Sir Thomas Smythe, Knt. (A.D. 1558-1625)

( 82 ) SIR THOMAS SMYTHE, KNT. (A.D. 1558—1625.) BY J. E. WADMORE, A.R.T.B.A. THOMAS, the second surviving son of Thomas Smythe, Esq., of Westenhanger, by dame Alice his wife, the daughter of Sir Andrew Judde, was born probably in the parish of St. Dionis Backchurch, or Allhallows, Lombard Street, if not at Westenhanger, circa 1558. Being one of thirteen children, he was early initiated into business by his father, and appears to have taken up his freedom and livery in the Haberdashers' Company by patrimony, a.s well as his freedom in the Skinners', in 1580 (see Court Books and Apprenticeships). I t was in this year that the Merchant Adventurers of London fitted out an expedition to Virginia, which was commanded by Philip Armados and Arthur Barlow, just eighty-eight years after the discovery of America by Columbus. Another expedition was equipped and fitted out at the expense of Sir Walter Raleigh, in the following year. Young Smythe was no idle spectator of these events ; his monument alludes to " that rich new-found world which westward lies," wherein he took so deep and lively an interest. He was thrice married ; 1, to the daughter and heir of Eichard Culverwell, but she died s.p.; 2, to Joan, daughter of William Hobbs ; 3, to Sarah, daughter and heir of William Blount, Esq., who afterwards married Bobert Sidney, first Earl of Leicester. He was nominated by Sir Nicholas Moseley, Lord Mayor, as one of the Sheriffs for London and Middlesex, June 17, 159!); proclamation whereof was duly made at Paul's Cross Hustings in the presence of the Lord Mayor, Mr. Recorder, and the Aldermen, and he entered upon the office of Sheriff on the 6th of November 1599. In the following year he was seriously compromised, if not actually implicated, in the attempt which the Earl of Essex made to win the support of the citizens of London, against the Crown. The Earl anticipated that the City would stand for him, and that Mr. Sheriff Smythe, who commanded the Trained Bands, would provide as many men as he could to join him. On the 8th February IGOf, the Earl of Essex and his followers went on to Mr. Sheriff Smythe's house in Gracious Street. Mr. Smythe begged him not to enter, but he did so, and with many of his followers went up stairs. While there Mr. Sheriff Smythe stepped out at the back gate to see the Lord Mayor. The Earl of Essex withdrew, intending probably to leave the City peaceably, but on \ ^r\ / Vd ^orcoViraUt\j.llornm2^^rrai^3inLciftt,mt3 Smbaf ladorjrcrrru fabffier.WjS& ^Sg P £S^o y areatEmp^rour of .'PuffU'^'^•rnvu^^^^^^'^^^^^oj-J'Sion murfan,mi.: SocU^C6^MjOarehjo.^^^^^^^^^^^^^trcwvn$e to y Cast TncLiet J/ttJsc&yy the j pjl/rnds Coviopaanny lreu if. iriae to y Frewdd and Soma r^for- l/iramLCb dtjl SIB. THOMAS SMYTHE, KNT. 83 reaching Ludgate, he found the gates shut, and the Bishop of London with a force to back him; several shots were fired, and Sir Christopher Blount was wounded. The reconnaissance had proved a failure; so the Earl and his party embarked at Queenhythe, and got back to Essex House. After a vain attempt to fortify himself and a few of his more daring followers, he was prevailed upon to yield himself a prisoner to the Lord Admiral, and was confined in the Tower. His trial took place at Westminster on Eebruary 19th, and his execution ou Pebruary 25th 1600-1. Mr. Sheriff Smythe was more leniently dealt with; he was examined before Lords Egerton, Buckhurst, and Nottingham (Calendar of Domestic State Papers, 1600, p. 560). He affirmed that he had not previously spoken to the Earl for about nine years, nor had he had any letter from him, save one which Udal brought to his wife Sarah (daughter of William Blount) at church, which was a copy of one to the Queen, written in the Earl's own hand. He did not remember what passed between the Earl aud John Smythe, after the Earl had left his house. John Smythe (his elder brother) was also examined at some length (Cal. D. S. P., 1600, p. 558). He said that his brother Thomas did not come home till 11 P.M., when he was in bed. The Sheriff was very tired. The Earl of Essex and his followers came to the house in Gracious Street, and refusing to go to the Lord Mayor, the Earl thrust himself into the house. Thomas had told him that he laid hold of the horse's bridle, when Essex remarked, " Tou shall go with me, and send for your Company," to which Smythe replied that the gates were shut, and well manned, and the City in safety. " Would he yield himself to the Lord Mayor?" Essex replied, "If you fear God, love the Queen, and care for religion, look to yourself." Mr. Sheriff Smythe admitted that being with her Majesty she charged him with knowing of the Earl's going to the City by five o'clock on Sunday morning, through one Temple, but he protested to her that he never spoke to him, and so far, for the time, satisfied the Queen as to receive her thanks for his carriage on the day of the tumult. But later on, the fact that the Earl had made a personal visit to his house in Gracious Street, drew down suspicion, so that he was discharged from his office of Sheriff ; and the Livery were called together to elect another in his stead, which they did on Eriday the 14th day of Eebruary 1600-1 (City Court Books; Cal. D. S. P., 1600, p. 584). Some time after this both Mr. Smythe and Sarah his wife were in durance and in danger of punishment for misprision (Cal. D. S. P., 1600, p. 590). That Sheriff Smythe was seriously compromised there can be no doubt; but on the decease of Queen Elizabeth, which occurred shortly afterwards, he was enabled to regain his popularity with his fellow citizens, aud with her successor, James I., he rapidly rose into favour. He was knighted in 1603. In the following year he and his brother Richard were appointed Receivers for the Duchy of Cornwall (D. S. P., 1604, G 2 84 THE RUSSIA (OR MTJSCOVE*) COMPANY. p. 93). He at this time resigned, in favour of Rob. Middleton, the receiverships of Dorset and Somerset (D. S. P., 1604, p. 114). As one of the most successful merchants of his time he was more or less intimately connected with most of those grand mercantile companies which then competed with Spain and the Netherlands for the trade of the world. Some of these are specially mentioned in his epitaph. A few facts as to their formation, and as to Sir Thomas Smythe's connection with them may not, I trust, be considered out of place. THE RUSSIA (OE MUSCOVEY) COMPANY. This Company is one of the many which grew out of that enterprising body the Merchant Adventurers; it was incorporated in thefirst year of the reign of Queen Mary. The Charter of Incorporation was granted to the Marquis of Winchester, Lord High Treasurer, the Earls of Arundel, Bedford, and Pembroke, Lord Howard, Sebastian Cabot, Sir Thomas Gresham, Sir Andrew Judde, Sir Thomas White, and others ; the Corporation was to consist of a governor, two consuls, and twenty-four assistants (Hakluyt, p. 265). Through the interest of these members certain privileges and concessions for trade with Russia were granted to the Company by John Vasilovich, Emperor of Russia, Duke of Novogorode and Muscovey; and in 1560 the Emperor sent over two accredited ambassadors, Stephen Tiverdico and Theodore Pogrella, who had an audience with Queen Elizabeth, at Oatlands, when they presented their credentials aud various gifts. She afterwards dispatched Master Thos. Randolph as her representative to the Court of Russia, where at this time the Company possessed two settlements—the Port of St. Nicholas and the Town of Colmagro (see State Papers, Russia, Bundle 2, No. 141). In 1584 the Muscovey Company acquired from the Crown permission to trade with men and ships between the Equiino' and the North Pole, and to search for and discover the North-West Passage (Hakluyt, pp. 103, 104). London and Dunkerk were to be free ports, or staples, for a term of twenty years; the Crown reserving to itself, as a royalty, one-fifth of all gold, silver, or pearls imported. Of this project Sir Thomas Smythe, in 1612, became the prime undertaker, speaking of it in these terms, " That noble design for the discovery of the North-West Passage" (Epitaph