Letters and Papers: May 1539, 21-25 | British History Online

Pages 462-470

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 14 Part 1, January-July 1539. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.

Citation:

May 1539



21 May, Cleop. E. v. 378.* B. M.	1001. JOHN [STOKESLEY], BP. OF LONDON, to [CROMWELL].
	John Valey alias Faley, parish clerk of St. Peter's, Colchester, whose wife brought me to-day at noon your Lordship's letters, was sent to me by the Lord Chancellor to be examined, with four others, upon certain articles of heresy whereof they were indicted at Colchester on Monday before the feast of St. George. Sent the answers of the four to the Chancellor, and despatched them according to their deserts and his pleasure. Faley would not make answer before me but only before my lord Chancellor, to whom, as he said, the bailiff of Colchester had sent him. The Chancellor therefore desired me to keep him till after the feast, when he would examine him with John Coole, whom I sent for at his request and yours, signified by Dr. Leighton. In consequence of his appeal to the King, the Chancellor wished to examine him with you. This is the cause why I detained Valey. Delivered Coole to the Chancellor, when he came to London, and have not heard of him since. Coole is indicted for errors concerning the Sacrament of the Altar, in accordance with depositions taken before my lord of Oxford, but Valey is only accused of saying "that he needeth not, nor will not, nor is bound, to rehearse in confession his sins particularly, but generally by general words, saying he hath offended in breaking the commandments of Christ, and in the seven deadly sins, not showing how." I have no other evidence against him at this time (though heretofore he was convicted and abjured before my commissary) except a bill of his own hand found in his purse, of which I enclose a copy. If he had not been so obstinate he would have been despatched as the others were, with sureties to answer when called upon. I hear that he now repents his conduct, and would have found sureties to my registrar "histre day" or on Wednesday, but he doubted to receive them in consequence of the receipt of your letters, the Chancellor's commandment, and the fact that the persons he named are suspected of heresy. Now he will dismiss him on such sureties as you command, and will attend upon you tomorrow about it.
	I have granted all I could to Edmund Parker for the accomplishing of his request, but I doubt how, without your aid, the law will allow him to have the custody of the children, by reason of his wife, as she is next in reversion if they die without issue.
	Dr. Leighton desired me in your name to be favourable to Pilkington. His deputies have spoiled my house and woods, burnt doors and pales, and pulled down walls. They have always been principal captains to make conspiracies with other of my tenants to withold my duties and customs. The demesne lands, which he had only by copy of court roll, I granted long ago to Sir John Alen and another honest gentleman. Such copies only endure during the time of the grantor unless a ratification is obtained from the successor, which neither Pilkington nor his under-tenants desired till lately, though both my officers and myself at my first entering desired them in open court to produce them, or else I would enter. This was proved at the process in common law, and before the honorable men appointed by the "commune howse." Those to whom I granted the lands obtained judgment in the King's Bench against one Wilcocks and others who had copies like Pilkington's. Wilcocks is my extreme enemy and Pilkington let him the lands without my licence, which is a sufficient cause of forfeiture. He has now sold his interest to one Bowes, who wastes more in the house and the woods than Wilcocks did, "upon boldness that, as he cracketh, he is your mastership's servant," though divers gentlemen of yours say they never saw him in your house. Thus am I entreated in mine own house, so nigh my nose, by Pilkington and his deputies. However, at your request, I have granted to him that if he would stick to his pretended right I would be contented that he named what judge he would, or would abide your judgment, or I offered to persuade those to whom I had heretofore made my grant to give Pilkyngton 20 marks or perhaps 20l. for the release of his interest, and then to stand to the law against his deputies, against whom they have already commenced their suit. I do this only for your pleasure, for I do not look to have a penny of fine or increase of rent. No fine is paid on demesne lands taken by copy, because of the uncertainty of the bishop's translation or death. I should never have required to see their copies unless they had encroached nearly 100 acres more than they paid for. I will do as you wish about it. Fulham, 21 May.
	Hol., pp. 4. Endd.
Cleop. E. v. 337.* B. M.	2. "These be the words of me, John Valey, to Sir William, priest of St. Nicholas, the first day of March.
