Henry VIII: May 1517, 1-9 | British History Online

Pages 1028-1036

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 2, 1515-1518. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1864.

Citation:

May 1517



1 May. R. O.	3193. SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD to WOLSEY.
	His messenger has returned from Dieppe. Encloses a memorial of the news. As he perceives that some ships are getting ready, has sent the same man to Brest. On Monday next the French Queen makes her entry into Paris. Shortly after the French King goes to Rouen. Calais, 1 May. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: My Lord Cardinal of Y[ork], Chancellor.
May. Calig. B. VI. 173. B. M.	3194. ALBANY to the POPE.
	Is glad to hear of the public treaty of Christian princes, and that the Pope has sent his legate thither. Has despatched ambassadors to England to treat for peace. Edinburgh, _ May 1517.
	Lat., p. 1.
1 May.	3195. For CHRIST. SLYNGESBY.
	Wardship of Th., son and heir of Th. Stotevyle. Sir Rob. Drury, Th. Underhyll, Geo. Traas and John Bennett, were seised of the reversion of the manor of Dalham, Suff., to the use of the senior Stotevyle, and now hold of Margaret, wife of the said Christopher, widow of the same Stotevyle. Westm., 1 May.
	Pat. 9 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 11.
1 May. P. S.	3196. For CHRIST. BROWNE of Westminster, fishmonger.
	Protection; going in the retinue of Sir Ric. Winkefelde, Lieutenant of Calais. Greenwich, 31 March 8 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 1 May.
	Fr. 9 Hen. VIII. m. 4. Also enrolled by mistake on Fr. 8 Hen. VIII. m. 10.
2 May. Calig. D. VI. 312. B. M.	3197. _ to the DEPUTY of CALAIS.
	Illness is the reason why he has not written for more than a week. On Tuesday he was sent in quest of [the Sieur de] Cohen, "empartye sieur de nostre villaige," and was at Therwanne, where he met the Sieur de Piesnes. On the Tuesday he pretended (faindi) to go and see the works at Therwanne, and went to dine [with the Lord] of St. John's, with four or five attendants only. Mons. de Therwuouuian (Terouenne ?) was said to be one of them, but he did not wish it to be named. After the departure of De Piennes on Wednesday for Boulogne, news came that the Milanese cut the throats of their French [prisoners]. The reporter was a man of consequence in Terouenne, and named some of those who had escaped, and to whom he had spoken, "et ne le visoit que en secret. Quant à Sieur Robe[rt] Tescelin il nest possible de y besoingner jusque 1 ... de levesque que voroye quil rompist le col. Le dict Sieur ... et ij hommes deglise se sont entrebatu empris ... [s]epmaine et en ont este mal trettyet." [2 May 15]17.
	Marginal note in a modern hand before the fire: "1517, 2 May. This must be in Wingfield's letter, 4 May." (fn. 1)
	Add.: A mon treshonnore et redoubte Seigneur et Mestre Mons^r le Depute de Calles.
	Fr., p. 1, mutilated.
Er. Ep. II. 29.	3198. TUNSTAL to BUDÆUS.
	Was persuaded by Erasmus in the midst of his many occupations to write to Budæus. Praises highly the services which he and Erasmus have rendered to learning. Has seen the letters which he wrote to Erasmus, which he greatly admires. Budæus is so skilful in Greek, that he cannot tell whether his Greek or Latin be more admirable.
3 May. Galba, B. V. 203*. B. M.	3199. SIR ROBERT WINGFIELD to HENRY VIII.
	He and the Chamberlain wrote last on the 28th. Trusts the King has received the writings by Herbert, Worcester's servant. On the 16th of this present month will have served seven years as ambassador to the Emperor, having the pilgrim's fortune "to change many lodgings, and find few friends." Begs the King will have his poverty in remembrance, and give him licence to lay down his office, that he may visit our Lady at Walsingham, "where by the leave of God I would gladly leave my beard, which is now of so strange a color that I need none other arms or herald to show what favor I am worthy, or am like to have, from henceforth amongst ladies and gentlewomen." Malines, 3 May 1517.
	Hol., p. 1, mutilated. Add.
