Letter 22.

Maister Strete as hertelye as I Can I co_m_mend me vnto yow and wher as by my last l_ette_res I wrott vnto yow in the Fauors of Curson and Fyndern to be p_re_fferryd vnto the Catell and Corn of late belongyng to the pryorye of Colwyche and Sythyn that tyme I wrotte vnto yow on the behalf of Mr. longford for his p_re_fferment vnto the demaynes of the sayd late pryorye so hit ys that now the sayd maister longford by his Father in law Mr. Fyzherbert moche desyryth to haue the Tythys and also suche Corn as at this tyme ys Sown vppon the demaynes of the sayd late pryorye for this yere whych tythe and Corn Sown vppon the demaynes I require yow that he may haffe at suche prysys as ye shall thinke convenyent and in such wyse as the kyng_es_ highnes may be Substauncyallye answeryd of the p_ro_ffytt_es_ growing of the same w_i_t_h_out any Fauo_ur_ to be born to anye othre p_ar_tye and wher as I wrott in myn other letter that Curson and Fyndern shold haue the p_re_ffermentt of the Catell and Corn I dyd not wrytt for anye Corne growing on the grownde ne yet for any tythys which in no wyse ye shall Suffer them to haue but to order hyt as ys afforsayd most to the kyng_es_ p_ro_ffytte & adua_u_ntage. I well p_er_sayue who grauntyth suchemen an Inche they wyll take an ell. I am Infformyd they avaunte them selfs to haue Co_m_myssyons and grauntt_es_ of the kyng which ys vntrew I praye yew aduyse them to vse no suche Facyons. Syr the kyng_es_ highnes trustyth that ye w_i_t_h_ all spede will bryng up the half yeres Ferme and Rentt_es_ of the Busshopryche which I praye yow may be here before his gracyous dep_ar_tyng in p_ro_gresse. and as to the Chanon off Colwyche ye may translate hym vnto Sum good howse of that relygyon being nere vnto yow and to gyue hym sumthing after yo_ur_ discrecyo_n_ suche as may stand w_i_t_h_ the kynges hono_ur_ and also to his honest Contentacyon and thus trustyng in yo_ur_ approuyd wysdom and experyence Co_m_mytt all the p_re_mysses vnto yo_ur_ discrecyon trustyng eu_er_ that ye wyll haue respect to yo_ur_ dew[tie] and charge and also that I may haue short answer of thes and other my l_ette_res and so Fare ye well at london the xiiii^{th} daye of June

44. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.

R.O. Cal. vi. 706. June 26 ‹1533›.

Desires him to admit Bartholomew Peters as surgeon of Calais. Will do his best to obtain Lisle’s requests for the town.

My lorde after my right hertie reco_m_mendacions these shalbe to adu_er_tise [y]o_ur_ lordeship that where it hathe pleased the king_es_ highnes to gyve and [g]raunte to Bartholomew Petres the rowme of Surgeon in his grace ... w_i_t_h_in the towne of Calays, as by a bill signed for that purpose ... ye shall receyue of the saide Bartholomew more playnelie shall ... [a]ppere I shall therefore requyre yo_ur_ lordeship that insuing the teano_ur_ p_ur_port and effecte of the king_es_ saide g_ra_unte ye do see the saide Bartholomew admytted into the saide rowme when tyme shall requyre accordingly. And concerning suche matiers as ye latelie haue written in for the towne of Calays, I do not ne shall not cesse to do my best to reduce and bryng the same to suche good passe and effecte as shalbe thought most requysite and expedient. I trust to yo_ur_ good contentacion. And so o_ur_ lorde p_re_serue yo_ur_ lordeship in long lif and good helth w_i_t_h_ thincrease of hono_ur_. At London the xxvi day of June

Yo_ur_ lordshyppis assuryd THOMAS C[RUMWELL]

I wrytt to yo_ur_ lordeshyp For this berer by the King_es_ expresse Co_m_mandmentt.

_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able and his singuler good lorde my Lorde Lisle deputie to the King_es_ highnes of his town and m_ar_ches of Calays be this youen.

45. CROMWELL TO ‹THOMAS BEESTON›.

R.O. Cal. vi. 776. ‹June-July, 1533.›

Ordering him to repair to the Emperor’s Court and deliver the King’s letters to Dr. Hawkins there, with directions to turn them over to the Emperor. He is to return with the Emperor’s answer.

First the king_es_ highnes pleasure is that ye hauing receyued yo_ur_ packet of l_ette_res and instructions directed vnto Mr. docto_ur_ Hawkyns, shall ymediatelie put yo_ur_self in aredynes to dep_ar_te toward_es_ the p_ar_ties of beioynde the See, inserching by yo_ur_ polycie the nerest wayes to suche place where it shall happen the Emperour to lye.

Itm when ye shall repayre to themp_r_o_ur_s Courte ymmediatly to delyu_er_ the saide packet vnto the saide Mr. Hawkyns w_i_t_h_ hertie greting_es_ and salutacions from the king_es_ highnes adu_er_tesing him ferther that the king_es_ pleasure is that when tyme shall Requyre, he shall not onelie intymate declare and communycate the effect_es_ of suche l_ette_res and instructions conteyned in the saide packet, w_i_t_h_ themp_r_o_ur_, alwayes insuing the teano_ur_ purpose and meanyng of the same, But also after his accustomed wisedom dexterite and good polycie shall indeuo_ur_ himself so to propone handle and set fourth all thing_es_ as he by his good discression shall se tyme place and occasion So as the same may take effecte according to the King_es_ high trust and expectacion in that behalf.

Itm that after declaracion of the p_re_misses and co_m_munycac_i_on had at length w_i_t_h_ themp_er_o_ur_ in the same, the saide Mr. Haukyns shall then if he so thinke good, devise determyn_e_ and conclude w_i_t_h_ you for yo_ur_ depeche and reto_ur_ne hither w_i_t_h_ l_ette_res and instructions purporting suche answeres articles and allegacions as by themp_er_o_ur_ shalbe answered leyed and obiected to those thing_es_ which the saide Mr. Hawkyns shall intymate and declare as is aforsaide on the kyng_es_ behalf, which being don_e_ and accomplisshed the kyng_es_ gracious pleasure is that ye shall make all conuenyent haste spede and diligence to repayre hither to his grace w_i_t_h_ the same accordingly.

THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Endd._ mynute.

46. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹THE MERCHANT TAILORS›.

R.O. Cal. vi. 698. ‹June, 1533.›

Requests them to continue and increase the annuity granted to Nicholas Glossop, servant of the late Archbishop Warham.

Right wellbeloued Frendes I recomend me hartly vnto yowe And where I am enfourmed that at the request of my late lorde of Caunterbury, whose sowle god pardon, ye graunted to his seru_a_unt Nicholas Glossop, an olde Auncient of youre Felisship of m_er_chaunt Taillours a certeyn Annuytie of xxvi s. viii d. toward the Sustentacion of his lyvyng for terme of his Naturall life. Wherof by his report, he hath be‹n› well and truly Answered of a long tyme. Howe be it nowe upon the deceas of his said maister, as it ys said, that ye entende to withdrawe From hym youre saide Benyuolence and graunte, which shulde be to his great Discomfort and Hyndraunce. And forasmoche as I bere good Mynde and Favo_ur_ towardes hym And it were more charitie rather to Augemente his lyving than to dymynysshe it or withdrawe the same, specially nowe in his great Age, whan he hath most nede of help and Socoure. I hertly desire yowe that for my sake ye wille not only contynue the payment of the said Annuytie to hym for terme of his life according to yo_ur_ said graunte, But also of youre larger Benyvolence and charitie to encreas the same xiii s. iiii d. more by yere. Wherby in myne opynyon, ye shall not only do the thyng whiche may be right meritorious to yowe, but also right honorable for youre said Felisship, and to me right great pleasure. and for the same doing He may hereafter do yowe pleasure And I shalbe glad to doo yowe pleasure or any good that I can for yo_ur_ Felowship at alle tymes As knoweth god who p_re_serue yowe. And Further I desire yowe of yo_ur_ good Answere in this behalf the morowe Folowing yo_ur_ next Courte Day by yowe to be holden at yo_ur_ halle

_Endd._ A l_ett_re for Nicholas glossop.

47. CROMWELL TO MR. THOMAS ALEN.

R.O. Cal. vi. 791. July 9 ‹1533›.

For failing to pay his debts to Cromwell, and to give sureties for the money his brother owes the King, Alen has forfeited 1000 marks to the Crown. Requests an answer by the bearer.

Maister Alen after right hertie co_m_mendac_i_ons these shalbe to aduertise you that long or this tyme I loked to haue harde from you and trusted not onelie to haue had and receyued from you now at Midsomer last passed my Hundreth pound_es_ which of gentilnes I lent you but also sufficient bondes and suertie for yo_ur_ brother tharchebisshop of Duntlyn concerning the payment of vii^c[795] mark_es_ which he oweth to the king_es_ highnes according to suche bonde as you and other w_i_t_h_ you stonde bounde in for the complement of the same. For lacke and defaulte whereof ye haue forfaited to the king_es_ highnes the So_m_me of one thousande mark_es_ which me thinketh ye ought substaunciallye to loke vppon for the king is no p_er_son to be deluded nor mocked w_i_t_h_ all. And considering that for yo_ur_ sake I so gentillie departed w_i_t_h_ my money me semeth that reason and good honestie requireth ye should se me payed ayen. prayeng you that I may be adu_er_tised by this berer what ye mean and intende to do in the premisses. And so hertelie Fare ye well. At London the ix^{th} day of Julie.

Yo_ur_ louyng Frend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To his louyng Frende Mr. Thomas Alen be this yeuen at Raylegh.

48. CROMWELL AND AUDELEY TO HAWKINS AND RANDALL, BAILIFFS OF WEYMOUTH.

R.O. Cal. vi. 858. July 18, 1533.

Warrant for the delivery into the nearest prison of six men taken in the ship _Trinity_, of Hull. The goods and the ship are to be delivered to William Gonson.

Wellbelouyd we grete you well, and Where as Will_ia_m Gonson of london hathe shewed vnto vs an Indenture datyd the viii^{th} daye of June last, made betwene Edward Waters and you specyfyeng the deliu_er_auns of a Ship namyd the Trinite of Hull and lxiiii Hoggyshedes of gascon wyne w_i_t_h_ dyu_er_s other thing_es_ therin conteynyd to yo_ur_ Handes. We certefye yow that the Kyng his pleasure is that ye shall incontynent deliu_er_ or cause to be deliu_er_ed all thing_es_ conteanyd in the said Indentures to the said Will_ia_m Gonson or his assignes. and as towching the sixe pryson_er_s taken in the said Ship and lykewyse deliu_er_yd into your kepyng that ye deliu_er_ theim into the next pryson to you, ther to be surely kepte till the king_es_ pleasure be to you Further knowne wheche deliu_er_aunce of Ship and goodes & prysoners shall be vnto you a sufficyent dyscharge at all tymes herafter Wryton at London the xviii daye of July the xxv^{th} yere of the Reigne of our sou_er_aigne lorde kyng Harry the viii^{th}.

THOMAS AUDELEY Kt. chauncelo_ur_ THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To our Welbelouyd Will_ia_m Hawkyns and Will_ia_m Randall Baylyff_es_ of the towne of Waymowthe.

49. CROMWELL TO SIR ANTHONY FITZHERBERT AND WALTER LUKE.

R.O. Cal. vi. 872. July 19 ‹1533›.

Requires him to delay the trial of a case which may be prejudicial to Cromwell, as the jury has been packed, and will be likely to give an unjust verdict.

After my right hertie co_m_mendacions Forasmoche as there is a Nisipri_us_ passed out to be tried before you at the next assises to be holden at Lyncoln concerning the tryall of the title of Anthony Stydolffe who is my warde Which Nisiprius is secretlie sued out and passed w_i_t_h_out my knowlege so as p_er_case the same may be moche p_re_iudiciall vnto me in that thing whereunto I haue good iust and lawfull title as ye shall apperceyue by suche deades and writing_es_ as my Frend this berer shall shew vnto you, I therefore considering yo_ur_ worshippes and good indifferencies, trusting that ye will do me none iniustice in this behalf Do most hertelie require and pray you to staye the tryall of the saide Nisiprius, Vntill ye shall haue Ferther knowlege of the matier, the rather for that I am crediblie infourmed that the enquest is alredie so parciallie impaneled that vndoubtedlie it is thought they will passe directlie ayenst the trowth. Eftesones therefore most hertelie requyring you to provyde and forsee myn indempnyte in this parte, And for the good acquytall of yo_ur_ gentilnes to be shewed vnto me herein if there be any thing wherein my poure powers can extende to do yow pleasure I shall not Faile godd willing to accomplisshe the same to the vtterest of my lytill power. And so most hertelie Fare ye well. At London the xix^{th} day of Julie.

It may please you to gyve firme credence vnto this berer in such thing_es_ as he shall declare vnto you on my behalf

Yo_ur_ assuryd Freend _Thomas Crumwell_.

_Add._ To the right worshipfull Mr. Anthony Fitzherberte knight one of the king_es_ iustic_es_ of his comen benche and to Mr. Walter Luke esquier and to either of them.

50. ‹CROMWELL› TO MR. MUSTIAM.

R.O. Cal. vi. 878 (ii). July 19 ‹1533›.

Desires him to permit the bearer to enjoy a lease of the farm of Brokesley.

Mast_er_ Mustiam I hartely co_m_mende me vnto you. And in the same wise beseching you at this my poure contemplac_i_on and request to be good master and Frende vnto ... berar hereof, in letting hym to opteyne, and peacably to occupie and enyoye the hole effect of a lease of the ferme or p_ar_sonage of Brokesley, in the p_ar_oche of Detford in the Countie of Kent to hym demysed by one Mr. Otywell of Westm_inster_ diseased w_i_t_h_out any yo_ur_ further let grief or disturbauns. Vntill suche tyme as ye shall knowe further of my will and pleasure, and inso doyng ye shall mynyster vnto me right singul_e_r pleas_ure_. And this hartely fare ye well At London this xix day of July

51. ‹CROMWELL› TO MR. MUSTIAM.

R.O. Cal. vi. 878 (ii). July 20 ‹1533›.

The bearer complains that Mustiam intends unjustly to take the tithe corn of Brokesley from him. Advises Mustiam not to do this.

Maist_e_r Mvstyam I hertelye co_m_mende me vnto yow adu_er_tysing the same that the poore man berer herof hathe shewyd me that ye do Intend to do hym wrong in takyng From hym the tythe Corn of Brokleye, other wyse wyse[796] Called west greenwyche whervnto I thinke ye haue no tytyll nor Interest, wherfor I shall aduyse yow to stay to doo any thing in the same vntyll suche tyme as ye shall be hable honestlye to to[797] Clayme therin and thus Fare ye well at london this xx^{th} daye of July

52. CROMWELL TO HENRY VIII.

R.O. Cal. vi. 887. July 23 ‹1533›.

Reports the examination of certain Friars Observants, who have been taken by Cromwell’s spies. Two of them would certainly confess much if examined by torture. Desires instructions how to proceed. Has inquired of Cranmer about the men, as the King desired.

Please it your highnes to be aduertised that vppon myn arryuayle at London I receyued certen l_ette_res out of the North directed vnto your grace from the lorde Dacre. Which I haue sent to yo_ur_ maiestee herein closed w_i_t_h_ also certen l_ette_res and Newes sent vnto me from my Lorde Deputie of Calays. And touching the Freres obseruant_e_s that were w_i_t_h_ the prync_e_s dowagier, being subtillie conueyed from thens were first espied at Ware by suche espialles as I leyed for that purpose, and hauyng good awayte leyed vppon them were from thens dogged to London, and there (notw_i_t_h_stonding many wyles and cauteles by them invented to escape) were taken and deteyned till my cu_m_myng home. So as vppon my arryuayle here I called them before me and vppon examynacion of them coulde gather nothing of anye momente or grete importaunce, but entring into ferther co_m_munycac_i_o_n_ founde the one of them a veray sedycious person, and so co_m_mytted them vnto warde where they now do remayne till yo_ur_ gracious pleasure knowen. Ymmedyatelie afterward_es_ repayred vnto me the warden of the grey Freres of Grenewich who semeth veray desirous to haue the punycyon of the saide two Freres, being named Hugh Payne and Cornelius, and made grete intercession vnto me to haue them delyu_er_ed vnto him, Shewing unto me ferther that the mynyster and generall Co_m_myssarie of this prouynce of Englonde had made out certeyne co_m_maundement_es_ vnto the said Freers willing them by vertue of obedience to repayre vnto him to Rychemont to thintent they wold haue the correction of them accordinglie. Which co_m_maundement_es_ being conteyned in certen mynut_es_ of paper I haue sent to yo_ur_ grace herein closed. It semeth assuredlie that the saide mynyster is a right honest and discrete person and Fayne wolde haue prevented and taken the saide Freers if he had coulde by any meanes, Beseching yo_ur_ grace tha[t] I may knowe your gracious pleasure Whether I shall kepe and de[t]eyne them in warde and bring them w_i_t_h_ me at my repayree to the courte, or Whether yo_ur_ grace will haue them sent y_m_medyatelie to any other place or what other direction to be taken therein as shall and may stonde w_i_t_h_ your high pleasure. It is vndoubted that they haue intended and wolde confesse sum grete matier if they might be examyned as they ought to be that is to sey by paynes, for I perceyue the saide Hugh Payne to be a subtile Felowe and moche gyuen to sedycyon.

I haue also eftesones sent vnto my lorde of Caunterbury according to your grac_i_ous co_m_maundement touching the dissymuled holynes and supersticious demeanures of the Ipocryte Nunne, And haue declared yo_ur_ gracious pleasure vnto the Staple whom in man_er_ I do Fynde agreable to all thing_es_ according to yo_ur_ grac_es_ demaunde sauyng onelie they as yet requyre lenger dayes for the payment of the some of x m[798] pounds by them now graunted, and also fermely requyre that yo_ur_ highnes will graunt them their house for a reasonable so_m_me of money yerelie, which I do stycke w_i_t_h_ them in. and as to morowe they will gyve me a resolute answer in the hole.

And thus I shall daylie pray vnto almightie god for the prosperous conseruacion of yo_ur_ royall maiestee in long lif and good helth felyciouslie to indure. at London the xxiii day of Julie. Yo_ur_ highnes most humble subiectte and s_erua_unt

THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the king_es_ royall maiestee.

53. ‹CROMWELL› TO AUDELEY.

R.O. Cal. vi. 894. July 26 ‹1533›.

Desires him to permit the annuity of £20 which has just been granted to Stephen Vaughan to bear date from a year ago this summer, as there was already £20 due to Vaughan for one year’s service.

Right honourable syr after myn_e_ hartie commendac_i_ons. So it is that the king_es_ hieghnes hathe lately graunted Vnto a seruant of his named Stephen Vaughan a certeyne annuytie of xx li by yere to be paide from the faste of the natyuytie of saynt John Baptiste now last passed Vnto the whiche Stephen by cause there is owyng by the kyng_es_ hieghnes xx li for one yeres seruyce ended at Mydsomer now laste paste, therefore is it that by cause he hathe no waise to demaunde it of maister Tuke by patent or other sufficient warrant from his hieghnes. he hathe desyred me who vndoubtidly do know that his pleasure is that he shulde be payde the sayde xx li. to Requyre yow that when his annuytie co_m_mythe to the greate seale your pleasure maye be to suffer it to bere date from Mydsomer Was a yere and that he maye by force therof be payde the yere now passed. And doubte ye not thus to do. for the king_es_ pleasure is he shulde be paide the xx li due for the yere passed. And I shall alwayse warrant yow to be sufficiently discharged and to be blameles for so doyng. The saide Stephen had obteyned the king_es_ warrant for the same, oneles his highnes had now sent hym into Germany for thexpedicion of certeyn his affayres there. And thus the holy trynytie p_re_serue yo_ur_ lordeship in long lyfe goode healthe and much hono_ur_. from London the xxvi daye of Julye.

_Add._ To the right honourable S_ir_ Thomas Audley knyght lord chancello_ur_.

54. ‹CROMWELL› TO THE ABBOT OF WOBURN.

R.O. Cal. vi. 778. ‹July, 1533.›

Requests him not to maltreat the Abbot of Vawdy in Lincolnshire; has heard he intends to depose him. Desires him to cause Davys Edward, the monk of Vawdy, to amend his ways.

My lord aft_er_ my duetie reme_m_bred, soo it is that I am credibly enformed how that ye beryng inwarde grudge & disples_ure_ to my welbeloued Frend thAbbot of Vawdy entende studie & goo about_es_ by sinistre meanes to depose hyme from his abbacye for the p_ro_mocion therunto of oon of yo_ur_ awne monk_es_ being the cellerer of yo_ur_ house. My lord I pray you vse yo_ur_ selffe vnto my saide frende as accordeth to yo_ur_ religion, For I knowe certainly that he is a good religious man, And that his house wiche was in gret debt at the tyme of his p_ro_mocion, is nowe by his good policie reduced to good & welthy state and condic_i_on aswell in catoll as in corne furnisshed w_i_t_h_ other requisit_es_ & necessaries. Wherfor my lord my trust ys that ye wol circu_m_spectly loke therupon baring yo_ur_ good & lawfull fauo_ur_ unto hyme, like as good charitie requireth. And the rather at my disire & request ascertaynyng you that I haue at this tyme writen my semblable l_ette_res in the fauo_ur_ of my said frend vnto thabbot of fountayns not doubtyng but that he at my requisic_i_on wol lovingly vse and intreate my said frend in all his busuynes. And wher as ye haue w_i_t_h_ you a monk of the said house of Vawdy oon Dauys Edward Clerke, wiche ye knowe well haith gretely mysordred hymselff. I trust that ye woll instructe hyme soo fruteffully that he shall not nede to be further reconsiled to amend his lyvynge Wherby ye shall doo averay good & charitable dede as knoeth god who kepe yow

_Add._ To thabbot of Woborn

_Endd._ a l_ette_re for the abbot of Woborne

55. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1064. Sept. 1 ‹1533›.

The King is displeased at Lisle’s desire for new arrangements for ‘the restraynyng of Corne.’ Lisle should not take every man’s or his own wife’s advice concerning things pertaining to his office.

After my right harty reco_m_mendation vnto your good lordship This shalbe to adu_er_tise the same that I have resceyved your l_ette_res wherein ye and the Mayer of Calays do desire to have newe p_ro_visions concernyng the restraynyng of Corne otherwise then hathe byn vsyd yn tymes past. I ensure yo_ur_ lordship the king_es_ highnes is not a litle displeased withe that your desire, but supposith yo_ur_ besynes to be veray small that will in any wise ymportune his highnes withe any soche matiers Sayeng that before this tyme the Towne and marches of Calays hathe ben well maynteynyd and prospered w_i_t_h_out any soche newe devises. And I assure your lordship as your frynd to my power that I have great m_er_vayll that ye will so sone enclyne to eu_er_y man_n_ys devise and ... specially in matiers of small ympor[t] ... ye and ... reportyd ... nite me on ... causes as me semythe ... nothyng ... ne gentilwymen, for although my lady be right hono_ur_able and wise yet yn soche causes as longithe to yo_ur_ auctoritie her advise and discresion can litle prevayle. Wherfore I pray yo_ur_ lordship to consider the same, and to ymportune the king_es_ highnes w_i_t_h_ none other matiers then of necessite ye ought to do. And thus the blessed Trynyte preserue you. At london the first day of September.

Your lordshyppis assuryd THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my veray good lord my lord Vicount Lisley the king_es_ deputie at Calays be thus youen.

56. CROMWELL TO THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR.

Huth Library; Cal. vi. 1128. Sept. 15 ‹1533›.

Reports the arrival of Danish and Norwegian ambassadors at the Court of the Queen Regent of the Netherlands to conclude an alliance.

Mons_ieur_ lambassade_ur_ Le Roy mon maistre a este aduerty par son agent estant en Flandres. Que puisnagueres les ambassadeurs de Danemarche Norwege & Holst au nom du conseil et Royaulme de Danemarche, sont arriuez a la court de la Royne douagiere de hung_i_erye regen_e_ deflandres auec le nombre de xxxii p_er_sonnes ou enuiron et co_m_me son d_it_ agent peult entendre avecques plain et suffisant pouuoir et auctorite A conclure et affermer vne bonne allyance et paix auecques l’empere_ur_ et tous ses pais & dominions tant defensiue que offensiue, Aussy autant qu’il peult entendre Lad_ite_ Royne & son conseil sont determynez a traiter et conclure auecques lesdits ambassade_urs_ auecques telle condition que quiconques sera eleu Roy par dela (l’election duquel est encore prolongee & differee po_ur_ l’espace dung an) Il Jurera ratifiera & confermera la_di_te allyance & Traycte de Paix. Desquelles choses le Roy mon d_it_ M_ais_tr_e_ ma co_m_mande vous aduertir affin que en c_on_uenient diligence vous en vuelles rescripre au Roy Tres chr_estie_n v_ost_re m_aist_r_e_ et Ladviser quil seroit bon de penser sur cest affaire et essayer sil Luy semble expedient a estoupper le_ur_s propoz et aultreme_n_t y po_ur_veoir ainsi quil Luy semblera conuenable. A tant Monsie_ur_ Lambassade_ur_ apres mestre affectueuseme_n_t Reco_m_mande a vous je prie n_ost_re seigneur quil vous ait en sa tressaincte & digne garde. Escript a Stepney le xv jour de Septembre

V_ost_re entier et parfaict amy THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ a mons_ieur_ Lambassade_ur_ du Roy Treschr_est_ien a Londres

_Endd._ de M^r. Craumeuelle

57. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1141. Sept. 21 ‹1533›.

Requests him to permit the executors of Robert Baynham freely to administer his testament, notwithstanding his former letters to the contrary.

Aftre my right harty Commendac_i_ons to your lordshipp Whereas heretofore I addressed my l_ette_res vnto your lordshipp at the sute of my s_er_u_a_unt Bartholomew Bayneham concernyng the steye of such good_es_ as lately apperteyned to his Father Robert Baynam of Calaish vntil suche tyme as ye harde Further of my mynde in that behaulf. These shalbe most hertely to desyer and praye youe the rather at the contemplac_i_on hereof to suffre thexecuto_ur_s of his sayd Father Robert Baynam to execute and mynistre according to the meanyng of the Testament and last wyll of his sayd Father in as ample wise as heretofore they haue doon my sayd former l_ette_res notw_i_t_h_standing. And being enformed of your goodnes and also of my lad_es_ of late shewed vnto my sayd s_er_u_a_unt p_ar_tely as I take yt for my sake I thanke you most hertely for the same and though my lady for her p_ar_te might haue been better before yet I requyre you bothe for my sake ye nowe to contynewe the goodnes which youe doo presently extende Vnto him. Wherein ye shall admynystre Vnto me Veray acceptable pleas_ur_. And thus Fare you hertely well From Stepney the xxi^{th} day of Septembre

Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my Veray good lorde my lorde the Viconte Lisle Deputie of the king_es_ Towne of Calaysh and Marches of the same.

58. CROMWELL TO RICHARD AND WILLIAM HAYBOURNE.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1332. Oct. 24 ‹1533›.

The Lord Chancellor and Cromwell will sit on the dispute between them and Elizabeth Colcoke the Friday after All Hallowday.

I co_m_mend me vnto you. Adu_er_tising you that it is fully det_er_mynyd betwixt my lord Chaunceler and me that we will sitt vpon the mater in variaunce betwixt E_li_zabeth Colcoke widowe and you the Friday after Alhallow day. Wherfore I requyre you in any wise to be here the day before that ye may be redy for that purpose and that ye in no wise faill so to do vpon yo_ur_ peryll. And thus fare ye well. At london the xxiiii^{th} day of October.

Yo_ur_ Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my frynd_es_ Richard Haybourne and Will_ia_m Haybo_ur_ne be this youen.

59. ‹CROMWELL› TO THE ABBOTS OF FOUNTAINS AND BYLAND.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1408. Nov. 8 ‹1533›.

Is surprised that they have not yet elected a new Abbot of Rievaulx as the King wished. Advises them to delay no longer.

After my full hertie man_er_ I recommende me vnto you. And where as it hathe pleased the king_es_ highnes to directe his moste grac_i_ous l_ette_res vnto you nowe at this p_re_sente tyme for the elecc_i_on of a newe Abbote of Ryvaulx wherein his grace hathe bene adu_er_tised ye haue not heretofore indevored youreself_es_ to thaccomplishemente of the same according to his said l_ette_res and co_m_maundemente (whereof I m_er_vaile not a little) that ye wold incurre his high displeasure for the none executing of the same. therefore I hertely requyre you and neu_er_thelesse doo advise you in exchewing of further Inconvenyenc_es_ and displeasures that maye thereby ensue (all affeccions sette ap_ar_te) ye doo accomplishe the said elecc_i_on according to the teno_ur_ and purporte of his moste grac_i_ous l_ette_res directyd vnto you and to the Convente of the same monastary in that behalf. And thereby ye shall not oonly des_er_ue the king_es_ moste grac_i_ous thank_es_, but alsoo haue me to doo for you in all yo_ur_ good causes the beste I can. As knowethe our Lorde who kepe you. Written at London the viii^{th} daye of Nouembre.

_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able in god my Lorde Abbote of Funtaunce and Bylande and to either of theym.

60. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1413. Nov. 11 ‹1533›.

Has heard of the trouble that has arisen owing to the blow the knight porter has given to a ‘lewde Felowe.’ Thinks that there is no cause why the knight porter should be molested for his action.

My lorde after my right hertie co_m_mendacions I haue receyued your lordeshippes le_tte_res And haue p_er_ceyued by the same what contencion is arrysen there by meanes of a lewde Felowe for a stroke yeven vnto him by S_ir_ Cristofer Garnysshe the knight porter, Which matier hath ben debated here by the king_es_ counsaile who p_er_ceyuing the saide stroke was yeven but onelie for correction and for none entente to breke any law statute or ordenaunce of that towne of Calays, do thinke the same but a veray light matier to make any suche busynes of and no cause why the saide Sir Cristofer should be put to any molestacion for the same. Wherefore yo_ur_ lordeship may let it passe and wey it as it is And so o_ur_ lorde p_re_serue your lordeship in long lif and helth w_i_t_h_ moche hono_ur_ At London the xi day of Nouember.

[I] do also hertelie thanke yo_ur_ lordsship for yo_ur_ grete chere made to my s_er_uaunte [Will]yam Johnson and to this gentilman straungier for whom I do wryte vnto yo_ur_ lordeship at this tyme by myn other l_ette_res. And for all other yo_ur_ lordshippes gentilnes I do most hertelie thanke you trusting if I lyue to requyte the same if I can.

Yo_ur_ lordshyppis assuryd Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able and his singuler good lorde the lorde vicount Lisle deputie to the king_es_ highnes of his towne and marcheis of Calays.

_Endd._ M. Cro_m_well the xi^{th} of nove_m_br

61. CROMWELL TO THE ABBOT OF NETLEY.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1502. Dec. 6 ‹1533›.

Desires him to grant his friend John Cooke a new lease for sixty years of Roydon farm near Southampton, as it lies by the sea and is convenient for Cooke in his office of the Admiralty there.

In my right hartie maner I co_m_mende me vnto your good lordship. And where as my frynd John Cooke the king_es_ graces s_erua_unt berer herof hath and holdeth a Ferme of yo_ur_s callid Roydon by lesse wherof the yeres in the same be almost expyred And forasmoche as your said ferme lieth nygh the see syde necessaryly for my saide frynd to serue the king_es_ highnes in his office of the admyraltie in those parties I hartely desyre you at the contemplacion of thies my l_ette_res that ye will graunte vnto the saide John Coke a newe lesse of the saide ferme vnder your Conventuall Seale for terme of lx yeres paying vnto you and yo_ur_ Successours the accustumable rent therof. And for your towardnes herin I shalbe glad to requyte the same to your good contentacion And farther I perceyve by the reporte of the same Cooke that ye have shewed vnto hym and other that hathe byn w_i_t_h_ hym to do the king_es_ highnes s_er_uice at the See muche Jentylnes and lib_er_alitie, for the whiche ye have deserved the king_es_ right harty thank_es_. And therfore I for my parte hartylye thanke you And of your conformable mynde herin I pray you to adu_er_tise me in wrytyng by this berer. And thus fare ye hartylye welle. At london the vi^{th} day of December.

Yo_ur_ lordshyppis Freend. THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the reu_er_end father in god the Abbot of letley[799] be this youen.

62. CROMWELL TO ‹THE OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS›.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1625 (iii). (1533.)

The King wishes Robert Bonvell, merchant of Paris, to come to England with certain jewels, of which he desires a special account to be kept, for the payment of the duty.

In my Right harty manner I Co_m_mend me vnto you Adu_er_tis[ing] the Same that the king_es_ pleasure is that Robert Bonvell m_er_ch_au_nt of parys sholde Repayre into this Royalme Toward_es_ his highnes w_i_t_h_ c_er_teyn Juell_es_ wherfore his speciall Co_m_maundment is that ye seing the same Jewell_es_ do make Therof a Specyall note by byll_es_ Indentyd betwyxt you and the Seid m_er_chaunt mensyonyng eu_er_y p_ar_cell therof and what the Custom therof maye Amounte vnto, not chargyng hym For any Custom or other Charge due vnto his highnes For the same for hys grac_es_ pleasure ys that if he do sell any w_i_t_h_in this Royalm that he shall therfore paye Custom as Reason is and for that he Cannot Sell here to carry A waye w_i_t_h_ hym A gayne w_i_t_h_oute payeng therfore any Custom or other dut_es_ Wherfore I requyre you takyng Surety in case he do make Sale to paye the Custom accordyngly That ye do p_er_mytt & Suffer the same m_er_ch_a_unt w_i_t_h_ the Same Juell_es_ to disch_ar_ge And vnlade the Same Accordyng to the Effect_es_ hereof

The coppy of Mr. Crumwell_es_ l_ette_re Sygned w_i_[t_h_] hys hand.

63. Drafts of Portions of Cromwell’s Letters.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1625 (i). ‹1533.›

Thanks the recipient for sending news. Has presented his letters to the Duke of Norfolk as he desired.

After most hertye Salutacyons this shalbe ‹to› thanke yow of yo_ur_ exceding louyng kyndnes shewyd in the dylygent wryting to me of yo_ur_ newse and according to yo_ur_ request I presentyd yo_ur_ l_ette_res vnto my lorde of Norffolk_es_ grace who I assure yow ys singuler good lorde vnto yow and wher ye wryt in yo_ur_ Fyrst l_ette_res ...

Memorandum concerning the resignation of the chantry of Barking Church, in Essex.

M^{d} that maister Kendall Chauntrye preeste of the Chauntrye Foundyd in Barkyng Churche may optayne my lorde of londons Fauo_ur_ ‹in› the resignacyon of the sayd Chauntrye vnto S_ir_ Will_ia_m Cowplaunde my friend.

End of a letter, urging care and perseverance in reporting important matters, and promising favour.

... thus Fare ye hertelye well trusting that ye will p_er_seu_er_e as ye haue bego_n_n I meane so Freindlye and secretlye as thes thing_es_ that shall passe betwene vs may be p_ro_ffytable to vs bothe so that yo_ur_ wryting matyers of grauytie & Importaunce wherin maye be persayued good will myxyd w_i_t_h_ wisdom and trowthe I then[800] may haue Corage as an entyre frende[801] to p_ro_secute For yo_ur_ forderaunce & aduauncement with recuperacyon of that which I am sure ye most desyre which as I shall See opportunyte I will not undowtydlye forget and ons agayn Fare well[802] daylye lokyng For answer

64. ‹CROMWELL› TO CHRISTOPHER MONT.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1374. ‹1533.›

Encloses two letters from the King to the Dukes of Bavaria and Landgrave of Hesse, with copies. Urges Mont to discover the state of feeling in the Empire. Sends a bill of exchange for £30.