in Sutton at Hone Church). The increasing success and importance of the Russia Company's trade appears to have been viewed with ill-disguised jealousy by the Swedes, Danes, and Dutch, who disputed the monopoly claimed by the Company, and proceeded so far as virtually to close the Sound to English vessels (D. S. P., April 26, 1598). In 1598 these restrictions had become a serious grievance, sadly crippling the action of the Company, who found themselves handicapped in their own markets. This state of things is clearly set forth in the following unpublished MS. in the State Paper Office, touching the instructions given to Sir Thos. Smythe, as Ambassador to Russia. SIR THOMAS SMYTHE, KNT. 85 State Papers, Russia, Bundle 2, 1601-2 to 1618. N° 95. Instructions for Sr Thomas Smith, knight, authorised by his Ma4? vnder the great Seale of England to repaire as Embassadour to the Emperour of Moscovye. Whereas his Ma'J' hath given you commission to negociate wth the Emperour of Moscovye, and hath given you allso creditt by his' 1'res for any thinge you shall say vnto him, I haue thought good for your further dyrection and carriage there to deliver you theise Instructions. ffirst in all your carriage to be carefull of the preservation of the honour and dignitye of his Mates person whom you doe represent, as well in your speaches, presentation of l'res, as in all other circumstances, as farr as it standeth wth the custome of those countreyes. Next to vse all the meanes you can to advance the trade of the Company, and to procure them all conditions of safetye and proffitt that you may. Wherein seing you are noe stranger to the nature of the traffique, I doe referr you to such informations and remembrances as you shall in that behalf receaue of the Company. And because there hath been some imputations formerly layed vppon the late Q. Eliz., of famous memorye, agaynst the proceedinge of the Agent at Constantyneople (All wdl hath been formerly answeared, as may appeare vnto you by dyrection given to Erancys Cherrye,* and since to S1' Richard Lea, Knight, whereof you may take copyes for your better information) yet because it is the manner of the Russ' counsell to enter into repitition of thinges wch haue been formerly mooued and answeared, Tou shall aequaynt your selfe wth the answeare formerly made to that matter, and make vse thereof as you shall haue occasion. And if any question shall be mooued whye his Ma^ doth contynew the residence of an Embassr in Constantyneople wUl the Grand Segnior, you may answeare, that his Ma*y doth noe otherwise therein then other Christian Princes and States as the ffrench Kinge, the state of Venice, and other states, All wdl for cause of entercourse and traffique only, have their Embassadours lodgers there and haue not otherwise to doe wth him. And soe would the Kinge of Spayne doe if the Grand Signior would permitt him the trade of his countrey. Concerninge the matter of peace wth Spayne, if they be inquisitive of it you may say, that notwthstandinge it pleased allmighty God to fynishe the dayes of her Ma^ the late Queen of famous memorye before there was any Accord between her and the Kinge of Spayne, agaynst whom He had ever soe much blessed her, as all the Actions of mutuall hostilitye, tourned still to her great honour and his preiudice yet that his Ma'y (her lyneall, lawfull, and naturall successeour) having lived in perfect peace and Ainitye, wth all Kinges and estates before, foreseeinge of how * Sir Prancis Cherry, and his brother Sir Edward, supplied cordage to the Royal Navy; they appear also to have been Merohant Adventurers. 86 AMBASSADOR TO RUSSIA, A.D. 1604. great consequence it is to breake into a warr when peace may be established, vppon iust and honorable conditions, hath been contented to ioyne in a Treaty wth Spayne and the Archduke of Austria (husband of the Kinge of Spayne's sister and resident bere in that part of the 17 Provinces woh the Kinge her father gaue her), not only for the reconcilinge of former differences between the Kingdome of England and those Princes, but for the perfect establishinge of such an Amitye hereafter as may woork a setteled and constant peace and safetye between the Territoryes and people of the Kinges and Princes aforesayd. ffor wch purpose you may lett him know that the Kinge of Spayne (the rather to wittnes his inward desyre to embrace all freindly Amitye wth the Kiuge our Souverayne) begann first to congratulate w"1 him by an honorable Embass'', as soone as he heard newes of his arrivall to the Emperiall Crownes of England, Scotland, Erance, aud Ireland, And now since hath dyrected the counstable of Cantyle* (one of his greatest subiectes) purposely out of Spayne wth full power to him and his Embassadour to treate of all thinges incident to the makiuge of a sincere and durable peace, whoe fallinge sicke by the way (accordinge to the nature of his first commission) hath deputed some others to begynn the Treaty, wth jiurpose to follow after as soone as he is recovered, and soe haue the Archdukes done on their partes. Wherein because it may be that he wilbe desyrous to know how this agrees wUl some of his Ma'is former confederacyes wth this Kinge of Spayne's Enemyes, you may say that howsoever his Ma^ out of Cristian Charitye is naturally inclyned to live peaceably wth all Princes, yet it shall never appeare to be concluded vppon other conditions then such as shalbe for the honour and weale of his estates and people, and wthout prejudice to any of his former Allyes or confederates, towardes all whom he iutendeth to carrye himself as all other free Princes doe in like cases ffor all thinges els eoncerninge his Matea Estate, because those Princes especially are most apt to seeke and mayntayne correspondencye wth greatest and mygtiest Princes whereof they make their perticuler iudgm,es much by fame and reportes, their countreyes beeinge soe farr remoued from meanes to vnderstand them in more perticuler fashyon, you shall not forgett ye rather to draw on the constancye of his affection towardes you and your Trade to desturbe his Ma1 ? and the constitution of his estate in this forme. ffirst that God hath not only sent to his Matos people and kyngdomes in his P'son a Kinge full of pietye and wisedome to rule over them, but hath alsoe blessed the same wUl a plentifull posteritye of greatest hope and espectation, the lacke whereof was a great discomfort to the former tyme. Secondly you may playnly declare vnto him that such is his reputation and authoritye w"1 all the Princes of Europe, as there is hardly any Prince or state wch hath not sent him solemne * The Constable of Castile received many presents of plate from his Majesty on his return to Spain, 1604 (Ca1. D. S. P., vol. ix., p. 146). SIR THOMAS SMYTHE, KNT. 87 Embassages, wlh offers of greatest freindshippe, and all thinges thereto belonginge. To wch circumstances of his greatnes if you add the accesse of his power and strength by beeinge Souverayne of more bodyes of warlike men then most of .the Princes of Christendom^ concludinge all wlh his happines to be not only absolutely obeyed, but vniversally beloued and admyred by all his people, there remayneth little more for me to deliver you at this tyme who haue so good discretion and iudgm' whensoever any present occasion shalbe offered you to make vse of the same for his Matos best service and their benefitt, for whom you are cheifely imployed. State Papers, Russia, Bundle 2. . N° 127. Iff the Russe Ambassado1 doe vrge Priveledges to be graunted to the Emperors Subiectes for traffique to and from this Realme. Ttt seamethe (vnder correction) mete that ytt bee aunsweredd, that suche and so muche traade as the Emperor his Mr. specefyethe and demaundeth by his Priveledges grauntedd to the Company, shalbe ffreely grauntedd and favorably and friendlye bee permyttedd and maigneteigned to take good effecte. Theffecte of 1'res requested to be directed to the Kinge of Denmarke. That ytt wolde please his highnes to suffer our xiiij shipps beinge on a voyage to the Narve quyetly to passe the Sounde wl suche goodes as bee in theme, w'out any stale otherwize than for a convenyent tyme wherein theye