Petitions in the State Papers: 1610s

The tenants, farmers and inhabitants of the king's manor of King's Norton, Worcestershire. SP 14/52 f. 30 (1610)

To the Kinges most execelent majestie

In all duetifull obedience shewen to your most exelent majesty
your true faythfull and obedient subjectes your highnes tenantes
fermeres and inhabitantes of your manour of Kinges Norton within your
majesties county of Wigorne that whereas in tymes past your most noble
progenitoures kinges of this realme have usually appointed and made noble
men and otheres of great worthe and estate their stewardes of the sayd
manour who alwayes hav had and deputed under them suche persons
their under stewardes there as for their sufficiencie [learning?] and honesty
have well dischardged whatsoever to their office in that behalf hath appurteyned to the great comfort of the same tenantes and inhabitantes
there and furtherance of justice in the courte of the sayd manour
But now so it is if it may please your highnes that one Edward
Fielde of verie base parentage hath lately crept into the sayd
office by what sinister meanes we know not and there very badly
and most corruptlie hathe demeaned hym self viciously dyvers and
sundry waies to the great hinderance of justice there and impoverishing
and utter roting owt of dyvers of the poore tenantes and inhabitantes
there of the sayd manour and is not ony unlearnyd and altogether insufficient
to execute the sayd office but also is a lewd man vicious and verye
contentious amonges his neighboures a comon medler and buyer of broken
and pretended rightes and titles and wholy addicted to fraudulent and indirect
courses to enriche hym self and the better effectith his badd purposes
by the countenance of the office. In tender consideracion whereof
we your sayd most loving and obedient subjectes most instantly besechen your
most royall majestie not only to remove the sayd Field from the sayd
office but also that your highnes wold be pleased to place in the same
office some other person of better state condicion worth and sufficiency both
for the better execution of justice in the sayd courte and better usage and
generall good of us your highnes poore tenantes and subjectes there who
ar altogether weried and tyred with the ungodly [ruels?] proceedinges of so unfitting
a steward and we your sayd loyall and obedyent subjectes and tenantes according
to our bounden duties will dayly pray to God for your majesties longe lief and
blessed happines here long to raigne over us:

• [J?] Gower
• Richard Grevis
• Georg Midlemore
• Samuell Gower
• [Edmund?] Benton
• Thomas Gandye
• William Collens
• John Norton
• William Fielde


• William Greves
• Richard Feeld
• Thomas Lyndon
• John Lyndon
• Thomas Fytter
• William Fyttour
• John Newey
• Edward [Wenand?]
• Thomas Fielde
• Edward Sergeant
• Thomas Lea bayly of the manour
• Balwyne Lyndon
• William Sergeant
• John More
• Walter Rolten
• John Swyfte
• John Bidele
• Thomas Swyfte
• George Field
• John Greves
• Thomas [Carter?]
• Richard Poole


• John Roper
• Edward Fielde
• John Richardes
• William Bissell
• Stephen Harrison
• Eddward Fielde

John Daniell, esquire. SP 14/52 f. 43 (1610)

To the right honorable Sir Lawrence Tanfeild knight
Lord Cheife Baron of the Court of Exchequer.

The humble peticion of John Daniell esquier

Humbly shewinge, that I was fined in the honourable court of Starchamber by way of (ore tenus) to paie 3000 pounds and for the payment thereof I offered and would
have given such satisfaccion as the said fine should have ben paied before this tyme, if that agreement had not ben overthrowne by the devices of others, who labored more
to take the spoile of my estate, and so to make the world beleeve, that I wrought the late Earle of of Essex his confusion, then they did for the speedie
payment of the said fyne to her majestie, or justly to any other. So that the said fyne will hardly be payd before the end of xxxtie yeares, although I am deprived
both of my credit, and am also turned out of all my estate, both which at the time of the sentence pronounced was better worth then ten thousand poundes.

For redresse whereof and releif wherein, it pleased the Kinges majestie to referr this my greeves to be examined in the Court of Exchequer, where I had
divers suites dependinge against those persons, that have wronged the late Queene and the Kinges majestie in the speedy payment of the said fine: and although I was
allowed counsell by the Kinges majestie Sir Julius Caesar knight and your lordship to prosecute suites in that court without charge in lawe yet nevertheles the
Earle of Clanricarde by his honours counsell in the absence of my counsell obtained order (upon untrue surmises) that I should not only surcease divers
of those suites, but also exhibite a new bill against the said Earle, and his honours Countesse; contrary to my former allowances, and the ordynarie
proceedinges of this honourable court: so that considering my ruyne was wrought by relacion of some greate persons upon their bare informacion without oath
whereby I am both discouraged and also dishabled to prosecute suites in lawe against the said Earle or Countesse.

My humble suite therefore is, that your honour wilbe pleased to graunt I may without any offence expresse at large in my said bill so to be
exhibited, the effect and circumstance of such wronges as I have receaved at their honours handes, and that the said Countesse may
either answer the said byll upon her honours corporall oath, or elles that I may proceede in thexchequer against all others accordinge
to my sayd allowance. And I will pray to God to encrease your lordship with all health honour and happines.

The bailiffs, burgers and commonalty of Tewkesbury. SP 14/53 f. 61 (1610)

To the right honourable the Erle of Salisbury Lord Highe Threasurer
of England.

The humble peticion of the bayliffes burgers and commonaltie
of Tewkesbury in the countie of Gloucester.

Sheweth unto your honourable lordship that where they have bought of your lordship and others the
comissioners for sale of his majesties landes the mannours boroughe and hundred of Tewkesbury
in the countie of Gloucester which consiste altogether of free rentes burgars and tenementes which
have noe land belongeinge unto them except garden plottes and such like notwithstanding
uppon the passing of the said mannours ther is bond demaunded to pay for the tymber
groweinge uppon the premisses, as it shalbe valued by comission accordinge to the usuall
forme in that case which wold be a greate troble and charge to your poore suppliantes and
noe benefitt at all to his majestie there being nether tymber nor firewood uppon the
premisses and the inhabitantes have noe fuell but such as they fetch 40 or 50 myles by
water.

May it therefore please your good lordship out of your accustomed favor towardes
them to give order to Master Cartwright that the premisses may passe without
entering of bond for the woodes and they as their humble duty is
shalbe ever bound etc.

Sir Richard Assheton, late sheriff of Lancashire. SP 14/53 f. 81 (1610)

1610

To the right honourable Roberte Earle of Salesbury
Lord Treasurer of England

The humble peticion of Sir Richard Assheton knighte
late sheriffe of Lancashire

Shewinge that in Trinitie terme laste the peticioner exhibited a
peticion to your honour shewinge thereby that in Trinitie terme
5to regni a writt was awarded to him then beinge sheriffe of
Lancashire furthe of the firste frutes office for levyinge of
viii pounds of the goodes of Master Brockeholes and Master Caras returnable
in Michaelmas terme followinge

That the peticioner levyed the viii pounds and paid it amongest other
somes into the receipte of thexchequer to Master Pittes a tellor
theere as appeares by the tallie

That thofficer of the first frutes office (affirminge that that
viii pounds oughte to have beene paid by a note or warrant
from them) made out proces for levyinge that viii pounds againe
of the peticioners goodes and cattells albeit the same were
paid into the receipt as aforesaid

And therefore the peticioner humbly prayed your honour
would be pleased to give order that Master Pittes
should repay the viii pounds to the peticioner to be paid by
warrant from the first frutes office to his majesties
use and that proces mighte be stayed againste the
peticioner

Or that your honour would be pleased to refer the
examinacion and ordering therof to Master Baron
Altham or some of the barons

Whereupon your honour apointed that Master Baron Altham shold
consider therof and certefie your honour

Whoe certifieth your honour by the same peticion that the viii pounds
was mispaid and therefore must be taken out from thence
and paid into the first frutes office

The peticioner humbly prayeth your honour would be
pleased to give order that Master Pittes shall
repaye to the peticioner the viii pounds to be paid
into the first frutes office and soe the peticioner
to be discharged

Sir Anthony Ashley. SP 14/61 f. 81 (1611)

To the right honorable the Erle of Salisbury
Lord High Tresurour of England.

