Biography of Edward Bayntun 1480-1544

Paternal Family Tree: Bayntun

1536 Trial of Anne and George Boleyn

1540 Marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine Howard

1541 Catherine Howard Trial

1542 Catherine Howard Tower of London Executions

Around 1492 Edward Bayntun was born to John Bayntun of Bromham at Bronham, Wiltshire.

Before 1505 Edward Bayntun (age 12) and Elizabeth Sulyard were married.

Around 1520 [his son] Edward Baynton was born to Edward Bayntun (age 28) and [his wife] Elizabeth Sulyard.

In 1523 [his daughter] Jane Bayntun was born to Edward Bayntun (age 31) and [his wife] Elizabeth Sulyard.

On 18 Jan 1531 Edward Bayntun (age 39) and Isabel Leigh were married. She the half-sister of Catherine Howard (age 8) their mother was Joyce Culpepper.

Around 1533 [his son] Edward Baynton (age 13) and [his daughter-in-law] Agnes Rhys Lady Baynton were married. She the daughter of Rhys ap Gruffydd Deheubarth and Catherine Howard Countess Bridgewater (age 34).

Letters and Papers 1535. 16 May 1535. 16 May. R. O. 722. John Smith [of Paul's] to Sir Edward Baynton (age 43).

Whereas the King has been informed of a precious little cross with a crucifix of pure gold and a rich ruby in the side, garnished with 4 great diamonds, 4 great emeralds, 4 large balasses, 12 great orient pearls, amongst the jewels of our church; and upon the King's high affection and pleasure of the sight of the same, I, with other of my brethren residentiaries, were yesterday commanded by Mr. Secretary in the King's name to be with the King with the said cross tomorrow: I ascertain you as my trusty friend that by my special instruction and conveyance his Grace shall have his pleasure thereon, and receive the same of our free gift, trusting in his charitable goodness toward our church of St. Paul.

Whereas my unkind brother, Mr. Incent, has made labour to supplant me out of the deanery house, which I now have by the sufferance of Dr. Sampson, dean of the King's chapel, and on which I have expended £40, and makes labour to have the same authority and government of the deanery of St. Paul's as Dr. Sampson has: I beg you will enterprise in this matter with the Queen for me, considering the diligent love and service I showed her at her coronation, and at the birth of my lady Princess. I have always furthered the promotion of her chaplains against Incent's opposition, who used such odious words as I am ashamed to write. If you can procure me her favour, and prevent Incent's purposes, I will give you two years' rent of my prebend of Alkannynges. Give credence to my servant Thomas Benger. Whit Sunday, 16 May. Signed.

P. 1. Add.: Sir Edward Baynton, vice-chamberlain to the Queen.

Around 1536 [his son] Henry Bayntun was born to Edward Bayntun (age 44) and [his wife] Isabel Leigh.

Trial of Anne and George Boleyn

Letters 1536. Around 05 May 1536. Otho, C. x. 209 b. B. M. Singer's Cavendish, ii. 225. Ellis, 1 Ser. ii. 61. 799. Sir Edward Baynton (age 44) to Mr. Treasurer (age 46) [Fitzwilliam?].

There is much communication that no man will confess anything against her, but only Marke (age 24) of any actual thing. It would, in my foolish conceit, much touch the King's honor if it should no further appear. I cannot believe but that the other two are as f[ully] culpable as he, but they keep each other's counsel. I think much of the communication which took place on the last occasion between the Queen (age 35) and Master Norres (age 54). Mr. Almoner [told] me that I might speak with Mr. S[ecretary] and you, and more plainly express my opinion in case they have confessed "like wret .... all things as they should do than my n .... at a point." I have mused much at [the conduct] of Mrs. Margery, who hath used her[self] strangely toward me of late, being her friend as I have been. There has been great friendship of late between the Queen and her. I hear further that the Queen standeth stiffly in her opinion, that she wi[ll not be convicted], which I think is in the trust that she [hath in the o]ther two. I will gladly wait upon you. Greenwich, .... morning. Signed.

Mutilated.

Letters 1536. 19 May 1536. R. O. 912. Queen Anne Boleyn. Debts owing to the Queen.

Archbishop of Canterbury, £400 Bishop of Salisbury, £200 Sir Edward Baynton (age 44), £200 John Asheley, £100 Mr. Harper, £50 Edm. Harvy, £33 6s. 8d. George Tayllour, £30 Sir James Boleyn (age 43), "as I think," £50 The lady of Worcester, "as I think," £101, £73 6s. 8d.

With Tomson at Greenwich, 6 "kene." Gold and silver plate, a great gold chain, many great strange pieces of gold and "suffrance" in the keeping of Ant. Deny at Westminster. 2 ivory altar candlesticks and a pair of knives trimmed with gold with George Tayllour. Hangings at Hanworth, and other things in Mr. Lovell's keeping. Bedding and hangings at Greenwich, in Tomson's keeping. Owing of the last half-year, ended at Michaelmas, £400, whereof there are divers bills to be paid. Nothing is received for this half year ended at Lady Day.