maye paye the duties of the Sounde. Also that the said Kinge forces vs not to paie any customes, toolles, nor any other chardges than those wch of late yeres he hathe taken of vs, or elles as att the last tyme was paid for our shipps and goodes passinge throughe the Sounde bothe goynge and comynge to and frome the Narve. The effecte of l'res requested to be directed to the Kinge of Swethen. That his highnes directe his l'res to all his admyralles, viz.. Admyralles, Capitanes, and others sarvinge hyme on the Seas, charginge theme that theye nor any of theme doe molest or troble any of or xiiij shipps wch nowe be fraighted to passe to the Narve, but that theye suffer theme quyetlie to passe thither bothe to fetche home suche o1' m'chandizes as remayne there, and also to carry wl theme suche or goodes as theye be laden w"1 , for to paie such debtes as arr owinge by vs there. Item yf by Chance any of o1' shipps shoulde be brought by any of his subiectes into any parte of this Realme, that ytt maye please hyme to dischardge the same o1' shipp or shipps wfc out all troble and hynderance, and to suffer theme w' the goodes to departe vnto the porte for w* theye were laden w'out all ympeschements or troble. Itt maye also please yor honnor to move the said Ambassador to procure Raulfe Rufcter, Xp'ofer Bennett, John Chappell, ffraunces birkitt, and all other Englishe men disturbers of the trade in 88 AMBASSADOR TO RUSSIA, A.D. 1604 Russia Muskoo, or att the Narve, to be saulfly sente hether in the nexte shipps that shall retorne frome thence. Endorsed.—Thambassador of Moscovia. In the British. Museum Library I found a quarto volume (1056, g. 7) entitled, Sir Thos. Smithes Voiage and Entertainment in Bussia with the Tragicall Ends of Two Emperors and one Empress within one month of his being there—and the Miraculous preservation of the now Beianina Emperor esteemed dead for 18 years. Printed at London, 1605. Master John Mericke was then agent there. Sir Thos. Smythe Kt. a religious and discreet gentleman was thought fit to be chosen and commanded by his Majesty to go upon au Embassage to Russia. Accompanied by Sir Thos. Challenger and Sir William Wray Kts. Sir T. Smythe went to Court on the 10th of June 1604, and was introduced by Ld Salisbury to his Majesty. King James enquired how long they would be and was told xv months. Furnished with his commission and other instruction by Lrt Salisbury at Whitehall, Sir Thomas sailed on the 12th of June from Gravesend—accompanied by Sir Valentine Kightly and Sir Erancis Cherry. He landed at the Castle at Th'arkAngel 22 of July, & was met by the Agent Master John Mericke. He left in August and went to Colongro. Thence by boat on the river Dvina Soccana to Vologda—thence by post horses to the City of Terri Slaue (Jaroslav) on the 6th of Sep.—and lodged with Gregory Euannovich Nicolin late Ambassador to her Majesty in England. He was sent for by the Emperor in October and delivered the King's letter. He attended Court again on the 10"' of March and obtained a grant of 600 roubles and a grant of new privileges for the Company. On the 20th of March he went to Moscow, and lodged there until May 6. On the 28th of May he set sail for England. That the personal influence of Sir Thomas Smythe materially contributed to the prosperity of the Company there can be little doubt. The Earl of Northampton, in a letter addressed to His Majesty James I., in 1612, says the Muscovey Company have prospered strangely, and have succeeded in getting within nine degrees of the Pole (D. S. P., 1612, p. 140). This state of things unfortunately did not last long, trade and commerce suffered much at the hands of the Swedes and Danes, who had succeeded in crippling the Hansa League, and now turned their arms against other nations. To remedy this state of things contributions were exacted from the Muscovey and other companies by Sir William Russell, Treasurer, and the Commissioners of H.M. Navy, for a fleet of six ships (D. S. P., 1621, p. 296). Notwithstanding this, we read of no less than fifty-seven sail being captured in one year (1). S. P., 1621, pp. 301-2). These adverse circumstances told heavily on the resources of the Company, and like others they fell into debt. Sir Thomas Smythe, besides several benefactions in his lifetime, bequeathed a sum of £500 to the Company by will. The following letter of Sir Thos. Smythe is exceedingly inte< SIR THOMAS SMYTHE, KNT. 89 resting, and after it I will pass on to his connection with the Honourable East India Company. State Papers, Russia, Bundle 2, A.D. 1604 to 1609, No. 206. Right HonoWo, I haue receiued letters lately out of Moscouia (by a shipp that is nowe retourned from those partes) directed from Mr Merrick* and Mr Russell (lately sent thether as yo1 ' Lo1 ' knowes), wch do import that at their arrivall they vnderstood of a new election made for their Emperor of a yonge gentleman of the age of 18 yeares, sonne vnto the Metropolitaue of that Latide. Wherevpon they directed a message vnto him signifying that they were sent from the Kings Mati0 of England about the setting of a peacable trade for his Subiectes in those Countries, and procureing some priviledges for the better manageing of their affaires (but discovered no other busines), And vnderstood (by letters sent directly backe againe vnto them from his Highnes) that he had a purpose to send an Ambassador into England, and was desireous of his Ma: freindshipp, as may appeare by that letter vnto them, a coppy whereof I haue herein sent inclosed vnto yo1 ' Lo1'. wch Newes 1 do desire that yor Lop would be pleased to signifie vnto his Ma: for the present, and vpon retourne of Mr Merrick and Mr Russel (wch wee expect within a moneth or six weekes) yor Lo1 ' shall be further made acquainted with the success. And so humbly takeing my leaue do rest Euer ready to be disposed at yov L',s service, THO. SMYTHE. London, August 28(h, 1613. Endorsed.—Russia. S1' Tho : Smyth to myself. THE HONOURABLE EAST INDIA COMPANY. The success of the Dutch East India Company, founded in 1594, led to a meeting of the London Merchant Adventurers, at Pounders' Hall in Sept. 1599, to consider if it were desirable to open a direct line of communication with India round the Cape of Good Hope (D. S. P., Index to remembrances, 1570 to 1664, p. 291). One hundred and one of the principal merchants attended, and formed an association, with a subscribed capital of over £30,000. In the following year, they obtained a Charter (granted to the Earl of Cumberland and 215 knights, aldermen, and merchants), under the title of " The Governor and Company of Merchants Trading to the East Indies." The meetings of the Company were at this time held at a house on the south side of Leadenhall Street, which they rented of the Earl of Craven. It had lately been occupied by Sir William Craven. Stow describes it as "a large Building with Spacious Rooms, very commodious for such a purpose, having a large Hall * Sir John Meyrio was Ambassador to Russia, with one Will Beechor as Secretary, in 1614, and returned in 1617. 