|
| Oct. 21. | 659. Norfolk to Cecil. |
| Thanks him for his last letter sent by Brown "and for
them that took Payne at Dunbar." Has perused the Berwick
book, which in all things he allows, saving here and there
a word might be added which the writer notes in the enclosed schedule. Is much beholden to him for procuring
his tarrying at home. His great charges since the Queen's
coming to the Crown have utterly undone him; he has
wasted all the commodity that should come of his lands
for many years to come, besides all his woods sold, and
300l. of land. Desires commendations to Cecil's wife.—
Kenninghall, 21 Oct. Signed. |
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2. |
| [Oct. 21.] | 660. Notes on the Berwick Book. |
| The Duke of Norfolk thinks that the Master of the Ordnance should be one of the Council of the town; if the present
one is not fit, then he should be put to his pension and
another appointed of authority and skill. The Governor
and Council should always keep one ordinary day in the
week, in the open Council house, as well to commune of the
state of the town, as also that the gravity thereof should be
a great fear to all offenders. |
| 2. The Scots market should be kept without the new wall;
without offence to them it might be kept between the new
wall and the Bell tower. |
| 3. Whereas in divers places in the Book things are appointed always only to be shown to the Governor, and in
some other place his band at a muster to serve only for a
pay, he thinks it were not amiss to name both Governor and
Council of the town to . . . . [ends imperfectly]. Orig., in
the Duke's hol. P, 1. |
| Oct. 21. | 661. Randolph to Cecil. |
| Immediately upon the Ambassador's departure he repaired
towards the Earl of Arran at Castle Semple, who after long
cumber and much ado had the same delivered unto him;
having before beaten down the chief tower of their defence.
He remained at it ten days, of the which seven were so evil,
that neither approach could be made or artillery planted. The
Master and his brother with the chiefs have yielded to the
Earl, and are presently at this town; the others dismissed
above three score, besides eighteen slain and divers hurt.
The custody of the house is committed to Captain Forbes,
with ten soldiers, to be used at the Lords' will. The little
fort that Lord Semple built on the Loch is determined to be
overthrown, rather for the name's sake than anything it
imports. As simple was his device to name it The Defender
of the Faith, as he has been simple in all his other doings.
The Earl of Arran requires no other reward than to dispose
thereof. TheLord Semple and the Laird of Blanerne are departed out of Dunbar towards France. The Lords intend shortly
to assemble at Edinburgh to put in order such things as are
amiss. The Earl of Arran shall be for a space at Melrose, to put
such order as he can unto the Borders. It was reported this
night to the Duke that there were eight score of the Grahams
and Fosters of England that are broken out and ride at
liberty, unto whom it were a happy thing if some order might
be put.—Hamilton, 21 Oct. 1560. Signed. |
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
| Oct. 21. | 662. Randolph to Maitland. |
| 1. On his way to Castle Semple the writer visited the
Lairds of Hauton and Cawdor, and Lord St. John's wife,
thence to Hamilton and so to the Earl of Arran. For seven
days after the Earl's coming to the castle neither could the
pioneers work or the artillery planted in battery. On the
eighth day the artillery astonished his enemies. Next day,
about 3 p.m., the gatehouse tower fell one half from the
other, which the soldiers possessed. On the fall of the gate
tower on the tenth day the soldiers entered and held it for
two hours; but fearing that the rest would have fallen, retired
with the loss only of two soldiers, and James Baxter hurt in
the thigh. Next morning early they hung out a white flag,
and the Lairds of Grange and Stenhouse and Captain Forbes
being sent to them, the Master of Semple said that what they
had done was by commandment of their father, rather than
of their own goodwill to offend; wherefore they would be
content to submit themselves without further conditions,
which the Earl willingly received, and has him and his
brother presently at Hamilton. The castle and the house in
the loch are committed to Captain Forbes and ten soldiers.
Such things as were in the house were reserved unspoiled,
which in value were not worth forty crowns, besides artillery
and victuals, whereof they had good store. The soldiers are all
dismissed and well pleased, the one side happy to escape with
their lives, the other well rewarded above their wages. The
country round think themselves well delivered of so cumbersome neighbours. To rehearse the incommodities they sustained both by wind and rain were good pastime. For such
a number there was never camp better furnished with provisions, save the lack of house room and fire. The Earl of
Arran lodged with the rest of his friends in a barn, where
Randolph was the least of six that lay in one bed. There
was daily in company Lord Boyd and Lord Somerville, and
their friends, the Earl of Glencairn's brother, and many
other friends, of whom assurance was taken until the
20th November. |
| 2. The castle was delivered on the 19th, and on the 20th
they were all merry in Hamilton, intending on the 22nd to
be at Edinburgh, where many of the Lords will be. The
Laird of Grange is farthest in credit with the Duke, for his
good services done to his son. He has now gone over the
water to repose himself against the next voyage, which he
believes will be towards the thieves upon the Borders, whereunto both the father is willing enough, and the son desires no
better life. By the report of the Laird of Grange, and by
what Randolph saw him do himself, he has deserved great
praise, and is notably commended of all the country about.