Most humbly beseecheth your honourable good lordship that wheras heretofore by sundry fowle and odious
offences and crimes maliciously cast on me by Sir James Creighton and his complices, your lordship
hath bin justly induced to thinck hardly of me; your lordship would be pleased to afford your
honorable presence and assistance to morrow (being Fryday) at the hearing of my cause in the
court of Star Chamber for your lordships better satisfaccion, and accordingly in time to come to esteeme
of me wherin I shall acknowledge myself very much bound to your good lordship and will ever more
rest at your good lordships commandement as your most obliged

• [illegible] Ashley

Thomas Fortescue, esquire. SP 14/61 f. 107 (1611)

To the right honorable Robert Earle of Salisburye Lorde
high Treasurour of Englande and one of his majesties moste
honorable Privye Counsell:

The humble peticion of Thomas Fortescue esquier:

My honorable good lorde: having served his majestie as a
deputye unto your lordship and otheres your honorable predicessores in the
office of alienacions by the space of twentye yeares, and by my
paynefull industrye and travell have much advanced his majesties profittes
there as to your honour is partlye knowen: nowe for asmuch as your
peticioner is of great age very feeble in bodye and troubled with
many infirmityes, by reason whereof he is not able to take such paynes
as is requisite in the sayde place, and also hath bine greatly
hindered by meanes of suertiship and otherwise, whereby his estate
is much impayred, most humblye beseecheth your good lordship that I may
to favoure me so much that I may nominate a sufficient man to serve
his majestie in my place, and so to geive me leave to make my best benefitt
thereof, and further that your lordship will be pleased to be a meanes unto
the right honorable Sir Julius Caesar to geive his favourable
consent hereunto, who I hope will joyne with your lordship in this my
reasonable suite, your peticioner intendinge nowe to geive over
the troubles and affayres of the worlde, for which he findeth himself
unmeete, and hopeinge by theise your honours favoures to settle his
quiet shall be bownde to praye for your lordship duringe life:

Robert Swinglehurst, John Proctor and other tenants of the crown, of the manor of Sladburne, Yorkshire. SP 14/61 f. 128 (1611)

To the right honourable the Earle of Salisbury
Lord High Treasaurour of England.

The humble peticion of Robert Swinglehurst
and John Proctor, with others of his majesties
tenantes of the mannour of Sladburne in
the countie of Yorke.

That whereas your peticioners holde dyvers landes of the said mannour
by coppie of court roule, to them and their heires, accordinge
to the custome thereof. Which landes, by meanes of certein suites
brought against the said tenantes, in defence whereof the tenantes
have spent above 500 pounds that the same are noe parcell of the
possessions of the Dutchie, in whose jurisdiction the same lye
and for that question hath bene made, that their coppiholde
estates canot bee good, in regarde noe coppiholde estate can
bee created, de nova, without some acte of Parliament thereupon
to bee made, which acte have bene of late passed for
confirmacion of the same coppiholde estate, upon composition
of the tenantes, with his majestie or the comissioners thereunto
appointed.

Humblie your peticioners beseech your good honour, that
you would bee pleased, to admitt them presentlie, to
make composition accordinge to the said acte, for
their said landes, in respect of their often attendance
thereupon, orells the next terme at the furthest, for
which cause they must come upp purposlie, and that
thereby they maie have their fines certein of their
landes, and receave the benefitt of the said acte of
Parliament accordinge to his majesties pleasure, and
they all shall dailie praie to God for your honours longe
and prosperous health.

Sir Robert Stewart. SP 14/61 f. 192 (1611)

To the Kinges most excellent majesty

The humble peticion of your servant Sir Robert Stewart.

Whereas your majesty was pleased to restore the benefitt of rootes and stumpes
of woodes and trees on your servant, and afterwardes your highnes
inlardged the same with like benefitt of your parkes, which he hoped
would have satisfied his creditours as alsoe have gyven content
to Master Marshall for 800 pounds and Master Lesley 1200 pounds gyven by your
majesty out of the same sute:

Yt maie please your majesty uppon much triall made for the space
of these fowrten monethes the sute falls soe poore, (as is not
unknowen to the Lord Treasurer as your servant nether cane
gyve satisfaccion to his creaditors or paie Master Marshall
or Master Lesley:

Wherefore most humbly he beseecheth your majesty as yow have
byn ever gracious towardes him to graunte unto him
only tow trees out of everie hundered of decayed
or fewell trees (being not timber) thorowaght
your majesties said mannours [etc?] of which your majesty receaveth
smale or noe proffitt. To be ordered and sett out
by the Lord Treasurer Lord Northampton and the
chaunclor of your court of Exchequeor

The mayor, bailiffs and burgesses of the borough of Berwick upon Tweed. SP 14/68 f. 29 (1612)

To the right honorable Robert Earle of Salisbury, Lord High Treasorer of England.

The humble peticion of the maior, baliffes and burgesses of the burrough
of Berwick upon Twede.

Itt pleased your lordship about June last to give order for payment of 2000 pounds out of thexchequer, being parcell of
8000 pounds assigned to your humble orators for the building of a new stone bridge over the river of Twede
at Berwick.

Some part of which 2000 pounds was payd over in satisfaccion of arrerages and debtes formerly due to many poore workmen
there, some part in provision of necessary materialles, some part in workemens wages.

So as thereof remayneth as yet undisbursed onely vi hundred and odd poundes.

Forsomuch as the said sum undisbursed will not be sufficient for the work of this spring and the beginning of the next
sommer, and for that sondry other materialles, which must be used in those workes this next March, are now presently to
be bought here at London and to be sent downe to Berwick by shipps, which within fewe dayes will be ready to
transport the same thither.

May it please your honourable lordship of your honourable and charitable disposicion towardes the furthering of so necessary, so great
and so honorable a work to give warrant for payment of 1500 pounds more forthwith to your humble orators
or of such other summe of money as your lordship shall think meete towardes the proceeding in the said
work: and also for 100 tunnes of timber out of Chopwell woodes to be felled in a seasonable
tyme for the said worke.

And your humble oratours shall not onely afford their uttmost diligence and best indeavours for
setting forward the said work, and be true and faithfull accomptantes to your lordship for the same,
but with thankfull hartes, they and theirs shall ever acknowledge your honours manifold favours,
and make their earnest prayers to God for your lordships long life and eternall happinesse.

Robert Meverell, esquire. SP 14/68 f. 72 (1612)

To the right honourable Robert Earle of Salisbury Lord High Tresuror of England.

The humble peticion of Robert Meverell esquire.

Humbly sheweth unto your lordshipp that wheras a scire facias was directed unto the sheriffe of the county of Nottingham to summon the peticioner to shew cause why he should not
give an encrease of rent or a fine for certaine landes in Darletonne in the saide county of Nottingham which he holdeth by custody from his majestie: it may please your lordship to
be enformed that Sampson Meverell esquire, (father to your said peticioner,) and his auncestours were seised and (as their inheritance) have enjoyed contynually by the space
of 300 yeares the capitall messuage of the mannor of Darleton aforesaid and certaine other landes and tenementes within the said mannour, as by antient deedes and charters may appeare.
which said landes were demised by the said Sampson (not many yeares before his decease) unto certaine of the frindes of Elizabeth his then wife (now Lady Leighton)
to her use for the terme of xxi yeares from the day of the date therof, and after the decease of the said Sampson were found by office to be holden of the late Quennes majestie
(in capite) by reason wherof there was a wardship accrewed. During the minoritie of which warde, the said Lady Leighton (mother in lawe unto the saide warde), when the
terme granted by her husband was more then halfe spente, compounded for a lease or custody of the said landes, and tooke it in her owne name, and being
called into the court of wardes by the gardian of the said warde towching the same, it was then ordered by the right honourable the Lord Burleigh then Lord
Treasurer of England, and master of that court, that the said lease or custody should be recalled and made voyd (according to a provisoe therin conteyned), and a
newe lease therof granted unto the heire, as by the same order yet appeareth. The prosecucion of which sayd order was neglected by the heire (when he came
unto full age) being confidently advysed by counsell that soe auntient a tytle would never be impeached, and therefore [seived?] his livery and soe lost the
benefite of the same order. After which tyme your said peticioner (being unwilling to enter into troublesome and chargeable sutes and searches) did compound with
the said Lady Leighton for her custody lease: not long after which composicion there were other severall custodies therof granted (one after another) with
contynewall increase of rente, which your said peticioner likewyse bought in, to his great charge, and afterward surrendered all his interest and estate unto
the Kinges majestie, (in the second yeare of his reigne), and caused a newe survey to be taken of the said landes (at his owne charge) and therupon tooke a
newe custodye for xl yeares with a newe increase of rente hoping then fully to settle a quiet estate for his terme, yet neverthelesse is at this tyme
called by the said writt of scire facias to make a newe composicion for the same eyther for further increase of rent or a fyne.

