Henry VIII: February 1537, 1-5 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 12 Part 1, January-May 1537. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1890.

Citation:

'Henry VIII: February 1537, 1-5', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 12 Part 1, January-May 1537, ed. James Gairdner( London, 1890), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol12/no1/pp144-154 [accessed 16 November 2024].

February 1537, 1–5



1 Feb.	312. THOMAS WYATT.
	See GRANTS in FEBRUARY, NO. 1.
1 Feb. R. O.	313. STARKEY to SIR GEOFFREY POLE.
	I wrote to you, "but short," lately, as I thought my lord (fn. 1) had purposed to come to you, but now I will recompense my shortness. As to news, "from Italy your friend hath certified you truly... have expound Latine to you ... Mr. Pole hath [gott]en the cardinal's hat, and ... made with su[ch t]ryumphe as never was man in Rome, and plainly hy[t is] written out of Italy that he shall shortly be Pope." Yet I can scarce believe that he will enjoy that [dignity] before Throgmerton's arrival "which shall be shortly, and shortly, I trow, also return, for thereupon hang great things. The matter is not well borne. I would you were here for two or three days at your leisure, and come by my lord Montague, if you hear of him being there at Bokemore, for he will be also here this next week, as I hear. Our men in the North, I trust, be well quieted. My lord of Norfolk, with his council is now there. Beyond the sea there is great preparation upon all sides, both among Christian men and Turks; and lately, the duke of Florence was slain by his own cousin in the middle of his own town."
	Mr. Gostwyke looks for you for the King's money. I am sure you will bring it up with you. Commendations to my lady. Londini, [k]ale^is Februarii. P.S.—Encloses a letter of Mrs. Brownys.
	Hol., p. 1. Slightly mutilated, and the writing faded in some places. Add.
1 Feb. R. O.	314. MARGARET WORTLAY to CROMWELL.
	Her husband, Thos. Wortley, is too ill to receive and answer his letter, sent by John Chapman, the bearer, bidding him appear personally. Asks him to spare him until he is better. Hardwyke, 1 Feb. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
1 Feb. R. O.	315. WM. BABTHOR[P] to ROBERT ASKE.
	Sir Marmaduke Constable and I have spoken with my lord of Norfolk concerning your coming to him. You are not to come before his coming to York; and I am to show you that, though he receive you with no very friendly countenance, you are not to be discouraged, for certain causes he will secretly show you. Sir M. Constable says he knows you have the Duke's favour, and that the King and Council esteem your service. 1 Feb.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Cousin.
1 Feb. R. O.	316. ANNESLEY, Notts.
	Lease by the Court of Augmentation to Ric. Samond, of the rectory of Annesley, Notts, belonging to the suppressed priory of Felley, with reservations, for 21 years, at 106s. 8d. rent. Westm., 1 Feb. 28 Henry VIII.
	Parchment, p. 1.
2 Feb. R. O.	317. RICHARD SOUTHWELL to CROMWELL.
	Has this day, 2 Feb., received Cromwell's letters concerning obligations given unto Reynold Lytelprow, deceased.
	Begs favour that he may be paid the money due to him by the late abbot of Norton. The sum appears by writing under convent seal, which his brother, Robert Southwell, shall deliver to Cromwell.
	Has disbursed money in sending up lewd person and letters in the late busy time by Sturges and other his servants. Sturges has bills thereof to show. This paid, he will pay the King the rest of money due for "fine and end" of his great matter, for which his old friend, Mr. Gostwyk, calls earnestly.
	Has in his charge the Cross of Bromeholme, which he will bring up after the suppression finished, or as soon as Cromwell likes. Asks Cromwell to send word of his pleasure in this to Ipswich, where he will be on Wednesday or Thursday next.
	Hears Sir James Bolen, through his wife, makes earnest suit for the writer's office of custos rotulorum; whereunto begs Cromwell to have respect. Yarmouth, the day within written, A^o 28 H. VIII.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
2 Feb. R. O.	318. NORFOLK to CROMWELL.
	Thanks for speaking with my lord of Suffolk "for the indictments of my folks." I never knew till my first going to Doncaster he bare me any grudge; but, as you write, the better we agree the better the King shall be served. Some lewd persons do not yet cease to speak ill of you, as you shall perceive by a prophecy framed of late, copy enclosed. "The original I keep to try out the writer by the hand." There are many seditions in these parts, yet I trust the nobles and substantial yeomen. Concerning fees to the malefactors of Northumberland, it shall be more convenient to hang up a good number than give rewards. For one month I must have posts laid. I shall be forced to ride out of Northumberland into Cumberland and Westmoreland, for the gentry are not yet able to rule them. Doncaster, Candlemas Day, 9 a.m.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.
