir
John Fastolf lyoeld that may be gadyrd in pesybyle wyse. For
as for Ryschard Calle, he wulle no mor gadyr yt but yf ze
comaund hym, and he woold fayn make hys . . acowntte,
and have zour good maystyr schepe, as ytts told me, and
delyvere the evydens of Bekkeham, and alle other thynggs that
longyth to zow, that he trustythe that ze wylle be hys good
mayster heraftyr. And he sethe he wylle not take non newe
master tyle ze refuse hys servyse.
Remembyr that zowr lyvelod may be set in soche a rule
that ye may knowe how ytts, and wat is owyn to zow ; for be
my feythe I have holpyn as mysche as I may and mor, savyng
my sylfe, and therfor take hede er yt be weers.
Thys letter was begune on Fryday was vij. nythe, and
enddyd thys day nexte afftyr Mychylmes Day. God kepe
zow, and yeve zow grace to do as wele as I woold ze dede ;
and I scharge zow be war that ze sette no lond to morgage,
for if eny avyse zow ther to, they arn not zowr frendds. Be
war be tymes myn avyse, &c. I trow yowr brother wyll geve
zow tydyngs in haste.
734
NOTEi
Inventory of household goods (including guns) left at Caister by Sir John
Paston at the entry of my Lord of Norfolk.
1 [ms. Phillipps, 9735, No. 201.]
59
THE PASTON LETTERS
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON i
'To my master. Sir John Paston, in Flett-Stret.
1409 I ^ YGHT worchepfull sir, I recomand on to you, praying
^^^' ^ iX. y^^ ^^^^ y^ ^y^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^ send me word how that ye
wyll that Sir John Style, John Pampyng, W. Mylsent,
Nycolas Mondonet, T. Tomson shall be rwlyd, and whedyr
that they shall sek hem newe servysys or not ; and Mathewe
Bedford also, for he hathe be with me this seson, and is fro
my modyr. And if so be that ye wyll have thes to abyde
with yow, or eny of them, send word whyche that they be ;
for betwyx thys and Halowmas my modyr is agreyd that they
shall have met and drynk of hyr for syche a serteyn wekly as
my modyr and yu and I can acord when we met. Notwith-
standy ng, if ye kowd get Barney or eny of thes seyd folkys,
whyche that ye wyll not kepe, eny servyse in the mene seson,
it wer more worchep for yow then to put them from yow lyek
masteries hondys [hounds~\ ; for by my trowthe they ar as good
menys bodys as eny leve, and specyally Sir John Stylle and
John Pampyng. And I wer of power to kepe them and all
thes befor rehersyd, by trowthe they shold never depert fro
me whyll I leveyd.
If ye send me word that I shall come to yow to London
for to comon with yow of eny mater, so God help me, I have
neythyr mony to com up with, nor for to tery with yow when
I am ther but if [unless^ ye send me some ; for by my trowthe
thes werkys have causyd me to ley owt for yow bettyr then x.
or xij//., besyd that money that I had of my modyr, whyche is
abowt on viij//. God amend defowts ; but this I warant yow,
with out that it be Mathew, whyche ye sent woord by John
Thressher that ye wold have to awayt on yow, ther is no man
^ [From Fenn, iv. 412.] This is a letter desiring instructions about the garrison
of Caister after its surrender.
60
EDWARD IV
that was hyryd for the tyme of thys sege that wyll axe yow a 1469
peny. oct. 5
Also I pray yow send downe acomandment to Stutvylle,
or to some awdyter, to take acomptys of Dawbneys byllys ;
for hys executors ar sore callyd upon for to admynyster by the
Byshop, or ellys he seythe that he wyle seqwester. Dawbeney
set in hys dett that ye owt hym xijli. and xs. Whedyr it be
so or nowt, hys byllys of hys owne hand wyll not lye, for he
mad hys byllys clere or then the sege com abowt us.
As for the evydence of Bekham, my modyr sent to Calle
for hem ; and he sent hyr woord that he wold make hys
acompts, and delyver the evydence and all to gedyr. My
modyr hathe sent to hym ayen for hem thys day. If she sped,
they shall be sent to yow in all hast, or ellys, and ye send for
me, I shall bryng hem with me. Send my modyr and me
word who ye wyll that have the rwyll of your lyvelod her in
thys contre, and in what forme that it shall be delt with. I
wyll not make me mastyrfast with my Lord of NoriF., nor
with non othyr, tyle I spek with yow ; and ye thynk it be to
be don, get me a mastyr.
Dell corteysly with the Qwen and that felawshep, and
with Mastras Anne Hawte for Wappys,^ tyll I spek with zow.
Wretyn on Seynt Fey thys Evyn.
J. Paston.
By Sent George, I and my felawshep stand in fer of my
Lord of NorfF. men, for we be thret sore, not withstandyng
the save gardys ^ that my felawshep have. As for me, I have
non, nor non of your howsold men, nor non wyll have ; it wer
shame to take it.
1 This expression ' for Wappys ' I do not understand. — F. Perhaps Wappys may
be a proper name.
2 Save gardys. This is printed ' same gardys ' in Fenn, but is evidently a
misreading ; in the right-hand copy the word is ' safeguards.'
61
THE PASTON LETTERS
736
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 1
'To Mestresse Margret Paston, be thys delyveryd.
1469 I '\ YGHT worchypfull Moodre, I comand me to yow, and
[OCT.] J-^ beseche yow of yowr blyssyng and Gods. Thanke
yow for yowr tendrenesse and helpe bothe to me, my
brother, and servants.^
• • • • * • •
The Kynge is comyn to London, and ther came with hym,
and roode ageyn hym, the Duke of Glowcestr, the Duke of
SufFolke, the Erie of Aroundell, the Erie of Northumbreland,
the Erie of Essex, the Lordes Harry and John of Bokyngham,
the Lord Dakres, the Lorde Chambreleyn, the Lorde Montjoye,
and many other Knyghtys and Sqwyers, the Meyr of London,
xxij, Aldremen, in skarlett, and of the Crafftys men of the
town to the nombre of CC, all in blewe. The Kynge come
thorow Chepe, thowe it wer owt of hys weye, be cawse he wold
not be seyn, and he was accompanyed in all peple with m''
horsse, som harneysyd and som nat. My Lorde Arche-
bysshop^ com with hym from Yorke, and is at the Moor,*
and my Lorde of OxenfFord roode to have mett the
Kyng, and he is with my Lorde Archebysshop at the Moor,
and come nat to town with the Kynge ; some sey that they wer
yesterdaye iij. myle to the Kyng wards from the Moor, and
that the Kyng sent them a massangr that they scholde com
when that he sent for them. I wot not what to suppose
1 [From Fenn, i. 292.] The allusion in an unprinted passage in this letter to the
approaching marriage of Richard Calle with Margery Paston proves it to be of the year
1469. In that year it appears by the dates of the privy seals that Edward iv. remained
during the whole of September in Yorkshire, having been detained by Warwick at
Middieham as a prisoner during the month of August; but he was in London as early
as the I 3th October.
2 Here, according to Fenn, follow passages touching ' an account of monies, debts,
&c., a dispute with his uncle William, and a desire to defer his sister Margery's
marriage with Richard Calle till Christmas.'
3 George Nevill, Archbishop of York.
^ See p. 20, Note 3.
62
EDWARD IV
therin ; the Kyng hymselffe hathe good langage of the Lords 1469
of Clarance, of Warwyk, and of my Lords of York [and] of [oct.]
Oxenford, seyng they be hys best frendys ; but hys howselde
men have other langage, so that what schall hastely falle 1
cannot seye.
My Lorde of Norffblke schall be her thys nyght. I schall
sende yow mor when I knowe mor.
Item, iff Ebysham come not home with myn oncle W.,
that than ye sende me the ij. Frenshe bookys that he scholde
have wretyn, that be may wryght them her,
John Paston, Kt.
737
ABSTRACT 1
[John Paston] to [Sir John Paston]
Has reckoned with Maryot. Accounts of Bekham. Has not spoken with 14.60
W. Bakton, but will before returning to Norwich. Means to visit Bekham on
his way thither. Sends copy of the condition wherein ye be bound to John
Maryot. As for Sir T. Mongomere's man, etc.
Richard Calle says he has delivered to me all writings he had of you except
an endenture for letting Saxthorp, which is but a jape. All but a rental of
Snaylwell are but accounts, etc. He has delivered me four or five court rolls
of Sir J. FastolfF's lands, of his own hand. He has done reasonably well about
showing me the arrears of your lifelode. * As for his abiding, it is in Blak-
borow nunnery, a little fro Lynn, and our unhappy sister's also. And as for
his service, there shall have no man have it before you, and ye will. I hear
not speak of none other service, of no lord's that he shall be in.' Has not yet
spoken with Daubney's executors, but will on his way homewards. Sends
copy of the inventory ^ he [John Paston] made on leaving Caister. Means to
be at Sporle to-morrow or Thursday, to see what may be made of the wood,
and who will give most for it ( MS. mutilated at the bottom. )
[This letter is in the handwriting of John Paston, but the signature is lost. It
is quite certain that it was written in 1469 after the surrender of Caister. Allusion
is also made to the unpleasant subject of the engagement of Richard Calle and
Margery Paston, who seem to have retired to Blackborough nunnery prior to their
marriage.]
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] 2 See No. 734.
63
THE PASTON LETTERS
738
ABSTRACT 1
1469 Indenture between Sir John Paston, of the one part, and Roger Townsende,
NOV. 6 gent., of the other part, containing covenants for the sale of the manor of Est
Beckham, and of all Paston's other lands in Est Bekham, West Bekham,
Bodham, Sherryngham, Beeston near the Sea, Runeton, Shipden, Felbrigg,
Aylmerton, Sustede, and Gresham, which the said Sir John had of the gift of
John Mariet the elder of Est Bekham, for 100 marks, of which he has received
already j^5 4, leaving^iz, I3j-. 4J. to be paid by the said Roger at the Feast
of St. Luke next coming. Dated 6th Nov. 9 Edw. iv.
Seal, with inscription, ' Si Dieu vuet.'
739
ABSTRACT 2
1469, 25 Nov. 9 Edw. IV. 'In the priory of Saynt Marye Overy in
Suthwarke.' Acknowledgment (in English) by Will. Yelverton, Knt., Just,
of K. B., of the receipt from Bishop Waynflete of ^^87, in full satisfaction of
all claims on Sir J. Fastolf by Jaquet, Duchess of Bedford ; solemnly promis-
ing also that he will not hereafter receive any sums, great or small, on account
of Fastolf's goods, debts, or possessions, without the assent of the Bishop, that
he will at all times be ready to seal such grants, &c., as the Bishop may require
to be sealed, and that he will not himself make or seal any grant, etc., without
the Bishop's will and agreement.
1 [Add. Charter, 14,526, B.M.]
2 The following abstract is taken from Mr. Macray's Report on the MSS. in
Magdalen College, Oxford.
64
EDWARD IV
740
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON^
To Master Syr John Paston^ Knyght.
RYGHT worchepfuU syr, I recomand me to you, &c. It 1469
is so that thys day ther cam a good felaw to me, whyche dec.
may not be dyscoveryd, and let me wet that my Lord
of Norff. consayll hathe this Crystmas gotyn the two wydows,
whows husbands wer slayn at the sege of Caster, and have hem
bowndyn in a gret some that they shall swe a peel ayenst me
and syche as wer ther with me within the plase, and they be
bownd also that they shall relese no man within the apell
namyd tyll syche tyme as my Lord of NorfF. wyll lycence
them.
Item, the cawse is thys, as it is told me by dyvers, that ye
meke no more swte to my Lord for yourself than ye do, and
therfor they do the wors to me for your sake.
Item, as for my comyng up to London, so God help me,
and I may chese, I com not ther, for argent me fawlt^ without
apell or an inkyr \inquiry}^ of som specyall mater of your
cawse it. Item, I pray yow remembyr Caleys, for I am put
out of wagys in thys contre.
Item, I pray yow send me some tydyngs how the world
gothe ad confortandum stomacum.
Item, ye must purvey anewe atorny in thys contre. As for
me, for our maters and clamore is to gret, and our purse and
wytte to slendyr, but I wyle rubbe on as long as I maye bothe
with myn owne, and other menys that wyle do for me tyll
better pese be.
Wretyn thys Saturdaye, at Norwcyche. J. P.
1 [From Fenn, iv. 416.] It appears by the contents that this letter was written
about Christmas after the siege of Caister. An appeal of murder was a process sued
by the nearest relative of a person killed. It was quite independent of any prosecution
for murder by the Crown, and no royal pardon was of any avail against it ; but the
appeal had to be brought within a year and a day of the fact.
VOL. V. E G^^
THE PASTON LETTERS
741
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
I A no T^ YGHT worchepfull Syr, I recomand me to yow aftyr
MARCH 1 f\ the old maner, sertyfyng yow that I have comonyd
with my modyr for your coming hom, but I can not
fynd by hyr that she wyll depert with eny sylvyr for your
costis, for she and hyr cwrate'-^ ^l^gge rnor poverte then ever
wasse. Item, as for your clok at Harcortis it wyll be nye
Estern er it be redy, for ther is stolyn owt of hys chaumbyr
some of the ger that belongyd therto, and that must have
leyser to be mad ayen. Item, the caryer forgat your byll
behynd hym, but it was delyveryd all to gedyr, but it shall be
browght yow and the wyndas with the teles by the next caryer,
as myn orangys shall com to me 1 tryst. Dame Elyzabet
Calthorp is a fayir lady and longyth for orangis, thow she be
not with chyld. Item, I pray yow that ye wyll make aqwetance
on to the person of Mawtby ^ and to John Seyne as executors
to John Dawbeney, for they wyll take non admynystracyon of
hys goodis tyll they be aqwetansyd of youre and my modyr.
Ye maye do it well j nough, so God help me ; for I wot well
ye owt hym mony, and he nat yow, if so be that he wer trewe
when he dyid, and I wot well we fond hym nevyr on trew in
hys lyve ; but hys frendys and othyr of the contre putt grett
defawt in me that ther is no thyng don for hym, seying that he
myght do no more for us but lose hys lyfe in your servyse and
myn ; and now he is half forgotyn among us, Wherfor I pray
yow let thys be sped.
Item, as for Doctor Pykenham, J. Pampyng can tell yow
he is not in Norwyche. When he comyth I shall spek with
hym and send yow hys answer. Item, as for myn oncyll
Wylliam, I have grant to have a byll of hym what every thyng
lythe for ; but all thyng is not yet in rest ayen that was
1 [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 192.] This letter may be dated 1470, by comparing the
postscript with the beginning of No. 742, which seems to have been written in answer
to it. John Daubeney was killed at the siege of Caister in 1469. See Nos. 725, 733.
2 James Gloys.
3 Robert Cutler or Cotteler. See next page.
66
EDWARD IV
remevyd for the chyrchyng of my Lady Anne. As sonne as 1470
I have the byll I shall send it yow and hys answer, whyche he march i
wyll fyrst have plegyd owght, and also whethyr he purposyth
to do as he seyd by my graundamys lond.
Item, Gefrey Spyrlyng hathe ofte spokyn to me to send to
yow for to undyrstand how ye will deell with hym for hys
place in Norwyche, for he seythe that he had lever have your
good mastyrship ther in then eny othyr manys good lordshep ;
for and ye wyll be hys good mastyr he wyll swe no ferther, or
ellys he must.
Item, a for (sic) for myn old reknyng, I shall make it up
in hast and send it yow for your bettyr remembrance, for as
me thynkyth by your wrytyng ye have nye forgetyn it ; but I
am rype j now in it for myn owne dyscharge. Item, I pray
yow, take in to your a ward a short murry jornade ^ of myn '
whyche Jacobyn, Wykis woman, hathe lest that she be flyttyng
and that it be exchetyd. Item, I pray yow send me swyr
tydyngis of the world in hast.
As for the bysheop of Wynchestyr, W. Wyrceteyr told my
modyr that he had takyn charge x. dayis or then Pampyng cam
hom ; but he wenyth that the bysshop wyll be a yenst yow, in
so myche that [he ^] avysyd my modyr to consell yow that ye
shoU labor to my Lord Cardynall ^ that the seyd byshop shold
not be amytted to take admynystracyon. No mor, &c.
Wretyn at Norwyche the fyrst daye off Marche. J. P.
I pray, get us a wyfe somwher, for Melius est nubere in
Domino quam urere. (ca° primo.) *
Noveritis universi per presentes me J. P. mylitem remisisse,
&c. Roberto Cotteler personas ecclesias de Mawtby in comitatu
Norfolk et Johanni Seyne de Rollysby in eodem comitatu,
executores testamenti et ultimas voluntatis Johannis Dawbeney
armygeri, nuper defuncti, omnimodas acciones, tam reales, &c.
quos versus eundem Robertum sive Johannem Seyne habui,
habeo, &c., racione alicujus debyti dicti Johannis Dawbeney,
1 Halliwell gives ' jomet ' as ' a kind of cloak ' ; ' murrey ' was a dark red colour.
2 Omitted in MS. ^ Cardinal Bourchier.
* The reference is as inaccurate as the quotation. The text referred to is i Cor.
vii, 9 : ' Melius est enim nubere quam uri.'
67
THE PASTON LETTERS
1470 jam defuncti, mychi dicto J. Paston debite {sk) a principio
MARCH I mundi usque in diem, &c. In cujus, &c. Datum, &c.
As for the yer of the Kyng, let it be set in, but as for the
daye and the monyth let it be owt, for the day must be aftyr
probate of the wyll and the admynystracyon takyng. I pray
you, let thys be sped in all hast possybyll ; and as for your
obligacyon and syche ger as belongyth to yow, I shalbe swyr of
it er they have the aqwetance.
Item, as for owyr afrayis her, J. Pampyng can tell yow ;
but and they get me, ye loose a brodyr, quod juratum est.
It is good to do by the comandment of your mastyr whyll
I am so well boryn owte ; thys my lord of Norffolk galantis
send me woord dayly ad confortandum stomacum. Ye must spek
with your mastyr and comon some remedye hastyly, or be God
I enswyr yow, whyll owyr Dwk is thus cherysheid with the
kyng, ye nor I shall not have a man unbetyn or slayn in thys-
contre, nor our sylfe nowthyr, as well ye as I, quod juratum est
onys ayen. The Dwke, the Dwches and ther consell ar wrothe
that ye make no meanys to them your sylfe.
Item, I send yow Townysendis endentwre by John
Pampyng.
742
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
'To John Paston^ Esquier, beyng at Norwyche,
be thys letter delyveryd.
MARCH "IT COMANDE me to yow, letyng yow wete, &c.^
-■- Item, as for Mestresse Kateryn Dudle, I have many
tymes recomandyd yow to hyr, and she is noo thynge dis-
' [From Fenn, ii. 28.] From the reference to the King's being about to go into
Lincolnshire, and what is said of the Earl of Warwick, it may be clearly inferred that
this letter was written on the outbreak of the insurrection of Sir Robert Welles in the
beginning of March 1470.
2 Here (according to Fenn) follows an account of bills and receipts, etc.
68
EDWARD IV
pleasyd with itt. She rekkythe not howe many gentylmen 1470
love hyr ; she is full of love. I have betyn the mater for march
yow, your onknowleche, as I told hyr. She answerythe me,
that sche woU noon thys ij. yer, and I beleve hyr ; for I thynke .
sche hathe the lyffe that sche can holde hyr content with ; I
trowe she woU be a sore laboryng woman this ij. yer for mede
of hyr sowle.
And Mestresse Gryseacresse is sure to Selenger, with my
Lady of Exestre, a fowle losse.
Item, I praye yow speke with Harcort off the Abbeye, for
-a lytell clokke, whyche I sent hym by James Gressham to
amend, and that ye woU get it off hym, and it be redy, and
sende it me ; and as for mony for hys labor, he hathe another
- cloke off myne, whyche Sir Thomas Lyndes, God have hys
sowle ! gave me ; he may kepe that tyll I paye hym. Thys
klok is my Lordys Archebysshopis, but late not hym wete off
it, and that itt [be] easely caryed hyddre by yowr advyse.
Also as for orenges, I schall sende yow a serteyn by the
"next caryer. And as for tydynge the berer hereoff schall
infforme yow ; ye most geve credence to hym.
As for my goode spede, I hope well. I am offryd yit to
have Mestresse Anne Haulte, and I schall have help i nowe, as
some say.^
Item, it is soo that I am halffe in purpose to com home
with in a monythe her afftr, or abowt Med Lente, or beffor
Esterne, ondyr yowr coreccon, iff so be that ye deme that [my]
modre wolde helpe me to my costys, x. mark or ther abowt ;
I praye feele hyr dysposicion and sende me worde.
Item, I cannot tell yow what woU falle off the worlde, for
the Kyng verrely is dysposyd to goo in to Lyncoln schyr, and
men wot not what wyll falle ther off, ner ther afftre ; they wene
my Lorde off Norffolke shall ^ brynke x.""'- men.
Item, ther is comen a newe litell Torke, whyche is a wele
1 Here (according to Fenn) follows an account of some disputes between Sir
"William Yelverton and Sir John Paston, his uncle William, etc., of no consequence.
2 shall. This word is not in Fenn's left-hand or literal transcript, but is given as
part of the text in the right-hand copy.
69
THE PASTON LETTERS
1470 vysagyd felawe, off the age off xl. yere ; and he is lower than
MARCH Manuell by a hanffuU, and lower then my lytell Tom by the
schorderys, and mor lytell above hys pappe ; and he hathe, as
he seyde to the Kynge hymselffe, iij. or iiij. sonys, chyldre, iche
one off hem as hyghe and asse lykly as the Kynge hymselffe ;
and he is leggyd ryght i now, and it is reportyd that hys pyntell
is as long as hys legge.
Item, I praye yow schewe, or rede to my moodre suche
thynges as ye thynke is for her to know, afftre yowr dyscres-
sion ; and to late hyr undrestond off the article off the trete
between Syr Wylliam Yelverton and me.
Item, my Lorde of Warwyk, as it is supposyd, schall goo
with the Kynge in to Lyncolne schyre ; some men seye that
hys goyng shall doo goode, and som seye that it dothe
harme.
I praye yow evyr have an eyghe to Caster, to knowe the
rewle ther, and sende me worde, and whyther my wyse Lorde
and my Lady be yit as sottyt [? besotted'] uppon it as they were ;
and whether my seyd Lorde resortythe thyddre as offte as he
dyd or nott ; and off the dysposvcion off the Contre.
J. P., K.
743
ANONYMOUS TO JOHN PASTON ^
To my Cosyn^ J. Paston.
MAicH 27 r I ^HE King camme to Grantham, and ther taried Thoresday
I all day ; and ther was headed Sir Thomas Dalalaunde,
and on John Neille, a greate capteyn ; and upon the
Monday next after that at Dancastr, and ther was headed Sir
Robert Wellys, and a nothr greate capteyn ; and than the
King hadde warde that the Duk of Clarence and the Erie
of Warwick was att Esterfeld \Chesterfield\ xx. mile from
Dancastre.
^ [From Fenn, ii. 36.] This letter gives an account of the suppression of the
rebellion in Lincolnshire in 1470.
70
EDWARD IV
And upon the Tewesday att ix. of the bell, the King toke 1470
the feld, and mustered his people ; and itt was seid that wer march 27
never seyn in Inglond so many goodly men, and so well
arreiyed in a feld. And my Lord was whorsshupfully accom-
panyed, no lord ther so well ; wherfor the King gaffe my Lord
a greate thanke.
And than the Duk of Clarence and the Erie of Warwik
harde that the King was comyng to them warde, in contynent
they departed and wente to Manchestre in Lancasshire, hopyng
to have hadde helpe and socour of the Lord Stanley, butt in
conclucion ther they hadde litill favor, as itt was enformed the
King, and so men sayn they wente westward, and sommen
demen to London. And whan the King harde they wer
departed and gon, he went to York, and came theder the
Thoresday next aftr, and ther camme in to hym all the gentil-
men of the shire ; and uppon our Lady Day [he] made Percy
Erie of Northumberland, and he that was Erie affore Markeys
Muntakew. And [so] ^ the King is purposed to come south-
warde, God send hym god spede.
Writen the xxvij. day of March.
For Trowyth.
744
ABSTRACT 2
William Worcester to
Letter in English, on paper (signed W. W., but unaddressed), desiring I47O
some one to propose to * my Lord' [the Bishop of Winchester ?] the obtaining
of a letter from Sir John Paston to the tenants of Titchwell that he will not
claim any rents from them, and another from 'my Lord,' to the same effect, on
behalf of Sir William Yelverton ; and the sending a warrant to expend 4 or 6
marks upon making up the sea banks before the Titchwell pastures, because at
1 This word is not in the text of Fenn's literal transcript, but it Is given without
brackets in the transcript In modern spelling.
2 [From MS. Titchwell, 120, in Magdalen College, Oxford.] From Internal evidence
it would seem that this letter must have been written shortly before that which follows
It. The abstracts of these two letters have been kindly supplied to me by Mr.
Macray.
71
THE PASTON LETTERS
1470 Spring the sea breaks in upon them. Desires to know whether Sir W. Yelver-
ton's advice shall be taken upon business matters. ' Frere ' Geffrey Westvale
is going to be created Doctor in Theology at Cambridge, at the Feast of St.
John, who twenty years past, when at Yarmouth convent, belonged to ' my
Maister Fastolf ' ; and Sir Thomas Howys, a month before his decease, pro-
mised to help him on Mr. FastolPs order. He would have come now to ' my
Lord ' to ask his alms had not the writer letted him. Desires to be informed
whether ' my Lord ' will help him. ' Maister Briston yn lykewyse Maister
Spicer, and Maister Stevyns, trustyn appon me and dyvers others to speke to
my Lord for a relyeve,' and Thomas Fastolf and Milcent Fastolf, and many
others, ' that make me noyed and werye.'
745
ABSTRACT 1
MAV 17 Letter in English from W. Wyrcestre to Bishop Wayneflete. — Has been
at Tychewell to endeavour to let the manor and farm, but none of the farmers
there will take it without guarantees from Sir John Paston and Sir William
Yelverton in writing against any distraint the younger, who owes
^9, will come to the Bishop about the letting. The writer represents his own
poor condition. Has been at charges ten years in London, and in riding on
the infinite process of * my Maister FastolPs testament yn the court of audience.'
Is now obliged to retire from London to Cambridge in order to live cheaply."
Had been promised 25 marks on Paston's behalf, 20 marks for ever of FastolPs
lands, 5 marks of fee for his life, and ^^ 15 worth of land for ever. Has not
-had clearly 8 marks.
746
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 2
To Syr John Fasten^ Knyght^ or to Thomas Stompys^
to delyver to the seyd Syr John.
JUNE 22 yj YGHT worchepfull syr, and my specyall good brodyr,
r^ I recomand me to yow ; and for as myche as I can
not send yow good tydyngs, ye shall have syche as I
knowe.
J [From MS. Titchwell, 199, in Magdalen College, Oxford.]
2 [From Fenn, iv. 428.] As this letter refers to an incident in the siege of
Caister as having taken place * In August last,' there can be no doubt about the
date.
72
EDWARD IV
It is so that on Wednysday last past ye and I, Pampyng, 1470
and Edmund Broom were endyttyd of felonye at the Sessyons june 22
her in Norwyche for shotyng of a gonne at Caster in August
last past, whyche goone slowghe two men, I, Pampyng and
Broom as pryncypall, and ye as accessary; notwithstandyng
Townysend ^ and Lomner held an oppynyon that the verdytt
is voyd, for ther wer ij. of th'enqwest that wold not agre to
th'endyttment. And in as myche as they ij. wer agreyd in
othyr maters, and not in that, and that they two wer not
dyschargyd fro the remnant at syche tym as that verdyth of
yowyr endytment was govyn, ther oppynyon is that all the
vordyght is voyde, as well of all othyr maters as of yowyr.
Whedyr ther opynyon be good or not, I can not determyne,
nor them sylf neythyr.
I pray yow let not thys mater be slept, for I can thynk
that my Lord of Norff. consaylle wyll cawse the wedows to
tak an apell, and to remeve it up in to the Kyngs Benche at
the begynyng of this term. Townysend hathe promysyd me
that he shall be at London on Twysday next comyng, and then
ye may comon with hym in that mater, and take hys avyse.
Item, Townysend and Lomner thynk that and ye have
good consayll, ye may justyfye the kepyng of the plase for
the pesybyll possessyon that ye have had in it mor then iij.
yeer ; but in conclusyon, all thys is doo for nowght ellys but
for to enforse yow to take a dyreccyon with my Lord of Norff.
I undyrstood by R. Sothewell — for he and I comonyd in
thys mater ryght largely betwyx hem and me — in so myche
he tellyth me that and I be at London in the wek next aftyr
Seynt Petyr, at whych tyme he shall be ther hym sylf, he
seyth that my Lady hathe promysyd me hyr good ladyshep,
and sent me woord by hym, in as myche as he spak for
me to hyr, that she wold remembyr myn old servyse, and
for get the gret dysplesyr in syche wyse that I shall undyr-
stand that the swtte that I have mad to my Lord hyr husbond
and hyr shall torne to your avantage and myn, more then we
weene as yett or shall undyrstand tyll syche tyme as I have
spokyn with hyr good grace. And upon thys promesse I
1 Probably Roger Townsend, afterwards Justice of the Common Pleas.
73
THE PASTON LETTERS
1470 have promysyd Sothewell to meet with hym at London that
JUNE 22 same weeke next aftyr Seynt Petyr ; wherfor I wold passyngly
fayne that ye wer in London at that season, or nye abowght
London, so that I myght undyrstand at your plase wher that I
myght spek with yow or then I spek with my Lady.
I propose to go to Canterbery^ on foot thys next week,
with Godds grace, and so to com to London fro thense. I
pray yow se that I be safe for Parker and Henry Coletts
mater.
Sothewell- told me thys, that if so be that ye wyll your
sylf, ye shall have bothe goode lordshep and ladyshep, and
mony or lond, or both, and all your maters set cler. What
that he menyth, I can not sey. As for all othyr maters in
thys contre, I shall do as well as I may for fawt of monye tyll
I spek with yow. I have many collars on, as I shall tell yov/
when I come.
No more, but God preserve yow and yours. Wretyn at
Norwyche, Fryday next aftyr Corpus Christi Daye.
J- p-
I ded as myche as I kowd to have lettyd th'endyttment,
but it wold not be, as I shall enform you ; and Townysend
knowyth the same.
747
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON »
To Syr John Pas ton, Knyght, or to 'Thomas Stomppys,
to delyver to the seyd Syr John.
JUNE 25 A S I sent yow woord by a lettyr that John Wymondham
/-% browght to London, J. Pampyng is endyghtyd of
^ felony, and Edmund Broon as princypallys, and ye as
axcessary, for schotyng of agonne in Awgust last past, whyche
1 On pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket, I suppose. — F.
2 Richard Southwell, Esq. of Wood-Rising. He acquired this estate by marrying
Amy, daughter and co-heir of Sir Edmund Wichingham, Knight. — F.
3 [From Fenn, iv. 4.34.] This letter, it will be seen, refers in the beginning to
the same matter as the preceding.
74
EDWARD IV
gonne kyllyd ij. men; and I trowe that my Lord of Norff. 1470
consayll wyll make on of the wedows, or bothe, to swe an J"ne 253
apell up on the same endyghtment thys terme. Wherfor I
pray yow se well to thys mater, that when it Is sertyfyid in to
the Kyngys Benche, Broom and Pampyng may have warnyng
that they may purvey for hem self, if ther com eny capyas
owght for hem. Townysend can tell yow all the mater.
Also ye must in eny wyse be ware, for my grauntdam ^
and myn Lady Anne ^ and myn Oncyll Wyllam shall be at
London within thes viij. or x. dayis, and I wot well it is for
nowght ellys but to make myn Oncyll Wyllam swyr of hyr
lond, notwithstandyng she hath reryd affyn of it be for
Goodreed,^ the Justyse, in my grauntfadyrs dayis, and my
modyr tellyth me that ye have the copye of the same fyne ; I
wold avyse yow to have it redy, what so evyr betyd. I trow
they wyll be the more besy abowght the same mater, because
they thynk that ye dar not com in London, nor at West-
menstyr to lett [stop] them ; but if so be that ye have not the
copy of the same fynne, look that ye spare for no cost to do
serche for itt, for it wyll stand yow on hand, I feell by the
werkyng.
Thys day sevennyght I trust to God to be forward to
Caunterbery at the ferthest, and upon Saterday com seven-
nygh I tryst to God to be in London ; wherfor I pray yow
leve woord at yowr plase in Fleet Strett wher I shall fynd
yow, for I purpose not to be seyn in London tyll I have
spook with yow.
I pray yow remembyr thes maters, for all is doon to make
yow to drawe to an ende with thes Lordys that have your
lond fro yow. No more, but I pray God send yow your
herttys desyir in thees maters and in all othyr.
Wretyn at Norwyche, the Monday next aftyr Seynt John
Baptyst. J. P.
1 Agnes Paston, widow of William Paston, the Judge.
2 Anne, daughter of Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, married William
Paston, the uncle of Sir John Paston. — F.
3 William Goodrede was created a Serjeant-at-Law in 1425. In 143 1 he was
appointed King's Serjeant, and in 1434 became a Justice of the King's Bench. — F.
75
THE PASTON LETTERS
748
ABSTRACT 1
1470 Indenture between Sir John Paston and Edmund Shaa, goldsmith, London,
JULY 3 concerning 20 dishes and a saucer of silver pledged to the latter, 3rd July 10
Edw. IV.
749
ABSTRACT 2
JULY 8 Indenture, dated London, 8th July 10 Edw. iv., whereby Sir John Paston
places in pawn to Stephen Kelke, goldsmith, of London, 16 pottingers, weigh-
ing 22 lb. io| oz. Troy weight, for ^40, till Whitsuntide following.
750
ABSTRACTS ^
Fastolf's Lands
JULY 14 ' II. A triparted indenture betweene William Bishop of Winton and John
Paston, Knight, and others, touching the intent of two feoffmentes of the Bishop
of Wynton, the one of the manners of Drayton and Tolthorp, in the county of
Norfolk and the city of Norwich, which were somtymes Sir John Falstofs ;
the other of the mannors of Wynterton, cald Bregmiles (?), of Reppys in Bast-
wyke, the third part of the manner of Rowneham, londes and tenementes cald
Cutts in Haringby, and lands cald Buley in Stokesby, to Guy Fairfax, John
Paston, Squier, et aliis. July 14, Edw. iv. 10.'
' 17. Relaxatio Johannis Paston, Georgii Arch. Cant, et aliorum Willielmo
Waynflet totius juris de et in omnibus maneriis, terris, &c. qux fuerunt Johannis
Falstolf in comit' Norf., exceptis manerio de Castre et Spensers in Haringby, ac
' [From Paston mss.]
2 [From Add. Charter 17,249, B.M.]
3 The following entries are taken from the old index of deeds and writings re-
lating to Norfolk and Suffolk, preserved in the tower of Magdalen College, Oxford.
76
EDWARD IV
terris vocat' Vaux, Redham, et Bosoms, et maner' de Hayleydon, Drayton, et I470
Tolthorp. Julii 14, Edw. iv. 10.' july 14
'28. An indenture contayning mutuall releases of the Bishop of Wynton to
John Paston, Knight, et c''. July 14, Edw. iv. 10.'
'29 and 61. An indenture containing the agreement betweene Wylliam
Wainflet, Bishop of Wynton, and Sir John Paston, concerning Sir John
Fastolfes landes and goods. July 14, Edw. iv. 10.'
This last document, of which there is another copy or draft, numbered 36
in the Index, is more fully described, as follows, by Mr. Macray, in the Fourth
Report of the Historical mss. Commission : —
1 470, 14 July, 10 Edw. IV. Indenture tripartite (very long, in English)
between Bishop Wayneflete and Sir John Paston, Knight, containing an agree-
ment for the termination of disputes between the executors of the will of Sir
John Fastolf, whereby the property of the latter has been much wasted ;
dividing the manors between the Bishop and Paston, and providing for the
foundation of seven priests and seven poor scholars in Magdalene College ;
Paston to deliver up all deeds and muniments to the Priory of St. Mary
Overy, in Southwark, to be put in a chest, locked with two locks and two
keys, of which the Bishop to have one and Paston the other, and the Bishop to
bring thither also all his deeds ; one part of this indenture to remain with each
of the parties, and the third with the Prior of St. Mary Overy.
PAMPYNG TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
'To my most reverent and worshipfull master^ Sir
John Paston^ Knyght.
RIGHT worshipfull sir and my good master, I recomaund july 15
me unto yow in my moost lowly wise. And please
yow to wete I have with the mony ye sent me by
Judy rewardid my felaship as ye comaundid, wretyn in a bille
closid herin ; and as for William Milsent I lete hym wete
hough ye undirstood he was disposed to goo hoom to his
fadere, wherof ye were pleasid and wold he shuld do so. He
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] Reference is made in this letter to the appeal which
the two widows were to sue against Sir John Paston. See Nos, 746, 747.
77
THE PASTON LETTERS
1470 said he intendid not to be with his fadir, ner it was not in
JULY 1 5 his power so to do ; nevirthelesse he is home to his fadir and
ther abidith, but what he purposith to do 1 wote not. Davy-
is at home and takyth heed to his lond. Homeworth is con-
tent and gooth to his labour. As for Stompis, I have be with
the Abbot of Sen Benetts for hym as ye comaundid. And he
recomaundith hym to yow, and said to me he was right glad
that ye wold send to hym for any servaunt ye had, saying
that if he coud do any thyng for yow, and for any servaunt
of yours, he wold do it feithfully. And also he said he wold
not fayle yow whill he levid in that he coud and myght do,
trustyng heraftir to have your help and favour in that he shall
have a do. And he told me and Stompis bothe, whanne so
evir he come he shuld be welcome, and that he wold do as
welle to hym as to fewe servauntes he had for yowr sake,
and that he wold kepe hym for yow. As for my self my
mastres saith she woll geve me mete and drynk for a season ;
nevirthelesse I am warnyd to be ware, for it is told me that
ther is processe out upon the appele ayens me and other ;
wherfore I beseche yow that that mater may be take heed to
as ye may, that we myght have knowlech of any processe
ther be, that we may be ware, for I thynk verely, and I or
any other come in ther hands this world, we shuld not escape
without shame at the leest.
Item, as for the remnaunt of the mony biside this bille, ye
owe to the parson of Sent Edmondes Caster for iiij. combe
malt, and ij. combe whete, xs. whiche I promysid hym to pay ;
and Rob. Newton lymebrenner for lyme, xiijj. iiij<^., calling
upon me for it ; and Robert Bery for shoyng, xs. ; and if it
please yow that I make payment herof there shall remayne in
my handes xxiijj. iiij<^. And what ye woll I do herin, I beseche
yow to send me word. Judy hath be with Thom FastolfF, he
can telle yow answer in that mater. As for the rewle at
Caster, they selle and make mony of such stufFe as they fond
there, and kepe other rewle that the contre is full sory and irk
of, and of my lordes men resortyng to hem, and riden about
the contry onknowen, and by berynges on hand^ take large
* See vol. ii. p. no, Note i.
78
EDWARD IV
bribys. I pray God be your spede and send yow some good 1470
meane for your wele and ease to them that owe yow servise. J^^y 15
Wretyn at Norwich the Monday next aftir Relik Sonday,
Your pore servaunt,
Pampyng.
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON^
IGRETE yow well and send yow Goddes blissyng and july M
myne, letyng yow wete that your fermours have brought
me a gret bille of reparacion, the which I send yow, with
\xs. in mony. I wold have had the residue of the mony of
them, and they said it was your agrement that this reparacion
shuld be do and alowed now at this payment, and so I coud
get no more mony of them. And they say that the parson ^
was prevy to the reparacion. If ye were thus agreed and woll
have the reparacion examined ye may send word ; but I wold
ye shuld purvey for your self as hastely as ye may, and come
home and take heed to your owne and to myn therto, other-
wise thanne ye have do bifore this, bothe for my profite and
for yours, or ellis I shall purvey for my self otherwise in hast,
so that I trust shall be more ease and avayle for me and non
ease nor profite to yow in tyme to come. I have litell help
nor comfort of non of yow yet, God geve me grase to have
heraftir. I wold ye shuld assay whedir it be more profitable
for yow to serve me thanne for to serve such masters as ye
have servid afore this, and that ye fynde mooste profitable
theraftir do in tyme to come. Ye have assayed the werld
resonabilly, ye shall knowe your self the bettir heraftir. I pray
God we may be in quyete and in rest with oure own from hens
forth. My power is nat so good as I wold it were for your
sake and other ; and if it were, we shuld not longe be in
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] This letter, although subscribed < By your mother,'
is neither signed nor addressed. It is, however, undoubtedly from Margaret Paston
to her son Sir John. It is written in Pampyng's hand, and seems to be of the same
year as his own letter immediately preceding, which is dated on the same day.
* Sir Thomas Howes.
79
THE PASTON LETTERS
1470 daungere. God brynge us oute of it ; who have yow in His
JULY 15 kepynge. Wretyn with onhertes ease the Monday next aftir
Relike Sonday. By your Modir.
753
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
Pas ton ^ &c.
AUG. 5 -pj ROTHER, I comand me to yow, &c. . . } Also
1"^ telle John Pampyng that the mayde at the BuUe at
-'-^ Cludeys at Westminster sent me on a tyme by hym to
the Moor a rynge of goolde to a tookne, whyche I hadde not
off hym. Wherffor I woUe he scholde sende it hyedre, ffor
sche most have itt ageyn, or ellys vj., ffor it was not hyrrys.
Item, I praye yow be redye ; the mater qwykennythe bothe
ffor yowe and yowres as well as ffor us and howrys.
As ffor tydynges, my Lorde Erchebysshop ^ is at the Moor,
but ther is beleffte with hym dyverse off the Kynges servantes,
and as I understond he hathe lysence to tarry ther tyll he be
sente ffor. Ther be many ffolkes uppe in the northe, soo that
Percy ^ is not able to recyst them ; and soo the Kynge hathe
sente ffor hys ffeeodmen to koom to hym, for he woll goo to
putt them downe. And soom seye that the Kynge sholde
come ageyn to London, and that in haste, and as it is sayde
Cortenayes be londyd in Devenschyr, and ther rewle.
Item, that the Lordes Clarance and Warwyk woll assaye
to londe in Inglonde evyrye daye, as ffolkes ffeer.
I praye yow late not John Mylsent be longe ffrom me, with
as moche as can be gaderyd : and also that ye wryght to me
off all thynges that I have wretyn to yow ffor, so that I may
1 [From Fenn, ii. 46.] This letter, as it will be seen from the contents, was
written at the period just before the restoration of Henry vi.
2 Here follows an order about searching for some writings, etc. — F.
3 This must mean George Neville, Archbishop of York, and brother to the Earl
of Warwick, who seems to have been suspected by the King, and left at the Moor as
a kind of state prisoner. — F.
* Henry Percy, who was restored to the Earldom of Northumberland this year on
its surrender by John Nevill, Lord Montague. See No. 743.
80
EDWARD IV
have answer oiF every thy nge. Other thynges Bacheler Walter, 1470
berer herofF, schall informe yow a"g- 5
Wretyii at London, the Sondaye nexte befFor Seynt
Lawrence Daye.^
Also my brother Edmonde is not yet remembryd. He
hathe not to lyff with, thynk on hym, &c.
John Paston, Kt.
754
ABSTRACT 2
Indenture, dated London, 7th Aug., 10 Edw. iv,, whereby Sir John Paston aug. 7
puts in pawn to Ric. Rawlyn of London, grocer, 2 chargers and 4 potengers,
weighing 11 lb. if oz silver, for ^^ 20, till Whitsunday following.
755
ABSTRACTS
147c, 10 Aug., 10 Edw. IV., at Eshher. Undertaking in English by John
Paston, Esq., son of John Paston, Esq., who was one of the feoffees and executors
of Sir John Fastolf, that whereas Bishop Waynflete, also one of the feoffees, and
now sole executor, has taken upon him to perform the will of the said Sir John,
so far forth as it may be performed (it being in most substance not yet performed,
and his property wasted and devoured), out of his manors and lands in Essex,
Surrey, Norfolk, Suffolk, and the city of Norwich, he (the said John Paston) will
do true and faithful service to the said Bishop, and will be aiding and assisting to
him and Magdalen College, in order that the lands may be let to their greatest
profit, he being rewarded by the Bishop, to show his very good will to the due
performing of Fastolf's will ; and that before the Feast of All Saints next he
will deliver up to the said Bishop all charters, deeds, evidences, rentals, accounts,
etc., pertaining to any of the said manors, excepting such as concern solely the
manor of Castre, which by covenant of the said Bishop with Sir John Paston,
Knight, brother of the said John Paston, Squire, must remain with the same
Sir John.
^ St. Laurence's day is the loth of August.
2 [From Add. Charter 17,250, B.M.]
3 The following abstract, like some others preceding, is taken from Mr. Macray's
Report to the Historical mss. Commission on the Records of Magdalen College,
Oxford.
VOL. v.— F 81
THE PASTON LETTERS
7S^
ABSTRACTS!
Painter's Work
1470 ^' Account of payments to Robert Spery, servant of Vyol, and others, for
working at the Frerys ^ in June and July ; also for varnish, lead, earthen pans,
yellow ochre, oil, bristles to make brushes, etc., for painter's work.
Endorsed: ' Vialles byll comprisid in the iij. rolles of stuff and werkmanship
to A. P. 3 place and the Freris, which, as Clargynet understondith, is paid to
Viall.'
' Memorandum : j. copy of this bill remayneth amonges the billes of werk-
manship at the White Freres and Baretts place, and a noder among the billes of
plate and Vialles plegis.'
2. ' Bill indented,' 15th Aug. 10 Edw. iv., between William Paston, Esq.,
and Thomas Vyall of Norwich, painter, relative to the pledging of certain coral
beads and plate to the former, for ^5.
3. Account of sums owing to one Vyall for certain persons 'at the Freris,'
during August, September, and October. Total, 32J. loci.
Endorsed: ' Viall's reckoning written in the roll of the Freris werke not
paid, and must be allowed of the ^5 that was lent to Viall not yet content
again.
* Memorandum : one copy of this bill remaineth amongs the bills of work-
manship at the White Freris and Baretts place, and another bill amongs the
bills of plate and pledges.'
757
Fastolf's College*
AUG. 27 * 4' '^ohn Paston, Squier, bindes himself to doe true and faithfuU service to
the Bishop of Winton, and to be ayding to his college and other his officers and
tenants, for the landes of Sir John Falstolf, and to deliver to him all deedes,
evidences, etc., except such as concerne the manor of Castre. Aug. 27,
Edw. IV. 10.'
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
2 Apparently the White Friars at Norwich. 3 AgneR Paston's ?
* This entry is from the same old index of deeds in Magdalen College, Oxford,
referred to in previous Nos.
82
EDWARD IV
758
EDWARD IV. TO WILLIAM SWAN 1
"To oure welbelovid William Swan^ Gentilman.
R. E. By the King.
TRUSTY and welbeloved, we grete you well. And for 1470
soo muche as we be credibly acertayned that our sept. 7
auncient ennemyes of Fraunce and our outward
rebells and traitors be drawe to gadre in acorde, and en-
tende hastily to lande in our countre of Kent, or in the parties
therof ner adjonyng, with grete might and power of Frenshe-
men, utterly to destroie us and our true subgietts, and to
subverte the comon wele of the same our royalme : We
straitly charge and commaunde you, upon the feyth and
liegeaunce that ye bare unto us, that ye arredie you with
alle the felaship ye can make, and as sone as ye may undre-
stonde that thay lande in our said countie or nerbye, that you
draw thider, as we have comaunded othere our subgietts to
doo, and put you in uttremost devoir with thaim to resiste the
malice of our said ennemyes and traitours ; and if thai and ye be
not of power soo to doo, that thanne ye drawe you to our citie
of London, by which tyme we trust to be there in our owne
personne or nerby ; and if we be not that, that thanne ye do
farther all ye shal bee commaunded by our Counsail there,
upon the payne above said.
Yeven undre oure signet at oure citie of York, the vij. day
of Septembr.
1 [From Fenn, iv. 438.] This letter does not properly belong to the Paston
correspondence. It was copied by Fenn from an original in the libraiy of Brigg
Price Fountaine, Esq. of Narford, in Norfolk, nephew and heir of the celebrated
antiquary, Sir Andrew Fountaine. The MS. was contained in a volume of State
Papers, some of them originals, and some copies, of various dates, which had belonged
to Sir Edward Coke.
The date of the document is undoubtedly in September 1470, when Edward was
at York, anticipating the invasion of Clarence and the Earl of Warwick, aided by tlie
King of France.
83
THE PASTON LETTERS
Henry VI, Restored
759
JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON i
To my ryght worchipfull Modyr, Margaret Paston,
be thys delyuered.
1470 A FTYR humbyll and most dew recommendacyon, as
OCT. 12 Z-^ lowly as I can, I beseche yow of yowr blyssyng.
Plesyt yow to wet that, blyssyd be God, my brodyr
and I be in good hele ; and I tryst that we shall do ryght well
in all owyr maters hastyly ; ffor my Lady of NorfF.^ hathe
promyssyd to be rewlyd by my Lord of Oxynforthe^ in all
syche maters as belonge to my brodyr and to me ; and as for
my Lord of Oxynforthe, he is bettyr Lord to me, by my
trowthe, than 1 can wyshe hym in many maters ; for he sente
to my Lady of NorfF. by John Bernard only for my mater,
and for non othyr cause, my onwetyng [i.e. without my
knowledge], or wythout eny preyer of me, for when he sente
to hyr I was at London, and he at Colchestyr, and that is a
lyeklyod he remembyrthe me.
The Dwk and the Dwchess swe to hym as humbylly as evyr
1 [From Fenn, ii. 50.] The contents of this letter clearly refer to the state of
matters on the restoration of Henry vi.
2 Elizabeth, daughter of John Talbot, first Earl of Shrewsbury, was the wife of
John Mowbray, fifth Duke of Norfolk.
3 John de Vere, a staunch Lancastrian.
84
HENRY VI RESTORED
I dyd to them ; in so myche that my Lord of Oxynforth shall 1470
have the rwyll of them and thers, by ther owne desyirs and oct. 12
gret meanys.
As for the ofyces that ye wrot to my brodyr for and to
me, they be for no poore men ; but I tryst we shall sped of
othyr ofyseys metly for us, for my Mastyr the Erie of Oxyn-
forthe bydeth me axe and have. I trow my brodyr Syr John
shall have the Constabyllshep of Norwyche Castyll, with xx/z.
of ffee ; all the Lordys be agreyd to it.
Tydyngs, the Erie of Wyrcestyr ^ is lyek to dye this day,
or to morow at the ferthest. John Pylkyngton, Mr. W. att
ClyfF, and Fowler ar takyn, and in the Castyll of Pomfrett,
and ar lyek to dye hastyly, with owte they be dead. Sir T.
Mongomere and Joudone be takyn ; what shall falle of hem I
can not sey.
The Qwen^ that was, and the Dwchess of Bedford,^ be in
seyntuary at Westmestyr ; the Bysheop of Ely * with othyr
Bysheopys ar in Seynt Martyns. When I here more, I shall
send yow more. I prey God send yow all your desyrs.
Wretyn at London on Seynt Edwards Evyn.
Your sone and humbyll servant, J. P.
Modyr, I beseche yow that Brome may be spoken to, to
gadyr up my syllvyr at Gwton in all hast possybyll, for I have
no mony. Also that it lyek yow that John Mylsent may be
spoken to, to kep well my grey horse, and he be alyve, and
that he spare no met on hym, and that he have konnyng
lechys to look to hym. As for my comyng horn, I knowe no
serteynte, for I terry tyll my Lady of NorfF. com to go thorow
with the maters, and she shall not be here tyll Sonday.
1 John Tiptoft, Lord Treasurer and Chief-Constable of England. He was
beheaded on a charge of cruelty, i8th October 1470.
2 Elizabeth Woodville, Queen of Edward iv.
?•** 3 Jaquetta of Luxemburg, Duchess-Dowager of Bedford, widow of Sir Richard
Woodville, the mother of Edward's queen.
* William Gray.
85
THE PASTON LETTERS
760
THE DUKE OF SUFFOLK'S MEN^
To the Baillies^ Constables ^ and Chamberleyns of our
Burgh of Eye, and to everch of them.
The Duke of Suff.
1470 XT^OR asmuche as Edmond Lee and John Barker, which
OCT. 22 1^ were waged for your town to awaite upon us in the
■"" Kings service to Lincolne Feld, and from thens to
Excestre and ayen, and for that season, as we be enfourmed,
thei ar not yet fully contented and paied of their wages ; wher-
fore upon the sighte herof we woll and charge that ye, with
oute any lenger delay, paie them their hooll duties acording
the covenants that ye made with them, and ye faille not herof
as ye entende our pleaser,
Wreten at Wyngefeld, the xxij''^ day of Octobr.
Suffolk.
761
MARGARET PASTON TO [JOHN PASTON]
2
I
OCT. 28 T GRETE you wele and send you Goddis blyssyng and
myn, and I sende you be the berere herof all the sylver
vessell that your graundam ^ makyth so mych of, which
she seid I had of myn husband, and myn husband shuld have
had it of his fader. And wher as she seid that I shuld have
had a garneys, I had ner see never more than I send you, that
1 [From Fenn, iv. 448.] The battle here referred to as ' Lincoln Field ' is what is
commonly called the battle of Stamford, in which the insurrection of Sir Robert
Welles in Lincolnshire was completely defeated in March 1470. Just before the date
of this document, Edward iv. had left the kingdom, and Henry vi. had been restored;
but perhaps Suffolk was not aware of the situation, or did not recognise it.
2 [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 206.] This letter was written by Margaret Paston to one
of her two sons, Sir John or John, at a time when they were both together. That
was the case in October 1470, as appears by a letter of the younger brother, written on
the 1 2th (No. 759), to the postscript of which this seems to be an answer.
3 Agnes Paston, the judge's widow.
86
HENRY VI RESTORED
is to say, ij. plateris, vj. dysshes and vj. sawceris. The ij. 1470
playteris weyn xllij. unces di., and the vj. dysshes weyn Ixxiiij. oct. 28
unces di. and the sawcers weyn xvij. unces j. quarter. And I
marvayll that ye sent me not word what an unce of sylver is
werth at London ; for it had be lesse joparte to have sold it
here and have sent you the money than the plate. I myght
have sold it her for iijs. an unce, sum xxli. Vnjs. njd. Be ware
how that ye spend it, but in acquityng you ageyn such as ye
be in daunger to, or abought the good speed of your materis ;
for, but if ye take odere heed to your expensis, ye shall do
your self and your frendis gret diswurchep and enpoveryssh
so them that non of us shall help other, to owr elmys \_enemies'^
grete comfort. It is understand ryght now in this countre be
such as cleyme to be frendly to you in what grete daunger and
nede ye stande in, bothe to diverse of your frendis and to your
elmyse. And also it is noysed that I have departed so largely
with you that I may nowthere help yow, my self nor none of
my frendis ; which is no wurchep, and causeth me to set the
lesse be us ; and at this tyme it compellith me to breke up
howshold and to sogeorn ; which I am right loth to have to
do if I myght otherwyse have chosyn ; for it caused gret
clamour in this town ^ that I shall do so ; and it shuld not
have neded if I had restreyned whan I myght. Therfore for
Goddis sake take hede here to, and be ware from hens forth ;
for I have delivered and sent you bothyn my parte the dedis
and yowris, and not restreyned nowthere for my self nor the
dede. Where fore I thynk we spede and fare all the wers ;
for it is a fowle slaunder that he was so wurchepful beried and
his qwethword not performed, and so litill do for hym sithen.
And now though I wold do for hym, I have right not [naug/it]
beside my lyffelode that I may make any chevysans with, with
ought grete slaunder ; and my lyffelode encreasith evill, for I
am fayn to takyn Mautby in myn owyn hand, and to set up
husbandry ther ; and how it shall profite me God knowyth.
The fermour owyth me \xxxli. and more. Whan I shall have
it I wete never. Therfore be never the bolder in your ex-
penses for any help ye trust to have of me. For I will fro
1 Norwich.
87
THE PASTON LETTERS
1470 hens forth bryng my self ought of such daunger as I stand in
OCT. 28 for your sakes, and do for the dede and for them that I have
my goodis of; for till I do so, I know for certeyn that I shall
fayll grace and displeas God, How [le^/^o] have you in His
kepyng. Wretyn on Sent Symondis day and Judes in hast. —
Be your Moder.
Item, I send zow ij. sherte clothys, iche of iii. zardis of the
fynest that is in thys towne. I xuld a dohem mad here ^ but
that xuld a be to long here [ere] ze xuld a had hem. Zour
Awnte " or sum other good woman wule do her almes up on
zow for the makyng of them. I thank zow for the gowne
that ye gave me Halowmesse day I hope [I ^] xole be wur-
shuped ther with. At reverence of God, be ware and take
hed to soche thynggis as is wretyn with ynne thys letter.
Telle your brother that the mony is not zet cownyd that I
xuld send hym for thersarsenet (sic) and damaske that I spake
to hym foor. As for the damaske that may be forebore tylle
the nexte terme, but as for the sarsenet I woold have yt and yt
mythe be, for I goo in my rentis. Late zour brothere* see
thys letter. As fore your syster^ I can send zow no good
tydyngges of her, God make her a good wooman.
762
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON ^
To John PastoHy Esquyere, in haste.
NOV. 15 1 '\ ROTHER, I comand me to yow, praying yow that thys
1^ be yow guydyng, if other folkys wy[ll] agree to the
"^^^ same, that Mr. Roos, olde Knevett, ye, and the wor-
shypfullest that wyll do for owr sake, as Arblaster, John
1 ' I xuld a dohem mad here ' = I should have got them made here.
2 Elizabeth, widow of Robert Poynings. 3 Omitted in MS.
* Sir John Paston, if this letter be to the younger brother.
^ Margery Paston, now probably married to Richard Calle.
^ [From Fenn, iv. 450.] From what is said in this letter about the Earl of
Oxford, it is impossible that it could have been written at any other time than during
the brief restoration of Henry vi., which only lasted from October 1470 till April
following.
88
HENRY VI RESTORED
Gyneye, Wodhows, and al other gentelmen that at the daye 1470
wyll be in Norwyche, that ye all hoU as on bodye come to ^ov. 15
geder, that my Lorde of Oxenforde maye ondrestande that
som strenkethethe restyth ther by, whyche if it be well
handely[d] and prove in the handely[ng], I trow Heydonnes
parte woll be but an easy comparyson. Neverthelesse ye than
most ye be war of on \^one'\ payn, and that is thys : Heydon
wyll of crafte sende amonge yow per case vj. or mor with
harneyse for to sclandre yowr felawschep, with seyng that they
be ryotous peple, and natt of substance. Requer the gentel-
men above wretyn that if any men be in Norwyche of the
contre that ber any suche harneyse, to do them leve it or any
glysteryng byll.
The Meyr and siteseynes of Nowyche wher wonte to have
asertayne^ in harneyse of men of the town to the nombr of ij.
or iij. or v.*"-, whyche if they now do in lyke case, those wole
owe better wyll to Mr. Roos and yow than to other folkys ;
and if it be so that the thowt nat to have non suche at thys
tyme, I thynke the Meyr woll do it at the request of Mr.
Roos and yow, if lak of tyme cawse it not.
Item, be well war of Clopton, for he hathe avysed my
Lorde to be all to gydre rewled by Heydon, in so moche he
hathe reportyd that all thyng and all materys of my Lordes,
and in all the contre, scholde guydyd by Heydon. If
Clopton or Hygham or Lowes John be besy, prese in to
my Lorde byfor them, for the be no Suff.^ materys, and
tell the raylyng ; prayng them not to cawse my Lorde to
owe hys favor for the pleser to som folkys ther present. For
if my Lorde favoryd or theye owther, by lykelyed my Lorde
and they myght lose vj. tyme as many frendes as he scholde
wynn by ther meanes. Also if ye cowde fynde the meanes,
Mr. R. and ye, to cawse [the] Meyr in my Lordes ere to
telle hym, thow he scholde bynde my Lorde to concell, that
the love of the contre and syte restyth on owr syde, and that
other folkys be not belovyd, ner nevyr wer, thys wolde do
^ J certain, i.e. a number.
2 I retain this word in the abbreviated form in which it is printed in Fenn's literal
transcript ; the copy in modern spelling reads sufficient.
89
THE PASTON LETTERS
1470 nonn harme, if it be soo that that all thynge go olyver
NOV. 1 5 currant (?) ; with mor to remembre that ther is owt of that
contre that be nat at Norw. besyde me, that be ryght worshyp-
full, and as worshypfuU as few be lengyng to Norff,, that woll
and schall do my Lorde servyse the rather for my sake and
Master Rossys, and the rather if my Lorde semyth nat moche
thynge to Heydon guydyng.
Also, the godely menes wherby ye best can entrete my
cosyn Sir W, Calthorpe at the seyde day, wse them to cawe
hym, if itt wyll be, to come, ye in hys companye, and he in
yow in cheff at yow cheff schew, and Mr. Roos and he in
company, latyng my seyde cosyn wete that I tolde hym ones
that I scholde meve hym of a thyng I trostyn scholde be
encressyng bothe to hys honor and well.
I sende yow a lettyr, com to Norwyche by lyklyed to yow
on Monday last past. It come some what the lattre, for I
wende have dyed nat longe by foer it. Also I receyved on
from yow by Mr. Blomvyle yister evyn. Tell my cosyn W.
Yelverton that he may not appyr of a whylle in no wyse. I
trow my cosyn hys fadr schall sende hym worde of the same.
Do that ye can secretly that my Lorde be nat hevy Lorde on
to hym. It is undrestande that itt is doon by the crafFte of
Heydon. He gate hym in to that offyce to have to be
ageyn me, and nowe he sethe that he hathe don all that he
can ageyn me, and now may doo no mor; nowe he wolde
remeve hym. The daye is comen that he fastyd the evyn
for, as an holye yonge monke fastyd mor than all the
covent, aftr that for hys holynesse and fastyng hopyd to be
abbott, whyche afterwarde was abbott ; than lefte he hys
abstynens, seyng, ' The daye was come that he fast the
evyn for.'
Brother, I pray yow recomand me to my Lord of Oxford
gode Lordshyp. And wher as I told my Lord that I shuld
have away ted uppon hys Lordsyp in NorfF., I wold that I
myght soo have don lever then a hundred //'. ; but in gode-
feth thos maters that I told my Lord trewed shold lette me
war not fynyshed tyl yesterday. Wherfor yf that cause, and
also syn Halowmasse every other day myst not hold uppe
90
HENRY VI RESTORED
myn heed, nor yet, may, in semech that sythen the seyd day, 1470
in Westminster Halle and in other place, I have goon with a nov. 15
staffe as a goste, as men sayd, more lyke that I rose owte of
the erth then owte of a fayr laydys bedd ; and yet am in lyke
case, savyng I am in gode hope to amende. Wherfor I be-
shyche hys Lordshyp to pardon me, and at a nother tyme I
shall make dobell amends ; for by my trouth a man cowyd not
have hyred me for v. mark with so gode will to have ryden in
to NorfF. as to have at thys season ther to have awaytyd in
hys Lordshyp, and also I wold have ben glad for my Lord
shold have knowyn what servys that I myght have don hys
Lordshyp in that contray.
Item, your geer ys send to you, as Thomas Stampes
sayth, savyng Mylsents geer and the shafeson,^ whych I
cannot entrete Thomas Stampes to goo therfor thys iij. or
iiij. days, wherfor I knokkyd hym on the crowne, &c.
Item, loke that ye take hyde that the letter wer not
broken or that it com to your hands, &c. Wryten at
London, on Thursday next after Seynt Erkenwolds Day, &c.
John Paston, K.
ABSTRACT 2
[[1470]] 6 Dec, on paper. Notice in English from the Duke of Norfolk dec. 6
to Philippe Cosard, William Dux, and other of his servants and tenants in the
counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, to depart out of the manor of Castre, and all
other manors and lands which he bought of Sir W. Yelverton and other executors
of Sir J. Fastolf, as soon as they can conveniently remove all his stuff and their
own which is therein, he having consented, at the desire of the Archbishop of
Canterbury, the Chancellor of England, and the Bishop of Winchester, to give
up the said manor, etc. Signed by the Duke, ' Norff.' Small seal of arms,
three lions passant, in chief, a label of three points, a straw round the seal.
* Chevron, a covering for a horse's head, made of iron and leather.
2 The following abstract is taken from Mr. Macray's Report on the Documents
In Magdalen College, Oxford, already referred to.
91
THE PASTON LETTERS
764
ABSTRACT '
1470 I470> II Dec, 49 Hen. vi., < and of the readepcion of his roiall power i.'
DEC. II Release (in English) from John, Duke of Norfolk, to Bishop Wayneflete, of
the manors of Castre, Wyntertone, Baytone, Bastwik, and Tolthorpe, in Nor-
folk, and of Caldecote, Burneviles or Burnegyles, in Suffolk, which had been
sold to him by Nicholas, Abbot of Langle, Will. Yelverton, Knight, Justice,
Thomas Howes, clerk, and Will. Worcetre, and of which the said Yelverton,
Howes, and Will. Jenney, as feoffees, with others, for Sir J. Fastolf, of the
said manors, enfeoffed the said Duke and others by deed, dated ist. Oct., 8
Edw. IV. [1468], the said Duke being informed by the Archbishops of York
and Canterbury, and by the said Bishop of Winchester, that the said bargain
was made contrary to the will of the said Sir John Fastolf. Covenants also to
deliver up all evidences concerning the same, specially the said deed of feoff-
ment and two papers, one with four seals specifying the said bargain, and another
with three seals specifying a license to enter on all Fastolf's manors till the
bargain be performed. And for this reconveyance the said Bishop pays to the
said Duke 500 marks.
765
ABSTRACT 2
DEC. 24 1470, 24 Dec, 49 Hen. vi., 'and of the readepcione of his royall power,
the first.' Acknowledgment by ' the highe and myghti Prynce, John, Duke
of NorfF.,' of the receipt of 100 marks from the Bishop of Winchester, being
part of 250 marks which the said Bishop has promised to pay upon knowledge
of the delivery of the manor of Castre, and other lordships specified in a writing
between the said parties, unto the feoffees of the said Bishop.
1 This abstract is also taken from Mr, Macray's Report on the Documents in
Magdalen College.
