LETTERS OF THOMAS CROMWELL

PREFATORY NOTE

Here follow a complete collection of the letters of Thomas Cromwell arranged as nearly as possible in chronological order, an itinerary, and a list of his minor preferments. The letters have been copied from the original manuscripts, save in a few cases duly noted, when transcripts have been made from the official copies at the Public Record Office, from Strype and Ribier, or from the collections of Sir Henry Ellis. The spelling follows the original, all contractions are extended but italicized: the original punctuation, paragraphing, and use of capitals are preserved.

But (1) I have disregarded ‘unintelligent’ or faulty marks of contraction, occurring in words in which no letter is omitted. (2) I have not italicized uncontracted letters inserted above the line. For example: the name ‘Thomas’ is almost always written ‘Thom^as’ in the original: I have transcribed it ‘Thomas’ and not ‘Thomas.’ On the other hand, the word ‘your’ is usually written ‘yo^r’ in the manuscript: in this case I have taken the superior ‘r’ as a contracted form of ‘ur,’ and so have transcribed it ‘your.’ (3) In the originals the same script form is used for ‘I’ and ‘J’; I have followed the modern use. (4) The bracket [ ] signifies that the words or letters enclosed would have been in the manuscript had it not been injured. The bracket ‹ › signifies that the word or words enclosed have been inserted by me to complete the sense. The parenthesis ( ) signifies that the enclosure is bracketed in the original. (5) Sentences and words crossed out or underlined in the manuscript have been set below, except when evident mistakes of the writer. The letters ‘c.o.’ signify that the passage against which they are written was crossed out or underlined in the original.

In dating letters, I have followed the modern use, and have taken the first of January and not the twenty-fifth of March as the beginning of the year. I have used the bracket ‹ › in the headings to indicate that the name or date enclosed has not been given in the letter itself, but has been found from external or internal evidence. Letters which bear no indication of the day and month in which they were written are placed at the end of the year to which they apparently belong. The abbreviations ‘R.O.’ and ‘B.M.’ refer to the Public Record Office and British Museum respectively throughout the collection.

LETTERS

1. Cromwell to John Creke.

R.O. Cal. iii. 3249. Aug. 17 ‹1523›.

A letter of friendship, containing an account of the proceedings of the Parliament of 1523, in which Cromwell sat. News concerning Creke’s friends in England.

Maister Creke as hertelye as I can I commende me and in the same wise thanke yow [for your] gentill and louyng letteres to me at sundrye tymys Sent and wher as I accordinglye haue not in lyke wise remembrid and rescribid it hath bene for that I haue not hade anything to wryt of to your aduauncement. Whom I assure yow yf it were in my lytyll power I coulde be well contentyd to preferre as ferre as any one man lyuyng. But at this present I being at Sum layser entending to remembre and also remunerate the olde acquayntaunces and to renew our not forgoten Sundrye communycacions Supposing ye desyre to know the newes curraunt in thes partyes for it is said that newes refresshith the spy[rit] of lyffe, wherfor ye shall vnderstonde that by long tyme I amongist other haue Indured a parlyament which contenwid by the space of xvij hole wekes wher we communyd of warre pease Stryffe contencyon debatte murmure grudge Riches pouerte penurye trowth falshode Justyce equyte discayte opprescyon Magnanymyte actyuyte force attempraunce Treason murder Felonye consyli . . . and also how a commune welth myght be ediffyed and a[lso] contenewid within our Realme. Howbeyt in conclusyon we haue d[one] as our predecessors haue been wont to doo that ys to say, as well as we myght and lefte wher we begann. ye shall also vnderstond the Duke of Suthffolke Furnysshyd with a gret armye goyth ouer in all goodlye hast [whit]her I know not, when I know I shall aduertyse yow. Whe haue in our parlyament grauntyd vnto the Kinges highnes a right large Subsydye, the lyke wherof was neuer grauntyd in this realme. all your frendes to my knowlage be in good helth and specially thay that ye wott of: ye know what I meane. I thinke it best to wryt in parables becaus[e] I am In dowt. Maister Vawhan Fareth well and so doth Maister Munkcaste[r]. Maister Woodall is merye withowt a wyffe and commendyth hym to yow: and so ys also Nycholas longmede which hath payd William Wilfforde. And thus as well f[are] ye as I woolde do my Self At london the xvij daye of August by your Frende to all his possible power

Thomas Crumwell.

Add. To his [esp]ecial and entyrelye belouyd Frende John Creke be this youyn Bylbowe in Biscaye.

2. Cromwell to Elizabeth his Wife.

Ellis’ Letters, 2nd Ser. ii. 125; Cal. iv, App. 57. Nov. 29 ‹1525›.

Sends her a doe. Desires that Richard Swift resort to him at Begham or Tonbridge. Asks for news.

Elyzabeth I commend me unto you and have sente you by this berer a fatt doo, the one half whereof I pray you may be delyvered unto my gossyp mastres Smyth, and with the rest to use your pleasure. And further yf Richard Swifte be cum home or fortune to cum shortly, I will that he resorte to me at Begham or Tonbridge with all dylygence. Such news as ye have in those partyes I pray you sende me parte by this berer. At Begham the xxix^th day of November. And farther I pray you sende me word in wryting who hathe resorted unto you syns my departuer from you to speke with me.

Per your husbend

Thomas Crumwell.

Add. To my well beloved wyf Elyzabeth Crumwell agenst the Freyers Augustines in London be this given.

3. ‹Cromwell›to ——.

R.O. Cal. iv. 955 (3). ‹1524 or 1525.›

Desires that the lands of John Fleming, who has broken covenant with Cromwell, be put in execution.

Syr in my most herty manner I commend me vnto yow aduertesing yow that after knowlege hade of your departure In to the north partyes was veray sorye that my chaunce was not so happye to haue spokyn with yow befor wheruppon I was constrayned for the Singuler trust and conffydence which by long contenuaunce hath Succedyd & ben approuyd In yow towardes your Frendes and louers to wryt vnto yow[746] Syr So hyt is that one John Flemyng of Crofton in the Countye of Yourke in the moneth of may last passid Solde vnto Robert Bolt Certayn landes Tenementtes & heredytamenttes to the Clere yerlye valew of Nyntene poundes and xvi d. of good and lawffull monaye of Ingland to myne vse to the Sum of ccclxxxj^li vj^s viij^d wheroff the sayd John Flemyng resayuyd In partye of payment one hundereth fortye eight powndes nyne shelinges & Syx pence and the rest of the sayd Sum which amountyth vnto ccxxxij^li xvij^s ii^d was put in the Saffe custodye and keping of your Frend Maister Butrye ther to remayn vntyll Suche tyme the sayd John Flemyng sholde haue performyd all his couenaunttes according vnto a payre of Indentures For the which Summys of Monaye and for the non performaunce of the sayd Couenaunttes the sayd John Flemyng standyth bounden to the sayd Robert Bolt In a statute of the Staple of Westminster in one thousand markes payable in the Fest of Saynt Bertholomew the appostill last past the date wherof is the xx^th daye of Maii in the xv^th yere of our souerayng lord kyng henrye the viii^th, and forasmoche as the said Flemyng hath brokyn Couenauntt with me In euerye poynt I am Compellyd to take the execucyon vppon my statute which by this bringer I haue sent vnto yow desyring and her[tely] praying yow that ye will be so Frendlye vnto me yf it be possyble beffore your retorn hetherwardes to make Suche Instaunce vnto the Shereffe of Yorkeshyre that the sayd execucyon may be taken[747] and that all suche landes as the sayd John Flemyng hathe within Yorkshyre maye be put in execucyon and extendyd befor your retorne owte of Yourkshyre and that the wryt of execucyon may be retournyd and what so euer charge shalbe For the Furnysshyng of the same I promyse yow and bynde me by this my lettere to Satysfye and Ferther to recompence your paynys in suche wyse I trust that ye shalbe contentyd. Syr I hertelye desyre and praye yow to haue me excusyd that I sholde be so bolde to requere yow to take Suche payn for me howbeit the experyence which I haue in your good and gentyll approuyd humanyte makyth me the more bolde with yow hauyng no dowbt but that ye will accept & take vppon yow as moche payne For your Frend as any man lyuyng Ferther Syr ye shall vnderstonde

On the dorse

A fragment of a document containing indentures and agreements concerning the manor of Kexby.

The manor of Kexby—

her after shall Inswe the abredgment of certayn Indentures evydence charters dedes esc[riptes] and Mynumentes concernyng the mannour of Kexbye with the appertenances within the Countye of Yorke Delyuery[d] . . . by Iohn Aleyn Cytizen and Altherman of London to the handes of Sundrye Right worsshypfful and discret persons Councellours vnto the most reue[rent] Father in god Thomas lorde Cardenall legate de latere archbusshop of Yourke pry . . . and chaunceler of Inglonde to the vse of the sayd most Reuerend Father in god the dattes of the whiche Indentures evydences charters dedes escriptes & Mynimenttes consernyng the sayd Mannour with parte of the effectes conteynyd [in] the same mor playnlye herafter shall appere

4. ‹Cromwell› to Lady ‹Dorset›.

R.O. Cal. iv. 3053 (ii). April ‹1527›.

Reports a letter received from ‘my lorde’ and addressed to her ladyship, and encloses the copy of another from ‘my lord George,’

Pleasyth it your good ladyship my specyall dewtes fyrst remembred that as vppon Wensdaye being the xvij^th daye of Aprell I resayuyd from my lorde a lettere directyd vnto your good ladyship with also all his honourable aduenture In to Scotland[748] theffect wherof your ladyship shall resayue in your letteres Ferther I resayuyd the same daye a lettere from my lord George the tenour and Copye wherof I haue sent yow herin Inclosyd Madame as ye shall Thinke by your good and vertuese discresyon it may please to aduertyse my good lord which I thinke shalbe well takyn when he shall parsayue that ye doo and shall contenually studye for the aduansment of his honeur.

5. ‹Cromwell› to ‹Viscount Rochford›.

R.O. Cal. iv. 3741. ‹December, 1527.›

Legal information and advice concerning a suit in which Cromwell has been retained as counsel by the wife of Sir Robert Clere, the sister of Rochford.

