Archbishop Warham's Letters
ARCHBISHOP WARHAM'S LETTERS.
(FROM H. M. STATE PAPER OFFICE.)
THE following Letters, now for the first time published entire, may serve to throw light on the history of a man who owes more of his eminence to the friendship of Erasmus, and the reputed jealousy of Cardinal Wolsey, than to the capability and vigour with which he played his part in a stirring and momentous time.
William Warham was educated successively at Winchester, and New College in Oxford. Devoting himself to the study of the law, he practised in the Court of Arches, was made Master of the Rolls February 13, 1494-5, Keeper of the Great Seal August 11, 1502, and Lord Chancellor in the following January. When that idlest of all political vaudevilles-Peterkin Warbeck (idle but for its possible tragical ending in "bloody noses and cracked crowns") was being played out, Warham was despatched with others into Flanders on a mission of remonstrance; with small success on the first occasion, with so much satisfaction to himself and his employers on the second, that on the death of Archbishop Dean in 1504, Warham was nominated his successor in the See of Canterbury. His enthronization feast on that occasion is celebrated as the very pattern of sumptuousness and good eating even in those days, when as yet dyspepsia was not, and men's appetites were upon the same scale as those of the Homeric heroes. In 1515 he resigned, or, as some say (trusting too much to that lying varlet Polydore Vergil), was compelled to
give up the Chancellorship to his more popular rival Cardinal Wolsey. The Legatine authority of the latter brought him more than once into collision with the Archbishop in ecclesiastical causes, of which traces will be found in the following Letters. 1 He died two years after his more eminent and successful rival, August 23, 1532, leaving the Duke of Norfolk. one of his executors.
Our readers will search in vain among the letters for any confirmation of the ridiculous anecdote retailed by Polydore Vergil, tracing to an undue familiarity on the part of Warham, and the application of the term "brother" in one of his letters to the Cardinal, a violent outbreak of Wolsey's animosity. On the contrary, these letters are as grimly civil as any letters can be. One of them, and one only (No. 22), affords some indication of that crabbedness which has concentrated in popular estimation round Warham's name and fame. His correspondence with Erasmus shows him in somewhat more lively colours. He could unbend his gaunt dignity with this prince of Latin humorists in puns and jokes suited to the walls of Lambeth. In one of his letters to the Archbishop, Erasmus complains that there was in his time a set of "fellows of such vinegar aspect," who could not tolerate laughter in a respectable quarter; or suffer anything but gravity beneath lawn-sleeves and ermine. "Why (says Erasmus to him on one occasion 2) should it be considered derogatory for men in high positions in the State if they refresh their minds with a joke, when fatigued with the cares of office? Jupiter himself, the 'father of gods and men,' laughs in Hesiod." A sentiment so illiberal is fit only for the mouths of unenlightened monks or ascetical friars. And although from the correspondence which is here published we should not be apt to accuse Warham of the sin of punning, or being extra-officially funny, we are tempted to
lay before our readers the following extract from one of his letters to Erasmus, which shows that he could occasionally unbend and follow the suggestion of his eminent contemporary. It is addressed to Erasmus, at that time suffering from his old complaint, a fit of the stone. "My dear Erasmus, what have you to do with rocks and stones in that small frame of yours? Or what is to be built on that rock? [An unarchiepiscopal and somewhat profane allusion to the words of the New Testament.] You are not going to erect magnificent houses, or anything of the sort, I imagine. Since then calculi are not to your taste [Erasmus was not a first-rate accountant], get rid of your superfluous load as soon as you can. Pay money to have those stones removed, as I am daily paying money to have stones removed to my buildings [at Otford]." And more in the same strain, which whoso wishes to follow to the close, may find in the collection of Erasmus's Letters (Loud. fol. 1642).
Before closing these remarks, however, we are tempted to extract a passage from one of Erasmus's letters to Warham, to show the terms on which they lived. The latter might have exclaimed, in the words of Sir John, "I am not only witty myself, but the cause of wit in other men." And the genuine humour of Erasmus may well be contrasted with the somewhat forced conceits of his dignified correspondent. The Archbishop, it seems, had sent him a horse, not unlike to that which carried Sterne's Eugenius. No doubt, like other Archbishops, Warham had had experience of many curates and their needs, and, in a fit of abstraction apparently, to which great men and archbishops are liable, had sent Erasmus a curate's horse. Our witty Rotterodamite never having heard of our English proverb, thus writes to acknowledge the gift: "I have received a horse from you, not so handsome as virtuous [our readers will
remember the eulogy of Rosinante]; he is free from all the mortal sins, save gluttony and incorrigible laziness (gula et acedia). He has all the virtues of a good confessor,—pious, prudent, humble, modest, sober, chaste, and quiet; he bites nobody; he never kicks. I suspect there has been some roguery, and another horse has been sent me in the stead of what you intended. I have given no directions to my groom; only if a handsomer and better one comes, he may change the saddle and bridle." The result of this witty appeal, like many other equally interesting things, is lost in oblivion; either there was no record repository in those days, or such letters and documents were exchanged for some more valuable consideration.
1. ARCHBISHOP WARHAM TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM [EDWARD STAFFORD]
(Regrets that the Duke cannot come on Tuesday next, but has put off his visit till after Whitsuntide: must at that time be at Maidstone, to reform the College there. Would not for five hundred marks that the matter intended should take none effect.)
My singular good lorde, in my mooste hertie wise, I recommende me to your good lordeship. Ascertl:!,ynyng the same that I have receved yor kynde and loving lettres writen the seconde day of this instant moneth, by the which I perceve that by suche infortune that yor Lordeship writeth of, ye may not be at Otforde on Tuesday next commyng, wherof I am right sory, and specially of suche infortune as shuld put yor good lordeship to any bodily payne or displeasir. And wher as yor lordeship writeth that ye have differed this journey til aftr Whitsontide for the cause aforsaid, my lorde, I woold be as glad as any man to see yor good lordeship at my power lodging at Otforde, at any tyme at yor lordeshippe's pleasir; but so it is that I have appointed the next day aftr the Nativitie of Sancte (sic) of Baptiste next commyng, to remove from hens to Maideston, for diverse and many causes concernyng the reformation
of the college ther, and also for other causes concernyng the reformation of certeyne religiose places within my diocese, for whose apparence I have sent oute citations, which I can not conveniently revoke. Wherfor thies premisses considered, I hertily beseche yor good lordeship that I may understand yor pleasir and mynde at what tyme it may please yor lordeship to take the peyne to be at my power place at Otforde. My lorde, I had levyr lose v0 marke than the matir that is intended shuld take none effecte, for diverse and many considerations which wer to long to write. .A.lmighti God knoweth best my mynde in this behalve, which ever preserve yor good Lordeship. At Otforde, the thirde day of Juing, [1519 ?]
Ever yor owne
WILLAM CANTAR.
Inilorsed: To my lorde of Bukkingham is good lordeship.
2. FROM THE SAME TO CARDINAL WOLSEY.
(On the coming of the Emperor Charles V., and his entertainment at Canterbury.)
