Henry VIII: April 1541, 1-10 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 16, 1540-1541. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1898.

Citation:

'Henry VIII: April 1541, 1-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 16, 1540-1541, ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1898), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol16/pp331-339 [accessed 16 November 2024].

April 1541, 1–10



1 April.	679. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P. C. P., vii. 166.	Meeting at Canterbury, 1 April. Present: Norfolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb,, Gt. Admiral, Treasurer, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler. Business:—Ant. Rouse being sent to Guisnes to be treasurer of works there, a letter was written to Sir John Wallop to appoint him a place within the castle to keep the treasure and make payments.
1 April.	680. Ireland.
Irish Pat. Roll, 32–33 Hen. VIII. m. 8d.	Comission to John Alen, chancellor, Sir Gerald Aylmer, chief justice, Sir Thos. Luttrell, chief justice of Common Pleas, Jas. Bathe, chief baron of the Exchequer, and Thos. de St. Lawrence, second baron, to inquire in cos. Dublin and Meath what lands have devolved to the Crown by the statute of dissolution of monasteries. 1 April 32 Hen VIII. See Morrin's Calendar, p. 77.
1 April.	681. Marillac to Francis I.
R. O. Kaulek, 283. (Abstract.)	The language this King held to De Thays and Marillac, viz., that the town of Ardres was kept from him without any title, and that it should not be thought strange if he sent men to Guisnes and Calais, and the like, has suggested watching who shall be sent thither, as the best service to be done now, when the English conceive that, at the instance of France, they shall have war with Scotland, and the fortification of Ardres daily increases their jealousy, which is the source of their irritation, whatever pretext they may colour it with. Has placed faithful persons to watch Dover and other places, and inform him, or, at need, pass to Boulogne and warn M. du Biez. Since De Thays left, 300 pioneers, all carpenters and masons, have been sent to Calais; and, within fifteen days, more will go, together with those engaged at Gravesend, Dover, Deal, and the mouth of the Thames, and 300 men of war, which will make between 4,000 and 5,000 men, counting the 500 who are there already. Learns this from a standard bearer of the company, and a servant of this King's Grand Esquire, who is commissioned to make certain standards of taffeta, to be delivered by Easter. Has no further evidence as yet, but, fearing that if evil were intended the passage would be closed to prevent warning (habitz for advis?) being given, thinks best to send two notices, that, at all events, the frontier places may guard against surprise. When he has further proof, will send an express messenger, and only fears the stoppage of the passage, for nothing shall escape his vigilance. While this King went to visit the coast, Marillac kept within two posts of the Court, and, by the way, received Francis's letter of the 19th ult. with copy of the treaties and instructions about the dispute of the bridge between Ardres and Guisnes. Begged this King to grant him audience, who put it off till his return to Greenwich, saying (as is true) that he does not stay a single day in one place and that the chief of his Council are absent. Thereupon Marillac hastened back hither to prepare his remonstrance and send this despatch. Express couriers come from Germany every three or four days, as if affairs on that side were warmly conducted; still, the Emperor's ambassador here does not negotiate anything at present. French. Two modern transcripts, each pp. 4. The one headed London 31 March 1541; the other 1 April 1541.
1 April.	682. Marillac to Montmorency.
R. O. Kaulek, 284. (Abstract.)	He will have heard from De Thays all that could be written of England, and noted the last words of this King to him, to the effect that the King was procuring the Scots to trouble him, and that he intended shortly to send men to Calais and Guisnes. On this, made secret inquiry, and only discovered what he now writes to the King. Will keep men watching the passage. Eight ships of Calais were lately arrested to carry munitions thither, which yesterday were delivered, with charge to return, immediately after making their voyage, for the said munitions. The duke of Cleves' ambassador, who has been here since the marriage of the Queen that was, is in Court to demand his congé, and it is said that the Duke his master is in France, about which the duke of Norfolk questioned Marillac, who said he knew nothing certain of it. At the request of the Privy Council here, writes to the Chancellor about certain private persons who, the English say, are there refused justice. French. Modern transcript, pp 2. Headed: London, 1 April 1541.