Pleasyth it your good lordship to be aduertysed howe that it hath pleasyd my ladye your suster wyff to Sir Roberte Clere Knyght to requyre and desyre me to be of counsayll with the sayd Sir Robert her husbande in a certayn[749] Matyer in varyaunce betwene the lady Feneux late the wyff of sir John Feneux Knyght cheffe Justyce[750] desseasyd of and For the deffence of a wrytt of extent of late passyd out of the Kynges hygh courte of the Chauncery dyrected vnto the Sheryff of Norffolke and Suffolke aswell for the extendyng of the landes of the sayd sir Roberte within the sayd countyes as alsoo For the puttyng in execution the bodye of the sayd sir Robert Clere for the satysfactyon and payment of Foure hundreth poundes supposyd to be due to the sayd late cheff Justice disceasyd And For asmoche as by the reporte of my sayd lady your suster and alsoo by the syght of certayn Indentures of Couenaunttes & deffaunttes made aswell bytwene sir John Paston Knyght disceasyd and the sayd Sir Roberte Clere as alsoo bytwene the sayd late cheff Justice and the sayd sir Robert yt maye appere that the sayd Statute of the Staple of cccc^li was made and delyuered to none other intente but onlye For the perfformaunce of certayn couenauntes of Maryage For the assuraunce and onlye aduaunsement of a Joynter to be made to one Elyzabeth late the wyff off one William Clere disceasyd sonne and heyre at that tyme to the sayd sir Roberte whiche Elyzabeth ys nowe wydowe and was lately the wyffe of the sayd late lorde Feneux cheff Justice all whiche couenauntes of Maryage the sayd sir Robert Clere hathe always as I am Informyd bene redye and yet ys to perfourme notwithstandyng[751] that the sayd Sir John Paston in hys lyffe nor sir William Paston nowe lyuyng sonne and heyre of the sayd sir John wolde ne wyll not accordyng to suche couenauntes[752] as the ‹same› be boundyn vnto paye vnto the sayd sir Roberte Clere cc^li Resydue of foure hundreth Markes for the sayd[753] assuraunce of the sayd Couenaunttes of Maryage[754] yet dewe and vnpayd the none payment wherof ys A greate matyer and it were gret pytye and also ayenst bothe reson & Conscyens that the sayd sir Roberte shulde haue his landes extendyd and be compellyd to paye the sayd somme of foure hundreth poundes consyderyng the sayd bounde was made but for the performaunce of the couenauntes of Maryage whiche[755] the sayd Syr Robert was and ys Redye to performe and good Reason it were that the Couenaunttes on the partie of the sayd Sir John Paston also sholde be performyd and the sayd cc^li payde. Neuertheles the sayd Syr Robert Clere ys vtterlye without Remedye by course of the common lawe[756] to defende the execucyon of the sayd wryttes of extent so that the sayd cccc^li shalbe recoueryd of hys landes and bodye onles yt may please your good lordeshyp to moue my lorde hys grace in Conscyens to graunt a wryt of Iniunctyon[757] to be dyrectyd ‹to› the sayd lady Elyzabeth Feneux Commandyng her by the same no ferther to prosecute thexecucion of the sayd wryttes of extent vppon the sayd statute of cccc^li. And alsoo ayenst the sayd Sir Roberte as my sayde lordes grace may gyue commaundement[758] that no wryttes of liberata goo out of the sayd courte of Chauncerye vntyll suche tyme ‹as› the hole matyer tochyng the premysses may dulye and accordyng to conscyence be harde and examyned And your lordshype thus doing shall do the thing in my poore opynyon which shall ‹stand› with reason and good Conscyens as knowyth the holye Trynyte whom I most hertelye beseche to preserue your lordshyp in long lyffe good helth and moche honour

6. Cromwell to Wolsey.

R.O. Cal. iv. 4135. April 2, 1528.

Reports his proceedings in connexion with the monastery of Wallingford. Description of the progress of the Cardinal’s colleges. Desires the benefice of St. Florence for Mr. Birton.

Please it your grace to be aduertised how that I according to your most gracyous commaundement haue repayred vnto the late monasterye of Wallingforde Where I founde aswell all the ornamenttes of the churche as all other ymplementtes of houseolde clerely conueyed awaye and nothing remayning. Sauyng only the euydences Which I sorted and conueyed vnto your colledge at Oxforde And the same delyvered vnto your Dean there. And afterwardes Mr. Croke and I surueyed amended and refourmed aswell the letteres patentes graunted by the king his highnes vnto your grace as also your gyftes and graunttes made vnto your said colledge in suche wise I trust that no defaulte or omyssyon at this tyme is lefte vnrefourmed.

I haue also founde offyces aswell of the saide late monasterye of Wallingforde and of all the londes and tenementtes belonging to the same within the Counties of Oxforde and Berk as also of suche omyssions as were omytted within the saide counties belonging to Frediswides and Lytlemore. And now I do repayre into the Counties of Buck and Bedforde for offyces to be founde there aswell of suche londes as apperteyne to the saide late monasterye of Wallingforde as also to the late monasterye of Praye besides saincte Albons.

The buyldinges of your noble colledge most prosperouslye and magnyfycently dothe arryse in suche wise that to euery mannes iudgement the lyke thereof was neuer sene ne ymagened hauing consideracyon to the largeness beautee sumptuous Curyous and most substauncyall buylding of the same.

Your chapell within the saide colledge most deuoutely and vertuously ordered And the mynistres within the same not onely dyligent in the seruyce of god but also the seruice daylie doon within the same so deuoute solempne and full of Armonye that in myne opynyon it hathe fewe peres.

There is a benefyce voyde within the dyoces of saincte dauyes in Wales which is of your gracyous gyfte by meane of the chauncelorship of Englonde. Yf it may please your grace to gyue the same to Mr. Byrton he shoulde be the more able to do your grace seruyce. The name of the saide benefyce is called sayncte Florence. I assure your grace the saide Mr. Byrton is a right honest man And by somme reporte right well lerned and shall do your grace good seruyce.

My besyness accomplisshed I shall according to my duetie repayre vnto your grace. Most humblye beseching the holie trynytee contynuallye to preserue the prosperous astate of the same in long lif and good helth. At Oxforde the Seconde day of Aprell.

Your most humble seruaunt

Thomas Crumwell.

Add. To my l. . .

Endd. M^r Cromewel ii^da Aprilis 1528

7. Cromwell to Thomas Arondell.

R.O. Cal. iv. 4441. June 30 ‹1528›.

Requests him to send information concerning Wolsey’s wishes about various matters in connexion with the Colleges at Ipswich and Oxford.

Right woorshipfull sir in my right hartie maner I commende me vnto youe, Aduertising the same, that I have receyued my lorde his gracious letteres, wherin his grace commaundethe to be diligent in thexpedicion of suche busynes as Do concerne the perfeccion of his colledge in Gypswiche, whiche I do intende (god willing) to put in execucion withe all spede, howbeit certeyne thinges arn first to be knowen of my saide lorde his gracious pleasure, or euer the same can be perfected accordingly. Wherof one is, that it may please his grace to name the person that shalbe his Dean of his saide Colledge, And also to send to me ayen the Bille assigned of the licence graunted to his grace by the kyng his highnes to erect the saide colledge in Gipswiche, so that the signet and pryuye Seale may be made out vpon the same, And that we maye examyn the boke of erection which nowe must passe by my lorde his grace with the same bille signed in euery poynt. His gracious pleasure must also be knowen whether that (the Dean of his saide saide[759] colledge being Decessed, or by any other mean Depryued or amoued from the saide Deanrie) his grace then wille that thellection of a new Dean shalbe emonges them of the colledge or whether his grace will remytt the same to be ordred by his Statuttes by hym to be made accordingly. It maye please youe also to moue his grace whether he wille absolutelie haue a guyfte made to his colledge in Oxforde of the late Monasterie of Wallyngforde the parsonage of Rudbye, and suche other londes as his grace hathe purchased of sir Antonye and sir Roberte Ughtred in the Counties of Yorke and Lyncoln, or that he will haue the same Monastori and other the premisses geuyn vpon condicion to his saide Colledge in Oxforde, to thyntent that they shall make a lyke guyfte of the londes apperteynyng to the late Monastoris of Snape, Dodneshe, Wyke and Horkisley to his saide colledge in Gipswiche, whiche condicion in myn opynyon shulde well serue for all casualties, and compelle them of the colledge in Oxforde to make a guyfte of the same accordingly. One speciall thing ther is that ye must moue his grace in which is, that he maye not in any wise procede to therrection of his saide colledge in Gipswiche, before the xxj. daye of Julye next comyng, for asmuche as thoffices in the Chauncerie shall not expire, vnto the full accomplishment of iij Monethes vntill the saide xxj Daye, nor his grace cannot haue the Syte and circuyte of the late Monastori of Saynct Peter suppressed, vpon the whiche the saide colledge muste be erected by thordres of the lawe of thie londe before the saide xxi Daye. His gracious pleasure knowen in the premisses I trust by thassistence of my lorde chief Baron vnto whome I wille resorte from tyme to tyme for his good counsaile to perfourme fulfille and accomplisshe euery thing according to his said gracious pleasure, in suche wise that he shall therwithe be right well contented. Hartely Desiring youe to moue his grace for the signature of the lettere for the poore man of Arragosco who lyeth here to his great and importunate costes and charges in maner to his vtter vndoyng, And also for the signature of one other lettere in Frenche Directed to the gouernours of the Towne of Depe for the Delyuerie of certeyn Englisshe mennys goodes beyng marchaunttes of London of late taken vpon the See by men of warr of the saide toune of Diepe. It maye also please youe to shew my lorde his grace this lettere and that I maye haue answer of his gracious pleasure withe all spede, whiche shalbe a great furtheraunce to his busynes. The mynute of his erexion is all redye Drawen and shalbe perfected vpon his answer And thus our lorde preserue youe At London the xxx Daye of June.

At your commaundement

Thomas Crumwell.

Add. To the right woorshipfull maister Thomas Arondell be this youen.

Endd. From Mr. Cromwell the xxx day of Junii about the perfectinge of the Cardynalls ij Colleges of Oxford and Ipswich.

8. Cromwell to Wolsey.

R.O. Cal. iv. 4697. ‹Sept. 3, 1528.›

Details concerning the colleges at Oxford and Ipswich, and the revenues from the lands and monasteries appropriated for their use.

