Henry VIII: February 1533, 6-10 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 6, 1533. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1882.

Citation:

'Henry VIII: February 1533, 6-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 6, 1533, ed. James Gairdner( London, 1882), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol6/pp56-68 [accessed 30 November 2024].

February 1533, 6-10



6 Feb. R. O.	130. The Scotch Borders. Warrant under the King's sign manual to Cromwell, to send to Sir George Lawson 3,000l., to be spent on the King's affairs in the Marches of Scotland. Westm., 6 Feb. 24 Hen. VIII.
6 Feb. R. O.	131. Payments. Warrant under the King's sign manual to Cromwell, master of the Jewels, to receive of Thos. Alvarde, gentleman usher of the Chamber, the sum of 2,000l. ; of which he is to pay 1,000l. to Hen. Norres, esquire for the Body, into the privy coffers to the King's use, and the other 1,000l. to Dr. Cranmer, archbishop of Canterbury elect, "which thousand pounds we have advanced to him by way of prest and loan." Westm., 6 Feb. 24 Hen. VIII.
6 Feb. Royal MS. 18, B. VI. 189 b. B. M.	132. James V. to Odulph Of Burgundy, Lord Of Bevres And Vere. Thanks him for his good will and the trouble he takes in Scotch affairs, as reported by the dean of Glasgow, for whom he desires credence, in letters to the King's secretary. Holyrood, 6 Feb. 1532. Lat., p. 1, copy. Marginal note by the copyist : "Hic fuit Mr. Jo. Scrimgeour, avi me frater."
Ib. 26.	ii. Another copy.
[6] Feb. R. O.	133. Nic. Poyntz to Cromwell. Both before Christmas, and since, I have been very ill, as my servant Parry can tell you. I am sorry I can find nothing here to send you. Whereas the King gave Thos. ap Gwillyms the keepership of Micklewood Chase in Gloucestershire, but afterwards, at your desire, gave it to me for term of my life ; (fn. 1) I beg you will let me know what is the King's pleasure concerning Gwillym's grant. I suppose I should have obtained it by gentleness, but do not like to meddle therein without knowing your further pleasure. Acton, Thursday after Candlemas Day. Signed. P. 1. Add. : Councillor.
7 Feb. Add. MS. 28,585, f. 217. B. M.	134. Dr. Ortiz to the Empress. Has received her letter of 20 Jan. Has heard nothing of the effect of the brief, except that there is a closer affinity between the King and Ana, in consequence of his previous connection with her sister, than between the King and Queen, whose marriage with Arthur was not consummated. Some time ago he asked for a dispensation to marry her notwithstanding this affinity, and the Emperor asked Sir Gregory Casale (who told him that the King was procuring this divorce on conscientious grounds) how this could be while he was living with Ana before sentence was given, or he had married her ; and how he could deny the validity of the dispensation for his marriage with the Queen, and demand a similar dispensation to marry this woman. It is said that Madame de Alanson is much displeased at the King's intention to marry, and that the French king rebuked him for it at the late interview. The Emperor has written to the Card. of Seville and the Council of the Inquisition for the remission of the penance imposed on Frai Francisco Ortiz, his brother. Bologna, 7 Feb. 1533. Sp., pp. 3, modern copy.
7 Feb. R. O.	135. John Robyns, Canon of King's College, Oxford, to Cromwell. A letter of compliments. Offers his services. King's College, Oxford, vii. Id. Feb. 1532. Hol., Lat., pp. 2. Add. : A secretis consiliis, Londinii.
8 Feb. R. O.	136. Lord Darcy. Indenture, dated 8 Feb. 24 Hen. VIII., between Ric. Wraye and Philip, his son, on the one part, and Thos. lord Darcy on the other, touching lands in Richmond, Surrey. With an endorsement in Darcy's hand. Sealed.
8 Feb. Vesp. F. XIII 75 b. B. M. Cranmer's Works, p. 237.	137. Cranmer to Cromwell. "Maister Crumwell." Desires him to be good master to his old friend, Master Newman, in his suits. Has suits of his own to move to Cromwell at their next meeting, which he forgot when they met ; but he is so much beholden to Newman that he leaves them till another time. Chanon Rewe, in Westm., 8 Feb. Signed : Thomas electe of Cant'. P. 1.