90 GOVERNOR OE EAST INDIA COMPANY, 1607-21. and Court Tard for the reception of people having business here, to attend on the Company, on Court days. There is also a little Garden with Warehouses at the back part towards Lime Street to bring the Goods into the Warehouse" (Strype's Stow, vol. i., book ii., p. 88). The name of Sir Thomas Smythe, Knt., stands first in the record of a Court of Committee held in Eebruary 1606 (East India Company's Court Books). He was named Governor at a General Court, held on the 1st of July in the following year; with him were associated William Greenwell as Deputy-Governor, Thomas Earrington as Treasurer, and William Leighton, Secretary--men deserving of all honour, to whose fostering care we owe the foundation of England's greatness in India, and the development of her commerce in the East. The privileges conferred by the Charter were exceptionally large, and extended not only to India, but to all the ports or harbours of Asia, Africa, and America, beyond the Cape of " Bona Esperanza " to the Straits of Magellan, to make laws for the politique government of themselves, their factors and mariners, with the power to punish in body or purse (London, by T. P. Malcomb, vol. i., pp. 73 and 74). Eor the first twelve months goods might be imported or exported duty free, if not otherwise illegal, including silver and gold, provided only that £6000 of it were first coined at the Mint. Six goodly ships, and the like number of pinnaces, manned and armed, were to set sail annually. Purchases (except by special licence) from Dutch Settlements were prohibited. This restriction, and the rising prosperity of the East India Company, naturally created strong feelings of jealousy between the English and the Dutch, which soon broke out into open acts of violence. The Dutch were accused of tampering with the English Company's servants, of acts of cruelty, and of laying an embargo on their goods, for complicity iii which Sir Thomas Beswick was sent a prisoner to the Marshalsea (Cal. D. State Papers, 1618, p. 195). Another person named Braggs presented a petition to the Privy Council, bringing serious accusations against Sir Thomas Smythe and the other directors, against whom he preferred a claim for the sum of £6875 for goods and food supplied in a time of dearth to the Company's dependents in India (King's Lib. MSS. 17 B, vol. xvii.; also Malcomb's London, vol. i., pp. 73-75). His mixture of shrewd sense and humour with Scriptural quotations is not unlike that of the Cromwellian period. Eor instance, he says : " And as for thirteen negroes or Indian people, the Estimation of these poor souls are not to be valued at any price, because the Lord Jesus has suffered much for them, as for us all, and therefore I will not recon the price of Xtians, for in time the Lord may call them to be Xtians." One claim is for providing 20 dogs and a great many cats, " which under God as by your Book Writtin of late rid away and devoured all the rats in the Island which formerly ate up your corn and many blessed SIR THOMAS SMYTHE, KNT. 91 fruits. Eor this I will demand £5 a piece and let the Cats goe." To Sir Thomas Smythe and the Directors he gives the following laconic parting shot: " And now, bretheren, in the name of our Lord Jesus X' see that ye be all of one minde and in one judgement, for it bath been declared unto me that there are dissentions amongst you." The influence and character of Sir Thos. Smythe was notwithstanding sufficient for him to obtain the approval of his Sovereign, who wrote, in 1619, to the Directors requesting that he might be re-elected Governor for another seven years (D. S. P., 1619). In 1616 Sir Thomas Smythe was residing at Deptford, probably as a Commissioner of the Navy, and also to superintend the vessels dispatched by the Honourable East India Company to Virginia and other lands, when his house was unfortunately burned down. One of the vessels from the Indies arrived about this time, when the ship and its cargo were estimated at the value of £14,000 (D. S. P., 1616, p. 379). As a set-off against this, another appears to have been lost between Gravesend and London, worth £16,0U0, to the great damage of the Company's credit; and five others were picked up disabled by the Dutch Company (Cal. D. S. P., 1620, p. 131). The rivalry of the two Companies was productive of many disputes, and agreements appear to have had but little effect in checking hostilities. Each vessel was armed with culverines which cost the Company £9 apiece; and Sir Thos. Rowe, in returning from the East Indies, reported that the Company's servants had retaliated on the Hollanders (Cal. D. S. P., L619, p. 75). This led the King to appoint a commission, consisting of Sir Thos. Smythe, Lord Cranford, and several of the Council, to consult with the Commissioners of the States of Holland for a settlement of their differences (D. S. P., 1619, January 8). Unfortunately, the negotiations were broken off, because the States would not allow the Company a share in the management of their fortifications (Cal. D. S. P., 1624, p. 40), and the East India Company resolved to fit out a fleet to protect themselves against the Dutch, and threatened that if they did not get satisfaction they would retaliate on Dutch traders in the narrow seas. The Dutch responded by making a raid on the Company's fort at Amboyna, and killing Captain Fowerson with other Englishmen (D. S. P., 1624, vol. ccxvii., p. 267). The English appear at this time to have had somewhat the worst of it, and they presented a petition to the King for assistance, alleging that if it is not granted their trade would be ruined, as the plot was directly traceable to Amsterdam. In consequence of which, the Lord High Admiral was directed to seize some ships of the Dutch Company as a reprisal. In all these matters, Sir Thomas Smythe as Governor took a prominent part up to 1621, when failing health compelled him to resign, and at a Court held in July 1621, Mr. Alderman Halliday was appointed to be his successor. 92 TREASURER OF THE VIRGINIA COMPANY, 1609-20. THE ViEGiNrA COMPANY. Although many illustrious men bad preceded him in the attempt, Sir Thomas Smythe had the satisfaction of successfully starting this Company. He obtained its Charter of Incorporation under the title of " The Treasurer and Company of Adventurers and Planters of the City of London," dated May 23, 1609 (Colonial Papers, 1609, p. 8, Ixxix., James I.), through the influence and patronage of his illustrious friends the Earls of Salisbury, Suffolk, Southampton, Pembroke, and Lincoln.* As he continued Treasurer of this Company for many years, it may not, I trust, be considered out of place if we pass in review some of its contemporary history. A graphic description of the newly-discovered country, as it was then called, is given by Captain Christopher Newport, in the form of a journal, commencing Thursday, 21st day of May 1607 (Colonial Papers, vol. i., p. 6). He describes the King as the Great Pawatan, who had twenty kingdoms under his dominion ; he praises the general appearance of the inhabitants ; like all uncivilized nations, the men hunted and the women worked ; they dwelt in villages of 500 people or thereabouts; they had many wives, and sacrificed to the sun, were witty and ingenious, expert thieves, and could take up anything with their toes while looking at one; nevertheless, a most kind and loving people (vide Map, 1608, engraved by Will Hole, discovered by Captain Smith). The adventurers who landed with Captain Newport constructed a small town or fort called James Town, and bartered with the inhabitants for wood, soap, ashes, pitch, tar, and certain unknown herbs, probably cochineal, silk-grass, and terra-lemnico. In May 1609 a convoy of vessels, under the command of Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Somers,t was fitted out for Virginia. During the voyage they experienced much rough weather, and about 100 leagues from Bermuda the fleet was scattered. Sir George's ship sprang a leak, and 100 men worked in gangs at the pumps night and day, when the vessel stranded at Bermuda; fortunately all were saved. Here they managed to construct two small pinnaces; and 140 men and women arrived safely at James Town. Eamine and pestilence had sadly decimated those who had arrived previously with Sir Thomas Gates. On their recovery they went down the river, and met the Governor, Lord De la Warr; having nothing to trade with, they sent to the Bermudas for supplies of fish, hogs, and fowls. In the meantime they suffered much from want and sickness. Sir George Soiners died Nov. 9, 1611, on his way to Bermuda to obtain supplies, but Lord De la Warr, * May 1,6 James I. Grant to Sir Thomas Croinpton and Sir Thomas Smythe to minister an oath to all passengers that desire to pass over the seas at the Port of London, and to examine them. t Grant to Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Somers, Knts., and others, by special licence, to make habitation and plantation, and to deduce a colony of people into that part of America called Virginia (Pat. 4 James I., p. 19). To George, Duke of Buckingham, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, a similar grant was made, 22 James I. SIR THOMAS SMYTHE, KNT. 93 although suffering