^ This abstract is from the same report as the two last.
92
HENRY VI RESTORED
766
MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON^
To John Paston the yonger, be this delivered in hast.
IGRETE you wele, and send you Godds blyssyng and l47o(?)
myn, latyng you wete that sith ye departed my Cosyn ^^ec. [28]
Calthorp sent me a letter, compleyning in his wrytyng
that for asmych as he can not be payd of his tenaunts as he
hat be befor this tyme, he purposith to lesse his howshold, and
to leve the streytlyer. Wharfor he desireth me to purvey for
your suster Anne ; he seth she waxeth hygh, and it wer tyme
to purvey her a manage.
I marveyll w^hat causeth hym to w^rite so now; outher she
hath displeased hym, or ell[es] he hath takyn her v^ith diff-
aught, Therfor I pray you comune with my Cosyn Clere at
London, and wete how he is dysposyd to her ward, and send
me word, for I shall be fayn to send for her, and with me she
shall but lese her tyme, and with ought she wuU be the better
occupied she shall oftyn tymes meve me, and put me in gret
inquietenesse. Remembr what labour I had with your suster,
therfor do your parte to help her forth, that may be to your
wurchiep and myn.
Item, remembr the bill that I spake to you of, to gete of
your brother of such money as he hath receyvid of me sith
your faders disseas. Se your Unkyll Mautby, if ye may, and
send me sume tydyngs as sonee as ye may. God kepe you.
Wretyn the Fryday next befor Sent Thomas of Caunter-
bury, in hast.
By your Moder.
^ [From Fenn, iv. 288.] This letter was probably written in or about the year
1470. Anne Paston, the sister of John Paston, here mentioned, was married to
William Yelverton, a grandson of the Judge, in 1474 (Itin. W. Wyrc. 369), and the
match had been already determined (as will appear in a future letter) before June
1472. At the date of this letter she was still staying in Calthorpe's household, into
which, after the manner of the times, she had been sent for her education; and
Calthorpe desiring to reduce his establishment, suggested, somewhat earlier than her
mother anticipated, that it was time to provide a husband for her.
93
THE PASTON LETTERS
767
ABSTRACT 1
1 47 1 Norfolk and Suffolk Deeds, No. 50. 'John Paston, Knight, binds him-
FEB. 1 2 self to performe all appoyntments made betweene him and W. Wanflet, Byshop
of Winton, concerning certayne landes which were Sir John Fastolfes. Feb.
12, Hen. VI. 49.'
768
ABSTRACT
2
FEB. 14 Release by John Beauchamp, Knight, Lord Beauchamp, to John Paston
and Roger Townesend, Esqs., of his interest in the manors of Castre called
Redhams, Vaus, and Bosoms ; and in the manors of Begviles in Wyntirton,
Spensers in Heryngby, Reppes in Bastwyk, and a third part of the manor of
Runham ; and in all lands called Billes in Stokesby, Cattes in Haringby, a
messuage called Dengayns in Yarmouth, and all lands and tenements in the
hundreds of East Flegge and West Flegge in Norfolk ; which premises Lord
Beauchamp lately had in conjunction with Thomas, Archbishop of Canterbury,
William Yelverton, Justice, William Jenney, Serjeant-at-law, and William
Paston, now surviving, and John Radclyff of Attylburgh, John Paston, Hen.
Fylongley, Esqs., Thomas Howes, clerk, and Thomas Grene, now deceased,
of the gift and feoffment of Ralph Boteler, Knight, Lord Sudeley, Sir William
Oldhall, Ric. Waller, Esq., Thos. West, Esq., William Wangford, and Nich.
Girlyngton.
Dated 14th Feb., 49 and i Hen. vi.
769
THE EARL OF OXFORD TO THOMAS VERE ^
To my right dere and welbeloved brother, Thomas Veer.
MARCH 14 ff ^ IGHT dere and welbeloved brother, I command me hertly
1^ unto you ; certyfying you that I have receyved your
writing, directed now laste unto me, by my servant
William Cooke, by which I understande the faithfull gwydyng
1 [From MS. Index in Magd. Coll., Oxford.]
^ [From a MS. in the Bodleian Library.]
3 [From Fenn, ii. 54.] It is suthciently apparent from the contents that this was
written during the restoration of Henry vi., and in anticipation of the attempt by
King Edward, which was very soon afterwards successful, to recover his throne.
Edward in fact landed at Ravenspur the very day this letter was written.
94
HENRY VI RESTORED
and disposicion of the cuntre, to my gret cumfote and pleaser ; 147 1
which I dowbte not shall redunde to the grethest presyng and march 14
worship that ever dide till eny cuntre ; certyfying you ferder-
more that by Nicheson of your other tydyngs laste send unto
me ; also thes by Robt. Porter. I have disposed me with all
the power that I can make in Essex and Suffolk, Cambryge-
shire, and other places, to be on Monday next comyng at
Bury, which purpose I intende to observe, with Godds grace,
towards you in to Norffolk, to the assistence of you and the
cuntre, in case Edwarde with his companye had aryved ther,
and yete I shall do the same noughtwithstandyng ; for if he
aryve northwarde, like as ye wete by likelyhode he shulde, I
caste to folow and porsew hym. And where ye desire that I
shulde send you woorde what disposicion shalbe take in the
cuntre wher ye be, I desire you that ye, by theadvyse of the
gentilmen which ben there, chese iij. or iiij., and send theym
to me at Bury on Monday next; and than I and they, with
my Counceyle, shall take a direccion for the suretie of all that
cuntre, by Godds grace ; by whome I shall send than to you
relacion, wheder ye shall remayne still ther your selff, or
resorte to me with all thos that be accompanyed with you.
And Jhesu preserve you. At Hithingham [Hedingham\ the
xiiij. day of Marche.
By your lovyng brothyr,
OXYNFORD.
770
THE EARL OF OXFORD TO HENRY SPILMAN
AND OTHERS 1
To my right trusty and welbelovyd Henry Spilmany Thos. Seyve,
John Seyve^ James Radclif^ John Brampton the older ^ and to
eche of them.
TRUSTY and welbeloved, I comende me to you, lettyng march 19
you witte that I have credible tydyngs that the Kyngs
gret enemys and rebellis, acompanyed with enemys
estraungers, be nowe aryved, and landyd in the north parties
1 [From Fenn, il. 58.] This letter was evidently written five days after the last.
95
THE PASTON LETTERS
147 1 of this his land, to the utter destruction of his roiall persone,
MARCH 19 and subversion of all his realm, if they myght atayne ; whom
to encountre and resiste the Kings Highnesse hath comaunded
and assigned me, under his seal!, sufficient power and auctorite
to call, reyse, gader, and assemble, fro tyme to tyme, all his
liege people of the shire of NorfF., and other places, to assiste,
ayde, and strenght me in the same entent.
Wherfor, in the Kyngs name, and by auctorite aforesaid, I
straitly charge and command you, and in my owne byhalf
hertly desire and pray you, that, all excuses leid apart, ye, and
eche of you in your owne persones defensibly araied, with
asmony men as ye may goodly make, be on Fryday next
comyng at Lynne, and so forth to Newark, where, with the
leve of God, I shall not faile to be at that tyme ; entendyng
fro thence to goo foorth with the help of God, you, and my
fryndes, to the recountr of the said enemyes ; and that ye faill
not hereof, as ye tendre the weele of our said sovereygne
Lord, and all this his realme. Written at Bury, the xix"" day
of Marche. Oxvnford.
771
JAMES GRESHAM TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
To the right worshipfull and speciall singler maister^
Sir John Pas ton ^ Knyght, be this delyvered.
1471 A FTER due recomendacion hadde with all my service,
/A &c ^
^ As for tydyngs, here in this cuntre be many tales,
and non accorth with other. It is tolde me by the Undir-
shireve that my Lord of Clarence is goon to his brother, late
Kyng ; in so moche that his men have the Gorget ^ on their
' [From Fenn, ii. 60.] The political news in this letter show that it was written
after the landing of Edward iv. in Yorkshire.
2 ' Here,' according to Fenn, ' follow copies of indictments and appeals procured
against Sir John Paston and his servants ; and likewise other law business.' The
indictments and appeals in question are doubtless those referred to in the next No,
3 A collar worn round the neck. — F.
96
HENRY VI RESTORED
breests, and the Rose over it. And it is seid that the Lord 147 1
Howard hath proclamed Kyng E. Kyng of Inglond in SufF.,
&c.
Yours, and at your comandement,
James Gresham.
772
ABSTRACT 1
A Register of Writs, etc., which was probably sent with the preceding
letter. It is addressed on the back, * To Sir John Paston,' and endorsed
'James Gresham,'
Distringas against Sir John Paston, late of Castre, for his appearance in the
King's Bench, Easter, 8 Edw. iv. 'Per Contr. de Anno viij° E. iiij". Ro.
xxviij.2 Vynter.'
Distringas against Sir John Paston and Ric. Calle, late of Castre, with
capias against William Wykes, late of Castre ; Edmund Brome, late of
Redeham ; and John Dawebeney, late of Castre ; Thurstan Cokesson, alias
Starky, late of Castre ; John Pampyng, late of Castre ; and Henry Swete, late
of Castre, yeoman, for their appearance in the King's Bench in Easter to
answer for offences against the statute de ingressibtts manu forti. ' Per Contr '
de Anno viij° E. iiij". Ro. xxviij. Vynter.'
* Of these ij. writtes ar supersedeas delyvered to the Undirshirreve.'
Writ of exigent against John Pampyng, late of Castre, gent., and Edmund
Brome of Castre, gent., * Oct' Joh'is,' appealed by Cecilia, widow of John
Colman, as principals in the death of her husband. Ro. 67. * Breve istud
deliberatur de recordo, Hill. xlix. Sonde.'
Another writ of exigent against Pampyng and Brome at the King's suit for
divers felonies and murders. ' Ro. xvj. Per Contr' de Anno x° E. iiij". Ro.
xij" Vynter.'
Distringas against Sir John Paston and Ric. Calle for their appearance in
the King's Bench in Easter term, on an indictment for forcible entry. * Per
Contr' de Anno viij° E. iiij". Ro. xxix.'
Distringas against Sir John Paston and Ric. Calle, with capias against John
Wykes, late of Castre, Edmund Brome, John Dawebeney, and Thurstan
Cokesson, alias Starky, late of Castre, for their appearance in the King's Bench
in Easter term, on an indictment of forcible entry. ' Per Contr' de Anno viij.
E. iiij"' Ro. xxviij. Vynter.'
Distringas against Sir John Paston and Ric. Calle, with capias against John
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
2 The Controlment Roll 8 Edw. iv. is now missing.
VOL. V. G 97
THE PASTON LETTERS
Wykes, Edmund Brome, John Dawebeney, and Thurstan, etc., for Easter.
* Per Contr. de Anno viij. Ro. xxviij. Vynter.'
Capias against John Pampyng, late of Castre, Edmund Brome, late of
Redeham, William Bedford and Edmund Mason, late of Bychamwelle, laborer,
and Alex, Cok of Norwich, yeoman, ' xv. Pasch.,' appealed by Christiana,
widow of Thos. Mylys, in Easter term, as principals in the death of her
husband. Also capias against William Paston of Norwich and Ralph Lovell of
Bychamwelle, gent., appealed as accessaries. Ro. Ixix. Registrum Sonde.'
*^* All the above writs are for the county of Norfolk.
773
ABSTRACT!
t4yi '30. Relaxatio Johannis Paston facta episc. Winton, et aliis totius juris in
APRIL 10 maneriis vocat. Akethorp in Leyestoft, Spitlings in Gorleston, Habland in Brad-
well, etc., quae quondam fuerunt Johannis Fastolf. — April 10, Edw. iv. 11.'
^ This is another entry from the old index of deeds in Magdalen College,
Oxford. There is probably some slight error in the date, as Edward iv. was not
acknowledged as King on the loth April, in what would otherwise have been the
eleventh year of his reign. He was so acknowledged a few days later — i.e. after the
battle of Barnet, which was fought on the 14th April — so that if the date had been,
say, April 20, instead of April 10, it would have been quite consistent. It is im-
possible, however, to say where the error lies, so we place the document under the
date actually expressed in it.
98
THE PASTON LETTERS
Edward IV,
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON ^
I'd my Moodre.
MOODRE, I recomande me to yow, letyng yow wette 147 1
that, blyssed be God, my brother John is a lyfFe and ^pril 18
farethe well, and in no perell off dethe. Never the
lesse he is hurt with an arow on hys ryght arme, be nethe the
elbow ; and I have sent hym a serjon^ whyche hathe dressid
hym, and he telly the me that he trustythe that he schall be all
holl with in ryght schort tyme. It is so that John Mylsent is
ded, God have mercy on hys- sowle ! and Wylliam Mylsent is
on lyffe, and hys other servants all be askepyd by all lyklihod.
Item, as ffor me, I ame in good case, blyssyd be God ; and
in no joparte off my lyffe, as me lyst my self; for I am at my
lyberte iff nede bee.
Item, my Lorde Archebysshop ^ is in the Towr ; neverthe-
lesse I trust to God that he schall do well i noghe ; he hathe a
saffe garde for hym and me bothe. Neverthelesse we have ben
1 [From Fenn, ii. 62.] This letter, as shown by the contents, was written just
four days after the battle of Barnet, by which Edward iv. recovered his throne. It is
not signed, but the writer is Sir John Paston.
2 George Neville, Archbishop of York. It was from the custody of this prelate
that Edward escaped, after having been surprised and taken prisoner by the Earl of
Warwick, in 1470 : perhaps the kind treatment of his then prisoner now procured his
pardon. — F.
99
THE PASTON LETTERS
147 1 troblyd syns, but nowe I undrestande that he hathe a pardon ;
APRIL 18 and so we hope well.
Ther was kyllyd uppon the iFelde, halfFe a myle fFrom
Bernett, on Esterne Daye, the Erie of Warwyk, the Mar-
qweys Montacu, Sir William Terrell,^ Sir Lewes Johns, and
dyverse other Esquiers off owr contre, Godmerston and
Bothe.
And on the Kynge Edwardes partye, the Lord Cromwell,^
the Lord Saye,^ Sir Omffrey Bowghsher* off owr contre,
whyche is a sore moonyd man her, and other peple off bothe
partyes to the nombre off mor then a m'-
As for other tythynges, is undrestande her that the Qwyen
Margrett is verrely londyd and hyr sone in the west contre,
and I trow that as to morow, or ellys the next daye, the Kynge
Edwarde wyll depart ffrom hense to hyr warde, to dryve her
owt ageyn.
Item, I beseche yow that I may be recomendyd to my cosyn
Lomner, and to thanke hym ffor hys goode wyll to me wardes,
iff I had hadde nede, as I undrestoode by the berer heroff ; and I
beseche you on my behalve to advyse hym to be well ware off
hys delyng or langage as yit, ffor the worlde, I ensur yow, is
ryght qwesye, as ye schall know with in thys monthe ; the
peple heer feerythe it soor.
God hathe schewyd Hym selffe marvelouslye lyke Hym
that made all, and can undoo ageyn whan Hym lyst ; and I
kan thynke that by all lyklyod schall schewe Hym sylff as
mervylous ageyn, and that in schort tyme ; and, as I suppose,
offter than onys in casis lyke.
Item, it is soo that my brother is on purveyed off monye.
I have holpyn hym to my power and above. Wherffor as it
pleasythe yow remembre hym, ffor kan not purveye ffor my
selffe in the same case.
Wretyn at London the thorysdaye in Esterne weke. I
hope hastely to see yow.
1 Sir William Tyrell was cousin to Sir James Tyrell, the afterwards supposed
murderer of Edward v. and his brother the Duke of York. — F.
2 Humphrey Bourchier, third son of Henry, Earl of Essex, had summons to Par-
liament, in 1 46 1, as Lord Cromwell, in right ot his wife. — F.
3 William Fienes, Lord Say. * Son of John, Lord Berners.
100
EDWARD IV
All thys bylie most be secrett. Be ye not adoghtyd off 1471
the worlde, ffor I trust all schall be well. Iff it thusse con- april 18
tenewe, I ame not all undon, nor noon off us ; and iff other-
wyse, then, &c. &c.
775
[THE EARL OF OXFORD] TO A LADY 1
'To the ryght reverent and wyrchypfull Lady}
RYGHT reverent and wyrchypfull Lady, I recomande me 1471
to yow, lettyng yow wete that I am in gret hevynes at
the makyng of thys letter ; but thankyd be God, I am
eschapyd my selfe, and sodenly departyd fro my men ; for I
undyrstand my chapleyn wold have detrayed me ; and if he
com in to the centre, let hym be mad seuer, &c. Also ye shall
gyff credence to the brynger of thys letter, and I beseke yow
to reward hym to hys costs ; for I was not in power at the
makyng of thys letter to gyff hym, but as I wass put in trest
by favar of strange pepyll, &c.
Also ye shall send me in all hast all the redi money that ye
can make, and asse mone of my men asse can com well horsyd ;
and that they cum in dyverse parcellys. Also that my horsse
be sent, with my stele sadelles ; and byd the yoman of the
horse cover theym with ledder. Also ye shall send to my
moder,^ and let hyr wete of thys letter, and pray hyr of hyr
blessyng, and byd hyr send me my kasket, by thys tokyn ; that
she hathe the key theroff, but it is brokyn.
Also ye shall send to the Pryor of Thetford,^ and byd hym
1 [From Fenn, ii. 68.] The signature of this letter is composed of flourishes
which were probably devised on purpose to make it unintelligible. Fenn suggests that
the first character may be taken for an O, and the last for a D ; but to our thinking
the resemblance is rather difficult to trace. There is, however, great probability in his
conjecture that the writer was the Earl of Oxford, and the date just after the battle of
Barnet.
2 Margaret, daughter of Richard Neville, Earl of Salisbury, sister to the late Earl
of Warwick, and wife of John de Vere, Earl of Oxford. — F.
3 Elizabeth, daughter and heir of Sir John Howard, Knight, who was the grand-
father of John Howard, first Duke of Norfolk of that name. She was now the widow
of John de Vere, late Earl of Oxford.
^ John Vescey, Prior of Thetford, from 1441 to 1479. — F.
101
THE PASTON LETTERS
147 1 send me the sum of gold that he seyd that I schuld have. Also
sey to hym by thys token, that I schewyd hym the fyrst Prive
Seale, &c. Also lete Pastun, Fylbryg, Brews, come to me.
Also ye shall delyver the brynger of thys letter an horsse,
sadell, and brydell. Also ye schallbe of gud cher, and take no
thowght, for I schall brynge my purpose abowte now by the
grace of God, Qwhome have yow in kepyng.
b . . . D (?).
776
JOHN PASTON OF GELSTON TO MARGARET
PASTON 1
APRIL 30 A FTYR humbyll and most dew recomendacyon, in as
/-\ humbyll wyse as I can, I beseche you of your blyssyng,
■^ -^ preying God to reward you with as myche plesyer and
hertys ease as I have latward causyd you to have trowbyll and
thowght ; and, with Godys grace, it shall not be longe to or
then my wronges and othyr menys shall be redressyd, for the
world was nevyr so lyek to be owyrs as it is now ; werfor I
prey you let Lomnor no be to besy as yet. Modyr, I beseche
you, and ye may spare eny money, that ye wyll do your almesse
on me and send me some in as hasty wyse as is possybyll ; for
by my trowthe my leche crafte and fesyk, and rewardys to
them that have kept me and condyt me to London, hathe cost
me sythe Estern Day^ more than v//., and now I haue neythyr
met, drynk, ciothys, lechecraft, ner money but up on borow-
yng ; and T have asayid my frendys so ferre, that they be gyn
to fayle now in my gretest ned that evyr I was in. Also,
modyr, I beseche yow, and my horse that was at lechecraft at
the Holt^ be not takyn up for the Kynges hawkys,* that he
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] This letter was printed by Fenn in his fifth volume,
of which the original mss. are now recovered. It was evidently written in April 1471,
when the writer was recovering from the wound he had received at the battle of Bamet
{^see No. 774. It is not addressed, but is endorsed in a later hand, ' Litera Johannis
Paston armigeri matri sux.'
2 The battle of Barnet was fought on Easter Day, 14th April 147 1.
3 A pasture so called, and means the groves, or lands full of wood. — F.
* This may signify, in jocular language, if he be not dead. — F.
102
EDWARD IV
may be had horn and kept in your plase, and not to go owght 1 47 1
to watyr, nor no whedyr ellys, but that the gat be shet, and he april 30
to be chasyd aftyr watyr within your plase, and that he have as
myche met as he may ete ; I have hey i new of myn owne, and
as for otys, Dollys will purvey for hym, or who that dothe it I
wyll paye. And I beseche yow that he have every wek iij.
boshell of otys, and every day a penyworthe of bred ; and if
Botoner be not at Norwyche, and Syme kep hym, I shall geve
hym well for hys labore. Also that Phelypp Loveday put the
othyr horse to gresse ther, as he and I wer acordyd.
Item, that Botoner send me hyddyr the two shyrtys that
wer in my casket, and that he send me hydyr xh. by the next
messenger that comyth to London.
Item, that Mastress Broom send me hedyr iij. longe gownys
and ij. doblettes, and a jaket of plonket chamlett, and a morey
bonet out of my cofyr. Sir Jamys hathe the key, as I sent hyr
werd be for thys.
Item, that syche othyr wryghtynges and stuff as was in
my kasket be in your kepyng, and that no body look my
wryghtynges.
Item, that the horse that Purdy hathe of myne be put to
some good gresse in haste ; and if it plese yow to have know-
lage of our royal person, 1 thank God I am hole of my
syknesse, and trust to be clene hole of all my hurttys within a
sevennyght at the ferthest, by wyche tym I trust to have othyr
tydynges ; and those tydynges onys had, I trust not to be longe
owght of Norifolk, with Godys grace, Whom I beseche preserve
you and your for my part.
Wretyn the last day of Apryll. The berer herof can tell
you tydynges, syche as be trew for very serteyn.
Your humbylest servaunt,
J. OF Gelston.
103
THE PASTON LETTERS
777
THE BATTLE OF TEWKESBURY >
Ded in the Feld.
1 47 1 Edward that was called Prynce.
MAY 4 Lord John of Somerset.
Erie of Devenshire.
Lord Wenlok.
Sir William Vaus.
Sir Edmond Hamden.
Sir John Seymour.
Sir William Bermoth.
Water Barrow.
Mr. William Henmar.
Mr. Feldyng.^
Hervy, recorder.^
Mr. Herry, capteyn of Brystowe.
Sir Roberte Whetyngham.
Knoyll.
Thes be men that were heveded}
The Duke of Somerset.
The Lord of Sent Jones. ^
Sir Jerveys Clyfton.
Humfrey Awdeley.
Lowes Miles.
Forey of Fraunce.
Sir John Delvys.^
Lord Foskew on lyfFe.
1 [From MS. Phillipps 9735, No. 279.] This paper is in a contemporary hand-
writing, and undoubtedly refers to the battle of Tewkesbury.
2 Sir William Fielding, according to Warkworth's Chronicle.
3 These words, ' Hervy, recorder,' are written over ' Herry, capteyn,' as a correc-
tion ; but the latter are not erased. Warkworth mentions Sir Nicholas Hervy.
^ Beheaded. ^ Sir John Longstruther, Prior of St. John's.
' Originally written ' Mr. Delvys,' and corrected.
104
EDWARD IV
Sir William Carre.
Sir Hew Courteney.
Sir Thomas Tressham.
Sir Herry Tressham.
Sir William Newbery.
Mr. Gower.^
Mr. Awdeley.^
Robert Gierke.
Lechefeld, mason of Westmynster.
Sir William Grymesby yet on lyffe.
Thes be the Knyghtes that the Kyng mad in the Feld.
147 1
MAY 4
Lord Cobham.
Sir George Nevel.
Sir Philip Courtenay.
Sir Herry Bemonde.
Sir Moreys of Barkley.
Sir Richard Hastynges.
Sir Roberte Haryngton,
Sir Thomas Gray.
Sir James Terell.
Sir John Feres.
Sir Herry Feres.
Sir Herry Purpeynt.
Sir John Parre.
Sir John Downe.
Sir Roger Kyngstone.
Sir John Crokere.
Sir Skerne,
Sir James Crowmere.
Sir William Sandalle.
Sir John Deverys.
Sir Herry Grey.
Sir Edward Wodehous.
^ James Gower, according to Warkworth.
Sir Richard Croft.
Sir John Pylkyngton.
Sir John Byngham.
Sir John Harley.
Sir John Boteler.
Sir Christofer Morysby. ,
Sir John Clay.
Sir Robert Wylleby.
Sir Robert Grene.
Sir Roger Ree.
Sir Richard Radclyffe.
Sir John Saundes.
Sir Thomas Strikelande.
Sir George Browne.
Sir William Motton.
Sir Tery Robsert,
Sir Thomas Cromewell.
Sir Robert Corbet.
Sir Nicholas Langford.
Sir John Seyntlowe.
Sir William Brandon.
2 Sir Humphrey Audeley.
105
THE PASTON LETTERS
778
JOHN PASTON TO xMARGARET PASTON 1
1 47 1 "E jpOST worchepfuU and my ryght specyall good modyr,
JULY 5 V/l as humbylly as I can, I recomand me on to yow,
besechyng yow of your blyssyng. Please it yow to
undyrstand that thys day I spake with Batcheler Water, whiche
let me have undyrstandyng of your welfare, wherof I thank
God with all my hert. Also he leet me have knowlage that
the Lord Scalys had grauntyd yow to be my good lord, wherof
I am no thyng prowd, for he may do leest with the gret mastyr ;
but he wold depert ovyr the see, as hastyly as he may ; and
because he wenyth that I wold go with hym, as I had pro-
myseyd evyr, and he had kept foorthe hys jornay at that tyme,
thys is the cause that he wyll be my good lord and help to get
my pardon. The Kyng is not best pleasyd with hym for that
he desyerthe to depert, in so myche that the Kyng hathe seyd
of hym, that wen evyr he hathe most to do, then the Lord
Scalys wyll sonest axe leve to depert, and weenyth that it is
most be cause of kowardyese. As for pardon, I can never get,
withowght I schold paye to myche money for it, and I am
not so purveyd. As for Herry Hallman, my brodyr wyll axe
hym no sylver tyll ye be payeyd ; therfor ye may send to hym
and have it.
Item, I am sory that ye have fadyrd my hors that was at
Caster to be my Brodyr Edmundys, for I had leveer that they
1 [From Fenn, Iv. 1 16.] From the mention of Lord Scales in this letter It might
be supposed that it was written not later than the year 1469, when Anthony Wood-
ville, the last Lord Scales, became Earl Rivers by the death of his father ; but I believe
the date to be 147 1, and that the writer is simply speaking of Earl Rivers by his old
title. In the first place there is no appearance of either of the John Pastons requiring
a royal pardon before the year 1471 : secondly, it is not probable that either of them
would have spoken so slightingly of the value of Lord Scales's intercession at an earlier
period ; and thirdly, it seems doubtful whether Edmund Paston could have been old
enough to own a war-horse many years before. Finally, we find by Letter 780 follow-
ing that John Paston, the youngest, succeeded in obtaining a pardon signed by the
King on the 17th July 1471. If the reference to the autograph plate in Fenn is
correct, this letter was in the hand of his elder brother, Sir John Paston, Knight ; but
as it is not signed, like most of his letters, ' John Paston, K.,' we are inclined to suspect
that it was really written by the younger brother, like No. 780.
106
EDWARD IV
had hym style then owght ellys ; wherfor thow they profyr 1471
hym yow from hense foorthe, let not my brodyr Edmund take July 5
hym, but let him sey whedyr they wyll let hym have hym or
not, that I have promyseyd my brodyr Edmund a bettyr hors
for hym, so that he wyll not cleyme the same for hys. As for
tydyngs her be non but that the Scottys and Walyshe men be
besy ; what they meane I can not seye. My cosyn John
Loveday can tell yow, and ther be eny odyr flyeyng talys, for
he hathe walkyd in London, an,d so do not I. When I may
I wyll come hom with Godys grace, whom I beseche to sende
you your hertys desyeyr. Wretyn the v. daye of Julie.
Be yowr humblest sone and servant.
J. P.
779
ABSTRACT '
NorfF. and SufF. Deeds, No. 5. * Relaxatio Johannis Paston militis, july 12
Davidi Husband et Will. Gyfford totius juris in maneriis de Saxthorp,
Tichwell, Haineford, Essex in Hickling, etc., Calcote, Leystoft, Habland,
Broweston, Gorleston alias Spitlings, quje quondam fuerunt Johannis Fastolf
mil., et quae Will. Waynflet episcopus Winton' habuit ex dono Rad. Boteler
domini de Sudley, et prasdicti David et Willielmus ex dono episc. prsedicti,
necnon de et in 25 markes redd, precipiend. de priori de Hickling. Julii 12,
Edw. IV. II. With a scedule annexed touching the same release.'
780
JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 2
To my most worchepfull Modyr, Margaret Paston, be thys
delyveryd in hast.
RYGHT worchepfull modyr, I recomand me to yow, and july 17
as lowly as I can, I beseche yow of yowr blyssyng.
Please yow to undyrstand that thys Wednysday Sir
Thomas Wyngffeld sent to me, and let me wet that the Kyng
1 [From MS. Index in Magd. Coll., Oxford.]
2 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] This letter refers to a pardon granted by the King
to John Paston the younger, for having taken part v^^ith the Lancastrians at the battle
of Barnet. Though the ' bill ' for this pardon was signed by the King on the 17th
July, the pardon itself did not pass the Great Seal till the 7th February following,
under which date it is enrolled on the Pardon Roll of 1 1 Edw. iv., memb. 9.
107
THE PASTON LETTERS
147 1 had syngnyd my bylle of perdon, whyche the seid Sir Thomas
JULY 1 7 delyveryd me ; and so by Fryday, at the forthest, I tryst to
have my perdon ensealyd by the Chanceler, and soone aftyr,
so as I can fornyshe me, I tryst to se yow, if so be that eny of
the Kynges hows com in to Norwyche. 1 wold fayne my
gray horse wer kept in mewe for gnattys. Also, modyr, I
beseche yow that Dollys and his felawe may be sent to, that
I may have my money redy ayenst that I come home, whyche
is dew to be payid, for thys mater hathe cost me the settyng
over. Also that it may please yow that Purdy at Heylysdon
maye be sent to for the horse that he hathe of myne, and that
the horse may be kept well, and have as myche mete as he
wyll eate be twyx thys and that I come home, and that Jakys
nage have mete i now also. Also, and Syr Thomas Wyngfeld
come to Norwyche, that he may have as good chere as it
please yow to make on to that man that I am most behold to
for hys gret kyndnesse and good wyll, for he takyth full my
part ayenst my gretest enmyeys, Brandons and hys brodyr
William ; for at my fyrst comyng to Sir Thomas Wyngfeld,
bothe William Wyngfeld and William Brandon the yonger
wer with Sir Thomas, and had gret wordy s to myn owne
mowthe, and in cheiF W. Wyngfeld ; and wher so evyr he
may met me on evyn grownd he wyll do myche ; but and we
met evynly, no fors, so I have yowr blyssyng. I prey yow,
with owght it be to my Lady Calthorp, let ther be but fewe
woordys of thys perdon. No more, but I prey God preserve
vow and yours.
Wretyn the Wednysday next before Mary Mawdelen,
By your humblest sone, J. P.
108
EDWARD IV
781
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON^
To Mestresse Margret Paston, or to John Paston, Esqier,
hyr sone^ in hast.
RYGHT well belovyd brother, I comende me to yow, 147 1
letyng yow wete that I am in welliFar, I thanke God, sept, i 5
and have ben evyr syns that 1 spake last with yow ;
and mervayle for that ye sent never wryghtynge to me syns
ye departyd ; I herde nevyr synes that tyme any worde out off
Norffolk ; ye myght aft Bertlemai Feyr ^ have had messengers
i nowe to London, and iff ye had sent to Wykys, he scholde
have conveyed it to me. I herde yisterdaye, that a Worsted
man of Norffolk, that solde worstedys ^ at Wynchester, seyde
that my Lord of Norffolk and my Lady wer on pylgrymage
at Our Lady ^ on ffoot, and so they went to Caster ; and that
at Norwyche on scholde have had large langage to yow, and
callyd yow traytor, and pyked many quarellys to yow. Sende
me worde ther off ; it wer well doo, that ye wer a lytell sewrer
off yowr pardon than ye be : avyse you, I deme ye woll her
afftr ellys repent yow.
I undrestonde that Bastarde Fauconbryge ^ is owther hedyd
or lyke to be, and hys brother bothe ; some men seye he wolde
have deservyd it, and som sey naye.
I purpose to be att London the fiyrst daye off the terme ;
send me worde whethyr ye schall be ther or nott.
Item, I wolde wete whether ye have spoken wyth my Lady
off Norffolk or not, and off hyr disposicion and the howsoldys
1 [From Fenn, ii. 72.] Apart from the reference to John Paston's pardon, the
date of this letter is fixed by what is said of the bastard Falconbridge.
2 Bartholomew Fair, in Smithfield.
3 Worsted, in Norfolk, a town formerly famous for the spinning of the fine thread
with which the yarn called Worsted is made. — F.
* Of Walsingham.
5 Thomas Nevill, a natural son of William, Lord Fauconberg. He was beheaded
in 1471, and, as mentioned in Letter 782 following, his head was placed on London
Bridge.
109
THE PASTON LETTERS
1471 to me and to yow wardes, and whether it be a possible to have
SEPT. 1 5 Caster ageyn and ther goodewylles or not ; and also I praye
yow undrestande what ffelaschyp and guydyng is in Caster,
and have a spye resortyng in and owt, so maye ye know the
secretys among them. Ther is moche adoo in the Northe, as
men seyn ; I pray yow be ware off yowr guydyng, and in
chefF off yowr langage, and so that ffro hense fforthe by yowr
langage noo man perceyve that ye ffavor any person contrary
to the Kynges plesur. I undrestonde that the Lord Ryvers
hathe lycence off the Kynge to goo to Portyngale now within
thys vij. nyght. I pray yow recomande mo to my modre, and
beseche hyr off hyr blyssyng on my be halve.^
Item, I praye yow sende me worde iff any off owr ffrendys
or wellwyllers be dede, ffor I feer that ther is grete dethe in
Norwyche, and in other Borowgh townese in Norffolk, ffor I
ensur you it is the most unyversall dethe that evyr I wyst in
Ingelonde ; ffor by my trowthe, I kan not her by pylgrymes
that passe the contre, nor noon other man that rydethe or
gothe any contre, that any Borow town in Ingelonde is ffree
ffrom that sykenesse ; God sease it whan it pleasyt Hym.
Wherffor, ffor Goddysake, let my moodre take heede to my
yonge brytheren that they be not in noon place wher that
sykenesse is regnyng, nor that they dysport not with noon
other yonge peple whyche resortythe wher any sykenesse is,
and iff ther be any off that sykenesse ded or enffect in
Norwyche, ffor Goddes sake, lete hyr sende them to som
ffrende off hyrse in to the contre, and do ye the same by myn
advyce ; late my moodre rather remeve hyr howsesolde in to
the contre.
Even now Thyrston browt me word ffro London that it
was Doctor Aleyn that cawsyd yowr troble that ye had at
Norwych ; and that John Pampyng roode ffor a dyscharge
ffor yow, and that he hathe sped well, but howghe, that wot I
nott ; iff ye be cleer owt off Doctor Aleyn danger, kepe yow
ther, and her afftr ye maye schoffe as well at hys carte. I
praye yow sende me worde off all the fforme off hys delyng
with yow.
1 Here follow, says Fenn, some directions about payments of money.
I 10
EDWARD IV
I had almost spoke with Mestresse Ann Hault, but I dyd 1471
not ; nevyrthelesse thys next terme I hope to take on weye ^ept. i 5
with hyr or other ; sche is agreyd to speke with me, and sche
hopythe to doo me ease as sche saythe.
I praye yow sende me worde hoghe ye doo with my Lady
Elysabeth Boghscher ; ye have a lytell chaffyd it, but I can
not tell howe ; sende me worde whether ye be in better hope
or werse. I her seye that the Erie off Oxenffordys bretheryn
be goon owt off Sceyntewarye. Sir Thomas Fulfforthe^ is
goon owt off Sceyntewarye, and a gret ffelaschyp ffettchyd
hym, a iij/''-, and they sey that with in v. myle off London
he was CC. men ; and no man watethe wher he is become
not yit.
The Lordes Hastyngs and Howerd be in Caleys, and have
it pesebely ; and Sir Walter Wrettesle and Sir Jeffrey Gate
be comyn thense, and woll be at London thys daye as it is
seyde.
Wretyn at Waltham besyd Winchester the daye nex Holy
Roode Daye.^
J. P., K.
782
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 2
To hys well belovyd John Paston, Esquier, at Norwyche,
or to Mestresse Margret, his Modre.
ICOMANDE me to yow, letyng yow weet that, &c.* sept. 28
I wolde ffayne have the mesur wher my ffadre lythe
at Bromholm ; bothe the thyknesse and compase off the
peler at hys hed, and ffrom that the space to the alter, and the
1 Sir Thomas Fulford was son of Sir Baldwin Fulford, beheaded at Bristol in
146 1 ; he likewise ended his life on the scaffold.
* Holyrood Day, 14th of September.
3 [From Fenn, ii. 80.] The evidences of date in this letter are the same as in
the last.
* Here follows an account that the Duchess of Suffolk and Duke of Norfolk intend
again commencing appeals against Sir John Paston and his brother, etc., concerning
Caister, etc. — F.
Ill
THE PASTON LETTERS
1 47 1 thyknesse off that alter, and imagery off tymbre werk ; and
SEPT. 28 what hyght the arche is to the grounde off the ilde, and how
hye the grounde off the qwyr is hyer than the grownde off
the ilde.
Item, I praye yowe late the mesur by pekthred be taken
or elt mesured by yerde, how moche is ffrom the northe gate,
ther the brygge was, at Gressham to the sowthewall, and in
lyke fforme ffrom the este syde to the west, also the hyght off
the estewall, and the hyght of the sowthest towr ffrom the
grownde, iff ye maye easely. Also what bredde every towr is
within the wall, and whych towr is moor then other within.
Alsso how manye ffote, or what brede eche towr takythe
within iche corner off the quadrate ^ ovyrthwert the dorys, and
how many taylors yards is from the moote syde, wher the
brygg was, to the hyghe weye, or to the heddge all a longe
the entre, and what brede the entre is be twyen the dykys. I
praye yow, iff ye have a leyser in any wyse, se thys doone
yowrselffe iff ye maye ; or ellys iff Pampyng do it, or who
that ye thynke can doo it, I wolle spende xx^. or as ye seme to
have the sertayn off every thyng her in. And as for my
ffaders tombe, I charge yow se it yowr selffe, and when I
speke with yow I woll tell yow the cawses why that I desyr
thys to be doon.
As ffor tydyngs, the Kyng, and the Qwyen, and moche
other pepell, ar ryden and goon to Canterbery, nevyr so
moche peple seyn in Pylgrymage hertofor at ones, as men
seye.
Alsso it is seyde that the Erie of Penbroke ^ is taken on to
Brettayn ; and men saye that the Kynge schall have delyvere
1 A drawing is here given in the original letter, apparently designed as a plan of
the quadrangle of Gresham, of which the subjoined is a facsimile.
2 Jasper Tudor.
112
EDWARD IV
ofFhym hastely, and som seye that the Kynge off France woU 1471
se hym saffe, and schall sett hym at lyberte ageyn. sept. 28
Item, Thomas Fauconbrydge hys hed was yesterdaye sett
uppon London Brydge, lokyng into Kent warde ; and men
seye that hys brother was sor hurte, and scope to seyntwarye
[sanctuary] to Beverle.
Sir Thomas Fulfforthe escaped owt of Westminster with
an C. sperys, as men seye, and is in to Devenshyr ; and ther
he hathe strekyn off Sir John Crokkers hed, and kylt an other
knyght off the Corteneys, as men seye. I wolde ye hadd
yowr verry pardon at onys ; wherfor I praye yow ffayle not
to be at London within iiij. daye afftr Seynt Fey the ; ^ ye
schall do goode in many thynges, and I praye yow sende
me worde heroff by the next massenger ; and if it come to
Mestresse Elysabeth Hyggens, at the Blak Swan, sche schall
conveye it to me, ffor I woll not ffayle to be ther at London
ageyn within thys vj. dayes.
Mestresse Elysabeth hathe a son, and was delyveryd within
ij. dayes afftr Seynt Bertelmew ;^ and hyr dowtr A. H. was
the next daye afftr delyveryd off an other sone, as sche seythe,
xj. weks er hyr tyme ; it was crystened John, and is ded.
God save all ! No mor tyll I speke with yow.
Wretyn at London on Mychellmesse Evyn.
J. P., K.
Item, I praye yow late some wytty felaw, or ellys yowr-
selff, goo to the townes ther as thes ij. women dwelle, and
inquire whether they be maryed syns and ageyn or not, ffor I
holde the hoorys weddyd ; and iff they be, than the appelys
wer abbatyd ther by. I remembr not ther names ; ye knowe
them better then I. Alsso in the Schreffvys bookys ther maye
ye ffynde off them.
^ 5th of October. 2 ^^th of August.
VOL. V. H
113
OCT. 21
THE PASTON LETTERS
783
R. L. TO JOHN PASTON 1
To hys worshipful master^ John Paston, Esquier.
'471 Tp\ YGHT wurchupfuU ser, I comaund me to your good
1^ maysterchepe, &c. Plese it you to understond that
Redford desyryd me on your byhalfe that I chuld goo
and comon with the woman that was the fuUars wyfe of South
Walsham, whech woman is now maryed to on Thom Styward,
dwellyng in the parysch of Seynt Gyll in Norwych, whech
woman seyd to me that che sewyd never the pele, but that she
was by sotyle craft brought to the New In at Norwych, and
ther was Maystir Southwell, and he entretyd hyr to be my
Lords wewe \widow'\^ by the space of an hole yer next folwyn,
and therto he mad hyr to be bowne in an obligacyon. And
whan that yer was past he desyred hyr to be my Lords wedow
another yer ; and than she seyd that she had lever lose that
that she had do, than to lose that and meer ; and therfor she
seyd pleynly that she wold no mor of that mater. And so
she toke hyr an husbond, whech is the seyd Thom Styward ;
and she seyth that it was full sor ageyn hyr wylle that ever the
mater went so forforth, for she had never non avayle therof,
butt it was sewyd to hyr gret labor and losse, for she had
never of my Lords councell, but berely hyr costs to London.
No mor, but God have you in Hys kepyng.
Wretyn at Norwych, the Monday next after the Fest of
Seynt Luke.
By your servant, R. L.
1 [From Fenn, iv. 440.] In the postscript to the preceding letter, Sir John Paston
intimates his belief that the two widows who had appealed his brother of the
murder of their husbands had married again, and that thereby the appeals were
abated. It appears by the present letter that this intelligence was correct as regards
one of them.
2 The widow of a tenant in chivalry was called the Lord's widow.
114
EDWARD IV
784
JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTONi
RYGHT worchepfuU m[other, as lowly as] I can I re- 1471
comand me to yow, besechyng yow of your dayly oct. 28
blyssyng, praying yow to take thys key, and Sir
Jam[ys] .... [m]y broder E., or J. Pampyng, and
to ondo the kofyr that standith at my bedys feet, and ther in
a ly[tyl sqw]are box ye shall fy[nd two dejdys, wher of the
seallys be wownd in whyght paper ; my brodyr E. sye \_sa'w']
when I wond them up. The tone [begyjnyth ' Sciant, &c.,
quod ego Matilda Bigota ' ; and the todyr begynyth ' Sciant,
&c., quod ego Rogerus . . . .' [I pray y]ow lett [them
be] sealyd and sent me by Radley with the deedes there in.
Sir Jamys knowyth the ....... But [if so] be
that ye fynd not thys box with thes two deedes in that cofyr,
then I prey yow take the k[ey] teye
of the same cofyr, and opyn the cofyr that standyth in the
utter chambyr, and ther ye shall fynd
. . [d]edes. My brodyr, Sir John, recomandyth hym to
yow, and besechyth yow of your blyssyng ; and as for hys
mater [there is yet no conclu]syon of no poynt, but I tryst
ther shall be with in thes ij. dayeys. Jenney, W. trowbly[th]
['^'^y] brodyrs seryauntes with old accyons
and all syche thynges as he can renew to stoppe the oblyga-
cio[ns w]hyche he is bownd in on to my broder ; but all shall
be easeyd, I tryst. As for Mrs. A. Hawlt, the mater is mevyd
[by div]ers of the Qwenys consayll, and of ferre by R. Hault,
but he wold it shold be fyrst of our mocyon, and we wold [it]
shold com of theym fyrst ; our mater shold be the bettyr.
2 [From Paston mss., B.M.] There was a general pardon in the latter part of the
year 1471, and both John Paston and his brother took advantage of it, as appears by
the ?ardon Roll, ii Edw. iv., membranes 9 and 25. The date of this letter is also
shown by the answer to it, written by Margaret Paston on the 5th November. Many
of the words in this letter are lost by the mutilation of the original MS., which is full
of holes, from having been exposed at one time to damp. The address is almost
completely lost, but a portion of the word ' [Ma]rgaret ' is visible, and a small frag-
ment of an endorsement below in which the word ' Paston ' is legible.
THE PASTON LETTERS
147 1 Tydynges, ther is a generall pardon mevyd whyche my
OCT. 28 brodyr J. try sty th to have the preve[lege] of as soone as it is
grantyd, whyche shall bee a bowght All Halow tyed at the
ferthest. I have spok with my L[ord Rivejrs and with all myn
old aqweyntance, and have good cheer of theym, hold as it
maye. When we be conclud[yd in] eny poynte of our maters,
ye shall have knowlage ther howhe to put yow in [comfort] er
we have eny . . . but in veyn when we have comfort ye
shall have parte. Newe tydynges, datys s . . . [s]ugyr
of Mr. Kwte (J) y.d. di.lb., and bettyr I tryst. No more, but
I beseche God preserve yow and yours.
Wretyn on [Seint] Symondes Day and Jwde.
Your humblest sone and servaunt,
J. Paston.
785
SIR JOHN PASTON'S DEEDS 1
In the square trussyng coffre.
A boxe with evydence off my place in Fletstrett.
A lytell box with obligacions off the Archbisshop off York and W. Jennyes
oblygacion.
A box with evydence of Tytlyshall.
A box with the letter of attorney off Fastolffes londes by Sir John Paston.
j. A box de actis inter episcopum Wynt' et J. P. militem. Item
endentur' de argento mutuato termino Trinitatis anno x°' et testamentum
W. Paston, Justic'.
Item, ij. pixides de novis cartis de terris Fastolffes.
Item, a litell box with the obligacion off T. Fastolff and one off James
Gresham.
Item, a box with the dede off gyfft off J. P., and the byll assygnyd for the
dyamant.
Item, the bagge de placitis in usu.
Item, the bagge with ger taken owt off my caskett.
Item, a bagge with the bondell where on was wreten ' London.'
Item, a bagge with evydence off Est Bekham.
Item, a bondell de actis parlimenti et de excambia in Paston.
1 [From Paston mss,, B.M.] The following inventory is in the handwriting of
Sir John Paston. The date at which it was drawn up must, from internal evidence,
be later than the tenth year of Edward iv. j so perhaps it may be a list of the contents
of the coffer mentioned by John Paston in Letter 784.
116
EDWARD IV
Item, a bondell de actis Cantuariensis.
Item, a bondell de fyrma Caster Berdolffis.
The endenture off Snaylwell by Wylleys.
A bondell of Gresham Moleyns.
A bondell off processe off th'eschekyr letter and byllys sirca (sic) festum
Johannis anno ix°-
Item, th'endenture off W. Jeney. Item, a bondell off letteris and byllis
anno x"-
A bondell with inquisicions not returnyd in to the Chanceri.
Copia voluntatis Fastolff ultima et probata.
Enventorium (sic) apud Caster per Episcopum Norwic' et dominum de
Scales et alia ad rediseisinam (?)
Apunctuamentum Regis et litera amici. Endentura de Fennes per patrem
Hugonis Fenne.
The verray endenture off my mariage.
Item, a bondell off letteris from my brother John.
Item, iij. billis, the endenter of W. Jenney for Bacton, a byll of Wylleys
and one off J. Owdin (?)
Item, a bondell with the names off them that had stoff from Heylesdon.
Item, a byll off Sweynesthorp. Item, a byll off Brok off Dedham off the
purchace theroff, a quitance pro Scaccario.
A bonde towchyng the probatt off Fastolffes will, with mi olde testament.
A copie off a generalle releffe de terris Fastolffes.
786
ABSTRACT!
William Pekoc to Sir John Paston
Has received Wheteley's letter, but though he has spoken to Sir John's 14*71^?)
tenants at Paston, Bakton, etc., has obtained no money to send him. They ^ov. 4
are better pleased to pay Sir John than Master ' Will. P.,' so they be saved
harmless. Has put them in good comfort, and Sir John must take care that
they be not sued this term. The fishing was never worse. No herring to be got
under 13^. ^d. a barrel, and 8s, ^d. a cade. The swans were sent the week
after your departure. John O shorn and Munde are merry. None dead at
Caster and Mawteby since Michaelmas, but much mortality still at Fylby,
Ormysby, and Scrowby.
Mawteby, 4 Nov.
[This letter most probably belongs to the year 1471, which it will be seen by the
letter immediately following was a year of great mortality.]
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
117
THE PASTON LETTERS
787
MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
1 47 1 T GRETE you wele, and send you Goddes blyssyng and
NOV. 5 I myn, letyng you wete that myn Cosyn Clere hathe sent
to me for the C. marc that I borwed of her for your
brother. It fortuned so that a frend of her of late hath loste
better than CCC. marc, and he sent to her for money, and she
had non that she myght comyn by, and ther for she sent to
me for the seyd C. marc ; and I know not how to do therfor,
for by my trowth I have it not, nor I can not make shyft ther-
for, and I shuld go to preson ; therfor comune with your
brother her of, and send me word how that he wull make
shyft ther for in hast. I must elles nedes sell all my woods,
and that shall dysse avayll him better than a CC. marc, and I
dey ; and if I shuld selle them now, ther wull noman gewe so
myche for them be ner an C. marc as they be worth, be cause
ther be so many wood sales in Norfolke at thys tyme, Ther-
for lete hym make purvyaunce therfor in hast, as he wull have
my good wyll, and wull that I save hym the seyd woods to the
better a wayll, and send me word here of in hast if ye wull
my welfare, for I shall never be in quiete tille I k[n]owe an
ende in thys, for she hath therfor an obligacion of an Cii.
And it is not kepte cloos, ther be many persones now k[n]owyn
it, which me semyth a greet rebuke to me that I departyd so
largely with yowr brother that I reservyd not to pay that I
was endaungered for hym, and so have dy verse seyd to me
which of late have k[n]owyn it; and whan I remembre it, it
is to myn hart a very spere, consideryng that he never gave
comforte therein, ner of all the money that hath be reseyvyd
wull never make shyft therfor. And he had yet be for thys
tyme have sent me 1. marc thereof, yet I wuld have thought
that he had had summe consideracion of myn daungers that I
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] This letter is not addressed, and the MS. is in
fact only a corrected draft, of which a fair copy has since been found. The fair copy
is not addressed either. The letter was evidently written to John Paston in answer
to No. 784. The date is ascertained by the fact that John Berney of Witchinghain
died in the year 147 1.
ii8
EDWARD IV
have put me in for hym. Remembre hym how that I have 1471
excusyd hym of xx/z. that the Prior of Bromholm had, which nov. 5
shuld elles have be in that daunger that it shuld have be to us
a grete rebwke, with bought that he myght a ben holpyn wyth
shuch money as he shuld have had of your fadyrs bequest ;
and I payd to the shereffe for hym also money. All thes
shuld have holpe me wele therto, be syde other thynges that I
have bor thys yeres that I speke not of; there fore lete hym
helpe me now, or elles it shall dysawayll hym better than the
trebyll the money, wheder that I leve or dey, with ought he
hath better consideracion to the daungers that I stond in. Also
I wulde ye shuld meve hym to take John Pampyng to hym,
or elles to gete hym a servyce in the Chauncery, or in sume
other place where as he myth be preferryd, for it ys pety that
he lesyth hys tyme so her, and it is non a wayll to non of ws,
and for diverse othyr thyngs whesch ye shall knowe her after, I
wolde that I war hens in haste, for all maner of happys, constrw
ye, &c. I can yw thanke for ywyr lettyr that ye sente me, and
that ye have inquiryd of shwch thynges as ye thynk that shwld
plese me, I send yow the boxe and the dedes that ye sente to
me for, but as for the key of the cofyr in the wtter chambyr I
can not fynd yt ; yf the boxe had be ther in, ye cwdnat not
have hadd yth but yf [unless] I had broke wp the cofyr ; ther
for remembre yw wer ye have do the key ; I kep styll the
key that ye sente me tyll that ye cwm home.
As for the tydynges here, . ywr cosyn Barney of Wych-
shynggham ys passyd to Gode, hwm Gode asoyle. Veylys
wife, and Lodonys wife, and Pycard the bacar of Twmlond,
ben gone also ; all thys hwlsold and thys parych ys as ye
leftyd, blyssyd be Gode; we lewyn in fer, but we wut not
qweder to fle, for to be better than we ben here. I send yw
demi a riale for to by wyth swger ^ and dates for me, I pray
yw do as wel as ye can, and sende it me as hastely as ye
may, and sende me word qwat price a //. of peppyr, clowys,
masis, gingyr, and sinamun, almannys, ryse, ganyngal,
^ In Fenn's edition this is printed ' swgar, feg, and dats/ The word ' feg ' is not
in the MS. It seems to be a misreading of ' swg' ' (sugar), which the transcriber
forgot to cancel.
119
THE PASTON LETTERS
1 47 1 safrwn, reysonys of Corons, grenys/ of ych of these sende
NOV. 5 me the pryce of ych of these/ and yf that it be bettir shepe
at London than it is here, I shal sende yw mony to bye wyth
soch stwfe as I wull have. Remember that I spake to yw to
spek to ywyr brother for the seyd C. marc wan ye departed
hens. I trow ye had forgettyt, that ye sent me non answer ther
of in ony wys. Lete me have an answer ther of in hast, and
sende me woord how ywyr brother and ye spede in ywyr
maters ; and Goddes blissyng and myn mut ye have both, and
send yw good sped in all ywyr maters.
Wretyn in hast on Sent Levnards Eve.^
By ywyr Moder.
788
BILL OF COSTS*
Termino Sancti Michael'ts Anno xj" E. iiij'^ pro Ricardo Calle deff' versus
Willelmum Huggan q. in placito trans^ .
NOV. In primis, for a copy of the bill, ...... iiij^.
Item, for makyng of the awnswer to Mr. Pygot, Mr. Fayrefax,
and to Mr. Hosy, ........ xj.
Item, wyne and perys at tavern ij. tymes, ..... xiiij^.
Item, for a copy of record in the Kynges Bench, . . . iijj. iiij^.
Item, for pledyng of the record in the Kynges Bench a yenst
Wyll. Huggan, ........ xj.
Item, gyven to Hosey, the xxvij. day of the same moneth, for to
enparle^ to the bill, ........ iijj-. iiij^.
Item, the xxx. day of October, for the copy of the tytelyng of
Huggans plee, ......... iiij'^«
Item, for wyne at [the] Cardenall Hatte ^ the same day, . . y'^d.
Item, the iiij. day of November, gyven to Mr. Fayrfax and Mr.
Hosey for puttyng yn of the replicacyon, .... vjj. vitj^.
Item, the x. day of November, gyven to Mr. Fayrfax, Mr.
Pygotte, and Mr. Hosey, for the seyng of the paper, and
cornenyng of the issewe a yenst Wyll. Huggan, . . . xj.
^ F. adds ' and comfyts/ but the words are not in the MS.
2 F. reads 'the price of a //.,' but this is not in the ms.
3 The following sentence is added in the fair copy: 'I warn yw kepe this letter
clos and lese yt not ; rather brenyt.' * [From Fasten mss., B.M.]
^ To imparl, a technical expression, meaning to obtain time to plead.
'' A tavern in Southwark. The name is still preserved in Cardinal Hat Alley.
120
EDWARD IV
Item, for the wyne at the Cardenall Hatte, .... ^ viiji/. 1 4*7 1
Item, for the entre of the aunswere a yenst Huggan by Ric- Calle, j,ov.
payd to Sandys, ........ vj.
Item, to Nedersole for makyng of the paper, .... ijj. yjd.
Item, for the copy of the same, ...... ijj. vj^.
Summa totalis. Ivy. \u]d.
789
EDMUND PASTON TO JOHN PASTON2
Tho my rytgh wurshepfull brother John Paston^ in hast.
RYGH wurshipful brother, I recumawnd me to zow, '^o^'- ^^
prayeng zow hartely that ze wyl remembyr soche
maters as I wryth to zow. I send zow now be the
brynggar her of mony, wycche mony I pray zow that [ye ^]
be stowe yt as I wryth to zow. I wend a don yt my sylf but
consyderyng costis and other dyvers thyngis I may not bryng
yt abowthe, Wher for I pray zow hartely to take the labour
up on zow, and I trust to deservyt. I pray zow be stow thys
mony thus : to Christofyr Hanyngton vj. : to the prynspall
of Stapylin ^ ws. in parte of payment. Also I pray zow to bye
me iij. zerddis of porpyl schamlet, price the zerd iiijj,, a bonet
of depe murry, pryce ijj. iiij-^., an hose clothe of zelow carsey
of an ellyn, 1 trow yt wyl cost ijj. ; a gyrdyl of plunkket
ryban, price N]d. ; iiij. lacis of sylke ij. of one color and ij. of
ane other, price viij<^. ; iij. doseyn poynttis wythe red and
zelow, price V]d. ; iij. peyer of pateyns. I pray zow late
^ l^.B. — Under viij^. is written '46/. 4^.' in a different hand.
2 [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 130, and Add. MS. 27, 445, f. 52.] The ms. of this letter
is in two fragments, from which it is now printed entire. The year in which it was
written is shown by Margaret Paston's letter to the writer's brother John Paston, on
the 29th November 1471 (No. 791), in which she apologises for not sending him
money for a runlet of wine she had desired him to purchase for her, on account of the
number of thieves stirring. It will be seen that she made the request by means of her
son Edmund in this letter.
3 Omitted in ms. ».
* Staple Inn.
121
THE PASTON LETTERS
1 47 1 Wylliam Mylsant purvey for them, I was wonte to pay but
NOV. 1 8 ij^ ob. for a payer, but I pray zow late them not be lefte
behyng thow I pay mor ; they must be lowe pateyns ; late
them be long inow and brode up on the hele. Among all
other I pray zow recumawnd me to Mastres Elyzabet
Hygons. I may sey poverte partes feleschepe. Yf that I
had ben so well purveyde as I wend I trowst to have ben
with zow her thys; also I pray zow recumawnd me to my
brother Sir John, I fer lasse he wyl take a dysplesur with
me that I send hym no mony. I pray zow excuse me as ze
can. I trust to send hym sum a bowth Candylmesse. I had
a promyse of Masteres Elyzabeth of a typet of welvet ; but
and I myth have a hatlase I woold thynk me well. I pray
zow sey thus myche on zour owyn hed, and yf ze can not
sped of the hatlase I pray zow bye me one of xijJ, or xvj^.
Also Sir I send Parkar hys mony be the brynggar har of and
I have desyered hym to lend me a gown of puke, and I have
send hym a typet of welvet to boredyr yt [round-^] a bowthe ;
and I pray zow be at schesyng there of ; and yf that he wyl
not be cryst calkestowe over hys hed that is schoryle in
Englysche, yt is a terme newe browthe up with my mars-
chandis of Norwych. Sir John Pampyng recummawnd hym
to zow and pray zow that ze wyl remembyr hys harnes, and
yf that ze can get the mony he pray zow to delyver Parkar
xs. that he howyth hym. Also, sir, my modyr gretis zow
wel and send zow Goddis blyssyng and heres, and prays zow
that ze wyl bye her a runlet of Malmesey owthe of the galey ;
and yf ze have no mony sche byd that ze schuld borow of my
brother Sir John, or of sum other frend of zowers, and send
[he]r^ woord as hastily as ze have it, and sche schale send zow
mony ; and yf that ze send it home sche byd that yt schuld be
woond in a canivasse for brochyng of the caryars, for sche
sethe that sche hath knowyn men served soo befor. Also I
pray zow, if ze speke with Master Roger, tell hym that yf he
cum in to thys cuntre thys crystemas, he schal have hys xj.,
and yf that he cum not I schal send yt hym be xij, day
\_Twe/fl/i Day] at the fardest, I pray zow, hartely remembyr
* Mutilated.
122
EDWARD IV
my gere, and that ze wyl desyere Wylliam Mylsant on my be 1471
halve to purvey for the caryage in as hasty wyse as yt can. ^ov. 18
Also I pray zow that the welvet that levyt of my typet may
be send hom a geyn, for I woold strype a dobelet ther with.
As for Masteres Blakenye, I trowe sche in zour quarters. I
woold I had the same entyrpryce up on hyr that John
Bramppton of Atylborowe had up on master Byrston. Alle
the Coorte recommawndes hem tow zow. I pray zow, and
ze can get me any profytable servyce, a saye. My brother
Sir John was meved of my hawnt Ponyngges to have ben
with here. I woold have rytgh an hesy servyse tyl I were .
owthe of detis. God have zow in Hys kepyng. Wretyn at
Norwyche, the Monday nex be fore Sen Edmond the Kyng.
Edmond Paston.
On the back of the letter are the following memoranda :■ — ■
In priniis, to the pryncypall of Stapyll In . . vj.
Item, for iiij. lasys ...... viij^.
Item, for iij. doseyn poyntes ..... v]cl.
Item, for a plonket ryban ..... vj^.
790
ABSTRACT!
[Margaret Paston] to her Son [Sir John Paston]
Wonders she has no answer to her letter by Ric. Raddeley. Wants him I47l(?)
and his brother to get a discharge from my Lord of Canterbury, ' for occupy- nov. 20
ing of your father's goods.' If my Lord died before we got it, his successor
might be 'more hasty upon us than he hath been.' My Lord knows the great
charges we have had since he deceased, which have caused the goods to be
spent. If any of us were to die, no one would take charge for us unless we
have a discharge. Remember the spices and malmsey I have sent to you for.
St. Edmund's Day the King.
Sealed.
[At the date of this letter, Sir John Paston and his brother John were together in
London, and apparently the Archbishop of Canterbury was seriously ill. Of the
latter fact we have no certain knowledge, but it appears by a subsequent letter that
there was a report of his death in June 1472, and the two brothers were certainly
in London together in November of the year preceding. It is probable therefore that
the Archbishop was ill of the epidemic which prevailed in the latter part of 147 1 and
the spring of 1472. The two brothers were not together in November 1472.]
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.]
123
THE PASTON LETTERS
791
MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
To John Paston, Esquier^ be this delyverd in hast.
147 i X GRETE zow welle, and send zow Goddes blyssyng and
NOV. 29 I myn, letyng zow wete that I have a letter from zour
-*" brother, wherby I undyrstand that he cannot, ner may,
make no porveyans for the C. mark ; the wyche causythe me
to be rythgh hevy, and for other thynges that he wrytht to me
of that he is in dawnger. For remembering wat we have had
befor thys and ho symppylly yt hath be spente and to lytyl
profythe to any of us, and now arn in soche casse that non of
us may welle helpe other with owte that we schuld do that wer
to gret a dysworschip for us to do, owther to selle wood or
lond or soche stuffe that were nessessary for us to have in owr
howsys ; so mot I answer a for God, I wot not how to do for
the seyde money, and for other thyngges that I have to do of
scharge, and my worshup saved. Yt is a deth to me to thynk
up on yt. Me thynkyth be zour brothers wrythtyng, that he
thynkyth that I am informed be sume that be a bowthe me to
do and to sey as I have be for thys, but be my trowthe he
demyth a mysse ; yt nedyth me not to be informed of no
soche thengges. I construe in my owyn mend, and conseyve i
now and to myche, and whan I have brokyn my conseyte to
sume that in happe he deniythe yt too, they have put me in
cownforth more than I kowde have be any imajynasyon in my
owyn conseythe. He wrythetyth to me also, that he hath
spend thys terme xl//. Yt is a gret thyng ; me thynkyth be
good dyscresyon ther mythe myche ther of aben sparyd. Zour
fadyr, God blysse hys sowle, hathe had as gret maters to do as
I trowe he hathe had thys terme, and hath not spend halfe the
mony up on them in so lytyl tyme, and hath do ryth well. At
the reverens of God, avyse hym zet to be war of hys expences
and gydyng that yt be no schame to us alle. Yt is a schame
^ [From Paston Mss., B.M.] St. Andrew's Eve, the 29th November, fell on a
Friday in 1471. It will also be seen that the beginning of this letter refers to the
same subject as the beginning of Letter 787.
124
EDWARD IV
and a thyng that is myche spokyn of in thys centre that zour 147 1
faders graveston is not mad. For Goddes love, late yt be nov. 29
remembyrd and porveyde for in hast. Ther hathe be mych
mor spend in waste than schuld have mad that, me thynkyth
be zour brother that he is wery to wrythe to me and there fore
I wyl not a kumbyr hym with wrythtyng to hym. Ze may
telle hym as I wryth to zow. Item, I woold ze schuld remem-
byr zour brother of Pekerngges mater, if he cum not hom
hastely, that ze and Townesend and Lumnor may examyn and
sette yt thorow. The pore man is almost on don ther by, and
hys brother suethe hym and trobylyth hym sor zet ; and also
for the plesur of my koseyn Clere and the Lady Bolen, I woold
yt were sette thorow.
As for my rowndlet of wyne, I schuld send zow mony there
fore, but I dar not put yt in joperte, ther be so many theves
stereng. John Lovedayes man was robbyd in to hys schyrte
as he cam home ward. I trow, and ze assaye Towneshend or
Playter, or sum other good kuntery man of owrys to lend yt
zow for me tyl they cum hom, they wyl do so myche for me
and I schal contente them a geyn. Item, Jamys Gressham
hath ben passyng sekke and ys zet. Judy tellythe me that
zour brother is avysed for to sue hym. For Goddes sake, late
non onkyndnesse be schewed to hym, for that woold sone make
an hend of hym. Remembyr ho keynd and true hartyd he
hath ben to us to hys powre ; and he had nevere take that
offyce upon hym that he is in dawnger for, ne had be for
owr sakkes. He hathe sold a gret parte of hys lond there for,
as I suppose ze have knowlache of. Late yt be remembyrd,
and ellys owr enmyes wyl rejoysyt, and ther wyl no wurshup
be ther in at long way,
I schuld wryth mor but I have no leyser at thys tyme. I
trow ze wyl sone kum hom, and there fore I wryth the lesse.
