BELL’S ENGLISH HISTORY SOURCE BOOKS
_General Editors_: S. E. WINBOLT, M.A., and KENNETH BELL, M.A.
THE AGE OF ELIZABETH
BELL’S ENGLISH HISTORY SOURCE BOOKS.
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M.A.
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=1154-1216. The Angevins and the Charter.= Edited by S. M. TOYNE,
M.A.
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Edited by W. D. ROBIESON, M.A.
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LONDON: G. BELL AND SONS, LTD.
THE AGE OF ELIZABETH
(1547-1603)
SELECTED BY
ARUNDELL ESDAILE, B.A.
SECOND EDITION
[Illustration: colofon]
LONDON
G. BELL AND SONS, LTD.
1915
INTRODUCTION
This series of English History Source Books is intended for use with any
ordinary textbook of English History. Experience has conclusively shown
that such apparatus is a valuable--nay, an indispensable--adjunct to the
history lesson. It is capable of two main uses: either by way of lively
illustration at the close of a lesson, or by way of inference-drawing,
before the textbook is read, at the beginning of the lesson. The kind of
problems and exercises that may be based on the documents are legion,
and are admirably illustrated in a _History of England for Schools_,
Part I., by Keatinge and Frazer, pp. 377-381. However, we have no wish
to prescribe for the teacher the manner in which he shall exercise his
craft, but simply to provide him and his pupils with materials hitherto
not readily accessible for school purposes. The very moderate price of
the books in this series should bring them within the reach of every
secondary school. Source books enable the pupil to take a more active
part than hitherto in the history lesson. Here is the apparatus, the raw
material: its use we leave to teacher and taught.
Our belief is that the books may profitably be used by all grades of
historical students between the standards of fourth-form boys in
secondary schools and undergraduates at Universities. What
differentiates students at one extreme from those at the other is not so
much the kind of subject-matter dealt with, as the amount they can read
into or extract from it.
In regard to choice of subject-matter, while trying to satisfy the
natural demand for certain “stock” documents of vital importance, we
hope to introduce much fresh and novel matter. It is our intention that
the majority of the extracts should be lively in style--that is,
personal, or descriptive, or rhetorical, or even strongly partisan--and
should not so much profess to give the truth as supply data for
inference. We aim at the greatest possible variety, and lay under
contribution letters, biographies, ballads and poems, diaries, debates,
and newspaper accounts. Economics, London, municipal, and social life
generally, and local history, are represented in these pages.
The order of the extracts is strictly chronological, each being
numbered, titled, and dated, and its authority given. The text is
modernised, where necessary, to the extent of leaving no difficulties in
reading.
We shall be most grateful to teachers and students who may send us
suggestions for improvement.
S. E. WINBOLT.
KENNETH BELL.
NOTE TO THIS VOLUME
I have to thank Mr. A. F. Leach and his publishers, Messrs. Constable,
for their very cordial permission to make extracts from _English Schools
at the Reformation_; the Librarian of Stonyhurst College for
communicating to me a transcript of a letter in the College archives;
and Mr. R. B. McKerrow for permission to use his text in the extract
from _Nashe_.
ARUNDELL ESDAILE.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
INTRODUCTION v
1547. BALLAD SUNG AT EDWARD VI.’S
CORONATION _Strype_, “_Memorials_” 1
1547-1551. EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL
OF EDWARD VI. _Cotton MS._ 2
1548. COMMISSION FOR CONTINUANCE
OF SCHOOLS _Leach_, “_English Schools_” 7
1550. REPORT OF THE SCHOOLS COMMISSIONERS
FOR STRATFORD-ON-AVON _Leach_, “_English Schools_” 9
1550. COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE
SCHOOLS CONTINUANCE WARRANT _Leach_, “_English Schools_” 11
1550. LADY JANE GREY _Ascham_, “_Scholemaster_” 12
1554. PROCLAMATION THAT COURTESY
BE USED TO KING PHILIP _Strype_, “_Memorials_” 13
1555-1556. SPEECH OF MARY UPON RESTORING
CHURCH LANDS _Somers’_ “_Tracts_” 15
1557. PROCLAMATION BY THOMAS STAFFORDE _Strype_, “_Memorials_” 16
1555. BEHAVIOUR OF RIDLEY AND
LATIMER AT THEIR DEATH _Foxe_, “_Acts and
Monuments_” 19
1558. INTERROGATORIES TO CHURCHWARDENS _B. M._ (_Huth Quarto_) 26
1572. PRESBYTERIAN DEMANDS “_Admonition to the
Parliament_” 32
1572. THE ANGLICAN POSITION _Whitgift_, “_Answere to
Admonition_” 35
1572. THE ELIZABETHAN POOR LAW _Statutes of the Realm_ 37
1571-1572. THE CONDITION OF IRELAND _Carew MSS._ 40
1569. THE RISING IN THE NORTH:
(_a_) PROCLAMATION BY THE EARLS _State Papers_ 49
(_b_) ANOTHER BY THE SAME _Dodd_, “_Church History_” 50
(_c_) PROCLAMATION BY THE EARL
OF SUSSEX _State Papers_ 51
(_d_) BORDER BALLAD _Percy’s Folio MS._ 52
(_e_) LONDON BALLAD BY ELDERTON _B. M._ (_Huth Broadside_) 58
1569-1570. BULL DEPOSING ELIZABETH _Camden_, “_Annales_” 60
1571. ACT AGAINST THE EXECUTION OF
BULLS _Statutes of the Realm_ 63
1584. ACT AGAINST JESUITS _Statutes of the Realm_ 67
1586. DEATH OF MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS _Camden_, “_Annales_” 69
1587. THE CATHOLIC’S DILEMMA _Stonyhurst MS._ 75
1588. THE ARMADA:
(_a_) LETTER FROM DRAKE TO
WALSINGHAM _Barrow_, “_Life of Drake_” 76
(_b_) LETTER FROM HOWARD TO
WALSINGHAM _Barrow_, “_Life of Drake_” 77
1588. THE NAVY OF 1588
Hatfield_” _Murdin_, “_State Papers at 79
1591. THE LAST FIGHT OF THE “REVENGE” _Hakluyt_, “_Voyages_” 84
1600. THE EARL OF ESSEX’ APOLOGY _Carew MSS._ 91
1601. ELIZABETH’S SPEECH TO HER
LAST PARLIAMENT _Somers’_ “_Tracts_” 93
1603. ELIZABETH’S DEATH _Somers’_ “_Tracts_” 97
APPENDIX
THE ENTERTAINMENT OF QUEEN ELIZABETH
_Nichols’_ “_Progresses_” 99
LONDON IN THE PLAGUE _Lansdowne MSS._ 104
A PESSIMIST ON THE AGE _Ascham_, “_Scholemaster_” 108
PURITANISM ON DRESS _Stubbes_, “_Anatomy_” 111
PURITANISM ON SPORT _Stubbes_, “_Anatomy_” 113
PURITANISM AND THE STAGE “_Remembrancia_” 114
EUPHUISM: A FASHION OF 1580 117
AN ELIZABETHAN MAN OF LETTERS
(GREENE) _Nashe_, “_Strange Newes_” 120
THE AGE OF ELIZABETH 1547-1603
A BALLAD SUNG TO KING EDWARD IN CHEAPSIDE, AS HE PASSED THROUGH
LONDON TO HIS CORONATION (1547).
