An earnest Conference with
the degenerate and seditious
rebels for the search of
the Cause of their
daily disorder.
Made and compiled by
JOHN PROCTOR.
[SECOND EDITION.]
_Mense Januarii, anno 1555._
[In WYAT's Rebellion, there was as much a social strife
as a political conflict. Like the Rebellions of the
previous reign, it was largely a rising of the Masses
against the Classes. The Kentish Gentlemen and their
dependents were mostly Horsemen, and went for Queen MARY.
The Kentish commons were chiefly Footmen, and many of
them went for WYAT.
This Rebellion was nipped in the bud, because the Kentish
commons were prevented from joining hands with the lower
classes of London. Had they been able to do so, it would
have been the days of WAT TYLER over again.
It is clear that, as stated at page 66, WYAT thought
that the Footmen opposed to him would come over to his
side. This is probably the reason why the action at
Hyde Park Corner was so indecisive, see pages 87 to 89.
Lord PEMBROKE could not trust his Footmen; so only the
Horsemen fought there against WYAT.
PROCTOR was undoubtedly an affectionately loyal subject
of Queen MARY, and magnifies her herein upon every
possible occasion. He says himself at p. 44, that he has
"not fully set forth the whole case, all as it was." He
wrote too soon after the event to do so in print.
At Vol. IV., pp. 88-93, of this Series, we have given a
Protestant account of this Rising by EDWARD UNDERHILL,
the "Hot Gospeller": and at pp. 112-142 of the same
Volume will be found Fox's account of the Imprisonment
of the Princess ELIZABETH, which was occasioned by this
Rebellion; though WYAT, with his dying breath, cleared
her of all knowledge of it.
All these narratives should be compared with the account
in Professor FROUDE's _History_.]
[Illustration]
_To the most excellent and most virtuous Lady, our most
gracious Sovereign, MARY, by the grace of GOD,
Queen of England, France, Naples, Hierusalem, and
Ireland; Defender of the Faith; Princess of Spain,
and Sicily; Archduchess of Austria; Duchess of
Milan, Burgundy, and Brabant; Countess of Hapsburg,
Flanders, and Tyrol;
your Majesty's most faithful, loving, and
obedient subject, JOHN PROCTOR, wisheth
all grace, long peace, quiet reign,
from GOD the Father,
the Son, and the
HOLY GHOST_.
IT hath been allowed, most gracious Sovereign, for a necessary policy
in all Ages, as stories do witness, that the flagitious enterprises of
the wicked, which have at any time attempted with traitorous force to
subvert or alter the Public State of their countries, as also the wise
and virtuous policies of the good practised to preserve the Common Weal
and to repel the enemies of the same, should by writing be committed
to eternal memory. Partly that they of that Age in whose time such
things happened might by the oft reading conceive a certain gladness in
considering with themselves, and beholding as it were in a glass, from
what calamity and extreme ruin, by what policy and wisdom, their native
countries were delivered; besides the great misery and peril they
themselves have escaped: partly for a doctrine and a monition serving
both for the present and future time. But chiefly and principally
that the traitors themselves (who, through hatred to their Prince or
country, shall, either of their own malicious disposition be stirred;
or else by other perverse counsel thereunto induced) may always have
before their eyes the miserable end that happeneth as just reward to
all such caytives [_caitiffs_] as, either of ambition not satisfied
with their own state will seek preposterously to aspire to honour; or
of malice to their Prince, will enter into that horrible crime of Privy
Conspiracy or Open Rebellion.
The industry of Writers doth sufficiently declare in a number of
stories that conspiracy and treason hath always turned to the authors
a wretched and miserable end: and if their persons happen at any time
to escape temporal punishment, as rarely they have done; yet their
names, specially of the notorious and principal offenders, have been
always had in such vile and odible detestation in all Ages and among
all nations as, for the same, they have been ever after abhorred of all
good men.
These general considerations, moving others to indict [_endite_]
and pen stories, moved me also to gather together and to register
for memory the marvellous practice of WYAT his detestable
Rebellion; little inferior to the most dangerous reported in any
history, either for desperate courage in the author, or for the
monstrous end purposed by his Rebellion.
Yet I thought nothing less at the beginning than to publish the same
at this time, or at this Age: minding only to gather notes thereof,
where the truth might be best known, for the which I made earnest and
diligent investigation; and to leave them to be published by others
hereafter, to the behoof of our posterity.
But hearing the sundry tales thereof, far dissonant in the utterance,
and many of them as far wide from truth, fashioned from the speakers
to advance, or deprave, as they fantased [_favoured_] the parties; and
understanding besides what notable infamy sprang of this Rebellion
to the whole country of Kent, and to every member of the same, where
sundry and many of them, to mine own knowledge, shewed themselves most
faithful and worthy subjects, as by the story [it]self shall evidently
appear, which either of haste or of purpose were omitted in a printed
book late[ly] set forth at Canterbury.[1] I thought these to be special
considerations whereby I ought, of duty to my country [_County_],
to compile and digest such notes as I had gathered concerning that
Rebellion, in some form or fashion of History; and to publish the same
in this Age, and at this present, contrary to my first intent: as well
that the very truth of that rebellious enterprise might be thoroughly
known, as that also the Shire where that vile Rebellion was practised
might, by opening the full truth in some part, be delivered from the
infamy which, as by report I hear, is made so general in other Shires
as though very few of Kent were free from WYAT's conspiracy.
Most humbly beseeching your Highness to take this my travail in so
good and gracious part; as of your Grace's benign and gentle nature
it hath pleased you to accept my former books dedicated unto your
Highness. Whereby I mind nothing less than to excuse, or accuse, any
affectionately [_partially_]; but to set forth each man's doings truly
according to their demerits: that by the contemplation hereof both
the good may be encouraged in the execution of perfect obedience and
unspotted loyalty; and the wicked restrained from the hateful practice
of such detestable purposes.
The Blessed Trinity preserve your Highness!
[Illustration]
_To the Loving Reader._
THE safe and sure recordation of pains and perils past hath present
delectation, saith TULLY. For things, were they never so bitter and
unpleasant in the execution, being after in peace and security renewed
by report or chronicle, are both plausible [_praiseworthy_] and
profitable, whether they touched ourselves or others.
Being thus in this point persuaded, loving Reader, I thought it a
travail neither unpleasant for thee, nor unthankful for me, to contrive
the late Rebellion practised by WYAT in form of a Chronicle,
as thou seest. Whereby as I mean not to please the evil, nor displease
the good; so I much desire to amend the one by setting before his
eye the lamentable Image of hateful Rebellion, for the increase of
obedience; and to help the other by setting forth the unspotted loyalty
of such as adventurously and faithfully served in this dangerous time,
for the increase of knowledge and policy the better to repress the like
dangers, if any hereafter happen.
And further, although hereby I covet not to renew a fear of a danger
past, yet would I gladly increase a care and study in every good man's
heart to avoid a like danger that may happen, and most times happeneth;
when a danger with much difficulty avoided is not sufficient warning to
beware of the next.
I have forborne to touch any man by name, WYAT only except;
and a few others which the story would not permit to be left out.
Yet take me not that I mean to excuse any man's fault thereby. For
what, should I shew myself so ungrate or unnatural unto my natural
countrymen; as namely to blaze them to the World whom, either their
own good hap or the Queen's surpassing mercy, would to be covered at
this time?
And although I touch some by name, terming them in certain places
"traitors and rebels," just titles of their deserts: yet, GOD is my
witness!, I do it not of malice or envy to any of their persons. I
never hated any of them; no, not WYAT himself! whom, although
he was utterly unknown unto me, yet for the sundry and singular gifts
wherewith he was largely endued, I had him in great admiration. And
now I rather pity his unhappy case than malice his person: and do much
lament that so many good and commendable qualities were abused in the
service of cursed Heresy; whose reward was never other than shameful
confusion, by one way or other, to all that followed her ways.
Finally, if thou suppose I have not fully set forth the whole case,
all as it was, I shall not againsay it; neither thought I it necessary
so to do; but rather so much as for this time might be both plausible
[_praiseworthy_] and profitable, and should satisfy such points as in
the _Dedicatory Epistle_ to the Queen's Majesty are expressed.