And therefore humbly prayeth that your honour wilbe pleased upon tender consideracion of the premisses, and in regard of his auntient
right and his great charges he hath bene at and losse susteyned, to accept from him some reasonable encrease of rent or fyne for
a terme of by lx yeares, leaving out the provisoe of si quis plus dare voluerit etc according to his majesties commission for that purpose
granted unto your good honour and Sir Julius Caesar knight.

Agnes Appleby, widow of Robert Appleby. SP 14/68 f. 185 (1612)

To the right honorable the Earle of Salisbury
Lord High Treasurer of England.

The most humble peticion of Agnes Appleby the poore
distressed widdowe of Robert Appleby yoman purveyour
for the black jackes buckettes and [barrowe hidis?] to the
Kings majestie

Most humblie shewinge: that whereas your suppliantes said husband served the late Queen
Elizabeth and his said majestie in the foresaid place theis 50 yeres past and havinge within
theis 3 yeres obteyned a patent thereof from his majestie for his owne life and his sonne
who now are both deceased. And her said husband buried even yesterday and
left her 100 pounds in debt without any meanes but only the said place to satisfie
the same.

In tender regard whereof, and forasmuch as your said peticioner beinge
his wife 46 yeres and soe hath asmuch sufficiency and with
the helpe of her servantes is as able to dischardge the said place
thers as any other.

Most humblie beseecheth your good lordship (of your wonted pittie towardes the poore
distressed widdowes) to take such order that your said suppliant may
have and exercize the said place as her husband did, duringe her
life (beinge above 60 yeres of age) aswell towardes the paying
of his said debt as for her helpe from begginge in the end of her
daies as to your good honour shall seeme meete. Soe shall she never
cease, but even upon her knees praie for your honours everlastinge
happines.

Thomas Wilson, clerk, keeper of the king's records. SP 14/69 f. 105 (1612)

The humble peticion and complaint of Thomas Wilson
your majestyes servant and clerke of your majestyes records
and papers of estate in the office established att
your highnes pallace of Whytehale.

Humbly sheweing and complayning unto your majesty, that having
served your majestye many yeares in the said office, in reducing
those things to order oute of extreame confusion, and never haveing
had or made any benefyte therby, but only 30 pounds a yeare which your
majesty geveth me, I was bold about Midsomer last to make a peticion
to your majesty, to bestowe upon me a certayne rent and arrerages issuing
out of certayne landes of my owne which I lately bought in
Hartfordshire, but faling dangerously sick presently upon
preferring my peticion, as I have ben ever since and yett am,
of a quartayne feaver, wherby I was not able to prosecute
the same suite to your majestys grante under seale. In this tyme
of my sickness, John Hale your majestyes servant and cup bearer
understanding of my slackness, and getting some notice of the
debt, came to me and claymed the debt by vertue of a patent
granted to one Edward Abbott, but when by sight of my evedence he
gate more light of the matter (being a concealed debt) and per=
ceyved that patent wold not carry it procures in February last a newe
patent of that particuler debt and others, to Mistress Midlemore, by
which he comes to me requyreing money or composicion, I agreed
for quyetnes sake to geve him 200 pounds by 50 pounds a tearme provided
that I might have such discharge of my land as my learned
counsell shold devise, which he agreed unto, and hath taken 20 pounds
in part of payment, and nowe fynding some that offereth him
more then 200 pounds he goeth back of his bargayne, and I comeing
on Twesday last to talke with him quietly about it, in your majestyes
howse, and repeating howe the composition was, he presently
even in one of your majestyes gallerys most obprobriously and disgrace
fully gave me the lye, in the hearing of divers, and thretneth
presently to sease my land, he yett never shewing me any right
he hath. My humble suite unto your majesty is that he may make me
such reparacion of the wrong and disgrace he hath done me as to your
princely mynd shall seeme fitt, that I may quietly proceed in your
majestyes service, having a greate worke yett to performe in that place, and
office, wherin I serve your majesty and wherin I am assured your
majesty will take greate contentment, when it is finished and I shall ever
(as I am bound) pray for your majestyes long and happy rayne.

Your majestyes most loyall subject and servant

1 June 1612

• Thomas Wilson

The clerk of the signet and the privy seal. SP 14/72 f. 11 (1613)

To the Kings most excellent majesty.

The humble peticion of the clerke of your majesties signet
and privy seale.

Wheras divers [grantes?], aswell for sale of your majesties landes, as for wardes
defective titles, leasses, licenses for selling of wines, composicions for assarts,
baronettes, creacion of baronets, and bills of like nature, have within
these few yeeres by vertue of sondry your highness commissions, passed by
ymediat warrant to the great seale, contrary to ancient custom in the
tymee of your most noble progenitors, by meanes wherof (though we
do verily asseure ourselves that your princely meanyng never was
we should sustaine any losse, it being provided that in som of those
grantes so ymediatly passing the great seale the whole fees, and in som but parte of the fees due by statut to the
signet and privy seal be aunswered in the office of the hamper, yet the repu=
tacion and benefit of the said two offices are herby (as by many other waies) greatly ympared
by reason that the ingrossing and writing of the said grantes (which heretofore when
they passed the signet and privy seal hath bene beneficiall both to the clerkes
themselves and to theire servantes) is now wholly taken from them to theire
great hindrance, and utter disabling to do your majestys services in theire
places.

For som repare of which decayes, and in regard your majestys said poore servantes
do not onely themselves give theire daily attendance for the dispatch
of divers your highness affaires, without any fee from your majesty but do allso at
theire owne charge bring up servantes in theire offices for your majestys service
who depend onely for theire maintenance upon the writing of billes
to the signet and privy seal without any other allowance from your majesty: we the
said clerkes of the signet and privy seal do in all humblenes beseech your highness, to be
pleased to referre the consideracion of this our humble request to the Lord
Chancellour, whose lordship can best inform your majesty what course hath bene
aunciently held and by statut ought to be continewed for the passing
of the said grantes) to thend that your majesty being informed of the convenien=
cye of the same, som order may be established that hereafter no
billes, other then such as do be directly and meerely for expedicion of
your highness service be suffered to passe by immediat warrant, but be
presented to the clerk of the signet and privy seal attendant, to passe both the
seales according to statut and former practise wherby we your
majesties poore servantes shalbe the better enabled to continew our most
humble and faithfull service in our places, and the more encouraged to pray
to God as in all duety and loyallty we are bound) for the
long continewance of your royall estaste and most happy and
prosperous raigne over us.

Roger Bassett. SP 14/72 f. 184 (1613)

To the Kings most excellent majestie.

The humble peticion of Roger Bassett:

Most humblie shewinge

That whereas the said peticioner hath endeavoured to inable himselfe,
and hath made such croes=bowes for your majestie: as noe man
else coulde doe, and in all kinde of such worke is as painefull,
readie, and sufficient as any man.

Your peticioner therefore most humblie beseecheth your majestie; to
give order unto the right honourable the Lord Chamberlaine; that
he maie be sworne servaunt in this kinde for the prince
his highnes, or at least to signifie your royall pleasure unto my
Lord Chamberlaine, that it may be donne when others are in
the like manner sworne, and in the meane tyme noe other
to be sworne in that place.

And as in duety bounde he shall dayly pray for your
majesties longe and prosperous raigne.

George Brabant and Richard Dighton, keepers of the East and West parks of Branspeth, co. Durham. SP 14/75 f. 50 (1613)

To the right honorable the Earle of Somersett Lord Chaumberlaine of England

The humble peticion, of George Brabant and Richard Dighton, keepers
of the East and West parks of Branspeth in the county of Durham.

Humbly sheweth that whereas your lordshipps peticioner Georg Brabant and his auncestours
have bynn keepers of the East parke of Branspeth for the most part of 140 yeeres
last past by vertue of severall grauntes from the Earles of Westmerland
the late Queene, and his majestie, which said park being nowe your lordshipps
as parcell of the mannour of Branspeth.

