Calays.
100. CROMWELL TO SIR GREGORY DA CASALE.
R.O. Cal. viii. 523. April 10, 1535.
The King is glad to hear that the Bishop of Rome begins to
appreciate the justice of his cause. Urges that every effort
be made to prevail upon the Pope to give formal sentence in
favour of the divorce.
Mag_nifi_ce D_omi_ne Gregori salutem et commen_dacionem_ Complures post
vestru_m_ hinc discessum, et uariis temporibus datas a vobis l_itte_ras
accepi, quarum recensiores sub die xx februarii Romae scriptae sunt,
quicquid uero de occure_n_tiis istis publicis, ac priuatis Regiae
Ma_iesta_tis rebus in dictis l_itte_ris unquam significabatur
sigillatim, ac diligenter id ipsi semper exposui, gratumq_ue_ et
acceptum habet sedulu_m_ istud v_est_rum scribendi officium, nec ego
antea v_est_ris l_itte_ris respondi, q_uod_ putaui, praeter istor_um_
successuu_m_ cognitione_m_ (quae sui nouitate grata semper est) non esse
admodum multa, quibus particularius foret respondendum: Nunc autem Regia
Ma_ies_tas quum v_estr_as tum ad se, tum ad me l_itter_as pressius,
accuratiusq_ue_ perlegisset, illud inter coetera, mente adnotauit,
Pontificem vobiscu_m_ loqui uoluisse, summa_m_q_ue_ praesetulisse Regiae
Ma_iesta_ti gratificandi propensionem, et ob eam causam, duos accersisse
ex hetruria iureconsultos cum primis eruditos, quorum doctrinae
sanoq_ue_ iudicio potissimum fidat, eorumq_ue_ sententias, et opiniones
pro Regiae Ma_iesta_tis causa stare, et eiusmodi esse v_est_ris vos
l_itte_ris affirmatis ut pontifex ex officio debeat praesens
matrimonium, etiam si de ualiditate dispensationis a Iulio factae
constaret, approbare, Coeterum causa_m_ hanc, ut ueritatis fundamento
totam innitentem, et si Regia Ma_ies_tas cum Deo satis firmatam habeat,
et omni ex parte stabilitam, in hunc tamen sensum l_itte_ras v_estr_as
interpretatur, Pontificem scilicet de eius rectitudine et aequitate cum
sua Regia M_aiesta_te q_uam_ optime sentire, Proinde si amicum ac
syncerum istud pectus erga Ser_enissi_mum Do_min_um meum Regem (quod vos
scribitis) re uera habet, quin potius, ut bonum quenq_ue_ virum ab omni
prorsus odio, et affectu liberum, et immunem in primis decet, si
ueritati ex anima fauet, eius certe sunt partes, ut suam hanc erga
Inuictissimum D_omi_num meum Regem in causa omnium iustissima bene
affectam uoluntatem, suo etiam publico testimonio, et approbatione
vniuersi orbi reddat perq_uam_ manifestam, suaq_ue_ sponte, innataq_ue_
animi probitate et solius ueritatis propagandae studio, nulla Regiae
Ma_iesta_tis intercessione expectata, ad id adducatur, ut nullius metu,
seu respectu a uero rectoq_ue_ deflectens de prioris matrimonii
inualiditate, praesentisq_ue_ firmitate, et robore ingenue pronunciet,
quem ad modum doctissimis illis viris, quos huius rei causa ab eo
accersitos, istic adesse scribitis, maxime probari significatis,
efficiet certe Pontifex rem suo munere, et officio dignam, Ser_enissi_mo
D_omi_no meo Regi, qui suae causae iustitiam tot uigiliis, sumptibus ac
laboribus diu quaesitam, et iam pridem cum Deo compertam habet,
ueheme_n_ter gratam, sibiq_ue_ in primis, et pontificatui suo longe
utiliorem, q_uam_ nunc demonstratione sit opus, Vos autem si hac in re
nullo Regiae Ma_iesta_tis expectato mandato, nulloq_ue_ suo iussu (non
enim firmiora suae causae q_uam_ nunc habet adiumenta aliunde sperat)
quicq_uid_ profeceritis, ac Pontificem v_est_ra dexteritate ex vobis ad
id quod scribitis adduxeritis, eiusdem Regiae Ma_iesta_tis expectationi
quae no_n_ vana, aut victa officia, nec infructuosos rerum euentus de
v_estr_is actionibus sibi pollicetur, procul dubio respondebitis, et
haec a Pontifice beneuolentia et gratia ex officio proueniens eo
no_m_i_n_e gratior, et acceptior erit, q_uod_ ueritatis ratio, deiq_ue_
respectus, sanaq_ue_ conscientia ad hoc eum mortaliu_m_ nemine
procura_n_te, nunc commouerit. Et bene valete. Londini Die x Aprilis
M.D. xxxv.
Vester bonus amicus
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ Mag_nifi_co Equiti, D_omi_no Gregorio Casalio etc. Amico
car_issi_mo.
101. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹SIR GREGORY DA CASALE›.
R.O. Cal. vii. 268[834]. ‹April 10, 1535.›
Draft in English of the preceding.
After my right ‹hearty› co_m_mendacions, Sithen yo_ur_ dep_ar_ture I
haue receyued sundry of yo_ur_ l_ette_res whereof the last bere date at
Rome the xx day of Februarie. And whatsoeu_er_ ye haue signefied vnto me
by yo_ur_ saide l_ette_res aswell of the publique occurrant_es_ there as
of the King_es_ highnes pryuate affairees I haue aliwayes intymated and
declared the same to the king_es_ maiestie who right thankefully and
acceptablie taketh and estemeth yo_ur_ diligence in wryting And now
having p_er_vsed and redde both yo_ur_ l_ette_res addressed to his
maieste and also to me his highnes hathe speciallie noted in the same
amongst other that the bisshop of Rome speking w_i_t_h_ you shewed
himself veray propice and desirous to gratefie his saide highnes And
that he had sent for out of Ethrurie twoo Lawyers being singulerly well
lerned in whose doctrine and good iudgement he hathe grete trust and
confidence Whose sentenc_es_ and opynyons do stonde hollie w_i_t_h_ the
king_es_ highnes cause Affirmyng (as ye wryte) that the saide Bisshop of
Rome of his duetie and office ought to approbate and confyrme this
p_re_sent matrymonie albeit it depended vppon the validite of the
dispensacion made by Julius. So as Notw_i_t_h_stonding that the king_es_
maiestie having his saide cause sufficientlie diffyned and being himself
in that behalf resolutely determyned and grounded as vppon the
foundacion of veryte and trowth hathe discharged his conscience therein
(like a good vertuous and catholique prynce) afore god and the worlde
Yet his maieste dothe in suche sence interpretate yo_ur_ l_ette_res that
(as appereth by the same) the saide bisshop of Rome begynneth now
somwhat to sauo_ur_ and fele the iustnes and equyte of the saide cause
and p_ar_telie to stande w_i_t_h_ the King_es_ maiestie in the same.
Wherefore if the saide bisshop of Rome do in dede bere so frendelie and
syncere good mynde and will toward_es_ the king_es_ highnes (as ye do
wryte) or rather if he love the trewth as it beco_m_meth eu_er_y good
man to do setting ap_ar_te all hatred and affection it is his parte to
shew the same now to the vnyu_er_sall worlde in this most iust and
rightcious cause by his owne publique testymonye and approbacion. And of
his owne free will and w_i_t_h_out any sute or intercession of the
king_es_ maiestie onelie adhering to the trewth and negle_c_ting all
other respect_es_ to p_ro_nounce the invalidite of the first mat_ri_mony
and the validite of the seconde according to the sentenc_es_
iudgement_es_ and diffynytions of the saide ii^{o} lerned men which as
ye wryte the saide bisshop of Rome called and sent for vnto him for that
purpose which if the saide Bisshop of Rome will, surely he shall do ‹a›
thing wo_ur_thie his office and merite of god and the worlde and to the
king_es_ highnes veray thankefull and acceptable pleasure, and also to
him self and his see moche more p_ro_fite and good then now nedeth to
expresse. And you for yo_ur_ p_ar_te if in this matier as of yo_ur_ self
ye can any thing p_ro_fite or p_re_vaile by yo_ur_ good policie and
dexteryte toward_es_ the conducyng of the saide Bisshop of Rome to that
conformyte (as ye wryte in yo_ur_ saide l_ette_res) ye shall then
vndoubtedlie answer to the king_es_ highnes expectac_i_on And the same
p_ro_ceding of the beneuolence of the saide Bisshop of Rome and the zele
that he hathe to the due execucion of his office and duetie shalbe the
more grate and acceptable a grete dell to the King_es_ highnes and the
hole wo_ur_lde, seeing that the mere veryte and the respecte that he
hath to god and his owne conscience shall move him thereunto w_i_t_h_out
any mortall mannes procurement
_Endd._ A Mynute of certeyn l_ette_res responsyve to on at Rome
A mynute of a L_ette_re to intymate to the Pope the King_es_ desyre to
haue him condiscend to the dyvorce & to allowe the second maryage.
102. ‹CROMWELL› TO MR. RICHE.
R.O. Cal. viii. 563. Apr. 20 ‹1535›.
Requests him to use his influence to induce Mr. Sinclair to
cease suing Edward Campion, clerk of the peace in Essex.
After my m[ost] hertie maner I co_m_mende me vnto you, and evyn so I
pray you at this my request and contemplac_i_on to be good Maister and
frende vnto Edwarde Campion clerke of the peax w_i_t_h_in the shere of
Essex of and in all suche his busynes towching the same his office and
to be ameane for hym in the same unto Mr Sayntclere hym to desire to
putt the said campion to no further vexacions and sut_es_ for the said
office as he hath heretofore done. In doyng whereof you shall admynister
vnto me right singul_e_r pleasure, which god willing . I shall not for
get semblable to requyte as shall lye in my litill power. And this
hertelye fare ye well. At london this xx^{th} day of Aprill
_Add._ To my lovyng frende Master Riche.
_Endd._ Mynute of l_ette_re.
103. CROMWELL TO THE PRIOR OF TREWARDRETH.
B.M. Add. MSS. 6,416, f. 8; Cal. viii. 743. May 21 ‹1535›.
The King is informed that the town of Fowey is in a bad
state, because the Prior, who has the liberties of the town
in his hands, administers it so badly. Desires him to amend
his ways.
M^{r} prio_ur_ as vnaccquanted I haue me co_m_mended vnto you, and
whereas it is comen vnto the king_es_ highnes knowledge that the Towne
of Fowey is sore decayed and thoccasion therof p_ar_tlie is that in the
saide Towne is no order of Justice bicause the liberties concerninge the
same graunted by the king_es_ highnes and his noble progenitours to your
predecessours and by theime vnto the inhabitaunt_es_ of the saide Towne
remayne in yo_ur_ handes and kepinge So that betwene you no maner good
order equitie nor iustice is executed and vsed w_i_t_h_in the saide
Towne. Wherfore I require you to condiscende and agree w_i_t_h_ the
inhabitaunt_es_ of the saide Towne so that you hauynge yo_ur_ reasonable
approued duties, they may haue theire liberties to be vsed and extended
amongeste theime w_i_t_h_in the saide Towne to thincrease of good order
w_i_t_h_in the same. And as ye shall agre therin to certifie me in
writinge by Thomas Treffry berer herof. For his highnes thinketh that
the saide porte of Fowey oweth to be his and to be holden of hime so
that his grace entendeth from hensforth to haue it as well prouided for
w_i_t_h_ good gouern_au_nce and of defence for vtter enemyes as other
his townes and port_es_ be w_i_t_h_in those parties. Wherunto ye for
yo_ur_ partie before this tyme haue had litle or no regarde neyther to
the good order rule and defence therof ne yet to the good rule and
gouernaunce of yourself yo_ur_ monasterie and religion as ye be bounde
wherfore his highnes thinketh that ye be veray vnworthey to haue rule of
any towne that cannot well rule yo_ur_self. And that I may haue aunswer
as is afforesaide by this berer what ye intend to do I require you to
thintente I maye certifie his highnes therof And thus fare ye well. At
london the xxi^{th} daie of Maie
Your Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To the priour of trewardreth in Cornewall be this youen.
104. ‹CROMWELL› TO DR. LONDON AND MR. CLAYMOND.
R.O. Cal. viii. 790. May ‹1535›.
Desires them to request the fellows of Magdalen to admit
Thomas Marshall as president of the college, on the
resignation of the present president, who has already
signified his willingness to give up his position.
In my right harty man_er_ I co_m_mende me vnto you. And where the
Presedent of Mawdelyn College, as well by his seu_er_all l_ette_res as
by mouthe (of his mere motion) at sundry tymes, myche co_m_mending the
qualities of my Lord and frende master Thomas Marshal[l] g_ra_unted vnto
me, that he wulde be contented to resigne that his Rowme to the same
master Marshall, alledging that he was a man very apte & mete for the
same, promysing further and nothing doubting, but in that behalf he
bothe coulde & wolde fynde the meanes to obteyne the goode willes &
myndes of the felowes of the said College. Neuertheles nowe of Late (to
me no litle m_er_vaile) the saide presedent when I desired hym to
accomplishe his saide promesse, alledged for his excuse that the goode
willes of the saide felowes coulde not in that behalf be opteyned.
Wherfore I hartely desire and pray you effectually in my name to
solicite & entreate the saide felowes as by yo_ur_ wysdomes ye shall
thinke most conuenient that they for my sake & at this my desire wilbe
contented to conforme theym selves vpon the resignation of the said
p_re_sedent to the admission of the saide master Marshall, or elles that
contrary Wyse att the Leaste I may knowe by yo_ur_ writing in whome the
mater sticketh. In doing wherof ye shall not only des_er_ue bothe Laude
& prayse in the furderaunce of the saide master Marshall, whose
ad_ua_uncement I hartely desire, but also I wille not faile to remembre
yo_ur_ kyndnes in that I may doo you pleasure. And thus hartely fare ye
well, from London the ---- daye of May.
_Endd._ The Copie of al_ette_re Sent to Mr. doctor London & Mr.
Claymond.
105. CROMWELL TO THE EARL OF CUMBERLAND.
B.M. Add. MSS. 12,097, f. 1; Cal. viii. 893. June 18 ‹1535›.
Requests him to discover and apprehend certain evil-disposed
and riotous persons, who have unlawfully assembled in the
county where the Earl lives.
