LXXVII. To Crumwell
Ricur worshipful master Crumwell. I commend me heartily to you, likewise praying you to continue good master to my friend of old acquaintance, Mr Newman”, this bearer, to whom, albeit I have been a tedious suitor unto you a long time, upon such
comfortable promise as ye first made unto me for him, I eftsoons pray you now to make such resolute and comfortable answer therein, as I do trust to receive from you in the same: for seeing this was the first suit that ever I made unto you, wherein, after that ye had answer from doctor Benet’, ye promised me that I should have my desire, and that I should not mistrust the matter; it would grieve me that the same should now take none effect, seeing the matter doth now rest in your goodness and benevolence. As long as ye were only mediator for me in it to him that had the thing, ye did ever give me good hope and comfort in it; and therefore I do now trust verily, that, seeing the same thing is come to your own hands and disposition at your pleasure, ye will now be as good in it, as ye were when ye were mediator for the same. The truth is, that my friend aforesaid was born in the same paroche, which thing moveth him to be the more desirous of it, and me to be the more importune upon you for him; for albeit I have offered unto him the expectation and advowsonage of some one promotion of my collation, of as good value as is the value of the same thing that I do desire of you, I assure you he hath refused the same, and desired me (as a man much affectionate to his native country) to continue suitor unto you in this behalf: so that he regardeth that benefice much better than my said overture”. And therefore I pray you, good Mr Crumwell, stay not with me now in this matter, seeing I have sued so long for the same, and ever have had comfortable promise in it. And by these my letters I do faithfully promise you, that ye shall have, when ye will, as good a benefice of my gift for the same, as that is; and so should ye have had and shall have, and as much other pleasure as I may at any time shew unto you, or to any friend of yours for your sake, though I had never written or spoken in this matter. When ye shall have cause to prove me, ye shall be assured to find me conformable to this my promise, God willing; who ever keep you. From Otford the 26th day of November.
Your own assured
Tuowuas CANTUAR.
To the right worshipful and my very loving
friend master Crumwell, of the king’s
graces most honourable council.
[ὃ Commandeth me this to do, Strype. ] the benefice coveted by Newman was Barnack, [9 By his grace’s letter, Ibid.] Cranmer seems to have failed in his application: [19 xxviith day, Ibid.] for Robert Benett, probably a relative of Dr W.
[[”’ Vid. Letters IV. LX. CLIII. pp. 237, 261, Benett to whom the advowson appears to have be-]
[209 longed, was rector there in 1535. Valor Eccles.” [? Vid. Letter LVIII. P. 261.] Jenkyns’ Remains of Abp. Cranmer, Vol. I. p. (!? If, as may be conjectured from Letter V., ’ 73.]]
LXXVIII. To Crumwell
Rich worshipful master Crumwell, in my right hearty manner I commend me to you. Mis- vile… + 1 — So it is, that I lately received certain letters from my friend doctor Goderic’, by whom
5 iS i)
Hen. T do perceive, that ye have not only spoken to the king’s highness for the loan of a Third:;: thousand marks to my use, whose pleasure is (as the same master Goderic writeth) that I shall receive of you at this time five hundred pounds and no more; but also have of practised with my lord of Wiltshire and other, which at this time do claim many duties 99 of me: for which your kindness I do heartily thank you, praying you to cause the same five hundred pounds to be delivered to my secretary Thomas Berthlet, this bearer, which shall deliver unto you an obligation for the payment thereof, at such day as is expressed in the same; which obligation (in case the same be not made according to your mind) I will be glad to reform, and seal unto you a new accordingly as ye shall require a new to be made, and will send the same unto you with speed. From Otford, the 26th day of November.
Your own assured
TuowaAs CANTUAR.
To the right worshipful and my very loving
friend master Crumwell, of the king’s
grace’s most honourable council.
LXXIX. To Lord Abergavenny”
Mv very special good lord, I commend me heartily unto your lordship: signifying Me. to the same, that my servant John Creke hath advertised me of your loving mind towards Copy. 3 me, how willing you be to accompany me at Canterbury”, wherefore I give unto you most hearty thanks. Nevertheless I will not at this season put you to any pains in this behalf. Notwithstanding, if your lordship [do send me some venison, and especially a red deer or two, ] against Tuesday next, you should do unto me herein singular pleasure, which to requite I would be always ready, God willing; who keep and preserve your good lordship. From my manor of Otford, the xxvii. of November.
To my lord of Burgaveny.
LXXX. To the Abbot of Westminster”
BnornEen abbot, in my right hearty wise I commend me unto you. And where, of ^ your benevolence, ye promised unto me the next room which should chance to be void amonges the beadmen of the foundation of king Henry the Eighth” for one William Fyssher”; so it is, as I am credibly informed, that there is now one of the said rooms void and in your disposition. I heartily require you therefore, that the said John F. may be preferred thereunto, according to your aforesaid promise. And in so doing I will be at all times ready to requite the same accordingly, God willing; who keep you, &c. The xxix. day of November.
To my brother abbot, the abbot of
Westminster.
[[! Probably Dr Thomas Goodrich, afterwards to attend him on the occasion.” Remains of Abp.]
[bishop of Ely and lord chancellor. Vid. p.247,n.8.] Cranmer, Vol. I. p. 75.] [2 In October or November (A.D. 1533), the [The passage within brackets is substituted in]
[archbishop went down to Canterbury, in order to a the margin of the copy, for “if your lordship might]
[visitation. The third day of December he received spare me a red deer or two,” which stands otherwise]
[the pontifical seat in the monastry of the holy unaltered in the MS.]]
[Trinity.” Strype’s Mem. of Abp. Cranmer, Vol. [^ William Boston or Benson. Vid. Letter VIII.]
[I. p. 30. Ed. Oxon. 1840. ] p. 240.] [? Dr Jenkyns suggests that ‘” lord Abergavenny, [6 By mistake apparently for Henry VII. and]
[who held an office under him, had probably offered John Fyssher. Vid. Letter XXVII. p. 251.]]
Lxxxni. To King Henry VIII
PrzasETH it your most noble grace to understand, that the feigned revelations and.. ᾽ illusions of the false nun? of St Sepulchre’s here at Canterbury, and the other matters contained in them, now after that they have been opened and declared to the people?, be had in great abomination and detestation unto them. And as far as I can perceive or learn, all your grace’s people here be as glad as any men may be, that the said false and forged matters be come to light. And as concerning the prior? and convent of my church, (whom I have diligently examined,) I find them as conformable and reformable as any number with whom I have communed any time. And I see them greatly sorrow and lament, that any of their congregation’^ should order himself so, that such word and slander should grpw of this occasion, or that thereby occasion should be given to your grace to take displeasure against the whole company, amonges whom few in comparison of their great number appear to be knowing or consenting to the said false revelations or illusions; and almost only such as were doctor Bokkynge’s novices, men of young years, and of less knowledge and experience. The prior of my church, a man of great simplicity, and void of malice, as far as I can judge, hath been touched with this matter; but I cannot understand that he hath reported it to any other, but only to my predecessor, then being his ordinary and your grace’s counsellor. “Which prior and his brethren, the saddest and seniors of the house, with all the other young sort, considering the matter sounding to your grace’s displeasure, which they regard as greatly as they do any thing else in this world, (as far as I can judge,) be greatly discomforted, dismayed, and sad, and have desired me very instantly to be a mediator for them to your most noble majesty, to be gracious and merciful unto them, offering of their free wills (besides their fervent prayers for your noble estate long and prosperously to endure) to do some pleasure unto your highness after their power, to attain your gracious favour, mercy, and pardon. And I suppose they will desire me to offer unto your grace for a pleasure, ii. or iii. οἷ, Wherein I dare nothing do, unless your grace’s pleasure be to me first known; assuring your grace, that as far as I can understand by any means that I can devise, that besides the ornaments of the church and some plate that the prior and some officers hath, this monastery is not aforehand, but in debt divers ways. In consideration whereof and of their good minds, I most humbly beseech your highness to be gracious and merciful unto them, the rather for my poor intercession; and that they may have some comfortable word or letter from your grace, for their comfortation in this their great pensiveness and dolour. “Thus our Lord have your grace evermore in his preservation and governance. From my place at Canterbury, the xii. day of December. [1533.]
