Chapter VIII: Introduction (2)

Henry soon saw that the resumption of several grants made by Stephen was absolutely necessary; and these having been conferred on great and powerful men, the measure must be conducted with firmness and delicacy. In a Treaty made at Winchester, after the close of the Civil Commotions in the late Reign, after Stephen had contented himself that Henry, then Duke of Normandy, should assume the Rights and Power of a King, reserving to himself only _the Image of the Royal Dignity_, it was stipulated, _inter alia_, by a separate and secret article, that the King (Stephen) "should resume what had been alienated to the Nobles, or usurped by them, of the Royal Demesne[119]." This article was limited to whatever lands or possessions had belonged to the Crown at the death of King Henry I.; all which were to be restored, except those that Stephen had granted to William his Son, or had bestowed on the Church. Among these resumable gifts were some made by Matilda; for she too, acting as Sovereign, had followed Stephen's example, in giving away certain parts of the Estate of the Crown, to reward her adherents. Add to these, much that had been usurped by the Barons of both Parties, without any warrant, by the licence of the times, on unjustifiable pretences[120]. No article of the Treaty of Winchester was more necessary to be fulfilled than a resumption of all these alienations, which had been neglected by Stephen, indigent as he was; for, had this not been now executed, Henry would have been little better than Stephen, a Sovereign without a Royal Revenue--"Rex et preterea nihil."--His power would soon have vanished; and the Barons, having usurped the Crown Lands, would very soon have contended for the Sovereign Power: and had not Henry exerted the spirit and conduct which he soon shewed, it is more than probable the Government of the Kingdom at this period had sunk into an Aristocracy. Henry, therefore, as soon as he was well and fully confirmed on the Throne, set about the execution of this secret article of the Treaty of Winchester, relating to the alienated lands, which Stephen had neglected. The necessity of this measure, however arduous and disagreeable in itself, appeared in the most glaring colours to Henry; for Stephen's extravagance, and the insatiable demands of his faction, had induced him to alienate so much of the ancient Demesne of the Crown, that the remaining Estate was not (as has been said) sufficient to maintain the Royal Dignity. Royal Cities, and Forts of great consequence, had been also granted away, which could not be suffered to continue in the hands of the Nobles, without endangering the peace of the Kingdom. Policy and Law concurred in demanding these concessions back again. The Antient Demesne of the Crown was held so very sacred, and so inalienable, that no length of time could give a right of prescription to any other possessors, even by virtue of grants from the Crown, against the claim of succeeding Princes[121]. William Rufus made grants, and revoked them at pleasure, to supply his extravagance and ridiculous humour. This was base and unmanly. Henry's resumptions neither impeached his generosity nor his justice. The grants he reclaimed were such as sound policy and the exigencies of the State demanded, being made by a weak Prince in embarrassed situations; as they were all of no earlier date than the Reign of King Stephen, and had not been transmitted down through several generations. Foreseeing, however, that this step would raise much discontent in those who were to be affected by it, who were numerous and powerful, Henry was cautious not to act without a legal sanction, and the approbation of his Council. He therefore summoned a Parliament, wherein almost all his Nobles were present; and having properly laid before them the wants of the Crown, the losses it had suffered, the illegality of the grants, and the urgent necessity of a speedy resumption; obtained their concurrence to it, and proceeded to put it into immediate execution. The vigour of his government was such, that he met with less opposition than he had reason to expect; very near all that had been granted to Laymen, or usurped by them, from the Royal Demesne, was surrendered to him without bloodshed, after a little delay, and some ineffectual marks of reluctance in a few of the greatest Barons[122]. The cause assigned for these resumptions was not a defect in the title of the grantor, nor any unworthiness in the grantee, but the apparent and indispensable necessity of recovering the just and inseparable Rights of the Crown. No distinction was made between the grants of Stephen and Matilda; for that would have carried an appearance of Henry's acting from motives, not of Royal economy and public expediency, but of party revenge; and by this equal and impartial proceeding, he left the adherents of Stephen no reason to complain. In the course of this business, however, Henry was once very near losing his life; for Roger de Mortimer would not submit, which obliged Henry, incensed by his obstinacy, to lead an army against him, with which he assaulted, among others, the castle of Bridgnorth, in Shropshire, which was defended by Mortimer himself. Henry commanded in person, and exposed himself to so much danger, that he would have been infallibly slain, if a faithful vassal (Hubert de St. Clare[123]) who stood by his side, had not preferred the King's life to his own; for, seeing an arrow aimed at Henry by one of Mortimer's archers, he stepped before him, and received it in his own breast. The wound proved mortal, and he expired in Henry's arms; recommending his daughter, an only child, and an infant, to the care of that Prince[124]. It is hard to say which deserves the most admiration (continues my Noble Author[125]) a subject who died to save his King, or a King whose personal virtues could render his safety so dear to a subject whom he had not obliged by any extraordinary favours[126].

[119] Lord Lyttelton.

[120] Lord Lyttelton.

[121] Lord Lyttelton.

[122] Lord Lyttelton.

[123] Constable or Governor of Colchester Castle.

[124] The daughter was educated by Henry with all the affection he
owed to the memory of her father, and was afterwards married to a
Nobleman of great distinction.

[125] Lord Lyttelton.

[126] A very similar circumstance happened in our times in Poland.
The King, anno 1771, being shot at with arrows by the Regicides, H.
Butzau, a Hussar, interposed, and received the arrows in his own
breast, of which wounds he died. The King erected a monument (1773)
to his memory. See the public prints of the years 1771 and 1773.