After my right harty reco_m_mendacion vnto yo_ur_ good lordship, thiese
shalbe tadu_er_tise the same that the king_es_ highnes hathe been
adu_er_tised that diu_er_se riotous and ill-disposid p_er_sones of the
p_ar_ties wher ye inhabite, or w_i_t_h_in you_r_ offices and roumes (as
it is sayd) hathe lately vnlawfully assembled theymselfes together to no
litle nombre in riotous maner to so_m_me lewde and vnthriftie intent and
purpose. Wherfor his highnes myndyng the quietenes of his subiect_es_,
and good rule and order to be maynteynyd and kepte w_i_t_h_in this
realme Willithe and co_m_maundithe you and other of the Justices of his
peax, furthew_i_t_h_ after the receyt herof to make inquisicion and
serche, who and what nombre of the sayd p_er_sones hathe so assembled
theymselfe, and for what cause intent and purpose they hathe so done And
that ye also enquire who hathe beene the Capitall and cheffe doers in
that partye. and further that ye cause theym to be apprehended and taken
and sent hither w_i_t_h_ all convenyent spede together w_i_t_h_ all that
ye shall fynd and knowe concernyng the premysses, and suche other
offenders as ye shall not think good to be sent vp that yo_ur_ lordship
cause theym to be put vnder sufficient suretyes for their good aberyng
accordyng to his lawes, prayeng yo_ur_ lordship to adu_er_tise me of
that ye shall do in the premysses by the berer herof w_i_t_h_ all
convenyent spede. And thus the blessid Trenyte pres_er_ue you At the
rolles the xviii^{th} day of June.
Your lordshyppis Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able and my veray good lord the Erle of
Cumberland be this youen.
106. CROMWELL AND AUDLEY TO THE MAYOR AND
COMMONALTY OF CAMBRIDGE.
Cooper’s Annals of Cambridge, i. 371; Cal. viii. 1036.
July 14 ‹1535›.
Desires them to take measures to avoid any trouble with the
members of the University at the approaching Stourbridge
Fair.
After our hertye commendacions, wher variaunce debate and strif hath
long depended betweene the Vycechauncellor of the Universite of
Cambridge and the scolers of the same of the one partie, and you and the
cominaltye of the towne of Cambridge on the ‹other› party, concernyng
both your iurisdiccions and liberties. And albeit we, wyth others of the
king’s counsaile by his graces commaundment, entended to have pacyfyed
the sayd variaunce or this tyme; yet neverthelesse, for that we have had
no convenient leasure for the same, the said variaunce as yet remaynith
undetermyned. And forasmuche as Sturbridge fair is nowe nere at hand at
whiche tyme it is thought verey like that variaunce and breche of the
kings peax may happen betwixt you, bi reason of suche iurisdiccions as
ether of you pretende to exercise in the same faire, if remedye were not
provided for the same, we therfore, calling to rememberaunce that for
the conservacion of the Kings peax an order was takyn the last yere at
Lambeheth, before the most Reverend father in god the archebysshop of
Canterbury and other the Kings Counsaile, what ether of you shuld
exercise in the said faire without interrupcion of other, till the
variaunce betweene you were fully determyned, Do nowe therfore advertise
you that the Kings pleasure is that as well ye for your parts, as the
said Vicechancellour and scolers for their parts, shall firmely for this
faire tyme to cume this yere, observe and kepe the same order in every
poynt without violacion therof: Signifying unto you that we have written
our letteres to the said Vycechauncellour and scolers for the same
cause, Putting you out of doubt that by the due keping of the said
order, ye shall take no preiudice of eny your lawfull liberties that of
right ye ought to have, uppon examynacyon and fynall determynacyon of
ether your titles, To the proceeding in the finall order wherof, we will
with all diligence (god willing) put our effectuall endevor this next
terme, as the kings pleasure is we shuld do, requiring you to take
pacyens in the meane season. And thus almyghtye Jhu have you in keping.
Wrytten at London the xiiij^{th} daye of July.
Your frends,
THOMAS AUDELEY Knt. Chauncell.
THOM^{S}. CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To the Maier and comynaltie of the Towne of Cambridg be this
yeven.
107. ‹CROMWELL› TO THE ‹DUKE OF NORFOLK›.
B.M. Titus B. i, 318; Cal. viii. 1042. July 15 ‹1535›.
Sends a royal proclamation against conveying coin out of the
realm, and a copy of the statute of 5 Richard II. to the
same effect. The council gave its opinion that the King’s
proclamation in this case should have the same force as a
statute.
May hit please yo_ur_ grace to be Adu_er_tysyd that I haue resayuyd
yo_ur_ l_ette_res[835] p_er_sayuyng by the Contentt_es_ therof that the
Kyng_es_ highnes dothe moche m_er_veyle that I haue not adu_er_tysyde
yo_ur_ grace what order my lord chauncelor and others of his Counceyll
hath[836] takyn Concernyng the conveyaunce of Coyne owt of the realme.
Syr according to your gracyous co_m_maundement vppon tewysdaye last Mr.
Attorney and I bothe dyd Intymate & declare the King_es_ pleasure vnto
my lorde Chauncelor who Immedyatlye Sent For My lorde cheffe Justyce of
the kyng_es_ benche the cheffe Justyce of the Co_m_mon place the cheffe
Barron and Mr. Fytzeherberd Mr. Attorney Mr. Solysytor and I being
p_re_sent and the Case by my sayd lord Chauncelor openyd dyuers
oppynyons ther were, but Fynally it was Concludyd that all the
statuttes sholde be Inserchyd to See whether ther were anye Statute or
lawe able to serue for the purpose and yf ther were it was thought good,
that yf it sholde happen any accydent to be wherby ther myght Be any
occasyon that the money sholde be conveyed owt of the realme that then
proclamacyon sholde be made growndyd vppon the sayd Statute adding
therunto poletyklye certayn thing_es_ For the putting the Kyng_es_
Subiect_es_ and other in more terroure ande Feare vppon which deuyse
serche was made and a goode estatute Founde which was made in the Fyfte
yere of Kyng Rychard the seconde the Copye wheroff translatyd[837] into
Inglyshe I do sende vnto yo_ur_ grace drawne in mann_er_ of A
proclamacyon by the aduyse of the Kyng_es_ lernyd Counsayle. But
Amongyst all other thing_es_ I mouyd vnto my sayd lorde chauncelor my
lorde cheffe Justyce and other that yf in Case ther were no law nor
statute made alredye for any suche purpose what myght the Kyng_es_
hignes by the aduyse of his Counsaylle doo to w_i_t_h_stande so greate a
daunger lyke as yo_ur_ grace alledgyd at my beyng w_i_t_h_ you to the
which yt was answeryd by my lorde cheffe Justyce that the Kyng_es_
hyghnes by the aduyse of his Cownsayll myght make p_ro_clamacyons and
vse all other polecyes at his pleasure as well in this Case as in Anye
other lyke For the avoyding of any suche daungers and that the sayd
proclamacyons and polyces so deuysyd by the King & his cownsayll for any
such purpose sholde be of as good effect as Any law made by parlyament
or otherwyse which oppy_nyo_n I assure yo_ur_ grace I was veray gladde
to here[838] wheruppon[839] the sayd statute[840] was drawen in to a
‹copy› in forme as ‹a› p_ro_clamacyon I do now sende the same to yo_ur_
grace[840] and thus the holye trynyte p_re_serue yo_ur_ grace in long
lyff good ‹health› w_i_t_h_ the Increase of moche honor at london the
xv^{th} day of July.
108. CROMWELL TO SIR JOHN RUSSELL, ROGER WYNTER,
JOHN PAKYNGTON AND JOHN VAMPAGE.
Library of William Berington, Esq., of Little Malvern
Court. Not in Cal. July 18 ‹1535›.
Desires them to examine the complaint of Robert Symonds, of
Pershore, in Worcestershire, and see that justice is done if
possible.
I co_m_mende me vnto you in my right hertie maner And by the tenure [of
these letters] whiche I sende vnto you herin closid ye may p_er_ceue
the complaynt of Robert Symond_es_ of p_er_shor in the countie of
worcester wherfor I hartely desire and pray you groundly to consider and
pounder the content_es_ of the same and callyng the p_ar_t_ies_ before
you ye be soche waies and meanes as ye can best devise examyne the hole
circumstaunce therof and sett a fynall ende therin if ye can And if
through the obstinacie of either of the said p_ar_t_ies_ ye cannot
convenyently so do then my further desire is that ye wryte vnto me the
truthe and playnes of the mater w_i_t_h_ the circumstaunces therof to
thintent I may therin cause some meanes to be founde as the [case]
rightfully shall require wherby ye shall do a very good and meritorious
dede. And thus fare ye hartely well at London the xviij^{th} day of July
Your Frende
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my louyng frendes Sir John Russell Knyght Roger Wynter John
Pakyngton and John Vampage Esquyres or to thre or two of them.
109. CROMWELL ‹AND AUDELEY› TO SIR JOHN RUSSELL,
JOHN PACKINGTON, AND JOHN RUSSELL, ESQUIRE.
Library of William Berington, Esq., of Little Malvern Court.
Not in Cal. July 20 ‹1535›.
Desires them to survey the possessions of the clergy in the
Shire of Worcester according to the King’s commission, and
to send an account of their value to London.
After our right hartye co_m_mendacyons where the Kyng_es_ Co_m_myssion
was dyrectyd vnto you & other for the surveyng and taxacion of the clere
yerely values of all the possessions of the clergie in the Shire of
Worceter accordyng to a boke of Instruccyons assigned w_i_t_h_ the hand
of the Kyng_es_ highnes annexed vnto the said Co_m_missyon we signyfie
vnto you that the Kyng_es_ pleasure ys that ye callyng your fellowes
Joyned w_i_t_h_ you in Co_m_myssion shall w_i_t_h_ all possible dylygens
accomplysshe theffect_es_ therof And to sende to vs to london all the
bokes taken by you of the vieu & value of the said possessions by one or
two suche of your fellowes whiche were Audytours of the same before the
xij^{th} day of Septembre next co_m_myng. Not faylyng this to do at your
perill. And as ye entende to advaunce the Kynges pleasure in this
behalf. And thus fare you well. At london the xx^{th} day of Julye
THOMAS AUDELEY K. Chauncello_ur_
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To their loving freend_es_ S_ir_ John Russell the yonger Knight
John pakington Esqu_ie_r and John Russell Esquier and to eu_er_y of
theym be this yoven.
_Endd._ Wigorn.
110. CROMWELL TO BONNER.
Library of Lord Calthorpe. Not in Cal. July 23 ‹1535›.
Begs him to make speed in his journey. Bonner’s commission
is ready, and Mr. Gostwick will deliver to him the Duke of
Holstein’s letter.
Mr. Boner I co_m_mende me vnto you. Signefieng vnto the same that the
Kyng_es_ pleasure is ye w_i_t_h_ yo_ur_ college shall w_i_t_h_ all spede
and possible haste set yo_ur_ selff_es_ forward toward_es_
thaccomplisshement of yo_ur_ io_ur_ney, and cause yo_ur_ Ship also to be
rigged and made redy so as ye haue no cause of Delaye. Yo_ur_
co_m_mission I vnderstonde ye haue alredy made and sealed, and touching
the Duke of Holst_es_ l_ette_re if ye haue not yet receyued it Mr.
gostwike shall delyu_er_ it you or to Cauendish accordinglie. Prayeng
you ones agayne to make all thacceleracion and hast forward_es_ that ye
can possiblie as ye intende to please the King_es_ highnes. And so Fare
ye well. At Wynchcombe the xxiii day of Julie
Yo_ur_ Freend THOMAS
CRUMWELL.
Maister Boner the King_es_ highnes nothing dowtyth in yo_ur_ wysedom
polyce and discrecyo_n_ But that ye wooll Vse yo_ur_ Self according to
his trust and expectacy_on_.
_Add._ To his louing frende Docto_ur_ Boner be this youen w_i_t_h_
spede.
111. CROMWELL TO MR. RICHE.
R.O. Cal. viii. 1130. July 29 ‹1535›.
Desires him to express to the Duke of Suffolk the King’s
displeasure at the ‘decay’ of certain places, which the Duke
affirms he has repaired. Urges him to request the Duke to
part with certain reversions which are desired by the King.
After my right hertie co_m_mendac_i_ons these shalbe to adu_er_tise you
that the king_es_ highnes hauyng receyued yo_ur_ l_ette_res hathe youen
me in co_m_maundement to make you answer as here insueth. First
touching suche leases as it is supposed shoulde be made by the Duke of
Suffolke, the king_es_ highnes seyeth that he knoweth not that the saide
Duke or his officers haue made any lease syns the co_m_munycac_i_on had
betwixt them of this bargayn, but his highnes is certenly info_ur_med
that the saide Duke or his officers haue offered to make fourth certen
leases syns the tyme of the saide co_m_munycac_i_on had. Whereof his
maieste can not but mervaile and for the same conceyueth som ingratitude
and vnkyndenes in the said Duke if it can so be proved. Secondely
touching the Decay of Ewelme and Donyngton the king_es_ highnes answered
that what soeuer the saide Duke hathe spent vppon them, it may well
appere in what decay they stonde, and who soeu_er_ shall view them shall
facilly p_er_ceyue that grete somes of money will not sufficientlie
repaire them as his highnes himself w_i_t_h_ his eye hath vewed the
saide Ewelme at his grac_es_ late being there. And for Donyngton the
house is not onelie in decay but also the keper of the same Mr.
Fetyplace hath both consumed and distroyed the Dere and game there and
also wasted the wood_es_ in such wise as it is thought he hathe not
onelie forfaited his patent but also right ill deserued to haue eyther
fee or thanke for any good service he hathe don there. And semblablie
the king_es_ highnes hauing ben at Hokenorton whiche his grace lyketh
veray well can not perceyue ne also his Surueyo_ur_s sent thither can
not see how that xv^{e} li should be employed there as it is affirmed by
the saide Duke, so as it is not vnlike but that the saide Duke hathe ben
deceyued by his officers. And whatsoeu_er_ hath ben spent there, yet
will it requyre no small so_m_mes of money to repare and buylde it after
the king_es_ mynde and pleasure whiche wilbe chargeable to his highnes.