God kepe zow and send zow good speede, &c. Wretyn the
Fryday, Sen Andrue Ev.
Be zour modyr.
The foUo'Vjrng note is ^written on the back of the Letter in Sir John Fenns hand: —
' This letter was fastened by threads brought through with a needle and made fast by
the seal. The threads being cut on the directed side, the letter is opened without
breaking the seal.'
125
THE PASTON LETTERS
792
MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON, ESQUIRE 1
To John Paston^ Esquyer^ be this deliuered.
H7i(0 T GRETE you wele, and send you Goddis blyssyng and
DEC. [i] I myn. Desyryng you to send me word how that your
brother doth. It was told her that he shuld have be ded,
which caused many folkis and me bothyn to be right hevy.
Also it was told me this day that ye wer hurt be affray that
was mad up on you be feles disgysed. Ther fore, in any wyse
send me word in hast how your brother doth and ye bothyn ;
for I shall not ben wele at eas till I know how that ye do.
And for Goddis love lete your brother and ye be ware how
that ye walken, and with what felesshep ye etyn or drynkyn,
and in what place, for it was seid here pleynly that your
brothere was poysoned. And this weke was on of Drayton
with me and told me that there were diverse of the tenauntis
seid that thei wost not what to do if that your brothere came
home ; and ther was on of the Duk of Suffolkis men by, and
bad them not feryn, for his wey shuld be shorted and [i.e. if]
he shuld come there. Wherfore, in any wyse be ware of your
self, for I can thynk thei geve no fors what to do to be wenged
and to put you from your entent, that thei myght have her
wyll in Ser John Fastolffis land. Thy[nke] ^ what gret
sor[ow] ' it [shu]ld ^ be to me and any
I had lever ye had never know the lond ; remem-
bre it was the distruccion of your fadre ; trost not mych up on
promyses of lordis now a days that ye shuld be the suerer of
the favor of there men. For there was a man, and a lordis
sone, seid but late, and toke it for an exampill that Sir Robert
Harecourt had the good will of the lordis after ther comyng in,
and yet within shorte tyme after here men kylled hym in hys
1 [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 21 1.] This letter may be of the year 147 1, when it would
seem by No. 791 that the two brothers, Sir John and John, were both together (in
London, no doubt) about St. Andrew's Day. If so, it was written just two days after
that letter, on the receipt of unpleasant news, which was evidently false.
2 Mutilated.
126
EDWARD IV
owyn place. A mannes deth is litill set by now a days. 1 47 1 (?)
Therefore be ware of symulacion, for thei wull speke ryht fayr dec. [i]
to you that wuld ye ferd [fared'] right evyll. The blissid
Trynyte have you in his kepyng. Wretyn in gret hast the
Saterday next after Sent Andrewe.
Lete this letter be brent whan ye have understond it.
Item, I pray you send me iiij. suger lofis, ich of them of iij/z.,
and iiij/z. of datis if thei be newe. I send you xj. be the berer
hereof ; if ye pay more I shall pay it you ageyn whan ye come
home. And forgete not to send me word be the berere hereof
how ye don ; and remembre the bylles and remembrauns for
the maner of Gresham that I wrote to your brother for.
Be your moder.
793
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTONi
. the very valew of Sporlewood passyth not C. mark 147 1
of no manys mony that I can spek with, and to be payid by
dayis as the byll that Jwde shall delyv[er] . . . rehers ;
and ther ayenst ye shold loose iij//. of the ferme of the maner
yerly, whych standyth by undyr wood ; and yet the fense must
stand yow over on xij. mark by the lest wey ; but, by God,
and I wer as ye, I wold not sell it for C, mark more then it is
woorthe. Syr John Styll recomandyth hym to your good
mastyrsheppe, and seyth pleynly if ye wyll he wyll com up to
yow and awayte on yow whersoever ye be, coort or othyr. By
Seynt Mary, he is owyng more mony than I wend ; for he is
owyng for a twelmonthe and a quarter at thys Crystmas, savyng
for hys boord, xij^. a wek for iij. quarters; and he scythe
pleynly that ye and R. Calle both bad hym syng styll for Syr
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] This seems to be only a portion of a letter, begin-
ning in the middle of a sentence. Probably it was a second leaf added to a more
lengthy epistle. It is written on one side of a slip of paper and is in the hand of John
Paston the younger. It is endorsed 'John Paston ' in that of his brother Sir John, to
whom it was doubtless addressed. The date must be towards the end of the year
14.71, as it appears by the letter immediately following that Lord Rivers embarked for
Portugal that year on Christmas Eve.
127
THE PASTON LETTERS
^47^ John Fastolf as he dyd before; but I have bodyn hym that he
shall get hym a servyse now at thys Crystmas ; and so he shall,
withowt that ye send hym othyr wyse woord, or ellys that ye
or I may get hym som benefyse or fre chapell, or som othyr
good servyse whych I praye yow enqwer for.
Item, and ye werk wysly your mater myght com in with
othyr maters of the lordes in ther apoyntmentes with the Kyng,
but it wold be labord to a porpose this Crystmas whyll ye have
leyser to spek with your mastyr. Item, myn aqweyntans with
the Lord Revers is none othyrwyse but as it hathe ben alweys ;
savyng and he go no to Portygall to be at a day upon the
Serasyns, I porpose and have promysyd to be ther with hym ;
and that jorney don, as Wykys seythe, farwell he. He por-
posyth to go forward a bowt Lent, but Fortune with hyr
smylyng contenans strange of all our porpose may mak a
sodeyn change. I ensuer yow he thynkyth all the world
gothe on ther syd ayen ; and as for my comyng up at the
begynnyng of thys next term, with owt ye send me othyrwyse
woord that I myght do yow som good when I wer com, by my
feyth I com not ther, for it shold put yow to a cost, and me to
a labor and cost bothe ; but [if] ye send for me I com streyght,
thow I tery the lesse whyll ther, and so I shall withowt I may
do yow som good. By my feythe I porpose to make up my
byllys clere, and send yow the copyse as hastyly as I can.
Yonge Wyseman othyrwye callyd Foole, told me that Sir W.
Yelverton is abowt to make a bargayne with the Dwches of
Suffolk or with my Lord of Norfolk, whyche he may get fyrst,
for the maner of Gwton. I reseyve all yet, God hold it,
I praye yow recomand me to my brodyr Molyenewx, and
all othyr good felaws.
J. p.
128
EDWARD IV
794
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON^
1GRETE you wele ; letyng you wete that ther was told me 1471
a thyng in your absens that goth right nere myn hert, be
a wurchepfull man and such an as ye wuld beleve and
gefFe credence to, and that owyth you right good wille ; which
if it had comyn to myn remembraunce at your departer I wuld
have spoke to you of it most specially befor all other materis ;
but I am so trobilled in my mende with your materis that thei
be so delayd and take no better conclusion, and with the
ontrowth that is in servantis now a days but if the maysteris
take better heed to ther handis, that such thyngis as I wuld
rathest remembre I sonest for gete. It was told me that ye
have sold Sporle wood of a right credebill and wurchepful
man, and that was right hevy that ye shuld be know of such
disposicion, consederyng how your fader, whos sowle God
assoyl, cherysshed in every manor his woodis. And for the
more preffe that this shuld be trought, the forseid person told
me that it was told hym of on [one^ that was toward Sir
William Yelverton, to whom Richard Calle shuld have seid in
thes termes, that Sporle Wood shuld be sold, and that it shuld
comyn now in to Cristen mennes handis. Which if it were
knowyn shuld cause bothyn your elmyse \_enemies] and your
frendis to thynk that ye dede it for right gret nede, or ellis
that ye shuld be a wastour and wuld wast your lyvelod. If ye
had do so in Sir John Fastolfes lyffelode, men shuld have
supposid that ye had do it of good pollice, be cause of the
onsuerte that it stoonit (?) in, to have takyn that ye had myght
of it duryng your possession, to have boryn ought the daungere
of it with the same ; but for to do this of your owyn lyffelode,
men shall thyng that ye do it for pure nede. And in asmych
as it is so nere your most elmyse ere, it shall be to you the
gretter vylney and shame to all your frendis, and the grettest
1 [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 116.] This letter would seem to have been written about
the end of the year 1471 or the beginning of 1472, when we first hear of Sir John
Paston's design to sell Sporle Wood. See Nos. 793, 798.
VOL. V. 1 129
THE PASTON LETTERS
1 47 1 coragyng and plesere that can be to your elmyse. For if ye
be thus disposid ye shall make them and all othere certeyn of
that that befor this tyme thei haue ben in dought, and cause
them to purpose the more cruelly agayn you. Where fore, in
eschewyng of the greet slaundre and inconveniens that may
grow ther of, I require you, and more over charge you upon
my blissyng and as ye wull have my good will, that if any such
sale or bargany be mad, be your assent or with ought, be Calle,
or any othere in your name, that ye restreyn it ; for I wuld
not for a M' marcs that it wer understond that ye were of that
disposicion, ner that ye were comyn to so gret nede which
shuld cause [y]ou to do so ; for every [man ^] shuld thynk that
it were thurgh your owyn mysgovernaunce. Therefore I
charge you, if any such bargayn be mad, that ye send a bill as
hastly as ye can to Herry Halman, that he do all such as have
mad or takyn that bargayn seasse and felle non of the wood,
upon peyn that may falle ther of. And how [who'] so ever wull
councell you the contrary, do as I advyse you in this behalfFe,
or ellis trost never to have comfort of me ; and if I may knowe
ye be of such disposicion, and I leve ij. yer it shall disavayll you
in my liffelode ccc. marcs. There fore, send me word be the
berere here of wheder ye have assent to any such thyng or
nought, and how that ye be disposid to do ther in, for I shall
not be quiete in myn hert till I understand yow of the contrary
disposicion.
Be your more moder.
795
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 2
To my most honorahl and tendre modre^ Margrete
Paston, be thys letter delivered.
1472 1^ ^OST worschypfull and kynde moodre, I comande me
JAN. 8 V/l to yow, and beseche yow off yowr dayly blyssyng
■^ and remembraunce. Please it yow to wete thatt I
have my pardon,^ as the berer heroff can informe yow, for
1 Omitted in MS. 2 j^Prom Fenn, ii. 86,]
3 His pardon passed the Great Seal on the 21st December 147 1. Pardon Roll
1 1 Edward iv., m. 25.
130
EDWARD IV
comffbrt wheroffe I have been the marier thys Crystmesse, and 14?'^
have been parte therofF with Sir George Browen,^ and with my J^n. 8
Lady myn aunte, hys wyfFe,^ and be ffor Twelthe ^ 1 come to
my Lorde Archebysshope,* wher I have hadde as greete cheer,
and ben as welkom as I cowde devyse ; and iff I hadde ben in
sewerte that Castr weer hadde ageyn, I wolde have comen
homewards thys daye.^
* • • • •• V ■
And I beseche yow to remembr my brother to doo hys
deveyr thatt I maye have agayn my stuffe, my bookes and
vestments, and my beddyng, how so evyr he doo, thoghe I
scholde gyffe xx" scutes by hys advyse to my Lady Brandon,
or some other goode felawe.
As for any tydynges ther be noon heer, saffe that the Kyng
hath kept a ryall Crystmesse ; and now they seye that hastelye
he woll northe, and some seye that he woll into Walys, and
some seye that he woll into the West Contre. As ffor Qween
Margrett, I understond that sche is remevyd from Wyndesor
to Walyngfforthe, nyghe to Ewhelme, my Lady of Suffolk
Place in Oxenforthe schyre.
And men seye that the Lorde Ryverse schyppyd on Cryst-
messe evyn in to Portyngale warde ; I am not serteyn.
Also the schalle be a convocacion off the Clergye in all
haste, whyche men deeme will avayle the Kynge a dyme and
an halffe, some seye. I beseche God sende yow goode heele
and greater joye in on year then ye have hadde thys vij.
Wretyn att the Moor the viij. daye off Janever, A° E.
mj. xj.
By yowr soone, John Paston, K.
1 Sir George Browne, Knight, of Betchworth Castle, in Surrey. — F.
2 Elizabeth Paston, formerly married to Robert Poynings,
3 Twelfth day, 6th of Januaiy. — F.
* George Neville, Archbishop of York. — F.
° Here follow directions about Caister, and a hope that it might be had again by
the latter end of the term, when he would come home, and put his lands and houses
into order. — F.
131
THE PASTON LETTERS
796
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
To my ryght worchepfull brodyr, Syr John Paslon, Knyght,
be thy 5 delyveryd.
1472 I '\ YGHT worchepfull syr, I recomand me to yow in my
JAN. 23 r^ best wyse, lykeyth yow to wet^
■^ ^ that I have thys day delyveryd yowr mantyll, yowr
ray gowne,^ and yowr crosbowys, wyth telers and wyndas, and
yowr Normandy byll to Kerby to bryng wyth hym to London.
Item, in eny wyse, and [//"] ye can axe the probate of my
fadyrs wyll to be gevyn yow wyth the bargayn that ye make
wyth my Lord of Canterbery, and I can thynk that ye may
have it, and as soone as it is prevyd ye or I may have a lettyr
of mynystracyon upon the same, and a qwetance of my Lord
Cardinalle evyn foorthe wyth ; and thys wer one of the best
bargaynys that ye mad thys ij. yer I enswyr yow, and he may
make yow aqwetance or get yow one of the Bysheop of Wyn-
chestyr for Syr John Fastolfys goodes also, and in my reson
thys wer lyght to be browght a bowght with the same bargayn.
And ye purpose to bargayn with hym ye had need to hye yow,
for it is tolde me that my Lord of Norffolk wyl entyr in to it
hastyly, and if he so doo, it is the wers for yow, and it wyll
cawse them to profyr the lesse sylvyr.
Item, I pray yow send me some secret tydyngs of the
lyklyed of the world by the next messenger that comyth
between, that I may be eyther myryer or ellys mor sory then I
am, and also that I may gwyd me ther aftyr.
Item, as for Sir R. Wyngfeld, I can get no x. //. of hym,
1 [From Fenn, iv. 4Z0.] It appears by a letter of the 17th February following
(No. 798), that at the beginning of the year 1472 the Pastons were endeavouring to
come to an understanding with the Duke of Norfolk by the intercession of the
Duchess. For further evidence of date, see the next letter.
2 A blank occurs here in Fenn's left-hand, or literal copy, which is not explained.
3 This means a gown made of cloth that was never either coloured or dyed. — F.
But according to Halliwell ' ray ' means striped cloth.
132
EDWARD IV
but he seyth that I shall have the fayirest harneys that I can 1472
bye in London for sylvyr, but money can I non get. I can J^^. 23
not yet make my pesse wyth my Lord of NorfFolk nor my
Lady by no meane, yet every man tellyth me that my Lady
seyth passyngly well of me allweys notwithstandyng. I trowe
that they wyll swe the apell ^ thys term, yet ther is no man of
us indytyd but if it wer doon a for the crowners er then
we cam owt of the plase ; ther is now but iij. men in it,
and the brygges alwey drawyn. No mor, but God lant yow
myn her.^
Wretyn the Twysday next aftyr Seynt Agnet the fyrst.^
J- P.
Item, yestyrday W, Gornay entryd in to Saxthorp and ther
was he kepyng of a coort, and had the tenaunts attou[r]nyd
to him, but er the coort was all doon, I cam thedyr with a
man with me and no more, and ther, befor hym and all hys
feluwschep, Gayne, Bomsted, &c., I chargyd the tenaunts that
they shold proced no ferther in ther coort upon peyn that
myght foUe of it, and they lettyd for a seasen. But they sye
that I was not abyll to make my partye good, and so they
procedyd ferther ; and I sye that, and set me downe by the
stward and blottyd hys book wyth my fyngyr as he wrot, so
that all tenaunts afermyd that the coort was enterupte by me
as in yowr ryght, and I reqwered them to record that ther was
no pesybyll coort kept, and so they seyd they wold.
1 This must be the appeal of the two widows, though one of them is said to have
married again. See No. 783.
2 This sentence I wish to have explained. — F.
3 The festival of St. Agnes, the first (and the most noted of the two), was kept
on the 2ist of January; her second festival was on the 28th of the same month,
which it is to be observed was not the octave of the former, but a distinct feast upon
a different occasion, and it is sometimes written ' Agnetis Nativitas ' ; but it was on
account of a miracle wrought at her tomb that this second feast was instituted. — F.
133
THE PASTON LETTERS
797
MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON i
To John Paston^ Esguyer^ be thys delivered.
1472 "y GRETE you wele, and send you Godds blyssyng and
FEB. 5 I myn, letyng you wete that the woman that sewyth the
appell ageyn your brother and his men is comyn to
London to call ther up on. And whan that she shuld come
to London ther was delivered her C. s. for to sewe with, so
that be that I here in this countre she wull not leve it, but
that she shall calle ther up on such tyme as shall be to your
most rebuke, but if [unless'] ye ley the better wetch. She hath
evill councell, and that wull see you gretely uttered, and that
ye may understand be the money that was take her whan she
came up, and ye shuld fynd it, I knowe it wele, if ther myght
have you at avauntage ; ther for, for Godds sake make diligent
serge be the advyce of your councell, that ther be no necglicens
in you in this mater ner other for diffaught of labour, and call
upon your brother, and telle hym that I send hym Godds
blyssyng and myn, and desire hym that he wull now a while,
whill he hath the Lords at his entent, that he seke the meanes
to make an ende of his maters, for his elmyses arn gretly
coracred now of late ; what is the cause I knowe not. Also, I
pray you speke to Playter that ther may be fownd a meane
that the shereffe or the gaderer of grene wax^ may be dis-
charged of certeyn issues that renne up on Fastolf for Mariotts
mater, for the balyfe was at hym this weke, and shuld have
streyned hym, but that he promysed hym that he shuld with
in this viij. days labore the meanes that he shuld be discharged
1 [From Fenn, iv. 424.] As anticipated in the preceding letter we here find that
steps are being taken by one of the two women whose husbands were killed at the
siege of Caister, to prosecute the appeal against Sir John for her husband's death.
The other woman, as will be seen by Letter 783, had married again during the year
14.71, and was thus disqualified from pursuing the same course.
- Estreats delivered to the Sheriff out of the Exchequer, to be levied In his
county under the Seal of that Court, made in green wax, were from thence called
green wax. — F.
EDWARD IV
or ell[es] he must content hym, &c. Also, I send you be the 1472
berer her of, closed in this letter, v. s. of gold, and pray you feb. 5
to bey me a suger loyfe, and dates, and almaunds, and send it
me hame, and if ye bewar [_/ay out] any mor money, whan ye
came hame I shall pait you ageyn. The Holy Gost kepe you
bothyn, and deliver you of your elmyse [enemies], Wretyn on
Sent Agas Day, in hast.
Item, I pray you speke to Mayster Roger -^ for my sorepe,
for I had never mor nede therof, and send it me as hastly as
ye can.
Be M. P.
798
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 2
A Johan Paston, Esquier^ soit done.
BROTHER, I comande me to yow, and praye yow to feb. 17
loke uppe my 'Temple of Glassed and send it me by
the berer herof.
Item, as for tydyngs, I have spoken with Mestresse Anne
Hault, at a praty leyser, and, blyssyd be God, we be as fFer
fforthe as we weer toffoor, and so I hoope we schall contenew ;
and I promysed hyr, that at the next leyser that I kowd ffynde
therto that I wolde come ageyn and see hyr ; whyche wyll take
a leyser as [I] deeme now ; syn thys observance is over doon,
I purpose nott to tempte God noo moor soo.
Yisterday the Kynge, the Qween, my Lordes of Claraunce
and Glowcester, wente to Scheen to pardon ; men sey, nott
alle in cheryte ; what wyll falle, men can nott seye.
The Kynge entretyth my Lorde off Clarance ffor my
Lorde of Glowcester ; and, as itt is seyde, he answerythe,
1 Master Roger was, I suppose, some leech famous for his syrups, etc. — F.
2 [From Fenn, ii. 90.] After the death of Prince Edward, the son of Henry vi.,
who is said to have been murdered just after the Battle of Tewkesbury in May 1471,
Richard, Duke of Gloucester, married his widow Anne, who was the daughter of
Warwick the Kingmaker. The reference to the proposed sale of Sporle wood goes
further to fix the date. See Letter 793, and Nos. 819 and 820 following.
3 A poem of Lydgate's.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 that he may weell have my Ladye hys suster in lawe, butt
FEB. 17 they schall parte no lyvelod, as he seythe ; so what wyll falle
can I nott seye.
Thys daye I purpose to see my Lady off Norffolk ageyn,
in goode howr be it I
Ther is proferyd me marchaunts fFor Sporle woode. God
sende me goode sale whan I be gynne ; that poor woode is
soor manashed and thrett.
Yitt woote I nott whether I come home beffoor Esterne or
nott, I schall sende yow worde. No moor, &c.
Wretyn the fFyrst Tewesdaye off Lenton.
John Paston, K.
799
ABSTRACT!
APRIL 10 Norfolk and Suffolk Deeds, No. 38. — ' Relaxatio Johannis Paston facta
Willielmo Wainflet et aliis totius juris in manerio vocat' Pedham Hall in
Beyton, etc., in omnibus terris, tenementis, redditibus, etc., in villis de Beyton,
Akie, Birlingham, et Hykling, quae quondam fuerunt Johannis Fastolf. —
April 10, Edw. IV., 12.' — There is a similar deed of the same date including
the manor of Titchwell, numbered ' Titchwell, 5,' in the collection.
800
SIR JOHN PASTON TO HIS BROTHER,
JOHN PASTON 2
To Master John Paston, or to my mestresse, hys Modre,
be this letter delyveryd in hast.
APRIL 30 1 '\ ROTHER, I comand me to yow ^ . . .
■^-^ By Juddy I sende yow a letter by Corby with in iiij.
dayes byffor thys ; and ther with ij. potts off oyle for saladys,
1 [From MS. Index in Magd. Coll., Oxford.]
2 [From Fenn, i. 288.] The date of this letter is ascertained by the fact that Sir
Thomas Waldegrave died on the 28th April 14.72. — See Inquisition post mortem,
12 Edw. IV., No. 4.
3 Here (according to Fenn) follows an order for making out an account and
receiving some rents, etc.
136
EDWARD IV
whyche oyle was goode as myght be when I delyveryd itt, and 147^
schall be goode at the resey vynge, iff it be nott mysse handelyd, ^^^'^ 3°
nor mysse karryd.
Item, as ffor tydyngs, the Erie of Northomberlonde is
hoome in to the Northe, and my Lord off Glowcester schall
afftr as to morow, men seye. Also thys daye Robert of
Racclyff weddyd the Lady Dymmok at my place in Fleet-
street, and my Ladye and yowrs, Dame Elizbeth Bowghcher/
is weddyd to the Lorde Howards soon and heyr.^ Also Sir
Thomas Walgrave is ded off the syknesse that reygnyth, on
Tewesday, now [«<?] cheer ffor yowe. Also my Lorde Arche-
bysshope ^ was browt to the Towr on Saterday at nyght, and
on Mondaye, at mydnyght, he was conveyd to a schyppe, and
so in to the see, and as yitt I can nott undrestande whedyr he
is sent, ner whatt is fallyn off hym ; men seye, that he hathe
offendyd, but as John Forter seythe, some men sey naye ; but
all hys meny ar dysparblyd [^dispersedl, every man hys weye ;
and som that ar greete klerkys, and famous doctors of hys,
goo now ageyn to Cambrygge to scoolle. As ffor any other
tydyngs I heer noon. The Cowntesse off Oxenfford ^ is stylle
in Seynt Martyns ; I heer no word off hyr. The Qween
hadde chylde, a dowghter, but late at Wyndesor ; ther off I
trow ye hadde worde. And as ffor me, I am in lyke case as
I was. And as ffor my Lorde Chamberleyn,^ he is nott yitt
comen to town ; when he comythe than schall I weete what to
doo. Sir John of Parr is yowr ffrende and myn, and I gaffe
hym a ffayr armyng sworde within this iij. dayes. I harde
somwhat by hym off a bakke ffreende off yowr ; ye schall
knowe moor her afftr.
Wretyn the last daye of Apryll.
' Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of Sir Frederic Tilney, Knight, and widow of
Sir Humphrey Bourchier, son of John, first Lord Berners. Her husband was slain at
the battle of Barnet.
2 Thomas Howard, afterwards created Duke of Norfolk, by Henry viii., for his
victory over the Scots at Flodden. He was son and heir of John, Lord Howard.
3 George Nevill, Archbishop of York.
* Margaret, wife of John de Vere, Earl of Oxford, daughter of Richard Nevill,
Earl of Salisbury, and sister of Warwick the Kingmaker.
5 William, Lord Hastings,
THE PASTON LETTERS
8oi
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON i
To Mastyr Syr John Paston, Knyght, in hast.
1472 ^ YR, I recomande me to yow, &c. W. Gorney and I ar
MAY 14 ^N apoyntyd that ther shall no mony be takyn at Saxthorp
^-^ tyll thys terme be past, for he hathe promysyd me to
spek with yow and your consell, and that ye shall tak a wey
betwyx yow so that ye shall be bothe plesyd. He had warnyd
a coort at Saxthorp and to have be kep upon Holy Rood Day
last past, and ther he wold have gadyrd the half yere ferm, but
it fortunyd me to be there ere the coort was half done, and I
took syche a wey with hym that the qwest gave no verdyt, ner
they procedyd no ferther in ther cort, nor gadyrd no mony
ther, nor not shall do, tyll syche tym as ye spek to gedyr, and
[if] ye be at London thys term ; but and ye be not at London,
I wold avyse yow to let Townysend tak a wey with hym, for
it lyeth not in my power to keep werre with hym ; for and I
had not delt ryght corteysly up on Holy Rood Day I had
drownk to myn oystyrs, for yowng Heydon had reysyd as
many men as he kowd mak in barneys to have holp Gornay ;
but when Heydon sye [saw] that we delt so corteysly as we
ded he withdrew hys men and mad hem to go hom a yen, not-
withstandyng they wer redy, and ned had be. And also my
Lord of Norffolks men wyll be with hym ayenst me I wet well
as yet, tyl bettyr pesse be.
Item, as for myn ownkyll William, I have spook with
hym, and he seyth that he wyll make a byll in all hast of iche
percelle be twyxt yow and send yow word in wryghtyng how
that he wooll dyell with yow ; but I can not se that he besyth
hym abowght it, notwithstandyng I calle upon hym dayly for
it. As for mony, I can none get, neyther at Snaylewell nor at
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] What is here said of the attempt of Gurney to
collect the rents at Saxthorpe, seems to show that this letter is of the same year as
No. 796. Also the mention of Maryot's annuity and the green wax agrees very well
with the previous allusion to these matters in No. 797.
EDWARD IV
Sporle tyll mydsomer, thow I wold dryve all the catell they 1472
have. I was bond to the shrevys for gren wax^ and for a may 14
fyeri facias that is awardyd owt of yowr lond, wyche drawyth
in alle bettyr than v. mark, and I am fayn to borow the mony
to pay it by that Lord I beleve on, for I cowd not gadyr a nobyll
of areragys syn I was with yow at London of alle the lyve-
lod ye have. As for John Maryot, he is payid of hys anuyte
in to a nobyll or xs. at the most, but as for all hys dettors
I can not pay hem tyll I can gadyr more mony, so God help me.
I pray yow send a byll to John Pampyng that he may ryed
with me ovyr all your lyvelood, and tak a clere reknyng what
is owyng and what that I have receyvyd, that ye may have a
cler reknyng of all that ye owe in thys contre, and what your
tenauntes owe yow. Item, I pray yow send me word as
hasty ly as ye can, how the world goethe. No more, but
God lant yow lansmann,^ and rather then to stand in dowght,
remembyr what peyn it is a man to loese lyberte. The Flet
is a fayir preson, but ye had but smale lyberte ther in,^ for ye
must nedys aper when ye wer callyd. Item, I have fownd
Jamys Greshamys oblygacyon. Item, he comyth to London-
ward thys day.
Wretyn the xiiij. day of Maye. J. P.
802
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON^
RYGHT worchefull syr, I recomande me to yow, sertyfy- may 25
ing yow that I was purposyd to have com to London
to have made my pese with my Lady of Norffolk,
but I undyrstand she is not in London ; notwithstandyng that
1 See p. 134, Note 2.
^ So in MS. What does this mean ? Compare similar expression at p. 133.
^ I have found no other mention of Sir John Paston having been imprisoned in
the Fleet.
* [From Paston Mss., B.M.] This letter seems to have been written in 1472,
when, as before observed, the Pastons were endeavouring to make peace with the
Duke of Norfolk by means of the Duchess. The date is confirmed by the reference
to James Gresham's obligation at the end. Compare last No. There is no address
on the back.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 IS no cause of myn abydyng at horn, but thys is the cause, so
MAY 25 God help me, — I can get no mony, neythyr of your lyvelod
ner of myn, to pay for my costes, nor for to ease yow with at
my comyng. Notwithstandyng I am promysyd som at Snayle-
well, and if so be that John can take eny ther, he shall bryng
it yow with this bylle. I send yow here ij, of my reknynges
that I have receyved and payd syn I delt with yowr lyvelod,
and by thes ij. and by that reknyng that I sent yow to Lon-
don ye may know what is receyved by me, and what I have
payid ; and howgh and when so evyr ye wyll let your ten-
auntes and fermours at alle plasys be examynd, ye shalle fynd
it non othyr wyse. So God help me, as your lyvelod is payid,
it cannot paye your dettes in thys contre ; for it drawyth up
on a x//. that ye owe yet in thys contre, besyd the xii//. to
Dawbney ; and with in thes vij. dayis I shall send yow a clere
byll what ye owe, for ther are axyid many thynges that I
knewe not of when I was with yow.
Also I enswyr yow by my trowthe I saw my modyr nevyr
sorer mevyd with no mater in hyr lyve then she was when she
red the byll that ye gave me warnyng in that Perker had
atainyd an axyon ayenst yow and me, for she supposyth veryly
that it is doon by myn oncyll William meanys, to mak yow to
sell your lond. But thys she comandyd me for to send yow
word, that and ye sell eny lond, but paye your dettes with
syche good as my Lord Archebyshopp owyth yow, and eny
law in Inglond can put fro yow eny of hyr lond, she sweryth
by that feyth that she owyth to God she wyll put fro yow
dobyll as myche lond as ye selle. And therfor I wold avyse
yow, calle sharply upon my Lord, the Archebyshop, for ye ar
not bond to undo your sylf for hym.
Item, I pray yow se that I tak no hurt by Parker, As
for myn oncyll W., I can not mak hym to send you the byll
of syche stuff as he hathe of yowrs. He seyth he woU, but he
comyth no of with it.^ He and I ar fowly fallyn owght thys
same day for a mater betwyx Lovell and Johne Wallsam and
hyr sustyr. Lovell hathe bowt Jone Walshamys part of hyr
lyvelod, and maryd hyr to a knave, and myn oncyll W. hathe
' So in MS,
140
EDWARD IV
oft spok with my modyr and me for to delyver Jone Wals- 1472
hamys evydence to Lovell, whyche I have in kepyng ; and be may 25
cause I wyll not delyver Lovell the evydence therfor we fyll
owt, in so myche that he seyth he wyll stryppe me fro the
maner of Sweynsthorpe. Wherfor I pray yow in eny wyse
send me by John Mylsend a copye of the deed that I sent yow
to London. Ther is in the same deed Gresham and Snayle-
well, and Sporle and Sweynsthorpe, alle to gedyr I trow. And
I prey yow let the date and the feofFeys namys, and alle be set
in. And I trust to God to mak yt so sewyr that he shall do
me lytyll harm. Gefrey Spyrlyng callyth oft up on me to
undyrstand how ye wyll delle with hym for hys plase in Nor-
wyche. I pray you send me woord by John what answer
I may geve hym ; he delyth alwey ryght frendly with yow.
Item, I send yow here wyth Jamys Greshamys oblygacyon.
Item, I pray yow send serteyn woorde how the world
gothe.
Wretyn the xxv. day of May. J" P-
Endorsed — John Paston.
803
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
To Sir John Paston, Knythe, be thys delyverid.
IGRET zow welle, and send zow Godds blyssyng and myn, june 5
latyng zow wet that I spakke with frends of myn with
yne thys fewe days that told me that I am leke to be
trobyld for Sir John Fastolles goodes, the whyche were in
zour fadyrs possessyon, and as for me I had never none of
them. Where fore I pray zow send me a kopy of the dysse-
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] It Is evident that Henry Heydon's purchase of
Saxthorpe, mentioned In this letter, must have been subsequent to his support of
Gurney In the possession of that manor, as mentioned in Letter 8oi. No doubt the
year is the same. The letter is endorsed by Sir John ' Per matrem.'
141
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 charge whyche ze have of my Lord of Wynchester that ze
JUNE 5 told me that ze had, bothe for my dyscharge and zowyrs wat
sum ever that be callyd upon of eyther of us here after. Item,
yt ys told me that Harry Heydon hat bowthe [bought] of the
seyd Lord bothe Saxthorpe and Tychewelle, and hathe takke
possessyon there in. We bette the busschysse and have the
losse and the disworschuppe and ether men have the byrds.
My Lord hathe falsse kownselle and sympylle, that avyseythe
hym thereto ; and as yt ys told me, Guton ys leke to goo the
same wey in hast. And as for Heylysdon and Drayton, I
trow yt is ther yt schalle be. Wat schalle falle of the rem-
naunt, God kowythe, — I trow as evelle or whersse. We have
the losse among us. Yt owythe to be remembyrd, and they
that be defawty to have konsyens there in. And so mot I
thryve, yt was told me but latte that yt is seyd in kownselle
of them that ben at Caster, that I am leke to have but lytylle
good of Mauteby y^ the Duke of Norfolke have possessyon
stylle in Caster ; and yf we lesse that, we lesse the fayereste
flower of owr garlond. And ther for helpe that he may be
owte of possessyon there of in haste be myn a vyse, wat so
ever fortune here after. Item, yt is seyde here that my Lord
Archebysschoppe is ded ; and yf yt be so, calle up on hys
sueretes for the mony that is owyng to us, in hast be myn
avyse ; and at reverens of God helpe that I mythe be dys-
chargyd of the C. mark that ze wet of, owder be that mene or
sum other, for yt is to myche for me to here, with other
charges that I have besyd, that I am to hevy wan I thynk up
on yt. As for your syster Anne, Master Godfrey and his
wyffe and W. Grey of Martyn, arn up on a powntment with
me and your brother John, so that ze wylle a gre there to and
be her good brother ; sche schalle have to joyntor hys modyrs
lyvelod after the dyssese of her and her husbond, and I to pay
x//. be zere to the fynddyng of her and her husbond tylle c/i.,
be payed. And yf hys grawntsyers lyvelod falle to hym here
after, he hathe promysed to amend her joyntyr. Master God-
frey hathe promysyd hym for hys parte xlj. be zere, and than
lakkythe but iiij. nobyls of xx. mark be zere, the wyche they
hope ze wylle make upe for zour parte. Wylliam Grey told me
142
EDWARD IV
he schuld speke with zow here in wan he kam to London thys 1472
terme. God kepe zow. June 5
Wretyn in hast on Fryday next after Sen Pernelle.^
Be your modyr.
804
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON2
I'd my ryght worchepfull hrodyr^ Sir John Paston^ Knyght.
YGHT worchepfull sir, I recomand me to yow.^
R
Item, Mastyr John Smythe tellyth me that Sir T.
Lyneys goodys ar not abyll to paye a quarter of hys detts
that be axyd hym ; wherfor syche money as is be left
it most be devydyd to every man a parte aftyr the quan-
tyte, whyche dyvysyon is not yet mad, but when it is mad
he hathe promyseyd me that your part shalbe worthe iij. the
best, &c.
Item, as for J. of Barneys hors, whoso have leest need to
hym he shall cost hym xx. marks, not a peny lesse.
Ye send me woord of the maryage of my Lady Jane ; one
maryage for an other on, Norse and Bedford were axed in the
chyrche on Sonday last past. As for my syster Anne, my
modyr wyll not remeve fro W. Yellverton for Bedyngfeld, for
she hathe comend ferther in that mater, syn ye wer in this
contre, as it aperyth in hyr lettyr that she sendyth yow by
Thyrston.
Tydyngs her, my Lady of Norffolk is with chyld, she
wenyth hyrsylf, and so do all the women abowght hyr, inso-
myche she waytys the qwyknyng with in thes vj. wekys at the
ferthest. Also W. Gernay wenyth that Heydon is swyr of
1 St. Petronilla the Virgin or St. Pernell. Her day was the 3 ist May.
2 [From Fenn, ii. 92.] This letter, like the last, is dated by the reference to
Gurney and Heydon. The date is confirmed by the allusion to the proposal to sell
Sporle wood.
3 Here follows an account of some money transactions, etc. — F.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 Saxthorp, and that Lady Boleyn of Gwton. John Osberne
JUNE 5 avysythe yow to take brethe for your wodsale at Sporle, for he
hathe cast it, that it is woorthe as good as ix.'"'7/. Bewar of
Montayn, for he may not pay yow so moche mony with hys
ease.
I prey yow recomand me to Sir John Parre with all my
servys, and tell hym by my trouthe I longyd never sorer to
see my Lady than I do to se hys Mastershepe ; and I prey
God that he aryse never a mornyng fro my Lady hys wyff,
with owght it be ageyn hyr wyll, tyll syche tyme as he bryng
hyr to Our Lady of Walsyngham.
Also I prey yow to recomand me in my most humbyll
wyse unto the good Lordshepe of the most corteys, gentylest,
wysest, kyndest, most compenabyll, freest, largeest, most
bowntesous knyght, my Lord the Erie of Arran,^ whych
hathe maryed the Kyngs sustyr of Scotland. Herto he is
one the lyghtest, delyverst, best spokyn, fayrest archer; de-
vowghtest, most perfyghte, and trewest to hys lady of all
the knyghtys that ever I was aqweyntyd with ; so wold
God, my Lady lyekyd me as well as I do hys person and
most knyghtly condycyons, with whom I prey yow to be
aqweyntyd, as yow semyth best; he is lodgyd at the George
in Lombard Street. He hath a book of my syster Annys of
the Sege of Thebes ; when he hathe doon with it, he promysyd
* to delyver it yow. I prey lete Portland bryng the book horn
with hym. Portland is loggyd at the George in Lombard
Street also.
And thys I promyse yow, ye schall not be so longe ayen
with ought a byll fro me, as ye have ben, thow I shold wryght
how ofte the wynd changyth, for I se be your wryghtyng ye
crosse it.
. -i_ . .;_ • -I—
can be wrothe and ye wyll for lytyll." Wretyn the v. day of
June. J. Paston.
1 Thomas Boyd, Earl of Arran, in 14.66, married Mary, daughter of James 11.
and sister of James iii., Kings of Scotland. He was appointed Regent, but be-
coming xmpopular, was banished, and died in exile before 1474. — F.
2 These two words are crossed as here represented, and over them is written,
'crosse it.'
144
EDWARD IV
805
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTONi
"To my ryght worchepfull hrodyr^ Sir John Paston, Knyght.
RYGHT worchepfull sir, I recomand me to you, serty- 1472
fying yow that I have spokyn wyth Mastyr John july 8
Smyth ^ for Sir T. Lyndys, and he hathe shewyd me
your byll whyche ye axe to be content of. Your byll a lone
drawyth iiij. mark and ode monye, for ye have set in your
byll for wax a lone xxj., whyche to Mastyr John S. imagyna-
cyon, and to all other ofycers of the coort, shold not drawe
past yixd. at hys berying. The bylls that be put into the
coorte of Syr Thomas Lynys dettes drawe xxx/z. xviijj. vj^/.,
and all the money that can be mad of hys house and goodes in
this contrey drawyth but wli. Mastyr J. Smyth wold ye shold
send hym into the coort an inventory of syche goodys as Syr
T. had at London when he dyeid, and that inventory onys had,
ye shall have as comyth to your part and more also. Ye must
send the serteynte whedyr the wax be xxj. or xx^a'. ; and as for
the Freers, Master John wyll not alowe theym a peny, for he
seyth wher the dettes may not be payeid, set the beqwestes at
nowght. He is agreid to pay the potycarye aftyr that he
have the inventory fro yow. Rysyng I trowe hathe be with
yow.
Item, as for John Maryot, I have sent to hym for the xIj.
but I have non answer.
Item, I have spok with Barker, and he hathe no money,
nor non can get tyll harvest, when he may dystreyn the cropp
upon the grownd; he seyth there is not owyng past v. mark,
and on Saturday next comyng he shall send me a vewe of hys
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] The references to the affairs of the deceased Sir
Thomas Lynde, the Duchess of Norfolk's pregnancy, and other subjects mentioned in
the letter immediately preceding, prove clearly that this letter belongs to the same
year.
2 Master John Smyth was, at this time, an officer in the Bishop's Court ; he be-
came afterwards Chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich, and died about 1491.
VOL. V. K 145
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 acompte whyche I shall send you as sone as I have it. As for
JULY 8 FastolfFes v. mark, J. Wyndham hathe be spokyn to by me
half a doseyn tymys to send to hym for it, and he seyth he
hathe doon so.
Item, Sir John Styll hathe told Jwde when ye shall have
the chalys ; ax Jwde of your crwets allso.
Item, the prowd, pevyshe, and evyll disposyd prest to us
all. Sir James, seyth that ye comandyd hym to delyver the
book of vij. Sagys to my brodyr Water, and he hathe it.
Item, I send you the serteynte her with of as myche as can
be enqweryd for myn oncyll W. cleym in Caster ; thase artyclys
that fayle, the tenaunts of Caster shall enqwer theym, and send
theym to me hastyly ; they have promysyd, and they com, ye
shall have theym sent yow by the next messenger that comyth
to London.
Item, my modyr sendyth you woord that she hathe neyther
Master Robard Popyes oblygacyon nor the Byshopys.^
Item, my modyr wold ye shold in all haste gete hyr aqwet-
ance of the Byshop ^ of Wynchester for Sir John Fastolffes
goodes ; she preyid you to make it swyr by the avyse of your
consayll, and she wyll pay for the costes.
Item, she preyith you to spek to the seyd Byshop for to
get Master Clement Felmyngham the viij. mark be yer dwryng
hys lyffe that Sir J. Fastolff be set hym ; she preyid you to get
hym an asygnement for it to som maner in Norffolk or in
Lothynglond.
Item, she wold ye shold get yow an other house to ley in
your stuff syche as cam fro Caster. She thynkyth on of the
Freerys is a fayir house ; she purposeyth to go in to the
contre, and ther to sojorn onys ayen.^ Many qwarellys ar
pyekyd to get my brodyr E. and me ought of hyr howse ; we
go not to bed unchedyn lyghtly, all that we do is ille doon,
and all that Sir Jamys and Pekok dothe is well doon ; Sir
Jamys and I be tweyn. We fyll owght be for my modyr,
^ Walter Lyhert, Bishop of Norwich, from 1445 to 1472.
2 William de Wainfleet, Bishop of Winchester from 1447 to i486.
^ Fenn reads 'onys a yer,' which may have been intended; but I think the true
reading is ' ayen.'
146
EDWARD IV
with * Thow prowd prest' and ' Thow prowd sqwyer,' my 1472
modyr takyng hys part, so I have almost beshet the bote, Ju^y 8
as for my modyrs house ; yet somer shal be don or I get me
ony mastyr. My modyr proposeith hastyly to take estate in
all hyr londys, and upon that estate to make hyr wyll of the
seyd londys, parte to geve to my yonger brethyrn for term of
ther lyvys, and aftyr to remayn to yow, pert to my syster
Annys,-^ maryage, tyll on Qli. be payid, part for to make hyr
lie at Mawtby, parte for a prest to syng for hyr and my fadyr,
and ther ancestrys. And in thys aungyr betwen Sir Jamys
and me, she hathe promyseid me that my parte shall be
nowght ; what your shal be, I can not sey. God sped the
plowghe ; i feythe ye must purvey for my brodyr E. to go
over with you, or he is on don ; he wyll bryng xx. noblys in
hys purse. My modyr wyll nowthyr geve nor lend non of
you bothe a peny forward. Purvey a meane to have Caster
ayen or ye goo ovyr ; my Lord and Lady (whyche for serteyn
is gret with chyld), be wery ther of, and all the housold also.
If ye wyll eny othyr thyn to be don in thys contre, send me
woord, and I shall do as well as I can with Godes grace. Who
preserve yow.
Wretyn the viij. day of Julie. I pray yow recomand me
to my Lord of Aran,^ Sir John Par, Sir George Browne, Osbern
Berney, R. Hyd, Jhoxson my cosyn, hys wyfe Kate, W.
Wood, and all. I pray brenne thys by[ll] for losyng.
Your, J. P.
806
ABSTRACT 3
A paper endorsed 'The copy of the request to the Bishop of Winchester I4'72(?)
by Sir John Paston, Knight.'
Complains of my Lord not making him an acquittance of 4000 marks which
he has often claimed, etc.
[Sir John Paston is desired in Letters 796 and 805 to procure from the Bishop of
Winchester an acquittance for Sir John Fastolf 's goods, and this paper may be pre-
sumed to be of the same year.]
1 She afterwards married William Yelverton, Esq.
2 See p. 144, Note i. ^ [From ms. Phillipps 9735, No. 271.]
147
THE PASTON LETTERS
807
ABSTRACT!
SEPT. 20
1472 Norf. and SufF. Deeds, No. 63. — ' Relaxatio Willielmi Paston Will.
AUG. 12 Wainflete et aliis totius juris in manerio de Caldecots in Freton, in Akethorp,
in Lowestoft, Spitlings in Gorleston, tenementi vocat' Habland in Bradwell, et
tenementi vocat' Broweston in eadem villa, et aliis terris infra hundred de
Loddinglond Aug. 12, Edw. iv. 12.'
808
JAMES ARBL ASTER TO THE BAILIFF OF MALDEN^
To my ryght trusty ffrend John Carenton,
Bayly e of Maldon.
RYGHT trusty frend, I comand me to yow, preying yow
to call to your mynd that, lyek as ye and I comonyd
of, it were necessary for my Lady and you all, hyr
servaunts and tenaunts, to have thys Parlement as for one of
the burgeys of the towne of Maldon, syche a man of worchep
and of wytt as wer towardys my seyd Lady ; and also syche
on as is in favor of the Kyng and of the Lords of hys consayll
nyghe abought hys persone. Sertyfying yow, that my seid
Lady for hyr parte, and syche as be of hyr consayll be most
agreeabyll, that bothe ye, and all syche as be hyr fermors and
tenauntys, and wellwyllers, shold geve your voyse to a wor-
chepfull knyght, and one of my Ladys consayll. Sir John
Paston, whyche standys gretly in favore with my Lord
Chamberleyn ; and what my seyd Lord Chamberleyn may do
with the Kyng and with all the Lordys of Inglond, I trowe it
be not unknowyn to you most of eny on man alyve. Where-
for, by the meenys of the seyd Sir John Paston to my seyd
^ [From MS. Index in Magd. Coll., Oxford.]
2 [From Fenn, ii. 98.] The date of this letter is ascertained by the reference
made to it in that which immediately follows it.
148
EDWARD IV
Lord Chamberleyn, bothe my Lady and ye of the towne 147^
kowd not have a meeter man to be for yow in the Perlement, ^^^'^- ^o
to have your needys sped at all seasons. Wherfor, I prey yow
labor all syche as be my Ladys servauntts, tenaunts, and well-
wyllers, to geve ther voyseys to the seyd Sir John Paston, and
that ye fayle not to sped my Ladys intent in thys mater, as ye
entend to do hyr as gret a plesur, as if ye gave hyr an Cii.
And God have yow in Hys keping.
Wretyn at Fysheley, the xx. day of Septembyr.
J. Arblaster.
I prey yow be redy with all the acomptanttys belongyng
to my Lady, at the ferthest within viij. dayes next aftyr Perdon
Sonday, for then I shall be with yow with Gods Grace, Who
have yow in keepyng.
809
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
To my ryght worchepfull hrodyr^ Sir John Paston^ Knyght.
RYGHT worchepfull sir, I recomand me to yow, letyng sept. 21
yow wet that your desyer as for the Knyghts of the
Shyer was an impossoybyl to be browght abowght ;
ffor my Lord of Norffblk and my Lord of Suffolk wer agreid
i mor then a fortnyght go to have Sir Robert Wyngfeld, and
Sir Rychard Harcort, and that knew I not tyll it was Fryday
last past. I had sent or I rod to Framlynham, to warne as
many of your frends to be at Norwyche as thys Monday, to
serve your entent as I koud ; but when I cam to Framlynham,
and knew the apoyntment that was taken for the ij. knyghts, I
sent warnyng ayen to as many I myght to tery at hom ; and
yet ther cam to Norwyche thys day as many as ther costs
dreave to ixj. \d. ob., payid and reknyd by Pekok and R.
Capron, and yet they dyd but brak ther fest and depertyd.
1 [From Fenn, ii. io2.]
149
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472
SEPT. 2 I
And 1 thankyd hem In your name, and told them that ye wold
have noo voyse as thys day, for ye supposyd not to be in
Inglond when the Perlement shold be, and so they cam not at
the sherhous [shire-house] ; for if they had, it was thought by
syche as be your frends here, that your adversarys wold have
reportyd that ye had mad labor to have ben one, and that ye
koud not bryng your purpose abowght.
I sent to Yermowthe, and they have promysyd also to
Doctor Aleyn and John Russe to be mor then iij. wekys
goo.
Jamys Arblaster hathe wretyn a lettyr to the Bayle of
Maldon, in Essex, to have yow a bergeys ther ; howe Jwde
shall sped, let hym tell yow, when ye spek to gedyr.
Syr, I have ben twyis at Framlyngham sythe your departyng,
but now, the last time the consayll was ther, I sye [saw] yow
lettyr whyche was bettyr then well endyghtyd. R. C.^ was
not at Framlyngham when the consayll was ther, but I took
myn owne avyse, and delyvered it to the consayll with a pro-
pocysion ther with, as well as I kowd spek it, and my wordys
wer well takyn, but your lett[yr] a thousand fold bettyr.
When they had red it, they shewd it to my Lady.^ Aftyr
that my Lady had sen it, I spok with my Lady offryng to my
Lord and her your servyse, and besyd that, ye to do my Lord
a plesur ^ and hyr a bettyr, so as ye myght depert wyth ought
eny some specyfyid. She wold not tell in that mater, but
remyttyd me ayen to the consayll, for she seyd, and she speke
in it, tyll my Lord and the consayll wer agreed, they wold ley
the wyght [^lame] of all the mater on hyr, whyche shold be
reportyd to hyr shame ; but thys she promyseid to be helpyng,
so it wer fyrst mevyd by the consayll. Then 1 went to the
consayll, and offyrd befor them your servyse to my Lord, and
to do hym a plesure, for the haveing ayen of your place and
londys in Caster, xl//. not spekyng of your stuff nor thyng
ellys. So they answerd me your offyr was more then reson-
abyll ; and if the mater wer thers, they seyd, they wyst what
conscyence wold dryve hem to. They seyd they wold meve
1 Richard Calle.
2 Elizabeth, Duchess of Norfolk.
150
* Make him a present. — F.
EDWARD IV
my Lord with it, and so they dyd, but then the tempest aros, H?^
and he gave hem syche an answer that non of hem all wold tell ^ept. 21
it me ; but when I axid an answer of them, they seyd, and [z/]
som Lordys or gretter men mevyd my Lord with it, the mater
wer your (kepe consaile), and with thys answer I depertyd.
But Syr W. Brandon, Sothewell, Tymperley, Herry Went-
worthe, W. Gornay, and all other of consayll, undyrstand that
ye have wronge, insomyche that they mevyd me that ye shold
take a recompence of other lond to the valew ; but they wold
not avowe the offyr, for I anserd hem that if they had ryght
they wold have ofred no recompence. Dyscovyr not thys, but
in my reason, and [i.e. if] my Lord Chamberleyn ^ wold send
my Lady a letter with some privy tokyn betwyx theym, and
allso to meve my Lord of Norffolk when he comyth to the
Parlement, serteynly Caster is yours.
If ye mysse to be burgeys of Maldon, and my Lord
Chamberleyn wyll, ye may be in a nother plase ; ther be a
doseyn townys in Inglond that chesse no bergeys, whyche
ought to do, and ye may be set in for one of those townys,
and ye be frendyd. Also in no wyse forget not in all hast to
get some goodly ryng, pryse of xxj-., or som praty flowyr of
the same pryse, and not undyr, to geve to Jane Rodon, for she
hathe ben the most specyall laborer in your mater, and hathe
promysyd hyr good wyll foorthe, and she doeth all with hyr
mastresse. And my Lord Chamberleyn wyll, he may cause
my Lord of Norffolk to com up soner to the Parlement then
he shold do, and then he may apoynt with hym for yow, Or the
ferm corn^ be gadryd. I profyrd but xl//,, and if my Lord
Chamberleyn profyr my Lady the remenaunt, I can thynk it
shall be taken. My Lady must have somwhat to bye hyr
kovercheff^ besyd my Lord. A soper that I payd for, wher
all the consayll was at Framlyngham, ijs. \\]d., and my costs at
Framlyngham twyis lying ther by viii. dayis, with ix^. \d. ob.,
for costs of the contre at Norwyche drawyth abowght xxj., I
trowe more : by our Lady, i it be lesse, stand to your harmys,
and sic remanet yH. xiijj. iii^.
1 William, Lord Hastings. 2 Com paid in part of rent. — F.
3 A head-dress, or handkerchief. — F.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 I axe no more gods of you for all the servyse that I shall
SEPT. 21 do yow whyll the world standyth, but a gosshawke/ if Qny of
my Lord Chamberleyns men or yours goo to Kaleys, or if eny
be to get in London ; that is, a mewyd hawk, for she may
make yow sporte when ye com into Inglond a doseyn yer hens,
and to call upon yow owyrly, nyghtly, dayly, dyner, soper, for
thys hawk. I pray noo more but my brother E., J. Pampyng,
Thyrston, J. Myryel, W. Pytte, T. Plattyng Jwde, lityll Jak,
Mastyr Botoner, and W. Wood to boote, to whyche persons I
prey yow to comand me ; and if all thes lyst to spek to yow of
thys mater when Sir George Browne, W. Knyvett, R. Hyd, or
eny folk of worchepp and of my aqweyntanse be in your com-
peny, so that they may heipe forthe, for all is lytyll i nowe, and
ye be not very well wyllyng, I shall so pervey for hem, and ever
ye com to Norwyche, and they with yow, that they shall have
as deynte vytayll and as gret plente therof for id. as they shall
have of the tresorer of Caleys for xvd., and ye, peraventure, a
pye of Wymondham to boote. Nowthynk on me, good Lord,
for if I have not an hawke, I shall wax fatt for default of labor,
and ded for default of company by my trowthe. No more,
but I pray God send you all your desyrs, and me my mwyd
gosshawk in hast, or rather then fayle, a sowyr hawke. Ther
is a grosser dwellyng ryght over ayenst the well with ij. boketts
a lytyll fro Seynt Elens, hathe evyr hawkys to sell.
Wretyn at Norwyche the xxj. day of September, Anno
E. iiij'' xij°-
J. P.
Rather then faylle, a tarsell provyd wyll occupy the tyme
tyll I com to Caleys.
^ From the anxiety here expressed for a hawk, we may judge of the attention
which was paid to the diversion of hawking. Latham, in his book of Falconry, says
that a goshawk is the first and most esteemed kind of hawk ; that a sore hawk is from
the first taking of her from the eyry till she hath mewed her feathers. The tassel, or
tiercel, is the male of the goshawk, so called because it is a tierce or third less than
the female ; it appears here, that a ' grosser,' or dealer in foreign fruits, etc., sold hawks.
— F.
152
EDWARD IV
8io
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON^
A Monsieur J. Paston, Chevalier.
RYGHT worchepfull sir, I comand me to yow, sertyfying 1472'
yow that Pekok hath receyvyd of Sir John Stylle by a °^'^- ^^
bylle all suche stuff as he had of your. And as for
Kendallys mater, he hathe doon as myche in it as can be doon :
but as for Richard Calle, he hathe gevyn hym a pleyn answer
that he wyll not seale to the lease that ye have mad to Ken-
dalle, for he seyth he wottyth not whether it be your wylle or
not, notwithstandyng he sye yore sealle up on it. I wold be
sory to delyver hym a subpena and ye sent it me.
I send you herwith the endenture betwyx yow and Towne-
send. My modyr hathe herd of that mater by the reporte of
old Wayte, whyche rennyth on it with opyn mowthe in hys
werst wyse. My modyr wepyth and takyth on mervaylously,
for she seythe she wotyth well it shall never be pledgyd ought ;
wherfor she seythe that she wyll purvey for hyr lond that ye
shall none selle of it, for she thynkys ye wold and it cam to
yowr hand. As for hyr wyll and all syche maters as wer in
hand at your last being here, they thynk that it shall not lye in
all oure porys to let it in on poynt.
Sir Jamys is evyr choppyng at me, when my modyr is
present, with syche wordys as he thynkys wrathe me, and also
cause my modyr to be dyspleased with me, o-vyn as who seyth
he wold I wyst that he settyth not by the best of us ; and
when he hathe most unfyttyng woordys to me, I smylle a
lytyll and tell hym it is good heryng of thes old talys. Sir
Jamys is parson of Stokysby by J. Bernays gyft. I trowe he
beryth hym the hyeer.
Item, ye must sende in haste to W. Barker a warrant to
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] The date of this letter is shown by a contempor-
aneous endorsement ' Anno E. iiij'' xij°,' as well as by the repetition of the writer's
request for a goshawk.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 pay John Kook xxx5., and to the woman of Yermothe for otys
OCT. 16 XX., and Syr John Styll hys money, for they call dayly up
on it.
Item, I prey yow send me some tydynges howgh the world
gothe, and whether ye have sent eny of your folk to Caleys,
Me thynkes it costyth yow to myche money for to kepe hem
all in London at your charge.
Item, whethyr ye have eny thyng spokyn of my going to
Caleys.
Item, as for a goshawk or a terssell, I wend to have had on
of yours in kepyng or thys tyme, but fere \^far] fro iee fer fro
hert ; by my trowthe I dye for defawlt of labore. And it may
be by eny meane possybyll, for Godes sake let on be sent me
in all hast ; for if it be not had bv Halowmess, the seson shall
passe a non, Memento mei, and in fey the ye shall not loose
on it. Nor yet myche wyne on it by God, Who preserve
yow.
Wretyn on Seynt Mychell Day, in Monte Tomba.^
J.P-
811
MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 2
To John Paston^ esqiiyer.
i472(?) T GRETE you wele ; letyng you wete that on Saterday last
OCT. [23] I past within nyght the felesshep at Cayster tokyn ought of
Mawtby Cloos xvj. shep of diverse mennes that were put
therein to pasture, and thei ledde them a wey, so that every
man ferith to put any bestis or catell therin, to my grete hurt
and discoragyng of my fermour that is now of late come theder.
And the seid evill disposed persones affraid my seid fermour as
1 The feast of St. Michael in Monte Tumba was the i6th October.
2 [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 108.] This letter was clearly written between the surrender
of Caister in 1469 and its recovery by Sir John Paston after the death of the Duke of
Norfolk in 1476. The year 1472 may be considered very probable from what
Margaret Paston writes in June of that year (No. 803).
EDWARD IV
he came from Yarmoth this weke and shotte at hym that if he 1472 (?)
had not had a good hors he had belike to have ben in joparte oct. [23]
of his lyfe ; so that be thes rewle I am Hke to lese the profite
of the lyfelode this yere but if there be purveyed the hastyere
remedy. Thei threte so my men I dar send non theder to
gader it. Thei stufFe and vetayll sore the place, and it is
reported here that my Lady of Norffolk seth she wuU not leas
it in no wyse. And the Duchesse of Suffolkis men sey that she
wull not departe from Heylesdon ner Drayton, — she wuld
rather departe from money ; but that shuld not be wurchepfuU
for you ; for men shull not than set be you. There for I will
avyse you to have rather the lyvelod than the money ; ye shall
mown excuse you be the College which must contynue per-
petuall, and money is sone lost and spent whan that lyfelode
abideth. Item, I lete you wete that Hastyngis hath entred
ageyn in to his fee of the Constabyllshep of the Castell of
Norwich be the vertu of his patent that he had of Kyng
Harry ; and I here sey he hath it graunted to hym and his
heyeris. There was at his entres your unkill William and
other jentilmen dwellyng in Norwich. This was do be fore
that ye sent me the letter be Pers I had forgetyn to have sent
you word ther of. God kepe you. Wretyn the Friday next
after Sent Luke.
Be your moder.
812
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON^
A Johan Paston, Esquyer, soit done.
WORSHYPFULL and weell belovyd brother, I re- 1472
comand me to yow, letyng yow weet that I sente ^ov. 4
yow a letter and a rynge with a dyamond, in whyche
letter ye myght well conceyve what I wold ye scholde do with
the same rynge, with menye other tydyngs and thyngs whyche
1 [From Fenn, ii. 112.]
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 I prayed yowe to have doon for me, whyche letter Botoner^
NOV. 4 had the beryng off. It is so nowe that I undrestond that he is
owther deed or ellys harde eskapyd, wheroff I am ryght hevye,
and am not serteyn whethyr the seyd lettyr and rynge come to
yowr handys or nott. I wolde nott that letter wer seyn with
some folkys ; wherffor I praye yow take good heede hoghe
that letter comythe to yowr handys, hooll or brokyn, and in
especiall I praye yow gete it, iff ye have it nott.
Also I praye yow feele my Lady off Norfolks dysposicion
to me wards, and whethyr she toke any dysplesur at my
langage, or mokkyd, or dysdeyned my words whyche I hadd
to hyr at Yarmothe, be twyen the place wher I ffyrst mett
with hyr and hyr lodgyng, ffor my Lady Brandon and Syr
William "- also axhyd me what words I had had to hyr at that
tyme. They seyd that my Lady seyde I gaff hyr ther off,^ and
that I sholde have seyde that my Lady was worthye to have a
Lords soon in hyr belye, ffor she cowde cheryshe itt, and dele
warlye with it ; in trowthe owther the same or words moche
lyke I had to hyr, whyche wordys I ment as I seyde. They
seye to that I seyde she toke hyr ease. Also I scholde have
seyde that my Ladye was off satur \jtature\ goode, and had
sydes longe and large, so that I was in goode hope she sholde
ber a fayr chylde ; he was nott lacyd nor bracyd ine to hys
peyn, but that she left hym rome to pleye hym in. And they
seye that I seyde my Lady was large and grete, and that itt
sholde have rome inow to goo owt att ; and thus why ther my
Lady mokk me, or theye, I woote nott. I mente weell by my
trowthe to hyr, and to that she is with, as any he that owythe
heer best wyll in Ingelond.
Iff ye can by any meed weete whethyr my Ladye take it
to dysplesur or nowt, or whether she thynke I mokkyd hyr,
or iff she wyght it but lewdnesse off my selffe, I pray yow
1 William Botoner, otherwise Worcester. He certainly was alive some years later
than this.
2 Sir William Brandon, Knight, was standard-bearer to the Earl of Richmond, and
was slain in Bosworth Field by Richard in. He was father to Charles Brandon,
Duke of Suffolk.— F.
3 Meaning apparently, as Fenn suggests, 'I paid her off, or treated her with
unceremonious language.'
156
EDWARD IV
sende me worde ; fFor I weet nott whethyr I maye trust thys 1472
Lady Brandon or nott. '^"v- 4
Item, as fFor tydyngs nowe, heer be but ffewe, safF that, as
I undrestande, imbassators off Bretayne shall come to London
to morawe, and men seye that the Lorde Ryverse ^ and Scayls,
shall hastelye come home ; and men seye that ther is many off
the sowders that went to hym into Bretayne been dede off the
fflyxe, and other ipedemye [_epidemics~\^ and that the remenant
sholde come hom with the Lorde Skalys. And som seye that
thees imbassators come ffor moor men. And thys daye rennyth
a tale that the Duke of Bretayne ^ sholde be ded. I beleeff
it not.
I sent yow worde off an hawke ; I herde nott from yow
syns ; I do and shall doo that is possible in suche a neede.
Also I canne nott undrestand that my Lord off Norffolk
shall come heer thys tyme ; wherffor I am in a greet agonye
howe is best ffor me to sue to hym ffor rehavyng off my place ;
that goode Lorde weet full lytell how moche harme he doothe
me, and how lytell goode or worshyp it dothe hym. I praye
yow sende me yowr advyce. No moor to yow at thys tyme,
but God have yow in Hys kepyng.
Wretyn at London the iiij. daye off Novembre, anno E.
iiij" xij°. I feer me that idelnesse ledyth yowr reyne ; I praye
yow rather remembre Sir Hughe Levernoys tyll yowr hauke
come. John Paston, K.
1 Anthony Woodville, Earl Rivers, etc., went to endeavour to obtain the posses-
sion of the Earls of Pembroke and Richmond, who were detained as prisoners by the
Duke of Brittany. — F.
- Francis ii., the last Duke of Brittany, was born in 1435, and died in 1488. — F.
^S7
THE PASTON LETTERS
813
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
A John Paston, Esquyer^ soyt done.
1472 T~\ ROTHER, I comend me to yow, letyng yow weet, &c.^
NOV. 8 1"^ As for the delyverance off the rynge to Mestresse
^-"^ Jane Rothone, I dowt nott but it shall be doon in the
best wyse, so that ye shall geet me a thank moor than the
rynge and I ar worthe or deserve.
And wheer ye goo to my Laydy off Norffolk, and wyll be
theer att the takyng off hyr chambre, I praye God spede yow,
and our Ladye hyr, to hyr plesur, with as easye labor to over-
kome that she is abowt, as evyr had any lady or gentyllwoman,
saff our Lady heer selffe, and soo I hope she shall to hyr greet
joye, and all owres ; and I prey God it maye be lyke hyr in
worship, wytt, gentylnesse, and every thynge excepte the verry
verry thynge.^
No moor to yow at [this] thyme, but I woll sleepe an howr
the lenger to-morrow by cawse I wrote so longe and late to
nyght.