=Source.=--Strype: _Ecclesiastical Memorials_. Ed. 1822. Vol. ii., part
ii., p. 329.
Sing, up heart, sing, up heart, and sing no more downe,
But joy in King Edward that weareth the crowne.
Sir, song in time past hath been downe a downe,
And long it hath lasted in tower and towne,
To have it much meeter, _downe_ hath been added:
But _up_ is more sweeter to make our hearts gladded.
_Sing, up heart, &c._
King Edward up springeth from puerilitie,
And toward us bringeth joy and tranquilitie;
Our hearts may be light and merry chere,
He shal be of such might, that al the world may him fear.
_Sing, up heart, &c._
His father late our sovereign both day and also houre,
That in joy he might reign like a prince of high power,
By sea and land hath provided for him eke,
That never King of England had ever the leke.
_Sing, up heart, &c._
1547-1603
He hath gotten already Boleign, that goodly town,
And biddeth sing speedily up, up, and not downe.
When he waxeth wight, and to manhood doth spring,
He shal be strait then of four realms the King.
_Sing, up heart, &c._
Yee children of England, for the honour of the same,
Take bow and shaft in hand, learn shootage to frame.
That you another day may so do your parts,
To serve your King as wel with hands as with hearts.
_Sing, up heart, &c._
Yee children that be towards, sing up and not downe,
And never play the cowards to him that weareth the crowne:
But always be your care his plesure to fulfil,
Then shal you keep right sure the honour of England stil.
_Sing, up heart, &c._
EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF EDWARD VI. (1547-1551).
=Source.=--Cotton MS. Ed. Clarendon Historical Society. Series II., Nos.
1-3, 1884.
After the death of King _Henry_ the _8th_, his son _Edward_, Prince of
_Wales_ was come to at _Hartford_, by the Earl of _Hartford_, and Sir
_Anthony Brown_ Master of the Horse; for whom before was made great
preparation that he might be created Prince of _Wales_, and afterward
was brought to _Enfield_, where the death of his Father was first shewed
him; and the same day the Death of his Father was shewed in _London_,
where was great lamentation and weeping: and suddenly he proclaimed
King. The next day, being the ---- of ----,[1] He was brought to the
_Tower_ of _London_, where he tarried the space of three weeks: and in
the mean Season the Council sat every day for the performance of the
Will, and at length thought best that the Earl of _Hartford_, should be
made Duke of _Somerset_, Sir _Thomas Seimour_ Lord _Sudley_; the Earl of
_Essex_ Marquis of _Northampton_, and divers Knights should be made
Barons, as the Lord _Sheffield_, with divers others. Also they thought
best to chuse the Duke of _Somerset_ to be Protector of the Realm, and
Governour of the King’s Person during his Minority; to which all the
Gentlemen and Lords did agree, because he was the King’s Uncle on his
Mother’s side. Also in this time the late King was buried at _Windsor_
with much solemnity, and the Officers broke their Staves, hurling them
into the Grave; but they were restored to them again when they came to
the _Tower_. The Lord _Lisle_ was made Earl of _Warwick_, and the Lord
Great Chamberlainship was given to him; and the Lord _Sudley_ made
Admiral of _England:_ all these things were done, the King being in the
_Tower_. Afterwards, all things being prepared for the Coronation, the
King being then but nine Years old, passed through the City of _London_,
as heretofore hath been used, and came to the Palace of _Westminster_;
and the next day came into _Westminster Hall_. And it was asked the
People, Whether they would have him to be their King? Who answered, Yea,
yea: Then he was crowned King of _England_, _France_ and _Ireland_, by
the Arch-Bishop of _Canterbury_, and all the rest of the Clergy and
Nobles; and Anointed, with all such Ceremonies as were accustomed, and
took his Oath, and gave a General Pardon....
_March 31_ [1550]. A Challenge made by Me, that I, with sixteen of my
Chamber, should run at Base, Shoot and Run at the Ring with any
seventeen of my Servants Gentlemen in the Court.
_April 1._ The first day of the Challenge at Base, or Running, the King
won.
_April 6._ I lost the Challenge of Shooting at Rounds, and won at
Rovers.
