Biography of Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde 1477-1539
Paternal Family Tree: Boleyn
Maternal Family Tree: Maud Francis Countess of Salisbury 1364-1424
1503 Margaret Tudor's Journey to Scotland
1509 Coronation of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon
1511 Birth and Death of Prince Henry
1520 Marriage of William Carey and Mary Boleyn
1520 Field of the Cloth of Gold
1525 Knighting of Henry Fitzroy
1528 Sweating Sickness Outbreak
1529 Oct Wolsey surrenders the Great Seal
1529 Henry VIII Creates New Peerages
1532 Anne Boleyn's Investiture as Marchioness of Pembroke
1533 Marriage of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
1533 Coronation of Anne Boleyn
1533 Birth and Christening of Elizabeth I
1535 Execution of Bishop Fisher and Thomas More
1536 Death of Catherine of Aragon
1536 Imprisonment of Anne Boleyn
1536 Trial of Brereton, Norris, Smeaton, and Weston
1536 Trial of Anne and George Boleyn
Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde 1477 1539 ArmsThomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde Arms. Adopted from his mother's [his mother] Margaret Butler family.
In 1463 [his grandfather] Geoffrey Boleyn (age 57) died. He was buried at St Lawrence Jewry. His son [his father] William Boleyn (age 12) inherited Hever Castle, Kent [Map].
In 1465 [his father] William Boleyn (age 14) and [his mother] Margaret Butler (age 11) were married. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Thomas Butler 7th Earl Ormonde (age 39) and [his grandmother] Anne Hankford Countess Ormonde (age 34). She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.
Around 1477 Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde was born to William Boleyn (age 26) and Margaret Butler (age 23) at Hever Castle, Kent [Map] at Hever Castle, Kent [Map].
On 31 Oct 1479 [his sister] Anna Boleyn (age 3) died. Brass in St Andrew's Church, Blickling [Map]. Her incription reads "Hic iacet Anna Boleyn, filia Willi; Boleyn, Armigeri, Etatis trium Annorum undecem Mensum et tredecem Dierum, que obiit ultimo Die Mensis Octobr' Anno Domini Mcccclrrir cuius anime propicietur Deus Amen." i.e. "Here lies Anne Boleyn, daughter of Will; Boleyn, Squire, of the Age of Three Years, Eleven Months and Thirteen Days, who died on the last Day of the Month of October, in the Year of the Lord Mccclxxix, whose soul may God have mercy on him, Amen." The amorial shows her [his father] father's (age 28) and [his mother] mother's (age 25) quartered.
Anna Boleyn: In 1476 she was born to William Boleyn and Margaret Butler.
In 1498 Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 21) and Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 18) were married. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 55) and Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey. They were fourth cousins.
Around 1499 [his daughter] Mary Boleyn was born to Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 22) and [his wife] Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 19). She was probably their eldest child based on her being the first to be married, and Anne being referred to as "one of the daughters of Thomas Boleyn" rather then the "eldest" when she was created Marquis of Pembroke. Little is known about her early education.
Around 1501 [his daughter] Queen Anne Boleyn of England was born to Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 24) and [his wife] Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 21) at either Blickling Hall, Norfolk [Map] or Hever Castle, Kent [Map].
The year of her birth somewhat uncertain - see Life of Cardinal Wolsey Note 6 - as is the order of the birth of her and her two siblings.
See An Account of the Life of Anne Boleyn Note c and Note e.
Around 1503 [his son] George Boleyn Viscount Rochford was born to Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 26) and [his wife] Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 23) at Blickling Hall, Norfolk [Map].
On 27 Jun 1503 Margaret Tudor Queen Scotland (age 13) left Richmond Palace [Map] for Scotland accompanied by Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 26), [his brother-in-law] Edward Howard (age 27), Richard Neville 2nd Baron Latimer of Snape (age 35) and Ralph Ogle 3rd Baron Ogle (age 34).
On 10 Oct 1505 [his father] William Boleyn (age 54) died. His son Thomas Boleyn (age 28) inherited Hever Castle, Kent [Map].
On 21 May 1508 Giles Daubeney 1st Baron Daubeney (age 56) died. His son Henry Daubeney 1st Earl Bridgewater (age 14) succeeded 2nd Baron Daubeney. [his sister-in-law] Catherine Howard Countess Bridgewater (age 9) by marriage Baroness Daubeney.
On 23 Jun 1509 [his future son-in-law] King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 17) created Knights of the Bath ...
Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex (age 26)
Henry Scrope 7th Baron Scrope of Bolton (age 27)
George Fitzhugh 7th Baron Fitzhugh (age 23)
William Blount 4th Baron Mountjoy (age 31)
Henry Daubeney 1st Earl Bridgewater (age 15)
Thomas Brooke 8th Baron Cobham (age 39)
Henry Clifford 1st Earl of Cumberland (age 16)
Maurice Berkeley 4th Baron Berkeley (age 42)
Thomas Knyvet (age 24)
Andrew Windsor 1st Baron Windsor (age 42)
Thomas Parr (age 26)
Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 32)
Richard Wentworth 5th Baron Despencer (age 29)
Henry Ughtred 6th Baron Ughtred
Francis Cheney (age 28)
Henry Wyatt (age 49)
George Hastings 1st Earl Huntingdon (age 22)
Sir Thomas Metham of Metham, Yorkshire
Sir Thomas Bedingfield
John Shelton (age 32)
Either Giles Alington (age 26) or his son Giles Alington (age 10).
Sir John Trevanion
Sir William Crowmer
Sir John Heydon of Baconsthorpe in Norfolk
Henry Sacheverell (age 34).
On 24 Jun 1509 [his future son-in-law] Henry VIII (age 17) was crowned VIII King England at Westminster Abbey [Map]. Catherine of Aragon (age 23) was crowned Queen Consort England.
Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham (age 31), Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 32) and [his father-in-law] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 66) attended. Henry Clifford 1st Earl of Cumberland (age 16) was knighted. Robert Dymoke (age 48) attended as the Kings's Champion. Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex (age 26) was created Knight of the Bath and served as Lord Sewer.
Around 1511 John de Vere 14th Earl of Oxford (age 11) and [his sister-in-law] Anne Howard Countess of Oxford were married. She by marriage Countess of Oxford. She the daughter of [his father-in-law] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 68) and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 34). They were half third cousins.
In 1511 Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 34) was appointed High Sheriff of Kent.
In Feb 1511 [his future son-in-law] Henry VIII (age 19) celebrated the birth of his son by holding a magnificent tournament at Westminster [Map]. The challengers included Henry VIII who fought as Cuere Loyall, Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 15) as Bon Vouloir, Edward Neville (age 40) as Joyeulx Penser, Thomas Knyvet (age 26) as Valiant Desyr and Thomas Tyrrell.
On Day 1 of the tournament the Answerers included: William Parr 1st Baron Parr of Horton (age 28), Henry Grey 4th Earl Kent (age 16), Thomas Cheney (age 26), Richard Blount and Robert Morton.
On Day 2 of the tournament the Answerers included: Richard Tempest of Bracewell (age 31), Thomas Lucy, Henry Guildford (age 22), Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 27), Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 34), Richard Grey, Leonard Grey 1st Viscount Grane (age 32), [his brother-in-law] Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 38), [his brother-in-law] Edmund Howard (age 33) and Henry Stafford 1st Earl Wiltshire (age 32).
The Life of Anne Boleyn Appendix D. Letters of [his daughter] Anne (age 12) and Thomas Boleyn (age 36)
The following is the text of Anne's childish letter to her father, of which the original is at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, being bequeathed by Archbishop Parker, one of her chaplains:
I understand from your letter that you desire that all honest women, when I come to court, and you inform me that the Queen will take the trouble to converse with me, of which I am very glad to think of speaking with such a wise and honest person. This will give me even greater motivation to continue to speak good French and also especially [something erased] for the man whom you have so highly recommended to me. I assure you that I will keep them as well as I can. Monsieur, I beg you to excuse me if my letter is poorly written and spelled because I assure you that this is written by my own hand alone. The others are written by my mother, and Semmonet tells me that the letter remained unfinished. I did it myself for fear that no one should know what I am sending to you. I beg you that the light of your sight and the liberty of your will to help me should not be separated, for it seems to me that you assure me of this where you can. If it pleases you, make clear to me your words, and be certain of me that I shall have no lack of gratitude and shall pass no opportunity to do as much as you please. I end my purpose by humbly recommending myself to your good grace and written in [place name missing].
Your very humble and very obedient daughter, Anna de Boullan.
Monssr. Je antandue par vre lettre que a ves envy que toufs onette fame quan Je vindre a la courte et mavertisses que la Rene prendra la pein de devisser a vecc moi de quoy me Regoy bine fort de penser parler a vecc ung perscone tante sage et onnete cela me ferra a voyr plus grante anuy de continuer a parler bene franssais et oussy espel [erased] especy ale man pour sue que melaues tant Recommande et de me man vous a versty que les gardere le meux que Je poure Monssr Je vous supplya descusser sy ma lettre et male et sipta car je vous asure quete et ottografie de monantend amant sule la vue les aultres ne sont faiz que escript de maman et Semmonet me dit la lettre mes domeura fan je le fie moy meme de peur que lone ne saces sance que Je vous mande et Je vous pry que la loumire de vu vue net libertte de separe la voullante que dites aves de me edere car hile me semble quettes ascure en lue [?] la ou vous poues sy vous plet me vere de claraison de vre paroile et de moy coues sertene que miara cuoffice de peres ne din gratitude que sut en passer ne et fasere mon a veccfion quecte de libere deviere autant sance que vous plera me commander et vous prommes que mon amour et vondue par ung si grante fermette quele nara James pouer de sane deminuer et feres fin a mon pourpon a pres mettre Recommande bine humblemente a vre bone grace et script a Veure1 de Vre tres humble et tres obeiff fille Anna de Boullan."
[Transcription made for the Rev. J. S. Brewer by the Rev. J. R. Lumby.]
Note 1. It isn't clear where "Veure" is. Some argue the letter is written from Hever Castle, some from La Veure aka Tervuren, Brabant.
In 1513 [his brother-in-law] Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 40) and Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk (age 16) were married. The difference in their ages was 24 years. She the daughter of Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham (age 34) and Eleanor Percy Duchess Buckingham. He the son of [his father-in-law] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 70) and Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1513. Grants in 1513.
1. Commission of the Peace. See Appendix. Berks.-Knoll, 4 Jan. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 1, m. 7d. [3640.]
2. Commission of the Peace. See Appendix. Gloucestershire.-Knoll, 5 Jan. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 1, m. 7d. [3641.]
3. John Crossewell, of Odyam, Hants, clothier. Protection for one year; going with Sir Gilbert Talbot (age 61), Deputy of Calais. Del. Knoll, 5 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. S.B. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 20. [3642.]
4. William Poullain, clk., and Julian Souchet, natives of Normandy. Denization, for life. Del. Knoll, 5 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. S.B. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 20. [3643.]
5. Henry Rowt, chaplain. Grant of the perpetual chantry in the chapel of the manor of Eltham, Kent, vice William Wrigh, clk., deceased. Del. Westm., 26 (sic) Jan. 4 Henry VIII. S.B. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 14. [3682.]
6. John Wetewod, clk., minister of the Chapel. Presentation to the church of Badisworth, dioc. of York, void by death. Del. Westm., 8 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. S.B. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 20. [3644.]
7. John Scotte. To be chief baron of the Exchequer, during good conduct, in reversion after William Hody, who holds by patent 29 Oct. 2 Henry VII. Westm., 8 Jan. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 20. [3645.]
8. Robert Hall. Grant of the ferry of Paddistowe, with "le Haven Cathe" of the port of St. Ives, Cornw. Greenwich, 30 Dec. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 8 Jan. P.S. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 7. [3646.]
9. John Jenkynson, of Newland, York, butcher. Pardon for killing Th. Megson, of Newland, yeoman, in self-defence; according to inquest before Th. Maners, coroner. Westm., 10 Jan. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 7. [3650.]
10. Gaol Delivery.
Gaol of the Abbot of Ramesey.-Commission to Sir Rob. Rede, William Mordaunt, John Woode, Th. Lowth, John Tayllard, William Grace, and Th. Dunholt. Westm., 12 Jan. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 20d. [3652.]
11. Thomas Emson. Inspeximus and exemplification, at the request of Thomas, s. and h. of Sir Richard Emson, of an Act of Parliament 4 Henry VIII. reversing and annulling the attainder of the said Sir Richard. Westm., 12 Jan. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 1. [3653.]
12. [his father-in-law] Thomas Earl of Surrey (age 70), Treasurer of England, [his brother-in-law] Thomas Lord Howard (age 40), Sir [his brother-in-law] Edward Howard (age 37), and Sir Thomas Bulleyn (age 36). Pardon and release of all arrears, from Mich. 23 Henry VII. to the present date, of an annual rent of £292 5s. 4¼d. from Mich. 23 Henry VII., subject to which they hold, by patent 10 Nov. 1 Henry VIII., the possessions of John Grey late Viscount Lisle, and of Joan late wife of Sir Humphrey Talbot, to the use of Sir Thomas Knyvet and [his sister-in-law] Mercella his wife, Viscountess Lisle, during the minority of Elizabeth Grey (age 7), daughter and heir of the said Viscount. Greenwich, 7 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 12 Jan. P.S. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 20. [3655.]
13. Edmund Denny (age 56) and John Smyth, clerk in the office of Treasurer's remembrancer of the Exchequer. Grant, in survivorship, of the office of Treasurer's remembrancer; on surrender of patent, 3 June 20 Henry VII., granting the same to Denny, vice Sir Robert Lytton, dec. Del. Westm., 12 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. S.B. (filed on 12 Dec. 1512). Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 10. ii. Warrant to the Lord Chancellor, dated 22 Dec. 4 Henry VIII., to cancel the patent of Jasper Fyloll of the reversion of the above office ("remembrancer of our Tresoury within our Eshequier"), the King being now informed that the said Jasper has not sufficient experience and learning. S.B. (attached to the above). [3656.]
14. Thomas Holden, yeoman of the Queen's chamber, and John Hunt, master-cook for the King's mouth. To be keepers, in survivorship, of the Royal Household in Westminster Palace, with 6d. a day since Michaelmas last. Del. Westm., 12 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. S.B. [3657.]
15. John Westowe, the King's gunner (bumbardus), To be, for life, searcher of the port of Bristol. Greenwich, 31 Dec. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 13 Jan. P.S. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 16. [3660.]
16. Thomas Payne of Salisbury, merchant. Protection for one year; going in the suite of Sir Gilbert Talbot, Deputy of Calais. Greenwich, 7 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 17 Jan. P.S. (injured). Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 12. [3665.]
17. John Bradley, yeoman of the Guard. To be ranger of the Isle of Purbeke, vice Thomas Prichit. Greenwich, 11 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 17 Jan. P.S. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 12. [3666.]
18. John Prowde, haberdasher of London. Protection for one year; going in the suite of Sir Gilbert Talbot, Deputy of Calais. Del. Westm., 17 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. S.B. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 12. [3667.]
19. George Frauncesse, gentleman usher of the Queen's chamber. To be steward, during pleasure, of the lordship of Orwel, Camb., lately held by William Denton, deceased; and lease of the office of feodary and bailiff of the honor of Richmond, in Camb., Herts, Suffolk, and Essex, from Christmas, 4 Henry VIII., for 30 years, at the annual rent of £20 10s. Del. Westm., 17 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. S.B. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 12. [3668.]
20. William Towers, usher of the Hall, and Nicholas Hornecliffe, yeoman of the Vestry. Grant, in survivorship, of the offices of bow-bearer of Arkylgarthdale, under-steward of Middelham and Richemonte, and one of the foresters of Coverdale, co. Richmond, lately held by John Conyers, Gilbert Metcalf, and William Forster. Westminster, 17 Dec. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 18 Jan. P.S. (in English). Pat, 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 12. [3669.]
21. John Wodlesse, yeoman of the Crown. Annuity of £20 for life. Greenwich, 20 Dec. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 18 Jan. P.S. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 12. [3670.]
22. Robert Crumwell or Cromwell, vicar of Batersey. Protection for one year; going in the suite of Sir Gilbert Talbot, Deputy of Calais. Greenwich, 22 Dec. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 19 Jan. P.S. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 12. [3671.]
23. John Tollas, sherman of London. Protection for one year; going in the suite of Sir Gilbert Talbot, Deputy of Calais. Greenwich, 19 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 20 Jan. P.S. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 12. [3672.]
24. Sir Maurice Berkeley (age 46), knight for the Body. To be keeper of the park of Sodbury alias Sodbury, Glouc., with herbage and pannage, and wages of 2d. a day; on surrender of patent granted by Henry VII. to William Denys, esquire for the Body. Del. Westm., 21 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. S.B. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 12. [3673.]
25. John Boston, clk., m.A. Presentation to the church of Milsted, Canterbury dioc., void by death of John Guyllary, clk. Greenwich, 21 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 23 Jan. P.S. [3674.]
26. John Wheler, for services to the Queen. To be keeper of the park of Biflete, Surrey, for life. Greenwich, 20 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 23 Jan. P.S. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m 14. [3675.]
27. Scotch Commissioners. Safe conduct, at the request of the King of Scots, by letters signed and sealed, for one year, to John Lord Drummond, Sir Robert Lawder of Basse, Sir John Ramsey of Trarinzeane, Sir William Scotte of Balverley. and John Henryson, clerk of justiciary, commissioners of James king of Scots, with 100 persons. Westminster, 24 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. S.B. Scotch Roll, 4 Henry VIII. m. 12. Rymer, Xiii. 346. [2069, 3676.]
28. Pewterers of London. Inspeximus and conf. of:-
Pat. 19 March, 20 Henry VII., conf.:
Pat. 20 Jan. 13 Edward IV. (p. 2, m. 5). Westm., 24 Jan. [4 Henry VIII.]. Conf. roll 48, No. 8.
29. Roger Salesbury, yeoman of the Guard. To have the fee of the Crown, being 6d. a day, held by John Whityngton, deceased. Greenwich, 27 Dec. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 25 Jan. P.S. (in English). [3677.]
30. Leonard Fryscobalde, gentleman usher of the Chamber. Annuity of 50 marks for life. Greenwich, 17 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 26 Jan. P.S. (in English). Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 14. [3679.]
31. William Porter. Licence to export so much broadcloths, kerseys and other woollen cloths, tin, hides and other merchandise (except wools and woolfells) as will in custom and subsidy yield 1,000 mks., and import as much; custom and subsidies to be payable at the end of six years after shipment. Greenwich, 20 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 26 Jan. P.S. [3680.]
32. Peter Warton and John Ketilby. To be bailiffs, during pleasure, of the lordship of Salwarppe, Worc., from Easter last; with keepership, in survivorship, of the park there, 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 26 Jan. P.S. (fragment only). Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 30. [3681.]
33. Henry Rowte, chaplain. To be priest of the chapel in the manor of Eltham, Kent, with 10 marks a year out of the manor; as held by John Sweteman of Pentriche, chaplain therein Edward III.'s time; on surrender of invalid patent 6 Jan. 4 Henry VIII., granting him the chantry in the said chapel formerly held by William Wright (sic). Del. Westm., 26 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. S.B. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 33. [3683.]
34. Walter Devereux Lord Ferrers (age 25). To be keeper of the park of Nethewode, Heref., for life, with 4d. a day, vice William Thomas. Del. Westm., 27 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. S.B. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 20. [3684.]
35. Sir Robert Brandon (age 53). Wardship and marriage of John, son and heir of John Carewe, dec. Del. Westm., 28 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. S.B. (in margin: "Ad instantiam Karoli Brandon, militis"). [3685.]
36. Commission of the Peace. See Appendix. Herefordshire.-Westm., 28 Jan. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 1, m. 7d. [3686.]
37. Edward Guldeford, squire of the Body. Inspeximus and exemplification of Act of Parliament, 3 Henry VIII. [c. xix.], reversing the attainder of Edm. Dudley, and conditionally reinstating John Dudley, his son, and appointing Guldeford guardian of the said John, during his minority. Westm., 28 Jan. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 31. [3687.]
38. Invasion. Writs of precept to the sheriffs, viz.:-
Kent.-For the sheriff to make proclamations that all males between sixty and sixteen shall prepare arms and be ready at an hour's warning to resort to such place in the said county as shall be assigned by the King's commissioners, and specially in Kent the Lord Bergevenny, who is deputed to lead the shire to resist the French King, who has prepared "a great and a strong navy" to invade England in February next. Beacons to be in readiness. Westm., 28 Jan. 4 Henry VIII.
Norfolk and Suffolk.-The Earl of Oxford (age 13).
Essex.-The Earl of Oxford and Lord Fytzwater.
Cornwall.-Edward Willoughby, Sir John Arundell, and Sir Piers Eggecombe.
Devon.-Lord Broke.
Somerset and Dorset.-Lord Fytzwaren.
Sussex.-The Earl of Arundell.
Hants and Wilts.-Sir John Lysle and Sir William Sandes.
S.B. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 9d. [3688.]
39. William Rogiers, chaplain. Presentation to the church of Great Bylling, Linc. dioc., void by death of Thomas Harteley. Greenwich, 26 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 28 Jan. P.S. [3689.]
40. John Cristoferson, m.D., native of Scotland. Denization, for life. Westminster, 4 Feb. 1 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 29 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. p.S. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 30. [3690.]
41. Gaol Delivery. Norfolk Circuit.-Commission to Sir John Fyneux, Sir Robert Rede and William Mordaunt. Westm., 29 Jan. York, City and Castle.-Commission to William Fayrfax, John Erneley, Robert Henrison and Th. Stray. Westm., 29 Jan. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 15d. [3691.]
42. John Bristall alias Burstall, fishmonger, of London. Protection for one year; going in the suite of Sir Gilbert Talbot, Deputy of Calais. Greenwich, 20 Jan. 4 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 31 Jan. P.S. [3693.]
43. William Hill, of Becclys alias Bexlys, Suff., yeoman. Reversal of outlawry in co. (blank); sued for debt by Roger Dade of Wheybrede, Suff., husbandsman. Westm., 31 Jan. Pat. 4 Henry VIII. p. 1, m. 4.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1513. 09 Jan 1513. Thomas Spinelly (age 41) to Lewis Maroton. Has received two letters, dated respectively 28th December and 3d January, expressing the impatience of the Emperor for the conclusion of the matter in treaty, with Madame, between himself and the [his future son-in-law] King of England (age 21), who, he thinks, has cooled. If the Emperor had dealt earnestly, it had been accomplished long ago; and the continual diligence of the King's ambassadors for eight months proves the contrary. Reminds him how, at the outset, the King wrote with his own hand to the Emperor. On the arrival of the ambassadors at her Court, instead of a brief expedition of the business that had been promised, the Emperor, after some discussion, demanded 100,000 escus d'or, saying that the Pope and the King of Aragon (age 60) would give him as much,-a point that had never been mentioned before. And, although the treaty was for the interest of the Emperor and the King of Castile, as well as himself, the King, upon the declaration of Sir Thomas Boleyn (age 36), consented to let the Emperor have the 100,000 crowns. But before the conclusion of the negotiations the Emperor left, promising to send his daughter full powers and return in two months. The powers did not come till three months, and then clogged with new conditions, such as that the Prince and his subjects should remain neutral. Even to this the King assented, on certain conditions. Such conduct demands reciprocity on their part. Spinelly cannot believe what he is told, that over and above the sum already stipulated the Emperor will be so unreasonable as to demand more; and for his part he would not dare propose it. Begs him to obtain such a commission for Madame as may suffice to make an end without needing other ambassadors. Can think of no cause why the King has not advertised the Emperor of his wish for troops, unless it be that his ambassador, who is to return to him, will explain; and also he may think that what is said to the daughter is likewise said to the father. Malines, 9 Jan. 1512.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1513. 12 Jan 1513. Spinelly (age 41) to Henry VIII. Wrote last on the 9th. A messenger has since come from the Emperor, and brought the conclusions of the negotiations made in Germany, of which he sends a Latin translation [See 08 Oct 1512]. My Lady has told him of the honorable treaty which the Emperor has made with the Swiss, of which he sends a copy. Madame is advertised from Savoy that the Swiss are not well disposed to the French, and only negotiate with them to obtain money from them and the castles of Lucam and Luca[rno]. Sir Tho. Boleyn (age 36) tells him the better part of the town of Serizee are French. The two brothers (freres) whom Spinelly sent to England were among the best of them. Leaves the truth of his words to time. When the Controller of the Household comes, he will know it from the information of Madame and De Berghes. Serizee, in the late rebellions, took part with De Ravestain. Boleyn is dissatisfied, because he was not informed of the resolution taken with the said two brothers. Was at Antwerp at the time. The treasurer general of the Prince of Castile has been at Cologne, waiting for an envoy from Gueldres to arrange for a truce between the two. Gueldres has now notified that he can find no personage to send. A messenger has been taken, sent by the Bastard of Gueldres into France to state that if he was assisted he would pillage all the flat country of Brabant. The Hollanders have agreed to raise 1,200 foot for the Duke of Brunswick, and will have nothing to do with Diselstain. The said Duke has now 3,000 foot and 1,000 horse, and continually harasses the enemy. Heda, maître d'hotel of the Duke of Gueldres, has left the Court of France, bringing money and aid to his master. Watch is laid for him. Philip Galteroty is now at Malines. He has great friendship in Scotland, on account of his managing the ecclesiastical matters at Rome. He tells Spinelly that some Scotchmen from the Court of France informed him that Jaques Hogby, the resident there, had powers a month past, and made a new treaty between their master and France, binding their master to make war on England, and the King of France to send to Scotland 200,000 crowns of gold, and a certain quantity of arms and gunpowder, and 20 pieces of artillery. Philip says that four vessels of war have gone thither already with arms, &c., but the money does not go till March. Many of the Scotch are dissatisfied with England, and say they have been plundered, and will have revenge. The Secretary of Scotland has lost his cause at Rome, in the matter of the commandry of St. John's in Scotland, through the influence of the Card. of York, at which he is very angry. The Bishop of Murray and the Secretary are omnipotent with the King of Scotland. The King of France has promised the former a Bishopric. Will send to-morrow to De Berghes to learn Scotch news from his son-in-law of Canferre, where the Scotch lodge. On his asking Madame if he should send the maître d'hotel of the Prince of Chimay to Blois, as he did last year, she replied that she expected satisfactory news from the Emperor in six days, and the Governor of Bressa would be sent in quest of the maitre d'hotel in her name, to make inquiries by means of D'Albret. Gave the Governor 100 fl. for the said maitre d'hotel. Wants money. Upon the King's letters, Madame has given a passport to Richard Fermer, to export, duty free, 36,000 rasieres of wheat or flour. The duty would have amounted to 1,£000 gr. Malines, 12 Jan. 1512. Signed.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1513. 21 Jan 1513. Brian Tuke to John Heron (age 43), Treasurer of the Chamber. John Cavelcante has delivered me bills of exchange for 200 mks. for the master of the Rolls' and Sir Thomas Boleyn's (age 36) expenses from 1 December last and £100 for Thomas Spynelly (age 41) "of such money as he hath laid out for the King." I have sent the bills to them. Please deliver Cavalcante the said money "which Mr. Almoner spake to you to pay." London, 21 Jan. 4 Henry VIII.
On 09 Sep 1513 at the Battle of Flodden was fought at the Branxton, Northumberland [Map]. the English army was commanded by [his father-in-law] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 70), [his brother-in-law] Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 40), [his brother-in-law] Edmund Howard (age 35), Thomas Dacre 2nd Baron Dacre Gilsland (age 45), Edward Stanley 1st Baron Monteagle (age 51) and Marmaduke Constable (age 56).
The English army included: Henry "Shepherd Lord" Clifford 10th Baron Clifford (age 59), William Conyers 1st Baron Conyers (age 44), Thomas Berkeley 5th Baron Berkeley (age 41) and Richard Neville 2nd Baron Latimer of Snape (age 45).
Randall Babington, John Bigod (age 38) and Thomas Fitzwilliam (age 39) were killed.
Marmaduke Constable (age 33), William Constable (age 38), George Darcy 1st Baron Darcy Aston (age 16), Edmund Walsingham (age 33), Thomas Burgh 7th Baron Cobham 5th Baron Strabolgi 1st Baron Burgh (age 25) and Walter Stonor (age 36) were knighted by Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk.
Christopher Savage, Thomas Venables (age 44) and Brian Tunstall (age 33) were killed.
Bryan Stapleton of Wighill (age 55) was killed. (Some reports have him dying in 1518).
John Booth (age 78) was killed.
Father and son Ralph ellerker of risby in yorkshire and Ralph Ellerker were knighted by Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey.
The Scottish army suffered heavy casualties:
King James IV of Scotland (age 40) was killed. His body ws taken to London, then to Sheen Priory, Richmond; thereafter it disappeared. His son King James V of Scotland (age 1) succeeded V King Scotland.
Alexander Stewart ArchBishop of St Andrews (age 20) was killed.
David Kennedy 1st Earl Cassilis (age 43) was killed. His son Gilbert Kennedy 2nd Earl Cassilis (age 18) succeeded 2nd Earl Cassilis. Isabel Campbell Countess Cassilis by marriage Countess Cassilis.
William Sinclair 2nd Earl Caithness (age 54) was killed. His son John Sinclair 3rd Earl Caithness succeeded 3rd Earl Caithness.
Matthew Stewart 2nd Earl Lennox was killed. His son John Stewart 3rd Earl Lennox (age 23) succeeded 3rd Earl Lennox.
William Hay 4th Earl Erroll was killed. His son William Hay 5th Earl Erroll (age 18) succeeded 5th Earl Erroll.
John Douglas 2nd Earl Morton was killed. His son James Douglas 3rd Earl Morton succeeded 3rd Earl Morton, 6th Lord Dalkeith.
Adam Hepburn 2nd Earl Bothwell was killed. His son Patrick Hepburn 3rd Earl Bothwell (age 1) succeeded 3rd Earl Bothwell.
Alexander Stewart 4th of Garlies (age 32) was killed. His son Alexander Stewart 5th of Garlies (age 6) succeeded 5th Lord Garlies.
Alexander Elphinstone 1st Lord Elphinstone was killed. His son Alexander Elphinstone 2nd Lord Elphinstone (age 3) succeeded 2nd Lord Elphinstone.
Thomas Hay, George Hepburn Bishop Isles (age 59), Adam Hepburn Master (age 56), Thomas "Younger of Cushnie" Lumsden
William Douglas 6th Lord Drumlanrig was killed. William "Younger" Douglas 7th Lord Drumlanrig succeeded 7th Lord Drumlanrig.
George Seton 5th Lord Seton was killed. His son George Seton 6th Lord Seton succeeded 6th Lord Seton.
John Hay 2nd Lord Hay of Yester was killed. His son John Hay 3rd Lord Hay (age 23) succeeded 3rd Lord Hay of Yester. Elizabeth Douglas Lady Hay by marriage Lord Hay of Yester.
Robert Keith Master of Marischal (age 30), Guiscard Harbottle (age 28), John Erskine, David Home (age 22), Andrew Stewart 1st Lord Avondale (age 43), Archibald Campbell 2nd Earl Argyll (age 64), Robert Douglas of Lochleven (age 89) were killed.
Henry Sinclair 3rd Lord Sinclair (age 48) was killed. His son William Sinclair 4th Lord Sinclair succeeded 4th Lord Sinclair.
James Stewart 1st Lord of Traquair (age 33) was killed. His son William Stewart 2nd Lord Traquair (age 7) succeeded 2nd Lord Traquair.
John Maxwell 4th Lord Maxwell (age 57) was killed. His son Robert Maxwell 5th Lord Maxwell (age 20) succeeded 5th Lord Maxwell.
William Murray (age 43), Colin Oliphant (age 26), William Ruthven (age 33), George Douglas (age 44) and William Douglas (age 42) were killed.
George Home 4th Lord Home and John Stewart 2nd Earl Atholl (age 38) fought.
Brothers David Lyon of Cossins, William Lyon and George Lyon were killed.
