Henry VIII: February 1543, 21-25 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 18 Part 1, January-July 1543. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1901.

Citation:

'Henry VIII: February 1543, 21-25', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 18 Part 1, January-July 1543, ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1901), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol18/no1/pp106-114 [accessed 16 November 2024].

February 1543, 21-25



21 Feb. Dasent's A. P. C., 88.	190. The Privy Council. Meeting at Westm., 21 Feb. Present : Chancellor, Norfolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Winchester, Westminster, Cheyney, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Wriothesley. Business :Letter written to Oliver Walloppe, George Paullett and John Norton to send up, in honest sort, Thos. Stevens, parson of Bentworth, and three of his servants (named) and take an inventory of his goods; also to Paullett and Norton to avoid the country of certain vagabonds "going up and down in the name of Egyptians." Letters written to the mayor of Pembrokeshere (sic) to bring the inventory of a ship driven by weather into those parts; and also to Roger Barlow to bring intelligence of such pieces as were thought to be embezzled out of the ship by the mayor.
21 Feb. Add MS. 32,649, f. 173. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 308.	191. Lisle to Arran. Is glad to perceive by his letters that all things proceed so well, not doubting that his zeal to the setting forth of God's Word will prosper him; and always requiring him to regard the furtherance of the King's godly purpose, which shall be to his greatest honor and surety. Forwards a letter just received from Suffolk, who has also willed Lisle to appoint with him for receiving Leche's brother. Will send a deputy to receive him at the Bond Rode of Berwik on Monday next, between 12 and 2 p.m., with 40 horse as at last delivery of prisoners. Requires him to command his borderers to keep better rule; for divers of East Tyvedale have ridden a foray and slain a man, and excuse themselves by saying that they have no command to the contrary. Credence for Hen. Raie, pursuivant of Berwick, this bearer, who will show words spoken by a lewd priest near Dunbar anempst the King. It is detestable "that such vile wretches should be suffered to blaspheme so noble a prince," and doubtless Arran will see him punished. Copy, pp. 2. Endd. : Copy of the letter from the Viscount Lisle to th'earl of Arren, xxj^o Febr. a^o xxxiiij^o.
22 Feb. Dasent's A. P. C., 89.	192. The Privy Council. Meeting at Westm., 22 Feb. Present : Norfolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Winchester, Westminster, St. John, Cheyney, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Wriothesley. Business :Letter sent to the lord Great Master with 400 letters for the musters for which he had written.
22 Feb. R. O. [Spanish Calendar VI. ii., No. 105.]	193. Chapuys to Charles V. Wrote three days ago both by way of Almain and Italy and by this side, with an express man, of all occurrents, and especially the conclusion of the treaty of closer amity. The King has since sent him word that the bp. of London wrote only of a rumor of the Emperor's coming to Almain and Flanders, charging Chapuys to write that, if the Emperor should decide to pass by this sea, he would equip not only his own ships but others to escort his Majesty. Moreover, he has sent word that his man of Venice (fn. 1) notified that there was great intelligence between the bp. of Rome and the king of France, and treaty of marriage between His Holiness's nephew and some French lady, and the French were planning, with His Holiness's help, some enterprise against Florence; and that Chapuys must not think that hatred of His Holiness made him impart this, for, although he had heretofore spoken against His Holiness, being his manifest enemy, since the peace concluded with the Emperor he had resolved henceforth to avoid showing his enmity (but of reparation or reconciliation he has made no mention, and Chapuys believes that that is quite out of his account). He shows incredible affection for the Emperor and daily sends Chapuys news from all parts, especially from France, from whence his ambassador wrote last that, by their boasting, it seemed as if the French would eat the whole world, but yet they have not a penny and there are pitiful complaints from the captains strangers, especially those who last year led the Gueldrois, that they cannot snatch one tournois of what is due to them. The King's affection will doubtless increase daily if the Emperor shows that it is reciprocated; and thus there