In like humble manner sheweth, that whereas the said Richard Dighton
hath beene keeper of the West parke of Branspeth aforesaid for the space
of xxtie yeeres last past by vertue of severall pattentes from the said late Quene
of famous memory and his majestie both which parkes are now your lordshipps and
parcells of the mannour of Branspeth, and having noe other meanes for the relief of
him selfe his wife and famylie but only the said office.

Most humbly doe submitt themselves unto your honour praying that it
may please your lordshipp to admitt and suffer your said suppliantes to contynue
the proffittes and benefittes of theire severall offices during theire natural
lives being aged men and not otherwise provided for.

And your suppliantes shall as by duty bound
ever pray for your lordships helth and increase of honour

David Dromounde. SP 14/75 f. 92 (1613)

To the Kinges moste excellent majestie

The humble peticion of David Dromounde
your majesties moste humble servante.

Sheweth whereas your majesties loyall subject Richard Connock some tymes
servante and officer and servant to your late sonne Prince Henry
standeth seised of the mannor, of Lylesdon in the county of Somersett
the moyety of which mannor was sometymes the inheritance of Henry
late Marquesse Dorsett and Duke of Suffolke, in the raignes of
King Henry the Eight and Edwarde the Sixt. And whereas sondry
ould debtes were due to the crowne att that tyme by the attaynder of
the sayd Duke and were never yett recovered in respect of the
desperatnesse and antiquity of the sayd debtes, which in that regarde
with sondry other debtes of that kynde your majestie was gratiously
pleased to graunte not longe since sondry grauntes of that nature to
sondrey persons your majesties servantes of the sayd debtes and this debte
also amongst others is past away ingenerall to them to make proffytt
hereof by way of composicion with all persons whatsoever whose landes
were lyable hereunto.

Now soe yt is that the moyety of the sayd mannor of Lylesdon beinge
lyable by the rigor of lawe to the sayd debte and the sayd Richard
Connock havinge already componed with the sayd pattentees of the
sayd debtes graunted to them by your majestie, and now havinge
extended the moyety of the sayd mannor whereuppon hee hathe
reserved a yearely rent to your majestie whereas heretofore nothinge
was founde nor answeared to your majestie neyther was yt heretofore
any wayes questyoned but was voluntary done by your majesties
subject to your majesties benefytt and use

In consideration whereof may yt please your majestie to graunt to your
peticioner to the behoofe of the sayd Richard Connocke all such right tytle
and interest as your majestie hathe and ought to have in and to all the sayd
debtes due to your highnes out of the sayd mannor by the attaynder of the
sayd Duke. Togeather with a lease duringe the extent of the sayd mannor
of Lylesdon and he shalbe ever bound to pray for your majesties longe
and happy raigne.

Julius Watson of Congeston, Leicestershire, clerk. SP 14/77 f. 15 (1614)

To the most reverend father in God Richard
by the devine providence Lord Bishoppe of
Lincolne:

Moste humbly sheweth unto your good lordshippe your suppliant Julius Watson of Congeston
in the county of Leicester clarke that whereas one Robert Ruddyard an appariter of
malice to your suppliant without just cause and alsoe without mandate or writt or any presentment
before had againste your suppliant did the second daye of June anno domini 1612 cite him
to apeare at Harborough in the confines of the cuntry at a courte there houlden before
one Master Lambe surrogate to one Master Wyvell chanslour which is twenty miles distant
from his dwellinge whereas Leicester is but tenne miles from him to which towne hee
and all his brethren of the ministry especially in that part of the county have been
allwaies heretofore usually called and noe farther and uppon his appearance at the
courte there was aledged against your suppliant as followeth videlicet for strikeinge of a boye
about the age of 6 yeares troublinge him in the tyme of devine service and for strikeing
of a woman and alsoe for callinge the said Ruddyard paultery fellowe butt of all this
could prove nothinge againste your oratour saveinge that hee should call the said appariter
paultery fellowe and bribeinge knave and that was proved no other wayes bout only by his
owne oath wherein he wronged your suppliant by his untrue oath and yett the said
Ruddyard standeth indited of brybery and extortion before the Lord Chiefe Justice of England
att the assizes at Leicester and not withstandinge in the saide courte they have proceeded
against your suppliant and sentenced him to pay to the same Ruddyard foure poundes
and ten shillings and hath excomunicated him for non payment of the said some contrary
to all equity and againste lawe as your suppliant is informed. May it therefore please
your good lordshippe wee the poore ministers of your diocess have not in our wronges
and oppressions any other to complaine unto for reliefe and suckor but to your good lordship
at whose handes all the ministers in your said diocess doe assure them selves to have theire
wronges redressed accordinge to equity.

His humble sute is therefore unto your good lordshippe the premisses considered that you
woulde bee pleased to restore your said suppliant againe to his former freedome that hee
may followe his function and charge and alsoe that yt will please your lordshipp to
committ the causes aforesaide to the hearinge and determyninge of some grave
and learned minister within the saide county whose ende hee is willinge to abide
and performe. And your saide suppliant shall praye etc:

Samuell Willingham, clerk, parson of Stayn, Lincolnshire. SP 14/77 f. 29 (1614)

To the right honorable Sir Lawrence Tanfeld knight
Lord Cheife Barron of his majesties Exchequor.

The humble peticion of Samuell Willingham clerk
parson of Stayn in the countie of Lincoln.

He most humbly sheweth unto your lordship that whereas he hath bene [a?]
long sutor in his highnes court of Exchequor for this xxitie yeares, for [certain?]
landes in Hotoft in the countie of Lincoln, belonging to him in the right of his [illegible]
reccory of Stayn a fore said, and having obtayned a decree in the sayd court
and part of for the same landes being fownd by jury, certifyed accordingly, and sundry [illegible]
a warded for the quyet enjoying therof

Notwithstanding John West one of the defendantes, wyth one Andrew Gedney
and Thomas Stevenson servant unto the sayd West, in August or September
last dyd in forr in [formable?] [illegible] and violent manner assalt and cast down your sayd orator, and in forcible manner
did take and carry a way your said orators corne, being barly about 3 shockes
of barly, and not so contented, but seweth your orators assignee
for in the spirituall court for carrying the rest, which sute hath conty
newed this year and a half to the utter undoing of your said orator and his assignee:

Also one Robert Hastinges of Hotoft a foresaid sonn of Robert Hastinges one other
of the defendantes lykwise, being a very disquyet and troblesom person (as appea
red at the assizes being found a common barrator, and an extorcioner) hath
very maliciously caused certain of your suppliantes ley grownd to be plowed upp
and sowed wyth oates and carryed part of yt a way, and this peticioners assignees
carrying the rest he hath indited them for it. And more over hath sewed [illegible] your
suppliantes assignee at the comon law, being a poor man destitut of meanes to
mainteine sutes.

Your peticioner being a poore old man and destitut of
mayntenance humbly beseecheth your lordshipp to take spedy order
for his releif as to your grave wysdome shall seeme fytt, and
he shall duly pray for your lordships long health and prosperity

And having obtayned a decree in the said court for the enjoying of the same landes wherof
part being found by jury, and certifyed accordingly, for asmuch as your sayd orator
cannot sett forth the resydue by butting and bownding therof a great part therof is held from
your peticioner and he being a poore man old man, impotent and over weryed wyth suites is
not able to wager law.

He humblye beseecheth your lordshipp to be pleased to call the deteyners into your honours
court of Exchequor to shew such evidences as they have concerning the same landes etc

Robert Lathorpe. SP 14/78 f. 164 (1614)

To the right honorable the Earle of Somerset
Lord Chamberlaine to his majestie

The humble peticion of Robert Lathorpe.

Shewing
that whereas the peticioner hath ingaged himselfe with William
Smyth one of his majesties yeoman prickers in a bond of xvi pounds for
the payment of viii pounds at a certen tyme which bond hath bin forfeyted
theis iii yeares; yet such is the carelesnes of the said Smyth that
he taketh no course for payment thereof, but suffered the bond
to be sued to an execucion almost theis two yeares, so as the
peticioner dare not walke in the streetes to goe about his busines
for feare of arrest and imprisoned at his suite.

