Henry VIII: Appendix, 1533-1534 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 7, 1534. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1883.

Citation:

'Henry VIII: Appendix, 1533-1534', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 7, 1534, ed. James Gairdner( London, 1883), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol7/pp628-642 [accessed 5 November 2024].

Appendix, 1533–1534


A.D. 1533.

[These letters were in type for this volume when it was discovered that they belonged to the preceding year (1533), and had been accidentally omitted in their proper place.]
	1. [James V. to the Cardinal of Ravenna.]
Royal MS. 18 B. VI. 36. B. M.	“* * * . . umptum religionis habitum Niniano non noceat . . . . . iorem Niniani provisionem sua Sanctitas integre confirmet . . . . . non sinat fieri prioratum compeditoribus silentium . . . . . fuciat. Postremo ut id genus hominum licentiam . . . . . cohibeat, quam nisi nos apostolicæ Sedis reverentia . . . . . curaremus. Sed interim, reverendissime . . . . . cura. Ex regia nostra Falklandæ, ut [supra (fn. 1) ].”
Royal MS. 18 B. VI. 36. B. M.	Copy, mutilated.
	2. James V. to the Bishop of Cassano. (fn. 2)
Royal MS. 18 B. VI. 36. B. M.	“[Jacobus Dei gratia Re]x Scotorum reverendo patri Cassenensi episcopo . . . . . reverende pater, uti te instigante prioratum . . . . . terne in litem traxerit Abrahamus Vaus . . . . . Flemyng ex nobili comitum genere natu prio . . . . . [eju]sdem monasterii commendatarium ob non quæsitam . . . . . habitum susciperet prioratu expellere contendit . . . . . [qu]od studium p'mque (?) dissuadet habendum erga religio . . . . . habitus susceptio damnum est allatura. Privi[legiis m]aioribus nostris a Sancta Sede apostolica concessis adversatur . . . . . stræ est concessum ut vacantibus electivis beneficiis pro . . . . personas idoneas nominaremus. Quod autem in ea re præstes adversam (sic) juribus nostris mirari satis non possumus, quum minus (?) sper[avim]us, quam initium frangendi privilegii, nostri e te exordium . . . . . st igitur te admonere, simulque rogare, reverende pater, . . . . . [non] solum nostram, verum etiam religionis non parvum . . . . . Abrahamo citra æquum faveas; iniquum est enim, et . . . . . alienos homines nostra occupare privilegia. Valeas, . . . . . Ex regia nostra Falklandiæ.
Royal MS. 18 B. VI. 36. B. M.	Copy, mutilated.
	3. — to —.
Royal MS. 18 B. VI. 36 b. B. M.	“Reverendissime, salve plurimu[m] . . . . . negligentiæ vertas quod menses aliquot . . . . . consuetudinem. Sed fuit in causa Joannes . . . . . fungentem te ab urbe scribebat abesse. Itaque . . . . . scripserim, sed interim ne putes benivolen . . . . . negotiis intermissa esse a nobis commemoration . . . . . debere se puta serenissimus quam cui maxime accip . . . . . habent quam cum ad Gallias pervenerim (quod . . . . . si dabitur coram, sin minus id fieri possit literis . . . . . Et quæ de rebus nostris gesta sunt omnia patefaciam . . . . . igitur parvula viri tamen nobis amicissimi Laurentii t . . . . . gr . . . . . scribit in præsentiarum ad Sanctissimum Serenissimus qui . . . . . a Craigmillor dominum capellaniam Divi Niniani quam vocant Cam . . . . . patronum frustra sæpe rogaverit ut in favorem Laurentii resigna[ret et Willelmo] Prestun jus patronatus conferret, atque is quo m . . . . . eo pertinacius id negat, uti ob id sua Sanctitas hoc t . . . . . tus derogare, et ex speciali gratia resignatam cap[ellaniam] . . . . . conferre, salvis tamen Laurentio fructibus quoad . . . . . Id idem vehementius Serenissimum petere intelligat tua [paternitas quia] Laurentius multos annos non solum piæ memoriae p[atri suo] servierit servitutem, verum etiam nune quoque eandem sib[i] . . . . . neret. Nostrum vero officium cum erga regem tum . . . . . studiosissimum sequuti videbamur, si hanc ipsam pro ea . . . . . communi familiaritate et amicitia paternitati tuæ c . . . . . eamque commendationem, ut sentiat profuisse sibi hac . . . . . rogaremus. Cætenum tuæ paternitati ex animo me co[mmendo].”
Royal MS. 18 B. VI. 36 b. B. M.	Copy, mutilated and faded.
	4. Scotland.
Roy8al MS. 18 B. VI. 36 b. B. M.	“Messieurs ambassadeurs, au commandement du roy . . . . . sommez de rechief assembles au commissaires d'Angleterre . . . . . [Neaf] (fn. 3) chastell, et avons finalement conclue ceste forme de . . . . . bien quelle ait este faicte a Loundres au gre de I . . . . . que avons faict an partie pour complaire au . . . . . du Roy vostre maistre qui en cest affaire . . . . . pr. . . * * *.”
Roy8al MS. 18 B. VI. 36 b. B. M.	Copy, mutilated and faded.
A.D. 1534.
8 Jan.	5. The Divorce Cause at Rome.
Brady's Episcopal Succession, II. 278.	Memorandum of the appearance of the advocates of queen Katharine, praying for expedition of the case between her and the King. “Fuit conclusum ut causa expediatur celerius quam potest, servatis tamen servandis.”