will be no difficulty in amending anything in the treaty which is not to the Emperor's satisfaction, and, as a last resource, there is the remedy of which Chapuys has several times written. Yesterday the King sent Winchester to report an assembly of the French beside Montreuil, about 15,000 men and 500 men of arms, which, he thought, Chapuys would do well to notify to the Queen Regent, praying her to order Mons. de Roeulx to correspond with the captain of Guisnes, and assist him, at need, while the men whom he sends daily over sea are on the way, if the French should enterprise anything upon a certain little fortress which he has begun between Calais and Guisnes, for as for the rest there was no danger. He also desired Chapuys to get the Queen to keep him informed of news there, as he held the Emperor's affairs and his as one. Learnt from Winchester that affairs in Scotland went as they wished, and Mons. de Guyze's going thither from France was cancelled. Also that, since the conclusion of the treaty, the King has shown the greatest possible affection and liberality to the Princess, and not a day passes but he goes to visit her in her chamber two or three times with the utmost cordiality, an argument that if, for the Emperor's honor, he acts so to another much more would he do for the Emperor, if only he may find correspondence and confidence; and Chapuys gathers from Winchester that the King would marrellously desire an interview if the Emperor should come into Flanders, and, in default, that Granvelle would come over here to him. The day before yesterday the King sent to say that although he might justly keep a ship of Mons. de Bevrez which his men took six months ago, because armed and victualled by certain Scots, some of whom were in it, he was content, at Chapuys's contemplation, to release it. Had no leisure the last time to answer what was touched in the Emperor's letters of the 23rd ult., viz., that the Emperor's affairs had not succeeded so badly that that he need hasten to complete the treaty. That is true, and although it seemed the more to be feared that the French might, therefore, try by all means to gain the King, as they did after the day of Pavia, seeing the practices which they commenced, still, Chapuys would not have gone on to the conclusion had it not been that the Queen wrote that, though she had written to him to temporise until he had the Emperor's answer unless in the delay there was danger from the French practices, nevertheless, considering the position of affairs both public and private of her government, she had come to the opinion that he should without further delay pass to the conclusion of the treaty. London, 22 Feb. 1542. French, pp. 5. Modern transcript of a Vienna MS. Original endd. as received at Barcelona, 1 May 1543.
[22] Feb. R. O. St. P. IX., 318.	194. The Council to Wallop. Mr. Wallop, the King has willed us to signify to you, to be kept to yourself, how, enforced by the ingrate proceeding of the French king contrary to the treaties, he has made a league with the Emperor; and, doubting that if the French suspect this they may do some enterprise in the Pale, has caused the Emperor's ambassador to write to the Lady Regent and Great Master that, although it is expedient that there should be yet no open declaration of enmity, there should be secret intelligence between you and the Great Master, that the Emperor's forces may be ready to assist you and the deputy of Calais at need. You shall enter intelligence with the Great Master, and report how you find him and your opinion on the enclosed articles with diligence. The King has opened this matter to Sir Ralph Ellerker, who repairs thither, to be discussed with the lord Deputy and you and none other of the Council there. "And thus, &c." P.S.Remind him that his meeting with the Great Master should engender suspicion in the Frenchmen. II. "To be written to Mr. Wallop." 1. To know what number of horsemen he has in his rule. 2. How many more convenient to be there to annoy or defend, and how they can be supplied with forage and victual. 3. How many footmen are necessary besides the workmen and soldiers now there and the 1,600 workmen who are coming over, and how they may be victualled. 4. What annoyance he can do with the forces now there, and with the reinforcements he thinks necessary. 5. What hurt the Frenchmen may do to the East and West pales after he has first done them displeasure, and how to defend it. 6. What aid he supposes the Burgundians will give, either to annoy or defend. 7. To keep all this secret. Draft in Petre's hand, pp. 2. Endd. : Mynute to Mr. [Wallop.] . . . Feb. a^o xxxiiij^o.; and by a modern hand below, 22 Feb.
