BHO

Henry VIII: May 1520, 2-15

Pages 274-285

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 3, 1519-1523. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1867.

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May 1520

2 May.
Vit. B. IV. 61*.
B. M.
780. LEO X. to HENRY VIII.
In behalf of the bishop of Ascoli, going to England to invite England to assist at the meeting of Christian princes. "In villa [Manliana, 2 M]aii 1520."
Lat., badly mutilated.
2 May.
R. O.
781. LEO X. to WOLSEY.
In behalf of the same. "In villa nostra Manliana," 2 May 1520, 8 pont. Signed: Ja. Sadoletus.
Lat., vellum, mutilated. Add.: Dilecto filio nostro Thomæ tit. S'cæ Ceciliæ Card. Eboracensi.
Er. Ep.
XIV. 15.
782. MORE to ERASMUS.
Regrets that the arrangement made between him and Lee has not been observed. As he was away, cannot say by whom or how it was broken. It would have been better had Lee's book appeared earlier, when there was less irritation on both sides. It is more bitter than More expected; but if Lee's allegations be correct, Erasmus can scarcely wonder it should be so.
2 May.
Er. Ep.
XIV. 16.
783. ERASMUS to MORE.
In reply to the above. Is surprised that More, who had been on terms of intimacy with Lee, had not seen through his bitter temperament, as Erasmus did. That is the reason Erasmus would listen to no terms of accommodation; and when Pace, on his return from Germany, attempted to reconcile them, Erasmus declined his offers. Is preparing an answer to Lee. Antwerp, postridie kal. Maias 1520.
2 May.
R. O.
784. LAUR. CAMPEGGIO, Cardinal, to WOLSEY.
Had written that he was going to send his secretary Florianus, and the Pope a nuncio. The secretary set out on the 23d April, and on the 30th the nuncio, who is the bishop of Ascoli, auditor of the chamber, and a friend to the cardinal de Medici. Two other nuncios are being sent; John Rocelaius, a Florentine, to the French king, and Marinus Caraciolus, the prothonotary apostolic, to the Emperor. Supposes Worcester has written to Henry of the Turkish affairs; but, meeting the Pope yesterday ad Manlianum, was told that 300 ships had been equipped by the Turk, which could not be for use against the Sophy, but more likely were intended to attack Rhodes. If the Turk take this island, Italy and all Christendom will be in great danger. As Rhodes has not sufficient strength to hold out, the Pope asks Henry to send assistance. The first attempts of the enemy should be resisted, that he may see that Christian princes are united, and desist from further attacks. Rome, 2 May 1520. Signed.
Lat., pp. 2. Headed: Duplicata. (fn. 1) Add.
R. O. 785. LAUR. CAMPEGGIO, Cardinal, to [WOLSEY].
After signing his letter, letters came to the Pope from Ragusia with news of Turkish and Syrian affairs. Sends a copy, but cannot add more, as the bearer is in haste. Signed.
Lat., p. 1.
2 May.
[Calig. E.
I. II. ?]
I. 155.
B. M.
786. FRANCIS I. to HENRY VIII.
Credence for De la Bastie, sent to arrange the interview. Ferrieres, 2 May. Signed.
Fr., mutilated, p. 1. Add.
3 May.
Tesp. C. I. 302.
B. M.
787. SPINELLY to [WOLSEY].
Wrote his last on the 29th April. "Notwithstanding the opposition of the moon, the wind as yet holdeth fast at N.E., to the great displeasure of all the company;" howbeit, they hope it will shortly change, and they shall come in time to England. The King sends thither John de la Sauche, the marshal de Loges, with two harbingers (Tuke writes "furrers"), with a list of lords and others appointed to land with his majesty, and prepare the lodging, "as your grace shall order, who may know the queen of Arragon is always the next to the King well lodged and honorably taken in the court of every man."