Wretyn betwen the viij. and the jx. daye off Novembre
anno xij° E. iiij". J. P., K.
^ [From Fenn, ii. ii8.]
2 The first part of this letter treats of some money transactions of no consequence,
etc. — F.
' Fenn, in his modernised text, makes this 'except the sex.'
158
EDWARD IV
814
MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
To John Fasten, Esquyer.
IGRETE you wele and send you Goddes blyssyng and 1472
myn, letyng you wete that I have sent to Doctor Aleyn nov. 19
wyffe to have spoke with her as ye desired me, and she
was so syke that she myght not comyn ; but she sent her
broder elaw to me, and I lete hym wete the cause why that I
wuld have spoke with her as ye desired me. And he told me
that he shuld have brought me wrytyng this day from her be
vij. of the belle, how that she wull that ye shuld have labored
or do for her ; but he came no mor at me. Nevertherlesse she
sent me an nother massenger, and lete me wete ^ that her
husband had sent her the same nyght from London that she
shuld come up as fast as she cowde to labor to the Lordes
there in her propre person ; wherfor she myght geve me non
answer, ner send you word how that ye shuld do till [that]
she had spokyn with her husband, or had other writyng from
hym.
Therfore I thynk t[hat s]he hath other councell that
avyseth her to labour to other than to you. I wuld not that
[you be] to besy in no such maters [ty]ll the werd [world']
were mor suer, and in any wyse that w[hile my] Lord the
Chaunceller is in [occu]pation, labore to have an ende of your
grete materes and . . . macion, and abide not up [on]
trost of an nother seson, for so shall ye be disseyved a[s ye
hav]e ben befor this tyme. I have understand sith that ye
departed that ther .... mad to subplant you ; ther-
fore, for Goddes sake, in this onstabill werd [worla] labore
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] From the time of year and other circumstances,
it seems probable that the election here referred to was that of the year 1472.
A circumstance which confirms this date will be found noticed in a footnote.
The original letter is mutilated in the middle by the decay of the paper, in more
than one place.
2 The words after ' Neverthelesse ' originally stood ' her seid brother-in-law told
me that tyme that he was with me,' but are crossed out.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 er[nestly yourj maters that thei may have summe good con-
Nov. 19 elusion, and that shall make y[our enemies] fere you, and elles
thei shall . . kepe you low and in trobill. And if any
mater .... be Act of Parlement and pro ....
lete your bill be mad redy, and lese not your [majteres for
other mennes ; for if your elmyse \_enemies^ may profight now
at this tyme, ye shall be [in] wers case than ever ye were
befor. All the cou[ntry] wenyth that ye shuld now over-
comyn all your trobill, which if ye do not ye shall fall o[ug]ht
of conceyte. I write as well this to your brother as to you ;
therfore lete no difFaught be in you nowther.
Item, it was lete me to wete syth ye departed of such as
were your frendes and were conversaunte with the toder parte
that ther was mad labor and like to be concluded, that the
eleccion of the knyghtes of the shire shuld be chaunged, and
new certificat mad and John Jenney set there in ; ther for do
your devoir to understond the trought as sone as ye can, for
the seid Jenney this day rideth up to London ward, and I
suppo[se be]cause of the same. I pray you remembre your
brother to send me the evydence and remembrance towchyng
the maner of Gresham, which that I wrote to hym be Juddy,
and send them be sum suer man.
Item, take hede to the labour of your unkyll, for he hath
had right straunge langage of your brother of late to right
wurchepfuU persones ; therfor werk wysely and bewar wham
that ye lete know your councell.
Item, remembre Lomnors mater as ye may do therin, and
send me werd in hast. Mayster Roos shall be at London the
next weke ; therfore ye shall not nede to make my Lord to
write, but whan that he comyth, if my Lord can make hym to
put it in indifferent and wurchepfuU men, than that it pleasith
my Lord to write to them that thei shuld take it upon them to
set a rewle therin, with ought better advyse, me semyth it wer
wele do. The Holy Gost be your gyde and send yow good
spede and councell, and delivere you ought of all trobill and
disseas to his pleser.
Wretyn the Thursday next be for Sent Kateryn,^ in hast.
1 St. Catherine's Day is the 25th of November.
160
EDWARD IV
Recomaund me to my Mastres Kateryn, and send me 1472
werd how ye don, &c. ^o^- ^9
Be your Moder.
Do my Lord^ on Sonday send for the sherefFes debute
[deputy^ to wete how thei be disposid for certificate of the
knyghtes, and I shall understand if thei be eschaunged ; for
on Sonday at nyght, or on Monday, it shall be put in, and
[if i]t is put in, ther is no remedy. Geney seth he wull
attempt the law therin.
815
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON^
To Mestresse Margret Paston, or to John Paston^ Esquier^
or to Roose dwyllyng affor ther gate, to delyver to them.
PLEASE it yow to weete that I have opteyned letterys nov. 22
from the Kynge to my Lorde off Norffolke, to my
Lady of Norffolk, and to ther concell, whyche letter
to ther concell is nott superscrybyd, for cawse we wyst nott
serteyn whyche of the councell sholde be present when the
massenger cowme. I therffor thynke that thoos namys most
be somwhatt by yowr advyce ; and for get nott Gornaye, nor yitt
Brome, iff ye thynke so best, nor Sowthewelle. I trust to my
cosyn Gornaye, and on to Brome and Barnard in cheffe ; and
as to Bernarde, brother, I praye yow to take hys advyce, for 1
hope he is my welwyller, as ye know, and iffe he do me per-
ffyght ease in thys mater, I thynke verrely in tyme to come to
gyff him xx. scutys, and yit a goode turne whan so ever it
lythe in my power.
The Kynge hathe specially doon for me in thys case, and
1 The Duke of Norfolk. It will be seen by the preceding letter that John Paston
was going to Framlingham in the beginning of November 1472.
2 [From Paston mss., B.M.] In this letter, as in the last, allusion is made to the
visit paid by John Paston to the Duchess of Norfolk in November 1472.
VOL. V. L 161
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 hathe pitte me, and so have the Lordys, in ryght greete com-
Nov. 22 fort, that iff thys fayle, that I shalle have ondelayed justyce ;
and he hathe sente a man of worship and in greet favor with
hym on thys massage, whyche hathe nott ofte ben seyne,
whyche gentylman kan well do hys mastrys massage and
brynge trywe reporte. I have gevyn hym v//. for hys costes :
God sende hym and yow goode spede in thees werkes. I feer
thatt he shall nott speke with my Lady, for that she hathe
takyn hyr chambre. Iff she be my verry goode Ladye, as she
hathe seyde hertoffor that she wolde be, I hope that she wolle
speke with hym. Neverthelesse I praye yow by the meanes of
Mestresse Jahne Rothen that [you] ^ will have my Ladye mevyd
for me, and wher that herr to fore I wolde have departyd with
C. marke to have hadde hyr goode helpe and to be restoryd
to my place ; whyche nott acceptyd, I tolde my seyde Lady
that I feeryd that my power sholde natt be ther aftre to gyff
so large a plesyr, for at that tyme I was in hope that the
Bysshop of Wynchester sholde have payd it, thoghe it hadde
drawen a C//. Yet for as moche as men may nott lure none
hawkes with empty handys, I wolde yitt agre to gyffe my
Lady xx//. for an horse and a sadell, so that I be restoryd to
my place, and that doone, to have a relesse of my Lorde, and
my gounes and bokes to be restoryd, iff it maye bee. Never-
thelesse thys mony is nott yit redy with me. I remytte thys
to yovvr dyscressyons.
Item, iff it be soo that itt be thowte behovefull, I thynke
that thoghe nowther Slyfelde, nor ye, brother John, maye
come in to my Ladyes chambre, that my moodre, iff she weer
at Norwyche, she myght speke with hyr, for that she is a
^ woman and off worshyppe. I thynke that my moodre sholde
meve my Lady moche. I thynke that ther most be some body
for me, havyng auctoryte to conclude for me, or ellys know-
yng myn entente, they myght make delaye, and seye they
wolle at the Kynges enstance comon with me ; never the lesse
I was nott ther present. Wherffor, rather than fayle, yff
neede be, I wolle with owte any abode, iff I heer from yow,
come home ; and Slyfelde is agreyd to tary the a vij. nyghte
1 Omitted in MS
162
EDWARD IV
for my sake, so that the mater take effecte. I praye yow make 1472
hym goode cheer, and iff it be so that he tarye, I most nov. 22
remembre hys costes ; therffor iff I shall be sent for, and he
tery at Norwyche ther whylys, it wer best to sette hys horse
at the Maydes Hedde, and I shalle content for ther expences.
Item, ye maye largely sey on my behalve for suche servyse
that I sholde do to my Lorde and Lady hereaffter, whyche by
my trowthe I thynke to doo ; neverthelesse to sey that I woll
be hys sworyn man, I was never yitt Lordys sworyn man, yit
have I doone goode servyce, and nott leffte any at hys most
neede ner for feer. But as Gode helpe me, I thynke my Lady
shalle have my servyce above any lady erthely, wheche she
scholde weell have knowyn, had I been in suche case as I
hadde nott been alweye the werse welkome ; for that on of
my herandes alweye was undrestande that it was for Caster,
whyche was nott acceptable, and I evyr the werse welkome.
Item, brother, I ame concludyd with my Lorde for yow,
that ye shalle be at Caleys if ye list, and have iij. men in wages
undre yow, wheroff my Lorde seythe that William Lovedaye
most be on, tyll tyme that he have purveyed other rome for
hym. Iff ye be dysposyd to goo, as I tolde hym that ye weer,
yett wer it nott best that ye lete it be knowe tyll thys mater
be doone, and then ye maye acordyng to yowr promyse lete
my Ladye have knowleche ther off. Never the lesse my
Lorde shalle be here with in xx. dayes or ther abowt ; iff ye
come thys weye ye maye speke with hym ; neverthelesse ye
shall nott lose no tyme, iff ye weer at Caleys at thys owr, for
my Lorde promysed me that he wolde wryght to Elkenhed the
tresorer at Caleys for yow by the next massenger thatt went.
Item, ther hathe Perauntes wyffe wryte to me that Bernaye
servyth hyr onkyndely. He owythe hyr xxxijj. and she is in
noon hope that evyr he will come ther ageyn ; sende me
worde iff he wyll. He shall nott lyf so weell and trywly to
geedre, I trowe, but iffe he goo thyddre.
I hadde comen home, butt that I ame nott yitt verrely
purveyd for payment for my oncle William the xxvj. daye of
thys monythe, and he dothe me harme. He delythe so on-
curteysly with Towneshende, for he wille nott yitt paye hym
163
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 the C. marke, payable at Halowmesse, whyche he hadde a
NOV. 22 rnonythe affore ; wherfFor I feer that Towneshende wille nott
do for me ageyn. I shall doo as I kan.
Wretyn on Sondaye next Seynt Clement.
John Paston, K.
816
MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON ^
To John Paston, Esquyer, be this delivered.
NOV. 23 TT GRETE you wele, letyng you wete that Doctor Aleyns
I wyffe hath be with me and desired me to write to you to
desire you to be good mayster to her husband and to her
in her materes, for she tellith me that her trost is full in you,
and if she myght have walked she shuld have come to have
spoke with you or than ye departed ; therfor, I pray you do
your devoir for her, for I conceyve that she feyneth not, not-
withstandyng that I had her in suspecion as I have wretyn to
you before, be cause that she came not, but I conceyve now
the trought and that sikenesse caused thatt she absent her.
Therfore I pray you help her, for, so God help me, I have
right gret pete on her, and it is right grete almes to help her,
and I trow she wuU put her most trost and sewe specialle to
you. Also I wuld ye shold desire your brother to be good
mayster on to her, for I suppose be that tyme ye have herd
her excuse in such materes as he shuld be displeased with her
husband, ye shall hold you pleased. God kepe you and send
you Hes blyssyng, with myn. Wretyn on Sent Clementes
Day at nyght, in hast.
Be your Moder.
* [From Paston Mss., B.M.] It is evident that this letter was written in the same
year as No. 814.
164
EDWARD IV
817
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
'To Master Sir John Paston, Knyght.
RYGHT worchepfull syr, I recomand me to yow, thank- 1472
yng yow most hertly of your dylygence and cost nov. 24
whyche ye had in gettyng of the hawk, whyche ye sent
me, for well I wot your labore and trowbyll in that mater was as
myche as thow she had ben the best of the world ; but, so God
help me, as ferforthe as the most conyng estragers \_falconers~\
that ever I spak with can imagyn, she shall never serve but to
ley eggys, for she is bothe a mwer de haye, and also she hathe
ben so brooseid with cariage of fewle that she is as good as
lame in boothe hyr leggys, as every man may se at iee.
Wherfor all syche folk as have seen hyr avyse me to cast hyr
in to some wood, wher as I wyll have hyr to eyer [lay eggs] ;
but I wyll do ther in as ye wyll, whedyr ye wyll I send hyr
yow ayen, or cast hyr in Thorpe wood and a tarsell with hyr,
for I weit wher on is. But now I dar no more put yow to the
cost of an hawke, but, for Codes sake, and ther be eny tersell
or good chep goshawk that myght be gotyn, that the berer
herof may have hyr to bryng me, and I ensuer yow be my
trowthe ye shall have Dollys and Browne bonde to paye yow
at Kandyllmas the pryse of the hawke. Now, and ye have
as many ladyse as ye wer wont to have, I reqwere yow for
hyr sake that ye best love of theym all, onys trowbyll yowr
syllf for me in thys mater, and be owght of my clamor.
Item, as for the ryng, it is delyverd, but I had as gret
peyn to make hyr take it as ever I had in syche a mater ; but
I have promyseid yow to be hyr knyght, and she hathe promy-
seid me to be more at your comandment then at eny knyghtes
in Inglond, my Lord reservyd ; and that ye shall well undyr-
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] At the foot of this letter is written, in a different
but contemporary hand, ' A° E. iiij" xij°.' The date is besides abundantly evident
from other circumstances.
165
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 stand, if ye have owght to do, wherin she may be an helper ;
NOV. 24 for ther was never knyght dyd so myche cost on hyr as ye have
doon.
I mervyall that I her no woord of the lettyrs that my
Lord Chamberleyn shold send to my Lord and my Lady for
Caster. It is best that my Lord Chamberleyn wryght to my
Lady by som prevy tokyn betwyx theym, and let a man of hys
com with the lettrys. My Lord Chamberleyn may speed with
my Lady what maters he wyll, savyng the gret mater ; and if
ye inbyll me for a solysitor, I shal be a vouster comandment a
touz jours.
Item, me thynkyth that ye do evyll that ye go not thorewgh
with my Lady of Suffolk for Heylysdon and Drayton ; for ther
shold growe mony to you, whyche wold qwyte yow ayenst
R. T. and all other, and set yow befor for ever.
I prey yow for your ease, and all others to you ward,
plye thes maters. As for alle other thynges, I shall send yow
an answer, when I com to Norwyche, whyche shall be on
Thorsday, with Godes grace. I have teryd her at Framlyng-
ham thys sevennyght, for [my] Lady took not hyr chambyr
tyll yersterday. Adewe.
Wretyn on Seynt Kateryns Evyn. J. P.
^ I sye the pye, and herd it spek ; and, be God, it is not
worthe a crowe ; it is fer wers then ye wend ; be God, it wer
shame to kep it in a cage.
818
ABSTRACT 2
NOV. 26 ' Soutwerk cum membiis,' No. 17a. — 'Literse patentes concessje a Rege ad
petitionem Domini Fundatoris pro ponte fiendo in vico vocato le Bermoseystret.
Dat. 26 Novembris anno regni Regis Ed. iv. 12°.'
' This P.S. is written on the back of the letter.
2 [From MS. Index in Magd. Coll., Oxford.]
166
EDWARD IV
819
JOHN OSBERN TO SIR JOHN PASTONi
To the right ivorshepfull my master., Sir John Pastotiy Knyght.
A° xij. E. R. quarti.
Please it your masterschep to knowe that Johon Shawe and I have goten a 14?^
carpenter fro Walsyngham to Sporle to valewe your wod the - the wheche car-
pepter hese costis there Sondaye at nyght next before the Assencion off owre
Lord Jesu Cryst, Mondaye, Tewesdaye, Wednesdaye, Assencion Daye, Fry-
daye and Saterdaye, and for hese labor \\y. \\\\d. And upon the syte of your
seid wode he hath valewid the launde wythin the dykes xij. fote inward fro the
cop of the dyke and wythowte at liiijA'. vijj. xJ. And wythin the wode xij.
fote wythin alle the dykes y'f^li. vijj. viij^. the valewe of the dykes abowte
the woode fro xij. fote fro wythin owtewardis arn prysid at x/r. grete chepis the
valew of the trees in the maner and in the closes azens the seid manor toward
Swaff ham xx. marc gret chepe ; there off be ware and be not to hasty, &c.,
the cloos at the tow . . . toward Pykenham not valewid nor not spoken
of, &c. The summa totall ix'"'//. & xviijZf. ijj. viiji^.
And if ze shuld selle all this wode togedyr for redy sylver never lesse in the
summa paste v. marc, if ze woll sell the wode .... the lawnde wythin
the dykes and the standardis thoo I shall wryte aftyr in this bille for to stande
in any wyse less all the hole sum at the most paste x/f. for
who so ever shall by it he maye so leve and gete goode, &c.
The summa of your standardis for certeyn reconyd the Mondaye and the
Tewsdaye whill I was at Sporle wyth in ... . and xij. fote wythin
the dykes in forme above rehersid xj'"'- And iche standarde a zard \_yard'\
above the grownde abowte an . . lesser till we come xij.
inche and viij. inche besyde all odyr smale that arn of lesse mesure ....
growe the wheche arn many and resonabely sufficient, &c., the nowmber
off the standardis wythin your cowntid and summe be estima-
cion of the mesures and formes above rehersid CCCC"'^ xxxvj"-
As for your undyrwode I can not fynde the meane to valewid to your
avayle, be cause it were necessary to knowe the purpose off your fellyng, where
off beware, &c.
As for the fensyng of your dykes, and ze shuld felle your bordorys off your
wode the Suthsyde, viz., toward Pykenham fro the Wonges to Walsyngham
Weye is Ixxx. rodde at leste, the price of the rodde iiij<^., dyggyng, plashyng,
and heggyng. .... Summa, xxvjj. viij^.
The Est syde toward Neyghton and
Sparham vij^""- rodde at the leste, Summa, xb.
1 [From Fasten mss., B.M.]
2 Sic, qu. * there ' ?
167
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 The Northende toward Dunham Ixxx. rodde, Summa, xxvjj. vii'jd.
The West, syde toward Sporle be the Loyes
vj''"- rodde, . . • Summa, xIj.
Summa, vj/i. xiijj. iiij^.
Where off sum is repayrid, sum maye be sperid, but at the lest it woU coste
yow a vj. marc, &c.
If it please yow to take myn symple avyse in your wode sale, selle non in
gret, but make fagottes and astell and lete alle your grete and goode tymber and
trees stande, and ze shall make resonably mony to your worchep, and to your
best avayle as John Shawe your servaunt shall telle yow, if I maye do zow any
service in this c . . . . ze shall fFynde me redy, so that ze sende sufficient
warant be the grace off Jesu, Who haue y[ow in His] kepyrg. Wrete in hast,
at Walsyngham, the Sundaye next aftyr the feest off the Assencion off owr
[Lord] Jesu Cryste.
Be your John Osbern.
I praye yow geff credens in alle these materes to Shawe, for he can telle
yow more shortlyer then I shuld wryte, and I hold hym trewe to yow in hese
menyng.
Endorsed — Per John Osbern, pro Sporl Wood.
820
RICHARD CALLE TO MARGARET PASTON 1
To the ryght reverent and worshipffull my mastreSy
Margaret Paston^ in haste.
NOV. 27 Plesith it you to wete that I have receyved your letter, wherln I conceyve
ye wolde undrestonde how I do with the sale of Sporle Wode. It is so that I
have begonne to felle asshe at the townes ende for to sette the centre on werke,
and be that I shall undrestonde how the remnaunt wol doo. I have sette suche
a classe [^/^jj] before here ien [their eyes'\ ther, that they are madde upon it, so
that I truste be Ester to make of money, what with the barke and with the
asshe, at the leest 1. marke for to retayle the wode our selfe, and be Cristemas
next after that, other 1. marke, and so yerely 1. marke at Cristemesse as longe as
the wode lasteth, to the some that I tolde you, and I truste more ; and to this I
durste be bound. Nevertheles, I am a bowte to selle it all a grete and to brynge
it to all moste to as goode proffe as thowe we retayled it oure silffe, for it is so
that ther is a man of Carbroke, they calle hym Saunders, I may have of hym
for all the wode and barke that is in Sporle xj""- marke, to paye at suche dayes
a fore reherseyd, we to here the costes of the fense and of the tithe ; but we are
not throw yet, nor nought shal be tille I have worde from you a yene, weche I
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] It is evident that this letter must have been written
some time after the preceding, but very probably in the same year.
168
EDWARD IV
must have be Sonday come sevenyte at the fertheste, for on the Wednesdaye 1 4? 2
nexte after that we shal mete a yene at Sporle. Wherfore I beseche you sende nov. 27
me your avice how ye thynke herein, and I shal doo that in me is be Godes
grace ; if I can do better with hym I shall. It shal be harde werke, but if
I haunse hym som what, for ther is moche money be twix us, and therfore spare
not to sende my master. Sir John, worde to take suche dayes of payment as is
a bove wreten, for it shalbe performed what wey som ever we take be Godes
grace.
Item, mastres, as for your write [^wrig/j(^ ye may not have hym tille after
Cristemas, for he had taken an howse to make while I was with you, it wolbe
this iij. wekes yet or then he make an ende, &c.
Item, I mette with Robert at Heythe of Matelaske at Norwiche, when I
come from you. I felle on hande with hym for Matelaske Kerre, I myght
have had of hym for that vij. marke and xx^. Dele nogh as ye thynke.
Item, as for money of the fermour of Sporle, he telles me he is bounde to
Tounesende to pay hym at this Candelmesse. And he seythe if he may be
discharged a yenst hym your money shalbe redy at hys daye, be Godes grace.
Who have you in His blissed kepyng.
Wreten at Sporle, the Friday next after Seint Edmund the Kynge.
Your servaunt, R. Calle.
821
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON
To Sir John Paston^ Knyght.
SYME recomandyth hym to your good mastyrshep, and
preyeth yow that ye wyll not forget, though he be a
boye, to let hym were the same lyvere that your men
do ; and if it pleased yow to lete hys gowne clothe be sent
hym home, that it myght be mad ayenst your comeing in to
thys contre, he wold be as prowd as eny man ye have. Sir, as
hertly as I can, I thank yow for the hatt, whyche is comyng, as
I undyrstand by your wrytyng, sent by John, the Abottys man
of Seynt Benet.
My modyr sendys you Godes biyssyng and hyrs, and
preyes yow to get a new lycence of my Lord of Norwyche
1 [From Fasten mss., B.M.] The date ot this letter is shown by the reference to
the situation of the Duchess of Norfolk. Compare Letter 817. There is an old, and
nearly contemporary, endorsement, ' Anno xv°, mens. Novemb.,' but this is clearly
erroneous.
169
NOV.
or
DEC.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 that she may have the sacrement in hyr chapell. I gat a
NOV. lycence of hym for a yere, and it is nyghe woryn ought. Ye
°^ may get it for the Byshoppys lyve, and ye wylle.
As for the lettyrs that Slyfeld shold get newe of the Kyng,
whyche ye shold bryng to my Lord of NorfFolk, it is myn
avyse that ye shall come home your sylfF as hasty ly as ye
maye, so that ye may be at the crystenyng of the chyld that
my Lady is with ; it shall cause yow gret thank, and a gret
fordell [advantage] in your mater. And as for the lettres, leve
a man of yowr to awayte on Slyfeld to bryng theym after
yow ; of whyche lettres I avyse yow to have one dyrect fro the
Kyng to yow, comandyng yow to be the messenger and brynger
of the other lettres to my Lord, my Lady, and ther consayll,
for your owne mater ; and thys me thynkyth shall do well, for
then shall the man shewe to my Lordes consayll the lettre
dyrect to yow that ye have awtoryte to be your owne solycy-
tour, and also it shall be thought that the Kyng tendryth yow
and your mater, when he wryghtyth to your sylf for it.
My Lady wayteth hyr tyme with in viij. dayes at the
ferthest.
822
ABSTRACT 1
DEC. 7 1472, 7 Dec. — 'Vigill of Concepcion of oure Lady,' 12 Edw. iv.
Indenture of agreement (in English) between Bp. Waynflete and William
Worceter, by which the latter undertakes to deliver to the Bishop all deeds,
charters, rolls of courts, and accounts, and all other muniments which are in his
hands relating to the manors and lands of the late Sir John Fastolf, excepting
lands, etc. in Norfolk, called Fairchilds, and two tenements and two gardens
called Walles, in Suthwerk, of which he himself is seised ; and also, as executor
of the will of Sir Thomas Howes, to deliver up all money and goods of Fastolf,
and obligations for property, etc., sold by the said Thomas, which he can
recover, over the sum of ,^40 due to him, the said William Worceter, for his
marriage, and also to assist the said Bishop and his College at Oxford in all
matters relating to FastolFs lands ; in return for which the Bishop covenants to
pay him ^100, and also an allowance upon all sums of money recovered by
him.
1 This abstract is taken from Mr. Macray's account of the mss. in Magdalen
College, Oxford, printed in the Fourth Report of the Historical Mss. Commission.
170
EDWARD IV
823
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTONi
To my Mastyr^ Sir John Paston, Knyght, be thys delyveryd.
RYGHT worchepfuU Syr, I recomand me to yow, thank- 1472
yng yow most hertly of your gret cost, whyche ye dyd dec. 18
on me at my last being with yow at London ; whyche
to my power I wyll recompence yow with the best servyse
that lythe in me to do for your plesure, whyll my wytts be my
owne.
Syr, as for the mater of Caster, it hathe be mevyd to my
Ladys good grace by the Byshope of Wynchester, as well as he
kowd imagyn to sey it, consederyng the lytyll leyser that he
had with hyr ; and he told me that he had ryght an agreabyll
answer of hyr, but what hys answer was, he wold not tell me.
Then I axyd hym what answer I should send yow, in as myche
as ye mad me a solysyter 10 hys Lordship for that mater ; then
he bad me that undyr consayll I shold send you woord that hyr
answer was more to your plesure than to the contrary, whych
ye shall have more pleyn knowlage of thys next terme, att
whyche tyme bothe my Lord and she shall be at London.
The Byshop cam to Framlyngham on Wednysday at nyght,
and on Thursday by x. of the clok befor noon, my yong Lady
was krystend, and namyd Anne. The Byshop crystend it and
was godfader bothe, and with in ij. owyrs and lesse aftyr the
crystenyng was do, my Lord of Wynchester departyd towards
Waltham.2
And I let you pleynly weet, I am not the man I was, ffor I was
* [From Fenn, ii. 42.] Fenn informs us that this letter is dated on the back in a
contemporaneous handwriting, ' Anno x°.,' which seems to mean 10 Edw. iv. This
date however, is certainly erroneous ; for in the inquisitions taken on the death of the
Duke of Norfolk, Anne, Lady Mowbray, his daughter and heir, was found to have
been four years old on the loth December 1476. She was bom, therefore, on the loth
December 1472.
2 Then follows the substance of a conversation between the Lady of Norfolk and
Thomas Davers, wherein she promises to be a friend to Sir John Paston concerning
Caister; but J. Davers swore J. Paston not to mention her goodwill to any person,
except to Sir John. — F.
171
THE PASTON LETTERS
1472 never so roughe in my mastyrs conseyt as I am now, and that
DEC. 18 he told me hymselff before Rychard Sothewell, Tymperley, Sir
W. Brandon, and twenty more, so that they that lowryd, nowgh ^
laughe upon me ; no moor, but god look.
Wretyn at Framlyngham, the Fryday next aftyr that I
depertyd fro yow. Thys day my Lord is towardys Walsyng-
ham, and comandyd me to overtake hym to morow at the
ferthest.
J. P.
824
JOHN PASTON TO THE DUKE OF NORFOLK 2
'Ilo the right hyghe and myghty Prince, and my right good
and gracious Lord, my Lord the Dwke of Norffolk.
1472 "^ y^EKLY besechyth your hyghness, your poore and
^^y I trew contynuall servaunt and oratour, John Paston,
the yonger, that it myght please your good grace to
call on to your most discret and notabyll remembrance that
lateward, at the cost and charge of my brodyr, John Paston,
Knyght, whyche most entendith to do that myght please your
hyghness, the ryght nobyll Lord, the Bysshop of Wynchester
entretyd so, and compouned with your Lordshepp, that it
liekyd the same to be so good and gracious Lord to my seyd
brodyr, that by forsse of serteyn dedys, relessis, and lettrys of
attorney selyd with the sealys of your good grace, and of other
serteyn personys infeoffyd to your use in the maner of Caster,
late John FastolfFes, Knyght, in the conte of Norffolk, my seyd
brodyr and I, with other enfeoffyd to my seyd brodyrs use in
the seyd maner, wer peasably possessyd of and in the same tyll
syche tyme as serteyn personys, servaunts on to your good
grace, entred in to the seyd maner, and therof have takyn the
1 In the modern version Fenn reads, 'so that they that lo-ved not, laugh upon me/
2 [From Paston mss., B.M.] This petition is shown by internal evidence to have
been drawn up towards the end of the year 1472, as it sets forth that the Duke had
been more than three years in possession of Caister, which was surrendered to him in
September 1469. There can be no doubt therefore that it was presented or prepared
for presentation at the time of John Paston's visit to Framlingham.
172
EDWARD IV
issuses and profitys in the name of your seyd hyghnesse by the 1472
space of thre yer and more, to the gret hurt of my seyd brodyr
and me your seyd servuantes and oratour : wherfor, as I have
oft tymys befor thys, I beseche your good grace, at the
reverence of God, and in the wey of charyte, that my seyd
brodyr may by your hyghness be ayen restoryd in to the
possessyon of the sey[d] maner, acordyng to the lawe and good
conscyence ; and wee shall prey to God for the preservacyon
of your most nobyll estate.
825
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JAMES GLOYS(?)i
1RECOMAUND me to you, and thanke you hertyly of 1473
your letteris, and delygente labour that ye have had in jan. 18
thoes materis that ye have wretyn to me of, and in all
other, to my profette and worschep, and in esspeciall atte this
sesons towchyng the mater that I sent you the indenture of.
Ye have lyghtyd myne hert therin by a pound, for I was in
fere that it wold not have bene doo so hastyly with oute
danger. And as for the letters that Thom Holler son schuld
have brought me, I see nother hym ne the letters that he
schuld have brought ; wherefor, I pray you hertely, yeve it be
no dysese to you, that ye will take the labour to bryng Walter
theyr he schuld be, and to purvaye for hym that he may be
sette in good and sad rewle. For I were loth to lese hym, for
I trust to have more joye of hym than I have of them that
bene owlder ; though it be more coste to me to send you
forth with hym, I hold me plesed, for I wote wele ye schall
best purvaye for hym, and for suche thynges as is necessar to
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] The allusion by the writer to her cousin Berney's
sickness makes it probable that this letter was written in i^y?, when the Monday
after St. Hilary would be the i8th of January. John Berney of Reedham died on the
20th January in that year (Inquis. post mortem, 13 Edw. iv., No. 17). The letter has
neither signature nor address, but was probably written by Margaret Paston to her
priest, Sir James Gloys, who died in the course of this year.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1473 hym, than another shuld doo, after myne intent. And as for
JAN. 18 aj-^e hors to lede hys gere, me thynke it were best porvaye
one atte Camberage, lesse than [unless] ye canne gytte onye
carreours from thens to Oxynforth more hastyly ; and J
mervell that the letters come not to me, and whether I may
laye the defaute to the fauder or to the son therof. And I
wold Water schuld be copilet with a better than Holler son is,
there as he schalbe ; howe be it I wold not that he schuld
make never the lesse of hym, by cause he is his contre man
and neghbour. And also I pray you wryte a letter in my
name to Watere, after that ye have knowne myne entent by
fore this to hym ward ; so that he doo welle, lerne well, and
be of good rewle and disposycion, ther shall nothyng fay lie
hym that I may helpe with, so that it be nessessare to hym ;
and bydde hym that he be not to hasty of takyng of orderes
that schuld bynd hym, till that he be of xxiiij. yeere of agee or
more, thofF he be consaled the contrare, for oftyn rape [haste]
rewlth. I will love hym better to be a good secular man than
to be a lewit prest.
And I am sore that my cosyn Bernay is seke, and 1 pray
you yeflP me white wine, or ony of my wateris, or ony other
thyng that I have that is in your awarde, may doo hym ony
comforth. I lette hym have it ; for I wold be right sory yf
ony thyng schuld come to hym botte good. And for Godsake
advise hym to doo make hys will, yeve it be not doo, and to
doo well to my cosyn, his wiff, and els it were pete ; and I
pray you to recomaunde me to hyr, and to my nawnte, and to
all the gentill men and gentil women there. And as for John
Daye, and he be dede I wold be sory, for I know not howe to
come by my mony that he oweith me ; and I porpose that
Pacoke schall have les to doo for me another yeres than he
haith had, if I may be better porvayed with your helpe, for he
is for hym self, bott not for me.
And as for ony marchandes to my corn, I can gytte none
here ; ther for I pray you, doo ye als wele therein as ye canne ;
also I send you by the bereer hereof the bill of myne resaytes.
And yef ye go forth with Walter, I pray you come to me als
sone as ye may after ye be commyn home ; and me lyketh
174
EDWARD IV
myne abydyng and the contre here^ i*ight well, and I trust i473
whan sommer comith and fayre wether, I schall lyke it better, J^n. i8
for I am cherysed here botte to wel.
And I constrew your letter in other materis well i nough,
whereof I thanke you ; and if it nede not to send forth
Walter hastyly, I wald ye myght come to me, thowe ye schuld
com opon one day and goo agayne on the next day, than
schuld I comon with you in all materis ; and I hold best if ye
have not the letteris that Holler son schuld have brough me,
that ye send Sym over for, them this nyght that I may have
them to morowe, and yif ye may combe your self, I wold be
the better playsed.
And I remember that water of mynte or water of millefole
were good for my cosyn Bernay to drynke, for to make hym
to browke,^ and yeve thei send to Dame Elesebeth Callethorppe
ther ye shall not fayill of the tone or of both, sche haith other
wateris to make folkis to browke. God kepe you.
Wrytyn on the Monday next after Sent Hiller.
I have no longer leyser atte this tyme.
826
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON^
To John Paston, Esquyer^ or to Mestresse Margret Paston^
hys Modre be thys letter delyveryd.
WEELL belovyd Brother.* feb. 3
As ffor tydyngs heer, ther bee but fewe, safF
that the Duke of Borgoyen ^ and my Lady, hys
wyffe farethe well. I was with them on thorysdaye last past
1 I think this must have been written at Maltby, where Margaret Paston certainly
lived during her later years, and where she was doubtless staying when she desired a
license of the Bishop to have the Sacrament in her private chapel. See No. 821.
2 i.e. to enable him to retain food in his stomach.
3 [From Fenn, ii. 120.]
* Here follows an account of letters sent to him from Calais — of farme barly in
Fledge, and of olde stufFe at Norwich, etc. — F.
^ Charles the Bold, and Margaret, sister to Edward iv.
FEB
THE PASTON LETTERS
1473 ^t Gawiit/ Peter Metteney ffarethe weell, and Mestresse
3 Gretkyn bothe and Rabekyn recomend hyr to yow ; she hathe
ben verry seke, but it hathe doon hyr goode, ffor she is ffayrer
and slenderer than she was, and she cowde make me no cheer
but alwey my sawse was ' How fFaret Master John, yowr
brother ? ' wher with I was wrothe, and spake a jalous worde
or too, dysdeynyng that she sholde care so moche ffor yow,
when that I was present.
Sende me worde to Hoxons in wrygtyng, what goode the
Bysshop ded ffor me at Framynham, and howe my Lorde, my
Ladye, and all the cort or [are'] dysposyd to me wards.
I here also seye that my Ladye and yowrs, Dame Margret
Veer ^ is ded, God have hyr sowle ; iff I weer not sorye ffor
herr, I trowe ye have been.
No moor to yow at thys tyme, but All myghty Good have
yow in kepyng.
Wretyn at Caleys the iij. daye of Februarye Anno R. R. E.
iiij. x\'f- J. P., K.
827
NOTE
FEB. 10 In Blomefield's History of Norfolk, vol. xi. p. 208, it is stated that <on
February 10 in the 13th of Edward iv., an indenture was made between Sir
William Yelverton, William Jenney, serjeant-at-law, and William Worcester,
executors of Sir John [Fastolf ] on one part, and Thomas Cager and Robert
Kyrton on the other, whereby the said Robert was appointed surveyor of the
lands and tenements in Southwark and other places in Surrey, late Sir John's,
to perform his last will ; and also receiver of rents ; who was to have 6 marks
per arm., and to be allowed besides all reasonable costs that he shall do in the
defence and keeping out John Paston, Esq., and of all others claiming by him.'
1 Ghent, in the Netherlands.
2 Daughter and heir of Sir William Stafford, and wife to Sir George Vere. Their
son, John Vere, was afterwards Earl of Oxford. — F.
176
EDWARD IV
828
ABSTRACT 1
*J. P.' [^JoHN Pastonj to Sir John Paston
As I promised in the letter that Playter sent, Playter and I have been with Ia-ji
my mother to get her to make chevesance for the ;^ioo, but she bade us send ^arch 8
you word, you need look for no other comfort from her. Jwde can tell you
Barker's answer. As for John Kook you promised him payment yourself and
to Sir John Styll 5 marks in part payment. My mother has sold her barley
for 14^. I never meet John Smyth but I speak of it to him. He keeps his
courts here at Norwich all the week. As for Fastolf, I can only speak to
Wymondham his father-in-law, which I do as often as I see him. Would be
sorry the great matter which requires hasty answer * lest the kok be in perayle '
should be delayed by his negligence. Thinks Edmund Fastolf * was a reason-
' able man to Robert of Lyne. Wherefore, let my brother Edmund sue for
' the same, for one wife may serve for us both till better peace be. So God
' help me ye may allege a plain excuse that these dyrk wars have so hindered
' me that her lyvelode and mine both should be too little to live at our ease till
' I were further before the hand than I could be this two year, and she found
< after her honor and my poor appetite.' Would rather forbear what he would
have than bring them in pain. ' Say better for me, for ye can and ye will.
' This matter must be honestly handled, for I wot well my young lady of
' Oxenforthe shall hear of it. We have here no tidings, but a few Frenchmen
' be whyrlyng on the coasts, so that there dare no fishers go out but under safe
' conducts. I pray you, and ye have any more oranges than ye occupy, that
' poor men may have part for a great bellied lady.' First Monday of Clean
Lent, 13 Edw. iv.
Addressed— ' A Mys' John Paston, schevaller, soyt done.' Endorsed— ' Mens"
Marcii Anno xiij°/
829
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 2
To my Master^ Sir John Pastoriy Knyght^ he thy 5
delyverd in hast.
AS I was wryghtyng this bylle, Mastresse Jane Harsset march 26
comandyd me streyghtly that I shold recomand hyr
to yow in hyr best wyse, and she sendyth yow word
she wold be as fayne to here fro yow as an other poore body.
1 [From MS, Phillipps 9735, No. 257.]
2 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] This letter is endorsed with what appears to have
been the date of its receipt — 'xxviijo die Marcii A° xiij° E. iiij".'
VOL. V, M 177
THE PASTON LETTERS
1473 -^y^* it is SO that my cosyn John Blenerhasset ^ is enformyd
MARCH 26 that for verry serteyn he is chosyn to be on of the colectours
of the taske in Norffolk, wher in verry trowthe he hathe not
a foot of lond with in the shyer ; wherfor I beseche yow that,
as hastyly as ye may aftyr the syght of thys bylle, that it may
please yow to take the labore to comon with Sir Rychard
Harrecorte, and to let hym have knowlage that thys gentyll-
man hathe nowght with in the shyer, and that ye tweyne may
fynd the meane to get hym owght of that thanklesse offyce,
for I promyse yow it encomberthe hym evyll, and my mastresse
hys wyffe, and alle us hys frendys here ; and if so be that ye
and Sir R. Harcorte may not fynd the meane betwyx yow,
that then it may please yow to meve my Lord Chamberleyn
with thys mater, and so Master Harsset prayithe yow, and
Mastresse Jane, hys wyfF also, for she lyekyth no thyng by
the ofyce.
It is thowght her amonge us that Heydons be the causers
that he was set in. I prey yow enqwer of Sir R. Harcort who
was the cause, and that it may be wyst in the next byll that ye
send me ; for if they wer the causers, it lythe in my cosyn
Harsettes power to qwytte theym.
We have no tydynges to send, but that our Frenshemen^
whyche kepte our costs her ar home into France, for lake of
vytayll, we saye.
Hogan ^ is put in the Gyld Halle in Norwyche, and shalbe
browght up to London for reportyng of hys old talys. He
varythe not. No more, but I prey God send yow the Holy
Cost amonge yow in the Parlement Howse, and rather the
Devyll, we sey, then ye shold grante eny more taskys.
Wretyn the day next aftyr our Lady Day, the Anuncya-
cyon. Anno xiij. E. iiij".
Yong Heydon laborythe alle that he can to mary on
1 John Blennerhasset, Bleverhasset, and (for shortness) often called Harsset, of
Frens, married iirst Jane, daughter ot Thomas Higham, Esq., and secondly Jane,
daughter of Sir Thomas Tindal of Hockwold, Knight. He died in 15 10, aged
87.— F.
2 The French vessels that infested the coast, as mentioned in the preceding letter.
3 Hogan pretended to foretell commotions and rebellions, etc. — F.
178
EDWARD IV
of hys doughtyr to yonge John Barney^ by the mean of 1473
W. Calthorpp. ^'arch 26
830
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON^
A son trescher i^ hon ame Freer, John de Fasten, Esquier.
WEELL belovyd brother, I recomand me to yow, ■^''R'l 2
letyng yow wete that at the request of Mestresse
Jane Hassett and yow, 1 have laboryd the knyghtys
off the sheer off Norffolk, and the knyghtys off the shyre of
Suffolk. I understond ther had ben made labor that suche a
thing shulde have ben as ye wrotte to me off, but now it is saff.
Raff Blaundrehasset wer a name to styrte an hare. I
warrant ther shall come no suche name in owr bokys, ner in
owr house ; it myght per case styrt xx" harys at onys ; ware
that ]d. perse.^ I redde ther in the bille off Norffolk, off one
John Tendall, Esquier, but I suppose it be not ment by owr
Tendall, and iff it be, he shall not rest theer, iffe I maye
helpe it.
As for tydyngs, the werst that I herde was that my
moodre wyll not doo so moche ffor me as she put me in
comffort off.
Other tydyngs, I herd sey ffor serteyn that the Lady Fitz-
water is ded, and that Master Fytzwater shall have CCCC.
mrke a yer more than he had. I am not sory therffor.
As ffor the worlde I woot nott what it menyth, men seye
heer, as weell as Hogan, that we shall have adoo in hast ; I
know no lyklyhod but that suche a rumor ther is.
Men sey the Qwyen with the Prynce shall come owt off
Walys, and kepe thys Esterne with the Kyng at Leycetr, and
some seye nowther off them shall com ther.
Item, off beyond the see, it is seyd that the Frense Kyngs
^ This marriage never took effect. — F.
2 [From Fenn, ii. 122.]
3 ' Ware that penny purse ' — qu. that penurious fellow ?
179
THE PASTON LETTERS
1473 host hathe ley 11yd the Erie of Armenak-^ and all hys myry
APRIL 2 mene ; some seye undre appoyntment, and some seye they
wer besegyd, and gotyn by pleyn assault,
Ferthermoor men seye that the Frenshe Kynge is with
hys ost uppon the water off Some a Ix. myle froo Caleys ; I
leve them wheer I ffond them.
I made yowr answer to the ffrends off Mestresse Jane
Godnoston accordyng to yowr instrucions. As for me, I am
nott serteyn whether I shall to Caleys, to Leysetr, or come
home into Norffolk, but I shall hastely send yow worde, &c.
Wretyn the ij. daye of i^prill. Anno E. iiij. xiij°.
831
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON ^
To John Paston^ Esquier.
APRIL 12 TP^ EST belovyd brother, I recomend me on to yow, letyng
1^ yow weet that I receyvyd on Wednysday last past yow
■^-^ angery lettre towchyng the troble that Sandre Kok is
in, wherein I have largely comonyd with John Russe, and
advysed hym to take a curteys weye with Sandre, for yowre
sake and myn. He seythe he wold not dysplease yow by hys
wyll, and that he purposythe to entrete yow and wolde deserve
it to yowe. He undrestod that ye had large Ian gage to the
jurye that passyd again Saundre, I lete hym weete that ye
weer wrothe, and that he shall nowther please yowe ner me,
but iff he dele curteyslye with Saundre. I tolde hym as for
the condempnacion uppon the accion off trespasse I thoght it
nowther good ner worshypfull. Also I have wretyn to the
person of Maultby to dele curteyslye with Saundre, iff he woll
please yow or me.
1 John, Count of Armagnac, assassinated on the 6th March 14.73.
2 [From Paston Mss., B.M.]
180
APRIL 12
EDWARD IV
Item, I sende yow herwythe the supercedyas for Saundre ; 1473
so that iff ye fynde any meane for the condempnacions that
than ye maye ease therwith the suerte off pease. John Russe,
as I suppose, is att home thys daye.
Item, as for tydynges heer, the Kynge rydeth fresselye
thys daye to Northamton warde, there to be thys Esterne, and
after Esterne he purposythe to be moche at Leysettre, and in
Leysettre shyre. Every man seythe that we shall have a doo
or Maye passe. Hogan the prophet is in the Tower ; he
wolde fayne speke with the Kyng, but the Kynge seythe he
shall not avaunt that evyr he spake with hym.
Item, as for me, I most nedys to Caleyse warde to
morowe. I shall be heer ageyn, if I maye, thys next terme.
John Myryell, Thyrston, and W. Woode be goon from me, I
shrewe them.
My modre dothe me moor harme than good ; I wende she
wolde have doon for me. Playter wroot to me that she
wolde have leyde owt for me C//., and receyvyd it ageyn in v.
yer of the maner of Sporle, wherto I trustyd, whyche if she
had performyd, I had nott ben in no juperte of the maner of
Sporle. Neverthelesse I shall do whatt I kan yitt. I preye
yow calle uppon hyr for the same, remembre hyr of that
promyse.
Item, I preye yow remembre hyr for my fadrys tombe at
Bromholme. She dothe ryght nott [naught] ; I am afferde of
hyr that she shall nott doo weell. Bedyngfelde shall mary Sir
John Skottes doghtre, as I suppose.
Item, Janore Lovedaye shall be weddyd to one Denyse, a
ffuattyd Q) gentylman, with Sir G. Brown, nowther to weell
ner to ylle.
Item, as for me, iff I had hadd vj. dayes leyser more than I
hadd, and other also, I wolde have hopyd to have ben de-
lyveryd of Mestresse Anne Hault. Hyr frendes, the Quyen
and Attclif agreyd to comon and conclude with me, if I can
fynde the meanes to dyscharge hyr concyence, whyche I trust
to God to doo.
i. Item, I praye yow that ye take a leyser thys Estern
halydayes to ryde to Sporle and sende for John Osberne, and
i8i
THE PASTON LETTERS
1473 I wolde ye sholde conclude a bergayn with one Bocher, a
APKiL 12 woode byer, whyche Mendham that was my fermor ther can
fecche hym to yow.
ii. And thys is myn entent. I wolde have the dykes to
stonde stylle, acordyng as John Osberne and I comonyd, I
trow xij. foothe with in the dyke.
iij. Item, that the standardes off suche mesur as he and I
comonyd off maye also be reservyd. I suppose it was xxx.
inche, abowt a yerde from the grownde.
iiij. Item, that it be surely fencyd at the cost off the
woode byer in any wyse with a sure hedge, bothe hyghe and
stronge.
V. Item, that ther be a weye taken with the fermores for
the undrewood, so that I lesse not the ferme therffore yerly.
Item, John Osbern can telle yow the meanys howe to entrete
the fermores, for Herry Halman hath pleyed the false shrowe
and fellyd my woode uppon a tenement off myn to the valew
off XX. marke, as it is tolde me. I praye yow enquire that
matre and sende me worde and dele with hym ther afftre.
vj. Item, iff the seyde wood clere above alle charges
excep as is above, be made any better than CC. marke, I
wolle seye that ye be a good huswyff. John Osberne seythe
that he woll do me a frendes turne ther in and yitt gete hym
self an hakeneye.
vij. Memorandum, that he have nott past iij. or iiij. yere
off untraunce at the ferthest.
viij. Item, thatt I have payement off the holl as shortly as
ye kan, halffe in hande, the remenaunt at halffe yeer, or ellys
at ij. tymes with in one yere at the ferthest by mydsomer xij.
monyth.
ix. And that ye make no ferther bergayn than Sporle
woode and the lawnde, not delyng with noon other woode,
nowther in the maner, nor ellys wher in none other tenement.
X. Item, that ye have sufficient sewerte for the monye,
with penaltes iff nede be, some other men bonden with hym
for the payement.
xj. Item, I wolle well be bownde to waraunt it to hym.
Item, I sende yow herwith a warant to yow and John
182
EDWARD IV
Osberne joyntlye to bergayn. Comone and conclude that 1473
bergayn. apriliz
xij. Item, I suppose he woll, iff he conclude with yow,
desyre to felle thys Maye, and I to have mony soon afftre, I
reke not thowe he fellyd not tyll thys wynter ; but iff he woll
nedes begyn thys Maye, therffor I wryght yow thus hastely
entrete hym, iff ye can, that he felle not tyll wynter.
xiij. Item, be ware how ye bergeyn, so that he felle nott
butt in sesonable tyme and sesonable wood, for he maye felle
no undrewood thys Maye, as I trowe
Item, as for yowr costes late th
newe fynde yow mete, and I woll allow it there, or ellys
make me a bylle what it dra[weth to]
yow.
Item, I praye yow iff ye g for me as ye
can. I made my Lady heer but easy cheer, neverthelesse I
gaffhyr ys.
I promysed hyr to purveye hyr .... weselys, but
I was deseyvyd ; yit I wend to have had one.
My Lord of Norffolk hathe ben mevyd for Caster by my
Lord Cardenall and the Bysshop of Wynchester, but it woll
take non effecte . . . my Lady come. God gyff grace
that she brynge auctoryte when she comythe thys next terme
to common ther in and conclude, and so I prey yow advyse
hyr. Itt may haply paye for hyr costes.
No mor to yow, but wretyn at London, the xij. daye of
Apryll, Anno E. iiij*' xiij°.
I sende yow her with ij. letteris from John Osbern to me,
wherby and by hys billes ye may undrestond the verry valewe
off the wood.
I praye yow sende me wryghtyng ageyn by the Mondaye
vij. nyght afftre Ester; iff Hoxon or the goode man off the
Goot have it, they shall conveye it welle.
183
THE PASTON LETTERS
832
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
'To John Paston, Esqer^ in Norffolk.
i^y^, W 7 YRSSHYPFULL and ryght hertyly belowyd brother.
APRIL 16 V V ^ recomaiide me on to yow, letyng yow wete tha:
on Wednysdaye last past I wrote yow a letter,
wheroff John Carbalde had the beryng, promyttyng me that
ye shold have it at Norwyche thys daye, or ellys to morowe In
the mornyng, wherin I praye yowe to take a labor accordyng
afFtr the tenur off the same, and that I maye have an answer at
London to Hoxon, iff any massenger come, as ene I maye doo
ffor yow.
As ffor tydyngs, ther was a truse taken at Brussellys about
the XX vj. daye off Marche last past, be twyn the Duke off
Borgoyn and the Frense Kyngs imbassators and Master
William At Clyff ffor the Kyng heer, whyche is a pese be
londe and water tyll the ffyrst daye off Apryll nowe next
comyng, betweyn Fraunce and Ingelond, and also the Dukys
londes. God holde It ffor ever and grace be.
Item, the Erie of Oxenfford was on Saterdaye at Depe,
and is purposyd Into Skotlond with a xij. schyppys. I mys-
trust that werke.
Item, ther be In London many fflyeng talys, seying that
ther shold be a werke, and yit they wot not howe.
Item, my Lorde Chamberleyn ^ sendyth now at thys
tyme to Caleys the yonge Lorde Sowche^ and Sir Thomas
Hongreffords dowtre and heyr,^ and some seye the yonge
1 [From Fenn, ii. 130.]
2 William, Lord Hastings. — F.
3 John, Lord Zouch of Harringworth ; he was attainted in the first year of
Henry vii. — F,
* Mary, daughter and heir of Sir Thomas Hungerford ; she afterwards married
Edward, son and heir to William, Lord Hastings, who in her right became Lord
Hungerford, her uncle's attainder being reversed. — F.
184
EDWARD IV
Lady Haryngton, thes be iij. grett jowelles, Caleys is a 1473
mery town, they shall dwell ther I wott not whylghe \_how ^fR'^ 16
long].
No mor, but I have ben, and ame troblyd with myn over
large and curteys delyng with my servants, and now with ther
onkynd nesse ; Plattyng, yowr men wolde thys daye byd me
iFar well to to morow at Dover, notwithstandyng Thryston
yowr other man is ffrom me, and John Myryell, and W. Woode
whyche promysed yow and Dawbeney, God have hys sowle, at
Castre, that iff ye wolde take hym in to be ageyn with me, that
then he wold never goo ffro me, and ther uppon I have kepyd
hym thys iij. yer to pleye Seynt Jorge and Robyn Hod and the
Shryff off Notyngham, and now when I wolde have good horse
he is goon into Bernysdale, and I withowt a keeper,
Wretyn at Canterburye, to Caleys warde on Tewesday and
happe be, uppon Good Frydaye the xvj. daye off Apryll, Anno
E. iiij" xiij°.
Yowr, J. P, K.
Item, the most parte off the sowdyors that went over with
Sir Robert Green have leeff, and be comyn hom, the hyghe
weye ffull ; my cariage was behynd me ij. hours longer than I
lokyd afftr, but I wysse I wende that I myght have etyn my
parte on Good Frydaye all my garees [^Jinery'] and pryde had
ben goon, but all was saffe. I pray yow iff W. Mylsent go
ffroo yow, that he myght come to me at Caleys, I will have
hym.
.85
THE PASTON LETTERS
833
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
To John Paston^ Esquyer, in Norwich.
1473 I '\ YGHT wershypfull brother, I recomand me to yow,
MAY 18 r^ &c.-
As for tydyngs, the Erie of Wylshyr ^ and the
Lord Sudele * be ded, and it was sevd that Sir W. Stanle was
deed, but nowe it is seyd naye, &c.
Item, as ffor your goyng to Seyn James,^ I beleve it but
atwyen ij., &c.
I herd seye that a man was thys daye examyned, and he
confessed that he knewe greet tresor was sende to the Erie off
Oxenfford, wheroff a m'* li. [;^iooo] sholde be conveyd by a
Monlce off Westminster, and some seye by a Monke off
Chartrehows.
Item, that the same man schulde acuse C. gentylmen in
Norffolk and Suffolk that have agreyd to assyst the seyd Erie
at hys comynge thyder, whyche as itt is seyd, sholde be within
viij. dayes afftr Seynt Donston, iff wynde and weddyr serffe
hym — fflyeng tales. No mor at thys tyme, but God have yow
in kepyng.
Wretyn at London on Seynt Donstones daye, xviij. daye
of Maye, Anno, E. iiij'' xiij''.
John Paston, K.
i [From Fenn, ii. 136.]
2 Then follow some orders concerning servants, debts, securities, etc. — F.
3 John Stafford was created Earl of Wiltshire in 1470. He was uncle to Henry,
Duke of Buckingham.
* Butler, Lord Sudley.— F.
^ Apparently John Paston had talked of making a pilgrimage to the shrine of St.
James of Compostella in Spain.
186
EDWARD IV
834
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTONi
'To John Pas ton, Esqer, be thys delyveryd.
RYGHT wyrshypfuU brother, I comand me to yow, letyng 1473
yow weet that thys daye I was in very purpose to Caleys June 3
ward, all redy to have goon to the barge, saff I teryed
fFor a yonge man that I thoght to have had with me
thyddr, on that was with Rows, whyche is in the cowntre ; and
because I cowde not geet hym, and that I have no mor heer
with me butt Pampyng, Edward, and Jak, therfFor Pampyng
remembryd me, that at Caleys he tolde me that he purposed
to be with the Duchesse off Norffolk, my Lady and yowrs.
And Edward is syke and semythe nott abydyng ; he wolde see
what shold falle off thys worlde ; and so I am as he that seythe
' Come hyddr John, my man.' And as happe was yisterday,
Juddy went affor to Caleysward ; wherffor I am nowe ille
purveyd, whyche ffor owte that I knowe yit is lyke to kepe me
heer thys Wytsontyd." Wherffor iff ye knowe any lykly men,
and ffayr condycioned, and good archers, sende them to me,
thowe it be iiij. and I wyll have them, and they shall have iiij.
mrks by yer, and my levere \liverf\.
He maye com to me hyddr to the Gott [Gc^/], or yit to
Caleys with a rialP iff he be wyse, whyche iff nede bee, I
wolde that Berker toke hym to come uppe with, iff it be suche
one as ye tryst.
Item, I suppose bothe Pytte and Kothye Plattyng shall goo
ffrom me in hast ; I wyll never cherysshe knaves soo as I have
don, ffor ther sakys.
Item, I praye yow sende me a newe vestment off whyght
damaske ffor a dekyne, whyche is among myn other geer at
Norwiche, ffor he shall ther too as ye woot off : I wyll make
1 [From Fenn, li. 138.]
2 Whitsunday fell on the 6th June in 1473.
^ A royal, a gold coin of 10/. value.
187
THE PASTON LETTERS
1473 ^" armyng doblett off it, thow I sholde an other tyme gyff a
JUNE 3 longe gown of velvett ffor another vestment, and send it in
all hast to Hoxon to send me.
I hopyd to have been verry mery at Caleys thys Whytson-
tyde, and am weell apparayled and apoyntyd, saff that thes
ffolks ffayle me soo, and I have mater ther to make off ryght
excellent. Som man wolde have hastyd hym to Caleys thowe
he had hadd no better erand, and som men thynke it wysdom
and profyght to be theer now weell owt off the weye.
Item, as ffor the Bysshop ^ and I, we bee nerrer to a poynt
than we weer, so that my part is nowe all the londes in Flegge
Holly, the maner off Heylesdon, Tolthorpe, and tenements in
Norwyche and Erlham, excepte Fayrechylds, but ffar weell
Drayton ; the Devyll do ytt them.
Item, large and fferr comynycacion hathe ben bytwyen Sir
John Fogge, Ric. Haulte, ffor ther suster and me, byffor
Doctor Wyntborne and ellys wher, so that I am in better hope
than I was, by Seynt Lawrens '^ that I shall have a delyveraunce.
Item, as ffor tydyngs heer, I trow ye have herde yowr
parte, howe that the Erie off Oxenfford landyd by Seynt Osyes
in Essexe, the xxviij. daye off Maye, saff he teryed nott longe,
ffor iff he had, the Erie of Essexe ^ rod to hym wardys, and
the Lords Denham and Durasse, and other mor, whyche by
lyklyod sholde have dystrussyd hym ; but yit hys comyng
savyd Hogan hys hed, and hys profesye is the mor belevyd
ffor he seyde that thys troble sholde begyn in Maye, and that
the Kynge sholde northwards, and that the Scotts sholde make
us werke and hym batayle.
Men loke afftr they wot not what, but men by barneys
ffast ; the Kyngs menyall men and the Duke off Claraunces,
ar many in thys town ; the Lord Ryverse * com to daye, men
seye to purveye in lyke wyse.
Item, how that the Cowntesse off Warwyk^ is now owt
1 Waynflete, Bishop ofWinchester. 2 loth of August.
•^ Henry Bourchier, Earl of Essex, Lord Treasurer.
* Anthony Woodville, Earl Rivers, beheaded at Pontefract, 1483.
'■ Anne, widow of Richard Neville, the great Earl of Warwick, sister and heir to
Henry Beauchamp, Duke of Warwick, and mother of Isabel, the wife of George,
Duke of Clarence.
188
EDWARD IV
off Beweley Seyntwarye, and Sir James Tyrell convey th hyr 1473
northwarde, men seye by the Kynges assent, wherto som men June 3
seye that the Duke off Clarance is not agreyd.
Item, men seye that the Erie off Oxenfford is abowt the
Ilde off Tenett hoveryng, som seye wyth grett companye, and
som seye, with ffewe.
No mor, but God kepe yow.
Wretyn at London the iij. daye off June, Anno E. iiij" xiij°.
John Paston, K.
835
ABSTRACT 1
Norf. and SufF. Deeds, No. 67. ' Relaxatio Willielmi Paston facta Will, june 13
Wainflet et aliis de toto jure sue in manerio vocat' Caldecots, Akethorp,
Spitlings, Habland, Broweston, etc. Jun. 13, Edw. iv. 13.'
836
SIR JOHN PASTON TO EDMUND PASTON 2
^ Edmond Paston, Esquyer, a Caleys soyt donne.
BROTHER Edmond, 1 grete yow weell, letyng yow weete july 5
that abowt thys daye vij. nyght I sende yow a letter by
Nycholas Bardeslee a sowdyer, whyche is wont woute ^
to be at border [brother] Perauntys,* and also an hoseclothe ^ off
blak ffor yow. I wende that ye sholde have hadde itt within
ij. dayes, but I am afferde that he deseyved me.
Item, I lete yow weet that Plattyng is comen hyddr, and
he seythe that ye gaffe hym leve to ffetche hys geer and Pittys,
and that is hys erande hyddr and noon other, ner he thowt
never to goo ffro me, ner he wyll nott goo ffro me as he seythe,
1 [From MS. Index in Magd. Coll., Oxford.]
2 [From Fenn, ii, 146.] 3 go in Fenn.
* Fenn suggests a fanciful explanation of the expression * border Perauntys,' pre-
suming the latter word not to be a proper name j but see page 163.
^ Cloth for hosen.
189
THE PASTON LETTERS
1473 wherffor, I praye yow sende me worde off hys condycions, and
JULY 5 whyghe ye thynke that he sholde never do me worshypp.
He seythe also that he and Pytte weer at the takyng off
the Esterlyngs, and that he was in the Pakker^ and Pytte in the
Crystoffre. I praye yow sende me worde howe bothe he and
Pytte quytte them, by the report off some indyfferent trewe
man that was ther, iff they quytte them weell, I wolde love
them the better, wherffor the next daye afftr the syte of thys
letter, I praye yow wryght ageyn, and sende it by the next
passage.
Item, I sende a lytell praty boxe herwith, whyche I wolde
that Juddy sholde delyver to the woman that he wetyth off,
and praye hyr to take it to the man that she wetyth off ; that
is to seye, as moche as ye knowe all well i now, but ye maye
nott make yow wyse in no wyse.
Item, I praye yow sende me worde as ye wer wont to do
off heer wellffar, and whether I weer owt and other inne or
nott ; and whether she shall fforsake Caleys as sone as ye sende
me worde off or nott.
By God I wolde be with yow as ffayne as yowr selff, and
shall be in hast with Godds grace.
Item, as ffor my brother John, I hope within thys monyth
to see hym in Caleys, ffor by lyklyhod to morowe or ellys the
next daye he takyth shyppe at Yarmothe, and goothe to Seynt
James ^ warde, and he hathe wretyn to me that he wyll come
homwarde by Caleys.
Item, I suppose that James Songer shall come with me to
Caleys, the rather ffor yowr sake.
Item, Mestresse Elysabett ffareth well, but as yit Songer
knoweth nott so perffytly all that ye wolde weet, that he woll
nott wryght to yow off thees ij. dayes tyll he knowe moor, but
iff she hadde ben bolde, and durst have abydyn styll at hyr
gate, and spoken with me, so God helpe me, she had hadd
thys same that I sende nowe wher ye woot off, whyche ye shall
see woryn heer afftr, itt is a praty ryban with praty agletts '"
and goodlye.
1 See page 186, Note. 5.
2 Pendant ornaments of metal, like tags or points, etc. — F.
190
EDWARD IV
Make yow not wyse to Juddy, nowther not that ye wolde 1473
weet any thynge, fFor I maye sey to yowe at hys comyng ovr, July 5
he browt goodly geer reasonablye.
Item, as fFor my byll ^ that is gylt, I wolde it weer taken
head too ; ther is one in the town, that can glaser weell i nowe,
as I herde seye. Also, ther is on comythe every markett daye
fFro Seynt Omerys to Caleys and he bryngethe dagers, and
ffetchyth also, he may have it with hym, and brynge it ageyn
the next markett daye ffor xij<^. or xvj^. at the most, and ellys
late it be weel oylyd and kepte tyll I come. No more.
Wretyn at London the v. daye of Julie, Anno E. iiij" xiij°.
837
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON^
'To my ryght wyrshypful moodre^ Margret Paston.
RYGHT wyrshypfuU and my ryght tendre modre, I july 30
recommaunde me to yow, besechyng yow of yowr
dayly blessyng. Please it yow to weet that I herde
not from yow off longe tyme, whyche cawsythe me to be
ryght hevye ; ner at the last tyme that I sende to yow in
wryghtyng I hadde from yowr selffe noo wryghtyng ner
answer ageyne, saff by Playter one tyme and by my brother
one other tyme ; whyche answer off Playter was noo thyng
acordyng but contraryaunt to other wryghtyng more comfort-
able that he hadde sent me nott longe byffore that on yowr
behalve, as he wrott, whyche God amende. Neverthelesse to
my more hevynesse, I herde seye that ye sholde have been
passhyng hevy for my sake, and in cheffe for that I was lyke
to late goo the maner off Sporle, wherin I was pytte in comfort
^ A warlike instrument of offence. — F.
2 [Add. 34,889, f. 125.] This letter appears to be of the year 1473, as in that
year Sir John Paston writes on the 5th July that he hopes to be in Calais within a
month (No. 836). Later in the year (22 Nov.) he writes that the citations here
referred to were not ready (No. 842, p. 199). The date is further confirmed by
what is said of the manor of Sporle (comp. pp. 181, 182).