Pp. 2. Endd.: Certain debts due to the late Queen Anne.

Letters 1536. 20 Jun 1536. R. O. 1171. "Obligations." A list of bonds owing by different persons, the latest in date being 20 June 28 Henry VIII. The first is dated 14 Jan. 26 Henry VIII., and falls due at Christmas 1536. The names are as follows: Nicholas Stathame, Sir John Gage, Edmund Lynney, John Adams and Thomas Dethike, Thomas Cornewall, John Clifforde, Thomas Adington, John Watson, brewer, William Barlow, rector of Cressyngham, Richard Parker, cook, Raynolde Vaughan, Robert Sharpe, John Hughes, John Chekyn, Chr. à Lye, William Simondes, John Gate, clerk, Chr. Coo, John Harwood, Humfrey Farrar, Edward Leighton, clk., Robert Bolles, Thomas Tong, herald, Edward Leyton, priest, William Dod, Perpoint Donaunter, Sir John Russell, the Bishop of Winchester, Richard Long, Chr. Bendolos, Sir Edward Baynton (age 44), Alan Hawte, Chas. Knevett, Thomas Somer, stockfishmonger, William Dod, Robert Carter, and Thomas Tanner, of Oxford. Ant. Knyvett, Thomas Leyton, gent, William Houynes, and Richard Couper, Sir John Wallop, Florencius Volusenus, John Aylman, Sir John Seyntloo, Robert Sharparowe, and Robert Harding. The prior of St. Sepulchre, Warwick, Chr. Halles, Sir John Dudley, the prior of Lenton, Sir Francis Bigott, Thomas Wyat, the mayor of Oxford, John Tregian, Chr. Jenney, the prior of St. Swithins, George and Nicholas Gifforde, George Carrowe, Edward Rogers and John Zouche, Sir Arthur Darcy, Sir Edward Seymer (age 36), Richard Atzell, Sir Francis Brian, and Sir Richard Bulkeley.

Pp. 11.

Letters 1536. Jun 1536R. O. 1257. Debts to the King.

i. Money due to the King by obligations in the hands of John Gostwyk "by way of forren receipt." The debtors are the abbot of St. Alban's, Thos. Alen of Rayley, Sir Edward Baynton (age 44), the bishop of Bangor, William Byrryton of Stoke Lacy, Heref., the prior of Barnewell; Sir James Bollen (age 43) and William Shelton of London for the lord Rocheford's debts, £100; the archbishop of Dublin, for the lord Rocheford's debts, £300; lord Barnes, the abbot of Combermere, John Cooke of Twiforde, the bishop of Chester, the archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the abbot of Valla Crucis, abbot of Crowland, earl of Worcester, earl of Rutland, George Frith of Kelledon, Nic. Fytton of Little Hereforde, Roland Goodman of London; James Griffith Appowell and Walter Bowles of Westfelde, John Goodryk and Robt. Cheseman, abbot of Leicester, William Leigh, gentleman usher, bishop of Lincoln, Thomas Marshall, clk., and William Marshall of London, Richard ap Morres Gough, John Norton of Norton, Ralph Pexsall, Thomas Parker, president of Hereford; Thomas Patter and William Patmer, William Pawne, the prior of Royston; John Rastell and Martin Pirry, Sir William Skevington, Richard Suthwell, William Standish of Kendal, Sir Thos. Tempest, John West of Ringwod, clk., Sir Thomas Wharton, the abbot of Waverley, John Wyse of Sydenham; John Williams and Edward Walwyn, the senate of Lubeck, £3,333 6s. 8d.

Sums (except the last) varying from £4 to £700, the latter being the amount owed by lord Barnes.