8 Feb. R. O.	138. John Bunolt to Lord Sands. Parnell, your woman, has been with me today, "and not sithens your departing out of this town." She says the news in that country is that the King of Scots is to marry the eldest daughter of the king of Denmark, who is now prisoner, giving him for her marriage "the right and title that he pretendeth in the kingdom of England," with all the arrears due of old time. Also, the son of him that keeps now the kingdom of Denmark is to marry by dispensation the second daughter of the said King prisoner. Also, the Emperor and Francis have come to an agreement, and he (Francis?) has abandoned his intended journey into Italy. The Emperor intends to banish a great number of Spaniards, and send them to Scotland, to assist James in his war against England, saying that Englishmen shall be well beaten this next summer. The lord Nassow is come to be Regent in Flanders. Women shall no more rule in those parts. The Queen of Hungary is going to the Emperor in Italy, and will take with her his bastard daughter to be married to the Pope's son. "Now, my lord, ye may perceive the gentle alliance made with bastards." Parnell desires you to remember a gown that you promised her. We have lost knowledge of many things by not entertaining the man of France. The expense was not great for such a man. Calais, 8 Feb. Hol., pp. 2. Add. : My [Lor]d Chamberlain. Endd.
[ (fn. 2) 8 Feb.] Vit. B. XIV. 97. B. M.	139. [Benet to Henry VIII.] "Pleasith ... xxviij. of ... dated t ... the Pope ... considering ... his Holiness ... letter, that your ... as he had with us in your Highness ... Holiness hath approved your cause and ... of the same in manner openly, which thing ... done no other but altered him sore, and ch ... from the good mode that he is in, and cause ... forbear hereafter to disclose his mind so frel[y] ... as he did at that time, and also to desist [from the] good office which he hath begun in, to th[e detriment] of your Highness' cause ; wherefore we tho[ught it good] not to deliver your Highness' letter to his Ho[liness]. Yet to the intent that the same should confirm [such] things as his Holiness showed to us touching [the] justification of your Highness cause, we did ... very words in the same form that his H[oliness] ... them, and as we did write them to you [r Highness] and the same we accommodating our words [to] the effect of your Highness' forsaid letter to h ... e the credence according ... s did not only take ... things touching ... according as we afore ... his Holiness in the ... sposicion. Afterward we ... king of the General Council ... [Em]peror doth now so much solicit, did incidently ... the General Councils, Nicence and Cartaginens [an]d other, showing to his Holiness what was determined [in] them concerning the diffinition of your Highness' cause within the provinces, inferring of the same that his Holiness could do nothing better than to suffer this your Highness' cause there, by the Metropolitan alone, or with his comprovincials, according to the determinations of the foresaid councils, and so his Holiness should best rid himself of the matter, and, as we thought, to your Highness satisfaction, and suffering the diffinition of the cause there after this sort, nothing might be opponed against him, having the General Councils for the justification thereof ; and here we showed to his Holiness again most copiously [th]e benefits which undoubtedly should ensue to his [H]olyness in satisfying your Highness, and contrary wise the [incom]modities which should follow to him and See [Aposto]lique if his Holiness should not study to satisfy your High[ness] ... him se[lf] ... and be ... purpose to ... satisfaction ... auctorite of th ... Bennet, that I ... that he made unto me many d ... when I moved his Holiness to suff[er the archbishop] of Canterbury to diffine this cause, the ... that the exclamation of the part adverse for ... against it, should be so great and just [that his] Holiness might not deny that remedy w[hich the] law would he should grant, and justly h ... might not deny the remedy, which the ... should grant ; (fn. 3) and said moreover that the [Emperor] having an inkling that process should be [made before] my lord of Canterbury, did obtain of his H[oliness two] years passed or thereabouts an inhibition (fn. 4) ... We replied and said that we were sorry [that his] Holiness should take our motion so displesa[ntly, for] that we made it to a good end, and ... his Holiness wealth which might grow ... of your Highness upon so great ground ... that they were not ... his learned council ... e fearing lest his ... Highness should intend ... Holiness should conceive ... Highness would not accept ... which Master Bonner and his ambassador ... me made to your Highness on his Holiness behalf ; which thing should be very dangerous, now