Henry, now firmly seated on his Throne, possessed of an ample Royal Revenue, confirmed the Charter of his Grandfather, Henry I; but, not content only to restore good Laws, he enforced a due execution of them. This Reign is so pregnant with interesting events, and shining transactions of a public nature, that it is no wonder Historians are silent as to lesser matters, such as the internal direction of his _Court_; but there is, I think, little question to be made but that it was magnificent; and as England became in his Reign one of the most powerful States in Europe, one would infer that his _Court_ was likewise equal (at least) to any other in dignity and splendour. He entertained at one time, in his Palace at Westminster, the several Ambassadors of Manuel, Emperor of Constantinople; of Frederic, Emperor of the Romans; of William, Archbishop of Triers; of the Duke of Saxony; and of Philip, Earl of Flanders: an uncommon resort in these days, who, doubtless, were attracted by the power of the King, and both received from, and added, lustre to the brilliancy and magnificence of his Court[127].

[127] Speed, p. 519.

Lord Lyttelton, after giving an account of his person and temper, speaking of his munificence, says, he assigned the tenth part of the Provisions of his _Household_ to be constantly given in daily alms to the poor; which one must imagine to have been a very considerable donation, considering the hospitable manner of living in those days. "His own table (continues his Lordship) was frugal, his diet plain, and in his dress he affected the utmost simplicity, disliking all ornaments which might encumber him in his exercise, or shew an effeminate regard to his person." He introduced the Angevin fashion of wearing short cloaks or mantles (contrary to the mode that prevailed in William Rufus's Reign), which he himself had worn from his childhood, and from which he obtained the sobriquet, or nick-name, of Court-Mantle[128]. In this he would soon be followed by his Court, and the People; for it is every day seen how fast the fashions of the Great descend into the remotest parts of the Kingdom. Lord Lyttelton, however, observes, that the long garments introduced temp. Will. Rufus, were not wholly laid aside; so that Henry's fashion did not prevail universally[129]. The use of silk made by silk-worms (the _Bombycina_) was brought hither from Sicily about this time; there was also a costly stuff at this day in great request here, called in Latin _Aurifrisium_. What it was called in English, Mr. Camden declares himself ignorant[130]; but supposes it _not_ to mean Embroidery, although, by other testimonies, _that_ was much worn by the Nobility, and was termed in Latin _Opera Phrigia_, and the corruption seems very easy and allowable. "Whatever it was," says he, "it was much desired by the Popes, and highly esteemed in Italy."

[128] _i.e._ Short Mantle.--"Ab Infantiâ vocabatur Henricus
_Curtmantell_, nam iste primus omnium _curta mantella_ ab Andegaviâ
(Anjou) in Angliam transvexit." Brompton, p. 1150.

[129] Vide note to vol. iii. octavo.

[130] Camden's Remains, p. 194.

Hitherto I have not been able to learn any thing concerning Henry's _Household_, or the internal disposition of his Family. He appears himself to have lived in a great degree of familiarity with his Courtiers, whom he honoured with his intimacy; and would frequently unbend, and lay aside the King, and was fond of the _desipere in loco_. But "his good humour and jocularity," says Lord Lyttelton, "seems to have been sometimes too _playful in the eye of the public_; and to have carried him into things that were _infra_ _dignitatem_[131]." In a note on this passage, his Lordship gives a pleasant story, which I shall relate, to relieve the Reader, and certainly cannot do it better than in his Lordship's own words, from Fitz-Stephen's Life of Archbishop Becket. "As the King and Becket, his Chancellor[132], were riding together through the streets of London, in cold and stormy weather, the King saw, coming towards them, a poor old man, in a thin coat, worn to tatters. Would it not be a great charity (said he to the Chancellor) to give this naked wretch, who is so needy and infirm, a good warm cloak? Certainly, answered that Minister; and you do the duty of a King, in turning your eyes and thoughts to such objects. While they were thus talking, the man came near; the King asked him if he wished to have a good cloak? and, turning to the Chancellor, said,--_You shall have the merit of this good deed of charity_; then suddenly laying hold on a fine new scarlet cloak, lined with fur, which Becket had on, he tried to pull it from him, and, after some struggle, in which they had both like to have fallen from their horses, prevailed. The poor man had the cloak, and the Courtiers laughed, like good Courtiers, at the pleasantry of the King[133]."

[131] Life of Henry II. vol. iii. p. 40.

[132] He was not then Archbishop.

[133] Life of Henry II. vol. iii. p. 311.

King Henry II. in the early part of his life, was in a very doubtful situation with regard to his accession to the Crown of England, which depended upon the success of his Mother, the Empress, against the Usurper, King Stephen. As soon, however, as he attained his _sixteenth_ year, A. D. 1149, he came over into England; and at Carlisle, where his Great Uncle David, King of Scots, then lay, was by him made a Knight, among several others of equal age, at the feast of Pentecost[134], and for which no _Aid_ could be demanded.

[134] Gervas. Dorob. inter Decem Scriptores, col. 1366.

His issue, which is all that concerns the matter before us, consisted of four Sons: Henry, Richard, Geoffrey, and John; and three Daughters, Maud, Alianor, and Joan.