It is written to the Earl from Edinburgh that the Lord Semple
and the Laird of Blanerne are shipped at Dunbar towards
France. Has more to write, but time will not serve.—
Hamilton, 21 Oct. 1560. Signed. |
| 3. P. S.—Sends his commendations to the Earls of Morton
and Glencairn. |
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
| Oct. 21. | 663. Randolph to Killegrew. |
| Went to the Earl of Arran at Castle Semple, who had been
there five days before his arrival; on the tenth day the castle
was delivered up, after the chief strength had been beaten
down over their heads that kept it. The principal defenders
are in Hamilton, to be disposed of at the Earl's will. Lord
Semple has gone into France with the Laird of Blanerne, as
crafty, false, and subtle a man as any in Scotland; this is he
for whom Sir James was suspected; this is he who has practised for the Earl of Huntly secretly, and is now thought to
have some matters of his in hand. Sir Nicholas should be
advertised of them both.—Hamilton, 21 Oct. 1560. Signed. |
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| Oct. 22. | 664. The Queen to Leek. |
| He is directed to deliver over the charge of the town of
Berwick to Lord Grey, appointed Governor of the same.—22
Oct. 1560. |
| Copy. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
| [Oct. 22.] | 665. Throckmorton to the Queen. (fn. 1) |
| 1. Commends the bearer, the Lord of Creky, to her good
usage as being devoted to her service, and desirous of an
alliance between England and Scotland; he will be able to
confirm such matter touching the French disposition as he
signified on the 10th. They begin to talk of the manner of
the execution of their proposed enterprise; they say that
when time serves they will have to do with her. MM. De la
Brosse, D'Andelot, De Termes, and Martigues, with the Duc
D'Aumale (who shall be their general), shall take the matter
in hand. |
| 2. On the 11th inst. the French King came to the Louvre
in Paris without making further entry, and spoke to his
Parliament, divers chief merchants and officers at Paris, cer-
tain learned men of the Sorbonne, and divers of his Council.
They being assembled, after the King had declared the trust
he had in them, the Chancellor, for the better effect of the
King's journey against the rebels, demanded an aid of money,
and there were granted unto him 100,000 crowns. The King
will be at Orleans on the 20th to meet his gendarmerie.
They at Orleans will receive the King and his train, but will
not permit any men-at-arms to enter into the town. The
King for that cause, and to bring other his towns the sooner
to obedience, takes with him divers pieces of ordnance. The
gendarmerie is appointed to remain in divers countries according to an edict. Has been informed that as soon as the King
has somewhat settled the garboils here, he is minded to convert his forces towards Dover, Scarborough, or Tynemouth,
and that there is a league in hand between him and the King
of Spain, which is very pernicious to the Queen. |
| 3. Lord Seton desiring to speak with the writer, he went
secretly to his lodgings, where he set out how evil he had
been used here; and that as he did promise the Queen Dowager
in Scotland to stand by her during her life, (but now finding
there is very small consideration had of him,) he intends to go
home and live and die a good Scotchman, and apply himself
to the uttermost for the benefit and liberty of his country.
Whereof the Queen is informed, so that if he goes by England
he may have her safe conduct and be well entreated, being
a man of whom some account may be made. |
| 4. There is a bruit, three or four ways confirmed, that
the English ships which are in good number at Bordeaux for
wine should be stayed. It is to be marvelled, considering the
treaty is not ratified, that they have adventured to come so
many as they do daily unto this coast. |
| 5. Since his last letter, has sent to the coast to learn touching the French preparations, and learns that De Vielleville
was lately busied at Dieppe, where a great part of the victual
lately was; he is presently at Newhaven, where they are rigging
out three ships of good burden, very well armed and manned,
and it is reported that they are equipped for Brazil. What
this and M. De Vielleville mean he cannot judge, seeing that at
Rouen all things are very quiet. A great part of the victuals
prepared for Scotland remain yet in store at Newhaven. |
| 6. The Grand Prior, notwithstanding his commission to
bring the galleys about to Newhaven, has signified the Court
that they cannot remove from Nantes by reason of the time
of the year. Is informed that they begin to make provision
of biscuit and other victuals for them. M. De Gourdon is
revoked from his charge at Calais, and M. De Morvillier sent
thither in his stead. |
| 7. The 16th present there departed out of Paris ten cartloads of munition and artillery; but whither it is conveyed,
or how it is to be employed, he cannot learn. |
| Draft, corrected by Throckmorton. Passages underlined, to
be expressed in cipher. Pp. 4. |
| Oct. 22. | 666. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
| Repeats the information contained in his letter of the 10th
inst., and in the last number. He then proceeds as follows: He is well informed that the French Queen has written
with her own hand six letters to several noblemen in
Scotland, and has signed thirty-seven letters, which shall
be conveyed by Carr, the Parson of Roxburgh, to whom
the abbey of Kelso is given, or by Cranyston, the official to
the Bishop of St. Andrews. The King of Navarre is looked
for at Orleans with his train on the 21st, and all bruit of any
doubt of trouble by him is clean appeased. The French King
determines to do very strait execution upon his subjects in
all parts of his realm where there has been any stir. The
money from the confiscations will amount to a large sum.
