Henry VIII: October 1526, 1-14 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1875.

Citation:

'Henry VIII: October 1526, 1-14', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530, ed. J S Brewer( London, 1875), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol4/pp1132-1138 [accessed 5 November 2024].

October 1526



1 Oct. Titus, B. 1. 305. B. M. St. P. I. 177.	2541. KNIGHT to WOLSEY.
	This day received Wolsey's letters sent to Sir T. More, dated from the More, 29th ult. With the same was a letter from Campeggio, another from the bp. of Bath and Tayler, and a precept for the proclamation touching coins. I read the contents to the King, who is glad to find that certain impediments have arisen, by which his entry into the league may be deferred. He is pleased that Moret should have a commission to treat upon the marriage and perpetual peace, and, at his coming, that the points touched upon by the bp. of Bath's letters shall be declared. Expects Sir T. More tonight. If he should not come, will show the proclamation to the treasurer (Fitzwilliam).
	The King, at the desire of Lancelot Lowther, constable of Holt castle, who has attended upon him this summer, and brought him certain casts of hawks, has joined Thomas Ap Hoell, his son-in-law, in patent with him, and desires it may be expedited. My lady Princess this day left the Court. Ampthill, 1 Oct.
	Add.
1 Oct. R. O.	2542. JOHN CLERK [BISHOP OF BATH] to WOLSEY.
	Wolsey will be informed of divers strange novelties by the letters he now forwards from Master Peter at Rome. The French king has "slackened" his journey to Paris, on account of my Lady's disease; but he is now at Boyancy within 3 leagues of Orleans, and will be at Paris soon, where his council have been 10 days waiting for him. Will let Wolsey know what he says to these news of Italy and Hungary. Expects the Pope's nuncio will be with him before he comes to Paris. From Tury, a day's journey from Paris, 1 Oct.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.
5 Oct. Vit. B. VIII. 135. B. M.	2543. ITALY.
	1526.—In consequence of a disagreement between the Pope and the Colonnese, last July, his Holiness collected an army in the city, and the Colonnese encamped at Marii (Marino) two miles off, but a concord having been made, the Pope dissolved his army, and the Colonnese retired into the kingdom of Naples. On Sept. 20, in the morning, the enemy rushed towards the town, to the quarter of the Colonnas, without experiencing any opposition, The Cardinals fled to the Pope. The enemy, numbering 10,000 foot and 1,500 horse, stationed themselves near the house of Card. Pompeius Colonna, and then in a body rushed upon Rome. About dinner time, all the inhabitants remaining quiet, they passed the Sistine bridge, and made for the old town, then breaking down the bridge of San Spirito, which leads to the Burgum S. Petri, they marched straight forward, and the Pope fled to the city of St. Angelo. The enemy attacked the church of St. Peter, spoiling everything, not sparing even the host. All the goods in the palace they carried off, and spoiled the houses of the Cardinals, sparing none, not even the Venetian ambassadors. John de Winckel and Arnold Goltwyet were plundered. The persecution of the clergy and profanation of all sacred things were unparalleled. Your lordship may imagine the outcries of men and women, who are as numerous as they are at Munster. The value of the plunder cannot be estimated. The adherents of the Pope and the Swiss saved nothing but the clothes they wore. All this plunder was carried publicly through the city to the Colonnese quarter. Two Cardinals were surrendered as hostages, and Don Hugo, the Imperialist captain, was admitted into St. Angelo to the Pope, and a treaty was arranged between the Pope, the Spaniards, and Card. Colonna, in which the Pope agreed to renounce the duchy of Milan, to cashier all his soldiers, whom he had there (?), and pay a fine of 3,000 ducats; and if the Venetians refused to accede to it in conjunction with the Imperialists, the Pope should compel them. He binds himself to these conditions on a fine of 300,000 ducats. The army retreated at 24 o'clock to the quarters of the Colonna, returning with great booty, mules and handsome horses, such as were found in the Apostolic Palace. Those in the town were in great consternation, expecting every minute to be plundered; but next day, being the feast of St. Matthew, the enemy evacuated the town. The Pope is still at St. Angelo. No one slept a wink that night, in a town of more than 300,000 people. Rome, 5 Oct.
	Lat., pp. 3, mutilated.