"[I have advertised your grace how the Audiencer, in the King's name, the 28th day of the last month, came to me and delivered me the ratifications both for the meeting and intercourse, the which been in good forma, and I have received them, seeing not prejudice, but advantage, by reason of the prorogation of the said intercourse; that is once a sure matter, whatsoever for lack of the weather do ensue of the other.] (fn. 2)
Letters have been sent to Helna, stating that they are quite ready, and wait only for the wind, and that you should defer your going over till their arrival: "[and as touching your grace, that not only with the bishopric and pension the same shall be remembered, but with much more].* Saying the lord Chievres, moreover, the King his master, in case semblable, rather than not abide at home for the King his uncle, he will make himself diseased or find some other justification." They do not desire the King to break his promise of meeting with Francis, but to delay it till they come. Montany has been ordered to wait upon Wolsey immediately, and tarry there for the King his master. "[According to my former letters, the Chancellor sayeth, considering the two Kings shall meet together, upon better advice it is thought to him not requisite any proposition.]"* "And as to the Frenchmen, since my last letters [sent by posts]*, I heard nothing; and, as I have advertised, to them was sent by exchange, [payables at Lyons upon this mart of Exter,]* 50,000 crowns of gold."
(fn. 3) "The astatis of Castilla have granted to the King, for the continuation of the haide, foure underth and fisty tousand ducatis, to be payed in trie yeris, by evin porcion[s], beginning the first payament in Januyer of the yere xxj.; and have the said astatis accepted by a comon consent, for liutenant general, the cardinal of Tortosa, and for the consilers of the privy consail, the bishop of Burgos, the lord Fonseca, the commander Major and licentiate Berghes," who are despatched to Castile with the cardinal of Tortosa. The archbishop of Granada is president of the Council of Justice. The archbishop of Cosence, an Italian, the Papal nuncio, is also elected privy councillor. Rain has since fallen. "At Le Crounnys," 3 May 1520.
P.S.—The secretary, Marshal de Loggis, and "arbergiers," set forth tonight.
Hol., cipher, deciphered by Tuke, pp. 4.
4 May.
R. O.
788. CHARLES V. to HENRY VIII.
Has heard from Jehan de la Sauch, who has returned, the conclusion taken about the interview on the 15th May at Sandwich, and has sent letters of ratification to the English ambassador, as his former letters state. Has been waiting in this port for three weeks, the ships being all ready; but the wind remains contrary, and prevents him either crossing himself, or sending back De la Sauch in the usual bark, with the "maréchaux de logis" and "fouriers," to give Henry warning of his departure. Sends this post by land, that Henry may know what detains them, and will come as soon as the wind changes. La Couroigne, 4 May. Signed.
Fr., p. 1. Add.
4 May.
Vesp. C. I. 305.
B. M.
789. CHARLES V. to WOLSEY.
Has been detained by contrary winds. Hopes the proposed interview may take place, that no advantage be given to those who wish to malign it. Coronna, 4 May 1520. Signed.
Lat., p. 1. Add.
4 May.
R. O.
790. SILVESTER BISHOP OF WORCESTER to HENRY VIII.
Important news from the Turk has lately arrived, of which the Pope wished Henry to be informed as soon as possible. Writes in full to Wolsey. The Pope has great confidence in Henry, and thanks him for the promises contained in the letters to Campeggio, which were lately read in the consistory. Rome, 4 May 1520. Signed.
Lat., p. 1. Add.
4 May.
Vit. B. IV. 52.
B. M.
791. [SILVESTER BISHOP OF WORCESTER] to WOLSEY.
Has received no answer for eight months to the letters he wrote on his own and the Pope's behalf. The Pope is much displeased, especially as he has received no intimation of the approaching conference. When the letters were presented by a proctor of the archbishop of Canterbury, he stated he had not heard from England for six months, and they never wrote except to beg something. Worcester and Campeggio have been able to do nothing in the matter of the jubilee requested by the archbishop of Canterbury. The Pope put off for a month and more sending a nuncio to the conference, and has now chosen the bishop of Ascoli, who started three days ago. He is to impress upon the sovereigns the state of Christendom and of Rhodes. Melancholy intelligence is come that the Turks have been making great preparations against it. If Rhodes be taken, a great part of Christendom must be lost. The Pope is making great efforts, and demanding aid everywhere. The imperial ambassador has at present had no interview. It is supposed that the Emperor will make no arrangement until he is first (fn. 4) crowned at Aix. This will delay the creation of new cardinals. Rome, 4 May 1520. Signature burnt off.
