Elizabeth: November 1560, 1-10 | British History Online

Pages 380-388

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 3, 1560-1561. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1865.

Citation:

This volume has gold page scans.
Access these scans with a gold subscription. Key icon

November 1560, 1-10



Nov. 2.	694. Shers to Cecil.
	1. All things at present in Italy are as it were in peace. This week he has seen letters that the Pope requests the Duke of Florence to come to Rome, to confer of matters which the Duke asks him to defer for a time; alleging that the appointment this summer past for their meeting at Perugia has bred a certain shadow, which if he now come to Rome might be confirmed. Has seen letters from the Pope's kinsman and right hand, Cardinal Borromeo, to the Legate here, saying that the French King and his Council advertise the Pope that they much desire a General Council, and that all places are indifferent unto His Grace, so that the Emperor and the King of Spain (who has burnt forty at a plump of late in Spain) and the rest of the Christian Princes assent to the same. This addition troubles the Court of Rome much. The common opinion is that this year they may not look for a General Council.
	2. They say that the Duke of Urbino is gone to Rome; and that the Pope will publish as many Cardinals as these days past he intends to make. The Duke of Savoy, not yet best settled, will hazard his estate; he proceeds with all cruelty against the Protestants, and will burn and play the devil. He has appointed M. Della Trinita with 2,000 men to be in readiness to see that such justice (or injustice) may be executed. The Duke of Mantua and the Cardinal have been here this week, but unknown, and are now gone home to Mantua.—Venice, 2 Nov. 1560. Signed.
	Orig., with seal. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4.
Nov. 2.	695. Chamberlain to Throckmorton.
	1. Has received his letters by Gamboa, and also one of the 25th September. Doubts how he shall be able to write often to him, and be sure the same shall come safely to his hands, seeing he has not heard from the Queen, or the Council, or his wife and friends for three months, having himself written above a dozen letters. This makes him fear that his letters are every way intercepted, as he does not think that the Queen or Lords of the Council would keep him there in the name of public business without letting him know of the state of England and France. (fn. 1)
	2. "I fear me ye do imagine at home . . . same quietness that . . . . we shall not find. The assurance of this friendship standeth in the reciproque, answered [on our part], and shrewd steerers between . . ."
	3. Has certified the King of the delays in the ratification of the peace on the occasion that he had to seek him about one of his servants that the Inquisition had sent for; in which case if he do not cause the liberties appertaining to him as a public minister to be observed, it were time for him to retire.
	4. "Some will persuade me that this King was of us refused for umpire at the time of this last accord, which being true will make him have the less devotion to our things hereafter." They say here that the French King levies men in Germany, and sends to Marseilles for eight galleys more to pass by the ocean seas. Of the loss of the "Gelues" [Gerbes ?] he understood by his last letter. The Turk offers great entertainment to Don Alvaro De Sandes to serve him. "All your tumults we find are well ceased." Wishes Throckmorton could obtain his revocation; his want of health craves the same for himself. Has been very evil ever since he came to this country. When he thinks his letters have safer passage he will write oftener.
	5. "Some think there is a practice made in Bourse against this King, to keep him occupied whilst the French may utter their last pretensed malice towards us." Of the last message sent from hence thither he [yet knows not the purport]" but for a guess shrewdly to a matter that may be . . ." His measure for silk hose he has sent to Seville, where they are best made.—Toledo, 2 Nov. 1560. Signed.
	Orig. Portions in cipher, deciphered, and partly destroyed by damp. Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
Nov. 5.	696. Throckmorton to the Council.
	The bearer [George] Dudley, elder brother of Henry Dudley, came (as he says) from Malta, of which Order he is a Knight, and he prefers being in this country (as he says) before his devotion to his cross. On his way he came by Rome and brought a letter from Sir Francis Inglefield, a copy whereof is sent.—Orleans, 5 Nov. 1560.
	Draft. Endd. Pp. 2.
Nov. 6.	697. [Throckmorton to Francis Inglefield.]