Brady's Episcopal Succession, II. 278.	From the collection of Consistorial Acts in the Barberini Library.
8 Feb.	6. The Bishops of Paris and Macon to Francis I.
MS. Bibl. Nat. Paris.	Incredible urgency is used by the friends of Katharine for the decisive blow against the king of England, but it has been firmly opposed. The bishop of Paris on his arrival declared his charge to the Pope, who was much perplexed, and desired them to represent to the Consistory the dangers of the Holy See. The cardinals feel much bound to Francis for this intimation, but as to the remedies, most of them are so much at a loss (s'y trouvent si empeschez) that, if the reins had not been held very tight, they would have made immediately a bad plunge. This does not look hopeful. If nothing can be done, his Holiness must do the thing himself; and so we try to persuade him, but so many dangers are put before his eyes that any man in his place would be in great trouble. After other conferences, suggested today the plan of delegates, as instructed. Hope for an answer in six days. Beg that Francis will send a despatch into England to give Paris a little more time, owing to his illness. Send a little advertisement to Castillon of things to be procured in England.
MS. Bibl. Nat. Paris.	Fr. From a modern copy, pp. 3. Dated at the head: Rome, 8 Feb. 1533.
8 Feb.	7. Du Bellay to Castillon.
MS. Bibl. Nat. Paris.	Has at length arrived here, though his endurance was severely taxed by being carried so far in a chair. Castillon must do two things: 1. Get the time lengthened, so that Du Bellay be not limited to the 25th inst., after having risked his life in this matter. Hopes, however, to be sure of what he asks in six or seven days; “qui ne sera sans grand mistere,” for the Emperor makes very great threats. Does not oppose the King's taking the way he has determined, but post-horses cannot be got in Savoy on account of the famine. 2. He must see that the excusator be ready in secret to be at the hospital of Rome when Du Bellay sends his memoirs, which will be by next despatch.
MS. Bibl. Nat. Paris.	Fr. From a modern copy, pp. 2. Dated at the head: Rome, 8 Feb. 1533.
22 Feb.	8. Du Bellay to Castillon.
MS. Bibl. Nat. Paris.	Though he wrote in his last that he had hope of obtaining what he asked for, he had some doubt. Matters have now come to the terms which he is writing to Francis to communicate to Henry. All the trouble he has had in his life is not a tenth part of what he has had in this affair, in which he has been assisted by the bishop of Macon and Nicolas Raince. Has left the Pope in the greatest perplexity. He is here such a captive of the Emperor, and so terribly threatened, that he dare not disobey him. Most of the cardinals cry upon him Crucifige! in this matter, comme beaux petits diables. If Francis write to you of an overture of marriage, I shall feel pretty well assured of it on this side, and there would be no reason to doubt that the king of England might do in his matter what he pleased. Think of this; for, to speak frankly, I am convinced that when that King has done what he means to do, he will find himself much embarrassed. I speak thus from a knowledge of the other affairs of Christendom. Moreover I do not see how Francis can remain friends with both. He cannot do without Henry for the affairs of Italy; but if in this matter there is one finger good another is bad. I am inclined to await an answer from Francis to see if nothing can be done, for these two reasons put me in great perplexity. There is much said here of the interview between the two kings. Henry at least ought not to fail on his part.
	My idea is that the king of England should communicate to his Parliament what he means to do, and then, before the decision, prorogue the said Parliament to another time, as he often has done.
	I think you had better not communicate to Henry the memorandum of what the Pope has granted to me, for it is a little hard, but merely tell him that his Holiness is willing to send a cardinal to Cambray with two assessors to take cognizance of the matter up to, but short of, the definitive sentence. The King may answer that, out of regard for Francis, he is willing to see what these delegates will say, and will send some one to Cambray to examine their powers; whereupon he will do as he thinks fit. Now observe, these delegates will have no power to do him harm; for, in the first place, they cannot give sentence; and, secondly, the King will not have sent a proxy, but only an “executeur” (excusateur ?), and everything will remain au croc, which will engage the Emperor. Care should be taken, while they are on their way from Rome to Cambray, to secure, if possible, that the sentence be such as we demand, and [then we will get their power enlarged to include the definite sentence; the best way would be to make the Pope more independent of the Emperor, especially by making sure of the marriage of the duke Alexander to the King's daughter. Thinks the judges cannot deceive them, if only an excusator and not a proctor is sent. Duke Alexander's property is worth 400,000 cr., and he will by and by have Sienna and Lucca, &c., with some hope that his sister will be his neighbour in the duchy of Milan; but it would be well not to speak too much of this, lest it alarm the king of England; for the offer of this match must be held out to him as a means of disposing of his daughter honorably away from her own country. I will do my best to secure reasonable judges, but you must not speak about the marriage unless you have instructions from France, for I don't know if our King approves of it. For the repose of the two kings, I beg you will do a miracle if you can find means to do it.