191
THE PASTON LETTERS
1473 ^o have had relyffe by the meanes off yow ; and syns it was
JULY 30 tolde me that iff I leete it goo that ye wold therfore dys-
avauntage me more lond in tyme to come, off syche as by
poscybylyte myght come to mee of yowris. Uppon whyche
corage my grauntdame ^ and myn oncle ^ togedre gaffe me an
answer on hyr part moche lyke, and so my fadre, God have
hys sowle, leffte me scant xl//. londe in reste, and ye leffe me
as pleasythe yow, and my grauntdame at hyr plesur ; thus
may I have lyttel hope off the worlde. Neverthelesse I be-
seche yow to be my good moodre, how so ever ye do with
yowr londe ; for I feell weell that iff I have one losse I am
lyffe [q. like ?] therfor to have three. But as for Sporle, it
shall nott goo iff I maye, ner by my wyll ; and iff ther hadde
been performed me as largelye as was promysed me by Playter,
I were sewre it sholde nott have goon, nor yit sholde nat goo.
Neverthelesse iff ye and all my frendys and yowris in Norffolk
myght have lende me so moche monye and to have takyn it
uppe in V. yere, I suppose they sholde peraventure have ben
payed ageyn in a yer or ij. iff I had solde any woode. Never-
thelesse, plese yow to weet that I have provyd my fadres wyll
and testement, wherin I maye nowt dele on to the tyme that
al! the executoris have reffused ; wherffor ther most be sende
sitatacions (^sic) to yow and alle other that weer namyd my
fadris executoris. Wherin iff ye list not to take admynystra-
cion, as I woot well ye woll nott off olde, ye most than make
a proctor that must, on yowr behalve, byffor my Lorde of
Canterbury, with a sufficiaunt warant and autoryte, undre a
notarys syngne ther in the corte, reffuse to take admynestra-
cion. And this instrument and aultoryte I beseche yow maye
be redy and att London by the fyrst daye of the terme ; and
iff yow be not aqueynted with none suche at London, iff it
please yowe to take and avowe for your proctor and sende
hym auctoryte, on \_onel^ Master John Halsnothe whyche was a
clerke off Master Robert Centis^ and was so trusty to my
fadre, God have hys sowle, and to sende me a letter off yowre
1 Agnes Paston. 2 William Paston.
3 Robert Kent, who had been John Paston the father's proctor in the Court of
Archers. See vol. iv. pp. 243, 244.
192
EDWARD IV
wylle ther in, I undertake that he shall not do but as ye sende 1473
me worde. Plese it yow to gyff credence to Juddy herin. July 30
No more to you att thys tyme, but Jhesu have yow in Hys
kepyng. Wretyn att Caleys, the last daye saff one off Julie. —
Yowr sone, J. P., K.
838
MARTIN RONDELLE TO SIR JOHN PASTON^
Monseigneur Jehan Paston^ chevalier d' Engleterre.
MON treschier et honnore seigneur, je me recomande a aug. 28
vous outant que je puis ne scay. Et vous plaise
savoir que je ay oy novelles de vous par ung de vo
marchans de Calais touchant unne armura de unna sella que je
vous doy, et de una barbuta, laquelle est en diferansce entre
vous et moy, de laquelle je vous ay aultre foix dist que je
estoie contant de fere toute rexon [raisonj, et en quore le
vous dige prexentement que je suis prest de fer tout chou
qu'il apartient en tout rexon, set \_c'esf\ asavoir de la barbute et
de I'armura de sella. D'aultre chiox ne vous suis en riens
tenut, forque en toute les chiox que me seroint posible de
faire pour I'amour de vous a vostre honneur et a vostre profit,
je suis tout jour prest a vostre comendement.
Item, en houltre, je ay entendut que vous voulles avoir
unng harnax complet. Com je prins vostra mexure derniere-
ment quant vous fustes en ceste ville de Bruges, saichies que
je ay en quor vostre mexure de toutes lez piesces ; pour quoy,
se il vous plaist que je la vous fasa, je la vous faray de bon
ceur, et tout cella que il vous plaira avoir fait ; et au regard
du pris, je faray tellement que vous seres content de moy
pour tant quant il vous plaira lesiem savoir queles piesses que
vous voles avoir, et la faisson et le jour que vous la voles avoir
par quelcun aqui je puis in chauder en nom de vous, et qui
me ballia argant de sus, je feray si bien que se Dieu plaist
vous vous loeres de moy. Aultre chiox ne vous say que
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.]
VOL. V. N 193
THE PASTON LETTERS
1473 i"nander pour le prexent, senon que je prie a Dieu que il vous
AUG. 28 (ioint ce que vostre ceur desir.
Escript a Bruges, le xxviij. jour de Ahoust, Fan Ixxiij.
Le tout vostre serviteur,
Martin Rondelle,
Armurier de Monsire le
Bastart de Bourgogne.
Endorsed — Par Martyne Rowndell, armorer de Bruggys. Anno E. iiij'' xiij°.
839
LORD HASTINGS TO SIR JOHN OF MIDDLETON
AND SIR JOHN PASTON ^
'To my right hertily beloved frends and felaws^ Sir John of
Middelton^ and Sir John Pasion, Knights.
SEPT. 16 \ FTER herty recommendacion, I thank you of the gode
/-% attendance that ye yeve unto the Kings counsail at
■^ Calais ; and the gode and efFectuelle devoires that ye
putte you in to assiste my depute Sir John Scot, in alle suche
things as mowe concerne the saufgarde of my charge there.
Leting you wite, that if ther be any thing that I can and may
do for you, I shal with right gode wil performe it to my
power.
And I preye you to recommaunde me to my Lady
Howard,^ my Lady Bourgchier,^ and all othre ladies and
gentilwomen of the saide towne. And in likewise to the
Mayre, Lieutenant, and felaship of the staple ; my felaws the
souldeours, and all othre suche as ye shal seme gode. And
oure Lord sende you your desirs.
1 [From Fenn, ii. 152.] This letter, Fenn tells us, is endorsed in a hand of the
time, ' E. (?) Hastyngs, Anno xiij".,' showing that it was written in the thirteenth year
of Edward iv.
2 Margaret, wife of Sir John Howard, Lord Howard, and afterwards Duke of
Norfolk. She was daughter of Sir John Chedworth, Knight, and died in 1490,
5 Hen. VII.
3 Lady Bourchier was probably the wife of a son of Sir John Bourchier, Lord
Berners.
194
EDWARD IV
Writen at Notyngham, the xvj. day of Septembre. ^473
Sir Joh Paston, I pray you to yeve credens to suche thing se^t. i6
as my depute shall shew you fro me, and conforme you to
the same.
Your felaw, Hastyngs.
840
NOTE
On the Close Roll 13 Edw. iv. m. 5, is an indenture tripartite bearing nov. i
date I Nov., 13 Edw. iv., between Thomas Byllyng, Chief-Justice, and others,
including William Paston on the one part ; Jane Ingaldesthorp, late wife of
Edmund Ingaldesthorp, Knight, William Norys, Knt., and Isabel, Marquesse
Montague, his wife, of the second part ; and William Parker, citizen and tailor,
London, of the third part.
841
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
To John Paston^ Esquier^ at Norwych^ be thys delyvered.
WYRSHYPFULL and well belovyd brother, I comand nov. 6
me to yow, letyng yow weet that the worlde semyth
qweysye heer ; ffor the most part that be abowt the
Kyng have sende hyddr ffor ther barneys, and it [is] seyd ffor
serteyn, that the Duke off Clarance makyth hym bygge in
that he kan, schewyng as he wolde but dele with the Duke
of Glowcester ; but the Kyng ententyth, in eschyewying all
inconvenyents, to be as bygge as they bothe, and to be a
styffeler atweyn them ; and som men thynke that undre thys
ther sholde be som other thynge entendyd, and som treason
conspyred ; so what shall falle, can I nott seye.
Item, it is seyde that yisterdaye ij. passagers off Dovr wer
takyn ; I ffer that iff Juddy had noon hasty passage, so that
iff he passyd nott on Sondaye or Mondaye, that he is taken,
and som geer off myn, that I wolde not for xx//.
^ [From Fenn, ii. 126.] This letter is misdated in Fenn as of the 15th April.
St. Leonard's Day is the 6th November.
195
THE PASTON LETTERS
1473 I hope and purpose to goo to Caleys warde on Sondaye
NOV. 6 or Mondaye or nyghe bye, ffor 1 am nott accompanyed to
do any servyse heer ; wherfFor it wer better ffor me to be owt
off syght.^
Item, Sprynge, that wayten on my ffadre when he was in
Jowel hous l^gaol house], whom my ffadre at hys dyeng besett
xb. he cryethe evyr on me ffor it, and in weye off almess, and
he wolde be easyd, thow it wer but xxj, or xj. ; wherffor he
hathe wretyn to my modr, and most have an answer ageyn ;
I wolde that my moodr sende hym, as thoghe she lende hym
som whatt, and he woll be pleasyd, and ellys he can seye as
shrewdely as any man in Ingelonde.
Item, the Kynge hathe sent ffor hys Great Seall ; some
seye we shall have a newe Chauncelor, but som thynke that
the Kynge dothe as he dyde at the last ffeldys, he wyll have
the Seall with hym ; but thys daye Doctor Morton, Master
off the Rollys, rydethe to the Kynge, and berythe the Sease
[Seals'] with hym.
Item, I had never mor nede off mony than now ; wherffor
Fastolffes v. mrks and the mony off Master John Smythe
wolde make me hoU, &c.
Wretyn on Seynt Lenards Daye, Anno R. R. E. iiij'' xiij°.
Item, sende me my vestment acordyng to the letter I sent
yow by Symond Dam, in all hast. J. P., K.
842
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON*
To John Paston, Esquyer, be thys delyvered.
NOV. 2 2 I 'X YGHT wyrshypfull and hertyly belovyd brother, I
1^ comand me to yow, letyng you wet that I re-
ceyvyd a letter that come from yow, wretyn circa
viij. Mychaelys,^ wherin ye leet me weet off the decesse off
1 Here follow some money transactions relative to a Doctor Pykenham, his mother,
and others.
■' [From Paston Mss., B.M.]
3 i.e. circa octabas Mic/iaelts — about the Octaves of Michaelmas, or 6th October.
196
EDWARD IV
Syr James, and that my moodre is in purpose to be at Nor- 1473
wyche, and I am ryght glad that sche wyll now doo somwhat ^°^- ^^
by yowr advyce ; wherfFor be war fro hense forthe that noo
suche felawe crepe in be twyen hyr and yow, and iff ye lyst to
take a lytell labore, ye may lyff ryght well, and she pleasyd.
It is as good that ye ryde with a cople off horse at hyr cost as
Syr James or Richard Calle.
Ye sende me worde also that she in noo wyse wyll purveye
thyr Qli. for the redemyng off Sporle. Late it goo. As
towchyng that mater, John Osbern tolde me that he comonyd
with yow at Sporle of that mater ; ferr he devysed that
Kokett, or suche an other man, sholde, to have it the better
cheppe, ItjQ owt the valewe off vj. yere for to have it vij.
yere, wherto I wolde agre ; and for Goddys sake, if thatt
maye be browt abowt, late it be doon. As ye woot of, it is
laten for xxij/z. be yere, yit the fermor graunt but xxj. ; but
to Kokett it wolde be worthe xxv//., yea and better. Never-
thelesse, if Kokett wyll delyver y'^'H., I wolde he had it for
vij. yeer, with thys that my moodre be agreable to the same,
by cawse of th'entresse that she hathe for my brother William,
whyche shall nott be off age thys vij. yeer ; neverthelesse, as
ye know myn olde entent, I purpose to purvey for hym in an
other plase better than theer ; whyche graunte off my moodre
I praye yow to be my solycytor in, whyche [and] it be browt
abowt, Sporle shall be in as goode case as evyr he was.
John Osbern willyd me to make yow a sufficiaunt waraunt
to selle and felle wood at Sporle, whyche I remembre ye have
in as ample forme as can be ; neverthelesse iff thys meane
above wretyn off letyng to ferme maye be hadde, it shall, I
hope, nat nede to felle ner selle moche. But I remytte that
geer to yowr dyscrescion, but iff ye have suche comforte, I
praye yow sende me worde. I maye seye to yow, John
Osbern flateryd me, for he wolde have borowyd mony off me.
Item, in retaylyng of woode theer, it weer harde to tryst
hym ; he is nedye. If Kokett, or whoo so evyr had that
maner to ferme for vij. yere, and payd therffor but v'f-/L^ he
sholde, to lete it ageyn, wynne xxxvj//., whyche we[re] moche;
wherffor, iff it myght bee, yt wer more resenable vj'''"' vij//. to
197
THE PASTON LETTERS
1 4-7 3 be reseyvyd, and yit is ther lost xxixA'., or ellys iff ye take lesse
NOV. 22 mony and fewer yerys, so it be aftre the rate, so ther be
purveyd Cii. at the lest ; send worde.
Item, ye wroot that lyke a trewe man ye sende me xviijj.
by Richarde Radle. Ye weer to trewe ; but he semys to be a
false shrewe, for he browt me noon yitt. Whethyr he be owt
of town or nott, kan I nott seye.
Ye prayed me also to sende yow tydynges how I spedde in
my materis, and in cheff of Mestresse Anne Hault. I have
answer ageyn fro Roome that there is the welle of grace and
salve sufficiaunt for suche a soore, and that I may be dyspencyd
with ; neverthelesse my proctore there axith a m'- docatys, as
he demythe. But Master Lacy, another Rome renner heer,
whyche knowyth my seyde proctor theer, as he seythe, as
weell as Bernard knewe hys sheeld, seythe that he menyth but
an C. docates or CC. at the most ; wherffor afftre thys comythe
moor. He wrote to me also, quod Papa hoc facit hodiernis diebus
multociens.
Item, as towchyng Caster, I tryst to God that ye shall be
in it to myn use or Crystmesse be past.
Item, yowr ost Brygham recomand hym to yow, and when
he and I rekenyd, I gave hym ij. noblis for yowr borde, whyll
ye weer theer in hys absence ; but in feythe he wolde, for
nowth that I kowde doo, take ]d. Wherffor ye most thanke
hym or charge me to thanke hym on yowr behalve in some
nexte epystyll that ye wryght to me to Caleys. He leete me
weet that he wolde do moor for yow than soo.
Item, my Lady Bowgcher was almost deed, but she ys
amendyd. I trowe they come in to Norffolk.
Item, as for W. Berker, I heer no worde from hym. I
praye yow comon with Berney ther in, he knoweth myn
conceyt ; and also I praye yow hast Berney ageyn. I wold not
that he played the fooll, ner wastyd hys tyme ner hys sylver.
Item, as for the brace of growndes \_greyhounds], or one
verry goode, or in especiall the blak of Germynes, I can
nott seye but ye be a trewe man, but William Mylsent
isse a false shrewe, so mote I thee, and I trow hys master
ys too.
198
EDWARD IV
Item, I most have myn instrumentes hydder, whyche are in 1473
the chyst in my chambre at Norwyche, whyche I praye yow nov. 22
and Berney to gedre joyntly, but natt severally, to trusse in a
pedde/ and sende them me hyddre in hast, and a byll ther in
how many peces. Thys most be had to avoyde idelnesse at
Caleys.
Item, I preye yow take heed among thatt my stufFe take
noon harme, ner that myn evydence, wher ye wott of, be owt
of joperte.
Item, I praye yow doo for Berneye as ye kan, so that he
maye be in sewerte for hys annywyte, and that it be nott
costious fro hense forthe to hym any mor to come, or sende
for it. I pray yow wynne yowr sporys in hys mater.
Item, I purposed to have sent heer with the testament
off my fadre and the scytacions to my moodre to yow and
Arblaster; but they be nott redy. Within ij. dayes aftre
the comyng of thys, I suppose they shall be with yow, and
than I shall wryght mor to yow.
As for other tydynges, I trust to God thatt the ij. Dukes
of Clarans and Glowcester shall be sette att one by the adward
off the Kyng.
Item, I hope by the means of the Duke of Glowcester that
my Lord Archebyshop ^ shall come home.
Item, as towchyng my sustre Anne,^ I undrestand she
hathe bene passyng seek ; but I wende that she had ben
weddyd. As for Yelverton, he seyde but late that he wold
have hyr, iff she had hyr mony, and ellis nott ; wherffor me
thynkyth that they be nott verry sewre. But, amonge alle
other thynges, I praye yow be ware that the olde love of
Pampyng renewe natt. He is nowe fro me ; I wott nat what
he woll doo.
No more. Wretyn at London, the xxij. daye of Novembre
Anno R. R. E. iiij'' xiij°. John Paston, Kt.
1 A kind of basket.
^ George Neville, Archbishop of York, though formerly pardoned, had been
accused of holding correspondence with the Earl of Oxford, for which he was im-
prisoned at Guines.
3 Anne Paston married William Yelverton, grandson of Sir William Yelverton,
the Judge.
199
THE PASTON LETTERS
843
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
T*o John Paston^ Esquier.
1473 X^ YGHT wyrshypfull and well belovyd brother, I re-
Nov. 25 1-%^ comaund me to yow, letyng yow weet that I sende
^ ^ yow her with j. sitacion, where in ben my moodre
and yee, wherofF I praye yow that I maye have hasty answeer.
The effecte theroff is no moor, but ye bothe most sende answer,
and make yow a proctor heer, and that most come hyddre
ondre a notaryes syngne, afFermyng that ye make suche a man,
Master John Halsnothe, or ellis, yf ye will do the cost, to
sende some other hyddre ; yowr proctor to take admynystra-
cion or to reffuse, and what so he dothe, ye to holde it for
ferme and stable. Than most my moodre and ye wryght a
lettre, undre my moodre seall and yowr syngne manuell, to
me and Master John Halsnothe in thys forme : — ' We gret
yow well, letyng yow weet that we have made yow. Master
John Halsnothe, our proctor in the testament of John Fasten,
husband and fadre to yow, wherin we wyll that on owr be-
halff ye refuse the admynestracion of the seyde testament.
And thys wryghtyng is to yow warantt and dyscharge, and
also the verry wyll of usse.' Thys most we have for owr
dyscharge.
Item, I pray yow take good hedde to my soster Anne, lesse
the old love atwyen hyr and Pampyng renewe.
Item, I pray yow sende me worde howe my moodre is
dysposyd to hyr wardes, and iffe so weer that a good mariage
myght be had, what she wolde depart with.
Item, I praye yow that ye remembre hyr for the tombe off
my fadr at Bromholme, and also the chapell at Mauteby, and
sende me worde how she is dysposyd her in.
^ [From Paston mss., B.M.] The year in which this letter was written is clearly
shown, partly by the allusions made in it to several matters mentioned in previous
letters, and more especially by what is said of the Earl of Oxford. That nobleman
was besieged in St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall, by Sir Henry Bodrugan during
October and November 1473.
200
EDWARD IV
Item, iff I have Caster ageyn, whethyr she wolle dwelle i473
ther or nott, and I wyll fynde hyr a prest towardes at my charge, ^o^* ^S
and geve hyr the dovehowse and other comodytes ther ; and
if any horsekeper on myn lye ther, I wolle paye for hys horde
also, as weell as for the prestes.
Item, iff my modre sholde have a new prest, I thynk that
my brother Syr J. Goos weer a metly man to be ther. He
wolde also doo, as ye wolde have hym nowe, ber the cuppe
evyn, as What-calle-ye-hym seyde to Aslake.
Be war of Myneres fro hense forthe, and sende me worde
how ye trist Doctor Pykenham. I wolde, if he wolde doo
owght for my moodre, that he hastyd the soner to paye me
the C/i.y so that I myght pledge owt Sporle.
Item, as for other tydynges, the Erie of Oxenforthe is
stille besegyd. Neverthelesse, onys he issued owt, and toke a
jentylman, and hant [^draggea'] hym within ; but now off late
he was besye, and one espyed hym, and shott at hym and
strake in the verry fase with an arowe. I sye thys daye the
same man, and theere I leef hym.
Iff Arblaster come to yow, ye maye see hys letter sente to
hym by me, wherin I have wretyn that he scholde take yowr
advyce ; but I praye you, above all thynges, that me make
hast so that I heer from yow ageyn by thys day vij. nyght.
At London, the xxv. daye of Novembre.
John Paston, K.
844
THE TENANTS OF SPORLE TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
To oure specyall good lord and mayster^ Syr John Paston^
Knyghi, be this delyvered in hast.
RIGHT worchepfuU and oure specyall good mayster and Date
loord, after our dewe recomendacion with owre servyce. uncer-
Please it yow to knowe that we arn grevously troubled, tain
and not lyke to kepe oure tenourys, the whiche we holde of
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] The date of this letter is very uncertain, but as a
good deal is said about this time of the manor and wood of Sporle, we insert it here
for convenience.
201
THE PASTON LETTERS
Date you, but yf ye helpe us ; for we wer bete at the boordourys
uncer- syde, and afterwarde our servauntes wer bete at the plowe in
tain Spoorle felde, and somme of them be lyke to dey. And we
redyn to Maister Shereve and to Mayster Southwell for
remedye, and thei advysed us to ryde to Mayster Wyngfeld ;
and thenne we understode that Mayster Wyngfeld was reden
to London, &c. And so we stonden withoute remedye, and
in grete doute ot our lyves, and losse of our goodys. Wher-
for we beseche you to socoure us accordyng to your right and
owres. And ellys we kan nott abyde it, &c. Cryst kepe
your good lordshep.
Be your poore tenauntes
of Spoorle,
845
NOTE
1474 ■'■'' appears by the Early Chancery Proceedings printed by the Record
FEB. 0 Commission (vol. i. p. xc), that a decree was given in Chancery in Hilary
term, 13 Edw. iv. compelling William Paston and other trustees to fulfil a
covenant between Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Elizabeth, Countess of
Oxford. On the Close Roll, 13 Edw. iv. memb. i, is a release by William,
Bishop of Ely, Sir Thomas Montgomery, John Wentworth, elk., William
Paston, Esq., Roger Townesend and Jas. Arblaster to Richard, Duke of
Gloucester, of all their right in Ocle Magna and Parva, etc., in Essex, which
they have by enfeoffment of Eliz., Countess of Oxford, and in other manors in
Norfolk and Suffolk which they lately had of the gift of the same. This
release is dated 9th Feb. 1 3 Edw. iv., and was acknowledged in Chancery on
the iith Feb. Below it are enrolled three other deeds by the Countess and
her feoffees to the Duke, dated 9th June, 12 Edw. iv., and acknowledged in
Chancery, 25th June, 14 Edw. iv.
202
EDWARD IV
846
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 1
Mestresse Margrett Pasion^ at Norwyche.
RYGHT honorable and most tendr good moodr, I re- 1474
comand me to yowe, besechyng yow to have, as my feb. 20
tryst is that I have, yowr dayly blessyng ; and thanke
yow off yowr good moderhood, kyndenesse, cheer, charge, and
costes, whyche I had, and putte yow to, att my last beyng with
yow, whyche God gyffe me grace her afftr to deserve !
Please it yow to weet, that I thynge longe that I heer nott
ffrom yow or ffrom Pekok yowr servaunt, ffor the knowlege
howe he hathe doon in the sale off my fferme barlye, ner whatt
is made theroff ; wherffor I beseche yowe, if it be not answeryd
by that tyme that thys bylle comythe to yowe, to hast hym
and itt hyddre wards ; ffor iff that had nott taryed me, I deme
I had been at Caleys by thys daye ; ffor it is soo, as men seye,
that the Frense Kynge with a gret hoste is at Amyans, but
iij'"^- myle from Caleys ; and iff he, or hys, roode by ffor Caleys,
and I nott theer, I wolde be sorye.
Item, men seye that the Erie of Oxenfford hathe ben con-
streynyd to sewe ffor hys pardon only off hys lyffe ; and hys
body, goodes, londes, with all the remenaunt, at the Kynges
wyll, and soo sholde in all haste nowe come in to the Kyng ;
and some men seye that he is goon owt off the Mounte,^ men
wot not to what plase, and yit lefte a greet garnyson theer,
weell ffornysshyd in vytayll, and all other thynge.
Item, as ffor the havyng ageyn off Castre, I trust to have
good tydyngs theroff hastelye.
Item, my brother John ffarethe weell, and hathe doon
ryght delygentlye in my cosyn Elizabet Berneys mater, wheroff
hastely I trust he shall sende hyr tydyngs that schall please
hyr ; and as to morow he purposyth to take hys jurneye to
Walys warde to the Lorde Ryverse. No mor at thys tyme,
but Jeswe have yow in Hys kepyng.
1 [From Fenn, ii. 154.] 2 st. Michaers Mount in Cornwall.
203
THE PASTON LETTERS
1474 Wretyn at London the xx. daye off Feverer, Anno E. iiij"
FEB. 20 xiij°.
Yowr sone, J. Paston, K.
847
LORD HASTINGS TO JOHN PASTON 1
'To my right trusty and welbeloved servaunt,
John Paston^ Squier.
i474(r) TTOHN PASTON, I recommaunde me unto you. And
APRIL 26 I whereas I appohited and desired you to goo over unto
^ Guysnes to yeve youre attendaunce and assistaunce upon
my brother Sir Rauf Hastings in all suche things as concerne
the suretie and defense of the Castell of Guysnes during his
infirmyties ; it is shewed unto me that ye have full truely and
diligently acquyted you unto my saide brother, in all his
besynesses sithe your comyng thider. Whereof I thanke you
hertly. And as I conceive to my grete comfort and gladnesse,
my saide brother is wele recovered and amended, thanked be
God. And soo I truste he may nowe spare you. Wherupon
I have writen unto him, if he may soo doo, to licence you to
come over unto me ayen. Wherefore I woU and desire you,
th'assent of my saide brother had, to dispose you to come over
in all goodly haste, as well for suche grete maters, as I fele by
youre ffrends, ye have to doo here, as to yeve youre attendaunce
upon me. And your retourne ye shall be to my welcome.
From London, the xxvj. day of Avrill.
^ I pray you in no wise to depart as yet without my brother
Roaf asent and agrement ; and recommaund me to my syster,
all my nieces, to the constabyll, and to all Ryves [reeves'].
Your tru frend, Hastynges.
1 [From Fenn, ii. 296.] I cannot discover in what year John Paston could have
been staying at Guisnes during the month of April at the request of Lord Hastings,
unless it was in the year 14.74. There seems no other probable year in which we
have not distinct evidence of his being elsewhere.
2 This postscript is in the writer's own hand, the preceding part of the letter being
in that of a clerk. A fac-simile of the postscript is given by Fenn.
204
EDWARD IV
848
SIR RALPH HASTINGS TO JOHN PASTON^
'To my feithful lovyng gode cousyn^ Johan Paston.
COUSYN Paston, I recommaunde me to you in as speciall I474(?)
wise as I cane. And like you to witte, on Sondaye at may 9
even last I hadde writing and evedence frome my lorde
by Punche of tidyngis and have understonde them wel al a
longe. And on Monday erly in the mornyng I came to Calais
to have spoken with you, but I came to late. Praying you to
advertise my lord ^ to se wel to him self, etc. And at my
corny ng home the same nyght I felle doune syke, and have
ever sith kept my bedde and yitte do. And, as you knowe
wel, the Connestable sykened with you in his goyng to Calais,
of whome I doubt me, and so I do of my self bothe. So that
here amongis us nowe is no man to stirre about and see quykly to
alle thingis as ther aught to be and is nede to be, which hevieth
me gretly ; and though I were up and might somwhat stire
myself, yitte I am not seure so to contynue ij. daies to-geder,
etc. As for moo men, my Lord hathe praied me and advised
me to holde me content with thoo that I have, and that I
shulde make as litel coste in reparacions as I maye, because he
cannot se wel howe the monney cane be goten to content them.
Cousyn, as for moo men ye knowe right wel thoo that we have
are to fewe, and we have nede ; notwithstonding I shal do as
wel as I may with thoo that I have. But as [for] ^ eny ferther
reparacions, might I ones for oure seurte have this fournisshed
that I am about, I kepe not to make moo, for I doubt me that
this we are about, that parte therof wil reste in my nekke,
because we cane not be seure of oure assignement. I pray you,
cousyn, brekes to my Lord all suche maters that ye cane remem-
bre and thinke * may be for the wele of us and the seurte of
1 [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 122.] This letter was clearly written in the same year as
No. 847, which was apparently 1474.
2 Lord Hastings. s Omitted in ms.
* 'thinke' repeated in ms.
205
THE PASTON LETTERS
i474(?)this place, as my ful speciall truste and alle othir mennes here
'^AY 9 is in you. I hadde thought to have writton to my lord to
have sente some othir seure man hidre to have assisted and
holpen us during oure infirmitees, but I fele by Punche that
my Lord saith I write always so plainly to him that hit fereth
him, and therfore I dar not but shal forbere to write any more
so ; howe be hit, it were ful necessarye and behofful so to do,
that knoweth God, Who ever preserve you. Writton at
Guysnes, the ix^ daye of May.
I praye you to sende us some of your tidingis by this berer
as oft as ye may. And if ther be anything I may do to your
^ plesir, I shal do it with as good hart as ye cane desire.
Your tru lufFuyng coussen,
Rauff Hastyngis.
849
ABSTRACT 1
1474 Letters patent, dated at Westminster, 24 July, 14 Edw. iv., for levying a
JULY 24 subsidy in the county of Norfolk for a war against France.
850
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 2
To Sir John Paston, Knyght^ or to hys hrodyr Edmund in hys
absence^ lodgyd at the George by Powlys JVharff, in London.
JULY 2 5 "jT^ YGHT worchepfull sir, I recomand me to yow, preying
r^ yow to remembyr, or ye depert ought of London, to
spek with Herry Ebertonys wyf, draper, and to
enforme hyr that I am profyrd a maryage in London, whyche
is worth vj"' [600] mark and bettyr ; with whom I preyid yow
1 [Add. Charter 14,973, B.M.]
2 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] This letter is endorsed in a contemporaneous hand
' Anno xiiijV showing that it was written in 1474, the 14th year of Edward iv. We
also find Sir John writing to his brother in November following that his brother
Edmund had heard nothing more ot Eberton's daughter.
206
EDWARD IV
to comone, in as myche as I myght not tery in London myself, i474
alweys reservyng that if so be that Mastresse Eberton wyll J"'-"^ 25
dele with me, that ye shold not conclud in the other place, thow
so wer that Eberton wold not geve so moche with Mastress
Elyzabet, hys dowghtyr, as I myght have with the other, for
syche fantazy as I have in the seyd Mastress Elyzabet Eberton,
And that it lyek yow to sey to Ebertons wyfF that syche as 1
spak to hyr of shalbe bettyrd rather then enpeyred as for my
part ; and if it lyek hyr to deale with me, I wylbe at London
for that cawse only with in xiiij. dayis aftyr the wryghtyng of
thys byll, with Godes grace. Who preserve yow and yours
Wretyn at Norwyche, on Seynt Jamys Day.
Also, sir, I prey yow that ye wyll, as I desyerd yow, comon
with John Lee or hys wyf, or bothe, and to undyrstond how
the mater at the Blak Freerys dothe, and that ye wylle see and
spek with the thyng your sylf, and with hyr fadyr and modyr,
or ye depert ; and that it lyek yow to desyer John Lee is wyff
to send me a byll in all hast possybyll, how fer forthe the mater
is, and whedyr it shalbe necessary for me to come up to London
hastyly or not, or eUys to kast all at the Kok.
Also, sir, I prey yow that Pytt may trusse in a male, whyche
I left in your chambyr at London, my tawny gowne furyd with
blak, and the doblet of porpyll sateyn, and the doblet of blak
sateyn, and my wryghtyng box of syprese, and my book of the
Metyng of the Dwke and of the Emperour, and when all thys
gere is trussyd in the male, to delyver it to the berer herof, to
brynge me to Norwyche.
Item, I send you herwith the pylyon for the male, and xs.
for the hyer, whyche is usery, I tak God to rekord.
Also, that it lyek yow to spek with your apotycary, whyche
was som tyme the Erie of Warwykes apotycary, and to weet
of hym what the wedow of the Blak Freiris is woorthe, and
what hyr husbondes name was. He can tell all, for he is
executore to the wedous husbond. I prey yow forget me not,
no more then I do yow. I have spokyn thys day with Jamys
Hubberd and Herry Smyth, and to morow I shall have an
answer of theym.
207
THE PASTON LETTERS
1474 Also, my modyr wyll labore thys mater with effect, that the
JULY 25 CC. mark may be had for the wood.
Also, brodyr Edmund, I prey yow, and my brodyr Sir
John be not in London, that ye wyll labore all thys maters
with effect, as my trust is in yow in every poynt as is above
wretyn.
Also, I assartayn yow that I was with Ferrour thys day, and he
had no leyser to comon with me ; but I wyll be with hym ayen
to morow by apoyntment betwyx hym and me, and so as I
speed I shall send yow woord by the next man that comyth to
London.
Also, I sent John Lee is wyff a lettyr by on Crawethorn
dwellyng in Wood street, or ellys in Sylver street at the end of
Wood street. I prey yow weet whedyr she had it or nought ;
and she had it not, brodyr Edmund, I prey yow go to the
same Crawethorn, and tak the lettyr of hym, and delyver it
hyr in all hast.
J. Paston.^
851
ABSTRACT 2
OCT. 24 I Bill ' dated 24 Oct., 14 Edw. iv., relative to the pledging of certain parcels
of plate by William Paston, Esq., to Elizabeth Clere of Ormesby. The parcels
amount in all to 250 oz. 4 dwt., and are pledged for /^^o. Sealed.
ii. Fair copy of the preceding.
852
ABSTRACTS
The Vicar of Paston to Margaret Paston
NOV. 3 When my master Sir John's baily was at Paston he scared your tenants,
bidding them pay no rents to Mr. William Paston. On which Harry Warns
wrote to Mr. William, who bade him warn them not to pay money to any one
else ; otherwise he would meet them at London 'as the law would,' or at some
market or fair, and make them pay arrears to Midsummer. Beware of Warns,
' This signature stands in the middle of the postscript.
2 [From Paston mss.,B.M.] ■^ Ibid.
208
EDWARD IV
for he made Master William privy to all the examinations of the tenants by my
master your son. He also charged the tenants not to sell as my master desired,
else Master William would undo them. ' Ideo, putte no trost in hym, quia
duobus dom'inis 7iemo potest servire.' Pastun, 3 Nov.
[This and the letter following both appear to have been written at the time of Sir
John Paston's dispute with his uncle William, at the end of the year 1474-]
1474
NOV. 3
ABSTRACT i
[The Vicar of Paston] to Mrs. [Margaret PastonJ
John Qwale, farmer of Paston, is distressed by things that Herry Warns has
done and said against him. Warns carried home ' an esse ' [^ash^ blown down
by the wind, and says it is your will, because Master John Paston has given him
power over all that he has in Paston. ' More awre he stondes in grete dowte
to ery or to sawe ' [to harroiv or to jow], for John of Bactun says he shall have
no land, unless he find surety, * and it were no resun that he suld somerlay and
compace hys londes to a noder mans hand.' Warns says if Qwale put out any
cattle at the gates, he will take it for the grain that Master William delivered to
him. He says Mrs. Margaret Paston 2 has no rule there, and shall have none ;
also that John Qwale shall not have Gyns close nor the Chyrche close, as he
has taken them to farm. ' Qwere fore, bott ze gyfe hym oderwas power, he
wyll gefe up all.'
1474
85+
[WILLIAM PASTON] TO SIR JOHN PASTON ^
\Jto\ my right worshipfull neview \_Sir J'\ohn Paston^
Knyghte, be \tht5\ lettre delivered in hast.
[Right] worshipful neview, I recommaund me to you. And, sir, T pray About
you that ther was none . *n a('^\
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
2 Mrs. Margaret Paston is here spoken of by name and in the third person, but
the letter can hardly be addressed to any one else.
3 [From Paston mss., B.M.] Of this letter only two fragments remain, giving, as
will be seen, a very mutilated text. Little more can be said about the contents than
that they refer to money matters between William Paston and his nephew Sir John,
which are probably those referred to in succeeding letters. The handwriting is that
of William Paston. A mutilated endorsement, apparently in the handwriting of
John Paston the younger, shows merely the words * to Sir J. P. for
VOL. V. O
209
THE PASTON LETTERS
About obstacle ner lettinge that ye found in me to
I474(?) save me harmeles ; at whiche tyme it was thought aswel
Johns by obligacioun
was not inow to save me harm[eles]
[i]n the meane seasoune ; for as your reasoun will give .
ght fell of yow but goode. And if the caas
so fill that ys will take it
on them, than I to here the losse. Wherupp[on]
[bjound to me to save me harmeles. And for as
muche m by obligacioun of statute
merchaunt for you the in
myne oune kepinge for my discharge, and after a
[r]estorid me ageyn at this Michelmas. And m . . . .
shuld hange still till Candil-
mas, and me thinke it is by con obligacions paiable
at [Candlejmas I did at the begynny[ng] will
kepe still the
or sufficient and that
as wold pay at th
with me than thus
. indenture wherby ....
for be cause
that ye w
experyens.
Also I wold avyse you
my Lord of Norfolk.
Also, nevew, there is onne Fr
but hym silf and his wif and
. . . . wherfore I have writin to
in this matier ; and I
trust 1 And
I pray yow that may ha
855
ABSTRACT 1
Date Fragment of a draft deed by which Sir John Paston and John Paston,
Esq., mortgage certain premises not named to the use of Master John Morton,
tain
William Paston, Thomas Playter, and Thomas Lovell, for ^114.
[Nothing is clear about the date of this document, but we place it here, as bear-
ing, like the last, on money matters between Sir John Paston and his uncle William.]
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
210
EDWARD IV
856
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON^
To Mestresse Margrett Pas ton at Norwyche^ or to
J. Paston in hyr absence.
RYGHT wyrshypfuU and my moste kynde and tendre 1474
moodre, I recomaund me to yow, thankyng yow off
the grete cost and off the greet chere that ye dyd to
me and myn at my last beyng wyth yowe ; whyche cheer also
hath made me perfyghtly hooU, I thanke God and yow, in so
moche that where as I feeryd me that for weykenesse, and so
green recuveryd off my syknesse, that I scholde have apeyryd
by the weye ; but, God thanke yow, I toke so my crommys
whyls I was wyth yow, that I felyd my sylfe by the weye that
God and ye had made me stronger than I wenyd that I had
ben, in so myche that I feell my selffe every daye holler than
other.
It was soo that I mett wyth myn onkle William by the
weye, and there in the felde I payed hym the iiij//. whyche I
had borowyd off hym ; and he was passyng inquisytyff howe
that I was purveyd for recompensyng off Towneshend. I
tolde hym 1 hopyd weell; he tolde me that he undrestood
that I had the Qli. of the Bysshopys executores, and he had
herde seye that I had also borowyd another Qli. of a mar-
chaunt, and so I lakyd but an C. marke. I deme he herde
thys of T. Lovell, for I tolde hym that I was in hope to
fynde suche a freende that wolde lende me Qli. He axed
me, who was that ? I answeryd hym, an olde marchaunt, a
freende of myn, but myn oncle thowte that shold be by weye
of chevyshanse \usury\ and to myn horte ; wherffor I was
pleyne to hym, and tolde hym that ye wer sewerte therffor,
and purveyed it off suche as wolde doo for yowe. And as for
the forte \_fourth'] C. mark, he seyde to me that as for that he
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] It is evident from the contents that this letter must
have been written shortly before that which follows.
211
THE PASTON LETTERS
1474 wolde, rather than joperte sholde be, purvey it by weye off
chevyshaunce at London, in so moche that, er he come fro
London, he had for my sake leyde v. C. markes worthe of
plate with Hewghe Fenne. The place at Warwykes Inne is
large, and my grawntdame is agyd ; it had ben jopertous to
leve moche plate wyth hyr, thoghe halffe were hyr owne.
But if I maye do other wyse, I purpose nott to chevy she any
mony by hys meane.
Item, I have delyveryd yowre botell to Courbye the
caryer thys same daye, and he promysed me to be with yow
on Mondaye nyghte, or ellys on Touesday tymely. He
hathe also xW. to paye for the thryd hyryd horse, and he
bryngythe the iij. horse wyth hym, and is contente for hys
labor and for the mete largely. They be delyveryd hym in as
good, and rather better plyght, than whan I had them forthe,
and not gallyd nor hurte. He hate also ij. sadelys, one of
my brotheres, and one other hyred, as ye woot off.
Item, he hathe a peyre botys off Edmond Reedes, the
shomaker, whyche Saundre borowyd off hym. I beseche
yowe that William Mylsent or Symme maye se that every
man have hys owne.
Item, as for my brother Edmond, blyssyd be God, he is
weell amendyd.
Item, as for Hanky n owr dogge, I am a fferde never to
see hym, but if [uniessi yowr good helpe bee.
Item, as for the bookes that weer Sir James, iff it lyke
yow that I maye have them, I ame not able to by them ;
but somwhat wolde I gyffe, and the remenaunt with a goode
devowte herte, by my trowthe, 1 wyll prey for hys sowle.
Wherffor iff it lyke yow by the next messenger or karyer to
sende hem in a daye, I shall have them dressyd heer ; and iff
any off them be claymyd here aftre, in feythe I wyll restoor
it.
Wretyn on Saterdaye. John Paston, K.
212
EDWARD IV
857
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON^
To Mestresse Margrete Paston, or to Roose, dwellyng byffore
hyr gate at JSIorwyche.
AFTRE dew recomendacion, my most tendre and kynde 1474
moodre, I beseche yow off yowr dayly blessyng. nov. 20
Please it yow to weete that I reseyvyd a lettre thhat
come from yowe, wretyn the xxvj. daye of Octobre, none erst
but ^ on Wednysday last past, wherby I conceyvyd that, at the
wryghtyng off that letter, ye weer nott serteyn of the delyng
betwyn Towneshende and me. It was so that, God thanke
yow, I receyvyd the xx//. broght by Syme, and also the
mony browght by my brother, with whyche mony, and with
moor that I had my selff, I redemyd the maner of Sporle, and
payed Towneshend bothe the CCCC. marke ther ffor, and also
x//. that I owte hym besyde, and have off hym aqwytaunce off
all bargaynes and off all other dettes. Neverthelesse, I assayed
hym iff he wolde, iff nede hadde ben, gyvyn me a xij. monyth
lenger respyght, whyche he grauntyd to do ; but in conclusyon
I can nott entrete hym, but that he woll have the uttremest
of hys bargayn, and thys xx//. payeable at Candelmesse and
Esterne. I kan entrete hym noon other wyse as yit ; wher-
ffor I thynke, iff I had passyd my daye, it had ben harde to
have trustyd to hys cortesye, in so moche I ffynde hym also
ryght loose in the tonge. For Bekham, he spekyth no thyng
comfortably ther in ; what he wyll doo, can I nott seye.
Item, as for Castre, it nedyth nott to spore nor prykke me
to doo owghte ther in. I doo that I can with goode wyll, and
somwhat I hope to doo hastely ther in that shall doo goode.
Item, as for the bokes that weer Syr James, God have hys
sowle, whyche it lykethe yow that I shall have them, I beseche
yow that I maye have them hyder by the next massenger, and
* [From Paston MSS., B.M.] 2 No earlier than.
213
THE PASTON LETTERS
1474 iff 1 be goon, yit that they be delyveryd to myn ostesse at the
NOV. 20 George, at Powlys "Wharffe, whyche wolle kepe them saffe,
and that it lyke yow to wryght to me whatt my peyne or pay-
ment shall be for them.
Item, it lyked yow to weet of myn heelle. I thanke God
nowe that I am nott greetly syke ner soore, but in myn heele,
wherin alle men know nott whatt peyne I feele. And wher ye
advysed me to hast me owt of thys towne, I wolde full fayne
be hense. I spende dayly mor than I sholde doo, if I wer
hense, and I am nott well purveyed.
Item, blessyd be Good, my grauntdam is amendyd by
suche tyme as myn oncle W. come hyddre. But my yongest
cosyn Margret, hys doghtre, is ded and beryed er he come
home.
I am as moche afferde off thys londe that is in hys hande
as I was off that that was in Towneshendes hande. I hope
to wryght yow moor serteynte within iiij. or v. dayes. No
more, &c.
Wretyn the xx. daye of Novembre, anno E. iiij. xiiij°.
Yowr Sone, J. Paston, K.
858
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
'T'o John 'Paston^ Esquyer, at Norwyche^ or to Roose^ awellyng
affor Mestresse Pastonys gate^ in Norwych,
RYGHT wyrshypful and weell belovyd brother, I re-
comaunde me to yow, letyng yow weet that I have
comonyd with yowr ftreende Dawnson, and have re-
ceyvyd yowr rynge off hym, and he hathe by myn advyce
spoken with hyr " ij. tymes ; he tellythe me off hyr delyng
and answers, whyche iff they wer acordyng to hys seyng, a
1 [From Fenn, ii. 164.]
2 Apparently Lady Walgrave, hereafter referred to. She was the widow of Sir
Richard Walgrave, Knight.
2 14
EDWARD IV
fFeynter lover than ye wolde, and weell aghte to, take therin T474
greet comffort, so that he myght haply slepe the werse iij. ^^^' ^°
nyghtys afftr. And suche delyng in parte as was bytwyen my
Lady W. and yowr iFreende Danson he wrote me a bylle ther-
off, whyche I sende yow herwith ; and that that longythe to
me to doo therin, it [//*] shall nott ffayle to leeve all other
bysynesse a parte. Neverthelesse within iij. dayes, I hope so
to deele herin, that I suppose to sette yow in serteynte hoghe
that ye shall fynde hyr ffor evyr her afftr. It is so, as I
undrestande, that ye be as besy on yowr syde ffor yowr
ffreende Dawnson, wheer as ye be, I praye God sende yow
bothe goode spede in thees werkys, whyche iff they be browte
abowte iche off yowe is moche beholden to other; yit were it
pyte that suche crafty wowers, as ye be bothe, scholde speede
weell, but iff ye love trewly.
Item, as ffor Stoctons doghtr, she shall be weddyd in haste
to Skeerne, as she tolde hyrselffe to my sylke-mayde,^ whyche
makyth perte off suche as she shall weer, to whom she brake
hyr harte, and tolde hyr that she sholde have hadde Master
Paston, and my mayde wende it had been I that she speke
off; and with moor that the same Mester Paston kome wher
she was with xx. men, and wolde have taken hyr aweye. I
tolde my mayde that she lyed off me, and that I never spake
with hyr in my lyff, ner that I wolde not wedde hyr to have
with hyr iij'"'- marke.
Item, as for Ebortons dowghtr, my brother Edmonde
seythe, that he herde never moor speche theroff syns yowr
departyng, and that ye wolde that he sholde nott breke, nor
doo no thynge therin, but iff it come off theer begynnyng.
Item, I had answer ffrom my Lorde ^ that he is my speciall
goode lorde, and that by wryghtyng ; and as ffor Bernaye he
sette hym in hys owne wages ffor my sake, and that whan so
ever I come to Caleys, I shall ffynde all thyng ther as woll
have it, and rather better than it was heretoffor.
1 A person who made gowns of silk, etc., for both men and women, as appears
from the manner in which she is here mentioned. — F.
2 I am not certain whether the Duke of Norfolk is here meant, or Lord Hastyngs,
the then Governor of Calais. — F.
215
THE PASTON LETTERS
H74 Item, the Kyng come to this towne on Wednysdaye ; as
NOV. 20 ^^^ ^^^ Frenshe Embassate that is heer, they come nott in the
Kynges presence, by lykehod, fFor men seye that the chyeff off
them is he that poysonyd bothe the Duke off Berry ^ and the
Duke off Calabr,^
Item, ther was never mor lyklyhod that the Kyng shall
goo ovyr thys next yer than was nowe.
I praye yow remembre that I maye have the pewter vessell
heddr by the next karyer by the lattr ende off thys weke.
Item, I praye yow remembr so that I may have the bokys
by the same tyme, whyche my moodr seyde she wolde sende
me by the next carier,
Wretyn at London, the Sondaye the xx. daye off Novembr,
anno E. iiij'' xiiij°.
John Paston, K.
, 859
ABSTRACT 3
NOV. 29 Norfolk and Suffolk Deeds, No. 33. * The agreement and accord between
the Bishop of Winton and John Paston, Knight, touching the building of the
College at Castre of seven priests and seven poor men, translated by dispensation
of the Pope to seven priests and seven poor scholars in Magdalene College, and
touching the lands of Sir John Fastolf. November 29, Edw. iv. 14.'
860
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON *
To John PastoHy Esquier.
DEC. 1 1 TTX ROTHER, I recomaunde me to yow, letyng yow weete
Ij that I have, lyke as I promysyd yowe, I have doon
my devoyr to know my Lady Walgraves stomacke,
whyche, as God heipe me, and to be pleyn to yowe, I fiynde
* Charles, Duke of Berrj' and of Guienne, who was supposed to have been poisoned
by order of his brother Lewis xi. in May 1472.
2 Nicholas of Anjou, Duke of Calabria and Lorraine, who died about the same
time as the Duke of Guienne.
3 [From MS. Index in Magd. Coll., Oxford.]
■* [From Fenn, ii. 170.]
216
EDWARD IV
in hyr no mater nor cawse, that I myght tak comfort off. 1 474
Sche will in nowyse receyve, ner kepe yowr rynge with hyr, dec. i i
and yit I tolde hyr that sche scholde not be any thynge bownde
therby ; but that I knew by yowr herte off olde that I wyst
weel ye wolde be glad to fforber the lesvest lt^earesl~\ thynge
that ye had in the worlde, whyche myght be dayly in her
presence, that sholde cawse hyr onys on a daye to remembr
yow, but itt wolde not be. She wolde nott therby, as she
seyde, putte yow ner kepe yow in any comffort therby. And
mor ovyr, she preyed me, that I sholde never take labor moor
heer in, ffor she wolde holde hyr to suche answer as she hadd
geven yow to ffoor, wherwith she thowght bothe ye and I
wolde have holde us contente, had nott been the words off hyr
suster Geneffyeff.
When I undrestood all thys, and that over nyght she bad
hyr that weent bytwyen hyr and me byd me brynge with me
hyr muskeball^ which, &c., than I aftr all thys axid iff she
weer dyspleasyd with me ffor it, and she seyde, naye.
Than I tolde hyr, that I had nott sent it yowe, ffor synne
off my sowle ; and so I tolde hyr all, how I had wretyn to
yow why that I wold nott sende it yow, by cawse I wyst weell
ye sholde have slepyd the werse ; but nowe, I tolde hyr, as
God helpe me, that I wolde sende it yow, and gyffe yow myn
advyse nott to hope ovyr moche on hyr, whyche is ovyr harde
an hertyd lady ffor a yonge man to tryst on to ; whyche I
thowght that ffor all my words, ye cowde nott ner wolde nott
do ffor all myn advyce.
Yitt ageynwards she is nott dyspleasyd, nor fforbad me
nott but that ye sholde have the kepyng off hyr muskball ;
wherffor de ye with itt as ye lyke. I wolde it hadd doon weel ;
by Good, I spake ffor yow soo, that in ffeythe I trowe I kowde
nott seye so weel ageyn.
Wherffor I sende yow herwith yowr rynge, and the on-
happy muskeball. Also make ye mater off it herafftr as ye
kan, I am nott happy to wow nowther ffor my selff ner noon
1 This muskball, or ball of perfume, seems to have been taken from Lady Walgrave
by Sir John Fasten in a jesting manner, to send to his brother as a present from
her.— F.
217
THE PASTON LETTERS
1474 other. I tolde hyr all the processe off the Lorde Howarde
DEC. 1 1 and off yowr grewnds \_greyhounds] as I kowde ; all helpys
nott.^
• ••••••
I her no worde off my vessell, ner off my boks ; I mervayll.
No mor.
Wretyn at London, the xj. daye of Decembr, anno E.
iiij." xiiij°. J. P., K.
861
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 2
To the ryght worshypfull John Paston^ Esquier^ at Norwych, or
to hys modr^ Margreet Paston^ in hys absence^ in haste.
^475 X RECOMANDE me to yow, praying yow hertely, that I
JAN. 17 I maye have weetyng when that my Lorde and Lady of
Norffolk shalle be at London, and hovvgh longe they
shall tery theer, and in especiall my Lorde of Norffolk ; ffor
uppon ther comyng to London wer it ffor me to be guydyd.
Neverthelesse I wolde be soory to come theer but iff 1 neds
most. 1 thynke it wolde be to yow ovyr erksom a labor to
solycyte the maters atwyen them and me, but iff I weer theer
myselffe ; wherffor, iff ye thynke it be convenyent that I com
thyddr, I praye yow sende me worde as hastely as ye maye,
and by what tyme ye thynke most convenyent, that I sholde
be theer ; and off all suche coumfforte as ye ffynde or heer off
the towardnesse theroff, and when also that ye shall be theer
yowr selffe. For it is so that as to morow I purpose to ryde
in to Flaundrys to purveye me off horse and herneys, and
percase I shall see the assege at Nwse ^ er I come ageyn, iff I
have tyme ; wherffor, iff I so doo, by lyklyhod it woll be a
^ ' Here follows,'' says Fenn, ' some displeasure at his uncle William's proceedings
in matters between them, etc., ot no consequence.'
2 [From Fenn, ii. 174.] 'Though this letter,' says Fenn, ' has no signature, yet
it is written by Sir John Paston, Knight.'
2 Neuss, not far from Diisseldorf, in the territory of Cologne, at this time besieged
by Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.
218
EDWARD IV
xiiij, dayes er I be heer ageyn ; and afftr, as I heer fFrom yowe 1475
and other ther uppon, that at the next passage, and God woU, Jan. 17
I purpose to come to London warde : God sende me goode
spede ; in chefF ffor the mater above wretyn ; and secondly,
fFor to appoynt with the Kyng and my Lorde, ffor suche
retynwe as I sholde have now in thees werrys in to Frawnce ;
wherffor I praye yow, in Norffolk and other places, comon
with suche as ye thynke lykly ffor yow and me, that ar
dysposyd to take wages in gentylmenns howsys and ellys
wher, so that we maye be the moor redy, when that nede is ;
neverthelesse at thys owr, I wolde be gladde to have with me
deyly iij. or iiij. mor than I have, suche as weer lykly; ffor I
lakke off my retynwe, that I have neer so many. I praye yow
sende me som tydyngs, suche as ye heer, and howghe that my
brother Edmonde dothe.
For as ffor tydyngs heer, ther be but ffewe, saffe that the
assege lastyth stylle by the Duke off Burgoyn affoor Nuse,
and the Emperor ^ hathe besegyd also, not fferr from these, a
castell, and an other town in lyke wyse, wher in the Dukys
men ben. And also, the Frenshe Kynge, men seye, is comyn
ryght to the water off Somme with iiij™'- [4000] spers ; and
som men trowe that he woll, at the daye off brekyng off trewse,
or ellys byffoor, sette uppon the Duks contreys heer. When
I heer moor, I shall sende yowe moor tydyngs.
The Kyngs inbassators, Sir Thomas Mongomere and the
Master off the Rolls ^ be comyng homwards ffrom Nuse ; and
as ffor me, I thynke that I sholde be sek but iff I see it.
Syr John off Parre and William Berkeley com thys weye
to Flaundrs ward to by them horse and herneys, and [I] made
Sir J. Parr goode cheer as I cowde ffor yowr sake ; and he
tolde me, that ye made hym haulte cheer, &c. at Norwyche.
No moor.
Wretyn at Caleys, the xvij. daye off Janever, anno Edwardi
iiij'' xiiij°-
1 Frederick in. of Austria, Emperor of Germany.
2 Dr. John Morton, afterwards Bishop of Ely, Lord Chancellor, Archbishop of
Canterbury, and Cardinal.
219
THE PASTON LETTERS
862
MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON ^
'To John Paston, Sqwyer, be thys delyveryd in hast.
Jh's.^
1475 T GRET yow well, and send yow Goddes blyssyng and
JAN. 29 I myn, letyng yow wet that my cosyn Robard Clere was
her with me thys weke, and told me that he was nowt
payd of the mony that ye know that was borowd of hys modyr
and of hym, but mfli. The xx/z. that my plegges ly for ys
on payd. He seyd that he was desyryd to delyvere my plegges,
and to have be payd the xx/i. ; but he wold not, tyll he had
spokyn with me, because of the promys that he had mad to
me befor that he shuld not delyver them to non withowt my
assent. I seyd to hym that I suppose veryly that yowyr
brodyr hys a greyd with yowyr hunkyll that he shuld paye all
the hole, for I suppose he hath a swerte for ale that and more.
I wold undyrstond how yt ys, and how that my seyd cosyn
shall be content, for I war loth to lese my plegges ; I wot yt
well, yowyr good hunkyll wold ben in possessyon with good
well, but I wol not soo. I wold that ye shuld speke with
yowyr hunkyll ther in, and send me word in hast what he
sect [saith'].
I marvyll, be my trowth, that I had no wrytyng fro yowyr
brodyr, er he departyd fro London, as he promysyd in the last
lettyr that he sent me, the wych was wretyn be for the Kynges
comyng to Norwych ; I went [expected^ veryly to have hard
from hym ar[^r<?] thys tyme. I wold ye shuld send hym word
of yowyr hunkyles delyng in thys seyd mater, and send me an
ansswer ther off.
Recomaund me to yowyr grauntdam. I wold she war her
in Norffolk, as well at es as evyr I sy hyr, and as lytyll rewlyd
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] This letter was evidently written on the same day
as that immediately following.
2 This is the customary contraction of the name Jesus, which was frequently
written at the head of a letter,
220
EDWARD IV
be hyr son as evyr she was, and than I wold hope that we alle 1475
shuld far the bettyr for hyr. Yt ys told me that yowyr JAN.29
hunkyll hath mad gret menys and larg profyrs to John
Bakton to make a relesse to hym of Oxinhed. Whedyr that
be don or nowt, I wot nowt yet, but I shall wot in hast, yf
I may.
I wold ye shuld spekyn with my Lord of Norwych, and
a say to get a lysen of hym to that I may have the sacrement
her in the chapell, because yt ys far to the chyrche, and I am
sekly, and the parson ys oftyn owt. For all maner of casweltes
of me and myn, I wold havyt grauntyd, yf I myth.
Send me word yf ye her ony tydynges from yowyr brodyr
how he doth of hys seknes, and in odyr thynges, as farforth as
ye know, as astely as ye may. I thynk long tyll I her from
hym for dyvers causys. God kepe yow.
Wretyn in hast at Mawdby, on the Satyrday next be for
Candelmes Day.
Send me an ansswer of thys lettyr in hast, and odyr
tydynges, &c.
Be yowyr modyr.
My cosyn Robard told me that ther was mor than vij//. of
the mony that was payd hym that was ryght on rysty, and he
cowd nowt havyt chaungyd. He was on goodly servyd ther in.
863
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTONi
To Ser John Paston^ Knyght^ be thys delyveryd in hast.
Jh's.2
RYGHT welbelovyd son, I gret yow well, and send yow
Goddes blyssyng and myn, letyng yow wete that I mar-
veyle that I have had no wrytyng from yow sethyn ye
sent me the lettyr that ye sent me be for the Kynges comyng
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] 2 See p. 220, Note 2.
221
THE PASTON LETTERS
1475 to Norwych ; in the whyche lettyr ye wrot to me that ye
JAN. 29 shuld a wretyn azeyn to me or ye shuld de part owt of
London. It ys so that yowyr hunkyll William hath do payd
to my cosyn Robard Clere but iiij'"'//. of the Qli. and he wol
no mor pay but yf [imless^ he hath delyveraunc of my plegges,
the wych was leyd to plegg for xx*'//. ; the wych ben bettyr.
I wot well, be cause of the good well that he owyt to me,
as ye know, he wold ben in possessyon therof. My cosyn,
Robard Cler, was her with me thys weke, and told me, that y^
he wold a delyveryd them, he myth an had the seyd xx//. ;
but he seyd he wold nowt, tyll he had spokyn with me ; be
my trowth I fynd hym ryght kyndly dysposyd to yow, and to
me bothe ; and so I have desyryd hym to kepe styll the
plegge in hys possessyon, tyll I have word from yow how ye
ar agreyd with yowyr hunkyll for the payment of the seyd
mony : I wen veryly that ye have fownd hym swerte for
alle, and yf^ ye have soo do, I wold ye shuld wryt to yowyr
hunkyll therfor, that I myth have my plegges ageyn, for I
war loth that they shuld com in hys fyngyers.
Item, as for Sporyl wood, be ffor the Kynges comyng into
Norffolk, I myth an had chapmen to abowtyd \have bought it'\
a gret [in whole] for xij'"'- [twelve score] mark, and now ther
wol no man by yt a gret, bycause of the gret good that the
pepyll ys leyd to for the Kyng ; werfor we ar a bowth to
retaylyt as well as we may, and as well as yt can be browth
too ; and I send yow word how we shall do as astely as I may.
As for yowyr barly in thys cuntre, yt cannot be sold above xd.
or xj<af. ; that ys the gretest prys of barly her, and but yt be at
a bettyr prys, I purpose for to do yt malt. And as for mony,
I cowd not get yet of Pecok but iij/z. ; and he seth that be
than that the owt chargys be boryn, and the repracion of the
myll at Wyntyrton, we ar lyke to have but lytyll mor mony
besyd the barly. Malt ys sold her but for xiij^. and whet ijj.
or xxvj^/. at thys time, and otys xij<^. Ther ys non owtlod
suffyrd to goo owth of thys cuntre as yet; the Kyng hath
comaundyd that ther shuld non gon owth of thys lond. I fer
me that we shall have ryth a straung ward [world] ; God a
mendyd, whan Hys wyll ys. I thank yow for the flakons
2,22
EDWARD IV
that ye sent me ; they be ryght good, and plesyth me ryght ^475
well : I shall be as good an huswyff for yow as I can, and as I J-***- ^9
wold be for myseliF. Send me word how ye doo of yowyr
syknes that ye had on yowyr hey [eye] and yowyr lege ; and
yff God wol nowt suffyr yow to have helth, thank Hym ther-
of, and takyt passhently, and com horn a geyn to me, and we
shall lyve to geddyr, as God woll geve us grase to do ; and as
I have seyd to yow beffor thys, I wold ye war delyveryd of
my mastres A. H.,^ and than I wold trost that ye shuld do the
bettyr.
As for the bokys that ye desyryd to have of Syr Jamys/
the best of alle and the fayrest ys cleymyd ; ner yt ys not in
hys inventory. I shall a say to get yt for yow, and I may ;
the prys of the todyr bokys, besyd that, ys xxs. v]d. the wych
I send yow a byll of. Yf ye lyk be the prys of them, and ye
wol have them, send me word. And also I pray yow send me
an ansswere of thys lettyr, be cause I thynk long seth I hard
from yow. God have yow in Hys kepyng.
Wretyn at Mawdby, on the Sattyrday nex be forn the
Purificacion of owyr Lady, the xiiij. yer of Kyng Edward the
iiij'.
Yowyr Modyr.
Endorsed — Anno xiiij°.
864
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON^
'To hys brother John Fasten, or to hy[s] oncle William Paston, in
Werwyk Lane, or to Edmond Paston, at the George, at
Powlys Wharf e, to deliver any of them.
RYGHT worshypffull, I recomaunde me on to yow, let- feb. 5
yng yow weete that I thynke longe that I heer nott
from yow syns Crystmesse, ner have no serteyn know-
leche whether that Towneshend hathe performyd hys promysse
or nott, ner off my brother Johnys beyng at London, ner off
1 Anne Haiilte. 2 Sir James Gloys.
3 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
223
THE PASTON LETTERS
1475 "^y Lord or Lady off Norfolkes comyng to London, at whoys
^^^' 5 comyng sholde be the cheffe labor and sewte that I or or any
for me sholde labor. It was soo, God thanke you bothe, that
iche off yow, at my last beyng with yow, grauntyd me to take
labor uppon yow ; and iche off yow, for the havyng ageyn off
my place in Castre. Now is it soo, that wher my verry pur-
pose was to have comyn to London now with the Master of
the Rollys ^ and Sir Thomas Mongomere, demyng to fynde
the Kyng at the Parlement ; and also that my Lorde and Lady
off Norffolk sholde nott by lyklyhod fayle to be theer also :
wherffor me thoght the tyme was convenyent; but it happyd
so that suche tydynges come hyddre off the Frenshe Kynges
hasty comyng in to thees marchys of Pykardye, whyche cawsyd
my Lordes Depute and Cownsell heer to desyr and charge me
soo streyghtly, that in noo wyse T maye, tyll I heer other
tydynges, departe from hense. Notwithstondyng the Mar-
chall and Counsell heer have wretyne to my Lorde Lywe
tenant for me, and moor over desyryd bothe the Master of
the Rollys and Sir T. Mongomere to remembre my materes
bothe to the Kynge and to my lorde, in so moche that, iff the
season be convenyent, both the seyd Master and Syr T. Mon-
gomere wille labore bothe the Kynge and my lorde to entrete
my Lorde off Norffolk, my lady hys wyff, and ther consell, to
do for me all that reason wyll ; of whoys good willes and
labor her in 1 ame better ensuryd off, than I kan for lakke
of leyser at thys tyme wryght yowe wetyng off; wherffor I
praye yow and iche of yow, iff the season be convenyent, to
take the labor, that theese jentyllmen maye do for me, and to
my proffyght, like as I feelle them dysposyd to doo ; and
moore over I have somwhatt informyd them bothe ther in ;
and also that I maye hastyly heer from yow, and iff it come
to that any mony most be gevyn to my Lorde or Lady off
Norffolk IFor a plesyr herffor, I woll, uppon as I heer from
yow, come to yow in alle hast possible, all thynges leyde a
parte.
Item, iff any letter be requesyth to be hadde, in lyke
forme as oonys ther was from the Kyng to my Lorde off
1 John Morton, afterwards Bishop of Ely.
224
EDWARD IV
NoriFolk, Sir T. Montgomere will by your advyces opteyne 1475
yow suche one off yowr entents to my proffyghte in the prem- ^eb. 5
yssys, and by thys my wryghtyng I bynde me to repaye yowe,
iff any suche letter or wryghtyng be opteynyd, what so ever it
coste. No more for lakke off leysor.
Wretyn at Caleys, the v. day of Feverer, Anno E. iiij.
xiiij°.
As for tydynges heer, my masteris th'embassatores, Sir T.
Mongomere, and the Master of the Rollys, kom streyght from
the Duke at hys assege at Nywysse, whyche wyll nott yitt be
wone.
Yowr John Paston, K.
865
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 1
'To Mestresse Margret Paston^ at Norwyche^ be thys delyveryd.
