Journal of the House of Lords Volume 38, 1787-1790. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1767-1830.
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'House of Lords Journal Volume 38: December 1788 11-20', in Journal of the House of Lords Volume 38, 1787-1790( London, 1767-1830), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol38/pp270-330 [accessed 24 November 2024].
'House of Lords Journal Volume 38: December 1788 11-20', in Journal of the House of Lords Volume 38, 1787-1790( London, 1767-1830), British History Online, accessed November 24, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol38/pp270-330.
"House of Lords Journal Volume 38: December 1788 11-20". Journal of the House of Lords Volume 38, 1787-1790. (London, 1767-1830), , British History Online. Web. 24 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol38/pp270-330.
In this section
December 1788 11-20
DIE Jovis, 11o Decembris 1788.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Lord Clifton takes his Seat:
This Day John Lord Clifton sat first in Parliament after the Death of his Father John Lord Clifton; his Lordship having first at the Table taken the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration; and also taken and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes.
Pedigree delivered.
Garter King at Arms delivered in at the Table his Lordship's Pedigree, pursuant to the Standing Order.
Report from Committee appointed to examine His Majesty's Physicians.
The Lord President reported from the Lords Committees appointed to examine the Physicians who have attended His Majesty during His Illness, touching the State of His Majesty's Health; "That the Committee had met and examined the several Physicians who were sworn for that Purpose at their Lordships Bar, and the Evidence given by them before the said Committee was as follows; (videlicet)
"Dr. Francis Willis called in and examined."
Q. "You are desired to acquaint the Committee, whether the State of His Majesty's Health is such as to render Him incapable of coming in Person to His Parliament, or of attending to any Kind of Public Business?"
A. "Certainly, not capable."
Q. "What are the Hopes you entertain of His Majesty's Recovery?"
A. "If it was any common Person I should scarce doubt of his Recovery; I have great Hopes of His Majesty's Recovery, but I am afraid it may be retarded by his Recollection of His present Indisposition."
Q. "Can you form any Judgement or probable Conjecture of the Duration of His Majesty's Illness?"
A. "I cannot, either Judgement or Conjecture."
Q. "Is His Majesty's Recovery more probable or not?"
A. "A great deal more probable."
Q. "What Degree of Experience has Dr. Willis had himself, or does he know others to have had in this particular Species of Disorder?"
A. "I have had a great deal for Twenty-eight or Twenty-nine Years."
Q. "Have you considered this Kind of Disorder under which the King labours as liable to be classed under different Species?"
A. "In my Answer to that, I am apprehensive it would describe the Sort of Disorder more than your Lordships should chuse; His Majesty's Indisposition is attended with Symptoms of Violence and Acuteness, another Species of this Indisposition is attended with Lowness of Spirit and Despair, the latter of which is the most difficult to be cured."
Q. "Whether the Disorder is not of a different Species when occasioned by external Causes, or when it is not to be traced back to such Causes?"
A. "We must judge of the Species of a Disorder by the Symptoms, but when we know the Cause is from a Blow, from Excesses of any Kind, from sudden Frights, from watching, from too great Attention to Business, or any sudden Misfortune, the Cure will be brought about in all Probability by an Attention to what we judge to be the Cause."
Q. "Have you taken such Observation of His Majesty's Illness, as to trace it to any of these Causes?"
A. "I have attended His Majesty so short a Time, that I can only form a Guess, or hazard an Opinion from what I am told of His Majesty's Mode of Life; therefore I would not have your Lordships imagine I presume to give it as a positive Opinion. But from a Detail of His Majesty's Mode of Life for Twenty-seven Years, I should rather think that His Majesty's Indisposition has been brought about by using very strong Exercise, taking little Sustenance, watching or want of Sleep, perhaps when his Mind was upon the Stretch with very weighty Affairs, and I am the more inclined to think I may guess right, because the Medicines that were to meet with such Causes, which were ordered on Sunday last, have had the Effect that I could wish."
Q. "Have any favourable Symptoms of Convalescence taken Place since you attended?"
A. "His Majesty's Nerves are less irritable, which must precede Convalescence."
Q. "Do you regard that as a favourable Symptom?"
A. "Yes."
Q. "Whether any actual Cessation of the Disorder has obtained since you attended the King?"
A. "His Majesty is much calmer, eats and drinks, takes Medicines, and goes to Bed quietly."
Q. "Do you consider that, or any other Symptoms you have observed, as a Cessation of his Disorder?"
A. "As a partial, not a total Cessation."
Q. "How long have you attended His Majesty?"
A. "From Friday Morning last at about Ten or Eleven o'Clock."
Q. "How soon have Patients under your Care, affected with a similar Disorder, usually recovered?"
A. "If I am called in within Three Months, from Three Months, to Fifteen or Eighteen Months; sometimes they recovered much sooner than Three Months, Two Months, Six Weeks, or One Month; I have had some Two Years under my Care and recovered afterwards; I cannot presume to form any Opinion as to the Time."
Q. "What do you understand by Recovery?"
A. "To be perfectly well, and fit for Business in all Respects as he was before."
Q. "Do you make any Distinction betwixt compleat and temporary Recovery?"
A. "As compleat a Recovery as if it was from an Ague, Fever, or Cold, with proper Attention to His Mode of Life."
Q. "In the Course of your Experience has it happened that Persons recovered by you have come a second Time under your Care?"
A. "They have, but I do not think that they are more likely to relapse into such an Indisposition than any one is into a violent Fever."
Q. "Whether when you have sent a Person out as cured, and that Person returns under your Care again, you consider that as a new Disorder or a Relapse."
A. "If a long Time intervenes, I consider it as a new Disorder."
Q. "What do you call a long Time?"
A. "Three or Four Years."
Q. Whether short of that you look upon it as Relapse or a Cure?"
A. "If it was within a Year, I should call it a Relapse."
Q. Within what Time as near as you can recollect, the Majority of Patients dismissed by you as cured, whom you say have returned again under your Care, have returned?"
A. "I have had them return from One to Eighteen Years, but cannot speak as to Majorities."
"Dr. Richard Warren called in and examined."
Q. "You are desired to acquaint this Committee, whether the State of His Majesty's Health is such as to render Him incapable of coming to His Parliament, or of attending to any Kind of Public Business?"
A. "Incapable."
Q. "What are the Hopes you entertain of His Majesty's Recovery?"
A. "The Hopes must be determined by the Probability of Cure, and that can be judged of only by what has happened to others, by which I find that the Majority of those who have been disordered in a Manner similar to His Majesty have recovered, but I do not mean by the Word "similar" His Majesty's particular Disorder, but that Disorder in general."
Q. "Can you infer from thence, that it is more probable that His Majesty will or will not recover?"
A. "That it is more probable that he will recover."
Q. "Does Dr. Warren apply this to the particular Case of His Majesty, or to Cases in general?"
A. "To Cases in general."
Q. "Can you form any Judgement or probable Conjecture of the Duration of His Majesty's Illness?"
A. "No."
Q. "Whether so far as Experience enables Doctor Warren to judge of His Majesty's Disorder he thinks it more probable that His Majesty will or will not recover so as to render Him capable of Public Business?"
A. "I have no Data sufficient to ground an Answer upon to this Question."
Q. "Whether there has been any Cessation of His Majesty's Disorder since you attended Him?"
A. "No."
Q. "Are there any Signs of returning Understanding?"
A. "No."
Q. "Since you was examined last at the Privy Council, have there been any more favourable Symptoms of His Majesty's Recovery?"
A. "There are no Symptoms of this Disorder, but the single one of Want of Understanding. The Words and the Actions of Persons under this Disorder are accidental and depends upon the Difference of the Persons themselves. A Man that has a Variety of Ideas will talk and act very differently from one who has fewer Ideas, or has led a different Course of Life; his Words and Actions will be determined by the Peculiarity of the Man and not by the Distemper. Under this Explanation the Symptoms are more favourable."
Q. "Is the Probability of His Majesty's Recovery of His Understanding varied or affected any Way by the actual Duration of His Illness?"
A. "The Probability of Cure diminishes as the Time of the Disorder lengthens."
Q. "Has this Disorder continued so long as to enable you from thence to pronounce upon the Probability of His Recovery?"
A. "No."
Q. "How long have you attended His Majesty?"
A. "I saw him first on the 7th of November."
Q. "Whether there has been any Difference of Opinion amongst the Physicians as to the Nature of the Case?"
A. "It has been the Custom of His Majesty's Physicians from the Day that I went first to Windsor, to put down in Writing a Description of the State of His Majesty's Health every Evening, and for each of them to sign the Paper, by which it will appear that there never was any Difference of Opinion among the Physicians with respect to the Case as it is put; this was continued daily till His Majesty came to Kew."
"Sir George Baker called in and examined."
Q. "You are desired to acquaint this Committee, whether the State of His Majesty's Health is such, as to render Him incapable of coming in Person to His Parliament, or of attending to any Kind of Public Business?"
A. "The State of His Majesty's Health is such as to render Him incapable of any Public Business."
Q. "What are the Hopes you entertain of His Majesty's Recovery?"
A. "The Hopes I entertain of His Majesty's Recovery are founded upon an Idea of its being probable. That Idea of Probability is suggested to me by past Experience, as well original as that of other Physicians in Cases similar to that of His Majesty."
Q. "Can you form any Judgement or probable Conjecture of the Duration of His Majesty's Illness?"
A. "I can form no Judgement or probable Conjecture of the Duration of His Disorder."
Q. "Has there been any Cessation of the Disorder since you first attended His Majesty?"
A. "There was a Cessation of the Disorder since my first Suspicion."
Q. "At what Period did you first suspect the Nature of his Disorder?"
A. "In the Evening of Wednesday October 22d last."
Q. "What Length of Time did that Cessation continue?"
A. "I conceived the Suspicion that Evening, and the next Morning when I visited His Majesty very early, he appeared to me to be perfectly well. On the Monday following I saw His Majesty at Windsor, and then I saw more Signs of the Disorder."
Q. "Has there been any Cessation since Monday October 27th?"
A. "None."
Q. "At this Period of Time do you see any Signs of a returning Understanding?"
A. "I see none."
Q. "Did you see His Majesty between the 23d and the 27th of October?"
A. "I saw His Majesty on the 24th and 25th of October, and I saw Him again on the 27th, when He had a Degree of His present Disorder, but in nothing like the State in which it has appeared since."
Q. "Had His Majesty been afflicted with any bodily Disorder immediately preceding the 22d of October?"
A. "On the 17th of October His Majesty was attacked by a Disorder in which I had once before seen His Majesty, and to which I understand He had been very subject, that Disorder I conceive to be biliary Concretions in the Gall Duct."
Q. "How long did He continue in that Illness?"
A. "It lasted the greatest Part of the 17th."
Q. "Did it last any longer, or did it take a different Turn?"
A. "It returned twice on Monday and Tuesday following, on Monday it was not so severe, and went off very soon, on Tuesday it was very trifling."
Q. "Is it your Opinion that His Majesty's present Malady has been caused by, or has any Relation to His previous Disorder?"
A. "It is not my Opinion that His Majesty's present Malady has any Relation to His previous Disorder."
Q. "Had not His Majesty a Rash previous to Friday the 24th of October?"
A. "On Friday October 17th, in the Course of that Day it was mentioned to me, that His Majesty had had a Rash, and upon that Account His Skin was examined, and there did appear some Marks of there having been a Rash which had spent itself."
Q. "Have you not heard, that His Majesty during the Time that Rash was upon Him wet His Feet and sat in wet Stockings?"
A. "I was informed that on Thursday the 16th, His Majesty rose very early and walked more than Four Hours, and afterwards went to St. James's without having changed His Stockings, which were very wet."
Q. "Did not you understand the Rash had been checked by His Majesty having sat in wet Stockings?"
A. "It was so imagined."
Q. "By whom?"
A. "By some in the Family."
Q. "Can you say that a Rash so checked may not have been the Occasion of His Majesty's present Disorder?"
A. "I can only say, that it is not my Opinion, for I conceive, that if His Majesty's present Malady is supposed to be occasioned by the checking of the Rash, the Effect would have followed the Cause more immediately."
Q. "Whether His Majesty's Legs swelled after it was imagined the Rash was checked?"
A. "The 18th of October the Left Foot was a little inflamed, and in consequence swelled, afterwards the Right Foot."
Q. "Did the Swelling of the Legs go off upon the present Disorder coming on?"
A. "It had gone off before the present Disorder."
Q. "How long before?"
A. "About Two Days."
Q. "Were both the King's Feet without Swelling on the 24th?"
A. "I think he left off both his great Shoes on the 23d, he was lame and in Pain in the Muscles of His Legs with the Rheumatism on the 24th."
Q. "In what Degree was He disordered on the 24th?"
A. "He had had a restless Night on the Thursday, and when I saw His Majesty on Friday Morning He was low spirited, and complained much of the Necessity of going to the Levee. He complained all along of Pains in the Muscles of His Thighs and Legs, as he does also at present."
Q. "Have those Pains in His Thighs continued all along?"
A. "From the Beginning."
Q. "Have those Pains any Relation to His Majesty's present Illness?"
A. "I think not."
Q. "Was it your Opinion that the Rash was struck in?"
A. "It is not my Opinion."
"Sir Lucas Pepys called in and examined."
Q. "You are desired to acquaint this Committee, whether the State of His Majesty's Health is such, as to render Him incapable of coming in Person to His Parliament, or of attending to any Kind of Public Business?"
A. "Certainly is incapable."
Q. "What are the Hopes you entertain of His Majesty's Recovery?"
A. "The Hopes of His Majesty's Recovery arise from the general Consideration that the Majority of those afflicted with the same, or a similar Disorder, under which His Majesty now labours, do recover."
Q. "Can you form any Judgement or probable Conjecture of the Duration of His Majesty's Illness?"
A. "I can form no such Conjecture."
Q. "Is His Majesty at Times composed and quiet?"
A. "Frequently is."
Q. "Does His Disorder abate during those Periods?"
A. "Not in the least."
"Dr. Henry Revell Reynolds called in and examined."
Q. "You are desired to acquaint this Committee, whether the State of His Majesty's Health is such, as to render Him incapable of coming in Person to His Parliament, or of attending to any Kind of Public Business?"
A. "His Majesty is incapable of attending to any Public Business."
Q. "What are the Hopes you entertain of His Majesty's Recovery?"
A. "I think there are well founded Hopes of His Majesty's Recovery."
Q. "Can you form any Judgement or probable Conjecture of the Duration of His Majesty's Illness?"
A. "No, I cannot."
Q. "Upon what do you found your Hopes of His Majesty's Recovery?"
A. "Upon general Experience, as the greater Number of those afflicted with the same Malady with His Majesty, generally recover."
"Dr. Anthony Addington called in and examined."
Q. "You are desired to acquaint this Committee, whether the State of His Majesty's Health is such, as to render Him incapable of coming in Person to His Parliament, or of attending to any Kind of Public Business?"
A. "I have not seen His Majesty this Week past, but at that Time he was certainly incapable of attending Parliament, or doing any Public Business."
Q. "What are the Hopes you entertain of His Majesty's Recovery?"
A. "I have very good Hopes of His Majesty's Recovery."
Q. "Upon what Foundation do you build those Hopes?"
A. "I never yet have heard, that His Majesty has had any Disorder whatever, from which I could infer that he could not recover, and by Recovery I mean so as to be able to attend His Parliament, and attend any other Business as well as ever he did, but I think there are Hopes in my Mind from some Circumstances that I had not taken Notice of before, I never heard that His Majesty was melancholy previous to His present Indisposition, and I do not recollect an Instance of any Patient who required a longer Time to be perfectly cured than one Year, who had not laboured under a pretty long and very considerable Melancholy previous to his Confinement."
Q. "Can you form any probable Judgement of the Duration of His Majesty's Disorder?"
A. "I cannot."
Q. "In what Time have these Disorders generally been cured?"
A. "It has been my good Fortune to see none who have not been cured within a Year, sometimes in Four Months, from the Time they came under my Care, unless they were deemed incurable by the best Judges before they were sent to my House."
Q. "Is it your Opinion that all Disorders of the Mind not preceded by Melancholy, have been cured within the Year?"
A. "All the Disorders within my Practice, except as before, have been cured within the Year, and I should think that such Disorder would be curable within the Year, unless they proceeded from some immoveable Cause, such as the Enlargement of the Bone pressing upon the Sensorium or other similar Causes."
"Dr. Thomas Gisborne called in and examined."
Q. "You are desired to acquaint this Committee, whether the State of His Majesty's Health is such, as to render Him incapable of coming in Person to His Parliament, or of attending to any Kind of Public Business?"
A. "I think Him absolutely incapable."
Q. "What are the Hopes you entertain of His Majesty's Recovery?"
A. "As those in similar Circumstances have often recovered, I hope His Majesty will."
Q. "Has a Majority of them recovered?"
A. "They have."
Q. "Can you form any Judgement or probable Conjecture of the Duration of His Majesty's Illness?"
A. "I think that cannot be ascertained."
Which Report being read by the Clerk,
Ordered, That the said Report do lie on the Table.
Select Committee to be appointed to examine Precedents of Proceedings in the Case of the Personal Exercise of the Royal Authority being interrupted:
Moved, "That a Committee be appointed to examine and report Precedents of such Proceedings as may have been had in the Case of the Personal Exercise of the Royal Authority being prevented or interrupted by Infancy, Sickness, Infirmity, or otherwise, or with a View to provide a Remedy for the same.
"That the Committee do consist of Twenty-one Lords.
Lords to deliver in Lists.
"That each Lord do deliver in to the Clerk before the Sitting of the House on the next Sitting Day, a List signed with his Name of Twenty-one Lords to compose the said Committee."
The same was agreed to, and ordered accordingly.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, duodecimum diem instantis Decembris, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Veneris, 12o Decembris 1788.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Lists delivered in, referred to a Committee.
Moved, "That the Lists of Twenty-one Lords delivered in to the Clerk pursuant to the Order of Yesterdy be referred to a Committee to examine the same, and to report the Names of such Lords as appear upon a Majority of the said Lists."
The same was agreed to, and ordered accordingly.
Then the Lords following were appointed a Committee to examine the said Lists.
|
L. President. L. Privy Seal. D. Richmond. E. Coventry. E. Morton. |
L. Bp. Bangor. |
L. Sommers. L. Kenyon. |
Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet immediately in the Prince's Lodgings, near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.
The House was adjourned during Pleasure, and the Committee withdrew to examine the said Lists.
After some Time, the House was resumed:
Report from Committee.
And the Lord President reported from the said Committee, "That the Committee had met and examined the said Lists, and that the Titles of the following Lords were the Majority of Names appearing upon such Lists so given in:
Archbishop of Canterbury.
Lord Chancellor.
Lord President.
Lord Privy Seal.
Duke of Richmond.
Duke of Portland.
Earl of Derby.
Earl of Coventry.
Earl of Dartmouth.
Earl of Radnor.
Earl of Chatham.
Earl Bathurst.
Viscount Stormont.
Bishop of London.
Lord Osborne.
Lord Sydney.
Lord Loughborough.
Lord Walsingham.
Lord Grantley.
Lord Hawkesbury.
Lord Kenyon."
Select Committee appointed to examine Precedents of Proceedings in the Case of the Personal Exercise of the Royal Authority being interrupted.
Ordered, That the said several Lords last-named be appointed a Committee to examine, and report Precedents of such Proceedings as may have been had in the Case of the Personal Exercise of the Royal Authority being prevented or interrupted by Infancy, Sickness, Infirmity, or otherwise, or with a View to provide a Remedy for the same.
Ordered, That the said Committee be a Select Committee.
Ordered, That no Lords but those of the said Committee be there present.
Ordered, That the said Committee, or any Eight of them, do meet To-morrow at Twelve o'Clock in the Prince's Lodgings, near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.
L. Malmesbury introduced:
Sir James Harris being by Letters Patent, bearing Date the 19th Day of September 1788, in the 28th Year of His present Majesty, created Baron Malmesbury, in the County of Wilts, was (in his Robes) introduced between the Lord Osborne and the Lord Sydney (also in their Robes), the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, and Garter King at Arms, preceding; his Lordship on his Knee presented his Patent to the Lord Chancellor at the Woolsack, who delivered it to the Clerk, and the same was read at the Table; his Writ of Summons was also read as follows; (videlicet)
"George the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, and so forth: To Our right trusty and wellbeloved Counsellor James Harris of Malmesbury, in Our County of Wilts, Chevalier, Greeting: Whereas by Reason of certain arduous and urgent Affairs concerning Us, the State and Defence of Our Kingdom of Great Britain, and the Church, We did lately, with the Advice and Consent of Our Council, ordain Our present Parliament to be holden at Our City of Westminster on the Eighteenth Day of May, in the Twenty-fourth Year of Our Reign, which Parliament hath been from that Time by several Adjournments and Prorogations adjourned, prorogued, and continued, to and until the Twenty-fifth Day of this Instant September at Our City aforesaid, to be then there held; We strictly enjoining command you under the Faith and Allegiance by which you are bound to Us, that considering the Difficulty of the said Affairs and Dangers impending, all Excuses being laid aside, you be personally present at the said Day and Place with Us, and with the Prelates, Nobles, and Peers of Our said Kingdom, to treat of the aforesaid Affairs, and to give your Advice, and this you may in nowise omit, as you tender Us and Our Honour, and the Safety and Defence of the said Kingdom and Church, and the Dispatch of the said Affairs. Witness Ourself at Westminster, the Nineteenth Day of September in the Twenty-eighth Year of Our Reign.
"Yorke."
Then his Lordship took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration; and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes; and was afterwards placed on the lower End of the Barons Bench.
Pedigree delivered.
Garter King at Arms delivered in at the Table his Lordships Pedigree, pursuant to the Standing Order.
Report from Committee appointed to examine His Majesty's Physicians, to be printed.
Ordered, That the Report from the Committee appointed to examine the Physicians who have attended His Majesty during His Illness, touching the State of His Majesty's Health, be printed.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Lunæ, decimum quintum diem instantis Decembris, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Lunæ, 15o Decembris 1788.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
D. Newcastle excused Attendance.
The Lord Chancellor informed the House, "That in consequence of the Order of this House of the 20th of November last for Letters to be sent to every Peer, requesting their Attendance on the 4th of this Instant December, he had received a Letter from the Duke of Newcastle, desiring to be excused in regard of his ill State of Health."
Ordered, That the said Duke be excused.
The House was adjourned during Pleasure.
The House was resumed.
Moved to adjourn;
Accordingly,
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Martis, decimum sextum diem instantis Decembris, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Martis, 16o Decembris 1788.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Moved to adjourn;
Accordingly,
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Mercurii, decimum septimum diem instantis Decembris, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Mercurii, 17o Decembris 1788.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Report from Committee appointed to examine Precedents of Proceedings in the Case of the Personal Exercise of the Royal Authority being interrupted.
The Lord President reported from the Lords Committees appointed to examine and report Precedents of such Proceedings as may have been had in the Case of the Personal Exercise of the Royal Authority being prevented or interrupted by Infancy, Sickness, Infirmity, or otherwise, with a View to provide a Remedy for the same, "That the Committee had met, and inspected the Rolls of Parliament, and the Journals of the House, and had found the Precedents therein-after inserted or referred to in the said Rolls and Journals, and finding in Rymer's Fœdera several Records which throw Light upon this Subject, and which are not inserted in the Rolls of Parliament, they had thought it right to report the same, having first examined Thomas Astle Esquire, the Keeper of the Records in the Tower, who informed the Committee, that for a Course of Twenty-five Years and upwards he had had frequent Occasion to consult the Fœdera, which he considered to be a Work of Authority.
"The Committee therefore did not judge it necessary to inspect the Original Records, from whence the above appear to have been taken, as it might have delayed the Report longer than the Exigency of the present Business seemed to admit.
"The Committee had classed the Whole of the Matter which they had collected under the following Heads; (videlicet)
1. "Cases of Infancy."
2. "Cases of Sickness or Infirmity."
3. "Cases of Absence, where the Remedy has been provided by the Sovereign."
4. "Cases of Absence, where the Remedy has been provided by the Great Council of the Nation, or by the Two Houses of Parliament."
5. "Cases which do not fall under either of the foregoing Descriptions."
1. "Cases of Infancy."
"Anno 1 H. III.
"Contra Canonicos Carleolensis Regi Scotiœ adhœrentes.
A. D. 1217 An. 1 H 3. Pat. 1 H. 3. m. 3. d. Rym. Fœd. tom. 1. p. 2.
"REVERENDO Domino ac Patri in Christo Karissimo Honorio Dei Gratiâ summo Pontifici Henricus eadem Gratiâ Rex Angliæ &c. Salutem, et debitam cum omni Honore & Subjectione Reverentiam.
"Noverit sancta Paternitas vestra quod Canonici Carleolensis Ecclesiæ, faventes et adhærentes Regi Scotiæ, et alijs Adversarijs et Inimicis vestris, et Nostris procurantes, quantum in ipsis est, Exhæreditionem Nostram, spretâ penitùs auctoritate vestrâ, et sedis Apostolicæ Legati in Locis interdictis præsentibus etiam Inimicis vestris interdictis et excommunicatis irreverenter et impudenter et contumaciter divina celebrare non verentur.
Prædicto etiam Regi Scotiæ, inimico Romanæ Ecclesiæ & Nostro, interdicto et excommunicato, Urbem Carleolensem hostiliter occupanti, se subsiderent et ipsum in Patronum et Dominum receperunt, et sidelitatem ei fecerunt; ita etiam quod in præjudicium Juris Nostri, et Ecclesiæ Eboracensis, ad instantiam dicti Regis Scotiæ inimici nostri, quendam Clericum suum interdictum et excommunicatum eligerunt sibi in Episcopum et Pastorem.
"Cum etiam prædicti Ecclesia Carleolensis sita sit in Confinio Regni Scotiæ maxime expediret Tranquilitati et Paci Nostræ et Regni Nostri, quod tale ibi constitueretur Capud et talia Membra, per quæ Nobis et Regno Nostro utiliter et efficaciter provideri, et Adversarijs Nostris facultas nocendi possit recludi.
Paternitati Vestræ devote supplicamus quatinus consulentes nobis et Regno nostro, statum Ecclesiæ prædictæ in melius commutare velitis; amoventes, si placet, funditus ab eadem prædictos Scismaticos et Excommunicatos.
"Cum enim ipsi in multis habundent Episcopus eorum ita hactenus Egestate affictus est et Inopia, quod vix habet ubi Capud suum reclinet; et non invenitur aliquis qui in aliquo nobis utilis esse poterit aut necessarius, qui Episcopatum illum recipere voluerit. Sciente pro certo quod non poterit nobis melius provideri in partibus illis, prout de consilio fidelium & magnatum nostrorum evidenter intelleximus, quam si prædicti scismatici & excommunicati penitûs amoveantur; & loco eorum qui dicuntur Regulares, (cum sint prorsus irregulares, & Ecclesiæ Romanæ inimici & inobedientes) constituantur Præbendarii; qui Romanæ Ecclesiæ obedientes, & nobis in Consilio sint prudentes, & in auxilio efficaces ut eorum pœna a consimili delicto alios deterreat.
"Et super hiis voluntatem vestram Karissimo Amico nostro Domino Legato significare velitis.
"Et quia nondum habuimus sigillum, has litteras Sigillo Comitis Willielmi Marescalli, Rectoris nostri & Regni nostri, sigillavimus.
"Teste eodem Comite apud Winton. 26 die Aprilis."
Anno 3 H. III.
"De judicio ignis et aquæ.
A.D. 1219. A.D. 1219. An. 3 H. 3. Pat. 3 H. 3. Rym. Fœd. tom. 1. p. 228.
REX dilectis & sidelibus suis Philippo de Ulletot, et sociis suis Justiciariis, itinerantibus in Comitatibus Cumberland. Westmerland. & Lancastriæ, salutem.
"Quia dubitatum fuit & non determinatum, ante inceptionem itineris vestri, quo judicio deducendi sunt illi qui rectati sunt de latrocinio, murdro, incendio & hiis similibus, cum prohibitum sit per Ecclesiam Romanam judicium ignis & aquæ, provisum est a Consilio Nostro, ad præsens, ut, in hoc itinere vestro, sic fiet de rectatis de hujusmodi excessibus.
"Videlicet, quod illi qui rectati sunt de criminibus prædictis majoribus, et de eis habeatur suspicio quod culpabiles sint de eo unde rectati sunt, de quibus etiam, licet Regnum Nostrum abjurarent, adhuc suspicio esset quòd posteà malefacerent, teneantur in Prisonà Nostrà & salvò custodiantur; ita quod non incurrant periculum vitæ vel membrorum occasione Personæ Nostræ.
"Illi vero, qui mediis criminibus rectati fuerint, & quibus competeret judicium ignis vel aquæ, si non esset prohibitum, & de quibus, si Regnum nostrum abjurent, nulla fuerit postea male faciendi suspicio Regnum Nostrum abjurent.
"Illi vero qui minoribus rectati fuerint criminibus, nec de eis fuerit mali suspicio, salvos & securos plegios inveniant de fidelitate & Pace Nostra conservanda, & sic dimittantur in Terra Nostra.
"Cum igitur nichil certius providerit in hac parte Concilium Nostrum ad præsens, relinquimus discretioni vestræ hunc ordinem prædictum observandum in hoc itinere vestro, ut, qui personas Hominum, formam delicti, & ipsarum rerum veritatem meliùs cognoscere poteritis, hoc ordine, secundum discretiones & conscientias vestras, in hujusmodi procedatis.
"Et in hujus rei testimonium, &c.
"Teste Domino P. Winton. apud Westm. vicesimo sexto die Januarii, Anno Regni Nostri tertio.
"Per eundem & H. de Burgo Justiciarium."
Anno 3 E. III.
De Comite Cornubiæ Custode Regni, absente Rege, constituto.
A. D. 1329. An. 3 E. 3. Pat. 3 E. 3. p. 1. m. 16. Rym. Fœd. tom. 4. p. 386.
"REX Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus: Comitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, liberè Tenentibus: Comunitatibus, Vicecomitibus, et omnibus aliis, Ministris, Ballivis, et Fidelibus suis, ad quos, &c. Salutem.
"Sciatis quod,
"Cum pro quibusdam Negotiis, Nos, et Statum Regni Nostri tangentibus, simus ad partes Transmarinas, favente Domino, in proximo profecturi,
"Nos,
"Volentes Paci et Tranquilitati Populi Regni Nostri, maximè dum sic absentes fuerimus providere ut tenemur,
"Dilectum et Fidelem Nostrum Johannem de Eltham, Comitem Cornubiæ, Fratrem Nostrum carissimum, Custodem Nostrum dicti Regni ac Locum Nostrum in eodem Regno Tenentem, pro Tranquilitate et Pace dicti Regni Nostri conservandis, constituimus, per præsentes, quamdiu in dictis partibus Transmarinis moram fecerimus, vel donec aliud inde duxerimus ordinandum;
"Et ideo vobis mandamus quod eidem Fratri Nostro, tanquam custodi Nostro dicti Regni, et Locum Nostrum Tenenti in eodem in hiis, quæ ad dictam Custodiam pertinent intendentes sitis respondentes, consulentes, et auxiliantes.
"In cujus, &c. quamdiu Nobis placuerit duraturas.
"Teste Rege apud Dovorriam vicesimo quinto die Maii.
"Per ipsum Regem."
Anno 3 E. III.
De Potestate, eidem Custodi data, concedendi Licentiam eligendi.
A. D. 1329. An. 3 E. 3. Rym. Fœd. tom. 4. p. 386.
"REX Omnibus ad quos, &c. Salutem.
"Sciatis quod,
"Cum pro quibusdam Negotiis, Nos, et Statum Regnum Nostri tangentibus, simus ad partes Transmarinas &c. prout supra usque hæc verba viz.
"Nos, utilitati Ecclesiarum in Regno Nostro prospicere volentes, eidem Fratri Nostro concedendi vice Nostrâ licentiam eligendi omnibus illis, qui licentiam hujusmodi de futuris sibi Pastoribus tam in Ecclesiis Cathedralibus quam Conventualibus (quas interim Pastoris solatio destitui contigerit) in formâ debitâ petierint, et postmodum Electionibus illis assensum Nostro nomine adhibendi, plenam tenore præsentium concedimus et committimus potestatem.
In cujus, &c. quamdiu Nobis placuerit duraturas.
Teste ut supra.
"Per ipsum Regem."
Rotulus de Annis 4, 5, & 6, R. Edw. III. Vol. ii. P. 52.
A.D. 1330. 4 Edw. 3.
"RECORDA et Memoranda de hiis que fiebant in Parliamento summonito apud Westm' die Lune proximo post Festum Sancte Catherine, Anno Regni Regis Edwardi tertii a Conquestu quarto, lib'rata in Cancellar' per Henr' de Edenestowe, Clericum Parliamenti.
No. 1. Judicium Rogeri de Mortuomari. (m. 7.)
"CES font les Tresons, Felines, et Malveistes, faites a Nostre Seignur le Roi et a Son People par Roger de Mortymer, & autres de sa covyne.
Primerement, Par la ou ordine feust al Parlement Nostre Seignur le Roi procheynement tenuz apres son Coronement a Westm~r, Que quatre Evesqes, quatre Countes, et sis Barouns, demurreient pres du Roi pur lui Conseiller, issint totefoiz que quatre y fouessent, c'est assaver un Evesq~, un Counte, & deux Barons a meyns, & que nul grosse busoigne soit sait sanz lur Assent; & que chescun respondesist de ses faitz pur son temps: Apres queu Parlement, le dit Roger de Mortymer, nient eiant regard au dit Assent, achrocha a lui Roial Poer & le Governement du Roialme sur l'estat le Roi, et ousta & fist ouster & mettre Ministres en l'Ostel le Roi & aillurs parmy le Roialme a sa volunte, de tieux qui fuerent de son accord et mist Johan Wyard et autres entour le Roi, d'espier ses faitz & ses ditz; Issint q~ nostre dit Seignur le Roi feust en tiele manere environ de ses Enemys tieux q'il ne poet rien faire de sa volunte, fors q~ come un home qui demora en garde."
"Anno 5 E. III.
"Pro Johanne de Eltham Custode Regni constituto.
A. D. 1331. An. 5 E. 3. Pat. 5 E. 3. p. 1. m. 16. Rym. Fœd. tom. 4. p. 480.
"REX Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Comitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, Comunitatibus, Vicecomitibus, Liberis Hominibus, Ballivis, Ministris, & omnibus Fidelibus suis, ad quos præsentes Litteræ, pervenerint, Salutem.
"Sciatis quòd,
"Cum, ex causâ Peregrinationis, ad partes Franciæ, ut quoddam Votam Nostrum, quod nuper, in quodam Periculo constituti, emisimus, impleamus, nec non pro quibusdam aliis Negotiis, Nostram & Regni Nostri utilitatem tangentibus, simus in proximo profecturi,
"Et nobis insideat multûm cordi quòd Pax Nostra, tàm in absentiâ Nostrâ, quàm in præsentiâ, inviolabiliter observetur, & quòd siat com~unis Justitia singulis Conquerentibus, in Actionibus & Querelis suis,
"Nos,
"De Fidelitate & Circumspectione, dilecti & Fidelis Nostri, Johannis de Eltham, Comitis Cornubiæ, Fratris Nostri carissimi, plenariâ confidentes,
"Constituimus ipsum Custodem Regni Nostri, ac Locum Nostrum Tenentem in eodem Regno, quamdiu in dictis Partibus moram fecerimus, vel donec aliud indè duxerimus ordinandum:
"Et ideo vobis, & cuilibet vestrum, mandamus qûod eidem Fratri Nostro, tanquam Custodi Nostro dicti Regni, & Locum Nostrum Tenenti in eodem, in hiis, quæ ad dictam Custodiam pertinent, intendentes sitis, respondentes, & auxiliantes.
"In cujus rei Testimonium has Litteras Nostras fieri fecimus Patentes, quam diu Nobis placuerit duraturas.
Teste Rege apud Dovorriam, quarto die Aprilis.
Per ipsum Regem, &c. Concilium."
Anno 1 R. II.
De Conciliariis Regis constitutis.
A. D. 1377. An. 1 R. 2. Pat. 1 R. 2. p. 1. m. 16. Rym. Fœd. tom. 7. p. 161.
"LE Roy a tous ceux, qi cestes Lettres verront, Salutz,
"Come n' adgairs,
"De L'Assent des Prelatz, Ducs, Contes, Barons, et autres, esteantz delez Nous en Nostre Conseil, tenuz a Westmonstier, lendemain de Nostre Coronement,
"Eussiens ordenez que, per Nous & eux Dousze Persones (c'est assavoir) Deux Evesques, Deux Contes, Deux Barons, Deux Baneretz, et Quatre Bachilers, serroient Esleuz Noz Conseillers sur Noz Bosoignes, touchantz l'Estat, Honour et Profit de Nous Roialmes, Seignuries, et Terres, en Eide de Noz Chanceller et Tresorer,
"Et que meismes les Conseillers, ensi a Eslire, apres ce q'ils serroient Eslus, averoient Noz Lettres Patentz a Faire et Exercer les dites choses,
"Et que les ditz Chanceller & Tresorer mettroient duement en Execution les Choses, que par eux, et par les ditz Esleuz, ou par le greindre Partie d'iceux serroient ordenees,
"Seur quoi feurent Esleuz, par nous et par les Prelatz et Seigneurs susditz,
"Les Honorables Piers en Dieu,
William Evesque de Londres,
Et Rauf Evesque de Saresbirs:
"Nos cheres et foialx Cosyns,
Esmon Conte de la Marche,
Et Richard Conte de Arundel;
"Et,
Nos cheres et foialx,
William Syre Latymer,
Et Johan Syre de Cobeham,
Barons:
"Roger de Beauchamp,
Et Richard de Stafford,
Baneretz:
"Et Johan Knyvett,
Rauf de Ferreres,
Johan Devereux,
Et Hugh de Segrave,
Bachilers.
"Les queux feurent jurez, en Nostre Presence, Noz Conseillers a Faire et Excercer les dites Choses, en la forme avantdite, tant come nous plerroit,
"Nous (veuillantz la dite Ordinance estre mys en effect) avons constituz & assignez les avantditz, ensi Esleux, Noz Conseillers a faire & excercer les dites choses solonc la forme de l'Ordinance desusditez,
"Et en especial,
Pur ce que, a cause de certeins Grosses & Chargeantz Bosoignes, touchantes la Salvacion & necessaire Defense de Nostre Roialme d'Engleterre, que demandent grande effusion de Despenses, nous avons bosoigne en present de certeines Sommes de Deniers,
"Nous Constituons & Assignons par ses presentz, les ditz Esleux noz Conseillers, & Sys de eux, ensemblement ovesque les Chanceller & Tresorer avantditz, a faire, en nome de nous, Chevances de queconqes Sommes de Deniers, a Nostre oeps, par voie d'Apprest Engagement, Obligacion & en autre manere, la mielloure q'ils purront ou verront meltz, & de queconqes Persones que faire se purra:
"Et si averons Ferm et Aggreable quanque ensi par les ditz Esleux, ensemblement ovesque les Chanceller & Tresor avanditz, ou par la Greindre Partie diceux, serra fait en Nostre noun, comme dessus, es choses susdites & en chescune dicelles, & le volons estre fermement Gardez.
"En Tesmoignance de quele chose nous avons fait faire cestes Noz Lettres Patentes a durer a Nostre volente.
"Don. a Nostre Paleys de Westmonstier, le xx. Jour de Juyl.
"Per Bill, ipsius Regis de Signeto."
A.D. 1377. 1 Ric. 2.
"Rotul. Parl. 1 R. II. Vol. iii. p. 3.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westm' in quindena Sancti Michaelis Anno Regni Regis Ricardi Secundi post Conquestum Angl' primo.
"Ibidem, page 5.
Requeste des Co'es.
15. "ET puis apres les Co~es y vindrent en Parlement devant le Roi, & illoeq~s Mons~r Peres de la Mare, Chivaler, q'avoit les paroles de par la Co~e, faisant sa Protestation, q~ ce q'ily avoit a dire nel' dirroit del soen propre moevement, einz del mocion, assent, & voluntee expres de toute la Co~e illoeq~s esteante: Et s'il avenist q'il y forveiast de reinz, ou par cas y deist chose q~ ne fust de l'assent de ses compaignons, q'il ent fust par mesmes ses compaignons tantost amendez illoeq~s, & devant q'il y partissent de la place."
16. "Y DIST, en compleignant q~ tant come le noble Chivalrie del Roialme estoit bien nurriz, encherriz, honores, & noblement guerdonez, pur lours grantz b~nfaitz, si estoit celle Chivalrie molt urgerouse, & ardantment desirouse a faire grantz emprises & grantz faitz d'armes, chescun devant autre, p~ ont le Roialme fust grantement enrichez & pleintenouse de toute bien, & les h~itantz en ycelle doutez de lours enemys, dont toutes nations a poy en parlerent d'onour & de nobleye; & q~ pluis est, lour fame de nobleye estoit espandue p~my le monde. Mais ore, depuis q~ celle Chivalrie ad este rebuquiz & tenuz en viletee, & q~ pluis est, lours biens noblement gaignez de lours Enemys de Guerre lour tolluz fanz jouste cause, & auxint celle Chivalrie & toute autre vertu mys a derire, & vice preisee, avancee, & honouree, & nullement puniz ou chasticee, si est mesme la Chivalrie & les coers des bones vertuouses Persones grantement abeissez, p~ ont nul Homme ad talent al jour de huy, ace q~ semble par experience de fait, de b~n faire: de qoy le Roialme ad ore novellement fuffert grantz damages & outrage de lours ditz Enemys des plusours partz, & est a douter q~ pluis soeffrera, si Dieu n'y mette remede au gouvernaille d'ycell."
17. "ET auxint d'autre part, quant les Marchantz du Roialme furent Sr~s & Maistres, & avoient la dispotion & ordinance de lours propres Niefs, si estoit la Navye du Roialme grande & pleintinouse, & estoit graindre nombre des bones Niefs appartenantes a une Ville del Roialme q~ ore sont en tout le Roialme avant dit. Et pur ce q~ n~re Sr~ le Roi, qi Dieu salve, si est a present innocent & de tendre age, la dite Co~e, pur Amendement des Meschiefs avaunt ditz & autres, & pur salvation du Roialme q~ maintenant est en grant peril, & pluis q~ unq~s n'estoit devant, priont au Roi n~re Sr~ & as Seign~rs du Parlement des trois choses en especial:"
18. "PRIMERE'NT, q~ lour pleuest ordeiner & lour nomer ore en ce present Parlement oept suffisantz Persones de diverses Estatz, d'estre continuelment residentz du Conseil sur les busoignes du Roy & del Roialme avec les Officers du Roi, des tieux Persones qi mieltz scievent & pluis diligeaument vorront & purront travailler sur l'amendement des Meschiefs avant ditz, & le bone Governement & Salvation del dit Roialme; issint q~ la Co~e purra estre clerement acertee des nouns d'yceux Conseillers q~ serroient Expendours & Ordeinours de ce q'ils verront granter pur les Guerres, & partant avoir la greindre corage de faire a n~re Sr~ le Roy ce q'ils ont de luy en charge, come dessus est dit."
19. "ITEM, q~ lour pleust ordener & nom~er en ce Parlement les Persones q~ serront de lees la Persone n~re Sr~ le Roy mesmes, q'est issint de tendre age. Et q~ celles Persones fussent des pluis vertuouses, honestes, & suffisantz del Roialme, issint q~ mesme n~re Sr~, q'est Persone sacree & enoint, feust noblement & en bones vertuz governez & nurriz au plesance de Dieu, p~ ont tout le Roialme y purra estre salvez & amendez. Et q~ feust auxint ordeine, q~ mesme n~re Sr~ le Roy & sa Maison fust governez a bone moderation en Despenses a faire tant soulement de les Revenues du Roialme & de les autres Droitz de sa Corone & Sr~ies. Et q~ tout ce q~ est ou serra grantez a n~re Sr~ le Roi en maintenance de ses Guerres, fust appliez & despenduz en les Guerres & nulle part aillours, en aide & descharge de sa Co~e avant dite."
20. "ITEM, q~ la co~e Loy, & auxint les especialx Loys, Estatuz, & Ordinances de la Terre, faitz devant ces heures, pur Co~e profit & bone governance du Roialme, lour feussent entierement tenuz, ratifiez, & confermez, & q~ p~ ycelles ils fussent droiturelement governez: qar la Co~e soy ent ad sentuz moeltz grevez cea en ariere, q~ ce ne lour ad my este fait toutes partz, einz q~ p~ar maistrie & fingulertees d'aucuns entour le Roy, qi Dieux assoill', ont este plusours de la dite Co~e malmesnez. Mais toutes voies la dite Co~e ny requert mye ore pur vengeance avoir de nully qi ait mesfait devant ceste heure, einz q~ en temps a venir, quant plest au Roy n~re Sr~ & son Conseil, chastiement soit duement fait des toux Malfaisours: Et q~ y soit pris a l'oeps du Roi ce q'il purra prendre p~ loy & reson, en donant bone ensample as autres de lour abstiner pur le temps a venir de semblablement malfaire. Requerante as Sr~s du Parlement, q~ quan q~ y feust ordenez en ce Parlement ne fust repellez fanz Parlement. Et q~ aiantz due consideration coment les jours sont courtz a present, & le temps se passe fortment, & l'en faut hastivement travailler entour l'ordinance du Roialme & des Guerres avant ditz, ou autrement, q~ Dieu ne veullie, le Roialme est destruit, ils lour ent advisent, & sur ce lour donent hastive & bone Responce. Salvant en toutes choses la Regalie & Dignitee n~re Sr~ le Roi avaunt dit; a laquelle les Co~es ne veullient q~ par lours Demandes chose prejudiciele y fust fait par aucune voie. Et sur ce fust responduz, q les Prelatz & Seign~rs y vorroit ent conseiller ensemble, comandant as Co~es de retournir a lour place, & treter de lours autres charges a eulx donez par entre cy & Joefdy prosch': a quiel jour ils furent comandez a retournir en Parlement pur oier la Responce de lours Requestes avant dites."
Conseillers & lour poair, &c. (m. 3.)
21. "QUANT a la primere Requeste q~ les dites Co~es monstrent a n~re Sr~ le Roy & as Seign~rs du Parlement, C'est assavoir, q~ serroit honour al Roi, & profit a toute le Roialme q'est maintenant grevez en diverse manere par plusoures Adversites, si bien par les Guerres de France, d'Espaigne, d'Irlande, Guyenne, de Bretaigne, & tout plain d'autres parties par Terre & par Meer come autrement, p~ ont le dit Roialme est ores en greindre p~il q~ n'estoit unq~s devant, & les Officers del Roialme ne suffisont mye sanz autre aide a si grande governaill, q~ le Conseill n~re dit Sr~ le Roy fust enlargez par le nombre de oept suffisantz Persones de diverses Estatz & degrees, pur estre continuelment residentz du Conseil avec les Officers dessus ditz fur les busoignes du Roi & del Roialme, meement tant come n~re dit Sr~ soit issint de tendre age; par manere tielle, q~ nul grosse ou chargeante busoigne y passe ou soit deliverez sanz l'assent & advis de touz, & autres meindres busoignes par l'assent & advis de quatre au meins, selonc ce q~ le cas requiert, issint q~ quatre de ceux soient continuelment residentz du Conseil le Roy: Em priantz humblement, q~ lour pleust ore en ce Parlement mesmes les oept Conseillers eslire de pluis suffisantz Persones del Roialme, & des tieux qi mieltz scievent, & pluis diligeaument purroient & vorroient travailler & mettre lours peines sur l'amendement des meschiefs & perils avant ditz; & fur ce notifier lours Nouns a mesme la Co~e en ce Parlement, en grant confort de eux & de tout le Roialme avaunt dit. Et q~ ceux Conseillers ne soient desore purveuz, faitz, ou esluz fors q~ en Parlement, si ne soit q~ aucun de eux moerge ou feust remuez par cause resonable entre Parlement & Parlement, en quiel cas le Roy, par advis de son Conseil, y face & ordeigne a sa plesance d'autres suffisantz en lours lieux."
Responce a la primere Requeste.
22. "NOSTRE Sr~ le Roy entendant la dite Requeste estre honurables & b~n profitables, si bien a luy mesmes come a son Roialme avant dit, l'ad ottroiez, purveuz toutes voies q~ Chanceller, Tresorer, Gardein du Privé Seal, Justices de l'un Bank~ & del'autre, & touz les autres Officers du Roi, purront faire & esploiter les busoignes q~ touchent lours Offices sanz la presence de tieux Conseillers. Et n~re Sr~ le Roy, pur certains causes q~ luy moevent a present, par l'advis des Seign~rs de Parlement y voet avoir ceste present Anee tant soulement neof Persones ses tieux Conseillers, & les ad fait eslire en dit Parlement; C'est assavoir, les Evesqes de Londres, de Kardoill, & de Salesbirs; les Contes de la March & de Staff; Mess~rs Ric' de Stafford & Henry le Scrop, Baneretz; & Mes~s Johan Deverose, & Hugh Segrave, Bachilers. Et est ordenez, q les ditz neof Conseillers issint esluz, & auxint les oept Conseillers q~ pur le temps serront, ne demurront en dit Office fors q~ soulement un An entier. Et celle An fini ne deveront mve celles mesmes Persones estre re-eslus a celle office par deux Ans prosch' ensuantz."
23. "ET auxint est ordene, q~ nul d~oun d'eschete, de garde, mariage, rente, ne d'autre rienz apparten' al Roy, ne se face a nully des ditz Conseillers durant le terme del dit An, si ne soit par Co~e assent de touz les ditz Conseillers, ou la greindre partie d'iceulx: ne q'ils preignent rienz de nulle partie par promesse, n'autrement, s'il ne soit mangier & boire de petite value, ou autre chose q~ ne purra resonablement estre dit louer, pur nulle busoigne q~ serra mesnee ou tretee devant eux, sur peyne de rendre a la partie le double de ce q'ils einsi prendront, avec les damages & despenses partant suffertz, & a nre Sr le Roi six foitz atant come ils y averont pris. Et auxint est ordenez, q~ nul tiel Conseiller n'empreigne ou sustiene aucune querelle par maintenance en pays, n'aillours, sur tielle grevouse payne q~ serra ordenez par nre Sr~ le Roy, de l'advis des Sr~s du Roialme; la conissance & jurisdiction desquelles choses serra au Roi mesmes, & a ses Uncles d'Espaigne, de Cantebrigge, & de Bukyngham, pris a eux aucuns Prelatz & Sr~s a la suite de partie donant, & nemye devant autres Persones, ne en autre manere. Et si nully se pleigne de tieux Conseiller, & ne purra prover sa entente, encourge le peine darreinerement ordene par Estatut en temps le Roi E. aiel nostre Sr~ le Roy q'ore est, des Accusours qi font pleinte au Roi mesmes."
24. "ET auxint est ordenez, q~ les ditz Conseillers q~ ore sont ou qi pur le temps serront esluz, ordenez, & assignez, soient serementz en presence du Roi mesmes, de garder ceste Ordinance, & b~n & loialment Conseiller le Roy en toutes choses q~ serront moevez ou tretez devant eux selonc lours sen & poairs: & q~ toute chose q~ y doit estre tenuz en secret sanz descovrir, ne descovriront a aucun estrange, autrement q~ nel' doivent faire par reson."
25. "ET fait a remembrer, q~ puis apres les neof Prelatz, Contes, & autres dessus ditz, issint esluz en Conseil pur cest An, si furent devant le Roy mesmes jurrez & sermentez a ce faire, en presence des plusours Sr~s du Parlement, en la forme avant dite."
Responce a les autres deux Requestes.
26. "ET quant a la secound Requeste de la Co~e, C'est assavoir, de nommer ou assigner en certain les Persones quelles serront entour la Persone du Roy n~re Sr~, les Seign~rs du Parlement y respoignent & diont, Qe ce lour semble estre trop chargeante & dure Requeste de mettre aucune Persone entour lour Seign' le Roi autre q~ ne plust b~n a luy par plusours causes, ou de remuer aucun son Officer ou Servant si ne fust par la volentee du dit Roi expresse, & encores pur notable defaut en tieux Officers ou Servantz trouvez ou provez; p~ ont les Sr~s ne vorroient volunters de ce entremettre. Mais lour sembloit chose b~n resonable, necessarie, & profitable au Roi & al Roialme, q~ les Chivalers, Esquiers, & toutz autres entour le Roi, feussent defenduz sur griefs peines, q~ tant come n~re Sr~ le Roy soit issint de tendre age, ils ne feissent nulles pursuites devers le Roi pur eulx mesmes, ne pur autres, de chose q~ feust aucunement chargeant au Roy ou al Roialme, n'autrement, sinoun soulement pur Benefices, Baillies, ou autres Offices, lesqueux nul damage purra avenir au Roi ou al Roialme avant ditz. Qar y fust dit, q~ b~n fust q~ des gardes, mariages, eschetes, & autres tieux profitz, les ditz Counseillers & Officers se medleroent al profit du Roi & del Roialme. Et quant a la Moderation de la Meignee le Roi & ses Despenses en sa Maison, sur les Revenues del Roialme tant soulement en descharge de la Co~e estoit auxint responduz, Qe les Sr~s ent verroient communer a bone deliberation avec les grantz Officers du dit Hostiel: Et si par lour advis ce purroit estre fait, salvant l'Estat & l'Onour du Roi, ceste lour autre Requeste serroit ensement perfourme. Et quant a la tierce Requeste & darreine, sembloit resonable chose a touz les Sr~s quant au present q~ ce lour soit ottroiez & grantez."