Felowe Cristofer I co_m_mende me vnto you And albeit sythen your departure ye haue not receyued any l_ette_res or instructions from the king_es_ maiestee concerning the execucion of suche his gracious affayrees as his highnes inco_m_mended to you at your departure Yet thinke ye not that your industrie labour travayle and diligence Vsed aswell in the setting fourth of his grac_es_ busynes, Whereof ye were sufficiently instructed at your saide departure as also in your diligent wrytyng often and Frequent aduertisement_es_ is put in any oblyuyon or forgotten But for the same his maiestee hathe co_m_maunded me to gyve vnto you his grac_es_ right hertie thank_es_. And in this packet ye shall receyue two L_ette_res addressed from the king_es_ maiestee vnto the Dukes of Bauarie and the Landegraue van Hesse, which his highnes willeth you to delyuer accordingly. the copies of whiche l_ette_res (to th’intent ye shalbe the more rype to answer if any thing shalbe obiected to you by the saide prynce) I haue sent you hereinclosed. Not doubting in your dexterytee good polycie and wisedom to propone and set fourth the effect_es_ of the same, as shall apperteyne. And forasmoche as here hathe ben the Secretarye of the duke of Bauarie who is named Mr. Hubertus Thomas by whom the king_es_ highnes hathe knowen and perceyued moche of the mynde and intent of the same Duke, ye shall not moche nede to travayle or enbusie yourself to procure answer other then of their owne mocyons they shall declare vnto you, But contynuallie indeauo_ur_ yo_ur_ self w_i_t_h_ all diligent Circumspection to explore enserche and knowe the state of the hole countrey of Germany and of their myndes intent_es_ and inclynacions toward_es_ the king_es_ highnes and this realme. And that also ye do by all the good meanes and polycies that ye can explore and enserche to knowe the myndes and intent_es_ of the prync_es_ of Germany and of the Germaynes how they be inclyned aswell toward_es_ thempero_ur_ as the king of Romaynes. Being contynuallie vigilant and diligent in wryting to the kyng_es_ maiestee of all thinges and occurraunt_es_ then according to his grac_i_ous trust and expectacion And because I wolde not haue you to lacke money ye shall receyue herew_i_t_h_ a bill of exch_a_unge for the some of xxx li.

_Endd._ A copy of a l_ette_re to Cristofer Mount.

65. ‹CROMWELL› TO HENRY VIII.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1369. ‹1533.›

Sends news about the Nun, and proposes to apprehend two friars who have come into the realm with mischievous intent. Sends a receipt for 24,000 cr., the residue of the Emperor’s debt, for the King to sign.

Pleasythit yo_ur_ Royall magestye to be adu_er_tysyd how that reparyng homward_es_ oon_e_ of my lorde chauncelers s_er_u_au_nttes met w_i_t_h_ me and delyu_er_id me yo_ur_ warrauntt_es_ Signyd w_i_t_h_ the hande of the prynces dowager which warrauntt I do send to yo_ur_ grace herin Inclosyd what yo_ur_ plesure shalbe to haue done therin being ons known I shall right gladlye acco_m_plyshe I haue also Sythyn my repayre to london spokyn w_i_t_h_ Freer Lawraunce who hathe Sethens his Repayre to london herde dyuers thing_es_ touching the holye mayde which he wyll declare to yo_ur_ hygnes and to non other and he Shewyth me also that that[803] therbe ij^{o} strange Freers of the order of obs_er_uantt_es_ latelye repayryd into this Realme which ij^{o} Freers haue exploryd here For all suche bok_es_ centencys and determynacyons as hathe passyd touching yo_ur_ hygnes Matrymonye, which they Intend w_i_t_h_ other pryvey practysys to Convey w_i_t_h_ them, to Freer Petow who as I am Credyblye Informyd Sent them into this yo_ur_ Realme[804] the sayd ij^{o} Freers as I am acertaynyd haue browght w_i_t_h_ them pryuy l_ette_res to dyuers and now bene gone to the sayd[805] dowager. in my poore oppynyon it shalbe right well done that thaye might be sent For by Som_e_ trustye p_e_rson howbeit yt were best that theye Fyrste sholde be sufferyd to speke w_i_t_h_ her and suche other of hers as woolde p_er_aduenture delyu_er_ to them anything wherby theyr Ferther practysys myght be p_er_sayuyd and so thayr Cankeryd Intentt_es_ myght be therbye dyscyfferyd. I am also Infformyd that there ys A m_er_chant of london whiche dothe practyse w_i_t_h_ them in thes p_re_myss_es_ I shall goo veray nere to haue knowlage therein yf it be trew he ys worthye to Suffer to make other beware in tyme he ys of good Substaunce. I wooll thys daye goo abowt to know the trowthe, thes thing_es_ woold be met w_i_t_h_ all in tyme and the sonner the better. I trust yo_ur_ highnes wyll by this berer adu_er_tyse me in wrytyng what shalbe yo_ur_ plesure touching as well the sayd Falls Freers as also towching of the sayd dowager’s warrant_es_. I haue also Sent to yo_ur_ grace on_e_ acquytance to be assigned for the xxiiij^{ti} thousande Crowns dew to yo_ur_ highnes for the resedew of the emperowrs dett and also A warrant to yo_ur_ chanceler For the Sealyng of the same which warrantt and acquyt_au_nce it may please yo_ur_ magestye to assigne and to send the same by this berer to the Intent Robert Fowler may be depechyd. The rest of the acquyt_au_nces for yo_ur_ ordynarye pencyon and Sale ben allredye Signed and Sealyd. and this the Hollye trynyte to whom I shall contenewallye praye to p_re_serue yo_ur_ highnes in long lyff and most p_ro_sperous helthe and send the same the vyctorye w_i_t_h_ hono_ur_ over all yo_ur_ Enemyes.

_Endd._ ij mynut_es_ of my M_aste_rs letters w_i_t_h_ my lord chancelo_ur_s.

66. CROMWELL TO ‹CRANMER›.

B.M. Harl. MSS. 6,148, f. 81; Cal. vii. 19. Jan. 5 ‹1534›.

The King desires Cranmer to send to him Mr. Heath, whom his highness wishes to employ as ambassador to the German princes.

By master Crumwell

After my moste humble co_m_mendac_i_ons yt may please your g_ra_ce to be aduertised that the kyng_es_ highnes hath comanded me to write vnto your g_ra_ce Requiryng the same w_i_t_h_ all co_n_veniente celeritie to send vp hither Mr. heth, whome for his Lerning, good gravitie and circu_m_spect[i]on the kyng_es_ highnes entendeth to send into the p_ar_ties of Garmany in Ambassade to treate ther with the princ_es_ of Germany, as well in the kyng_es_ great cause of Matrymony As in other causes p_er_teynyng to the Welth of this Realme And forasmoche as your g_ra_ce knoweth the grounde, veray iustnes, and equitie of the kyng_es_ said cause, his Highnes requereth you to instructe the said M_r_ Hethe in the same as he may be Ryppe and perfite in the knowlege of _th_e holle circumstaunc_es_ of the same And that for lake of inst[r]uct_i_on when tyme shall com to propone the matier it Appere not hym to be vnp_er_faite and remysse to do suche s_er_uice v_n_to the kyng_es_ Maiestie in that behalf as shalbe to his gracious truste and expectac_i_on which his highnes nothyng at all doubtith. Howbeit yo_ur_ g_ra_c_es_ adu_er_tisement and good instruct_i_on arrected vnto the said Maist_er_ Heth shall vndoubtedly make hym more rype and p_er_fite in the p_re_misses to do that thing that may be moche to your honour, his prayse and merite As knoweth o_ur_ Lorde, who send your grace Long Lyf and good helth at London the v. daye of January.

The kyng_es_ highnes also intendeth to practise certeyn thyng_es_ in the said p_ar_ties of Germany, concernyng the Auctoryte of the Bisshop of Rome.

Yo_ur_ gracys Bedisman THOMAS CRUMWELL.

67. ‹CROMWELL› TO HENRY VIII.

R.O. Cal. vii. 73. January ‹1534›.

Reports the passage in the Commons of the Act forbidding any man to keep more than 2000 sheep, and requiring every farmer to put one-eighth of his land in tillage. If the Bill passes the Lords also it will be the most beneficial thing done ‘sythyn Brewtyse tyme.’

Pleasythyt yo_ur_ most Royall Mageste to be adu_er_tysyd how that according to yo_ur_ most highe pleasure and co_m_maundeme_n_t I haue made serche for suche patentt_e_s and grauntys as yo_ur_ highnes and also the most Famous kyng yo_ur_ father whos Sowle o_ur_ lorde p_ar_don haue grauntyd vnto s_ir_ Rychard Weston knyght yo_ur_ vndertesawrer of your exchequer and the same haue sent to yo_ur_ highnes herin closyd yt may also please yo_ur_ most Royall Mageste to knowe how that yesterdaye ther passyd yo_ur_ Co_m_mons a byll that no p_er_son w_i_t_h_in this yo_ur_ Realme shall herafter kepe and Noryshe aboue the Nombre of twoo thousand shepe and also that the eight parte of eu_er_ye mans lande being a Fermour shall for eu_er_ herafter be put in tyllage yerlye which byll yf by the gret wysdom vertuew goodnes and zerale[806] that yo_ur_ highnes beryth toward_es_ this yo_ur_ Realme might haue good Successe and take good effect Amongyst yo_ur_ lord_es_ aboue I doo Coniecture and Suppose in my pore Symple and vnworthye Judgement that yo_ur_ highnes shall do the most noble proffyttable and most benefycyall thing that eu_er_ was done to the Co_m_mone welthe of this yo_ur_ Realme and shall therby Increase suche welthe in the same amongyst the gret Nombre & multytude for yo_ur_ most louyng and obedye[nt] Subiectys as neu_er_ was Seane in this Realme Sythen Brewtyse tyme most humblye prostrate at the Fete of yo_ur_ Magnifycence beseche yo_ur_ highnes to p_ar_don my boldnes ‹in› this wrytyng to yo_ur_ grace which onlye p_ro_cedythe for the trowthe dewtye allegaunce and loue I doo bere to yo_ur_ mageste and the Co_m_mon welth of this yo_ur_ Realme as o_ur_ lorde knowyth vnto whom I shall as I am most bounden Incessantlye praye for the contenewans & p_ro_sperous cons_er_uacyon of yo_ur_ most excellent most Royall and Imperyall estate long to Indure

68. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹FISHER›.

B.M. Cleop. E. iv, f. 101; Cal. vii. 238. ‹Feb. 1534.›

Reproves him at length for his communications with the Nun of Kent, and replies to seven reasons given by Fisher for not reporting her revelations to the King. Advises him to lay aside excuses, and beg the King’s mercy.

My lorde in my right hertie wise I co_m_mende me to yo_ur_ lordship doing you to vnderstand that I haue receyued yo_ur_ l_ette_res dated at Rochester the xviij^{th} of this moneth. In whiche ye declar_e_ what craft and cu_n_nyng ye haue to p_er_suade and to set a good countenau_n_ce vpon an yl mat_er_. Drawing som scriptur_es_ to yo_ur_ purpose whiche wel weyed acording to the plac_es_ whereof they be taken. make not so muche for yo_ur_ purpose as ye allege thaim for. And wher_e_ in the first lefe of yo_ur_ lett_er_s ye write that ye doubt nothing neither before god, nor befor the worlde if nede shal that requir_e_: so to declar_e_ yo_ur_self. whatsoeuer hath been said of you. that ye haue not deserued suche hevy word_es_ or terrible thret_es_ as hath been sent from me vnto you by yo_ur_ brother[807].

How ye can declare yo_ur_ self affor_e_ god and the world when nede shal requir_e_ I can not tell, but I think verely that yo_ur_ declaration made by thes l_ette_res is far insufficie_n_t to p_ro_ve that ye haue deserued no hevy word_es_ in this behalf and to sey playnly I sent you no hevy word_es_ but word_es_ of great co_m_fort wylling yo_ur_ brother to shewe you how benigne and m_er_ciful the prince was. And that I thoug[ht] it expedient for you to write vnto his highnes and to recognise yo_ur_ offence and desir_e_ his p_ar_don, whiche his grace wold not denye you now in yo_ur_ aige and sikkenes. Whiche my counsel I wold ye had folowed, rather than to haue writen thes l_ette_res to me excusing yo_ur_ self as thoughe there wer_e_ no maner of defaute in you. But my lord if it wer_e_ in an other mannys caas than yo_ur_ owne and out of the mater whiche ye fauor I doubt not but that ye wold think him that shuld haue doen as ye have doen non only worthy hevy word_es_ but also hevy dedys. For wher_e_ ye labor to excuse yo_ur_ self of yo_ur_ hering believing and co_n_celing of the nu_n_nys fals and faynid reuelations, and of yo_ur_ manyfold sending of yo_ur_ chapley[n] vnto her, by a certey_n_ intent whiche ye pretende yo_ur_self to haue had, to knowe by co_m_monyng w_i_t_h_ her or by sendi_n_g yo_ur_ chapellaine to her, whether her reuelations wer_e_ of god or no. alleging diu_er_se scriptures. that ye wer_e_ bound to p_ro_ve thaim, and not to reiecte thaim affor_e_ they wer_e_ p_ro_ued My Lord whether ye haue vsed a due meane to trie her and her reuelations, or no. It appereth by the p_ro_cesse of yo_ur_ owne l_ette_res. For wher_e_ ye write that ye had co_n_ceyuid a greate opinion of the holines of the woman for many considerations rehersed in yo_ur_ l_ette_res c_om_p_ri_sed in vi articles, whereof the first is grownde vpo_n_ the brute and fame of her, the secunde vpon her entreng into religion after her trauns_es_ and disfiguration, the third vpon rehersall that her gostly father being lerned and religious shuld testifie that she was a maide of greate holines. The fourth vpon the report that diuerse other vertuose prest_es_ me_n_ of good lernyng and reputation, shuld so testifie of her, w_i_t_h_ whiche gostly father and preest_es_ ye never spake as ye confesse in yo_ur_ lett_er_s. The fyveth vpon the prayse of my late lord of Cant_erbury_, which shewed you (as ye write) that she had many greate visions the sixt vpon this saing of the p_ro_phete Amos, No_n_ faciet d_om_in_u_s deus v_er_bu_m_, nisi reuelau_er_it secretu_m_ suu_m_ ad seruos suos p_ro_phetas by whiche co_n_siderations ye wer_e_ induced to the desir_e_ to know the very certente of this mater, whether the reuelations whiche wer_e_ p_re_tended to be shewed to her from god wer_e_ true reuelations or nott? yo_ur_ lordship in al the se_n_gle[808] of yo_ur_ l_ette_res shewe not that ye made no ferther trial vpo[n] the trueth of her and her reuelation, but only in co_m_monyng w_i_t_h_ her and sending yo_ur_ chapellaine to her, w_i_t_h_ Idle questions as of the thre mary magdalens. by whiche yo_ur_ co_m_mony[ng] and sending, ye tried out nothing of her falshed, nouther (as it is credibly supposed) entended to do, as ye myght haue doen many weyes mor_e_ easely than w_i_t_h_ co_m_monyng w_i_t_h_ her or sending to her; for litel credens was to be gyven to her affirmyng her owne fayned reuelations to be from god.

For if credence shuld be gyven to eu_er_y suche lewd p_er_son as wold affirme himself to haue reuelations from god what redyer wey wer_e_ ther_e_ to subuert al co_m_mon we[l]thes and good orders in the worlde.

Verily my lord if ye had entended to trie out the trueth of her and of her reuelations ye wold haue taken an other wey w_i_t_h_ you, first ye wold not haue been co_n_tented w_i_t_h_ the vayne voyc_es_ of the peple making brut_es_ of her traunses & disfiguratio_n_ But like a wise discrete and circumspect p_re_late ye shuld haue examined (as other haue) suche sad and credible p_er_sons as wer_e_ p_re_sent att her traunses & disfiguration_es_, not one or two, but a good nu_m_ber by whoes testimony ye shuld haue p_ro_ued whether the brut_es_ of her traunc_es_ and disfigurations wer_e_ true or not And likewise ye shuld haue tried by what craft and p_er_suasion she was made a religious woman. And if ye had been so desirous as ye p_re_tende to enquir_e_ out the trueth or falshed of this woman and of her reuelations, it is to be supposed ye wold haue spoken w_i_t_h_ her good religious and wel lerned gostly father (as ye cal him) or this tyme: and also w_i_t_h_ the vertuose, and wel lerned preest_es_ (as they wer_e_ estemed) of whoes reaport_es_ ye were informed by thaim whiche herd thaim speke[809] ye wold also haue been mynded to se the booke of her revelations whiche was offerd you. of whiche ye myght haue had mor_e_ trial of her and of her reuelations, than a hundred co_m_munications w_i_t_h_ her, or of as many sendings of yo_ur_ chapellen vnto her. As for the late lord of Cauntreburys seying vnto you that she had many greate visions, it ought to move you never a deale to gyve credence vnto her or her reuelations, For the said lord knew no mor_e_ certente of her or of her reuelations than ye dyd by her owne reaport. And as towching the saing of Amos the prophete, I thinke veryly the same moved you but a litell to herkyn vnto her, for sythe the co_n_su_m_mation and thende of thold testame_n_t and sythens the passion of Christ god hathe doen many greate and notable thing_es_ in the worl[d]e, whereof he shewed no thing to his p_ro_phet_es_ that hath co_m_men to the knowlege of men. My lord all thes thinges moved you not to gyve credence vnto her, but only the very mater whereupon she made her fals p_ro_ficyes to whiche mater ye were so affected (as ye be noted to be on al mat_er_s whiche ye enter ons into) that nothing could com amysse that made for that purpose

And her_e_ I appelle yo_ur_ conscience and instantly desire you to aunswer. Whether if she had shewed you as many reuelationsf or the co_n_firmation of the king_es_ grac_es_ marriage whiche he now enjoyeth as she did to the co_n_trary, ye wold haue gyven as muche credence to her as ye haue doen, and wold haue let the trial of her and of her reuelations to ou_er_passe thes many yer_es_, wher_e_ ye dwelt not from her but xx mylys, in the same shir_e_, wher_e_ her traunses and disfiguring_es_ and p_ro_phecyes in her traunses wer_e_ surmised and countrefeyd. And if p_er_caas ye wol sey (as it ‹is› not vnlike but ye wol sey mynded as ye wer_e_ wont to be) that the mat_e_rs be not like, for the Law of god in yo_ur_ opinion standeth w_i_t_h_ the one and not w_i_t_h_ thother. Suerly my lord I suppose this had been no greate cause mor_e_ to reiect the one than thother for ye know by histories of the bible that god may by his reuelation dispense w_i_t_h_ his owne Law, as w_i_t_h_ the[810] Israelit_es_ spoyling the egiptians and w_i_t_h_ Jacob to haue iiij wifes, and suche other[811].

Think you my lord that any indifferent man co_n_sidering the qualite of the mater and yo_ur_ affeccion, and also the negligent passing over of suche lawful triall_es_ as ye myght haue had of the said nu_n_ne and her reuelations, is so dull, that can not p_er_ceyue and discerne that yo_ur_ co_m_monyng and often sending to the said nu_n_ was rather to here and know mor_e_ of her reuelations, than to trie out the trueth or falshed of thes same And in this behalf I suppose it wol be hard for you to purge yo_ur_self bifor_e_ god or the worle, but that ye haue been in greate defaut hering beleuyng and co_n_celing suche thing_es_ as tended to the destruction of the prince And that her reuelations wer_e_ bent and purposed to that ende . it hathe been duely p_ro_ued, affore as greate assembly and cou_n_sel of the lord_es_ of this realme as hath been seen many yer_es_ heretofor_e_ out of a p_a_rliame_n_t. And what the said lord_es_ demed thaim worthy to suffer, whiche had beleued and co_n_celed thees fals reuelations be mor_e_ terrible than any thret_es_ spoken by me to yo_ur_ brother

And wher_e_ ye go abought to defende that ye be not to be blamed for co_n_celing her reuelations co_n_cernyng the king_es_ grace, bicause ye thought it not necessary to reherse thaim to his highnes. for vij causes folowing in yo_ur_ l_ette_res affor_e_ I shewe you my mynde co_n_cernyng thees causes, I suppose that albeit ye p_er_caas thought it not necessary to be shewed to the prince by you. yet that your thinking shal not be your triall, but the Law must diffine whether ye owghted to vtter it or not.

And as to the first of said vii causes. Albeit[812] she told youe that she had shewed her reuelations co_n_cernyng the king_es_ grace to the king herself, yet her seyng or others discharged not you but that ye were bound by yo_ur_ fidelite to shewe to the king_es_ grace . that thing whiche semed to co_n_cerne his grace and his reigne so nyghly . for how knew you that she[813] shewed thes reuelations to the king_es_ grace but by her owne seyng, to whiche ye shuld haue gyven no suche credence as to for_e_ber_e_ the utt_e_rance of so greate maters co_n_cernyng a king_es_ welth And why shuld you so sinisterly iudge the prince that if ye had shewed thees same vnto him, he wold haue thought that ye had brought that tale vnto him mor_e_ for the strenghing and co_n_firmatio_n_ of yo_ur_ opinion then for any other thing els. Veryly my lord what so eu_er_ yo_ur_ iudgeme_n_t bee . I se dayly suche benignite and excellent humanite in his grace that I doubt not but his highnes . wold haue accepted it in good part if ye had shewed the same reuelations vnto him as ye wer_e_ bounden to do by yo_ur_ fidelite.

To the secunde cause. Albeit she shewed you not that any prince or other t_em_poral lord shuld put the king_es_ grace in daing_er_ of his crowne yet there were weyes Inoughe, by whiche her said reuelations myght haue put the king_es_ grace in dainger, as the for_e_said counsel of lord_es_ . haue substancially and duely co_n_sidered And therefor Albeit she shewed you not the meanes whereby the dayng_er_ shuld ensue to the king_es_ [grace] yet . ye wer_e_ neverthelesse bounden to shewe him of the dainger.

To the third. Think you my lord, that if any p_er_son wold com vnto you and shewe youe that the king_es_ destruction wer_e_ co_n_spired against a certen tyme, and wold ferther shewe you, that he wer_e_ sent from his maist_er_ to shewe the same to the king and wol sey ferther vnto [you] that he wold go streyct to the king, wer_e_ it not yet your duety to certifie the king_es_ grace of the relation, but also to inquire whether the said p_e_rson had doen his for_e_said messaige or no, yes verely. And so wer_e_ ye bound, thoughe the nu_n_ne shewed youe, it was her messaige from god to be declared by her to the king_es_ grace.

To the iiii^{th} her_e_ ye translate the temporal duety that ye owe to yo_ur_ prince, to the spiritual duety of suche as be bounde to declar_e_ the worde of god to the peple, and to shewe vnto them the p_er_ill and punissheme_n_t of sy_n_ in an other worlde, the co_n_celeme_n_t whereof p_er_teyneth to the iudgeme_n_t of god, but the co_n_celeme_n_t of this mater p_er_teyneth to other iudg_es_ of this realme.

To the v^{th} ther could no blame be arrested to you if ye had shewed the nu_n_nys reuelations to the king_es_ grace, albeit they wer_e_ aft_er_ward found fals for no man owght to be blamed doing his duety And if a man wold shewe you secretly that there wer_e_ a greate mischief entended . against the prince, wer_e_ ye to be blamed if ye shewed him of it, albeit it wer_e_ a fayned tale, and the said mischief wer_e_ never Imagined.

To the sixt . co_n_cernyng an Imagination of mast_er_ Pacy. It was knowen that he was beside himself, and therefor_e_ they wer_e_ not blamed that made no report thereof, but it was not lik in this caas For ye toke not this nu_n_ne for a mad woman, for if ye had ye wold not haue gyven vnto her so greate credence as ye dyd.

To the final and vii^{th} cause wher_e_ ye lay[814] vnto the charge of o_ur_ sou_er_aine, that he hath vnkyndly entreacted you . w_i_t_h_ grevous word_es_ and terrible letters for shewing his grace trowthe in his greate mater, whereby ye wer_e_ disco_m_forted to shewe vnto him the nu_n_nys reuelations. I beleue that I know the king_es_ goodnes and natural gentilnes so well, that his grace wold not so vnkyndly handle you, as you vnkyndly write of him, onles ye gave him other causes than be expressed in yo_ur_ lett_er_s. And what so eu_er_ the king_es_ grace hath sayed or writen vnto you heretofore, yet that notw_i_t_h_stonden, ye wer_e_ neverthelesse bounden to vtt_er_ to him thees p_er_nicious reuelations.

Finally Wher_e_ ye desir_e_ for the passion of christ that ye be no mor_e_ quykkened in this mater for if ye be put to that straite ye wyl not lose yo_ur_ soule, but ye wyl speke as yo_ur_ co_n_science ledeth you w_i_t_h_ many moo word_es_ of greate curraige. My lord if ye had taken my counsel sent vnto you by yo_ur_ brother and folowed the same, submitting yo_ur_self by yo_ur_ letters to the king_es_ grace for yo_ur_ offenses in this behalf, I wold haue trusted that ye shuld never be quykkened in this mat_er_ mor_e_. But now wher_e_ ye take vpon you to defe_n_de the hole mater as ye wer_e_ in no default. I cannot so far p_ro_mise you[815]. And suerly my lord if the mat_er_ co_m_ to triall: yo_ur_ owne co_n_fession in thes l_ette_res besid_es_ the wittnes whiche be against you wolbe sufficient to co_n_demne you Wher_e_for my lord I wol eftsones aduise you that laying apart al suche excuses as ye haue alleged in yo_ur_ letters whiche in my_n_ opinion be of smal effect as I haue declared ye beseche the king_es_ grace by yo_ur_ lett_er_s to be yo_ur_ graciou[s] lord, and to remitte vnto you yo_ur_ negligence ouersight and offence co_m_mitted against his his[816] highnes in this behalf And I dar_e_ vndertake that his highenes shal benignely accepte you into his gracious fauor, al mat_er_s of displeasir_e_ past affor_e_ this tyme forgoten and forgyven.

[817]As towching the speking of yo_ur_ conscience, it is thought that ye haue writen and haue spoken as muche as ye can . and . many thing_es_ (as som right probably beleaue) against yo_ur_ owne co_n_science. And men report that at the Last conuocation ye spake many thing_es_ whiche ye could not wel defende. And therefor it is not greatly ferede what ye can sey or write in that mat_er_. howsoeu_er_ ye be quykkened or strayted And if ye had taken _etc._

69. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹THE SHERIFF OF YORKSHIRE›.

R.O. Cal. vii. 383. Mar. 28 ‹1534›.

In order to prevent any infringement of the King’s rights in the lands of Sir John Dunham, lately deceased, the council considers it expedient that those persons who dwell near the lands should be impanelled to inquire for the King.

Maister Sheryff I co_m_mend me vnto yow and being Infformyd of the dethe of syr Jhon Dunham Knyghte whyche in his lyffe helde of the king_es_ grace certayne land_es_ and tenement_es_ in the County of Yorke In Capite. And by cause that the kyng_es_ righte shall not be hydde ne cloked It is therfor considered by the kyng_es_ most honorable counsell that suche persons who hath the most knowlege sufficient of freeholde and dwellys next vnto the Land_es_ of the saied syr John Donham be impanelled to inquyre for the kyng_es_ grace the namys of whom herein enclosyd I do send yow who are extemyd and reputed to be men of good worship and conscience as I am credably enformed Aduertysyng yow that vpon a precept to yow dyrected by the kyng_es_ excheto_ur_ ye do retourne a suffycient Inquest of the same persons to inquyre for the kyng_es_ grace of the tenure of the saied land_es_. And in yo_ur_ so doyng ye shall do the king_es_ grace a righte acceptable seruyce to his contentatyon And so fare ye well from London the xxviii^{ti} daye of march.

_Endd._ mynute of a l_ette_re.

70. CROMWELL TO GARDINER.

B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 348; Cal. vii. 535. Apr. 24 ‹1534›.

Requests for a friend the advowson of the parsonage of St. John’s of Sherborne, in Hampshire, the yearly value of which is 10 or 11 pounds.

My Lord in my right hertie wise I co_m_mende me to you. And as I haue been, and wolbe glad and redy, to do you suche pleasir_e_ as I myght or may. so I desire you to graunt vnto me to the behoue of a dere frende of myne. the aduocation of the p_ar_sonaige of S. Jhons of [Shire]borne in hampshir_e_ being of yo_ur_ gift. whiche is of the yerely value of x or xj^{li} and not aboue (as I am informed) by the gyft whereof ye shal shewe vnto me a right acceptable pleasir_e_ . whiche I wol not forgete when I may in reco_m_pense thereof . do the thing that may be to your co_n_tentation. And of yo_ur_ beniuolent mynd in this behalf, I desir_e_ you not only to certifie me by yo_ur_ next w_ri_ting but also to direct yo_ur_ letters to yo_ur_ vicar gen_er_all and to the prio_u_r and co_n_uent of yo_ur_ churche . for thexpedition thereof to be made in due forme, and to be deliu_ere_d vnto me w_i_t_h_ suche spede as shall pleace you to co_m_maunde thaim . the xxiiij^{th} day of Aprile.

Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd freei_n_d THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my verey loving Lord my lord of wynchester.

_Edd._ the xxiiij of Ap_ri_l Mr. Secretary

71. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹CRANMER›.

R.O. Cal. vii. 500. ‹Apr. 1534.›

The King considers it expedient that More and Fisher be compelled to swear to the preamble of the Act of Succession as well as to the Act itself: otherwise it might be taken as a confirmation of the authority of the Bishop of Rome.

My Lorde after myne humble co_m_menda_ci_ons it may please yo_ur_ grace to be adu_er_tesed that I haue receyued yo_ur_ l_ette_res and shewed the same to the king_es_ highnes who p_er_ceyuing yo_ur_ mynde and opynyon is that it were good that the bisshop of Rochester and Mr. More should be sworn to the acte of the king_es_ succession and not to the preamble of the same, thinketh that if their othe should be so taken it were an occasion to all men to refuse the hole or at the lest the lyke. For in case they be sworn to the succession and not to the p_re_amble it is to be thought that it might be taken not onelie as a confirmacion of the Bisshop of Rome his auctoryte but also as a reprobacion of the king_es_ second mariage wherefore to thintent that no such thing_es_ should be brought into the hedd_es_ of the people by the ensample of the saide Bisshop of Rochester and Mr. More the king_es_ highnes in no wise willeth but that they shalbe sworn aswell to the preamble as to the acte of Succession[818] in no man_er_ of wyse Wherfore his grace specyallye trustyth that ye wyll in no wyse Suppose attempt or move hym to the Contrarye For as hys grace Suppossyth that that man_er_ of Sweryng yf yt sholde be sufferyd myght be an vtter destruccyon to his hole Cause and Also to the effecte of the law made For the same

_Endd._ _m_ynute.

72. CROMWELL TO THE PRIOR AND CONVENT OF WENLOCK.

R.O. Cal. vii. 593. May 1 ‹1534›.

Desires them to grant to Thomas Lowley the lease of Okinbold farm, in Shropshire, at the rent which his father paid.

In myn harty maner I co_m_mende me unto youe And wheras ye haue nowe in yo_ur_ handes and disposic_i_on again, the ferme of Oxinbold belonging to that Mon_astery_. These shalbe to desire and hartely pray youe, for my sake to graunte a sufficient lease therof to my Freende Thomas Lowleye ser_ua_unt to Mr. Norreys vnder yo_ur_ convent seale for the terme of xl yeres yelding and payeng vnto yow suche rent for the same, as his father whiche was fermo_ur_ therof hertofore paid vnto your mon_astery_ at that tyme that he had it in ferme. Desiring you in noo wise to alienate it to any man but only to this tyl ye shal knowe further, in case ye shal not condescende to this my request, and to adu_er_tise me by yo_ur_ L_ette_res w_i_t_h_ spede of yo_ur_ proceding in this Behaulf And thus Fare you hartely well From Stepnaye the first daye of Maye

Yo_ur_ Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my loving freendes the prior and Convent of the Mon_astery_ of Wenlok.

73. CROMWELL TO DR. SAMPSON.

R.O. Cal. vii. 655. May 13 ‹1534›.

Requires him to appoint a bishop to ‘execute’ at the Court, as the Bishop of Chester is unable to be present.

Mr. Deane, after my right hertie co_m_mendations Forasmoche as my lorde of Chester is not onelie destitute of Myter Crosier and other thing_es_ necessarie but also shall to morowe be enbusied and occupied about_es_ other the king_es_ affaires I shall therefore hertelie requyre you to appoynte som other Bisshop to execute to morowe before the king_es_ highnes at the Courte, till my saide Lorde of Chester shall be better Furnysshed as app_er_tyneth Wherein ye shall do him moche pleasure. And so Fare ye well. At Stepney the xiii day of Maye.

Your assuryd Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the right wo_r_shipfull Mr. Docto_ur_ Sampson dean of the king_es_ chappell be this youen.

74. CROMWELL TO THE SENATE AND CONSULS OF LÜBECK[819].

B.M. Vit. B. xxi, f. 107; Cal. vii. 707. May 24, 1534.

On behalf of William Gilbank, whose ship was captured near Sandwich and taken to Lübeck, with goods worth 53 pounds sterling.

{Henricus Dei gr_ati_a Rex Angliae, et Franciae, fidei defensor, ac D_omi_n_us_ Hiber[niae] ... Consulibus, et} Senator{ibus}es Ciuitatis Lubicen_sis_ _etc._ Amici{s} n_ost_ri{s} Car_issi_mi{s} {sal_utem_} plur_i_ma_m_ Sal_utem_ et Co_m_me_n_ ...

Nuper apud {nos} ... humilite_r_ conq[uestus est] ...s, ac fidelis {noster potentissimi n_ostr_i Regis} eius subditus Willelmus gylbanke q_uod_ quum superioribus mensibus nauis quaedam cui Hugo ship ... [prae]erat, ex harmywe Zelandiae vico hoc {n_ostr_um} inclytum Regnum uersus nauigatura soluerat, ac varij generis merces ad u[alorem] ... quinquaginta triu_m_ librar_um_ sterlingorum in ea onerasset, commercij gr_atia_ huc aduecturus, accidit, ut dicta nauis iam ... [n]auigationis cursu {et n_os_tr_u_m} in eiusdem ser_enissi_mi D_omini_ n_ostr_[i] Regis portu_m_ Sandwic_ensem_ ferme ingressa, a v_est_ra Classe quae belli praetextu, quod aduersus hollandos ... bat, per hoc {nostrum} mare excurrebat capta, et una cum dicti {n_ost_ri subditi} Will_el_mi bonis, ac mercibus in ciuitate_m_ istam v_estr_am ... abducta fuit; erit longe quidem praeter vetere_m_ mutuamq_ue_ {n_ost_ram} amicitiam cum Ser_enissi_ma hac Regia M_aiesta_te, et ingenti {eiusdem subditi n_ost_ri Will_el_mi eius subdi[ti]} prefati sui subditi detrimento, id q[u]od quum inscijs vobis a v_est_rae classis praefectis {commissum fuerit, voluimus} eadem Regia M_aies_tas co_m_missu_m_ fuisse plane credat, iussit ut suo no_m_i_n_e n_ostr_is his l_itte_ris hanc causam vobis imp_rese_ntia commendaremus: Vos igitur quos p_ro_ intimis amici[s] habet impense rogat, ut pro vest[ro] erga iustas quasq_ue_ causas studio, pro mutuaq_ue_ {n_ostr_a} secum coniunctione, v_estr_a authoritate efficere velitis q_uod_ praedicta bona sic ablat[a] eidem {n_ostr_o subdito} Will_e_lmo uel eius procuratori in integrum restitua_n_tur, id quod {ut nobis} ut [e]idem Regie M_aiesta_ti maxime gratum, et iustitiae consentane[um] erit, ita {nos} ipsam ad parem beneuolentiam erga subditos v_es_tros, data occasione, exhibendam propensior ardentiorque {efficiem[ur]} reddetur. Et bene valete. Ex Regia n_ostr_a Richemondiae Die xxiiij Maij MDXXXIIII.

De nobis v_er_o possunt v_estr_ates o_m_nes in iustis suis hic occurrentib_us_ negocijs ap_u_d ha_n_[c] Regia_m_ Ma_iesta_tem omne humanitatis officiu_m_ sibi polliceri quod suo loco et te_m_pore cumulate p_rae_stabim[u]s

Vester bonus amicus THOMAS CRUMWELL

_Add._ Mag_nifi_cis D_omi_nis Consulibus, et Senatoribus Ciuitatis Lubicen_sis_ _etc._ Amicis n_ostr_is C_arissi_mis.

75. CROMWELL TO MR. SAPCOTTES.

R.O. Cal. vii. 790. June 4 ‹1534›.

Desires him to repair to London as soon as possible, as he is executor of Edw. Watson, deceased, who was in danger to the King.

Mr. Sapcott_es_ I co_m_mende me vnto you. And For as moche as ye were executour and admynistrato_ur_ of the good_es_ of Edwarde Watson decessed who was in daungier to the king_es_ highnes, I shall therefore aduertise and require you that vppon the sight of these my l_ette_res for that matier w_i_t_h_ other thing_es_ that I haue to sey vnto you ye do put yo_ur_ self in a redynes to repayre vnto me w_i_t_h_ all conuenie_n_t celeryte. And at your co_m_myng ye shall knowe Ferther of the king_es_ pleasure. So Fare ye well From my house at Canbery the iiii^{th} day of June

Yo_ur_ Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To his louing frend Mr. Henry Sapcott_es_ be this youen at Lyncoln.