chiefly, the Emperor being with him, we thought therefore best to speak no further in it. Now of the premises your Highness may gather what hope is to be conceived that his Holiness would wink or look through the fingers if process should be made there. "As touching the matter excusatory, and in what point it standeth now, [ver]yly, Sir, the Pope by signing the commission to the dean of the Rote to proceed in the principal cause, which his Holiness did in October last, did thereby tacite reject the said matter excusatory, whereby your Highness may perceive that by this excusatory, process in the principal cause shall not be differred. And albeit the Queen's proctor here caused divers citations to be read in the contradicte against your Highness ... deane ... signa ... foresaid ... I think ... to say that ... principal caus[e] ... hence, at which tym[e] ... th ... go forth unless your Highness ... made to your Highness concerning the com ... the which offer your Highness hath as ... admission of the matter excusatory con ... Highness by the law. And as touching the Young Man, he is con ... a copy of the Old Man's writings, which ... custody signed with his hand. Also your H[ighness] known by his letter unto the same and [also by] report of Master Bonner that the opinion [of the Old] Man in your Highness' cause is in favour of ... and so the Young Man hath showed [unto us] already, and when time shall be he [will produce] it in the Consistory, and the Pope hath ... commanded him to keep it secret, an[d show it] to no man living till that time. As ... opinion of the ... [excu]satory was to be ... inacion of the general ... could by no reason ... nyng always that ... all things in the service ... may stand with his truth and ... d s ... that he thinketh verily that if [he] should show to the Pope that the Old Man was in the opinion that the foresaid matter was to be admitted upon that ground, he should thereby utterly lose his credit, and give an occasion to the Pope, which is light of conjecture, to smell the practise that we have with him, which should be his utter ruin and destruction of your Highness' cause, for as he said, the Pope is so persuaded of the Old Man that in all matters wherein his Holiness consulted with him he did ever show to his Holiness his opinion freely, whether it was with him or against him. And that by force he would show it to the Pope, he would very substantially study the thing. And he said that he knoweth most surely that the Old Man did at the beginning of the said matter excusa[tory] ... sens t ... if he ... Old Ma[n] ... matter excus[atory] ... considered the ... was that the ... admitted, he knoweth for ... would never believe him, but think ... he did speak it, being made for the ... he saith one of the chief causes wh ... the Pope to believe his relation of the Old [Man] ... in the principal cause is because the ... the Old Man always speak in conformity ... now he said if he should say to the Pope ... that the Old Man had always spoken ... would take it for a feigned thing, ... he said he was absent from Rome tw ... before the Old Man died, and he said ... that the Pope in the meantime did ... Old Man to know his opinion towch[ing] ... General Councils, and that the Old [Man sent] to his Holiness his opinion therein ... not for the matter, as he believeth ... to wrote to him ... list that the Old [Man] ... not in no wise ... es, for we should ... which we would ... process in the principal ... if this be true, and he ... affirm the contrary to the Pope, he should not [se]rve your Highness' purpose therein, nother yet in the principal cause, and be sure to be ruinate thereby, and finally said, to what purpose should he put the cause and himself in this danger, considering that your Highness hath by the offer which the Pope hath made to your Highness for committing of the cause ad locum indifferentem, which is as much as the admission of the foresaid matter could give to your Highness ; and so, notwithstanding all our persuasions to the contrary, we could never press him to do it. Sir, we are in a great perplexity what to do when the Young Man shall offer to us the foresaid writings, [for] we think verily that he woll never deliver [the]m to us without the money, and if we should refuse ... utterly ... while ... make ... he would ... not hear of h ... be fulfilled, and so he should ... that conceit, and if he should sh ... to make report of the Old Man's opy[nion] ... Consistory effectually, other to bring for[th] ... writings being in his custody what ... may do thereby to your Highness cause, y ... hath those things which hath been ... and showed to your Highness by Master ... consider. Sir, the Emperor as most desirous to know [in whose] favor the foresaid vote is, hath used all ... and means possibly both by him se[lf] ... to know