Henry VIII: April 1541, 11-20 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 16, 1540-1541. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1898.

Citation:

'Henry VIII: April 1541, 11-20', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 16, 1540-1541, ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1898), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol16/pp340-350 [accessed 16 November 2024].

April 1541, 11–20



11 April.	713. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 172.	Meeting at Greenwich, 11 April. Present: Gt. Chamb., Hertford, Durham, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler. No business recorded.
11 April.	714. Hanby Grange, Linc.
Add. M.S. 29,586, f. 1. B. M.	Receipt by Hugh Grantham, auditor to the duke of Suffolk, of 9l. for the first half year's rent of Hanbye Graunge. 11 April. 32 Hen. VIII. Signed. P. 1.
11 April.	715. Card. Pole to Card. Contarini.
Poli Epp., iii. 17.	Congratulates him on his safe arrival at Ratisbon, and honourable reception by the Emperor and the citizens. Never doubted the Emperor's goodwill to settle the controversies of the Church, but gathers hope from his hopefulness, especially as God has turned the arms of the Turk towards the East. Contarini's letters gave much pleasure; and yesterday in the Senate the same things were heard more fully by the reading of his letters to Card. Farnese. The marchioness of Pescara left nothing untried to recall her brother from the fury of war to quiet, but, failing, has gone for rest to the nunnery at Orvieto; where she so enjoys the society of the nuns that she writes that she seems to be living with angels. Prays God to enable Contarini in his pious business to bruise the Serpent's head. Sends commendations to the Master of the Sacred Palace and the Scottish doctor. (fn. 1) Rome, 11 April 1541. Lat.
12 April.	716. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 172.	Meeting at Greenwich, 12 April. Present: Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Chanc. of Augm., Chanc. of Tenths. Business:—Letter written to the bailiff of St. Albans to release a woman who was, upon a former letter, imprisoned for speaking foolish words, the author of which she could not declare. Martin Balkeskye, Scot, being apprehended for having “rased” a safe conduct granted in anno 31°, the Council in the North, doubting whether the offence were treason, asked how to proceed in that matter, and also against a woman who spoke “foolish light words sounding to treason.” It was answered that as certain of the learned Council here thought the first case treason the King must take the opinion of his judges next term, and meanwhile the Scot must remain in prison; and as to the woman, if the matter were proved she should be ordered by law, and if not, delivered.
12 April.	717. Wallop to Sir Ant. Browne.
R. O.	I have not yet received the Lord Chamberlain's stuff by indenture; for the Council of Calais made a stay thereof, as appears by articles signed by them which I sent over in my letter to the whole Council. The King wrote to the treasurer of Calais to pay all such soldiers of Guisnes as I should dismiss their wages from 1 Dec. until their dismissal on the 6th April. They lament that they have not “the whole which they have deserved”; and those who remain are unpaid for half a year. Asks him to learn the King's pleasure in this. Wrote this morning to the whole Council by Mr. Surveyor. Three hours later a servant brought news from Arde that Mons. de Kirky and another captain had come to the town and gone to the captain's lodging, from whence they went with the captain to the keep outside the town, and viewed it, saying it was their King's pleasure that they should fall to work upon it at once. They then went to Cowbridge and gauged the width and depth, “and saying is they will make the passage again whereby the King might have his toll.” They also commanded the captain to store corn from the villages in the town. Expects, within two days, another spy whom he sent as far as Amyas. Thanks for Browne's kindness of late, and commendations to the Council. Guisnes Castle, 12 April. Signed. Pp. 2. Add.: Master of the Horses. Endd.: 1541.
	718. Wallop to Henry VIII.
R. O.	Within two days has learnt that command is given throughout the Bolonoise and this low country adjoining Arde, for every man to bring his spare corn to Boulogne or Arde and “que chacune demourera su sagard.” They evidently fear war, and have prepared 1,500 footmen and send hitherward 100 men-at-arms. Heard most of this from Palmer, baillie here. Yesterday sent an espial to Abvile and Amyas. Has by advice of the surveyor “shott” up the west gate of the town and put a watch there. It shall be the first work begun and the rest of the fortification shall be pushed forward. Begs that labourers may be sent. Signed. P. 1. Add. Endd.