After moost humble comendations I thank yor good grace as hertly as I can, that it hath pleaced the same tadvertise me of thestableshed and certaine determination of themporours maiestie for his repaire to the Kinges moost noble grace, and of the Kinges grace gieftes for the meting of themporoure at Cauntrebury, and for the deducting of his Maieste to Wychester. My Lord, I am verey muche bownd to yor good grace for the manifold tokyns of greate favors and kindnes, whiche I fynd dayly more and more encresse in yor grace towardes me, for whiche, if I were able to do yor grace pleasure agayne, I were far unkynd if I wold not bee very diligent, redy, and glad to do it. And sory I am that I can not bee at Cauntrebury, to gyve yo1• grace attendance, and do my duety acordingly at yor gracs comyng thither, whiche I assuer yo1• grace I wold not failed to have doen, if I had not been diseased now of late, whereof I am not yet holy deliverd. Notwtstanding I trust in Good, that by that tyme that I have doen my duety to the Kinge grace at my power house at Otford, I shalbe able furthwt
to jorney to Cauntrebury spedily, there to receyve the Kinges grace and themporour in my Cathedral churche. If there bee any thyng in thoes parties apperteynyng to me, whiche may bee to yor gracis pleasire, I desire yor grace to use it as ye wold yor owne. From Otford, the xviijth day of May [1522].
At your good grace comaundement,
WILLAM CANTUAR.
Ind01·sed: To the moost Reverende father in God, and my singular good Lord, my Lord Cardinal of York and legate de latere good grace.
3. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Of the committal of a priest named :Bradshaw, for pulling down certain writings and seals set up in the abbey of :Boxley, by order of the Pope, against "the ill opinions of Martin Luther.")
Pleace it yor good grace to understand that a certaine preest, called Sr .Adorn Bradshawe, whom I send now unto yo1• good Lordship, was put into prison at Maidestone for his gTeat presumption in pulling downe and breking of suche writinges and seales as were set up at thabbey of Boxley against the yl opinions of Martine Luther. Whiche preest, being thus in prison, hathe writen and caused to bee cast into the highe strete at Maidestone verie sedicous billes against the Kinges grace moost honorable counsail and other estates of this realme (as I am informed). .And because his offense in that behalve is of more weygb.t than the pulling downe and breking of the said writinges and seales, I send him to your grace to bee ordered ferther as ye shall think good. I understand that the keper of my prison at Maidestone hath de1iverd the said sedicous billes to Sr Henrie Gilford, by the whiohe billes yor grace may more specially perceyve · the said preestes malicious and sedicious mynde. .As toching the pulling downe and breking of the said writinges and seales which were set up at the popis holines comaundement and by yor grace auctorite and under my seale, it may pleace yor lordship to punisshe him therefor, if he escape the other dainger, or els it may please yor grace to remitt him to bee punisshed by me. This preest hath been
diverse tymes before this in prison, bothe at Cales and in other places of this realme, whiche also now at his last taking hath hurt one other preest and put him in dainger of his lif. I have examned this preest in al thes matiers, whiche in effect wol confesse nothing to me, but referreth himself to the bylles, and said he wold aunswere to thaim when he myght see thaim; and he denieth the pulling downe of the said writinges and seales, whiche matier, at my going to Caunterburie, when I com to Maidestone I wol more ripely examine, and send yor good grace more knowlege thereof. .A.t my manor of Otford, the xvjth day of Juny [1522].
.A.t yor gracis commaundement,
W1LLAM CANTUAR.
AddressNl: To the mooste reverende father in Godde, and my singuler good lord, my lord cardinal and legate a latore is good lordships.
4. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Protesting against stabling the King's horses in the monastery of Christchurch.)
Pleace it yor moost honorable grace to understand that I hiresay by reaport, that a servaunt of the Kinges grace is come to Canturbery at the commaundement of the Kinges Counsell (as he saith) to have stabilling for the Kinges horses, to be kept at lyvery wtjn the monastery of my Churche of Canturbery, shewing no letters of the Kinges grace, or other writingos declaring the said commaundement. Suer I am that the Kinges hieghnes and yor grace, well en.formed of the great charges that the said monastery hath ben and moost daily be put unto, wolbe well contented to spare the same frome any suche maner extraordinary charges. For the said monastery hath been so burdend wt receyving and intertaynyng bothe of the Kinges graces moost noble ambasitors and other princes, and of other honorable personages passing by that way, beside the Kinges grace and thEmperor's late being ther, besyde also fynding of men to war, above gret subsidies and great loneys, that if suche charges or other lyke shuld contynue, the same mought after
be utterly decayed, which I wold be very lothe to see in my tyme. .And I trust veryly that yor grace, for the gret devotion that yor grace oweth to Christes Churche and to the blessed matir1 Sainct Thomas, wolbe contented of yor goodnes to putt some remedy that noo suche newe charges be enduced; but wilbe so gratious to yor religiouse bedemen there, as to discharge thayme therof, specially wher the said monastery standyth far of frome the Kinges grace contynuall abode, to kepe any lyvery of horse comm.odyousely for the Kinges grace use; and also bicause it was never seen hertofor that any suche lyvery hathe been kept in the said monastery by the Kinges graces dayes or any of his noble progenitors. I beseche God to send yor grace as good helthe and as gret honor in yor jorney, boothe going and commyng, as yor hart can desier, and as I trust verely yor grace shall have, seing yor entent is so good and so godly. .At Otford, the fyveth day of July [1522].
.At yor graces commaundement,
WILLM. CANTUAR.
Indo1·sed: To the moost Reverende father in God, and my very singuler good lord, my lord Cardinall of Yorke and legat de latere his good grace.
5. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Thanks the Cardinal for the friendly spirit in which he has received the present the .Archbishop had sent him, as well as for the costly jewel the Cardinal had sent to the shrine of St. Thomas, Has received by Dr. Sampson the Lutheran books, and the MSS. of Wicliffe, containing no less dangerous and pestilent heresy. Will examine them at Otford, and the day after his return to Lambeth (.A.pril 11th), will consult with the Cardinal. Rejoices that England has so orthodox a sovereign as Henry VIII.)