LXXXII. To Crumwell
[Riaur worshipful Mr Crumwell, in my right hearty wise I commend me unto you: State Paper ^ Office. Mis-]
[doing you to understand, that I have received by John Anthony, this bearer, such cellaneous.. ters.]
[letters as ye directed to my lord elect of Chester”, and to Mr Bedill”; by which I do emp. Hen. E EE series. Vol.:; IX. Original [^ Vid. Confutation of Unwritten Verities, pp. by Battely, Part 111. p. 116. Ed. Lond. 1703.] Holograph.]
[65 6.] [’? Dr Edward Bockyng, the chief author of [? A portion of an address to the people on this Elizabeth Barton’s dissimulation, and her confessor,]
[imposture, with corrections in Cranmer’s hand- and John Dering, who made and composed the]
[writing, is preserved in the Public Record Office, books of her revelations, were both monks of Christ’s]
[Tractat. Theol. et Polit. Vol. VII. A. 1. 13, pp. 37, Church, Canterbury. Strype’s Eccl. Mem. Vol. I.]
[et seq. Dr Jenkyns supposes that it may perhaps Part 1. p. 278. Ed. Oxon. 1822; Mem. of Abp.]
[be part of the above-mentioned discourse by Hethe, Cranmer, Vol. I. p. 30.]]
[which the archbishop probably thought proper to [ Dr Rowland Lee, bishop of Lichfield; but]
[submit to the inspection of Crumwell. Vid. Re- the two sees being then incorporated, the bishops of]
[mains of Abp. Cranmer, Vol. I. p. 76.] Lichfield were sometimes called bishops of Chester. [? Thomas Goldwell, who at the dissolution of See the next Letter, p. 274. ]]
[Christ’s Church, Canterbury, had been prior twenty- [!? Vid. Letters XII. XIV. pp. 242, 244.]]
[three years. Somner’s Antiquities of Canterbury,]
perceive, that it is the king’s grace’s pleasure that my said lord elect and master Bedyll, which departed from Canterbury afore the receipt of your said letters, should leave the parson of Aldington’, Dering the monk, and father Laurence behind them in ward and safe keeping, but not as men at liberty. But forasmuch as this bearer sheweth me, that it was your mind that the said persons should be put to liberty in their own houses upon sufficient surety, I do now stand in doubt, whether I may commit them to ward and safe keeping according to your said letters, or else put them at liberty in their own houses upon sufficient surety, according to such word as the said Anthony brought unto me; whom I do remit unto you at this time with these my letters to ascertain you of the premises, and to bring from you such letters as shall please you to direct unto me of your resolute mind in this behalf. The said three persons shall in the mean time remain in ward and safe keeping, until I may know your mind in this matter. The parson of Aldington and the monk Dering were this Tuesday at night delivered unto me at my manor at Forde, and the other is not yet come unto me. From my manor at Forde, the xvi. day of December. [1533.]
Yur assured
Tuowas CANTUAR.
To the right worshipful and my very loving
friend Mr Crumwell, of the king’s grace’s
most honourable council.
LXXXIII. To Archdeacon Hawkyns
Master archdeacon, ifn] my right hearty wise I commend me unto you. These be Copy. to ascertain you of such news as be here now in fame amonges us in England. And first Lf ye shall understand, that at Canterbury within my diocese, about eight years past, there “B wrought a great miracle in a maid by the power of God and our lady, named our lady of Courteupstret; by reason of the which miracle there is stablished a great pilgrimage, and ever since many devout people hath sought to that devout foresaid lady of Courte of Strett.
The miracle was this: the maid was taken with a grievous and a continual sickness, and induring her said sickness she had divers and many trances, speaking of many high and godly things; telling also wondrously, by the power of the Holy Ghost as it was thought, things done and said in other places, where as neither she was herself, nor yet heard no report thereof. She had also in her trances many strange visions and revelations, as of heaven, hell, and purgatory, and of the state of certain souls departed?; and amonges all other visions one was, that [she] should be conveyed to our lady of Courte of Strett, where she was promised to be healed of her sickness, and that Almighty God should work wonders in her; and when she was brought thither and laid before the image of our lady, her face was wonderfully disfigured, her tongue hanging out, and her eyes being in a manner plucked out and laid upon her cheeks, and so greatly disordered. Then was
’ “Richard Master. He was very instrumental Vol. VII. A. 1. 13.
[in bringing Elizabeth Barton into notice, Aldington [? For instance: “that my lord cardinal came]
[being the place where at the commencement of theim- to his death before God would have had him by the]
[posture she was living as a maid-servant.” Jenkyns.] space of fifteen years, and therefore Almighty God]
[[ἢ Thomas Lawrence, being register to the hath given no sentence upon him, but will defer it]
[archdeacon of Canterbury, at the instance of Edw. till those years be expired, which it was the will of]
[Bockyng wrote a great book of the false and feigned God he should have lived in the world.” MSS.]
[miracles and revelations of the said Elizabeth, in a ibid. In another of her revelations she described,]
[fair hand, ready to be a copy to the printer.” Stat. that since she died, she saw the disputations of]
[25 Hen. VIII. c. 12. She sent her revelation [to the devils for his [ Wolsey’s] soul; and how she]
[the pope,] by Silvester Darius and by one John was three times lift up, and could not see him,]
[Anthony Pulleon, the pope’s ambassadors in Eng- neither in heaven, hell, nor purgatory; and at the]
[land; betwixt the which nun and Silvester Darius last where she saw him; and how by her penance]
[was interpreter this old man, one Lawrence of Can- he was brought unto heaven.” Vid. Strype’s Eccl.]
[terbury, scribe to the archdeacon of Canterbury.” Mem, Vol. 1. Part I. p. 2/2. Ed. Oxon. 1822.]]
[MS. Public Record Office, Tractat. Theol. et Polit.]
there heard a voice speaking within her belly, as it had been in a tun; her lips not greatly moving; she all that while continuing by the space of three hours and more in a trance: the which voice, when it told any thing of the joys of heaven, it spake so sweetly and so heavenly, that every man was ravished with the hearing thereof; and contrary, when it told any thing of hell, it spake so horribly and terribly, that it put the hearers in a great fear. It spake also many things for the confirmation of pilgrimages and trentals, hearing of masses, and confession, and many such other things. And after she had lain there a long time, she came to herself again, and was perfectly whole; and so this miracle was finished and solemnly rung, and a book written of all the whole story thereof, and put into print, which ever since that time hath been commonly sold and gone abroad amongst all people. After this miracle done, she had a commandment from God in a vision, as she said, to profess herself a nun. And so she was professed, and hath so continued, in a nunnery at Canterbury, called St Sepulchre’s, ever since.
And then she chose a monk of Christ’s Church, a doctor in divinity, to be ghostly father, whose counsel she hath used and evermore followed in all her doing: and evermore since from time to time hath had almost every week, or at the furthest every fortnight, new visions and revelations; and she hath had oftentimes trances and raptures, by reason whereof, and also of the great perfectness that was thought to be in her, divers and many as well great men of the realm as mean men, and many learned men, but specially divers and many religious men, had great confidence in her, and often resorted unto her and communed with her, to the intent they might by her know the will of God; and chiefly concerning the king’s marriage^, the great heresies and schisms within the realm, and the taking away the liberties of the church; for in these three points standeth the great number of her visions, which were so many, that her ghostly father could scantly write them in three or four quires of paper. And surely I think, that she did marvellously stop the going forward of the king’s marriage by the reason of her visions, which she said was of God, persuading them that came unto her how highly God was displeased therewith, and what vengeance Almighty God would take upon all the favourers thereof; insomuch that she wrote letters to the pope, calling upon him in God’s behalf to stop and let the said marriage, and to use his high and heavenly power therein, as he would avoid the great stroke of God, which then hanged ready over his head, if he did the contrary. She had also communication with my lord Cardinal and with my lord of Canterbury, my predecessor, in the matter; and [in] mine opinion, with her feigned visions and godly threatenings, she stayed them very much in the matter.