12 April.	719. James V. to Paul III.
Royal MS., 18 b. vi. 115. B. M.	Reminds him of the consistent attachment of the Scottish kings and people to the see of Rome, and that he himself succeeded to the government while still a youth at a time when heresy was everywhere on the increase. Has striven to prevent heresy from being imported with other merchandise from Germany, or creeping in from England. In gratitude for this his clergy assigned him a token of money for certain years, which only awaits the Pope's confirmation, which he is surprised to hear that his Holiness delays to grant after they have written for it. Begs him to consent to it, considering the necessity. Has written the heads of that and other business to George Hay, secretary of the cardinal of St. Stephen, to show to his Holiness. Stirling (ex Stellingo), 12 April 1541. Lat. Copy, p. 1.
12 April.	720. James V. to Ghinucci.
Ib., f. 115b. B. M.	Formerly, when the expedition of Dryburgh monastery and Glasgow rectory was unduly retarded, could not forbear to molest him with frequent letters. Now, when George Hay, the card. of St. Stephen's secretary, writes how it was done, explains that the things themselves were very small, but the example they involved most pernicious. Stirling, 12 April 1541. Lat. Copy. p. 1.
13 April.	721. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 173.	Meeting at Greenwich, 13 April. Present: Abp. of Canterbury, Chancellor, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Chanc. of Augm. Business:—John Mychel, parson of Racton, being accused by Robt. Sandwich, chaplain to Sir Geoff. Poole, of traitorous words, was committed to the Tower; and Sandwich bound (recognisance cited) to remain at London ready to appear, and to give no knowledge to Sir Geoff. Poole of his deposition in this matter and disclose any advertisement he may receive from Sir Geoffrey.
13 April.	722. Procurations and Subsidy of the Clergy.
Add. MS. 11,041, f. 6. B. M.	Bill, made 13 April 32 Hen. VIII., by John Harford, of receipt, from Leonard Heydon, parson of Rosse, Heref. dioc., of 10l. 13s. 6½d., for procurations due upon the Bp.'s visitation that year, the tenth and the subsidy. Signed. Small paper, p. 1.
13 April.	723. Wm. Wise to Mr. Mynne.
R. O.	Thanks for entertainment lately with “my masters” (the Commissioners) and him. There is too much rainfall this season for the fishers to get lampreys. No news out of England. You know that of Ormond and his mother: the Deputy and you should take order ne forte tumultus fiet in populo. Thanks for the letters concerning the proxies our ordinary would have had of the lands of St. John's. I shall deliver them when he comes. Commendations to Mr. Baron (fn. 2) and Mr. Candish. Waterford, 13 April. Hol., p. 1. Add.: one of the King's commissioners.
14 April.	724. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 174.	Meeting at Greenwich, 14 April. Present: Chancellor, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Chanc. of Augm. Business:—Letter addressed to Justice Willowghby and other gentlemen in Surrey to enquire, at the sessions at Godstone on Tuesday in Easter week, into the burning of a frame of timber belonging to Sir Ric. Gresham. John Smith, one of the King's watermen, and others, having entered a Portugal ship in Faversham road, on pretence of seizing uncustomed merchandise, and carried away the mariners' private goods, and also brought away to London two catches laden with corn of John Antonyes, they were ordered to restore the Portugalles goods, specified in a schedule annexed to the examination, and as to the catches abide the order of the law.
