delyu_er_ the saide packet vnto the saide Mr. Hawkyns w_i_t_h_ hertie
greting_es_ and salutacions from the king_es_ highnes adu_er_tesing him
ferther that the king_es_ pleasure is that when tyme shall Requyre, he
shall not onelie intymate declare and communycate the effect_es_ of
suche l_ette_res and instructions conteyned in the saide packet,
w_i_t_h_ themp_r_o_ur_, alwayes insuing the teano_ur_ purpose and
meanyng of the same, But also after his accustomed wisedom dexterite and
good polycie shall indeuo_ur_ himself so to propone handle and set
fourth all thing_es_ as he by his good discression shall se tyme place
and occasion So as the same may take effecte according to the King_es_
high trust and expectacion in that behalf.
Itm that after declaracion of the p_re_misses and co_m_munycac_i_on had
at length w_i_t_h_ themp_er_o_ur_ in the same, the saide Mr. Haukyns
shall then if he so thinke good, devise determyn_e_ and conclude
w_i_t_h_ you for yo_ur_ depeche and reto_ur_ne hither w_i_t_h_
l_ette_res and instructions purporting suche answeres articles and
allegacions as by themp_er_o_ur_ shalbe answered leyed and obiected to
those thing_es_ which the saide Mr. Hawkyns shall intymate and declare
as is aforsaide on the kyng_es_ behalf, which being don_e_ and
accomplisshed the kyng_es_ gracious pleasure is that ye shall make all
conuenyent haste spede and diligence to repayre hither to his grace
w_i_t_h_ the same accordingly.
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Endd._ mynute.
46. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹THE MERCHANT TAILORS›.
R.O. Cal. vi. 698. ‹June, 1533.›
Requests them to continue and increase the annuity granted
to Nicholas Glossop, servant of the late Archbishop Warham.
Right wellbeloued Frendes I recomend me hartly vnto yowe And where I am
enfourmed that at the request of my late lorde of Caunterbury, whose
sowle god pardon, ye graunted to his seru_a_unt Nicholas Glossop, an
olde Auncient of youre Felisship of m_er_chaunt Taillours a certeyn
Annuytie of xxvi s. viii d. toward the Sustentacion of his lyvyng for
terme of his Naturall life. Wherof by his report, he hath be‹n› well
and truly Answered of a long tyme. Howe be it nowe upon the deceas of
his said maister, as it ys said, that ye entende to withdrawe From hym
youre saide Benyuolence and graunte, which shulde be to his great
Discomfort and Hyndraunce. And forasmoche as I bere good Mynde and
Favo_ur_ towardes hym And it were more charitie rather to Augemente his
lyving than to dymynysshe it or withdrawe the same, specially nowe in
his great Age, whan he hath most nede of help and Socoure. I hertly
desire yowe that for my sake ye wille not only contynue the payment of
the said Annuytie to hym for terme of his life according to yo_ur_ said
graunte, But also of youre larger Benyvolence and charitie to encreas
the same xiii s. iiii d. more by yere. Wherby in myne opynyon, ye shall
not only do the thyng whiche may be right meritorious to yowe, but also
right honorable for youre said Felisship, and to me right great
pleasure. and for the same doing He may hereafter do yowe pleasure And I
shalbe glad to doo yowe pleasure or any good that I can for yo_ur_
Felowship at alle tymes As knoweth god who p_re_serue yowe. And Further
I desire yowe of yo_ur_ good Answere in this behalf the morowe Folowing
yo_ur_ next Courte Day by yowe to be holden at yo_ur_ halle
_Endd._ A l_ett_re for Nicholas glossop.
47. CROMWELL TO MR. THOMAS ALEN.
R.O. Cal. vi. 791. July 9 ‹1533›.
For failing to pay his debts to Cromwell, and to give
sureties for the money his brother owes the King, Alen has
forfeited 1000 marks to the Crown. Requests an answer by the
bearer.
Maister Alen after right hertie co_m_mendac_i_ons these shalbe to
aduertise you that long or this tyme I loked to haue harde from you and
trusted not onelie to haue had and receyued from you now at Midsomer
last passed my Hundreth pound_es_ which of gentilnes I lent you but also
sufficient bondes and suertie for yo_ur_ brother tharchebisshop of
Duntlyn concerning the payment of vii^c[795] mark_es_ which he oweth to
the king_es_ highnes according to suche bonde as you and other w_i_t_h_
you stonde bounde in for the complement of the same. For lacke and
defaulte whereof ye haue forfaited to the king_es_ highnes the So_m_me
of one thousande mark_es_ which me thinketh ye ought substaunciallye to
loke vppon for the king is no p_er_son to be deluded nor mocked
w_i_t_h_ all. And considering that for yo_ur_ sake I so gentillie
departed w_i_t_h_ my money me semeth that reason and good honestie
requireth ye should se me payed ayen. prayeng you that I may be
adu_er_tised by this berer what ye mean and intende to do in the
premisses. And so hertelie Fare ye well. At London the ix^{th} day of
Julie.
Yo_ur_ louyng Frend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To his louyng Frende Mr. Thomas Alen be this yeuen at Raylegh.
48. CROMWELL AND AUDELEY TO HAWKINS AND
RANDALL, BAILIFFS OF WEYMOUTH.
R.O. Cal. vi. 858. July 18, 1533.
Warrant for the delivery into the nearest prison of six men
taken in the ship _Trinity_, of Hull. The goods and the ship
are to be delivered to William Gonson.
Wellbelouyd we grete you well, and Where as Will_ia_m Gonson of london
hathe shewed vnto vs an Indenture datyd the viii^{th} daye of June last,
made betwene Edward Waters and you specyfyeng the deliu_er_auns of a
Ship namyd the Trinite of Hull and lxiiii Hoggyshedes of gascon wyne
w_i_t_h_ dyu_er_s other thing_es_ therin conteynyd to yo_ur_ Handes. We
certefye yow that the Kyng his pleasure is that ye shall incontynent
deliu_er_ or cause to be deliu_er_ed all thing_es_ conteanyd in the said
Indentures to the said Will_ia_m Gonson or his assignes. and as towching
the sixe pryson_er_s taken in the said Ship and lykewyse deliu_er_yd
into your kepyng that ye deliu_er_ theim into the next pryson to you,
ther to be surely kepte till the king_es_ pleasure be to you Further
knowne wheche deliu_er_aunce of Ship and goodes & prysoners shall be
vnto you a sufficyent dyscharge at all tymes herafter Wryton at London
the xviii daye of July the xxv^{th} yere of the Reigne of our
sou_er_aigne lorde kyng Harry the viii^{th}.
THOMAS AUDELEY Kt. chauncelo_ur_
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To our Welbelouyd Will_ia_m Hawkyns and Will_ia_m Randall
Baylyff_es_ of the towne of Waymowthe.
49. CROMWELL TO SIR ANTHONY FITZHERBERT AND WALTER LUKE.
R.O. Cal. vi. 872. July 19 ‹1533›.
Requires him to delay the trial of a case which may be
prejudicial to Cromwell, as the jury has been packed, and
will be likely to give an unjust verdict.
After my right hertie co_m_mendacions Forasmoche as there is a
Nisipri_us_ passed out to be tried before you at the next assises to be
holden at Lyncoln concerning the tryall of the title of Anthony
Stydolffe who is my warde Which Nisiprius is secretlie sued out and
passed w_i_t_h_out my knowlege so as p_er_case the same may be moche
p_re_iudiciall vnto me in that thing whereunto I haue good iust and
lawfull title as ye shall apperceyue by suche deades and writing_es_ as
my Frend this berer shall shew vnto you, I therefore considering yo_ur_
worshippes and good indifferencies, trusting that ye will do me none
iniustice in this behalf Do most hertelie require and pray you to staye
the tryall of the saide Nisiprius, Vntill ye shall haue Ferther knowlege
of the matier, the rather for that I am crediblie infourmed that the
enquest is alredie so parciallie impaneled that vndoubtedlie it is
thought they will passe directlie ayenst the trowth. Eftesones therefore
most hertelie requyring you to provyde and forsee myn indempnyte in this
parte, And for the good acquytall of yo_ur_ gentilnes to be shewed vnto
me herein if there be any thing wherein my poure powers can extende to
do yow pleasure I shall not Faile godd willing to accomplisshe the same
to the vtterest of my lytill power. And so most hertelie Fare ye well.
At London the xix^{th} day of Julie.
It may please you to gyve firme credence vnto this berer in such
thing_es_ as he shall declare vnto you on my behalf
Yo_ur_ assuryd Freend
_Thomas Crumwell_.
_Add._ To the right worshipfull Mr. Anthony Fitzherberte knight one of
the king_es_ iustic_es_ of his comen benche and to Mr. Walter Luke
esquier and to either of them.
50. ‹CROMWELL› TO MR. MUSTIAM.
R.O. Cal. vi. 878 (ii). July 19 ‹1533›.
Desires him to permit the bearer to enjoy a lease of the
farm of Brokesley.
Mast_er_ Mustiam I hartely co_m_mende me vnto you. And in the same wise
beseching you at this my poure contemplac_i_on and request to be good
master and Frende vnto ... berar hereof, in letting hym to opteyne, and
peacably to occupie and enyoye the hole effect of a lease of the ferme
or p_ar_sonage of Brokesley, in the p_ar_oche of Detford in the Countie
of Kent to hym demysed by one Mr. Otywell of Westm_inster_ diseased
w_i_t_h_out any yo_ur_ further let grief or disturbauns. Vntill suche
tyme as ye shall knowe further of my will and pleasure, and inso doyng
ye shall mynyster vnto me right singul_e_r pleas_ure_. And this hartely
fare ye well At London this xix day of July
51. ‹CROMWELL› TO MR. MUSTIAM.
R.O. Cal. vi. 878 (ii). July 20 ‹1533›.
The bearer complains that Mustiam intends unjustly to take
the tithe corn of Brokesley from him. Advises Mustiam not to
do this.
Maist_e_r Mvstyam I hertelye co_m_mende me vnto yow adu_er_tysing the
same that the poore man berer herof hathe shewyd me that ye do Intend to
do hym wrong in takyng From hym the tythe Corn of Brokleye, other wyse
wyse[796] Called west greenwyche whervnto I thinke ye haue no tytyll nor
Interest, wherfor I shall aduyse yow to stay to doo any thing in the
same vntyll suche tyme as ye shall be hable honestlye to to[797] Clayme
therin and thus Fare ye well at london this xx^{th} daye of July
52. CROMWELL TO HENRY VIII.
R.O. Cal. vi. 887. July 23 ‹1533›.
Reports the examination of certain Friars Observants, who
have been taken by Cromwell’s spies. Two of them would
certainly confess much if examined by torture. Desires
instructions how to proceed. Has inquired of Cranmer about
the men, as the King desired.
Please it your highnes to be aduertised that vppon myn arryuayle at
London I receyued certen l_ette_res out of the North directed vnto your
grace from the lorde Dacre. Which I haue sent to yo_ur_ maiestee herein
closed w_i_t_h_ also certen l_ette_res and Newes sent vnto me from my
Lorde Deputie of Calays. And touching the Freres obseruant_e_s that were
w_i_t_h_ the prync_e_s dowagier, being subtillie conueyed from thens
were first espied at Ware by suche espialles as I leyed for that
purpose, and hauyng good awayte leyed vppon them were from thens dogged
to London, and there (notw_i_t_h_stonding many wyles and cauteles by
them invented to escape) were taken and deteyned till my cu_m_myng home.
So as vppon my arryuayle here I called them before me and vppon
examynacion of them coulde gather nothing of anye momente or grete
importaunce, but entring into ferther co_m_munycac_i_o_n_ founde the one
of them a veray sedycious person, and so co_m_mytted them vnto warde
where they now do remayne till yo_ur_ gracious pleasure knowen.
Ymmedyatelie afterward_es_ repayred vnto me the warden of the grey
Freres of Grenewich who semeth veray desirous to haue the punycyon of
the saide two Freres, being named Hugh Payne and Cornelius, and made
grete intercession vnto me to haue them delyu_er_ed vnto him, Shewing
unto me ferther that the mynyster and generall Co_m_myssarie of this
prouynce of Englonde had made out certeyne co_m_maundement_es_ vnto the
said Freers willing them by vertue of obedience to repayre vnto him to
Rychemont to thintent they wold haue the correction of them
accordinglie. Which co_m_maundement_es_ being conteyned in certen
mynut_es_ of paper I haue sent to yo_ur_ grace herein closed. It semeth
assuredlie that the saide mynyster is a right honest and discrete person
and Fayne wolde haue prevented and taken the saide Freers if he had
coulde by any meanes, Beseching yo_ur_ grace tha[t] I may knowe your
gracious pleasure Whether I shall kepe and de[t]eyne them in warde and
bring them w_i_t_h_ me at my repayree to the courte, or Whether yo_ur_
grace will haue them sent y_m_medyatelie to any other place or what
other direction to be taken therein as shall and may stonde w_i_t_h_
your high pleasure. It is vndoubted that they haue intended and wolde
confesse sum grete matier if they might be examyned as they ought to be
that is to sey by paynes, for I perceyue the saide Hugh Payne to be a
subtile Felowe and moche gyuen to sedycyon.
I haue also eftesones sent vnto my lorde of Caunterbury according to
your grac_i_ous co_m_maundement touching the dissymuled holynes and
supersticious demeanures of the Ipocryte Nunne, And haue declared yo_ur_
gracious pleasure vnto the Staple whom in man_er_ I do Fynde agreable to
all thing_es_ according to yo_ur_ grac_es_ demaunde sauyng onelie they
as yet requyre lenger dayes for the payment of the some of x m[798]
pounds by them now graunted, and also fermely requyre that yo_ur_
highnes will graunt them their house for a reasonable so_m_me of money
yerelie, which I do stycke w_i_t_h_ them in. and as to morowe they will
gyve me a resolute answer in the hole.
And thus I shall daylie pray vnto almightie god for the prosperous
conseruacion of yo_ur_ royall maiestee in long lif and good helth
felyciouslie to indure. at London the xxiii day of Julie. Yo_ur_ highnes
most humble subiectte and s_erua_unt
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To the king_es_ royall maiestee.