_May 3._ The Challenge at running at the Ring performed; at the which
first came the King, sixteen Footmen, and ten Horsemen, in black Silk
Coats, pulled out with white Taffety; then all the Lords, having three
Men likewise apparelled: and all Gentlemen their Footmen in white
Fustian, pulled out with black Taffety. The other side came all in
yellow Taffety; at length the yellow Band took it thrice in 120 courses,
and my Band touched often, which was counted as nothing, and took never,
which seemed very strange, and so the Prize was of my Side lost. After
that Tournay followed, between six of my Band and six of theirs.
_May 6._ The Testourn cried down from 12d. to 9d. and the Groat from 4d.
to 3d.
_June 21._ The Cardinal of _Lorrain_, and of _Chastilion_, the
Constable, the Duke of _Guise_, &c., were appointed Commissioners on the
part of _France_ who absolutely denied the first motion for the Scotch
Queen, saying, Both they had taken too much Pains, and spent too many
lives for her. Also a conclusion was made for her _Marriage_ to the
Dolphin. Then was proponed the _Marriage_ of the Lady _Elizabeth_, the
French King’s eldest daughter; to which they did most chearfully assent.
So after they agreed neither Party to be bound in Conscience nor Honour,
till she were twelve Years of Age and upwards. Then they came to the
Dote which was first asked 1,500,000 Scutes of _France_, at which they
made a mock; after for _donatio propter nuptias_, they agreed that it
should be as great as hath been given by the King my Father to any Wife
he had.
_June 22._ Our Commissioners came to 1,400,000 of Crowns, which they
refused, then to a Million, which they denied; then to 800,000 Crowns,
which they said they would not agree to.
_June 23._ Then our Commissioners asked what they would offer? First
they offered 100,000 Crowns, then 200,000, which they said was the most,
and more than ever was given. Then followed great Reasonings, and
showing of Presidents, but no nearer they would come.
_June 24._ They went forward unto the Penalties if the Parties misliked,
after that the King’s Daughter were twelve and upwards, which the French
offered 100,000, 50,000 Crowns, or promise, that she should be brought,
at her Father’s Charge, three months before she were twelve,
sufficiently jewelled and stuffed. Then bonds to be delivered
alternately at _London_, and at _Paris_, and so forth.
_June 26._ The Frenchmen delivered the foresaid answers written to my
Commissioners.
_December 1._ The Duke of _Somerset_ came to his Trial at
_Westminster-Hall_; The Lord Treasurer sat as High-Steward of _England_,
under the Cloth of State, on a Bench between two Posts, three degrees
high. All the Lords to the number of 26,[2] _viz._:
Dukes.
_Suffolk._
_Northumberland._
Marquesses.
_Northampton._
Earls.
_Derby._
_Bedford._
_Huntington._
_Rutland._
_Bath._
_Sussex._
_Worcester._
_Pembrook._
Vis. _Hereford_.
Barons.
_Burgaveny._
_Audley._
_Wharton._
_Evers._
_Latimer._
_Bourough._
_Souch._
_Stafford._
_Wentworth._
_Darcy._
_Sturton._
_Windsor._
_Cromwell._
_Cobham._
_Bray._
These sat a degree under, and heard the Matter debated.
First, After the Indictments were read, five in number, the Learned
Counsel laid to my Lord of _Somerset_, _Palmer’s_ Confession. To which
he answered, That he never minded to raise the North, and declared all
the ill he could devise of _Palmer_, but he was afraid for Bruites, and
that moved him to send to Sir _William Herbert._ Replied it was again,
that the worse _Palmer_ was, the more he served his purpose. For the
Banquet, he swore it was untrue, and required more Witnesses. Whence
_Crane’s_ Confession was read. He would have had him come Face to Face.
For _London_, he meant nothing of hurt of any Lord, but for his own
Defence. For the Gendarmoury, it were but a mad matter for him to
enterprise with his 100 against 900. For having men in his Chamber at
_Greenwich_, confessed by _Partridg_, it seemed he meant no harm,
because when he could have done harm he did it not. My Lord _Strange’s_
Confession, he swore it was untrue, and the Lord _Strange_ took his oath
it was true. _Nudigate’s, Hammond’s and Alexander Seimour’s_ Confessions
he denied, because they were his Men.
The Lawyers rehearsed, how to raise Men at his House for an ill Intent,
as to kill the Duke of _Northumberland_, was Treason, by an Act, _Anno
tertio_ of my Reign, against Unlawful Assemblies, for to devise the
Death of the Lords was Felony. To mind resisting his attachment was
Felony. He answered, He did not intend to raise _London_, and swore,
that the Witnesses were not there. His assembling of men was but for his
own defence. He did not determine to kill the Duke of _Northumberland_,
the Marquess, &c., but spoke of it, and determined after the contrary,
and yet seemed to confess he went about their Death.
The Lords went together. The Duke of _Northumberland_ would not agree
that any searching of his Death should be Treason. So the Lords
acquitted him of High Treason, and condemned him of Treason Fellonious,
and so he was adjudged to be hang’d.
He gave thanks to the Lords for their open Trial, and cried Mercy of the
Duke of _Northumberland_, the Marquess of _Northampton_, and the Earl of
_Pembrook_, for his ill-meaning against them, and made suit for his
Life, Wife, Children, Servants, and Debts, and so departed without the
Ax of the _Tower_. The People knowing not the Matter, shouted half a
dozen of times so loud, that from the Hall-Door it was heard at
_Charing-Cross_ plainly, and rumours went that he was quit of all.
_January 6 [1551]._ The same night was first of a Play. After a Talk
between one that was called _Riches_ and the other _Youth_, whether of
them was better. After some pretty Reasoning there came in six Champions
of either side.
On _Youth_’s side came
My Lord _Fitzwater_.
My Lord _Ambrose_.
Sir _Anthony Brown_.
Sir _William Cobham_.
Mr. _Cary_.
Mr. _Warcop_.
