In 1362 Louis Valois Anjou I Duke Anjou (age 22) escaped at Calais [Map].

Froissart. 1397. You have before seen, in the course of this history, that king Richard of England (age 29) would not longer conceal the great hatred he bore his uncle of Gloucester (age 41), but had determined to have him cut off, according to the advice given him, setting it forth to be more advisable to destroy than be destroyed. You have likewise heard how the king (age 29) had rode to the castle of Pleshy [Map], thirty miles from London, and with fair words had cajoled the duke (age 41) out of his castle [Map], and was accompanied by him to a lane that led to the Thames, where they arrived between ten and eleven o'clock at night; and how the earl-marshal (age 28), who there lay in ambush, had arrested him in the king's name, and forced him towards the Thames, in spite of his cries to the king (age 29) to deliver him. He was conscious, that from the moment of his being thus arrested, his end was resolved on, and it was confirmed to him by the king (age 29) turning a deaf ear to his complaints, and riding on full gallop to London, where he lodged that night in the Tower [Map]. The duke of Gloucester (age 41) had other lodgings; for, whether he would or not, he was forced into a boat that carried him to a vessel at anchor on the Thames, into which he was obliged to enter. The earl-marshal (age 28) embarked also with his men, and, having a favourable wind and tide, they fell down the river, and arrived, late on the morrow evening, at Calais [Map], without any one knowing of it except the king's officers. [The earl-marshal (age 28), as governor, could enter Calais [Map] at all hours, without any one thinking it extraordinary: he carried the duke (age 41) to the castle, wherein he confined him.]

Chronicle of Gregory 1403-1419. Before 25 Oct 1415. And thenne sone aftyr the kynge (age 29) and hys mayne ostyde from thens xxj dayes thorowe the realme of Fraunce towarde Caleys [Map]. And the Fraynysche men hyrde telle of his comyng that way, and they brake the bryggys there that the kyng shulde passe ovyr, and in so moche that¹⁷ he myght not passe noo way but he moste nedys mete with the Fraynysche oste. And a-pon the Fryday, that ys to saye, the day of Syn Cryspyn and Cryspynyany, alle the ryalle pouer of Fraunce come by-fore oure kynge and hys lytylle blessyd mayne. And thenne they sawe the Dolfynne whythe alle the lordys of France were by-fore oure good kynge enbatellyd in iij batellys the nomber of iij schore Ml men of armys. And that was the fayryste syght of armyde men that evyr any man saye in any place.

Note 17. thatrepeated in MS.

In 1425 Ralph Boteler 6th and 1st Baron Sudeley (age 36) took muster at Calais [Map].

Chronicle of Gregory 1436. 1436. And that same yere the Mayre of London sende, by the goode a-vyse and consent of craftys, sent sowdyers to Calys [Map], for hyt was sayde that the Duke of Burgone (age 39) lay sege unto Calis. And soo he dyd sone aftyr, as ye shalle hyre here after. And at the Parlyment be-fore hyt was ordaynyde that the Duke of Yorke (age 24) shulde in to Fraunce with certayne lordys with hym in stede of the Eegaunt. And whythe hym went the Erle of Salysbury (age 36). Ande the Erle of Mortayne (age 30) wente to Calys [Map] sone aftyr Estyr.

And the xiiij day aftyr he made a roode in to Flaunders, and he slowe and toke xv c [1500] of Flemmyngys, and many bestys; the nombyr ys more thenne I canne certaynely reherse. And a-non aftyr the Duke of Burgone (age 39) layde hys sege unto Calys whythe a stronge ordynaunce and a myghty, with xl M [40000] men and moo. And they made grete bulworkys, and grete bastylys, and stronge forty fycacy on.

Chronicle of Gregory 1438. 1438. And the same yere there was a grete conselle at Calys [Map], there beynge in oure party the Cardynalle Arche-byschoppe of Yorke (age 58) and many moo spirytualle and temporalle lordys. And on that othyr party the Duchyes of Burgone (age 40) and many moo lordys, bothe spyrytualle and temporalle.

by 1455 Andrew Trollope was appointed Master Porter of Calais [Map] which post he held until 1459.