The King minds, either by his Ambassador resident, or by an
express gentlemen sent to her, to request Throckmorton's
removal, and that rather than he should continue he would
have no Ambassador. The writer understands that he is
greatly misliked. The Baron of Curton, who is of Gascony,
has told him that there are in those parts 200 English ships
for wines and other merchandises; doubts not but that she
will cause secret order to be taken for their calling back, and
for their stay on their return, till things be in more quiet
terms. Lingers behind the Court at Paris to understand
what has become of Du Bois' levying of men in Picardy.—
Paris, 22 Oct. 1560. Signed. |
| Orig. Portions in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd. by
Cecil's secretary: This letter is wholly contained in another
of 28 Oct. Pp. 6. |
| Oct. 22. | 667. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
| Refers to his letter to the Queen for what has passed since
Middlemore's departure on the 10th. Understands by
Somer, of Craigmillar, and yet whatsoever Cecil is persuaded
of him, the writer thinks of him as he did at the beginning,
and is informed that he has as perilous practices in hand
as may be devised, and that he follows them busily. Has
received no letter from the Court save his of the 20th Sept.
since Somer's coming with letters of the 27 Aug. Quotes a
Latin account of the disturbances of Sweden in the time of
King Eric and in the time of King Christian, 1459. Things
that were done before might happen again, and instead of
peace, safety, and wealth the match might bring war, peril,
and expense; and when the account is made they would
have a fair and far northern man, without any profitable
alliance, in his doublet and hose. Desires answer touching
Lord Seton's passport to pass through England, who daily
"sounds unto" the writer touching that matter.—Paris,
22 Oct. 1560. Signed. |
| Orig. Portions in cipher, deciphered, and portions in
Throckmorton's hand. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp.3. |
| [Oct. 22.] | 668. Advertisements from France. |
| 1. At Brest and other havens the French ships of war
are being made ready with all diligence. |
| 2. At Newhaven, called Hable de Grace, are twelve sail,
freighted with victual to be sent to Scotland. At Nantes
ten galleys are come, and ten others are looked for. |
| 3. The Spaniards lately discharged in Flanders shall come
into France, to pass with the French Queen into Scotland,
for which cause all this preparation is made. |
| 4. Certain surveyors have lately at Calais devised a place
fit to keep twelve galleys. |
| 5. The old garrison there is lately called from thence (as
is thought) to go with the Queen into Scotland. In their
place other soldiers are come in greater number than the
old was. |
| Enclosed in a letter from W. Cobham to Cecil of Oct. 22nd.
P. 1. |
| Oct. 22. | 669. Killegrew to Throckmorton. |
| Since he wrote has spoken with my Lord R. [Robert], and
put him in remembrance of Mr. D., who willed the writer
to let him [Throckmorton] understand secretly that he was
not forgotten. Thereupon has written that he may deliver
the enclosed to him, and use him as he thinks best.—London,
22 Oct. Signed. |
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| Oct. 23. | 670. Frederick II. of Denmark to the Council of Scotland. |
| Rejoices to hear that peace is concluded between France
and Scotland. Demands restitution of the Orkney Islands,
which at the marriage of Margaret, daughter of James of
Scotland, to Christian I., were pledged for the sum of 50,000
florins; for which he now offers repayment. E Venatione
nostra Cymbrica, 23 Oct. 1560. Signed. |
| Copy. Add.: To the Duke of Hamilton, the Earl of
Arran, and the rest of the Governors of Scotland. Lat
Pp. 3. |
| Oct. 24. | 671. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
| Has commended this bearer, the Lord of Creky, to the
Lords of the Council. That Cecil may know the better how
to deal with him, his nature is such, that when he finds
courtesy and kind handling he acknowledges it in all things
that he may, and will do more with fair words and good
dealing, than others with great gifts. Words and good cheer,
being no great charge, are not to be spared. Cecil must
beware that he moves no special matter to him, either to
be a practiser therein, or to leave the French Queen's service
for Elizabeth's, or any other thing wherein he may seem
to prejudice his good opinion of their doings. It may be
moved to him in general terms to help that there may be
an assured and perfect amity between England and Scotland,
and to let the means thereof and all other things tending
thereto be untouched and remain to his own judgment.
