Letters and Papers: April 1539, 21-25 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 14 Part 1, January-July 1539. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.

Citation:

'Letters and Papers: April 1539, 21-25', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 14 Part 1, January-July 1539, ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1894), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol14/no1/pp386-399 [accessed 16 November 2024].

April 1539



21 April. R. O.	819. JOHN HUSEE to LORD LISLE.
	Sends him my lord Privy Seal's answer to the letters brought by Larke. He has been ill these two days, but to-morrow will go to Court. The news he writes is not correct. The bruit has risen of the commission which "my said lord (fn. 1) went over for, and, to be lord governor, there is no such matter yet passed." If the King resolves on it, would be glad if Lisle had "that" room (fn. 2) or some other in England. Calais is like the frogs; it can be long contented with no deputy, but is always desiring change. London, 21 April.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.
21 April. R. O.	820. JOHN HUSEE to LORD LISLE.
	Wrote this day by Nicholas Eeyre. Has since sent by the goodman's son, of the Red Lion at Canterbury, a letter from my lord Privy Seal, enclosed in one of his own. My lord Privy Seal is now well. He has of late days taken some medicine. If my lord Admiral be at the Court, will not fail to prove his last will for Porchester. London, 21 April.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.
21 April. R. O.	821. SIR HARRY CAPELL to CROMWELL.
	Encloses the accusation of Edw. Loxton, of Obley, Somerset, attached by John Bradye, the writer's servant, for words spoken against Cromwell. Caused him to be brought before Lord Awdeley, Mr. Porteman, and other justices, who have committed him to ward. John Smythes, another of his servants, has attached Sir John Lyle, curate of Wrynketon, Somerset, for not having "abrogated" the name of Thos. Bekett, and other things, in his portues and other books. Encloses his accusation and has committed him to gaol. Wyke, 21 April. Signed
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
R. O.	2. Depositions against Sir John Lyle, curate of Wrynkton, Somers., before Sir Henry Capell, 20 April, 30 Henry VIII.
	Sir Henry Bowman, serving priest of Wrynkton, aged 40, says he has warned Lyle to amend his mass books, portuses, and other books of the parish church, according to the King's injunctions, but was answered they were well enough. And so Lyle has left the word papa in the collects of the mass book, and calendar thereof, uncorrected. In the canon of the mass Lyle with a pen has "skratted" out papa, and also Rege nostro "and this letter N which letter stood for the remembrance of the King's name." Also in the daily portues and other books the name of Thomas Beket remains with the whole legends and stories of the same. John Smythes, of Wrynkton, servant to Sir Henry Capell, has warned Lyle, in the face of the whole parish, to correct his books.
	John Smythes, of Wrynkton, aged 38, deposes he has divers times warned Lyle to amend his books. On Monday last, 14 April, he went into the chancel, and looked in the daily portues and found the words Rege nostro and the letter N blotted out, and in other books he found the word papa and Thomas Bekett's name with his legends and stories uncorrected: whereupon deponent attached Lyle.
	Thomas Browne, of Wrynkton, says he and John Ketyngale were laboured by Lyle to offer Smythes money to conceal the premises, and Lyle offered in presence of deponent as much money as he would reasonably desire, but Smythes refused.
	Signed: Harry Capell.
	Pp. 2.
21 April R. O.	822. HARRY LORD MORLEY to CROMWELL.
	I thank your Lordship for writing to the hard headed canons of Norwich for the farm of Aldeby; praying you to go through with me, for I would rather lose all my lordships than be subject to such ungentle priests. As for their answer, I know they have "prevented" me before this letter came to your Lordship. But, as your servant Phillip Morice can shew, they demand if I were attainted of treason what my bonds should avail for payment of their rent. I trust the King takes me as his true subject and defy them. This comes partly of my old enemies in these parts. Markehall, 21 April. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.: A^o xxx^o.
21 April. R. O.	823. JOHN SHELLEY to CROMWELL.
	On Saturday last, as no doubt your Lordship knows, here in Sussex was a rumour that the King's enemies were arrived at Haylyng in Hampshire. Every man made haste to harness. As my uncle Edward Shelley and I were setting forth, Miles Cobden and John Ryse, dwelling hereby, brought to us a poor Frenchman, dwelling here with his family at Terryng, accused of seditious words concerning your Lordship. The words were, that your Lordship and my master your son should be committed to the Tower. For haste, we remanded him then, and yesterday examined him, Richard Duke and Henry Jenkyns, who he alleged were his authors, and others; but we judge the Frenchman to be author of this tale. The man's name is Chr. Batermay: the examinations your Lordship shall receive by my said uncle, to whom please show your pleasure. Monday, 21 April.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Lord Cromwell, lord Privy Seal. Endd.
21 April. R. O.	824. SIR THOMAS ARUNDELL to CROMWELL.
	I have received your letters showing that it is the King's pleasure that I should dispossess John Drewe, of Bristol, whom the chancellor of the Augmentations had commanded me, in the King's name, to put in possession of the parsonages belonging to the late monastery of Bruton, and to put in Mr. Mores Berkeley; which I have done. I do not now propose to survey the parsonage to the King's advantage, as I would have done if Drewe had continued, but to leave it as before, trusting that the King's gift to Berkeley will be my discharge. Shaftesbury, 21 April. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.: Ann^o xxx.
