Henry VIII: May 1527, 1-5 | British History Online

Pages 1386-1392

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1875.

Citation:

May 1527



1 May. Teulet, I. 62.	3088. TURENNE to ALBANY.
	Since writing, was sent for on Sunday by the King, who asked me if we had informed Francis of what he had ordered Wolsey to tell us about the queen of Scotland's intention of going to France. He said he was much ashamed of his sister's folly and misconduct. I said he might be sure Francis would receive no one against his wishes, and certainly not one of her character, considering what he had said, and that I was certain Francis would make oath to that effect, considering the union between the King and him; for when he was a prisoner you had told me it was needful to gain Henry's entire friendship, as there was no prince in Christendom more virtuous or honorable. I followed the memorandum about the marriage of your niece, because the Pope remains opposed to it (reste révolté); and I know the King would rather have her for his bastard son, which, I think, would be to your great disadvantage, as then they would do for him in France whatever he desired. He said he was very glad of the high opinion you had of him, and, notwithstanding the trouble you had given him in Scotland, he also considered you a good and wise prince; that he would endeavor to remove his sister from having any control over his nephew, as she was incompetent to exercise it, and he was old enough to govern for himself, and that the worst fear he had of you when you were in Scotland was on his nephew's account. I replied that nothing could tempt you to do anything against your conscience, and that as to the government of the country you only wished that it should be put in good order by his advice, and a number of men removed who eat it up and ruin it. He said that many things had been badly done there, but I assure you that he would like far better that it should be governed as if you remained there (ainsi que si vous y restiez).
	The matter of the King (Francis) is concluded, and seems to me as well assured on this side as can be, and if the Emperor will not come to reason England will make war upon him, for which preparation has already been made. Henry sends an ambassador to Spain, along with the one sent by Francis, with joint instructions to summon the Emperor to liberate the children, or declare war against him, for which purpose two heralds go with them. Henry wishes a great effort to be made this year from Italy and from England. He would send men to Calais, and Francis would strengthen his garrisons, and keep up the war all this season and winter, and in summer get ready an army of 30,000 foot and 1,500 horse, and 1,500 men-at-arms, and begin the campaign in May. He wishes the Italian army to be reinforced, and battle given to Bourbon. He says he would be ready to furnish 100,000 crowns, and would like Francis to send a good chief, saying that the marquis of Saluces was not competent. I asked whom he would like sent, and he said Lautrec, whom he thought better than you, because the Italians did not like him, though he commended your wisdom and experience. London, 1 May.
	P.S.—As the interview between the King and Francis is to take place, and Wolsey will go before to conclude it, when I suppose you will be present, I shall leave on Tuesday next on my return to France.
	French.
2 May. Nero, B. VI. 27. B. M.	3089. GREGORY CASALE to RUSSELL.
	The Pope performed tonight what he promised this morning, viz., taking money (touché argent). Of the newly made cardinals the archbishop of Ravenna has been the first to furnish money. Cannot send their names till tomorrow. Thinks he has already answered what Russell writes about. Has laboured incessantly with the Pope, advising him to remain here and defend himself, which he has resolved to do. They are in want of corn, and it has been advised that the galleys bring corn to Hos[tia]. This need not detain Russell. Andrea Doria will give him one of his galleys. Rome, 2 May.
	Add.: "A mon bon seigneur et amy Mons. Russell, ambassadeur pour le Roy d'Angleterre à Civita Vecchia."