1 April.	683. Francis I. to Marillac.
R. O. Kaulek, 282. (Abstract.)	Received his letter by De Thays, who related well all that he had heard, especially of the King's convalescence and the instruction (memoire) Marillac delivered to him. As to the impression that the king of Scots would levy 60,000 men to make war, at the instigation of Francis, prays him (although the king of Scots would never think of making that levy unless he heard that war was to be made on him) to assure the King and all he speaks to of it, that Francis will never consent to such a war by the Scots as long as the amity between them lasts, which he trusts none living will be able to alter or diminish. De Thays also related other honorable language held by the King concerning the good of Francis's affairs, with counsel which shows more and more his fraternal affection; for which Marillac shall thank him, and inform him that, by last news from Germany, the Emperor was at Ratisbon and had taken great pains to assemble the electors and princes there; but most of them had excused themselves, especially the electors of Cologne and Mayence, the dukes of Saxony, Cleves, Lunebourg, Prussia, Wistanberg, Pomerania, Deux Ponts, and others, so that assembly is not like to bear great fruit. By advices from the Levant, it is quite certain that the Grand Seigneur prepares the two armies, by sea and land, of which Francis before wrote; moreover, that sent in advance to Hungary has raised the siege of Buda and advanced five leagues further, wasting King Ferdinand's countries there. From Rome they write of fierce war between the Pope and Ascanio Colongne, and that all the land of the Church is alarmed. Countersigned: Bochetel. French. Modern transcript, pp. 3. Headed: 1 April 1541.
2 April.	684. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 167.	Meeting at Sittingbourne, 2 April. Present: Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Treasurer, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler. Business:—Letter written to the lord Chancellor to make out an oyer determiner to the President and Council in the North, joining with them Robt. Southwel, whom the King sends to those parts.
2 April.	685. Francis I. to Marillac.
R. O. Kaulek, 285. (Abstract.)	Wrote yesterday the names of German princes who would not go to Ratisbon, and, as he would not have the king of England think that he forged lies as others do, informs him that he has since heard that the duke of Brensvyc, whom some call [duke] of Lunebourg, was said to be determined to go to Ratisbon, and also the Count Palatine. The others he mentioned were summoned, but sent excuses. Countersigned: Bochetel. French. Modern transcript, p. 1. Headed: 2 April 1541.
3 April.	686. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 167.	Meeting at Rochester, 3 April. Present: Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler. Business:—Letter written to — (blank) Clayden, baker, of St. Mary Hill parish, in London, to forbear the suit he has commenced for a garden, parcel of Salisbury House, against — (blank) whom the King has sent over seas, until his return; and then to prove his title to the said ground before the Council.
4 April.	687. Dr. Nich. Wotton to Henry VIII.
R. O.	Lately a number of lanceknights began to assemble near Cleves and the Duke, doubting their intentions, sent certain of his council to bid them disperse at once. Many went home, but certain of them went out of the Duke's lands in a body and were not heard of until about four days ago, when they were reported to be in the county of Benten in number about 4,000, and to have been retained under Courtepenninge, who was last year general for the city of Breme, against Yonker Balthazar. Sent for verification of these reports and learnt that the number was exaggerated and that they had not been retained, but had passed through the Bpric. of Munster and over the river Emse into the duchy of Teckelburgh, that there were divers hauptmen with them, as Symon van Nieunhuysen, Thomas Manton, Herman Ruyter, and Gaspar van Coelen (who, I suppose, was in England after the camp was last broken up before Terwin), and that the bp. of Munster, the earl of Benten, and others had prepared to prevent their return. Learnt also another report that a hauptman named Scramme has said he was going with money to retain them for the French king. Thinks it unlikely that Scramme should be trusted with money or with this mission. Most likely these lanceknights think that the princes at this Diet will not agree, and that there will shortly be work for them. It was reported that the duke of Cleves had set up 500 horsemen, but Wotton's servants, who saw them muster at Gogh, a Dutch mile from Cleves, say they were not above 200. They are probably neither for the French king nor the Protestants, but only for the defence of this country. Cleves, 4 April 1541. Hol., pp. 5. Add. Sealed. Endd.