53. ‹CROMWELL› TO AUDELEY.
R.O. Cal. vi. 894. July 26 ‹1533›.
Desires him to permit the annuity of £20 which has just been
granted to Stephen Vaughan to bear date from a year ago this
summer, as there was already £20 due to Vaughan for one
year’s service.
Right honourable syr after myn_e_ hartie commendac_i_ons. So it is that
the king_es_ hieghnes hathe lately graunted Vnto a seruant of his named
Stephen Vaughan a certeyne annuytie of xx li by yere to be paide from
the faste of the natyuytie of saynt John Baptiste now last passed Vnto
the whiche Stephen by cause there is owyng by the kyng_es_ hieghnes xx
li for one yeres seruyce ended at Mydsomer now laste paste, therefore is
it that by cause he hathe no waise to demaunde it of maister Tuke by
patent or other sufficient warrant from his hieghnes. he hathe desyred
me who vndoubtidly do know that his pleasure is that he shulde be payde
the sayde xx li. to Requyre yow that when his annuytie co_m_mythe to the
greate seale your pleasure maye be to suffer it to bere date from
Mydsomer Was a yere and that he maye by force therof be payde the yere
now passed. And doubte ye not thus to do. for the king_es_ pleasure is
he shulde be paide the xx li due for the yere passed. And I shall
alwayse warrant yow to be sufficiently discharged and to be blameles for
so doyng. The saide Stephen had obteyned the king_es_ warrant for the
same, oneles his highnes had now sent hym into Germany for thexpedicion
of certeyn his affayres there. And thus the holy trynytie p_re_serue
yo_ur_ lordeship in long lyfe goode healthe and much hono_ur_. from
London the xxvi daye of Julye.
_Add._ To the right honourable S_ir_ Thomas Audley knyght lord
chancello_ur_.
54. ‹CROMWELL› TO THE ABBOT OF WOBURN.
R.O. Cal. vi. 778. ‹July, 1533.›
Requests him not to maltreat the Abbot of Vawdy in
Lincolnshire; has heard he intends to depose him. Desires
him to cause Davys Edward, the monk of Vawdy, to amend his
ways.
My lord aft_er_ my duetie reme_m_bred, soo it is that I am credibly
enformed how that ye beryng inwarde grudge & disples_ure_ to my
welbeloued Frend thAbbot of Vawdy entende studie & goo about_es_ by
sinistre meanes to depose hyme from his abbacye for the p_ro_mocion
therunto of oon of yo_ur_ awne monk_es_ being the cellerer of yo_ur_
house. My lord I pray you vse yo_ur_ selffe vnto my saide frende as
accordeth to yo_ur_ religion, For I knowe certainly that he is a good
religious man, And that his house wiche was in gret debt at the tyme of
his p_ro_mocion, is nowe by his good policie reduced to good & welthy
state and condic_i_on aswell in catoll as in corne furnisshed w_i_t_h_
other requisit_es_ & necessaries. Wherfor my lord my trust ys that ye
wol circu_m_spectly loke therupon baring yo_ur_ good & lawfull fauo_ur_
unto hyme, like as good charitie requireth. And the rather at my disire
& request ascertaynyng you that I haue at this tyme writen my semblable
l_ette_res in the fauo_ur_ of my said frend vnto thabbot of fountayns
not doubtyng but that he at my requisic_i_on wol lovingly vse and
intreate my said frend in all his busuynes. And wher as ye haue w_i_t_h_
you a monk of the said house of Vawdy oon Dauys Edward Clerke, wiche ye
knowe well haith gretely mysordred hymselff. I trust that ye woll
instructe hyme soo fruteffully that he shall not nede to be further
reconsiled to amend his lyvynge Wherby ye shall doo averay good &
charitable dede as knoeth god who kepe yow
_Add._ To thabbot of Woborn
_Endd._ a l_ette_re for the abbot of Woborne
55. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.
R.O. Cal. vi. 1064. Sept. 1 ‹1533›.
The King is displeased at Lisle’s desire for new
arrangements for ‘the restraynyng of Corne.’ Lisle should
not take every man’s or his own wife’s advice concerning
things pertaining to his office.
After my right harty reco_m_mendation vnto your good lordship This
shalbe to adu_er_tise the same that I have resceyved your l_ette_res
wherein ye and the Mayer of Calays do desire to have newe p_ro_visions
concernyng the restraynyng of Corne otherwise then hathe byn vsyd yn
tymes past. I ensure yo_ur_ lordship the king_es_ highnes is not a litle
displeased withe that your desire, but supposith yo_ur_ besynes to be
veray small that will in any wise ymportune his highnes withe any soche
matiers Sayeng that before this tyme the Towne and marches of Calays
hathe ben well maynteynyd and prospered w_i_t_h_out any soche newe
devises. And I assure your lordship as your frynd to my power that I
have great m_er_vayll that ye will so sone enclyne to eu_er_y man_n_ys
devise and ... specially in matiers of small ympor[t] ... ye and ...
reportyd ... nite me on ... causes as me semythe ... nothyng ... ne
gentilwymen, for although my lady be right hono_ur_able and wise yet yn
soche causes as longithe to yo_ur_ auctoritie her advise and discresion
can litle prevayle. Wherfore I pray yo_ur_ lordship to consider the
same, and to ymportune the king_es_ highnes w_i_t_h_ none other matiers
then of necessite ye ought to do. And thus the blessed Trynyte preserue
you. At london the first day of September.
Your lordshyppis assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my veray good lord my lord Vicount Lisley the king_es_ deputie
at Calays be thus youen.
56. CROMWELL TO THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR.
Huth Library; Cal. vi. 1128. Sept. 15 ‹1533›.
Reports the arrival of Danish and Norwegian ambassadors at
the Court of the Queen Regent of the Netherlands to conclude
an alliance.
Mons_ieur_ lambassade_ur_ Le Roy mon maistre a este aduerty par son
agent estant en Flandres. Que puisnagueres les ambassadeurs de
Danemarche Norwege & Holst au nom du conseil et Royaulme de Danemarche,
sont arriuez a la court de la Royne douagiere de hung_i_erye regen_e_
deflandres auec le nombre de xxxii p_er_sonnes ou enuiron et co_m_me son
d_it_ agent peult entendre avecques plain et suffisant pouuoir et
auctorite A conclure et affermer vne bonne allyance et paix auecques
l’empere_ur_ et tous ses pais & dominions tant defensiue que offensiue,
Aussy autant qu’il peult entendre Lad_ite_ Royne & son conseil sont
determynez a traiter et conclure auecques lesdits ambassade_urs_
auecques telle condition que quiconques sera eleu Roy par dela
(l’election duquel est encore prolongee & differee po_ur_ l’espace dung
an) Il Jurera ratifiera & confermera la_di_te allyance & Traycte de
Paix. Desquelles choses le Roy mon d_it_ M_ais_tr_e_ ma co_m_mande vous
aduertir affin que en c_on_uenient diligence vous en vuelles rescripre
au Roy Tres chr_estie_n v_ost_re m_aist_r_e_ et Ladviser quil seroit bon
de penser sur cest affaire et essayer sil Luy semble expedient a
estoupper le_ur_s propoz et aultreme_n_t y po_ur_veoir ainsi quil Luy
semblera conuenable. A tant Monsie_ur_ Lambassade_ur_ apres mestre
affectueuseme_n_t Reco_m_mande a vous je prie n_ost_re seigneur quil
vous ait en sa tressaincte & digne garde. Escript a Stepney le xv jour
de Septembre
V_ost_re entier et parfaict amy
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ a mons_ieur_ Lambassade_ur_ du Roy Treschr_est_ien a Londres
_Endd._ de M^r. Craumeuelle
57. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.
R.O. Cal. vi. 1141. Sept. 21 ‹1533›.
Requests him to permit the executors of Robert Baynham
freely to administer his testament, notwithstanding his
former letters to the contrary.
Aftre my right harty Commendac_i_ons to your lordshipp Whereas
heretofore I addressed my l_ette_res vnto your lordshipp at the sute of
my s_er_u_a_unt Bartholomew Bayneham concernyng the steye of such
good_es_ as lately apperteyned to his Father Robert Baynam of Calaish
vntil suche tyme as ye harde Further of my mynde in that behaulf. These
shalbe most hertely to desyer and praye youe the rather at the
contemplac_i_on hereof to suffre thexecuto_ur_s of his sayd Father
Robert Baynam to execute and mynistre according to the meanyng of the
Testament and last wyll of his sayd Father in as ample wise as
heretofore they haue doon my sayd former l_ette_res notw_i_t_h_standing.
And being enformed of your goodnes and also of my lad_es_ of late shewed
vnto my sayd s_er_u_a_unt p_ar_tely as I take yt for my sake I thanke
you most hertely for the same and though my lady for her p_ar_te might
haue been better before yet I requyre you bothe for my sake ye nowe to
contynewe the goodnes which youe doo presently extende Vnto him. Wherein
ye shall admynystre Vnto me Veray acceptable pleas_ur_. And thus Fare
you hertely well From Stepney the xxi^{th} day of Septembre
Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my Veray good lorde my lorde the Viconte Lisle Deputie of the
king_es_ Towne of Calaysh and Marches of the same.
58. CROMWELL TO RICHARD AND WILLIAM HAYBOURNE.
R.O. Cal. vi. 1332. Oct. 24 ‹1533›.
The Lord Chancellor and Cromwell will sit on the dispute
between them and Elizabeth Colcoke the Friday after All
Hallowday.
I co_m_mend me vnto you. Adu_er_tising you that it is fully det_er_mynyd
betwixt my lord Chaunceler and me that we will sitt vpon the mater in
variaunce betwixt E_li_zabeth Colcoke widowe and you the Friday after
Alhallow day. Wherfore I requyre you in any wise to be here the day
before that ye may be redy for that purpose and that ye in no wise faill
so to do vpon yo_ur_ peryll. And thus fare ye well. At london the
xxiiii^{th} day of October.
Yo_ur_ Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my frynd_es_ Richard Haybourne and Will_ia_m Haybo_ur_ne be
this youen.
59. ‹CROMWELL› TO THE ABBOTS OF FOUNTAINS AND BYLAND.
R.O. Cal. vi. 1408. Nov. 8 ‹1533›.
Is surprised that they have not yet elected a new Abbot of
Rievaulx as the King wished. Advises them to delay no
longer.
After my full hertie man_er_ I recommende me vnto you. And where as it
hathe pleased the king_es_ highnes to directe his moste grac_i_ous
l_ette_res vnto you nowe at this p_re_sente tyme for the elecc_i_on of a
newe Abbote of Ryvaulx wherein his grace hathe bene adu_er_tised ye haue
not heretofore indevored youreself_es_ to thaccomplishemente of the same
according to his said l_ette_res and co_m_maundemente (whereof I
m_er_vaile not a little) that ye wold incurre his high displeasure for
the none executing of the same. therefore I hertely requyre you and
neu_er_thelesse doo advise you in exchewing of further Inconvenyenc_es_
and displeasures that maye thereby ensue (all affeccions sette ap_ar_te)
ye doo accomplishe the said elecc_i_on according to the teno_ur_ and
purporte of his moste grac_i_ous l_ette_res directyd vnto you and to the
Convente of the same monastary in that behalf. And thereby ye shall not
oonly des_er_ue the king_es_ moste grac_i_ous thank_es_, but alsoo haue
me to doo for you in all yo_ur_ good causes the beste I can. As knowethe
our Lorde who kepe you. Written at London the viii^{th} daye of
Nouembre.
_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able in god my Lorde Abbote of Funtaunce and
Bylande and to either of theym.
60. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.
R.O. Cal. vi. 1413. Nov. 11 ‹1533›.
Has heard of the trouble that has arisen owing to the blow
the knight porter has given to a ‘lewde Felowe.’ Thinks that
there is no cause why the knight porter should be molested
for his action.
My lorde after my right hertie co_m_mendacions I haue receyued your
lordeshippes le_tte_res And haue p_er_ceyued by the same what contencion
is arrysen there by meanes of a lewde Felowe for a stroke yeven vnto him
by S_ir_ Cristofer Garnysshe the knight porter, Which matier hath ben
debated here by the king_es_ counsaile who p_er_ceyuing the saide stroke
was yeven but onelie for correction and for none entente to breke any
law statute or ordenaunce of that towne of Calays, do thinke the same
but a veray light matier to make any suche busynes of and no cause why
the saide Sir Cristofer should be put to any molestacion for the same.
Wherefore yo_ur_ lordeship may let it passe and wey it as it is And so
o_ur_ lorde p_re_serue your lordeship in long lif and helth w_i_t_h_
moche hono_ur_ At London the xi day of Nouember.
[I] do also hertelie thanke yo_ur_ lordsship for yo_ur_ grete chere made
to my s_er_uaunte [Will]yam Johnson and to this gentilman straungier for
whom I do wryte vnto yo_ur_ lordeship at this tyme by myn other
l_ette_res. And for all other yo_ur_ lordshippes gentilnes I do most
hertelie thanke you trusting if I lyue to requyte the same if I can.
Yo_ur_ lordshyppis assuryd Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able and his singuler good lorde the lorde
vicount Lisle deputie to the king_es_ highnes of his towne and marcheis
of Calays.
_Endd._ M. Cro_m_well the xi^{th} of nove_m_br
61. CROMWELL TO THE ABBOT OF NETLEY.
R.O. Cal. vi. 1502. Dec. 6 ‹1533›.
Desires him to grant his friend John Cooke a new lease for
sixty years of Roydon farm near Southampton, as it lies by
the sea and is convenient for Cooke in his office of the
Admiralty there.