And touching the game of the red Dere at Hokenorton aforsaide, his
maiestie Doubtith not but that the saide Duke will iustefie his
couuen_au_nte and agrement w_i_t_h_ the keper for the keping of lxxx red
dere there accordinglie. Thirdely concerning the reuersions of the lady
Gordon and John Verney the king_es_ highnes p_er_ceyuing the conformyte
of the saide Duke in that behalf and also yo_ur_ travaile and diligence
in the same gyueth vnto him and you both therefore his grac_es_ hertie
and condigne thank_es_. Trusting that like as his highnes hathe
heretofore mynystered grete benefit_es_ and co_m_modytees vnto the saide
Duke, who hathe atteyned this degree hono_ur_ and astate that he now is
in by the meanes and onely ad_ua_uncement of the king_es_ saide highnes.
So the saide Duke wilbe contented to departe w_i_t_h_ the saide
reu_er_sions frankely and frely to his highnes of his mere lyberalite
to extende toward_es_ him, and to permytte his maiestee to haue the
saide reu_er_sions w_i_t_h_in his bargayn alredy made as his grace
thought he had had, onely trusting to his grac_es_ bountie and goodnes
for the recompence of the same. Wherein the king_es_ pleasure is ye
shalbe playne w_i_t_h_ the saide Duke, vttering and declaring vnto him
the good opynyon which the king_es_ highnes hathe conceyved in his
conformyte toward_es_ all his gra_ci_ous request_es_ and affairees, and
how he of all men is thereunto bounde if he do well consider the
manyfold benefit_es_ that he hath receyued at the king_es_ hande.
Wherefore ye may counsaile him not to gyue any cause or occasion in this
behalf to the kyng_es_ highnes to conceyve any Jalousie or mistrust in
him but that rather he will shew herein his frankenes and liberall herte
toward_es_ his maiestie w_i_t_h_out stycking w_i_t_h_ his grace in so
small a matier. And so doing let him be assured that like as the
king_es_ highnes heretofore for lesse cause youen on the saide Duk_es_
p_ar_te, hathe ad_ua_unced him to this hono_ur_ and astate that he now
is at, So shall his maiestee the rather now be Dryven to consider the
frankenes and gentill liberalite of the saide Duke in this behalf if he
frankely do com forward_es_ w_i_t_h_ the same. And Fynally I pray you on
my behalf to say somwhat to the saide Duke in this matier alledging vnto
him that as I am, alwayes haue be_e_n, and eu_er_ wilbe his grac_es_
poure frende so I requere him not to stycke w_i_t_h_ the king_es_
highnes in this matier, and pray his grace not to doubte but that the
king_es_ highnes wilbe as good lorde to him in recompence of the saide
reu_er_sions as if his highnes Did now parte and couue_na_unte w_i_t_h_
him for the same aforehand. Wherein eftesones I pray you shew him on my
behalf that my poure and frendelie aduise is that his g_ra_ce shall
liberally wryte to the king_es_ highnes in this matier so as his highnes
may thereby p_er_ceyue the saide Duk_es_ gentill herte and naturall zele
toward_es_ his maieste aswell in this as in all other thing_es_. Which
be ye assured in myn opynyon shalbe more beneficyall vnto the saide Duke
then x tymes so moche lande as the saide reuersions Do amount vnto.
Requering you so to shew his grace fro me as from him that wold be as
glad of his grac_es_ welth and p_ro_speryte as any one of his poure
frend_es_. So knoweth o_ur_ lorde who send you well to fare. From the
Monastery of Tewkesbury the xxix^{ti} Day of Julie.
Yo_ur_ Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To his louyng Frende Mr. Ryche Solycyto_ur_ to the king_es_
highnes be this youen.
112. CROMWELL TO THE EARL OF RUTLAND.
Belvoir Castle MSS. Not in Cal. Aug. 9 ‹1535›.
Desires him to examine a certain warden and his friars, and
report the result of his investigation to the King. Requests
him to apprehend Friar John Colsell, and detain him till
further notice.
My lorde after my right hertie co_m_mendac_i_ons these shalbe to
adu_er_tise yo_ur_ lordship that having receyued yo_ur_ l_ette_res and
declared the effect_es_ of the same to the king_es_ highnes, who for
yo_ur_ dyligent adu_er_tisement of suche thing_es_ as do touche his
maiestie and for yo_ur_ good will shewed toward_es_ the correction of
suche transgressones gyueth vnto you his grac_es_ hertie and condigne
thank_es_, Forasmoche as the king_es_ highnes is adu_er_tesed that the
warden of those Freres which haue spoken those sedicious wordes, is a
right honest p_er_son and that it may be that he is accused by such
light p_er_sons as p_er_case can not iustefie the same, the king_es_
highnes therefore requyreth yo_ur_ lordeship to call before you the
saide warden and all other his Freers and to take som payne thoroughlie
and exactely to here Debate and examyn_e_ the matier w_i_t_h_ them and
their accusers, so as the trewth and the hole circumstaunc_es_ of the
matier may trewlie and substauncyallie appere in suche wise as eu_er_y
man may haue his merit_es_ and desert_es_ according to good iustice. And
of yo_ur_ lordeshippes proceding_es_ in that behalf and what matier ye
shall Fynde vppon the saide examynac_i_on it may please yo_ur_ lordeship
to signefie the same w_i_t_h_ the circumstaunc_es_ to the king_es_
high_n_es or his counsaile, vppon the which adu_er_tisement yo_ur_
lordship shall knowe ferther of the king_es_ pleasure. Touching the
other Frere named Frere John Colsell vsing the decitful arte of magike
and astronomye, the king_es_ pleasure is that ye shall cause him to be
taken and apprehended and deteyn him in warde vntill ye shall haue other
knowlege and adu_er_tisement of the king_es_ pleasure in that behalf,
and thus the holie trynytie p_re_serue yo_ur_ lordeship in long lif and
helth w_i_t_h_ thincrease of hono_ur_ At Barklay hoornes the ix^{th} day
of August.
Your lordeshyppes assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able my lorde the Erle of Rutlande be this
yeuen.
113. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹WALLOP›.
R.O.[841] Cal. ix. 157. August 23 ‹1535›.
Instructs him to justify to Francis the King’s doings,
especially the executions of More and Fisher, and to request
Francis to support Henry in all his actions against the
Pope. The King is desirous that Melancthon should come to
England.
Sir after my most hertie reco_m_mendacions these shalbe to adu_er_tise
you that the xvii^{th} Day of this Moneth I receyued from you a packet
of l_ette_res which indelayedlie I delyuered vnto the king_es_ highnes
and conferred w_i_t_h_ his grace theffect_es_ both of your l_ette_res
and all others w_i_t_h_in the saide packet being directed aswell to his
highnes as to me. And after his highnes had w_i_t_h_ me p_er_vsed the
hole content_es_ thoroughlie of yo_ur_ saide l_ette_res, p_er_ceyuing
not onelie the lykelyhod of the not repairee into Fraunce of Philip
Melanchton, but also yo_ur_ co_mmun_ica_ci_ons had w_i_t_h_ the frensh
king vppon yo_ur_ Demaunde made of the king_es_ highnes pencions
w_i_t_h_ also yo_ur_ Discrete answers and replicacions made in that
behalf, for the which his maiestee gyueth vnto you his hertie and
condigne thank_es_, Ye shall vnderstonde that his highnes co_m_maundid
me to make you answer in this wise folowing First as touching the
kyng_es_ money his highnes dowtith not but seeing bothe the Frensh king
and also the grete Maister haue p_ro_mised you it shalbe depechid ye
will as the case shall requyre not cease to call vppon them till it be
Depeched And ferther considering that the saide frensh king vppon yo_ur_
saide Demaunde of the saide pensions so sodaynelye fell into
co_m_munycacion w_i_t_h_ you aswell of his frendeship and humanyte
shewed to the kyng_es_ highnes, alledging that he at all tymes hathe
answered for the kyng_es_ highnes specyally being last at Marcell_es_
w_i_t_h_ Pope Clement w_i_t_h_ other thing_es_ as in your saide
l_ette_res appereth, as also concernyng the execucions lately don_e_
here w_i_t_h_in this realme, The king_es_ highnes not a litle
m_er_vaileth thereat, and thinketh it good that as of yo_ur_self ye take
som occasion at conuenyent tyme and oportunyte to renovate the saide
co_m_munycacyon both w_i_t_h_ the Frensh kyng or at the least w_i_t_h_
the grete Maister, sayeng vnto them, that where the saide Frensh kyng
alledgeth that he hath at all tymes answered for the kyng_es_ highnes in
his cause and specyally to the saide Pope Clement at Marcell_es_
affirmyng his p_ro_cedyng_es_ to be iust and vpright concernyng the
Matrymony as ye do wryte, in that albeit the kyng_es_ highnes
p_ro_ceding_es_ in all his affairees w_i_t_h_in this realme being of
such equyte and iustnes of themself as they be, nedeth not any defence
or assistence ayenst Pope Clement or any other foreyn power, having
goddes worde and lawes onelie sufficient to defende him Yet in that
that[842] the said frensh kyng hathe as he sayeth answered at all tymes
on the king_es_ p_ar_te, he hathe don_e_ nothing but the p_ar_te of a
brother in iustefieng and verefyeng the trewth, and so contynuyng shall
Do as ap_er_teyneth to a prynce of hono_ur_ which the king_es_ highnes
doubtith not he hath and will do onely in respecte to the veryte and
trewth besid_es_ the amyte betwixt them both iustlye requyring the same.
And concerning thexecuc_i_ons Don_e_ w_i_t_h_in this realme ye shall sey
to the saide Frensh Kyng that the same were not so mervelous extreme as
he alledgeth, for touching Mr. More and the Bisshop of Rochester
w_i_t_h_ suche others as were executed here, their treasons conspiracies
and practises secretely practised aswell w_i_t_h_in the realme
w_i_t_h_out to move and styrre discension and to sowe sedycyon
w_i_t_h_in the realme, intending thereby not onelye the distruction of
the kyng but also the hole subuersion of his highnes realme being
explaned and declared and so manyfestly proved afore them that they
could not avoyde nor Denye it and they thereof openly detected and
lawfully convicted adiudged and condempned of high treason by the Due
order of the lawes of this realme, it shall and may well appere to all
the worlde that they having such malice roted in their hert_es_ ayenst
their prynce and Sou_er_eigne and the totall Distruction of the co_m_men
weale of this realme, were well wo_r_thie if they had had a thousande
lyves to haue suffered x tymes a more terrible Deth and execucion then
any of them Did suffer. And touching suche word_es_ as the saide frensh
kyng spake vnto you concernyng how Mr. More dyed and what he saied to
his doughter going to his iudgement and also what exhortacions he
shoulde gyue vnto the kyng_es_ subiect_es_ to be trew and obedient to
his grace (assuring you that there was no such thing) whereof the gret
M_aster_ promysed you a Double at length. In that the king_es_ pleasure
is that ye shall not onelie procure the saide double and sende it hither
but also sey vnto the saide frensh king that the kyng_es_ highnes can
not otherwise take it but veraye vnkyndely that the saide frensh king or
any of his counsaile at whose hand_es_ he hathe so moche meryted and to
whom he hathe mynystered so many grete benefit_es_ pleasures and
co_m_modytees shoulde so lightly gyue eare faith and credence to any
such vayne brut_es_ and fleeng tales Not hauyng first knowlege or
adu_er_tisement from the king_es_ highnes here and his counsaile of the
veryte and trewth, Affirming it to be the office of a frende hering any
suche tales of so noble a prynce rather to haue compressed the bruters
thereof to sylence or at the leest not p_er_mytted them to haue dyvulged
the same vntill such tyme as the king_es_ maiestee being so dere a
frende had ben adu_er_tesed thereof and the trewth knowen before he
shoulde so lightly beleve or allege any suche reporte which ingrate and
vnkynde Demeanure of the saide frensh king vsed in this behalf argueth
playneleye not to remayn in his brest such integryte of herte and
syncere amyte toward_es_ the king_es_ highnes and his p_ro_ceding_es_ as
his highnes alwayes heretofore hathe expected and loked for. Which thing
Ye may propone and alledge vnto the saide frensh king and the grete
Maister or to one of them w_i_t_h_ suche modestie and sobrenes as ye
thinke they maye p_er_ceyue that the king_es_ highnes hathe good and
iust cause in this p_ar_te somwhat to take their light credence
vnkyndelye. And where as the saide frensh king sayeth that touching such
lawes as the king_es_ highnes hathe made he will not medle w_i_t_h_all
alledging it not to be mete that one prynce should desire a nother to
chaunge his lawes sayeng that his be to olde to be ch_a_unged, to that
ye shall sey that such lawes as the king_es_ highnes hathe made here be
not made w_i_t_h_out substauncyall ground_es_ by grete and mature aduise
counsaile and deliberacion of the hole polycie of this realme and are
indede no new lawes but of grete antiquyte and many yeres passed were
made and executed w_i_t_h_in this realme as now they be renovate and
renewed onlye in respecte to the comen weale of the same. And it is not
a litle to his highnes m_er_vaile that the saide frensh kyng eu_er_
wolde counsaile or aduyse him if in case hereafter any suche like
offenders should happen to be in this realme that he should rather
banyssh them then in suche wise execute them And specyallie considering
that the saide frensh king himself in co_m_monyng w_i_t_h_ you at that
tyme not onely confessed thextreme execucyons and grete Bruyllie of late
don in his realme But also that he now intendeth to w_i_t_h_draw the
same and to revoke and to call home agayn such as be out of his realme
the king_es_ highnes therefore the more straungely taketh his saide
aduise and counsaile Supposing it to be neyther thoffice of a frende nor
of a brother that he wold Determyn himself to call home into his realme
agayn his subiect_es_ being out of the same for speking ayenst the
Bisshop of Romes vsurped auctoryte, and counsaile the kynges highnes to
banysshe his traytours into straunge p_ar_tes where they myght haue good
occasion tyme place and oportunyte to w_or_ke their feat_es_ of treason
and conspiracie the better agaynst the king_es_ highnes and this his
realme. In which p_ar_te ye shall somwhat engreve the matier after such
sorte as it may well appere to the saide frensh king that not onelie the
king_es_ highnes might take those his counsailes and co_m_munycac_i_ons
both straungely and vnkyndely thinking the same not to procede of mere
amyte and frendship, but also vsing such polycie and austeryte in
proponyng the same w_i_t_h_ the saide frensh king and the grete Maister
taking such tyme and oportunyte as may best serue for the same, as they
may well p_er_ceyue the king_es_ highnes preceding_es_ here w_i_t_h_in
this realme both concerning the saide execucyons and all other thing_es_
to be onely groundid vppon iustice and the equyte of his lawes which be
no new lawes but auncyent lawes made and establisshed of many yeres
passed w_i_t_h_in this realme and now renovate and renewed as is
aforesaide for the better order weale and suretie of the same. And ye
may ferther say that if the frensh king and his counsaile well consyder
as they ought to do that it were moch better to adu_au_nce the
punysshment of traito_u_rs and rebell_es_ for their offenc_es_ then to
ponysshe such as do speke ayenst the vsurped auctoryte of the bisshop of
Rome who Daylie goth about to suppresse and subdue kyng_es_ and
prync_es_ and their auctorytee gyuen to them by goddes worde. All which
matiers the kyng_es_ pleasure is that ye shall take tyme and occasion as
ye talkyng agayn w_i_t_h_ the frensh king or the grete Maister may
declare yo_ur_ mynde as before is p_re_scribed vnto you. Adding
thereunto such matier w_i_t_h_ such reasons after yo_ur_ accustomed
dexteryte & discression as ye shall thinke most expedyent and to serve
best for the king_es_ purpose, Defence of his proceding_es_ and the
profe of the frensh king_es_ ingratitude shewed in this behalf. Not
Doubting in yo_ur_ wisedom good industrie and discrete circumspection
for thordering and well handeling of the same accordinglye.