Reverendissime in Christo Pater et Domine, Domine mi colendissime, debitam commendationem vestrre reverendissimre paternitatis literas humanitatis plenas libenter accepi legique libentissime, qure me profecto maxima affecere voluptate. Quod autem dignatur Reverendissima Dominatio vestra munusculum meum, ad eandem jamdudum transmissum, (quod certe perexiguum neque tanto patre satis dignum extiterat), taro benigne acceptare tantopereque laudare, gratias eidem obinde ago et habeo immensas. Summopere enim cupiebam (quod item nunc cupio) ut Reverendissima Dominatio vestra meum potius erga eandem animum, perpetuo illi dedicatum, quam rem ipsam saltem tam exilem restimare acceptareque velit. Quantum autem ad jocale illud preciosissimum per venerabilem virum dominum doctorem Sampson, vestrre Reverendissimre Dominationis capellanum, jam ad hanc ecclesiam meam Cantuariensem 'missum et ibidem decenter ac honori:fice oblatum attinet, tam piam tamque sanctam ejusdem Reverendissimre Dominationis vestrre in optimum maximumque Deum, ac gloriosum ejus martyrem divum Thomam, in hac parte devotionem, nemo profecto est qui non plurima laude prosequatur atque vehementer extollat; pro quo quidem tanto tamque muni:fico munere preciosissimoque thesauro indubie sperandum est ab ipso omnipotenti Deo prre:fatoque ejus martyre (quod omnem terrenam retributionem exsuperat) vestrre Reverendissimre Dominationi copiosissime retribuendum fore. Ego vero et confratres mei, Prior et commo- nachi ecclesire mere, pro vestra Reverendissima paternitate, ob singularem ejusdem in hac re benevolentiam, suri:lmamque liberalitatem, continuas perpetuasque apud .Altissimum preces effundemus. Quod enim ad ipsa Lutheriana damnatiss:a opera attinet, accepi per dictum dominum doctorem quosdam libellos, quos diligentissime et legere et notare curabo; et ut diligentius id fiat, me quam primum ad Otfordiam conferam, ubi quosdam codices Joannis Wyclife, non minoris malitire ac hreresis, quam Lutherianre hrereses sint, examinare sedulo studebo; quo facto, ad Lamehitham erga decimum diem instantis mensis me recipiam, et sequenti die vestram Reverendissimam Dominationem (uti debeo) visitabo. Et quicquid in iis rebus mea opera efficere possit, vestra Dominatio Reverendissima me paratissimum habebit. Non mediocriter profecto .Anglis duntaxat, verum etiam universre religioni Christianre, merito congratulandum est, quod Deus talem, tam pium, tam sanctum tamque catholicum Principem, qualis serenissima Regia Majestas sit, hac tempestate nobis adversus damnatissimos ecclesire hostes atque hrereticos, quasi e crelo missum concesserit. Quod si sua Ma- jestas ab ecclesia Christi (quod absit) deficeret, non parva toti reipublicre Christianre jactura immineret. Oretera taceo donec
(Deo volente) cum Reverendissima paternitate vestra coram liberius conferre licebit. Ex ecclesia mea Cantuariense, tertio .A.prilis [1522].
Ejusdem Reverenilissimre paternitatis vestrre Obsequentissimus deilitissimusque,
WILHELMUS CANTU.A.RIENSIS.
Adwressed: Reverenilissimo in Christo Patri et Domino, Domino Thomre, miseratione ilivina tituli Sanctre Cecilire Sacrosanctre Romanre Ecclesire presbytero cardinali, Eboracensi .A.rchiepiscopo, .A.nglire Primati, et .A.postolicre Seilis a latere Legato, . . . .A.nglire Cancellario, tanquam Domino meo.
Indo1·sed: William, .A.rchbusshop of Canterbury, thankinge Cardynall Wolsey for a Jewell, verye Ryche, sent to be of&ed to St Thomas of Canterburye, &c.
6. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Sends to the Cardinal, Sir Henry, the parson of' Sevenoaks; who has used "unfitting language of' his Grace." Hopes Wolsey will be" good, gracious, and piteous" to the poor man, and not commit him to prison.)
Pleace it your grace, I have sent unto the same oone Sir Henry, paroche prieste of Sevenocke, which (as it is surmised) hath used unfitting langage of your grace, otherwise then semyd hym. to do. Upon communication hadd wt hym., I perceived hym. well willing to come unto yor grace, to geve attendaunce oone the same for his excuse, which trustythe that yor grace wolbe good graciouse and pituouse to hym, seing he is so well willing to come to yor grace; he is a powr prieste, and pitie it is, my lord, that he shuld be e:x:treamely entreatyd wtaU or comytted to prison; he is unhable to susteyne or beare any great charge or coste, and I doubt not but if it might lyke yo1• grace to be graciouse lord unto hym nowe, he wilbe at all tymes the reiliar to owe unto yor grace his service. .A.s towching the matier that yor grace and I had communication, concernyng Tonebrige on Monday next ensueing, I entend, by Godes grace, ther to bee, and as I shall spede, so I will ascerteyne yor grace. .A.t Otford, the :s:xij day of June.
.A.t yor graces commaundment,
WILLAM CANTU.AR.
Indorsed: To the most reverend father in God, and my verey singuler good Lord, my lord Cardinali of Yorke, legate de latere, his good grace.
7. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Marvels not a little that he had not received the King's letters, as others had done, in time convenient, demanding a levy of fifty persons, "sufficiently harnessed to do the King's grace service in his wars." All able persons had been already taken up by other men, and it was not for his poor honesty "to send forth upon haste unable persons and other men's leavings.")
Pleace it yor good grace to understand that this xxiith day of Aprile, in the evenynge, sitting at my supper, I receyved the Kinges grace moost honorable letters, dated at Richemount, the ixth day of the said moneth, by whiche I am commaunded to send to Grenewiche fyfty hable persons sufficiently harnessed, to do the Kinges grace service in his warres, by the last day of this moneth of Aprile. My Lord, I mervale not a litelle what it shuld meane, that the Kinges grace said letters were not deliverd unto me in tyme conveniente, as other menu receyved the Kinges grace letters directed unto thaim; and righte sory I am that I can not accomplisse the Kinges grace pleas:u· conteyned in the said letters, bireason of the late receyvyng of thoes letters, and for lakke of tyme sufficient. Suche hable persons as were nyghe unto me hereaboughte bee taken up alredy by other men, whiche I was contented to permitte and suffer, seing that I had no letters or other commaundemente from the Kinges grace on that behalf, and to send furthe upoun hast unhable persons and other mennys levinges I think it shuld not stand best wt my power honeste. And now to send to ferther places, as to Oauntrebu.ry, Charring, or thoes quarters, for chosing and preparing of the said fyfty persons, I suppose my labors and costes in that behalf shuld bee voide and in vayne, forasmuche as it is not possible for me to send thaim to Grenewiche by the day appointed. Wherefor I beseche yor grace of yor greate goodnes, the premisses considered, to bee meanes to the Kinges noble grace, that his highnes take no displeas:u·e wt me for that I can not throughe lakke of tyme prepare and send furthe the
said fyfty persons to bee at Grenewiche at the day appoincted. Whereby yor good grace shal ever bynd me to bee at yor commaundement. .And in caas it shalbe the Kinges grace pleasire to appoincte me a sufficient tym.e and a longer day to prepareJ and send furth the said number (His graces pleasire knowen) I wol not faile to do my duety in that behalve accordingly. Written at my Manor of OtfordJ the niith day of .A.prileJ [1522 ?]
At your graces commandement,
WILLAM CANTUAR.
Ind01·sed: To the moost Reverend father in God, and my verey singulier good lord, my Lord Cardin.all of York and Le. gate de Latere is grace.
8. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME,
(Regrets that he cannot be at Lambeth "tomorrow nAx.t," according to the King's pleasure. Has no provision there. Will be there however by Friday or Saturday next.)