3 May. Galba, B. V. 227. B. M.	3200. SPINELLY to HENRY VIII.
	Wrote last on the 28th ult. Yesterday, at a conference with the Vice-chancellor, the Audiencer caused a new draft of the treaty to be made, which will be ready tomorrow, when Spinelly and the Vice-chancellor will go to Louvain, whither the Lord Chamberlain will also come from Mechlin. Chievres "wol cherysse theym at his feste" on Tuesday next. Spinelly is assured the King will take the oath on Wednesday, and that no fear need be entertained of the French, whose overtures relative to Tournay have always been repelled. Cardinal Gurk took his leave on Friday, and left yesterday for Almain. Sedunensis is with the Emperor, and will be at Chievres' "feste" lodging at Evra, and leaving for Almain next week. This appears to be all that the Emperor's coming has effected hitherto. According to Bannysius he has written to the Pope to make the Bp. of Cambray a Cardinal, and Lord Reulx's son Bp. of Besançon. Thinks Charles's going to Spain will be more by necessity than by choice. Lord Fennys, it is thought, will have the government here. Understands the Emperor and his servants have more money now than they had during Charles's tutelage under the rule of the Archduchess, and that he is very well disposed towards Henry.
	By letters from Rome, of the 21st, the Pope's affairs against the Duke of Urbin prospered. A knight of Rhodes, Deputy of Hugh de Moncay[da], who is gone to Italy to take charge of the King's galleys, has received a confirmation of the news of a great victory of the Turks over the Souldan, and of the capture of Cairo. The wives and children of the Mamelukes were ordered to be put to death: but the Souldan escaped with 4,000 of them to the desert, and, being joined by a number of Arabs, inflicted some loss upon the enemy. Brussels, 3 May 1517.
	Hol., one sentence cipher, pp. 3, mutilated. Add.: [To the] King's grace.
4 May. Calig. D. VI. 230. B. M.	3201. SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD to [WOLSEY].
	Sends two letters with intelligence of occurrences in the borders of Calais. Yesterday Vaux and Pechey arrived. Was advertised last week that Wolsey and the Council were displeased upon the information of Sir Hugh Conwey that his servants' letters had been stopped. Wingfield denies the charge; says he will only stop for a tide like all others. Offered his servants a passage, the same as Th. Prownde passed at. "And when they were over every man to do his best diligence, to the intent the business might be openly known as well by the one letters as by the others." Calais, 4 May. Signed.
	P. 1, mutilated; direction leaf lost.
4 May. R. O.	3202. JERNINGHAM to WOLSEY.
	Has written to the Abbot of St. Martin's in the King's name, commanding him to come and hear the King's pleasure touching himself and his convent. The Abbot obtained an order from the King Catholic, as he did in the time of the Lord Mountjoy, commanding his presence elsewhere. He calls the King Catholic only his lord and master, and professes he will obey none other. Nobody less deserves the King's favor. Has just received Wolsey's letter. Had procured a taboret for him, who plays reasonably well, but is oftentimes overseen with drink, "which me seemed was not meet for your grace, nor to be in the company of so many young gentlemen as your grace hath in your service." Tournay, 4 May. Signed.
	Pp. 2. Add.: My Lord Cardinal of York. Endd.
5 May. Er. Ep. App. 137.	3203. HENRY BOVILL to ERASMUS.
	Has no objection that his letter should be published, although the Latin is not very good. When he compares how little he has been able to accomplish, with poor health, and the loss of one eye, to what Erasmus has done in Greek, it is like a drop to an ocean. Cambridge, 5 May 1517.