Lat., mutilated, pp. 3. Add.
5 May.
Vit. B. IV. 53*.
B. M.
792. JU. [CARD. DE MEDICIS,] Vi[cecancellarius,] to WOLSEY.
In commendation of the bishop of Ascoli. Florence, 5 May 1520. Signature burnt.
Lat., mutilated, p. 1. Add.
5 May.
Er. Ep. XII.
20.
793. ERASMUS to FOX BISHOP OF WINCHESTER.
Lee's invectives against Erasmus are much disliked. His critique is more injurious to himself than Erasmus. Hears that Lee is publishing another work, more virulent than the former, and has sent it to Paris to be printed. He has suborned one John Batmanson, a young man and a Carthusian. Wishes Fox would interpose. Louvain, 3 non. Maias 1520.
5 May.
R. O.
Rym. XIII.
718.
794. LEON. LAUREDANO, DOGE OF VENICE, to WOLSEY.
Thanks him for having expressed his determination to consider the interests of Venice at the coming interview between the kings of France and England. Ducal Palace, 5 May 1520. Sub plumbo. Signed.
Lat. Add.
5 May.
S. B.
795. HENRY VIII.
I. Acknowledgment of the receipt on the 1st instant (May), at Calais, of 50,000 francs=26,315 crowns of the sun and 30 sous of Tours, from Francis king of France, in part payment of 1,000,000 crowns of gold of the sun, which Lewis late king of France agreed in Nov. 1514 to pay to the king of England. Westm., 5 May 1520, 12 Hen. VIII.
II. Commission to Sir John Pecche, deputy, Sir William Sandys, treasurer, and John Bunoult, secretary, of Calais, and Robert Fouler, the King's servant, to receive the above. 1st May.
III. Acknowledgment of the receipt on 23 Dec. last, at Calais, of 1,000 livres of Tours, in crowns from the king of France, in part payment of 23,000 livres, being the residue of the money which the inhabitants of Tournay owed to the King, and which the French king promised to pay. Westm., 5 Jan. 1519, 11 Hen. VIII.
IV. Receipt on 23rd March last, at Calais, of 1,000l., on the same account as the preceding. Westm., 5 April 1520, 11 Hen. VIII.
V. Commission for the receipt of the sums mentioned in § III. and § IV. Westm., 27 Feb. 11 Hen. VIII.
VI. Receipt on the 1st instant (May), at Calais, of 25,000 francs, equal to 13,157½ crowns of gold of the sun and 15 sous of Tours, in part payment of 600,000 crowns of gold which the French king agreed to pay for Tournay. Westm., 5 May 1520, 12 Hen. VIII.
VII. Commission for the receipt of the said 25,000 francs on 1 May 1520.
Lat.
6 May.
R. O.
796. CALAIS ACCOUNTS.
Wages paid by Robert Fowler to artificers, &c., and for freightage of boats conveying stuff from St. Peter's to Guysnes; also prests made to purveyors of stuff necessary for the King's new buildings at Calais and Guysnes from 12 March 11 Hen. VIII. to the 6 May 12 Hen. VIII. Total, 2,446l. 11s. 5d.
Pp. 3.
R. O. 2. Duplicate of the above.
Pp. 4.
7 May.
Calig. D. VII.
215.
B. M.
Ellis, 1 Ser.
I. 168.
797. [SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD to HENRY VIII.]
This day his fellow Parker left for Calais with seven goodly coursers. Hears that they are most esteemed "pieces that were in Italy," especially the one sent by Signor Fabriccio. "Their fellows, all their bounty considered, are not to be found on the far side the mountains." Is sure that this is a subject that "shall be nothing tedious" to the King. Two days after their arrival at Calais they will be ready for the King; "for I never saw or heard horses to be so far led in such plight and courage as they be in." On Saturday last the Queen and the ladies arrived at Paris; this day the King. Tomorrow or Wednesday they start for Abbeville. The King will be at Montreuil or Boulogne on the 20th. Paris, 7 May. Signature burnt off.
P. 1, mutilated.
8 May.
S. B.
798. HENRY VIII.
Ratification of the treaty for a meeting between him and Charles king of Spain, concluded at London, 11 April last.