R. O.	2. A rhyming ballad, being a version of that composed in Henry VI.'s time, and printed by Wright in Political Poems and Songs, Vol. II., p. 221. Reference is made to Cromwell as follows:—
	"Much ill cometh of a small note,
	As Crumwell set in a man's throat,
	That shall put many other to pain, God wote;
	But when Crumwell is brought a-low,
	And we rede out the Christ Cross rowe,
	To R. L. and M. then shall we know news."
	P. 1. Add. in Norfolk's hand: To my lord Privy Seal. Sealed with Norfolk's seal. Endd.: Letter from my lord of Norfolk on Candlemas Day.
2 Feb. R. O.	319. NORFOLK to the LORDS OF THE COUNCIL.
	Last night late, received their letters of the 30th ult., with a schedule of the names and fees of the deputy-wardens and others, stating that Sir Ant. Browne is sent to give them their oaths and charges. Thinks the two deputies the most convenient persons for their rooms, and very convenient also that divers gentlemen of the shire should have fees. Disapproves strongly of those named in the enclosed schedule receiving fees, as there are no more arrant thieves and murderers than they are. They daily rob and spoil the King's true subjects, and it is to-day reported that they consented to the murder of two gentlemen. Light persons will say that the King is obliged to hire the worst malefactors, and to overlook their offences. Sends a copy of a letter to Sir Antony Browne on the same subject.
	Divers new insurrections have this week been attempted in these shires, but put down by the gentlemen. One was in Cleveland, another within five miles of Sheriffhutlon, and another beside Medlam. In none of these places were there more than 200 people, except at Cleveland, when there were said to be a thousand. Sir Thos. Curwen reports that at Cockermouth above 800 men "made their quarrel to take every man his corn that he had tithed, and would have the same for their money, and so took all that was in the tithe barns in the country, without paying anything therefor." In Westmoreland a great number of people have thrown down my lord of Cumberland's enclosures, and the people were never in the insurrection time more full of ill words than now.
	These ungracious doings proceed from Bigote, Leache, of Lincolnshire, and the friar of Knavesborowe, whom he is trying to apprehend. There are three or four other principal ringleaders, whom also he hopes to have shortly. Many bills have been set upon church doors. Is going on Saturday to Pomfret.
	Sir Thos. and Sir Ingram Percy came to him to-night, whom he will send up. To encourage them will write a letter to the Council in their favour, and show it to them. Doncaster, Candlemas Day.
	The bishop of Durham dares not come to the Duke until his arrival at Newcastle. Signed.
	Pp. 2. Add. Endd. Sealed.
2 Feb. R. O.	320. [NORFOLK] to SIR ANTHONY BROWNE.
	Has this night received a letter from the Lords of the Council, mentioning the cause of Brown's being sent Northwards. Sends an extract from his reply. Advises him to offer no fees to any of those named in a schedule enclosed till he hears from them, which, no doubt, will be shortly. Doncaster, Candlemas Day.
	P. 1. Headed: The copy of a letter sent to Sir Anthony Browne.
2 Feb. R. O.	321. NORFOLK to the LORDS OF THE COUNCIL.
	Yesterday Sir Thos. and Engram Persee came hither, to whom the King's letters were not delivered until their arrival. Thinks they will be found of better sort than the Council has been informed by my lord their brother. Doncaster, Candlemas Day. Signed.
	P. 1. Add. Endd
R. O.	322. BIGOD'S REBELLION.
	Proclamation by the Duke of Norfolk, lieutenant general from Trent Northwards.
	Prohibits all assemblies without the King's authority, and all ringing of bells backwards, lighting beacons, setting bills on church doors, &c., or conveying of bills. Sir Francis Bygod, _ (fn. 2) Leche, of Horncastle, _,* a monk, late of Louth Park, Linc., and a friar of St. Robert's, Knaresborough, have craftily persuaded divers that the King's pardon shall not be available according to the tenor of the proclamations of the same. Assurance, by the King's express command, to the contrary, and offer of 40l. for the capture of Bygod, and of 20l. each for the other three traitors.