2 May. Vit. B. IX. 103. B. M.	3090. SIR GREGORY CASALE to [RUSSELL].
	News came on Tuesday of a disturbance at Florence, created by 10 gentlemen (some of them being of the Salviati and Strochi), who went to the Lords of the town, and made them sign a capitulation, changing the government and giving Bourbon 50,000 cr. This done, the tocsin was sounded, and the people assembled; but on hearing the matter every one went home. "Ses conjurez ny feiren[t] le tumulte à l'heure que touz les cardinaulx et capitaines estoyent allez hors de Florence a lencontre du duc d'Urbyn." Four hundred foot only remained in the town, who came to the place, told the gentlemen they were fools, and bid them go home. This was on Friday. On the Saturday Bourbon retired to Pianza, 90 miles from Rome, and the light horse of Sienna went to Acquapendente, and demanded the town in Bourbon's name. An ambassador from Bologna, named Vianeze, went to Campeggio weeping, who immediately sent away his children and furniture, greatly to the Pope's dissatisfaction, who says, "qu'il en perdera son ordinaire," and that it had greatly intimidated the town. The Pope has done all he could to fortify and victual the places which can be easily held.
	Yesterday came news of the 30th ult., that Bourbon had not yet moved, and that he was quite disheartened that the artillery was out of Sienna, "venant gaillardement." Seccara Colonna has demanded provisions of Viterbo, telling him that the remainder of the camp was at Acquapendente, which has very much astonished the Pope. Has been to the Pope this morning, and has persuaded him that it is needful to make cardinals at once; to which he has consented. Signor Rance, as captain, provides for everything. The Pope is in great consternation. Has done what he could to rally him, Could not raise 1,000 crowns for Rance to levy 1,000 men. All my jewels have been pledged, &c., to raise 600 crowns for the purpose. Some of the cardinals have advised the Pope to retire to Civita Vecchia, as the Trans-Tiberine people were not favorable to him. The Pope has received this evening 40,000 ducats from Perugia, Gadi, and Copys, whom he will make cardinals tomorrow. It is supposed that Bourbon will come to Rome as he did to Florence, to stir the people to revolt; or else he must go to Naples;—that the troops will gladly go to Naples to unload their booty, and hold it in security for their wages, and if Bourbon plays his cards well he may gain a kingdom instead of a duchy. If the French king intends to help the Pope he must do it shortly. "Je ne [vous] escripray autrement en Angleterre si la chose va avant. Votre seigneurie me pourra escripre." I promise you I have not had a single hour's rest since you left. Rome, 2 May. Signed.
	Fr., mutilated, pp. 4.
2 May. Lettere di Principi, II. 73.	3091. _ to the BISHOP OF BAYEUX.
	As the French king is beginning to despair of the particular agreement which he has been treating with the Emperor, it is to be feared he will resort to war, especially if he obtains assistance from England. All hope of peace will thus be lost, and we shall be exposed to greater perils than ever. Rome, 2 May 1527.
	Ital.
3 May. Galba, B. IX. 56. B. M.	3092. JOHN HACKETT to [WOLSEY].
	Has received no letters since he last wrote. Encloses two, from lady Margaret and Salamank.
	Wolsey's discreet conveyance has caused the high mind and pride of these parts to decline and suage. Has always found my Lady and ƒ ƒ well disposed to keep the amity. As for Mons. Hoghestrat, the treasurer general and the audiencer, which three persons are the chief rulers of the Court, has fair words from them, and offers to serve the King and Wolsey, which kindness has only come of late. The chief reason we have no news is that the lord Hoghestrat, to save the Emperor some little money, keeps no posts ordinary, and no ambassador here does. Asks Wolsey to send him money.
	The earl Sallamank has made good report of the King's reception of him, and told the privy council that, if we keep our promises to him, he will have reason to make a good report to his master. This was told Hacket as a secret. Three days ago dined with Hoghestrat, who asked for news from England. Told him there was none of importance. He said he had heard that the Emperor had given Wolsey the bishopric of Burgos in Spain. Said if he had done so, he knew right well to whom he had given his gift. The lady of Meghe, who was also at dinner, said she thought the Emperor would have given the bishopric to her cousin, who is a kinsman to the said Hoghestrat. Hoghestrat then said he did not know if it was true or not, but Hacket knows that he would rather his cousin had it than Wolsey.