La graunt fait par la Co'e de xme & xvme.; Tresoriers pur la Guerre xv. M. li. du Roi.
27. "ITEM, les Sr~s & Co~es du Roialme d'Engl' appercievantz clerement le grant Peril du Roialme, q'est en point d'estre p~duz, si Dieu n'y mette remede le pluis en haste, p~ my les grandes Guerres queux y sont moevez a l'encontre, & assez overtz chescune Part, si b~n par Terre come par Meer, dont il y est ore pluis a douter q~ unq~s n'estoit devant. Et partant en aide de les Despenses q~ l'en faut mettre entour la governance de la Guerre du Roialme, en resistence de tantz des Enemys, & en socour & rescous del Roialme avant dit, a l'aide n~re Sr~ ils grantent ore de lour liberale volentee a mesme n~re Sr~ le Roi deux Quinszimes par dehors Citees & Burghs, & deux Dismes deinz mesmes les Citees & Burghs, a lever de lour Biens, si bien c'est assavoir des Seign~rs des Villes come des Religious, pur leurs Biens provenantz de lours Terres & Tenementz purchacez ou appropriez puis l'An vintisme le Roi E. filz le Roi Henry, & d'autres seculers gentz quelconq~s, nully esperniant en celle partie, par entre cy & la Chandeleure prosch' venant, par autielles sommes de deniers & nemye greignours ne meindres come ont este acustumez estre levez des Villes p~my le Roialme quant tielles Dismes & Quinszismes ont este grantez, a une foitz ou a diverses foitz pur deux Ans. Em priantz humblement a lour Sr~ lige, & les autres Sr~s du Parlement, q~ si b~n de ceux Deniers, come des Deniers de les Dismes ore a granters par la Clergie d'Engl', et auxint de les Deniers provenantes de les Subsides de Leynes, feussent certains Persones suffisantz assignez de par le Roi d'estre Tresoriers ou Gardeins, au tiel effect q~ celles Deniers feussent tout entierment appliez a les Despenses de la Guerre, & nemye autre part par aucune voie. Et fait a remembrer, q~ celle Requeste lour estoit ottroiez par le Roi, salvant au Roi entierment la sue anciene Custume de di' marc des Denszeins, & di'soldz des Foreins, due de chescun saak de Leyne a passer hors du Roialme, &c. Et sur ce n~re Sr~ le Roi fist assigner William Walworth & Johan Philypot, Marchantz de Londres, d'estre Gardeins des dites sommes, a l'oeps avant dit & de faire loial accompte de lours Resceites & Issues par manere come serroit ordene par n~re Sr~ le Roy & son dit grant Conseil en resonable manere. Et sur ce, par commandement n~re dit Sr~ le Roi, les ditz William, & Johan, pristrent lour charge, & a ce faire loialment furent ils sermentez & jurrez devant le Roy mesmes en plein Parlement. Sauvez toutes foitz au Roi, q'il soit repaiez primerement de la somme par luy chevee & paiee a ceste darreine viage sur la Meer, q'amonte pluis q~ a xv mill' Livrs d'esterlings, dont le Roi est encores Dettour as Creditours."
A.D. 1377. 1 Ric. 2.
"Rotul. Parl. 1 R. II. Vol. iii. p. 14.
In Cedula. (m. 8.)
"CEST Cedule firent les Co~es bailler en Parlem', em priantz as Sr~s de l'esploit & mettre en Execution.
"Secundement, q' les ix Sr~es ore esluz du Graunt Conseil, ensemble ove les grauntz Officers du Roialme & de l'Hostell, puissent avoir lour charge en audience des Co~es, & lour poiar declareez devaunt la Co~e, ensy q~ chescun Persone de la ligeance puisse se affier d'avoir bone governaill', si bien deinz la Roialme come pur la defence d'icell' a lour poair."
"Ibidem, p. 15.
"Cy en apres s'ensuent les Petitions baillees avant en Parlement par les Co'es, avec les Responces y ent faites & donees a ycelles.
No. 6.
47. "ITEM soit requis, pur l'Estat nr~e Sr~ le Roi relever, & le pluis honurablement son Estat maintenir, q~ nulle Doune de Terre, ne de rente, ne d'eschete, ne de garde, ne de mariage, se face as nulles des Conseillours durant lour terme ore ordeigne, ne a nulle autre sanz Conseil & assent des ditz Conseillers, ou de la greindre partie de eux; mes toutes les choses desçueux profit purra sourdre, appurtenantz al Roy en aucune manere, soient emprowez al profit du Roy pur son vivre jesqes son Estat soit avenantement relevez, & autre chose sur ce ordene, a l'honour & profit de luy, & allegeance des prises, & autres grevances saitz avaunt ces heures al Poeple; & q~ semblables sont a venirs, si tieux profitz ne soient approwez & gardez pur nr~e dit Sr~. Et q~ l'Estat & poair des ditz Conseillers puisse estre enrollez en le Roulle de Parlement, et les Estatutz q~ feuront faitz en le second Parlement prosch' passe sur Conseillers puissent estre a ore confermez sur les Conseillers q'ore sont de novell ordenez si plusours enbusoigne. Et q~ lour Estat & poair ore confermez ne soit repellable sinoun par Parlement."
Responsio.
"Le Roi le voet bien a cause de son tendre age, salvant toutdys sa Regalie en toutes choses."
No. 7.
48. "ITEM ils prient, pur ceo q~ la Corone est moult abiesse & demembre par diverses Douns donez en temps de nre Sr~, q~ Dieux assoille, es queux Douns il estoit malement deceux, & en plusours Persones malement emploiez, come Homme le poet declarrer, a grande damage de luy & de nr~e Sr~ le Roy q'ore est, si b~n des Chateux, Villes, Terres, Tenementez, Baillies, Gardes, Mariages, Eschetes, & Releves, auxi b~n en Gascoigne, Irlande come en Engl'. Qe plese a a nr~e Sr~ le Roi & son Conseil faire examiner par les Rolles de Chancellerie du temps nr~e Sr~ le Roy, qi Dieux assoillie, queux Dounes, & as queux, & quele som~e ils amountent, q~ aviendront a trop' haut somme sanz doute; Et q~ sur ceo ils soient sagement examinez as queux ils estoient donez notablement & profitablement pur le Roi & le Roialme, & as queux nr~e dit Sr~ estoit deceux, & ses Dounes malement emploiez, & queux touz ceux es queux nr~e dit Sr~ estoit deceux, & q~ sont malement emploiez, y puissent estre de tut repellez sanz estre redonez as mesemes ceux, ou a null autre, tan q~ ses Dettes soient acquitez, & l'Estat de noz tres-honoures Seigur~s les Fitz de nr~e Sr~, qi Dieux assoille, qi sont povres a lour Estat, y purra avenantment par ascuns des ditz Douns estre relevez. Et soit le p~nour q'ensy ad nr~e dit Sr~ de ceux puniz en cest present Parlement, selonc son desert, par agarde de Baronage, en supportation du charge q~ le Co~e Poeple y covient porter. Ratifiantz & confermantz as ceux qi ount deservi les Dounes en manere come nr~e dit Sr~, qi Dieux assoille, lour avoit grauntez. Considerant a chescun sōn longe service & son desert, & regardant, s'il pleast a nr~e Sr~, as touz ceux q~ servierent a nr~e dit Sr~ so~n aiel, q~ sont sanz rewarde pur lour service."
Responsio.
"Les Seign~rs de Continuel Conseil serront charges de veer & examiner les ditz Douns, & les condicions, Estatz, & desertz des Persones; et en oultre faire ce q~ reson demande."
No. 9.
50. "ITEM, ils prient, pur ceo q~ moultz des Malx & Damages sont avenuz par tieux Conseillers & tieux Ministers avant nom~ez, si b~n au Roy come al Roialme; qe plese ore a sa Hautesse par advys de touz les Sr~s du Parlement, q~ tan q~'il soit au plein age a conustre les bons & les malx, granter q~ touz les Conseillers & Officers apres escriptz puissent estre faitz & purveieuz par Parlement; C'est assavoir, Chanceller, Haut Tresorier, Chief' Justices de l'un Bank & de l'autre, & Chief' Baron le l'Escheqier, Seneschal, & Tresorier de son Hosteil, Chief Chaumberlein, Clerc de Prive Seal, un Chief Gardein de ses Forestes decea Trent, & un autre dela. Et s'il aveigne par aucune aventure, q~ y covient a mettre aucuns des ditz Ministres p~ entre un Parlement & autre, q'en tiel cas y plese au Roy nr~e dit Sr~ granter, q~ tiel Ministre puisse estre mys par son Grant Conseil, tan q~ le Parlement prosch' ensuant."
Responsio.
"Quant a cest Article, il est assentuz q~ tant come nostre Sr~ le Roi soit issint de tendre age, q~ les dit Conseillers, & aussint les Chanceller, Tresorier, Seneschal de Son Hosteil, et Chaumberlein, soient esluz par les Sr~s en Parlement: Salvez toutdys l'Estat & l'Heritage du Conte de Oxenford del dit Office de Chaumberlin. Mais s'il avenist issint q~ aucun de eux morust, ou feust par cause resonable remuez, entre Parlement & Parlement, adonq~s le Roi par 'advys des Sr~s de son Continuel Conseil les ferra en le moiene temps. Et quant as autres Officers dessus nomez, le Roy les ferra par l'assent des Sr~s du Son dit Conseil."
"Rotul. Parl. 2 Ric. II. Vol iii. p. 32.
A. D. 1378. 2 Ric. 2.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Gloucestre, Die Mercur' prox' post Festum Sancti Luce Evangeliste, Anno Regni Regis Ricardi Secundi post Conquestum Angl. secundo.
"Ibidem, Page 35.
Requeste de la Co'e.
20. "ET sur ce la Co~e, eue un poy de Deliberation, requiste autre soitz a nr~e Sr~ le Roi q~ pleust a luy de faire monstrer a sa dite Co~e, Coment et en quiel Manere les dites grantz Sommes issint donez et ordinez pur la dite Guerre feurent despenduz, et q~ due Ordinance y feusse faite, q~ si einsi avenoit, q~ aucun Seign~r ou nul autre Persone retenuz al derrain Viage, ou nul Part allours, eust meindre Nombre des Gentz a sa monstre, q'il n'estoit retenuz d'avoir avec luy, et eust resceuz Gages et les Deniers le Roy, q~ celle surpluis de Monoie, oultre les Gages des Gentz monstrez feust repaiez a nr~e dit Sr~ le Roi, pur estre appliez a la Guerre en descharge partant de la Co~e avaunt dite. Et euxint ils requirgent, q~ pleust a nr~e Sr~ le Roy granter, q~ la Co~e feust acertez des Nouns qi serroient les grantz Officers del Roialme, et qui serroient Conseillers a nr~e Sr~ le Roy, et Governours de sa Persone, tant come il soit issint de tendre Age, pur l'An ensuant, par Manere come autre foitz estoit ordeignez en Parlement."
Responce donne de par le Roy.: (m. 6.)
21. "A Quoi feust responduz par le dit Monsieur Richard del dit Comandement q~ coment q~ n'estoit unq~s veuz, q~ de Subside ou autre Grant fait au Roi en Parlement, ou hors du Parlement par la Co~e, ent feust Accomptee apres renduz a la Co~e, ou a aucun autre, forsque a Roi et ses Officers, nientmeins nr~e dit Sr le Rolvoet et comande, en plesance de sa Co~e, del son propre Moevement, sanz ce q'il le fait de droit, ou par Coartation p~my la dite Requeste ore a luy faite, q~ le dit William Walworth cy present, ensemble avec certaines autres Persones del Conseil nr~e Sr~ le Roy a a ce a assigners de p~ le Roy, vous monstrent en Escrit clerement, les Receites et Despenses ent faites, p~ tielle Covenante q~ ce ne soit desore trete en Ensaumple ne Consequentie q~ ce feust autrement fait, forsq~ soulement des propres Moevement & Comandement nr~e dit Sr~ le Roi, come dit est. Et quant a ce q~ remaint des Gages rescuez oultre les Gentz monstrez, vous doivez entendre q~ ce app~tint a nr~e dit Sr~ le Roi mesmes & a ses Ministres de l'Eschequier & nulle part aillours; & ceux de l'Eschequier ne vorront ne soloient mettre en ubblie tieux choses mes q~ ce feust le greinour Seign~r d'Engl'. Et quant as ditz Officers & Counseillers n~re dit Sr~ le Roi par advis des Seign~rs ad fait eslire les ditz Officers & ferra ses Conseillers de tieux come luy plerra si tost come il purra a ce attendre; de qi Nouns vous serrez bien acertes si plest au Roi. Et nr~e Sr~ le Roi vouz comande & charge en priant & einsi vous priont touz les Seignrs cy presentz, q~ aiantz due consideration a les grantz perils app~antz toutes partes, & auxint a ce q~ la maintenance de la Guerre p~ dehors est assez clerement devant ceste heure provez de pure reson le necessaire & meillour Defens de tout le Roialme avant dit: Quiel Defens ne touche soulement n~re dit Sr~ le Roi einz vous touz & chescun de vous, & en celle Defens vous ne purrez ne ne devrez de partir l'un de l'autre par aucune voie, ne en Despenses faire ni autrement. Vous vous vorrez adviser coment & de quoy les de~es Guerre & Defens serront faitz & maintenuz & ent doner voz bones Responses a pluis en haste q~ vous purrez, ausin q~ ce Parlement fuist finiz & bien esploitz en aise du Roi des Seign~rs & de vous touz, & pur Profit del Roialme & en descharge de la dite povre Co~e qui paient chescun jour pur voz Despenses durant cest Parlement Et cefust un & le principal de voz charges vous donez al dit primer jour. Uneautre charge vous y avoistes q~ si defaute seust trovez nul part deinz le Roialme, ou del governance en les Loys du Roialme, ou en autre manere q~ de ce vous meissez avant voz supplications, et due remede vous ent serroit ordeignez. A quoy la dite Co~e priast d'avoir le jour limitez al dit primer jour de Parlement a deliverer lours Co~es Billes proloignez oultre tan q~ al jour de Almes prosch'venant, tout cel jour accomptez; & ce lour estoit ottroiez."
A. D. 1379. & Ric. 2.
"Rotul. Parl, 2 Ric. II. Vol. iii. p. 55.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westmonasterium in XV Pasche, Anno Regni Regis Ricardi Secundi post Conquestum Anglie secundo. Pars II.
5. "ET d'autre parte, notorie chose est, & conuz a la greindre partie de vous touz, coment sur le fyn & dep~tement del darrein Parlement tenuz a Gloucestr', nr~e Sr~ le Roi fist assigner aucuns Prelatz & Seignr~s pur estre de son Continuel Conseil pur l'An ensuant, selonc ce qu'atre foitz estoit essentuz. Mais pur le sodein departement d'ycell' Parlement il n'y purroit assigner le nombre entier de ses dc~es Continuelx Conseillers, si fist il apres assigner le remenant des ditz Conseillers a Londres, & lour fist jurer de faire loialment lours aides & diligences sur le bon governement des busoignes del Roialme."
A. D. 1379–80. 3 Ric. 2.
"Rotul. Parl. 3 Ric. II. Vol. ii. p. 71.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westm', die Lune prox' post Festum Sancti Hillar', Anno Regni Regis Ricardi Secundi post Conquestum tertio.
"Ibidem, P. 73.
(m. 8.)
11. "ITEM les Co~es, apres q'ils furent advisez d lour dite Charge, retournerment en Parlement en presence de dr~e Sr~ le Roi: & Mon~srJohan de Gildesburgh, Chivaler, q'estoit eslit par la Co~e d'avoir pur eulx les paroles, faisant sa protestation q~ s'yl y deist rienz q~ purroit tournir ou sonnir en desplesance ou deshon' de n~re Sr~ le Roi, ou des autres Seign~rs illoeq~s presentz, q~ ce ne feust arettez a la Co~e come chose dc~e illoeq~s de lour voluntee, einz en defaute, & par le noun-sachance ou negligence del dit Mon~sr Johan, & q~ ce feust tenuz pur reinz dit; Et auxint s'il dit pluis ou meins, q~ n'estoit assentuz par ses compaignons, q'il ent feust amendez a quelle heure q~ leur pleust:"
12. "DIST, q~ lour sembloit a la dite Co~e, q'si lour Sr~ lige eust este b~n & resonablement governez en ses Despenses par dedeinz le Roialme & autrement, il n'eust ore busoigne de lour aide par chargeant sa dite Co~e q'ore est trop povres, & pluis q'unqes devaunt ne fuist, a ce q'ils entendent. Em priantz, q~ les Prelatz, & autres Seign~rs du Continuel Conseil q'ont longement travaillez en dit affaire feussent oultreement deschargez a lour grant aise, & en descharge de Roi, de lour coustages, & q~ nuls tielx Conseillers soient pluis retenuz devers le Roi; aiant regard q~ n~re Sr~ le Roi si est ore de bone discretion & de bele stature; aiant regard de son age q'est ore b~n pres accordant a l'age de son noble aiel, qi Dieux assoill', al temps de son Coronement; luy quiel n'avoit autres Conseillers el comencement de soun Regne sinoun les Cynk principalx Officers de son Roialme acustumez. Em priantz oultre q~ en ce Parlement soient esluz & choises les Cynk principalx Officers des pluis suffisantz deinz le Roialme, qi soient tretables, & qi mieltz scievent & purront faire lours Offices: C'est assavoir, Chanceller, Tresorer, Gardein du Prive Seal, Chief Chamberlein, & Seneschal de l'Hostiel le Roi. Et q~ ceux issint a choisers, desqueux la Co~e vorroit estre acertez de lours Persones & nouns durant cest Parlement, a lour tres grant confort, & aide a l'esploit faire as busoygnes de Roi, declarrez a mesme la Co~e, ne feussent remuz devant le prosch' Parlement si ne feust pur cause de mort, maladie, ou autre tielle cause necessaire."
A. D. 1379–80, 3 Ric. 2.
"Rotul. Parl. 3 Ric. II. Vol. iii. p. 80.
"Sequntur Petitiones tradite D'no n'ro Regi & Consilio suo in presenti Parliamento pro parte Communitatis Regni Anglie, una cum Responsionibus ear' dum in codem Parliamento factis.
"Ibid. P. 82.
No. 9
34. "ITEM prient les Co~es q~ les cynx principalx Officers ore establiz en cest Parlement puissent demurrer en lours Offices, sanz estre remuez p~ entre cy & le proschein Parlement, si defaut especial n'y soit trovez en aucun de eux en le mesne temps, come l'en suppose q~ ne serra my, si Dieux plest."
Responsio.
"Il y une Ordeinance ent faite en Parlement l'An nr~e Sr~ le Roi primer, quel le Roi voet q~ soit tenuz & gardez selonc le purport d'y celle."
"Rotul. Parl. 10 Ric. II. Vol. iii. p. 215.
A. D. 1386. 10 Ric. 2.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westmon' primo die Octobris, Anno Regni Regis Ricardi Secundi post Conquestum decimo.
"Ibid. P. 220.
(m. 3.)
18. "A L'HONOR de Dieu & pur l'onur & bien de nr~e Sr~ le Roi, & pur le bien commune & en defense du Roialme d'Engleterre, les Seign~rs & les Communes de mesme le Roiaume esteantz en cest present Parlement ount grantez a n~re dit Sr~ le Roi une demy Disme, and demy Quinszisme, a lever des leys gentz du Roiaume, a la Chaundelure proschein venant, par manere come ad este acustumez a estre levez avant ces hures. Et aussi ils ont grantez, pur les causes suis dites, & pur defense de la Meer & salvation des Merchandises, de chescun Tonell de Vyn entrant en mesme le Roiaume, ou issant hors d'icel, Trois sold'; & de la Livre de toutes autres maneres de Merchandie entrantz en la Roiaume, ou issantz hors d'icell, horpris Leins, Quirs, & Peaux lanutz, si bien de foreins come de denizeins, nientcontresteant ascune Chartre ou Patent fait au contraire, xii deniers. Et par la, ou a Parlement tenuz a Westm' l'An du Regne n~re dit Sr~le Roi noefisme certein Subside des Leyns, Quirs, & Peaux lanutz estoit grantez par les Seign~rs & Communes, a prendre de la Fest de Seint Pere ad vincula darrein passe tan q~ a la Fest de Seint Pere ad vincula proschein a venir; ore les ditz Seign~rs & Communes en cest present Parlement grauntent le dit Subside, a durer de la dit Fest de Seint Pere ad vincula proschein venant tan q~ a la Fest de Seint Esmon le Martir prochein ensuant, & de mesme le Fest de Seint Esmon tan q~ a la Fest de Nowell lors proschein ensuant, si ne soit nulle Parlement tenuz en le meen temps. Et outre ce, les ditz Seigneurs & Communes ount grantez, par les ditz enchesons, un autre demy Disme, & demy Quinszisme, a lever de les leys gentz a la Quinszeine de Seint Michel prochein venant, sur certein condition; C'est assavoir, q~ si les suis ditz Grantz, sanz la dite darrein demy Disme & demy Quinszisme, ovesq~ autres bens le Roi, purroient suffire pur les Charges & Defenses du Roialme par un An prochein a venir, p~ la Diligence & bone Ordenance de les honorables Peres en Dieu William Ercevesq~ de Canterbirs, Alexander Ercevesq~ d'Everwyk; et les Uncles le Roi Esmon Duc d'Everwyk, Thomas Duc de Gloucestr'; et les honorables Peres en Dieu William Evesq~ de Wyncestre, Thomas Evesq~ d'Excestre; et Nichol Abbe de Waltham; Richard Count d'Arundell, Johan Sr~ de Cobham, Richard le Scrop, Chivaler, et Johan Deveros, Chivaler; et trois Officiers le Roi, c'est assavoir, Chaunceller, Tresorer, et Gardein du Prive Seal, ordeinez et assignez par nr~e Sr~ le Roi, par sa Commission enseale souz son Grant Seal, de son Auctorite Roial, certeine Science, bone Gree et fraunche Volunte, et par Avis des Prélatz, Seign~rs, et Communes en cest present Parlement; en eide de bone Governance du Roialme, et bone et due Execution des Leys, et en Relevement de l'Estat du Roi et de son Poeple en temps a venir; d'estre del continuel Conseil de Nr~e dit Sr~ le Roi; q'adonques melme la darrem demy Disme et demy Quinszisme ne soient par nulle qeconq~ voie aucunement coillez ne levez ne nulle Commission fait pur les coiller ne lever, et q~ nulles autres soient associez ou assignez a les ditz Seign~rs, forpris ceux q~ sont ore nomez en la dite Commission. Toutes lesquelles Grantes, les avant ditz Seignr~s et Communes ont fait a cest foitz sur les Conditions ensuantz; C'est assavoir, q~ si le Poair done as ditz Seigneurs par la Commission suis dite, ordeinez d'estre de continuel Conseil, come desuis, soit en aucune Manere repellez ou defait, ou si mesme les Seign~rs du dit Counseill soient par aucuny, qi qe ce soit, on en aucune Manere, desturbez, q'ils ne purront fraunchement user ne faire plein Execution de Poair a eux commys par la dite Commission, et chescun point d'icell' sicome mieulz lour plerra, et mieultz lour semblera pur l'Onur et Profit du Roi et de son Roialme, p~ ont ils surseient et cessent outrement de le faire, q~ delors la leve et demande de tout ce q~'adonques remaindra a lever, par force ou colour des ditz Grantez, cessent outrement pur toutz Jours. Et en ce cas, Briefs soient mandez p~m~y tout le Roiaume en chescun Counte, as Coillours de toutes les ditz Choses ensy grantez, q'ils surseient de qeconq~ leve en a faire par Vertu des Grantes avant ditz; et q~ par mesmes les Briefs ils en eient lour final Descharge en l'Eschequer. Et q~ Lettres Patentes soient faitz a chescun Counte desouz le Grant Seal, sanz rien payer pur le fee du Seal, ou pur l'Escripture d'icelles, recitantz la Cause, la Manere, et les Conditions de totes les Grantes avant dites. Et q~ l'Estaple des Leins, Quirs, et Peaux lanutz, soit ordeine en le Hast q~ purra bonement par les Seign~rs et Officers suis ditz, pur la greindre Profit du Roi & del Roiaume."
A. D. 1389. 13 Ric. 2.
"Rotul. Parl. 13 Ric. II. Vol. iii. pag. 257.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westmonasterium die Lune prox' post Festum S'c'i Hillarii, Anno Regni Regis Ricardi Secundi tertio decimo.
"Ibid. P. 258.
(m. 11.)
6. "JOEFDY, le vint jour de Janver, & le quart jour de cest Parlement, l'Evesq~ de Wyncestre, Chanceller d'Engleterre, & l'Evesq~ de Seint David, Tresorer d'Engleterre, & toutz les Seign~rs del Grant Conseill du Roi, hors pris le Clerc du Privé Seal, prierent a n~re Sr~ le Roi d'avoir consideration a les grantz travailles & coustages q'ils avoient continuelment eus & suffertz el temps q'ils avoient occupiez les ditz Offices, & eux descharger de mesmes les Offices, & mettre autres bones & sufficeantz en lour lieux. Et sur ce Chanceller susrendy le Grant Seal, & le Tresorer les Cliefs del Tresorie au Roi; & le Roi les resceut & eux deschargea des ditz Offices. Et deschargea auxint les Seignr~s du Conseill. Et quant ils furent deschargez ils prierent overtement en Parlement, q~ si ascun vorroit compleindre sur eux q'ils avoient reins mespris ou autrement faitz q'ils ne deussent faire el temps q'ils avoient estez es ditz Offices, q'il le dirroit & monstreroit au Roy maintenant en Parlement. Et sur ce les Communes prierent jour d'avisement tan q'al lendemayn: & lendemayn, c'est afsavoir Vendredy ensuant, les ditz Communes demandez & opposez par Mons~r de Lancastre par comandement du Roi, de ceste chose, disoient pleinement, Q'ils avoient diligealment enquis & plez entre eux de la dite matire, & q'ils ne savoient ne ne troverent nulle cause de compleindre sur eux, ne riens dire encontre eux: einz q'il lour sembla q'ils avoient tres bien faitz, & tres grantz gre deserviz en lour ditz Offices, & de ce les mercierent grantement en plein Parlement. Et puis, toutz les Prelatz & Seign~rs du Parlement demandez de Par le Roy de toutes les dites choses en manere semblable, disoient, Q'ils ne savoient q~ bien; & q'ils avoient bien & duement faitz en lour ditz Offices. Et maintenant apres nr~e Sr~ le Roi disoit overtement, q~ les ditz Officers & Conseillers avoient bien faitz en lour ditz Offices, & les tenoit bons & loialx."
A. D. 1422. 1 Hen. 8.
"Rotul. Parl. 1 Hen. VI. Vol. iv. p. 169.
Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westm', die Lune prox' ante Festum Sancti Martini, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum primo.
Pronunciation de Parlement. (m. 17.)
1. "FAIT assavoir, q~ au comencement del Parlement tenuz le Lundy proschein devant le Feste de Seint Martyn, l'An del Regne du Roi Henry Sisme puis le Conqueste primer, une Commission du Roi fait desoutz son grande Seal, & direct a l'honourable & puissant Prince Humfrey Duc de Gloucestre son Uncle, p~ la quell le Roi avoit donee poair a mesme son Uncle, a tenir le dit Parlement en le non du Roi, selonc l'effect & la contenue de mesme la Commission, en la presence del dit Duc, seant en le Chambre de Peinte deinz le Palois de Westm', & auxi les Seign~rs Espirituelx & Temporelx, & des Chivalers des Countees, & des Citeins & Burgeois del Roialme d'Engleterre, pur toute la Commune de mesme le Roialme au dit Parlement venuz, illoeques alors esteantz, fuit overtement leeuz; dont le tenure cy ensuit.—Henricus, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie & Francie, & Dn~us Hibernie, Omnibus ad quos presentes litere pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis, quod cum de avisamento Consilii Nri, pro quibusdam arduis & urgentibus negotiis, Nos, statum, & defensionem Regni Nri Anglie, ac Ecclesie Anglicane contingentibus; quoddam Parliamentum Nrum apud Westm', die Lune prox' ante Festum Sancti Martini prox' futur', teneri ordinaverimus, & quia vero propter certas causas ad Parliamentum p~dictum personaliter non poterimus interesse, ac de circumspectione & industria carissimi Avunculi Nri Humfridi Ducis Glouc' plenam fiduciam reportantes, eidem Avunculo Nro, ad Parliamentum p~dictum nomine Nro inchoand' et in eo procedend', & ad faciend' omnia & singula que pro Nobis, & per Nos, pro bono regimine & gubernatione Regni Nri p~dicti, ac aliorum Dominiorum Nostrorum eidem Regno Nro pertinentium ibidem fuerint faciend'; necnon ad Parliamentum illud finiend' & dissolvend', de assensu Consilii Nri, plenam tenore presentium Committimus potestatem. Dantes ulterius de assensu ejusdem Consilii Nri, tam universis & singulis Archiepiscopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Ducibus, Comitibus, Baronibus, & Militibus, quam omnibus aliis quorum interest ad Parliamentum Nrum p~dictum conventur', similiter tenore presentium firmiter in mandatis, quod eidem Avunculo Nostro intendant in premissis in forma supradicta. In cujus rei testimonium, has Literas Nras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipso, apud Westm', sexto die Novembris, Anno regni Nri primo."
"Ibid. P. 170.
Presentation du Parlour. (m. 16.)
11. "JEODY, le quarte jour de ceste Parlement, viendrent les Communes en ycell Parlement devant le dit Duc de Gloucestre, Commissair du Roi a tenir mesme le Parlement, & devant toutz les Seign~rs Espirituelx & Temporelx esteantz illoeqes; & presenterent Rogier Flour Esquier, pur lour commune Parlour, a qi le dit Commissair du Roi se agrea bien. Et apres ceo le dit Parlour pria, q'il purroit parler desoutz tiele Protestation, come autres Parlours avoient fait p~ devant. Et le dit Commissair du Roi de part le Roi ottroia q~ le dit Parlour averoit tiele Protestation, come autres Persones q'ont esteez Parlours ceo en arere ont eu, es temps des nobles Progenitours & Predecessours du Roi. Et pria auxi le dit Parlour, q~ s'il p~leroit riens autrement q~ n'estoit accordee p~ ses ditz Compaignons, q'il soi purroit corriger & refourmer p~ lour bon advis; a la quele le dit Commissair du Roi soi agrea de part le Roi."
L'Auctorisation des certeins Commissions & somons de ceste Parlement.
12. "FAIT assavoir, q~ conuz la verite cy en Engleterre de la passement le tres noble Roi Henry Quint puis le conqueste, q~ Dieu de fa haute mercie pardoine, & considerez la tendre age de son tres beau fits & heir n~re tres soverain Sr~ q'or est, assemblerent pleuseurs honourables Sr~s de ceste Roialme, si bien Espirituelx come Temporelx, pur la iminent necessite de governance de le mesme, si bien pur conservation de la paix & exhibition de Justice, come pur l'exercice des offices au Roi regardantz. Sur qoy diverses Commissions, de lour bone advis, ont issuez desoutz le grande Seal du Roi as mentz Persones, si bien as Justices, come as Visconts, Eschetours, & autres de ses officers, & auxi ont brieves du Roi, p~ l'advis suisdit issuez a somondre ceste Parlement, a l'entente q~ p~ le Commune assemble de toutz Estates du Roialme, & lour sages conseilles & discretions, la meillour governance pur la tres excellente Persone & Estat de n~re dit soverain Sr~ & pur tout le dit Roialme, purroit estre purveu en le dit Parlement, si bien pur la salvation del Roialme, come pur defense de le mesme; ordeinez est & assentuz en ceo mesme Parlement, & p~ l'auctorite d'icell, q~ si bien les Commissions q~conqes, come toutz les ditz brieves de somons de Parlement issint issuez desoutz le dit Seal, & l'issues & l'executions de tres toutz les mesmes, soient affermez, auctorisez, & approvez come bones & effectuelx, & q~ pur autielx soient tenuz & reputez envers toutz Persones perpetuelment."
Pro Venerabili Patre Domino Thoma Episcopo Dunelmen.
13. "MONSTRANTE, Venerabili Patre Thoma Episcopo Dunelmen', in presenti Parliamento, manifeste qualiter super lamentibili & dolorosa morte inclite recordationis Henrici nuper Regis Anglie Quinti post conquestum, ac Heredis & Regentis Regni Franc', & Dn~i Hibernie, per relatores veridicos intellecta, idem Thomas Episcopus Dunelmen', nuper Cancellarius ipsius nuper Regis in Angl', dum vivebat; videlicet, Vicesimo octavo die Septembris, Anno Regni serenissimi Principis & Dn~i n~ri Henrici Regis Anglie & Francie Sexti post conquestum primo, in Castro de Wydesore, coram excellenti & potenti Principe & Domino suo honorabili Humfrido Duce Gloucestr' Avunculo ipsius Dn~i n~ri Regis Henrici Sexti, ac Reverendis Patribus Henrico Archiepiscopo Cantuarien', Henrico Wynton', Edmundo Exon', & Phillipo Wigorn' Episcopis; Johanno Dn~o de Talbot & de Furnyvale, Willielmo Dn~o de Clynton, Roberto Dn~o de Ponynges, & nonnullis aliis, qui tunc ibidem fuerunt presentes, factis per ipsos primitus fidelitatibus & Homagiis, prout ad quemlibet eorum pertinebat, & facta perprius per ipsum Dn~um Episcopum Dunelmen' fidelitate prefato Dn~o Regi Henrico Sexto, debit' Majestati sue Regie, liberavit, & realiter tradidit, & secum dimisit Regium Sigillum Magnum aureum Angl', quod supradictus nuper Rex Henricus Quintus, eidem Dn~o Episcopo Dunelmen' tradidit, quando ipsum ordinavit & constituit Cancellarium suum Angl'; & quod super hoc, in eodem Castro, Vicesimo octavo die p~dicto, supplicavit dictus Episcopus Dunelmen', prefato Dn~o Duci, & aliis Dn~is Spiritualibus & Temporalibus supradictis, & eos instantius requisivit, quod quandocumque pro parte ipsius Episcopi Dunelmen' forent requisiti, ipsi Dn~i testificari vellent hujusmodi liberationem, traditionem, & dimissionem Magni Sigilli memorati. Qui quidem Dn~us Dux Gloucestr, aliique Dn~i Spirituales & Temporales antedicti, in presenti Parliamento Personaliter existentes, liberationem, traditionem, & dimissionem Magni Sigilli p~dicti, ad instantium & requisitionem ejusdem Episcopi Dunelmen', unanimiter & concorditer testificati fuerunt, quod ipsis presentibus, & modo quo supra, idem Episcopus Dunelmen' liberavit prefato Dn~o n~ro Regi, ac secum dimisit Magnum Sigillum Anglie p~dictum, in Castro de Wyndesore, & die vicesimo octavo supradictis, et incontinenti post dictam testificationem dictorum Dominorum, suppliciter exoravit idem Episcopus Dunelmen' quod testificatio hujusmodi eorundem Dominorum posset actitari, & inter Acta presentis Parliamenti, pro ipsius Episcopi Dunelmen' securitate in hac parte, in scripturam redigi: quod sibi fuit concessum per prefatum Ducem, de unanimi consensu omnium Dominorum in ipso eodem Parliamento tunc congregatorum."
Pur l'Evesq[ue] de Loundres.
14. "FAIT a remembrer, q~ en ceste Parlement monstra l'onurable Piere en Dieu l'Evesq~ de Loundres, nadgairs Chanceller le tres noble Roi Henry, Piere au Roi n~re tres soverain Sr~ q'or est, en sa Duchee de Normandie, devant le puissant Prince Duc de Gloucestre, Commissair n~re dit Sr~ le Roi a ceste Parlement tenir, on presence de toutz les Seign~rs Espiriteulx & Temporelx esteantz en le mesme, coment il de deaux Grandes Seals du dit Roi le Piere, un pur le dit Duchee ordeine, & l'autre semblant a son Grande Seal d'Engleterre, p~ luy au dit Evesq~ liverez p~ dela a garderz, p~ advis de mes Sr~s le Duc d'Excestre, le Counte de la Marche, le Counte de Warrewyk, & de pleuseurs autres Sr~s Englois, deliverast a Roane, puis la mort le dit Roi le Piere, le suisdit Seal pur le dit Duchee ordeinez, a l'honurable & puissant Prince le Duc de Bedeford, a qi le dit Roi le Piere avoit commys la governance de mesme le Duchee en son Lit moriant, a l'oeps de son dit Fitz pur un certain temps, & ceo pur cause de necessite de justice a faire en mesme le Duchee, & pria sur ceo le dit Evesq~, q'il purra estre quietz & desehargez de la suisdite deliverance. Et purtant q~ mes ditz Sr~s d'Excestre, de la Marche, & de Warrewyk, adonqes presentz en Parlement, tesmoigneient la dite, monstrance, & considerez la cause avantdite, mon dit Sr~ de Gloucestre, & toutz les autres Seign~rs Espirituelx & Temporelx suisditz, desont bien contentz de la suis dite deliverance. Et qant a l'autre Grande Seal avantdit, le dit Evesq~ l'ad deliverez au Roi mesmes, en la presence del dit Commissair, & de les ditz Duc d'Excestre, & de le Counte de la Marche, & le Counte de Warrewyk, & de pleuseurs autres Sr~s a Wyndelsore, sicome mesmes les Ducs, Counts, & Sr~s, l'ont tesmoignez en ceste Parlement. Et pria le dit Evesq~, q ceo purroit estre enacte en le rolle de ceste Parlement. Le quell fuit a luy ottroiez."
De novo stilo, in sigillis D'ni Regis fabricando.
15. "FAIT assavoir, q~ considerez coment l'enh~itance si bien de la Roialme, & la Corone de France, come de le Roialme, & la Corone d'Engleterre, sont ore descenduz droiturelment a n~re tres soverain Sr~ le Roi Henry Sisme puis le conquest, purtant q~ le stile del scripture eu enles Sealxases Officers purlour Offices excercer & executer tanq; en cea liverez & assignez, n'accorde pas a son dit title d'enh~itance, & grande peril au Roi ent sourder purroit, sy mesmes les Sealx ne fuissent le pluis tost refourmez. Ordeinez est & assentuz en ceo mesme Parlement, p~ le puissant Prince Duc de Gloucestre, Commissair au Roi a ceste Parlement teniz, & p~ toutz les Seign~rs Espiriteulx & Temporelx esteantz en le mesme, q'en les Sealx du Roi q~conques si bien en Engleterre, come en Irland, Guyen, & Gales, soit ceste novell stile escrit au gravez; c'est assavoir, Henricus, Dei gratia, Rex Francie & Anglie, & Dn~us Hibernie: selonc l'effect de les enh~itances avantditz ousteez en ycelles p~ devant tout ceo q'est contrarie ou superfluant au dit novell stile. Et q~ a chescun de ceux officers du Roi, qi ascun des ditz Sealx eit en garde, p~ cause de son office, & busoigne garant avoir ceste partie, soit commandez de part le Roi, q'il mesme le Seal face refourmer sans delaie, selonc les fourme & effect del novell stile avauntdit."
De principalibus Officiar' D'ni Regis nominatis & ordinat'. (m. 15.)
16. "MEMORAND', quod in presenti Parliamento, coram excellenti & potenti Principe Dn~o Humfrido Duce Gloucestr', Commissario Dn~i n~ri Regis ad tenend' Parliamentum p~dictum assignato, & coram aliis Dn~is Spiritualibus & Temporalibus in eodem Parliamento consedentibus, venerunt certi Milites, missi per Prolocutorem, et ceteros ipsorum Socios, vocatos & congregatos pro tota Communitate Regni Anglie in eodem Parliamento; & pro eadem Communitate, & nomine ejusdem, requisiverunt prefatum Dn~um Ducem Gloucestr', quod de advisamento dictorum Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium, pro bona gubernatione dicti Regni, placeret sibi certificare dictam Communitatem, ad eorum majorem consolationem quas Personas placeret Dn~o n~ro Regi ordinari facere, pro Officiis Cancellarii & Thesaurarii Angl', ac Custodis Privati Sigilli sui: super qua quidem requisitione sic facta, habita in hac parte deliberatione & avisamento pleniori, considerataque sufficientia Personarum, quas bone memorie Dn~us Henricus nuper Rex Anglie, Pater Dn~i n~ri Regis moderni, de sua discretione excellenti, ad Officia nujusmodi, ut Personas in Officiis illis satis expertas, assignavit idem Dn~us noster Rex, paternum sequens exemplum, de avisamento & assensu dicti Dn~i Ducis Commissarii antedicti ac omnium & singulorum Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium p~dictorum, nominavit & ordinavit de novo Venerabilem Patrem Thomam Episcopum Dunelmen', ad officium Cancellarii sui Anglie, Willielmum Kynwolmersh Clericum, ad officium Thes' Anglie, & Magistrum Johannem Stafford, ad officium Custodis Privati Sigilli sui. Et voluit super hoc idem Dn~us noster Rex, de assensu & avisamento p~dictis, quod tam p~sato Dn~o Dunelmen', Cancellar' Angl' de Officio illo excercendo fierent Litere Dn~i Regis patentes, sub forma que sequitur.—Henricus, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie & Francie, & Dominus Hibernie, Omnibus ad quos presentes Litere pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis, quod de avisamento & assensu totius Consilii Nr~i, in presenti Parliamento Nr~o existen', Constituimus Venerabilem Patrem Thomam Episcopum Dunelmen', Cancellarium Nr~um Anglie. Dantes & Concedentes, de avisamento & assensu p~dictis, eidem Cancellario Nr~o, omnes & omnimodas Auctoritatem & Potestatem, ad omnia ea & singula que ad officium Cancellarii Anglie, de jure sive consuetudine pertinent, seu quovis tempore pertinere consueverunt, vice, nomine, & loco Nostris, faciend', excercend', exequend', & expediend', quamdiu Nobis placuerit, percipiendo & habendo in officio illo, Vadia & Feoda, ac omnia alia, & eisdem in singulis gaudendo, prout Cancellarii Anglie ante hec tempora habuerunt & perceperunt, ac aliquo tempore usi & gavisi fuerunt. Mandantes insuper, & firmiter precipientes, universis & singulis Ligeis Nr~is Regni Nri Anglie, cujuscumque status, gradus, seu conditionis fuerint, quod eidem Cancellario Nro, in exercitio & executione officii illius de tempore in tempus, in omnibus obediant & intendant prout decet. In cujus rei testimonium, has literas Nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipso, apud Westm', xvi die Novembris, Anno Regni Nr~i primo.—Quam prefato Willielmo, Thesaurar' Anglie, de officio illo excercendo, similiter fierent Litere Dn~i Regis patentes, sub forma que sequitur.—Henricus, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie & Francie, & Dn~us Hibernie, Omnibus ad quos presentes Litere pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis, quod de avisamento & assensu totius Consilii Nr~i, in presenti Parliamento Nr~o existen', Constituimus dilectum Clericum Nr~um, Willielmum Kynwolmersh, Thesaurarium Nr~um Anglie. Dantes & Concedentes, de avisamento & assensu p~dictis, eidem Thesaurario Nr~o, omnes & omnimodas Auctoritatem & Potestatem, ad ea omnia & singula que ad officium Thes' Anglie, de jure sive consuetudine pertinent, seu quovis temporis pertinere consueverunt, nomine, vice, & loco Nostris faciend', exercend', exequend', & expediend', quamdiu Nobis placuerit, percipiendo & habendo in Officio illo, Vadia & Feoda, ac omnia alia, & éisdem in singulis gaudendo, prout Thes' Anglie ante hec tempora habuerunt & perceperunt, ac aliquo tempore usi & gavisi fuerunt. Mandantes insuper, & firmiter precipientes, universis & singulis Ligeis Nostris Regni Nr~i Anglie, eujusque status, gradus, seu conditionis fuerint, quod eidem Thesaurario n~ro, in exercitio & executione Officii illius, de tempore in tempus, in omnibus obediant & intendant prout decet. In cujus rei testimonium, has literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipso, apud Westm', xvi die Novembris, Anno regni n~ri primo. Et ulterius, quod fierent alie litere Patentes Dn~i Regis, prefato Magistro Johanni, Custodi privati sigilli p~dicti, de Officio illo excercendo, in forma que sequitur.—Henricus, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie & Francie, & Dn~us Hibernie, omnibus ad quos presentes Litere pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis, quod de avisamento & assensu totius Consilii n~ri, in presenti Parliamento n~ro existen', Constituimus dilectum Clericum n~rum, Magistrum Johannem Stafford, Custodem privati sigilli n~ri. Dantes & Concedentes, de avisamento & assensu p~dictis, eidem Custodi, omnes & omnimodas Auctoritatem & Potestatem, ad omnia ea & singula que ad officium p~dictum, de jure five consuetudine pertinent, seu quovis tempore pertinere consueverunt, nomine, vice, & loco nostris, faciend', exercend', exequend', & expediend' quamdiu Nobis placuerit, percipiendo & habendo in Officio illo, Vadia & Feoda, ac omnia alia, & eisdem in singulis gaudendo, prout Thes' Anglie ante hec tempora habuerunt & perceperunt, ac aliquo tempore usi & gavisi fuerunt. In cujus rei testimonium, has Literas Nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipso apud Westm', xvi die Novembris, Anno Regni Nr~i primo.
"Subsequenterque, prefatus Dn~us Dux Commissarius supradictus, de avisamento & assensu dictorum Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium, misit ex causa p~dicta, certos Venerabiles Dominos, videlicet, Archiepiscopum Cantuar', Episcopos Wynton', & Wygorn'; ac Ducem Exon'; Comitem Warr'; & Dominos de Ferrers, & de Talbot, ad Communitatem hujus Parliamenti, in Domo sua communi adtunc existentem, & eidem Communitati, per Dominos illos notisicavit Officiarios illos, ad Officia supradicta, in forma prenotata, fuisse & esse nominatos & ordinatos; super qua quidem notificatione sic facta, eadem Communitas, de nominatione & ordinatione Officiariorum predictorum sic habitis extitit bene contenta, regratiando ex hac causa multipliciter Dn~o n~ro Regi, ac singulis Dominis supradictis, prout per eosdem Dominos, ex parte dicte Communitatis, extitit super hoc in eodem Parliamento reportatum."
"Rotul. Parl. 1 Hen. VI. Vol. iv. p. 174.
De protectore & defensore Regni Anglie constituto. (m. 13.)
24. "MEMORAND', quod Vicesimo septimo die hujus Parliamenti, considerata Etate tenera metuendissimi Dn~i n~ri Regis Henrici Sexti post conquestum, quod ipse, circa protectionem & defensionem Regni sui Anglie, ac Ecclesie Anglicane Personaliter intendere non possit hiis diebus. Idem Dominus Rex, de circumspectionibus & industriis, carissimorum Avunculorum suorum Johannis Ducis Bed', & Humfridi Ducis Gloucestr', plenarie confidens, de assensu & avisamento Dominorum tam Spiritualium quam Temporalium, in presenti Parliamento existen'; nec non de assensu Communitatis Regni Anglie existen' in eodem; ordinavit & constituit dictum Avunculum suum Ducem Bed', in partibus exteris jam existentem, Regni sui, & Ecclesie Anglicane p~dictorum, Protectorem & Defensorem, ac Consiliarium ipsius Dn~i Regis Principalem, & quod ipse Dux ejusdem Regni Protector & Defensor, ac ipsius Regis Principalis Consiliarius sit & nominetur, postquam redierit in Angl', & ad presentiam prefati Dn~i Regis venerit, & quamdiu extunc in eodem Regno moram fecerit, & eidem Dn~o n~ro Regi placuerit. Et ulterius, idem Dominus Rex, de assensu & avisamento p~dictis, ordinavit & constituit, in absentia prefati Avunculi sui Ducis Bed', prefatum Avunculum suum Ducem Gloucestr', jam in Regno suo Anglie existentem, ejusdem Regni sui, & Ecclesie Anglicane, Protectorem & Defensorem, ac Consiliarium dicti Dn~i Regis Principalem; & quod idem Dux Gloucestr', ejusdem Regni Anglie, & Ecclesie p~dicte, Protector & Defensor, ac Principalis Consiliarius ipsius Dn~i Regis sit & nominetur, quamdiu Regi placuerit; & quod super hoc, Litere ipsius Dn~i Regis Patentes fierent, sub forma que sequitur.
"Henricus, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie & Francie, & Dn~us Hibernie, Omnibus ad quos presentes Litere pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis, quod Nos, considerato quod in adeo tenera Etate constituti sumus, quod circa protectionum & defensionem Regni n~ri Anglie, ac Ecclesie Anglicane, Personaliter intendere non possumus in presenti. Nos, de circumspectione & industria, carissimi Avunculi Nr~i Johannis Ducis Bed', plenam fiduciam reportantes, de assensu & avisamento, tam Dominorum, quam de assensu Communitatis dicti Regni Anglie, in instanti Parliamento existen'; ordinavimus & constituimus ipsum Avunculum Nr~um, dicti Regni Nr~i Anglie, & Ecclesie Anglicane, Protectorem & Defensorem, ac Consiliarium Nr~um Principalem; & quod ipse dicti Regni Nr~i Anglie, ac Ecclesie Anglicane, Protector & Defensor, ac Principalis Consiliarius Noster sit & nominetur, in & juxta vim, formam, & effectum cujusdam Acti in dicto Parliamento, die date presentium, habiti & concordati; Proviso semper, quod p~fatus Avunclus Noster, nullam gerat aut habeat, vigore presentium, potestatem, nec sic ut prefertur nominetur, nisi pro tempore quo presens hic in Regno Nr~o Anglie fuerit, & prout in p~dicto Acto continentur; quodque carissimus Avunculus Noster Dux Gloucestr', Nobis in agendis dicti Regni Nr~i Anglie negotiis, post ipsum Avunculum Nrum Ducem Bed', Principalis Consiliarius existat & nominetur, quotiens & quando prefatum Avunculum Nr~um Ducem Bed', infra, Regnum Nr~um Anglie p~dictum morari contingat; Confidentes insuper ad plenum de circumspectione & industria p~dicti Avunculi Nr~i Ducis Gloucestr', de assensu & avisamento p~dictis, ordinavimus & constituimus ipsum Avunculum Nr~um Ducem Gloucestr', in dicto Regno Nro Anglie jam presentem, dicti Regni Nr~i Anglie, ac Ecclesie Anglicane, Protectorem & Defensorem, necnon Consiliarium Nr~um Principalem, quotiens & quando dictum Avunculum Nr~um Ducem Bed', extra Regnum Nr~um Anglie p~dictum morari vel abesse contingat; Et quod ipse Avunculus Noster Dux Gloucestr', Protector & Defensor dicti Regni Nr~i Anglie, & Ecclesie Anglicane, ac Principalis Consiliarius Noster sit & nominetur, juxta vim, formam, & effectum Acti p~dicti; Proviso semper, quod prefatus Avunculus Noster Dux Glouc', nullam gerat aut habeat, vigore presentium, potestatem, nec ut prefertur nominetur, nisi pro tempore quo presens hic in Regno Nr~o Anglie fuerit, in absentia dicti Avunculi Nr~i Ducis Bed', & prout in p~dicto Acto continetur. Damus autem universis & singulis Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Ducibus, Comitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, & omnibus aliis Fidelibus & Subditis Nostris, dicti Regni Nr~i Anglie, quorum interest tenore presentium, firmiter in mandatis, quod tam prefato Avunculo Nr~o Duci Bed', quotiens & quamdiu Protectionem & Defensionem hujusmodi sic habuerit & occupaverit, quam prefato Avunculo Nr~o Duci Gloucestr', quotiens & quamdiu ipse consimiles Protectionem & Defensionem habuerit & occupaverit, in premissis faciend', pareant, obediant, & intendant prout decet. In cujus rei testimonium, has Literas Nr~as fierl fecimus Patentes, quamdiu Nobis placuerit duratur'. Teste me ipso, apud Westm', Quinto die Decembris, Anno Regni Nr~i primo.
"Super quibus quidem Acto & Commissione sic factis sive habitis, tenoribus eorumdem coram tam dicto Dn~o Duce Glouc', quam prefatis Dn~is Spiritualibus & Temporalibus, lectis & recitatis, idem Dn~us Dux Gloucestr', habita inde deliberatione, onus & exercitum occupationis hujusmodi, ad Dei honorem, Regis & Regni p~dictorum utilitatem, ac Dominorum p~dictorum requisitionem, super se quantum ad ipsum pertinuit, assumere voluit, & assumpsit tunc ibidem, juxta formam Acti supradicti. Protestando tamen, quod assumpsio sua hujusmodi, seu consensus suus in hac parte, prefato Fratri suo non cederet in prejudicium quoquo modo, quin idem Frater suus ad libitum suum onus hujusmodi assumere, vel non assumere deliberare se possit & avisare."