22 Feb. R. O.	195. Wallop to Henry VIII. In the end of a letter now received from the Council (referring to his late writing that with knowledge in time of any breach with France he could give the first buffet) he is commanded to signify in his own handwriting how he would do it. For the first buffet, the horse and foot now in Guisnes "of crew," with lord Grey's hundred, the 300 of the crew in Calais, and the men of arms there, with such captains as the lieutenant of the Castle, Mr. Carow, Mr. Porter and Mr. Marshal, if he were here to conduct the horsemen, would [overrun] (fn. 2) all the villages between Guisnes and Marguison and the sea, as Odyngam, Whytsand and the said Marguison. They could burn and carry off everything, and return safely by the sea side between 3 a.m. and 12 noon; for longer he would not undertake to tarry out, because there are ready in Bolonoys 3,000 footmen, Mons. de Bees's hundred men of arms, and the garrison of Arde, so that, by 2 p.m., they could assemble De Bees's men of arms (500 horse), 200 horsemen of Arde, 300 hacbutters of Arde and 1,000 footmen, which should be a dangerous number to meddle with. Would not undertake, with the number he and Mr. Poynynges have, to return by the county of Guisnes, but would pass along the sea side towards Rysebank and Newneham Bridge. Would leave the labourers at Guisnes behind, to keep the castle and town. Begs for a number of pikes, for those sent last year are "crooked, broken, spoiled and little worth." Has no other news than he has now written to Mr. Wrysley. Guisnes, 22 Feb. Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd. : a^o xxxiiij^o.
22 Feb. R. O. [Spanish Calendar VI. ii., No. 106.]	196. The Queen of Hungary to Chapuys. Glad to hear by his letters of the 12th inst. of the conclusion of the treaty. Has ordered a copy to be forwarded to Grantvele, at Nuremberg, that he may inform the Emperor. Chapuys will do well to hasten the packet which he wishes to send by way of Italy. Sends with this a credence for Henry VIII. to express her satisfaction at the closer alliance, and to request him to impart to Chapuys his advice as to affairs here. As the King wishes the treaty kept secret till its full ratificationthough she wishes that had been already accomplishedwill take care to satisfy him, although affairs here require its publication while her commissioners are at Maestricht with the deputies of the Princes Electors upon the Rhine and the Landgrave of Hesse, who would persuade her to make truce with Cleves, and have dragged out this negociation more than a month, but since she sent to her deputies to return they seem more willing to advance matters and offer to make a truce of four years, to which they say the Duke consents. This she will not accept unless he comply with several conditions, among others that he will engage not to favor France in any way, and to punish his subjects who last year served France, according to the recess of the Empire. Though she has little hope of treating unless affairs change greatly, she permits the communication until she may see the result of the Diet and what the States of the Empire will do, to whom she has represented the wrong which the Duke does to these countries, causing them without any defiance to be invaded by Martin van Rossen and others in the French king's name, and practising to surprise the town of Antwerp as well as Ghent. And she has shown proofs that what Van Rossen did in Brabant was by the Duke's consent, as shown in the enclosed draft of her proposition to the States. Grantvelle writes that the proposition has been well received by the States, who generally blame the Duke, and even his own partizans are scandalized. As she does not wish to trust to the communication of the said commissioners, or to find herself unprovided as she was last year, she has caused a good number of horse and foot to be levied, and expects by the 1 March to have 5,000 horse, 9,000 High Almains and a good number of Base Almains, with whom to give the Duke a thrashing unless he comes to reason, and yet leave the frontiers provided against France. The Duke of Cleves has this winter retained a number of men of war, with the view of making raids during the frosts into Holland and Brabant to pay his men; but he has been hindered by the great snows and by her frontier garrisons, which she has kept partly at the expense of his subjects, and now his men diminish and retire for want of pay and victuals, of which there is a great scarcity. The men Martin van Rossen brought back from France have dispersed very ill content with him and he has had to fly for his life. The Duke has spread the rumour that their retirement is owing to his refusing to take them into his service, so as not to avow Van Rossen's action; but it is notorious that he did his utmost to retain them, and they refused. Is obliged to raise money by extraordinary means, and has imposed a duty of 1 per cent. on exports, for one year. In case the English claim exemption, Chapuys is to inform the King of this and point out that the measure, being temporary, is not to prejudice the treaties. Brussels, 22 Feb. 1543. French, pp. 4. Modern transcript from Vienna.