Chronicle of Gregory 1459. 12 Oct 1459. The Erle of Saulysbury (age 59), the Erle of Warwycke (age 30), the Erle of Marche (age 17), Syr John Wenlocke (age 59), alle thes come unto Devynschyre to Syr John Denham (age 26), and alle thes by the conveynge of Syr John Denham (age 26); and they bought a smalle vesselle in that contray, an they were conveyde unto Garnesey [Map], ande from Garnesaye unto Calys [Map], for fere of dethe that they sayde was ymagenyde by the kyng and hys lordys, and of hyr owne housolde mayny for hyr dystruccyon, the counselle and consent of King Harry the VI. Thes lordys departyd owte of Ingelonde on Synt Edwarde ys evyn, Synt Edwarde bothe kynge and confessoure, the xij day of October^a, and they taryd at Calys xxxvj wekys.

Note a. This is really the date of the breaking up of their camp at Ludlow, not of their leaving England.

After 12 Oct 1459 Thomas Parr (age 52) fled to Calais [Map].

Around Nov 1459 Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury (age 30), Richard Neville Earl Salisbury (age 59) and King Edward IV of England (age 17) fled to Calais [Map].

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1485-1509. 1492. This yeare the Kinge (age 34) went to Calis [Map] with a great armieⁱ againste France, but the peace was made without battell.^k.

Note i. 25,000 foot and 1,600 horse.

Note k. By the terms of this treaty, known as the Peace of Estaples, the French King engaged to pay 745,000 crowns down and 52,000 crowns yearly under the name of pension.

Hall's Chronicle 1492. he had thus gathered and assembled his army, he sailed to Calais [Map] the sixth day of October, and there encamped himself, tarrying there a certain space to see his men harnessed and apparelled, that neither weapon nor any engine necessary for his journey should be neglected. At which place all the army had knowledge by the Ambassadors, which were newly returned out of Flanders (for they did not know of it before) that Maximilian could make no preparation for lack of money, and therefore there was no succour to be expected at his hand. At the which report, the Englishmen were nothing abashed nor dismayed, trusting so much to their own puissance and company: but yet they marvelled and wondered greatly that heard it related, that Maximilian receiving such great villainy not long before at the hand of King Charles, was not present to prick them forward, to cry and call, to move and excite the Englishmen, ye and if he had had six hundred bodies to put them all in hazard, rather than to leave the Englishmen, now setting upon his daily enemies and deadly adversaries. Albeit Maximilian lacked no heart and good will to be revenged, yet he lacked substance to continue war, for he could neither have money nor men of the drunken Flemings nor yet of the cracking Brabanders, so ungrateful people were they to their sovereign Lord.

Hall's Chronicle 1492. The King of England (age 35), maturely considering that Brittainy was clearly lost, and in manner irrecuperable, being now adjoined to the crown of France by marriage, which duchy, his whole mind was to defend, protect and confirm, and that Maximilian what for lack of money, and what for mistrust that he had in his own subjects, lay still like a dormouse nothing doing, perceiving also that it should be both to his people profitable, and to him great honour to determine this war without loss or bloodshed, appointed for commissioners the bishop of Exceter (age 40), and Gyles Lord Daubeney (age 41) to passe the seas to Calais [Map], to come with the Lord Cordes of articles of peace to be agreed upon and concluded.

When the commissioners were once met, they so ingeniously and effectively proceeded in, their great affairs, that they agreed that an amity and peace should be assented to and concluded, so that the conditions of the league should be equal, indifferent and acceptable to both parts as after shall be declared.

Letters and Papers 1537. 14 Nov 1537. 1084. Honor Lady (age 43) to the Countess of Sussex.

Commendations to my lord (age 54) and you. I have received your letter and perceive your sorrow for the death of the Queen (deceased), yet her Grace was fortunate to live the day to bring forth such a prince. I perceive my lord and you have taken my daughter Anne (age 17) until, by your good suit, she may obtain place again. If she cannot I will send for her and recompense your charges. I did not send them to put you or any of my kin to charge, but to have them with the Queen. Where you write that but for your great charge of kin and other gentlewomen you would have taken Kateryn (age 15) too; it was never my mind to put you to any charge, yet if I were in England and you sent me even three or four I would accept them. I pray you prefer Anne (age 17) because she was sworn to the late Queen (deceased). Where it has pleased my Lord of Rutland (age 45) and my lady at your suit to take Kateryn (age 15) for the time, I trust they shall be no losers. "Very glad to hear of your great belly, beseeching God to make you a joyous mother." As shortly as I can I will send you your own, with some good wine which I trust ye shall have three weeks before Christmas. Calais [Map], 14 Nov.