In my right hartie maner I co_m_mende me vnto your good lordship. And
where as my frynd John Cooke the king_es_ graces s_erua_unt berer herof
hath and holdeth a Ferme of yo_ur_s callid Roydon by lesse wherof the
yeres in the same be almost expyred And forasmoche as your said ferme
lieth nygh the see syde necessaryly for my saide frynd to serue the
king_es_ highnes in his office of the admyraltie in those parties I
hartely desyre you at the contemplacion of thies my l_ette_res that ye
will graunte vnto the saide John Coke a newe lesse of the saide ferme
vnder your Conventuall Seale for terme of lx yeres paying vnto you and
yo_ur_ Successours the accustumable rent therof. And for your towardnes
herin I shalbe glad to requyte the same to your good contentacion And
farther I perceyve by the reporte of the same Cooke that ye have shewed
vnto hym and other that hathe byn w_i_t_h_ hym to do the king_es_
highnes s_er_uice at the See muche Jentylnes and lib_er_alitie, for the
whiche ye have deserved the king_es_ right harty thank_es_. And therfore
I for my parte hartylye thanke you And of your conformable mynde herin I
pray you to adu_er_tise me in wrytyng by this berer. And thus fare ye
hartylye welle. At london the vi^{th} day of December.
Yo_ur_ lordshyppis Freend.
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To the reu_er_end father in god the Abbot of letley[799] be this
youen.
62. CROMWELL TO ‹THE OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS›.
R.O. Cal. vi. 1625 (iii). (1533.)
The King wishes Robert Bonvell, merchant of Paris, to come
to England with certain jewels, of which he desires a
special account to be kept, for the payment of the duty.
In my Right harty manner I Co_m_mend me vnto you Adu_er_tis[ing] the
Same that the king_es_ pleasure is that Robert Bonvell m_er_ch_au_nt of
parys sholde Repayre into this Royalme Toward_es_ his highnes w_i_t_h_
c_er_teyn Juell_es_ wherfore his speciall Co_m_maundment is that ye
seing the same Jewell_es_ do make Therof a Specyall note by byll_es_
Indentyd betwyxt you and the Seid m_er_chaunt mensyonyng eu_er_y
p_ar_cell therof and what the Custom therof maye Amounte vnto, not
chargyng hym For any Custom or other Charge due vnto his highnes For the
same for hys grac_es_ pleasure ys that if he do sell any w_i_t_h_in this
Royalm that he shall therfore paye Custom as Reason is and for that he
Cannot Sell here to carry A waye w_i_t_h_ hym A gayne w_i_t_h_oute
payeng therfore any Custom or other dut_es_ Wherfore I requyre you
takyng Surety in case he do make Sale to paye the Custom accordyngly
That ye do p_er_mytt & Suffer the same m_er_ch_a_unt w_i_t_h_ the Same
Juell_es_ to disch_ar_ge And vnlade the Same Accordyng to the Effect_es_
hereof
The coppy of Mr. Crumwell_es_ l_ette_re Sygned w_i_[t_h_] hys hand.
63. Drafts of Portions of Cromwell’s Letters.
R.O. Cal. vi. 1625 (i). ‹1533.›
Thanks the recipient for sending news. Has presented his
letters to the Duke of Norfolk as he desired.
After most hertye Salutacyons this shalbe ‹to› thanke yow of yo_ur_
exceding louyng kyndnes shewyd in the dylygent wryting to me of yo_ur_
newse and according to yo_ur_ request I presentyd yo_ur_ l_ette_res vnto
my lorde of Norffolk_es_ grace who I assure yow ys singuler good lorde
vnto yow and wher ye wryt in yo_ur_ Fyrst l_ette_res ...
Memorandum concerning the resignation of the chantry of
Barking Church, in Essex.
M^{d} that maister Kendall Chauntrye preeste of the Chauntrye Foundyd in
Barkyng Churche may optayne my lorde of londons Fauo_ur_ ‹in› the
resignacyon of the sayd Chauntrye vnto S_ir_ Will_ia_m Cowplaunde my
friend.
End of a letter, urging care and perseverance in reporting
important matters, and promising favour.
... thus Fare ye hertelye well trusting that ye will p_er_seu_er_e as ye
haue bego_n_n I meane so Freindlye and secretlye as thes thing_es_ that
shall passe betwene vs may be p_ro_ffytable to vs bothe so that yo_ur_
wryting matyers of grauytie & Importaunce wherin maye be persayued good
will myxyd w_i_t_h_ wisdom and trowthe I then[800] may haue Corage as an
entyre frende[801] to p_ro_secute For yo_ur_ forderaunce & aduauncement
with recuperacyon of that which I am sure ye most desyre which as I
shall See opportunyte I will not undowtydlye forget and ons agayn Fare
well[802] daylye lokyng For answer
64. ‹CROMWELL› TO CHRISTOPHER MONT.
R.O. Cal. vi. 1374. ‹1533.›
Encloses two letters from the King to the Dukes of Bavaria
and Landgrave of Hesse, with copies. Urges Mont to discover
the state of feeling in the Empire. Sends a bill of exchange
for £30.
Felowe Cristofer I co_m_mende me vnto you And albeit sythen your
departure ye haue not receyued any l_ette_res or instructions from the
king_es_ maiestee concerning the execucion of suche his gracious
affayrees as his highnes inco_m_mended to you at your departure Yet
thinke ye not that your industrie labour travayle and diligence Vsed
aswell in the setting fourth of his grac_es_ busynes, Whereof ye were
sufficiently instructed at your saide departure as also in your diligent
wrytyng often and Frequent aduertisement_es_ is put in any oblyuyon or
forgotten But for the same his maiestee hathe co_m_maunded me to gyve
vnto you his grac_es_ right hertie thank_es_. And in this packet ye
shall receyue two L_ette_res addressed from the king_es_ maiestee vnto
the Dukes of Bauarie and the Landegraue van Hesse, which his highnes
willeth you to delyuer accordingly. the copies of whiche l_ette_res (to
th’intent ye shalbe the more rype to answer if any thing shalbe obiected
to you by the saide prynce) I haue sent you hereinclosed. Not doubting
in your dexterytee good polycie and wisedom to propone and set fourth
the effect_es_ of the same, as shall apperteyne. And forasmoche as here
hathe ben the Secretarye of the duke of Bauarie who is named Mr.
Hubertus Thomas by whom the king_es_ highnes hathe knowen and perceyued
moche of the mynde and intent of the same Duke, ye shall not moche nede
to travayle or enbusie yourself to procure answer other then of their
owne mocyons they shall declare vnto you, But contynuallie indeauo_ur_
yo_ur_ self w_i_t_h_ all diligent Circumspection to explore enserche and
knowe the state of the hole countrey of Germany and of their myndes
intent_es_ and inclynacions toward_es_ the king_es_ highnes and this
realme. And that also ye do by all the good meanes and polycies that ye
can explore and enserche to knowe the myndes and intent_es_ of the
prync_es_ of Germany and of the Germaynes how they be inclyned aswell
toward_es_ thempero_ur_ as the king of Romaynes. Being contynuallie
vigilant and diligent in wryting to the kyng_es_ maiestee of all thinges
and occurraunt_es_ then according to his grac_i_ous trust and
expectacion And because I wolde not haue you to lacke money ye shall
receyue herew_i_t_h_ a bill of exch_a_unge for the some of xxx li.
_Endd._ A copy of a l_ette_re to Cristofer Mount.
65. ‹CROMWELL› TO HENRY VIII.
R.O. Cal. vi. 1369. ‹1533.›
Sends news about the Nun, and proposes to apprehend two
friars who have come into the realm with mischievous intent.
Sends a receipt for 24,000 cr., the residue of the Emperor’s
debt, for the King to sign.
Pleasythit yo_ur_ Royall magestye to be adu_er_tysyd how that reparyng
homward_es_ oon_e_ of my lorde chauncelers s_er_u_au_nttes met w_i_t_h_
me and delyu_er_id me yo_ur_ warrauntt_es_ Signyd w_i_t_h_ the hande of
the prynces dowager which warrauntt I do send to yo_ur_ grace herin
Inclosyd what yo_ur_ plesure shalbe to haue done therin being ons known
I shall right gladlye acco_m_plyshe I haue also Sythyn my repayre to
london spokyn w_i_t_h_ Freer Lawraunce who hathe Sethens his Repayre to
london herde dyuers thing_es_ touching the holye mayde which he wyll
declare to yo_ur_ hygnes and to non other and he Shewyth me also that
that[803] therbe ij^{o} strange Freers of the order of obs_er_uantt_es_
latelye repayryd into this Realme which ij^{o} Freers haue exploryd here
For all suche bok_es_ centencys and determynacyons as hathe passyd
touching yo_ur_ hygnes Matrymonye, which they Intend w_i_t_h_ other
pryvey practysys to Convey w_i_t_h_ them, to Freer Petow who as I am
Credyblye Informyd Sent them into this yo_ur_ Realme[804] the sayd
ij^{o} Freers as I am acertaynyd haue browght w_i_t_h_ them pryuy
l_ette_res to dyuers and now bene gone to the sayd[805] dowager. in my
poore oppynyon it shalbe right well done that thaye might be sent For by
Som_e_ trustye p_e_rson howbeit yt were best that theye Fyrste sholde be
sufferyd to speke w_i_t_h_ her and suche other of hers as woolde
p_er_aduenture delyu_er_ to them anything wherby theyr Ferther practysys
myght be p_er_sayuyd and so thayr Cankeryd Intentt_es_ myght be therbye
dyscyfferyd. I am also Infformyd that there ys A m_er_chant of london
whiche dothe practyse w_i_t_h_ them in thes p_re_myss_es_ I shall goo
veray nere to haue knowlage therein yf it be trew he ys worthye to
Suffer to make other beware in tyme he ys of good Substaunce. I wooll
thys daye goo abowt to know the trowthe, thes thing_es_ woold be met
w_i_t_h_ all in tyme and the sonner the better. I trust yo_ur_ highnes
wyll by this berer adu_er_tyse me in wrytyng what shalbe yo_ur_ plesure
touching as well the sayd Falls Freers as also towching of the sayd
dowager’s warrant_es_. I haue also Sent to yo_ur_ grace on_e_ acquytance
to be assigned for the xxiiij^{ti} thousande Crowns dew to yo_ur_
highnes for the resedew of the emperowrs dett and also A warrant to
yo_ur_ chanceler For the Sealyng of the same which warrantt and
acquyt_au_nce it may please yo_ur_ magestye to assigne and to send the
same by this berer to the Intent Robert Fowler may be depechyd. The rest
of the acquyt_au_nces for yo_ur_ ordynarye pencyon and Sale ben allredye
Signed and Sealyd. and this the Hollye trynyte to whom I shall
contenewallye praye to p_re_serue yo_ur_ highnes in long lyff and most
p_ro_sperous helthe and send the same the vyctorye w_i_t_h_ hono_ur_
over all yo_ur_ Enemyes.
_Endd._ ij mynut_es_ of my M_aste_rs letters w_i_t_h_ my lord
chancelo_ur_s.
66. CROMWELL TO ‹CRANMER›.
B.M. Harl. MSS. 6,148, f. 81; Cal. vii. 19. Jan. 5 ‹1534›.
The King desires Cranmer to send to him Mr. Heath, whom his
highness wishes to employ as ambassador to the German
princes.
By master Crumwell
After my moste humble co_m_mendac_i_ons yt may please your g_ra_ce to be
aduertised that the kyng_es_ highnes hath comanded me to write vnto your
g_ra_ce Requiryng the same w_i_t_h_ all co_n_veniente celeritie to send
vp hither Mr. heth, whome for his Lerning, good gravitie and
circu_m_spect[i]on the kyng_es_ highnes entendeth to send into the
p_ar_ties of Garmany in Ambassade to treate ther with the princ_es_ of
Germany, as well in the kyng_es_ great cause of Matrymony As in other
causes p_er_teynyng to the Welth of this Realme And forasmoche as your
g_ra_ce knoweth the grounde, veray iustnes, and equitie of the kyng_es_
said cause, his Highnes requereth you to instructe the said M_r_ Hethe
in the same as he may be Ryppe and perfite in the knowlege of _th_e
holle circumstaunc_es_ of the same And that for lake of inst[r]uct_i_on
when tyme shall com to propone the matier it Appere not hym to be
vnp_er_faite and remysse to do suche s_er_uice v_n_to the kyng_es_
Maiestie in that behalf as shalbe to his gracious truste and
expectac_i_on which his highnes nothyng at all doubtith. Howbeit yo_ur_
g_ra_c_es_ adu_er_tisement and good instruct_i_on arrected vnto the said
Maist_er_ Heth shall vndoubtedly make hym more rype and p_er_fite in the
p_re_misses to do that thing that may be moche to your honour, his
prayse and merite As knoweth o_ur_ Lorde, who send your grace Long Lyf
and good helth at London the v. daye of January.
The kyng_es_ highnes also intendeth to practise certeyn thyng_es_ in the
said p_ar_ties of Germany, concernyng the Auctoryte of the Bisshop of
Rome.
Yo_ur_ gracys Bedisman
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
67. ‹CROMWELL› TO HENRY VIII.
R.O. Cal. vii. 73. January ‹1534›.
Reports the passage in the Commons of the Act forbidding any
man to keep more than 2000 sheep, and requiring every farmer
to put one-eighth of his land in tillage. If the Bill passes
the Lords also it will be the most beneficial thing done
‘sythyn Brewtyse tyme.’