There is some matter in variance between Lord James and
him for the keeping of the castle and park of Falkland,
and the seneschalship of Fife, which he lately had; wherein
the writer wishes him to be favoured, as he is a man that
may stand in good stead, being cousin german to the Duke
of Châtellerault and the Earl of Argyle.—Paris, 24 Oct. 1560.
Signed. |
| Orig. The greater portion in cipher, deciphered. Add.
Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2. |
| Oct. 24. | 672. Draft of the above. |
| Portions underlined to be expressed in cipher. Endd.:
24 Oct. 1560. Pp. 2. |
| Oct. 24. | 673. Throckmorton to the Privy Council. |
| 1. Commends the Lord of Creky, being upon his return to
his country. He is known to the Lord Chamberlain. The
writer has always found him of good inclination to the Queen's
service, and also of like devotion for the uniting of England
and Scotland in peace and amity. This has caused him to be
here of late suspected and examined, so that he departs homeward evil satisfied. Albeit he was the servant of the Queen
Dowager, and has a daughter in the service of the French
Queen, he may be persuaded to cause them in Scotland not
yet contented with the present proceedings to like them, for
he is of good credit with the Earls of Crawford, "Glantin"
[Glammis?], and Arrol, and with good usage he may be persuaded to do as much as others would by pensions. He
desires to be allowed to take three or four nags or hackneys
into Scotland. |
| 2. Repeats the information contained in his letter of Oct.
22 to the Queen respecting the preparations in France, etc.
Is informed that at Armew [Armuyden], in Zealand, there are
certain ships rigged forth, wherein the 3,000 Spaniards are to
be embarked for Spain. On the 18th they sent down the
Seine six double cannon. There is commission given to
divers spiritual men to use all possible means with the
Bishops, Abbots, Priors, and other chief ministers of the spirituality to lend the King all their plate and jewels. The Great
Prior is sent for from Nantes, and commanded to bring the
captains of the galleys which remain there. It is thought
that all things shall be compounded between the King of
Navarre, the Constable, and the house of Guise. |
| 3. The King of Navarre is looked for shortly at Orleans;
all bruits of trouble by him are clean appeased, which causes
great marvel. On the 16th instant there departed out of
Paris ten cartloads of munition and artillery, the destination
of which is unknown.—Paris, 24 Oct. 1560. Signed. |
| Orig. Add., with armorial seal. Portions in cipher,
deciphered. Endd. Pp. 5. |
| [Oct. 24.] | 674. Names of Men wounded at Leith. |
| Richard Nobbes, of Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, desires a
pension of 6d. a day. William Raynescroft, of Chester, same
demand. Thomas Jones, of Bralley, co. Hereford, desires a
beadsman's place in the cathedral of Gloucester. Make a
grant. (fn. 2) John Fairfield, of Kidderminster, desires a pension of
4d. a day. John Smythe, of Heanor, Derbyshire, same
demand. William Dyrek, born in Flanders, desires the
Queen's reward to bring him to his country. Almoner. Peter
Bracking, of Dartford, desires a pension of 4d. a day. John
Moone, born at Calais, same demand. John Reynolds, of
Felton, Shropshire, desires 6d. a day. Edward Drinkhill, of
Adlingfleet, Yorkshire, same demand. Thomas Tutbury, of
Thirlthorpe, Lincolnshire, same demand. Henry Swallow, of
Sibthorpe, Nottinghamshire, desires the Queen's reward, and
again to be placed in Berwick. John Boreman, of Little
Aston, Essex, desires 4d. a day. Richard Landes, of St.
Mary's, Cheshire, same demand. John Hutson, of Pembridge,
Hereford, same demand. Walter Jones, of Langeby, Cardigan,
same demand. The ages of the applicants, the names of the
captains under whom they served, and the action in which
they were wounded, are specified.—1560. |
| Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 6. |
| Oct. 24. | 675. Another copy of the above list (with the addition of six
names), specifying "in what places of their bodies and limbs
they are maimed." A few marginal notes are added by Cecil,
granting or modifying their petitions. |
| Endd. by Cecil's secretary: 24 Oct. 1560. Pp. 7. |
| Oct. 24. | 676. The Queen's Debts in Flanders. |
| Directions for the payment of 59,886l. 3s. 4d. due to divers
creditors next November. Reserves for her own use any
overplus that may accrue by the augmentation of the
exchange. Whereas she has the sum of 22,923l. 13s. 4d. to be
paid in the end of December, she directs the Treasurer to
pay it over to Gresham likewise. |
| Draft in Cecil's hand, much torn, on the back of a letter,
apparently from him to the Lord Treasurer, in which occurs
this sentence: "I send your Lordship this paper, whereby the
debt is greater than I took it by 10,000l." Endd.: 24 Oct.