5 Oct. Calig. D. IX. 252. B. M.	2544. CLERK to [WOLSEY].
	Wrote on the 1st, and sent such strange and pitiful news as then came from Rome respecting Hungary, and the revolution in the affairs of Italy. As the place where he lay was sickly and incommodious, came to Paris yesterday, expecting the King's arrival, which is looked for this week, as "the corse of the late queen is already lev[ied], and in journey hitherwards, under the conduct of Madame La Duchessa." The Pope's orator was gone to the King to excuse his Holiness for the part taken by him in the last revolution, and for other matters; that the King will form no resolution until he has debated these subjects with his Council in Paris, and taken Henry's advice.
	Has received his letters of the 23rd Sept. with a packet for Master Almoner in Spain. Will solicit the delivery of the Imperial ambassador detained at Dieppe. He is accused of sending certain letters of exchange into Lombardy for the Imperial army. Ichingham says that it is difficult to send into Spain, for no one is allowed to pass. People are wondering what the French will do, if the Pope revoke his army from Lombardy, according to his agreement with Moncada. "Then must these men here leave their hunting, and attend somewhat better unto their matters." Happy be we who, through your Grace's policy, have not been drawn into the Italian league, which now, through their negligence, is come to nothing. It is my chance, now and then, to talk with many an afflicted and sorrowful good Christian, who call upon me to exhort the King and you, as they in whom is now the only help and stay of Christendom; for they reckon the Pope is ruined, and the French are slack, and have little care for their own interests, and none for those of Christendom. They join the danger of the Turk with the cruel and insatiable ambition of the Spaniards, from whose fatal and bewitched successes they look for no better than they have found in times past. To whom should they turn for succour, except to the King and your Grace, whom God, they say, has preserved unto this time that you should now do him service. Begs he will consider this, and what men expect from his duty to God. Paris, 5 Oct. Signed.
	Mutilated, pp. 4.
5 Oct. R. O. St. P. VI. 547.	2545. TAYLER to WOLSEY.
	The bishop of Bath reached Paris on 4 Oct. As I left him I met Ichingham coming with letters from Spain; and as the King was not in Paris, we thought it not desirable that he should return to the court, but hasten to England. His letters were delivered to the chancellor of Alençon. I pray God will amend the news I receive from the bishop of Bath. I have been waiting these twelve days at Paris by the King's command. I saw there the dean of Wells, and on 2 Oct. I was at a Greek lecture with him at 2 of the clock. He is not well settled as yet; for the sudden death of one of his company has compelled him to leave his house, and he is now with a Scotchman, (fn. 1) "a kind and a very gentle person, and well learned, and doth all the pleasure he can for Mr. Dean and all his company, now Mr. Dean and Mr. Doctor lie in his house. It standeth in a very wholesome soil, with a fair and a large garden, sequestrate from recourse of people, having a church within them and daily service, and every night the gate shut. There within is a house belonging to my lord of St. John's. If my lord of Bath and I can obtain of the Great Chancellor that house for Mr. Dean and his company, they think they shall be as commodiously settled as in any place of Paris. As soon as the Chancellor cometh we trust to be sped; for I will not depart out of Paris till I see they be bestowed where they may quietly apply their learning, as they have begun and intend to continue." Paris, 5 Oct.
5 Oct. R. O.	2546. SIR ROB. WINGFIELD to WOLSEY.
	Encloses three letters he received today by Baldwin Willoughby from the King, my lord Chamberlain, and Mr. Treasurer. Considering that he had a patent of this castle for life, does not think he can surrender it and the two coffers delivered to him by Rob. Fowler almost two years ago, without more sufficient authority; neither can he enter on the office of deputy of Calais tomorrow without a patent. Calais Castle, 5 Oct. 1526.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.
5 Oct. Nero, B. III. 80. B. M.	2547. CHRISTIERN II., KING OF DENMARK, to WOLSEY.
	Intends to send an ambassador to the Emperor to ask aid for his restoration. Desires Henry to give the said ambassador letters of recommendation, and a safe-conduct. Antwerp, 5 Oct. 1526. Signed.
	Lat., p. 1. Add. Endd.
Nero, B. III. 81. B. M.	2548. "INSTRUCTIONS for the KING OF DENMARK."