She had also secret knowledge of divers other things, and then she feigned that she had knowledge thereof from God; insomuch that she conceived letters and sent [^ After mass she kneeled afore the image of then soon after she began to feign herself to have our lady of Court of Street, and said then she was visions and revelations from God, and said that God made perfectly whole, where she was perfectly whole commanded her to say to the late cardinal, and also afore she came thither, as she hath plainly and to the said late archbishop of Canterbury, that if openly confessed afore divers of the king’s grace’s they married, or furthered the king’s grace to be council.” MS. Public Record Office, Tractat. married to the queen that now is, they both should Theol. et Polit. Vol VII. A. 1. 13.] be utterly destroyed. And so she shewed them [^ Edward Bockyng He informed the said under such manner, that it appeared by their acts archbishop [ Warham,]that a voice had spoken in and deeds that they gave confidence to her: for the her in one of her trances, that it was the pleasure of said archbishop had, afore her coming to him, proGod that he should be her ghostly father” MS. voked from the pope to the general council, intendibid. ing to proceed in the king’s grace’s matter of matri- [^ For all the time of her abode at Aldington, mony and divorce, seeing his grace could have none she meddled not with the king’s grace’s marriage. indifferent justice shewed him in other places. And But after that she had been at Canterbury a while, the said cardinal was as well minded and bent to and had heard this said Dr Bockyng rail and jest go forth in the king’s grace’s said cause of matrilike a frantic person against the king’s grace his mony and divorce as any man living, according to purposed marriage, against his acts of parliament, the law of God and the law of nature, till he was and against the maintenance of heresies within this perverted by this nun, and induced to believe, that realm, declaring and blustering out his cankered if he proceeded in the same, God would sore strike malice to the said Elizabeth in the said matters,. him.” MS. ibid.]
[18 cnANMER, r1. ]]
them forth, making divers people believe that those letters were written in heaven, and sent from thence to earthly creatures. Now about Midsummer last, I, hearing of these matters, sent for this holy maid, to examine her; and from me she was had to master Cromewell, to be further examined there. And now she hath confessed all, and uttered the very truth, which is this: that she never had vision in all her life, but all that ever she said was feigned of her own imagination, only to satisfy the minds of them the which resorted unto her, and to obtain worldly praise: by reason of the which her confession many and divers, both religious men and other, be now in trouble, forasmuch as they consented to her mischievous and feigned visions, which contained much perilous sedition and also treason, and would not utter it, but rather further the same to their power.
She said that the king should not continue king a month after that he were married; and within six months after God would strike the realm with such a plague as never was seen, and then the king should be destroyed. She took upon her also to shew the condition and state of souls departed, as of my lord Cardinal/, my late lord of Canterbury, with divers other. To shew you the whole story of all the matter, it were too long to write in two or three letters; you shall know further thereof at your coming home.
As touching the bishopricks that be void, ye shall understand, that doctor Salcott, the abbot of Hydde, is elect bishop of Bangor, doctor Lee, the lawyer, is elect bishop of Chester. There is as yet none elect bishop of Ely: you shall know at your coming home who shall be^. The parliament is not holden this term, but is prorogued to the xv. day of January. The queen’s grace was brought [to bed] about the xiii. or xiv.” day of September of a princess. I myself was godfather, the old duchess of Northfolke and my lady marquess Dorset were godmothers. The duke of Richmonde’ hath married my lady Mary, the duke of Northfolkes daughter. From Lamethe, the xx. day of December, A^. xxv. Reg. [1533.]
LXXXIV. To a Prior
Broraer Prior, I do right heartily commend me unto you. And so likewise desire
[[ Mary Magdalen was said to have given hera Ed. Lond. 1716. Stow however says, Dr Rowland]
[letter that was written in heaven in characters of Lee, that married the king to queen Anne, was]
[gold: “which is as false as God is true: for by made bishop of Chester, then bishop of Coventry]
[much inquisition Mary Magdalen is found out, and and Litchfield, and president of Wales.” Annals,]
[is turned into a monk of St Augustin’s in this town, p. 562. Ed. Lond. 1631. His election to the see]
[named Hawkeherste, which hath confessed the of Litchfield and Coventry took place the 10th of]
[writing thereof, and the limning of these golden January, 1534. Le Neve’s Fasti, p. 125.]]
[words Jehus Maria, which be written above the [? See Letter XIV. p. 247, n. 8.]]
[letter.” MS. ibid.] [? This date is incorrect, the princess Elizabeth [? Vid. Letter XXX. p. 252.] having been born on Sunday, September 7th. An [5 Vid. p. 272. n. 3.] official note from queen Anne Boleyn to lord Cob- [ There sate but one bishop here [at Chester] ham, announcing the event, still preserved in the]
[before 1541, viz. Peter, [consecrated 1067,] who Harleian collection, and printed in the StatePapers,]
[continued bishop but about twenty years; yetseveral proves the fact. See also Holinshed’s Chronicles,]
[of his successors in the see denominated themselves Vol. II. p. 935. Ed. Lond. 1587.]]
[bishops of Chester instead of Litchfield.” Willis’ [^ Henry Fitzroy, an illegitimate son of Henry]
[Survey of Cathedrals, Vol. I. p. 318. Ed. Lond. VIII., who was at this time fourteen years old.]]
[1727—30. So also Le Neves Fasti, pp. 122, 341. ᾿]
LXXXV. to His Chancellor and Dean of the Arches
I cowwEND me unto you. And whereas the commissary of my jurisdiction in Calice writeth unto me as well concerning my visitation there, as also for mine advice in an unlawful matrimony now depending before him; wherein it seemeth, that he hath further proceeded in that behalf than peradventure he ought, as you may partly conjecture by this his letter herein inclosed: I require you therefore, that inasmuch as these matters before specified are more largely declared in his said letter, that you, according to the effect of them, with all celerity do send me your advice what is most expedient to be done, touching the ready expedition hereof. Thus fare you well. From my manor of Ford, the xxvii. day of December.
To my Chancellor and Dean of the Arches.
Lxxnvi. To the Abbot of Reading
BnoruER abbot, I commend me unto you. And whereas I am credibly informed, that through the death of Dr Benet (whose soul God pardon!) there is the collation of a benefice called Aston, in Hartfordshire, in your hands and disposition; which, forasmuch as the same standeth very commodiously for a friend of mine, I heartily require you that at this time you will give unto me the collation thereof, not doubting but that I shall exhibit and promote such a personage thereunto, as you shall hereafter think the same well bestowed. And I for my part will be ready at all times to shew unto you like pleasure accordingly.
LXXXVII. To
I commEND me unto you. And where I do right well perceive by a testament now before me of one Thomas Broune, late poticary of the town of Bristow, that he, amongst other legacies comprised therein, hath bequeathed and given a certain garden lying and being in C. Street to my loving friend David Hutton; which said garden ye (in the name and title of Marget your wife, late wife and executrix to the said Thomas Broune) do retain and occupy, not alonely contrary to the intent of his said will, but also against good right and conscience denieth unto the said David the just possession thereof: I do require you, and thereto likewise exhort you, for a more quietness herein, that ye, according to the delegation of the said testament, from henceforth do not interrupt, let, or hinder the said David lawfully requiring or seeking his interest in the said garden; to the intent that you, in your so doing, may both accomplish justice, and also avoid thereby farther inconvenience that may ensue on your behalf, if he, in attempting the law against you, do attain unto the same; whereunto you shall enforce him, if you persist in denying his just claim thereunto. And where also the said Thomas Broune bequeathed xx” towards the marriage of a certain maid named Ales B., as likewise amongst the legacies of the said testament more evidently it doth appear; which sum of money the said David Hutton delivered unto you, to the intent that you should in the mean season have the occupying of the same; so it is, as I am informed, that ye be not now willing to depart from it, and in a man-
[[? Sir John Butler. Vid. Strype’s Mem. of were given by Adelia, queen to King Henry I., tothe]
[Abp. Cranmer, Vol. I. pp. 125,6. Ed. Oxon. 1840.] abbotand monks of Reading, and continued in their [? There is no authority in the manuscript for possession till the general dissolution. Chauncy’s]
[this address, but there can be little doubt of its Antiq. of Hertfordshire, p. 350. Ed. Lond. 1700.”]