And forsomuch as it hath pleased your lordship heretofore to promise
your peticioner, your warrant for to take course of law against
him, which (by reason of a fall that your petitioners wife had in
my Lord Treasurers chamber in delivering the peticion to your lordship)
could not be obtayned before this tyme.

It would therefore now please your lordship of your honourable goodnes [illegible]
either to call the said Smyth before your lordship and cause him
forthwith to make present payment to the creditor of the
said debt, that the peticioner may not be dampnified there
by, or els to give your peticioner your honourable leave and
warrant for to take the ordinary course of law against
him for the recovery of the same. And the peticioner
(as in dutie bound) shall daily pray for your lordships health
and happines.

Thomas Chaloner, gentleman. SP 14/80 f. 59 (1615)

To the right honourable the lords and others of his majesties
most honourable privey councell.

The humble peticion of Thomas Chaloner gentleman.

Most humbly shewinge unto your good lords that wheras by the expence
of a great parte of his estate, and younger yeares in many chargeable trialles
of sondry myneralles, he at last discovered and found the allom mynes of
Yorkshire, which beinge well ordred cannot but prove both an honourable and
profitable worke to his majestie, and the whole kingdome.

In respect wherof there was graunted unto him for his life by the first
undertakers of the said workes, and since confirmed by the late Lord Treasurer
Salisbury on his majesties behalfe, a small pencion of 40 markes per annum which
hath ben duly paid accordingly untill midsommer last since which time
there beinge two quarters incurred and a third at hand, the nowe farmours
refuse to pay the same, and so have driven your poore petitioner being an aged
gentleman of above 72 yeares old to travell on foote above 200 miles to come
hither to seeke releife at your lordshipps handes.

Most humbly beseechinge your lordshipps for Gods cause and justice
sake, that in a busines of so many thousandes yearly value, some
course may be taken, that his small allowance may be paid
him quarterly in the countrey as hath ben alwayes used,
without inforcinge him to come hither for it. And (as in
dutie bound) he will [daily?] pray for your lordshipps.

The ancient Company of Merchant Adventurers. SP 14/80 f. 172 (1615)

To the right honorable the lordes and others
of his majesties privie councell.

Whereas it hath pleased his most excellent majestie graciouslie to give leave that those of
the auntient company of merchantes adventurers might meete together to treate and
conferre touching the cause in question for the dying and dressing of broade white
clothes. They with most humble and thanckfull acknoledgment of his majesties
gratious favour, have assembled themselves in ample maner, understanding
his highnes earnest desire to be, to have that woorke proceeded in for the good of the
comon wealth (yf possiblie it may be effected): and although neyther by tracte
of tyme synce their surceasing, nor by anything yet done therein by those who
undertooke to make the woorke easie and feasible, they have not learned any way
to performe nor found any encoragment to promise any thing more then heretofore
and consequentlie see noe cause to chang their opinions formerlie declared to his
majestie, and to your honours, concerning that matter of dying and dressing and the successe
thereof: yet for better satisfaction to his majestie, and for a true triall whither
that woorke may be effected for the good of this kingdome or not; they will (yf it so
please his majestie forthwith dye and dresse the nomber of one thowsand white
clothes, and will transporte the same so dyed and dressed into Germany and the
lowe countries, where white clothes are and have ben usuallie vented, to which
places (as they thincke) little cloth of that nature hath ben hitherto sent by those
of the newe company. And yf they shalbe hable to procure the vent of the
said thowsand clothes, or yf by this experiment they shall finde any
encoragement, they doo faythfullie promise to proceed in the dying and dressing
of a greater nomber, and herein will ymploy their uttermost skill and meanes
to advance and effecte that woorke. And the better to be enabled thereunto
they humblie beseech your honours to be mediatours for them to his most excellent majestie
that they may be restored to their former trade and meanes of lyving.

And they their wyves children and servantes shalbe alwaies
bound to pray for the increase and advancement of your honourable
estates

Members of the old Merchant Adventurers Company who have joined the new Company. SP 14/80 f. 201 (1615)

To the right honorable the lords and others of
his majesties most honorable privy counsaile.

The most humble petition and declaration of divers
of the old marchands now joyned to the new.

Whereas your honors with great paines, and patience, have heard the late difference
betweene the old and new marchands in that great cause of dyeng and dressing of cloath,
wherein many thinges have generally bin affirmed in our names as members of that body,
which wee feare may much concerne us in our particulars, as members also of that great
body of the whole weale-publique of this kingdome: wee most humbly intreate your honoures
to be informed what motives led us into this worke, and what experience wee have gained
since wee first assisted the same. For the former of these wee beseech your lordships to pardon
us if wee have thought them something violent: partly in respect of our education being
brought up to no other course of life, then to the late marchant adventurers trade of
white cloath, and other commodities of this kingdome: and partly in respect of our [meanes?]
the same being not only much inferiour to the abilities of the rest of the old marchands
which stand yet out, and have not subscribed to this project, but also the same lieng in the
partes beyond the seas, whence wee could not without great losse bee permitted to receave
the same without subscription hereunto. And for the latter if if wee shall deale truely
and ingenuously with your lordships wee professe that in our uttermost experience, that hereto wee
have had in this worke wee find nothing but discouragementes for venting of died and
drest cloathes in any of the places where formerly our trade hath bin exercisted

Now unto this our humble declaration wee beseech your lordships that wee may adde this our earnest
protestation also, that wee are not by any incensed hereunto, nor do wee by this meanes
either go about to interrupt this great worke, or to bring upon your honors a new trouble
herein, as if wee were not still willing to assist the same, to the uttermost of our poore
powers, but only to implore your honorable favors for the time to come, that if the successe
thereof shall not second his majestyes and your honours earnest desires, and our hearty wishes, that
then your m his majesty and your honours will hold us blamelesse, and excusable herein. And
that wee may yet more clearly shew our wel-wishing to the happy successe of this great
worke, because the skill and experience of many of the new company farre exceedeth ours
in dieng and dressing of cloath, wee can be content, (if so it seeme good to your honours) to
contribute to the new-marchandes by way of composicions (as already they have done)
whatsoever they shall request upon the cloath in reason to excuse us of our partes of dieng
and dressing, and to suffer us to go on with them in our trade of white-cloath untill wee have
learned of them some better experience therein.

• William Turner
• [Rust?] Bennett
• William Johnson
• Thomas Eyre
• Thomas Dangerfeold
• Timothy Stephens
• Edward Foord
• Jhon Wiseman
• Robert Angell
• Ralphe House
• Robert Jeffrais
• Richard Bladwell
• Thomas Smith
• Hugh Perrey
• Edward Perrey


• Edward Missleden
• Stephen Burton
• Francis Mann
• Thomas Eyans
• Ralph Flower
• Thomas Cleave
• John Kendrick
• Robert Palmer
• Theophilus Brereton
• Robert Duey
• William Hawkins
• Humphrey Berington
• [J Leawetten?]
• Garthrop Manninges


• [J?] Ferrares
• Nicholas Buckeridge
• Thomas Browne
• William Robinson
• William Johnes
• Anthony Stubbs
• J. Holland
• Francis Bembo
• Robert Aubrey
• J. Thorne
• Thomas Eastcourt
• Daniel Wates
• Marmaduke Reckock
• Isaac Jhones


• Robert Croft
• Thomas Brownest
• George Bray

Martyn Lumley, citizen and alderman of London. SP 14/81 f. 25 (1615)

To the right honourable Robert Earle of
Somerset Lord Chamberlaine of his
majesties howshould

The humble peticion of Martyn Lumley
cittizen and alderman of London

Humblie shewinge unto your honourable good lordship that
whereas Patricke Blacke tailour hath for this foure
yeares space wrongfully deteyned and kept from your
peticioner the somme of foure hundred poundes which he by noe
meanes hitherto could gett or obtayne to his greate hindrance
nowe your peticioner havinge commenced suite against him for
the recovery of the same and can proceede no further therein
without your honours good help and assistance

Maye it therefore please your honourable good lordship to
graunte unto your petitioner your lycence for the
arrestinge of the saide Patrick Blacke for the
saide somme of foure hundred poundes which without
youre lordshipps good favore and assistance herein he
is noe wise like to recover or obtaine the same
and your peticioner shall daielie praye to the
almighty for your honours health and happines
longe to contynue.