Diary of Edward VI. 25 Feb 1551. Also mr. Auger² had the charge for vitaylinge of Cales [Map].

2. Sir Anthony Aucher.

Diary of Edward VI. 20 Mar 1551. Certein new fortifications were devised to bee made at Cales [Map], that at Gravelin the water should be lett in in my ground, and so shoud fett a compas by the sixe bulwarkes to Guisnes, Hammes, and Newmanbridge, and that their should bee a wall of 8 foot hie and 6 brood of earth to keap out the water, and to make a great marice about the territorie of Cales 37 mUe long. Also for flankers at the kepe of Guisnes willed to be made, a thre-cornerde bulwark at the kepe, to kepe it. Furthermore, at Newmanbridg a massy wall to the French side there as was a greene. Besides, at the west gitie there should bee another gittie wich should defend the vitaylers of the towne alwayes frome shott from the sandhilles.³

Note 3. "Male xviij, 1551. Sir Maurice Dennys (age 43) threasorer of Callaice and the surveiour of the same were this daie before the lordes, with whom order was taken for the performance of the woorkes at Guisnes, of the sluces at Newneham bridge, of making the ditches for the defense of the lowe country, and for the mailing of the new peere in the havin of Callaice, according to the particular platts of the same." The surveyor was Thomas Petitt, as appears by another entry of the same date in the Council Book. One of the "platts" of Calais and its neighbourhood in the Cottonian volume Augustus I. ii. is a "Platt of the Lowe country at Calais," made in 37 Hen. VIII. "by me Thomas Pettyt:'' see the memoir on "Calais in the hands of the English," in the Chronicle of Calais, printed for the Camden Society, 1846, p. xxviii.

In May 1555 William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 34) accompanied Cardinal Reginald Pole (age 55) at Calais [Map].

In May 1555 Cardinal Reginald Pole (age 55) travelled to Calais [Map].

Henry Machyn's Diary. 25 Nov 1556. The xxv day of November my lord of Pembroke (age 55) toke ys barge toward Cales [Map], and (unfinished).

Henry Machyn's Diary. 17 Mar 1557. The xvij day of Marche cam rydyng from kyng Phelype (age 29) from be-yond the see unto the court at Grenwyche [Map], to owre quen (age 41), with letters in post, my lord Robart Dudley (age 24), and after master Kemp of the preve chambur, that the kyng (age 29) wold com to Cales [Map] the xvij day of Marche; and the sam day dyd pryche a-for the quen the nuwe bysshope of Lynckolne doctur Watsun (age 42).

Henry Machyn's Diary. 05 Jul 1557. [The v day of July the King (age 30) took shipping at Dover, Kent [Map]] towarde Callys [Map], on hys jornay [toward Flanders].

In Jan 1558 Thomas Molyneux (age 27) was captured when Calais [Map] was seized. He was released on payment of 500 Crowns.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 02 Jan 1558. [The iij day of January came tidings to the Queen (age 41)] that the Frenche kyng (age 38) was [come to] Nuwnam bryge with a grett host of men [of war], and layd batheryng pessys unto ytt, and unto Rysse-banke [Map] by water, and to Cales [Map], [and] led grett batheryng peses to hytt, for ther wher [great shooting].

Henry Machyn's Diary. 04 Jan 1558. The iiij day of January the cete of London toke a v men to go to Calles [Map], of evere [craft,] to fynd boyth harnes, bowes, morespykes and [guns,] and men of ther charge and cost, and prest money, they cam to the quen('s) (age 41) nave [navy] of shypes.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 06 Jan 1558. The vj day of January thes men wher browght unto Leydenhalle [Map], and mustered afor my lord mayre and the althermen; and at after-none by iiij of the cloke they toke ther way to the Towrewarff [Map], and ther thay toke shypyng toward Callys [Map].