[being correct: for the manor and church of Aston Jenkyns.] 18—2]
ner denieth the receipt thereof. Therefore eftsoons I desire you, to the intent so charitable a deed be not hindered, nor the young woman defrauded of her right, that the said xx! may be delivered unto the said David Hutton, that thereby he, according both to his office, trust, and fidelity to him committed, may as well foresee the performance of the said legacy, as also provide for the safe custody of the same sum against such time it may be due to be paid.
Lxxnviih. To Crumwell
Your own assured
TuoMaAs CANTUAR.
To mine especial and singular good friend,
Master Cromewell.
[[! The following are Dr Jenkyns’ remarks upon both these services. Upon the whole, the most pro-]
[this letter; (Remains of Abp. Cranmer, Vol. I. p. bable date of the letter appears to be 1534.” Vid.]
[86.) Mr Todd considers this letter to refer to an Letter XIV. p. 247. n. 8. Seckendorf, Comment. de]
[embassy from England to the German princes as- Lutheran et Reformat. pp. 75, 111. Ed. Francof. et]
[sembled at Smalcald in Dec. 1535, in which Heath Lips. 1692. Lib. 111. xxvi. (8.) and xxxix. Add.]
[was associated with Fox, bishop of Hereford, and (d) and (e).]]
[Dr Barnes. (Life of Cranmer, Vol. I. p. 147.) But [3 Vid. Confutation of unwritten Verities, p. 66.]
[the object of that mission was the formation of a Under Elizabeth, Heath lived, after a little trouble,]
[protestant league against the pope, rather than the quietly and nobly in his own lordship of Cobham,]
[defence of the king’s marriage to Anne Boleyn; situate in Surrey. He was always honourably es-]
[which was manifestly the great cause now to be teemed by the queen, and sometimes had the honour]
[maintained. The letter seems also to have been to be visited by her majesty.” Strype’s Annals,]
[addressed to Crumwell before he was secretary of Vol. I. p. 212. Ed. Oxon. 1824. Melancthon, who]
[state; and if so, must have been written in January, became acquainted with him at the conferences at]
[1534. (See State Papers, Vol. I. p. 425, note.) And Smalcald, thus speaks of him: Unus Nicolaus]
[it is clear trom the language of Letter CLII. that Hethus Archidiaconus humanitate et literis excellit]
[Heath filled some diplomatic situation on the con- inter hospites nostros. Ceteri ἄγευστοι ἡμετέρας]
[tinent before June 1535. He may perhaps have φιλοσοφίας καὶ γλυκύτητος, nostre philosophiz et]
[succeeded archdeacon Hawkyns at the court of the dulcedinis incapaces; ideo conversationem eorum]
[emperor Charles V. early in 1534; or he may have fugio, quantum possum.” Seckendorf, Comment. de]
[been sent to a meeting of the German reformers held Lutheran. et Reformat. Lib. 111. $ xxxix. Add. (e.)]
[at Nuremberg in May of the same year; (when, p. 111. See also Wood’s Athen. Oxon. Vol. I. col.]
[according to Seckendorf, an attempt was made on 603, 4. Ed. Lond. 1691. Fuller’s Church Hist. Vol.]
[the part of Hen. VIII. to obtain their approbation IV. Book virr. Sect. ii. $ 19. p. 191. Ed. Oxon.]
[of his divorce;) or he may have been employed on 1845.]]
LXXXIX. To Crumwell
Riaur worshipful master Crumwell, in my hearty manner I commend me to you. So it is that at my late being at Ford, it was brought to my notice and knowledge, that the monk Dering? hath lately compiled and made (sithens the first time that Mr Henry Golde came to be examined before me) a certain treaty de Duplice Spiritu, in which mention is made, as well for the defence of the nun’s revelations, as for the soluting of my reasons made unto the said Golde. Whereupon I have diligently examined the said Dering, which hath confessed that he hath made such a book, but he will in no wise be known where it is, saying that he hath burned the same. That notwithstanding, I have caused him to write the whole effect (as he saith it is) of the same book, the copy whereof I have sent unto you sealed, which is a very minute thing, in respect of the same book which was first made, as it is thought. And therefore I pray you to take the pains to examine the said Golde, and such other of his adherents, as ye shall think most meet to be examined in this matter; whether he or they, or any of them do know of any such book, or have seen or heard of any such or not; and at your convenient leisure to ascertain me of his and their sayings in this behalf, and of all such other comperts as you shall by the same your examination try and search out. For the person, by whom I came to the knowledge hereof, hath informed me, that the book was delivered unto the said Golde, and that he thinketh that Golde hath it still in his custody: wherefore I do think it very expedient that some good and politic mean be made for the trial and search of the verity in the premises betimes, without tract or delay, praying you that it may be so. From Otford, the 6th day of January, [1534.7]
Your own assured ever
TuowaAs CANTUAR.
To the right worshipful and his very loving
friend Mr Crumwell, of the king’s
graces most honourable council.
To John Butler
I commEND me to you: willing you that ye shall nothing do touching my visitation in those parties at Calice, until ye shall farther know of my mind therein; but such diligent inquisition as shall lie in you to make for the trial and truth of the matrimony between Fraunceis Hastynges and his pretended wife, I will that ye shall use and make; and especially to learn and know, how and for what cause the first matrimony between Davison and the said pretended wife of Hastynges was dissolved, and of the premises to ascertain me, with as good speed as ye may therein conveniently use. This done, ye shall afterwards know farther of my mind touching the same. Albeit in the mean time, if Davison be dwelling or commorant within my jurisdiction there, ye shall call and convent him and the other two personages afore you; and first examine the former contract: which done, ye shall much the sooner come to the verity and truth of the second. But in case the said Davison be in England, or in any place out of my jurisdiction, I will then that, upon knowledge had of the certainty where he is, ye shall either write your letters to the ordinary there, and to him intimate the very fact and merit of the same matter, (as far as ye do know in it,) and to desire him in my name to examine the said Davison herein, and to transmit unto you the copies of the same examination for your information and instruction in that behalf; or else shall advertise and advise the said
[[? Vid Letter LXXXII. p. 272.] maderelation thereof to thelady Katharyne, princess [^ Henry Golde took upon him to be interpre- dowager, to animate her to make commotion in this]
[ter between Elizabeth Barton, and one of the pope’s realm against our sovereign lord.” Stat. 25 Hen.]
[orators, named Anthonye Pullyon.”. And the VIII. cap. 12.]]
[said Henry Gold over this, actually travelled and [^ Vid. Letter LXXXV. p. 275.]]
Frauncis Hastynges and his pretended wife to be contented that the matter may be examined where the said Davison doth dwell. And in this behalf I require you to use such diligence and industry as shall beseem you to use, as well for the due trial and truth in the premises, as for your certificate unto me in the same. From Otford, the xiiith day of the month of January.
To master Butler, my Commoissary at
Calice. XCI. To the Rector of Petworth
IN my right hearty wise I commend me unto you. So it is, as I am informed, that ^ one John Bower!, now farmer of your parsonage of Petewourth, doth therein enjoy a lease of yours, which by reason when it shall happen to be expired, the same much doubteth, lest that at the end and term of the same he be clearly avoided thereof, by some other suit, to his no little both damage and hinderance, being now so furnished and settled therein: I require you at this my instance, ye will not alonely renew to him his said lease from time to time, but also to suffer to continue therein all such covenants as hath been hitherto observed between you. And in thus doing I will shew unto you like pleasure, when you shall reasonably require the same. From Lameth the viiith day of February.