Commissioners for England:—Th. bishop of Durham, privy seal, Cuthbert Tunstall, master of the Rolls, Richard Pace, chief secretary, and Thomas More. Commissioners for Spain:—Bernard de Mesa, bishop of Elna, Gerard de Pleine, lord of Maigny de la Roche, Philip Haneton, treasurer of the order of the Golden Fleece, chief secretary and audiencer, and John de Salice, secretary. London, 8 May 1520, 12 Hen. VIII.
S. B. 2. Ratification of treaty of intercourse between the same, concluded at London, 11 April last. Same commissioners as above. London, 8 May 1520, 12 Hen. VIII.
10 May.
R. O.
799. HENRY VIII. to the ABBOT OF ST. MARY'S, YORK.
Orders him to pay 220l. of the King's money to Lord Dacre, warden general of the East, West, and Middle Marches, for repair of Wark Castle. Greenwich, 10 May 12 Hen. VIII. Signed and sealed.
Add.
10 May.
R. O.
800. IRELAND.
Costs of preparing the two galleys for transporting the earl of Surrey, great admiral, into Ireland, from 1 March to 20 April 11 Hen. VIII., paid by John Hopton. To John Clogge, master of the "Kateryn Gale," for victualling men working on the ship, 15d. a week each man; twine for remaking the foresail, 14d.; thromes to make mappes, 8d.; a pulley block, 6d.; 4 schevers, 6d.; 2 plumpe boxes, 16d.; a plompe, 8s.; victualling carpenters at 18d. a week; wages of 29 carpenters on the Kateryn Galey and the Rosse Galey from 1 March 1519 to 5 April 1520, 2d. to 8d. a day; oakum, 4d. a stone; 18 1b. thromes at 2d.; 8 shovels at 3½d. To Thos. Jermayn, master of the Rosse Galey, for victualling men at 15d. a week; 6lb. twine, 2s. 6d.; sail needles, 2d.; 28lb. of ratline, 4s. 2d.; a line for lachetts for the mainsail, 12d.; a sounding line, 12d.; 1½ loads of oaken timber, 10s.; 250 inch and elm boards at 2s. the 100; 1,250 1½ inch boards, for overlopes, 3s. 8d. the 100; 400 ft. of overlope board at 4s. the 100. 12 April anno 12, to 28 April, anno dicto, 26 carpenters at from 2d. to 8d. a day; a sounding lead and line, 18d.; a main mast, 30s.; for sawing 1950 boards, 19s. 6d. To Rob. Comes, for a couple of saw[yers] for 9 days, finding themselves, 12d. each. To Thos. Abowrowe, of Deptford, for 108 ft. of boards, 2s. 8d. To Juell, clerk of Deptford, 3 beds for 6 weeks, 3s. To John Whitt, smith, a garland of iron, weighing 16lb., at 1½d. a lb., for the mast's top; 2 pair of garnets for the ports, 20d.; a lovehook, a fishhook, a lycchook, and a boathook, weighing 12lb., 18d.; an iron hoop for the plumpe, 6d.; 550 "roffe" and "clinche" for the boat, 16d. a 100. To Nich. Pynson, of Southwark, for mending and dressing pitch and tallow kettles for flesh and fish, 9s. 8d. 10 May 12 Hen. VIII., to Mason, baker of Stratford, 70 doz. bread, with the "vayntages," 12d. a doz. Peter Swynebanke, brewer, 13 pipes 1 hogsh. beer, at 6s. 8d. the pipe. Flesh of 1 ox, 19s.; 200 Newlond fish, 20s.; 200 of harbardyn, 25s. the 100; herrings, 11s. 2d. the barrel. Totals:—Wages, 13l. 7s. 4d.; victuals, 16l. 17s.; lodging, 7s.; necessaries, 18l. 7s. 7d.
Pp. 9.
11 May.
S. B.
801. THO. EARL OF SURREY.
Wardship of Rob. son and h. of Geo. Ashefeld, with the custody, among other possessions, of the manors of Lykyllhawe-in-Norton, Suff., Croxston, Camb., and of Ellyng, Hunts, and the lands called Torallys, Trowsys, Hunterston and John Lemans, in the towns of Hunterston and Great Ashefeld, Suff. Del. Westm., 11 May 12 Hen. VIII.