	Is informed by a man of credit that the Emperor [is not] as well pleased with some who have the g[overnment] here as in times past, by reason of which my Lady and Hoghestrat are sending Mons. de Rossynboys, great master of the Household, with letters and instructions to the Emperor in Spain. Lutheranism is increasing here, specially in Holland, Seland, Brabant, and Flanders, but they dare not yet declare themselves as openly as in Dutchland. Churches and God's service are kept up here as before, but it is not so in Dutchland. Fears that unless my Lady takes some remedy, the canker will wax so great, that it will be hard to bring all to a good end. Both my Lady and Mons. de Palmero are well disposed to find some remedy. Machlyng, 3 May 1527.
	Hol., pp. 3, mutilated. Add.
3 May. R. O.	3093. REVELS.
	Receipt by John Skut from R. Gibson of 3 pieces of crimson tinsel, 16¾ yds., 19 yds., and 16¼ yds. 3 May. Signed.
	In Gibson's hand. Memorandum on the dorse.
4 May. R. O.	3094. JOHN BISHOP OF EXETER to WOLSEY.
	The bearer, Mr. Bromley, who has been called up by privy seal, has done good in these marches without any preferment but his fee, which has now been abated a half, 20l. Asks that he may soon return to dispatch the great number of suitors to the council here. Ludlow, 4 May.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: To my lord Legate's good grace. Endd.
5 May. Nero, B. IX. 77. B. M.	3095. FERDINAND KING OF BOHEMIA AND HUNGARY to HENRY VIII.
	Hears from the letters of his ambassador, Gabriel count of Ortemburg, and also from the King's ambassador with him, that the King does not wish his said ambassador to take any steps concerning Hungary without Ferdinand's advice. Has refused his request to go to count Scepuse, who claims to be king of Hungary, as it would be necessary to address him by that title, which would render him more obstinate, and he would spread a report that Henry recognised his claim, and would assist him. Will attend to the King's exhortations to assist in procuring peace. Reminds him that the Emperor has made many truces and treaties, none of which have been observed. Wratislaw (Breslau), 5 May 1527, "regnorum primo." Signed.
	Lat., pp. 4. Add.
5 May. Vit. B. XXI. f. 30. B. M.	3096. FERDINAND KING OF HUNGARY, BOHEMIA, &c., to WOLSEY.
	Writes to the King. Asks him to persuade the King to aid him against the Turks. Vratislau, 5 May 1527. Signed.
	Lat., pp. 2.
R. O.	3097. REVELS.
	The King ordered a pastime "to do solace to strangers." A house, called the Long House, to be furnished for disguising and meskelyng of lords and ladies. Richard Gybun having received his commands, 14 Jan. 18 Hen. VIII., provided boards, and timber, and other materials, as follows:—painters', smiths', tailors', &c., crafts, with carriage by land and water from the Prince's Wardrobe to Greenwich, where it was all used, 6 May 19 Hen. VIII.
	Timber, 30 pieces, bought at 2d. a foot; 327 ft. of board bought in Woodstreet, 8s. 8d.
	Nails and trassche "used by carpenters" on the frame and for the rock, and for strayning of cloth on the ground to stayn, and for fastening of the great roof held with canvas, and for "the selying of the louf" (ceiling of the roof?)
	Coals, from 4¼d. to 7d. per quarter; a quarter of fagots, 10d.; spent at the Prince's Wardrobe and Bridewell "for seething paste, glue, and drying and heating of colours."
	Hogs' bristles, at 4d. per 1b., for washing and pasting brushes, &c.
	8 pr. great shears, 6s.; scissors, 2d. a pair; 2 goudges, 8d.; 6 hammers, 15d.; 6 whittle knives,_; "8 nalles and 6 nall haustes," 16d.; 3 pr. tailor's shears, 16d. each. These knives and scissors spent by the painters in cutting orsade and paper, and silver paper.