Note. P. 162. Musters in London. On the 6th Jan. the Privy Council sent "a letter to the maior of London that, albeite he was willed to send the vc. men levied in London to Dover, forasmuche as it is sithence considered here that they may with beste speede be brought to the place of service by seas, he is willen to sende them with all speede by hoyes to Queenburgh, where order is given for the receavinge and placing of them in the shippes, to be transported with all speede possible." (MS. Harl. 643, p. 198.)

Henry Machyn's Diary. 08 Jan 1558. The viij day of January the marchandes of the stapull of Calles toke up c. and ode [odd] men to go toward Calles [Map] of ther cost.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 09 Jan 1558. The viij day of January thay toke shypyng at the Towre-warfe [Map] toward Calles [Map], and odur men of ware, and from odur plases to the see-ward, betwyn v and vj of the cloke at nyght.

On 09 Jan 1558 Walter Mildmay (age 37) was appointed treasurer of the forces sent to the relief of Calais [Map].

Evelyn's Diary. 10 Oct 1641. At our going off, the fort, against which our pinnace anchored, saluted my Lord Marshal (age 56) with twelve gi'eat guns, which we answered with three. Not having the wind favourable, we anchored that night before Calais [Map]. About midnight, we weighed; and, at four in the morning, though not far from Dover [Map], we could not make the pier till four that afternoon, the wind proving contrary and driving us westward; but at last we got on shore, October the 12th.

Evelyn's Diary. 11 Nov 1643. Having a reasonable good passage, though the weather was snowy and untoward enough, we came before Calais [Map], where, as we went on shore, mistaking the tide, our shallop struck on the sands, with no little danger; but at length we got off.

Evelyn's Diary. 27 Jun 1650. I made my will, and, taking leave of my wife (age 15) and other friends, took horse for England, paying the messenger eight pistoles for me and my servant to Calais [Map], setting out with seventeen in company well-armed, some Portuguese, Swiss, and French, whereof six were captains and officers. We came the first night to Beaumont; next day, to Beauvais, and lay at Pois, and the next, without dining, reached Abbeville [Map]; next, dined at Montreuil, and proceeding met a company on foot (being now within the inroads of the parties which dangerously infest this day's journey from St. Omers and the frontiers), which we drew very near to, ready and resolute to charge through, and accordingly were ordered and led by a captain of our train; but, as we were on the speed, they called out, and proved to be Scotchmen, newly raised and landed, and few among them armed. This night, we were well treated at Boulogne. The next day, we marched in good order, the passage being now exceeding dangerous, and got to Calais by a little after two. The sun so scorched my face, that it made the skin peel off.

Evelyn's Diary. 29 Jan 1652. Abundance of my French and English friends and some Germans came to take leave of me, and I set out in a coach for Calais [Map], in an exceedingly hard frost which had continued for some time. We got that night to Beaumont; 30th, to Beauvais; 31st, we found the ways very deep with snow, and it was exceedingly cold; dined at Pois; lay at Pernèe, a miserable cottage of miserable people in a wood, wholly unfurnished, but in a little time we had sorry beds and some provision, which they told me they hid in the wood for fear of the frontier enemy, the garrisons near them continually plundering what they had. They were often infested with wolves. I cannot remember that I ever saw more miserable creatures.

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Feb 1652. I dined at Abbeville [Map]; 2nd, dined at Montreuil [Map], lay at Boulogne; 3rd, came to Calais [Map], by eleven in the morning; I thought to have embarked in the evening, but, for fear of pirates plying near the coast, I dared not trust our small vessel, and stayed till Monday following, when two or three lusty vessels were to depart.

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Feb 1652. At Calais [Map], I dined with my Lord Wentworth (age 39), and met with Mr. Heath, Sir Richard Lloyd, Captain Paine, and divers of our banished friends, of whom understanding that the Count de la Strade, Governor of Dunkirk, was in the town, who had bought my wife's (age 17) picture, taken by pirates at sea the year before (my wife (age 11) having sent it for me in England), as my Lord of Norwich had informed me at Paris, I made my address to him, who frankly told me that he had such a picture in his own bedchamber among other ladies, and how he came by it; seeming well pleased that it was his fortune to preserve it for me, and he generously promised to send it to any friend I had at Dover; I mentioned a French merchant there and so took my leave.