Pleasythyt yo_ur_ most Royall Mageste to be adu_er_tysyd how that
according to yo_ur_ most highe pleasure and co_m_maundeme_n_t I haue
made serche for suche patentt_e_s and grauntys as yo_ur_ highnes and
also the most Famous kyng yo_ur_ father whos Sowle o_ur_ lorde p_ar_don
haue grauntyd vnto s_ir_ Rychard Weston knyght yo_ur_ vndertesawrer of
your exchequer and the same haue sent to yo_ur_ highnes herin closyd yt
may also please yo_ur_ most Royall Mageste to knowe how that yesterdaye
ther passyd yo_ur_ Co_m_mons a byll that no p_er_son w_i_t_h_in this
yo_ur_ Realme shall herafter kepe and Noryshe aboue the Nombre of twoo
thousand shepe and also that the eight parte of eu_er_ye mans lande
being a Fermour shall for eu_er_ herafter be put in tyllage yerlye which
byll yf by the gret wysdom vertuew goodnes and zerale[806] that yo_ur_
highnes beryth toward_es_ this yo_ur_ Realme might haue good Successe
and take good effect Amongyst yo_ur_ lord_es_ aboue I doo Coniecture and
Suppose in my pore Symple and vnworthye Judgement that yo_ur_ highnes
shall do the most noble proffyttable and most benefycyall thing that
eu_er_ was done to the Co_m_mone welthe of this yo_ur_ Realme and shall
therby Increase suche welthe in the same amongyst the gret Nombre &
multytude for yo_ur_ most louyng and obedye[nt] Subiectys as neu_er_ was
Seane in this Realme Sythen Brewtyse tyme most humblye prostrate at the
Fete of yo_ur_ Magnifycence beseche yo_ur_ highnes to p_ar_don my
boldnes ‹in› this wrytyng to yo_ur_ grace which onlye p_ro_cedythe for
the trowthe dewtye allegaunce and loue I doo bere to yo_ur_ mageste and
the Co_m_mon welth of this yo_ur_ Realme as o_ur_ lorde knowyth vnto
whom I shall as I am most bounden Incessantlye praye for the contenewans
& p_ro_sperous cons_er_uacyon of yo_ur_ most excellent most Royall and
Imperyall estate long to Indure
68. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹FISHER›.
B.M. Cleop. E. iv, f. 101; Cal. vii. 238. ‹Feb. 1534.›
Reproves him at length for his communications with the Nun
of Kent, and replies to seven reasons given by Fisher for
not reporting her revelations to the King. Advises him to
lay aside excuses, and beg the King’s mercy.
My lorde in my right hertie wise I co_m_mende me to yo_ur_ lordship
doing you to vnderstand that I haue receyued yo_ur_ l_ette_res dated at
Rochester the xviij^{th} of this moneth. In whiche ye declar_e_ what
craft and cu_n_nyng ye haue to p_er_suade and to set a good
countenau_n_ce vpon an yl mat_er_. Drawing som scriptur_es_ to yo_ur_
purpose whiche wel weyed acording to the plac_es_ whereof they be taken.
make not so muche for yo_ur_ purpose as ye allege thaim for. And wher_e_
in the first lefe of yo_ur_ lett_er_s ye write that ye doubt nothing
neither before god, nor befor the worlde if nede shal that requir_e_: so
to declar_e_ yo_ur_self. whatsoeuer hath been said of you. that ye haue
not deserued suche hevy word_es_ or terrible thret_es_ as hath been sent
from me vnto you by yo_ur_ brother[807].
How ye can declare yo_ur_ self affor_e_ god and the world when nede shal
requir_e_ I can not tell, but I think verely that yo_ur_ declaration
made by thes l_ette_res is far insufficie_n_t to p_ro_ve that ye haue
deserued no hevy word_es_ in this behalf and to sey playnly I sent you
no hevy word_es_ but word_es_ of great co_m_fort wylling yo_ur_ brother
to shewe you how benigne and m_er_ciful the prince was. And that I
thoug[ht] it expedient for you to write vnto his highnes and to
recognise yo_ur_ offence and desir_e_ his p_ar_don, whiche his grace
wold not denye you now in yo_ur_ aige and sikkenes. Whiche my counsel I
wold ye had folowed, rather than to haue writen thes l_ette_res to me
excusing yo_ur_ self as thoughe there wer_e_ no maner of defaute in you.
But my lord if it wer_e_ in an other mannys caas than yo_ur_ owne and
out of the mater whiche ye fauor I doubt not but that ye wold think him
that shuld haue doen as ye have doen non only worthy hevy word_es_ but
also hevy dedys. For wher_e_ ye labor to excuse yo_ur_ self of yo_ur_
hering believing and co_n_celing of the nu_n_nys fals and faynid
reuelations, and of yo_ur_ manyfold sending of yo_ur_ chapley[n] vnto
her, by a certey_n_ intent whiche ye pretende yo_ur_self to haue had, to
knowe by co_m_monyng w_i_t_h_ her or by sendi_n_g yo_ur_ chapellaine to
her, whether her reuelations wer_e_ of god or no. alleging diu_er_se
scriptures. that ye wer_e_ bound to p_ro_ve thaim, and not to reiecte
thaim affor_e_ they wer_e_ p_ro_ued My Lord whether ye haue vsed a due
meane to trie her and her reuelations, or no. It appereth by the
p_ro_cesse of yo_ur_ owne l_ette_res. For wher_e_ ye write that ye had
co_n_ceyuid a greate opinion of the holines of the woman for many
considerations rehersed in yo_ur_ l_ette_res c_om_p_ri_sed in vi
articles, whereof the first is grownde vpo_n_ the brute and fame of her,
the secunde vpon her entreng into religion after her trauns_es_ and
disfiguration, the third vpon rehersall that her gostly father being
lerned and religious shuld testifie that she was a maide of greate
holines. The fourth vpon the report that diuerse other vertuose
prest_es_ me_n_ of good lernyng and reputation, shuld so testifie of
her, w_i_t_h_ whiche gostly father and preest_es_ ye never spake as ye
confesse in yo_ur_ lett_er_s. The fyveth vpon the prayse of my late lord
of Cant_erbury_, which shewed you (as ye write) that she had many greate
visions the sixt vpon this saing of the p_ro_phete Amos, No_n_ faciet
d_om_in_u_s deus v_er_bu_m_, nisi reuelau_er_it secretu_m_ suu_m_ ad
seruos suos p_ro_phetas by whiche co_n_siderations ye wer_e_ induced to
the desir_e_ to know the very certente of this mater, whether the
reuelations whiche wer_e_ p_re_tended to be shewed to her from god
wer_e_ true reuelations or nott? yo_ur_ lordship in al the se_n_gle[808]
of yo_ur_ l_ette_res shewe not that ye made no ferther trial vpo[n] the
trueth of her and her reuelation, but only in co_m_monyng w_i_t_h_ her
and sending yo_ur_ chapellaine to her, w_i_t_h_ Idle questions as of the
thre mary magdalens. by whiche yo_ur_ co_m_mony[ng] and sending, ye
tried out nothing of her falshed, nouther (as it is credibly supposed)
entended to do, as ye myght haue doen many weyes mor_e_ easely than
w_i_t_h_ co_m_monyng w_i_t_h_ her or sending to her; for litel credens
was to be gyven to her affirmyng her owne fayned reuelations to be from
god.
For if credence shuld be gyven to eu_er_y suche lewd p_er_son as wold
affirme himself to haue reuelations from god what redyer wey wer_e_
ther_e_ to subuert al co_m_mon we[l]thes and good orders in the worlde.
Verily my lord if ye had entended to trie out the trueth of her and of
her reuelations ye wold haue taken an other wey w_i_t_h_ you, first ye
wold not haue been co_n_tented w_i_t_h_ the vayne voyc_es_ of the peple
making brut_es_ of her traunses & disfiguratio_n_ But like a wise
discrete and circumspect p_re_late ye shuld haue examined (as other
haue) suche sad and credible p_er_sons as wer_e_ p_re_sent att her
traunses & disfiguration_es_, not one or two, but a good nu_m_ber by
whoes testimony ye shuld haue p_ro_ued whether the brut_es_ of her
traunc_es_ and disfigurations wer_e_ true or not And likewise ye shuld
haue tried by what craft and p_er_suasion she was made a religious
woman. And if ye had been so desirous as ye p_re_tende to enquir_e_ out
the trueth or falshed of this woman and of her reuelations, it is to be
supposed ye wold haue spoken w_i_t_h_ her good religious and wel lerned
gostly father (as ye cal him) or this tyme: and also w_i_t_h_ the
vertuose, and wel lerned preest_es_ (as they wer_e_ estemed) of whoes
reaport_es_ ye were informed by thaim whiche herd thaim speke[809] ye
wold also haue been mynded to se the booke of her revelations whiche was
offerd you. of whiche ye myght haue had mor_e_ trial of her and of her
reuelations, than a hundred co_m_munications w_i_t_h_ her, or of as many
sendings of yo_ur_ chapellen vnto her. As for the late lord of
Cauntreburys seying vnto you that she had many greate visions, it ought
to move you never a deale to gyve credence vnto her or her reuelations,
For the said lord knew no mor_e_ certente of her or of her reuelations
than ye dyd by her owne reaport. And as towching the saing of Amos the
prophete, I thinke veryly the same moved you but a litell to herkyn vnto
her, for sythe the co_n_su_m_mation and thende of thold testame_n_t and
sythens the passion of Christ god hathe doen many greate and notable
thing_es_ in the worl[d]e, whereof he shewed no thing to his
p_ro_phet_es_ that hath co_m_men to the knowlege of men. My lord all
thes thinges moved you not to gyve credence vnto her, but only the very
mater whereupon she made her fals p_ro_ficyes to whiche mater ye were so
affected (as ye be noted to be on al mat_er_s whiche ye enter ons into)
that nothing could com amysse that made for that purpose
And her_e_ I appelle yo_ur_ conscience and instantly desire you to
aunswer. Whether if she had shewed you as many reuelationsf or the
co_n_firmation of the king_es_ grac_es_ marriage whiche he now enjoyeth
as she did to the co_n_trary, ye wold haue gyven as muche credence to
her as ye haue doen, and wold haue let the trial of her and of her
reuelations to ou_er_passe thes many yer_es_, wher_e_ ye dwelt not from
her but xx mylys, in the same shir_e_, wher_e_ her traunses and
disfiguring_es_ and p_ro_phecyes in her traunses wer_e_ surmised and
countrefeyd. And if p_er_caas ye wol sey (as it ‹is› not vnlike but ye
wol sey mynded as ye wer_e_ wont to be) that the mat_e_rs be not like,
for the Law of god in yo_ur_ opinion standeth w_i_t_h_ the one and not
w_i_t_h_ thother. Suerly my lord I suppose this had been no greate cause
mor_e_ to reiect the one than thother for ye know by histories of the
bible that god may by his reuelation dispense w_i_t_h_ his owne Law, as
w_i_t_h_ the[810] Israelit_es_ spoyling the egiptians and w_i_t_h_ Jacob
to haue iiij wifes, and suche other[811].
Think you my lord that any indifferent man co_n_sidering the qualite of
the mater and yo_ur_ affeccion, and also the negligent passing over of
suche lawful triall_es_ as ye myght haue had of the said nu_n_ne and
her reuelations, is so dull, that can not p_er_ceyue and discerne that
yo_ur_ co_m_monyng and often sending to the said nu_n_ was rather to
here and know mor_e_ of her reuelations, than to trie out the trueth or
falshed of thes same And in this behalf I suppose it wol be hard for you
to purge yo_ur_self bifor_e_ god or the worle, but that ye haue been in
greate defaut hering beleuyng and co_n_celing suche thing_es_ as tended
to the destruction of the prince And that her reuelations wer_e_ bent
and purposed to that ende . it hathe been duely p_ro_ued, affore as
greate assembly and cou_n_sel of the lord_es_ of this realme as hath
been seen many yer_es_ heretofor_e_ out of a p_a_rliame_n_t. And what
the said lord_es_ demed thaim worthy to suffer, whiche had beleued and
co_n_celed thees fals reuelations be mor_e_ terrible than any thret_es_
spoken by me to yo_ur_ brother
And wher_e_ ye go abought to defende that ye be not to be blamed for
co_n_celing her reuelations co_n_cernyng the king_es_ grace, bicause ye
thought it not necessary to reherse thaim to his highnes. for vij causes
folowing in yo_ur_ l_ette_res affor_e_ I shewe you my mynde co_n_cernyng
thees causes, I suppose that albeit ye p_er_caas thought it not
necessary to be shewed to the prince by you. yet that your thinking shal
not be your triall, but the Law must diffine whether ye owghted to vtter
it or not.
And as to the first of said vii causes. Albeit[812] she told youe that
she had shewed her reuelations co_n_cernyng the king_es_ grace to the
king herself, yet her seyng or others discharged not you but that ye
were bound by yo_ur_ fidelite to shewe to the king_es_ grace . that
thing whiche semed to co_n_cerne his grace and his reigne so nyghly .
for how knew you that she[813] shewed thes reuelations to the king_es_
grace but by her owne seyng, to whiche ye shuld haue gyven no suche
credence as to for_e_ber_e_ the utt_e_rance of so greate maters
co_n_cernyng a king_es_ welth And why shuld you so sinisterly iudge the
prince that if ye had shewed thees same vnto him, he wold haue thought
that ye had brought that tale vnto him mor_e_ for the strenghing and
co_n_firmatio_n_ of yo_ur_ opinion then for any other thing els. Veryly
my lord what so eu_er_ yo_ur_ iudgeme_n_t bee . I se dayly suche
benignite and excellent humanite in his grace that I doubt not but his
highnes . wold haue accepted it in good part if ye had shewed the same
reuelations vnto him as ye wer_e_ bounden to do by yo_ur_ fidelite.
To the secunde cause. Albeit she shewed you not that any prince or other
t_em_poral lord shuld put the king_es_ grace in daing_er_ of his crowne
yet there were weyes Inoughe, by whiche her said reuelations myght haue
put the king_es_ grace in dainger, as the for_e_said counsel of lord_es_
. haue substancially and duely co_n_sidered And therefor Albeit she
shewed you not the meanes whereby the dayng_er_ shuld ensue to the
king_es_ [grace] yet . ye wer_e_ neverthelesse bounden to shewe him of
the dainger.
To the third. Think you my lord, that if any p_er_son wold com vnto you
and shewe youe that the king_es_ destruction wer_e_ co_n_spired against
a certen tyme, and wold ferther shewe you, that he wer_e_ sent from his
maist_er_ to shewe the same to the king and wol sey ferther vnto [you]
that he wold go streyct to the king, wer_e_ it not yet your duety to
certifie the king_es_ grace of the relation, but also to inquire whether
the said p_e_rson had doen his for_e_said messaige or no, yes verely.
And so wer_e_ ye bound, thoughe the nu_n_ne shewed youe, it was her
messaige from god to be declared by her to the king_es_ grace.