Hereafter it may be that further be said touching this matter. In
mean time thou hast no just cause, I trust, to be offended with this
my present enterprise, either for the manner of handling or for the
matter herein handled: the one having sufficient perspicuity and
plainness, the other full truth; for which I have made such diligent
investigation, as I have found it and have herein expressed the same,
especially so much as concerneth Kent.
_Vale!_
[Illustration]
_WYAT's Rebellion:
with the order and manner of
resisting the same._
[Sidenote: The dangerous nature of Heresy.]
[Sidenote: Heresy the special ground of WYAT's Rebellion.]
[Sidenote: Rebellion, the only refuge of heretics.]
WHAT a restless evil Heresy is! ever travailing to bring forth
mischief! never ceasing to protrude all those in whose hearts she is
received to confusion! By what plausible allurements at her entry, she
catcheth favourable entertainment! With what ways of craft and subtilty
she dilateth her dominion! and finally how, of course, she toileth to
be supported by Faction, Sedition, and Rebellion! to the great peril
of subversion of that State where, as a plague, she happeneth to
find habitation: as well the lamentable history of the Bohemians and
Germans, with all others treating of like enterprises by heretics, as
also WYAT's late conspiracy practised with open force, doth
plenteously declare. Who, as it should evidently seem by the trade of
his life and the late disclosing of himself, was so fervently affected
to heresy, although he laboured by false persuasion otherwise to have
coloured it; that, burning inwardly with a prepensed treason in his
breast for the continuance of the same within the realm, he persuaded
to himself such an impossibility therein (the Queen's Highness
prospering and bearing the sceptre of high governance) as could by no
means be brought about without rebellion: the only refuge, as I said,
that indurate heretics have always sought, for maintenance of their
heresy; living under a Catholic Prince.
[Sidenote: WYAT persuaded that the Queen and Heresy could not
reign together.]
[Sidenote: WYAT's repair to London to stir others to his
Rebellion.]
He therefore, being thus inflamed, could no longer contain, but
immediately upon the beginning of the Queen's most happy reign,
forsaking his habitation in the country, went to London of purpose to
stir [HENRY GREY], the Duke of SUFFOLK and his brethren, with others
of power in further countries [_Counties_], whom he knew to be like
affected to heresies and consequently to burn in sembable desire for
continuance of the same: leaving nevertheless such behind him in Kent,
to solicit his and their unhappy case; whom he knew so much addicted
thereunto as, in his absence, for their diligence in such a ministry
needed no overseer.
[Sidenote: WYAT's return into Kent.]
He remained in London till he thought himself thoroughly furnished
every way, and everywhere within the realm, to attempt his determined
enterprise; when apt time should serve. Which done, he returned into
Kent: not of purpose then to proceed; but, understanding his strength,
practised there by his agents to set things in order, and so to
return to London; abiding the time appointed therefore by him and his
complices.
[Sidenote: WYAT preventeth the time.]
But, so it befell, in the mean time, that, at his being in the country,
the [Privy] Council committed a Gentleman of that Shire to ward, one to
WYAT above all others most dear: whereby the common bruit grew
that he, (suspecting his secrets to be revealed, and upon that occasion
to be sent for by the Council) felt himself, as it were for his own
surety, compelled to anticipate his time. But whether that were the
cause or no, doubtful it is.
[Sidenote: The first day of WYAT's stir, at Maidstone.]
But certain it was that WYAT, then proceeding in his
detestable purpose, armed himself and as many as he could: and, giving
intelligence of his determination to his complices, as well at London
as elsewhere, the Thursday after, at Maidstone, in the market time,
being the 25th day of January [1554], in the first year of the Queen's
reign, by Proclamation in writing, published his devilish pretence.
[Sidenote: The cause why WYAT made not Religion the outward
pretence of his Rebellion.]
[Sidenote: The colour of WYAT's Rebellion.]
And considering with himself that to make the pretence of his Rebellion
to be the restoring or continuance of the new and newly-forged Religion
was neither agreeable to the nature of Heresy (which always defendeth
itself by the name and countenance of other matter more plausible);
neither so apt to further his wicked purpose, being not a case so
general to allure all sorts to take part with him: he determined to
speak no word of Religion, but to make the only colour [_pretence_] of
his commotion, only to withstand Strangers [_i.e. the Spaniards_], and
to advance Liberty.
[Sidenote: WYAT's preparative to his Rebellion.]
For as he made his full reckoning that such as accorded with him in
religion would wholly join with him in that rebellion; so he trusted
that the Catholics for the most part would gladly embrace that quarrel
against the Strangers; whose name he took to become odible to all sorts
by the seditious and malicious report which he and his had maliciously
imagined and blown abroad against that nation, as a preparative to
their abominable treason.
His Proclamation therefore published at Maidstone, and so in other
places, persuaded that quarrel to be taken in hand in the defence
of the realm from overrunning by Strangers and for the advancement
of Liberty: where, in very deed, his only and very matter was the
continuance of heresy: as by his own words at sundry times shall
hereafter appear.
[Sidenote: WYAT's untrue persuasions to further his Rebellion.]
And to the end the people should not think that he alone, with a few
other mean Gentlemen, had taken that traitorous enterprise in hand
without comfort or aid of higher powers, he untruly and maliciously
added further to his Proclamation, by persuasion to the people:
That all the Nobility of the realm and the whole [Privy] Council (one
or two only except) were agreeable to his pretensed treason, and would
with all their power and strength further the same; (which he found
most untrue, to his subversion): and That the Lord ABERGAVENNY, [Sir
THOMAS CHEYNEY,] the Lord Warden [of the Cinque Ports], Sir ROBERT
SOUTHWELL, High Sheriff, with all other Gentlemen would join with him
in this enterprise, and set their foot by his, to repel the Strangers.
[Sidenote: How WYAT's untrue persuasions abused the people.]
This Proclamation and such annexed persuasions made at Maidstone on
the market day, and in other parts of the Shire, had so wrought in the
hearts of the people that divers (which before hated him, and he
them) were now, as it seemed, upon this occasion, mutually reconciled;
and said unto him, "Sir, is your quarrel only to defend us from
overrunning by Strangers and to advance Liberty; and not against the
Queen?"
[Sidenote: The nature of a heretic is to say one thing and think
another.]
"No," quod WYAT, "we mind nothing less than any wise to touch
her Grace; but to serve her and honour her, according to our duties."
"Well," quod they, "give us then your hand. We will stick to you to
death in this quarrel!"
That done, there came to him one other, of good wealth, saying, "Sir,"
quod he, "they say I love potage well. I will sell all my spoons, and
all the plate in my house rather than your purpose shall quail; and
sup my potage with my mouth [see p. 72]. I trust," quod he, "you will
restore the right religion again."
[Sidenote: WYAT's own words to prove Heresy to be the ground
of his Rebellion.]
"Whist!" quod WYAT, "you may not so much as name religion,
for that will withdraw from us the hearts of many. You must only make
your quarrel for overrunning by Strangers. And yet to thee, be it said
in counsel, as unto my friend, we mind _only_ the restitution of GOD's
Word. But no words!"
By these his words it appeared that his principal intent was not to
keep out Strangers, which commonly do not invade to our hindrance but
by rebellion amongst ourselves; nor to advance Liberty, which ever
decayeth through treason: but to advance Heresy, the Lady Regent of his
life and doings.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: The apprehension of
Master CHRISTOPHER ROPER by the rebels.]
[Sidenote: Master CHRISTOPHER ROPER's words to WYAT.]