On _Riche_’s side
My Lord _Fitzwarren_.
Sir _Robert Stafford_.
Mr. _Courtney_.
_Digby._
_Hopton._
_Hungerford._
All these fought two to two at Barriers in the Hall. Then came in two
apparelled like _Almains_, the Earl of _Ormond_ and _Jaques Granado_,
and two came in like Friars, but the _Almains_ would not suffer them to
pass till they had fought; the Friars were Mr. _Drury_ and _Thomas
Cobham_. After this followed two Masques, one of Men, another of Women.
Then a Banquet of 120 Dishes. This day was the end of _Christmas_.
_January 3._ The Emperor’s Ambassador moved me several times that my
Sister _Mary_ might have Mass, which with no little reasoning with him
was denied him.
_January 22._ The Duke of _Somerset_ had his Head cut off upon
_Tower-hill_, between eight and nine a Clock in the morning.
COMMISSION FOR CONTINUANCE OF SCHOOLS, PREACHERS, ETC., AND PENSIONS
(JUNE 20, 1548).
(_Under Chantries Act, 1 Edward VI._)
=Source.=--Patent Roll, 2 Edward VI. Part iv., _m._ 22 (_d_). (A. F.
Leach: _English Schools at the Reformation_. Part ii., p. vii.)
Edward the Syxt, etc. To oure trustie and welbelovyd Walter Mildmay,
Knyght, one of the General Surveyours of oure Courte of the
Augmentacions and revenues of oure Crowne, and Robert Kelwey, Esquyer,
Surveyoure of our lyveries in oure court of Wardes, greatyng. Where in
the Act of Parliament made in the first yere of oure Reign, by the wich
diverse Colleges, Fre-chappells, Chauntries, Guyldes, Fraternities and
Stipends of priestes, ar dissolved and the landes and tenementes, and
possessions of the same mencyoned in the same acte, ar come to our
handes and possession, it is expressed and declared that at oure Will
and pleasure we might direct our Comission or Comissions, under our
great seale of England, to suche persons as it shulde please us, for the
assignement and appoyntment of landes and tenements for and towarde the
sufficyent fynding and maynetenaunce of Scolemasters and preachers in
such places where the same were founded or ordened to be kepte....
And also we woll and commaund you upon the certyficattes to be made of
the said Comissions made for the inquerie and certificatt of the said
manours, landes, tenementes, possessions, hereditamentes, and other
thinges wich are comme or ought to comme to us by the said Acte, ye do
cause any of the particuler Surveyours of oure landes, or any of the
auditours of oure said Courte of the Augmentacions and revenues of oure
Crowne, or any theyre deputies within their several Officyes, to make
colleccion of the number of Grammer Scoles and prechinges in every
Countie of England and Wales that have byn kepte of any of the said
landes, tenementes, or other proffettes or Revenues, which came or ought
to come to us by reason of the said Acte, and of the yerelie value of
the landes, tenementes, or other Revenues or proffettes which have byn
chargeable or yerelie bestowed towardes the mayntenaunce therof, and to
delyver the same to you: and you to make declaracion therof to us or to
our said most dere uncle: to the intent there uppon, by advise of our
said uncle and any other of our said Counsaill, we may consider and take
order for the contynuaunce or alteracion of the same Scoles and
prechynges, or for the same or other, to be newelie erectyd in suche
places in every countie as shall be thought mete and convenyent.
And also that lykewyse ye do cause the said particuler Surveyours or
Auditours to make colleccion of all suche money, or other yearlie
proffettes or commodite, as hath byn ymployed yearly toward the fyndyng
of any poore persone or persons, to have contynuaunce for ever, within
fyve yeres next before the begynnyng of the said parliament, out of any
College, Fre-chappell, Chauntrye, or other thing graunted or appoynted
to us by the said Acte and to delyver the same to you, and you to make
relacion thereof to us or to oure uncle.
So that thereuppon we, or oure said uncle, maie signifie unto you oure
pleasure by worde or wrytyng how many Grammer Scoles shall be erected,
and have contynuaunce in every Countie, and how moche landes and other
yerelie pencions, Annuyties, or other proffettes shall be appointed for
the mayntenaunce of every one of the same, and also what nombre of
preachers of Goddes Worde shall be appoynted to be in every countie
within England and Wales to have contynuaunce for ever, together with
the stipends or yerelie proffettes appoynted to them for the same, and
how many hospitals or places for the sustentacion and releif of the
powre shall be erected, founded, or made to have contynuaunce for ever
in every countie, and what and how moche landes or other proffettes
shall be appoynted to the mayntenaunce of every of the hospitalles or
places for relief of the poore.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOLS COMMISSIONERS FOR STRATFORD-ON-AVON (ABOUT 1550).
=Source=.--Leach: _English Schools at the Reformation_. Part ii., p. 238.
The College of Strettforde was
Founded by one John Stretforde, some tyme Arch byshopp of Cantorburye,
For one Wardein, Fyve priestes, and Four Choristares, to mainteign
dyvine service in the paroche Churche of Stretforde. For the
mayntenaunce of whiche Choristers one Rauffe Collingwood, sometyme
Warden theare, gave all his landes in strettfford, Drayton and bynton,
by hym purchased to the same intent and Charged amongest the Revenues of
the said College, whiche Revenues amounte to the yerelye Rent of £127.
18. 9....
Plate and Jewells belonging to the same Colledge amounte in weight
to 249 ounces.
Goodes and Ornamentes thereunto belonging, as by Inventorye
Indented thereof apperyth, are praysed at £6. 10. 8.
The guilde of strettforde was
Founded by king Henrye the Fourthe, and incorporate by the name of A
maister, two proctours, and one Alderman, to mainteign as many priestes
as the Revenue thereof will extende unto to minister and syng Divine
service in a Chappell therefore erected stonding in the middest and face
of the same towne, called the guilde Chappell, whereunto belonge lands
and possessions to the yerelye value of £49. 18. 8½....