De Officiis & Beneficiis ad Regem pertinentibus, per dictum Protectorem sub certa forma conferend'.
25. "MEMORAND', quod cum Dominus Rex, tam de assensu & avisamento Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium, quam de assensu Communitatis Regni Anglie, in presenti Parliamento existen', per Literas suas Patentes, ordinaverit & constituerit carissimum Avunculum suum Johannem Ducem Bed', jam in partibus exteris existen', Protectorem & Defensorem Regni p~dicti, ac Ecclesie Anglicane, necnon Principalem Consiliarium suum, & quod idem Dux Bed', dicti Regni Protector & Defensor, ac Principalis Consiliarius dicti Dn~i Regis, sit & nominetur, in & juxta vim, formam, & effectum cujusdam Acti in dicto Parliamento, die date predictarum Literarum in eodem Parliamento habiti & concordati; ac insuper, consimiliter idem Dn~us Rex, de assensu & avisamento p~dictis, ordinaverit & constituerit, in absentia prefati Ducis Bed', carissimum Avunculum suum, Humfridum Ducem Gloucestr', jam in Regno p~dicto presentem, Protectorem & Defensorem Regni, & Ecclesie p~dictorum, ac Principalem Consiliarium suum; Volens quod idem Dux Glouc', Protector & Defensor dicti Regni, ac Principalis Consiliarius suus, sit & nominetur, in & juxta vim, formam, & effectum Acti supradicti: prefatus Dn~us Rex considerans varios labores, quos prefatos Duces occasionibus premissis subire oportebit, & volens proinde Personas suas honoribus & favoribus prosequi graciosis, de avisamento & assensu p~dictis, voluit, concessit, & ordinavit, quod tam prefatus Dux Bed', quotiens & quando onus predictum super se assumpserit, & realiter exercuerit & occupaverit, quam prefatus Dux Gloucestr', quotiens & quando ipse onus illud habuerit & exercuerit, vacantibus officiis Forestariorum, Parcariorum, ac Custodum Warennarum, infra Regnum Anglie, & partes Wall', ad Donationem p~dicti Dn~i Regis, ut ad Coronam suam pertin', de eisdem officiis disponere possint, sub forma subsequenti, Videlicet; Quod quandocumque aliquod officiorum predictorum vacare contigerit in futur', uterque Ducum p~dictorum onus occupationis Protectionis & Defensionis hujusmodi habens & excercens, Personam idoneam, ad idem officium nominare, & inde sub signeto suo, Custodi Privati Sigilli dicti Dn~i Regis, qui pro tempore suerit, significare possit; qui super hoc tenebitur Cancellar' Angl', vel Custodi Magni Sigilli pro tempore existen' Literas sub Privato Sigillo, pro hujusmodi officio quamdiu Regi placuerit optinend', in forma debita conficere; Proviso semper, quod quelibet Persona aliquod hujusmodi officium, ad nominationem alicujus Ducum predictorum virtute Acti presentis, per Literas Dn~i Regis Patentes optinens in futur', stet in officio illo pacifice, juxta effectum literarum illarum, absque amotione ejusdem, nisi per Dn~um Regem per avisamentum Dominorum Consilii sui, ex causa rationabili coram eis monstrata & probata, amoventur de eodem. Item, idem Dn~us Rex, avisamento, consensu, & causa p~dictis, voluit, concessit & ordinavit, quod uterque Ducum p~dictorum, pro tempore quo Onus Protectionis & Defensionis p~dictarum habuerit & exercuerit, ad quascumque Ecclesias Parochiales, ultra taxam Viginti Marcarum, usque ad taxam Triginta Marcarum inclusive, ac etiam, ad omnes Prebendas in Capellis Regiis, ad donationem Dn~i Regis, jure Corone sue spectant', cum vacaverint, exceptis Decanatibus in hujusmodi Capellis Regiis, durante vigore Literarum eis de Protectione & Defensione Regni p~dicti ut premittitur confect', idoneas Personas nominare, & inde sub signeto suo, prefato Custodi Privati Sigilli dicti Dn~i Regis significare possit; qui super hoc tenebitur Cancellar' Angl', vel Custodi Magni Sigilli pro tempore existen', literas sub Privato Sigillo, pro hujusmodi Ecclesiis & Prebendis optinend', in forma p~dicta conficere; una cum nominationibus in & de permutationibus & ratificationibus Ecclesiarum & Prebendarum p~dictarum; cetera autem Officia, Prebende, & Beneficia superius non specificata, ac Decanatus p~dicti, ad donationem, sive presentationem Dn~i Regis spectantes sive spectantia, ad dispositionem predicti Dn~i Regis, de avisamento dicti Protectoris & Defensoris pro tempore existen', & ceterorum Dominorum de Consilio dicti D'ni Regis, de tempore in tempus, cum vacaverint, sint, cedant, & pertineant; excepti Beneficiis ad dispositionem, tam Cancellarii Anglie ratione Officii sui, quam Thes' Anglie ratione Officii sui, spectantibus."
De la nomination & poair des Sr's (on seillers assistentz.
26. "FAIT assavoir, qe apres ceo q~ le Roi n~re soverain Sr~, de l'assent & advis de les Seign~rs Espirituelx & Temporelx, esteantz en ceste Parlement, & auxi de la Commune d'Engleterre assemblez en la mesme, avoit ordeinez & constitut le puissant Prince Humfrey Duc de Gloucestre son Uncle, Protectour and Defensour de les Roialme & Esglise d'Engleterre, & son Principal Conseillour, en l'absence d'excellent Prince Joh~n Duc de Bedeford, Uncle auxi a n~re dit soverain Sr~, a avoir & occupier tielx Protection & Defens, soutz certein fourme en ceste secounde proschein Acte precedent especisiez, a la requeste de la dite Commune furent, p~ l'advis & assent de tres toutz les Sr~s avantditz, nomez & eslutz certeins Persones d'Estate si bien Espirituelx come Temporelx, pur Conseillers assistentz a la governance, les nons des queux Persones escriptz en une petit Cedule lueez overtement en ceste Parlement cy ensuant.
"Le Duc de Gloucestre;
L'Ercevesq~ de Canterbirs;
L'Evesq~ de Loundres,
L'Evesq~ de Wyncestre,
L'Evesq~ de Norwice,
L'Evesq~ de Worcestre;
Le Duc d'Excetre;
Le Count de la March,
Le Count de Warrewyk,
Le Count Mareschall,
Le Count de Northumbr',
Le Count de Westmerl';
Le Sire Fitz Hugh;
Mons~r Rauf Crumbwell,
Mons~r Wauter Hungerford,
Mons~r John Tiptoft,
Mons~r Wauter Beauchamp."
27. "ET fait auxi assavoir, q~ mesmes les Persones issint nomez & eslutz Conseillers assistentz, puis cell nomination & election, condescenderent emprendre tiele assistence a la governance, en manere & fourme contenuz en une Cedule de papire escript en Englois, contenaunt si bien toutz lours nons, come cynk esp~alx articles baillee en ceo mesme Parlement, p~ mesmes les Persones nomez Conseillers assistentz, de la quell Cédule le tenure cy ensuit."
28. "THE which Lordis abovesaid ben condescended to take it upon hem in the manere and fourme that sueth. First, for asmuche as execution of lawe, and kepyng of Pees, stant miche in Justice of Pees, Shirrefs, and Eschetours, the profits of the Kyng, and the revenuz of the Roialme ben greetly encresced, or anientisched by Coustumers, Countroullours, Poisours, Sercheours, and all suche other Officers. Therfore the same Lordes wol and desireth, that suche Officers, and all othre, be maad by advys and denomination of the said Lordes, saved alweys and reserved to my Lordes of Bedford, and of Gloucestr', all that longeth unto hem by a special Act maad in Parlement; and to the Busschop of Wynchestre that, that he hath graunted hym by oure souverein Lord that last was, of whois soule God have mercy, and by auctorite of Parlement confermed."
29. "ITEM, that all maner Wardes, Mariages, Fermes, and other casueltees that longeth to the Coroune, whan thei falle, be leeten, sold, and disposed by the said Lordis of the Counseill, and that indifferently atte the derrest, with oute favour or eny maner parcialtee or fraude."
(m. 12.)
30. "ITEM, that if eny thyng shold be enact doon by Counseill, that six, or foure at the lest, withoute officers of the said Counseill, be present; and in all grete maters that shall passe by Counseill, that all be present, or ellys the more partye; and yf it be suche matere that the Kyng hath been accustomed to be conseilled of, that than the said Lordes procede not ther ynne withoute th' advise of my Lordys of Bed', or of Glouc'."
31. "ITEM, for asmiche as the two Chaumberlains of th' Escheqer, ben ordenned of old tyme to countrolle the receptes and the paiements in eny maner wyse maad; The Lordys desireth that the Tresourer of England beyng for the tyme, and either of the Chamburlains, have a keye of that that shold come in to the receit, and that they be sworne to fore my Lord of Gloucetre, and all the Lordis of the Counseill, that for no frendship they schul make no Man privee, but the Lordis of the Counseill, what the Kyng hath withynne his Tresour."
32. "ITEM, that the Clerc of the Counseill be charged and sworn to treuly enacte, and write dayiich, the names of all the Lordis that shul be present fro tyme to tyme, to see what, howe, and by whom, eny thyng passeth."
33. "Et puis ceo, q~ toutz les Sr~s suisditz, leeuz devaunt eux les ditz articles en Parlement, & p~ eux bien entenduz, furent a yceux pleinement assentuz & accordez; fuit mesme la cedule de papire, p~ certeins de mes Honurables Sr~s du Parlement, de part le Roi, & toutz le Sr~s du Parlement, mandez & baillez a l'avantdite Commune, pur estre assertez ent de lour entent. Sur quoi en apres la dite Commune de ceo avisee, & p~ report de pluseurs de mes reverentz & honurables Sr~s fait en le dit Parlement ceste partie, de part mesme la Commune, reenmercierent ent tres toutz les Sr~s avantditz, & q'ils feurent bien contentz de toute la contenue en la dite Cedule, ovesq~ ceo q~ a le primer article de les ditz cynk articles, fuisse addez une clause, de purveu, quell mes ditz Sr~s, reportours de part la dite Commune cell partie, baillerent de part eux en Parlement, en une Cedule de Parchemyn escript en Franceis, & dont le tenure cy ensuit.— Purveu toute foitz, q~ les Sr~s & autres Persones & Officers, q~ ont estate & auctorite, ascuns en enheritance, ascuns a terme de vie, & autrement, de faire & constituer, p~ vertue de lour Offices, Officers, Deputes, & Ministres, les queux appartenent a eux affaire de droit, et come annexez a eux & a lour Offices, d'auncien temps accustumez & usez, ne soient restreintz ne prejudiciez de ceo q~ a eux appartient, p~ colour de ceste ordinance ou appointement—A la quell Cedule de Parchemyn, & a la contenue en ycell, leeuz devaunt les ditz Sr~s en Parlement, furent mesmes le Sr~s bien agreez & pleinement assentuz."
A. D. 1423. 2 Hen. 6.
"Rotul. Parl. 2 Hen. VI. Vol. iv. p. 197.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westm' Vicesimo die Octobris, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum secundo.
Pronunciation de Parlement. (m. 1.)
§ 1. "FAIT assavoir, que au Commencement du Parlement tenuz a Westm', le 20 Jour de' Octobr l'An du Regne du Roy Henry Sisme puis le Conquest Secunde, une Commission du Roy fait desoutz son Grand Seal p~ la quell mesme nr~e Sr~ le Roy dona Poair a le puissant Prince son tres cher' Uncle Humfrey Duc de Gloucestr' a tenir le dit Parlement, en le Nou~ du Roy, solonc la Contenue de mesme la Com~ission en la Presence du dit Duc seant en la Chambre de Peinte deinz la Paloys de Westm', et auxi de les Seign~rs Espirituelx et Temporelx, et des Chivalers des Countees et de Citeins et Burgeys, des Citees et Burghs du Roialme d'Engleterre, pur toute la Commune d'icell au dit Parlement venus, illoeq~s alors esteantz; fuist overtement leeuz; dont le Tenure cy ensuyt,
"Henricus Dei Gratia, Rex Anglie et Francie et Dn~us Hibernie, Omnibus ad quos presentes Litere pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis, quod cum de Avisamento Consilij Nr~i pro quibusdam arduis & urgentibus Negotijs, Nos, Statum et Defensionem Regni Nr~e Anglie et Ecclesie Anglicane contingentibus, quoddam Parliamentum Nr~um apud Westm' Vicesimo Die Octobris prox' futur' teneri ordinaverimus. Nos, de Circumspectione, Fidelitate et Industria, carissimi Avunculi Nr~i Humfridi Ducis Gloucestr', plenam fiduciam reportantes, eidem Avunculo Nr~o, ad Parliamentum p~dictum Nomine Nr~o inchoand', Negotiaque p~dicta exponend' et declarand' ac exponi et declarari faciend', necnon in Negotijs illis et Parliamento p~dicto, ac omnibus et singulis in eo emergentibus procedend', et ad faciend' omnia et singula que pro Nobis, et per Nos, pro bono Regimine et Gubernatione Regni Nr~i p~dicti, ac aliorum Dominiorum Nostrorum, eidem Regno Nr~o pertinentium, ibidem fuerit faciend': Necnon ad Parliamentum illud, si necesse fuerit, continuand' et Prorogand', ac ad idem Parliamentum finiend' et dissolvend' de Assensu Consilij Nr~i p~dicti, plenam Committimus Potestatem; quam in evento quo dc~o Parliamento Nr~o Nos Tempore aliquo forsan in Persona Nr~a adesse contigerit, revocari nolumus, nec revocare intendimus. Dantes ulterius, de Assensu ejusdem Consilij Nr~i, tam universis et singulis Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Ducibus, Comitibus, Baronibus, et Militibus, quam omnibus alijs quorum interest ad Parliamentum Nr~um p~dictum conventur', firmit' in Mandatis, quod eidem Avunculo Nr~o intendant in Premissis, in forma supradicta. In cujus rei testimonium, has Literas Nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipso, apud Westm' 19o Die Octobris Anno Regni Nr~i secundo."
"Ibidem, Page 201.
Le nomination des Sr's du Counsail.
12. "ITEM fait assavoir, q~ depuis diverses especiales requestes, p~ les Communes du Roialme esteantz en icest Parlement faitz a Mons~r de Gloucestre, Commissair du Roy, & as autres Seign~rs Espirituelx & Temporelx d'icell, pur avoir notice & conisance de les Persones assignez, & esluz d'estre du Counsaill du Roy, a lour tres graunde ease & consolation, p~ advys & assent de tres toutz les Seignr~s Espirituelx & Temporelx avauntditz, furent esluz & nomez certeins Persones, si b~n Espiriteulx & Temporelx, pur estre Conseillers assistens a la governance du Roialme, les nouns des queux cy ensuent.
"Le Duc de Gloucestr';
L'Ercevesq~ de Canterbirs;
L'Evesq~ de Loundres,
L'Evesq~ de Wyncestre,
L'Evesq~ de Norwice,
L'Evesq~ de Worcestre;
Le Chaunceller;
Le Tresorer;
Le Gardein du Privee Seal;
Le Duc de Excestre;
Le Count de March',
Le Count de Warrewyk,
Le Count de Mareschall,
Le Count de Northumbr',
Le Count de Westmerland;
Le Sire de Crumwell,
Le Sire Fitz Hugh,
Le Sire de Bourghchier,
Le Sire de Scrop;
Mons~r Walter Hungreford,
Mons~r Joh~n Tiptoft;
Thomas Chaucer,
William Alyngton."
16. "DES queux Persones ceux q~ furent presentz puis celle Nomination & Election, condescenderent d'emprendre sur eux Assistence a la Governance suisdite; desirantz certeins Provisiones en une Cedule de Papire contenuz, et baillez en mesme le Parlement p~ les ditz Counseillers presentz de estre gardez & observez, le Tenure de quelle Cedule cy ensuit.
"Thise ben certein Provisions for the Good of the Gouvernance of this Land, that the Lordes which ben of the K. Counsaill desireth."
17. "FROST that my Lord of Gloucestre, ne noon other Man of the Counsaill, in no Suyte that shal be maad unto hem, shal no favour graunte, nethir in Billes of Right, ne of Office, ne of Benefice, that loongeth to the Counsaill but oonly to ansuere that the Bille shal be seen by all the Counsaill, and the Partie suying so to have ansuere.
"ITEM, that alle the Billes that shul be putt unto the Counsaill, shuld be onys in the Weke att the lest, that is to seie on the Wednesday, redd byfore ye Counsaill, and yere Ansueres endorced by the same Counsaill. And on the Friday next folwyng, declared to the Partie suying.
"ITEM, that alle the Billes that comprehende Materes terminable atte the Commune Lawe, that semeth noght fenyd, be remitted there to be determined; but if so be that ye Discrecion of the Counsail feele to greet Myght on that oo side, and unmyght oo that othir.
"ITEM, if so be that eny Matere suyd in the Counsaill falle in to diverse Opinions, that oo lesse, than the more Partye of the Counsaill beyng present, in the Tyme of Discord, falle to that oo Part, that it be nought enacted as assented. And the Names of the both Parties enact by the Clerk of the Counsaill, wyth here assent or disassent.
"ITEM, that in alle Suytes that shuld be maad to the Counsaill, in Materes whois Determination loongeth unto the Counsaill, but if it so be that they touche the Weel of the K. Oure Soverein Lord, or of his Reaume, hastily to be sped, elleys that they be nought enact doon by the Counsaill oo lesse than to the Nombre of 6, or foure atte the lest of the Counsaill, and the Officers that ben present be of oon Assent, and atte alle Tymes the Names of the Assenteurs to be wryten of thar owen Hand, in the same Bille.
"ITEM, for as miche as it is to greet a Shame, that in to straunge Countrees Our Soverein Lord shal write his Letters by th'Advyse of his Counsail, for such Materes and Persones as the Counsail writeth in his Name, and singuler Persons of the Counsail to write the Contraire; that it be ordenned, that no Man of the Counsaill presume to do it, on Peyne of Shame and Reproef.
"ITEM, that the Clerc of the Counsail be sworn that every Day that the Counseill sitteth on ony Billes betwyx Partie and Partie, that he shall, as fer as he can, aspye which is the porest Suyturs Bille, and that first to be redd and answered, and the King's Sergeant to be sworne trewly and plainly, to yeve the poor Man that for suche is accept to the Counsaill, assistense and trewe Counsaill in his Matere so to be suyd, wythoute eny good takyng of hym, on Peyne of Discharge of ther' Offic.
"ITEM, for as much that it is likly that many Materes shull be treted afore the Counsaill, the whiche toucheth the King' Prerogatif and Freehold, o that o Partie & other of his Sougets, o that othir, in the whiche Materes the Counsaill is not lerned to kepe the Kynges Ryghts, and the Parties both, withouthe th' Advise of the Kynges Justic', whiche be lerned both in his Prerogatifs, and his Commune Lawe. That in alle suche Materes his Juges be called therto, and their Advise, with yair Namys also, to be entred of Record, what and howe thei determine and Advise therynne."
"Rotul. Parl. 3 Hen. VI. Vol. iv. p. 261.
A. D. 1425. 3 Hen. 6. Pronunciatio Parliamenti. (m. 1.)
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westm' ultimo die Aprilis, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum tertio.
1. "MEMORANDUM, quod ad inceptionem Parliamenti apud Westm' ultimo Die Aprilis Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum tertio tenti, ipso Domino Rege Sede Regia in Camera depicta residente, quampluribus Prelatis, Proceribus et Magnatibus, necnon Communibus Regni Anglie, ad dictum Parliamentum convocatis, ibidem assistentibus: Venerabilis Pater H. Wynton' Episcopus, tunc ipsius Domini Regis Cancellarius, Causam Summonitionis ipsius Parliamenti discretissime declaravit."
"Ibidem, Page 275.
Prorogatio Parliamenti. (m. 5.)
14. "ITEM, die Veneris, vicesimo quinto die Maii, prefatus Dominus Cancellarius, in Parliamento predicto, exhibuit quasdam Literas ipsius Domini Regis Patentes, Carissimo Avunculo suo Humfrido Duci Gloucestr' directas, sub eo qui sequitur tenore.
"Henricus, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie & Francie, & Dominus Hibernie, Carissimo Avunculo suo Humfrido Duci Gloucestr, Salutem. Sciatis, quod quibusdam certis de causis Nos & Consilium Nostrum moventibus, de assensu & avisamento ejusdem Consilij, assignavimus vos, ac vobis tenore presentium committimus Potestatem et Auctoritatem especialem, ad presens Parliamentum Nostrum, usque diem Jovis prox' futur', nomine Nostro Prorogand' & continuand'. Dantes ulterius, universis & singulis Magnatibus, Proceribus, ac aliis Ligeis Nostris quibuscumque, quorum interest, in Parliamento predicto existen', firmiter in mandatis, quod vobis in premissis faciend' & exequend', pareant, obediant, & intendant prout decet. In cujus rei Testimonium, has Literas Nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipso apud Westm', vicesimo quinto die Maii, anno Regni Nostri tertio.
"Per ipsum Regem."
"3 H. VI. Vol. v. Appendix, page 406.
No. 5. Pro Conservatione Pacis.
"TO th'entent of gode Pees, and seure kepyng of of the same, and tranquilitee in this Reaume, in the which standith the prosperitie and Welfaire of our Soverain Lorde, and of alle his Subgittz, in every state, condition or degree of the same; the which Peeax and tranquillitee, namely, the Kyng beyng in his tendre age, standeth principally in the gode oonhede and accord among the Lordes, the whiche duryng the tendre age aforsaide of the Kyng, Governe and Reule undre hym, and by his auctoritee. It is avised and assented by the Lordes Spirituelle and Temporelle beyng in this present Parlement, that eche of hem shall behote and assure to the Kyng by the faith of his body, and by the trouth and ligeance that he oweth unto hym, that he shall do alle his trewe poair and devoire, to the sustenaunce and kepyng of the seid Pees and tranquillitee; and that for enny cause, occasion, querelle or matiere of debate or hevynesse, he ne shall in no wyse attempt to procede by wey of feet ayenst the Persone of eny of the said Lordes Spirituell or Temporell, or eny of the Kynges Counseillers; nor purpose, ymagine, wille or do, by hym or by eny meen Persone, nor assent to be do, eny bodily harme to eny of the Lordes or Counsaillours aboveseide; he of hem whiche ever he be that dothe the contrarie, to renne into the paine of forfaiture of all worship, and of alle that he may forfaite ayenst the Kyng; and that yf eny of hem may knowe, or credibly may here tell of eny bodely harme, purposed or ymagined ayenst eny other of the seid Lordes or Counseillers, by eny maner of Persone, he shall withstond it and lett it astre his powaire. And that yf eny of the seid Lordes or Counseillours, of whatever Estate, condition, or degree that he be, doe or do doo into the contrarie of that that is aboveseid, alle the other said Lordes and Persones shall holy lett and withstonde hym, and do alle here poaire to put him to reson, such as the Kynges lawe of this lande, and this agreement, askith and requireth; and that he of the foresaide Lordes or Counseillours, that felyth hym selven hevyed or greved by or ayenst eny of that other of hem, shall withouten eny purpose, will or assent, of eny bodely harme to be doon, oonly intende to peisible and restfull wayes of redresse of that that he felith hym hevyed or greved inne; be it by callyng of the partie unto hym, that he felith hym greved wt, or by openyng of his hevenesse or grief unto the Kyng's Counsaill, or other lawfull sute or processe. This present Ordenaunce to endure unto the tyme the Kyng come, yf God wol, unto yeres of discretion to Governe and kepe his Pees hymselven.
"As towarde th'othe to be made by eche of the Lordes and Persones of the Kynges Counsaille, hit semeth, undre correction, it myght be suche in substaunce as followeth.
Forma juramenti Consiliariorum.
"Ye shall as fer furth as your connyng and discretion suffiseth, trewely, justely and evenly, Counsaille and advyse the Kyng in alle matiers to be comoned, treted and demened in the Kyng's Counsaille, or by You as the Kynges Counsailler, and generally in all thinges that may be to the Kynges worship, proufit and behove, and to the gode of his Reaumes, Lordeships and Subgittz, withouten parcialtee or acceptation of Persons, not levyng or eschewing so to do for affection, love, mede, doubte or drede, of eny Persone or persones. And ye shall kepe secrete the Kynges Counsaill, and alle that shall be comuned by way of Counsaille in the same, withouten that ye shall common it, publish it, or discover it by worde, wryting, or in eny wise, to eny Person oute of the same Counsaille, or to any of the same Counsaille, yf it touch hym, or yf he be partie thereto. And that ye shall no yft, mede nor gode, ne promisse of goode, by you nor by meen Persone, receyve nor admytt, for promotion, favouryng, nor for declaryng, lettyng or hinderyng, of eny matiere or thing to be treited or do in the seid Counsaille. Ye shall also with all your might and poair, help, strength and assiste, unto the Kynges said Counsaille, duryng the Kynges tendre age, in all that shall be thoght unto the same Counsaille for the universal gode of the Kynge and of his Land, and for the Pees, Rest and Tranquillittee of the same; and withstonde any Persone or Persones, of what condition, Estate or degree that thei be of, that wold by way of feet or ellus, attempte or entende unto the contrarie.
"And generally ye shall observe, kepe and do, alle that a gode and trewe Counsailler oweth for to doo unto his Souveraine Lorde."
"Rotul. Parl. 4 Hen. VI. Vol. iv. p. 295.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Leycestr' decimo octavo die Februarij, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum quarto.
A. D. 1425. 4 Hen. 6. Pronunciatio Parliamenti. (m. 1.)
1. "MEMORAND', quod Die Lune 18 Die Februarij, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum Quarto, ipso Domino Rege, in Parliamento suo apud Leycestr' tunc summonito, sede regia in Magna Aula Castri Leycestr' residente, assistentibusq'; tunc ibidem quampluribus Prelatis, Proceribus, Magnatibus, & Communibus Regni Anglie, ad idem Parliamentum convocatis; Venerabilis Pater Henricus Wynton' Episcopus, tunc ipsius Domini Regis Cancellarius, in principio Declarationis Causarum summonitionis Parliamenti illius, asseruit, ac Prelatis, Proceribus Magnatibus et Communibus predictis declaravit, qualiter dictus Dominus n~r Rex, de Avisamento et Assensu sui Consilij, voluit et concessit."
"Ibidem, 296.
Commissio facta Duci Bedeford.
8. "ITEM, pro eo quod Dominus Rex, qui presens Parliamentum inchoavit, et ad ea que in eodem Parliamento agenda sunt et tractanda, indies Personaliter intendere non potuit; idem Dominus Rex, de Avisamento Consilij sui, in Parliamento predicto, quasdam Literas Patentes, sub Magno Sigillo suo signatas, coram Dominis Spiritualibus et Temporalibus in eodem Parliamento existen', legi fecit in hec Verba.
"Henricus Dei Gratia, Rex Anglie et Francie et Dominus Hibernie, Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Ducibus, Comitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, et omnibus alijs ad instans Parliamentum Nostrum apud Leycestr' convocatis, Salutem. Sciatis, quod cum dictum Parliamentam Nostrum inchoaverimus, ac ad ea que in eodem Parliamento Nostro agend' sunt et tractand', indies Personaliter intendere non possimus. Nos, nolentes Negotia dicti Parliamenti Nostri aliqualiter differri seu retardari, ac de Circumspectione et Industrie magnitudine Carissimi Avunculi Nostri Johannis Ducis Bedfordie, Regentis Regnum Nostrum Franc', plenam siduciam reportantes, eidem Avunculo Nostro, ad procedend', Nomine Nostro in Parliamento predicto, ac ad idem Parliamentum si necesse fuerit Prorogand', necnon ad Parliamentum illud finiend' et dissolvend', omnia quoque et singula que Nosmet ipsi faceremus, aut per Nos seu pro Nobis ibidem fieri deberent, si ad ea ibidem Personaliter intendere possemus, Nomine Nostro faciend' plenam Tenore presentium committimus Potestatem, quamdiu Nobis placuerit duratur'. Regio tamen Statu Nostro, et Regali Prerogativa Nostra, in omnibus semper Salvis, et ideo vobis mandamus quod eidem Avunculo Nostro intendentes sitis in premissis in forma supradicta. In Cujus Rei Testimonium, has Literas Nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipso apud Leycestr', 18 Die Februarij Anno Regni Nostri Quarto.
"Per Ipsum Regem & Consilium in Parliamento."
"5 H. VI. Vol. v. Appendix, page 407.
No. 6.
"HERE ensuen the Names of all the Lordes of the Kynges Counsaille.
"The Duc of Bedford,
The Duc of Gloucestre,
The Duc of Excestre,
The Duc of Norfolk;
Th' Erchiebysshop of Canterbury,
Th' Erchiebyshop of York, Chanc';
The Byshop of London,
The Byshop of Wyncestre,
The Bysshop of Duresme,
The Bysshop of Bathe,
The Bysshop of Norwiche,
The Bysshop of Ely;
Th' Erle of Huntyngdon,
Th' Erle of Warwyk,
Th' Erle of Stafford,
Th' Erle of Salesbury,
Th' Erle of Northumberland;
The Lorde Cromewelle,
The Lorde Scrop,
The Lorde Bourgchier,
The Lorde Hungerforde,
The Lorde Typtot.
"The whiche Lordes abovesaid, been condescended to take it upon hem in manere and forme of certain Articles made and conceyved by hem, for the reule and goode governaunce of the seid Counsaille, in wyse as followeth."
Articuli per Consilium editi pro bono Publico, lecti & concordati apud Redyng.
I. "FURSTE, that my Lorde of Bedford nor of Gloucestre, ne noon other man of the said Counsaille, in no suyte that shall be made unto hem, shall behote no favoir, neither in Billes of Right, of Office, of Benefice, or of other thyng that longeth unto the Counsaille, but oonly to answere that the Bille shall be seene by alle the Counseill, and the partye suyng so to have resonable answere."
II. "ITEM, that all the Billes that shall be put unto the Counsaille, shall be oons in the Weke atte leste, that is to say, on the Wednysday, radde before the Counseil, and ther answers endorsed by the Clerc of the same Counsaille; and on the Friday next followyng declared to the partye suyng. But yf grete and notable causes touching the Kynges Reaumes and his Lordships lette it."
III. "ITEM, that all the Billes that comprehend matiers terminable atte the Common Lawe, be remitted there to be determined. But if so be that the discretion of the Counsaille feele to grete myght on that oo syde, and unmyght on that other, or ellus other cause resonable, that shalle moeve hem."
IIII. "ITEM, that no Man of the seid Counsaill, take upon hym to be partie in eny matiere to be sped in the seid Counsaille; but yf it toucheth hymselven. In the which cas he whom the seid matiere toucheth, be not present whiles that the seide matiere that toucheth hym is in commonyng."
V. "ITEM, that every Man have fulle freedome to say what hym thynketh, to all maner matiers that shall be demened or treted in the said Counsaille; and no Persone of the same Counsaille conceyve indignation, displeasaunce ne wrath, ayenst any other of the seid Counsaille, for saying of his advis or entent, to eny requeste or matiere that shall be spoken or purposed in the seide Counsaille, whome that ever it touche, alwey due reverence kept to every Estate and Persone."
VI. "ITEM, forasmuche has hit hathwelle oftentymes be knowe, that matieres such as have be spoken and treted in the saide Counsaille, have be published and discovered, which thyng hath caused Persones of the seid Counsaille to ymagine straungely oon of another, and diverse persones of the seid Counsaille to renne in maugre and indignation of Persones oute of the seid Counsaille, and other grete inconvenientes; that therefore, fro this tyme forthward, no Persone, of what degree or condition that he be of, be soeffred to abyde in the Counsaille, whiles matiers of the seide Counsaille be treted therynne, save oonly thoo that be sworn unto the seide Counsaille; but yf they be specially called thereto by auctoritee of the saide Counsaille."
VII. "ITEM, that in alle thynges that oweth to passe and be agreed by the saide Counsaille, there be VI, or IIII atte the leest, present of the said Counsaille, withouten th'officers, assembled in forme of Counsaille, and in place appointed therfore. And yf thei be suche thynges that the Kyng hath be accustumed to be counsailled of, then the saide Lordes procede not therynne, withoute th'advis of the Protectour and Defensour for the tyme, or ellus by his assent. So alwayes that no matiere be take as assented, but atte the leeste ther assent therto IIII Counsaillers, and an Officer; whoos assent neverthelesse shall not suffice, but if they make the more partie of nombre that is thenne p~sent in Counsaille."
VIII. "ITEM, that no Bylle be sped but in the place ordeyned for Counsaille; the Counsaile beyng there assembled in forme of Counsaille, and the Bylle furst radde their before hem alle: And that eche Man singularly say his advis thereto, and aftre that subscribed by the Lordes, be it in the same place or other where, the Clerc of the Counsaille shall bring it hymselve unto hem."
IX. "ITEM, that the Correction, Punition or Remoevyng of eny Counseiller, or grete Officer of the Kynges, proceede of th'assent and advis of the more part of all thoo that beth appoynted of the Kynges Counsaille."
X. "ITEM, that all the matieres that toucheth the the Kyng, be preferred alle other, as well in Parlement as in Counsaille."
XI. "ITEM, that in Benefices and Offices longyng unto the Kyng disposition, when thei voiden, thoo that hath be servantes to the Kinges Fadre, or his Grandfire, or be to the Kyng that now is, be preferred thereto; so that ther be found emonges hem Persones hable thereto."
XII. "ITEM, that oute of Terme tyme, nothyng be spedd in the Counsaille, but suche thyng as for the goode of the Kyng, and of his Lande, askyth necessary and hastyve spede, and may note goodely be abyden unto the Terme tyme."
XIII. "ITEM, yf so be that eny matiere sued in the Counsaille fall into diverse opinions, yf my Lordes of Bedford, or of Gloucestre, haldyng that o partie, thogh it be the lesse, wol stirre that other partie by reson to falle unto hem, there resons being herd, o lesse then the resons of that other partie cause hem to condescend forthwith unto hem, the matiere shall dwell in deliberation to the next day of Counsaille; atte the whiche day, after co~ication had, finally shall be stoude to th'opinion of the more partie in nombre; and yf the nombre be egall atte eny tyme, that part in the which my seide Lord of Bedford or Gloucestre is ynne, shall be holden the more partie."
XIIII. "ITEM, for asmuch as it is lykly that many matieres shalle be treted afore the Counsaille, the which toucheth the Kynges Prerogatyve and Freehold on that oo partie, and other of his Subgittes on that other in the which matiers the Counsaille is not lerned to kepe the Kynges right and the partes both, withouten th'advis of the Kinges Justices, which been lerned both in his Prerogatives and in his Common Lawe; that in alle suche matieres, his Juges be called thereto, and their advis, with their names also, to be entred of Recorde, what and howe thei determyne and advyse therynne."
XV. "ITEM, that the Clerc of the Counsaille be sworne, that every day that the Counsaille sitteth on eny Billes betwix partie and partie, that he shall, as ferre as he can, aspie which is the porest Suteurs Bille, and that furst to be radd and answered. And the Kings Sergeans to be sworn trewely and playnely to yeve the pouer Man, that for suche is accept to the Counsaille, assistance and trewe Counsaille in his matiere so to be sued, withouten eny gode takyng of hem, on peyne of discharge of theire Offices."
XVI. "ITEM, in eschewyng of Ryotes, Excesses, Misgov~naunce and Disobeissaunce ayenst the Kinges Estate, and for the peisible governaille of his Lawes, and in example yevyng of restfull reule and gode governaille hereafter to all his Subgitts; It is advised by the seid Lordes of the Counsaille, determined and ord[...]ned, that no Lorde of what Estate, degree or condition that he be of, wytingly receyve, cherysshe, hold in householde, ne maynteigne, Pilours, Robbours, Oppressours of the People, Mansleers, Felons, Outelawes, Ravysshours of Wymmen ayenst the Lawe, or eny other open misdoer, so that the parties greved by hem shal not dor mowe pursue ayenst hem lawefully, bycause of such supportation of Lordeship. And also, that nether by colour or occasione of Feofment, nor otherwyse, my saide Lordes shall take noon other menns cause or quarrel in mayntenaunce, ne conceyve ayenst eny Juge or Officer indignation or displeisaunce, for doyng of his Office in fourme of Lawe; nor let, by worde, wryting or ellus, the Kynges Common Lawe to have his cours. And that thei kepe this not oonly in her owen Persones, but that thei see that all other in her Cuntrees, ther Servantz, and other suche as be undre hym of lesse Estate, do the same."
XVII. "ITEM, if my Lord of Bedford, or of Gloucestre, here or know of the Lordes that be, or in tyme commyng shall be, called of the Kynges Counsaille, or of eny other Lorde, to be noysed of any extortion, mayntenaunce or takyng of goode, or eny other mysgovernaunce, for affection of Persone or Persones, in prejudice of enny partie; that then the seid Lordes of Bedforde or of Gloucestre, or whether of hem that furst hath knowlech thereof, advertyse hym that is so noysed, for to kepe hym fro suche noyse, and for to amend his default, and do no more so; and for to make hym deliver ayen the goode unto hym that he resceyved it of: and yf he so do, well, and ellus alle the Counsaille for to have thereof knowlech, and thei alle to make hym to doe it."
XVIII. "ITEM, that if eny of the seid Lordes, here of other mysgovernaunce, and he that is noysed of such mysgovernaunce, be in so ferre Countree from the tother, that thei may not lightly come togedre; he that so hereth of that other, shall godely certifie hym thereof by worde or wrytinge, to that entent that he may amende it, or ellus that he may excuse hym."
XIX. "ITEM, that if eny of the said Lordes of the Counsaille, here eny thyng that may charge eny of my seide Lordes of Bedford or of Gloucestre, that he come and advertyse hem by way of advertysement; whereof in suche wyse, my said 11 Lordes, or the toon of hem that in such freendly wyse shal be advertysed, wol co~n hym goode thank, and se that it be amended."
XX. "ITEM, that no Mann be of the Kynges Counsaille, but suche as be bairely of his Counsaille, and entendyng upon noon other Counsaille in especiall."
XXI. "ITEM, that for no report made between Lorde and Lorde, which myght cause eny hevynesse, that he to whome the report is made, yeve no credence therto, without that he here the declaration of the tothere partie; or ellus that he see so evident cause, that it may not be contraried."
XXII. "ITEM, that for no soden reporte of eny Persone, neither Prive Seal, ne Writte of Rigour, be not soon passed ayenst eny Persone, in prejudice of the partie, without that he be furst herd, save oonly to calle hym to here suche thynges as shall be said unto hym."
XXIII. "ITEM, forasmuche as in diverses Shires of this Reaume, as well Lordes as others have many matieres to be do: it semeth expedient that suche were made Shirriefs, as were of name and fame trewe and indifferent bitwene the Kinge and the People, and alle parties; and specially that no Man of Lawe be Sherryef, for ever it is to suppose, that they have oon parties matiere in hand, or other."
XXIIII. "ITEM, that there be graunted no Dedimus Potestatem for takyng of the Othe of Shirryefs, but that thei make theire Othe after that the Statut askyth and in the Chauncellarie."
XXV. "ITEM, that forasmuche as Undre Shirryefs be wont for to do execution of Shirryefs Offices, thogh other have the name, and in hem lyeth retorne of Writtes, as well in oo cas as in other, bothe touching Mennes lyves and enheritaunces; it is therefore thoght expedient, that such undre Sherryefs and also Bayliffes be every Yere chaunged; and that the Sherryef make his othe not to lette it to ferme, ne to make noon undre Shirrief nor Bayliff, that occupyed that Office the Yere next afore; but another, such as he wol answere fore at his perille, of goode name and fame, and trewe to the Kyng and to his people."
XXVI. "ITEM, that the Justices of the Pees be every Yere chaunged or new named, but it be Lordes, and semblably the Clercs of the Pees in every Shire; and yf it be found by enquerre to be duely made, that eny of hem have not doo duely his Office, and it may be proved, that thenne the rygour of the Statut be executed in his Persone that so hath offended."
XXVII. "ITEM, forasmuche as no Session of the Pees may be hold withouten thaym, or some of theym, that be named Justices in the Quorum: it seemeth expedient that suche be ordeyned for to be of the Quorum, as can and wol trewely and duely labour the seid Office, on every behalve as the cas requireth; and ellus that thei be corrected and punyshed as the Lawe askith."
XXVIII. "ITEM, as touching Eschetours, it is thoght necessaire that due enquerre be made upon hem that have occupyed in time passd, of alle there concellementz and other mysgovernaunce in her Offices, and for tyme to come that thei have not theire Quietus est out of the Eschequire for theire discharge, unto tyme that it be enquered for the Kyng of theire counsellementz, and mysgovernaunce in her Offices."
XXIX. "ITEM, that no Man beyng Steward with eny Lorde, be neither Shirriefes, ne Eschetours, in the Shires that he is Officer inne."
"Lecti fuerunt p~sentes Articuli omnes & singuli apud Redyng, vicesimo quarto die Novembris, Anno Regni Dn~i Nr~i Regis Quinto, in pleno Consilio ibidem congregato, & concordati per Dn~os de Consil' suis propriis manibus in robur & fidem eorumdem se subscribentes.
"Johan.
H. Gloucestre.
H. Cantuarien'.
J. Eboracen', Canc'.
W. London'.
H. Wyntonien'.
T. Dunolmen'.
P. Elien'.
J. Bathonien'.
J. Norff'.
J. Huntyngdon.
H. Stafford.
T. Salisbury.
H. Percy.
Cromewell.
Scrope.
Hungerford.
L. Bourgchier.
Tiptot."
"5 H. VI. Vol. v. Appendix, p. 409.
No. 7. De continuac'oe Gradus ac Status D'ni Duc' Bedf' cum omni reverentia debita, &c.
"MEMORANDUM, that the xxviiith day of Januer, the Yere of oure Soveraigne Lord the Kyng the Vth, in the Sterred Chambre at Westmynstre, it was said and declared unto my Lord of Bedford, by my Lord Chanceller, in the name of the remenant of my Lordes of the Kynges Counsaille, that tyme being there present, that is to witte, th' Erchiebyshop of Canterbury, th' Erchiebyshop of York, the Byshop of Ely, the Byshop of Bath, the Byshop of Norwiche, th' Erle of Huntyngdon, th' Erle of Stafford, the Lord Cromewell, the Lord Scrop, the Lord Hungerford, the Lord Tiptot, in substance this that followeth:
"FURSTE, after protestation made, that it is in no wyse th' entent of my saide Lordes of the Counsaille, to withdrawe from my saide Lorde of Bedford, Worship, Reverence, or eny thyng that thei owe unto him, consideryng his Birth, and th'Astate that God hath sette hym ynne; but to do hym all Worship, Reverence and Plef': it was remembred howe that after the tyme of his last comyng into this Lande, he had made unto the saide Lordes of the Counsaille, many notable, goode, and grete exhortations, by the which he sturred hem, and also yave hem boldnesse, comfort and assurance, to acquite hem trewely and uprightly unto the Kyng, and unto alle that may be to the gode of hym and of his Reaumes, the goode Governaille and Reule of hem, and to the observaunce and kepyng of his Lawes, not lettyng so to do for hym ne for noon other Persone, as thei woll answere to God and to the Kyng, at suche tyme as y God woll he shuld come to yeres of discretion; letyng hem fully wete that and thei wolde be oon hole Counsaille for the Kyng as thei oght to be, and that levying alle parcialtee and indue affection besyde hem, thei wold sitt upright, and contende holy to that that myght be for the gode of the Kyng, and of his Lande, not sparing for maugre, indignation or displeasaunce of eny Man so to doo, of what Estate or condition soever he were; it myght not faille but that with Goddes Grace, the Kyng and his Landes shulde stonde in gode prosperitee; and that the Kyng shulde have a gode reckenyng to ther grete worship when he comes to yeres of his discretion; nor theyme so disposed, it shulde be in no Mans poaire to let hem; and that on the other behalve, yf they did the contraire, were it the Kyng oure Soverayn Lorde that nowe is, or whome that ever God disposed for to be there Soveraine Lorde for the tyme, thagh perauntre thei plesed hym as nowe, and for this tyme, he shuld con hem thenne grete maugre therof, and trust hem the lesse at alle tymes after.
De obedientia Regi debit.
"ITEM, after this it was saide on the behalfe as before, howe that my saide Lordes of the Counsaille undrestande, that thei have a Kyng whome and noon other thei knowe; and alwey as long as it shall lyke to God to graunt hym lyfe, wole and awe to knowe, undre God, for their Soveraine Lorde here upon Erthe. Over this thei undrestande, that all other that beth in and of this Lande, fro the highest unto the lowest, of whatever Estate, condition or degree that he be, been his Liegemen and Subgittes, and owen to obeye unto hym and to his Lawes.
"ITEM, the said Lordes undrestande, that howbeit that the Kyng as nowe be of tendre age, neverthelesse the same auctoritee resteth and is atte this day in his persone, that shall be in hym at eny tyme hereafter, when he shall come, with Goddes Grace, to Yeres of discretion.
"ITEM, that forasmuche as the King is nowe of such tendrenesse of age, that by possibilitee of nature he may not in dede Reule ne Governe in his owne Persone, and that God ne reson wol that this Lande stande withouten Governaunce; for soe much the execution of the Kynges said auctoritee, as toward that that belongeth unto the Politique Reule and Governaille of his Lande, and to th'observaunce and kepyng of his Lawes, belongeth unto the Lordes Spirituall and Temporell of his Lande, at suche tyme as thei be assembled in Parlement, or in grete Counsaille; and ellus, hem not being so assembled, unto the Lordes chosen and named to be of his continuel Counseill, of the which my seid Lorde of Bedforde is chiefe, as long as he is in this Lande, and hym not beyng therynne, my Lorde of Gloucestre yf he be therynne; the which Counsaille, the Kyng beyng in such tendrenesse of age, represent his Persone, as toward execution of the same Politique Reule and Governaille of his Lande, and observaunce and kepyng of his said Lawes, withouten that eny oo Persone may or owe ascribe unto himselfe the said Reule and Governaille; savyng alway unto my said Lord of Bedeforde and of Gloucestre, that that is in especiall reserved and applied unto hem by Act of Parlement, namely, consideryng the grete daungers and perills that my said Lord of Bedford hath, as it is beforesaid, declared, and th'experience of tyme passed hath also shewed, that the said Lordes may for defaulte of the seid Reule and Governaille fall in ayenst the Kyng, and rekenyng that thei may be called unto an other day, the which God ne reson ne wald that thei shulde, o lesse than thei had fredom of Counsailling, and of the said execution and Reule.
"After alle this in this wyse shewed and declared unto my seide Lorde of Bedford, it was finally saide unto hym, that consideryng alle these thinges aboveseide, forthwythe the demenyng and governaille of his owen Persone fro the tyme of his commyng into this Lande, the whiche thei had at all tymes found accordyng unto the same, thei trusted fully that he in his noble and wyse discretion, feelyd in theese matiers above lyke as thei did; besecheyng him as for theire herts ease and suertee, and for the gode of this Lande, that he woulde vouchesave to declare unto hem his intent therynne, lattyng hym ferther wit that thei, as the Kyngs Counsaille, sent unto hym to come unto the saide Kynges place of Counsaille, to th'entent to open unto hym the matiers abovesaide.
Responsiones eiusdem Ducie ad Articulos premissos, &c. cum sua subscriptione manuali.
"The which thynges so opened and declared unto my seide Lorde of Bedford, it lyked unto his Lordship to say, that he had well herde and understande the matieres abovesaide; and that he thanked them with alle his herte; that hit lust hem so to send unto hym, and for that cause letyng hem wit, that it was unto hym oon of the gretest gladnesse that ever fell to his herte, to see the Kyng, standyng in this tendrenesse of age, to have so sadd, so substantiall and so trewe a Counsaille; and after it lyked hym to say unto hem, that he knoweth the King for his Soverayne Lorde, and himselve for his Liegeman and Subgett to hym, and to his Lawes, accordyng to that that was before reherced: Howbeit that God hath by way of Byrth made hym nerrer hym that eny other: and that in alle thynges that belongeth unto the Reule of the Lande, and to th'observance and kepyng of the Kynges Lawes, and generally in alle thynges that belongeth unto the Kyng and to his Estate, he wold be advised, demeened and reuled by the Lordes of the Counsaille, and obeye unto the Kyng, and to theym as for the King, as lowly as the leeste and pourest Subgett that the King had in his Land.
"And yf he eny thyng did or attempted, or were disposed to attempt or do in contrarie thereof, he wold att all tymes, with as goode herte and wille, be refourmed and amended by hem, as eny Man shuld; knowyng this for his duetee, and that hym oght so to do. Over that, offryng hymselven in alle thynges that by there advises shall mowe be to the gode of the Kyng, and of his Lande, to assist hem, and therynne yf nede were to lyf and dye; and to put the saide Lordes in more assurance and comfort of his full wyll, as to the kepyng and observaunce of the thynges abovesaide, it lyked unto my saide Lorde of Bedford, of his free wylle withouten that eny other Persone sturred or moeved hym therto, to open the Boke of Evangil' lying in the said Sterred Chambre, and thereto swere by hem, that he wolde trewely observe and kepe the thynges abovesaide, the whiche he had agreed and promitted.
"Johan."
Responsiones D'ni Oncis Glouc' cum sua subscripc'oe manuali ad prefatos Articulos.
"Semblably alle the Articles aboveseide, conteignyng Declaration of the Kynges auctoritee and Estate, and of the Ligeaunce, Obeyssaunce and Subjection, that alle Men that hath been ynne and of this Reaume, fro the heighest to the lowest, owen att alle tymes unto hym, and to hys Lawes; and also howe and to whome th' execution of the Kynges saide auctoritee, hym beyng in this tendernesse of age, belangeth, in alle that toucheth the Politique Reule and Governaille of his Lande, and th'observaunce and kepyng of his Lawes; that is to say, the IId, the IIId, the IIIIth, and the Vth Articles above writen, my saide Lorde of Gloucestre agreed hym to, affermyng hem resonable and just, knowyng the Kyng for his Liege Lord, and hymselven for his Liege Man, and Subgit to hym, and to his Lawes: Howbeit that God hath by way of Byrthe made hym nerrer hym than eny other, save my Lorde of Bedford his Brother: and that in alle things that belangeth unto the Reule of the Lande, and to th'observaunce and kepyng of the Kynges Lawes, and generally in alle thynges that belangeth to the Kyng and to his Estate, he wold be advysed, demened and reuled by the Lordes of the Counsaille, and obeye unto the Kyng, and to theyme as for the Kyng, with alle his herte. And yf he eny thyng did or attempted, or were disposed to attempt or do in contrarie therof, he wol att alle tymes, withe as gode herte and wyll, be refourmed and amendid by hem, as enny Man shuld; knowyng this for his duetee, and that hym aght so to do.
"H. Gloucestre."
"Rotul. Parl. 6 Hen. VI. Vol. iv. p. 316.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westm' in Quindena Sancti Michaelis, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum sexto.
A. D. 1427. 6 Hen. 6. Pronunciatio Parliamenti. (m. 10.)
"MEMORAND', quod in Quindena Sancti Michaelis, videlicet, die Lune tertio decimo die Octobris, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post conquestum sexto, ipso Domino Rege sede Regia in Camera depicta apud Westm' residente, assistentibusque quampluribus Prelatis, Proceribus & Communibus Regni, ad presens Parliamentum convocatis; Venerabilis Pater Johannes Eborum Archiepiscopus, Cancellarius Anglie, causam summonitionis Parliamenti predicti, de mandato ipsius Domini Regis, & de avisamento Consilii sui, egregie declaravit."
"Ibid. P. 326.
De potestate Protectoris, &c.
24. "MEMORAND' quod Tertio die Martij, Anno presenti, illustris Princeps Dominus Humfridus Dux Gloucestrie, recitando in presenti Parliamento, qualiter ipse, statim post initium ejusdem Parliamenti, inter alia declaraverat, quod ipse, in absentia illustris Principis Domini Johannis Ducis Bedeford Fratris sui carissimi, Protector & Defensor Regni Anglie, ac Principalis Consiliarius Domini Regis extitit, quodque ex nonnullorum relatione diversas audierat fore opiniones sue auctoritatis atque potestatis; Cupiens igitur prefatus Dux Gloucestr', de potestate & auctoritate suis in hac parte plenius certiorari, Universos Dominos Spirituales & Temporales, in Parliamento predicto existen,' attentius exhortabatur & requirebat, quatenus de potestate & auctoritate suis hujusmodi, per ipsorum omnium sana discretiones & avisamenta deliberare vellent & tractare, & cum ea celeritate qua poterant ipsum inde certitudinaliter informare; asserendo quod a Camera Parliamenti predictise vellet absentare, donec sibi in hac parte per eos foret responsum. Quibus quidem declaratione & requisitione auditis, plenius & intellectis, Universi & singuli Domini Spirituales & Temporales tunc ibidem presentes, quorum nomina inferius continentur, habita de premissis deliberatione matura, visis quoque & diligenter attentis auctoritate & potestate, tam prefato Domino Bedford, quam predicto Duci Gloucestr', in Parliamento Anno Regni dicti Domini nostri Regis Primo tento, de communi consensu ejusdem Parliamenti concessis & ordinatis, consideratis etiam diversis Ordinationibus per Consilium Domini nostri Regis, in presentia predicti Ducis Bedford & alias habitis & appunctuatis, ex eorum omnium unanimi consensu pariter & assensu, quoddam responsum in scriptis fieri & indentari fecerunt; & illud manibus suis propriis subscripserunt; quod postmodum prefato Duci Gloucestr', per Venerabilem Patrem Henricum Archiepiscopum Cantuar', de avisamento & assensu predictis, extitit deliberatum. Cujus quidem responsi tenor sequitur, in hec verba."