himself, maintained a cheerful hope for the future (Colonial Entry Book, p. 13). In 1612 a fresh Charter, with more ample privileges, was granted (Date of patent of Incorporation, 13 James I.). But this did not appease the discontent of the colonists; many who were weary of the settlement slipped away, and returned home, so that many of those who had been persuaded to underwrite their names for adventures flatly refused to pay, and were sued in the Court of Chancery, and the Company obtained judgment against them to the extent of some £3000 or £4000* (Colonial Entry Book, p. 14). The arrival of a ship from Virginia, with the news that the daughter of Powhattan had been captured by Captain Argol, cheered the flagging spirits of the Company somewhat. Three years later Sir Thomas Dale arrived from Virginia with a cargo of various articles, and ten or twelve natives, amongst whom was the celebrated Pocahontas, the daughter of Powhattan, who had married one Rolfe, an Englishman (Colonial Entry Book, 1613). Pocahontas and her attendants were duly presented at Court to King James, and invited to a maske, with which they were greatly pleased. She unfortunately fell a victim to small pox, and died ofE Gravesend on the eve of her departure for America (Colonial Entry Book, Jan. 1617). On the death of Lord De la Warr, in 1618, Sir Dudley Charlton was appointed Governor, who soon afterwards set sail with two ships and 300 men and boys for Virginia. Charlton was succeeded in the following year by Sir George Tardley ; and at a council, held in the chancel of the church at James Town, two councillors were elected from each of the principal plantations, and a committee appointed to enquire into the Charter, and make laws for the guidance of the colonists. A tax of 1 lb. of tobacco was ordered to be levied on all males over sixteen years of age, to provide for the maintenance of the Speaker, the Clerk, and Sergeant of the Assembly. Laws were passed for Christianizing the Indians, and a site selected for a university and college. Mulberry plantations were started, and a regular system of cultivation introduced for vines, flax, and hemp. In 1619 the Treasurer (Sir Thomas Smythe) and Company had sent out no less than 1261 colonists within the year, the number of English alone, at this time, amounted to some 2400 soulsf (Colonial Entry Book, 1619, p. 22). These results, creditable as they may appear to the success of the Company, did not escape the censure of some, who accused * Prom this incident the Bermudas or Somer Islands became a sister colony of the Virginia Company, and were afterwards known as the Somer Islands Company, although under the same management. Waller, in his " Battle in the Somer Islands," canto i., writes: " 0 how I long my careless limbs to lay Under the plantin's shade, and all the day, With amorous airs my fancy entertain, Invoke the Muses, and improve my vein !" t A list of the muster of inhabitants is given by T, C. Hotten (Chatto and Windus, 1874) ; also by W. Boys, in his Sistory of Sandwich, 1192, p. 752. 94 VIRGINIA AND THE SOMER ISLANDS. the Treasurer and his upholders of perpetually keeping down the prosperity of the Colony by enriching themselves. Sir Edwin Sandys appears to have been the chief accuser. He, writing to the Duke of Buckingham, affirmed that he had done more for the Colony in one year, at an expenditure of £8000, than Sir Thomas Smythe had in twelve years at an expenditure of £80,000. The opposition was so far successful that Sir Thomas Smythe wisely resigned the office of Treasurer, although he did not cease to take an interest in the affairs of the Company under the Earl of Southampton, who succeeded him (Colonial Entry Book, Nov. 3, 1620, p. 24). At this time a fresh patent was granted, to the Duke of Lenox and Marquis of Buckingham, of the whole of the Country of Virginia lying between the latitudes 40 to 48 north, which was called New England. The resignation of Sir Thomas Smythe was not, however, sufficient satisfaction. Many accusations were still brought against him. One John Bargrave affirmed that he was the first planter of a colony in Virginia, for which he obtained a patent from the Company, and that his estate had been violently taken away from him, and in doing this Sir Thomas Smythe, Alderman Johnson, and others, acted in contravention of their Charter; they were also accused of encouraging the growth of tobacco and sassafras, and neglecting other crops, so that eight or ten ships returned empty; that the Company laid an embargo on his ships, and sold them for £6600 ; that the plantation consisted only of public servants, and was supported by lotteries ; instead of overhauling the accounts of the late Treasurer, he advises the creation of a public stock. The matter in dispute was referred to the Treasurer and Council of Virginia, who expressed themselves neither authorised nor qualified to reply to the complaint against Sir Thomas Smythe and others, as it was a business of great latitude, extending over many years. Whereupon the matter was again brought before the Privy Council, at which the King expressed an opinion that the plaintiff desired nothing more than to tarnish the reputation of Sir Thomas (Colonial Papers, July 16, 1622, Whitehall, p. 31; 1623, Eebruary, p. 38). At the same time the Governor and Council of Virginia addressed a memorial to his Majesty, which was signed by Sir Erancis Wyatt West, and Sir George Yardley, condemning the accusations made by Butler as altogether false and slanderous, but reflecting severely on Sir Thomas Smythe. This appears to have caused a great division amongst the Home Directors, some siding with the Earl of Southampton, Lord Cavendish, and Sir Edward Sackville, others with the Earl of Warwick, Sir Thomas Smythe, Sir Henry Mildmay, and Alderman Johnson. And the matter came again before the King in Council, who appointed a Commission to enquire into the whole of the affairs of the Company, beginning from Sir Thomas Smythe's government. All the books, charters, and writings connected with the Plantation of Virginia and the Somer Islands, were to be laid before the Commissioners SIR THOMAS SMYTHE, KNT. 95 (Colonial Papers, 18 April, 1623, p. 44). In the meantime the strife between the rival factions raged more furiously, so that at a Court of the Virginia aDd Bermudas Company recriminations passed and repassed between the Earl of Warwick and Lord Cavendish, and they adjourned to try their fortune in the way then only open to gentlemen of birth and breeding (Colonial Papers, 1623, p. 51). To silence this scandal, King James proposed that the Company should surrender their Charter, and accept a new one, with a Governor and twelve assistants sitting iu England, and a Governor and twelve assistants in Virginia. This, at an extraordinary meeting of the Court, by a large majority, they refused to do (Colonial Papers, Oct. 8, 1623, p. 52). Whereupon a commission of quo warranto was issued, and meetings were held at Sir Thomas Smythe's own house every Thursday, when all charters and documents were inspected (Colonial Papers, Nov. 21, 1623). The result was that a full and exhaustive enquiry was made by the Commission. The King cut the Gordian knot by judiciously granting the Incorporation of the former letters patent (Colonial Papers, May 13, 1625, p. 73). Both Companies were to be amalgamated into one empire or government depending on himself, and all officers were to be nominated by him. Wearied and enfeebled by the contention Sir Thomas Smythe died, but not before he had seen a glorious foundation laid for the prosperity of the plantations. If anything could be added to the uprightness and zeal with which he struggled through long years of his life to promote the welfare of these his beloved plantations, it may be found in his will, where, after mentioning several bequests to his coadjutors, " I give," said he, " to the Governor and Consuls of the Company for the plantation of the Colony in Virginia and Somer Islands and Bermudas, the sum of £100, to be equally divided between the two Companys, towards the Building of Two Churches, one for each Plantation." As a Commissioner of