And touching Melanchton[843] considering there is no lykelihod of his
repayree into Fraunce as I haue well p_er_ceyued by yo_ur_ l_ette_res,
the kyng_es_ highnes therfore hath appoyntid Cristofer Mount
indelaiedlie to take his io_ur_ney where Melanchton is and if he com_e_
to prevente Mouns_ieur_ de Langie in suche wise as the saide Melancton
his repayre into Fraunce may be stayed and dyu_er_tid into Englond Not
doubting but the same shall take effect accordynglie. And as to Mr.
Heynes the kyng_es_ pleasure is that he shall go to Parys there to[844]
lerne and dissiphre the opynyons of the lernid men and their
inclynacions and affections aswell toward_es_ the kyng_es_ highnes
p_ro_ceding_es_ as to the bisshop of Rome his vsurped power and
auctoryte, after such sorte as the king_es_ saide highnes hathe now
wrytten to him by his grac_i_ous l_ette_res addressed both to him and
the saide Cristofer Mount[845]. Dyrecting them what they shall do in all
thing_es_ comytted to their charge at this tyme As I doubt not they will
put thereunto their devoires for the accomplisshment of the king_es_
pleasure as ap_er_teyneth. And thus makyng an ende prayeng you to vse
yo_ur_ discression in the p_ro_poning of the p_re_misses to the Frensh
king and the grete M_aster_ or the one or both of them vsing the same as
a Medecyn and after suche sorte that as nere as ye can it be not moch
displeas_a_untly taken Adu_er_tesing the king_es_ highnes from tyme to
tyme of the successes thereof and of all other occur_a_unt_es_ as the
case shall requyre, I shall for this tyme bid you most hertelie Fare
well &c. Thornebery the xxiij day of August.
_Endd._ Fraunce
114. ‹CROMWELL› TO NICHOLAS OLDISWORTHY.
R.O. Cal. ix. 241 (i). Sept. 1 ‹1535›.
Desires him to give up all the possessions of the bishopric
of Hereford to such persons as the Bishop-elect shall
appoint.
In my harty wise I co_m_mend me vnto you. Aduertising thesame that for
certayne causes the king_es_ highnes sp_ec_ially movyng, his graces
pleasure is that ye shall surcease any farther to yntermedle w_i_t_h_
the possessions and land_es_ belongyng to the Busshopriche of Hereford
but that ye suffer suche as the Busshop elect shall appoynt to haue the
doyng of the same. And that ye farther suffer the officers appoynted by
thesayd Busshop to resceyve aswell the next rent due at the Fest of
thannu_n_ciacion of o_ur_ lady last past as all other rentes due sithe
that tyme. And that ye fayll not thus to do as the king_es_ trust is in
you . thus fare ye well. At Bromham the first day of September.
for Nicholas Oldisworthye.
115. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹THE ABBESS OF WILTON›.
R.O. Cal. ix. 271. Sept. 4 ‹1535›.
Desires her to act kindly towards his friend William Nevill
in the matter of the lands belonging to her monastery.
Nevill does not wish to sue her though he has good cause so
to do.
Madame, after my right harty reco_m_mendations vnto you, thiese shalbe
like as here tofore I have writen vnto you, to desire you to be good
lady and frynd to my lovyng frynd will_ia_m Nevell about the Ferme of
Chalke and do such reparacions as belongithe vnto the same according to
yo_ur_ graunt therof made and that ye will suffer hym to have and enioy
such copy holdes as he of right shuld have and holde of your Mano_ur_ of
Seml_e_y belongyng to that yo_ur_ Monastery, as by sufficient writyng
and copies therof it dothe more at large appere, in suche wise as he may
have no cause farther to complayne ou_er_ you therfore. I cannot
p_er_sayve any reason iust cause or meanes wherby[846] ye may or shuld
deny hym thesame. he hathe been, and yet is all wayes redy to paye his
rent and do that which ought or shuld[847] apperteyne vnto hym to do in
that behalf according to his wrytyng therefore. Which ye refuse and will
not suffer hym to do[848]. I p_er_sayve the honestie of the man to be
suche, that he is veray lothe to vexe or sewe you by the order of the
co_m_mon lawe or otherwise[849], although he hathe good cause even so to
do, whiche if he wold he may do right well to yo_ur_ inquietacion for
thadvoydyng [wher]of I desire you the rather at the contemplacion of
thiese my l_ette_res and for[850] yo_ur_ owne quietenes and ease to
g_ra_unt hym his right yn the premysses[851]. Wherby besid_es_ that ye
shall shewe and declare yo_ur_ self to be one that will do no p_er_sone
wronge, and kepe yo_ur_selfe in quyetenes and rest, ye shall admynester
and do vnto me therby right thankfull pleasure. The whiche I will not
forgete semblably to requyte. And thus fare ye hartely well. At Wolfall
the fourthe day of September.
116. CROMWELL TO THE MAYOR AND COMMONALTY OF CAMBRIDGE.
Cooper’s Annals, i. 372; Cal. ix. 278. Sept. 5 ‹1535›.
As Chancellor of the University desires that all differences
between the town and the scholars may cease. Requests the
Mayor to permit the University to continue in the enjoyment
of its privileges.
After my moost harty commendacions, Understanding that the body of that
the Universitie of Cambridge hath elected and chosen me to be their hed
and Chauncelor, and that there is question at this tyme betwene you
touching the exposition and qualifieng of the Decre made the last yeer
by the kings counsail, for an order to be had without contencion
betwene youe and the Universitee in Sturberige fayr, whiche decre ye
have already commaundement for this yere to observe and kepe, contending
on your part nothing to be comprehended under the name of Vitaill, but
that whiche shuld be presently spent in the said faiier, and calling
Salmon in barrel, musterde sede, fishe, and suche other, with an
exempcon from the terme of vitaill by the name of merchandise, denyeing
in like maner the said Universitie to appoint two of their body to ioyne
with two of youe in the serche of merchandises there, sayeing ther shal
non other serche this yere for their parte, but those that being of
their congregacion the last yere were thenne appointed for that purpose,
whiche be nowe departed from them and ioyned to youe in the libertie and
freedom of the towne. Bicause ye knowe that I have been ever desirous to
establish a quiet order betwene youe, and that with as moche favour
towards your parte as I might with indifferency and justice, And that I
doubt not but that ye will at my contemplacon remembre the preservacion
of the Kings peax, and use suche a temperaunce in yo_ur_ procedings, as
with the saufgards thereof I may have cause to rest in your love and
kindness towards me, Being again for myn owne parte, moche desirous nowe
at the entree to the said Chauncelorship (which office with the kings
contentacion and pleasure I accepted not so moch upon any respecte as to
be the rather a meane to set a quietnes betwene youe) to have al
contencions and controversies ceasse on eyther side, tyl direction and
final order may be taken therein, In the whiche I assure youe I shal
with such celeritee and indifferency travyll, as ye shall not perceyve
me a partie, but a personage holly bent without al respects to the
advancement of the common weal; I have thought good to addresse my
letteres unto youe and by the same to desire and praye youe, al vayne
and frivolous qualificacons set aparte, to permyt and suffer the said
Universitie for this yere, according to the mynde and entent of the said
decre, to use and exersise their privileages in the things specified,
and also to use at their libertie the comen prison of the Tolbothe as
they have doon and as by their charters they clayme to doo, soo as their
procede on yo_ur_ part no cause of breache of the peax, wherin ye shal
serve the king as appertayneth, and administer unto me suche thankfull
pleasure as I shall be gladde to deserve and requite towards youe, in
like maner most hartely desiring and eftsones prayeing youe, touching
their Civile courte to be kept in the fayr or any other thing that may
com in to question, so to use yourself as I may perceyve you remembre
yo_ur_ dueties towards the king in the keping of his peax, and shewe
yo_ur_selves gladde to doo unto me gratitude and pleasure. And thus fare
youe hartely wel. From Whofall the fifte day of September.
Your lovying freend,
THOM^S CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my loving Frends the Mayre and his Brethern of the towne of
Cambridge, and to every of them.
117. CROMWELL TO CHAPUYS[852].
Vienna Archives; Cal. ix. 326. Sept. 10 ‹1535›.
Reports the joy of the King at hearing of the success of the
Emperor in storming Tunis. Hopes on his return to give
Chapuys satisfaction in his request to visit the Princess
Mary. Cf. Letter 121.
Magnifice atque observande Domine orator plurimam salutem et
commendationem. Quem admodum D. vestra, felices et christiano cuique
principi speratos cesaree ma^{tis} successus non grauatur crebris suis
litteris Serenissimo domino meo regi significare ita sepe antea ab eius
regia ma^{te} conceptam toto pectore letitiam, suis nunc recentioribus
litteris eadem vestra D. ingeminauit et quam pulcherrime adauxit. Ex
lectione namque tum cesaree ma^{tis} tum domini de granuell litterarum,
que toti christiano orbi saluberrimam diuinitusque concessam Tunisii
expugnationem describebant tam solido gaudio inuictissimus dominus meus
rex affectus est, ut si sue ipsi ma^{ti} gloriosa hec obuenisset
victoria, maiori neutiquam affici potuisset nec alium vllum quam qui a
deo nunc concessus est, tam sancte a cesare suscepte expeditionis euentu
sibi vnquam pollicebatur. Hanc igitur victoriam omni quidem dignam
laude, cesaree ma^{ti} iterum atque iterum gratulatur salutaremque rei
publice christiane precatur, cui sic ex corde fauet, vt si vlla vnquam
occasione, vllane sua opera, quicquam addi poterit, experietur cesarea
ma^{tas} me nihil de Serenissimi domini mea regis in se affectu,
amicoque animo meis antea litteris vestre D. frustra, aut parum sincere
totiens affirmasse. Ad id vero quod in suarum litterarum calce vestra D.
addidit, vt scilicet, quantum intelligo, bona regia Ma^{tis} venia, sibi
liceat illic Dominam mariam inuisere iuxta regia pollicita impense rogo
D. vestram, vt istud suum desiderium velit in meum reditum defferre,
tuncque futurum spero quod tum hac in re, tum aliis omnibus presenti meo
sermone vestre do^{is} expectationi plurimum satisfiet siue feliciter
valeat. Ex aula regia apud Wolfal die x. septembris.
v. D.
Ex animo amicissimus
THOMAS CRUMUELL.
_Add._ Magnifico atque observando domino Eustachio Chapuysio Cesare
ma^{tis} oratori.
118. ‹CROMWELL› TO ----.
R.O. Cal. ix. 470. Sept. 29 ‹1535›.
The King desires him to pay half the last year’s rent of the
bishopric of Worcester to the Bishop, and the remainder to
M. Gostwick for the King.
[853]I co_m_mend me vnto you. Adu_er_tisyng thesame, that the
kyng_es_ pleasure and co_m_maundement is, that ye w_i_t_h_
convenyent spede after the receyt herof, shall content and pay
vnto my lorde the Busshop of Wissetour the halfe yeres rent of the
hole Busshopriche due this last yere, and the rest to retayne yn
yo_ur_ owne hand_es_ to the kyng_es_ vse Wherfore I require you
furthew_i_t_h_ so to do w_i_t_h_out any delay, as the kyng_es_
trust and expectacion is yn you. Thus fare ye hartely well. At
Wynchester the xxix day of September.
_Postscript._
I Co_m_mend me vnto yow aduertysing the same that the kyng_es_ highnes
pleasure is that of the holle yeres Rent dew to his highnes and levyable
at this Fest of Saynt Mychell of the yssews reuenews and p_ro_ffectt_es_
of the Busshoprych of Worcest_er_ ye shall Content and paye or Cause to
be Contentyd ‹and› payde vnto my lorde the Busshop of Woorcest_er_ the
hole half yeres proffytt_es_ evynlye to be deuydyd and the residew For
the Fyrst hallffe yere to be payd to the hand_es_ of Maister gostwyke to
the kyng_es_ vse and this ys expresslye the kyng_es_ plesure and so Fare
ye well at Wynchest_er_
119. CROMWELL TO THE COUNTESS OF OXFORD.
R.O. Cal. ix. 485 (i). Sept. 30 ‹1535›.
Desires her to restore Mr. Tirrell to the possessions from
which she has wrongfully expelled him. The King wishes to
have justice done in that cause.
In my most harty maner I co_m_mend me vnto yo_ur_ good ladishippe. And
wher as ther hathe of long tyme depended betwene you and this berer
Maister Tirrell certayne contrau_er_sies, aswell concernyng his clayme
to the parke and Bailliswike of Camps, as a certayne copie Holde Whiche
he bought in the same Towne, from all the whiche ye haue expulsed hym, I
shall most hartely desire and pray you at the especiall contemplacion
herof, to restore hym agayne to thesame. Whiche request I make not only
vnto you bycause I thinke ye haue vpon displeasures conceyved agaynst
hym, parcase in some part by the mysvsyng of hymselfe toward_es_ you,
done vnto hym, in his expulsion from the same park Bailliwike and copie
hold and yo_ur_ detynewe therof all togither wronge and Iniurye, but
because it should be dishonourable to you, to haue the same in open
Court of Audience tried agaynst you, and likewise displeasaunt to be,
that way disapoynted of yo_ur_ will and pleasure, whiche as I nowe
frendly and frankly write vnto you, bicause that I wold be glad, ye
shuld w_i_t_h_out constraynt do as shall apperteyne to your hono_ur_,
and iustice. So I am enforced to adu_er_tise you, as yo_ur_ poore
frende, that the king_es_ highnes like a prynce of hono_ur_ is mynded to
haue iustice p_ro_cede w_i_t_h_out respect in that cause, Eftesones
therfore requyryng your good ladiship the rather for my sake w_i_t_h_out
any extremyte to be good lady vnto hym, who I dare affirme wilbe glad to
do vnto you during his liffe that s_er_uice and pleasure that shall lye
in his litle power. As know_eth_ god who send yo_ur_ good ladiship long
liffe and well to fare. From Wynchester the last day of September.