PLEASE it yow to weete that I receyvyd a letter from feb. 22
yow, wretyn the Saterdaye next byffor Candelmesse ;
for answer wheroff, lyke it yow to weete, that as for
the bokys that weer Sir James (God have hys sowle !), I
thynke best that they be styll with yow, tyll that I speke with
yow my selffe. My mynde is now nott most uppon bokes.
Item, as for xx/z. that ye sey that yowr plate lythe for, it is
so, that I fownde my oncle William no sewerte therffor, as
Playter and my brother John bothe cowde enfforme yow ; it
was never desyryd of me, ner the tolde me nott that any
suche pledge laye for it, but that ye hadd dyschargyd me of
xx//. and chevysshyd it, and that ye sholde repaye it in hast ;
wherin I woU do as ye woll, and as it pleasyth yow to sende
me wetyng.
Item, I ame sory that ye be no better payd off the xx//,
that I had off yowe, whyche ye sholde have receyvyd ageyn off
my londes in Flegge. Iff the markett be nott goode yit, I
hope it shall be better ; never the lesse my wylle is that ye
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.]
VOL. V. P 225
THE PASTON LETTERS
1475 sholde have yowr holl xx//. ageyn, and not lose j^. Wherffor
FEB. 22 if it be so that ye be mysse servyd ther, I beseche yow off
pacyence tyll the begynnyng of the next yeer, and iff aught be
behynd, ye shall receyve uppe the remenaunt then, for, as God
helpe me, I wolde be sory that ye lost moor for me ; I have
pytte yow to cost, charge, and losse i nowge, God thanke yow
of it, thoughe ye lose no more, Wherffor iff Sporle woode
sprynge any sylver or golde, it is my wyll that fyrst of alle ye
be yowr owne payer off all that is be hynde ; and next thatt,
to paye myn oncle William vij''''vj//. xiijj. iiij^. and besyd that,
xvj/i. lost uppon the chevysshaunce of iiij"/z. ; and so I owe
v'nfHjIi. xiijj. iiijV. Wherffor I beseche yow to make hast in
repayment heroff as fast as it wolle growe, as my trust is in
yowe.
Item, wher it pleasyd yow to weete of myn heele and
amendyng ; I thanke Godde I ame in goode case, and as
goode a full hooU, bothe off the fevre, agwe off myn ie, myn
legge, and myn heele, saff that I ame tendre off all theese ;
and were nott goode rewle, full like to feell off iche off them
ryght soone ; neverthelesse, God thanke yow off yowr large
profre, wheroff I wolde be ryght gladde iff I myght, for
trebles and other labor that I have takyn on me nowe in to
Fraunce warde ; for the goode spede off me, and that jorneye,
I beseche yow of yowr preyeres and remembrance ; and thatt
jorney, with Goddes grace, ones doon, I purpose verrely, with
Goddes grace, therafftre to daunce atendaunce most abowt
yowr plesure and ease : and with Goddes grace, soone uppon
Esterne, er evyr I goo forthe, I hope to se yow, and fecche
your blessynge. No moor at thys tyme, but Jesus have yow
in Hys kepyng,
Wretyn at Caleys, the xxij, daye of Feverer, anno E. iiij''
xiiij°. Yowr Sone,
John Paston, K.
On the back of the preceding letter is written in another hand, as foUonvs : —
Memorandum, that Syr John Paston owthe to William Paston, acordyng
to the endenture made be twex them, —
viij^^ij//. xiijj-. iu'jd.
WherofF payable the firste day of Octobre for Townsend, C. marke.
Item , the xxvj. day off Novenibre, — iiij"" xvj/«
226
EDWARD IV
866
MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTONi
JOHN PASTON, I send yow Godds blyssyng and myn, 1475
letyng yow wete, that I hadd non er thys lettyr than march 5
on Sent Matheus Evyn ; yf I myth a had an massenger
or thys tym I had sent yt yow. I con yow thank for the
lettyr that ye sent to my cosyn Calthorpp and me of the
tydyngs ; I wold ye shuld do soo mor. As ye may remembyr
that I spak to yow for the xx*'//. for my cosyn Clere, spek to
yowr hunkyll therof, and send me an answer therof in hast.
And for the lycens that I spak to yow for, to have the Sacre-
ment in my Chapell, yf ye cannot getyt of the Busshop of
Norwych, getyt of the Busshop of Caunterbery, for that ys
most swyr for all plase. God kepe yow.
Wretyn on Mydlent Sunday.
867
RICHARD SOUTHWELL TO JOHN PASTON «
'To the right worshippfull^ and my right feithfull
gode cosin, John Paston^ Esquier.
RIGHT worshippfull and my right feithfull gode cosin, march 26
I recomaunde me unto you, and, as hertily as I can,
thanke you of your right gentill and kynde remem-
braunce, that I consceyve well by your late writyng that ye
have to me wardes, undeserved in dede, but not in will, so
God helpe me, as ye shuld weell knowe, if my power might
accorde with my will. And, cosin, in the mater that it liked
you to remembre me in, bothe to my worshipp and pleaser, I
1 [From Fenn, ii. 178.] This letter was written on the back of Letter 861.
2 [From Fasten mss., B.M.] Fenn thinks the gentleman here referred to was
John Berney of Reedham, Esquire, who married Alice, daughter of Richard South-
well, Esquire, of Wood Rising, the writer of this letter. He accordingly dates it
about the year 1475, and I see no reason to question his opinion.
227
THE PASTON LETTERS
1475 ^'eere me that nouther my pouere doughter nor pouere purs
MARCH 26 can nor may be to his pleaser ; wold God outher might ; and
I shuld take me right neere to his pleaser, savyng myself,
I ensure you by my trouth. And howe to understand his
pleaser and disposicion therin, I see no mean as thus advised,
but if [unkss'j it might please you by your wisdam to attempte
it forther, as ye seme moste conveniente, and theruppon I to
be guyded by your gode advise, as the cas shall require ;
wherin ye shall bynde me herefter to do that may be to your
pleaser to my power, and yette with no better will than I have
had, so God help me, Who have you ever in His kepinge, and
sende you your hertes desire to His pleaser ; and if it pleas
you to remembre further in the premisses, I trust ye shall
leese no labour on my pouere parte; howe be it I fere me
sore, as I be gan, bothe of my pouere doughter and purs.
Writcn at Woderysyng, the morn efter Our Lady Day, in
haste.
I require you this bill may be secrete.
By your trewe cosin,
RiC. SUTHWELL.
868
JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 1
To my ryght worchepfull modyr^ Margaret Paston^ at Maw thy .
I475(r) I '\ YGHT worchepfull modyr, aftyr all humbyll re-
[mar. 29] rv comendacyons, as lowely as I can I beseche yow of
^ your blyssyng. Pleasyt yow to wete that late yester
nyght I cam to Norwyche, purposeing to have been as thys
day with yow at Mawtby, but it is so that I may not hold my
purpose, for he that shall pay me my quarter wagys for me
and my retenew, is in Norwyche, and waytyth ourly when hys
1 [From Fenn, iv. 4.44.] This letter was evidently written in 1475, when John
Paston and one or more of his younger brothers were about to go over to France
with the King's army. — See Letter 871. Margaret Paston was at that time continu-
ally resident at Mautby.
228
EDWARD IV
money shall com to hym. It is oon Edmund Bowen of the I475(?)
Cheker, a specyall frend of myn, and he avysyth me to tery [mar. 29]
tyll the money be com, lest that I be unpayed, for who comyth
fyrst to the mylle, fyrst must grynd.
And as I was wryghtyng thys byll, on of the gromys of
my lords chambyr cam to me, and told me, that my lady wyll
be here In Norwyche to morow at nyght towards Walsyng-
ham, whyche shall, I wot well, be a nother lett to me ; but I
had more need to be other wyse ocupyed then to awayte on
ladyse, for ther is as yett, I trowe, no sperre that shall go
over the see, so evyll horsyd as I am. But it is told me that
Rychard Call hathe a good horse to sell, and on John Becher
of Oxborough hathe an other ; and if it myght please yow to
geve Syme leve to ryd in to that centre at my cost, and in
your name, seying that ye wyll geve on of your sonys an
horse, desyryng hym that he wyll geve yow a penyworthe for
a peny, and he shall, and the pryse be resonabyll, hold hym
pleasyd with your payment ought of my purse, thow he
knowe it not or hys horse depert fro hys lands. Modyr, I
bese[che] yow, and It may please yow to geve Syme leve to
ryde on thys message in your name, that he may be here with
me to morow in the mornyng be tymys, for wer I onys
horsyd, I trowe I wer as ferforthe redy as some of my neygh-
borows. I herd a lytyll word that ye purposeid to be here in
Norwyche thys next week. I prey God it be thys week.
Modyr, beseche yow that I may have an answer to morow at
the ferthest of thys mater, and of eny other servyse that it
please yow to comand me, whyche I wyll [be] at all seasons
redy to acomplyshe with Gods grace. Whom I beseche to
preserve yow and yours.
Wretyn at Norwyche, thys Wednysday in Estern Week.
By your sone and servaunt,
J. p-
129
THE PASTON LETTERS
869
WILLIAM PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON ^
To my right worshupfull sistir^ Margaret Paston.
1475 T^ IGHT worshupfull sustir, I recomaunde me to you,
APRIL 7 r^ praying you to undirstonde, the priour of Brome-
■^ holme hath sent ayen to me for xx//. ; and my cosyn
William Whyte desired me to wryte to you for the rewarde
that was offird hym to his churche and xx//, of my brothirs
goodys to be lent hym upon sufficient suertee, and by a yeeris
endc payd ayen ; he hath and may doo for you and for my
nevewe, Sir John, in many thynges, and is his kynnesman, and
it were a gode frendely dede and no jopardy nor hurt. The
Abbot of Wymondham hath sent to me too tymes. Frend-
ship may not hang by the wynde, nor for faire eyne, but
causis must be shewid; men wene that I hadd your coffers
and my brothirs and maistir FastolfFes in myne awarde, and
that ye wote wele, &c. Send your avise to my nevewe, Sir
John, by the next messynger. Ye sent to me oonys for the
same mater, but I may not leene my money to defende othir
men is causis; your discrecion (?) thenkith that it were no
reason. I have tolde them your saying ; and as it is s[o] that
ye may nat come to the coffers but all be togedir. Therfor
ye must sende to my nevewe and to Arblastir how ye will
have this answerd ; for the Abbot will be heere on Monday at
the sene, and labour must bee desired the next terme. Hit
nedis nat to put you in remembrance of my mater touch-
yng my Fadirs soule, my modir and me, and God kepe you.
Wreton at Norwich the vij'^ day of Aprill.
I have tolde thes folkis, as ye have seid to me all weys,
that your will is gode, but that ye may not come theretoo
withoute th'assent of all your felowes.
1 [Add. MS, 34.,889, f. 215.] As Margaret Paston, at the date of this letter, is
not at Norwich and her son Sir John seems to be there, we may infer that it was
written in the year 1475. See No. 868 (preliminary note).
230
EDWARD IV
Item, I pray you remembre the obligacion that Wix hath, 1475
and that I may have my money of the parsone of Maudeby. — april 7
By your brothir, William Paston.
870
EDMUND PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
'To John Paston^ Esquyer.
SYR, I recummawnd me to zow. Please yt zow to wette I475(?)
that my modyr hathe causyd me to putte Gregory owte ['^ay 13]
of my servyse, as, God help, I wry the to zow the very
cause why. Yt happyd hym to have a knavys loste, in pleyn
termes to swhyve a quene, and so dyd in the Konyneclosse.
Yt fortunyd hym to be a spyed be ij. plowemen of my
modyrs, whyche werne as fayne as he of that mater, and
desyerd hym to have parte, and as kompany requeryd, seyd
not nay; in so myche that the plowemen had her alle a nythe
in ther stabylle, and Gregory was clere delyvered of her, and
as he swherys had not a do with her within my modyrs place.
Not with standdyng my modyr thynkks that he was grownd
of that matier ; wherfor ther is no remedy but he moste
a voyde. And in so myche that at the laste tyme that ze wer
her, [ye] desyerd hym of me, yf that he schuld departe from
me, I send zow the very cawse of hys departyng, as my modyr
sethe ; but I am in serteyn the contrary is true. Yt is nomor
but that he can not plese all partys. But that jantylman ^ is
hys woords Lord, he hathe seyd that he woold lyfte them
whom that hym plese, and as that scheweyt welle, he lyftyd
1 [From Fenn, iii. 426.] This letter was wrongly attributed by Fenn to Edmund
Paston, son of the Judge. It is in the hand of the Judge's grandson, also named
Edmund, and was written at a time when his mother Margaret was living at Mautby,
where he, the writer, was also at the time, though he expected to join his brother
John, to whom he writes, in the following week. These circumstances strongly
suggest that it was written in 1475, when Margaret Paston certainly was residing at
Mautby, as we find Edmund Paston with his brother John in London a month later
preparing to go over to Calais. See No. 873. Whitsun Eve in 1475 would be the
13th May.
2 Fenn supposes the person alluded to to be the priest, James Gloys.
231
THE PASTON LETTERS
I475(?) ^^^ [p>te] xiiij. myle in a mornyng, and nowe he hath ben caw
[may 13] sar of hys lyfte, I wot not how far, but j^ that ze be hys better
master ; but and we a mong us geve not hym a lyfte, I pray
God that we never thryve. And that is hys intente, I trowe,
to bryng us to ; wherfor I requer zow, yf that yt plese zow to
have hym, that ze wylle be the better master to hym for my
sake, for I am he that is as sory to departe from hym as any
man on lyve from hys servant, and be my trowthe, as far-
forthe as I knowe, he is as true as any on lyve.
I troste my fortune schale be better than ever to leve
thus her; but yf I wer hens wards, I ensuer zow I wold not
schange for none that I knowe. He is profytabylle on dyvers
thynggs as ze knowe welle.
Ther has ben a gret breke be twyx Calle and me, as I
schal enforme zow at my coming, wyche schalle be on
Wedynsday next be the grace of God, who preserve zow.
Wretyn at Mawteby, on Wyteson eve.
Edmond Paston.
871
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
Un to Syr John Paston^ he this delyvered in hast.
1475 I '\ YGHT welbelovyd son, I grete you well, and send you
MAY 23 rC Cristes blissyng and myne, desyringe to know how ye
faire. I mervaile that I have herd no tydynges from
you sythe ye sent me the lettyr of an answere of the xx//.
the which I have layde pleages for to my cosyn Cleere, the
which letter was wryten the xxij'^ day of Februar ; and as for
that money, I can not gete no lenger day therof than Myd-
somer, or fourte nyght after; and towardys that money, and
the xx'^7z. that I send yow by syde to London by Sym, I have
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] This letter is endorsed <Mens' Maii, anno xv°.'
The date is confirmed by the fact that in 1475 the Tuesday after Trinity Sunday was
the 23 rd of May.
232
EDWARD IV
receyved no mor money of yowres, but as moch as I send 1475
yow wry ten in this letter. And as for any discharge that I ^^^ 23
promysed at the boroeng off the xx"//. when I leyde the
pleages ther fore, I thought not but that your uncle shuld a
boroed them owte, and I to have had my pleages, as well as
he his ; never the less I shall be the warer how I shall dele here
aftyr. By my trowth, I wote not how to do ther fore ; the
Kyng goth so nere us in this cuntre, both to pooer and
ryche, that I wote not how we shall lyfF, but yflF [^unless'] the
world amend. God amend it, whan His wyll is. We ^ can
nother sell corne ner catell to no good preve. Malt is here
but at xd. a comb ; wheete, a comb xxviij^a'. ; ootes, a comb xd. ;
and ther of is but lytell to geet here at thys tyme. William
Pecok shall send you a byll what he hath payde for yow for ij.
taskes at this tyme ; and how he hath purveyde for the rem-
naunte of your corne ; and also off other thynges that be
necessary that shuld be purveyd for in your absence. Send
me word also whome ye wyll desyre to do for yow in this
contre, or ellys where in your absence ; and wryte to them to
do for yow, and they wyll be the better wylled to do for yow ;
and I wyll do my devyr for yow also, as well as I can.
The somma off money that I have receyvyd off Wylliam
Pecok: — First, x\s. off Runnham. Item, off Bastwyk, xxs.
Item, off Runnham, xx^. Item, off him for barly at Runn-
ham, xxj-. Item, off the fyschynge at Bastwyke, xiijV. injcL
Item, for barely sold at Runnham, viijj. Summa totahs, vj//.
xvj<^.
Item, I have receyvyd of Ric. Calle, of Sporle wodd, xxvjj.
viijV., and more shall I hope here aftyr within short tyme ; as
I receyve for yow, I hope to yeff yow a trew acownt ; and
this is all that I have receyvyd for yow zytt, sen ye departyd
hens. God bryng yow well ageyn to this contre, to His
pleasans, and to your wurshyp and profyzt.
Wryten at Mawteby, the xxiij'^ day of May, and the
Tewsday next afftyr Trinyte Sonday,
For Goddes love, and your brether go over the see, avyse
them as ye thynk best for her [M(?/r] save garde. For some
* fTe. Originally written /, and corrected.
^33
THE PASTON LETTERS
1 47 5 of them be but yonge sawgeres, and wote full lytyll what yt
MAY 23 meneth to be as a sauger, nor for to endure to do as a sawger
shuld do. God save yow all, and send me good tythynges of
yow all. And send ye me word in hast how ye doo, for I
thynk longe to I here off yow. Be youre Modyr.
Item, I wold not in no wyse that ye shuld nother sell
nor sett to pleage that ye have in Runnham, what som ever
fortune of the remnaund ; for yt is a praty thyng, and reson-
able well payde, and nere thys towne. I wold be ryght sory
that ye shuld for here that ; I had lever ye for bore that your
uncle hath to morgage than that.
872
ABSTRACTS 1
Norfolk and Suffolk Deeds, No. 13.
MAY 28 'Johannes Paston miles relaxat Willielmo Wynton' episc. et aliis totum
jus de et in manerio de Tichwell, Essex in Hickling, Guton, Beyton, Newton,
Calcotes in Fretton, Leyestoft, Habeland, Brodeston, et Gorleston. Maii 28,
Edw. IV. 15.*
No. 32.
* Charta Johannis Paston militis de terris Johannis Fastolf pert, praedict.
Johanni, et continens concessionem quarundam evidentiarum episcopo Winton',
et relaxationem orationum, actionum, et demandarum versus praedictum epis-
copum. Maii 28, Edw. iv. 15.'
1 [From MS. Index In Magd. Coll., Oxford].
234
THE PASTON LETTERS
1 47 5 of them be but yonge sawgeres, and wote full lytyll what yt
MAY 23 meneth to be as a sauger, nor for to endure to do as a sawger
shuld do. God save yow all, and send me good tythynges of
yow all. And send ye me word in hast how ye doo, for I
thynk longe to I here off yow. Be youre Modyr.
Item, I wold not in no wyse that ye shuld nother sell
nor sett to pleage that ye have in Runnham, what som ever
fortune of the remnaund ; for yt is a praty thyng, and reson-
able well payde, and nere thys towne. I wold be ryght sory
that ye shuld for bere that ; I had lever ye for bore that your
uncle hath to morgage than that.
872
ABSTRACTS 1
Norfolk and Suffolk Deeds, No. 13.
MAY 28 'Johannes Paston miles relaxat Willielmo Wynton' episc. et aliis totum
jus de et in manerio de Tichwell, Essex in Hickling, Guton, Beyton, Newton,
Calcotes in Fretton, Leyestoft, Habeland, Brodeston, et Gorleston. Maii 28,
Edw. IV. 15.*
No. 32.
' Charta Johannis Paston militis de terris Johannis Fastolf pert, prasdict.
Johanni, et continens concessionem quarundam evidentiarum episcopo Winton',
et relaxationem orationum, actionum, et demandarum versus praedictum epis-
copum. Maii 28, Edw. iv. 15.'
[From MS. Index in Magd. Coll., Oxford].
234
EDWARD IV
873
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN AND EDMUND
PASTONi
'To John Paston, or to hys brother Edmond Paston^
at the George^ at Powles Wharf.
BROTHER Edmonde, it is soo that I heer telle that ye 1475
be in hope to come hyddre, and to be in suche wages june 13
as ye schall come lyve lyke a jentylman, wheroff I
wolde be gladde. WherfFor, for yowr better speede, I lete
you weete that Heugh Beamond is deed ; wherffor I wolde
ye had hys roome nowe or never, iff ye can brynge it abowt ;
ellys iff ye dispose yowe to abyde in Inglonde, syns it is so
that the Bysshop of Lynkolne ^ is Chaunceler, hys servyse is
the meter for yow; he is next neyghbour to Norffolk off any
astate. God sende yow some good warde of hys.
I praye you, iff yowr leyser be ther aftre to remembre
Towneshende, that he, with the advyse and assystence of my
Master of the Rollys,^ have one daye off marche with the
slawe Bysshop of Wynchester, that he maye kepe me hys
promyse, that is to seye, to entrete the Duke and Duchesse of
Norffolk for Caster. He promysed to doo it, and to ley owt
an Qli. for the same.
Item, I praye yow sende me some tydynges within v.
dayes aftre that ye see thys bylle.
Wretyn at Caleys, the xiij. daye off June.
John Paston, K.
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] This letter must have been written in the year
1475, when, as will be seen by No. 871, some of Sir John Paston's brothers, among
whom doubtless were both John and Edmund, to whom this letter is addressed, were
going over to Calais. The Bishop of Lincoln (Rotherham) was Chancellor in 1475.
It is true the Great Seal was taken from him on the 27th April, and given to Alcock,
Bishop of Rochester, until the 28th September, when it was restored to Rotherham.
But it is certain this letter could not have been written in a later year, as the Duke of
Norfolk died in January 1476.
* Thomas Rotherham. * See p. 219, Note 2.
THE PASTON LETTERS
874
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
To the right worshipffull Sir John Paston^ Knyght,
in haste.
1 47^ TTJ IGHT welbeloved sone, &c.
AUG. 10
R
2
3
As for tidyngs here in this centre, we have non, but that
the contry is bareyn of money ; and that my Lady of Yorke
and all her howsold is here at Sent Benetts,* and purposed to
abide there stille, til the Kynge come from be yonde the see,
and lenger if she like the eyre ther, as it is seide.
I thynke ryght longe tille I here some tidyngs for \ciucere.,
from ?] you and from your brethren. I prey God sende you
and al your company goode spede in your journeys, to His
plesure, and to your worshippes and profights.
Wreten at Mauteby, on Sen Lawrens Even, the xv. yere
of the regne of Kyng E. the iiijth.
Be yor Moder.
1 [From Fenn, ii. i8o.]
2 The chief part of this letter relates to Sir John Paston's private affairs, his rents
and lands, and informs him that William Jenney had entered into Holme Halle, in
Filby, 'in the ryght and titell of his doiiterlawe, weche was Boys doughter,' etc. — F.
3 Cecily, Duchess of York, daughter of Ralph Neville, Earl of Westmoreland,
was the widow of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, and mother of King Edward
IV., etc. She died in 1495, and was buried near her husband in the college of
Fotheringay. — F.
* The Abbey of St. Bennet at Holm.
236
EDWARD IV
875
SIR JOHN P ASTON TO MARGARET PASTONi
To Mesiresse Margret Paston, at Norwyche.
RYGHT reverend and my most tendre and kynde moodre, 1475
I recomaunde me to yow. Please it yow to weete that, ^^^'^- ^ ^
blessyd be God, thys wyage of the Kynges is fynysshyd
for thys tyme, and alle the Kynges ost is comen to Caleys as
on Monday e last past, that is to seye, the iiij. daye of Septem-
bre ; and at thys daye many of hys host be passyd the see in
to Inglond ageyn, and in especiall my Lorde off Norffolk and
my bretheryn.
Item, I was in goode hope to have hadde Caster ageyn.
The Kynge spake to my Lorde off Norffolk for it, and it was
full lyke to have comyn ; but in conclusyon it is delayed tyll
this next terme, by whyche tyme the Kynge hat comaundyd
hyrn to take advyce off hys councell, and to be sywer that hys
tytle be goode, or ellys the Kyng hathe asserteynyd hym that
for any favor he most do me ryght and justyce, &c.
And iff Caster hadde comen, by my feythe I had comyn
streyhte home. Notwithstondyng, iff I may do yow servyce
or eese, as ye and I have comonyd heer to foor, aftre as I heer
from yow, as God helpe me, I purpose to leeffe alle heer, and
come home to yow, and be yowr hosbonde and balyff ; wher in
I spake to my brother John to telle yow myn advyce.
I also mysselyke somwhat the heyr heer ; for by my trowte
I was in goode heele whan I come hyddre, and all hooll, and
to my wetyng I hadde never a better stomake in my lyffe, and
now with in viij. dayes I am crasyd ageyn. I suppose that I
most be at London at Mychelmesse, and ther to purveye for
payment for myn oncle William, by whyche tyme I praye yow
that I may heer from yow and off yowr advyce and helpe, iff
any thynge be growyn off Sporle woode. For had nott yit
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] It is evident that this letter was written after the
return of King Edward iv. from France in 1475.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1475 that danger have been, I mygh yit have ben at home with yow
SEPT. II at thys daye, or with in vij. dayes aftre. No more, but I
beseche Jesus have yow in kepyng.
Wretyn at Caleys, the xj. daye of Septembre.
John Paston, K.
876
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
To the ryght worchepfull Sir John Paston, Knyght, lodgyd
at the George, by Powlys Wherf, in London.
OCT. 10 I '\ YGHT werchepfull sir, I recomand me to yow, sertyfy-
jr^ ing yow that I have comonyd with Barnard and other
your wellwyllers with my Lord of NorfFolk, whyche
avise me that ye shold, for your nyghest meane to get Caster
a yen, labore to get a lettre fro the Kyng dyrect to R. Sothewell,
Jamys Hubbard, and other of my lordys consayll being, and to
iche of theym ; and in the seyd letter to lete theym have know-
lage that the Kyng mevyd to my lord of the seyd mater beyond
the see, and hough my lord answerd the Kyng that at hys
comyng in to Inglond he wold meve to hys seyd consayll of the
seyd mater, and geve the Kyng an answer, Wherfor the Kyng
in the seyd lettyr must streyghtly charge theym, and iche of
theym, to comon with my lord in the seyd mater in syche
wyse that the Kyng may be sertyfyed of an answer fro my lord
and theym at the ferthest by crastino Animarum ; " for Suthewell
nor Jamys Hubbard shall not be at London befor Halowmass,
and thys is the best wey that ye may take, as we thynke here.
My lady sweryth, and so dothe Barnard on hyr behalff,
that she wold as fayne ye had it as eny body ; notwithstandyng
she seyd not so to me, sythe I cam hom, for I spak not with
hyr but onys sythe I sye yow last. Yet she lythe in Norwyche,
and shall do tyll she be delyverd ; but I. have be seek ever sythe
I cam on thys syd the see, but I trust hastyly to amend for all
my seknesse that I had at Caleys, and sythe I cam over also,
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
2 The Morrow of All Souls, i.e. ycA November.
238
EDWARD IV
cam but of cold. But I was never so well armyd for the werre 1475
as I have now armyd me for cold ; wherfor I avyse yow, take o*^"^- ^°
exampyll by me, if it happyn yow to be seek, as ye wer when I
was at Caleys, in eny wyse kepe yow warme. I weene Herry
Woodhous nor Jamys Arblaster ware never at onys so many
cotys, hose, and botewx as I doo, or ellys by God we had gone
therfor. What we shall yet I can not sey, but I bere me bold
on ij. dayes amendyng.
My modyr sendyth yow Godes blyssing and hers, and she
wold fayne have yow at home with hyr ; and if ye be onys
mette, she tellyth me ye shall not lyghtly depart tyll dethe
depart yow.
As I was wryghtyng thys lettyr, on told me that the Kyng
shold be at *Walsyngham thys next.^ If it be so, it wer best
for yow to awayte on the Kyng all the wey, and if ye have not
men and horse i nowghe I shall send yow. Do as ye thynk
best ; and as ye wyll have me to do, send me your avyse, and
I shall accomplyshe it to my power, with Godes grace. Who
preserve yow.
Wretyn at Norwyche, the x. day of October, anno xv°
E.
iiij".
2
P.J,
877
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON ^
To Sir John Paston^ Knyght^ lodgyd at the
George^ by Powlys Wherff^ in London.
AFTYR all dwtes of recomendacyon, please it yow to oct. 23
undyrstand that I have spoken with my lady * sythe I
wrot to yow last ; and she told me that the Kyng had
no syche woordys to my lord for Caster, as ye told me ; but
she seyth that the Kyng axid my lord at hys departyng fro
Caleys, how he wold deele with Caster, and my lord answerd
nevyr a woord.
1 So in MS. ^-t the word ' week ' omitted ?
2 It is curious that John Paston has here reversed his initials.
3 [From Fenn, ii. 182.] * The Duchess of Norfolk.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1475 Sir W. Brandon^ stood by, and the Kyng axid hym what
OCT. 23 i-ny lord wold do in that mater ; seying that he had comandyd
hym befor tyme to meve my lord with that mater, and Sir W.
Brandon gave the Kyng to answer that he had doone so ; then
the Kyng axid Sir W. B. what my lordys answer was to hym,
and Sir W. B, told the Kyng that my lords answer was that
the Kyng shold as soone have hys lyff as that place ; and
then the Kyng axid my lord whedyr he seyd so or nought, and
my lord seyd, yee. And the Kyng seyd not a woord ayen, but
tornyd hys bak, and went hys wey ; but my lady told me, and
the Kyng had spokyn any woord in the world aftyr that to my
lord, my lord wold not have seyd hym nay. And I have
gevyn my lady warnyng that I wyll do my lord no more
serveys ; but er we partyd, she mad me to make hyr promess
that I shold let hyr have knowlege er 1 fastonyd myselff in eny
other servysse ; and so I departyd, and sye hyr not syness, nor
nought purpose to doo, tyll I spek with yow.
I prey yow bryng home some hattys with yow, or and ye
come not hastyly, send me on, &c., and I shall pay yow for it
a comb otys ^ when ye come home.
My modyr wold fayn have yow at Mawtby ; she rode
thydyr ought of Norwyche on Saturday last past, to purvey
your lodgyng redy ayenst your comyng.
I have been ryght seek ayen sythe I wroote to yow last, and
thys same day have I ben pessyng seek ; it wyll not ought of
my stomak by no mean. I am undon. I may not ete halff i
nough, when I have most hungyr, I am so well dyettyd, and
yet it wyll not be. God send yow heele, for [I] have non iij.
dayes to gedyr, do the best I can.
Wretyn at Norwyche, the Monday next be for Seynt
Simone and Jude,^ anno E. iiij. xv°.
jp-
1 Sir William Brandon was the grandfather of Henry viii/s favourite, Charles
Brandon, Duke of Suffolk. Footnote 2 on p. 156, taken from Fenn, is wrong.
Charles Brandon's father, who was slain at Bosworth, was another Sir William,
knighted by the Earl of Richmond before the battle.
2 In 1475 a comb of oats sold for iid. ; we have therefore the value of a hat in
this reign. — F. In No. 871 the price of oats is given as lod. a comb, but the markets
are considered to be bad. s 28th of October.
240
EDWARD IV
878
JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON^
AFTYR all dewtes of recomendacyon, in as humbyll wyse ^475
as I can, I beseche yow of your blyssyng. The cheff
cause that I wryght to yow for at thys season is, for
that I undyrstand that my lady ^ wold be ryght glad to have
yow a bought hyr at hyr labore ; in so myche that she hathe
axyd the questyon of dyvers gentyllwomen whedyr they thought
that ye wold awayte on hyr at that season or nought, and they
answerd that they durst sey that ye wold, with ryght good wyll,
awayte on hyr at that tyme, and at all other seasons that she
wold comand yow. And so I thynk that my lady wyll send
for yow ; and if it wer your ease to be here, 1 wold be ryght
glad that ye myght be here, for I thynk your being here shold
do gret good to my brodyrs maters that he hathe to sped with
hyr. Wherfor, for Godes sake, have your horse and all your
gere redy with yow, whersoever ye be, ought or at home, and
as for men, ye shall nott need many, for I wyll come for yow,
and awayte on yow my sylf, and on or ij. with me ; but I had
need to undyrstand wher to fynd yow, or ellys I shall happyly
seeke yow at Mautby, when ye be at Freton, and my lady
myght then fortune to be ferforthe on hyr jorney or ye cam,
if she wer as swyfte as ye wer onys on Good Fryday.
And as for the mater in the latter end of my brodyr Sir
Johnys lettyr, me thynk he takyth a wronge wey, if he go so
to werk ; for as for the peopyll here, I undyrstand non other
but that all folkys here be ryght well dysposyd towardes that
mater, fro the hyghest degre to the lowest, except Robart
Brandon and John Colvyll ; and it is a grete lyklyhod that the
grettest body is well dysposyd towardes that mater, in as
myche as they wold put yow to the labore above wretyn, and
if they wer not, I thynk they wold not put yow to that
labore.
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] This letter seems to have been written shortly before
the confinement of the Duchess of Nortblk in December 1475.
2 The Duchess of Norfolk.
VOL, v. Q 241
THE PASTON LETTERS
1475 Also here was here with me yesterday a man fro the Priour
of Bromholme to lete me have knowlage of the ille speche
whyche is in the centre now of new, that the tombe is not mad ;
and also he seythe that the clothe that lythe over the grave is
all toryn and rotyn, and is not worth ij^., and he seythe he
hathe pachyd it onys or twyis. Wherfor the Pryour hathe
sent to yow at the leest to send thedyr a newe clothe a yenst
Estern.
Also Mastyr Sloley prayith yow, for Godes sake, and ye
wyll do non almess of tylle \_iile'] that he myght borow some of
yow tyll he may bye some, and pay yow ayen ; for on \_one'] the
fayrist chambyrs of the Fryers, standyth half oncoverd for
defaulte of tylle, for her is yett non to get for no money. And
the Holy Trynyte have yow in kepyng.
At Norwyche, thys Twysday.
Your sone and humbyll servaunt,
J. Paston.
879
SIR JOHN PASTON TO EDWARD IV.i
[^To the King] our souverain Lord.
[Sheweth] unto your highnesse your feythful liegeman
and servaunt, John Paston, Knight, that wher Sir William
Yelverton, William Jenney, and Thomas Howes were infefFed
in certain .... [to the] use of your said suppliaunt,
they of grat malice confetered with oon or ij, of the counsell of
my lord the Due of Norffolk, caused the same Due to clayme
tytle unto [the manojir of Caster and other lands of your said
suppliant, wherinne the said Yelverton and his coofefFees wer
* [From a ms. in the Bodleian Library.] The Castle of Caister was surrendered
to the Duke of Norfolk in September 1469, but he must have been taking the rents of
the manor for a year or two before. From what is stated in this petition, the Duke
must have given it up again in the end of the year 1470,/.^. during the restoration of
Henry vi. ; but he entered again after half a year, and the date of this second entry is
given by William Worcester as the 23rd June 147 1. After this, the petition says, he
kept possession for four years and more, so that the date of the document must be
towards the close of the year 1475. The Duke died on the 17th January 1476.
242
EDWARD IV
infeffed, contrary to th'entent and wille that thei wer enfeffed 1475
for ; upon whiche title the said Due with great force asseyed
and entred the said manoir of Castre and other lands of your
said suppliant, putting hym from the lawful possession and
estate that he had in the same, and also take from him vj'^-
shepe and xxx. nete, and the same, with other stuf and
ordinaunces longing to the same manoir, of the value of Qli.
toke and caryed awey, and the said manoir difFaced, hurt, and
appeired, so that it coude not be repaired with CC. marc.
Also the revenues of the said lands by the space of iij.
yeres, to the value of vij''"'"//., the same my lord the Duke
receyved, and the owtrents of the same never payed, whiche
great trouble was like to be the undoing of your said suppliant ;
wherfor he was fayn to sue to the said Due and lord by the
meanes of his godsip the Bisshop of Wynchestre, whiche was
in his special favour ; at whos contemplacion, and for v*^- [500]
marc whiche the same your suppliant payed unto the same
Due, he graunted him to have agen his said manoir and lands,
and to restor him to the possession of the same, whiche was so
doen. And your said suppliant being in peasible possession,
my said lord the Due and his cofeiFees, Sir William Brandon,
Thomas Hoo, Rauf Ashton, and other, at the desir of my said
lord, relessed their estate and interesse, as wel under my said
lordes sele as under their own sele. Wherupon your said
besecher continued in possession but half a yer ; at whiche
time he was chargid in reparacions to the somme of C. marc,
and payed the owt rents dewe by the space of the said iij. yer
to the some of xl//. That doon, my said lord, by sinistre
motive and advice, with force agen entred the said manoir and
other lands aforsaid with alle stuf of howshold being in the
same manoir to the value of C. marc, and so long time hath
kept and rejoysed the revenues of the said lands, and in chief
the said manoir, to the value of vj'"'7z. by the space of iiij. yer
and mor ; for redresse wherof yor said suppliant hath this said
space of iiij. yer sued to my said lord and his counsell, and of
alle that time the same my lord wold never suffre him to come
in his presence, ne here him, ne noon other for him to declair
or shewe his grief. And furthermor whanne your said besecher
243
THE PASTON LETTERS
1475 hath sued to the counsel of my said lord, and desired them to
move his lordship therinne, and to answer him resonably and
according to right, they answered that thei have shewed my
said lord his request, and that he was, and is alwey, so moved
and displesed with them, that thei dar nomor move him
therinne. And thus yor said suppliant hath loste alle his coste
and labour, to his charge by his feyth this iiij. yer in his sute,
the somme of v'^- marc, and now is owt of remedye, without
your habundant grace be shewed in that behalve, in somoche as
he is not of power t'attempt your lawes ayenst so mighty and
noble estate, nor t'abide the disples of him. Wherfor please it
your moost noble grace, at the reverence of God, to move my
said lord to withdrawe the affeccion whiche he so hath to the
said manoir and lands, and to sufFre your said besecher to have
and enjoye the possession of the same according to right ; and
he at your commandment shal relesse unto my said lord alle
the damages above wretyn, whiche amount to the somme of
m'xcc.liij//. vjj. vnjt^., and in time to come, with Goddes grace,
be the mor hable to do you service, and also specially preye to
God for the conservacion of your moost noble persone and
estate royall.
Endorsed in a later hand — .... Paston mil. Regi pro ....
NorfF. in de Caister.
880
ABSTRACT 1
Robert Whynbergh to Sir John Paston
Has ridden 100 miles to get out the obligation of Craksheld and Salter.
Has been opposed by Mr. Lovell, as they are his tenants. Understands it is
in my lord's closet, and the tenants are warned to pay no money without it.
They keep from him the farm of the Priors Maner as well as Strehalle.^
Desires him to write to Mr. William Paston to inform my lord of a wrongful
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
2 Street-Hall or Straw Hall, in Great Cressingham, was one of the manors which
belonged to Judge Paston. In 145 1, Blomefield tells us that Walter Paston, clerk,
gave it to his brother John. In the reign of Henry viii. Sir William Paston sold it to
Dame Elizabeth Fitzwilliams. — BlomeHeld, vi. 99.
244
EDWARD IV
distress taken by John Markham at Strehall in Cressingham, which is held of 1 47 5
the King's manor of Necton. They took cattle in lambing time in March,
in the 14th year of this King, 'and put Craksheld and Salter in such fear of
losing of their cattle that they were bound to my lord by obligation, and
Craksheld is dead for thought.' Will take the letter to Mr. William though
it cost him fourteen days' labor. Was five weeks riding ' to Canterbury, and
again I will no longer drive, for in winter I may not ride,' etc.
[From the reference to 'the 14th year of this Khig,' it is evident that this letter
was written after 1474, the 14th year of Edward iv. It may, perhaps, be of the reign
of Henry vii. ; in which case it was addressed to the younger John Paston, who was
then a knight, his brother being dead, about the year 1500.]
881
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
LYKE it yow to weete, that not in the most happy season 1476
ffor me, it is so ffortunyd, that wher as my Lorde off Jan. 17
Norffolke, yisterdaye beying in goode heele, thys nyght
dyed abowte mydnyght, wherffor it is ffor alle that lovyd hym
to doo and helpe nowe that, that maye be to hys honoure, and
weell to hys sowele. And it is soo, that thys centre is nott
weell purveyd ofF clothe ofF golde ffor the coveryng ffor hys
bodye and herse ; wherffor every man helpyng to hys power, I
putte the cowncell off my lorde in cowmffort, that I hoped to
gete one ffor that daye, if it weer so that it be nott broken, or
putt to other use.
Wherffor please it yow to sende me worde iff it be so, that
ye have, or kan kom by the clothe off tyssywe that I bowte ffor
our ffaders tombe, and I undretake it shall be saffyd ageyn ffor
yowe on hurt at my perell ; 1 deeme herby to gete greet thanke,
and greet assystence in tyme to come ; and that owther Syme
or Mother Brown maye deliver it me to morow by vij. off the
clokke.
^ [From Fenn, ii. 186.] This letter is not addressed, but must have been intended
for the writer's brother John, or else, as Fenn suggests, for his mother, Margaret. Sir
John, however, ends by saying, ' Within four days I hope to see you ' ; and it appears
by next letter that he was actually with his brother at Norwich within three days,
whereas he paid no visit to his mother, who seems to have been living, as she had done
for some time, at Mautby. This letter must have been written from Framlingham,
whither Sir John had doubtless gone to petition the Duke of Norfolk about Caister,
245
THE PASTON LETTERS
1476 Item, as ffor other means, I have sente my servaunt Richard
JAN. 17 Toring to London, whyche I hope shall brynge me goode tyd-
yngs ageyn, and with in iiij. dayes I hope to see yowe.
Wretyn on Wednysdaye, xvij. daye ofF Janyver, anno E,
iiij" xv°.
John Paston, K.
882
JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 1
'To my ryght worchepful modyr^ Margaret Paston.
JAN. 2 1 A FTYR all dewtes of recomendacyon, pleasyt yow to weet
h\ that as yesterday att noon my brodyr Sir John departyd
fro Norwyche towardes London ; for as now all the
sped is with the Kyng for the swerte of the maner of Caster,
consyderyng the dyeing seasyd of my Lord of Norffolk. He
trustyth to be in thys contre ayen with in x. or xij. dayes.
And at hys departyng he seyd to me that ye sent hym woord
to selle the clothe of gold, if he myght selle it well, whyche
clothe I thynke may be sold, iff ye wyll agre ; not withstandyng
I wylle make no bargayn for it, tyll ye send me woord of the
serteyn some what ye wyll have for it, or ellys ye to have it
ayen. Sir Robard Wyngfeld offyrd me yesterday xx. mark
for it, but I wot well ye shall have more for it, if ye wyll
sell it ; wher for, as ye wyll deele in this mater, I prey yow
send me woord to morew be tymys, for if thys bargayn be
forsakyn, I trow it wyll be longe er ye kan get an other
bargayn to selle it eny thyng aftyr that is woorthe.
Modyr, in as humbyll wyse as I can, I beseche yow of your
blyssyng. I trust fro hense foorthe that we shall have our
chyldyr in rest with ought rebwkyng for ther pleying wanton ;
for it is told me your ostass at Freton hathe gotyn hyr syche a
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] This letter is shown by internal evidence to have
been written shortly after the Duke of Norfolk's death, which, as we have seen, took
place on the 17th January 1476. It was written on a Sunday, and states that Sir John
Paston had left Norwich the day before. The letter following, which is of the 23rd
January, is dated by John Paston, ' Tuesday next after your (Sir John's) departing,'
so that the Sunday on which this was written must certainly have been the 21st.
246
EDWARD IV
thyng to pley with, that our other chyldyr shall have leve to 1476
sporte theym. God send hyr joye of it. Jan. 21
Wretyn at Norwyche, thys Sonday.
Your sone and humbyll servaunt,
John Paston.
883
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
To Sir John Paston^ Knyght^ at the George^ at Powlys Wharffe.
AFTYR all dewtes of recomendacyon, lyeketh yow to weet jan, 23
that I ensuer yow your sendyng to Caster is evyll takyn
among my lordes folk.es, in so myche that some sey
that ye tendryd lytyll my lordes dethe, in as myche as ye wold
so sone entre upon hym aftyr hys dyssease, with ought avyse
and assent of my lordes consayll ; wherfor it is thought here
by syche as be your frendes in my lordes house that if my lady
have onys the graunt of the wardshepp of the chyld,^ that she
wyll ocupye Caster with other londes, and ley the defaute on
your unkynd hastyness of entre with ought hyr assent. Wher-
for in eny wyse get yow a patent of the Kyng ensealyd be for
hyrs, and ye may by eny meane possybyll.
Also I prey yow comon with my Lord Chamberleyn for
me, and weet hough that he wyll have me demeanyd.
It iss told me for serteyn that ther is none hey to gete at
Caleys ; wherfor if I mygh be pardond for eny kepyng of
horse at Caleys till Myd somer, it wer a good torne.
The berer herof shall come home ayen fro London with in
a day aftyr that he comyth thedyr, if ye wyll ought comand
hym. I prey yow send me woord by hym hough ye do with
your maters, and I prey yow in eny wyse lete me undyrstand,
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
2 This child was Ann, who soon after was betrothed to Richard Plantagenet,
Duke of York, the second son of King Edward. She died very young, and the
Duke was, as it is supposed, smothered in the Tower by the command of his uncle
Richard in. — F.
247
THE PASTON LETTERS
1476 by the berer heroff, hough Bowen of the Cheker wyll dele
JAN. 23 vvith me ; vj"''- and x//. it is nough, and I wold have vij'"'-//. and
y.li. and I to plege it ought in iiij. or v. yer, or ellys to forfet
the maner.
Wretyn at Norwyche, the Twysday next aftyr your de-
partyng thens, xxiij. die Januarii, anno E. iiij" xv°.
John Paston.
884
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
To John Paston, Esquier, at Norwyche^ he thys delyveryd.
I
JAN. 27 -^ RECOMAUNDE me to yow, letyng yow weete that I
was infformyd by Ric. Radle, that on Scarlett, that was
undrescheryff to Hastyngs,^ wolde sywe to me on yowr
behalfF, fFor that ye weer dyspleasyd with a returne off Nichill ^
uppon yow in the seyde Hastyngs tyme ; wherffor Ric. Radle
thoghte that the seyde Scarlett wolde be gladde to gyff yow a
noble or a riall ffor a sadell to amends, so that ye wolde sease
and stoppe the bylle, whyche ye entende to putt into the corte
ageyn hys Master Hastyngs.
Wherffor the seyde Scarlett com to me, and prayed me to
helpe in the same, and so I have don my devoir to ffeele off
hym the most that he can ffynde in hys stomake to depart
with to please yow ; and in conclusyon I trowe, he shall
gyff yow a doblett clothe off sylke, price xx5. or therabout ;
whyche uppon suche answeer as I heer ffrom yowe, I deme that
Bysshop the atornye shall, iff I conclude with hym on yowr
behalve, paye in mony or otherwyse, to whom that ye woll
assynge heer.
1 [From Fenn, ii. 190.]
2 John Hastyngs was Sheriff of Norfolk the preceding year. — F.
3 Nihils, or Nichiis, are issues which the sheriff that is apposed in the Exchequer
says are nothing nxjorth and illeviable, through the insufhciency of the parties from
whom due. — F.
248
EDWARD IV
I shall by the means of Raddele weet at whoys sywte it 1476
was takyn owte; I deme it som thynge doon by craffte, by the Jan. 27
means off them that have entresse in your lond, to th'entent
to noyse itt therys, or to make yow past shame off the sellyng
theroff.
Item, I have receyvyd a letter ffrom yowe wretyn on
Tywesdaye last.
Item, wher that som towards my Lady of Norffolk noyse
that I dyd onkyndely to sende so hastely to Caster as I dyd ;
there is no dyscrete person that so thynkyth, ffor iff my lorde
hade ben as kynde to me as he myght have ben, and acordyng
to suche hert and servyce as my grauntffadr, my ffadr, yowr
selff, and I, have owght and doon to my Lords of Norffolk
that ded ben, and yitt iff I hadde weddyd hys dowghtr, yitt
most I have doon as I dydde.
And moor ovyr, iff I had hadde any demyng off my
lordys dethe iiij. howrs or he dyed, I most neds, but iff I
wolde be knowyn a ffoole, have entryd it the howr byffor hys
dycesse ; but in effecte, theygh that in that mater have alweys
ment onkyndely to me, they ffeyne that rumor ageyn me ; but
ther is noon that ment truly to hym that dede is, that wolde
be sory that I hadde itt, and in especiall suche as love hys
sowle.
Item, wher it is demyd that my lady wolde herafftr be the
rather myn hevy lady ffor that delyng, 1 thynke that she is to
resonable so to be, ffor I did it nott onwyst to hyr cowncell ;
there was no man thoght that I sholde doo otherwysse ; an as
to seye, that I myght have hadde my ladyes advyce or lyve
l^leave'], I myght have teryed yitt, or I cowde have speken with
hyr, or yitt have hadde any body to have mevyd hyr there on
my behalve, as ye wote I dydde what I cowde. Moreovyr I
taryed by the advyce off Sir Robert Wyngffelde iij. dayes
there, ffor that he putte me in comffirt that the Lord Howard,^
and hys brother Sir John, sholde have comen to Norwyche, att
whoys comyng he dowtyd nott but that I sholde have a goode
dyrection takyn ffor me in that mater, they leyhe to me
onkyndenesse ffor ovyrkyndenesse.
^ Afterwards Duke of Norfolk. — F.
249
THE PASTON LETTERS
1476 Item, as fFor my mater heer, itt was thys daye befFoor alle
JAN. 27 the lordes off the cowncelle, and amonge them all, it was
nott thowght, that in my sendyng off Whetley thyddr, in
mediately afftr the dycesse off the Duke, that I dalt onkyndly
or onfyttyngly, but that I was moor onresonably dalte with ;
wherffor, late men deme what they wylle, grettest clerkys are
nott alweye wysest men ; but I hope hastely to have on weye
in it or other.
Item, I wende \expected'\ to have ffownde a gowne off myn
heer, but it come home the same daye that I come owte,
browght by Herry Berker, loder \^carrier\. I wolde in alle
hast possible have that same gowne off puke ffurryd with
whyght lambe.
Item, I wolde have my longe russett gowne off the Frenshe
russett in alle hast, ffor I have no gowne to goo in here.
Item, I praye yow recomande me to my moodr, and lat us
alle prey God sende my Lady off Norffolk a soone, for uppon
that restythe moche mater ; ffor if the Kyngys soone ^ mary
my lords dowghtr, the Kynge wolde that hys soone sholde
have a ffayr place in Norffolk, thowhe he sholde gyffe me ij.
tymes the valywe in other londe, as I am doon to weete. I
praye yow sende me worde off my ladyes spede as soone as
ye kan.
Item, as ffor Bowen I shall ffele hym, and sholde have
doon, thowghe ye hadde nott sente.
Item, ther is offryd me a goode marriage for my suster
Anne Skypwithys sone and heyr off Lynkolneshyre, a man v.
or vj. mrke by year. No mor,
Wretyn at London, the xxvij. daye off Janyver, anno E.
iiij" xv°.
Item, my Lady off Excester ^ is ded, and it was seyde
1 Richard, Duke of York, second son of King Edward iv., in or before January
1478, married Anne, sole daughter and heir of ^ohn Mowbray, late Duke of Norfolk.
— Rolls of Parliament, vi. 168. She was at that time only in her sixth year, and she
died early.
2 Anne, daughter of Richard, Duke of York, sister of Edward iv., and widow of
Henry Holland, the last Duke of Exeter, her first husband ; she died 14th of January
1475, and lies buried with Sir Thomas Saint Leger, Knight, her second husband, in
a private chapel at Windsor. — F.
250
EDWARD IV
that bothe the olde Dywchesse off Norffolk,^ and the Cown- 1476
tesse off Oxenfforde ^ weer ded, but it is nott soo yitt. Jan. 27
Item, I shall remembr Caleyse bothe for horse and alle, &c.
885
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON^
To Sir John Paslofi, Knyght, at the George^
by Powlys Wharfs in London. "
AFTYR all dwtes of recomendacyon, lyeketh yow to feb. 3
wete, that with in thys owyr past, I receyd your
letter wretyn the xxvij. day of Januar, by whyche
I undyrstand that Scarlet wold have an end with me ; but
lesse then xli. is to lytyll, for iff I wold do the uttermost to
hym, I shold recover by the statwte, I trow xlli. or more, but
lesse then xxxiijj. I'ujd. I wyll in no wyse ; and ye may sey
that ye of your owne hed wyll geve hym the ode nobyll of
xb., and if ye have the v. noblys I prey yow let Parker of
Flett stret have therof xxxj. and lete Pytte and Rychard and
Edward drynk the xW. As for your gownys, they shalbe sent
yow in as hasty wyse as is possybyll. Thys must be consayll:
— It is promysyd my lady by my Lord Chamberleyn that the
diem clausit extremum for my lord shall not be delyverd tyll
she be of power to labore hyr sylff her most avauntage in that
mater, wherfor ye ned not to dele ov r largely with the-
xchetoures. Also consayll: — Robard Brandon and Colevyle
have by meanys enformyd my lady that ye wold have gotyn
Caster fro hyr by stronge hand, now thys frost whyll the
mote is frosyn, in so myche that she was porposed to have
^ 1 Ellenor, only daughter of William Bourchier, Earl of Ewe, in Normandy, and
widow of John Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk. — F.
2 Margaret, daughter of Richard Nevile, Earl of Salisbury, and wife of John de
Vere, Earl of Oxford, now a prisoner in the Castle of Hammes, in Picardy ; or it
may refer to Elizabeth, widow of the late Earl of Oxford, and daughter and heir of
Sir John Howard, Knight. — F.
3 [From Paston Mss., B.M.]
251
THE PASTON LETTERS
1476 sent thedyr R. Brandon and other to have kept the place tyll
FEB- 3 syche tyme as she made axe me the questyon whedyr ye
entendet that wey or not, and I avysed hyr that she shold
rather sofyr R. Brandon and hys retenew to lye in Norwyche
of hys owne cost then to lye at the taverne at Yermouthe on
hyr cost, for I lete hyr have knowlage that ye never entendyd
non entre in to that place, but by hyr assent and knowlage
I wast well. Syr, for Godes sake, in as hasty wyse as is possy-
byll, send me woord how ye feele my Lord Chamberleyn and
Bowen dysposed to me wardes, for 1 shall never be in hertes
e^se tyll I undyrstand ther tweys dysposysyon. Also, I prey
yow, let Symond Dame have knowlage as soone as ye have red
thys lettyr that I wold in eny wyse that he swe forthe the
axions a yenst Darby and other for Byskley, notwithstandyng
the bylle that I sent hym to the contrary by Edmund Jeney,
for Darby and I are brokyn of, of our entrete whyche was
apoyntyd at Thettford. God sped yow in thes maters, and in
all other. Ye send me woord of a good maryage for my
syster Anne. I prey yow aspye some old thryffty draff wyfF
in London for me. Thomas Brampton at the Blak Fryers in
London wyth syche other as he and I apoyntyd wyll helpe
yow to aspye on for me on ther part. I prey yow that I
may be recomandyd to hym, and prey hym that he wyll, in as
hasty wyse as he can, comforte me with on letter fro hym, and
fro the other persone that he and I comond of, and I prey
yow as ye se hym at the parvyse^ and ellys where, calle on
hym for the same letter and telle hym that ye most nedys have
on to me, and when ye have it breke it and ye lyst or ye send
it me.
Endorsed — iij. Febriiaiij, anno xv°.
^ The church porch. In London it commonly meant the portico of St. Paul's
Cathedral, which is doubtless the place here intended.
25:
EDWARD IV
886
JOHN PASTON TO LORD HASTINGS i
"To my Lord.
MY most doughtyd and singuler good lord, aftyr most 1476
humble and dew recomendacyon, please it your good march 2
lordshepp to have knowlage that, accordyng to your
comandement, in my wey homeward, I remembred me of a
persone whyche to my thynkyng is meetly to be clerk of your
kechyn, whyche persone is now in servyse with Master Fitz-
water, and was befor that with Whethyll at Gwynes, and
purveyor for hys house, and at syche tyme as the Kynges
grace was ther last in hys vyage towardes France. Thys man
is meane of stature, yonge inough, well wittyd, well manerd, a
goodly yong man on horse and foote. He is well spokyn in
Inglyshe, metly well in Frenshe, and verry perfite in Flemyshe.
He can wryght and reed. Hys name is Rychard Stratton ;
hys modyr is Mastress Grame of Caleys. And when I had
shewyd hym myn intent, he was agreable and verry glad if
that it myght please your lordshepp to accept hym in to
your servyse ; wherto I promysed hym my poore helpe, as
ferforthe as I durst meve your good lordshepp for hym,
trusty ng that I shold have knowelage of your plesure her in,
or I departed towardes your lordshep ought of this contrey.
Wherfor I advysed hym to be redy with in xiiij. dayes of
Marche at the ferthest, that if it pleasyd your lordsheppe to
accept hym or to have a syght of hym be for your departyng
to Caleys, that ther shold be no slaughthe in hym.
He desyred me to meve Master Fitzwater to be good
mastyr to hym in thys behalve, and so I dyd ; and he was
verry glad and agreable ther to, seying if hys sone had ben of
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] Although the lord to whom this letter was
addressed is not named, it was undoubtedly intended for Lord Hastings, Lieutenant
of Calais, who, as will be seen hereafter, was preparing to go over to Calais in March
i^-j6.—See No. 888.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1476 age, and all the servauntis he hathe myght be in eny wyse
MARCH 2 acceptabell to your lordshepp, that they all, and hym silff in
lyek wyse, shall be at your comandment, whyll he leveth.
And at my comyng home to my poore house, I sent for
Robart Bernard, and shewid on to hym that I had mevyd
your lordshepp for hym ; and he in lyek forme is agreable to
be redy by the xiiij, day of Marche to awayte on your lord-
shepp, be it to Caleys or ellys where, and fro that day so
foorthe for ever, whyll hys lyff wyll last, with ought grugeing
or contraying your comandement and plesure, in eny wyse
that is in hym possibyll t'accomplishe.
I shewed on to hym that I had preyed Master Talbot to
be a mean to your good lordshepp for hym, and if so wer that
Mastyr Talbot thought that your lordshepp wer content to
take hys servyse, then that it wold please Mr. Talbot to
meve my Lady of Norffolkes grace to wryght or send to
Bernard, puttyng hym in knowlage that hyr grace is content
that he shall become your menyall servaunt. Wherof he was
passyng well pleasyd ; but, that notwithstandyng, as I en-
formed your lordshepp, he is not so reteyned, neyther by fee
nor promess, but that he may let hym sylff loose to do your
lordsheppe servyse when ye wyll receyve hym, and so wyll he
do ; but, your lordshepe so pleasid, leve wer bettyr. Rychard
Stratton told me that whyll he was in servyse with Whethyll,
John Redwe mocyond hym onys myche aftyr thys intent, but
at that tyme Whethyll wold not be so good mastyr to hym as
to meve your lordshepe for hym.
My lord, I trust that your lordshepe shall lyek bothe ther
persones and ther condicyons ; and as for ther trowthes, if it
may please your good lordshepe to accept my poore woord
with thers, I wyll depose largely for that. And as it pleasyth
your good lordshepe to comand me in thes maters, and all
other, if it may please your lordshepe to shewe the same to
my brodyr Nessfeld, he knowith who shall sonest be with me
to putt me in knowlage of your plesure, whyche I shall be at
all seasons redy t'accomplyshe to my poore power, with Godes
grace. Whom I beseche longe to contenue the prosperous
astate of your good lordshepp.
254
EDWARD IV
Fro Norwyche, the seconde daye of Marche, with the I47^
hand of your most humble servaunt and beedman, march 2
John Paston.
887
JOHN PASTON TO [MARGERY BREWS] ^
MASTRESSE, thow so be that I, unaqweyntyd with yow 1476 (?)
as yet, tak up on me to be thus bold as to wryght
on to yow with ought your knowlage and leve, yet,
mastress, for syche pore servyse as I now in my mynd owe
yow, purposyng, ye not dyspleasyd, duryng my lyff to contenu
the same, I beseche yow to pardon my boldness, and not to
dysdeyn, but to accepte thys sympyll byll to recomand me to
yow in syche wyse as I best can or may imagyn to your most
plesure. And, mastress, for sych report as I have herd of yow
by many and dyverse persones, and specyally by my ryght
trusty frend, Rychard Stratton, berer her of, to whom I be-
seche yow to geve credence in syche maters as he shall on my
behalve comon with yow of, if it lyke you to lystyn hym, and
that report causythe me to be the more bold to wryght on to
yow, so as I do ; for I have herd oft tymys Rychard Stratton
sey that ye can and wyll take every thyng well that is well
ment, whom I beleve and trust as myche as fewe men leveing,
I ensuer yow by my trowthe. And, mastress, I beseche yow
to thynk non other wyse in me but that I wyll and shall at all
seasons be redy wythe Godes grace to accomplyshe all syche
thynges as I have enformyd and desyerd the seyd Rychard
on my behalve to geve yow knowlage of, but if [unless] it
so be that a geyn my -wyll it come of yow that I be cast
off fro yowr servyse and not wyllyngly by my desert, and
that I am and wylbe yours and at your comandmen in every
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] This letter is printed from a draft in the hand of
John Paston the younger. I suppose it must have been written about the year 1476,
and intended for Margery Brews, whom he afterwards married. It will be seen that
Richard Stratton, whom in his last letter he recommended to Lord Hastings, is here
the bearer of a confidential message to the lady.
THE PASTON LETTERS
I476(?)wyse dwryng my lyff. Her I send yow thys bylle wretyn
with my lewd hand and sealyd with my sygnet to remayn
with yow for a wyttnesse ayenste me, and to my shame and
dyshonour if I contrary it. And, mastress, I beseche yow,
in easyng of the poore hert that somtyme was at my rewle,
whyche now is at yours, that in as short tyme as can be that I
may have knowlage of your entent and hough ye wyll have
me demeanyd in thys mater, and I wylbe at all seasons redy
to performe in thys mater and all others your plesure, as fer-
forth as lythe in my poore power to do or in all thers that
ought wyll do for me, with Godes grace. Whom I beseche to
send yow the accomplyshement of your most worchepfuU
desyers, myn owne fayer lady, for I wyll no ferther labore
but to yow, on to the tyme ye geve me leve, and tyll I be
suer that ye shall take no dysplesur with my ferther labore.
888
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON i
To John Paston^ Esquier^ or to Mestresse Margrett Paston,
hys moodre^ in Norffolk.
1476 T RECOMANDE me to yow, letyng yow wete that,
MARCH 12 I blessyd be God, uppon Saterdaye last past my lorde"
and wee toke the see, and come to Caleyes the same
daye, and as thys daye my lorde come to Guynesse, and theer
was receyvyd honourablye with owt any obstaklys ; wheer as I
fownde Master Fytzwalter and othre, whyche wer ryght hevye
for the dethe of the noble man thatt was theer to foor, itt
happyd soo that my seyd Master Fytzwalter axid me ryght
hertely for yow, and I lete hym weete that I demyd ye wolde
be heer in haste, wheroffe he seyde he was ryght soory, for soo
moche that he entendyth to come in to Englonde, and as I
conceyve he wyll come to Attylborogh, and brynge my mes-
tresse hys wyffe with hym, and theer to stablysshe hys howse
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] 2 Hastings.
256
EDWARD IV
contynuall. WherfFor he thynketh that he sholde have as grete 1476
a lakke off yow as ofF any one man in that centre, willyng me march i 2
to wryght on to yowe, and to late yow weete off hys comynge.
He also hathe tolde me moche off hys stomake and tendre
faver that he owythe to yow ; wherffor I asserteyn yow that
he is your verry especiall goode master, and ifFe ye weer abyd-
ynge in thatt contre, whylse he weer theer, he is dysposyd to
doo largely for yowe in dyverse wyse, whyche weer to longe
to wryght, in so moche that I feele by hym that he thynkyth
that itt sholde be longe er he scholde be wery of yowr ex-
pences of horse or man. Now I remytte alle thynge to your
dyscresion ; ye woote best what is for yow.
As for my lorde, I undrestande nott yitt whethyr he wylle
in to Ingelonde the weke to foor Esterne, or ellys aftre.
I pray yow recomande me to my moodre. I wolde have
wretyn to hyr, but in trowthe I ame somewhatt erased, what
with the see and what wythe thys dyet heer.
No moor to yow, but wretyn at Gynes, the xij. daye off
Marche, anno E. xvj.
By John Paston, K.
889
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 1
To Mestresse Margrete Paston, at Norwyche, or hyr sone,
John Paston, Esquyer, and to every ch off them.
I RECOMANDE me to yowe. Like it yow to weete march 21
that I am nott sertayne yitt whether my lorde ^ and I
shall come into Ingelonde the weke byffoor Est[er]ne, or
ellys the weke afftr Est[er]ne ; wherffor, moodr, I beseche
yow to take noo dysplesyr with me ffor my longe tarynge,
ffor I most doo noon otherwyse ffor dysplesyng off my lorde.
I was noo thynge gladde off thys jornaye, iff I myght goodely
have chosen ; neverthelesse, savyng that ye have cawse to be
dyspleasyd with me ffor the mater off Kokett, I am ellys
1 [From Fenn, ii. 198.] 2 Hastings.
VOL. v. R 257
THE PASTON LETTERS
1476 ryght gladde, ffor I hope that I ame fFerre moor in ffavor with
MARCH 21 my lorde then I was to ffoor.
Item, I sende yow, brother John, a letter herwith, whyche
was browte hyddr to Caleys, ffrom the George at Powles
Wharff; I deme it comethe fFrom my brother Water.
Item, iff ye entende hyddrewarde, itt weer weell doon that
ye hygthed yowe, ffor I suppose that my lorde wille take the
vywe off alle hys retynywe heer, nowe byffoor hys departyng ;
and I thynke that he woolde be better contente with yowr
comyng nowe, than an other tyme ; doo as ye thynke best,
and as ye maye.
Item, wher Master Fytzwalter made me to wryght to
yowe to advyse yow to tarye, I remytte thatt to yowr
dyscretion.
As ffor tydyngs heer, we her ffrom alle the worlde ; ffyrst,
the Lorde Ryverse was at Roome right weell and honorably,
and other Lords off Ynglonde, as the Lord Hurmonde,^ and
the Lord Scrope,^ and at ther departyng xij. myle on thyse-
halff Roome, the Lorde Ryverse was robbyd off alle hys
jowelles and plate, whyche was worthe m'^- marke or better,
and is retornyd to Rome ffor a remedy.