Plate and Jewells belonging to the same guilde, videlicet, twoo
Chalices, parcell guilte, waying 47 ounces....
Theare ys maynteynged with parte of the Revenues of the same guilde a
greate stone bridge Leading over the Ryver of Avon conteigning in
Lengthe 400 yerdes, stonding appon 18 Arches, and ys the chiefe
Commodyte of the same towne and of all the Contreye thereaboute;
wherefore yt is verey nedeful that yt be allwayes Repayred, or ells yt
wilbe the onelye decaye and Empoueryshment of the same towne.
Theare are allso Relieved with parte of the Same possessions 24 poore
people, videlicet, 12 poore men and theyr wyves, everye couple having a
house and a garden Rent-free of the same possessions, and yett not above
charged, and have yerelye amongest them going oute of the same landes £4
10s. allowed amongest the reprises of the same; over and besydes, theye
have £4 more of the discrete provision of the mayster of the same
guilde.
A free Schoole theare.
Mainteigned with parte of the Revenues of the same guilde. And one Sir
William Dalam, priest, aboute the age of 60 yeres, ys schole mayster
theare, having For his stipend yerelye £10, going owte of the same
possessions by letters patent and allowed amongest the stipendes of the
ministers of the Churche theare.
Memorandum:
Allso Theare Be twoo Chappells at ease (members of the said paroche
churche) callid Byshopton and Loddington, eche of them being twoo myles
distaunt From the said Towne of Strettforde, having (everye of the said
Chappells) one priest to minister in them, the priest of Byshopton being
one of the nombre of the guilde of Strettforde, and hathe for his
salarye and Lyving all the mynute tythes of the towne of Byshopton not
charged emongest the Revenues of the same guilde. And the priest
ministring at Loddington afforesaid, being one of the nombre of the
Colleage of Strettforde hathe onelye a pencion going owte of the
possessions of the same Colleage and allowed emongest the Repryses of
the same.
Anthonye Barker, Clerke, of the age of Fiftye yeres, Bacheler of
Divinte, Warden of the said Colleage of Strettforde, is parsone theare,
and hathe the same in the Right of the said Wardeinship, which parsonage
is yerelye worthe of yt sellffe in tythes £75. 2. 8. charged in the
whole value of the said College.
Hoseling People[3] in the same paroche 1,500.
Yt is allso a thinge vereye mete and necessarye that the guilde Chappell
of stretford stand undefaced, for that it was allwayes a chapell of
ease, for the Separacion of the Sicke persons from the hole in tyme of
Plague, and standith in the face of the towne.
COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE. SCHOOLS CONTINUANCE WARRANT 6 (ABOUT 1550).
=Source=.--Leach: _English Schools at the Reformation_. Part ii., p. 245.
Forasmoche as it apperith [_&c._] that a Grammer Scole hath been
contynually kept in the said citie [_of Coventry_] with the revenues of
the said late Guylde [_of the Holy Trinity in Babelacke_], and that the
Scolemaster there hath had [_&c._] £6 13s. 4d. [_&c._].
And that a Grammer Scole hath been contynuallie kept in Stretforde upon
Avon [_&c._], with the revenues of the late Guylde in Stratford upon
Avon aforesaid, and that the Scolemaster there hath had [_&c._] £10
[_&c._].
And that a Grammer Scole hath been contynuallie kept in Brayles in the
said Countie with the revenues of the late Guylde in Brailes aforesaid,
and that the Scolemaster there hath had [_&c._] £8 20d. [_&c._].
Wee therefore [_&c._] have assigned [_&c._], that the said Scole in the
Citie of Coventrie aforesaid shall contynue, And that Robert Coventrye,
Scolemaster there, shall have [_&c._] £6. 13s. 4d. [_&c._]:
And that the said grammer [_scole in Stratforde upon Avon_] aforesaide
shall contynue, And that William Dalam, Scolemaster there, shall have
[_&c._] £10:
And that [_the said grammer_] scole in Brailes aforesaid shall contynue,
And that John Pyttes, Scolemaster there, shall have [_&c._] £8 [20d.].
LADY JANE GREY (1550).
=Source=.--Ascham: _Scholemaster_, 1570. Ed. Mayor. P. 96.
Before I went into _Germanie_, I came to Brodegate in Lecetershire, to
take my leave of that noble Ladie _Jane Grey_, to whom I was exceding
moch beholdinge. Hir parentes, the Duke and the Duches, with all the
houshold, Gentlemen and Gentlewomen, were huntinge in the Parke: I
founde her, in her Chamber, readinge _Phædon Platonis_ in Greeke, and
that with as moch delite, as som gentleman wold read a merie tale in
_Bocase_. After salutation, and dewtie done, with som other taulke, I
asked hir, whie she wold leese[4] soch pastime in the Parke? smiling she
answered me: I wisse, all their sporte in the Parke is but a shadow to
that pleasure, that I find in _Plato_: Alas good folke, they never felt,
what trewe pleasure ment. And howe came you Madame, quoth I, to this
deepe knowledge of pleasure, and what did chieflie allure you unto it:
seinge, not many women, but verie fewe men have atteined thereunto? I
will tell you, quoth she, and tell you a troth, which perchance ye will
mervell at. One of the greatest benefites, that ever God gave me, is,
that he sent me so sharpe and severe Parentes, and so gentle a
scholemaster. For when I am in presence either of father or mother,
whether I speake, kepe silence, sit, stand, or go, eate, drinke, be
merie, or sad, be sowyng, playing, dauncing, or doing anie thing els, I
must do it, as it were, in soch weight, mesure, and number, even so
perfitlie, as God made the world, or else I am so sharplie taunted, so
cruellie threatened, yea presentlie some tymes, with pinches, nippes,
and bobbes, and other waies, which I will not name, for the honor I
beare them, so without measure misordered, that I thinke my selfe in
hell, till tyme cum, that I must go to _M. Elmer_, who teacheth me so
gentlie, so pleasantlie, with soch faire allurementes to learning, that
I thinke all the tyme nothing, whiles I am with him. And when I am
called from him, I fall on weeping, because, what soever I do els but
learning, is ful of grief, trouble, feare, and whole misliking unto me:
And thus my booke hath bene so moch my pleasure, and bringeth dayly to
me more pleasure and more, that in respect of it, all other pleasures,
in very deede, be but trifles and troubles unto me. I remember this
talke gladly, both bicause it is so worthy of memorie, and bicause also,
it was the last talke that ever I had, and the last tyme, that ever I
saw that noble and worthie Ladie.