it of the Young Man, insom[uch that he] lately offered him freely the advowson o[f the bishopric] of Mineva, being of value vj^m du[cats ... the Young Man ... ... y refusal thereof ... the Emperor to suspect ... ight by doing the ... Highness' purpose the better ... the Old Man's vote into [the King's Highness'] favour, and against the Queen and ... [ag]ainst the Emperor's mind, it shall be of more [c]redence, reputation, and authority, and so taken in every man's opinion and judgment ; howbeit the said Young Man said that he thinketh when he shall so do that the Emperor woll not keep his promise. But, Sir, we think that if he should continue in this jealousy that he seemeth to be in now, that he shall be deceived in conclusion of those things which are promised on your Highness' behalf, like as the Emperor's promise of the foresaid bishopric being so openly known shall cause the report of the foresaid vote against themperor's mind to be of more credit ... we believe if he should not be satisfied of ... money, now being persuaded to be finally deceived ... of the ... the Emperor ... that ... writings ... may so order ... your Highness proposition of ... words only tell your Highness ... (as we shall do our uttermost in it ... verily that we shall do a great a ... most humbly we beseech your Highness ... may have shortly answer from the [same]. Sir, an answer is come from the French [king concerning] the interview of the Pope and him, [which is] that the French king is contented to come [to Nice], (fn. 5) and hath appointed the time to be [the month of May] next, the Pope writeth to the French k[ing] ... that his Holiness thinketh both the [place and] time convenient, but your Highness m[ust keep] it secret, for if the Emperor should have ev[en] an inkling of it, the Pope thinketh [that] the Emperor will never depart out of [Italy?] ... letter to the Pope of ... that he is contented ... [wi]ll marry the ... [acco]mplishment of that ... will bring the said ... him to the interview ... [to]wching the league which the Emperor soliciteth ... for the defence of Genoa, the French king woll neither consent, neither dissent, but remitteth the thing wholly to the Pope to do what he will. The French king by the same courier wrote a letter to the cardinals Turnon and Gramont, wherein he willed them no less cure of your Highness cause than of his own proper affairs. And so they offered themselves to do anything that we should require them to do, and that they woll do it with no less diligence and affection than if it were their own master's affair. We answered them, seeing that it was seen to them to forbear the execution of their commission for certain respects [ti]ll the Emperor were departed, we had no particular ... as now to desire them to do, or any to the Pope, b ... how t ... cause ... unless his ... Highness herein ... the French king ... Highness in your cause, his h ... thereby win both your Highness and ... King assuredly to his Holyness wh ... redound to his Holiness honour and prof[it] ... is thought that the Emperor will depart ... hence about the end of this mone[th]." In Tuke's hand. Mutilated*.
8 Feb. R. O. Rym. XIV. 447.	140. Clement VII. to John Scot. Brief permitting him to visit the Holy Sepulchre, along with one religious man and another Scotchman as his interpreter, to be chosen by himself, and exhorting all abbots, priors, &c. to receive him kindly ; the said Scot having been put in prison by rivals who laid claim to his lands, and lived there 33 days without food or drink, by the aid of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin, and St. Ninian ; and after his release, being obliged to take refuge from his enemies, he remained in the monastery of Holyrood, St. Andrew's dioc. without food or drink, for 106 days. Meanwhile he took a vow that, if released from his troubles, he would visit the Holy Land and also the relics of St. Ninian at Whithern (Candida Casa). As his powers, nevertheless, are not equal to the journey, indulgences of seven years, and as many Lents (quadragenas), are promised to every one who supplies him and his companies with needful food and clothing. Bologna, vi. Id. Feb. 1532.
8 Feb. Royal MS. 18, B. VI. 18. B. M.	141. James V. to Francis I. Was troubled that the long stay of his Ambassadors in France produced no result, and that Francis deferred concluding matters on account of a false suspicion. However, the letters he sent by the Scotch ambassadors on their return gave James hope that matters would be settled in accordance with the treaty on the arrival of Stephen Aqueus, Francis' servant ; and on seeing the letters and credence entrusted to him, Francis will find that his suspicion is unfounded, and that James gave no occasion of war to England. Will send an ambassador to him. Holyrood, 8 Feb. 1532. Lat., Copy, p. 1.