Please it yor grace to undrestand that this present dayJ beeing the xiiiith day of this instant moneth, I have receved yor loving lettres, wherein yo:r grace writeth that for certeyn urgent and greate causes, 'it is the Kinges graces pleasir and yours that I shuld be at Lamehith tomorowe next. My singular good Lorde, there is no subject of the Kinges grace that wold be gladder to accomplishe his Highnes commaundement and yo1· graces pleasir than I to my litle power wold be; howbeit, considering that my horses be at liverey at Charring, and that I have certeyne provision made, aswel at Canterbury as at Ohar- ring, and also that I have no provision made for ine at Lamehith ayenst my commyng thider, I see not howe it is possible or convenient for me to be at Lam.ehith in so hasty spede, and namely myne age considered and distance of place. .Albeit I shal make as good and spedy diligence as I conveniently can to be ther by Friday or Saturday next, to give attendance on the Kinges Highnes and yor grace accordingly. I humbly bese- che yor grace to thinke no slaknes in me; and so I trust that thorough yor graces loving information the Kinges Highnes wil take no displeasir anempst me, bicause I can comm no son.er to
Lamehith than is before; for if I cowde possibly be ther rather, I wold not faile so to be. .A.t Maideston.e, the :xiiiith day of Marche, [1523 ?]
.A.t yot graces commaundement,
WILLA:M CANTUAR.
Indorsed: To the moste reverend fadre in· God, and my sing'lar good Lord my lord Cardinal of Y orkes grace, Legate a latere.
9. FROM THE SAIDJ TO THE SA.ME.
(The proceedings against Master Rawlyns, Warden of Merton College in Oxford.)
Pleace it yor good grace to understand that, acording to yor graces mynde and pleacire, I have made abbreviat of the de- positions of the fealowship of Merton college, concernyng maister Rawlyns1 cause, whiche I send now unto yor grace wt the origin.all depositions. The hole matier resteth uponn trialle of v. articles :-ferst, is whether maister Rawlyns hath been in- tolerable in the said college; secunde, .whether he hath been unprofitable to the same; third;whether he hath diminished the state of that college in thinges moveable or immoveable; fourthe, whether he hath duely observed thexercise of lernyng there; fyveth, whether he hath iliminisshed the nu.m.bre of the fealows of the same. .A.nd in all the said articles maney of the said felowshipps, ten in number, have deposed against maister Rawlings, and have shewed diverse and manifold reasons and causes to every article why they have ·so deposed, as it may evidently appere unto yor grace, by the said abbreviat, not va- rienge from the origin.all, but in brevyng of the matier. In the whiche abbreviat at then.de. of depositions, in every article, a summe is set, shortly comprising the contentes · in the same. And in like wise bee orderd the depositions of such as doeth that in thaim is, to excuse master Rawlyns in the said articles, which so deposing bee fyve in number. But after thair depo- sitions no summe is set, bicause the moost part of thaim is but as a summe in it ·Self. It may pleace yor good grace, at yor
leysure, to se ana ponaer al the saia aepositions, as yor gTace shall think it best, ana moost expeaient. At my manor of Croiaon, the xxviiijth aay of Marche, [1521.]
At your gracis commaundement,
WILLAM CANTUAR.
Indorsed: To the moost Reverende father in God, ana my special gooa Lord, my Lora Carainalle of York and Legate de latere is good grace.
10. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Has called the clergy together of his peculia;rs and the parts adjoin- ing, and has exhorted them to set a good example in complying with the King's demand for a subsidy. Finds but" small towardness" in them: such as be connected with conventual foundations a;re very sore and grumbling, because" of such houses as be now newly suppressed." Ad- vises forbearance, as it is not good policy "to broach too many matters of displeasure at once.")
Pleace it yor grace to understande that now of late I called before me, by vertue of the Kinges graces most honorable let- ters, the clergie of a good parte of my peculiars, and some other deaneryes nigh adyonyng unto me. In whome when (aftr the reding of the preamble of the Kinges graces instructions, and aftr all other exhortations that I could devise and speke unto thaym), I found but small towardnes to thentent that they shuld not be example to other to refuse and denye the graunte required, and for the respecte of the holynes of this tyme of Easter, in which it was not convenient to bynd thayme to at- tendaunce frome thaire cures, I have geven thayme a farther day, the Thursday in the Easter weke.
I have hadd communication wt the most parte of the heddes of religiouse houses, possessioners wtin Kent, whiche have aun- swerd by mouthe, that by reason of povertie they be not able to contribute as they be required. N otwtstanding inasmoch as they hadd conventes annexed unto thayme, wtout whome they thowght they might not make any resolute aunswer in that behalf, they desired respite, to have communication wt thair brethren, whiche I have gTaunted thayme, advising thayme to loke more depely and more substancially on the matier, and to
make a better aunswer in avoiding of farther daunger. I as- sure yor grace that suche as be of the religion of suche howses as be nowe newely suppresed, grudgeth sore therat, whether it wer better or no to spare the proceding ferther therin tyll this greate matier of the kinges grace be ended. I referr it to yo• grace, albeyt it hath been thowght good policye, in tymes past, not to broche to many matiers of displeasur at ons.
My chancellor hath been in other places of Kent to practise wt the clergy for ther graunte; and what he hath found therin, this berar, my servaunte, William Potken, which was present wt hym in every place, may at large enforme yo• grace, if it shall pleace the same to geve hym audience, to whom I desier yo• grace to geve credence in this behalf e. I have nowe writen to yo• grace concernyng bothe the spiritualtie and temporaltie of such thinges as be don already. If I wer present wt yor
grace, I could shewe no more as yet, as I shall further hire and see, so in this matier I shall advertise yor grace from tyme to tyme. At Otford, the xijth day of ..A.prile, [1528.]
At yor graces commaundment,
W1LLAM 0.A.NTUAR.
Indorsed: To the most Reverend father in God, and my verey s_inguler good lord, my Lord Ca;rdinall of Yorke and legate de latere his good grace.
11. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Complains that he is disquieted in his jurisdiction by the Cardinal's officers, contrary to law: begs that Wolsey will look to this, as he has often promised to take away no part of the jurisdiction of the Archbishop, who thinks that this is done without the Cardinal's cognizance.)
Pleace it your most honorable grace to understand that your Officers, as Doctor Dolman wt other, very busiely inquietith me and my jurisdiction, specially of my courte of .Audience of causes, apperteynyng to me in the right of my church, bireason of the legacy graunted to the same, thorowgh their inhibitions calling almaner of causes out of my handes and of my said court, being their at the sute of parteis, or of mere office, or of pro- motion of any party. .And so at length, the same contynued, my jurisdiction of my audience shuld be extincted. Wherein,
as far as my powr lernyng serveth me, I am grevid otherwise than the lawe wold, as I doubt not but that other lerned in the lawe woll a:ffirme, if they be required, and woll speke indiffer- ently according to thair lernyng.
It hath pleaced your grace to say unto me dyverse tymes heretofore that ye wold take away no parte of the jurisdiction of my church of Canturbery. .And I thinke verely that this is attempted wtout your graces mynd and knowlege, and that your grace is and wolbe so good and favorable as to suffer me and my church. to enyoy our lawful! rightes accordingly, and that your grace woll commaund your said Officers to wtdrawe the said attemptates, or at the leste to commaund thaym no farther to procede in thoes same, tyll I may attende on your grace and make ferther sute unto you therin presently, which shalbe the ne:x.te terme, by the grace of our Lorde. Whlch, if it may pleace your good grace to do at this my powr requeste, I shall thinke meselfe moche bound to the same in that behalve, as I am many other wayes, For which God rewarde your grace wher I am not able. .And if ther be any service or pleasur that I can do to your grace, it shalbe ready at your commaundm.ent. .A.t Otforde, the :x.xvjth day of February, [1519?]