Item, the Duke of Burgoyne hath conqueryd Loreyn, and
Quene Margreet shall nott nowe be lykelyhod have it ; wher-
ffor the Frenshe Kynge cheryssheth hyr butt easelye; but afftr
thys conquest off Loreyn, the Duke toke grete corage to goo
uppon the londe off the Swechys [t^ww] to conquer them, butt
the \_^heyj berded hym att an onsett place, and hathe dystrussyd
hym, and hathe slayne the most parte off hys vanwarde, and
wonne all hys ordynaunce and artylrye, and mor ovyr all stuffe
thatt he hade in hys ost with hym ; exceppte men and horse
ffledde nott, but they roode that nyght xx. myle ; and so the
ryche saletts,^ heulmetts, garters, nowchys^ gelt, and alle is
goone, with tents, pavylons, and alle, and soo men deme hys
pryde is abatyd. Men tolde hym that they weer ffrowarde
karlys, butte he wolde nott beleve it, and yitt men seye, that
he woll to them ageyn. Gode spede them bothe.
1 John, sixth Earl of Ormone). 2 John, Lord Scrope of Bolton.
3 Light head-pieces. — F. * Embossed ornaments, chains, buckles, etc. — F.
258
EDWARD IV
Item, Sir John Mydelton toke leve off the Duke to sporte 1476
hym, but he is sett in pryson att Brussellys. march 21
I praye yowe sende me som worde iff ye thynke likly that
I may entr Caster when I woll, by the next messenger,
Wretyn at Caleys, in resonable helthe off bodye and sowle,
I thanke Good, the xxj. daye off Marche, anno E. iiij" xvj°.
J. P., K.
890
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON^
To the ryght worchepfull Sir John Fasten^ Knyght, lodgyd
at the George^ by Powlys Wharfs in London.
AFTYR all dewtes of recomendacyon, lyeketh yow to may 6
wet, that to my power ye be welcom ayen in to
Inglond. And as for the Castell of Shene, ther is
no mor in it but CoUe and hys mak, and a goose may get it ;
but in no wyse I wold not that wey, and my modyr thynkyth
the same. Take not that wey, if ther be eny other.
I undyrstand that Mastres Fytzwater hathe a syster, a
mayd, to mary. I trow, and ye entretyd hym, she myght
come into Crysten menys handys. I prey yow spek with
Mastyr Fytzwater of that mater for me, and ye may telle
hym, synse that he wyll have my servyse, it wer as good,
and syche a bargayn myght be mad, that bothe she and I
awaytyd on hym and my mastress hys wyff at oure owne cost,
as I a lone to awayt on hym at hys cost ; for then he shold be
swer that I shold not be flyttyng, and I had syche a qwarell
to kepe me at home. And I have hys good wylle, it is non
inpossybyll to bryng a bowght.
I thynk to be at London with in a xiiij. dayes at the
ferthest, and peraventure my mastress also, in consayll be it
clatryd. God kepe yow and yours.
At Norwyche, the vj. day of May, anno E. iiij'' xvj°.
J- p-
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.]
259
THE PASTON LETTERS
891
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON ^
'To Mestresse Margret Paston, in Norwyche^ or to hyr
sone John Paston^ Knyght.
1476 Tr\LEASE it yow to weete that as for my materes, and
MAY 27 m-^ theye appeyre nott,^ the doo, blessyd be Godde, as
weell as I wolde they dyd, saffe that it shalle cost me
grett mony, and it hathe cost me moche laboor. It is soo
that the Kynge most have C. marke, and other costes will
drawe xl. marke. And my mater is examynyd by the Kynges
Cowncell, and declaryd affoor alle the Lordes, and now lakkythe
noo thynge but [the Pryjvy Seals, and wryghtyng to Master
Colv[ill] ^ to avoide ; for the ^ [Kyng hath p]romysed me as
moche as I wolde he sholde fullefille, and alle the Lordes,
Juges, Serjauntes, have affermyd my title goode. Nott with-
standyng Sowthewell, James Hubberde, and Sir W. Braundon,
where at ther owne desyrs, offryd to afferme and advowe my
tytell for goode, and that my Lorde off NorfFolk that ded is
had noo tytell, thatt they knywe, they tolde my tale as ille as
they cowde, and yitt a lye or too to helpe it, and yit it servyth
them nott, they be knowen as they ar (in Cowncell be it seyde,
and so most all thys letter be).
I have moche payne to gete so moche mony, Neverthe-
lesse, but iff myne oncle schewe hym selfe werse than ever he
was, I shalle nott fayle, if he kepe me promyse, and thatt is
but as he dyde last, that is butt to be my sywerte, and I to
make hym sywerte ageyn.
The Kynge departythe thys daye, and wille nott be heer
tyll Frydaye, whyche lettyth me, or ellys by thatt daye I wolde
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] This letter relates to Sir John Paston's claim to
Caister after the Duke of Norfolk's death, which claim he succeeded in establishing
in June 1476, as appears by the letter following. The date 26th May at the end of
the letter is an error. The ' Monday next Holy Thursday' was the 27th.
2 i.e. if they do not get worse.
^ Paper decayed,
260
EDWARD IV
have hopyd to have comen homeward, and erst per aventure. 147^
No moor, but Jesus have yow in kepyng. "ay 27
Wretyn at London, the xxvj. daye of Maye, the Mondaye
next Holy Thurrysdaye, the Assencion.
The Kynge wold have bowte it, but he was enfformyd off
the trowthe, and that it was nott for a prynce, and off the
greet pryse that I wolde selle it att ; for that I myght nott
for bere it, for he scholde have payed m'm'* marke or moor, iff
he hadde hadde it.
Your sone, J. Paston, K.
892
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON ^
To John Paston, Esquier, heyng at the Syngne of the
George, at Powles Wharffe.
IRECOMAUNDE me to yow, letyng yow weete that I J^^e 30
hav receyvyd yowr letter, wretyn the next daye aftre
Mydsomer ; for answer wheroff I thynke that to be
bownde in v*"- [500] marke, I thynke it is to moche, where as
I felt by yow ye sholde have with the gentylwoman but iiij*"
[400] ; neverthelesse I agree. But ye shall undrestande that
I wyll not be bownde for yow that ye shall make hyr joyntour
past xx//. by yer, within a sertayne daye lymyted ; be it j. yere
or ij., that is the largest that ye maye performe. For as for
the maner of Sparham, my moodre and ye acorde notte in
yowr saynges ; she wyll nowght graunte yow ther in, whylse
she levyth, saff, as she seythe to me, she hathe grauntyd yow
x, marke by yeer tyll xl//. be payed, that is but vj. yeer ; and
aftre hyr dyscease she woU agree with goode will, so that it
maye be yowr proferment, that ye sholde have that maner in
joynture with yowr wyffe to the lenger lyver off yow bothe,
payng x. marke by yeer, soo or th . . . as she wyll that
it shall be. Therfore, as for 1. marke joynture, I pray yow
^ [From Paston mss., B.M.]
261
THE PASTON LETTERS
1476 bynde me in no suche clawse, butt iff it be for xx//. by a reson-
juNE 30 able daye, and xx. marke aftre the dyssease off my moodre.
Take example at Derby.
Item, ye make yow sywerer than I deme yow bee, for I
deme that her frendes wyll nott be content with Bedyngfeldes
sywerte, nor yowres. I deme thys mater will ocopy lenger
leyser than ye deme for.
Item, I remembre thatt thys mony that she sholde have is
nott redy, but in the handes of marchauntes of the Estaple,
whyche at a prove ye shall fynde per case so slakke payeres,
that ye myght be deseyvyd ther by. I knowe dyverse have
lost mony er they cowde gete ther dywtes owte off the Staple.
God spede yow, and sende yow that ye wolde have.
I sende yow the obligacion here with acordyng to yowr
desyr, and a letter to Bedyngfelde, thankyng hym for yow,
and more over letyng hym know of myn entent. Opyn it,
and close it ageyn, if ye lyst.
Item, where I tolde yow that the gowne clothe off olde
chamlott, I wolde have it hoome for my suster Anne ; ye for
gate it. I praye yow sende it home by the next massenger,
and a letter with it of suche tydynges as ye knowe.
Item, blissed be God, I have Castre at my will. God holde
it better than it doone her to foore.
No moore, but wretyn the next daye aftre Seynt Petre,
anno E. iiij" xvj°. J. Paston, K.
893
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 1
To Mestresse Margret Paston.
[aug. 30] T^LEASE it yow to wete that I was uppon Tywesdaye, the
i""^ daye that I departyd froo yowe, with my brother John
at Atelborow by viij. of the clokke at evyn, and founde
hym in suche case as iff ye had seyn hym than ye wolde have
1 [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 188.] Strangely enough there is no mention elsewhere of
the serious illness of young John Paston mentioned in this letter, by which we might
fix the year when it was written. But perhaps we may surmise that it was 1476,
262
EDWARD IV
be as gladde of hym osse off a nywe sone. I wenyd nott that I47^
he sholde nott have levyd tyll the mornyng ; in so moche that [a"^- 3°]
by my trowthe I dare seye that iff it had nott fortunyd us to
have comyn to hym, he had not been on lyve on Wednysdaye.
For syns Saterday slepyd he nott iiij. howris, and yitt iij. of
them was syns I come thydyr, on to thys nyght ; and thys
nyght, blessyd be God, he hathe slepyd well, and with Goddys
grace I dowte not but thatt he shall do weell. For his agywe
is goone, and alle that laye in hys stomak and undre hys syde
it weryth aweye, and within a daye or ij, I hope he shall be so
stronge that I maye come frome hym ; and he hopyth to see
yowe with in fewe days affter, as he seyth. On Wednysdaye
I wysshed to hym that he and I hadde been at Norwyche ;
wheruppon he harpyd all that nyght, and for cawe (sic) he
hadde not so goode rest as he wolde, it fylle in hys brayne to
come to Norwyche ; and he in an angyr wolde nedys to horse.
He wolde non horsse litter, he was so stronge. Neverthelesse
we wenyd nott that he sholde have been able to have redyn a
myle, and wenyd that it had nott been possible to have passid
Wyndham ; bott whan he was uppe for that, we seyde he
roode so welle he ledde uss a dawnce faster than alle we cowde
weell folowe. He was at Wyndham, by my trowthe, in lesse
than an howr by a large quarter, and ther restyd hym an
howre, and to horse ageyne and was heer in lesse than an
howr and one halffe. And now he dowteth nott to slepe
weell, for he seyth that he never ffaylyd to slepe weel in that
bedde that he hathe chosyn now at Frenshys, and thusse I
hope he be sauffe. And I am in dowte whethyr I shall within
ij. dayes owther come home to yow or ellis to goo forthe as
ye woote off. No moore, &c. Wretyn on Frydaye next the
Decollacion of Seynt John Baptyst.
Item, I have the wrythynges off Richard Calle.
Your sone, J. Paston, K.
after he had been at Calais, where he was expected in the spring. The fact that he
was ill at Attleborough agrees with this supposition, for that was the seat of the
Fitzwalter family, and 'Master Fitzwalter' is mentioned in No. 888 as at Calais
showing much interest in the Paston family. It may be observed also that in 1476,
Friday ' next ' the Decollation of St. John Baptist (29th August) would be the very
next day.
263
THE PASTON LETTERS
894
DAME ELIZABETH BREWS TO JOHN PASTON '
To my wurschypfull cosyn^ John Pastoriy be thys bill
delyvered, ^c.
1476 I '\ YGHT wurschypfull cosyn, I recommande me un to
or fX yowe, thankyng zowe hertely for the grette chere that
1477 ze made me the last tyme that ze were with me at
Norwych, &c.
And, cosyn, as for the mater that was put in my nowncle
Hastynges and Henry Heydon, I ondyrstand be myn uncle,
that ther was made non ende therin, whech I am ryght sory
for. Cosyn, ze be remembred what ze promysed me that,
and so were that myn uncle and Herry Heydon made none
ende therin, that ze wold put the mater in me ; and if it
please zowe so for to do, in good faith, cosyn, I schall goo as
wele and as ryghtfuUy and consciensly as I can for both the
partyes. And, cosyn, if it please zowe to com to Topcroft,
and poynt ze what dey when ze will com, I schall sende for
my cosyn to be ther the same day. And, cosyn, I pray zowe
to sende me worde agayn be the brynger of thys letter, howe
ze will do, &c.
And Almyghty Jesus hafe zowe in kepyng, &c.
Be zour cosyn.
Dame Elizabeth Brews.
' [From Paston Mss., B.M.] This is the first of a series of letters, some of which
were certainly written in February 1477, relating to the engagement of John Paston
to Margery Brews. How early they began it is not easy to say precisely. On the
back of this letter is written, apparently in the hand of John Paston, to whom it is
addressed, * Letrae dominas Elyzabethae Brews et Margariae filae {sic) ejus.'
264
EDWARD IV
895
DAME ELIZABETH BREWS TO JOHN PASTON^
Un to my ryght wurschypffull cosyn, John Paston, be
thys lettur delyvered^ i^c.
RYGHT wurschypfull cosyn, I recommande me un [to]
yowe, &c. And I send my husbonde a bill of the
mater that ze knowe of, and he wrote an other bill to
me agayn towchyng the same mater ; and he wold that ze
schuld go un to my maistresse yowr modur, and asaye if ze
myght gete the hole xx/z. in to zowr handes, and then he
wolde be more gladd to marye with zowe, and will gyffe zowe
an Qli. And, cosyn, that day that sche is maryed, my fadur
will gyffe hyr 1. merk. But and we acorde, I schall gyffe
yowe a grettere tresur, that is, a wytty gentylwoman, and if I
sey it, bothe good and vertuos ; for if I schuld take money
for hyr, I wold not gyffe hyr for a mli. But, cosyn, I trust
zowe so meche that I wold thynke her wele besett on zowe,
and ze were worthe meche more. And, cosyn, a lytyll after
that ze were gone, come a man fro my cosyn Derby, and
broght me wurde that suche a chance fell that he myght not
come at the day that was set, as I schall let zowe undyrstond
more pleynly, when I speke with zowe, &c. But, cosyn, and
it wold please zowe to come agayn what dey that ze will set,
I dare undyrtake that they schall kepe the same daye ; for I
wold be glad that, and myn husbond and ze myght acorde in
thys maryage, that it myght be my fortune to make and ende
in thys mater betwene my cosyns and zowe, that yche of zowe
myght love other in frendely wyse, &c. And, cosyn, if thys
byll please not zowr entent, I pray zowe that it may be
brent, &c.
No more unto yowe at thys tyme, but Almyghty Jesus
preserve zowe, &c.
By zowr cosyn.
Dame Elizabeth Brews.
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] See preliminary note to last letter.
265
THE PASTON LETTERS
896
DAME ELIZABETH BREWS TO JOHN PASTON 1
'To my wurschypfull cosyne, John Pasion^ be this bill
delyveryd^ if^c.
^477 ^'"^OSYN, I recomande me un to yowe, thankyng yowe
FEB. i hertely for the grette chere that ye made me and all
^"^-^ my folkys, the last tyme that I was at Norwych ; and
ye promysyd me, that ye wold never breke the mater to Mar-
grery unto suche tyme as ye and I were at a point. But ye
hafe made hyr suche advokett for yowe, that I may never hafe
rest nyght ner day, for callyng and cryeng uppon to brynge
the saide mater to efFecte, &c.
And, cosyn, uppon Fryday is Sent Volentynes Day, and
every brydde chesyth hym a make \mate\ ; and yf it lyke yowe
to come one Thursday at nyght, and so purvey yowe, that ye
may abyde there tyll Monday, I trusty to God, that ye schall
so speke to myn husband ; and I schall prey that we schall
bryng the mater to a conclusyon, &c. For, cosyn,
It is but a sympill oke,
That [is] cut down at the first stroke.
For ye will be resonabill, I trust to God, Whech hafe yowe
ever in Hys mercyfull kepyng, &c.
Be yowr cosyn. Dame Elizabeth Brews,
otherwes schall be called be Godds grace.
1 [From Fenn, ii. 208.] It is clear from internal evidence that this letter was
written between the 7th and the 12th of February, and the fact that St. Valentine's
Day (the 14th) fell on Friday, proves the year to have been 14.77. Besides which, we
have distinct references to the matter further on in the dated correspondence.
266
EDWARD IV
897
MARGERY BREWS TO JOHN PASTON 1
Unto my ryght welebelovyd Voluntyn, John Paston,
Squyer^ be this bill delyvered, ^c.
RYGHT reverent and wurschypfull, and my ryght wele- 1477
beloved Voluntyne, I recomande me unto yowe, fFuU feb.
hertely desyring to here of yowr welefare, whech I
beseche Almyghty God long for to preserve un to Hys plesur,
and yowr herts desyre. And yf it please yowe to here of my
welefar, I am not in good heele of body, nor of herte, nor schall
be tyll I her ffrom yowe ;
For there wottys no creature what peyn that I endure,
And for to be deede, I dare it not dyscure [discover^.
And my lady my moder hath labored the mater to my fFadur
full delygently, but sche can no mor gete then ye knowe of,
for the whech God knowyth I am full scry. But yf that ye
loffe me, as I tryste verely that ye do, ye will not lefFe me
therefor ; for if that ye hade not halfe the lyvelode that ye
hafe, for to do the grettest labur that any woman on lyve
myght, I wold not forsake yowe.
And yf ye commande me to kepe me true wherever I go,
I wyse I will do all my myght yowe to love and never no mo.
And yf my freends say, that I do amys,
Thei schal not me let so for to do,
Myne herte me bydds ever more to love yowe
Truly over all erthely thing.
And yf thei be never so wroth,
I tryst it schall be better in tyme commyng.
No more to yowe at this tyme, but the Holy Trinite hafe
yowe in kepyng. And I besech yowe that this bill be not seyn
of none erthely creatur safe only your selffe, &c.
And thys letter was indyte at Topcroft, with full hevy
herte, &c.
By your own, Margery Brews.
^ [From Fenn, ii. 210.]
267
THE PASTON LETTERS
898
MARGERY BREWS TO JOHN PASTON ^
To my ryght weiebelovyd cosyn, John Paston^
Swyer, be this letter delyveryd^ ^c.
1477 1 '\ YGHT wurschypfuU and weiebelovyd Volentyne, in my
FKB- rv^ moste umble wyse, I recommande me un to yowe, &c.
And hertely I thanke yowe for the lettur whech that
ye sende me be John Bekarton, wherby I undyrstonde and
knowe, that ye be purposyd to come to Topcroft in schorte
tyme, and withowte any erand or mater, but only to hafe a
conclusyon of the mater betwyx my fader and yowe ; I wolde
be most glad of any creatur on lyve, so that the mater myght
growe to effect. And ther as ye say, and ye come and fynde
the mater no more towards you then ye dyd afortyme, ye wold
no more put my fader and my lady my moder to no cost ner
besenesse, for that cause, a good wyle aftur, wech causyth
myne herte to be full hevy ; and yf that ye come, and the
mater take to none effecte, then schuld I be meche mor sory
and full of hevynesse.
And as for my selfe, I hafe done and undyrstond in the
mater that I can or may, as Good knowyth ; and I let yowe
pleynly undyrstond, that my fader wyll no mor money parte
with all in that behalfe, but an C/f, and 1. marke, whech is
ryght far fro the acomplyshment of yowr desyre.
Wherfore, yf that ye cowde be content with that good, and
my por persone, I wold be the meryest mayden on grounde ;
and yf ye thynke not yowr selffe so satysfyed, or that ye myght
hafe mech mor good, as I hafe undyrstonde be yowe afor ;
good, trewe, and lovyng volentyne, that ye take no such labur
uppon yowe, as to come more for that mater, but let is [/> ?]
passe, and never more to be spokyn of, as I may be yowr trewe
lover and bedewoman duryng my lyfe.
* [From Fenn, ii. 214.]
268
FEB,
EDWARD IV
No more un to yowe at thys tyme, but Almyghty Jesus 1477
preserve yowe, bothe body and sowle, &c.
Be your Voluntyne,
Margery Brews.
899
THOMAS KELA TO JOHN PASTON^
Un to my ryght wurschypfull maister, John Paston,
Swhyer^ be this bill delivered, &'c.
RYGHT wurschypfull sir, I recomande me un to yowe,
lettyng yowe knowe, as for the yonge gentylwoman,
sche owyth yowe hyr good herte and love, as I knowe
be the comynicacion that I hafe hade with hyr for the same.
And, sir, ye knowe what my maister and my lady hath
profered with hyr CC. merke. And I dar sey, that hyr
chambr and areyment schall be worthe C. merk. And I harde
my lady sey, that and the case required, both ye and sche
schuld hafe yowr borde with my lady iij. yer aftr.
And I understand by my lady, that sche wold that ye
schuld labur the mater to my maister, for it schuld be the
bettr.
And I harde my lady sey,
That it was a febill oke,
That was kit down at the first stroke.
And ye be beholdyng un to my lady for hyr good wurde,
for sche hath never preysyd yowe to mech.
Sir, lyke as I promysyd yowe, I am yowr man, and my
good will ye schall hafe in worde and dede, &c.
And Jesus hafe yowe in Hys mercyfull kepyng, &c.
Be yor man, Thomas Kela.
' [From Fenn, ii. 216.]
269
THE PASTON LETTERS
900
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
To John Pas ton, Esquyer, at Norwyche, in hast.
^^11 T RECOMAUNDE me to yow, letyng yow weete, that
FEB. 14 I yisterdaye beganne the grete cowncell, to whyche alle the
astats off the londe shall com to, butt if it be ffor gret and
reasonable excusis ; and I suppose the cheffe cawse off thys
assemble is, to comon what is best to doo, now uppon the
greet change by the dethe off the Duke of Burgoyne, and ffor
the kepyng off Caleys and the Marchys, and ffor the preserva-
cion off the amyteys taken late, as weell with Fraunce as now
with the Membrys off Flaundres ; wher to I dowt nott ther
shall be in all hast bothe the Duks off Clarance and Glowcestre,
wheroff 1 wolde that my brother E.^ wyst.
Item, I ffeele butt litell effecte in the labor off W. Alyng-
ton ; neverthelesse I deme it is nott for yow. She shall not
passe CC. mark, as fferr as I can undrestand aparte.
Item, I will nott fforget yow otherwyse.
Itt is so that thys daye I heer grett liklyhood, that my
Lorde Hastyngs shall hastely goo to Caleys with greet com-
pany ; iff I thynke it be for yow to be on \_one\ I shall nott
fforgeet yow.
Item, thys daye the mater by twyen Mestresse Anne
Haulte and me hathe been soor broken bothe to the Car-
dinall,^ to my Lorde Chamberleyn,* and to my selffe, and I
am in goode hope. When I heer and knowe moor, I shall
sende yow worde.
It semythe that the worlde is alle qwaveryng ; it will
reboyle somwher, so that I deme yonge men shall be
cherysshyd ; take yowr hert to yow. I ffeer that I can nott
be excusyd, but that I shall fforthe with my Lorde Hastyngs
ovyr the see, but I shall sende yow worde in hast, and iff I goo,
I hope nott to tary longe.
1 [From Fenn, ii. 20+.] 2 Edmund Paston, who was in the garrison of Calais.
3 Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury. — F.
* WilHam, Lord Hastyngs. — F.
270
EDWARD IV
Item, to my brother Edmond. I am like to speke to I477
Mestresse Dyxon in hast, and som deme that ther shall be ^^^' H
condyssendyd, that iff E. P. come to London that hys costs
shall be payed ffor.
I shall hastely sende yow worde off moor thyngs.
Wretyn at London, the xiiij. day off Feverer, anno E. iiij"
xvj. the Fryday a for Fastyngong.
John Paston, K.
901
JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 1
To my ryght worchepfull modyr^ Margaret Paston.
RYGHT worschepfull modyr, aftyr all dwtes of recom- march 8
mendacyon, in as humble wyse as I can, I beseche
yow of your dayly blyssyng. Modyr, please yt yow
to wett, that the cause that Dame Elizabeth Brews desyreth to
mete with yow at Norwyche, and not at Langley, as I apoyntyd
with yow at my last being at Mawtby, is by my meanys, for
my brodyr Thomas Jermyn, whyche knowyth nought of the
mate \matc}{\^ telyth me, that the causey or ye can comme to
Bokenham Fery is so over flowyn that ther is no man that may
on ethe passe it, though he be ryght well horsyd ; whyche is
no mete wey for yow to passe over, God defend it. But, all
thyngs rekynyd, it shalbe lesse cost to yow to be at Norwyche,
as for a day or tweyn, and passe not, then to mete at Langly,
wher every thyng is dere ; and your horse may be sent home
ayen the same Wednysday.
Modyr, I beseche yow for dyvers causys, that my syster
Anne may come with yow to Norwyche ; modyr, the mater
is in a resonable good wey, and I trust with Gods mercy, and
with your good help, that it shall take effect bettyr to myn
avauntage then I told yow of at Mawtby ; for I trow ther is
^ [From Fenn, ii. 220.] This letter evidently refers to a meeting arranged between
Margaret Paston and Dame Elizabeth Brews on the subject of John Paston's approach-
ing marriage, which took place in the latter part of the year 1477.
271
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 not a ky rider woman leveing then I shall have to my modyr
MARCH 8 ill lawe, if the mater take, nor yet a kynder fadyr in lawe then
I shall have, though be he hard to me as yett. All the cyr-
cumstancys of the mater, whyche I trust to tell yow at your
comyng to Norwyche, cowd not be wretyn in iij. levys of
paper, and ye know my lewd hed well i nough, I may not
wryght longe, wherfFor I iFery over all thyngs tyll I may
awayte on yow my selff. I shall do tonnen ^ in to your place
a doseyn ale, and bred acordyng, ayenst Wednysday. If
Syme myght be forborn it wer well done, that he war at
Norwyche on Wednysday in the mornyng at markett.
Dame Elizabeth Brewse shall lye at Jon Cookys ; if it
myght please yow, I wold be glad that she myght dyne in
your howse on Thursday, for ther shold ye have most secret
talkyng. And modyr, at the reverence of God, beware that
ye be so purveyd for, that ye take no cold by the wey towards
Norwyche, for it is the most peraylous marche that ever was
seyn by eny manys dayes that now lyveth ; and I prey to Jesu
preserve yow and yours.
Wretyn at Topcroft, the viij. day of Marche.
Your sone and humbyll servaunt, J. P.
902
SIR THOMAS BREWS TO SIR JOHN PASTON2
To my ryght wurschypfidl cosyn^ Syr Jhon Paston^ Knyght^
be this letter delivered, &'c.
RYGHT wurschypfuU, and my hertely welebelovyd cosyn,
I recommande me unto yowe, desyring to here of
yowr welefar, whech I pray God may be as contynuall
good as I wolde hafe myn own. And, cosyn, the cause of my
wryting un to yow, at thys tyme, is, I fele wele be my cosyn
John yowr broder, that ye hafe undyrstondyng of a mater,
1 i.e. cause to be tunned.
2 [From Fenn, ii. 224.] The date of this letter, as of the last, is fixed by the
subject.
■272
EDWARD IV
whech is In comynicacyon tochyng a maryage, with Godds 1477
grace, to be concluded betwyx my saide cosyn yowr broder, march 8
and my doghter Margery, wheche is far commonyd, and not
yyt concluded, ner noght schall ner may be tyll I hafe answer
from yowe agayn of yowr good will and asent to the seid
mater ; and also of the obligacyon weche that I sende yowe
herewith ; for, cosyn, I wold be sory to se owther my cosyn
yowr broder, or my doghtr, dryvyn to leve so meane a lyff as
thei schuld do yf the v'f-li. [^120], schuld be payde of ther
maryage money.
And cosyn, I hafe takyn my selfe so nere in levyng of this
vj''*7/., that wher as I hade layde upp an C/z. for the maryage
of a yonger doghter of myn, I hafe nowe lent the saide Qli. and
xx//. over that, to my cosyn yowr broder, to be paide ageyn
be suche esy days as the obligacyon, weche I sende yowe her-
wyth, specyfyes. And, cosyn, I were ryght lothe to be stowe
so mech uppon one doghter, that the other her susters schuld
far the wars ; wherfor, cosyn, y^ ye wyll that thys mater schall
take effect undyr suche forme as my cosyn yowr broder hath
wretyn unto yowe, I pray yowe put therto yowr good wylle,
and sum of yowr coste, as I hafe done of myn more largely
then ever I purpose to do to any tweyn of hyr susters, as God
knowyth myn entent. Whom I besech to send yowe yowr
levest herts desyr.
Wretyn at Topcroft, the viij. day of March, &c.
Be your cosyn,
Thomas Brews, Knight.
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTONi
To John Paston^ Esquyer^ in haste.
1HAVE received yowr letter, and yow[r] man, J. Bykerton, march 9
by whom I knowe all the mater off^ Mestresse Brews,
whyche iff^ it be as he seythe, I praye Godde brynge it
to a goode ende.
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.]
VOL. v. S 273
THE PASTON LETTERS
I4'7'7 Item, as for thys mater of Mestresse Barly/ I holde it
MARCH 9 but a bare thynge. I feele weell that itt passyth nott .
. marke. I syghe hyr for yowr sake. She is a lytell onys ;
she maye be a woman heer aftre, iff she be nott olde nowe ;
hir person semyth xiij. yere off age ; hyr yerys, men sey, ben
full xviij. She kowyth nott of the mater, I suppose ; never-
thelesse she desyryd to see me as gladde as I was to se hyr.
I praye yow sende me some wryghtyng to Caleys off
yowr spede with Mestresse Brewys. Bykerton tellyth me that
she lovyth yow weell. Iff I dyed, I hadde lever ye hadde hyr
than the Lady Wargrave ; neverthelesse she syngeth weell with
an harpe.
Clopton is aferde off Sir T. Greye, for he is a wydower
now late, and men sey that he is aqueyntyd with hyr of olde.
No more. Wretyn on Sondaye, the ix. daye off Marche,
anno E. iiij'' xvij.° to Caleys warde.
Iff ye have Mestresse Brews, and E. Paston Mestresse
Bylyngford, ye be lyke to be bretheryn.
J. Paston, K.
904
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 2
Thys bylle he delyverd to Thomas Grene, good man of the George^
by Powlys tVharffe, or to hys wyff, to send to Sir John Paston^
wherso evere he he^ at Caleys^ London^ or other placys.
RYGHT worchepfuU sir, and my most good and kynde
brodyr, in as humbyll wyse as I can, I recomand me
to yow. Sir, it is so that I have, sythe John Bekurton
departyd fro hens, ben at Toppcrofft at Syr Tohmas Brewse ;
and as for the mater that I sent yow word of by Jon Bekurton,
towchyng my sylff and Mastress Margery Brews, I am yet
at no serteynte, hyr fadyr is so hard ; but T trow I have the
good wyll of my lady hyr modyr and hyr ; but as the mater
1 Fenn reads this name Burly, but I think erroneously.
2 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
274
EDWARD IV
provyth, I shall send yow woord, with Godes grace, in short 1477
tyme. march 9
But as for John Bekurton, I prey yow dele with hym for
suerte as a soudyor shold be delt with ; trust hym never the
more for the bylle that I sent yow by hym, but as a man at
wylde, for every thyng that he told me is not trewe ; for
he departyd with ought lycence of hys mastyr, Syr Thomas
Brewse, and is fere endangeryd [indehe^/'j to dyvers in thys
contrey. I prey God that I wryght not to yow of hym to
late ; but for all thys I knowe none untrowthe in hym ; but
yet I prey yow, trust hym not over myche upon my woord.
Syr, Perse Mody^ recomandyth hym to your mastyrshep,
and besecheth yow to send hym word in hast, hough he shall
be demeanyd at your place at Caster ; for he is asygnyd to no
body as yet, to take of mete and drynk, nor yet wher that he
shall have money to paye for hys mete and drynk ; and now is
the cheff replenysheing of your warenn there, the avauntage
of the dove howse wer well for hym, tyll ye come hom your
sylff.
Sir, I prey yow pardon me of my wryghtyng, hough so
ever it be, for carpenters of my crafte that I use now, have
not alderbest ther wyttys ther owne. And Jesu preserve
yow.
Wretyn at Norwyche, the ix. day of Marche, anno E iiij''
septimo decymo. J. P.
905
SIR THOMAS BREWS 2
MEMORANDUM. — To let my cosyn, Margaret 1477
Paston, ondyrstand that for a jontor to be mad in
Sweynsthorp in hand, and for a jontore of no more
but X. mark ought of Sparham, I wylle depart with CC. mark
1 Perse Moody was a servant of Sir John Paston's, now at Caister. — F.
2 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] This paper was evidently drawn up about the same
time as the last letter. It is a draft in John Paston's handwriting, but is evidently
written as in the name of Sir Thomas Brews. It is endorsed in a more modern
hand : ' A determinacion of Sir Tho. Brews how much he would gyve with his
daughter Margery in mariage.'
275
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 i"^ hand, and to give theym ther boord free as for ij. or iij.
yer in serteyn, or ellys CCC. mark with ought ther boord,
payable by 1. mark yerly tyll the some of CCC. mark be full
payed.
Item, I wyll geve CCCC. mark, payable 1//., in hand at
the day of maryage, and \/i. yerly tyll the some of CCCC.
mark be full payed upon thes condycyons folowing.
Wher of on condycyon is thys, that I wyll lend my cosyn
John Paston vj"''//,, besyd hys maryage money, to pledge
ought the maner of Sweynsthorpe, so that he may fynd syche
a frend as wyll pay me a yen the seyd vj""//. by xx. mark a
yer, so that it be not payed of the maryage money, nor of the
propre goodes of my seyd cosyn John.
Or ellys, an other condycyon is thys, if it be so that my
seyd cosyn John may be sufFred, fro the day of hys maryage
to my doughter, to take the hole profites of the maner of
Sparham, besyde the maner of Sweynsthorpe, for terme of ther
two lyves, and the longest of theym leveing, yet wyll I be agre-
able to depart with the seyd CCC. mark, payable ayen in forme
above seyd \_and to geve theym ther boord for a yer or two']}
And if thes or eny of the conclusyons may be takyn, I am
agreable to make the bargayn swer, or ellys no more to be
spokyn of.
906
JOHN PYMPE TO SIR JOHN PASTON 2
I'd Master Sir John Paston, be this letter delyverid in Calis.
[march] T XONWRE and joye be to yow, my ryght gode master,
I I and most assured brother ; letyng yow know that al
-*- -■" yowre welwillers and servaunts, in these partyes, that
I know, fare well, and better wold, if they mowht here of
' These words are crossed out with the pen.
2 [From Fenn, ii. 226.] This letter, Fenn tells us, was endorsed under the
address in a handwriting of the time which he believed to be Sir John Paston's — 'Jon
Pympe, xvj. die Mar\, anno E. 4, 17,' showing the date at which it was received.
276
EDWARD IV
yowre wellbeyng, and forthwith sum of yowre Frenche and 1477
Borgoyne tidyngs ; ffor we in these partyes be in grete drede [march]
lest the French Kyng with sum assaults shuld in eny wise
distourbe yow of yowr soft, sote \_sweef\, and sewre slepys, but
as yet we no thyng can here that he so disposeth hym.
Mary, we have herd sey, that the frowys^ of Broggys,
with there hye cappes, have gyven sum of yow grete clappys,
and that the fete of her armys doyng is such, that they smyte
al at the mowthe, and at the grete ende of the thyeh ; but in
faith we care not for yow, for we know well that ye be gode
ynowh at defence. But we here sey, that they be of such
corage, that they gyve yow moo strokys than ye do to them,
and that they strike sorer than ye also. But I thynk that the
English ladyes and jentylwomen, and the pore also, can do as
well as they, and lyst not to lerne of them no thyng; and
therefor we drede lest ther hye corages shuld meve them to
make yow warre also. But God defend, for by my trowth
than have ye much to do ; for hit were better and more ese
for to labor iij. or fowre dayes with mattokks and pykeisys to
over turne yowr sande hills, as we here saye ye do ryht wur-
shipfully, than only one day to endure theyre fers encountrys ;
so as ye myht owther gete or save yowr wurshippys by ; and
loke that ye trust to have no rescow of us, for, so God me
helpe, we have y nowh to do in these partyes with the same
werrs. But in one thyng we preyse yowre sadnessys and dis-
crecionys ryht much, that is, in kepyng of yowr trewse and
pese with the Kyng of Fraunce, as the Kyng hath com-
maundid ; and a grete reson why, for hit were to much for
yow to have werre with all the world at onys, ffor the werre
a fore seid kepith yow blameles; ffor every resonable man
wetyth well, that hit is to much for eny pepyll levyng to do
bothe at onys.
Syr, as for the more parts off my thowht, I praye yow
recomaunde me un to yowr self, prayyng yow that y may
contynew in such case as yowr godenes hath taken me of old,
and if ye lyst to send eny tydyngs, or other thyng to the
1 Fraus, i.e. women. The writer's pleasantry in this passage is certainly rather
coarse.
277
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 partyes that were wont to warme theym by yowr fyre, in feith
[march] I shall do yowr erand.
And as for barley, hit is of the same pryce that hit was
wont to be of, and is the most sure corne, and best enduryng
that may be. And, syr, where that sumtyme was a lytyll hole
in a wall, is now a dore large ynowh and esy passage, whereof
ye were the deviser, and have thank for yowr labor of sum
partyes, but no thyng lastyth evyr. Y mene that y trow, my
passage shall hastyly faile me, and the dore shalbe shet up
agayne, lesse than Fortun be agreable to have my counseile
kept ; for not long ago, makyng my entre at that passage, I
saw a sparow that useth those ewrys [^eireys'], and I saw her sytt
so stille that y cowde not endure, but y must neds shote her, and
so, God me help, I smote her, I trow evyn to the hert ; and
so I drede me lest owther the barley wyll ete the sparow,
or ells the sparow wyll ete the barley, but as yet all is
well, but reson shewt me that hit must neds fayle by con-
tynewauns, lesse than I forsake bothe the sparow and the
barley also.^
Syr, I have thank for the shew that I onys made of yow
and daily gramercy, and ye theire prayer,
Syr, forthemore I beseche yow, as ye wyll do cny thyng
for me, that ye se o day for my sake, and for yowr own
plesure, all the gode hors in Caleys, and if ther be among
theym eny pric ^ horse of deds, that is to sell, in especiall that he
be well trottyng of his owne corage, with owte fors ^ of sporis,
and also a steryng \_stirring~\ hors if he be, he is the better ; I
pray yow send me word of his color, deds, and corage, and also
of his price, feynyng as ye wold by hym yowrself, and also I
wold have hym sumwhat large, not with the largest ; but no
smalle hors, as more than a dowble hors ; prayyng yow above
all thyngs to have this in remembrauns, and that hastily as
may be, for ther is late promysed me help to such an entent,
^ Perhaps this enigmatical passage may have reference to the Mrs, Barly
mentioned in No. 903.
2 In the modern version, Fenn reads here, ' any prized horse of deeds,' a reading
which seems to me questionable.
3 ' Fort ' in Fenn, which is probably a misprint, as the word is spelled ' force ' on
the opposite page.
278
EDWARD IV
and I wote not how long hit shall endure; and therfor 1 be- 1477
seche yow send me word by tyme. [march]
I trow the Frenshe men have taken up al the gode hors in
Pycardye, and also they be wont to be hevy hors in labor, and
that I love not, but a hevy hors of flesh, and lyht of corage y
love well, for y love no hors that wyll al way be lene and
slender like grehounds. God kepe yow.
Yowr, J. Pympe.
Y pray yow to recomaund me to my cosyn Sir John Scot
and all his, in especiall Mastres Benyngfeld.^
907
JOHN PYMPE TO SIR JOHN PASTON2
'To Syr John Paston^ Knyht, be this delyverid in Calice.
MASTER Paston, I recommaund me to yow; and by [march?]
cause that I have wrytyn to yow iij. long letteres ;
which as yet be answereles, I wote not whether that
the length of mater acumbred yow, or elles the simpylnes of
the effect displesid yow, or elles that ye have utterly refusid
the proferes of my pore servyce and frendeship ; but which of
these soo ever hit be, hit hevyeth me.
Syr, hit nedith not, I trow, to send yow the tidynges of
these partyes, how be hit I have thryes send yow such as here
were, in entent that ye shuld send us of yowres ; but as long
as my lord and yowres is there, ye can not faile to have the
certeynte of all owre English aventures, which is grete ese to
yowr frendes and servauntes in this contre, for so much as ,
they may make her letteres shorter by so much.
Syr, at the wrytyng of this letter, I was in Kent, where all
thyng that I rejoisid, I wishid yow part of, or all ; and as for
1 Margaret, daughter of Sir John Scot, and wife to Edmund Bedingfeld. — F.
2 [From Paston mss., B.M.] This letter was probably written about the end of
March 1477, as the first of the three which preceded (No. 906) was received by Sir
John in Calais on the 1 6th of the month.
279
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 myself, I am styll yowr ser vaunt and bedeman, and so am
[march?] bownd to be so sore and sewrely, that I can not unbynde
me.
Syr, this is the v. letter that I have sent yow, whereyn
thys entent that folowyth was all wayes on, that is to say, that
hit plesid yow sum on day to take so much labour for me for
to se the jentyllest hors in Calice that is to be sold, and to lett
me know of his colowre, dedes, and price, remembryng that
he be also large as mesure wyll, for I love no small hors, nor
hors that wyll evyr be lene and slendyr ; but I wold have hym
hye truttyng, if hit wylbe, and if he be styryng with all, he
shall plese me the better, for I wuld have hym all for the plesur,
and for the werre, but if he myht be for bothe. Veryly ther
is no tidynges on that side the se, safe only the welfare of yow
and all other there, that I wuld so fayne here of as of a jentyll
trottyng hors that were lyght and pleasaunt in dedes, if eny
such be there. Flemysh hors I thenk ye have y nowh that
wyll play for a myle or ij., but such we have here also ; how
be hit I pray yow send me word of yowre store, and be sewre
of the price, if ye like eny, or elles let sum man for yow.
No more, but God kepe yow, prayyng yow to recom-
maund me to my cosyn Syr John Scot, and to Syr Tyry
Robsert. Let the letter be sent to the godewif of yowr
loggyng. By yowr John Pympe.
908
JOHN PYMPE TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
To Master Sir John Fasten^ Knight, be this
letter delyvered in Calis.
1477 I />RESH amorouse sihts of cuntreys ferre and straunge
ri Have all fordoone " your old affeccion ;
In plesurys new, your hert dooth score and raunge
So hye and ferre, that like as the fawcon
1 [From Fenn, ii. 234.] We may as well place this letter — the only remaining
one of the series that has been preserved — immediately after the other two. John
Pympe seems to have been a very industrious correspondent, and the art of writing, in
prose or verse, came to him very easily. 2 Destroyed. — F.
280
EDWARD IV
Which is alofte, tellith scorne to loke a down 1477
On hym that wont was her feders to pyke and ympe ; ^
Ryht so forgotyn ye have your pore Pympe,
That wrytith, sendith, and wisshith alday your wele
More than his owne ; but ye ne here, ne se,
Ne sey, ne send, and evyr I write and sele
In prose and ryme, as well as hit will be.
Sum evyll tong, I trow, myss sayeth of me
And ells your fast and feithfull frendelynes
Ye thenk mysspent on such as I, I gesse.
I wyll abate my customable concourse,
To yow so costuouse,' whan so evyr ye com agayn.
Which that I fele of reson, by the course
Of my proferid servyce, hath made yow so unfayne ;
For veryly the water of the fowntayne
With brede only forthwith yowre presens
Me shuld content much more than your expense.
But ay deme I thus that Fortun hath hyryd yow.
For she but late of sorowys moo than many
Hath rakyd un to myn hert an hepe more than a moowe.
And wuld that ye shuld ley thereon on hye
Your hevy unkyndenes to make hit fast to lye,
And God knowth well hit cannot long lye there
But hit wyll bryng me to the chirch bere.
Take hit awaye therefore, y praye yow fayre,
For hardyly my hert beryth hevy y nowh,
For there is Sorow at rest as in hys chayre,
Fixid so fast with hys prikks rowh,
That in gode feith I wote not whan I lowh,^
For, Master Paston, the thyng whereon my blisse
Was holly sette, is all fordoone, I wysse.
By your John Pympe,
thes beyng the vj. letter that I have send yow.
1 A term in Falconry, signifying the adding a piece to a feather in a hawk's
wing. — F. ^ Expensive.
3 Laughed ? Fenn in his modern version reads ' when I love.'
281
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 Alway prayyng yow to remembre the hors that I have in
every letter wryten for ; as thus, that hit wuld plese yow to
undrestond who hath the gentyllest hors in trottyng and
steryng that is in Calis, and if he be to sell, to send me word
of hys pris, largenesse, and colour, Hytt is told me, that the
Master Porter hath a coragiouse ronyd hors, and that he wuld
putt hym away by cause he is daungerous in companye ; and
of that I force \_care] not, so that he be not chorlissh at a spore,
as plungyng ; and also I sett not by hym, but if he trotte hye
and gentilly. No more, but God kepe yow.
John Pympe.
909
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
To hys weell helovyd brother^ John Paston, Esquyer.
1RECOMANDE me to yow, letyng yow weete that 1
receyvyd a letter of yowres by Edward Hensted ij. dayes
aftre that Whetley was departyd from me, whyche he
hadde forgetyn in hys caskett, as he seyde, wherofFI sholde have
sent yow answer by Whetley, iff I had hadde it toffore he
wente, notwithstandyng I am ryght lothe to wryghte in that
mater offte ; for for a conclusion I wrote to my moodre by
Peerse Moody alle that I myght and wolde doo ther in. Ye
have also nowe wretyn ageyn. Yow neede nott to praye me
to doo that myght be to yowr profyght and worship, that I
myght doo ofter than ones, or to late me weete theroff ; for to
my power I wolde do for yow, and take as moche peyne for
yowr weell, and remembre itt when per case ye sholde nott
thynke on it yowr selffe, I wolde be as gladde that one gaffe
yow a maner of xx//. by yeer, as iff he gave it to my selff by
my trowthe.
Item, wher ye thynke that I may with concience recom-
pence it ageyn on to owr stokke off other londys that I have
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] This letter is clearly written in answer to an
application by John Paston to his brother to aid him in making arrangements with
Sir Thomas Brews in the spring of 1477. Although the signature is lost, the hand-
writing is that of Sir John Paston.
282
EDWARD IV
off that valywe in fee symple, it is so that Snaylwell, by my 1477
grauntefadres will ones, and by my fadris will sceconderely, is
entaylyd to the issyw of my fadres body.
Item, as for Sporle xx//, by yeer, I hadde ther off butt xx.
marke by yere, whyche xx. marke by yeer and the x. marke
ovyr, I have endangeryd, as ye weell knowe off that bargayne,
whyche, iff itt be nott redemyd, I most recompence some other
maner off myne to one off my bretheryn for the seyde x.
marke, ovyr xx. marke that longyth to me ; wherffor I kepe
the maner off Runham. Than have I fe symple londe the
maner of Wynterton with Bastwyk and Billys, whyche in alle is
nott XX. marke by yeer, whyche is nott to the valywe off the
maner off Sparham. And as for Castre, it weer noo conven-
yent londe to exchange for suche a thyng, nor it weer not
polesy for me to sett that maner in suche case for alle maner
of happis. I nede nott to make thys excuse to yowe, but that
yowr mynde is troblyd. I praye yow rejoyse nott yowr sylffe
to moche in hope to opteyne thynge that alle yowr freendys
may nott ease yow off; for if my moodre were dysposyd to
gyve me and any woman in Ingelande the best maner that she
hathe, to have it to me and my wyffe, and to the heyres off our
too bodyes begotyn, I wolde nott take it off hyr, by God.
Stablysshe your selffe uppon a goode grownde, and grace
shall folowe. Yowr mater is ferre spoken off, and blowyn
wyde, and iff it preve noo better, I wolde that it had never be
spoken off. Also that mater noysyth me that I am so on-
kynde that I lett alle togedre. I thynke notte a mater happy,
nor weell handelyd, nor poletykly dalte with, when it can never
be fynysshyd with owte an inconvenyence ; and to any suche
bargayne I kepe never to be condescentyng, ner of cowncell.
Iffe I weer att the begynnyng of suche a mater, I wolde have
hopyd to have made a better conclusyon, if they mokke yow
notte. Thys mater is drevyn thus ferforthe with owte my
cowncell, I praye yow make an ende with owte my cowncell.
Iffe it be weell, I wolde be glad ; iff it be oderwyse, it is pite.
I praye yow troble me no moore-in thys mater. . . }
1 The lower part of this letter seems to have been cut off, and how much is lost
does not appear.
283
THE PASTON LETTERS
910
JOHN PASTON AND MARGERY BREWS 1
1477 1^ yff'EMORANDUM. — To kepe secret fro my moder that
V/ I the bargayn is full concludyd.
Item, to let hyr have fyrst knowlage that in the
chapell, wher as ye wold had ben no book nye by x. myle, that
vvhyn Mastyr Brews seyd that he wold shortly have eyther
more lond in joyntour then Sweynsthorp and x. mark ought
of Sparham, or ellys that some frend of myne shold paye the
v'f-ii., so that it shold not be payed of the maryage money,
that then I sware on a book to hym that I wold never of my
mocyon endanger moder nor broder ferther then I had done ;
for I thought that my modyr had done myche for me to geve
me the maner of Sparham in syche forme as she had done.
But Mastyr Breus wyll not agre, with ought that my mastress
hys doughter and I be mad swer of it now in hand, and that
we may take the hole profytes, what so ever fortune.
Item, to enforme my moder that if so be that we may be
pute in possessyon of all the hole maner duryng oure two
lyves, and the lengest of leveing, that then Mastyr Brews wyll
geve me in maryage with my mastresse hys doughter CCCC.
markes, payable in hand 1//., and so yerly Hi. tyll the some of
CCCC. mark bew full payed.
Item, that wher as he had leyd up C/i. for the maryage of
a yonger doughter of hys, he wylle lend me the same C//. and
xx/z. more, to pledge ought my lond, and he to be payed ayen
hys C//. and xx//. by x/i. by yer.
Item, to avyse my modyr that she brek not for the yerly
valew of Sparham above the x. mark dwryng hyr lyve.
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] This paper, which is in John Paston's hand, was
evidently written about the same time as the letter immediately following, in which it
is mentioned that Margaret Paston had given up the manor of Sparham to her son.
The paper is endorsed in a more modern hand : ' Notes touching the mariage betwene
Jo. Paston, Ar', and Margery Brews.' *
284
EDWARD IV
911
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 1
To my ryght worshypfull moodre, Margret Paston.
PLEASE it yow to weete, that I have receyvyd yowr letter, 1477
wherein is remembryd the gret hurte, that by liklihod march 28
myght fFalle to my brother, iff so be that thys matter
betwyn hym and Sir Thomas Brewses doghtre take nott effecte ;
wheroff I wolde be as sory as hym selffe reasonably ; and also
the welthy and convenyent marriage that scholde be iff it take
effecte ; wheroff I wolde be as gladde as any man ; and ame
better content nowe, that he sholde have hyr, than any other,
that evyr he was hertoffoor abowte to have hadde, consyderyd
hyr persone, her yowthe, and the stok that she is comyn offe,
the love on bothe sydes, the tendre ffavor that she is in with
hyr ffader and mooder, the kyndenesse off hyr ffadr and moodr
to hyr in departyng with hyr, the ffavor also, and goode con-
ceyte that they have in my brother, the worshypfull and
vertuous dysposicion off hyr ffadr and moodr, whyche pro-
nostikyth that, of lyklihod, the mayde sholde be vertuous and
goode ; all which concyderyd, and the necessary relyffe that
my brother most have, I mervayle the lesse, that ye have
departyd, and gevyn hym the maner off Sperham, in such
fforme as I have knowleche off by W. Gornay, Lomner, and
Skypwyth ; and I ame ryght gladde to se in yow suche kynde-
nesse on to my brother as ye have doon to hym ; and wolde
by my trowthe lever than Qli. that it weer ffee symple londe, as
it is entaylyd, whyche by liklyhood scholde prosper with hym
and hys blode the better in tyme to come, and sholde also
never cause debate in owr bloode in tyme to come, whyche
Godde dyffende, ffor that weer onnaturell.
Item, another inconvenyence is, wher as I undrestande that
the maner is gevyn to my brother, and to hys wyff, and to the
issywe bytwen them bygoten ; iff the case weer soo, that he
1 [From Fenn, ii. 238.]
285
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 and she hadde yssywe togedr a dowtr or moo, and hys wyffe
MARCH 28 dyed, and he marled afftr another, and hadde Issywe a sone,
that sone sholde have noon londe, and he beyng hys ffadres
heyr, and ffor th'enconvenyence that I have knowe let in ur^
in case lyke, and yit enduryth in Kente, by tweyn a jentylman
and his suster, I wolde ye toke the advyce off yowr concell in
thys poynt, and that that is past yow by wrightyng or by
promise, I deme verrely in yow, that ye dyd it off kyndenesse,
and in eschywyng off a moor yll that myght befall.
Item, wher as it pleasyth yow that I sholde ratefye, grawnt,
or conferme the seyd gyfte on to my brother, it is so, that
with myn honeste I may nott, and ffor other cawses. The
Pope will suffre a thyng to be usyd, but he will nott lycence
nor grant it to be usyd nor don, and soo I, My brother
John knowyth myn entent weel i now heer to ffoor in this
mater; I will be ffownde to hym as kynde a brother as I
may be.
Item, iff it be soo that Sir T. Brews and hys wyff thynke
that I wolde troble my brother and hys wyff in the seid maner,
I can ffynde no meene to putte them in sywerte ther off, but
iff it neede, to be bownde in an obligacion with a condicion
that I shalle nott trowble ner infete them therin.
Item, I thynke that she is made sywer i now in astate in
the londe, and that off ryght I deme they shall make noone
obstacles at my wryghtyng, ffor I hadde never none astate in
the londe, ner I wolde nott that I had hadde.
No mor to yow at thys tyme, but AUmyghty God have
yow in kepyng.
Wretyn at Caleys, the xxviij. daye of Marche, anno E.
iiij. xvij°.
By yowr sone, J. Paston K.
1 In ure, i.e. in practice.
286
EDWARD IV
912
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON^
"To John Pas ton, Esquyer.
RYGHT worshypfuU and hertely belovyd brother, I 1477
recomaunde me to yow, letyng yow weete, that as april 14
by Pyrse Moody, when he was heer, I hadde no
leyser to sende answer in wryghtyng to yow, and to my
cosyne Gurnaye, off yowr letteris ; butt ffor a conclusion ye
shalle ffynde me to yow as kynde as I maye be, my conciense
and worshyp savyd, whiche, when I speke with yow and them,
ye bothe shall weell undrestande. And I praye God sende
yow as goode speede in that mater as I wolde ye hadde, and
as I hope ye shall have er thys letter come to yow ; and I
praye God sende yow yssywe betwyne yow, that maye be
as honorable as ever was any off your ancestris and theris,
wheroff I wolde be as gladde in maner as off myn owne.
Wherffor I praye yow sende me worde how ye doo, and iff
Godde ffortune me to doo weell, and be off any power, I woll
be to Sir Thomas Brewse, and my lady hys wyffe, a verry
sone in lawe ffor yowr sake, and take them as ye doo, and
doo ffor them as iff I weer in case like with them as ye bee.
No moor, but Jesus have yow in kepyng.
Wretyn at Caleys, the xiiij. daye off Aprill, anno E. iiij.
xvij°.
As ffor tydyngs her, the Frenshe Kynge hathe gothen
many off the towns off the Duk of Burgoyne, as Seynt
Quyntyns, Abevyle, Motrell ; and now off late he hathe
goten Betoyne and Hedynge with the castell ther, whyche
is one off the ryallest castells off the worlde ; and on Sonday
at tYj^'^ the Ameralle off Fraunce leyde seege at Boloyne ; and
thys daye it is seyde, that the Frenshe Kynge shalle come
thyddr ; and thys nyght it is seyde, that ther was a vysion
seyne abowte the walls of Boloyne, as it hadde ben a woman
^ [From Fenn, ii. 244.]
287
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 with a mervylowse lyght ; men deme that Owr Lady ther will
APRIL 14 shewe hyrselff a lover to that towne. God fForfende that it
weer Frenshe, it weer worthe xl.m'7/. [^40,000] that it wer
Englyshe. J. Paston, K.
MARGARET PASTON TO DAME ELIZABETH BREWS 1
To the ryght wurchypfull and my verry good \lady and cosyn^
Dame Elyzabeth'Y' Br-ews.
JUNE II I ^ YGHT wurchepful and my cheff lady and cosyn, as
rv^ hertly as I can, I recomaunde me to yow. Madam,
lyeketh yow to undyrstand that the cheff cause of my
wrytyng to yow at thys season ys thys : I wot well yt ys not
unremembred with yow the large comunycacyon that dyvers
tymes hathe ben had towchyng the maryage of my cosyn
Margery, yowyr dowghter, and my son John ; of whyche I
have ben as glad, and now late wardes as sory, as evyr I was
for eny maryage in myn lyve. And wher or in whom the
defawte of the breche ys, I can have no perfyte knowlage ;
but, madam, yf yt be in me or eny of myn, I prey yow
assygne a day when my cosyn yowyr husbond and ye thynk to
be at Norwych to wardes Salle, and I wyll com theder to yow ;
and I thynk or ye and I departe, that the defawte schall be
knowe where yt ys, and also that, with yowyr advyse and helpe
and myn to gedyrs, we schall take some wey that yt schal not
breke ; for yf yt dyd, yt wer non honoure to neyther partyes,
and in cheff to them in whom the defawte ys, consyderyng
that it ys so ferre spokun.
And, madam, I prey yow that I may have perfyte know-
lage be my son Yelverton,^ berar here of, when thys metyng
schall be, y{ ye thynk it expedyent, and the soner the better,
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] This is another letter relative to the negotiations
for the marriage of John Paston and Margery Brews, which took place in 1477.
2 The words bracketed are indistinct, but we follow Fenn's reading.
3 William Yelverton, grandson of Judge Yelverton, now married to Anne Paston,
one of Margaret's daughters.
288
EDWARD IV
in eschewyng of worsse ; for, madam, I know well, yf yt be 1477
not concludyd in ryght schort tyme, that as for my son he June ii
entendyth to doo ryght well by my cosyn Margery, and not
so well by hym sylf, and that schuld be to me, nor I trust to
yow no gret plesur, yf yt so fortunyd, as God defFend, Whom
I beseche to send yow your levest desyers.
Madam, I besech yow that I may be recomawndyd by this
bylle to my cosyn yowr husbond, and to my cosyn Margery,
to whom I supposyd to have gevyn an othyr name or thys
tyme.
Wretyn at Mawteby, on Seynt Baritaby is Day.
By your, Margaret Paston.
914
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
T'o John Paston^ Esquyer.
1RECOMAND me to yow, letyng yow weete that I have june 23
spoken to Herry Colett,^ and entretyd hym in my best
wyse ffor yow, soo that at the last he is agreyd to a
resonable respyght ffor the xv//. that ye sholde have payd hym
at Mydsomer, as he seyth, and is gladde to do yow ease or
plesyr in all that he maye ; and I tolde hym that ye wolde, as
I supposyd, be heer at London, herr nott long to, and than he
lokyth afftr that ye sholde come see hym, ffor he is sheryff,
and hathe a goodely hows.
Item, my Lady off Oxenfforth^ lokyth afftr yow and
Arblaster bothe.
My Lord off Oxenfford * is nott comen in to Inglonde
that I can perceyve, and so the goode lady hathe nede off
helpe and cowncell howe that she shall doo.
^ [From Fenn, ii. 248.]
2 Sir Henry Colet was Lord Mayor of London in i486. — F.
3 Margaret, daughter of Richard Neville, Earl of Salisbury ; she was, during the
imprisonment of her lord, in great distress. — F.
* John de Vere, Earl of Oxford, was at this time a prisoner in the Castle of
Hammes, in Picardy ; what expectation there was of his coming into England at this
time I know not. — F.
VOL. V. — T 289
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 No moor at thys tyme, butt God have yow in kepyng.
JUNE 23 Wretyn att London on Seynt Awdryes Daye, anno E.
nij" xvij°.
Tydyngs butt that yisterdaye my Lady Marqueys off
Dorset/ whych is my Lady Hastyngs dowtr, hadyd chylde
a sone.
Item, my Lord Chamberleyn is comyn hyddr ffro Caleys,
and redyn with the Kynge to Wyndeshor, and the Kyng will
be here ageyn on Mondaye. J. P., K.
JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 2
JUNE 29 "T^ YGHT worchepfull and my most good and kynd moder.
1^ Moder, in as humbyll wyse as I can or may, I re-
comand me to yow, and beseche yow of your dayly
biyssyng. Moder, please it yow to undyrstond that tyll thys
day Dame Elyzabeth Brews hathe ben so syke that she myght
nevyr, sythe she cam to Salle, have leyser to comon of my
mater with Master Brews tyll thys day ; and thys day with
gret peyn, I thynk the rather because Heydon ^ was ther, the
mater was comond, but other answer than she hathe sent yow
in hyr lettre closed her in can she not have of hyr husbond.
Wherfor, modyr, if it please yow, myn advyse is to send hyr
answer ayen in thys forme folowing, of some other manys
hand.
[^Margarel Paston to Dame Elyzabeth Brews.^
' Ryght worchepfull and my verry good lady and cosyn,
1 Cecily, wife of Thomas Grey, Marquis of Dorset, was great grand-daughter
and heir of William Bonvile, Lord Bonvile, who was beheaded by order of Margaret
of Anjou, after the second battle of St. Albans in 1461.
2 [From Paston mss., B.M.] This letter, with the two subjoined, are drafts
written on the same paper in John Paston's hand. They must belong to the year
1477, being on the same subject, already so often referred to, of the negotiations for
John Paston's marriage. Fenn had added addresses to all these letters, and a signature
to the first, which are not in the original MS.
3 John Heydon of Baconsthorpe, who died on the 27th September 1479. —
Inquisition p.m., 19 Edw. iv.. No. 72.
290
EDWARD IV
as hertly as I can, I recomand me to yow. And, madam, I 1477
am ryght sory, if it myght be otherwyse, of the dysease, as I J^^^ ^9
undyrstand by the berer herof, that my cosyn your husbond
and ye also have had a season, whyche I prey God soone to
redresse to your bothe easeis. And, madam, I thank yow
hertly that ye have remembred the mater to my cosyn your
husbond, that I spak with you of at syche tyme as I was last
with you at Norwyche, to my gret comfort. And I wyse,
madam, I am ryght sory that John Fasten is no more for-
tunate then he is in that mater ; for, as I undyrstand by your
lettyr, my cosyn your husbond wyll geve but an C//., whyche
is no money lyek for syche a joyntore as is desyred of my son,
thow hys possybylyte wer ryght easy. But, madam, when I
mad that large grant in the maner of Sperham that I have
mad to hym and my cosyn your doughter, he told me of an
other some that he shold have with hyr then of an C/i. He
hathe befor thys be wont to tell me none untrowthe ; and what
I shall deme in thys mater, I can not sey, for me thynkyth if
more then an C/i. wer promysyd on to hym by my cosyn your
husbond and yow, that ye wold not lett to geve it hym, with
ought so wer that I or he abryggyd eny thyng of our promess,
whyche I wot well neyther I or he intend to do, if I mav
undyrstand that hys seying to me was trowthe, and that it may
be performyd ; but wyst I that he told me otherwyse then my
cosyn yowr husbond and ye promysed hym, to deseyve me of
Sparham, by my trowthe, thow he have it, he shall lese as
myche for it, iff I leve, and that shall he well undyrstand the
next tyme I se hym.
' And, madam, I pray God send us good of thys mater, for
as for hys broder Sir John also, I sent ones to hym for it to
have mad good the same graunt that I grauntyd yow with hys
assent, to them and to ther issu of ther ij. bodyes lawfully
comyng, and he dyd not ther in as I desyred hym. And ther
for I prey yow pardon me for sendyng on to hym eny more ;
for, madam, he is my sone, and I can not fynd in my hert to
becom a dayly petycyoner of hys, sythe he hathe denyed me
onys myn axing. Peraventure he had ben better to have
performyd my desyer ; and what hys answer was on to me,
291
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 John Paston can tell yow as well as I. But, madam, ye ar a
JUNE 29 moder as well as I, wher I prey tak it non other wyse hot
well, that 1 may not do by John Paston, as ye wyll have me
to do ; for, madam, thow I wold he dyd well, I have to purvey
for more of my chylder then hym, of whyche some be of that
age, that they can tell me well inow that I dele not evenly
with theym to geve John Paston so large, and theym so lytyll ;
and, madam, for syche grwgys and other causys, I am ryght
sory that the graunte is knowyn that I have mad, with ought
it myght take eifect. And therfor, madam, fro hensforthe I
remyght all thyng to yowr dyscressyon, besechyng yow, the
rather for my sake, to be my son Johnis good lady ; and I
prey God preserve yow to Hys plesure, send yow hastyly
yowr hele ayen, and my cosyn yowr husbond also, to whom I
prey yow that I may hertly be recomandyd, and to my cosyns
Margery and Margaret Byllyngforthe.
' Wretyn at Mawtby, on Seynt Petrys Day.
* Yowr, Margaret Paston.'
' An other lettyr to me that I may shewe.
' I gret yow well, and send you Godes blessyng and myn,
letyng yow wet that I undyrstand well by my cosyn. Dame
Elyzabeth Brewsys lettyr, whyche I sende yow her with,
wherby ye may undyrstand the same, that they intend not to
performe thos proferys that ye told me they promysyd yow,
trustyng that ye told me none other wyse then was promysed
yow. Wherfor I charge yow on my blyssyng that ye be well
ware how ye bestow your mynd with ought ye have a substance
wher upon to leve ; for I wold be sory to wet yow myscary ;
for if ye do, in your defawt looke never aftyr helpe of me.
And also I wold be as sory for hyr as for eny gentywoman
leveing, in good feythe ; wherfor I warne yow, be ware in eny
wyse ; and look ye be at Mawtby with me as hastyly as ye
can, and then I shall tell yow more. And God kepe yow.
' Wretyn at Mawtby, on Seynt Petrys Day.
' Your modyr, M. P.'
292
EDWARD IV
916
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 1
'To the ryght worshypfull Mestresse Margret Paston.