	I assure you the Pope is as anxious to find the King's marriage good as he himself is; for if he had done it before, or even appointed judges not agreeable to the Emperor, the castle of St. Angelo would never have been so necessary for him. I am no very great papist, but I declare I am sorry to see him in such pain how to express himself in favor of the king of England in full Consistory. He is threatened, and not with baked pears. You will say then, what is to be hoped for from him? I will pledge my head to the king of England that he goes at liberty if he refuses to do all that they desire him, and I see that he will be free this summer by means of Francis. If the king of England would trust me he will secure his interests in Parliament, taking signed and sealed opinions, if necessary, and at Easter prorogue it on some pretext to another date; for you know that the same Parliament continues as long as he pleases, and he would remain upon his feet at liberty to do or not to do. He could lose nothing, and could not fail to gain. I would undertake to despatch the case myself. I do not mean to leave Rome till I have an answer. I should like to be informed what judges he would prefer; and he should not stick at the words of “reparations” or the like, for I will correct all that; and if we get power for the definitive, or if he wishes me to propose that he should name one of the judges, the Queen or the Emperor another, and Francis a third, or some other expedient, (fn. 4) without committing him to accept anything, he need only send the excusator, and leave me to do the rest. If I do not conduct matters to his desire he may take my head; otherwise be assured, Mons. de Castillon, he will get into a mess.
	The Imperialists met yesterday, and, knowing that there was no longer here any “home de teste” for Francis and the Pope, except Napoleon Ursin, who by their favor was increasing his influence, took the field in a great troop against him, and killed him “tout royde;” then marched in battle array towards Naples. It is known that they did this in order still more to disarm and intimidate the Pope because he has declared openly to what side he leans, against all the Consistory, who, except a few of our own men, are enraged that they cannot precipitate the matter.
	I do not say that if you can get more out of the king of England you shouldn't do it, but obtain the above if you can't do better.
	Fr. From a modern copy, pp. 6. Dated at the head: Rome, 22 Feb. 1533.
24 Feb.	9. The Bishops of Paris and Macon to Francis I.
MS. Bibl. Nat. Paris.	Since our last despatch we have succeeded in obtaining this, that if the Pope and the king of England continue on good terms, and judges be delegated, the Pope will suspend the censures while the judges proceed in the matter. Think this ought to be added to the overtures sent over to the king of England, and Francis may safely promise to get him out of all his business, in spite of all the world, if matters are conducted in the way we wrote on the 22nd.
MS. Bibl. Nat. Paris.	Fr. From a modern copy, p. 1. Dated at the head: Rome, 24 Feb. 1533.
27 Feb.	10. Consistory at Rome.
Brady's Episcopal Succession, II. 278.	“D. Pisauren' (fn. 5) fecit relationem in causa Anglicani matrimonii inter Regem et Reginam.”
Brady's Episcopal Succession, II. 278.	Fr. In the Barberini Library.
6 March.	11. Castillon to Montmorency.
MS. Bibl. Nat. Paris.	Received on Monday, 2nd inst., his letter dated 24 Feb., with a letter from Mons. de Paris in cipher, expressing his hope that the Pope would grant his request for the affair of the king of England, and asking Castillon to do two things, viz., to get the King, first, to delay publishing the conclusions taken in parliament, and, secondly, to send an excusator to remain secretly ready at the hospital of Rome. This has been difficult, for those who have most credit with him are so opposed to the Pope that they do all they can to prevent any appointment between them. The day after he informed the King of the hope held out by the Bishop, the King sent for him to declare what he had said before the Council. Most of them appeared to doubt it, and said the King had no cause to put himself in such subjection. The King also had cooled down from what he had said the day before, Said to them all he could to move the King to accept from the Pope a declaration that his first marriage was null, and this good, and urged the necessity of peace and friendship with him. As to the first point, there seemed no better way to put the Queen in safety, and to prevent any future imputations that the children of this marriage were not true heirs, than that matters should be confirmed by Papal authority, for all that his ministers can pretend is only founded upon that. As to the second, he could not better break the Emperor's design than by a friendship with the French king and the Pope. This would make the King's position secure for him and his; and, moreover, it would imply little respect for Francis,who has worked so hard for this affair, and brought the matter into such good train, if all his efforts were thrown away.
	After some further conversation, the King took him to a garden, and said he agreed with him (“on il m'acorda”), but begged him to keep it secret. Thinks he would not like people to believe that he had granted this request so suddenly, although he will prevent the great sum of money going to Rome in future. When the bishop of Paris sends the memoirs, he will arrange about the excusator. Thinks the Pope will be reinstated. Begs him to send the memoirs, and to hasten Mons. de Moret, who is coming to take his place. Wants money. Replies to the bishop of Paris in cipher. London, 6 March 1533.
	Fr. From a modern copy, pp. 4.
	12. Bishops of Paris and Macon to Francis I.
15 March. MS. Bild. Nat. Paris.	Have communicated to the Pope his letters of . . . . . ult., and the news from England. Of the last he was aware, but he considers it the more certain as coming from you, and is glad to see that an answer is awaited from Rome. He can add nothing to what they wrote on the . . . . . ult.; matters are hung up in the same way. He is more troubled about the matter than he was at first, seeing that the more he sets himself to do right the more they defame and satirize him there (qu. in England ?), which puts him out of heart. There is no fear but he will bring the matter to a good conclusion, but it would be well that the king of England should be a little more moderate, especially in things which do not help his cause, and which do not seem (under correction) worthy of such a noble magnanimous heart as he Las shown hitherto.