5 April.	688. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P. C. P., vii. 167.	Note that on 4 April, the Council did not sit, as the King removed from Rochester to Greenwich. Meeting at Greenwich, 5 April. Present: Norfolk, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-chamb., Wriothesley. No business recorded.
5 April.	689. Oudart du Bies to Wallop.
R. O.	Congratulates him upon his new government and captaincy; and that his affairs “sont du tout bien reusies.” Ardre, 5 April. Commendations to Madame, his wife. Signed. French, p. 1. Mutilated. Add.: “A Mons. de Wallop, cappitaine et gouverneur de Guisnes, mon bon voisin et ami.” Endd.
5 April.	690. James V. to Paul III.
Royal MS. 18 B. vi. 116. B. M.	Has nominated Robert, abbot of Kinloss, to the vacant bishopric of Orkney, but desires a pension of 800 mks. out of the fruits to be assigned, by the Pope's authority, to John Stewart, his natural son, now in his seventh year. As he uses the said Robert much in his affairs and in embassies to other kings, desires licence for him to put off the Cistercian habit and wear the episcopal, as more suitable for affairs and for travel in the Orkneys. Ex Sterlingo, ad nonas Aprilis, 1541. Lat. Copy, p. 1.
5 April.	691. James V. to Card. Ghinucci.
Ib. B. M.	Begs him to forward the above suit. The Orkneys are islands situated almost under the Pole, and, because of their vicinity to Norway, Denmark, and the Germans, and the neglect of their bishops, have been without true religion. Ex Sterlingo, ad nonas Aprilis, 1541. Lat. Copy, p. 1.
5 April.	692. James V. to Card. Carpi.
Ib. f., 116b. B. M.	To the same effect. Ex Sterlingo, ad nonas Aprilis, 1541. Lat. Copy, p. 1.
6 April.	693. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P. C. P., vii. 168.	Meeting at Greenwich, 6 April. Present: Abp. of Canterbury, Norfolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler. Business: — Letter written to the treasurer of Calais not to sell the household stuff which the wife of Geoff. Loveday, dec., laid to him in pledge, for certain money her husband owed the King; and in case he had sold it (as she informed the King that he had, to her great loss) to recover as much of it as he could get. Letter sent to Mr. Chancellor of Augmentations signifying that the King had appointed Ric. Engist, priest, to be one of the prebendaries at Rochester.
6 April.	694. Wallop to the Council.
R. O. S. P., viii. 547.	The King directed letters to John Sandes, late deputy of Guisnes Castle, to deliver (by indenture) to Wallop, as captain of the said castle, the castle, ordnance, &c., and the stuff of the late lord Chamberlain there, to be retained until the said Chamberlain's debt to the King should be determined, and the staple of victual of 300l. provided there by Thos. Fowler. John Sandes, and Mr. Poynynges, high marshal of Calais, at once delivered the Castle. As to the delivery of the other things by indenture, the Deputy, Treasurer, and Comptroller of Calais, have made stay therein, as appears by their declaration sent herewith. Has, however, viewed all things; and sends a bill of the state of the staple of victual. Castle of Guisnes, 6 April. Signed. P. 1. Add. Endd.
6 April.	695. Montmorency to Marillac.
R. O. Kaulek, 285. (Abstract.)	Has received his letters and seen all he sent by De Thays, to which the King now makes answer. The King also writes the news from Germany Prays him to thank the king of England for his honorable mention of Montmorency to M. de Thays. French. Modern transcript, p. 1. Headed: 6 April 1541.