Responsio Dominorum.
25. "HIEGH and mighty Prince, my Lord of Gloucestr', we Lordes Spirituell and Temporell, assembled by the commaundement of the Kyng oure soverain Lord in yis his present Parlement, be wel remembred howe, yat sone after ye begynnyng of yis Parlement, hit lyked you to moeve un to us and to say, yat ye be Protectour and Defendour of yis Lond, and so named and called; willing yrfore and desiring to wete of us, what auctorite and pouoir belanged unto you, the whiche youre desire ye semblably repeted ye thridde day of yis present moneth of March, saying yat we myzt wel comune matiers of Parlement in youre absence, but we schuld non conclude with~t outen you; affermyng also yat ye ne wold in eny wyse come in to ye house accustumed for the Kyng and ye Lordes in Parlement, unto ye tyme yat ye knewe what youre auctorite and pouoir were yerynne. And for somuche and to yende, yat ye have no cause to absente you fro yis said Parlement for lak of oure answere to youre said desire, we Lordes above said calle to mynde, howe yat in ye first Parlement halden by ye Kyng oure soverain Lorde that nowe is, at Westmonstier, ye desired to have had ye governaunce of yis land, affermyng yat hit belanged unto you of rygzt, as wel be ye mene of your birth, as by ye laste wylle of ye Kyng that was, youre Bro~yer, whome God assoille, alleggyng for you such groundes and motyves as it was yought to youre discretion maad for youre entent: Whereuppon ye Lordes Spirituel and Temporel assembled yo in Parlement, among ye which were yo my Lordes your Uncles, ye Byshop of Wynchestre yat now lyveth, and ye Duc of Excetre, and your Cousyn Yerle of March yat be goon to God, and of Warrewyk, and o~yr in gret nombre yat nowe lyven, had grete and long deliberation and advis, serched precydentes of the governaill of ye land in tyme and cas semblable, whan Kynges of ys land have be of tendre age, toke also information of ye lawes of ye land, of suche Persones as be notably lerned yerynne, and finally fond youre said desire nought caused nor grounded in precident', nor in ye lawe of ye land; ye whiche ye Kyng yat ded ys, in hys lyf ne mighzt by his last will nor otherwyse altre, change nor abroge, with oute yassent of ye thre Estates, nor committe or graunte to any persone, governannce or rule of yis land lenger yanne he lyved: but on yat o~yer behalf, ye said Lordes fond youre saide desire not accordyng with the lawes of yis land, and ayenst ye righzt and fredome of y Estates of ye same land. Howe were it, yat it be not yought, yat any such ying wetyngly proceded of your entent. And never ye lesse to kepe pees and tranquillite, and to yentente to ese and appese you, hit was avised and appointed by auctorite of ye Kyng, assentyng ye thre Estatys of this lond, yat ye in absence of my Lord youre Broy~er of Bedford, schulde be chief of ye Kynges Counsail, and devised yerfore unto you a name different from oyer Counsaillers, nought ye name of Tutour, Lieutenant, Governor, nor of Regent, nor no name yat shuld emporte auctorite of governaunce of ye lond, but ye name of Protectour and Defensour, ye which emporteth a Personell duetee of entendance to ye actuell defense of ye land, as well ayenst yenemys utward, yf cas required, as ayenst Rebelles inward, yf any were, yat God forbede; grauntyng you yerwith certain pouoir, ye wich~ is specified and conteined in an Act of ye said Parlement, hit to endure as long as it liked ye Kyng. In ye which if yentent of ye said Estates had be, yat ye more pouoir or auctorite shuld have had, more shuld have be expressed yerynne; to the wich~ appointement, ordinance and act', ye yoo agreed you as for youre Persone, makyng never ye lesse protestation, yat it was nought your entent in any wyse to deroge or do prejudice unto my Lorde youre Broy~er of Bedford by youre said agreement, as toward any right yat he wolde pretende or clayme in the governance of yis land, and as toward any preeminence yat ye might have or belang unto you as Chief of Counseill, hit is playnly declared in the saide act and articules, subscribed by my said Lord of Bed', by youre self, and ye oyer Lordes of ye Counseill. But as in Parlement to wich~ ye be called upon youre faith and ligeance as Duc of Gloucestr', as oyer Lordes be, and non oyerwise, We knowe no powar no auctorite yat ye have, oyer yenne ye as Duc' of Gloucestr' sholde have, ye Kyng beyng in Parlement, at yeres of mest discretion; We merveillyng with all our hertes, yat consideryng ye open declaration of y auctorite and pouoir belanging to my Lord of Bed,', and to you in his absence, and also the Kynges Counseill, subscribed purely and simply by my said Lord of Bedford, and by you, yat ye shuld in any wyse be steryd or moeved nought to contente you yerwith, oyer to pretende you any oyer: Namely considering, yat ye Kyng, blissyd be oure Lord, is sethe ye tyme of ye saide pouoir graunted unto yow, fer goon and growen in Persone, in wit and understandyng, and lik with the grace of God to occupie his owne Rial power with ynne fewe yeres. And forsomuch consideryng ye yinges and causes abovesaid, and oyer many yat long where to write, We Lordes aforesaid, pray, exhorte and require you, to contente you with the pouoir abovesaid and declared, of the wich~ my Lord youre Broyer of Bedford, ye Kynges eldest Uncle, contented him; and yat ye non larger power desire, wille nor use; yevyng you yis yat is aboven written for our answere to youre forsaide demaunde, ye wich we wolle duelle and abide with, withouten variaunce or changyng. Over yis besechyng and praying you in oure most humble and lowly wyse, and also requiryng you in ye Kynges name, yat ye according to ye Kynges comaundement, conteyned in his Writ sent unto you in yat behalf, come to yis his present Parlement, and entende to ye gode effect' and spede of matiers to be demesned and treted in ye same, lyk as of right ye owe to do."
27. "NOMINA vero predictorum Dominorum responsionem predictam manibus suis, ut premittitur, subscribentium, hic sequntur."
"Rotul. Parl. 8 H. VI. Vol. iv. p. 335.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westm' in Crastino Sancti Mathei Apostoli, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum octavo.
A. D. 1429. 8 Hen. 6. Pronunciatio Parliamenti. (m. 15.)
1. "MEMORAND', quod die Jovis in Crastino Sancti Mathei Apostoli, videlicet, Vicesimo Secundo die Septembris, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum Octavo, ipso Domino Rege in Solio Regio, in Camera depicta apud Westm' residente; assistentibus sibi quam pluribus Prelatis, Proceribus & Communibus Regni Anglie, ad Parliamentum tunc summonitum auctoritate Regia convocatis: Venerabilis Pater Johannes Eborum Archiepiscopus, Cancellarius Anglie, causum summonitionis Parliamenti predicti egregie declaravit."
"Ibid. P. 336.
De nomine Protectoris cessand'. (m. 14.)
13. "MEMORAND' quod licet in Parliamento, metuendissimi Domini nostri Regis, apud Westm', Anno Regni suo Primo tento, considerata etate tenera dicti Domini nostri Regis, quod ipse circa protectionem & defensionem Regni sui Anglie, ac Ecclesie Anglicane, Personaliter intendere non potuit, idem Dominus Rex, de Circumspectionibus & Industriis carissimorum Avunculorum suorum Johannis Ducis Bedford, & Humfridi Ducis Gloucestr' plenarie considens; de assensu & avisamento Dominorum tam Spiritualium quam Temporalium, in Parliamento predicto existen', necnon de assensu Communitatis Regni Anglie existen' in eodem, ordinaverit & constituerit dictum Avunculum suum Ducem Bedford', in Partibus exteris tunc existen', Regni sui & Ecclesie Anglicane predictorum Protectorem & Defensorum, ac Consiliarium ipsius Domini Regis principalem; & quod ipse Dux, ejusdem Regni Protector & Defensor, ac ipsius Regis principalis Consiliarius esset & nominaretur, postquam rediret in Angl', & ad presentiam prefati Domini Regis veniret, & quamdiu extunc in eodem Regno moram faceret, & eidem Domino nostro Regi placeret. Et ulterius, idem Dominus Rex, de assensu & avisamento predictis, ordinaverit & constituerit, in absentia prefati Avunculi sui Ducis Bedford, prefatum Avunculum suum Ducem Gloucestr', tunc in Regno suo Anglie existentem, ejusdem Regni & Ecclesie Anglicane Protectorem & Defensorem, ac Consiliarum ipsius Domini Regis principalem; & quod ipse Dux Gloucestr', ejusdem Regni Anglie & Ecclesie predicte Protector & Defensor, ac principalis Consiliarius ipsius Domini Regis esset & nominaretur, quamdiu Regi placeret; & quod super hoc, Litere ipsius Domini Regis Patentes fierent sub certa forma, in quodam acto inde in Parliamento predicto edito, & in Rotulo ejusdem Parliamenti irrotulato contenta, prout in eodem acto plenius continetur. Quia tamen prefatus Dominus noster Rex, Sexto die Novembris, Anno presenti, Protectionem & Defensionem Regni & Ecclesie predictorum in Coronatione sua suscepit, atque ad eadam Ecclesiam & Regnum protegend' & defendend', in dicta sua Coronatione Sacramentum prestitit corporale; pro eo etiam quod avisamento diligenti & deliberatione matura habitis, inter Dominos Spirituales, & Temporales, in presenti Parliamento existen', utrum dictum nomen Protectoris & Defensoris, ex causa predicta, cessare deberet, necne; auditisque & intellectis nonnullis notabilibus rationibus & allegationibus in hac parte factis; tandem videbatur Dominis Spiritualibus & Temporalibus, quod dictum nomen Protectoris & Defensoris, a tempore Coronationis predicte, ex causa predicta, specialiter cessare deberet; nomine tamen Principalis Consiliarii dicti Domini nostri Regis, prefatis Ducibus & eorum alteri, quamdiu eidem Domino Regi placuerit, juxta formam & effectum Acti & Literarum Patentium predictorum, in omnibus semper salvo. Prefatus Dux Gloucestr', notificatis sibi hujusmodi avisamento & deliberatione Dominorum, predictorum, predictum nomen tectoris & Defensoris Ecclesie & Regni predictorum tantum, Quinto Decimo die Novembris dicto Anno presenti, in presenti Parliamento, quantum ad Personam suam tantum pertinuit, realiter dimisit & relaxavit. Protestando tamen, quod dimissio & resignatio sua hujusmodi, prefato Fratri suo Duci Bedford non cederent in prejudicium quoquo modo, quin idem Frater suus ad libitum suum nomen illud dimittere vel non dimittere deliberare se possit & avisare; dimissione & resignatione predictis in aliquo non obstantibus."
"Anno 8 H. VI.
"De Locumtenente Angliæ Constituto.
A. D. 1430. An. 8 H. 6. Pat. 8. H. 6. p. 2. m. 26. Rym. Fœd. tom. 10. p. 458.
"REX Omnibus, ad quos, &c. Salutem.
"Sciatis quòd,
"Cùm Nos, pro Salvatione, & Defénsione, ac bona Gubernatione, & Regimine Regni Nostri Franciæ, ac Recuperatione Jurium Nostrorum ibidem, Deo duce, simus ad Partes illas in proximo Personaliter profecturi.
"Et insideat intimè Cordi Nostro quòd Pax Nostra infra Regnum Nostrum Angliæ, præsertim dùm absentes fuerimus, inviolabiliter observetur,
"Et quòd idem Regnum Nostrum & Agenda ip~sius Regni providè Regantur & Disponantur, ac singulis Justitiæ debitum impendatur,
"Necnon de Fidelitate & Industria, Carissimi Avunculi Nostri, Humfredi Ducis Gloucestriæ pleniùs confidentes:
"Constituimus ipsum Humfredum Custodem dicti Nostri Regni, ac Locum Nostrum tenentem in eodem Regno, dum extra idem Regnum Nostrum Moram fecerimus, vel donec aliud inde duxerimus ordinandum:
"Damus autem universis & singulis Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibuś, Prioribus, Ducibus, Comitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, Communitatibus, Vicecomitibus, Liberis Hominibus, Ballivis, Ministris, & omnibus Fidelibus Nostris, Tenore Præsentium, firmiter in Mandatis quòd præfato Humfredo, tanquam Custodi dicti Regni Nostri, & Locum Nostrum tenenti in eodem, Intendentes sint, Respondentes, ac Consulentes, & Auxiliantes.
"In cujus, &c.
"Teste Rege apud Civitatem suam Cantuar. 23 Die Aprilis.
"Per Breve de Privato Sigillo."
"Rotul. Parl. 9 Hen. VI. Vol. iv. p. 367.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westm' die Veneris prox' ante Festum Sancti Hilarij, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum nono.
A. D. 1430–31. 9 Hen. 6. Pronunciatto Parliamenti. (m. 10.)
1. "MEMORAND', quod Die Veneris prox' ante Festum Sancti Hilarij, videlicet, Duodecimo Die Januarij, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum Nono, illustr' Principe Domino Humfrido Duce Gloucestrie Custode Anglie, Sede Regia in Camera depicta residente; presentibus etiam quampluribus Prelatis, Proceribus et Communibus Regni Anglie, ad presens Parliamentum auctoritate Regia convocatis: pro eo quod Venerabilis Pater Johannes Archiepiscopus Eborum, Cancellarius Anglie, cui ratione Officij Sui secundum Consuetudinem laudabilem in Regno Anglie antiquitus usitatam pertinuit, Causam Summonitionis Parliamenti predicti pronunciare et declarare, tali et tanta detinebatur Infirmitate, quod circa Declarationem et Pronunciationem predictas adtunc intendere non valebat. Reverendus vir Magister Willielmus Lynwode, Legum Doctor, Causam Summonitionis ejusdem Parliamenti, de Mandato prefati Custodis, egregie declaravit."
"Rotul. Parl. 10 Hen. VI. Vol. iv. p. 388.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westm. Duodecimo die Maij, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum decimo.
A. D. 1432. 1. Hen. 6. Pronunciatio Parliamenti.
1. "MEMORAND' quod Die Lune, Duodecimo Die Maij, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum Decimo, ipso Domino Rege in Camera depicta Regio Solio residente, presentibus edam quampluribus Prelatis, Proceribus et Communibus Regni Anglie, ad Parliamentum tunc summonitum Auctoritate Regia convocatis. Venerabilis Pater Johannes Episcopus Bathon' et Wallen' Cancellarius Anglie Causam Summonitionis Parliamenti predicti, de Mandato ipsius Domini Regis, Notabiliter pronunciavit."
"10 H. VI. Vol. v. Appendix, p. 433.
No. 16. Quot Domini .... ad subscriptiones.
"THE XXVIII Day of Januer, the Yere of the Regne of the King &c. the Xo, hit was advised and accorded atte Canterbury, that nothwithstonding th' Article of Counsail whiche that declareth, that in alle thynges to be passed in Counsaille, there shall at the leeste assent IIII Counsaillers, and an Officer; whoos assent neverthelesse shal not suffice, but yfthei make the more partie of the nombre that is thenne present in Counsaille, yf so be that th' Officer wol not yeve his assent, the thinge neverthelesse that shulde be so passed by Counseil shall, so that theire assent thereto the more partie of the Counseillers assembled in fourme of Counseil, be holde as passed. Purveyd always, that in alle matiers, and specially in suche as belonge specially to the knowlcche of the Chaunceller and of the Tres', as by way of their Offices, the presence and advises of the said Chaunceller and Trea~r, or ellus the presence and th' advis of that oon of hem, be specially had and axed therynne; and their advises and resons, or ellus the advise and reson of the toon of hem, herd; so as my Lordes the Kynges Uncles, or ellus that oon of hem whether is present, and the mooste parte of all the Counseillers, thenke most expedient for the goode of the Kyng and his People, and assent unto, to be holde as concluded in the saide matieres; and that the Kepar of the Prive Seal make out therupon Lettres under the Kynges Prive Seal, yf the cas require it, thogh that noon Officer subscribe hym to hys Warrant.
"H. Gloucestre.
"H. Cantuarien.
P. Elien'.
J. Bathonien'.
W. Lincoln'.
J. Roffen'.
J. Norff'.
J. Huntyngdon.
W. Suff'.
J. Scrop.
Hungerford, Thef'."
"Rotul. Parl II Hen. VI. Vol. iv. p. 419.
A. D. 1433. 11 H. 6.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westm', VIIIo. die Julii, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum undecimo."
"Ibid. 423.
Requisitio facta Regi per Communes pro expectatione Ducis Bedford' in Angl'. (m. 16.)
17. "MEMORAND', yat ye XXIIII Day of Novembr', ye Communys of the land apierying before ye Kyng in yis his present Parlement, made to be saide unto hym be yaire Speker, yat yei among hem had communid and considerid, yat howe were it, yat atte ye tyme of the decesse of ye Kyng of noble memorie his Fayer, yat was our soverain Lorde, ye obeysaunce yat he had in ye Reme of Fraunce, and in ye places and Cuntreys conquerid and goten be hym yere, was right tendre, right yong and grene; and ye hertis of ye peple yer, noght so fermid, stablishid and assurid, in affection, love and trouth to ye Kyng be contynuaunce of any tyme, as with Goddes grace yai be nowe; and yat fewe English men abode, or wolde abyde yo yere, for ye greet perile yat yai sawe in abidyng yere; my Lorde of Bedford, for the love and trouth yat he had unto ye Kyng, and to ye Worship and wele of hym, abode yo stille yere, to grete jupardi and aventure of his Persone; and as a noble Knyght and well assurid, toke upon hym ye defence and kepyng ye rule and governaile of ye Kyngs Obeisance and Cuntre yere, ye which had ellys by liklyhode be lost, and fallen fro ye Kynges handes, yat God ne wolde; and be his grete wisdome and manhede, with long contynuyd labour, peril and aventure of his Persone, hath nobly doon his devoir, to ye kepyng yerof into yis tyme, as ferforth as in hym hath bee; and as frely fro tyme to tyme when ye cas requirid it exposid his Persone to ye labour and to ye aventure of ye Werre, as ye poueryst Knyght or Gentilman beyng yere in ye Kyngs service, and chevid many greet and faire thinges worthi to be had in perpetuall remembraunce; and in especial, ye Bataile of Vernule, ye which was ye grettest dede doon by English men in our dayes, save the Bataille of Agyncourte, in the which Bataille of Vernule, was slayne and taken ye flour of Knyghthede, as well of ye Kyngs partie adverse of the same Cuntre, as of Scotland, and of oyer strange nations, yat were yere in assistence and helpe of ye Kyngs partie adverse. And yat over yis, at diverse tymes, my said Lorde of Bedford hath in his owen Persone, many and diverse dayes kept ye felde, redy to have foghtyn and delivered Bataille to ye Kinges Enemyys, beyng also in ye felde, yif yey wolde have abydyn it; whoos noble and Knyghtly corage and manheye is knowen swhich, yat ye beyng yere can noght spare ne forbere ye aventure of his Persone, if ye Kynges Enemys prese to ye Cuntre yat he is inne, ye which was thought to hem a grete perile; consideryng howe greet a tresor his Persone is to ye Kyng, and bothe his landis; over yis ye said Communys, considerith yat ye presence and beyng of my saide Lorde of Bedforde in yis lande, sith his comyng into hit, hath bee full fructucus, and yat ye restfull rule and governaile of yis lande hath greetly growyn and been encressid yere by, as well by ye noble myrrour and ensample yat he hath yevyn to oyer, restfully governyng hym self, and alle his kepyng, and obeyyng ye Kynges peas and his lawes, and makyng yo yat beth toward hym to do the same, bryngyng hem in his owen Persone to ye lawe to be puynshid, when any of hem hath offendid; paying also trewly for his vitailys, and all maner of thing yat he hath had of any of ye Kynges sugets, as in assistying with his grete wisdome and prudence, be way of advis and counsell to ye Kyng, and to ye saide rule and governaille; for ye which thinges ye Poeple of this lande, thowe they rejoise hem in my saide Lorde, for his birth and nynesse of blood yat he standith ynne to ye Kyng, yit moche ye more for his saide goodly governaille, so yat it is thought to ye saide Commens, yat ye abidyng of my saide Lorde of Bedforde in yis lande so blessidly, and so well disposid, as thankid be God he is, shulde bee oon ye grettest seurte yat coude be thought, to ye wellfare of ye Kynges noble Persone, and also to the good and restfull governaile and kepyng, aswell of this lande inward, as of ye Kynges landes outward; and for these causes and considerations, and also to putte, and make to be putte in execution and in dede, an article late assurid in ye Kynges hande, for ye good and peisible rule of ye lande, ye saide Communes besekith the Kyng in ye most humble wise yat yei kan and may, yat it like his Hynesse to wolle, praye and desire my saide Lord of Bedford, to abide stille in yis lande, as ferforth as he in any wise goodly may, to yntent to assiste ye Kyng, namely with his noble advis and counseill, to the kepyng and to ye encresse of ye saide good and restfull rule and governaile alway, with that doying his devoir and duytee, to ye good kepyng and reule of ye Kynges landes utward. Aftir ye which supplication and requeste so made to the Kyng, the worshipfull Fayer in God the Bishop of Bathe, Chanceller of England, be ye commaundement of ye Kyng, callyng unto hym my Lorde of Gloucestre, my Lorde ye Cardinall of England, ye Erchebishoppis of Caunterbury and of York, and certein oyer Lordes, after communication and advis had among hem of yis matier, asked my saide Lordes, and all ye remenant of ye Lordes Spirituell and Temporell, ye which were yere present in grete nombre, whether hem thought expedient and behoveful, yat ye Kyng requirid and prayed my saide Lorde of Bedford', in ye wise as it was desired be the said Communys, or no; the which Lordes alle, aswell for ye causes and considerations declarid be ye saide Communes, as for oyer diverse causes, openyd and allegyd be diverse of ye saide Lordes, saide, yat it was thoght to hem expedient, yat ye Kyng prayed and required my saide Lorde of Bedford', to abide in yis lande, in ye wise as it was requirid be his saide Communes; the which advis and counseill of ye saide Lordes so had, ye Kyng by ye mouth of ye saide Chaunceller, prayed and required my saide Lorde of Bedford to abide in yis lande, as he had well herde yat it was with grete instaunce desired and required. To ye which requeste and prayer of the Kyng, my saide Lord of Bedford answerid, sayyng, yat he was greetly basshid of ye saide requeste for oo cause, and rejoysyd yerof for an oyer; he was basshid yerof, heryng ye grete recomendation yat ye saide Communys gafe hym, for so litill service as he had doon to ye Kyng, thinkyng yat if God had urid and grauntid him to do such Service, as he desired with all his herte to have doo, and it had restid in his power, it shulde have bee received be thaym to right greet and marveillous thonkes and laude; on yat oyer part he rejoised hym, in yat that it had liked God, so to sette in ye hertis of ye Commune of ye lande; to have hym in suche affection and love yat thei wolde so especially recomende hym and his service to the Kyng, to the entent to sette him ye more in the Kynges noble grace and favour, ye which is ye Erthely thing that he moost desirith; and as toward his abode here so desirid, as it is before reherced, he saide yat he knoweth hym self ye Kynges man, and yat his dutye is to do hym service; and howe be it yat God have made hym neer to the Kyng be way of his birthe, yan any oyer is, neveryelees he woll with all his herte, be as redy atte ye Kynges commaundement to do him service, suche as shall lye in his power, as well in yis lande as in oyer places, as shall any suget yat the Kyng hath.
"MEMORAND', quod Decimo octavo die Decembris, dicto Anno Duodecimo, presatus Dux Bedford exhibuit in presenti Parliamento quosdam Articulos, quos pro Regis commodo specialiter affectabat in eodem Parliamento expediri. Qui quidem Articuli in Parliamento predicto lecti, auditi & intellecti de avisamento Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium, tunc ibidem presentium, concessi fuerunt & agreati; quorum tenoris, cum eorum responsionibus, hic sequntur."
Articuli Ducis Bed'.
18. "THEES bee the Articles whiche I Johan Duc of Bedford, ye Kyngs furst Uncle, shewe and desire in this present Parlement, for the goode of my Lorde.
"Sithen hit hath liked my Lorde, atte the requeste of his Communes, and by the assent and advis of the Lordes Spirituell and Temporell assembled in this present Parlement, for suche Causes as moeved yaym yereunto, of his Grace to praye me and wylle me, whoos prayer and wille is unto me a commaundement, to contynue me in his service in yis his Reaume, more yanne y have doon of many dayes passed, as fer as hit may goodly bee with ye wele of his Landes and Lordshippes beyond ye see. I willyng, as y have ever willed and ever shall, to obey my Lordes commaundementz and desires to my power, graunted and graunte so for to doo, desiryng to be putte in certainete of Articles yat folwen, and they to abide enacted as yinges of recorde, fully assented and accorded in this present Parlement; makyng protestation yat myn entent is nought, yat ye saide Articles stand or have force, but unto ye tyme that hit shall like my Lorde, to take ye exercise of the governaunce of this his Reaume in his owen Persone."
1. "FURST, to knowe what Lordes, and Estates, wol and shall take uppon yaym, for to bee my Lordes Counseillers, and to contynue in his continuell Conseil."
Responsio.
"It is thought resonable."
2. "ITEM, yat suche as shall take uppon thaym the charge of Office, or of Conseil, bee nought discharged of Office ner of Counseil, ner noon other taken in, withoute the common assent of the saide Counseil, and myn advis also hadde, where yat ever I be in my Lordis service."
Responsio.
"It is graunted as it is desired, touchyng yoo yat will agree hem to be Counseillours; standing also ye first Articles subscribed and sworne be all ye Counseill in here strength."
(m. 15.)
3. "ITEM, in cas yat my Cousin of Warrewyk, or any other great Officer of Household, as Steward, Chamberlein, Tresorer or Compterolleur, or any other of ye grete Officers of yis lande, as Chaunceller, Tresorer, Prive Seel, the Chief Justices of bothe places, the Chief Baron of Yescheqer, or any of my Lordes Counseil, or also any of his greet Officers of his Duchie of Lancastre, for maladie, or for any other reasonable cause, myght not, or wolde not occupie no lenger, that before yat any other bee ordeined, or charged in any of yaire places, I be certified where yat ever I bee in my Lordis service, of ye opinion of my Lordes Counseill beyng in yis lande, whom yat yei thenke behovefull to bee sette in suche Office or occupation; and yay also to bee certified from me uppon ye same; to yat entente yat with Goddis grace, yay and I may condescende to yat yat may bee to ye beste of my Lorde, and of his Landes."
Responsio.
"It is accordying to yat other, and it is thought reasonable, and so graunted."
4. "ITEM, howe bee hit yat I know well, that hit is in my Lordes fredom to calle his Parlement where and whanne he wol, neverlees in yis his tendre age, he calleth noon withoute advis of his Conseil. Wherefore I desire, yat whiles and as longe as it is or shall bee so, that aforn yat any day or place of Parlement bee concluded here, that I be certified from ye saide Conseill, where yat ever I bee in my Lordes service, of yaire entent and purpos in yat matier. And I to certifie yaim uppon ye same of myn opinion and advis, to yat eende yat if hit be thought amonges us alle expedient ye callyng of a Parlement, yat I may dispose me to bee yere as ye Parlement shall be, to procure ye wele of my Lord and of his Landes, as fer as God woll yeve me grace."
Responsio.
"It is graunted and thought resonable."
5. "ITEM, for asmuche as in every Reaume Cristen, notable Prelates bee greet strengthe unto ye Prince, and unto ye Reaume yat yay bee yn, for yair goode lyf, connyng and discretion yat God endowyth yam with. Wherefore y desire, yat if any Cathedrall Chirche voide in yis Reaume, whiles yat my Lord writeth his letters by yadvis of his Conseil, yat before that any letters be writen from my Lord unto our Holy Fader, ner to Chapitre of Cathedral Chirche soo voidyng for any Persone to bee recomended, yat I may bee certified where yat ever I bee in my Lords service, of y' oppinion of my Lordes Conseil, and yay ayienwardes of myn; soo yat with Goddes grace, yere bee founden amonges us noo variance, but yat I and yay may alwayes conclude to ye best."
Responsio.
"It is graunted."
6. "ITEM, for asmuche as yere bee many olde Servantz and feble, yat have dispended yaire yougthe in ye service of my Lordes, my Grant Sire, Fader and Brother, whoos soules God assoille, and also with my Lord yat nowe is, whom God yeve good lyf and longe; some withoute any liflode or guerdon, so yat they bee nowe in grete myschief and necessite, and some but esily guerdonned, and nought like to yaire desert and service. Wherefore I desire yat yere myght bee a book made, of all ye Names of suche as have so served and be unguerdonned, or nought gurdonned like to hir desert; to yat entent yat whanne Offices or Corrodies fall, yat they myght bee yeven to suche Persones, havyng consideration to ye habilitie of yaym, and to ye tyme yat yay have served, and in ye same wise of Benifices to Clerkes."
Responsio:
"It is graunted."
19. "MEMORAND' yat after yat ye Kyng, at ye Request of his Communes, and be the advis and assent of ye Lordes Spirituell and Temporell assembled in his Parlement, ye 24 Day of Novembr', ye 12 Yere of his Reigne, had praied and desired my Lord of Bedford' to abide in yis land, in ye manere, and to yentente, declared on ye behalve of the said Communes by ye Mouth of Roger Hunter, yeire Speker: and yat my said Lorde of Bedford had answered to ye Kyngs said desire and praiere, as it appiered of all yese yngs before reherced, be an Acte made yereupon in ye Parlement Rolle; my said Lord of Bedford, on ye Wednesday next folwyng, yat was ye 25 Day of the said November, repetyng his foresaid Answere to ye remenant of ye Lordes of ye Kyngs Counseil, beyng assembled in ye Sterrid Chambre; remembrid also howe yat afore yis, as wele hym self, for the Tyme of his beyng in yis lond chief of the Kyngs Counseil, as his Brother of Gloucestre; had some Tyme, by yavis and ordinance of the Kyngs greet Counsail in Parlement, and at some Tyme, by yavis and ordinance of ye Kyngs Consail out of Parlement, oyerwhile ye somme of 8 M. Marcs yerly for yiere Service and Intendance, oyerwhile 6 M. Marcs, oyerwhile 5 M. Marcs, and oyerwhile 4 M. Marcs yerly. Wherefore sith it lyked the Kyng to commaunde hym to entende to his Service and Consail in yis Land, and to be as reson will, Chief yereof, accordyng to his Birth; he desired for to knowe, what some he shuld yeerly have of the Kyng, for his said Service and Entendance; addyng yerto, yat it myght wole be thought, yat Consideration shuld be had yerinne, to yat yat had be graunted afore yis, for semblable Entendance and Service. And for asmoche as ye foresaid Lordes of the Kyngs Consail, sat for a Tyme, still yevyng hym none answere, butt deliberyng as it seemed, and avisyng in hemself what yei myght answer, my said Lord of Bedford fil with hem in farther Communication of the said matier, and made hem yerine diverse faire overtures and offris, and finally said, yat he considered ye good and favorable Lordship yat it liked ye Kyng to shewe hym, and yerewith the grete necessitee yat ye Kyng standith ynne for manifold Charges yat restith upon hym, and yerefore in abbriggyng of yeire labour, and in shewyng of ye grete and fervent desire and will, yat he hath to doo the Kyng Service, to ye left Charge of the Kyng or ye Land yat he in any wise goodely myght, nought havyng his Rewarde to ye said Precedents, offered and agreed hym to serve ye Kyng, and to entende to his saide Consail in yis Land, receyvyng of the Kyng but a M. pound for the hole yere; and if it hapned hym to depart out of ye Land, to doo ye Kyng Service in his Reaume of Fraunce or elles where, to receyve of the said somme, but for ye Rate of ye Tyme of his beyng in yis Reaume; with yat yat hym so departyng, it shuld lyke ye Kyng to graunte hym, yat at eche Tyme yat he so departed, he should also have the some of 5 C. Pounde, for ye Charges yat he most bere and susteigne in his Passage from hens thitherward; and semblably oyer 5 C. Pounde, for ye Charges of his repassage ayenward; addyng yereto, yat if he myght in eny wise have take hym to doo ye Kyng Service, to lasse Charge of ye Kyng and ye Land, he wold with all his hert have do it. And yat he takith hyme nowe so nygh, trysting yat it shall lyke the Kyng hereafter at his more ese to considere it, in whiche wise as it shall plese his Lordshipp; of the whiche his liberall offre ye said Lords yanked hym especially on ye Kyngs behalve, and agreed hem as for ye Kyng, to make hym to be satisfied and paide of the seid Yerly Sommes, fro ye Day of his last comyng into Englond, and for his passage and repassage accordyng to his desire and offre, yinking hit nought excessive, but full moderate and resonable. The whiche offre and agrement, afterward notified and communed to all the Lordes Spirituell and Temporell, beying in yis present Parlement, ye 26. Day of the saide Novembre, were thoght to yeym all full esy and resonable, and fully yei agreed hem yereto, as to a Thyng right expedient and profitable to the Kyng and his Land, considered the Precedentes above reherced."
"13 H. VI. Vol. v. Appendix, p. 438.
No. 22. Ordinatio apud Cirencester.
"Undre protestacion made, that it is not the entent of eny of the Lordes of the Kyngs Counseil here present, eny thyng to advise, counsail, require or do, that myght be prejudicial to the Kyngs Regalie, Pre-eminence, Dignitee, or restreint of his freedom or power.
"FOR as muche as it may be supposed that suche mocions and sturynges apart as have be made to the Kyng butt late agoo, myght semblably be made unto hym hereafter; his humble and trew Subgittz and Counseillers that been here present, advisen, that it be seide unto hym on theire behalves, that how it be that God of his Grace have endewed the Kyng with as grete understandyng and felyng, as evere thei sawe or knewe in any Prince, or other Persone of his age, whereof thei thanke God with alle theire hertes, as thei have grete matere and cause; neverthelees, to quite hem truly to God, to the Kyng, and to his Poeple, thei dar nat take upon hem to put hym in conceit or opinion, that he is as yit endewed with so grete felyng, knowleche and wisdame, the whiche must in grete parte growe of experience, ne with so grete forsight and discrec~on to departe and chese, namely in materes of grete weight and difficultee, that it is expedient and behoveful to hym and to his Poeple, fro that that might be prejudicial, p~llous and harmful to hym or to his Poeple, that it shuld be expedient to hym as yit change the rule and governance that afore this in his tendre eage hath by his grete Counseil in Parlement, and ellus, be advised and appointed for the goode and seuretee of his noble Persone and of this Lande. And for soe muche thei with al humblesse beseche the Kyng, that yf any suche sturynges or mocions be maad to hym aparte, in thynges of greet weight and substance, and in especial suche as may touche his noble Persone and Estate, or changyng of the forseid reule, the whiche, as thei truste to God, shall be founde that hath be to the Kyng right profitable and behovefull, that it lyke to the Kyng noght lightly to agree him or assent therto; but that til be communicac~on, and be heryng, seying and experience, he be ferther growen and encresced in felyng and knowleche of that that belongeth to gode reule and governaile, and of forsight, suche as is nedeful to depart and chese that that is behoveful to hym, and to his Lande, fro the contrarie; to the whiche knowleche and felyng with Gods grace he is like to reche as soon as any it is possible by nature, and as it hath be seen in any Persone afore this tyme; it like, if any suche mocion be maad to hym, before then he agree hym, or assent to any suche mocion or sturying, to take thereupon th'advis of his grete Counseil, or his continuel Counseil for the tyme beyng, in the wise as hit hath liked hym to doo but late agoo; the whiche manere of his demenyng, as it is trowed and thoght to his seid besechers, shall be ooon of the grettest seuretee that can be advised, to the wele and prosperitee of his noble Estate, and all his Landes and Subgitts.
"Lecta suit presens Cedula, de verb' ad verbum, per Dn~um Cancellarium, coram Dn~o Rege apud Cirencestre, xiio die Novembris, Anno regni sui tercio decimo, de avisamento, consensu & mandato Dominor' de Consilio tunc ibidem presencium, & per eundem Dn~um Regem gratanter admissa & acceptata; p~sentibus Dn~is Cardinal' Angl', Cantuar' & Ebor' Archiep~is; Ebor' & Norff' Ducibus; Dunelm', Elien, Bathon', Canc', Lincoln' & Norwic' Ep~is; Warr', Staff', Northumbr' & Suff' Comitibus; de Beaumont, de Welles, Cromewell, Thes', Hungerford & Typtot Baronibus; Will~o Lyndewode, Custode Privati Sigilli, & Will~o Phelip, Camerar' Regis."
"Anno 1 E. V.
"De Ordine Militari, ad Coronationem Regis, suscipiendo.
A. D. 1483. An. 1 E. 5. Infra Bibl. Harlæam, b. 18. fol. 227. Rym. Fœd. Tom. xii. P. 185.
"To Otes Gilbert, Squier.
"Trusty and wellbeloved We grete you wele,
"And, by th'Advice of Our Derrest Uncle the Duc of Gloucestre Protectour of this Oure Royaume during Our Yong Age, and of the Lords of our Counsell, We write unto you at this Tyme, Willing and nathelesse Charging you to prepare and furnishe your self to receive the Noble Ordure of Knighthode at Our Coronation, which, by Godde's Grace, We entende shal be solempnized, the 22 Day of this present Moneth, at Oure Palays of Westminster, Commaunding you to be here at Oure Toure of London four Days afore Oure said Coronation, to have Comynycation with Oure Commissioners concernyng that Mater, not failling hereof in any wise, as ye entend to please Us and as ye will answer.
"Yeven, &c. the 5 Day of Juyn."
"Semblable Letters to,
John Speke.
Beaumont.
Edward Courteney.
William Garraunt.
Thomas Arundell.
William Bolney.
Alexander Cressemere.
John Clopton.
Henry Hayden.
John Wynkefeld.
Christofer Willoughby.
Philip Culthorp.
Bedyngfeld.
Thomas Lowkenore.
William Barkeley.
John Stanley.
Gravile.
William Birmygam.
Thomas Butteler of Beawsey.
John Beron.
William Trowtbek.
Milbourn.
The Lord Dormond.
The Lord Sturton.
Cornewaill Lord of Burford.
Nevill,
Son and Heir of the Lord Bergevenny.
John Broun of Stamford.
The Lord Grey of Ruthen.
John Gefford.
William Chenay of Shepay.
Robert White of Southwarne Burrowe.
Gervase Clyfton of Oddisake.
Nicholas Lile.
William Berkeley of Beverston.
Henry Vernon.
Nicholas Mountgomery.
Grene.
William Ovedale.
William Say,
Son and Heir of Lord Cobham.
Th. Hamden of Hamden.
Thomas Darcy.
Rauf Langford.
Babyngton.
Henry Colet, Alderman of London.
Kyngeston.
"John Pawlet.
"Thomas Wyndefore.
"John Roger of Trefolke."
"YOUR Committee having proceeded thus far, thought fit to advert to such Proceedings of the Parliament of Scotland, as appeared to relate to this Head. In the printed Edition of the Scotch Statutes they found the following Acts:
"1 Jac. VI. c. 34.
1 Jac. 6. C. 34.
"Anent the nomination, election, acceptation, and approbation of the Earle of Mar, in Regent.
"It is found, declared, and decerned, be our Soveraine Lord with advise of the three Estates, and haill body of this present Parliament, that the nomination, constitution, election, and ordination of the Nobil and michtie Lord, John, Erle of Mar, Lord Erskin, &c. in Regent to our Soveraine Lord, this his Realme and liegis theirof, during the time of his Majesties minoritie and lesse age, specified and expressed in the Queene his Hienesse mothers letters, under hir subscription and Privie-Seale of the dait of xxiij. day of Julij, the zeir of God, 1567. zeiris. Togiddir alswa with the Consent and Approbation of the Erles, Lordes, Prelates, Commissioneres of Borrowes, Baronnes, and utheres faithful subjects, conveened and assembled to that effect. And the acceptation of the said Office of Regentrie be the said Erle of Mar, upon the vj. daye of September instant, wes, is, and in all time cumming sall be halden, repute, and esteemed lauchful, sufficient, and perfite. And all, and quhat-sumever thinges quhilkes he hes done, be vertew of his said Office of Regentrie, sen his acceptation theirof, or quhilkes he sall do heirafter, in our Soveraine Lordis name and authorite, during the time of his Hienesse minoritie, specified in the said Commission, to be als dewlie, lauchfullie, sufficientlie, and richteously done, and to have als great avail, strength, force and effect, in all respects and conditions, as ony thing done, be quhat-sumever Regentes, Governours, or Protectoures of this Realme, in the minorities and les ages of ony uthers native Princes of the same. And ratifies, appreves, and confirmes the same nomination, election, constitution, and acceptation for now, and in time cumming."
"3 Jac. VI. c. 44.
3 Jac. 6. c. 44.
"Anent the approbation and confirmation of the Regiment.
"The Quhilk day it is fundin, declared and decerned, be our Soveraine Lord, with advise of the three Estaites, and haill body of this present Parliament, that the nomination, constitution, election and ordination, of the nobil and mightie Lord, James, Erle of Mortoun, Lord Dalkeith, &c. in Regent to our Soveraine Lord, his Realme, and lieges thereof, during the time of his Majesties Minoritie and lesse age. Togiddir with the consent and approbation of the Erles, Lordes, Prelates, Commissioners of Burrowes, Barronnes, and uther faithful subjectes, convened and assembled to that effect. And the acceptation of the said Office of Regentrie, be the said James Erle of Mortoun, upon the xxiiij. day of November last by past, was, is, and in all time cummyng sall be halden, repute, and esteemed lauchful, sufficient, and perfite. And all, and quhat-sumever things, quuilks hee hes done, be vertew of the saide Office of Regentrie, sen the acceptation thereof, or quhilks he sall do heirafter, in our Soveraine Lordis name and authoritie, during the time of his Hienes minoritie, to be as dewlie, lauchfullie, sufficientlie, and richteously done, and to have als great avail, strength, force, and effect, in all respects and conditions, as any thing done be quhatsumever Regentes, Governors, or Protectors of this Realme, in the Minorities and lesse ages of ony uthers native Princes of the samin. Quhilkes confirmation, nomination, election, constitution, acceptation, actes and proceedings: Our said Soveraine, with advise, and consent of the saides three Estates, and haill bodie of this present Parliament, ratifies, appreves, and confirmes, for now and in all Time cumming."
"There is also the Title of an unprinted Act annexed to the Acts of that Parliament, as follows:
"Anent the establishing of ye Regiment, in case at Gods pleasure, that charge zit vaik during the Kings Majesties Minoritie."
"YOUR Committee then proceeded to search for such Acts of Parliament as have been passed, and such other Proceedings as have been had, with a prospective View to Cases under this Head; and found the following:
"Stat. 25 H. 8. C. 22. Sect. 11.
"28 H. 8. C. 7. Sect. 20 (fn. 1)."
"Anno 38 H. VIII.
A. D. 1546. 38 H. 8. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 15. p. 112.
"EXTRACT of the Will of Hen. VIII.
"And as concerning the Ordre and Disposition of th'Imperial Croune of this Realm of England and Irland, with Our Title of Fraunce, and all Dignities, Honours, Preeminencies, Prerogatives, Authorities, and Jurisdictions to the same annexed or belonging, and for the sure Establishment of the Succession of the same:
"And also for a full and plain Gift, Disposition, Assignment, Declaration, Limitation, and Appoinctment, with what Conditions Our Doughters, Mary and Elizabeth, shall severally have, hold, and enjoy the sayd Imperial Crowne, and other the Premisses after Our Deceasse, and for Defoult of Issue and Heires of the severall Bodies of Us and Our Sonne Prince Edward, lawfully begotten, and his Heyres:
"And also for a full Gift, Disposition, Assignment, Declaration, Limitation, and Appoinctment, to whom and of what Estate, and in what Manner, Form, and Condition, the said Imperial Crown, and other the Premisses, shall remayn and cum after Our Deceasse, and for Default of Issue and Heires of the several Bodies of Us, and of Our said Son Prince Edward, and of Our said Doughters Mary and Elizabeth, lawfully begotten, We, by these Presentes, do make and declare Our last Will and Testament concerning the said Imperial Crowne, and all other the Premisses, in Maner and Forme following;
"That is to say,
"We will by these Presentes, that, immediately after Our departure out of this present Lief, Our said Son Edward shall have and enjoy the said Imperial Crown and Realm of England and Irland, Our Title to Fraunce, with all Dignities, Honours, Preeminencies, Prerogatives, Authorities, and Jurisdictions, Landes, and Possessions, to the same annexed or belonging, to him and to his Heyres of his Body, lawfully begotten;
"And for Default of such Issue of Our said Sonne Prince Edwarde's Body lawfully begotten,
"We will the said Imperial Crowne, and other the Premisses after Our two Decesses, shall holly remain and cum to the Heires of Our Body lawfully begotten of the Body of Our entirely beloved Wief Quene Catheryn, that now is, or of any other Our lawful Wief that We shall hereafter marry.
"And, for lack of such Issue and Heires, We Will also that after Our Deceasse, and for Default of Heires of the several Bodyes of Us, and of Our said Sonne Prince Edward, lawfully begotten, the said Imperial Crown, and all other the Premisses, shall holly remayn and cum to Our sayd Doughter Mary, and the Heires of her Body lawfully begotten, upon Condition, that Our said Doughter Mary, after Our Deceasse, shall not Marry ne take any Person to her Husband, without the Assent and Consent of the Privy Counsaillours and others, appointed by Us to Our deerest Son Prince Edward aforesaid, to be of Counsaill, or of the most Part of them, or the most Part of such as shall be then alive, thereunto, before the said Marriage had, in Writing, sealed with their Seals: All which Condition We declare, limite, appoinct, and Will, by these Presentes, shall be knit and invested to the sayd Estate of Our sayd Doughter Mary, in the sayd Imperial Crown, and other the Premisses.
"And if it fortune Our said Doughter Mary to dye without Issue of her Body lawfully begotten, We Will, that after Our Deceasse, and for Default of Issue of the several Bodies of Us, and of Our said Sonne Prince Edward laufully begotten, and of Our Doughter Mary, the said Imperial Crown, and other the Premisses, shall holly remayn and cum to Our said Doughter Elizabeth, and to the Heyres of her Body laufully begotten, upon Condition that Our said Doughter Elizabeth, after Our Deceasse, shall not Mary, nor take any Personne to her Husband, without the Assent and Consent of the Privey Counsaillours and others appoincted by Us to be of Counsaill with Our said derrest Sonne Prince Edward, or the most Part of them, or the most Part of such of them as shal be then on live therunto before the same Mariage had, in Writing, sealed with their Seals; which Condition We declare, limitt, appoinct, and Will by these Presentes, shal be to the said Estate of Our sayd Doughter Elizabeth, in the said Imperial Crown, and other the Premisses knit and invested.
"And if it shal fortune Our said Doughter Elizabeth to dye without Issue of her Body laufully begotten, We Will, that after Our Deceasse, and for Default of Issue of the several Bodies of Us, and of Our said Son Prince Edward, and of Our said Doughters Mary and Elizabeth, the said Imperial Crown, and other the Premisses, after our Deceasse; and for Default of th'Issue of the several Bodies of Us and of Our said Son Prince Edward, and of Our said Doughters Mary and Elizabeth laufully begotten, shall holly remayn and cum to the Heires of the Body of the Lady Fraunces, Our Neipce, eldest Doughter to Our late Suster the French Quene, lawfully begotten; and for Default of such Issue of the Body of the said Lady Fraunces, We will, that the said Imperial Crown, and other the Premisses, after Our Decease, and for Default of Issue of the several Bodyes of Us, and of Our Sonne Prince Edward, and of Our Doughters Mary and Elizabeth, and of the Lady Fraunces, lawfully begotten, shall holly remayn and cum to the Heyres of the Body of the Lady Elyanore, Our Niepce, second Daughter to Our said late Sister the French Quene, laufully begotten.
"And if it happen the said Lady Elyanore to dye without Issue of her Body laufully begotten, We Will, that after Our Deceasse, and for Default of Issue of the several Bodyes of Us, and of Our said Son Prince Edward, and of Our said Doughters Mary and Elizabeth, and of the said Lady Fraunces, and of the sayd Lady Elyanore, lawfully begotten, the said Imperial Crown, and other the Premisses, shall holly remayn and come to the next Ryghtful Heirs.
"Also We Will, that if Our said Doughter Mary do Marry without the Consent and Agreement of the Privy Counsaillours, and others appointed by Us to be of Counsail to Our said Son Prince Edward, or the most part of them, or the most part of such of them as shall then be alive thereunto, before the said Marriage had in Writing, sealed with their Seals as is aforesaid, that then and from thenceforth, for lack of Heires of the several Bodies of Us and of Our said Sonne Prince Edwarde, laufully begotten, the said Imperial Crown, and other the Premisses, shall holly remain, be, and cum to Our said Doughter Elizabeth, and to the Heires of her Body laufully begotten, in such manner and form as though Our said Doughter Mary were thenne dead without any Issue of the Body of Our sayd Doughter Mary, laufully begotten, any thing conteyned in this Our Will, or in any Acte of Parliament or Statute, to the contrary in anywise notwithstanding, and in cace Our said Doughter the Lady Mary do not kepe and parform the said Condition expressed, declared, and limited to her Estate in the sayd Imperial Crown, and other the Premisses by this Our last Will declared;
"And that if Our said Doughter Elizabeth, for her Part, do not kepe and parforme the said Condition declared and limited by this Our last Will, to the Estate of the said Lady Eliz. in the said Imperial Croun of this Realm of England and Irland, and other the Premisses, We Will that then and from thenceforth, after Our Deceas, and for lack of Heyres of the several Bodies of Us and of Our sayd Sonne Prince Edward, and of Our sayd Doughter Mary laufully begotten, the said Imperial Croun, and other the Premisses, shall holly remayn and cum to the next Heyres, laufully begotten, of the Body of the sayd Lady Fraunces, in such manner and form as though the said Lady Elizabeth wer then dead, without any Heyre of her Body laufully begotten, any thing conteyned in this Will, or in any Act or Statute to the contrary notwithstanding; the Remaindres over, for lack of Issue of the said Lady Fraunces, laufully begotten, to be and continue to such Personnes, like Remaindres and Estates, as is before limited and declared.
"Also, We being now at this Time, Thankes be to Almighty God, of parfaict Memory, do constitute and ordeyn these Personages folowing our Executours and Parfourmers of this Our last Will and Testament, Willing, Commanding and Praying them to take upon them th'Occupation and Parformance of the same as Executours,
"That is to say:
Th' Archebishop of Cantorbury,
The Lorde Wriothesley, Chancelour of England,
The Lord St. John, Great Master of our House,
Th' Erle of Hertford, Great Chambrelain of Englande,
The Lord Russell, Lord Pryvey Seal,
The Visconte Lisle, High Admiral of Englande,
The Bishop Tunstall, of Duresme,
Sir Anthony Broun, Knight, Master of Our Horsse,
Sir Edward Montagu, Knight, Chief Juge of the Common Place,
Justice Bromley,
Sir Edward North, Knight, Chauncellour of th' Augmentations,
Sir William Paget, Knight, Our Chief Secretary,
Sir Anthony Denny, Sir William Harbard, Knights, Chief Gentlemen of Our Privey Chambre,
"Sir Edward Wootton, Knight,
"And Mr. Doctor Wootton his Brother.
"And all these We woll to be Our Executours and Counsaillours of the Privy Counsaill, with Our sayd Son Prince Edward, in all Maters concerning both his private Affaires and publicq Affaires of the Realm, willing and charging them, and every of them, as they must and shall aunswer at the Day of Judgment, truely and fully to see this My last Will parformed in all thinges, with as moch Spede and Diligence as may be, and that noon of them presume to medle with any of Our Treaseur, or to do any Thing appointed by Our said Will alone, onles the most part of the hole Nombre of their Coexecutours do consent, and by Writing agree to the same, and will that Our sayd Executours, or the most Part of them, may lawfully doe what they shall think most convenient for th'Execution of this Our Will, without being troubled by Our said Son, or any others for the same.
