BHO

Cecil Papers: 1631

Pages 261-269

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 22, 1612-1668. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1971.

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Citation:

1631

The Enclosure.
1631, April 8. "Whereas I understand that Capteyne Polkinghorne and diverse others have and doe uppon all occasions come in to the Mount, Illande and within the libertie and jurisdiction of the Mount Castle there to take away such rights and previlledges as doe belonge unto me and my officers whom I appoint for that purpose; and these are therefore to will and requier you to prohibit the said Polkinghorne in particular, and all others except such as you in your discretion shall allow of to come within the said Illand or jurisdiction of the said Mount to deale or comerse for any thinge within the same save only such custombs or rights as of right belong or are due to his Matie."— Salsburie Howse, this 8th of Aprill, 1631.
Copy. 1 p.
The Earl of Salisbury's case for a pension.
[? c. 1630]. "The cause of the Earl of Salisbury for his pension in lieu of his silk farm."
Queen Elizabeth towards the end of her reign [marginal note: 29 July 44 Eliz] did grant by indenture under the Great Seal to Mr Billott and Houghton the custom and subsidy of silks, lawns and cambrics for 10 years at the yearly rent of 8977l 9s 7d upon trust for the use of Sir Robert Cecil, then principal Secretary of State.
King James by letters under his signet dated 16 May 1 Jas 1, directed to Lord Treasurer Buckhurst, mentioned that Lord Cecil's grant was void by the Queen's death, that yet he should take order in the custom houses that the farmers should continue their payments to him as they did till the Queen's death until the same might again be established by Parliament. Whereupon the farmers made payment to Lord Cecil, and he paid such rent to King James as was reserved to Queen Elizabeth by the grant.
The Parliament began 19 March 1 Jas 1, the first session ended 7 July anno secundo in which the tonnage and poundage was granted.
Afterwards King James by indenture under the Great Seal dated 13 July 2 Jas. 1. did grant the duties of silks, lawns and cambrics to the said Mr Billet and Houghton for 15 years from the Annunciation then last past at the same rent of 8977l 9s 7d for Lord Cecil's use. Billett and Houghton did surrender the last mentioned lease 2 December, 8 Jas 1.
King James by another indenture dated 10 December 8 Jas 1. did in consideration of the rent grant to Billett and Houghton to the use of the Earl of Salisbury the said duties of silks, etc, for 19 years from Michaelmas last past at the said yearly rent of 8977l 9s 7d. This farm was let at several times and by several grants by the late Earl to Mr Hide and others upon improvement of rent and fines, and presently after the decease of the late Earl the same was let by the Earl that now is to Sir John Swinnerton and others, who were to pay the said rent of 8977l 9s 7d to the King and an improvement to the Earl of 7000l which the Earl enjoyed till Christmas 1615: and then the King being desirous to take the duties into his own hands procured the Earl to assign the same to the Earls of Northampton and Suffolk and others to the King's use, and in consideration thereof the Earl had granted to him an annuity of 3000l per annum and only for 21 years from Christmas 1615.
By which bargain the Earl of Salisbury did depart with 4000l per annum in present possession for 14 years wanting but one quarter, which amounts to 55,000l, and for that 4000l per annum he was to have by his new grant but only 3000l per annum for 7 years after the end of 14 years, which is 21,000l. By which without further improvement the King gained before the end of the lease of 19 years 34,000l besides the use of the 21,000l after the end of the 19 years until the respective times of payment thereof by 3000l per annum for 7 years.
The truth of the case thus standing it is most evident that the consideration of this pension of 3000l per annum was sufficiently valuable.
And yet lest by the improvements that have been made of that farm above the rent some may think that the first grant from Queen Elizabeth was procured as a suit and so proceeded from grace, it is well known that a medium of those duties was first cast up by her Majesty's officers, which medium with some further advance was made good unto her Majesty and the late King by the said rent of 8977l 9s 7d, so that by that yearly rent the Crown gained more than was received for the same communibus annis whilst it was in the Queen's hands.