A PROCLAMATION, THAT ALL COURTESY SHOULD BE USED TO KING PHILIP AND
HIS TRAIN, COMING INTO ENGLAND TO MARRY THE QUEEN (1554).
=Source=.--Strype: _Ecclesiastical Memorials_. Ed. 1822. Vol. iii., part
ii., p. 215.
BY THE QUENE.
Where[5] the Quenes most excellent Majestie hath lately concluded a
marriage, to the honour of the mightie God, and the weale and benefite
of her Graces realmes and subjectes, withe the moste hygh and mightye
Prince, the Prince of Spayne: her Highnes, consideryng the lightnes and
evill disposition of diverse lewde and sediciouse personnes, who, seking
alwayes novelties, and beinge seldome contented with their presente
state, might peradventure at this time, by their naughtie and disordred
behaviour, attempte to stirre discorde, and gyve occasion to breake the
good and frendly agreament that ought to be nourished and continued
betwene the subjectes of thys realme, and suche as shall come in wyth
the sayde most noble Prince; hath thought good to signifie unto all her
faythfull and lovynge subjectes, that lyke as allready order is taken,
on the behalfe of the sayde most noble Prince, that all such, eyther of
his owne or any other nation, as shall attende upon hymselfe, or any of
hys trayne, at theyr commyng hither, shall in their behaviour use
themselfes honestly, frendely, and quietly towardes her Highnes
subjectes, of all sortes and degrees, without givynge anye maner of
juste occasion of trouble or discontentation to any person for their
partes: even so doth her Hyghnes streyghtly charge and commaunde al and
singuler her lovynge subjectes, of what estate, degree or condition
soever they be, that they and every of them do semblablye, for their
partes, use all suche straungers, as shall repayre hither wyth or to the
sayde most noble Prince, or any of hys trayne, with curtoyse, frendely
and gentle enterteynement, wythoute ministrying towardes them any manner
of cause of stryfe or contention, either by outward dedes, tauntyng
wordes, unsemely countenance, or by any other wayes or meanes, whereby
lacke of frendeshyppe or good wyll might be conceaved.
And further streyghtly chargeth and commaundeth all and singuler
noblemen and gentlemen, wythin this her Graces sayde realme, that they
and everye of them do, eche one for hys part, take suche ordre wyth
their servaunts and others, attendyng upon them, and do give unto them
suche streyght warnyng and charge, as neyther by themselfes, nor by anye
other meanes, they do presume to attempt, either directly or indirectly,
to break this her Highnes order and commaundement, or any wayes to
trouble, disquiet or give occasion of quarel to anye of the sayde most
noble Princes trayne: upon payne, that whoseover shall by worde or dede
neglecte thys her Graces pleasure, or do contrary to the same, shall not
only incurre her Majesties high displeasure and indignation, but allso
be committed to prison without bayle or mayn-prize, to abyde there suche
further punyshment, eyther by fyne or otherwise, as shall be thought
agreeable to the qualitie of his or their offences, and maye serve for
an example to other lyke disordred persons.
GOD SAVE THE QUENE.
ANNO M.D. LIIII.
A SPEECH OF QUEEN MARY’S TO HER COUNCIL, UPON HER RESOLUTION OF
RESTORING CHURCH LANDS. ANNO. REG. MARCH 4. (1555-56.)
=Source.=--Somers: _Tracts_. Vol. i., p. 56.
We have willed you to be called to us, to the intent you might hear of
me my conscience and the resolution of my mind concerning the lands and
possessions as well of monasteries as other churches whatsoever, being
now in my possession.
First, I do consider, that the said lands were taken away from the
churches aforesaid in time of schism, and that by unlawful means, such
as are contrary both to the law of God and of the church; for which
cause my conscience doth not suffer me to detain them. And therefore I
here expressly refuse either to claim, or retain, those lands for mine;
but with all my heart, freely and willingly, without all paction or
condition, here, and before God, I do surrender and relinquish the said
lands and possessions or inheritances whatsoever; and renounce the same
with this mind and purpose, that order and disposition thereof may be
taken, as shall seem best liking to the Pope or his legate, to the
honour of God, and the wealth of this our realm. And albeit you may
object to me again, That the state of my kingdom, the dignity thereof,
and my crown imperial, cannot be honourably maintained and furnished
without the possessions aforesaid: yet notwithstanding I set more by
the salvation of my soul than by ten such kingdoms: and therefore the
said possessions I utterly refuse here to hold after that sort and
title: and I give most hearty thanks to God, who hath given me a husband
of the same mind, who hath no less good affection in this behalf, than I
myself. Wherefore, I charge and command that my chancellor[6] (with whom
I have conferred my mind in this matter), and you four,[7] to resort
to-morrow together to the legate,[8] signifying to him the premises in
my name. And give your attendance upon me, for the more full declaration
of the state of my kingdom, and of the aforesaid possessions, according
as you yourselves do understand the matter, and can inform him in the
same.