This same Thursday [25th January 1554] as WYAT, THOMAS
ISLEY, and others were occupied at Maidstone with Proclamations to
stir the people and such like; so were others his confederates occupied
in like manner by Proclamations at Milton, Ashford, and other towns in
the east parts of the Shire. Through whose allurements, the multitude
were grown so earnestly affected to WYAT's purpose that they
suffered Master CHRISTOPHER ROPER, a man of good worship and
so esteemed of them, to be taken of WYAT's ministers, and carried out of
the market place, without any manner of rescue: for that he, having his
heart and eye full fixed upon the Queen, not only withstood the reading
of WYAT's traitorous Proclamation at Milton; but also in the same
place proclaimed him and all his, traitors. And being roughly charged
therewith by WYAT and others his gallants, when he was brought
to Rochester, he answered, "This tongue spake it, and doth now avow it."
[Sidenote: The apprehension of Master TUCKE and Master
DORREL.]
They suffered Master TUCKE also, and Master DORREL
of Calehill, being Gentlemen of good worship and Justices of Peace, to
be taken out of their houses by the rebels; and conveyed, without any
manner of rescue, in the day time, to Rochester, being twenty miles
distant: where they, with Master ROPER, were kept as prisoners
in great danger of life.
* * * * *
In like manner, Sir HENRY ISLEY, ANTHONY KNEVET,
WILLIAM KNEVET, with others, were at Tonbridge, Sevenoaks,
and other towns in the west parts of the Shire, stirring the people by
alarms, drums, and Proclamations.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: How WYAT wrote to the Sheriff of his intent to
stir.]
Now ye shall understand that the evening afore [24th January 1554] the
publishing his pretence at Maidstone, WYAT sent a letter, by one THOMAS
MONDE, a man of much honesty, to Sir ROBERT SOUTHWELL, being Sheriff of
the Shire: unto whom long before, as I can understand, he had neither
spoken nor written other than in defiance; they being in contention for
matters of religion as it was said. Nevertheless to serve his purpose,
dissembling his great malice and haughty courage, he wrote a letter to
him of such effect as followeth:
_The effect of WYAT's letter to
Sir ROBERT SOUTHWELL, Sheriff of Kent._
AFTER hearty commendations. There hath been between
you and me many quarrels and grudges, and I ever the
sufferer; and yet have you sought the end which is now
friendly offered unto you, if you be willing to receive
it.
But whatsoever private quarrel you have to me, I doubt not but your
wisdom is too much, seeing so many perils at hand to us both (this
pretensed Marriage [_of King PHILIP to Queen MARY_] taking effect), to
dissent from us in so necessary a purpose as wherein we now determine
to enter for the common wealth of the whole realm. And that you may the
better understand our pretence, I send you the copy of our Proclamation
comprehending the sum and effect of our meaning: whereunto if the
common wealth shall find you an enemy, say not hereafter but that you
were friendly warned.
We forbear to write to the Lord ABERGAVENNY; for what you
may do with him, if you list, we know.
* * * * *
The style of WYAT's Proclamation.
_A Proclamation agreed unto by THOMAS
WYAT, GEORGE HARPER, HENRY ISLEY,
Knights; and by divers of the best
of the Shire; sent unto the
commons of the same._
[Sidenote: WYAT's false presumption of _the best of the
Shire_.]
[Sidenote: Because.]
[Sidenote: Such Councillors he meaneth, as would favour
heresy, &c.]
FORASMUCH as it is now spread abroad, and certainly pronounced by
[STEPHEN GARDINER, Bishop of WINCHESTER] the Lord Chancellor and others
of the [Privy] Council, of the Queen's determinate pleasure to marry
with a Stranger, &c. We therefore write unto you, because you be our
friends, and because you be Englishmen, that you will join with us, as
we will with you unto death, in this behalf; protesting unto you before
GOD, that no earthly cause could move us unto this enterprise but this
alone: wherein we seek no harm to the Queen, but better counsel and
Councillors; which also we would have foreborne in all other matters,
saving only in this. For herein lieth the health and wealth of us all.
[Sidenote: Lo, loud lie!]
For trial hereof and manifest proof of this intended
purpose, lo now, even at hand, Spaniards be now already
arrived at Dover, at one passage, to the number of a
hundred, passing upward to London in companies of ten,
four, and six, with harness [_armour_] harquebusses and
morians [_helmets_] with match light[ed]; the foremost
company whereof be already at Rochester.
We shall require you therefore to repair to such places
as the bearers hereof shall pronounce unto you, there
to assemble and determine what may be best for the
advancement of Liberty and common wealth in this behalf,
and to bring with you such aid as you may.
_The end of WYAT's Proclamation._
* * * * *
The messenger that brought the letter, with the Proclamation, from
WYAT to the Sheriff, being not privy to the contents thereof
and having charge, upon his life, to return an answer with all speed,
importuned the Sheriff so much therefore (although he saw him greatly
busied in giving advertisement throughout the Shire of WYAT's
traitorous determination) as he nevertheless (to satisfy the messenger,
whom he knew to be a right honest man; notwithstanding his diligence
was abused in so lewd a message), made him answer out of hand as
followeth:
* * * * *
_The Sheriff's answer to the Messenger
that brought WYAT's letter._
"NEIGHBOUR MONDE, rather to satisfy your importunity than to answer
WYAT's letter, whom in this case I disdain to answer, or to speak with
you apart coming from a traitor, you may say unto him, That as indeed I
have been desirous of his friendship for neighbourhood's sake, so have
I much more desired his reformation in divers points of great disorder:
whereby he certainly knew, as well by my speech to himself as other
means coming to his knowledge, that I have sithens the beginning of the
Queen's reign holden him and some of his colleges [_colleagues_] in
this conspiracy vehemently suspected for like matters as now they have
attempted.
"Wherein seeing he hath not deceived me, but by opening himself
hath manifestly verified mine opinion conceived of him; I purpose
not to purchase his friendship so dear[ly] as for the game of him
to lose myself and my posterity in perpetual infamy. And if such
things which his fond [_foolish_] head hath weighed for perils, to
the condemnation of the whole wisdom of the realm (they allowing the
same for good), had been indeed as perilous as he with others, for
want of due consideration, deemeth them: his duty had been to have
opened his opinion therein as a humble and reverent petitioner to the
Queen's Highness, or to some of her Grace's Council. But to press his
Sovereign, in any suit or upon any occasion, with weapon and armour,
by stirring her subjects to rebellion; that is, and always hath been,
accounted the part of the most arrogant and presumptuous traitors: and
so do I note him and his mates, as you may tell them; and shall, GOD
willing, provide for them accordingly.
"Now good man MONDE, it shall be in your choice whether you will carry
this message or no. But, as your friend, I shall advise you to seek out
better company."
The messenger excusing himself by ignorance, departed to WYAT with
answer: and, soon after, returned to the Sheriff; under whom he served
the Queen very faithfully.
* * * * *
The Sheriff being made privy, as ye have heard, by WYAT to his
traitorous pretence the night before he stirred; and wanting no good
will, as it should seem, with the help of the Lord ABERGAVENNY who was
as forward as he, to have resisted the reading of WYAT's Proclamation
at Maidstone the day following and to disperse his force, sent for
Gentlemen and yeomen in all haste to that end.
But before he could gather Power meet to attempt the repressing of such
a force (sundry of his neighbours of greatest possessions, and towns
most populous, which should have been his chief aid, being contrary
bent), WYAT accompanied with a force well armed and weaponed marched
to Rochester the same Thursday [25th January 1554]; HARPER and others
meeting him in the way. Where fortifying the east parts of the town,
and breaking up the bridge towards the west; he abode the coming of his
appointed strength: suffering all passengers to pass quietly through
the town, to London, or to the sea; taking nothing from them but only
their weapons.
And being the Friday [26th January] all day at Rochester, and not
hearing from ISLEY, the town of Tonbridge, and other his conjurates of
the west part of the Shire; he addressed an earnest letter the Saturday
morning [27th January] to ISLEY, the KNEVETS, and others, with the town
of Tonbridge, requiring them to accelerate their coming unto him.
[Sidenote: The rifling of Sir HENRY SIDNEY his armour.]
According whereunto ISLEY, the KNEVETS, with others, being newly
returned from Penshurst (where they rifled Sir HENRY SIDNEY [of] his
armour; he being attendant upon the Queen's Highness as a faithful
subject), perceiving WYAT to long for their coming, resolved to observe
their promise and march forwards that night towards WYAT.