21 April.	825. WILLIAM SAYNTLO to CROMWELL.
	The letter which appears in the Irish Calendar under this date is of the year 1540.
Royal MS. 7 C. XVI. f. 133. B. M.	826. The KING'S WINES.
	Provision of the King's wines, 30 Hen. VIII.
	Giving a large sum [1,454l.] "m d ... " (mntilated) delivered out of the King's coffers, for the provision of his Grace's wines, 30 Hen. VIII., of which there is already repaid 8l. 4s. 2½d.: and to be repaid in the price of certain wines, 1,291l. 10s. 9½d., leaving further to be repaid 154l. 5s.
April. R. O. Rymer, XIV. 636.	827. HYDE ABBEY.
	Surrender of the monastery and all its possessions in cos. Hants, Suss., Surr., Midd., Wilts, Dors., Soms., Glouc., and elsewhere in England, Wales, and the marches thereof.—(blank) April, 30 Hen. VIII. Signed by John, bp. of Bangor, commendatory, Walt. Bower, prior, and 19 others. [See Deputy Keeper's Eighth Report, App. II. 24.]
	Seal chipped.
	Enrolled [Close Roll, p. 5. No. 49] without mem. of acknowledgment.
R. O.	828. RICHARD TRACY to ROBT. ACTON, High Sheriff of WORCESTERSHIRE.
	Is sorry to see the King and his Council favour such an enemy he has of the abbot of Hayles. Being sworn the King's chaplain, he most falsely deceives him to the value of no less than 500l. He gives out that he is a bailiff to the King, and will not part with or sell anything to his disprofit. If he has surrendered, the King is entitled to all his lands and goods, whereof he has made as good a hand as ever did the wicked bailiff in Luke xvj. This may be an occasion of great disturbance. "You have a servant whose name is Broyd, which may know nothing of your mind in these matters." The abbot tills no pulse land; this year it will bear no corn.
	Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.: A^o xxx.
R. O.	829. RIC. LAYTON, Priest, to CROMWELL.
	Was appointed to be in the Upper House with one or two more masters of the Chancery, as Dr. Tregunwell and Dr. Peter. "If it be your pleasure, I shall so be, for my erudition and knowledge, there to hear the great reasons of noble and wise men, I would be glad. If otherwise, I am content right well."
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.: A^o xxx.
22 April. R. O.	830. BISHOP ROLAND LEE to CROMWELL.
	Encloses a letter from the mayor and corporation of Chester, received this day, this Council having no commission to act therein. Wigmore, 22 April. Signed: Roland Co. et Lich.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Crumwell, Lord Privy Seal. Endd.: A^o xxx^o.
22 April. R. O.	831. BONNER to WRIOTHESLEY.
	Congratulates him on his safe return to England. Received his letters dated London, 4 April, at Sens., 7th inst., by Thadeus, and the cipher, but not the letter to Castillon, mentioned in Cromwell's letter. Has sent two quilts as a present for Wriothesley's bedfellow. Asks what he wants bought with the money given to Wm. Honnyng, and what he should write to the King or Cromwell in favour of Honnyng, who has taken much pains with him. Desires to be recommended to Richard Cromwell and Mr. Solyman. Troyes, 22 April.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Endd.
22 April. Ribier, I. 442.	832. GRIGNAN, French Ambassador at Rome, to MONTMORENCY.
	His Holiness is not pleased with the Emperor, both for the delay of the Turkish expedition, and for the reply and despatch of Card. Pole; moreover, he is in great inquietude about the affairs of their Majesties, not being able to discover anything either in Spain or in France. He evidently has great desire to see Milan in the King's hands. * * * * Rome, 22 April, 1539.
	French.
23 April. Anstis' Order of the Garter, II., 411.	833. The ORDER of the GARTER.
	Chapter of the Order of the Garter, 23 April 31 Hen. VIII., at Richmond; present with the King, the earls of Arundel, Essex, Sussex, Rutland, Oxford, and Southampton. They proceeded to the naming of the knights for the stalls then vacant, as follows:—
	Earl of Southampton:—Princes, earls of Worcester, Hertford, and Huntingdon; barons, lords Russell, Cobham, and Walden, Chancellor; knights, Sir Thos. Cheyny, Sir Ant. Browne, and Sir Wm. Kyngston.
	E. of Oxford;—Princes, marq. of Dorset, and earls of Shrewsbury and Hertford; barons, lords Walden, Russell, and St. John; knights, the same.
	E. of Rutland:—the same as Oxford.
	E. of Sussex:—Princes, Shrewsbury, Derby, and Hertford; barons, lords Maltravers, Russell, and St. John; knights, the same.
	E. of Essex:—Princes, same as Oxford; barons, lords Hastings, Walden, and Russell; knights, Kyngston, Sir Ant. Wingfield, and Cheyny.