14 April.	725. Wallop to Henry VIII.
R. O.	Wrote last that on the return of his “spiall” (whom he sent to Abbeville and Amyas) he would send the news. The man returned to-day reporting that at Davern last Sunday it was said that 60, 80, or 100 sail had passed Boulogne towards Calais, and it was feared that, if they were Englishmen, they would make war for Arde. All captains had therefore commanded their men to be ready at sound of drum, but France would not begin war. At Abbeney, 4 leagues on this side Abbeville, it was said there was great fear of war, and the villages were commanded to keep watch. At Wast it was said that Mons. du Bies went to meet Mons. de Vandom, who comes to view Arde and all the frontier. Sent a man to Turneham yesterday, who learnt that there were musters throughout the Boulognois, that at Daverne by Du Bies himself. Many waggons with corn have been seen going towards Arde. Wallop saw some of them himself passing the hill by Fynes mill and sent to the day watch for confirmation, who also said he saw them. At Turneham Wallop's servant was asked if the town of Guisnes “were a making as the saying was,” marvelling that there were so many labourers there and how they all got victuals. Wallop's man answered, there were victuals enough sent out of England for them and a great many more. They of Turneham then said, “Would to God there might come so many Englishmen that they might pull down Arde!” Palmer, the bailey, has just come in to say he spoke this morning in the Picardy pale beyond the Forest with some horsemen of Mons. du Bies, who said that 100 of their company were come to conduct above a hundred waggons to Arde, which should then “be well furnished with bread and water”; also that Mons. du Vendom lies to-night at Boulogne on his way to Arde, and that there are 1,500 foot in readiness. Will double the night watch here. “And if the Cap^nes (fn. 3) which your Ma^tie intendeth to send were come it should be a great assurance to the town and everything the better ordered.” Guisnes Castle, 14 April. Signed. Pp. 2. Add. Endd.: 1541.
14 April.	726. Denizations.
R. O.	The “Denization Roll” of 32 Hen. VIII. is a parchment roll of three membranes, containing the names of 380 persons with their nationality, the length of time they have resided in England, and the note in each case that the wife is English or at least born in England. In form of a signed bill signed at the head by the King and at the foot by the lord Chancellor. Delivered, Westm., 14 April 32 Hen. VIII. Lat. The last membrane now placed first.
15 April.	727. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 175.	Meeting at Greenwich, 15 April. Present: Chancellor, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Chanc. of Augm. Business:—Letter written to Mr. Merven, the justice, and Mr. Gunter, declaring receipt of their letters with Sandwiche's accusation of Mychel, parson of Racton, and that Mychel said that since Sir Geoff. Poole wounded him in his own house Sir Geoffrey had desired Merven to reconcile them; and requiring Merven to say whether that was true and what he had done. Letter to Sir Geoff. Poole requiring him, since Sandwiche's deposition before the Council varied from that made before Mr. Mervyn (and because he said he had repeated the parson of Racton's words to Sir Geoffrey the day after they were spoken), to certify what the words were.
15 April.	728. The Fishmongers' Company.
Add. MS. 9835 f. 23. B. M.	Recognisance entered into 15 April 32 Hen. VIII. by Thos. Harrys, of London, fishmonger, at Greenwich, before Sir John Gage, comptroller of the Household, Edm. Pecham, Edw. Weldon, Edw. Shelley, Jas. Sutton and Ant. Birkes, not to resort to the town of Rye without licence of the wardens of the Fishmongers, nor to do anything there touching the provision of fish except by their appointment. Copy, p. 1.
16 April.	729. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 176.	Meeting at Greenwich, 16 April. Present: Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Chanc. of Tenths. Business:—John Smith seized certain catches and wheat belonging to John Anthony, who gave sureties for the wheat; and thereupon a letter was written to Smith to deliver it to Anthony. As Smith refused, and received the letter unreverently, he was committed to ward, and a like letter sent to the customers of London.
16 April.	730. Aliens.
Harl. MS. 442 f. 167. B. M.	Proclamation suspending the statute of 32 Hen. VIII. that all strangers not being denizens should depart the realm by Michaelmas last, which date the King by proclamation (fn. 4) after the dissolution of Parliament extended to 24 April next. Persons who have entered their names before the Lord Chancellor before 24 April next or who are servants of the King or Queen shall not be molested if they sue out their patents of denizenship before Midsummer. Employers of strangers shall enter before the Lord Chancellor the names of such strangers as they take into their service within six months after the date of this. Westm., 16 April 32 Hen. VIII. Later copy, pp. 4. With a note, lined out, in the margin, that the date in the journal at the Guildhall is 16 April and that in Sir Geo. Coppin's book is 18 April.
Titus B., i. 555. B. M.	2. Another late copy of the preceding, dated Westm., 16 April 32 Hen. VIII. Later copy, pp. 4.