6 April.	696. Card. Contarini to Card. Pole.
Poli Epp., iii. 20.	Since we came nothing has been done. The Emperor practised with the princes. They came, but not many. The Landgrave and Card. of Mayence came, but the other Electors sent orators so as not to delay the Council. After Easter, Brandenburg, the Palatine, and Treves will come; Saxony is doubtful and has sent the count of Anhalt, who is a prince of the Empire. Yesterday the Court opened. Duke Frederic Palatine said a few words in the Emperor's name. Then the Emperor's proposition was read, which contains all that he has done since the last Diet of the Empire here at Ratisbon, and then states that he has come to compose the religious troubles of Germany and provide against the invasion of the Turks. As to religion, he wished the conference already begun (fn. 1) to proceed; but to be confined to fewer persons and to be referred ultimately to the states of the Empire, himself, and the Pope's legate. Cannot complain that he is neglected, for all pay him much respect. Writes to Card. Farnese to send his stipend for May and June, and desires Pole to remind him of it; and also to send his household there to Padua, where they will live cheaper, for he himself cannot come to Rome until the middle of summer. Sends commendations to all his special friends among the cardinals, not forgetting the cardinals of St. Quatuor and St. Marcellus; also to Priolus and Pole's familiars. Hears that their Marchioness (fn. 2) has gone to Orvieto to avoid domestic troubles. Is grieved that her brother, (fn. 3) otherwise prudent, should throw himself into these riots. Ratisbon, 6 April. Lat.
6 April.	697. Scotland.
Vatican MS.	Note that in Consistory, 6 April 1541, the Pope commended the monastery of Dryburgh, in Scotland, void by the death of James Steward, to Dom. Thomas Ersthim, clk., of St. Andrew's diocese. Rent, 1,000 florins; tax, 150 florins. Lat. From a modern transcript in R.O.
7 April.	698. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 169.	Meeting at Greenwich, 7 April. Present: Abp. of Canterbury, Chancellor, Norfolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Chanc. of Augm., Chanc. of Tenths. Business: John Hillary, of Kaynsham, who exhibited a supplication to the King declaring that the Chancellor of Augmentations had not done his duty in the trial of an information that the King was deceived by the late abbot of Kaynsham of 200 marks yearly, was found to have forged that matter and was sent to the Marshalsea.
7 April.	699. Francis I. to Marillac.
R. O. Kaulek, 285. (Abstract.)	Wrote to him to inform the King of England that the Grand Seigneur's army had raised the siege of Buda. It has since advanced further and besieged a place called Peste. As to the assembly of Ratisbon, the Emperor continues there, and there is no appearance that great fruit can come of it, nor that the majority of those summoned are there. Of the six Electors it is thought that four will be wanting. The Landgrave has gone thither and is far from finding what was promised him. He and the duke of Brosvyc are in great debate, to the length of sending challenges to each other. When the duke of Saxony arrives, things will be in still greater debate there. A fine beginning for settling affairs of peace and religion! Although sure that the king of England has continual news from thence, desires to communicate this and to learn his. Countersigned: Bochetel. French. Modern transcript, pp. 2. Headed: 7 April 1541.
8 April.	700. Canterbury Cathedral.
Add. MS. 32,311, f. 91. B. M.	Charter of erection of the cathedral church of Canterbury, in place of the priory of Christchurch there. Westm., 8 April 32 Hen. VIII. Lat. Contemporary copy from the Patent Roll. 18 large paper leaves (originally a roll) written on one side only. See Grants in April 32 Hen. VIII., No. 5.
Harl. MS. 1197, f. 347. B. M.	2. Draft of the preceding. Pp. 9.
8 April.	701. King's Hall, Cambridge. See Grants in April 32 Hen. VIII., No. 6.
8 April.	702. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 169.	Meeting at Greenwich, 8 April. Present: Abp. of Canterbury, Chancellor, Norfolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Chanc. of Augm., Chanc. of Tenths. No business recorded.
8 April.	703. Deputy and Council of Calais to the Council.
R. O.	Upon the subject of the provision of victuals for Calais against Easter which is hampered by restraints. Beg them to get the King either to allow the free transporting of victuals to Calais or grant a commission to the Deputy to import victuals, the customers in England taking sureties of the shipmasters that the victuals shall be conveyed to Calais and not elsewhere contrary to the proclamation. Send a bill of the “proportions” which they and other common victuallers of the town have ready to be shipped, the lack whereof will make them “with the longest to continue lenton diet.” Calais, 8 April. Signed: [H.] Mawtrauers.—Thomas Ponynges.—Edwarde Wotton.— G. Carew.—Edward Ryngeley.— Frauncys Dawtrey.— Willm. Sympson. Mutilated, pp. 2. Add. Endd.
	ii. The bill of “proportions” (also mutilated):—The names of the victuallers are: My lord Deputy, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Treasurer and Mr. Comptroller; Wm. Matres, Peter Lennoye, John Genkyns, Guille Robynson, John Dollyng, Wm. Hamnel, and Edw. Walter and Adrian Browne of Winchelsea; but the amounts (of beeves and flitches of bacon) are mostly lost. P. 1. Endd.
