Chapter XXVIII: Letter 22 (4)

After my moost harty commendacions, Understanding that the body of that the Universitie of Cambridge hath elected and chosen me to be their hed and Chauncelor, and that there is question at this tyme betwene you touching the exposition and qualifieng of the Decre made the last yeer by the kings counsail, for an order to be had without contencion betwene youe and the Universitee in Sturberige fayr, whiche decre ye have already commaundement for this yere to observe and kepe, contending on your part nothing to be comprehended under the name of Vitaill, but that whiche shuld be presently spent in the said faiier, and calling Salmon in barrel, musterde sede, fishe, and suche other, with an exempcon from the terme of vitaill by the name of merchandise, denyeing in like maner the said Universitie to appoint two of their body to ioyne with two of youe in the serche of merchandises there, sayeing ther shal non other serche this yere for their parte, but those that being of their congregacion the last yere were thenne appointed for that purpose, whiche be nowe departed from them and ioyned to youe in the libertie and freedom of the towne. Bicause ye knowe that I have been ever desirous to establish a quiet order betwene youe, and that with as moche favour towards your parte as I might with indifferency and justice, And that I doubt not but that ye will at my contemplacon remembre the preservacion of the Kings peax, and use suche a temperaunce in yo_ur_ procedings, as with the saufgards thereof I may have cause to rest in your love and kindness towards me, Being again for myn owne parte, moche desirous nowe at the entree to the said Chauncelorship (which office with the kings contentacion and pleasure I accepted not so moch upon any respecte as to be the rather a meane to set a quietnes betwene youe) to have al contencions and controversies ceasse on eyther side, tyl direction and final order may be taken therein, In the whiche I assure youe I shal with such celeritee and indifferency travyll, as ye shall not perceyve me a partie, but a personage holly bent without al respects to the advancement of the common weal; I have thought good to addresse my letteres unto youe and by the same to desire and praye youe, al vayne and frivolous qualificacons set aparte, to permyt and suffer the said Universitie for this yere, according to the mynde and entent of the said decre, to use and exersise their privileages in the things specified, and also to use at their libertie the comen prison of the Tolbothe as they have doon and as by their charters they clayme to doo, soo as their procede on yo_ur_ part no cause of breache of the peax, wherin ye shal serve the king as appertayneth, and administer unto me suche thankfull pleasure as I shall be gladde to deserve and requite towards youe, in like maner most hartely desiring and eftsones prayeing youe, touching their Civile courte to be kept in the fayr or any other thing that may com in to question, so to use yourself as I may perceyve you remembre yo_ur_ dueties towards the king in the keping of his peax, and shewe yo_ur_selves gladde to doo unto me gratitude and pleasure. And thus fare youe hartely wel. From Whofall the fifte day of September.

Your lovying freend,
THOM^S CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my loving Frends the Mayre and his Brethern of the towne of Cambridge, and to every of them.

117. CROMWELL TO CHAPUYS[852].

Vienna Archives; Cal. ix. 326. Sept. 10 ‹1535›.

Reports the joy of the King at hearing of the success of the
Emperor in storming Tunis. Hopes on his return to give
Chapuys satisfaction in his request to visit the Princess
Mary. Cf. Letter 121.

Magnifice atque observande Domine orator plurimam salutem et commendationem. Quem admodum D. vestra, felices et christiano cuique principi speratos cesaree ma^{tis} successus non grauatur crebris suis litteris Serenissimo domino meo regi significare ita sepe antea ab eius regia ma^{te} conceptam toto pectore letitiam, suis nunc recentioribus litteris eadem vestra D. ingeminauit et quam pulcherrime adauxit. Ex lectione namque tum cesaree ma^{tis} tum domini de granuell litterarum, que toti christiano orbi saluberrimam diuinitusque concessam Tunisii expugnationem describebant tam solido gaudio inuictissimus dominus meus rex affectus est, ut si sue ipsi ma^{ti} gloriosa hec obuenisset victoria, maiori neutiquam affici potuisset nec alium vllum quam qui a deo nunc concessus est, tam sancte a cesare suscepte expeditionis euentu sibi vnquam pollicebatur. Hanc igitur victoriam omni quidem dignam laude, cesaree ma^{ti} iterum atque iterum gratulatur salutaremque rei publice christiane precatur, cui sic ex corde fauet, vt si vlla vnquam occasione, vllane sua opera, quicquam addi poterit, experietur cesarea ma^{tas} me nihil de Serenissimi domini mea regis in se affectu, amicoque animo meis antea litteris vestre D. frustra, aut parum sincere totiens affirmasse. Ad id vero quod in suarum litterarum calce vestra D. addidit, vt scilicet, quantum intelligo, bona regia Ma^{tis} venia, sibi liceat illic Dominam mariam inuisere iuxta regia pollicita impense rogo D. vestram, vt istud suum desiderium velit in meum reditum defferre, tuncque futurum spero quod tum hac in re, tum aliis omnibus presenti meo sermone vestre do^{is} expectationi plurimum satisfiet siue feliciter valeat. Ex aula regia apud Wolfal die x. septembris.

v. D.
Ex animo amicissimus
THOMAS CRUMUELL.

_Add._ Magnifico atque observando domino Eustachio Chapuysio Cesare ma^{tis} oratori.

118. ‹CROMWELL› TO ----.

R.O. Cal. ix. 470. Sept. 29 ‹1535›.

The King desires him to pay half the last year’s rent of the
bishopric of Worcester to the Bishop, and the remainder to
M. Gostwick for the King.

[853]I co_m_mend me vnto you. Adu_er_tisyng thesame, that the kyng_es_ pleasure and co_m_maundement is, that ye w_i_t_h_ convenyent spede after the receyt herof, shall content and pay vnto my lorde the Busshop of Wissetour the halfe yeres rent of the hole Busshopriche due this last yere, and the rest to retayne yn yo_ur_ owne hand_es_ to the kyng_es_ vse Wherfore I require you furthew_i_t_h_ so to do w_i_t_h_out any delay, as the kyng_es_ trust and expectacion is yn you. Thus fare ye hartely well. At Wynchester the xxix day of September.

_Postscript._

I Co_m_mend me vnto yow aduertysing the same that the kyng_es_ highnes pleasure is that of the holle yeres Rent dew to his highnes and levyable at this Fest of Saynt Mychell of the yssews reuenews and p_ro_ffectt_es_ of the Busshoprych of Worcest_er_ ye shall Content and paye or Cause to be Contentyd ‹and› payde vnto my lorde the Busshop of Woorcest_er_ the hole half yeres proffytt_es_ evynlye to be deuydyd and the residew For the Fyrst hallffe yere to be payd to the hand_es_ of Maister gostwyke to the kyng_es_ vse and this ys expresslye the kyng_es_ plesure and so Fare ye well at Wynchest_er_

119. CROMWELL TO THE COUNTESS OF OXFORD.

R.O. Cal. ix. 485 (i). Sept. 30 ‹1535›.

Desires her to restore Mr. Tirrell to the possessions from
which she has wrongfully expelled him. The King wishes to
have justice done in that cause.

