Journal of the House of Commons: March 1559

March 1559

On Wednesday the first day of March, the Bill for false using of Linnen-Cloth, and the Bill for Gavelkind for Thomas Browne, and George Browne, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill against Cancellations of Recoveries was read the first time. And the Bill for allowances to be made to Sheriffs, being read the second time, was, as it should seem, committed to M^r Comptroller and others.

The Bill also for Ecclesiastical Laws to be made by thirty two persons, And the Bill for the assurance of certain Lands, late parcel of the Bishoprick of London, to the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Rich, and the Lord Darcy, were each of them read the second time, and thereupon Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill also for recognition of the Queens Highnesses Title to the Crown of this Realm, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill lastly, for restitution in Blood of the Lord Grey, and the Bill also for restitution in Blood of Sir James Crosts, were each of them read the second time.

The Bishop of Winchester in proper person, required the Copy of the Bill exhibited here, touching his Lands, which was granted; And further, to bring in his Answer and Counsel, on Saturday next at nine of the Clock.

On Thursday the 2^d Day of March, the Bill for restitution in Blood of Sir Henry Gates, was read the second time.

The Bill to revive a Fair at Linn-Regis, at Candlemas, was read the first time, And the Bill for changing the Parish Church of Avernant in Wales, And the Bill for Incorporation of Trinity-Hall in Cambridge, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill touching Ingrossers and Forestallers of divers Victuals, was read the first time.

The Bill for searching and sealing Woollen Cloths, was read the second time.

Three Bills were sent up to the Lords by M^r Comptroller and others, of which one was the Bill for recognition of the Queens Highnesses Title to the Crown of this Realm.

The three Bills for restitution in Blood of John Lord Grey, Sir James Crosts, and Sir Henry Gates, had each of them their third reading, and passed the House.

The Bill lastly, concerning the Confirmation of the Bishoprick of London, to the now Bishop of London, was read the first time.

On Friday March the 3^d, the Bill for the restitution in Blood of Edward Lewkenor, and three of his Brethren, and six of his Sisters; And the Bill against often buying and felling of Horses and Mares, had each of them one reading.

The Bill for the true Garbling of Feathers, The Bill that Leases of Benefices shall not be charged with payment of Tenths, And the Bill against ingrossing of dead Victuals, called Monopoly, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill for Assurance of Lands, late parcel of the Bishoprick of London, to the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Rich, and the Lord Darcy, The Bill for the Gavelkind Lands of Thomas Browne and George Browne, And the Bill for the Incorporation of Trinity-Hall in Cambridge.......

M^r Mason required that the Counsel of the Patentees for the Bishop of Winchesters Lands, may be here to morrow, to hear what the Bishop and his Counsel will say, which Request was granted by the House.

M^r Sollicitor coming from the Lords, declared, that ten of this House shall attend certain of the Lords to morrow, for the Proviso in the Bill of Treasons.

Six Bills were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons, of which one was the Bill for the Incorporation of Trinity-Hall in Cambridge, and another for Gavelkind Lands.

On Saturday the 4^th day of March, four Bills of no great moment, had each of them their first reading, of which the last was the Bill for the Assurance of Hartlebury and Wychenford, to Sir Francis Johson, and Walter Blount severally.

The Bill for the reviving of the Act for the carrying of Horses into Scotland, And that for the Restitution of Robert Rudston, were brought from the Lords by D^r Vaughan. John Cheeseman, one of the Burgesses of Rumney in the five Ports, for his business was Licensed to be absent.

The Bishop of Winchester, in proper person, opened his Title to the Mannors, saying, they had been parcel of the Bishoprick by a thousand three hundred Years, and required this House of Justice.

The Queens Atturney hearing the talk of the Bishop, required for the Queen, that he might be heard for the Queen, touching certain Lands late parcel of the said Bishoprick; and Day was given as well to M^r Atturney, as to the Bishop, to be here on Monday next, at half an hour before nine of the Clock.

M^r Chancellor of the Dutchy complained, that Mr White had called him a Witness not to like the Book of Service. M^r White answered that M^r Chancellor said, he wished the Book to be well considered of. But for that the House doth take that Mr. White did mistake him, therefore Mr. White standing asked him forgiveness, which Mr. Chancellor did take thankfully.