	Wolsey must write to Mr. Wyngfeld to speak to lady Margaret and the Emperor's councillors to aid the said King, as Wolsey thinks best. Wolsey must write to lady Margaret for the delivery of the letters and compositions, and transumpt of the same, "by reason whereof his Grace may attayn his sentense definatiff now depending by for (before) the corvesstres in heigh duche landys." He must write to Lubeck, Hamborough, and Bremyll not to resist the king of Denmark further, and the letter to be delivered by a herald. He must write to the king of Denmark, acquainting him with the King's goodness in naming him, in the league between himself and France, as Christiernus king of Denmark, and not Frederic duke of Holst. That when Christiern prepares to vanquish his enemy the duke of Holst, he should have licence to buy victuals here, as they are cheaper than in Flanders. It should be inserted in the commission to Lubeck that Christiern shall put in sufficient surety for keeping his promise henceforth.
	Pp. 3. Endd.
6 Oct. Harl. MS. 4994, f. 156. B. M.	2549. FRANCIS I. to the ELECTORS AND OTHER STATES OF THE EMPIRE AT SPIRES.
	Has received their letters, and will grant their request for a free passage for their messengers, and desires that they will do the like, as there are many things which should be communicated by each to the other, for the good of Christendom. Is much grieved to hear of the death of the king of Hungary, and the occupation of the kingdom by the Turks. Fears they will invade Austria, which has no means of defence. Germany would then be in the greatest danger, in consequence of the religious dissensions of the people. Has exhorted the Emperor to lay aside private quarrels, and form a league of Christian princes, offering to resign his just rights in Italy that there may be no impediment to peace. The Emperor says that he will refuse no fair terms of peace; but while he is wasting the time by various delays Christian fields and cities are being devastated and burnt. Does not know what other proposals to make to the Emperor, for it is impossible to rouse him, if the danger of Austria and Germany, and the miserable condition of his own sister, do not excite him.
	Desires them to impress upon the Emperor the present danger. Promises the assistance of himself and his kingdom in a war against the Turks. Beaugency, 6 Oct. 1526.
	Lat., copy, pp. 2.
6 Oct. Vesp. F. I. 18. B. M.	2550. _ to [WOLSEY].
	There is the same report here about the victory of the Turks as at Cologne. Some say the King died in the battle; others, in flight. The enclosed, sent by Fuckeros Augusten to Dr. Valtasar Ghir, will show him that the King with 90,000 fought against 140,000 Turks, and would have defeated them but for the desertion of the son of count Stheffanus, with 30,000 men to join the Vuda (Waywode), with the intention of making himself king. The Turk has since plundered Buda, and is in possession of the whole of Hungary. Some think he will go on to Austria. Mayence, 6 Oct. 1526.
	Lat.
	ii. Persons missing at the battle in which the king of Hungary was killed.
	The bishops of Warden, Funffkirchen, and Rabb, the Affi Jancosch, Sarchani Dunbrosch, Corlatzky, Setzi Thanevisch, Unsorg Ferentzs, Tairzon Niclaus, Segethe, Mychwoll, Cedmemki, the bishop of Grayn (returned).
	The Waywoda is said to have written "am Rocasch gen oven aus," in the hope of becoming king. It is to be feared the Turk will gain possession of all Hungary, and make further aggression if not withstood. The Turk defeated the king of Hungary on 29 Aug.; he maintained the field, and inflicted great losses upon the Hungarians; many great lords perished. His Majesty got during the battle into a morass or ditch into which his horse had fallen with him, and the haste to get over it was so great and violent that the person who rode with his Majesty could not help him, and thus he was killed; he is said to have fought bravely in the battle, so that his horse was wounded, and he was impeded in his flight; in this manner many of the most eminent noblemen were slain and perished.
	German.
7 Oct. Masters' MS. f. 109.	2551. CLERK to WOLSEY.
	"That the French king testefieth to the Pope's orator in France how indignly he taketh the ungodly demeanour showed to the Pope lately in Rome, and promiseth his aid to avenge him, &c." 7 Oct. 1526.
	Abstract.
Calig. E. I. 121. B. M.	2552. _ to _
	Has this day received his letter from Dijon of the .. of this month. Received also his packet of letters from the French king's archer, of the 15 Sept., to whom he made such cheer that he was not able to stand on his feet, and of whose arrival at Dover he heard by the next tide. "I am glad to hear of your short repairing hither, though I have heard of the contrary." Will attend to his servant Gilbert. "I pray you that I and my wife may be most heartily recommended unto you and my lady your wife." Calais, 7 Oct.
	Copy, p. 1. Mutilated.