William Graham 1st Earl Montrose (age 49) was killed. His son William Graham 2nd Earl Montrose (age 21) succeeded 2nd Earl Montrose.
Robert Erskine 4th Lord Erskine 16th Earl Mar was killed. His son John Erskine 17th Earl Mar (age 26) de jure 17th Earl Mar, Lord Erskine.
Thomas Stewart 2nd Lord Innermeath (age 52) was killed. His son Richard Stewart 3rd Lord Innermeath succeeded 3rd Lord Innermeath.
Walter Lindsay of Arden and Walter Lindsay (age 33) were killed.
William Keith of Inverugie (age 43) was killed.
David Wemyss of Wemyss (age 40) was killed.
John Somerville 1st of Cambusnethan (age 55) was killed.
Robert Crichton 2nd Lord Crichton of Sanquhar (age 41) was killed. His son Robert Crichton 3rd Lord Crichton of Sanquhar (age 22) succeeded 3rd Lord Crichton of Sanquhar
Father and son William Rollo (age 59) and Robert Rollo 5th of Duncrub (age 34) were killed.
Correspondence of Emperor Maximillian Volume 2. The ladies and maids of honour of Marguerite1 were not strangers to the literary and poetic movement that Marguerite inspired around her. One of them, Marguerite de Croy, Countess of Hornes, whose familiar letters testify to a very cultivated mind, occasionally included a couplet that escaped from the witty gaiety of this woman who made such good preserves for the Emperor. The Archduchess herself, as we have shown earlier, cultivated poetry with as much and perhaps even more success than the official poets to whom she paid a pension. The Burgundy Library owned three volumes of songs composed by her, with musical notation. On one of these volumes, an artist had painted daisies on all the margins, and on the frontispiece, the portrait of the princess kneeling.
Note 1. The ladies and maids of honor of Marguerite
The Archduchess [Marguerite of Savoy] referred to them as well from Spain, France, England, as from her own lands. Mr. de Reissenberg, in the curious additional remarks in his edition of the Metrical Chronicle of Molinet (154), provides a list2 of Marguerite's eighteen maids of honor. Among these names, one can spot the rather insignificant name "Bullan," and Miss Bullan is none other than [his daughter] Anne Boleyn (age 13), later to become Queen of England. Here is an excerpt from the letter in which Marguerite thanks Thomas Boleyn (age 37) for entrusting his daughter to her care.
I received your letter from the squire Bouton, who presented your daughter to me, and she was very welcome. I hope to treat her in such a way that you will have a reason to be satisfied. At the very least, I believe that upon your return, there will be no need for any intermediary between you and me other than her. I find her so well-mannered and pleasant, considering her young age, that I am more indebted to you for sending her to me than you are to me, etc.
Les dames et demoiselles d'honneur de Marguerite
L'archiduchesse les appelait aussi bien d'Espagne, de France, d'Angleterre, que de ses propres pays. M. de Reissenberg, dans les curieuses remarques additionnelles à son édition de là Chronique métrique de Molinet, 154, donne une liste2 des dix-huit filles d'honneur de Marguerite. Parmi ces noms, on aperçoit le mot fort peu significatif Bullan; or mademoiselle Bullan n'est autre qu'Anne de Boleyn, depuis reine d'Angleterre. Citons un extrait delà lettre par laquelle Marguerite remercie Thomas Boleyn de lui avoir confié sa fille:
J'ai reçeu vostre lettre par l'escuyer Bouton qui m'a présenté vostre fille que m'a esté la très bien-venue, et espère la traicter de sorte que aurez cause vous en contenter du moings tiens que à vostre retour ne fauldra aultre truchement entre vous et moi que elle; et la treuve si bien adressée et si plaisante suivant son josne eaige, que je suis plus tenu à vous de la m'avoir envoyée que vous à moi, etc.
Note 2. See Chronique Metric Page 154.
Note. With regard to Note 2 the author appears to have mistaken "Bullan" for "Bulleux" as described in the Note to the Chronique Metric.
Manuscripts of J Eliot Hodgkin. 14 Aug 1514. Sir Thomas Boleyn (age 37) to Margaret of Austria (age 34), Governor of the Netherlands. Greenwich.
My dearest and most revered lady, with as humble a heart as I can, I commend myself to your kind favor. It will please you to know that the sister of the King, my master, Madame Marie, Queen of France, has asked to have my daughter, the little Boleyn [[his daughter] Queen Anne Boleyn of England (age 13)], with her. My very revered lady, my daughter is presently with you at your court, and I could not and would not refuse this request. So, my very revered lady, I humbly beseech you to grant my daughter permission to return to me with my people, whom I have sent to you for this purpose. My very revered lady, I feel very much obliged to your kind favor because of the great honor you have bestowed on my daughter. Although I cannot deserve it, I do not desire anything else but to be able to do some service that is agreeable to you, which I hope to do now and in the future, God willing. I pray to God that He may grant you the full accomplishment of your noble and good desires. Written below my sign manual at the royal court of Greenwich in England, the 14th day of August in the year 1514. Your most humble servant, Sir Thomas Boleyn.
Ma treschiere et tres redoubtee dame dans sy humble cuer quil mest possible a votre bonne grace me recommande. II vous playra a savoir comment ia seur du Roy mon maistre madame marie Reyne fyancee de France ma requyse davoir avecques elle ma fille la petitte Boulain laquelle ma tresredoubtee dame est a present avecques vous en votre court a laquelle requeste je nay peult ne sceut refuzer nullement sy est ma tresredoubtee dame que je vous supplie treshumblement quil vous plaise de donner et octroyer congiet a ma fille de povoir retourner pardevers moy avecques mes gens lesquelz jay envoyet devers vous a ceste cause ma tresredoubte dame je me tiens fort obligiet envers votre bonne grace a cause de la grant honneur que fait aves a ma fille et que ne mest possible a desservir devers votre bonne grace non obstant que je ne dezire aultre chose synon que je vous puisse faire auleun service agreable ce que jespere de faire encores cy en apres au plaisir de dieu auquel je prie ma tres redoubtee dame quil vous doinst lentier aecomplissement de vos nobles et bon desirs escript desouhz mon signe manuel a la court royalle de Grynewiths en engleterre, le xiiii jour daoust anno xv° et xiiii. Votre treshumble serviteur, Sr Thomas Boleyn."
Ellis' Letters S1 V1 Letter LIII. Sir Thomas Boleyn (age 42) to [his future son-in-law] King Henry the Eighth (age 27), reporting the audience in which Francis the First received the promise of Henry's interest for the Empire. March 14 1519
[MS. COTTON. CALIG. D. VII. fol. 100. Orig.]
Henry the Eighth, when the Imperial throne fell vacant, seems not to have known how to manage the power of which he was really possessed. He clearly promised his support to Francis the First as early as the month of March, as will be seen in the following Letter from his own ambassador: and the assertion is pretty strong in the succeeding Letter that he also promised his support to Charles of Castile; the Letter containing it was referred to by the French ambassador in Spain as in the hands of the bishop of Burgos. Subsequently, Henry sent Pace to the Electors to announce his own pretensions; but finding the Electors pre-engaged, and perhaps being unwilling to vie with his competitors in the distribution of treasure, he soothed his ambition with the reflection that he had solicited too late, and became altogether the dupe of his own duplicity. Pace's Commission to the Electors bears so late a date as May 19 ht 1519.
Unfortunately for the English Historian a large portion of the correspondence which relates to this Election suffered in the fire which has been so /often mentioned; but many a curious scrap remains; nor will even fragments be despised when they relate to an event which formed as it were an aera in the general system of Europe.
The Emperor Maximilian died January the 22 d . 1519. William Knight, writing to Cardinal Wolsey from Wells in Austria, January the 14th , and noticing an audience which he had had, says " but syth that tyme of communication his Grace is so vanquished with sicknesse, which was at first a catarre, and sythens a flux and fever contynuel, that now every man feryth, and almost despayreth of any recovery. I abyde th'ende."
Upon the Emperor's death, Henry directed Sir Thomas Boleyn, his ambassador at Paris, to sound the intentions of Francis. Sir Thomas saw him in his chamber as he returned from mass, where, having read a letter delivered to him from Henry, he took Sir Thomas to a window, who urged that the two Kings should " take a resolution by common assent." " Whereunto," says Sir Thomas, " he bad me lene out at the window with him, and he would tell me what he had done in it, and his hole mynde what further he intended to doo." This appears in a Letter dated February the 9th.a
In another Letter of Sir Thomas Boleyn, to Wolsey, dated from Paris Feb. 28 th . detailing a farther conversation with Francis, he says, " I was so famyliar with hym, that I asked hym in ernest if he were Emperour whether he wold make a voyage agenst the Infidels in his proper person, as the voyce went. He tooke me hard by the wryst with the oon hand, and layed the other hand upon his brest, and sware to me by his feyth yf he atteyn to be Emperour, that within three yeares after he wold bee in Constantynople, or he would dye by the way." In talking still further of the enterprise, Francis told him that "his realme was to hym six millions yerely and over that in value;" and "that he wold spend three millions of gold" but he would succeedb. In another Letter to "Wolsey dated March the 14 th . Sir Thomas represents Francis to have said that now, since Henry and he were of a mind, neither Emperor nor Pope should be made but such as pleased them. This, it is probable, was a speech more especially intended for the ear of Wolsey.
From these notices of conversations, it will be seen that althojigh the promise of Henry's interest for the Empire in favor of Francis, was not formally given till March the 14*. it had been verbally promised from the very time of the arrival of the first news of Maximilian's death.
Pleaseth it your Highnesse to understand that yesterday I delyvered your lettre to the Kyng here with as harty and affectuous recommendacions from your Grace as I cowlde devise. And after he had at lenght and with good laysure read over your said lettre, I declared to hym for my credence, according to the Instructions which your Grace late sent me. First the effecte of your said Lettre. And after I shewed hym how great desire your Grace hath for the increase of his honnor, and what pleasure and consolation your Highnes taketh in the same, consideryng the unfeyned amytie and aliance that is established betwixt you, both which your Grace belevith to bee soo rooted in your hartys that what high honnor or advauncement shall fortune to come to hym, the fructe thereof shuld redonde to your Highnesse, wherfore to advaunce hym to the preferment of this Imperiall dignitie, your Grace, uppon knowledge of his further intent and mynd shalbe glad to employe your self as well by worde and writing as by acts and dedes to the best of your power, wheruppon he may assuredly trust. Whereunto, he, taking of his bonett thanked hartely your Highnesse, and sayd that the great love and favour which he well perceyveth that your Grace beryth towardes him is the greatest comfort that he hath upon erth. And for the great honnor that your Grace shewith to hym in advauncyng hym to th'imperiall dignitie which is his most desire, he sayth he knoweth nat how nor by what meanes he may recompence your Highnesse in doing any thing so moch for your Grace, but he sayeth as long as he lyveth, in any thing that he may doo that shalbe to your pleasure, he shall always bee as redy and as glad to doo vt as he wold be to doo for hvmself, and desireth no thyng moore than to have knowledge wherein he might employe hymself to doo your Highnesse some pleasure. Rehersyng to me that by the reason of the perfecte love and aliaunce betwixt you both he rekeneth your Highnesse to bee of great mygth and power, sayeng that what with your owne puissance and with his help, which he sayeth your Grace shall alwayes have redy at your commaundement, there is nother honnor, dignytie, nor other thing in Crystendome but that your Highnesse shall y . . and ordre yt at your own pleasure, and tolde me that he cowlde not expresse to me with his tonge the due thanks that he t .... c to your Grace in his hart for the loving kindnesse that he fyndeth in your Highnesse : *and sayd that, whan ye both mete, which he trusteth shalbe shortly, your Grace shall knowe his hart, no man lyving soner. Whereunto I sayd that your Highnesse thanked hym, specially consideryng that amongs all his other things and great affaires, he is so moch desirous to mete, visite, and see your Grace; and toolde hym of your conformable mynd therunto, shewing to hym the tyme, place, fourme, and maner as is at lenght expressed in th'instructions that I have. Wherunto he sayed that he is determyned to see your Grace though he shuld come but hymself, his page, and his lakaye: and that noo buysenesse shall lette yt : how be it, for the tyme, place, and order of the Meeting he said he wold common with the Great Master, and within ij. or iij. dayes he wold send hym to Parys, wher he shuld make me aunswer of every article concernyng the said Entreview and Meting. And bicause that the Quene here hath been very sycke thies ij. dayes, and in great daunger, as I have more at large wryten of the same to my lord Legat and Cardinall of England, which I am sure woll shewe your Grace thereof, I can as yet have no aunswer what order shalbe taken for the Marchaunts matiers. Beseching the holy Trynyte long to preserve your Highnesse. From Parys this xiiijl h day of March.
[The signature burnt off.]
Note a. MS. Cotton. Calig. D. vin. fol. 8S.
Note b. Ibid. fol. 93.
Note c. f. thinketh.
Ellis' Letters S1 V1 Letter LIV. Sir Thomas Boleyn (age 42) to Cardinal Wolsey (age 46) reporting an Audience from, the Duchess of Angoulesme, March 25th 1519.
[MS. COTTON. CALIG. D. VII. fol. 105.]
[Pleasyth it youre] Grace to understand that the xxj th day of this moneth I wrote my last Lettres to your Grace, and as yesterday, which was our Lady's day, I was at Seynt Germayns, where the Quene and my Lady lyeth; but the King roode on our Ladye's even viij. leges hens, and as my Lady tellyth me it is in a dowte whether he cormyth ageyn before the Quene here be brought in bedde or nay; for she lookyth her tyme every howre. Also my Lady hath commaunded me, now while the great Master is away, that I shuld resorte to her for any thing that I shuld have to doo for the King my Master. And she hath, promysed me that she woll make me pryve of such newes as she shall here of from any place : and toold me that the King her sonne whan he departed willed her to shew me a Lettre that came now streyt out of Spayn from his Ambassadour there, and therewithall she called to her the tresourer Robertet and bad hym shewe me that Lettre, wherein was wrytten by the said Ambassador whose name is de la Roche Beauconot, that the King's Highnesse had late sent a Lettre to the King Catholique advertysyng hym how the King here had desired the King's Highnesse by his lettres to wryte to th'Ellectowrs of th'Empire in his favour, the rather to atteyn the dygnyte of th'Empire; the which the King's Highness hath refused bicause of the Amytie betwixt the Kings Grace and the King Catholique, and how the Kings Highnesse had rather that the King Catholique wer Emperowr than the King here; which Lettre he wryteth is in th'andes of the Bishop of Bourgesa oon of the great Counsell of Spayn. Whan I had redde this clawse in the Lettre sent out of Spayn, I prayed my Lady that she wold gyve noo credence to yt, and shewed her how I thought that the said Ambassador wrote this by Informacion of some maliciouse personne that wold sett discord bitwixt Princes; and that I assured her it was not trew. She toold me that she had soo perfecte trust in the Kyng my Master's honnor that she beleved, nor wold beleve, noo such thing; and no more she sayeth woll the King her sonne: sayeng that whan the King here redde the same clause in the Lettre wrytten to hym by his Ambassadour in Spayn he did but lawgh at it, and gave no credence thereto. And she saied it cowlde nat be trew, for the ... the Kyng's Highnesse desyring him to wryte to th ... th'Empire for hym. So that as farre as I can perceyve neyther my Lady nor the King her sonne gyve noo credence to yt. And as moch as I cowld instaunce her I have desired her not to beleve this nor noo such thing that shuld be contrary to any thing that the Kings Highnesse hath promysed or wrytten to the King her sonne. My Lady also desireth that likewise as I woll make me pryve of every thing that shall touch or arr ... to the Kings Grace to th'intent I shuld advertise the Kings Highnesse and your Grace. She likewise desireth to bee advertised of any thing apperteynyng to the King her sonne. She talked with me also of the Meeting of the Kings Highnesse and the King her sonne (which she moch desireth) wherein I shewed her according to myn Instructions that if it pleased her to m ... the King her sonne that he wold be content after they had mett a horsbak to repaire streyt to Calais where they myght be honourably receyved, well and easely lodged, it shuld be convenient for their estates. Whereto she aunswered that when they had oones mett, she putt noo dowtes but they shuld . . well enough, sayeng that after they had ones seen togyther his Highnesse shuld desire hym to nothing but he wold gyve thereto assent. She sayeng allwaies that it shalbe more .... and triumphant to be lodged in sommer in the fields in tents and pavilions than it shuld be in any Towne. She often ... b me of my Lady Princesse and of hir helth, if she hath been syck lately or not. Also Madame la Duchesse the Kings syster, the Duke of Alaunson's wief, lately hath been and yet is very sycke. When I shall have knowledge of any other Newes I shall ... to your Grace of them : beseching the holy Trinite long to preserve your Grace. From Poyssy a leege from Saint Germains this xxvjth day of March.
Yowres m ...
Th ...
Note a. Burgos.
Note b. asked
Ellis' Letters S1 V1 Letter LVII. Sir Thomas Boleyn (age 42) to Cardinal Wolsey (age 46) upon the Christening of the Duke of Orleans, afterwards King Henry the Second of France. June 7th 1519.
[MS. COTTON. CALIG. D. VII. fol. 121. Orig.]
In a Letter of Sir Thomas Boleyn, dated Poissy, April 9th 1519, he says, he inquired of Francis the First when the Christening of his son should be, who answered " after Easter," because the child had a disease in his eyes: " and he sayeth, all his children have, shortly after they be borne; sayeng also yt was my lady his Mother's mynd, that the chyld shuld bee clene hole of any dysease afore the crystenyng; whos advyse he seyd ht should folow therein."a
In a succeeding Letter, Sir Thomas Boleyn gives an Account of a solempne procession at Court on April 15th "where went in the same the King, the Lady his Mother, with all the lords and ladys of the Court. The cause of this procession was, for to honnour the holy cordon or coorde that Our Lord was bounde to the Pyller with, and many other relyques, which wer sent to the Quene here from an Abbey in Poytow, and from dyvers other places, now when she was last delyuered of chyld."b
Pleasith yt youre .Grace to understand that the first day of this moneth I wrote my last lettres to your Grace; and on Sonday last past about x. of the clocke at nyght, the Kings yong sonne whos title is Henry of Seynt Germayn Duke of Orleans, was crystened, the Duke of Alaunson was the second godfather, and the duchesse of Denamours the god mother. And bicause York, this berar, was there present who can shewe your Grace all the maner and order of the crystenyng I leve to wry te to your Grace of the same; saving that according as your Grace hath here a fore tyme wryten to me I presented to the Quene here in the name of the Kings Highnesse the Salt, the Cuppe, and Layar of gold, which was very much praysed; and also the Quene and my Lady gave to the Kings Highnesse for the same their loving and harty thanks. And after all was doon the King came to me and sayd he thanked the King's Highnesse of the great honnor that he had doon hym in crystenyng of his chyld, sayeng that when so ever yt shall fortune the Kings Highnesse to have a Prince he shalbe glad to doo for hym in lyke maner, and that he is mynded after his said sonne shall come to age and be able to ... he purposyth to send hym to the Kings Grace into Englande to doo hym service.
And the hundreth pounde that your Grace sent to gyve in reward, is bistowed as folowith. First the Noryce, oon hundreth crownes; to iiij. rockers of the yong Dukes chamber, ij. hundreth crownes; to iij. gentlewomen of the Quenes Pryve Chamber called femmes de Ret . a hundreth and fyfty crownes; and at the Offryng xx nobils, which amounteth in all to the some of oone hundreth pounds sterling and xv. crownes over. All which money was paid and delyvered by the hands of York this berar and Richmount, which can shewe your Grace well inough therof.
Furthermore, as this berar can shewe your Grace, there hath been with me at my lodging the Kings Porters, the T ... and Officers of Arrays which with importune manner asked reward saying that the Duke of Urbyn at the crystenyng of the Dolphyn rewarded them, and wyth the best answer that I could make them nothyng given they went away miscontent. Neverthelesse it is ... by honorabull folks here that the gyftes to the Quene, and the money that is gyven in rewardes was sufficiently honorable, and largely inough for the Kings honnor.
I have also laid out xjli. xijs. in sendyng dyvers tymes myn own folks and other that I have hired to your Grace in to England, and to Calais, with Lettres in post and otherwise, the which xjli xijs. and xv. crownes that I have layd out now more than hundreth poundes that your Grace sent me by York to gyve in reward, is owing me. And forasmoch as the last money that your Grace sent me for a hundreth dayes ended the xxviijth. day of May last past I besech your Grace both to send me such dyett money as shall best please your Grace, and that the said xjli xijs. and xv. crownes that is owing me may be also delivered to my prest which shall attend upon your Grace for yt.
Also I receyved yester evyn from your Grace, a Letter dated the xxviijth. day of May, concernyng the Marchaunts matiers and divers other things, whereof after I have spoken with the King, my Lady, or the Counsell here I shall wryte to your Grace such answer as I shall have of them with diligence.
Here is moch speking in the Court and more at Parys of many straunge bouts, whereof this berar can shewe your Grace by mowth as he hath hard, and as I have shewed hym. Besechyng the Holy Trinite long to preserve your Grace. From Poyssy this vijV 1 day of June
Youre ....
To my moste especial and singular Lord; my Lord Legat Cardinall, Chauncellar of England.
Note a. MS. Cotton. Calig. D. vn. fol. 108.
Note b. Ibid. fol. 110.
Ellis' Letters S1 V1 Letter LV. Sir Thomas Boleyn (age 42) to [his future son-in-law] King Henry the Eighth (age 28), announcing the Election of the Emperor Charles the Fifth. 04 Jul 1519.
[MS. COTTON. CALIG. D. vii. fol. 140. Orig.]
Pleasith yt your Grace to understand that the first day of this moneth I wrote my last Lettres to your Grace, and as yet the King is nat retomed from Melun, there as he hath been almost thes fortenyght a huntyng. But hither is come Lettres with great dylygence to the King Catholiques Ambassadour from Frankford, and from my lady of Savoye, specefieng how the King his master the xxviij. day of the last moneth, at x. of the clocke afore noon, by th'assent and hoole voyce of all the Electours was chosen Emperor. And bicause there is yet noo lettres commen out of Almayn to the King nor my Lady here of this matier my Lady marvayleth moch, and sayth she feryth that Monsr. L'admiral is letted or evyll intreatyd bicause she hath no word from hym, or elles their Post with lettres is taken or stopped by the way. Neverthelesse my Lady sayth yf this be trew seyng the King her sonne may nat be Emperor she is ryght glad that the King Catholique is chosen. Sayeng that though the Kyng her sonne is nat Emperor, yet it is a comfort to her that the King her sonnes son in lawe is Emperor. How be it the trouth is that both the King and my Lady, and all this Contre had rather any other had been chosen Emperor than the King Catholique. My Lady tellyth me that she is assured it hath cost hym a greyt good to atteyn to this Empire; in so moch she sayth she knoweth for a trouth oon of the Electours hath had of hym two hundreth thowsand crownes, and namyng hym of Coloigne. She sayth also that the Electours amongs them all hath not had of the King her sonne past a hundreth thowsand Crownes, and moch she ma ... and fereth lest the Admirall be nat well, and sayth that the Letter that she had from hym was wrytten the xx vj. day of the last moneth, wherein by his wryting he had as great trust that the King here shuld be Emperor as ever he had. And now Monsr. le Bastard and they of the Counsell here say yt is a good torne for the King here, and a great weale for his reaulme that he is not Emperor, for they say yf he had been it shuld have putt hym to an infante busyness, and impoverychyd and undoone his subgietts. Here is also of late a new Ordenaunce made by the King and his Counsell, and gyven to all them that have any horses for Posts or Currorsa, both here at the Cort and at Parys, that payn of their lyves they delyver no horse nor horses to any man, ambassador or other, except at the Court he have a bill from Robertet in Parys from the first President there. I have been, too, assuryd by my Lady that this is nat doon for any Lett of L .... that goyth in to England, but as farre as I can knowe that resortyth in and owt of Spayn, and my lady hath . . whan so ever I woll depeche any lettres by Post. I shall stre . a Bill of Robertett and of the first President of Parys . . whan I woll.
Besechyng the holy Trinite long to preserve your Grace from Poyssy this iiij th day of July.
Yours
T ....
Note a. Couriers.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1519. 6 Sept. [1519] Calig. D. VII. 148. B. M. 446. Boleyn (age 42) To Wolsey.
Wrote his last on the 14th Aug. The King tells him that he has heard from his ambassador that the king of Castile will go next summer into Flanders, thence to Frankfort. He thinks Charles will go to Rome to be crowned, and must pass through France or the Venetian territory; but neither the Pope nor the Venetians wish him to go to Rome. He thinks also the Emperor will not be able to pay for his coronation. Had a long talk with the King's mother respecting Don Ferdinand and his prospects. She thinks it will be a long time before his brother Charles can have children; and Madame Charlotte, the King's daughter, is only three years old. She said she heard he had few folks of honor about him, "and said how Bouton was put to him." Her son will be this winter at Lyons, near the king of Castile, the Swiss and the Pope, the Venetians and Milan. The King has been curious to know what sort of a man the English ambassador in Spain is. The Queen will, in the course of a fortnight, send a gentleman to England with a token to Queen Catharine, and another from the Dauphin to the Princess. The Venetian ambassador is on his return here from England, of which he gives a good report. The Pope's legate and the ambassador of Venice have more communication than usual with the King, and the Spaniard less. William Pa[wne] has been despatched with a letter to Loogis, governor of Tournay, commissioning the latter to buy such material of him as may be needful for the repair of the castle. Seigneur Marcantoyn de Coloigne (Colonna) is here, in great favor with the King, "and is of the order of France." He is sick, but not dangerously. The Admiral is still sick. The Legate will have the Bishopric of Coutance. The cardinal of Roussy died lately at Rome. Great sickness reigns here. Blois, 6 Sept. Signature burnt off.
Mutilated, pp. 3. Add.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1519. 15 Oct. [1519] Calig. D. VII. 156. B. M. 468. [Boleyn (age 42) To Wolsey.]
Wrote his last on the 24th Sept. Whilst the King, the Queen and my Lady were in a forest two leagues hence, the Bishop of Limoges, brother to young Momerancy that is in England, died here of the common sickness. They have consequently removed to Amboise. Proclamation is made that no townsman enter the castle where the King's children are. The admiral arrived yesterday from Orleans. He was said to be "sore sick, nat like to recover; but I saw him leepe up and downe of his mewle as well as he was wont to doo." The sickness has prevented the sending of the presents into England. It is reported that the armament prepared by the king of Castile has been injured at sea. Blois, 15 Oct.
Pp. 2.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1519. 16 Nov. [1519] Calig. D. VII. 158. B. M. 514. Boleyn (age 42) To Wolsey.
Wrote his last on the 31st Oct. Yesterday se'night the King and Queen came hither from Amboise. On Wednesday Mountpesat arrived from England, praising his entertainment there. My Lady told him that Mountpesat had informed her "how the King my master had put off his beard, and axed me if I knew not of it. I said that Mountpesat had been with me at my lodging, and towlde me likewise; and further said that, as I supposed, it hath been by the Queen's desire; for I told my Lady that I have here afore time known when the King's grace hath worn long his beard, that the Queen hath daily made him great instance, and desired him to put it off for her sake." Thinks that she had taken some offence at him because he had shown a letter from Wolsey of the 28th of July, in which the King promised to wear his beard till the meeting. She also "axed" him "if [the] Queen's grace was nat awnte to the king of Spain." Boleyn answered he was her sister's son, but that the king of England had greater affection for her son than any King living. She was well appeased, and said, "Th[eir love] is nat in the berdes, but in the harts."
Next day the King asked him if he had heard any news from England. On his replying in the negative, Francis "laid his hand on his breast, and said, By the fay[th] of a gentleman, that, but for the very trust he had of the said meetin[g and] entrevieu, he would have been at this day at Myllan."
There is a talk of the duke of Albany going to Scotland; but my Lady assured Boleyn he should not, though he was much desired there. He is now in ... with his wife, but at the court no one is so familiar with the King. The Pope's legate, who had received the Bishopric of Coutances and great presents, has returned to Rome. If the Pope die it is thought Francis will help the legate to the papacy. An ambassador is expected from Denmark for new aid for the adventurers th[at went] thither this last summer. Many of them are in prison. The king of Denmark detains their captain, brother of the seneschal of Normandy. The bastard of Savoy has been made Grand Master. He perceives by Mountpesatt, that French gentlemen are much better treated in England than Englishmen in France. Blois, 16 Nov. Signature burnt off.
Mutilated, pp. 3. Add. Endd.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1519. [Dec 1519]. Calig. D. VII. 125. B. M. 531. Wolsey To Boleyn (age 42).
Instructions from cardinal Wolsey to Sir Thomas Boleyn: (1) for a sharp remonstrance with the Great Master and others of the French king's council for delays in making restitution to the English merchants; (2) for explaining certain points in the treaty; and (3) arranging a meeting between the two Kings.
Draft, corrected by Ruthal, much mutilated, pp. 30.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1519. [Dec 1519]. Calig. D. VII. 161. B. M. 530. Boleyn (age 42) To Wolsey.
Wrote his last on the 22d Nov. Received on the 27th a letter from Wolsey, another in French for the King, and a certificate signed by the Cardinal of the losses sustained by the English merchants in the affair of La Fontaine. It has been referred by the King to the Admiral. Boleyn has pressed the latter to send the money at once, but is answered the Treasurer is out of the way. Yesterday, was assured that the money should be sent shortly; that the Admiral does not know "whether Marynyx, which came yesterday, shall carry yt with hym whan he goyth into England, or that he shall cawse marchaunts, being there, to pay yt; for he and the treasourers be styll abowt the same to depeche yt." He then retired with him and Robertet into a secret chamber, and told Boleyn that, on his departing from England, he promised to inform the King of anything he heard detrimental to the alliance of the two crowns; that when he went from Paris to Almayne to secure the election of his master, La Bastye had been told that England had promised all the aid it could to the cause of Francis; but when Master Pace went as ambassador to Almayn, "he was with the marques of Brandingborow in the town of Mayance, in the said Marques lodg[ing] ayenst the great chirch of Our Lady, where he was behind a tapett; [and] there he sayth he hard Master Pace, in his oracion that he made [unto] the said Marquis, desire that noone might be accepted to the digni[tee] imperiall that was [not] of the nacion or tong Germanique, but rath[er] to be preferred oon of their own princes of Almayn, and finally he hard hym speke for the advancement of the King Catholic, which he thought straunge; and further said that, forasmuch as he made [this] request, which he hard, to the marques of Brandingborow, he is [sure] that he made semblable to all other of the Electors." Mar[ynyx] will state more of this when he comes to England. Robertet finds great fault with Bouton's being allowed to stay there. The King still expresses great anxiety for the meeting. The cardinal of Bourges is dead. The King's confessor will have his Bishopric, and the legate of France the abbey of Fécamp. Seynt Marsault is lately come from the Pope, and the talk is that the King will go to Lyons; the King himself says to Coygnac, before Christmas. The four eldest hostagers in England are to be replaced by four others. Signature burnt off.
Mutilated, pp. 3. Add.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1519. 11 Dec. Calig. D. VII. 164. B. M. 549. Sir Thomas Boleyn (age 42) to [Wolsey].
Wrote his last on the 5th. Marynix has been dispatched this day for England, with an account of Pace's oration; scilt., that as the empire was won by Almains they should choose one of their own nation; if none such could be found, one of that lineage; and if it came to a question, Charles in preference to Francis. If the Cardinal wishes it, Marynix shall be recalled from England in two or three months, and La Basty sent in his place. Mons. de Seint Blancy, the chief of finance, has ordered John Cavalcant to England to pay the Cardinal by La Bastye 14,006 crowns and 18 so[us] Tournois, for the English merchants. The Queen mother is desirous that the interview should take place in April or May next, as the Queen expects to be delivered at the end of July. The Admiral has given Marynix a list of hostages in exchange. The King and the court had gone to Cognac. They will keep their Christmas at Lochys or Chastellarault. Blois, 11 Dec. Signature burnt off.
Mutilated, pp. 2.