And the late Earl making choice of able and active men for his managers and farmers, by his extraordinary care and their diligence in the exact discharge of the service of that farm, did improve the yearly value from what it was when the Queen first let it to what it was when this Earl assigned it to King James's use, as aforesaid; the fruits of which service his Majesty now enjoys.
And yet this is not all the benefit thereby brought to the Crown; a service of great consequence thereupon ensued.
For by the example of this silk farm a way was prepared for a general farm of the rest of his Majesty's customs and subsidies; and the late Earl procured his then Majesty's farmers for the same who gave him the full value of 28,600l yearly above that which theretofore had been communibus annis made of the said general customs and subsidies [marginal note: Medium was about 83,404l]; and when Lord Treasurer a little before his decease he did in a new grant of the general farm advance the rent to 15000l more making in the whole 135,000l per annum. Unto which add the rent of the silk farm 8977l 9s 7d and the improvement of 7000l, and in all it will make 150,977l 9s 7d.
So that by demising the customs and subsidies in the general farm as now it stands, his Majesty receives more by 58,596l per annum than was made communibus annis of the general customs and silk farm before the same were first let to farm as aforesaid.
Underwritten in another hand Medium of the general customs and subsidies (except silk, lawns and cambrics) in 2 Jac 1., near about the sum of, 83,404l
Which the late Earl before his decease settled at the constant rent of, 135,000l
The medium of the silks, etc, 7,777l 9s 7d
Shortly after the Earl's decease by this Earl let for the yearly rent of, 15,977l 9s 7d
The gain thereby brought to the crown is, 59,796l
Besides in the advance of the wine farms and other particular farms and the general impositions.
3 pp. (129. 129.)
[Another abstract of the above case in slightly different form. Two copies. 2 pp. (129. 131, 131a.)]
Edward Talbot's Case
[? 1630 or later]. Two papers:
(1) Speeches held by Edward Talbot, after the death of George, late Earl of Shrewsbury, (fn. 1) arguing his ambition of the Earldom. As to the present Earl's bill of complaint against Talbot, with respect to goods received by him as executor. Details of Talbot's practices with Wood to dispatch the Earl, Wood being chosen for this purpose both for his skill in physic, extractions, experiments, poisons and the like; and for the place he held about the Earl, by which he would be least suspected. As to Whitingham's share in the plot. "The man whom we take to have bought the gloves hath uttered to others speeches arguing them to be bought about which all the stir was." Reasons for Wood's good faith, and against his being guilty of forgery.—Undated.
1½ pp. (P. 2363.)
(2) "Reasons to show why one cause cannot receive sentence before the other be heard."
Mr Talbot charges Wood with forging an annuity of 100l to be granted by Talbot to him; and Wood justified by oath that Talbot granted the same, and that the reason thereof was that in consideration of it and other promises he should take away the Earl's life. The Earl of Shrewsbury complains against Talbot and Whittingham to have conspired his death, and that Talbot had plotted with Wood to effect the same. Reasons why the supposed forgery and conspiracy go hand in hand and cannot be severed in sentence.—Undated.
¾ p. (P. 2363.)
The Earl of Salisbury to the Feoffees of Brigstock.
1630–31, February 17. Refers to the favour shown by his father to them at the time when they obtained from the Crown the custody, and later, the lease for 60 years of certain lands in Brigstock to the great benefit of the town. In acknowledgment of that favour they leased to his father Brigstock mills and a piece of ground called Maunderley Close for 50 years, which they renewed. But owing to his father's death and the negligence of his servants, it had not been committed to writing. He now asks them to do so.—17 February, 1630.
Signed. Seal. Endorsed: "To my very lovinge freinds Mr Thurlbye, Richard Barton, thelder, Anthony Harris, and Thomas Wattkinson, ffeoffees for the Towne of Brigstocke, and any others whome it may concerne." ½ p. (General 72/1.)
Accounts.
1630–31, February 24, to September 29. Inter alia:
P. 31 "For my Lord Cranborne and his brother going to ye Globe to see a play by Charles." 0–12–0
46 pp. (Box H/8.)
Accounts.
1631, May 29. "An accompt of money disbursed by me Edward Hamond ffor Mr Arthur Capell, esquire, at London in Easter terme 1631."
li s d
Inprimis, payd to Mr Bradburne a silkeman in part of payment of a greater sume as by his acquittance for the same appeares. 80 0 0
