Henry VIII: July 1519, 16-29

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 3, 1519-1523. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1867.

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'Henry VIII: July 1519, 16-29', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 3, 1519-1523, ed. J S Brewer( London, 1867), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol3/pp136-148 [accessed 29 November 2024].

'Henry VIII: July 1519, 16-29', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 3, 1519-1523. Edited by J S Brewer( London, 1867), British History Online, accessed November 29, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol3/pp136-148.

"Henry VIII: July 1519, 16-29". Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 3, 1519-1523. Ed. J S Brewer(London, 1867), , British History Online. Web. 29 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol3/pp136-148.

July 1519

16 July.
R. O.		 388. A. DE L[IGNE] to _.
Wishes to know how he shall conduct himself for his voyage to Jerusalem, which he has much at heart. "Et de estre debouté de la maison de Bourgoingne par mes parens, mes mal veullans, et pour le service que jay fait à la couronne d'Angleterre, fault que je parte, car plus ne scaroye veoir les tours que l'on me fait." If he can serve him by carrying out Briart's propositions, will do so, and will be glad to do anything he orders. Will send him men of all the sorts he has asked for, and half a dozen horses, if he wishes. Desires to have news and orders as soon as possible. Ligne, 16 July 1519. "V're treshumble et obeyssant cousin et serviteur par tout. A. de L."
Copy, Fr., p. 1.
19 July.
R. O.		 389. EXCHEQUER EXPENSES.
Easter term, 11 Hen. VIII. Account of the bags and paper supplied to Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Treasurer's servant, Mr. Hasylwod, Mr. Everard, Mr. Fouler, Mr. Danyell, Sir John Dauncye, Mr. Wodwall and Henry Pemyrton. Total: bags, 18 doz. and 9, at 2s. the doz.; paper, 1 ream 3 qu., at 3s. 4d. a ream.
Rushes, 6s. 8d. White thread, 2d. Small needles, 1d. To Mr. Danyell, a purse with counters, 7d.
Trinity Term, 11 Hen. VIII. Bags, 8 doz. and 11. Paper, 1 ream 5 qu. Mr. Compton's fee for the half year ending 19 July 11 Hen. VIII., 100s. A groom's fee, 40s. Diets for him and the groom for the vacations, from 26 Feb. 10 Hen. VIII. to 19 July 11 Hen. VIII., 2d. a day. For himself and groom, officers, ushers in the receipt during term for the time abovesaid, 66 days, at ¾d. a day. Wages of 2 grooms under Mr. Compton, 13s. 4d. Rushes, 6s. 8d. Bearing the keys in and out of the Treasury, 18d. Necessaries for the court, 13s. 6d. Total, 13l. 12s. 3d.
White thread, 2d. Needles, 1d. Mending Mr. Treasurer's coffer, 1d. To Mr. Fulwod, monk of Westminster Abbey, for a key to the Treasury door, mending the hinges, &c., 10s. To Henry Pemyrton, a purse with counters, 7½d. To Mr. Wodwall, for a long board that lieth upon the great board, to write on, 20d. Total, 12s. 7½d.
Pp. 12.
20 July.
R. O.		 390. SIR JOHN PECCHE to WOLSEY.
Sends writings received from the King's spy out of France. Has now paid him the second time at the rate of 14 crowns per month by Wingfield's order. Desires licence to come over on the return of Mr. Treasurer. Calais, 20 July.
P.S.—When the Treasurer returns will be glad to have a letter from Wolsey, stating to whom he is to deliver the keys at his departure. In the Deputy's absence it is usual to deliver them to the High Marshal.
21 July.
Giust. Desp.
II. 291.		 391. GIUSTINIAN, &c. to the DOGE.
"The quantity of business on hand" prevented Wolsey from receiving them till yesterday, when he delivered the royal letters to Giustinian, promising to support Venice, "and to keep this King her friend." Between the princes of Christendom, he said, "he had toiled to contract peace and confederacy, which he meant moreover to maintain; and although a certain Power took the election of this new Emperor amiss, yet had he so contrived hitherto that this very sovereign feigned satisfaction, dissembling all regret on this account;" so that no war would arise, as this King was bound to support the party which should be attacked. Assured the Cardinal that, though the Doge temporises with sultan Selim, the signory would do its duty, were the Christian powers united, and ready for an expedition. Wolsey "blamed the Pope for hastening this undertaking, without considering that, in consequence of the past wars, all the Christian powers were drained of treasure." "He was endeavoring that his majesty might add as much as possible to the treasures inherited from his father." As Giustinian was taking leave, he induced the Cardinal to repeat his resolve concerning the customs on the wines of Candia. London, 21 July 1519.
22 July.
R. O.		 392. PACE to WOLSEY.
Arrived today, and will wait here for further orders. Between Colen and Brabant, the bishop of Liege, the count of Nassau and himself were in great danger from an army of 8,000 footmen passing continually by them within half a Dutch mile. Avoided them by the help of the duke of Juliers, and by riding from morning till night for two days. The said army is of picked men, and by this time is in Gelderland. No one knows their purpose, but the people here are in great fear of them. They have no money with them but crowns. Nassau made Pace very great cheer in his town of Dist, and showed him that he would be the King's faithful servant in all things treated between the Emperor elected and Henry. There are letters from Spain saying that the Pope is in such manner agreed with the Emperor "that he intends utterly to forsake all French practices." This is likely to be true, as Spain has obtained the empire.