Your ladyshyppis assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able and my good lady my Lady Anne Countes
of Oxford by this youen.
_Endd._ A l_ette_re directed from my m_aste_r to the Lady Anne Countes
of Oxford.
120. CROMWELL TO ‹DAVYE MORGAN KEMYS›.
R.O. Cal. ix. 486. Sept. 30 ‹1535›.
Requests him to allow John Crede to retain possession of
certain lands in Cromwell’s manor of Rumney in Monmouth to
which he has a deed, until reasonable cause can be shown for
his ejection.
Dat_um_ p_er_ Copia_m_
I Commend me to yow. And for Asmoche As I haue seene the Deed made ‹to›
John Crede for certeyn Land_es_ in my manno_ur_ of Rompney called the
Splott_es_ And other Lond_es_ there. W_hich_ I take to be a goode
Deade. And that Notw_i_t_h_standing the said Crede Saithe that ye entend
to putt hym From the Same. Wherefore I Requyre you to p_er_mytt And
Suffre hym to holde And kepe the possession thereof According to the
tenno_ur_ of his Deade Vntill Suche tyme as Apon yo_ur_e Adu_er_tisement
thereof I maie knowe A Reasonable Cause . Whie he shuld be putt from the
same. Att Wynchester the Laste daie of September.
Yo_ur_ Loving maister
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
121. CROMWELL TO CHAPUYS[854].
Vienna Archives; Cal. ix. 484. Sept. 30, 1535.
Reports the King’s joy at the news of the Emperor’s success
at Tunis. Desires Chapuys to postpone a little longer his
visit to the Princess Mary. Cf. Letter 117.
Magnifice et observande domine orator plurimam salutem et
commendationem. Litteras quas vestra D. antea ad me dedit grato
hilarique semper animo accepi, non mediocremque animi letitiam ob id
presertim semper attulerunt, quod cesaree ma^{tis} successus vt
sperandum et christiano reipublice salutiferos, vberrime nunciabant;
recentiores vero iste eo nomine gratiores acceptioresque extitere quod
succinte atque distincte totius expeditionis rerum, temporum atque
locorum seriem et euentum ab ipso initio in hunc vsque diem sic
describunt et ob ipsos oculos ponunt vt eas legendo rebus gestis prope
modum mihi videar interfuisse, tantaque Serenissimus dominus meus rex
animi attentione de hiis me referentem audiebat vt fraternum eius erga
cesaream ma^{tem} affectum et propensum quoddam erga publicam quietem
Studium quam facile fuerit agnovisse. Ad id porro quod per ministrum
suum vestra dominatio mecum agit et de quo statuendo iniectis
comperendinationibus se protrahi suspicatur, non possum pro mutue nostre
coniunctionis sinceriorisque amicitie vinculo, eam non summopere rogare,
et pro innata sua prudentia et animi equitate, boni consulere velit,
quicquid in hoc Dominationis vestre desiderio deffertur quum nihil
interim omittatur quod ex Serenissimi domini mei regis honore et
dignitate, simulque illustrissime domine marie securiori salubriorique
educatione esse posse videatur, quum maiori cure nemini sit quam ipsi
Serenissimo patri, qui regie sue humanitatis nimis esset oblitus nisi
carissimam filiam paterno complecteretur affectu et aliorum vigilantia
sibi in mentem redigi expectaret, quod salubritati, atque solatio filie
esse posset. Itaque quam possum ex animo dominationem vestram obsecro,
vt suum istud illustrissimam dominam mariam inuisendi desiderium ab
amico pectore potius quam vlla necessitate profectum in aliud commodius
tempus defferre non grauetur, et enim vt fieri facile potest de huius
illustrissime domine neglecta valetudine falso aliquid ad vos deferri,
ita a dominatione vestra peto, vt affirmanti mihi velit certam habere
fidem nihil scilicet cure studii, atque diligentie omitti quod ad
illustrissime domine Marie conseruationem expedire posse videatur.
Pestis deinde sic londini, locisque vicinioribus seuit, vt inofficiosus
videri posset, quicunque illinc veniens dominam mariam in aere alique
temperie agentem, quam saluberrima, officii gratia nunc temporis vellet
inuisere. Non grauetur itaque dominatio vestra hoc meum responsum
benigne amiceque, vt solet interpretari nilque a me prospiciet
pretermissum, quod ex huius regie ma^{tis} dignitate, Cesaris honore et
domine marie conseruatione esse potuerit. Sed de hiis in proximum
congressum colloquemur vberius, et felix valeat vestra dominatio cui ex
animi sententia, optima queque euenire precor. wintonie die vltimo
septembris 1535.
E. v. D.
Ex corde amicus
THOMAS CRUMUELL.
_Add._ Magnifico Domino Eustachio Chapuysio Cesaree ma^{tis} oratori
plurimum observando.
122. CROMWELL TO SIR GREGORY DA CASALE.
R.O. Cal. ix. 240. Sept. 1535.
Explains, for the Pope’s benefit, the reasons for the
executions of More and Fisher, and describes them as men
proved guilty of high treason. Wonders at the Pope’s
indignation at their just sentence.
Mag_nifi_ce D_omi_ne Gregori plurimam salutem et commen_dacionem_. Quae
tum ex ferraria tum ex bononia v_est_ris l_ette_ris nuper ad me
scripsistis, sigillatim omnia (ut mei est officii) Serenissimae Regiae
Ma_iesta_ti significaui, in quibus, ut multa erant, publicarum rerum
cognitionis gratia lectu non iniucunda, et v_es_tri cum D_omin_o
Parisiensi habiti sermones ipsi probantur, ita non satis demirari
potuit, Epi_scop_i Roffen_sis_ et Thomae Mori mortem, pontificis,
illiusq_ue_ curiae animu_m_ adeo grauiter offendisse, ut ex hac re
conceptam indignationem haud facile possint concoquere, licetq_ue_
Inuictissimae Regiae Ma_iesta_ti mortalium nemini, praeterq_ue_ Deo (cum
quo actiones, consiliaq_ue_ sua habet q_uam_ maxime coniuncta) ulla sit
factorum suorum reddenda ratio, ne tamen maleuolor_um_ calumniis, ac
ueritatis obscuratione, Regium suum nomen istic traducatur, quid ea in
re actu_m_ fuerit succincte ad vos perscribam: Postq_uam_ igitur Regia
Ma_ies_tas bene fauente, ac promouente Deo, causam suam publicam
eruditissimor_um_, probatissimoru_m_q_ue_ totius christianitatis
viror_um_, qui nullis passionibus, seu affectibus essent obnoxii,
consensu, et authoritate tandem terminasset, et ad ipsam ueritatem omni
ex parte firmasset, coeperunt isti boni viri, quibus res praeter
expectatione_m_ ceciderat, et spes moliendi noua (ut iam animo
agitarant) praecisa fuerat, in alias cogitationes, syncere parum, animum
intendere, quumq_ue_ optimus Rex ex uigilantissimi principis officio
(quod a Deo acceptum sustinet in terris) sui Regni quieti, et commodo
prospicere, hominumq_ue_ mores multa iam parte collapsos in melius
corrigere conaretur, istud etiam publicum bonum, quoad fieri per eos
potuit, simulatae integritatis praetextu adnissi[855] sunt, sed nullo
cum fructu impedire, atq_ue_ praeuertere, huius eorum sceleris indicia
Rex habebat perq_uam_ manifesta, sed ut vana semper floccifecit, et
nihili habuit, sperans aliquando futurum q_uod_ hac sua indulgentia, hos
viros (quos ut non penitus cognitos nonnunq_uam_ antea in precio
habuisset) ad aliquam frugem, ac mentis sanitatem reuocaret, At ipsi,
quibus genuina ambitio, sui ipsius amor et sapientia quaedam singularis
diuersum persuaserat, optimi principis benignitate, ac mansuetudine
pertinaciter sunt abusi, et ubi publicum Regni concilium (quod
parliamentu_m_ uocant) pro Regni quiete stabilienda, ut ad certa tempora
haberetur, indictum foret, ceperunt undecunq_ue_ sollicita cum
sedulitate clanculu_m_ exquirere, qua de re tractari, quidq_ue_ in hoc
parliam_en_to, ut expediens rei p_ubli_cae agi oporteret, quicquid uero
alior_um_ delatu ex re praeterita rerum usu, uel coniectura usq_ue_
collegissent id statim communibus consiliis trutinabant, omnia secus
interpreta_n_tes, q_ue_ Regni quies ac utilitas exposcebat, eo quidem
argumentor_um_ et rationum apparatu, ut rudi plebeculae non multo cum
labore potuisset imponi, quumq_ue_ ex conscientia parum sana, Regis
animum sibi offensum suspicarentur, ueriti ne parum commode,
audacterq_ue_, quod tacite animo moliebantur, tractare possent, ex hiis
nonnullos delegerunt, quos audaculos aut linguae uelocitate promptiores,
aut sui studiosos existimarunt cum his antiquioris amicitiae occasione
ageba_n_t familiaribusq_ue_ colloquiis excipiebant, ac si quos morbo
animi laborantes suae opinionis reperissent, in horum sinum iam antea
conceptu_m_ pectore uenenum euomebant, suae erga claementissimum Regem
fidei, et obseruantiae, atq_ue_ in ipsam patriam charitatis prorsus
obliti, Haec dum in uulgus haberentur passimque sparsa promiscue essent,
haud somnulenter solertissimus princeps perscrutari coepit, quibus
fundame_n_tis tam impia coniuratio niteretur, quibusq_ue_ enutriretur
authoribus, luce clarius perspexit, ab hiis integerrimis iuris tantam
iniquitatem deriuari, quam redarguebant non obscuri testes, ultro,
citroq_ue_ missa chyrographa, ipsorumq_ue_ oris confessio, haec et alia
que multa iustissimu_m_ principem adegeru_n_t, ut hos rebelles, ac
degeneres subditos, in patriam ingratos, communi bono aduersos, publicae
pacis turbatores, tumultuosos, impios, seditiososq_ue_ viros in uincula
carceresq_ue_ coniecerit, nec id praetermittere poterat, nisi patefacta
iniquitate, sui officii consulto immemor permittere uoluisset, huius
sceleris contagionem publica cum pernicie in q_uam_ multos transferri.
Carceribus autem mancipati tractabantur humanius, atq_ue_ mitius q_uam_
par fuisset, pro eorum demeritis, per Regem illis licebat proximor_um_
colloquio, et consuetudine frui, ij fuerant illis appositi,
praescriptiq_ue_ ministri, quos a uinclis immunes antea fidos
charosq_ue_ habeba_n_t, id cibi genus eaq_ue_ condim_en_ta, et uestitus
ei concedebantur, quae eorum habitudini, ac tuendae sanitati, ipsi
consanguinei, nepotes atq_ue_ affines, et amici iudicabant esse magis
accommoda, Coeteru_m_ tanta Regis mansuetudine, fides, obserua_n_tia,
ueritas, amorq_ue_ recti apud rebelles istos, proditoresq_ue_ homines
usq_ue_ adeo exoleuit, ut constanter iniqui esse maluerint, q_uam_ sui
sceleris poenitentia Regis bonitatem atq_ue_ claementiam experiri, et
enim postq_uam_ certae leges, statuta, atq_ue_ decreta, re prius multa
deliberatione in omne_m_ partem discussa, publica parliame_n_ti
authoritate, assensu atq_ue_ consensu condita praescriptaq_ue_ fuere, et
ab omnibus nullo discrimine, repugna_n_te nullo, ut sancta necessaria
toti Regno utilia, et cum uera christi religione potissimu_m_
consentientia admissa, atq_ue_ recepta sunt, soli isti repugnabant, suae
impietatis praesidium semper aliquod fortuitum sibi ex tempore
pollicentes, nonnunq_uam_ omissa rerum humanar_um_ cogitatione se totos
diuinar_um_ contemplationi egregie simulabant addictos, interim studia,
uigilias, cogitatusq_ue_, suos omnes utcunq_ue_ carceribus obnoxii eo
intendebant, ut quibuscunq_ue_ possent fallaciis, praestigiosisq_ue_
argumentis tam sanctas Regni leges, tantaq_ue_ authoritate firmitas ac
rectissime stabilitas, soli ipsi perniciosissimae seditionis principes
in commune malum eluderent, refellerent, atq_ue_ turbare_n_t, huius
autem tam impiae, perfidae ac iniquae affectae uoluntatis extant
manifestissima indicia extant chyrographa ipsa eorum manu carbonibus, et
creta (si quando deerat atrame_n_tum) depicta, ultro, citroq_ue_ clam
ab ipsis destinata, neq_ue_ ipsi ibant inficias complures mutuo acceptas
missasq_ue_ l_itter_as, fuisse in ignem coniectas ut tacitum, tutumq_ue_
suae iniquitatis seruatorem, aliud nihil hiis l_itte_ris conscriptum
erat, q_uam_ quod ad publicam seditionem potissimu_m_ spectaret,
sustinere diutius non potuit mitissimus Rex istorum culpam tam atrocem,
legumq_ue_ examini publico foro et aperto iudicio illos commisit, Laesae
Ma_iesta_tis, ac rebellionis rei reperti sunt, atq_ue_ damnati,
supplicium de eis sumptum est longe quidem mitius q_uam_ leges, ac
iudicia praescribebant aut eorum culpa exegisset, ex quor_um_ exemplo ad
sanitatem, ad fidem q_uam_ multi rediere: Quicunq_ue_ sano defecatoq_ue_
est iudicio non obscure huic perspicere potest q_uod_ praecipitanter
pontifex, et curia Romana ullam ex hac re animi offensionem conceperit,
per Regiam M_aiesta_tem non stat, quominus pontifex in suos Car_dina_les
Ep_iscop_os eosq_u_e omnes, in quos ius ullum sibi uendicat, iure suo
utatur, non eorum causam suam aestimat, nec offenditur, si pontifex, aut
quiuis alius chr_isti_anus princeps ullum de male mentis subditis aut
rebellibus supplicium exigat: Iterum igitur, atq_ue_ iterum miratur,
pontificem ex hac re tantum indignationis animo concepisse, sed hanc
indignationem, quam tantopere exacerbare uidetur curia, tunc depositam
iri putat, quum desierint maleuoli suggerere quae falsa su_n_t,
quumq_ue_ mentiendi uia fuerit illis praeclusa, quibus quum nil aeque
graue, atq_ue_ molestu_m_ sit, q_uam_ quod suor_um_ consilior_um_ tam
strenua fundamenta deiecta fuerint, id operae precium non exiguum esse
ducu_n_t, ut hoc uelamine suas technas callide contega_n_t priuatamq_ue_
offensionem, si quae sit, pontificis causam faciant. Non grauetur
itaq_ue_ pontifex, si Regia M_aies_tas suo Regniq_ue_ sui iure, si
quando expedit, uicissim utatur: Haec itaque omnia tum pontifici, tum
coeteris omnibus, qui ex hor_um_ rebelliu_m_ suscepto supplicio
quicq_uid_ offensionis concoeperint sedulo enarrabitis, ut quam ex falsa
auditione animi molestiam imbiberu_n_t, hanc uera audiendo, multa mentis
tranquillitate quandoq_ue_ deponant, nihilq_ue_ omittetis, in eorum qua
superius commemoraui enarratione, etenim Regiae M_aiesta_ti
gratissimu_m_ erit, ne ipsa ueritas, ut se habet, maleuolor_um_
calumniis obscuretur, q_uia_ si tantum increbuerit mendax paucorum
delatio, ut nullus hac in re amplius apud illos sit locus ueritati
relictus, falsas eoru_m_ calumnias quantu_m_ cum Deo poterit Regia
M_aies_tas sustinebit, quae sic Regni sui statum, resq_ue_ omnes
undequaq_ue_ firmitas, stabilitasq_ue_ habet, sic suorum fidem, pectora,
et obseruantiam compertam tenet, ut iniuriam omnem, si qua alicunde
inferatur, queat non multo cum labore deo bene iuuante, refellere et
propulsare. Et bene valete. Ex Aula Regia apud Brumham Die Septembr_is_
MDXXXV.