On 04 Feb 1520 [his son-in-law] William Carey (age 20) and [his daughter] Mary Boleyn (age 21) were married. Around the time, possibly shortly after, Mary Boleyn became mistress to [his future son-in-law] King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 28) leading to speculation one or both of her children were fathered by Henry. She the daughter of Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 43) and [his wife] Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 40). He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England.
The evidence for Mary being Henry's mistress:
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic. 20 Oct 1537. George Throckmorton letter relating to events around 1531 where Henry responds to an accusation that he had relationships with both Anne Boleyn's mother and sister "Never with the mother". Cromwell goes on the say never with the sister either.
Defense of the Unity of the Church Book III, 1536, letter from Cardinal Reginald Pole to King Henry VIII accusing him of double standards by attempting to annul his marriage with Queen Katherine on the basis of her having previously been married, albeit unconsummated, to Henry's brother Arthur, as a means to allow Henry to marry Anne Boleyn, with who sister Henry had had a carnal relationship.
1536 Letter from Ambassador Chapuys to the Emperor in which Chapuys writes "Others tell me that the said Archbishop had pronounced the marriage of the King and Concubine [Anne] invalid on account of the King having had connection with her sister [Mary].
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1520. 8 March. [1520] Calig. D. VI. 260. B. M. 663. Claude Queen of Francis I. to Henry VIII.
Has received his letters by Sir Richard Wyngfilde (age 51), his councillor and ambassador, declaring the great affection he bears to the King her lord and her, and his desire to hear from them and the Dauphin. Assures him she entertains a like disposition towards him, as Henry's ambassador, le sieur Boulan (Sir Thomas Boleyn (age 43)) will show; to whom she refers Henry for news. Signed: Vostre bonne seur, cousyne, conmere et aliée, Claude. Countersigned: Decomacre.
Add.: A treshault et tresexcellent prince, &c. le roy d'Angleterre.
Endorsed in pencil: C. Hoye, things to be perused, 20 July 1613.
Pp. 2, slightly burnt.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1520. 8 March. [1520] Calig. D. VII. 178. B. M. 666. Sir Richard Wingfield (age 51) to [Wolsey].
On ... [day] last arrived at this town. Was met within half a league by La Battye, Saintmesmes and Poytou. Was asked to dinner by the Admiral, and there met Lottreke and Dorravall. Delivered to the Admiral the King and Wolsey's letters, which were "greatly to his comfort." He carried Boleyn (age 43) and the writer to the King's dining chamber, where Wingfield delivered his letters to Francis, who expressed his great and sincere pleasure at their amicable terms. Boleyn, on his return, will explain more. On his withdrawing the King took Wingfield apart, when he delivered Wolsey's letter. The King expressed his joy at the Cardinal's good convalescence,—said he had put his life and safety into his hands, and had made such arrangements for the interview as he understood by the bailly of Caane would be most acceptable to England. He stated that he should always be anxious to recompense Wolsey for the cares he had taken; and if there were anything in his realm elsewhere which might do the Cardinal pleasure, he might be assured thereof. He trusted that no malice of any prince in Christendom might "impeach" the intended interview.
Leaves Boleyn to report what he stated of the jousts and tourneys. Francis spoke incidentally of his voyage against the ... and told Wingfield to resort to his chamber at all times, as he used to do to his m[aster]. Then came the duke of Bourbon, and would have conversed longer with him; but the Admiral took him away to the Queen, and then to the King's mother, to whom he delivered his letters. La Batye has not omitted to speak of his noble entertainment in England. All the ambassadors resident in this court are ordered to Angoulesme this night or tomorrow, to be at the funeral service of the King's father. Thinks he shall not see Francis till Tuesday or Wednesday. Withholds for the present the article concerning Buttun, as also that "for obtaining of the King's letters here of promise to condescend to none other meeting." Will use his judgment as to the fitting time to press them. Cognac, 8 March. Signature half burnt.
Mutilated, pp. 6.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1520. 8 March. [1520] Calig. E. II. 9. B. M. 662. Francis I. to [Henry VIII.]
Has received his letters by the gentleman of his privy chamber. The ambassador resident with him is grateful for the leave now given him of returning to England. Will give credence to Messire Richard [Wingfield] (age 51), or any one else whom the King may employ, and considers it an indication of the firmness of their alliance. Pays a compliment to Boleyn (age 43) on his return. Cognac, [8 March.] Signature half burnt.Fr., mutilated, p. 1.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1520. 26 March. [1520] R. O. Rym. XIII. 705. 702. Francis I.
Confirmation of the arrangements made for his meeting with Henry VIII. under the Great Seal. Chatelleraut, 26 March 1519; 6 Francis I. Signed.
Latin.
R. T. 137. 2. Letters indented specifying, in accordance with the treaty of 12 March 1519, the number and rank of the lords, ladies and gentlemen to attend the King and Queen at the interview with Francis I., viz.:—
i. For the King: The cardinal of York, with 300 servants, of whom 12 shall be chaplains and 50 gentlemen, with 50 horses; one archbishop with 70 servants, of whom 5 shall be chaplains and 10 gentlemen, with 30 horses; 2 dukes, each with 70 servants, 5 to be chaplains and 10 gentlemen, with 30 horses. 1 marquis with 56 servants, 4 to be chaplains and 8 gentlemen; 26 horses. 10 earls, each with 42 servants, 3 to be chaplains and 6 gentlemen; 20 horses. 5 bishops, of whom the Bishop of Winchester shall have 56 servants, 4 to be chaplains and 8 gentlemen; 26 horses;—each of the others, 44 servants, 4 to be chaplains and 6 gentlemen; 20 horses. 20 barons, each to have 22 servants, 2 to be chaplains and 2 gentlemen; 12 horses. 4 knights of the order of St. George, each to have 22 servants, 2 to be chaplains and 2 gentlemen; 48 horses. 70 knights, each to have 12 servants, one to be a chaplain; 8 horses. Councillors of the long robe; viz., the King's secretary, the vice-Chancellor, the dean of the Chapel, and the almoner, each to have 12 servants, one a chaplain, and 8 horses. 12 King's chaplains, each with 6 servants and 3 horses. 12 serjeants-at-arms, each with 1 servant and two horses. 200 of the King's guard with 100 horses. 70 grooms of the chamber, with 150 servants and 100 horses among them; 266 officers of the house, with 216 servants and 70 horses; 205 grooms of the stable and of the armories, with 211 horses. The Earl of Essex, being Earl marshal, shall have, beside the number above stated, 130 servants and 100 light horses. Sum total of the King's company, 3,997 persons and 2,087 horses.
ii. For the Queen: 1 duchess, with 4 women, 6 servants and 12 horses; 10 Countesses, with 3 women and 4 servants, and 8 horses each; 12 baronesses, with 2 women, 3 servants and 6 horses each. 20 knights' ladies, with 1 woman, 2 servants and 4 horses each; 14 ladies, with 1 woman, 2 servants and 3 horses each; 6 ladies of the chamber, with 1 servant and 2 horses each; 1 earl, with 42 servants, 3 to be chaplains and 9 gentlemen; horses 20. 3 bishops, to have 44 servants, 4 to be chaplains and 6 gentlemen; horses 60. 4 barons, with 22 servants, 2 to be chaplains and 2 gentlemen; horses 48. 30 knights, with 12 servants, 1 to be a chaplain; horses 240; 6 chaplains with 3 servants and 2 horses each. Grooms 50, officers of the King's chamber, with 20 servants and 30 horses; officers of the King's stable 60, with 70 horses. Sum total of the Queen's company, 1,175 persons and 778 horses.
R. O. Rym. XIII. 710. 3. Names of those appointed to attend the king of England at the Congress.
Commissioners appointed to oversee those who shall accompany the king of France:—The Earl of Essex, Lord Abergavenny, Sir Edward Ponynges, Sir Rob. Wingfield. To give orders to the gentlemen:—Sir Edward Belknapp, Sir Nich. Vaux, Sir John Peche, Sir Maurice Berkeley. To give orders to the foot soldiers:—Sir Weston Browne, Sir Edward Ferrers, Sir Rob. Constable, Sir Ralph Egerton, Sir Thomas Lucy, Sir John Marney. To ride with the king of England at the embracing of the two Kings:—The Legate, archbishop of Canterbury, dukes of Buckingham and Suffolk, marquis of Dorset. Bishops:—Durham, Armagh, Ely, Chester, Rochester, Exeter, Hereford. Earls:—Stafford, Northumberland, Westmoreland (age 22), Shrewsbury (age 52), Worcester, Devonshire, Kent, Wiltshire, Derby, Kildare. Barons:—Maltravers, Montagu, Herbert, the grand prior of St. John of England, Roos, Fitzwalter, Hastings, Delavare, Dacres, Ferrers, Cobham, Daubeney, Lumley, Sir Henry Marney, Sir William Sandys, Th. Boleyn (age 43), Lord Howard.
The servants of the king of England shall march next their King, preceded by the nobles and gentlemen of the Legate, who shall follow the gentlemen of the other lords. The King's guard to follow him in their accustomed places.Fr., pp. 2. Endd.
R. O. Rym. XIII. 713. 4. The names of those who will be with the French king when he meets the king of England.
The king of Navarre; dukes of Alençon, Bourbon, Vendosme and Lorraine; count of Saint Pol; prince de la Roche Suryon; count of Dreux and Rhetel, Sieur Dorval and governor of Champaigne; count of Benon, sieur de la Tremoille, first Chamberlain, admiral of Guyenne and governor of Burgundy; count of Estampes and Caravats, sieur de Boysy, grand master and governor of the Dauphin; Bonnyvet, admiral of France, Lautrec, La Palisse and Chastillon, marshals; count of Guyse, brother of the duke of Lorraine; the bastard of Savoy, count of Villars and Beaufort, governor of Provence; count de Laval; mons. de Chasteaubriant; count of Harcourt; princes of Orange and Tallemont; mons. de Nevers; mons d'Esparrox, lieutenant of Guyenne, and count of Montfort; Mess. de Lescun and Montmorency; le Grand Escuyer; counts de la Chambre, Tonnerre, Brienne, Joigny, Bremie and Mont Reuel; mons. d'Albret. The other knights of the Order.
The king's household, 200 gentlemen; St. Vallier and the grand seneschal of Normandy, captains.
400 archers of the guard, and 4 captains; 100 Swiss, De Florenges, captain; maîtres d'hôtel, pannetiers, valets, &c.; gentlemen of the council and of the finances. The other pensioners will remain in their houses.Francis will bring with him the above company, if the king of England thinks it suitable; but if not, he will diminish it.
These noblemen will only have with them about 200 horses.Fr., pp. 3. Endd.: Noblemen's names that shall accompany the French king at the meeting at Calais.
Ellis' Letters S1 V1 Letter LVIII. 02 Jun 1520. Sir Thomas Boleyn (age 43) to Cardinal Wolsey (age 47) respecting the Interview with Francis the First. A. D.
[MS. COTTON. CALIG. D. vii. fol. 104. Orig.]
This Letter, and the three which immediately follow it, relate to the preparations for the Interview between Henry the Eighth and Francis the First, which at last took place, within the English pale, between Guisnes and Ardres, on June 7th 1520. The manner of meeting, and the regulation of the ceremonial were confided by both Monarchs to Wolsey ; to whom three of these Letters are addressed.
Hall's account of this Interview in his Chronicle, and he was personally present at it, was drawn up by Henry's command. Another Journal of the Occurrences was also drawn up by order of Francis. This last was pub. lished by Montfaucon in his Monumens de la Monarchic Frangoise; together with a third Narrative by Robert de la Mark Mareschal de Florenges.
Francis was so gratified with the splendor of this Interview, that he ordered the cavalcade of the Monarchs at their first meeting on horseback, to be carved in Basso Relievo on five marble tables, and to be placed in front of the house of the procureur general at Rouen, where they still remain.
Henry directed the Interview, with its attendant circumstances, to be represented in a Picture, formerly at Windsor, but which by the munificence of his late Majesty now ornaments the Meeting Room of the Society of Antiquaries.
Barklay the black monk, who wrote "The Ship of Fools," was engaged by Wolsey to supply the mottoes and devices on the occasion.
The manner in which the nobility of the two countries vied with each other in this scene of grandeur, is described in warm colours. It appears to have been by far the most costly ceremonial known to our History. The English were said to have carried their manors, the French their forests, upon their backs : and the very plain on which the monarchs met, from the richness of the tents and pavilions, was thenceforward called Le Champ De Drap D'or.
Hall's description of the person of Francis the First, as he left the tent in which the monarchs had embraced, is worth transcribing. He was " a goodly Prince, stately of countenance, merry of chere, brown coloured, great eyes, high nosed, big-lipped, fair brested and shoulders, small legges, and long feet."
Pleasith it your Grace to understond that the xixth. day of this Moneth I wrote my last Lettres to your Grace. And as yestereven the Great Master supped here with me at my Lodging ; and this day he is ryden out of this Towne onward on his journay to Mount pelyer ward ; and this day or he tooke his hors, he sent for me to dyne with hym, and after dynner at my taking leve of hym, he first willed me, till he commyth ageyn, for all matiers that I shuld have to doo for the Kings Highnesse that I shuld resort all way to the King hym self, or els to my Lady, or to Robertet, and to non other. He also prayed me that I wold humbly and hartely recommend hym to your Grace, and willed me to wryte to you that as touching th'Entrevieu and Meting betwixt the King's Highnesse and the King here, though the King here commeth nat to Calais at the first, accordyng to the Kings Grace desire, wherin I have often spoken to hym according to myn Instruccions, he besechith your Grace that ye woll soo shew it to the King's Highnesse that it may be takyn in good part, and that it is for no mystrust nor diffidence that the King here hath to come to Calais, but he thinketh it is convenyent that they both (tyll the tyme of their meting) kepe somwhat to theymselfs, beyond and further, than that is agreed by there Counsells, to shewe more love, trust, and kindnesse ech to other, sayeng to me that he thinketh veryly after that both the Kings have mett and spoken to gyther, that the King here, within a day or two woll come secretly to Calais to doo the King's Grace more pleasure, or forther into England if the Kings Highnesse will desyre hym. He willed me also to wryt to your Grace of the great love, favour, and confidence that the King his master hath in your Grace, and the great desire that he hath to doo you pleasure ; and toold me it had not bee seen nor hard of oon man, being a Cardinall, to bee in soo great estime, trust, and reputacion of both the Kings of Englond and of France, as your Grace is. Wherfor he thinketh it is in your Grace to employe them both, after your wisdome, in any thing at your owne pleasure. He shewed me also for his part, that, if ther wer any thing that he may doo your Grace pleasure or service in, he will as gladly doo it, and with as good will and diligence as for any brother he hath : and that ye shuld well perceyve and know by th'experience whan so ever it shuld please your Grace to prove hym. He toold me furthermore that in any thing that shalbe owther treated or concluded ther as he goyth now, your Grace shalbe advertised of it, sayeng also that if their matiers framyd well betwixt Mons r . de Chieuvres and hym, he thought he shuld goo and see the King Catholique at Parpinyan. He hath with hym a great Trayn, so that he maketh his rekenyng to bee above a thowsand horsys : and hath with hym a garde of xxx li . archers in goldsyths work uppon their cootes both before and behind.
I send your Grace herein inclosed a Papir in French of his devis ...b the Meting and Entrevieu which Robertet hath delivered me by the ... c Master's commaundement ; and an other papir signed with Monsr. de F ... hand conteynyng the Articles of th'order for the redresse of the ma ... according to the forme of them your Grace wrote to me in Inglyshe : Whereto all the Counsell here is fully agreed as your Grace shall presently perceyve by the same Paper in French. Also where your Grace hath deputed the Master of the Holies and the Vice Admirall to examyn the Inglysh marchaunts robbed and spoyled in September and October ... they have deputed alonly Monsr. de Frayn here for thexaminacion of French men robbed within the said ij. monethes.
Also the Great Master hath advised me that incontinent, after his departure, I shuld make myn abode at a Vyllage called Poyssy, half a league from the Court. And so I purpose to goo thider to-morrow ; beseching the holy Trinitie long to preserve your Grace. From Parys this xxi l . h day of March.
Youres most bounden
Thomas.
Note a. Hall, edit. 1809. p. 610.
Note b. devise for.
Note c. Great.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1520. Sep 1520. Lamb. 602. f. 71. St. P. II. 51. 1004. [Henry VIII. to Surrey, in Ireland.]
Has received his reports by Sir John Wallop, and letters in August and 23–25 September. Is highly satisfied with his conduct. As O'Nele has come in, thinks that by policy the rest will be brought to obedience, but it must be by sober ways and persuasions, founded in law and reason, and not by violence. Thinks it expedient that when any assemblies are made, the council should point out to what decay the land is brought through disorder and wilfulness; that though the King is above the laws he will not take anything from them, and that they should pay his dues. It is requisite that every reasonable creature should be governed by law. If they complain that the laws are rigorous, Surrey is to enquire by what laws they will be governed. Had sent 3,300l. 15s. 11d. for the first half year's payment. Has now sent 4,000l. Surrey is to look carefully to the King's revenue. Gives him authority to discharge such of the retinue of Sir John Bulmer as are unsuitable, and empowers him to confer knighthood and pass sentence of death. Sends a collar of gold for O'Nele. Would be glad if Surrey could induce him to visit England. The King has liberated Kildare under surety not to leave England. Desires that Surrey will continue in office there. He is to ascertain whether the earl of Ormond is minded to marry his son to the daughter [either [his daughter] Anne Boleyn (age 19) or [his daughter] Mary Boleyn (age 21)] of Sir Thomas Boleyn (age 43). The King will advance the matter with Sir Thomas.
Minute, corrected by Ruthal.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1520. 29 Sep 1520. 996. For Sir Thos. Boleyn (age 43) and [his wife] Elizabeth (age 40) his wife, [his mother] Margaret Boleyn (age 66), widow, a daughter and heir of [his grandfather] Thos. late Earl of Ormond, and John Trevethen, Thos. Barrett, Wm. Tusser and Nich. Fynche.
Pardon for the alienation of the manor of Fritwell, Oxon [Map]. Westm., 29 Sept.
Pat. 12 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 6.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1520. 06 Oct 1520. 1011. Surrey and the Council of Ireland to Wolsey.
On the 2nd arrived at Clonmel; and yesterday came the earl of Desmond. Tomorrow they go to Waterford. Sent for the kinsmen and adherents to reconcile the two Earls. Desmond and Ormond are both conformable. Hope that the variance between the towns of Waterford and Ross will be brought to an end. Think it would be advantageous if a marriage were solemnised between the earl of Ormond's son, now in England, and Sir Thomas Boleyn's (age 43) daughter [either [his daughter] Anne Boleyn (age 19) or [his daughter] Mary Boleyn (age 21)]. Clonemel, 6 Oct. Signed.
Add.
In 1521 Thomas Boleyn (age 44) was appointed Treasurer of the Household.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1521. Nov 1521. Galba, B. VII. 45. Calig. D. VIII. 143, 149. B. M. St. P. I. 84. 1762. [WOLSEY to HENRY VIII.]
Thinks the request made to the King in Sir Piers butler's letter very reasonable. He would do the King great service in that land, considering the towardness of his son, who is right active and discreet. Yet it would be well to see how the said Sir Piers shall acquit himself in the authority lately committed to him; no doubt, his son being in England, he will do all the better in order to get him home the sooner. On my return I will talk with you how to bring about the marriage between his son and Sir Thos. Boleyn's (age 44) daughter [either [his daughter] Anne Boleyn (age 20) or [his daughter] Mary Boleyn (age 22)], which will be a good pretext for delaying to send his son over.
Draft corrected by Ruthal, mutilated, pp. 7.
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1522 January. Jan 1522. Calig. D. VIII. 180. B. M. [FRANCIS I.] to LA BATIE and POILLOT.
I trust that the suspicions mentioned in your instructions, which I might have against him, are unfounded; yet I think it very strange that this treaty of Bruges was concealed from me, and also the powder and balls which are going to Antwerp;—that his subjects go and take the Emperor's pay;—that the English scholars at Paris have returned home, and also the daughter [[his daughter] Anne Boleyn (age 21) or [his daughter] Mary Boleyn (age 23)] of Mr. Boullan (age 45), while ships were being made at Dover, and musters taken in England, the rumor being that it was to make war on France. Nevertheless, if Henry desire it, I will do what I can to withdraw the duke of Albany, and we will renew our treaties by chapters and oaths; and if he desire to add an article for offensive war upon just quarrel, according to the power shown by the Cardinal to my Chancellor at Calais, I will agree, either with a general reservation of allies, or specifically against his enemies and mine.
In 1523 Thomas Boleyn (age 46) was appointed 281st Knight of the Garter by [his future son-in-law] King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 31).
In 1524 Rhys ap Gruffydd Deheubarth (age 16) and [his sister-in-law] Catherine Howard Countess Bridgewater (age 25) were married. She the daughter of [his father-in-law] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 81) and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 47).
On 21 May 1524 [his father-in-law] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 81) died at Framlingham Castle, Suffolk [Map]. He was buried at Thetford Priory, Norfolk [Map] and subsequently reburied at the Church of St Michael the Archangel, Framlingham [Map]. His son [his brother-in-law] Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 51) succeeded 3rd Duke Norfolk, 2nd Earl Surrey. Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk (age 27) by marriage Duchess Norfolk.
Around 1525 [his son] George Boleyn (age 22) and [his daughter-in-law] Jane Parker (age 20) were married. He the son of Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 48) and [his wife] Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 45).
On 18 Jun 1525 Henry Fitzroy (age 6) was taken by barge to Bridewell Palace [Map] where he was enobled by his father [his future son-in-law] King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 33).
In the morning Henry Fitzroy was created 1st Earl Nottingham.
In the afternoon Henry Fitzroy was created 1st Duke of Richmond and Somerset.
Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland (age 47) carried the Sword of State. Thomas More (age 47) read the patents of nobility. Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 41), Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset (age 47),
Henry Courtenay (age 29) was created 1st Marquess Exeter. Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter (age 22) by marriage Marchioness Exeter.
Henry Clifford (age 32) was created 1st Earl of Cumberland, Warden of the West Marches and Governor of Carlisle Castle.
Thomas Manners (age 33) was created 1st Earl of Rutland. Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland (age 30) by marriage Countess of Rutland. He was given the Earldom of Rutland to reflect his descent from Anne York Duchess Exeter sister of the previous Earl of Rutland. At the same time his arms Manners Arms were augmented with the Manners Augmented Arms
Henry Brandon (age 2) was created 1st Earl Lincoln.
Robert Radclyffe (age 42) was created 1st Viscount Fitzwalter.
Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 48) was created 1st Viscount Rochford. [his wife] Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 45) by marriage Viscountess Rochford.
[his brother-in-law] Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 52), William Fitzalan 18th Earl of Arundel (age 49) and John de Vere 14th Earl of Oxford (age 25) attended.
Archives of Venice 1527. May 18. [1527] Sanuto Diaries, v. xlv. p. 193. 112. Marc' Antonio Venier to the Doge and Signory.
Viscount Rochford, late Sir Thomas Boleyn (age 50), and Sir Anthony Browne (age 27), brother of the Treasurer of his Majesty's Chamber ("fradello dil Thesorier dilla Camera dil Re")1 are gone to France as ambassadors from the King, and an embargo has been laid on all the ships in the Thames for the conveyance of Cardinal Wolsey, who is going to confer with the most Christian King.
Note 1. Sir Wiston Browne obtained the reversion of the Treasurership of Calais by patent, 4th April, 4 Henry VIII. (See Mr. Brewer's Calendar, vol. 2, part 2, No. 3527.)
On 18 Feb 1528 Piers "Red" Butler 8th Earl Ormonde 1st Earl Ossory (age 61) resigned their claim to the Ormonde inheritance since [his future son-in-law] King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 36) wanted the titles for Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 51) to whom they were subsequently granted.
Letters and Papers 1528. 18 Jun 1528. 4391. On Tuesday one of the ladies of the chamber, [his daughter] Mademoiselle de Boulan (age 27), was infected with the sweat. The King, in great haste, dislodged, and went 12 miles hence, and I hear the lady was sent to her brother (age 51) [Note. A mistake for father] the Viscount in Kent ("Cainet"). As yet the love has not abated. I know not if absence, and the difficulties of Rome, may effect anything. This sweat, which has made its appearance within these four days, is a most perilous disease. One has a little pain in the head and heart; suddenly a sweat begins; and a physician is useless, for whether you wrap yourself up much or little, in four hours, sometimes in two or three, you are despatched without languishing, as in those troublesome fevers. However, only about 2,000 have caught it in London. Yesterday, going to swear the truce, we saw them as thick as flies, rushing from the streets and shops into their houses to take the sweat whenever they felt ill. I found the ambassador of Milan leaving his lodging in great haste because two or three had been suddenly attacked. If all the ambassadors are to have their share of it, you will not have gained your cause; for you will not be able to brag you made me die of hunger, and the King will only have gained nine months of my service for nothing. In London, I assure you the priests have a better time of it than the doctors, except that the latter do not help to bury. If the thing goes on, corn will soon be cheap. It is 12 years since there was such a visitation, when there died 10,000 persons in 10 or 12 days, but it was not so bad as this has begun.The Legate had come for the term, but immediately bridled his horses again, and there will be no term appointed. Every one is terribly amazed.
Letters and Papers 1528. 23 Jun 1528. Love Letters IX. 4410. [his future son-in-law] Henry VIII (age 36) to [his daughter] Anne Boleyn (age 27).
The cause of my writing at this time, good sweetheart, is only to understand of your good health and prosperity, whereof to know I would be as glad as in manner mine own; praying God that (and it be His pleasure) to send us shortly together, for I promise you I long for it, howbeit trust it shall not be long to; and seeing my darling is absent, I can no less do than to send her some flesh representing my name, which is hart's flesh for Henry, prognosticating that hereafter, God willing, you must enjoy some of mine, which, He pleased, I would were now. As touching your [his daughter] sister's (age 29) matter, I have caused Water Welze to write to my Lord my mind therein, whereby I trust that Eve shall not have power to deceive Adam; for surely, whatsoever is said, it cannot so stand with his honor but that he2 must needs take her his natural daughter now in her extreme necessity. No more to you at this time, mine own darling, but that a while I would we were together of an evening. With the hand of yours, &c.
Note 1. So in the Harl. Misc. copy, which seems there to give the right reading. The Pamphleteer reads: "that we shall not have poure to dyslave Adam."
Note 2. Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 51).
Letters and Papers 1528. 21 Jul 1528. Le Grand, III. 150. 4542. Du Bellay (age 36) To Montmorency.
Has informed Wolsey, by long letters directed to Vannes, of the contents of Francis's letters of the 9th and 13th. He is very glad of the news from Naples, and from Italy generally. The point of all my letters, Sir, is the contribution. The first time I sent to him he determined that it should commence in the middle of June. I applied to him again, and I think if I can speak to him tomorrow I shall gain my purpose, for he has consented that I shall go to the village of Hampton Court, when he will consider whether I shall speak by trumpet or by myself. I will do what I can about the advance of money, for I have not had a word yet in answer; but you must know the Angelots are worth here 69 sous, and I think they will deliver them to you for the weight, for they have no other money except these escus à la couronne, which are still worse. Let me know how to remit, or send a man to receive them. If you desire it I will try and get Wolsey to send the money to Calais free of cost.
The danger in this country begins to diminish hereabouts, and to increase elsewhere. In Kent it is very great. [his daughter] Mademoiselle de Boulan (age 27) and her father (age 51) have sweated, but have got over it. The day I sweated at my lord of Canterbury's there died 18 persons in four hours, and hardly anybody escaped but myself, who am not yet quite strong again. The King has gone further off than he was, uses great precautions, confesses himself every day, and receives Our Lord at every Feast. So also the Queen (age 42), who is with him, and Wolsey for his part. The notaries have had a fine time of it. I think 100,000 wills have been made off-hand, for those who were dying became quite foolish the moment they fell ill. The astrologers say this will not turn into a plague, but I think they dream. Has no doubt the King and Wolsey will be gratified with Francis's condolences on this visitation.
I have determined to send off this despatch, not to keep you in suspense till I have seen the Legate; but till next voyage I do not mean to put hand to pen (n'ay voulu mectre la main à la plume), that I may not cause suspicion to any one; for this is not a regular pestilence (n'est que belle peste), and the moment a man is dead "il en devient tout couvert sur le corps1."
Thanks for remittances, &c. I am quite content to stay here, or even in Turkey, if the interests of Francis require it, and to spend all my goods if need be. All I have is but 4,000 livres of rent, and the expence being here so great, you will have to provide for the excess after I and my friends have done what we can. If I were as rich as some other bishops, or were I at a place of small expence like Venice, you should hear no complaint from me. London, 21 July.
Fr. Add.
Note 1. he becomes all covered on his body.
Letters and Papers 1528. 30 Jun 1528. R. O. 4442. Sir William Compton (age 46).
Will of Sir William Compton, made on 8 March 1522, 14 Henry VIII. Desires to be buried at Compton Wynyates, Warwickshire [Map] in Warwickshire, beside his ancestors: That is if his wife (age 28) die before he return home from his journey, she be afterwards brought to Compton and buried there. Bequeaths to his wife movables at Bettyschorne, and at the great park of Windsor, and the plate which belonged to Francis Cheyny, "my predecessor." If his wife be delivered of a son, bequeaths to him all his household stuff at Compton, with the plate which was given him by the French king in a schedule. His wife to have the control of it till the child be of age. If he have a son, bequeaths to each of his daughters 1,000 marks for their marriages, and 100 marks in plate. Wills that 40 pair of vestments be made of one suit, to be distributed to the parish churches in the counties of Warwick and Worcester, adjoining to Compton. All his apparel to be used in making vestments and other works of charity. Bequeaths to the abbey of Winchcomb his wedding gown of tynsen satin, to make a vestment that they may pray for the souls of his ancestors. Wills his executors to release to the monastery of Denny all the debts they owe him, and bequeaths to them £10 for an obit. Bequeaths goods to the value of 200 marks to be distributed to poor householders, and to the marriages of poor maids in the counties of Warwick and Worcester. Wills that a tomb of alabaster be prepared for his father, with his arms graven upon it. Bequeaths to the [his future son-in-law] King (age 37) his little chest of ivory with gilt lock, "and a chest bourde under the same, and a pair of tables upon it," with all the jewels and treasure enclosed, now in his wife's custody; also "certain specialties to the sum of 1,000 marks, which I have of Sir Thomas Bullen (age 51), knight," for money lent to him. Wills that his children have their plate on coming to their full ages; i.e., on the males coming to the age of twenty-one, and the females to the age of eighteen.
Bequests to his sister [Elizabeth] Rudney, and his cousin John Rudney, her son. Wills that his mother's body be taken up and buried at Compton Wynyates, Warwickshire [Map]. Bequest to the daughter of his aunt Appulby. £20 to be put in a box at the abbey of Winchecombe, to make defence for all such actions as may be wrongfully taken against his wife or his executors. Two chantries to be founded in his name at Compton Wynyates, Warwickshire [Map], to do daily service for the souls of the King, the Queen, my Lady Anne Hastings (age 45), himself, his wife and ancestors. The priests to be appointed by the Abbot of Winchecombe, or, failing him, the Abbot of Evesham. 5 marks a year to be paid to the parson of Compton to keep a free grammar school. £100 a year to be paid to his wife during her life, for her jointure, besides her inheritance in Barkeley's lands. Bequests to the monasteries of Evesham, Hayles, Winchecombe, Worcester, Croxton, the charterhouses of Henton and Coventry, for obits; to Sir William Tyler, Sir Thomas Lynne, Thomas Baskett and George Lynde; to his servants who happen to be with him this journey; to John Draper, his servant, and Robert Bencare, his solicitor; to Griffin Gynne, now with Humphrey Brown, serjeant-at-law, for his learning; and to Lady Anne Hastings. Executors appointed: Dame Warburgh my wife (age 31), the bishop of Exeter (age 66), Sir Henry Marney, Lord Privy Seal, Sir Henry Guildford (age 39), Sir Richard Broke, Sir John Dantsy, Dr. Chomber, Humphrey Brown, serjeant-at-law, Thomas Leson, clk., James Clarell and Thomas Unton. Appoints my Lord Bishop of Canterbury (age 78) supervisor of his will. Gifts to the executors.