The archbishop of Trevers has conducted the Admiral and other French ambassadors out of Almain in safety. The last courier sent to them was intercepted by an Almain earl, and a letter was found containing the French king's intents in case he had been elected Emperor, which were these:—First, to gather by violence as much money as possible, by the aid of the marquis of Brandenburgh, and the duke of Wertenburg, whom he would have restored to his lands, contrary to the law of the nation; and, secondly, he would have subdued all Italy, and done as he pleased with the rest of Christendom; "as the said letters did specify, sed Deus aliter providit." Andwarp, 22 July.
Hol., pp. 3. Add.: To my lord Card.'s grace and legate in England.
Mart. Amp.
Coll. iii. 1301.		 393. BISHOP OF WORCESTER to WOLSEY.
Received his letters on the 20th, dated the 1st, and immediately visited the Pope, complaining of the election of the king of the Romans, and stating Wolsey's efforts to remove from the mind of his master the dissatisfaction he felt at the Pope's conduct. The Pope was much astonished and grieved that his conduct had been so misrepresented to the King; as he had acted throughout with good faith and honesty, and a total disregard to his own peculiar interests. The Pope's conduct throughout to the late Emperor and the Catholic King, the difficulties which he threw in the way of the election of the latter, whose overgrown power is perilous to the Church, the oath demanded from Charles as king of Naples never to aspire to the empire, were topics urged by the Pope in justification of his sincerity, which Worcester fully believes. Moreover, when Maximilian died, the Pope said he employed every device to prevent the Emperor's election, and divert the Electors from their favor to Charles; and notified the same by Campeggio and Worcester to Wolsey and the King, whom he would gladly have seen advanced to the empire; and he saw with great regret that Henry gave no attention to a project which would have made him a near instead of a distant neighbor of the papal states. He had supported the claims of Francis as the only effectual check to those of Charles, and in the hopes that by so doing the election would fall on a third person. Afterwards Wolsey and the King had despatched Pace to Germany; and the success of Charles, as the Pope was informed, crushed all the papal projects. Neither from Pace nor any other did his Holiness ever receive a line how he could advance the King's interests, or requesting delay in the time of the election, which he would have done gladly for the King's sake, had he been desired. With the King Catholic the Pope has formed no affinity nor contracted any intimacy before or since the election; but when he had heard from the nuntio Carracioli that four of the Electors remained firm to the claims of Charles, and wished to proclaim his election within two or three days, then it was signified to the Electors, if their minds were made up, that they might proceed to the election without regard to the Pope (absque sanctitatis intuitu); and this was the only favor Leo had done them. In consideration of which, the Pope hopes to find the King and Wolsey attached sons of the Holy See as heretofore.
23 July.
Er. Ep.
x. 30.		 394. ERASMUS to HUTTEN.
More is greatly delighted with Hutten's writings; and, at Hutten's request, difficult as the task is, and impossible to execute exactly, Erasmus sends him the following description. More is somewhat below the middle height, but perfectly symmetrical in all his limbs; of a fair complexion; face inclined rather to fairness than pallor, with very little red, except a slight bloom; hair inclining to black or dark brown; thin beard; gray eyes covered with specks, which, as a mark of genius, is much admired in England, and indicates a generous nature. His inside corresponds to his out. He has a pleasant smiling look; and, to tell you the truth, is more inclined to pleasantry than gravity; though he is entirely free from buffoonery. His right shoulder is a little higher than his left, especially when he walks—not a natural defect, but an acquired ill habit. As compared with the rest of his person his hands are a little clumsy. He has always been careless of his dress. Erasmus became acquainted with him when he was twenty-three; he is now a little past forty; and Hutten may guess from this description how handsome More was in his youth. He has good health, but not robust, and is likely to live long, as his father is a very hale old man. He is indifferent in the choice of his food; generally drinks water, and sometimes, to please others, beer, little better than water, out of a tin cup. As it is the fashion to drink healths in England, More has learnt to pledge his guests summo ore. His favorite diet is beef, salt meats and coarse brown bread well fermented; he prefers milk and vegetable diet, and is fond of eggs. His voice is penetrating and clear, but not musical, although he is fond of music; his speech plain and distinct. He wears no silk, purple, or gold chains, except when he cannot avoid it; and dislikes all ceremony. At first he was disinclined to a court life through hatred of tyranny and love for equality, and could not be induced to take service at court except after great solicitation from Henry VIII. He likes liberty and ease, but no one is more active or more patient than he when occasion requires it. He is friendly, accessible and fond of conversation; hating tennis, dice and similar games. He is very much given to jesting; wrote and acted little comedies when a lad, and loves a jest even when made at his own expence. It was he who induced Erasmus to write his Praise of Folly. He is equally at home with the wise and the foolish; and in female society is full of his jokes. No one is less led by the judgment of the vulgar, and yet no man has more common sense. His chief pleasure is in watching animals: he has a variety of them; for instance, an ape, a fox, a ferret, &c. Any rarity or exotic he purchases readily, and his house is well furnished with curiosities. He has always been fond of female society and female friendships. As a young man he devoted himself to Greek, for which he was nearly disinherited by his father, who wished to bring him up to the law—a profession which above all others in England leads to honor and emolument, but requires many years of hard study. He lectured on St. Augustine De Civitate Dei, and was fitting himself by a course of study and seclusion for the priesthood; but as he could not give up his wish for a married