Vester bonus amicus
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ Mag_nific_o Equiti, D_omi_no Gregorio Casalio etc.
123. ‹CROMWELL› TO ----.
R.O. Cal. ix. 241 (ii). ‹Sept. 1535.›
The King thanks the recipient for his letter, and for the
articles of the charge he has given to the inquests, and
desires him to act further according to his discretion.
After right harty co_m_mendacion, ye shall vnderstand that I have
resceyved yo_ur_ l_ette_re of the xxvi^{th} day of August w_i_t_h_ the
articles of the charge that ye haue geven to thenquestes ther the whiche
l_ette_re and articles I have at large shewed and declared vnto the
king_es_ highnes who[856] consideryng yo_ur_ payne and travaill takyn
therin right well allowithe and acceptithe yo_ur_ good procedyng_es_ and
doyng_es_ in that behalfe, yevyng vnto you therfore right harty
thank_es_, requyryng[857] the same farther like as ye have alredy
begonne So to p_ro_cede therin withe suche acceleracion and spede as ye
convenyently may do, accordyng to thexpectacion and trust that his
highnes hathe in you. And touchyng the enquestes that ye have charged
for that purpose all though they be the king_es_ s_er_u_a_unt_es_ and
sworne for that purpose, yet for asmoche as many of theym in some
poynt_es_ p_er_chaunce may be offendo_ur_s will therfore conceyll and
not fynd the truthe in eu_er_y poynt. Wherfore the king_es_ pleasure is
that ye well consideryng the same may order and devise eu_er_y thyng
after yo_ur_ discresion, and as ye shall se cause besid_es_ theffect of
the verdictes of thesame enquestes.
124. CROMWELL TO THE MAYOR, BAILIFFS, AND BURGESSES
OF CAMBRIDGE.
Cooper’s Annals, i. 373; Cal. ix. 615. Oct. 15 ‹1535›.
As the King has approved his election as Chancellor of the
University, he desires them to appear at the two yearly
leets held by the University, and not to deny to the
University the use of the King’s prison called the Tolbooth.
In my right harty maner I commende me unto youe. And whereas it hath
pleased the kings highnes, uppon an election passed by the universitie
of Cambridge wherin they chose me to be their hedde and Chaunceler, to
condescende that I shuld accepte and take the same, to the intent that
all matiers depending betweene you and them, in contencon and
variaunce, might be rather by my meane and mediacon be finished, and soo
determyned, as eyther parte myght enjoye such privileages as shuld be
thought conveniente for them, with the advauncement of justice, the
quiet and tranquillitie of the common weale, Wherin I purpose with suche
dexteritie to travayl, as y_ou_ shall have good cause to think that all
respects and affecttions laide aparte, I only mynd that which
appertayneth to the office of a faithfull counsailor. Ye shall
understande, that forasmoche as I am credibly advertised, that
notwithstanding the said universitie hath hertefor had not only the
serche of vitail and the correccon of waightes and measures there, and
may by the kings Charters (as they doo and of long tyme have doon) kepe
two letes in the yere, to be furnyshed with the townesmen, for the
punishment and amerciament of suche as shuld be founde offenders in that
behaulf, but also the use of the kings prisonne there called the
Tolbothe, for the punyshment of all such other offences, as they may by
their said Charters correct and punish, the rather of perverse mynd than
otherwise, doo from tyme to tyme, when the said letes be summoned, as
wel make slender appearance in the same, ne being theer charged, present
and amerce the offenders, as by virtue of yo_ur_ othe you be bounde,
wherby the good order to be observed therin is utterly confounded, to
the great detryment of the publique weale of the hole towne, with the
inquietacon of the kings subgiectts abiding within the same, As utterly
deny them the use of the said prisonne; I have thought good, by these my
lettres, to desire and praye youe, and nevertheles on the kings behaulf
for the better preservacion of his graces peax, to commaunde youe, not
only to mak yo_ur_ due appearance in the said letes, and their to
enquire, present, and amerce the offenders, as hath been accustomed, but
also bothe to permytt and suffer them to have the correction of waightes
and measures, and the use of the said prisonne at their liberties, as
they have had, without yo_ur_ denyal or interrupcon to the contrary,
untyl suche tyme as the kings highnes shal take finall order and
direction in all things depending in variaunce or question betweene
youe, whiche his Majestie wil not fayle to do with al speede and
celeritie. And thus fare youe hartely well. From Stepnay, the 15th daye
of Octobre.
Your lovyng freend,
THOM_AS_ CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my hartely beloved Freendes the Mayre, Bailieffs, and
Burgesses, of the towne of Cambridge, and to every of them.
125. ‹CROMWELL› TO JOHN GOSTWICK.
B.M. Titus B. iv, ff. 114-115; Cal. ix. 647. Oct. 20, 1535.
Finds that Gostwick is charged with the sum of £16,032
16_s._ 8_d._ due to the King from divers persons, for
conveying corn out of the realm. Desires him to collect as
much of it as he can.
Mr Gostwyck. Where ye stande Charged in the Book_es_ of Specialties
Betwene you & me made at your furst entrie into your Office subscribed
w_i_t_h_ our hand_es_ for the Receipt of Sixtene Thousande thirty & two
pound_es_ sixtene shilling_es_ and eight pence, due vnto the King_es_
Maiestie by diu_er_se & sundry p_er_sonnes, for the Conveyaunce of Corne
& other thing_es_ out of this Realme contrary to the King_es_ Lawes, as
appereth by the condic_i_ons of their obligac_i_ons, remaynyng in yo_ur_
Custodye, And forasmuche as I do vnderstande and perfitely knowe that a
grete p_ar_te of the said su_m_me of xvi^{ml} xxxii li xvi s viii d ys
vnlevyable, desperat & cannot be had nor recou_er_ed by reason that
certain of the saide p_er_sonnes haue certificaths, so_m_me other fallen
in vtter decay, by occasion of the grete losses & hynderaunc_es_ that
they haue susteyned as well by See, as Lande, And so_m_me of theim
dedde, & not knowing of whome to be aunswered Whereby I haue Considered
the same to be mattier of Conscience, not intending nor mynding to
charge you further than shall stande with the same, nor w_i_t_h_ nomore
sume or su_m_mes than hath or herafter shall co_m_me vnto your hand_es_
Have therfore thought it good, aswell for your Discharge, and myne, As
also for the spedy Recoueryng and Receipt of the Rest of the Money due
by the saide sp_ec_ialties, this to devise & wryte, By the same in the
King_es_ Maiesties name Auctorizing you, to call all the said p_ar_ties
before you, w_i_t_h_ all seleritie & spede, And by yo_ur_ discresc_i_on,
so to vse them, That the king_es_ highnes may be aunswered of the money,
that by your saide discrescion shalbe thought of verey right &
Conscience sufficient. Further in the king_es_ name Auctorizing you by
vertue herof, to take newe composic_i_ons of suche as hath not their
money in arredynesse. And also by the same to deliu_er_ all suche
sp_ec_ialties vnto the parties or ther deputies, as shalbe p_ro_ved of
right either to haue Certificate or other sufficient Discharge. And this
Subscribed with my hande shalbe vnto you your heires executo_urs_ &
deputies sufficient Discharge at all tymes hereafter, for your so doing.
Wrytten the xx^{ti} day of Octobre the xxvii^{ti} yere of the Reigne of
our Sou_er_aigne Lorde king Henry the eight.
_Endd._ A minute of a lettre to M^r Gostwyke, towching a newe ordre and
composic_i_on to be taken w_i_t_h_ certayn p_er_sons standing chardged
in grete so_m_mes of monaye vnto the king_es_ Ma_ies_tie whiche be
vnleviable and desperate by reason the p_ar_ties by casualtes be brought
to greate pou_er_tie
126. CROMWELL TO GARDINER.
B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 110; Cal. ix. 848. Nov. 19 ‹1535›.
Urges him to work diligently in France for the delivery of
the ships at Bordeaux. Sends a dozen of Gardiner’s orations
and a dozen of those of the Dean of the Chapel Royal also,
for him to distribute according to his discretion.
My veray good lorde aftre my moost harty co_m_mendac_i_ons by maister
brian whom the king_es_ highnes at this tyme sendeth vnto his good
brother the frenche king sufficiently instructed to certain purposes, as
by his instructions wherunto ye shalbe p_ar_ticipant and make him again
the semblable to yours, ye shal p_er_ceyve, ye shal receyve his highnes
l_ette_res, touching matiers of importaunce, whiche as his grace
doubteth not but ye wil setfurth w_i_t_h_ suche dexteritie as shal best
conduce his desire to effecte Soo his pleasure is ye shal w_i_t_h_ suche
stomak and courage travail w_i_t_h_ the frenche king and his counsail in
that pointe touching the delyueraye of the shippes as ye maye not onely
obteyne the same but also declare and shewe therw_i_t_h_ howe ingrately
his highnes is handeled therin spe_ci_ally being at this tyme soo
secrete and freendly treatie betwene him and his good brother as there
is for matiers of soo high consequence, among_es_ whiche thing_es_ also
his grace desireth youe to remembre the declarac_i_on of the french king
of tharticles sent by Melancton, luthers epistle in the same, w_i_t_h_
thother circu_m_stances conteyned in the copies lately sent vnto you. Ye
shall also receyve herw_i_t_h_ a dosen of yo_ur_ orations and another
dosen of the deanes, whiche the king_es_ pleasure is ye shall by
thaduise of Mr. brian and Maister Wallop destribute to suche p_er_sounes
there as among_es_ youe ye shal think convenient. In whiche treatie to
be had concernyng the shippes ye may not forget to inculce what Joye the
subgiett_es_ here conceyved for his recou_er_ye in the procession, and
howe they bee again sithens stayed vppon this staye of the shippes
whiche hath indede soo contrary a counten_au_nce to o_ur_ doing_es_ as
it is no m_er_vayl thoughe they be abasshed at it. And this matier the
king_es_ highnes woll haue you chiefly prosecute, leving to Sir John
Wallop only the sute for the moneye, bicause the p_ro_myse therof was
made vnto him. And thus I pray god sende your lordshipp well to fare.
From the Rulles the xix^{th} daye of Nouembre
Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my veray good lorde my lorde of Winchestre the king_es_
highnes Ambassad_or_ at this tyme w_i_t_h_ the french king.
_Endd._ From the Roulles the xix^{th} of Novembre. Mr. Secretary
127. CROMWELL TO GARDINER AND WALLOP.
B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 232; Cal. ix. App. 8. Dec. 7 ‹1535›.
Desires them to discover the real inclination of the French
King, and to ascertain whether they have any secret plans on
foot. Gives a list of the sums of money due to the King.
Aftre my moost harty co_m_mendacions w_i_t_h_ like thank_es_ for yo_ur_
gentle l_ette_res and aduertisement_es_ of the Occurrant_es_ there, ye
shal at this tyme receyve the king_es_ highnes l_ette_res answering to
yo_ur_s of the xxviii^{th} of Nouembre The content_es_ wherof as his
highnes doubteth not but ye wil duely consider and accomplishe
temp_er_ing neu_er_theles the same in suche sorte, as yo_ur_ wisedomes
shall think maye best s_er_ue to thentertaynement of thamytie betwene
his grace and the frenche king, and the conducing of his graces desire
to effecte. Soo his highnes spe_ci_ally desireth youe to endeuo_ur_
yo_ur_self_es_ by all the meanes ye canne possibly deuise and excogitate
to explore serche and knowe the veray inclynac_i_on of the frenche king
and whither the frenchemen haue any pryvie practises in hande, and of
the lightlywod of the successes of the same w_i_t_h_ suche other
occurrant_es_ as shall chaunce to co_m_me to yo_ur_ knowleage to
aduertise his highnes, as I shal for my p_ar_te desire youe to doo to me
the semblable as the tyme and hast of yo_ur_ dispeches wil give you
leave. The treatie belli offensiui ratified at Amyans I sende vnto youe
herw_i_t_h_, And as co_n_cernyng thaccompt of the money due to the
king_es_ highnes First there is due to his grace 1M^{l}[858] crownes
lent to the duke of Bavier for the whiche the frenche king standeth
bounde by obligac_i_on. Item 1M^{l}[858] crownes lent at his request for
the assistence of the duke of Wittenberge, for the whiche they haue non
acquietance, but were bounde by promyse to repaye it in cace there
ensued no good successe of themployment of the same whiche condition
and conven_au_nt is w_i_t_h_out question determyned.