To the iiii^{th} her_e_ ye translate the temporal duety that ye owe to
yo_ur_ prince, to the spiritual duety of suche as be bounde to declar_e_
the worde of god to the peple, and to shewe vnto them the p_er_ill and
punissheme_n_t of sy_n_ in an other worlde, the co_n_celeme_n_t whereof
p_er_teyneth to the iudgeme_n_t of god, but the co_n_celeme_n_t of this
mater p_er_teyneth to other iudg_es_ of this realme.
To the v^{th} ther could no blame be arrested to you if ye had shewed
the nu_n_nys reuelations to the king_es_ grace, albeit they wer_e_
aft_er_ward found fals for no man owght to be blamed doing his duety And
if a man wold shewe you secretly that there wer_e_ a greate mischief
entended . against the prince, wer_e_ ye to be blamed if ye shewed him
of it, albeit it wer_e_ a fayned tale, and the said mischief wer_e_
never Imagined.
To the sixt . co_n_cernyng an Imagination of mast_er_ Pacy. It was
knowen that he was beside himself, and therefor_e_ they wer_e_ not
blamed that made no report thereof, but it was not lik in this caas For
ye toke not this nu_n_ne for a mad woman, for if ye had ye wold not haue
gyven vnto her so greate credence as ye dyd.
To the final and vii^{th} cause wher_e_ ye lay[814] vnto the charge of
o_ur_ sou_er_aine, that he hath vnkyndly entreacted you . w_i_t_h_
grevous word_es_ and terrible letters for shewing his grace trowthe in
his greate mater, whereby ye wer_e_ disco_m_forted to shewe vnto him the
nu_n_nys reuelations. I beleue that I know the king_es_ goodnes and
natural gentilnes so well, that his grace wold not so vnkyndly handle
you, as you vnkyndly write of him, onles ye gave him other causes than
be expressed in yo_ur_ lett_er_s. And what so eu_er_ the king_es_ grace
hath sayed or writen vnto you heretofore, yet that notw_i_t_h_stonden,
ye wer_e_ neverthelesse bounden to vtt_er_ to him thees p_er_nicious
reuelations.
Finally Wher_e_ ye desir_e_ for the passion of christ that ye be no
mor_e_ quykkened in this mater for if ye be put to that straite ye wyl
not lose yo_ur_ soule, but ye wyl speke as yo_ur_ co_n_science ledeth
you w_i_t_h_ many moo word_es_ of greate curraige. My lord if ye had
taken my counsel sent vnto you by yo_ur_ brother and folowed the same,
submitting yo_ur_self by yo_ur_ letters to the king_es_ grace for yo_ur_
offenses in this behalf, I wold haue trusted that ye shuld never be
quykkened in this mat_er_ mor_e_. But now wher_e_ ye take vpon you to
defe_n_de the hole mater as ye wer_e_ in no default. I cannot so far
p_ro_mise you[815]. And suerly my lord if the mat_er_ co_m_ to triall:
yo_ur_ owne co_n_fession in thes l_ette_res besid_es_ the wittnes whiche
be against you wolbe sufficient to co_n_demne you Wher_e_for my lord I
wol eftsones aduise you that laying apart al suche excuses as ye haue
alleged in yo_ur_ letters whiche in my_n_ opinion be of smal effect as I
haue declared ye beseche the king_es_ grace by yo_ur_ lett_er_s to be
yo_ur_ graciou[s] lord, and to remitte vnto you yo_ur_ negligence
ouersight and offence co_m_mitted against his his[816] highnes in this
behalf And I dar_e_ vndertake that his highenes shal benignely accepte
you into his gracious fauor, al mat_er_s of displeasir_e_ past affor_e_
this tyme forgoten and forgyven.
[817]As towching the speking of yo_ur_ conscience, it is thought
that ye haue writen and haue spoken as muche as ye can . and .
many thing_es_ (as som right probably beleaue) against yo_ur_ owne
co_n_science. And men report that at the Last conuocation ye spake
many thing_es_ whiche ye could not wel defende. And therefor it is not
greatly ferede what ye can sey or write in that mat_er_. howsoeu_er_ ye
be quykkened or strayted And if ye had taken _etc._
69. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹THE SHERIFF OF YORKSHIRE›.
R.O. Cal. vii. 383. Mar. 28 ‹1534›.
In order to prevent any infringement of the King’s rights in
the lands of Sir John Dunham, lately deceased, the council
considers it expedient that those persons who dwell near the
lands should be impanelled to inquire for the King.
Maister Sheryff I co_m_mend me vnto yow and being Infformyd of the dethe
of syr Jhon Dunham Knyghte whyche in his lyffe helde of the king_es_
grace certayne land_es_ and tenement_es_ in the County of Yorke In
Capite. And by cause that the kyng_es_ righte shall not be hydde ne
cloked It is therfor considered by the kyng_es_ most honorable counsell
that suche persons who hath the most knowlege sufficient of freeholde
and dwellys next vnto the Land_es_ of the saied syr John Donham be
impanelled to inquyre for the kyng_es_ grace the namys of whom herein
enclosyd I do send yow who are extemyd and reputed to be men of good
worship and conscience as I am credably enformed Aduertysyng yow that
vpon a precept to yow dyrected by the kyng_es_ excheto_ur_ ye do
retourne a suffycient Inquest of the same persons to inquyre for the
kyng_es_ grace of the tenure of the saied land_es_. And in yo_ur_ so
doyng ye shall do the king_es_ grace a righte acceptable seruyce to his
contentatyon And so fare ye well from London the xxviii^{ti} daye of
march.
_Endd._ mynute of a l_ette_re.
70. CROMWELL TO GARDINER.
B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 348; Cal. vii. 535. Apr. 24 ‹1534›.
Requests for a friend the advowson of the parsonage of St.
John’s of Sherborne, in Hampshire, the yearly value of which
is 10 or 11 pounds.
My Lord in my right hertie wise I co_m_mende me to you. And as I haue
been, and wolbe glad and redy, to do you suche pleasir_e_ as I myght or
may. so I desire you to graunt vnto me to the behoue of a dere frende of
myne. the aduocation of the p_ar_sonaige of S. Jhons of [Shire]borne in
hampshir_e_ being of yo_ur_ gift. whiche is of the yerely value of x or
xj^{li} and not aboue (as I am informed) by the gyft whereof ye shal
shewe vnto me a right acceptable pleasir_e_ . whiche I wol not forgete
when I may in reco_m_pense thereof . do the thing that may be to your
co_n_tentation. And of yo_ur_ beniuolent mynd in this behalf, I desir_e_
you not only to certifie me by yo_ur_ next w_ri_ting but also to direct
yo_ur_ letters to yo_ur_ vicar gen_er_all and to the prio_u_r and
co_n_uent of yo_ur_ churche . for thexpedition thereof to be made in due
forme, and to be deliu_ere_d vnto me w_i_t_h_ suche spede as shall
pleace you to co_m_maunde thaim . the xxiiij^{th} day of Aprile.
Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd freei_n_d
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my verey loving Lord my lord of wynchester.
_Edd._ the xxiiij of Ap_ri_l Mr. Secretary
71. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹CRANMER›.
R.O. Cal. vii. 500. ‹Apr. 1534.›
The King considers it expedient that More and Fisher be
compelled to swear to the preamble of the Act of Succession
as well as to the Act itself: otherwise it might be taken as
a confirmation of the authority of the Bishop of Rome.
My Lorde after myne humble co_m_menda_ci_ons it may please yo_ur_ grace
to be adu_er_tesed that I haue receyued yo_ur_ l_ette_res and shewed the
same to the king_es_ highnes who p_er_ceyuing yo_ur_ mynde and opynyon
is that it were good that the bisshop of Rochester and Mr. More should
be sworn to the acte of the king_es_ succession and not to the preamble
of the same, thinketh that if their othe should be so taken it were an
occasion to all men to refuse the hole or at the lest the lyke. For in
case they be sworn to the succession and not to the p_re_amble it is to
be thought that it might be taken not onelie as a confirmacion of the
Bisshop of Rome his auctoryte but also as a reprobacion of the king_es_
second mariage wherefore to thintent that no such thing_es_ should be
brought into the hedd_es_ of the people by the ensample of the saide
Bisshop of Rochester and Mr. More the king_es_ highnes in no wise
willeth but that they shalbe sworn aswell to the preamble as to the acte
of Succession[818] in no man_er_ of wyse Wherfore his grace specyallye
trustyth that ye wyll in no wyse Suppose attempt or move hym to the
Contrarye For as hys grace Suppossyth that that man_er_ of Sweryng yf yt
sholde be sufferyd myght be an vtter destruccyon to his hole Cause and
Also to the effecte of the law made For the same
_Endd._ _m_ynute.
72. CROMWELL TO THE PRIOR AND CONVENT OF WENLOCK.
R.O. Cal. vii. 593. May 1 ‹1534›.
Desires them to grant to Thomas Lowley the lease of Okinbold
farm, in Shropshire, at the rent which his father paid.
In myn harty maner I co_m_mende me unto youe And wheras ye haue nowe in
yo_ur_ handes and disposic_i_on again, the ferme of Oxinbold belonging
to that Mon_astery_. These shalbe to desire and hartely pray youe, for
my sake to graunte a sufficient lease therof to my Freende Thomas
Lowleye ser_ua_unt to Mr. Norreys vnder yo_ur_ convent seale for the
terme of xl yeres yelding and payeng vnto yow suche rent for the same,
as his father whiche was fermo_ur_ therof hertofore paid vnto your
mon_astery_ at that tyme that he had it in ferme. Desiring you in noo
wise to alienate it to any man but only to this tyl ye shal knowe
further, in case ye shal not condescende to this my request, and to
adu_er_tise me by yo_ur_ L_ette_res w_i_t_h_ spede of yo_ur_ proceding
in this Behaulf And thus Fare you hartely well From Stepnaye the first
daye of Maye
Yo_ur_ Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my loving freendes the prior and Convent of the Mon_astery_ of
Wenlok.
73. CROMWELL TO DR. SAMPSON.
R.O. Cal. vii. 655. May 13 ‹1534›.
Requires him to appoint a bishop to ‘execute’ at the Court,
as the Bishop of Chester is unable to be present.
Mr. Deane, after my right hertie co_m_mendations Forasmoche as my lorde
of Chester is not onelie destitute of Myter Crosier and other thing_es_
necessarie but also shall to morowe be enbusied and occupied about_es_
other the king_es_ affaires I shall therefore hertelie requyre you to
appoynte som other Bisshop to execute to morowe before the king_es_
highnes at the Courte, till my saide Lorde of Chester shall be better
Furnysshed as app_er_tyneth Wherein ye shall do him moche pleasure. And
so Fare ye well. At Stepney the xiii day of Maye.
Your assuryd Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To the right wo_r_shipfull Mr. Docto_ur_ Sampson dean of the
king_es_ chappell be this youen.
74. CROMWELL TO THE SENATE AND CONSULS OF LÜBECK[819].
B.M. Vit. B. xxi, f. 107; Cal. vii. 707. May 24, 1534.
On behalf of William Gilbank, whose ship was captured near
Sandwich and taken to Lübeck, with goods worth 53 pounds
sterling.
{Henricus Dei gr_ati_a Rex Angliae, et Franciae, fidei defensor, ac
D_omi_n_us_ Hiber[niae] ... Consulibus, et} Senator{ibus}es Ciuitatis
Lubicen_sis_ _etc._ Amici{s} n_ost_ri{s} Car_issi_mi{s} {sal_utem_}
plur_i_ma_m_ Sal_utem_ et Co_m_me_n_ ...
Nuper apud {nos} ... humilite_r_ conq[uestus est] ...s, ac fidelis
{noster potentissimi n_ostr_i Regis} eius subditus Willelmus gylbanke
q_uod_ quum superioribus mensibus nauis quaedam cui Hugo ship ...
[prae]erat, ex harmywe Zelandiae vico hoc {n_ostr_um} inclytum Regnum
uersus nauigatura soluerat, ac varij generis merces ad u[alorem] ...
quinquaginta triu_m_ librar_um_ sterlingorum in ea onerasset, commercij
gr_atia_ huc aduecturus, accidit, ut dicta nauis iam ... [n]auigationis
cursu {et n_os_tr_u_m} in eiusdem ser_enissi_mi D_omini_ n_ostr_[i]
Regis portu_m_ Sandwic_ensem_ ferme ingressa, a v_est_ra Classe quae
belli praetextu, quod aduersus hollandos ... bat, per hoc {nostrum} mare
excurrebat capta, et una cum dicti {n_ost_ri subditi} Will_el_mi bonis,
ac mercibus in ciuitate_m_ istam v_estr_am ... abducta fuit; erit longe
quidem praeter vetere_m_ mutuamq_ue_ {n_ost_ram} amicitiam cum
Ser_enissi_ma hac Regia M_aiesta_te, et ingenti {eiusdem subditi
n_ost_ri Will_el_mi eius subdi[ti]} prefati sui subditi detrimento, id
q[u]od quum inscijs vobis a v_est_rae classis praefectis {commissum
fuerit, voluimus} eadem Regia M_aies_tas co_m_missu_m_ fuisse plane
credat, iussit ut suo no_m_i_n_e n_ostr_is his l_itte_ris hanc causam
vobis imp_rese_ntia commendaremus: Vos igitur quos p_ro_ intimis
amici[s] habet impense rogat, ut pro vest[ro] erga iustas quasq_ue_
causas studio, pro mutuaq_ue_ {n_ostr_a} secum coniunctione, v_estr_a
authoritate efficere velitis q_uod_ praedicta bona sic ablat[a] eidem
{n_ostr_o subdito} Will_e_lmo uel eius procuratori in integrum
restitua_n_tur, id quod {ut nobis} ut [e]idem Regie M_aiesta_ti maxime
gratum, et iustitiae consentane[um] erit, ita {nos} ipsam ad parem
beneuolentiam erga subditos v_es_tros, data occasione, exhibendam
propensior ardentiorque {efficiem[ur]} reddetur. Et bene valete. Ex
Regia n_ostr_a Richemondiae Die xxiiij Maij MDXXXIIII.