PLEASE it yow to weete that I have receyvyd yowr letter, 1477
wretyn the Tywesdaye nexte afFtre Seynt James Daye, aug. 7
wherin ye desyre me to remembre Kokett, and also to
be helpyng to my brother Johnes mariage. As for Kokett, as
God helpe me, I knowe nott yitt the meanes possible that I
myght paye hym by thatt daye, fFor thoos materis that be off
grettest wyght and charge, and that stonde nerrest my weell,
that is to seye, the sywerte off the maner off Castre, and the
mater betwen Anne Hault and me shall, with Goddes grace,
thys terme be at a perffyght ende, whyche will charge me
fferther than I have mony as yitt, or lyke to have byffor that
tyme, off myne owne, and, as God helpe me, I wote nott where
to borow.
Item, 1 most paye with in thys iij. yeer iiij*^- [400] marke
to Towneshende, or ellis fforffett the maner off Sporle, and
thus my charges be gretter than I maye a weye with, concidryd
suche helpe as I have ; and iff it ffortunyd that I fforffetyd the
maner off Sporle, ye weer never lyke to se me myry afftre, so
God helpe me. Ye gave me ones xx/z. to it wardes, and ye
promyttyd as moche, whyche I receyvyd, and synnys off my
mony off seide maner growyng that come to yowr handys was
receyvyd by yow ageyn the seyd xl//., whyche, when Kokett
scholde be payed, was nott yowr ease to departe wyth. Never-
thelesse ye may yitt, when yow lyketh, perfforme yowr sayde
gyffte and promyse, and thys somme owyng to Kokett is nott
so moche ; neverthelesse I suppose that ye be nott so weell
purveyed. Wherffor, iff it please yow at yowr ease her afftre
to performe yowr seyde gyffte and promyse, so that I may
have it with in a yer or ij. or yitt iij., I sholde per case gete
yowr obligacion to yow ageyn ffrom Kokett, and he pleasyd.
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 WherfFor I beseche vow that I maye have an assyngnement of
AUG. 7 suche dettes as been owyng yow, payeable at leyser off suche
mony as is owyng ffor the woode at Basyngham or ellys wher ;
ffor, so God helpe me, I sholde ellys wylfuUy ondoo myselffe,
wherin I beseche yow to sende me an answer in hast.
Item, as towchyng the mariage off my brother John, I have
sente hym myn advyce, and tolde hym wherto he shall truste,
and I have grauntyd hym as moche as I maye. I wolde that I
weer at on communycacion atwyen them for hys sake, whyche
I sholde if I myght. As for my comyng home, I ame nott
yitt sertayn therof ; I shalle hast me as faste as I canne, with
the grace of God, Who have yow in Hys kepyng.
I beseche yow to remembre the premyssis, and to helpe
me, and with Goddes grace, thes ij. materis above wretyn,
bothe of Castre and Mestresse Anne Hault, shall be endyd to
my profyth and rest, and moor ovyr, er awghte longe to, with
Goddes grace, the maner of Sporle to be owte of danger ;
promyttyng yow that I shall doo in Kokettes mater as moche
as is possible for me to doo to yower plesyr. It shall never
neede to prykk nor threte a free horse. I shall do whatt
I can.
Wretyn the Thorysdaye next byffore Seynt Lawrence, anno
E. iiij'' xvij.
By yowre sone,
John Paston, K.
917
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
AUG. 11 '\7'T ys soo that I undyrstonde be yowyr letter wretyn
I the Thyrsday nexte be fore Seynt Lauerons, that ze
wulde have knowlage how that I wuld be demenyd in
Cokettes mater ; qweche I send you here undyr wretyn. I
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] This letter is not addressed, the original being a
corrected draft, but there is no doubt it was written to Sir John Paston in reply to the
last. It is endorsed in a more modern hand : ' Copia literae Jo. Paston, mil., a matre
sua.'
294
EDWARD IV
putte yow in certeyn that I wuU nevyr pay him peny of that 1477
duty that ys owyng to hym, thow he sue me for yt, not of aug. i i
myn owyn pursse ; for I wul nat be compellyd to pay yowyr
dettes azens my well, and thow I wuld, I may nat. Where
fore I a wyse yow to see me savyd harmelesse azens hym for
yowyr owyn a wauntage in tyme cumyng, for yf I pay yt, at
longe wey ze xall here the losse.
And where as ze wryte to me that I gave yow xx//., and
promysyd odyr xx//., that ys nat soo, for I vvutte wele yf I had
soo doon, ze wuld nat assynyd me be yowyr letterys of yowyr
owyn hande wrytyng, the whech 1 have to schew, that I schuld
resseyve a zen the same summe of Wylliam Pecok, and of
yowyr fermores, and byars of yowyr wood of Sporle ; and take
this for a full conclusyon in thys mater, for yt xall be noon
othyr v/yse for me than I wryte here to yow.
I mervel meche that ze have delte azen soo symply wyth
Sporle, consyderyng that ze and yowyr frendys had so meche
to doo for to geetyt yow azen onys ; and ye havyng noo
gretter materes of charge than ze have had sythyn yt was laste
pleggyt owte, yt causyth me to be in gret dov/te of yow what
yowyr dysposycion wul be here aftyr for swheche lyfelood as
I have be dysposyd before this tyme to leve yow after my
decesse. For I thynke veryly that ye wulde be dysposyd here
aftyr to selle or sette to morgage the lond that ye xulde have
after me yowyr modyr as gladdly and rathyr than that lyfe
lood that ye have after yowyr fadyr. Yt grevyth me to
thynke upon yowyr gydeyng after the greet good that ze have
had in yowyr rewle sythyn yowyr fadyr deyyd, whom God
assoyle, and soo symply spendyt as yt hath ben. God geve
yow grace to be of sadde and good dysposyn here after to
Hys plesans, and comforte to me, and to all yowyr frendys,
and to yowyr wurchyp and profyte here after.
And as for yowyr brothyr WylHam, I wuld ye xulde
purvey for hys fyndyng, for as I told yow the laste tyme that
ye ware at home, I wuld no lenger fynde hym at my cost and
charge ; hys boord and hys scole hyer ys owyng sythyn Seynt
Thomas Day afore Cristmesse, and he hathe greet nede of
gownys and odyr gere that whare necessary for hym to have
295
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 if^ haste. I wulde ze xulde remembyrt and purvey them, for
AUG. II as for me, I wul nat. I thynke ze sette butte lytyl be myn
blessyng, and yf ye dede, ye wulde a desyyrd yt in yowyr
wrytyng to me. God make yow a good man to Hys plesans.
Wretyn at Mawteby, the day after Seynt Lauerons, the
yere and the renge of Kyng E. the ilij'* the xvij. zere.
Be yowyr Modyr.
918
EDMUND BEDYNGFELD TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
Un to the ryght wurschepful Sir John Paston, Knyght.
AUG. 17
MASTER PASTON, after all dew recomandacion, and
herty dissire to here of your good hele, plese yt you
to wete I have spoken with Sir John of Medilton as
wel as I cowde, and yt had ben for myself, for his hoby that
ye dissired, and tolde hym he myght wel forbere hym no we in
as moche as Mastres Jane was ded, and that yt is a great cost
for hym to kepe moo hors than he nedyth ; and he answered
me, that he wold selle hym with good will, but ther shuld no
man bie hym under x/z. Flemesch ; ^ and I offered hym in
your name, x. marke, for he wold not here of none other
ambelyng horse, that ye myght geve hym therfore. And also
my lord dissired to have bowte hym for the Lord Schauntrell
that is chefF capteyn of Seynt Omers ; and he wold no lesse
lete my lord have hym than x//. and so my lord bowte another,
and gave hym the seide lord, for he thoughte this to dere ;
neverthelesse he wol not selle hym to no man under that
mony, that he sette hym on, and so ye may bye your plesur in
hym and ye lest ; for otherwyse he wol not doo for you, as I
conseve.
* [From Fenn, ii. 250.] The events referred to in this letter prove that it was
written in the year 1477.
2 Between ^5 and ^^6 English, and equal in value to upwards of ^20 at this
present time, apparently a great price for a hobby. — F.
296
EDWARD IV
And as for tydyngs in theyse partyes, the Frenche Keng 1477
leyzth at sege at Seynt Omers, on the one side of the town a ^ug. 17
myle of, but he hath no gret ordenaunce ther ; and they of the
town skyrmysh with them every day, and kepe a passage halff a
myle with oute the town ; and the French Keng hath brenned
all the townys, and fayre abbeys, that were that way aboute
Seynt Omers, and also the cornes weche ar there. And also,
as yt ys seide for serteyn, the French Keng hath brenned
Cassell, that ys myn hoold Lady of Burgeynys^ joynttor, and
all the countre there aboute, whereby she hath lost a gret part
of her lyvelod ; and that is a sherewed tokyn that he menyth
wel to the Keng, howur sufFereygn Lord, when he intendyth to
distroye her,
Morover Sir Phylep de Crevekere hath takyn them that
were in Fynys with inne this iiij. dayes to the noumbre of xiiij.
personys, and the remnaunt where fled, and he had them to
the French Keng, and he hath brentte all the place, and pulled
down the towre, and a part of the wall, and disstroyed yt.
And as yt is seid, yf the French Keng can not gete Seynt
Omers, that he intendyth to brenge his armye thorwe theyse
marchys into Flaundres ; wherefore my lord hath do brokyn
all the passages excep Newham bryge, weche is wached, and
the turne pyke shette every nyght. And the seide French
Keng with inne these iij. dayes ray led gretely of my lord to
Tygyr Pursevaunt, opynly byfore ij. hundred of his folks ;
wherefore yt ys thaught here that he wold feynde a quarell to
sett upon thys town, yf he myght gete avantage. And as I
understonde, the Emperorys sone^ ys maryed at Gaunte as
this day ; and ther cam with hym but iiij. hundred horse, and
I can here of no moo that be comyng in serteyn; and in mony he
brengyth with hym an hundred thowsand dokets, wheche is but
a smalle thyng in regard for that he hath to doo. Wherefore,
I fere me sore, that Flaundres will be lost ; and yf Seynt
Omers be whonnyn, all is gon, in my conceyt. Never the
lesse they say there shuld come gret powere after the Em-
* Margaret, sister to Edward iv., widow of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.
2 Maximilian, son of the Emperor Frederick, married Mary, daughter and heir of
Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. — F.
297
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 perorys son ; but I be leve yt not, by cause they have ben so
AUG. 1 7 long of comyng.
And I pray you to recomaunde me unto Sir Tyrry Robsert,
and that yt plese you to lete hym knowe of your tydyngs, and
Hour Lord have you in His kepyng.
At Calais, the Sunday next after Hour Lady the Assump-
sion.
Your, E. Bedyngfeld.^
919
AGNES AND WILLIAM PASTON 2
AUG. 22 T^he names of the maners of Agnes Pas tons and William Fasten^ in
Norfolk^ how thai shuld he taken hede to this harvest^ anno
xvif.
And a copy of the same send to Richard Lynstede^ the xxij. day of
August^ anno xvij", per Bacheler Water.
Paston maner, . . . . Se that the fermour in his corne
on my moders fe. Seale dores
and distrayne, and put in a
newe fermour.
Wodemyl, Distrayne.
Latymers, Gadir the rente.
Sewardbysj Gadir the rente.
Trunche, Distrayne on the grounde after
it is felHd, while it lieth on my
moders fe.
Spriggeis, Gader the rente.
Knapton fe,
Crowmer, Gadir the rente.
Owstoonde, Distrayne.
' Edmund Bedyngfeld married Margaret, daughter of Sir John Scot, Comptroller
of Calais, and was created a Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of Richard iii. He
was highly in favour with Henry vii., who paid him a royal visit at Oxburgh, in
Norfolk, which fine seat he built. He died in 1+96. — F.
2 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] The heading of this document is taken from an
endorsement on the original ms.
298
EDWARD IV
Rowton,
Riston, .
Oxned maner.
Oxned mylle.
Caster Cleres,
Holkhams tenement,
The mersh in Caster,
Caster Bardolf, .
Caster Clere rentes,
Holham rentes, .
Ormysby my fe, .
Somerton, .
Thirn, . . . ,
Sowth Walsham, .
Halvyrzates, .
Todenham,
Cokfeldes, .
Apawys,
Marlyngfor maner, .
Marlyngford mylle, .
Merlyngforde tenauntes.
Melton
Bonwell,
Carleton,
Thuxstons,
Lynghall nuper Dokkynges,
Distrayne, and arest the fermour.
Lete Lynstedes brother gader the
rente.
Se the fermour in his croppe, and
after seale doris and distrayne,
and lete hym not renne in dette
as other fermours did.
Se the fermour in his croppe, and
after seall doris and distrayne,
and lete hym not renne in dette
as other fermours did.
Aske the ferme.
Aske the ferme.
Aske the ferme.
Aske the ferme a rent.
Distrayne tenauntes.
Se that he in his corn, and seall
dores and distrayne, til he
fynde suerty.
Aske the ferme.
Aske the rente, and areste Smyth.
Aske the rente.
Se he in his corn, and seall dores
and distrayne.
Sele doris and distrayne.
Seale doris and distrayne.
Distrayne.
Se the croppe inned, and seale
doris and distrayne.
Aske rente.
Aske rente.
Aske rente.
Aske rente fro Mich. xvj. till
xvij° and distrayne.
299
1477
AUG. 22
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477
AUG. 22
Bulmans nuper Dokkynges,
Yeaxham nuper Dokkynges,
Styberd nuper Dokkynges,
Thymbilthorp nuper Dok-
kynges.
Aske rente fro Mich, xvj° til
xvij°, and exorte Martyn to
kepe the ferme still, and if he
woll not, praye hym to gete a
noder.
Aske rente fro Mich. xyj° till
xvij°, and gete a newe fermour,
and increse the rente, and
make a newe terrar and rentall.
Aske rent fro Mich. xv° till
Mich. xvij°, and distrayne, and
allowe no dewty of Dokkynges
in abatyng my rente.
Aske rente fro Mich. xv° till
Mich. xvij°, and distrayne, and
allowe noe dewty of Dokkynges
in abatyng my rente.
These maners that are trahid take gode hede that ye be in
gode suertye of them this harvest tyme.
920
SIR JOHN PASTON'S WILLi
OCT. 31 [I, JOHN PASTON,] Knyght, in the last day of 0[ctober,
Anno] Domini m'cccclxxvj°, will, graunte, and be queth my
sowle to All myghty God, and to the Marye,
Seint John Baptist, Seint Gorge, Seint Cristofur, and Seint
Barbara ; and my body, yf I dyghe ny the Cyte of London,
[to the chapel] of Owre Lady in the Whithe Frerys there, at
the Northeest corner of the body of the chyrche, and there to
be made an orator[y] or muche leke as ys
over Sir Thomas Browne in the Frere Prechours, to the valour
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] The original of this document is mutilated. It is
endorsed in a more modern hand, 'Testamentum Johannis Paston Senioris militis.'
300
EDWARD IV
of xx//., SO that it may cause ther prayours ^477
there, the rather to remembre my sowle, and to pray therefore ; °'^"^* 3 *
and that there be gevyn to the behofF at plotte
of grounde be made suer unto me for ever the some of xx.
marc.
dayly, be the space of an holl yere,
by soumme well disposed brother of the same howse, and that
the seyd brother [not]withstondyng yf I
decesse in the counte of Norffolk, or there nye abouute, I
wolde my bodye were buried at the prio[ry of Bromholm]
un to the Founders Toumbe, which arche is
unto the North syde, and ryght agayn my fadyr toum[be]
ith an awter and a toumbe for me,
to the value of xx//., and that the howse there have a rewarde
to the frerys of London, and
that there be also a broder of that howse to synge for my sowle
by one salarye.
a closette made at my cost over my faders body ther .
of xx//., so that owre cousyns .
have the more devocion to that place,
and the rather reste there bodyes there the encresse of the
encrese and profile of the howse,
and reste on the religeus there of, lyke as owr auncetours have
[a]nd to the entent that I disclosed
but on to fewe persons concernyng the fee ferme that is payed
Duke of Suffolk.
[Item, I will that my bro]ther, John, yf I dye with owth
yssue leffull of my bodye, have the maner of Swaywell to hym
and accordyng to the willez both of
myn graunfader and of my fader, on whos sowles God have
mercye, the esse.
[Item, I will that the] Bysshoppe of Wynchester, or his
assygnes, woll and fynde suerte to do founde at the lyste iiij.
prestys of John Fastolf and
his frendys, &c., at Caster, and that there be bylded loggyng
conveniant for those
adjoynyng uppon the bakhous over the gardeyn withouuth the
301
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 mote on the Weste syde of my
o'^i"-3i in the seid maner or maners yn Caster, graunt by chartour,
grounde, space, and londe, convenyant for such
. . entre and yssue therunto, and to that entent, and
byldyng or purchasyng of license of the kyng
profitez of the seid maners holly be expendid the
terme of vij. yerez next after my dissece ; and, moreover, .
resorte theder in his owne persone to
over see the werkys or byldyng or establyssyng of the seyd
howse [he shall h]ave playn lyberte to dwell withinne my seid
maner and fortresse the seid terme of vij. yerez, and that .
. . estys.
[chajpell of Seint
John Baptyst, withyn the seyd towne of Caster, with all the
profitez yerly of that same begeny[ng]
. ed to the seyd college or howse for evermore, with
lycence therunto had of the Kyng and of the Pope, with . . .
in Caster before seyd, which londis, with the
seyd chapell, schalbe of the yerly value of vij//- yerly .
. ment of one prest above the charge that the Bysshope
wyll do to pray for the sowles of my fader
. Thomas Lyndys, clerk, and of Sir John Dawbeney.
And that after this above wretyn be performed, yf that . . .
. es make astate by fyne reryd and enrolled in the
Kynges courte of the seid maner and maners in Castre . . .
yssue of his bodye laufully comyeng,
and for defaute of yssue of his body lawfully
[remjayne to the issue of my moders lawfully commynge.
And for defaute of yssue of her body lawfully commyng
myn uncle, Edward Maudeby, and to the
yssue of his body lawfully commynge. And that for defaute
[comm]yng that the seyd maners
remayn to my cousyn, Sir William Calthorp, and to the right
eyrez defaute of issue
of his body lawfully commynge, the seyd maners to reverte to
the
[Item, I will that the priest of the chap]ell of the seyd
collage be presented by the lordys of my seid maner . .
302
EDWARD IV
ed by Syr John 1477
FastolfF. o'^^- 3 1
eryng de eadem villa vendatur per executores meos ad perim-
plendum et persolvendum
em invenetit securitatem ad redimendum manerium de Sporle
prasdictum, quod si ipse x. acr'
terras de eisdem perquesit' de Johanne Kendall tempore debito
dentur praedicto Johanni fratri [meo et haeredibus suis legiti]me
procreatis ; et defectu exitus legitimi de praedicto Johanne
fratre meo, tunc prasdictas terras et tenementa remaneant . .
triavi mei, legittime pro-
creatis ; et pro defectu exitus legittimi praedicti triavi mei, tunc
remaneant Willelmo [et haeredibus ijpsius
Willelmi legitime procreatis ; et pro defectu exitus legitimi
praedicti Willelmi, tunc omnia praedicta terras et tenementa
[remaneant] assignatis imperpetuum ; pro-
viso quod executores testamenti Willelmi Pekering habeant x.
marcas pro et habeat xxxvij. acras terras de
praedictis terris sibi per voluntatem patris ejus assignatis sive
legatis si tantas terras quae
idem Johannes vendidit sint de numero illarum acrarum sibi
limitatarum per Nicholaum patrem prasdicti Johannis ac .
recompensacionem ; eo quod idem
Johannes forte credidit quod ipse juste potuit vendere, quasque
terrae et tenementa in feofamento [pat]ris,
non obstante quod pater prasdictus non declaravit quicquid
faciendum de dictis terris suis ultra certas acras
. . . . na ipsius patris.
3<^3
THE PASTON LETTERS
921
WILLIAM PEKOC TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
'To my ryth worschepffull master^ Sir John Paston, Knyth, logyd
at the Goorge, be Powll Warffe, in London^ in hast.
j.yy "Ti YTH worchepful sir, I recomand me to yowr good
NOV. 19 rv masterchep. Plseyth you to wete that I have pur-
-*- ^ weyid for for your heryng a non after your depart-
yng, but I can yet no caryage, nowthir owte of Yermowth,
ner in no oder place be twyn Wynterton and Leystoft, nowthir
be lond nor be the se, not yet ; and specyally for your swanes.
Hery Cook seyth he woUe no more come on the se with his
good wylle. Ther is no man wyllyng to del with your
swanes. Also, as for your hors, ye most ordayne a nothir
keper than they have, or ellis ye chal not leke wel be them
whan ye se hem ; they arn nowthir redyn nor corayd. Peris
is meche owteward, and Whyte wol not a tende hem, nowdyr
for Peris ner for me. They arn not watryd butt at the welle.
Peris hath be ryth seke; and yet, but for dyspleser of you,
Peris had ben in hand with Whyte or this tyme. Ye
muste be proveyd of a nothir hors keper, or elles it wol do
you harm on your hors. Also, I have had iiij/z. for to a sent
you if I cowde have gete ony trosty man to youward. As for
barly, I can non selle a bove xiiij^. the comb. As your leter
that ye sent me, I have fownd a frere that hath promyssyd me
to do'n his dever if it may be browte a bowte be ony mene in
hast. Also there is a grete chyppe go to wrekke be for Wyn-
terton, and there came up on your several grownd gret plente
of bowe stawys and waynescotte, and clappalde " grete plente.
I gate cartys and caryd to the towne that that was fownd on
your fee. Mastras Clere hath sen down hyr men, and with
1 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] This letter is endorsed by Sir John Paston, 'Pekok,
m. [i.e. mense] Decembris, anno E. iiij" xvij".'
2 Board cut to make casks.
EDWARD IV
set alle the stuff and wrekke, and seyth that ye gete non 1477
there, for sche wol have it be the tytyl of the lete, and I have nov. 19
answerd there to, that che owte non to have be that tytil ; and
so if ye wol comon with yor cownsel, I trow it to the lord of
the soylle and not to the lete ; for the maner holdyth nothyng
of hyr. Sche had never no wrekke nor growndage till withinne
this XX. wynter. There is no maner in Wyynterton but your ;
lesse your ryth now and lesse it for ever. I am threte to be
trobelid there, for there ben v. men on lyve of the chyppe.
The hordes had ben good for wyndownes and dores. Ye
chuld have had thyme worthe the money, and sche had not
lettyd it. Ther is com up ter [jtar'] at Caster v. or vj. barell.
Men of Scrowby hath fet it awey. Ye must have a meen be
sum wryte of trespas for them, or ellis it wool do yow meche
harm here after. Rechard Kedman, John Pool, senior, and
William Abbys, these arn summe of ther namys of Scrowby.
Item, I receyved a leter the Twis day befor Sen Edmunde
the Kyng there as ye wryte to me for William Foster; his
sewirtesse ston chargyd for iiij/z. vjj. viij<^., as John Seyve
hath seyd to me or the tyme that I receyvyd your leter, but
he hath ij. men of Norwech to sewirte to save hym and his
felaw harmeless. Scharggar is on, and Vyncent the plomer is
a nothir that chal here the dawnger. And as for your swanes,
I have gette a man that chal cary hem be lond, and that I chal
send word with the swanes that the herynges chal com be
water; and if the chuld have ony heryng for your store, it
wold be purveyd for, for heryng wol be dere or Lente.
Item, there arn wyndownes blow opyn in the place, and
the wyndown of the gonne hows with inne the brege is revyn.
I wot not whethir it was so or ye wente or not. My Lord of
Norwech was at Caster Halle for to a cen the place as he cam
to London ward. Ser, remembir your hors to have a better
keper. Ser, to remembir thesse men of Scrowby, and comon
with Master William Paston there in, for he partith with you
both wrekke and growndage in Caster ; and he wold take the
accyon in his lordes name that he delyth for, it ware a good
way, be my sympil wyth. God preserve you, and kepe yow,
and bryng yow home a yen to your contre.
VOL. V. — u 305
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 Wretyn at Mawteby on Sen Edmundis Evyn, the Kyng,
NOV. 19 in hast,
Be your man and servant,
William Pekoc.
922
WILLIAM PEKOC TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
NOV. 30 I -% YTH worchypfull ser, I recomand me to your good
r^ masterchep. Plesyth you, as for Pekrynges mater,
I sent a frere in John Pekerynges name for the
evydens; and he had an answer that if he had a busschelful
of evydenss, he chuld noon have of them, for he hath set the
londe in trobill, nor he cowd have no seyte of none. Also
remembir your ryth of your wreke at Wynterton. Thesse
arn the menes namys of Wynterton, Robert Parker of West
Somerton, John Longyard of Wynterton, Thomas Goodknape
of the same. Will Wrantham and John Curteys of the same
Wynterton, that caryid of your severel grownd xxij. carte ful
of stufFe, viij'"''' bowestavis, iij''''- and vij. waynescottes, xiiij*^-
clapalde,^ v. barell ter, iiij. copil oris, and gret plante \_plenty\
of wreke of the schyppe that is v/orth meche mony, as ye chal
understonde the trowth after this.
And as for your heryng that chuld in to Essexkes, they
arn there, be the grace of God. As for your swanes, they
chal be there be Our Ladys Day next comyng, I troste to
God, Ho have your masterchyp in Is kepyng.
Wretyn at Mawteby, where as I am ryth werey, on Sen
Andrews Day, Anno xvij° E.
Ser, if it plese your masterchep, I sold yet no barly, ner
none can a bove xiiij^. the comb, as I sen word in a leter be
John Russe ; and I toke iiij//. in mony to bryng to your
materchep. The prysse of your heryng is iiij//. iijj. iiij^^.,
1 [From Paston MSS., B.M.] There is no address on this letter, but it is endorsed,
like the preceding, by Sir John Paston, ' Pekok, mense Decembris, anno E. iiij'' xvij°.'
2 See page 304, Note 2.
306
EDWARD IV
besyd oder costes. Hery Cook wold goo with your swanes, 1477
for hys yefte chuld be v'y. vujd.y and there fore he wold yeffe nov. 30
you his labore, be so ye payd for his costes. Ipse dixit.
Be vour servauiit,
Will. Pekoc.
MARGERY PASTON TO JOHN PASTONi
To myryth reverent and worscheful husbondj Jon Paston.
RYTH reverent and worscheful husbond, I recomaunde dec. 18
me to yow, desyryng hertyly to here of yowr wylfare,
thankyng yow for the tokyn that ye sent me be
Edmunde Perys, preyng yow to wete that my modyr sent to
my fadyr to London for a goune cloth of mustyrddevyllers ^
to make of a goune for me ; and he tolde my modyr and me
wanne he was comme home, that he cargeyt yow to beyit,
aftyr that he were come oute of London.
I pre yow, yf it be not bowt, that ye wyl wechesaf to byit,
and sendyt home as sone as ye may, for I have no goune to
weyre this wyntyr but my blake and my grene a lyer,^ and
that is so comerus that I ham wery to weryt.
1 [From Fenn, ii. 256.] It is curious that after so much negotiation for the
marriage of John Paston and Margery Brews, we have no record in these letters when
it actually took place ; but probably it was in August 1477, the last reference to it as
an event not yet accomplished being on the 7th of that month (No. 916). In Janu-
ary 1478, John Paston talks of taking his wife to her father's house on account of her
situation, and their first child was born in the course of the following summer. This
letter seems to have been written in December. Fenn remarks that St. Thomas's Day
might mean the Translation of St. Thomas a Becket, 7th July 1478, and 'Our Lady's
Day' might be the Visitation of the Virgin, 2nd July preceding. But this is simply
impossible, because the letter is dated Thursday before St. Thomas's Day, which
would in that case be the very same date as the Visitation of Our Lady, viz. the 2nd
July 1478. Besides, if the first child of John Paston and Margery was not actually
bom before July, the latter was certainly much nearer to her confinement then than
this letter would imply. See No. 936 in vol. vi.
A facsimile of this letter was published in the European Magazine for March
1787, and we have carefully compared the text with this facsimile.
2 A kind of grey woollen cloth.
3 Fenn suggests Grenouilliere or frog-colour, but I find no authority for such
a word ; and I should suppose ' grene ' to be a separate word, though what ' a Iyer '
is I cannot say.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1477 As for the gyrdyl that my fadyr be hestyt me, I spake to
DEC. 18 hym ther of a lytyl before he zede to London last, and he
seyde to me that the faute was in yow, that ze wolde not
thynk ther uppe on to do makyt [to get it made\ ; but I
sopose that ys not so ; he seydyt but for a skwsacion. I pre
yow, y{ ye dor takyt uppe on yow, that ye wyl weche safe to
do makyt a yens ye come home, for I hadde never more nede
ther of than I have now, for I ham waxse so fetys ^ that I may
not be gyrte in no barre of no gyrdyl that I have but of one.
Elisabet Peverel hath leye sek xv. or xvj. wekys of the seye-
tyka, but sche sent my modyr word be Kate, that sche xuld
come hedyr wanne God sent tyme, thoow sche xuld be crod
\wheeled'\ in a barwe.
Jon of Damm was here, and my modyr dyskevwyrd me
to hym, and he seyed, be hys trouth that he was not gladder
of no thyng that he harde thys towlmonyth, than he was
ther of.
I may no lenger leve be my crafte, I am dysscevwyrd of
alle men that se me.
Of alle odyr thyngys that ye deseyreyd that I xuld sende
yow word of, I have sent yow word of in a letter that I dede
wryte on Ouwyr Ladyis Day ^ laste was. The Holy Trenyte
have yow in Hese kepyng.
Wretyn at Oxnede, in ryth gret hast, on the Thrusday
next be fore Seynt Tomas Day.^
I pre yow that ye wyl were the reyng with the emage of
Seynt Margrete, that I sent yow for a rememraunse, tyl ye
come home ; ye have lefte me sweche a rememraunse, that
makyth me to thynke uppe on yow bothe day and nyth wanne
I wold sclepe.
Your ys, M. P.
^ This word commonly signifies neat or elegant, and seems to be used here
ironically.
2 Conception of Our Lady, 8th of December. — F.
3 2ist December, the day of St. Thomas Apostle, or perhaps 29th December, the
day of St. Thomas (a Becket) the Martyr.
308
EDWARD IV
924
ABSTRACT!
Bill in Parliament confirming the statute of Marlborough [[52 Hen. 111.3, 1478^?)
with additions touching wardships, reliefs, etc., to take effect after Easter,
1480.
[The last Parliament before 1480 met on the i6th January 1478. This measure
was probably introduced or Intended for discussion at that period.]
JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON 2
'To my ryght worchepfull broder, Syr John Paston^ Knyght.
SYR, aftyr all dutes of recomendacyon, lyeketh yow to 1478
undyrstand that I have comond with dyvers folkys of jan. 21
the Dwk of Suffolk now thys Crystmas and sythen,
whyche let me in secret wyse have knowlage, lyek as 1 wrott
on to yow, that he must mak a shefft for money, and that in
all hast. Wherfor, syr, at the reverence of God, let it not be
lachesyd, but with effect aplyed now, whyll he is in London,
and my lady hys wyff also ; for I assarteyn yow that C. mark
wyll do more now in ther neede then ye shall peraventure do
with CC. marks in tyme comyng, and thys season be not takyn.
And alweys fynd the meane that my Lady of Suffolk and Syr
R. Chamberleyn may be yowr gwydes in thys mater, for as for
my lord, he nedyth not to be mevyd with it tyll it shold be as
good as redy to the sealyng.
Syr, lyeketh yow also to remember that I told yow that
Mastyr Yotton ^ had, as I cam last towardes London, desyred
me, by a lettre of attorney wryttyn with hys owne hand, to se
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
2 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
3 Dr. Yotton was the Queen's chaplain. — F.
309
THE PASTON LETTERS
1478 th'enprowment of syche profytes as ar growing of hys chapell
JAN. 21 In Caster that ye gave hym ; and at syche season as I told
yow of it, ye sayd on to me that ye wold asay to make a
bargayn with hym, so that ye myght have a prest to syng in
Caster. Syr, me thynkes ye can not have so good a season
to meve hym with it as now thys Parlement tyme, for now I
thynk he shalbe awaytyng on the Quene ; and also if ye myght
compone with hym or he wyst what the valew wer, it wer the
better, and I have promysed hym to send hym woord thys
terme of the verry valew of it, and also syche mony as I cowd
gader of it. Wherfor, syr, I prey yow that by the next
messenger that ye can get to Pekok that ye wyll send hym
woord to paye me for the lend in xxx. acres, as it hathe ben
answerd before tym.
And as for tydynges here, we have none, but we wold
fayne here of all your royalte at London, as of the maryage of
my Lord of York,^ and other Parlement mater ; and so I prey
yow that I may doo when ye have leyser.
Syr, I prey yow that Whetley may have knowlage that my
broder Yelverton hathe promysed me to take hym yld. ; he
owyth me by reason of his fermore at Caster more then that.
And, syr, as for my huswyff, I am fayne to carry hyr to se
hyr fadyr and hyr frendes now thys wynter, for I trow she
wyll be ought of facyon in somer. And so in my progresse
fro my fadyr Brews on to Mawtby, I took Master Playter in
my wey, at whoys hows I wrot thys bylle, the xxj. day of
January, anno E. iiij" xvij°. And I beseche God to preserve
yow and yours.
Yowr, J. Paston.
Endorsed by Sir John Paston, 'J. P., anno xvij°.'
1 Richard, Duke of York, second son to King Henry iv., married Ann, daughter
and heir of John Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, 15th January 1477-78. — F.
310
EDWARD IV
926
JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON^
To my ryght worchepfull modyr^ Margaret Paston.
RYGHT worchepfull modyr, aftyr all dwtes of humble 147^
recomendacyon, in as humble wyse as I can, I beseche ^^^* 3
yow of your dayly blyssyng. Pleasyt yow to wett
that at my being now at London, lyek as ye gave me in
comandment, I mevyd to Mastyr Pykenham and to Jamys
Hubart for ther being at Norwyche now thys Lent, that ye
myght have ther avyses in syche maters as ye let me have
understandyng of. And as for Mastyr Pykenham, he is now
Juge of the Archys, and also he hathe an other offyce, whyche
is callyd Auditor Causarum, and hys besyness is so gret in
bothe thes offyces that he can not tell the season when that he
shall have leyser to come in to Norffolk. But I left not tyll
I had gotyn Jamys Hubbart and hym togedyrs, and then I
told theym your intent ; and then Mastyr Pykenham told
Jamys and me hys intent, and he preyed Jamys that he shold
in no wyse fayle to be with yow thys Lent. Not withstandyng
it was no grete nede to prey hym myche ; for he told Doctore
Pykenham that there was no gentyl woman in Inglond of so
lytyll aqueyntance as he had with yow, that he wold be glader
to be servyse on to ; and myche the glader, for he purposeth
fro hensforthe duryng hys lyff to be a Norffolk man, and to
lye with in ii. myle of Loddon, whyche is but viij. or x.
myle at the most fro Mautby. And in conclusyon he hathe
appoyntyd to awayte on yow at Norwyche the weeke nexte
aftyr Mydlent Sonday, all the hole weke, if nede be, all other
maters leyd apart.
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] This letter appears from the contents to have been
written after John Paston's marriage, at a time when his wife was staying at Swains-
thorpe. He also apologises to his mother for his wife having detained two pounds
out of a certain quantity of dates that he himself had sent to her from London by
way of Swainsthorpe, as Margery thouglit them ' at this season right good meat,'
apparently referring to her approaching confinement.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1478 Also I comend with my brodyr Sir John at London of
FEB. 3 syche maters as ye wold have amendyd in the bylle that he
sent on to yow, and he stake not gretly at it.
Also, modyr, I herd whyle I was in London wher was
a goodly yong woman to mary, whyche was doughter to one
Seff, a merser, and she shall have CC/i. in money to hyr
maryage, and xx. mark by yer of lend aftyr the dyssease of
a steppe modyr of hyrs, whyche is upon 1. yer of age ; and or
I departyd ought of London, I spak with some of the maydys
frendys, and have gotyn ther good wyllys to have hyr maryd
to my brodyr Edmund. Notwithstandyng, those frendys
of the maydys that I comond with avysyd me to get the
good wyll of one Sturmyn, whyche is in Mastyr Pykenhamys
danger^ so myche that he is glad to please hym ; and so I
mevyd thys mater to Mastyr Pykenham. And incontinent
he sent for Sturmyn, and desyred hys good wyll for my
brodyr Edmund, and he grantyd hym hys good wylle, so
that he koud get the good wyll of the remenaunt that wer
executours to Seff, as well as the seyd Sturmyn was ; and thus-
ferforthe is the mater. Wherfor, modyr, we must beseche yow
to helpe us forward with a lettyr fro yow to Mastyr Pykenham
to remembyr hym for to handyll well and dylygently thys
mater now thys Lent ; and for I am aqueyntyd with your
condycyons of old that ye reke not who endytyth more lettres
than ye, ther for I have drawyn a note to yowr secretarys
hand, Freir Perse, whyche lettre we must prey yow to send us
by the berer herof, and I trust it shall not be longe fro Mastyr
Pykenham.
Your doughter of Sweynsthorpp and hyr sojornaunt E.
Paston recomandyth hem to yow in ther most humble wyse,
lowly besechyng yow of your blyssyng; and as for my brodyr,
Edmund Sweynsthorpe, for none intrete that hys ostas your
doughtyr, nor 1 koud intrete hym, myght not kepe hym, but
that he wold have bene at home with you at Mautby on Son-
day last past at nyght ; and as he was departyng fro hens, had
we word fro Frenshes wyf that, God yeld yow, modyr, ye
had govyn hym leve to dysporte hym her with us for a vij. or
' i.e. in his debt.
312
EDWARD IV
viij. dayes ; and so the drevyll lost hys thank of us, and yet 1478
abode nevyr the lesse. ^^^* 3
Your doughtyr sendyth yow part of syche poore stuff as I
sent hyr fro London, besechyng yow to take it in gree, though
it be lytyll plente that she sendyth yow. But as for datys, I
wyll sey trowthe, ye have not so many by ij. pownd as wer
ment on to yow, for she thynkys at thys season datys ryght
good mete. What so ever it menyth, I prey God send us
good tydynges, Whom I beseche to preserve yow and yours,
and so send yow your myst desyred joye.
At Sweynsthorp, on Ashe Wednysday.
Your sone and humble servaunt,
J. Paston.
Modyr, pleasit yow to remember that ye had need to be
at Norwyche v. or vj. dayes befor that Jamys Hubbart and
your consayll shall be ther with yow, for to look up your
evydence and all other thynges redy. Also if ye thynk that
thys bylle that I send yow herwith be good i now to send to
Doctore Pykenham, ye may close up the same, and send it
sealyd to me ayen, and I shall convey it forthe to hym.
927
WILLIAM BOTONER TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
To the Ryght worshypfull sir. Sir John Paston cKVr logged at the
signe of the George next to Poulys Wharf ; or to lefe thys
letter at a barhourys house ovyr the seyd George to delyver it
to Sir John Paston.
PLESE yor gode masterschyp to wete that I herd thys day march 1
how a man wend that a jugement ys passed ayenst your
entent yn the ende of the last terme (hyt was not of
verray certeyn tolde me, but as a dreme) yn the kynges
Chauncerye. I coude gefe none aunswer therto. I prai God
1 [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 152.] This letter would seem to be of the year 1478. It
will be seen by No. 925 that in the beginning of that year Sir John Paston wished to
arrange with Dr. Yotton to get a priest to sing in Caister.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1478 alle be well ; hyt wold ease som of your frendes hertys yff they
MARCH I coude understand ony gode comfort. Sir, as for Robert/ I
wold pray and requyre your maistershep that he may for his
lernyng be abydyng with your cousyn of Lincoln Inne, as yt
was promysed, and to be occupyed under drede of displesir
under subjecion, wyth erly rysyng accustomed, for slouth ys
the moder and norysher of all vices. He hath cost me moch
goode and labour, and now he ys uppon hys makyng by
vertues governance, or undoyng to the contrarye, and yn
especyalle to be not conversant ne neere amongis women, as
I was kept froo her \_iheir] company xxx. yeres or ony suche
were of my councelle, I thank God of yt. Sir, and ye write
to me as ye lust, let no name be wythynne wryt whens yt com,
and that yt be sent by sure comer to delyver yt me, for yt ys
better brent then founde. Also your discrecion ought not
loth (to take the cost and labour woUe not be gret, nether
importune) for to send a man of purpose to my lord of [jir]
Bysshop Waltham and to hys councell lerned, ye wete to
whom, for redy serch to be made for the bill of half lefe of
paper quantite of my hand I faythfuUy delyvered to Master
T. Danvers for to ovyrsee, of the fyrst appoyntment ye wote
off, that ye desyre so hertly to see as of othyr manyfolde
wrytyngis belongyng to yow and to me. Yt ys seyd yne a
vers : GuUa cavat lapidem non vi set sepe cadendo^ &c. ; to a
slow man or a foryetefuU or lothfull man must be importune
callyng allway uppon hym tille he hafe hys entent, for now
thys vacacion to spede or nevyr shall stand in yow no stede. I
can no ferther then the walle.
Item, Sir, I comyned wyth Doctor Yotton at Camebrygge-
late, because there ys no dyvyne service seyd yn the free
chapelle at C.,^ that he wold hafe a grete concience yn yt, and
to depart wyth an honest preste called Sir John Brykkys that
ys now duellyng wyth a ryzt lovyng kynnesman of yowres ;
the seyd Doctor gevyng me to aunsuer he wold comyn wyth
yow by Pasch,^ and the rather wyth your gode wylle wold
^ Is this Robert, son of Sir John's brother Edmund, who is mentioned in Margaret
Paston's will? The will, dated 4th February 1482, will be found printed in the next
volume. 2 Caister. ^ Easter.
EDWARD IV
depart to such one ye owe affeccion unto. Sir, I wold, as I 1478
dar tak uppon me to owen your aiFeccion to the seyd John march i
Brickys, that he may wyth more help of your cellary hafe the
better to lyve and serfe God there to abyde and do yow
service also. I mene faythfuUye, and soo I pray yow take yt ;
to remembre a thyng in seson ys gretely to commend, and of
a spedy avantage. The blessed Trinite be wyth yow. Wret
the fyrst day of Marche. — Your
W. BOTONERE.
To J. P. c.^ at London.
Item, I had foryete to hafe remembred your maystershyp
to hafe a bille to your baylly Pecok for to dely ver my fermour
of Tyrkbye C. or ii C. lawre and asshe, and than to plant yn
my tenement at Thyrkbye, or foras many ye lust ; for I lost
the last waraunt that ye wrote me truly, and so I was not
served.
Item, yff ye wryte to me, hyt hath nede to be by a sure
comer, for I had levyr a letter be brent then lost ne forte
videant Romani . . . and at reverence of Jhesu that my Robert
lose no tyme, nether be idelle, for doubt of ymaginacions and
temptacions. I trust wyth your principale help to be wyth the
worshypfull gentleman that made promysse to yow, &c.
928
CONSTANCE REYNFORTH TO SIR JOHN PASTON2
[To Sir] John Pas ion, Chevalier, be this hyll dely very d in hast.
RYTH reverent and worchepful ser, I recomend me on march 21
to yowr masterschep, effectually desyryng to here of
yowr welfare and contynual prosperite ; and if it pies
yow to here of my pour estat, I was in good hele at the
1 John Paston, Chevalier.
2 [From Paston Mss., B.M.] The writer of this letter was Sir John Paston's
mistress, by whom he left a natural daughter. The date is ascertained by an endorse-
ment in Sir John's own hand, ' Custaunce Raynford, anno xviij°.'
THE PASTON LETTERS
1478 makyng of this sympyll by 11. Towchyng the cause of my
MARCH 21 wrytyng to yowr masterschep is, for as moche as I poyntyd
with yow to a be with yow be the day that ye asyiiyd me of,
the wheche, with outh yowr good supportacyon, I con not well
have myn entent, withouth it pie yow to send oon of yowr
men to me, and I psal provyd a letter in myn unkyll name,
the wheche he psall delyver to my cosyn as he were myn
unkyll masagear, and be this mene I wyll come at yowr
request ; for my cosyn wold I psuld not depart with hym,
with outh it were to myn unkyll servyse ; hoys and all others
I refuse for yowres, yf my sympul servyse may be to yowr
plesure. And of an answer herof I beseke yow be the brynger
of my byll, and I wyll conforme me to yowr en tente, be the
grace of Good, the Wheche mot preserve yow at all cures.
Wretyn at Cobham, the xxj. day of Marche.
By yowr woman and sevnt,
CONSTANS ReYNFORTH.
SIR JOHN PASTON TO JOHN PASTON 1
To John Paston, Esquier^ ande to Osherne Berney, and to
every che off them ^ be thys letter delyveryd.
MAY 5 T RECOMAUNDE me to yowe, and thanke yow off yowr
I labor that ye hadde at Heylesdon and Drayton in seyng
-*" the woodys there. And it is soo heer that Ric. Ferore
seyde, that he repentyd hym that evyr he dalte with any
woode theer, and iff I hadde sente hym but the leest chylde
that I hadde to have warnyd hym to leve he wolde notte have
dalte therwyth ; and he ffonde noe comfforte in the Chancery,
but that he is lyke to contente me for the harmes and hurte
that is doone, and moore ovyr he hathe an instrucyon that he
shall ffelle noo moore.
Item, wheer as he desyryd me to be freendly to hym, I
dalte so with hym, that I trowe he wylle reporte that I seyde
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
316
EDWARD IV
and dalte moore cortesly with hym than he demyd that I 1478
wolde doo. Yitt for alle in convenyences that myght ffalle, I may 5
wolde be gladde to have a weell stomakyd felawe that wolde
for my sake everye daye see the seyde woodes of Heylesdon
and Drayton, and to knowe iff any weer fellyd heer afftre ;
and iffe there be any fellyd syns that Whetley was theer, and
I can preve it by wytnesse, I sholde have better recompence
for every tree than iiij. trees weer worthe.
Item, it is so that he hathe answeryd to my bille, wheryn
he seythe that he never knywe byfor the subpena delyveryd
hym that I hadde any clayme or entrest in the maner off
Heylesdon, but that it was peasyble my Lordys off Suffolk.
Wherffor I suppose that there be many men in Norwyche that
comonyd with hym off the byenge off that woode ere evyr he
made hys fuUe bergayne, and per aventure some freendys off
hys gave hym warnyng theroff, and off myn entrest. Iff any
suche credyble mane that hadde hadde any suche langage to
hym, or in hys companye, or than he bargayned, or any man
that he laboryd to be halffe marchant or byer with hym, ar
any man that refusyd to bye the seyd wood bycawse off
myn entrest in the presence of Feror, any suche credyble man
maye, iff he wyll, wytnesse ther in with me, or that dare avowe
it, sholde be to me a remedy off alle that is fellyd. I praye
yow, if ye can here any suche, that ye will in the presence
off them make a bylle of remembraunce theroff, and off ther
sayng, so that they maye her afftre wytnesse in the mater.
Neverthelesse, trowthe it is that he hadde knowleche ther off i
nowe, and soo hadde every man off hys havore [sui^stancel in
Norwych, I dowt nott ; and as for hym, I am sure he hadde
knowleche, for so moche as he desyryd at hys bargayn to
have a sywerte to be savyd harmeles ageyn me, whyche was
grawntyd hym butt nott executyd. No mor, butt I hope
with Goddys grace to have hastely goode remedy for the hole
maner, and off Drayton therto, and alle the remenaunte.
Wretyn a London, the v. daye off Maye, anno E. iiij*'
xviij°.
317
hs
THE PASTON LETTERS
930
SIR JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 1
To my ryght worshypfull modre^ Margret Paston^ be
thys delyvered.
1478 I ^LEASE it yow to weete, that wher as I entendyd to have
MAY 13 i-^ ben at home thys Mydsomer, and purposyd with yowr
goode helpe to have bygonne uppon my ffadrys tombe,
so that it myght have ben endyd thys somyr ; it is soo, that
ffor suche cawsys as ar nowe bygunne by twyen my Lorde ofF
Suffolk and me, ffor the manerys off Heylesdon, Drayton, &c.,
for whyche materis I most nedys be heer thys nexte terme ;
therffor I deme it woU be afftr Mydsomer, er than I can
see yow.
Please it yow also to weete that I comonyd with Master
Pykenham to weete iff he wolde bye the clothe off golde, for
soo moche as he desyryd ons to have bowte it, and he offryd
me ons xx. marke therffor, neverthelesse it coste me xxiiij/z". ;
yit nowe, when that I spake to hym ther off, he refusyd to
bye it, and seyde that he hadde nowe so many chargys that he
maye nott. Butt it is soo that the Kynge dothe mak sertayne
copys and vestymentys off like clothe, whyche he entendyth to
gyve to the Coledge at Foodryngdre, wher my lorde hys ffadre
is nowe buryed, and he byethe at a grete pryce.
I comonyd with the vestment maker ffor to helpe me fforthe
with xij. yerds, and he hathe grauntyd me to doo, as Whetleye
can telle yow ; wherffor, iff it please yow that it be bystowyd
ffor to make a towmbe ffor my ffadre at Bromholme, iff ye
lyke to sende it hyddr, iffe it be solde I undretake or Mychel-
messe, that ther shalle be a tombe, and somwhatt ellys ovyr
my ffadris grave, on whoys sowle God have mersye, that ther
shall noone be lyke it in Norffolk ; and as ye shalle be gladde
herafftr to see it ; and God sende me leyser that I maye come
home, and iff 1 doo not, yit the monye shall be putte to noon
^ [From Fenn, ii. 260.]
318
EDWARD IV
Other use, butt kepyd by some that ye trust, tylle that it may 1478
be bystowyd acordyng as is above wretyn, and ellys I gyve may 13
yow cawse nevyr to truste me whylle ye and I lyve. When
I was last with yow, ye grauntyd that the seyde clothe of
golde sholde be bywaryd \_spenf\ abowte thys werke, that is
above wretyn, whyche iff ye wylle perfforme, I undretake that
ther shalle be suche a towmbe as ye shalle be pleasyd at,
thowgh it cost me xx. marke off myn owne purse besyde, iff
I ons sette uppon it.
No mor, but I beseche Goode have yow in Hys kepyng.
Wretyn at London, the Wednysdaye in Whyghtsonweke,
anno E, iiij'' xviij°.
Please it yow to sende me worde by Whatley off yowr
plesyr her in.
By your Sone,
John Paston, K.
WALTER PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON 1
To his worchypfull moder^ Margaret Paston^ dwellyng
in Mawtb)\ be this letter delyveryd in hast.
RYTGH reverent and worchypfull moder, I recomaund may 19
me on to yowr good moderchypp, besechyng yow to
geve me yowr dayly benediccyon, desyeryng hartyly
to heer of yowr prosperyte, whych God preserve to Hys
plesure, and to yowr hartys desyyr, &c. I marvel soor that
yow sent me noo word of the letter wych I sent to yow by
Master Wylliam Brown at Ester. I sent yow word that tym
that I xold send yow myn exspenses partyculerly ; but as at
thys tym the berar her of had a letter sodenly that he xold
come home, and there fore I kowd have no leysur to send
them yow on that wys ; and there fore I xall wryt to yow in
thys letter the hool som of my exspenses sythyns I was with
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] This letter is printed in Fenn's fifth volume, and
dated by him in 1478. I do not know on what evidence he assigns this particular
year to it, except that, as he tells us elsewhere, Walter Paston took a degree at Oxford,
and died in 1479.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1478 yow tyll Ester last paste, and also the reseytys, rekenyng the
MAY 19 xxs. that I had of yow to Oxon wardys with the Buschopys
fyndyng.
The hool some of reseytys ys vli. xvijj. vj^.^ and the holl
some of exspenses ys vj//. vs. vd. ob. qua., and that comth
over the reseytys in my exspenses I have borowd of Master
Edmund, and yt drawyth to viiji. And yet I recone none
exspenses sythyns Ester, But as for them, they be non grete;
and therfor I besech yow to send me mony by Syr Richard
Cotman, brynger of thys letter, or ellys by the next masenger
that yow kan have to me.
I besech yow that he that I sent by thys letter to yow may
have good scher, yf he brynge yt hym selfe, as he telth me
that he woll, for he ys a good lover of myn. Master Edmund
Alyard recomaund hym specyaly to yow, and to all my brodyrn
and systyrs, and to all yowr howshold ; and I besech yow that
I may be recomaundyd to all them also, and specyaly to my
brodyr John the yonger. No more to yow at thys tym, but
AUmythy Jhesus have yow in Hys kepyng. Amen.
Wretyn at Oxonforth, on Seynt Dunstonys Day and the
xix. day of May.
By your sonn and scoler,
Walter Paston.
J. WHETLEY TO SIR JOHN PASTON 1
To the ryght wor5h\_yp]full Sir John Paston^ Knyght^ loged at
the sygne off the George at Powlys Wharff, in London^ he
thys delyverea in hast.
MAY 20 "JP\LEAS it your meastershep to understond the dealyng
w^ of every thyng, the wych I was charged with at my
departyng frome your measterchep,
Fyrst, your suppena to Denton was delyvered by me on
Trenite Sondaye, in hys parych cherch, at Matens tyme, be
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.]
320
MAY 20
EDWARD IV
fFor the substans of the parych ; and as for Drayton wod, it 1478
is not all down yet, but it drawes fast toward. I have the
names of all the mynestres off and in that wod, and more schall
know or I come, yf ther be any more dealyng, &c.
And as for Haylysdon, my Lord of Suffolk was ther on
Wedensday in Whytson Weke, and ther dined, and drew a
stew and toke gret plente of fych ; yet hath he left you a
pyke or ij., agayn ye come, the wych wold be gret comford to
all your frendes, and dyscomford to your enmys ; for at hys
beyng ther that daye ther was never no man that playd Herrod
in Corpus Crysty^ play better and more agreable to hys
pageaunt then he dud. But ye schall understond that it was
after none, and the weder hot, and he so feble for sekenes that
hys legges wold not here hyme, but ther was ij. men had gret
payn to kepe hym on hys fete ; and ther ye were juged. Som
sayd ' Sley ; ' some sayd ' Put hym in preson.' And forth
com my lord, and he wold met you with a spere, and have
none other mendes for the troble at ye have put hym to but
your hart blod, and that will be gayt v/ith hys owen handes ;
for and ye have Haylesdon and Dreton, ye schall have hys
lyff with it. And so he comford your enmys with that word
that thay have dealed and dealeth with the wod, and most
pryncepall nowe is Nycolesse Ovye. For as for Ferrer,^ the
Meare, he delys not with owt it be under covert ; for it is
sayd that he be soght my lord that he myght have other
sygnementes for hys money that he had payd, for playnly he
wold deall no mor with the wod. And so my lord hath set in
the Bayly of Cossay, and all is doon in hys name ; and as for
hys servauntes, thay dayly thret my measter your brother and
me to slay for comyng of ther lordes ground, and thay say
that we made an entre ; and thay beth answerd as ye comaunded
me, for many a gret chalaunge make thay to Mester John,
both Measter Wodhowse, Wysman, with other dyveres that
I know not ther names ; but he holdeth hys own that thay
gayt no grownd of hym. And thys he lettes thaym knowe
1 Corpus Christi Day, the Thursday after the Octave of Whitsuntide, was famous
for the acting of Mysteries , particularly at Chester. — F.
2 Richard Farrer, Farrour, or Ferriour, was five times Mayor of Norwich, namely,
in 1473, 1478, 1483, 1493, and 1498.— F.
VOL. V. X 321
THE PASTON LETTERS
1478 that if thay bete hym or any of hys, thay schall aby vj. for on,
MAY 20 and so thay deall not but with ther tonges ; and as yet, syth
Ferrer was at London, there passes not iij. acres of wod down
but thay cary fast for fere of rayn, &c.
Also, sir, I trust to bryng or send hastely the cloth off
gold, for it hath ben largely tempted ; but as yet I have none
playn answer, but put in hope. Also I have spoken with
Popy for your money, and delyvered hym your letter, the
wych, as he sayth, is a straunge thyng to hym, for, as I
understond, he that owght thys deute was uncle to thys yong
man, and he sayth that hys fader was never exsecutor to hym,
nor never mynestred ; and I told hym howe that hys fader
was bound for the same deute, in so mech and my measter
wold have forgevyn part of the same deute, he wold have
payed it ; and so he will be at London thys terme, and speke
with you, and thys is hys answer.
Morover Wyllyam Worsestre, mevyd unto me of onne
Sir Wylliam Bokkyng, exsecutor and brother to John Bokk-
yng, the whych was one of Sir John Fastolf hys clerkes, the
whych mater I knewe not, nor had no comaundement be you
to deall therin, and so I told hym. Never the lesse he sayd
that ye promysed hym to have sent your will to have bene
done in that mater by me, and so he troweth that it was owt
of your mynd at my departyng. Yff so be that ye will any
thyng to be doon by me or I come to yow in that mater, let
me have knowlege schortly, for I thynk to be with yow in the
weke folowyng aftyr thys wry ten, with owt I may have more
comford of money then I have yet.
And as for my meastres, your moder hath ben gretly
deseased and so seke that she wened to have dyed, and hath
made her wyll,^ the wyche ye shall understond more when 1
come, for ther is every man for hym selff. I know not the
sercomstance of every thyng as yet, and therfor 1 writ no
more to you therin, but I am promysed to know or I depart
from thens.
1 The will now made by Margaret Paston was afterwards cancelled, as that
which was proved after her death in 1484 was dated on the 4th of February 1482,
21 E. IV.
322
EDWARD IV
Also I spake with William Barker, and he sayth that I shall 1478
have the stuff or I depart, or els the monye agayn that he hade may 20
of WylHam Pecoke.
Also, sir, as for your lond be syd Bromholm that ye had of
Bakton, it hath layn un ocupyed syth ye were ther.
Moreover, my Lord of Suffolk^ is remevyd in to Suffolk
the morow after that he had bene at Haylesdon, and my lady
purposed to remeff after on thys day. Corpus Crysty Evyn,
by the grace of Jesu, Who preserve yow ever in worchep.
Wryten at Norwych, on Wedensday Corpus Crysty Evyn,
anno E. iiij'' xviij°.
Item, as for the knowleg that Ferror denyed by hys othe
that he knew never no tytle nor entrest that ye had in and to
Haylsdon and Dreton, as yet we can not know ; but thys thay
will record all that were at the delyveraunce of the wryt that
he sayd my lord had promysed to save hym harmles, in so
mech that Wysman was bownd to Ferrour to save hym harme-
les, and he had for bryngyng that mater about, that Ferrour
shuld have the wod, xx5.
Your servaunt, J. Whetley.
933
MARGARET PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON^
To the ryght worshypfull Sir John Paston^ Knyght.
1 GREET yow well and send yow Goddys blyssyng and may 27
myn, latyng yow wete that I have sent yow be Whetele
the clothe of golde, chargyng yow that it be not solde to
none other use than to the performyng of yowyr fadyrs
toombe, as ye send me worde in wrytyng ; yf ye sell yt to any
othyr use, by my trowthe, I shall never trost yow wyll I
leve.
1 John de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, etc., married Elizabeth, third daughter of
Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, and sister of Edward iv. They both lie buried
at Wingfield, in Suffolk. — F.
2 [From Fenn, ii. 264.]
THE PASTON LETTERS
1478 Remembyr that yt coste me xx" marke the pleggyng ov/te
MAY 27 of yt, and yf I wher not glad to se that made, I wolde not
departe from it. Remembyr yow what charge I have had with
yow of late, whyche wyl not be for my ease this ij. yer ; whan
ye may better, I trost ye whyll remembyr yt.
My cosyn Clere dothe as meche coste at Bromhom as whylle
drawe an Qli. upon the deskys in the quere, and in othyr places,
and Heydon in lyke whyse, and yf ther shulde no thyng be
don for yowyr fadyr, yt wolde be to gret a schame for us alle,
and in cheffe to se hym lye as he dothe.
Also as I understond that my cosyn Robert Clere thynkyth
gret on kyndenesse in delyng wyth hym of Pecoke, for certeyn
pasture that ye ^ grawntyd hym to have, and Pecoke hath letyn
it to othyr, suche as he lyste to lete yt to, not withstondyng
my cosyn hath leyd the pastur with hys catell, and Pecok hathe
strenyd them.
I thynk thys delyng is not as yt shulde be. I wolde that
iche of yow shulde do for other, and leve as kynnysmen and
frendys ; for suche servawnts my make trobyll by twyxe yow,
wheche wher a ageynste cortesy, so nyhe newbors as ye be, he
is a man of substance and worchyp, and so wylle be takyn in
thys schyr ; and I wer lothe that ye shulde lese the good wylle
of suche as may do for yow.
Item, wher as ye have begonne your cleyme in Heylysdon
and Drayton, I pray God send yow good spede and foderance
in yit. Ye have as good a season as ye wulde wysche, con-
syderyng that yowyr adversary standys not in best favyr with
the Kynge.
Also ye have the voyse in this contre, that ye may do as
meche with the Kyng, as any knygth that ys longyng to the
corte. Yf yt be so, I pray God contynu yt ; and also that ye
shuld mary rygth nygth of the Qwenys blood ; qwat sche ys
we are not as certeyn, but yf yt be so, that yowyr lond schuld
come agayne by the reason of yowyr maryage, and to be sett in
rest, at the reverence of God for sake yt nowt, yf ye can fynde
in yowyr harte to love hyr, so that sche be suche one as ye can
1 Fenn's literal text reads ' that be grawntyd,' which seems to be an error. In the
modern transcript it is * that ye granted.'
EDWARD IV
thynke to have issu by, or ellys, by my trowthe, I had rather 1478
that ye never maryd in yowyr JyfFe. "^^ 27
Also, yf yowyr mater take not now to good effecte, ye and
all yowyr frendys may repent them that ye began yowyr cleyme,
with owte that ye have take suche a suyr wey, as may be to
yowyr intent, for many inconvenyens that may falle ther of.
God send yow good spede in all yowyr maters.
Wretyn at Mawteby, the day after Seynt Austyn in May,
the xviij. yer of Kyng Edward the iiij'*-
Be yowyr Modyr.
934
OXNEAD PARSONAGE 1
T'he comodytys off the parsonage and the valew off the
benyfyce off Oxned.
MY new parson off Oxned, whan he is instute and inducte, july 31
at the first entre in to the chyrch and benefyce off
Oxned, must off awncyent custom long contynued
with in the dyosesse off Norwyche, pay to the byschopp off
Norwych, for the first frutes off the seyd benefyce, xiiij.
marke ; for wyche xiiij. marke, iff the new parson be wytty
and have favour a bowt the Byschops offycers, he schall have
days off paiment to pay the seid xiiij. marke in xiiij. yere, that
is, a marke a yere, till it be payd ; so that he can fynd suffy-
cyent mene to be bownd to the Bischopp be obligacion to kepe
his days off payment.
And the chyrch is but litill, and is resonable plesaunt, and
reparyd. [And the] dwellyng place of the parsonage is a
yoynyng to the d well howsyd and
reparyd, hall, chamberes, barn, doffhowse, and all howsys oft
offyce.
1 [From Paston mss., B.M.] The date of this document is shown by the follow-
ing mutilated endorsement : ' parsonage of Oxnede
made xxxj. Julii, A° xviij° E. ilij''-' The first words were doubtless ' The value of,'
or something to that effect; but the paper is mutilated.
THE PASTON LETTERS
1478 And it hath a dofFhowse worth a yere, xiiijj. iiij^.
JULY 31 _/^nd it hath ij. large gardens with frute, and is yonynge to
the place and chyrch yard, wher off the frute is worth yerly,
xxvIj. vnjii.
And ther longith to the seid parsonage in fre lond, arable,
pasture and medowe ayonyng to the seid parsonage, xxij" acre
or more, wher off every acre is worth i]s. ; to latyn [to let\
iij/z. iiij^.
And William Paston, Justice, qwan he ^ cam fyrst to dwell
in the maner of Oxned, paid to the parson that was than for
the corne growyng on the parsonage londys and for the
tythynges, ondely but in corne whan it was inned in to the
barn, xxiiij/z.
And the same yere the parson had all the awterage and
oder profytes be syde the seyd xxiiij//.
It is yerly worth, as the world goth now, x//.
And it is butt an esy cure to kepe, ffor ther ar natt past
XX*' persons to be yerly howselyd.^
The parsonage stant be a fresh ryver syde.
And ther is a good markett town callyd Alysham, within
ij. myle off the parsonage.
And the cyte of Norwych is within vj. myle off the
parsonage.
And the see is within x. myle off the parsonage.
And if a parson cam now, and warr presentyd, institute,
and inducte, he shuld have by the lawe all the cropp that is
now growyng, that was eryd and sowyn off the old parsons
cost, growyng on the parsonage landes now, as his own good,
and all the tyth off all maner graynys off the maner, londes,
and tenantes londes,^ towardes his charges off the fyrst frutes.
And if it ware innyd it war (the crop now growyng) * worth
his first frutes.
1 ' William Paston, Justice, qwan he.'' These words are a correction, interlined,
in the hand of William Paston, the uncle of Sir John. The text stood originally,
' And my hosbond and I whan we.'
* i.e. to receive the sacrament,
3 Off the maner londes and tenantes londes. These words are interlined by
William Paston.
* This parenthesis is an interlineation by William Paston.
326
EDWARD IV
^ He that hath this benefice, and he were a pore man, myght 1478
have lycens to have service be side. July 31
The Beshop ought not to have the valew of this cropp for
the arrerages of the fyrst fruttes that Sir Thomas Everard, last
parson of Oxned, oght to the Bysshop v/han he died, for the
said Sir Thomas Everard was bond to the Bisshop in an
obligacion for the said frutes, and the said Sir Thomas
Everard, for to defraude the Bysshop and oder men that he
owid mony to, gaff a way his gooddes to serten persons, qwech
persons toke a way the said goodes, and also durres and wyn-
dow of the said parsonage ; and it is though that both the
Bysshop and the patron myght take accions a gayns the said
persons.
935
ABSTRACT 2
Presentation by Agnes Paston of Richard Lyncoln, S.T.P., to the parish Aug. 5
church of Oxened, vice Thomas Everard, deceased.
London, 5 Aug. 1478.
1 What follows is in William Paston's hand.
2 [From Paston Mss., B.M.]
END OF VOLUME V
Printed by T. and A. Constable, Printers to His Majesty
at the Edinburgh University Press
DA
?/n ^'aston letters
J|^ I'he I aston- letters
1904.
V.5
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