On Monday the 6^th day of March, the new Bill for Artificers in the County of Kent, to dwell in Towns, was read the first time.

Divers Arguments were had touching Cancellation of the Records in the Chancery, for the late Bishop of Winchesters Lands, and the Examination thereof was committed to Mr. Comptroller, and others.

The Queens Attorney, for that the Bishop of Winchester had brought Learned Counsel with him, desired they might say their minds, whereby Mr. Attorney might fully Answer; and the Bishop said, that his Counsel was not yet instructed; wherefore Mr. Attorney Answered, the effect whereof was that the Appeal made by Gardiner was not of effect. For that in the Commission, at his Deputation, was contained cum appellatione remota. And so the Grant made to King Edward the Sixth, by the Bishop, ne point d' effect.

Mr. Noell and Mr. Bell of Counsel with the Patentees, declared in effect for the Patentees, as Mr. Attorney had shewed for the Queen.

On Tuesday the 7^th day of March, three Bills of no great moment, had each of them their first reading; of which the last being the Bill that Executors shall make the Supervisors privy to the performance of a Will, was committed to Mr. Chamberlain, as it should seem, to be considered of.

The Bill touching the late Bishop of Worcesters Lands, to Sir Francis Jobson, and M^r Blount, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for carrying of unwrought Cloths of 6¹ over the Seas, was read the second time.

The Bill to revive a Fair at Linn Regis, the day after the Purification of our Lady, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed; And the Bill for preservation of Woods being read also the second time, was committed.

The Bill touching the ingrossing of dead Victuals for a Monopoly; And the Bill for Gerson Wroth born in Stratsburgh, to be as being born in England, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House; and were sent up to the Lords by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain.

On Wednesday the 8^th day of March, two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the second, being the Bill against Leases to be made by Spiritual persons, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bishop of Worcester in proper person, required the Copy of a Bill, exhibited against his Bishoprick, and a day to make Answer in writing or otherwise.

The Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, made the like Petition.

The Bishop of Winchester at this time, was Richard Pate, and the Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, was Ralph Banes, whose stiff opposition against the Reformation of Religion perfected this Parliament; as also the free Liberty they had to defend their own Causes, either in person, or by their Counsel, do argue as in them, and divers other Bishops, at this time, much boldness and perverseness, so in her Majesty incomparable Lenity and Moderation, who so impartially and patiently suffered their opposition, and gave way to their Allegations, that so they might be fully convicted upon indifferent hearing.

It was Ordered, that the Bishop of Worcester shall have the Copy, and make his Answer upon Saturday next, and the Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield on Monday next after. And it is likewife granted, that the other parties shall then and there have their Counsel, to hear the Bishops.

On Thursday the 9^th day of March, four Bills of no great moment, had each of them their first reading; of which the first was the Bill for the Assurance of the Jointure of the Dutchess of Norfolk.

The Bill to assure certain Lands, late of the Bishoprick of Winchester, to the Queen, and certain Patentees of King Edward the VI. was read the second time; but no mention is made that it was either Ordered to be ingrossed or referr'd to Committees, because they had been formerly sent down from the Lords.

On Friday the 10^th day of March, the Bill touching Colledges and Chantries, surrendred to King Henry VIII. was read the first time.

The Bill for Restitution in Blood of Robert Rudston, And the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of Edward Lewkenors Sons and Daughter, were each of them read the second time, but no mention is made that they were either Ordered to be ingrossed, or referr'd to Committees, because they had been formerly sent down from the Lords.

The Bill against destruction of Fry of Salmons, Eels and other Fith, And the Bill for dwelling of Cloathiers in Barford, Dedding, Coxal, and Bocking in Essex, were each of them read the first time. And the Proviso devised by the Lords, in the Bill of Treasons, had its second reading.

The Bill for the Answering of the Revenues to the Queen, with the Incorporation of TrinityHall, were brought from the Lords by M^r Sollicitor.

Rowland Lakin Burgess for Wenlock, was Licensed to be absent for his business at the Assizes.

On Saturday the 11^th day of March, the Bill to confirm Leases and Grants, made by D^r Ridley late Bishop of London, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bishop of Worcester with his Counsel declared, that Hooper was not lawful Bishop, by reason of the Appeal of Bishop Heath, And so the Grant not good, and prayed the House to consider of it. Vide concerning this matter on Wednesday the 8. day of this instant March foregoing.