	"I believe in God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, three persons and one God, knowledging myself a sinner in the Ten Commandments and in the seven deadly sins, as pride, envy, &c., and for these offences I cry God mercy, and with a penitent heart I cry God mercy, for there is no sin forgiven without a penitent heart, desiring you as a ghostly brother to give me some ghostly counsel. And he said he would not, except I would number my sins, as to show time when, with whom, and where. And I asked him if I should be then forgiven of my sins, and he said. Nay.
	"There is no mo words in this bill. My register hath another bill of this Vayley's own hand, wherein be gathered such texts of Scripture as by their interpretation seemeth to make that we ought not to call the priest ghostly frere, nor none other father nor master, but Christ only. And that Christ should not be present in the sacrament of the altar, quia Deus non habitat in templis manufactis. He wrote only the texts without any such applications, but others like persons do allege those texts for these purposes; and it were to be demanded of this Valey why he wrote out these texts only."
	In Stokesley's hand, p. 1.
21 May. R. O.	1002. SIR ROGER CHOLMLEY to LORD LISLE.
	Asks for a protection for Wm. Smythe, who would gladly pay his debts, if he could get what is owing to him. London, 21 May.
	At Lisle's next being at London, will pay him for the sealing of the warrant. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.
21 May. R. O.	1003. JOHN HUSEE to LORD LISLE.
	Wrote yesterday by Mr. Poyninges' servant. Cannot get the books concerning Paynswick and Morion Valence out of Mr. Polsted's hands. They are not so hasty as they were. I think the King was not well pleased with the motion for your coming over, for since that they have not followed the matter. I think he was never moved in it till the 12th of this month. I trust you will be assured of your licence ere you come. I am sure not one penny of money will be disbursed by my lord Privy Seal till he has the land assured by fine and recovery, nor can any assurance be made at Calais even if the judge went over; and therefore he must procure your licence to come to England, for which I will be in hand with him and Mr. Wriothesley. The Friars hang upon the other matter, and will only be for term of life. Mr. Bonham says he will not give more than 40l. He says you have no interest therein but only at his courtesy; for his father who made you the grant had no right except during his wife's, nonage. I trust you can show a stronger claim. Mr. Wyndsor would fain have the brewing vessels, but they are of no use without the kettle. Shoreyer shall have the farm. The sheep he has promised shall be sent. I will defer my journey into Hampshire till I hear from you. Will shape them an answer for the sale of the land in Gloucester. Mr. Wynter says I shall have the saddle and harness this week. I have also had one made for you here, but cannot get a good gelding. The Commissary's man attends here at Lambeth. I shall know from Mr. Popley if any motion is made to my lord Privy Seal in his behalf. The earl of Hertford asks heartily after you and my lady. "There is great hold amongst the bishops for the establishment of the blessed Sacrament of the Altar. The lords have sitten daily in council upon the same, and the King's Highness hath been with them sundry times in person." There is good hope the matter will be established before Parliament is prorogued. They of the Parliament Chamber have been in hand with me for their fees. Mottley is my lord Privy Seal's man, and at his late being here, my lord his new master gave him 20 marks. I will send two Spanish skins when any good ones come. Mr. Polstede was married on Sunday last to Mr. Lord's daughter. London, 21 May.
	Clare has been with me for 40s. He has of your gift 6d. a day; therefore, I know not whether he shall have it.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.