"Willing further, by this Our last Will and Testament, that Sir Edmund Pekham, Our trusty Servaunt, and yet Cofferar of Our House, shall be Treasorer, and have the Receipt and laying out of all such Treasur and Money, as shall be defrayed by Our Executours, for the Parformance of this Our last Will, straictly charging and commanding the said Sir Edmund, that he pay no great Sum of Money, but he have furst the Hands of Our said Executours, or of the most part of them, for his Discharge touching the same, charging him further upon his Allegeance to make a true Accompt of all such Sommes as shall be delivered to his Handes for this Purpose;
"And sithens We have now named and constituted Our Executours, We woll and charge them, that furst and above all things, as they will aunswer before God, and as We put Our singuler Trust and Confidence in them, that they cause all Our due Debts, that can be reasonably shewed and proved before them, to be truely contented and paid assone as they conveniently can or may, after Our Deceas, without lenger Delay, and that they do execute these Poinctes furst.
"That is to say,
"The Payment of Our Debts with Redres of Injuris, if any such can be duly proved, though to Us they be unknowen, before any other Part of this Our Will and Testament, Our Buriall Exequies and Funeralls only excepted.
"Furthermore, We woll that all such Grauntes and Giftes as We have made, given, or promised to any, which be not yet parfaicted under Our Signe or any Our Seales as they ought to be, and all such Recompenses for Exchanges, Sales, or any other thing or things as ought to have been made by Us and be not yet accomplished, shall be parfaicted in every Point towards all manner of Men for Discharge of Our Conscience, charging Our Executours, and all the rest of Our Counsaillours, to see the same done, parformed, finished, and accomplished in every Poinct, forseeing that the said Giftes, Graunts, Promisses, and Recompensses shall appear to Our sayd Executours, or the moost part of them, to have been graunted, made, accorded, or promised by Us in any Maner wise.
"Further, according to the Laws of Almighty God, and for the fatherly Love which We bear to Our Son Prince Edwarde, and to this Our Realme, We declare Him, according to Justice, Equite, and Conscience, to be Our lawful Heyr, and do give and bequeith unto him the Succession of Our Realms of England and Irland, with Our Title of Fraunce, and all Our Dominions, both on this side the Seas and beyond, a convenient Portion for Our Will and Testament to be reserved.
"Also, We give unto him all Our Plate, Stuff of Household, Artillery, Ordenance, Munitions, Ships, Cabels, and all other things and Implements to them belonging, and Money also, and Jewelz, saving such Portions as shall satisfy this Our last Will and Testament, charging and commandyng him on Peyn of Our Curse, seeing he hath so loving a Father of Us, and that Our chief Labour and Study in this World, is to establish him in the Croun Imperial of this Realm after Our Deceasse, in such sort as may be pleasing to God, and to the Wealth of this Realme, and to his own Honour and Quyet, that he be ordered and ruled, both in his Marriage, and also in ordering of th'Affaires of the Realm, as wel outward as inward; and also in all his oun private Affairs, and in giving of Offices of Charge, by th'Advice and Counsaill of Our right entirely beloved Counsaillours,
"The Archebushop of Canterbury,
"The Lord Wriothesley, Chauncellor of England,
"The Lord St. John, Great Master of Our House,
"The Lord Russell, Lord Privy Seal,
"The Erle of Hertford, Great Chambrelain of England,
"The Viscount Lysle, High Admiral of England,
"The Bushop of Duresme Tunstal,
"Sir Anthony Broun, Master of Our Horse,
"Sir William Paget, Our Chief Secretary,
"Sir Anthony Denny,
"Sir William Herberd,
"Justices Montague and Bromley,
"Sir Edward Wootton,
"And Master Doctor Wootton,
"And Sir Edward North,
"Whom We ordeyn, name, and appoinct, and by these Presents signed with Our Hand, do make and constitute of Privy Counsayl with Our sayd Son, and woll that they have the Gouvernment of Our Moost Dear Sonne Prince Edwarde, and of all Our Realmes, Dominions, and Subjetz, and of all th'Affaires, Publicq and Private, until he shall have fully accompleted the Eighteenth Year of his Age.
"And for because the Variete and Nombre of Things, Affayrs, and Maters ar and may be such as We, not knowing the Certainty of them before, cannot conveniently prescribe a certain Order or Rule unto Our forsaid Counsaillours for their Behavoirs and Proceedings in this Charge, which We have now and do appoint unto them about Our said Sonne, during the Tyme of his Minority aforesayd,
"We tharfor, for the special Trust and Confidence which We have in them, woll, and by these Presents do give and graunt full Powre and Authoritie unto Our sayd Counsaillours, that they all, or the most Part of them, being assembled togidres in Counsail, or if any of them fortune to dye, the more Part of them which shall be for the Tyme lyving, being assembled in Counsail togidres, shal and may make, devise, and ordeyn what Things foever they, or the more Part of them as aforesayd, shal, during the Minoritie aforesaid of our sayd Son, think meet, necessary, or convenient, for the Benefit, Honour, and Surety, or the Weal, Profit, or Comodyty of Our said Son, his Realms, Dominions, or Subjetz, or the discharge of Our Conscience, and the same Things devysed, made, or ordeyned by them, or the more Part of them as aforesayd, shall and may lawfully do, execute, and accomplish, or cause to be done, executed, and accomplished, by their Discretion, or the Discretions of the more Part of them as aforsayd, in as large and ample Maner as if We had or did express unto them, by a more special Commission under Our Great Seal of England, every particular Cause that may chaunce or occurr duryng the Time of Our Sonnes sayde Minoritie, and the self same Maner of Proceeding which they shall for the Tyme think meet to use and folow;
"Willing and charging Our sayd Son, and all others which shall hereafter be Counsaillors to Our sayd Son, that they never charge, molest, trouble, nor disquiet Our forsaid Counsaillours, nor any of them, for the devising or doing, nor any other Personne, for the doing of that they shall devise, or the more Part of them devise or do, assembled as aforesaid.
"And We do charge expressly the same, Our entirely beloved Counsaillours and Executors, that they shall take upon them the Rule and Charge of Our said Sonne and Heir in all his Causes and Affaires, and of the hole Realme, doing nevertheles all Things as under him and in his Name, until Our said Sonne and Heir shall be bestowed and Married by their Advise, and that the eighteenth Yere be expired.
"Willing and desiring furthermore, Our forsaid trusty Counsaillours, and then all Our trusty and assured Servauntz, and thirdly, all other Our loving Subgectz, to aide and assist Our fornamed Counsaillours in the Execution of the Premises, during the forsaid Time, not doubting but they will in all Thinges deale so truely and uprightly, as they shall have cause to think them well chosen for the Charge committed unto them, straictly charging Our said Counsaillors and Executours, and in God's Name We exhort them, that for the singuler Trust and special Confidence which we have and ever had in them, to have a due and diligent Eye, perfaict Zeal, Love, and Affection, to the Honour, Surety, Estate, and Dignity of Our said Sonne, and the good State and Prosperetie of this Our Realme; and that all delays set apart, they will aide and assist our said Counsaillors and Executors to the Performance of this Our present Testament and last Will, in every Part, as they will aunswer before God at the Day of Judgment; cum venerit Judicare Vivos et Mortuos.
"And furthermore, for the special Trust and Confidence which We have in the Erles of Arundill and Essex that now be,
"Sir Thomas Cheney, Knight, Treasorer of Our Household.
"Sir John Gage, Knight, Comptroller of Our Household.
"Sir Anthony Wingfield, Knight, our Vicechambrelayn.
"Sir William Petre, Knight, oon of Our two Principall Secretaries.
"Sir Richard Riche, Knight.
"Sir John Baker, Knight.
"Sir Rafe Sadleyr, Knight.
"Sir Thomas Seymour, Knight,
"Sir Richard Southwell, and
"Sir Edmund Peckham, Knights,
"They, and every of them, shall be of Counsail for the aiding and assisting of the fornamed Counsaillours, and our Executours, whenne they, or any of them, shall be called by Our said Executours, or the more Part of the same."
"Anno 1 Mar.
"Stat. 1 Mar. Seff. 3, c. 2."
"Anno 1 Mar.
"Conventiorum super Matrimonio, per Principem Hispaniarum Ratificatio.
"(EXTRACT.)
A. D. 1554. An. 2 M. R. Ex Autogr. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 15. p. 393.
"PHILIPPUS, Dei Gratiâ, Princeps Hispaniarum, Archidux Austriæ, Dux Burgundiæ, Lotharingiæ, Brabantiæ, &c. universis præsentes Literæ pervenerint, Salutem."
"Ibid, p. 394.
"Ad Laudem Gloriam & Honorem Dei Optimi Maximi & pro constabilienda veteri Amicitiâ Fœderibusque, nec non pro bona conservatione & augmento Honorum & Statuum Regnorum Patriarum & Dominiorum, Invictissimi ac Potentissimi Principis & Domini Caroli Romanorum Imperatoris Hispaniarum Regis Archiducis Austriæ, &c. ac Serenissimi & Excellentissimi Domini Domini Philippi Principis Hispaniarum, &c. unici ejusdem Filii Heredis & Successoris, ex una, & Serenissimæ ac Potentissimæ Dominæ Dominæ Mariæ Reginæ Angliæ, &c. ex altera Parte.
"Post multas & varias Consultationes & tractatus, tam super Matrimonio inter præsatum Serenissimum Principem Hispaniarum ac dictam Dominam Mariam Reginam contrahendo, & in his quæ de eo dependent, quam super Conservatione & Confirmatione Fœderum Veterum, inter nos Stephanum Wynton, Episcopum Magnum Angliæ Cancellarium, &c. Consiliarios Oratores et Procuratores utriusq; Partis, habitos (accedente tandem divinâ Gratiâ) conventum concordatum et conclusum fuit inter eos in hunc qui sequitur Modum;
"Imprimis, Conventum concordatum et conclusum est, quod inter dictum Serenissimum Principem et dictam Serenissimam Dominam Mariam Reginam, in proprijs Personis, quam primum id commode fieri possit, Matrimonium verum purum et legitimum, per Verba de presenti, in Anglia contrahatur celebretur et consumatur Virtute cujus Matrimonij ita contracti celebrati et consummati, dictus Serenissimus Princeps Philippus Regnorum et Dominiorum dictæ Serenissimæ Reginæ pertinentium, una cum eadem Serenissima Regina Consorte sua, Stilo Honore et Nomine Regio, constante Matrimonio predicto, censebitur et gaudebit, eamq. Serenissimam Consortem suam, in sœlici Regnorum et Dominiorum suorum Administratione, adjuvabit; salvis tamen Juribus, Legibus, Privilegijs, ac Consuetudinibus, eorundem Regnorum ac Dominiorum; eo etiam nominatim Cauto et Convento, quod dictus Serenissimus Princeps, Dominæ Contholari suæ Reginæ Mariæ, omnimodam Dispositionem omnium Beneficiorum, Officiorum, Terrarum, Redituum, et Fructuum dictorum Regnorum et Dominiorum relinquet, quodq. illa dabuntur Originarijs & Naturalibus eorundem, quodq. omnia ipsorum Negotia his Linguis tractabuntur in quibus ab antiquo ibidem tractari consueverint, et per Natales."
"Ibid. p. 395.
"Et ne inter Liberos Controversiæ de Successione exoriantur, quæ speratum ex hoc Matrimonio perpetuæ Concordiæ fructum inter Regna et Dominia utriusque Partis queant perturbare, de ea, hunc qui sequitur Modum, Dispositum sit:
"Primo, quod, quantum pertinet ad Maternæ Hæreditatis Jura in Regno Angliæ et alijs Regnis et Dominijs de eo dependentibus, Masculi et Fæminæ ex hoc Matrimonio nascituri, in eis succedent secundum Jura Statuta et Consuetudines eorum, quantum vero attinet ad Bona quæ ipse Serenissimus Princeps Hispaniarum Relicturus est; Imprimis reservabantur Filio Suo primogenito Domino Carolo d' Austria Infanti Hispaniarum, Liberisq. et Hæredibus ex ipso descendentibus tam Fæminis quam Masculis, omnia et singula Jura quæ dicto Principi vel nunc competunt vel inposterum competitura sunt, et ad eum, Morte Serenissimæ Reginæ Aviæ suæ, vel invictissimi Imperatoris Car. V. Genitoris sui (quam Deus diu evertat) quandocunq. devolventur in Regnis Hispaniarum, necnon utriusq. Siciliæ, omnibusq; eorum dependentibus et pertinentijs, Ducatuq. Mediolani, et aliis Terris et Dominijs Lombardiæ et Italiæ, quocunq. Nomine Titulore censeantur, cum Onere tamen præfati Dotalitii quadraginta Millia Librarum, in quibus quidem Regnis Dominijs & Terris, ipso Domino Carolo Infante aut Descendentibus legitimis ex eo stantibus, Liberi ex præsenti Matrimonio nihil prætendere poterunt, sed si ipsum Dominum Carolum, Descendentesq. ex eo, desicere contingat, tunc, et in eo Casu, Primogen[..] ex presenti Matrimonio in prædictum Jus subrogabitur, et juxta eorum Regnorum et Dominiorum Naturam Leges et Consuetudines succedere debebit idem etiam succedet in omnibus Ducatibus, Comitatibus, Dominijs, et Terris Patrimonialibus ad dictum Dominum Imperatorem pertinentibus, tam in Burgundijs quam in Inferiori Germania; scilicet, Ducatibus Brabantiæ, Luxemburgiæ, Gueldriæ, Comitatibus Flandriæ, Arthesij, Hollandiæ, Zelandiæ, Namurci, Zutphaniæ, Burgundiæ, Frisiæ Trajecti, Patriæ Transinsulanæ, et alijs quibuscunq. Patrimonialibus inde dependentibus eisdemve annexis, cum omnibus eorum Juribus & Querelis, sed si dictus Dominus Carolus Descenden tesque ex eo extabunt, fueritq. ex hoc Matrimonio aliqua Proles Mascula, eo Casu, dictus Dominus Carolus suive Descendentes, erunt, et manebunt, exclusi a dictis Terris et Dominijs Patrimonialibus Inferioris Germaniæ et Burgundiarum, illaque, cum omni Jure devolventur at Filium Primogenitum ex hoc Matrimonio nasciturum, cæteris autem Masculis & Fæminis ex eodem nascituris congrua assignatibus Portio et Dos in Regno Angliæ & Dominijs de eo dependentibur dictisve Terris & Dominijs Patrimonialibus Inferioris Germaniæ, nec poterit quoque, seu Primogenitus ex hoc Matrimonio, seu alij Filij ex eodem Geniti quicquam Juris prætendere in Regnis Hispaniarum aut alijs Dominiis de eisdem dependentibus, et dicto Domino Carolo Infantis reservatis, nisi et in quantum per Paternam aut Avitam Dispositionem ipsis Datum aut Relictum fuerit;
"Porro si nullus fortè Masculus ex hoc Matrimonio nascatur sed Fæmina duntaxat, eo Casu, Primogenita in prædictis Terris et Dominiis Inferioris Germaniæ et Burgundiarum pleno Jure succedet, dummodò si aliquem non Originarium Angliæ aut Inferioris Germaniæ eligere velit Maritum, Eum, de Consilio et Consensu dicti Domini Caroli Infantis Fratris sui Matrimonium contraxerit, alioquin vero si aliquem non Originarium Angliæ aut Inferioris Germaniæ, neglecto Consilio aut Consensu dicti Domini Caroli Maritum acceperit, eo Casu, eidem Domino Carolo Infanto salvum erit & manebit Jus Successionis in dictis Dominiis Inferioris Germaniæ Burgundiarium et Dependentibus, quæ, in Casu prædicto, ad eum ejusve Descendentes, tam Masculos quam Fæminas, devolventur, verum tamen tunc ipsa, prout et aliæ Filiæ ex hoc Matrimonio prognatæ, non extantibus Masculis, ex paternis Bonis tam Hispaniarum quam Inferioris Germaniæ congruè et secundum dictorum Regnorum et Dominiorum Consuetudines dotari debebit; Deficiente vero etiam Domino Carolo et Stirpe ex eo, nullisq. aliis ex hoc Matrimonio extantibus Liberis quam Fæminis, eo Casu, Primogenito Filiarum ex hoc Matrimonio nascitura, in dictis Dominijs Inferioris Germaniæ et Burgundiarum succedet, quemadmodum et in alijs Regnis Hispaniarum et cæteris juxta eorundem Naturam Leges et Consuetudines:
Proviso tamen expressim cauto ac reservato, circa omnes et singulos Casus Successionis supra declaratos, quod, quicunq; aut quæcunq; in eis succedent, debebunt singulis Regnis Terris & Dominijs illibata & integra relinquere sua Privilegia Jura & Consuetudines, eaq; Regna et Dominia administrare administrariq; facere per Originarios eorundem Regnorum Dominiorum & Terrarum, & in omnibus eorum Utilitatem & Quietem fideliter procurare, ac eos secundùm Statuta & Consuetudines ipsorum in bona Justitia & Pace regere & fovere.
"Finaliter, quod inter dictum Imperatorem Principem, ejusve Successores Regna & Dominia quæcunque, necnon dictam Dominam Reginam ejusq; Regna et Dominia erit deinceps integra & sincera Fraternitas Unio & Confœderatio arctissima, perpetua Temporibus feliciter (volente Deo) duratura; ita quod se mutuò adjuvent per omnia et in omnibus quæ ipsis, ipsorumq; Honori, et Conservationi & Augmento Statuum Regnorum Domuum Patriarum ac Dominiorum Hæredumq; et Successorum suorum convenerint, juxta vim formam & effectum novissimi Tractatûs arctioris Amicitiæ, & Declarationem ejusdem, de Data apud Westmonasterium Anno Domini Millesimo Quingentesimo Quadragesimo Secundo quantum ad Tractatum & Trajecti xvi Januarij Anno Domini 1546, quantum ad Declarationem.
"Quæ omnia & singula ita, ut præserta conventa concordata & conclusa per dictum Invictissimum Cæsarem, tam Nomine suo quam Serenissimi Principis Philippi ejus Filii, & Serenissimam Dominam Reginam, solennitur ratificabuntur in Verbis Imperialibus ac Regijs, & medio Juramento, pro se, Hæredibus, Successoribusq; suis, quam primùm poterunt Literas, in forma debita vicissim tradent aut tradi facient; quibus Literis ratificatorijs & Juramento etiam illud cavebitur expressis Verbis, quod omnia hic conventa & conclusa bonâ side observabunt & adimplebunt observari & adimpleri curabunt, omnesq; & singulas Securitates præstabunt, quæ, de Jure et Consuetudine in similibus Tractatibus pro illorum subsistentia firmiori præstari debent seu consueverint, justâve aliqua Ratione pro Natura Rei præmissæ, hinc inde exigi aut requiri possint, Renunciantes omnibus Juris Legum vel Statutorum Pragmaticarumq; Dispositionibus aut Beneficijs quibuscunq; in contrarium, eisque, quantùm contra prædicta faciant, ex plena Scientia, proprioque Motu, & ex Plenitudine Potestatis ipsius, a Deo, in dictis Regnis & Dominijs tributæ, derogantes; Statuentesque, ea omnia & singula debere in omnibus suis Punctis & Articulis firma manere perpetuæq; & inviolabilis Legis vim obtinere."
"Other Statutes relative to this Head.
"6 Ann. C. 7.
"24 Geo. II. C. 24.
"5 Geo. III. C. 27."
2. "Cases of Sickness or Infirmity."
"Rotul. Parl. 50 Ed. III. Vol. ii. p. 321.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westm' die Lune proximæ post Festum S'c'i Georgii, Anne Regni Regis Edwardi Tertii post Conquestum Angl' videl't quinquagesimo, & Francie tricesimo septimo.
A. D. 1376. 50 Edw. 3. (m. 1.) Respit de Pronunciation de Parlement.
1. "LE Lundy proschein apres la Feste Saint George, l'An du Regne Nr~e Sr~ le Roy Edward Tierz, apres le Conquest d'Engleterre cynquantisme, q~ fust le primer jour de ce present Parlement, la greindre partie des Prelatz & Sr~s, & aucuns de Communes furent assemblez a Westm' devant le Roy meismes, en sa Chambre. Mais pur ce q~ ascuns des Viscontz n'avoient mye alors retournez lour Briefs du Parlement, & auxint pur ce q~ ascuns des Prelatz, Contes, Barons, Chivalers de Countees, Citezeins des Citees, & Burgeys de Burghs, n'y feurent mye adonqes venuz, si estoit advis au Roi Nr~e Sr~ d'attendre tan q~ al lendemain proschein ensuant de faire pronounciation de cest Parlement: & issint fuist fait. Et sur ce estoit Proclamation fait en la Grande Sale de Westm,' q~ touz ceus qi avoient Sommons du Parlement y suissent le dit lendemain matin, al VIIIme heure del clok, & q~ touz Visconts y retournassent lour ditx Briefs du Parlement, sur greve payne."
Pronunciation de Parlement.
2. "A QUEL lendemain s'assemblerent les Prelatz, Ducs, Conts, Barons, & les autres Grantz & Communes, Justices, Sergeantz de Ley, & autres en la Chambre de Peintee; & illoeq~s devant le Roy meismes, & touz les autres, Mons~r Johan Knyvet, Chivaler, Chanceller d'Engleterre, par commandement du Roy fist pronunciation des Causes de la Sommonce de ce present Parlement: lour disant en especial, Qe pur trois Causes fust ce Parlement tenuz. La primere & la principle Cause estoit, pur faire Ordenance par lours bons advis pur le bon governement de la Paix de son Roialme d'Engleterre."
"Ibidem, P. 322.
Ordinance des continuels Conseillers.
10. "ITEM, les Communes considerantz les meschiefs de la terre, monstrent au Roi & as Seign~rs du Parlement q~ ferroit honeur al Roy, & profit a toute la terre q'est maintenant grevez en diverse manere par pluseurs adversitees, si bien par les Guerres de France, d'Espaigne, d'Irland, de Guyenn', & Bretaigne, & aillours, come autrement; & les Officers q'ont este accustumez d'estre en couste le Roy ne suffisont mye sanz autre aide a si grande governaille. Par quoi ils prient q~ le Conseil Nr~e Sr~ le Roy soit enforcez de Seign~rs de la terre, Prelatz, & autres, a demurrer continuelment tan q~ al nombre de dys ou xii selonc la volunte du Roi; par manere tielle q~ nulle groos Bosoigne y passe ou soit delivers sanz l'assent & advis de touz: & autres meyndres Bosoignes par l'advis & assent de sys ou quartre au meyns, selonc ce q~ le cas requert. Issint au meins, q~ six ou quartre des tielx Conseillers soient continuelment residentz du Conseil le Roi. Et Nr~e Sr~ le Roy entendant la dite requeste estre honurables & bien profitables a luy & a tout son Roialme, l'ad ottroie. Purveuz toutes voies, q~ Chanceller, Tresorer, & Gardein de Prive Seal, & touz autres Officers du Roi, purront faire & esploiter les busoignes q~ touchent lour Offices, sanz la presence des ditz Conseilles, lesqueux le Roi ad assignez & assignera de temps en temps de tieux come luy plerra. Et est ordenez & assentuz, q~ meismes les Conseillers q'ore sont assignez, ou qui pur le temps serront, soient sermentz de garder ceste Ordenance, & de faire droit a chescuny selonc lour poairs. Et ensement est ordene, q'ils ne prendront rienz de nully par promesse n'autrement, s'il ne soit mangier & boire a petite value, ou autre chose q~ ne purra resonablement estre dit louer, pur nul bosoigne q~ serra tretee ou mesnee devaunt eux, sur peyne de rendre a la partie le double de ce qu'ils prendront, ovesqe les despenses & damages partant fuffertz; & a nostre Sr~ le Roy sis foitz atant come ils y averont pris. La connissance & jurisdiction de quelle chose serra au Roy, & ses Filz, pris a eux sys Prelatz & Seign~rs, a la suite de partie donante, & nemye devant autres Persones, ne en autre manere. Et si nul Homme sey pleygne de nully, & ne puisse prover sa entente, encourge la peyne ordeigne par Estatut l'An xxxviiie, des Accusours de ceux qi font pleint al Roi meismes."
"Ibidem, P. 330.
La Venue des Prelatz S'rs et Communes a nostre S'r le Roy a Eltham.
51. "ITEM fait a remembrer q~ Nr~e Sr~ le Roy resteant a Son Manoir de Eltham en Partie a Desaise de Son Corps, part ont il ne poait en sa propre Persone bonement travailler, envoiast pur les Prelatz, Seign~rs et Communes qi furent sommonez a ce Parlement, de venir a lui a dit Lieude Eltham, pur y oier les Responces des Communes Petitions, et faire Fyn de ce present Parlement. Et issent y vindrent mesmes les Prelatz Seign~rs & Communes, et y avoient oie pur la greindre Partie de les Responces de lour Communes Petitions par Maniere q~ s'en suit: Et auxint y avoient oie des Juggements des Persones et Ordeignances faitz si bien des Conseillers come autres, par Manere q~ dessus est dit; dont ils se loierent grantement tres-toutz de mesme Nr~e Sr~ le Roy."
"Ibidem, P. 331.
"Cy apres s'ensuont les Petitions baillees avant en escrit au Parlement par les Communes, avec les Responces faites a ycelles Petitions en mesme le Parlement."
"Ibidem, P. 333.
No 14. Remuement des Officers. (m. 10.)
65. "ITEM prie la Commune q~ si 'nul Officer ou aucun du Counsail du Roi y soit ou ad estee trove en defaut, et convict de defaute ou de deceite faite au Roi and a Son Roialme, q'il soit remue hors d'office & de Counsail le Roi saunz estre restitut a nul temps a ycelles. Qar si nul tiel y fuisse restitut, il greveroit & destruieroit a son poair ceux q~ l'avoient issint empeschez: Et q~ ceste priere soit affermee & tenuz pur Estatut par tout temps a venir.
Responsio.
"Soient desore les defautes monstrez au Roi & as Seign~rs de son Grant Conseil & si lour semble les defautes tielles q'elles demandent tiel Juggement le Roi par l'advis de son dit Conseil y ferra tiel Juggement come mieltz luy semblera a faire en tieu cas."
"Rotul. Parl. 51 Edw. III. Vol. ii. p. 361.
A. D. 1376–7. 51 Ed. 3.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westmonasterium, in 15a Sancti Hillar' Anno Regni Regis E. Tertij post Conquestum Anglie videlicet quinquagesimo primo, & Francie 38o."
"Ibidem, P. 364.
Aler a Shene.
22. "Et puis apres le 22 jour du moys de Fevere l'An present, aucuns des Prelatz & Seign~rs, Chanceller Tresorier, Gardein du Privee Seal, & touz les Justices par commandement Nr~e Sr~ le Roi alerent a Shene, ou Nr~e dit Sr~ gysoit trop malade. Et illoeq~s en sa presence & en presence de Mons~r de Lancastre & les autres illoeq~s issint venuz estoient rehercex la manere & les Articles de general Pardon & Grace q~ mesme le Roy ad fait a sa Commune par manere come cy en apres s'ensuit; ensemble avec aucunes autres Responces faites as Communes Petitions par manere come elles sont en apres escrites. Et ce fait le Roy y dist q'il s'agreast bien a ycelles & ent fust assez content & commandast q~ celles Responces & Graces furent lendemain lues en Parlement come la manere est de faire la darrein jour de Parlement: & q~ Fin fust fait de ce Parlement. Et sur ce les Seign~rs retournement a Londres & lendemain proschein ensuant, q~ fust le Lundy le 23o jour de Feverer, l'an dessus dit, mesme le Parlement continuez de jour en autre par auctorite de Roi & del dit President tan~ q~ a cest darrain jour mesmes, les Communes Petitions q~ apres s'ensuent avec lour Responces faites a ycelles en dit Parlement en audience de touz Prelatz, Seign~rs, & Communes en dit Parlement en presence la mesme le President furent lues en manere acustumee."
"Ibidem, P. 364.
"Cy en apres s'ensuent les Petitions baillez avant en Parlement par les Communes, avec les Responces y faites & donez a ycelles."
"Ibidem, P. 372.
No 58.
75. "ITEM prient les Communes a Nr~e dit Sr~ le Roy & as Nobles Seign~rs du Parlement q~ come al darrain Parlement par meins vrai suggestion & sanz due Proces le Sr~ de Latymer q'est un des Pieres del Roialme & suffisant d'estre du Conseil le Roy si bien pur ses guerres come autrement, estoit oustez de toutz Offices, & des privez Conseilx entour le Roy q'il soit ore par agard de ce present Parlement restitut a Son primer estat & degree. Entendantz q~ p~ my se faisant vous ferrez grant profit a vr~e dit Roialme a ce q'ils entendent veritablement."
Responsio.
"Le Roy le voet a la priere d'aucuns Prelatz & Seign~rs de Parlement & auxint a la priere de sa commune."
"Rotul. Parl. 31 & 32 Hen. VI. Vol. v. P. 227.
"Rotulus Parliamenti de Annis Regni Regis Henrici Sexti Tricesimo Primo & Secundo."
"Ibidem. P. 238.
Prorogatio Parliamenti. (m. 20.) A.D. 1453. 32 Hen. VI.
22. MEMORAND', quod Duodecimo die Novembris, Anno dicti Domini Regis Tricesimo secundo, in quem diem presens Parliamentum prorogatum & adjornatum existit, Dominis Spiritualibus & Temporalibus, ac Communibus Regni Anglie, in dicto Parliamento apud dictam Villam de Redyng in domo refectorii Abbacie ibidem ad hoc preparat' simul comparentibus; Venerabilis Pater Johannes Cardinalis & Archiepiscopus Cantuar', Cancellarius Anglie, de mandato ejusdem Domini Regis speciali, ipso Rege absente, recitavit quod cum prefatus Dominus Rex, pro quibusdam arduis & urgentibus negotiis ipsum, ac Statum & Defensionem Regni sui Anglie, ac Ecclesie Anglicane concernentibus, presens Parliamentum suum apud dictam Villam de Redyng, Sexto die Martii ultimo preterito fecerit convocari, & usque Vicesimum octavum diem ejusdem Mensis ibidem, favente Domino, teneri & continuari; quo quidem tempore, quamplures & notabiles Concessiones per prefatos Communes eidem Domino Regi fuerint facte; pro quibus Concessionibus, ac etiam pro magnis teneritate & amoris naturalitate sibi per ipsos adtunc ostensis, idem Dominus Rex prefatis Communibus multum regraciabatur, promittens eis Dominum suum graciosum fore & benevolum. Et pro eo quod ipse, sacrum & solempne Festum Pasche adtunc appropinquare considerans, dictum Parliamentum suum, usque Vicesi mum quintum diem Aprilis tunc prox' futur' usque Palatium suum Westm' adjornaverit & prorogaverit, quod quidem Parliamentum eodem Vicesimo quinto die Aprilis apud dictum Palatium reassumptum, ibidem usque (fn. 2) Secundei diem Julii tunc prox' sequen' tentum & continuatum fuerit; ad quem quidem Secundum diem Julii, dictus Dominus Rex continuam moram . . . Domini et Communes predicti eidem intendendo Parliamento sustinueri~t; & quod diversis Petitionibus in eodem Parliamento exhibitis minime responsum fuerit, nec adtunc commode fieri potuerit, eo quod tempus autumpnale adtunc institerit, considerans, dictum Parliamentum suum usque predictum Duodecimum diem Novembris, & usque dictam Villam de Redyng a Palatio suo Westm' adjornaverit & prorogaverit. Et pro eo quod idem Dominus Rex, de magna mortalitate in dicta Villa de Redyng jam Regnante, quam quilibet pro posse suo vitare intendat, edoctus fuerit, ac pro aliis certis de causis pro quibus ad dictos diem & locum non venerit, prefato Cardinali & Archiepiscopo dederit in mandatis, ac sibi per Literas ipsius Regis Patentes magno sigillo suo sigillatas potestatem & auctoritatem commiserit, ad idem Parliamentum a predicto Duodecimo die Novembris, usque Undecimum diem Februarii tunc prox' futur', usque ad Redyng predict' nomine Regio prorogand' & adjornand'. Quarum quidem Literarum tenor sequitur in hec verba:
"HENRICUS, Dei Gratia Rex Anglie & Francie, & Dominus Hibernie, Omnibus ad quos presentes Litere pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis, quod cum Parliamentum nostrum apud Redyng nuper inchoatum, & usque ad Duodecimum diem Novembris prox' futur' ibidem tunc tenend' adjornatum existant; Nosq; ibidem ad diem illum ob certas causas personaliter interesse non possimus; Nos idcirco, de circumspectione & industria Venerabilis Patris Johannis Cardinalis & Archiepiscopi Cantuar', Cancellarii nostri Anglie, plenam fiduciam reportantes, assignavimus & ordinavimus eundem Cardinalem & Archiepiscopum, ad interessend' apud Redyng predict', Duodecimo die Novembris supradicto, & ad diem Parliamentum ab eodem Duodecimo die Novembris, usque Undecimum diem Februarii prox' futur', usque ad Redyng predict' nomine nostro prorogand' & adjornand'. In cujus rei testimonium, has Literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipso apud Westm', VI die Novembris, Anno Regni nostri Tricesimo secundo.
Per ipsum Regem et Consilium.
"Quibus quidem Literis in pleno Parliamento & in dictorum Dominorum & Communium presentia, aperte lectis & plenius intellectis, idem Cardinalis & Archiepiscopus, dictum presens Parliamentum, ab eodem Duodecimo die Novembris, usque dictum Undecimum diem Februarii tunc prox' futur', usque ad Redyng predict', juxta tenorem literarum predictarum, nomine Regio realiter adjornavit & prorogavit; omnibus & singulis quorum intersuit firmiter injungendo, quod dicto Undecimo die Februarii, apud predictam Villam de Redyng, excusatione quacumque cessante, personaliter convenirent, ad tractand', communicand' & consentiend' super hiis que tunc ibidem pro pacis bono ac Regis & Regni commodo, favente Domino, contigerint ordinari."
Prorogatio & adjornatio Parliamenti A. D. 1454. 32 Her. VI.
23. "MEMORAND', quod Undecimo die Februarii, apud dictam Villam de Redyng, ad quos diem & locum presens Parliamentum prorogatum existit, Johannes Comes Wygorn', Thesaurarius Anglie, in presentia Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium, ac Communium Regni Anglie, infra Abbaciam Ville predicte simul comparentium, regratiatione tam prefatis Dominis, quam Communibus, de eorum Laboribus & intendentiis ex parte dicti Domini Regis primitus facta, declaravit qualiter idem Dominus Rex, ob certas causas ad diem & locum predict' personaliter interesse non potuit, & idcirco, per Literas suas Patentes assignavit & ordinavit eundem Comitem ad idem Parliamentum, ab eodem Undecimo die Februarii, usque Quartumdecimum diem ejusdem mensis Februarii, usque ad Palatium Regium Westm' nomine Regio prorogand' & adjornand'. Quarum quidem Literarum tenor sequitur in hec verba:
"HENRICUS, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie & Francie, & Dominus Hibernie, Omnibus ad quos presentes litere pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis, quod cum Parliamentum nostrum apud Redyng nuper inchoatum, & usque ad Undecimum diem Februarii prox' futur' ibidem tunc tenend' adjornatum existat; Nosque ibidem ad diem illum ob certas causas personaliter interesse non possimus: Nos idcirco, de Circumspectione & Industria carissimi Consanguinei nostri Johannis Comitis Wygorn', Thesaurarii nostri Anglie, plenam fiduciam reportantes, assignavimus & ordinavimus eundem Comitem, ad interessend' apud Redyng predict', Undecimo die Februarii supradicto, & ad idem Parliamentum ab eodem Undecimo die Februarii, usque Quartumdecimum diem ejusdem mensis Februarii prox' futur', usque ad Palatium nostrum Westm' nomine nostro prorogand' & adjornand'. In cujus rei testimonium, has Literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipso apud Westm', VIto die Februarii, Anno Regni nostri Tricesimo secundo.
Per ipsum Regem & Consilium.
"Quibus quidem Literis ibidem de verbo ad verbum recitatis & intellectis, presatus Comes, juxta tenorem literarum predictarum, dictum Parliamentum usque Quartumdecimum diem Februarii tunc prox' futur', usque ad Palatium Regium Westm' nomine Regio prorogavit & adjornavit; omnibus & singulis quorum interfuit firmiter injungendo, quod dicto Quartodecimo diem Februarii, apud dictum Palatium Westm', excusatione quacumque cessante, personaliter convenirent, ad tractand', communicand' & consentiend' super hiis que tunc ibidem pro pacis bono ac Regis & Regni commodo, favente Dominno, contigerint ordinari."
De procedendo in Parliamento.
24. "MEMORAND', pro eo quod Dominus Rex, qui presens Parliamentum suum nuper apud Redyng inchoavit & tenuit, & usque Quartumdecimum diem Februarii, Anno dicti Domini Regis Tricesimo secundo, ad Palatium suum Westm' adjornari ordinavit, propter certas justas & rationabiles causas in eodem Parliamento in persona sua interesse non potuit; idem Dominus Rex, de avisamento & assensu Consilii sui, quasdam Literas Patentes sub magno Sigillo suo signatas, coram Dominis Spiritualibus & Temporalibus in presenti Parliamento dicto Quartodecimo die Februarii existen' legi fecit in hec verba:
"HENRICUS, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie & Francie, & Dominus Hibernie, Omnibus ad quos presentes Litere pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis, quod cum pro quibusdam arduis & urgentibus negotiis Nos, Statum & Defensionem Regni nostri Anglie, ac Ecclesie Anglicane contingentibus, quoddam Parliamentum nostrum nuper apud Redyng teneri, & usque Quartumdecimum diem hujus instantis mensis Februarii, ad Palatium nostrum Westm' adjornari ordinaverimus: Quia vero dicto Parliamento nostro propter certas justas & rationabiles causas in persona nostra non poterimus interesse. Nos de Circumspectione & Industria carissimi Consanguinei nostri Ricardi Ducis Eborum plenam fiduciam reportantes, eidem Consanguineo nostro ad Parliamentum predictum nomine nostro tenend', & in eodem procedend', & ad faciend' omnia & singula que pro nobis & per nos pro bono Regimine & gubernatione Regni nostri predicti, ac aliorum Dominiorum nostrorum eidem Regno nostro pertinen' ibidem fuerint faciend', necnon ad Parliamentum illud finiend' & dissolvend', de assensu Consilii nostri, plenam tenore presentium Committimus potestatem. Dantes ulterius, de assensu ejusdem Consilii nostri, tam universis & singulis Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Ducibus, Comitibus, Baronibus & Militibus, cum omnibus aliis quorum interest, ad Parliamentum nostrum predictum conventur', similiter tenore presentium firmiter in mandatis, quod eidem Consanguineo nostro intendant in premissis in forma predicta. In cujus rei testimonium, has Literas nostras fieri secimus Patentes. Teste me ipso apud Westm', xiii die Februarii, Anno Regni nostri Tricesimo secundo.
"Per ipsum Regem & Consilium."
"Ibidem, p. 240.
Requesta facta per Communes pro Consilii profundi stabilitone. (m. 19.)
30. "MEMORAND', that on Tuesday the xix day of Marche, the Communes were before the Duke of York, the Kynges Lyeutenaunt in this present Parlement, and the Lordes Spirituelx and Temporelx, in the Parlement Chambre, and there it was opened and declared by theire Speker, that howe uppon Wennesday then last past, it was shewed unto theym by the mouth of the Chaunceler of Englond, the grete juparte and perill that Calef' and the Marches there stode inne, and also the grete necessite of purveaunce for the defence and saufguard of the See, the which kan not be doo withoute XLM. l~i. or more, praiyng and humbly besekyng the seid Lieutenaunt and Lordes, to call to their good retentyve and wyse remembraunce, the grauntes that were made by them to the Kyng at Redyng, in the begynnyng of this present Parlement, the whiche been as grete as they can calle to remembraunce to have be made to the Kyng by his Communes, or to eny of his full noble Progenitours, the whiche grauntes wull sussise as they trust to the defence of Cales' and kepyng of the see, and that the seid grauntes may be emploide to th'entent and effect that they were graunted fore; praiyng also the seid Lieutenaunt and Lordes, to have theym excused of eny ferther grauntes to be made by theym at this tyme, for they kan not, may not, ne dar not make eny moo grauntes, considered the grete povert and penurie that be among the Communes of this land, for whom they be comen at this tyme, and that this theire excuse myght be enacted in this high Courte of Parlement. And also where in the begynnyng of this present Parlement at Redyng, it was opened and shewed by the mouth of the seid Chaunceler of Englond, that ther shuld be ordeigned and established, a sadde and a wyse Counsail of the right discrete and wyse Lordes, and othir of this land, to whom all people myght have recours for ministryng of Justice, Equite and rightwesnesse, wherof they have noo knoweleche as yit, and desired the Lordes that therof they mowe have notice and knowelege, for the grete joy and comfort of all theym that they be come fore. And also that it shuld lyke the seid Lieutenaunt and Lordes, to have specially and tenderly recommended the peas of this land, accordyng to theyre request made before tyme, the whiche shuld be right joyous and comfortable to theym, and to all the Commune of this land, for whom they be come at this tyme. And therto it was aunswered be my Lord Cardinal Chaunceler of Englond, that they shuld have good and comfortable aunswere, withouten eny grete delay or tarriyng."
Certi Domini assignati fuerunt ad colloquend' cum Rege super certis articulis.
31. "MEMORAND', that the xxiii day of Marche, forasmoche as God hath called to his mercy, and shewed his wille upon Maister John Kempe, late Cardinall Archebisshop of Canterbury and Chaunceler of Englond, whoos soule God assoile, and by whoos deth th'office of Chaunceler of Englond stondith nowe void; the whiche Office, of force and necessite for the ease of the people and processe of the lawe must be occupied; it was advised, ordeigned, assented and thoroughly agreed by the Duke of Yorke, the Kynges Lieutenaunt in this present Parlement, and all the Lords Spirituelx and Temporelx assembled in the Parlement Chambre at Westm', that certain Lordes, that is to seie, the Bishoppes of Wynchestre, Ely and Chestr', the Erles of Warr', Oxon' and Shrouesbury; the Viscountes Beaumond and Bourghchier; the Priour of Saint John's; the Lordes Fauconbergge, Dudley and Stourton, shuld ride to Wyndesore to the Kynges high presence, to shewe and declare to his Highnesse the seid materes, and other certain materes the whiche of necessite must be ordeigned and purveied fore, as in the instruction theruppon made plainly apperith, wherof the tenour sueth in this form:
"Instruction yeven by the Duk of York, the Kynges Lieutenaunt of his Parlement, and othir Lordes Spirituell and Temporell of the said Parlement, to the right reverend Ffadres in God the Bisshopps of Wynchestr', Ely and Chestr'; th'Erles of Warrewyk, Oxenford and Shrovesbury; the Vicountes Beaumont and Bourghchier; the Lordes Priour of Seint John's, Ffaucomberge, Duddeley, and Stourton jointely: The whiche Credence they shall opene, if they fynde the Kynges disposition suche, that he shall mowe and will attende to the heryng and understondyng therof, and ellys they shall opene but oonly the furst and second Articles.
"FURST, they shall recommaunde the seid Lieutenaunt and Lordes, as humbely and mekely as they can to the Kynges gode grace, saying ther is noo erthely thing that they desire more, or setteth nerre to here hertes, than to here of his welfare, and relief of his grete sykenesse that it hath lyked God to visite his Highnesse with, accordyng to thaire faith, ligeance, trouth and love, that they owe and bere unto hym.
"ITEM, they shall saye that the seid Lieutenaunt and Lordes, aftir theire power, and such Discretion as God hath endued theym with, besieth theym, and entende daily to the spede of his Parlement, and to suche thinges as they thinke is to the weel of his Highnesse, and of his Landez and Subgettez; and that his lawes may be observed and kept, and Justice ministred to every persone, for rebukyng of mysgovernaunce; and wuld be as gladde and as joyfull as they coude be, if theire diligence myght avaunce and further the Kynges welfare and his Roiall estate, and the comune welle.
"ITEM, fith it is soo that hit hath plesed God, the whiche disposeth all thyng' as he will, to take out of this Worlde and calle to his mercy, the most Reverent Fsader in God late Cardinal and Archebisshop of Caunterbury, his Chaunceler of this lande, by whoos deth the said Archebisshopryche is voide, and his Highnesse remayneth dispurveyde of a Chaunceler: The seid Lieutenaunt and Lordes, thinke they must of her trouth and verray necessite lete the Kyng have knowlege therof, to th'entent that they may understonde howe they shall demeane and behave thayme, aswell in providyng for the Churche of Canterbury, as for the governaunce of his grete Seals. And as toward the seid provision of the Churche of Caunterbury, that it please his Highnesse to open and declare his gracious entent, and what persoone that is thought most expedient to his gode grace to be promoted therto; and in lykewyse in providyng for his Chaunceler of this lande; and they shall put theym in theire devoire by alle the meanes that they canne, to have verray and clere knowelech of the Kynges entent in the matiers above said.
"ITEM, they shall late his Highnesse have in knoweleche, that as soon as the seid Lieutenaunt and Lordes understoode that the seid most Reverend Ffader was passed to God, they for the suerte of the seid Seels, and in eschewyng all inconveniences, made theym in the presence of diverse notable Lordes, to be brought afore all the Lordes of his Parlement, and there to be opened and shewed, and aftir that to be closed in a Coofre, and to be sealed with diverse Lordes Seales, and to be leide uppe in his Tresorie, where they remayn in his Tresorers and Chamberlayns kepyng.
"ITEM, they shall remembre that it pleased the Kynges Highnesse in this his Parlement at Redyng, to commaunde to be openned to the Communes of this Lande, his gracious entent to ordeigne and stablisshe a discrete and a sadde Counsaill, the whiche was to the seid Communes a grete rejoysing and comfort, insomoche that nowe late by the mouth of there Speker, among othir thynges at too tymes hath he made requestes to the seid Lieutenaunt and Lordes, that the seid Communes myght understond and have knowlege, of effectuell procedyng to the stablisshing of the said Counsaill, wherfor certaine Lordes and persones be named under the Kynges correction, to take uppon theym the seid charge; and they shall mowe declare what persones be soo named, and understande whethir the Kynges good grace be content with the sayd persones, or whethir he will chaunge or sette aside eny of theym, to th'entent that his will may be observed and kept.
"ITEM, forasmoche as the matiers abovesaid be of grete weight, and must be kept full secrete, they shall opeyn theym to noo persone but onely unto the Kyng, and they shall use th'ordre of th'articles abovesaid, as it shall be thought to theym behovefull and expedient."
Responsio Dominorum predictorum super colloquio habito cum Rege.
32. "MEMORAND', that the xxv day of Marche, the Bisshops of Wynchestr', Ely and Chestre; th'Erles of Warr', Oxon' and Shrouesbury; the Vicountes Beaumond and Bourghchier; the Priour of Seint John's; the Lordes Ffaukenbergge, Dudley and Stourton, opened and declared by the mouth of the Bysshop of Wynchestr', to the Duke of York, the Kynges Lieutenaunt in this present Parlement, and the othir Lordes Spirituelx and Temporelx assembled in the Parlement Chambre, that they accordyng to that that was putte upon theym upon Saturday the xxiii day of this present moneth of Marche, by th' advis of the Lordes Spirituelx and Temporelx, that they shuld goo to Wyndesore to the Kynges high presence, and to open and declare to his Highnesse, certain matiers conteigned in an instruction delivered to them by the seid Lieutenant, and the seid Lordes Spirituelx and Temporelx, were at the Kynges high presence, and in the place were he dyned; and anoon aftir his dyner was doon, the seid matiers were opened and declared by the mouth of the Bisshop of Chestr', ryght connyngly, saddely and wurshipfully, nothyng in substaunce chaunged from the seid instruction, added ne dyminished, as the seid Bisshop of Chestre can more clerely declare to theire Lordshipps. And theruppon the seid Bisshop of Chestr' shewed and declared, howe that the openyng and declaryng of the seid matiers, by th'avis of the Lordes that were sent to Wyndesore, was put uppon him, howe beit he thought himself right unable thereto; and that he furst opened and shewed to the Kynges Highnese the III first Articles, as it was advised by the Lordes or they went; that is to sey, the humble recommendation of the Lordes to the Kynges Highnesse, the grete desire of his hele, and the grete diligence of the Lordes in this Parlement. And then for asmoche as it lyked not the Kynges Highnesse to yeve eny answere to the Articles, the seid Bisshop of Chestre, by th'advis of all the other Lordes, declared and opened to the Kynges Highnesse, the othir matiers conteigned in the seid instruction; to the whiche maters ne to eny of theim they cowede gete noo answere ne signe, for no prayer ne desire, lamentable chere ne exhortation, ne eny thing that they or eny of theim cowede do or sey, to theire grete sorow and discomfort. And then the Bishop of Winchestr' seid to the Kynges Highnesse, that the Lordes had not dyned, but they shuld goo dyne theym, and wayte uppon his Highnesse ayen aftir dyner. And so aftyr dyner they come to the Kynges Highnesse to the same place where they were before; and there they moeved and sturred hym, by alle the waies and meanes that they cowede thynk, to have answere of the matiers aforseid, but they cowede have noon; and from that place they willed the Kinges Highnesse to goo into an othir Chambre, and so he was ledde between II men into the Chambre where he lieth; and there the Lordes moeved and sturred the Kynges Highnesse the thirde tyme, by all the means and weyes that they coude thynk, to have answere of the seid matiers, and also desired to have knoweleche of hym, if it shuld like his Highnesse that they shulde wayte uppon hym eny lenger, and to have answere at his leiser, but they cowede have no answere, worde ne signe; and therfor with sorrowefull hartes come theire way. And the seid Bisshops of Wynchestre, Ely and Chestr'; th'Erles of Warr', Oxon' and Shrouesbury; the Vicountes Beaumond and Bourghchier; the Priour of Seint John's; the Lordes Faukenbergge, Dudley and Stourton, and everyche of theym; praied that the seid Instruction, and this theire reporte, myght be enacted in this high Court of Parlement of record."
Protestatio Ricardi Duci Eborum (m. 18.)
33. "ITEM, pro eo quod Vicesimo septimo die Martii, Domini Spirituales & Temporales in presenti Parliamento congregati, certis de causis ipsos moventibus, elegerunt & nominarunt Ricardum Ducem Eborum fore Protectorem & Defensorem Regni Anglie, quamdiu Regi placeret; idem Dux in Crastino detulit quandam Cedulam in papiro, certos Articulos continentem, quos in Rotulo ejusdem Parliamenti inactuari affectabat, quorum tenores cum suis responsionibus hic sequntur:"
34. "HOWE beit that y am not suffisiant of my self, of wysdome, connyng nor habilitie, to take uppon me that wurthy name of Protectour and Defensour of this Land, ner the charge therto apperteinyng, wherunto hit hath liked you my Lordes to calle, name and desire me, unwurthy therunto, under protestation that if y shall apply me to the parfourmyng of your said desire, and at your instaunce take uppon me with your supportation the seid name and charge; I desire and pray you, that in this present Parlement, and by auctorite therof, hit be enacted, that of yourself and of your free and mere disposition, ye desire, name and calle me, to the seid name and charge, and that of eny presumption of myself, I take yaym not uppon me, but onely of the due and humble obeissaunce that I owe to doo unto the Kyng, our most dradde and Soveraine Lord, and to you the Perage of this Lande, in whom by th'occasion of th'enfirmite of our said Souveraine Lorde restethe th'exercice of his auctoritee, whoos noble commaundements y am as redy to parfourme and obey, as eny his Liege man olyve: and that at suche tyme as it shall please our blessed Creatour, to restore his most noble persone to helthfull disposition, hit shall lyke you so to declare and notifie to his good grace."
Responsio.
"As to this Article, it is thought by the Lordes, that the seid Duke desireth that of his grete wysdome for his discharge. And it is thought also by all the Lordes, that for theire discharge in this behalfe, there shuld be suche an Acte made in this Parlement for hem, accordyng to an Acte made in the tendre age of the Kyng our Soveraine Lord, that they in semblable case of necessite, be compelled and coarted so to chose and name a Protectour and Defendour."
35. "ALSO that it shall lyke you lovyngly, diligently, duely and effectuelly, to assist me of your harty favours, tendre zele and sad advises, to th'execution and expedition of that that may be to the honour, prosperite and welfare, of th'estate and dignite of our said Soveraine Lord, to the rest and tranquillite of his people, and to the observation of his lawes; wherunto I shall employe my persone with you, to the uttermost perrell or jupardy therof, whan so ever hit shall nede that so y shall doo."
Responsio.
"It is agreed, as for all due, lawefull and resonable assistence within the lande, for the wele of the Kyng and of his said land."
36. "Also that suche auctorite and power, as it shall lyke you that y shall have for th'execution of the seid charge, and also the fredome and libertee that shall therunto belong be to me declared, and that y mowe knowe howe ferre the said power and auctorite, and also the fredame and libertee shall extende, duryng the tyme that it shall please our said Soveraine Lord that y shall have hit; and that the same auctorite, power, fredame and libertee, be also in the seid Parlement, and by th'auctorite therof enacted, ratified and confermed."
Responsio.
"As to this Article, it is advysed by the seid Lordes, that the seid Duke shall be chief of the Kynges Counsaill, and devysed therfor to the seid Duke a name different from other Counsaillours, nought the name of Tutour, Lieutenaunt, Governour, nor of Regent, nor noo name that shall emporte auctorite of governaunce of the lande; but the seid name of Protectour and Defensour, the whiche emporteth a personell duete of entendaunce to the actuell defence of this land, aswell ayenst th'enemyes outward, if case require, as ayenst Rebelles inward, if eny happe to be, that God forbede, duryng the Kynges pleaser, and so that it be not prejudice to my Lord Prince; and theruppon an Acte to be made by auctorite of this present Parlement."