De nobis v_er_o possunt v_estr_ates o_m_nes in iustis suis hic
occurrentib_us_ negocijs ap_u_d ha_n_[c] Regia_m_ Ma_iesta_tem omne
humanitatis officiu_m_ sibi polliceri quod suo loco et te_m_pore
cumulate p_rae_stabim[u]s
Vester bonus amicus
THOMAS CRUMWELL
_Add._ Mag_nifi_cis D_omi_nis Consulibus, et Senatoribus Ciuitatis
Lubicen_sis_ _etc._ Amicis n_ostr_is C_arissi_mis.
75. CROMWELL TO MR. SAPCOTTES.
R.O. Cal. vii. 790. June 4 ‹1534›.
Desires him to repair to London as soon as possible, as he
is executor of Edw. Watson, deceased, who was in danger to
the King.
Mr. Sapcott_es_ I co_m_mende me vnto you. And For as moche as ye were
executour and admynistrato_ur_ of the good_es_ of Edwarde Watson
decessed who was in daungier to the king_es_ highnes, I shall therefore
aduertise and require you that vppon the sight of these my l_ette_res
for that matier w_i_t_h_ other thing_es_ that I haue to sey vnto you ye
do put yo_ur_ self in a redynes to repayre vnto me w_i_t_h_ all
conuenie_n_t celeryte. And at your co_m_myng ye shall knowe Ferther of
the king_es_ pleasure. So Fare ye well From my house at Canbery the
iiii^{th} day of June
Yo_ur_ Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To his louing frend Mr. Henry Sapcott_es_ be this youen at
Lyncoln.
76. CROMWELL TO THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY.
Ellis Letters, 2nd Ser. ii. 135; Cal. vii. 973. July 13 ‹1534›.
Thanks him for his zeal in apprehending a hermit, who has
been examined, and is to be tried by the justices of assize,
and punished according to the law.
After my right herty commendacions to your Lordship, I have by this
bearer your servaunt, bailly of Chesterfeld, receyved your Lettres and
the byll therin enclosed concernyng th’ Ermyte, the whiche being by me
examyned, answered that he could not tell whither he spake ever the same
trayterouse words or not. I have caused an Inditement to be drawen
therupon whiche your Lordeship shal receyve herwith; and also I have
thought convenient to retorn the said Hermite unto you agayn, there
befor the Justices of Assise to be tryed and to th’exemple of all other
to be punyshed according to right and the King’s lawes. I thank evermor
your Lordeship for your good zele, diligence, and dexterate in
repressing and apprehending suche perniciouse and detestable felons: and
therof shal I not faile to make true raport to his Highnes who I am
assure shal tak the sam in most thankfull part. Thus I beseche our holy
Creator to sende you prosperite and long liffe. From Cheleshith this
xiij^{th} of July.
Your lordshippis assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my very good Lord Therle of Shrewesbury Lorde Stuarde to the
Kings Ma^{tie}.
77. ‹CROMWELL› TO ----.
R.O. Cal. vii. 990. July 20 ‹1534›.
Orders him to arrest four murderers from Yorkshire, who
first fled into Scotland, but have now returned to Durham,
where they ride about at their pleasure.
In my Right harty man_er_ I co_m_mend me vnto you and where as I am
enfourmed that one p_er_cyvall worme, wyll_ia_m Corneforthe John bygott
and wyll_ia_m dobson lately co_m_mytted a detestable mourdo_ur_ in the
Countye of Yorke and beyng Indyttyd _th_erof thei ther vpon flede into
Scottlond where as _th_ei _th_er Remayned as yt ys thought tyll now of
late, that thei lyttyll dreadyng god nor the lawes of this Realme arne
comme into the byschopryche of Durh_a_m wher as thei doo Ryde in all
plac_es_ therof at ther pleasures to the greate boldnes and p_er_yllous
example of all other suche [ev]yll dysposed p_er_sonnes. And therfor my
mynd ys that ye w_i_t_h_ dylygence do attach or cause the said p_er_sons
to be Attachyd, And them to deteyne in pryson vntyll such tyme as thei
schalbe by the order of _the_ lawes acquyted or otherwyse dyscharged as
ye wyll aunswere to the kyng_es_ highnes at yo_ur_ p_er_yll. Wretyn at
my house in london _th_e xx^{th} day of July.
78. ‹CROMWELL› TO THE ABBOT OF ‹ST. AUSTIN’S IN CANTERBURY›.
R.O. Cal. vii. 1007. July 25 ‹1533[820]›.
Requests him to settle his differences with the bearer,
whose father could have had many offices of the abbot and
his predecessor. As the bearer has his brothers and sisters
to support, the abbot ought to do as much for him as he
would have done for his father.
My Lorde Abbot I reco_m_mende me vnto you etc. and where as George
Goldwyn the bryng_er_ hereof hathe byn A continuall suto_ur_ vnto me A
great tyme to haue A Warde made betwene you and hym[821] I shall
hertelye desire & praye you vppon the sight hereof to take some
reasonable waye with hym so that I be no longer molestyd by hym and his
co_n_tynuall Sute and whereas his Father myght haue had[822] of yo_ur_
lordshyp & yo_ur_ predecesso_ur_ dyuers offers who alwayes refused them
yet neu_er_theles me thinkyth yo_ur_ lordshyp now can no lesse doo then
to graunte hym so moche in consciens[823] as ye woolde have yovyn his
Father For he ys moche[824] chargyd w_i_t_h_ the dett_e_s of his Father
as he affirmyth and also w_i_t_h_ the Fyndyng of his Brethern and
sisterne[825]. Whereffor in myn oppynyon it shalbe well doon that ye
take an ende w_i_t_h_ hym Yow know his Father dyed in pryson at yo_ur_
Sute and thus co_m_myttyng this matyer to god & yo_ur_ Conscyens &
thanking yow For my hawke & bydde yow hertelye Fare well at london the
xxv^{ti} daye of July
_Endd._ mynute of a l_ette_re.
79. CROMWELL TO LORD COBHAM.
B.M. Harl. MSS. 283, f. 203; Cal. vii. App. 33. July 30 ‹1534›.
Directions about the administration of ‘the farm of the
parsonage.’ Promises to attend to the monks of which Cobham
speaks, if he will send them up.
I commend me vnto yo_ur_ good lordship yn my right harty maner,
Adu_er_tisyng you that I have receyvyd your l_ette_res and the Inventory
accordyng to your wrytyng. And touchyng the ferme of the parsonage I
desire your lordship to cause the corne and other dutyes to be getherd
together, and as for the rent I will order your lordship therin at our
metyng. And your Monk_e_s of whome ye write if ye send theym hither I
wil be contentyd to co_m_mon w_i_t_h_ theym and to do therin as the case
shall requyre. I pray yo_ur_ lordshyp to have me co_m_mendyd vnto my
good lady in my right harty maner and so to geve hir thank_e_s for the
foule that she hathe sent vnto me. And thus our lord have you yn his
kepyng. At Stepenhey the xxx^{th} day of Julye.
Your lordshippis assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL
_Add._ To my very good lord my lord Cobham this be delyu_er_yd.
80. CROMWELL TO THE MAYORS AND OFFICERS OF
SOUTHAMPTON, PORTSMOUTH, AND POOLE.
R.O. Cal. vii. 1132. Sept. 4 ‹1534›.
Asks assistance for two men who are going into those parts
on the King’s business.
I co_m_mend me vnto you. ‹and› Adv_er_tise you that the king_es_ highnes
at this tyme dothe send George Whelpeley and John Brawne about certayne
besynes geven vnto theym in charge to be done in those p_ar_ties,
w_i_t_h_ soche spede and diligence as they convenyently may requyryng
you and eu_er_y of you to p_er_mytt and suffer the same George and John
to execute and do in eu_er_y thyng, as the kyng_es_ grace hath
co_m_maundyd theym w_i_t_h_out any yo_ur_ ympedyment_es_ let or
interupcion in and about the same. And in case any ill disposed
p_er_sone or p_er_sones will disobey or gaynsay the same, I farther
requyre you yn the kyng_es_ behalf to assiste ayde and counsaill theym
in and about thexecucion of their purpose. As ye will advoyde the
king_es_ high displeasure. And thus fare ye well. At london the
iiii^{th} day of September.
Your Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To the Mayres Sheriff_es_ and Bayliffes Custumers Comptrollers
and Sercho_ur_s w_i_t_h_in the townes and port_es_ of Suthampton
Portesmouthe and Pole and eu_er_y of theym and the Crek_es_ belongyng to
theym and eu_er_y of theym this be youen.
_Endd._ My m^{re}. l_ette_re for George Whelpeley
81. CROMWELL TO SIR ROGER REYNOLDS, ROBERT
WOLF, AND JOHN KYTCH.
R.O. Cal. vii. 1134. Sept. 6 ‹1534›.
The King desires them to repair to Cromwell to answer to the
charges made against them.
I comend me vnto you And these shalbe to adu_er_tise you that the
king_es_ pleasure is that ye y_m_mediately vppon the sight of these my
l_ette_res shall repayre hither to answer vnto suche thing_es_ as then
shalbe leyed and obiected to you on the king our saide sou_er_eigne
lord_es_ behalf. Fayle ye not thus to do as ye will avoyde ferther
perill and inconuenyence. So Fare ye well From my house at Canbery the
vi^{th} day of Septembre.
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To Sir Roger Reynold_es_ priest M_aster_ of the Hospitall of
Saynt Johns in Huntingdon Robert Wolf Baylif there and John Kytche and
to eu_er_y of them be this youen.
82. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE AND LORD EDMUND HOWARD.
R.O. Cal. vii. 1179. Sept. 21, 1534.
The King, hearing that the searchers of Calais are remiss,
and permit things to be conveyed out of the realm contrary
to law, has appointed Nicholas Caldwell and John Gough to
aid them.
In my right herty man_er_ I co_m_mende me vnto yo_ur_ good
Lordshipp_es_. So it is that the King_es_ Highenes is certaynly informyd
that dyuers and many thing_es_ arne dayly conveyd ouit of this realme
into the partyes of beyond the sees contrary to the statut_es_ and
provisions in suche casse ordeinyd and provided. and for as muche as the
s_er_chours in the towne and M_ar_chys of Calais arne remysse and
negligent in thexamynacion of their offic_es_ his highenes therfor well
considering the same, and also p_er_ceyving that his trusty
s_er_vaunt_es_ Nicholas Caldwall and John Gowghe byn men of good
circumspiccion meate to make s_er_che and fynde owt the same, hathe
ordenyd and constitutyd them Joyntly and severallie to be attendant and
vigilant abouit the serching of the same w_i_t_h_in the saide toune and
m_ar_chys and the havon Longing to the same for this tyme. Wherfor
adu_er_tesing yo_ur_ Lordshippes of the king_es_ ples_ur_ therin I
requyre you in the king_es_ behalff to assist and ayde the same Nicholas
& John and eyther of them in execucyon of this the king_es_ ples_ur_ and
co_m_maundement as often and as the casse shall requyre as the king_es_
trust is in you. and thus the blyssed trinitie pres_er_ue yo_ur_ good
Lordshipp_es_ at Candbery the xxi of Septembre
thus subscribyd
Yo_ur_ Lordshipp_es_ assuryd Frynd
THOMAS CROMWELL.
The sup_er_scripcio_n_. To the right hono_ur_able and my Veray good
Lord_es_ my Lord Lyssle depute of Calas and my Lorde Edmonde Howard
Comptroller ther and to eyther of them be this yeven
_Endd._ Copia of Mr. Cromwell_es_ L_ette_re for the s_er_che to John
Gowghe and N. caldewall 22 Septembre. 1534.
83. CROMWELL TO ‹THE LORDS OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL›.
R.O. (Museum) Cal. vii. 1271. Oct. 17 ‹1534›.
Asks them to give audience to the bearer, who can tell them
much about the evil-disposed person apprehended on Sunday
last. Advises that the said person be not put to death till
he has made full confession.
My lord_es_ after my most affectuouse reco_m_mendac_i_on, This present
berer my lord of York_es_ seruaunt is arryved nowe to me w_i_t_h_
l_ette_res bothe to me and to the king_es_ highnes. I haue remitted hym
furthw_i_t_h_ to deliver his maiestes l_ette_res. And because he can
fully Instructe yo_ur_ lordships and enfo_ur_me you of many thing_es_ I
pray you to heare hym fauourably and to geve hym full audience for ye
shal here of hym sundry notable thing_es_ and sp_ec_ially ayenst hym
that was apprehended on Sondaye last whom I tak to be an veray evill
disposed p_er_sone and the which if he be examyned according to the said
berers relation ye shal knowe thing_es_ gretely to be marked & noted
Therfor I beseche you to have this mater recommended And that the said
p_er_son so apprehended be not put to deth tyll we may knowe the hoole
and profound bothom of his cancred hert. I pray you to sende to me
adu_er_tisseme_n_t howe ye shal fynde hym and knowlege of the veray
mater And also of any suche thing_es_ As I can do here, any expe_dis_hon
for the furthera_un_ce of any the king_es_ maters For I shal spaer no
diligence. Thus o_ur_ blessed creato_ur_ have you in his tuition &
keping From the Rooles this xvii^{th} of Octobr_e_.
Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
84. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.
R.O. Cal. vii. 1328. Oct. 29, 1534.
Requests him to examine and reform the ‘anoysaunces’ made by
Sir Robert Wingfield in the Marches of Calais.
In my right harty maner I co_m_mend me vnto yo_ur_ good lordship. And
wher as of late the kinges highnes hathe directed his Co_m_myssion vnto
yo_ur_ lordship and other for pullyng downe and reformacion of certayne
anoysaunces made and done by Sir Robart Wyngfeld w_i_t_h_in the Marches
of Calays, the kinges pleasure is that ye and thother Co_m_myssion_er_s
shall circumspectly viewe and ou_er_see the same. And that that of
necessite ought to be refourmyd for the welthe strengthe and
co_m_modite of the sayd Towne and marches accordyng as it was thought at
my last beyng ther to be amendyng, and the resydue that ‹neither›
damagithe ne hurtithe the same Towne to stand still as ye see reasonable
cause after yo_ur_ discresion. and as ye shall seme good. And thus the
blessed Trenyte p_re_serue yo_ur_ lordship At london the xxix day of
October.