16 April.	731. Wotton to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., viii. 548.	Last week the duke of Cleves departed towards Duisseldorpe to spend the holidays with the Duchess his mother, and perhaps meet the bp. of Munster at Essen, four Dutch miles from Duisseldorpe. Wotton remained behind, as he had no intimation that the Duke would be long absent, to learn more about some lance-knights who had assembled to serve the French king, as it was said. Sent a servant, however, to Duisseldorpe, who returned on Wednesday last saying that the Duke rode on Palm Sunday to Hambach Castle to his mother, who was ill. Yesterday Dr. Olisleger wrote to Wotton to tarry here till Monday as he had important matters to communicate. To-day the “sluyter” of Cleves, whose brother Segewald (fn. 5) is Henry's servant, sent word that the Duke has gone from Hambach into France, and this is generally believed to be true. Knows not who go with him, but as Olisleger tarries behind and Provost Vlatten is at Reigensburgh, his councillors are probably the chancellor Gogrefe, who speaks Latin, Italian and French, the Chief Marshal, who speaks no tongue but his own, and the Hovemaster Hogesteyn, who was in England with him. This news is the stranger as lately there has been no talk of the matter of France. Sent out a servant to learn about the lance-knights, but his horse fell lame and he returned on foot, saying they are now far hence towards Breme in the county of Hoye, that they number 3,000 and have an overste (fn. 6) called Meynard van Hamme, a native of Arnhem in Cleves. The report still is that they are in the French king's pay; but if so it is strange that they draw further and further from France. Cleves, 16 April, being Easter Even, 1541. Hol., pp. 5. Add. Endd.
17 April.	732. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 177.	Meeting at Greenwich, 17 April. Present: Norfolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Hertford, Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Chanc. of Tenths. No business recorded.
17 April.	733. Chapuys to Charles V.
Spanish Calendar, VI. i No. 156.	Wrote on the 27th March of the King's journey to Dover. During his stay there he despatched Wallop to Guisnes as governor, and resolved to send thither 2,000 men under four captains. Some of these will be pioneers, who will be set on the repair of the fortifications and the construction of four new bulwarks which the King has ordered to be erected. These men are to be provided with engineering tools, and to be armed against any attack. Hears that in the neighbourhood of that town (fn. 7) the King's men are demolishing churches and religious houses near the sea, to convey the materials to Guisnes for the fortifications. Cannot say whether this will be persevered in. Is told Guisnes cannot be fortified efficiently, owing to two hillocks commanding the avenues and streets; and the King was disgusted with a Portuguese engineer who told him so just after the four captains and men had left, calling him an ass who did not understand his business. Although the above military arrangements were determined on during the King's last stay at Dover, something must have transpired, for Francis I. wrote some time ago to his ambassador here to ask this King what he meant by sending a body of men across the Channel. The King replied to the ambassador: “I may just as well ask you in turn what your master means by sending men to Ardres?” Two days later, on the King's return to Greenwich, the ambassador again spoke to the King about it, when the latter said simply that, as all princes were fortifying their frontier towns, he did not see why he should not do the same. Has been told that the ambassador has since received almost daily couriers from his master, and that he went to Court on the 12th April. (fn. 8) When Chapuys asked him what he had gone for, he said it was only to witness the solemnities of the day; but by his own words to the Venetian Secretary and others, it must have been to obtain trustworthy information about the force sent to Guisnes, and perhaps also to tell the King, as Chapuys finds he did, that the king of the Romans was in Hungary, driven by want of money and provisions to retreat before the Turks, who were burning his towns; and further, that there was no hope of anything being settled at the diet of Reynesbourg, which the duke of Saxony and other of the German princes had not deigned to attend. The King replied that he believed he was better informed by his ambassadors in Germany than Francis I. was, and held it certain that an agreement would be made between the Catholics and Protestants, notwithstanding the duke of Saxony's absence, which could not have been owing to ill-will. They disputed the matter for some time, and the King specified to the ambassador the concessions that were to be made on each side, touching the Pope's authority, communion in both kinds, and marriage of priests, which last the King said he disliked most, as the priests would so increase in numbers by affinity and descent that they would tyrannize over princes themselves and make benefices hereditary. After this conversation the King sent for the four captains above mentioned, who appeared splendidly attired, putting off their cloaks (louvières) at the King's bidding, to show, him and the French ambassador their accoutrements. After the King had received the tax on foreigners, to whom a respite had been granted till after these festivities—the date fixed for their leaving the country—a rumour was spread that all foreign merchants would have to leave who did not take out letters of naturalisation, for which they will have to pay a third of all their goods, besides the cost of seals and writing, which amounts to 10 ducats, and swear fidelity to the