	On the 4th inst. received his letter dated Rome 19th Sept. by George Dudley, who came hither in very poor estate for a Knight of the Order of Rhodes, and seemed rather to have broken out of the galleys than come from such an honourable religion as Rhodes is reported to be. Is glad to hear that he is minded to be about Venice, or Padua; for, considering how things go at home, his being at Rome cannot be but suspiciously conceived, especially for one of his estate and condition. As for his other letters, he received one by Mr. Vaux, the Scotch gentleman, and the other by the Ambassador of Savoy; that by the ordinary post of Paris has not come to hand. Has written often to Mr. Shears, but received none again. Has answered his letter received by the Ambassador of Savoy by way of M. De Chantonet, the Spanish Ambassador in this Court. From Venice or Padua he may easily convey his letters by the way of the Venetian Ambassador resident here. Thinks his abode on this charge will be all this winter, which he prays him to tell Mr. Shears. The Queen is in perfect health, and like to continue in amity with the French King. The late accord in Scotland is to be ratified. The French King is now at Orleans, where he is occupied in assembling his Estates for the establishing of his affairs, and reforming errors in his realm. He also proceeds with severe punishment and imprisonment against some of good show, and others inferiors, that are deemed to be of the stuff of the late revolters in this realm, and minds to do no less in many other suspect places.
	Draft. Endd.: Orleans, 6 Nov. 1560. Pp. 2.
Nov. 6.	698. John Brigantyne to Cecil.
	1. Wrote on the 7th ult. of the loss of two Hamburg ships off East Friesland, laden with the Queen's munitions. Wrote also to Gresham, who immediately despatched his factor, Clough, and two others to him, who by his advice sailed to the island of Borkum, (not without great danger, as the times have been so stormy,) where one of the ships was lost, and found that the inhabitants had landed 700 courriers or dags, 20 harness, and 100 Cologne cleves. In the other island, which is in Groningen, they are advertised by the master who lost his ship there, that there are recovered 900 dags and courriers, and 70 harness; and if the weather remain fair they are in good hope to recover a good part. Clough has returned in post with these letters; the other two set men to work for the recovery, and work themselves for the making claim of the same. The order of the country is, that the Prince has the third part of all wrecks, of which one half goes to the inhabitants for the recovery of the same. The Queen's letters addressed to the Countess will qualify the same, as will also the good will of the Chancellor. The latter should have a pension of 200 crowns a year, or a reward of 200 or 300 crowns. All nations travail for reward, and in chief the Almaines.
	2. Wrote in the last of the death of the Elector Augustus; he was very sick, but is somewhat recovered. Desires him to procure a letter from the Queen to the Countess about the goods.—Emden, 6 Nov. 1560. Signed.
	Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4.
Nov. 7.	699. The Earl of Argyll to Randolph.
	Has sent this bearer to the Duke and the Earl of Arran, to show the cause of his absence from the Council. It is very laborious for him to put in order his country, which has been so long without ministration of justice. Desires to be certified of any new occurrences.—Straquair [?], 7 Nov. 1560. Signed.
	P. S.—The Credit.
	1. To declare his good will to serve the Queen of England.
	2. To show that the cause of his abiding is chiefly attending upon the letters of the Deputy of Ireland, or for messages for their meeting, and that he has been ready above six weeks.
	3. He marvels that he has not heard from him.
	Orig. The Credit in Randolph's hand. Add. Pp. 2.
Nov. 7.	700. John Killegrew to Henry Killegrew.
	1. Immediately after the receipt of Henry's writing by the way of Sir Thomas Wrothe's son, the writer directed another unto him by the same way. Has received no other letter since his coming hither. The King sent shortly after the tumult at Amboise to the colonels of pistoliers, as unto Crombach and others, desiring new provision of them, but because there was mention made, envers tous et contre tous, they would not agree to that point. Since then he has sent some holy water to draw some of them by the others, which could not yet come to pass, for they answered they would serve all as one and one as all. And yet again, he has desired some to come into France this winter, to help to catch the rebels in their houses, before summer weather come, wherein the commons may make war and uprising. He wonders at their conscience in that behalf, for they have answered that it is not lawful for them to go against those of the religion. It is believed that some Princes caused them so to do; nevertheless, some of them at this present are gone to the Court in France, because, on account of their refusing, some other idle poor Counts of this country were at the Court sueing for this charge, which they cannot obtain as yet, biding upon the last answer of the others.
	2. The Muscovites have done great harm in Livonia, and have assieged two of the principal towns of that country, warring under pretext of religion, calling the Almaines Lutherans. They have sworn not to return home until they have taken the two towns. The Livonians have sent an Ambassador to the Emperor, desiring help, whom the Emperor has directed to the Chamber at Spires, where he is at present with some other Ambassadors of the Dukes of Pomerania and Prussia, who have great fear; for one of the Grand Masters of the Order has, through fear, given himself to the Muscovites. The Almaines are willing to help them with 200,000 florins. Sends his commendations, with those of Wrothe's sons, their schoolmaster, and a Scotch gentleman named Melving.—Heidelberg, 7 Nov. 1560. Signed.