8 Oct. R. O.	2553. JOHN AP HOWELL.
	Petition of John Ap Howell, of London, mercer, to the King. During his absence beyond sea, his house in Mylkstrete and his shop in the parish of Our Ladye in the Bowe, in the custody of his wife and servants, were broken open, and cloth of silver, tinselled satin, velvet, damasks, taffata, sarcenet, &c., to the value of 2,400l. taken away, on the 8 Oct. 18 Hen. VIII., by Wm. Clay, Wm. Battrye, Robt. Bolt, John à Parke, Rob. Pakyngton, Humphrey Pakyngton, Nic. Statham, Augustyne Pakynton, Orume Browne, and others.
	Draft.
8 Oct. Vit. B. XXI. 7. B. M.	2554. SIR JOHN WALLOP to [WOLSEY].
	Has sent a servant of his with letters dated Sept. 30. Has heard from a merchant who was in Ovo when the battle happened, and came thence on the 12th ult., particulars of the battle. The King was encamped with 50,000 men on a hill on this side the Duno; the Turk on the other side had concealed his ordnance near the river, and sent over 5,000 or 6,000 men to skirmish, firing a few small guns that the Hungarians might think he had no other. The Turks were overthrown, and a bigger company was then sent, with orders to attack the Hungarians on the hill, retreat towards the concealed artillery, and then open, so that they might be in the very face of the shot. The Turk with his band also retired, so that the Hungarians might think there was no danger. This was carried out; many of the Hungarians were slain by the artillery, but they immediately rallied, and seeing the Turks still flee thought that the shot was all past, and that they could set upon them before the guns were recharged. The rest of the guns were then fired, and the Hungarians utterly broken. The Turk, with all his power, then set upon them, and if night had not come on few or none would have escaped. The King was slain. The Turk is lord over all Hungary, and has burnt the Austrian frontier, which seems to imply that he will withdraw in the winter; but, by the enclosed copy of a letter from the Archduke to the Bishop of Cologne, Wolsey will perceive the contrary. The Turk has 20,000 lanzknechts with double wages. He will allow the people to continue in their belief, paying only half the duties they formerly paid to their King. His ordnance is above 800 great pieces, as well as the small. The Archduke has gone from Innsbruck towards the Austrian frontier. Cologne on the Rhine, 8 Oct. 1526.
	Thinks the king of Hungary must have had bad espial to allow the Turk's ordnance to be placed undiscovered, or else he had little experience. Encloses a "contrefaict" of the Turk, which he had from the merchant. Signed.
	Pp. 2.
8 Oct.	2555. For JOHN BLAGGE, BLACKE or BLAKE, of London, Grocer.
	Protection; going in the suite of John Bourghchier lord Berners, Westm., 8 Oct. 18 Hen. VIII.
	Fr., m. 2.
R. O.	2. Copy.
9 Oct. R. O. St. P. I. 178.	2556. WOLSEY to HENRY VIII.
	I have received news from the foreign ambassadors who were here with me, that the League has taken Cremona, and Genoa is expected to surrender in five or six days. Francis is extremely displeased with the detestable attempts of Cardinal Colonna and Hugo de Moncada against the Pope. Urges the King to give the Pope, for the maintenance of 5,000 Swiss and 400 men-at-arms, 30,000 or 35,000 ducats, by which he may forbear to enter the league, and mediate more effectually with the Emperor. The French king and the Venetians will bear a similar charge. Thus the King will secure peace, have the gratitude of the Pope and the League, save his treasure, preserve his amity with the Emperor; and thus, by his wise counsel, Christendom may attend to the debellation of the Turks. Wishes to have the King's instructions. Sends letters received from Francis. Hampton Court, 9 Oct.
	Fr. Add.
10 Oct. Calig. D. IX. 254. B. M.	2557. [CLERK to WOLSEY.]
	On hearing of the cruel and ungodly demeanour shown to the Pope at Rome, Francis expressed his displeasure at it to the Pope's ambassadors, offering to expose his person in defence of his Holiness, and promising to send ambassadors to England on the subject. He has sent to the Swiss not to recall their men, but grant more for the Pope's defence, and to the captains in Lombardy to set forward, assuring them they shall not lack men or money. The Pope has sent for 4 ... Swiss, "saying (as he shewyd me ony[s he] wold do if the case should require) that the Imperials [had] broken so many times their bands with him he might, when he should see his time, break and not observe his c[ovenants] with them." If so, there is still hope of some success, especially now that C[remona] is taken, Milan also being hardly able to hold out. Paris, 10 Oct.