In my most harty maner I co_m_mend me vnto yo_ur_ good ladishippe. And wher as ther hathe of long tyme depended betwene you and this berer Maister Tirrell certayne contrau_er_sies, aswell concernyng his clayme to the parke and Bailliswike of Camps, as a certayne copie Holde Whiche he bought in the same Towne, from all the whiche ye haue expulsed hym, I shall most hartely desire and pray you at the especiall contemplacion herof, to restore hym agayne to thesame. Whiche request I make not only vnto you bycause I thinke ye haue vpon displeasures conceyved agaynst hym, parcase in some part by the mysvsyng of hymselfe toward_es_ you, done vnto hym, in his expulsion from the same park Bailliwike and copie hold and yo_ur_ detynewe therof all togither wronge and Iniurye, but because it should be dishonourable to you, to haue the same in open Court of Audience tried agaynst you, and likewise displeasaunt to be, that way disapoynted of yo_ur_ will and pleasure, whiche as I nowe frendly and frankly write vnto you, bicause that I wold be glad, ye shuld w_i_t_h_out constraynt do as shall apperteyne to your hono_ur_, and iustice. So I am enforced to adu_er_tise you, as yo_ur_ poore frende, that the king_es_ highnes like a prynce of hono_ur_ is mynded to haue iustice p_ro_cede w_i_t_h_out respect in that cause, Eftesones therfore requyryng your good ladiship the rather for my sake w_i_t_h_out any extremyte to be good lady vnto hym, who I dare affirme wilbe glad to do vnto you during his liffe that s_er_uice and pleasure that shall lye in his litle power. As know_eth_ god who send yo_ur_ good ladiship long liffe and well to fare. From Wynchester the last day of September.

Your ladyshyppis assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able and my good lady my Lady Anne Countes of Oxford by this youen.

_Endd._ A l_ette_re directed from my m_aste_r to the Lady Anne Countes of Oxford.

120. CROMWELL TO ‹DAVYE MORGAN KEMYS›.

R.O. Cal. ix. 486. Sept. 30 ‹1535›.

Requests him to allow John Crede to retain possession of
certain lands in Cromwell’s manor of Rumney in Monmouth to
which he has a deed, until reasonable cause can be shown for
his ejection.

Dat_um_ p_er_ Copia_m_

I Commend me to yow. And for Asmoche As I haue seene the Deed made ‹to› John Crede for certeyn Land_es_ in my manno_ur_ of Rompney called the Splott_es_ And other Lond_es_ there. W_hich_ I take to be a goode Deade. And that Notw_i_t_h_standing the said Crede Saithe that ye entend to putt hym From the Same. Wherefore I Requyre you to p_er_mytt And Suffre hym to holde And kepe the possession thereof According to the tenno_ur_ of his Deade Vntill Suche tyme as Apon yo_ur_e Adu_er_tisement thereof I maie knowe A Reasonable Cause . Whie he shuld be putt from the same. Att Wynchester the Laste daie of September.

Yo_ur_ Loving maister
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

121. CROMWELL TO CHAPUYS[854].

Vienna Archives; Cal. ix. 484. Sept. 30, 1535.

Reports the King’s joy at the news of the Emperor’s success
at Tunis. Desires Chapuys to postpone a little longer his
visit to the Princess Mary. Cf. Letter 117.

Magnifice et observande domine orator plurimam salutem et commendationem. Litteras quas vestra D. antea ad me dedit grato hilarique semper animo accepi, non mediocremque animi letitiam ob id presertim semper attulerunt, quod cesaree ma^{tis} successus vt sperandum et christiano reipublice salutiferos, vberrime nunciabant; recentiores vero iste eo nomine gratiores acceptioresque extitere quod succinte atque distincte totius expeditionis rerum, temporum atque locorum seriem et euentum ab ipso initio in hunc vsque diem sic describunt et ob ipsos oculos ponunt vt eas legendo rebus gestis prope modum mihi videar interfuisse, tantaque Serenissimus dominus meus rex animi attentione de hiis me referentem audiebat vt fraternum eius erga cesaream ma^{tem} affectum et propensum quoddam erga publicam quietem Studium quam facile fuerit agnovisse. Ad id porro quod per ministrum suum vestra dominatio mecum agit et de quo statuendo iniectis comperendinationibus se protrahi suspicatur, non possum pro mutue nostre coniunctionis sinceriorisque amicitie vinculo, eam non summopere rogare, et pro innata sua prudentia et animi equitate, boni consulere velit, quicquid in hoc Dominationis vestre desiderio deffertur quum nihil interim omittatur quod ex Serenissimi domini mei regis honore et dignitate, simulque illustrissime domine marie securiori salubriorique educatione esse posse videatur, quum maiori cure nemini sit quam ipsi Serenissimo patri, qui regie sue humanitatis nimis esset oblitus nisi carissimam filiam paterno complecteretur affectu et aliorum vigilantia sibi in mentem redigi expectaret, quod salubritati, atque solatio filie esse posset. Itaque quam possum ex animo dominationem vestram obsecro, vt suum istud illustrissimam dominam mariam inuisendi desiderium ab amico pectore potius quam vlla necessitate profectum in aliud commodius tempus defferre non grauetur, et enim vt fieri facile potest de huius illustrissime domine neglecta valetudine falso aliquid ad vos deferri, ita a dominatione vestra peto, vt affirmanti mihi velit certam habere fidem nihil scilicet cure studii, atque diligentie omitti quod ad illustrissime domine Marie conseruationem expedire posse videatur. Pestis deinde sic londini, locisque vicinioribus seuit, vt inofficiosus videri posset, quicunque illinc veniens dominam mariam in aere alique temperie agentem, quam saluberrima, officii gratia nunc temporis vellet inuisere. Non grauetur itaque dominatio vestra hoc meum responsum benigne amiceque, vt solet interpretari nilque a me prospiciet pretermissum, quod ex huius regie ma^{tis} dignitate, Cesaris honore et domine marie conseruatione esse potuerit. Sed de hiis in proximum congressum colloquemur vberius, et felix valeat vestra dominatio cui ex animi sententia, optima queque euenire precor. wintonie die vltimo septembris 1535.

E. v. D.
Ex corde amicus
THOMAS CRUMUELL.

_Add._ Magnifico Domino Eustachio Chapuysio Cesaree ma^{tis} oratori plurimum observando.

122. CROMWELL TO SIR GREGORY DA CASALE.

R.O. Cal. ix. 240. Sept. 1535.

Explains, for the Pope’s benefit, the reasons for the
executions of More and Fisher, and describes them as men
proved guilty of high treason. Wonders at the Pope’s
indignation at their just sentence.