life, he abandoned this design. He married a very young girl, of good family, quite uneducated, as she had been brought up entirely in the country; had her instructed; made her an accomplished musician; when he unfortunately lost her, after she had given birth to three daughters, Margaret, Louisa and Cicely, and a son named John, and some other children. Unable to live alone, he married a widow some months after, neither young nor handsome (nec bella, nec puella, as he himself is fond of saying), but a good housekeeper, to look after his family; with whom, however, he lives on very amicable terms. Nothing can show his influence over her more completely than that, though she is advanced in life and is very attentive to housekeeping, More prevailed upon her to learn various musical instruments. He manages his whole household in the same admirable way: there is no noise or contention; no vice, no bad repute; and, perhaps, no family can be found where father and stepmother and son live together on such excellent terms. Moreover, his father has just married a third wife, and More swears he has never seen a better one. When he lived entirely by his profession, he gave every man true and faithful advice, urging them to make up their differences, though it was contrary to his own interest. When that was not possible, as some persons take pleasure in litigation, he showed them how to proceed at the smallest cost. He was for some time a judge for civil suits in London,—an easy and an honorable post, as he sits only on Thursday till dinner time. Gives an account of how well More behaved in this post, and his resolution to remain in it, until he was sent on various embassies by Henry VIII., who takes great pleasure in his company and conversation. With all this favor he is neither proud nor boastful, nor forgetful of his friends, but always obliging and charitable. Gives an account of More's early studies and writings. He wrote his Utopia to show the perils to which governments are exposed, but he especially aimed at his own country. The second book was written first. He is a good ex tempore speaker; has a ready wit and a well stored memory, so that he speaks without hesitation. Colet was accustomed to say of him, that "he was the only genius in England." In his devotions he prays ex tempore, and he talks with his friends on a future life with perfect sincerity and assured hope. Such men as More, Mountjoy, Linacre, Pace, Colet, Stokesley, Latimer, Tunstal and Clerk are a credit to the court of Henry VIII. Clumsy as is this description, it will not be tedious to Hutten, considering the subject. Could send by no one better than Pace, whether Erasmus be in Brabant or Britanny. Hears that Hutten is in great favor with cardinal Cajetan. Literature will not allow the name of Francis Sichingen to be forgotten. Antwerp, 10 kal. Aug. 1519.
25 July. 395. For SILVESTER BP. OF WORCESTER.
Inspeximus and confirmation of pat. 15 June 1 Edw. IV., inspecting through other confirmatory documents:—
i. A charter of king Edgar, being a grant to Oswald the bishop and the monks of Worcester, A.D. 964.
ii. A charter of Edward [the Confessor,] granting privileges to the monk Alfstan; another of William I. (?) to Alfstan, the dean, and the monks of Worcester; another of Henry II.; one dated 5 Oct. 8 Ric. I., being a grant to J. bishop of Worcester; one dated 15 Sept. 1 Ric. I. to Wm. bishop and the church of St. Mary Worcester. A charter of 8 Aug. 1 John, to Mauger bishop elect of Worcester; and another, dated 15 March 16 John, to Walter bishop of Worcester.
iii. and iv. Patent 10 Feb. 42 Hen. III., and charter 7 May 54 Hen. III., being grants to the bishop of Worcester.
v. A charter 6 Nov. 17 Edw. I., confirming grants to Godfrey bishop of Worcester.
vi. and vii. Two charters, one of 4 Mar. 2 Edw. II., granting to Walter bishop of Worcester a market at Stratford-on-Avon; and another of 8 March 2 Edw. II., being a grant to the same bishop.
Westm., 25 July.
Pat. 11 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 4.
26 July.
Calig. B. I.
155.
B. M.		 396. DACRE to WOLSEY.
Received his last, dated Westminster, 29 June, touching the detaining of the French orator by the Homes, (fn. 1) and his deliverance by Dacre. Proposes, when the Frenchman enters England, that he be honorably entertained. Meanwhile the castle of Wark should be put in a state of defence, and gunpowder sent from Berwick. Has received from Wolsey English translations of the Scotch queen's letters in French, sent to France for furtherance of the duke of Albany's return. The King her brother wonders what could move her to write so tenderly. Dacre is to demand the cause. Sends by his servant the French orator, whose liberation he has procured from the Homes. Thinks they ought to be rewarded, and David Home and his brothers be pardoned. One of them attends the French ambassador. If Albany can be kept out of Scotland it will go to ruin for lack of justice, as the Scotch lords cannot agree to be governed by one of themselves. Wrote to the Queen on the 10th, who was then at Edinburgh. Sends a copy of his letter, and her answer in her own hand. She complains she has no money except 500l. Scots received from Robert Barton, the King's controller. As no one respects her, she must make terms with Albany. Ten serpentines, two slings, "with a greater piece of ordnance for scouring of fords of Tweed," twenty hagbushes and half a last of powder are required for Wark Castle; and if three of the sixty gunners of Berwick could be spared, it would be no additional charge to the King. Transmits a letter received from lord Hamilton, requesting a safeconduct for "a friend and merchant of his." Wark-upon-Tweed, 26 July. Signed.
Pp. 3. Add.: Unto my lord Cardinal's grace.
26 July.
Giust. Desp.
II. 294.		 397. GIUSTINIAN to the DOGE.
The French king, anxious for the interview with this king, which was postponed "owing to the canvass for the empire," has made his ambassador here again propose the matter. It was first discussed by Wolsey, to whom Francis "wrote very warm and loving letters." Francis wished the meeting to take place next August. Wolsey said he would communicate with the King, who was twenty-five miles from London; but he thought the meeting could not be held next month, as the King had made no preparations. The French ambassador is convinced that he shall receive a similar reply from his majesty, "as this cardinal is king, nor does his majesty depart in the least from the opinion and counsel of his lordship." Giustinian leaves tomorrow. London, 26 July 1519.