Pat. 12 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 14.
12 May.
R. O.
802. MARGARET OF SAVOY to HENRY VIII.
Has heard from Norroy, king at arms, and from Guillaume des Barres, Charles's secretary, that Henry is displeased at the delay in the publication of the chapters for the jousts at the approaching interview with the king of France, which were brought hither by Norroy, and that he is not satisfied with her excuses. Has now, nothwithstanding her reasons against the publication, had them published as solemnly and honorably as possible, as the bp. of Elna, and des Barres, whom she is sending to England, will tell him. Gand, 12 May 1520. Signed.
Fr., p. 1. Add. Endd.
13 May.
Mon. Habs.
174.
803. MEETING OF CHARLES V. and HENRY VIII.
Considerations touching the meeting of Charles V. and Henry VIII.
As it is impossible now to hold the interview on the 15th May, it must be considered:—(1.) That the king of England means to keep his promise to France, and be at Guisnes on the 31st May, but will wait for the Emperor as late as the 26th. Today is the 13th, and six or seven days will be occupied in scouring the sea to Sandwich; so that if the wind be not propitious within six days there is no chance of the interview taking place this month. It would be well, therefore, to send despatches to Hoochstrate, if he has crossed the sea, and to the bp. of Elna and provost of Utrecht, with credence to the king of England; also letters in Castilian to the Queen, in the Emperor's own hand, expressing his regret at not being able to fulfil his engagement; others to Wolsey from the Emperor and the Marquis (fn. 5), the latter to thank Wolsey for his offer to advise him at the meeting touching the affairs of the Emperor; others from the Emperor to Richard Pace, to thank him for his good will; letters of credence to the bishop of Durant (Durham), and another to the secretary "Brientuk," to thank him for his services to the ambassadors;—all to be delivered or retained at the discretion of Elna.
The credence of the ambassadors to be, to show the great way the Emperor has travelled in so short a time from Barcelona, in order to sail, if the wind had allowed him, for Flanders, the time he has been ready in this port, his regret at not being able to accomplish the interview in May, and his hope to do so in July, or, if that be impossible, at least to see him and the Queen in passing; that although the treaty makes no mention of this third interview, they have powers to arrange and conclude it. They must be empowered to tell the King the Emperor is quite confident he will not treat with France to his prejudice, but keep himself open to treat with him for the common good. They shall urge the Cardinal not to trust the French, but accept the Emperor's offer, "luy traynant d'une souppe en miel parmy la bouche," though the Emperor hopes to do more for him hereafter; and if he accept it, the bp. of Durant shall be promised a pension of 1,000fl., Pace 8 [hundred ?], and "Bruentuck" 3, making in all 2,200 (sic), which shall be deducted from the 3,000 to Wolsey.
Special instructions to be given to Elna, how to act with the domprévot; and letters to be written to both to find out what practices take place between France and England.
They shall also show the King and Wolsey on what terms the Emperor intends to be with the Pope, the Venetians and the Swiss.
Corunna, 13 May '20.
Fr.
R. O. 804. HENRY VIII. and CHARLES V.
Remembrances for the interview between Henry VIII. and the elect king of Romans.
It is thought convenient that the place should be fixed at an equal distance between Calais and Gravelyng according to the treaty; and as it is within the King's pale, a pavilion must be erected by Ric. Gibson, serjeant of the King's tents, and bread, wine, &c. provided by the Steward.
Sir Edw. Ponynges, treasurer of the household, and Sir Wm. Sands, treasurer of Calais, are appointed commissioners to view the place.
The interview is to be held on Wednesday, 4 July, at 3 p.m. The princes should leave their respective lodgings at Calais and Gravelines before 1 p.m., and after their communication return to their previous lodgings.