Robert Godfrey, son of William Godfrey, late porter of the castle of Dover. SP 14/86 f. 24 (1616)

To the right honorable the Lorde Souche
Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and
one of his majesties most honorable privy counsell.

The humble peticion of Robert Godfrey
sonne of William Godfrey your honours late
porter of the castle of Dover:

Most humbly sheweth unto your good lordship that whereas your said
peticioners father in his lief tyme did much desire that your honours
said peticioner Robert Godfrey should have made suite unto your
honor that your said peticioner might succeed his said father
who had lived for the space of thirtye yeares or thereaboutes
as porter in very good sort and fashion aswell to your honor
as to your lordships antecessours.

But by reason of extreeme great sicknes which hath pleased
God to visitt your peticioner ever since the death of his late father
and before was the cause that your peticioner could never make
suit unto your honor as was his fathers desire in his lief
tyme:

In consideracion that your said peticioners father was soe longe
servant in the place and his earnest desire was that your peticioner
might succeed him and your peticioner wilbe ready to put in such
sufficient security for the true performance of his duty in the place
and withall your peticioner is like to preferr him selfe soe exceeding
well by marriage if your lordship wilbe pleased to bestowe the foresaid
place of your peticioner that he may live in as good sort or better as
ever his father did. And your peticioner most humbly desireth that your
honorable good lordship will soe much favour him that he may in person
speake with your lordship who will more at lardge enforme yow of the
premisses:

Therefore your peticioner in all humblenes beseecheth
your lordship to graunt him the portership of his
majesties castle of Dover and he shall not onely be ever
bound to your lordship in all dilligent dutifull and faithfull
service but shall accordinge to his bounden duty ever
pray for your lordship with much increase of honor:

The Company of Merchant Adventurers of the new trade of London. SP 14/86 f. 75 (1616)

To the right honourable the lords and others of his majesties
most honourable privy councell.

The humble peticion and declaracion of the governor
assistants and company of the Kings marchantes
adventurers of the newe trade of London.

May it please your honours that there was of late, a question propounded by
your honours unto us, which wee conceive was this, how wee should be able
to proceede in our trade, the pointes then redd (which were said not
to stand with lawe) beinge reformed accordinge to lawe, since which
haveinge as becometh us and accordinge to the importance of the
cause considered of the said question, wee have with generall
consent resolved and agreed, to retourne unto your honours with all
humility the ensewinge answere.

First it may please your honours to consider that our whole worke and buildinge
doth rest upon his majesties prerogative and royall authority, and not altogether
in point of lawe and that our setter on worke, (and primum mobile) is
directly his said majestie, whoe ceasinge his favour wee must of force
cease, and that supporte of his prerogative beinge taken from us, our
worke must needes fall to the grounde besides priviledges are
given to men either for service already done or for service to be done
to the prince and comonweale, and the cheifest lawe in our
understandinge is the weale of the people

Now if the intended worke received good from us, shalbe soe ajudged by
your honours (as wee hope it will) and that wee shalbe deemed able as wee
willinge to doe service in the above said worke of his majestie and the
comonweale, wee trust that in doeinge the worke of our greate lorde
and master upon his majesties invitacion, and expresse condicions before
hande bespoken and covenanted, and finally sett downe in our charter
and the said worke beinge intended for the weale of the people of
this lande, it wilbe understoode by your honours that which wee doe and
shall doe here after is lawfull and good by vertue of his said majesties
prerogative royall accompanied with effectuall, and convenient
supporte; though that which we doe in that sorte be not just accordinge
to the precise modele of the lawe.

For which cause as alsoe for that through alteracion of our charter in
such manner as is above propounded our company will undoubtedly
be dissolved, wee with generall consent humbly beseech your honours
that there may be noe alteracion in our said charter, but rather that
wee may have confirmacion thereof in every pointe, and
consequently mayntenance and strengthninge convenient from your
honours in this begune worke and trade, accordinge to the gratious
pleasure and mynde (as wee hope) of his most excellent majestie
protestinge and affirmeinge playnelie that without the above
said confirmacion mayntenance and strengthinge (and that speedely)
wee are not nor shall not be able to proceede in the abovesaid
worke and trade, as wee willingly and cherefully would; but the
contrary shalbe forced to relinquish the same which wee are
ready to do upon reasonable warninge if your honours understand
of any better course more serviceable to his majestie and profitable
for the land and comonweale thereof; but if your honours pleasure
be that wee shall still proceede in this begune worke, and shalbe
assured of your honours assistance, then wee humbly alsoe
beseech your honours to provide that wee may by some publike
acte or orders of your honours be cleered of the unjust imputacion
of projectors and deluders of the state which wee and every of
us deny to be and wholye disclayme and further from all feare
of premuniries and other breaches of the lawe which ignorantly
or against our wills wee may have fallen into, or may fall
into hereafter by reason of our proceedinge in this appointed
worke and thus accordinge to our bounden dutie will ever
pray for your honours healthes and happines longe to continewe [etc?]

Thomas Mullins. SP 14/86 f. 108 (1616)

To the right honourable Sir Julius Cesar knight
Master of the Rolles

The humble peticion of Thomas Mullins

The petycioner being served with a subpoena at the
suyte of tw William Whyte hath made his
apparaunce by his atturney, but dareth not appeare
in person being fearefull of arresting and as he ys
enformed the [plaintiffes?] plott ys to drawe him hither by
subpoena for that that purpose

Wherefore he having noe suyte at the comon
lawe against the [petitioner?] most humbly besecheth
your honour to graunte him a comission for taking
his answere in the cuntry [ret xv ... as?]
next wherin the [plaintiff?] may joyne yf he wyll.

Andrew Rand and John Rand of Deal, mariners. SP 14/86 f. 125 (1616)

To the right honourable Edward Lord Zouche St Maure and Cantelupe constable
of Dovour castle Lord Warden Chauncellor, and Admirall of the Cinque portes
and theire membres, and one of his majesties most honourable privie [counsell?]

The humble petition of your honours daylie orators
Andrew Rand, and John Rand, of Deale marriners

Shewing unto your lordship that whereas about the ninth of Januarie laste
there came a great ship called the Jonas of Amsterdam upon the Goodwyn
towards which many from dyvers places made out with theire boats to get
goods, and pillage, without regard to the savegard of the ship or goodes:
your honours suppliantes seeing the ship in such perill, went aboord her, and there abode
a whole day and a night, and by theire labour and industrie so wrought that
they brought the said ship a flote in three fadom and a half, with her yardes
a crosse readie to set saile; but the storm still increasinge, and the winde
comminge up at the east south east, with such a forceable stresse, that every man
forsooke the ship: onlye your orators remaininge in her, at length in the night
tyme when all hope of her saveguard was past, and no help left unto them, theye
also were constrained to forsake her, and betake them to theire boate to save
theire lyves, nevertheles the weather beeing extream, the seas in a rage, the
night darck, and having neither light compas, nor lead, and all hope of
lyfe now in dispaire, by the will of God they were put to Brodstaires, where
not without great perill the got to shore. For which their travelles the merchantes
hetherto have not contented them. Wherefore they humbly beseech your lordship
to bee pleased to call the said merchantes before your honour that some course may bee
taken for theire contentment; otherwise men will not hereafter adventure to
save either ship or goods, but only (as manye doo) wait upon the wrack and
spoile of the marchant. And herein your said orators shall as in dutie they
are bound daylie praie for your honours health and happie felicitie
manie yeares to endure.