76. CROMWELL TO THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY.

Ellis Letters, 2nd Ser. ii. 135; Cal. vii. 973. July 13 ‹1534›.

Thanks him for his zeal in apprehending a hermit, who has been examined, and is to be tried by the justices of assize, and punished according to the law.

After my right herty commendacions to your Lordship, I have by this bearer your servaunt, bailly of Chesterfeld, receyved your Lettres and the byll therin enclosed concernyng th’ Ermyte, the whiche being by me examyned, answered that he could not tell whither he spake ever the same trayterouse words or not. I have caused an Inditement to be drawen therupon whiche your Lordeship shal receyve herwith; and also I have thought convenient to retorn the said Hermite unto you agayn, there befor the Justices of Assise to be tryed and to th’exemple of all other to be punyshed according to right and the King’s lawes. I thank evermor your Lordeship for your good zele, diligence, and dexterate in repressing and apprehending suche perniciouse and detestable felons: and therof shal I not faile to make true raport to his Highnes who I am assure shal tak the sam in most thankfull part. Thus I beseche our holy Creator to sende you prosperite and long liffe. From Cheleshith this xiij^{th} of July.

Your lordshippis assuryd THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my very good Lord Therle of Shrewesbury Lorde Stuarde to the Kings Ma^{tie}.

77. ‹CROMWELL› TO ----.

R.O. Cal. vii. 990. July 20 ‹1534›.

Orders him to arrest four murderers from Yorkshire, who first fled into Scotland, but have now returned to Durham, where they ride about at their pleasure.

In my Right harty man_er_ I co_m_mend me vnto you and where as I am enfourmed that one p_er_cyvall worme, wyll_ia_m Corneforthe John bygott and wyll_ia_m dobson lately co_m_mytted a detestable mourdo_ur_ in the Countye of Yorke and beyng Indyttyd _th_erof thei ther vpon flede into Scottlond where as _th_ei _th_er Remayned as yt ys thought tyll now of late, that thei lyttyll dreadyng god nor the lawes of this Realme arne comme into the byschopryche of Durh_a_m wher as thei doo Ryde in all plac_es_ therof at ther pleasures to the greate boldnes and p_er_yllous example of all other suche [ev]yll dysposed p_er_sonnes. And therfor my mynd ys that ye w_i_t_h_ dylygence do attach or cause the said p_er_sons to be Attachyd, And them to deteyne in pryson vntyll such tyme as thei schalbe by the order of _the_ lawes acquyted or otherwyse dyscharged as ye wyll aunswere to the kyng_es_ highnes at yo_ur_ p_er_yll. Wretyn at my house in london _th_e xx^{th} day of July.

78. ‹CROMWELL› TO THE ABBOT OF ‹ST. AUSTIN’S IN CANTERBURY›.

R.O. Cal. vii. 1007. July 25 ‹1533[820]›.

Requests him to settle his differences with the bearer, whose father could have had many offices of the abbot and his predecessor. As the bearer has his brothers and sisters to support, the abbot ought to do as much for him as he would have done for his father.

My Lorde Abbot I reco_m_mende me vnto you etc. and where as George Goldwyn the bryng_er_ hereof hathe byn A continuall suto_ur_ vnto me A great tyme to haue A Warde made betwene you and hym[821] I shall hertelye desire & praye you vppon the sight hereof to take some reasonable waye with hym so that I be no longer molestyd by hym and his co_n_tynuall Sute and whereas his Father myght haue had[822] of yo_ur_ lordshyp & yo_ur_ predecesso_ur_ dyuers offers who alwayes refused them yet neu_er_theles me thinkyth yo_ur_ lordshyp now can no lesse doo then to graunte hym so moche in consciens[823] as ye woolde have yovyn his Father For he ys moche[824] chargyd w_i_t_h_ the dett_e_s of his Father as he affirmyth and also w_i_t_h_ the Fyndyng of his Brethern and sisterne[825]. Whereffor in myn oppynyon it shalbe well doon that ye take an ende w_i_t_h_ hym Yow know his Father dyed in pryson at yo_ur_ Sute and thus co_m_myttyng this matyer to god & yo_ur_ Conscyens & thanking yow For my hawke & bydde yow hertelye Fare well at london the xxv^{ti} daye of July

_Endd._ mynute of a l_ette_re.

79. CROMWELL TO LORD COBHAM.

B.M. Harl. MSS. 283, f. 203; Cal. vii. App. 33. July 30 ‹1534›.

Directions about the administration of ‘the farm of the parsonage.’ Promises to attend to the monks of which Cobham speaks, if he will send them up.

I commend me vnto yo_ur_ good lordship yn my right harty maner, Adu_er_tisyng you that I have receyvyd your l_ette_res and the Inventory accordyng to your wrytyng. And touchyng the ferme of the parsonage I desire your lordship to cause the corne and other dutyes to be getherd together, and as for the rent I will order your lordship therin at our metyng. And your Monk_e_s of whome ye write if ye send theym hither I wil be contentyd to co_m_mon w_i_t_h_ theym and to do therin as the case shall requyre. I pray yo_ur_ lordshyp to have me co_m_mendyd vnto my good lady in my right harty maner and so to geve hir thank_e_s for the foule that she hathe sent vnto me. And thus our lord have you yn his kepyng. At Stepenhey the xxx^{th} day of Julye.

Your lordshippis assuryd THOMAS CRUMWELL

_Add._ To my very good lord my lord Cobham this be delyu_er_yd.

80. CROMWELL TO THE MAYORS AND OFFICERS OF SOUTHAMPTON, PORTSMOUTH, AND POOLE.

R.O. Cal. vii. 1132. Sept. 4 ‹1534›.

Asks assistance for two men who are going into those parts on the King’s business.

I co_m_mend me vnto you. ‹and› Adv_er_tise you that the king_es_ highnes at this tyme dothe send George Whelpeley and John Brawne about certayne besynes geven vnto theym in charge to be done in those p_ar_ties, w_i_t_h_ soche spede and diligence as they convenyently may requyryng you and eu_er_y of you to p_er_mytt and suffer the same George and John to execute and do in eu_er_y thyng, as the kyng_es_ grace hath co_m_maundyd theym w_i_t_h_out any yo_ur_ ympedyment_es_ let or interupcion in and about the same. And in case any ill disposed p_er_sone or p_er_sones will disobey or gaynsay the same, I farther requyre you yn the kyng_es_ behalf to assiste ayde and counsaill theym in and about thexecucion of their purpose. As ye will advoyde the king_es_ high displeasure. And thus fare ye well. At london the iiii^{th} day of September.

Your Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the Mayres Sheriff_es_ and Bayliffes Custumers Comptrollers and Sercho_ur_s w_i_t_h_in the townes and port_es_ of Suthampton Portesmouthe and Pole and eu_er_y of theym and the Crek_es_ belongyng to theym and eu_er_y of theym this be youen.

_Endd._ My m^{re}. l_ette_re for George Whelpeley

81. CROMWELL TO SIR ROGER REYNOLDS, ROBERT WOLF, AND JOHN KYTCH.

R.O. Cal. vii. 1134. Sept. 6 ‹1534›.

The King desires them to repair to Cromwell to answer to the charges made against them.

I comend me vnto you And these shalbe to adu_er_tise you that the king_es_ pleasure is that ye y_m_mediately vppon the sight of these my l_ette_res shall repayre hither to answer vnto suche thing_es_ as then shalbe leyed and obiected to you on the king our saide sou_er_eigne lord_es_ behalf. Fayle ye not thus to do as ye will avoyde ferther perill and inconuenyence. So Fare ye well From my house at Canbery the vi^{th} day of Septembre.

THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To Sir Roger Reynold_es_ priest M_aster_ of the Hospitall of Saynt Johns in Huntingdon Robert Wolf Baylif there and John Kytche and to eu_er_y of them be this youen.

82. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE AND LORD EDMUND HOWARD.

R.O. Cal. vii. 1179. Sept. 21, 1534.

The King, hearing that the searchers of Calais are remiss, and permit things to be conveyed out of the realm contrary to law, has appointed Nicholas Caldwell and John Gough to aid them.

In my right herty man_er_ I co_m_mende me vnto yo_ur_ good Lordshipp_es_. So it is that the King_es_ Highenes is certaynly informyd that dyuers and many thing_es_ arne dayly conveyd ouit of this realme into the partyes of beyond the sees contrary to the statut_es_ and provisions in suche casse ordeinyd and provided. and for as muche as the s_er_chours in the towne and M_ar_chys of Calais arne remysse and negligent in thexamynacion of their offic_es_ his highenes therfor well considering the same, and also p_er_ceyving that his trusty s_er_vaunt_es_ Nicholas Caldwall and John Gowghe byn men of good circumspiccion meate to make s_er_che and fynde owt the same, hathe ordenyd and constitutyd them Joyntly and severallie to be attendant and vigilant abouit the serching of the same w_i_t_h_in the saide toune and m_ar_chys and the havon Longing to the same for this tyme. Wherfor adu_er_tesing yo_ur_ Lordshippes of the king_es_ ples_ur_ therin I requyre you in the king_es_ behalff to assist and ayde the same Nicholas & John and eyther of them in execucyon of this the king_es_ ples_ur_ and co_m_maundement as often and as the casse shall requyre as the king_es_ trust is in you. and thus the blyssed trinitie pres_er_ue yo_ur_ good Lordshipp_es_ at Candbery the xxi of Septembre

thus subscribyd Yo_ur_ Lordshipp_es_ assuryd Frynd THOMAS CROMWELL.

The sup_er_scripcio_n_. To the right hono_ur_able and my Veray good Lord_es_ my Lord Lyssle depute of Calas and my Lorde Edmonde Howard Comptroller ther and to eyther of them be this yeven

_Endd._ Copia of Mr. Cromwell_es_ L_ette_re for the s_er_che to John Gowghe and N. caldewall 22 Septembre. 1534.

83. CROMWELL TO ‹THE LORDS OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL›.

R.O. (Museum) Cal. vii. 1271. Oct. 17 ‹1534›.

Asks them to give audience to the bearer, who can tell them much about the evil-disposed person apprehended on Sunday last. Advises that the said person be not put to death till he has made full confession.

My lord_es_ after my most affectuouse reco_m_mendac_i_on, This present berer my lord of York_es_ seruaunt is arryved nowe to me w_i_t_h_ l_ette_res bothe to me and to the king_es_ highnes. I haue remitted hym furthw_i_t_h_ to deliver his maiestes l_ette_res. And because he can fully Instructe yo_ur_ lordships and enfo_ur_me you of many thing_es_ I pray you to heare hym fauourably and to geve hym full audience for ye shal here of hym sundry notable thing_es_ and sp_ec_ially ayenst hym that was apprehended on Sondaye last whom I tak to be an veray evill disposed p_er_sone and the which if he be examyned according to the said berers relation ye shal knowe thing_es_ gretely to be marked & noted Therfor I beseche you to have this mater recommended And that the said p_er_son so apprehended be not put to deth tyll we may knowe the hoole and profound bothom of his cancred hert. I pray you to sende to me adu_er_tisseme_n_t howe ye shal fynde hym and knowlege of the veray mater And also of any suche thing_es_ As I can do here, any expe_dis_hon for the furthera_un_ce of any the king_es_ maters For I shal spaer no diligence. Thus o_ur_ blessed creato_ur_ have you in his tuition & keping From the Rooles this xvii^{th} of Octobr_e_.

Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

84. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.

R.O. Cal. vii. 1328. Oct. 29, 1534.

Requests him to examine and reform the ‘anoysaunces’ made by Sir Robert Wingfield in the Marches of Calais.

In my right harty maner I co_m_mend me vnto yo_ur_ good lordship. And wher as of late the kinges highnes hathe directed his Co_m_myssion vnto yo_ur_ lordship and other for pullyng downe and reformacion of certayne anoysaunces made and done by Sir Robart Wyngfeld w_i_t_h_in the Marches of Calays, the kinges pleasure is that ye and thother Co_m_myssion_er_s shall circumspectly viewe and ou_er_see the same. And that that of necessite ought to be refourmyd for the welthe strengthe and co_m_modite of the sayd Towne and marches accordyng as it was thought at my last beyng ther to be amendyng, and the resydue that ‹neither› damagithe ne hurtithe the same Towne to stand still as ye see reasonable cause after yo_ur_ discresion. and as ye shall seme good. And thus the blessed Trenyte p_re_serue yo_ur_ lordship At london the xxix day of October.

Your lordshyppis assuryd Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the hono_ur_able and my veray good Lorde my lord Vicount Lisle the kyng_es_ Depute of Calais be this youen.

_Endd._ Maister Cromwell the xxix^{th} of Octobre 1534.

85. CROMWELL TO AUDELEY.

B.M. Vesp. F. xiii, 105 b; Cal. vii. 1415. Nov. 11 ‹1534›.

Desires him to send back by the bearer a true copy of the proclamation, which is to be printed by Bartlett the printer to-night.

Aftre my right harty co_m_mendac_i_ons to yo_ur_ lordship Forasmoche as it shalbe very necessary to haue some copies of the proclamac_i_on also printed this night to thintent the same maye be sent into sundry p_ar_ties w_i_t_h_ the bokes, of answer, These shalbe to desire and pray yo_ur_ Lordship to sende me by this berer a true copie of the same, and I shal sende for bartelet the printer, and first swere him, and thenne cause him to entende this night to the printing of the copies therof accordingly. And thus most hartely Fare you wel. From the Rull_es_ the xi^{th} of Nouembr_e_

I require yo_ur_ lordship to cause the proclamac_i_ons to be writen and sealed w_i_t_h_ suche expedic_i_on as you may take the payne to be here w_i_t_h_ them tomorowe by tenne of the clock where my lord of Norff_olk_ and I w_i_t_h_ others wil tary dyner tyl yo_ur_ cu_m_myng.

Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd THOMAS CRUMWELL.

ADD. To my very good Lord my Lord Chauncello_ur_ delyu_er_ this w_i_t_h_ spede.

_Endd._ m^{r}. Lord my m^{r}. to my lord Chauncello_ur_, _etc._

86. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.

R.O. Cal. vii. 1438. Nov. 17 ‹1534›.

A letter of gentle reproof for failing to discharge his office, as his duty to the King demands. Points out that his ‘excess of living’ has brought him into contempt.

My very good lorde aftre my right harty co_m_mendac_i_ons I am now enforced to write my mynde plainly vnto youe as to him the p_re_seruation of whose hono_ur_ I desire Bothe for the discharge of my dueuty to the king_es_ highnes, and for the declaration of myn hartye good will whiche I bere vnto you, and therfor I require you my lorde to take it in good p_ar_te. First I trust you consider what a charge you haue there vnder the king_es_ M_aies_tie and I woold youe should remember Both what besemeth a man to doo being in that place, and that the same conteineth in it no state of inheritaunce, ne terme for lief But vppon the good Behauio_ur_ of the p_er_sonne having it. Nowe if you shuld waye the thing and the nature of it indifferently, Wold you thinke it mete that a man shuld haue that charge, which wold Bring himself to suche necessitie that he shuld be constrayned to put all thing_es_ to sale, that be co_m_mytted vppon sp_ec_iall trust to his discreation, neglecting of thone p_ar_te the king_es_ highnes hono_ur_ to be p_re_serued in the satisfaction of his grauntt_es_, of thother p_ar_te as it were contempnyng all frieendeship in giving place to a litle Lucre. Surely my lorde suche a gouerno_ur_ as you Be shuld not Bynde himself at any manes request to p_er_forme that shall not p_er_case lye in him, ne by any his excesse in living make himself soo nedye, that whenne the present thing shuld happen, he shuld be forced to haue more estimac_i_on of money thenne regarde to the tayle it Bringeth w_i_t_h_ it. If I were not determyned to contynue yo_ur_ lordships assured Freende I wold not worke this plainly w_i_t_h_ you, neither thinke that I doo it vppon any affection, for I wold ‹do› that I maywil honestly. oon man I haue often tymes reco_m_mended that is the Surveyo_ur_ whom the King_es_ Ma_ies_te woold haue s_er_ued of foure men according to his graunte and Late co_m_maundement made for the same. But yet I write not this so moche for him alone as for others and chiefly for yourself, and after for the poore man that is berer herof who hathe yo_ur_ Bonde. Whiche yo_ur_ hono_ur_ shalbe to p_er_forme and accomplishe, and Bothe myn aduise and desire shal concurre w_i_t_h_ the same, lest it might be taken yvel where p_er_case you did it vppon an honest grounde. Finally my lorde I remayn_e_ yo_ur_ harty Freende, and desire you to expresse yo_ur_ Freendeship again toward_es_ me in yo_ur_ hono_ur_able proceeding_es_, and the helping of such as the king_es_ Ma_ies_te wold shuld be there preferred, among_es_ the Whiche the Surveyr is not the last, and yet I wold he shuld haue nothing onles his s_er_uice des_er_ue it. Thus most hartely Fare you wel From the Nete the xvii^{th} of Nouembr

Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my very good Lorde the Viscounte Lisle Deputie ‹of› the king_es_ towne and the Marches of Calays.

_Endd. by Lisle._ Tochyng the gyft of romys

87. CROMWELL TO LADY LISLE.

R.O. Cal. vii. 1448. Nov. 20 ‹1534›.

Denies the report that he is displeased with her. If she continues to act as she has, she will always find him a firm friend.

In my right harty maner I co_m_mend me vnto yo_ur_ good ladiship. And wheras I am infourmyd that reaport hathe been made vnto you that I shuld be displeasid w_i_t_h_ yo_ur_ ladiship . Where of trouthe I knowe no cause wherfore I shuld so be, Wherfore I pray you geve no soche credence ne beleffe to any p_er_sone, for yo_ur_ good ladiship vsyng yo_ur_ selfe in all causes none otherwise then I here that ye do, and as I doubte not that ye will here after contynewe, shall fynd me as redy to do you any pleasure, that may lye in me to do as any frynd that ye have. And thus the blessed Trenyte pres_er_ue your good ladiship. At london the xx^{th} day of November.

Your louyng Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able and my very good lady my lady lisle be this youen.

88. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹HENRY VIII›.

R.O. Cal. vii. 1613. ‹1534.›

Reports that Mr. Southwell is content to sell the manor beside East Yafford, in Yorkshire, and will show it to the King’s surveyor.

Pleasythit yo_ur_ highnes to be adu_er_tysyd how that Sythyn my repayre to london I haue[826] spokyn w_i_t_h_ Mr. Sowthwell to whom I haue declaryd yo_ur_ most gracyous pleasure touching the purchasing of his Manno_ur_ besyd_es_ est yafford who most humblye Submyttyth hym vnto the plesure of yo_ur_ magestye and ys right well content that yo_ur_ grace appoyntyng[827] Suche p_er_sons to vew the sayd manno_ur_ as shall ‹stand› w_i_t_h_ yo_ur_ highe pleasure he wyll gyue his attendaunce to shew vnto them the same to thentent yo_ur_ highnes may be trewlye certeffyed vppon the vew of the Comodytes belongyng to the same. and that ons known, w_i_t_h_ yo_ur_ most gracyous plesure, Further conclusyon to be takyn & Such as to yo_ur_ highnes shall Seme most mete. Wherfor and it might please yo_ur_ grace that I myght know yo_ur_ plesure who yo_ur_ highnes woolde appoynt to Survey the sayd Mano_ur_ I woolde then accordyngly[828] cause Instruccyons to be in Redynes For the same[829].

89. ‹CROMWELL› TO ----.

R.O. Cal. vii. 1614. ‹1534.›

Desires him to give Mr. Alen a lease of the farm of Canewood and Canefield, in Essex, without delay, and trusts he has made no promise which will prevent him from doing this.

My Lorde after my right hertie reco_m_mendac_i_ons where as I haue wrytten to you in the fauo_ur_s of my veraye Frend Mr. Alen for his p_re_ferrement to the Ferme of Canewod and Canefeld_es_ And hauing receyued yo_ur_ answer thereunto whereby I do p_er_ceyve yo_ur_ desire is to haue respite of yo_ur_ consent and gr_a_unnt_es_ in that behalf till yo_ur_ co_m_myng to London alledging that in the meantyme ye will do yo_ur_ possible to call agayn a form_er_ p_ro_mise by you thereof made to a nother p_er_son, My lorde I trust ye haue made no such p_ro_mise which in case ye haue, yet I doubt not ye will so compase it that my p_ur_pose be not Disapoynted by that meane. And therefore my lorde Forasmoche as I do so ernestly meane and intende the satisfacc_i_on of my saide Frend in that p_ar_te, I shall eftesones most hertelie requyre you indelayedlie to confourme yo_ur_ self to thaccomplisshme_n_t thereof, and all excuses set a p_ar_te, to make him out a lease of the said Ferme according to my form_er_ request, Which be ye assured in Few word_es_ I shall intend so to requyte as ye shall haue no cause to thinke the same bestowid vppon an ingrate p_er_son

90. ‹CROMWELL› TO ----.

R.O. Cal. vii. 1615. ‹1534.›

On behalf of Thomas Miller, an English subject, whose goods have been wrongly detained by James Sinclair, governor of the north of Scotland, and who cannot get redress.

After my right hertie co_m_mendac_i_ons it may lyke you to undrestonde that where A Shyp called the Andrewe ap_er_teynyng to one Thomas Miller beyng a Subiect to my most dreade sou_er_aigne Lorde Kyng and maister by chaunce of tempest or other mysfortune was ronne Aground in the north p_ar_ties of the Realme of Scotland. And yet neu_er_thelesse the most p_ar_te of alle the goodes and m_er_chandises in the said Shypp amountyng to the value of cclx li. sterling as I am enformed were there and then ‹saved› by the diligens and labours of the s_er_u_a_unt_e_s of the said Thomas they beyng taken owt and by them savely kepte to their saide maisters vse by the space of viii or ix dayes. Vnto suche tyme as one James Seyntcler governer and ruler in the said North p_ar_ties of Scotland vndre the Kynges grace yo_ur_ maister w_i_t_h_out any reasonable cause toke awaye the said goodes and m_er_chandises from the Servants of the said Thomas and so the same eu_er_ sens hathe kept and deteyned agaynst good equitie and consciens. And for as moche as at yo_ur_ last beyng in Englond ye gentilly p_ro_mised me that if I wrote vnto you for relief or necessitie of any the Subiect_e_s of Englande in cases or Justice, ye wolde the rather at my pore contemplacion put youre good endevor to accomplysshe my request. At whiche tyme also of yo_ur_ said beyng in England thys case was then by me and other the kyng my Maisters Counsayle mocioned, and declared vnto you, Whereapon ye p_ro_mised vs that yf the p_ar_tie damaged repayred to yo_ur_ p_ar_ties for Justice after yo_ur_ comyng home that then he shold be restored as to reason, right, and conscience shold app_er_teyne. And thys notw_i_t_h_stondyng albeit the said Thomas Miller by the late maister of the said Shipp hath made humble sut_e_s for Justice and Restitucion of hys said gooddes and m_er_chandises to hys greate cost_e_s and charges yet neu_er_thelesse he hath hitherto had nor can get any redresse. Wherefore at the desyre of the said Thomas I at thys tyme am bold to wryght vnto you, right hartely desiryng you that at the repaire of the said Thomas or eny of hys s_er_vants to you w_i_t_h_ these my l_ette_res that he may by yo_ur_ good favors and meanes so reasonably be ordered in thys case as he shall haue no cause reasonable to compleyn for lak of Justice, by whiche doyng_es_ I shall accompt my self bounden to reaquite yo_ur_ gentilnes w_i_t_h_ semblable pleasures for Any Frend or Neyghbour of yo_ur_s.

_Endd._ A Copie of a l_ette_re writen into Scotland in the favo_ur_ of one Thomas miller of london

91. CROMWELL TO ----.

R.O. Cal. vii. 1616. ‹1534.›

Desires him to restore the lands which he has wrongfully taken from Reginald Williams in the West Country.

After my right hertie co_m_mendac_i_ons Forasmoche as I haue bene sued vnto and requyred by my Freendes to adresse thiese my l_ette_res vnto you in the fauo_ur_ of one Reignolde Williams from whom as I am crediblie info_ur_med ye do deteyne and w_i_t_h_olde certeyne londes in the weste cuntrey contrary to all right and good equitie albeit the saide Reignalde Williams as manifestly appereth by his euydenc_e_s is nexte heire vnto the same lond_es_ I shall therfore hertely desyre you the rather at this my requeste and contemplacion that w_i_t_h_out any further molestation or truble in the lawe ye will calle togither yo_ur_ Freendes and after co_m_m_u_nication had in the mattier to conclude a Finall ende therin accordinge to equitie and co_n_sciens so that the saide Reignolde receyue no iniurye nor wronge at yo_ur_ hande[830], but also bynde me to shewe you lyke pleasures accordinglie. thus Fare ye well. At my howse of Stepneth

92. ‹CROMWELL› TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD.

R.O. Cal. vii. 618. ‹1534.›

The King is displeased at hearing of the ill-treatment of the inhabitants of the town by the authorities of the University, and desires that amends be made.

I comend me vnto yow Aduertysing the same _tha_t wher the king_es_ hyghnes is crediblie infourmed of you_r_ abusions vsurpacyons & vngentill demeano_ur_ vsed toward_es_ the king_es_ highnes his subiect_es_ & inhabit_a_unt_es_ of _tha_t his towne of Oxforthe & subberb_es_ of the same I can not but mervaile _tha_t ye being men of Lerning & in whom shoulde remayne both wisedom & discressyon wille in suche wise demeane your self[831] not onelie in making of lawes & ordyn_a_unc_es_ Amongst your self to their hindrance hurt and preiudice but also c_on_trary to the king_es_ lawes whiche aperethe in you to haue proceded of nothing but mere malice Wherfor intending to co_n_duce & Allecte yow to som good conformyte & quyetnes the king_es_ hyghnes therfore hathe co_m_mandyd me to advise yow not onlie to restore all such persons as you haue discomoned p_er_mitting them to do & occupie as they did before, w_i_t_h_out mayntening or suffering any scoler or ser_ua_unt_es_ to occupie w_i_t_h_ in the toune or suburbe of _th_e same as a burgesse there dothe except he or they do agree there fore w_i_t_h_ the sayd burgesses But also that in no wise ye do vexe trouble or inquyete any of the saide inhabitaunt_es_ by suspension exco_m_munycaci_on_ discomonning banysshement or otherwise, vsing suche discression _tha_t all varyaunc_es_ may ceasse & be stayed amongst yow so as all malice and evill will being co_n_tempned & expulsed from yow, good amyte peax & quyetnes may take place accordynglie. And duobt ye not or it be long the King_es_ Counsaile by his grac_i_ous co_m_maundement will & haue determyned to set suche an ende & redresse amongst yow as god willing shall be an establisshing of a p_er_petuall peax good vnyte & accorde amongst yow for eu_er_ fayell ye not this to do as yow wyll answre vnto the kyng_es_ highnes & advoyde the daung_ier_ of his indingnacion & high displessur And so Fare ye well

_Add._ To the Ch_a_uncelour and comissarie w_i_t_h_ other the heddes & membres of the vnyversite of Oxforde be this youen

_Endd._ A copye of a l_ette_re to Oxforth

93. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.

R.O. Cal. viii. 187. Feb. 8 ‹1535›.

The King has written to Lisle to give Ralph Hare the next vacant position at 8_d._ a day. Advises Lisle to follow the King’s orders.

In my most harty wise I co_m_mend me vnto your good lordship. And p_er_sayvyng that the king_es_ highnes hathe not only geven vnto Raufe Hare by sufficient writyng vnder the privey seale, the roume of eight pence sterling by the day whiche shall first and next fall voyde w_i_t_h_in that the towne of Calays, but hathe also writen vnto you his l_ette_res vnder hys signet confermyng thesame and mencionyng therby his pleasure and expresse co_m_maundment in that behalfe, these shalbe therfore as yo_ur_ lordshippes assured frynde to my power to advise you to folowe the kyng_es_ co_m_maundement therin for the satisfaction of his pleasure in that behalfe. Wherby ye shall not only des_er_ue the Kyng_es_ right harty and condigne thank_es_ but also admynyster and do vnto me and other of his frynd_es_ whiche dothe write vnto you also in his favour, great pleasure and gratuyte, the whiche god willyng shalbe on my part in semblable wise recompensed. And thus the blessed Trenyte p_re_serue yo_ur_ good lordship. At the Rolles the viii^{th} day of February.

Yo_ur_ lordshippis Freend assuryd THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able and my synguler good lord the vicount lisle the kyng_es_ depute at Calays.

_Endd._ Mr. Secretoryes l_ette_re

Mr. Sekretarye the viii^{th} of Febrewary cons_er_ning raff Hare.

94. CROMWELL TO THE PRIOR OF DUDLEY.

R.O. Cal. viii. 191. Feb. 10 ‹1535›.

The King desires the Prior personally to repair to Cromwell at once.

I Co_m_mende me vnto youe. Lating youe wit that for certain causes the p_ar_ticularities wherof ye shal knowe herafter The king_es_ pleasure and co_m_maundement is ye shal Imediatly vppon the sight herof all delayes and excuses setaparte p_er_sonally repaire vnto me wheresoeuer it shall chaunce me to be w_i_t_h_out faylling as ye wil answer to his grace at yo_ur_ extreme p_er_ill. From the Rulles the x^{th} of Februarye.

Yo_ur_ Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL

_Add._ To my Freende the prior of Dudleye yeve this w_i_t_h_ spede.

95. CROMWELL TO THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF LONDON.

R.O. Cal. viii. 221. Feb. 15 ‹1535›.

Desires for Robert Baxter, a clerk of the Common Bench, the next vacancy in the clerkships of their court.

In my ryght harty wise I commend me vnto you & to eu_er_y of you And albeit I am many wise importune & bold apon you for my selff & my frend_es_ When cause & occasion hath so requyred. This shalbe to aduertise you that Robert Backster one of the Clarkes writers w_i_t_h_ John Joyner the kyng_es_ Preignetory of his grac_es_ comen bench at West_minster_ is very desyrous to be one of the Clarkes of your Courte & hath made instant peticion to me that by myne intercession to be made vnto youe in his fauo_ur_ he myght the rather & more effectuelly opteyne the same. And were as I am acerteynyd that the Rowmes of your foure Clarkes are now furnyshyd & non of theym voide. Wherefore I hertely desyre & p_ra_y you at the contemplacion of these my letters and for my sake wylbe content to graunt vnto the said Robert the next vacac_i_on of one of the iiii Clark_es_ of that your courte And I dare will undertake for hym that he shall at all tymes (yf he lyue to optayne the same) vse and behaue hymself like an honest officer. And for your goodnes herein to be shewed vnto hym (for my sake) ye shalbe well assured to fynd me as redy semably to requyte you of suche gratuite & pleasure as shall lye in me to shew vnto you. And thus fare ye well from the Rollys the xv day of february.

_Add._ To my veray good Lorde the Mayo_ur_ of the Citie of London and to his worshypfull Brethern thaldermen of the same & to euery of theym.

_Endd._ From Mr. Crumwelle.

96. CROMWELL TO HENRY BURTON.

R.O. Cal. viii. 239. Feb. 19 ‹1535›.

The King is informed that Burton has disturbed Lady Carew in her possession of a free chapel and ground, granted her by the King. Desires him to cease troubling her.

In my hartie maner I co_m_mende me vnto you, Aduertising the same that Whereas complaint hath nowe lately been made vnto the King_es_ Ma_ies_tie on the behalf of my Ladye Carewe howe that you haue made a wrongfull and riotouse entree into a certayn f_r_ee chapell and a litle close grounde abowt the same whiche chapell and grounde his hieghnes hath geven and graunted vnto her by his grac_es_ l_ette_res patent_es_ during her lief, the remayndre thereof to Fraunceys Carewe her sonne, and to the heyres masles of his bodye begoten, So that it seameth his maiestie hath the Reversion of the fee simple in him, his heyres and successo_ur_s. His Hieghnes willed me to signifie vnto you by these my l_ette_res his grac_es_ pleaso_ur_ and co_m_maundeme_n_t is that you do not onely permitte, and suffre the saied Ladye Carewe to enioye peaxably the possession of the premisses, and to restore suche thinges as you haue wrongfully taken owt of the chapell and grounde aforsaied, but also to cease yo_ur_ suete co_m_menced againste her at the co_m_men lawe vnto such tyme as both yo_ur_ titles maye be further examined and tryed by lerned and indifferent Counsaill, Not failing hereof as you tendere His Hieghnes pleaso_ur_, Thus fare you hertely well. From London the xix^{th} daie of Februarye.

Your louyng Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my Loving freende Henry Burton.

_Endd._ In the bahalf of the Ladye Carewe & her sonne Fraunceys.

97. CROMWELL TO THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY.

Heralds’ Coll. of Arms, Shrewsb. MSS. A, f. 57; Cal. viii. 247. Feb. 20 ‹1535›.

Sends him a letter from the King. As for the farm of which the Earl wrote, Cromwell has discovered that his servant is not anxious to leave it, and he is unwilling to urge him.

After my right harty co_m_mendac_i_ons to yo_ur_ good lordshippe w_i_t_h_ semblable thank_es_ for yo_ur_ L_ette_res Lately addressed Vnto me The same shall herew_i_t_h_ receyue the King_es_ highnes L_ett_res of answer to suche credence as yow co_m_mytted to my Freende Maister Butt_es_ to be declared Vnto him. And albeit his Maiestie hathe not resolutely answered to the p_ar_ticular point_es_ of yo_ur_ credence aforsaid yet yo_ur_ lordshippe maye be assured at yo_ur_ cu_m_myng vppe to receyve suche answer in eu_er_y of the same as shalbe to yo_ur_ contentac_i_on. And vndoubtedly his grace woolbe as gladde to see yo_ur_ lordshippe as any man I suppose in his realme. Suche is his entier love and fauo_ur_ toward_es_ yowe. Whiche I am as gladde to p_er_ceyve and see as yo_ur_ self could desire the same. Touching the ferme wherof yo_ur_ lordshippe wrote vnto me I haue been in hande w_i_t_h_ my s_er_u_au_nt and like as I wold be lothe to constrayne him if I might otherwise chuse to forgoo it Soo I perceyve he woll not leave it onles it shalbe for advoyding of my displeasure, and again the man dothe me soo good s_er_uice that w_i_t_h_ equitie I canne presse him no further therin thenne I haue doon. Neuertheles if yo_ur_ lordshippe woll haue me eftsones to travail in it I shall doo asmoche more therin as yo_ur_ self shall at yo_ur_ cu_m_myng thinke mete for me. And thus moost hartely Fare yow well. From the Rull_e_s the xx^{th} of February

Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my veray good Lorde Therle of Shrewisbury lord Steward of the King_es_ Houshold.

98. CROMWELL TO ADMIRAL CHABOT, SIEUR DE BRION[832].

Bibl. Nat. de Paris, Fonds Moreau, 737, page 83; Cal. viii. 337. ‹Mar.› 4, 1535.

The report of the Treasurer of Brittany will assure him how desirous the King is to remain in friendship with the King of France. Urges de Brion to do all he can to strengthen and increase the amity.

MONSEIGNEUR,

J’ay receu les lettres qu’il vous a pleu m’escrire ensemble entendu vostre response, et charge de M^{r}. le Trésorier Palamédes, laquelle, selon sa très bonne manière de faire, et au très grand contentement du Roy, mon maistre, il a sceu trèsbien dire et déclarer, et pourtant que par la response qu’il emporte, vous pourrez clairement cognoistre la bonne constance et continuation d’amitié et vnion, en quoy le Roy mon dit maistre entend persister à tout iamais tant luy que sa postérité, sans aucunement varier, ains faire tout ce que avec son honneur et condescentement luy sera possible, au desir du Roy, son bon frère: pourtant aussy, que le dict Trésorier vous sçaura faire ample rapport de toutes choses;

Monseigneur, après vous avoir très affectueusement prié que veuilliés persuader, et si mestier est, inculquer à la ma^{té} du Roy V^e Maistre, la grandeur de leur amitié, et bonne intention de la dicte response et qu’il ne veuille presser ne desyrer le Roy de chose pourquoy l’on pense avoir suspicion ou coniecture qu’en l’amitié d’entr’eux y entre aucun respect de lucre ou proffit particulier: car ce n’est pas assez, comme vous sçavez trop mieux, que leur amitié soit cogneue et prinse pour ferme et establie par entr’eux et leurs amys, qui est à leur grand confort et encouragement: Mais aussy est très expédient de l’entretenir et conduire en sorte que leurs Ennemis et malveillans n’ayant cause d’y pouvoir penser, ne suspecter aucune interruption, qui sera à leur très grand esbahissement Confusion et desconfort: et ce faisant, comme bien gist en vous, le bien et plaisir, qui à tout le monde en adviendra, ne se sçavoir assez estimer, sans vous rescrire pour le présent plus au long, m’estre de très bon c[oe]ur recommandé à V^{e} Seigneurie et offert tout ce en quoi vous sçauray faire honneur et plaisir Je supplie nostre benoist Créateur, que, à vous Monseigneur, il veuille donner sa saincte et digne garde.