1560. Pp. 2. |
| [Oct. 24.] | 677. Another copy of the above. |
| Endd.: 28 [sic] Oct. 1560. This is a true copy of the
warrant to the Exchequer. Pp. 3. |
| Oct. 25. | 678. The Privy Council to the Warden of the Cinque
Ports (fn. 3) |
| Direct him to keep up the garrisons of the castles on the
coast until the Spaniards from Zealand be passed westwards.
The coast is to be watched as it was wont to be in time of war,
and the gentlemen of the country required to reside at their
houses in readiness for the defence of the sea-coast. He is to
use such discretion that it may not appear that any doubt
is conceived of any unkind part to be done towards the realm
by the King of Spain. |
| Draft, in Cecil's writing and endd. by his secretary: 25
Oct. 1560. P. 1. |
| Oct 25. | 679. The Privy Council to the [Governor of the Isle of
Wight]. |
| It having come to their knowledge that a great number of
Spaniards out of the Low Countries are in readiness to transport themselves towards Spain; notwithstanding the perfect
amity between the Queen and the King of Spain, the writers
have thought meet not only to admonish him of their passage,
but also to give him strait commandment to be the more careful presently of his charge. If they shall seem to hover
thereabouts anytime without any probable reason, or otherwise attempt to land in suspicious manner, he is to use
despatch first to admonish them to forbear the approaching
any suspect place and to offer them courteously the aid of
any necessary thing that they shall lack; and if they shall
presume any further enterprise he shall do his endeavour
to impeach them. The Lord Treasurer has written to the
shire of Hampton to put their power in readiness to be sent
to him upon any admonition by beacon or otherwise. He
is to send to the Lord St. John to accord for such as have
been hereto appointed. |
| Draft, in Cecil's writing and endd. by his secretary: 25
Oct. 1560. Pp. 4. |
| Oct. 25. | 680. News from Switzerland. |
| The five Catholic cantons have agreed to a meeting proposed
to them by those of Zurich, which will commence on 28 Oct.
The cantons have not granted to the King of France the
troops which he desired to have, but have consented to
delay the payment of the sums in which he is already indebted to them. The inhabitants of Berne and Zurich are
enrolling troops and officers. A league has been concluded
between the Duke of Savoy and the cantons of Lucerne,
Schweitz, and Unterwalden.—25 Oct. 1560. |
| Orig. Ital. Pp. 2. |
| Oct. 26. | 681. Petition of the Estates of Touraine. |
| The nobility of Touraine, assembled at Tours, 26 Oct. 1560,
drew up a petition to be presented to the King and the
States General, to be assembled on 10 December. It consisted
of the following Articles: |
| 1. That the King will be pleased to have the religion reformed according to the pure Word of the Gospel. |
| 2. That he will punish all rogues, robbers, leachers, adulterers, and blasphemers, and suppress all brothels. |
| 3. That he will give safe conduct to the Estates to go and
return from the Council, and that no one shall be persecuted
for any opinion expressed there. |
| 4. That the widows of gentlemen who were in the Gendarmes
des Ordonnances, or otherwise in the King's service, and their
children, who are not able to bear arms, gentlemen over
sixty or incapable of serving, and widows whose children
are in the King's service, shall not be liable to contribute
to the arrier-ban. |
| 5. That it shall be forbidden for gentlemen to insult or give
one another the lie, or for the insulted person to have recourse to arms, without having first summoned his insulter
before the King, or the Marshals of France. |
| 6. That whereas certain of his officers have in spite of
their privileges assessed certain gentlemen for the payment
of certain loans, the King will be pleased to direct that this
shall cease. |
| 7. The rigour in levying the taxes and the losses consequent
on war having reduced many noblemen to extreme poverty,
they pray that they may carry on some sort of traffic for their
sustenance without losing their privileges. |
| 8. That judicial posts shall not be venal, but shall be filled
up by election, and that laws against vexatious suits shall be
observed. |
| 9. That judges shall not take any presents, under pain of
deprivation of their offices. |
| 10. That ecclesiastics shall have no separate jurisdiction, but
shall be amenable to the ordinary process of justice. |
| 11. That each person shall be tried by the Parliament of
the province where he resides, and that all summons to other
Courts shall cease. |
| 12. That no one shall be allowed to commence a suit,
unless he shall have first endeavoured to settle the matter
amicably with the assistance of his neighbours and friends. |
| 13. In order to remove the present discontent as to the management of affairs, that the King will be pleased to take the
advice of the Princes of the blood, and other Princes and
Lords, and if it shall seem good, take the opinion of the
Estates. |
| 14. That all games of hazard be forbidden. |
| 15. That all bridges, roads, and public ways, be repaired at
the expense of those who have the tolls; and if the tolls
do not suffice, the deficiency shall be levied on the surrounding
country. |
| 16. That regulations shall be made each season by the
officers of the provinces fixing the prices to be charged by
the innkeepers. |
| 17. That every one shall dress according to his position,
avoiding all superfluity. |
| 18. That he will maintain them in all their privileges and
franchises, and they for their part will acknowledge him for
their King. |
| Copy. Endd. by Cecil. Fr. Pp. 4. |
| Oct. 26. | 682. Another copy of the above. |
| Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Fr. Pp. 4. |
| Oct. 27. | 683. Leek to Cecil. |
| 1. Has already signified that the curate here is a very
simple man and has only 7l. by year in wages of the vicar,
who is more ignorant than the curate. "I doubt whether he
can say his Paternoster truly, either in English or Latin."