Please it your grace to haue in remembraunce your Fynours of Duresme whose contynuaunce here is not onely to their greate cost and losse of tyme but also to the greate hinderaunce of your werkes ther, and also they be veray poore, your gracious pleasure therfore wold be knowen whether they shall resorte to your presence, or howe otherwise your grace will they shalbe ordred

I haue according to your moste gracious commaundement sent herein inclosed the clere yerely valeurs of all suche londes as ye haue purchased in the Counties of Yorke and Buckingham, and also the clere yerely value of the late monasterie of Wallingforde

If it may stonde with your pleasure to appoynte in whose name your grace intendithe to dedicate your colledge in Gipswiche, and by what name the maister and fellowes shalbe called, the lycence of erexion, the letteres patenttes, pryuate Seales and other thinges necessarie for the same myght be put in a redynes so that no tyme shulde be loste

I haue caused suche billes as be allredie signed to passe the pryuy signet and pryuate Seale, and shall nowe put to wryting the letteres patenttes for the brode Seale, so that after the iii monethes expired your grace may geue the londes conteyned within the same according to youre moste gracious pleasure. It shalbe well done that your grace haue in remembraunce thappropriacion of the benefices to your colledge in Oxford, and that an ende maye be takyn withe all ordynaries which I thinke is not yet done

I haue spoken with maister Babington nowe lorde of Kylmayne for the exchaunge to be made bitwene your colledge in Oxforde and his religion for Saundforde, It may therfore please your grace that your pleasure may be knowen whether this vacacion your counsaile shall farther commune withe hym and other whiche haue auctoritie in that behalf, or not, whiche in myn opynyon shulde be well done, and will sett your purpose in a great forwardnes

It may also please your grace that these instruccions herein inclosed may be sent to maister Holgill for thordering of hymself in taking possession lyueraye and season at Rudby, whiche Instruccions were deuysed by the Judges, and it shalbe necessarie that he haue them withe spede.

Your gracious pleasure knowen touching the premisses I shall most humblie indeuoir myself according to my duetie to accomplisshe your most gracious commaundement, As knowithe the holly trynytie vnto whome I shall daily during my lyfe praye for the prosperous conseruacion of your good grace

Your most humble servaunt

Thomas Crumwell.

Add. To my lorde his grace.

Endd. From Mr Cromwell touching rudby

Instruccions for Maister Willyam Holgill for possession lyueraye and season to be taken in the parsonage of Rudby in Clevelonde

First to cause my lorde Conyers to serche his euydence towching thaduowson of the patronage of Rudby, and to se whether it be aduowson appendaunte, that is to saye, apperteyning to a manor or to an Acre of londe, or that it be aduowson in grosse, that is to saye, aduowsonage onely appending to no manor ne yet to none Acre of londe, And to receyue the saide Euydence of the saide lorde Conyers concernyng the said aduowson

Itm to knowe whether the saide aduowson be intailed, and whether it be intailed to theires males, or to theires generall, and to receyue the deades of Intaile, or Fynes if any suche be, of the saide lorde Conyers

Itm that thattourneis named in the deade of Feoffement made to the saide Willyam Holgill and other, do enter into thacre of londe named in the saide deade of Feoffement, and delyuer season by a turfe, to the saide maister Holgill, and also to delyuer possession and season by the ryng of the churche dore

Itm after possession, lyueraye and season taken in the saide Acre of londe, and by the ryng of the churche doore as is aforsaide, that then the saide Attourneis do enter into the saide parsonage and also to delyuer possession lyueraye, and season in the parsonage vnto the saide maister Holgill, and that the deade of Feoffement be redd in all three[760] places, and to take at the leste xxx or xl witnesses, calling therto asmany yonge children as ye may

9. Cromwell to Gardiner.

R.O. Cal. iv. 5186. Jan. 18 ‹1529›.

Has been unable to repair to the Cardinal, on account of the press of work in connexion with his colleges. Description of the damage done by the overflowing of the Thames.

Worshipfull Sir, after most hartie comendacyons it may please you to aduertise my lorde his grace that the cause Why I do not repayre thither at this present ys for that I haue certen bokes to be don and accomplisshed concerning his colledge in Gipswich That is to say a deade of gyfte from his grace to his saide colledge of the late monasteryes of Felixstowe Rumburgh and Bromehill The King his letteres patentes of assent to the Suppression of the same late monasteryes, The King his letteres patentes of assent to the pope his bull of exempcyon of the saide colledge The King his letteres patentes of lycence for thimpropryacion of the benefyces belongyng to the saide late monasteryes A deade of gyft from the Duke of Norff. to my lord his grace of the saide late monasterye of Felixstowe A relesse from the prior and conuent of Rochester of all theyr right tytle and patronage of in or to the same late pryory of Felixstowe A relesse from the abbot and conuent of Saynct Maryes in Yorke of all their right and tytle in or to the late pryory of Rumburgh A relesse from my lorde of Oxforde of all his right and tytle in the late pryory of Bromehill And a relesse from the Frenssh quene and the duke of Suffolk of all theyr right and tytle in the manours of Sayes courte and Byckeling and in the late pryorye of Snape. All which bokes be not yet in a redynes ne parfyted vnto my mynde Intending assone as the same shalbe fynysshed and made parfyte, whiche I trust shalbe to morow at nyght or wenesday by none at the Ferthest to repayre vnto my lorde his grace, vppon his gracyous pleasure knowen for thinsealing of the same accordingly. It may also please you to aduertise my lorde his grace that Sythen his repayree to Rychmond I have ben at Lyesnes Where I saw one of the most pyteous and greuous sightes that ever I saw which to me before the Sight of the same was incredyble concernyng the breche out of the Thamyse into the marsshes of Lyesnes which be all ouerflowen and drowned And that at the last chaunge the tyde was so high that there happened a new breche which hathe fordone asmoche worke there as will cost ccc^li the new making of the same In so moche that if my being there had not ben to haue incouraged the workemen and labourers I assure you all the labour and money that hathe ben ther spent heretofore had ben clerely lost and cast away. And the workemen and labourers wolde haue departed and left all at chaunce whiche shoulde haue ben the gretest yuell that euer happened to the countrey ther. Nevertheles I with thaduyse of suche wyse men as ben in the countrey there haue set suche dyrectyon in the same that I trust all shalbe well and the workes there ended with good spede god willing. For the furnyture and accomplisshment whereof there is a new assesse made and my lorde his colledge for theyr parte ben assessed at ccxx li which money of necessyte must be had out of hande Prayeng you so to solycyte my lordes grace that the same money may be had incontynent Assuring you that his grace shall do as merytoryous a deade in the delyuering of the saide money for his colledge at this tyme as though he gaue so moche money for goddes sake Considering the grete hurte myschief losses and inconuenyences that is lyke to insue to the countrey there and to the King his streme and also the hurte that may insue to his colledge in the losse of suche grounde and land as they haue there Whereunto for the quantytee thereof ys none lyke to the same in that countrey ne few in any other countrey. Yf the saide breche be not shortly amended and spedely prouyded for I assure you suche inconuenyences may insue that yt were to grete pytee. And to thintent that ye may be the more assured of the trewth in the premysses I haue sent you a lettere here inclosed which I receyued from one of the maisters of the said workes ymedyatly after the wrytyng of this lettre Intending to repayre vnto Lyesnes, with all spede for the redresse and fortheraunce of the premisses asmoche as in me shalbe possible. Hertely beseching you to procure that I may haue answer of my lordes pleasure in euery thing concerning the contentes forsaid by this berer my seruaunte. And thus our lorde preserue your long lyf At London the xviii day of Januarye.

Yours most bounden

Thomas Crumwell.

Add. To the right worshipfull Maister doctour Gardyner be this yeuen with spede.

Endd. Letters from M. Crumwel of the xviij daie of Januarij

10. ‹Cromwell› to ——.

R.O. Cal. iv. 5757 (ii). July ‹1529›.

Has written in favour of the chaplain. Requests the recipient to desire his wife to take the daughter of Cromwell’s sister, and bring her up. Promises to recompense him and his wife.

. . . C . . . ert as hertelye as I can I commende me vnto you and mervayle gretlye that ye haue made no better spede for your chaplayn In whos Fauours I haue wryten vnto Mr. Chaunceler of Wynchester trustyng that he wylbe good maister vnto hym For my sake I wooldbe veray lothe that ye sholde mysse your purpose Syr I praye you be so good vnto me as to lett me send my systers daughter vnto the Jentylwoman your wyff and that ye wyll on my behalf desyre her to take her and to bryng her vpp for the which her goodnes yf she wylbe content so to doo I shold rekyn my self moste bounden both to you and here and besydes the payment For her borde I wyll so content your wyffe as I trust she shalbe woll pleasyd that I may know your answer herin I hertelye praye yow and thus hartelye Fare ye well.

At london the —— daye of July.

11. Cromwell to Mr. Claybrook.

R.O. Cal. iv. 5812. ‹July, 1529.›

Desires him to seek out all registers, and the bulls of the Cardinal’s legation, so that the same may be shown to the King’s attorney.

Maister Cleybroke this to aduertise yow as ever ye intend to doo my lord pleasure or seruyce that ye with all dylygens seke owt the register of Maister Tonneys and also all other registers with also the bullys of my lordes legacye to thentent the same may be shewyd this nyght to the Kynges attorney for suche Causes as I declaryd vnto yow at my last spekyng with yow of answer by thys berer I praye yow that I may haue knowlege and fare ye woll.

Your Frend

Thomas Crumwell.

12. Cromwell to William Brabazon.

R.O. Cal. iv. 6099. Dec. 19 ‹1529›.

Desires him to ride with Mr. Copeland to the north, and assist him with advice in his affairs there.

Willyam Brabazon I comende me vnto you And wolde if ye be at conuenyent leysour that ye do Ryde with Maister Cowplonde this berer into the North partes and to assiste him with your counsaill in suche matiers as he hathe there to do according to suche instruxions as I haue drawen and delyuered to the same Mr. Cowplande Not doubting but he will consider your paynes accordinglye And thus fare ye well. At London the xix^th day of December.

Your louyng maister

Thomas Crumwell.

13. Summaries of Cromwell’s Letters.

MSS. Jesus Coll. in Bibl. Bodl. Oxon. c. 74, pp. 262 ff.; Cal. iv. 6076. ‹1530.›

Various items concerning the relations of Cromwell and Wolsey after the latter fell into disgrace. Cf. Letters 18, 19.

‘Crumwell to the Cardinal, July 12, ‹1530›.

‘As touching the processe against your Grace out of the Exchequer and all other matters and suites brought against yow I haue pleaded your pardon, which is allowed in all the King’s Courtes and by the same your Grace discharged of all manner Causes at the K^s suite.

Cromwell tells the Card^l this solliciting his Cause hath bin very chargeable to him and he cannot susteine it any Longer without other Respect then he hath had hertofore. I am 1000 l. worse than I was when your troubles began.

As touching your Colleges, the King is determined to dissolve them, and that new offices shall be found of all the Lands belonging to them newly to intitle his Highnes which be allready drawne for this purpose. But whether his Highnes, after the dissolution of them meane to revive them againe and founde them in his owne name, I know not. Wherefore I entreat your Grace to be content, and let your Prince execute his pleasure.’

‘Cromwell to the Cardinal, May 17, 1530.