	Pp. 2. Mutilated. Endd.: Copy.
R. O.	2. Another copy.
	Pp. 2.
2 Feb. R. O.	323. THOMAS BARTON to WYNTER, Provost of Beverley.
	My lord Archbishop has sent to me for the King's tenths of your provostry. You must labour to my lord Privy Seal to write to the Archbishop that you are overcharged 6l. and 4s. 2d. for the clerks and other, for you should only be bound to pay 10l. 18s. 8d. for the provostry, but are charged 17l. 2s. 10d. "All is long of yourself that ye will make no labour to my lord Privy Seal for the discharging thereof." This week Mr. Auditor's clerks were with me, and have determined my accounts. I received no money all this time but 4s., but I doubt not they will pay shortly. What will you do, as I can give you no money before Midsummer? If you mean to come down to this country, I will do what I can to help you; for you have lost much time since you came from beyond sea. Court not that which will not come, but trust to what you have. I will send you shortly the declaration of Mr. Palmes's accounts and my own, and you will see what order he takes with your archdeaconry. It will be Easter, when your courts are kept, before I do anything about the land in Walkyngton. Beverley, 2 Feb.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.
2 Feb. R. O.	324. JOHN COPLESTON to CROMWELL.
	The late Mr. Cortenay owed me 500 marks for a marriage to be had between my son and heir and his daughter, for payment of which he put certain lands in feoffment, and made your Lordship overseer for performance of his will. Sir John Chamon showed me that ye would cause my money to be paid. There is 400 marks in arrear for which it was proposed that I should have a lease, for 4 years, of the manor of Alfyngton and other lands put in feoffment by Mr. Corteney to the yearly value of 100 marks. Begs to know Cromwell's further pleasure by bearer. Copleston, 2 Feb. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
2 Feb. R. O.	325. OUDART DU BIES to LORD LISLE.
	The inhabitants of Ardre, Nyelles, and Bresme have requested me to ask you whether their goods and cattle will be in safety if they bring them on to your land. Boulogne, 2 Feb. 1536. Signed.
	Fr., p. 1. Add.
2 Feb. Add. MS. 8715, f. 336. B. M.	326. THE BISHOP OF FAENZA to AMBROGIO.
	Wrote last on the 30th ult. In this, which he sends by way of Lyons, he can only add that Scotchmen and others say the French would much like his Holiness to issue the censures against the king of England; but as the man (fn. 3) of the Cardinal of England has now returned to Rome, and since his coming there is no news from England, the writer awaits further instructions. If, however, his Holiness is resolved to issue them, Faenza will do it as honourably as he can, and, finding the French of the same mind, will involve them in it as much as possible in order more to frighten that king (of England). A Turk is expected here within three days from Barbarossa. The nuncio to the king of Scotland is to return in three or four days. Knows not where M. Chr. Cornetta is, but has sent the King's letters to Lyons, to be forwarded to Chamberi or elsewhere.
	Ital., pp. 2. Modern copy. Headed: Al Sig^r. Prot^rio. Ambrogio. Da Parigi, li 2 Febraro 1537."
3 Feb.	327. FIRST FRUITS.
	See GRANTS in FEBRUARY, No. 5.
3 Feb. R. O.	328. EARL OF SHREWSBURY to CROMWELL.
	Thanks him for asking the King to licence Dr. Buttes to come to him. Hears that the earl of Northumberland is in London. Asks Cromwell to be good lord to his wife, Shrewsbury's daughter, who has been with her father two years from Christmas last. Has received nothing of the 200 marks promised yearly by her husband for her maintenance. Desires credence for Buttes. Asks Cromwell to help the lady to obtain a reasonable living from her husband. Wynfeld, 3 February.
	Requests his favour for his servant Alen Lewes. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
3 Feb. R. O.	329. GEO. WOLFET, Clerk of the King's closet, to LORD LISLE.
	John Keyn lately moved me in my lady's name touching one of the King's traverses with other ornaments for an altar. I have explained to him the occupying of all such stuff in my custody. He can make better relation to my lady by word of mouth than I can by my pen: but she may be assured that I shall do the uttermost of my power to satisfy her. As to my suit, made to your lordship at Canterbury and repeated in several letters, for an old servant of mine to be admitted to petty wages, I beseech you to send me an answer by the bearer. God make my lady a glad mother. Greenwich, 3 Feb.