37. "ALSO that it be ordeigned, appointed and stablished in the seid Parlement, and by auctorite therof, howe much y shall take and resceyve of our said Soveraine Lord, to susteyn, maynteyn and supporte, the seid name and charge, for the honour of hym and this his land, that must of necessite belonge to the same charge, for the pollitique and restfull rule of this said Londe, for the tyme that it shall please his Highnesse that y shall accept and use the same name and charge; praiyng and desiryng you, that thees my protestation and desires mowe bee in the seid Parlement enacted."
Responsio.
"As to this Article, it was thought that precedentes were to be seyn; and also the seid Duke to be communed with, to wyte, what somme hit shall lyke hym to agree to, consideryng the tyme that was in the daies of lyke precedentes, and the tyme that nowe is; and theruppon an Acte be made by auctorite of the seid Parlement."
"Also that suche Lordes Spirituel and Temporel, as be named and chosen of the Kynges Counsaill, take uppon them so to bee, and also accept and admit the charge therof, aswell as at theire instance, exhortation and desire, I thogh unhable take uppon me under theire supportation the seid name, and the charge therto belongyng."
Responsio.
"As to this Article, it was thought that the Lordes that be named to be of the Kynges Counsaill, shuld have communication togedre, and to be avised theruppon."
De Protectore. (m. 17.)
38. "MEMORAND', quod Tertio die Aprilis, Anno Regni metuendissimi Domini nostri Regis Henrici sexti post Conquestum Tricesimo secundo, infirmitate qua Altissimo Salvatori nostro personam suppremi dicti Domini nostri Regis placuit visitare considerata; sibi & Consilio suo videcur, si ad ea que ad actualem executionem Protectionis & Defensionis Regni sui Anglie, ac Ecclesie Anglicane requiruntur, personaliter intenderet, quod persone sue nimis tediosum, ac celeris recuperationis sanitatis ejusdem impediosum existeret. Idem Dominus noster Rex, de Industria & Circumspectione carisimi Consanguinei sui Ricardi Ducis Eborum plenarie considens, de assensu & avisamento Dominorum tam Spiritualium quam Temporalium in presenti Parliamento existen', neonon de assensu Communitatis Regni Anglie existen' in eodem, ordinavit & constituit dictum Consanguineum suum, Regni sui & Ecclesie Anglicane predictorum Protectorem & Defensorem, ac Consiliarium ipsius Domini Regis principalem; & quod ipse Dux ejusdem Regni Protector & Defensor, acipsius Regis principalis Consiliarius sit & nominetur, quamdiu eidem Domino Regi placuerit; auctoritate dicti Ducis quo ad excercitium & occupationem oneris Protectoris & Defensoris predict' om~ino cessante, cum sive quando Edwardum dicti Domini Regis filium primogenitum contingerit ad annos discrescionis pervenire, si idem Edwardus onus Protectoris & Defensoris predictorum super se adtunc assumere voluerit; & quod super hoc Litere Domini Regis Patentes fierent sub forma subsequenti:
"HENRICUS, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie & Francie, & Dominus Hibernie, Omnibus ad quos presentes Litere pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis, quod considerata infirmitate qua Altissimo Salvatori nostro Nos visitare placuit, si ad ea que ad actualem Protectionem & Defensionem Regni nostri Anglie, ac Ecclesie Anglicane requiruntur, personaliter intenderemus, persone nostre nimis tediosum, ac celeris recuperationis sanitatis nostre impediosum existeret. Nos pro eo, de Circumspectione & Industria carissimi Consanguinei nostri Ricardi Ducis Eborum plenam fiduciam reportantes, de avisamento & assensu tam Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium, quam de assensu Communitatis Regni nostri Anglie, in instanti Parliamento nostro existen', Ordinavimus & Constituimus ipsum Consanguineum nostrum, dicti Regni nostri Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane Protectorem & Defensorem, ac Consiliarum nostrun principalem; & quod ipse ejusdem Regni nostri Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane predict' Protector & Defensor, ac principalis Consiliarius noster sit et nominetur, quamdiu Nobis placuerit; in & juxta vim, formam & effectum cujusdam Acti in dicto Parliamento, die dat' presentium habiti & concordati; auctoritate dicti Ducis quo ad excercitium & occupationem oneris Protectoris & Defensoris predictorum om~ino cessant', cum five quando Edwardus Filius noster Primogenitus ad Annos discrescionis pervenerit, presentibus Literis nostris Patentibus, necnon vigore & effectu earumdem, extunc minime valituris, si dictus Edwardus, cum ad hujusmodi Annos pervenerit, onus Protectoris & Defensoris predict' super se assumere voluerit. Damus autem universis & singulis Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Ducibus, Comitibus, Vicecomitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, & omnibus aliis Fidelibus & Subditis nostris dicti Regni nostri Anglie quorum interest, tenore presentium firmiter in mandatis, quod prefato Consanguineo nostro Duci Eborum, quotiens & quamdiu Protectionem & Defensionem hujusmodi, sic habuerit & occupaverit, in premissis faciend' pareant obediant & intendant, prout decet. In cujus rei testimonium, has Literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipso apud Westm', Tertio die Aprilis, Anno regni nostri Tricesimo secundo.
"Quibus omnibus Actis lectis & recitatis, acceptis & approbatis auctoritate supradicta, idem Dux Eborum, habita prius matura deliberatione, onus & excercitium nominationis & occupationis hujusmodi, ad Dei honorem Omnipotentis, laudem & gloriam, Regis & Regni predictorum commodum & utilitatem, necnon Dominorum predictorum complacentiam & requisitionem, rei publiceque argumentum, in se quantum ad ipsum pertinuit assumere se velle dixit, & assumpsit tunc ibidem, juxta formam Acti potestatis & Concessionum predict'. Et ulterius idem Dominus Rex, de assensu & avisamento predictis, ordinavit & constituit, quod Edwardus Filius suus Primogenitus, cum five quando ad annos discrescionis pervenerit, Regni Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane Protector & Defensor, & principalis Consiliarius ipsius Domini Regis sit & nominetur, quamdiu eidem Domino Regi placuerit, si idem Edwardus, cum ad hujusmodi annos pervenerit, onus Protectoris & Defensoris predict' super se assumere voluerit. Et super hoc Litere Domini Regis Patentes fierent sub forma subsequenti:"
39. "HENRICUS, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie & Francie, & Dominus Hibernie, Omnibus ad quos presentes Litere pervenerint, Salutem.
"SCIATIS, quod considerata infirmitate qua Altissimo Salvatori nostro Nos visitare placuit, si ad ea que ad actualem Protectionem & Defensionem Regni nostri Anglie, ac Ecclesie Anglicane requiruntur, personaliter intenderemus, persone nostre nimis tediosum, ac celeris recuperationis sanitatis nostre impediosum existeret. Nos pro eo, de Circumspectione & Industria Edwardi carissimi Filii nostri Primogeniti plenam fiduciam naturalem reportantes, de avisamento & assensu tam Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium, quam de assensu Communitatis Regni nostri Anglie, in instanti Parliamento nostro existen', Ordinavimus & Constituimus, quod prefatus Edwardus, cum five quando ad annos discretionis pervenerit, Regni nostri Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane Protector & Defensor, ac principalis Consiliarius noster sit & nominetur, quamdiu Nobis placuerit, si idem Filius noster, cum ad hujusmodi annos pervenerit, onus Protectoris & Defensoris predictorum super se assumere voluerit, in & juxta vim, formam & effectum cujusdam Acti in dicto Parliamento die dat' presentium habiti & concordati. Damus autem universis & singulis Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Ducibus, Comitibus, Vicecomitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, & omnibus aliis Fidelibus & Subditis nostris dicti Regni nostri Anglie quorum interest, tenore presentium firmiter in mandatis, quod prefato Edwardo Filio nostro Primogenito, cum ad predictos annos pervenerit, quotiens & quamdiu Protectionem & Defensionem hujusmodi sic habuerit & occupaverit, in premissis faciend' pareant, obediant & intendant, prout decet. In cujus rei testimonium, has Literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipso apud Westm', Tertio die Aprilis, Anno Regni nostri Tricesimo secundo."
40. "MEMORAND' quod cum Dominus Rex, tam de avisamento & assensu Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium, quam de assensu Communitatis Regni sui Anglie, in presenti Parliamento existen', per Literas suas Patentes ordinaverit & constituerit carissimum Consanguineum suum Ricardum Ducem Eborum, Protectorem & Defensorem Regni sui predicti & Ecclesie Anglicane, necnon principalem Confiliarium suum; & quod idem Dux Eborum, dict' Regni Protector & Defensor, ac principalis Consiliarius dicti Domini Regis fit & nominetur, & in juxta vim, formam & effectum cujusdam Acti in dicto Parliamento die dat' predictarum literarum in eodem Parliamento habiti & concordati. Ac insuper, idem Dominus Rex, de assensu & avisamento predictis, per alias Literas suas Patentes ordinaverit & constituerit Edwardum carissimum Filium suum Primogenitum, cum five quando ad annos discrecionis pervenerit, Protectorem & Defensorem Regni & Ecclesie predictorum, ac principalem Consiliarium suum. Volens quod idem Filius suus, cum ad hujusmodi annos pervenerit, Protector & Defensor dictorum Regni & Ecclesie, ac principalis Consiliarius suus fit & nominetur, si ad tunc onus Protectoris & Defensoris predictorum super se assumere voluerit, in & juxta vim, formam & effectum cujusdam Acti in dicto Parliamento die dat' dictarum Literarum in eodem Parliamento habiti & concordati: prefatus Dominus Rex, considerans varios labores, quos tam prefatum Edwardum, quam prefatum Ducem, occasionibus premissis subire oportebit, & volens proinde personas suas Honoribus & Favoribus prosequi gr~osis; de avisamento & assensu predictis, voluit, concessit & ordinavit, quod tam prefatus Edwardus, quotiens & quando cum ad annos predictos onus predictum super se assumpserit & realiter exercuerit & occupaverit, quam prefatus Dux, quotiens & quando onus illud habuerit & exercuerit, vacantibus officiis Forestariorum, Parcariorum, ac Custodum Warennarum, infra Regnum Anglie & partes Wallie, ad donationem predicti Domini Regis ut ad Coronam suam pertinent', de eisdem officiis disponere possit sub forma subsequent'; videlicet, quod quandocumque aliquod officiorum predictorum vacare contigerit in futur', & donationi dicti Domini Regis spectans, tam dictus Edwardus, cum ad Annos predictos pervenerit, onus predictum super se adtunc assumens, quam dictus Dux, occupationis Protectionis & Defensionis hujusmodi onus habens & excercens, Personam idoneam ad idem officium nominare, & inde sub Signeto suo Custodi Privati sigilli dicti Domini Regis qui pro tempore fuerit significare possit; qui super hoc tenebitur Cancellario Anglie, vel Custodi magni Sigilli pro tempore existen', Literas sub privato Sigillo pro hujusmodi officio quamdiu Regi placuerit optinend' in forma debita conficere. Proviso semper, quod quelibet persona aliquod hujusmodi officium, ad nominationem alicujus Edwardi & Ducis predictorum, virtute Acti presentis per Literas Domini Regis Patentes optinens in futur', stet in officio illo pacifice, juxta effectum Literarum illarum, absque am~otione ejusdem, nisi per Dominum Regem, per avisamentum Dominorum Consilii sui, ex causa rationabili coram eis monstrat' & probata amoveatur de eodem. Item, idem Dominus Rex, ex avisamento, concensu & causa predictis, voluit, concessit & ordinavit, quod uterque Edwardi & Ducis predict', pro tempore quo onus Protectionis & Defensionis predictarum habuerit & excercuerit, ad quascumque Ecclesias parochiales ultra taxam Viginti Marcarum usque ad taxam Triginta Marcarum inclusive, ac etiam omnes Prebendas in Capellis Regiis ad donationem Domini Regis Jure Corone sue spectant', cum vacaverint, exceptis Decanatibus in eisdem Capellis Regiis, durante vigore literarum eis separaliter de Protectione & Defensione Regni predicti ut premittitur confect', idoneas personas nominare, & inde sub Signeto suo prefato Custodi privati Sigilli dicti Domini Regis significare possit; qui super hoc tenebitur Cancellario Anglie, vel Custodi magni Sigilli pro tempore existen', Literas sub privato Sigillo pro hujusmodi Ecclesiis & Prebendis optinend' in forma predicta conficere, una cum nominationibus in & de permutationibus & ratificationibus Ecclefiarum & Prebendar' predictarum; cetera autem Officia, Prebende & Beneficia, superius non specificata, ac Decanatus predict', ad Donationem sive presentationem Domini Regis spectantes sive spectantia, ad dispositionem predicti Domini Regis, de avisamento predicti Protectoris & Defensoris pro tempore existen', & ceterorum Dominorum de Consilio dicti Domini Regis, de tempore in tempus, cum vacaverint, sint, cedant & pertineant, exceptis Beneficiis ad dispositionem tam Cancellario Anglie ratione Officii sui, quam Thef' Anglie ratione officii sui spectantibus. Insuper cum ita sit quod idem Dux, in tenendo honorifice Statum suum, quem ampliare necesse erit confideratione & causa dicti nominis Protectoris & Defensoris cum ampliores Honores illo respectu sibi debeantur, qui secum onera trahunt, eritque concursus frequentior ad eundem tam Subditorum Regis quam extraneorum sua negotia prosequentium, Rex, de assensu & avisamento predictis, voluit, concessit & ordinavit, quod idem Dux, durantibus Protectione & Defensione predictis, habeat & percipiat annuatim pro vadiis suis, non quantum alii ante hec tempora habuerunt, sed solum Duo M. Marc', attenta exili conditione moderna, & hoc per viam regardi, habeatque de hoc securam solutionem aut competentem assignationem. Et si durante onere supradicto, casus exigat ut idem Dominus Dux laborem personalem subire oporteat, pro illo speciali labore itinerando aut equitando aliterve profisiscendo, pro regardo remunerationem seorsum habebit rationabilem & competentem. Proviso semper, quod presens Actus non extendat nec aliqualiter prejudicialis existat Margarete Regine Anglie, de aliqua concessione sibi per dictum Dominum Regem facta, neque alicui Actui Parliamenti pro ipsa facto."
"Rotul. Parl. 33 Hen. VI. Vol. v. p. 278.
A. D. 1455. 33 H. 6.
"Rotulus Parliamenti tenti apud Westm' Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum Tricesimo tertio."
"Ibidem, P. 284.
Commissio de procedend' in Parliamento.
30. "MEMORAND', quod duodecimo die Novembris, Anno regni dicti metuendissimi Domini Regis Tricesimo quarto, in quem diem prefatus Dominus Rex presens Parliamentum suum adjornavit & prorogavit; pro eo quod idem Dominus Rex, in dicto Parliamento propter certas justas & rationabiles causas in persona sua interesse non potuit, quasdam Literas Patentes sub magno Sigillo suo signatas, primo coram Dominiis Spiritualibus & Temporalibus, deinde coram Communibus in dicto Parliamento existen' legi mandavit, in hec verba:
"HENRICUS, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie & Francie, & Dominus Hibernie; Omnibus ad quos presentes Litere pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis, quod cum pro quibusdam arduis & urgentibus negotiis, Nos, statum & Defensionem Regni nostri Anglie, & Ecclesie Anglicane contingentibus, quoddam Parliamentum nostrum nuper apud Palatium nostrum Westm' teneri, & usque ad Duodecimum diem hujus instantis mensis Novembris ad idem Palatium nostrum adjornari & prorogari ordinaverimus: Quia vero dicto Parliamento nostro propter certas justas & rationabiles causas in persona nostra non poterimus interesse; Nos, de circumspectione & Industria carissimi Consanguinei nostri Ricardi Ducis Eborum plenam siduciam reportantes, eidem Consanguineo nostro ad Parliamentum predictum nomine nostro tenend', & in eodem procedend', & ad faciend' omnia & singula que pro Nobis & per Nos, pro bono Regimine & gubernatione Regni nostri predicti, & aliorum Dominiorum nostrorum eidem Regno nostro pertinen', ibidem fuerint faciend', necnon ad Parliamentum illud finiend' & dissolvend', de assensu Consilii nostri, plenam tenore presentium commisimus potestatem: Dantes ulterius, de assensu ejusdem Consilii nostri, tam universis & singulis Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Ducibus, Comitibus, Vicecomitibus, Baronibus & Militibus, cum omnibus aliis quorum interest, ad Parliamentum nostrum predictum conventur', similiter tenore presentium firmiter in mandatis, quod eidem Consanguineo nostro intendant in premistis in forma predicta. In cujus rei testimonium, has Literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipso apud Westm', Undecimo die Novembris, Anno Regni nostri Tricesimo quarto.
Per Breve de privato Sigillo & de data predicta, auctoritate Parliamenti."
Requesta facta per Communes pro Protectore habend'.
31. "MEMORAND', that the xiii day of the said moneth of November, it was shewed to the Duke of York, the Kynges Lieutenaunt in this present Parlement, and to the Lordes Spirituell and Temporell, by the mouthe of Burley, accompanyed with notable nombre of the Co~es, in name of all the Communes. That howe it had liked the Kynges Highnesse for certain causes hym moevyng, to assigne the said Duk of York to be his Lieutenaunt in this present Parlement, and to procede in matiers of Parliament, as in the Kynges Letters theruppon made and late radde before the said Communes it is plainly conteyned, and that the said Duke of York had taken uppon him so to procede. Wherfore it was thought by theym that were commen for the Communes of this Lande, that if for suche causes the Kyng heraftre might not entende to the Protection and Defence of this lande, that it shuld like the Kyng by th'advis of his said Lieutenaunt and the Lordes, to ordeigne and purvey suche an hable persone, as shuld mowe entende to the defence and protection of the said Londe, and this to be doon as sone as it myght be, and they to have knowelege therof, to that entent that they myght send to theym for whom they were commen to this present Parlement knowelege, who shuld be Protectour and Defensour of this lande, and to whom they shuld mowe have recours to sue for remedie of injuries and wronges done to theym. And also where ther ben grete and grevous riotes doon in the Weste Countrey, between th'erle of Devonshire, and Lord Bonevile, by the whiche som Men have be Murdred, some robbed, and Children and Wymen taken: It is thought that if suche Protectour and Defensour were had, that suche Riotes and Injuries shuld be souner punysshed, Justice largely ministred, and the Lawe more duely to procede: Wherfore it myght lyke the said Lieutenaunte and all the Lordes, to be goode meanes unto the Kynges Highnesse, that suche a person myght be purveyed fore and had. And theruppon it was answered by the Archebisshop of Caunterbury, Chaunceler of England, that the said Lieutenaunt and all the Lordes, wolde comon and delibre uppon theire desire, and they shuld have suche aunswere as shuld be pleasyng to God, and profitte to the Land."
De eodem.
32. "ITEM, the Saturday the xv day of the said Moneth of Novembr', the said Burley, accompanied in grete nombre of the Communes, in name of all theire felawes, come before the said Lieutenaunt and all the Lordes in this present Parlement, openyng before theym; that howe uppon Thursday last past, it was desired by theym that were comen for the Communes of this Lande, that for asmoche as it liked the Kynges Highnesse for certeyn causes moevyng hym, and that he myght not personelly entende to procede in matiers of Parlement, to assigne the Duc of York to be his Lieutenaunt in this his high Court of Parliament, to procede in suche matiers, as in the Kynges Letters Patentes theruppon made, radde and declared before the said Communes of this Lande, is plainly conteyned. That it myght lyke their goode Lordshippes, to be good meanes to the Kyngs Highnesse, that if he for suche Causes myght not personelly herafter entende to the defense of this Lande, to ordeyn and provide an hable persone to be Protectour and Defensour of this Lande. It is yit thought to theym that be come to this high Court of Parlement for the Co~es of this Lande, that where there be mony grete and grevous riottes done in the West Countrey, where som Men ben robbed and som slayn, and mony grevously hurte and injuried, if the Kyng shuld be vexed and troubled with suche matiers, and that his poeple should have recours to his Highnesse to complayne, and sue to hym for their grevaunces, materes and suetes, it shuld be overe grevous and tedious to his Highnesse, and that there must be a persone to whom the people of this Lande may have recours to sue to for remedy of their Injuries; for these Causes, they that be comen for the Communes of this Lande to this High Court of Parliament, required the said Lieutenaunt and all the Lordes, that it myght like theire goode Lordshippes to be good meanes to the Kyngs Highnesse, that suche persone myght be ordeigned and purveide, that shuld mowe entend to the protection and defence of this Lande, and that they myght have knowelege of hym, his power and auctorite, the whiche shuld be to theym ryght grete comfort and consolation. Wheruppon it was answerred by th' assent of the seid Lieutenaunt and Lordes, by the mouthe of the seid Chaunceler, that the said Lieutenaunt and all the Lordes woold comon uppon their desire, trustyng to God they shuld have therof good and comfortable aunswere."
Electio Protectoris.
33. "ITEM, this same day, aftre the voidyng of the said Burley and of theym accompanyed with hym out of the Parlement Chambre, this question was axed by the said Chaunceler of the Lordes; seyng, my Lordes, for asmoche as the Communes have made twies theire desire and request, and that it is understoud that they woll not further procede in matiers of Parliament to the tyme that they have answere of theire desire and requeste, what is thought to your wisdomes that shuld be done in this behalfe? To the whiche question it was aunswered by all the Lordes: That for the causes above meoved by the said Communes, it were right expedient and behovefull, that suche a Protectour and Defensour shuld be had as the said Communes desired. And than the said Chaunceler seide to all the Lordes: sith it is expedient and behovefull that suche Protector and Defensor shuld be had, asked who that persone shuld be, and that it shuld lyke them to name hym. And there it was aggreed by all the Lordes Spirituelx and Temporelx, every Lorde severally yevyng his voice and assent, considered the grete noblenesse, sadnesse and wysdome of the Duc of York, the sad governaunce and polletique rule had in this Lande, the tyme that he was last Protectour and Defensour of the Land, that he shuld nowe take the charge uppon hym ayen, aftre semblable presidences as he had it before: to the whiche the said Duc of York aunswered, praiying and desiryng all the Lordes that forasmoche as he knewe well that he was no persone hable neithir in wisdome ne in governaunce to take so grete and chargefull occupation uppon hym, to name and take anothir persone more able to so grete charge than he was, and be fully therof to be discharged: The whiche desire the Lordes in no wyse wold admitte. And than the said Duc of York seyde that if so were that he shuld nedes take that occupation uppon hym, but onely for the grete Trust that he had in the Lordes, that he wuld have of theym in that behalfe supportation, good assistence, counseill and aide, and also certeyn protestations, and that he myght theruppon be advised."
Requesta renovat' p' Communes p' Protectore habend'.
34. "ITEM, the Monday, the xvii Day of the said moneth of Novembre, it was shewed to the said Lieutenaunt and all the Lordes, by the mouth of Burley, accompanied in notable nombre of the Communes, in the name of all their felawes, that howe the seid Communes had dyvers times made requestes to theire good Lordships, that they shuld be good meanes to the Kynges Highnesse, that their myght be chosyn and made a Protectour and Defensour of this Land, of the whiche requestes as yit they have none aunswere. And where as it is yit thought by theym that be come to this high Courte of Parliament for the Communes of this Land; for asmoche as this day they have knowlege and understondyng by suche persones whiche the saide Lordes sent to theym, that ther be grete and grevous riotes done in the West Contrey at the Cite of Excestre, by th'erle of Devonshire, accompanied with mony riotouse persones, as it is seide with VIII c. horsmen, and IIII M. fotemen, and there have robbed the Churche of Excestre, and take the Chanons of the same Churche and put theym to ffynaunce, and also take the Gentilmen in that Contrey, and don and commytted mony othir grete and heynous inconveniences; that in abbriggeyng of suche riottes and inconveniences, suche a Protectour and Defensour must be had, and that they myght have knowelege of hym, his power and auctorite; and that he in abriggyng of suche riottes and offenses, shuld ryde and labour into that Cuntrey, for but if the said riottes and inconveniences were resisted, it shulde be the cause of the losse of that londe, and if that lond were lost, it myght be the cause of the subversion of all this Lande; wherefore they that be come for the Com~unes of this lande, desired the said Lieutenaunt and Lordes, for asmoche as the holy Ffest of Cristemas approchith so nygh, that rathir than the lond shuld be loste, it myght like the said Lieutenaunt and all the Lordes, this present Parliament to proroge, adjorne or dissolve, to that entente that these said riottes and inconveniences myght be resisted."
Assensus Regis.
35. "ITEM, this same day, the said Chaunceler, by th'assent of the said Lieutenaunt and all the Lordes, shewed and declared unto the Communes beyng in in theire house accustumed: That where as the said Communes had made dyvers desires and requestes to the said Lordes, to be good meanes to the Kyng our Soverain Lord, that for causes meoved by theym, ther myght be had a Protectour and Defensour of this Land. The Kyng our said Soveraigne Lord, by th'advis and assent of his Lordes Spirituell and Temporell beyng in this present Parliament, had named and desired the Duc of York to be Protectour and Defensour of this Land; the said Lordes trustyng verily that he wuld take it uppon hym. And that as for the subduyng and resistence of the grete riottes and inconveniences that were done and committed, as it is seid in the West Cuntrey, the said Lieutenaunt and all the Lordes, have be and wull be, as diligent, as desirous, and as coragious for the subduyng and resistence therof, as they can or may be, and thonked the Communes of theire grete dilligences and desires made by theym in that behalfe. And as for the adjornyng, prorogyng or dissolvyng of this Parliament, the said Lieutenaunt, by th'advis of all the Lordes, wull procede theryn as the case shall require, and be most behovefull and expedient.
"ITEM, pro eo quod dicto Quintodecimo die dicti mensis Novembris, prefati Domini Spirituales & Temporales in dicto Parliamento existen', prout superius recitatur, elegerunt & nominarunt Ricardum Ducem Eborum, fore Protectorem & Defensorem Regni Anglie, juxta precedentia ultimo inde habita; prefatus Dux, Decimo septimo die ejusdem mensis Novembris tunc prox' sequen', in dicto Parliamento deliberavit certos Articulos quos audiri & intelligi ac postmodum inactari affectabat. Quorum tenores, cum suis responsionibus, hic inferius annotantur."
Protestatio Ducis Eborum. (m. 21.)
36. "THOGH al I am not suffisant of myself of wisdome, connyng, Power ner Habilite, to take uppon me the name of Protectour and Defensour of this Land, ner the charge and burdon thereto apperteinyng, wherunto it hath lyked you my Lordes to calle, name and desire me. Under protestation, if I shall applie me to the perfourmyng of your said desire, and at your Instaunce take uppon me with your supportation and aide, the said name, charge and burdon: I desire and pray you to graunte unto me, and to ennacte in this present Parliament by auctorite thereof, the thynges folowyng:
I. "FIRST, where that aftre requeste made unto you by the Commons beyng in this present Parliament, to be moyen unto the Kynges Highnesse to ordeyne and name a persone to be Protectour and Defensour of this Lande: It lyked you of your self, and of your free and mere disposition, to desire, name and calle me to the said name and charge; and that of eny presumption of my self I ne take theym upon me, but only of th'obeisaunce that y awe to do to the Kyng our most dradde Soverain Lord, and to you as the Parage of this Lande, the Lordes Spirituelx and Temporelx beyng in this present Parliament, takyng uppon you th'excercise of his auctorite, for suche urgent, necessary and resonable causes, as move you so to take uppon you, for the good and hounarr of his Highnesse, the politique and restfull rule and governance of this his Lande, and th'observation and entreteygnyng of his lawes and peas, wheryn restith the joy, consolation and suretie of you, and all his Liege people, and of my self specially, which with Goddes Grace entende not to take, ner not wull presume to take uppon myself to procede to th'execution or determination of eny thyng, touchyng or concernyng th'estate, honoure or dignite of our said Soverain Lord, either els the seid politique rule and governance, without your advis and assent in the Parlement, eithir els th'advis and assent of thaym that it shall please the Kynges Highnesse to name of his prive Counseill; to whoos advis, conseill and assent, I wull obey and applie myself, as y knowe it accordeth to my duete to do."
"It is agreed."
Responsio.
II. "ALSO that suche auctorite and power, and also suche fredame and libertee, as shall belong and be annexed unto the saide name and charge, and also howe ferre and howe amplie they shall stretche and extende, be ordenned, stablisshed and enacted in this said present Parlement, and by auctorite thereof."
Responsic.
"It is agreed, that the said Duc shall have like fredame and libertee, as he had before what tyme he was Protectour and Defensour of this lande, if he will so agree and contente hymself."
III. "ALSO that it lyke you lovyngly, diligently, duely and effectuelly, to assiste me of your herty favours, tendre zele and sadde advises, and of your persones and power, as the case shall require, to the execution and expedition of that that may be to the honeure, prosperite and welfare of th'estate and Mageste of our said Soverain Lorde, to the rest, tranquillite, pollitique reule and governaunce of this Lande, and th'observation of his Lawes and peas, wheryn I shall emploie my persone with you to the uttermust perell and jopardie therof, whansoever it shall nede that so y shall do."
"It is agreed."
Responsio.
IV. "ALSO for somoche as heretofore certein Lordes Spirituelx and Temporelx, and othir persones, have be named of the said Conseil, wherof some have not yeven so diligent attendance therunto as it had neded that they shuld have done, whereby diverses matiers belongyng to th'Honour, wele and prosperite of our said Soverain Lord, and the said pollitique and restful rule, have be slowthed and throwen into grete and to jopardouse omission, not executed. It like you to ordeigne, appointe, name and stablishe in the said Parlement, and by auctorite therof, a suffisaunt and convenient nombre of Lordes Spirituelx and Temporelx to be of the said Counsaill, not of favour ner affection, but suche as be approved of vertuouse and rightwesse disposition, of raison, wisdame and indifferencie, and as wull applie theym to the tendirnesse and good zele of the honour and proufit of our said Soverain Lord, and the good publique of his said lande and people; thrawyng therfore out of theire myndes and remembraunces the favour and affection of all othir thynges, and the drede nyghnesse of eny othir persone erthely."
Responsio.
"It is agreed."
v. "AND for somoche as it accordith not with reason, that eny Lord yif suche attendance ner bear the charge therto required, without that that his Pension or Annuite therfore assigned hym be to hym duely paide accordyng to his attendance, and the contynuance therof. It like you to ordeigne and establisshe in the said Parlement, and by auctorite therof, suffisant aggreable and undelaied paiement to be made unto the said Lordes, to be named of the said Conseill, wherthorugh they mowe be couraged to attende therunto accordyng to theire duete without absence, onlesse than they be licenced by the said Conseill, or that they by eny resonable or lefull cause eny of theym be dreven to absente hym, ye whiche cause he so absentyng him shall certisie in writyng truely, without colour, feyntice or dissimulation, by the feithe he awe to God and to his Ligeaunce."
Responsio.
"It is agreed."
vi. "ALSO that in the said Parliament, and by auctorite therof, a suffisant and a competent somme of Money, by way of annuite, be appointed, ordened and graunted unto me, to susteigne, maynteigne and supporte the said name and charge, for th'onour of our said Soverain Lorde and this his Lande, and for th'execution of that that must of necessite belonge to the same name and charge, the lyklyhode of the costes and expenses that be therunto required, in your grete wisdames and discretions weyed and considered, over my costes and expenses that y shall bere and susteigne in eny parties of this Lande, for the conservation of the pease, and subducion of theym that entende to the breche therof."
vii. "ALSO for somoche as of myn annuitee of MM. Marcs to me graunted in the last Parlement, with the name and charge of Protectour and Defensour of this lande &c. I am as yit unpaide, and also unrewarded for the grete and outrageouse costes and expenses not unknowen unto your wurthynesses, which in divers parties of this Land I bare, in execution of the said charge, by your advis and assent. It like you to ordeigne and commande sussisant and agreable paiement of my saide annuite, and also to assesse by your discretions, suche competent and convenient reward, as can be thought to your wisdames convenable for my said charges in ridyng by your said advises."
Responsio.
"As to the said last 11 Articles they ben agreed, so that weyes and meanes may be founde and hadde howe he may be paied. And for asmoche as certeyn of the seid Articles contenen in theym self a generalte, the specialte not understoud: It is agreed by all the Lordes, that the Archebisshop of Yorke, the Bisshops of Rochestre, Norwiche, and Ely, the Duc of Buk', the Erle of Warrewyk, the Viscount Bourghchier, and the Lord Stourton, shuld have a communication with the said Duc of York, to have knowelege of his entente, and of the specialte of theym."
Protector's Supend.
37. "ITEM, the xviii day of the said moneth of Novembr', the said Chaunceler rehersed to all the Lordes, That whereas Th'archebisshop of York, the Duc of Buk', the Bisshops of Rochestre, Norwiche, and Ely, th'erle of Warrewyk, the Viscounte Bourghchier, and the Lord Stourton, were uppon Monday last past assigned by the said Lordes to have communication with the said Duc of York, upon a generalte conteyned in certeyn articles made by hym, in his protestations concernyng the takyng uppon hym of the name and charge of Protectour and Defensour of this Realme. The said Archebisshop of York, Duc of Buk', Bisshops of Rochestre, Norwiche, and Ely, th'erle of Warrewyk, the Viscount Bourghchier, and Lord Stourton, have had communication with the seid Duc of York; and as touchyng the Declaration of his entente in his seid protestations, they declaron that he is agreed and contente to have such power; fredame and libertees, as he had last, his said power to endure at the Kynges pleasir; his said pleasir to be declared by th'advis of the Lordes Spirituelx and Temporelx. And as for his annuite, he is content to have III M. Marcs, beside rewardes for suche labour and charges as he shall bere in rydyng and othirwise. And as for his rewardes of such charges as he bare whan he was last Protectour, he is content to have m. Marcs. And as for his annuite of mm. Marcs for the tyme that he was Protectour last, he is content to have aftre the rate for the tyme that he occupied, and to have ther of a sufficiaunt assignement by auctorite of Parliament. And also he desireth to have a m. Marcs in hand. Whereuppon the said protestations were radde agayn before the sayd Lordes. And as to the first Article; it is agreed as above. And as to the second; it is aggreed, that the said Duc of York have suche power, liberte and fredame as he had before. And where as in his last power were these wordes, Quamdiu Nobis placuerit; shuld nowe be in his power these wordes, Quosque idem Consanguineus noster, de occupatione sive onere & nomine hujusmodi, per Nos in Parliamento, de avisamento & assensu Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium in Parliamento existen', exoneretur. And as to the IIIe, IIIIe, and ve Articles; It is answered as above. And as to the VIe and VIIe Articles; they ben agreed as the said Duc is content, and in suche fourme as is above rehersed by the said Chaunceler, so the weyes and groundes may be founde and hadde for paiement and contentation in that behalfe."
The Duke of York accepts the Protectorship.
38. "AFTRE aggrement of whiche Articles of Protestations, all the Lords then beyng present in Parlement both Spirituelx and Temporelx: For as moche as it was uppon Monday last passed declared by the said Chaunceler, to the Communes that be come to this present Parlement, that howe at theire request and desire; the Kyng, by th'advis of the seid Lordes, had named the seid Duc of York to be Protectour and Defensour of this lande, trustyng veraly that he wull take it uppon hym; and that this day, certeyn of the Commens in the name of all theire Felawes, were with the seid Chaunceler aparte, desiryng among othir thynges to have knowelege, whether the seid Duc of York wuld take uppon hym the name and charge of Protectour and Defensour of this Lande or noo; and if he wuld, that then they myght have knowelege of his auctorite and power: desired and praied the seid Duc of York, that it shuld like his good Lordship, to take uppon hym the name and charge of Protectour and Defensour of this Lande. And theruppon the said Duc of York saide to all the Lordes; that howe be it that it liked theire good Lordshippes, to desire and name hym to that name and charge, he shuld not take that name and charge uppon hym of presumption of hymself, but onely of the obeissaunce that he oweth to the Kyng our Soverain Lord, and to the Lordes as th'apparage of this Lande; and he to perfourme theire desires, under theire supportation and aide, wuld take, and toke uppon hym, the name and charge of Protectour of this Lande, under such protestations as he had made and were aggreed by the seid Lordes."
Pro Protectore. (m 20.)
39. "MEMORAND', quod cum Communitas metuendissimi Domini Nostri Regis Anglie, in presenti Parliamento existens, eidem Domino nostro Regi sepius humillime supplicaverit & instanter persuaserit, ob reprimend' Insolentias, Rebelliones, Murdra & Riotas, que indies diversis ejusdem Regni partibus attemptantur & committuntur, & ob bonum publicum tuitionemque ejusdem Regni, ac pacis sue, necnon tranquillitatis Subditorum suorum conservationem, sua Serenitas inclinari & consentire vellet personam aliquam potentem & idoneam, Protectorem & Defensorem Regni sui predicti constituere & ordinare; cujus Sapientia & Industria, potentia & juvamine, regni ne gotia melius, tutius & felicius dirigi & expediri valeant: idem Dominus noster Rex, contemplans petitionem Communitatis predicte, infirmitateque qua Altissimo Salvatori nostro personam suam visitare placuit impedimentum prestante, quo minus ad actualem executionem Protectionis & Defensionis Regni sui Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane intendere posset, & si plurimis Celsitudo sua vexaretur negotiis celeri sanitati sue recuperande obstaculum foret considerat', ad instantiamq; Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium in eodem Parliamento existen', Decimo nono die Novembris, Anno regni sui tricesimo quarto, de Industria & circumspectione carissimi Consanguinei sui Ricardi Ducis Eborum plenarie confidens, de avisamento & assensu Dominorum tam Spiritualium quam Temporalium in Parliamento predicto existen', necnon de assensu Communitatis predicte in eodem Parliamento existen', ordinavit & constituit dictum Consanguineum suum, Regni sui & Ecclesie Anglicane predictorum Protectorem & Defensorem, ac Consiliarium ipsius Domini Regis principalem; & quod ipse Dux, ejusdem regni Protector & Defensor, ac ipsius Domini Regis principalis Consiliarius sit & nominetur; quousque idem Consanguineus ipsius Domini Regis, de occupatione sive onere & nomine hujusmodi, per prefatum Dominum Regem in Parliamento, de avisamento & assensu Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium in Parliamento existen', exoneretur. Auctoritate tamen dicti Ducis, quoad excercitium & occupationem oneris Protectoris & Defensoris predict' om~ino cessante, cum sive quando Edwardum dicti Domini Regis Filium Primogenitum contigerit ad Annos discretionis pervenire, si idem Edwardus onus Protectoris & Defensoris predict' super se adtunc assumere voluerit. Et quod super hoc litere Domini Regis patentes fierent, sub forma subsequenti.
"HENRICUS, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie & Ffrancie, & Dominus Hibernie; Omnibus ad quos presentes Litere pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis, quod cum Communitas Regni nostri Anglie, in presenti Parliamento nostro existens, Nobis sepius humilime supplicaverit & instanter persuaserit, ob reprimandas Insolentias, Rebelliones, Murdra & Riotas, que indies diversis ejusdem Regni partibus attemptantur & committuntur, & ob bonum publicum tuitionemque ejusdem Regni, ac pacis nostre, necnon tranquillitatis Subditorum nostrorum conservationem, inclinari & consentire velimus personam aliquam potentem & idoneam, Protectorem & Defensorem Regni nostri predicti constituere & ordinare; cujus Sapientia & Industria, Potentia & Juvamine, Regni negotia melius, tutius & felicius dirigi & expediri valeant. Nos, petitionem Communitatis predicte contemplantes, Infirmitateque qua Altissimi Salvatori nostro personam nostram visitare placuit impedimentum prestante, quo minus ad actualem executionem Protectionis & Defensionis Regni nostri predicti & Ecclesie Anglicane intendere possimus, & si plurimis vexaremur negotiis celeri sanitati recuperande obstaculum foret considerat', de circumspectione & Industria carissimi Consanguinei nostri Ricardi Ducis Eborum plenam fiduciam reportantes, de avisamento & assensu tam Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium, quam de assensu Communitatis Regni nostri Anglie, in instanti Parliamento nostro existen', ordinavimus & constituimus ipsum Consanguineum nostrum, dicti Regni nostri Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane Protectorem & Defensorem, ac Consiliarum nostrum principalem; & quod ipse, ejusdem Regni nostri Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane predict' Protector & Defensor, ac principalis Consiliarius noster sit & nominetur; quousque idem Consanguineus noster, de occupatione sive onere & nomine hujusmodi, per Nos in Parliamento, de avisamento & assensu Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium in Parliamento existen', exoneretur, in & juxta vim, formam & effectum cujusdam Acti in dicto instanti Parliamento die dat' presentium habiti & concordati. Auctoritate tamen dicti Ducis, quod exercitium & occupationem oneris Protectoris & Defensoris predict' om~ino cessante, cum sive quando Edwardus Filius noster primogenitus ad annos discretionis pervenerit; presentibus Literis nostris patentibus, necnon vigore & effectu earundum extunc minime valitur', si dictus Edwardus, cum ad hujusmodi annos pervenerit, onus Protectoris & Defensoris predict' super se assumere voluerit. Damus autem universis & singulis Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Ducibus, Comitibus, Vicecomitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, & omnibus aliis Fidelibus & Subditis nostris dicti Regni nostri Anglie quorum interest tenore presentium firmiter in mandatis, quod presato Consanguineo nostro Duci Eborum, quotiens & quamdiu Protectionem & Defensionem hujusmodi sic habuerit & occupaverit, in premissis faciend' pareant, obediant & intendant prout decet. In cujus rei testimonium, has Literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipso apud Westm', Decimo nono die Novembris, Anno regni nostri Tricesimo quarto."
"QUIBUS omnibus actis, lectis & recitatis, acceptis & approbatis, auctoritate supradicta, idem Dux Eborum, habita prius matura deliberatione, onus & excercitium nominationis & occupationis hujusmodi, ad Dei omnipotentis honorem, laudem & gloriam, Regis & Regni predictorum commodum & utilitatem, necnon Dominorum predictorum complacentiam, & predicte Communitatis rei publiceque dicti Regni augmentum, in se quantum ad ipsum pertinuit assumere se velle dixit, & assumpsit tunc ibidem, juxta formam Acti, Potestatis & Concessionum predict'. Et ulterius, idem Dominus Rex, de avisamento & assensu predictis, ordinavit & constituit, quod Edwardus Filius suus primogenitus, cum sive quando ad annos discretionis pervenerit, Regni Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane Protector & Defensor, ac principalis Consiliarius ipsius Domini Regis sit & nominetur, quamdiu eidem Domino Regi placuerit, si idem Edwardus, cum ad hujusmodi annos pervenerit, onus Protectoris & Defensoris predict' super se assumere voluerit. Et super hoc Litere Domini Regis Patentes fierent sub forma subsequenti:
"HENRICUS, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie & Ffrancie, & Dominus Hibernie; Omnibus ad quos presentes Litere pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis, quod cum Communitas Regni nostri Anglie, in presenti Parliamento nostro existens, Nobis sepius humilime supplicaverit & instanter persuaserit, ob reprimendas Insolentias, Rebelliones, Murdra & Riotas, que indies diversis ejusdem Regni partibus attemptantur & committuntur, & ob bonum publicum tuitionemque ejusdem Regni, ac pacis nostre, necnon tranquillitatis Subditorum nostrorum Conservationem, inclinari & consentire velimus personam aliquam potentem & idoneam, Protectorem & Defensorem Regni nostri predicti constituere & ordinare; cujus sapientia & industria, potentia & juvamine, regni negotia melius, tutius & felicius dirigi & expediri valeant. Nos, petitionem Communitatis predicte contemplantes, Infirmitateque qua Altissimo Salvatori nostro personam nostram visitare placuit impedimentum prestante, quo minus ad actualem executionem Protectionis & Defensionis Regni nostri Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane intendere possimus, & fi plurimis vexaremur negotiis celeri sanitati recuperande obstaculum foret considerat', de circumspectione & Industria Edwardi carissimi Filii nostri primogeniti plenam fiduciam naturalem reportantes, de avisamento & assensu tam Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium, quam de assensu Communitatis Regni nostri Anglie, in instanti Parliamento nostro existen', ordinavimus & constituimus, quod prefatus Edwardus, cum sive quando ad annos discretionis pervenerit, regni nostri Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane Protector & Defensor, ac principalis Consiliarius noster sit & nominetur; quousque idem Filius noster, de occupatione sive onere & nomine hujusmodi per Nos in Parliamento, de avisamento & assensu Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium in Parliamento existen', exoneretur; si idem Filius noster, cum ad hujusmodi annos pervenerit, onus Protectoris & Defensoris predict' super se assumere voluerit, in & juxta vim, formam & effectum cujusdam Acti in dicto Parliamento die dat' presentium habiti & concordati. Damus autem universis & singulis Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Ducibus, Comitibus, Vicecomitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, & omnibus aliis Fidelibus & Subditis nostris dicti Regni nostri Anglie, quorum interest, tenore presentium firmiter in mandatis, quod prefato Edwardo Filio nostro primogenito, cum ad predictos annos pervenerit, quotiens & quamdiu Protectionem & Defensionem hujusmodi sic habuerit & occupaverit, in premissis faciend' pareant, obediant & intendant prout decet. In cujus rei Testimonium, has Literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipso apud Westm', Decimo nono die Novembris, Anno Regni nostri Tricesimo quarto."
"34 H. VI. Vol. v. p. 453. Appendix.
No 41. De Protectore constituto.
"REX, Omnibus ad quos, &c. Salt~m. Sciatis qd~ cum Comunitatis Regni Nr~i Anglie in p~senti Parliamento Nr~o existens, Nobis sepius humillime supplicav~it & instanter p~suaserit, ob reprimandas Insolencias, Rebelliones, Murdra & Riotas, que indies diversis ejusdem Regni partibus attemptantur & committuntur, & ob bonum publicum, tuitionemq; ejusdem Regni ac pacis Nr~e, necnon tranquillitatis Subditorum nostror' conservac~oem, inclinare & consentire velimus, p~sonam aliquam potentem & idoneam, Protectorem & Defensorem Regni Nr~i p~dc~i constituere & ordinare; cujus sapientia & industria potencia & juvamine, Regni negocia melius, tutius & felicius dirigi & expediri valeant. Nos, Petic~o~em Comunitatis predc~e contemplantes, infirmitateq; qua altissimo Salvatori Nr~o p~sonam Nr~am visitare placuit impedimentum prestante, quo minus ad actualem execuc~o~em Protectionis & Defensionis Regni Nr~i predc~i & Eccl~ie Anglicane intendere possimus; & si plurimus vexaremur negociis, celeri sanitati recup~ande obstaculum foret considerata. De circumspectione & industria carissimi Consanguinei Nr~i Ric~i Ducis Ebor' plenam fiduciam reportantes, de avisamento & assensu tam Dominor' Sp~ualium & Temporalium, quam de assensu Comunitatis Regni Nr~i Anglie, in Parliamento Nr~o existencium, Ordinavimus & Constituimus ipsum Consanguineum Nr~m, dc~i Regni Nr~i Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane predict' Protectorem & Defensorem, ac Consiliarium Nr~m Principalem. Et qd~ ipse ejusdem Regni Nr~i Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane predc~e Protector and Defensor, ac Principalis Consiliarius noster, sit & nominetur, quousq; idem Consanguineus noster, de occupatione five onere & nomine hujusmodi per Nos in Parliamento, de avisamento & assensu Dominor' Sp~ualium & Temporalium in Parliamento existencium, exoneretur, in & juxta vim, formam & effectum cujusdam Acti, in dc~o instanti Parliamento, die date p~sencium habiti & concordati. Auctoritate tamen dc~i Ducis quoad Excercitium & Occupationem oneris Protectoris & Defensoris predictor' omnino cessante, cum sive quando Edwardus filius noster primogenitus, ad Annos discretionis pervenerit. Presentibus Lr~is Nr~is Patentibus, necnon vigore & effectu earumdem, extunc minime valituris, si dc~us Edwardus, cum ad hujusmodi Annos p~venerit, onus Protectoris & Defensoris predictor' sup~ se assumere voluerit. Damus autem universis & singulis Archiep~is, Ep~is, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Ducibus, Comitibus, Vicecomitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, & omnibus aliis Fidelibus & Subditis Nr~is dc~i Regni Nr~i Anglie, quorum interest, tenore presencium firmiter in mandatis qd~ prefato Consanguineo Nr~o Duci Eborum, quociens & quamdiu Protectionem & Defensionem hujusmodi sic habuerit & occupaverit, in p~missis faciend' pareant, obediant & intendant, prout decet. In cujus &c. T. R. apud Westm', decimo nono die Novembris.
"Per ipsum Regem, Auctoritate Parliamenti."
No. 42. Potestas Protector' Parliam' tenend'.
"DECIMO die Novembris, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti tricesimo quarto, apud Westm', in Camera Stellata. Rex de avisamento Consilii sui, & Dominor' Sp~ualium & Temporalium, ex eo qd~ ob certas causas in propria persona sua, duodecimo Die hujus Mensis, quo die Parliamentum suum apud Westm' teneri debet, quibusdam certis de causis intereffe non poterit: Voluit & ordinavit, qd~ sub Magno Sigillo suo fieret Com~issio carissimo Consanguineo suo Ric~o Duci Ebor', s~cd~m tenorem subscriptum.
"Rex Omnib' ad quos, &c. Sat~t~m. Sciatis, qd~ cum p~ quibusdam arduis & urgentib' nègociis, Nos, statum & defensionem Regni Nr~i Anglie ac Eccl~ie Anglicane contingentib', quoddam Parliamentum nr~m nup~ apud Palacium nr~m Westm' teneri & usq[ue] ad duodecimum Diem hujus instantis Mensis Novembris ad idem Palacium nr~m adjornari & prorogari ordinamus; quia vero dc~o Parliamento Nr~o, propter certas justas & rationabiles causas, in persona Nr~a non poterimus interesse. Nos, de circumspecc~o~e & Industria carissimi Consanguinei Nr~i Ric~i Duc' Ebor' plenam fiduciam reportantes, eidem consanguineo Nr~o, ad Parliamentum predc~m nomine Nr~o tenend', & in eodem procedend', & ad faciend' omnia & singula que pro Nobis & per Nos pro bono Regimine & Gubernatione Regni Nr~i predc~i, ac alior' Dominior' nostror' eidem Regno Nr~o pertinen', ibidem fuerint faciend', necnon ad Parliamentum illud finiend' & dissolvend' de assensu Concilii Nr~i, plenam tenore presencium committimus potestatem. Dantes ulterius, de assensu ejusdem Consilii Nr~i, tum universis & singulis Archiep~is, Ep~is, Abb~ib', Priorib', Ducib', Comitib', Vicecomitib', Baronib' & Militib', cum omnib' aliis quor' interest, ad Parliamentum nr~m predc~m conventur', similiter tenore presencium firmiter in mandat' qd~ eidem Consanguineo Nr~o intendant in premissis in forma predc~a. In cujus &c. Teste &c.
T. Cant'.
W. Ebor'.
T. London.
W. Wynton.
J. Lincoln.
W. Elien'.
W. Norwicen'.
J. Wygorn'.
J. Anscopp.
J. Coventr'.
J. Oxenford.
R. Dunelmen'.
J. Hereforden'.
Reginaldus Ep~us
Cicestren',
H. Buckingham.
R. Warrewyk.
J. Worcestre.
R. Salisbury.
Bourgchier.
Arundell.
W. Fauconberge.
W. Scrop.
Grey.
Rychemont.
Fitzwaryn.
Stourton.
Georgius Abbas Sc~i
Aug'.
Abbas Glouc'.
W. Abbas Colc'.
Abbas de Hyde.
Will~s Abbas Wynchecombe.
Joh' Abbas Thorney.
Will' Abbas Cirencestr'.
Joh~es Abbas Sc~i Ed~i.
Will' Abb' Abendon'.
R. Sc~i Joh~is.
Joh' Abbas Radynge.
R. Abbas de Bello.
No 43. Pro Parliament' adjornand'.