	* * * * * * * The Imperialists are urgent to proceed in the matter of the king of England, which has already been before two Consistories, “et ont este baillez a chascun des cardinaux,” in order that they should study thereupon, and form an opinion according to law and reason. Henceforth all their clerks, even to the cardinals De Bar and Denquefort (d'Enck wort), are prevented from removing their books, each being fully determined to show therein the treasure of his knowledge. The Imperialists raise their horns at having gained this advantage over the king of England; but they are taken in (ils ent la baye), for they have been given such a bone to gnaw that you may be assured that from Quasimodo they can give no blow which can injure the King. It is true it was necessary for them to gain two consistories, and to count day by day, and to do it our Holy Father went this week, by the advice of his physicians, to Ostia. If during all this time an answer comes from the king of England accepting the overtures sent to him, they will talk a different language. The Pope, notwithstanding the outrages done to him, is doing his utmost in this matter, and though we don't take in payment that which was sent to you (and have not delivered it as anything particular), still it is no small thing for a first step to have reduced his Holiness to these terms. You will consider whether there is anything in these matters by which to give encouragement to the king of England. I (bishop of Paris) wrote to the Grand Master of a resolution taken in Consistory to send to the Emperor, and ask whether in case they gave sentence against Henry he would execute it. They have got no answer yet, and it is thought he will not accept the offer, but will say that if they do their duty he will not fail on his side. But even if the Emperor were to accept it, and everything went wrong in England, still we do not see how they could give sentence against the King in the principal, for no one will be bold enough to maintain in Consistory that the dispensation ever was valid. This makes us say again that it will be a great misfortune if the king of England will not listen to reason; seeing that if his cause came here before the office, and all the world were against him, even if he did not gain it at least he could not lose it. It is true that some persons have taken in hand to resolve these doubts, and some of them wish to do Francis service; the others are hired in a way you will hereafter understand.
	Fr., pp. 4. From a modern copy. Dated at the head: Rome, 15 March 1533.
16 March.	13. Castillon to Francis I.
MS. Bibl. Nat. Paris.	Has received his letter written from Fontainebleau on the 8th, which he has communicated to the King along with the article in cipher written by the bishops of Paris and Macon on the 24th Feb. Has given Henry clearly to understand that his cause would be soon despatched if it depended only on the Pope, who is doing all he can in his behalf. Had not spoken about the marriage of the duke Alexander, because Francis did not mention it in his letters of the 5th from Brycontrobert, and he was advised by Du Bellay not to say anything of it till he was ordered. Mentioned it to him today, putting it in the light of overtures to settle the matter on the Pope's part; adding that it was a rich and honorable position “arriere de luy,” which could not possibly endanger the rights of his children who might come of this marriage. He expressed great surprise at this proposition; but I went on to show that it would be a means of fortifying him against the Emperor, and a surety of perpetual friendship between him and the Pope, and, moreover, secure the despatch of his cause. He asked me to dine with him and talk about it further after dinner. He went to his room, and, I think, spoke to two or three of his Council. In the end he made answer to me, that, as to his daughter Mary, he intended always to treat that matter as a thing of no importance, and that I must say nothing more about it; adding that he was very much displeased with her, because she would rather die than acknowledge the present Queen as Queen, or the daughter of this marriage as Princess, but that he would take care to punish her. To judge by his words, he hates her thoroughly. He added that there were many other girls in his kingdom, and that he had a niece, (fn. 6) daughter of the queen of Scotland, whom he keeps with the Queen his wife, and treats like a queen's daughter, and if any proposition were made for her, he would make her marriage worth as much as his daughter Mary's. I assure you the lady is beautiful, and highly esteemed here; and if Mary is passed over, there is a daughter (fn. 7) of the late queen of France and the duke of Suffolk, but still very young, for whom he will readily enter the said alliance. Thinks a good beginning has been made, but things must be hastened a little, for the King always considers that these delays are intended to put off his affair, and he will not forbear, for all these overtures, to pursue the matter as he has begun.
	As to what the two bishops write on the 24th Feb., that they are continually getting all they can out of the Pope to get judges delegated for the king of England. I assure you that it will be necessary to proceed with great caution. When the bishop of Paris left England, the agreement the King made with him was that if the Pope would grant what he demanded before Easter without further process, he would not throw off his obedience to the see of Rome, but if he had not the said sentence within that term he would proclaim himself openly. Now by your mediation he is content to send an excusator, not pretending to send him expressly, for fear of being bound to the Pope's jurisdiction, otherwise he might seem to renounce that of Canterbury, in which all their reliance is placed; for it is under that jurisdiction the marriage has been made. Moreover, he is willing to continue his Parliament till after Easter, so as to delay publishing the said separation, and he thinks he has made great concessions out of regard to you. Nevertheless he has told me he will not send any proxy before the delegates, but, if the Pope will concede his demands, he will not throw off his obedience, and will wait till after Easter. I do not think he can be brought to other terms, and would advise the Pope, if he would not lose England, to adopt some other expedient. I would gladly say that he should throw aside all fear of the Emperor, who can do him no harm so long as he is in firm alliance with you and this King. I write freely that you may show the Pope that things are in a very dangerous state here; and I see no help unless the Holy Father will in this matter use mercy more than justice, whereby he will restore a king and country which is on the point of being lost and becoming his perpetual enemy. London, 16 March.
	Fr. From a modern copy, pp. 5.
24 March.	14. Bishops of Paris and Macon to Francis I.
MS. Bibl. Nat. Paris.	Yesterday night we wrote to you what had been done in the morning in Consistory against the king of England. We send you a copy of the sentence. As soon as I, Du Bellay, can get leave of the Pope, which till now he has not granted, and of the rest of this company, I will start en route to give you an account of the rest, &c. Rome, 23–24 March.