Signé, Vostre à commandement THOMAS CRAMWELL.

Escript à Londres, le iv iour de May[833]. 1534.

_Add._ A Monseigneur

Monseigneur l’Admiral de France.

99. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.

R.O. Cal. viii. 419. Mar. 21 ‹1535›.

The King marvels at his delay in granting Thomas Appowell a position as soldier at Calais. Desires Lisle to give him the next vacant place.

After my right harty co_m_mendacions vnto yo_ur_ good lordship, thiese shalbe for asmoche as the king_es_ highnes before this tyme in consideracion of the good and acceptable s_er_uice done vnto his sayd highnes by his faythefull subgec[t] Thomas Appowell. Hathe geven and graunted vnto hym the roume of a Souldiour of the retynewe at Calays whiche first or next shuld fall and be voyde w_i_t_h_ the wag_es_ of viii d. a da[y] as by the king_es_ graunt therof made vnder his signet beryng date the second day of May in the xxiii^{th} yere of his reigne and other his sp_ec_iall l_ette_res sithens directed vnto you for that purpose it dothe more playnly appere. And that notw_i_t_h_standing, hitherto he hathe not been preferred to any suche roume, as he saythe wherat considering the kinges sayd graunt and l_ette_res seu_er_ally made for that purpose his highnes dothe not a litle marvaill. Wherfore I requyre and pray you for asmoche as thesayd Thomas hathe done good s_er_uice, and is right mete for that roume. And the rather for my sake and at the contemplacion of these my l_ette_res, to graunt vnto hym the next roume that shalbe voyde w_i_t_h_ thesayd wages, shewing vnto hym yo_ur_ lordshippes favo_ur_ in that behalf. Wherby besides that ye shall do a very good dede, ye shall admynyster and do vnto me right thankfull pleasu[re] the whiche god willyng I will in semblable wise requite. thus the blessed Trenyte preserue you. At the rolles the xxi day of Marche.

Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my veray good lord the vicount lisle the King_es_ depute at Calays.

100. CROMWELL TO SIR GREGORY DA CASALE.

R.O. Cal. viii. 523. April 10, 1535.

The King is glad to hear that the Bishop of Rome begins to appreciate the justice of his cause. Urges that every effort be made to prevail upon the Pope to give formal sentence in favour of the divorce.

Mag_nifi_ce D_omi_ne Gregori salutem et commen_dacionem_ Complures post vestru_m_ hinc discessum, et uariis temporibus datas a vobis l_itte_ras accepi, quarum recensiores sub die xx februarii Romae scriptae sunt, quicquid uero de occure_n_tiis istis publicis, ac priuatis Regiae Ma_iesta_tis rebus in dictis l_itte_ris unquam significabatur sigillatim, ac diligenter id ipsi semper exposui, gratumq_ue_ et acceptum habet sedulu_m_ istud v_est_rum scribendi officium, nec ego antea v_est_ris l_itte_ris respondi, q_uod_ putaui, praeter istor_um_ successuu_m_ cognitione_m_ (quae sui nouitate grata semper est) non esse admodum multa, quibus particularius foret respondendum: Nunc autem Regia Ma_ies_tas quum v_estr_as tum ad se, tum ad me l_itter_as pressius, accuratiusq_ue_ perlegisset, illud inter coetera, mente adnotauit, Pontificem vobiscu_m_ loqui uoluisse, summa_m_q_ue_ praesetulisse Regiae Ma_iesta_ti gratificandi propensionem, et ob eam causam, duos accersisse ex hetruria iureconsultos cum primis eruditos, quorum doctrinae sanoq_ue_ iudicio potissimum fidat, eorumq_ue_ sententias, et opiniones pro Regiae Ma_iesta_tis causa stare, et eiusmodi esse v_est_ris vos l_itte_ris affirmatis ut pontifex ex officio debeat praesens matrimonium, etiam si de ualiditate dispensationis a Iulio factae constaret, approbare, Coeterum causa_m_ hanc, ut ueritatis fundamento totam innitentem, et si Regia Ma_ies_tas cum Deo satis firmatam habeat, et omni ex parte stabilitam, in hunc tamen sensum l_itte_ras v_estr_as interpretatur, Pontificem scilicet de eius rectitudine et aequitate cum sua Regia M_aiesta_te q_uam_ optime sentire, Proinde si amicum ac syncerum istud pectus erga Ser_enissi_mum Do_min_um meum Regem (quod vos scribitis) re uera habet, quin potius, ut bonum quenq_ue_ virum ab omni prorsus odio, et affectu liberum, et immunem in primis decet, si ueritati ex anima fauet, eius certe sunt partes, ut suam hanc erga Inuictissimum D_omi_num meum Regem in causa omnium iustissima bene affectam uoluntatem, suo etiam publico testimonio, et approbatione vniuersi orbi reddat perq_uam_ manifestam, suaq_ue_ sponte, innataq_ue_ animi probitate et solius ueritatis propagandae studio, nulla Regiae Ma_iesta_tis intercessione expectata, ad id adducatur, ut nullius metu, seu respectu a uero rectoq_ue_ deflectens de prioris matrimonii inualiditate, praesentisq_ue_ firmitate, et robore ingenue pronunciet, quem ad modum doctissimis illis viris, quos huius rei causa ab eo accersitos, istic adesse scribitis, maxime probari significatis, efficiet certe Pontifex rem suo munere, et officio dignam, Ser_enissi_mo D_omi_no meo Regi, qui suae causae iustitiam tot uigiliis, sumptibus ac laboribus diu quaesitam, et iam pridem cum Deo compertam habet, ueheme_n_ter gratam, sibiq_ue_ in primis, et pontificatui suo longe utiliorem, q_uam_ nunc demonstratione sit opus, Vos autem si hac in re nullo Regiae Ma_iesta_tis expectato mandato, nulloq_ue_ suo iussu (non enim firmiora suae causae q_uam_ nunc habet adiumenta aliunde sperat) quicq_uid_ profeceritis, ac Pontificem v_est_ra dexteritate ex vobis ad id quod scribitis adduxeritis, eiusdem Regiae Ma_iesta_tis expectationi quae no_n_ vana, aut victa officia, nec infructuosos rerum euentus de v_estr_is actionibus sibi pollicetur, procul dubio respondebitis, et haec a Pontifice beneuolentia et gratia ex officio proueniens eo no_m_i_n_e gratior, et acceptior erit, q_uod_ ueritatis ratio, deiq_ue_ respectus, sanaq_ue_ conscientia ad hoc eum mortaliu_m_ nemine procura_n_te, nunc commouerit. Et bene valete. Londini Die x Aprilis M.D. xxxv.

Vester bonus amicus THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ Mag_nifi_co Equiti, D_omi_no Gregorio Casalio etc. Amico car_issi_mo.

101. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹SIR GREGORY DA CASALE›.

R.O. Cal. vii. 268[834]. ‹April 10, 1535.›

Draft in English of the preceding.

After my right ‹hearty› co_m_mendacions, Sithen yo_ur_ dep_ar_ture I haue receyued sundry of yo_ur_ l_ette_res whereof the last bere date at Rome the xx day of Februarie. And whatsoeu_er_ ye haue signefied vnto me by yo_ur_ saide l_ette_res aswell of the publique occurrant_es_ there as of the King_es_ highnes pryuate affairees I haue aliwayes intymated and declared the same to the king_es_ maiestie who right thankefully and acceptablie taketh and estemeth yo_ur_ diligence in wryting And now having p_er_vsed and redde both yo_ur_ l_ette_res addressed to his maieste and also to me his highnes hathe speciallie noted in the same amongst other that the bisshop of Rome speking w_i_t_h_ you shewed himself veray propice and desirous to gratefie his saide highnes And that he had sent for out of Ethrurie twoo Lawyers being singulerly well lerned in whose doctrine and good iudgement he hathe grete trust and confidence Whose sentenc_es_ and opynyons do stonde hollie w_i_t_h_ the king_es_ highnes cause Affirmyng (as ye wryte) that the saide Bisshop of Rome of his duetie and office ought to approbate and confyrme this p_re_sent matrymonie albeit it depended vppon the validite of the dispensacion made by Julius. So as Notw_i_t_h_stonding that the king_es_ maiestie having his saide cause sufficientlie diffyned and being himself in that behalf resolutely determyned and grounded as vppon the foundacion of veryte and trowth hathe discharged his conscience therein (like a good vertuous and catholique prynce) afore god and the worlde Yet his maieste dothe in suche sence interpretate yo_ur_ l_ette_res that (as appereth by the same) the saide bisshop of Rome begynneth now somwhat to sauo_ur_ and fele the iustnes and equyte of the saide cause and p_ar_telie to stande w_i_t_h_ the King_es_ maiestie in the same. Wherefore if the saide bisshop of Rome do in dede bere so frendelie and syncere good mynde and will toward_es_ the king_es_ highnes (as ye do wryte) or rather if he love the trewth as it beco_m_meth eu_er_y good man to do setting ap_ar_te all hatred and affection it is his parte to shew the same now to the vnyu_er_sall worlde in this most iust and rightcious cause by his owne publique testymonye and approbacion. And of his owne free will and w_i_t_h_out any sute or intercession of the king_es_ maiestie onelie adhering to the trewth and negle_c_ting all other respect_es_ to p_ro_nounce the invalidite of the first mat_ri_mony and the validite of the seconde according to the sentenc_es_ iudgement_es_ and diffynytions of the saide ii^{o} lerned men which as ye wryte the saide bisshop of Rome called and sent for vnto him for that purpose which if the saide Bisshop of Rome will, surely he shall do ‹a› thing wo_ur_thie his office and merite of god and the worlde and to the king_es_ highnes veray thankefull and acceptable pleasure, and also to him self and his see moche more p_ro_fite and good then now nedeth to expresse. And you for yo_ur_ p_ar_te if in this matier as of yo_ur_ self ye can any thing p_ro_fite or p_re_vaile by yo_ur_ good policie and dexteryte toward_es_ the conducyng of the saide Bisshop of Rome to that conformyte (as ye wryte in yo_ur_ saide l_ette_res) ye shall then vndoubtedlie answer to the king_es_ highnes expectac_i_on And the same p_ro_ceding of the beneuolence of the saide Bisshop of Rome and the zele that he hathe to the due execucion of his office and duetie shalbe the more grate and acceptable a grete dell to the King_es_ highnes and the hole wo_ur_lde, seeing that the mere veryte and the respecte that he hath to god and his owne conscience shall move him thereunto w_i_t_h_out any mortall mannes procurement

_Endd._ A Mynute of certeyn l_ette_res responsyve to on at Rome

A mynute of a L_ette_re to intymate to the Pope the King_es_ desyre to haue him condiscend to the dyvorce & to allowe the second maryage.

102. ‹CROMWELL› TO MR. RICHE.

R.O. Cal. viii. 563. Apr. 20 ‹1535›.

Requests him to use his influence to induce Mr. Sinclair to cease suing Edward Campion, clerk of the peace in Essex.

After my m[ost] hertie maner I co_m_mende me vnto you, and evyn so I pray you at this my request and contemplac_i_on to be good Maister and frende vnto Edwarde Campion clerke of the peax w_i_t_h_in the shere of Essex of and in all suche his busynes towching the same his office and to be ameane for hym in the same unto Mr Sayntclere hym to desire to putt the said campion to no further vexacions and sut_es_ for the said office as he hath heretofore done. In doyng whereof you shall admynister vnto me right singul_e_r pleasure, which god willing . I shall not for get semblable to requyte as shall lye in my litill power. And this hertelye fare ye well. At london this xx^{th} day of Aprill

_Add._ To my lovyng frende Master Riche.

_Endd._ Mynute of l_ette_re.

103. CROMWELL TO THE PRIOR OF TREWARDRETH.

B.M. Add. MSS. 6,416, f. 8; Cal. viii. 743. May 21 ‹1535›.

The King is informed that the town of Fowey is in a bad state, because the Prior, who has the liberties of the town in his hands, administers it so badly. Desires him to amend his ways.

M^{r} prio_ur_ as vnaccquanted I haue me co_m_mended vnto you, and whereas it is comen vnto the king_es_ highnes knowledge that the Towne of Fowey is sore decayed and thoccasion therof p_ar_tlie is that in the saide Towne is no order of Justice bicause the liberties concerninge the same graunted by the king_es_ highnes and his noble progenitours to your predecessours and by theime vnto the inhabitaunt_es_ of the saide Towne remayne in yo_ur_ handes and kepinge So that betwene you no maner good order equitie nor iustice is executed and vsed w_i_t_h_in the saide Towne. Wherfore I require you to condiscende and agree w_i_t_h_ the inhabitaunt_es_ of the saide Towne so that you hauynge yo_ur_ reasonable approued duties, they may haue theire liberties to be vsed and extended amongeste theime w_i_t_h_in the saide Towne to thincrease of good order w_i_t_h_in the same. And as ye shall agre therin to certifie me in writinge by Thomas Treffry berer herof. For his highnes thinketh that the saide porte of Fowey oweth to be his and to be holden of hime so that his grace entendeth from hensforth to haue it as well prouided for w_i_t_h_ good gouern_au_nce and of defence for vtter enemyes as other his townes and port_es_ be w_i_t_h_in those parties. Wherunto ye for yo_ur_ partie before this tyme haue had litle or no regarde neyther to the good order rule and defence therof ne yet to the good rule and gouernaunce of yourself yo_ur_ monasterie and religion as ye be bounde wherfore his highnes thinketh that ye be veray vnworthey to haue rule of any towne that cannot well rule yo_ur_self. And that I may haue aunswer as is afforesaide by this berer what ye intend to do I require you to thintente I maye certifie his highnes therof And thus fare ye well. At london the xxi^{th} daie of Maie

Your Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the priour of trewardreth in Cornewall be this youen.

104. ‹CROMWELL› TO DR. LONDON AND MR. CLAYMOND.

R.O. Cal. viii. 790. May ‹1535›.

Desires them to request the fellows of Magdalen to admit Thomas Marshall as president of the college, on the resignation of the present president, who has already signified his willingness to give up his position.

In my right harty man_er_ I co_m_mende me vnto you. And where the Presedent of Mawdelyn College, as well by his seu_er_all l_ette_res as by mouthe (of his mere motion) at sundry tymes, myche co_m_mending the qualities of my Lord and frende master Thomas Marshal[l] g_ra_unted vnto me, that he wulde be contented to resigne that his Rowme to the same master Marshall, alledging that he was a man very apte & mete for the same, promysing further and nothing doubting, but in that behalf he bothe coulde & wolde fynde the meanes to obteyne the goode willes & myndes of the felowes of the said College. Neuertheles nowe of Late (to me no litle m_er_vaile) the saide presedent when I desired hym to accomplishe his saide promesse, alledged for his excuse that the goode willes of the saide felowes coulde not in that behalf be opteyned. Wherfore I hartely desire and pray you effectually in my name to solicite & entreate the saide felowes as by yo_ur_ wysdomes ye shall thinke most conuenient that they for my sake & at this my desire wilbe contented to conforme theym selves vpon the resignation of the said p_re_sedent to the admission of the saide master Marshall, or elles that contrary Wyse att the Leaste I may knowe by yo_ur_ writing in whome the mater sticketh. In doing wherof ye shall not only des_er_ue bothe Laude & prayse in the furderaunce of the saide master Marshall, whose ad_ua_uncement I hartely desire, but also I wille not faile to remembre yo_ur_ kyndnes in that I may doo you pleasure. And thus hartely fare ye well, from London the ---- daye of May.

_Endd._ The Copie of al_ette_re Sent to Mr. doctor London & Mr. Claymond.

105. CROMWELL TO THE EARL OF CUMBERLAND.

B.M. Add. MSS. 12,097, f. 1; Cal. viii. 893. June 18 ‹1535›.

Requests him to discover and apprehend certain evil-disposed and riotous persons, who have unlawfully assembled in the county where the Earl lives.

After my right harty reco_m_mendacion vnto yo_ur_ good lordship, thiese shalbe tadu_er_tise the same that the king_es_ highnes hathe been adu_er_tised that diu_er_se riotous and ill-disposid p_er_sones of the p_ar_ties wher ye inhabite, or w_i_t_h_in you_r_ offices and roumes (as it is sayd) hathe lately vnlawfully assembled theymselfes together to no litle nombre in riotous maner to so_m_me lewde and vnthriftie intent and purpose. Wherfor his highnes myndyng the quietenes of his subiect_es_, and good rule and order to be maynteynyd and kepte w_i_t_h_in this realme Willithe and co_m_maundithe you and other of the Justices of his peax, furthew_i_t_h_ after the receyt herof to make inquisicion and serche, who and what nombre of the sayd p_er_sones hathe so assembled theymselfe, and for what cause intent and purpose they hathe so done And that ye also enquire who hathe beene the Capitall and cheffe doers in that partye. and further that ye cause theym to be apprehended and taken and sent hither w_i_t_h_ all convenyent spede together w_i_t_h_ all that ye shall fynd and knowe concernyng the premysses, and suche other offenders as ye shall not think good to be sent vp that yo_ur_ lordship cause theym to be put vnder sufficient suretyes for their good aberyng accordyng to his lawes, prayeng yo_ur_ lordship to adu_er_tise me of that ye shall do in the premysses by the berer herof w_i_t_h_ all convenyent spede. And thus the blessid Trenyte pres_er_ue you At the rolles the xviii^{th} day of June.

Your lordshyppis Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able and my veray good lord the Erle of Cumberland be this youen.

106. CROMWELL AND AUDLEY TO THE MAYOR AND COMMONALTY OF CAMBRIDGE.

Cooper’s Annals of Cambridge, i. 371; Cal. viii. 1036. July 14 ‹1535›.

Desires them to take measures to avoid any trouble with the members of the University at the approaching Stourbridge Fair.

After our hertye commendacions, wher variaunce debate and strif hath long depended betweene the Vycechauncellor of the Universite of Cambridge and the scolers of the same of the one partie, and you and the cominaltye of the towne of Cambridge on the ‹other› party, concernyng both your iurisdiccions and liberties. And albeit we, wyth others of the king’s counsaile by his graces commaundment, entended to have pacyfyed the sayd variaunce or this tyme; yet neverthelesse, for that we have had no convenient leasure for the same, the said variaunce as yet remaynith undetermyned. And forasmuche as Sturbridge fair is nowe nere at hand at whiche tyme it is thought verey like that variaunce and breche of the kings peax may happen betwixt you, bi reason of suche iurisdiccions as ether of you pretende to exercise in the same faire, if remedye were not provided for the same, we therfore, calling to rememberaunce that for the conservacion of the Kings peax an order was takyn the last yere at Lambeheth, before the most Reverend father in god the archebysshop of Canterbury and other the Kings Counsaile, what ether of you shuld exercise in the said faire without interrupcion of other, till the variaunce betweene you were fully determyned, Do nowe therfore advertise you that the Kings pleasure is that as well ye for your parts, as the said Vicechancellour and scolers for their parts, shall firmely for this faire tyme to cume this yere, observe and kepe the same order in every poynt without violacion therof: Signifying unto you that we have written our letteres to the said Vycechauncellour and scolers for the same cause, Putting you out of doubt that by the due keping of the said order, ye shall take no preiudice of eny your lawfull liberties that of right ye ought to have, uppon examynacyon and fynall determynacyon of ether your titles, To the proceeding in the finall order wherof, we will with all diligence (god willing) put our effectuall endevor this next terme, as the kings pleasure is we shuld do, requiring you to take pacyens in the meane season. And thus almyghtye Jhu have you in keping. Wrytten at London the xiiij^{th} daye of July.

Your frends, THOMAS AUDELEY Knt. Chauncell. THOM^{S}. CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the Maier and comynaltie of the Towne of Cambridg be this yeven.

107. ‹CROMWELL› TO THE ‹DUKE OF NORFOLK›.

B.M. Titus B. i, 318; Cal. viii. 1042. July 15 ‹1535›.

Sends a royal proclamation against conveying coin out of the realm, and a copy of the statute of 5 Richard II. to the same effect. The council gave its opinion that the King’s proclamation in this case should have the same force as a statute.

May hit please yo_ur_ grace to be Adu_er_tysyd that I haue resayuyd yo_ur_ l_ette_res[835] p_er_sayuyng by the Contentt_es_ therof that the Kyng_es_ highnes dothe moche m_er_veyle that I haue not adu_er_tysyde yo_ur_ grace what order my lord chauncelor and others of his Counceyll hath[836] takyn Concernyng the conveyaunce of Coyne owt of the realme. Syr according to your gracyous co_m_maundement vppon tewysdaye last Mr. Attorney and I bothe dyd Intymate & declare the King_es_ pleasure vnto my lorde Chauncelor who Immedyatlye Sent For My lorde cheffe Justyce of the kyng_es_ benche the cheffe Justyce of the Co_m_mon place the cheffe Barron and Mr. Fytzeherberd Mr. Attorney Mr. Solysytor and I being p_re_sent and the Case by my sayd lord Chauncelor openyd dyuers oppynyons ther were, but Fynally it was Concludyd that all the statuttes sholde be Inserchyd to See whether ther were anye Statute or lawe able to serue for the purpose and yf ther were it was thought good, that yf it sholde happen any accydent to be wherby ther myght Be any occasyon that the money sholde be conveyed owt of the realme that then proclamacyon sholde be made growndyd vppon the sayd Statute adding therunto poletyklye certayn thing_es_ For the putting the Kyng_es_ Subiect_es_ and other in more terroure ande Feare vppon which deuyse serche was made and a goode estatute Founde which was made in the Fyfte yere of Kyng Rychard the seconde the Copye wheroff translatyd[837] into Inglyshe I do sende vnto yo_ur_ grace drawne in mann_er_ of A proclamacyon by the aduyse of the Kyng_es_ lernyd Counsayle. But Amongyst all other thing_es_ I mouyd vnto my sayd lorde chauncelor my lorde cheffe Justyce and other that yf in Case ther were no law nor statute made alredye for any suche purpose what myght the Kyng_es_ hignes by the aduyse of his Counsaylle doo to w_i_t_h_stande so greate a daunger lyke as yo_ur_ grace alledgyd at my beyng w_i_t_h_ you to the which yt was answeryd by my lorde cheffe Justyce that the Kyng_es_ hyghnes by the aduyse of his Cownsayll myght make p_ro_clamacyons and vse all other polecyes at his pleasure as well in this Case as in Anye other lyke For the avoyding of any suche daungers and that the sayd proclamacyons and polyces so deuysyd by the King & his cownsayll for any such purpose sholde be of as good effect as Any law made by parlyament or otherwyse which oppy_nyo_n I assure yo_ur_ grace I was veray gladde to here[838] wheruppon[839] the sayd statute[840] was drawen in to a ‹copy› in forme as ‹a› p_ro_clamacyon I do now sende the same to yo_ur_ grace[840] and thus the holye trynyte p_re_serue yo_ur_ grace in long lyff good ‹health› w_i_t_h_ the Increase of moche honor at london the xv^{th} day of July.

108. CROMWELL TO SIR JOHN RUSSELL, ROGER WYNTER, JOHN PAKYNGTON AND JOHN VAMPAGE.

Library of William Berington, Esq., of Little Malvern Court. Not in Cal. July 18 ‹1535›.

Desires them to examine the complaint of Robert Symonds, of Pershore, in Worcestershire, and see that justice is done if possible.

I co_m_mende me vnto you in my right hertie maner And by the tenure [of these letters] whiche I sende vnto you herin closid ye may p_er_ceue the complaynt of Robert Symond_es_ of p_er_shor in the countie of worcester wherfor I hartely desire and pray you groundly to consider and pounder the content_es_ of the same and callyng the p_ar_t_ies_ before you ye be soche waies and meanes as ye can best devise examyne the hole circumstaunce therof and sett a fynall ende therin if ye can And if through the obstinacie of either of the said p_ar_t_ies_ ye cannot convenyently so do then my further desire is that ye wryte vnto me the truthe and playnes of the mater w_i_t_h_ the circumstaunces therof to thintent I may therin cause some meanes to be founde as the [case] rightfully shall require wherby ye shall do a very good and meritorious dede. And thus fare ye hartely well at London the xviij^{th} day of July

Your Frende THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my louyng frendes Sir John Russell Knyght Roger Wynter John Pakyngton and John Vampage Esquyres or to thre or two of them.

109. CROMWELL ‹AND AUDELEY› TO SIR JOHN RUSSELL, JOHN PACKINGTON, AND JOHN RUSSELL, ESQUIRE.

Library of William Berington, Esq., of Little Malvern Court. Not in Cal. July 20 ‹1535›.

Desires them to survey the possessions of the clergy in the Shire of Worcester according to the King’s commission, and to send an account of their value to London.

After our right hartye co_m_mendacyons where the Kyng_es_ Co_m_myssion was dyrectyd vnto you & other for the surveyng and taxacion of the clere yerely values of all the possessions of the clergie in the Shire of Worceter accordyng to a boke of Instruccyons assigned w_i_t_h_ the hand of the Kyng_es_ highnes annexed vnto the said Co_m_missyon we signyfie vnto you that the Kyng_es_ pleasure ys that ye callyng your fellowes Joyned w_i_t_h_ you in Co_m_myssion shall w_i_t_h_ all possible dylygens accomplysshe theffect_es_ therof And to sende to vs to london all the bokes taken by you of the vieu & value of the said possessions by one or two suche of your fellowes whiche were Audytours of the same before the xij^{th} day of Septembre next co_m_myng. Not faylyng this to do at your perill. And as ye entende to advaunce the Kynges pleasure in this behalf. And thus fare you well. At london the xx^{th} day of Julye

THOMAS AUDELEY K. Chauncello_ur_ THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To their loving freend_es_ S_ir_ John Russell the yonger Knight John pakington Esqu_ie_r and John Russell Esquier and to eu_er_y of theym be this yoven.

_Endd._ Wigorn.

110. CROMWELL TO BONNER.

Library of Lord Calthorpe. Not in Cal. July 23 ‹1535›.

Begs him to make speed in his journey. Bonner’s commission is ready, and Mr. Gostwick will deliver to him the Duke of Holstein’s letter.

Mr. Boner I co_m_mende me vnto you. Signefieng vnto the same that the Kyng_es_ pleasure is ye w_i_t_h_ yo_ur_ college shall w_i_t_h_ all spede and possible haste set yo_ur_ selff_es_ forward toward_es_ thaccomplisshement of yo_ur_ io_ur_ney, and cause yo_ur_ Ship also to be rigged and made redy so as ye haue no cause of Delaye. Yo_ur_ co_m_mission I vnderstonde ye haue alredy made and sealed, and touching the Duke of Holst_es_ l_ette_re if ye haue not yet receyued it Mr. gostwike shall delyu_er_ it you or to Cauendish accordinglie. Prayeng you ones agayne to make all thacceleracion and hast forward_es_ that ye can possiblie as ye intende to please the King_es_ highnes. And so Fare ye well. At Wynchcombe the xxiii day of Julie

Yo_ur_ Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

Maister Boner the King_es_ highnes nothing dowtyth in yo_ur_ wysedom polyce and discrecyo_n_ But that ye wooll Vse yo_ur_ Self according to his trust and expectacy_on_.

_Add._ To his louing frende Docto_ur_ Boner be this youen w_i_t_h_ spede.

111. CROMWELL TO MR. RICHE.

R.O. Cal. viii. 1130. July 29 ‹1535›.

Desires him to express to the Duke of Suffolk the King’s displeasure at the ‘decay’ of certain places, which the Duke affirms he has repaired. Urges him to request the Duke to part with certain reversions which are desired by the King.

After my right hertie co_m_mendac_i_ons these shalbe to adu_er_tise you that the king_es_ highnes hauyng receyued yo_ur_ l_ette_res hathe youen me in co_m_maundement to make you answer as here insueth. First touching suche leases as it is supposed shoulde be made by the Duke of Suffolke, the king_es_ highnes seyeth that he knoweth not that the saide Duke or his officers haue made any lease syns the co_m_munycac_i_on had betwixt them of this bargayn, but his highnes is certenly info_ur_med that the saide Duke or his officers haue offered to make fourth certen leases syns the tyme of the saide co_m_munycac_i_on had. Whereof his maieste can not but mervaile and for the same conceyueth som ingratitude and vnkyndenes in the said Duke if it can so be proved. Secondely touching the Decay of Ewelme and Donyngton the king_es_ highnes answered that what soeuer the saide Duke hathe spent vppon them, it may well appere in what decay they stonde, and who soeu_er_ shall view them shall facilly p_er_ceyue that grete somes of money will not sufficientlie repaire them as his highnes himself w_i_t_h_ his eye hath vewed the saide Ewelme at his grac_es_ late being there. And for Donyngton the house is not onelie in decay but also the keper of the same Mr. Fetyplace hath both consumed and distroyed the Dere and game there and also wasted the wood_es_ in such wise as it is thought he hathe not onelie forfaited his patent but also right ill deserued to haue eyther fee or thanke for any good service he hathe don there. And semblablie the king_es_ highnes hauing ben at Hokenorton whiche his grace lyketh veray well can not perceyue ne also his Surueyo_ur_s sent thither can not see how that xv^{e} li should be employed there as it is affirmed by the saide Duke, so as it is not vnlike but that the saide Duke hathe ben deceyued by his officers. And whatsoeu_er_ hath ben spent there, yet will it requyre no small so_m_mes of money to repare and buylde it after the king_es_ mynde and pleasure whiche wilbe chargeable to his highnes. And touching the game of the red Dere at Hokenorton aforsaide, his maiestie Doubtith not but that the saide Duke will iustefie his couuen_au_nte and agrement w_i_t_h_ the keper for the keping of lxxx red dere there accordinglie. Thirdely concerning the reuersions of the lady Gordon and John Verney the king_es_ highnes p_er_ceyuing the conformyte of the saide Duke in that behalf and also yo_ur_ travaile and diligence in the same gyueth vnto him and you both therefore his grac_es_ hertie and condigne thank_es_. Trusting that like as his highnes hathe heretofore mynystered grete benefit_es_ and co_m_modytees vnto the saide Duke, who hathe atteyned this degree hono_ur_ and astate that he now is in by the meanes and onely ad_ua_uncement of the king_es_ saide highnes. So the saide Duke wilbe contented to departe w_i_t_h_ the saide reu_er_sions frankely and frely to his highnes of his mere lyberalite to extende toward_es_ him, and to permytte his maiestee to haue the saide reu_er_sions w_i_t_h_in his bargayn alredy made as his grace thought he had had, onely trusting to his grac_es_ bountie and goodnes for the recompence of the same. Wherein the king_es_ pleasure is ye shalbe playne w_i_t_h_ the saide Duke, vttering and declaring vnto him the good opynyon which the king_es_ highnes hathe conceyved in his conformyte toward_es_ all his gra_ci_ous request_es_ and affairees, and how he of all men is thereunto bounde if he do well consider the manyfold benefit_es_ that he hath receyued at the king_es_ hande. Wherefore ye may counsaile him not to gyue any cause or occasion in this behalf to the kyng_es_ highnes to conceyve any Jalousie or mistrust in him but that rather he will shew herein his frankenes and liberall herte toward_es_ his maiestie w_i_t_h_out stycking w_i_t_h_ his grace in so small a matier. And so doing let him be assured that like as the king_es_ highnes heretofore for lesse cause youen on the saide Duk_es_ p_ar_te, hathe ad_ua_unced him to this hono_ur_ and astate that he now is at, So shall his maiestee the rather now be Dryven to consider the frankenes and gentill liberalite of the saide Duke in this behalf if he frankely do com forward_es_ w_i_t_h_ the same. And Fynally I pray you on my behalf to say somwhat to the saide Duke in this matier alledging vnto him that as I am, alwayes haue be_e_n, and eu_er_ wilbe his grac_es_ poure frende so I requere him not to stycke w_i_t_h_ the king_es_ highnes in this matier, and pray his grace not to doubte but that the king_es_ highnes wilbe as good lorde to him in recompence of the saide reu_er_sions as if his highnes Did now parte and couue_na_unte w_i_t_h_ him for the same aforehand. Wherein eftesones I pray you shew him on my behalf that my poure and frendelie aduise is that his g_ra_ce shall liberally wryte to the king_es_ highnes in this matier so as his highnes may thereby p_er_ceyue the saide Duk_es_ gentill herte and naturall zele toward_es_ his maieste aswell in this as in all other thing_es_. Which be ye assured in myn opynyon shalbe more beneficyall vnto the saide Duke then x tymes so moche lande as the saide reuersions Do amount vnto. Requering you so to shew his grace fro me as from him that wold be as glad of his grac_es_ welth and p_ro_speryte as any one of his poure frend_es_. So knoweth o_ur_ lorde who send you well to fare. From the Monastery of Tewkesbury the xxix^{ti} Day of Julie.

Yo_ur_ Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To his louyng Frende Mr. Ryche Solycyto_ur_ to the king_es_ highnes be this youen.

112. CROMWELL TO THE EARL OF RUTLAND.

Belvoir Castle MSS. Not in Cal. Aug. 9 ‹1535›.

Desires him to examine a certain warden and his friars, and report the result of his investigation to the King. Requests him to apprehend Friar John Colsell, and detain him till further notice.

My lorde after my right hertie co_m_mendac_i_ons these shalbe to adu_er_tise yo_ur_ lordship that having receyued yo_ur_ l_ette_res and declared the effect_es_ of the same to the king_es_ highnes, who for yo_ur_ dyligent adu_er_tisement of suche thing_es_ as do touche his maiestie and for yo_ur_ good will shewed toward_es_ the correction of suche transgressones gyueth vnto you his grac_es_ hertie and condigne thank_es_, Forasmoche as the king_es_ highnes is adu_er_tesed that the warden of those Freres which haue spoken those sedicious wordes, is a right honest p_er_son and that it may be that he is accused by such light p_er_sons as p_er_case can not iustefie the same, the king_es_ highnes therefore requyreth yo_ur_ lordeship to call before you the saide warden and all other his Freers and to take som payne thoroughlie and exactely to here Debate and examyn_e_ the matier w_i_t_h_ them and their accusers, so as the trewth and the hole circumstaunc_es_ of the matier may trewlie and substauncyallie appere in suche wise as eu_er_y man may haue his merit_es_ and desert_es_ according to good iustice. And of yo_ur_ lordeshippes proceding_es_ in that behalf and what matier ye shall Fynde vppon the saide examynac_i_on it may please yo_ur_ lordeship to signefie the same w_i_t_h_ the circumstaunc_es_ to the king_es_ high_n_es or his counsaile, vppon the which adu_er_tisement yo_ur_ lordship shall knowe ferther of the king_es_ pleasure. Touching the other Frere named Frere John Colsell vsing the decitful arte of magike and astronomye, the king_es_ pleasure is that ye shall cause him to be taken and apprehended and deteyn him in warde vntill ye shall haue other knowlege and adu_er_tisement of the king_es_ pleasure in that behalf, and thus the holie trynytie p_re_serue yo_ur_ lordeship in long lif and helth w_i_t_h_ thincrease of hono_ur_ At Barklay hoornes the ix^{th} day of August.

Your lordeshyppes assuryd THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able my lorde the Erle of Rutlande be this yeuen.

113. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹WALLOP›.

R.O.[841] Cal. ix. 157. August 23 ‹1535›.

Instructs him to justify to Francis the King’s doings, especially the executions of More and Fisher, and to request Francis to support Henry in all his actions against the Pope. The King is desirous that Melancthon should come to England.