On Thursday the 5th, the King will leave Calais, with 100 noblemen and 100 of his guard, to visit the Emperor at Gravelyng, spending Friday and Saturday there. On Saturday evening both Princes, with the Lady Margaret and the Emperor's nobles, will return to Calais. The Emperor, Lady Margaret, lord Shivers, and their trains, shall lodge in the Staple Inn. Don Fernando in Banester's house, the card. of Toledo with my lord Marquis, the archbp. of Colein in Whetill's house, and the rest in lodgings appointed by the Deputy, the Treasurer, the Marshal, Sir Maurice Berkeley, Sir John Husse, Sir Andrew Windesore and Sir John Daunce, "by oversight of" the Emperor's ambassador and marshal of lodgings.
All furniture in the lodgings of English noblemen shall remain against the coming of the Emperor's subjects, and those lodgings not yet furnished shall be allotted to those who have to provide such stuff.
The lord Chamberlain shall appoint a "substantial gentleman of the King's," as maitre d'hotel to each house where the Emperor's nobles lodge, to furnish the house and provide victuals every day from the Staple.
The gentlemen ushers of the Chamber, the knights "herbigers," and the other "herbigers," shall go beforehand to Gravelines, to take the lodgings assigned by the Emperor's officers for the King and his train.
It must be discovered whether the King and his train will be provided with house apparel, wine, plate, cooks, &c., or whether they must bring such with them. On Saturday night the Emperor's supper must be prepared in the Staple Inn, and the King will visit him familiarly there.
On Sunday following, both the Kings with the Queens, Don Fernando and the Archduchess with their nobles shall hear mass sung by the bishop of Durham at Our Lady's church. Keepers must be placed at the doors to see that none but noblemen and gentlemen enter.
After mass the Kings and Queens, with the whole company, will dine at the King's lodging at the Exchequer; that is, the two Kings and Don Fernando at one board, the Archduchess with the Queen, and the cardinal of Toledo, the archbishop of Colain, lord Chievres, duke D'Alva, archbishop of Valence, bishop of Liege, count Palatine, marquis of Brandborowe, and the dukes of Baver and Boger, with the Legate.
On Sunday night a supper will be prepared in a place devised for the purpose, and after supper a mummery, with a banquet, dancing, and other sports.
On Monday the King will dine with the Emperor at the Staple house. After dinner the Queen will take leave of the Emperor, and then the King will conduct him a mile or two out of Calais, and the Legate and other noblemen will accompany him till he be out of the King's dominions.
The making of the banquet house is committed to Sir Edw. Belknap; provision of victual to the head officers of the household.
"For the pleasant and honorable entertainment" of the Emperor's nobles, it is thought convenient for the King's lords, spiritual and temporal, "from time to time as the case shall require, and as by chance they shall meet together, every one after their estates and degrees, comfortably to accompany and entertain them, and every of them, as well in the King's court as else-where, in conducting them from place to place, to the church, the court, their own lodgings, or any other place whither they shall have appetite to resort."
The lord Chamberlain is to appoint officers of the wardrobe to furnish the lodgings of those of the Emperor's nobles who are not furnished with apparel, and he is to assign servitors for the King's chamber and banquet house.
The garnishing of the cupboards with plate is assigned to Sir Henry Wyat.
Besides victual, fuel, &c., provision must be made for torches, quarreys, sises, fruit, wafers, hippocras, and other "deyntithes," for the entertainment of the nobles in their lodging.
The garnishing of the church is committed to the dean of the chapel, the devising of pageants at the banquet to Cornish, and the mummery is referred to the King's pleasure.
Pp. 5. Endd.: A memorial of things to be done at the meeting and interview of the King's highness and the emperor Charles at Gravelines.
13 May.
P.S.
805. For MARGARET COUNTESS OF SALISBURY, Governess of the Princess [Mary].
Wardship of Elizabeth, kinswoman and h. of Th. Dalaber, with reversion of the possessions coming into the King's hands on death of dame Eliz. Dalaber, widow of Sir Ric. Dalaber, or of Anne Dalaber, widow of the said Thomas. The Countess to account for the revenues if they exceed 40l. a year. Greenwich, 1 May 12 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 13 May.
Pat. 12 Hen. VIII. p. 2, m. 13.
13 May.
R.O.
806. SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD to HENRY VIII.
Wrote last on the 7th, and received yesterday his letter dated the 9th with instructions and other writings. Went immediately from Paris to Beawevoyse, 16 leagues off, and on his arrival between 9 and 10 o'clock at night found a servant of Master Vaux with a letter from the Chamberlain, stating that he and the French commissioners had agreed to fix the camp in the spot first proposed by him on English ground. Went, notwithstanding, to the King's lodging, and found him in his mother's chamber. Gave him Henry's compliments, and told him how busy he was in preparing for his journey to Dover, which he intended to take place on the 18th, hoping to be at Calais on the 25th or 26th at latest. Francis was very pleased to hear this, and called in his mother and the Admiral, who seemed equally pleased. He then said that Wingfield saw what diligence the ladies used in travelling, and they would not stop till they came to Abbeville, where he intends to fix the number to attend on him at the interview, which shall not exceed the number appointed by Henry. As to the ladies, he thinks Henry will not be offended if all meet for such an assembly come without any refusal. Could make no direct answer, not knowing Henry's pleasure, but said "that I never saw your highness encumbered or find default with over great press of ladies."
The French guard always ride in their brigandines, under pain of discharge. Tells him of this, that he may do the like if he think fit.
Francis had been informed of the spot chosen for the camp by the Marshal Chatillon, and was content with it. He expressed himself sorry for the Cardinal's sickness, and hoped he would be present at the interview. He said he had been credibly informed that the Turk was at sea with a puissant army, and that 9,000 of his horsemen had descended in Fryolle. Crevecœur, 13 May. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add. and endd.
R.O. 807. FIELD OF THE CLOTH OF GOLD.
Memorial.
"Where Saint George is left out, is for consideration of more indifference, and set in the court celestial in which he is comprised."
As to the term of continuation of the challenge, Francis remits it to Henry as the latter will be out of his realm. For his part, he would be contented for it to last a year.
The courses at the tilt will be limited to six, considering the number of challengers that may come, and that some will be so vainglorious as to wish to run as long as the day lasts, or their horses endure, and that the answerers on the French side only will be above 200. One course on the plain field shall be considered enough, because, the answerers being so many, there will be many shocks and hurts, not without the loss of many horses and the danger of the masters. The number of strokes with the sword to be at the pleasure of the ladies. According to Francis' opinion, "which always he referreth to yours," with the more nimble sword more strokes shall be delivered, and more gorgeously, than with the "peasaunt" sword. He thinks that "at the barriers the heavy swords shall be much better to be occupied." As to the combat at the barrier, for the words "with pieces of avantage" are substituted "tonnelets and bacinet," as the answerers might have been in doubt as to what was meant. The two-handed sword is left out, as it seems a dangerous weapon, and few gauntlets would stand the heavy strokes to which they would be exposed. It is left, however, to the challengers' pleasure to choose the two-handed sword or the other. In the same article, instead of two sorts of lances, is put lances and pikes, to allow of diversity of weapons.
Since it is necessary to have two fields for the exercising of arms, to avoid certain difficulties which Wingfield mentioned to the Cardinal in his last letters, Francis thinks there should be also two "perons." The one on the English side to have three shields of Henry's colors, the other on the French side with Francis' colors. "And for that there be named two white shields that the same of your grace's may be set out argent in metal, and the white of your brother's side shall be in color only." Lest the French "peron" might be more garnished with shields than Henry's, seeing the comers on this side would present them thereto, it is agreed that half those of the French nation who come to do any feat shall deliver their shields at the English peron, and like division to be made of the noblemen. In the same way, half the English shall present their shields at the French peron, and thus the number shall be made equal. Signed by Sir Ric. Wingfield.
Pp. 2. Add.: The King's highness. Endd.
14 May.
Calig. D. VII.
216.
B.M.
808. [SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD to HENRY VIII.]
Wrote last yesterday. "And [the same evening] the King your good brother being at supper about eight of the clock, I received your grace's of the 11th day of this present month, containing your pleasure for the setting of the field for the feat of arms in one village called Campe," according to his highness's arrangement with La Battye. Has thanked the French king for acceding to his master's wishes, as reported by him in a letter to Wolsey of the 30th April, which he perceives has been detained by the way. Francis replied he was glad to have done Henry a pleasure, and that Wingfield's letter had been delayed by marshal Chastelyon, who, notwithstanding his orders to acquiesce in the lord Chamberlain's arrangements, thought "to have won by policy some other ground" more to his master's honor. Though in this he had acted "like a wise servant," Francis immediately wrote to him "to condescend to his former pleasure." His grace will thus see what it is to send letters by their posts. If his despatches had arrived in season, Henry would have been spared "much business for the appointing of the said field."