23 Feb. Dasent's A. P. C., 89.	197. The Privy Council. Meeting at Westm., 23 Feb. Present : Norfolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Winchester, Westminster, St. John, Cheyney, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Wriothesley. Business :Recognisance (cited) of Chr. Hall to render account to the lord President of the Council in the North of Wm. Bulmer's lands, and pay arrears due, &c.
23 Feb. Add. MS. 32,649. f. 175. B.M. Hamilton Papers, No. 309.	198. The Privy Council to Suffolk. The King has seen and approved all the letters he sent on the 20th and 21st, viz., the lord Admiral's, Arran's for prorogation of the entry of the prisoners until Whitsuntide, and those of Anguishe and Sir Geo. Douglas. The prorogation shall be despatched to-morrow. The garrisons are to be dissolved as soon as the abstinence for the part of Scotland arrives; but a convenient number of men must be retained to stay Tynedale and Riddesdale, upon the pretence that they are retained to aid the deputy wardens to keep good rule on the Borders. He shall require Arren to keep good rule; and shall agree with him to ride upon broken men who would infringe the abstinence, and also to have Liddersdale men taken raiding in England punished where taken, and likewise men of Tindale and Ryddesdale taken in Scotland. In this he shall consult the lord Admiral, who is, as soon as the garrisons are dissolved, to repair to the King. He shall write to Anguishe and Sir George Douglas that the King has granted their suit for prolonging the day of entry of the prisoners and will shortly write to Arren for it, that they shall be paid monthly for their 200 men (which Suffolk shall see done) and that the Frenchmen seem to be at some stay about sending Guise and the rest thither since they heard of the Cardinal's taking; so that all things are likely to succeed well if the Cardinal is not suffered to escape. He shall write to Mr. Wharton to answer Maxwell that, having written for his son, as desired, he hears that the Governor has written for and obtained a longer day for the entry of the prisonersthe pledges to remain. He must see that the deputy wardens do their duty after the Admiral's return. Draft in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 11. Endd. : Mynute to the Duke of Suff., xxiij^o Febr. a^o xxxiiij^o.
23 Feb. R.O.	199. Robert Whyte. Extract from the grant to Robert Whyte, of 23 Feb. 34 Hen. VIII., containing the portions relating to the manors of Holbury and Houghton. (See Grants in February No. 75.) Eight large pages written only on one side. Mutilated.
23 Feb. Harl. 283. f. 263. B. M.	200. Sir Francis Brian to the Council. I received on 22 Feb. at 9 p.m. yours dated Westm., 19 Feb. showing that the King is advertised of the troubles we were in upon the seas and the danger and ruin of his ships, and that I was determined according to your commandment to send four ships to the Downes. The said ships were ready in Humber before the receipt of your letters, whereupon I sent a boat which has spoken with Mr. Clere and Mr. Carye, commanding them to lie off and on upon the coast between Humber and Newcastle, and as Mr. Nedygate and Adam Owtlawe were ready victualled I thought it more convenient that they should accompany Mr. Clere and Mr. Carye, than lie in harbour. As Clere and Carye went forth of Humber they met a Scot of 30 tons laden with salmon, herring and barrelled fish with the lord Admiral's safe-conduct for George Browne and Ant. Papeworth, of Barwike, to bring, in Scottish ships or boats, certain fish to Berwike, Holy Iland, Aylmouth or Stakton at price therein limited (given). As the Scot had passed the places appointed and said he was going to Boston, Sir John and Mr. Carye sent him to Hull, and I have stayed him and certified my lord Admiral. Clere also took a French boat, as I reported, which is at Newcastle, and the men, 31 and 3 Dutchmen, brought in the ships to Hull, and I have, by advice of Mr. Stanhop, delivered all 34 to the mayor to keep them and see them gently handled. Begs to know how their charges shall be paid. Here awaits the coming of Mr. Osborn with the King's further pleasure. The French have delivered an inventory of their goods, valued at 500 mks., which is sent to the lord Admiral. Hull, 23 Feb. Signed. Pp. 2. Add. Endd. : a^o xxxiiij^o.