	E. of Arundel:—Princes, same as Sussex; barons, lords St. John, Russell, and Windsor; knights, same as Essex.
	Next day at high mass, the King, by consent of the knights companions then present, was of opinion that lord Russell, Sir Thos. Cheyny, and Sir Wm. Kyngston should be admitted to the stalls then vacant.
	It was also decided that the annual feast should be kept at Windsor, 18 May, being Sunday after Whitsuntide, where the earl of Arundel should be the King's deputy, associated with the earls of Essex and Rutland, and the knights chosen should be installed. Letters were sent to summon lord Russell, who was absent.
23 April. Nero B. VI., 5. B. M. S. P. I. 613.	834. CROMWELL to HENRY VIII.
	Regrets that he is unable to give attendance by reason of a tertian fever which took him yesterday morning, when he had made himself ready to wait upon the King. Sends a form of instructions he has devised for Mr. Sadleyr. (fn. 3) Has written into Flanders to Mr. Vaughan, the King's orator, to ask how the hulks shall be dismissed in Holland, and why they are discharged from their voyage. Also, to Masters Wotton and Berde, that if they can obtain the picture of the lady, (fn. 4) Berde shall return at once with it, leaving Wotton to tarry "some more effectual answer, &c." Also to Masters Christopher and Paynell to warn the princes not to trust fair words and to consider why the exchange of the 150,000 crs. should be made. After the despatch of Mr. Tate, sent Nicholas, the courier, to Spain, to cause Mr. Wyat to prepare instructions for Mr. Tate against his coming, that he himself "may, as shortly as he can, resort in post to your Highness, for the satisfaction of your mind concerning that matter which he could not write, but only show to your Grace by mouth." Wrote also by the same courier to the bp. of Hereford, of occurrences. Marvels he has no letters from him. No news except from Flanders, viz., that the hulks are countermanded, that Andelo is gone in post to the bishop of Rome, Andreas de Auria and the Venetians, to return in 45 days, and the Emperor purposes to come to Flanders, but declines the French king's invitation to pass through France. (fn. 5) It is also written that the princes in the diet at Frankfort are not agreed, and that their diet is prorogued to Midsummer at Colonia, but doubtless the King's orators there will give diligent advertisement thereof.
	M. de Marillac, French ambassador, sent word that he had news for Cromwell of no great importance. Being in his access of fever, sent Solemont to him, whose declaration was that by letters from M. de Rangon and otherwise, he had advice that the Turk made marvellous preparations to invade Christendom, and has already sent a great army to recover Castro Novo from the Venetians, and that the Sophy, king of Perse, had an orator with the Turk. The Turk was extremely set against the Venetians. Gritti, of Venice, was in Turkey, not as an orator of the Venetians, but as suitor for goods which George Gritti, his brother (who died in Turkey), had left; still, the Venetians had charged him, if he saw opportunity, to move the Turk for some agreement. Marillac said they were never put in any hope of an agreement except by certain Bassas, who coveted the presents which Venetian ambassadors are accustomed to give. These Bassas had often prayed Marillac to beg the Venetians to send ambassadors; but the Turk himself had told him that if the Bassas attempted such a thing, they should die for it, for he would never have peace with the Venetians. Marillac also showed a letter from a friend in France, in the Constable's absence, to the effect that Christopher, the Constable's secretary, who is wont to ride iu post to the Emperor, had last time brought a much colder answer, "so that there is but little hope of speed between them, and, said Marillac, Monsr. le Secretaire, (fn. 6) vous trouverez vray, ce que diz au Roy a mon arryvee vers sa Majeste, et le dictes a Monsr. du Prive Seale." Solemont said he had heard that the Constable was at Chantilly. He answered that his post came that way, but the Constable had gone to some of his places in Picardy.
	Thinks the reason why the bp. of Hereford does not write is that he tarries his men's arrival from Avignon, and other places which he was to watch. A certain person who arrived this morning reports that Chr. Mont shall arrive hither this day with Burgartus and another gentleman (fn. 7) from the Duke. (fn. 8) London, St. George's Day. Signed.
	Add.
[23 April ?] R. O.	835. JOHN HUSEE to LORD LISLE.
	Has received his letter, and trusts that Sparke has arrived, by whom he has sent the scutcheons. Sees no cause for taking thought for Lisle, being assured he will always keep his allegiance to God and the King. Believes if he were agreed with the lord Privy Seal, the money could be found. Has written to Mr. Wyndsor for money. Can hear nothing of the earl of Hertford being lieutenant. "That bruit came of the commission my lord was last sent over for." I trust that day shall never shine that your lordship shall be his deputy. As to being governor to the Prince, would God it were so, for then you would be here. I doubt not it would be 1,000l a year in your way. Monday, 3 of the clock in the morning.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: "To my lord Deputy of Calais in his own hand."
[23 April?] R. O.	836. JOHN HUSEE to LADY LISLE.