On Monday the 13^th day of March, three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the last, being the Bill for the punishment of seditious words and rumours, was read the second time; but no mention is made that it was either Ordered to be ingrossed or referr'd to Committees, because it had been formerly sent from the Lords.

The Bishop of London in proper person, required a Copy of a Bill, put in for Confirmation of Leases granted by Doctor Ridley, Usurper of the Bishoprick, as he saith, which Copy was granted unto him, with addition, that the House doth intend to take his Title in the Bishoprick as it is, And to make his Answer by words, on Wednesday next peremptory, at nine of the Clock.

The Bishop of London at this time was Edmund Bonner, whose stiff opposition against the Reformation of Religion, perfected this Parliament; as also the free Liberty he had here to defend his own Cause, either in Person, or by his Counsel, doth argue as in him and divers others Popish Bishops at this time much boldness and perverseness, so in her Majesty incomparable lenity and moderation, who so impartially and patiently suffered their oppositions, and gave way to their Allegations; that so they might be fully convicted upon indifferent hearing.

The Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, with his Counsel, declared, that for the Fine Levied, M^r Fisher hath no cause to complain. To the which, M^r Fisher's Counsel alledged, that the Fine was made by compulsion. Vide concerning this matter on Wednesday the 8^th day of this instant March foregoing.

Thomas Church, one of the Citizens for Hereford, for his Affairs was Licensed to be absent.

On Tuesday the 14^th day of March, the Bill for Liberties of Hexham and Hexhamshire, and the Bill for Craftstmen to dwell near the Sea in Kent, were each of them read the second time.

The Bill also for carrying of Leather and Tallow over the Sea to be made Felony, was read the second time.

Articles being devised for the punishment of the Bishop of Winchester and others, for Cancelling of Records: It was Ordered, that a Bill should be thereof drawn by Mr Keilway.

On Wednesday the 15^th day of March, three Bills of no great moment, had each of them their first reading; of which the first was the Bill to restore deprived Bishops.

The Bill for Cloathiers to dwell in Bocking, Coxal, &c. was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed. Two other Bills also had each of them their second reading; of which was one Bill for the Jointure and Marriage of the Dutchess of Norfolk.

The Bishop of London in his proper person shewing the untruth of the Bill, as he takes it, did conclude, that the Commissioners for his Deprivation, did not according to their Commission. And yet by his Appeal, as also by his Letters Patents from Queen Mary, he standeth still Bishop, and the Grants made by Doctor Ridley void. Vide touching this matter on Monday the 13^th day of this instant March foregoing.

The Bill lastly for Restitution in Blood of the Sons and Daughter of Edward Lewkenor, was read the third time, and passed the House.

On Thursday the 16^th day of March, two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading: of which the second being the Bill to make lawful the Deprivations of Bishops and Spiritual persons, was read the first time.

The Bill for the Assurance of the Lands, late parcel of the Bishoprick of Winchester, to the Patentees of King Edw. VI. was read the second time, and thereupon Ordered to be ingrossed.

The new Provisoes from the Lords, in the Bill for the First-fruits, were read the first time, and the Proviso from the Lords in the Bill of Treasons, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill for allowance of Sheriffs for the Justices Diets, and the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of Robert Rudston, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill for thicking of Caps in Mills, was read the third time, and upon the question was dashed.

The Bill lastly, for renewing one of the Fairs at Linn Regis, and the Bill for the new Parish Church of Abernant in Wales, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House.

Robert Buxton, Burgess of Brembre in Sussex, was Licensed to be absent, for the Duke of Norfolks Affairs.

On Friday the 17^th day of March, the Bill for the Shipping of Woollen Cloaths of 51 10⁵ over the Sea; The Bill for Artificers in Kent and Sussex, And the Bill against carrying over Sea of Leather, Hides or Tallow to be Felony, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill, that no persons shall be punished for using the Religion used in King Edwards last Year, was read the first and second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed. And the Bill that Licenses shall be good but during the Princes Reign, was read the second time, and Ordered likewise to be ingrossed.

The Bill for true Answering of Customs, and unlading of Goods in the day time, was read the first time, and as it should seem, referr'd to Mr Chancellor to be considered.

Three Bills lastly of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which one being the Bill for the Jointure of the Dutchess of Norfolk, and another against seditious words and rumours against the Queen, had each of them their third reading, and passed the House.