For a search in the Petty bagge for the office found in London after the death of Sir Charles Morryson, knight and baronet. 1 4
For a coppy thereof being 54 sheetes of paper at 8d the sheet, 3s beinge abated in the whole. 1 13 0
For one of the clarks of the petty bagge his hand therto. 2 0
To Sir Robert Heath, knight, the Kinges atturney generall for his ffee for confessinge the plea for dischardginge a debt to Kings matye out of Greaslye. 5 0 0
To Mr Stacy one of his clarks for his ffee for getting the same confession. 2 0 0
To Mr Scriven for dyvers ffees and chardges in Sir Peeter Osbornes office, concerninge the said plea and confession as by his bill therof appeares. 3 8 0
To his clarke for his paynes and expedition in doinge therof. 5 0
More to his sayd clarke for carryinge the record to Auditor Gwyn to be inrolled there. 2 0
To the sayd Auditor Gwyn for inrollinge therof in his office. 1 6 8
To Mr Scriven for respitt of homage for Greaslye with the warrant of atturney and acquittance. 1 3 0
For a coppye of the inventory of Sir Charles Morysons goods, being 25 scedulls at 8d the schedull, 2d beinge abated in the whole. 16 6
To Mr Carter for the surveyor of the Lyveryes his ffee for contynewinge the lyvery after the death of Sir Charles Morison untill the next terme. 10 0
For St. Augustynes booke de Civitate Dei in Englishe for him. 11 6
For Eusebius in Englishe for him. 11 0
For two ells of ffyne holland for him at 11/6 the ell. 1 3 0
For three ells and a halfe of courser holland for him at 5s 4d the ell. 18 8
Sume totall of all theis disbursements cometh to 99li 11s 8d
1½ pp. (200. 108f.)
Accounts.
1631, July 5. "An accompt of money receyved and disbursed for Mr Arthur Capell, esquire, by me Edward Hamond at London in Trinitye terme 1631."
li s d
Receipts. Inprimis, receyved of the sayd Mr Arthur Capell himselfe when he was at London this terme. 52 0 0
Receyved of Mr Scriven in thexchecker for a rent due out of the towne of Darbye for one whole yeare ended at Michas last. 16 0 0
Sume total 68li 0s 0d wherof paid and layd out as followeth:
Disbursments. Inprimis, to Mr Caltropp your counsell for his paynes in goinge with me to Grayes Inne to Sir John Bancks his chamber about reconciling the office after the death of Sir Charles Morryson and some other busynes. 1 0 0
To Mr Allington in the pipe office for his ffee and the Clarke of the Pipes ffee for allowinge and payment of Darby rent. 13 4
Payd to Mr Angell the upholster in full payment of all reckonings from Mr Capell untill this tyme as by his bill for the same appeares. 25 0 0
Payd to Mr Beale your shooemaker in full payment as aforesayd as by his bill appears. 13 0 0
Payd to Mr Osborne your draper in full payment as aforesayd as by his bill appeares. 8 16 0
Payd to Mris Chapman for a capp, boothose leggs and sockes for Mr Capell, as by his bill therof appeares. 3 12 0
For 21 ells of holland for him at 5s 8d p ell. 5 19 0
For 9 ells more of ffyne holland for him at 7s the ell. 3 3 0
For a paire of silke stirrupp stockings for him. 1 0 0
For Eusebius Historye for him. 11 0
For amendinge his daughters currall [? coral] 6 0
Sume disbursed 63li 0s 4d
li s d
Receyved in all 68 0 0
Wherof disbursed 63 0 4
Remaynes to Mr Capell 4 19 8
1 p. (200. 108g.)
Warrants.
1631, July. Two warrants:
(1) Warrant by the Earl of Salisbury authorizing Christopher Keighley to lease his castle of St. Michael's Mount, and all tithes and properties owned by him within the county of Cornwall. The only condition stipulated is that the terms should not exceed 21 years or three lives.—July, 1631.
Draft. 1 p. (General 29/1.)
(2) [? July, 1631]. Warrant by the Earl of Salisbury appointing Christopher Keighley to compound with the copyhold tenants of the manor of Treraboe for the renewal and confirmation of their copyhold estates.—Undated.
Draft. ¾ p. (General 29/2.)
Inquisition.
1631, August 17. Inquisition by coroner's jury held at Marhasewe on the body of William French, an Irish sailor. The jury find that he died as the result of the capsizing of the ship The Gift of Washford in Ireland, of the value of £16, at the quay of St. Michael's Mount. The ship and the goods of the deceased remain in the hands of Christopher Keighley for the use of the Earl of Salisbury.—17 August, 1631.
Signed: Richard Ley, coroner. ¾ p. (General 5/1.)
Tin.