27 July.
Galb. B. V. 285.
B. M.
Ellis, 1 Ser.
I. 156.		 398. PACE to WOLSEY.
This day visited my lady Margaret, and had of her "very large thanks" for what he had done for the King Catholic's election. Has been very kindly entertained by the whole court; "and in very deed they have no cause to complain upon me, for I did never speak against the King Catholic in the said election, considering that it was sufficient to me to have the Electors speak against him, and allege reasons why he should not be elected; and surely they would not have elected him if fear of their persons had not driven them thereunto, and evident ruin of all their nation if they had elected any other king." Had so ordered himself with the King Catholic's ambassadors, as will be seen by his letters to Wolsey, that, if Charles obtained the election, the King should be thanked. Hédin has written to my Lady very acceptable letters of the triumph made in England for the King Catholic's exaltation. Takes his voyage to Calais tomorrow. "My Lady, with divers lords here, would have me tarry here by the space of two days in continual feasts and drinking, but it is not for my purpose to be sick ex crapula. It is not yet known what the army being at this time in Guelderland intendeth; no head doth appear amongst them as yet." Mechlin, 27 July. Signed.
Hol., mutilated. Add.
29 July.
R. O.		 399. BRIAN TUKE to SIR JOHN HERON.
Requests Heron to pay by exchange 185l. to Sir Thos. Spinelly, according to my lord Cardinal's wish, 100l. for his pension due Michaelmas Day, 65l. for his entertainment for a year at 1l. a day, the rest of which has been paid, and 20l. reward to Osborne Ichyngham, his servant, bearer of the letter. The Cardinal wishes to see Heron, and will give him the warrants. London, St. James' even, 1519.
Add.
At the foot: Heron's reply. Will make the exchange.
On the dorse: To Master Jenyns. Tuke desires him to pay 300 ducats at 4s. 6d. each to Jas. Ramme, factor to Fernando Dassa, and the rest to John Cavalcant. 29 July 11 Hen. VIII.
July.
R. O.		 400. To JOHN HERON, Treasurer of the Chamber.
Warrant to pay 20l. to Wolff Reichard, organ maker, in reward. Oking, .. July 11 Hen. VIII.
Mart. Ampl.
Coll. iii. 1300.		 401. [BISHOP OF WORCESTER to WOLSEY.]
The Catholic King presses strongly for the investiture of the kingdom of Naples. He has arranged to pay the Pope 8,000 ducats. He demands an affinity with the Pope; sc. with a natural son of the duke of Nemours (Nemurtiæ), the Pope's relative, now eight years old. Wolsey may believe that the Pope has not favored the King Catholic out of any respect for his nephew, whom he cares little about. The king of France, by one of his nobles who has been sent to Rome, has signified to the Pope that he had been informed that his Holiness had unduly favored the King Catholic in his election to the empire, but now he is satisfied that the Pope has acted sincerely and candidly. He wishes the Pope, however, to consider the overgrown power of the king of Spain, and take such measures with England, in whom he has the greatest confidence, as shall be for the good of Christendom. The Pope should employ the Swiss, which he is ready to do. The Venetians are entirely French, and admit that they are afraid of the overgrown power of the Emperor. When John Jac. Triulcio had left some property in his will under the protection of a part of the Swiss, his nephew and heir and his wife were made prisoners by the King's order, to the displeasure of many persons.
Lat.
Giust. Desp.
App. II. 309.		 402. REPORT of SEBASTIAN GIUSTINIAN, the Venetian ambassador, on his visit to England. (fn. 2)
July.
Harl. MS.
283. f. 7.
B. M.		 403. INSTRUCTIONS to THOS. WILLIAM, (fn. 3) NORROY KING OF ARMS, to show to the LADY MARGARET.
(1.) To thank her for informing the King of her good news touching the election of the king of Castile as king of the Romans, which Henry feels like an increase of honor to himself, and trusts will be for the good of Christendom. He sends letters of congratulation. Though there is at present peace between England and France, yet the old alliance with Burgundy and Spain is so rooted in the King's heart that it cannot be diminished by any other. The Archduchess has been the means of promoting this alliance, and the King trusts she will help to increase it.
At this point Norroy shall stop and mark her answer. If she say nothing of the late disorders in London, disturbing the solemnities of Hesdin, master of her household, prepared for demonstration of joy at the election, he shall say that the King being at a distance from London, and hearing of those disorders, commanded his council to inquire into them; on which Wolsey and others examined the mayor and aldermen, and many private persons in the city, in the presence of Hesdin, and it was found that, though there was a great fault, it arose, not from malice, but from ignorance; as he shall explain circumstantially; for there is no prince better loved in England than the king of Castile;—that Wolsey and the lords had arranged ceremonies for demonstrations' of joy at the election on Relic Sunday, which was notified to the city; but on the Thursday previous Hesdin had prepared his fires and other solemnities in different parts of the city, and collected a large number of strangers; and that the commonalty of the city keeping the night watch, and not being aware of the king of Castile's election, and fearing that the crowd of strangers meant to avenge the ill treatment done to them on May Day twelvemonth, disappointed the said fires, which seemed to be made in anticipation of those ordered by the council, the occasion for which they did not know till next morning. The principal doers, however, have been committed to prison, and shall be dealt with according to their deserts. They assert that they never intended any displeasure to the king of Castile, but the fires were made near the lodgings of the Frenchmen, whose triumph they meant to disappoint, judging from some opprobrious words spoken in the streets. Thus the disturbance arose out of ignorance, as appears by the public ceremonies ordered by the King on Relic Sunday in the church of St. Paul's, and by the rejoicing made that night, of which Norroy shall relate the circumstances.