It is difficult, in a Reign where the subjects were so loaded with taxations of every kind, and so generally and indiscriminately imposed, to separate any particular charge from the aggregate. Henry was a Prince that would not forego his rights and privileges; and, as his Children were all natives of England, would doubtless avail himself of such laws and indulgences as he found established, and as would operate in his favour on their account. It does not appear, upon the face of common history, that any _Aid_ was paid for the _Knighthood_ of his eldest Son, though I have not the least doubt but that it was comprehended in some of those numerous subsidies, tallages, &c. which he levied, from time to time, on his subjects, for his transfretations (to use a Monkish word) into foreign parts. There is some ground for the surmise that the charge might be enveloped in some of those exactions; for, though there was a national contribution or _Aid_ demanded for the marriage of one of his daughters, yet it does not transpire but in a general Inquisition for the purpose of discoverig what monies had been received, in every County, by the Sheriffs, &c. This was effected by Itinerant Justices, who were dispatched over the whole Kingdom; and, among other articles contained in their general commission, they were directed to inquire--"concerning the _Aid_ to marry the King's Daughter, what was received in every hundred, in every township, and of every man, and who received it[135]." This took place in the year 1170, in the sixteenth year of the King's Reign.

[135] From Brady's History, p. 309, who cites Gervas. Dorob. col.
1410.

With regard to this King's _transfretations_, as I have called them, he was not contented with mere feudal contributions in lieu of personal service; but, upon a rupture with France, respecting settlements upon an intended marriage between two Sons of Henry (Henry, the then eldest, and Richard, the then second Son) with two Daughters of France; the King commanded all his _Tenants in capite_, Earls, Barons, and Knights, to attend him in person, properly prepared with horse and arms, who were to serve a whole year in Normandy at their own charge[136].

To conclude all I have to observe upon the subject of exactions towards the King's expences in foreign wars, when he passed _outre-mer_; I can but remark one, which fell not a little heavy on the subject, imputable indeed to the religious frenzy of the times, which was occasioned by a joint resolution of _Henry of England_ and _Philip of France_ to go to the relief of _Jerusalem_, in what is known by the name of the _Holy War_. These levies were made in the most oppressive manner; every one who _did not_ go in person being taxed to the extent of his property real and personal; and this was not called an _Aid_, a _Subsidy_, or a _Tallage_, but (forsooth!) an ALMS[137]. It ought not to be forgotten that those who _did_ go, whether Clerk or Layman, were to have a free pardon of all sins repented of; and their securities were God, St. Peter, St. Paul, and the Pope[138].

[136] Brady, 330; A. D. 1177.

[137] Consult Brady, who gives authorities, p. 344.

[138] Ibid.

RICHARD I.

The following Reign is too full of the business of the Holy War, with which Richard was, above all men, most infatuated, to afford much matter for our purpose. Henry had, by the good government and direction of his revenues, left behind him great treasures; but these, or ten times as much, would not answer the purpose of his Successor, who ransacked every corner of his Kingdom for money to carry on this work of zeal, which had seized all Christendom, whereby Richard, on the Throne of a great and opulent Kingdom, thought he saw so fair a prospect of reaping honour and renown.

Henry left in his treasury at Winchester more than nine hundred thousand pounds[139], besides jewels, and other valuable things[140]; but this would go but a very little way towards recovering Jerusalem, which had been taken, and was now in the hands of the Saracens. Before the death of Henry, Richard had bound himself in a vow to Philip of France, to join in this undertaking; and every one, _ad Regis exemplum_, strove either to go in person, or to supply money towards the expence of the expedition. Nothing, however sacred, could withstand Richard, in his schemes to raise money for this purpose. Most of the Crown lands which Henry had, with so much prudence and address, but a few years before, recovered out of private hands, and annexed to the State, were again put up to public sale, to be purchased by such as were able. Every expedient was devised, to create a fund for this enterprize; and among the rest, he obtained of the Pope a power to dispense with the vows of such who had rashly engaged in the Crusade, by which he raised very large sums. The Bishop of Norwich paid him 1000 marks, to be excused. Where he could, he borrowed; and where he could not borrow, he compelled. The people murmured at his oppression, and the alienation of the estates of the Crown; but Richard told them, _he would sell London itself, if he could meet with a purchaser_. So great, however, was the general infatuation, that he had less difficulty in raising men than money. The Clergy laboured as zealously to procure him soldiers, as he himself had been active in raising subsidies; his army soon became very numerous, and at a cheap rate, for every officer and private soldier provided himself with necessaries. One would think the great wealth that Richard had amassed would have answered all his purposes; but in a few years after, he had occasion for fresh supplies, to carry on a war with Philip of France; not to mention the ransom which was paid for his release, on his being taken prisoner by the Emperor Henry, amounting to 150,000 marks, which were raised for the occasion by his subjects in England. Philip of France had so maltreated Richard, by leaguing himself with his Brother John, and bribing the Emperor to detain him prisoner, that, as soon as Richard returned home, he could no longer deny himself the satisfaction of revenge. His Kingdom was already drained, and little able to furnish out supplies for a war with France; but Richard was resolved, and money must be had at any rate, let the means be ever so dishonourable. For this purpose he revoked all the grants of the Crown lands, which he had made before his expedition to Palestine. The pretext for this was, that the purchasers had enjoyed them long enough to re-imburse themselves out of the profits, and therefore he did them no injury by taking the lands back again. This was one device; the next was, to avail himself of the loss of the Great Seal, by ordering a new one to be made; and obliged all who had commissions under the old one, to renew them, and have them resealed, by which he must have raised a considerable sum[141].

[139] "Numero et Pondere." Brompton.

[140] "Præter Utensilia, et Jocalia, et Lapides pretiosos." Matthew
Paris.