the Royal Navy Sir Thomas Smythe took up his residence at Deptford, probably at a house known as Skinner's Place, purchased by his fattier,* with a garden, dove-cote, and orchard, and thirty-four acres of land; unfortunately burnt down on the 30th of January 1618-19 (D. S. P., 1616, p. I; Eebruary 6, 1618). In his capacity as a Commissioner of the Navy and also a Commissioner for the Suppression of Piracy on the Narrow Seas, he frequently resided there before he retired to Sutton at Hone. The cost of ships may be gathered from an agreement with one William Browell, to superintend the building o^ two ships of war of 650 and 450 tons each, at a cost of £8575 (D. S. P., 1616, p. 38). In 1620 the charges of the Commissioners amounted to the sum of £29,396 0s. 4d. (D. S. P., 1616, p. 121). This charge included not only the building and manning of ships, but also the * New Edition of Hasted's Kent, by H, H. Drake, p. 13, vide note ; Carow's Letters, Camden Society, p. 13, 96 GIFTS TO TONBRIDGE SCHOOL. maintenance of the lighthouses (D. S. P., 1616, p. 123). In 1609 His Majesty and his royal Consort went to Debtford to the launch of a vessel constructed by the Commissioners, when he presented Sir Thomas Smythe with a gold chain and medal for his services (D. S. P., 1609, p. 576). Associated with Sir Thomas Smythe for the Suppression of Piracy on the Narrow Seas, were Sir Thomas Lowe and Sir William Cockayne,* and they were directed by the Council to collect the contributions of merchants and various companies for a fleet to be maintained for the suppression of piracy, which contribution was to be repaid bv impositions of one per cent, on all imports and exports (D. S. P.^ Oct. 15, 162-1, p. 299). Eor this purpose the sum of £6000 annually was required to fit out a fleet. Most of the companies expressed their willingness to comply with the request of the Council for the supply of five ships for three months or longer, if the Erench, Moscovia, and Trinity House Companies would do so (D. S. P., 1621, p. 96). The Merchant Adventurers offered £1000, but asked that £700 of it might be taken in gunpowder. In private life Sir Thomas Smythe was a large-hearted, kind, and charitable man, in the best acceptation of the word. If his means were ample and his fortune large, it was used by him to comfort and assist his poorer neighbours and dependants ; and that due provision might be made for continuing the benefits, we find him, on the 18th of April 1619, writing thus to his good friends the Master and Wardens of the Skinners' Company :f "When I consider that it is the duty of every Christian in their several callings to be charitably minded towards the poor Servants of God, and that those especially of whom a plentiful measure of benefits and blessings are bestowed, ought in token of their thankfulness to dispose some part thereof towards the relief and maintenance of the poor and needy. " And calling to mind that my grandfather, Sir Andrew Judd, Knt., out of your own Society, the Skinners, founded the free School of Tonbridge, and gave a liberal benevolence (as times then were) unto the same, which he recommended by his will to your care, that it might be faithfully disposed according to his good purpose therein. In imitation of whom, and considering that what was in those tymes competent allowances, is now by reason of the alteration of times not sufficient to afford neccesarie maintenance to such as depend thereon. I have thought fit by my best endeavours to encourage the Schoole Master and Usher of this Schoole diligently to apply themselves to bringing up the Schollars under their charge in the fear of God and Knowledge of good learning by enlarging the present Stipends, and to give encourage- * A member of the Skinners' Company, and one of the deputation who settled the new plantation in Ulster. f Peter Bland, Master; Wardens: Will™ Stone, Rob. Edwda, Dan Hills, John Gaythorne. SIR THOMAS SMYTHE, KNT. 97 ment to the Schollars, carefully to addict them to their studies by certain Exhibitions to be given yearly to the Schollars thereof, towards their maintenance at the Universitie. And to add unto the portion of the poor in the Parishes of Tonbridge, Bidborough, and Speldhurst in a weekly allowance of bread, according to a course which I have already settled in the Parish of Bidborough long since.* " The experience I have of your care to perform the Will of my Grandfather, and my confidence in your integrity invitefch me to add to your care and paynes in depositing a certain sum of money to such charitable purposes aud uses, as I have herein lymited and set down. That is to say for this year I bestow upon the Schoole Master of the Eree Schoole of Tonbridge the sum of Ten Pounds, upon the Usher five pounds, to be paid them when you do goe to visit the free Schoole at Tonbridge at the begining of May next.f At which tyme I desire that you would with the assistance of your Visitors]: elect one of the most forward and towardly Schollars§ of that School, that may be sent to the Universitie, and such a one whose friends are not able of their own estate to afford competent maintenance to them there, to whom I give for the year the Sum of Ten Pounds towards his Exhibition at the Universitie, and my purpose is (God willing) to continue to that Schollar so elected the Sum of Ten Pounds yearly at the Universitie for the Space of Seven years from the time of his Election, if in the meantime he shall not be preferred. " I do also give to the Parish of Tonbridge toward the maintenance of the poor for the year insuing, Ten Pounds and 8s., with the direction that the Minister and Church Wardens of that Parish, or Some of them provide weekly twelve fourpenny loaves of good bread, and give it every Sabaoth day at the Church to twelve of the poorest and honestest, in their opinion, dwellers in the Parish, which doe frequent the Church to hear Divine Service and Sermons, and doe receive the Blessed Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, as the Laws of the Land doe appoint. And because the Parish of Tonbridge is of Large Extent and hath many poor inhabitants in it, I desire that my gift of bread in it may be distributed to four and twenty poor people, viz., to twelve of the poorest on the 1st Sabaoth, and to other twelve the next Sabaoth, and the first twelve the third day, and so interchangeably to continue from Sabaoth to Sabaoth ; wherein my request is that special regard be had to such poor being honest and dwelling within mj Manor of Southboro' in the * A note of this settlement is entered in the Parish Register, dated 1619, signed Thomas Smythe. _t In accordance with Sir T. Smythe's wishes, letters were written by the Skinners' Company, informing the Master, Usher, and Churchwardens of the bequest, requesting them to bring some poor people with them at the Visitation. J The visitor evidently acted as a moderator in awarding these Exhibitions, according to the merits of the candidates. § The first soholar elected was Joseph Medders, May 1620. Exeter Coll., Oxford. VOL. XX. H 98 BENEFACTIONS. said Parish of Tonbridge. I do likewise give to the two Parishes of Bidboro' and Speldhurst for one year from May next the Sum of Ten Pounds 8s., viz., Eive Pounds 4s. to each Parish to be by the Minister and Churchwardens bestowed weekly in twelve loaves, worth four pence per loaf, six loaves for either Parish, and to be given every Sabaoth day at the Church to six such poor of Either parish as are qualified as aforesaid, and for as much as there is usually allowed by the baker Vantage and Poundage, I consider it meet that it be bestowed upon the Parish Clerks and Sexton of Each Parish who are towerdly poor, or otherwise as in your discretion, with the advice of the Several Ministers or Church Wardens, shall think fit. The several sums being forty-five Pounds and 16s., and 20 nobles to defray part of the charge of your journey, and do earnestly pray you for your paynes to distribute the Same. " Accordingly I intend (God Permitting me life) the next year to Observe the same course. Or if it shall please God in the mean time to take me to him, out of this World, I shall by my will express