Your lordshyppis assuryd Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To the hono_ur_able and my veray good Lorde my lord Vicount Lisle
the kyng_es_ Depute of Calais be this youen.
_Endd._ Maister Cromwell the xxix^{th} of Octobre 1534.
85. CROMWELL TO AUDELEY.
B.M. Vesp. F. xiii, 105 b; Cal. vii. 1415. Nov. 11 ‹1534›.
Desires him to send back by the bearer a true copy of the
proclamation, which is to be printed by Bartlett the printer
to-night.
Aftre my right harty co_m_mendac_i_ons to yo_ur_ lordship Forasmoche as
it shalbe very necessary to haue some copies of the proclamac_i_on also
printed this night to thintent the same maye be sent into sundry
p_ar_ties w_i_t_h_ the bokes, of answer, These shalbe to desire and pray
yo_ur_ Lordship to sende me by this berer a true copie of the same, and
I shal sende for bartelet the printer, and first swere him, and thenne
cause him to entende this night to the printing of the copies therof
accordingly. And thus most hartely Fare you wel. From the Rull_es_ the
xi^{th} of Nouembr_e_
I require yo_ur_ lordship to cause the proclamac_i_ons to be writen and
sealed w_i_t_h_ suche expedic_i_on as you may take the payne to be here
w_i_t_h_ them tomorowe by tenne of the clock where my lord of Norff_olk_
and I w_i_t_h_ others wil tary dyner tyl yo_ur_ cu_m_myng.
Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
ADD. To my very good Lord my Lord Chauncello_ur_ delyu_er_ this w_i_t_h_
spede.
_Endd._ m^{r}. Lord my m^{r}. to my lord Chauncello_ur_, _etc._
86. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.
R.O. Cal. vii. 1438. Nov. 17 ‹1534›.
A letter of gentle reproof for failing to discharge his
office, as his duty to the King demands. Points out that his
‘excess of living’ has brought him into contempt.
My very good lorde aftre my right harty co_m_mendac_i_ons I am now
enforced to write my mynde plainly vnto youe as to him the
p_re_seruation of whose hono_ur_ I desire Bothe for the discharge of my
dueuty to the king_es_ highnes, and for the declaration of myn hartye
good will whiche I bere vnto you, and therfor I require you my lorde to
take it in good p_ar_te. First I trust you consider what a charge you
haue there vnder the king_es_ M_aies_tie and I woold youe should
remember Both what besemeth a man to doo being in that place, and that
the same conteineth in it no state of inheritaunce, ne terme for lief
But vppon the good Behauio_ur_ of the p_er_sonne having it. Nowe if you
shuld waye the thing and the nature of it indifferently, Wold you thinke
it mete that a man shuld haue that charge, which wold Bring himself to
suche necessitie that he shuld be constrayned to put all thing_es_ to
sale, that be co_m_mytted vppon sp_ec_iall trust to his discreation,
neglecting of thone p_ar_te the king_es_ highnes hono_ur_ to be
p_re_serued in the satisfaction of his grauntt_es_, of thother p_ar_te
as it were contempnyng all frieendeship in giving place to a litle
Lucre. Surely my lorde suche a gouerno_ur_ as you Be shuld not Bynde
himself at any manes request to p_er_forme that shall not p_er_case lye
in him, ne by any his excesse in living make himself soo nedye, that
whenne the present thing shuld happen, he shuld be forced to haue more
estimac_i_on of money thenne regarde to the tayle it Bringeth w_i_t_h_
it. If I were not determyned to contynue yo_ur_ lordships assured
Freende I wold not worke this plainly w_i_t_h_ you, neither thinke that
I doo it vppon any affection, for I wold ‹do› that I maywil honestly.
oon man I haue often tymes reco_m_mended that is the Surveyo_ur_ whom
the King_es_ Ma_ies_te woold haue s_er_ued of foure men according to his
graunte and Late co_m_maundement made for the same. But yet I write not
this so moche for him alone as for others and chiefly for yourself, and
after for the poore man that is berer herof who hathe yo_ur_ Bonde.
Whiche yo_ur_ hono_ur_ shalbe to p_er_forme and accomplishe, and Bothe
myn aduise and desire shal concurre w_i_t_h_ the same, lest it might be
taken yvel where p_er_case you did it vppon an honest grounde. Finally
my lorde I remayn_e_ yo_ur_ harty Freende, and desire you to expresse
yo_ur_ Freendeship again toward_es_ me in yo_ur_ hono_ur_able
proceeding_es_, and the helping of such as the king_es_ Ma_ies_te wold
shuld be there preferred, among_es_ the Whiche the Surveyr is not the
last, and yet I wold he shuld haue nothing onles his s_er_uice des_er_ue
it. Thus most hartely Fare you wel From the Nete the xvii^{th} of
Nouembr
Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my very good Lorde the Viscounte Lisle Deputie ‹of› the
king_es_ towne and the Marches of Calays.
_Endd. by Lisle._ Tochyng the gyft of romys
87. CROMWELL TO LADY LISLE.
R.O. Cal. vii. 1448. Nov. 20 ‹1534›.
Denies the report that he is displeased with her. If she
continues to act as she has, she will always find him a firm
friend.
In my right harty maner I co_m_mend me vnto yo_ur_ good ladiship. And
wheras I am infourmyd that reaport hathe been made vnto you that I shuld
be displeasid w_i_t_h_ yo_ur_ ladiship . Where of trouthe I knowe no
cause wherfore I shuld so be, Wherfore I pray you geve no soche credence
ne beleffe to any p_er_sone, for yo_ur_ good ladiship vsyng yo_ur_ selfe
in all causes none otherwise then I here that ye do, and as I doubte not
that ye will here after contynewe, shall fynd me as redy to do you any
pleasure, that may lye in me to do as any frynd that ye have. And thus
the blessed Trenyte pres_er_ue your good ladiship. At london the xx^{th}
day of November.
Your louyng Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able and my very good lady my lady lisle be
this youen.
88. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹HENRY VIII›.
R.O. Cal. vii. 1613. ‹1534.›
Reports that Mr. Southwell is content to sell the manor
beside East Yafford, in Yorkshire, and will show it to the
King’s surveyor.
Pleasythit yo_ur_ highnes to be adu_er_tysyd how that Sythyn my repayre
to london I haue[826] spokyn w_i_t_h_ Mr. Sowthwell to whom I haue
declaryd yo_ur_ most gracyous pleasure touching the purchasing of his
Manno_ur_ besyd_es_ est yafford who most humblye Submyttyth hym vnto the
plesure of yo_ur_ magestye and ys right well content that yo_ur_ grace
appoyntyng[827] Suche p_er_sons to vew the sayd manno_ur_ as shall
‹stand› w_i_t_h_ yo_ur_ highe pleasure he wyll gyue his attendaunce to
shew vnto them the same to thentent yo_ur_ highnes may be trewlye
certeffyed vppon the vew of the Comodytes belongyng to the same. and
that ons known, w_i_t_h_ yo_ur_ most gracyous plesure, Further
conclusyon to be takyn & Such as to yo_ur_ highnes shall Seme most mete.
Wherfor and it might please yo_ur_ grace that I myght know yo_ur_
plesure who yo_ur_ highnes woolde appoynt to Survey the sayd Mano_ur_ I
woolde then accordyngly[828] cause Instruccyons to be in Redynes For the
same[829].
89. ‹CROMWELL› TO ----.
R.O. Cal. vii. 1614. ‹1534.›
Desires him to give Mr. Alen a lease of the farm of Canewood
and Canefield, in Essex, without delay, and trusts he has
made no promise which will prevent him from doing this.
My Lorde after my right hertie reco_m_mendac_i_ons where as I haue
wrytten to you in the fauo_ur_s of my veraye Frend Mr. Alen for his
p_re_ferrement to the Ferme of Canewod and Canefeld_es_ And hauing
receyued yo_ur_ answer thereunto whereby I do p_er_ceyve yo_ur_ desire
is to haue respite of yo_ur_ consent and gr_a_unnt_es_ in that behalf
till yo_ur_ co_m_myng to London alledging that in the meantyme ye will
do yo_ur_ possible to call agayn a form_er_ p_ro_mise by you thereof
made to a nother p_er_son, My lorde I trust ye haue made no such
p_ro_mise which in case ye haue, yet I doubt not ye will so compase it
that my p_ur_pose be not Disapoynted by that meane. And therefore my
lorde Forasmoche as I do so ernestly meane and intende the
satisfacc_i_on of my saide Frend in that p_ar_te, I shall eftesones most
hertelie requyre you indelayedlie to confourme yo_ur_ self to
thaccomplisshme_n_t thereof, and all excuses set a p_ar_te, to make him
out a lease of the said Ferme according to my form_er_ request, Which be
ye assured in Few word_es_ I shall intend so to requyte as ye shall haue
no cause to thinke the same bestowid vppon an ingrate p_er_son
90. ‹CROMWELL› TO ----.
R.O. Cal. vii. 1615. ‹1534.›
On behalf of Thomas Miller, an English subject, whose goods
have been wrongly detained by James Sinclair, governor of
the north of Scotland, and who cannot get redress.
After my right hertie co_m_mendac_i_ons it may lyke you to undrestonde
that where A Shyp called the Andrewe ap_er_teynyng to one Thomas Miller
beyng a Subiect to my most dreade sou_er_aigne Lorde Kyng and maister by
chaunce of tempest or other mysfortune was ronne Aground in the north
p_ar_ties of the Realme of Scotland. And yet neu_er_thelesse the most
p_ar_te of alle the goodes and m_er_chandises in the said Shypp
amountyng to the value of cclx li. sterling as I am enformed were there
and then ‹saved› by the diligens and labours of the s_er_u_a_unt_e_s of
the said Thomas they beyng taken owt and by them savely kepte to their
saide maisters vse by the space of viii or ix dayes. Vnto suche tyme as
one James Seyntcler governer and ruler in the said North p_ar_ties of
Scotland vndre the Kynges grace yo_ur_ maister w_i_t_h_out any
reasonable cause toke awaye the said goodes and m_er_chandises from the
Servants of the said Thomas and so the same eu_er_ sens hathe kept and
deteyned agaynst good equitie and consciens. And for as moche as at
yo_ur_ last beyng in Englond ye gentilly p_ro_mised me that if I wrote
vnto you for relief or necessitie of any the Subiect_e_s of Englande in
cases or Justice, ye wolde the rather at my pore contemplacion put youre
good endevor to accomplysshe my request. At whiche tyme also of yo_ur_
said beyng in England thys case was then by me and other the kyng my
Maisters Counsayle mocioned, and declared vnto you, Whereapon ye
p_ro_mised vs that yf the p_ar_tie damaged repayred to yo_ur_ p_ar_ties
for Justice after yo_ur_ comyng home that then he shold be restored as
to reason, right, and conscience shold app_er_teyne. And thys
notw_i_t_h_stondyng albeit the said Thomas Miller by the late maister of
the said Shipp hath made humble sut_e_s for Justice and Restitucion of
hys said gooddes and m_er_chandises to hys greate cost_e_s and charges
yet neu_er_thelesse he hath hitherto had nor can get any redresse.
Wherefore at the desyre of the said Thomas I at thys tyme am bold to
wryght vnto you, right hartely desiryng you that at the repaire of the
said Thomas or eny of hys s_er_vants to you w_i_t_h_ these my l_ette_res
that he may by yo_ur_ good favors and meanes so reasonably be ordered in
thys case as he shall haue no cause reasonable to compleyn for lak of
Justice, by whiche doyng_es_ I shall accompt my self bounden to reaquite
yo_ur_ gentilnes w_i_t_h_ semblable pleasures for Any Frend or Neyghbour
of yo_ur_s.
_Endd._ A Copie of a l_ette_re writen into Scotland in the favo_ur_ of
one Thomas miller of london
91. CROMWELL TO ----.
R.O. Cal. vii. 1616. ‹1534.›
Desires him to restore the lands which he has wrongfully
taken from Reginald Williams in the West Country.
After my right hertie co_m_mendac_i_ons Forasmoche as I haue bene sued
vnto and requyred by my Freendes to adresse thiese my l_ette_res vnto
you in the fauo_ur_ of one Reignolde Williams from whom as I am
crediblie info_ur_med ye do deteyne and w_i_t_h_olde certeyne londes in
the weste cuntrey contrary to all right and good equitie albeit the
saide Reignalde Williams as manifestly appereth by his euydenc_e_s is
nexte heire vnto the same lond_es_ I shall therfore hertely desyre you
the rather at this my requeste and contemplacion that w_i_t_h_out any
further molestation or truble in the lawe ye will calle togither yo_ur_
Freendes and after co_m_m_u_nication had in the mattier to conclude a
Finall ende therin accordinge to equitie and co_n_sciens so that the
saide Reignolde receyue no iniurye nor wronge at yo_ur_ hande[830], but
also bynde me to shewe you lyke pleasures accordinglie. thus Fare ye
well. At my howse of Stepneth
92. ‹CROMWELL› TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD.
R.O. Cal. vii. 618. ‹1534.›
The King is displeased at hearing of the ill-treatment of
the inhabitants of the town by the authorities of the
University, and desires that amends be made.