9 Feb. Vienna Archives.	142. Chapuys to Charles V. Wrote last on the 29th. Though the Nuncio was put off eight days for an answer, he returned to the duke of Norfolk the day I wrote last, and was with him a long time, though he told me nothing of it. Early the next morning he went to Greenwich, and was nearly all day with the King and Council, going from one to the other. Heard of this from a servant of the Queen, and went to the Nuncio to find out the mystery ; but he would not repeat what had passed, as he had been accustomed to do, and concealed having spoken to the King and Council. When I said to him that since he had been put off to a certain day for his answer, as the nature of these people is to go further back the more they are pressed, he might injure his business instead of advancing it, he replied that he was a poor gentleman, living by his service, and it was right for him to act thus. I do not quite understand what he meant by this, unless that he pretended he could mend the affair somehow (que ainsi faisant il pourroit a quelque fin que tombat l'affere amender de ceulx cy.) He says that for a year they have made him large offers, if he would favor the divorce. Could get nothing out of him but that he had gone to Greenwich to find the man who had fixed the term of eight days for his answer, and being there did not omit to visit the duke of Norfolk. It seems probable from this dissimulation that the Nuncio was the promoter of these practices. Yesterday morning the King sent for him to give him his answer, and to take him to Parliament. The King went by water, and during the journey praised the Nuncio for his conduct, and thanked him for the affection and goodwill which he showed to his service. He asked him not to take it in bad part, if he gave him no other answer about the proposal he had made to him ; the reason was not distrust, but because it would be a useless waste of time, as the whole must be referred to the Pope, and he would send his ambassadors full instructions and powers. The Nuncio told him that as the affair would not admit of delay, if the instructions and powers were not in proper form the Pope would be constrained to proceed to the sentence ; for this reason it would be well to communicate the whole to him, and to cause the Queen to send a similar power. To this the King would not consent. The Nuncio told him that if this agreement took effect he must recall the Queen, and treat her more cordially. The King replied that he had already given him an answer about this, and he would do nothing of the kind, and for good reasons, her disobedience and extreme severity to him. On hearing this the Nuncio did not declare the condition which your Majesty sent me, partly because he had not been informed of it by the Pope, and partly because he judged it impossible to induce the King to leave the Lady, without whom he cannot live for an hour. He feared also incurring the displeasure of her, the King and her relations. Yesterday, for the second time, the King went to the House of Parliament. He took his seat on his throne, the Nuncio being on his right and the French ambassador on his left. Behind there were all the Lords dressed like the King in their scarlet Parliament robes (chappez). The deputies of the Commons, also in scarlet, presented to the King a lawyer, who had been elected as Speaker (fn. 6) (parlamenteur aux estatz), the office being vacated by the promotion of the new Chancellor. The King received him, and conferred on him the Order of knighthood. Nothing else has been done since Parliament met on the 3rd. When the King left, the Nuncio and Ambassador accompanied him to the water, and then were taken back by the dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk to the house, where they dined with the Lords of the Council, and were shown over the house. After dinner the Nuncio came to tell me of the King's answer to him. The Nuncio was not asked to this assembly without a purpose (sans mistere). Perhaps it was intended to awe the prelates by showing them that the King has intelligence with the Pope ; to change the opinion of the people about excommunication, or to make your Majesty and the Queen jealous. Whenever the Nuncio has spoken with me, I have tried to find out what benefit, either public or private, can arise from the scheme he proposes ; but he always in conclusion agrees with me, that the best and most sure way not only to settle this affair, but to remove all difficulties between the Princes, would be a speedy sentence. He says he has written thus to the Pope more than 1,000 times, but he is not listened to. Even if he had thought otherwise he would hardly have dared to say so, for previously he has always spoken in this manner. A fortnight ago he said that there was no other means of detaching the King from his connection with France, except the settlement of this affair, for his friendship with France is caused only by his expectation of support from them in this case. Reminded him of having said this ; and he did not deny it ; but he excuses his prosecution of this practice by his ignorance of the necessity and disposition of the affairs treated by your Majesty and the Pope. One of the reasons for my suspicion that the Nuncio himself proposed this scheme is, that he has always been trying to find means that the cause might be decided elsewhere, saying to the King that the Pope had greater desire to be released from it than the King himself, and there was nothing in the world he would not do to be freed from the burden. The repetition of such words by the Nuncio has made the King persist so obstinately in the remission of the cause, being sure that the Pope would help it as much as he could. As I did not expect the scheme to take effect, I almost thought it better not to say anything about it to the Queen ; but at the request of the Nuncio, who had heard that she had some inkling of it, I informed her of it at length, giving her good hopes and confidence, though there was no need of this, as she would not lose hope in anything that is passing through your Majesty's hands. On hearing of it, she was much astonished and vexed at the Pope, who, after keeping her waiting for three years and a half, instead of giving sentence, had begun a new practice to cause more delay, and make her die of grief, with the reputation of having lived as the King's concubine, leaving her daughter in continual perplexity and misery. Such means, she said, would not make matters better, but the reverse ; for as long as the King has some remains of hope, he will not cease doing the worst he can against your Majesty, the Pope, and herself ; and that to avoid so many evils, to say nothing of her own interest, she would not consent to such a proposal, unless indeed it was your Majesty's will. Even if the King promised to obey the brief, he would make her lead a worse life than before, and in a short time recall the Lady. She therefore begs your Majesty to urge the decision of her process, assuring you, as she knows