	White sarsnet, 12 yds., for the sides of the door of the revelhouse, 4s. a yard.
	Flour, 18d. per bushel, "for pasting of the rock, and making of beasts, and querryng (?) of necessaries."
	Verdigris, 10d. per 1b., "spent by the painters for the rock and branches by their feet."
	Grey paper, 9 bundles at 8d., and 6 "of the great scantell (?)" at 12d., "spent for querrying of the mount, and for beasts and works by the painters wrought."
	Orsade, 14d. per 1b., "employed on the rock, and for kastyng and f ... florechyng of the stars."
	"Ghen paper," 2s. 8d. per ream, "spent by the painters for leaves and flowers, and daffadylls, prym roos, and syche branches, and for the mount or rock."
	Glue, 2½d. per lb., bought in Bucklersbury and Cheap. Norwich glue, 3d. per lb., spent by the painters in "spleterryng (?) and querying and settyng of stars."
	Spanish white, 8d. per doz., spent by the painters on the rock and beasts, and on all the Long House.
	Gum Arabic, 4d. per lb., "spent by Master Hans un (on) the mayn cloothe."
	Goldfoil, 3d. per doz., spent on "the baas and corbells," &c.
	Pots and crockery, 11 doz. and 3, 6s. 5d.
	Greenfoil, 4d. per doz., spent on the door and lintels, and crests, "and on the bass and towers."
	Vinegar, 4d. per gallon, used to temper verdigris.
	Brooms and boughs for branches, 3d.
	Pink, 16d. per gallon, spent by Master Hans and his Company on the roof, and divers greens, as on the benches of the Revels House.
	Packthread 5d. per lb., and white thread 11d., for sewing the cloths of the roof and ceiling.
	"Senaper lake," 12d. per oz.; vermilion, 16d. per lb.; "Sanders to temper roosset," 1d. per oz.;—spent by Mr. Hans and his company on the roof.
	Fine senaper paper, 15d. per doz., and fine silver paper, 2s. 4d. per doz., bought at the Hart in Bucklersbury. Fine gold paper, 12d. per doz., spent on the "baas" and towers, pillars, port and stairs, and on flowers and roses, and for 600 stars.
	Hoops for the boss or body of the rock, used by the embossers:—12 large ones, 8s., and 12 score others, 14s.
	Linen cloth. Hollands at 6d. and 5½d. an ell, bought of Wawen in Friday Street, spent on the roof, and the cloth "to hyll the pagent." Aprons of gilding cloths for Master Hans and other painters.
	Canvas. "2 balets of vetre vandalas of the halff kros," 9l.; 472 ells, of which part were delivered to the workmen at Mr. Karre's place, and part used "to stay the roof that bare the weather."
	"Spleters," 3d. per 100; "fagbrochys," bought in Fyche (Fish) Street, 2d. per 100; 4 trusses of hay, 8d. "The spleters spent and fagbroches for the rock or mount, and for beasts and syche; the hay to strew in the place of Bryght well (Bridewell) to strayn on the cloothes to stay."
	Size, 4d. per gallon, bought in Woodstreet, Soper Lane, Southwark, and St. Christopher's.
	White lead, 2d. per lb., bought in Bucklersbury; red lead, 20 lb. for 3s.; "spreus, okker," 1d. per lb., "generall," 6d. per lb. These colors spent by Mr. Hans and the painters on the four cloths.
	Purfelyng blake, 1d. per lb.; orpiment, 2s. 4d. per lb.; Spanish brown, 2d. per lb.; "grund wex," 8d. per lb. Spent by Mr. Hans and the painters on the cloth of the roof.
	"Brassell," 5d. per lb., "byes," 2d. per lb., bought in Bucklersbury. "Dry florry," 3s. 4d. per lb., spent by the painters on the great roof, and on the house "for pillars by Wrytheoke wrought."
	Party gold, 2s. per 100, used by the painters on the great roof "for the lines, the regements, the stars," &c.