The Dean of Durham (who is patron of the churches of
Berwick and Norham, and who is presently at London,) can
declare the unaptness of the vicar of Berwick and Norham,
called Sir Robert Selby, to take any cure of Christian people.
The vicar is paid yearly of the Dean of Durham 20l. for
Berwick and 20l. for Norham in money, without any other
profits, and thereof the vicar gives the curate 7l. by year.
William Morton has the parsonage in farm and pays the
Dean and Chapter of Durham 11l. by the year. There belongs
to the parsonage only the "Pasche book," wool, lamb, and of
every person that is allowed to have ordinary hay, either
soldier or freeman, twopence. "Corn here groweth none."
"Here are neither ministers, clerk or sexton that I know meet
to be presently placed; there be good pupils in this town;
who, if there may be such a schoolmaster sent hither shortly
as Mr. Sampson or Mr. Dean of Durham, will prove good
scholars and meet to be ministers. But if ye tract time and
do not send a preacher hither shortly, I doubt they will return
to their old vomit and become too much oblivious. One here
is called Cuthbert Dickenson, a honest poor man; and as he
seemeth meet to be a sexton or assistant for the burial, the
Dean commended him unto me." |
| 2. The money that the Lords of Scotland paid to the
Treasurer is almost all paid to the old ordinary garrison, so
that the Queen can have no loss thereby. Took a muster of
the old ordinary on the 22nd, whereat there wanted of the
Marshal's band eighteen, and the Treasurer did not present
one soldier. He declared that he looked to be revoked, and
therefore will not take any wages since Michaelmas last past.—
The Castle of Berwick, 27 Oct. Signed. |
| 3. P. S.—"There be already departed from Berwick and
Tweedmouth 269 abominable damoselles, and some Scots
forth of Berwick. I confess I am more apt to be a bumbailiff
presently than I was thirty years past." |
| Orig., the P.S. in Leek's hand. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 2. |
| Oct. 28. | 684. The Queen to Gresham. |
| Has given order that all her debts of 59,000l. due next
November, and of 22,000l. due in December, shall be paid.
The merchant adventurers shall pay 30,000l., and the staplers
10,000l., which, with the benefit of the exchange, will bring
down the November debt to about 11,000l., which sum the
Treasurer of England shall pay to such as Gresham may
appoint. He is to take up weekly as much of the said sum
of 11,000l. with such policy as he can. The Treasurer will
cause his bills to be paid at sight. He shall do the same for
the 22,000l. due in December. |
| Draft by Cecil, and endd. by his secretary: 28 Oct. 1560.
Pp. 2. |
Oct. 28. Hardwick, i. 121. | 685. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
| 1. On the 25th inst. received the Queen's packet, and one
from him [Cecil] advising him to write to the Queen for the
better despatch of her affairs, which Throckmorton says have
been neglected. Knows not how to begin, having hoped for
satisfaction from his last, concerning the greatest matter of
all, the Queen's marriage. "I know not what to think, nor
how to understand your letter on that point, and the bruits
be so brim and so maliciously repeated here touching the
marriage of the Lord Robert and the death of his wife, as
I know not where to turn me, nor what conclusion to bear." |
| 2. Tells him plainly that until the writer hears what he
[Cecil] thinks, he sees no reason to advise the Queen in the
matter, for though he likes him [Lord Robert] well, yet the
love he bears to the Queen and her realm takes more place in
him than any friendship. If the marriage take place he
knows not to what purpose any advice or counsel should be
given. And if he [Cecil] thinks he [Throckmorton] has any
judgment in conjecturing sequels, assures him, the matter
succeeding, the state of England is in great danger of utter
ruin. Begs him to signify plainly what has been done, and
what will be the end of the matter, and then he [Throckmorton] can write his advice to the Queen. "And if the
matter be not already determined and so far past as advice
will not serve, I require you as you bear a true and faithful
heart to Her Majesty and the realm, and do desire to keep
them from utter desolation, and in visceribus Jesu Christi, I
conjure you to do all your endeavour to hinder that marriage; for if it take place there is no counsel or advice that
can help." |
| 3. They begin to be in derision already for the bruit only;
if it take place they will all be opprobrium hominum et
abjectio plebis. God and religion will be out of estimation,
the Queen discredited, contemned, and neglected, and the
country ruined, and made prey. "Wherefore, with tears and
sighs, as one being already almost confounded, I beseech you
again set to your wits and all your help to stay the commonwealth, which lieth now in great hazard. . . . For your
letters they be as safe in my hands as in your own, and more