the King better than any one else, that no war nor slander will result, but great good, both for your Majesty and herself ; there would be no difficulty about the King's obeying it, and, even if there were, she would live and die consoled, when justice was declared for the discharge of her conscience and the assurance of the Princess's succession. I think they are only entertaining this practice to gain time, and wait for an opportunity for obtaining from the Pope an absolute dispensation to marry again, without a process, which they say Lewis XI. and Ladislaus of Hungary had. I believe that if the King once gains the point of not being bound to appear at Rome, a most unreasonable demand, he (the Pope) will have less shame in granting the said dispensation by absolute power, as it is made out that the King's right is so evident, and if his Holiness will not grant this, instead of baffling the King, he will find the King more inimical than ever. (fn. 7) I do not know by what paths the Pope expects to lead the King and separate him from France, seeing what he has already done and continues to do against the authority of the Church, unless there has been some collusion between them. I think that as the King has already made some profit out of Church matters, and is now touched with avarice, considering also the persons he has about him, it will be difficult to prevent him treating his ecclesiastics badly without regarding the Holy See. The lady and her father, who are perfect Lutherans, abet him in this (le mectent en cecy), and the Pope must not think to have any influence over the King while the lady and the present Council reign, unless he will give the dispensation already mentioned. A sentence is the sovereign and only remedy, and the Queen says that the King would not struggle against it, if only from fear of his subjects, who are not only well disposed to your Majesty and the Queen, but for the most part good Catholics, and would not live in excommunication and under an interdict. The King would, therefore, be forced to obey the sentence. If a tumult arose, I do not know if the Lady, who is hated by all the world, would escape with her life and jewels. If the Pope does not take care, and that soon, he will lose his authority here little by little, and his censures will not be regarded. Besides, the sentence could not come at a better time than now, when there is war with Scotland ; for if, in consequence of the interdict, they could have no intercourse with Flanders and Spain, there would be such excitement against the King and his Council as never was before. Would not have written thus, as your Majesty knows the importance of affairs better than any one else, but the Queen commanded me to do so. It appears clearly that the King only demands the remission of the cause to cause delay, and make it immortal ; for while it was before the Cardinals here, he took no trouble to produce witnesses or instruments, but only insisted on a sentence, as the process must have ended in a sentence in his favor. What can he add now, except that he wishes to examine witnesses as to the consummation of the first marriage, for which there would be no reason to insist on the scheme proposed, as the Rota would grant demissoria to examine them here, if he wished? As to what the Pope said to your Majesty, that if the King wished to appear at Rome, he would be heard, notwithstanding his previous contumacy, and his Holiness would be obliged to give him long delays :this is true and reasonable, but, on the other hand, there is a point which the King well knows, and which counterbalances nearly everything else, as the King knows. It is this : if he appears and demands such things, he must first obey the brief. On this hangs the key of the whole matter. To increase the Queen's suspicion that the sudden promotion of the archbishop of Canterbury was for the purpose of attempting something against her, she has recently been informed that the King boasted more than twice that, if the Pope did not grant what he sent Dr. Bonart to ask, who is going tomorrow, he would have his case tried directly the bulls arrived here. She has also heard that four days ago one of the King's chief councillors had assembled several doctors, both clerical and lay, and had proposed to them, on behalf of the King, that the opinion of all theologians was that if the first marriage was consummated, the second was null ; and that to prove the consummation, besides the presumption the King had found an instrument, which he showed them, containing an assertion thereof by the King Catholic and the King's father. Having seen this, the whole company said that it only remained for the King to proceed to his purpose by the authority of the archbishop of Canterbury. Since the Queen heard of this, and of the King's joy since the Nuncio has begun to treat of the proposal already mentioned, she has been in the greatest perplexity, and yesterday sent me three messengers one after another, and today two, to urge me to send off the present courier, and write about these matters, as she could not do so herself in consequence of the perturbation of her spirits. The remedy would be for the Pope to defer the expedition of the bulls till the sentence is given or nearly given. I think pretext enough may be found to do this, or an express condition can be put in the bulls, or the form of oath which he has to take, not to hinder the affair. I have spoken to the Nuncio, who says he has previously informed the Pope, and has just done so again. If the Pope knew the report that was current here about the new Archbishop being a Lutheran, he would not be too hasty to admit and confirm him. I hear that he has taken into his service two priests who have several times preached against the Queen, in recompense of the certain danger they were in of being burnt, if it had not been for the lady's father. There is nothing new about Scotch affairs since my last letter, except that the King is always sending money to his people. Ten days ago 50,000 ducats were sent. The King is also equipping four ships to send against the Scotch ships and stop their trade. The King and the Lady have never before spoken so much nor so openly of the accomplishment of their matrimonial purpose. The other day the Lady told a priest who wished to enter her service that he must wait a little until she had celebrated her marriage with the King. She keeps the Queen's jewels, and there is nothing said about returning them. The month fixed in the brief sent to the King is nearly passed, and there are no signs of his obeying it. A sentence only would be of effect. If, meanwhile, the Pope would decree a good excommunication against the Lady if she did not stay away from Court, the King would have less occasion to complain than if it were decreed against himself, and the people more liberty of speaking against her, and remonstrating with the King "se pouvant declairer interdict partout ou elle passeroit" * * * 9 Feb. 1533. Fr., pp. 12. From a modern copy.