3. Bargain and sale by Sir Henry Guildford, Humphrey Brown, Thomas Hunton and Thomas Leeson, as executors of Sir William Compton, to Sir Thomas Arundell, of certain tenements in St Swithin's Lane [Map], [London,] lately in the possession of Lewis... and Humphrey... as executors of Sir Richard Wingfield.
4. Inventory of the goods of Sir William Compton in his house in London.
Ready money, gold and silver, 1,£338 7s. 0½d. Jewels of gold and silver, £898 6s. 2d. Gilt plate, £85 5s. 3d. Parcel gilt plate, £31 12s. 2d. White plate, £90 0s. 3½d. Silks, £210 13s. 6d.=2,£654 4s. 5d.
5. Names of the officers upon the lands late Sir William Compton's.
[Note. Lots of names of Steward and Bailiffs and values.].
6. Inquisition taken in Middlesex on the death of Sir William Compton, 20 Henry VIII.
Found that Richard Broke, serjeant-at-law, [Walter Rodney] [Names in brackets crossed out], William Dyngley and John Dyngley, now surviving, with [Sir Rob. Throgmerton and William Tracy,]* deceased, were seized of the manors of Totenham, Pembrokes, Bruses, Daubeneys and Mokkyngs, with lands in Tottenham, Edelmeton and Enfeld, to Compton's use; and that George Earl of Shrewsbury (age 60), Henry Earl of Essex, [his brother-in-law] John Bourchier Lord Bernes (age 61), [Sir Rob. Ratclyf,]* Rob. Brudenell (age 67), justice of the King's Bench, Richard Sacheverell (age 61) [and Thomas Brokesby],* now surviving, with [Sir Ralph Shyrley,]* deceased, were seized of the manor of Fyncheley and lands in Fyncheley and Hendon to his use. His son, Peter Compton (age 5), is his heir, and is six years old and over.
7. Citation by Wolsey (age 55), as legate, of Sir William Compton, for having lived in adultery with the wife of Lord Hastings (age 41), while his own wife, dame Anne Stafford Countess Huntingdon, was alive, and for having taken the sacrament to disprove it.
4443. Sir William Compton.
Inventory of the goods of Sir William Compton at his places in London, Compton, Bittisthorne, the Great Park of Windsor, Sir Walter Stoner's place. Total of moveables, 4,£485 2s. 3½d. "Sperat dettes," estimated at 3,£511 13s. 4d. "Chatell Royall," £666 13s. 4d.
Wards.-One ward that cost £466 13s. 4d.; another of 500 marks land; the third, "Sir George Salynger's son and his heir." There is at Windsor Great Park plate embezzled to the value of £579 2s. 6d., as appears by a bill found in Sir William's place at London. Desperate debts estimated at 1,£908 6s. 8d. Debts owing by him estimated at £1,000
Letters and Papers 1528. 21 Jul 1528. Love Letters XI. 4537. [his future son-in-law] Henry VIII (age 37) to [his daughter] Anne Boleyn (age 27).
The approach of the time which has been delayed so long delights me so much that it seems almost already come. Nevertheless, the entire accomplishment cannot be till the two persons meet; which meeting is more desired on my part than anything in the world, for what joy can be so great as to have the company of her who is my most dear friend, knowing likewise that she does the same. Judge then what will that personage do whose absence has given me the greatest pain in my heart, which neither tongue nor writing can express, and nothing but that can remedy. Tell your father (age 51) on my part that I beg him to abridge by two days the time appointed that he may be in court before the old term, or at least upon the day prefixed; otherwise I shall think he will not do the lover's turn as he said he would, nor answer my expectation. No more, for want of time. I hope soon to tell you by mouth the rest of the pains I have suffered in your absence. Written by the hand of the secretary, who hopes to be privately with you, &c.
Letters and Papers 1528. 20 Aug 1528. Love Letters VII. 4648. [his future son-in-law] Henry VIII (age 37) to [his daughter] Anne Boleyn (age 27).
Has got her a lodging by my Lord Cardinal's means, such as could not have been found hereabouts "for all causes," as the bearer will explain. Nothing more can be done in our other affairs, nor can all dangers be better provided against, so that I trust it will be hereafter to both our comforts; but I defer particulars, which would be too long to write, and not fit to trust to a messenger till your repair hither. I trust it will not be long "to-fore" I have caused my lord your father (age 51) to make his provisions with speed.
Letters and Papers 1529. 15 Jul 1529. Cott. App. XXVII. 147. B. M. 5774. Catharine of Arragon.
14. Deposition of Thomas visc. Rocheford (age 52), 15 July, at the Friars Minors.
Is 52 years of age. To the 1st and 2nd articles, knows that Henry VII. and Elizabeth considered and named Arthur and Henry as their lawful sons, and they were everywhere so considered. To the 3rd and 4th, was present at St. Paul's in Nov. 17 Henry VII. at the wedding of Arthur and Catharine; Henry VII. was present in the consistory place, and a great number of Englishmen and Spaniards in the church. Believes the marriage was lawful. Arthur was above 15 years of age; which he knew from the books in which the births of the children of the kings of England are entered, and from the report of nobles present at his baptism. Heard from Spaniards that Catharine was more than 16, and she has often told him the same herself. After the marriage they dwelled together as man and wife, to his knowledge, at the King's court and at Ludleye [Map]. Believes the marriage was consummated, from their age. Heard from many who were familiar with the Prince, that the day after his marriage he said he had been in the midst of Spain. Believes the 5th, 6th and 7th articles to be true. To the 8th cannot depose. To the 9th, the King and Queen cohabited till about two years ago, when he heard that the King was advised by his confessor to abstain from intercourse with the Queen, so as not to offend his conscience. Believes the 10th, 11th and 12th articles to be true. Has not been subjected to undue influence.
States in answer to a question, that it is customary for brides, especially noble ladies, to be veiled during the blessing of the bed.
Letters and Papers 1529. 18 Sep 1529. 5945. Even if I had not the above occasion to ask for my recall, I should be obliged to press for it for another cause. Since my brother's departure the plague has broken out among my household; and, in spite of repeated changes of lodging, my principal servants being dead, I have been unable to refuse leave to the others to go home, so that I am now quite alone. Considering the intercourse I have already had with people, I am in no great fear, but you may consider yourselves as having no ambassador here at all. Besides, I was told yesterday by the Grand Esquire (Boleyn) (age 52), who is to leave in 15 days, with the dean of the chapel (Stokesley), to go to the Emperor, that he does not think the King his master will let me speak to him for two months. It would be well, therefore, to send over at once him whom I suppose you have already chosen, with an answer to the despatch of my brother, and that he may come in post, and find me here, letting his train come after him, so that I may put him in the way with the King, and perhaps introduce him to some of the Council, if there are matters to discuss; which, however, I do not imagine, considering the assurance Wolsey has again renewed to me. The new ambassador need be in no fear of the plague, for the danger has much diminished, except in this neighbourhood, and I expect in 15 days it will have altogether abated. I have been this morning with the Emperor's ambassador, who has given me as good a reception as I could have asked for. I had previously asked Wolsey's advice about it. If his master conducts himself towards Francis in as honorable a manner as the ambassador promises, it will be well. London, 18 Sept.
P.S.—Enclosed is a memorandum of the sums furnished by this King, which he wishes to have declared in the despatch which he asks for, through my brother; in addition to which there is the part touching the fleur de lis, which they would like put with the others.
Fr. Add.
Letters and Papers 1529. 25 Oct 1529. Rym. XIV. 349. 6025. Cardinal Wolsey (age 56).
Memorandum of the surrender of the Great Seal by Cardinal Wolsey, on 17 Oct., to the dukes of [his brother-in-law] Norfolk (age 56) and Suffolk (age 45), in his gallery at his house at Westminster, at 6 o'clock p.m., in the presence of Sir William Fitzwilliam (age 39), John Tayler, and Stephen Gardiner (age 46). The same was delivered by Tayler to the [his future son-in-law] King (age 38) at Windsor [Map], on the 20 Oct., by whom it was taken out and attached to certain documents, in the presence of Tayler and Gardiner, Henry Norris (age 47), Thomas Heneage (age 49), Ralph Pexsall, clerk of the Crown, John Croke, John Judd, and Thomas Hall, of the Hanaper.
On the 25th Oct. the seal was delivered by the King at East Greenwich to Sir Thomas More (age 51), in the presence of Henry Norres and Chr. Hales, Attorney General, in the King's privy chamber; and on the next day, Tuesday, 26 Oct., More took his oath as Chancellor in the Great Hall [Map] at Westminster, in presence of the dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, Th. marquis of Dorset (age 52), Henry marquis of Exeter (age 33), John Earl of Oxford (age 58), Henry Earl of Northumberland (age 27), George Earl of Shrewsbury (age 61), Ralph Earl of Westmoreland (age 31), John Bishop of Lincoln (age 56), Cuthbert Bishop of London (age 55), John Bishop of Bath and Wells, Sir Rob. Radclyf, Viscount Fitzwater (age 46), Sir Tho. Boleyn, Viscount Rocheforde (age 52), Sir WilliamSandys, Lord and others.
Close Roll, 21 Henry VIII. m. 19d.
On 08 Dec 1529 [his future son-in-law] King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 38) created three Earldoms ...
Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 52) was created 1st Earl Wiltshire, 1st Earl Ormonde. [his wife] Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 49) by marriage Earl Wiltshire, Countess Ormonde. His [his mother] mother (age 75) was the daughter of the last Earl Ormonde [his grandfather] Thomas Butler 7th Earl Ormonde.
George Hastings 1st Earl Huntingdon (age 42) was created 1st Earl Huntingdon. Anne Stafford Countess Huntingdon (age 46) by marriage Countess Huntingdon.
Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex (age 46) was created 1st Earl of Sussex by King Henry VIII of England and Ireland. Elizabeth Stafford Countess Sussex (age 50) by marriage Countess of Sussex.
Letters and Papers 1529. 29 Dec 1529. R. O. 6115. Cardinal Wolsey (age 56).
Grant by Wolsey to [his son] George Boleyn (age 26), knt., Viscount Rochford, son and heir apparent of Thomas Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond (age 52), of an annuity of £200 out of the lands of the Bishopric of Winchester, with power to distrain for nonpayment.
ii. Similar grant of an annuity of 200 marks out of the abbey lands of St. Albans.
In 1530 Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 53) was appointed Lord Privy Seal.
Letters and Papers 1530. 24 Jan 1530. P. S. 6163. For Sir Thomas Boleyn, Earl of Wiltshire (age 53).
To be keeper of the Privy Seal, with 20s. a day, out of the following customs, in the port of Pole, £80, the petty customs in the port of London £200, in the port of Bristol, £56 13s. 4d., and in the port of Brygewater, £18 6s. 8d.; vice Cuthbert Bishop of London (age 56). York Place [Map], 20 Jan. 21 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 24 Jan.
Pat. 21 Henry VIII. p. 1, m. 4.
2. Wardship of Robt., kinsman and heir of Edward Knyvett; with custody of the possessions of the said Edward during the minority of Robt. York Place [Map], 20 Jan. 21 Henry VIII. Del. Westm., 24 Jan.
Pat. 21 Henry VIII. p. 2, m. 23.
Letters and Papers 1530. 07 Jun 1530. Add. MS. 28,580, f. 125. B. M. 6437. Mai to Charles V (age 30).
The Pope has told me more plainly what I wrote to your Majesty that he knew very well, namely, that owing to the death of a lady to whom the [his brother-in-law] Duke of Norfolk (age 57) had married, or intended to marry, his son, they have treated to marry the same son to the princess of Wales; for which reason Boleyn (age 53) has lost much hope of the marriage of [his daughter] Mrs. Anne (age 29) with the King; and the King has spent much money in buying goods and lands for the support of the Lady. This is thought to be evidence that he begins to give up hope of his suit, because, if he meant to make her Queen, she would have no need of these things. Rome, 7 June 1530.
Before Sep 1531 Edward Stanley 3rd Earl of Derby (age 22) and [his sister-in-law] Dorothy Howard Countess Derby (age 20) were married. She by marriage Countess Derby. She the daughter of [his father-in-law] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 54). He the son of Thomas Stanley 2nd Earl of Derby and Anne Hastings Countess Derby (age 46). They were half third cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.
On 01 Sep 1532 [his daughter] Anne Boleyn (age 31) was created 1st Marchioness Pembroke with [his future son-in-law] Henry VIII (age 41) performing the investiture at Windsor Castle [Map]. Note she was created Marquess rather than the female form Marchioness alhough Marchioness if a modern form that possibly didn't exist at the time.
Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 55), Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 48), [his brother-in-law] Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 59), Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland (age 37), Jean Dinteville, Archbishop Edward Lee (age 50), Bishop John Stokesley (age 57) were present.
Bishop Stephen Gardiner (age 49) read the Patent of Creation.
Mary Howard Duchess Richmond and Somerset (age 13) carried Anne's train replacing her mother Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk (age 35) who had been banished from Court. Anne and Mary were cousins.
Charles Wriothesley (age 24) attended.
Letters and Papers 1532. Grants in Sep 1532.
1. Anne Rocheford ([his daughter] Anne Boleyn (age 31)), one of the daughters of Thomas earl of Wiltshire and Ormond (age 55), keeper of the Privy Seal. Charter, granting her, in tail male, the title of marchioness of Pembroke. Witnesses not given [1 Sept.].— S.B. Pat. 24 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 26.
(2.) Two drafts of the preceding in R. O. in Wriothesley's hand, with witnesses as in the next charter.
2. Anne Rocheford, who was created marchioness of Pembroke on the 1st Sept. inst. Charter granting her and her heirs the prerogative and pre-eminence due to her title of marchioness in the realms of England and France. Witnesses: Edward archbp. of York; Stephen bp. of Winchester, the King's secretary; John bp. of London; [his brother-in-law] Thomas duke of Norfolk (age 59), treasurer of England; Charles duke of Suffolk (age 48), steward marshal; Thomas earl of Wiltshire, keeper of the Privy Seal; John earl of Oxford (age 61), the King's chamberlain; George earl of Shrewsbury (age 64), steward of the King's household; Thomas Audeley (age 44), knt., keeper of the Great Seal; William lord Sandys of Vynes (age 62), chamberlain of the King's household; Walter Devereux lord Ferrers; William Fitzwilliam, treasurer of the King's household, and William Powlet, comptroller of the same, knts., and others. Windsor, 1 Sept. 24 Hen. VIII. — S.B. Pat. p. 1, m. 26.
(2.) Draft of the preceding in Wriothesley's hand in R. O.
3. Anne Rocheford, one of the daughters and heirs of Thomas earl of Wiltshire and Ormond, keeper of the Privy Seal, created marchioness of Pembroke by charter 1 Sept. 24 Hen. VIII. Annuity of £1,000. for life out of the issues of the honor, manor, or lordship of Hunnesdon, Herts, and of the manors of Stansted Abbot, Roydon, Bourehouse, Pisso, Filolls, and Coxhall, Herts and Essex; and of all Crown lands in co. Pembroke, and in Gilgarran, Emlyn, Diffrynbryan, Maynardove, Kenendrym, Llanstephan, Penryn, Oyesterlowe, Traynclynton, Westhaverforde, Llewelleston, Roche, Sayntismells, and Camrosse, S. Wales.— S B. (undated.) Pat. 24 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 25 (undated).
(2.) Fair copy of the preceding in R. O. Large paper, pp. 2.
Hall's Chronicle 1532. [25 Oct 1532]. While the King of England, lay thus at Boulogne, the Frenche King to show himself loving to the noble men of England, the twenty-fifth day of October, called a Chapter of the companions of his Order, called Saint Michael, of whom the King of England was one, and so there elected Thomas Duke of Norfolk, and Charles Duke of Suffolk, to be companions of the said Order, which were brought into the Chapter, and had their Collars delivered to them, and were sworn to the Statutes of the Order, their obeisance to their sovereign Lord, always reserved: which Dukes thanked the French King, and gave to the Officers of Arms two hundred Crowns apiece. All this season the French King and his court were fresh, and his guard were apparelled, in frocks of blue crimson, and yellow velvet. With the French King, was the King of Navarre, the Dauphin of Vien, the Dukes of Orleans, Angouleme, Vendome, Guise, Longueville, the Earles of Saint Panic, Nevers, Etampes, Laval, and many other Earles and Barons and the Prince of Melsse, four Cardinals, and eleven bishops with their trains and escort, which surely was a great company: so continued these two Kings at Boulogne, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and on Friday the twenty-fifth day of October, they departed out of Boulogne to Calais: the French King’s train was twelve hundred persons, and so many horse or more, and without Calais two mile, met with them the Duke of Richmond, the Kings bastard son of England, a goodly young Prince, and full of favour and beauty, with a great company of noble men, which were not at Boulogne, so the Duke with his company, embraced the Frenche King, and so did other noble men, then the Lords of England set forward, as the Dukes of Richmond, Norfolk and Suffolk, the Marques of Exeter, the Earls of Arundel, Oxford, Surrey, Derby, Worcester; Rutland, Sussex, and Huntingdon, the Viscounts of Lisle, and Rochford (age 55), the Bishops of London, Winchester, Lincoln, and Bath, the Lorde William Howard, the Lord Maltravers, the Lord Montacute, the Lord Cobham, the Lord Sandys, the Lord Bray, the Lorde Mordant, the Lord Leonard Grey (age 53), the Lord Clinton, and Sir William Fitzwilliam knight, treasurer of the King’s house, and Sir William Paulet, Comptroller of the same with a great number of knights, beside the lusty Esquires and young gentlemen. These noble, personages and gentlemen of England, accompanied the French Lords to Newnam Bridge, where as Thomas Palmer, captain of the fortress, with a fair company of soldiers saluted the Kings and so they passed towards Calais: where at their coming, that what out of the Town and the Castle, and what out of Rysbank [Map], and the Ships in the Haven, the French men said they never heard such a shot: And when they were entered the Mill Gate, all the Soldiers of the Town, stood on the one side, apparelled in Red and Blue, and on the other side of the streets, stood all the serving men of England, in coats of Frenche tawney, with their Lords and Masters devises embroidered, and every man a scarlet cap and a white feather, which made a goodly show: there were lodged in Calais that night, beside the town dwellers, eight thousand persons at the least. The King of England brought the French King to his lodging, to the Staple Inn, where his chamber was hanged with so rich verdure, as hath not been seen, the ground of it was gold and damask, and all over the tufts and flowers, were of satin silk and silver, so curiously wrought that they seemed to grow, every chamber was richer, and other: the second chamber all of tissue, with a cloth of estate of needle work, set with great roses of large pearl. The third was hanged with velvet, upon velvet pearled green and crimson, and embroidered over with branches, of flowers of gold bullion, and garnished with arms and beasts of the same gold, set with pearl and stone. If the Frenche King made good cheer to the King of England, and his train at Boulogne, I assure you he and his train, were requited at Calais, for the plenty of wild fowl, venison, fish, and all other things which were there, it was marvel to see, for the Kings Officers of England, had made preparation in every place, so that the Frenchmen were served, with such multitude of diverse fishes, this Friday and Saturday, that the masters of the French King’s household, much wondered at the provision. In likewise on the Sunday, they had all manner of flesh, foul, spice, venison, both of fallow deer and red deer, and as for wine they lacked none, so that well was the English man that might well entertain the Frenchman: the Lords of France never fetched their viandes, but they were sent to them, and often time their proportion of victual was so abundant, that they refused a great part thereof.
Letters and Papers 1533. 10 Jan 1533. R. O. 32. The King's New Year's Gifts.
Account of plate received of the following goldsmiths, and given away in New Year's gifts, 1 Jan. 24 Hen. VIII.:—
Of John Freman.—In gilt cups, &c. to Master Norres, lady Sandes, Sir Nich. Caroo, the bp. of Bath, the bp. of Lincoln, the abbot of Ramsey, the earl of Sussex, the bp. of Ezeter, Sir John Aleyn, Ric. Gresham, the King's Almoner, the lady of Salisbury, the bp. of Durham, the bp. of York, the Lord Steward, the bp. of Carlisle, the earl of Northumberland, the Princess, Master Sydnour, the earl of Westmoreland, Master Comptroller, the abbot of St. M. Abbey, the earl of Worcester, Sir James Bulleyn, lord Darcy, the duke of Norfolk, the Lord Chamberlain, Sir Ric. Paige, Sir Will. Kyngeston, Sir John Gaige, Sir John Russell, Sir Geo. Lawson, Sir Thos. Nevile, lord Curson, lord Mountague, lord Zouche, lord Stafford, lord Powes, the old duchess of Norfolk, the Princess, the "lady marques" of Exeter, the countess of Worcester, Sir Edw. Seymer, Sir John Nevile, lady Fitzwilliam, lady Russell, wife of Sir John Russell, Dr. Lupton, lord Dawbenney, the old lady Guildford, the countess of Huntingdon, the "lady marques" of Dorset, Master Crumwell, lady Outhrede, Becket the King's master cook, lady Lucy, the earl of Northumberland, the countess of Westmoreland, lady Stanneope, the bp. of Exeter, the Lord Chamberlain, lord Awdeley, lady Nevile, wife* of Sir Thos. Nevile, lady Kyngeston, lady Calthrop, lady Russell of Worcestershire, Geo. Lupkyn,—Lee, gent, usher, lady Verney, the countess of Derby, Borrein Myllyner, the earl of Huntingdon, lord Morley, lady Mountegill, Master Treasurer, — Parker, of the Robes and his wife, — Hubbert of St. Katherine's, Luke Liark, gunner, Mayon Sagbut, Christopher Myllyner. Total, 1,550 oz. at 5s. 2d. the ounce, = 400l. 8s. 4d.
Of Corneles.—To the earl of Wiltshire (age 56), Thos. Hennage, the bp. of Ely, Sir John Daunce, Sir Francis Brian, — Heywood, lord Dacris of the South, the earl of Oxford, the bp. of London, the bp. of Rochester, — Layland a priest, Dr. Buttes, the bp. of Llandaff, lord Mountjoye, lord Hussey, the prior of Christchurch, Canterbury, Sir Edw. Nevile, Sir Ric. Weston, Fraunces Weston, Sir Edw. Baynton, John Sowle, of Smithfield, Thos. Warde, the marquis of Exeter, Master Tuke, Thos. Alverd, Master Crumwell, Roger Radclif, the earl of Essex, the earl of Wiltshire, Master Crumwell, Dr. Rawson, lady Wingfeld, Jenyns Jueller, the dean of St. Stephen's, Sir Edw. Guldeford, lady Broune, Anth. Cassidony, lady Powes, old lady Brian, Anne Joscelyn, Anth. Toote, graver, — Vincent, clockmaker, Vincent Wolf, painter, — Rawlyns of Calais, — Blaknall of the Crown, — Skydmor, gent, usher, the abbot of St. Albans, Master Hennaige, Sir Anth. Broune, the French queen, the duke of Suffolk, the earl of Derby, the abbot of Abingdon, lord Mountegill, Peter Vaune, secretary, the abbot of Peterborough, the abbess of Reading, the duke of Suffolk, the bp. of Hereford, Sir Thos. Palmer, Sir Brian Tuke, the young duchess of Norfolk, the earl of Rutland, lord Windessore, the dean of the Chapel, Master Sullyerd, the French queen, the lord of St. John's, the countess of Rutland, Geo. Ardison, the countess of Kent, Anne Savaige, Mistress Margery, lady Shelston, Thos. Alverd, Richard the King's "pullicer" of stones, the abbey of Westminster, Anth. Antonyes. Total, 1,5603/8 ozs. at 5s. 2d. the ounce, = 403l. 1s. 11¼d.
Of Morgam Wolf parcels. (fn. 11)
To the Jewel-house, Sir Hen. Wiat, Master Norres, lord Lisle, [his son] lord Rochford (age 30), — Hasilwood of the Receipt, the young lady Guldeford, Sir Arthur Darcy, Gorron Bertinus Italian, to the christening of Sir Will. Pounder's son in May. Total, 3483/8 ozs. at 5s. 2d the ounce, = 89l. 7s. 0¼d. Of Will. Davy.—Parcels to Will. Lokke, Basterd Fawconbrige, John Cavalcant. 76½ oz. at 5s. 2d. the ounce, = 19l. 15s. 3d.
Parcels of plate new made and amended between the last day of Dec. 23 Hen. VIII. and the 1st of Jan. 24 Hen. VIII. by the King's goldsmiths, viz., (1). By John Freman, received out of the scullery, the pitcher-house; of Sir Francis Brian, the King's vessel that the arms of the said Sir Francis may be taken out, and the striking the same vessel with the arms of Master Wallop, who was deputed ambassador to the French king in April last; of the ewery, the cellar, the "chaundry," the jewel-house; for taking the Cardinal's arms out of plate and striking the King's arms in the same; for burnishing, &c. of plate given to the lady marques of Pembroke, received of Hen. Collyer, clerk of the Jewel-house. Received by the said Henry, for the Princess, of the said John Freman, a gilt cruse with a cover. Due to the said John Freman for a cruse silver and gilt, given by the King's command to Anthony, one of his minstrels, and not entered in the warrant of the New Year's gifts. Total of the same John Freman's parcels of mending stuff, 27l. 16s. 8½d.
(2). By Cornelis, received out of the pantry of the groom porter, out of the ewery, the "chaundry," the pitcher-house, for making a new sword of gold to the George of Diamantes belonging to the King's collar of gold, and garters for the same; received of Hen. Collyer, clerk of the Jewel-house; of the said Henry at the same time a pair of silver snuffers of the Princess; out of the Jewel-house in the Tower, for taking the Cardinal's arms out of various pieces of plate, of which curious descriptions are given, and striking the same with the King's arms; received at the Jewel-house at Calais, for making other plate with the King's arms, for striking the arms of the lady marques of Pembroke on various articles of plate, burnishing, &c. Delivered by the said Cornelis 40 amels of fine silver graven with my lady marques of Pembroke's arms, and set in several parcels of plate, making and burnishing of the same ammelles, &c. Total of Cornelys' parcels of mending stuff, 52l. 14s. 2½d.
Sum total of all the parcels in money, £993 3s. 5½d.; which sum Sir Brian Tuke is commanded to pay to the persons before written upon sight of warrant dated Greenwich, 10 Jan. 24 Hen. VIII.
Large paper, formerly a roll consisting of ten leaves written on one side only.
On 25 Jan 1533 [his son-in-law] Henry VIII (age 41) and [his daughter] Queen Anne Boleyn of England (age 32) were married by Rowland Leigh Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield (age 46) at Whitehall Palace [Map]. Anne Savage Baroness Berkeley (age 37), Thomas Heneage (age 53) and Henry Norreys (age 51) witnessed. She the daughter of Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 56) and [his wife] Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 53). He the son of King Henry VII of England and Ireland and Elizabeth York Queen Consort England.
Sometime after the marriage Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland (age 38) was appointed Lady in Waiting to Queen Anne Boleyn of England. She would go to serve Henry's next three wives.
Letters and Papers 1533. 23 Feb 1533. Vienna Archives. 180. Chapuys (age 43) to Charles V.
As the Queen sees that the obstinacy of the King increases daily, and the appearances of disorder in view of the new marriage, she is compelled to employ your aid. Since my last of the 15th, the King does not cease to press the archbishops of Canterbury and York, the bishops of London, Winchester, and Lincoln, and many others, Italians as well as English, to subscribe a document he has drawn up to his taste, of a very strange nature, as you will see. The archbishop of York and the bishop of Winchester have not yet agreed to do so. The elect of Canterbury (age 43) has made no difficulty about it, and has even solicited it, as if it were his own business; and if it be true, as I am told today on good authority, that he has gone to give the Queen special notice of it, he has given good earnest of maintaining the opinion of the King in this divorce without variation. He has married (esposé) the King to the [his daughter] Lady (age 32), in presence of the father (age 56), [his wife] mother (age 53), [his son] brother (age 30), and two of her favorites, and one of his priests. If it be so, the King has taken the best means of preventing him from changing his opinions when raised to his dignity, as the archbishop of York has done. It is very probable either that the said elect has solemnised these espousals, or has promised to do so for certain considerations, as I have written to your Majesty, especially as since he has been elected he has dared to say openly that he would maintain, on pain of being burned, that the King might take the Lady to wife. The bruit continues, that in order to accomplish the said marriage the King waits for nothing else except the bulls of the elect; and for this purpose he has commanded those who have the charge of it to summon a provincial synod for the 16th. It is said that the King means to demand money for a war with Scotland, and to make harbours on the coast; and the better to colour the matter, the king of France has sent him a master architect. The French ambassador had intended to visit me, but was prevented by company, and proposes to do so tomorrow. It is said that Melanchthon is in one of the King's lodgings, and has been there for eight days, but it is kept such a secret that I can find no one who knows the certainty of it. The King has written for him expressly, I think merely for the Queen's affair, for he favors her, and because he pretends and wishes to have in his hands all ecclesiastical ordinances,—not only the synodical ones of this kingdom, but the papal as well. And in order the better to conduct the affair, last year he induced the prelates, by menaces and devices, to submit to whatever should be decided by 40 persons, of whom one half should be appointed by himself, and the other by the prelates, and himself above all. For this reformation, or rather deformation, it seems he could find no fitter instrument than Melanchthon, so as to give the utmost possible trouble to the Pope, that his previous boasts might not be without effect.
Letters and Papers 1533. 26 Jan 1533. Close Roll, 24 Hen. VIII. m. 24 d., Rym. XIV. 446. 73. The Great Seal.
Memorandum that on the 26th Jan., "anno predicto," about 3 p.m., in a chamber near the oratory at East Greenwich, in presence of [his brother-in-law] Thomas duke of Norfolk (age 60), Thomas Cranmer, elect of Canterbury, Thomas earl of Wiltshire (age 56), Stephen bishop of Winchester, Sir Wm. Fitzwilliam, treasurer of the Household, Sir Wm. Poulet, comptroller of the Household, Thomas Crumwell, Ralph Paxhall, John Croke, and John Judd, the King took the Great Seal from the custody of Thomas Audeley, and, after holding it a quarter of an hour, returned it to the custody of the same Thomas Audeley, appointing him Chancellor of England. Thereupon the said Chancellor sealed a subpœna upon one John Gilbert, in presence of the King and nobles, and returned the Great Seal into its bag, which he sealed with his own seal.
Letters and Papers 1533. 26 Jan 1533. R. O. 80. John, Abbot Of Peterborough, to Cromwell.
I have received your letter for granting a lease to John Rudde of our manor of Scottor, which I cannot do by reason of a promise made to a servant of Mr. Page three years ago, as I beg Rudde to inform you. He caused my lord of Wiltshire (age 56) to write to me for the same farm a twelvemonth since. The promise of an honest man ought to be as sure as his seal. Let him move Mr. Page to stay his suit, and then I am discharged. If Mr. Page will release me of my promise, some other thing convenient shall be devised for his servant. Peterborough, 26 Jan.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Of the Council. Sealed.
Letters and Papers 1533. 15 Feb 1533. 160. The [his daughter] Lady (age 32) within the last eight days, dining in her chamber, has said several times she felt it as sure as death that the King would marry her shortly; and her father (age 56) told the earl of Rutland two days ago that the King did not mean to be so dilatory (respectif) as he had been, but would complete the marriage with his daughter, which being once done by the authority of Parliament, they could pacify objectors more easily than now. And on his asking the Earl whether, if it were set forth in Parliament, he would oppose the King, he being the King's kinsman, the Earl replied that the affair was spiritual, and could not be decided in Parliament. The father on this attacked him with abusive language (rechargea de grosses parolles), as if he had uttered some great blasphemy, and compelled him to say that he would consent to whatever the King wished; of which things the said Earl sent to inform me immediately, in order that some remedy might be found, without trusting that any of the Parliament would dare to contradict. The Lady's father has not declared himself until the present time; but, as the [his brother-in-law] duke of Norfolk (age 60) has told me several times, has rather dissuaded the King from it than otherwise. This thing throws the Queen into great doubt, connected with other appearances, as that of a new Chancellor whom the King has made, suited to his purpose; and for this reason the King has required that three bishops who held the Queen's side should be excused from it, and he has deputed as proctors those who pleased him; of which the Queen has charged me to write to you.