A PROCLAMATION SETT FORTHE BY THOMAS STAFFORDE, FROM SCARBOROW
CASTLE: EXCITING THE ENGLISH TO DELIVER THEMSELVES FROM THE
SPANYARDS. (END OF APRIL, 1557.)
=Source=.--Strype: _Ecclesiastical Memorials_. Ed. 1822. Vol. iii., part
ii., p. 515.
To all and every singular person and persons, of what estate or degree
soever they be, that love the common wealthe, honoure and libertie of
this ower native countrye, and moste for the realme of England, the
Lorde Thomas Stafforde, son to the Lorde Henry, rightfull Duke of
Bockingham, sendythe greetinge. Knowe ye, most dearlye belovyd
countrymen, that we travellinge in strange realmes and forren nations,
have perfectly proved owt manye detestable treasons, which Spanyards
shamfullye and wrongfullye have pretended, and to this present have
indevered themselves to worke against ower noble realme of Englande: we
therefore more tenderlye favouringe, as all trewe Englishmen oughte to
do, the common commodity and weal publycke of this ower natyve contrye,
than ower welthe, treasure, safegarde, health or pleasure, have with all
possible spede arived here in the castell of Scarborowe, levyng owr
bande, wherwith we thoughte to have proved in other affayers, comynge
after us, bycause we had perfect knowledge by certaine letters taken
with Spanyardes at Depe,[9] that this same castell of Scarborow, with
xij other of the most chefest and principall howldes in the realme,
shalbe delyvered to xij thousand Spanyardes before the Kinges
coronation: for the Spanyardes saye it were but vaine for the Kinge to
be crowned, onlesse he maye have certaine of our strongest castelles and
holdes, to resorte to at all tymes, till he maye be able to bringe in a
great armye to withstonde his enemyes, that is to overrun and destroye
the wholle realme: for, so long as Englyshemen have anye power, we trust
they will never submitte themselfes to vile Spanyardes. Which treason we
have disappointed; trustinge, and firmelye belevinge, by the mighte of
the omnipotente, everlastinge God, with the ayde and helpe of all trewe
Englyshmen, to deliver our country from all presente peril, daunger, and
bondage, whereunto it is like to be broughte, by the most develyshe
devize of Mary, unrightful and unworthye Quene of England, who, both by
the will of hir father, Kinge Henrye the viijth, and by the lawes of
this noble realme of England, bathe forfette the crowne, for marriage
with a straunger. And also hathe most justlye deserved to be deprived
from the crowne, because she being naturallye borne haulfe Spanyshe and
haulfe Englyshe, bearythe not herselfe indifferentlye towardes bothe
nations, but showinge herselfe a whole Spanyarde, and no Englyshe woman,
in lovynge Spanyardes and hatinge Inglyshemen, inrichinge Spanyardes and
robbinge Inglyshemen, sending over to Spanyardes continuallye the
treasure, gowlde, and silver of our realme, to maintaine them for owr
destruction, sufferinge poore people of England to lyve in all carefull
miserye, manye of them dyinge for verye hunger: and not contented with
all thes myschyfes, she sekynge ernestlye by all possyble meanes to
place Spanyardes in our castelles and howldes, contrarye to all
statutes, customes and ordinaunces within this realme, that they maye
burne and destroye the countrye iij or iiij times yerelye, till
Englyshemen can be contented to obeye all their vyle customes, and most
detestable doinges, whereby the whole commonalite of Inglande shalbe
broughte to perpetual captivitie, bondage and most servyle slaverye, as
evidentlye shalbe proved before all men, at owr fyrste assemble.
We therfore, dearly beloved countrymen, preventinge these miserable
mischefes, have purposed here to remayne and tarrye to receve all such
faythfull and trewe Inglyshemen as willinglye will worke to preserve
their owne lyves, landes, lyvynges, tresures, wyves, childerne, yea, and
to speake bryflye, the crowne of the whole realme, from the possessyon
of prowde, spytefull Spanyardes, whose Morysh maners and spytefull
condytions no natyon in the worlde is able to suffer. And therfore we
are fully determyned to wythstande them in all their doinges for the
defence of owr countrye, not myndinge to worke to owr own advancement
touchinge the possessyon of the crowne, but onlye to restore our bloude
and howse to the owlde pristinate estate, which all men knowe hathe bin
most wrongfully suppressd by the malyse of Cardynall Wolsey: and not for
any offence that we commytted towardes the realme or the crowne: but
have always endevered ourselves, as we pretende at this present, to
withstablishe the crowne to the next righteful heyrs of the realme. So
that yt maye remayne successyvely to the trewe Inglyshe bloude of our
owne naturall countrye, banyshinge and expellinge all straungers,
marchauntes onlye excepted: and to restore againe all suche actes,
lawes, lybertyes, and customes, as were establyshed in the tyme of that
most prudente prince, King Henrye the viij. Wherby this whole realme of
Englande shall not onlye be preserved from the tyrannie of forrayne
princes, but also be delyvered from all suche powlinge[10] paymentes, as
the Quene dothe daylye geve to Spanyardes: and will geve contynuallye,
till she have beggered and destroyed all the whole realme. We therfore
are fullye determyned moste thankefullye to receve all persons, of
everye state or degre, that willingelye wil wythstande thes myserable
myschefes; and as the Dukes of Buckingham, our forefathers and
predecessors, have always byn defendores of the poor commonaltye
againste the tyrannye of princys, so shoulde you have us at this
juncture, moste dearlye beloved frendes, your protector, governor and
defendor, againste all your adversaries and enemyes: myndinge earnestlye
to dye rather presentlye and personallye before you in the felde, than
to suffer you to be overrun so miserably with straungers, and made moste
sorrowfull slaves, and carefull captyves to suche a naughtye natyon as
Spanyardes, who affirme openlye, that they will rather lyve with Mores,
Turkes, and Jues, than with Inglyshemen: whereby all men may perceyve
plainelye, that ever lyke as they do use Turkes, Mores, and Jues, which
be their captyves, so muche more worse will they use us, and if we do
not manfullye within shorte tyme withstande the pretendyd purposes. We
shall therfore most earnestlye and lovinglye desyer all maner of
persons, of what estate or degree soever they be, that will gladlye
withstande these miserable mischefes and workes, and to maintain the
crown from all straungers to the right heyrs of the realme, that they
and everye of them, with all expedition, resorte to us, so well
appointed with horses, armoure, or otherwayes, as they possyble can
appointe themselves, for the preservatyon of the crowne and savegarde of
the realme.