Sir after my most hertie reco_m_mendacions these shalbe to adu_er_tise you that the xvii^{th} Day of this Moneth I receyued from you a packet of l_ette_res which indelayedlie I delyuered vnto the king_es_ highnes and conferred w_i_t_h_ his grace theffect_es_ both of your l_ette_res and all others w_i_t_h_in the saide packet being directed aswell to his highnes as to me. And after his highnes had w_i_t_h_ me p_er_vsed the hole content_es_ thoroughlie of yo_ur_ saide l_ette_res, p_er_ceyuing not onelie the lykelyhod of the not repairee into Fraunce of Philip Melanchton, but also yo_ur_ co_mmun_ica_ci_ons had w_i_t_h_ the frensh king vppon yo_ur_ Demaunde made of the king_es_ highnes pencions w_i_t_h_ also yo_ur_ Discrete answers and replicacions made in that behalf, for the which his maiestee gyueth vnto you his hertie and condigne thank_es_, Ye shall vnderstonde that his highnes co_m_maundid me to make you answer in this wise folowing First as touching the kyng_es_ money his highnes dowtith not but seeing bothe the Frensh king and also the grete Maister haue p_ro_mised you it shalbe depechid ye will as the case shall requyre not cease to call vppon them till it be Depeched And ferther considering that the saide frensh king vppon yo_ur_ saide Demaunde of the saide pensions so sodaynelye fell into co_m_munycacion w_i_t_h_ you aswell of his frendeship and humanyte shewed to the kyng_es_ highnes, alledging that he at all tymes hathe answered for the kyng_es_ highnes specyally being last at Marcell_es_ w_i_t_h_ Pope Clement w_i_t_h_ other thing_es_ as in your saide l_ette_res appereth, as also concernyng the execucions lately don_e_ here w_i_t_h_in this realme, The king_es_ highnes not a litle m_er_vaileth thereat, and thinketh it good that as of yo_ur_self ye take som occasion at conuenyent tyme and oportunyte to renovate the saide co_m_munycacyon both w_i_t_h_ the Frensh kyng or at the least w_i_t_h_ the grete Maister, sayeng vnto them, that where the saide Frensh kyng alledgeth that he hath at all tymes answered for the kyng_es_ highnes in his cause and specyally to the saide Pope Clement at Marcell_es_ affirmyng his p_ro_cedyng_es_ to be iust and vpright concernyng the Matrymony as ye do wryte, in that albeit the kyng_es_ highnes p_ro_ceding_es_ in all his affairees w_i_t_h_in this realme being of such equyte and iustnes of themself as they be, nedeth not any defence or assistence ayenst Pope Clement or any other foreyn power, having goddes worde and lawes onelie sufficient to defende him Yet in that that[842] the said frensh kyng hathe as he sayeth answered at all tymes on the king_es_ p_ar_te, he hathe don_e_ nothing but the p_ar_te of a brother in iustefieng and verefyeng the trewth, and so contynuyng shall Do as ap_er_teyneth to a prynce of hono_ur_ which the king_es_ highnes doubtith not he hath and will do onely in respecte to the veryte and trewth besid_es_ the amyte betwixt them both iustlye requyring the same. And concerning thexecuc_i_ons Don_e_ w_i_t_h_in this realme ye shall sey to the saide Frensh Kyng that the same were not so mervelous extreme as he alledgeth, for touching Mr. More and the Bisshop of Rochester w_i_t_h_ suche others as were executed here, their treasons conspiracies and practises secretely practised aswell w_i_t_h_in the realme w_i_t_h_out to move and styrre discension and to sowe sedycyon w_i_t_h_in the realme, intending thereby not onelye the distruction of the kyng but also the hole subuersion of his highnes realme being explaned and declared and so manyfestly proved afore them that they could not avoyde nor Denye it and they thereof openly detected and lawfully convicted adiudged and condempned of high treason by the Due order of the lawes of this realme, it shall and may well appere to all the worlde that they having such malice roted in their hert_es_ ayenst their prynce and Sou_er_eigne and the totall Distruction of the co_m_men weale of this realme, were well wo_r_thie if they had had a thousande lyves to haue suffered x tymes a more terrible Deth and execucion then any of them Did suffer. And touching suche word_es_ as the saide frensh kyng spake vnto you concernyng how Mr. More dyed and what he saied to his doughter going to his iudgement and also what exhortacions he shoulde gyue vnto the kyng_es_ subiect_es_ to be trew and obedient to his grace (assuring you that there was no such thing) whereof the gret M_aster_ promysed you a Double at length. In that the king_es_ pleasure is that ye shall not onelie procure the saide double and sende it hither but also sey vnto the saide frensh king that the kyng_es_ highnes can not otherwise take it but veraye vnkyndely that the saide frensh king or any of his counsaile at whose hand_es_ he hathe so moche meryted and to whom he hathe mynystered so many grete benefit_es_ pleasures and co_m_modytees shoulde so lightly gyue eare faith and credence to any such vayne brut_es_ and fleeng tales Not hauyng first knowlege or adu_er_tisement from the king_es_ highnes here and his counsaile of the veryte and trewth, Affirming it to be the office of a frende hering any suche tales of so noble a prynce rather to haue compressed the bruters thereof to sylence or at the leest not p_er_mytted them to haue dyvulged the same vntill such tyme as the king_es_ maiestee being so dere a frende had ben adu_er_tesed thereof and the trewth knowen before he shoulde so lightly beleve or allege any suche reporte which ingrate and vnkynde Demeanure of the saide frensh king vsed in this behalf argueth playneleye not to remayn in his brest such integryte of herte and syncere amyte toward_es_ the king_es_ highnes and his p_ro_ceding_es_ as his highnes alwayes heretofore hathe expected and loked for. Which thing Ye may propone and alledge vnto the saide frensh king and the grete Maister or to one of them w_i_t_h_ suche modestie and sobrenes as ye thinke they maye p_er_ceyue that the king_es_ highnes hathe good and iust cause in this p_ar_te somwhat to take their light credence vnkyndelye. And where as the saide frensh king sayeth that touching such lawes as the king_es_ highnes hathe made he will not medle w_i_t_h_all alledging it not to be mete that one prynce should desire a nother to chaunge his lawes sayeng that his be to olde to be ch_a_unged, to that ye shall sey that such lawes as the king_es_ highnes hathe made here be not made w_i_t_h_out substauncyall ground_es_ by grete and mature aduise counsaile and deliberacion of the hole polycie of this realme and are indede no new lawes but of grete antiquyte and many yeres passed were made and executed w_i_t_h_in this realme as now they be renovate and renewed onlye in respecte to the comen weale of the same. And it is not a litle to his highnes m_er_vaile that the saide frensh kyng eu_er_ wolde counsaile or aduyse him if in case hereafter any suche like offenders should happen to be in this realme that he should rather banyssh them then in suche wise execute them And specyallie considering that the saide frensh king himself in co_m_monyng w_i_t_h_ you at that tyme not onely confessed thextreme execucyons and grete Bruyllie of late don in his realme But also that he now intendeth to w_i_t_h_draw the same and to revoke and to call home agayn such as be out of his realme the king_es_ highnes therefore the more straungely taketh his saide aduise and counsaile Supposing it to be neyther thoffice of a frende nor of a brother that he wold Determyn himself to call home into his realme agayn his subiect_es_ being out of the same for speking ayenst the Bisshop of Romes vsurped auctoryte, and counsaile the kynges highnes to banysshe his traytours into straunge p_ar_tes where they myght haue good occasion tyme place and oportunyte to w_or_ke their feat_es_ of treason and conspiracie the better agaynst the king_es_ highnes and this his realme. In which p_ar_te ye shall somwhat engreve the matier after such sorte as it may well appere to the saide frensh king that not onelie the king_es_ highnes might take those his counsailes and co_m_munycac_i_ons both straungely and vnkyndely thinking the same not to procede of mere amyte and frendship, but also vsing such polycie and austeryte in proponyng the same w_i_t_h_ the saide frensh king and the grete Maister taking such tyme and oportunyte as may best serue for the same, as they may well p_er_ceyue the king_es_ highnes preceding_es_ here w_i_t_h_in this realme both concerning the saide execucyons and all other thing_es_ to be onely groundid vppon iustice and the equyte of his lawes which be no new lawes but auncyent lawes made and establisshed of many yeres passed w_i_t_h_in this realme and now renovate and renewed as is aforesaide for the better order weale and suretie of the same. And ye may ferther say that if the frensh king and his counsaile well consyder as they ought to do that it were moch better to adu_au_nce the punysshment of traito_u_rs and rebell_es_ for their offenc_es_ then to ponysshe such as do speke ayenst the vsurped auctoryte of the bisshop of Rome who Daylie goth about to suppresse and subdue kyng_es_ and prync_es_ and their auctorytee gyuen to them by goddes worde. All which matiers the kyng_es_ pleasure is that ye shall take tyme and occasion as ye talkyng agayn w_i_t_h_ the frensh king or the grete Maister may declare yo_ur_ mynde as before is p_re_scribed vnto you. Adding thereunto such matier w_i_t_h_ such reasons after yo_ur_ accustomed dexteryte & discression as ye shall thinke most expedyent and to serve best for the king_es_ purpose, Defence of his proceding_es_ and the profe of the frensh king_es_ ingratitude shewed in this behalf. Not Doubting in yo_ur_ wisedom good industrie and discrete circumspection for thordering and well handeling of the same accordinglye.

And touching Melanchton[843] considering there is no lykelihod of his repayree into Fraunce as I haue well p_er_ceyued by yo_ur_ l_ette_res, the kyng_es_ highnes therfore hath appoyntid Cristofer Mount indelaiedlie to take his io_ur_ney where Melanchton is and if he com_e_ to prevente Mouns_ieur_ de Langie in suche wise as the saide Melancton his repayre into Fraunce may be stayed and dyu_er_tid into Englond Not doubting but the same shall take effect accordynglie. And as to Mr. Heynes the kyng_es_ pleasure is that he shall go to Parys there to[844] lerne and dissiphre the opynyons of the lernid men and their inclynacions and affections aswell toward_es_ the kyng_es_ highnes p_ro_ceding_es_ as to the bisshop of Rome his vsurped power and auctoryte, after such sorte as the king_es_ saide highnes hathe now wrytten to him by his grac_i_ous l_ette_res addressed both to him and the saide Cristofer Mount[845]. Dyrecting them what they shall do in all thing_es_ comytted to their charge at this tyme As I doubt not they will put thereunto their devoires for the accomplisshment of the king_es_ pleasure as ap_er_teyneth. And thus makyng an ende prayeng you to vse yo_ur_ discression in the p_ro_poning of the p_re_misses to the Frensh king and the grete M_aster_ or the one or both of them vsing the same as a Medecyn and after suche sorte that as nere as ye can it be not moch displeas_a_untly taken Adu_er_tesing the king_es_ highnes from tyme to tyme of the successes thereof and of all other occur_a_unt_es_ as the case shall requyre, I shall for this tyme bid you most hertelie Fare well &c. Thornebery the xxiij day of August.

_Endd._ Fraunce

114. ‹CROMWELL› TO NICHOLAS OLDISWORTHY.

R.O. Cal. ix. 241 (i). Sept. 1 ‹1535›.

Desires him to give up all the possessions of the bishopric of Hereford to such persons as the Bishop-elect shall appoint.

In my harty wise I co_m_mend me vnto you. Aduertising thesame that for certayne causes the king_es_ highnes sp_ec_ially movyng, his graces pleasure is that ye shall surcease any farther to yntermedle w_i_t_h_ the possessions and land_es_ belongyng to the Busshopriche of Hereford but that ye suffer suche as the Busshop elect shall appoynt to haue the doyng of the same. And that ye farther suffer the officers appoynted by thesayd Busshop to resceyve aswell the next rent due at the Fest of thannu_n_ciacion of o_ur_ lady last past as all other rentes due sithe that tyme. And that ye fayll not thus to do as the king_es_ trust is in you . thus fare ye well. At Bromham the first day of September.

for Nicholas Oldisworthye.

115. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹THE ABBESS OF WILTON›.

R.O. Cal. ix. 271. Sept. 4 ‹1535›.

Desires her to act kindly towards his friend William Nevill in the matter of the lands belonging to her monastery. Nevill does not wish to sue her though he has good cause so to do.

Madame, after my right harty reco_m_mendations vnto you, thiese shalbe like as here tofore I have writen vnto you, to desire you to be good lady and frynd to my lovyng frynd will_ia_m Nevell about the Ferme of Chalke and do such reparacions as belongithe vnto the same according to yo_ur_ graunt therof made and that ye will suffer hym to have and enioy such copy holdes as he of right shuld have and holde of your Mano_ur_ of Seml_e_y belongyng to that yo_ur_ Monastery, as by sufficient writyng and copies therof it dothe more at large appere, in suche wise as he may have no cause farther to complayne ou_er_ you therfore. I cannot p_er_sayve any reason iust cause or meanes wherby[846] ye may or shuld deny hym thesame. he hathe been, and yet is all wayes redy to paye his rent and do that which ought or shuld[847] apperteyne vnto hym to do in that behalf according to his wrytyng therefore. Which ye refuse and will not suffer hym to do[848]. I p_er_sayve the honestie of the man to be suche, that he is veray lothe to vexe or sewe you by the order of the co_m_mon lawe or otherwise[849], although he hathe good cause even so to do, whiche if he wold he may do right well to yo_ur_ inquietacion for thadvoydyng [wher]of I desire you the rather at the contemplacion of thiese my l_ette_res and for[850] yo_ur_ owne quietenes and ease to g_ra_unt hym his right yn the premysses[851]. Wherby besid_es_ that ye shall shewe and declare yo_ur_ self to be one that will do no p_er_sone wronge, and kepe yo_ur_selfe in quyetenes and rest, ye shall admynester and do vnto me therby right thankfull pleasure. The whiche I will not forgete semblably to requyte. And thus fare ye hartely well. At Wolfall the fourthe day of September.

116. CROMWELL TO THE MAYOR AND COMMONALTY OF CAMBRIDGE.

Cooper’s Annals, i. 372; Cal. ix. 278. Sept. 5 ‹1535›.

As Chancellor of the University desires that all differences between the town and the scholars may cease. Requests the Mayor to permit the University to continue in the enjoyment of its privileges.

After my moost harty commendacions, Understanding that the body of that the Universitie of Cambridge hath elected and chosen me to be their hed and Chauncelor, and that there is question at this tyme betwene you touching the exposition and qualifieng of the Decre made the last yeer by the kings counsail, for an order to be had without contencion betwene youe and the Universitee in Sturberige fayr, whiche decre ye have already commaundement for this yere to observe and kepe, contending on your part nothing to be comprehended under the name of Vitaill, but that whiche shuld be presently spent in the said faiier, and calling Salmon in barrel, musterde sede, fishe, and suche other, with an exempcon from the terme of vitaill by the name of merchandise, denyeing in like maner the said Universitie to appoint two of their body to ioyne with two of youe in the serche of merchandises there, sayeing ther shal non other serche this yere for their parte, but those that being of their congregacion the last yere were thenne appointed for that purpose, whiche be nowe departed from them and ioyned to youe in the libertie and freedom of the towne. Bicause ye knowe that I have been ever desirous to establish a quiet order betwene youe, and that with as moche favour towards your parte as I might with indifferency and justice, And that I doubt not but that ye will at my contemplacon remembre the preservacion of the Kings peax, and use suche a temperaunce in yo_ur_ procedings, as with the saufgards thereof I may have cause to rest in your love and kindness towards me, Being again for myn owne parte, moche desirous nowe at the entree to the said Chauncelorship (which office with the kings contentacion and pleasure I accepted not so moch upon any respecte as to be the rather a meane to set a quietnes betwene youe) to have al contencions and controversies ceasse on eyther side, tyl direction and final order may be taken therein, In the whiche I assure youe I shal with such celeritee and indifferency travyll, as ye shall not perceyve me a partie, but a personage holly bent without al respects to the advancement of the common weal; I have thought good to addresse my letteres unto youe and by the same to desire and praye youe, al vayne and frivolous qualificacons set aparte, to permyt and suffer the said Universitie for this yere, according to the mynde and entent of the said decre, to use and exersise their privileages in the things specified, and also to use at their libertie the comen prison of the Tolbothe as they have doon and as by their charters they clayme to doo, soo as their procede on yo_ur_ part no cause of breache of the peax, wherin ye shal serve the king as appertayneth, and administer unto me suche thankfull pleasure as I shall be gladde to deserve and requite towards youe, in like maner most hartely desiring and eftsones prayeing youe, touching their Civile courte to be kept in the fayr or any other thing that may com in to question, so to use yourself as I may perceyve you remembre yo_ur_ dueties towards the king in the keping of his peax, and shewe yo_ur_selves gladde to doo unto me gratitude and pleasure. And thus fare youe hartely wel. From Whofall the fifte day of September.

Your lovying freend, THOM^S CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my loving Frends the Mayre and his Brethern of the towne of Cambridge, and to every of them.

117. CROMWELL TO CHAPUYS[852].

Vienna Archives; Cal. ix. 326. Sept. 10 ‹1535›.

Reports the joy of the King at hearing of the success of the Emperor in storming Tunis. Hopes on his return to give Chapuys satisfaction in his request to visit the Princess Mary. Cf. Letter 121.

Magnifice atque observande Domine orator plurimam salutem et commendationem. Quem admodum D. vestra, felices et christiano cuique principi speratos cesaree ma^{tis} successus non grauatur crebris suis litteris Serenissimo domino meo regi significare ita sepe antea ab eius regia ma^{te} conceptam toto pectore letitiam, suis nunc recentioribus litteris eadem vestra D. ingeminauit et quam pulcherrime adauxit. Ex lectione namque tum cesaree ma^{tis} tum domini de granuell litterarum, que toti christiano orbi saluberrimam diuinitusque concessam Tunisii expugnationem describebant tam solido gaudio inuictissimus dominus meus rex affectus est, ut si sue ipsi ma^{ti} gloriosa hec obuenisset victoria, maiori neutiquam affici potuisset nec alium vllum quam qui a deo nunc concessus est, tam sancte a cesare suscepte expeditionis euentu sibi vnquam pollicebatur. Hanc igitur victoriam omni quidem dignam laude, cesaree ma^{ti} iterum atque iterum gratulatur salutaremque rei publice christiane precatur, cui sic ex corde fauet, vt si vlla vnquam occasione, vllane sua opera, quicquam addi poterit, experietur cesarea ma^{tas} me nihil de Serenissimi domini mea regis in se affectu, amicoque animo meis antea litteris vestre D. frustra, aut parum sincere totiens affirmasse. Ad id vero quod in suarum litterarum calce vestra D. addidit, vt scilicet, quantum intelligo, bona regia Ma^{tis} venia, sibi liceat illic Dominam mariam inuisere iuxta regia pollicita impense rogo D. vestram, vt istud suum desiderium velit in meum reditum defferre, tuncque futurum spero quod tum hac in re, tum aliis omnibus presenti meo sermone vestre do^{is} expectationi plurimum satisfiet siue feliciter valeat. Ex aula regia apud Wolfal die x. septembris.

v. D. Ex animo amicissimus THOMAS CRUMUELL.

_Add._ Magnifico atque observando domino Eustachio Chapuysio Cesare ma^{tis} oratori.

118. ‹CROMWELL› TO ----.

R.O. Cal. ix. 470. Sept. 29 ‹1535›.

The King desires him to pay half the last year’s rent of the bishopric of Worcester to the Bishop, and the remainder to M. Gostwick for the King.

[853]I co_m_mend me vnto you. Adu_er_tisyng thesame, that the kyng_es_ pleasure and co_m_maundement is, that ye w_i_t_h_ convenyent spede after the receyt herof, shall content and pay vnto my lorde the Busshop of Wissetour the halfe yeres rent of the hole Busshopriche due this last yere, and the rest to retayne yn yo_ur_ owne hand_es_ to the kyng_es_ vse Wherfore I require you furthew_i_t_h_ so to do w_i_t_h_out any delay, as the kyng_es_ trust and expectacion is yn you. Thus fare ye hartely well. At Wynchester the xxix day of September.

_Postscript._

I Co_m_mend me vnto yow aduertysing the same that the kyng_es_ highnes pleasure is that of the holle yeres Rent dew to his highnes and levyable at this Fest of Saynt Mychell of the yssews reuenews and p_ro_ffectt_es_ of the Busshoprych of Worcest_er_ ye shall Content and paye or Cause to be Contentyd ‹and› payde vnto my lorde the Busshop of Woorcest_er_ the hole half yeres proffytt_es_ evynlye to be deuydyd and the residew For the Fyrst hallffe yere to be payd to the hand_es_ of Maister gostwyke to the kyng_es_ vse and this ys expresslye the kyng_es_ plesure and so Fare ye well at Wynchest_er_

119. CROMWELL TO THE COUNTESS OF OXFORD.

R.O. Cal. ix. 485 (i). Sept. 30 ‹1535›.

Desires her to restore Mr. Tirrell to the possessions from which she has wrongfully expelled him. The King wishes to have justice done in that cause.

In my most harty maner I co_m_mend me vnto yo_ur_ good ladishippe. And wher as ther hathe of long tyme depended betwene you and this berer Maister Tirrell certayne contrau_er_sies, aswell concernyng his clayme to the parke and Bailliswike of Camps, as a certayne copie Holde Whiche he bought in the same Towne, from all the whiche ye haue expulsed hym, I shall most hartely desire and pray you at the especiall contemplacion herof, to restore hym agayne to thesame. Whiche request I make not only vnto you bycause I thinke ye haue vpon displeasures conceyved agaynst hym, parcase in some part by the mysvsyng of hymselfe toward_es_ you, done vnto hym, in his expulsion from the same park Bailliwike and copie hold and yo_ur_ detynewe therof all togither wronge and Iniurye, but because it should be dishonourable to you, to haue the same in open Court of Audience tried agaynst you, and likewise displeasaunt to be, that way disapoynted of yo_ur_ will and pleasure, whiche as I nowe frendly and frankly write vnto you, bicause that I wold be glad, ye shuld w_i_t_h_out constraynt do as shall apperteyne to your hono_ur_, and iustice. So I am enforced to adu_er_tise you, as yo_ur_ poore frende, that the king_es_ highnes like a prynce of hono_ur_ is mynded to haue iustice p_ro_cede w_i_t_h_out respect in that cause, Eftesones therfore requyryng your good ladiship the rather for my sake w_i_t_h_out any extremyte to be good lady vnto hym, who I dare affirme wilbe glad to do vnto you during his liffe that s_er_uice and pleasure that shall lye in his litle power. As know_eth_ god who send yo_ur_ good ladiship long liffe and well to fare. From Wynchester the last day of September.

Your ladyshyppis assuryd THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able and my good lady my Lady Anne Countes of Oxford by this youen.

_Endd._ A l_ette_re directed from my m_aste_r to the Lady Anne Countes of Oxford.

120. CROMWELL TO ‹DAVYE MORGAN KEMYS›.

R.O. Cal. ix. 486. Sept. 30 ‹1535›.

Requests him to allow John Crede to retain possession of certain lands in Cromwell’s manor of Rumney in Monmouth to which he has a deed, until reasonable cause can be shown for his ejection.

Dat_um_ p_er_ Copia_m_

I Commend me to yow. And for Asmoche As I haue seene the Deed made ‹to› John Crede for certeyn Land_es_ in my manno_ur_ of Rompney called the Splott_es_ And other Lond_es_ there. W_hich_ I take to be a goode Deade. And that Notw_i_t_h_standing the said Crede Saithe that ye entend to putt hym From the Same. Wherefore I Requyre you to p_er_mytt And Suffre hym to holde And kepe the possession thereof According to the tenno_ur_ of his Deade Vntill Suche tyme as Apon yo_ur_e Adu_er_tisement thereof I maie knowe A Reasonable Cause . Whie he shuld be putt from the same. Att Wynchester the Laste daie of September.

Yo_ur_ Loving maister THOMAS CRUMWELL.

121. CROMWELL TO CHAPUYS[854].

Vienna Archives; Cal. ix. 484. Sept. 30, 1535.

Reports the King’s joy at the news of the Emperor’s success at Tunis. Desires Chapuys to postpone a little longer his visit to the Princess Mary. Cf. Letter 117.

Magnifice et observande domine orator plurimam salutem et commendationem. Litteras quas vestra D. antea ad me dedit grato hilarique semper animo accepi, non mediocremque animi letitiam ob id presertim semper attulerunt, quod cesaree ma^{tis} successus vt sperandum et christiano reipublice salutiferos, vberrime nunciabant; recentiores vero iste eo nomine gratiores acceptioresque extitere quod succinte atque distincte totius expeditionis rerum, temporum atque locorum seriem et euentum ab ipso initio in hunc vsque diem sic describunt et ob ipsos oculos ponunt vt eas legendo rebus gestis prope modum mihi videar interfuisse, tantaque Serenissimus dominus meus rex animi attentione de hiis me referentem audiebat vt fraternum eius erga cesaream ma^{tem} affectum et propensum quoddam erga publicam quietem Studium quam facile fuerit agnovisse. Ad id porro quod per ministrum suum vestra dominatio mecum agit et de quo statuendo iniectis comperendinationibus se protrahi suspicatur, non possum pro mutue nostre coniunctionis sinceriorisque amicitie vinculo, eam non summopere rogare, et pro innata sua prudentia et animi equitate, boni consulere velit, quicquid in hoc Dominationis vestre desiderio deffertur quum nihil interim omittatur quod ex Serenissimi domini mei regis honore et dignitate, simulque illustrissime domine marie securiori salubriorique educatione esse posse videatur, quum maiori cure nemini sit quam ipsi Serenissimo patri, qui regie sue humanitatis nimis esset oblitus nisi carissimam filiam paterno complecteretur affectu et aliorum vigilantia sibi in mentem redigi expectaret, quod salubritati, atque solatio filie esse posset. Itaque quam possum ex animo dominationem vestram obsecro, vt suum istud illustrissimam dominam mariam inuisendi desiderium ab amico pectore potius quam vlla necessitate profectum in aliud commodius tempus defferre non grauetur, et enim vt fieri facile potest de huius illustrissime domine neglecta valetudine falso aliquid ad vos deferri, ita a dominatione vestra peto, vt affirmanti mihi velit certam habere fidem nihil scilicet cure studii, atque diligentie omitti quod ad illustrissime domine Marie conseruationem expedire posse videatur. Pestis deinde sic londini, locisque vicinioribus seuit, vt inofficiosus videri posset, quicunque illinc veniens dominam mariam in aere alique temperie agentem, quam saluberrima, officii gratia nunc temporis vellet inuisere. Non grauetur itaque dominatio vestra hoc meum responsum benigne amiceque, vt solet interpretari nilque a me prospiciet pretermissum, quod ex huius regie ma^{tis} dignitate, Cesaris honore et domine marie conseruatione esse potuerit. Sed de hiis in proximum congressum colloquemur vberius, et felix valeat vestra dominatio cui ex animi sententia, optima queque euenire precor. wintonie die vltimo septembris 1535.

E. v. D. Ex corde amicus THOMAS CRUMUELL.

_Add._ Magnifico Domino Eustachio Chapuysio Cesaree ma^{tis} oratori plurimum observando.

122. CROMWELL TO SIR GREGORY DA CASALE.

R.O. Cal. ix. 240. Sept. 1535.

Explains, for the Pope’s benefit, the reasons for the executions of More and Fisher, and describes them as men proved guilty of high treason. Wonders at the Pope’s indignation at their just sentence.

Mag_nifi_ce D_omi_ne Gregori plurimam salutem et commen_dacionem_. Quae tum ex ferraria tum ex bononia v_est_ris l_ette_ris nuper ad me scripsistis, sigillatim omnia (ut mei est officii) Serenissimae Regiae Ma_iesta_ti significaui, in quibus, ut multa erant, publicarum rerum cognitionis gratia lectu non iniucunda, et v_es_tri cum D_omin_o Parisiensi habiti sermones ipsi probantur, ita non satis demirari potuit, Epi_scop_i Roffen_sis_ et Thomae Mori mortem, pontificis, illiusq_ue_ curiae animu_m_ adeo grauiter offendisse, ut ex hac re conceptam indignationem haud facile possint concoquere, licetq_ue_ Inuictissimae Regiae Ma_iesta_ti mortalium nemini, praeterq_ue_ Deo (cum quo actiones, consiliaq_ue_ sua habet q_uam_ maxime coniuncta) ulla sit factorum suorum reddenda ratio, ne tamen maleuolor_um_ calumniis, ac ueritatis obscuratione, Regium suum nomen istic traducatur, quid ea in re actu_m_ fuerit succincte ad vos perscribam: Postq_uam_ igitur Regia Ma_ies_tas bene fauente, ac promouente Deo, causam suam publicam eruditissimor_um_, probatissimoru_m_q_ue_ totius christianitatis viror_um_, qui nullis passionibus, seu affectibus essent obnoxii, consensu, et authoritate tandem terminasset, et ad ipsam ueritatem omni ex parte firmasset, coeperunt isti boni viri, quibus res praeter expectatione_m_ ceciderat, et spes moliendi noua (ut iam animo agitarant) praecisa fuerat, in alias cogitationes, syncere parum, animum intendere, quumq_ue_ optimus Rex ex uigilantissimi principis officio (quod a Deo acceptum sustinet in terris) sui Regni quieti, et commodo prospicere, hominumq_ue_ mores multa iam parte collapsos in melius corrigere conaretur, istud etiam publicum bonum, quoad fieri per eos potuit, simulatae integritatis praetextu adnissi[855] sunt, sed nullo cum fructu impedire, atq_ue_ praeuertere, huius eorum sceleris indicia Rex habebat perq_uam_ manifesta, sed ut vana semper floccifecit, et nihili habuit, sperans aliquando futurum q_uod_ hac sua indulgentia, hos viros (quos ut non penitus cognitos nonnunq_uam_ antea in precio habuisset) ad aliquam frugem, ac mentis sanitatem reuocaret, At ipsi, quibus genuina ambitio, sui ipsius amor et sapientia quaedam singularis diuersum persuaserat, optimi principis benignitate, ac mansuetudine pertinaciter sunt abusi, et ubi publicum Regni concilium (quod parliamentu_m_ uocant) pro Regni quiete stabilienda, ut ad certa tempora haberetur, indictum foret, ceperunt undecunq_ue_ sollicita cum sedulitate clanculu_m_ exquirere, qua de re tractari, quidq_ue_ in hoc parliam_en_to, ut expediens rei p_ubli_cae agi oporteret, quicquid uero alior_um_ delatu ex re praeterita rerum usu, uel coniectura usq_ue_ collegissent id statim communibus consiliis trutinabant, omnia secus interpreta_n_tes, q_ue_ Regni quies ac utilitas exposcebat, eo quidem argumentor_um_ et rationum apparatu, ut rudi plebeculae non multo cum labore potuisset imponi, quumq_ue_ ex conscientia parum sana, Regis animum sibi offensum suspicarentur, ueriti ne parum commode, audacterq_ue_, quod tacite animo moliebantur, tractare possent, ex hiis nonnullos delegerunt, quos audaculos aut linguae uelocitate promptiores, aut sui studiosos existimarunt cum his antiquioris amicitiae occasione ageba_n_t familiaribusq_ue_ colloquiis excipiebant, ac si quos morbo animi laborantes suae opinionis reperissent, in horum sinum iam antea conceptu_m_ pectore uenenum euomebant, suae erga claementissimum Regem fidei, et obseruantiae, atq_ue_ in ipsam patriam charitatis prorsus obliti, Haec dum in uulgus haberentur passimque sparsa promiscue essent, haud somnulenter solertissimus princeps perscrutari coepit, quibus fundame_n_tis tam impia coniuratio niteretur, quibusq_ue_ enutriretur authoribus, luce clarius perspexit, ab hiis integerrimis iuris tantam iniquitatem deriuari, quam redarguebant non obscuri testes, ultro, citroq_ue_ missa chyrographa, ipsorumq_ue_ oris confessio, haec et alia que multa iustissimu_m_ principem adegeru_n_t, ut hos rebelles, ac degeneres subditos, in patriam ingratos, communi bono aduersos, publicae pacis turbatores, tumultuosos, impios, seditiososq_ue_ viros in uincula carceresq_ue_ coniecerit, nec id praetermittere poterat, nisi patefacta iniquitate, sui officii consulto immemor permittere uoluisset, huius sceleris contagionem publica cum pernicie in q_uam_ multos transferri. Carceribus autem mancipati tractabantur humanius, atq_ue_ mitius q_uam_ par fuisset, pro eorum demeritis, per Regem illis licebat proximor_um_ colloquio, et consuetudine frui, ij fuerant illis appositi, praescriptiq_ue_ ministri, quos a uinclis immunes antea fidos charosq_ue_ habeba_n_t, id cibi genus eaq_ue_ condim_en_ta, et uestitus ei concedebantur, quae eorum habitudini, ac tuendae sanitati, ipsi consanguinei, nepotes atq_ue_ affines, et amici iudicabant esse magis accommoda, Coeteru_m_ tanta Regis mansuetudine, fides, obserua_n_tia, ueritas, amorq_ue_ recti apud rebelles istos, proditoresq_ue_ homines usq_ue_ adeo exoleuit, ut constanter iniqui esse maluerint, q_uam_ sui sceleris poenitentia Regis bonitatem atq_ue_ claementiam experiri, et enim postq_uam_ certae leges, statuta, atq_ue_ decreta, re prius multa deliberatione in omne_m_ partem discussa, publica parliame_n_ti authoritate, assensu atq_ue_ consensu condita praescriptaq_ue_ fuere, et ab omnibus nullo discrimine, repugna_n_te nullo, ut sancta necessaria toti Regno utilia, et cum uera christi religione potissimu_m_ consentientia admissa, atq_ue_ recepta sunt, soli isti repugnabant, suae impietatis praesidium semper aliquod fortuitum sibi ex tempore pollicentes, nonnunq_uam_ omissa rerum humanar_um_ cogitatione se totos diuinar_um_ contemplationi egregie simulabant addictos, interim studia, uigilias, cogitatusq_ue_, suos omnes utcunq_ue_ carceribus obnoxii eo intendebant, ut quibuscunq_ue_ possent fallaciis, praestigiosisq_ue_ argumentis tam sanctas Regni leges, tantaq_ue_ authoritate firmitas ac rectissime stabilitas, soli ipsi perniciosissimae seditionis principes in commune malum eluderent, refellerent, atq_ue_ turbare_n_t, huius autem tam impiae, perfidae ac iniquae affectae uoluntatis extant manifestissima indicia extant chyrographa ipsa eorum manu carbonibus, et creta (si quando deerat atrame_n_tum) depicta, ultro, citroq_ue_ clam ab ipsis destinata, neq_ue_ ipsi ibant inficias complures mutuo acceptas missasq_ue_ l_itter_as, fuisse in ignem coniectas ut tacitum, tutumq_ue_ suae iniquitatis seruatorem, aliud nihil hiis l_itte_ris conscriptum erat, q_uam_ quod ad publicam seditionem potissimu_m_ spectaret, sustinere diutius non potuit mitissimus Rex istorum culpam tam atrocem, legumq_ue_ examini publico foro et aperto iudicio illos commisit, Laesae Ma_iesta_tis, ac rebellionis rei reperti sunt, atq_ue_ damnati, supplicium de eis sumptum est longe quidem mitius q_uam_ leges, ac iudicia praescribebant aut eorum culpa exegisset, ex quor_um_ exemplo ad sanitatem, ad fidem q_uam_ multi rediere: Quicunq_ue_ sano defecatoq_ue_ est iudicio non obscure huic perspicere potest q_uod_ praecipitanter pontifex, et curia Romana ullam ex hac re animi offensionem conceperit, per Regiam M_aiesta_tem non stat, quominus pontifex in suos Car_dina_les Ep_iscop_os eosq_u_e omnes, in quos ius ullum sibi uendicat, iure suo utatur, non eorum causam suam aestimat, nec offenditur, si pontifex, aut quiuis alius chr_isti_anus princeps ullum de male mentis subditis aut rebellibus supplicium exigat: Iterum igitur, atq_ue_ iterum miratur, pontificem ex hac re tantum indignationis animo concepisse, sed hanc indignationem, quam tantopere exacerbare uidetur curia, tunc depositam iri putat, quum desierint maleuoli suggerere quae falsa su_n_t, quumq_ue_ mentiendi uia fuerit illis praeclusa, quibus quum nil aeque graue, atq_ue_ molestu_m_ sit, q_uam_ quod suor_um_ consilior_um_ tam strenua fundamenta deiecta fuerint, id operae precium non exiguum esse ducu_n_t, ut hoc uelamine suas technas callide contega_n_t priuatamq_ue_ offensionem, si quae sit, pontificis causam faciant. Non grauetur itaq_ue_ pontifex, si Regia M_aies_tas suo Regniq_ue_ sui iure, si quando expedit, uicissim utatur: Haec itaque omnia tum pontifici, tum coeteris omnibus, qui ex hor_um_ rebelliu_m_ suscepto supplicio quicq_uid_ offensionis concoeperint sedulo enarrabitis, ut quam ex falsa auditione animi molestiam imbiberu_n_t, hanc uera audiendo, multa mentis tranquillitate quandoq_ue_ deponant, nihilq_ue_ omittetis, in eorum qua superius commemoraui enarratione, etenim Regiae M_aiesta_ti gratissimu_m_ erit, ne ipsa ueritas, ut se habet, maleuolor_um_ calumniis obscuretur, q_uia_ si tantum increbuerit mendax paucorum delatio, ut nullus hac in re amplius apud illos sit locus ueritati relictus, falsas eoru_m_ calumnias quantu_m_ cum Deo poterit Regia M_aies_tas sustinebit, quae sic Regni sui statum, resq_ue_ omnes undequaq_ue_ firmitas, stabilitasq_ue_ habet, sic suorum fidem, pectora, et obseruantiam compertam tenet, ut iniuriam omnem, si qua alicunde inferatur, queat non multo cum labore deo bene iuuante, refellere et propulsare. Et bene valete. Ex Aula Regia apud Brumham Die Septembr_is_ MDXXXV.