.A.t your graces commaundm.ent,
WILLAM. CANTU.A.It.
Indorsed: To the moste Reverend father in God, and my very singuler good lorde, my lord Cardinali of Yorke, legate de latere, his good grace.
12. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(In commendation of Master Doctor Tunstall, "a man of good learn- ing, virtue, and sadness," just appointed to the See of London.)
In my moost humble and moost hertie wise I commende me to yor good grace. .And where I am informed that it hathe pleaced the Kinges moost noble grace to name to the bisshop- riche of London maister Outbert Tunstall, maister of the Rolles, at yor gracis speciall commendation, furtheraunce, and promo- tion, I thank yor good grace therefor, as hertly as I can; and in my p9wer opinion yor grace .could not have owed yo1• favor
in that behalf more honorably and lawdably than to the said maister Tunstall, being a man of so good lernyng, vertue, and sadness, whiche shalbe righte mete and convenient to entertaine ambassiators and other noble straungers at that notable and honorable citie, in the absence of the Kingis moost noble grace, if it shall than fortune yor good grace to bee also absent. .And in promoting suche a man to that dignite yor grace hath doen that thing that I doubt not shalbe to the Kinges grace greate plea- sire continually, whereby yor grace shalle purchase manifold thankes of his noble grace. .And I, whiche am many weyes bownd unto yor grace alredy, am now muche more bound unto yor grace for yor said favors shewed to the said maister Tun- stall, in recompensing of the whiche, if there were any thing in my power wherin I myght or could do yor grace plesir, suerly I wold bee right glad to do it. But where I can none other thing doo for yor good grace, but pray for the preservation of the same, yor grace shal not faile to have me yor continuall orator, and the said maister Tunstall yor faithful} servant and Bedeman during his life (I doubt not). Finally, it is mervel- lows greate pleasir and comfort to se the Kinges moost noble grace (whiche is singulierly lerned himself) to bestowe his greate promotions to very well lerned men. At my power house of Otford, the xixth day of January, [1522.]
At yor graces commaundement,
WILV-M CANTUAR.
Indorsed: To the moost Reverende father in God, and my singulier good lord, my lord Cardinali of York and legat a la- tere is good grace.
13. FROM THE SUM AND HIS FELLow-CoMMISSIONERS 'l'O CARDINAL w OLSEY.
(Difficulty of collecting the loan in the county of Kent.)
Please it yor grace, so it is suche persons as have landes or goddes vnder xxli downewardes, wer never yet assembled befor the Kinges grace Comissioners, and such persons of whome the more parte hath but litle substaunce, be more apte to make more busynes then men of greater substaunce woll. .And in as
moch as the said persons of small substaunce be farr moo in nomeber than the other sorteis bee, which indescrete multitude it shalbe verey hard to ordre, bicause multitudes comonly be more ruled after thaire own selfe wi1fnlnes than after good rea- son or discretion, and some woll fall in to fumes, and so fallen woll not be ruled by other persons, nether can or woll well rule or ordre thaymselves, we desier yor grace to know yor mynd and pleasure, whether ye shall thinke it best to assemble thaym, whome if we shuld call befor us, we suppose we shall have moche busynes wt thayme, and litle profecte shall ensue therof to the Kinges hieghnes.
.Item, the Kinges graces said subjectes dwellith far aparte, and the nomber of theym is greate. Some of theym having skante money to bring theymselves to Oanterbery or other places wher we haue appoincted to sitt, will sore grudge to labor, so farr leiving thair husbanndry. And whether it shall stand wt yor graces pleasur that the Kinges graces Oomis- sioners, which have devided theymselves in to diverse hun- dredes, shall or no sitte by vertue of the Kinges graces comis- sion (whiche they have now in the said hundredes to theym allotted, and call befor theym such persons as be under the some of :xx:li, as is abovesaid, we pray yor grace that we may knowe yor graces advise and counsaill. .And in caas it shalbe yor
graces pleasure, that the said comissioners may sitte as is be- forsaid, thesaid greate nombre shall assemble in diverse places, and not to gether, in avoyding ther greate expenses, coostes, and charges. .And the rather it shall pleace yor grace to ascer- teyne us of yor ·graces pleasur, the soner and better this matier shalbe hanilled.
Finally, the comon fame and brute of theis parteis is that the Kingges Hieghnes hath remytted the paymentes of such somes of money as wer demaunded of the Kinges graces sub- jectes of the Oitie of London, which fame and brute, as it is thowght, hath doon litle good here.
.Item, we have sent unto yor grace the coopy of suche om· lettres as we have sent unto the Kinges hieghnes. At Oantr- bery, the third day of May, [1525?]
At yor graces comaundment,
WILIAM O.ANTU.AR, TROM.A.S BOLEYN, T. LORD CoBHAM, HENRY GuLDEFORD,
Indo1·sed: To the most Reverend father in God, and our verey singuler good Lord, Lord Cardinali of Yorke and Legate de Latere his good grace.
14. FROM .ARCHBISHOP WARHAM TO CARDINAL WOLSEY.
(Will do his best to induce the clergy to contribute a sixth to the King's use; sees however there is as great untowardness in this behalf in the clergy as in the laity; rather more. Is hardly pressed for money him- self, as his farmers cannot obtain his rents, and he has already paid, upon privy seals, 2500 marks, for which he has not been reimbursed. Hopes that the same favour which has been extended to his fellow-commissioners in Kent, will be granted to himself.)
Pleace it yor grace to understand that I have received yor kynde letters, writen at Hampton Courte, the vth day of this present moneth; by the which I perceve that wher the Kinges grace hertofore demaunded of the clergy the thirde parte of their revenues, his highnes wilbe nowe contented to have the vjth parte of the said revenues: in the which mater yor grace desireth to knowe myne opinion. My Lord, except I mought perceve som towardenes in the clergy for making of this graunte, it shuld be hard for me to shewe myne opinion therin. How- beit by suche communication as I have had lately with diverse religiose persons to whom theKinges graces letters were directed for this cause, and also by their aunswers delivered to me in writing, which aunswers, aftr my returne to Otford, I shal send to yor grace, I perceve more intowardenes than towardenes in this behalve, and like wise in other the clergy. N otwtstanding I shalbe glad to induce theym to graunte the said vjth parte as- muche as I can, and to doo al other thinges according to the tenor of yor gTaces said letters.
My lorde, I thinke yor graces opinion in the premisses to be good, if the religiose men and the clergy wold be induced to condescend to the same. Wherto that they may inclyne, I shal use al meanes possible after my pouer wytte. Howbeit I see not but that ther is as grete intowardenes in the said religiose men and clergy as in the temporaltie, and rather more, and specialy religiose men which (as they sayeth) have solde their plate and jowelles, and som have layed their landes to morgage, and some
have solde the landes of the churche, clerely allegeth mervailose grete povertie.