5 May. Giust. Desp. II. 68.	3204. SEB. GIUSTINIAN to the DOGE.
	With Pasqualigo and Bavarino visited the Cardinal for a renewal of the patents. He insists on the payment of 300l., which they resisted. He said he had arranged with certain members of Parliament to confer with them on the Candian wines. Thinks it would have been settled before, but for a perilous circumstance. "After Easter a certain preacher, at the instigation of a citizen of London, preached as usual in the fields, where the whole city is in the habit of assembling with the magistrates, and commenced abusing strangers, alleging that they not only deprived them of their industry, and of the emoluments derivable thence, but disgraced their dwellings, taking their wives and daughters; adding much other exasperating language, persuading and exhorting them not to suffer or permit this sort of persons to inhabit their town; by which means he so irritated the populace, that from that day they commenced threatening the strangers that on 1 May they would out them to piecs and sack their houses." Perceiving the minds of the people were inflamed, said a few words to the Cardinal, who promised to provide against any accident: but being warned by many threats, on the last day of April, Sebastian went to Richmond, where the King is, and told him the dangers foreigners were exposed to. The King promised to take all precautions; "and the next night, having received news that the Londoners were in arms, and committing great outrage upon the strangers, he got up at midnight, and took the field with a good number of persons, and sent messengers to London announcing his coming with a large army; though in reality, he never quitted Richmond."
	On 30 April the London apprentices and a number of bandits, in all 2,000, attacked the French and Flemish quarters, and sacked the houses. They proceeded to the French secretary (Meautis), sacked his house, and would have killed him had he not escaped up the belfry of the adjoining church; then to the Italian merchants, but as they were well armed, the mob did little damage. Sebastian's own house was not attacked at all. Much greater mischief would have occurred but for the measures adopted by the Cardinal and the lords, who came by several roads to the city gates, which had been locked by the rioters. The Lord High Admiral forced his way and had another gate opened, where was the Duke of Norfolk. Seventy of the ringleaders were captured, and thirteen of them condemned to death, among them the preacher. There are now 5,000 men-at-arms in the city. Richmond, 5 May 1517.
5 May. Galig. E. III. 28. B. M.	3205. SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD to WOLSEY.
	Has before written the tidings received from Beaugainville, who says he is sore pressed to take the command of a band of foot, by which he should come to know their secrets, and be able to serve the King. He has appointed to meet Wingfield on the 15th. It appears that the French King intends to break with England. Ric. Wodehouse, being at Guisnes, has brought the Governor into suspicion, who has now withdrawn himself, as will appear from his letter, which he sends. Speaks of some person that must be had, even if he be taken out of the King's pale, as he is capable of doing much mischief. With respect to the information forwarded to him by the secretary and waterbailiff touching Tournay, proposes to make such arrangements at his next meeting with Beaugainville as will have some good effect. Ponynges approves of them. Calais, 5 Ma[y].
	Hol., badly mutilated, and the sense doubtful in many places; pp.3. Add.: My Lord Cardinal of [York], Chancellor of England.
5 May. Calig. D. VI. 310. B. M.	3206. JEHAN LE SEELLIER to WOLSEY.
	Is rejoiced at the news in his last letter that he has obtained a provision from Rome touching the bishoprick of Tournay. It is necessary to use all diligence in this matter for reasons already mentioned. Wolsey had spoken to him of his desire to purchase tapestries of moderate price to decorate his houses in England; and Master Sampson, on his return from England, had informed him of the Cardinal's desire to procure tapestry similar to that he had purchased in Tournay of a "damoiselle vesne (veuve ?) qui estoit la mere de votre hoste." Could not procure it of as good material and colour as Wolsey wished for less than 5s. 6d. sterlg. The Flemish ell, although he believes it did not cost half as much. It is thirty years since such stuff was made; and as for the damsel, she has no concern [to make more], for she and several others of the town have been ruined (quasy comme perdue) [by it ?].
	"[I]n eodem tempore, moy estant prevost, nous ac ... [p]areille histoire pour la ville laquelle cous[ta] ... [l'a]une de Flandres, laquelle histoire fuist I ... Madame de Savoye. Maiz pour ... souffisance de estoffes et de bonnes co[uleurs] ... [vo]ulsist myeulx ung noble que la ... ssi quant a telles histoires o ... faict faire. Et si pe ..."
	At Whitsuntide the great [fair] will be held at Antwerp, where all dealers in these stuffs will meet, and he will see what he can purchase for Wolsey there, as also whatever "de nappes pour table, de serviettes, de toilles de Holland, de Hainault, ou Cambray." The table cloths (nappes) are of different sizes, 8 quarters, 10, 12, 14, 16. Fl. metres; the serviettes an ell wide, and 5 or 6 qrs. long. 5 Fl. ells=about 3 yds. Eng. Wishes to know the required height of tapestry for hall, chamber, and gallery, and the sorts, with the price, reckoning from 8 or 9 "gross sterling" for the least valuable of the tapisserie a personnages to such a price as Wolsey would please to give.