XCII. To
I comMEND me unto you. And where it is so, that through a controversy, lately begun between you and divers of your parochinars, for certain tithe which you now challenge of them by the course of the law, and so thereby constrained, they have sued unto me for a more quiet end in that behalf: my pleasure is therefore, that you stay your said suit in attempting the law any further against them, until such time that I myself being in those parts may hear the due examination hereof; which I suppose will not be prejudicial either to you or them, but rather most quiet for all parties at length. From Lameheth, the viii. day of February.
XCIII. To the Prioress of Stanfeld”
SisTER prioress, I do right heartily commend me unto you. Where it is so that the vicar of Quadring is contented, for the love and favour he beareth unto this bearer, master Nicholas Robertes, my old acquaintance, to resign unto the same his vicarage, if so that he might obtain your good will thereunto: these shall be therefore heartily to desire and require you, that he may herein obtain your convenient favour, and that the rather at this instance and request. And if there be any like pleasure that I may do for you, I will be always ready to accomplish your requests accordingly. The xiiii. day of February.
XCIV. To the Parson of Chevening?
I couwEND me unto you. And where it is so that one Asleyne Durmeryght, wife
42.::. unto John Durmeryght, of your parish of Chevening, hath complained to me of the [! John Bowyar was seneschal of the rectory was appropriated to it in the reign of Richard 11, lands of Petworth, and Thomas Maundvyld was Tanner’s Not. Monast. Lincoln. lxxi. Stanfeld.
[rector. Vid. Valor Ecclesiasticus, 1535. Ed. Lond. 1787.] [? Stanfeld in Lincolnshire, a Benedictine nun- [ R. Astali. Vid. Letter LVII. p. 260.]]
[nery. The church of Quadring in the same county]
unjust and uncharitable demeanour of her said husband, for his unreasonable and oft beating and cruel threatening of her, as in that behalf somewhat I perceive like to be true, by reason both parties hath been examined with me: I will therefore that you from henceforward see that there be a reformation had between them; and that when any such breaches hereafter shall happen in this behalf, according to your both duty and discretion, ye set a charitable end between them: and if he or she do refuse to apply unto your such directions, as you shall think convenient at any time, ye then do advertise me thereof accordingly. From Croydon, &c.
To the parson of Chevenyng.
xcv. To the Bishop of Rochester”
My lord, in my right hearty wise I commend me unto you: and so likewise desire the same, that whereas one master Devenyshe?, master of art and my kinsman, is very desirous (for his better information and knowledge in divinity) to continue his study and learning at the university, to be so good lord unto him at this mine instance and request, that the same may obtain your convenient favour to be admitted one of the fellows of St John’s college in Cambridge, amongst whom (as I am advertised) there is now a room void and at your disposition: whereunto if your lordship do admit him, I doubt nothing at all but that you shall like the man every day better than other; for verily I think he lacketh not of those qualities which should become any honest man to have, over and besides the gift of nature wherewith God hath above the common rate endued him, as l trust the master of the college, this bearer, can more expressly ascertain your said lordship in that behalf. And if there be any like pleasure that I may shew unto you therefore, I will be at all times ready to accomplish the same to my power; as knoweth our Lord, who keep your good lordship in health. From, &c.
To my lord of Rochester.
XCVI. to the Warden of All Souls’ College, Oxford
Master warden, in my right hearty wise I commend me unto you. And where at your last being with me at Lameheth I desired your good will in a farm of yours, the name whereof at that time I could not readily call unto my remembrance; so it is, as I am advertised, that the same is named Les Wydon in Northamptonshire?: which forasmuch as the years and term thereof shall be shortly expired, I heartily require you, that at this mine instance and request ye will, as effectually as you may, move the rest of your company to accomplish this my said suit, so that by yours and their agreement I may obtain the next lease that shall be granted in that behalf for a special friend of mine, paying in every condition as much as any other reasonably will give for the same; for the which I will at all times be ready to shew both to you and them like pleasure accordingly, &c.
To the warden of All Souls’ college in
Oxfor
[[^ This letter was probably written to John [ὃ Perhaps William Devenish, afterwards pre-]
[Fisher, bishop of Rochester, aad chancellor of the bendary of Canterbury, who, having married, was]
[university of Cambridge, early in 1534, before his deprived under queen Mary. Le Neve’s Fasti,]
[imprisonment for refusing to take the oath of suc- p. 17. Ed. Lond. 1716.]]
[cession. He had been confessor to Margaret, [$ Roger Stokeley; elected the 10th of March]
[mother of Hen. VII. and is supposed to have sug- 1533, resigned in 1536. Wood’s History of Oxfoid.]
[gested to her the foundation of St John’s and Christ’s Vol. HII. p. 269. Ed. (Gutch.) Oxon. 1786.]]
[colleges. ] [7 Lois Weedon, near ‘Towcester.]]
XCVII. To the Inhabitants of Hadleigh
IN my right hearty wise I commend me unto you. And sorry I am to hear there is lack of charity, and also be many grudges amongst you, you all being christian men, which should be of such charity and unity as if ye were but one body. And to the intent ye should be so, and that ye should the rather be induced to concord, and specially against this good time’, I have desired this bearer, master Hughe Vaghan, to take the pain to come unto you now with these my letters, and to exhort you all in my name and on my behalf, and most specially in the name of our Lord, that you and every of you put away such grudges? as ye have one against another, and become lovers together as children of God ought to do: (for whosoever is out of charity, do what he will, it is not acceptable in the sight of God; and how can he love God that hateth his christian brother, which is the creature of God?) so to continue in charity here in this world together as the sons of one Father, our Lord in heaven, that ye may be beloved of him after in heaven.
And where sir Thomas Ros, your curate, hath been before me for these words, which (as it is surmised) he spake in the pulpit there, here following: “A man’s goods spent for his soul after his death prevaileth him not:” forasmuch as I am credibly informed that no small number of you which were present at that sermon when these words were spoken, (as it is pretended,) doth affirm that he said not so, but these: “That a man’s goods, given out of charity, and so the child of damnation, spent after his death shall not prevail his soul:” and forasmuch as I understand that your said curate, as soon as he heard that such matters was surmised against him by such as have not been his friends and favourers heretofore, (as I am also credibly informed,) went into the pulpit and declared, that he neither said, neither meant those words but of such as died out of charity and was buried in hell, as the rich glutton was in the gospel, of which he treated when those words were spoken, and also to the intent that the more charity should continue among you:
I have sent the said curate to you again, desiring you which have not been his friends heretofore to leave your grudges, and you all to accept him favourably, the rather for this my writing. Not intending hereby, but if you or any of you shall have just cause against him hereafter, [you] shall and may prosecute the same according to justice; for it is not mine intent in any wise hereby to let justice, if it be justly prosecuted without great and probable suspicion of malice and calumnious accusation. And if any of you shall have at any time hereafter any just cause to sue afore me, ye shall be sure of such favour as I may lawfully shew unto you. At Lameth, the xx”. day of March.
To my well-beloved the inhabitants of
Hadleghe
[[! i.e. the season of Easter. ] indeed by means of Sir John Rainford, knight, [? For a narrative of the disturbances at Had- obtained at the archbishop’s house to have him]
[leigh, vid. the story of Thomas Rose,” Foxe’s thither. Howbeit, by means one was placed in the]
[Acts and Monuments, pp. 2082, et sqq. Ed. Lond. cure at Hadleigh, he could not enjoy his office again]
[1583. ] there, but went to Stratford three miles off, and there [? Sir Thomas Rose was arrested A.D. 1533, by continued in preaching the word three years; till at]
[the sergeant at arms at the instigation of Walter and length the adversaries procured an inhibition from]
[John Clerke, by whom he was charged with having the bishop of Norwich, to put him to silence.”—]
[been “privy of the burning of the rood of Dover Foxe’s Acts and Monuments, p. 2083. Ed. Lond.]
[court” but he was set at liberty by archbishop 1583. Strype’s Mem. of Abp. Cranmer, Vol. I. pp.]
[Cranmer’s means; but yet so, that he was bounden 395,6. Ed. Oxon. 1840. Sir Thomas Rose was]
[not to come within twenty miles of Hadleigh. After afterwards recommended by Abp. Cranmer in a]
[this he came to London, and there preached the letter to Cecil, dated 25th August, 1552, (q. v.)]