Mag_nifi_ce D_omi_ne Gregori plurimam salutem et commen_dacionem_. Quae tum ex ferraria tum ex bononia v_est_ris l_ette_ris nuper ad me scripsistis, sigillatim omnia (ut mei est officii) Serenissimae Regiae Ma_iesta_ti significaui, in quibus, ut multa erant, publicarum rerum cognitionis gratia lectu non iniucunda, et v_es_tri cum D_omin_o Parisiensi habiti sermones ipsi probantur, ita non satis demirari potuit, Epi_scop_i Roffen_sis_ et Thomae Mori mortem, pontificis, illiusq_ue_ curiae animu_m_ adeo grauiter offendisse, ut ex hac re conceptam indignationem haud facile possint concoquere, licetq_ue_ Inuictissimae Regiae Ma_iesta_ti mortalium nemini, praeterq_ue_ Deo (cum quo actiones, consiliaq_ue_ sua habet q_uam_ maxime coniuncta) ulla sit factorum suorum reddenda ratio, ne tamen maleuolor_um_ calumniis, ac ueritatis obscuratione, Regium suum nomen istic traducatur, quid ea in re actu_m_ fuerit succincte ad vos perscribam: Postq_uam_ igitur Regia Ma_ies_tas bene fauente, ac promouente Deo, causam suam publicam eruditissimor_um_, probatissimoru_m_q_ue_ totius christianitatis viror_um_, qui nullis passionibus, seu affectibus essent obnoxii, consensu, et authoritate tandem terminasset, et ad ipsam ueritatem omni ex parte firmasset, coeperunt isti boni viri, quibus res praeter expectatione_m_ ceciderat, et spes moliendi noua (ut iam animo agitarant) praecisa fuerat, in alias cogitationes, syncere parum, animum intendere, quumq_ue_ optimus Rex ex uigilantissimi principis officio (quod a Deo acceptum sustinet in terris) sui Regni quieti, et commodo prospicere, hominumq_ue_ mores multa iam parte collapsos in melius corrigere conaretur, istud etiam publicum bonum, quoad fieri per eos potuit, simulatae integritatis praetextu adnissi[855] sunt, sed nullo cum fructu impedire, atq_ue_ praeuertere, huius eorum sceleris indicia Rex habebat perq_uam_ manifesta, sed ut vana semper floccifecit, et nihili habuit, sperans aliquando futurum q_uod_ hac sua indulgentia, hos viros (quos ut non penitus cognitos nonnunq_uam_ antea in precio habuisset) ad aliquam frugem, ac mentis sanitatem reuocaret, At ipsi, quibus genuina ambitio, sui ipsius amor et sapientia quaedam singularis diuersum persuaserat, optimi principis benignitate, ac mansuetudine pertinaciter sunt abusi, et ubi publicum Regni concilium (quod parliamentu_m_ uocant) pro Regni quiete stabilienda, ut ad certa tempora haberetur, indictum foret, ceperunt undecunq_ue_ sollicita cum sedulitate clanculu_m_ exquirere, qua de re tractari, quidq_ue_ in hoc parliam_en_to, ut expediens rei p_ubli_cae agi oporteret, quicquid uero alior_um_ delatu ex re praeterita rerum usu, uel coniectura usq_ue_ collegissent id statim communibus consiliis trutinabant, omnia secus interpreta_n_tes, q_ue_ Regni quies ac utilitas exposcebat, eo quidem argumentor_um_ et rationum apparatu, ut rudi plebeculae non multo cum labore potuisset imponi, quumq_ue_ ex conscientia parum sana, Regis animum sibi offensum suspicarentur, ueriti ne parum commode, audacterq_ue_, quod tacite animo moliebantur, tractare possent, ex hiis nonnullos delegerunt, quos audaculos aut linguae uelocitate promptiores, aut sui studiosos existimarunt cum his antiquioris amicitiae occasione ageba_n_t familiaribusq_ue_ colloquiis excipiebant, ac si quos morbo animi laborantes suae opinionis reperissent, in horum sinum iam antea conceptu_m_ pectore uenenum euomebant, suae erga claementissimum Regem fidei, et obseruantiae, atq_ue_ in ipsam patriam charitatis prorsus obliti, Haec dum in uulgus haberentur passimque sparsa promiscue essent, haud somnulenter solertissimus princeps perscrutari coepit, quibus fundame_n_tis tam impia coniuratio niteretur, quibusq_ue_ enutriretur authoribus, luce clarius perspexit, ab hiis integerrimis iuris tantam iniquitatem deriuari, quam redarguebant non obscuri testes, ultro, citroq_ue_ missa chyrographa, ipsorumq_ue_ oris confessio, haec et alia que multa iustissimu_m_ principem adegeru_n_t, ut hos rebelles, ac degeneres subditos, in patriam ingratos, communi bono aduersos, publicae pacis turbatores, tumultuosos, impios, seditiososq_ue_ viros in uincula carceresq_ue_ coniecerit, nec id praetermittere poterat, nisi patefacta iniquitate, sui officii consulto immemor permittere uoluisset, huius sceleris contagionem publica cum pernicie in q_uam_ multos transferri. Carceribus autem mancipati tractabantur humanius, atq_ue_ mitius q_uam_ par fuisset, pro eorum demeritis, per Regem illis licebat proximor_um_ colloquio, et consuetudine frui, ij fuerant illis appositi, praescriptiq_ue_ ministri, quos a uinclis immunes antea fidos charosq_ue_ habeba_n_t, id cibi genus eaq_ue_ condim_en_ta, et uestitus ei concedebantur, quae eorum habitudini, ac tuendae sanitati, ipsi consanguinei, nepotes atq_ue_ affines, et amici iudicabant esse magis accommoda, Coeteru_m_ tanta Regis mansuetudine, fides, obserua_n_tia, ueritas, amorq_ue_ recti apud rebelles istos, proditoresq_ue_ homines usq_ue_ adeo exoleuit, ut constanter iniqui esse maluerint, q_uam_ sui sceleris poenitentia Regis bonitatem atq_ue_ claementiam experiri, et enim postq_uam_ certae leges, statuta, atq_ue_ decreta, re prius multa deliberatione in omne_m_ partem discussa, publica parliame_n_ti authoritate, assensu atq_ue_ consensu condita praescriptaq_ue_ fuere, et ab omnibus nullo discrimine, repugna_n_te nullo, ut sancta necessaria toti Regno utilia, et cum uera christi religione potissimu_m_ consentientia admissa, atq_ue_ recepta sunt, soli isti repugnabant, suae impietatis praesidium semper aliquod fortuitum sibi ex tempore pollicentes, nonnunq_uam_ omissa rerum humanar_um_ cogitatione se totos diuinar_um_ contemplationi egregie simulabant addictos, interim studia, uigilias, cogitatusq_ue_, suos omnes utcunq_ue_ carceribus obnoxii eo intendebant, ut quibuscunq_ue_ possent fallaciis, praestigiosisq_ue_ argumentis tam sanctas Regni leges, tantaq_ue_ authoritate firmitas ac rectissime stabilitas, soli ipsi perniciosissimae seditionis principes in commune malum eluderent, refellerent, atq_ue_ turbare_n_t, huius autem tam impiae, perfidae ac iniquae affectae uoluntatis extant manifestissima indicia extant chyrographa ipsa eorum manu carbonibus, et creta (si quando deerat atrame_n_tum) depicta, ultro, citroq_ue_ clam ab ipsis destinata, neq_ue_ ipsi ibant inficias complures mutuo acceptas missasq_ue_ l_itter_as, fuisse in ignem coniectas ut tacitum, tutumq_ue_ suae iniquitatis seruatorem, aliud nihil hiis l_itte_ris conscriptum erat, q_uam_ quod ad publicam seditionem potissimu_m_ spectaret, sustinere diutius non potuit mitissimus Rex istorum culpam tam atrocem, legumq_ue_ examini publico foro et aperto iudicio illos commisit, Laesae Ma_iesta_tis, ac rebellionis rei reperti sunt, atq_ue_ damnati, supplicium de eis sumptum est longe quidem mitius q_uam_ leges, ac iudicia praescribebant aut eorum culpa exegisset, ex quor_um_ exemplo ad sanitatem, ad fidem q_uam_ multi rediere: Quicunq_ue_ sano defecatoq_ue_ est iudicio non obscure huic perspicere potest q_uod_ praecipitanter pontifex, et curia Romana ullam ex hac re animi offensionem conceperit, per Regiam M_aiesta_tem non stat, quominus pontifex in suos Car_dina_les Ep_iscop_os eosq_u_e omnes, in quos ius ullum sibi uendicat, iure suo utatur, non eorum causam suam aestimat, nec offenditur, si pontifex, aut quiuis alius chr_isti_anus princeps ullum de male mentis subditis aut rebellibus supplicium exigat: Iterum igitur, atq_ue_ iterum miratur, pontificem ex hac re tantum indignationis animo concepisse, sed hanc indignationem, quam tantopere exacerbare uidetur curia, tunc depositam iri putat, quum desierint maleuoli suggerere quae falsa su_n_t, quumq_ue_ mentiendi uia fuerit illis praeclusa, quibus quum nil aeque graue, atq_ue_ molestu_m_ sit, q_uam_ quod suor_um_ consilior_um_ tam strenua fundamenta deiecta fuerint, id operae precium non exiguum esse ducu_n_t, ut hoc uelamine suas technas callide contega_n_t priuatamq_ue_ offensionem, si quae sit, pontificis causam faciant. Non grauetur itaq_ue_ pontifex, si Regia M_aies_tas suo Regniq_ue_ sui iure, si quando expedit, uicissim utatur: Haec itaque omnia tum pontifici, tum coeteris omnibus, qui ex hor_um_ rebelliu_m_ suscepto supplicio quicq_uid_ offensionis concoeperint sedulo enarrabitis, ut quam ex falsa auditione animi molestiam imbiberu_n_t, hanc uera audiendo, multa mentis tranquillitate quandoq_ue_ deponant, nihilq_ue_ omittetis, in eorum qua superius commemoraui enarratione, etenim Regiae M_aiesta_ti gratissimu_m_ erit, ne ipsa ueritas, ut se habet, maleuolor_um_ calumniis obscuretur, q_uia_ si tantum increbuerit mendax paucorum delatio, ut nullus hac in re amplius apud illos sit locus ueritati relictus, falsas eoru_m_ calumnias quantu_m_ cum Deo poterit Regia M_aies_tas sustinebit, quae sic Regni sui statum, resq_ue_ omnes undequaq_ue_ firmitas, stabilitasq_ue_ habet, sic suorum fidem, pectora, et obseruantiam compertam tenet, ut iniuriam omnem, si qua alicunde inferatur, queat non multo cum labore deo bene iuuante, refellere et propulsare. Et bene valete. Ex Aula Regia apud Brumham Die Septembr_is_ MDXXXV.