	P.S.—Besides my instructions to John Keyn, I send here the inventory of all such things as I have concerning the adornments of the King's altars (list subjoined), but I cannot spare one parcel without making the King privy thereto, except the one vestment of new rich tissue, which serveth for every day, with altar cloths and a balkyn. If my lady desire these, let me have word. As for the traverse, if God send a man child, and if it please your Lordship to have the King for godfather, I doubt not his Grace will be content to send it.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Deputy of Calais.
3 Feb. R. O.	330. ADRYAN DOGAN to LORD LISLE.
	Begs he will swear Richard Harwodd into the room assigned him by the writer at Lisle's special request, to begin from the 6 April next. The said Richard intends shortly to pass into Spain. London, 3 Feb. 1536.
	Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
3 Feb. R. O. St. P. VII. 670.	331. QUEEN MARY OF HUNGARY to HENRY VIII.
	Has received his letters dated Greenwich, 23 Dec., complaining of the capture of certain ships in English harbours by the subjects of these parts. Has called the captains before her, who justify the act and say the French have done the like in English harbours. Has ordered them nevertheless to prove their claims and will make redress. Brussels, 3 Feb. 1536. Signed.
	French, p. 1, broad sheet. Add. Endd.
4 Feb. Harl. MS. 6,989 f. 64. B. M.	332. THE PRIVY COUNCIL to NORFOLK.
	This morning arrived his letters of Candlemas day with enclosures and his advice not to retain certain persons named. The King marvelled he should be more earnest against retaining such as have been murderers and thieves than such as have been traitors. These men rather did good in the late trouble though they did it for their own lucre and if they can be now made good men the King's money will be well spent. The King's patents of annuities be no pardons and do not alter their position; and therefore Norfolk shall write to Sir Ant. Brown to proceed therein without stay. Greenwich, 4 Feb. Signed by Audeley, Suffolk, Cromwell, Sussex, Fox bp. of Hereford, Sampson bp. of Chichester, Fitz William, Paulet, and Russell.
	Modern copy, pp. 2. Headed: The Privy Councillors to the Duke [of Norfolk]. Numbered "CXXVIII."
4 Feb. Harl. MS. 6,989, f. 65. B. M.	333. THE PRIVY COUNCIL to NORFOLK.
	Bearer carries the King's letters in answer to Norfolk's last and no doubt they will be executed so as to be "a spectacle of the end of such abominable treasons and a mean to reduce that country to a perfect quietness."
	Sundry letters have come from my lord of Winchester and Mr. Wallop of their communications with the French king in the matter of the lady Mary, which remains as you left it, and of a heap of lies that were spread there touching the "late business." When answer was made thereto, the French ambassador here resident requested licence for the young king of Scots' passage through the realm to Scotland and delivered a letter from the Great Master importing that the king of Scots was willing to do the same. The strangeness of the request, being only in the French king's and Great Master's names, and not at all in the name of the king of Scots, caused the King to stay his answer. Think it nowise to be granted and ask his advice. Greenwich, 4 Feb. Signed by Suffolk, Cromwell, the marquis of Exeter, Sussex, Fox, Sampson, Fitzwilliam, and Paulet.
	Modern copy, pp. 2. Headed to the duke [of Norfolk]. Numbered "CXXIX."
4 Feb. Shrewsb. MSS. P.f. 21. Coll. of Arms.	334. THE PRIOR OF WORMESLEY to the EARL OF SHREWSBURY.
	Has "labored out" the King's letters patent sealed with the Great Seal "for the stondynge of the poor house of Wormesley," of which he sends a copy, and also of the recognisance in which his house is bound to the King for 1,000l. It is, God knows, "a grette poveryschynge to the howse." Fears that without the help of his Lordship they will be unable to continue. London, 4 Feb.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.