[gospel half a year, till Hadleigh men, hearing there- with others as a fit person for an Irish arch-]
[of, laboured to have him to Hadleigh again; and bishoprick.]]
j XCVIII. TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK”.
My lord, in my right hearty wise I commend me unto you. And where at the last man. mss. day of the late convocation kept at Paul’s in London, many questions and doubts were Go,
[[ Edward Lee.] wherefore letting is made in christian court, that [^ i.e. The 31st of March 1534. The general process of right may not be determined or ended.]
[sentence was a solemn curse to be denounced by the And all those that the peace of the land distrouble.]
[curates to their parishes once a quarter: wherein a And all those that blood draw of man or of woman]
[great number of persons were wont to be accursed; in violence, or in villany make to be drawn, in]
[and a large share of these execrations were framed to church or in churchyard, wherefore the church or]
[fall upon those that infringed the privileges and im- the churchyard is interdicted or suspended. And all]
[munities of holy church, or that deprived it of any those that be against the right of our sovereign lord]
[of its rights or dues.” —Strype’s Eccl. Mem. Vol. the king. And all those that war sustain against]
[I. p. 253, Part. ii. No. xlvi. pp. 186—193. Ed. Oxon. the king wrongfully. And all those that are com-]
[1822. Wilkins’ Concilia, Vol. III. pp. 760, 70. Ed. mon robbers, revers, or manslayers, but it be in]
[Lond. 1737. Wake’s State of the Church, p. 479. themselves defending. And all those that be]
[Ed. Lond.1703. The following is the form used on against the great charter of the king that is con-]
[these occasions. firmed of the court of Rome. And all those that]
[The general sentence, or curse: used to be read to false witness bear wrongfully: namely in cause of]
[the people four times in the year. Taken outof the matrimony, in what court soever it be or out of]
[Festival, printed by W ynkyn de Worde, 1532:— court. And all those that false witness bring forth]
[The Goon men and women, I do you to understand, in right of matrimony, for to distrouble man or wo-]
[Festival that we that have the cure of your souls been com- man; or for to disherit any man of lands or tene-]
[manded of our ordinaries, and by the constitutions ments, or any other cattle. And all false advocates,]
[and the law of holy church, to shew to you four that for meed put forth any false exceptions, or]
[times in the year, in each quarter of the year once, quarrels, through the which the right of matrimony]
[when the people is most plenary in holy church, the is foredone, or any other manner of right instead of]
[articles of the sentence of cursing: so that none for judgment. And all those that for meed or favour]
[our default, neither man nor woman, fall therein; maliciously man or woman bringeth out of their]
[and if any be fallen therein, that he may through good fame into wicked; or make them for to lose]
[the help of Almighty God, and all holy church, their worldly goods or honour, or them put wrong-]
[with shrift and penance making good for his sin, fully to their purgation, of the which was no fame]
[rise up and him amend. Wherefore I do you to nor renown known before that time. And also all]
[understand, that cursing is such vengeance-taking, those that maliciously, and through cawtel or guile,]
[that it departeth a man from the bliss of heaven, distrouble, letteth, or gainsayeth the right present-]
[from housel, shrift, and all the sacraments of holy ment of our mother holy church militant here in]
[church, and betake him to the devil, and to the pains earth, thereas the very patron should be present;]
[of hell, the which shall endure perpetually without and all that thereto procure with word or deed, or]
[end, but if hehave grace of our Lord him to amend. with false conquest, or with other power. And all]
[But therefore see that no man or woman say, that I those that maliciously despise the commandment of]
[curse them; for it longeth not to me, but for to the king, or take a cursed man from the time that]
[shew the points and the articles of the sentence of he hath lain in cursing forty days, and will seek]
[cursing. For I do you well to wit, that whoso doth for no remedy. And all those, that prisoners dis-]
[against any of these points, that I shall shew you, he trouble with false judgment, or false inquest; and]
[is accursed in the deed doing, of the pope, arch- all those, that their deliverance purchase against the]
[bishop, bishop, and of all holy church: and that right of holy church. And all those that take meed]
[God Almighty give you grace for to keep you out of for to distrouble peace, there love should be, and]
[cursing, listen and hear, and I shall, through the charity, or strife maintain with words or deeds, or]
[help of God, Father Almighty, to you then tell and till they have yielded again their meed, that they]
[shew. take of them, they may never be assailed: and all By the authority of God, the Son, and the Holy those that hold houses, manors, granges of parsons,]
[Ghost, and his glorious mother and maiden, our vicars, or of any other man of holy church against]
[lady Saint Mary: and the blessed apostles Peter, and their will. And all those that any manner of move-]
[Paul, and all the apostles, martyrs, confessors, and ble good, or unmoveable, away bear with strength, or]
[virgins, and all the hallows of God, I denounceand wrongfully away draw or waste: of the which curs-]
[shew for accursed all those that the franchise of holy ing they may not be assoiled, till they have made]
[church break or distrouble, or are against the state satisfaction unto whom the wrong is done. And all]
[of holy church, or thereto assent with deed or coun- those that any manner of goods with violence or]
[sel. And also all those that deprive holy church of malice bear out of holy church sted or abbey, or]
[any right to make of holy church any lay fee, that is house of religion, which that therein is laid or done]
[hallowed or sanctified. And also all those that with- for warandyse or succour, or for to be kept: and all]
[hold the rights of holy church, that is to say, offer- those which that thereto procure or assent. And]
[ings, tithes, rents, or freedoms of holy church, let or all those that them maintain or sustain. And all]
[distrouble, or break: that is to say, if any man flee those that have laid hand on priest or clerk with]
[to church, or churchyard, whoso him outdraw, and malice, but it be by himself defending. And all]
[all those that thereto procure or assent. And all those that give counsel to Saracenes, or help them]
[those that purchaseth letters of any lord’s court, against Christendom. And all those that their chil-]
moved of the reading and declaration of the general sentence commonly used at four terms of the year; and after much communication and debatements of great arguments and reasons therein made and had, it was at the last, by the counsels of our whole house, condescended and agreed, that the reading of the same general sentence should be for a time suspended and stayed, until some other direction may be therein further taken and provided, (which, as I suppose, cannot be conveniently done before the next assembly of bishops and prelates of my province the next convocation;) and that I should by my letters speedily advertise your lordship of the premises, to the intent it may please you to cause general monitions to be made within your province, that the said general sentence be no more read or declared until some other direction may be further taken therein: I therefore pray you, my lord, that, forasmuch as it shall be meet and convenient that one conformity be used in your province and mine, specially touching the said general sentence, that the declaration and reading of the same may be respited, until some other direction may be hereafter further taken in that behalf. And how ye shall be minded therein, I pray you that I may be ascertained by your letters as soon as you may. [1534.]
[dren wrongfully father wittingly, or their children help of man’s soul. And all jugglers and usurers:]
[witting any other man with malice. Andallthose that is to say, that if any man or woman lend they]
[that vary or slay their generations, or their children cattle to man or woman for any advantage to take]
[destroy with drinks, or with any other craft. And by covenant more orless than theirown: and if there]
[all those that make false money, or thereto heas- bean such found in town or city, the city or the]
[senting. And all those that good money clip or town should be interdicted by the old law, and nei-]
[shear, them to advantage to deceive any man with. ther do their mass, nor sacrament ministered, till he]
[And all those that false the pope’s bull, or counter- were out thereof. And all that withhold tithes, or]
[feit the king’s seal. And all those that buy or sell withdraw their tithes wittingly or maliciously, to]
[with false measures or false weights: that is to say, the harm of holy church; or tithes let to be given of]
[to buy with one and to sell with another. And all all the goods which they be commanded, and or-]
[those that false the king’s standard themself witting. dained to be given by the law of holy church, that]
[And all those that any testament distrouble, or is to say, of all fruits of herds, corns, herbs, the]
[thereto procure with word or with deed, wherefore ware, fruits of trees, of all manner of beasts that]
[the deed’s will is not fulfilled. And allthosethat are newing, of wool, lamb, and cheese, in time of]
[forswear them upon the holy dome, willing and the year of swans, geese, doves, ducks, of bees,]
[witting, for meed or for hate, for to do any man honey, wax, of hay, as ofien as it is neweth, of]
[or woman to lose their worldly goods or honour. flax, of hemp, of wind-mills, or all manner of mills,]
[And all robbers or revers, openly or privily, by day of all manner of merchandise of chaffering men and]
[or by night, or any man’s good steal, wherefore they of men of craft. And all those that maliciously]
[were worthy for to have judgment. And all those or wittingly any of these things, or any other with-]
[that withhold any man’s good, that have been hold, the which ought to be given to holy church]
[spired thrice in holy church themself witting. And by God’s law, to the harm of holy church, and all]
[all those that distrouble the peace of holy church, that thereto procure in word or in deed.]