Vester bonus amicus THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ Mag_nific_o Equiti, D_omi_no Gregorio Casalio etc.

123. ‹CROMWELL› TO ----.

R.O. Cal. ix. 241 (ii). ‹Sept. 1535.›

The King thanks the recipient for his letter, and for the articles of the charge he has given to the inquests, and desires him to act further according to his discretion.

After right harty co_m_mendacion, ye shall vnderstand that I have resceyved yo_ur_ l_ette_re of the xxvi^{th} day of August w_i_t_h_ the articles of the charge that ye haue geven to thenquestes ther the whiche l_ette_re and articles I have at large shewed and declared vnto the king_es_ highnes who[856] consideryng yo_ur_ payne and travaill takyn therin right well allowithe and acceptithe yo_ur_ good procedyng_es_ and doyng_es_ in that behalfe, yevyng vnto you therfore right harty thank_es_, requyryng[857] the same farther like as ye have alredy begonne So to p_ro_cede therin withe suche acceleracion and spede as ye convenyently may do, accordyng to thexpectacion and trust that his highnes hathe in you. And touchyng the enquestes that ye have charged for that purpose all though they be the king_es_ s_er_u_a_unt_es_ and sworne for that purpose, yet for asmoche as many of theym in some poynt_es_ p_er_chaunce may be offendo_ur_s will therfore conceyll and not fynd the truthe in eu_er_y poynt. Wherfore the king_es_ pleasure is that ye well consideryng the same may order and devise eu_er_y thyng after yo_ur_ discresion, and as ye shall se cause besid_es_ theffect of the verdictes of thesame enquestes.

124. CROMWELL TO THE MAYOR, BAILIFFS, AND BURGESSES OF CAMBRIDGE.

Cooper’s Annals, i. 373; Cal. ix. 615. Oct. 15 ‹1535›.

As the King has approved his election as Chancellor of the University, he desires them to appear at the two yearly leets held by the University, and not to deny to the University the use of the King’s prison called the Tolbooth.

In my right harty maner I commende me unto youe. And whereas it hath pleased the kings highnes, uppon an election passed by the universitie of Cambridge wherin they chose me to be their hedde and Chaunceler, to condescende that I shuld accepte and take the same, to the intent that all matiers depending betweene you and them, in contencon and variaunce, might be rather by my meane and mediacon be finished, and soo determyned, as eyther parte myght enjoye such privileages as shuld be thought conveniente for them, with the advauncement of justice, the quiet and tranquillitie of the common weale, Wherin I purpose with suche dexteritie to travayl, as y_ou_ shall have good cause to think that all respects and affecttions laide aparte, I only mynd that which appertayneth to the office of a faithfull counsailor. Ye shall understande, that forasmoche as I am credibly advertised, that notwithstanding the said universitie hath hertefor had not only the serche of vitail and the correccon of waightes and measures there, and may by the kings Charters (as they doo and of long tyme have doon) kepe two letes in the yere, to be furnyshed with the townesmen, for the punishment and amerciament of suche as shuld be founde offenders in that behaulf, but also the use of the kings prisonne there called the Tolbothe, for the punyshment of all such other offences, as they may by their said Charters correct and punish, the rather of perverse mynd than otherwise, doo from tyme to tyme, when the said letes be summoned, as wel make slender appearance in the same, ne being theer charged, present and amerce the offenders, as by virtue of yo_ur_ othe you be bounde, wherby the good order to be observed therin is utterly confounded, to the great detryment of the publique weale of the hole towne, with the inquietacon of the kings subgiectts abiding within the same, As utterly deny them the use of the said prisonne; I have thought good, by these my lettres, to desire and praye youe, and nevertheles on the kings behaulf for the better preservacion of his graces peax, to commaunde youe, not only to mak yo_ur_ due appearance in the said letes, and their to enquire, present, and amerce the offenders, as hath been accustomed, but also bothe to permytt and suffer them to have the correction of waightes and measures, and the use of the said prisonne at their liberties, as they have had, without yo_ur_ denyal or interrupcon to the contrary, untyl suche tyme as the kings highnes shal take finall order and direction in all things depending in variaunce or question betweene youe, whiche his Majestie wil not fayle to do with al speede and celeritie. And thus fare youe hartely well. From Stepnay, the 15th daye of Octobre.

Your lovyng freend, THOM_AS_ CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my hartely beloved Freendes the Mayre, Bailieffs, and Burgesses, of the towne of Cambridge, and to every of them.

125. ‹CROMWELL› TO JOHN GOSTWICK.

B.M. Titus B. iv, ff. 114-115; Cal. ix. 647. Oct. 20, 1535.

Finds that Gostwick is charged with the sum of £16,032 16_s._ 8_d._ due to the King from divers persons, for conveying corn out of the realm. Desires him to collect as much of it as he can.

Mr Gostwyck. Where ye stande Charged in the Book_es_ of Specialties Betwene you & me made at your furst entrie into your Office subscribed w_i_t_h_ our hand_es_ for the Receipt of Sixtene Thousande thirty & two pound_es_ sixtene shilling_es_ and eight pence, due vnto the King_es_ Maiestie by diu_er_se & sundry p_er_sonnes, for the Conveyaunce of Corne & other thing_es_ out of this Realme contrary to the King_es_ Lawes, as appereth by the condic_i_ons of their obligac_i_ons, remaynyng in yo_ur_ Custodye, And forasmuche as I do vnderstande and perfitely knowe that a grete p_ar_te of the said su_m_me of xvi^{ml} xxxii li xvi s viii d ys vnlevyable, desperat & cannot be had nor recou_er_ed by reason that certain of the saide p_er_sonnes haue certificaths, so_m_me other fallen in vtter decay, by occasion of the grete losses & hynderaunc_es_ that they haue susteyned as well by See, as Lande, And so_m_me of theim dedde, & not knowing of whome to be aunswered Whereby I haue Considered the same to be mattier of Conscience, not intending nor mynding to charge you further than shall stande with the same, nor w_i_t_h_ nomore sume or su_m_mes than hath or herafter shall co_m_me vnto your hand_es_ Have therfore thought it good, aswell for your Discharge, and myne, As also for the spedy Recoueryng and Receipt of the Rest of the Money due by the saide sp_ec_ialties, this to devise & wryte, By the same in the King_es_ Maiesties name Auctorizing you, to call all the said p_ar_ties before you, w_i_t_h_ all seleritie & spede, And by yo_ur_ discresc_i_on, so to vse them, That the king_es_ highnes may be aunswered of the money, that by your saide discrescion shalbe thought of verey right & Conscience sufficient. Further in the king_es_ name Auctorizing you by vertue herof, to take newe composic_i_ons of suche as hath not their money in arredynesse. And also by the same to deliu_er_ all suche sp_ec_ialties vnto the parties or ther deputies, as shalbe p_ro_ved of right either to haue Certificate or other sufficient Discharge. And this Subscribed with my hande shalbe vnto you your heires executo_urs_ & deputies sufficient Discharge at all tymes hereafter, for your so doing. Wrytten the xx^{ti} day of Octobre the xxvii^{ti} yere of the Reigne of our Sou_er_aigne Lorde king Henry the eight.

_Endd._ A minute of a lettre to M^r Gostwyke, towching a newe ordre and composic_i_on to be taken w_i_t_h_ certayn p_er_sons standing chardged in grete so_m_mes of monaye vnto the king_es_ Ma_ies_tie whiche be vnleviable and desperate by reason the p_ar_ties by casualtes be brought to greate pou_er_tie

126. CROMWELL TO GARDINER.

B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 110; Cal. ix. 848. Nov. 19 ‹1535›.

Urges him to work diligently in France for the delivery of the ships at Bordeaux. Sends a dozen of Gardiner’s orations and a dozen of those of the Dean of the Chapel Royal also, for him to distribute according to his discretion.

My veray good lorde aftre my moost harty co_m_mendac_i_ons by maister brian whom the king_es_ highnes at this tyme sendeth vnto his good brother the frenche king sufficiently instructed to certain purposes, as by his instructions wherunto ye shalbe p_ar_ticipant and make him again the semblable to yours, ye shal p_er_ceyve, ye shal receyve his highnes l_ette_res, touching matiers of importaunce, whiche as his grace doubteth not but ye wil setfurth w_i_t_h_ suche dexteritie as shal best conduce his desire to effecte Soo his pleasure is ye shal w_i_t_h_ suche stomak and courage travail w_i_t_h_ the frenche king and his counsail in that pointe touching the delyueraye of the shippes as ye maye not onely obteyne the same but also declare and shewe therw_i_t_h_ howe ingrately his highnes is handeled therin spe_ci_ally being at this tyme soo secrete and freendly treatie betwene him and his good brother as there is for matiers of soo high consequence, among_es_ whiche thing_es_ also his grace desireth youe to remembre the declarac_i_on of the french king of tharticles sent by Melancton, luthers epistle in the same, w_i_t_h_ thother circu_m_stances conteyned in the copies lately sent vnto you. Ye shall also receyve herw_i_t_h_ a dosen of yo_ur_ orations and another dosen of the deanes, whiche the king_es_ pleasure is ye shall by thaduise of Mr. brian and Maister Wallop destribute to suche p_er_sounes there as among_es_ youe ye shal think convenient. In whiche treatie to be had concernyng the shippes ye may not forget to inculce what Joye the subgiett_es_ here conceyved for his recou_er_ye in the procession, and howe they bee again sithens stayed vppon this staye of the shippes whiche hath indede soo contrary a counten_au_nce to o_ur_ doing_es_ as it is no m_er_vayl thoughe they be abasshed at it. And this matier the king_es_ highnes woll haue you chiefly prosecute, leving to Sir John Wallop only the sute for the moneye, bicause the p_ro_myse therof was made vnto him. And thus I pray god sende your lordshipp well to fare. From the Rulles the xix^{th} daye of Nouembre

Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my veray good lorde my lorde of Winchestre the king_es_ highnes Ambassad_or_ at this tyme w_i_t_h_ the french king.

_Endd._ From the Roulles the xix^{th} of Novembre. Mr. Secretary

127. CROMWELL TO GARDINER AND WALLOP.

B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 232; Cal. ix. App. 8. Dec. 7 ‹1535›.

Desires them to discover the real inclination of the French King, and to ascertain whether they have any secret plans on foot. Gives a list of the sums of money due to the King.

Aftre my moost harty co_m_mendacions w_i_t_h_ like thank_es_ for yo_ur_ gentle l_ette_res and aduertisement_es_ of the Occurrant_es_ there, ye shal at this tyme receyve the king_es_ highnes l_ette_res answering to yo_ur_s of the xxviii^{th} of Nouembre The content_es_ wherof as his highnes doubteth not but ye wil duely consider and accomplishe temp_er_ing neu_er_theles the same in suche sorte, as yo_ur_ wisedomes shall think maye best s_er_ue to thentertaynement of thamytie betwene his grace and the frenche king, and the conducing of his graces desire to effecte. Soo his highnes spe_ci_ally desireth youe to endeuo_ur_ yo_ur_self_es_ by all the meanes ye canne possibly deuise and excogitate to explore serche and knowe the veray inclynac_i_on of the frenche king and whither the frenchemen haue any pryvie practises in hande, and of the lightlywod of the successes of the same w_i_t_h_ suche other occurrant_es_ as shall chaunce to co_m_me to yo_ur_ knowleage to aduertise his highnes, as I shal for my p_ar_te desire youe to doo to me the semblable as the tyme and hast of yo_ur_ dispeches wil give you leave. The treatie belli offensiui ratified at Amyans I sende vnto youe herw_i_t_h_, And as co_n_cernyng thaccompt of the money due to the king_es_ highnes First there is due to his grace 1M^{l}[858] crownes lent to the duke of Bavier for the whiche the frenche king standeth bounde by obligac_i_on. Item 1M^{l}[858] crownes lent at his request for the assistence of the duke of Wittenberge, for the whiche they haue non acquietance, but were bounde by promyse to repaye it in cace there ensued no good successe of themployment of the same whiche condition and conven_au_nt is w_i_t_h_out question determyned.

Item there is due vnto his grace the hole penc_i_on and salt moneye for the last yere ended at Nouembre.

And wheras the king_e_s highnes in these his l_ette_res nowe sent vnto youe hathe co_m_maunded youe Mr. wallop to presse themp_er_o_ur_s, Ambassado_ur_ for your declaration to the denyal of thouertures, like as I writing by his graces co_m_maundement vsed the same terme, for declarac_i_on of yo_ur_self, to thintent ye shal not thinke that anything is further ment therby thenne to haue youe vse that worde to him to extorte what ye canne in that matier, his highnes co_m_ma_u_nded me in this sorte to expounde the same vnto youe. And thus moost hartely fare youe well. From Richemont the vii^{th} of decembre.

The king_es_ highnes spe_ci_ally desireth youe to reme_m_bre his co_m_mandement touching the delyu_er_ance of the shippes

Yo_ur_ assuryd Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To myn assured frend_es_ My lorde of Winchestre and s_ir_ John Wallop knight the king_es_ Ambassado_ur_s in fraunce.

_Endd._ From Richemonde the vii^{th} of decembre. Mr. Secretary.

128. CROMWELL TO GARDINER.

B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 234; Cal. ix. App. 9. Dec. 7 ‹1535›.

Has been unable to obtain a copy of the treaty which he promised to send, and thought it better to postpone sending it than to delay the bearer. The King desires him to labour for the delivery of the ships.

Aftre my moost harty co_m_mendac_i_ons to yo_ur_ lordshippe Thise shalbe to aduertise youe that Albeit in myn other l_ette_res writen ioyntly to youe and Maister Wallop I haue signified that ye shuld by this berer receyve the treaty belli offensiui whiche ye wrote for, yet having here suche busines that I could ‹not› dep_ar_te to london to cause the same to be copied, I thought it more expedient to differre the sending of it vntil we shal dispeche another curro_ur_ vnto youe, thenne to demore yo_ur_ s_er_u_au_nt here tyl I might haue goon to london for that p_ur_pose. And wheras yo_ur_ said s_er_u_au_nt hath declared vnto me yo_ur_ credence concernyng yo_ur_ necessitie of money, I shall not fayle by the next messanger to take suche direction w_i_t_h_ youe for the satisfaction of yo_ur_ desire in that p_ar_te as ye shall haue cause to be contented. The king_e_s highnes desireth youe to labo_ur_ effectually ‹for› the delyu_er_ance of the shippes at Burdeulx according to suche instructions as ye haue in that behaulf. And thus moost hartely Fare youe well. From Richemonte the vii^{th} daye of Decembre in hast

Your lordshippis assuryd Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my veray good lorde my lorde of Wynchestre the king_es_ Ambassado_ur_ in fraunce.

_Endd._ From Richemonde the vii^{th} of decembre. Mr. Secretary.

129. CROMWELL TO THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND BAILIFFS OF CAMBRIDGE.

Cooper’s Annals, i. 377; Cal. ix. 977. Dec. 15 ‹1535›.

Marvels that they have not complied with his requests that the University be permitted to use the Tolbooth, and desires them to delay no longer. Will see that justice is done in all respects.

In my right harty maner I comende me unto youe. Lating you wit that I cannot a little marvayle to understand that notwithstanding my sundrey lettres hertofor addressed unto youe, tuching the permission of the use of the Tolboth, the furniture of the Universitie leates, the advoyding of newe practises, usages, or imposicions, wherby might insewg debate and contencion betweene you and the said universitie, to yo_ur_ owne disquiet, with the offence of the kings peax, ye have both refused to doo and accomplish those things persuaded and enioined therin unto youe, and for the contynuance and nutryment of discorde and trouble amonge the kings subiectts, devised newe things and meanes to augment and engrece the same. The prysonne first is the kings, and seing his grace by his charters and grauntes hath ioyned the universitie with youe in the use therof, I cannot conceyve what ye meane to denye that whiche his grace hath graunted, and by vertue thereof, they have so long enjoyed, which expressly yo_ur_ baylie Ousburn did bothe to the procurators, and also to the vicechancelors deputie. A sergeant of yours also lately tok a peace of cloth from the stall of a commone minister of the Universities for non apparance in yo_ur_ Leate contrary to the comandment given at the tyme of Sturberige fayr, that ye shuld reyse no newe custome, or gather any newe exaction or imposiccon, uppon any scoler, his servaunt or their comone ministers; ye have also refused alonly this yere, to make a certain othe before the congregacion at Saint Maryes church, for the conservacion of the peax, and the presentement to the vicechauncelor of vagabundes and others, breakers and interrupters of the said peax. Nowe shal I, being only a Counsailor, and otherwise then honestie and justice wil no partie, whiche have not only proffessed to travayl for the quiet of both parties, but will devise and labor also to performe the same, desire youe to permytt them, first to have the free use of the tolboth as they have had: to see the cloth restored, taken violently awaye by your sergeant; To see their leats furnished, and to tak such othe, and use all suche things and custumes as ye have doon, untyl fynal direction may be taken betweene both parties. And yet I must ever saye, whiche ye shall also fynde true, that in cace ye shall doo any wrong, or not fulfill that ye be bound unto, wherby tumult and busines shuld rise amonge the kings people, though I do indede favor yo_ur_ cause, as appertayneth, and will also be gladde to doo therein what I canne for yo_ur_ comoditie, Yet in cace prayer and gentle entreatie cannot pull and allure youe awaye from the doing of wrong and iniury, both to the king and his subjectts, I will not fayle to advaunce, to the uttermost of my power Justice and to see punished with extremytie the interrupters thereof, to the example of other. And therfor eftsones, I most hartily praye youe to conforme yourselfs to quietnes in these pointes, and therein to performe that without contencon whiche the princes grauntes, ever to be reverently obeyed, doo require of youe, Ye shal by this waye and meane, doo your dueties, first toward his grace, to me administer most thankfull pleasure, and with your honesties provyde yourselfs quiet and rest, with a good end in all suche controversies as depende between youe and the said universitie. And thus fare youe hartely well. From Stepnaye, the xv^{th} daye of Decembre.

Your freend, THOM_AS_ CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my loving freendes, the Mayre, Aldermen and bailieffs of the towne of Cambridge.

130. CROMWELL TO GARDINER.

B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 112; Cal. ix. 1010. Dec. 24 ‹1535›.

Thanks him for his letters, and promises to attend to Gardiner’s wants. The postscript of Cromwell’s other letter will inform Gardiner of Thwaites’ arrival here, and of the answers made to the letters he brought.

Aftre my moost harty co_m_mendacons to your lordshippe w_i_t_h_ like thank_es_ for yo_ur_ gentle l_ette_res by the post scripta in myn other l_ette_res nowe writen vnto youe by the king_es_ highnes co_m_maundement ye shal p_er_ceyve tharryval here of yo_ur_ s_er_u_au_nt Thwaytes, w_i_t_h_ the determynac_i_on for answer to be made to suche l_ette_res as he brought w_i_t_h_ him. I shall in the meane tyme so satisfie peter lark yo_ur_ s_er_u_au_nt touching yo_ur_ request for money that ye shall by the next post p_er_ceyve ye be not forgotten, but sufficiently and soo furnished as ye shall haue cause to be contented. Yo_ur_ doing_es_ be no lesse thankfully accepted, thenne yo_ur_ wisedom travail and diligence therin do require and for my p_ar_te if there be anything ell_es_ here that I may doo yo_ur_ pleasure in, vppon yo_ur_ aduertisement I shalbe glad w_i_t_h_ al my harte to satisfie youe in the same. And thus most hartely fare youe wel, from the Rulles the xxiiij^{th} of Decembre

Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my veray good lord my lord of Winchestre.

_Endd._ From the roulles the xxiiij of decemb_er_ Mr. Secretary.

131. CROMWELL TO GARDINER.

B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 114; Cal. ix. 1039. Dec. 30 ‹1535›.

The King approves of his service, and assures him that he will be glad to welcome him on his return. Reports the illness of Katherine. Has arranged for his money with Peter Lark.

My veray good lord aftre my moost harty co_m_mendac_i_ons Thise shalbe taduertise youe that vndoubtedly the king_es_ highnes doth in soo thankfull sorte accepte your s_er_uice there doon vnto his maiestie, and in euery condic_i_on soo allowe approve and co_m_mende yo_ur_ wise substanciall and discreate proceding, as like as ye haue moche cause to reioyse therin, soo shall the same be certain meane and occasion, that ye shall assuredlye what ende soeuer yo_ur_ busines there shall take, returne to his highnes as hartely welcom and in as greate reputac_i_on as youe could yo_ur_self desire, wherof for my p_ar_te I am euen for many respect_es_ as gladde as ye canne be yo_ur_self. Touchyng his graces affayres I write nothing bicause the same be sufficiently touched in his highnes l_ette_res nowe addressed vnto youe, only for newes ye shal vndrestand that the douagier is in greate daunger whiche his Maiestie also willed me to signifie vnto youe, as by the copye of a l_ette_re sent from themp_er_o_ur_s Ambassador here touching her syknes ye shal p_er_ceyve. And as concernyng yo_ur_ money I haue taken ordre w_i_t_h_ yo_ur_ serv_au_nt peter lark, soo as ye shall I doubt ‹not› be shortly therin satisfied. And thus beseching god to sende youe a good newe yere, I bid youe as well to fare as I wold myself. From the Rulles the penultime of Decembre

Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd freend

THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my veray good lord, My Lord of Winchestre the King_es_ highnes Ambassado_ur_ in Fraunce.

_Endd._ From the Roulles the xxx^{th} of Decembre Mr. Secretary

132. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹THE PRIOR OF MONTACUTE›.

R.O. Cal. ix. 1127. ‹1535.›

Has received his letters saying that a young person has made suit to obtain the lease after its expiration. The King is assured that he will not recommend any one to him who will not act honourably and for the King’s profit.

In my right hertie man_er_ I co_m_mende me vnto you Adu_er_tesing the same that I haue receyued your l_ette_res right well p_er_ceyuing the content_es_ of the same And where as ye write vnto me that a nother p_er_son of younger yeres should make sute for thopteyning of the lease after the yeres all redie g_ra_unted in the same being expired and determyned the truth is that there is labour made aswell vnto Mr. Norres as other which is not so vehement ne hastie But that it may be right well stayed. Neu_er_theles the king_es_ highnes hauing ferme trust in yo_ur_ dexteritie and wisedom must ned_es_ haue regarde and expectac_i_on in yo_ur_ l_ette_res. Doubting not but ye will not p_re_ferre any other vnto his highnes but suche as shalbe right mete to do that thing which shalbe most for their own honestie and will haue good regarde and aspect to the King_es_ most proffite.

133. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹POLE›[859].

B.M. Cleop. E. vi, 371; Cal. viii. 220. ‹1535.›

Desires the recipient to answer the things contained in Starkey’s letter to him, which was written by the King’s express commandment.

Syr after my most harty reco_m_me_n_datyanys thys shalbe in few & short wordys to requyre you accordyng to the callyng that our lord Jh_es_u Chryst hath callyd & redemyd you that ys to say as wel wyth the gyft of gud l_ette_res and vnderstondyng, as wyth the most excelle_n_t gyft of jugeme_n_t in the same, ye wyl indeuur yourselfe to make answere vnto such thyngys as be co_n_tynyd in master starkeys l_ette_res to you wrytyn at thys tyme, by the kyng our masturys & soueraynys expresse cu_m_ma_n_deme_n_t & that the same answer may be such & of such gravyte, as the lyght & truthe therof may be to the honowre of god, & the satysfactyon of hys hyghnes. Wherof I assure you I wold be as glad as any pare_n_t or frend ye haue lyuy_n_g not dowtyng in your approuyd wysedome & jugeme_n_t but that ye wyl exte_n_d the gyftys gyue_n_ vnto you in such wyse as leuyng al your respectys or affectyon wole so inserch your co_n_scyence & jugeme_n_t for the truth as ye wole both dyscharge yourselfe agaynst god & your pry_n_ce, in dowyng wherof you shal assurydly dow the thyng much to thencrese of your meryte & fame, wherin as he that ys your assuryd frend to hys lytyl power I requyre you to haue indyffere_n_t co_n_syderatyon & so to ordur yourselfe therin as the expectatyon of your frendys wythe the jugeme_n_t of al me_n_ that knowyth you may be satysfyd in that behalfe & thus our lord send you no worse to fare than I wold ye dyd at london

_Add._ To my synguler frend Mayster Edmu_n_de Herwel marchant at Venyce

134. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹AN ABBOT›.

R.O. Cal. viii. 1122. ‹1535.›

In consideration of his willing mind, has obtained the King’s licence for him to resort to his manors near his monastery, provided that by so doing he causes no disturbance.

Ye shall vnderstand that I haue resceyved yo_ur_ l_ette_res[860], and touching that ye desire among_es_ other thing_es_ licence for yo_ur_ selfe and certayn of yo_ur_ bretherne to walke to yo_ur_ mano_ur_s and other places about yo_ur_ monastery. Ye shall understand that in considerac_i_on of the good and toward mynd that I have found yn you toward_es_ me and my s_er_uaunt_es_ diu_er_se ways I[861] have opteynyd licence of the king_es_ highnes for yo_ur_ selfe that ye may resorte vnto yo_ur_ maners and other convenyent walkes nygh vnto yo_ur_ monastery, so that no co_m_mon brute may be reysed therby, not doubtyng but ye will vse yo_ur_ selfe so (as for the good will and mynd I bere toward you) it may be to the good zele of religion and as I may therby resceyve no disworship therby. so that always yo_ur_ bretherne must ned_es_ use and order theymself_es_ accordyng to the Iniunccions in that case geven unto theym in that behalf.

END OF VOL. I.

Oxford: Printed at the Clarendon Press, by HORACE HART, M.A.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Antiquarian Magazine, Aug. 1882, vol. ii. p. 57.

[2] Manning and Bray, History and Antiquities of the County of Surrey, vol. iii. p. 268.

[3] Court Rolls of Wimbledon Manor, 15 Edw. IV. These rolls are now in the possession of Earl Spencer, lord of the manor. They were made accessible to me through the courtesy of his steward, Mr. Joseph Plaskitt.

[4] The original entry reads: ‘Joh_ann_es Cromwell filius et heres W_ilelmi_ Cromwell nup_er_ de Northwell in com_itatu_ Nottingham remisit totum jus &c. in quodam mess_uagio_ vocat_o_ Parkersplace et in quodam tofto et v acris terr_a_e et in uno tofto cum crofto et vii acris terrae dudum nup_er_ voc_atis_ Kendalisland et in viii acris terrae et dimid_io_ jacent_ibus_ in villa et campis de Northwell mag_istro_ Joh_anni_ Porter prebendario prebende de Northwell voc_ato_ prebende de Palishall in eccl_e_sia colleg_ii_ b_eata_e Mari_a_e Suthwell et succ_essoribus_ suis’ (Dods. MSS. in Bibl. Bodl., vol. xxxvi. p. 97, 1 Edw. IV.)

[5] Antiquarian Magazine for August, 1882, vol. ii. p. 59.

[6] Dods. MSS., vol. xi. pp. 193a, 248a; vol. xxxvi. p. 103. Thorold Rogers, in his History of Agriculture and Prices, vol. iv. p. 3, refers to Ralph Lord Cromwell as ‘one of the richest men of the fifteenth century.’

[7] Cf. Appendix I. at the end of this chapter.

[8] The following are some of the more common entries concerning Walter Cromwell:--

‘P_resenta_nt q_uo_d Gualterus Cromwell est co_mmuni_s br_acia_tor de here et fregit ass_is_am’ and ‘q_uo_d Gualterus Cromwell et ... sunt co_mmun_es tipell_ari_i s_er_uisie et freg_eru_nt ass_is_am ideo ip_s_i in mi_sericordi_a vi d.’ (Court Rolls, 17 Nov., 10 Hen. VII.; 17 Oct., 15 Hen. VII.; 28 Oct., 17 Hen. VII.)

‘It_em_ p_resenta_nt q_uo_d Gualterus Smyth alias Crumwell nimis excess_iv_e supo_n_unt co_mmuna_m pas_tur_am d_omi_ni ... cum av_ii_s suis ad co_mmun_e nocument_um_ ideo ip_s_e in mi_sericordi_a vi d.

‘Item presentant q_uo_d { Gualterus { Johannes

Smyth de Puttenhith succid_un_t spinas in co_mmun_a p_astu_ra d_omi_ni apud Puttenhith. Ideo ip_s_i in mis_ericordi_a iiii d.’ (Court Rolls, 28 Oct., 17 Hen. VII.)

[9] Court Rolls, 20 Edw. IV. and 16 Hen. VII.

[10] According to the record of 20 May, 11 Hen. VII.: ‘Eleg_erun_t in offic_io_ constabul_arii_ de Puttenhith Gualterum Smyth qui jur_atus_ _est_ in eod_em_ offic_io_.’

[11] As by an entry of 20 May, 19 Hen. VII.: ‘Gualterus Smyth et ... ibid_em_ jur_ati_ p_re_sent_ant_ _om_nia bene.’

[12] The entry in full reads: ‘It_e_m p_re_s_entant_ q_uo_d W ... Crumwell al_ia_s Smyth false _e_t fraudulent_er_ rasuravit evidenc_es_ _e_t terrur_es_ d_omi_ni in div_ersi_s p_ar_cell_is_ ad p_er_turbac_i_o_n_em _e_t exheredac_i_o_n_em d_omi_ni _e_t tenenciu_m_ ejus ut plenius apparet in eisd_e_m. I_de_o co_n_solend_um_ _est_ cum do_mi_no et medio te_mpor_e pr_efatum_ est bidell_o_ seisir_e_ in manus d_omi_ni om_n_ia t_e_r_ras_ _e_t ten_ementa_ sua tent_a_ de d_omi_no p_er_ copiam, _e_t de exit_u_ eor_um_ d_omi_ni respon_dere_’ (Court Rolls, 10 Oct., 6 Hen. VIII.; also Extracts, p. 74).

[13] Cal. vi. 696.

[14] Antiquarian Magazine, vol. ii. p. 178.

[15] Cal. iv. 5772. Cf. also Noble, Memoirs, vol. i. pp. 4-5, 238-241. The statements in Noble about the Williamses and Cromwells are most confusing and contradictory. Except for the information afforded concerning Morgan Williams, they are without value, and for the most part have been superseded by documentary evidence, discovered at a later date.

[16] Court Rolls, 10 Oct., 5 Hen. VII., and Cal. iv. 5772.

[17] Cal. iv. 5757.

[18] Antiquary for October, 1880, vol. ii. p. 164. Antiquarian Magazine for August and October, 1882, vol. ii. pp. 56 and 178.

[19] The original entries read as follows:--

1. ‘Ad hanc cur_iam_ venit Ric_ard_us Williams et surs_um_ red_idit_ in man_us_ d_omi_ni duas i_n_tegras virgatas terrae in Hamptone ... quarum una vocata Purycroft ... et alia virgata vocata Williams ad op_us_ Thomae Smyth hered_um_ et assign_atorum_’ (Court Rolls, 26 Feb., 19 Hen. VII.)

2. ‘Ric_ard_us Williams fecit in_s_ul_tum_ Thomae [Smyth] et eundem Thomam verberavit c_ont_ra pac_em_ d_omi_ni Regis’ ... ‘Ad hanc cur_iam_ venit Thomas Smyth et surs_um_ redidit in man_us_ d_omi_ni duas i_n_tegras virgatas terrae in Rokhamptone ... quar_um_ una virgata vocata Purycroft et alia virgata vocata Williams ad op_us_ Davidii Doby hered_um_ et assign_atorum_’ (Court Rolls, 20 May, 19 Hen. VII.)

[20] Antiquarian Magazine for October, 1882, vol. ii. p. 183.

[21] It is possible that the Thomas Smyth, whose name occurs so frequently in the Court Rolls, was identical with a certain ‘tryumphant trollynge Thomas Smyth,’ who, in 1541, wrote several ballads ‘declaring the despyte of a secrete sedycyous person,’ by name William Graye, who had composed certain verses very derogatory to the memory of Thomas Cromwell. This Thomas Smyth describes himself as ‘servaunt to the Kynges royall Majestye, and clerke of the Quenes Graces Counsell, though most unworthy’; he had perhaps obtained his position through the influence of the King’s minister. He was supported in his tirade against Graye by ‘the ryght redolent and rotunde rethorician R. Smyth ... in an Artificiall apologie articulerlye answerynge to the obstreperous obgannynges of one W. G. evometyd to the vituperacyon of the tryumphant trollynge Thomas Smyth ... to thende that the imprudent lector shulde not tytubate or hallucinate in the labyrinthes of this lucubratiuncle.’ ‘R. Smyth’ was probably another member of the Smyth-Cromwell tribe. The name ‘Ric_ard_us Smyth’ occurs frequently in the Court Rolls (Cal. xvi. 423).

[22] See Appendices I. and III. at the end of this chapter.

[23] See Appendices II. and IV. at the end of this chapter. The suggestion of Mr. Galton (The Character and Times of Thomas Cromwell, p. 22) that ‘Garigliano’ may be a mistake for ‘Marignano’ is scarcely plausible. The great victory of Francis I occurred in 1515, when there is every reason to suppose that Cromwell was in England.

[24] Cal. v. 1197; vii. 923.

[25] The fact that this tale concerns itself with Foxe’s native town of Boston increases the probability of its authenticity. It was probably this same Geoffrey Chambers who in later years was so active as Cromwell’s agent, and as Surveyor-General of the King’s purchased lands. Cf. Cal. xii. (ii), 490, 783, 835, 852, 857, and Ellis, 3rd Series, vol. iii. p. 168.

[26] Cal. x. 1218.

[27] Cal. i. 3556.

[28] Appendix I. to this chapter; Antiquary for Oct. 1880, vol. ii. p. 164.

[29] Appendix to chapter iii. p. 59.

[30] Cal. iii. 3502.

[31] ‘Mr. Pryor’ and ‘Mistress Pryor’ both had rooms in Cromwell’s house, at Austin Friars Gate, where he lived after the year 1524. Before that date he resided near Fenchurch (Cal. iii. 2624; iv. 3197).

[32] Mr. Gairdner kindly informs me that he was misled by a record concerning Robert Cromwell (Cal. ii. (i) 1369).

[33] Singer’s Cavendish, vol. i. p. 193 _n._

[34] Ellis, Thomas Cromwell, p. 12.

[35] Life of Wolsey, Dictionary of National Biography, vol. lxii. p. 325.

[36] Cal. i. 5355.

[37] In the original document (Cal. iii. 1026) the name of the Cardinal is not expressly mentioned. The copy of the citation, however, was sent by his chaplain, Clerk, and can scarcely have been intended for any one but Wolsey, since the case had already reached the Papal Court.

[38] Cal. iii. 3681.

[39] Cal. iii. 1026, 1940, 1963, 2441, 3657.

[40] Cal. iii. 2624.

[41] Cal. iii. 2437.

[42] The original is in the Vienna Archives. This copy was made from the official Record Office transcript. Cf. Cal. ix. 862, and Thomas, The Pilgrim, p. 107.

[43] John Cromwell of Lambeth.

[44] _sic_, read ‘ou.’

[45] Sir William Compton. See Dictionary of National Biography, vol. xi. p. 453.

[46] Letters, 1.

[47] On this paragraph, cf. Creighton’s Wolsey, pp. 128-130.

[48] Roper, Life of More, pp. 34-35.

[49] Ibid., pp. 35-38.