ii. Due from the late bishop of Norwich's debts:—

Edm. Knevet of Shelton, Thos. Picarell and Thomas Necton, aldermen of Norwich, Thos. Barbour and Robt. Bray of Ipswich, Thos. Wodhous and Augustine Stewarde of Norwich, Leonard Spencer and Robt. Palmer of Bloffelde, William Raynebalde of Ipswich and Augustine Stewarde of Norwich, Sir Ant. Wingfield and Sir Thos. Russhe, the abbot of Langley and prior of Beeston, &c., William Crane of the King's chapel, Ric. Bisshop of Yarmouth, Gilb. Grise of Yarmouth, Alice Coll of Norwich, the prior of the Trinity in Ipswich, Philip Bedingfelde of Dichingham, Ant. Grise of Brodisshe, Sir Humph. Wyngfelde, Robt. Garrarde of Norwich, Ric. Catlyn, Ric. Lacy of Hoxon, John Aylegood of Weybrode, John Pryour of Wanforde, Thos. Smythe of Aye, Sir James Bolleyne, Thos. Reve of Molton, Thos. Felton of Playforde, Philip Barnarde of Yarmouth, William Blomefelde of Norwich, Thos. Sherle and Edmund Boner parson of East Deram, Thos. Maunde parson of Hokkering, William Hogeson of Hardingham, George Graves parson of Banham, John Scott of Grablesham, Robt. Bosshall of Titeshale, Robt. Thorneham of Routon, William Cutler of Knapton, William Birde of Fulmodeston, Walter Westcote of North Beresham, Ric. Bailly of South Creke, William Percy of Southrey, John Reder of Bekkiswell, Henry Cadybut of Cranewise, John Chapman of Cressingham Parva, William Bollein (age 45) of Holt St. Andrew, Simon Riseley of Stokesby, William Whyte of Rollesby, Arnold Whitton of Wytton, Robt. Childe of Styneley, Andrew Dey of Dunham, Thos. Aspall of Fraunceham, John Haryson of Marton, Robt. Jakler of Asshell, Augustine Firkyll of Worlington, Ant. Emery of Horam, John Askewe of Trymley, Ric. Stanyngborough of Kyrton, Thos. Bedingfelde of Alderton, Hugh Tilleney of Cambridge, Ric. Humer of Barston, William Stevens of Olton.

Marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine Howard

On 28 Jul 1540 Henry VIII (age 49) and [his sister-in-law] Catherine Howard (age 17) were married at Oatlands Palace [Map] by Bishop of London Edmund Bonner (age 40). She by marriage Queen Consort England. The difference in their ages was 31 years. He the son of King Henry VII of England and Ireland and Elizabeth York Queen Consort England.

Catherine Carey (age 16) and Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland (age 45) were appointed Lady in Waiting to Queen Catherine Howard of England.

Catherine Howard Trial

Letters and Papers 1541. 07 Nov 1541. 1325. Cranmer (age 52) to Henry VIII. R. O. St. P. i. 689. C.'s Letters, 409.

Describes his interview with the [his sister-in-law] Queen (age 18), whose state it would have pitied any man's heart to see. She had continued so ever since Cranmer left her. Purposed first to exaggerate her demerits, then declare the justice of the laws, and, lastly, signify the King's mercy; but, for fear she would enter into a frenzy, was fain to begin with the last. When she broke out into any "extreme braydes," told her there was some new fantasy come into her head and asked what it was. She said "this sudden mercy" made her offences seem more heinous. About six o'clock she fell into another "pange" which, she said, was "for the remembrance of the time, for about that time, as she said, Master Hennage was wont to bring her knowledge of your Grace." Lacks time to write everything and leaves it to the bearer, Sir John Dudlay, to relate. Encloses all he can get touching any communication of marriage with Derame (age 28), which she thinks no contract, nor would it be so if carnal copulation had not followed. The reason Mr. Baynton (age 49) sent to the King was to declare her state, and because, after Cranmer left, she began to excuse and temper the things she had said and put her hand to, for she says that what Derame did was by force. "Fro" — (blank space for date).

Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.

Note. See The Remains of Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury Volume 1 261 for the full letter.

The Remains of Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury Volume 1 261. [07 Nov 1541]. The cause that Master Bayntonx sent unto your Majesty, was partly for the declaration of her estate, and partly because, after my departure from her, she began to excuse and to temper those things which she had spoken unto me, and set her hand theretoy; as at my coming unto your Majesty I shall more fully declare by mouth; for she saith, that all that Derame did unto her was of his importune forcement, and, in a manner, violence, rather than of her free consent and will. Thus Almighty God have your Majesty in his preservation and governance. [Nov. 1541.]

From

Your Grace's most bounden chaplain,

T. Cantuarien.

To the King's Majesty.

Note x. It was the King's pleasure that Baynton (age 49) "should attend on the Queen, to have the rule and government of the whole house; and with him the Almoner [Nicholas Hethe] to be also associate." Letter from the Council to Cranmer in State Papers, vol. i. p. 692.

Note y. This is probably the document printed by Burnet, Ref. vol. iii. App. B. iii. No. 72 [Amistake for 71?]. which is signed by Catharine Howard, and which relates chiefly to her contract of matrimony with Derham. Though this precontract was the point to which Cranmer's attention was chiefly directed, the Lord Chancellor was strictly charged, in declaring the Queen's misconduct to the Privy Council, to omit all mention of it. And it is also altogether passed over in the official account sent to the ambassadors. The object of the omission is admitted to have been, "to engreave the misdemeanour," by suppressing what "might serve for her defence." Cranmer probably on the other hand wished to strengthen this defence, and to save her life by obtaining grounds for a divorce. See State Papers, vol. i. p. 692; Lord Herbert, Life of Henry VIII. p. 532.