I comend me vnto yow Aduertysing the same _tha_t wher the king_es_
hyghnes is crediblie infourmed of you_r_ abusions vsurpacyons &
vngentill demeano_ur_ vsed toward_es_ the king_es_ highnes his
subiect_es_ & inhabit_a_unt_es_ of _tha_t his towne of Oxforthe &
subberb_es_ of the same I can not but mervaile _tha_t ye being men of
Lerning & in whom shoulde remayne both wisedom & discressyon wille in
suche wise demeane your self[831] not onelie in making of lawes &
ordyn_a_unc_es_ Amongst your self to their hindrance hurt and preiudice
but also c_on_trary to the king_es_ lawes whiche aperethe in you to haue
proceded of nothing but mere malice Wherfor intending to co_n_duce &
Allecte yow to som good conformyte & quyetnes the king_es_ hyghnes
therfore hathe co_m_mandyd me to advise yow not onlie to restore all
such persons as you haue discomoned p_er_mitting them to do & occupie as
they did before, w_i_t_h_out mayntening or suffering any scoler or
ser_ua_unt_es_ to occupie w_i_t_h_ in the toune or suburbe of _th_e same
as a burgesse there dothe except he or they do agree there fore w_i_t_h_
the sayd burgesses But also that in no wise ye do vexe trouble or
inquyete any of the saide inhabitaunt_es_ by suspension
exco_m_munycaci_on_ discomonning banysshement or otherwise, vsing suche
discression _tha_t all varyaunc_es_ may ceasse & be stayed amongst yow
so as all malice and evill will being co_n_tempned & expulsed from yow,
good amyte peax & quyetnes may take place accordynglie. And duobt ye not
or it be long the King_es_ Counsaile by his grac_i_ous co_m_maundement
will & haue determyned to set suche an ende & redresse amongst yow as
god willing shall be an establisshing of a p_er_petuall peax good vnyte
& accorde amongst yow for eu_er_ fayell ye not this to do as yow wyll
answre vnto the kyng_es_ highnes & advoyde the daung_ier_ of his
indingnacion & high displessur And so Fare ye well
_Add._ To the Ch_a_uncelour and comissarie w_i_t_h_ other the heddes &
membres of the vnyversite of Oxforde be this youen
_Endd._ A copye of a l_ette_re to Oxforth
93. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.
R.O. Cal. viii. 187. Feb. 8 ‹1535›.
The King has written to Lisle to give Ralph Hare the next
vacant position at 8_d._ a day. Advises Lisle to follow the
King’s orders.
In my most harty wise I co_m_mend me vnto your good lordship. And
p_er_sayvyng that the king_es_ highnes hathe not only geven vnto Raufe
Hare by sufficient writyng vnder the privey seale, the roume of eight
pence sterling by the day whiche shall first and next fall voyde
w_i_t_h_in that the towne of Calays, but hathe also writen vnto you his
l_ette_res vnder hys signet confermyng thesame and mencionyng therby his
pleasure and expresse co_m_maundment in that behalfe, these shalbe
therfore as yo_ur_ lordshippes assured frynde to my power to advise you
to folowe the kyng_es_ co_m_maundement therin for the satisfaction of
his pleasure in that behalfe. Wherby ye shall not only des_er_ue the
Kyng_es_ right harty and condigne thank_es_ but also admynyster and do
vnto me and other of his frynd_es_ whiche dothe write vnto you also in
his favour, great pleasure and gratuyte, the whiche god willyng shalbe
on my part in semblable wise recompensed. And thus the blessed Trenyte
p_re_serue yo_ur_ good lordship. At the Rolles the viii^{th} day of
February.
Yo_ur_ lordshippis Freend assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able and my synguler good lord the vicount
lisle the kyng_es_ depute at Calays.
_Endd._ Mr. Secretoryes l_ette_re
Mr. Sekretarye the viii^{th} of Febrewary cons_er_ning raff Hare.
94. CROMWELL TO THE PRIOR OF DUDLEY.
R.O. Cal. viii. 191. Feb. 10 ‹1535›.
The King desires the Prior personally to repair to Cromwell
at once.
I Co_m_mende me vnto youe. Lating youe wit that for certain causes the
p_ar_ticularities wherof ye shal knowe herafter The king_es_ pleasure
and co_m_maundement is ye shal Imediatly vppon the sight herof all
delayes and excuses setaparte p_er_sonally repaire vnto me wheresoeuer
it shall chaunce me to be w_i_t_h_out faylling as ye wil answer to his
grace at yo_ur_ extreme p_er_ill. From the Rulles the x^{th} of
Februarye.
Yo_ur_ Freend THOMAS CRUMWELL
_Add._ To my Freende the prior of Dudleye yeve this w_i_t_h_ spede.
95. CROMWELL TO THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF LONDON.
R.O. Cal. viii. 221. Feb. 15 ‹1535›.
Desires for Robert Baxter, a clerk of the Common Bench, the
next vacancy in the clerkships of their court.
In my ryght harty wise I commend me vnto you & to eu_er_y of you And
albeit I am many wise importune & bold apon you for my selff & my
frend_es_ When cause & occasion hath so requyred. This shalbe to
aduertise you that Robert Backster one of the Clarkes writers w_i_t_h_
John Joyner the kyng_es_ Preignetory of his grac_es_ comen bench at
West_minster_ is very desyrous to be one of the Clarkes of your Courte &
hath made instant peticion to me that by myne intercession to be made
vnto youe in his fauo_ur_ he myght the rather & more effectuelly opteyne
the same. And were as I am acerteynyd that the Rowmes of your foure
Clarkes are now furnyshyd & non of theym voide. Wherefore I hertely
desyre & p_ra_y you at the contemplacion of these my letters and for my
sake wylbe content to graunt vnto the said Robert the next vacac_i_on of
one of the iiii Clark_es_ of that your courte And I dare will undertake
for hym that he shall at all tymes (yf he lyue to optayne the same) vse
and behaue hymself like an honest officer. And for your goodnes herein
to be shewed vnto hym (for my sake) ye shalbe well assured to fynd me as
redy semably to requyte you of suche gratuite & pleasure as shall lye in
me to shew vnto you. And thus fare ye well from the Rollys the xv day of
february.
_Add._ To my veray good Lorde the Mayo_ur_ of the Citie of London and to
his worshypfull Brethern thaldermen of the same & to euery of theym.
_Endd._ From Mr. Crumwelle.
96. CROMWELL TO HENRY BURTON.
R.O. Cal. viii. 239. Feb. 19 ‹1535›.
The King is informed that Burton has disturbed Lady Carew in
her possession of a free chapel and ground, granted her by
the King. Desires him to cease troubling her.
In my hartie maner I co_m_mende me vnto you, Aduertising the same that
Whereas complaint hath nowe lately been made vnto the King_es_
Ma_ies_tie on the behalf of my Ladye Carewe howe that you haue made a
wrongfull and riotouse entree into a certayn f_r_ee chapell and a litle
close grounde abowt the same whiche chapell and grounde his hieghnes
hath geven and graunted vnto her by his grac_es_ l_ette_res patent_es_
during her lief, the remayndre thereof to Fraunceys Carewe her sonne,
and to the heyres masles of his bodye begoten, So that it seameth his
maiestie hath the Reversion of the fee simple in him, his heyres and
successo_ur_s. His Hieghnes willed me to signifie vnto you by these my
l_ette_res his grac_es_ pleaso_ur_ and co_m_maundeme_n_t is that you do
not onely permitte, and suffre the saied Ladye Carewe to enioye peaxably
the possession of the premisses, and to restore suche thinges as you
haue wrongfully taken owt of the chapell and grounde aforsaied, but also
to cease yo_ur_ suete co_m_menced againste her at the co_m_men lawe vnto
such tyme as both yo_ur_ titles maye be further examined and tryed by
lerned and indifferent Counsaill, Not failing hereof as you tendere His
Hieghnes pleaso_ur_, Thus fare you hertely well. From London the
xix^{th} daie of Februarye.
Your louyng Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my Loving freende Henry Burton.
_Endd._ In the bahalf of the Ladye Carewe & her sonne Fraunceys.
97. CROMWELL TO THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY.
Heralds’ Coll. of Arms, Shrewsb. MSS. A, f. 57;
Cal. viii. 247. Feb. 20 ‹1535›.
Sends him a letter from the King. As for the farm of which
the Earl wrote, Cromwell has discovered that his servant is
not anxious to leave it, and he is unwilling to urge him.
After my right harty co_m_mendac_i_ons to yo_ur_ good lordshippe
w_i_t_h_ semblable thank_es_ for yo_ur_ L_ette_res Lately addressed Vnto
me The same shall herew_i_t_h_ receyue the King_es_ highnes L_ett_res of
answer to suche credence as yow co_m_mytted to my Freende Maister
Butt_es_ to be declared Vnto him. And albeit his Maiestie hathe not
resolutely answered to the p_ar_ticular point_es_ of yo_ur_ credence
aforsaid yet yo_ur_ lordshippe maye be assured at yo_ur_ cu_m_myng vppe
to receyve suche answer in eu_er_y of the same as shalbe to yo_ur_
contentac_i_on. And vndoubtedly his grace woolbe as gladde to see yo_ur_
lordshippe as any man I suppose in his realme. Suche is his entier love
and fauo_ur_ toward_es_ yowe. Whiche I am as gladde to p_er_ceyve and
see as yo_ur_ self could desire the same. Touching the ferme wherof
yo_ur_ lordshippe wrote vnto me I haue been in hande w_i_t_h_ my
s_er_u_au_nt and like as I wold be lothe to constrayne him if I might
otherwise chuse to forgoo it Soo I perceyve he woll not leave it onles
it shalbe for advoyding of my displeasure, and again the man dothe me
soo good s_er_uice that w_i_t_h_ equitie I canne presse him no further
therin thenne I haue doon. Neuertheles if yo_ur_ lordshippe woll haue me
eftsones to travail in it I shall doo asmoche more therin as yo_ur_ self
shall at yo_ur_ cu_m_myng thinke mete for me. And thus moost hartely
Fare yow well. From the Rull_e_s the xx^{th} of February
Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my veray good Lorde Therle of Shrewisbury lord Steward of the
King_es_ Houshold.
98. CROMWELL TO ADMIRAL CHABOT, SIEUR DE BRION[832].
Bibl. Nat. de Paris, Fonds Moreau, 737, page 83;
Cal. viii. 337. ‹Mar.› 4, 1535.
The report of the Treasurer of Brittany will assure him how
desirous the King is to remain in friendship with the King
of France. Urges de Brion to do all he can to strengthen and
increase the amity.
MONSEIGNEUR,
J’ay receu les lettres qu’il vous a pleu m’escrire ensemble entendu
vostre response, et charge de M^{r}. le Trésorier Palamédes, laquelle,
selon sa très bonne manière de faire, et au très grand contentement du
Roy, mon maistre, il a sceu trèsbien dire et déclarer, et pourtant que
par la response qu’il emporte, vous pourrez clairement cognoistre la
bonne constance et continuation d’amitié et vnion, en quoy le Roy mon
dit maistre entend persister à tout iamais tant luy que sa postérité,
sans aucunement varier, ains faire tout ce que avec son honneur et
condescentement luy sera possible, au desir du Roy, son bon frère:
pourtant aussy, que le dict Trésorier vous sçaura faire ample rapport de
toutes choses;
Monseigneur, après vous avoir très affectueusement prié que veuilliés
persuader, et si mestier est, inculquer à la ma^{té} du Roy V^e Maistre,
la grandeur de leur amitié, et bonne intention de la dicte response et
qu’il ne veuille presser ne desyrer le Roy de chose pourquoy l’on pense
avoir suspicion ou coniecture qu’en l’amitié d’entr’eux y entre aucun
respect de lucre ou proffit particulier: car ce n’est pas assez, comme
vous sçavez trop mieux, que leur amitié soit cogneue et prinse pour
ferme et establie par entr’eux et leurs amys, qui est à leur grand
confort et encouragement: Mais aussy est très expédient de l’entretenir
et conduire en sorte que leurs Ennemis et malveillans n’ayant cause d’y
pouvoir penser, ne suspecter aucune interruption, qui sera à leur très
grand esbahissement Confusion et desconfort: et ce faisant, comme bien
gist en vous, le bien et plaisir, qui à tout le monde en adviendra, ne
se sçavoir assez estimer, sans vous rescrire pour le présent plus au
long, m’estre de très bon c[oe]ur recommandé à V^{e} Seigneurie et
offert tout ce en quoi vous sçauray faire honneur et plaisir Je supplie
nostre benoist Créateur, que, à vous Monseigneur, il veuille donner sa
saincte et digne garde.
Signé, Vostre à commandement
THOMAS CRAMWELL.
Escript à Londres,
le iv iour de May[833].
1534.
_Add._ A Monseigneur
Monseigneur l’Admiral de France.
99. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.
R.O. Cal. viii. 419. Mar. 21 ‹1535›.
The King marvels at his delay in granting Thomas Appowell a
position as soldier at Calais. Desires Lisle to give him the
next vacant place.
After my right harty co_m_mendacions vnto yo_ur_ good lordship, thiese
shalbe for asmoche as the king_es_ highnes before this tyme in
consideracion of the good and acceptable s_er_uice done vnto his sayd
highnes by his faythefull subgec[t] Thomas Appowell. Hathe geven and
graunted vnto hym the roume of a Souldiour of the retynewe at Calays
whiche first or next shuld fall and be voyde w_i_t_h_ the wag_es_ of
viii d. a da[y] as by the king_es_ graunt therof made vnder his signet
beryng date the second day of May in the xxiii^{th} yere of his reigne
and other his sp_ec_iall l_ette_res sithens directed vnto you for that
purpose it dothe more playnly appere. And that notw_i_t_h_standing,
hitherto he hathe not been preferred to any suche roume, as he saythe
wherat considering the kinges sayd graunt and l_ette_res seu_er_ally
made for that purpose his highnes dothe not a litle marvaill. Wherfore I
requyre and pray you for asmoche as thesayd Thomas hathe done good
s_er_uice, and is right mete for that roume. And the rather for my sake
and at the contemplacion of these my l_ette_res, to graunt vnto hym the
next roume that shalbe voyde w_i_t_h_ thesayd wages, shewing vnto hym
yo_ur_ lordshippes favo_ur_ in that behalf. Wherby besides that ye
shall do a very good dede, ye shall admynyster and do vnto me right
thankfull pleasu[re] the whiche god willyng I will in semblable wise
requite. thus the blessed Trenyte preserue you. At the rolles the xxi
day of Marche.
Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.