Vester bonus amicus
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ Mag_nific_o Equiti, D_omi_no Gregorio Casalio etc.

123. ‹CROMWELL› TO ----.

R.O. Cal. ix. 241 (ii). ‹Sept. 1535.›

The King thanks the recipient for his letter, and for the
articles of the charge he has given to the inquests, and
desires him to act further according to his discretion.

After right harty co_m_mendacion, ye shall vnderstand that I have resceyved yo_ur_ l_ette_re of the xxvi^{th} day of August w_i_t_h_ the articles of the charge that ye haue geven to thenquestes ther the whiche l_ette_re and articles I have at large shewed and declared vnto the king_es_ highnes who[856] consideryng yo_ur_ payne and travaill takyn therin right well allowithe and acceptithe yo_ur_ good procedyng_es_ and doyng_es_ in that behalfe, yevyng vnto you therfore right harty thank_es_, requyryng[857] the same farther like as ye have alredy begonne So to p_ro_cede therin withe suche acceleracion and spede as ye convenyently may do, accordyng to thexpectacion and trust that his highnes hathe in you. And touchyng the enquestes that ye have charged for that purpose all though they be the king_es_ s_er_u_a_unt_es_ and sworne for that purpose, yet for asmoche as many of theym in some poynt_es_ p_er_chaunce may be offendo_ur_s will therfore conceyll and not fynd the truthe in eu_er_y poynt. Wherfore the king_es_ pleasure is that ye well consideryng the same may order and devise eu_er_y thyng after yo_ur_ discresion, and as ye shall se cause besid_es_ theffect of the verdictes of thesame enquestes.

124. CROMWELL TO THE MAYOR, BAILIFFS, AND BURGESSES
OF CAMBRIDGE.

Cooper’s Annals, i. 373; Cal. ix. 615. Oct. 15 ‹1535›.

As the King has approved his election as Chancellor of the
University, he desires them to appear at the two yearly
leets held by the University, and not to deny to the
University the use of the King’s prison called the Tolbooth.

In my right harty maner I commende me unto youe. And whereas it hath pleased the kings highnes, uppon an election passed by the universitie of Cambridge wherin they chose me to be their hedde and Chaunceler, to condescende that I shuld accepte and take the same, to the intent that all matiers depending betweene you and them, in contencon and variaunce, might be rather by my meane and mediacon be finished, and soo determyned, as eyther parte myght enjoye such privileages as shuld be thought conveniente for them, with the advauncement of justice, the quiet and tranquillitie of the common weale, Wherin I purpose with suche dexteritie to travayl, as y_ou_ shall have good cause to think that all respects and affecttions laide aparte, I only mynd that which appertayneth to the office of a faithfull counsailor. Ye shall understande, that forasmoche as I am credibly advertised, that notwithstanding the said universitie hath hertefor had not only the serche of vitail and the correccon of waightes and measures there, and may by the kings Charters (as they doo and of long tyme have doon) kepe two letes in the yere, to be furnyshed with the townesmen, for the punishment and amerciament of suche as shuld be founde offenders in that behaulf, but also the use of the kings prisonne there called the Tolbothe, for the punyshment of all such other offences, as they may by their said Charters correct and punish, the rather of perverse mynd than otherwise, doo from tyme to tyme, when the said letes be summoned, as wel make slender appearance in the same, ne being theer charged, present and amerce the offenders, as by virtue of yo_ur_ othe you be bounde, wherby the good order to be observed therin is utterly confounded, to the great detryment of the publique weale of the hole towne, with the inquietacon of the kings subgiectts abiding within the same, As utterly deny them the use of the said prisonne; I have thought good, by these my lettres, to desire and praye youe, and nevertheles on the kings behaulf for the better preservacion of his graces peax, to commaunde youe, not only to mak yo_ur_ due appearance in the said letes, and their to enquire, present, and amerce the offenders, as hath been accustomed, but also bothe to permytt and suffer them to have the correction of waightes and measures, and the use of the said prisonne at their liberties, as they have had, without yo_ur_ denyal or interrupcon to the contrary, untyl suche tyme as the kings highnes shal take finall order and direction in all things depending in variaunce or question betweene youe, whiche his Majestie wil not fayle to do with al speede and celeritie. And thus fare youe hartely well. From Stepnay, the 15th daye of Octobre.

Your lovyng freend,
THOM_AS_ CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my hartely beloved Freendes the Mayre, Bailieffs, and Burgesses, of the towne of Cambridge, and to every of them.

125. ‹CROMWELL› TO JOHN GOSTWICK.

B.M. Titus B. iv, ff. 114-115; Cal. ix. 647. Oct. 20, 1535.

Finds that Gostwick is charged with the sum of £16,032
16_s._ 8_d._ due to the King from divers persons, for
conveying corn out of the realm. Desires him to collect as
much of it as he can.