"REX, Omnib' ad quos presentes Lr~e pervenerint, Sat~t~m. Sciatis, qd~ cum Nos, undecimo die Novembr' ultimo preterito, de assensu Consilii Nr~i, p~ eo qd~ Nos Parliamento Nr~o, quod nono Die Julii ultimo preterito apud Palacium Nr~m Westm' tenuimus, & tricesimo primo Die Julii tunc p~x' sequen', usq[ue] ad duodecimum Diem Novembr' ultimo preteritum ad Palacium Nr~m predc~m prorogamus & adjornamus, ob certas justas & r~onabiles causas in persona Nr~a interesse non possimus; de circumspectione & industria Carissimi Consanguinei Nr~i Ric~i Ducis Ebor' plenam fiducium reportantes, eidem consanguineo Nr~o, ad Parliamentum predc~m nomine Nr~o tenend', & in eodem procedend', & ad faciend' omnia & singula que pro Nob' & per Nos p~ bono regimine & gubernac~o~e Regni Nr~i Angl' & alior' Dominior' nostror' eidem Regno Nr~o pertinen', ibidem forent faciend', necnon ad Parliamentum illud finiend' & dissolvend', plenam com~iserimus potestatem, prout in Lr~is Nr~is Patentib' inde confectis plenius continetur. Nos jam ob certas varias & notabiles causas Nos & dc~m Consilium Nr~m specialiter moventes, de avisamento & assensu ejusdem Consilii Nr~i, damus & com[m]ittimus prefato Consanguineo Nr~o, plenam potestatem & auctoritatem, ad Parliamentum p~dc~m, pro Nob' & nomine Nro, tercio decimo Die instantis Mensis Decembr', usq ad quartum decimum Diem Januarii p~x' futur', & ad de~m Palacium Nr~m Westm' prorogand' & adjornand', ac Parliamentum illud ad Diem illum & extunc tenend', ac in eodem procedend', & ad faciend' omnia & singula que p~ Nob' & p~ Nos p~ bono regimine & gubernac~o~e Regni Nr~i predc~i & alior' Dominior' nostror', eidem Regno Nr~o pertinen', ibidem fuerint faciend', necnon ad Parliamentum illud finiend' & dissolvend', Dantes ulterius, de assensu ejusdem Consilii Nr~i, tam universis & singulis Archiep~is, Ep~is, Abbatib', Priorib', Ducib', Comitib', Vicecomitib', Baronib', & Militib', q~m omnib' aliis quor' interest, ad Parliamentum Nr~m predc~m conventur', tenore presencium firmit' in mandatis, qd~ eidem Consanguineo Nr~o intendant in p~missis in forma p~dc~a. In cujus, &c.
"In Palacio suo Westm'. Undecimo Die Decembris, Anno, &c. xxxiiii. Rex, de avisamento Consilii sui mandavit Custodi Privati Sigilli sui, fieri facere Lr~as sub eodem Sigillo. Cancellar' dirigend', mandato eidem quatinus sub Magno Sigillo fieri faciat Lr~as Patentes s~cd~m tenorem suprascript' Dominis subscribentib', ut patet.
"T. Kent.
"T. Cant'.
W. Ebor'.
T. London.
W. Wynton.
Joh~es Roffen'.
W. Norwicen.
J. Lincoln'.
W. Elien'.
J. Wygorn'.
J. Hereforden'.
R. Dunelmen'.
R. Cicestren'.
R. York.
H. Bukingham.
R. Warrewyk.
R. Salisbury.
Arundell.
J. Worcestre.
Oxenford.
Fauconberge.
Bourgchier.
Fitzwaryn.
Stourton.
Berners.
Gilbertus Abbas de
Bardney.
Joh' Abbas Thorney.
J. Prior Coventr'.
J. ad Prorand'.
R. Sc~i Joh~is.
Joh' Abbas de Bury
Sc~i Ed~i.
Ric' Abbas de Bello.
Will~us Abbas Cirencestrie.
Will' Abb' Abendon."
"Rotul. Parl. 33 Hen. VI. Vol. v. page 278.
A.D. 1455–33 H. 6.
"Rotulus Parliamenti apud Westm' Anno Regni Regis Henrici Sexti post Conquestum Tricesimo Tertio."
"Ibidem, p. 289.
Pro Protectore.
40. "MEMORAND', quod cum Dominus Rex, tam de avisamento & assensu Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium, quam de assensu Communitatis Regni sui Anglie, in Presenti Parliamento existen', per Literas suas Patentes ordinaverit & constituerit carissimum Consanguineum suum, Ricardum Ducem Eborum, Protectorem & Defensorem Regni sui predicti, ac Ecclefie Anglicane, necnon principalem Consiliarium suum; & quod idem Dux Eborum, dict' Regni Protector & Defensor' ac principalis Consiliarius dicti Domini Regis fit & nominetur, in & juxta vim, formam & effectum cujusdam Acti in dicto Parliamento die dat' predictarum literarum in eodem Parliamento habiti & concordati. Ac insuper idem Dominus Rex de assensu & avisamento predictis, per alias Literas suas Patentes, ordinaverit & constituerit Edwardum carissimum Filium suum primogenitum, cum five quando ad annos discretionis pervenerit, Protectorem & Defensorem Regni & Ecclesie predictorum, ac principalem Consiliarium suum: Volens quod idem Filius suus, cum ad hujusmodi annos pervenerit, Protector & Defensor dictorum Regni & Ecclesie, ac principalis Consiliarius suus sit & nominetur, si adtunc onus Protectoris & Defensoris, predict' super se affumere voluerit, in & juxta vim, formam & effectum cujusdam Acti in dicto Parliamento die dat' dictarum literarum in eodem Parliamento habiti & concordati. Prefatus Dominus Rex, considerans varios labores quos tam prefatum Edwardum, quam prefatum Ducem, occasionibus premissis subire oportebit, & volens proinde personas suas honoribus & favoribus prosequi gr~osis, de avisamento & assensu predictis, voluit, concessit & ordinavit; quod tam prefatus Edwardus, quotiens & quando, cum ad annos predictos onus predictum super se assumpserit & realiter exercuerit & occupaverit; quam prefatus Dux, quotiens & quando onus illud habuerit & excercuerit, vacantibus Officiis Forestariorum, Parcariorum, ac Custodum Warennarum infra Regnum Anglie & partes Wall', ad donationem predicti Domini Regis ut ad Coronam suam pertinent', de eisdem Officiis disponere possit sub forma subsequenti; videlicet, quod quandocumque aliquod Officiorum predictorum vacare contigerit in futur', & donationi dicti Domini Regis spectans, tam dictus Edwardus cum ad annos predictos pervenerit, onus predictum super se adtunc assumens, quam dictus Dux occupationis Protectionis & Defensionis hujusmodi onus habens & excercens, personam idoneam ad idem Officium nominare, & inde sub signeto suo Custodi privati sigillo dicti Domini Regis qui pro tempore fuerit significare possit; qui super hoc tenebitur Cancellario Anglie, vel Custodi magni sigilli nostri pro tempore existen', literas sub privato sigillo, pro hujusmodi Officio quamdiu Regi placuerit obtinend', in forma debita conficere. Proviso semper, quod quelibet persona aliquod hujusmodi Officium ad nominationem alicujus Edwardi & Ducis predictorum, virtute Acti presentis, per literas Domini Regis patentes optinens in futur', stet in Officio illo pacifice, juxta effectum literarum illarum, absque ammotione ejusdem, nisi per Dominum Regem, per avisamentum Dominorum Consilii sui ex causa rationabili coram eis monstrata & probata, ammoveatur de eodem.
"ITEM, idem Dominus Rex, ex avisamento, consensu & causa predictis, voluit, concessit & ordinavit, quod uterque Edwardi & Ducis predictorum, pro tempore quo onus Protectionis & Defensionis predict' habuerit & excercuerit, ad quascumque Ecclesias parochiales, ultra taxam Viginti Marcarum, usque ad taxam Triginta Marcarum inclusive: Ac etiam omnes Prebendas in Capellis Regiis ad donationem Domini Regis jure Corone sue spectant' cum vacaverint, exceptis Decanatibus in eisdem Capellis Regiis, durante vigore literarum eis separaliter de Protectione & Defensione Regni predicti ut premittitur confectarum, idoneas personas nominare, & inde sub signeto suo prefato Custodi privati sigilli dicti Domini Regis significare possit; qui super hoc tenebitur Cancellario Anglie, vel Custodi magni sigilli pro tempore existen', literas sub privato sigillo, pro hujusmodi Ecclesiis & Prebendis obtinend', in forma predicta conficere, una cum nominationibus in & de permutationibus & ratificationibus Ecclesiarum & Prebendarum predictarum: cetera autem Officia, Prebende & Beneficia, superius non specificat', ac Decanatus predict', ad donationem sive presentationem Domini Regis spectantes sive spectantia, ad dispositionem predicti Domini Regis, de avisamento predicti Protectoris & Defensoris pro tempore existen', & ceterorum Dominorum de Confilio dicti Domini Regis, de tempore in tempus cum vacaverint, sint, cedant & pertineant; exceptis Beneficiis ad dispositionem, tam Cancellario Anglie ratione Officii sui, quam Thef' Anglie ratione Officii sui spectantibus. Insuper cum ita sit quod idem Dux, in tenendo honorifice statum suum, quem ampliare necesse erit, consideratione & causa dicti nominis Protectoris & Defensoris, cum ampliores honores illo respectu sibi debeantur, qui secum onera trahunt, eritque concursus frequentior ad eundem tam subditorum Regis, quam extraneorum, sua negotia prosequentium: Rex, de avisamento & assensu predictis, voluit, concessit & ordinavit, quod idem Dux, durantibus Protectione & Defensione predictis, habeat & percipiat annuatim pro vadiis suis, non quantum alii ante hec tempora habuerunt, set solum Duo Millia Marcarum, attenta exili conditione moderna, & hoc per viam regardi; habeatque de hoc securam solutionem aut competentem assignationem: & si durante onere supradicto, casus exigat ut idem Dominus Dux, laborem personalem subire oporteat, pro illo labore speciali itinerando aut equitando aliterve proficiscendo pro regardo remunerationem seorsum habebit rationabilem & competentem, per avisamentum Dominorum de Consilio dicti Domini Regis. Proviso semper, quod presens Actus non extendat nec aliqualiter prejudicialis existat Margarete Regine Anglie, de aliqua concessione sibi per dictum Dominum Regem facta, neque alicui Actui Parliamento pro ipsa facto."
The Government committed to the Privy Council.
41. "THE xxiiti day of Novembr', the yere of oure seid Soverayne Lord xxxiiiiti the moost Cristen Prince the Kyng oure moost drad Scverayne Lord, at his Paleys of Westm', remembryng that to the politique governaunce and restfull reule of this his Realm, apperteneth grete diligence and actuell laboure, the which is to his moost noble persone full tedious and grete to suffre and bere. Also that every Prince must of verray necessitee have Counsaillers to helpe hym in his charges, to whome he must truste and leene; for thees causes and other such as moeve his high wisedome, consideryng that God hath endued such as been of his Counsail with great wisdome cunnyng and experience, and knowe the direction to be had moost expedient for the sadde and politique reule of this his land, whoos trouthes, love and good zele that they bere to his welfare, suertee of high astate and Roiall persone, been to hym approved and knowen, openyng his gracious disposition, ordeyned and graunted, that his Counsaill shuld provyde, com~yne, ordeyne, spede and conclude, all such matiers as touche and concerne the good and politique rule and governaunce of this his land, and lawes therof, and directe thayme as it shal be thought to theire wisdomes and discretions behovefull and expedient; soo alwaye that in all such matiers as touchen the honour, wurship and suertee of his moost noble persone, they shall late his Highnes have knowelech what direction they take in theym: desiring his said Counsaill hertely, for the wele and ease of his said persone, and kepyng and beryng up his Roiall astate, to take this his will and ordenaunce upon thaym. The which Lordes protestyng, that the high prerogative, preemynence and auctorite of his Mageste Roiall, and also the soverauntee of thaym and all this land, is and alwey mot reste and shall reste in his mooste excellent persone, offre thayme of humble obeissaunce, to put thaym in as grete diligence and devoir, to doo all that that mowe preferre or avaunce the said high prerogative, preemynence and auctorite of his moost Excellence, and also his high regalie, and honorable astate and welfare, and the felicitee and suertee of his moost noble persone, and also to the politique reule and governaunce of his Lande, and the good publique, reste and tranquillite of his subgettes, as ever did eny Counsaillers or subgettes to their moost drad Soverayne Lord, and therunto at all tymes to be redy, not sparyng therefore at eny tyme that it shall nede, to putte theire bodyes in jeopardie."
"Rotul. Parl. 34 H. VI. Vol. v. p. 321.
Exoneratio Protectoris.
50. "MEMORAND', quod licet Dominus Rex, Decimo nono die Novembris, Anno Regni sui Tricesimo quarto, de avisamento & assensu tam Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium, quam de assensu Com~unitatis Regni sui Anglie, in instanti Parliamento suo existen', ac auctoritate ejusdem Parliamenti, ordinaverit & constituerit carissimum Consanguineum suum Ricardum Ducem Eborum, predicti Regni sui Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane Protectorem & Defensorem, ac Consiliarium suum Principalem; & quod idem Dux, ejusdem Regni sui Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane predictorum Protector & Defensor, ac principalis Consiliarius, esset & nominaretur, quousque idem Dux, de occupatione sive onere & nomine hujusmodi per prefatum Dominum Regem in Parliamento, de avisamento & assensu Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium in Parliamento existen', exoneratus fuisset, in & juxta vim, formam & effectum cujusdam Actus in dicto instanti Parliamento, dicto Decimo nono die Novembris ultimo preterito habiti & concordati, prout in eodem Actu plene liquet: Idem tamen Dominus Rex, Vicessimo quinto die Februarii tunc prox' sequenti, in dicto instanti Parliamento suo personaliter existens, de avisamento & assensu Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium in eodem Parliamento existen', prefatum Ducem, de occupatione sive onere & nomine Protectoris & Defensoris predicti Regni sui Anglie, ac principalis Consiliarii sui hujusmodi, exoneravit: Ac quod idem Dux, de omni ulteriori occupatione sive onere & nomine hujusmodi nullo modo intromittat Actu, predicto in aliquo non obstante. Et Breve suum inde sub magno Sigillo suo prefato Duci dirigi fecit in hec verba:
"HENRICUS, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie & Ffrancie, & Dominus Hibernie; Carissimo Consanguineo suo Ricardo Duci Eborum, Salutem. Licet Nos nuper, de avisamento & assensu tam Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium, quam de assensu Communitatis Regni nostri Anglie, in instanti Parliamento nostro existen', ac auctoritate ejusdem Parliamenti, ordinaverimus & constituerimus vos Regni nostri Anglie, & Ecclesie Anglicane Protectorem & Defensorem, ac Consiliarium nostrum principalem. Et quod vos ejusdem Regni nostri Anglie & Ecclesie Anglicane predictorum Protector & Defensor, ac principalis Consiliarius noster, essetis & nominaremini, quousque vos de occupatione sive onere & nomine hujusmodi per Nos in Parliamento, de avisamento & assensu Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium in Parliamento existen', exonerati sueritis, in & juxta vim, formam & effectum cujusdam Actus in dicto instanti Parliamento, Decimo nono die Novembris ultimo preterito habiti & concordati, prout in eodem Actu plene liquet. Quia tamen Nos, hac instanti Vicesimo quinto die Februarii, in dicto instanti Parliamento nostro, de avisamento & assensu Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium in eodem Parliamento existen', vos de occupatione five onere & nomine hujusmodi exoneravimus: vobis mandamus, quod vos de omni ulteriori occupatione sive onere & nomine Protectoris & Defensoris predicti Regni nostri Anglie, ac principalis Consiliarii nostri predictorum, nullatenus intromittatis. Volumus enim vos de occupatione five onere & nomine predictis penitus exonerari, Actu predicto in aliquo non obstante. Teste me ipso apud Westm', Vicesimo quinto die Februarii, Anno Regni nostri Tricesimo quarto.
"Per ipsum Regem & Consilium in Parliamento."
3. "Cases of Absence, where the Remedy has been provided by the Sovereign."
"IN examining Precedents upon this Head, your Committee received from Thomas Astle Esquire, Keeper of the Records in the Tower, a Book which he understood to have been copied from the original public Records, by the Order of Lord Chancellor Macclesfield, containing Transcripts of, and References to, Records relative to the Appointment of Regents and Guardians of the Kingdom; from which, by Direction of the Committee, he made several Abstracts, herein-after inserted, and which are distinguished with an Asterisk*.
"Anno 37 H. III.
"De provisione facta ad gubernationem Regni transfretante Rege.
"No. I.
A. D. 1253. An. 37 H. III. Pat. 37 H. III. n. 14. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 1. p. 491.
REX omnibus Justiciariis suis, Vicecomitibus, Constabulariis, & omnibus aliis Ballivis, & fidelibus suis Angliæ, Walliæ & Hiberniæ salutem.
"Quia in proximo transfreturari sumus in Wasconiam, vobis mandamus in fide, qua nobis tenemini, firmiter injungentes quod, dum extra Regnum nostrum Angliæ fuerimus, intendentes fitis & respondentes dilectæ Reginæ nostræ Alianoræ in omnibus, quæ ad Ballivas vestras pertinent.
"Et, si ante Reditum nostrum de partibus prædictis Wasconiæ, de nobis humanitas contingat, tunc Castra, & omnes terras nostras, in custodia vestra existentes, & omnes alias Ballivas vestras, quas de nobis habetis, liberetis dilectæ Reginæ nostræ Alianoræ, custodiendas per ipsam ad opus dilecti filii nostri Edwardi, usque ad legitimam ætatem ejusdem filii nostri.
In cujus, &c.
"Teste Rege apud Suwic 2 Julii per Regem.
"Hæc littera liberata est P. de. Sabadia, per manus H. de Wengham."
"Anno 37 H. III.
*De Custodia Angliæ et Wallia commissa Reginæ.
"No. II.
A. D. 1253. An. 37 H. III. Pat. 37 H. III. n. 13. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 1. p. 492.
REX Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Comitibus, Baronibus, et omnibus aliis fidelibus suis Angliæ, Walliæ & Hiberniæ, Salutem,
"Sciatis quod, cum in proximo transfreturari sumus in Wasconiam, in subsidium ejusdem Terræ nostræ, Nos Regnum nostrum Angliæ, et Terras nostras Walliæ & Hiberniæ, committimus dilectæ Reginæ nostræ Alianoræ, custodiendas et gubernandas cum Consilio dilecti fratris et fidelis nostri Ricardi Comitis Cornubiæ, usque ad Reditum nostrum de Partis prædictis.
"Et ideo vobis mandamus quod eidem Reginæ, tanquam Custodi et Gubernatrici dicti Regni, et prædictarum Terrarum, dum extra idem Regnum fuerimus, intendentes sitis & respondentes.
"In Cujus, &c.
"Teste Rege apud Portesmu. Septimo Die Julij.
"Per Regem traditæ fuerunt Reginæ."
"Anno 37 Hen. III.
No. III. A. D. 1253. 37 Hen. III. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 1. p. 492.
REX omnibus, &c. salutem.
Cum Gubernationem Regni nostri Angliæ, & terrarum nostrarum Walliæ & Hiberniæ, commiserimus dilectæ Reginæ nostræ Alianoræ, unà cum Consilio dilecti fratris & fidelis nostri Ricardi Comitis Cornubiæ, usque ad reditum nostrum de partibus Wasconiæ.
Volumus quod, cum Archiepiscopatus, & Episcopatus prædicti Regni nostri Angliæ, & Episcopatus Meneven' in Wallia, vacaverint, a nobis petatur licentia eligendi; &, factis electionibus, noster super hoc requiratus assensus, & hoc idem sieri volumus de Abbatiis Westmonasterii, Waltham, Sancti Edmundi, Rames, Burgi Sancti Petri, Sancti Albani, Radyng. Oseneye, Cyrencestriæ, de Hyda, Glaston, vacante sede Malmesbur. Sancti Petri Gloucestr'. Evesham, Sanctæ Mariæ Eborum, & Sancti Augustini Cantuar.
"Et de Archiepiscopatibus, Episcopatibus terræ nostræ Hiberniæ, cum vacaverint, cum facilior aditus, fivè transitus de Hiberniæ in Wasconiam, quam de Hibernia in Angliam habeatur.
"Vacantibus autem Episcopatibus [...]andavensi, de Sancto Asaph, et de Bangor; & omnibus Abbatijs et Prioratibus Angliæ, Walliæ, & Hiberniæ, superius non expressis, volumus et concedimus quod Licentia elegendi a præfata Regina nostra, ante Electionem, petatur; et, factis Electionibus, ejus super hoc requiratur Assensus, de Consilio præfati Comitis fratris nostris, nobis in partibus Wasconiæ agentibus.
In Cujus, &c.
Per Regem.
Teste ut supra.
"Quæ Litteræ traditæ sunt per Manus W. de Kilkeny Reginæ et Comiti."
"De Homagio Davidis Filij Griffini.
"No. IV.
A. D. 1253. An. 37 H. III. Pat. 37 H. III. n. 11.
DAVID Filius Griffini et Familia sua, quam secum ducet, habent Litteras Domini Regis de Conductu, in veniendo ad Regem in Angliam, vel ad Reginam, vel ad Ricardum Comitem Cornubiæ, si Rex fuerit extra Regnum, ad faciendum Regi Homagium, et alia quæ Regi facere debet;
"Et durant usque ad Festum Sancti Michaelis proximo futurum.
"Teste Rege apud Portesmu: 8 Die Julij.
"Postea prorogatus fuit Terminus ille usque ad Quindenam Sancti Martini proximo futurum."
"Anno 37 H. III.
"De Castro Doveriæ.
No. V.
A. D. 1253. An. 37 H. III. Pat. 37 H. III. n. 7. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 1. p. 493.
REX omnibus, &c. Salutem, Sciatis quod firmiter injunximus dilecto & fideli nostro Bertramo de Crioill, Constabulario nostro Dovor. & volumus quod, si ante legitimam Ætatem dilecti Filij nostri Edwardi de nobis humanitus contingat, non liberet Castrum nostrum Dovor. eidem Edwardo ante legitimam Ætatem, nisi de assensu et Voluntate dilectæ Reginæ nostræ Alianoræ.
"Teste Rege apud Portesmu. 20 Die Julij.
"Per Regem."
"Anno 38 H. III.
"De Alfonso Rege Castellæ, et Excercitu Saracenorum, invadendo Aquitaniam, Angliam et Hyberniam.
"No. VI.
A. D. 1253. An. 38 H. III. Pat. 38. H. III. n. 8. Rym. Fæd. Tom. 1. p. 497.
Rex universis Archiepiscopis & Episcopis, in Hibernia constitutis, Salutem,
Cum Rex Castellæ, cum Multitudine Exercitûs Christianorum & Saracenorum, Terram nostram Vasconiæ in quindena Paschæ proximo futura, ingressurus sit hostiliter, ad Terram illam destruendam et occupandam, ac per Introitum ejusdem Terræ, si eam optineret, quod absit, Terras nostras Angliæ et Hiberniæ invadere aspiret;
"Nos, super tam arduis et urgentibus Negotijs Consilium vestrum & Auxilium requirere proponentes, vos requirimus in fide qua Nobis tenemini, affectuose rogantes quatinus, sicut Nos et Honorem nostrum, necnon et Indempnitatem Corporis nostri diligitis, nullatenus omittatis quin, in instanti Mediæ Quadragesimæ, conveniatis apud Dublin. coram Johanne Filio Galfridi Justiciario Hiberniæ (quem propter hoc ad partes illas mittimus) audituri voluntatem nostram super prædictis Negotijs, quæ idem Justiciarijs vobus tunc viva voce plenius exponet, et cum alijs Magnatibus Terræ nostræ Hiberniæ, quibus id injunximus, super eisdem Negotijs tractaturi et Consilium vestrum et Auxilium adhibituri.
"Et Vos, circa dictum Diem, provideatis et deliberetis, quam honeste & potenter Nos, in tam urgentu et inexcusabili Necessitate, de Bonis vestris velitis respicere: Inducentes efficaciter subditos nostros quod nobis in tanta necessitate et Periculo munisice subveniant.
"Quia nulla tempore futuro tantum indigebimus, Deo dante, Subventione Amicorum nostrorum, quantum in præsenti indigemus.
"Testibus Alianora Regina nostra, et Ricardo Comite Cornubiæ apud Westm' 29 Die Decembris.
"Per Reginam Comitem, et totum Concilium."
"Anno 7 Edw. I.
* De Locum-tenentibus in Anglia, Rege in Franciam profecturo, nominatis.
No. VII.
A. D. 1279. An. 7 E. I. Pat. 7 E. I. m. 19. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 2. p. 132.
REX Archiepiscopis, &c. salutem. Cum simus in arripiendo iter nostrum ad partes Franciæ diebus istis, ad habendum colloquium cum magnisico Principe, & consanguineo nostro karissimo, Phillippo illustri Rege Franciæ, ad partes Anglicanas in brevi, Domino concedente, redituri.
"Et velimus quod Venerabiles Patres G. Wigorniensis, Th. Herefordensis Episcopi, & dilecti & sideles nostri Edmundus de Alemanniâ Comes Cornubiæ, & Henricus de Lacy Comes Lincolniæ, interim teneant locum nostrum in Angliâ, quamdiu nobis placuerit;
"Vobis mandamus quod eisdem Episcopis & Comitibus, loco nostri, intendentes sitis, & respondentes in formâ prædictâ.
"In cujus, &c.
"Teste Rege apud Westmon. 27 die Aprilis."
"Anno 13 Edw. I.
*De Adomaro de Valentia, Comite Pembrochiœ, Custodiœ Angliæ constituto.
"No. VIII.
A. D. 1285. An. 13. E. I. In secunda Bundela, n. 15. Penes Camerar. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 2. p. 301.
EDWARDUS, Dei gratiâ, Rex Angliæ, Dominus Hiberniæ & Dux Aquitanniæ, Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus; Comitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, liberè Tenentibus, Communitatibus, Vicecomitibus & omnibus aliis Ministris, Ballivis & Fidelibus suis, ad quos præsentes literæ pervenerint, Salutem.
"Sciatis quod, cum nos, pro quibusdam negotiis, nos & statum Regni nostri tangentibus, simus ad partes transmarinas, favente Domino, in proximo profecturi;
"Nos, de circumspectione, industriâ & fidelitate dilecti consanguinei & fidelis nostri, Adomari de Valentia, Comitis Pembrochiæ specialiter confidentes, ipsum Comitem Custodem nostrum dicti Regni ac locum nostrum in eodem Regno tenentem, pro pace & tranquilitate populi dicti Regni nostri melius conservandis, constituimus per præsentes, quamdiu in dictis partibus transmarinis moram fecerimus, vel aliud inde duxerimus ordinandum:
"Et ideo vobis mandamus quod eidem Comiti, tanquam Custodi nostro dicti Regni, & locum nostrum tenenti in eodem, in hiis, quæ ad dictam custodiam pertinent, intendentes sitis & respondentes.
"In cujus rei testimonium has literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes, quamdiu nobis placuerit duraturas.
"Teste me ipso apud Westm. 4 die Junii, Anno Regni nostri 13.
"Per ipsum Regem & Concilium."
"Anno 25 Edw. I.
* De Edwardo Filio Regis Locum-tenente in Anglia.
No. IX.
A. D. 1297. An. 25 E. I. Ibidem. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 2. p. 791.
STATES, that Edward, locum ejusdem Regis in Angliâ tenens, delivered the Great Seal to the Chancellor."
"Anno 25 Edw. I.
"De custodia Terræ Galwediæ co'missa Johanni de Hodleston.
No. X.
A. D. 1297. An. 25. E. I. Rot. Scot. 25 E. I. m. 1. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 2. p. 793.
REX, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Comitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, Vicecomitibus, & omnibus aliis Ballivis, & fidelibus suis, per totam terram nostram Galwediæ & Comitatum nostrum de Are Constitutis, Salutem.
"Sciatis quod constituimus dilectum & fidelem nostrum, Johannem de Hodleston, Custodem Castrorum nostrorum de Are, Wiggeton, Cruggelton, & Botel, ac totius terræ prædictæ, necnon & Comitatûs prædicti, quamdiu nobis placuerit:
"Ita quod Vicecomites, in quorum Ballivis Castra prædicta existunt, de exitibus Castrorum eorumdem, & Vicecomitatuum suorum onerentur, & inde nobis respondeant ad scaccarium nostrum apud Berewycum.
"Et ideo vobis mandamus quod eidem Johanni, tanquam Custodi nostro prædictorum Castrorum, Terræ, & Comitatûs, in omnibus, quæ ad custodiam illam pertinent, intendentes sitis & respondentes, sicut prædictum est.
"In cujus, &c.
"Teste Edwardo filio Regis, apud Tunbrigg. 28 die Augusti."
"Anno 1 Edw. II.
"Petrus de Gaveston, Rege transfretante, custos Regni Constitutus.
No. XI.
A. D. 1307. An. 1. E. II. Pat. 1. E. II. P. 1. m. 2. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 3. p. 47.
Teste Rege.
Commission nearly in the same Words as No. VIII. mutatis mutandis."
"Anno 4 Edw. II.
* De Comite Lincolniæ Custode Regni Constituto.
No. XII.
A. D. 1310. An. 4 E. II. Pat. 4. E. II. p. 1. m. 18. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 3. p. 225.
Teste Rege apud, &c.
Per Breve de privato Sigillo. Commission ut supra, No. VIII."
* De Comite Gloucestriæ, Custode Regni Constituto.
No. XIII.
A D. 1311. An. 4 E. II. Pat. 4 E. II. p. 1. m. 19. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 3. p. 253.
Teste Rege, &c.
Per Breve de privato Sigillo. Commission, ut supra, No. VIII."
"Anno 13 Edw. II.
* De Custode Regni Constituto.
No. XIV.
A. D. 1320. An. 13 E. II. Pat. 13 E. II. p. unica, m. 4. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 3. p. 385.
Per ipsum Regem et Concilium.
The Commission is to Adomar Earl of Pembroke, and general, ut supra, No. VIII."
"Anno 6 Edw. II.
"De potestate de commissa Parliamentum inchoandi, Rege absente.
No. XV.
Rot. Parl. Vol. I. p. 448. A. D. 1313. An. 6 E. II. Pat. 6 E. II. p. 2. m. 3. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 3. p. 422.
REX Venerabilibus in Christo Patribus, J. Bathoniensi & Wellensi, & W. Wygorniensi, eadem gratiâ, Episcopis; & dilectis & fidelibus suis, Gilberto de Clare, Comiti Gloucestriæ & Herefordiæ Nepoti, & Johanni de Britannia, Comiti Richemondiæ Consanguineo, suis karissimis, salutem.
"De vestræ fidelitatis circumspectione providâ plenam in Domino fiduciam optinentes, ad inchoandum & continuandum, nomine nostro, Parliamentum, quod nuper, ante passagium nostrum ad partes Franciæ, ad instantem quindenam Nativitatis Sancti Johannis Baptistæ, apud Westmonasterium tenendum, fecimus summoneri, si forte, aliquo casu contingente, quo minus inchoationi Parliamenti personaliter interesse possimus, fuerimus, quod absit, per dies aliquos impediti;
"Vobis tribus, vel duobus vestrûm plenam, tenore præsentium, Committimus potestatem:
"Nos autem rata habebimus & accepta ea, quæ per vos, tres, vel duos vestrûm, nomine nostro, fieri contigerit in præmissis.
"In cujus, &c.
"Datum apud Pontisaram, primo die Julii.
Per Breve de privato Sigillo.
"Et mandatum est Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Comitibus, — Baronibus, Militibus, & omnibus aliis fidelibus R. ad instans Parliamentum R. apud Westmonasterium tenendum conventuris, quod eisdem Episcopis, & Comitibus, tribus, vel duobus eorum, usque adventum R. ad Parliamentum prædictum, qui erit in brevi, Domino concedente, cum omni festinantiâ, quâ sieri poterit, bono modo in præmissis pareant & intendant.
"In cujus, &c.
"Dat. ut supra."
"Anno 3 Edw. III.
* De Comite Cornubiœ Custode Regni, Absente Rege, Constituto.
No. XVI.
A. D. 1329. An. 3 E. III. Pat. 3. E. III. p. 1. m. 16. Rymer's Fœdera. Tom. 4. p. 386.
See the Record at large, TIT. INFANCY, supra, p. 7."
"De Potestate, eidem Custodi data, concedendi Licentiam eligendi.
No. XVII.
A. D. 1329. An. 3. E. III. Ibid.
See the Record at large, TIT. INFANCY, supra, p. 8."
"Anno 5 Edw. III.
* Pro Johanne de Eltham Custode Regni Constituto.
No. XVIII.
A. D. 1331. A. 5 E. III. Pat. 5. E. III. p. 1. m. 16. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 4. p. 480.
Per ipsum Regem et Consilium.
See the Record, TIT. INFANCY, supra, p. 9."
"Anno 12 Edw. III.
* De Custode Regni Constituto.
No. XIX.
A. D. 1338. An. 12 E. III. Pat. 12 E. III. p. 2. m. 12. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 5. p. 64.
EDWARDO Fil. nostro primogen.
Commission, ut supra, No. VIII."
"Anno 13 Edw. III.
"De Parliamento, ad Supplicationem Communitatis Regni, summonitio.
"No. XX.
A. D. 1339. An. 13 E. III. Claus. 13 E. III. p. 2. m. 1. d. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 5. p. 136.
REX venerabili in Christo Patri, J. eâdem Grâtia, Archiepiscopo Cantuariensi, totius Angliæ Primati, Salutem.
Cum quædam ardua et urgentia Negotia quæ Nos, et Honorem nostrum Statumque Regni nostri, contingebant, in Parliamento nostro, apud Westmonasterium, in Quindena Sancti Michaelis, proximo præterità summonitio Prælatis, Proceribus, et Communitati dicti Regni, ibidem existentibus exposita extitissent.
"Super quibus eadem Communitas, Tempus ad deliberandum petijt, supplicans quoddam aliud Parliamentum statim infra Breve, ut tunc deliberatione hujusmodi habitâ, valeret Expositis maturiùs responderi,
"Per quod, de Avisamento Prælatorum & Procerum prædictorum, necnon ad dictæ Communitatis hujusmodi Supplicationem, ordinavimus quod,
"Super hijs & aliis urgentissimis Negotijs, tam Nos, et Expeditionem Guerræ nostræ, ac Jura nostra, et Coronæ nostræ in Partibus Transmarinis quam Defensionem ejusdem Regni, cæterarumque Terrarum nostrarum concernentibus,
"Parliamentum apud Westmonasterium in Octabis Sancti Hillarij, proximo futuris teneatur, et ibidem vobiscum, ac cum cæteris Prælatis, Magnatibus et proceribus ipsius Regni prædictis, Tractatus & Colloquium habeantur,
"Vobis in fide et Dilectione, quibus nobis tenemini, districtius injungendo, mandamus quòd, dictorum Negotiorum arduitate, Periculis, et Necessitate, imminentibus ponderatis, excusatione quacumque cessante, dictis Die et Loco, personaliter intersitis Nobiscum, seu cum Custode Regni nostri (si tunc contigeret nos abesse) ac cæteris Prælatis, Magnatibus, et proceribus prædictis, super Negotijs prædictis tractaturi, vestrumque Consilium impensuri,
"Et hoc, sicut Nos et Honorem nostrum, ac Salvationem Regni Terrarum et Jurium nostrorum prædictorum, ac Ecclesiæ Sanctæ Expeditionemque dictorum Negotiorum nostrorum, diligitis nullatenus omittatis,
"Ne (quod absit) per vestri Absentiam (quam cessante Impedimento legitimo excusare aliqualiter Nolumus istâ Vice) Expeditio Negotiorum nostrorum prædictorum retardetur seu quomodo libet differatur,
"Præmunientes Priorem et Capitulum Ecclesiæ vestræ Christi Cantuariensis ac Archidiaconos, totumque Clerum vestræ Diœcesis quod ijdem Prior et Archidiaconi, in proprijs Personis suis ac dictum Capitulum per unum, idemque Cleros per duos Procuratores idoneos plenam et sufficientem potestatem ab ipsis Capitulo et Clero habentes prædictis Die et Loco personaliter intersint ad consentiendum hijs quæ tunc ibidem de Communi Consilio ipsius Regni nostri, Divinâ favente Clementiâ, Contigerit ordinari.
"Teste Custode Angliæ apud Langele Decimo Sexto Die Novembris.
Per ipsum Regem et dictum Custodem et Concilium.
Eodem Modo mandatum est Archiepiscopo & Episcopis subscriptis. Mutatis Mutandis, viz.
"W. Archiepiscopo Eborum, Angliæ Primati."
"Anno 14 Edw. III.
"De Custode Angliæ Constituto.
"No. XXI.
A. D. 1340. An. 14 E. III. Pat. 14 E. III. p. 2. m. 23. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 5. p. 187.
REX Omnibus ad quos, &c. Salutem Sciatis quod.
Cum nos.
De Consilio et Assensu Prælatorum, Comitum, Baronum, et Procerum ac Communitatis Regni nostri Angliæ, pro Tuitione et Salvatione ejusdem Regni, ac quorundam aliorum Jurium Coronæ nostræ, necnon pro quibusdam alijs Negotijs, nostram et ipsius Regni nostri utilitatem tangentibus,
"Simus ad Partes transmarinas in proximo personaliter profecturi,
"Et intimius insideat Nobis Cordi, quod Pax nostra, tam in nostrâ Absentiâ, quam præsentiâ, inviolabiliter observetur et quod fiat Communis Justitia singulis conquerentibus in suis Actionibus et Quærelis.
"Nos,
"De Fidelitate, Dilecti ac Fidelis nostri Edwardi Ducis Cornubiæ et Comitis Cestriæ, Filij nostri, Primogeniti plenarié confidentes,
"Constituimus ipsum Custodem dicti Regni nostri Angliæ, ac Locum nostrum tenentem in eodem Regno, quamdiu in dictis transmarinis partibus, morum fecerimus vel donec aliud inde duxerimus ordinandum.
"Damus autem universis et singulis Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Comitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, Communitatibus, Vice-Comitibus, Liberis Hominibus, Ballivis, Ministris, et omnibus alijs Fidelibus Nostris, tenore præsentium, in mandatis, quod præfato Duci, tanquam Custodi nostro dicti Regni Angliæ et Locum tenenti in eodem, in hijs quæ ad dictam Custodiam pertinent, intendentes sint Respondentes, Consulentes et Auxiliantes.
"In cujus, &c.
"Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium vicesimo septimo Die Maij.
"Per ipsum Regem."
"Rex Dilecto & Fideli suo, Willielmo de Clynton, Comiti Huntyngdoniæ, Salutem.
"Cum Nos,
"De Consilio et Assensu Prælatorum, Comitum, Baronum et Procerum, ac Communitatis, Regni nostri Angliæ, pro Tuitione et Salvatione ejusdem Regni, &c. prout supra usque hœc Verba, viz. & ut nostra et dicti Regni Angliæ, ac aliarum Terrarum et Locorum, Negotia consultius deducantur, et salubrius dirigantur, de Avisamento Consilij nostri ordinavimus quod vos, unà cum quibusdam alijs Magnatibus et Fidelibus nostris, cum præsato Duce, per partes dicti Regni nostri Angliæ, ubi ipse transierit, vel in ibi Moram fecerit, proficisci, et eidem Consilijs et Auxilijs assistere debeatis, nobis sic agentibus in partibus transmarinis,
"Vos rogamus, vobis nichilominus districtius injungendo, mandantes, quod eidem Duci in formâ prædictâ intendatis et sibi, unâ cum alijs de Consilio suo tam in hijs, quæ Directionem Negotiorum prædictorum et Conservationem Pacis nostræ, ac punitionem Malefactorum quam alijs, quæ Honorem nostrum et Commodum, ac Quietem & Tranquilitatem Populi, nobis Subjecti, concernunt, et concernere poterunt, vestrum Concilium et Auxilium diligentiùs, sicut de vobis considimus impendatis quamdiu sic absentes fuerimus, vel donec aliud inde duxerimus demandandum.
"Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium Vicesimo Octavo Die Maij.
"Per Ipsum Regem."
"Consimiles Literæ diriguntur,
"J. Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, totius Angliæ Primati, sub eadem Data.
"Henrico de Percy.
"Thomæ Wake de Lydel.
"Radulpho de Nevill.
"Teste Rege apud Shottele vicesimo primo Die Junij.
"Per ipsum Regem."
"Anno 14 Edw. III.
"De Potestate Custodis Angliœ.
"No. XXII.
"A. D. 1340. An. 14 E. III. Ibid. m. 28. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 5. p. 188.
REX Omnibus ad quos, &c. Salutem,
Sciatis quod,
Cum Nos,
Pro Tuitione et Salvacione Regni nostri Angliæ et pro alijs Magnis et Arduis Negotijs, Nos et Jura Coronæ nostræ specialiter concernentibus,
"Simus ad partes transmarinas personaliter profecturi,
"Volentes tam Indempnitati, quam Quieti Prælatorum Magnatum et aliorum de eodem Regno nostro, tam in nostra Absentia, quam præsentia, gratiosius providere.
"Dilecto et fideli nostro Edwardo Duci Cornubiæ et Comiti Cestriæ, filio nostro Primogenito, Custodi nostro dicti Regni Angliæ, et Locum nostrum tenenti in eodem, damus et concedimus, tenore præsentium, Potestatem Vacantibus Ecclesijs Conventualibus per Mortem vel Cessiones ibidem præsidentium seu quovis alio modo, alios in Abbates et Priores Ecclesiarum Conventualium hujusmodi Vacantium eligendi nostro Nomine Licentiam concedendi, et hujusmodi Electionibus celebratis, cum sibi per Literas communibus Sigilliis Capitulorum suorum Consignatas et Nobis directas, indè constiterit, Assensum et Favorem Regium adhibendi, et ulterius Loci Ordinarijs significandi, ut, quod suum est in hac parte, exequantur.
"Et cum Electiones illæ, sive per Dominum Summum Pontificem, sive per dictos Loci Ordinarios confirmatæ fuerint, fidelitatis ipsorum et singulorum eorumdem, Nobis in hac parte debitas recipiendi et Temporalia Abbatiarum, et Prioratum eisdem restituendi,
"Ac Homagia et Fidelitates tenentium de Nobis in Capite, et Decedentium, Nostro Nomine similiter recipiendi, aut Homagia hujusmodi usque ad certum Tempus respectuandi,
"Ac Terras et Tenementa sua, de Hereditatibus suis, in Manum nostram Occasione Mortis eorum, capta, eisdem, et eorum cuilibet, si Hæredes ipsi plenæ Ætatis fuerint, vel Ætates suas probaverint, liberari faciendi,
"Necnon Justiciarios et alios Ministros nostros tam in Angliâ et Walliâ quam in Hiberniâ, Scotiâ, et Ducatu nostro Aquitaniæ, qui Insufficientes fuerint, Amovendi, et alios Idoneos in hujusmodi Officijs Constituendi,
"Ac etiam Custodias et Maritagia, ad Manus nostras devenientia, juxta providem Deliberationem et Avisamentum Cancellarij, Thesaurarij, et aliorum de Concilio nostro, et prout pro Majori Commodo nostro fuerit faciendum, vendendi et dimittendi.
"Et omnia alia, et singula Minuta, quæ tam pro nostro honore, quam Commodo in Angliâ, Walliâ, Hiberniâ, Scotia et Ducatu Nostro prædictis, facienda fuerint vel quæ Reformationem Status eorumdem Terrarum et Locorum concernunt vel concernere poterunt, Faciendi & Exercendi dum sic in dictis partibus Transmarinis agere nos contingat, vel donec aliud inde duxerimus demandandum;
"Promittentes Nos, pro Nobis et Hæredibus nostris Ratum et Gratum habituros quicquid per præfatum Custodem, ut prætangitur, Actum vel Factum fuerit in præmissis & quolibet præmissorum.
"In cujus, &c.
"Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium Vicesimo Nono Die Maij."
"Anno 16 Edw. III.
* De Custode Angliœ, absente Rege, Constituto Edward', "Fil. nost. chariss.
"No. XXIII.
A. D. 1342. An. 16 E. III. Pat. 16 E. III. p. 2. m. 6. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 5. p. 343.
Commission ut supra No. VIII.
* Pro dicto Custode.
"No. XXIV.
"A. D. 1342. An. 16 E. III. Pat. 16 E. III. p. 2. m. 6.
GIVING a Power to grant Congé d'Elires to Cathedral and other Churches, but the Election not to be confirmed without the King's special Licence; and to confer Benefices above 20 Marks."
"Anno 19 Edw. III.
* De Custode Angliœ constituto Leonell. Fil. nost. Chariss.
"No. XXV.
"A. D. 1345. An. 19 E. III. Pat. 19 E. III. p. 1. m. 2. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 5. p. 471.
Commission, ut supr. No. VIII."
"Anno 20 Edw. III.
* De Custode Angliæ constituto Leonell. Fil. nost. Chariss.
"No. XXVI.
A. D. 1346. An. 20 E. III. Pat. 20 E. III. p. 2. m. 17. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 5. p. 516.
Commission, ut supra, No. VIII."
"Eodem Anno.
"De Potestate Literas aperiendi et cum Ambassiatoribus tractandi in Absentia Regis.
"No. XXVII.
A. D. 1346. An. 20 E III. Pat. 20 E. III. p. 2. m. 20. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 5. p. 519.
REX Omnibus ad quos &c. Salutem,
Cum Nuncij, Magnificorum Principium, Ispanniæ et Ungariæ in Angliam, ut accepimus, in proximo sint venturi, Nos, circa Guerram nostram in partibus transmarinis occupati.
"De Circumspectione, Fidelitate, et Industria, Venerabilium Patrum, Johannis Archiepiscopi Cantuariensis totius Angliæ Primatis, et Willielmi Wyntoniensis, ac Radulphi Londoniensis Episcoporum, ac dilectorum Clericorum nostrorum, Magistri Johannis de Offord, Decani Lincolniensis, Cancellarij nostri, et Magistri Simonis de Islep, plenam fiduciam reportantes,
"Ad ipsos Nuncios et eorum quemlibet ac Literas Nobis per eos deferendas, curialiter & modo quo convenit recipiendum,
"Et easdem Literas aperiendum,
"Ac Relationem eorumdem Nunciorum audiendum,
"Et cum ipsis & eorum quolibet, tractandum & concordandum,
"Ac Responsum, prout eis videtur, faciendum,
"Et nos super præmissis certificandum,
"Et omnia alia, quæ præmissa concernere poterunt, faciendum & complendum,
"Tenore præsentium Plenam committimus Potestatem,
"Ratum & Gratum habituri quicquid iidem, Archiepiscopus, Episcopi, Decanus, & Simon, nomine nostro, fecerint in præmissis, & quolibet in præmissorum.
"In cujus &c.
"Teste Rege apud Portum Sanctæ Elenæ in Insula Vecta undecimo die Julii."
"Rotul. Parl. 25 Edw. III. Vol. ii. p. 225.
"No. XXVIII.
Rot. Parl. 25 E. III. Vol. II. p. 225.
Commissio Leonello fil' Nr~o Carissimo ad inchoandum Nomine Nr~o Parliamentum pred~cm et ad faciendum ea que pro Nobis et per Nos facienda fuerint usq. Adventum nr~m."
"Anno 33 Edw. III.
* De Custode Angliæ Constituto. Thom' fil. nost. Chariss.
"No. XXIX.
A. D. 1359. An. 33 E. III. Pat. 33 E. III. p. 2. m. 3. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 6. p. 139.
Commission ut supra, No. VIII."
"Eodem Anno.
"No. XXX.
A. D. 1359. An. 33 E. III. Ibid.
* POTESTATES predicto custodi absente Rege concessæ.— Relating to Ecclesiastical Preferments."
"Eodem Anno.
"No. XXXI.
A. D. 1359. An. 33 E. III. Claus. 33 E. III. m. 9 d. Rym. Fœd. Vol. 6. p. 141.
* De liberatione magni Sigilli super passagio Regis ad partes transmarinas."
"Anno 34 Edw. III.
"No. XXXII.
A. D. 1360. An. 34 E. III. Claus. 34 E. III. m. 30 d. Rym. Fœd. Vol. 6. p. 196.
* MEMORANDUM de magno Sigillo et Redditu Regis de partibus Franciæ."
"Anno 46 Edw. III.
"No. XXXIII.
A. D. 1372. An. 46 E. III. Pat. 46 E. III. m. 25. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 6. p. 748.
* DE custode Angliæ absente Rege constituto Ricard. fil. char. primog. nostri Edward.
Commission, ut supra No. VIII."
* De Potestate data Custodi Angliæ predicto.
"No. XXXIV.
Ibid.
REX Omnibus, ad quos &c. Salutem. Sciatis qùod, &c.
"Ricardo Filio, carissimi primogeniti nostri, Edwardi Principis Aquitaniæ & Walliæ, Custodi dicti Regni nostri Angliæ, & Locum nostrum tenenti in eodem, plenam concessimus potestatem & Auctoritatem specialem tàm Parliamenta, quàm Concilia, infra dictum Regnum nostrum tenendi,
"Et Prælatos, Magnates, & Proceres, ac Communitates dicti Regni nostri, cum tempus exegerit, vel necesse fuerit, nostro nomine Convocandi & Summonendi, & cum ipsis Consùlendi,
"Et ea, quæ Nobis & Regno prædicto necessaria fuerint vel oportuna, de assensu Parliamentorum vel Conciliorum, Faciendi, Ordinandi, & Disponendi,
"Et ea, quæ de assensu Parliamentorum & Conciliorum hujusmodi ordinata, tractata, & concordata fuerint, Executione debita vice nostra demandari Faciendi."
"Then follow Powers to present to Ecclesiastical Benefices."
"Eodem Anno.
"De officiis Senescalciæ & Marescalciæ, infra Virgam Hospitii Custodis, exercendis.
"No. XXXV.
A. D. 1372. An. 46 E. III. Pat. 46 E. III. m. 23. Rym. Fœd. Vol. 6. p. 749.
REX Senescallo & Marescallis Hospitii sui, vel eorum Loca tenentibus, Salutem.
Sciatis quòd,
Cùm Nos, pro Arduis & Urgentibus Negotiis, Nos, & Statum, ac Salvationem Regni Nostri Angliæ, ac Jurium Coronæ nostræ tangentibus, supra Mare personaliter simus profecti,
"Et volentes igitur quòd Pax nostra ubique infra Regnum nostrum Angliæ, & maximê infra Virgam Hospitii, dilecti & fidelis nostri, Ricardi, Filii, carissimi, Primogeniti nostri, Edwardi Principis Aquitaniæ & Walliæ, Custodis Angliæ (videlicet) per duodecim Leucas in circuitu ejusdem Hospitii, dùm nos extra ipsum Regnum nostrum morari contingat, inviolabiliter custodiatur;
"Et quòd officia Senescalciæ & Marescalciæ dicti Hospitii nostri, infra Virgam Hospitii prædicti Custodis, eo modo in omnibus, quo ea, infra Virgam Hospitii nostri, dùm infra ipsum Regnum nostrum Angliæ eramus personaliter commorantes, fieri consuevit, ex cerceantur, exequantur, fiant, & expleantur, absque, aliqua læsione & diminutione eorundem,
"Nos igitur, ad dicta officia, infra Virgam Hospitii Custodis prædicti (videlicet) per Duodecim Leucas in circuitu ejusdem Hospitii, excercenda, exequenda, facienda, & explenda vobis plenam, Tenore Præsentium, Concedimus Potestatem;
"Et ideò vobis mandamus quòd circa præmissa diligenter intendatis in forma prædicta;
"Universis insuper & singulis Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Comitibus, Baronibus, Vicecomitibus, Ballivis, Ministris, & aliis Fidelibus nostris, tam infra Libertates, quàm extra, Tenore presentium, Damus firmiter in Mandatis, qùod vobis, in præmissis omnibus & singulis, Pareant & Intendant prout ipsi per vos fuerint super hoc præmuniti ex parte nostra, & prout infra Virgam dicti Hospitii nostri, in præsentia nostra, hactenus fieri consuevit.
"In cujus &c.
"Teste Custode Angliæ apud Walyngford, tertio die Septembris."
"Anno 18 R. II.
"No. XXXVI.
A. D. 1394. An. 18 R. II. Pat. 18 R. II. p. 1. m. 12. Rym. Fæd. Tom. 7. p. 789.
* De custode Angliæ constituto Edm. Duc. Ebor. cariff. avunc. nos.
Commission, utsupra, No. VIII."
"No. XXXVII.
A. D. 1394. An. 18 R. II. Ibid. Rym. Fœd. Vol. 7. p. 790.
* Pro dicto Custode de Potestatibus.
The same Power as in No. XXXIV.; but a Clause at the End, that no Powers shall be exercised without the Assent of the Council."
"Anno 20 R. II.
"No. XXXVIII.
A. D. 1396. A. 20 R. II. Pat. 20 R. II. p. 1. m. 16. Rym. Fæd. Vol. 7. p. 841.
* De custode Angliæ constituto Edm. Duc. Ebor. cariff. avunc. nos. Commission, ut supra, No. VIII.
Pro dicto custode de Potestatibus——Nearly in the same Words as No. XXXVII."
"Anno 3 H. V.
"De Ordinandis in Absentia Regis.
No. XXXIX.
A. D. 1415. An. 3 H. V. Ex Bibl. Cot. Caligul. F. 3. Rym. Fæd. Tom. 9. p. 223.
MESCREDY le XVII Jour d'Avrill, en Presence de Notre dit Soverain Seigneur le Roy, deinz la susdite Chambre, feurent assemblez touz les ditz Seign~rs Espirituels & Temporelx.
As queux, par son Commandement Roial, Monseigner le Chanceller declara coment y cellui notre Seigneur le Roi, durant le Temps de l'Absence, a Cause de son dit Viage, ad ordenue Monseigneur le Duc de Bedeford son Frere d'Estre son Lieutenant d'Engleterre.