.A.s touching yor graces writing for payeng of my parte to the Kinges grace at tbis tyme: My Lord, for the service that I owe to his grace, I woold be as glad (as any subject of his highnes, as I have alwayes be,) to helpe his grace at this tyme with that summe that I might conveniently ber, though it wer gretely to my peyne; howbeit, considering the charges of the keping of my howse, and the payeng alredy of the loone money, amounting to the sum.me of m1m1 and v0 markes, for the repay- ment wherof I have certeyn private seales, whereby I was pro- mised to be repayed long befor this tyme, and as yet am not payed; considering also the reparations of places and landes belonging to my churche, which woold fall downe if the same wer not furthwith repaired, and also other grete charges to me necesl:)arily belonging, besides the money graunted by the last convocation, which money by me to be payed ammounted to no litle summe; and also considering the charges that I have had in tymes past, and nowe have by reason of the Kinges graces commissions concernyng temporal causes; and that at now my beeingin these parties, my Receivors cowde receve of my firmars for my dimid yeres rent due at Eastr last no mor money but :xxijli, which firmars allegeth grete povertie, affirming that they be not able to pay to the Kinges grace the money graunted at the last parliament:1 it is very harde for me nowe at this time to pay the said demaunde. .Albeit, as long as I have money, I shalbe contented to departe to his· grace asmuche as I may, and more. Please it yor grace to kn.owe that her is grete excla- mation in al this cuntrey, aswel amonges the spiritualtie as the temporaltie, of very muche povertie and charistie of money. Wher yor grace writeth that the Kinges grace trusteth that I wilbe contented to pay the hole summe of money by me to be payed, mentioned in his graces lettres to me addressed: my lorde, I assur yor grace that as tochin.g any graunte of any summe of money by me to be payed, I received no letters from the Kinges grace, but I.receved diverse letters from his highnes, directed to diverse religiose persons of this my dioces, which letters I have delivered accordingly; and what sum.me was put on myne bed yor grace best lmoweth, howbeit I am not per- fectly remembred therof.
1 A.D.1523,
Wher yor grace writeth that I shuld the rather pay at this tyme because I shalbe repayed by Michaelmas next of that money which I last avaunced to the Kinges grace by wey of loone, my lord, the said money was promised to be repayed to me at Canililmas last, which as yet I have not receved. Howbeit, if I had xm li. of money, I wold be as glad to make loone thereof to the Kinges grace at this tyme, wt as good a wil and mynde as any man living wold doo.
My lord, wher it hath pleased the Kinges good grace of his singular grete goodenes to remitte to his commissioners and other his graces temporal suhjects of this his countie of Kent, which have made alredy graunte half the summes of money at the first sitting demaunded, as by his graces newe instruc- tions it appereth; I trust, and so humbly beseche yor grace to be mediator for me to his highnes, that in consideration of my charges and peynes in his graces causes, susteyned by hiri graces commaundment, I for my parte may be in no worse condition than any of his graces said commissioners or subjects be; howbeit, as I have before writen, I shalbe glad to doo that that may lye in litle power for th'accomplisshing of his graces high pleasir. A.t Maydeston, the viijth day of May, [1525.]
A.t yor graces commaundment,
W ILLAJII 0ANTUAR.
Ind01·sed: To the moste reverend fadre in God, and my veray singular good lord, my lord cardinal of Yorke and legate de latere his good grace.
15. WARHAM AND HIS FELLOw-C011nnss10NERS 1·0 HENRY VIII.
(Commending the liberal spirit of the inhabitants of Kent, who had "kindly, freely, and willingly offered their bodies, lives, and goods," to serve the King. They consider themselves more bound to this, not only as he is" a loving, kind, and valiant Prince," but as he takes himself to have been born in Kent, and consequently has shown special favours to that county.)
Pleace it yor noble grace to understand that we and other yor gracs Commissioners, to the nomeber of lxxx or thera- bowghts, assembled at yor Citie of Canterbury the second and
third dayes of tbis monith of May, Wher appered befor us the most parte of all the gentyles and hable persons of this yor shyre of Kent, whiche have right lovingly, kindely, and frely offered thayme to doo yor grace service wt thair bodies, lives, and goodes, as hartely and lovingly as ever we herde any menyng and disposicion of people, as ferre as we cowld perceve, in our lives; affirming thaymselves to be moche more bownd to serve yor grace at this tyme, because thay thinke that yor grace taketh yourself that ye were borne in this shyre of Kent, affirmyng also that it hath pleased yor grace to extende unto thayme so moche the more favors than to others of other shires, in giving of offices and other thinges to thayme; and we for our parte shall be as glad wt all our hertes to serve yor grace to the uttermost of our powr, according to our bownden duetyes. At Canterbury, the iiijth day of May [1523.]
Yor true and faitbfull subjects,
WILLJ.AM 0ANTU.AR., ToMAs DocWR.AY,
THoMAs BoLYN, H. GuLDEFORD,
T. LoRD CoBHAM, NICHOLAS Vox.
Ind01·sed: To the Kinges most noble grace.
16. FROM ARCHBISHOP WARHAM TO CARDINAL WOLSEY.
(Complaining that certain persons "of great ability" have been omitted in the levies, whilst others of less ability have been heavily taxed. Some that have 100 marks by the year have been omitted, whilst others that have 20 marks have been sore charged. Is grieved that the rich and substantial have gone free, and the poorer sort been more heavily taxed. Begs that a remedy may be had therein.)
Pleace it yor grace to understand that I am enformed by my chancellor and other, that divers men in Kent (which hath good substancial! and profitable landes, which bee of grete abilitie), have been omitted at this last levy and graunt, and be not charged therwt, and some men havyng but a marke by yere in land, and other but xxv. markes, bee sore charged. I am verey
sory that the riche and substanciall men should go quyte at this tyme, and that the powre and men of lesse substance shuld be charged. My lorde, if it myght be seene that some good remedy wer hadde therin, it shuld bee right wel don. .And where as it hath pleaced yor grace to assigne to me the receving of the graunte in this partie of the countie of Kent: my lorde, considering myne age and debylitie, I am not able to travaile in that behalf as I wold, and therfor I beseche yor good grace that it may like the same to call to you my Lord of Rochestre in this behalf, whiche is right wyllyng to do his duety in this mater accordingly; and also to call to yor remembraunce that in the last yere, I was the chef commissioner for the same, and called afore me the gentiles and other of the hundreds of Alesford, Wroteham, Brasted, Somerden, Wacheingstone, and a parte of Codshethe, of whome, aftir grete ex- amynation hadde of their landes, goodes, and substaunce, I toke of thaym asmoch money, after my con.science, as they myght than bere. And I suppose thay have, for the more parte, paied the same to the Kinges grace. .And so I suppose that the said hundreds bee sore charged alredy; and that the more parte of such men as be most able to bere, have payed allmost asmoch to the Kinges grace, as they wol or may bere. At Otford, the xxx. day of May, [1524.]
.At yor graces commaundment,
WILLAM CANTU.AR.
Indorsed: To the most reverend father in God, and my verey singuler good lord, my lord Cardinali of Yorke, and legate de latere is good grace.
17. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(The bearer, Dr. Burbanke, "a special trusty servant" of the Archbishop, will inform the Cardinal of his affairs in these parts of Kent and elsewhere. Begs credence for him. Expresses his pleasure at the good report of the Cardinal's success with the King.)