‘That the King hath received his Letters and is very sorry that he is in such necessity, yet that for Releefe his Ma^ty hath differed it till he speak with his Counsail. The D. of Norfolk promiseth you his best ayd but he willeth you for the present to be content and not much to molest the King (concerning payment of your Debts etc) for, as he supposeth, the time is not meet for it. His Grace (i. e. the King) shewed me how it is come to his knowlege that your Grace should haue certein words of him and other Noblemen vnto my L^d of Norfolk since the time of your adversityes which words should sound to make sedition betwixt him and my Lord of Norfolk.

Mr. Page received your Letters directed vnto my Lady Anne, and delivered the same. there is yet no answer. she gaue kind words, but will not promise to speake to the K. for you.

Certein Doctors of both the Vniversityes are here for the suppression of the Lutheran opinions. The Kings H^nes hath caused the sayd doctors at divers times to assemble, and hath commoned with them. The fame is that Luther is departed this Life. I would he had never bin borne.’

‘Cromwel writes to Card^l Wolsey, August, ‹1530›.

‘Intreating him to haue patience etc. that there shall be some offices sent into York and Nottinghamsh. to be found of your Lands, belonging to your ArchBishoprick. This will be very displeasant to you, but it is best to suffer it. for if they should not be found you could not howld your Bishoprick quiet, notwithstanding your pardon: for your Restitution made by your Pardon is cleerly Voyd, for that the King did restitute your Grace before He was intitled by matter of Record. When these offices shall be found, your pardon shall be good and stand in parfait effect.

He tells him that his modest behaviour and humility hath gayned him the Love and good report of the Country where he now Lives and allso in the Court, yet his Enemyes depraue all. Sir, some there be that do allege that your Grace doth keep too great a Howse and family and that you are continually a-Building—for the Love of God therefore haue a respect and refraine etc.’

‘Crumwell writes to the Cardinal, Octob‹er, 1530›.

‘I am informed your Grace hath in me some diffidence as if I did dissemble with you or procure anything contrary to your profit and honour I much muse that your Grace should so think or report it secretly considering the paines I haue taken etc. Wherfor I beseech you to speak without faining if you haue such conceit, that I may cleere myself. I reckoned that your Grace would haue written plainly vnto me of such thing, rather than secretly to haue misreported me etc. But I shall beare your Grace no Lesse good will etc. Let God judge between Vs. Trewly your Grace in some things overshooteth your self; there is reg[ard] to be given what things ye vtter and to whom etc.’

‘I find by these Lettres that Cramwel kept certein scholers in Cambrige, for he entreats the Card^l. to preferre them to Benefices which should fall in his ArchBishoprick.’[761]

14. ‹Cromwell› to ‹Wolsey›.

R.O. Cal. iv. 6368. May 5 ‹1530›.

Information concerning the progress of the Cardinal’s affairs at Court. Advises him to comply with the King’s requests.

After my right hartie Commendacions to your grace according to your desire specified in your Letteres of answer to the request made vnto youe by the Kinges maiestie for the Treasourership of York I haue so solicited the matier bothe to his hieghnes and to doctour Leighton that bothe be content that your gift shall stande so as your grace do accomplishe the tenour of his hieghnes Letteres nowe eftsones directed vnto youe, whiche myn advise and counsail is that youe shall in any wise ensue, and that your chauncelour shall do the semblable in another request made by his Maiestie vnto him without staye tract or further stycking. And in any thing elles wherin I maye do vnto your grace stede or pleasure I shalbe as glad to doo thoffice of a frende as you shalbe to require the same of me. Thus moost hartely Fare youe well. From St. James besides Westminster the v^th of Maye.

15. Cromwell To Wolsey.

R.O. Cal. iv. 6431. June 3 ‹1530›.

Promises to send a full answer to his letters by Ralph Sadler. Recommends the bearer.

Please it your grace to be aduertised that I haue receyued your letteres by Thomas Rawlyns and haue perceyued the contentes thereof and will make answer to the same particulerly by my seruaunt Rafe Sadleyr, who our lorde willing shalbe with your grace with all spede. Your grace I assure you is moche bounde to the gentilman this berer for his good reporte in euery place who I assure your grace hathe not lefte in euery presence to say of you as by lykelohod ye haue gyuen him cause. I assure your grace he and such other haue don your grace moche good, it shalbe in myn opynion therefore right well don to give him thankes accordingly, for by my faith he is right worthye. And thus the holie trynitee preserue your grace in long lyf good helth and moche honour. At london the iii^rd daye of June.

Your most humble seruaunt

Thomas Crumwell.

Add. my lorde Cardinall‹s› grace.

16. ‹Cromwell› to ‹Wolsey›.

B.M. Cott. App. L. 7; Cal. iv. 6482. June 30 ‹1530›.

Fragment of a letter, in answer to several minor requests of the Cardinal. Various details.

. . . as to send your grace any quayles it ys not possybyll For ther ys non that will Carye them as For Sedes I wyll Send yow by the next maister Stubbis Sayth he will prouyde baudekyn for your grace I am sorye for hym he ys Swed in a primineri by burges which was ons ellect presydent of Maudlen Colledge I thinke it wyll cost hym money or he get owt,[762] my lord chaunselour hath promysyd that Masteres lacye shall bere the Costes of them that shall bryng vp John lawrans and Robert Turner. I beseche your grace to be so good lorde as to send me A gelding and I trust shortlye after to se your grace by the assistens of our lorde whom I most hertelye beseche to preserue your grace in long lyffe good helth and moche honour at london the last daye of June

17. Cromwell to Wolsey.

R.O. Cal. iv. 6530. July 24 ‹1530›.

In favour of his kinsman Dr. Carbot; requests Wolsey to take him into his household and service.

After my most humble Recommendacions with my dailie seruice and contynuall praier May it pleas your grace to call to your good and most graceous remembraunce how that I being with your grace in your gallerie at the Chartrehouse at Shene most humblie supplied[763] vnto the same for the acceptacion of this berer Mr. doctour Carbot my kynsman vnto your seruice At which tyme it pleased your grace beninglie to graunt me to accept hym promising both vnto him and me that ye wolde be his good and graceous Lorde vpon the which he hath tarried here in these parties Contynuallye to his great cost Supposing that I sholde haue repared with him vnto your grace by meane wherof he thought the better to be esteemed But forasmoch as he now perceyueth that for dyuers causes I maye not he hath desired me to write vnto your grace in his fauours Most humblie and effectuallye beseching your grace to receyue him into your house and seruice Whome I trust your grace shall finde apte mete discrete dilligent and honest And suchon that Willinglie Louinglie and obedientlie shall and wilbe gladde to serue your grace in any thing that your pleaser shalbe to commaunde him Trusting fermlie that bye experience ye shall right well lyke him Eftsones most humblie and effectuallie beseching your grace to be his good and graceous Lorde for my sake and at this my poure and most humble sute and contemplacion to take him withowt reiection And thus the holie trenitie preserue your grace in long lyf and good helth. At Londe‹n› the xxiiii^th daye of July.

Your most humble seruaunt and bedysman

Thomas Crumwell.

Add. my lordes grace

18. ‹Cromwell› to Wolsey.

R.O. Cal. iv. 6571. August 18 ‹1530›.

Information concerning the progress of the Cardinal’s affairs at Court and elsewhere. Begs him to cease building for a time, in order that his enemies may have no chance to accuse him of extravagance. News from England and the Continent. Cf. Letter 13.

Please it your grace to be aduertised[764] that after the Receipt of your letteres dated at Southwell on saynt Laurence Day I perceyued how that your grace remayned in som displeasure and anxietie of mynde for that I by my letteres had before certefied you of the fynding certen offices concerning your busshopriche of Yorke The Fynding whereof as I perceyue by your letteres ye do suppose should be moche to your dishonour & detriment For the which intent that your grace may put yourself in repose & quietacion of mynde I haue sent vnto you this berer who shall at length declare vnto you besides the demonstracion of the copies of suche offices as be drawen for that purpose that the Fynding of the said offices savyng onelie that in the preamble of the same there is touched the conuiction of your grace in the premunire which all the wourld alredie knoweth shalbe for your good onelie proffit and availe And yet your pardon and restitucion stand in good & perfite effecte So that your grace shal haue no nede nether to be in fere of losse of any your spirituall or temporall goodes or to be troubeled for the same ne also to be put to any new Sute in the obteyning of any other pardon or restitucion. And if in case your said pardon and restitucion were in any parte insufficient I assure your grace I know that the kinges highnes wold it should be made as good as by any counsaill it could be Devised And doubt ye not but his highnes is your gracyous and benigne Souereigne lorde and wold in no wise that ye should be greued molested or troubeled. Wherfore it may please your grace to quiet yourself and to take the fynding of these offices pacientlie and vppon the retourne of the same there shalbe such orders taken that your grace shall not be interrupted in the receyuing of your reuenues ne otherwise be molested in any maner case for any new sute As touching your colledges the offices shalbe founde houbeit the Deane and suche other as haue sued to the kinges highnes haue had veray good answer wherof I think they haue certefied your grace or this tyme. As touching the m^l markes of the reuenues of Wynchester I doubt not but it shalbe obteyned at the audite And concerning Batyrsey it may please your grace that such thinges as ye haue sent me the copies of may be sent hither vnder seale for they woll trust no scrowes and also that Serche may be made for Busshop Bothes will concerning the same. Strangwissh continually cryeth and maketh exclamacion in the courte of you insomoch that the lordes of the counsaill haue determyned to wryte vnto you in that behalf wold to our lorde your grace were rid of that man. As concerning the prebends of Witwang doubt ye not but in that all thing is and shalbe ordered to your good contentacion. Sir I assure your grace that ye be moch bounde to our lorde god that in suche wise hath suffered you so to behaue and order yourself in thes parties to atteyne the good myndes and hertes of the people[765] there the reporte whereof in the courte and elleswhere in these parties is & hathe ben[766] to the aquyryng & augmentyng the good oppynyons of many persons towardes your grace beseching your grace therfore to contynue[767] in the same after Suche a Sorte and Fashyon as ye may daylye increase not onlye in the Fauours of the pepull ther but also here and elleswhere to the pleasure of god & the prynce And notwithstonding your good vertuous and charitable demeaning and vsing yourself[768] in thes parties ys not by your enemies[769] interpretyd after the best Fashyon yet always Folow and perseuer ye attemperatelye in suche thinges as your woorldlye affeccyons Sett apart Shall serue to stand best with the pleasure of god and the kyng Sir som ther be that doth alledge in that your grace doth kepe to grete a house & famylie and that ye are contynually buylding for the loue of god therefore I eftesones as I often tymys haue done most hertelye beseche your grace to haue respecte to euery thing and consyderyng the tyme to refrangne your Self for a Season from all manner byldingges more than mere necessite requireth which I assure your grace[770] shall sease and putto Sylence Som persons that moche spekyth of the same. For the geldinges which your grace Dyd send me I do most humblie & hertelie thank you beseching your grace to gyue Further Credens to this berer, who shall declare vnto your grace other thinges not wryttyn[771] I do Relys your grace right happye that ye be now at libertye to serue god and to lern to experyment how ye shall banyshe and exyle the vayn desyrys of this vnstabyll warld, which vndowtydlye dothe nothing elles but allure euery person therin And specyally such as our lorde hath most endewyd with his gyftes to desyre[772] the affeccyons of theyr mynd to be satysfyed In Finding and Sekyng wherof most persons besyd the gret trauaylles and afflyccyons that men Suffer daylye bene dryuyn to extreme Repentance and Serching for plesure and Felycyte Fynd nothing but So trowbyll Sorow anxyete and aduersyte Wherfor in myn oppynyon your grace being as ye ar I suppose ye woolde not be as ye werre to wyn a hundreth tymys as moche as ye were possessyd off the Busshop of Bayonne ys daylye lokyd For and my lord of Wyltshyre ys cummyn home the Saying here is that the emperoure hathe good obbedyence of his Subiectes in all thing sauyng that they wyll not discent from the lutheran sekt it ys also sayd that emprour doth mak musters for a gret army to be preparyd agenst the turke to passe into Hungarye for the recouerey of that Regyon And that the seconde Son of the emperour ys departyd this present lyffe the news here ys that the Germayns wyll medlye haue a generall Consaylle for the reformacyon of many thinges the Florentynys doth styll contenew and defende the power of the pope and it ys Supposyd that they shall vynce by meane that ther ys a gret pestylence Fallen amongst them being in the Felde of the popis partye ther ys also a gret Carystye in Italye of all manner of grayn in so moche A quarter of whet ys worth generallye Fortye shelyngges. they loke daylye for an ambassadour from the pope who at the Ferthest wilbe here with xiij dayes the kynges highnes is this nyght at amptell and ther wyll Contenew this xiiij dayes. it may please your grace to pardon me that I do not repayre vnto yow at this tyme for vndowtydlye it ys not possyble as this berer shall Ferther Declare vnto your grace our lord knowyth my wyll and mynde. and I trust verelye that your grace doth perffytlye think that I woolde be glade to see yow and vnfaynydlye I woolde haue sene your grace long er this yf I hadde not bene lettyd by Importune busynes wherfor I eftsones most humblye besech your grace of pardon and though I am not with yow in person yet be ye assured I am and duryng my lyff shalbe with your grace in hert spyryt prayer & seruyce to the vttrest of my poore and symple power as knowyth our lorde whom I most hertelye besech to preserue your grace in long lyff good helth with thincreace of your hertys desyre. at london the xviij^th daye of August. I beseche your grace to depeche this berer whom I mygh‹t› evyll haue forbern at this tyme but onlye that I persayuyd by your letteres that ye moche desyryd to be put in quyetacyon and that besyd myself I Coulde not send any that Coulde certefye your grace of the effectes of such thinges as ye desyre to be answeryd in But onlye he eftsonys beseching your grace spedlye to send hym home for my busynes ys such that I cannot lake hym.