23 Feb. R. O. [Spanish Calendar VI. ii., No. 106*]	201. The Queen of Hungary to Chapuys. (fn. 3) Since these letters were written has received a packet from the Emperor with letters of the 29th ult., by which he desires the advancement of the treaty of closer alliance, remitting the remaining difficulties to her; as doubtless Chapuys is advertised by his letters. Hopes, therefore, that the Emperor will be content with what has passed, and despatch his letters of ratification without further scruple. And he writes to her in case of conclusion, to try, while waiting for the ratification, to draw the King to make some exploit in France, so as to give the French king work on all sides, she begs Chapuys to represent that, since the treaty is passed by virtue of the Emperor's power, the Emperor will make no difficulty about ratifying it, and meanwhile the King should advise what is to be done to repress the boldness of the common enemy and constrain him to reason, and, as the Emperor has decided to give him work on all sides, the King could not have a better opportunity than in making invasion against France next season. As the captains of ships of war here daily complain to her that English ships equipped for war, when they are the stronger, constrain hers to obey them and take their victuals and tackle (habillemens), Chapuys should approach the King's ministers with a view to making a common order by which they may have good intelligence together and assist each other. Upon his answer she will send an instruction. 23 Feb. French, pp. 2. Modern transcript from Vienna.
R. O. [Spanish Calendar, VI. ii., No. 107.]	202. The Same to the Same. Since her other letters herewith a gentleman usher of the King of France, named Regne sieur de Reine, has arrived on these frontiers requiring access to her, and has presented 12 sarres (?) (fn. 4) which the said King by his letters of credence said he wished to owe her every year as tribute. After thanking the King, said only that it was a fine present, but she was sorry that he gave her no leisure to take pastime of it, which she would rather do than meddle with war; and dismissed him with his conductors without further conversation except about matters of hawking, which he understood well. Chapuys may report this to the King of England, as the gentleman was perhaps sent for some other conjoincture for which he found no opportunity. French, p. 1. Modern transcript of a Vienna MS. found with the preceding.
23 Feb. R.O. St. P. IX., 320.	203. Mont to Henry VIII. On the 10th arrived at Nurnberg, where the Diet of the Empire is being held; but King Ferdinand and Frederic Palatine are the only princes present. The others have their orators here, and, although their presence was never more necessary, there is such dissension and distrust that, in the common danger, there is no one to give counsel. Granvelle, in the name of the Emperor and King, demands aid against the Turk and the French king; and the Queen of Hungary's orators implore help against Cleves. The Protestant and other States answer that things at home must first be settled by composing the religious controversy, allowing free course to the Gospel and troubling no one for professing it or separating from the Bishop of Rome. They will then provide against the Turk; but the war of France and Cleves is a private matter, not touching the Empire, which, however, they will do what they can to pacify. The Protestants also wish the order of justice called the Chamber reformed, saying that the judge and assessors are hostile and the reform which the Emperor promised at Ratisbon is not made. On the Emperor's and King's part, it is replied that religious controversies are composed by a peace which is more troubled by the Protestants than the others, as witness the recent expulsion of the duke of Brunswick; as to the Chamber, the Emperor fully minds to reform it; but the most pressing necessity is to oppose the Turk. The Protestants have answered again that the matter of religion must first be settled, and that Brunswick's expulsion was necessary. Nothing more is done as yet, and nothing notable is to be expected unless the Emperor come in person (as Granvelle asserts he will within a few months); for Ferdinand's authority is not sufficient, but the Emperor's equity and clemency much relied upon. The higher canons (nobiliores canonici) in Germany, instead of seeking to win the people by well-doing and piety, exasperate them by obstinate support of superstitions and abuses. No mention of the Council at Trent. The Bishop of Rome has a co-bishop here as orator. The mortality, through want and bad weather, in last summer's expedition against the Turk will make it difficult to get soldiers for Hungary unless the Emperor himself take command, for the former leader (fn. 5) is much blamed. The Turk has now taken a town called Graan, and during this dissension in Germany is likely to subjugate both parties (utrosque). On the way to Nurnberg, met Otto Henry and Philip, Palatines, who desired to be commended to the King. Philip said he heard that the King would maintain some standards of German foot, for the Emperor and Empire, against the Turk, and he offered to lead them. Rumor is that Frederic Palatine shall command the Emperor's forces in Lower Germany. A book is published here by the Emperor's commissioners containing intercepted letters of the French king and duke of Cleves, by which the Duke's reputation suffers. It is to be feared that the Duke may perish altogether in this fire. The Emperor and Lady Mary assemble soldiers in High Germany. Twelve standards of German foot under Baron ab Heydeck's brother have left the French king because he would have them sworn for three years against anyone without exception. Count William a Furstenberg offers to serve the Emperor. Nurnberg, 23 Feb. 1543. Latin. Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd. : a^o xxxiiij^o.