"Et serront de son Consail, l'Ercevesque de Canterbirs, les Evesques de Wyncestre et de Duresme, le Conte de Westmerland, le Priour de l'Hospital, les Sires de Grey, de Ruthin, Berkeley, Powys & Morlee."
"Eodem Anno.
"No. XL.
A. D. 1415. An. 3. Hen. V. Pat. 3. Hen. V. p. 2. m. 41. Rym. Fæd. Tom. 9. p. 305.
* De custode Angliæ constituto frat. nos Johan. Duc. Bedf.
Commission ut supra, No. VIII."
No. XLI.
A.D. 1415. An. 3 Hen. V. Ibid. Ibid. p. 306.
* PRO dicto Custode de Potestatibus—nearly in the same Words as No. XXXVII."
"Anno 7 H. V.
"* De Locum-tenente Angliæ constituto.
Frat. nost. Humfrid. Duc. Gloucest.
"No. XLII.
A. D. 1419. An. 7 H. V. Pat. 7 H. V. m. 23. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 9. p. 830.
REX Omnibus ad quos, &c. Salutem. Sciatis quod,
Pro eo quod, carissimus frater noster, Johannes Dux Bedfordiœ de Mandato & Voluntate nostris penes Præsentiam nostram est protectúrus.—The rest of the Commission is like No. VIII."
"No. XLIII.
A. D. 1419. An. 7 H. 5. Ibid. Ibid. p. 831.
* DE Potestate eidem Locumtenenti concessa—nearly in the same words as No. XXXVII."
"Anno 9 H. V.
No. XLIV.
A. D. 1421. An. 9 H. V. Pat. 9. H. V. p. 1. m. 9. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 10. p. 129.
* DE custode Angliæ constituto frat. nost. Joh. Duc. Bed.
Commission ut supra No. VIII."
"Eodem Anno.
"No. XLV.
A. D. 1421. An. 9 H. V. Ibid. Ibid. p. 130.
* DE Potestate eidem Custodi concessa—nearly in the same words as No. XXXVII."
"Anno 8 H. VI.
No. XLVI.
A. D. 1430. An. 8 H. VI. Pat. 8 H. VI. p. 2. m. 26. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 10. p. 458.
* De Locumtenente Angliæ constituto, Avunc. nost. Humf. Duc. Glouc.
Commission ut supra, No.VIII."
"Anno 15 Edw. IV.
"No. XLVII.
A. D. 1475. An. 15 E. IV. Pat. 15 E. IV. p. 2. m. 18. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 12. pag. 13.
* De Custode Regni constituto Edw. fil. nostr. primogen.
Commission ut supr. No. VIII."
"No. XLVIII.
A. D. 1475. An. 15 E. IV. Ibid.
* DE Potestate Custodi concessa —Power respecting Benefices— nearly the same as No. XXIV."
"Pro eodem Custode.
"No. XLIX.
A. D. 1475. An. 15 E. IV. Ibid. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 12. p. 14.
REX omnibus, ad quos, &c. Salutem.
Quia volumus quòd officium Marescalciæ nostræ, dùm extra Regnum nostrum Angliæ fuerimus, in eodem Regno, in Præsentia Edwardi Filii nostri Primogeniti, Principis Walliæ, Ducis Cornubiæ, & Comitis Cestriæ (quem Constituimus Custodem ejusdem Regni) teneatur,
"Dedimus Potestatem eidem Custodi ad Constituendum Vice nostrà aliquem idoneum ad Placita ejusdem Marescalciæ Tenendum, & ad Ordinandum de Ministris ejusdem Marescalciæ, & omnibus aliis officium illud tangentibus, sicut Nos faceremus si præsentes essemus.
"In cujus, &c.
"Teste ut supra."
"Anno 8 H. VII.
"No. L.
"A. D. 1492. An. 8 H. VII. Pat. 8 H. VII. p. 1. m. 7. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 12. page 487.
* DE Custode Regni constituto, Fil. nos Primogen. Arthur Prin. Wal.
Commission ut supra, No. VIII."
"No. LI.
"A. D. 1492. An. 8 H. VII. Pat. 8 H. VII. p. 1. m. 7. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 12. page 487.
* DE Potestate commissa Principi, custodi memorato—respecting Ecclesiastical Benefices— nearly the same as No. XXIV."
"Anno 5 H. VIII.
"No. LII.
A. D. 1513. An. 5 H. VIII. Pat. 5 H. VIII. p. 1. m. 9. dor. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 13. p. 370.
* PRO Regina in absentia Regis de intendendo.—Commission, reciting that the King had appointed her Generalem Rectricem et Gubernatricem Regni, &c. gives a Power to the Treasurer of the Chamber to issue Money to her Orders."
"Anno 36 H. VIII.
"No. LIII.
"A. D. 1544. Pat. 36 H. VIII. p. 8. m. 51. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 15. p. 39.
* PRO Domina Katerina Regina Angliæ de Regentia, Commissa. Appointing her Rectric. et Gubernatric. Regni nostri.— Naming a Council—Giving her Power, with the Consent of the Council, to array the Subjects for the Defence of the Kingdom, and to appoint the Earl of Hertford to command the same. Also Power to issue Money, and to direct Acts under the Great Seal, with Consent of the Majority of the Council."
"No. LIV.
"A. D. 1544. Pat. 36 H. VIII. p. 8. m. 50. Ibid. p. 44.
* PRO Rectrice ante-memorata.—Power to her, with the Advice of Two of the Council, to issue Warrants to the Treasury for Money."
"No. LV.
5th July 1716.
"* GEORG. Princep. Wall. Custod. Regni nostri et Locum tenent.—Giving also special Powers to hold, adjourn, and prorogue Parliament."
"No. LVI.
1729.
"YOUR Committee, by their Order, were furnished from the Council Office with a Copy of a Patent, containing the like Powers as the last preceding one, passed in the Year 1729, appointing Queen Caroline Guardian and Lieutenant of the Kingdom in the King's Absence.—And also,
"No. LVII.
1732.
"A Copy of a like Patent, totidem Verbis, in the Year 1732, appointing Queen Caroline Guardian and Lieutenant of the Kingdom in the King's Absence."
"IT also appeared by the Book, delivered as abovementioned by Mr. Astle, that Lords Justices were appointed under the Great Seal, on Occasion of the King's Absence, at different Times, during the Reign of W. III. subsequent to the Death of Queen Mary; viz.
"5 May 1695.
May 1696.
22 April 1697.
16 July 1698.
31 May 1699."
"YOUR Committee do not find a particular Entry of the Commission, except of that of the Year 1699; nor of the Instructions, except for 1695. But the Commission in the one Instance, and the Instructions in the other, are nearly conformable to the Commission and Instruction of the Year 1719, which are hereinafter inserted."
"John Topham, Esq. from His Majesty's Paper Office, being examined, produced a Paper, endorsed, Translation of the Lords Justices Commission in 1719, as corrected by my Ld Ch. some Alterations made afterwards;" which is as followeth."
Warrant for the Lords Justices Commission in 1719, compared with those of 1720, 1723, 1725, and 1727.
"Our Will and Pleasure is, That you prepare a Bill for Our Royal Signature, to pass Our Great Seal, in the Words, or to the Effect following:
Translation.; In the Commission in the Year 1720, it stood thus:; As well by the Name, Title, or Stile of Our Guardians or Justices of Our Kingdom aforesaid, or of Our Lieutenant in the same, as by the Name, Title, or Stile of Guardians and Justices of Our Kingdom aforesaid.; The same in the Years 1723, 25, & 27.; The Words underlined, were left out in the Commissions of the Years 1720, 23, 25, & 27.
"GEORGE, &c. To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas We have determined (by the Blessing of God) for divers weighty Reasons, speedily to go in Person beyond the Seas; and having it greatly at Heart, that, during Our Absence, Our Peace may be preserved, Our Subjects defended and maintained in Security and Tranquillity, and impartial Justice done to every one; and that all Matters of Government, and the Administration of Government, within this Our Kingdom of Great Britain, and also in Ireland, and the rest of Our Dominions, Plantations, and Territories, belonging to Our Crown of Great Britain, may be carefully and prudently conducted and ordered, in like Manner as if We Ourselves were Personally present in Great Britain. Know ye therefore, that We, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in the Prudence, Circumspection and Fidelity of Our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousins and Counsellors, the most Reverend Father in God, William Archbishop of Canterbury, &c. by the Advice of Our Privy Council, have constituted, made, and appointed, and, by these Presents, do constitute, make, and appoint, the said William Archbishop of Canterbury, &c. to be Our Guardians and Justices of Our said Kingdom of Great Britain, and Our Lieutenants in the same, during Our Absence out of Our said Kingdom, or till further Signification of Our Pleasure; giving, and by these Presents granting to them, and the major Part of them (when they shall be all present together) and as often as, in case of Death, Disability, or Hindrance by Sickness or otherwise, it shall happen that they shall not be all present together, then to Four or more of those/them who shall be present together, and to the major Part of them/such, Four or more so being present together, full Power and Authority to execute the Office and Place of Guardians and Justices of Our said Kingdom of Great Britain, and of Our Lieutenants in the said Kingdom, and to order, do, and perform all and every Act and Acts of Government and Administration of Government, and all other Matters and Things whatsoever, which by virtue or by reason of the aforesaid Office or Place have been usual, or may be lawfully ordered, done, or performed; commanding, and by these Presents strictly and firmly requiring all and singular Our Subjects, of whatever Station, Degree, or Order, that they and every of them be in all Things aiding, assisting, advising, and obedient to the said William Archbishop of Canterbury, &c. or to Four or more of them, or the Major part of such Four or more of them as aforesaid, as Guardians and Justices of Our said Kingdom, and Our Lieutenants in the same; and Our Will and Pleasure is, that the said William Archbishop of Canterbury, &ca. by virtue of the Authority granted by these Presents, be, and shall be known, named, and called by the Name, Title, or Stile of Guardians and Justices of Our said Kingdom, or Our Lieutenants in the same; and that all Writs, Letters Patent, Commissions, and other Instruments or Writings whatsoever, which should or ought to have or bear Teste by or under Ourself, shall bear Teste in and under the Name of the First for the Time being, and the Stile of other Guardians and Justices of our said Kingdom, and of Our Lieutenants in the same, in the Form following, vizt. Witnesses, William Archbishop of Canterbury, and other Guardians and Justices of the Kingdom: And further, We do by these Presents expressly declare, order, and grant, that during Our Absence out of this Our Kingdom of Great Britain, or till further Signification of Our Pleasure, they, the said William Archbishop of Canterbury, &ca. or any Four or more of them, or the Major part of such Four or more of them, in the Manner above-mentioned, shall and may have full Power and Authority, within Our said Kingdom of Great Britain, to keep Our Peace, and to make and cause the Laws and Customs of the said Kingdom to be kept and observed by all, and to punish Criminals and Offenders against the same, and to hold Our present Parliament, and to continue, prorogue, and dissolve the said Parliament, and likewise to summon and hold another Parliament, and other Parliaments; and the same to continue, prorogue, and dissolve; and also to direct and grant Authority to Our Lieutenant, or Our Justices and General Governors of Our Kingdom of Ireland for the Time being, to summon, hold, prorogue, and dissolve the Parliament and Parliaments in the said Kingdom, and likewise to prepare and transmit the Bills which may be proposed to be enacted in such Parliaments, according to the Laws and Statutes of the said Kingdom of Ireland: And We do further declare, order and grant, That the said Willm, Archbishop of Canterbury, &ca.
Q.
"or Four or more of them, or the Major part of such Four or more of them as aforesaid, from Time to Time, shall and may have Authority, as often as they shall think it expedient, to summon and hold Our Privy Council, and to appoint Committees of the same, and with the Advice of Our Privy Council to issue Proclamations, and to do and perform all other Things, which have been usually done, or may be done, by Us, by or with the Advice of the same; commanding, and by these Presents enjoining, all and singular Our Privy Counsellors for the Time being, when they shall be summoned, as aforesaid, to be present and attend: And We do further declare, order, and grant, That the said Will. Archbishop of Canterbury, &c. or Four or more of them, or the Major part of such Four or more of them, as aforesaid, during Our said Absence, or till further Signification of Our Pleasure, shall and may have full Power and Authority to treat, or to appoint and authorize Persons to treat, with the Ambassadors, Commissaries, and Ministers of Emperors, Kings, Princes, Republicks, or States, and to make and conclude Treaties, Conventions, and Leagues thereupon; and likewise to confer, grant, and present to all Benefices, Dignities, and Ecclesiastical Promotions, where the Presentation or Grant belongs to Us by any Right or Title whatsoever: And We do farther declare, order, and grant, That the said Willm Archbishop of Canterbury, &c. or any Four or more of them, or the Major part of such Four or more of them, as aforesaid, during Our said Absence, or till further Signification of Our Pleasure, shall and may have full Power and Authority to give, grant, and issue Commands, Authorities, Orders, and Warrants, under Our Privy Seal, or otherwise, to Our Treasurer, or to the Commissrs of or for Our Treasury, and to the other Officers and Persons to whom it does or may belong, for and concerning the Collection, Levying, Application, Payment, and Disposal of Our Treasure and Revenue; And also to cause Our Militia and Guards and Garrisons, which shall be within this Kingdom, to be mustered and assembled, and new Troops to be raised and assembled (if there should be Occasion) and to command and cause to be commanded all the said Forces, and all Soldiers, as well in Garrison as elsewhere, and all Camps, Castles, Forts, and Fortifications, and to cause all Our said Forces, and all Our Soldiers whatsoever (when Occasion shall require) to march, to be drawn up, led forth, and sent upon actual Service, and also to repel and suppress Invasions, Insurrections, Rebellions, Rebellious Assemblies, Enemies, and Tumults, and all such like Attempts and Enterprizes, and also to execute and employ Martial Law in Time of War, if that should happen, as often and as far as may be done according to the Laws and Statutes of Our Realm; and to command and give Orders, or Instructions, to Our Commissrs for executing the Office of High Admiral of Great Britain, and to all and singular Our Commissrs and Officers, as well Naval or Marine, and Military, as Civil, in Relation to their respective Services, Offices, and Employments, and also to constitute, make, and appoint all and all Manner of Officers, Commissioners, Ministers, Agents, and Servants, and to grant and confer all Offices, Places, and Employments in Our Disposal, and to suspend, remove, or discharge any Person from such Office, Place, or Employment; and also to grant and issue, as well general as special Pardons of High Treason, and all other Crimes and Offences against Us, and of all Sentences, Pains, Penalties, and Forfeitures on Account thereof; and that they shall and may have, in like Manner, full Power and Authority to direct, perform, and order the Administration of our Government, and of all Matters and Business in or concerning Our Kingdom of Ireland, and in or concerning all other Dominions, Plantations and Territories belonging to Our Crown of Great Britain, in as ample Manner and Form as We Ourselves have used to do, or might have done, if we had been present in Great Britain. And Our Royal Will and Pleasure is, that the aforesaid William Archbishop of Canterbury, &c. or any Four or more of them, or the Major part of such Four or more of them as aforesaid, during Our said Absence, or till further Signification of Our Pleasure, shall and may have and enjoy, and in Our Name and Place use, exercise, and execute all and singular the Powers and Authorities expressed and contained in these Presents, and all other Powers, Authorities, Matters, and Acts of Government, and Administration of Government, in as full, ample, and effectual Manner, as We Ourselves could use, exercise, and execute the same; if We were Personally present in Our said Kingdom of Great Britain. Provided always nevertheless, and We will, command, and require, that in the Execution of this Our Commission, and of the several Powers, Authorities, and Commands contained in the same, the aforesaid William Archbishop of Canterbury, &c. do punctually observe Our Will and Pleasure, as shall or may be from Time to Time more clearly and distinctly expressed in Instructions signed by Our own Royal Hand, if We should think fit to give them any such, before Our Departure out of this Our Kingdom, or to transmit them to them, during Our Absence; and that they carefully follow the same in all Things that/what (fn. 3) shall be directed by such Instructions.
"And lastly, We do by these Presents declare, that it is Our express Will and Purpose, that the said William Archbishop of Canterbury, &c. should in all their Acts and Deeds, in the Prosecution and Execution of these Presents, proceed according to Law and Justice, and in no Case otherwise. And We do by these Presents strictly command and require, by the Faith and Allegiance which they owe Us, that they the said William Archbishop of Canterbury, &c. do serve Us in the Premises according to this Our Royal Will and Declaration.
"Witness, &c. Witness, &c.
"And for so doing, this shall be your Warrant. Given at Our Court at St. James's, the Day of in the Year of Our Reign.
"By His Majesty's Command,
"To our Attorney or
Solicitor General."
"Mr. Topham also produced the Instructions to the Lords Justices in May 1719; which are as follows; viz.
"INSTRUCTIONS to the Lord Justices, May 1719.
"Instructions for Our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousins and Counsellors, William Lord Archbishop of Canterbury; Thomas Lord Parker, Lord Chancellor of Great Britain; Evelyn Duke of Kingston, Lord President of Our Council; Henry Duke of Kent, Lord Privy Seal; John Duke of Greenwich, Lord Steward of Our Household; Thomas Duke of Newcastle, Lord Chamberlain of Our Household; Charles Duke of Bolton, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland; John Duke of Marlborough, Captain General of Our Forces; John Duke of Roxburgh, one of Our Principal Secretaries of State; Charles Earl of Sunderland, First Commissioner of Our Treasury, and Groom of Our Stole; James Earl of Berkeley, First Commissioner of Our Admiralty; James Earl Stanhope, One of Our Principal Secretaries of State; and James Craggs, Junr Esqr, another of Our Principal Secretaries of State, Guardians and Justices of the Kingdom, and our Lieutenants in the same. Given at Our Court at St. James's, the
"Day of May, 1719, in the 5th Year of Our Reign.
"Whereas, for the more effectual carrying on and promoting the many Negotiations which will be on Foot to restore the Peace of the North, wherein the Trade and Tranquillity of this Our Kingdom may be very much concerned, We have determined, by the Blessing of God, speedily to go in Person beyond the Seas; and having taken into Our most serious Consideration by what Means the Peace, Prosperity, and good Government of this Our Kingdom may be most effectually secured and maintained during such Our Absence: For attaining these Ends, We have made Choice of you, as Persons of approved Loyalty, Wisdom, Courage, Moderation, and Integrity, to exercise Our Royal Authority here, and to represent Our Person; and having sufficiently authorized you accordingly, by Letters Patent, under our Great Seal of Great Britain, We doubt not but you will, with all Application and Fidelity, discharge the great Trust reposed in you; nevertheless, for your Direction therein, and that you may be more fully informed of Our Intentions in the said Letters Patent, and in what Manner We would have Our Government administered by you during Our Absence, We have thought fit to prescribe to you the following Rules and Instructions, viz.
"1. The Care of, and Concern for Religion, being the surest Foundation of a Nation's Happiness, We recommend it to you in a particular Manner, and more especially require it of you, that, above all Things, you seriously and earnestly endeavour to promote the Service and Worship of Almighty God, and take Care of all Things relating thereunto, so far as is incumbent on you.
"2. Whenever any Bishoprick of England, or any Deanry or Archdeaconry, or any Prebend or Canonry in the same, or any Place of Royal Professor in either of the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge, or the Mastership of any College or Hospital, or any Living or Benefice which are in Our Gift, and reserved to Our own Royal Disposition, shall happen to be vacant by Death, Promotion, or otherwise, you are not to dispose of any of the said Preserments, without first receiving our Direction as to the Persons, to be signified from beyond the Seas under our Sign Manual.
"3. You are to assist, countenance, and support the Commissioners We have appointed for executing the Office of Treasurer of Our Exchequer, and to give all fitting Support, as Justice and Our Service shall require, to the several Commissioners and Officers employed in the managing and collecting of any Part of Our Revenue.
"4. You shall not give any Orders or Directions concerning the Disposition of Money at Our Treasury, during Our Absence, before our Pleasure shall be signified thereupon; but it is not Our Meaning to restrain you from giving Orders to Our said Commissioners for issuing Money, in Cases where you shall judge it cannot be avoided without apparent Prejudice to Our Service.
". . And whereas We have by Our Commission, bearing Date directed and impowered and other the Chief Officers of our Army, to examine and redress the Abuses thereof, and have by Our Instructions to them signified Our further Pleasure therein; you are to take Care that the same be pursued; as you are hereby further authorized, if you shall see Cause, to give other or new Instructions to the said Chief Officers relating to Our Service, and the better Government of Our Forces; in which Case you are to acquaint Us therewith, as soon after as conveniently may be.
"6. That you may be enabled the better to discharge the great Trust We have reposed in you, We hereby declare that We will not admit of any particular Complaint of Injustice or Oppression, unless it appear the Party hath first addressed himself to you.
"7. When any Office or Employment in Our Disposal shall become void, you shall forthwith advise Us thereof; and you are not to dispose of such Office or Employment, till We have signified Our Pleasure in that Behalf, unless you shall judge it necessary for Our Service, that the said Vacancy be immediately supplied.
"8. If any Warrants, Letters, Orders, or Directions, shall be sent to you from Us, or in Our Name, upon which you think it for Our Service to make any Representation to Us: In such Case We allow that you suspend putting in Execution what shall be so directed, till We are made acquainted with what you have to offer, and shall thereupon have signified Our further Pleasure.
"9. Though, by Our Commission, We have invested you with the Power of pardoning all Sorts of Crimes and Offences, yet Our Pleasure is, that the same be not used but in Cases of Necessity, or such as you shall judge will not admit of Delay, without the apparent Prejudice of Our Service; but on other Occasions, if you shall be of Opinion that any Offenders may be proper Objects of Our Mercy, you are at Liberty to reprieve them, or stay further Proceedings against them till Our Pleasure be known in that Behalf.
"10. In like Manner you are not to remove any Persons from their Offices or Employments, but in Cases of Necessity, or which you shall judge will not admit of Delay, without apparent Prejudice to Our Service; but where you see Cause, you are at Liberty to suspend from the Execution of Offices or Employments, till Our Pleasure be further known; and when any Person shall be so suspended, you are forthwith to represent the Case to Us.
"11. You are not to issue Orders for drawing together any Part of the Militia of Our Kingdom, out of their respective Counties, unless you shall find it requisite for preserving the Peace of Our Kingdom; neither are you to give any Orders for raising any new Forces, unless Our Pleasure be first signified in that Behalf, except in Cases where you have good Grounds to apprehend an immediate Invasion, Insurrection, or Rebellion.
"12. You are not to Dissolve the Parliament now in being, or to call a New Parliament, but upon a special Signification of Our Pleasure herein; and you are to continue the present Parliament by short Prorogations, as you shall think most expedient for Our Service, until We shall otherwise direct under Our Royal Sign Manual.
"13. You are to summon Our Privy Council to meet as often as you shall see Occasion.
"14. You shall give such Instructions to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, concerning the Meeting and Sitting, or Proroguing of Our Parliament in that Kingdom, as you shall think most for Our Service; which being first approved by Us, are to be pursued by him in all Cases, except where Our Pleasure shall be signified to the contrary under Our Sign Manual.
"15. You are not to begin or conclude any League or Treaty with any Prince or State, but by Our express Directions.
"16. We leave it to you to give Passes and Licences to those that have Occasion to go beyond the Seas, as you shall think fit.
"17. You shall give, from Time to Time, such Orders and Directions as you shall judge most expedient for the Security of the Coasts of Our Kingdoms, and for protecting the Trade thereof, as also for annoying the Enemy and their Coasts, and ruining their Traffick; and to those Ends you are to issue out Orders either to the Commissioners of Our Admiralty, the Commander or Commanders in Chief of any of Our Fleets at Sea, or to any other Officer or Person, as you judge it requisite for our Service.
"18. And whereas We have thought fit to constitute and appoint Commissioners to consider of the best and most effectual Ways and Methods to secure, encourage, and improve the Trade, Manufactures, Plantations, and Fishery of this Kingdom, you are to give them all due Countenance and Assistance, and to give such Directions, upon the Representations they shall make from Time to Time concerning the same, as you shall think fit and proper.
"19. And whereas We have appointed the Countess of Portland Governess to the young Princesses, Our dearly-beloved Grand-children, it is Our further Will and Pleasure, that you assist, countenance, and support her, in the Care of their Persons and Education, pursuant to such Instructions as We have given or shall give her under Our Royal Sign Manual; and also that you give Directions to the Officers of the Guards who shall be upon Duty at Our Palace of Kensington, or at such other of Our Royal Palaces where the young Princesses shall reside during Our Absence, to observe such Orders as they shall receive from the said Countess of Portland.
"20. You shall carefully observe and follow what further Orders and Directions We shall think fit to send to you, from Time to Time, during Our Absence.
"21. We do hereby authorize you to use Two Common Seals, one of a larger Size for the Sealing of any Warrants or Orders issuing from yourselves, the other a small one to seal your Letters; for the engraving of which Seals We have given Directions."
"Mr. Topham then produced Original Instructions to the Lords Commissioners in 1740, 1741, and 1743, which appeared to agree with the Instructions of May 1719, except as to some Additional Articles relative to the War then carrying on."
"William Pollock, Esquire, from the Secretary of State's Office, being then called, produced the Instructions to the Lords Justices, of the following Dates, vizt.
"1 May 1745,
12 May 1748,
9 April 1750,
25 Mar. 1752,
22 April 1755.
"All which appeared to contain the like Authorities and Instructions as in the Commission passed in April 1743."
4. "Cases of Absence, where the Remedy has been provided by the Great Council of the Nation, or by the Two Houses of Parliament."
"Anno 57 H. III.
"Magnates Angliæ nuntiarunt Domino E. R. de Obitu H. Reg. Patris sui.
A. D. 1272. L. A. f. 223 b. Penes Camerar. Scaccar. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 1. p. 888.
"MAGNIFICO Principi et Domino Suo Edwardo, Dei Gratia, Regi Angliæ illustri Domino Hiberniæ et Duci Aquitaniæ, sui fideles et devoti W. eodem Gratia Ebor. Archiepiscopus Angliæ primat, L. Roffens', N. Wynton', G. Wygorn', R. Coventriæ & Lich', & W. Exon', Episcopi:
"R. Prior Hospital. Sancti Johannis Jerusalem in Anglia, E de Allem Comes Cornub', G. de Clare Comes Gloucest' et Hereford. J. Comes Warenn, H. de Bohun Comes Hereford & Essex, Rogerus de Mortuo Mari, Thomas de Clare, Johannes Filius Johannis, Willielmus de Monte Canis, et Johannis de Sancto Johanne Salutem, et fidelitatis obsequium semper promptum et paratum.
"Dominationi vestræ, licet cum Mentis Amaritudine præsentibus nunciamus, quod Dominus noster Dominus H. Rex Pater Vester Die Mercurij in Festo Sancti Eadmundi Confessoris, in Sero, ab hoc Seculo suaviter et sanctissime migravit ad Dominum, cujus Animæ propitietur et parcat, qui solus potest Medicinam præstare post Mortem.
"Die autem Jovis sequenti, Mane Nos, qui præsentes fuimus, Pacem Vestram in Majori Aula West. sollempniter & publice fecimus proclamari, et eam etiam Nomine Regio firmiter observandam populo, qui aderat, Convocato fecimus præconizari.
"Dominica autem proximâ, in Festo beati Edmundi Regis et Martiris, cum Honore & Sollempnitate, qua decuit, Corpus suum in Ecclesia Westmonast' ante magnam altare, traditum fuerant Sepulturæ.
"Et, nec dum Clauso jam Tumulo, nos omnes, qui cum Multitudine Fidelium vestrorum ibidem præsentes affuimus, vobis tamquam Domino Nostro & Regi Fidelitatis juramentum, et omnia alia quæ vestræ Dominationi et Honori debentur, quatenus in absentiâ vestrâ fieri potuit, gratanter explevimus et devote, pacemque vestram iterato Nomine Regio clamari fecimus quam usque Adventum vestrum in Angliæ quantum Nostræ Possibilitatis exstiterit faciemus, Auctore Domino firmiter observari, alia etiam, quæ vobis Ratione Coronæ et Dignitatis Regiæ ulterius a Nobis fieri aut præstari debuerunt, plenarie et sine omissione aliqua, prompto et libenti Animo faciemus.
"Vestram igitur Excellentiam, quanta possimus instantia requirimus et rogamus, quatinus attendentes pericula et incommoda quæ Diebus istis per Absentiam vel Moram Vestram vobis, ac nobis, et toti Regno vestro, quod absit, de Facili poterint iminere, adventum vestrum in Angliam utinam prosperum et felicem! celeriter et sine Dilatione aliqua maturare velitis.
"Nos autem, in Adventu Vestro, ad ea quæ Honorem & Beneplacitum Vestrum, pacem etiam & tranquillitatem Regni Vestri contingunt, paratos semper in omnibus invenietis & promptos, et sicut Ardenti Cordis Desiderio Vestram Præsentiam præstolamur, ita et vos cum omni Lætitia & Guadio accedere non tardetis.
"Scripsisset quoque Vobis super hijs tota Procerum Vestrorum Communitas, quod tamen propter Celeritatem quam Negotij Qualitas adquirit, ad præsens non sine Causa fuerit omissum; ad quod etiam nos vice omnium Magnatum vestrorum præmissa vestræ Celsitudini duximus scribenda.
"Dat apud Novum Templum 23 die Novembr, Anno Domini 1272."
"Anno 1 E. I.
"De Pace Regis Proclamanda.
A. D. 1272. An. 1 E. 1. Claus. 1. E. 1. m. 11. Rym. Fœd. tom. 2. p. 1.
"EDWARDUS, Dei gratiâ, Rex Angliæ Dominus Hyberniæ & Dux Aquitaniæ Vic. Eborum, salutem.
"Cum, defuncto jam, celebris Memoriæ, Domino Henrico Rege, Patre nostro, ad nos Regni gubernaculum successione hæreditariâ, ac Procerum Regni voluntate, & fidelitate nobis præstitâ, sit devolutum: per quod nomine nostro (qui, in exhibitione Justitiæ & Pacis conservatione, omnibus & singulis de ipso Regno sumus ex nunc debitores) pacem nostram dicti magnates & fideles nostri jam fecerunt proclamari,
"Tibi præcipimus, quod per totam Ballivam tuam in singulis Civitatibus & Burgis, Feriis, Mercatis & locis aliis pacem nostram publice clamari & firmiter teneri facias; inhibendo omnibus & singulis, sub periculo exhæreditionis vitæ & membrorum, ne quis pacem nostram infringere præsumat.
"Nos enim omnibus & singulis, in omnibus Juribus & rebus, ipsos contingentibus, contra quoscunque, tam majores quam minores, parati sumus & erimus plenam, Auctore Domino, justitiam exhibere.
"Testibus,
W. Eborum Archiepiscopo,
E. Cornub: &
G. Gloucestr. Comitibus.
"Apud Westm. 23 Die Novembris, Anno Regni nostri primo.
"Consimiles Literæ diriguntur singulis Vicecomitibus per Angliam."
"Anno 1 E. I.
"Rex E. grates refert Waltero de Merton, super diligentiam, quam circa Regni negotia opposuit.
A. D. 1273. An. 1 E. 1. Bundela Brevium, &c. n. 11. in Turri. A. 1 E. 1. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 2. p. 13.
"EDWARDUS, Die gratia, Rex Angliæ, Dominus Hiberniæ & Dux Aquitaniæ, dilecto Clerico & Cancellario suo Waltero de Merton, Salutem.
"Super diligentia, quam circa nostra & Regni nostri negotia apposuistis, grates vobis referimus speciales; rogantes quatenus id, quod laudabiliter inchoastis, fæliciter continuare curetis: In hiis quæ ad officium vestrum pertinent cuicunque facientes Justitiam exhiberi, alios autem ad id pariter inducentes, non parcentes conditioni aut statui cujuscunque, quin rigor Juris ipsos coherceat quos Æquitatis suavitas nequit ab injuriis cohibere.
"Ea namque, quæ rite feceritis circa ista, faciemus (disponente Altissimo) robur firmitatis constantissime optinere.
"Dat. apud Mellune super Sekene 9 Die Augusti, Anno Regni nostri primo."
"Anno 2 E. I.
"De Provisionibus, faciendis contra Coronationem Regis."
A. D. 1274. A. 2 E. 1. Claus. 2 E. 1. m. 13. Rym. Fœd. tom. 2. p. 21.
Rex Vicecomiti Gloucestr' salutem.
Præcipimus tibi quod contra instans Festum Coronationis nostræ, quod in instantibus Octabis Paschæ celebraturi sumus, Domino concedente, provideas ad opus nostrum in balliva tua, per visum latoris præsentium, quem ad te propter hoc transmittimus, de Sexaginta Bobus, & Vaccis, Sexaginta Porcis, duobus Apris pinguibus, sexaginta Multonibus vivis & de tribus milibus Caponum & Gallinarum, & de quadraginta Baconibus; ita quod ea habeas apud Windesor in Vigilia Paschæ proximo futura ad ultimum, Constabulario nostro Castri Wyndes' liberanda.
"Et hoc, sicut te & tua diligis, & indignationem nostram vitare volueris, nullatenus omittas; & habeas ibi tunc hoc breve.
"Et, cum sciverimus custum, quod ad hoc posueris illud tibi ad scaccarium nostrum faciemus allocari.
"Dat per manum W. de Merton Cancellarii apud Westm' decimo die Februarii."
"Consimiles Litteræ diriguntur Vicecomiti Berk. & Bed. de 40 Bobus & Vaccis, & quadraginta Porcis, quadraginta Multonibus, & uno Apro, pinguibus & vivis, & de duobus milibus & 100 Caponum & Gallinarum, & de 25 Baconibus."
"Consimiles Litteræ diriguntur Vicecomiti Oxon. de 40 Bobus, 40 Porcis, 40 Multonibus, 2 Apris, pinguibus & vivis, & de 2100 Caponum & Gallinarum, & de 25 Baconibus."
"Consimiles Litteræ diriguntur Vicecomiti Kantiæ de 40 Bobus & Vaccis, 40 Porcis, duobus Apris, & 40 Multonibus, pinguibus & vivis, & de duobus millibus & 100 Caponum & Gallinarum, & de 25 Baconibus."
"Consimiles Litteræ diriguntur Vicecomiti Surr. & Sussex de 40 Bobus & Vaccis, 40 Porcis, 40 Multonibus, 2 Apris, pinguibus & vivis, 25 Baconibus, & de 2000 Caponum & Gallinarum."
"Consimiles Litteræ diriguntur Vicecomiti Warr. & Leic. de 60 Bobus & Vaccis, & 60 Porcis, 40 Multonibus & Apris, pinguibus & vivis, & de tribus milibus Caponum & Gallinarum & de 38 Baconibus."
"Consimiles Litteræ diriguntur Vicecomiti Somerset. & Dorset. de 100 Bobus & Vaccis, 110 Porcis, 110 Multonibus vivis, 4 Apris pinguibus vivis, 62 Baconibus, & de 5200 Caponum & Gallinarum."
"Consimiles literæ diriguntur Vic. Essex, de 60 Bobus, & Vaccis, 60 Porcis, 60 Multonibus pinguibus & vivis, & de 38 Baconibus, 3 Apris, 3160 Capon. & Gall."
"The Statute 1st and 2d William and Mary, Sess. 2. which falls under this Head, not being printed in the Statute Books, Your Committee have inserted a Copy thereof; vizt.
"Anno 2 W. & M.
"An Act for the Exercise of the Government by Her Majesty during His Majesties Absence.
Stat. 1 & 2 W. & M. Sess. 2.
"WHEREAS by an Act of Parliament made in the First Year of their Majesties Reign, intituled, "An Act declaring the Rights and Liberties of the Subject, and settling the succession of the Crown," it is amongst other Things Enacted, Established, and Declared, That the Crown and Regal Government of the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto belonging, shall be and continue to their said Majesties, and the Survivor of them, during their Lives, and the Life of the Survivor of them; and that the entire, perfect, and full Exercise of the Regal Power and Government be only in and executed by His Majesty, in the Names of both their Majesties, during their Joint Lives:
"And whereas the King's Most Excellent Majesty hath resolved to make a Royal Voyage, and go in Person into Ireland, for the speedy and effectual reducing of that Kingdom to its due Obedience to Their Majesties, and hath likewise declared His Pleasure to leave the Administration of the Government in the Hands of the Queen's Most excellent Majesty during His Absence out of this Kingdom:
"Be it enacted by the King and Queen's Most Excellent Majesties, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and the Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the Authority of the same, That whensoever, and as often as it shall happen that His said Majesty shall be absent out of this Realm of England, it shall and may be lawful for the Queen's Majesty to exercise and administer the Regal Power and Government of the Kingdom of England, Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick upon Tweed, and the Plantations and Territories thereunto belonging, in the Names of both their Majesties, for such Time only, during their Joint Lives, as his said Majesty shall be absent, or continue out of this Realm of England, any Thing in the said Act to the contrary notwithstanding.
Provided always, That nothing in this Act shall be taken or construed to exclude or debar His Majesty, during such his Absence out of this Realm, from the Exercise or Administration of any Act or Acts of Regal Power or Government within this Realm, the Kingdom of Ireland, or any other their Majesties Dominions whatsoever; but that all and every such Act and Acts shall be as good and effectual as if his Majesty was within this Realm, and shall not be contradicted or controlled but by His Majesty only; and that neither the passing of this Act, nor his Majesties Royal Voyage or Absence out of this Realm, shall be any Way taken or construed to dissolve this present Parliament, or avoid or determine any Commission or Commissions which have been or shall be granted by His or Their Majesties; nor to avoid any other Act or Acts of Government executed or to be executed by His Majesty.
Provided always, That as often as His Majesty shall return into this Kingdom of England, the sole Administration of the Regal Power and Government thereof, and all the Dominions, Territories, and Plantations thereunto belonging or annexed, shall be in His Majesty only, as if this Act had never been made."
5. "Cases which do not fall under either of the foregoing Descriptions."
"Anno 20 E. 2.
A. D. 1326. An. 20 E. 2. Claus. 20 E. 2. 2 M. 3 D. Rym. Fœd. Tom. 4. p. 237.
"De Recessu Regis a Regno, et Filio Custode constituto; ac de Reditu Regis, et Magno Sigillo eidem Filio & Reginœ commisso.
"MEMORANDUM quod vicesimo sexto die Octobris, Anno Regni Regis Edwardi vicesimo.
"Ipso Rege a Regno suo Angliæ cum Hugone le Despenser Juniore et Magistro Roberto de Baldok, Inimicis Isabellæ Reginæ Angliæ Consortis ipsius Domini Regis et Edwardi Filij ejusdem Domini Regis Primogeniti, et Ducis Aquitaniæ, et aliis eorumdem Dominæ Reginæ et Ducis, ac Regni Angliæ notorié Inimicis recedente, eodem Regno suo sine Regimine dimisso.
"Venerabiles Patres, A. Dubliniensis Archiepiscopus,
J. Wyntoniensis,
J. Eliensis,
H. Lincolniensis,
A. Herefordensis, &
W. Norwicensis Episcopi, ac alij Prelati,
Et Domini Thomas Norsolciæ, & Edmundus
Kantiæ, Comites, Fratres ipsius Domini Regis,
& Henricus Comes Lancastriæ et Leicestriæ,
Thomas Wake,
Henricus de Bello Monte,
Willielmus la Zouche de Assheby,
Robertus de Monte Alto,
Robertus de Morle,
Robertus de Watevill,
"Et alij Barones et Milites tunc apud Bristoll existentes in præsentiâ dictæ Dominæ Reginæ, et dicti Ducis, de assensu totius Communitatis dicti Regni ibidem existentis, eundem Ducem in Custodem dicti Regni unanimiter elegerunt; sic quod idem Dux et Custos, Nomine et Jure ipsius Domini Regis, Patris sui, ipso Rege sic absente, dictum Regnum regeret et gubernaret.
"Et idem Dux, eodem die, Regimen dicti Regni in forma predictâ ibidem assumpsit, et ea quæ Juris fuerunt sub Sigillo suo Privato in Custodiâ Domini Roberti de Wyvill Clerici sui, existente (eo quod alium Sigillum pro dicto Regimine adtunc non habuit) exercere incepit.
Postmodùm verò vicesimo die Novembris proximo sequente, captis Inimicis prædictis, et dicto Domino Rege in dictum Regnum suum revertente iidem, Domina Regina et Dux, Prelatique et Proceres prædicti, de assensu Communitatis prædictæ, tunc apud Herefordiam existentes pro eo quòd Poetestas ipsius Custodis, per adventum dicti Domini Regis sic infra Regnum suum, cessavit prædictum Dominum Herefordensem Episcopum ad ipsum, Dominum Regem in Nuncium miserunt; supplicando eidem Domino Regi ut ipse præcipere vellet quod de Magno Sigillo suo penes dictum Dominum Regem tunc existente fierent, ea quæ pro pace in eodem Regno conservandâ et Justitiâ exhibenda essent facienda.
"Idemque Episcopus Herefordensis adivit dictum Dominum Regem apud Munemuth tunc existentem; et, in præsentiâ dicti Comitis Lancastriæ et Leycestriæ, et Magistri Thomæ Chaundos, Archidiaconi Herefordiæ, ac aliorum plurimorum, omnia, sic sibi injuncta, eidem Domino Regi exposuit per ordinem.
"Et idem Dominus Rex auditis sic sibi expositis, habitâ inde aliquali deliberatione penes se, respondebat quòd placuit sibi mittere dictum Magnum Sigillum suum præfatis, Consorti sui et Filio; et quòd iidem Consors et Filius, dictum Sigillum, sub Privato Sigillo suo tunc clausam aperiri facerent, et non solum ea quæ pro Jure et Pace essent facienda set etiam quæ gratiæ forent sub dicto Magno Sigillo sieri facerent: et idem Dominus Rex dictum Magnum Sigillum liberari fecit Domino Willielmo le Blount Militi, deferendum, in Comitivâ dicti Domini Herefordensis Episcopi ad prædictos Reginam et Ducem, eis in formâ prædicta liberandum.
"Quæ idem Episcopus ad Reginam et Ducem prædictos vicesimo sexto die Novembris proximo sequente apud Martleye rediens, exposuit viva voce; et Nichilominus eadem in quodam Instrumento publico inde confecto continentur.
"Dictus vero Willielmus le Blount prædictum Magnum Sigillum sub dicto privato Sigillo sic Clausam, prædicta die præfatis, Reginæ et Duci apud Martley in præsentiâ dicti Herefordiæ Episcopi liberavit.
"Die verò Dominica proximò sequente, videlicet, in Festo Sancti Andreæ Apostoli, apud Cirencestriam, in Camerâ ipsius Dominæ Reginæ, infra Abbatiam ibidem iidem Regina & Dux existentes dictum Magnum Sigillum sic Clausam in præsentia Domini Rogeri de Mortymer, Johannæ Comitissæ Garennæ, dicti Domini Roberti de Wyvill, Richardi Ellesfeld et Johannis Giffard Clericorum, et aliorum plurimorum tradiderunt, ex parte dicti Domini Regis præfato Domino Norwicensi Episcopo, et præceperunt sibi quod illud aperiret, et inde faceret quod ad officium Custodis dicti Magni Sigilli pertineret.
"Et idem Episcopus dictum Magnum Sigillum in Manibus suis recepit, et eodem die in Capitulo dictæ abbatiæ Sigillum illud aperuit, et inde Brevia consig navit: et, post consignationem Sigillum illud, sub sigillo suo Privato inclusit.
"Et sic remansit dictum Magnum Sigillum in Custodia dicti Norwicensis Episcopi, itinerando per vias versus Wodestoke, usque ad diem Jovis proximo' sequentem; quo die ipse restituit Sigillum illud, sub Sigillo suo, præfatis Reginæ et Ducis apud Wodestoke.
"Et, occurrentibus negotiis, apertum suit idem Sigillum pro expeditione eorundem, et, post consignationem quamlibet, reclusum fuit idem Sigillum, sub Sigillo dicti Episcopi Norwicensis, et restitutum præ fatis Reginæ et Duci custodiendum.
"Die vero Mercurii ante Festum Sancti Thomæ Apostoli proximo sequens, Magister Henricus de Clyf Custos Rotulorum Cancellariæ, qui tunc venerat, Sigillum suum apposuit dicto Magno Sigillo unà cum Sigillo dicti Norwicensis Episcopi; et iidem, Episcopus et Magister Henricus, post consignationes, Sigillis suis appositis, dictum Sigillum, præfatis Reginæ et Duci singulis diebus restituerunt."
"Anno 20 E. 2.
"De Parliamento apud Westmonasterium convocato.
A. D. 1327. An. 20 E. 2. Claus. 20 E. 2. m. 3. Rym. Fœd. tom. 4. p. 242.
"REX dilecto et fideli suo, Richardo Damory Justiciario suo Northwalliæ, Salutem.
"Mandamus vobis quod, habito avisamento cum illis Hominibus de partibus de prædictis cum quibus melius fore videritis faciendum, diversimodè sine dilatione, venire faciatis ad præsens Parliamentum nostrum, apud Westmonasterium convocatum, 24 Homines de partibus illis, tam Anglicos, quam Wallenses, ad consentiendum hiis, quæ ibidem pro Com~uni Commodo et Pace, et Tranquilitate Regni nostri, et partium prædictarum, favente Domino, contigerit ordinari.
"Et habeatis ibi nomina prædictorum 24 hominum et hoc Breve.
"Teste Rege apud Kenilworth undecimo die Januarij."
"Anno 1 E. III.
"De Pace Regis proclamanda.
A. D. 1327. An. 1 E. 3. Claus. 1 E. 3. n. 1. m. 28, Rym, Fœd. tom. 4. p. 243.
"MEMORANDUM quod dictus Dominus Edwardus, vicesimo quarto die januarii, videlicet, die Sabbati proximo ante Festum Conversionis Sancti Pauli, Anno Domini Millesimo Trescentesimo Vicesimo sexto, fecit pacem suam in Civitate Londoniæ proclamari, et publicari per verba quæ sequuntur."
PUR ceo que Sire Edward n'agdairs Roi d'Engleterre, de sa bone volunte, et de commun Conseil et assent des Prelatz, Countes, et Barons, et autres Nobles, et tote la Communalte du Roialme, s'en est ouste del Governement du Roialme, et ad grante, et veut que le Governement du dit Roialme deveigne a Sire Edward son Fuitz eyne et Heire, et q'il governe Regne et soit Roy Corone,
Par qai touz les Grantz ount fait Homage,
"Nous crioms et publioms la Pees nostre dit Seignur Sire Edward le Fuitz, et comandoms et defendoms, de par lui, fermement a touz et a chescun sur peigne et paril de desheritance et departe de Vie et de Membre, que nul n' enfreigne la Pees nostre dit Seignur le Roi;
"Kar il est, et serra prest, a touz, et a chescun, del dit Roialme, en totes choses et countre touz, auxi bien as Petite come Grantz, a faire Droiture.
"Et, si nul eit Rien a demandre vers autre, le demande par Voi de action fanz force mettre ou autre violence."
"Anno 1 E. III.
"De Assumptione Regiminis, de Homagiis receptis, et de Pace publicanda.
A. D. 1327. An. 1.E. 3. Claus. 1 E. 3. p. 1. m. 28. Rym. Fœd. tom. 4. p. 243.
"REX Vicecomiti Eborum Salutem. Quia Dominus Edwardus nuper Rex Angliæ, Pater noster, de Communi consilio et assensu Prælatorum, Comitum, Baronum, et aliorum Magnatum, necnon Communitatum totius Regni prædicti, spontanea voluntate se amovit a Regimine dicti Regni, volens et concedens quod nos, tanquam ipsius Primogenitus et Hæres, ipsius Regni Gubernationem et Regimen assumamus;
"Nosque ipsius Patris nostri Beneplacito, in hac parte, de Consilio et avisamento Prælatorum, Comitum, Baronum, Magnatum et Communitatum, prædictorum, annuentes, Gubernacula suscepimus dicti Regni, et Fidelitates et Homagia ipsorum Prælatorum et Magnatum recepimus, ut est moris;
"Desiderantes igitur Pacem nostram, pro quiete et Tranquilitate Populo nostri inviolabiliter observari, tibi præcipimus quod statim, visis præsentibus, per totam Ballivam tuam, Pacem nostram publicé proclamari facias; universis et singulis ex parte nostra inhibendo, ne quis, sub pœna et periculo exhæredationis, et amissionis Vitæ et Membrorum, dictam Pacem nostram infringere seu violare præsumat:
"Set quod quilibet Actiones et Querelas suas, absque Violentia quacunque, prosequantur secundum Leges et Consuetudines Regni nostri:
"Nos enim parati sumus, et semper erimus omnibus et singulis, Conquerentibus tam Divitibus, quam Pauperibus, in Curiis nostris, Plenam Justitiam exhibere.
"Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium, vicesimo nono die Januarii.
"Per ipsum Regem."
"Eodem modo mandatum est singulis Vicecomitibus per Angliam, et aliis subscriptis, videlicet.
"Custodi Quinque Portuum vel ejus Locum tenenti.
"Episcopo Dunalmensi.
"Justiciario Cæstriæ vel ejus Locum tenenti.
"Justiciario Nortwalliæ vel ejus Locum tenenti.
"Justiciario Southwalliæ vel ejus Locum tenenti.
"Justiciario Hiberniæ vel ejus Locum tenenti.
"Majori et Ballivis Wyntoniæ.
"Ballivis Elizabeth de Burgo de Sudbury.
"Majori et Ballivis Eborum.
"Majori et Ballivis Cantuariæ."
"THE Proceedings in the Two Cases, of the Restoration and the Revolution, appear to the Committee to fall within the Order of Reference to the Committee, and to contain many Matters highly deserving of the Attention of the House, in the Consideration of this Subject. But as these Proceedings are printed at length in the Journals of Parliament, the Committee had judged it unnecessary to make any other than a general Reference to them.
"The Acts and Orders of the Meeting of the Estates of the Kingdom of Scotland, in 1689, also appear to the Committee to be important. But being voluminous, and printed in the Scotch Statutes, the Committee had judged it unnecessary to make any other than a general Reference to them also.
"The Acts of the First Parliament of William and Mary, C. 1 and 2, being short, they had inserted a Copy of the same, from the printed Edition of the Scotch Statutes; viz.
"1. ACT declaring the Meeting of Estates to be a Parliament.
"June 5th, 1689.
"THE King and Queens Majesties, with Advice and Consent of the Estates of this Kingdom presently assembled, Do Enact and Declare, that the Three Estates now met together this 5th of June 1689, consisting of the Noblemen, Barons, and Burrows, are a Lawful and Free Parliament, and are hereby Declared, Enacted, and Adjudged, to be such to all Intents and Purposes whatsoever, notwithstanding of the want of any new Writs or Proclamation for calling the same, or the want of any other Solemnity: And that all Acts and Statutes to be passed thereon shall be received, acknowledged, and obeyed by the Subjects, as Acts of Parliament and Laws of this Kingdom. And it is hereby Declared, That it shall be High Treason for any Persons to disown, quarrel, or impugn the Dignity and Authority of this Parliament, upon any Pretence whatsoever. And ordains these Presents to be published at the Mercat Cross of Edinburgh, that none pretend Ignorance."
"2. ACT recognizing their Majesties Royal Authority.
"June 17, 1689.
"THE Estates of Parliament, considering that the King and Queens Majesties have accepted of the Crown of this Realm, tendered to them by the Meeting of the Estates in their Claim of Right, dated the eleventh Day of April last, and according thereto have sworn the Oath appointed by Law to be taken by all Kings and Queens of this Realm, before they Exerce' their Regal Power; Therefore the Estates of Parliament, for themselves, and in Name and Behalf of the whole Subjects of this Kingdom, represented by them, do hereby assert, recognize, and acknowledge their Majesties Royal Power and Authority over the said Kingdom, and their undoubted Right and Title to the Imperial Crown thereof: Likeas their Majesties, with Advice and Consent of the said Estates of Parliament, do declare that it is High Treason in any of the Subjects of this Kingdom, by Writing, Speaking, or any other Manner of Way, to disown, quarrel, or impugn their Majesties Royal Power and Authority, or Right and Title to the Crown. And further, Their Majesties, with Advice and Consent aforesaid, do statute, and ordain, That the Oath of Allegiance hereunto subjoyned shall be sworn and subscribed by all the Members and Clerks of Parliament, and by all other Persons presently in Publick Trust, Civil or Military, or who shall be hereafter called to any Publick Trust within the Kingdom; and do hereby retreat and rescind all preceding Laws and Acts of Parliament, in so far as they impose any other Oaths of Allegiance, Supremacy, Declarations, and Tests, excepting the Oath de Fideli.
"Follows the Oath of Allegiance.
"I A. B. Do sincerely Promise and Swear, That I will be faithful and bear true Allegiance to their Majesties King William and Queen Mary.
"So help me GOD."
Ordered, That the said Report do lie on the Table.
Ordered, That the said Report be printed.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, decimum nonum diem instantis Decembris, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Veneris, 19o Decembris 1788.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Moved, to adjourn;
Accordingly,
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Sabbati, vicesimum diem instantis Decembris, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Sabbati, 20o Decembris 1788.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Moved, to adjourn;
Accordingly,
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Martis, vicesimum tertium diem instantis Decembris, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.