Letters and Papers 1541. 11 Nov [1541]. 1331. The Privy Council to [Cranmer, and Others]. R. O. St. P., i. 691.

The King, having considered their letters, wills them to persevere in attaining knowledge of the truth and to execute his pleasure before signified to them; foreseeing that they take not from the Queen her privy keys till they have done all the rest. She is to be removed to Syon House [Map], and there lodged moderately, as her life has deserved, without any cloth of estate, with a chamber for Mr. Baynton (age 49) and the rest to dine in, and two for her own use, and with a mean number of servants, as in a book herewith. She shall have four gentlewomen and two chamberers at her choice, save that my lady Baynton shall be one, whose husband shall have the government of the whole house and be associated with the Almoner. The rest of her servants shall depart on Monday next. Sir John Dudley shall conduct my lady Mary to my lord Prince's, with a convenient number of the Queen's servants; and lady Margaret Douglas shall go to Keningale, in Norfolk, with my lady of Richmond, if my lord her father and she are content. Order is to be taken for the maidens to return to their friends, save Mrs. Bassett, whom the King, "in consideration of the calamity of her friends, will, at his charges, specially provide for." If any others have no home or friends, their names are to be signified, that the household may be dismissed with the satisfaction of the parties.

Tomorrow the lord Chancellor, assembling all the King's councillors, spiritual and temporal, judges and learned counsel, shall declare to them the abominable demeanour of the Queen, without calling Deram, as was intended, or mentioning any pre-contract, which might serve for her defence, but only to show the King's just cause of indignation. Also those who know the whole matter, and how and by whom it came to the King's knowledge, "and the King's sorrowful behaviour and careful proceeding in it," shall, on Sunday next, assemble all the ladies, gentlewomen, and gentlemen of "that household," and declare to them the whole matter, omitting all mention of precontract, but setting forth "such matter as might engreave and ‘consome’ their misdemeanour" and set forth the King's goodness. The Queen's departing to Syon shall be on Monday next or later. The ladies and others appointed to depart shall do so on Monday, and only such remain at Hampton Court as shall attend her to Syon. Mr. Controller shall understand that Mr. Weldon, master of the Household, has been spoken to, to make provision "of wine, beer, and other necessaries" at Syon. Westm., 11 Nov., at night. Signed by Norfolk, Southampton, Sussex, Russell, Sir Ant. Browne, Sir Ant. Wyngfeld, and Ralph Sadleyr.

Pp. 4. Slightly mutilated. Flyleaf, with address gone.

Catherine Howard Tower of London Executions

On 13 Feb 1542 [his sister-in-law] Queen Catherine Howard (age 19) and Jane Parker Viscountess Rochford (age 37) were beheaded at Tower Green [Map]. Henry Howard (age 26) attended. They were both buried at St Peter ad Vincula Church, Tower of London [Map].

Mary Boleyn (age 43) was the heir of Jane Parker Viscountess Rochford being the sister of her deceased husband George Boleyn Viscount Rochford.

On 27 Nov 1544 Edward Bayntun (age 52) died.

After 27 Nov 1544 James Stumpe and [his former wife] Isabel Leigh were married.

Around 1565 Thomas Stafford (age 85) and [his former wife] Isabel Leigh were married.

On 16 Feb 1573 [his former wife] Isabel Leigh died.

Ellis' Letters S1 V2 Letter. Edward Baynton to the Treasurer: declaring that only one person named Mark, will confess any thing against Queen Anne.

[MS. Cotton. Otho C. C. Fol. 209. b. Orig.]

Mr Thesaurer this shalbe to advertyse yow that here is myche communycacion that noman will confesse any thyng agaynst her, but allonly Marke of any actuell thynge. Wherfore (in my folishe conceyte) it shulde myche toche the Kings hono r if it shulde no farther appeere. And I cannot beleve but that the other two bee as f .... culpapull as ever was hee. And I thynke assur .... the on kepith the others councell. As many .... conjectures in my my nde causeth me to thynk ..a. specially of the communycacion that was last bet .... the Quene and Master Norres. M. Aumener .... me as I wolde I myght speke with Mr. S and yow together more playnely expresse my .... yf case be that they have confessyd like wret .... all thyngs as they shulde do than my n .... at apoynte. I have mewsed myche at .... of mastres Margery whiche hath used her .... strangely toward me of late being her fry .... a as I have ben. But no dowte it cann .... but that she must be of councell therewith .... hath ben great fryndeship betwene the Q .... her of late. I herefarther that the Que .... standlith styfly in her opynyon that she wo .... whiche I thynke is in the trust that she .... ther two. But if yor busynes be suche .... not com I wolde gladly com and wayte ke it requysyte. From Grenewy .... mornyng.

Edward

Note a. frynd.