	I received your letter by the bearer, and hope Sparke has arrived with you ere this. I am merry and in good health. I trust never to have cause otherwise concerning my lord, who I am sure will never break his allegiance. For the rest, being but worldly causes, I will not be over anxious. I can write no more in your ladyship's affairs, than I have already done. Larck goes in two days. There is no such news here as my lord writes of. I will search for the evidence of Packington Pigot. Be assured I will write anything I hear about my lord, even if it be not pleasant. London, Monday, 3 a.m.
	Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.: xxxiijs, iiijd., xijd., Thos. Hamond, poticary, Bucklersbury.
23 April. R. O.	837. JOHN HUSEE to LORD LISLE.
	My lord Privy Seal seems minded to procure your licence to come to Dover, and the[re]to appoint with some judge to meet you and take your release for those lands in Gloucestershire. I do not learn this from my lord himself, nor from Mr. Polsted, but from an honest friend. I signify it in order that, if my lord Privy Seal write about it, you may be the readier to answer, for I am sure that what you intend shall be done this term. They still say you shall have the Friars; but I fear one will be concurrent with the other. My lord Admiral says now at his coming to London, he will let you know his pleasure. If he deal, I think he will discharge James Hawkesworthe's fee. As for Soberton, I fear the "heyer" (qr. heir?) has wrought some subtlety in it; for those who shall deal ask if you have any further assurance therein than the lease, and whether there be any bond for performance of covenants. Mr. More would gladly deal, but stands in doubt of the assurance. I am told that Mr. Bonham has let Lang Spers already. No news here but of the musters of London, which shall be sumptuously done. London, 23 April.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Deputy of Calais.
23 April. R. O.	838. JOHN HUSEE to LADY LISLE.
	The wine is come and Mr. Manchester has got it, but it is brackish. Still, he has not refused it. I have paid the freight. The "stolle" is come, which I will deliver at my lord of Hertford's. The colours are faded. It is of crewel. The nether part of the bender of the crossbow is also lost, and most of the twine. I think Frosell will take it as it is. 1 send 2 doz. cramprings, 8 of gold and 16 of silver, from Mr. Williams to be divided between my lord and your ladyship. Your gown is made and will be sent with Cockes. The good earl of Waterbridge comes to this Parliament. When Seller comes I trust to learn "part of his pretence and honourable doings." Mr. Wriothesley is not yet come. He and young Worsley are knights of the shire for Hampshire. Mrs. Crene wishes to know your pleasure for the gentlewoman. The draper presses for money. I hear nothing of Mr. Wyndsor's coming. Mr. Rolles is come, and has promised to write by the bearer. I hear nothing of the young man that was groom of your chamber. London, 23 April.
	There is also a bow lost, which Nicholas Eyre sent to be changed. Smythe, one of John Teborow's men, sold it for 14d.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.
23 April R. O.	839. JOHN MARSHALL to CROMWELL.
	Here in Nottinghamshire our churches be nothing like furnished with clerkly sermons according to the King's injunctions. The people here did little practise the King's gracious liberty to eat white meats in Lent time. Men say nothing against the King's acts, as long as peace followeth, but when it was said, as at our late musters, we should have war, methought the people but "mely" courageous towards it, saying "How now! an we have war then God have mercy upon us all!" and such like dark reasons. Every man of substance trusts we shall have peace. At the late musters, the justices of peace billed many men meet for the wars and commanded all to provide their own harness and weapons; new musters should be proclaimed that they may shew the said habiliments. The inhabitants of Newark complain of the bp. of Lincoln's tolls, and would have it the King's town. Sowthe Carleton, 21 April.
	P.S. When I had finished this letter, came to me the King's letters to provide four men to send to my lord Admiral upon an hour's warning. Have done so. There are no gunners here by reason of the statute against cross bows and hand guns. The Council is misinformed of me, for my lands are but 40 marks a year clear. Others that may spend thrice as much find no more men. Sowthe Carleton, 23 April.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Lord Privy Seal.
April. R. O.	840. BISHOP LONGLAND.
	Report of a conversation at the George at Reading, on Thursday before Palm Sunday, in which Sir Thos. Brown, vicar of Tylars (Tilehurst) in Berkshire, said to Master Geo. Grauntham, priest, that 24 men of Wicombe, viz., Rawns (?), Sir Aley, Sir Brown and others, had complained to my lord Privy Seal against the bp. of Lincoln, that he prayed not for the King nor spake against the bp. of Rome. The said Sir Brown came to Hadsore on Thursday last, 17 April, where he remained Friday, Saturday, and part of Sunday, and asked whether the said Geo. Grantham had heard anything yet of the Bp's. trouble. He answered, No. And Brown said "Then shall ye hear shortly further of it, and should or this time, but I and a great many mo do think that he have bought it out with money; for 1,000l. doth not bear his rewards to my lord Privy Seal, and to Mr. Richard Cromwell in a year. And if this will not help, we purpose to losse certeyn billis maad annenste the bushoppe in booth Parliamente houses. The most part of the bills are ready made and moo shall be, that men of the Parliament house may find them, that it may be known because the large gifts and rewards that he doth give to N. N. as afore." He also said to Grauntham "You may put your hand well enough to the said letters, for he hath handled you roughly and straitly," but Grauntham refused. "And the forenamed Sir Brown shewed to me, Grauntham, priest, the letters that shall be put up, but would not suffer me to read them."