	P. 1, mutilated.
11 Oct. Vit. B. VIII. 138. B. M. St. P. I. 181.	2558. [KNIGHT to WOLSEY.]
	Your letters to More, dated Hampton Court, the 8th, [reached this] on the 9th; and as More was gone to London, I opened the packet. I read to the King the news from Hungary and its overthrow, which he lamented as lost by the folly of Christian princes thus giving way to the Turk, who would now easily overrun Germany, where Lutheranism was so obstinately supported. He said he rejoiced in one thing, sc., the saying of Christ unto Peter, "Oravi, ne deficiat fides tua." I then read him the Pope's breve, which moved him to great pity and indignation that the See Apostolic should be so violated by a Cardinal's aid; and though he likes your letter of consolation in his name to the Pope, he desires your Grace to cancel it, and write another, inserting that the King exhorteth and prayeth the Pope not to remit his courage, "but to gather himself with wisdom," adhere to the League, and not esteem his promises made to don Hugo and Colonna, as they were extorted by violence. He has some doubt of the meaning of the word "auxiliis" in the clause which Knight points out, and desires the word may be qualified. He approves of your letter advising the Pope not to quit Rome, and of your proposition to give the Pope 30,000 ducats. I admonished him of the pleasure and profit he would receive by obtaining the alum mines in Italy. He thinks you should tell the Papal and French ambassadors that these evils have arisen because the King's counsel was not followed, and from the negligence of the French king, and blame them sharply. He thinks the Pope should bestir himself to proclaim a general peace. Ampthill, 11 Oct.
	P.S.—This day the King goes to Dunstable.
	Hol.
Vit. B. VIII. 137. B. M.	2559. [KNIGHT to WOLSEY.]
	After writing his other letters ... Mr. Dean (Sampson) arrived with letters of credence to the King. The letters contained very comfortable news, but the King is annoyed at the Pope's ambassador saying that his master will observe or not, as Henry thinks fit, the capitulations made with don Hugo [de Moncada]. The King will not counsel any Prince to dissemble, lest they charge him with it afterwards. "This is more than his Highness willed me to write," but he will sup with Wolsey in London on Friday, as he intends to depart secretly from Dunstable. Dr. Sampson arrived last night so fatigued that he will not be able to see Wolsey today.
	Added apparently some hours after:—Begs Wolsey to pardon his rude writing; it is very late, and he has been busy all day.
	Hol., p. 1, mutilated.
11 Oct. Cat. Cod. MSS. Bib. Bod. 106, f. 22.	2560. JOHN BAKER, Prior of Lees, to JERNYNGHAM.
	Confirmation of the grant of the manor of Gapton Hall, Bradwell, to Sir Will. Jakson.
14 Oct. Calig. D. IX. 255. B. M.	2561. CLERK to [WOLSEY].
	P.S.—Has received Wolsey's letters of 30 Sept. As to the matter of chief importance, "that is to say, the marriage, &c., I deemed that the French king's words un[to] me mentioned in your Grace's letters, viz., that his dear beloved brother, the king of England, would have him a good man, &c., should sound to such an intent, (fn. 2) and deemed verily that the practice had been somewhat set forwards; notwithstanding by c[ause] your Grace at that time had not written unto me thereof, [I] knowing also that Morett should be sent to England, [and] as I supposed for that matter, I thought it best that I myself should not be too busy, ne with my Lady therein ne w[ith] none other of the council, but that it should suffice that by other I did procure that these men here were put in remembrance of their necessity of friends, and of that th[ing] that should so much make for their surety and weal, [not] doubting but they should see and feel themself a cowl[d] and so doing they would themself come running to blo[w] the coal."
	Sanga, before he departed, pressed the matter upon them daily along with the Papal and Venetian ambassadors. M[orette] leaves today, charged, as he says, with such "resolution" as should please the King and Wolsey. "These men here must needs now fall to you, and dou[btless] whatsoever it shall cost them they will have you [in] this league." Knows well they are counselled by the Pope, the Venetians and all their friends, not to "stick with you for nothing." Your Grace may handle them with the posie, Cui hæreo vincit. "Our Lord for all that keep [us ab] hærendo as long as may be his pleasure." The Pope will not keep the articles with Moncada, though he makes show of so doing for the present. Though he has revoked part of his army, John de Medicis remains in the camp. Genoa is beseiged. The King will be here in 50 days. Paris, 14 Oct. Signed.
	Mutilated, pp. 2.