But understanding that the Lord ABERGAVENNY, the Sheriff, and GEORGE
CLARKE had now gathered a force, and were prest to encounter them:
first ere they departed out of the town, they thought it good by some
kind of Proclamation, to alienate the people's hearts from them; as
they did in the manner following:
_The copy of the Proclamation made at Tonbridge,
by Sir HENRY ISLEY, ANTONY KNEVET
and his brother, with others._
YOU shall understand that HENRY [NEVILLE] Lord ABERGAVENNY, ROBERT
SOUTHWELL Knight, GEORGE CLARKE Gentleman, have most traitorously, to
the disturbance of the common wealth, stirred and raised up the Queen's
most loving subjects of this realm to defend the most wicked and
devilish enterprise of certain of the wicked and perverse Councillors,
to the utter confusion of this her Grace's realm, and the perpetual
servitude of all the Queen's most loving subjects. In consideration
whereof, we Sir THOMAS WYAT Knight, Sir GEORGE HARPER Knight, Sir HENRY
ISLEY Knight, ANTONY KNEVET Esquire, with all the faithful Gentlemen
of Kent and trusty commons of the same, do pronounce the said HENRY
Lord ABERGAVENNY, ROBERT SOUTHWELL and GEORGE CLARKE Gentleman, to be
traitors to GOD, the Crown, and the common wealth.
This done, with all speed calling their company together by noise of
drums, and leaving their direct way to Rochester, for that they would
not come under the wing of the Lord ABERGAVENNY and the Sheriff, they
marched that night [27th January] to Sevenoaks. Taking order with such
as were left behind in the town [of Tonbridge], that they should be in
a readiness to come whensoever they should be sent for by WYAT; and
that by no ways they should believe any tales. "For," quod they, "the
Council will now send abroad flying lies and tales to discredit us and
discomfort you: for it is their policy."
ANTONY KNEVET, after he was lept to his horse, took one by the hand,
and said, "Fare you well. And if you hap to hear that I am taken, never
believe it: for undoubtedly I will either die in the field or achieve
my purpose." But within four and twenty hours he brake his promise, and
ran away no faster than his legs could carry him.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: The Herald's coming to Rochester.]
Well, I shall now leave them marching to Sevenoaks; and return to WYAT
at Rochester. This present Saturday [27th January] came unto him from
the Queen's Highness a Herald and a trumpeter.
WYAT, at the sound of the trumpet, came to the bridge, where the Herald
was with his coat armour carrying the Arms of England on his back. But
WYAT, without using any reverence to him either for his coat or office,
would not suffer him to come into the town to declare his message; and
[the Herald] pressing to come in, he offered to strike him: whereupon
the Herald stayed and did his message there, so that only WYAT with
a few with him heard it. Which, as men could gather by the report of
them that heard it, was promise of pardon to as many as would retire to
their houses within four and twenty hours after the Proclamation, and
become good subjects. But WYAT would not suffer his soldiers in anywise
to hear it, nor any other Proclamation coming from the Queen.
[Sidenote: The Lord Warden's greeting to WYAT.]
In the mean time also, Sir THOMAS CHEYNEY, Lord Warden, being a
most faithful and noble subject, had sent him such salutations as of
honour ought to be used to a traitor. And being very desirous to be
doing with him, and to prove on his body what in words of greeting he
had affirmed, felt yet by his discretion and long experience great
causes of stay. For WYAT desired nothing more than his coming forth;
persuading [himself] that he wanted no friends about him, nor any
others that would take in hand to repress him with force gathered in
that Shire. And, undoubtedly, doubtful were the hearts of the people,
and marvellously bent to favour WYAT and his purpose; as by daily
events appeared.
* * * * *
The Lord ABERGAVENNY and the Sheriff who, the Saturday [27th January]
next after WYAT's stir, were at Malling in the way towards Rochester
(where WYAT lay); having with them a company of well appointed
subjects. In whom notwithstanding for the more part they had good
opinion of trustiness and honesty: yet having the general case of the
people's disposition in their eye; and not without cause suspecting in
their Band, amongst so many faithful and good, some such to be, upon
trust of whose trustless and brittle aid it were no good policy to
adventure far--pondering therewith that this illusion of the people,
whereby they were so far drawn from their right course and duty, grew
chiefly by such crafty and false persuasions as WYAT and his mates
had set forth in sundry parts of the Shire, by way of Proclamation in
writing: wherein, amongst other gross lies they had set forth also
matters of untruth to discredit the Lord ABERGAVENNY and the Sheriff;
as WYAT, in his persuasions, that they would join with him; and ISLEY,
in his Proclamation that they had traitorously assembled the Queen's
loving subjects against her Grace and the realm.
It seemed unto them very good and necessary to spend some time at
Malling in advising and lessening [_lessoning_] the multitude; and by
way of exhortation to impugn those traitorous Proclamations, and refell
such gross and false lies therein contained; and finally to dissuade
the people, which, that day being market day, were assembled to a great
number of all sorts, from the traitors and their attempts.
And accordingly the Sheriff had penned an Exhortation to that purpose,
which was pronounced out of writing in Malling; and sent after by him
into other parts. The hearing whereof did undoubtedly much move the
people, as after shall appear.
I shall report the same in substance truly; howbeit not fully in the
same form and manner as I found it, and as it was penned and pronounced
by the Sheriff: who, in the utterance and setting forth thereof, spared
not to speak plainly and touch sharply, as then the present time and
case employed vehement occasion.
_An Exhortation made by Sir ROBERT SOUTHWELL
Knight, Sheriff of Kent, at Malling, the Satur-
day being the 27th day of January, and
market day there, to a great assembly
of people; refelling and confuting
WYAT and his complices'
traitorous Proclama-
tions. WYAT being
at Rochester,
four miles
distant._
LOVING neighbours and friends. Where of late there hath been most
pestilent and traitorous Proclamations, as ye have heard, set forth
by THOMAS WYAT, GEORGE HARPER, HENRY ISLEY, and others, as most arrant
traitors to the Queen and the realm; some of them the Queen's ancient
enemies aforetime, and double traitors: yet notwithstanding accounting
themselves to be the best of the Shire in their Proclamations; and
in the same reputing and pronouncing others as traitors whom ye can
witness to have been, from time to time, true and faithful subjects
to the Queen and this our common weal, as the Lord ABERGAVENNY here
present, myself, and other Gentlemen now prest and ready with you,
according to our duty, to serve our noble Queen. I shall need to spend
the less time to declare unto you how evil they be, or how evil their
enterprise is that they have taken in hand: forasmuch as this their
arrogant presumption and presumptuous pride in advancing themselves
so far from all truth, and in depraving of others so maliciously for
executing their bounden duty, ought abundantly to persuade what they
be, to all of consideration, without further circumstance.
"But forasmuch as in their Proclamations they fill the ears of the
Queen's liege people with gross and manifest lies to stir them against
her Grace, in the utterance whereof they use this demonstration,
"Lo!" signifying some notable thing near at hand, for credit worthy
impression in their memory, as:--
'Lo, a great number of Strangers be now arrived at Dover
in harness [_armour_] with harquebusses morians and
matchlight.'
"I say unto you, neighbours and friends, upon pain to be torn in pieces
with your hands, that it is untrue; and a manifest lie invented by them
to provoke and irritate the Queen's simple people to join with them in
their traitorous enterprise. And therefore I have perfect hope that
you, being afore time abused with their crafty and deceitful treason,
will not now once again (having experience of their former evil) be
trapped, for any persuasion, in so heinous a snare as this most vile
and horrible crime of treason.
"Do you not see and note that, as in the beginning of the Queen's
most gracious reign, some of them sought to deprive her Grace of her
princely estate and rightful dignity, minding to advance thereunto the
Lady JANE, daughter to the Duke of SUFFOLK; so are they and others
newly confedered [_confederated_] with the Duke and his brethren, being
in arms at this present for the same purpose, and daily looking for aid
of these traitors and others of their conspiracy: as by the Queen's
most gracious letters, signed with her own hand, and ready to be read
here, may plainly appear unto you? And will you now nevertheless aid
them any ways, or sit still whilst they go about thus wrongfully and
traitorously to depose their, and our, most gracious Sovereign Lady and
Queen! the comfort of us all! the stay of us all! the only safeguard of
us all! to whom can no displeasure or danger chance, but the same must
double [_doubly_] redound to all and every of us!