Mathew Poker. SP 14/90 f. 16 (1617)

To the right honnorable Edward Lord Zouch Sainte Maure, and Cantelupe
constable of Dovor castell, Lord Warden, Chauncellor, Admirall
of the Cinque Ports, and theire membres, and one of his majesties mooste
honnorable privye counsell,

The humble petition of your honnors poore and
daylie orator: Mathew Poker

In mooste humble wise, shewinge unto your good lordshipe, your saide suppliante
Mathew Poker that whereas upon a certaine difference latlye faline out
betweene your suppliante, and William Hale, one of the saide garrisone of Dovor castell
uppon words urged, your suppliante in heat of blood rashlye and unadvisedlye, forgettinge
where he was, offended the said Hale who complayninge thereof to your lordshipps
marshall theire, was by him commytted close prysoner, where he hath remayned
ever sence the 13th of December full of greife and sorrow for his offence, but
acknowledginge his faulte with hartie repentance [illegible] for his fact, humblie throweth
himselfe before your lordships gratious favour and mercie towards him
beseechinge your honnor that he may be enlarged till your lordships cominge to
Dovor castell at which tyme he trusteth your honnor beinge certified of the
matter wilbe further favourable unto him but at this tyme your supplyante
only beseecheth releasment out of prysson for that a grandmother of his which
hath brought him up lieth sicke at the mercie of God beinge 94 yeares old hath
often asked for him, but dare not be tould he is in pryson, whose absence
from her will not only with sorrow hasten her end, but by his being from her
in this her sicknes wilbe almooste his uttermost undoinge, in consideration
whereof your poore suppliante beseecheth your lordship to compassinat his humble sute
wherein he shall daylye be bound to praye for your lordshipps health and great
prossperritie with increase of manye honnors longe to endure

Margerye Bredgate and Elizabeth Poker, grandmother and mother of Mathew Poker. SP 14/90 f. 74 (1617)

To the right honourable Edward Lord Zouch, Sainte Maure, and
Cantelupe, constable of Dovor castle, Lord Warden,
Admyrall, and Chauncellor of the Cinque Portes, and their
members, and of his majesties most honnorable pryvie
counsell

The humble petition of Margerye Bredgate the grand
mother, and Elizabeth Poker the mother of Mathew
Poker, now under your lordshipps mercye

Most lamentably, and humbly, beseechinge your good lordshipp, that
whereas it pleased your honnor, to bestowe upon their sonne
Mathew Poker, a goonners rowme in the castell of Dovor
for which himselfe, and your poore suppliants are (in dutye bound
ever to praye for your lordshipp (soe itt is (most honourable
that by an offence by him rashlie commytted, he is
fallen into your lordships great displeasure, and althought
for his forgettfullnes he hath beene woorthily punished
by manye dayes imprisonment of which your lordshipp of honnorabl
disposition upon humble petition gave him enlargment
till your honnor where more certaynlye informed of the
misdemeanour (your poore suppliants most humblie beseecheth
your honnor, out of your wisdom and mercifull compassion
to consider of him, and onlye for this his first offence
with that punishment he hath already indured and your
lordships further sharp rebukes of advertizement to bee pleased
to admytte him to the discharging of his place againe, this
beinge a warninge for him and others to beware how they
offend in the like sort anye more (and herein your lordshipp
shall comfort the heavy harts of your suppliants the grand
mother and mother of theire sorrowfull harted sonne
for his offence and binde them all to praye for your
lordshipps health and great prosperitye (with increase
of manye honnors longe to endure.

John Clavell, esquire. SP 14/90 f. 120 (1617)

To the right honourable Sir Julius Cesar knight master of
the rolles.

The humble peticion of John Clavell esquier

The defendant dwelling an hundred myles from
this court was served with a subpoena but the
daye before the returne therof, yet in
obedience to the sayd processe hath made his
apparaunce by attorney, the waters
beinge soe daingerous to passe that many
have peryshed therbye.

Wherfore the petycioner most humbly prayeth
he may aunswere by commissyon [ret
xv...as?] next

Henry Gibbe. SP 14/90 f. 222 (1617)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Henry
Gibbe.

Who sheweth thatt whereas Sir Thomas Roberts and Robert Shea=
pard being to purchase the manner of Cheyne Courtt in Kentt
of one Byrd, and because the sayd manner was holden of your
majestie in capite, plotted among them selves, not to purchase
the same in their owne names, butt did purchase itt in the name
of one Henly, of purpose to defraud and deceave your majestie
of a wardshipp and lyverye (if any should happen)

Henly aboutt the beginning of your majesties raigne of this realme
of England dyed, and left his soonne and heir (now Sir Thomas
Henly) under age who having other landes holden of your majestie
for which he was found in wardd, itt was contryved between
him the sayd Sir Thomas Henly and Roberts and Sheapard, thatt he
should omitt and leave the sayd manner of Cheyne Courtt outte
of his office and lyverye, which he did, and yett became bound to your
majesties use in a reconusans or obligacion taken by the master and [counsel?]
of the courtt of wardes, thatt all the landes whereof his father
dyed seised were duely and truely found in the sayd office and
lyvery, and thatt none of them were omitted. The said Roberts
and Sheapard geving him the sayd Sir Thomas Henly collaterall
security to save him harmelesse against your majestie if ever after
he should be called in question for the forfeiture of his sayd
reconusanc or obligacion

Now because itt playnely appeereth that all this was plotted and
contryved between the partyes aforesayd of purpose to defraud
cozen and deceave your majestie of the profittes and revenue of
Cheyn Courtt which is worth 400 pounds per annum at the least
and because Sir Thomas Henly did contrary to truth and his owne
knowledg enter into the foresayd reconusanc or obligacion, which ipso
facto became forfeited, he having security from Roberts and
Sheapard to be saved harmelesse therefrom: may itt please your
most excellent majestie to bestow the forfeiture of the sayd obligacion
or reconusanc uppon your humble peticioner. And he will ever
pray as in duety etc

John Folkingham, preacher at Burton upon Trent. SP 14/95 f. 125 (1618)

To the Kinges most excellent majestie.

The humble petition of John Folkingham clerk
master of art and preacher at Burton upon Trent
in the countye of Stafford.

Sheweth that wheras the rectory or parsonage of
Tatnil alias Tatenhil in the county a foresaied
appurtayninge to the Dutchy of Lancaster is now
voied by the death of the last incumbent there
and beinge in your majesties guift now to dispose of
by reason of the vacancye of the chancellorshipp
of the said dutchy

Humblie beseecheth your majestie to be pleased
to graunte unto your saied peticioner (whoe hath
noe eclesiastical preferment) the saied parsonage,
and as in all dutie bound, hee shall daily
praye for your majesties most blessed and happie
reigne.

The fellowship of Merchant Adventurers. SP 14/96 f. 97 (1618)

To the Kinges most excellent majestie

The humble informacion and peticion of the
fellowship of marchantes adventurers.

Humbly shewing, that whereas after many intolerable discomodities which our
land trade hath long endured by our residence in the city of Midleburgh in Zealand
and which are now lately much increased without any hope of redresse, we have
beene enforced to take up a resolucion to chaunge and remove our said residence into
some parte of Holland, in hope thereby to remove many present grievances of our trade:
although we have already obtained of your majestie free power and liberty to make
such removall and further choice of the place of our residence, as is most
comodious for our owne bussines; and your majestie hath made publicke declaracion
of your gracious pleasure herein, by a proclamacion of the 12th of August last yet
we thought it our duty to give your majestie knowledge and informacion of our said
resolucion, humbly praying your majesties gracious approbation thereof.

And whereas the senate of the said towne of Midleburgh taking notice by some
preparacions we made of our purpose herein, have sente over their agent to make labour a stopp
in this our proceeding, and he not resting in our answere hath plainly protested professed unto
us, that he will make suite to your majestie for the overruling of our designe as here
=tofore, we also thought it our duty to send our deputy herewith, to give your majestie
further satisfaction in any thing concerning this our remove, wherein your highnes
shall command.

Thomas Napleton of Feversham. SP 14/96 f. 165 (1618)

To the right honourable Edwarde Lord Zouche
Lord Warden of the Cinque Portes. Of his
majesties most honorable privie councell.

The humble peticion of Thomas Napleton
of Feversham.

Humbly beseecheth your good lordship to looke upon me with
mearcy and favour and to consider, the malice and
dissolute condicion of my adversary who after so many yeares
doth informe against me and bringes noe proofe to make good
his suggestion. And I humbly beseech your good lordship to
remember the certificat which I shewed your lordship under the
handes of the best knightes and gentlemen of this countie
of my former honest course of life which draweth teares from
my harte that I shoulde now beeinge so neere my grave, be
called in question for such wickednesse, and to consider my
many yeares, and my ill health, which troubleth me verry
much since I came to this place

Most humbly beeseecheth your good lordship because my
phisition hath prescribed me to goe to the Bath
and to take the benefitt of this springe, for the
recoveringe of my health, and cureinge of my
infirmitie which if I loose I may loose my life

That your lordship woulde be pleased mearcyfully to
dischardge me at this tyme of my imprysonment upon
good securitie to appeare againe whensoever your lordship
will commaund me. And I shall ever be bound
to praye for your lordship:

William Brereton. SP 46/70 f. 164 (1618)

To the right honorable the Earle of Suffolke
Lord High Trasorer of Englande

The humble peticon of William Brereton

Sheweth to your lordship that the peticoner was servant to Sir Randall
Brereton knight nowe deceased and that a litle before his deathe
the peticoner was by his saide master called to be a witnes of his
saide master his will.