24 Feb. Add. MS. 32,649, f. 183. B.M. Hamilton Papers, No. 310.	204. Henry VIII. to Arran. In answer to his letters dated Halyrudhouse 17th inst. (showing receipt of the safe-conduct and abstinence and his desire for a prorogation of the time of the entry of the lords and others who were prisoners until Whitsuntide, in view of the Parliament to be now holden there); upon the good report received of him, and reposing in the sincerity and uprightness of his dealing, grants the requested prorogation. Draft with corrections in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 5. Endd. : Mynute to therle of Arren, xxiiij^o Febr. a^o xxxiiij^o.
24 Feb. Add MS. 32, 649, f. 188. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 311.	205. Mary Queen of Scots to Henry VIII. Requests (by advice of her tutor James earl of Arrane, protector and governor of her realm) a passport for Mr. Robt. Hammyltoun, merchant of Edinburgh, to trade in England. Edinburgh, 24 Feb. 1542. Signed : James Governor. Broad sheet, p. 1. Add. Endd.
25 Feb. Dasent's A. P. C., 90.	206. The Privy Council. Meeting at Westm., 24 Feb. Present : Canterbury, Norfolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Winchester, Westminster, St. John, Cheyney, Gage, Browne, Wriothesley, Riche, Baker, Dacres. No business recorded. Meeting at Westm., 25 Feb. Present : the above named except Riche, and also Wingfield. Business :Letters sent to the sheriff of Norfolk to send up one Wilson, of Thorppe, and Loder, a priest; also to the mayor of Lynne to send one Stevenson, a smith, and a Scottishman whose name he should know from the sheriff.
25 Feb. R. O. St. P., v. 252.	207. Suffolk and Others to the Council. (fn. 6) Enclose letters from Wharton showing his intelligence from the laird of Dunlaneryke, who has not come at his summons. Beg them to consider whether it is expedient for Wharton to send again for Dunlaneryke and at his coming keep him surely, according to their writing; for he has married Angus's sister and seems to be of the King's party. Have meanwhile written to Wharton not to call again upon him until they hear from the Council. As yet the abstinence for the part of Scotland is not arrived, and if it come not before Wednesday next that granted by the King will be void, because of non-observance of the condition to send it to Suffolk within twelve days of the receipt thereof. If it come after the time they will not proclaim it, but entertain the bringer with good words until they hear again from the Council. Since the proclamation at Edinburgh of the abstinence granted by the King, the Scottish Borderers with the help (it is thought) of Tynedale and Riddisdale, have made excurses on the King's subjects, which are not revenged because of the King's promise in the said abstinence to cease all excurses from 14 Feb. till 1 June. If the conditions are not observed the writers will take order with the lord Warden to requite these excurses upon the doers of them. Write now that they may hear again the sooner; but, if the abstinence come within the time limited, with the conditions appointed, they will proclaim it according to the King's letters to Suffolk in that behalf. Newcastle, 5 Feb. Signed by Suffolk, Durham, Parr and Sadler. Pp. 2. Add. Endd., v^o Feb., a^o xxxiiij^o.