"No, friends and neighbours, I trust never to live to see you so far
abused. They go about to blear you with matters of Strangers, as though
they should come to overrun you and us also. He seemeth very blind, and
willingly blinded, that will have his sight dimmed with such a fond
[_foolish_] mist! For if they meant to resist Strangers, as they mind
nothing less: they would then prepare to go to the sea coasts; and
not to the Queen's most royal person, with such a company in arms and
weapon[s].
"Ye can consider, I trust, this noble Gentleman, the Lord
ABERGAVENNY here present, being of an ancient and great
parentage, born among you; and such other Gentlemen as you see here,
which be no strangers unto you; myself also, although a poor Gentleman
(who I trust at no time hath abused you), hath somewhat to lose as well
as they; and would be as loth to be overrun with Strangers as they; if
any such thing were meant. But for that we know most certainly that
there is meant no manner of evil to us by those Strangers; but rather
aid profit and comfort against other strangers, our ancient enemies
[_the French_]; with whom they, as most arrant and degenerate traitors,
do indeed unkindly and unnaturally join: we, in her Grace's defence,
will spend both life and what we have beside, to the uttermost penny,
against them.
"Well, I can no more now say unto you, but (understanding the
Queen's Highness, as a most merciful Princess, to be once again
determined to pardon as many as, by their traitorous and deceitful
Proclamations and other illusions, were allured to this last treason;
so they repair to their habitations within four and twenty hours
after her Grace's Proclamation read, and become true subjects to her
Grace) to advise such as hath taken part with those traitors, or have
withdrawn themselves (contrary to their allegiance) from aiding and
serving of their Sovereign, according to their duties, against her
enemies, thankfully to accept and embrace her most gracious pardon;
and use means of themselves to apprehend those arrant and principal
traitors, and make a present of them to the Queen's Highness; or
leave them to themselves, as most detestable traitors: who being
once so graciously and mercifully forgiven could not but carry the
clemency of the same in their hearts to the furtherance of all
obedience whiles they lived, if there had been any spark of grace in
them.
"And further I have to say unto you that as these traitors, by their
Proclamations without authority, have moved you to stir against the
Queen your Sovereign; and appointed you places where to meet and
consult for the furtherance of their traitorous purpose and to bring
with you such aid as you can: so shall I require you, and in her
Grace's name charge you that be here present, not to come there; but
that you, and such as be absent, taking knowledge hereby, repair to
such places as I, the Queen's Sheriff and Officer, shall appoint
you, with such aid as you can bring for the better service of the
Queen and the Shire: where you shall be assured to receive comfort,
thanks, and honesty to the end of your lives and your posterity. And
the other way but endless shame and utter undoing to you and yours;
which shall be worst to yourselves, and yet a great grief to us your
neighbours: whose advice in all other your private causes you have
been content to follow; and now in this weightiest that hath, or may,
happen to you will refuse us, and follow them that hath ever abused
you to your and their utter confusion.
At Malling, the 27th of January [1554], _anno Mariæ
primo_. GOD save Queen MARY and all her well willers!"
* * * * *
The Sheriff reading this Exhortation, caused one BARRAM, a Gentleman
and servant to the Lord ABERGAVENNY, to pronounce it, as he read it,
so loud and so distinctly as the people assembled round about him,
to a very great number, in manner of a ring, might easily hear and
understand every word proceeding from BARRAM: who of his own head
cried out unto them, "You may not so much as lift up your finger
against your King or Queen!"
And after the people had heard the Sheriff's Exhortation; and cried
"GOD save Queen MARY!" which they did most heartily, spending therein a
convenient time; the Sheriff used these words unto them:
[Sidenote: The Sheriff's speech to the multitude.]
"Masters," quod he, "although I alone did speak unto you; yet what
words were spoken to you by me were also spoken to you by the Lord
ABERGAVENNY and all the Gentlemen here present: in whose persons I then
spake; and now require at your hands a plain and resolute answer. Will
you now therefore join with such as you see evidently to be arrant
traitors; or else with the Lord ABERGAVENNY and such Gentlemen as you
see here present, that will live and die with you in defence of our
rightful Queen against these traitors?"
[Sidenote: The people's answer to the Sheriff.]
The people with one voice defied WYAT and his complices as arrant
traitors, and said that they now well espied they had but abused
them. Wherefore in defence of Queen MARY, they would die upon them:
expressing their minds with such earnest shouts and cries as shewed to
proceed unfeignedly from their hearts; which after was confirmed by a
better experience the day following, as ye shall anon hear.
[Sidenote: WYAT's promise of BARRAM's reward.]
But by the way ye shall understand that WYAT hearing of this
Proclamation, said, "I know that BARRAM well; but yet I never took
him to have so wide a throat. If I live, I may happen to make him
crow a higher note in another place." What trow you should then have
become of the author?
* * * * *
[Sidenote: The Duke of NORFOLK and Sir HENRY JERNINGHAM's coming to
Gravesend.]
In the Sunday following [28th January 1554], the Lord ABERGAVENNY,
the Sheriff, and the rest of the Gentlemen were determined to have
marched in the morning early towards Rochester, to have aided the
Duke of NORFOLK and Sir HENRY JERNINGHAM Captain of the Guard, then
being at Gravesend, towards WYAT; with a certain Band [_Regiment_]
of White Coats, to the number of 600, sent unto them from London;
whereof BRET and others were their Captains.
[Sidenote: ROGER APPULTON and THOMAS SWAN trusty Gentlemen.]
ROGER APPULTON Gentleman was also at Gravesend with the Duke,
attendant to serve: wherein likewise was THOMAS SWAN Gentleman.
[Sidenote: The Lord ABERGAVENNY sets the watch in person.]
This Saturday [27th January] at night, the Lord ABERGAVENNY
suspecting WYAT and his complices (living within four miles of
them; and being so much provoked in that they were, in the day, so
rightly set forth in their colours [_illusions_] at Malling) would,
for revenge, work some annoyance to them or his Band that night,
either by a _camasado_ [_night attack_] or by some other means; did
therefore, to prevent the same, set a strong watch in the market
place at Malling and other parts of entry into the town: and gave the
watch-word himself before he would take any rest.
[Sidenote: A larom at Malling.]
But between one and two of the clock in the night, when everybody
was taken to rest save the watch, there happened a larom [_an
alarm_], sundry crying, "Treason! Treason! We are all betrayed!" in
such sort that such as were in their beds or newly risen thought
verily that, either WYAT with his Band had been in the town, or very
near.
The thing was so sudden and happened in such a time as men not
acquainted with like matters were so amazed that some of them knew
not well what to do: and yet in the end it proved to [be] nothing.
[Sidenote: A meaning of the rebels to burn Master GEORGE CLARKE's
house.]
For it grew by a messenger that came, very late in the night,
desiring to speak with the Lord ABERGAVENNY or Master Sheriff, to
give them certain advertisement, That Sir HENRY ISLEY, the two
KNEVETS, and certain others, with 500 Wealdish men [_i.e._, _from the
Weald of Kent_] were at Sevenoaks; and would march in the morning
early from thence towards Rochester, for the aid of WYAT against the
Duke of NORFOLK: and in their way, burn and destroy the house of
GEORGE CLARKE aforesaid.
* * * * *
Whereupon the Lord ABERGAVENNY and the Sheriff, by the advice of the
Gentlemen before named, for that the said CLARKE had been a painful
[_painstaking_] and serviceable Gentleman, changed their purposed
journey from Rochester, to encounter with ISLEY and his Band, to cut
them [off] from WYAT and save CLARKE from spoil.
[Sidenote: The marching of the Lord ABERGAVENNY and the Sheriff to
encounter ISLEY.]