[141] In passing between Cyprus and Rhodes, in his Expedition to
the Holy War, three of his Ships were lost, and among other persons
that perished was the Vice-Chancellor, who had the Great Seal in his
custody, and was afterwards found with it about his neck. Brompton.
This was the manner in which the Seal was formerly carried by the
Chancellor himself--"_circa_ cujus _Collum suspensum_ Regis Sigillum
postea repertum est," are Brompton's words.

King Richard I. having no child of either sex, there was not an opening for demanding the two common _Aids_; but the third, in the order they are usually placed, _viz._ for the _ransom_ of the _King's Person_, was exercised for the first time in this Reign. Other taxations, heavy and enormous, on frivolous and nugatory occasions, not to our immediate purpose, were copiously extorted from the subject, and even in a shameful manner[142]. If ever the Latin adage, "Quicquid delirant Reges," &c. could be properly applied, it belonged to Richard.

[142] Sir Richard Baker, p. 73.

The favourite system of this King was the _Holy-War_, and his intemperate zeal led to the point before us. Failing in the attempt to recover Jerusalem from the Saracens, he concluded a truce of three years with Saladan their King; and, on his return towards England through Germany, was made prisoner by the Arch-duke of Austria (upon a pretext that he had killed the Margrave Conrade at Tyre); who delivered him into the hands of the Emperor, where he remained a captive full _fifteen months_, till he was ransomed[143].

[143] Consult the Monkish Historians.

The sum demanded for the King's release is generally allowed to have been 100,000_l._; though some writers reduce it a third part, and call it 100,000 _marks_; but, let it be either of them, it was, in those days, a sum not to be raised without the greatest extortion; and I am justified in saying, it was not done without what, eventually, almost amounted to _sacrilege_[144]. The church was ransacked for plate, which was pretended to have been only borrowed for the moment--but the debt was never repaid.

[144] Sir Richard Baker reckons this no more than a voluntary
contribution, forgetting that it was one of the established Norman
_Feudal Aids_, though now first brought forward since the Conquest.

HENRY IV.

In the eleventh year of King Henry IV. a certain portion of the customs in the several ports, of subsidies in several ports, of the issues of the hamper [now the Hanaper], and of the profers [_sic_] of escheators and sheriffs, were, by the King's letters patent, set apart for the expences of his Household. This was done by the assent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, assembled in the King's Council[145].

[145] Rymer's Fœdera, tom. viii. p. 610.--From Madox's MSS. n.
4486, p. 70.

EDWARD IV.

In the Reign also of King Edward IV. it was usual for the King to grant to his servants, or ministers, assignments for their salaries, or debts, upon divers officers who were concerned in receiving his revenue; _viz._ upon Sheriffs of Counties, Bailiffs, or _Men_ [fortè Mayors] of Towns, Collectors of Customs, Subsidies, &c. Upon these assignments the Assignees had Patent-Letters, Tallies of the Exchequer, or Writs of Liberate currant, made forth for their avail; and, in default of payment, they brought actions of debt in the Court of Exchequer, upon such Assignments, Tallies, or Liberates, against the Sheriffs, or other Officers aforesaid; many instances of which may be seen in the fifth year of King Edward IV. in the Placita coram Baronibus, 5 Edward IV. in the Rolls of the Exchequer[146].

[146] Madox's MSS. n. 4486, p. 71.

The King was wont to distribute his revenue in such manner as he thought fit. He assigned, at his pleasure, part of it to the expences of his Household, and other parts to the expences of either civil government or war[147].

[147] Idem, p. 69.

An act done within the verge of the King's Palace was said to be done in _præsentiâ Regis_. The party offending was tried in the Court held in the Palace, before the Steward and Marshal; and the proceedings there, were styled _Placita Aulæ Domini Regis de Coronâ_[148].

[148] Idem, pp. 22, 23.

EXTRACTS

FROM THE

LIBER NIGER.

The Liber Niger Domûs Regis Angliæ[149] [_i. e._ Edward IV.] contains Orders for his said Majesty's Household, anno 1478; and relates to the following Officers:

A Chamberlain.
Bannerets, or Bachelor Knights, to be Carvers and Cup-bearers (four).
Knights of Household (twelve) to do the Office of Ewerers.
A Secretary.
Chaplains (four).
Esquires for the Body (four).
A Sewer for the King.
Surveyor for the King, _i. e._ of the Dresser.
Wardrobe.
Gentlemen Ushers of Chamber (four).
Yeomen of the Crown (twenty-four).
Yeomen of Chamber (four).
Wardrobe of Robes.
Wardrobe of Beds.
Grooms of Chamber (ten).
Pages of Chamber (four).
Jewel-house.
Doctor of Physic.
Master Surgeon.
Apothecary.
Barber.
Henxmen. Six Infants.
Master of the Henchmen.
Squires of Household.
Kings of Arms, Heralds, and Pursuivants.
Serjeants at Arms (four).
Minstrels (thirteen).

A Wayte. N. B. This Yeoman (for such was his rank) waiteth (_i.
e._ playeth; I suppose) at the making of Knights of the Bath,
watching upon them by night-time in the Chapel. Wherefore he
hath of fee all the watching cloathing that the Knights should
wear upon [them.]

Messagers (four).
Dean of the Chapel.

Chaplains, and Clerks of the Chapel (twenty-six).
Yeomen of the Chapel (two).
Children of the Chapel (eight).
Clerk of the Closet.
Master of Grammar, to teach the Henxmen and Children of the Chapel.
Office of Vestiary, _i. e._ Vestry.
Clerk of Crown in Chancery.
Clerk of the Market.
Clerk of the Works.
Marriage of Wards.
Steward of Household.
Treasurer of Household.
Controller of Household.
Cofferer.
Clerks of Green Cloth.