safe in mine than in any messenger's. Think it assuredly,
I am as jealous of your safety and well doing as yourself, and
so conceive of me." |
| 4. If Cecil minds not to send a post as soon as he will write,
H. Middlemore, his [Throckmorton's] cousin, a faithful young
man, can bear the letter. Prays him to deal with his letters
as Throckmorton does with his, for all is not gold that
glitters. Asks that this bearer and Lord Crekie may find
courtesy at his hands.—Paris, 28 Oct. 1560. Signed. |
| Orig., in Throckmorton's hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 4. |
| Oct. 28. | 686. Leek to Cecil. |
| 1. The old ordinary are very glad of the Scottish silver,
as the testons are not so current in Berwick. Has himself
exchanged 40l. with the Treasurer for the like sum of that
money, to buy salt salmon, herrings, and saltfish, and to
satisfy withal in Scotland for his own store. The silver is
not current in Tweedmouth. Trusts Mr. Melvyn did not
make him believe that the writer would have refused French
crowns, if he could have got them. Thinks Lord Grey makes
information against him for spoiling of water, for in good faith
he [Leek] takes no other commodity belonging to this office
save a little hay which Croftes' servants and his own hired to
be made and brought into the castle, and which cost more than
it was worth. Has no cattle to eat the pasturage, but keeps
ten geldings in the stables, which good provision makes his
purse empty. As for the fishing he has not had one fish since
his coming, nor has he taken one corn of the tithes, neither will
until he knows Cecil's pleasure therein. Can find small
pleasure in giving them to Lord Grey, who he is sure would
be content to give information against him if he could find
matter. |
| 2. There is no herald, but a pursuivant called Harry
Berwick, a very honest man; he has one of the gunners'
rooms for his allowance, and a footman in wages; his enterment should be increased. Found a groom porter at his
coming, but there was so unquiet order kept that he was forced
to take away that office; before his coming Captain Brown
was groom porter. |
| 3. Thanks him for the news that Lord Grey will be here
within eight days; trusts that his coming is his [the writer's]
sufficient discharge, yet would crave the Queen's warrant.
Lord Grey had so much corn growing this year at Harbottle
as he heard him say will find his house malt for one year,
therefore he needs not covet the tithes. Will as soonas he
may advertise him of Randolph's mind. Likes his choice, but
he must needs amend the entertainment. The profit of all
checks is due to the Queen. Marvelled at the report that
Richard Overton should be clerk of the checks.—The Castle of
Berwick, 28 Oct. Signed. |
| 4. P. S.—Could wish Mr. Randolph gentleman porter, he is
an apt man for the office. Although none are named, there
must be a muster master and controller of the works, or else
perhaps the Queen will have to pay hereafter. Has despatched
this letter for life, because he doubts whether Cecil is satisfied
with this Scotch silver and the utterance thereof. |
| Orig., the P.S. in Leek's hand. Add. Endd. by Cecil's
secretary. Pp. 3. |
| Oct. 29. | 687. The Queen to Lord Grey. |
| Requests him to appoint one special day to sit in the
Common Council house, there to direct such causes as shall
be needful. She also orders that the Scotch market be removed
from within the town to the void place betwixt the new wall
and the Bell tower without the town. |
| Draft, in Cecil's writing. Endd. by Cecil's secretary:
29 Oct. 1560. Pp. 2. |
| Oct. 29. | 688. The Queen to Lord Grey or Leek. |
| Thomas Sampton, who was found by certain of the garrison to have carried away a sum of money contrary to the
proclamation, shall be ordered according to the same, and his
arresters shall have their part of the money. The Lords of
Scotland being wise men may easily be persuaded that the
commandments in such a town should not be dallied withal. |
| Draft, in Cecil's writing and endd. by his secretary: 29
Oct. Pp. 2. |
| Oct. 29. | 689. Leek to Cecil. |
| 1. The bearer, Robert Cornwall, having been left by the
Duke of Norfolk to see to the demolition of the forts at Dunbar, has not had his charges allowed him for divers voyages
between Newcastle, Berwick, and Dunbar. Leek now
desires a warrant to grant him allowance in that behalf.—The
Castle of Berwick, 29 Oct. 1560. Signed. |
| 2. P. S.—Has touched this matter in a former letter and
beseeches him to consider it. |
| Orig., the P. S. in Leek's hand. Add. Endd. by Cecil's
secretary. Pp. 2. |
| Oct. 29. | 690. [Throckmorton] to Chamberlain. |
| 1. Forwards a letter from Lord Robert Dudley. Cecil has
desired the writer to send also a copy of the treaty betwixt
the French and the Scots, which he omits to do, having
already sent one to him from Poissy by Gamboa. All things
in France are pacified and quiet in all places, and yet they
daily amass both horse and foot. He sees daily more and