[Sidenote: Wrotham Heath.]
[Sidenote: Barrow Green.]
And so, in the morning early, being Sunday [28th January 1554],
the Lord ABERGAVENNY; the Sheriff; WARRAM SENTLEGER, RICHARD
COVERT, THOMAS ROYDON, ANTONY WELDON, HENRY BARNEY, GEORGE CLARKE,
JOHN DODGE, THOMAS WATTON, HUGH CATLYN, THOMAS HENLEY, CHRISTOPHER
DORREL, HUGH CARTWRIGHT, JOHN SYBIL, Esquires; JOHN CLARKE, DARSIE
of Wrotham, THOMAS CHAPMAN, JAMES BARRAM, JASPER IDEN, JOHN LAMBE,
WALTER HERONDEN, WALTER TAYLOR, JOHN RAYNOLDES, THOMAS TUTTESHAM,
JOHN ALLEN, and THOMAS HOLDICHE, Gentlemen; with yeomen to the number
of 600 or thereabouts; marched out of Malling in order till they
came to Wrotham Heath: where they might easily hear the sound of the
traitor's drums; and so, making haste, pursued them till they came to
a place called Barrow Green [_Borough Green_] through which lay their
right and ready way that the traitors should take, marching from
Sevenoaks towards Master CLARKE.
The Lord ABERGAVENNY, being very glad that he had prevented
[_anticipated_] them in winning the Green, sent out spials [_spies_]
to understand their nearness, and to discrive [_ascertain_] their
number: reposing themselves there till the return of his spials:
who at their coming said, That he needed not to take further pains
to pursue them, for they were at hand, coming towards him as fast
as they could march. Which was glad tidings to the Lord ABERGAVENNY
and his Band. And taking order forthwith to set his men in array;
he determined to abide their coming, and there to take or give the
overthrow.
[Sidenote: The shrinking of the rebels.]
Which the traitors understanding, Whether it was for that they
misliked the match, or the place to fight; whiles the Lord
ABERGAVENNY and his Band were busy in placing themselves; they shrank
as secretly as they could by a bye-way. And were so far gone before
the Lord ABERGAVENNY understood thereof by his spials; as for doubt
[_fear_] of overtaking them afore their coming to Rochester, he was
driven to make such haste for the overtaking of them as divers of his
footmen were far behind at the onset giving.
[Sidenote: The displaying of the rebel's Ensigns.]
[Sidenote: The rebel's overtaken.]
[Sidenote: Blacksoll Field.]
[Sidenote: The Skirmish.]
The first sight that the Lord ABERGAVENNY could have of them, after
they forsook their purposed way, was as they ascended Wrotham Hill,
directly over [against] Yaldarn, Master PECKHAM's house. Where
they, thinking to have great advantage by the winning of the Hill,
displayed their Ensigns bravely: seeming to be in great ruff. But
it was not long after ere their courage was abated. For the Lord
ABERGAVENNY, the Sheriff, and the rest of the Gentlemen, with such
other of the Queen's true and faithful subjects, as with great
pains taking to climb the Hill and to hold way with the Horsemen,
overtook the rebels at a field called Blacksoll Field in the parish
of Wrotham, a mile distant from the very top of the Hill; where the
Lord ABERGAVENNY, the Sheriff, the Gentlemen aforenamed, and others
the Queen's true and faithful subjects, handled them so hot and so
fiercely that, after a small shot with long bows by the traitors, and
a fierce brag shewed by some of the Horsemen, they took their flight
away as fast as they could. Yet of them were taken prisoners above
three score.
[Sidenote: The chase of the Horsemen.]
In this conflict WARRAM SENTLEGER, who brought with him a good
company of soldiers and [was] always a serviceable Gentleman, also
GEORGE CLARKE, ANTONY WELDON, and RICHARD CLARKE did very honestly
behave themselves. WILLIAM SENTLEGER, hearing of a fray towards
between the Queen's true subjects and the traitors, came to the
Lord ABERGAVENNY into the field, with all haste, not an hour before
the Skirmish; who with the rest of the Gentlemen, with certain of
the Lord ABERGAVENNY's and [the] Sheriff's servants, being all well
horsed, served faithfully: and from thence chased the Horsemen till
they came to a wood called Hartley Wood, four miles distant from the
place where the onset began.
The Queen's true subjects did so much abhor their treason, and had
the traitors in such detestation, as with great difficulty any
escaped with life that were taken prisoners; and yet were they all
very well armed and weaponed, and had also great advantage by the
place of fight. Sir HENRY ISLEY lay all that night in the Wood, and
fled after into Hampshire. The two KNEVETS, being well horsed, were
so hastily pursued as they were driven to leave their horses, and
creep into the Wood; and for haste to rip their boots from their legs
and run away in the vampage of their hose. The chase continued so
long as night came on before it was full finished.
Thus were ISLEY, the KNEVETS, and their Band overthrown by the
faithful service of divers Gentlemen and yeomen serving under the
Lord ABERGAVENNY and the Sheriff; whose forwardness courage and
wisdom in this traitorous broil no doubt was very much praiseworthy;
as well for their speedy acceleration of their strength which
(considering how they were every way [en]compassed with the traitors)
was no small matter in so little space; and for their wise and
politic handling also in keeping them together from WYAT, who
marvellously and by sundry ways sought to allure them away. For had
not they, in their own persons, to the encouraging of their company
adventured far; and by their wisdom, discretion and great charge,
politically handled the matter: some think that WYAT had been at
London before he was looked for by any good man, with no small
train; whose journey was greatly hindered, and his company very much
discomfited by this repulse given to ISLEY and his Band. Where,
amongst other things, GOD's secret hand was greatly felt, to the
great comfort and present aid of true subjects against the traitors:
who having such advantage of the place, as indeed they had, were like
rather to give, than receive, so foul an overthrow. But this it is,
you see, to serve in a true cause; and her whom GOD so favoureth that
he will not suffer the malice and rage of her enemies at any time to
prevail against her: to whom he hath given so many notable victories
and so miraculous that her enemies might seem rather to have been
overthrown _Spiritu DEI_ than vanquished _humano robore_.
[Sidenote: Thanksgiving to GOD for victory.]
The Lord ABERGAVENNY, the Sheriff, and the Gentlemen with them, after
they had given humble thanks to GOD for the victory, which they did
very reverently in the Field, and taken order for the prisoners,
were driven to divide themselves for want of harborough [_lodging_]
and vittaile [_victuals_] for the soldiers, that had well deserved
both. The Lord ABERGAVENNY and certain with him went to Wrotham. The
Sheriff and certain with him to Otford, where they had much to do to
get vittaile for their soldiers.
[Sidenote: THOMAS DORRELL of Scotney the younger.]
The Lord ABERGAVENNY and the Sheriff (suspecting that some of those
Gentlemen lately discomfited in this Skirmish would not long tarry in
the realm, but make shift to pass the seas; yea, by spial [_spies_],
understanding that WYAT himself with some of his company thereunto
bent) devised to lay [_warn_] the country [round] about, that they
might not escape. And considering that they would not do it at Dover,
nor in that coast [_district_]; they knowing [Sir JOHN CHEYNEY] the
Lord Warden to have such watch unto them: but rather, for sundry
respects, at Rye, or more southward. And having great proof of THOMAS
DORRELL the younger his fidelity; he returned the same DORRELL,
being newly come unto him with 80 men well appointed, into Sussex:
giving him strait charge that, consulting with Sir JOHN GUILDFORD,
they should, both day and night, set a sure watch for the passing of
any that way to the seacoast; and further to take such order as no
munition, fish, wine, or other vittaile coming out of these parts,
should pass to the relief of the traitors.
[Sidenote: HARPER's running away from WYAT.]
ANTONY KNEVET, notwithstanding great and strait watch laid round
about the country by the Sheriff for the apprehension of him and
others that fled, arrived that Sunday [28th January 1554] at night
late at Rochester: where his news was so joyful that HARPER forthwith
found the mean[s] to rid himself out of their company, without any
leave taking; and ran to the Duke of NORFOLK. To whom he seemed so
greatly to lament his treason, that the Duke, pitying his case, the
rather for the long acquaintance between them in times past, received
him to grace. But, within a day after, he ran from the Duke and
returned to his old mate; as hereafter shall appear.