* The original was signed at the beginning and end by the King, and the following added:
As Hesdin has specially requested that no apology be made to the lady Margaret, and promised to write himself and satisfy her, Norroy shall say nothing of it, unless she speak of it herself, but shall confine himself to the message of congratulation, and after executing that charge take his leave and return. This article was signed by Wolsey.
Modern copy, pp. 3.
Galba, B. VI.
116.
B. M.		 2. Draft of the first part of the preceding (as instructions to Lancaster king at arms) in Ruthal's hand.
Pp. 2, mutilated.
Calig. D. VII.
f. 152.
B. M.		 404. _ to _
* * * Has had much trouble and no recompence. Has desired him (luy) to make his remonstrance. Requires assistance, otherwise he will be obliged to withdraw. Has scarcely three crowns left, and his little pension will hardly suffice "a faire les voyages par quoy, &c."—Cannot express the mortification of Francis touching the empire, seeing that the prince he dreaded most has obtained it; but it is well, for France was never in such danger. They know well that the death of the late duke of Burgundy, and the breaking off of the marriages of Madame Margaret and others, will be avenged. The King is sending the Chancellor to the Pope, "voere ce pencee ne change, affin de veoir et scavoir quel remede; on disons a ceste heure quil nous a joue ung tour de Lombart." The Chancellor, with the Grand Master and Bonnivet, has been the cause of the abolition of the Pragmatic Sanction, and of this attempt for the empire;—two things fit to destroy the kingdom of France, which is now very weak. The King has sent for all his captains to know what he is to do, but they can give him no assistance, "car il ny a plus que renieurs et despiteurs du nom de Dieu." The Swiss had said that neither the French nor Spanish king should be Emperor, but it is not the first time they have lied. Had they been men of their word they would not have taken the King's money to let him pass by Mont Crux (Cenis ?) into Savoy when the King was going to defeat them, "donc mal ceur en est pris." Their ambassador here is much solicited, "et sy, on [en]voye vers lesditz Suyces, obstant que on a une grosse doubte quil ne se [ven]gent a ce coup de leurdite deffaicte, car ils ont beu (beau) gibier." Mons. de Bourbon went on Friday to Paris "pour veoir quil est ... ure a qui il ne chault guaires de la chose, car ce n'a pas es[te de so]n conseil, et puis il a tousjours joue au mal content, &c." The King's domain is pledged to the extent of three or four hundred thousand livres, and it is intended to sell it to the highest bidder. The desolation is so great that every one complains of it, "car il a menge et destruit ... ge l'eglise pillee & robee aux deci ..." [A line or more lost.]
The people are much enraged at the King's exactions. Of those who remonstrated he has whipped one, and put to death two; and after he had levied from them the said sum of money he has still burdened them with such heavy talliages that all cry for vengeance. He has taken the gold and silver plate of the princes and prelates;—attempted to levy a fifth penny of all their gains from the gentry for the last 30 years, and exacted from them fines for the customs which they enjoyed on their own lands ('a fait exactionner son peupp[le] sur les coustumes quilz avoient," &c.) He has taken loans and benevolences from all his officers, and large sums from the towns, and his only return has been to quarter horse and foot on the people, who have committed all kinds of excesses. It is a pity that a country so rich should be ruined by one man. He is surrounded by ignorant and licentious ministers...
Pp. 2, mutilated.
405. GRANTS in JULY 1519.
July./GRANTS. 1. Commission of Gaol Delivery.—Midland Circuit: Sir Humph. Conyngesby, John Carell and John Jenour. Westm., 1 July.—Pat. 11 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 20d.
1. Wm. Manewe, chaplain. Presentation to the church of Glawstre, St. David, dioc. Westm., 1 July.—Pat. 11 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 2.
2. John Pyllesdon, gentleman usher of the chamber. To be receiver of the lordship of Denbigh and Denbighland, parcel of the earldom of March, North Wales, vice Sir Ranulph Brereton, who did not satisfy the King of the issues. Windsor, 29 June 11 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 2 July.—P. S. Pat. p. 2, m. 29.
2. Ric. Bassett, of Aburley, Worc., alias of Kynton, marches of Wales. Pardon. Windsor, 7 June 11 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 2 July.—P.S. Pat. p. 1, m. 10.
2. Floris Typton, clk. Presentation to the canonry in the deanery of Pontesbury, Salop, vice Th. Jenyns, clk., in the King's hands by the minority of Edward lord de Powes. Del. Westm., 2 July 11 Hen. VIII. Endd.: "Apud Windesore, ijdo die Junii, ao r. rs H. viijvi. xjmo. Tuke."—S.B.
2. Th. Hennage. To be customer of the petty custom of the port of London, vice William Compton. Del. Westm., 2 July 11 Hen. VIII.—S.B.
4. John Pynkernell. Licence to alienate one messuage and ten shops in the parish of St. Sepulchre without the Bars, London, (held of the King in socage by a rent of 10d. a year,) to Margaret Capell, widow, and her heirs, in order that she may alienate the premises to James Randolfe, Wm. Walgrave, John Bowet and Th. Chambre, and their heirs, to the use of the said Margaret, and for execution of her will. Westm., 4 July.—Pat. 11 Hen. VIII. p. 2, m. 18.
4. Joan widow of Thomas Clynton lord of Clynton and Say. Licence to marry any of the King's subjects, Del. Westm., 4 July, (fn. 4) 11 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 1, m. 15.