[149] Harleian MSS. in the British Museum, N^o 369, corrected by N^o
642.

EXTRACTS FROM THE LIBER NIGER.

KNIGHTS AND ESQUIRES OF THE BODY.

Item, that all Knights for the Body, Cup-Bearers, and Knight Carvers, Squires for the Body, &c. be put to their attendance, and a book thereof delivered from the King's Highness into the compting-house, for a quarter of a year; the quarters to begin at October, January, April, and July.

Among the provisions, it is said

_Knights of the Body_, Carvers, and Cup-Bearers, [may have] every of them, _two_ Yeomen sitting in the hall; and for their livery at night, _one_ loaf and _an half_, and _a_ gallon of ale; _one_ talshed and an _half_, and _three_ sizes of white lights[150].

[150] By white lights I understand tallow candles, they being so
distinguished from wax in other places: which last, I presume, at
that time were yellow.

GENTLEMAN USHER.

Item, that the Marshall, ne Usher of the Chamber, send his _rod_ by any mean person or persons, to pantry, buttery, or cellar, spicery, chaundry, or any other office; but go in his own person. But if he be occupied, so that he may not, then he send such one with his _rod_, as he will answer for on the morrow, and also that he will breve for, upon pain of six days wages.

Item, that weekly there be warned and appointed by the Huishiers [Ushers] of the Chamber, [those] who shall attend and serve the King for the week next following, that is to say, Carvers, Sewers, Cup-Bearers, _Squires for the Bod_y, and others.

Item, that every Lord, Knight, and Esquire, as well _Squire for the Body_, as other within the Household, wear daily a collar of the King's livery about their _nekket_ (sic) as to them appertaineth, and that none of the said Squires fail hereof, upon pain of losing a week's wages.

Item, that the liveries for _All-night_, for the King and Queen be set by day-light, from Candlemas to Michaelmas; and in the winter time, to eight of the clock at farthest.

Item, after the King and Queen's liveries delivered as aforesaid, no officer abide in his office, nor resort unto his said office after his departing, without a special commandment of the King or of the Queen; or else by special token from the Steward of the Household, or from the King or Queen's Chamberlains.

Punishment for neglect of Duty.

For the first offence, the party to be warned to amend.

For the second offence, imprisonment at the discretion of his Superior.

And for the third offence, a discharge from his office[151].

[151] In the time of Henry the Eighth (as in some cases in these
Orders) they used stoppages of wages in lieu of imprisonment. This
was called _checquing_. Hence, I apprehend, the office of a Clerk of
the Cheque.

GREAT CHAMBERLAIN OF ENGLAND,

cometh to this Court at the six principal feasts of the year; takes such livery and service after the estate he is of; and for his winter and summer robes, for the feasts of Christmas and Whitsuntide, to be taken of the counting-house by even portions, ten pounds thirteen shillings and four pence; and for his fee of the King's Household, at the two terms of Easter and Michaelmas, by even portions, twenty marks in the counting-house.

KNIGHTS OF HOUSEHOLD[152].

[152] Of this Office, and that of the Esquires of the Body, see Mr.
Pegge's Curialia, Part I.

Twelve Bachelors, sufficient and most valiant men of that order, of every Country, and more in number if it please the King, whereof _four_ to be continually abiding and attending upon the King's Person in Court, beside the Carvers abovesaid, for to serve the King of his bason, or such other service as they may do the King, in absence of the Carvers, sitting in the King's Chamber and Hall with persons of like service; every of them have eating in the hall one Yeoman, and taking for his chamber, at noon and night, one loaf, one quart of wine, one gallon of ale, one pitcher of wine, one candle wax, two candles pis, one tallwood and an half, for winter livery, from All-Hallowen-tide till Easter: rushes and litter all the year, of the Serjeant Usher, and for keeping of their stuff and Chamber, and to purvey for their stuff. Also at their livery in the Country, amongst them all, four Yeomen, after time eight of these Knights be departed from Court, and the four Yeomen to eat daily in the hall with Chamberlains, till their said Masters come again; so that the number of Knights' servants be not increased when their Masters be present. Every Knight shall have into this Court resorting, _three_ persons, Waiters; the remanent of their servants to be at their livery in the Country, within seven miles to [of] the King, by the Herbergers sufficiently lodged; and, if it may be, _two_ Knights together. Also they pay, in this Court, for the carriage of their own stuff. And if a Knight take clothing, it is by warrant made to the King's Wardrober, and not of the Treasurer of Household. Some time Knights took a fee here yearly, of _ten_ marks, and clothing; but because[153] their clothing is not according for the King's Knights, therefore it was left.

[153] N^o 369 reads _Ray_ Clothing.

Item, if he be sick, or specially let blood, or clystered, then he taketh livery, _four_ loaves, _two_ mess of great meat and roast, half a pitcher of wine, _two_ gallons of ale. This letting blood, or clystering, is to avoid pestilence; and therefore the people take livery out of the Court, and not for every sickness in man continuing in this Court.

ESQUIRES FOR THE BODY.