Mr Gostwyck. Where ye stande Charged in the Book_es_ of Specialties Betwene you & me made at your furst entrie into your Office subscribed w_i_t_h_ our hand_es_ for the Receipt of Sixtene Thousande thirty & two pound_es_ sixtene shilling_es_ and eight pence, due vnto the King_es_ Maiestie by diu_er_se & sundry p_er_sonnes, for the Conveyaunce of Corne & other thing_es_ out of this Realme contrary to the King_es_ Lawes, as appereth by the condic_i_ons of their obligac_i_ons, remaynyng in yo_ur_ Custodye, And forasmuche as I do vnderstande and perfitely knowe that a grete p_ar_te of the said su_m_me of xvi^{ml} xxxii li xvi s viii d ys vnlevyable, desperat & cannot be had nor recou_er_ed by reason that certain of the saide p_er_sonnes haue certificaths, so_m_me other fallen in vtter decay, by occasion of the grete losses & hynderaunc_es_ that they haue susteyned as well by See, as Lande, And so_m_me of theim dedde, & not knowing of whome to be aunswered Whereby I haue Considered the same to be mattier of Conscience, not intending nor mynding to charge you further than shall stande with the same, nor w_i_t_h_ nomore sume or su_m_mes than hath or herafter shall co_m_me vnto your hand_es_ Have therfore thought it good, aswell for your Discharge, and myne, As also for the spedy Recoueryng and Receipt of the Rest of the Money due by the saide sp_ec_ialties, this to devise & wryte, By the same in the King_es_ Maiesties name Auctorizing you, to call all the said p_ar_ties before you, w_i_t_h_ all seleritie & spede, And by yo_ur_ discresc_i_on, so to vse them, That the king_es_ highnes may be aunswered of the money, that by your saide discrescion shalbe thought of verey right & Conscience sufficient. Further in the king_es_ name Auctorizing you by vertue herof, to take newe composic_i_ons of suche as hath not their money in arredynesse. And also by the same to deliu_er_ all suche sp_ec_ialties vnto the parties or ther deputies, as shalbe p_ro_ved of right either to haue Certificate or other sufficient Discharge. And this Subscribed with my hande shalbe vnto you your heires executo_urs_ & deputies sufficient Discharge at all tymes hereafter, for your so doing. Wrytten the xx^{ti} day of Octobre the xxvii^{ti} yere of the Reigne of our Sou_er_aigne Lorde king Henry the eight.

_Endd._ A minute of a lettre to M^r Gostwyke, towching a newe ordre and composic_i_on to be taken w_i_t_h_ certayn p_er_sons standing chardged in grete so_m_mes of monaye vnto the king_es_ Ma_ies_tie whiche be vnleviable and desperate by reason the p_ar_ties by casualtes be brought to greate pou_er_tie

126. CROMWELL TO GARDINER.

B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 110; Cal. ix. 848. Nov. 19 ‹1535›.

Urges him to work diligently in France for the delivery of
the ships at Bordeaux. Sends a dozen of Gardiner’s orations
and a dozen of those of the Dean of the Chapel Royal also,
for him to distribute according to his discretion.

My veray good lorde aftre my moost harty co_m_mendac_i_ons by maister brian whom the king_es_ highnes at this tyme sendeth vnto his good brother the frenche king sufficiently instructed to certain purposes, as by his instructions wherunto ye shalbe p_ar_ticipant and make him again the semblable to yours, ye shal p_er_ceyve, ye shal receyve his highnes l_ette_res, touching matiers of importaunce, whiche as his grace doubteth not but ye wil setfurth w_i_t_h_ suche dexteritie as shal best conduce his desire to effecte Soo his pleasure is ye shal w_i_t_h_ suche stomak and courage travail w_i_t_h_ the frenche king and his counsail in that pointe touching the delyueraye of the shippes as ye maye not onely obteyne the same but also declare and shewe therw_i_t_h_ howe ingrately his highnes is handeled therin spe_ci_ally being at this tyme soo secrete and freendly treatie betwene him and his good brother as there is for matiers of soo high consequence, among_es_ whiche thing_es_ also his grace desireth youe to remembre the declarac_i_on of the french king of tharticles sent by Melancton, luthers epistle in the same, w_i_t_h_ thother circu_m_stances conteyned in the copies lately sent vnto you. Ye shall also receyve herw_i_t_h_ a dosen of yo_ur_ orations and another dosen of the deanes, whiche the king_es_ pleasure is ye shall by thaduise of Mr. brian and Maister Wallop destribute to suche p_er_sounes there as among_es_ youe ye shal think convenient. In whiche treatie to be had concernyng the shippes ye may not forget to inculce what Joye the subgiett_es_ here conceyved for his recou_er_ye in the procession, and howe they bee again sithens stayed vppon this staye of the shippes whiche hath indede soo contrary a counten_au_nce to o_ur_ doing_es_ as it is no m_er_vayl thoughe they be abasshed at it. And this matier the king_es_ highnes woll haue you chiefly prosecute, leving to Sir John Wallop only the sute for the moneye, bicause the p_ro_myse therof was made vnto him. And thus I pray god sende your lordshipp well to fare. From the Rulles the xix^{th} daye of Nouembre

Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my veray good lorde my lorde of Winchestre the king_es_ highnes Ambassad_or_ at this tyme w_i_t_h_ the french king.

_Endd._ From the Roulles the xix^{th} of Novembre. Mr. Secretary

127. CROMWELL TO GARDINER AND WALLOP.

B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 232; Cal. ix. App. 8. Dec. 7 ‹1535›.

Desires them to discover the real inclination of the French
King, and to ascertain whether they have any secret plans on
foot. Gives a list of the sums of money due to the King.

Aftre my moost harty co_m_mendacions w_i_t_h_ like thank_es_ for yo_ur_ gentle l_ette_res and aduertisement_es_ of the Occurrant_es_ there, ye shal at this tyme receyve the king_es_ highnes l_ette_res answering to yo_ur_s of the xxviii^{th} of Nouembre The content_es_ wherof as his highnes doubteth not but ye wil duely consider and accomplishe temp_er_ing neu_er_theles the same in suche sorte, as yo_ur_ wisedomes shall think maye best s_er_ue to thentertaynement of thamytie betwene his grace and the frenche king, and the conducing of his graces desire to effecte. Soo his highnes spe_ci_ally desireth youe to endeuo_ur_ yo_ur_self_es_ by all the meanes ye canne possibly deuise and excogitate to explore serche and knowe the veray inclynac_i_on of the frenche king and whither the frenchemen haue any pryvie practises in hande, and of the lightlywod of the successes of the same w_i_t_h_ suche other occurrant_es_ as shall chaunce to co_m_me to yo_ur_ knowleage to aduertise his highnes, as I shal for my p_ar_te desire youe to doo to me the semblable as the tyme and hast of yo_ur_ dispeches wil give you leave. The treatie belli offensiui ratified at Amyans I sende vnto youe herw_i_t_h_, And as co_n_cernyng thaccompt of the money due to the king_es_ highnes First there is due to his grace 1M^{l}[858] crownes lent to the duke of Bavier for the whiche the frenche king standeth bounde by obligac_i_on. Item 1M^{l}[858] crownes lent at his request for the assistence of the duke of Wittenberge, for the whiche they haue non acquietance, but were bounde by promyse to repaye it in cace there ensued no good successe of themployment of the same whiche condition and conven_au_nt is w_i_t_h_out question determyned.

Item there is due vnto his grace the hole penc_i_on and salt moneye for the last yere ended at Nouembre.

And wheras the king_e_s highnes in these his l_ette_res nowe sent vnto youe hathe co_m_maunded youe Mr. wallop to presse themp_er_o_ur_s, Ambassado_ur_ for your declaration to the denyal of thouertures, like as I writing by his graces co_m_maundement vsed the same terme, for declarac_i_on of yo_ur_self, to thintent ye shal not thinke that anything is further ment therby thenne to haue youe vse that worde to him to extorte what ye canne in that matier, his highnes co_m_ma_u_nded me in this sorte to expounde the same vnto youe. And thus moost hartely fare youe well. From Richemont the vii^{th} of decembre.