Pleace it yor grace to understand that I have sent at this tyme unto the same, this berar, Doctour Burbanke, whiche is a speciall trusty servaunte of myne, whome I have commanded to shewe yor grace asmuche of myne affaires in this parties of Kent, and other places as I am yet advertysed of. And if yor grace shal knowe any further matier by hym, I desire yo1• good
grace to take credence to hym in this behalf. And, my lorde, the good report that I have hard of yor successes in the Kinges causes, and also of yor honorable procedinges therin, hath be right moche to my comforte and rejoyse, which I praye God long to contynue. .At Otford, the vth day of August, [1525.]
.At yor graces commaundment,
WILLAM CANTUAR.
Ind01·sed: To the most reverend father in God, and my singuler good lord, my lord Cardinali of Yorke and legate de latere is good grace.
18. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Is displeased with a book of instructions, which Wolsey had sent him. Cannot submit to some of the articles; some that were at variance with common right, law, and justice, he had already stricken out; desires that the Cardinal will receive his answer in good part.)
Pleace it yor good grace to understand that I have received a booke of instructions frome you, which hath been right moche to my discomforte, as right plainly and openly, I must nedes shewe unto you my mynd. And forasmoche as I know verily that I have no lernyng ne witte suffycient to shewe suche matiers as be conteyned in the said booke, and to declare myn oppinion in the same, I have sent unto yor good grace this berar, my special! trusty servaunt, whiche can open unto yor grace suche thinges as I have here noted in the said booke, whiche thinges be not mete ne convenyent, as I suppose, for the governans of my diocese. .And in asmoche as yor good grace hath tenderly favored me at al tymes past, and I have founde yor said favors gretely to my comforte, I humbly beseke the same now to take my true and playn answere in good parte, and, as I am enformed, suche articles as be not commenly to right lawe and justes, and be verily at variaunce wt the same, I have alredy stryken out, as this berar can shewe unto yor grace, whome in this behalf I humbly besecke yor grace to take credence unto. A.t my manor of Otford, the xxijth day of June, [1526.]
.A.t yor good graces commaundement,
WILLAM CANTU.AR.
Indo·rsed: To the moste reverend father in God, and my verey singuler good lorde, my lord Cardinal of Yorke, and Legate de latere, his good grace.
19. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Requests the Cardinal's favour for his "right trusty friend" Sir Edward Boughton, who had a matter before Wolsey in Chancery.)
Pleace it yor good grace to understand that I have a right trusty frende, a knight of myne, called Sir Edward Boughton, whiche hath a right wrongeous matier dependyng afore you in the Chauncery, as he sheweth unto me. Wherin I have promysed to be his good lord, trusting verily that he shall have no wronge in his suete afore yor grace; and so I am bold to wryte unto yor grace to be good lorde unto hym in his matier, if his cause be good. And my said frende Boughton hath promysed unto me to awaite on yor grace for a final determination in his said cause; beseching yor good grace to shewe unto him your favor asmuche as right and justes woll, and the rather at my pore desyre and contemplacion. At my manor of Knolle, the xxviijth day of July [1526.]
At your graces commaundement,
WILLAM CANTUAR.
Indorsed: To the most reverend father in God, and my verey singuler good lorde, my lord Cardinali of Yorke, and Legate de latere, his good grace.
20. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Regrets that he could not be present at the installation of the new Bishop of Lincoln. Requests that a poor chaplain of his, presented to a small vicarage, may be excused the fees demanded by the Archbishop of York. Mentions the recent death of his Chancellor Dr. Smith, one of the King's Chaplains, and asks that the Cardinal will be good to the poor children of his late Chancellor.)
Pleace it yor good grace to understand that I have received yor kynde and loving lettres, dated at Westmynster the xxiijth day of this moneth, for the whiche I thanke your good grace as hertely as I can; wherein yor grace sheweth that ye had litle tyme to write to me at length, by reason of yor greate and many busynes which I wolbe alwayes as glad to here as any man living, to my litle power. But as toching the installing of the new bisshop of Lincoln (whiche is nowe past) if I had bene advertised therof afore yor grace comyng to Lamehith, I woold have bene glade to have yeven myne attendaunce there, for the doing of that thing that shuld have bene to the contentacion of the Kinges grace and yours.
.A.nd also, pleace it yor grace to understand that I have a powr chaplayne of myne, called Sir Henry Dawkyns, whome I have presented to a small vicarage in Yorke diocess, which hath taken no ferme of the said vicarage of any man, and yet the officers of my lord of Yorkes courte have called my said powr chaplayne afore thaim to have grete fees of hym; whiche if they shuld be payed, I suppose his vicarage woold scarsly susteyne hym: wherfor I humbly beseche yor good grace to be his good lorde therin, and to write unto my lord of Yorkes grace, to be so good and favorable lorde to my said powr chaplayne, to discharge him of the said fees, if it be possible, that he may enjoy his powr lyving the better, whiche I trust yor good grace wool obtaine of my lord of Yorke, if it may so stand wt reason.
.And, my good lord, I have no lesse nede nowe to desire yor favorable lordshipp to be good to me, in writing to the powr
children of my late chancellor, Doctour Smith, one of the Kinges Chaplayns, which chancellor died at this present tyme in my service, and was a verey true, faithfull, and trusty servaunt to me, during his life, whiche powr children of the said Doctour Smith (in gret nombre) I have now taken to my keping, whereunto I am bound of honestie and charitie, to my grete costes and charges; as my trust is that yor grace of yor greate goodenes will doo; beseching Almighty God to contynue yor grace in good helth and longe lif; so I shal daily pray wt my litle power. .A.t my manor of Knolle, the xxvijth day of Novembre [1528.]
At yor graces commaundment,
WILLAM CANTU.AR.
Indorsed: To the moste reverend father in God, and my verey singuler good lord, my lord Cardinall of Yorke and Legate de latere, his good grace.
21. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Recommends "the honest and just desire" of Mr. Poyntes, Surveyor of the King 's Works at Calais, and requests that Poyntes may have the next farm or other thing that falls vacant in Calais or Guisnes.)
Pleace it your grace, I have sente this berar, maister Pointes, Surveier of the Kinges workes at Caleys, to do his attendaunce uppon you, as his matiers requireth, desiring your good grace to have him, and his juste and honest desire, in your favorable remembrance; that is to say, that it myght lyke the Kinges highnes to be so good and gracious lorde unto him, as to geve unto him the next ferme or other thing that shal fortune to fall voyde in Caleys or Guyens, which shall be to his greate comfort and singular goodnes, as knoweth God, who preserve your grace. At my house besides Canterbury, the xxvijth day of July, [1527.]
At your graces commandment,
WILLM CANTUAR.
Indorsed: To the most reverend father in God, and my verey singuler good lorde, my lorde Cardinal of Yorke, and legate de latere is good grace.
22. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Indignation against the injustice and peculation of the King's soldiers, who had not only threatened to plunder the Archbishop's house at Maidstone, but had "shamefully robbed and spoiled" the country in the neighborhood of Canterbury, taking away poultry and cattle, and goods from "every body" without paying for them.)