_Four_ Noble, of condition, whereof always two be attendant on the King's person, to array him, and unarray him; watch day and night; and to dress him in his cloaths. And they be callers to the Chamberlaine, if any thing lack for his person or pleasance. Their business is in many _secrets_, some sitting in the King's chamber, some in the hall with persons of like service, which is called _Knight's service_. Taking, every of them, for his livery at night, half a chet loaf, one quart of wine, one gallon of ale; and for winter livery, from All-Hallowtide till Easter, one _percher_ wax, one candle wax, two candles pric.[154] one talshide and an half, and wages in the compting-house. If he be present in the Court daily, seven-pence halfpenny; and cloathing with the Household, winter and summer, or else forty shillings, besides his other fee of the Jewel-house, or of the Treasurer of England; and besides his watching cloathing of Chamber of the King's Wardrobe. He hath, abiding in this Court, but two servants; livery sufficient for his horses in the country, by the Herberger. And if any Esquire be let blood, or else fore-watched, he shall have like livery with Knights. Litter and rushes all the year, of the Serjeant Usher of the Hall and Chamber. Oftentimes these stand instead of Carvers and Cup-bearers.

[154] Fortè _Prickets_.

* * * * *

_In the "Statutes of Eltham."_

Esquires of the Body, every of them, to have ordinary within the Court _four_ persons, of the which to have sitting in the Hall two persons, and the residue _ut supra_ [_i. e._ to have no meat or drink within the House, but to be at board wages in the town]; and for their bouche of Court, every of them to have for their livery at night, one chet loaf, half a pitcher of wine, and one gallon of ale, one size wax, three white lights, two talsheds, and two faggots.

In the appointment of Herbagage be ordinary for all Noble Estates, and others, for stabling of their horses, and beds for their servants, appointed by the King's Highness, at his Manor of Eltham, the 19th of January, in the 17th year of his Noble Reign.

It is appointed to Knights for the Body, and other Knights, _six_ horses and _two_ beds.

To every Esquire for the Body, _five_ horses and two beds.

[N. B. Every Gentleman Usher of the Privy Chamber, whereof six, _six_ horses and _two_ beds.

Every Groom of the Privy Chamber, _two_ horses and _two_ beds.

Every Gentleman Usher Daily Waiter, _three_ horses and _one_ bed.

Every Gentleman Usher of the Privy Chamber, _four_ horses and _one_ bed[155].]

[155] _Sic_: but query if not Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber; they
not being otherwise mentioned in either copy.

For the good order of the King's Chamber, it is said, the Pages of the King's Chamber must daily arise at _seven_ o'clock, or soon after, and make a fire; and warn the Esquires of the Body of that hour, to the intent they may then arise, so as they may be ready, and the King's Chamber dressed in every thing as appertaineth, by _eight_ of the clock at the farthest.

Item, that none of the servants of the said Esquires come within the Pallet Chamber; but be attendant at the door, as well at night as in the morning, with such gear as their Masters shall wear. And the said Pages, at the request of the said Esquires, to fetch in, and bear out, their night-gear, and all other their apparel, and likewise to make them ready, both at night and in the morning.

Item, that, if the Esquires for the Body do not arise at the warning of the Pages, so as the King's Chamber may be ready and dressed by the hour afore limited; that then immediately the Pages are to shew the same to the Lord Chamberlain.

[In the appointment of Lodgings, is a chamber for the _six_ Gentlemen _and_ Ushers of the Privy Chamber, to sup in; which explains the above article.]

The Esquires for the Body, mentioned to have been at Eltham at that time, were, Sir Arthur Poole, Sir Edward Baynton, Sir Humphrey Forster, and [Mr.] Francis Pointz.

* * * * *

In the New Book of the King's Household of Edward IV. anno 1478:

Six Knights and five Squires appear to have been on duty for eight weeks from the last day of October, at the end of which they were relieved by _five_ Knights and four Esquires. Sir Roger Ray, being Vice Chamberlain, was in both lists; for it is said afterwards, "We will that Sir Roger Ray, Deputy to my Lord Chamberlain, two Gentlemen Ushers, and two Yeomen Ushers, at least, be always attending upon us."

YEOMEN OF THE CROWN[156].

[156] See the "Curialia," Part III.

Twenty-four most seemly persons, cleanly and strongest Archers, honest of conditions, and of behaviour, bold men chosen and tried out of every Lord's house in England for their cunning and virtue thereof. One to be Yeoman of the Robes, another to be Yeoman of the Wardrobe of Beds in Household. These two, in certainty, eat in the King's Chamber daily. Other two be Yeomen Ushers of Chamber, eating there also. Another to be Yeoman of the Stole, if it please the King. Another to be Yeoman of the Armory. Another to be Yeoman of the Bows for the King. Another Yeoman to keep the King's Books. Another to keep his Dogs for the Bow. And, except the first four persons, the remnant may to the Hall, as the Usher, &c. or another to keep his best; and thus they may be put to business. Also it accordeth that they be chosen men of manhood, shooting, and specially of virtuous conditions. In the King's Chamber be daily sitting four messes of Yeomen; and all the remnant eating in the Hall, sitting together above, joining to the Yeomen of Household; except at the five Great Feasts of the year, then as many Yeomen of Crown and Chamber as may sit in the King's Chamber shall be served there during the Feast; and every of them present in Court, hath daily allowed in the counting-house _three-pence_, and cloathing for winter and summer, and ... yearly, or else eighteen shillings, beside their watching cloathing of the King's Wardrobe. And if any of them be sent out by the King's Chamberlain, then he taketh his wages of the Jewel-house, and vacat in the Cheque Roll till he be seen in Court again. Also lodging in the town, or in the country, sufficient for their horses, as nigh together as the Herbiger of Household may dispose; and always two Yeomen of Crown to have an honest servant in to [the] Court, in the Noble Edward's Statutes. And these were called "The Twenty-four Archers de pié courants entièrement devant le Roy par pairs pour Gard [de] Corps du Roy[157]." These were called the King's Watchment. At this [or rather that] day, a Yeoman took but ten shillings for his gown, and four shillings and eight pence for his hosen and shoone. They have nothing else with the Household _sans_ carriage of their beds, two men together, by deliverance or assignment for that carriage of the Controllers, and litter for their beds of the Serjeant Usher of the Hall and Chamber. And if any of them be sick, or let blood, he taketh for all day a cast of bread, one mess of great meat, one gallon of ale; and if it be of great sickness, he must remove out of the Court.