9 Feb. R. O. St. P. IV. 632.	143. Clifford to Henry VIII. Has sure knowledge that five ships of war set forth from Leith Haven on the 28th Jan., which were obliged, by contrary winds, to return thither on the 3rd. They were set forth by the king of Scots' knowledge, at the sole cost of the owners, William Clapperton and John Ker, of Leith, John Barton the younger, and others. The French ambassador now in Scotland is not yet delivered. The King had appointed a meeting of his Council at Edinburgh on the 8th inst., it was thought for the dispatch of the said Ambassador. Believes that the King and Ambassador are dissatisfied with each other. During the late darkness of the moon, put forth the garrison on different nights, who burnt Chyrnside, the East Maynes, a great grange of the lord Hume's, Kawklaw, a grange of the laird of Spottes, and the Crakewawes. On Saturday the 1st, Clifford sent his deputy of Berwick with the garrison and part of the late garrison, who burnt three towns in the Merse, called Whitsom, Newton, and Ramrige, and took many prisoners. The plans of expeditions have been made principally by Angus, his uncle and brothers, who always help your affairs to the best of their powers. On Friday, 7th Feb., had a great meeting with Northumberland according to appointment made between him and other your councillors, at midnight, at Crewkamer, where my Lord Warden said he was informed of the repairing of three Scotch earls with a great force to the earl of Murray. Angus, his brother and uncle, denied this, and sent four of their servants into Scotland to ascertain the truth. They met us before our return into Scotch ground, and confirmed the opinion of Angus and his friends. We accordingly set forward into Tevidale at break of day, and burned Sesfurth, Dandlaw, Bentes, Nether Whitton, Sesfurth Mayns, Mows Mayns, Cowboge, Otterburn, Cavertone, Cavertone Myln, Cavertone Mayns, Hootehowse, the Maynhows, the Newtowne, Trokden, Dunnerlaws, Sharperige, Lynton, Lynton Park, Wyddyndenburnfoote, Crewket shawes, and the Stanke ford ; "with many other by stedinges and demayn places." Destroyed all the corn which the Scotch had removed from the towns for safeguard, and took the laird of Grawden and other Scotchmen prisoners. Remained in Scotland on Saturday till 4 p.m., and returned home without loss, except a man of the earl of Angus slain, and one of Clifford's taken. Murray has lain this month upon the Borders at Mulross, Gedworth, Kelso, and Home Castle. It is said his company will go home except 200 foot, called the earl of Murray's guard, which is under James Steward, brother to lord Mephen, and that there is coming to the Borders a great number from the shires of Angus, Strathearn, and Fife. Berwick, 9 Feb. Signed. Add. Endd.
9 Feb. R. O.	144. Sir Thos. Clifford and Sir George Lawson to [Hen. VIII.] On Friday, the 7th, my Lord Warden, accompanied with your councillors and garrisons, the earl of Angus, his uncle and brother, and a part of the power of the country, entered Scotland in the east of Tevidale, and burned a marvellous sight of corn, villages, steads, and granges. Thinks as much harm has been done to Scotland as ever since the war began, except the "rode" of Dunglas. Many Scots were taken, as Dande Carr of Gradon, who, my lord of Norfolk knows, was taken two or three times in the last wars, and who is in the keeping of Sir Ric. Tempest, at Norham. Has written to Sir Ric. to detain him till he knows the King's pleasure. Not one of your subjects was slain, but only a servant of the earl of Angus, and the Scot that slew him is taken. The captain and soldiers of Berwick, the earl of Angus, his uncle and brother, acquitted themselves very well. Suggests, as he has written to Cromwell, that my lord of Northumberland should lie for a season at Holy Island instead of Warkworth. Wishes 300 or 400 spears sent. The earl of Murray is at Edinburgh, and intends coming to the Borders. Master Captain and Geo. Douglas make good espial. Master Captain and Lawson have sent to Wark Castle two pieces of ordnance ready trimmed, with gunpowder, bows and arrows, &c. The Castle has been ill seen to, and is far out of frame. Better watches ought to be set upon the fells and fords. Berwick, 9 Feb. Signed. Pp. 2.