[50] On the 29th of April Wolsey entered the House and proposed a subsidy ‘which he thought should not fall short of £800,000, to be raised by a tax of four shillings in the pound on all men’s goods and lands.’ The principal provisions of the Act to which the Commons were finally induced to give their consent were as follows: for two years ‘a rate of 5 per cent. was imposed on all lands and goods of the value of £20 and upwards; 2-1/2 per cent. on goods between £20 and £2; 1-2/3 per cent. on goods of 40s., or on yearly wages averaging 20s. In the third year 5 per cent. on all lands of £50 and upwards; and in the fourth and last year, 5 per cent. on personal property of £50 and upwards. These rates were doubled in cases of aliens. The Act was not to extend to Ireland, Wales, Calais, to the counties of Northumberland, Cumberland, or Westmoreland, to Chester, to the bishopric of Durham, or to Brighton in Sussex.’ (Cf. Introduction to vol. iii of the Calendar, pp. 243, 253, 270.) Brewer informs us that ‘it had been computed that the subsidy granted by the Commons would produce £800,000,’ though he confesses that we are ignorant of the data on which this estimate was based. Lingard does not discuss the amount of the subsidy, but lays stress on the fact that the Commons asserted their right to debate on the measure alone. (Hist. of England, vol. vi. pp. 91-92.)

[51] Cal. iii. 2958. There can be no reasonable doubt concerning the authorship of this speech. Neither Brewer nor Gairdner question it, and Pauli, in an article on Wolsey and the Parliament of 1523 (Historische Zeitschrift for 1889, p. 52), says, ‘Die Rede selbst kann schlechterdings keinen anderen Urheber haben, und ist späterhin bei der Confiscation der Papiere Cromwell’s in das Staatsarchiv gekommen.’

[52] _sic_, for ‘of.’

[53] _sic_, for ‘wrongous’ or ‘wrong.’

[54] _sic_, for ‘world.’

[55] _sic_, for ‘they.’

[56] _sic_, for ‘affliction.’

[57] _sic_, for ‘of’?

[58] _sic_, for ‘be conveyed.’

[59] _sic_, for ‘as.’

[60] _sic_, for ‘be,’ possibly meaning ‘very.’

[61] William de Croy, Lord Chievres.

[62] Cal. iv. 969; Doyle’s Baronage, vol. i. p. 689.

[63] Cal. iv. 294, 388, 979, 1385-1386, 1620, 2347-2348, 2379.

[64] Cal. iv. 989, 990.

[65] Cf. Preface to volume iv of the Calendar, pp. 368-369.

[66] Cal. iv. 1833-1834, 2365, 5117, 5145.

[67] Cal. iv. 3461, 4778, 5330; Letters, 6, 8.

[68] Cal. iv. 3360.

[69] Cal. iv. 3334, and Appendix II. at the end of chapter i, p. 19.

[70] Cal. iv. 3079, 3119, 4201, 5169, 5365, 5456.

[71] Cal. iv. 3198, 3475, 3535, 3676, 4117, 4275, 4570, 4573, 5399, 5411.

[72] Letters, 1.

[73] Cal. iv. 2538, 3053, 4107.

[74] Cal. iv. 1768.

[75] Cal. iv. 2387.

[76] Cal. iv. 5080, 5141.

[77] Cal. iv. 3388.

[78] Cf. Appendix at the end of this chapter, p. 58.

[79] Cal. iv. 4560, 4837, 4916.

[80] Cal. iv. 4561.

[81] Cal. iv. 4433, 5757, 6219.

[82] Cal. iv. 3197.

[83] Appendix at the end of this chapter. The will is also printed in Froude, Appendix to chapter vi. The statement in a footnote that the names Williams and Williamson are used interchangeably is scarcely credible.

[84] Cf. footnote 87 in the Appendix, p. 56. The will was originally misdated, owing to an obviously careless error by the clerk, which was corrected by him at the time. The other corrections, by Cromwell, are written in a different-coloured ink; and the handwriting according to the Calendar (cf. footnote to vol. iv. no. 5772) indicates that they were made at a later date.

[85] Cal. xi. 1016; xii. (ii) 646.

[86] Cf. the genealogy in the Antiquary, vol. ii. pp. 164 ff.

[87] Altered at the time from:--‘MCCCCC xx viij^{ti}’ by the clerk. All the other changes are in Cromwell’s hand, and were probably made at a later date. Cf. footnote in the Calendar, vol. iv. pt. iii. p. 2573.

[88] Altered from:--‘Foure hundreth pownd_es_.’

[89] Altered from:--‘cccc^{li}.’

[90] Altered from:--‘xx^{li}.’

[91] Altered from:--‘one.’

[92] Altered from:--‘twoo.’

[93] These last six words are altered from:--‘a Bolster the best.’

[94] Altered from:--‘two.’

[95] Altered from:--‘ij^o.’

[96] Altered from:--‘One Dozen.’

[97] Altered from:--‘A.’

[98] Altered from:--‘iij.’

[99] Altered from:--‘vj of.’

[100] These last two words are altered from:--‘and.’

[101] Altered from:--‘xxiiij^{ti}.’

[102] Crossed out:--‘It_e_m I gyue and bequethe to my Doughter Anne one hundreth Mark_es_ of lawfull money of Englond when she shall cu_m_ to her lawfull age or happen to be maryed And xl^{li} toward_es_ her Fynding vntill the tyme that she shalbe of lawfull age or be maryed. Which xl^{li} I will shalbe Delyuered to my Frend John Croke on of the Six clerk_es_ of the king his Ch_a_uncerie to thintent he may order the same and cause the same to be imployed in the best wise he can deuyse about the vertewous educacyon and bringing vp of my saide Doughter till she shall cu_m_ to her lawfull age or maryage. And if it happen my saide Doughter to Dye before she cu_m_ to her saide lawfull age or be maryed Then I will that the said c Mark_es_ and so moche of the said xl^{li} as then shalbe vnspent and vnimployed at the Day of the deth of my said Doughter Anne, I will it shall remayne to Gregory my Soon if he then be on lyue, And if he be Dede the same c Mark_es_ and also so moche of the saide xl^{li} as then shalbe vnspent to be departed amongst my Sustres children in man_er_ and fourme forsaid And if it happen my saide Sustres children then to be all Dede, Then I will the saide c Mark_es_ and so moche of the saide xl^{li} as then shalbe vnspent shalbe deuyded amongst my kynsfolk_es_ such as then shalbe on lyue.’

[103] Altered from:--‘xx^{li} I Saye Twentye pound_es_ st_er_ling’: and this is altered from:--‘xxx^{li} which she oweth me.’

[104] Crossed out:--‘and.’

[105] Crossed out:--‘s_er_u_au_nt w_i_t_h_ my lorde Marques Dorssett.’

[106] Altered from:--‘xl^{li}.’

[107] Altered from:--‘Fourth.’

[108] Altered from:--‘xx^{li}.’

[109] Altered from:--‘x^{li}.’

[110] Altered from:--‘shall remayne to Anne and Grace my doughters.’

[111] Altered from:--‘xl^{li}’: and this is altered from:--‘xx^{li}.’

[112] Altered from:--‘vj^{li} xiij^s iiij^d.’

[113] Altered from:--‘iij^{li} vj^s viij^d.’

[114] Altered from:--‘Cosyn.’

[115] Altered from:--‘c.’

[116] Altered from:--‘Best.’

[117] Altered from:--‘x^{li}.’

[118] Crossed out:--‘It_e_m I gyue and bequethe to Elizabeth Gregory sumtyme my Seru_au_nt xx^{li} vj payre of Shet_es_ A Fetherbed A payre of blankett_es_ A Couerlet ij^o table clothes, One Dozen Naptkynnes ij^o brasse pott_es_, ij^o pannes, ij^o Spytt_es_.’

[119] Crossed out:--‘It_e_m I gyue _and_ bequethe to John Croke one of the vj clerk_es_ of the Ch_a_uncerye x^{li} my Second gowne Doblet and Jaquet. It_e_m I gyue and bequethe to Roger More Seruaunt of the king his bakehouse vj^{li} xiij^s iiij^d iij yard_es_ Saten and to Maudelyn his wyf iij^{li} vj^s viij^d.’

[120] Crossed out:--‘It_e_m I gyue and bequethe to my litill Doughter Grace c Mark_es_ of lawfull ynglissh money when she shall cu_m_ to her lawfull age or maryage and also xl^{li} toward_es_ her exhibucyon and Fynding vntill suche tyme ‹as› she shalbe of lawfull age or be maryed Which xl^{li} I will shalbe delyuered to my brother in law John Willyamson to thintent he may order and cause the same to be imployed in and about_es_ the vertewous educacyon and brynging vp of my saide Doughter till she shall cu_m_ to her lawfull age or Maryage. And if it happen my saide Doughter to Dye before she cum to her lawfull age or maryage then I will that the saide c m_ar_k_es_ and so moche of the saide xl^{li} as then shalbe vnspent and vnimployed about_es_ the fynding of my saide Doughter at the Day of the Deth of my saide Doughter shall remayne and be Delyuered to Gregory my Soon if he then shall happen to be on lyue. And if he be Dede then the saide c Mark_es_ and the saide residue of the saide xl^{li} to be euenlye Departed amongst my poure kynnesfolk_es_, that is to say my Susters children forsaide.’

[121] The last seventeen words are altered from:--‘Sutton at Hone and Temple Dartford in the Countie of Kent And shall take the p_ro_ffyte of my Ferme of the p_ar_sonage of Sutton.’

[122] Crossed out:--‘cu_m_myng.’

[123] Crossed out:--‘in Dead_es_ of charytee ou_er_ and aboue the charges and reparac_i_ons gyue and Distrybute for my Soule quarterly xl^s amongst poure people vntill my Soon Gregorye shall cu_m_ to the age of xxv yeres if he so long do Lyue And then my saide Soon to haue my said Fermes During the yeres conteyned w_ith_in my leases.’

[124] Altered from:--‘xxv.’

[125] Crossed out:--‘and.’

[126] Crossed out:--‘my saide executours shall sell my said Fermes to the most proffyte and adu_au_ntage And the money thereof growing to bestowe in Dead_es_ of charytee vppon my poure kynnesfolk_es_ and other charytable Dead_es_ to pray.’

[127] Altered from:--‘iij.’

[128] The last eighteen words are altered from:--‘iij yeres xx^{li}.’

[129] Added and crossed out:--‘by the discression of myn executors.’

[130] Altered from:--‘xiij^s iiij^d.’

[131] Altered from:--‘xx^{li}.’

[132] Altered from:--‘vj^s viij^d.’

[133] Altered from:--‘x^{li}.’

[134] Altered from:--‘v^{li}.’

[135] Crossed out:--‘It_e_m I gyue and bequethe to my p_ar_oche churche for my tithes forgotten xx^s.’

[136] The last eleven bequests are added in Cromwell’s hand.

[137] Altered from:--‘John Croke one of the vj clerk_es_ of the king his Ch_a_uncerye.’

[138] The last four words are altered from:--‘my S_er_u_au_nt Iohn Smyth and John.’

[139] Crossed out:--‘and to my litill Doughters Anne and Grace.’

[140] Added and crossed out:--‘ou_er_ and aboue thayr legacyes beforsayd.’

[141] Every page, except the last two, is also signed by Cromwell.

[142] Cal. iv. 6017.

[143] Cavendish, pp. 160-166.

[144] Cal. iv. 6036.

[145] Cal. iv. 6110.

[146] Cavendish, pp. 175 ff.; Shakespeare, Henry VIII., iii. 2; Froude, vol. ii. pp. 112 ff.

[147] Cavendish, pp. 169, 170.

[148] Cavendish, p. 179.

[149] Parliamentary Papers, vol. lxii. pt. i. p. 370.

[150] Cal. iv. App. 238.

[151] Cavendish, pp. 179 ff.

[152] Cal. iv. 6098, 6203, 6249. Cf. also Dixon, vol. i. pp. 48-49 _n._ Stubbs’ Lectures, p. 315, and the Life of Cromwell in the Dictionary of National Biography, vol. xiii. p. 197.

[153] Cal. iv. 6017.

[154] Busch, pp. 288, 289.

[155] Cal. iii. 3694, and iv. 6216, 6792.

[156] Cf. Introduction to vol. iv of the Calendar, pp. 549, 550.

[157] State Papers, vol. i. p. 351.

[158] Cal. iv. 6115.

[159] Cal. iv. 6181.

[160] Cal. iv. 6098, 6181, 6204, 6249.

[161] Letters, 13.

[162] Cal. iv. 6203.

[163] Cal. iv. 6196.

[164] Introduction to vol. iv of the Calendar, pp. 584, 585.

[165] Cavendish, p. 198.

[166] Letters, 18.

[167] Letters, 9-20.

[168] Foxe, vol. ii. pp. 419 ff.

[169] See Appendix I at the end of chapter i, p. 17.

[170] Cf. Ashley, Economic History, vol. ii. pp. 259-304.

[171] On this and the succeeding pages, cf. Creighton’s Papacy, vol. vi. pp. 296-362, and Mignet, vol. ii. pp. 340-358.

[172] Cal. iv. 6521, 6691.

[173] For the date of the birth of Anne Boleyn see Friedmann, chap. i, and Note A in the Appendix; Round, The Early Life of Anne Boleyn; and Gairdner in the English Historical Review, vol. viii. p. 58, and vol. x. p. 104.

[174] Cal. iv. 1431 (8), 6083, 6163.

[175] Cal. iv. 4477, 4383, 4410, 3325, 3326, 3218-3221.

[176] Cf. the Life of Norfolk in the Dictionary of National Biography, vol. xxviii. p. 65.

[177] Cal. iv. 5422.

[178] Cf. the Life of Gardiner in the Dictionary of National Biography, vol. xx. p. 419.

[179] Cf. Pauli, Thomas Cromwell, p. 301.

[180] Cal. iv. 4613, 4884, 5034, 6429, 6744.

[181] Il Principe, chap. xviii, p. 304.

[182] Ibid., chap. xvii, p. 291.

[183] Cal. iv. 6346.

[184] Letters, 1.

[185] Pole, Apologia ad Carolum Quintum, chap. xxix.

[186] This account was drawn up by Pole in 1538. Canon Dixon (History of the Church of England, vol. i. p. 41) questions the truth of the story on the ground that The Prince was not published until 1532, several years after the reported conversation took place. The book, however, was written in 1513, as Canon Dixon admits, and there is every probability, especially in view of his early experiences in Italy, that Cromwell possessed a manuscript copy. Pole, moreover, expressly states that Cromwell offered to lend him the work, provided he would promise to read it.

[187] Cal. xiv. (ii) 399.

[188] The chronicler, John Stow, in his Survey of London, p. 180, gives the following anecdote, which proves that Cromwell was no less arbitrary as a man than as a minister:--

‘On the south side and at the west end of this church (the Austin Friars) many fayre houses are builded, namely in Throgmorton streete, one very large and spacious, builded in the place of olde and small Tenementes by Thomas Cromwell.... This house being finished, and hauing some reasonable plot of ground left for a Garden, he caused the pales of the Gardens adioyning to the north parte thereof on a sodaine to be taken downe, 22 foot to bee measured forth right into the north of euery man’s ground, a line there to bee drawen, a trench to bee cast, a foundation laid, and a highe bricke wall to bee builded. My father had a Garden there, and an house standing close to his south pale, this house they lowsed from the ground & bare vpon Rowlers into my Father’s Garden 22 foot, ere my Father heard thereof: no warning was given him, nor any other answere when hee spake to the surueyers of that worke but that their Mayster Sir Thomas commaunded them so to doe, no man durst go to argue the matter, but each man lost his land, and my Father payde his whole rent, which was vi^{s}. viii^{d}. the yeare, for that halfe which was left. Thus much of mine owne knowledge haue I thought good to note, that the suddaine rising of some men, causeth them to forget themselves.’

[189] Pole, Apologia ad Carolum Quintum, chap. xxix, and Lingard, vol. vi. p. 233. There is every reason to believe in the veracity of this report. Pole was in London at the time, and knew Cromwell intimately. He reiterates the truth of his tale in the following words:--‘Hoc possum affirmare nihil in illa oratione positum alicujus momenti quod non vel ab eodem nuncio (Cromwell himself) eo narrante intellexi, vel ab illis qui ejus consilii fuerunt participes.’ This interview was doubtless the one which Chapuys describes as due to the quarrel with Sir John Wallop. According to both accounts it ended by Cromwell’s becoming a Privy Councillor.

[190] As Cal. iv. 6183.

[191] Cal. iv. 6111, 6154-6155.

[192] Holinshed’s Chronicle, p. 766.

[193] There were to be in all five concessions, the first of which was the really important and crucial one--‘Ecclesiae et cleri Anglicani, cujus protector et supremum caput is solus est.’ Wilkins, vol. iii. p. 725.

[194] Cal. v. 62, 70.

[195] Cal. v. 105.

[196] Cal. v. 7, 9; vi. 416.

[197] Wilkins, vol. iii. p. 725.

[198] Friedmann, vol. i. p. 142.

[199] Cal. v. 105.

[200] Cal. v. 171.

[201] Hall, p. 784.

[202] See Appendix at the end of this chapter, p. 104.

[203] Wilkins, vol. iii. pp. 748, 750.

[204] Hall, p. 788; Cal. v. 989.

[205] Cal. v. 1018.

[206] Cf. Dixon, vol. i. pp. 74-111.

[207] Cal. v. 1023.

[208] Cal. v. 1202.

[209] Cal. v. 941.

[210] Demaus, p. 257.

[211] Demaus, p. 274.

[212] Cal. v. 65. Doubtless Vaughan referred to the steps taken by Bishop Stokesley and others to punish those who favoured the new religion. It was at this time that Tyndale’s brother John had been arrested in London for selling New Testaments received from abroad.

[213] Cal. v. 153.

[214] Cal. v. 201.

[215] British Museum, Titus B. vol. i. p. 67.

[216] Letters, 21.

[217] Cal. v. 246, 303.

[218] Cal. v. 533, 574, 618.

[219] Demaus, p. 307.

[220] Cal. v. 701, 1548, 1600, 1728; Letters, 36, 39.

[221] British Museum, Titus B. vol. i. p. 422.

[222] Cal. vi. 180, 461.

[223] Cal. vi. 461, 469, 496, 525, 526, 527.

[224] 24 Hen. VIII., c. 12.

[225] 25 Hen. VIII., c. 19.

[226] 25 Hen. VIII., c. 22. Mendez Silva, pp. 14 and 15, asserts that Cromwell was responsible for the passage of this statute. The King’s minister appeared in Convocation and Parliament, and made a speech in which he said that his master desired that Mary be excluded from the succession and Elizabeth received in her place, and that he was sure that they all loved His Majesty so much that they would not refuse to do his will. Clergy, Lords, and Commons, ‘al peligro de la conciencia ... se reduxeron facilmente.’

[227] 26 Hen. VIII., c. 1.

[228] 25 Hen. VIII., c. 20.

[229] Cal. viii. 121.

[230] Cal. ix. 517.

[231] British Museum, Cleop. E. vi 254; and Strype, Ecclesiastical Memorials, vol. i. pt. ii. p. 216.

[232] Cal. viii. 565, 895.

[233] Cal. viii. 609, 661.

[234] Cal. ix. 74.

[235] Cal. xi. 300 (2).

[236] Cal. viii. 196.

[237] Letters, 107.

[238] Cal. vi. 835.

[239] Letters, 52; Cal. vi. 967, 1445.

[240] British Museum, Harl. MSS. 6,148 f, 40 a.

[241] Cal. vii. 54 (31), 522.

[242] Letters, 68.

[243] Cf. Lewis, chap. xxxii.

[244] Cal. vii. 287.

[245] Cal. vii. 296.

[246] Cal. vii. 499, and Letters, 71.

[247] Strype, Cranmer, vol. i. p. 39; vol. ii. p. 693.

[248] Cal. viii. 666.

[249] Cal. viii. 742, 876. Cf. also Lewis, chaps. xxxiv, xxxv, and xxxvi.

[250] Cal. vii. 575.

[251] Lewis, chap. xxxvii; Roper, 55.

[252] ‘Obraua Cromuel, estas, y otras atrocidades libremente, dando á entender ser conueniencia del Principe, para la estabilidad de su Corona, sujecion, y terror en los vassallos.’ Mendez Silva, p. 13.

[253] Letters, 197.

[254] Henry de Bracton’s De Legibus et Consuetudinibus Angliae.

[255] Cal. xiii. (i) 120.

[256] Letters, 107.

[257] The following passage from a letter which Gardiner wrote to the Protector Somerset in the reign of Edward VI. gives a slightly different account of the origin of the Act about Proclamations:--

‘Whether the King may command against the Common Law or an Act of Parliament there is never a Judge, or other man in the realm, ought to know more by experience of that the Lawyers have said, than I ... being of the Council, when many Proclamations were devised against the Carriers out of Corn; when it came to punishing the Offenders the Judges would answer, it might not be by the Laws, because the Act of Parliament gave liberty, Wheat being under a price: wherupon at the last followed the Act of Proclamations, in the passing whereof were many large words.’

It will be noticed that this account of the origin of the Act is in many ways similar to that contained in Cromwell’s letter: the chief difference being that according to the latter the measure was adopted to prevent the export of _coin_, while Gardiner informs us that the statute was devised to prevent the export of _corn_. It is possible that the Bishop of Winchester, writing so many years later, had forgotten the exact circumstances, and was really referring to the same incident as that described by Cromwell. Burnet has printed Gardiner’s letter in full (Collection of Records and Original Papers, &c., part ii, book i, no. 14), but he does not seem to have made use of the information it contains; for in another part of his work (part i, book iii, p. 423) he asserts that the Act about Proclamations was the result of the great exceptions made to the legality of the King’s proceedings in the articles about religion and other injunctions published by his authority, which were complained of as contrary to law. Hallam (vol. i. p. 35 _n._) apparently agrees with Burnet in this last statement, and ignores the evidence supplied by the letter of the Bishop of Winchester. It is probable that both writers have gone astray in this matter. The opposition aroused by the King’s ecclesiastical proclamations may have hastened the passage of the Act, but they can scarcely be regarded as its origin in the face of the testimony of Cromwell and Gardiner. Burnet and Hallam were perhaps led to ascribe the source of the statute to religious matters, by the fact that the Act was passed almost simultaneously with the Six Articles, and by the special provision which it contained concerning heretics.

[258] Canon Dixon (History of the Church of England, vol. ii. p. 129) sees in the Act about Proclamations ‘a timid attempt to draw the prerogative within the limits of regular legislation,’ and seeks to show that its true intent was to curtail, while legalizing, a power which the Crown had exercised hitherto illegally and without any restraint. It is doubtless true that the King had issued proclamations before, and had enforced obedience to them, without the sanction of law; and it is equally certain that the intent of this Act (like that of so many others which Cromwell devised) was to legalize a privilege of which the Crown had already made use. But it is more difficult to agree with the reasoning by which Canon Dixon attempts to show that the true purpose of this process of legalization was to restrict and not to confirm the power of the King. It is pretty certain that the practical value of these limitations was in reality far less than at first appeared; for, as Hallam and Burnet justly remark, the immediate effect of them was to confer great power on the judges, upon whom the duty of interpreting the statute devolved; and the judges--mere puppets in the hands of Henry and Cromwell--were sure to render every verdict in favour of the Crown. The exceptions in the Act about Proclamations may well be compared to the _Quantum per Christi legem licet_, which had been tacked on to the recognition of the King’s Supremacy. Both were concessions granted merely as a sop to the popular feeling: both were so guarded that they could easily be rendered nugatory. Finally, the fact that Cromwell himself was so active in assisting the passage of this statute should be a conclusive proof that its real aim was not to legalize and limit, but to legalize and confirm the power of the Crown. The straightforward verdicts of Hume and Hallam on the true significance of the Act are certainly correct: ‘The prerogative could not soar to the heights it aimed at, till thus imped by the perfidious hand of Parliament.’ The fact that the statute was repealed in the first year of Edward VI. simply proves that it was so unpopular that it was impossible to renew it, when the strong hand of Henry VIII. had been removed. Cf. Hume, vol. iii. pp. 255, 256; Hallam, vol. i. p. 35; and Blackstone, vol. i. p. 269. There is a curious passage in Beowulf (ll. 67-73), in which the King rules as he wills, saving his subjects’ lives and heritages, that is in striking congruence with this Act.

[259] Stubbs, Const. Hist., vol. i. p. 439.

[260] ‘William Copingar, Thomas Johnson, Sherifes. These Sherifes being on the morrow after Michaelmas day by the Maior and Aldermen presented before the Barons of the Exchequer, only William Copingar was admitted and sworne, but Thomas Johnson they woulde not admitte till they knew farther of the Kings pleasure. The x of October a commandment was brought from the King to the Lord Maior that he should cause an election to bee made for a new Sheriffe, at which day, came into the Guild Hall Mayster Edmond Dudley the Kings President, and there shewed the King’s letters, that his commons shoulde name for the Kings pleasure, William Fitz William, to bee Sheriffe for the peace ensuing, which with much difficulty at length was granted, which William Fitz William kept his feast the Sixteenth day of October.’ Stow’s Chronicle, p. 879.

[261] Cal. x. 852.

[262] The letter of Cromwell to the Mayor and Burgesses of Canterbury (Letters, 148) is now in the British Museum; it was put into my hands by the kindness of Mr. Brodie of the Public Record Office. It was overlooked at the time of the compilation of the tenth volume of the Calendar, and escaped the search of Froude and Friedmann, both of whom discuss the details of this election at some length. Its discovery throws much fresh light on the history of one of the most famous cases of arbitrary interference in the choice of members to Parliament that has come down to us from Tudor times. The reply of the Mayor (Cal. x. 929) is comparatively well known. Froude has printed it in full (vol. iii. p. 347), but has misread the name of one of the burgesses, which is ‘Darkenall’ or ‘Derknall,’ not ‘Sacknell.’

[263] Cal. vi. 1510.

[264] Cal. x. 351, 601, 1069, and footnote to page 232. Cf. also Froude, The Divorce of Catherine of Aragon, pp. 413-415.

[265] Wilkins, vol. iii. p. 817.

[266] Letters, 159, 266, 273.

[267] Cal. vii. 1555.

[268] ‘High Dutch’ not ‘Low Dutch.’

[269] Cal. x. 352, 698; xiv. (i) 186 (v).

[270] Cal. xii. (ii), Appendix 35, and xii. (ii) 593.

[271] Letters, 273.

[272] Cal. xiii. (ii) 1085.

[273] Cal. xiii. (ii) 1163; xiv. (i) 37, 371. Dixon, vol. ii. p. 77, and Eadie, vol. i. p. 360.

[274] Rymer, vol. xiv. p. 659.

[275] Wilkins, vol. iii. p. 760. It is not clear whether this petition was put forth in the name of Convocation or of Parliament. But the question is of minor importance: it is safe to say that neither body originated the Supplication, but that it was forced upon the Commons or the clergy by the King or his minister.

[276] Cal. vi. 299 (ix, x), 1381. In one place occurs the significant item ‘To Remembre to make a byll for the p_ar_lyament touching the augmentacyon of the Annatt_es_.’ British Museum, Titus B. i. 421.

[277] 23 Hen. VIII., c. 20.

[278] Cal. v. 879.

[279] Cal. vi. 793.

[280] 25 Hen. VIII., c. 20.

[281] 26 Hen. VIII., c. 3.

[282] 25 Hen. VIII., c. 21.

[283] Cal. ix. 725 (1).

[284] Cal. vii. 1554.

[285] Cal. vii. 1304; ix. 144, 183; x. 1170; xii. (ii), 1151.

[286] Schanz, vol. i. pp. 535-537.

[287] Schanz, vol. i. p. 518.

[288] 27 Hen. VIII., c. 10. Cf. also on this and the following pages Digby, pp. 267-280, and Reeves, vol. iii. pp. 275-289.

[289] 1 Rich. III., c. 1; 4 Hen. VII., c. 17.

[290] Cal. viii. 892.

[291] Cal. viii. 892; ix. 725.

[292] 32 Hen. VIII., c. 1.

[293] Schanz, vol. i. pp. 159, 160.

[294] Cf. Schanz, vol. i. pp. 224-227.

[295] Busch, vol. i. p. 149.

[296] Schanz, vol. i. pp. 76-86, 107-108.

[297] Schanz, vol. i. pp. 372-374.

[298] Cal. xiv. (i) 399, 655.

[299] Letters, 74, 190, 213.

[300] 32 Hen. VIII., c. 14.

[301] This proclamation, issued Feb. 26, 1539, decreed that for seven years ‘straungers shall paye like custome and subsidy as the kinges subiects.’ British Museum, Titus B. i. 572.

[302] Cal. xiii. (ii) 57, 84, 91.

[303] Letters, 273.

[304] Dixon, vol. ii. p. 83.

[305] Dixon, vol. ii. p. 83.

[306] Letters, 159.

[307] Letters, 106, 116, 124, 129, 186, 206.

[308] Cooper, vol. i. pp. 374, 375. In the Calendar, ix. 615, these injunctions are apparently attributed to Cromwell. But Cooper expressly states that the King promulgated them, while Strype (Ecclesiastical Memorials, vol. i. (i) p. 322, and vol. i. (ii) pp. 218, 219) seems to think that they were drawn up by Legh and Ap Rice, though he admits that they were issued in the King’s name. It seems very improbable then that Cromwell wrote them, and I have not placed them among the letters.

[309] Letters, 104, and Wilson, Magdalen College, p. 80.

[310] Letters, 325, 326. The name of the Master was George Cotes or Cootes, formerly of Magdalen. He was Proctor in 1529. Davis, Balliol College, pp. 82-86; Wood, Fasti Oxonienses, pt. i. p. 86.

[311] Cal. ix. 350.

[312] On the Commissions to Cromwell as Vicar-general and Vicegerent cf. Burnet, vol. i. pp. 292-293 _n._, 342-343 _n._; Collier, vol. ii. p. 104; Gutch, vol. ii. p. 192; Herbert, p. 202; Dixon, vol. i. pp. 244-247; Child, Church and State, pp. 78, 79. It is probable that the last writer has confounded the two commissions: certainly there is little reason to think that the title of Vicar-general was granted _later_ than that of Vicegerent.

[313] See vol. ii. p. 283.

[314] Cal. xi. 41.

[315] An event which took place in July, 1536, may possibly have been the source of this rumour. It appears that Cromwell had a gold ring made, with the figures of the Queen, King, and Princess carved on it, and the following Latin inscription:--

‘Obedientia unitatem parit, Unitas animi quietem et constantiam; Constans vero animi quies thesaurus inestimabilis. Respexit humilitatem Qui in Filio nobis reliquit Perfectum humilitatis exemplar. Factus est obediens Patri. Et ipsa etiam natura parentibus Et patrie obediendum docuit.’

This ring he intended to bestow on the Princess Mary, but apparently the King got wind of the plan and put a stop to it, taking the ring away from his minister, on the plea that he desired to have the honour of presenting it to his daughter himself. The episode should have been sufficient to show that even if Cromwell had any idea of marrying the Princess, the King’s opposition to the plan would prove insurmountable. The inscription on the ring, moreover, surely indicates that the gift was intended rather as a reminder to the Princess of her duty towards her father, than as a preliminary to a matrimonial proposal. Cal. xi. 148.

[316] Letters, 150.

[317] Cal. xi. 147.

[318] Cal. vi. 913, 981, 1011, 1014.

[319] Cal. xii. (ii) 423.

[320] As Cal. viii. 571.

[321] Cal. ix. 478, 862; xiv. (i) 5.

[322] Cal. viii. 108.

[323] Bagwell, vol. i. pp. 124-152.

[324] Cal. vii. 1141.

[325] Bagwell, vol. i. pp. 152-155.

[326] State Papers, vol. ii. p. 167.

[327] State Papers, vol. ii. p. 180.

[328] Cal. vi. 1586.

[329] Cal. vii. 957, 1141.

[330] Cal. vii. 1057.

[331] Cal. vii. 1095.

[332] Cal. vii. 1141.

[333] Cal. vii. 1193, 1257, 1366, 1389.

[334] Cal. vii. 1418.

[335] Bagwell, vol. i. p. 172.

[336] Cal. vii. 1297; viii. 140.

[337] Cal. vii. 1573, and Bagwell, vol. i. p. 173.

[338] Cal. viii. 448.

[339] Bagwell, vol. i. p. 180.

[340] Cal. x. 15 _n._

[341] Cal. x. 822.

[342] Cal. x. 897, 937.

[343] Letters, 179.

[344] Bagwell, vol. i. pp. 196, 197.

[345] Cal. xii. (i) 503.

[346] Cal. xii. (ii) 382.

[347] Letters, 198-205, 207, 208, 211, 212, 214, 215, 232.

[348] State Papers, vol. ii. pp. 551, 552.

[349] Cal. xiii. (ii) 999.

[350] Letters, 297, 298.

[351] Cal. xiv. (ii) 137.

[352] Cal. xv. 441.

[353] State Papers, vol. v. p. 178.

[354] Bagwell, vol. i. p. 249.

[355] Cal. v. 991.

[356] Ruding, vol. i. p. 308; Cal. vii. 1225.

[357] Cal. vi. 946; vii. 1026 (28).

[358] 26 Hen. VIII., c. 4, c. 6, c. 11, c. 12.

[359] Cal. vii. 1554.

[360] Cal. viii. 839.

[361] Cal. viii. 133, 195, 240, 509, 915, 1058.

[362] 27 Hen. VIII., c. 26.

[363] Cal. vi. 1196. Cf. also Hume Brown, vol. i. p. 381.

[364] Cal. vii. 296.

[365] Cal. ix. 178, 730; x. 75, 227, 482, 863, 944, and Pinkerton, vol. ii. pp. 327-328.

[366] Cal. xii. (i) 398, 399.

[367] Cal. xii. (i) 1286.

[368] Cal. xii. (ii) 829.

[369] Cal. xii. (ii) 1201.

[370] Letters, 330.

[371] Cf. Pinkerton, vol. ii. pp. 352-353.

[372] Cal. xv. 136.

[373] Cal. xv. 248. Cf. also Hume Brown, vol. i. pp. 388-389.

[374] Cal. vi. 300 (21), 619, and Rymer, vol. xiv. p. 452.

[375] Cf. Letters, 86, 260.

[376] Cal. x. 541.

[377] Cal. xi. 183.

[378] Cal. xiii. (i) 813, 934.

[379] Letters, 260.

[380] Letters, 263.

[381] Cal. xiii. (i) 1219.

[382] Cal. xiii. (i) 1446, 1464.

[383] Cal. xiii. (ii) 97.

[384] Letters, 312.

[385] Letters, 314.

[386] See Life of Arthur Lord Lisle in the Dictionary of National Biography, vol. xlv. p. 400.

[387] Cal. viii. 75, 76.

[388] Cal. ix. 139.

[389] Cal. viii. 822, 1127. The King and Cromwell were both absent on a tour in the west and south of England from the end of July until the beginning of October, 1535. Chapuys states that the object of this trip was to win the affection of the people on the Borders of Wales, and to enjoy the excellent hunting which that region afforded. It is probable that Henry and Cromwell were also desirous personally to inform themselves concerning the religious houses in the south and west counties, before permitting their agents to complete the visitation. Cal. ix. 58.

[390] Cal. ix. 138.

[391] Cal. ix. 621, 622.

[392] Herbert, p. 186.

[393] See ante, chap. vii, p. 115.

[394] Wright, p. 133. A tag of verse.

[395] Cal. ix. 321, 322.

[396] Wright, p. 73.

[397] Letters, 163, 180. Cf. also Gasquet, English Monasteries, vol. i. pp. 413, 421. Cromwell also took good care that some of the suppressed houses also should fall to his portion. He ‘appropriated to his own share the rich Priory of Lewes in Sussex (including its cell of Melton-Mowbray in Leicestershire), the Priory of Michelham in the same county, that of Modenham in Kent, of St. Osythe in Essex, Alceter in Warwickshire, Yarmouth in Norfolk, and Laund in Leicestershire. Sir Richard Cromwell, his nephew, and great-grandfather of Oliver, received Ramsey Abbey, Hinchinbrooke Nunnery, Sawtry Abbey, St. Neot’s Priory, and a house of Austin canons in Huntingdonshire, with Neath Abbey in Glamorganshire, and St. Helen’s Nunnery in London.’ Blunt, vol. i. p. 377. See also note 4 at the bottom of the same page.

[398] Cal. ix. 509, 632.

[399] Cal. ix. 829.

[400] Wright, p. 156.

[401] 27 Hen. VIII., c. 28.

[402] 27 Hen. VIII., c. 61.

[403] Cal. x. 1191.

[404] Wright, pp. 180-181.

[405] Wright, pp. 267-269.

[406] Cal. xi. 42.

[407] Ellis, 3rd Series, vol. iii. pp. 33, 34.

[408] Cal. xii. (i) 632, 668.

[409] State Papers, vol. i. p. 540.

[410] Wright, p. 153.

[411] This was perhaps the man whom Cromwell years before had helped to obtain from the Pope the indulgence for the Boston Gild.

[412] Ellis, 3rd Series, vol. iii. p. 168.