Letters and Papers 1533. 26 Feb 1533. Camusat, 123 b. 184. Wm. Du Bellay (age 41) [Lord Of Langey], Beauvoys, and Dinteville to Francis I.
Yesterday the king of England sent for Dinteville to show him certain news from Italy; and Langey, who had news to communicate to him from France, and Beauvais, who had just returned from Scotland, accompanied him. He was pleased with Langey's charge, and agreed with Francis, even about the interview, to which he will send some one whom he trusts, either the [his brother-in-law] duke of Norfolk (age 60) or the Earl of Wiltshire (age 56). He desired them to write and say that he wished Francis would desire the cardinals Tournon and Grammont to cause the Pope to do nothing in his affair meanwhile. Langey told him that it would be to their common advantage if he would compose his differences with the Scotch king. He replied, as he had done previously to Montpesat and Dinteville, that any means the King could find would be good for him. Beauvais then told him what he had done in Scotland. He was greatly pleased therewith, especially when he heard that Francis hoped to arrange an interview between him and his nephew. Will not write more, as Langey and Beauvais leave in three or four days, and there is danger of letters being intercepted at sea. London, 26 Feb. Fr.
Letters and Papers 1533. 01 Mar 1533. R. O. 197. Trial Of The Pix.
Assay of silver made in the Star Chamber at Westminster, 1 March 24 Hen. VIII., in presence of Sir Thomas Audeley, chancellor, [his brother-in-law] Thos. duke of Norfolk (age 60), treasurer of England, Thos. earl of Wiltshire (age 56), keeper of the Privy Seal, John lord Huse, Sir John Fitzjames, chief justice of the King's Bench, Sir Ric. Lyster, chief baron of the Exchequer, Sir Ant. Fitzherbert, justice of the Common Pleas, Sir Ric. Weston, sub-treasurer of the Exchequer, Sir Ric. Sacheverell, and Sir John Daunce. On opening the pix there were found 30 "sinchiæ," containing £28 5s. 7d. in silver groats, half-groats, pence, halfpence, and farthings, taken out of 40,405 lbs. 1 oz. of silver weight coined and delivered out of the Exchange in the Tower of London since 20 May 22 Hen. VIII., in the time of John Copynger, keeper of the Exchange aforesaid, and William Blount lord Mountjoy, master of the Mint. Lat., p. 1.
Letters and Papers 1533. 08 Mar 1533. Vienna Archives. 212. Chapuys (age 43) to Charles V.
I wrote on the 23rd ult. On the 24th I received your Majesty's letters of the 28th Jan. The same day Langez arrived from France, and a French gentleman named Beauvoix from Scotland, who have been, as usual, well received, and dined at the King's table with the other Ambassador the day after their arrival, which was Shrove Tuesday, when the [his daughter] Lady (age 32) took the place usually occupied by the Queen; and there were present the [his brother-in-law] duke of Norfolk (age 60) and other great masters, except Suffolk, although he had been expressly called to come with the order of France. The said Langez and Beauvoix were here but four days, and were every day in Court and in communication with the King and Council, "mays non poinct fort griemant;" and it seems that their hasty despatch was either because Langez could not arrange anything important, or to hasten the settlement of their dispute with Scotland. I think one of the chief objects of Langez's coming has been to take resolution with those here about the Council, which both parties desire to prevent. I am led to think this, because, in talking with Langez, he suddenly said to me that your Majesty had obtained your desire, viz., the said Council, and that the Pope had no mind to refuse you anything since he had been punished by your Majesty by imprisonment and otherwise. And on my declaring to him the displeasure you had felt at his Holiness's imprisonment, and his sudden deliverance as soon as you were informed of it, he intimated that a ransom had been paid for the said deliverance, although it was more honorable and gracious than his Holiness deserved. This I could not allow to pass after declaring the respect you had always felt for his Holiness, and showed that the Pope had done more for his master than for your Majesty, pointing out also the necessity of the said Council, which the Pope must have promoted without being asked. On this Langez retracted what he had said. He told me his master had written to the Pope that a Council was reasonable and necessary, but that two conditions ought to be observed: first, that it must be in a suitable place where all could attend, and if it were held in Italy he should have the right of bringing as many forces as you had brought; and (2) that it should treat of nothing but what concerned the Faith, and enter into no particular quarrels. He did not enter fully into the said conditions, for Brian had just come for him and the other Ambassadors to conduct them to Court, taking no particular pleasure in my conversation with him. Suggests reasons for these conditions; among others, the fear they have lest it should be proposed to restore to the Empire the temporalities now held by the Pope, doubting that your Majesty would grow too great thereby.
Langez proceeded to justify the course he had taken at Paris about the divorce, saying he had not done any bad turn there, as people thought, and that he no more desired the divorce than I did. And he said that last year, when he was in Germany, he had found certain of your ministers very little inclined to the preservation of peace with his master; for that they said that his master had promoted the coming of the Turks. Further, in the course of conversation he said that you had used certain words at an assembly at Ratisbon not honorable to the King his master, stating that when he had been asked for succour against the Turk he had replied that he would not hazard his people.
In consequence of their hurry to go to Court, I had no leisure to treat with the gentleman who returned from Scotland. Conversation with Langez on the peace there, who professed ignorance of what this gentleman has done. Asked Norfolk, but could get no information. He told me that Langez had talked to the King and his Council, as he had done to me, but did not say much, as Suffolk and Wiltshire (age 56) were standing by while he had to go to the King, who had sent for him already three times. I hope I shall find out some of the particulars of Langez's charge. As to the other, I have learned that since the Scotch king received the Order (of the Golden Fleece) from your Majesty, the Scots are no longer inclined to France, and have proceeded so far as to beat down the arms of France, and put up the Imperial arms in their room. On being informed of this, the French king had sent him to James, explaining that he had not put off giving his daughter in marriage to him. To which the Scotch king made a gracious and prudent answer, expressive of his affection for France; and as to the reception of the Order, he had merely acted in conformity [with your liberality], of which he could not repent; and he spoke much in praise of you.
Archives of Venice 1533. March 10. [1533] Sanuto Diaries, v. liii. p. 24. 567. Letter from—to the Marquis of Mantua.
The English ambassadors1, amongst whom is the father of the King's sweetheart (inamorata) are expected. They come to declare to the Pope and the Emperor that their King insists upon a divorce, and will repudiate his first wife. Two Florentines within the city (of Florence) sent a challenge to two of their countrymen in the camp of the besiegers, giving them the choice of weapons, and calling them rebels and traitors, and the enemies of God; and tomorrow is the day appointed for this contest.
Bologna, 10th March. Registered by Sanuto 15th March.
Note 1. Thomas Boleyn, Lord Wiltshire (age 56), Stokisley (age 58), and Lee. (See "State Papers," vol. vii., part v. continued, p. 230, footnote.)
Calendar of State Papers Spain Volume 5 Part 2 1531-1533. 15 Apr 1533. 1061. Eustace Chapuys (age 43) to the Emperor (age 33).
On Tuesday the 7th inst., having been informed of the strange and outrageous conduct and proceedings of this [his son-in-law] king (age 41) against the Queen (age 47), whereof I have written to Your Majesty, I went to Court at the hour appointed for the King's audience, that I might there duly remonstrate against the Queen's treatment. I took with me Mr. Hesdin, who by the consent of the Queen [of Hungary] is now here to claim the arrears of his pension, in order that he might be present, and hear the remonstrances I had to address the King, hoping also that if I had to use threatening language the King might not be so much offended if uttered in the presence of the said Hesdin. On my arrival at Greenwich [Map] the earl of Vulchier (age 56) (Wiltshire) came to meet me, and leading me to the apartments of the [his brother-in-law] duke of Norfolk (age 60), who had just gone to see the Queen, said to me that the King being very much engaged at that hour had deputed him to listen to what I had to say, and report thereupon. My answer was that my communication was of such a nature and so important that I could not possibly make it to anyone but to the King in person. Until now he had never refused me audience, or put me off, and I could not think that he would now break through the custom without my having given him any occasion for it, especially as the King knew that Your Majesty most willingly received the English ambassadors at all hours, whatever might be their errand or business. The Earl repeated his excuses, and seemed at first disinclined to take my answer back to the King, until at last, perceiving my firm determination, he went in and came back saying the King would see me immediately, though he still tried to ascertain what my business was, and advised me to put off my communication until after the festivals. It was settled at last that I should see the King on Thursday in Holy Week, on which day having about me a copy of my last despatch [to Your Majesty], I took again the road to Court, accompanied as before by the said Master Hesdin, and was introduced to the Royal presence by the same earl of Wiltshire. The King received us graciously enough. After the usual salutations and inquiries about Your Majesty's health, the King asked me what news I had of your movements. I answered that the letters I had received last were rather old, but that I had reason to believe you had already embarked to return to Spain at the beginning of this present month. This statement the King easily believed, and was rejoiced to hear (such is his wish to see you fairly out of Italy). I added that the weather for the last days could not have been more favourable, and therefore that it was to be hoped Your Majesty had reached Spain in safety. Having then asked me whether I had other news to communicate, I told him that your brother, the king of the Romans (age 30), had made his peace with the Turk, and that the latter had sent an embassy, at which piece of intelligence the King remained for some time in silent astonishment as if he did not know what to answer.
Calendar of State Papers Spain Volume 5 Part 2 1531-1533. 15 Apr 1533. 1061. Eustace Chapuys (age 43) to the Emperor (age 33).
We both returned [to London] without accepting the pressing invitation to dinner from the earl of Wulchier (age 56) (Wiltshire) who in the absence of the duke of Norfolk was to preside at the table.
Letters and Papers 1533. 15 Apr 1533. 15 April. Vienna Archives. 351. Chapuys (age 43) to Charles V.
On Tuesday the 7th, hearing the strange and exorbitant terms and conduct used by the King against the Queen, of which I have heretofore advertised you, I went to Court at the hour assigned me for audience in order to remonstrate, taking Hédin with me, who is here by consent of the Queen for his pension, to be a witness of these remonstrances, in the hope that the King would take matters in better part in his presence. As soon as I arrived there Wiltshire met me; and on coming to the chamber of the duke of Norfolk, who had gone to the Queen, he told me that the King was marvellously busy, and had commissioned him to hear what I wished to say. I told him that what I had to say was of very great importance, and that I had never been denied audience before, and I could not think that the King would wish to break a custom without any occasion, seeing that your Majesty always willingly heard his ambassadors. He made very many excuses, and would not report my words to the King; until at last, when returning from the King a second time, he attempted to discover what I wanted to say, and wished to put off my audience till after the holidays. We concluded at last for Maundy Thursday (Jeudi Saint), on which I went to Court with Hédin, and was introduced to the King by Wiltshire (age 56). I was graciously received, and told him I could report nothing but old news of your Majesty, but I thought that you must have embarked since the commencement of the month; which he easily credited, out of the great desire he had that your Majesty should be out of Italy; adding that the season could not be finer. On his asking for other news, I told him of the peace between the King of the Romans and the Turk; at which he remained half stupefied, and entirely mute, without uttering a single word.
Letters and Papers 1533. 21 Apr 1533. R. O. 366. Sir Thomas Audeley to Cromwell.
Is asked by my lord of Norfolk to write to Cromwell for the opinions of doctors and learned men in the King's great case. He has written to my lord of Canterbury, but my lord of Wiltshire (age 56) reports that he hath them not. If not with you, they must be at York Place or with Dr. Lee. If at York Place, the King says you may go thither; if not, send for Dr. Lee, or, if he be not in town, search his chambers, for the King wishes them sent with speed to my lord of Winchester. "Written this morning." Signed: Thomas Audeley, k., Chancelor.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: To his loving friend, Mr. Cromwell, Esq.
Letters and Papers 1533. 10 May 1533. 465. On the 7th I was at Westminster at 8 a.m., where were assembled in council the Chancellor, the earls of Wiltshire (age 56) and Essex, [his son] lord Rochford (age 30), the Treasurer, the Controller, Cromwell, the two chief judges of England, Drs. Fox and Sampson, and others. The two Dukes were not there, because they had gone home to their houses. On Wiltshire arriving there, he drew from his pouch the letter I had written to the King, asking me the meaning of it, and that I would show the power therein mentioned. To this I replied, that as to showing the power I had no great occasion, for as I was ambassador it was only of use to me for my discharge as against your Majesty, in case I should be accused of having intermeddled too far. Nevertheless, to show that I did not wish to stand on ceremony, I was willing to satisfy the King by producing the said power, and I threw it upon the table; which being read, I declared my said letter summarily, giving them to understand the tenor of the briefs and excommunications. On hearing this, Wiltshire, as one much grieved and astonished, began to say that the said letter appeared a little strange, and that it was of such a quality that if it had been written by any one in the kingdom, however great, his body and goods would be confiscated by virtue of the late statute, of which he desired to notify me by the command of the King, who had besides ordered him to tell me that if I desired to live in peace and do the duty of an ambassador, as I had done till now, the King would treat me most favorably, as much as any ambassador who could come to him from any prince; but if I meant to assume two faces, and exceed the duty of an ambassador, it would be another thing. Therefore, I ought to consider well how I interfered in the matters contained in the said power. On this I said he acted like the eels of Meaux1, who cry before they are skinned; for as yet I had neither appealed nor presented apostolic letters, nor done anything by my said letter of which they could reasonably complain, even if it had been written by any other than an ambassador. As to the good treatment of the King, of which he spoke, I held myself very well satisfied hitherto, and that he was so virtuous and humane that he could not do otherwise; also he could not, without injuring his reputation. As to the two faces of which he spoke, I did not yet know this art, if he did not teach it to me. By these two faces he meant, to attempt to act as ambassador and as proctor. At last I told him he might lawfully enough excuse himself from speaking of this matter, as being an interested party, and moreover that it was a matter for learned men. At this he knew not what to say, except that he referred himself to others.
Note 1. Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde.
Hall's Chronicle 1533. 01 Jun 1533. Sonday being Whit Sunday the first day of June and the day of her Coronation.
On Sunday the Mayor clad in crimson velvet and with his collar and all the Aldermen and Sheriffs in Scarlet and the counsel of the city took their barge at the Crane by seven of the clock and came to Westminster where they were welcomed and brought into the hall by Master Treasurer and other of the King’s house, and so gave their attendance till the Queen should come forth. Between eight and nine she came into the Hall and stood under the clothe of estate, and then came in the King’s Chapel and the monks of Westminster all in rich copes and many Bishops and Abbots in copes and mitres which went into the midst of the hall, and there stood a season. Then was there a ray clothe spread from the Queen’s standing in the hall through the palace and sanctuary, which was railed on both sides to the high Altar of Westminster. After that the ray clothe was cast, the Officers of Armes appointed the order accustomed. First went gentlemen, then esquires, then knights, then the Aldermen of the city in their cloaks of scarlet, after them the Judges in their mantles of scarlet and coifs. Then followed the Knights of the Bathe being no Lords, every man having a white lace on his left sleeve. Then followed Barons and Viscounts in their parliament robes of scarlet. After them came Earles, Marquesses and Dukes in their robes of estate of crimson velvet furred with ermine powdered according to their degrees. After them came the Lord Chancellor in a robe of scarlet open before bordered with lettice: after him came the King’s Chapel and the monks solemnly singing with procession, then came Abbots and Bishops mitred, then Sergeants and Officers of Armes, then after them went the Mayor of London with his mace and garter in his coat of arms. Then went the Marquess Dorset in a robe of estate which bare the sceptre of gold, and the Earl of Arundel which bare the rod of Ivory with the Dove both together. Then went alone the Earl of Oxford High Chamberlain of England which bare the crown, after him went the duke of Suffolk in his robe of estate also for that day being High Steward of England, having a long white rod in his hand, and the Lord William Howard with the Rod of the Marshalship, and every Knight of the Garter had on his collar of the order. Then preceded forth the Queen in a circot and robe of purple velvet furred with ermine in her hair coif and circlet as she had the Saturday, and over her was borne the canopy by four of the five [Cinque] Portes all crimson with points of blue and red hanging on their sleeves, and the Bishops of London and Winchester bare up the lappets of the Queen’s robe. The Queen’s train which was very long was borne by the old Duchess of Norfolk (age 56) after her followed ladies being Lord’s wives which had circots of scarlet with narrow sleeves, the breast all lettice with bars of borders according to their degrees. And over that they had mantels of scarlet furred, and every mantle had lettice about the neck like a neckerchief likewise powdered, so that by the powderings their degree was known. Then followed ladies being Knight’s wives in gowns of scarlet with narrow sleeves without trains only edged with lettice, and likewise had all the Queen’s gentlewomen. When she was thus brought to the high place made in the midst of the church between the choir and the high altar she was set in a riche chair. And after that she had rested a while she descended down to the High Altar and there prostrate herself while the Archbishop of Canterbury said certain collettes: then she rose and the bishop anointed her on the head and on the breast, and then she was led up again, where after diverse Orisons said, the Archbishop set the crown of Saint Edward on her head, and then delivered her the sceptre of gold in her right hand, and the rod of Ivory with the Dove in the left hand, and then all the choir sang Te Deum, §c. Which done the bishop took of the crown of Saint Edward being heavy and set on the crown made for her, and so went to Masse. And when the offertory was begun she descended down and offered being crowned, and so ascended up again and sate in her chair till Agnus. And then she went down and kneeled before the altar where she received of the Archbishop the holy sacrament and then went up to her place again. After that Masse was done she went to Saint Edwardes shrine and there offered, after which offering done she withdrew her into a little place made for the nuns on the one side of the choir. Now in the mean season every Duchess had put on their bonnets a corona of gold wrought with flowers, and every Marquesses put on a demy Coronal of gold, every Countess a plain circlet of gold wrought with flowers, and every King of Armes put on a crown of copper and gilt all which were worn till night. When the Queen had a little reposed her the company returned in the same order that they set forth, and the Queen went crowned and so did the Ladies aforesaid. Her right hand was sustained by the Earl of Wiltshire (age 56) her father, and her left hand by the Lord Talbot deputy for the Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord Furnival his father. And when she was out of the Sanctuary and appeared within the palace the trumpets played marvellous freshly, and so she was brought to Westminster Hall, and so to her withdrawing chamber, during which time the Lords, Judges, Mayor and Aldermen put of their robes, Mantels and Cloaks, and took their hoods from their necks and cast them about their shoulders, and the Lords sat only in their circots and the Judges and Aldermen in their gowns. And all the Lords that served that day served in their circots and their hoods about their shoulders. Also, diverse officers of the King’s house being no Lords had circots and hoods of scarlet edged with miniver, as the Treasurer, Controller and Master of the Jewel House, but their circots were not gilt.
Wriothesley's Chronicle 1530-1539. 01 Jun 1533. Memorandum, the first dale of June,d [his daughter] Queene Anne (age 32) was brought from Westminster Hall to the Abbey of Sainct Peeter's [Map] with procession, all the monkes of Westminster going in rytch copes of golde with 13 abbotts mitred; and after them all the Kinges Chappell in rych copes with fower bushopps and tow archbishopps mittred, and all the Lordes going in their Perliament roabes,e and the crowne borne afore her by the Duke of Suffolke (age 49), and her tow scepters by tow Earles, and she herself going under a rytch canapie of cloath of golde, apparailed in a kirtell of crymson velvett powdred with ermyns, and a robe of purple velvett furred with powdred ermines over that, and a rich cronett with a calla of pearles and stones on her hedde, and the olde Dutches of Norfolke (age 56)b bearing upp her traine in a robe of scarlett with a cronett of golde on her bonett, and the Lorde Boroughe,c the Queenes Chamberlaine, staying the traine in the middes; and after her tenne ladies following in robes of scarlett furred with ermins and rounde cronettes of golde on their heades; and next after theim all the Queenes maides in gownes of scarlett edged with white lettushe furre; and so was shee brought to Sainct Peeters Church [Map] at Westminster, and their sett in her seate riall, which was made on a high scaffolde before the highe aulter; and their shee was anoynted and crowned Queene of Englande by the Archbishopp of Canterberied1 and the Archbishoppe of Yorke, and so sate crowned in her seate riall all the masse, and offred also at the said masse; and the masse donne, they departed everie man in their degrees to Westminster Hall [Map], she going still under the cannapie crowned with towe septers in hir handes, my Lorde of Wilshire, her father,e1 and the Lorde Talbottf leadinge her, and so theire dynned; wheras was made the most honorable feast that hath beene seene.
The great hall at Westminster was rytchlie hanged with rych cloath of Arras, and a table sett at the upper ende of the hall, going upp twelve greeses,a2 where the Queene dyned; and a rytch cloath of estate hanged over her heade; and also fower other tables alongest the hall; and it was rayled on everie side, from the highe deasse in Westminster Hall to the scaffold in the church in the Abbaj.
And when she went to church to her coronation their was a raye cloath,b2 blew, spreed from the highe dessesc of the Kinges Benche unto the high alter of Westminster, wheron she wente.
Note B. the [his brother-in-law] Lorde William Howard, Lord Chamberlen (age 23), in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
And when the Queenes grace had washed her handes, then came the Duke of Suffolke, High Constable that daie and stewarde of the feast, ryding on horsebacke rytchlie apparailed and trapped, and with him, also ridinge on horsebacke, the Lorde William Howarde as deputie for the [his brother-in-law] Duke of Norfolke (age 60) in the romthd2 of the Marshall of Englande, and the Queenes servicee2 following them with the Archbishopps, a certaine space betwene which was bornef2 all by knightes, the Archbishopp sitting at the Queenes borde, at the ende, on her left hande.g2 The Earle of Sussex (age 50) was sewer, the Earle of Essex carver, the Earle of Darbie (age 24) cuppbearer, the Earle of Arrondell (age 57) butler, the Viscount Lisle (age 69) pantler, the Lord Gray almoner.
Att one of the fower tables sate all the noble ladies all on one side of the hall, at the second table the noble men, at the thirde table the Major of Londonh2 with the Aldermen, att the fowerth table the Barons of the Fortes with the Masters of the Chauncerie. The goodlie dishes with the delicate meates and the settles which were all gilt, with the noble service that daie done by great men of the realme, the goodlie sweete armonie of minstrells with other thinges were to long to expresse, which was a goodlie sight to see and beholde.
And when shee had dined and washed her handes she stoode a while under the canopie of estate, and behelde throwghe the hall, and then were spices brought with other delicates, which were borne all in great high plates of gold, wherof shee tooke a litle refection, and the residue geavinge among the lordes and ladies; and that donne she departed up to the White Hall, and their changed her apparell, and so departed secreetlie by water to Yorke Place [Map], which is called White Hall, and their laie all night.
Note d. Whitsanday. Compare this with the account of the receiving and coronation of Anne Boleyn in MS. Harleian. Cod. 41, arts. 2-5, and MS. Harleian. 543, fol. 119.
Note e. [his son-in-law] Henry's (age 41) first wife, Katharine of Aragon (age 47), was crowned with him, and a magnificent ceremony was ordained for her successful rival Anne Boleyn, but none of the other wives of Henry were honoured with a coronation.
Note a. A caul was a kind of net in which women inclosed their hair.
Note b. Grandmother of Anne Boleyn, being widow of [his father-in-law] Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, whose daughter [his wife] Elizabeth (age 53) married Sir Thomas Boleyn (age 56), afterwards Earl of Wiltshire, the father of Anne.
Note. b, immediately above, appears to be a mistake? The grandmother of Anne Boleyn was Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey, first wife of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk. He, Thomas, married secondly his first wife's first cousin Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk who must be the old Duchess of Norfolk referred to since Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey died in Apr 1497.
Note c. Thomas, Lord Bnrgh of Gainsboroogh (age 45).
d1. In Sir Henry Ellis's Collection of Original Letters occurs a very interesting letter written by Cranmer to the English ambassador at the Emperor's court, giving his own account of the pronouncing of sentence on Katharine and of the coronation of Anne Boleyn.
e1. Anne Boleyn's father had been created Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond on the 8th December, 1529.
a2. Steps or stain, Latin gressus.
b2. Striped cloth.
Note c. Desks.
d2. Room.
e2. Suite.
f2. Occupied.
g2. Stow expressly states that Archbishop Cranmer sat on the right hand of the Queen at the table's end. Ed. 1631, p. 567.
h2. Sir Stephen Pecocke.
On 10 Sep 1533 the future [his granddaughter] Elizabeth I was christened at the Palace of Placentia, Greenwich [Map].
Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter (age 30), Walter Blount, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (age 44) and Margaret Wotton Marchioness Dorset (age 46) were Godparents.
Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count of Eu carried the covered gilt basin. Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 49) escorted the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk (age 56). Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 16) carried the Salt. Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk (age 36) carried the Chrisom. Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk carried Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland. Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 37) carried a taper of virgin wax.
Edward Stanley 3rd Earl of Derby (age 24), Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 56), Henry Grey 4th Earl Kent (age 38) and [his son] George Boleyn Viscount Rochford (age 30) supported the train of the mantle.
[his brother-in-law] Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 60), [his brother-in-law] William Howard 1st Baron Howard (age 23), [his brother-in-law] Thomas Howard (age 22) and John Hussey 1st Baron Hussey of Sleaford (age 68) carried the canopy.
In 1534 [his son-in-law] William Stafford (age 26) and [his daughter] Mary Boleyn (age 35) were married in secret. The marriage was discovered when she, Mary, attended Court, when pregnant, angering both the [his son-in-law] King (age 42) and her sister the [his daughter] Queen (age 33). They was banished from Court. She the daughter of Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 57) and [his wife] Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 54).
Before 22 Jun 1535 Thomas Audley 1st Baron Audley Walden (age 47) presided over the trial of Bishop John Fisher (age 65) and Thomas More (age 57) both of whom refused to take the Oath Of Supremacy. The judges including Anne Boleyn's father Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 58). Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl Essex (age 50) brought Richard Rich 1st Baron Rich (age 38) as a witness who testified that Thomas More had denied that the King was the legitimate head of the Church. However, Richard Southwell (age 32) to the contrary.
The jury took, somewhat unsurprisingly, only fifteen minutes to conclude Thomas More was guilty. He was sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered; [his son-in-law] the King (age 43) commuted this to beheading.
Letters and Papers 1535. 06 Sep 1535. Add. MS. 28,588, f. 20. B. M. 295. Viscount J. Hannart to the Empress.
The queens of France and Hungary met at Cambray on 16 Aug. There were present the daughters and daughter-in-law of the King, Madame de Vendome, the cardinals of Borvon (Bourbon) and Tornon, the Admiral, the duke of Albany, and the marchioness of Zenete. The Empress probably knows that the king of England has separated from the Church of Rome, and put to death many persons who will not obey him as head of the Church after God. Since the death of the Cardinal of Rochester and More, twentyeight persons have been executed, among them nine Carthusians. The King has given the Carthusian Monastery in London to his [his daughter] new wife (age 34) for a palace, and others to his daughter and father-in-law (age 58).
The king of Scotland has sent ambassadors to conclude his marriage with the daughter of Mons. de Vandôme, and to conduct her to Scotland.
* * * 6 Sept. 1535. Sp., pp. 3. Modern copy.
Letters and Papers 1535. 14 Aug 1535. Titus, B. xi. 425. B. M. St. P. i. 439. 90. Sir Thomas Audeley, Chancellor, to Cromwell.
Has put the following Irish Acts in order:—The Supreme Head of the Church in Ireland; the King's Succession; the declaration of treasons; licenses and dispensations; the annates and election and consecration of bishops; appeals in spiritual matters to be made to the King, and not the bishop of Rome; first-fruits, which does not extend to abbots and priors, for this time; Kildare's attainder; subsidy; resumption of the lands of the duke of Norfolk and his coparceners, the earl of Shrewsbury, the heirs general of the earl of Ormond, and divers abbots and priors in England. Wishes him to ask the King whether that Act is to be set forth without declaring his pleasure to the Duke, Earl, and heirs general of the earl of Ormond. Has seen the Act made in Ponynges' time, and delivered it again to Mr. Gostwyk. Does not take that Act as they take it in Ireland, but has made a short Act that everything done in this Parliament shall be effectual, notwithstanding that or any other Act. These Acts should be sent to Ireland with a letter ordering the Deputy and Council to return a transumpt under the seal of Ireland. Asks whether the commission to hold the Parliament is to be made to the Deputy alone or to others, and what day it is to begin. Asks him to remind the King of the barons he wished to make to increase the number of temporal lords. They shall be all ready written by Monday next. Does not think the Acts of heresy and submission of the clergy necessary for that land, for the Statute of Henry IV. was never put in execution; and as to the submission, after the laws for the spiritual jurisdiction are ratified here in England by the 32 assigned by the King, and confirmed by Parliament here, it were necessary they should be received in Ireland by authority of Parliament there. Advises that the Acts of probate of testament, mortuaries, and pluralities of benefices should be spared at this time. The Earl of Wiltshire (age 58) has asked that the Act for the Earl of Ossory may be deferred till he and his coparcener Selenger may search their evidences, and declare what prejudice they might take. If the King wishes the Act to go forward, he should write to the Earl, and cause him to make a sufficient proviso. The King might also order the Deputy to take a bond from the earl of Ossory not to take any advantage of the Earl of Wiltshire by the Act.
Sends a commission of oyer and determiner concerning the prior of Wurcetter and his monk. Thinks the words spoken in March last by the monk touching appeals will hardly bear treason but misprision, for there is no express mention of the King nor Queen. The words spoken of the King and Queen at Christmas or before February would have been treason if they had been spoken since February 1.
It were best to have them indicted truly upon the fact, and then let them remain in ward till further opinions be known.
Christchurch, in London, Saturday, the eve of the Assumption. Is going to Colchester on Tuesday; there is so great death in London.
Hol. Add: Chief Secretary.
Letters and Papers 1535. 13 Sep 1535. Titus, B. xi. 429. B. M. St. P. i. 445. 358. Lord Chancellor Audeley to [Cromwell].
Has drawn a proviso for the surety of the King, the [his daughter] Queen (age 34), and the Earl of Wiltshire (age 58), &c., and inserted it in the end of the Act that the Earl of Ossory (age 68) desires to have pass, because if it were in a schedule it might be craftily withdrawn. Sends the Acts, with the commission to the Deputy for holding Parliament after the old custom. Sends also a copy of the proviso to the Earl of Wiltshire. Has drawn up the commission for the Deputy only, else it might take away part of his reputation among the people. Desires him to report to the King the number of Acts annexed. Has also made two patents for barons for Sir Richard Power and Thomas Ewstace; and, hearing from Cowley that the old course is to have letters from the Chancery here in England, has sealed them, and sends them to Cromwell.
Calendar of State Papers Spain Volume 5 Part 2 1531-1533. 21 Jan 1536. Wien, Rep. P.C., Fasc. 236, No. 3. Eustace Chapuys (age 46) to the Emperor (age 35).
The good Queen (deceased) breathed her last at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Eight hours afterwards, by the [his son-in-law] King's (age 44) express commands, the inspection of her body was made, without her confessor or physician or any other officer of her household being present, save the fire-lighter in the house, a servant of his, and a companion of the latter, who proceeded at once to open the body. Neither of them had practised chirurgy, and yet they had often performed the same operation, especially the principal or head of them, who, after making the examination, went to the Bishop of Llandaff, the Queen's confessor, and declared to him in great secrecy, and as if his life depended on it, that he had found the Queen's body and the intestines perfectly sound and healthy, as if nothing had happened, with the single exception of the heart, which was completely black, and of a most hideous aspect; after washing it in three different waters, and finding that it did not change colour, he cut it in two, and found that it was the same inside, so much so that after being washed several times it never changed colour. The man also said that he found inside the heart something black and round, which adhered strongly to the concavities. And moreover, after this spontaneous declaration on the part of the man, my secretary having asked the Queen's physician whether he thought the Queen had died of poison, the latter answered that in his opinion there was no doubt about it, for the bishop had been told so under confession, and besides that, had not the secret been revealed, the symptoms, the course, and the fatal end of her illness were a proof of that.