King as well. Oppressive as this is, an immense number of foreigners are actually taking out letters of naturalisation, from which alone the King will derive an incalculable sum of money. It is true the Commissioners do not proceed to extremities with the Emperor's subjects, and do not value their property so closely as that of other foreign merchants, especially the French, yet the measure is extremely harsh, and as it is impossible to prepare enough letters of naturalisation otherwise, the date for the expulsion of foreign merchants has been prolonged to St. John's day. Three days ago a complaint was sent me from the Privy Councillors that 14 fishing smacks had been seized at Nyeuport, in Flanders, merely for having laden fish for the London market; and that this was in virtue of the Emperor's edict against exporting goods in English bottoms, which they maintained could not possibly apply to fish; adding that Chapuys himself could testify that similar proclamations were never so rigidly enforced in England. The Councillors desired that Chapuys would write to the Queen Regent; but Chapuys heard that very day that the vessels and their crews had been released. A conspiracy has just been detected here. About 50 persons, (fn. 9) six or seven of whom were priests, had plotted to kill the bp. of Llandaff, governor of the Northern Counties, and take possession of a fortress in which he resides. They were probably encouraged by a rumour of the Scots stirring on the Border, and thought the King was already at war, from his sending troops across the Channel. They have been all arrested, and no grace is likely to be given them. The King, moreover, fearing further conspiracies in the North, has announced his intention of going thither immediately after these festivities. London, Easter Day, 1541. Original at Vienna.
17 April.	734. Chapuys to the Queen of Hungary.
Spanish Calendar, VI. i. No. 157.	Enclosing the preceding letter. Could not send news at once of the despatch of the men across the Channel, having no courier at the time, and trusted the movements of English troops would be noticed. Was afraid also that the time to investigate and draw up his report would be too long, for the courier left on Easter Day, before he got trustworthy information. Had not money either to despatch a private messenger. London, 17 April 1541. Original at Vienna.
18 April.	735. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 177.	Meeting at Greenwich, 18 April. Present: abp. of Canterbury, Chancellor, Norfolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Hertford, Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Chanc. of Tenths. No business recorded.
19 April.	736. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 177.	Meeting at Greenwich, 19 April. Present: abp. of Canterbury, Chancellor, Norfolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Hertford, Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Chanc. of Tenths. Business:—Ric. Robynson and Wm. Harrys, servants to Geo. Paulet, and John Benet, of Elveton, Hants, confessed to hunting by night in the earl of Hertford's park of Elveton, and were sent to Winchester prison.
19 April.	737. Marillac to Francis I.
R. O. Kaulek, 290. (Almost the whole text.)	Since his last of the 10th inst, has received Francis's letters of the 8th and 9th, containing three chief points; the first, to revoke this King from his opinion that the Scots, at French instigation, made great levies to make war on him. Thereupon, went to this King at Greenwich on Palm Sunday. His answer was, that he never believed that Francis had brewed such things against him, but he was informed that the king of Scotland threatened him very insolently, which he would not dare to do without Francis's consent, nor could execute without his aid; and what he said to De Thays was as a friend, complaining of want of correspondence of affection, who communicates not only what he does but what he thinks. He had since heard that there had been more bruit of the levy of Scots than likelihood. Thereupon, Norfolk, who was present, affirmed that, when in the North, he never heard of it and would never credit it. Thanked him for his good office, which showed zeal for Francis's service. The second point (to thank him for his friendly language to De Thays and good advice) elicited the reply that he would always be Francis's best friend, and the effects which had proceeded from his friendship were worth more than the vain promises of others. To the third point, viz., the news from divers places, and specially of the diet of Ratisbon, this King desired to thank Francis and inform him that he had letters of the 7th inst. showing that the Landgrave had been gained over by the Emperor, and that the difference of opinions concerning religion was reduced to three points, namely, the recognition of a head of the Church at Rome, the marriage of priests, and the use of the sacrament under both kinds. It seemed likely that the Protestants would allow the first as expedient, leaving to the next General Council, the decision, whether it was of Divine institution, provided the Catholics admitted the other two articles; to which, it seemed, the Emperor inclined, and tried all means to end the controversy. Thereupon this King discoursed of the evil which might come of granting these points; and, besides saying ill of the Pope, mentioned the inconvenient results of the marriage of priests, and, among others, that they would ally themselves with the greatest and then domineer over kings, and be lords of the world as well spiritual as temporal, adding, with the look of an angry man afraid of consequences, that these things were too hard for him to digest, and that he would die sooner than consent to them, and specially that ecclesiastical