Endd. my lorde Cardenall.

19. ‹Cromwell› to ‹Wolsey›.

B.M. Cott. App. L. 81; Cal. iv. 6699. Oct. 21 ‹1530›.

Begs the Cardinal’s favour for Doctor Carbot, Nicholas Gifford, and Cromwell’s scholars at Cambridge. News of the Emperor’s movements. Information concerning the Praemunire. Cf. Letter 13.

. . . eyen three monethis in Chaunserye, howbeit your grace shalbe so prouydyd for that ye shalbe owt of all dowttes for all the kynges offycers in the meane Season. I most humblye beseche your grace to be good lorde vnto my poore kynsman Doctour Karbott and let hym haue sum lytyll offyce vnder your grace. I dowt not thoughe he be Sumwhat Symple in Aparence yet he shall discharge hymself yf ye put hym in trust and A lityll auctoryte. I beseche your grace [a]lso to be good lorde vnto your Seruaunt Nycholas Gyfforde . . . when Anything shall happen to Fall which may do ‹him› good to Remembre hym for my sake your grace shall [fin]de hym in myn oppynyon thoughe he be yong and [some]what wylde[773], on disspossyd bothe to trewthe [hone]ste and hardynes, and he ‹is one› that wyll loue yow [with] all his harte. yf any thing Falle I beseche your grace [to re]membre my scolers in Cambryge and bothe they [and I sha]ll pray to our lord Jhesu Crist to preserue [you] in long lyff good helth with Increase of [honour. Th]emperour wyl be at Colayn In the Feaste of . . . withowt Faylle the Parlyment ys prorogyd [vntil the] vi daye of January. The prelattes shalnot appere [in the] premunire. Ther ys Another way deuysyd in [place thereof] as your grace shall Ferther know. the prynces of [Almayne] Can ne wyllnot Agree to emperowr and [I bese]che the holy trynyte preserue your grace . . . [in] quyetnes and Contentacyon I beseche your . . . for this lettere . . . Wrytyn for lake of . . . [in] hast the xxi of octobre

20. Cromwell to Mr. Borough.

R.O. Cal. iv. 6800 (i). ‹Dec. 1530.›

Desires to know if Borough wishes to buy a friend’s horse, which certain Frenchmen are anxious to purchase.

Mr. Borough in my most hartie wise I commende me vnto you And so yt ys that my frende Mr. Sommer may at this tyme sell his horse right well and proffutablye but forasmoche as he before this hath promised you that ye shall refuse him before any other he hathe desyred me to know your mynde So that yf ye will not medell he may do his best. for there be certeyn Frensshe men which moche desyreth to haue the saide horse Wherefore I hartely pray you that I may know your mynde by this berer in wrytyng what ye will do And this[774] hartely fare ye well At London this present Saterdaye.

Assurydlye your frende.

Thomas Crumwell.

Add. To the right worshipfull Mr. Henry Borough be this yeuen.

21. ‹Cromwell› to Stephen Vaughan.

B.M. Galba B. x, 338; Cal. v. 248. ‹May, 1531.›

An account of the reception of William Tyndale’s book, The Answer, by Henry VIII., and of his anger at the opinions it advanced. Cromwell urges Vaughan to cease advocating Tyndale’s cause, and to request Frith to abandon him[775].

Stephen Vaughan I commende me vnto you And haue receyued your letteres dated at Andwerpe the xviii^th day of Aprell with also that parte of Tyndalles boke Sewed and inclosed in lether which ye with your letteres directed to the kinges highnes After the recept whereof I dyd repayre vnto the courte and there presented the same vnto his royall maiestee who after the recept thereof made me answer for that tyme that his highnes at oportun leysour wolde vysite ouersee and rede the contentes aswell of you[r] letteres as also the saide boke And at my next repayre thither it pleased his highnes to call for me declaring vnto me aswell the contentes of your letteres as also moche of the matier conteyned in the saide boke of Tyndalles. And albeit that I might well perceyue that his maiestee was right well pleased and right acceptablie considered your diligence and payn[es] taken in the wryting and sending of the saide boke as also in the perswading and exhorting of Tyndall to repayre int[o] this realme in the accomplisshement of his high pleasure and comaundement yet I might coniecture by the ferther declaracyon of his high pleasure Which sayed vnto me that by your wryting it manyfestlie appered how moche {yet his highnes nothyng lyked the sayd boke being fyllyd with Scedycyous Slaunderous lyes and Fantastycall oppynyon‹s› Shewing therin nether lernyng nor trewthe and ferther Communyng with his grace I mygh‹t› well coniect that he though‹t› that ye bare moche} affection and zele ye bere towardes the saide Tyndall whom in his maners modestie and Symplycytee {& knowlage in woordlye thinges} ye vndoubtedlie {in your letteres} do moche more allowe and commende then his {whos} workes being so replete with lyes and most {then the warke of hit Self is able to deserue} {being replete with so} abhomynable Sclaunders {& lyes} Imagened and {onlye} fayned to infecte and intoxicate {as it semythe} the peopull may to indyfferent Judgement declarethe him, for the which your fauours Supposed to be born to the saide Tyndall (who assuredlie sheweth himself in myn opynyon rather to be replete with venymous envye rancour and malice then with any good lerning vertue knowlage or discression) hathe put the kinges highnes in suspectyon of you considering {dothe declare hym bothe to lake grace vertue lernyng discrecyon and all other good qualytes [n]othing [e]lles pretending in all his workes but [to] seduce [and d]yssayve} that ye should {ye} in such wise {by your letteres} lene vnto and fauour the evill doctryne of so peruerse and malycyous a person and so moche prayse him {prayse Setforth and avaunse hym} {bothe to lake lernyng} {to be envyous and to lake lernyng gra[ce]} {vertue and all good discrecyon} who nothing {whiche nothing elles} {pretendyth[776]} goeth about or pretendeth but[776] onelie to Seduce deceyue and disquiet the people and comenwelth of this realme Whose {Repayre thether ys to be estuyd} cummyng into Englonde the kinges highnes can right well forbere and {and sowe sedycyon among the peopull of this realme. The kinges highnes therfor} hathe commaunded me expressely to wryte vnto you {to aduertyse you that is plesure ys} that ye should desiste and leve any ferther to persuade or attempte him thereunto {the sayd tyndalle to Com into this realme} alledging that his maieste so euydentlie {he} perceyuing the malycyous perverse vncharytable {and Indurate} mynde and disposicyon of the saide Tyndall is rather veray glad that he is out of his Realme then,[777] {Joyous to haue his realme destytute} . . . {of the sayd Tyndalle ys in maner withowt hope of reconsylyacyon in hym and ys veray Joyous to haue his Realme destytute of Such a person for hys highnes right prudentlye consyderyth} if he were present by all lykelohod he wold shortelie (which god defende) do as moche as in him were to infecte and corrup[t] the hole realme {which now ys so Indurate} to the grete inquietacyon and hurte of the commenwelth of the same. Wherfore {Stephen} I hertelie pray you that fromhensfourth in all your doinges and procedinges and wryting to the kinges highnes ye do iustely trewlie and vnfaynedlie shew your self to be no Fautour vnto the saide {without dyssymulacyon Shew your self his trew louyng and obedyent Subiect beryng no manner Fauour loue or affeccyon to the sayd} Tyndale ne to his wourkes in any maner of wise but rather vtterlie to contempne and abhorre the same assuring you that {in so} doing the contrary ye shall not oneli[e] cause the kinges highnes royall Maieste whose highnes goodnes at this tyme is so benignelie and gracyouslie mynded towardes you ([778]as by your good dyligence and industrie to b[e] vsed to serue his highnes and extewing and avoyding [to] favour and allow the saide Tyndale his erronyous workes and opynyons) ye are like shortelie to atteyne ([779]So to prouyde for you So to aduise you So to Sett you forwardes as all your louers & frendes shall haue gret consolacyon in you of the same [b]oth welth honestie and promocyon at his gracyous handes to the singuler ioy pleasure and comforte of all your Frendes) and by the contrarie to {doing ye shall} acquire the indignacyon of god and displeasure of your Souereigne lorde and by the same compell {cause} your good Frendes which haue ben euer glad prone and redie to aduaunce {bryng} you vnto the {into his gracyous} favours of your prynce to lamente and sorow that their sute in that behalf should {be frustrate and} not {to} take effecte according to their good intent and purpose, hauing therefore firme trust that for the {Feare ye haue in god obedyens to your souerayn lord} loue ye owe to your self me and other your Frendes ye wilbe will beware from hensfourth {and estew} to enter into any such opynyons {or to the prayse of any such person} whereby any sclaunder dishonestie or daungier {or Susspycyon} might insue towardes you whereof I promyse you I wold be as sorie as your good {natural} father.

