BHO

Spain: June 1508

Pages 456-457

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 1, 1485-1509. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1862.

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Citation:

June 1508

14 June.
B. M. MSS. Add. 21,382. f. 23.
584. G. De Theimseke, Prevost Of Cassel, to the Archduchess Margaret.
The English are not inclined to engage in a war with France, but the King is ready to pay the 100,000 crowns, provided the bonds be sent to him.
Was told that the French do not intend to invade Flanders. Asked whether burning and destroying were not invasion. Begs her to keep this information secret.
[News of Gueldres.]
Marriage between Prince of Wales and Madame Eleanor.
Thinks that more will be heard of the marriage between the Prince of Wales and Madame Eleanor. (fn. 1) It is quite true, and the Commander of Haro has openly declared that the King of France is a good ally of the King of Arragon, and has written to Henry, strongly urging the solemnization of the marriage between the Princess Katharine and the Prince of Wales. The King of England was not at all pleased that the King of France should have meddled in the affair. Moreover it is said that the Prince of Wales is not much inclined to the marriage.
The Knight Commander of Haro seems to be a partisan of France. It is not to be wondered at, because his master himself is very much inclined towards the French.
If the affair of Gueldres is well terminated, all Kings, and especially the King of England, will hold her in high esteem.
[More news respecting the Emperor.]—London, 14th June.
Addressed : "To my most dread Lady, &c."
French. pp. 4.
Printed in Gairdner's Letters, vol. I. p. 342.
20 June.
B. M. MSS. Add. 21,382. f. 25.
Plan proposed by Henry for depriving King Ferdinand of all influence in Castile.
585. G. De Theimseke, Prevost Of Cassel, to the Archduchess Margaret.
[Details respecting Gueldres and Flanders.]
The King of England asked him whether he had news from Spain. Answered, he had not. King Henry then observed that there was not a man in Paris who was such a stout Frenchman as the King of Arragon. But if the Emperor would listen to him, the King of England would tell him how to deprive the King of Arragon of all influence in Castile. Castile would then be ruled only by the Emperor, the Queen Juana, and the Prince of Spain. If the Emperor were to obtain the regency of Castile, he would become so powerful that all his enemies would tremble. It is quite clear that the King of England would go very far in this affair. Asked him what the means he alluded to were. The King of England said he would not tell him, but he would communicate all his secrets to the Emperor when he had a meeting with him.
The King of England said that he wished the Emperor would not undertake any enterprise except after mature consideration. It would not even be necessary for the Emperor to go in person to Spain, but it would be time enough for him to go there when the whole affair was over. This enterprise would make the King of the Romans much greater than any man had ever been for a long time past. The King of England trusted the Emperor, and hoped that the Emperor trusted him.
Asked whether he was to communicate this conversation to her. The King meditated for a time, and then said, he might.
[More news from Flanders.]—London, 20th June.
Addressed : "To my most dread Lady, &c."
French. pp. 13, in print.
Printed in Gairdner's Letters, vol. I. p. 350.

Footnotes

  • 1. Daughter of King Philip.