property should be made hereditary. He said he heard from the same quarter that they meant to give Francis trouble on the side of Savoy, and thought he should guard against surprise there. He added other most gracious words; showing, either that he wishes to remain your good neighbour, or else that he is trying to sing you to sleep while he prepares to take you unawares, which will not be easy as long as I can send information. Things proceed as in his last despatch. To fortify Guisnes or make some fort at the place where the trenches were made, (fn. 10) pioneers cross daily, who may number already 2,000, and be increased to 4,000, including 500 men of war on foot, who are to be chosen, and 300 light horse, who are already picked (esleus). Some say there will be more footmen, but there are only four flags (enseignes), which were not finished on Thursday last. There will not be more than 200 picked men under each flag; for they rely on the pioneers, who will, if necessary, be furnished with arms, of which there is good store at Calais, and most of whom are good archers. No musters are made here, but they will be made beyond sea. The colonel of these companies is Mr. Wallop, who last week left for Guisnes. The others were still here on Friday, and, it is understood, left that day to levy more men to take with them; although some affirm that no more will be levied than are crossing daily, who are all dressed as labourers and workmen, and carry no arms but a white stick burnt at the end. Fearing to be tedious, writes particulars of the above in an ample instruction, which is delivered to bearer. French. Two modern transcripts, each pp. 6. Headed: London, 19 April 1541.
19 April.	738. Marillac to Montmorency.
R. O. Kaulek, 292. (Abstract.)	As to affairs here, can add nothing to his letter to the King and instruction sent to Montmorency. Has been in this charge two years past, which he could not accomplish without means, especially in this time of trouble and suspicion when he must keep men in divers places to gain information. Begs him, therefore, to get another who has more funds sent in his place, or, at least, if the King means to use him here, that he may have no worse treatment than hitherto, ordinary and extraordinary, which is nothing near what his predecessors had, although he is notoriously poor and they were rich. Has despatched his cousin (fn. 11) to beg for some good answer in the above, and trusts wholly to Montmorency for his advancement. French. Modern transcript, pp. 2. Headed: 19 April 1541.
19 April.	739. Wallop to Henry VIII.
R. O.	Wrote last on the 14th of Mons. de Vandon's coming to view Arde and being that night at Bologne. Sent a “spiall” thither on Easter Eve, who returned yesterday, saying that Vandon and other gentlemen were there and would go that afternoon to view Arde, and thence to Turwayn, Heading, Dorliance and other fortresses under his rule. Describes how the espial also learned that the corn that came to Arde was brought from two ships now on the coast on this side Boulogne, which are not yet half empty, and that the lofts in Arde are full, and the corn is being stored in the church. The day Mons. de Vandon passed by Fynes, some 300 footmen who lay by the Forest side sent to your labourers at the lime pits to dig no more. Sent the Serjeant Royal to ask why they gave this order, but he could not hear who gave it. Devised to send bearer, his servant Sackfeld, to Arde, to meet Mons. de Vandon and view the fashion of his coming to Arde; but meanwhile two gentlemen brought an invitation from Vandon for Wallop and any other gentlemen to come and make merry with him at Arde. Wallop and the Comptroller of Calais went out and spoke with these messengers, who said their King had commanded Vandon to punish any of his subjects who should do displeasure to the English. Told them of the labourers in the chalk pits by the Forest side being ordered to dig no more, and sent his servant with them. As to Vandon's invitation, Wallop said he bad recently come to his room and had business with Mr. Comptroller, but perhaps in four or five days he could come to Arde; meanwhile he would write of the kindness of Vandon's invitation. Asked if they expected war as they came with so many horse and foot, and they replied that Vandon brought no men, but the captains brought the men to show how many they could muster. Details conversation, in which he assured them that the men who came from England were only some 500 labourers who came to fortify Guisnes as they had fortified Arde. Finally, considering their gentle fashions, felt bound to ask them into the castle to drink, and so did. Begs pardon if he has “waded” too far. Commissioned Sackfeld to speak to Mons. de Vandon about the matter of the chalk pits, and if they said the ground was French to reply that it had been customary to get chalk there, but he knew nothing thereof. Vandon said he knew nothing of it, and asked Du Biez, who said he never forbade any man to dig upon English ground, and begged there might be no debate upon small matters. Vandon said they were welcome to get chalk on French ground by paying. Refers to the bearer to tell what he heard and saw there. The victuallers of Fynes and thereabouts asked Vandon if they should continue to keep the market day at Calais, and he replied that they should. He gave the same answer to those who provide piles for the fortifications of Guisnes, one of whom says that of the 300 footmen who were in the Forest when Vandon passed only 16 had weapons, and they were ordered to lay them down. Three of your captains arrived today with their men in good order, namely Wingfield, Vaughan and Palmer, who brought the King's letters with a book of instructions. Guisnes Castle, 19 April. Signed. Pp. 7. Add. Endd.: 1541.