MS. Bibl. Nat. Paris.	French. From a modern copy, pp 2.
	15. Laurence Stubbes, Clerk, to Cromwell.
R. O.	His complaint against the abbot of Barmesey, who sued him last summer at Westminster to an exigent when he was in Yorkshire, (fn. 8) and delivered writs of proclamation against him to the sheriff of Surrey, hoping to have him outlawed before he was aware. An obligation which he demands was delivered by Stubbes to Sir Brian Tuke for the King when the late lord Cardinal's goods were first seised. The abbot's claim is disproved by a book of Mr. Tonys' debts written shortly before his death.
R. O.	P. 1. Add. at the head: Councillor. Endd.
20 April.	16. Consistory at Rome.
Brady's Episcopal Succession, II. 280.	“Instante procuratore Scr. Reginæ Angliæ fuerunt decretæ executoriales sententiæ latæ contra Ser. Regem Angliæ.”
Brady's Episcopal Succession, II. 280.	Barberini Library.
	17. Abbey of Croxton.
	“The demeanour of the lord Barkeley, Doctor Hewes, and others of the council and servants of the same Lord, at the late election at Croxston.” (fn. 9)
R. O.	The day before the election he personally repaired to the said abbey with 40 servants and horses, at least; and before his coming, two of his servants, John Barkeley and one Stompis, took most part of the lodging there, taking away the keys and sealing the doors. They appointed to every man his chamber at their pleasure, and set two or three of his servants in all the offices, cellar, buttery, pantry, kitchen, and stable, expelling the servants of the abbey, without taking any inventory of what they found. On the morning of the election, when the canons of the said abbey wished to enter into their chapter-house to proceed with the election, they were kept out of it by force by James Barkeley, with 12 or 13 of the Lord's servants armed with swords and bucklers. Whereupon the canons were forced to return again to the choir, locking the doors. The night before the election, and the morning of the same day, Dr. Hewes, David Broke, and James Barkeley, in violation of the statutes and the King's letters, “persuaded as much as they could unto master Thos. Grene, now abbot of Croxston, affirming always that there was offered for the same the sum of 500 marks, and unless that this now abbot would give to lord Barkeley the sum of 500l. they would make the abbot there at the said lord's own will and pleasure;” and would not suffer the canons to proceed with the election, but kept the chapter-house shut until the abbot of Welbeck, visitor of the said religion, showed lord Barkeley the King's letters patent, authorising him to be their visitor, and to be present at all their elections, and required him in the King's name to assist him. On the day after the election, Hewes and Broke sent for master Green, then new elected abbot of Croxston, and there, by menaces of depriving him of his place, and promises of gifts of benefices and mortifying of benefices of lord Barkeley's patronage, compelled him to pay them 160l. for lord Barkeley's use, and to give them a bill for 160l. more, payable in a year. Hewes compelled him to pay him 20l. for charges which he said he had sustained during the election. Finally, the servants and retinue took away with them 10 fine pillaghbers, two pair of sheets, one sword and one buckler, and cut several blankets in two for saddle cloths. They took besides out of the choir a book called the obit book, containing a terrier of all lands belonging to the monastery and the names of the donors, which book the Abbot would not have given for 100l. Lord Barkeley has lately sent Stompis, offering to pay for the stuff so carried away, “which the same Abbot refuseth and yet doth . . .”
R. O.	Pp. 3. Endd.: Croxston.
2 May.	18. The Earls of Cumberland and Westmoreland and Sir Thos. Clifford to Cromwell.
R. O.	Letter 986 in Vol. V. is really of the year 1534. (See Chapuys' letter of the 19th May.)
2 May.	19. John ap Rice to Cromwell.
R. O.	Letter 987 of Vol. V. is really of the year 1534. See preceding No.
13 May.	20. Sir William Eure to Cromwell.
R. O.	Letter 1,011 of Vol. V. is doubtless of the year 1534, as it refers to Tunstall being in trouble.
31 May.	21. George Lord Cobham to Cromwell.
R. O.	There is a farm of the bishop of Rochester, called the lordship of Hallyng, now fallen into the King's hands by default of John Fowle. Begs Cromwell to write to Wilbore, the Bishop's receiver, that it may be given to a friend of the writer. The commission sent into Kent is very well received, “except my lady Mary, the King's daughter, her schoolmaster, which hath a benefice by me, the which went into Wales three days before that I did sit upon this commission, and he is not yet sworn.” Cobham, 31 May. Signed.
R. O.	P. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
	22. James Billingford.
R. O.	“The sayings of James Byllyngford to the abbot of Garadon, (fn. 10) as appeareth by a letter sent from the same abbot to the prior of Lenton:”— sc., that on Thursday before last All Saints' Day he desired the Abbot to allow a brother named Truth to show him the house; and being asked what was his purpose in so doing, said he would show him that he would show to few others, viz., that he was sent secretly to examine the religion and hospitality of religious houses, for which commissioners would shortly come. He advised the Abbot, therefore, to provide a learned man to read to the brethren St. Paul's Epistles. He said further that he was kinsman to the Queen, and his name was James Byllyngford. Then the Abbot gave him 3d. or 4d. as a reward. Then he said the abbot of Combe was much praised for his hospitality, and should have 200 marks of the prior of Coventry's lands to his house; and that the King promised the poor abbot of Sawtrie (fn. 11) 200 marks per annum from the monastery of Peterborough.