4 Feb. R. O.	335. T. WYNGFELD to the PAYMASTER OF THE KING'S WORKS AT DOVER.
	"Here hath been since your departure I suppose the devil," for the works have been sore spoiled, especially the West pier. 40l. will not mend it. All the stones where "the baily ship" lieth are washed clean away. "I dare not write to my lord, for peradventure he would think I do it of malice, but I take God to witness I owe him no more malice than I do to my brother." Cannot think it will stand. Begs him to sue to my lord to send some discreet persons to advertise the King and his lordship of the state of the works. It were pity the West Pier should be lost for lack of help. Dover, 4 Feb., at one of the clock.
	Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
4 Feb. R. O.	336. NORFOLK to CROMWELL.
	Refers him to his letter to the King. Finds the gentlemen of very good sort as they know that if the commons be not shortly brought to better obedience they will lose their lives and goods. Never were people set against the nobles as they be in these parts, as appears by numerous bills set on church doors. Hopes to have some of the worst, and is already sure of some. Wishes the lords and gentlemen of the West Marches hastened homewards, for Westmoreland and the lordship of Cockermouth are in great disobedience and Sir Thomas Curwen dare not go home till their coming. It is not yet known who is appointed sheriff of Cumberland. Must ride with a good power for a time. Begs Cromwell's help in private affairs which Hare will explain, especially his daughter's matters. Pomfret, 4 Feb.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd. Sealed.
4 Feb. R. O. St. P. I. 534.	337. NORFOLK to the EARL OF SUSSEX.
	Sussex will know the news he has written to the King. Thinks never man was more welcome to the gentlemen of this country than himself: they were in such fear of the people. Lord Latimer came to meet him at Doncaster though not bound to do so till he came to York. Lord Conyers doubts if he will be suffered to come to him, but Norfolk has sent such sharp messages to Middleham and Richmond, that he thinks they will be afraid to hold the great assembly at Richmond on Monday next. Has not written of that to the King knowing it is believed that the people here are at a good stay; but, notwithstanding the promise at Doncaster that the nobles should put the King's farmers in possession of the religious houses to be suppressed, no one dares attempt it. Can hardly get them to take the ringleaders of these new commotions. Hopes for more quiet ere long. Pomfret, 4 (fn. 4) February.
	Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
4 Feb. R. O.	338. JOHN TRAVERS to CROMWELL.
	Has delivered half a last of powder to Sir Rafe Eldercar's deputy, of which he and the mayor of Hull were right joyous, for they had not 20 lbs. till it came, which was last Saturday before noon. Will not meddle with the ordnance Cromwell has committed to his charge from Nottingham till he knows the King's further pleasure. Mr. Gonston "cevyd" (showed ?) him that the duke of Norfolk has given order for conveying it to Hull, but he does not yet hear of its coming. Asks Cromwell to let him know by the bearer his pleasure about this and his despatch home again. Hears from the mayor and council of the town that they have not more than four pieces of ordnance but what they borrowed from the ships in the haven, which must be restored. The country is much quieter since execution was done upon Hallam and the other two. As they hear that they make any stirring, they bring them in one by one. The people seem loyal, and glad of the King's pardon. Many men and children of the town wear red crosses. Will attend to the "plat" and the "were" of the town. Hull, 4 Feb., 6 p.m.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
4 Feb. R. O.	339. JOHN WHALLEY to LORD LISLE.
	Commendations to my lady. I desire you to be good lord to my wife's kinsman, Thos. Bryan, that he may have judgment according to the law, having brought with him all such evidences as the mayor and aldermen demanded; to whom my lord Privy Seal and my lord Chancellor have likewise written in his favour. London, 4 Feb.
	I thank you and my lady for the great cheer you made me, and for your manifold gifts.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Deputy of Calais.
4 Feb. R. O.	340. J. DE MORBECQUE to the DEPUTY of CALAIS.
	You will remember that lately my men had taken two horses laden with merchandise in the keeping of Jacques Wette, your subject, on the pretext that the said horses and merchandise belonged to the French; on which you wrote that they belonged only to the said Wette, on the sworn deposition of three good men, servants of the King your master. On this I delivered them freely. Nevertheless, scandal has arisen against me that I received money for it from the said Wette, and the truth was otherwise. I beg you therefore to send me by the bearer a certificate in the form of a deposition before you by the said Jacques Wette, Thos. Wells, and others, to show the manner of my proceeding. I send you some venison. Tournehen castle, 4 Feb. Signed.
	Fr., pp. 2. Add.