No words can describe the joy and delight which this King and the promoters of his [his daughter] concubinate (age 35) have felt at the demise of the good Queen, especially the earl of Vulcher (age 59), and his [his son] son (age 33), who must have said to themselves, What a pity it was that the Princess (age 19) had not kept her mother company. The King himself on Saturday, when he received the news, was heard to exclaim, "Thank God, we are now free from any fear of war, and the time has come for dealing with the French much more to our advantage than heretofore, for if they once suspect my becoming the Emperor's friend and ally now that the real cause of our enmity no longer exists I shall be able to do anything I like with them." On the following day, which was Sunday, the King dressed entirely in yellow from head to foot, with the single exception of a white feather in his cap. His [his granddaughter] bastard daughter (age 2) was triumphantly taken to church to the sound of trumpets and with great display. Then, after dinner, the King went to the hall, where the ladies were dancing, and there made great demonstration of joy, and at last went into his own apartments, took the little bastard, carried her in his arms, and began to show her first to one, then to another, and did the same on the following days. Since then his joy has somewhat subsided; he has no longer made such demonstrations, but to make up for it, as it were, has been tilting and running lances at Grinduys [Map]. On the other hand, if I am to believe the reports that come to me from every quarter, I must say that the displeasure and grief generally felt at the Queen's demise is really incredible, as well as the indignation of the people against the King. All charge him with being the cause of the Queen's death, which I imagine has been produced partly by poison and partly by despondency and grief; besides which, the joy which the King himself, as abovesaid, manifested upon hearing the news, has considerably confirmed people in that belief.
Whilst the sorrow and indignation of the English last, it will be, in my opinion, the fit moment for urging the present Pope to proceed against this King, and apply the requisite remedy to so many evils. The measure would be most opportune just now; for these people, thinking, as they actually do, that because the good Queen is dead, no further proceedings can be instituted against them, would be greatly astonished, and taken, as it were, by surprise. They fancy, moreover. that the Pope on his own account, and for what personally concerns him and the Church, will not dare to stir and provoke war, especially as a good portion of Germany and other countries is in the same predicament as this King is. Yet, though the Queen is no longer alive, it is due to her memory and to the honour of her royal relatives to have it declared that she actually died Queen of England. It is, moreover, important to proceed at once to the execution of the sentence in what relates to the Princess, and dissolve and annul this second marriage, which certainly has not become more valid and legitimate through the Queen's death. Another declaration would be necessary on the part of the Pope, namely, that the King could not marry this woman, nor any other, during the Queen's life, according to the rules and prescriptions of civil right, unless the Pope himself had granted a dispensation.
It would indeed seem as if these people entertained some hope of making the Pope lean to their side, for only three days ago Cromwell said at dinner (a plainne table) that possibly within a very few days one might see in England a legate and an ambassador from the Pope, who would come to confirm all their former doings. And yesterday an order was issued for the curates and other preachers to abstain from preaching anything either against or in favour of the existence of purgatory, images, the worship of saints, and other doubtful theological questions. Perhaps by this and other means they hope to cajole His Holiness and send him to sleep until Your Majesty has actually left Rome,—which in my opinion, would he a great and irreparable evil; and I fancy that the courier who has taken to France the news of the Queens decease has been instructed to proceed afterwards to Rome in haste, and prevent, if he can, the publication of the ecclesiastical censures.
There has been some rumour here that this King intended going personally to his daughter, the Princess, or sending some high personage to condole with her, and that on that ground the news of her mother's death would be kept from her as long as possible. I hear, however, that nothing of the sort is the case. Four days after the Queen's demise the governess herself went straight to the Princess, and most unceremoniously, without the least preparation, announced to her the sad event. I myself had previously written to the Princess a letter of condolence, and sent it to one of her maids in waiting with instructions to put it into her hands the moment her mother's death should be notified to her. This was done; and I must say that the Princess received such consolation and comfort through it that soon after she herself wrote to me a very good and well penned answer, in which, after thanking me immensely for the invaluable good I have done her, she begged me to let the King know that, unless she were immediately removed from the house and company in which she was, she should consider herself as good as lost; and that, following my advice, she would in the midst of her tribulations do her best to show that courage and constancy of which I had spoken to her, and at all events prepare for death.
In the evening of the day on which the Queen's death was notified to her, the Princess begged her governess to write a letter to the King, asking for the physician and apothecary who had attended on her, rather, as I imagine, to make inquiries and hear the particulars of her last illness, than because she herself wanted their services. To which request of the Princess the King answered, that her complaint, if any, was not the result of illness, but merely of natural affliction, and therefore that she needed no physician nor apothecary at all. The Princess then wrote to me, praying, among other things, that I should solicit and procure the personal attendance of those two officials on the plea that she was really unwell, and could not do without them which I did forthwith, as Your Majesty must have heard.
The day before yesterday I forwarded to her the letter which Your Majesty had written to the Queen, her mother, as well as another from the Queen Regent of Flanders, both of which arrived too late. The letters, however, have been of great consolation to the Princess, as she herself wrote to me half an hour ago; for since her mother's death she writes oftener than before, for no other purpose, as I imagine, than to give a proof of that courage and firmness which I am continually recommending to her. I must add that her good sense, incomparable virtues, and unheard-of patience under the circumstances, enable her to bear with fortitude the loss of a mother whom she loved and cherished as much, perhaps more than any daughter ever did;—the Queen, her mother, having always been her principal refuge in all her tribulations.
Great preparations are being made for the burial of the good Queen, and according to a message received from Master Cromwell (age 51) the funeral is to be conducted with such a pomp and magnificence that those present will scarcely believe their eyes. It is to take place on the 1st of February; the chief mourner to be the King's own niece (age 18), that is to say, the daughter of the duke of Suffolk (age 52); next to her will go the Duchess, her mother; then the wife of the duke of Norfolk (age 39), and several other ladies in great numbers. And from what I hear, it is intended to distribute mourning apparel to no less than 600 women of a lower class. As to the lords and gentlemen, nothing has yet transpired as to who they are to be, nor how many. Master Cromwell himself, as I have written to Your Majesty, pressed me on two different occasions to accept the mourning cloth, which this King offered for the purpose no doubt of securing my attendance at the funeral, which is what he greatly desires; but by the advice of the Queen Regent of Flanders (Mary), of the Princess herself, and of many other worthy personages, I have declined, and, refused the cloth proffered; alleging as an excuse that I was already prepared, and had some of it at home, but in reality because I was unwilling to attend a funeral, which, however costly and magnificent, is not that befitting a Queen of England.
The King, or his Privy Council, thought at first that very solemn obsequies ought to be performed at the cathedral church of this city. Numerous carpenters and other artizans had already set to work, but since then the order has been revoked, and there is no talk of it now. Whether they meant it in earnest, and then changed their mind, or whether it was merely a feint to keep people contented and remove suspicion, I cannot say for certain.
Letters 1536. 21 Jan 1536. Vienna Archives. 141. Chapuys (age 46) to Charles V.
You could not conceive the joy that the King and those who favor this concubinage have shown at the death of the good Queen, especially the earl of Wiltshire (age 59) and his [his son] son (age 33), who said it was a pity the Princess (age 19) did not keep company with her. The King, on the Saturday he heard the news, exclaimed "God be praised that we are free from all suspicion of war"; and that the time had come that he would manage the French better than he had done hitherto, because they would do now whatever he wanted from a fear lest he should ally himself again with your Majesty, seeing that the cause which disturbed your friendship was gone. On the following day, Sunday, the King was clad all over in yellow, from top to toe, except the white feather he had in his bonnet, and the [his granddaughter] Little Bastard (age 2) was conducted to mass with trumpets and other great triumphs. After dinner the King entered the room in which the ladies danced, and there did several things like one transported with joy. At last he sent for his Little Bastard, and carrying her in his arms he showed her first to one and then to another. He has done the like on other days since, and has run some courses (couru quelques lances) at Greenwich.From all I hear the grief of the people at this news is incredible, and the indignation they feel against the King, on whom they lay the blame of her death, part of them believing it was by poison and others by grief; and they are the more indignant at the joy the King has exhibited. This would be a good time, while the people are so indignant, for the Pope to proceed to the necessary remedies, by which these men would be all the more taken by surprise, as they have no suspicion of any application being made for them now that the Queen is dead, and do not believe that the Pope dare take upon him to make war especially while a good part of Germany and other Princes are in the same predicament. Nevertheless, now that the Queen is dead, it is right for her honor and that of all her kin that she be declared to have died Queen, and it is right especially to proceed to the execution of the sentence, because it touches the Princess, and to dissolve this marriage which is no wise rendered valid by the Queen's death, and, if there be another thing, that he cannot have this woman to wife nor even any other during her life according to law, unless the Pope give him a dispensation; and it appears that those here have some hope of drawing the Pope to their side, for only three days ago Cromwell said openly at table that a legate might possibly be seen here a few days hence, who would come to confirm all their business, and yesterday commands were issued to the curates and other preachers not to preach against purgatory, images, or adoration of the saints, or other doubtful questions until further orders. Perhaps by this means and others they hope to lull his Holiness to sleep until your Majesty has parted from him, which would be a very serious and irremediable evil. I think those here will have given charge to the courier, whom they despatched in great haste to give the news of the Queen's death in France, to go on to Rome in order to prevent the immediate publication of censures.
Calendar of State Papers Spain Volume 5 Part 2 1531-1533. 24 Feb 1536. Wien, Rep. P. C., Fasc. Eustace Chapuys (age 46) to the Emperor (age 36).
On the day before yesterday Master Cromwell sent me word by his cousin that at he wished particularly to speak to me, and therefore that if I could go to a church of the Austin Friars close to my lodgings, and facing a large house he is now building himself, I should do him a great favor. I politely excused myself on the plea that ever since the Queen's death, expecting that the King would, as it was rumoured, order some sort of funeral service to be performed, and owing also to certain other considerations, I had kept indoors, and was determined not to leave my house on any account without having previously repaired, as was my duty, to the said church of the Austin Friars, and caused masses to be there said for the soul of the good Queen. The earliest day I intended leaving my room was on that of St. Mathias, and therefore, if he was so pressed, and could not himself call on me, he might send me a verbal message as to the nature of the communication he wanted to make to me.
Soon after receiving my answer, Cromwell replied by one of his secretaries, who is in the habit of taking his messages to the King, that he would willingly have called at this embassy, were it for no other purpose than to see how I was; but that under the circumstances it was very inconvenient for him to do so, not only because he might thereby arouse the suspicions of the French, but because what he wished to tell me concerned himself personally. It was not (he sent word) by command of the King, who would not be pleased to hear that he (Cromwell) had come to me for the affair of which he intended to treat, but entirely of his own accord, that he wanted to hold a conversation with me, and therefore that he requested that I would choose a place of meeting less open to suspicion, where he might disclose matters highly important alike for Your Majesty's service and that of the King, his master.
Perceiving his pressing solicitations and the honest excuses alleged,—I mean the latter of them, for as to the former, as 1 sent him word, it could equally serve us both, and. I might just as well as himself make use of it, were it not that I wished to be agreeable to his master in all matters, as I had told him on previous occasions,—I sent him word that next morning early, that is yesterday, the 23rd, I would be at the Austin Friars, and that after the funeral service and mass, which I intended to have said for the Queen's repose, I would return home by the building he himself is now erecting in that spot, which seemed to me my shortest road home.
Yesterday, before my departure for church, Cromwell was already on the spot, which in nearly half a league distant from the house he now inhabits. Thither, after hearing Divine service, I myself went, and met Cromwell, who, having first thanked me for the honour of my visit, as well as for the favorable reports I had from time to time made to Your Majesty concerning his doings and good intentions—as the English ambassador had lately heard from Mr. de Granvelle —began reciting his customary preface to all our conferences of late, namely, the great advantages of a closer friendship between Your Majesty and the King, his master, through which, he said, you could easily achieve all your undertakings against the Turk and elsewhere; for (said he) on Your Majesty, and the King, his master, being closely united, and with a good natural understanding, no prince in Christendom would dare show hostility (gronder). He, himself, thought of nothing else day and night than of the proper means of bringing about and insuring that in dissoluble friendship. For that reason he (Cromwell) had always tried to abstain from any negociation with the French likely to be injurious to Your Majesty, or prove an obstacle to the said closer alliance and friendship. I might well recollect, Cromwell added, that on the departure for Calais of the Royal Commissioners to meet the admiral of France (Chabot) and other French notables, he had assured me that nothing injurious to Your Majesty would be discussed therein; and this had been strictly observed, as he could prove by showing me a copy of the instructions delivered to the bishop of Winchester (Gardiner), in which an article had been inserted expressly forbidding any discussion to your prejudice. He could, moreover, show me letters of king Francis continually importuning the King, his master, to declare war against Your Majesty and invade Flanders; but, king Francis, observed Cromwell, is very much mistaken if he thinks that my master will ever join in such a dance. You may be well assured of that, said he, "for there is nothing the King desires so much as the Emperor s friend- ship, to which, besides being himself greatly inclined, he is " daily assiduously urged by the members of his Privy Council, not only by those, who, like the dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, and the Treasurer, are pensioners of France, but also by those who, he said, belonged to the opposite party and faction, namely the earl of Wiltshire (age 59) and others." The above-named councillors, he added, considering the incredible ingratitude, inconstancy, deceit, and malignity of the French people—which are such as to cause general horror and detestation throughout Europe—at the same time bearing in mind the extreme benevolence and innumerable virtues of Your Majesty, whose worldly affairs seem guided and conducted by Divine grace and clemency—to judge from the care, help, and success constantly granted to you by God—had for some time back been in favour of a closer alliance. Neither the King nor his councillors could doubt for a moment of Your Majesty's favourable disposition, judging from the reciprocal good-will by which they themselves were animated, the more so after the very gracious and amiable words continually addressed by Mr. de Grandvelle to their ambassador at your Imperial Court; considering also that, according to letters received from Rome, up to this day Your Majesty had not allowed the Pope to fulminate against this King those tremendous censures which, after the execution of the bishop of Rochester and the cardinal, His Holiness had been strongly solicited by the Sacred College to launch Therefore as the Privy Councillors and himself were sure of Your Majesty's good will towards this King and kingdom, he (Cromwell) and all of them imagined that if Your Majesty had only for them the tenth part of the love and affection which all the English profess for you, that benevolence and kindness which you have hitherto shown could not fail to increase in such a ratio as to render it quite impossible for the Pope,—who, by the way, was no great friend of Your Majesty,—or for any other person in the world, to induce you to harm or in anywise molest them. And that since it had pleased God to remove from this world that which was the sole and unique impediment to the true and perfect friendship between Your Majesty and the King, his master, this seemed the fit time and season for the servants of both princes to think earnestly of the best means for bringing about the renewal, confirmation, and increase of the said friendship and good understanding. As to himself, in particular, knowing, as he did, my disposition to favour such views, he trusted that I would exert myself thoroughly to further this cause, since, besides the profit I might have in acting thus, I should thereby acquire immortal glory and fame. Cromwell ended by praying me to write in haste to Your Majesty, and communicate the above and anything else I might consider to be for the favourable issue of the matter, begging me to solicit Your Majesty in the most humble and affectionate terms possible not to let the present opportunity pass of consolidating and increasing that friendship, now that the door was wide open to attain so desirable an object.
Hearing such language, after praising Cromwell for his wisdom and good will, I replied that up to this moment I had known no other sentiment on Your Majesty's part than a most sincere wish of maintaining, nay increasing, that very friendship with the King, his master. It was not Your Majesty's fault if things had not sooner come to the state of which he had spoken. There, was no need, for me to produce evidence in favour of that assertion; he himself was a good witness of that. Yet that to write to Your Majesty, and report the conversation we had just had in general terms, without coming to particulars, or making fresh overtures thereupon, would be but lost time and labour, for it was the same song over and over again, and that, to cut the matter short, and show that he, was in earnest, and spoke sincerely, and without his usual dissimulation, it was necessary that he should make at once some further declarations.
Cromwell's answer was that I might be sure there was no feint, mystery, or dissimulation whatever in what he had, just told me. It would have been foolish on his part to hold such language should it bring neither advantage to his master, nor honour to himself. He would not, for anything in this world, be held as a liar or dissembler. But as what he had just said proceeded entirely from himself, without any mandate from his master, I could easily believe that he had no power to make overtures, which, in his opinion, ought to come from Your Majesty. And upon my replying to him that no categorical answer had yet been received to the first proposal, which I had made by Your Majesty's order, he said that there could be no question as to that, inasmuch as the Queen, who was the principal foundation on which those overtures rested, had since died. I would not on this occasion make further observations on that subject, save to hint, in passing, that perchance the article on the validity of the Papal sentence with regard to the Queen's marriage required now a fuller explanation than before. Cromwell asked me why but I declined to answer, only saying that I had not spoken positively, and would not insist thereon.
After this, Cromwell began to praise the bishop of Winchester's sound judgment and superior tact in discovering the ruses (tromperies) of the French, as well as in wisely advising this King not to trust in them, but to look out for the means of again making alliance with Your Majesty, in doing which the Bishop had, as he asserted, given the King immense pleasure, for he was tired of negociating with the French, and hearing people talk about them; whereas, on the other hand, whenever there was a question of treating with Your Majesty, his heart jumped for joy. At this point of the conversation, Cromwell, in a passion,—so much so that he could hardly utter his words,—exclaimed, that the French had played such tricks on the King, his master, that he would much prefer being hanged from the highest belfry in London than to have said or thought one half of what they had said or maliciously surmised on the subject; and, besides that, in order to make their profit by it, they had given Mr. de Likerke to understand that the King, his master, had offered to send an army against Flanders, and against the kingdom of Denmark, which was untrue.
Cromwell also told me incidentally that there was a rumor afloat of the marriage of the duke of Angoulême (Charles) to the [dowager] duchess of Milan, and that Your Majesty wished to give him the investiture of that duchy. But I apprehend that this and other things Cromwell told me on the occasion tend to interrupt and impede any alliance of Your Majesty with the French. What makes me suspect as much is that the Secretary requested me particularly to write to Mr. de Likerke on the subject at the same time as to Your Majesty.
Perceiving that Cromwell took no notice whatever of my observations, and seemed disinclined to proceed any further with the subject in question, and, moreover, that it was already time for him to go and attend to his business at Court, I ventured to suggest, as originating with myself, that in order to bring about again the good understanding and friendship of which he had spoken, four conditions were required. The first was that it seemed to me that Your Majesty, as a very Catholic prince and protector of the Church, could not do less than ask the King, his master, to return before all things to Apostolic obedience, and reconcile himself with the Church. Secondly, I thought that if you were to establish also as a condition that the Princess should be declared legitimate and reinstated in her rank, it would not be too much to ask. Thirdly, that, those conditions being fulfilled, Your Majesty should solicit and obtain his master's help against the Turk and make alliance with you. Germany having already offered to assist most efficiently, provided the rest of the Christian princes joined in the undertaking, there could not be any difficulty in that country joining the league against the Turk. Fourthly, were Your Majesty to request the king of England to make besides a defensive and offensive league against whomsoever might act wrongly towards one of the parties, what would the King do I wished (I said) to know what answer his master was disposed to make upon the whole.
Cromwell's answer was, that concerning the last point he thought that the King, his master, would do anything that might be desired. With regard to the third, he had no doubt that he would contribute much more efficiently than you perhaps expected; his only regret was that he was not more powerful, and better situated to lead the undertaking in person. He could not employ his treasure in a better cause.
With regard to the Princess, Cromwell observed this was the fit opportunity to treat of her prospects, and of the settlement of her affairs in future, in a manner to please Your Majesty; the door was already open for negociation.
Respecting the first point, which was the most difficult of all, after some preliminary discussion and a good deal of hesitation, Cromwell said he thought the King, his master, would readily accede to what might be agreed upon between the deputies of both parties. To this I objected that the deputies named could scarcely know of what to treat, and that it was necessary for the King first to put the Pope in possession of all his rights in England, and then submit to the determination of the Council; and I then went on explaining my views on the subject. "For (said I) the Kings allegation so often repeated that the convocation of the Council belongs by right to the Emperor, and not to His Holiness, is, to my mind, a manifest proof that your master, the King, does not wish for the celebration of the Council, whilst the rest of the Christian princes all believe it to be necessary for God's service and the repose of Christendom."
Cromwell's answer was, that I might be right in my views, and yet it was necessary to begin by one of the two ends. I ought to try and have myself appointed as one of the commissioners, with such articles as Your Majesty would approve of, or else a declaration should come from Your Majesty purporting that, should the King, his master, send ambassadors to treat of that matter, they would be well received at the Imperial Court; this being done the King would prepare a most honourable and numerous embassy, and, once the negociation on foot, I was to let him act, and he would pull the strings. (fn. n9)
After this, we both kept silence for two or three minutes, until Cromwell repeated to me what he had formerly said concerning the Princess, adding that at any rate I was to hope for the amicable settlement of all pending matters. I ought to consider what wonderful things he had achieved ever since he had had the administration of the King's affairs; whereby he seemed to imply that it was in his power to undo part of what he had already done, even as regards the Princess, for whose service he offered to work as much as was in his power.
Having had occasion to allude to the King's late practices in Germany and Denmark, Cromwell assured me that there had been none at all, and that he would willingly lose his head if it could be discovered that there or elsewhere any thing had been treated of to Your Majesty's injury or disadvantage. On the contrary, he protested that, were the understanding between Your Majesty and his master to become such as he (Cromwell) wished it to be, your affairs abroad, and even in Denmark, would get on much better than they actually do. That the reason for sending to Germany the bishop of Harfort was that they wished to get the opinion of several men in that country respecting their own affairs, and hear how the people governed themselves, and for no other motive. I might have told him that, to attain the object he spoke of, there was no necessity of remitting to the said Bishop, besides a large sum which he had received on his departure, no less than 20,000 ducats; but I would not say so for fear of betraying the merchant, who only two days before had positively assured me that Cromwell had requested him to make out the bill of exchange payable at Neurenberghe (Nuremburgh), and that he (the merchant) had refused until he heard from Jehan Carlo de Affaictatis, the banker, whom he should consult on the subject.
There has been no change yet in the Princess' state. She wrote to me yesterday to say she intended to apply again to Your Majesty for help and assistance.
Some courtiers tell me that for the three last months this King has not spoken ten times to his concubine, and that when the news of her miscarriage was brought to him, he only observed, "I see that God will not give me male children;" and that, having gone to visit her, on leaving her room he added by way of farewell, with much ill grace, 'When you are up I will come and speak to you." It seems that the concubine has assigned two causes for her miscarriage; one is the King's fall from his horse some time before; the other the love she bears him, which she says is greater and more vehement than that of the late Queen, so much so that whenever she hears of his loving another woman but her, she is broken-hearted. The King, however, has been much disappointed as well as hurt at Anne's excuses at least he has all the appearance of being much discontented with her, for during these last days of festival and rejoicing he has remained in London, leaving Anne at Greenwich, whereas in former times he could hardly be one hour without her.
I had forgotten to say that among the news which Master Cromwell said he had received from France, was a rumour, originated, as it was said, from Spaniards, to the effect that the late Queen had been poisoned. This Cromwell could not tell me without some visible change of colour and countenance. My reply was that I did not think there could be a Spaniard at the French court capable of spreading such news. That was, no doubt, a saying of the French themselves, who might think so, and have their suspicions. Perhaps the more discreet among them did purposely attribute the rumour to Spaniards in order to give greater authority to the report. Cromwell agreed with me, and said he would write to the English ambassador in France.
Having told Cromwell that the shortest way to arrive at the friendship of which he spoke was to refrain from persecuting the Church and the Clergy, he answered that no further proceedings would be instituted against them.
Just at this moment I am in receipt of a message from the Princess to say that after leaving me Cromwell had, by the King's command and in his name, sent for a cross which the Queen, her mother, had bequeathed to her. I fancy that the cross is not set with precious stones, and that the gold of it is not worth 10 crs., but that there is inside a piece of the true cross,—an object of great devotion and consolation to the Princess. By which act Your Majesty may well calculate what faith and reliance can be placed in these people's words. I apprehend that God will never grant them His grace that they may acknowledge their error, and avoid the punishment of their execrable crimes and misdeeds.—London, on the prosperous and happy day of the glorious St. Matthias, 1536.
Signed: "Eustace Chapuys."
Addressed: "To the Emperor."
French. Original. Entirely in cipher. pp.
Letters 1536. 25 Feb 1536. Vienna Archives. 351. Chapuys (age 46) to Charles V.
The day before yesterday Cromwell sent to beg that I would come and speak with him in the Church of the Augustines, which adjoins my lodging and abuts on a large house he is building, which I politely declined to do, expecting that the King was going to perform some obsequies as had been reported; and also I had determined not to go out till I had done my duty to the Church by celebrating masses for the soul of the good Queen, meaning afterwards to go out today, feast of Saint Matthias; adding that if he would not come and see me he might send to tell me what he wanted to say. As soon as he received my answer he sent to tell me, by a secretary of his who carries all the messages between the King and him (que fait toutes les ambassades entre le roy et luy), that he would have been very glad to come to me if only to see how I did, but that it was unadvisable at this time, both to avoid the suspicion of the French and because he wished only to speak to me of himself and not by command of the King, and therefore he begged I would choose some place less suspect where we could talk together, and he would tell me things of great importance for the services of your Majesty and the King. Considering his reasons, especially the second, (for of the first I might make use, as well as himself, if it were not for my desire to satisfy the King his master, as I had several times informed him,) I sent to tell him that next day, yesterday, I would be very early at the Augustines, and that after the offices which I meant to celebrate there for the Queen I would return through the house which he is building, as it would be my most direct road home. Yesterday morning, before I had gone to the church, he had already come to the said house, which is about half a league distant from where he dwells now, and there I met him after having heard the office. After thanking me for the honor I had done him in coming to see him, and for making such a good report to your Majesty of him as Granvelle had informed their ambassador, he repeated the grand prologue he has usually made touching the advantage of the amity between your Majesty and the King his master, by which you might easily succeed in your enterprises both against the Turk and others, for if you and the King were thoroughly united no other prince in Christendom durst murmur, and that he considered continually night and day how to cement the said amity. For this reason he had continually done his best to prevent anything being treated with the French to your prejudice, or to that of the said amity, and said I might remember that when the King's commissioners went to Calais to meet the Admiral and the other French commissioners he had assured me that nothing would be treated to your disadvantage, neither was there, and he could clearly show that this was one of the articles contained in the charge of the bishop of Winchester, concerning which he could also show me a letter from the king of France, who never forbore to beg the King his master to move war against you and invade Flanders; but he was quite mistaken, for the King would never undertake such a dance, and of this I might be quite assured; and, moreover, that the King his master desired nothing more earnestly than your friendship, to which he was not only naturally inclined himself but strongly urged by his Council, especially by those who were pensionaries of France, such as the dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk and the Treasurer, as well as by those of the opposite party like the Earl of Wiltshire (age 59), the said councillors being indignant at the incredible ingratitude and wickedness of the French, and moved by the goodness and innumerable virtues of your Majesty, whose affairs are conducted by the grace and clemency of God, who seems to have taken your interests under His special care. Nor did they think you disinclined to reciprocate their friendship, considering the language used by Granvelle to their ambassador, and especially that it appeared by what they heard from Rome that your Majesty had not yet permitted the Pope to fulminate the censures, to do which his Holiness had been extremely urged by the cardinals since the death of the cardinal of Rochester. But although the King and his Council were well assured of your goodwill they thought if you [bore to them] onetenth part of the affection that all this people bore to you, your benevolence towards them would augment in such fashion that it would be impossible for the Pope, who was scarcely a friend of your Majesty, or any other power to persuade you to allow injury to be done to this kingdom; and since it had pleased God to remove from this world that which was the only hindrance to cordial amity, it was right that the servants of either Prince should do their utmost for the renewal and confirmation of the said amity; that he had great confidence that I would do my best to promote it, whereby I should acquire immortal fame; and he begged I would despatch some one in all diligence to inform you of the said matters, and to request that you would not lose the opportunity now that the door was open. I praised Cromwell's prudence and goodwill, and told him that hitherto I had not found in your Majesty any other desire than to continue and augment the said friendship, and that you only wished it restored to the condition of which he spoke; and as to despatching any one to your Majesty about such general conversation as we had had without any particular overture, it seemed like wasting time and trouble for nothing, for it was only the same song as ever; and, to cut the matter short, and show that something effectual was meant, it would be necessary to propose some overture. On this Cromwell said that I might feel quite assured there was no dissimulation in what he had said, and it would be very foolish in him to attempt it, for nothing could be gained thereby for his master; and as what he had said came of himself without commission from his master, I might see that he had no power to make any overture, which must come of your Majesty. And for himself, when I remarked that they had not yet replied to the first overtures your Majesty had made, he answered that there was no occasion to speak of those overtures now, as the Queen, to whom they chiefly related, was dead. I did not wish for the moment to say more than that, perhaps, the article of the validity of the Queen's sentence was still more necessary to be declared than previously; and on his asking why, I declined to tell him, saying I had not spoken assuredly, and would not insist upon the matter. Hereupon Cromwell began to praise the Bishop of Winchester, who had shown great judgment in avoiding the tricks and deceits of the French, and had wisely advised the King not to trust them, but to use every effort to ally himself with your Majesty, with which Cromwell said he was very much pleased, for the Bishop was bound to treat with the French, and to hear what they said; but when he had to treat with your Majesty his heart rebounded with pleasure. And here he showed such great anger that he could hardly explain himself, saying that the French had played such tricks upon the King that he would rather be hanged on the highest steeple of London than have done or thought the half of them; and, besides this, that the French, for their own advantage, had intimated to Likkerke that the King his master meant to send men against Flanders and against Denmark. Incidentally he told me that the marriage was spoken of between the duke of Angoulême and the duchess of Milan, and that your Majesty would invest Angoulême with the said duchy. I think all that he said is meant principally to interrupt the said alliance, of which I have the greater suspicion because the said Cromwell begged me to write it all to Likkerke as well as to your Majesty.
Letters 1536. 03 Mar 1536. R. O. 409. The Boleyn Family. List of grants by the King to Thomas Boleyn (age 59), Earl of Wiltshire, and [his son] George Boleyn (age 33), Lord Rochford, from 29 April 14 Henry VIII. to 3 March 27 Henry VIII. Lat., pp. 3.
Letters 1536. 12 Mar 1536. Vit. B. xxi. 141. B. M. 458. Thos. Tebold to Earl of Wiltshire (age 59).
"Please it your Lordship to understand .... I have received your most loving letters wh .... of Reygnard Wolfe, for the which I most ho .... Lordship, praying God to give me that power aug .... may once with my service and diligent endeavour reco[mpense] your great goodness, to the which my heart shall never .... [de]syrying your Lordship to continue this your good w[ill tow]erd me so long as you shall perceive me most willing [and] diligent to accomplish your pleasure, and to do that thy[ng] which I shall judge to be acceptable to you."