9 Feb. R. O.	145. Sir George Lawson to Cromwell. Writes to the King of this last "rode" in East Tevidale, which, I assure you, is greatly to be commended. Repeats his suggestions of the Lord Warden's lying at Holy Island, and about having more captains on the Borders. Sir Ric. Tempest ought to be sent for by the King, as he can explain everything. Is informed by the purveyors in divers parts that a great quantity of corn is shipped which ought to arrive here soon. Since the beginning of the war has laboured sore in riding about the mustering of these garrisons. For all he can do, many northern men are taken into wages without his knowledge. Since this last payment my lord of Northumberland has discharged divers of his southern men, and taken northerners instead. Begs that the King may direct letters of commandment to Sir Thos. Clifford, Sir Wm. Evers, Sir Rauf Ellercar, and himself, to see to the continual mustering of the Earl's retinue and other garrisons, and to allow no more northern men in wages than his Highness shall appoint. Wark Castle has been ill ordered. Begs him to move the King that he may know his pleasure about the wages of himself and his servants, of which he has written to my lord of Norfolk. Has been obliged to keep 20 servants, with horses, since the war began, and six purveyors now for Berwick and these parts. Some ships of war should be sent with diligence to these coasts, for there are two or three other ships of war out of Scotland lying upon the Scate Rode and Tynemouth, of which one Walles and Claperton are captains ; and it is said the French ships that came to Scotland with wines lately, though of no great burden, are rigged with men of war, and lie in wait for the corn ships. Berwick, 9 Feb. P.S. in his own hand.Encloses a copy of a letter written by Master Captain Geo. Douglas and himself to my lord of Northumberland, showing their opinions immediately after this "rode" of Tevidale. Pp. 3. Add. : Master Cromwell, Esquire, and of the King's most honorable Council. Endd.
R. O.	2. "The copie of the lettre sent to my lord of Northumberland from Sir Thomas Clifford, George Duglas, and Sir George Lawson, after their rode in Tevidale." Apologise for not giving attendance upon his lordship on his return, as they were occupied at his departure about the redemption and exchange of prisoners. As the Scots will devise all they can to our annoyance, think the watches should be carefully observed along the Borders. For lack of the King's allowances to that end, have taken of every 100 in the King's crews daily the wages of one person, amounting to 25 persons, to be paid at 8d. a day, and reckoned as of the number of the said retinues :the watchmen so paid to be severely punished if due knowledge be not given of any invasion. Think it advisable at this time, considering the last light of the moon was not spent to the King's satisfactionand this moon is now passing that his Lordship should repair to Holy Island for a season, that they might resort to him the more easily. P. 1.
9 Feb. R. O. St. P. IV. 635.	146. Sir George Douglas to Henry VIII. Thanks the King for his letters and reward sent by the Vice-Chamberlain to his brother, his uncle, and himself. Has shown the news of Scotland to the captain of Berwick. Was charged by Northumberland before Christmas with the keeping of a tower in Scotland, called the Cawe Mills. It is of small strength unless it be bigged and helped by your Highness ; but it does great displeasure to Scotland, and ease to the Borders. Berwick, 9 Feb. Signed. Add. Endd.
9 Feb. R. O.	147. to [Sir Giles Russell]. (fn. 8) Asks him to receive as his tenant Ric. Fermer, who has bought lands at Potters Perry, Northamptonshire, where there are lands of his commandry, at the same rate as Thomas Emson and others in times past, who have paid 3s. 4d. a year. London, 9 Feb. 1532. Hol., p. 1.
10 Feb. Wake's State of the Church, App. 219.	148. Convocation. The bp. of Lincoln's summons to his clergy to attend the Convocation to be holden by prorogation at St. Paul's, on the 18th March following, in obedience to letters addressed by Thomas prior of Christchurch and the Chapter (in consequence of the vacancy of the see of Canterbury) to the bp. of London, in pursuance of the King's writ, dated Westm., 28 Oct. 24 Hen. VIII. [See vol. V., No. 1519, where this writ is catalogued from an undated copy.]