more occasion to suspect their meaning. |
| 2. His friends advertise him that the Lord Robert's wife
is dead, and has by mischance broken her own neck; and
here it is openly bruited by the French that her neck was
broken with such other appurtenances, as he is withall
brought to be weary of his life; and so evil are the reports
that he is ashamed to write them. Chamberlain as a wise
man can conceive how much it imports the Queen's honour
and her realm to have the same ceased, so that he trusts that
Challoner will by his letters thence, (as the writer does by
his from hence,) help to do some good for the appeasing of
the same. Though there be wise men at home who know
what is meet to be done in such cases, yet the advertisement
hereof from ministers abroad has a great deal more force. As
they are both in one ship, the tempest must touch them both
alike. Is not to return home yet, but understands that
Chamberlain is in towardness of revocation, but that his
successor is not yet named. |
| 3. The Lord of St. John is come from Scotland, it is said
to demand the ratification of the treaty. Minds to repair
after him to the Court at Orleans, to renew his request for
the same. Sends a letter from "my lady Marquis" of
Northampton, for the provision of some things for her. Perceives that Challoner's judgment is allowed in the furniture
of things meet for ladies, wherein the writer wishes him
better success than he has had himself of late; "but both
your skill is better than mine, and you are further off; and
'far-fetched and dear-bought is good for ladies.'" Sends also
a letter from Lady Clinton, with two buttons of gold, set
with pearls, which being dainty gear and carried so far (by
he knows not whom) he wishes good receipt. Sends also a
perfumed glove from the Queen, so he perceives that Chamberlain is taken to be very skilful in delicacies. "But
Mr. Chamberlain, our time requireth them not, and a great
many of things of a contrary quality are more meet for us
a great deal. For we are altogether too delicate. Thus you
may see how bold I am with you as my friend." Also, two
proclamations, "whereby you shall perceive how our money
goeth at home."—Paris, 29 Oct. 1560. |
| Orig. Draft. Endd. Pp. 4. |
| Oct. 31. | 691. The Duke of Savoy to his Ambassador in Venice. |
| 1. The district of Lucerne and the valley of Angrogne,
against which M. Della Trinita was to be sent to chastise the
heretics, have resolved to accept the preachers and the rules
which shall be sent them; it is hoped therefore that bloodshed
will be prevented. |
| 2. To-morrow the Duke will set out from here to arrive
early at Vercelli. |
| 3. Last Monday the Duke of Urbino was to arrive at
Rome, and the Duke of Florence on the following day was to
make a solemn entry accompanied by 800 cavalry, bringing
with him his wife and two sons, and Paul Giordano Orsino,
who is to receive from the Pope the title and rank of Duke
of Braciano. |
| 4. The Count of Tendiglia, who goes to Rome to sell the
obedience to the Pope, sent by King Philip, will go as Regent
to Sicily, and the Duke of Medina Cœli will return to Spain
with the galleys. |
| 5. Letters from Malta state that the King of Tunis has made
an alliance with the Turk, and has promised to pay him
tribute for the recovery of the fortress of the Goletta, and is
having the canal of the port of Bisenta prepared for the
reception of the Turkish army. |
| Two half sheets of paper, headed as: The postscript of a
letter from the Duke of Urbino to his Ambassador at Venice,
31 Oct. 1560, from Moncaglieri in Piedmont. |
| Oct. 31. | 692. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
| By his letter of 28th sent by the Lord of Creigh [sic] the
writer signified that he was minded not to depart out of this
town till Dubois, master of the camp, was passed by. Is advertised that the 30th of this present he passed, bringing with
him out of the places and forts in Picardy 1,000 footmen, who
marched between this town and Rouen towards Anjou; but
the very truth where they shall go is only known to himself
and the Duke of Guise. They keep together strong, as if
they were in an enemy's country. After them come 500
more. The places whence they are taken are filled up with
the legionaries. Anjou is not far from Nantes where the
galleys lie, therefore the matter is to be looked to. And the
more, if there be any ships or bottoms rigging near there,
it will be well to have an eye thither by such as trade from
England. Is now upon his departure towards Orleans.
Sends the last order for the men at arms to assemble at
Orleans, and also an almanack and prognostication of Nostradmus, which he doubts whether that person ever saw.
Cannot yet learn that the King of Navarre is come to Court.
Commends the bearer, Alexander Foster, Laird of Torwoodhead.—Paris, last of October 1560. Signed. |
| Orig. Portions in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd. by
Cecil. Pp. 3. |
| Oct. 31. | 693. Draft of the above. |
| Endd. Pp. 3. |