Item there is due vnto his grace the hole penc_i_on and salt moneye for
the last yere ended at Nouembre.
And wheras the king_e_s highnes in these his l_ette_res nowe sent vnto
youe hathe co_m_maunded youe Mr. wallop to presse themp_er_o_ur_s,
Ambassado_ur_ for your declaration to the denyal of thouertures, like as
I writing by his graces co_m_maundement vsed the same terme, for
declarac_i_on of yo_ur_self, to thintent ye shal not thinke that
anything is further ment therby thenne to haue youe vse that worde to
him to extorte what ye canne in that matier, his highnes co_m_ma_u_nded
me in this sorte to expounde the same vnto youe. And thus moost hartely
fare youe well. From Richemont the vii^{th} of decembre.
The king_es_ highnes spe_ci_ally desireth youe to reme_m_bre his
co_m_mandement touching the delyu_er_ance of the shippes
Yo_ur_ assuryd Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To myn assured frend_es_ My lorde of Winchestre and s_ir_ John
Wallop knight the king_es_ Ambassado_ur_s in fraunce.
_Endd._ From Richemonde the vii^{th} of decembre. Mr. Secretary.
128. CROMWELL TO GARDINER.
B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 234; Cal. ix. App. 9. Dec. 7 ‹1535›.
Has been unable to obtain a copy of the treaty which he
promised to send, and thought it better to postpone sending
it than to delay the bearer. The King desires him to labour
for the delivery of the ships.
Aftre my moost harty co_m_mendac_i_ons to yo_ur_ lordshippe Thise shalbe
to aduertise youe that Albeit in myn other l_ette_res writen ioyntly to
youe and Maister Wallop I haue signified that ye shuld by this berer
receyve the treaty belli offensiui whiche ye wrote for, yet having here
suche busines that I could ‹not› dep_ar_te to london to cause the same
to be copied, I thought it more expedient to differre the sending of it
vntil we shal dispeche another curro_ur_ vnto youe, thenne to demore
yo_ur_ s_er_u_au_nt here tyl I might haue goon to london for that
p_ur_pose. And wheras yo_ur_ said s_er_u_au_nt hath declared vnto me
yo_ur_ credence concernyng yo_ur_ necessitie of money, I shall not fayle
by the next messanger to take suche direction w_i_t_h_ youe for the
satisfaction of yo_ur_ desire in that p_ar_te as ye shall haue cause to
be contented. The king_e_s highnes desireth youe to labo_ur_ effectually
‹for› the delyu_er_ance of the shippes at Burdeulx according to suche
instructions as ye haue in that behaulf. And thus moost hartely Fare
youe well. From Richemonte the vii^{th} daye of Decembre in hast
Your lordshippis assuryd Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my veray good lorde my lorde of Wynchestre the king_es_
Ambassado_ur_ in fraunce.
_Endd._ From Richemonde the vii^{th} of decembre. Mr. Secretary.
129. CROMWELL TO THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND
BAILIFFS OF CAMBRIDGE.
Cooper’s Annals, i. 377; Cal. ix. 977. Dec. 15 ‹1535›.
Marvels that they have not complied with his requests that
the University be permitted to use the Tolbooth, and desires
them to delay no longer. Will see that justice is done in
all respects.
In my right harty maner I comende me unto youe. Lating you wit that I
cannot a little marvayle to understand that notwithstanding my sundrey
lettres hertofor addressed unto youe, tuching the permission of the use
of the Tolboth, the furniture of the Universitie leates, the advoyding
of newe practises, usages, or imposicions, wherby might insewg debate
and contencion betweene you and the said universitie, to yo_ur_ owne
disquiet, with the offence of the kings peax, ye have both refused to
doo and accomplish those things persuaded and enioined therin unto youe,
and for the contynuance and nutryment of discorde and trouble amonge the
kings subiectts, devised newe things and meanes to augment and engrece
the same. The prysonne first is the kings, and seing his grace by his
charters and grauntes hath ioyned the universitie with youe in the use
therof, I cannot conceyve what ye meane to denye that whiche his grace
hath graunted, and by vertue thereof, they have so long enjoyed, which
expressly yo_ur_ baylie Ousburn did bothe to the procurators, and also
to the vicechancelors deputie. A sergeant of yours also lately tok a
peace of cloth from the stall of a commone minister of the Universities
for non apparance in yo_ur_ Leate contrary to the comandment given at
the tyme of Sturberige fayr, that ye shuld reyse no newe custome, or
gather any newe exaction or imposiccon, uppon any scoler, his servaunt
or their comone ministers; ye have also refused alonly this yere, to
make a certain othe before the congregacion at Saint Maryes church, for
the conservacion of the peax, and the presentement to the
vicechauncelor of vagabundes and others, breakers and interrupters of
the said peax. Nowe shal I, being only a Counsailor, and otherwise then
honestie and justice wil no partie, whiche have not only proffessed to
travayl for the quiet of both parties, but will devise and labor also to
performe the same, desire youe to permytt them, first to have the free
use of the tolboth as they have had: to see the cloth restored, taken
violently awaye by your sergeant; To see their leats furnished, and to
tak such othe, and use all suche things and custumes as ye have doon,
untyl fynal direction may be taken betweene both parties. And yet I must
ever saye, whiche ye shall also fynde true, that in cace ye shall doo
any wrong, or not fulfill that ye be bound unto, wherby tumult and
busines shuld rise amonge the kings people, though I do indede favor
yo_ur_ cause, as appertayneth, and will also be gladde to doo therein
what I canne for yo_ur_ comoditie, Yet in cace prayer and gentle
entreatie cannot pull and allure youe awaye from the doing of wrong and
iniury, both to the king and his subjectts, I will not fayle to
advaunce, to the uttermost of my power Justice and to see punished with
extremytie the interrupters thereof, to the example of other. And
therfor eftsones, I most hartily praye youe to conforme yourselfs to
quietnes in these pointes, and therein to performe that without
contencon whiche the princes grauntes, ever to be reverently obeyed, doo
require of youe, Ye shal by this waye and meane, doo your dueties, first
toward his grace, to me administer most thankfull pleasure, and with
your honesties provyde yourselfs quiet and rest, with a good end in all
suche controversies as depende between youe and the said universitie.
And thus fare youe hartely well. From Stepnaye, the xv^{th} daye of
Decembre.
Your freend,
THOM_AS_ CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my loving freendes, the Mayre, Aldermen and bailieffs of the
towne of Cambridge.
130. CROMWELL TO GARDINER.
B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 112; Cal. ix. 1010. Dec. 24 ‹1535›.
Thanks him for his letters, and promises to attend to
Gardiner’s wants. The postscript of Cromwell’s other letter
will inform Gardiner of Thwaites’ arrival here, and of the
answers made to the letters he brought.
Aftre my moost harty co_m_mendacons to your lordshippe w_i_t_h_ like
thank_es_ for yo_ur_ gentle l_ette_res by the post scripta in myn other
l_ette_res nowe writen vnto youe by the king_es_ highnes co_m_maundement
ye shal p_er_ceyve tharryval here of yo_ur_ s_er_u_au_nt Thwaytes,
w_i_t_h_ the determynac_i_on for answer to be made to suche l_ette_res
as he brought w_i_t_h_ him. I shall in the meane tyme so satisfie peter
lark yo_ur_ s_er_u_au_nt touching yo_ur_ request for money that ye shall
by the next post p_er_ceyve ye be not forgotten, but sufficiently and
soo furnished as ye shall haue cause to be contented. Yo_ur_ doing_es_
be no lesse thankfully accepted, thenne yo_ur_ wisedom travail and
diligence therin do require and for my p_ar_te if there be anything
ell_es_ here that I may doo yo_ur_ pleasure in, vppon yo_ur_
aduertisement I shalbe glad w_i_t_h_ al my harte to satisfie youe in the
same. And thus most hartely fare youe wel, from the Rulles the
xxiiij^{th} of Decembre
Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my veray good lord my lord of Winchestre.
_Endd._ From the roulles the xxiiij of decemb_er_ Mr. Secretary.
131. CROMWELL TO GARDINER.
B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 114; Cal. ix. 1039. Dec. 30 ‹1535›.
The King approves of his service, and assures him that he
will be glad to welcome him on his return. Reports the
illness of Katherine. Has arranged for his money with Peter
Lark.
My veray good lord aftre my moost harty co_m_mendac_i_ons Thise shalbe
taduertise youe that vndoubtedly the king_es_ highnes doth in soo
thankfull sorte accepte your s_er_uice there doon vnto his maiestie, and
in euery condic_i_on soo allowe approve and co_m_mende yo_ur_ wise
substanciall and discreate proceding, as like as ye haue moche cause to
reioyse therin, soo shall the same be certain meane and occasion, that
ye shall assuredlye what ende soeuer yo_ur_ busines there shall take,
returne to his highnes as hartely welcom and in as greate reputac_i_on
as youe could yo_ur_self desire, wherof for my p_ar_te I am euen for
many respect_es_ as gladde as ye canne be yo_ur_self. Touchyng his
graces affayres I write nothing bicause the same be sufficiently touched
in his highnes l_ette_res nowe addressed vnto youe, only for newes ye
shal vndrestand that the douagier is in greate daunger whiche his
Maiestie also willed me to signifie vnto youe, as by the copye of a
l_ette_re sent from themp_er_o_ur_s Ambassador here touching her syknes
ye shal p_er_ceyve. And as concernyng yo_ur_ money I haue taken ordre
w_i_t_h_ yo_ur_ serv_au_nt peter lark, soo as ye shall I doubt ‹not› be
shortly therin satisfied. And thus beseching god to sende youe a good
newe yere, I bid youe as well to fare as I wold myself. From the Rulles
the penultime of Decembre
Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.
_Add._ To my veray good lord, My Lord of Winchestre the King_es_ highnes
Ambassado_ur_ in Fraunce.
_Endd._ From the Roulles the xxx^{th} of Decembre Mr. Secretary
132. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹THE PRIOR OF MONTACUTE›.
R.O. Cal. ix. 1127. ‹1535.›
Has received his letters saying that a young person has made
suit to obtain the lease after its expiration. The King is
assured that he will not recommend any one to him who will
not act honourably and for the King’s profit.
In my right hertie man_er_ I co_m_mende me vnto you Adu_er_tesing the
same that I haue receyued your l_ette_res right well p_er_ceyuing the
content_es_ of the same And where as ye write vnto me that a nother
p_er_son of younger yeres should make sute for thopteyning of the lease
after the yeres all redie g_ra_unted in the same being expired and
determyned the truth is that there is labour made aswell vnto Mr. Norres
as other which is not so vehement ne hastie But that it may be right
well stayed. Neu_er_theles the king_es_ highnes hauing ferme trust in
yo_ur_ dexteritie and wisedom must ned_es_ haue regarde and
expectac_i_on in yo_ur_ l_ette_res. Doubting not but ye will not
p_re_ferre any other vnto his highnes but suche as shalbe right mete to
do that thing which shalbe most for their own honestie and will haue
good regarde and aspect to the King_es_ most proffite.
133. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹POLE›[859].
B.M. Cleop. E. vi, 371; Cal. viii. 220. ‹1535.›
Desires the recipient to answer the things contained in
Starkey’s letter to him, which was written by the King’s
express commandment.
Syr after my most harty reco_m_me_n_datyanys thys shalbe in few & short
wordys to requyre you accordyng to the callyng that our lord Jh_es_u
Chryst hath callyd & redemyd you that ys to say as wel wyth the gyft of
gud l_ette_res and vnderstondyng, as wyth the most excelle_n_t gyft of
jugeme_n_t in the same, ye wyl indeuur yourselfe to make answere vnto
such thyngys as be co_n_tynyd in master starkeys l_ette_res to you
wrytyn at thys tyme, by the kyng our masturys & soueraynys expresse
cu_m_ma_n_deme_n_t & that the same answer may be such & of such gravyte,
as the lyght & truthe therof may be to the honowre of god, & the
satysfactyon of hys hyghnes. Wherof I assure you I wold be as glad as
any pare_n_t or frend ye haue lyuy_n_g not dowtyng in your approuyd
wysedome & jugeme_n_t but that ye wyl exte_n_d the gyftys gyue_n_ vnto
you in such wyse as leuyng al your respectys or affectyon wole so
inserch your co_n_scyence & jugeme_n_t for the truth as ye wole both
dyscharge yourselfe agaynst god & your pry_n_ce, in dowyng wherof you
shal assurydly dow the thyng much to thencrese of your meryte & fame,
wherin as he that ys your assuryd frend to hys lytyl power I requyre you
to haue indyffere_n_t co_n_syderatyon & so to ordur yourselfe therin as
the expectatyon of your frendys wythe the jugeme_n_t of al me_n_ that
knowyth you may be satysfyd in that behalfe & thus our lord send you no
worse to fare than I wold ye dyd at london
_Add._ To my synguler frend Mayster Edmu_n_de Herwel marchant at Venyce
134. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹AN ABBOT›.
R.O. Cal. viii. 1122. ‹1535.›
In consideration of his willing mind, has obtained the
King’s licence for him to resort to his manors near his
monastery, provided that by so doing he causes no
disturbance.
Ye shall vnderstand that I haue resceyved yo_ur_ l_ette_res[860], and
touching that ye desire among_es_ other thing_es_ licence for yo_ur_
selfe and certayn of yo_ur_ bretherne to walke to yo_ur_ mano_ur_s and
other places about yo_ur_ monastery. Ye shall understand that in
considerac_i_on of the good and toward mynd that I have found yn you
toward_es_ me and my s_er_uaunt_es_ diu_er_se ways I[861] have opteynyd
licence of the king_es_ highnes for yo_ur_ selfe that ye may resorte
vnto yo_ur_ maners and other convenyent walkes nygh vnto yo_ur_
monastery, so that no co_m_mon brute may be reysed therby, not doubtyng
but ye will vse yo_ur_ selfe so (as for the good will and mynd I bere
toward you) it may be to the good zele of religion and as I may therby
resceyve no disworship therby. so that always yo_ur_ bretherne must
ned_es_ use and order theymself_es_ accordyng to the Iniunccions in that
case geven unto theym in that behalf.
END OF VOL. I.
Oxford: Printed at the Clarendon Press, by HORACE HART, M.A.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Antiquarian Magazine, Aug. 1882, vol. ii. p. 57.
[2] Manning and Bray, History and Antiquities of the County of Surrey,
vol. iii. p. 268.