As touching Frith mencyoned in your saide letteres the kinges highnes heryng tell of his towardenes in good letteres and lernyng doth Regrete and {moche} lament that he should in such wise as he doth Set fourth Shew and applye his lerning and doctrine in the semynacyon and sowing such euill seedes of dampnable and detestable heresies mayntening bolstring and aduauncyng the venemous and pestyferous wourkes erronyous and sedycyous opynyons of the saide Tyndale and other Wherein his highnes as {lyke} a most vertuous and benigne pr[ince] and gouernour hauing charge commytted vnto him of his people and Subiectes {&} being {veraye} sorie to here tell that any of the same should in suche wise Ronne hedling and digresse from th[e] lawes and preceptes {and holsom doctryns} of almightie god {and holye Fathers} {and most holsom} into suche dampnable {and most holsom doctryne of holye Fathers into suche dampnable} heresies and sedycyous opynyons and being euer inclyned willi[ng] and gretelie desirous to forse and prouyde for the same {& moche desyryng the reconsylyacyon of the sayd Fryth} and also fermelie trusting that the said Frith {he} be not so far as yet inrouted in the evill doctryne of the saide Tind[all] {& oder} but that by the grace of god louyng charitable and frend[lie] exhortacions and aduertisementes of good people he may be revoked and called agayne to the ryght way wylleth {hath therefore} and desireth you {wyllyd} {and Commaundyd} {me to wryte vnto yow that ye} accordyng to his trust and expectacyon {will} with your frendelie persuasions admonycyons and holsome exhortacions to counsaill and aduyse the said Fryth if ye may conuenientlie speke with the same to lev[e] his wilfull opynyons and like a good Christien to retourne vnto our Saueour Christe and also into his natif cuntrey So that by his procedinges as he begynneth there be no m[ore] [se]dycyous infections and heresies sowed amongst the kinges peopull {wher he assurydly shall Fynde the kynges highnes most mercyffull and benygnlye vppon his conversyon disposyd towardes hym to accept hym to his grace & mercye} Wherefore eftesoones I hertelie pray you and {exhort you} for the loue of god do not onelie exhorte you vtterlie to forsake leve and withdraw your affectyon from the saide Tyndale and all his secte but also as moch as ye can poletiquelie and charytablie to allure all {the said Fryth and other} suche persons as ben {being in thes partyes which in any wyse ye shall know or suppose to be} Fautours and assistentes to the same from all their erronyous myndes and opynyons. In which doing ye shall not onelie highlie merite of {in} Almightie god but also deserue high thankes of the kinges royall maiestee who will not forgett your deuoyrs and labours in that behalf So that his maiestee may {evydentlye} perceyue that ye effectuallie {do} intende the same.

And as touching your diligent aduertisement vnto the kinges highnes of the nombre of Shippes arryued with corne and grayn in those parties he hathe commaunded me on his behalf to gyue vnto you condigne thankes for the same And being moche desirous to know and atteyne the trewth of that matier his grace hathe commaunded me to wryte vnto you that by all good dexteritee polycie and meanes ye should indeuoyr yourself to atteyne to the knowlege of the Maisters, seruauntes owners or other that made sale of the saide grayn brought thither to thintent that by thexamynacyon of som his highnes might haue knowlege of the rest and that ye shall with all diligence aduertise h[is] highnes of their names, and in likewise of such other newes concerning themperours affayreses the discending of the turke into Germanye the preparacyons ayenst him the gifte of money in the low countreys to themperour the abyding of themperour in the low parties the agremen[t] bytwen him and the prynces of Germanye as ye sha[ll] here by merchauntes or otherwise most certeynlie to acertey[n] his grace by your letteres with as moch dyligence as ye can. Prayeng you therefore substauncyallie and circumspect[lye] to indeuour yourself to serue the kinges highnes herein effectuallie So that your towardenes good mynde duet[ie] of allegiaunce and seruice towardes his royall maiest[ie] may be apparaunt and notoryous vnto the same. Which I doubt not shalbe to your singuler proffite and aduauncement.

22. ‹Cromwell› to Mr. Strete.

R.O. Cal. v. 277. ‹May, 1531.›

Encloses a commission to survey the lands of the bishopric of Coventry and Lichfield, and to receive the rents for the King, and orders to cease collecting rents in Chester. Cf. Letter 43.

Mr. Strete after most hertie commendacions these shalbe to aduertise you that by the berers hereof ye shall receyue the kinges comission and warraunte yeuyng you auctoryte to Suruey the londes of the bisshopriche of Couentre and Lichfeld and to receyue the rentes and profites of the same to the kinges vse. And also ye shall receyue his gracious letteres directed to the Eschetor of the Countie palentyne of Chester vppon the sight whereof I doubte not but he will not onelie Surcease to medle any Ferther with the receipt of any rentes there but also in case he haue receyued any, will repay the same vnto your handes accordinglie. Not dowbting but ye will diligentlie effectuallie and trewly put in execucion the teanour and effecte of your saide Commyssion in suche wise as shalbe most for your honestie & to the Kinges most profite and aduauntage. And for your paynes and diligence alredy taken and susteyned aboute his affayres there his highnes hathe commaunded me to yeve vnto you his most hertie thankes. And trustith that ye will so indeuour your self in the receipt of the said rentes and reuenues as before the feaste of the Natyuyte of Saynt John Baptist next ye will bryng or send vp the hole half-yeres rent or the most parte of the same and that ye will have good awayte and regarde to his haukes in the Cauke there wherein ye shall do and admynister vnto his highnes right good and acceptable seruyce.

And as touching the Catell at the pryorie of Calliche the kinges gracious pleasure is that ye shall suffer the berers hereof named Fyndern and Curson to haue the preferrement in the byeng of the same vppon suche reasonable prises as they may conuenyently lyve on taking of them som money in hande and such sufficient bonde and suertie for the residue as the king may be trewly answered of the same. And so Fare ye well &c.

Your mastership.

23. Cromwell to ‹Gardiner›.

B.M. Vesp. F. xiii, f. 154; Cal. v. 302. June 18 ‹1531›.

Requests him to examine and correct the enclosed ‘Mynewte’ before presenting it to the King. Excuses himself for not coming in person.

Right honerable after due recommendacions may it please the same to be aduertysed that I haue sent herein Inclosed the Mynewte with your Instruccions Beseching you to Survey the same and if ye shall fynde any erroure to order and correcte hit according to your wysdomme and goodnes or euer ye shall presente the sight thereof vnto the Kinges highnes which ons donne and his highe pleasure knowne I shall with dylygence cause it to be engrossed and sent I wold myself haue commyn therewith if other of the Kinges Busines had not Lettid me, Beseching you to make myne excuse and to depeche this Berar And this the holy trenyte preserue you in Long lief & good helth with thencrease of muche honour at London this xviij day of June.

Yours most bounden

Thomas Crumwell.

24. ‹Cromwell› to ——.

R.O. Cal. v. 458 (i). Oct. 1 ‹1531›.

Requests, on the King’s behalf, the preferment of Thomas Beryer, warden of the Grey Friars of Blois, to be warden of the Grey Friars of Paris.

Right worshypffull after most hertye commendacyons this shalbe to aduertyse you that the kinges plesure ys that ye on his gracyous behalf shall effectuallye move the Frenche kynge for[780] the prefferment of on Frere Thomas Beryer which ys now gardyen of the grey Freers of Bloyse so that he at the contemplacyon of his highnes may be now elect to be gardyen of the grey Freers in parys for assurydlye his highnes desyrethe moche the aduauncement of the sayd Freer and wooll that ye in most effectuous wyse do solycyt the same vnto ‹the› Frenche kinges[781] requyryng the same on the his[782] graces behalf to move the generall of the sayd relygyon now being at parys in the effectuall prefferment of the aboue sayde Freer and that ye Fayle not therof the kynges highnes requirythe yow. His Highnes also woll that ye shall moue the gret maister in that behalf For I assure you his maiestye moche tenderyth the aduauncement & prefferment of this Freer and thus hertelye Fare ye well.

At london the Fyrst daye of octobre.

25. ‹Cromwell› to Mr. Heron.

R.O. Cal. v. 458 (ii). Oct. 3 ‹1531›.

Advises him to permit the bearer, Richard Johnson, to retain the farm granted him by Heron’s parents, as Heron’s interest in it comes from the King.

Maister Heron in my right[783] hertye wyse I commende ‹me› vnto youe and so it is that this berer whos name is Rychard Johnson hathe Supplyed[784] vnto the kynges highnes alledgyng that he being possessyd of a certayn Ferme being parcell of the mannour of Highe Hall[785] of the dymyse and graunte aswell of your Father as also of[786] your mother late disceasyd whose sowlys our lord pardon owt of the which as he affermyth ye wooll expel hym Syr my aduyse shalbe that ye according to Justyce do Suffr the sayd Johnson to occupye his Ferme, consyderyng that your Interest In the same Cummyth of the kynges graunt for assurydlye his grace wyll thinke straunge yf ye sholde expell his seruaunt hauyng a lawfful grante aswell of your Father as mother[787] as he affermyth. Wherffor methinkyth ye shall do well to let hym occupye his Ferme withowt your Interrupcyon, he paying For the same as to right appartaynyth For I woolde ye sholde not be notyd extreme in your proceedinges and specyallye agaynst your Felowes the Kynges seruaunttes and thus hertelye Fare ye well at london the thyrde daye of Octobre

26. ‹Cromwell› to ——.