my further resolution and desire therein, which it may please you to enquire after, and see performed so far as toucheth the trust reposed in you. " I t may be objected that I might have done all this and never have proclaimed it at your Court, which I confess I had rather undergoe that canvas than neglect to settle the course of business in my lifetyme for the better direction thereof afterwards, and the rather if any uncertainty be observed in this proceeding, it may be redressed before my death. " Thus presuming on your paynes to take in the performance of Worthy Charity, I bid you heartie farewell and rest. " Tour assured loving Eriend, " THO. SMYTHE. " Erom my House in Philpot Lane this 18 day of April 1619. " To my right Worthie & Very Worthie ffriends, the Master & Wardens of the Company of Skinners these." In accordance with the instructions of Sir Thomas Smythe, the Master and Wardens at their next visitation to Tonbridge, May 4, 1619, paid the Rev. Michael Jenkins, at that time Master of the Eree School, the sum of £10, and to the Usher, Thomas Swadliug, £5, and likewise distributed the other benefactions before mentioned. In the following year Joseph Meadows was elected the first Exhibitioner, 1621. Sir Thomas again wrote to the Master and Wardens of the Skinners' Company, reminding them of his letter written in 1619, and encloses £62 9s. 4d. for distribution, to provide in addition six pens for the six best scholars who shall dispute in the Examinations. Four names only are given, viz., Thomas Smith, Queen's Coll., Cambridge, George Children, John Dixon, and Richard Ball. ^•fttftSY'k^.i^.^.ai,. Ul.t.u,l.| £*,,*.*, ..,»,«*.< I . .UU. | , .W >U:v in ,. ^i'-l !! Jvn'Tl.i 'Ifin i tll.u.'w.^fj U. K.M..(,|..|l„ BLEATAIION y ,yyyyyy;,yy..//s.;y//Ws?'*;,//,. - ...f, ^ yUU^L^y • C M ^ V M A W M » Y J . S u t t o n . TLAlf. MONUMENT Ob- SlRTHOMS SMVTH& Knt. Sutton att Hone KENT. A.D. M.IK XC] JiJOllX.. »""'""'f -f- H fcs TOMB OF SIR THOMAS SMYTHE (BORN CIRCA I55B; DIED I62S.) SIR THOMAS SMYTHE'S EPITAPH. 99 In 1625 Sir Thomas Smythe died at Brooke Place alias Sutton Place, at Sutton at Hone, in Kent; Hasted says, "as is conjectured of the Plague, which raged greatly here at that time " (Hasted, vol. ii., p. 349). He left by his wife Sarah, the daughter and heir of William Blount, Esq., one only son John. His widow married again, in the following year, Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester. At Lady Leicester's decease, her son, Sir John Smythe, became possessed of the Manor of Sutton at Hone, together with the bulk of his father's property not otherwise disposed of by his will. The monument of Sir Thomas Smythe in the south aisle of the church at Sutton at Hone is a good specimen of the period when it was erected. The effigy of Sir Thomas in alabaster is well and carefully executed, and exhibits a family likeness to that of his father," the Customer," in Ashford Church. The features are those of a man of ability, firmness, and energy. He wears a short-peaked beard, and his hands are raised in the attitude of prayer. He is clothed in a doublet, vest, trunk hose, etc., and wears his aldermanic gown or furred robe. The effigy lies on a sarcophagus of black marble with bold trusses, beneath au arched canopy with enriched soffit, supported by two black marble columns with gilded capitals, with a broken pediment on which his arms are blazoned; the quarterings are as follows: Smythe, Judde, Chiche, Criol, Averenches, Crevecour, Chichele, and Stafford. Over the figure are two marble tablets, with the following inscriptions : " -M-S- To the glorie of GOD and to y° pious Memorie of the honWe S1' THOMAS SMITH, K\ late GOVERNOR of y» East Indian, Moscovia, Erench, & Sommer Hand Companies; Treasurer for the Virginian PLANTATION, Prime VNDERTAKER (in the year 1612) for that noble Designe the Descoverie of the NOETH WEST PASSAGE. Principal COMMISSIONER for the London expedition against ye PIEATES, & for a Voiage to ye Ryver SENEGA upon ye Coast of AERICA. One of ye cheefe Commissioners for ye NAVIE ROIAL, & sometyme AMBASSADOVR from y° Matie of Gr. Brit, to ye Emperovr and Great Duke of RVSSIA & MOSCOVIA &c. Who having judiciously conscionably, & with admirable facility managed many difficult & weighty Affaires to ye honour & profit of this NATION, rested from his labour the 4th day of Septem. 1625, and his Soul returning to Him that gave it, his body was here laid up in ye hope of a blessed Resurrection." On a slab below: " Erom those large KINGDOMES where the SVNN doth rise, Prom that rich newe found world that "Westward lies— Erom VOLGA to the flood of AMAZONS— Prom under both the POLES, on all the ZONES— Erom all the famous BYVERS, LANDES & SEAS, Betwixt this PLACE and our ANTIPODES— He gott intelligence what might be found To give contentment through the massie BOVND. But finding Earthly things did rather tire, His Longing SOVL, then answer her desire. H 2 100 SIR THOMAS SMYTHE, KNT. To this obscured VILLAGE he withdrew, From hence his Heavenlie VOIAGE did persue. Here summed up all, And when his GALE of Breath Had left Becalmed in the PORT of DEATH— The Soul's fraile BARK (and safelie landed her, Wher PAITH his FACTOR and his HARBINGER, Made place before) he did no doubte obtaine That wealth weh here on Earth we seek in vain."* Sir Thomas Smythe's will was proved by his executors in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Oct. 12,1625 (Somerset House, Book Clarke, fol. 107). By it we find that ample provision was made for the charities which he continued to the time of his death, as stated in his letter to the Master and Wardens of the Skinners' Company on the 18th day of April 1619. After the usual preamble, he bequeathed to the Master, Wardens, and Commonality of the Mistery of the Skinners, all his houses, messuages, land, and tenements situate and being near Paul's Gate at the west-end of Watling Street, which he purchased of Sir Erancis Byrman, as well as his messuage and tenements in Lyme Street, London, where Delaney then dwelt, adjoining Mr. John Clark's, Doctor of Phisick, from year to year, and for ever to hold the same to such charitable uses and purposes hereafter declared. That is to say for the distribution of bread and cloth to the poor of the Parishes of Bidborough, Tonbridge, Speldhurst, Sutton at Hone, and Darenth, or Durrant as it was spelt, in sundry small payments to the Vicars and Church Wardens of the said parishes, Ten Pound to the Master of the Eree Grammar School, and five to the Usher yearly, 20 nobles to the Company, and six Exhibitions of £10 each to youthes to be chosen out of the Eree School, who should prove themselves most capable and toweredly of learning, whose parents should not be able to afford a competent maintenance at the University; who not misspending their time shall diligently apply to study, and principally to the Study of Divinity, so that when it might please God to call them to the Sacred profession of the Ministry, they should not forget to give God thanks in their prayer before the Sermon for His Mercy towards them, so that others might be stirred up to good and charitable works. In consequence of the increased value of this City property, which now produces a yearly rental of £1158 lis. 8d., a scheme for the future management of the same was sanctioned by the Court of Chancery, in 1883, for Exhibitions at the Universities of not less than £20 or more than £40, and a Eoundation Scholarship of £40 tenable by any boy in the School. Many new ecclesiastical districts have since been formed out of the original parish of Tonbridge, such as Hildenboro; St. Peter's Southboro'; St. Stephen's Tonbridge; St. Thomas's Southboro'; Holy Trinity, Christ Church, St. John, St. James, St. Peter, and Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells. Shorne in Kent, St. Augustine's, and St. Dionis * Under a plain slab of white marble lie the remains of Henry Smythe, Esq., great-grandson of Sir Thomas, who died, aged 29, 1706. MP w^dgWL ( ^ ^•SSBV.wo • I I I IU! CHURCH OF SUTTON AT HONE. THE S. E. WINDOW OF THE NAVE, THE EASTERNMOST LIGHT IS BLOCKED BV THE MONUMENT OF SIR THO« SMYTHE. HIS WILL. 