	In Bishop Longland's hand, p. 1. Add.: To my lord Privy Seal. Endd.
23 April. R. O.	841. ANTHOINETTE DE SAVEUSES to LADY LISLE.
	I have received your letter showing that one dozen of the bonnets I last sent you were not of the same workmanship as the other four dozen. Is much ashamed at the mistake, but has been deceived by the makers. Has written to express to them the dishonour done to her by the superior of the monastery after the trouble she has taken about it. Has always sent her her due without compensation or salary, out of friendship for one of her kinswomen, who resides with the writer. I have written to you how the said religieuses have informed me that they no longer sell the bonnets d'homme of the last sort at less than 8 sous each, and the bonnets des femmes at 6½ sous, so that the sum amounted to 22 florins, 13 sous. I have since received two half angels, and 11 roszinboz, which make 20 florins and 2 sous over. You have sent me back half a dozen bonnets. I deduct 27 sous, "et les deux quy passent sur chee xx livre font ensanble xxix, et encoere xiij sous et ugn roszinboz que je vous envoie, creignant (?) que il men froient refus; et rabatant les desudit xxix sous, il y a xxiiij s. et le dit rossinboz feet ensanble tout a point quarrante et v.s." I have delayed sending back these two dozen bonnets to see if you would return any more. I would never have sent you the last, if I had seen them, for I knew what you wanted. I have told them that it seems too much to pay 3 sous and 3 gros apiece more than I used to do, but they reply that linen and cotton are very dear, and that they do other work much more easily than what I want. I was only once at the place where they make them. It is a religious house in France. I send your kerchief (vostre cueurechief de nit?) and also the little sack in which the bonnets were sent. I wait for the rest of the money, et pour leur fachet I have promised to send it all together. Dunkirk, St. George's Day.
	Fr. Hol., pp. 2. Add. Various parts of this letter are very ambiguous, from the bad writing and strange spelling.
23 April. R. O.	842. NEWS from ANTWERP.
	From Antwerp, 23 April, 1539. Has sent to Almayn to his fellow for patterns of hawks, harnesses, and halberds, but there is no powder to be had thence. Wants a letter from the King to the Queen to let them pass with harnesses and munitions. Has asked for a licence in the name of Mr. Framchis. They say the lords in Almain are yet together. The hulks that should have gone into Spain have returned. They lade here much iron shot for Selaunde, for the Emperor. 10,000 foot, and 2,000 horse are being taken up in Almain. They say he comes hither through France. "But be Goddes grace we howntherstande notynge but well agaynst you towharde that partyes."
	P. 1. In the same hand as Nos. 786 and 810. Endd.
Galba B. x. 99.* B. M.	2. Another copy in the same hand.
	P. 1.
23 April. Vatican MS.	843. ALEANDER to _
	The churches of Hungary.—Ferdinand and King John.—Thinks the Nuncio will report all to His Holiness. It must be a great vexation to the Emperor to see himself losing almsot all Germany on account of religion; its people all secretly infected, and the councillors worse than all. Those among them who profess to be Catholics do more harm than all, inasmuch as they are considered to be good men. And what think you of that most impious English King, who has found this way of observing the ancient form of the sacraments in order to strike a blow at the Apostolic See? This is the most hidden and pernicious poison that could be invented, because the other princes would easily drink the same poison when covered with that honey. Nor is this a new thing; because, 25 years ago, Scotland had begun to think in this same way, in the time of Louis XII. of France, who laboured much to prevent such an evil. I know something of it, because, being then in France, I wrote many Latin letters for his Majesty into Scotland in favour of the Apostolic See, by which remedies that disorder (than which I could not imagine a worse) was then stopped. (fn. 9)
	There are still, and I do not speak it rashly, not a few persons who have commenced to poison the minds of princes, by saying that they should not be so hot against their subjects for matters of faith, as the world goes now, but should dissimulate and preserve the obedience of their subjects, provided that they themselves persevere in the faith of their fathers, with the hope of reducing the heretics when this fury has passed; and they give the example of some infidel emperors who had the obedience and services of their Christian subjects, as even the Turk has, and, conversely, of some Christian emperors who allowed their subjects to hold what faith they liked, provided they had their obedience, as Constantine did until he found the Catholic party stronger than the infidel. If princes embrace such counsel it will be simple destruction (actum erit prorsus) to the See Apostolic, and consequently to the faith of Christ; for every province, every town, will have a faith according to its own fashion. It is true, as St. Jerome says, the safety of the church depends upon the dignity of the highest priest; for unless he has an eminent power there will be as many schisms as there are priests. And we see in Germany, that in every town, even in every house, there are three or four faiths, and even the Catholic lords are unwilling to see it. In fact there is no more pernicious opinion than that princes and peoples can preserve their faith, and yet sever themselves from the Apostolic See; especially under colour, as was then intended in Scotland, of publishing a decree that in matters of faith they would hold as the Roman church does, but in other things, such as the administration of matters ecclesiastic and civil, they would have no share with her. * * * * Vienna, 23 April, 1539.