On Saturday the 18^th day of March, the Bill against buying of Horses to sell shortly again, And the Bill for the Assizes to be kept in the Town of Stafford, were each of them read the second time, and thereupon Ordered to be ingrossed.

Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which one being the Bill against unlawful Assemblies, was read the first time, and (as it should seem) committed to Mr Smith to consider of it.

Three Bills lastly, had each of them their third reading, of which one being the Bill for Assurance of divers Mannors, late parcel of the Bishoprick of Winchester, to King Edward the Sixths Patentees, was upon the Question passed the House.

The Bill for the Supremacy was brought from the Lords, by Mr Attorney, to be reformed. Vid. concerning this Bill on Thursday the 27^th of April ensuing.

John Malock Burgess for Linne, and Robert Moone Burgess for Britport, for their several Affairs have Licence to be absent.

On Monday the 20^th day of March, two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the second being the Bill touching the Assizes and Gaol-Delivery, was read the third time, and passed the House: and was presently sent up to the Lords, with divers others, by M^r Vice-Chamberlain.

The Bill that the Queen shall make Rules for Colledges and Schools, was read the second time and ordered to be ingrossed. And the Bill for continuance of the last Act for Rebellions, was read the first time.

The Proviso sent from the Lords, with the Bill of First-Fruits, was read the second time. And the Proviso and Reformation in the Bill of Supremacy, was read the first time; de qua vide on Thursday the 27^th of April ensuring.

On Tuesday the 21^th day of March, two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for Tanning and selling of Tann'd Leather, was read, the first time.

The Bill against unlawful Assemblies, was read the second time, and ordered to be ingrossed. And the Proviso and Reformation in the Bill touching Supremacy, was read the second time.

Two Bills also had each of them one reading, of which one being the Bill that the Queens Majesty shall make Orders in Collegiate Churches, was read the third time, and passed the House, and was sent up to the Lords by M^r Vice-Chamberlain and others.

The new Bill against Cancelling of Records by Warrant or otherwise, was read the first time.

Two Bills also had each of them their second reading, of which one was the Bill to make lawful the Deprivations of the Bishops of London, Winchester, Worcester, and Chichester, in the time of King Edward the VI.

The Bill that the Queens Highness shall Collate or appoint Bishops in Bishopricks being Vacant, was read the first and second time, and thereupon Ordered to be ingrossed.

On Wedenesday the 22^th day of March, the Bill to continue the Act for Rebellious Assemblies, The Bill for Collating of Bishops by the Queens Highness, and without Rites and Ceremonies, And the Bill for Tanners and selling of Tann'd Leathere, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House, and were sent up to the Lords by Mr Comptroller.

The Provisoes and Additions by the Lords in the Bill of Supremacy, and the Provisoes from the Lords in the Bill of First-Fruits, were read the third time, and passed the House.

Four other Bills lastly, of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the last was the Bill to revive the Act against Carriage of Horses into Scotland, and was read the third time, and passed; and was with three others, sent up to the Lords by Mr Chancellor of the Dutchy.

On Thursday the 23^th day of March, it was reported to this House by ............. one of the Burgesses, that Mr. Story had not well used himself, being a Member of this House, to go before the Lords, and be of Counsel with the Bishop of Winchester against the Patentees, which by the House was taken to be a fault. Whereupon Mr Story excused himself by ignorance of any such Order. And nevertheless had since considered of it, and doth acknowledge it not to be well done, and therefore required the House to remit it, which willingly by the House was remitted. Vide touching this business on Wednesday the first day, Friday the third, Saturday the fourth, and on Monday the Sixth day of this instant March foregoing.

On Friday the 24. day of March, for weighty Affairs to be done in this Parliament, according to the Example of the Upper House, this Court of the House of Commons is according to former Presidents Adjourned until Monday the third day of April next coming. But upon what occasion the House of Commons was this day Adjourned, doth not at all appear in the Original Journal-Book of the same House, but most probable it is, that it was by reason of a disputation had and agitated this Forenoon in Westminster Church, between the Popish Bishops, and some Learned men of the Protestant Religion, which is at large set down, Acts and Monuments, a pag. 1919. usq; ad pag. 1922. at which the Lords of the Upper House, and the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons, desired (as it should seem) to be present. Vide also on Monday the third day of April next ensuing.