R.O. Cal. v. 458 (ii). ‹Oct. 1531.›

Advises him not to receive any of the King’s ‘courser men’ in his monastery.

My lord aftr right hertye recommendacyons this shalbe to Certiffye yow of the receipt of your lettere and being veray Sorye of molestacyon doo aduyse yow not to suffr anye of the kynges Courser men to lye with yow. For your monasterye vndowtydlye ys moche to small to Resayue the kinges Coursers.

27. ‹Cromwell› to ‹Sir Ralph Ellercar›.

R.O. Cal. v. 671. ‹1531.›

Thanks him for advice concerning a bargain that Cromwell is about to make for the manor of Belthrop in Yorkshire.

Woorshipfull Sir in my most hertye manner I commend me vnto yow and In the same wise thanke yow for your good and kynd chere made vnto my seruaunt which that of late was with yow[788] my Sayd Seruaunt Informyd yow how that I hadde concludyd a bargayn with John Ardren of and For the Manour of Belthrop and ye then aduysyd my said Seruaunt to Aduertyse me Substancyallye to loke vppon the sayd bargayn which aduertysment hath Sumwhat put me in dowt wherfor Syr I hertelye desyre and also pray yow that yff ye know anye manner dowt ambygwyte or Any acte done by the sayd John Ardren or anye other Wherby I myght Sustayn Any manner displeasure danger or losse concernyng the sayd Mannour or the purchasing of the same that I may be certeffye‹d› by this berer in evere poynt concernyng the same as my specyall trust is in yow and ye so doing shall bynd me

The letter ends abruptly here, the bottom of the sheet being cut off.

On the dorse is the draft of part of a letter from the King concerning an intended invasion from Scotland by the Duke of Albany, aided by the King of France.

28. ‹Cromwell› to ‹Gardiner›.

R.O. Cal. v. 723. ‹Jan. 1532.›

Sends news of the first reading of the Bill of Annates in the Lords. Has asked for money for Gardiner from the King, who grieves at Gardiner’s absence.

My lorde after myn humble and most hertie recommendacions these shalbe to aduertise your lordeship how that I haue receyued your gentill lettere to me delyuered by thandes of Mr. Wrythesley And whereas I do perceyue by my kynnesman this berer that ye moche desire to here newes from hens I assure you that here be non but such as vndoubtedlie by a multytude of your Frendes (which are Farre more secret and nerer the knowlege of the same then I am) be to your lordeship all redie related and knowen but yet to aduertise of som parte that I know, as thys day was Redd in the higher house a bill touching the Annates of busshopriches for what ende or effecte it will succede suerlie I know not. And as yesterday because I knew your lordeship not to be Furnisshed of all thinges necessarie for your being there I moued the Kinges highnes aswell for money to be defrayed in and aboutes the furnyture of your purpose and affayres as also for your Retourne hither sayeng that vppon myn owne coniecture your lordeship was wery of being there whereunto his highness answered me that you were not so wery of your being there but he was as sorie Sayeng by these wordes expresselie. (His absence is the lacke of my right hand for I am now so moche pestred with busynes and haue nobodie to rydde ne depeche the same) So that your lordeship may well know that your absence is not to you so moche paynefull and greuous as your presence here should be pleasaunt and comfortable to the Kinges highnes and all other your poure Frendes beseching therefore your lordeship to Fynde som meanes on your parte as moche as in you is that your Retourne hither may be shortelie which is long loked and wisshed for As our lorde knoweth etc.

Endd. A mynute of my mr.’s lettre.

29. ‹Cromwell› to Henry VIII.

R.O. Cal. v. 1055. ‹May, 1532.›

Has had the news from Ratisbon translated into English. The English ambassadors are going to meet those of the Emperor at Dunkirk.

May hit please your most royall magestye to be aduertysyd that of suche news as hathe Cum from Ratyspone I haue causyd the same to be translatyd owt of Italyon into Inglysshe and according to your high commawndment to me youyn yesterdaye haue Inclosyd them in this my lettere, wherby your highnes shall and may woll persayue of what Importaunce they be of. I haue also resayuyd a lettere from Stephyn Vawhan which ys of no gret weight but that he wrytythe that your gracyous ambasadours do now repayre to the emperours ambassadours to Dunkyrke affermyng them to be Suffycyentlye Furnysshyd to answer all thinges layd by the contrarye parte and nothing dowtyth but that they shall haue veray gud Successe in all your gracyous affayres and thys our lord Jesu Crist preserue and continew the most Royall estate of your most Ryoyall magestye in long lyffe & good helthe

30. ‹Cromwell› to Henry VIII.

R.O. Cal. v. 1092. June 13 ‹1532›.

Sends the book that the Friar Carmelite brought him. Cannot yet inform the King of the conclusion of Ap Howell’s matter. News from Rome that the Turk is to invade Italy with a great army.

Pleasythit your most Royall mageste to be aduertysyd how the Freer carmelyte browght vnto me this mornyng a boke willing me on your gracyous behalf with all spede to send the same vnto your highnes. Which I haue done accordinglye I cannot yet certeffye your grace touching the Conclusyon of Jamys Gyrffyth ap Howelles matyer for asmoche as yet I haue not spokyn with mayster Thesaurer of your most honorable howshold who vndowtydly this daye wilbe at Westm. Strange news haue arryuyd here aswell from Rome as Venyse of the turkes Repayre vnto and towardes Italye with a mervelous puisauntt Armye what shalbe the Successe thereof our lorde knoweth it ys Suppossyd that gret afflyccyon will Insew not onelye to the pope & the See of Rome but also to the emprour and his conffederattes wherfor it may please the holye trynytie in whos Inffinyte goodnes power & wyll Restyth the the[789] order and traunquylyte of all thinges to bryng peax good oppynyon and quyetacyon amongyst Cristen pryncys and euer conserue preserue & kepe your highnes in long lyff good helthe with quyetacyon of your most vertuous most noble and most charytable mynde At london the xiii^th of June

31. ‹Cromwell› to the Mayor of Haverford West.

R.O. Cal. v. 1106. June 19, 1532.

Notifies him that Sir William Wolff is discharged of his appearance before the council.

Master Maier I hartely recommende me vnto you And where for Certaine causes ye toke bounde of Sir William Wolff clerke somtyme chapplaine vnto Rice app Griff. Esquier disceased and of other suert[ies] with him by recognisaunce that the saide Sir William shoulde k[epe] his personall apparaunce here in the Sterre chamber before the kinges most honourable counsaiell there for certayne causes to him to be obiecte on the kinges behaulf in this present Terme as in the Condicion of the same Recognisaunce is comprisid. I doo you to vnderstonde that the saide Sir William Wolff is clearly dischargyd of his saide apparaunce byfore the saide counsaill wherefore I praie you to cause the saide Recognisaunce withe the condicion [to be] made frustrate and Void. And thus Jhu kepe you writen the xix^th daie of June at London in the xxiiii yere of the Reigne of oure Soueraien Lorde the Kinge Henry the Eight.

Add. To Maister maier of Harfford Weste this be deliuered.

32. ‹Cromwell› to Mr. Rowland.

R.O. Cal. v. 1185 (i). July 19 ‹1532›.

The King desires him to pay the bearer £5, to the use of the dean and canons of his college at Oxford, for the annual portion of his parsonage of Garsington, due to the late suppressed monastery of Wallingford.

Maister Rowland after my herty commendacions this shalbe to aduertyse you that hitt is the kinges graces pleissuire and commaundement that ye shall paye immediately after the sight off theis my letters to the handes off Maister Herry Williams beyrrer heiroff Fyve powndes off good and lawfull money off Englonde to the behoiffe off the deanne and Canons off his graces Colledge in oxford now lately erected. The whiche saide summe off Fyve powndes was deue to haue byn payed by yow att the Feiste off sayntte Michell tharchangell laste paste For thannuall porcion goyng owtt off your parsonage off Garsinton vnto the late suppressed priore off Wallingford. And theis my letters shalbe vnto yow a sufficient warrauntt & acquyttaunce For the payment off the Forsaide Fyve powndes. Faill you nott thys to doo as ye tendre the kinges pleissuire and thus Faire ye well. In haist From london the xix^th daye off July.

33. ‹Cromwell› to ——.

R.O. Cal. v. 1184. July 19 ‹1532›.

Recommends Robert Hogan, the King’s chief cook.

Right worshipfull after moost hartie Recommendacions thiese shalbe to aduertise you that my louynge felowe and freende Robert Hogan Maister Coke to our soueraigne Lorde the Kinges grace hathe obteyned lycence of his grace to repaire into your parties for suche his Affaires and busynes as he hath there to do. Whom I hartelie desire you to entreteigne and accepte in makinge and showinge vnto hym suche freendlie and louynge Chere and other pleasures for my sake, as ye wolde to me, yf I were there with you presente And in so doynge ye shall mynystre unto me a right singler good pleasure, not to be forgoten in tyme commynge in suche your Requestes and Affayres as ye shall haue here to do by the grace of god who euer kepe you. Att London the xix^th Daie of July.

34. ‹Cromwell› to ——.

R.O. Cal. v. 1185 (ii). July 20 ‹1532›.

Requests him to grant the farm of Myxberye in Oxfordshire to John Welsborne, one of the gentlemen of the King’s privy chamber.

My lorde after most hertye recommendacyons this shalbe to desyre and hertelye praye ‹you› to be so good at my poore Instaunce and request to graunte the Ferme of Myxberye vnto my veraye Frend and Felow Mr. John Welsborne one of the gentylmen of the Kynges preueye chaumbre in doing wherof besydes the good wyll ye shall obteyn of hym ye shalbynde me to ‹do› yow suche poore pleasures as shall lye in my lytyll power as knowyth our lorde who euer preserue your lordship wrytyn at londen the xx^th daye of July

35. ‹Cromwell› to the Lord ‹Chief Justice Fitz-James›.

R.O. Cal. v. 1340. Sept. 24 ‹1532›.

The King has directed his letters for the election to the abbacy of Bruton in Somersetshire of that person whom Lord Lisle and Fitz-James have recommended. Fitz-James may postpone the election for the trial of the King’s title if he sees fit.