21 May. R. O.	1004. JOHN HUSEE to LADY LISLE.
	I wrote yesterday by Mr. Poynings' man, enclosing sundry letters. My lady of Rutland leaves in Whitsun week; so you should send speedy word with what money Mrs. Katharine shall be furnished on her departing northward As yet I hear nothing from my lady Suffolk. The gentlewoman (fn. 1) only waits for the company of Nicholas's wife, and Rob. Hall has promised to go with her; who will bring the spice, which is cinnamon and ginger, sent, I believe, by lady Rutland. Mr. Rolles does not know yet the last end and pleasure of the good Earl. (fn. 2) As to Lyttcott, the 20l. must be paid to John Cosworthe. Mr. Wynsor is here, but I have no money of him. I think it will not be 40l., for he says Penyson must have 10l. for plate, and Warley has a warrant for 21l. for stuff delivered last summer. The grocer is not content, and I know I have lost his friendship. No man in this city has done my lord more pleasure than he. The draper will ask his money of no man but me. Jasper and Tong shall be paid if possible, but as yet I know not the sum. Mr. Wynsor would like the brewing vessel, but, as my lord will have the furnace or kettle, cares little for the rest. I cannot tell what Mr. Bonham means, for he now offers but 40l. Mr. Skutt's quails must not be forgotten. You will see by my lord's letter how the matter stands about the lands in Gloucestershire. They are not very hasty now. The cost of the quilts is not more than 3l. Mr. James made his moan to me for sarcenet to line a pair of hose, which I have delivered to him.
	Mrs. Anne is well amended and wants money. Mr. George has been sick, but is better. We have good hope here that an Act will be passed, touching the Sacrament of the Altar, that people may be not so busy hereafter. The King has taken daily pains about it himself, and was several times earnest with his Council to decide it. It will be the wholesomest Act ever passed. Mr. Skerne says he has spoken with the party, who takes it very well. Mrs. Crene cannot obtain her suit with Mr. Wriothesley, but has a plain answer. The poticary in Buclersbury presses for money. London, 21 May.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.
21 May. R. O. St. P. III., 130.	1005. DEPUTY AND COUNCIL OF IRELAND to CROMWELL.
	Thos Cusack and others have brought the report that all monasteries shall be suppressed. It were expedient that these six, St. Mary Abbey adjoining Dublin, Christchurch in Dublin, Grace Dieu Nunnery, in co. Dublin, Connal, in Kildare, Kenlys and Gerepont, in Kilkenny, should remain, in default of common inns in which to lodge the Deputy and Council; also they are the great schools of the country, and find many men of war at hostings and raids. The lord Chancellor, abp. of Dublin, and Brabazon, forebore to subscribe this, although they agreed to it. Dublin, 21 May. Signed: Leonard Grey—James Butler—Gerald Aylmer, justice—Thos. Lutrell, justice—Thomas Houth, justice.
	Add.: Lord Cromwell, lord Privy Seal.
21 May. R. O. St. P. III., 9.	1006. ABP. BROWN to CROMWELL.
	My lord Chancellor, Mr. Treasurer, and I and others, have received your letters purporting the suppression of religious houses. The fame of it is so general that, in default of the commission not yet come, the King shall lose 5,000 mks., as the religious are wasting their goods. Is maligned for setting forth the Gospel: asks for assistance. Thanks for letters "in discharge" of his homage. The Deputy withholds his "halkes" and other dues. Made suit for New Abbey, (fn. 3) "a house of the Obstinates' religion, which lay very commodious for me by Balymore, to repair unto in times of need," but was counted unworthy and the profits given to an Irishman. Asks for Grace Dew Abbey, if it be suppressed. Dublin, 21 May.
	Owed the late lord Rochford 400l., whereof he paid 250l. to Rochford, and 50l. to Mr. Hollice, alderman of London, to redeem a gold cup of the said lord Rochford's. The remaining 100l. should have been paid for the redemption of the house Rochford had of the writer, and which Cromwell's nephew, Sir Ric. Cromwell, was to have enjoyed, but it was never recovered. Begs a letter to Mr. Treasurer, to discharge him of the full 400l., or he will have to pay for what he never had. Signed.
	Within 2 hours after the signing of this, news came to the lord Chancellor, lord Jas. Butler, Mr. Treasurer, and the writer, sitting at dinner, that Cromwell was dead.
	Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
21 May. R. O.	1007. LORD LISLE to CROMWELL.
	Sends news. Cannot find out the truth about the going to Scotland, or where the landing shall be, and has sent forth a man for further knowledge.
	Sent a letter by Swalowe, the King's messenger, signed by himself, the lord Chamberlain, and the rest of the Council, with certain depositions, to which he wants an answer. Calais, 21 May.
	Copy. Headed: Coppie of a lettre sent by my lord Deputie to my lord Previseall, 21 May, A^o 31.