5. John Forde, of London, draper, alias innholder, alias glazier. Protection for two years; going in the retinue of Sir John Pecche, deputy of Calais. Del. Westm., 5 July 11 Hen. VIII.—S.B.
5. Ric. Clement and Th. Clement. Writ notifying to the abbot and convent of Peterborough that they are to be admitted to a corrody in the monastery, surrendered by Ric. Dicons, to whom and Th. Goldyngton, deceased, it had been granted. Del. Westm., 5 July 11 Hen. VIII.—S.B.
6. Commission of the Peace.—Derbyshire: Thomas cardinal of York, George earl of Shrewsbury, Thomas earl of Derby, Wm. Blount lord Mountjoy, Humph. Conyngesby, John Carell, Sir Hen. Saucheverell, Sir Wm. Gresley, Sir Th. Cokayn, John Porte, Godfrey Fuljambe, Wm. Bothe, Roger Maynours, Th. Eyre, Humph. Bradbourn, and John Fitzherbert. Westm., 6 July.—Pat. 11 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 1d.
6. For John Whyte, of Stowford, alias of the parish of Merstowe, Devon, steward. Protection; going in the retinue of Sir John Petchye, deputy of Calais. Windsor, 4 July 11 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 6 July.—P.S.
7. Sir Ric. Weston. Wardship of Anne, daughter and heir of Sir Christopher Pykering, deceased. Del. Westm., 7 July 11 Hen. VIII.—S.B.
7. Th. Gryffyth, Edm. Hasylwode, and Maurice Osborne. Custody of the manors of Lanwaide and Monkenwike, Camb., and Parva Wygburgh, called Coppydhall, Essex, and all other possessions of Sir Robert Cotton, deceased, in the same places, during the minority of Thomas, s. and h. of the said Sir Robert; subject to the annual rent of 46l. to be reduced in proportion to any recovery that may be made by any right, except the title of the dowry of Alice, widow of the said Robert. Del. Westm., 7 July 11 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 1, m. 3.
8. Wards and Marriages. Commission to James Baskervile, Ric. Mynours, John de la Hay, Rowland Morton and Roger Porter to make inquisition concerning wards and marriages of heirs in the King's custody, and all lands belonging to the crown, and concealed, in co. Hereford and the marches of Wales. Westm., 8 July.—Pat. 11 Hen. VIII. p. 2, m. 5d.
9. John à Bryggan, of Totenham, Midd., blacksmith, alias arrowhead maker. Pardon. Oking, 7 July 11 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 9 July.—P.S. and S.B. Pat. p. 1, m. 11.
10. Rob. Bailldon, page of the chamber. Annuity of 10l. Del. Westm., 10 July 11 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 1, m. 2.
10. Chris. Rochester, gentleman usher of the chamber, and bailiff of the lordships of Colnewake and Lammershe, Essex. Annuity of 20l. out of the issues of the said lordships. Del. Westm., 10 July 11 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 1, m. 11 and 22.
10. Th. Devenyssh and Anne his wife, a dau. and h. of Wm. Tawke, Ric. Ryman and Joan his wife, another dau. and h., Sir John Erneley, chief justice of the Common Pleas, John Stanney and John Ryman. Livery of lands. Erneley, Stanney and John Ryman were lately seized of certain possessions to the use of Tawke, then to the use of the said Thomas, Anne, Richard and Joan, and now to the use of Roger Copley and Joan his wife, for the life of the latter, and after her death to the use of the said Thomas, Anne, Richard and Joan, and their heirs. Del. Westm., 10 July 11 Hen. VIII.—S. B. Pat. p. 2, m. 12.
11. Nich. Staunton, chaplain. Presentation to Woodborough Church, Salisbury dioc., vice John Walker, clk., resigned. Westm., 11 July.—Pat. 11 Hen. VIII. p. 2, m. 18.
11. Justices of Assize.—Midland Circuit: John Jenour with Sir Humph. Conyngesby and John Carell._Norfolk Circuit: Th. Fitz Hugh with Sir John Ernele and Ric. Broke. Westm., 11 July.—Pat. 11 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 11d.—Western Circuit: Th. Elyot with Sir Ric. Elyot and Th. Pigot. Westm., 11 July.—Pat. p. 1, m. 22d.
12. Ric., brother and heir of John Bataill. Livery of the lands of the said John, in co. Essex. Del. Westm., 12 July 11 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat, p. 2, m. 8.
14. Wm. Honyman, John Egoke, John Warren, Ric. Wynslowe, and Wm. Trusteyne. Lease of the site of the manor of Cromesymmond, Worc., with lands appertaining, late of the Earl of Warwick, at the annual rent of 6l., and 20s. of increase. Del. Westm., 14 July 11 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 2, m. 20.
18. Th. Slade and Francis his son. To be general receivers, during good behaviour, of Warwick's lands and Spencer's lands, and of the possessions of John Huggeford, late surviving feoffee of Ric. Beauchamp earl of Warwick; of the town and lordship of Swafham, Norf., with appurtenances called Richemonde Fee; and of the lordship of Sturton and Kynfare, Staff.; and to be feodaries of "le Erles courte" in the honor of Gloucester near Bristol, and general receivers of the manor and hundred of Barton near Bristol; on surrender of patent 22 Oct. 7 Hen. VIII., granted to the said Thomas and to Wm. Bedill, deceased. Also to be general receivers of Salisbury's lands, with 10 marks a year. Del. Westm., 18 July 11 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 2, m. 19.