19 April.	740. Lord William Howard to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., viii. 551.	On the 2nd April, at Bleyse, received Henry's letters by Nicholas the post dated 26 March. Francis was then absent hunting, no man knew where, but 5 days later tidings came that he was at Amboise and had sent for the Queen to come thither. Howard and the other ambassadors repaired thither. Spoke next day with the Constable as directed, who said Francis had written to his ambassador in England about the matter, and awaited his reply. On Easter Eve the King rode out hawking and sent for Howard to meet him in the field, and there said he had letters from his ambassador in England, who had had good audience of Henry, whose Council would look upon the matter. There has been a great bruit in Court of war between England and France, and that Henry had secretly laid 10,000 men at Calais to attack Ardys. In the heat of that bruit the King sent M. de Vendôme and others into Picardy and to Ardys and so heightened the rumour. Thought best to speak with Francis before writing of this and did so on Easter Eve. Francis seemed sorry, and said he had given orders that none in the Court should speak of it, and that he sent Vendôme to Picardy to take the usual yearly musters there, and to Ardys to see how they have employed the money he bestowed there. Francis has restored the Admiral to all his offices. Encloses copies of Francis's letter and the Admiral's reply. (fn. 12) They say he will come shortly to Court, and his son will marry the Constable's daughter; but it is likely to be a lie. Francis said the Turk sets forth next month a very great army by sea and land, the former to Hungary, but the latter no man knows whither. The Chancellor is in displeasure and has not come to the King's presence for three weeks, but daily attends the Council. Men say he shall lose his room, and that the cause is because he kept divers ambassadors waiting for audience at Blois 3 hours and then sent them away without speaking with them; and that the Card. of Belloye had informed the King of this. But most men think Madame de Temps has wrought him this for his cruelty to the Admiral. Is not sorry, for he was very cruel to Englishmen having suits here. Amboys, 19 April. Signed. Pp. 3. Add. Endd.
R. O.	2. Copy of the above, undated. In the same hand as the preceding, pp. 3. Endd.
20 April.	741. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 178.	Meeting at Greenwich, 20 April. Present: Abp. of Canterbury, Chancellor, Norfolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Hertford, Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice.-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Chanc. of Tenths. No business recorded.
20 April.	742. Anthony Porter.
R. O.	Indenture of sale 10 April 32 Hen. VIII., by Edm. Ansle and Katharine, his wife, daughter and heir of Ric. Gounge (Gune in §§ 2 and 3) of Chypyn Norton, Oxon, to Ant. Porter, of Chypyn Camden, Glouc., of all their lands in Aston under Egge, Glouc., in fee simple. Copy. Large paper, pp. 5.
R. O.	2. Another copy. Large paper, pp. 5.
R. O.	3. Bond of Edmund Ansle of Cornwell, Oxon, to Anthony Porter, for the performance of the preceding. 11 April 32 Hen. VIII. Latin. Copy, pp. 2. Mutilated.
R. O.	4. Deed of sale to the above effect, dated 20 April 32 Hen. VIII., followed by the names (in English) of 21 persons present at the sealing of the deed by Edm. Ansleye and his wife, and at the possession taking. Latin. Copy, large paper, pp. 3.