R. O.	P. 1.
5 June.	23. Lawson to Cromwell.
R. O.	The abbot of St. Mary's writes to the King, in answer to his letter, to certify his Highness of the money he has in his hands. There is about 500l. of last year's subsidy unpaid, and this year's is daily coming in. The Abbot does his best to collect it, and Lawson hopes it will all soon be levied. The inhabitants of this county are most willing to take the oath according to the Act of Parliament and the King's commission; but the city of York, the wapentake of Ainsty, and the town of Hull are shires within themselves, and no commissions are yet directed to them. Suggests that they should be sent with all speed.
	George Douglas has brought a letter from Cromwell, bidding Lawson pay him for keeping Cawe Mylles since the last reckoning. Has no money, for he made his acccounts, and delivered the remainder, when last in London. Asks Cromwell to send a warrant to the abbot of St. Mary's for this payment. Douglas will send within a fortnight for the money to pay his servants at the delivery of Cawe Mylles to the Scots.
	Begs him not to forget the warrant for the payment of the last garrison of 2,000 men. Daily sending, and great exclamation is made by the captains and soldiers. Reminds him of his own bill and the King's letter to the duke of Richmond.
	Asks him to thank the abbot of St. Mary's for granting, at his request, the farmhold of Popleton to Lawson's wife and son Thomas. York, 5 June. Signed.
	P.S. in his own hand: While walking with master Leylond in the cathedral church of York, they saw a table on the wall giving the reigns of divers kings, among which was one line of a King that took this kingdom of the Pope by tribute to hold of the Church of Rome. Cut and rased it out of the tablet, and sends the title thereof.
	Pp. 3. Add.
5 June. R. O.	24. William Maunsell, Under Sheriff of Yorkshire, to Cromwell.
	On receipt of the King's letters, peremptory summonses were sent to the gentlemen of the shire not only to answer the contents' of his former letters, but to pay the fines sessed in the schedules. Small regard is yet shown in avoiding the said contempts. Has no doubt of levying the fines upon execution. The King's subjects of Yorkshire have taken their oaths loyally under this commission; but there is no commission come for the city of York, nor Ainstey, neither for the knights' fines, nor upon this last commission and proclamations. York, 5 June.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Master Cromwell, principal secretary to the King's Highness. Endd.
	Mem. on the back in Cromwell's hand: “To write to my lord of Bath to send the book subscribed with the hands of many thither.”
6 June.	25. Lawson to Cromwell.
R. O.	The mayor, aldermen, and common council of York have re-admitted Rauf Pullayn and Rauf Symson as aldermen, according to the King's commandment. Asks him to send by the bearer the commissions for taking the oath in York city, Ainstey and Hull. Wrote at length by the abbot of St. Mary's, and desires an answer. York, 6 June.
	Desires him to be good to the bearer.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Mr. Cromwell, secretary. Endd.
6 June.	26. Sir Will. Gascoygne to Cromwell.
R. O.	I have received the King's letters, and will inquire for all persons maintaining the bishop of Rome's authority against the statute. According to the commission, the people have taken their oaths like true subjects. Certain light and dangerous words have been spoken by a light fellow called Thomas Roodes, of Raudon. I have put him into the castle at York. Gawk-thorpe, 6 June. Signed.
R. O.	P. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
[7 June.]	27. John Johnson alias Antony to Cromwell.
R. O.	At my coming to Kent, I delivered your letter to the master of Nyewerke (fn. 12) near Rochester, being admitted by your mastership receiver-general of the bishop of Rochester's lands to the King's use. As you commanded, I told him to prepare as much money as he could, and he caused divers of the tenants to have their rents ready. The master, according to your letters, was content that I should have the parsonage of Hawlyng; and the prior of Christchurch, at your request, is very good to me. Most part of Kent have taken the oath, except two of our Observants at Canterbury named father Mychelsen and father Gam, and the vicar of Sittingborne. I shall do with the said parties as you command me. Yesterday I was informed that Sir Edw. Goldford, warden of the Five Ports, was buried in the morning at 1 o'clock at Ledys, and died without confession or any other sacrament of Church, neither had torch, nor taper, nor bell-ringing, but was put into the earth without ceremony. I shall be with you on Friday. Rochester, Sunday Morning.
R. O.	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary.
9 June.	28. Lawson to Cromwell.
R. O.	Wrote letters by Redman, servant to the abbot of St. Mary's, and by “my fellow Skafe,” the King's servant. Reminds him of the warrants for the payment of the garrison and of Geo. Douglas; the commissions for the oath; Lawson's bill of Shirefhoton, and the King's letter to the duke of Richmond for Lawson's fee, which he has truly deserved to his no little cost. York, 9 June. Signed.
R. O.	P. 1. Add. Endd.
10 June.	29. Reynold Lytylprow to Cromwell.
R. O.	I certify you of the diligence of the inhabitants of this city of Norwich concerning their oaths to the King. Never were people more willing or diligent. The priests and the monks were taken before I came home by Mr. Townysend and Mr. Paston. If they have not certified under their seal, I will require it myself. Such diligence as of those that were 16 and under never did man see. They would be sworn of free force, and I made 100 or 200 to kiss the book. Will send a certificate shortly. I am moved by the parson of Hyngham, an old acquaintance of yours, to write for your favor in his causes. Norwich, 10 June.