	" ... [s'il]vous plaisoit avoir aulcunes belles p ... guages avecq diverses bestes parmy ... faict a present, qui sont bien plaisant ... pas tant que tapisserie a pesonnages ... estoit lon y pourroit mectre v ... ses telles quil vous plairoit de ... choses dessusdictes et aussy surtoutes aulx ... vous plaise de moy faire rescripre vostre ... en latin causa brevitatis." Begs him to let him know his wishes before Whitsuntide at the commencement of the fair. Tournay, 5 May, 1517.
	Add.: A tresreverend pere en Dieu, &c., Mons le Cardinal de Saincte Cecile, Chancellier de Angleterre.
	Pp. 3, badly mutilated.
6 May. R. O.	3207. CHARLES KING OF SPAIN to HENRY VIII.
	In behalf of Messire Guyot de Heulle, to whom Leonard Friscobald, now resident in London, is indebted. Heure, 6 May 1517. Signed.
	Fr., p. 1. Add.
6 May. Galba, B. v. 209*. B. M.	3208. SIR ROBERT WINGFIELD to WOLSEY.
	Received a letter this day from Gurk, who has gone to Almayn, in favour of his brother Sir John Lange, the bearer, who proposes to visit England. Louvain, 6 May 1517.
	Hol., p. 1, mutilated. Add.
7 May. Shrewsb. MS. A. 49. Coll. of Arms. Lodge, I. 24.	3209. HENRY VIII. to HENRY EARL OF NORTHUMBERLAND.
	Thanks him for his attendance on the Scotch Queen at her late repair hither, according to the letters which he sent at that time. As the Queen is now returning to Scotland, desires the Earl and the lady his wife to conduct her from York, where she intends to be on the 29th inst., to Newborough. Given under our signet, Richmond, 7 May.
	Add.
7 May. Galba, B. v. 210. B. M.	3210. The EARL OF WORCESTER and TUNSTAL to HENRY VIII.
	On the 28th Tunstal went to Brussels, had an interview next day with the Chancellor and the Provost of Cassell, and stated that as the King of Castile had expressed his assent to the confirmation, omitting the words proventus et emolumenta, he had come there to collate the writings, and desired to know when the King would give his oath. The Chancellor replied that the King would keep his promise truly, and therefore would not be hasty to undertake more than he could perform, and asked if they had any commission to erase the words. On Tunstal stating that their commission was sufficient for that purpose, the Chancellor asked if they had had the original letters of the treaty delivered by their ambassadors to the King; and on Tunstal answering it would be sufficient to erase them from the confirmation, the Chancellor said, unless they were erased from the original the King would not confirm. In the evening the Provost of Cassell made three propositions for surmounting the difficulty, which Tunstal took the next day to the Chancellor, and stated that in the intercourse between the two kingdoms nothing had been done contrary to the effect insisted on, and that the omission of the words in the confirmation annulled them in effect in the original. The Chancellor, however, consented to remit their election of the three ways proposed, on their assurance that the King would choose one before the confirmation. By the tenor of their commission and the instructions sent by Richmond, and to avoid delay, declared the said words to stand void wherever found, which satisfied the Chancellor, who said he would learn what day the King would give his oath, appointing it at Louvain, 6 May. On collating the writings Tunstal found that they had inserted in the confirmation copies of the wrong letters; and, after some remonstrance with the Chancellor, new ones were ordered. The Chancellor complained that his clerk had lost much pains, for though the King of Castile would be ruled by his grandfather, he would act independently, as he was of lawful age.