My lorde after most hertie commendacions these shalbe to aduertise your lordeship how that I haue receyued your letteres and according to the contents of the same moued the Kinges highnes concerning thelection of the Abbote of Bruton And like as I wrote vnto your lordeship in my last letteres that ye should stay the saide election vntill the Kinges title might be tryed So his high pleasure is that ye shall do if ye see good matier to bere it. Neuertheles his highnes at the sute of my lorde Lisle Supposing that he and you do both sue for the aduauncement of one person to be Abbot of Bruton forsaid as my lorde playnlye affermyd to his grace hathe theruppon directed his gracious letteres for that purpose whiche notwithstanding his high pleasure is yf ye se cause that ye shall stay thelection vppon the tryall of his title, as is aforsaide And in case your lordeship will haue that person promoted for whom he hathe written his grace is therewith right well contented So that his highnes may ‹haue› me remembryd Sumwhat, lyke as your lordeshyp wrot vnto me in your last whyche he onelye Remyttythe to your wisedom and discrecyon for his highnes perfectlye trustith that ye will substauncyallie loke thervnto, who woold as Fayne that ye were well neyhboryd as ye woold yourself, my lord in this and all other that shall lye in my Lytill power I shall allwayes do as I haue promysyd and thus most hertelye Fare ye well at london the xxiiii^th daye off Septembre

36. ‹Cromwell› to Henry VIII.

R.O. Cal. v. 1298. ‹September, 1532.›

Reports the making of patterns for the King’s collar, and the accounts of the King’s jewels. Edmund Knightley has been committed to the Fleet for contempt of the King and his laws.

Please it your highnes to be aduertised that according to your gracious commaundement I haue caused patrons to be drawen after your graces Deuyse albeit I haue wyllyd your goldsmyth not to procede to the making of any thing In perffeccyon vntill your gracious pleasure shalbe Ferther knowen for the which purpose both he and I shall repayre vnto your highnes on Saterday night or Sondaye in the morning and to the Intent your grace may determyn your pleasure I haue Sent by this berer the patron of your Coller of balasys and Dyamondes drawn according to your graces fyrst deuyse touching a certen matier in varyaunce betwixt thexecutours of Sir[790] William Spencer disceasyd and[791] my ladye spencer whereas informacion was made vnto your highnes that grete Spoyle of the goodes of the saide Sir[790] William Spencer was made by the saide executours and how that the executours wold haue put owt my ladye late the wyff of the sayd William from the execucyon of the testament the matier hath ben harde here before my lorde the keper of your grete seale Sir Willyam Poulet and me[792]. And as it appereth by thexamynacion as well of the executors as by Edmond Knyghtley and Rychard his brother the hole spoyle and eloyning[793] of the sayd goods & plate was made onely by the sayd Edmond Knyghtley his brother Rychard and the sayd ladye spencer thayr suster notwithstanding that ther was Agrement made betwene the executors and the ladye spencer that she sholde entyr into bargayn with your highnes and also into the execucyon of the testament with them as an executrix which vndowtydly she hadde done yf Edmond Knyghtle hadde not bene Which Edmonde Knightley hathe not onelie trauayled asmoche as in him is to sett pyke betwene the sayd ladye and the executors and to defeate your grace of your title to the heire of the saide Spencer but also Justeffyed the same befor my sayd lorde keper of the gret Seale wher on the other partye it was openlye prouyd that your grace hade good tytyll and all his allegacyon vntrew yet neuertheles for the reducing of the same his vntrew purpose to effecte and to the Intent to slaunder your gracys tytill and others he hathe caused to be made certen proclamacions in your Countyes of Warwyke leycester & Northampton in dyuers of your highnes Towns there to the high contempte of your grace and your lawes For it hathe not ben seen nor herd that any Subiecte within this Realme sholde presume to make proclamacion within this your realme but onelie in your graces Name Wherefore for his offences and other contemptes ayenst your highnes in that behalf my lorde the keper of your grete ‹seal› takyng that matyer to be a greuous offens ayenst your Crown & Imperyall magestye hathe commytted the sayd Edmond Knyghtley to your pryson of the Flete where he now remayneth vntyll your high plesure shalbe Ferther knowen in that behalf. As touching the Cup of golde & Corporas Case I sent your highnes woorde by Thomas Alvard the treuthe whereof this berer Stevyn Vawhan can Informe your grace who hathe made perfytte bokes aswell of the sayd Cuppe & Corporas Case as also of all other your highnes Jewelles now being in the handes of Cornelys to be orderyd according to your graces plesure and thys the holye trynyte preserue your most royall estate of your most excellent magestye

37. ‹Cromwell› to the Abbot of St. Edmunds Bury.

R.O. Cal. v. 1573. Nov. 24 ‹1532›.

Desires the farm of Harlowberry, in Essex, near Honysdon. Will do all he can for the monastery.

My lorde after my hartie maner I commende me vnto you. Aduertising you that for dyuerse consideracions I am verray desirouse To haue some house in essex nere vnto Honysdon. And forasmoche as your parsonage of Harlowebery shall shortly be in your Handes and Letting, By Reason that the lease whiche Malery and his Wyff hathe is nowe all moost expired, I shall desire and instantly pray you to lett your said Farme of Harlowebury vnto me by lease for terme of lx yeres for the same stokke Rent and Ferme that haithe byn of Olde tyme accustumyd paid and perceyuyd for the same. In doing whereof ye shall bynde me to do you and that your monastary suche pleasure as may ly in my Lytell power, in tyme to com. And what shalbe your towarde mynde herin I pray you to Aduertise me in wrytyng by this berer my servaunt. And as for the yeres that malery and his wyff haithe yitt to com ye shall vnderstaund that I haue Agred with theym for his lease Thus fare ye hartely well from Eltham, the xxiiii day of Nouembre.

Add. To my Lord Thabbot of Seynt Edmoundes Bury geve this.

38. ‹Cromwell› to ‹the Earl of Northumberland›.

R.O.; not in Cal. ‹Dec. 1532.›

Congratulates him on the success of his last raid against the Scots, and assures him of the King’s favour. Urges him to keep on his guard against a surprise.

After myn humble commendacions please it your lordeship to be aduertised that I haue receyued your letteres the contentes wherof I haue right well perceyued And touching your prosperous fortune and victorie in your last rode agenst your enemyes Shewing therby your valiaunt courage glad hert and mynde to serue the Kinges highnes and annoye his enemyes, I assure your lordeship there is no man lyuyng gladder to here thereof then I am your poure Frende, Wisshing to god that your lordeship did knowe and here as I do how louynglie and acceptablie the Kinges highnes doth Regarde and take the same. which vndoubtedlie wold double the hardynes and courage of any man lyuyng to do his grace seruice. And because it is to be thought that after this rode your enemyes the scottes will invente & studie to be reuenged to your like annoyance or more if they can, my poure aduise shalbe that by all the wayes meanes and polycies ye can, your lordeship do circumspectlie and with vigilant eye make such espialles and watches and so in most poletique and warlyke Facion will forsee studye and prepare as in no wise by your saide enemyes ye be preuented But rather that your lordeship as ye alredy haue begon will so contynue endeuouring your self to greue and annoye your enemyes by doing of such valiant actes and exployttes to thincrease of your high merite and worthie praise So as the Fame renowne and noble victorie which your lordeship hathe now won and obteyned be in no wise hurte blemisshed or defaced by any acte or exployte to be don hereafter for lacke of good forsight or preuencyon Thus I am bolde to gyue your lordeship my poure frendely aduise beseching the same to excuse my boldenes and to thinke I do it onelie for that I bere unto your lordeship my hertie good mynde and will And no man more gladder then I to here tell of any thing which should sounde to your lordeshippes good Fame and honour, the increase and augmentacion whereof I doubt not but your lordeship will contynew to procure with no lesse diligent propence glad hert and mynde to serue the king in his affairees there then as ye haue begon to the vtter grief displeasure and annoyaunce of your enemyes wherein I beseche our lorde to sende you as prosperous fortune and good successe as your noble and valyaunt herte could wisshe or desire At london etc

Endd. mynute of a lettere

39. ‹Cromwell› to the Abbot of Bury.

R.O. Cal. v. 1719. ‹1532.›

Regrets to hear that he has detained several workmen in his district, in spite of the King’s need of them in London. Urges him to send them up at once.

My lorde after all dew recommendacyons this shalbe to aduertise your lordshyp how that I and other hauyng charge aswell of the Kynges Buldinges at his Towre of london as also at Westm. haue bene for lakke of masons Carpenters and other woorkmen compellyd to sende in to all the plases of this Realme For prouysyon of the same by the kinges commyssyon and albeit that the kinges mesenger by the auctoryte of his Commyssyon hathe repayryd into dyuers partyes of Suffolke ther to execute the same and also to Burrye Saynt Edmondes and therabowtt For to haue taken and prestyd masons For the accomplyshment of the kynges sayd woorkes ye lytell Regarding the kynges auctoryte and Commyssyon have stayed dyuers masons and woorkmen abowte yow wherof I do moche mervayle my lorde I woolde be loth and also veraye sorye the the[794] kynges highnes sholde be Informyd of your demeanure in that behalf For I dowt not though peraduenture his highnes woolde esteme yow to be Abbot of his Monasterye of Burye, yet he woolde not forget that he ys your kyng and souerayng lorde, who percase might thinke sum vnkyndenes and also presumpcyon in yow so to handell hym or his auctoryte within his owne Realme Wherffor my lorde I thinke it shalbe well done in aduoyding Further busynes to sende vpp those masons and not to Contend with your prynce ne with his auctoryte I beseche your lordshyp to pardon my playne wrytyng For assurydlye I woolde be veray lothe that the kinges highnes sholde haue Anye occasyon to thinke anye vnkyndnes or disobedyence in yow and thus the holye trynyte preserue your lordshyp in long lyffe and good helthe

40. ‹Cromwell› to ‹the Bishop of Ely›.

R.O. Cal. vi. 312. April 6 ‹1533›.

The King desires his presence at the next session of the Council, if his health will permit. Recommends the bearer Mr. Jones.

My specyall good lord after my most humble recommendacyons ‹it› may please the same to be aduertysyd how that the kynges highnes hathe Commaundyd me to gyue yow knowlage that yf ye may by any possyble meanys your helth and lyffe preseruyd Repayre hether this next terme yt sholde be moche to his gracyous contentacyon and Comfort to haue your presens and Cownsayle in his affayres and his grace dowtyth not but ye wyll yf it be possyble for yow to trauayle accomplyshe all thing that maye be to the Satysfaccyon of his pleasure. I assure your lordshyp his grace hathe not a Few tymes lamentyd in the presens of your frendes not onlye your absens but also your Infyrmyte wherfor his grace hathe bene veraye Sorye. And my lord bycause this berer Maister Jonys dothe now repayre vnto your lordshyp for your Fauours and goodnes to hym so shewyd towardes his prefferment vnto whom yt may please you at my poore Sute & medyacyon to be specyall good lorde Assuryng your lordeship that he ys a perffect honest gentylman and such one as ye shall neuer Repent the thing that ye shall doo For hym as knowyth the holye trynyte who euer preserue your lordshyp in long lyffe and good helthe At londen the vi^th daye of Aprell.