[3] Court Rolls of Wimbledon Manor, 15 Edw. IV. These rolls are now in
the possession of Earl Spencer, lord of the manor. They were made
accessible to me through the courtesy of his steward, Mr. Joseph
Plaskitt.
[4] The original entry reads: ‘Joh_ann_es Cromwell filius et heres
W_ilelmi_ Cromwell nup_er_ de Northwell in com_itatu_ Nottingham remisit
totum jus &c. in quodam mess_uagio_ vocat_o_ Parkersplace et in quodam
tofto et v acris terr_a_e et in uno tofto cum crofto et vii acris terrae
dudum nup_er_ voc_atis_ Kendalisland et in viii acris terrae et
dimid_io_ jacent_ibus_ in villa et campis de Northwell mag_istro_
Joh_anni_ Porter prebendario prebende de Northwell voc_ato_ prebende de
Palishall in eccl_e_sia colleg_ii_ b_eata_e Mari_a_e Suthwell et
succ_essoribus_ suis’ (Dods. MSS. in Bibl. Bodl., vol. xxxvi. p. 97, 1
Edw. IV.)
[5] Antiquarian Magazine for August, 1882, vol. ii. p. 59.
[6] Dods. MSS., vol. xi. pp. 193a, 248a; vol. xxxvi. p. 103. Thorold
Rogers, in his History of Agriculture and Prices, vol. iv. p. 3, refers
to Ralph Lord Cromwell as ‘one of the richest men of the fifteenth
century.’
[7] Cf. Appendix I. at the end of this chapter.
[8] The following are some of the more common entries concerning Walter
Cromwell:--
‘P_resenta_nt q_uo_d Gualterus Cromwell est co_mmuni_s br_acia_tor de
here et fregit ass_is_am’ and ‘q_uo_d Gualterus Cromwell et ... sunt
co_mmun_es tipell_ari_i s_er_uisie et freg_eru_nt ass_is_am ideo ip_s_i
in mi_sericordi_a vi d.’ (Court Rolls, 17 Nov., 10 Hen. VII.; 17 Oct.,
15 Hen. VII.; 28 Oct., 17 Hen. VII.)
‘It_em_ p_resenta_nt q_uo_d Gualterus Smyth alias Crumwell nimis
excess_iv_e supo_n_unt co_mmuna_m pas_tur_am d_omi_ni ... cum av_ii_s
suis ad co_mmun_e nocument_um_ ideo ip_s_e in mi_sericordi_a vi d.
‘Item presentant q_uo_d { Gualterus
{ Johannes
Smyth de Puttenhith succid_un_t spinas in co_mmun_a p_astu_ra d_omi_ni
apud Puttenhith. Ideo ip_s_i in mis_ericordi_a iiii d.’ (Court Rolls, 28
Oct., 17 Hen. VII.)
[9] Court Rolls, 20 Edw. IV. and 16 Hen. VII.
[10] According to the record of 20 May, 11 Hen. VII.: ‘Eleg_erun_t in
offic_io_ constabul_arii_ de Puttenhith Gualterum Smyth qui jur_atus_
_est_ in eod_em_ offic_io_.’
[11] As by an entry of 20 May, 19 Hen. VII.: ‘Gualterus Smyth et ...
ibid_em_ jur_ati_ p_re_sent_ant_ _om_nia bene.’
[12] The entry in full reads: ‘It_e_m p_re_s_entant_ q_uo_d W ...
Crumwell al_ia_s Smyth false _e_t fraudulent_er_ rasuravit evidenc_es_
_e_t terrur_es_ d_omi_ni in div_ersi_s p_ar_cell_is_ ad
p_er_turbac_i_o_n_em _e_t exheredac_i_o_n_em d_omi_ni _e_t tenenciu_m_
ejus ut plenius apparet in eisd_e_m. I_de_o co_n_solend_um_ _est_ cum
do_mi_no et medio te_mpor_e pr_efatum_ est bidell_o_ seisir_e_ in manus
d_omi_ni om_n_ia t_e_r_ras_ _e_t ten_ementa_ sua tent_a_ de d_omi_no
p_er_ copiam, _e_t de exit_u_ eor_um_ d_omi_ni respon_dere_’ (Court
Rolls, 10 Oct., 6 Hen. VIII.; also Extracts, p. 74).
[13] Cal. vi. 696.
[14] Antiquarian Magazine, vol. ii. p. 178.
[15] Cal. iv. 5772. Cf. also Noble, Memoirs, vol. i. pp. 4-5, 238-241.
The statements in Noble about the Williamses and Cromwells are most
confusing and contradictory. Except for the information afforded
concerning Morgan Williams, they are without value, and for the most
part have been superseded by documentary evidence, discovered at a later
date.
[16] Court Rolls, 10 Oct., 5 Hen. VII., and Cal. iv. 5772.
[17] Cal. iv. 5757.
[18] Antiquary for October, 1880, vol. ii. p. 164. Antiquarian Magazine
for August and October, 1882, vol. ii. pp. 56 and 178.
[19] The original entries read as follows:--
1. ‘Ad hanc cur_iam_ venit Ric_ard_us Williams et surs_um_ red_idit_ in
man_us_ d_omi_ni duas i_n_tegras virgatas terrae in Hamptone ... quarum
una vocata Purycroft ... et alia virgata vocata Williams ad op_us_
Thomae Smyth hered_um_ et assign_atorum_’ (Court Rolls, 26 Feb., 19 Hen.
VII.)
2. ‘Ric_ard_us Williams fecit in_s_ul_tum_ Thomae [Smyth] et eundem
Thomam verberavit c_ont_ra pac_em_ d_omi_ni Regis’ ... ‘Ad hanc cur_iam_
venit Thomas Smyth et surs_um_ redidit in man_us_ d_omi_ni duas
i_n_tegras virgatas terrae in Rokhamptone ... quar_um_ una virgata
vocata Purycroft et alia virgata vocata Williams ad op_us_ Davidii Doby
hered_um_ et assign_atorum_’ (Court Rolls, 20 May, 19 Hen. VII.)
[20] Antiquarian Magazine for October, 1882, vol. ii. p. 183.
[21] It is possible that the Thomas Smyth, whose name occurs so
frequently in the Court Rolls, was identical with a certain ‘tryumphant
trollynge Thomas Smyth,’ who, in 1541, wrote several ballads ‘declaring
the despyte of a secrete sedycyous person,’ by name William Graye, who
had composed certain verses very derogatory to the memory of Thomas
Cromwell. This Thomas Smyth describes himself as ‘servaunt to the Kynges
royall Majestye, and clerke of the Quenes Graces Counsell, though most
unworthy’; he had perhaps obtained his position through the influence of
the King’s minister. He was supported in his tirade against Graye by
‘the ryght redolent and rotunde rethorician R. Smyth ... in an
Artificiall apologie articulerlye answerynge to the obstreperous
obgannynges of one W. G. evometyd to the vituperacyon of the tryumphant
trollynge Thomas Smyth ... to thende that the imprudent lector shulde
not tytubate or hallucinate in the labyrinthes of this lucubratiuncle.’
‘R. Smyth’ was probably another member of the Smyth-Cromwell tribe. The
name ‘Ric_ard_us Smyth’ occurs frequently in the Court Rolls (Cal. xvi.
423).
[22] See Appendices I. and III. at the end of this chapter.
[23] See Appendices II. and IV. at the end of this chapter. The
suggestion of Mr. Galton (The Character and Times of Thomas Cromwell, p.
22) that ‘Garigliano’ may be a mistake for ‘Marignano’ is scarcely
plausible. The great victory of Francis I occurred in 1515, when there
is every reason to suppose that Cromwell was in England.
[24] Cal. v. 1197; vii. 923.
[25] The fact that this tale concerns itself with Foxe’s native town of
Boston increases the probability of its authenticity. It was probably
this same Geoffrey Chambers who in later years was so active as
Cromwell’s agent, and as Surveyor-General of the King’s purchased lands.
Cf. Cal. xii. (ii), 490, 783, 835, 852, 857, and Ellis, 3rd Series, vol.
iii. p. 168.
[26] Cal. x. 1218.
[27] Cal. i. 3556.
[28] Appendix I. to this chapter; Antiquary for Oct. 1880, vol. ii. p.
164.
[29] Appendix to chapter iii. p. 59.
[30] Cal. iii. 3502.
[31] ‘Mr. Pryor’ and ‘Mistress Pryor’ both had rooms in Cromwell’s
house, at Austin Friars Gate, where he lived after the year 1524. Before
that date he resided near Fenchurch (Cal. iii. 2624; iv. 3197).
[32] Mr. Gairdner kindly informs me that he was misled by a record
concerning Robert Cromwell (Cal. ii. (i) 1369).
[33] Singer’s Cavendish, vol. i. p. 193 _n._
[34] Ellis, Thomas Cromwell, p. 12.
[35] Life of Wolsey, Dictionary of National Biography, vol. lxii. p.
325.
[36] Cal. i. 5355.
[37] In the original document (Cal. iii. 1026) the name of the Cardinal
is not expressly mentioned. The copy of the citation, however, was sent
by his chaplain, Clerk, and can scarcely have been intended for any one
but Wolsey, since the case had already reached the Papal Court.
[38] Cal. iii. 3681.
[39] Cal. iii. 1026, 1940, 1963, 2441, 3657.
[40] Cal. iii. 2624.
[41] Cal. iii. 2437.
[42] The original is in the Vienna Archives. This copy was made from the
official Record Office transcript. Cf. Cal. ix. 862, and Thomas, The
Pilgrim, p. 107.
[43] John Cromwell of Lambeth.
[44] _sic_, read ‘ou.’
[45] Sir William Compton. See Dictionary of National Biography, vol. xi.
p. 453.
[46] Letters, 1.
[47] On this paragraph, cf. Creighton’s Wolsey, pp. 128-130.
[48] Roper, Life of More, pp. 34-35.
[49] Ibid., pp. 35-38.
[50] On the 29th of April Wolsey entered the House and proposed a
subsidy ‘which he thought should not fall short of £800,000, to be
raised by a tax of four shillings in the pound on all men’s goods and
lands.’ The principal provisions of the Act to which the Commons were
finally induced to give their consent were as follows: for two years ‘a
rate of 5 per cent. was imposed on all lands and goods of the value of
£20 and upwards; 2-1/2 per cent. on goods between £20 and £2; 1-2/3 per
cent. on goods of 40s., or on yearly wages averaging 20s. In the third
year 5 per cent. on all lands of £50 and upwards; and in the fourth and
last year, 5 per cent. on personal property of £50 and upwards. These
rates were doubled in cases of aliens. The Act was not to extend to
Ireland, Wales, Calais, to the counties of Northumberland, Cumberland,
or Westmoreland, to Chester, to the bishopric of Durham, or to Brighton
in Sussex.’ (Cf. Introduction to vol. iii of the Calendar, pp. 243, 253,
270.) Brewer informs us that ‘it had been computed that the subsidy
granted by the Commons would produce £800,000,’ though he confesses that
we are ignorant of the data on which this estimate was based. Lingard
does not discuss the amount of the subsidy, but lays stress on the fact
that the Commons asserted their right to debate on the measure alone.
(Hist. of England, vol. vi. pp. 91-92.)
[51] Cal. iii. 2958. There can be no reasonable doubt concerning the
authorship of this speech. Neither Brewer nor Gairdner question it, and
Pauli, in an article on Wolsey and the Parliament of 1523 (Historische
Zeitschrift for 1889, p. 52), says, ‘Die Rede selbst kann
schlechterdings keinen anderen Urheber haben, und ist späterhin bei der
Confiscation der Papiere Cromwell’s in das Staatsarchiv gekommen.’
[52] _sic_, for ‘of.’
[53] _sic_, for ‘wrongous’ or ‘wrong.’
[54] _sic_, for ‘world.’
[55] _sic_, for ‘they.’
[56] _sic_, for ‘affliction.’
[57] _sic_, for ‘of’?
[58] _sic_, for ‘be conveyed.’
[59] _sic_, for ‘as.’
[60] _sic_, for ‘be,’ possibly meaning ‘very.’
[61] William de Croy, Lord Chievres.
[62] Cal. iv. 969; Doyle’s Baronage, vol. i. p. 689.
[63] Cal. iv. 294, 388, 979, 1385-1386, 1620, 2347-2348, 2379.
[64] Cal. iv. 989, 990.
[65] Cf. Preface to volume iv of the Calendar, pp. 368-369.
[66] Cal. iv. 1833-1834, 2365, 5117, 5145.
[67] Cal. iv. 3461, 4778, 5330; Letters, 6, 8.
[68] Cal. iv. 3360.
[69] Cal. iv. 3334, and Appendix II. at the end of chapter i, p. 19.
[70] Cal. iv. 3079, 3119, 4201, 5169, 5365, 5456.
[71] Cal. iv. 3198, 3475, 3535, 3676, 4117, 4275, 4570, 4573, 5399,
5411.
[72] Letters, 1.
[73] Cal. iv. 2538, 3053, 4107.
[74] Cal. iv. 1768.
[75] Cal. iv. 2387.
[76] Cal. iv. 5080, 5141.
[77] Cal. iv. 3388.
[78] Cf. Appendix at the end of this chapter, p. 58.
[79] Cal. iv. 4560, 4837, 4916.
[80] Cal. iv. 4561.
[81] Cal. iv. 4433, 5757, 6219.
[82] Cal. iv. 3197.
[83] Appendix at the end of this chapter. The will is also printed in
Froude, Appendix to chapter vi. The statement in a footnote that the
names Williams and Williamson are used interchangeably is scarcely
credible.
[84] Cf. footnote 87 in the Appendix, p. 56. The will was originally
misdated, owing to an obviously careless error by the clerk, which was
corrected by him at the time. The other corrections, by Cromwell, are
written in a different-coloured ink; and the handwriting according to
the Calendar (cf. footnote to vol. iv. no. 5772) indicates that they
were made at a later date.
[85] Cal. xi. 1016; xii. (ii) 646.
[86] Cf. the genealogy in the Antiquary, vol. ii. pp. 164 ff.
[87] Altered at the time from:--‘MCCCCC xx viij^{ti}’ by the clerk. All
the other changes are in Cromwell’s hand, and were probably made at a
later date. Cf. footnote in the Calendar, vol. iv. pt. iii. p. 2573.
[88] Altered from:--‘Foure hundreth pownd_es_.’
[89] Altered from:--‘cccc^{li}.’
[90] Altered from:--‘xx^{li}.’