That in the sute betwene Sir Richard Egerton plaintiff, and Sir Thomas Brereton
and others defendantes in the honourable court of Starr Chamber, the peticoner
was also named a defendant, for so beinge a witnes of the saide will
and was in Michaelmas terme in the xith yere of the Kinges majesties raigne
by the saide court, censured amongest others to paie to his majestie
a hundred poundes which without abatement is estraited into thexchequer

The peticoner beinge a poore servingman, and havinge no meanes to
satisfie the saide 100 pounds to his majestie, or to maintayne himselfe, but
by his service

His humble sute is, that your lordship wilbe pleased that the saide
100 pounds maie be enstalled to the yerelie payment of xl shillings which the
peticoner shalbe hardlye able to paie [illegible]. And if more be required
of him, he shall have no meanes to paie it, but by renderinge
his bodye to prison, and there to remayne unprofitable forever

And the peticoner will daylye praie for your lordships healthe with
encrease of muche honour.

Paule Vinion. SP 14/105 f. 25 (1619)

To the Kinges most excellent majestie

The humble petition of Paule Vinion.

Sheweth that whereas your peticioner haveing bene from his childehood exercised
and trayned up in the mistery of arte of glasse makeing which hath alwaies bene the
meanes of his livelyhood and maintenance, and that before your majesties proclamacion
of restrainte from the said trade, your petitioner had provided and laid to the value of
250 pounds in a stock of wood and other materialles to be imploied and used in his said
trade of glasse makeing for the which stock hee standeth still indebted unto divers
of his freinds to whome he is no waies able to make payment or satisfaccion nor
keepe and maintaine himselfe from misery and out of prison, unlesse your majestie be
soe gracious unto him, as to grant him [leave?] for the space of 14 moneths to worke out
his wood and materialles for his saide [trade?] provided: the like have bene granted
unto Isaack Bungard and Edward [and?] Tobie Hensey glasse makers by the right
honourable the lordes of your majesties most honourable privie counsell

Most humblie therefore [beseecheth?] your royall majestie that you would be
pleased out of your princely [...ency?] and in comisseracion of his poore
and distressed estate to allowe and grant your petitioner your gracious leave
that hee may worke out his said materialles for the time before specified

And hee (according to his bounden duty) shall daylie pray to
the lord to blesse you with many peacefull and happie yeeres.

The Eastland merchants. SP 14/105 f. 54 (1619)

To the right honourable the lords and others of his
majestties most honourable privie councell.

The humble peticion of theastland marchants.

Whereby they humbly desire a favourable assessement towardes the present
charge against pyrates,

And humbly shew, that their trade is soe small that in cloth conyskins leather
and all other commodities they doe not ship from this porte of London above the
proporcion of seaven or eight thousand clothes one yeare with another, which
is not the eight parte of the marchant adventurers exportacion from the
said porte in clothes kersies baies and other commodities as by the custome
bookes may appeare.

And that they in their trade are soe decayed by meanes of their greate losses
lately susteyned by banckrupts, the extraordynarie bad sale of cloth, and
the intollerable losse in their retornes, that the greater parte of the company
are disabled and the rest discouraged from tradeinge.

Humbly referringe the due consideracion of the premisses to your lordships
favourable construccions prayinge that a charge may not be laid
uppon them above to the proporcion of their trade.

And they shall accordinge to their bounden dueties daylie pray to
God for the preservacion of your honours in all happynes.

The Commissioners of Sewers for Cambridge and Ely. SP 14/105 f. 72 (1619)

To the right honourable the lordes and others of his majesties most honourable privie counsell.

The humble petition of

Humblie shewing your honourable good lordshipps, that wheras the commission of sewars was latelie renewed, and your lordshipps sollicited by
some fewe as at the humble sute and instance of divers the commissioners of sewars of Cambridge shire the Isle of Ely, and
other counties, to order that noe duplicate of the said new commission should be made but onelie one for the countie of
Norfolke which your lordshipps ordered accordinglie: these are humblie to certefie your honours that this their sute exhibited to this
honourable borde was not onelie without the assent and knowledge of anie of us (being commissioners of sewars inhabitinge within
the countie of Cambridge and Isle of Ely) but also contrarie to the humble desires both of us, and the said countrie
wherin wee live: for sithence the commyng downe of the said newe commission, and your lordshipps order for restraynte of
a duplicate, [their?] is a generall session of sewars summoned (by warrant onelie under six commissioners handes) for all
the counties conteyned within the said new commission, which said sessions is to be held the twentieth of Januarie at Stilton
beinge a towne in the remotest parte of Huntington shire, which is an innovation not formerlie knowne in our partes to have
a generall session of sewars summoned in this winter season of the yeare, the whole levell of the surrounded groundes
subjecte to the authoritie of the commissioners of sewars (lying usuallie as nowe it doth deepe under water) so as
neither the sewers nor the defectes therof can be discerned, neither can the commissioners or the countrie (the
ordinarie passages being all drowned) travell out of their owne lymittes without greate inconveniencie and hassard.

In consideracion of the premises and for that the number of acres of the groundes subjecte to inundation within the
countie of Cambridge, and the Isle of Ely are more then dubble in number all the rest of groundes of the same nature
conteyned within the whole compasse of the said commission of sewars. Wee doe humblie beseeche your lordshipps to graunte
us a duplicate of the said commission for Cambridgeshire and the Isle of Ely, as in all former tymes wee have hadd.

And that your honours would be pleased to voughtsafe your letteres downe to the commissioners meeting the xxth of January
at Stilton, therby requiring them to respite the confirmacion and execution of such lawes of sewars and their penal=
tyes, as concerne workes to be done within the countie of Cambridge or Isle of Ely except the [outfalles?] of Neane and Welland to a sessions of sewars to be
held at some convenient place eyther within the said countie or isle and at some fitter season of the yeare, when
the wayes are passable and the sewers with their defectes survayable; where wee wilbe readie to give our attendance
and doe our best indeavours for the generall good. And rest ever bounde to pray for your honours.

• Thomas Stewarde John Cotton Jhon Cuttes [illegible] Richard [Cohers?] John [Cage?]
• Henry Caesar Edward Hind: William Wendyes William [Branthearst?] [illegible] John
• Richardson Henry Smith John Croply Francisse Brakin
• Henrye Vernon Henry Binge Isake Barrow John Durant
• maior of Cambridg: Richard Willis Robert Clincher Edward Roxton
• Daniel Wigmore
• Daniell Goodrick
• [illegible]
• Thomas Goodricke
• Henry [Upehor?]
• John Orwell

David Sampson, a poor labourer and now prisoner in the Marshalsea. SP 14/105 f. 104 (1619)

To the right honourable the lords and others of his majesties
most honourable privey councell

The humble peticion of David Sampson a poore laborer
and nowe prisoner in the Marshalsey.

Humbly sheweth. That where your poore suppliant honestly and faithfully
served the late Queene and his majestie as a laborer for the space of
thirtie yeares, without blame or mistrust, untill nowe of late by reason
of that unfortunate fire which happened in the banquetting howse, for
which cause albeit it was altogether unwillinge to the petitioner, he lieth
nowe imprisoned, and is in great [misery?] and distresse, aged and sickly
and the conceaved greefe of this [mischaunce?] in regard he is taken to
offend therein, hath made him [illegible] miserable then the rest, his
wife and three children, beinge [also?] ready to perish for want of
mainteynance, which depended [onely on?] your poore suppliantes labor

He therefore most humbly beseecheth your lordshipps to comiserate
his distressed estate, [illegible] to vouchsafe to graunt him his
enlargement out of prison upon sufficient baile to be given
for his apparance at all times when your lordshipps shalbee
pleased to call upon him. And (as in dutie bound he
with his wife and children shall daily pray for your lordshipps
continuall happines.