18. Edw. Tyndale. To be general receiver of Berkeley's lands in cos. Glouc., Somers. and Warw., and to be paler of the parks of Hawpark, Ockley, Newparck and Whitclyff, in the lordship of Berkeley, Glouc., during good behaviour, on surrender of patent 22 Oct. 7 Hen. VIII. in favor of Th. Slade and Wm. Bedill. Del. Westm., 18 July 11 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 2, m. 19.
20. Th. son of David Midilton, and John son of John Moyle. Lease of the mills of Segroyt and Myvot, in the lordship of Denbigh, as held by Rob. Ruttour, for 21 years, at the annual rent of 50s., and 50s. of increase. Del. Westm., 20 July 11 Hen. VIII.—S.B.
22. Robert Hennage. To be auditor of the issues of the possessions late of the duke of Somerset, called "les Coopercioners londes," and of the manor of Weston near Baldok, Herts. Guildford, 16 July 11 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 22 July.—P.S. Pat. p. 2, m. 29.
23. Geo. Graunte, of London, mercer, alias of Essex. Pardon. Guildford, 20 July 11 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 23 July.—P.S. Pat. p. 1, m. 10.
27. Agnes Sacheverell, of London, widow. Pardon of all matters before 15 March 10 Hen. VIII.—S.B. (undated.) Westm., 27 July. Pat. 11 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 19.
29. Wm. Bustard, LL.B. Grant of part of the free chantry of Gybclyf, near Warwick, vice John North, deceased. Horsham, 22 July 11 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 29 July.—P.S. Pat. p. 2, m. 30.

Footnotes

  • 1. See the letters on this subject in vol. ii. nos. 4217, 4338, and 4547, all of which probably belong to the year 1519, though attributed on insufficient evidence to 1518.
  • 2. This is a very curious paper. It appears that Giustinian left Venice on 10 Jan. 1515, found Piero Pasqualigo at Lyons, and arrived with him in Paris on 15 March. Pasqualigo then went to Flanders; Giustinian to England, and had audience on St. George's Day, when the King "celebrated the festival of that order, of which his majesty is the abbot, and of which the late Emperor Maximilian was prior." The order numbered twenty-four members. The King "was dressed in a mantle of purple velvet, lined with white damask, with a hood of miniver, and the device of the order on his hose." The legation proved irksome, because of the enmity between France and England, and the alliance between Venice and France. "Vocabant nos piscatores, raptores sine fide," says Giustinian, on account of the infraction of the league with Spain. Of the peace made between England and France many persons considered the Venetian as the primary cause; for one day, in a chamber, the King showed him the princess, then two years old (now three and a half), and on the ambassador drawing near to kiss her hand, (for that alone is kissed by any duke or noble in the land, let his degree be what it may, nor does any one see her without doffing his bonnet, and making obeisance to her,) the King said to him, "Domine orator! per Deum immortalem ista puella nunquam plorat." Giustinian replied, "Sacred majesty, the reason is, that her destiny does not move her to tears; she will become queen of France:" words which pleased the King vastly. He describes Henry VIII. as twenty-nine years old, and much handsomer than any sovereign in Christendom, a good deal handsomer than the king of France; very fair, and well proportioned. On hearing that Francis I. wore a beard, Henry allowed his own to grow. His beard was of a bright gold color. He is very accomplished, adds Giustinian; a good musician; composes well; is a most capital horseman; a fine jouster; speaks French, Latin and Spanish; hears three masses a day when he hunts, and sometimes five on other days. Attends the daily office in the Queen's chamber, consisting of vespers and compline. He is very fond indeed of hunting, and never takes this diversion without tiring eight or ten horses, which are stationed beforehand along the line of country he means to take. Before he gets home they are all exhausted. He is extremely fond of tennis, at which game it is the prettiest thing in the world to see him play, his fair skin glowing through a shirt of the finest texture. He gambled with the French hostages to the amount, occasionally, it is said, of from six to eight thousand ducats a day. "Domine orator," he would say to the ambassador, "we want all potentates to content themselves with their own territories; we are satisfied with this island of ours." Giustinian adds, not very correctly, that Henry was extremely desirous of peace He then proceeds to describe the King's revenues, and repeats the idle report that his father left him ten millions of ready money in gold, of which he had spent one half in the war of Tournay, when he had three armies on foot; one on the Continent, another in the field against Scotland, and the third with the Queen as a reserve. He estimates the King's revenues at 350,000 ducats annually, derived from estates, forests, customs, confiscated property; the duchies of Lancaster, York, Cornwall and Suffolk; the county palatine of Chester; the prinpality of Wales; exports; annates; the court of wards; and new year's gifts. His estimated expenses amount to 100,000 ducats; those in ordinary having been reduced from 100,000 to 56,000; to which must be added 16,000 for salaries; 5,000 for the stable; 5,000 for the halberdiers, who have been reduced from 500 to 150; and 16,000 for the wardrobe, for he is the best dressed sovereign in the world: his robes are the richest and most superb that can be imagined, and he puts on new clothes every holiday. From Henry the ambassador proceeds to describe the court. Katharine, he says, is thirty-five; not handsome, but has a very beautiful complexion; is very religious, and as virtuous as words can express. The ambassador saw her but seldom. Wolsey is of low origin: he has two brothers, one of whom holds an untitled benefice, and the other is pushing his fortune. He "rules both the King and the entire kingdom." On the ambassador's first arrival in England Wolsey used to say, "His majesty will do so and so;" subsequently, by degrees, forgetting himself, he commenced saying, "We shall do so and so;" at this present he has reached such a pitch that he says, "I shall do so and so." He is about forty-six years old, very handsome, learned, extremely eloquent, of vast ability and indefatigable. He alone transacts the same business as that which occupies all the magistracies, offices, and councils of Venice, both civil and criminal; and all state affairs are likewise managed by him, let their nature be what it may. He is pensive, and has the reputation of being