21 May, R. O.	1008. LORD SANDYS, and Others, to LORD LISLE.
	I thank you for communicating to me the letters you have received from England, which I return, and also for your own letter promising that the obstinate lewd fellow shall suffer punishment, as it was agreed, although you have deferred it till the coming of your colleagues, the rest of the Council. I had no fear you had forgotten the matter, but only that some intercession had been made. "Though certain of the Council have reposed themselves to their pains here, and thereby absent from your lordship a day or two, yet both I and they will always be ready to assist you," and will sustain whatever you impose upon us about the reformation of these "opynatyve" persons. I hope your zeal for Christ's faith, and the observance of the King's injunctions and proclamations will be acceptable to God. Guisnes, 21 May.
	All the Council here send commendation to you and my lady, and purpose to be with you to-morrow, at dinner, to commune further therein, "in recompense of th'absence, as well the lame as the blind." Signed. Wyllm. Sandys—John Wallop—Thomas Palmer—John Rowckewood.
	P. 1. Add.: Deputy of Calais.
21 May. R. O.	1009. SIR GEO. CAREW to CROMWELL.
	Received on the 20th his letter dated the 15th. Wrote on Sunday about their proceedings, but has not mentioned by name those who showed themselves unwilling that the word of God should. prosper amongst us. Is loth to accuse any man, but in accomplishing Cromwell's commands. The lord Chamberlain and Mr. Wallop have been the very doers of it, having the whole Council of their party, except lord Grey, Sir Ric. Grenfyld, and Carew. Cromwell may perceive how the truth had the least part among us. In the examination of those who have been before us, there has been great rigour shown to those of honest judgment, searching by all ways and means to find some word to escape them whereby advantage might be had against them, and to the contrary part as much gentleness as might be devised. Mr. Lee, the surveyor, was desired to be at the first examinations of the matter, who, like an honest man, touched them somewhat of their rigourous handling of men. In their examinations, they were no more desirous to have him there, after that. Wishes he might be called to all the proceedings. Commandment has been given by the lord Deputy that the Bible shall be read no more at the mass and service time. The grief is not a little to those that favour God's word, to have any time forbidden them from the reading thereon. Calais, 21 May.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
21 May. R. O.	1010. OUDART DU BIES to LORD LISLE.
	On receipt of your letter, I sent ten or twelve men to apprehend Jehan Collier, dwelling at Cunerville (?), who is gone to the fête at Gamaches. Be assured I will see justice done. I shall be glad to gratify you and the Marshal both in that and other things, and will take care that my men do not infringe your pale. Boulogne, 21 May. Signed.
	Fr., p. 1. Add.
21 May. R. O. St. P. VIII. 196.	1011. STEPHEN VAUGHAN to CROMWELL.
	Received on 20th May, by Mr. Wriothesley's servant, his letter with a bill of exchange for 100l. Will observe Cromwell's orders about mourning. Hears nothing of liveries here. Does not know whether the French ambassador has any given him. Though he wrote to Cromwell his wish concerning the marriage between the Emperor and the lady Mary, he wrote nothing thereof to the King. Is rather a hearer of what other men say, than a speaker. It is commonly said here that the Emperor promised it long ago, and cannot refuse it, seeing that he can nowhere find the like. Is pleased at the King's good acceptation of his service. Need not remind him of the confiscation of the powder laden by John Over, as the Queen has promised to write to the ambassador in England thereof. Brussels, 21 May.
	The Empress's exequies will be done on Friday in Whitsun week. Sent Cromwell's letter on to Wotton and Berde.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.
R. O.	1012. JOHN OVER to CROMWELL.
	The bearers, Wolffe Palmer and Thos. Parke, came from Estlond from the duke of Hollyst and other lords there, with letters for the King; but, being afraid of being stopped and searched at Gravelines, they asked his advice. Advised them to go as merchants, and has sent a man to carry their letters to Calais. They say they have many things to show to the King They can tell Cromwell where is most of the goods that was taken in Modi's ship, in which Over lost 240l. Asks Cromwell to help him to recover 12 barrels of gunpowder, which he bought here for the King, and which is arrested. Mr. Vaughan, the ambassador, has written to Cromwell about it. Asks his help for goods worth 1,000l. belonging to himself and his brother, Robt. Colte, which are wrongfully withheld from them in France.