1631, August 23. "Memorandum: that the daye and yeere abovesaid that William Laytie of Peranuthnowe in the countie of Cornewall, yeoman, hath taken the landes of Cabellan of the right honorable William, Earle of Salisburie, to searche for tynne in the said landes, and doth agree to and with the said Earle, his heires and assignes, to worke there only with six men; and that upon fyndinge of anye loade of tynne in the said landes he and the rest of the workers shall presentlye discover the fyndinge of the said loade unto the said Earle or his officers appoynted for the same purpose; and then the workers are to measure out theire six fathoms and the said Earle, his heires or assignes or his officers, to measure out theire six fathomes, and soe then the workers othere six fathomes and soe proportionablye the said Earle his six fathoms: and the said Earle, his heires and assignes, is to have the first dishe to farme of all the tynne wrought there by the workers; and if the workers fynde noe tynne then they are to fill up the pitts at theire owne costes; and if they forbeare to worke by the space of 2 mounth after tynne found and leave the same unwrought, then this sett to be voyde and of noe effect."
Copy. Unsigned. Endorsed "A sett of the tynne." ¾ p. (Legal 66/12a.)
Accounts.
1631, October 1 to 1632, September 30.—Inter alia:
li s d
P. 27 For new binding a Cronacle in Turkey leather filited with gold and brand ribin strings to it. 0 10 0
P. 29 For a great pot of electuary for my Lords teeth. 0 06 0
P. 30 To my Lady Carnarvans coachman waiting on my Lady to ye Masque at Whitehall (Sept. 26). 0 02 6
P. 31 For my Lord Cranborne and his brother going two severall times to see ye dancing on ye ropes. 0 18 0
For my Lord Cranborne and his brother seeing of a play at ye Globe on ye bankside. 0 08 0
P. 32 To Peeter Cobbe upon severall receipts for teaching ye Lord Cranborne and his brother to write and sypher. 14 04 0
51 pp. (Box H/7.)
Accounts.
1631, December 9. "An accompt of money receyved and disbursed by me Edward Hamond for Mr Arthur Capell, esquire, at London in Michaelmas terme 1631."
li s d
Receipts. Inprimis, received from Patricke Cocke by the hands of Mr Pymm in Trinitye terme last ffor part of the halfe yeares rents and profitts of the sayd Mr Capells lands in Nottingham sheire due the xith of November 1631. 44 14 8
Received more from the sayd Patricke by the hands of Mr Auditor Pymme in Michas terme last for part of the sayd rents and proffitts. 120 5 4
Receyved more from the sayd Patricke in the sayd terme by the hands of Mr Charles White for part of the sayd rents and proffitts. 40 0 0
rec. more then from the sayd Patricke by the hands of George Balderston for part of the sayd rents and proffitts. 100 0 0
Receyved more then from the sayd Patricke by the hands of William Cocke his sonne for the remainder of the money uppon the accompt of the sayd rents and proffitts. 19 3 8
Sume totall receyved 324li 3s 8d wherof disbursed as followeth:
Disbursments. Inprimis, payd to Mr Lambe for ffees and chardges about finding Sir Charles Morisons office at Hatfeild in March 1630, the sayd money beinge payd him accordinge to an order of the Court of Wards. 10 0 0
Payd to Mr Bradborne in ffull of all reckonings and demands from the sayd Mr Capell as by his acquittance appeares. 15 0 0
Payd to Mr Andrew Morryson for Mr Capells cloth suite of the Spanish fashion as by his owne bill, the mercers bill and the silkmans bill appeares. 47 5 0
For two continewants of Mr Cappells Lyvery, the one of Trinitye terme, the other of this terme. 1 0 0
For a silver cullinder ladle for Mr Capell waighinge 9 oz 14d wayte as by Mr Turners bill for the same appeares. 2 18 0
For a Beza stone bought of Mr Cooke wayghinge 112 grames at 3d the grayne abateinge 2d in the whole. 1 6 0
For 3 quarters of an ounce of spirit of salt. 1 6
Sume totall disbursed 77li 10s 6d
li s d
Receyved for him 324 3 8
Wherof disbursed 77 10 6
Remaynes to Mr Capell 246 13 2
1½ pp. (200. 108h.)
Algernon, Lord Percy to the Earl of Salisbury.
[1631 or before (fn. 2) ] December 26. Since my coming hither I have been inquisitive to find out the truth of the business you were pleased to tell me of at London; and I have without much difficulty learned that there was never so much as a thought of it in anybody here. I am confirmed in the belief I had concerning his marrying anywhere, and I will now assure you that there is nothing in the world further from his thoughts than marriage, and his marrying that woman the most unlikely thing of anything that is not impossible. I am unwilling to trouble you any longer, but I shall desire you to give me (who use not to make professions but to those I really intend them) to say that I neither ever have or shall willingly do anything that may diminish your good opinion of me; and whensoever your service requires you shall not find any man in the world that will less consider either life or fortune.—Petworth, 26 December.—Undated.
Holograph. Seal. 1½ pp. (131. 187.)

Footnotes

  • 1. Died April 2, 1630.
  • 2. The Earl of Northumberland, his father, died on November 5th, 1632.