[Sidenote: WYAT bewailing his case with tears.]
[Sidenote: WYAT's coat of fence quilted with angels.]
[Sidenote: WYAT's practice to fly by sea.]
WYAT hearing of ISLEY his overthrow, and understanding by the
proceeding at Malling the day before, that those things set forth
in his Proclamations whereby he thought his strength at home to be
most surely knit unto him, were now become rather a weakening than
otherwise; the people there being ready to fall from him for his so
abusing of them: he fell into so great extreme anguish and sorrow, as
writing a letter of expostulation to some of his familiars abroad, in
reprehension of their infidelity in that they sticked not to him so
fast as they promised, he bedewed the paper whereupon he wrote with
tears issuing so abundantly from his eyes as it would bear no ink.
And so leaving to write, calling for a privy coat [of armour] that he
had quilted with angels [_a gold coin of the value of 10s._] not long
afore; which might serve both for his defence, and [also be] a refuge
for his necessity being in another country: he practised with such as
were near unto him, where they might have ready passage, and most for
their surety to take the sea. "For England," said he, "is no place
for us to rest in."
His company also shrank from him as fast as they could devise means
to escape: whereunto THOMAS ISLEY and others had a greater respect
than himself; he seeming to take care for nothing but how he might
safely convey himself [away]; being well friended, it was thought,
with some of the ship-masters.
[Sidenote: WYAT mated.]
Thus was WYAT so mated by the Lord ABERGAVENNY, the Sheriff, and
their Band as he was at his wits' end, as ye have heard: and chiefly
by keeping him from that, which by spial about him they afterwards
understood him specially to desire; which was offer of battle. He
and his being fully persuaded that there could be no great force
raised against him in the Shire; whereof the most part should not be
his when it should come to the shew. Wherein although he might be
deceived, as indeed he was; yet his quarrel, with the disposition of
the people thereunto well considered, with the end of his travail
which could be but spoil and ravin (ready means and lures to draw the
careless multitude unto him): it seemed to the Lord ABERGAVENNY and
such as served with him, better policy for to weary WYAT, and weaken
him by the cutting away of his strength from him; than to offer him
battle till the Duke of NORFOLK's coming: whom the Lord ABERGAVENNY
and the Sheriff knew to be at hand towards WYAT; unto whom they and
all the Gentlemen of their Band, after their Skirmish with ISLEY,
made the haste possible they might.
* * * * *
But before their coming, the case was wonderfully changed, to the
great discomfort of all the Queen's true subjects: and that came
to pass that [_which_] of all men was least feared. For who was it
that suspected such cruel and malicious disposition to remain in any
English heart towards his country, in any subject's thought towards
his Sovereign, that, receiving her Grace's armour weapons and money,
would have played so traitorous a part as these Captains did with
their Band? It is so strange a case as the world never saw. It is
so malicious a part as the Jew would not have done the like, having
received his hire to serve.
[Sidenote: The Duke's marching from Stroud to Rochester.]
[Sidenote: The names of the Gentlemen serving under the Duke.]
So it was that the noble Duke, being an ancient and worthy Captain
(and yet, by long imprisonment, so diswonted from the knowlege of
our malicious World and the iniquity of our Time, as he suspecting
nothing less than that which followed; but judging every man to
accord with him in desire to serve truly, marched forth the Monday
[29th January 1554], about ten of the clock in the morning, from
Gravesend to Stroud towards Rochester; and about four of the clock
in the afternoon of the same day, he arrived at Stroud, near unto
Rochester: having with him the Captain of the Guard; MAURICE
GRIFFITH, now Bishop of Rochester; Sir EDWARD BRAYE, Sir JOHN FOGGE,
Knights; JOHN COVERTE, ROGER APPULTON, Esquires; and THOMAS SWAN,
Gentleman: with certain of the Guard, and others, to the number of
200 or thereabout.
[Sidenote: BRET, Chief Captain of the White Coats.]
Besides BRET and other five Captains: who, with their Band, being
600, all in white coats, tarried behind at a hill called Spittle
[_Hospital_] Hill, near unto Stroud; whiles the Duke went to Stroud
to see the planting of the ordnance. Which being ready charged and
bent upon the town of Rochester; and perceiving WYAT and the other
traitors, by hanging out their flags upon the bridge wall, to be in
great bravery; which considering the miserable state they were in the
night before, could not be, had they not received some new comfort by
some traitorous mean[s]: the Duke commanded one of the pieces to be
fired for shot into Rochester.
And, as the gunner was firing the piece, Sir EDWARD BRAY's eldest
son came in all haste to the Duke saying, "Sir, did I not tell your
Grace, this morning, that yonder false wretches would deceive you?"
"How know you that?" quod the Duke.
"Why, Sir," quod BRAYE, "you may see them, as false traitors [ready]
bent against you."
[Sidenote: The revolt of the Captains of the White Coats and their
Band.]
And immediately BRET and other Captains of the White Coats with
their Band, being upon the Hill and at the back of the Duke, made
great and loud shouts sundry times, crying "We are all Englishmen! We
are all Englishmen!": fashioning themselves in array, ready bent with
their weapons to set upon the Duke, if he had made any resistance.
Whereupon the Duke and the Captain of the Guard commanded the pieces
that were bent upon the town, to be turned upon BRET and his Band.
But, upon further consideration, the shot was spared: and the Duke's
Grace with the Captain of the Guard Sir HENRY JERNINGHAM, considering
(not without bleeding hearts) their chief strength thus turned upon
them, so that they were now environed both behind and before with
traitorous enemies, shifted themselves away; as did also their
company.
[Sidenote: HARPER returned to his old mate.]
After whose departure, WYAT, accompanied with two or three and not
many more, came out of Rochester half a mile from the town at the
least, to meet the six Captains of the White Coats. Amongst whom was
HARPER, notwithstanding his crouching and kneeling before the Duke;
and fair promises that he would undertake that WYAT should have
yielded. Who, footing afore the other Captains, with his sword drawn,
said to WYAT, "I promised you good turn, and say not now but I have
paid it."
Who had seen the embracing, clipping, and congratulation used at this
meeting from traitor to traitor, might justly wonder thereat. Shortly
after they had well clawed one another, they went together like
themselves into Rochester.
* * * * *
When this, of all other most infortunate chance[s], came to the
knowledge of the Lord ABERGAVENNY, the Sheriff, and their friends;
they were not a little troubled with the strangeness of the case:
much doubting that the people, which before seemed brought to good
frame, would be impaired by this alteration; and such as were afore
evil disposed would not be greatly amended thereby.
[Sidenote: The Sheriff's being at Maidstone.]
The Sheriff, being the same night at Maidstone, that had come
the same day from Otford, fourteen miles distant, to meet THOMAS
GUILDFORD, STEVEN DORRELL, EDWARD HORDEN, JOHN ROBARTES, and JOHN
FINCH, Esquires, to march towards the Duke. And in the morning, so
far from any mistrust of that which followed the same day [Monday,
29th January 1554], as having no sure place to convey the prisoners,
taken the day before in the Skirmish with ISLEY, he left the chiefest
and trustiest of his servants and friends, both Gentlemen and yeomen,
of all his Band at Malling, for the safeguard of the prisoners; where
also lay the Lord ABERGAVENNY and his Band: doubting [_fearing_] that
ISLEY and the rest that escaped would have made some means that night
to have recovered the prisoners; sundry of whom, being men of good
wealth and well friended, and [at that moment] living within four miles of
WYAT.
[Sidenote: The Sheriff's secret return to Malling.]