This money came to me happily for two causes, because I fear war and because I have spent much in riding to Norenberg, Wy[ten]berg, Augusta, and Ulmes, from all which places I have written to you. I have had letters of commendation to the learned men there. It is costly at Tubynge, for you desired me to haunt the acquaintance of the best, and I am familiarly acquainted with the bishop of the town, the bishop and reformator of the whole country, the governor of the town, and most of the professors, being better esteemed than perhaps I am worthy, and of more credit than it becomes me to rehearse. The expense has not been very great, for I had not more than 30 li. in bank at leaving England, and I have come a long journey, not knowing the language, and stopped on my way at Collen, Franckford, and Heydylberg, where the Palsgrave was married, besides being sick for five or six weeks. I have also bought books and raiment, and made journeys to Wyttemberge, Ausborge, and Noremberg, which cost me about seven weeks, and there are also my commons at Tubyng. I reckon the money well bestowed, for I have seen most of the chiefest cities in Almayne, and spoken with many of the best learned men. I could now travel to all these parts without a guide, and, if you were disposed, could cause works both in divinity and other subjects to be dedicated to you. You commanded me to tell you how I have profited in the Almain tongue and the Latin tongue, and al[though] I have tarried but little in one place since my coming .... "kn .... [un]derstand the most part what the * * * I un .... he speaketh more and better th ....but that is but for lack of use, which, God willing, I will shortly .... my return recover. Further, your Lordship may demand of Reygnard W[olfe] .... yn tongue I have had no great time or rest since my coming hither to have yn .... re than I had before when I was in Lovayne by reason .... use in speaking Latin that I had there the Latin tongue .... as familiar unto me as English, and I had as leve have [spoken] Latin as English;" but my being in France and learning French has made me less prompt, but a little use will make me prompter. I think, however, that I speak as readily as the common sort here, and I have daily communication with the best learned men, who commonly speak not all the readiest for lack of use. I will diligently labour at these two tongues. As for uttering my mind in speaking, I do not fear to whom I speak, not for excellency, but for true Latin, without studying or stumbling. As to leaving Tubyng, which you refer to my decision, I shall not depart this summer, because at Strosborge, where I intended to have gone, they begin to die of the pestilence, and I had rather go there toward winter. Another cause is that a young kinsman of Mons. de Langie has come here to study Latin and Dutch, having lived with Melancthon for a year at Wittenberg, and also at Nurenberg for a year. Langie has obtained 500 cr. a year for him from the King to stay at Tubing, and resort to the duke of Wirtemberg and others, who will communicate with the King through him. I expect to obtain news through him, and we intend to have private masters to read Dutch and good Latin authors. The Duke has given him a goodly lodging. He was lately with the dukes of Bavaria, from whom he had 100 cr. as a reward. He tells me that one of them has not forsaken the French king, and that the other wavers. If this is true, I suspect there is not such earnest hatred between them and our Duke as they pretend, but the rumour was spread that they might have occasion to muster and view their people. The truth will come out if the Emperor and French king once meddle earnestly together. The people of Bavare are esteemed the worst men of war in Dutchland and * * * "of the own . . I saw not two parsons off refuse .... y met to war. I never saw greater and stronger people and bett[er] .... nerallye, wearing their harness and bearing their p .... bardes and hand guns, triumphing in the way as the[y went, inso]much that a man would think they were lanceknights [brought] up and exercised all their life in war. When they w[ere assem]bled all afore the governour of the town he made a sm[all orai]son to them in Dutch, showing them that the Prince desired nor intended war against no man, but to live quietly in peace [with] his well-beloved subjects, notwithstanding he was adve[rtised] of certain envies which privately had conspired agai[nst] him and them, which suddenly would invade them unawares, and f .... them .... to provide against this great danger in time, he had cause[d] them to assemble to give them warning to be in readiness," giving every man an oath not to leave the country without licence. He desired them to be of good courage, for he would demand no money of his subjects, for he had plenty of money, wine and victuals, and friends to take his part. They were then ordered to go to the Prince's castle, and fetch as much wine and bread as they would. They brought the wine in pails and tubs, and quaffed merrily till they were drunk. The governor's good words and this liberality set these rustics so on fire and in love with their Duke that they desired nothing else but war, being content to go whither their Prince would. When the Prince goes to war he gives no wages to his subjects, but only meat and drink, and that slenderly, except when they are going to fight, when they have their bellies full of good wine. The duchy can raise nearly 30,000 foot and 300 or 400 horse. I think our Duke favours the French king, but he dissembles, for the Emperor is proving all his friends, and has commanded that whoever goes out of the Empire to help the French king shall never return except he be content to lose his head and his goods. I think this is because the Emperor demands Milan in his own name; "but for the .... it is thought here that the Pope is in league with the .... and the .... last letter to you it * * * themperor, howbeit some r .... [fa]vor in their heart on this matter the French king, for themper[or has] too much power already in Italy. The Emperor could not use .... more for his profit than at this time to be pre .... partly to establish them in Naples .... thought somewhat to favor the French king, and further . . make amity and accord with the other princes of Italy, at least [to] find the means that they do not meddle against him." It is thought that the Turk is procured to come on the other side against the Emperor. The French king has a good beginning for the invasion of Milan, for he has invaded great part of the lands of the duke of Savoy and the city of Berne. We hear that the duke of Savoy has fled to Milan. I enclose a copy of a letter from a preacher in the army of Berne to my host, who is preacher of Tubyng. Berne is one of the 12 confederated villages or cantons of Switzerland, and can raise 30,000 men born there, having 30 earldoms and 10 seniories. Shaffhowse, another canton, can make 15,000 or 16,000, and Friburg as many. Basyle is also one of their cantons. Strosborought, an imperial city, has no great country nor possessions, but there is no city in Almain so strong, and they are rich enough to support 30,000 men for two years, and have victuals to keep the city for four years. The strength of the 60 cities and 10 Imperials, besides the princes and bishops of the Empire, is very great. At my departure from Tubyng, I asked the bishop and reformator general of our duchy whether he would give me any commands for Franckforde or Strosborg. "Then he asked me if I had any acquaintance with Bucerus and .... and other learned men there .... said he * * * with him .... articles of the French .... n in receiving the Gospel sent to our Duke of late by an ambassador from him, which articles the Duke sent to him, requiring him with all speed to ma[ke] answer to them, which I read also, very clerkly written, condemning all their petitions as fantasies, follies, and great dissimula[tions] .... in words to have the name of an evan[gelist] .... follow it and express it in deed, for he will .... in a manner as afore both in the Pope, cery .... men, and divers other articles by the which he .... hatred in Almain than favour. But all men mock .... ambassy at Smalcaldia, concerning his petitions for .... the Gospel, and so they did likewise at Noremberg, as I [wrote] to your Lordship at large from thence."
Gives an account of the hospitality shown to him by the son of the Margrave of Baden at Phorseyne (Pforzheim), whose acquaintance he had made at Orleans. Supped at his castle, where his father, who is very old and sickly, has his lodging apart. "After much communication of many matters of France .... and by occasion I moved communication of war between .... mas he said his father had * * * that it was thought the Emperor should have from .... subjects in Almain 11,000 horsemen, but of .... he said he was sure, adding that 1,000 of them .... of the Palsgrave's provision, and 1,000 should [come] from about Colleyne." He said the French king would not have as many as he trusted and was promised, because of this strait command of the Emperor that all lanzknechts going to the French king should lose their heads, pretending that this war is in the name of the empire. Some who would have gone to the French king have already been hanged. He has sent to the Almain gentlemen and lanzknechts already in France, that if they will return at once they shall have favor and pardon, but if not their goods shall be confiscated, and they shall lose their heads if they ever return. They mentioned a baron and a gentleman or two who have already returned. Asked whether the Earl of Furstenberge would return, who is chief for the French king in these parts, and an old captain of his. They said he had nothing to lose, and did not care to return; but I have since heard that his brother has taken possession of a seniory of his. He said he was sure that the French king had not more than 6,000 or 7,000 lanzknechts, though the report is that he has 20,000, for as many would have gone to him if they had not been forbidden. Every one says they would rather serve the King than the Emperor, for the former gives more wages and pays them better, though he does the contrary with his own subjects. After supper the Prince led me over his court. The buildings are about as large as my lord of Canterbury's place at Otford, but not so goodly. It is very old. He showed me his great guns, harness, hand guns, &c. * * * ". . ller that ever I saw, yet I saw a very goodly one ...., .... castle at Wyttenberg, he showed me that th .... ed in his father's court 200 or 300 pars[ons] .... as goodly horses as ever I saw." He invited me to stay with him when I would. Great part of his lands lie beside Basele. I think he is of kin to the Emperor by his father, and to the dukes of Brande[nburg] by his mother. His father is a great papist, but I think he is in[diff]erent, for when he showed me his father's artillery, in which he has great pleasure, "I said to him in French that if I were in his taking I would have twice as many as there were and better, which should cost no great money. And he asked me how? And I said when his father died I would visit abbeys and religious houses where were many bells that did serve for no other purpose but to ring to dinner and supper, and to hypocrisy and superstition, with the which he might furnish himself in guns and hackbutts abundantly to defend his country, and with the monks' possessions he might bring up learned men to be of his council, for his great profit and the country, likewise to nourish with the said possessions also a great many of horsemen, in the which is all their pleasure, &c. At the which he fell in a great laughter that he could scarce stand; wherefore his gentlemen and doctors desired greatly to know what I said, but he would not tell them, forbidding me also to show them, for he would for [no] good that it should come to his father's ear that he rejoiced in such a matter." We hear by posts from Lyons that the French king has assembled more than 100,000 persons there. It is generally thought that our King and the Pope are helping him. These Brabantynes and Flemyngs do most ungoodly rail a[gainst] England and the King, and desire war with us, "saying that our King his grace is covy[to]use and layeth up money for them. This, with many other railing wor[ds], they use in all companies. Merchants of these high parts hath .... times of it, greatly mocking them becau[se] .... yevel men of * * * that they know us no more.
".... to understand that at this present I spake with two merchants of .... of my old acquaintance which do occupy much to .... lly to Lyone, wherefore the merchants having a post .... showed me that they were certified in letters from thence, that [the French] king had lately viewed his host," and had given to William [earl] of Furstenberg, the captain of the lanceknights (6,000 or 7,000 in number), a chain of gold worth 1,000 cr., a chain to all the other captains, and a crown to each lanceknight. Earl Frederick, brother to Earl William, will be captain for the Emperor of 4,000 horse and 10,000 lanceknights. They showed me a tale of the Pope's treason against the Emperor such as I wrote before. The people here commonly favor the Emperor, especially the Imperial cities, for the Emperor pretends that he is warring for the profit of the empire, "and to subdue to them and not to himself." They say that he intends to make Florence a city Imperial; but I fear he will keep his conquests for himself, as Philip, the father of Alexander the Great, did. A mad foolish fellow and unlearned, named Cochlæus, who is with duke Frederick, the brother or uncle of the duke of Saxony, has madly and railingly written against the King for the death of More and Fisher and other matters. Your Lordship shall receive the book from Reygnard Wolfe. Among learned men Cochlæus is esteemed not only unlearned, but foolish, mad, and fantastical, but his book doth and will do hurt. I marvel that no answer is made to Erasmus' epistle1 for More and Fisher.
Sends an epistle of Clement Marrott, an excellent French poet, who has fled from France for the Gospel. We hear from these merchants that the Emperor will have 1,000 horse from about Gulyk, July, and Luke, who are only waiting for certainty of their stipend, and that worthily, for in their last journey for the Emperor they spent all they had, and received no recompense.
There are no new maps or pictures. If there were, I would send them. As for books, you shall .... [Wol]fe such as * * * .... e Sundaye.
Hol., pp. 8. Mutilated. The address is written on the back of § 2, which is the enclosure referred to in the letter (see p. 186).
Note 1. The letter signed Gulielmus Covrinus Nucerinus (Vol. VIII., No. 1096) was commonly, and no doubt rightly, attributed to Erasmus.
Letters 1536. 21 Apr 1536. Vienna Archives. 699. Chapuys (age 46) to Charles V.
By statute of the Parliament the temporal goods of the Bishopric of Norwich, worth 3,000 of rent, have been dismembered, and the King's grant of them to the Earl of Wiltshire (age 59) has been confirmed; to whom also the King has given two of the abbeys that are to be suppressed. The said Parliament, [which] has lasted by several prorogations from the time I came here, to the great expense and trouble of the whole kingdom, is now dissolved, having first by a statute transferred the authority and power of the said Parliament, in which all the lords, both spiritual and temporal, were present, and more than 300 secular persons on the part of the Commons, to 32 persons whom the King should choose, which is one of the chief points that the King could have desired.
The Scotch ambassador has told me that nothing has yet been settled touching the interviews of the two Kings, and that he had come to learn the cause why this King so strongly desired them; to which he replied that he would not declare it to any man alive except the Scotch king. As soon as the ambassador arrived Cromwell told him that he need not waste his time in seeking to have the Princess for his master, or attempt to make any condition with the King not to speak of the question of religion at the said interviews. And the ambassador thinks no interview will take place, although the King does not cease to press for it, and for this very purpose has just lately sent to the king of Scots the brother of the [his brother-in-law] Duke of Norfolk (age 63). London, 21 April 1536. Fr., from a modern copy, pp. 17.
Letters 1536. 27 Apr 1536. R. O. 741. Henry Lord Stafford to Cromwell.
Though I am least able to serve you, yet the comfort you gave me makes me bold to write to you. I beg you will use means with the King that I may have the farm of the abbey of Rantone, if it be dissolved. It is within four miles of my house and reaches my park pale, and I will give as much for it as any man. I heard that the [his daughter] Queen (age 35) had moved the King to have me in remembrance for it, and he was content, saying it was alms to help me, having so many children on my hands. I heard that George Blunt endeavours to obstruct my suit. By the last act of the Lords Marchers my income will be £20 a year less. In the matter which I showed you of my Lord of Wiltshire's (age 59) motion, pray make my humble submission to the King. Stafford, 27 April. Signed. Pp. 2. Add.: Mr. Secretary. Sealed and endd.
Letters 1536. Around 05 May 1536. Otho, C. x. 222. B. M. Singer's Cavendish, ii. 220. Ellis, I. Ser. ii. 56. 798. Sir William Kyngston (age 60) to Cromwell.
"After your departynge yesterday Greneway, gentelman yssher, cam to .... Mr. Caro and Master Bryan commaunded hym in the Kynges name to my .... [his son] Ratchfort (age 33) from my [his daughter-in-law] Lady hys wyf (age 31) and the message was now more .... se how he dyd and also she wold humly sut unto the Kynges hy[nes] .... for hyr husband, and so he gaf hyr thankes and desyred me to kno .... tyme he shuld cum affore the Kynges consell, for I thynk I .... cum forthe tylle I cum to my jogement, wepynge very .... I departed from hym, and when I cam to the chambre the .... of me and sent for me, and sayd, I here say my Lord my .... here; it ys trowth, sayd I. I am very glad, sayd s[he] .... bothe be so ny to gether, and I showed hyr here was .... Weston (age 25) and Brerton, and she made very gud contenans .... I also sayd Mr. Page and Wyet (age 15) wase mo then she sayd he ha .... one hys fyst tother day and ys here now bot ma .... I shalle desyre you to bayre a letter from me .... [to Master] Secretory. And then I sayd, Madam, telle it me by [word of mouth, and I] wille do it. And so gaf me thankes, sayinge I ha[ve much marvel] that the Kynges conselle commes not to me and thys .... [[his daughter] she] sayd we shuld have now rayne tyll she ware [delivered out] of the Towre. I pray you it may be shortly, by [cause, said I, of the] fayre wether; you know what I mayne. The Que[ne said unto me that same] nyght that the Kyng wyst what he dyd w[hen he put such] ij. abowt hyr as my Lady Boleyn and Mestres [Cofyn; for] [Margaret Dymoke aka Mistress Coffin (age 36)] thay cowd tell her now thynge of my [Lord her father (age 59), nor] nothynge ellys, bot she defyed them alle. [But then upon this my Lady Boleyn (age 35)] sayd to hyr, Seche desyre as you have h[ad to such tales] hase browthe you to thys, and then sayd [Mrs. Stoner, Mark (age 24)] ys the worst cherysshe of hony m[an in the house, for he w]ayres yernes. She sayd that was [because he was no gen]telman; bot he wase never in [my chamber but at Winchester, and there] she sent for hym to pl[ay on the virginals, for there my] logynge wa[s above the King's] .... for I never spake with hym syns bot upon Saterday before Mayday; and then I fond hym standyng in the ronde wyndo in my chambre of presens. And I asked why he wase so sad, and he ansured and sayd it was now mater; and then she sayd, You may not loke to have me speke to you as I shuld do to a nobulle man by cause you be an inferor [pe]rson. No, no, madam, a loke sufficed me, and thus fare you welle. [Sh]e hathe asked my wyf whether hony body makes thayr beddes, [and m]y wyf (age 60) ansured and sayd, Nay, I warant you; then she say[d tha]y myght make balettes well now, bot ther ys non bot .... de that can do it. Yese, sayd my wyf, Master Wyett by .... sayd trew .... my Lorde my broder wille dy .... ne I am sure thys was as .... tt downe to dener thys day.
Letters 1536. 12 May. R. O. 848. Trial of Weston (age 25), Norris (age 54), and others.
Special commission of Oyer and Terminer for Middlesex to Sir Thomas Audeley, Chancellor, [his brother-in-law] Thomas Duke of Norfolk (age 63), Charles Duke of Suffolk (age 52), John Earl of Oxford (age 65), Ralph Earl of Westmoreland (age 38), Thomas Earl of Wiltshire (age 59), Rob. Earl of Sussex, William lord Sandys, Thomas Crumwell (age 51), chief secretary, Sir William Fitzwilliam (age 46), Sir William Paulet (age 53), Sir John Fitzjames, Sir John Baldewyn, Sir Richard Lister, Sir John Porte, Sir John Spelman, Sir Walter Luke, Sir Ant. Fitzherbert, Sir Thomas Englefeld, and Sir William Shelley. Westm., 24 April 28 Henry VIII.
ii. The justices' precept to the sheriff of Middlesex for the return of the grand jury at Westminster on Wednesday, 10 May next. Dated 9 May 28 Henry VIII.—Grand jury panel annexed, 16 sworn.
iii. Indictment found in Middlesex against [his daughter] Anne Boleyn (age 35), &c. as in No. 876, with marginal note stating that it was sent before the Duke of Norfolk as steward of England, hac vice, as regards all matters touching the Queen and [his son] Lord Rochford (age 33).
iv. The justices' precept to the constable of the Tower to bring up Sir Francis Weston, Henry Noreys, William Bryerton, and Mark Smeton (age 24), at Westminster, on Friday next after three weeks of Easter. Westm., 10 May 28 Henry VIII.—With reply of the Constable endorsed.
v. The justices' precept to the sheriff of Middlesex for the return of the petty jury for the trial of Henry Noreys, William Bryerton, and Sir Francis Weston [here follows an erasure which evidently contained the name of Mark Smeaton]. Westm., 12 May 28 Henry VIII.—With panel annexed.
vi. Special commission of Oyer and Terminer for Kent, to Sir Thomas Audeley (age 48), Chancellor, Thomas Duke of Norfolk, Charles Duke of Suffolk, John Earl of Oxford, Ralph Earl of Westmoreland, Rob. Earl of Sussex, Thomas Crumwell, chief secretary, Sir William Fitzwilliam, Sir William Paulet, Sir John Fitzjames, Sir John Baldewyn, Sir Richard Lyster, Sir John Porte, Sir John Spelman, Sir Walter Luke, Sir Anth. Fitzherbert, Sir Thomas Englefeld, and Sir William Shelley. Westm., 24 April 28 Henry VIII.
vii. The justices' precept to the sheriff of Kent for the return of the grand jury at Deptford, on Thursday, 11 May. Endd. by Sir Edward Wotton, sheriff.—Panel of grand jury annexed.
viii. Indictment found in Kent, as in No. 876, with memorandum in margin, as in section iii.
ix. Record of the sessions holden Friday after three weeks of Easter 28 Henry VIII. before the above justices. Noreys, Bryerton, Weston, and Smeton were brought up in the custody of the constable of the Tower, when Smeton pleaded guilty of violation and carnal knowledge of the Queen, and put himself in the King's mercy. Noreys, Bryerton, and Weston pleaded Not guilty. The jury return a verdict of Guilty, and that they have no lands, goods, or chattels.
Judgment against all four as in cases of treason; execution to be at Tyburn.
The above file of documents is endorsed: "Sessiones Comitatuum Middlesexiæ et Kanciæ primo tentæ apud villam Westmonasterii in comitatu Midd. coram Thoma Audeley, milite, Cancellario Angliæ, et aliis, &c., et secundo tentæ apud Depford in comitatu Kanciæ coram Johanne Baldewyn, milite et aliis, anno regni Regis Henrici VIII. vicesimo octavo."
Letters 1536. 15 May 1536. R. O. 878. [his son] Rochford (age 33), Norris (age 54), and Brereton. Lord Rochford's lands. Account of their yearly value.
Farms:—Manor of South Kent, and honor and lordship of Rayley, Essex, sold to the Earl of Wiltshire (age 59); manor of Grymston, worth £10 a year. Offices:—Stewardship of Beaulyu, Essex, £10 and keeping of the new park there, £4 10s. 3d.; keeping of the house of Our Lady of Bethlem without Bishopsgate, without account; keeping, &c. of the parks of Rayley and Thundersley and the bailliwick of the hundred of Rocheford, £16 20d.; keeping of the park of King's Hatfelde, 100s. 10d.; keeping of the manor, &c. of Beaulyu, Essex, and baileywick of the m[anors] of Newhall, Dorehame, Walkefare hall and P[ower]s, [See Vol. IV., 4993 (15).] Essex, £21 5s. 10d.; stewardship and other offices of Tunbridge, receivership and bailliwick of Brestede, keeping, &c. of the manor and park of Penshurst and the parks of Northleigh and Northlands, Kent, £28 15s. 10d.; constableship of Dover and keeping of the v. ports, —; constableship of Kelingworth, £13 6s. 8d.; keeping of Kelingworth park, 60s. 8d.; portership of Kelingworth castle, 30s. 4d.; bailiff and feudary of the liberty of the duchy in Warwickshire; keeping of the King's woods at Kelingworth, £4 11s. Annuities:—One of 50 mks., of the bp. of Winchester £200, and of the abbot of St. Albans £133 6s. 8d.
Grand total, £441 10s. 9d.
ii. Lands, &c. of Henry Norres, Esquire to the Body.
Account of Edmund Asshefelde, his receiver, for the year ending Michaelmas, 27 Henry VIII.
Arrearages, £692 8s. 2¾d.
Farms:—In co. Linc., the lordships of Barton upon Humber, £65, and Thursway and Tewelly, £13; in co. Notts., manor and lordship of Stokebardolph, Shelforde and Gedlyng, £45; cos. Beds. and Hunts., manor and lordship of Tylbroke and Southoo, £36 10s.; cos. Berks. and Dors., divers lands, £36; co. Rutl., lordship of Longhame, £81; co. Kent, lands in Greenwich, £15 10s.; co. Oxford, lordship of Duklyngton Fryngforde and Barley park, £32 10s.; manor of Mynster Lovell, £46; co. Bucks, "lands with the park which was never rented," nil; co. Surrey, house in Kewe never rented, nil. Total, £370 10s.
Offices:—Of the "Exchequireship" to the Body, £33 6s. 8d.; mastership of the Hart hounds, £18 5s.; Black Rod, £18 5s.; "gravership" of the Tower, £20; collectorship of the subsidy in London, worth 80 marks a year, sold to Richard Hill his deputy for ready money, nil; mastership of the hawkes, £40; keeping of the manor of Pleasaunce at Green wich, £24 17s. 8d.; stewardship of Mynsterlovell, £4 13s. 4d.; of Burfor town, £8 12s. 4d.; chamberlainship of North Wales, £20; constableship of Wallingford castle, £50; "wayreship" (weighership) of Southampton —; baileywick of Watlington, £6 20d.; mastership of the game of Whichewoode with Cornebury park, £27 2s. 6d.; keeping of Windsor little park, £4 11s. 3d.; of Foly Johns park —; of Ewelme park and manor, &c., £12 3s. 6d.; constableship, &c. of Donyngton castle and park, £16; baileywick of Kydlington, 100s.; of Buckl . d, —; of Newnam, 60s.; lieutenantship of Waltham forest —; keeping of Copped Hall park, —; of Hoknorton park, —; mastership of game and fee-farm of the lordship of Eltam, —; stewardships of Banbury, £6, of Osney, £4; and of the seven hundreds of Circetor, £6 13s. 4d.; fee of my Lord of Northumberland, £13 6s. 8d.; of lord Conyers, 66s. 8d.; of the abbot of Welbeke, 66s. 8d.; office of Sunyng, of the gift of the bp. of Salisbury, £13 6s. 8d.; stewardship of Abendon, £10; of Reading abbey, 100s.; of Brewan abbey, 66s. 8d.; of Malmsbury abbey, £10; of the University of Oxford, 100s. Total of offices, £395 5s. 7d.
Annuities:—Out of the Exchequer, £33 6s. 8d.; of the see of Winchester, £122; from the chamberlain of North Wales, over and above 40 marks for the constableship of Bewmares castle given to Richard Bowkeley, £360; out of the King's receipt, £26 13s. 4d.; of lord Dacres of the South, £20 Total, £562
Total "ultra arrerag," £1,327 15s. 7d.
iii. Lands, &c. of William Brereton, Esquire. Account for the year ended Michaelmas last 27 Henry VIII.
Lands in farm of the King:—To him and my lady in survivorship, lordship of Echells, £68 6s. 3½d., manor of Alderlaie, £20 12s. 5½d., and manor and lordship of Aldeford, Chesh., £53 14s. 1½d., with lands of Aldeforde, in Flintshire, 106s. 8d.; in all £47 clear, and the King paid. Lordship of Mottrom in Londendale, £46 19s. 2d., to him and his brother Uryan in survivorship, manor and lordship of Shotwyks and Sage Hall, £22 12s. 8d.; lands in Chester, parcel of Mottrom in Longdendale, 20s., to him and his heirs; manor of Lesnes, —; lands in Charleyton, Chesh., £6 14s. 8d.; ferries of North Wales, £20 2s. 4d. clear; lordship of Fyncheley, Midd., £25 19s. 4½d.: total £271 7s. 9d. Lands in farm of the Duke of Richmond (age 16):—Demesnes of Holt Castle, with the "weyre houks" and other pasture in the lordship of Bromefeld, £19 17s. 9d.; the horsemill in Holt town, 33s. 4d.: total, £21 11s. 1d. Farms:—of the Earl of Derby, of marshes in Alford, Coddington, and Twylston, Chesh., £18 19s., worth £8 10s. 8d., the King paid; of lord Audelay, the lordship of Tatenhall, co. Chester, £38 3s. 4½d., "worth nothing;" gift of Sir Randall Brereton, his father, lands in Malpas, &c., of the annuity of William Brereton, Esquire, 64s. 1d.; of Sir Anthony Browne, the lordship of Newhall, Chesh., £65 17s. 6d., "worth nothing by the year:" total, £120 3s. 11½d.
Sir John Savage's lands in farm of the King during the nonage of John, son and heir of the said Sir John, with my lady his wife's jointure:—In co. Chester, the lordship of Shipbroke, £85 2s., manors and lordships of Clyfton, £27 11s. 4d., Bradley, £14 9s. 11d., Makkelfeld, £12 2s. 8d., Huxley, £7 13s. 8d., Barrowe, £67 19s. 4½d., Chedell, £74 10½d., Coulle and Hurleston, £20 11s. 8½d.; in co. Shropp., lordships of Edelburnell, £13 16s. 7d., Crofton (with the manor), £7 13s. 8d., Sutton, £6 10s. 11d., Wotton Ovenbury, £14 4s. 7d., Hopebowdler, 55s. 1d., Wycus Malbus (Nantwich) for the barony there, 30s.; in co. Derby, lordships of Stanby, 34s. 17s. ½d., Elmeton, £16, Ilkeston, £37, Holmeffeld, £13 6s. 8d.; lordship of Graundby and Sutton, Notts, £36 4s. 7d.; lordship of Dowre, Derb., "nil, for he hath not accounted;" castle and manors of Gryse, Notts., "nil, in the hands of Richard Savage, the elder;" in co. Stafford, manors and lordships of Rossheton, £18 6s. 7¼d., and Tayne, £12 7s. ½d.; lordship of Shepfeld, Leic., £10; a meadow and tenement in Leicester, "nil, in the hands of John Savage:" total, £534 4s. 3¾d.
In farm:—of Dr. Chamber, tithe corn of Pykyll, £13 6s. 8d.; of the abbot of Vala Crucis, tithe corn of Ruabon, £26 13s. 4d., "for the which he paid nothing:" total, £40 Offices by the King:—chamberlainship of Chester, £22 10s., and Randall Brereton for the fee of chamberlain, £26 13s. 4d., £49 3s. 4d. clear; constable of Chester castle, £18 5s.; escheator of Chester, £10 10s.; rangership of Dalamer forest, £4 11s. 3d.; stewardship of Halton, 100 [s.]; comptrollership of Chester and Flintshire, £12 3s. 4d.; stewardship of Bromefeld, £20; receivership there, £13 6s. 8d.; master fostership, 60s.; office of serjeant at Paxe there, £4; of improver there, 60s. 10d.; keeping of Mersley park, 60s. 10d.; stewardship of Crykeland, £10; receivership there, 100s.; annuity of Denbigh, £6 13s. 4d.; sheriffship of Flintshire, £20; keeping of Halton park, 60s. 10d.: total, £190 15s. 5d. Other offices:— stewardship of lord Audeley's lands in Chester, £6 13s. 4d.; receivership of Newhall, Coulle, and other lands of Sir Anthony Browne, 50s.; annuity of the abbot of Norton, £4 13s. 4d.; of Anthony Kingeston, 53s. 4d.; the abbot of Chester, £20; abbot of Vala Riall, £20; stewardship of Sir William Brereton's lands in Malpas, 40s: total, £58 10s.
Grand total of Brereton's lands, &c., 1,2361. 12s. 6¼d.
Large paper, pp. 16. 3 blank leaves.
R. O. 879. Norris and Brereton.
Grant to Henry Norres, squire of the Body, of the stewardship of the manors of Lewesham and East Greenwich, with a yearly fee of £3 6s. 8d. [A.D. 1532.—See Vol. V., 1065 (22)]. Lat. Draft, pp. 2. Endd.
R. O. 2. Draft warrant to the Treasurer and Chamberlains of the Exchequer, in behalf of Thomas Brigges, deputy to Henry Norres, to whom the rangership of Whichwood Forest, Oxon, was granted by patent 24 Nov. 21 Henry VIII., with 6d. a day out of the issues of cos. Oxon and Berks,—to levy £17 arrears of the said 6d., which are unpaid since 5 June 26 Henry VIII. through insufficiency of the said issues, out of the petty custom of the port of London. [Date apparently 16 April 1536]. Pp. 2. Draft, mutilated. Endd.: £55 12s. 6d.—£28
R. O. 3. A list of William Brereton's offices; viz., chamberlain of Chester, escheator, baron of the Exchequer [i.e., of Chester], receiver general and surveyor, constable of the castle. "Also he maketh the coroners." Steward of Halton Castle and keeper of the prisoners there, steward to all abbeys and priories within the shire. "Steward to the king of Mottram in Longdendale, wherein he hath great manrede; steward and farmer of Echees, .... and Alderly, and farmer for the King of the same .... £100 by the year," &c. P. 1. Mutilated and defaced by damp. Endd.:
William Brereton offices.
R. O. 4. Accounts of John Norbury, general receiver of the lands of William Brereton in cos. Chester, Flint, and other counties, from 22 to 25 Henry VIII., containing numerous names of tenants, farmers, and officers.
A large folio volume of 41 leaves, numbered in pencil.
S. B. 5. Grant to W. Breerton, page of the chamber, of the wardship and marriage of Godfrey son and heir of Roger Fuljambe. [This S. B. is undated, but was probably issued early in the year 1529. See Vol. IV. 5508 (1). It has accordingly been placed on the file of the 21st year].
R. O. 6. A remembrance to Master Secretary of three offices in the King's gift, which William Brearton late had, in Cheshire; the riding forestership of Dealamer Forest, 4d. a day; keepership of Shotwike park, 2d. the [day]; escheatorship, £10 a year. P. 1. Endd.: [Hen]ry Annesley, Groom of the Chamber.
R. O. 880. Robert B[arnes] to Cromwell. Is informed that through the death of these false men the mastership of Bedlam1 shall be void. Begs for that promotion, which he would rather have than a bishopric. Hears it is worth £40 If he had it, would be near Cromwell, who might be a witness of his conversation. Need compels him to write, for he has nothing and nobody to care for him. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.: Anno xxviio.