	Italian. From a modern extract in R. O., pp. 4, headed: "Del Nunzio Aleandro Girolamo." Begins: Reveren. Sig. come fratello hon."
24 April. Cleop. E. v. 172. B. M. Strype, Eccl. Mem. I. ii. No. 104.	844. CROMWELL to [HENRY VIII.]
	Yesterday Christopher Mount and Mr. Paynel arrived and told me that the duke of Saxony has sent hither his vice-chancellor Burgart, and the Landgrave a gentleman (fn. 10) of his who can speak sundry languages and has been sent to various princes. When they left Frankfort the assembly was not yet dissolved, nor full conclusion taken, although some expected there would be an 18 months' abstinence on both parts. Burgart and his colleague also arrived yesterday and were placed with Jenyngs, serjeant of the Pastry House. Owing to his indisposition, has not yet spoken to them Their instructions, Mont and Paynel think, will be to demand concord in doctrine and mutual help in defence. The Landgrave is grieved at the part of your proclamation touching priests' marriages, and Melancthon has written to me about it. They have also been earnestly in hand with Mont on the subject, who said the King was not so scrupulous de votis, nuns discharged from their houses being permitted to marry, as for the credit of priests, with the common people, who are yet weak in knowledge of the Word, but he could not judge what the King might do when the people should wax strong. Quotes a passage in Melancthon's letter about the danger of palliating abuses.
	The duke of Saxony has exhorted the duke of Cleves to go through with your marriage; but his counsel is not yet returned from Frankfort, when the matter will be resolved. The Duke and Landgrave hope their ambassadors will not be long detained here. Understands that the Evangelical League will rather die than relent; either they must destroy the Papists or the Papists them. The coming of these orators will be very formidable to the bp. of Rome and his adherents; for if your Majesty join them the Papists will be half in despair. Mont confirms what he wrote, that the Emperor above all things desired them not to receive other persons into their league; "and thereupon hath been in their diet the great sticking (fn. 11) at." They have also seen the fleet returned to Zealand; all the ships shall be dismissed and the artillery laid a-land.
	Sorry he cannot serve the King. Had ill rest this night, and this is the day of the access. London, 24 April. Signed.
	Pp. 2.
24 April. R. O.	845. JOHN LORD MORDAUNT to CROMWELL.
	Wishes Cromwell to get him the King's leave of absence from the Parliament. Cannot stir without pain, owing to a fall he had on Easter day. Also to remember his bill to be assigned, now in Mr. Goodsalff's hands; has been a long suitor for it. Trusts Cromwell will speak to the King that the writer may purchase his house in London, late of the Charter-house there. Wishes Cromwell had as loving a heart to him as he has had to Cromwell ever since the latter moved him for marriage of Sir Michael Fyssher's son's daughter. The King has never given him anything. 24 April.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Thomas Crumwell, knight, lord Cromwell, and Privy Seal. Endd.
24 April. R. O.	846. THOS. VAUGHAN to the COMMISSIONERS IN THE MARCHES OF WALES.
	Certificate of musters for the lordship of Glasebury, &c., about 40 names legible, but perhaps 20 lost by mutilation. Complains that the justices of Herefordshire have interfered with him and taken the musters within his office. Wishes to know if he is to muster them again by virtue of his commission. 24 April. Signed: "Thomas Vaughan, stuarde of Glasebury, Clyfford, Wynforton, and Snodehille."
	Hol., mutilated, pp. 3. Add.: [To the ri]ght honourable [the Kin]g's Commissioners and ... s in th[e] Marches [of W]alles. Endd.
24 April. R. O.	847. HENRY PALMERE to CROMWELL.
	Has a lease, from Sir John Daunce and the King's other general surveyors, of a void ground called Dresis in the King's forest at Guisnes, but Richard Sexten, a vintner of the retinue, is trying to deprive him of it, on the ground that it belongs to him as keeper of the said forest. Asks that Sexten's suit may be stayed till Palmere can answer it. Calais, 24 April.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: lord Privy Seal. Endd.
24 April. Harl. MS. 297, f. 249. B. M.	848. ENGLISH MERCHANTS IN SPAIN.
	"A declaration testified by public notary of certain acts and ordinances established by the English nation trading Spain (sic)," grounded upon their charter from the king of England and to be observed by the governors of the said nation in the town of St. Lucar de Barameda.