4 Feb. R. O.	341. J. DE MORBEQUE to [BENOLT].
	I write, by the bearer, to the lord Deputy for an attestation, and I beg you to assist my man in getting a speedy despatch. I send a piece of venison. Tournehen castle, 4 Feb.
	Hol., Fr., p. 1. Add.: A Mons. le Secretaire du Roy d'Engleterre, a Callais.
4 Feb. R. O.	342. LORD LEONARD GREY to HENRY VIII.
	To the same effect as his letter to Cromwell, with the omission of the sentence about the ill-payment of the soldiers. Dublin, 4 Feb. Signed.
	Pp. 2. Add. Endd.
4 Feb. R. O. St. P. II. 404.	343. LORD LEONARD GREY to CROMWELL.
	James Fitz John, pretended earl of Desmond, is still content to submit, and has sent articles of his promise and covenants. Copy, with Grey's answer, enclosed. (fn. 5) What stays him is his fear of Lord James Butler, who, through his wife, claims the earldom of Desmond, and has seized part of it, and combines with O'Brene and his son to seize the rest. He will abide the order of the Deputy and Council between him and James FitzMorice. To have an earl of Desmond in Munster obedient to the King would be a check upon Ossory and his son. Parliament assembled here in Octabis Hilarij, but the commons were so astonied at the bruit of the return of Thomas FitzGerolde and his uncles, and the spiritualty so emboldened by "the ruffle which hath been there" (in England), that they little regarded to pass anything. Prorogued it therefore to 1 May. The soldiers are so poor for default of wages that when Grey goes a journey he can get scant 40 persons besides his own retinue. Five hundred men paid monthly are better than a thousand with wages, as they have been, seven or eight months in arrear, which causes them to mutiny and steal, until of late the Deputy and Council "have taken an order for redress of those enormities." Since Michaelmas has had a disease in one of his legs, and sometimes after riding a journey cannot stand for pain. 4 Feb. Signed.
	Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
5 Feb. R. O.	344. ROWLAND MORTON to CROMWELL.
	Considering the late unnatural and "foleus" insurrection, Morton and his associates in commission for the later payment of the subsidy in Glouc. and Worc., payable at day past, have forborne the taxation for a time. Enlarges upon his fidelity and love to Cromwell. "At my poor house at Twynnynge," 5 February.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Cromwell, Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
5 Feb. R. O.	345. SIR THOMAS TEMPEST to NORFOLK.
	Your coming to these North parts is great comfort to all good subjects. The absence of the bishop of Durham and earl of Westmoreland sets all this country of Durham out of order. My lady of Westmoreland, with the counsel she takes, stays the country for the time. "I assure your Lordship she rather playeth the part of a knight than of a lady." Good my lord, haste hither. Northumberland is wholly out of rule, and speedy order must be taken with Tyndale and Redesdale. The barony of Langley and Hexhamshire follow their example. Notwithstanding my diseases and sickness, I was never so troubled as I am to stay this North side of the Bishopric, for, for their own safety, they would join the thieves. I daily lose my own goods. I have been long sore sick, but am well amended. Your coming revives my spirits. I beg hasty answer by the bearer, my servant, whether to come to you or await your coming hither. 5 Feb. Signed.
	P. 1. Add. Endd.
[5 Feb.] R. O.	346. MATTHEW CLAYS to [LORD LISLE].
	On the day after Candlemas last I was taken by the Frenchmen between Walldam and the Red Chamber, having been to Calais with victuals, and was carried by them to Houdenbort. Treating me as lawful prize, they took from me everything I had—horse, paniers, and 14s. in money, the proceeds of the victuals I had sold, and said unless I agreed to be put to ransom they would imprison me. On this I agreed with them for 100 stivers, and they made me swear to give it to John Spicer, of Calais. The horse and paniers were worth 6 cr. of gold.
	Hol., p. 1. Endd.: Nouel Mandelier de Boulloigne.
R. O.	2. The agreement.
	Matthew Clay, a Fleming of the parish of Norpiennes (?), having been taken prisoner by certain Frenchmen, under the command of Du Biez, captain of Boullognois, they let him return on his promise to pay, before Midlent, a ransom of 100 solz Tournois, which he is to bring to Calais to the house of Jehan Spicer, grocer, or return to captivity. Considering his indigence, the Frenchmen demand no higher ransom. Signed and sealed 5 Feb. 1536. Signed with a mark by William Casse.