[413] Introduction to vol. xiii. of the Calendar, pp. 8-14; Wordsworth’s Cromwell, pp. 346-347 _nn._

[414] Wriothesley’s Chronicle, vol. i. pp. 76, 90. Cal. xiii. (i) 347; xiii. (ii) 186, 709-710.

[415] 31 Hen. VIII., c. 13.

[416] Cal. xiv. (ii) 399.

[417] Cal. xiv. (ii) 206.

[418] Cal. xiv. (ii) 530, 531. Cf. also Gasquet, The Last Abbot of Glastonbury, chaps. vi and vii.

[419] Cal. vii. 587 (18).

[420] Cal. xiii. (i) 225.

[421] Cal. xiii. (ii) 1021. Cf. also the Introduction to vol. xiii. of the Calendar, p. 23.

[422] Wright, pp. 195, 197.

[423] Cal. xiii. (i) 1335.

[424] Cal. xiii. (ii) 758, 911.

[425] Wright, p. 230.

[426] Cal. xiii. (ii) 767.

[427] Hallam, vol. i. p. 76.

[428] Cal. xiii. (ii) 457 (3).

[429] Burnet, vol. i. p. 431.

[430] 31 Hen. VIII., c. 9.

[431] Cal. xi. 786 (3).

[432] Cromwell.

[433] Cranmer.

[434] Richard Riche.

[435] The Bishop of Lincoln, Dr. Legh, and Dr. Layton.

[436] The Bishop of Lichfield.

[437] Cal. xi. 786 (3).

[438] Cal. ix. 314, 321, 322.

[439] Cal. ix. 694.

[440] Cal. x. 364.

[441] Cal. xi. 705, 780 (2); xii. (i) 70; xiii. (ii) 307.

[442] Letters, 105.

[443] Cal. xii. (i) 138, 786, 900. Cf. also A. L. Smith in Social England, vol. iii. pp. 21 ff.

[444] Cal. xii. (i) 70 (13).

[445] Cal. xii. (i) 163.

[446] Cal. xi. 585.

[447] Cal. xi. 504, 544.

[448] Cal. xi. 533-534, 536-539, 552-553, 567-568.

[449] Cal. xi. 547.

[450] Cal. xi. 569.

[451] Cal. xi. 567.

[452] Cal. xi. 579-580.

[453] The son of Morgan Williams and Katherine Cromwell. Cf. chap. iii, pp. 54-55.

[454] Cal. xi. 576.

[455] Cal. xi. 601-602.

[456] Letters, 165, 167, 169.

[457] Cal. xi. 714.

[458] Cal. xi. 674, 694, 706, 715, 717.

[459] State Papers, vol. i. p. 463.

[460] Cal. xi. 611.

[461] Cal. xi. 563, 622.

[462] Cal. xii. (i) 163, 259, 1080.

[463] Cal. xi. 611.

[464] Cal. xi. 627.

[465] Cal. xii. (i) 900, 944.

[466] Cal. xii. (i) 853, 1087.

[467] Cal. xi. 826.

[468] Cal. xi. 626, 671, 758.

[469] Cal. xi. 793, 800.

[470] Cal. xi. 864.

[471] Cal. xi. 887, 902.

[472] Cal. xi. 901.

[473] Cal. xi. 909.

[474] Cal. xi. 995.

[475] Cal. xi. 1061.

[476] Cal. xi. 957, 995, 1115, 1206.

[477] Cal. xi. 1224, 1225.

[478] Cal. xi. 1236.

[479] Cal. xi. 1276.

[480] Letters, 174.

[481] Cal. xii. (i) 44.

[482] Cal. xii. (i) 67.

[483] Thomas, The Pilgrim, p. 53.

[484] Cal. xii. (i) 201, 370.

[485] Cal. xii. (i) 104.

[486] Cal. xii. (i) 369.

[487] Cal. xii. (i) 234, 369 (p. 166).

[488] Cal. xii. (i) 86, 98.

[489] Cal. xii. (i) 498.

[490] Cal. xii. (i) 976.

[491] On this and the succeeding pages, cf. G. T. Lapsley, ‘The Problem of the North,’ in the American Historical Review for April, 1900, pp. 440-466.

[492] Cal. xii. (i) 595.

[493] Cal. xii. (ii) 914.

[494] Cal. xii. (i) 318, 319, 321, 594, 651.

[495] Cal. xii. (i) 594, 636.

[496] Cal. xii. (i) 319.

[497] Cal. xii. (i) 651, 667, 916, 919.

[498] Cal. xii. (i) 1118.

[499] Cal. xii. (ii) 254, 914.

[500] Cf. Gneist, pp. 513-514.

[501] Phillips, Pole, p. 3. _Cf._ also the genealogy at the beginning of the book.

[502] Cal. i. 4190.

[503] Cal. iii. 1544.

[504] Cal. iv. 6252.

[505] Poli Epistolae, i. 251-262.

[506] Cal. v. 737.

[507] Cal. viii. 217-219.

[508] Cal. x. 974-975.

[509] Cal. xi. 156.

[510] Cal. xi. 229.

[511] Cal. xi. 93.

[512] Cal. xi. 1353; xii. (i) 779.

[513] Cal. xiv. (i) 186.

[514] Cal. xii. (i) 779.

[515] Cal. xii. (i) 625, 939.

[516] Cal. xii. (i) 1219; Letters, 187.

[517] Life of Pole, Dictionary of National Biography, vol. xlvi. p. 38.

[518] Cal. xii. (i) 34, 249.

[519] There is reason to think that Throgmorton had promised to be a spy on Pole’s movements for the King. Cf. Letters, 218.

[520] Cal. xii. (i) 249, 296, 313.

[521] Cal. xii. (i) 429; xii. (ii) 552.

[522] Letters, 216-217.

[523] Letters, 218.

[524] Cal. xiii. (ii) 232 (p. 91).

[525] Cal. xiii. (ii) 695, 770, 771.

[526] Cal. xiii. (ii) 804, 805, 954-960.

[527] Cal. xiii. (ii) 802, 979 (7). It is said that Cromwell, in the course of these prosecutions, contrived to deprive the victims of all chance of escape by inquiring of the judges whether, if a man were condemned to death for treason in Parliament without a hearing, the attainder could ever be disputed. He finally succeeded in obtaining the reluctant but correct reply that ‘an attainder in Parliament, whether or not the party had been heard in his own defence, could never be reversed in a court of law.’ Cf. Hallam, vol. i. pp. 29-30. Coke, Fourth Institute, p. 38, adds, ‘The party against whom this was intended was never called in question, but the first man after the said resolution, that was so attainted, and never called to answer, was the said Earl of Essex (Thomas Cromwell): whereupon that erroneous and vulgar opinion amongst our historians grew, that he died by the same law which he himself had made.’

[528] Cal. xiii. (ii) 753.

[529] Cal. xiii. (ii) 986, 1163.

[530] Wriothesley’s Chronicle, vol. i. p. 92.

[531] Cal. xiv. (i) 867, c. 15.

[532] Cal. xvi. 868.

[533] Cal. xiv. (i) 279-280.

[534] Letters, 301.

[535] Cal. xiv. (i) 603.

[536] Cal. xiv. (ii) 212.

[537] Cal. xiv. (i) 560.

[538] Cf. Robertson, vol. ii. p. 135.

[539] Ranke, Popes, vol. i. p. 77.

[540] Cal. vi. 64, 92.

[541] Cal. v. 1545.

[542] Cal. vi. 110.

[543] Cal. vi. 465.

[544] Cal. vi. 508. Cromwell often begged to be excused from a promised interview on the plea of illness. Cf. Cal. vii. 959. Though it is certain that he suffered at times from violent attacks of ague, it is doubtful if it was always his ill-health which prevented him from fulfilling his engagements to the Imperial ambassador.

[545] Cal. vi. 918; viii. 263, 327, 355, 948; ix. 594.

[546] Cal. vi. 614, 641.

[547] Ranke, Popes, vol. i. p. 77.

[548] Cal. vi. 1426, 1427.

[549] Mr. Friedmann (Anne Boleyn, vol. i. pp. 225, 250 ff.) believes that this break with France was due to the influence of Cromwell, who had urged the King to strike out an independent policy as regards the Pope. M. Bapst (Deux Gentilshommes, pp. 97, 113), on the other hand, thinks that the King’s minister originally favoured the French alliance, and adhered to it until 1535. Neither writer produces any very conclusive evidence in support of his theory: but Mr. Friedmann’s view is certainly, on the face of it, the more plausible. It may be too much to say that it was by Cromwell’s advice that Francis was insulted at Marseilles, but it is certain that the King’s minister evinced a decided preference for an Imperial alliance long before the year 1535. Cf. Froude, The Divorce of Catherine of Aragon, p. 308.

[550] Cal. vi. 918.

[551] Cal. vi. 934.

[552] Cal. vi. 1039-1040.

[553] Letters, 64.

[554] Cal. vii. 21.

[555] Cal. vi. 1510.

[556] B.M. Nero B. iii, 105.

[557] Schäfer, p. 512.

[558] Rymer, vol. xiv. p. 539.

[559] Waitz, vol. i. p. 83.

[560] One of the provisions of the proposed agreement was: ‘Ducere uxorem fratris mortui sine liberis est jure divino et naturali prohibitum. Contra prohibitiones divinas invalida ac prorsus nulla est Romani pontificis vel cujuscumque alterius dispensatio.’ Entwurf eines Vertrags zwischen König Heinrich und Lübeck; Sommer, 1534. Transcribed from the original in the Archives at Weimar; Waitz, vol. ii. pp. 319-325.

[561] Ranke, vol. iii. pp. 406-425.

[562] Cal. vii. 970.

[563] Cal. viii. 72, 327.

[564] Cal. viii. 556, 1178.

[565] Cal. vii. 1095.

[566] Cal. vii. 1257.

[567] Cal. vii. 1060, and Baumgarten, vol. iii. pp. 145-146.

[568] Cal. vii. 1437.

[569] Cal. vii. 1483, 1554.

[570] Cal. vii. 1554.

[571] Cal. vii. 1483.

[572] Cal. vii. 1507.

[573] Cal. viii. 174, 557.

[574] Cal. ix. 148, 205, 594, 595.

[575] Cal. ix. 443.

[576] Letters, 126, 128, 135.

[577] Letters, 113.

[578] Cal. ix. 390, 1016.

[579] Cal. x. 771. Cf. also Corpus Reformatorum, vol. ii. pp. 1028 ff.; iii. pp. 46-50.

[580] Cal. x. 59.

[581] Cal. ix. 776, and Friedmann, vol. ii. pp. 169-173.

[582] Cal. x. 141. Cf. also Friedmann, vol. ii. p. 176.

[583] Cf. Dr. Norman Moore, on the Death of Katherine of Aragon, in the Athenaeum for Jan. 31 and Feb. 28, 1885.

[584] Robertson, vol. ii. pp. 40-41.

[585] Letters, 136.

[586] Letters, 126.

[587] Cal. x. 141.

[588] Cal. x. 351.

[589] Cal. viii. 948, 1018.

[590] Cal. x. 699. Mr. Friedmann points out that this quarrel of Henry and Cromwell about the Spanish alliance was intimately connected with the fate of Anne Boleyn. The Emperor, too cautious to express any indignation at the news of his aunt’s death, was still planning for the safety and, if possible, the succession of his cousin the Princess Mary. On hearing from Chapuys of the possibility of a renewal of cordial relations with England, he wrote back on March 28, 1536, a most diplomatic reply, in which he pointed out that it would be certainly for the interest of the Princess that Anne Boleyn should continue to be Henry’s wife; for should the King marry again, he might have male issue, which would succeed to the prejudice of Mary: there was, on the other hand, little probability that Anne would bear Henry another child, and the Emperor knew well that in the eyes of the nation his cousin’s right was far superior to that of Elizabeth. So, by a very extraordinary turn of affairs, the interests of Charles and of Anne had at least temporarily become identical. Cromwell probably had not perceived that this was the true state of affairs when he had his conversation with Chapuys; but the failure of his attempts to bring about a Spanish alliance must have opened his eyes to the fact that he had been working in the interests of one whose ruin had been certainly resolved on by this time. ‘He took to his bed out of pure sorrow’ for a few days as we are told; and when he returned to the Court, it was to labour with all his might for the ruin of Anne, which he saw was necessary to save his own credit with the King. Friedmann, Anne Boleyn, chapter xvi; Cal. x. 575, 700; also W. H. Dixon, History of Two Queens, vol. iv. pp. 262, 263.

[591] Letters, 170.

[592] Cal. xii. (i) 1310.

[593] Cal. xii. (ii) 1201.

[594] Cal. xii. (ii) 1053, 1285.

[595] Letters, 243. Cf. also Preface to vol. xiii. pt. i. of the Calendar, pp. 37-38.

[596] Cal. xiii. (i) 1355, 1405, 1451, 1496; xiii. (ii) 77, 232, 277.

[597] Cal. xiii. (i) 995, 1147, 1355.

[598] Letters, 244.

[599] Cal. xiii. (i) 1486.

[600] Cal. xiii. (i) 367.

[601] Baumgarten, vol. iii. pp. 343 ff.

[602] Burnet, vol. i. pp. 316, 409, 435.

[603] Cal. xiii. (ii) 165, 298, 497.

[604] Cal. xiv. (i) 92, 147.

[605] Cal. xiv. (i) 62.

[606] Letters, 286.

[607] John Lambert, moreover, had been tried and burnt, for denying the Real Presence, in November, 1538. The doctrines of the Lutherans in this matter were probably almost identical with those of the King at this time, but the Germans certainly disapproved of the violence of Henry’s measures for enforcing them.

[608] Cal. xiv. (i) 103.

[609] Letters, 287.

[610] Throughout the negotiations for the Cleves marriages Cromwell made desperate efforts to assert the dignity of the King, which he could not help feeling was a little lowered by approaching vassals of the Emperor with matrimonial offers. Mont was especially directed to confer with Burckhard about the sister of the Duke of Cleves, ‘not as demaunding her, but as geving them a prick to stirr them to offre her, as the noblest and highest hono_ur_ that could come into that noble house of Cleves, if they could bring it to passe.’ Of course nothing could induce the mighty King of England to demean himself by asking any favours of the petty princes of Germany; it was their place, not his, to be the suitor.

[611] Cf. Ulmann, vol. i. pp. 579, 580; Ranke, vol. i. pp. 226-229.

[612] Life of Duke John of Cleves in the Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie, vol. xiv. p. 214.

[613] Ranke, vol. iv. p. 128; Heidrich, 1, 2.

[614] Heidrich, 21.

[615] Heidrich, 4.

[616] Ranke, vol. iv. p. 129.

[617] Heidrich, 34, 35. Driven by political necessity, William in 1543 finally took the decisive step, and declared himself ready to introduce the new religion into his dominions, in the hope of gaining aid from his brother-in-law against the Emperor. But the offer came too late. The political situation had changed once more, and the overcautious Elector now definitely and unconditionally refused the aid which he had before made dependent on William’s acceptance of Lutheranism. The lands of the Duke were invaded by the Imperial forces, and William was forced, at the treaty of Venlo, Sept. 7, 1543, to renounce all claims to Gelderland and Zutphen, to return to the Church of Rome, and to permit no religious innovations in Juliers and Berg. Subsequently, however, encouraged by the milder attitude of the Emperor Ferdinand towards the Reformers, he devoted himself with partial success to an attempt to effect a sort of compromise between the two faiths in his own possessions, and to establish there a purified and enlightened Catholic Church, ‘Erasmian’ in its tendencies, and in many respects approaching very closely to the tenets of the Augsburg Confession. Cf. Heidrich, 91-94, and the Life of William of Cleves in the Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie, vol. xliii. pp. 107-113.

[618] Letters, 287.

[619] Letters, 295.

[620] Cal. xiv. (i) 489.

[621] Heidrich, 32.

[622] Cal. xiv. (i) 433, 440.

[623] Letters, 291, 301.

[624] Letters, 297; and Cal. xiv. (i) 584.

[625] Cal. xiv. (i) 570.

[626] Letters, 288.

[627] Cal. xiv. (i) 398-400, 529, 564, 615, 652-655.

[628] Cal. xiv. (i) 669-670.

[629] Cal. xiv. (i) 908.

[630] Cal. xiv. (i) 804.

[631] Cal. xiv. (i) 520, 573.

[632] Cal. xiv. (i) 655.

[633] Burnet, vol. iv. p. 499.

[634] 31 Hen. VIII., c. 14.

[635] Cal. xiv. (i) 1137. The martyrologist Foxe tells an amusing and characteristic story of Cromwell’s saving Cranmer from punishment for a book which he had written against the Six Articles. There appears to have been a bear-baiting on the Thames before the King, which Mr. Ralph Morice, Cranmer’s secretary, was watching from a small boat: and the secretary, it seems, had the Archbishop’s book in his girdle for safekeeping. The bear broke loose from the dogs and upset the wherry in which Morice was; in the tumult which ensued he lost the precious book. It was subsequently picked up by the ‘bearward,’ who perceiving what it was, and being himself a violent papist, gave it to a priest of his religion, who told the bearward that whosoever wrote it would be hanged if the King should see it. The bearward endeavoured to give it to some influential Catholic at the Court, utterly refusing to listen to Morice’s entreaties that he should return it to Cranmer. At this juncture Cromwell appeared upon the scene, and so ‘shaked up the bearward for his over-much malapertness’ that the latter was glad to return the book to the secretary, and so escape without further punishment. Foxe, vol. ii. p. 428.

[636] Appendix I. at the end of this chapter.

[637] Cal. xiv. (i) 208, 440.

[638] Bezold, p. 686.

[639] Cf. Appendix I. at the end of this chapter.

[640] Cal. xiv. (i) 441, 442, 955-958.

[641] Cal. xiv. (i) 1273.

[642] Cal. xiv. (i) 1278.

[643] Cal. xiv. (ii) 59.

[644] Cal. xiv. (i) 920; Heidrich, pp. 17, 18.

[645] Cal. xiv. (i) 603.

[646] Cal. xiv. (ii) 218, 300, 545.

[647] Bezold, p. 686.

[648] Cal. xiv. (ii) 63, 127, 128.

[649] Cal. xiv. (ii) 33. Minute inquiries and sometimes indelicately full replies concerning the appearance and bearing of intended brides seem to have been authorized by all Tudor traditions. The report of Wotton is but meagre in details when compared to that of the ambassadors of Henry VII. concerning Joanna of Naples, whom the English King had once thought of marrying in 1505. Anne of Cleves was certainly considered beautiful in Germany. Sleidan, vol. ii. p. 150, refers to her as ‘eleganti forma virginem.’

[650] Now in the Louvre.

[651] Cal. xiv. (ii) 664. Cf. also the Chronicle of Calais, pp. 167-179. In the latter, Gregory Cromwell’s name is erroneously written ‘George Crombwell.’

[652] Cal. xiv. (ii) 634, 677.

[653] Cal. xv. 14.

[654] Cal. xiv. (ii) 753.

[655] Cal. xv. 14.

[656] Hall, pp. 832 ff.

[657] Letters, 349-350.

[658] Hall, p. 837. It appears that the fashion changed in England at the time of the arrival of Anne. In telling of her wedding, the Chronicle of the Grey Friars of London (p. 43) informs us that ‘thene beganne alle the gentyl women of Yngland to were Frenche whooddes with bellementtes of golde.’

[659] Cf. Appendix II. at the end of this chapter.

[660] Lenz, vol. i. pp. 409-410, 420-421.

[661] Cf. Appendix II. at the end of this chapter.

[662] The truth of Baumbach’s statements is confirmed by Seckendorff, who obtained his information from the report of Burckhard on this same interview. Speaking of Cromwell Seckendorff says:--

‘Lutheranum fuisse Burnetus pro certo habet, nec dissentiunt Saxonicorum Legatorum de eo relationes. Ex iisdem tamen et historiarum documentis constat, hominem fuisse non saltem solida doctrina minime imbutum sed eius ingenii ut Regis favorem omnibus rebus anteponeret. Ultima sane Burcardi ex Anglia relatione de 11 Jan. scripta ... diserte dicitur, ilium de religione ita disseruisse ut se cum Evangelicis in Germania consentire non negaret, necessarium tamen sibi esse diceret ut Regis voluntati sese conformaret, etiam cum vitae suae periculo, id quod eventus paulo post comprobavit. Non est itaque, ut hunc pro martyre Evangelicae religionis habeamus, et ipse in loco supplicii mori se professus est in religione Catholica. Hoc, etsi ex D. Burneti sententia de Romana minime intellexerit, indicat tamen animum infirmum et aequivocationes sectantem.’ Seckendorff, s. lxxviii, p. 261; liber iii, sect. 21.

[663] Von Freyberg, vol. iv. p. 264. Cf. also Life of Philip of Bavaria in the Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie, vol. xxvi. pp. 16 ff.

[664] Cal. xiv. (ii) 657.

[665] Life of Philip of Bavaria in the Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie, vol. xxvi. p. 18.

[666] Cal. xiv. (ii) 719; xv. 76.

[667] Cal. xv. 177.

[668] Cal. xiv. (ii) 733, 737.

[669] The words, as given in the life by Ottheinrich, are: ‘Herzog Philipp soll dem khönig wider menigklich, ausgenommen wider das Römisch Reich, 1000 wohl geriste Pferdt Und 4000 wohl geriste fuesknecht zufiehren.’ Von Freyberg, vol. iv. p. 266.

[670] Transcribed from the original document in the Archives at Marburg.

[671] _sic_, for ‘freundlichen.’

[672] _sic_, for ‘dasz.’

[673] _sic_, for ‘er.’

[674] Transcribed from the original document in the Archives at Marburg.

[675] _sic_, for ‘wyr.’

[676] _sic._

[677] Cal. xiv. (ii) 717.

[678] Martin, vol. viii. p. 260. Cf. also Guiffrey, pp. 276-318.

[679] Cal. xiv. (ii) 524.

[680] Cal. xv. 38.

[681] Cal. xv. 186. Bonner and Wyatt moreover were on very bad terms at this time, owing to mutual jealousy. It would have been impossible for Henry to carry his intrigues very far, as long as the two rivals remained together at the French Court. Cf. Nott’s Wyatt, vol. ii. pp. 44-52.

[682] Cal. xv. 161.

[683] State Papers, vol. viii. p. 241.

[684] Cal. xv. 145, 202.

[685] Cal. xv. 222.

[686] State Papers, vol. viii. p. 257.

[687] Cf. Gaillard, vol. iii. pp. 77, 78.

[688] Letters, 338, 340.

[689] Bradford, pp. 515 ff.

[690] Cal. xiv. (ii) 400.

[691] Cal. xiv. (ii) 688.

[692] Cal. xv. 306.

[693] Cal. xiv. (ii) 750 (p. 279).

[694] Cal. xv. 486.

[695] Cal. xv. 429.

[696] Lords’ Journal, vol. i. p. 129.

[697] 32 Hen. VIII., c. 24.

[698] Cal. xv. 540, 541.

[699] Cal. xv. 543.

[700] State Papers, vol. viii. p. 323.

[701] Heidrich, p. 43.

[702] Soames, vol. ii. p. 408, informs us that ‘in order to fan the rising flame Gardiner invited the King to an entertainment at Winchester House. Katherine Howard was among the company assembled on this occasion, and she then achieved the conquest of her amorous sovereign’s heart.’

[703] Cal. xv. 658.

[704] Letters, 345.

[705] Cal. xv. 735.

[706] Cal. xv. 736, 737.

[707] Lords’ Journal, vol. i. p. 143.

[708] Cal. xv. 766, 767.

[709] Cal. xv. 804, and Kaulek, pp. 193, 194.

[710] Cal. xv. 766, and Kaulek, p. 189.

[711] This letter stated that Cromwell being put in great trust by the King in matters of religion had ‘not only of his sensual appetite, wrought clene contrary to this His Graces most godly entent, secretly and indirectly advauncing thone of thextremes and leaving the meane indifferent true and vertuous waye, which His Majestie sought and soo entierly desired; but also hathe shewed himself soo fervently bent to the mayntenaunce of that his oultrage, that he hath not spared most prively, most traitorously, to divise howe to contynue the same and plainly in termes to saye, as it hathe been justified to his face by good wittenes, that, if the King and all his Realme wold turne and vary from his opinions, he wold fight in the feld in his oune personne, with his sworde in his hande against Him and all other; adding that if he lyved a yere or two, he trusted to bring thinges to that frame, that it shuld not lye in the Kinges power to resist or let it, if He wold; bynding his wordes with such othes, and making suche gesture and demonstration with his armes, that it might wel appere that he had no lesse fyxed in his harte, thenne was uttered with his mouth.’ State Papers, vol. viii. pp. 349, 350.

[712] Henry, however, used every means in his power to support the main accusation, with other charges of a different nature, which if possible were even more unjustifiable. The King was not ashamed to write to Wallop in France to try and get confirmation of the old rumour (circulated on the Continent by a certain Portuguese ambassador two years before, and probably as a result of the letters of Chapuys) that Cromwell had intended to marry the Princess Mary and to make himself King. Cal. xv. 792, 801, 842.

[713] Cal. xv. 770.

[714] Lords’ Journal, vol. i. p. 145.

[715] Cal. xv. 804.

[716] Cal. xv. 847.

[717] Cal. xv. 926.

[718] Letters, 348.

[719] Cal. xv. 822.

[720] Cal. xv. 825.

[721] Letters, 349, 350.

[722] Foxe, vol. ii. p. 433. If this story be true, the interest which the King evinced in Cromwell’s letter is to be explained rather by his anxiety concerning his divorce, than by his sympathy for his fallen minister. Certainly there is no reason to think the closing scene of the ‘Life and Death of Thomas Lord Cromwell,’ in which a reprieve is brought from the King by Ralph Sadler after Cromwell’s head had fallen, has any foundation in fact.

[723] Cal. xv. 898.

[724] It is somewhat significant to note that in this case Henry had practically acknowledged facts considered by the canonists as ‘sufficient proof’ of consummation in the case of Arthur and Katherine, and that the King had been glad to accept as such at the time of the trial of his first divorce. This is merely one of those suspiciously convenient changes of opinion one encounters so often in dealing with the personal history of Henry VIII. Cf. Burnet, vol. i. pp. 163-164.

[725] Cal. xv. 825.

[726] Lords’ Journal, pp. 154, 155.

[727] Cal. xv. 899, 901, 953. Part of Anne’s income was derived from the manor of Canbery, previously owned by Cromwell, and at his attainder confiscated to the use of the Crown. Rymer, vol. xiv. p. 713.

[728] State Papers, vol. viii. p. 421.

[729] Cal. xv. 765, 792, 794, 841.

[730] Letters, 351.

[731] State Papers, vol. viii. p. 392.

[732] Cal. xv. 794, 811.

[733] State Papers, vol. viii. p. 412.

[734] Cal. xv. 498, p. 217.

[735] Cal. xv. 926.

[736] Holinshed, p. 817; Hall, p. 839; Foxe, p. 433.

[737] Cal. xvi. 40.

[738] Cf. Appendix at the end of this chapter.

[739] Cf. Collier, vol. ii. p. 181. ‘I readily grant Cromwell was no Papist at his Death. But then, it is pretty plain he was no Protestant neither.’

[740] Cal. xv. 940.

[741] Cal. xvi. 379 (34). Gregory Cromwell died in 1557, and was succeeded by his eldest son Henry. The latter’s grandson Thomas, fourth Baron Cromwell, was created Earl Ardglass in the Irish peerage, April 15, 1645. The earldom of Ardglass expired in 1687, and the barony of Cromwell became dormant in 1709. Life of Thomas Cromwell, in the Dictionary of National Biography, vol. xiii. p. 202.

[742] Hall, p. 839.

[743] Cf. Appendix at the end of this chapter.

[744] Foxe, vol. ii. p. 434. Cf. Mendes Silva, pp. 34, 35: ‘Acabadas de pronunciar estas palabras, se dispuso a morir, pidiendo al verdugo, llamado Gurrea, para no sentir dilatada pena, le cortasse la cabeça de vn golpe. Tendiose, pues sobre el madero, y recibiòle terrible, muriendo aquel que nunca deuiera nacer, por quien Inglaterra desde entonces se abrasa en infernal incendio de heregias.’

[745] Cf. for this and the following pages, Green, vol. ii. pp. 197-202.

[746] _c.o._ trustyng entyerlye In yow that ye will witsaffe as I may eu_er_ herafter ow vnto yow my Symple s_er_uyce or any pleasure that shalbe w_i_t_h_in my lytyll power

[747] _c.o._ before yo_ur_ Retorn to London

[748] _c.o._ I am ascertaynyd that yo_ur_ ladyship shall resayue

[749] _c.o._ case

[750] _c.o._ vnto the kyng_es_ highnes of hys benche

[751] _c.o._ yff yt soo had ben

[752] _c.o._ as was bytwene the sayd s_ir_ John and the sayd s_ir_ Roberte payd

[753] _c.o._ aduaunsement

[754] _c.o._ one to the sayd s_ir_ Roberte Clere in full co_n_tentac_io_n & payment of cccc Mark_es_ whiche cc^{li} ys yet vnpayd

[755] _c.o._ was and shulde haue ben accomplyshyd in eu_er_y poynte yff the sayd s_ir_ John Paston had accordyng to hys couen_au_nt_es_ payd the so_m_mes of money whiche he was bonde to paye by hys Indenture for the adu_au_ncement of hys sayd doughter. Neu_er_theles yt may please yo_ur_ lordeshypp to knowe the sayd s_ir_ Rob_er_te Clere

[756] _c.o._ but that the sayd foure hundreth poundes shalbe Reco_ue_red of hys landes

[757] _c.o._ to Inyoine

[758] _c.o._ in the courte of Chauncery

[759] _sic._

[760] _sic_, for ‘these.’

[761] This last sentence was added by the seventeenth-century scholar by whom the foregoing passages were transcribed, and who calls himself ‘Thomas Masters, Coll. Nov.’

[762] _c.o._ For our lordys loue what

[763] _sic_, for ‘applied.’

[764] _c.o._ that perceyuing by

[765] _c.o._ in the hole cuntrey

[766] _c.o._ yo_ur_ grete good

[767] _c.o._ after such sorte by yo_ur_ approuued high wisedom as ye lose not the wele & benefite of the same for

[768] _c.o._ there I assure yo_ur_ grace you haue

[769] _c.o._ which do & will not let to interprete all yo_ur_ doings not in the best parte Alledging that yo_ur_ onelie desire

[770] _c.o._ shalbe grete good vnto yo_u_rself

[771] _c.o._ Fynallie beseching almightie god to p_re_serue yo_ur_ grace in long lif & good helth w_i_t_h_ the full accomplisshment of yo_ur_ hert_es_ desire From london the xviii day of August

[772] _c.o._ and enter into blynde to satysfye

[773] _c.o._ a you[th]

[774] _sic_, for ‘thus.’

[775] The number of erasures and corrections in this letter is such that the use of an additional bracket is necessary, in order to render it precisely. Words enclosed thus {...} are inserted above the line in the original. Words printed in italics are crossed out.

[776] These words doubtless ought to have been crossed out in the MS.

[777] Here occur the following words _underlined_, not crossed out: ‘that [he] should retourne into the same there to manyfest his errours and sedycyous opynyons, which (being out of the Realme by his most vncharytable venemous and pestilent bok_es_ craftie and false persuasions) he hathe partelie don all redie’

[778] (...) underlined, not crossed out.

[779] (...) this passage is put in the margin.

[780] _c.o._ on the behalf of

[781] _c.o._ highnes

[782] _sic._

[783] _c.o._ most

[784] _sic_, for ‘applied.’

[785] _c.o._ which he helde For terme of yeres of his highnes and hauyng good and Suffycyent graunt In the same

[786] _c.o._ my ladye

[787] _c.o._ and hauing no Just Cause so to do

[788] _c.o._ and as concernyng the bargayn betwene me and John Ardren of and for the mano_ur_ of Belthrop w_i_t_h_ the apporten_au_nces which, as I am Informyd ye wer in mynde to haue bought S_i_r I woold I hadde bene made preuey to your mynd at whych tyme

[789] _sic._

[790] _c.o._ Thomas

[791] _c.o._ Mr. Edmonde Knightley

[792] _c.o._ w_i_t_h_ other of yo_ur_ grac_es_ counsaill

[793] _c.o._ as hathe ben had & made of the saide good_es_ and also such offenc_es_ as haue ben co_m_mytted in that behalf haue ben onelie don_e_ and executed by the saide Edmonde Knightley his Syster and suche other of that p_ar_te and none otherwise

[794] _sic._

[795] i.e. 700.

[796] _sic._

[797] _sic._

[798] i.e. 10,000.

[799] _sic_, see Notes.

[800] _c.o._ be the bolder, must ned_es_ be co_m_pellyd

[801] _c.o._ the more boldlye

[802] _c.o._ praying

[803] _sic._

[804] _c.o._ I trust to get owt the Roote of his practyse

[805] _c.o._ prynces

[806] _sic._

[807] _c.o. a marginal comment as follows_: I began to marke the notable poinct_es_ of his l_ette_res

[808] _sic._

[809] _c.o._ w_i_t_h_ whom ye never spake as in yo_ur_ lettres [ye say]

[810] _c.o._ Egiptians

[811] _c.o._ And suerly my lord what soeu_er_ ye sey or write for yo_ur_self, the begynning of yo_ur_ letters for your ... g

[812] _c.o._ it was told or els

[813] _c.o._ or any other

[814] _c.o._ muche

[815] _c.o._ albeit I wol speke for

[816] _sic._

[817] The last paragraph is written along the margin.

[818] _c.o._ For the conducing whereof to effecte the king_es_ highnes hath specyall trust and expectacion in yo_ur_ grac_es_ approved wisedom and dexteryte and thus the holie trynyte....

[819] This letter was evidently first written by the King, and later altered by Cromwell. The passages in brackets {...} are scored through in the original.

[820] _sic_, see Notes.

[821] _c.o._ which hath byn a great charge to the p_ar_ties wherfore

[822] _c.o._ and good

[823] _c.o._ to consider the said offers vnto his sone

[824] _c.o._ he is greatly charged w_i_t_h_ his Fathers Dett_e_s & also w_i_t_h_ his

[825] _c.o._ wh_ich_ ys a great charge vnto hym wherfore my Lorde in dischargyng of yo_ur_ consciens I p_ra_y you at my Desire to yeve vnto hym a c^{li}. whiche youe toke of his Father And ferder to yeve vnto hym some other Rewarde hereafter as you shall thynke in consciens mete for hym

[826] _c.o._ Surveyed and I Fynd I haue

[827] _c.o._ Indifferent

[828] _c.o._ to p_ro_cede

[829] _c.o._ yt may also ple

[830] _c.o._ And in thus doynge ye shall not oonlie do a thinge proffitable and right meritorious for yo_ur_ sowle

[831] _c.o._ to their hindrance hurte & p_re_iudice

[832] From the official Record Office transcript.

[833] The date ‘May’ is obviously a mistake; it should be ‘March.’ The dates of the embassy of Gontier and the itinerary of the King make it quite certain that the letter was written March 4, 1535, which, of course, was 1534 O. S. Cf. Cal. viii. p. 133 _n._

[834] This letter is obviously misplaced in the Calendar.

[835] _c.o._ this nyght at xii of the Cloke

[836] _c.o._ done and what order ys

[837] _c.o._ drawne

[838] _c.o._ Serche was made and

[839] _c.o._ the Copye of this

[840] _c.o._ to thentent the Kyng_es_ gracyous pleasure may be known drawen according to the sayd estatute made in the sayd Fyfte yere of Kyng Richarde the second as ys afforsayd and that was all that was done in that matyere by

[841] A copy of this letter is also to be found in Longleat House.

[842] _sic._

[843] _c.o._ &c. the kyng_es_ high

[844] _c.o._ reside and demoure

[845] _c.o._ whereby

[846] _c.o._ ye can haue to

[847] _c.o._ shall

[848] _c.o._ wherfore and for asmoche as

[849] _c.o._ whiche if he wold he may right well do and

[850] _c.o._ my sake

[851] _c.o._ in suche wise as he may haue no cause eftesones to complayne one you for this matier

[852] From the official Record Office transcript.

[853] _c.o._ In my right harty wise

[854] From the official Record Office transcript.

[855] _sic._

[856] _c.o._ for yo_ur_

[857] _c.o._ you even

[858] i.e. 50,000.

[859] This letter, though written in Starkey’s hand and addressed to Harvell, is believed by Mr. Gairdner to be a copy of a letter written by Cromwell to Pole, transcribed by Starkey on the inside of the cover of a letter to Harvell.

[860] _c.o._ w_i_t_h_ the ... and towching the content_es_ of the same ye shall vnderstand that I haue resceyued yo_ur_ l_ette_res

[861] _c.o._ am contented