	Translation of a notarial instrument setting forth that, 24 April 1539, in presence of a notary public, there assembled, in St. George's church at St. Lucar, John Swettinge, Ric. Wigmore, Wm. Southworth, Nic. Laforde, Thos. Ridled, Jas./Blase, Saunders, resident in the town of Cadiz, Thos. Kingsman of Porte St. Marie, Geo. Mastere, John Norton, Edw. Lewes, John Bedell, Ric. Darnell, George Mason, Thos. Wall, Geo. and Thos. Turnbull, resident in St. Lucar, who all declared that in December last, 1538, they and others had met in the same church and chosen Wm. Ostrich, resident in the said town, according to the privilege they had of the Duke, (fn. 12) governor of their said nation, and made certain ordinances. They now pledge themselves to obey Will. Ostrich, being here present, as their governor, to keep the said ordinances and to ratify what Ostrich has already done in certain cases specified.
	In a modern hand, pp. 5. In the same hand as Harl. MS. 36 f. 25. See Vol. XIII. Pt. II. No. 271.
Vesp. C. VII. 100. B. M.	2. Another modern copy of the same with the following heading—
	"A Translation of a privilege of king Henry of England touching trading into Spain confirmed by the Emperor; and a privilege of the duke of Medyna Cidonia with the translation of the execution thereof by His Majesty."
	Pp. 4. In the same hand as the document in Vol. XIII., Part II., No. 271, where the reference to the MS. "Vesp. C. vii., 596" is a misprint. The numeral representing the folio should have been 59b.
24 April. Vatican MS.	849. CARD. POLE to CARD. FARNESE.
	On the 22nd inst. by M. Giorgio, secretary of the nuncio in Spain, I received your letters of the 12th and 16th inst. showing that his Holiness was satisfied with what I have done so far, and with my stay in Carpentras, which, God knows, I made much more for the honour of the Apostolic See than for my own safety, although it may be continually plotted against by that tyrant. I will await the reply of the Emperor to the request now made to him by the Pope, who shall then command me. I am in great hope that God will find a way of remedying that poor island of England, since I hear that the French king, with the Emperor's consent, has sent into the Levant to treat the truce with the Turk, as no doubt you will have heard from the nuncio of France who informed me. This seems very apt for our cause, as it removes the principal impediment to the Emperor's conclusion about this enterprise of England, which, no doubt his Holiness will now be able easily to put into execution. Hopes, as he has informed the nuncio in Spain, that other obstacles will also be removed, his Majesty being already disposed to settle the affairs of the Lutherans and to let the king of England know that he must within a certain term return to the obedience of Holy Mother Church. Has, therefore, added nothing to the memorial sent by Farnese to the Nuncio on this business. Was glad to hear from M. Giorgio that the abbot (fn. 13) Pole sent to his Holiness arrived on the morning he left Tusculano. Learns by the abbot's letters that immediately after mass he had a long and kind audience of His Holiness. Is glad he arrived in time for the despatch into Spain as he could give the pure truth of all this business so far, and show Pole's advice for the future.
	Thanks for news; that of Bembo's promotion to the Cardinalate was specially welcome. Card. Sadolet sends greetings.
	Has received from France, by way of the Nuncio, Farnese's letter of the 30th ult., which he has already answered fully by his late letters. Thanks him for writing so often. Carpentras, 24 April 1539.
	Italian. From a modern copy in R. O., pp. 3.
24 April. Poli Epp., II, 153.	850. CARD. POLE to CARD. CONTARINI.
	In favour of the bearer, a Dominican of this city, one of the provincials of this province, who is going to Rome upon business of his chapter general. Carpentras, 24 April.
	Italian.
24 April. Add. MS., 28, 591, f. 114. B. M.	851. AGUILAR to CHARLES V.
	Andalot come from Venice. The Pope thinks the year too far spent for the enterprise and the affairs of Germany and England an obstacle to the Emperor's going in person. The Council. As to England, the Pope said the mere forbidding of commerce could have no inconvenience. Replied that it might affect the state of Gueldres and other lands in Germany, and that the Emperor was not wanting in desire for remedy; but these things must be done gradually and with dexterity, because, taking them at one stroke, still greater inconveniences might succeed. Told him also that the Imperial ambassador had already left England, and he is now better satisfied; for otherwise, seeing that his Holiness and the French king concur so readily in using rigor against the king of England, suspicion might be aroused that some particular cause moves them. The Council to be at Vincenza. Truce with the Turk. Castilnovo. Other business with the Pope with regard to affairs of Christendom and the Turk. Dispensation of the Comendadors of Calatrava and Alcantara. Credence for Andalot. Rome, 24 April 1539.
	Spanish. Modern copy from Simancas, pp. 25.
25 April. R. O.	852. CROMWELL to DR. WOUTTON, DR. HEWIS, and STEPHEN VAUGHAN.
	Hereafter ensue the names of the White Friars of Northampton for whom, the King's command is, ye shall make out capacities with licence to take one benefice with cure. From my house in London, 25 April.
	John Howell, prior, John Pykerde, Richard Deaken, John Harreson, John Payvy, Edward Jenyngs, Henry Neyll. Signed.