[or of the land, and all the king’s felons. And all Modus fulminandi sententiam.]
[those that them maintain. And all false conspi- Praelatus alba indutus cum ceteris sacerdotibus]
[rators, and all false forswearers in assizes, or in in ecclesia existentibus, cruce erecta, candelis ac-]
[any other court. And all those that any false plaints censis, stans in pulpito, pronunciet verba que]
[put forth against the franchise of holy church, or of sequuntur:]
[the king, or of the realm. And all those offerings Ex auctoritate Dei Patris Omnipotentis et]
[that are offered in holy church or in churchyard or beate Maria virginis et omnium sanctorum, excom-]
[chapel, or in oratory, or in any other stead within the municamus, anathematizamus, et diabolo commen-]
[province of Canterbury, withholden, or put away damus, omnes supra dictos malefactores, ut excom-]
[in any other place against the will of the parson or municati sint, anathematizati, et diabolo commen-]
[vicar, or their attorney in the parish that it is offered dati: maledicti sint in villis, in campis, in viis, in]
[in. And all those that their goods away give for semitis, in domibus, extra domos, et in omnibus]
[dread of death, in fraud of holy church, or to forbear aliis locis, stando, sedendo, jacendo, surgendo, am-]
[their debts paying. And all those that such gifts bulando, currendo, vigilando, dormiendo, comedendo,]
[take, or thereto help or counsel. And all those that bibendo, et aliud opus faciendo; et illos a luminibus]
[let prelates or ordinaries for to hold consistory, et omnibus bonis ecclesia sequestramus, et diabolo]
[session, or chapters, for to inquire of sins, and of ex- damnamus, et in penis inferni animas eorum ex-]
[cess, in good amendment of man’ssoul. Andall tinguamus, sicut extinguitur ista candela; nisi]
[witches, and all that on them believe. And all resipiscant et ad satisfactionem veniant.]
[heretics that believe not in the sacrament of the Finita sententia, extinguat lumen ad terrorem,]
[altar, that is God’s own body in flesh and blood in pulsantibus campanis.]]
[form of bread, and other sacraments that toucheth]
XCIX. To
.I therefore will you to cause general monitions to be made within the diocese of Sarum, that the said general sentence may be no more read or declared, until some other direction may be further taken as aforesaid; and that ye ascertain me as soon as ye may conveniently, with speed, of your doings in the premises. From Croydon, the iv. day of April. [1534.]
To a Bishop
4. qe,
The copy of an Inhibition sent by my lord of Canterbury unto other for seditious preaching begun in Easter week concerning the king’s graces marriage, in Anno Regni xxv. H. VIII. [1534.]
Ix my right hearty wise I commend me unto you: letting you wit, that forasmuch
as it hath come to my knowledge, that divers persons at this present time, under the pretence of preaching to the people the word of God, which is the word of charity, unity, and concord, do minister unto their audience matter of contention, slander, debate, and murmur, as well concerning the true catholic doctrine of Christ’s church, as also other publie matters, nothing meet ne convenient for their audience; and I therefore, calling unto me my right well-beloved brothers in God, the bishops of London’, Winchester”, and Lincoln”, have, for speedy remedy hereof, devised and agreed with my said brothers, that an inhibition should be incontinently sent forth from every one of us in our diocese, to forbid all such as have already licence to preach by any letter heretofore granted unto them, to preach from henceforth by virtue and authority of any such letters, but that they shall resort to every of us in our diocese to obtain new letters and licence concerning the same: and also all curates authorised by the law to preach in their own parish churches shall, if they be disposed to preach, first resort unto us in like manner; so as at such time as they shall repair to us or our officers for any such licence, injunction shall be made unto them to have regard and respect in their preaching to the Constitution Provincial, in the title there De Zcreticis, in the first chapter, that is to say, that they shall temper their matter secundum subjectum. auditorum; and in no wise to touch or intermeddle themselves to preach or teach any such thing that might slander or bring in doubt and opinion the catholic and received doctrine of Christ’s church, or speak of such matters as touch the prince, his laws, or succession; considering that thereupon can ensue no edification in the people, but rather occasion of talking and rumour to their great hurt and damage, and the danger and perils of their bodies and souls: Wherefore, in consideration of the premises, I require you and pray you to follow the said order, as well sending forth speedy monition or inhibition, as also in giving instruction of such your curates as intend to preach, and other such as ye shall
[[ Dr Jenkyns says of this letter, that Strypesup- throughout his diocese, and warned the rest of the]
[poses it was addressed to the bishop of Sarum: but bishops throughout England to do the same,.. but]
[in April 1534, which from the reference to the reso- only fora time”… it being thought convenient]
[lution respecting the General Sentence is clearly its that preaching at this juncture should be restrained,]
[date, there was no bishop of that see; Cardinal because now the matter of sermons chiefly consisted]
[Campegio having been recently deprived by act of in tossing about the king’s marriage with the lady]
[parliament, and his successor, Nicholas Shaxton, Anne, and condemning so publicly and boldly his]
[not being yet elected; and that it must therefore doings against queen Katharine; the priests being]
[have been written to some one who administered set on work by her friends and faction.” —Strype’s]
[the diocese during the vacancy.—Remains of Abp. Mem. of Abp. Cranmer, Vol. I. p. 30. Ed. Oxon.]
[Cranmer, Vol. I. p. 97. 2. d.] 1840. The preaching friars were invariably on the [? The Easter-day of 26 Hen. VIII. was the side of queen Katharine. Vid.Strype’s Eccl. Mem.]
[5th of April, 1534. Ibid.] Vol. I. p. 357. Ed. Oxon. 1822.] [? After the archbishop’s sentence against [ John Stokesley.]]
[queen Katharine and confirmation of queen Ann’s [^ Stephen Ga:diner.]]
[marriage,” A.D. 1533, he forbad all preaching [^ John Longland.]]
afterward admit by yourself or by your trusty officers, as is afore written, having such respect to the execution hereof, as will satisfy the duty of your office in the sight of God and man’. Whereunto ye will, I doubt not, have such regard at all time as becometh you. Thus, my lord, most heartily fare you well. At my manor of Lameth.
To the Prioress of Stanfeld
SISTER prioress, in my right hearty wise I commend me unto you, and likewise to the other my sisters of your convent. And where, at my request and instance to you made in my other letters? in the favour of my friend Mr N. R. for his preferment to the vicarage of Quadring, ye, according to the effect and tenor thereof, have accomplished the same, as now in that behalf I am advertised by your letters dated the first day of April; I give unto you most hearty and condign thanks therefore, trusting the said Mr Roberts, according to my letters to him addressed for the same, will in such manner be conformable and agreeable to all ordinances and customs as hath been heretofore used by his predecessors for the quietness of you and your house, that ye shall have cause to be glad to have preferred him for my sake. The which if I perceive to happen in him the contrary, surely he shall both lose my favour and be in danger of my displeasure therefore: and you notwithstanding to be sure of me to requite and recompense this your gratuity and gentle behaviour accordingly. From Lamehe.
To the prioress of Stanfeld.