	Twelve treen platters and 12 turned candlesticks, bought in Eastcheap, 2s.; 16 pillars turned, for work called "antyke;" spent on the base of the tower and the door, 23s. 10d.
	Javelin staves, bought in Gracyus Street, 3s. per doz. To the smith in Fenchurch Street for 80 taper pins, weighing 75 lbs., at 2d. per lb.; for 55 "bollets and foor lokes," 2d. apiece; 4 rings to hang the roof, 12d.
	To Master John Brown, for 80 "bassynes of fyen esstreche laten," weighing 280 lbs. 8l. 3s. 4d.; for silvering the same, 2s. Each=8l. "Thes bassynes be set and ewsyd in the revelyng hous un pelers that beer the lyghtes." Total, 16l. 3s. 4d. "Abattyd by the kounsell, 3l. 3s. 4d. And so rests dew, 13l."
	"Row lyer," 22 pieces, at 3d. each; 7 knots of "Sandwyche lyen," 4d. each; 12 lb. stars of lead, 6d. per lb. The lynes and lyers spent to truss the great main roof up. The stars were gilded and set on the pillars.
	Founder's earth, quicklime, and green rushes, 9d.; ironwork to hang the curtains with, 2s.; 1,000 short pins, 12d.; goose wings, 15d.; cotton, 7d. The earth for moulds; the lime for "ly" to seethe "brassell;" green rushes strewed in the long house; short pins to nail the stars; wings to whisk the cloths, and the cotton to lay gold.
	106 lb. cotton candle, at 1d. per lb., spent at Bridewell and the Prince's Wardrobe, or by the tailors.
	A barge and 7 men sent to Erith, 6s. a tide; 17 laborers at Erith, removing "divers great and ponderous stuff the same Sunday, all the afternoon," 3d. each; a barge and 6 rowers to Greenwich in the night, 8s.
	6 carts "with divers stone," in the night, from the Princes Wardrobe, 6d. each to the carters.
	ii. Lists of workmen "that wrought the said stuff."
	Monday, 14 Jan. 18 Hen. VIII. : 3 laborers cleaning the wardrobe, 5d. each.
	15 Jan.: 4 men removing lumber, 5d. each. 13 painters, of whom 9 are at 6d., 1 at 8d., 2 at 10d., and 1 (Rob. Wrytheoke) at 12d._16 Jan.: 13 painters; 5 carpenters, at 8d. each. _17 Jan. : 17 painters; 6 carpenters. _18 Jan. The same.—19 Jan. : The same, and 3 tailors, at 6d. each, "to make the covering of the weather roof."
	The lists are repeated from day to day to the 11 March, Sundays being generally omitted, and also Saturday 2 Feb. There are, however, payments to 11 painters on Sunday 17 Feb., and a day's wage of 6d. to 4 men (fn. 1) at Erith (occupation not specified), on Sunday 24 Feb. Also 4s. a day, which is granted at the King's pleasure to Master Nykolas and Master Hans, beginning on the 8 April, is paid up for the last time on Sunday 3 March.
	Wednesday, 3 April, and Thur., Fri., Sat., and Mond. following: 6d. a day to John Kallby, "to wait on the tilers for to receive the canvas from the house."
	Wednesday 10 April to Tuesday 7 May: lists of painters and carpenters employed each day, with their wages; 15 painters and 6 carpenters employed on Sunday 5 May.
	The special operations on which the above mechanics were engaged is sometimes stated in the margin, as, "Tailors to sew the cloths for the roof and ends of the House of Revel;" carpenters "at Grenwyche, to hyyll (?) the mayn rouf;" "to lyer the clothes for the selyng" (ceiling); "to trym a werke hous at Gren wyche;" "to hang up the great particion of canvas," &c. On Monday, 11 March, 10 men are employed "to hang the cloths in the King's sight, and taking them down again."
	Pp. 70.