Evelyn's Diary. 18 Aug 1654. Hence, we passed through a fenny but rich country to Hull [Map], situated like Calais [Map], modernly and strongly fortified with three block-houses of brick and earth. It has a good market place and harbor for ships. Famous also (or rather infamous) is this town for Hotham's refusing entrance to his Majesty. The water-house is worth seeing. And here ends the south of Yorkshire.

Pepy's Diary. 09 Apr 1660. This afternoon I first saw France and Calais [Map], with which I was much pleased, though it was at a distance. About five o'clock we came to the Goodwin [Map], so to the Castles about Deal [Map]; where our Fleet lay, among whom we anchored. Great was the shout of guns from the castles and ships, and our answers, that I never heard yet so great rattling of guns. Nor could we see one another on board for the smoke that was among us, nor one ship from another. Soon as we came to anchor, the captains came from on board their ships all to us on board. This afternoon I wrote letters for my Lord to the Council, &c., which Mr. Dickering was to carry, who took his leave this night of my Lord, and Balty (age 20) after I had wrote two or three letters by him to my wife and Mr. Bowyer, and had drank a bottle of wine with him in my cabin which J. Goods and W. Howe brought on purpose, he took leave of me too to go away to-morrow morning with Mr. Dickering. I lent Balty (age 20) 15s. which he was to pay to my wife. It was one in the morning before we parted. This evening Mr. Sheply came on board, having escaped a very great danger upon a sand coming from Chatham.

Pepy's Diary. 26 Jul 1662. This afternoon I had a letter from Mr. Creed, who hath escaped narrowly in the King's yacht, and got safe to the Downs after the late storm; and that there the King (age 32) do tell him, that he is sure that my Lord is landed at Callis [Map] safe, of which being glad, I sent news thereof to my Lord Crew, and by the post to my Lady into the country.

Pepy's Diary. 17 Oct 1666. After dinner took him and my wife and Barker (for so is our new woman called, and is yet but a sorry girle), and set them down at Unthanke's, and so to White Hall, and there find some of my brethren with the Duke of York (age 33), but so few I put off the meeting. So staid and heard the Duke (age 33) discourse, which he did mighty scurrilously, of the French, and with reason, that they should give Beaufort (age 50) orders when he was to bring, and did bring, his fleete hither, that his rendezvous for his fleete, and for all sluggs to come to, should be between Calais [Map] and Dover, Kent [Map]; which did prove the taking of La Roche[lle], who, among other sluggs behind, did, by their instructions, make for that place, to rendezvous with the fleete; and Beaufort (age 50), seeing them as he was returning, took them for the English fleete, and wrote word to the King of France (age 28) that he had passed by the English fleete, and the English fleete durst not meddle with him. The Court is all full of vests, only my Lord St. Albans (age 61) not pinked but plain black; and they say the King (age 36) says the pinking upon white makes them look too much like magpyes, and therefore hath bespoke one of plain velvet.

Pepy's Diary. 06 Dec 1667. By and by home with Sir J. Minnes (age 68), who tells me that my Lord Clarendon (age 58) did go away in a Custom-house boat, and is now at Calais [Map]: and, I confess, nothing seems to hang more heavy than his leaving of this unfortunate paper behind him, that hath angered both Houses, and hath, I think, reconciled them in that which otherwise would have broke them in pieces; so that I do hence, and from Sir W. Coventry's (age 39) late example and doctrine to me, learn that on these sorts of occasions there is nothing like silence; it being seldom any wrong to a man to say nothing, but, for the most part, it is to say anything. This day, in coming home, Sir J. Minnes (age 68) told me a pretty story of Sir Lewes Dives (age 68), whom I saw this morning speaking with him, that having escaped once out of prison through a house of office, and another time in woman's apparel, and leaping over a broad canal, a soldier swore, says he, this is a strange jade.... He told me also a story of my Lord Cottington, who, wanting a son, intended to make his nephew his heir, a country boy; but did alter his mind upon the boy's being persuaded by another young heir, in roguery, to crow like a cock at my Lord's table, much company being there, and the boy having a great trick at doing that perfectly. My Lord bade them take away that fool from the table, and so gave over the thoughts of making him his heir, from this piece of folly.