	Orig. Hol. Add.: To my best beloved brother, Henry Killigrew . . . . at Court. Endd. Pp. 2.
Nov. 10.	701. The Queen to Gresham.
	Certifies him of a bargain made with Jasper Seeler, Daniel Ulstat, Christopher Ansell, John Lover, and Sebastian Spaydell, Almaines, for the refining of base moneys, and how they have chosen him surety for 4,000l., according to a bond, of which a copy is forwarded.
	Corrected draft. Endd. by Cecil's secretary; 10 Nov. 1560. Pp. 4.
Nov. 10.	702. The Queen to the Lord Treasurer.
	Orders him to direct the receiver at York to deliver to Sir Thomas Gargrave, Vice-President of the Council, 50l. for the diet of the Council there sitting for hearing of matters for twenty days.—Hampton Court, 10 Nov., 2 Eliz.
	Copy. Endd. Pp. 2.
Nov. 10.	703. The Duke of Arschot to the Queen.
	Sends her an ambling "cheval gaillart," and asks leave for the bearer to export some hackneys from her kingdom.— Beaumont, 10 Nov. 1560. Signed: Charles De Croy.
	Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Fr. Pp. 2.
Nov. 10.	704. Sir Thomas Gargrave to Cecil.
	1. Received his letter on Friday last, he then being on his journey to keep a session, which has been appointed to be held through the shire in every Hundred twice for the execution of certain necessary laws, which at the common sessions cannot be so well done. Sends copies of the commission and warrant for the Council, and two copies of their instructions; the one a true copy, and the other with the additions made by the writer. (fn. 2) Has in certain notes declared his opinion of some points in Cecil's letter. Thinks that if the Queen place a nobleman as resident President of the Council, the fee of 1,000l. by year for diet cannot be diminished. Does not think that much can be saved unless by lessening the number of Councillors. Touching the attorneys there are none; there were never any attorneys, fines, or amercements received by the Council for two years before Queen Mary's death; and that was put in their instructions at his suit, for that he thought it would be a means to bring the people to conformity. The last President placed one Thomas Sutton, his servant, as attorney, who occupied the office for two years, being not bound to account; but being in London, Sutton showed the writer a receipt for the time, being little more than his own fee, which is appointed 20l. by the year to be taken from the fines and forfeitures. At the making of the last instructions Cecil placed in that room William Woodroffe, who being sick occupied his office by deputy; and about this time twelvemonth Richard Whalley, sometime of Gray's Inn, was by the Queen's letters appointed, who has been so sickly that he could not come to account, and now he is dead. Thinks that the fee were sufficient to be 10l., or twenty marks.
	2. The late Lord President for the most part of the year lay forth of sittings at his house at Sheffield, which was much trouble to suitors, but for the most part of the ten years Gargrave kept the seal at his own house without any fee, which was but fourteen miles more south than Sheffield. Thinks York the meetest place for the head of the Council to remain at. It is good to have yearly one sitting in Northumberland, Westmoreland, or Cumberland as occasion shall serve, and to remain a month and make any gaol delivery, which was found to be much good in Henry VIII.'s time. Nottinghamshire is not within the commission of the Council. Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, and Leicestershire are all within the lieutenancy of the north, but not within the commission, within which are only Yorkshire, the bishopric of Durham, Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmoreland, the city of York, Kingston-upon-Hull, Newcastle, Carlisle, and Berwick.
	3. Sends herewith certain notes which he thinks are more plain. Beseeches him to have his suit in remembrance.— Kirby, 10 Nov. 1560. Signed.
	4. P. S.—Their sittings and gaol delivery should begin either on the 25th inst. or the 2nd day of Dec. next, if order could be taken for the diets; there are also many prisoners in the gaol.
	Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 4.
[Nov. 10.]	705. Notes for the Establishment of a Council in the North.
	"A new Order for the Council and their fees."
	1. An honourable person of the Privy Council to be President, to attend when occasion requires and to have yearly 100l.; a Vice-President to be appointed, and he to be learned in the laws of the realm, to have yearly 100l. and for diet 400l. to keep the house for himself and the rest of the Council. Two others learned in the laws to have for fee and diet 200 marks. The secretary to have his accustomed fee of 33l. 6s. 8d. The messenger his accustomed fee of 6l. 13s. 4d. Sum total 773l. 6s. 8d.