[157] Sic lego.

Also, when they make watch nightly, they should be gird with their swords, or with other weapons ready, and harness about them.

A BARBER FOR THE KING'S MOST HIGH AND DREAD PERSON.

To be taking in this Court after that he standeth in degree, Gentleman, Yeoman, or Groom. It hath been much accustomed to one or two well-known Officers of the Ewry in Household, such as been for the month, Serjeant, or other. Also we find how this hath been used among ... by a well-betrusted Yeoman of Chamber, for lack of cunning of these other men. It is accustomed that a Knight of Chamber, or else Squire for the Body, or both, be present every time when the King will be shaven.

This Barber shall have every Saturday at night, if it please the King to cleanse his head, legs, or feet, and for his shaving, two loaves, one pitcher of wine; and the Ushers of Chamber ought to testify this, if this be necessary dispended or no.

Also, this Barber taketh his shaving cloths, basons, and all his other towels[158], and things necessary, by the Chamberlain's assignment, of the Jewel-house; no fees of plate or silver, but it be in his instrumental tools used by occupation, and that by allowance of the King's Chamberlain.

[158] _Tools_ in No. 642, in Bib. Harl.

HENXMEN.

Six infants, or more, as it shall please the King, all these eating in the Hall, and sitting at one board together; and to be served two or three to a mess, as the Sovereigns appoint; taking daily for their breakfasts, amongst them all, two loaves, a mess of great meat, a gallon of ale. Also, for their supper in fasting days, according to their age, and livery nightly for them all to their chamber, one loaf, one gallon of ale; and for winter livery, two candles wax, four candles p'is, three talsheds, for them all. Rushes and litter all the year, of the Serjeant Usher of the Hall and Chamber. And if these Gentlemen, or any of them, be Wards; then, after their births and degrees, the Steward and Treasurer, with the Chamberlain, may appoint the service more large in favour by their discretions, when as often as them needeth, till the King's Grace hath given or sold[159] their lands and wards. And all their competent harness to be carried, and beddings. Two lodged together at the King's carriage, by oversight of the Comptroller; and every of them an honest servant to keep their chamber and harness, and to array him in this Court whilst their Masters be present in Court; or else to allow here no chamber dokyns, &c. And all other findings for their beds they take of the King's Wardrobe, by suit of the Master of Henxmen, made to the King's Chamberlain for warrants.

[159] _i. e._ granted them during non-age.

MASTER OF HENXMEN.

To shew the schools of urbanity and nurture of England; to learn them to ride cleanly and surely; to draw them also to justs; to learn them wear their harness; to have all courtesy in words, deeds, and degrees; diligently to keep them in rules of goings and sittings after they be of honour. Moreover to teach them sundry languages, and other learnings virtuous; to harping, to pipe, sing, and dance, with other honest and temperate behaving and patience; and to keep daily and weekly with these children due [discipline], with corrections in their chambers, according to such gentlemen; and each of them to be used to that thing of virtue that he shall be most apt to learn, with remembrance daily of God's service accustomed. This Master sitteth in the Hall next unto beneath these Henxmen, at the same board; to have his respects unto their demeanings, how mannerly they eat and drink; and to their communication, and other forms curial, after the book of urbanity. He taketh daily, if he be present in Court, wages, cloathing, and other liveries, as other Esquires of Household, save he is not charged with serving of the Hall. Carriage also for harness in Court competent by the Comptroller to be with the Henxmen his harness in Court; and to have into this Court one servant, whilst he is present; and sufficient liveries for his horses, in the town or country, by the Herberger. And if he be sick in Court, or let blood, he taketh two loaves, two mess of great meat, one gallon ternoise[160]. And for the fees that he claimeth among the Henxmen of all their apparel, the Chamberlain is the judge.

[160] Fortè _Tournois_.

SQUIRES OF HOUSEHOLD.

Forty, or more, if it please the King, by the advice of his High Council, to be chosen men of their profession, worship, and wisdom; also to be of sundry Shires, by whom it may be known the disposition of the Countries. And of these, to be continually in this Court Twenty Squires attendant upon the King's Person, in riding and going at all times, and to help serve his table from the Surveying-board, and from other places, as the Assewar will assign.--Also, by their common assent, to assign amongst themselves some to serve the King's Chamber, at one day, week, or time, some to serve the Hall at another time, of every mess that cometh from the dressing-board to their hands for such service, so that thereof be nothing withdrawn by the Squires, upon such pain as Steward, Treasurer, or Controller, or in their absence other Judges at the counting-board, will award, after their demerits.--They eat in the hall, sitting together at any of the both meals as they serve, some the first meal, some the latter, by assent. This hath be [been] always the manner amongst them for honour [and] profit to the King.--It may be, that the King taketh into Household in all Sixty Squires, and yet, amongst them all, Twenty take not the whole wages _of the year_ [sic]; wherefore the number of persons may be received and suffered the better in the checque-roll for a worship, and the King's profit saved, and ease to them self.--Every of them taketh for his livery at night, half a gallon of ale; and for winter season, each of them taketh two candles parris, one faggot, or else half talwode.