Pleace it yor good grace to understand that, by reason of the greate infamy that is in this cuntrey by reson of the mis- behavior and eville rewle of the Kinges souldiers here, bothe by shamefulle robbyng and spoyling of the countrey of thayr goodes, pultry, and catall, takyng frome every body such goodes as they can come by wtout payment, and by reason of suche threates and menacis as they have shewed to my howse of Maydestone, saying that they woold come, spoyle, and robbe the same; I can no lenger forbere, but sende you the trowthe of thayr ungodly demeanyng, trusting verily that by yor goodnes some dewe order may be taken in this behalve, to my cumforte and the quyetnes of the cuntrey. My lorde, this day
one of my servauntes, a yoman of my horse, riding bytwene Canterbury and Maydestone aboughte my busines, was ryffled and robbid of his purse, wt muche money therin, by the Kinges souldiers, as the berer herof can shewe your grace. And if the same my servant had made resistans, he had bene slain of the same souldiers. And verily if this had not been trewe, I wold not have troubled yor grace wtall. My lorde, ther is a greate cry of the countrey for this cause, and if it myght stand wt yor pleasir to geve credence to this berer, whiche knoweth the premysses, and also to geve unto hym some determinate answere, whereby he may enforme me therof, ye shal nat oonly do a right good and charitable dede, but also I shall thinke meselfe moche bound unto your grace in that behalve. Frome my manor of Knolle, the xxvth day of February, [1527.]
At yor graces commaundment,
WILLAM CANTU.AR.
Indorsed: To the most reverend father in God, and my veray singuler good lord, my lord Cardinal of Yorke, and legate de latere, his good grace.
23. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Complains that the King's soldiers take provisions without payment, and threaten to burn the houses of the people. Requests that letters may be sent for their punishment.)
Pleace it yor good grace to be advertized that I have sente unto you a very true report by my servaunt and officer, the berer herof, of the takying of viij. oxen, whiche wer my goodes, to me perteyning, by the Kinges soudiers, wtout any payment for the same. And ferthermore the said soudiers hathe taken of dyvers my tenauntes, wheate and malte at thayr pleasure, threatyng that if thay have not what thay aske, they woll burne thayr houses, and also they haue taken of dyvers my powr tenauntes other goodes, to thayr greate hinderans and distruction, as the said berer can more at large shewe unto yor grace. Wherfor I humbly beseche yor grace to be my good lorde, and that some lettres may be sent from the Kinges grace to suche as hathe the rewle of his soudiers here, that thay may refourme thayr mysdemeanors and make true payment for suche goodes as thay haue taken, and also to make redresse for such wronges as thay haue comitted. In doyng wherof, yor grace shall not only shewe greate charitie and benevolens, but also I shall think meselfe moche bounde to you in the same. At my manor of Knolle, the last day of Marche [1527.]
At yor graces commaundement,
WILLAM CANTU.AR.
Indorsed: To the moost reverend father in God, and my verey singuler good lorde, my lord Cardinal of York, and legate de latere, his good grace.
24. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Intimating that he is displeased that his officers have been interfered with by the Cardinal's authority in the diocese of Canterbury.)
Pleace it yor good grace to understand that I am right sory that my officers of my jurisdiccion and diocess of Canturbery be soo inquieted in doing thayr duties in my behalfe by auctorite of yor inhibicion, wherby all or the moost parte of the causes pending afore theym by me and my auctorite be called afore yor officers and commissaries, by reason wherof my said officers be enforced to apere afore yor chaunceller, and have layed sore to thayr charge for executyng of my jurisdiction and auctorite graunted to me by the Kinges grace and his noble progenitors, Kinges of England, within my diocese of Canturbery. The Kinges grace by his moost honorable lettres under his signet, dated the xiij. day of Februarie last, hath directed unto my chaunceller his pleasir and commaundement, that in al causes and matters nowe depending afore me or any my judges, I shuld procead and finisshe the same wtout any lette or interruption; and that my judges and officers shuld likewise so do, as they wol answer unto his highnes at thaire perill. And yet notwtstanding the same commaundement, I am dailly enformed that your officers and commissaries do yet from day to day call afore thaim my officers, and suffre thaim not to proceade in executyng of the same my jurisdiccion and auctorite in many and divers causes, as in the said commaundement is mencioned. Beseching yor good grace to be my good lorde, and to suffer me and my said officers to use and exercyse my said auctorite in my said diocese accordingly.
My lorde, I assure yor grace it is not my mynde to doo any thing that shuld be contrary to yor auctorite, or to troble the same; but if ther be any causes, wherin yor grace thinketh to have interest, and will shewe the same unto me, I shalbe glad to use my selfe therin as may be to yor contentacion, and as ferre as lawe and my conscience woll suffer me to do. Albeit I desire and humbly beseche yor grace to consyder that it is no litle discomforte unto me to be so inquieted, considering that I am so bounde unto yor grace for the manyfold great favors that I have found in you, for the whiche I beseche Almyghty God to sende yor grace moche honor and joye in hart, to his pleasir. At my manor of Knolle, the xxiijth day of Marche [1527.]
At yor graces commaundment,
WILLAM CANTU.AR.
Indorsed: To the most reverend father in God, and my verey singuler good lorde, my lord Cardinali of Yorke, and legate de latere, his good grace.
25. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(A further letter on the same subject.)
Pleace it yor good grace to understand that the letters, dated the last day of this instant moneth, declaring unto your grace howe my officers and commissaries of my diocesse of Canturbery be dailly inquieted in executing of my jurisdiction and auctorite, graunted to me by the Kinges grace, and his noble progenitors, within my said dioces, wtout any ground of lawe or good reason, as I am enformed; and by reason of suche your inhibicions and commaundements layed unto thaym for executing of the same, thayr myndes be greatly troubled and in grete feare of your displeasir, in suche wyse that they dare not procead to thexecuting of thayr offices, which is no smal discomforte unto me. Albeit, I am wel assured that it is not yor graces pleasir that I shuld be so disquieted, or my auctorite in this partie soo contempned. I have sent unto yor grace this berer, Mr. Doctor Clyff, my chancellor, whiche can declare unto your grace many specialties of this matier, wherin I humbly beseche yor grace to take credence unto hym, and that your grace wolbe so good and favorable lorde unto me, to cause the same your officers to be wel admonished therof, and so to use thaimselfes hereaftr towards my said officers, as lawe and good reason wol require; and that I may have agayne suche causes and jurisdiction as be apperteyning unto me and my churche; and in suche things as be wtin yor jurisdiction, if yor grace woll shewe the same unto me, I trust I shal use my selfe therin to your pleasir. My lorde, I woold be right sory to do any thing that shuld sounde unto the derogacion of yor auctorite, and as sory I wolbe that myne auctorite shuld be any thing minisshed wtout any cause resonable. I woold gladlier suffre any displeasir to be done unto me by any other person than by yor good grace, to whome I owe moche more than I can do; as knoweth Almyghty God, who preserve yor grace in moche honor and long lif. At my manor of Knolle, the last day of Marche [1527.]
At your graces commaundement,
WILLAM CANTU.AR.
Indorsed: To the most reverend father in God, and my verey singuler good lorde, my lord Cardinali of Yorke, and legate de latere, his good grace.