R. O.	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Mr. Secretary. Endd.
23 June.	30. Christopher Hales to Cromwell.
R. O.	I have received a patent from Christ's College of 10 marks' fee for you and your son. I am desired to receive of you your other patent, and this shall be ready for you. Pray remember, at this despatch of the offices of Ireland, Ric. De la Hyde, chief justice of the Common Pleas there; and if any objection be made against him, let him be heard here ere he be refused. Mr. John Crowmer tells me that you are favorable to the bishop of Armagh. I know him well, and think he is mis-reported. Despatch Mr. Thwaytes and the poor priest (fn. 13) and Lawrence at Canterbury. I have been suffering toothache and ague. Gray's Inn, eve of St. John.
R. O.	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary.
6 July.	31. Steph. Bishop of Winchester to Cromwell.
R. O.	The good success of my poor affairs has been owing to your friendly service. I hear that the King has appointed a part of his progress to Guildford in my diocese, and I think it my duty to attend upon him. I hear also, though not so certainly, that he intends afterwards to cross the sea. It sometimes occurs to me to sue the King to take his pastime in my poor house at Farnham. Perhaps if I went to Guildford it might not be well taken, and, as I have heretofore written to you, I wish abstinere ab omni specie mala. In whatever is determined I shall be ready to do him service, but I wish your counsel in these matters, and how I am to use myself. I shall acquit myself as I have done in the matter between master Cooke and me, wherein you have obtained that, with the King's contentation, my declaration shall be favorably heard. I am anxious that it shall be heard shortly, whereby my innocency shall plainly appear in such matters as master Cooke has accused me of to my Prince. Waltham, 6 July.
R. O.	Hol., pp. 3. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
26 July.	32. Stephen Bishop of Winchester to Cromwell.
R. O.	The parish priest of Warblyngton, whom I have caused to repair to you, has just told me of the departure out of the realm of the vicar of East Meane in such fashion as I like not. I have sent him to tell you the tale himself. Waltham, 26 July.
R. O.	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary.
30 July.	33. Cromwell to Lord Cobham.
Harl. MS. 284, f. 203. B. M.	Has received his letters and the inventory touching the ferme of the parsonage. Desires him to causes the corn and other duties to he gathered together, and he will order the rent at their next meeting. If he will send the monks hither, will commune with them, and do therein as the case requires. Sends thanks to his good lady for the fowl she has sent. Stepenhey, 30 July. Signed.
Harl. MS. 284, f. 203. B. M.	P. 1. Add.
	34. Thomas Derby to Cromwell.
R. O.	Your warning for the delay of justice is likely to be frustrate without your further aid, and judgment will be deferred in the matter of the prioress of Dartford. (fn. 14) There are those who ought to be diligent for the King and be present in court, that do now, when the matter is at this point and the counsel against the King can make no reasons for his client, still allege the same frivolous allegations, and others refuse to go into the Exchequer to call upon the matter. The recorder goes about from one to the other, “rounding in their ears.” When the Lord Chief Baron proposed Monday next, another on the bench spoke against it, and I shall never get the King's council together to determine this cause. The importance of the cause, especially for the common weal, is twentyfold greater than the matter itself. It is not fit that the Act of Parliament should be deluded. The Prioress alleges the matter is great, but if it is great for her it is a hundred times greater for the commonwealth. The King's subjects about Dartford allege they can get no hay or pasturage for their cattle, by reason of my Lady's housewifery. Some calling themselves my friends think that I act against my honesty, and that I ought not to have done as I have done for all the money in demand. I hope to see the day when the contrary opinion shall be held amongst the common sort, and the lawyers especially. London, this Sunday.
R. O.	Hol., pp. 3. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
31 Aug.	35. Stephen Abbot of Hales to Cromwell.
R. O.	I have none of my brethren so perfectly learned that I may put him in trust to read the Scripture to my brethren according to your injunctions, unless I call home some of my scholars from Oxford, which I am loth to do. At my request my friends there sent me this bearer, Master Cootes, B.D., of Magdalene College, Oxford. He did read before me and my brethren two or three lessons very substantially; but as he is not yet sworn to the King's succession, and hath not subscribed against the bishop of Rome, I send him to you for that purpose. Heyles, 31 Aug. Signed.
R. O.	P. 1. Add. Endd.
[24 Sept.]	36. Sir Walter Stonor to Cromwell.
R. O.	I heartily thank you for your goodness.
	On Thursday after St. Matthew's Day, the mayor of Reading (fn. 15) came to me, and told me that a woman dwells in Henley, a poor and simple body, and did accuse him and Lydcote of certain words which he spoke to her in the open street as she was led to the cage by the officers of the town for certain misdemeanors. The trust is she was in th ecage at the time, and when she was let out the mayor cannot tell; but Lydcote told him that the woman said that he should wish the Queen's grace in the cage with the said woman, and with other words that he wished the cage was on fire over their heads. When Lydcote tell him this tale, he denied them, and sent to seek for the woman who had gone to Henley; and this Thursday the same Everard came to Henley, and desired the officers that the woman should be sent to me, as I am this year the King's officer and sheriff of the shire. They refused it. He desired me to take proceedings in the matter to hear the truth tried out. He has not misbehaved himself against the Queen, but is a man of good behaviour. I desire you will be good master to him.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Mr. Secretary, at the Rolls in Chancellor Lane. Endd.