The king_es_ highnes spe_ci_ally desireth youe to reme_m_bre his co_m_mandement touching the delyu_er_ance of the shippes

Yo_ur_ assuryd Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To myn assured frend_es_ My lorde of Winchestre and s_ir_ John Wallop knight the king_es_ Ambassado_ur_s in fraunce.

_Endd._ From Richemonde the vii^{th} of decembre. Mr. Secretary.

128. CROMWELL TO GARDINER.

B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 234; Cal. ix. App. 9. Dec. 7 ‹1535›.

Has been unable to obtain a copy of the treaty which he
promised to send, and thought it better to postpone sending
it than to delay the bearer. The King desires him to labour
for the delivery of the ships.

Aftre my moost harty co_m_mendac_i_ons to yo_ur_ lordshippe Thise shalbe to aduertise youe that Albeit in myn other l_ette_res writen ioyntly to youe and Maister Wallop I haue signified that ye shuld by this berer receyve the treaty belli offensiui whiche ye wrote for, yet having here suche busines that I could ‹not› dep_ar_te to london to cause the same to be copied, I thought it more expedient to differre the sending of it vntil we shal dispeche another curro_ur_ vnto youe, thenne to demore yo_ur_ s_er_u_au_nt here tyl I might haue goon to london for that p_ur_pose. And wheras yo_ur_ said s_er_u_au_nt hath declared vnto me yo_ur_ credence concernyng yo_ur_ necessitie of money, I shall not fayle by the next messanger to take suche direction w_i_t_h_ youe for the satisfaction of yo_ur_ desire in that p_ar_te as ye shall haue cause to be contented. The king_e_s highnes desireth youe to labo_ur_ effectually ‹for› the delyu_er_ance of the shippes at Burdeulx according to suche instructions as ye haue in that behaulf. And thus moost hartely Fare youe well. From Richemonte the vii^{th} daye of Decembre in hast

Your lordshippis assuryd Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my veray good lorde my lorde of Wynchestre the king_es_ Ambassado_ur_ in fraunce.

_Endd._ From Richemonde the vii^{th} of decembre. Mr. Secretary.

129. CROMWELL TO THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND
BAILIFFS OF CAMBRIDGE.

Cooper’s Annals, i. 377; Cal. ix. 977. Dec. 15 ‹1535›.

Marvels that they have not complied with his requests that
the University be permitted to use the Tolbooth, and desires
them to delay no longer. Will see that justice is done in
all respects.

In my right harty maner I comende me unto youe. Lating you wit that I cannot a little marvayle to understand that notwithstanding my sundrey lettres hertofor addressed unto youe, tuching the permission of the use of the Tolboth, the furniture of the Universitie leates, the advoyding of newe practises, usages, or imposicions, wherby might insewg debate and contencion betweene you and the said universitie, to yo_ur_ owne disquiet, with the offence of the kings peax, ye have both refused to doo and accomplish those things persuaded and enioined therin unto youe, and for the contynuance and nutryment of discorde and trouble amonge the kings subiectts, devised newe things and meanes to augment and engrece the same. The prysonne first is the kings, and seing his grace by his charters and grauntes hath ioyned the universitie with youe in the use therof, I cannot conceyve what ye meane to denye that whiche his grace hath graunted, and by vertue thereof, they have so long enjoyed, which expressly yo_ur_ baylie Ousburn did bothe to the procurators, and also to the vicechancelors deputie. A sergeant of yours also lately tok a peace of cloth from the stall of a commone minister of the Universities for non apparance in yo_ur_ Leate contrary to the comandment given at the tyme of Sturberige fayr, that ye shuld reyse no newe custome, or gather any newe exaction or imposiccon, uppon any scoler, his servaunt or their comone ministers; ye have also refused alonly this yere, to make a certain othe before the congregacion at Saint Maryes church, for the conservacion of the peax, and the presentement to the vicechauncelor of vagabundes and others, breakers and interrupters of the said peax. Nowe shal I, being only a Counsailor, and otherwise then honestie and justice wil no partie, whiche have not only proffessed to travayl for the quiet of both parties, but will devise and labor also to performe the same, desire youe to permytt them, first to have the free use of the tolboth as they have had: to see the cloth restored, taken violently awaye by your sergeant; To see their leats furnished, and to tak such othe, and use all suche things and custumes as ye have doon, untyl fynal direction may be taken betweene both parties. And yet I must ever saye, whiche ye shall also fynde true, that in cace ye shall doo any wrong, or not fulfill that ye be bound unto, wherby tumult and busines shuld rise amonge the kings people, though I do indede favor yo_ur_ cause, as appertayneth, and will also be gladde to doo therein what I canne for yo_ur_ comoditie, Yet in cace prayer and gentle entreatie cannot pull and allure youe awaye from the doing of wrong and iniury, both to the king and his subjectts, I will not fayle to advaunce, to the uttermost of my power Justice and to see punished with extremytie the interrupters thereof, to the example of other. And therfor eftsones, I most hartily praye youe to conforme yourselfs to quietnes in these pointes, and therein to performe that without contencon whiche the princes grauntes, ever to be reverently obeyed, doo require of youe, Ye shal by this waye and meane, doo your dueties, first toward his grace, to me administer most thankfull pleasure, and with your honesties provyde yourselfs quiet and rest, with a good end in all suche controversies as depende between youe and the said universitie. And thus fare youe hartely well. From Stepnaye, the xv^{th} daye of Decembre.

Your freend,
THOM_AS_ CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my loving freendes, the Mayre, Aldermen and bailieffs of the towne of Cambridge.

130. CROMWELL TO GARDINER.

B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 112; Cal. ix. 1010. Dec. 24 ‹1535›.

Thanks him for his letters, and promises to attend to
Gardiner’s wants. The postscript of Cromwell’s other letter
will inform Gardiner of Thwaites’ arrival here, and of the
answers made to the letters he brought.

Aftre my moost harty co_m_mendacons to your lordshippe w_i_t_h_ like thank_es_ for yo_ur_ gentle l_ette_res by the post scripta in myn other l_ette_res nowe writen vnto youe by the king_es_ highnes co_m_maundement ye shal p_er_ceyve tharryval here of yo_ur_ s_er_u_au_nt Thwaytes, w_i_t_h_ the determynac_i_on for answer to be made to suche l_ette_res as he brought w_i_t_h_ him. I shall in the meane tyme so satisfie peter lark yo_ur_ s_er_u_au_nt touching yo_ur_ request for money that ye shall by the next post p_er_ceyve ye be not forgotten, but sufficiently and soo furnished as ye shall haue cause to be contented. Yo_ur_ doing_es_ be no lesse thankfully accepted, thenne yo_ur_ wisedom travail and diligence therin do require and for my p_ar_te if there be anything ell_es_ here that I may doo yo_ur_ pleasure in, vppon yo_ur_ aduertisement I shalbe glad w_i_t_h_ al my harte to satisfie youe in the same. And thus most hartely fare youe wel, from the Rulles the xxiiij^{th} of Decembre

Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my veray good lord my lord of Winchestre.

_Endd._ From the roulles the xxiiij of decemb_er_ Mr. Secretary.

131. CROMWELL TO GARDINER.

B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 114; Cal. ix. 1039. Dec. 30 ‹1535›.

The King approves of his service, and assures him that he
will be glad to welcome him on his return. Reports the
illness of Katherine. Has arranged for his money with Peter
Lark.