extremely just; he favors the people exceedingly, and especially the poor, hearing their suits, and seeking to dispatch them instantly. He also makes the lawyers plead gratis for all poor suitors. He is in very great repute, seven times more so than if he were pope. He has a very fine palace, where one traverses eight rooms before reaching his audience chamber, and they are all hung with tapestry, which is changed once a week. His sideboard of plate is worth 25,000 ducats; his silver is estimated at 150,000 ducats. In his own chamber there is always a cupboard with vessels to the amount of 30,000 ducats, according to the custom of the English nobility. He is supposed to be very rich indeed, in money, plate and household stuff. The archbishopric of York yields him about 14,000 ducats; the bishopric of Bath 8,000. One third of the fees derived from the great seal are his; the other two are divided between the King and the Chancellor. The Cardinal's share amounts to about 5,000 ducats. By the new year's gifts, which he receives in like manner as the King, he makes some 15,000 ducats. Bath is that see which belonged to cardinal Adrian, for whom when the signory desired the ambassador to intercede, Wolsey was so incensed that he would not hear of any terms. At first he used to lavish all possible abuse on Venice, but now extols her to the skies, lauding the extreme justice of the signory and the good order maintained in her towns. He is very anxious, says Giustinian, for the signory to send him one hundred Damascene carpets, for which he has asked several times, and expected to receive them. The slightest hint to the London factory would induce that body to make this present, which might settle the affair of the wines of Candia. "To discuss the matter farther until the Cardinal receives his hundred carpets would be idle. No one obtains audience from him unless at the third or fourth attempt. As he adopts this fashion with all the lords and barons of England, the ambassador made light of it, and at length had recourse to the expedient of making an appointment through his secretary, who sometimes went six or seven times to York House before he could speak to the Cardinal. It is the custom for the ambassadors, when they go to the court, to dine there, and on his first arrival in England they ate at the Cardinal's table, but now no one is served with the viands of the sort presented to the Cardinal until after their removal from before him. There are about 21 other archbishoprics and bishoprics, and some 180 abbacies of the orders of St. Benedict and Bernard, that is to say, Cistercians; and one single tenth from these abbacies yields the King 70,000 ducats." There are three dukes, one marquis and twelve earls. Buckingham has a rental of 30,000 ducats, and is extremely popular. "It is thought that, were the King to die without heirs male, he might easily obtain the crown." Norfolk, "whose rental amounts to 12,000 ducats, has likewise some hopes of the crown, and is very intimate with the Cardinal." Suffolk has a rental of 12,000. "He also has great hopes of the crown in right of his wife," the King's sister. "His majesty made believe, especially to the French hostages, that he greatly regretted that Francis was not elected king of the Romans. It is thought, however, that intrinsically he was in favor of Spain, though most anxious for a third person to be elected." As Giustinian was returning to Venice he met Pace, accredited on account of this election, at Dover, coming back from Germany. He stated "that for half a day the duke of Saxony had been elected king of the Romans; that when the marquis of Brandenburgh was nominated, his own brother, the archbishop of Mayence, rejected him through love of the king of France; and finally the Catholic King was elected king of the Romans, consensu omnium. The queen of England, as a Spaniard, is gratified at the success of her nephew." "In England they don't make use of men-at-arms, so that they could not raise a hundred in the whole island, and even their light cavalry would not exceed 1,000. The real military force of the country, consisting in its infantry, is supposed to amount to 150,000 men, whose peculiar weapon is the long bow. When they take the field, their arms consist of a breastplate, bow, arrows, sword, and two stakes, one before and one behind, with which they make their palisadoes or stockade; but all their prowess is in the bow. They insist on being paid monthly, nor do they choose to suffer any hardship; but when they have their comforts they will then do battle daily, with a courage and vigour that defy exaggeration." An ambassador from Spain in England bore towards Venice the worst possible will. Mons. de Reus, ambassador from lady Margaret, having been a prisoner at Venice, evinced great hatred to the signory. Praises the Venetian merchants in London, especially Girolamo da Molin, of whom "even the King himself was fond." "The King was always a heavy creditor of the Florentine merchants, to whom he lends money in order that they may extend their trade; and they sometimes owe him as much as 300,000 ducats, by which means his majesty benefits his favorites in the following manner. He empowers them to collect his credits, and they compromise with the debtors, who allow them a certain amount of interest until they have the means of repaying the King; by which method these traders obtain funds at a fair rate, and the King is enabled to benefit his servants without any loss of capital." On his return to France, Giustinian had an interview with Francis, and being strongly pressed admitted that Henry devoted himself to pleasure and solace, and left the cares of state to the Cardinal. On this Francis exclaimed, "By my faith, the Cardinal must bear his King light good will, for it is not the office of a good servant to filch his master's honour." He says that the French king and the Duchess his mother (Louise of Savoy) were more unpopular all over France than words can express; that the Duchess was supposed to have invested money, and was intent on hoarding it, for the purpose, it is said, of aiding the King in event of any sudden need. On the other hand, the queen of France was universally beloved. Francis showed his sons, the Dauphin and the duke of Orleans, to the ambassador, and assured him that it would not be his fault if his alliance with Venice should be broken. These particulars, briefly stated, will be found in greater detail in Mr. Rawdon Brown's admirable translations and extracts from the despatches of Giustinian.
  • 3. Qu., an error for Wall ?
  • 4. "4 June" on Patent Roll.
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