8 April.	704. James V. to Mons. de Beures.
Royal MS. 18 B. vi. 113b. B. M.	Received his letters by the conservator of the Scottish merchants there and Beures's gentlemen, (fn. 4) and will not fail to regard the goodwill his house has ever borne to James and his predecessors. As to Scottish subjects frequenting Vere, has referred the matter to his Council, as the said conservator and gentlemen will report. Sainctandre, 8 April. French. Copy, p. 1. Subscribed: A mon cousin Mons. de Baueris.
8 April.	705. James V. to the Duke of Arschot.
Ib. B. M.	To the same effect as the preceding. Acknowledging his letter in favour of Mons. de Beures. Sainctandre, 8 April. French. Copy, p. 1. Subscribed: A mon cousin Mons. Dascot.
8 April.	706. James V. to the Princess of Orange.
Ib., f. 114. B. M.	Was pleased to hear her good news and would be glad often to hear news of her. Sainctandre, 8 April. French. Copy, p. 1. Subscribed: A ma cousine Madame la Princesse Doranges.
8 April.	707. Montmorency to Marillac.
R. O. Kaulek, 286. (Abstract).	Has, since yesterday's despatch to him, received his letters of the 1st, and is sure he will do no small service to the King, who is very well. The King has at once provided for Picardy and is sending thither M. de Vendosme, with all the captains of companies. French. Modern transcript, p. 1. Headed: 8 April 1541.
9 April.	708. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 170.	Meeting at Greenwich, 9 April. Present: Chancellor, Norfolk, Privy Sea1, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Chanc. of Augm., Chanc. of Tenths. Business:—Letter to John Gunter and Wm. Wayte, of Chichester, with further instructions (detailed) in the matter of the Flemish hoy, which is now shown to have been bought by one Bowyer of Petworth. Whereas Sir Geoff. Poole had assaulted and hurt John Mychaill, parson of Racton, Suss., Mr. Justice Shelley was commanded to call the said Sir Geoffrey before him at next sessions and take sureties of him for keeping the peace. Thos. Marriott, of Rugby, Warw., accused of lewd words, on examination was found to have spoken rather of madness and frenzy than malice, and was dismissed with a letter to Mr. Wigston and other justices to restore his goods.
9 April.	709. Francis I. to Marillac.
R. O. Kaulek, 286. (Abstract.)	Has received his letters of the 1st, and, although sure that Marillac will send notice before any harm could be done, still, as this affair is redoubtable [and] important, he must observe what descent the English will make, and what their preparations are; and, if the passages are closed, endeavour to notify Du Bies in all diligence. Countersigned: Bochetel. French. Modern transcript, p. 1. Headed: 9 April 1541.
10 April.	710. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 171.	Meeting at Greenwich, 10 April. Present: Chancellor, Norfolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Chanc. of Augm., Chanc, of Tenths. No business recorded.