R. O. 881. Robert Bar [Barnes] (age 41) to Cromwell. Desires to speak two or three words with him. "My matters pertain to God's glory and to the salvation of your soul, which our Heavenly Father ever keep for the sweet bulde (blood?) of his dear Son, Jesus Christ." Hol., p. 1. Add.: Master Secretary.
Note 1. Lord Rochford was master of Bethlehem Hospital. See IV. 5815 (27); also in this Vol., No. 878, preceding. The endorsement is therefore wrong.
Letters 1536. 15 May 1536. 908. Chapuys (age 46) to Charles V.
On the 15th the said Concubine and her [his son] brother (age 33) were condemned of treason by all the principal lords of England, and the [his brother-in-law] Duke of Norfolk (age 63) pronounced sentence. I am told the Earl of Wiltshire (age 59) was quite as ready to assist at the judgment as he had done at the condemnation of the other four. Neither the [his daughter] putain (age 35) nor her brother was brought to Westminster like the other criminals. They were condemned within the Tower, but the thing was not done secretly, for there were more than 2,000 persons present. What she was principally charged with was having cohabited with her brother and other accomplices; that there was a promise between her and Norris (age 54) to marry after the King's death, which it thus appeared they hoped for; and that she had received and given to Norris certain medals, which might be interpreted to mean that she had poisoned the late Queen and intrigued to do the same to the Princess. These things she totally denied, and gave to each a plausible answer. Yet she confessed she had given money to Weston (age 25), as she had often done to other young gentlemen. She was also charged, and her brother likewise, with having laughed at the King and his dress, and that she showed in various ways she did not love the King but was tired of him. Her brother was charged with having cohabited with her by presumption, because he had been once found a long time with her, and with certain other little follies. To all he replied so well that several of those present wagered 10 to 1 that he would be acquitted, especially as no witnesses were produced against either him or her, as it is usual to do, particularly when the accused denies the charge.
I must not omit, that among other things charged against him as a crime was, that his sister had told his [his daughter-in-law] wife (age 31) that the King "nestoit habile en cas de soy copuler avec femme, et quil navoit ne vertu ne puissance1." This he was not openly charged with, but it was shown him in writing, with a warning not to repeat it. But he immediately declared the matter, in great contempt of Cromwell and some others, saying he would not in this point arouse any suspicion which might prejudice the King's issue. He was also charged with having spread reports which called in question whether his sister's daughter was the King's child. To which he made no reply. They were judged separately, and did not see each other. The Concubine was condemned first, and having heard the sentence, which was to be burnt or beheaded at the King's pleasure, she preserved her composure, saying that she held herself "pour toute saluee de la mort2," and that what she regretted most was that the above persons, who were innocent and loyal to the King, were to die for her. She only asked a short space for shrift (pour disposer sa conscience3). Her brother, after his condemnation, said that since he must die, he would no longer maintain his innocence, but confessed that he had deserved death. He only begged the King that his debts, which he recounted, might be paid out of his goods.
Although everybody rejoices at the execution of the putain, there are some who murmur at the mode of procedure against her and the others, and people speak variously of the King; and it will not pacify the world when it is known what has passed and is passing between him and Mrs. Jane Semel (age 27). Already it sounds ill in the ears of the people, that the King, having received such ignominy, has shown himself more glad than ever since the arrest of the putain; for he has been going about banqueting with ladies, sometimes remaining after midnight, and returning by the river. Most part of the time he was accompanied by various musical instruments, and, on the other hand, by the singers of his chamber, which many interpret as showing his delight at getting rid of a "maigre vieille et mechante bague4," with hope of change, which is a thing specially agreeable to this King. He supped lately with several ladies in the house of the Bishop of Carlisle, and showed an extravagant joy, as the said Bishop came to tell me next morning, who reported, moreover, that the King had said to him, among other things, that he had long expected the issue of these affairs, and that thereupon he had before composed a tragedy, which he carried with him; and, so saying, the King drew from his bosom a little book written in his own hand, but the Bishop did not read the contents. It may have been certain ballads that the King has composed, at which the putain and her brother laughed as foolish things, which was objected to them as a great crime.
Note 1. "was not skilful in case of copulating with a woman, and that he had neither virtue nor power".
Note 2. "for every death salute".
Note 3. to dispose of one's conscience.
Note 4. skinny old nasty ring
Note 5. This part of the letter was written on the 17th. See further on, at the beginning of the last paragraph.
Letters 1536. 24 May 1536. Add. MS. 8,715, f. 252. B. M. 956. Bishop of Faenza (age 36) to Mons. Ambrogio.
According to information from England, received by the King yesterday, on the 15th inst. the [his daughter] Queen (deceased) was degraded, and the following day was to be executed,—either burnt or beheaded; but first her [his son] brother (deceased), four gentlemen, and an organist (deceased), with whom she had misconducted herself, were to be quartered in her presence. It is not true that her father (age 59) and mother were imprisoned, but the former, being on the Council, was present at his daughter's sentence. All was done in the presence of the French ambassador only. It is said that the King has been in danger of being poisoned by that lady for a whole year, and that her [his granddaughter] daughter (age 2) is supposititious, being the child of a countryman (villano); but these particulars are not known for certain, according to what the King said today. The discovery was owing to words spoken by the organist from jealousy of others. They are expecting now the declaration of the true daughter to reinstate her and annul what was done in favor of the other. Has not omitted to show what may be done on this occasion for the honor of God, &c. The French king answered that he ardently desired to bring back Henry to the Church, and that he would not fail in endeavouring to do so. He knows that the Imperialists have offered the king of England the queen of Hungary as a wife, but it is thought he will not take her, as she is in bad health, and not fit to bear children. He has today sent a person to his Ambassador about these affairs. He thinks it would be easy to bring back the King if it were not for his avarice, which is increased by the profit he draws from Church goods. The English ambassadors here are in very great joy. Knowing that one of them was a good man, and a friend of his, caused the opportunity and advantage of the King's coming back to the Pope to be shown to him; and that he should be neutral, and give the Emperor and (French) king to understand that he would oppose whoever refused peace; that there was not a better opportunity of wiping out the stains on his character, and making himself the most glorious King in the world; that every one should do his duty, and they would find in the Pope that true piety and goodness which ought now to be known to all the world. The Ambassador, and Winchester also, who is the other, thanked him, saying, with many tears, that this was their only desire, and they would do their part, so that they hoped we should soon embrace each other.
Ital., modern copy, pp. 6. Headed: Al Signor Protonotario Ambrogio, Da Lione, li 24 Maggio 1536.
Letters 1536. 16 May 1536. R. O. 891. Longland Bishop of Lincoln to Cromwell.
Thanks him for repressing evil persons haunting these parts of Buckinghamshire, as Swynnerton and Threder. The latter shall remain in prison till Cromwell's pleasure is known. Swynnerton is either in London or Essex. His costs were paid by poor men, not having enough for themselves. There is another like preacher with the King's great seal, named Garrard, of little learning and less discretion, against whom Lincolnshire much grudgeth.
Thanks him for accepting the stewardship of the university. Sends a gift of the next avoidance of the stewardship of Banbury. Cromwell can move the duke of Suffolk for his resignation at time convenient. To show what desire there is for it, sends a copy of a letter from the duke of Richmond. Trusts he will keep it himself, for they have ever been of honor that have had that room. He will have thereby "the manerhode of tall men, which hath good qualities besides."
Hasilwoode is suing again for the Earl of Wiltshire's (age 59) debts, as executor to "my brother Lucas." Asks Cromwell to stay the matter again, by some commandment or injunction, till he sees the Earl's title, and "his" testament, which the Bishop will show him at Whitsontide.
Thanks Cromwell, for his nephew John Pate, and his brother the archdeacon of Lincoln. 16 May. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add.: Master Secretary. Endd.
2. Duke of Richmond (age 16) to [Bishop of Lincoln].
As the stewardship of Banbury is like shortly to be vacant in consequence of Mr. Norres' (age 54) trouble (many men thinking that there is no way but one with him,) asks the Bishop for a grant thereof under the chapter seal, that he may exercise the office by his deputy Gyles Forster, master of his horse, the bearer. London, 8 May.
Copy, p. 1.
On 19 May 1536 [his daughter] Queen Anne Boleyn of England (age 35) was beheaded at Tower Green, Tower of London [Map]. Unusually a sword was used. Her execution was witnessed by Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 52), [his granddaughter] Catherine Carey (age 12) and Henry Fitzroy 1st Duke Richmond and Somerset (age 16). Marquess Pembroke extinct.
She was buried at St Peter ad Vincula Church, Tower of London [Map]. There is myth that her corpse was subsequently removed for burial at the Boleyn family church Church of St Peter and St Paul, Salle [Map] as described in Agnes Strickland’s 1852 Lives of the Queens of England Volume 4. Page 212.
Letters 1536. 31 May 1536. Vesp. F. XIII. f. 109 b. B. M. Arch, XVII., 277. Ellis, 1 S. II., 67. 1010. [his former daughter-in-law] Jane (age 31), widow of [his son] Lord Rochford (deceased), to [Cromwell].
Beseeching him to obtain from the King for her the stuff and plate of her husband. The King and her father paid 2,000 marks for her jointure to the Earl of Wyltchere (age 59), and she is only assured of 100 marks during the Earl's life, "which is very hard for me to shift the world withal." Prays him to inform the King of this. Signed.
P. 1. Begins: Master Secretary.
Letters 1536. 01 Jun 1536. Corpus Reform. iii., 90. 1033. Melancthon to John Agricola Islebiensis.
She ([his daughter] Anne Boleyn (deceased)) is said to have had connexion with her own [his son] brother (deceased) and others, and to have conspired the death of the King and another prince [Henry Fitzroy 1st Duke Richmond and Somerset (age 16)]. Her brother and father (age 59) have been arrested with her, as well as some bishops who were cognisant of her plans. See how dreadfully this calamity will dishonour the King. Such evil has the divorce brought. The daughter of the former Queen has been restored to her former dignity. What a great change has suddenly been made. Lat.
Letters 1536. 02 Jun 1536. Add. MS. 28,588, f. 284. B. M. 1043. Dr. Ortiz to the Empress.
The prayers of the late Queen of England and the Holy Martyrs have prevailed. The King's [his daughter] mistress (deceased) had six lovers, one being her own [his son] brother (deceased). Another, a musician [Mark Smeaton (deceased)], seeing that he was less favoured, discovered the fact to the King, first asking for pardon and his life. Now they are all taken it is found to be true. Her father (age 59), who was innocent, approved her condemnation. She was sentenced, first to be degraded from being Queen, then beheaded and burnt, seeing the others suffer the same death, with the exception of the one who revealed the crime. It was proved at the trial that she had behaved in this way before the conception of the child which the King thought to be his. It is intended to declare the child not to be the King's. Images have been restored and purgatory is preached again.
The cardinal of Burgos told him that a saint, who was martyred at the beginning of her tyrannical exaltation, prophesied that Anne would be burnt to death.
It is said that the process against her states that she poisoned the Queen. The King is enamoured of another lady [Jane Seymour (age 27)]. Rome, 2 June 1536.
Sp., pp. 3. Modern copy.
Letters 1536. 26 Jun 1536. R. O. 1208. John Husee to Lord Lisle (age 72).
I have with much difficulty and many delations recovered "out of Mr. Hoollys (?) hands" the band in which Mr. Skryven was bound to him. The Viscount Beauchamp, now Lord Privy Seal1, hath stayed it till now, saying that he never did hitherto overread his writings. God keep all true meaners out of their danger!" I enclose the said band, which please to re-deliver to Mr. Skryven with hearty thanks. I have little comfort yet of your suit; your advocates are thick of hearing, yet I look daily for your Lordship's answer. If Mr. Treasurer be not content with my deputy at Oy Search, let another be put in. Please tell me if the controller and vicetreasurer are satisfied with Mr. Treasurer's letter for my check; if not, I would they had room and all. London, 26 June. Hol., p. 1. Add.
Note 1. The earl of Wiltshire (age 59) was appointed Lord Privy Seal 24 Jan. 1530, quamdiu Regi placuerit, and held the office till 24 June 1536. The writer was mistaken, however, in supposing that Lord Beauchamp (age 36) was appointed in his place. Cromwell was his successor, but was not formally, appointed till 2 July.—Rym. xiv. 571.
Letters 1536. 02 Jul 1536. 17. T. Earl of Wiltshire (age 59) to Cromwell.
I received a letter from the King, with another from you concerning an augmentation of living to my daughter of Rochford; and although my living of late is much decayed, I am content, whereas she now has 100 marks a year, and 200 marks a year after my decease, to give her 50 marks a year more in hand. From Lady day last past she shall have 100l. a year to live on, where she should have had only 100 marks as long as I live, and after my death 300 marks a year. Beseeching you to inform the King that I do this alonely for his pleasure. When I married I had only 50l. a year to live on for me and my wife as long as my father lived, and yet she brought me every year a child. I thank you for your goodness to me when I am far off, and cannot always be present to answer for myself. Hever, this first Sunday of July.
Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Chief Secretary. Endd.
In 1537 [his mother] Margaret Butler (age 83) died.
On 06 Jul 1537 Robert Constable (age 59) was hanged in chains from the Beverley Gate in Kingston upon Hull witnessed by [his brother-in-law] Thomas Howard 3rd Duke Norfolk (age 64).
On 15 Oct 1537 the future Edward VI was christened by Bishop John Stokesley (age 62) at the Chapel Royal in Hampton Court Palace [Map]. Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (age 48) performed the Baptismal Rites, and was appointed Godfather. [his brother-in-law] Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 64) and Queen Mary I of England and Ireland (age 21) were Godparents.
King Edward VI of England and Ireland was created Duke of Cornwall, 1st Earl Chester.
Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count of Eu carried the Salt. Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 53) was Godfather and supported the Marchioness of Exeter. Richard Long (age 43) was knighted. Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl Essex (age 52), Philip Boteler (age 45), John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford (age 66) and John Gage (age 57) attended. Mary Scrope (age 61) carried Lady Mary's train. Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex (age 54) carried a covered basin. Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex carried the canopy.
Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset (age 37) helped his young niece the future Elizabeth I to carry the Crisom. Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 41) supported his wife Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter (age 34) to carry the child. Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 60) bore a taper of virgin wax. William Fitzalan 18th Earl of Arundel (age 61) carried the train of the Prince's robe. Christopher Barker proclaimed the Prince's titles.
Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset was created 1st Earl Hertford.
Nicholas Carew (age 41), Francis Bryan (age 47), Anthony Browne (age 37) and John Russell 1st Earl Bedford (age 52) surrounded the font.
Henry Knyvet of Charlton Wiltshire (age 27), Edward Neville (age 66), Thomas Seymour 1st Baron Seymour (age 29), Richard Long and John Wallop (age 47) carried the canopy.
Arthur Hopton (age 48), Bishop Robert Parfew aka Warton and Bishop John Bell attended.
William Fitzwilliam 1st Earl of Southampton (age 47) was created 1st Earl of Southampton. Mabel Clifford Countess Southampton (age 55) by marriage Countess of Southampton.
On 12 Nov 1537 Queen Jane Seymour (deceased) was buried in the Henry VIII Vault in St George's Chapel in Windsor [Map].
Queen Mary I of England and Ireland (age 21) was Chief Mourner.
Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 60), Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 53), John Gage (age 58), Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 20), [his brother-in-law] Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 64), Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland (age 45), Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland (age 39), Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex (age 54), John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford (age 66), Bishop Robert Parfew aka Warton and Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 41) attended.
John Mordaunt 1st Baron Mordaunt (age 57) carried the banner.
In 1538 Henry Daubeney 1st Earl Bridgewater (age 44) was created 1st Earl Bridgewater. [his sister-in-law] Catherine Howard Countess Bridgewater (age 39) by marriage Countess Bridgewater.
On 03 Apr 1538 [his wife] Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 58) died. She was buried at St Mary at Lambeth Church, Surrey [Map].
On 12 Mar 1539 Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 62) died. He was buried at St Peter's Church, Hever. His monument has a brass. He is depicted dressed in full robes wearing the insignia of a Knight of the Garter, with the Badge on his left breast and the Garter around his left knee. His head rests on a helm surmounted by a crest of a falcon displayed (his daughter's heraldic badge) and his feet rest on a griffin. The inscription reads: Here lieth Sir Thomas Bullen, Knight of the Order of the Garter, Erle of Wilscher and Erle or Ormunde, which decessed the 12th dai of Marche in the iere of our Lorde 1538. Earl Wiltshire, Earl Ormonde and Viscount Rochford extinct. His considerable wealth and properties were inherited were his grand-daughter [his granddaughter] Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 5) and his daughter [his daughter] Mary Boleyn (age 40).
Letters and Papers 1533. 30 Apr 1553. R. T. 137. 407. Henry VIII.
Commission to Thomas earl of Wiltshire and Ormond, keeper of the Privy Seal, and Master Edw. Foxe, the King's almoner, to conclude a stricter league and amity with Francis I. Westminster, 30 April 25 Hen. VIII.
Modern copy from the French Archives, pp. 2.
The Martyrdom of the King of Scotland. Among the dearest and best loved of those who gave him frolic and pastime, he maintained the [his former wife] wife of Thomas Boulen, who for this cause he created Baron and Viscount of Rochefort, previously appearing only as a simple gentleman, and not one of the most fortunate. To enjoy this lady at his ease without corival and without jealousy, he sent her husband to France, to make him ordinary Ambassador to the very Christian King, where he was without leaving until the end of two years, when he heard that my wife had given birth to a daughter. Of which being seriously offended and believing to erase this domestic shame by a divorce: having returned to the country, he brought proceedings against her before the official of Canterbury, to see her separated from [the word 'd'anec' is unknown?] him of body and goods.
Entre les plus cheries et mieux aimees de celles qui luy donnoient esbat et passe-temps, il entretenoit la femme de Thomas Boulen, lequel pour ceste cause il crea Baron et Vicomte de Rochefort, nestant auparauant que simple gentilhomme, et non des plus fortunez. Pour jouyr à son aise de celle dame sans corival et sans jalousie, iI envoya son mari en France, pour luy fervir d'Ambassadeur ordinaire près le Roy tres crestien, où il fut sans partir jusques au bout de deux ans, qu'il entendit que fa femme estoit acouchee d'une fille. Dont estant griesuement offenfcé et cuidant effacer ceste honte domestique par un divorce: estant de retour au pais, il intenta proces contr'elle par devant l'official de Cantorbie, pour se voir separer d'anec luy de corps et de biens.
Letters 1536. R. O. 869. Sir Francis Weston.
Debts owing by Sir Francis Weston at the time of his death, "as more plainly appeareth by a bill of the particulars written with his own hand."
Creditors:—My cousin Dyngley with my father, John Horseman, Barnarde my father's cook, Mr. Harve, Farfax, John Rutter, Wyngfyld, Browne the draper, Domyngo, Genenes (Jennings?), the page of the chamber, Peter Hoseer, Hocrofte, my Lord of Wiltshire, William Horant, Pope, Bradbe the broderer, Brydges my tailor, Parson Robynson, "a poor woman that Hannesley of the tennis play had married for balls I cannot tell how much," Cornelius the goldsmith, Harde Derman at the gate, Henry Semer, Mr. Bryan, the King for £40 and 50 mks., Mr. Locke, Henry Parcar, page, Thomas Dyer, Sir William Peccarynge, William the broderer for £35, "whereon he has a gown, a coat, and a doublet of cloth of gold," my sadler, George Node, my shoemaker, Ambrose Barcar, Codale at Greenwich, Crester my barber, Richard Gresscham, Percake of the stable, Chr. Melyner, Askewe in Watlyngstrete, my lady Mosgrave £50 whereon she has plate of mine, Jocelyne that was Mr. Norreys servant, John Norres, Secheper that playeth at the dice, Temple the fletcher, the King's broderer. Total, £925 7s. 2d.
"Father and mother and wife, I shall humbly desire you, for the salvation of my soul, to discharge me of this bill, and for to forgive me of all the offences that I have done to you, and in especial to my wife, which I desire for the love of God to forgive me, and to pray for me: for I believe prayer will do me good. God's blessing have my children and mine.
"By me, a great offender to God."
Hol., pp. 2. Endd.
Rise and Growth of the Anglican Schism Chapter V. Sir Thomas Boleyn — Sir Francis Bryan — Education Of [his daughter] Anne Boleyn.
Anne Boleyn was the daughter of Sir Thomas Boleyn's wife; I say of his wife, because she could not have been the daughter of Sir Thomas,1 for she was born during his absence of two years in France on the king's affairs.2 Henry VIII. sent him apparently on an honourable mission in order to conceal his own criminal conduct; but when Thomas Boleyn, on his return at the end of two years, saw that a child had been born in his house, he resolved, eager to punish the sin, to prosecute his wife before the delegates of the archbishop of Canterbury, and obtain a separation from her. His wife informs the king, who sends the marquis of Dorset3 with an order to Thomas Boleyn to refrain from prosecuting his wife, to forgive her, and be reconciled to her.
Note 1. Sir Thomas Boleyn or Bullen was made viscount Rochford, June 18, 1525 ; earl of Wiltshire in England, and earl of Ormond in Ireland, Dec. 8, 1529. He died in 1538, having seen the dishonoured rise and the disgraceful ruin of his family.
Note 2. "In Francia legatum agente." Acting as ambassador, but not ne cessarily an ambassador ; and the document, printed for the first time by Mr. Pocock, Records of the Refor mation, ii. p. 573, agreeing substan tially with this history, has the words : "A ce fois aux garres en France pourle roy." Here in the mar gin of the original is a note in these words : "Hæc narrantur a Gulielmo Rastallo, judice, invita Thomse Mori." William Rastall was a nephew of Sir Thomas More, and in the reign of Mary one of the puisne judges of the King's Bench.
Note 3. Thomas Grey, son of the first marquis of Dorset, and the father of Henry Grey, who was made duke of Suffolk. This duke of Suffolk married Frances, daughter of Charles Brandon, duke of Suffolk, and of Mary, sister of Henry VIII. Thomas Grey died in 1530, and all the honours of his family were forfeited by his eldest son, the duke of Suffolk.
Letters 1536. 23 April. Anstis' Order of the Garter. ii. 398. 715. The Garter.
On St. George's Day, 23 April 28 Henry VIII., a chapter of the Order of the Garter was held at Greenwich, at which were present the King, the Dukes of Richmond and Norfolk, the Earls of Northumberland, Westmoreland, Wiltshire, Sussex, Rutland, and Oxford, lord Sandys, and Sir William Fitzwilliam. It was determined to hold the feast on May 21, the Earl of Northumberland taking the Sovereign's place, assisted by the Earls of Rutland, Westmoreland, and Oxford, and Sir William Fitzwilliam. Votes were taken for the election of a knight; and the next day, after mass for the dead, the King declared Sir Nicholas Carew elected. He was installed when the feast was kept, on May 21. On this occasion the Earl of Northumberland was seized with vertigo and weakness, so that it was feared he would not be able to take his part as deputy, but he recovered. The next day the hatchments of the deceased were offered up. Lat.
Letters 1536. 13 March. R. O. 461. Chr. Jenny to Cromwell.
I beg your aid in keeping Saham lands. The failing to give sureties is no sufficient reason for taking them from me, as I have shown you. I do not so much regard the lands as the dishonor of parting from them, and the great loss at my mother-in-law's hands. As I have held it for one year, and taken the profits by the assent of Smith, the executor, and made leases for 10 years, it will be a shame for me to lose it. God forgive them that moved you to this. It lies meet for no man but me and my Lord of Wiltshire. I must defend my claim. Let me have your assistance in this. 13 March. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
Letters 1536. 4 March. R. O. 416. Geo. Rolle to Lord Lisle.
Commendations to Lord and Lady Lisle. I have received your two letters, dated 8 Feb. and 24 Feb. By secret inquiry I find that lord Daubeney is not now disposed to hurt my Lady and Mr. Bassett's title. He has made shift with my Lord of Wiltshire for £400, and there is no use in moving him for the redemption of Mr. Bassett's land till the money is spent, or when it is to be repaid. John Halfe, son and heir to Richard Halfe of Devonshire, my Lady's kinsman, and a servant of lord Daubeney's, can give information when lord Daubeney has necessity. He proposes shortly to be at Calais. Lord and lady Daubeney are about to be divorced by mutual consent. She will have £80 a year and her whole jointure at his death, as was appointed at their marriage. I hope to make some further motion before I ride into Devonshire. Mr. John Chichester is dead. He held certain lands called Doddecott contrary to the indenture between lord Daubeney, Mr. Bassett, and him. If his office is found that he died seized thereof by right, it will cause Mr. Bassett trouble, so the indenture and writings should be showed to the jury, and I think my Lady has her book at Calais. Worth, lord Daubeney's servant, told me yesterday that his master has sold all the timber and wood in Bekonholte to Roger Gifford and Thomas Seller, sometime servant to Sir John Bassett. I wish to know what I shall do about it. Your weir and all others in Devonshire will be pulled down by very strait commandment of the King to Sir Thos. Denys and Mr. Hugh Stucley, and by mouth here to Sir Hugh Pollard, sheriff of Devonshire.
Your Lordship would do well to write a pleasant letter to Richard Pollard, sending him a patent of 40s. a year. He is in good favour with Mr. Secretary, and is likely to be more in favour with lord Daubeney, and may do you pleasure divers ways. He has been your enemy before, but I doubt not he will deserve this. I write of myself, not of his suit. London, 4 March.
I intend to tarry in London these 16 days. As far as I remember, Mr. Bassett's great indenture states that Dodcott was appointed to Mr. Bassett both by fine and indenture between Mr. Chichester and him. I do not know why he was suffered to have the possession of the lands.
Pp. 3. Hol. Add.: Deputy of Calais.
Spanish Chronicle Chapter 8. How the King made a Chaplain of Anne's father Archbishop of Canterbury.
Spanish Chronicle Chapter 8. As soon as the King was married to Anne the Archbishop of Canterbury died, and Anne asked the King to grant her the boon of giving the archbishopric to a chaplain of her father's called Thomas Cranmer. The King granted it and summoned the chaplain, to whom he said, "Chaplain, I grant you the boon of the archbishopric of Canterbury." It may well be imagined that this news was received with joy by the Chaplain, who knelt down and kissed the King's hand. "Give your thanks to the Queen, Archbishop," said the King, and when the Archbishop thanked her, the Queen replied, "Cranmer, you have well deserved it for the good service you have rendered to my father."
Letters and Papers 1524. 1524. Corp. Chr. Coll., Camb., MS. 119. f. 21. Ellis, 2 Ser. II. 10. 1. [his daughter] Anne Boleyn To [Sir Thomas Boleyn]1.
"Monssr. Je antandue par v[ost]re lettre que a ves envy que touss2 onette fame quan Je vindre a la courte et mavertisses que la Rene3 prendra la pein de de visser a vecc moy de quoy me Regoy bine fort de penser parler a vecc vng perscone tante sage et onnetecela me ferra a voyr plus grante anuy de continuer a parler bene franssais et oussy espel4 especy ale man pour suc que mellaues tant Recammande et de me man vous a versty que les gardere le meux que Je poure Monssr Je vous suppllya descusser sy ma lettre et male et sipta5 car je vous asure quete et ottografie de monantend amant sule la6 vne les auttres ne sont faiz7 que escript de maman et Semmonet me dit la lettre mes domeura fan je le fie moy meme de peur que lone ne saces sance8 que Je vous mande et Je vous pry que le loumire de vu9 vue net libertte de separe la voullante que dites aves de me edere car hile me samble quettes ascure on lue11 la ou vous poues sy vous plet me vere de clarasion de v[ost]re paroile et de moy coues sertene que miara cuoffice de peres ne din gratitude que sut en passer ne et fasere mon a veccsion quecte de libere deviere autont sance que vous plera me commander et vous prommes que mon amour et vondue par vng sy grant fermette quele nara James pouer de sane deminuer et feres fin a mon pourpon a pres mettre Recommande bine humblemente a v[ost]re bone grace et scripte a Veure de
V[ost]re tres humble et tres obeiss11 —
fille Anna de Boullan."
Note 1. This letter must belong to an earlier period, but has been placed here for convenience. It has already been printed by Ellis, but the ambiguity of many of the expressions rendered a close comparison with the original desirable, and the Rev. J. R. Lumby has kindly favoured me with the transcript, which is identical, line for line and letter for letter, with the MS.
Note 2. Appears to be tous followed by a single blurred letter most like another s. There is no such space between the two words as is intimated in Ellis.
Note 3. Is the "Queen" here mentioned the French queen Mary, or Claude? and is the place from which the letter is dated Hever, as supposed by Ellis? If Claude, Anne Boleyn must have been sent over to France, in consequence of the French queen having expressed to Sir Thomas a wish to see his younger daughter.
Note 4. espel:—This is erased in the original, and may be only a mistake for the commencement of the next word.
Note 5. sipta:—Sic in MS.
Note 6. vne:—It is hard to say whether the first letter be o or v. There is e at the end, which does not appear in Ellis.
Note 7. faiz:—The last letter is z.
Note 8. sance:—As clear as possible.
Note 9. vu:—Blurred over at the end of the line, and apparently meant for the beginning of the next word.
Note 10. lue:—This is the nearest approach to the word. It might be a crushed form of line.
Note 11. This comes in the original so near the edge of the paper that the word either was never complete or else the termination is worn away.
Kings Wessex: Great x 14 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 10 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 16 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 11 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings England: Great x 6 Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 13 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 10 Grand Son of Louis VII King Franks
Kings France: Great x 13 Grand Son of Robert "Pious" II King France
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Boleyn
Great x 1 Grandfather: Geoffrey Boleyn
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Bracton
Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Jane Bracton
GrandFather: Geoffrey Boleyn
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Bracton
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Bracton
Great x 1 Grandmother: Alice Bracton
Father: William Boleyn
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Hoo
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Hoo
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Hoo
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Hoo 1st Baron Hoo and Hastings
GrandMother: Ann Hoo
Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Wychingham
Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: James Butler 1st Earl Ormonde
Great x 3 Grandfather: James Butler 2nd Earl Ormonde Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Bohun Countess Ormonde Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: James Butler 3rd Earl Ormonde 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Darcy 1st Baron Darcy of Knayth
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Darcy Countess Ormonde
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Burgh Countess Kildare
Great x 1 Grandfather: James "White Earl" Butler 4th Earl Ormonde 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Adam Welles 3rd Baron Welles
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Welles 4th Baron Welles
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Bardolf Baroness Welles
Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Welles Countess Ormonde 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Ros 2nd Baron Ros Helmsley
Great x 3 Grandmother: Maud Ros Baroness Welles 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margery Badlesmere Baroness Ros of Helmsley 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
GrandFather: Thomas Butler 7th Earl Ormonde 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Guy Beauchamp 10th Earl Warwick
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Beauchamp 11th Earl Warwick 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Tosny Countess Warwick 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Beauchamp 1st Baron Bergavenny 5 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Roger Mortimer 1st Earl March 3 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Katherine Mortimer Countess Warwick 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Geneville Baroness Mortimer 2nd Baroness Geneville 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Joan Beauchamp Countess Ormonde 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Fitzalan 10th Earl of Arundel 8th Earl of Surrey 5 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Fitzalan 9th Earl of Surrey 11th Earl of Arundel 2 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Plantagenet Countess Arundel and Surrey Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Joan Fitzalan Baroness Bergavenny 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Bohun 1st Earl of Northampton Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Bohun Countess Arundel and Surrey Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Badlesmere Countess Northampton 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Mother: Margaret Butler 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Hankford
Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Hankford
Great x 3 Grandmother: Cristina Unknown
Great x 1 Grandfather: Richard Hankford
GrandMother: Anne Hankford Countess Ormonde 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Montagu 1st Earl Salisbury
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Montagu 1st Baron Montagu, Baron Monthermer
Great x 4 Grandmother: Catherine Grandison Countess of Salisbury
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Montagu 3rd Earl Salisbury 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Montagu Duchess Exeter 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Adam Francis
Great x 2 Grandmother: Maud Francis Countess of Salisbury