	The Venetians have agreed with the Turk, and sent ambassadors to him, to "pacefye" after the old capitulations. The Emperor is not content, but otherwise the city had fallen into decay. The Emperor's ships be still in Zealand, and they send daily gunstones, powder and other things thither. Knows not the meaning, but the communication here is of peace with all princes.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
21 May. Ribier, I. 459.	1013. GRIGNAN, French ambassador at Rome, to MONTMORENCY.
	Card. Trevolce in trouble, &c. It is said that, under colour of public affairs, Card. Farnese went to Spain upon private matters. No doubt his Holiness is anxious for the aggrandisement of his house, but he will always do a good office for public affairs, and for peace. These two days two comets have been seen the same day. Some said it was for the Empress and the son of the King of Portugal, others that it was for our Holy Father; one of the latter has been put in prison. Hears that the Pope is in great dread lest the Emperor may marry the daughter of the King of England, and that Card. Farnese was charged to persuade him to the alliance of France. Card. Farnese showed Grignan a letter he had written to Madame d'Estampes, informing her that his Holiness has promised to promote her uncle (fn. 4) at the first promotion of cardinals. Rome, 21 May, 1539.
	French.
22 May. R. O.	1014. JOHN HUSEE to LADY LISLE.
	Wrote yesterday. The gentlewoman (fn. 5) comes not before the holidays. Nicholas' wife has promised to accompany her on Monday or Tuesday next. Yesternight the King made a great banquet at which most of the great ladies were present. Mrs. Anne and Mrs. Katharine lay there all night. I think this night they come home, There will be no cloth of gold like the other. Mr. Loccks's (?) is all plain. Hears nothing from lady Suffolk. London, 22 May.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.
22 May. R. O.	1015. WM. LORD SANDYS to LORD LISLE.
	I have received your kind letters with the news sent to you from England. As it has pleased the King to resort, in his own person, to the bishops, to determine the controversy touching the Sacrament of the Altar, I trust that a good establishment shall ensue, to the comfort of all perfect Christians. Thanks my lady for her loving remembrance. Guisnes, 22 May.
	As you think Gelders unfit for the constableship, may I ask you to prefer Baker? Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Deputy of Calais.
22 May. Poli Epp., II. 205.	1016. CARD. BEMBO to CARD. POLE.
	Thanks him for his letter of congratulation. Where Pole writes that he dare not admonish an old man like him; it seems more impudent that he should have admonished so distinguished a man as Pole. Looked up the copy of his letter to Pole to see what he really did say, and thinks it was rather eulogy than admonition. The Pope has given him leave to pass the summer here: and in the autumn he will come to Rome with the more pleasure, as Pole and Sadolet will be there. Salutes Priolus, Paul Sadolet, and Ludovicus Bononiensis. (fn. 6) Padua, 11 Cal. Junias.
	Latin.
23 May. R. O.	1017. [LORD LISLE] to DU BIES.
	The Marshal and I thank you for your honourable answer to my last letter. We have no doubt you will take measures to capture John Collier and his companions and do what is right. I am informed that those of Ardre have lately made a passage in the river to the south side of the Cowswade, near a place called the Boutes, which river till then was free to all passers. Also that they have made a road from the Cowbridge (Pont Vacquyere) of Ardre to within the Cowswade and have fortified it so that in winter they may pass easily, and enter the pale of the King my master, with cars and horses, a thing which has not been seen before. I beg you to see that nothing is done to the prejudice of my master. Calais, 23 May.
	Draft. Fr., p. 1. Add.: A Mons. du Byes, chevalier de l'ordre de France, seneschal et gouverneur de Boullounoys. On the back is written, in the same hand as the letter: "vostre bien bon voisin et parfaict amy. Sir Henry Robynson."
24 May. R. O.	1018. CHARLES DUKE OF SUFFOLK.
	Receipt by him to Edward earl of Hertford, for 341l. 6s. 8d.; in full payment of 408l. for the manors of Honyngton, Bayclyff or Baylyclyffe, Ablyngton, Boxe, Brodehenton and Stapleford, Wilts, sold by Suffolk to the Earl. 24 May 31 Hen. VIII. Signed and sealed.