	The authority of Chievres and the Chancellor is much increased, and they must be won over if the King's favor is to be gained. They know all that has been intended against them; partly, as Tunstal thinks, through the Governor of Brese, who is in great favor with my Lady; partly through Gurk and Fyllinger. Thinks, however, as they have done ill to England, they will be glad to forgive and be forgiven. Tunstal had an interview at Brussels with Fra Nicholas, the Pope's commissioner, lately come from England, who had spoken to Cardinal Gurk three days before at Antwerp to know how the confirmation went on, and was told there was a new impediment found by the Council. On this he went to the Chancellor, who told him the Cardinal "lied falsely in saying that they had written that a new difficulty was found for the deferring thereof, which was untrue, for they never neither wrote so nor thought so." Fra Nicholas, in the presence of Spinelly, bade him beware lest it proved a trick of the Emperor to get money. Tunstal thinks it might be so, or that it was a trick of the Council to pick thanks. The said friar is a well spoken man, and reported to be crafty. One evening the Dean of the Chapel, in great favor with Chievres, came to sup with Tunstal, and said that on the King of Castile's voyage into Spain being mentioned, some one observed to Chievres that it would be advantageous to the King to go by England, only that Henry would make Chievres' head pay for all, if he once got him into his hands. Thinks this was a design to see what answer would be given. Tunstal replied, that the King, his master, would treat the King of Castile, and all that came with him, with the best cheer, to the least page; still more Chievres, who was his kinsman.
	Were sent for yesterday to Hever, and were assured by the Chancellor that the delay of the confirmation had not arisen from any disinclination on the part of his master, who would have done it that day, had he not been desired the night before by the Emperor, who wished to be present at the oath, to delay it three or four days. Then in a conversation apart Worcester begged Chievres to entertain feelings of amity towards England, which he promised to do, though he knows, when the King was lately in those parts, attempts were made to set the King against him as being wholly French. He denies it, and says that when late the French were coming before Tournay, he denounced the expedition. He told the Lord Berghes lately that he trusted shortly to be in as good favor with England as he was. On Worcester's begging him to continue in this mind, and asking him if there was any other impediment for deferring the oath, he said on his faith there was not. He says the King is resolved to go this year into Spain within two months, as he trusts, by sea, if he can bear it. Will keep close the answer to the Emperor's demands until the confirmation is passed, if he has invented this delay merely to gain money. There is no likelihood, whatever the Emperor promises, that the King of Castile will give a meeting to England, without a special treaty with them apart. Louvain, 7 May. Signed.
	Pp. 13, mutilated. Add.
7 May. R. O.	3211. SIR ROBERT WINGFIELD to WOLSEY.
	Wrote last on the 15th from Antwerp, stating that Fucar's factor had assailed him with words before my Lord Chamberlain. Yesterday he attacked Wingfield in the town, saying he had been frequently with my Lady Margaret, who said she had nothing to do with it; and she wondered that payment was long delayed, as Hesdin had told her she should not be troubled, for Wolsey would see it discharged. Wingfield got rid of him by fair words. This day the Lady Margaret sent for him, and said how much she had been troubled by the factor; to whom he made the same answer. Begs that Wolsey will send as speedy a reply as possible, consistently with the King's and his own honor, "the blemishing of which should be much more displeasant and grievous to me than prisonment or other pain." Louvain, 7 May 1517.
	Hol., p. 1. Add. and endd.
7 May. Galba, B. v. 206. B. M.	3212. SPINELLY to HENRY VIII.
	Wrote last on the 3rd from Brussels. Is now at Louvain with the Master of the Rolls and my Lord Chamberlain. At the urgent request of the Emperor the King will defer taking his oath for the new amity until Sunday next. The rejoicings for the marriage of Chievres' niece were royal. "First, yowstes in hostyl harnes, lowe sedles, and in harnes of grett youstes with planchons." Second, a tournay where three gentlemen of Spain were the challengers against all comers, "for trye courses and six strowks of swerd. And this present day, that is the 3rd, twenty lordis and gentylmen semblably oute of Spayne shall rownne with kannys upon yhannetts after theyr manerre, and in the evynyng a castell made with the hyerts (sic) and wod shalbe saulted in manerre that it is sayde in a long tyme suche feste was not kepethe in this cowntrey." The Lord Fennys is well minded towards the King, saying that as your poor kinsman he will always be ready to do him service, and that God knows how much he hath desired this new confederation. The King will go to Spain this summer, as Spinelly is assured, not only by the Lords of the Council, but also by the Receiver General of Flanders, who is in great favor here, having the entire confidence of Lord Fenys, and being the originator of the alliance with Chievres.