When any of them is present in Court, he is allowed for daily wages, in the checque roll, seven-pence halfpenny, and clothing winter and summer; or else forty shillings. It hath ever been in special charge to Squires in this Court, to wear the King's Livery customably, for the more glory, and in worship of this honourable Household: and every of them to have in to this Court an honest servant, and sufficient livery in the towns or countries for their horses, and other servants, by the herberger. Two Gentlemen lodged together, and they be coupled bed-fellows by the Gentlemen Ushers.--And if any of them be let blood or sick in Court, or nigh, thereto, he taketh livery in eating days, two loaves, two mess of great meat, one gallon of ale, for all day, and litter all the year of the Serjeant Usher of the hall for their beds in Court.--And if any of these Squires be sent out of Court, by Steward, Treasurer, or Controller, or other of the counting-house, for matter touching the Household, then he hath daily allowed him twelve pence by petition. Also they pay for their carriage of harness in Court. They take no part of the general gifts, neither with chamber nor with hall, but if the giver give them specially a part by express name or words. None of these should depart from Court but by licence of Steward, Treasurer, or Sovereigns of the Counting-house, that know how the King is accompanied best: and to take a day when they should come again, upon pain of loss of wages at his next coming.--That no Serjeant of Office, nor Squire, nor Yeoman, nor Groom, but as be appointed in this Book, to dine or sup out of Hall and King's Chamber, nor to withdraw any service, or else to hurt or little the almesse [alms] of Hall or Chamber, upon such pain as the Sovereigns of Household will award by the Statutes of Noble Edward III. "In none office, &c."

It hath been often, in days before, commanded by the Counting-house, that in ferial days, after that the King and Queen, and their Chambers, and the Sovereigns of Household in the Hall, be served, that then such honest Yeomen of Household be called or assigned to serve from the dresser to the hall the remnant, specially such as bear wages, that, if any service be withdrawn by them, that then they to be corrected therefor.

These Squires of Household, of old, be accustomed, winter and summer, in afternoons and in evenings, to draw to Lord's Chambers within Court, there to keep honest company, after their cunning, in talking of chronicles of Kings, and of other policies, or in piping or harping, songings, or other acts marriables[161]; to help to occupy the Court, and accompany strangers, till the time require of departing.

[161] Sic.

"Item, that daily there awaite twenty-four Squires to serve the King and Queen, of whom _twelve_ to serve at the first dinner, and to dine at the second; and the twelve sitting at the first dinner, to serve the second dinner, and there to awaite to serve the King and Queen[162]."

Dom. Regis Angliæ. The Esquires--"oftentimes these stand instead of Carvers and Cup-Bearers[162]."

[162] Harleian MSS. 642, p. 177.--Rigid Orders regarding Offenders,
p. 97. b.

KINGS OF ARMS, HERALDS, AND PURSUIVANTS.

Coming into this Royal Court to the worship of these five Feasts in the year, sitting at meats and suppers in the Hall, and to begin that one end of the table together, upon days of estate, by the Marshall's assignation, at one meal. And if the King keep estate, by the Marshall's assignation, in the Hall, then these walk before the Steward, Treasurer, and Comptroller, coming with the King's Surveyor[163] from the surveying-board at every course. And, after the last course, they cry the King's largesse, shaking their great cup. They take their largesse of the Jewel-house; and during these Festival-days they wait upon the King's Person coming and going to and from the Church, Hall, and Chamber, before his Highness, in their coats of arms. They take neither wages, cloathing, nor fees, by the Compting-house; but livery for their chamber, day and night, amongst them two loaves, a pitcher of wine, two gallons of ale; and for winter season, if there be present a King of Arms, for them all, one tortays at chandry, two candles wax, three candles p'is, three talsheds. These Kings of Arms are served in the Hall as Knights, service and livery for their horses nigh the Court, by the Herberger.--Alway remembered, that the cup which the King doth create any King of Arms or Herald withal, it standeth in the charge of the Jewel-house, and not upon the Treasurer of Household.

[163] Rectiùs, No. 642 reads _Service_.

The fees that they shall take at the making of Knights of the Bath, it appeareth next after the chapter of Squires.

SERJEANTS OF ARMS[164].

[164] See the "Curialia," Part V.

Four chosen proved men, of haviour and condition, for the King and his Honourable Household; whereof two alway to be attending upon the King's Person and Chamber; and to avoid the press of people before where as the King shall come: in like wise at the conveyance of his meat at every course from the surveying board; also observing for [of] the King's commandments, and so after the Steward, Chamberlain, Treasurer, and Controller, for the King, or for his Household. They eat in the Hall, together or with Squires of Household, taking their wages of twelve-pence by [the] day, or four-pence, as it pleaseth the King, after their abilities, by letters patents; and clothing also, to be taken of the issue and profit growing to the King in divers counties of England, by the hands of the receivers of them. No more having in Household; but every of them, when he is present in Court, at night, a gallon of ale; and for winter livery, one candle wax, two candles p'is, one talshed; rushes [and] litter for their chamber of the Serjeant Usher all the year. They pay for the carriage of their proper harness and bedding; and every of them to have in to this Court, one honest servant. By the Statutes of the Noble Edward, were thirty Serjeants of Arms, sufficiently armed and horsed, riding before his Highness when he journeyed by the country for a Garde de Corps du Roi. And if any of these be sick, or be let blood, he taketh daily two loaves, two messes of great meat, one gallon of ale, and thus to be brevied in the Pantry-Roll. Also sufficient lodging assigned these Serjeants together, not far from Court, for hasty errands [when] they fall.

MINSTRELS.