THE BEHAVIOUR OF DR. RIDLEY AND MASTER LATIMER AT THE TIME OF THEIR
DEATH, WHICH WAS THE 16TH OF OCTOBER, 1555.
=Source.=--Foxe: _Acts and Monuments_. Ed. 1843-9. Vol. vii., p. 547.
Upon the north side of the town, in the ditch over against Balliol
College, the place of execution was appointed: and for fear of any
tumult that might arise, to let the burning of them, the lord Williams
was commanded, by the queen’s letters, and the householders of the city,
to be there assistant, sufficiently appointed. And when everything was
in a readiness, the prisoners were brought forward by the mayor and the
bailiffs.
Master Ridley had a fair black gown furred and faced with foins such as
he was wont to wear being bishop, and a tippet of velvet furred likewise
about his neck, a velvet night-cap upon his head, and a corner cap upon
the same, going in a pair of slippers to the stake, and going between
the mayor and an alderman, etc.
After him came master Latimer in a poor Bristol frieze[11] frock all
worn, with his buttoned cap, and a kerchief on his head, all ready to
the fire, a new long shroud hanging over his hose, down to the feet;
which at the first sight stirred men’s hearts to rue upon them,
beholding, on the one side, the honour they sometime had, and on the
other, the calamity whereunto they were fallen.
Master doctor Ridley, as he passed toward Bocardo, looked up where
master Cranmer did lie, hoping belike to have seen him at the glass
window, and to have spoken unto him. But then master Cranmer was busy
with friar Soto and his fellows, disputing together, so that he could
not see him, through that occasion. Then master Ridley, looking back,
espied master Latimer coming after, unto whom he said, “Oh, be ye
there?” “Yea,” said master Latimer, “have after as fast as I can
follow.” So, he following a pretty way off, at length they came both to
the stake, the one after the other, where first Dr. Ridley entering the
place, marvellously earnestly holding up both his hands, looked towards
heaven. Then shortly after espying master Latimer, with a wondrous
cheerful look he ran to him, embraced, and kissed him; and as they that
stood near reported, comforted him, saying, “Be of good heart, brother,
for God will either assuage the fury of the flame, or else strengthen us
to abide it.”
With that went he to the stake, kneeled down by it, kissed it and most
effectuously prayed, and behind him master Latimer kneeled, as earnestly
calling upon God as he. After they arose, the one talked with the other
a little while, till they which were appointed to see the execution,
removed themselves out of the sun. What they said I can learn of no man.
Then Dr. Smith, of whose recantation in King Edward’s time ye heard
before, began his sermon to them upon this text of St. Paul, “If I yield
my body to the fire to be burnt, and have not charity, I shall gain
nothing thereby.” Wherein he alleged that the goodness of the cause and
not the order of death, maketh the holiness of the person; which he
confirmed by the examples of Judas, and of a woman in Oxford that of
late hanged herself, for that they, and such like as he recited, might
then be adjudged righteous, which desperately sundered their lives from
their bodies, as he feared that those men that stood before him would
do. But he cried still to the people to beware of them, for they were
heretics, and died out of the Church. And on the other side, he declared
their diversity in opinions, as Lutherans, Æcolampadians, Zuinglians, of
which sect they were, he said, and that was the worst: but the old
church of Christ, and the Catholic faith believed far otherwise. At
which place they lifted up both their hands and eyes to heaven, as it
were calling God to witness of the truth: the which countenance they
made in many other places of his sermon, where as they thought he spake
amiss. He ended with a very short exhortation to them to recant, and
come home again to the church, and save their lives and souls, which
else were condemned. His sermon was scant; in all, a quarter of an hour.
Dr. Ridley said to master Latimer, “Will you begin to answer the sermon,
or shall I?” Master Latimer said, “Begin you first, I pray you.” “I
will,” said master Ridley.
Then, the wicked sermon being ended, Dr. Ridley and master Latimer
kneeled down upon their knees towards my lord Williams of Thame, the
vice-chancellor of Oxford, and divers other commissioners appointed for
that purpose, who sat upon a form thereby: unto whom master Ridley
said, “I beseech you, my lord, even for Christ’s sake, that I may speak
but two or three words.” And whilst my lord bent his head to the mayor
and vice-chancellor, to know (as it appeared) whether he might give him
leave to speak, the bailiffs and Dr. Marshall, vice-chancellor, ran
hastily unto him, and with their hands stopped his mouth, and said,
“Master Ridley, if you will revoke your erroneous opinions, and recant
the same, you shall not only have liberty so to do, but also the benefit
of a subject: that is, have your life.” “Not otherwise?” said master
Ridley. “No,” quoth Dr. Marshall. “Therefore if you will not so do, then
there is no remedy but you must suffer for your deserts.” “Well,” quoth
master Ridley, “so long as the breath is in my body, I will never deny
my lord Christ, and his known truth: God’s will be done in me!” And with
that he rose up, and said with a loud voice, “Well then, I commit our
cause to Almighty God, which shall indifferently judge all.” To whose
saying master Latimer added his old posy, “Well! there is nothing hid
but it shall be opened.” And he said, he could answer Smith well enough,
if he might be suffered.