	Fr.
5 Feb. Otho, C. IX. 112. B. M.	347. SIR C[LEMENT WEST] to CROMWELL.
	"Ryght onorable and my synguler good lord ... may be yower plezsure to undyrstond off lat Is ... yower good lordschyp to name your goodnes wyth ... whych or thys tym I trust ye have knowlege ... yower eyd and favyr, yn all my rezsonabyll caw[sys and for the] recovery off such goodes as wer yn the custody off ... as wyll off my revenyw as othyr, the sub-prior ... doctor Mablesteyn can sey what yt ys for he ... me affor Mr. Brereton medelyd.
	Be cawzse the newys be so may yn serteyn ... for most suyr whych ys from Rom ther be i[x Cardinals] new consccryd, wher off ys i Venyssyan and yn ... 1 other Inglyschman.
	Also ther ys wages xij. m^l. men and mo sykys ... seyd, but feryth the Torke.
	The cardynall Sybo ys dyssprevyd, why ys [not known]. From Jenys the emperor ys yn to Spayn [and hath in] Marsche promyzsyd to retorne yn to Italy [and left promise] for a C. galys and as many schyppys pa[id or] ... Also he hath promys off the kyng off Portug[al to have] xl. schyppys and carvelles and x. galyons. And hath gevyn Myleyn to the seyd kyn[g because] the comonyys ther murmure yn favyr [of] ... not wyth stondyng, the strongholdes hath t[he Spaynards]. In many plasys off Italy makyth men for [the Emperor]. Off late ys cum from Tonys the Arabbys ... Turkes doth them many dyssplezsurys.
	"From Lyons the erll Seynt Powlle y[n] ... [C]ardynalle Loryn be yn Pyamount and hath byn [as far as] Varselles and lost sum men.
	"[T]he Frensch kyng hath yn hys army be watyr ... and thyr vesselles both galys and fustys, yn so myc[he that the] pepyll of Marselles rebellyd and toke owght Crys[ten] men that were be forse yn them.
	"The Torke preparyth ccl. galys, and as many o[ther] vesseylles, thretes Naplys, Rom, and Malta for the ha ... The Venyssians hath rydy a cl. galys besydes oth[yr vessels].
	"Othyr ther be whych ys no plezsure to wryght but [fors o]ff dute constreynyth, and spesyally such as redowndy[th t]o the onor off hys hyghnes, and off hys subge[cts], whych ys, thos that be her ar not yntretyd eg[ally a]s othyr nacyons be, havyng lytyll part off thon[orys i]n the Relygyon, as to be capyteynys off galys or [other sc]hyppys, as well othyr offysys that be common; syns [our d]eparture from the Rodys, lytyll part hath byn owerys, [a]s Modon, Coron, Goletta, Tonys, and off late Trypoly.
	"And consyderyng thys yer ys lyke tyme to get onor, [I] askyd the galys and not wyth stondyng beyng xl. [y]er aunsyent, put me from them and namyd won [n]ot yet iij yer her, and xxiij old, all they do that [no]w governys, becawzse hys brothyr ys for Florens ... the French king wyth xij. m^l. men.
	"Also off late Sir Jylys Russell askyd 1. galy ... from yt not wyth stondyng mych aunsy[ent] ... tall knyght, whych ys to mych for to co ... for a supplicacyon undyr wretyn all ower n[ames to the] counsell for remedy as schall folow, schall ase[rteyn his] hyghnes. Thyr delyng ys marvellus consyderyng the [manyfold] gret and bowntous gyftes off hys hygh grace as w[ell as his] progenytorys, yt ys but thyr old malys. Whau th[e Master comes] I trust all schall amend; wherfor umbly besch[eche your] lordschyp so to helpe for remedy that hys hyg[hness may be] contentyd, that hys subgettes her may all wey [be partakers] off the onorys her, ande the Relygyon so to b ... whych hath byn so lon[g] off contenuans, and [I pray] to God and Seynt John to send yower good lor[dship] prossperus lyff wyth all yower onorable dezsyr[es] ... Pardon thys rud prolyxyte don for dysscharge of [my duty]. Yn Malta, the v. off Feveryr, a. m^l v^o xxxvi..." (fn. 6)
	Hol., mutilated. Add.: My lord Cromwell.