My veray good lord aftre my moost harty co_m_mendac_i_ons Thise shalbe taduertise youe that vndoubtedly the king_es_ highnes doth in soo thankfull sorte accepte your s_er_uice there doon vnto his maiestie, and in euery condic_i_on soo allowe approve and co_m_mende yo_ur_ wise substanciall and discreate proceding, as like as ye haue moche cause to reioyse therin, soo shall the same be certain meane and occasion, that ye shall assuredlye what ende soeuer yo_ur_ busines there shall take, returne to his highnes as hartely welcom and in as greate reputac_i_on as youe could yo_ur_self desire, wherof for my p_ar_te I am euen for many respect_es_ as gladde as ye canne be yo_ur_self. Touchyng his graces affayres I write nothing bicause the same be sufficiently touched in his highnes l_ette_res nowe addressed vnto youe, only for newes ye shal vndrestand that the douagier is in greate daunger whiche his Maiestie also willed me to signifie vnto youe, as by the copye of a l_ette_re sent from themp_er_o_ur_s Ambassador here touching her syknes ye shal p_er_ceyve. And as concernyng yo_ur_ money I haue taken ordre w_i_t_h_ yo_ur_ serv_au_nt peter lark, soo as ye shall I doubt ‹not› be shortly therin satisfied. And thus beseching god to sende youe a good newe yere, I bid youe as well to fare as I wold myself. From the Rulles the penultime of Decembre

Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd freend

THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my veray good lord, My Lord of Winchestre the King_es_ highnes Ambassado_ur_ in Fraunce.

_Endd._ From the Roulles the xxx^{th} of Decembre Mr. Secretary

132. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹THE PRIOR OF MONTACUTE›.

R.O. Cal. ix. 1127. ‹1535.›

Has received his letters saying that a young person has made
suit to obtain the lease after its expiration. The King is
assured that he will not recommend any one to him who will
not act honourably and for the King’s profit.

In my right hertie man_er_ I co_m_mende me vnto you Adu_er_tesing the same that I haue receyued your l_ette_res right well p_er_ceyuing the content_es_ of the same And where as ye write vnto me that a nother p_er_son of younger yeres should make sute for thopteyning of the lease after the yeres all redie g_ra_unted in the same being expired and determyned the truth is that there is labour made aswell vnto Mr. Norres as other which is not so vehement ne hastie But that it may be right well stayed. Neu_er_theles the king_es_ highnes hauing ferme trust in yo_ur_ dexteritie and wisedom must ned_es_ haue regarde and expectac_i_on in yo_ur_ l_ette_res. Doubting not but ye will not p_re_ferre any other vnto his highnes but suche as shalbe right mete to do that thing which shalbe most for their own honestie and will haue good regarde and aspect to the King_es_ most proffite.

133. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹POLE›[859].

B.M. Cleop. E. vi, 371; Cal. viii. 220. ‹1535.›

Desires the recipient to answer the things contained in
Starkey’s letter to him, which was written by the King’s
express commandment.

Syr after my most harty reco_m_me_n_datyanys thys shalbe in few & short wordys to requyre you accordyng to the callyng that our lord Jh_es_u Chryst hath callyd & redemyd you that ys to say as wel wyth the gyft of gud l_ette_res and vnderstondyng, as wyth the most excelle_n_t gyft of jugeme_n_t in the same, ye wyl indeuur yourselfe to make answere vnto such thyngys as be co_n_tynyd in master starkeys l_ette_res to you wrytyn at thys tyme, by the kyng our masturys & soueraynys expresse cu_m_ma_n_deme_n_t & that the same answer may be such & of such gravyte, as the lyght & truthe therof may be to the honowre of god, & the satysfactyon of hys hyghnes. Wherof I assure you I wold be as glad as any pare_n_t or frend ye haue lyuy_n_g not dowtyng in your approuyd wysedome & jugeme_n_t but that ye wyl exte_n_d the gyftys gyue_n_ vnto you in such wyse as leuyng al your respectys or affectyon wole so inserch your co_n_scyence & jugeme_n_t for the truth as ye wole both dyscharge yourselfe agaynst god & your pry_n_ce, in dowyng wherof you shal assurydly dow the thyng much to thencrese of your meryte & fame, wherin as he that ys your assuryd frend to hys lytyl power I requyre you to haue indyffere_n_t co_n_syderatyon & so to ordur yourselfe therin as the expectatyon of your frendys wythe the jugeme_n_t of al me_n_ that knowyth you may be satysfyd in that behalfe & thus our lord send you no worse to fare than I wold ye dyd at london

_Add._ To my synguler frend Mayster Edmu_n_de Herwel marchant at Venyce

134. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹AN ABBOT›.

R.O. Cal. viii. 1122. ‹1535.›

In consideration of his willing mind, has obtained the
King’s licence for him to resort to his manors near his
monastery, provided that by so doing he causes no
disturbance.

Ye shall vnderstand that I haue resceyved yo_ur_ l_ette_res[860], and touching that ye desire among_es_ other thing_es_ licence for yo_ur_ selfe and certayn of yo_ur_ bretherne to walke to yo_ur_ mano_ur_s and other places about yo_ur_ monastery. Ye shall understand that in considerac_i_on of the good and toward mynd that I have found yn you toward_es_ me and my s_er_uaunt_es_ diu_er_se ways I[861] have opteynyd licence of the king_es_ highnes for yo_ur_ selfe that ye may resorte vnto yo_ur_ maners and other convenyent walkes nygh vnto yo_ur_ monastery, so that no co_m_mon brute may be reysed therby, not doubtyng but ye will vse yo_ur_ selfe so (as for the good will and mynd I bere toward you) it may be to the good zele of religion and as I may therby resceyve no disworship therby. so that always yo_ur_ bretherne must ned_es_ use and order theymself_es_ accordyng to the Iniunccions in that case geven unto theym in that behalf.

END OF VOL. I.

Oxford: Printed at the Clarendon Press, by HORACE HART, M.A.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Antiquarian Magazine, Aug. 1882, vol. ii. p. 57.

[2] Manning and Bray, History and Antiquities of the County of Surrey, vol. iii. p. 268.

[3] Court Rolls of Wimbledon Manor, 15 Edw. IV. These rolls are now in the possession of Earl Spencer, lord of the manor. They were made accessible to me through the courtesy of his steward, Mr. Joseph Plaskitt.

[4] The original entry reads: ‘Joh_ann_es Cromwell filius et heres W_ilelmi_ Cromwell nup_er_ de Northwell in com_itatu_ Nottingham remisit totum jus &c. in quodam mess_uagio_ vocat_o_ Parkersplace et in quodam tofto et v acris terr_a_e et in uno tofto cum crofto et vii acris terrae dudum nup_er_ voc_atis_ Kendalisland et in viii acris terrae et dimid_io_ jacent_ibus_ in villa et campis de Northwell mag_istro_ Joh_anni_ Porter prebendario prebende de Northwell voc_ato_ prebende de Palishall in eccl_e_sia colleg_ii_ b_eata_e Mari_a_e Suthwell et succ_essoribus_ suis’ (Dods. MSS. in Bibl. Bodl., vol. xxxvi. p. 97, 1 Edw. IV.)

[5] Antiquarian Magazine for August, 1882, vol. ii. p. 59.

[6] Dods. MSS., vol. xi. pp. 193a, 248a; vol. xxxvi. p. 103. Thorold Rogers, in his History of Agriculture and Prices, vol. iv. p. 3, refers to Ralph Lord Cromwell as ‘one of the richest men of the fifteenth century.’

[7] Cf. Appendix I. at the end of this chapter.