Told the French king how Henry thought every day a year until they met; at which Francis greatly rejoiced, as appeared "by his pleasant countenance and fashion," saying Wingfield should be a witness for him that his desire for it was no less strong, "considering the continual travel he caused the Queen here to take, being in the case that she is in ... I assure your grace you would have no little compassion if y[e saw] the poor creature with the charge she beareth." Intends to be at Abbeville on Wednesday next, being Ascension Even, there to tarry till the Cardinal arrives at Dover. Will repair to Ardre when the Cardinal is at Calais. Wingfield expressed to him his hope that their present amity was no more than a shadow of what it should be. Crevycueur, 14 May.
Mutilated, pp. 2.
14 May.
Calig. D. VII.
217.
B.M.
809. SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD to [WOLSEY].
Wrote last to him from Paris on the 7th. Has had communications with the King here these two nights past, which Wolsey will find reported in his letters to the King today and yesterday. To Francis's inquiries after Wolsey's health, he answered he had heard from Mr. Secretary and Brian Tuke that his grace had suffered from the colic and jaundice. Francis assured him he would not for anything the Cardinal should be absent from the interview, and told Wingfield to require the Cardinal to recover strength on his behalf. Change of air would do him good; that he had better physicians than could be found elsewhere. He spoke with such affection, "as it appeared well by his countenance and manner that your disease touched him without dissimulation." Wingfield hopes the Lord will give him strength, as the affairs of the two princes and all Christendom will suffer by his absence. Crevycueur, 14 May.
On Friday at night last ... was led to the Bastille.
(Added in Wingfield's own hand.) The court will be glad to hear of his recovery, and of his setting forward. Signed.
Mutilated, pp. 2.
15 May.
Er. Ep. XIII.
21.
810. ERASMUS to ŒCOLAMPADIUS.
Had visited Germany before this, had he not been delayed by the approaching interview. Charles is daily expected. The kings of France and England meet on the shores of Calais about the first of June. The archbishop of Canterbury has given Erasmus notice to be there. Luther's books were near being burnt in England: "nec erat remedium. Attulit remedium amiculus quidam humilis, sed in tempore vigilans." Has answered Lee. Louvain, 18 kal. Junias 1520. (fn. 6)
15 May.
Vit. B. IV. 55.
B.M.
811. [CAMPEGGIO to WOLSEY.]
Sent in his former letters the prorogation of the legateship, &c. Has received no answer. Learned by private letters of the 18th April that Wolsey had been ill, and since, that he had recovered and gone to [Hampton] Court for the benefit of fresh air. The bishop of Ascoli passed Florence on the 6th May, to be in time for the conference. The Pope had gone for some days to the Manlian suburb for his annual course of physic. The writer visited him the day before. Would have been glad to attend the King on his journey to Calais. As that cannot be, sends his servant Florian. Rome, 15 May 1520. Signature burnt off.
Lat., pp. 2, mutilated.
15 May.
R.O.
812. SIR ARTHUR PLANTAGENET.
Bill, dated 15 May 12 Hen. VIII., by which Thos. Suffcote agrees to carry and house the tithe corn and hay belonging to Sir Arthur, in the parish of Hartyng, at next harvest, for the sum of 4l.
On the dorse: Paynyswike, Whaddon, Morton Valance, Rybbysford, Whetthill, Cheder, Charlton, Nortonbecham, Kyngston Lile.

Footnotes

  • 1. The other is in Vit. B. IV. 51. B. M.
  • 2. These passages omitted by Tuke in the decipher.
  • 3. This paragraph is partly omitted, partly abridged, by Tuke in the decipher.
  • 4. Primam coronam, MS.
  • 5. Chievres.
  • 6. In a letter of the same date to the cardinal of Mayence (XIII. 22), Erasmus speaks of the expected arrival of Charles V. and the magnificence of the preparations.