	2. All noblemen of these parts to be in the commission, also three men of worship, one from each riding of Yorkshire, and one from each of the counties of Durham, Northumberland, Cumberland, and Westmorland, to be bound to attend. In all sittings the Lord President or Vice-President and three others (whereof the Lord President or Vice-President and one of the two learned men are to be two) are to be there. Forth of the sittings, the Lord President or VicePresident and one of the two learned Councillors are to take order in all riots, forcible entries, affrays, and other matters requiring speedy redress. The secretary and pursuivant to attend on the Presidents at all times. The attorney shall attend when called for by the Presidents; and at every sitting shall deliver to them a book of such matters as he prosecutes for the Queen, and of such moneys as he receives for fines and forfeitures. He shall have only 10l., to be taken of the fines, and such reward as the President may appoint. The residue of the fines and forfeitures shall be bestowed accord ing to the instructions, and 6s. 8d. or 10s. per day be given to such gentlemen of the Council as attend. Four sittings shall be yearly kept, whereof one to be yearly in Northumberland, Westmoreland, or Cumberland, every sitting to continue one month, and therein to be kept one gaol delivery.
	3. Supposes that the presence of the Lord President for matters of justice is not now so requisite as it was when the Council was established, for now the people are more obedient and civil; yet if he should be resident once a year for from one to three months it would be much good, and at such times to have a weekly allowance of 5l. or 6l. out of the 400l. appointed for diet, and also 10l. weekly to be allowed him for that time of the Queen. By this means the Queen's ordinary charge will be lessened at least 400l. by the year; and if the President remain for ten weeks, it is then to the Queen but 100l. more than the ordinary, which is 800l., and the ordinary fees are 1,296l. 13s. 4d. Further, the VicePresident may move from place to place within the length of the commission with small charge, but the Lord President cannot do so without great charge; and therefore sundry inquiries and sittings which should have been omitted. Further, the Vice-President may remove into Northumberland and other places upon occasions of service there.
	Orig., in Gargrave's hol. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 4.
[Nov. 10.]	706. The Council in the North.
	"Notes to be considered in the Instructions for the Council in the North."
	1. That every bill or warrant signed by one of the Council, bound to continual attendance, shall be sufficient for the Registrar to direct process forth accordingly.
	2. That the ninth article, requiring the daily attendance of one or more of the learned Councillors, may be relaxed, as there are only four of them.
	3. The Council petitions that every Knight who attends may be allowed diet for five servants, and every Esquire for four; and every Councillor not bound to continual attendance shall have his servants allowed according to his degree.
	4. Touching the payment of fees, the warrant to the receiver should be according to the fourteenth article, for of late it was altered so that no Councillor could have his fee without the warrant of the Lord President; whereas, formerly his own acquittance was sufficient.
	5. It is thought that it will do much good if there is a sitting each year at Newcastle, Carlisle, or some other place in Cumberland or Westmoreland, to continue three weeks, besides the gaol delivery; to order the enclosures, etc., for it is thought that six or eight days will do no great good.
	6. It seems meet that the Queen should name the VicePresident, except on some great occasion, when the Lord President might name him.
	7. The thirtieth article for fees of Councillors may be omitted.
	8. The Queen's letter should be sent according to the fortieth article, for otherwise, as both Carlisle and Berwick claim certain liberties, they will be a harbour for debtors and evil doers.
	9. It would be well to place words of authority in the commission, to enquire of all general laws or of such of them as shall be most meet to be looked into.
	Orig., in Gargrave's hol., and endd. by him. Pp. 3.
[Nov. 10.]	707. The Council in the North.
	1. Instructions given by the Queen to Francis, Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord President of her Council, resident in the North parts, and to Nicholas, Archbishop of York; Thomas, Earl of Northumberland; Henry, Earl of Westmoreland; Henry, Earl of Cumberland; Cuthbert, Bishop of Durham; George, Lord Talbot; William, Lord Dacre, of the North; John, Lord Lumley; Thomas, Lord Wharton; the two Justices of Assize for the time being; Sir Thomas Wharton, Sir Nicholas Fairfax, Sir Thomas Gargrave, Sir George Conyers, Sir William Vavasour, and Sir Henry Gates. Knights; Robert Menwell, serjeant at law; John Rokeby, L.D.; John Vaughan, George Browne, Christopher Escote, Francis Frobisher, Thomas Eynns, Richard Corbett, and Henry Sawell, Esquires.
	2. The President has a yearly stipend of 1,000l. towards the furniture of himself and the rest of the Councillors; certain fees are assigned to others.
	Copy. Described by Gargrave as: The true copy of the Instructions, not altered. Pp. 20.