Cll. To Robers
I commEND me unto you. And where at my request and instance the prioress and convent of Stanfeld hath given to you the presentation of Quadring, as according to their letters to me addressed in that behalf I am credibly informed, wherein they have desired me also to exhort you to be content with the same, observing such laudable customs as the late incumbent and other his predecessors hath done, without further trouble, vexation, or unquietness to them or their house; these shall be therefore likewise to admonish you herein, (as ye tender my favour and will avoid my displeasure,) that according to this their reasonable request you do so endeavour yourself from time to time to accomplish the same, that they have not just cause to repent hereafter of this their benevolence declared unto you, which to happen would be unto me great displeasure, but much more your hinderance in so doing, &c.
CIII. To the Prioress of Sheppey
Sister prioress, I greet you well. And forasmuch as I understand by my servant Thomas Abberforde, that the farm of your parsonage of Gillyngham is shortly like to be void, of which (as he reporteth) you aforetime promised him the next avoidance; I require you, that now, the rather of this mine instance, ye will let him have the preferment thereunto, he finding you sufficient sureties for the payment thereof. And what you intend to do in this behalf I require you to advertise me by my secretary, whom I send unto you for that intent. And if you will accomplish mine request herein, I will at all time be as good unto you in other matters, wherein you shall have to do with me.
! The order for the regulation of preaching, pendix.
[issued in June, 1534, will be found in the Ap- [? See Letter XCIII. p. 278.]]
CIV. To the Prioress of Sheppey
Sister prioress, I commend me unto you. Where heretofore I wrote unto you 6148. my letters in the favour of my servant T. Abberforde, for the lease of your farm at Gillyngham, whereof ye have aforetime (as I am credibly informed) made unto him a promise, as honest witness examined by mine officers in that matter have affirmed; I pray you that ye will now at his coming to you, not alonely finish and accomplish your said former promise, but also for my sake to shew him such other favour therein, as ye may shew lawfully; whereby ye shall minister unto me right good cause and occasion to tender as much your desire another time, when ye shall any thing reasonably desire of me. And how ye shall be minded herein, I pray you that I may be ascertained by your letters at the return of my servant. And where my said servant hath further informed me, that ye, at his last being with you to know your mind to my former letters, answered him that ye would right gladly satisfy my request herein, if I would affirm and say that ye may thus do justly without any dishonesty; I assure you I do not see how ye may better save and conserve your honesty in this matter, than to accomplish your promise in the same made, whereof is good record and testimony. And if you will otherwise do, ye should by so doing cumber your conscience and dishonest yourself much. And albeit I do trust verly.
To the prioress of Sheppey.
To Crumwell
[Ricur worshipful master Crumwell, after most hearty commendations, &c. I doubt Qt MSS.]
[not but you do right well remember, that my lord of Rochester and master More rU]
[were contented to be sworn to the Act of the king’s succession, but not to the preamble holograph Museum. [Ξ-ΞΞ- EUH n. cote bile τ τ τ τ τὰν τ Hari. MSS. a £120. [? The copy of this letter was left unfinished. ] also declared null, since contrary to the laws of SORT s]
[[ Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, and Sir Thomas God; and all that were married within these degrees Mem.of Abp.]
[More, refused to take the preamble of the oath of are appointed to be divorced, and the children be- C xi]
[succession before Cranmer and other commissioners, gotten in such marriages were declared illegitimate: vol. ll. pp.]
[April, 13, 1534. Strype’s Mem. of Abp. Cranmer, and all the issue that should be between the king 003, Lo]
[Vol. I. pp. 36—8; Burnet’s Reformat. Vol. I. p. and the present queen is declared lawful, and the 1840.]
[315 Ed. Oxon. 1829. ] crown was to descend on his issue male by her, or]
[[? Stat.25. Hen. V III.cap. 22. in the Statute Book, any other wife; or in default of issue male, to the]
[34 in the Record, 26. in the Journal. Thefollowing issue female by the queen; and in default of any]
[is the substance of the preamble of the act.—‘ The such, to the right heirs of the king’s highness for]
[distractions that had been in England about the suc- ever; and any that after the first of May should]
[cession to the crown, which had occasioned the effu- maliciously divulge any thing to the slander of the]
[sion of much blood, with many other mischiefs, all king’s marriage, or of the issue begotten in it, were]
[which flowed from the want of a clear decision of to be adjudged for misprision of treason, and to]
[the true title, from which the popes had usurped a suffer imprisonment at the king’s will, and forfeit]
[power of investing such as pleased them in other all their goods and chattels to him; and if the queen]
[princes kingdoms, and princes had often maintained outlived the king, she is declared regent till the]
[such donations for their other ends; therefore, to issue by her were of age, if a son, eighteen, and if]
[avoid the like inconveniencies, the king’s former a daughter sixteen years of age; and all the king’s]
[marriage with the princess Katharine is judged con- subjects were to swear that they would maintain the]
[and the sentence passed by the Archbishop of Can- did refuse it, was to be judged guilty of misprision]
[terbury, annulling it, is confirmed, and the lady Ka- of treason, and punished accordingly.”— The oath,]
[tharine is thenceforth to be reputed only princess it seems, was likewise agreed on in the house of]
[dowager, and not queen, and the marriage with lords; for the form of it is set down in their Journal]
[queen Ann is established and confirmed: and mar- as follows:— Ye shall swear to bear faith, truth,]
[riages within the degrees prohibited by Moses and obedience alonely to the king’s majesty, and to]
[(which are enumerated in the statute) are declared his heirs of his body, of his most dear and entirely]
[to be unlawful, according to the judgment of the beloved lawful wife queen Ann begotten and to be]
[convocations of this realm, and of the most famous begotten. And further, to the heirs of our said]
[universities, and learned men abroad, any dispensa- sovereign lord according to the limitation in the]
[tions to the contrary notwithstanding, which are statute made for surety of his succession in the]
of the same. What was the cause of their refusal thereof I am uncertain, and they would by no means express the same. Nevertheless it must needs be either the diminution of the authority of the bishop of Rome, or else the reprobation of the king’s first pretensed matrimony. But if they do obstinately persist in their opinions of the preamble, yet mescemeth it should not be refused, if they will be sworn to the very act of succession; so that they will be sworn to maintain the same against all powers and potentates. For hereby shall be a great occasion to satisfy the princess dowager and the lady Mary, which do think they should damn their souls, if they should abandon and relinquish their estates, And not only it should stop the mouths of them, but also of the emperor, and other their friends, if they give as much credence to my lord of Rochester and master More, speaking or doing against them, as they hitherto have done and thought that all other should have done, when they spake and did with them. And peradventure it should be a good quietation to many other within this realm, if such men should say, that the succession, comprised within the said act, is good and according to God’s laws: for then I think there is not one within this realm, that would once reclaim against it. And whereas divers persons, either of a wilfulness will not, or of an indurate and invertible conscience cannot, alter from their opinions of the king’s first pretensed marriage, (wherein they have once said their minds, and percase have a persuasion in their heads, that if they should now vary therefrom, their fame and estimation were distained for ever,) or else of the authority of the bishop of Rome; yet if all the realm with one accord would apprehend the said succession, in my judgment it is a thing to be amplected and embraced. Which thing, although I trust surely in God that it shall be brought to pass, yet hereunto might not a little avail the consent and oaths of these two persons, the bishop of Rochester and master More, with their adherents, or rather confederates. And if the king’s pleasure so were, their said oaths might be suppressed, but when and where his highness might take some commodity by the publishing of the same. Thus our Lord have you ever in his conservation. From my manor at Croydon, the xvii. day of April.
Your own assured ever
Tuomas CANTUAR.
CVI. To Crumwell
IN my most hearty wise I commend me unto you. And so likewise desire you to be good master unto this bearer, Robert Markeham, whom, for the good qualities Hen. I know in him, I heartily desire you in all his such suits and causes as the same hath Vol NOW before you, to shew unto him your lawful favour, and that the rather at this mine instance. And what pleasure I may shew unto you for the same, ye shall be sure thereof accordingly. Thus our Lord preserve you. From Croydon, the xxvi” day of April.