[8] The following are some of the more common entries concerning Walter Cromwell:--

‘P_resenta_nt q_uo_d Gualterus Cromwell est co_mmuni_s br_acia_tor de here et fregit ass_is_am’ and ‘q_uo_d Gualterus Cromwell et ... sunt co_mmun_es tipell_ari_i s_er_uisie et freg_eru_nt ass_is_am ideo ip_s_i in mi_sericordi_a vi d.’ (Court Rolls, 17 Nov., 10 Hen. VII.; 17 Oct., 15 Hen. VII.; 28 Oct., 17 Hen. VII.)

‘It_em_ p_resenta_nt q_uo_d Gualterus Smyth alias Crumwell nimis excess_iv_e supo_n_unt co_mmuna_m pas_tur_am d_omi_ni ... cum av_ii_s suis ad co_mmun_e nocument_um_ ideo ip_s_e in mi_sericordi_a vi d.

‘Item presentant q_uo_d { Gualterus
{ Johannes

Smyth de Puttenhith succid_un_t spinas in co_mmun_a p_astu_ra d_omi_ni apud Puttenhith. Ideo ip_s_i in mis_ericordi_a iiii d.’ (Court Rolls, 28 Oct., 17 Hen. VII.)

[9] Court Rolls, 20 Edw. IV. and 16 Hen. VII.

[10] According to the record of 20 May, 11 Hen. VII.: ‘Eleg_erun_t in offic_io_ constabul_arii_ de Puttenhith Gualterum Smyth qui jur_atus_ _est_ in eod_em_ offic_io_.’

[11] As by an entry of 20 May, 19 Hen. VII.: ‘Gualterus Smyth et ... ibid_em_ jur_ati_ p_re_sent_ant_ _om_nia bene.’

[12] The entry in full reads: ‘It_e_m p_re_s_entant_ q_uo_d W ... Crumwell al_ia_s Smyth false _e_t fraudulent_er_ rasuravit evidenc_es_ _e_t terrur_es_ d_omi_ni in div_ersi_s p_ar_cell_is_ ad p_er_turbac_i_o_n_em _e_t exheredac_i_o_n_em d_omi_ni _e_t tenenciu_m_ ejus ut plenius apparet in eisd_e_m. I_de_o co_n_solend_um_ _est_ cum do_mi_no et medio te_mpor_e pr_efatum_ est bidell_o_ seisir_e_ in manus d_omi_ni om_n_ia t_e_r_ras_ _e_t ten_ementa_ sua tent_a_ de d_omi_no p_er_ copiam, _e_t de exit_u_ eor_um_ d_omi_ni respon_dere_’ (Court Rolls, 10 Oct., 6 Hen. VIII.; also Extracts, p. 74).

[13] Cal. vi. 696.

[14] Antiquarian Magazine, vol. ii. p. 178.

[15] Cal. iv. 5772. Cf. also Noble, Memoirs, vol. i. pp. 4-5, 238-241. The statements in Noble about the Williamses and Cromwells are most confusing and contradictory. Except for the information afforded concerning Morgan Williams, they are without value, and for the most part have been superseded by documentary evidence, discovered at a later date.

[16] Court Rolls, 10 Oct., 5 Hen. VII., and Cal. iv. 5772.

[17] Cal. iv. 5757.

[18] Antiquary for October, 1880, vol. ii. p. 164. Antiquarian Magazine for August and October, 1882, vol. ii. pp. 56 and 178.

[19] The original entries read as follows:--

1. ‘Ad hanc cur_iam_ venit Ric_ard_us Williams et surs_um_ red_idit_ in man_us_ d_omi_ni duas i_n_tegras virgatas terrae in Hamptone ... quarum una vocata Purycroft ... et alia virgata vocata Williams ad op_us_ Thomae Smyth hered_um_ et assign_atorum_’ (Court Rolls, 26 Feb., 19 Hen. VII.)

2. ‘Ric_ard_us Williams fecit in_s_ul_tum_ Thomae [Smyth] et eundem Thomam verberavit c_ont_ra pac_em_ d_omi_ni Regis’ ... ‘Ad hanc cur_iam_ venit Thomas Smyth et surs_um_ redidit in man_us_ d_omi_ni duas i_n_tegras virgatas terrae in Rokhamptone ... quar_um_ una virgata vocata Purycroft et alia virgata vocata Williams ad op_us_ Davidii Doby hered_um_ et assign_atorum_’ (Court Rolls, 20 May, 19 Hen. VII.)

[20] Antiquarian Magazine for October, 1882, vol. ii. p. 183.

[21] It is possible that the Thomas Smyth, whose name occurs so frequently in the Court Rolls, was identical with a certain ‘tryumphant trollynge Thomas Smyth,’ who, in 1541, wrote several ballads ‘declaring the despyte of a secrete sedycyous person,’ by name William Graye, who had composed certain verses very derogatory to the memory of Thomas Cromwell. This Thomas Smyth describes himself as ‘servaunt to the Kynges royall Majestye, and clerke of the Quenes Graces Counsell, though most unworthy’; he had perhaps obtained his position through the influence of the King’s minister. He was supported in his tirade against Graye by ‘the ryght redolent and rotunde rethorician R. Smyth ... in an Artificiall apologie articulerlye answerynge to the obstreperous obgannynges of one W. G. evometyd to the vituperacyon of the tryumphant trollynge Thomas Smyth ... to thende that the imprudent lector shulde not tytubate or hallucinate in the labyrinthes of this lucubratiuncle.’ ‘R. Smyth’ was probably another member of the Smyth-Cromwell tribe. The name ‘Ric_ard_us Smyth’ occurs frequently in the Court Rolls (Cal. xvi. 423).

[22] See Appendices I. and III. at the end of this chapter.

[23] See Appendices II. and IV. at the end of this chapter. The suggestion of Mr. Galton (The Character and Times of Thomas Cromwell, p. 22) that ‘Garigliano’ may be a mistake for ‘Marignano’ is scarcely plausible. The great victory of Francis I occurred in 1515, when there is every reason to suppose that Cromwell was in England.

[24] Cal. v. 1197; vii. 923.

[25] The fact that this tale concerns itself with Foxe’s native town of Boston increases the probability of its authenticity. It was probably this same Geoffrey Chambers who in later years was so active as Cromwell’s agent, and as Surveyor-General of the King’s purchased lands. Cf. Cal. xii. (ii), 490, 783, 835, 852, 857, and Ellis, 3rd Series, vol. iii. p. 168.

[26] Cal. x. 1218.

[27] Cal. i. 3556.

[28] Appendix I. to this chapter; Antiquary for Oct. 1880, vol. ii. p. 164.

[29] Appendix to chapter iii. p. 59.

[30] Cal. iii. 3502.

[31] ‘Mr. Pryor’ and ‘Mistress Pryor’ both had rooms in Cromwell’s house, at Austin Friars Gate, where he lived after the year 1524. Before that date he resided near Fenchurch (Cal. iii. 2624; iv. 3197).

[32] Mr. Gairdner kindly informs me that he was misled by a record concerning Robert Cromwell (Cal. ii. (i) 1369).

[33] Singer’s Cavendish, vol. i. p. 193 _n._

[34] Ellis, Thomas Cromwell, p. 12.

[35] Life of Wolsey, Dictionary of National Biography, vol. lxii. p. 325.

[36] Cal. i. 5355.

[37] In the original document (Cal. iii. 1026) the name of the Cardinal is not expressly mentioned. The copy of the citation, however, was sent by his chaplain, Clerk, and can scarcely have been intended for any one but Wolsey, since the case had already reached the Papal Court.

[38] Cal. iii. 3681.

[39] Cal. iii. 1026, 1940, 1963, 2441, 3657.