	P. 1.
24 May. Add. 11,042 f. 120. B. M.	1019. FRANCIS EARL OF SHREWSBURY to JOHN SKYDMORE.
	Has granted to Ric. Mynours all the goods of Thos. Mynours, his father, which Skydmore is to deliver to him. Westminster, 24 May. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.
24 May. R. O.	1020. BP. ROLAND LEE to CROMWELL.
	I beg your favour for the bearer, the prior of Lempster, and, if he has disobeyed his abbot (fn. 7) in not dissolving his house as commanded, I trust your Lordship, knowing the truth, will allow it. Yesterday departed this world Sir Ric. Herbert, the best of his name that I know. I have as great loss of him as though I had lost one of mine arms in governing Powes, Kery, Kedewen and Cloones Land. Remember my long suit. Wigmore, not yet all recovered of my disease, 24 May. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Crumwell lord Privy Seal. Endd.
24 May. Lamb. MS. 602, p. 120.	1021. WALTER [WELLESLEY], BP. OF KILDARE, to CROMWELL.
	Sends an Irish hobby by the bearer, a brother of the monastery of our Lady in Connall, which he holds in commendam. Asks him to write to the Council to strengthen him in the possession of this monastery, which lies amongst the wild Irish, especially as it was founded by "the noble Maylor Fith Henry." son of Henry II. (fn. 8) To this day no brethren are elected, unless "of a very English nation," and for this reason the Irish do all they can to impoverish it. Connall, 24 May. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: The Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
	See Carew Calendar, No. 134.
24 May. R. O.	1022. [WM. REDMAN] to PETER BEKWYTH.
	Asks him to pay Mr. Creyar, the bearer, 40s. for certain freight. Asks Bekwyth if he has received more money to send it to the writer's part[ner] Olyff Boor, beer-brewer of Deptford. Gives him directions about money which he is to receive from various persons for beer. Leaves for Antwerp this Saturday. "At Doonkerke, thys whytt son yeyff," 1539.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: in Calais.
R. O.	2. Receipt by Ph. Cray, soldier of the King's retinue at Calais of 40s. from Peter Bekwyth, for Wm. Redman, brewer of Deptford. 24 May 1539, 31 Hen. VIII.
	Signed with a mark.
24 May. R. O.	1023. PIERRE DOMYNEKE LE JOUNE to THOS. FOWLER.
	I have received your letter asking for five timbers of ermines at the price I wrote. As I found them not so fine as was promised, I have written to Antwerp for five of the finest. Has been unable to finish the work (louvrayge) sooner, as he was obliged to leave the town on private business, but hopes to satisfy him with a little patience. Bruges, 24 May 1539.
	Hol., Fr., p. 1. Add.: Maystre Thomas Foulaert, a Calays.
24 May. R. O.	1024. JEHAN DAVION to CROMWELL.
	Asks for an answer concerning the merchants of Antwerp, creditors of William Forman, that right may be done, and the Queen satisfied. The creditors desire Forman's presence in Antwerp, that the matter may be examined by persons appointed by the parties. Antwerp, 24 May, 1539. Signed in the name of the creditors.
	Fr., p. 1. Add.: Myllor Preveusel. Endd.
25 May. R. O.	1025. THOMAS FYNGLAS to CROMWELL.
	Upon a rumour of the suppression of monasteries here, the abbots and priors are selling their goods and letting their lands. The lord Deputy, at the instigation of one Golding and others of his counsel, has obtained from the abbot of St. Mary's, beside Dublin, leases of all the good lodgings in the monastery and of the farms of Ballybaghill and Portmernoke, on an agreement evidently meant to defraud the King and put the writer and Walter Pipard from the farm of the said abbey, for which Cromwell wrote to the commissioners for them.
	Credence for his fellow, Thos. Agard, who now goes over. Mr. Treasurer, at sight of Cromwell's letter, has given him the wardship of Barnewall, and is very good to him. Would that the rest of the Council were as earnest in repressing the Popish sect. Dublin, 25 May.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Lord Privy Seal.