4 Oct.	37. Sir W. Courteney to Cromwell.
R. O.	With the chancellor of Exeter and Richard Pollard I have been at the abbey of Hartland, and examined the convent on divers articles. I find there are great causes of deprivation against the said abbot, as will be seen by their confessions, subscribed by the abbot and convent. The abbot has no learning sufficient to rule. Though I was somewhat diseased, I had so much laughing at the abbot's examination that I was made whole. I never saw so foolish a priest, “for the confessed mo things against himself than we examined him upon.” Interest will be made for him by Sir Thos. Arundell, who was there as his special friend, for which reason I send you this letter. I caused this bearer to tarry four days, “which came to me at the said abbey for the cross which I have in my hands that was seasanyd by the goldsmiths, which at my coming home I shall send unto you. And as I am informed by such as he learned, the cross is made but according the statute.”
	Be good to this bearer. I assure you there have been divers goldsmiths who would have given him and me bribes to sell, as they afore this time have made and sold, but I gave them a short answer. The bearer might have had 100 marks for a bribe. Hartland, 4 Oct. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Secretary.
6 Oct.	38. John Arundell to Cromwell.
R. O.	Sir Will. Courtenay, Hugh Pollarde, and the chancellor of the diocese have been at Hartelond, and have examined the abbot and the convent on such articles as pleased them “to purpose against them,” hoping to depose the old abbot; which will be the ruin of the house, though they pretend to seek its weal. It is not true that the abbot hath no wit, or has wasted the goods of the house. The house is in very good case, and that is the real cause of the trouble; for it is not only bruited who is to be abbot, “but what pleasure some man should have by his preferment, which the house must in conclusion bear.” The man was promoted by my means. He was the most fit man at the time, and there is no blot on his morals. Tresorow, 6 Oct.
R. O.	Hol., p. 1. Add.: To the right hon. Master Cromwell, secretary to the King's Highness.
6 Oct.	39. Sir Thomas Arundell to Cromwell.
R. O.	Recommends the cause of which his father has written. As it is miserable for a man to lose an honest living, so is it to all men of honest nature to see their friend whom they have preferred “to decay or miscarry,” especially by means of those in whom they had confidence. Mr. Curtnay ought to be content already, as he obtained through Cromwell not long ago a pleasure that was right good. As for his son, as he is Cromwell's servant, wishes he had as many pounds to spend yearly “as he shall have of Frere Pope if he bring this thing to pass;” but Cromwell has enough to content his friends without displeasing others. Tresorow, 6 Oct.
R. O.	Hol., p. 1. Add.: To the right hon. Master Cromwell.
15 Nov. R. O.	40. Roland Lee, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, to Cromwell.
	Pray thank Mr. Acton, the bearer, for his kindness to me since I came to these parts, and favor him in his reasonable suits for my sake. Beaudeley, 15 Nov.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Mr. Secretary. Endd.
	41. Bishop of Paris to Mons. de Saint Caletz. * * * *
MS. Bibl. Nat. Paris.	As to the affair of England of which you write, no time must be lost, for they are intent on doing with the goods of the Church what I say in full Consistory. Messieurs can judge whether I told them lies. I wish it had been so. My brother will do with the Admiral what he can to retard the execution of the matter; nor will I fail to do my part as I have done hitherto in Germany. He and I have by the command of the King brought everything to this point that all heresiarchs, whether Lutherans, Zuinglians, or others, have delivered signed articles much more tolerable than could have been expected, remitting the greater part to the King and his ministers, and among other things allowing him to do as he pleases as to the recognition of the Church of Rome. People can hardly believe it here, but I have got their signatures. The execution of this practise has been deferred owing to Clement's death. We have men in the country who cherish it as much as possible, and it depends only on the chiefs of Christendom that they be well served.
MS. Bibl. Nat. Paris.	Modern copy, pp. 2. Headed: Rome . . . . . (sans date).
11 Dec.	42. Richard Pate, Priest, to Cromwell.
R. O.	“According to your long remembrance of me, and exhortation by my last messenger sent and returned from the King's majesty, I do hold up the helmet as they say as well as my tender and puerile nature will (such an oversight for lack of experience in especial committed) suffer me.” But your indulgence and the uprightness of my conscience make me doubt nothing of the King's displeasure.
	I thank you for your criticism on the obscurity of my style, which I beg you to pardon as involuntary and not studied, “the which surely I do partly ascribe to th'inopie of my materne tongue,” which I can only write with difficulty, and partly to the punishment of God “that would me not facile.” I will write more largely by your servant, who I understand cannot return home to me before Christmas. Madrid, 11 Dec.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
	43. Prophecies.
R. O.	The confession of dan John Broughton, monk of . . . . .
	(1) That in communication with Sir Rob. Legate, friar, between Michaelmas and All Saints' Day, he said that if the papistical power now put away by the King's act were to continue four years in the realm it was likely to stand for ever, and that within that time the world would change. (2) That he had shown his master cert[ain prophe]cies, and had the copy of the . . . . . lton in Landisdall, and that his said master . . . . . . (3) That he h[ad a bill of Wi]lliam Dieson of Wynndyndirmire, and another [of William Raw]linson of Colton, containing prophecies “whi[ch is he]re before your gracious Lordships, a[nd] all other that ever the said John had in his custody.” (4) He has conversed with his [master], the abbot, of the said prophecies, but cannot remember whether he said “that the dedicate Roste should die in his mother's belly,” as contained in the said bill brought by William Rawlinson. (5) He denies having ever alleged that the King was not righteous king of this realm.
	Pp. 2, very mutilated.