101 Backchurch in London, are also benefited, so five trustees are now elected by the Skinners' Company, and one by each of the parishes or ecclesiastical districts above named. These trustees meet on the second Wednesday in each quarter at Skinners' Hall, for the purpose of granting annuities, pensions, and loans under the will of Sir Thomas Smythe. With certain exceptions hereinafter mentioned, Sir Thomas Smythe left the bulk of his property to be divided into two moieties, the one half to go to his widow Dame Sarah Smythe, and the other to his son John, and to his heirs male lawfully begotten, with the reversion of his mother's portion at her decease. In default of an heir in the male line, he directed that all his manors, messuages, lands, and houses situated in the parishes of Bidboro', Tonbridge, Speldhurst, and Penshurst, which he had previously purchased of Mr. Dyke, were to pass to his nephew Thomas Smythe, of Ostenhanger, the son of his elder brother. His son John's marriage with Lady Isabella Sidney, daughter of Robert, second Earl of Leicester, and the subsequent birth of a grandson, rendered this contingency void. To his nephew Thomas Smythe, son of his brother Richard, and to John, the son of his brother Robert, and to Thomas Eanshaw, the son of his sister Joan, Lady Eanshaw, he bequeathed all his land, tenements, and hereditaments known as Otford Park, which be had recently purchased of the Duke of Leicester, to be equally divided between them. To the sons of his sister Ursula Butler, and to his nephew, Arthur Harris, he left the Cottingham Estate, which he had purchased of Mr. William Richardson, to be equally divided between them. To bis favourite nephew, Eanshaw, he left, besides the third part of his share in the Otford property before mentioned, all his lands and tenements known by the name of" Saltangle," situate and being at Ringingham in the county of Tork, all his land and tenements in Essex, as well as those at Lewisham in the county of Kent, which latter he had purchased of Sir Richard Stoddard, Knt.; and he further directed that the other properties which he possessed in the Parish of Tonbridge should be equally divided between Thomas and William Eanshaw, and his heirs male. The residue of his estate, consisting of goods, chattels, plate, jewelry, and household stuff, wheresoever and whatsoever, after the payments of his just debts and funeral expenses, he directs shall be divided into three parts, one third to go to his wife, as due and belonging to her by the customs of the City of London; one third to Sir John Smythe, as due and belonging to him by the custom of the City, " seeing that neither before his marriage was he advanced by me." As regards the other third, he directs his executors to provide and distribute to the poor and needy as much good cloth as shall cost £100, to be given to poor people without respect of persons. Avoiding pomp and vain-glory in respect to his funeral, he directs that those in attendance at his burial may have mourning garments. To St. Bartholomew's Hospital he bequeathed a legacy 102 HIS WILL. of £40, to Christ's Hospital £20, to St. Thomas's Hospital £20, and to Bridewell £20. To his household servants 20s. for every year they had been in his service, and so on. Then follow family bequests. To the children of his loving sister Lady Eanshaw £20, and to each of them, for a ring, £5. To Richard Eanshaw his godson £10, and to Lady St. Ledger his goddaughter £20. To the children of his sister Ursula (Mrs. Butler) 40s. each, for a ring, and to the children of his late sister the Lady Catherine Heywood £5 each, for a ring. To the children of his late sister Lady Alice £5 each. To Thomas, son of his late brother John of Ostenhanger, £200 to buy a coach and coach-borses. To his nieces Katherine and Lotty Baker, and Elizabeth, Lady Neville, £50 each. To the children of Henry Smythe £5 each. To Sir Richard £20. To his wife and sister the Lady Smythe £10 each. To his brother Richard £10, and to his children £5. To Sir David Watkins £20 to buy him a gelding. To Capt. Edward Christian £10. To John Wood, Doctor in Divinity, as a remembrance of love to him and his wife, £10. To Mistress Eliz. Wood to buy her a, ring for his sake £5. To his loving friend Sir Humphry Stanford for a ring £5. To his loving friend Edward Cooke, apothecary, £4. To Master Valentine Wearham 40s. To Richard Clifton, his wife, and his sister, 40s. each for rings. To his assured friend Sir Thomas Roe £10 for a ring. To Robert Symmonds, dwelling in testator's house at Bidboro', 40s. To Thomas Heath, of London, merchant, £5; to George Stroud, for a ring, 40s.; and to each of the children of Eliz. Cheekes, for a ring, 30s. To John Woodhall 40s. To the Governors and Committee of the Merchants of Loudon, trading with the East Indies at the time of his decease, the sum of £5 each. To the Deputy £4, and to the Treasurer £3, for rings, and to the other twenty-four Committee-men 40s. in remembrance. Also to Mr. Andrew Caleen, Mr. Christopher Laming, Richard Courtney, Richard Fishere, and John Roberts, servants of the said Company, as well as Widow Johnson, 30s. for a ring each. To the Company of Merchants in London for the Discovery of New Trades, commonly known by the name of "The Muscovia Company," who had testified of their love to him many years, the sum of £500, for and towards the payment of such debts as are due by the said Company upon the Old Royal Port. To the Governor of the said Company £5, to the Consuls and Assistants of the same 40s. each, to make them rings to wear as a token of love. To the Treasurer, Consuls, and Company for the Plantation of the Colony in Virginia and the Somer Islands, commonly called the Virginian Company and Bermudas Company, the sum of £100, to be equally divided between the two Companies, towards the building of two Churches, one for each Plantation. These last recited legacies fully bear out the statements before made as to his benevolence aud large-hearted charity, but they SIR THOMAS SMYTHE, KNT. 10 3 prove also, that in the pursuit of commerce he was not unmindful of a duty which he owed to Christianity and civilization, that of spreading the glad tidings of the Gospel iu foreign lands. On his executors, Dame Sarah Smythe, his son John Smythe, his brother Richard, Sir David Watkins, and Mr. Nicholas Swift, he further bestowed sums of £50 each, for their pains to be taken in and about his will, over and above the legacies before mentioned. Sir Thomas Smythe appears to have purchased a moiety of the Chapel of St. John's, with all the tithes, oblations, etc., belonging to it, and other lands in Sutton and Wilmington, of George Cole, Esq., of the Inner Temple (Hasted, vol. ii., p. 348). That part allotted to the Countess of Leicester and her son became a separate manor with a Court Baron appendant to it, and acquired the name of the " Manor of Sutton," and at the Countess's death came into the possession of Sir John, only son of Sir Thomas Smythe, who married Isabella, daughter of the Earl of Warwick, by whom he had issue one son Robert, and a daughter Isabella, married to John, Lord Robartes of Truro (Hasted, vol. ii., p. 349). Robert Smythe, Esq., of Bounds in Bidboro', and of Brook Place in Sutton, married the Countess of Sunderland, nee Lady Dorothy Sidney,* by whom he had one son Robert, who was Governor of Dover Castle, and died 1695, possessed of the Manor of Brook Place, leaving by Catherine his wife, daughter of William Stafford, of Blatherwick, in Northants, two sons, Henry and William, his heirs in gavelkind (Hasted, vol. ii., p. 350). In 1699 Mrs. Catherine Smythe obtained an Act of Parliament for vesting the estates in the hands of Trustees, with power to sell, who subsequently conveyed them to Sir John le Thieullier, who pulled down part of the mansion-house at Sutton at Hone (Hasted, vol. ii., p. 350). * Sacharissa, by Julia Cartwright (Mrs. Ady), Seeley and Co., London, 1892, is a charming sketch of the history of Lady Dorothy Sidney, and of her parents and their home, Penshurst Place, near Tonbridge. Her letters are printed in extenso; and in one of them she speaks of " my son Smythe." \