	Is informed by the Audiencer that the Emperor desired the Council to demand of Henry 50,000 or 30,000 crowns of gold, but that Charles had refused "to sell his amity to your grace;" and will take his oath on Sunday, whether the Emperor come or not. "The general estates of the countreys been remitted at Gand within the 15th days of this month," when it will be published that the Government will remain here and be conducted by Lord Fennis. The Dean of Louvain, Bp. of Tortosa, who was resident with the Council of Spain, is despatched to the King of Portugal. If that King marry the Lady Margaret, the Lady Eleanor will be given to the Prince his son. The Governor of Bresse has urged upon the former that it was better to be a Queen than nothing, "which she should be, tarrying here without authority." Spinelly thinks the Council will spare no pains to get rid of both the ladies. The King of Portugal greatly liked the overture, and the Emperor is content with everything whereof he may have money.
	Spinelly recommends that the Governors, who, he thinks, have detected some new French intrigue, should be induced at their going into Spain to pass through England, but desires first to be allowed to come to Henry's presence to explain some things he cannot conveniently write of. Louvain, 7 May 1517.
	Hol., part cipher, deciphered by Tuke; pp. 3. Add.: [To the Kin]g's grace.
7 May. R. O.	3213. JULIUS [DE MEDICI], Vice-cancellarius, to WOLSEY.
	Is glad to hear that Wolsey will arrange the dispute between the Bp. of Coventry and the Prior of Coventry, respecting which John Blythe had obtained the King's letters to the writer. Rome, 7 May 1517. Signed.
	Lat., p. 1. Add.
7 May. P. S.	3214. For RIC. KEMSEY of Coventry, alias of Barreswell, Warw., merchant.
	Protection; going in the retinue of Sir. Ric. Wingfeld, Deputy of Calais. Greenwich, 24 April 9 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 7 May.
8 May. R. O.	3215. CHARLES [KING OF SPAIN] to HENRY VIII.
	In behalf of Melcior Lubeller, an Easterling merchant, who had contracted in March 1513 to furnish a certain quantity of arms and ammunition for the King's war against France, which the King's Council refused to accept on delivery. Heure, 8 May 1517. Signed.
	Fr., pp. 2. Add.
8 May. R. O.	3216. BERNARD STECHER to WOLSEY.
	Complains that Wolsey has not answered his letter touching the sum of 6,000 florins, advanced by James Feugger of Augsburg to Sir Robert Wyngefeld. Begs it may be repaid the writer, who acts as Feugger's factor, considering the great loss he incurs. Ex Universa (Antwerp ?), 8 May 1517. Signed.
	Lat., p. 1. Add.
8 May. P. S.	3217. For TH. ROBERTZ and JOHN BUTTES.
	To be auditors, in survivorship, of the possessions of wards which shall come to the Crown; on surrender of patent 28 Sept. 8 Hen. VIII., granting the same to Robertis, during pleasure. Greenwich, 5 April 8 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 8 May.
	Pat. 8 Hen. VIII. p. 2, m. 24; and 9 Hen. VIII. p. 2, m. 18. Vacated by Robertis, the survivor, 9 July 13 Hen. VIII.
9 May. Giust. Desp. II. 76.	3218. SEB. GIUSTINIAN to the COUNCIL OF TEN.
	The riots in London have ended. On that day an ambassador from the King of Portugal arrived, who had great difficulty in escaping with his life. He will have audience at Richmond tomorrow. Richmond, 9 May 1517.
9 May. S. B.	3219. For WM. LORD CONYERS, steward and bailiff of the honor of Richmond, York.
	Release of a recognizance of 1,000l. made 21 Feb. 3 Hen. VIII., to account for all arrears and profits of the honor, which 1,000l. have now become forfeited. Del. Westm., 9 May 9 Hen. VIII.
	Pat. 9 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 5.
9 May. P. S.	3220. For JOHN CHEYNE of London, ironmonger.
	Protection; going in the retinue of Sir Ric. Wingfeld, Deputy of Calais. Greenwich, 24 April 9 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 9 May.
	Fr. 9 Hen. VIII. m. 4.