10 April.	711. Marillac to Francis I.
R. O. Kaulek, 286. (Full Abstract).	Since his last of the 1st inst., was at Greenwich on the appointed day, fully instructed to remonstrate upon the dispute of the Cauchoire. The King gave him good audience and heard his reasons, but, owing to the absence of some of his Privy Council, answered only that he would, with his Council, examine the report made by the French commissioners (of which he asked a copy as his ambassador there had done), and Marillac should afterwards be heard by his Council. He charged Marillac to assure Francis that, if he saw more evidence of his (Francis's) right than his own, he would incline entirely to equity and reason. Expresses great doubt of the result, for such language has been held before in this affair; but, at any rate, time is given to fortify the frontier towns, and he thinks Francis should not press the matter, lest the English, in their jealousy of Ardres, and on pretext of guarding their borders, make open war, which they cannot do while this matter is in terms to be amicably settled. If he followed popular opinion he might write that war would begin this year, and, on the other hand, if he looked only at the gracious language and good countenance of the King and assurance of all the ministers, he would say there was no intention but of remaining friends. The talk of sending over sea the number of men specified in his last letters continues. Wallop is conductor of a good part of them, who is anew made captain of Guisnes, and under him one Paulmier and others, who will have 500 men besides the ordinary garrison, and 1,500 pioneers. The intention is to enclose and fortify the borough of Guisnes, as the castle is strong enough. Norfolk told him so, adding that no harm was to be thought if they sent men to fortify Guisnes, as Francis had done the like when he rebuilt Ardres. Others whom he has found reliable say there is a fort to be made between Guisnes and the bridge in question, at a place where, since it was broken, certain trenches have secretly been made for a foundation. Now they will work night and day to set up the fort, from which they could batter even the town of Ardres; but of that Du Bies can best judge. This is why they will send so many men, making 2,000 to guard against interruption. It is added that an Italian named Archangello had gone into Ardres, pretending acquaintance with another Italian who has superintended the work there, and reported here some time ago that it could not yet be so tenable but that it might be forced by St. John's tide, and that he would make a fort at the place above-named, from which those there could be greatly damaged. Thereupon the foundations were cast, and now the said Italian was leaving with this King's master gunner to view the place most suited for artillery. First of all, bulwarks of earth were to be made to protect the workers, and to store arms which they might use at need. All this for Guisnes; but, as for the other 2,000 men who were to cross, sees no appearance of it, except that some people have been already sent to Calais, as he has written, who are working at a new bulwark there. Mr. Hoyet, lately released from prison, is to command 300 light horse, to be stationed there until the works are defensible. The footmen are not levied and will not go before Easter, and meanwhile Marillac will send further information. When he was speaking last with this King, there arrived a post despatched from his ambassador resident with the Emperor on the 29th ult. The King said he brought news that the Ecclesiastics and Protestants were in terms to agree, and that there was no mention of the Grand Seigneur invading Christendom, but he could not tell the rest as the letters were in cipher. The ambassador of Cleves has come to tell Marillac that he had been charged to inform this King that the marriage of his master and the princess of Navarre was concluded, and that was the cause for which he had been in Court, although the bruit was that it was to take leave. French. Two modern transcripts, each pp. 6. Headed: London, 10 April 1541.
10 April.	712. Marillac to Montmorency.
R. O. Kaulek, 289. (Full abstract).	Supposing that this packet will find him returned from Brittany to the Court, refers him to the King's letter for an account of his remonstrances about the Cauchoire. If Montmorency thinks it expedient to keep the affair in suspense, will find means of delay, such as requiring the English to reply in writing to the report of the French commissioners; and meanwhile the frontier towns may be fortified. If he presses for final resolution, thinks they will refuse to give up what they claim; and then the French must either begin war, or quit their pretension. As to the second point of his letter to the King, knows a master tailor who is making the ensigns for the footmen, to be ready after Easter. Meanwhile pioneers are crossing daily, by twenty and thirty; but the men of war will go all together. There is an Italian here, aged about 70 years, who has shown this King that he would make a mirror and place it on the top of Dover Castle, in which mirror could be seen all ships that leave Dieppe. Although that seems incredible, he has persuaded this King to provide money to make it, and left yesterday for Dover to fulfil his promise. Omitted to write to the King that this Queen is thought to be with child, which would be a very great joy to this King, who, it seems, believes it, and intends, if it be found true, to have her crowned at Whitsuntide. Already all the embroiderers that can be got are employed making furniture and tapestry, the copes and ornaments taken from the churches not being spared. Moreover, the young lords and gentlemen of this Court are practising daily for the jousts and tournaments to be then made. The English ask whether the salt trade will be forbidden them, so as to prevent their going to Bruage as accustomed, and whether it is true that their subjects are charged five per cent, at Rouen fair; saying that the treaties expressly say that neither King may impose new subsidy or grieve the other's subjects. Replies that he has no information from the Court, but will write of it. French. Modern transcript, pp. 3. Headed: London, 10 April 1541.