	P. 1. Add. Endd.
25 April. R. O.	853. JOHN HUSEE to LADY LISLE.
	I send by the bearer Cockes, your gown of taffeta, wherein is the placard, and as much taffeta as will make two placards more. Mr. Skutt desires to have 20 dozen quails sent hither by the last day of May. The "stolle" is delivered to my lady of Hertford. Mr. Manchester has the wine, which is scarce worth the receiving. I gave William, Mr. Skutt's man, 12d. for which he thanks you, and says your gown is faultless. I have delivered your token to my lady Rutland, who says Mrs. Katherine shall be as welcome as her own daughter. My lady Gertrude (fn. 14) is to be married on Tuesday. I have delivered Mrs. Katherine 12 yds. white damask, 2½ yds. carnation velvet. 1 roll of buckram, and ½ yd. of velvet for a partlet. As to the evidences of Packington Pigott, I think my lord knows where they are. I moved my lady Rutland nothing concerning Mrs. Katherine, but what she said was of her own mind. Frosell thanks you for his crossbow, but most of the thread and half the windlass is lost. Surely Mrs. Katharine cannot lack what he can do. London, 25 April.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.
25 April. R. O.	854. ROBERT CRANEWELL to [CROMWELL].
	I send the docket of the clear yearly value of the lordship of Aylesbury. I have no "precydens" of any other lands sold by my late lord and master, (fn. 15) because they were sold long before my time. Master Stafford (fn. 16) hopes to receive the profits of the Ormond's lands in Essex; but that cannot be, because my lord covenanted that my lady his mother (fn. 17) should have 400 mks. a year out of them. The deed was made last year and enrolled in Chancery. After my lady's decease, my lord often told me that he had promised the King to make all the Ormond's lands sure in fee simple to the lady Elizabeth, (fn. 18) for default of issue male of his own body. As to the manor of Southborough, in Kent, there was a deed made to the use of my lord and master and his heirs, by my lord of Rochford, whose attorneys delivered no estate to my said lord. I beg that I may take the reckonings, and continue auditor of the same lands, receiving my fee of 10 marks a year which my lord gave me for 8 years, over and above 10l. for my wages as steward of his house and surveyor of his lands. Otherwise I shall not have one groat by year beyond the 110l. bequeathed to me in my lord's will. Sundrisshe, St. Mark's Day.
	Hol., p. 1. Endd.: Ann^o xxx.
25 April. R. O.	855. RICHARD ABBIS to CROMWELL.
	To-day, St. Mark's Day, four of the King's ships, my ship, and four other merchant ships of London, arrived here safely. We departed out of Temys on St. George's Day, and were told by fishermen that on Tuesday last, 70 great ships passed the Narrow Seas going to Andalozia. They are probably the fleet of hulks that were days past in the Downs, and as this wind is now, they are not past Plymouth or Falmouth,. There are but 20 ships here to serve the King, for the ships of Bristowe are not yet come. Sir Thos. Spert takes great pains. "I am ashamed to look on him, for that he is not paid, so I lowly desire your gracious memory to my wife's father, that I may comply." Remains here ready at Cromwell's orders. Portsmouth, 25 April, 1539.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.: A^o xxx. Richard Abbys.
25 April. R. O.	856. SŒUR ANTHOINETTE DE SAVEUSES to LADY LISLE.
	Was sorry to hear that lady Lisle had been ill at ease. She has the daily prayers of the convent. Has sent a packet of letters by a man of Calais, and also a little packet of thread for lady Lisle; "et sur che couzu ugne autre lettre addressant a vostre personne," desiring you to forward them to Madame de Reiou at Pont de Remy, for the said letters touch [her]. I have had no news of them, and fear all is lost, for I have not heard from thence for 6 weeks. As to money to pay for the bonnets you have received, which you write that you did not want ("Touchant des mognoies pour paiier les bonnes que aves rechut, lesquelz vou me escrives non avoer demande") I had received them long before; but if I had thought your servant had misunderstood, I would have returned them to those who delivered them to me. "Madame che quy jusques en chy je men suy merley de les ferre venir nettoet pour autre chosze que pour en ettre sorty contre le thanps quy vou plerroett den avoer," and I hope you will not take what I have done amiss. I have written to them not to send me any more. Since I sent you their work and despatched their money I have had letters of thanks enough, but I have only received two bonnets. As to the value "des ooers" (of gold coins?) here, an angel is only worth 60 patars, and a roszinboz 20s. You are aware the 2 dozen amount to 6½s. the [piece?]. The women's bonnets are in all 6 florins and 36s., "a la valeur set pour chette partie deux angle de sosante saus et ung ecqu dor quy ne vaut que xxxvj patars." The half dozen men's bonnets at 8s. each amount to 48s. For the two accounts, if you send me 3 angels and a piece of 24 "saus," you will pay for all you have last received. Dunkirk, 25 April.
	Hol., Fr., p. 1. Add.
25 April. Kaulek, 94.	857. FRANCIS I. to MARILLAC.
	Has received his despatch of the 15th. Has written into Brittany that the ship Mary Thomas of Bristol, and cargo, may be immediately restored if the English allegations are true. Marillac may affirm that no letter of marque was given. Abbey of Vauluysant, 25 April, 1539.
	French Abstract.
	* A modern transcript, dated 24 April, but headed (with the date of receipt?) 2 May, is in R. O.