Upon these news, whether it were for the absence [from Maidstone] of
the Lord ABERGAVENNY and his strength, or mistrusting false measure
in the town [of Maidstone], or moved with example of the revolt of
the White Coats: he thought, it should seem, Maidstone no meet place
for him to make any abode; nor yet good policy, all parts considered,
to disclose the time of his removing. But judging plainly himself the
only mark of these parts whereat the traitors shot; or falling any
ways into their hands, so newly after the case of the Duke, one part
of the tragedy to be then ended: he returned to his strength; giving
knowledge to the Gentlemen remaining in Maidstone to repair to his
house for consultation, What was to be done for the redubbing of that
unhappy chance?
In which consultation there did rise so many different opinions; some
saying, They would to the Queen; and some, to the Earl of PEMBROKE
being her Grace's Lieutenant: that the Sheriff, without further
debating, intreating the Lord ABERGAVENNY and certain Gentlemen to
remain and entertain such of their Bands as they could hold till his
return, which he promised should be without delay, [and then] went to
the [Privy] Council for knowledge of their pleasure; where he tarried
uneth [_scarcely_] two hours, but returned in post the same night [to
Malling]. And at his coming, the Lord ABERGAVENNY and he assembled as
many of their force as they could call together.
* * * * *
The traitors and their friends were grown as men revived from death
to life, flattering themselves that a thing so far above men's
expectation could not have happened to them so fortunately but by
GOD's miraculous provision, as favouring greatly their case: and so
it blew abroad, as well by wind as by writing; the more part of the
people being ready to believe it, as the case, in the heads of the
multitude, was wonderfully changed both for strength and opinion.
[Sidenote: WYAT's advertisement to the Duke of SUFFOLK.]
WYAT advertised by his letter the Duke of SUFFOLK of his victory "by
GOD's provision" as he termed it: whose letter was intercepted in
Essex, as the messenger passed the ferry, by a servant of Sir ROBERT
SOUTHWELL's; and brought to the Council.
He wrote also to the Duke of NORFOLK, but in another style; his
letters being open and importing such matter as follloweth:
[Sidenote: WYAT's letter to the Duke of NORFOLK.]
"Be it known to all men, and especially to the Duke of
NORFOLK, that I have taken nothing in hand but what I
will maintain with the expense of my life; which, before
it depart out of my body, shall be sold full dear, &c."
[Sidenote: An Invective against the Neuters.]
* * * * *
Such of those parts as hung in the wind, as Neuters, (whereof
were no small number that had lurked in caves all the tempest,
watching but where should come the victory, that for example of the
evil were nothing inferior to the arrantest traitors but rather for
a number of respects much worse), began to appear very cheerful,
giving themselves great thanks for handling the matter so finely,
that conveying themselves out of the way by their policy could avoid
charge and peril so wittily. And as they met with such as had served
faithfully, with whom they durst be frank, they spared not to open
their mouths largely, pouring out such language as could be but
lamentable, or rather odible, to every true ear, to understand any
subject so far perverted from his allegiance and duty that, for gain
or security of their own persons, would rejoice in sitting still as
indifferent where the Crown is a party; or to persuade security to
themselves, be they never in so strong a hold, where their Sovereign
is in peril. Which, all things rightly weighed, seemed a strange
persuasion to account either gain or saving in sparing some part of
the accidents by sitting still to adventure the loss of the principal
whereupon life and the whole dependeth; or by affecting a little
corruption inordinately, to lose both honest fame and good opinion
of his country [_County_]; which every honest man ought to seek to
preserve as tenderly as the well-doing of himself and his whole
posterity.
Thus may we evidently see the divers effects of divers inclinations
according to truth and untruth of perfect obedience prevailing in
men's hearts. These Neuters, or counterfeits (that would be neither
open foes nor adventurous friends; but as wily vultures, hovering
in the wind to catch and gripe some part of the prey, although they
would no part of the fray) persuaded themselves to save that which
in their opinion the true hearty subject should lose by giving such
adventure; that was security of body and goods. Which grant they
saved; yet, in the just judgment of the honest, they deserved thereby
the same blot of infamy that is due to the open enemies.
On the other side, the true and faithful, whose hearts and hands such
dim colour [_illusion_] of unthankful policy could not withhold from
the utterance of needful service in such general case of danger,
thought it rather a gain to adventure body and goods; whereby either
to preserve the head and the whole, which was cruelly pursued; or at
least by defence of the same to purchase unto them and their names
the honest opinion of unspotted members, and the immortality of good
fame wherewith truth always rewardeth unfeigned service. For such
an incomparable virtue is faithful loyalty, so much abhorring all
corruptible allurements, that whose hearts she hath in governance;
with such, neither savour of gain nor hope of security, neither
persuasion of friendship ne other enticement, can so much prevail
as, for any respect, they will digress from the right course of true
service. Where the contrary, wanting that perfection (to taste of
Fortune's corruptible members, whereafter they gape; to obtain quiet
to the restive carcase, and lucre to themselves, the thing they only
seek), are easily drawn to run a clean contrary race.
The naughty [_worthless_] brood therefore of Counterfeits, of all
others not tolerable in a common weal, are specially to be looked
to in their beginning; lest their evil example by long sufferance
grow to such a precedent at the last, that the common saying "Good
to sleep in a whole skin," being espied to escape without danger of
reprehension, be taken for a policy; and thereby outweigh the just
peize [_weight_] of bounden duty.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: A consultation of the rebels after the revolt of the White
Coats.]
After this most unhappy chance, the traitors with their new adjuncts
fell to a great and solemn council that same night at Rochester
for their proceeding in their pretensed [_intended_] treason. In
discourse whereof proceeded such unfitting talk, as well towards
the Queen's Highness as her honourable Council, tending to the
alteration of the whole State, as abhorred the ears of some of the
self traitors; that, understanding by that talk the end of their
purpose, whereof before they were ignorant, wished themselves under
the earth for being so unhappy as to be so much as acquainted with so
damnable an enterprise. Such an opinion had they, as they deemed very
few Councillors, or Officers of authority or of Nobility, within the
realm worthy the places whereunto they were called: and persuading
great choice to be amongst themselves for the supplying of that want,
such overweening had they of themselves and made so sure a reckoning
of the victory, as they disposed the honourable Offices of the Realm
among themselves.
WYAT thought himself now so sure of the victory as seeing him that
offered "to sell his spoons and all the plate that he had rather than
his purpose should quail, and sup his pottage with his mouth" [_p._
48], warranted him, That he should eat his pottage with silver, as
he did. England, when good counsel should stand it in most available
steed, needed no better counsellors than such as they were, if they
had half the wit they thought themselves to have, coupled with grace
and honesty. But what they had indeed, their acts declare plainly to
their own confusion; as it hath always, and ever hereafter shall, to
as many as be of like disposition.
One of them, that had some wit indeed, although he wanted grace,
perceiving by their talk in what fond [_foolish_] frenzy they were
entered; to interrupt them therein, he said, That such matters were
good to be treated of at further opportunity: but for the present
it were meet to devise upon their next journey [_expedition_]; and
whether it should be good policy in them, minding to march towards
London, to leave the Lord ABERGAVENNY and the Sheriff at liberty
(that annoyed their friends, and by all likelihood would not so cease
as they may or dare) at their back, being left at large.
[Sidenote: A device to apprehend the Sheriff.]
One of them, taking upon him first to answer, thought nothing more
necessary than their sequestration: and if his advice might have
been heard in the beginning [of the Rebellion], the Sheriff should
have been in hold, as I have heard, before anything should have been
attempted.
[Sidenote: The misreckoning of the rebels upon London.]
But the Captains to the White Coats (meet counsellors for such an
enterprise!), having the spoil of London in their eyes, would not
dispute that was past: but for the present they persuaded clean
contrary to the former opinion; saying That their going about the
apprehension of the Sheriff should be but a loss of time. "For
London," said they, "longed sore[ly] for their coming; which they
could by no means protract without breeding great peril and weakness
to themselves." And having London at their commandment, whereof they
were in no manner of doubt, if it were not lost by their sloth; their
revenge to the Lord ABERGAVENNY, the Sheriff, with others [of] their
enemies, would easily follow.
WYAT, savouring full well their disposition, and understanding
their meaning by their arguments, and knowing also that without his
assenting thereto he could not long have their company, yielded to
their counsel.