Pepy's Diary. 06 Dec 1667. Then home and to the office, where Captain Cocke (age 50) come to me; and, among other discourse, tells me that he is told that an impeachment against Sir W. Coventry (age 39) will be brought in very soon. He tells me, that even those that are against my Chancellor (age 58) and the Court, in the House, do not trust nor agree one with another. He tells me that my Chancellor (age 58) went away about ten at night, on Saturday last; and took boat at Westminster, and thence by a vessel to Callis [Map], where he believes he now is: and that the Duke of York (age 34) and Mr. Wren knew of it, and that himself did know of it on Sunday morning: that on Sunday his coach, and people about it, went to Twittenham, and the world thought that he had been there: that nothing but this unhappy paper hath undone him and that he doubts that this paper hath lost him everywhere that his withdrawing do reconcile things so far as, he thinks the heat of their fury will be over, and that all will be made well between the two [royal] brothers: that Holland do endeavour to persuade the King of France (age 29) to break peace with us: that the Dutch will, without doubt, have sixty sail of ships out the next year; so knows not what will become of us, but hopes the Parliament will find money for us to have a fleete. He gone, I home, and there my wife made an end to me of Sir R. Cotton's discourse of warr, which is indeed a very fine book.

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Mar 1696. The wind continuing N. and E. all this week, brought so many of our men-of-war together that, though most of the French finding their design detected and prevented, made a shift to get into Calais [Map] and Dunkirk roads, we wanting fire-ships and bombs to disturb them; yet they were so engaged among the sands and flats, that 'tis said they cut their masts and flung their great guns overboard to lighten their vessels. We are yet upon them. This deliverance is due solely to God. French were to have invaded at once England, Scotland, and Ireland.

The Times. 02 Feb 1907.

Their Majesties the King (age 65) and Queen (age 62), attended by the Countess of Gosford (age 51), the Hon. Charlotte Knollys (age 72), Captain the Hon. Seymour Fortescue, R.N (age 50), and Major F. Ponsonby, left the Palace this morning for the British Embassy, Paris.

Her Royal Highness the Princess Victoria (age 38) accompanied Their Majesties to Calais [Map], and proceeded to Christiania on a visit to Their Majesties the King (age 34) and Queen of Norway (age 37).

Lady Eva Dugdale and Colonel Sir Henry Knollys (age 66) (Comptroller and Private Secretary to Her Majesty the Queen of Norway (age 66) were in attendance upon Her Royal Highness. The King and Queen are travelling u the Duke and Duchess of Lancaster. The Countess of Gosford has succeeded Lady Alice Stanley as Lady in Waiting to Her Majesty.

The Prince of Wales (age 41), accompanied by Prince Edward of Wales (age 12), was present at Victoria Station, and took leave of the King (age 65) and Queen (age 62) on Their Majesties' departure for Paris. The Hon. Derek Keppel (age 43) was in attendance.

Hall's Chronicle 1492. When he had thus prudently consolate and appeased the minds of his men of war, he returned back again with his whole army, to the toun of Caieys [Map], where he began to smell certain secret smoke, which was like to turn to a great flame, without it were well watched and politicly seen to. For by the crafty invention and devilish imagination of that pestiforous serpent lady Margaret, Duchess of Burgundy, a new idol was set up in Flanders, and called Richard Plantagenet, second son to King Edward the 4th as though he had bene resuscitate from death to life, which sudden news more stack and fretted in his stomach, then the battle which now was set late forward and more pain he had (not without great jeopardy of himself) to appease and quench this new sprung conspiracy, then in making peace with the French King his enemy. And so he was content to accept and receive (and not to offer and give) the honest conditions of peace of his enemy proffered and oblated, except he would at one time make war, be the at home in his own country, and also in foreign and external nations. Wherefore King Henry foreseeing all these things before (and not without great counsel) concluded with the French King, to the intent that he being delivered of al outward enmity might the more quickly provide for the civil and domestical commotions, which he perceived well to be budding out. The conclusion of the peace was thus, y the peace should continue both their lives, and that the French King should pay to King Henry a certain sum of money in hand, according as the commissioners should appoint for his charges sustained in his journey: