liiiiipiill?^^^
 
 
 ^(fi(L^M 
 
 
 
 
 <vev^llBRARYQ^^ 
 
 ^^tilSRARYO/ 
 
 '^<!/0dlTOJO'<^ 
 
 ^OfCALIFOff^ 
 
 
 
 aW[UNIVER% 
 
 ^vlOSANCflfj-^ 
 
 <I5130NVS01^ 
 ,^ME^JNIVER5■//^ 
 
 
 ^lOSANCflfj> 
 
 <riijDNvsoi^ %a]AiNn]WV 
 
 ^AlLIBRARYQr, <5 
 
 AOfCAllFO%, 
 
 >&Aavaani'«?^ ^ 
 
 
 » 
 
 ^ ^d/OJIlVJJO'^ 
 
 .^\\E•llNlVERy/A 
 
 ^lOSANCElfj> 
 
 o 
 
 <r;iJDNVS01^ ■^/Sa^AINDJWV' 
 
 ^ILIBRARYQr^ 
 
 ^IIIBRARYO/: 
 
 ^OJUVDJO'i^ 
 
 ^aOdllVDJO'^ 
 
 ,^WEUNIVERJ/A 
 
 o 
 
 ,OFCAllFOff^ ^OFCAllFOff^^ 
 
 ',f UNIVERi-ZA 
 
 ^•lOSANCflfjy. 
 
 o 
 
 x\^ ^yo.mmn-'i'^ 
 
 ^rjijDwsoi^ 
 
 "^AaaAiNajwv 
 
 ^OF CAUFOB'^ 
 
 ^OFCAllFOff^ 
 
 II 5 
 
 ^<?Aavaan# ^OAavaaii#- 
 
 ^^WE univer:/^ 
 
 o 
 
 !^^i i 
 
 i, 
 
 „:# 
 
 ^lUDIiAliVQr^ 
 
 i? 1 tr- ^ 
 
 A>^tllBRARY(9/^ 
 
 =0 
 
 ^tfodnvj-jo"^ 
 
 ^WEUNIVERJ/A 
 
 o 
 
 .VlOS'WCElfj>. 
 
 %a3AiNn]WV^ 
 
 ^tllBRARY<?/r 
 
 '^iOJIlVJJO'^ 
 
 
 i 
 
 1=^1 i 
 
 Jx»U 
 
 -C) 
 
 ^.QFCAllFOff^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 ,-;;OFCAllF0% 
 
 ^OAavaaiii^ 
 
 AirtEUNIVERVA 
 
 ^lOSANCflfjv, 
 
 o 
 
 <rji]ONVsoi'^ 
 
 %a3AiN(imv^ 
 
 ^OFCAllFOff^ 
 
 ^OAavaaiii^ 
 
 C 
 
 
 -, IIBRARYO 
 
 3 1 1(7 
 
 .WUHNIVFRV/, ^lOSANCElfj> ^^tllBRARYO/^ ^HIBRARYa^ 
 
 %ojnv>jo>' 
 
 ^<!/0JllVJJO^ 
 
 .^MEUNIVERJ/A 
 <5', — - 
 
 ■<rjirMso\^ 
 
 |«ANCElfj> 
 
 ^AcOF'CALIFOff^ 
 
 ^J^;OFCAllF0% 
 
 gf 1 "^i tel m 
 
 ^^\^E•UNIVERJ/^ 
 
 yiK 
 
 ;ujiivjjU'- 
 
 •'fcVUJIlVJ JU 
 
 !»ijt 
 
 I ^ 
 
 m- 
 
 ■'>.!/UJIIVJJO'>
 
 V AU » u u n J ' 
 
 5MEUNIVERS/A .vWSANCElfJV- 
 
 
 %a3AiNn]Wv 
 
 
 ^tllBRARYO/^ 
 
 
 ^•JOJITOJO'^ 
 
 >■ 
 
 < 
 
 ^WEUNIVER: 
 
 
 .\WEINIVER% 
 >- — 
 
 
 o;KlOSANCElfX;A 
 
 "^/jajAINftHW^ 
 
 ^OFCA1IFO% 
 ft 
 
 ^OFCAllFOff^ 
 
 >- 
 
 ^\^EyNlVE^;. 
 
 \^.s S(i^ 
 
 ^(?A!ivaani^ >OAavaan# •'<rj)]3h\bov^"'^ 'VAa3AiNii]\\v' 
 
 ^ILlBRARYOr ^VllBRARYQr 
 
 ^iOJllVJJO'^ 
 
 ^<!/0JllVJJO>^ 
 
 .A^EDNlVERi'/A 
 
 ^lOSANCElfx^ ^vM-llBRARYO/^ 
 
 
 "^/ia^AiNn-JWv 
 
 ^lllBRARYQ^ 
 
 ^.yojnvDJO^ ^ojiivojo'^ 
 
 ^OFCALIF0% 
 
 .^^OFCAllFOff^ 
 
 
 ^WEUNIVERy/A ^v^OSANCElfjv 
 
 \^ 
 
 
 '%a3AiNn-3WV 
 
 ^OFCAllFOff^ 
 
 .-;;OFCALIF0%, 
 
 ^(9Aavaaii# ^(?Aavaaii#' 
 
 ^WEUNIVERi,, 
 
 •<rji]0Nvsoi^ 
 
 ^WEUNIVER% .>;lOSANCElfj> ^tllBRARYQ^ <«^tllBRARY(9/r 
 
 o 
 <rjl30NVS01^^ 
 
 ^/5a3AiNnmv^ 
 
 £3 X « - 
 
 
 ,^WElNlVERV/i 
 
 ^laDflYSm^"^ 
 
 ■^Aa^AINH 3W'^^ 
 
 ^^WE■UNIVER5•/^ 
 
 <rii30NVS01^^ 
 
 ^lOSANCElfXx 
 
 "^/JHJAINniWV^ 
 
 .-;;0FCAIIF0% 
 
 IMS)! 
 
 ''^OAavaan-^^ 
 
 ^OFCAllFORj^ 
 
 ^CAavaaii-^^'^ 
 
 A\\EUNIVER% 
 
 ^lOSANCElfj-^ 
 o 
 
 
 "^AaiAiNn-iwv 
 
 ^ 
 
 on 
 
 '^OAavaani'i 
 
 ^lllBRARYO/r 
 
 ^^IIIBRARYQ^ 
 
 ^<JOjnv3jo^ 
 
 ^^OJIIVJ-JO"^ 
 
 
 vj^lOSANCElfj-^ 
 
 — ^' ^ j I g 
 
 
 "^/^aaAiNftJWV 
 
 ^;<^tLIBRARYO<;^ ^t-LIBRARYOr 
 
 'QUdllYJ-jO '" 
 
 30 3 
 
 ^aojnvjjo^ 
 
 ,^\\EUNIVERS/, 
 
 <s, — 
 
 >- 
 
 ce 
 
 ""T^l^ j 
 
 ^OFCALIFOff^ 
 
 ^OFCAIIFO/?^ 
 
 ^OAavaaii-^^ ^OAavaaii-#- 
 
 >- 
 
 < 
 
 or 
 
 ^yEUNIVERy/A 
 
 — n 
 
 o 
 
 ^lOSANCElfj-^ 
 o ^ 
 
 %a3AINn3WV 
 
 ^AcOFCALIFOff^ ^OFCAllFOff^ ^^ME UNIVERS/! 
 
 "L/Auvami-i^ 
 
 >&Aavaaii#- 
 
 < 
 
 ''jjijji'i* iuV'^ 
 
 .^V\E•tJNIVERJ/A svlOSANCElfj> 
 
 
 <rjl30NVS01^^ '^/ia3AINn-3WV' 
 .^'rtE■UNIVERX/A ovlOSANCELfj> 
 
 jC^lLIBRARYO/;^ ^lllBRARYQc^ 
 
 ^-;.OFCA1IFO% 
 
 %OJI1VDJO>' 
 ^H.OFCA1IFO% 
 
 ^^WEUNIVER% ^vvlOSANCElfj> 
 
 O li. 
 
 <rji30NVS01>^ '^/ia3AINfl3\^V^ 
 
 ,^ME■UNIVER5■//, ^vvlOSANCElfJV. 
 
 ^^H1BRAR^ 

 
 #ri0(nal itettrr^. 
 
 (Kimi'ST'srciR 
 
 ^(Hm3iB<3 CJ^C W^m&i^^ ®JF 
 
 i^^0Mp iiT$. ^liisa^MS m. ^mmi^um v. 
 
 ummnum ftm anti %<i!^ietMS ijm. 
 
 ?L2DiI33DCiIi : 
 31ol)n a^urccip, aibcmacle Street, 
 
 MDCCCXXIII.
 
 ADVERTISEMENT 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 / 
 
 NOTICES OF THE LIFE 
 
 OF 
 
 SIB, JOHN FENN. 
 
 / ^ 
 
 / BY WILLIAM FRERE, 
 
 SERJEANT AT LAW, 
 MASTER OF DOWNING COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. 
 
 VOL. V.
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 1 HE Fifth Volume of the Original Letters came into my 
 hands in the year 1814, at the decease of my aunt. Lady 
 Fenn, the Avidow of the Editor. It was prepared for pub- 
 lication. The Editor's intention to publish was announced 
 in the Preface to the third and fourth volumes in 1789, and 
 had never been abandoned. It was suspended for some 
 time by other engagements; and intercepted in February, 
 1794, by the sudden death of the Editor. 
 
 In the copy, as left prepared for the press, the original 
 letters are transcribed almost entirely in the hand-writing 
 of Mr. Dalton, now of Bury St. Edmunds; who was, at that 
 time, commencing the profession of the law at East Dere- 
 ham, and had been engaged also by Sir John Fenn, in 
 transcribing many of those printed in the third and fourth 
 volumes. The few letters in this volume v.hich are not in 
 Mr. Dalton's hand-writing, are in Sir John Fenn's, and all 
 are revised and corrected by him. The originals of the 
 fifth volume I have not been able to find. Some orio-inals 
 I have, which appear not to have been intended by Sir 
 
 b2
 
 viii ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 John Fenn for publication. The originals of the former 
 volumes were presented to the late King, and were depo- 
 sited in His INIajesty's Library. 
 
 The notes and the modern version were completed in 
 Sir John's hand-writing : I have revised the whole, and 
 corrected what appeared to me to be obvious mistakes, or 
 inadvertencies; but I have been altogether very sparing in 
 alteration. The very accurate information and judgment 
 of the Editor in all matters of antiquarian research would 
 leave little room for the exercise of that office, had I sup- 
 posed myself to possess the requisite qualifications for un- 
 dertaking it. Viiih regard to the Notes, in particular, I 
 wish to explain, that they are almost entirely those of the 
 Editor. They furnish an illustration of the original letters, 
 which the Editor, both from his general knowledge as an 
 antiquary, and from his peculiar acquaintance with the sub- 
 ject and persons in question, was eminently qualified to 
 supply. In great part of the task of revising, I have had 
 the assistance, most obligingly afforded me, of one of the 
 very first literary characters now living. This kind office, 
 I regret to say, was interrupted by illness: while it was 
 continued, I endeavoured to avail myself of the learned and 
 ingenious suggestions which it produced. To name the 
 gentleman to whom I have alluded would be advantageous 
 to any work; but no mention of him that I could make 
 would add to the reputation he enjoys: and I have not felt 
 myself at liberty even to propose it to him; because in 
 many instances I have retained passages in the notes of Sir 
 John I'\'nn, which he reconnnendcd to omit; and for which, 
 therefore, it would be impr()j)er that he should incur the 
 lca.st degree of responsibility. Some of the notes certainly
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. ix 
 
 appear to me to add but little to the expressions of the 
 text; and occasionally the paraphrase may seem even to 
 detract from the spirit and force of the original. 
 
 For their insertion in their present state, the apology to the 
 reader must be mine. And I have to plead, first, my great 
 respect for the Editor himself, and a deference for his judg- 
 ment, which makes me sincerely doubt my own, where they 
 they do not coincide; and in the next place, a desire to 
 preserve an uniformity between this and the preceding vo- 
 lumes, the notes to which appear open to the same obser- 
 vation which has been made, whether justly or unjustly, 
 upon those contained in the present. Perhaps the study of 
 antiquities has in itself, fi.-om the habitual attention which it 
 occasions to accurate details and minute circumstances, a 
 tendency to produce some contraction, if not of the mind, at 
 least in the mode of observation and expression. 
 
 My near connection and early attachment to the Editor 
 may also, perhaps, properly be stated to the pul)lic, as an 
 excuse for oifering to their attention some very brief notices 
 of his life and character. He was united in marriage to the 
 only sister of my father; and from my first recollections to 
 my ninth year I passed a great part of my life under his 
 roof, and (but that the affectionate care of my own father 
 and mother left nothing for their children to seek elsewhere) 
 looking up to my uncle and aunt as pai-ents. By those still 
 surviving, to whom the Editor was known, no apology will 
 be required for the attempt : the performance of it will, 
 I am conscious, require their candid and indulgent con- 
 sideration. 
 
 To this slight sketch of the Editor's life, I shall prefix 
 some observations of a near relation, who had a better
 
 X ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 opportunity of forming an estimate of his character, and for 
 v.liose opinion I have a great deference. 
 
 " Of his cliaracter this, I think, ought to be marked as 
 memorable and useful (and particularly and generally use- 
 ful, inasmuch as his example is of more easy imitation), I 
 mean, with how few advantages he became the object of 
 general res})ect and reverence in his native county, to a 
 degree not surpassed by any man, however his superior in 
 accidental advantages. With a moderate fortune, a family, 
 though ancient in descent and name, now barely emerged 
 from the obscurity into which it had fallen, with no connec- 
 tion which would give him consideration in the world, with- 
 out eminently splendid or brilliant talents, by mere plain 
 good sense, and by the means of those qualities which are 
 more or less dependent on the will, by strict and scru- 
 pidous punctuality and veracity, by firmness of purpose, 
 impertiubable temper, by a perfect manly simplicity of cha- 
 racter and manner, he might fairly be considered to have 
 rendered himself the model of that class of country gentle- 
 men and magistrates to which he belonged. If it is to be 
 observed, (as it often is,) that characters of this kind are 
 becoming more rare in the present times; it may be ac- 
 counted for, perhaps, by the consideration, that the basis of 
 them (which consisted in an unenthusiastic religious sobi-iety 
 of mind) is more fre((uently wanting in the present genera- 
 tion, than in that which has preceded it." 
 
 Several other causes have contributed, and are contribut- 
 ing, to produce this effect; the consequences of which ap- 
 pear likely to become very prejudicial to this country, both 
 in a moral and political point, by reducing that valuable 
 class, almost peculiar to ourselves, which fornu'd the link of
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. xi 
 
 connection between the higher and the lower orders, and 
 added so much to the stabihty and excellence of both. — 
 Among these causes may be enumerated, the practice 
 which has been adopted by different administrations for 
 the last thirty or forty years, of transferring to the Peerage 
 so large a proportion of those who w^ere most eminent and 
 respectable among country gentlemen, and thus render- 
 ing them in many points detached from their fellow-sub- 
 jects of inferior rank ; the increasing habit of resorting 
 to the metropolis, or to bathing-places, or other places 
 of temporary residence, where, upon the pretext of seek- 
 ing improved or more refined society, we are in the habit 
 of deserting the duties and responsibilities which belong 
 to our actual station in life; the extensive transfer of 
 landed property from long-established families, attached to 
 the country and respected by the neighbourhood, as a point, 
 on either side, of hereditary feeling, to the hands of those 
 who have become suddenly wealthy; and who consider their 
 estates only as what is called an eligible investment, from 
 which they draw their income to some distant residence; or, 
 if they ever occupy their country houses, live in them in a 
 state insulated from all the feelings and opinions and habits 
 of their inferiors who surround them. — Modern theorists and 
 political economists think and speak of these things with 
 indifference and even complacency. The great consolation 
 which has been held out recently, in parliament and else- 
 where, under the pressure of distress to the landed interest, 
 has, in fact, amounted to this : " If you are obliged to sell 
 your estates to pay your debts, others will be found ready 
 to buy them." Yet, laying aside all consideration of per- 
 sonal sufferings and privations, will this country be the same
 
 xii ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 England that it has been, when transferred from the hands 
 of proprietors, with whom their tenants and dependents have 
 long been united by so many ties, to those of speculators, of 
 whatever country or description, religious or moral, who di- 
 vide their time between London, Brighton, Bath, and Chel- 
 tenham, and leave the whole controul of their estates to an 
 attorney or agent ? 
 
 While all these causes are combining to deprive us of our 
 resident country gentlemen, those who feel attached to 
 whatever is peculiarly English in Church and State, will 
 j)erhaps take some interest in the imperfect representation 
 that I am about to offer to their notice of one of the most 
 valuable of that class. A long detail of the events of his life 
 would not answer, either to the compiler or reader. In the 
 following pages I propose only to throw together such brief 
 notices, as may enable the public to form some idea of the 
 character of a man, from his intrinsic merit most justly 
 entitled to their respect, and from his connection with this 
 work, as well as from his generally well-established reputa- 
 tion as an antiquary, entitled to occupy some portion of 
 their consideration. 
 
 Sir John Fcim was born in Norwich, on the 26th day of 
 November, 1739. The family of Fenn was ancient and 
 honourable, and much connected with the county of Nor- 
 folk. An account of it by the Editor may be found in a 
 note to page 334 of the third volume. From this family it 
 is probable that he was descended; but it does not appear 
 that the connection could be positively traced. Such of 
 ilia ancestors, as could be ascertained, had been of the rank 
 of gentry in the county of Norfolk: several of them had 
 l)een in the clerical and medical ])rofessions : his father 
 (who died when tins, his only child, was an infant) had been
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. xiii 
 
 a member of the latter. His widow, tliough entirely de- 
 voted to this single object of maternal affection and solici- 
 tude, (which in her were of the strongest description ima- 
 ginable,) conducted his education with uniform good sense 
 and discretion. The proper return for this discharge of 
 parental duty she experienced in the fullest manner : the 
 attentions of her son were continued to her unremittingly to 
 a very advanced age; and she had only to regret, that, be- 
 fore the close of a long protracted life, she survived him in 
 whom all her affections were centered. My uncle was 
 struck with the paralytic attack, which terminated his life, 
 while in the act of paying his daily visit of duty and affec- 
 tion to his mother, and in her presence. 
 
 The vigor of intellect and strength of character, which 
 distinguished the editor in after life, appear traceable from 
 his earliest infancy. An account, Avritten by himself, of 
 " Early Thoughts, Observations and Studies," records the 
 very first impressions upon his mind. He begins with 
 speaking very distinctly of a recollection as far back as 
 when he was two years old, and mentions anxious obser- 
 vations and inquiries respecting life and death, the ordinary 
 phenomena of the heavens, and in particular the comet (of 
 1744) taking place as early as the age of four years, which 
 might appear too trifling to detail : but these, as well as 
 his accurate recollection of the principal events of the re- 
 bellion in 1745, I maybe allowed to notice as characteristic 
 traits of his intellect. A person of less accuracy might be 
 supposed mistaken in mentioning acts of memory commen- 
 cing so much before the usual period. Those who knew 
 the extreme precision as well as the activity of his mind, 
 will not hesitate to recognise in these circumstances an 
 
 VOL, V, c
 
 xiv ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 indication of those faculties, in whicli he certainly after- 
 wards ])articiilarly excelled. 
 
 Of his education, commencing at a small grammar school 
 at Scarning, near Dereham, he gives the following account. 
 
 " I went to Mr. Brett's school at Michaelmas, 1748; 
 when there, I always Avanted reasons for what I was re- 
 quired to learn; but he never gave any to the little boys; 
 and those boys of whom I inquired, I believe, could give 
 me none; so I was lell to the workings of my own mind. 
 Every Saturday the master used to give out a subject for a 
 theme to the great boys, and then expatiate upon it. I 
 was always veiy attentive during this explanation, and used 
 to treasure up what he said, though I was then only nine 
 or ten years old; but I often wished myself a great boy, 
 that 1 might attend his explanation and take notes as they 
 did. Soon after I went, Mr. Brett ceased to take any new 
 scholars, which occasioned my remaining at the bottom of 
 the school, a circumstance which often gave me much vex- 
 ation. I never, however, received a blow from him on any 
 occasion, and never any task for a neglect of lessons or ex- 
 ercises, though he was reckoned a severe master." 
 
 After noticing several books that he met with at this 
 period, he proceeds thus: " I will mention here a circum- 
 stance, which probably attends many boys of active and in- 
 (juisitive minds, I mean a false modesty, which constantly 
 prevented me from applying in my difiiculties to those from 
 whom I might have received proper information, and which, 
 for several of my earlier years, deterred me from owning 
 that I vxvr read any books except those which I read at 
 school or with my mother; by these means I often lost 
 much real and useful information, which would not only
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. ,xv 
 
 have helped me forward then, but have early given me just 
 notions of what I thus picked up by reading, without know- 
 ing how properly to apply. It is very important that chil- 
 dren should acquire, at first, proper ideas from intelligent 
 persons; for I am convinced that erroneous impressions, 
 early implanted in the mind, are with the utmost difficulty 
 removed, even at the time of life when the faculties are in 
 their most improving state. Miss Elizabeth Shepherd, a 
 relation of my flither's, lived with my mother as her compa- 
 nion: she was an ingenious young woman, and fond of 
 reading; but, about the year 1748, fell into a state of reli- 
 gious melancholy, and spent her whole time in reading, 
 writing and praying. She was rigid in her fasts, and lived 
 so abstemiously that she hurt her constitution, and being 
 naturally of a delicate frame, a consumption soon put a pe- 
 riod to her life. My curiosity was greatly excited by her 
 behaviour, and I wished to know what so continually em- 
 ployed her pen, but without being able to satisfy myself 
 My former maid, who was a great favourite of her's, told 
 me that she was writing good books and prayers, and that 
 she would certainly go to heaven. This young woman's 
 imagination was heated, and by misapplying passages in 
 Scripture she bewildered herself, and, with the best inten- 
 tions, was often committing absurdities. My mother had 
 found her a pleasant and useful companion, had always 
 been very kind to her, and esteemed her greatly; and now 
 most sincerely lamented the state of her mind. She had 
 made her promise, when she first took this turn of mind, 
 that she would never speak to me on the subject of books 
 or religion ; a promise she most strictly observed, for her 
 gratitude to my mother was unbounded. When she died, 
 
 c 2
 
 xvi ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 in 1750, a little cupboard was opened, in which she had 
 with great care and neatness deposited her writings, con- 
 sisting of prayers, meditations on texts of Scripture, and 
 letters of good advice to many of her acqviaintance ; amongst 
 tlieni was a packet, dated 8th May, 1750, superscribed, ' a 
 gift for Mr. John Fenn, a minor,' with a request added, that 
 it should not be opened till I came of age. This request 
 was comphed with ; and on the day that I completed my 
 21st year I opened it. It contained good advice, recom- 
 mending a remembrance and observance of my baptismal 
 vows ; a constant attendance at cluirch ; a recollection that 
 the estate, which I now came into the possession of, was 
 only lent me, and therefore enjoined a charitable disposi- 
 tion; and concluded with wishing me a virtuous wife, and 
 recommending me to the Almighty. 
 
 " When I removed to Botesdale school, in January, 1752, 
 luider the tuition of the Rev. Mr. Christian,* I was ad- 
 vanced into the second class, amongst boys who were most 
 of them two, and some three, years older than myself, and 
 did my exercises with those of the head class. This gave 
 me great pleasure, and I determined not to be behind any 
 of them in attention to my lessons and exercises; for I had 
 always observed that neither birth nor fortune gave such a 
 degree of consequence among my schoolfellows as the 
 maintaining a high place in the school; while the being 
 classed with boys much younger is the greatest misfortune 
 
 * Tlic late Lord Ellenborougli, cliief justice of the King's Bench, receiveil 
 pari of liis education under tliis gi'utlenian (to wlioni he was nearly related), at 
 ISotesdale school. It is an ancient foundation, estahlished by the Bacons, to 
 whom the adjacent seat of Redgrave Hall (now the property of Admiral Wil- 
 son) formerly belonged. Under Mr. C'liri-.tian. it was in considerable repute.
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. xvii 
 
 that can befall a youth of an ingenious and active turn of 
 mind. I was head boy of the school at fifteen, and so re- 
 mained till I left it for Cambridge. I do not wish to be 
 supposed superior to my competitors; my merit chiefly 
 consisted in diligence, and application to the object under 
 consideration. I never much relished the common amvise- 
 ments of schoolboys, though I at times joined in them all, 
 as cricket and the like, with some reputation. When not 
 engaged in play, I kept in the school, or retired to my own 
 room, where I practised drawing, etching, &c. but without 
 an instructor, or any help, except what some trifling books 
 afforded me. My love of reading increased with my years. 
 The Arabian Nights Entertainments delighted me; the 
 Seven Champions of Christendom filled me with romantic 
 ardor; Telemachus and Don Quixote fell early into my 
 hands, and in different degrees claimed my attention, with 
 some English novels; but books of history and antiquities, 
 whenever I could procure them, would fix me to my seat 
 for days at my leisure hours. I think I enjoyed more plea- 
 sure fi-om these various books, than I ever afterwards re- 
 ceived from any regular course of reading which I adopted 
 when I grew older ; this arose perhaps from the variety of 
 new ideas which I thus continually acquired. 
 
 " From my observation* of coats of arms, on seals, plate, 
 
 * " Over one corner of our seat in Elmliam church hung a hatchment to the 
 memory of a lady of the family of Vesey. This caught my attention very early, 
 even before I was six years old, and I inquired of my mother what it was, and 
 why it hung there. She told me it was the coat of arms of a lady who had lived 
 in our house, and had been placed for a time over the door, as a mark ot dis- 
 tinction due to her family, and afterwards removed into the church, there to 
 remain as a memorial of her having been a gentlewoman. This account pro-
 
 xviii ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 carriages, &c. I became very desirous of knowing their uses 
 and how to understand and appropriate them; my inquiries 
 however wei-a attended with Httle success, as I knew no- 
 thing of books of herakh-y. On an afternoon visit with my 
 mother to a widow lady at Dereham, whose husband had 
 Ijeen fond of such studies, something occvured which in- 
 duced me to mention my wish to procure some book which 
 woukl give me information upon these subjects. The lady 
 very good naturedly produced an old edition of Gwillim's 
 Heraldry, (third edition, 1638,) and gave me leave to carry 
 it home, which I did with the greatest joy. Soon after, I 
 purchased another copy, which, during the Christmas holi- 
 days, I not only studied, but blazoned throughout in its 
 proper colours ; and have always preserved it, as my first 
 attempt in a study from which I have since reaped much 
 pleasure and amusement. 
 
 " During the last year of my remaining at school, I often, 
 in an indirect manner, (for I still felt that kind of false mo- 
 desty to which I have before alluded, and which prevented 
 me from entering into the subject openly,) inquired of Cam- 
 bridge men what books were put into their hands on going 
 to the University. Several of these works on arithmetic, 
 algebra, and geometry I procured and read. From my ac- 
 (juaintance with these studies, when I went to Cains Col- 
 k'ge, in Januai-y, 1757, I soon found great advantages; for 
 1 presently discovered that I knew more of the lectures 
 tban my contemporaries, and shortly obtained from, the 
 
 iluccd in my iiiiiul mmumin iliouglits and conjectures about family, gentility, and 
 coats of arms; ami I Ixliuvc from this accidental circumstance I may date my 
 early attcutioii to luiaidry, pedigrees, &,c."
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. xix 
 
 college tutor, Mr. Davy, leave to attend only when 1 
 pleased. This polite mark of his attention made me often 
 appear in the lecture room as a matter of compliment to 
 him, not to mention that from his clear method of explain- 
 ing the lecture, I always gained information. 
 
 " Soon after I commenced my residence, I formed an 
 acquaintance with a gentleman, one year my senior in col- 
 lege, Mr. John Norris, of Caius, the only son of Anthony 
 Norris, Esq. of Barton, in Norfolk This gentleman bore a 
 very high character in the college for learning, abilities, and 
 many elegant accomplishments. I therefore readily ac- 
 cepted his first invitation. We became from that time 
 inseparable companions, and spent many of our evenings 
 together in reading, &c.; and from him I may justly say 
 that I acquired more general literary knowlege than from 
 any other individual, but, alas, his talents were buried in an 
 early grave! 
 
 " The week before we took our degree of bachelor of arts, 
 we sate in the little combination room in the college for 
 three days, to be examined by such of the fellows as chose 
 to send for us to their rooms. 
 
 "I sat my three days with the other questionists (or can- 
 didates for degrees), but was never once sent for during the 
 whole time. I believe the Fellows,* not having perhaps 
 
 * The observation, that these studies are often taken up solely for the sake 
 of obtaining a high degree, and are afterwards entirely abandoned, has fre- 
 quently been made, and with nuich reason, particularly as applicable to studies 
 upon which the distinctions of the University have for a long period in so great 
 a measure depended. Probably, however, the object of the college examina- 
 tion now in question was only to ascertain, that no incompetent person should 
 ofter himself to the University for a degree, and therefore it was thought unne- 
 cessary to give any trouble to one so well qualified as the editor.
 
 XX ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 lately applied themselves to the studies of Mathematics 
 and Natural Philosophy, did not choose to examine those 
 who were in the habit of those studies; but be that as it 
 may, I was the only one of the candidates not sent for. 
 
 " On the following Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 
 we sate in the Senate House for pubhc examination; during 
 this time I was officially examined by the Proctors and 
 Moderators, and had the honour of being taken out for ex- 
 amination by Mr. Abbot, the celebrated mathematical tutor 
 of St. John's College, by the eminent Professor of Mathe- 
 matics, Mr. Waring, of Magdalen, and by Mr. Jebb, of 
 Peterhouse, a man thoroughly versed in the academical 
 studies, afterwards famous for his various writings and 
 opinions unfavourable to the Established Church, of which 
 he was some time a member, but afterwards deserting it, 
 resigned his preferment, and practised as a physician. On 
 the Friday following, the 23d of January, 1761, I was ad- 
 mitted to my Degree ; and had the honour of being placed 
 high in the list of Wranglers." 
 
 To this brief sketch of his early years, the Editor sub- 
 joined the folloAving account of his habits and ways of 
 life. 
 
 " My acquaintance was chiefly amongst young men, whose 
 jjur.-iuits were similar to my own. I never found time hang 
 heavy upon my hands. I loved cheerful company, and both 
 in ('oUege and at home mixed in the anuxsements of the 
 ])lace and neighbourhood. Drinking I always had an aver- 
 sion to. I never was really drunk in my life. As I never 
 kept late hours, I was constantly an early riser; by which 
 means I always found time for botli study and amusement. 
 I never put off till to-morrow what should be done to day.
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. xxi 
 
 Exact in my engagements of pleasure or business, I was 
 never to be waited for: nor do I recollect that I ever 
 refused an engagement in College, under a pretence of 
 study ; for I never wished to be considered a pedant. I ac- 
 knowledge, indeed, witli thankfulness, that my capacity, as- 
 sisted by care and attention, was such that I could make 
 myself master of most subjects to which I applied, readily, 
 and without much study: my memory, likewise, was not 
 unfaithful to me." 
 
 Thus terminate the Editor's own notices of himself 
 He was elected to an Honorary Fellowship of his college; 
 but did not reside there much after taking his degree. Be- 
 sides the friend whom he mentions, and whose early loss he 
 laments, he formed at Cambridge many connections which 
 were preserved to him through life. Among the most in- 
 timate and valuable of those friends were two, whose me- 
 mories I must ever cherish with the sincerest affection and 
 veneration, my late father, John Frere, Esq. of Roydon, and 
 my late father-in-law, Brampton Gurdon Dillingham, Esq. 
 of Letton. With these friends he concurred in opinion, 
 and in feeling, upon most subjects of any moment. With 
 them he passed his life in uninterrupted cordiality, and 
 most intimate and confidential intercourse. They enter- 
 tained the same sincere and disinterested attachment to 
 monarchical government, and to the doctrines of the Esta- 
 blished Church; and acted upon these principles, each ac- 
 cording to the limits of his course of life, with spirit and 
 constancy. The two latter lived long enough to have their 
 principles put to the test, and called into action, through- 
 out the perilous and trying period of the French Revolu- 
 tion. The former, dying early after its commencement, yet 
 
 VOL. V. d
 
 xxii ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 partook fully the conviction entertained by his friends, of 
 the dangers that awaited its farther progress, and of the 
 necessity of opposing, by every means in the power of this 
 country, the ambitious designs of the democratic party in 
 France. Both his friends lived to see these opinions veri- 
 fied, bevond their strongest anticipations. My lather, called 
 u])on by the public voice to take a more prominent part in 
 su})port of these principles, as member for the city of Nor- 
 wich, did not shrink from the duty thus cast upon him; the 
 discharge of which impaired his health, and probably short- 
 ened his valuable life. Dying in 1807, he witnessed the 
 termination of a sanguinary and desolating anarchy, in its 
 natural conseqvience, the establishment of a military despo- 
 tism in the person of a daring and crafly adventurer, then 
 in the plenitude of his power, and threatening to overwhelm 
 the civilized world, without any apparent human means 
 adecpiate to resist his immeasurable ambition. 
 
 My father-in-law survived, with memory and faculties un- 
 impaired, and with the kind and amiable disposition, which 
 endeared him to all his connections, unruffled by increasing 
 years, to the age of eighty, and saw, in its awful consumma- 
 tion, the overthrow of the stu])endous fabric of the French 
 Revolutionary Empire. Of these friends he alone was per- 
 mitted to witness on earth the completion of the workings 
 of that Providence in vvhich they all trusted, and submission 
 to whose revealed will formed the guide and motive of all 
 their conduct. 
 
 Such were their public princi])les. Their private lives 
 were ])assed with the highest honour, and the most un- 
 l)lemished integrity, resting upon the only solid and certain
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. xxiii 
 
 basis of human excellence, a sincerie belief in the doctrines 
 of Christianity. 
 
 Among the friends to whom the Editor had become at- 
 tached from early habits, or similarity of studies and taste, 
 or local connection, may be enumerated, the Hon. Horace 
 Walpole, afterwards Eai-1 of Orford, Edward King, author 
 of the valuable work on castles, and other learned produc- 
 tions. To these two friends, in particular, he submitted the 
 Paston Letters ; and was much guided by their judgment 
 with regard to their publication. To these may be added, 
 the following distinguished antiquaries: Francis Grose, 
 Richard Gough, George Steevens, and Craven Ord, with 
 whom he was in the habit of frequent correspondence upon 
 the subjects of their common study. I may also mention 
 the names of the following eminent and accomplished con- 
 temporaries, now no more, who well knew and valued Sir 
 John Fenn, two gentlemen, the Right Honourable Thomas 
 Orde, afterwards Lord Bolton, and Joah Bates, formerly 
 Fellows of King's College, both distinguished scholars, and 
 eminent in after-life for their various talents and at- 
 tainments ; the Rev. Robert Potter, the translator of the 
 Greek Tragedians, and the Right Honourable William 
 Windham, whose reputation for knowledge and judgment 
 in the antiquities of his country, was obscured only by the 
 brilliancy of his fame as an orator and statesman. Among 
 the survivors of his personal friends, I may safely appeal, in 
 testimony of his worth, to Lord Wodehouse, the Bishop of 
 Winchester, Sir Robert Buxton, Mr. Coke, of Holkham, the 
 Rev. John Currey, of Dartford, the Rev. Stephen Allen, of 
 Lynn, and the Rev. William Bond, of Whetacre, in Nor- 
 folk. 
 
 • d2
 
 xxiv ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 Sir John Fenn had the happiness to be early united in 
 marriage to Ellenor, the only daughter of Sheppard Frere, 
 Esq., and sister of his friend and fellow-collegian. They 
 Avere married on the 1st of January, 1766; and went to re- 
 side at East Dereham; of which place he was a most valuable 
 and highly-respected inhabitant above thirty years. He was 
 early placed in the Commission of the Peace ; and was after- 
 wards a Deputy-Lieutenant of the County of Norfolk; and 
 was throughout his life a most active, strict, and intelligent 
 magistrate. He was very diligent in the discharge of his 
 duties as a grand juryman; and in attending, when sum- 
 moned to act upon special juries; in which capacity, as well 
 as that of arbitrator between litigating parties, he was very 
 frequently called upon. Not only from being placed in 
 these situations, but from the great weight which belonged 
 to his private character, his punctuality and exactness in 
 every transaction, his coiTectness of judgment and great 
 vigour of mind, he may be truly said to have filled a very 
 im])ortant place in the society and neighbourhood to which 
 he belonged. The influence of his opinion over his equals, 
 always exercised with honour and good sense, was of great 
 service upon all occasions which called it forth; while, by 
 the authority he possessed over his inferiors, which ren- 
 dered a rebuke from him a ])uiiishment most seriously 
 dreaded, he kept the whole district in which he lived in 
 awe and in order: and this with so nnich proper courtesy 
 to all ranks, so devoid of pride or passion, and with a spirit 
 of justice so direct and sincere, and so ])ure from all sus- 
 ])'ui()n of corrupt or sinister motive, as disposed all descrip- 
 tions of persons to become readily, and in general most 
 gratcfidly, submissive to his controul.
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. xxv 
 
 I must here beg to detain my readers a few moments, to 
 discharge a duty, which both justice and gratitude would 
 require at the hands of the biographer of Sir John Fenn, in 
 naming her with whom his hfe was passed in the most per- 
 fect union of aifection; and who, surviving him nearly 
 twenty years, continued, as much as it was possible for a 
 female of undoubted talents and of a most active and 
 benevolent mind, the good effects of that influence and 
 example which, in her husband's life, she had so much 
 contributed to establish. Lady Fenn was also well known 
 in a department of literature, which, in its beginning, was 
 almost exclusively her own, calculated for the improvement 
 of the first studies of infancy. In this she has had many 
 followers, to the great benefit of the rising generation ; but 
 her own works, written chiefly vinder the names of Mrs. 
 Teachwell and Mrs. Lovechild, still hold a distinguished 
 place in the juvenile library ; and as they are ever directed 
 to inculcate religious principles, to convey rational and 
 useful information, and to encourage the best and kindest 
 affections of the heart, must entitle her to the grateful ac- 
 knowledgments not only of the individual who now traces 
 these lines, and for whose improvement they were at first 
 undertaken, but of posterity in general, who profit so much 
 by her labours. 
 
 His patrimonial estate was of moderate extent, at Edge- 
 field, in Norfolk, and in the neighbourhood. By great 
 exactness and moderation in his expenditure, his income 
 was constantly improving, without any neglect of the de- 
 mands of justice or charity, and without a sacrifice of the 
 intercovirse of society with his equals in rank and educa- 
 tion. The studies to which he has described himself as so
 
 xxvi ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 early attached, were pursued by him with ardour and dih- 
 gence throughout his hfe. The sedentary habits which 
 they produced, most probably impaired his health, and oc- 
 casioned the illness by which he was carried off in the fifty- 
 fourth year of his age. In the year 1791 he served the 
 office of High Sheriff of Norfolk. His acquaintance with 
 the early periods of our history, when the power and im- 
 portance of that office were much greater than in modern 
 times, led him to };ay a particular attention to its discharge. 
 Among other things he revived the painful duty of attending 
 in person the execution of criminals, as adding to the so- 
 lemnity and impressive awe of the scene. He drew up, and 
 left in manuscript, a history of the office, which might be 
 serviceable to his successors. The engagements consequent 
 upon the shrievalty formed the principal interruption to his 
 design of publishing the present volume; as the Editor 
 himself anticipates in his preface to this volume. 
 
 In the Sunmier of 1791, while on a visit at Rainham, the 
 seat of Marcjuis Townshend, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, 
 he had, for the first time, a slight paralytic affection; the 
 consequences of which were very soon removed. In allu- 
 sion to this circumstance. Lord Townshend, in a letter 
 addressed to Sir John, on the 22d of August, expresses 
 liimsclf in a manner which shows the high opinion he en- 
 tertained of him. 
 
 " I wish most sincerely you may have no return of your 
 complaint, which I rejoice to see so soon reduced; and that 
 you may long live, tlie i)atron of the poor, and the protector 
 of peace and good government in the country." 
 
 In the following year, 1792, ho had a slight attack of gout, 
 which ai)peared rather to benefit than impair his general
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. xxvii 
 
 health. In the summer of that year he was actively en- 
 gaged, with many of the principal persons of the county, in 
 supporting an Address to His Majesty, upon the Proclama- 
 tion of the 21st of May. On this occasion he wrote to Lord 
 Townshend as follows : 
 
 " On my arrival at Norwich, I saw Mr. Townshend, of 
 Honingham, (afterwards Lord Bayning,) and learnt from 
 him, that he had seen your Lordship, and came prepared 
 with the copy of an Address, and likewise with an authority 
 to sign your approbation. I therefore with pleasure re- 
 signed into his abler hand and judgment, whatever I might 
 else have done, in following your Lordship's directions, who, 
 I find, returns immediately to town. From Mr. Townshend, 
 my Lord, you will hear the particulars of what passed at 
 the meeting; I cannot help, however, observing, how much 
 obliged the meeting was to a young man, who came forward 
 to harangue, find fault with, and amend the Address, for 
 bringing forth Mr. Windham ; who rose, and gave us a 
 speech addressed to, and felt by, every one of every rank, 
 from the nobleman to the mechanic; it was manly, becom- 
 ing a subject of a limited monarchy, and worthy a member 
 of the British parliament : it silenced all attempts at noise 
 or opposition; and the Address was engrossed, and signed 
 by a most respectable list of names. Sir John Wodehouse 
 will bring it to town, and is to present it to His Majesty." 
 
 To this communication, Lord Townshend wrote thus in 
 reply : 
 
 " I am much obliged to you for your kind attention to 
 what I took the liberty to suggest. I am happy that the
 
 xxviii ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 meeting; for the Address concluded not only with success, 
 but with dignity; and that Mr. Windham's independent prin- 
 ciples and great abilities made such an impression." 
 
 The state of alarm and anxiety in which the country was 
 then placed, may be judged of by the following hasty lines, 
 Avritten by Mr. Dillingham to Sir John, while on a visit to 
 My. Frere and family, at a distance of twenty-five miles 
 from Dereham : 
 
 " Dereham, Tuesday, December 4th. 
 
 " My dear Sir, 
 
 " You must excuse me thus troubling you 
 to say, that in the present very alarming situation, which 
 re(juires the daily and hourly vigilance of the magistrates, 
 and when the most serious exertions will probably be re- 
 quired, I feel myself extremely uncomfortable in your ab- 
 sence, and trust you will see the absolute necessity of your 
 immediate return to Dereham, by Friday, if possible; I 
 shall request also Mr. Milles's attendance on Friday. My 
 best regards to the circle at lloydon. 
 
 " Your's, truly, 
 
 " B. G. Dillingham." 
 
 And by the following passage in a letter from a very ex- 
 cellent friend, still living : 
 
 " I was pleased at hearing you say you were, most of you, 
 loyal: as I had heard bad accounts of Norfolk. We .ire 
 associated here in defence of King and Constitution. Go- 
 vernment liave stationed a magistrate with us, who examines 
 and disarms every Frenchman passing u}) the road. It is
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. xxix 
 
 to be hoped we shall stop the continental phrenzy from 
 crossing the water. But we have seen events take place, 
 which, a short time ago, we should not only have thought 
 improbable, but impossible ; so that one hardly knows what 
 to hope or tliink. Happy for us, if from these things we 
 shall learn wisdom and righteousness. If we deserve pro- 
 tection, we shall be protected. Adieu." 
 
 The next year commenced with similar engagements, of 
 wliich I find a notice in a letter of my father's, as follows : 
 
 « Roydon, January 1st, 1793. 
 
 *' Dear Fenn, 
 
 ********* 
 
 " I had not the copy of the Declaration for this Hundred 
 till Sunday. It was unfortunate we had it not to produce 
 on Friday; when the -j Diss folk were frightened, and listened 
 attentively to a proposal, from Mr. Buxton (now Sir Robert 
 John Buxton, Bart.) and me, to associate. They would pro- 
 bably all have signed it then, which I now doubt whether 
 
 they will." 
 
 " Your's, affectionately, 
 
 " J. Frere." 
 
 A subsequent letter contains expressions which the event 
 has fully confirmed and justified. 
 
 " February 6th, 1793. 
 
 " Dear Fenn, 
 " I find Buxton has but just received his copy of the 
 Declaration made at Norwich last December. 
 
 i" A market town in Norfolk, to which Roydon is tlie adjoining parish. 
 
 VOL. V. e
 
 XXX ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 " We seem unavoidably going to war. What must we 
 think of those, who would indispose the nation to such a 
 war; which Ministers would certainly keep clear of, if they 
 could, arid which will have nothing to support it but the 
 spirit and indignation of the people ; for there will be no- 
 thing to be got by it. 
 
 " Your's, ever, 
 
 " J. Frere." 
 
 Not only was the commencement of this war clear from all 
 motive of ambition or cupidity on the part of the country, but 
 it was directly at variance with the policy of the administra- 
 tion, and in particular with the financial plans of the great 
 man who was at its head. Yet were men found sufficiently 
 blinded by a spirit of faction, or by a foolish enthusiasm for 
 wild and impracticable theories of liberty, to excite a clamour 
 against the measures of government, which for a long period 
 kept it in a state of extreme peril. Experience has proved 
 that the judgment formed by Mr. Pitt of the ambitious views 
 of the democratic party in France, so violently denied by his 
 o[)ponents, was perfectly correct. By the blessing of Pro- 
 vidence upon the unparalleled efforts of this country, the 
 civilized world has been rescued from this innnediate danger. 
 But we shall long feel the difficulties and embarrassments 
 whicli the struggle has imposed upon us, and the exaspe- 
 ration of political and party feelings excited in those days 
 of violence, and carried so far beyond the bounds of con- 
 stitutional op])osition. Much of the same restless spirit of 
 innovation which existed at this period, is still at work 
 throughout the country; perhaps more dangerously, as not 
 bearing the character of connection with a foreign enemy,
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. xxxi 
 
 and therefore less likely to produce, with many of us, alarm 
 and suspicion. Yet I cannot doul)t that the wise and 
 excellent men, now no more, who at the breaking out of the 
 French Revolution opposed themselves to its doctrines as 
 subversive of ovu- government, would at the present day feel 
 the same apprehension from the machinations of the various 
 projectors of comprehensive alterations in the entire con- 
 stitution of the House of Commons ; and would be con- 
 vinced that, if any of their theories should be carried into 
 effect, which would render the House of Commons (what 
 it never has been hitherto) a House of Representatives 
 exclusively democratic in its constitution, the success of 
 such a project would be fatal to the existence of the Mo- 
 narchy. 
 
 While Sir John Fenn was thus actively engaged, not only 
 in that duty which had occupied so many years of his 
 valuable life, the maintenance of good order, and the general 
 support of the government and laws of the country ; but in 
 defending its very existence against attacks foreign and 
 domestic, of which he lived only to witness the commence- 
 ment, but fully appreciated the nature and extent ; it pleased 
 God to remove him from this world by the sudden attack 
 which, on the 14th of February, 1794, deprived him imme- 
 diately of utterance and power of motion, and very shortly 
 of existence. As far as regards himself, this close of his 
 life could not be considered a subject of regret. Correct 
 and regular in the discharge of his duties, and steady and 
 sincere in his opinions and feelings as a Christian, he was, 
 to all human apprehension, prepared for the awflil summons 
 thus suddenly received. The vigour of mind and body 
 
 e2
 
 xxxii ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 which he then enjoyed, the consideration he maintained 
 from a judgment matured by great experience, and a cha- 
 racter so long and so well established, rendered his removal 
 a calamitous event to all with whom he was connected, but 
 to himself probably a merciful dispensation of Providence. 
 In his life I must ever consider him to have been fortunate 
 and en\iable, as well as deserving of praise and imitation. 
 His studies and tastes were such as are easily accessible. 
 They afforded him constant occupation, and interested his 
 mind, by the regular increase of his knowledge, and by the 
 attainment of distinction among those who were engaged in 
 similar pursuits : they were not at variance with any of the 
 duties which his situation imposed upon him ; on the con- 
 trary, their tendency was to strengthen and increase his 
 attachment to his country, and to those institutions to which 
 his principles led him to give his unbought and independent 
 su})port. As far as ambition can be considered a feeling 
 worthy to be entertained by a man of sense and a Christian, 
 his ambition was abundantly gratified. He was ever rising 
 in the esteem and consideration of those who surrounded 
 him, by a course of conduct which he must have felt was 
 highly beneficial to his fello\v-creatm-es ; without any cor- 
 ruj)tion or insincerity, without any servile or degrading arts, 
 and without any compromise of his own conscientious opi- 
 nions. 
 
 The blessing, after all, for which he had most reason to 
 be thankful, was the disposition and frame of mind which 
 rendered him satisfied with the lot which Providence had 
 assigned liim. To a due resjjcct for his su])eriors in rank, 
 he united a proper feeling of pride in the real and unaffected
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. xxxiii 
 
 dignity which belonged to his own character and station. 
 He enjoyed with cheerfuhiess and gratitude the advantages 
 which were naturally within his reach ; without tormenting 
 himself by vain endeavoiu's to attain objects beyond his 
 grasp, or still more vain attempts to appear greater than he 
 really was. 
 
 For the interesting and very curious Portraits of Henry 
 the Sixth, Richard the Third, and Margaret Duchess of 
 Burgundy, with which I have been enabled to embellish 
 this Volume, I am indebted to the Rev. Thomas Kerrich, 
 of Magdalene College, Principal Librarian of the University 
 of Cambridge. 
 
 This Gentleman's taste and judgment in the Arts of 
 Painting and Engraving, and knowledge of Antiquities, 
 particularly those connected with Architecture, have been 
 * long well known to the world. 
 
 He is to be enumerated among the distinguished cha- 
 racters whose friendship Sir John Fenn possessed. This 
 circumstance led him to contribute a portrait of Edward the 
 Fourth to the former part of this work ; and I have to 
 express to him my best thanks for the great kindness and 
 liberahty with which he supplied the three portraits to the 
 present volume. 
 
 That of Henry the Sixth is taken from a very ancient 
 painting in Mr. Kerrich's possession. It is certainly a very 
 early portrait, if not an original ; and it possesses this pecu- 
 liarity, which renders it valuable, that, while the expression 
 of the countenance indicates the vacancy of mind and
 
 xxxiv ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 weakness of character which belonged to the amiable but 
 unfortunate original, it contains more of marked individuality 
 of character than the other representations of his counte- 
 nance Avhich have been transmitted to posterity. The head 
 of Richard is also a very ancient picture ; and in addition 
 to its own intrinsic merit and strength of expression and 
 character, it possesses this circumstance, which renders it 
 ])articularly interesting in the present work. It was for- 
 merly the property of the Paston Family; and was sold, 
 with many others, at Oxnead, in Norfolk, once the magni- 
 ficent seat of that family, after its property had been dis- 
 sipated by the extravagance of the last Earl of Yarmouth 
 of that name. Many valuable pictures of more modern 
 date were sold at the same time ; some of the principal of 
 which are now in the possession of Sir Robert Buxton. 
 The portrait in question was probably an original, or, at 
 least, a contemporai'y picture, and had been in the posses- 
 sion of the Pastons from the time of its being painted. 
 
 These two engravings have been recently executed in 
 lithography from drawings made by the very spirited and 
 correct pencil of Mr. Kerrich. The head of Margaret was 
 engraved, from a similar drawing, some years ago, by an 
 eminent artist now deceased, Mr. Facius, to whom the 
 public have been indebted for, among many very admirable 
 works, several co])ies from the same excellent pencil. The 
 plate was ])urchased for the present work at Mr. Kerrich's 
 obliging suggestion.
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. xxxv 
 
 The following observations upon the Paston Letters, and 
 the period of history to which they belong, have been 
 transmitted to me from a distant country; where the writer 
 had not the power of referring to these volumes. Perhaps 
 therefore he has generalized a little too much in his re- 
 flections ; and the result may have proved more unfavourable 
 to the characters of our dramatis personas than justice would 
 require. Such however appears to me to be the intrinsic 
 merit of the observations, particularly as applied to the 
 general history of the times, that I think I ought not to 
 withhold them from my readers. 
 
 " The Paston Letters may be considered in a new light. 
 When the reader prepares to open a volume which is to 
 give an interior picture of society, as it existed near four 
 hundred years ago, he expects to meet with nothing but 
 gallantry and chivalry and loyalty : but from the begin- 
 ning to the end he finds nothing in the shape of political 
 motive, of personal or party attachment, of individual 
 sense of honour as attached to the relations of a subject 
 to his king, of a vassal to his superior lord, or a lover 
 to his mistress. The whole is a picture of the most 
 naked and barren selfishness ; wherever the views of the 
 family extend beyond their own domestic circle : within 
 that circle they are sober, respectable, and dutiful, with 
 great kindness, and with as much disinterestedness as is to 
 be found in the better sort of families at the present day : 
 but of any more general or exalted principle there is not 
 a trace to be found. Shall we say then that we have 
 met with an inferior or an unfair specimen ? It should
 
 xxxvi ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 appear on the contrary, that the family in question enjoyed 
 a deo-ree of estimation rather above than beneath their 
 situation in hfe. But throughout there is no question of 
 any imputation thrown upon any body, of any danger of 
 disgrace, of risk of character, or of any thing except the two 
 essential points of hfe and property. There is not even a 
 particle of that decorous cant, which is indispensable in 
 modern politics. Sir John Paston changes sides, because 
 he thinks he shall do better for himself; and he says so. He 
 gets wounded and taken prisoner; he writes word that his 
 new friends have been defeated by his old ones; that some 
 of them have been beheaded, but that he has good hopes 
 of pardon for himself; he is pardoned accordingly ; and, as 
 we see afterwards, becomes a sort of favourite at court. 
 Now it appears that this person did not belong to the class 
 of men who are usually selfish and interested beyond the 
 allowance of the times they live in ; his whole correspondence 
 shows him rather to have been a good-humoured, kind- 
 hearted, careless, indolent sort of person — the very opposite 
 of an ambitious or intriguing character. We have no reason 
 to imagine that he was, and there is no appearance that by 
 his contemporaries he was considered as at all inferior in 
 honour or ])olitical honesty to the rest of the world. Neither 
 is tliis indifference the result of weariness produced in a 
 long struggle: from the very beginning there is no expres- 
 sion of any attachment to any principle, person, or thing. 
 
 " Upon tlie wliole, those persons ])erhaps are not so much 
 in tlu* wrong, wlio consider the system of chivalry in its 
 most ilorid and formal period, from the reign of Edward 
 the 'I'liird inclusive, as a mere fop])ery, a system of form and 
 eticpictte. To those who read Chaucer, the irony of chi-
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. xxxvii 
 
 valry is almost as manifest as the irony of modern gallantry 
 in Pope's Rape of the Lock; but Chaucer was a court poet, 
 and an active, busy, aspiring character: such men do not 
 write to reform the world, but to make their way in it. We 
 may be assured, therefore, that the irony with which he 
 treated the manners of chivalry must have been conformable 
 to the humour of his contemporaries; and Chaucer, we must 
 recollect, continued to be the manual of the beau monde 
 even to the time of Elizabeth. 
 
 " The termination of the Crusades, and the conclusion of 
 the contest between the church and the despotic power of 
 the crown, left the old spirit of chivalry without a principle 
 or a motive : its trappings were retained and amplified : it 
 put forth flowers and leaves in abundance, but the root was 
 severed. The elder Barons were strenuously in earnest in 
 the defence of Palestine and Christendom, and in the main- 
 tenance of the privileges of the church, and through them of 
 the people : but the votaries of the Peacock and the Ladies 
 would have had no feeling but that of complying with a 
 conventional and fashionable foolery. It may be worth 
 while to observe, that the character of the Knight and 
 Squire, the Father and Son, in Chaucer's Tales, appear to 
 represent the characters of elder and later chivalry. The 
 Father has passed his life in lighting against the Infidels in 
 every part of the world, from Lithuania to Egypt and Gra- 
 nada : the Son is a gay, singing inamorato, of a character 
 more different from the Father than can fairly be attributed 
 to the difference of years : his military services have been 
 in Artois and Picardy. But this florid and unsubstantial 
 style of chivalry was again retrenched and flattened by the 
 dry, crafty, austere spirit of the House of Lancaster. The 
 
 VOL. y. f
 
 xxxviii ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 whole history of Europe at the time exhibits the same 
 picture of selfishness and perfidy, till they came to their 
 acme in the time of Louis the Eleventh, Ferdinand of Ar- 
 ra<2;on, and Henry the Seventh: and this was, no doubt, one 
 of the concomitant causes which contributed to the revival 
 of ancient learning. Mankind were weary and disgusted 
 with the manners of their own time, and turned for a refresh- 
 ment of their imagination to the supposed virtvies of anti- 
 quity. In the days of Richard the First the world was not 
 at a loss for a hero to admire; in the time of Richard the 
 Third and his successor, if they wanted a hero, they were 
 obliged to look out for him in Cornelius Nepos. 
 
 " Even the remains of ancient art bear witness to this 
 great change of character; the figures on the tombs of some 
 of the ancient cross-legged warriors look as if they were 
 ready to start and di'aw their swords at the sound of the 
 last trumpet. Compare this expression with the portraits of 
 the time of the House of Lancaster — the compressed lips — 
 the crafty sedate eye — the clenched hands — the general ex- 
 pression of hypocrisy, selfishness, and cunning. 
 
 " These Letters present then a picture of that stagnation 
 of feeling, which immediately preceded and prepared the 
 way for that tempest of enthusiasm and innovation which 
 shook the world in the following centui-y; when, by the 
 will of Providence, the truths of religion, adulterated and 
 alloyed by human passions and interests, became a second 
 time the destined agents by which the moral life of the 
 world was to be renewed."
 
 ORIGINAL LETTERS. 
 
 f2
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 When the Editor published the two first Volumes of these 
 Original Letters, the curiosity of the Public was awakened, 
 by the novelty of an epistolary correspondence being laid 
 open of so early an aera, as that of the fifteenth century ; 
 the work therefore experienced a rapid sale, and the Editor 
 was complimented with the thanks of the Learned, and of 
 those who were curious in their researches into antiquity, 
 for the mode of publication which he had adopted ; and for 
 the remarks and observations he had made, in order to 
 elucidate the historical and private events recorded in the 
 Letters. 
 
 The third and fourth volumes folloM^ed; and though the 
 eagerness of public curiosity was abated, the Editor still 
 had reason to be perfectly satisfied with the pains he had 
 taken in pursuing his former plan. 
 
 The fifth and concluding volume now makes its appear- 
 ance, bringing down the Correspondence to the latter end of 
 the reign of Henry VIL ; and the Editor hopes that the 
 Pubhc will have no reason to complain of want of care or
 
 xlii PREFACE. 
 
 attention in the elucidations subjoined to the Letters ; the 
 work pleased the Editor, and, from his love of antiquarian 
 and historical investigation, amused him, even in the many 
 dry, and often uninteresting researches he was obliged to 
 make; when the Letters were entertaining and his inquiries 
 successful, his toils were more than compensated. 
 
 The Letters produced on the reign of Henry VII. were 
 written at a period, when the power of the nobility and 
 great men was on the decline, and that of the Commons 
 increasing. The merchant became respectable ; and the 
 commercial talents of the King, though employed chiefly to 
 increase his own private wealth, laid the foundation for a 
 general trade, now the greatest in the world. 
 
 In the perusal of these Letters, we shall continue to find 
 fresh traits of national chai-acters and national manners ; 
 new scenes of domestic life will be still continually rising 
 before our eyes ; to point out in this Preliminary Discoiu*se 
 particular instances would be needless, as the remarks on 
 the Letters wherein they occur, will draw the reader's at- 
 tention to them. 
 
 The Prefaces to the first and third volumes of this work 
 contain likewise general observations, as applicable to this, 
 as to the former vohunes. 
 
 As the Editor has formerly given a slight sketch of the 
 characters of those Sovereigns who reigned during the 
 period then under consideration, he cannot totally pass by 
 unnoticed the short but unhappy reign of Edward V. 
 
 This Prince appears to have been of a mild and serious 
 disposition ; but at so tender an age, and during so short a 
 reign, passed on a journey and in the Tower, (to him a state- 
 prison,) no political character can be formed. Mystery still
 
 PREFACE. xliii 
 
 holds a veil over the head that planned, and the arm that 
 executed the horrid deed of death ; but at the awful day 
 of judgment, that head will shake, and that arm will tremble, 
 when the guilty shall appear before the face of the whole 
 world to be judged, and to receive that final doom of con- 
 demnation, which still awaits and will be then decreed against 
 his murderers. 
 
 Richard III. has been already mentioned in the Preface 
 to the first volume of this work, (p. xvii.) His Letter, 
 here addressed to Lord Neville, a few days previous to his 
 intruding himself into the throne of his Nephew, shows a 
 mind big with ambitious projects, and in want of that confi- 
 dential friend, to whom he could with safety not only impart 
 his great designs, but who, from former trials of his friend- 
 ship, he had every reason to suppose, would assist in the 
 execution of them. 
 
 Henry VH. ascended the throne at a favourable moment; 
 would his own suspicious temper have permitted him to 
 enjoy his station; but willing to believe himself the right 
 heir to the crown, he did not put that confidence in the 
 title he derived from his queen, which it deserved. His 
 avarice exceeded both his prudence and his honour: no 
 treaties, no alliances were held a moment sacred, if he could 
 enrich himself by the breach of them ; and unconscious per- 
 haps of the good he was conferring on posterity, he debased 
 the Nobles by permitting them to alienate their hereditary 
 possessions, and elevated the Commons by the introduction 
 of extensive trade, which he placed on such a foundation, 
 as time itself, instead of undermining, has continued to 
 cement and strengthen; and on which Great Britain has
 
 xliv PREFACE. 
 
 now raised a structure, subservient to her own grandeur 
 and riches, by attracting to her emporium the admiration 
 and alUance of the whole civihzed world. 
 
 Having thus far addressed the Reader in the third person, 
 I think it now respectful to conclude in my own. 
 
 I had once an intention of writing a short history of the 
 Paston Family, and had begun to make some collections for 
 that purpose from title-deeds, wills, MS. papers, or printed 
 books, thinking it would throw further illustration both 
 upon the Letters and upon that period of history ;* but this 
 
 * Among the documents collected for this purpose by Sir John Fenn, there 
 remained an orijvinal paper, \\ritten in an ancient hand, of the date of that 
 period to which it refers ; which appears to me so curious, from the picture it 
 gives of the times, particularly the representation of the state of villenage as 
 then subsisting, that 1 tliink it right to give it to the public. The author 
 of it was clearly no friend of the family. The sarcastic remarks upon the 
 origin of the Pastons ; the account of their elevation at so early a time by the 
 aid of learning and the profession of the law; and tlie comparatively low esti- 
 mation in which they were held, when contrasted with the feudal and military 
 families of that period, appear to me very interesting. 
 
 A Remembraunce of the w urshypfull Kyn and Auncetrye of Paston, borne 
 in Pa.ston in Gcmyngliam Soken. 
 
 I'yrst there was one Clement Paston dwellyng in Paston, and he was a good 
 
 m 
 
 pleyn husboiid, and lyvyd upon hys lond )' he had in Paston, and kept y'on a 
 Plow alle tynies in y'^ yer, and sumtyme in Barlysell to (hvoj Plowes. 
 
 Tin: seyd Clement yede (iveitt) att on (one) Plowe both wynf and somer, 
 and he rodd to m\lk' on the bar horsbak wvtli hys corn und' hyni, and brought 
 luiiii mele ageyn under hjni.
 
 PREFACE. xlv 
 
 is a work I cannot pledge myself to the public to pursue, 
 as I am unfortunately now deprived of a great portion of 
 
 And also drove hys carte with dyv'^ coriiys to Wynt'ton to sella, as a good 
 husbond ought to do. 
 
 Also he had in Paston a fyve skore or a \j skore acrys of lond at the most, 
 and niyche (much) foi bonde lond to Geniyngham-halle w' a lytyll pore watyr- 
 mylle rennynge by a lytylle ryver y", as it aperyth y'* of old tyme. 
 
 Oy'^ Lyvelode ne maneris (manors) had he non y" ne in none oth"^ place. 
 
 And he weddyd Geffrey of Sonierton (qwhos trew sMionie ys Goneld) Sisf 
 qwhych was a bond woniaune to qv^om (whom) it is not unknowyn (to y^ 
 Pryore of Bromholm and Bakton also, as y' is seyd) yf y' men vvyll inquire. 
 
 And as for Geffrey Sonierton he was bond also, to whom, 8cc. he was both 
 a Pardoner and an Attorneys and y"" was a good werd (world) for he gadred 
 many pens (peace) and halfpens, and y"^^ wyth he made a fayre Cliapelle att 
 Somerton as it aperyth, &c. 
 
 Also the seyd Clement had a sone William qwhych y' he sett to scole, and 
 oftyn he borowyd niony to fynd hym to scole ; and aff y' he yede (ivent) to 
 Courte wyth y' helpe of Geffrey Somerton hese uncle and lerned the lawe, and 
 yre bygatte he niyche good, and yanne he was made a S'jaunt, and affward made 
 a Justice, and a ryght connyng mane in ye lawe. 
 
 And he purchasyd iiiyche loud in Paston, and also he purchasyd the moyte 
 (moiety) of ye V*'' parte of ye man'' of Bakton callyd oy"^ Latymers or Sty- 
 wardys or Huntyngfeld qwhyche moyte strechyd into Paston, and so wyth yt 
 a«d wyth a noth"^ parte of ye seyd fyve partys he hath Senery ( Seigiiiori/) in 
 Paston but jio manvplace^ and therby wold John Paston sone to ye seyde 
 Wylliam make hym selfe a Lordschype y" to y* Duke of Lancastrs grete 
 hurte. 
 
 And the seyde John wold and hath untrewly incressyd hym be one ten nte as 
 wlier that the Pry' of Bromholm borowyd mony of the seyd \\'illiam for to paie 
 w'all his Dymes, ye seyd William vvuld not lend it hym, biit (unless) tlie seyd 
 Pry' wold morgage to y' seyd Wylliam owe John Albon y' seyd Pryowris 
 bondmane dwellyng in Paston, qwhyche was a styfte Cherle and a Threfty 
 mane, and wold not obeye hyme unto y'^ seyd Wylliam, and for y' cause and for 
 evyll wyll y* y^ seyde Wylliam had un to hym he desyryd liym of the Prio', and 
 nowe aft' y^ deth of the seyd Will"> y' seyd John Albon deyed, and nowc John 
 Paston son to the seyd William by force of the seyde morgage sent for the son 
 of the seid John Albon to Norwyche. 
 VOL. V. g
 
 xlvi PREFACE. 
 
 that time, which I have hitherto dedicated to hterary 
 amusement, by finding it inconvenient to my eyes to consult 
 old printed books or MSS. by candle-hght. 
 
 I am now likewise called upon to execute an important 
 ofBce in this county, that of High Sheriff. 
 
 It is a large, a populous, and an opulent county, and the 
 business and trouble attending the proper and conscientious 
 discharge of this duty, will always find sufficient employ- 
 ment for the Sheriff, without other avocations. This must 
 therefore draw off my present attention from that accus- 
 tomed retired mode of literary employment, which I have 
 adopted for many years ; and this chain being once broken, 
 perhaps I may never rivet it again. I have fovmd that con- 
 sequence arise in other instances, and probably it may in 
 this. 
 
 Should the latter part of this volume therefore exhibit 
 any marks of haste or inattention, (which I am not conscious 
 that it will,) I hope it will be some excuse to say, that find- 
 ing my name in the nomination list for Sheriff, and knowing 
 that my two colleagues were disqualified for the office, the 
 one being on the army list, and the other having served the 
 office for this comity a few years ago, I employed nmch 
 more of my time than usual on the work, that I might 
 complete the most material parts of it before my appouit- 
 ment. This 1 acconq)lishcd ; and here I take leave of the 
 public, as an IMitor, perhaps for ever. 
 
 It is my sincerest wish therefore that we part on friendly 
 terms. 
 
 For myself I can most truly affirm, that I am not con- 
 scious of I'eeling any partiality, as a writer, even on so distant 
 a ])eriod. The different modes of proceeding adopted on
 
 PREFACE. xlvii 
 
 various occasions by the King or the people, I have at one 
 time praised, at another censured, as either party appeared 
 to me to be acting consistently. Modern personal politics I 
 have cautiously avoided, either mentioning singly, or mixing 
 them with those of ancient days. 
 
 I have however endeavoured to draw a general picture 
 of our present blessings, as contrasted with the horrors 
 of civil wars, anarchy, and unsettled government, wishing 
 always to be considered as a firm friend to limited monarchy 
 and our own unrivalled constitution ; where subordination 
 is so happily graduated, that each step not only supports, 
 but strengthens that next above it, and by that mean makes 
 it the willing duty of every considerate individual to exert 
 himself in defence of the whole. 
 
 I have blamed no one, who has before written on the 
 same subject, for any difference of opinion that may have 
 arisen between us. 
 
 To those gentlemen who have professionally reviewed my 
 former volumes, I think myself obliged for the favourable 
 manner in which they have at different times announced 
 them to the public. 
 
 The partiality of my friends I acknowledge with pleasure ; 
 and shall be always happy in supposing that in examining 
 the work, they could not forget the writer, and so often 
 permitted their judgment to be biassed by their friendship. 
 
 I hope I have displeased no one ; I can safely say, I am 
 myself displeased with no one. I therefore respectfully 
 retire, with the pleasing expectation, that 1 may at different 
 times have amused, informed, and, perhaps sometimes, even 
 instructed my Readers ; and should future historians or 
 
 g2
 
 xlvni 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 antiquaries be able from my researches to extract matter for 
 the ekicidation of our national chai-acter or manners, I shall 
 have the satisfaction of thinking, that I have not laboured 
 in vain. 
 
 23d February, 1791-
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 OF 
 
 VOL. V. 
 
 EDWARD IV. 1471—1483. 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 John of Gelston to Margaret Paston his Mother. 
 
 30 April, 1471.— 11 E. IV. 
 
 Requests her blessing — hopes God will reward her^ — expects matters will go well — 
 cautions Lumner not to be too busy — desires money — his all expended in physic, help, 
 &c. since the battle of Barnet, to the amount of .£5. — is in great want — orders con- 
 cerning his horses — things to be sent to him — care of his writings, &c. — recovers 
 from his sickness, and his wounds nearly healed — refers her to the bearer for tidings, 
 &c Page 2 
 
 LETTER II. 
 
 John Paston to Margaret Paston. 
 
 17 July, 1471.— 11 E. IV. 
 
 Sir Thomas Wingfield delivers him his pardon — intends soon coming to Norwich — orders 
 concerning his horses — money — Sir Thomas Wingfield's friendship — the Brandons 
 and William Wingfield his enemies — he despises the threats of the latter — Lady Cal- 
 thorpe, &c 6 
 
 LETTER III. 
 
 Margaret Paston to John Paston. 
 
 5 November, 1471.— 11 E. IV. 
 
 Informs J. Paston that her cousin Clere has sent for the 1 00 marks which she had bor- 
 rowed for Sir J. Paston — desires she may have the money — must sell htr woods to 
 disadvantage else — laments her situation, and her son's neglect — money paid by her 
 for Sir John — wishes J. Pampyng to be provided for — a key lost — her cousin Bemey 
 dead — persons dead at Norwich — fearful of the sickness — figs, dates, spices, &c. 10
 
 1 CONTENTS. 
 
 LETTER IV. 
 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 S July, 1472.— 12 E. IV. 
 Sii- T. Lyne's affairs — money — chalice and cruets — book of Seven Sages — Wm. Paston's 
 claims in Caister — his mother's business — Felmingham's annuity — a house recom- 
 mended — Sir James Glois uses J. Paston ill — his n)other favours the priest — her inten- 
 tions in her will — his brother Edmund — Duchess of Norfolk with child — she and the 
 Duke wear)' of Caister — recommendations, &c 16 
 
 LETTER V. 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 29 September, 1472.— 12 E. IV. 
 
 Matters relative to stuff, a lease, &c. — transactions with Townshend displeasing to his 
 mother — her intentions as to her land — her will, &c. — Sir James Glois's behaviour to 
 him — money to be paid — desires tidings about Calais, &c. — requests a hawk — a pro- 
 verb — Tombhuid, &c 24 
 
 LETTER VL 
 
 Sir John Paston to Margaret Paston, or John Paston, Esq. 
 
 22 November, 1472.— 12 E.I V. 
 
 Has obtained letters from the King to the Duke of Norfolk, &c. for Caister — has great 
 ti-ust in them — Lady of Norfolk takes her chamber — gift to her — a proverb — his 
 mother to be admitted to her — Slyfield to be taken care of — offers to be attendant on 
 the Duke, and to seiTe the Duchess — J. Paston to go to Calais — Peraunt's wife coni- 
 ])lains of Berney — his uncle M'illiam deals not well with Townshend, &c. . . 28 
 
 LETTER VII. 
 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 24 November, 1472.— 12 E. IV. 
 
 TliankN Sir John for the hawk, though it proves a bad one — pleasantly requests him to 
 |)roturc liini anollicr — ring delivered — promises of assistance for his gallantry — Lord 
 Chamberlain's letters — may do much with the Duchess — French — advice about Hel- 
 lesdon and Drayton — the pie not worth a crow, &c 36
 
 CONTENTS. li 
 
 LETTER VIII. 
 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 November, 1472.— 12 E. IV. 
 
 Sim's desire to have a livei-y — a hat — hcense for a Sacrament in his mother's chapel — 
 advice concerning letters from the King — Lady of Norfolk near her time, &c. -10 
 
 LETTER IX. 
 
 John Paston to the Duke of Norfolk. 
 1472.— 12 E. IV. 
 A petition for his brother Sir John Paston and himself, to be restored into the Manor of 
 Caister, from which they had been put out of possession more than three years ago by 
 the Duke's servants, &c 44 
 
 LETTER X. 
 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 26 March, 1473.— 13 E. IV. 
 
 Mrs. Jane Harsset commends heiself to Sir John — John Bleverhasset chosen collector of 
 the subsidy in Norfolk — wishes to be discharged from the office, &c. — Frenchmen re- 
 turned to France — Hogan in prison for false reports — subsidies unpleasant to the people 
 — a marriage intended, &c 46 
 
 LETTER XI. 
 
 Sir John Paston to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 12 April, 1473.— 13 E. IV. 
 
 The King going to Northampton, Leicester, &c. — men fear a tumult — Hogan desires to 
 speak with the King, which he refuses — Sir John going to Calais — his mother disap- 
 points him of money — his father's tomb — marriages — hopes to be delivered of Mistress 
 Ann Hault by the Queen's means, &c 50 
 
 LETTER XII. 
 
 Sir John Paston to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 22 November, 14/3.— 13 E. IV. 
 
 Sir James Glois dead, advice to J. Paston thereupon — terms devised for the letting the 
 manor of Sporle — his brother William's interest therein — Raddle brought him no 
 money — his affair with Mistress Ann Hault may be sealed at Rome — the terms — a
 
 Hi CONTENTS. 
 
 proverb — Caister— kindness of J.Paston's host Bridgeman— Lady Bouchier amended 
 — Sir John's care for Berney— brace of greyhounds— things to be sent to Calais — 
 Berney's annuity — his father's testament, a citation, &c.— Dukes of Clarence and 
 Gloucester to agree — his sister Ann's marriage uncertain— Pampyng, &e. . . 54 
 
 LETTER XIII. 
 
 Sir John Paston to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 25 November, 1473.— 13 E. IV. 
 
 Citation sent — directions for INIargaret Paston and J. Paston to follow — form of a letter 
 
 — his sister Ann and Pampyng — tomb at Bromholni — what he would do for his mother 
 
 at Caister — a proverb — Earl of Oxford besieged — transactions at St. Michael's Mount, 
 
 &c 62 
 
 LETTER XIV. 
 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston, Kt. or Edmund Paston. 
 
 25 July, 1474.— 14 E. IV. 
 
 Desires Sir John to treat with Mistress Eberton concerning his marriage with her daugh- 
 ter Elizabeth — to inform her of another that is offered him — his partiality for Mistress 
 Elizabeth Eberton — treaty with John Lee, for a young woman at the Black Fi-yars — 
 a proverb — apparel to be sent-^thc Earl of AVarwick'fi npothccai'y to be spoken to re- 
 lative to the widow — Sh- John's aftairs attended to by him, &c 6(5 
 
 LETTER XV. 
 
 Sir John Paston to Margaret Paston, or John Paston. 
 
 Before November, 1474.— 14 E. IV. 
 
 Thanks his mother for her care and attention to him in his sickness — recovers daily — 
 
 meeting with his uncle William — money transactions— plate pledged to Hugh Kunn — 
 
 horses, &c. returned by the carrier — Edmund Paston well — Ilankin, his dog — wishes 
 
 to buy Sir James Glois's books with some money and some prayers, 8ec. ... 72 
 
 LETTER XVI. 
 
 Sir John Paston to Margaret Paston, &c. 
 
 20 November, 1474.— 14 E. IV. 
 
 Settles his money transactions with Townshcnd — fears his courtesy, if he had delayed 
 payment — Caister — Sir James's books to be sent to him — in(|uircs the jirice set upon 
 them— his sickness amended— his licel paiiifid— sjiends more money tlian lie wishes 
 — Ids gruodam belter — his cousin Margaret dead— fear for liis lands in his unde 
 \\'illiam's hands, &c ^y
 
 CONTENTS. liii 
 
 LETTER XVII. 
 
 Margaret Pastoii to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 29 .January, 1474-5. — 14 E. IV. 
 
 Informs him of her cousin Robert Clere's application for the remainder of the money 
 due to him and his mother — her desires therein — wishes to hear from Sir John Paston 
 — wants Agnes Paston at Norwich, &c. — Oxnead — desires the Bishop to be asked 
 to grant her tlie Sacrament in Moultby chapel — money paid to Robert Clere rusty, 
 &c , . . . . 82 
 
 LETTER XVIII. 
 
 Margaret Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 29 January, 14/4-5.-14 E. IV. 
 
 Her brother William's dealings with her cousin Clere concerning the money lent to her 
 — pledges — worth of Sporle wood before the King's coming — present worth less — 
 prices of barley, malt, wheat, and oats — fiaggons — desires to hear of Sir John's health 
 — wishes him to come home, if not well, and live with her — Ann Haulte — Sir James's 
 books, price .£1 :0s.: 6d. — desires to hear from him, &c 86 
 
 LETTER XIX. 
 
 Sir John Paston to John Paston, William Paston, or Edmund 
 
 Paston. 
 
 5 February, 1474-5.-14 E. IV. 
 
 Desires them to attend to his matters in London — informs them what the Master of the 
 Rolls and Sir Thomas Montgomery will do for him respecting Caister — binds himself 
 to pay any expense — ambassadors — Nuys besieged, but not yet won. ... 92 
 
 LETTER XX. 
 
 Sir John Paston to Margai'et Paston. 
 
 22 Febniary, 1474-5.-14 E. IV. 
 
 !Mr James's books not to be sent to him — plate pledged for £20. — money due to his 
 uncle William — account of his health — thanks for his mother's offer — his journey in 
 
 France done, hopes to attend upon her, &c 96 
 
 VOL. V. h
 
 lir CONTENTS. 
 
 LETTER XXL 
 
 Richard Southwell to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 26 March, about 14/5.— 15 E. IV. 
 
 Thauks for J. Paston's kind remembrance of him — fears neither his daughter's person 
 nor his own piu-se will answer the gentleman's expectations — requests J. Paston to use 
 his endeavours — secrecy desired, &c 102 
 
 LETTER XXIL 
 
 Margaret Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 23 May, 14;6.— 15 E. IV. 
 
 Anxious to hear from him — money matters — the King's demands high — low price of malt, 
 wheat, and oats, by the comb — desires directions from him — money received — wishes 
 him to give his brethren advice as young soldiers going abroad — cautions respecting 
 mortgaging his estates, &c 104 
 
 LETTER XXIIL 
 
 Sir John Paston to John Paston or Edmund Paston, 
 
 13 June, 1475.— 15 E. IV. 
 
 Wishes his lirothcr Ednuind to succeed Hugh Seaniond at Calais — Bishop of Lincoln 
 Chancellor, witli whom Edmund is connected — Townshend to remind tlie slow Bishop 
 ol ^\'inchester to speak to tlie Duke or Duchess of Norfolk for Caister — desires 
 tidings, &c 1)0 
 
 LETTER XXIV. 
 
 Sir John Paston to John Paston. 
 
 11 September, 1475.— 15 E. IV. 
 
 The King's voyage finished — his host at Calais — some passed to England — the King's 
 conversation witli the Duke of Norfolk concerning Caister — Sir John Paston coming 
 home— the air not agreeable to liim— moucy to be raised for his uncle William — 
 Sporlc wood, &c ]]2
 
 CONTENTS. Iv 
 
 LETTER XXV. 
 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 10 October, 1475.— 15 E. IV. , 
 
 Informs Sir John that Barnard advises a letter to be gotten from the King to the Duke 
 
 of Norfolk's counsel concerning Caister — the Duchess in his favour — J. Paston sick — 
 
 warmth amends him — advice to Sir John — his mother wishes him at home — the King 
 
 going to Walsingham, &c 1 1 fi 
 
 LETTER XXVL 
 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 23 Januaiy, 1475.— 15 E. IV. 
 
 Duke of Norfolk's counsel displeased with Sir John Paston's entiy into Caister — advice 
 to him — no hay at Calais — dealing with Bovven — money transactions, &c. . . 120 
 
 LETTER XXVIL 
 
 John Paston to my Lord Hastyngs. 
 
 2 March, 1475-C.— 15 E. IV. 
 
 Recommends Richard Stratton ?»s a servant to liis Lordship — his description and cha- 
 racter of him— Master Fitzwalter's services — recommends Robert Bernard likewise — 
 the Duchess of Norfolk's leave to be asked — pledges himself for their truth, &c. 124 
 
 LETTER XXVIIL 
 
 Sir John Paston to John or Margaret Paston. 
 
 12 March, 1475-6.-16 E. IV. 
 
 His Lord and Sir John come to Calais, 9tb March — his Lord honom'ably received into 
 Guisnes — Master Fitzwalter's regard for J. Paston — his Lord's return — Sir John fa- 
 tigued with his voyage, &c 130 
 
 LETTER XXIX. 
 
 John Paston to Margaret Paston, 
 
 March, 1475-6.-16 E. IV. 
 
 The Duchess of Norfolk anxious to have M. Paston with her, when she shall be brought 
 to bed — J. Paston desires his mother's attendance upon her — the Duchess's counsel 
 favourable to Sir John — his father's tomb not made — the cloth that covers the grave 
 
 rotten — tile for the Friar's chamber, &c 134 
 
 h2
 
 Ivi CONTENTS. 
 
 LETTER XXX. 
 
 John Paston to Margaret Paston. 
 
 Way or June, 1-170'.— 16 E. IV. 
 Sir John Paston gone to the King concerning Caister — cloth of gold to be sold — J. Pas- 
 ton's jocose observations on the situation of his mother's hostess at Fritton, &c. 138 
 
 LETTER XXXL 
 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 6 May, 14/6.— 16 E. IV. 
 
 Congratulates Sir ,rolm on his return — advice about the castle of Shenc — wishes to 
 marry Master Fitzwalter's sister — terms — going to London, &e 140 
 
 LETTER XXXn. 
 
 Sir John Paston to John Paston. 
 
 27 May, 1476.-16 E. IV. 
 Sir John Paston's title to Caister affirmed — the conditions — Southwell, &c. deceive him 
 — money to be raised — the King going from London — he would have bought Cais- 
 ter, &c , 144 
 
 LETTER XXXIIL 
 
 Sir John Paston to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 30 June, 1476.— ICE. IV. 
 
 Terms on which .Sir John will l)c bound for J. Paston's performance of marriage articles 
 — his mother's intentions concerning Sparham — the marriage not certain — the lady's 
 money in tlic hands of the Merchants of the Staple — doubtful — Caister recovered 
 &c 148 
 
 LETTER XXXIV. 
 
 Margaret Paston to 
 
 January, about 1476-7. — 16 E. I\'. 
 
 Thanks the person written to for his attention to her interest — Holler's son — Walter 
 
 I'iL^ton going Irom Cambridge to Oxford — directions concerning him, and advice to 
 
 liim — her cousin Bcrney ill — medicines recommended her — corn not sold — directions 
 
 on variou.s matters, &c 152
 
 CONTENTS. Ivii 
 
 LETTER XXXV. 
 
 Dame Elizabeth Brews to John Paston. 
 
 January or February, 1476-7. — 10 E. IV 
 Thanks for her reception at Norwich — terms concerning the marriage not concludeil — 
 offers her services — invites J. Paston to Topcroftto meet her cousins, &c. . . J58 . 
 
 LETTER XXXVL 
 
 Dame Elizabeth Brews to John Paston. 
 
 January or February, 1476-7. — 16" E. IV. 
 
 Communicates the matter to her husband — conditions and terms — her daughter's cha- 
 racter and worth — the meeting prevented — wishes another day to be fixed — her 
 anxiety to finish the business, &c 160 
 
 LETTER XXXVIL 
 
 Sir John Paston to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 9 March, 1476-7.— 17 E. IV. 
 
 Approves J. Paston's addresses to Mistress Brews — description of Mistress Burley — 
 Lady Walgrave's accomplishments — Clopton — Sir T. Grey, &c 164 
 
 LETTER XXXVIIL 
 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 9 March, 1476-7.— 17 E. IV. 
 Gains no ground with Sir Thomas Brews — his terms hard — has the good-will of the 
 mother and daughter — John Bykerton not to be trusted — provision to be made for 
 Perse Moody at Caister — warren — dove-house — lovers' wits tUsturbed, &c. . . 166 
 
 LETTER XXXIX. 
 
 Sir Thomas Brews to Margaret Paston. 
 
 February or March, 1476-7.— 17 E. IV. 
 Margaret Paston's settlement on her son John Paston— Sir Thomas Brews's proposals 
 to answer that settlement — further proposals from him, &c 170
 
 Iviii CONTENTS. 
 
 LETTER XL. 
 
 Sir Thomas Brews to John Paston, &c. 
 
 March, 147()-7.— 17E. IV. 
 
 John Paston to inform his mother in part of the agreements, &c. — swears not to en- 
 danger his friends farther on his account — terms and conditions — advice to his mo- 
 ther, &c 172 
 
 LETTER XLL 
 
 John Pympe to Sir John Paston. 
 
 March, 1476-7.— 17 E. IV. 
 Laments not hearing from Sir Jolm Paston — reasons for not sending him tidings from 
 England — again requests Sir John to buy a horse for him — describes such an one as he 
 wishes for — Flemish horses, &c 176 
 
 LETTER XLIT. 
 
 Sir John Paston to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 March or April, 1-177.— 17 E. IV. 
 
 Sir John acquaints his brotlier that he can do nothing more concerning the Manor of 
 
 Sparhani than what he told his mother — the value, &c. of otlier manors — Sir John's 
 
 conscientious regard to entails — advice to his brother — his own steady determination, 
 
 &c 180 
 
 LETTER XLIIL 
 
 Margaret Paston to Dame Elizabeth Brews. 
 
 11 June, 1-177.— 17 E. IV. 
 
 M. Paston wishes for a meeting with Sir Thomas and Lady Brews, to clear up some 
 difficulties respecting the marriage — her son Yelverton sent to have a time fixed — J. 
 Paston's designs, &c 184 
 
 LETTER XLIV. 
 
 John Paston to Margaret Paston. 
 
 28 June, 1. 177.— 17 E. IV. 
 
 Dame Elizabeth lirews sick — Sir Thomas Brcws's answer about settlements — desires 
 Margaret Paston to have written, and send, the copies of letters, sent by him, as 
 from herself. " To Dame Elizabeth lircws" — " M. I'aston sorry for her sicliness —
 
 CONTENTS. lix 
 
 is surprised at the terms now offered, as they are less than those before proposed — 
 doubts her son's veracity — Sir John Paston's refusal concerning Sparhain displeases 
 her— her other children dissatisfied." — " To John Paston, Esq." — " tells him of the 
 promised conditions not being performed — doubts his having stated the matters fairly 
 — thi-eatens him if he has deceived her — pities the young lady/' &c 188 
 
 LETTER XLV. 
 
 Sir John Paston to Margaret Paston. 
 7 August, 1477.— 17 E. IV. 
 Rocket's obligation — Caister business, and Ann Hault's matters, to be soon finished, 
 and both require money — Manor of Sporle mortgaged — money transactions with his 
 mother — Sii- John's final answer to his brother — wishes to be present, &c. . . 196 
 
 LETTER XLVL 
 
 Margaret Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 11 August, 1477.— 17 E. IV. 
 
 Refuses to pay Rocket's obligation — denies having given him some sums of money — 
 
 displeased at Sporle being mortgaged — fears her land will be so after her decease — 
 
 grieved at Sir John's proceedings — prays for his amendment — desires him to take care 
 
 of his brother William — his wants — her blessing, &c 200 
 
 LETTER XLVIL 
 
 William Peacock to Sir John Paston. 
 
 30 November, 1477.— 17 E. IV. 
 Pickering's evidence not to be seen — wreck and stores carried from Winterton — herrings 
 gone, and swans going, into Essex— barley I4d. a comb — money, &c. . . . 206 
 
 LETTER XLVIIL 
 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 21 January, 1477-8.— 17 E. IV. 
 Matters to be settled with the Duke of Suffolk, who is in want of money — Yotton's 
 business — a priest to sing at Caister — a composition — marriage of the Duke of York, 
 &c. — his wife's situation — visits, &c 208
 
 Is CONTEXTS. 
 
 LETTER XLIX. 
 
 John Paston to Margaret Paston. 
 
 4 Februarj-, 14/7-8.-1/ E. IV. 
 
 His mother's messages delivered in London — Dr. Pykenham's offices — James Hobart 
 coming to his mother — Sir John Paston's consent — account of his treaty for a daugh- 
 ter of SefF for a \yife for his brother Edmund — a letter for his mother to send on that 
 account — Edmund Paston at Swainsthorp — presents to his mother — jNIargery Paston 
 longs for dates — advises his mother's being at Norwich before J. Hobart comes, &c. 212 
 
 LETTER L. 
 
 Constance Reynforth to Sir John Paston. 
 
 21 March, 1477-8.— 18 E. IV. 
 Sii- John Paston's health aiul happiness her care — contrives by a forged letter, as from 
 licr uncle, to leave her cousin and come to hiiu — prefers his service to all others — 
 requests an answer — her prayer for him, &c 220 
 
 LETTER LL 
 
 Walter Paston to Margaret Paston. 
 
 19 May, 1478.— 18 E. IV. 
 
 Asks her daily blessing — money received — his Oxford expenses to Easter — recommends 
 tlic bringer — Master Alyard's attention to the family, &c 224 
 
 LETTER LIL 
 
 J. Wheatley to Sir John Paston. 
 
 20 May, 1478.— 18 E. IV. 
 
 .^ubpipua served — Drayton wood — Duke of Suffolk at Ikllcsdon, his bcliaviour and 
 threats— his state of health —dealers for Hellesdon wood— the Duke's servants 
 tlireatcn J. Paston, &c. — their answers, &c. — cloth of gold — Popy's debt — W. Wor- 
 cester's business — Margaret Paston sick — Duke of Sullblk, 8cc. n-uioved into Suffolk 
 — Farrcr's oath, &c 228
 
 CONTENTS. Ixi 
 
 LETTER LIII. 
 
 William Paston to John Paston. 
 
 7 November, 1478.— 18 E. IV. 
 
 Letter and noble received — money wanted — cloths, &c. to be sent — wishes to come to 
 London for a day or two — leaving Eton, &c 236 
 
 LETTER LIV. 
 
 William Pykenham to Margaret Paston. 
 
 2 February, 1478-9.— 18 E. IV. 
 
 Thanks — three causes against presenting her son Walter to preferment — did not acquaint 
 the Bishop with her desire — advises her to present another man — good wishes, &c. 238 
 
 LETTER LV. 
 
 Edmund Alyard to Margaret Paston. 
 
 4 March, 14/8-9.— 19 E. IV. 
 
 Advice concerning Walter Paston's degree, and further proceedings at Oxford — exhibi- 
 tion to be provided for — desires to know her intentions, &c 242 
 
 LETTER LVL 
 
 Walter Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 22 May, 1479—19 E. IV. 
 His proceeding at O.xford — the Queen's brother not to proceed till Michaelmas — to be 
 an Inceptor — costs not much — letter from the Bishop of Winchester expected — 
 Bishop of Norwich's payment slack — horse, &c 244 
 
 LETTER LVIL 
 
 Walter Paston to John Paston. 
 
 30 .Time, 1479.-19 E. IV. 
 Thanks for letters — the letter by Master Brown delayed — money in a bag — made Bache- 
 lor of Arts — his feast — disappointed of venison, &c 248 
 
 VOL. V. i
 
 Ixii CONTENTS. 
 
 LETTER LVIII. 
 
 John Paston, Esq. to 
 
 25 August, 1479.— 19 E. IV. 
 
 Death of Agnes Paston — at mass for Walter Paston's death — sister deliveredj and child 
 dead — applicatiou to the Duchess of Norfolk for threescore horsemen, &c. . . 250 
 
 LETTER LLX. 
 
 The Account of John Paston, Esq. 
 
 25 November, 1479.— 19 E. IV. 
 Money received at Cressingham Court — expenses of Walter Paston's illness, burial, 
 &c 252 
 
 LETTER LX. 
 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 6 November, 1479.— 19 E. IV. 
 
 Bill of inquisition drawn out — his brother Edmund's errand — proceedings on the bill with 
 the Eschcator — terms with his uncle A\'illiam — tenants at Cromer — settlement of 
 aiTcars — wardship of .John Clippesby's son and heir to be got for Edmund Paston — 
 the mother to Ije won by that mean — an action of debt against J. Paston — treacle of 
 Genoa — sickness at Norwicli, &c 254 
 
 LETTER LXL 
 
 William Lomner to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 28 November, 1479.— 19 E. IV. 
 
 .lobu Paston heir to his brother Sir John Paston, and to his giandmother — proceedings 
 relative to keeping possession at Marlingford, 0,\ncad, iS:c. bct^veen .1. Paston and his 
 uncle A\"illiiuu — remembrance of his friends, &c 262 
 
 LETTER LXIL 
 
 John Paston to Margaret Paston. 
 
 December, 1479.-19 E. IV. 
 
 Cannot yet comply with her req\iest to leave London — does luif le.ir I he sickness — his 
 uncle William's unkindncss — my Lord of Ely and the Lord Clininberlain, &c. his 
 friend.s — tlianks liis mother and Cousin Lonuior for tlieir advice, iS:c. — money to be 
 raised — expenses great for funeral costs, &c. — farm-barley to be gathered, &c. 2C(i
 
 CONTENTS. Ixiii 
 
 LETTER LXIII. 
 
 John Paston to 
 
 1479-80.— 19 E. IV. 
 Inquiries after a letter from Calais — directions concerning his brother's tomb-stone — 
 proceedings relative to a suit from the Court of Rome — Clitheroe to be employed — 
 directions to him — his reward, &c 2/2 
 
 LETTER LXIV. 
 
 Edmund Paston to Margaret Paston. 
 
 29 January, 1479-80.— 19 E. IV. 
 Excuses for himself and his wife not having been to visit her — his wife's reasons — Wal- 
 singham — a debt which ought not to be paid — horses ill used — money for Katharine — 
 a token sent from his wife, &c 2/6 
 
 LETTER LXV. 
 
 William Paston to John Kyng. 
 
 24 February, 1479-80.— 19 E. IV. 
 Thanks him for keeping possession of Horwelbury Manor against his nephew John 
 Paston— promises to indemnify him, &c.— John Kyng's substance, trust, and favour, 
 in his country, &c 280 
 
 LETTER LXVL 
 
 Edmund Paston to William Paston. 
 
 13 January, 1480-1.-20 E. IV. or after. 
 Reconmiends the widow of one Bolt as a wife to his brother William — her fortune, 
 accomplishments, age, and family, &c 282 
 
 LETTER LXVIL 
 
 T. Cryne to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 10 April, 1482.-22 E. IV. 
 
 Cannot come to Norwich — courts and leets — accounts to be made up — Lord Rivers and 
 his counsel examining for fees, &c. — his Lordship intent upon improvement and hus- 
 bandry — fees for respite of homage at pleasure, &c -84 
 
 12
 
 Ixiv CONTENTS. 
 
 LETTER LXVIII. 
 
 Margery Paston to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 1 November, about 1482 or 1483.— 22 or 23 E. IV. 
 
 Informs her busband that his uncle AVilliara Paston, &c. took away planks from 
 Marlingford — bis tenants there afraid to sow their lands, &c. — Lady Calthorpe on 
 pilgrimage — conversation between her and his uncle, &c. — he wishes for peace — 
 J. I'aston's family well — wishes to hear from him — wishes to lie in his arms, &c. 288 
 
 LETTER LXLX. 
 
 Margery Paston to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 3 November, about 1482 or 1483.— 22 or 23 E. IV. 
 
 Tells her busband that carts came to Jlarlingford for niesling, wheat, &c. and carried it 
 to Bungay, &c. — advised to apply to the Lady of Norfolk for her good-will, &c. — 
 she is coming on pilgrimage to Norwich — money necessary to be given to her — 
 Mistress Bishop her lodging-fellow, &c 292 
 
 LETTER LXX. 
 
 John Paston to Margaret Paston. 
 
 Between 1482 and 1484.— 22 and 24 E. IV. 
 
 Thanks to his mother — her discourse with his wife concerning her death and will — J. 
 Paston shows his molher bis readiness to pcrlorm her orders, and execute her will — 
 hopes to be trusted — wishes her life happy and long, t*v:c 2fl6
 
 CONTENTS. Ixv 
 
 EDWARD V. 1483. 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 Richard Duke of Gloucester to Lord Nevill. 
 
 11 June, 1483.— 1 E. V. 
 Reouests his immediate attendance — R. Ratcliff to inform him of the Duke's mind and 
 intent — his services now will be the making of him and his — commits him to God, 
 &c 302 
 
 RICHARD in. 1483—1485. 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 Dame Elizabeth Browne to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 19 May, 1485.— 2 R. 111. 
 (23 September, 1485.— 1 H. VII.) 
 
 Assures him that his father was not in London when Sir William Paston the Judge 
 died — her age — Sir William Cooting and James Gresham, clerks to the Judge — 
 wishes to see her niece in London, &c 304
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 HENRY VII. 1485—1509. 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 Elizabeth Countess of Surrey to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 3 October, 1485.— 1 H. VII. 
 
 Than-ks for kindnesses— desires tliat her children may be sent to Thorp — horses to 
 
 carrj' tlieni — Lord Fitzwalter discharged the servants there, and why — she thinks them 
 
 not guilty of what he accuses them of — ten or twelve sei-vants only kept — Lord Oxford 
 
 ven,- kind to her Lord and her — recommends herself to Lady Brews, &c. . . 310 
 
 LETTER IL 
 
 Margery Paston to John Paston. 
 
 21 January, 1485-6.-1 H. VII. 
 
 Thanks for venison — ship sailed — apparel — children well — gold to be sent — mast lent — 
 wishes him not to be overcome by ladies, &c 314 
 
 LETTER III. 
 
 John, Prior of Norwich and the Convent, to 
 
 1486.-2 H. VII. 
 
 Disputes in the family of Paston — Sir William Pastou's regard for the Monastery at 
 Norwich — buried tliere — settled by his w ill money for a pi-rpctnal mass, &c. — diffe- 
 rences concerning it — a coflei' deposited in the monastery as a ])ledge — the goods pri- 
 vately taken out — no more money paid — the dispute referred to the Lord Chancellor, 
 &c. 31<) 
 
 LETTER IV. 
 
 Thomas Andrew to William Paston, Esq. 
 
 lli Dicendier, between IISO and M!)0.— 2 ami 7 H. MI. 
 A I'riar rf)h< a I'riot — persons in custody for coining — impiest — sessions— wishes for 
 Fyord Oxford'.s directions — an attendant on the Countess of Richmond, &c. . 324
 
 CONTENTS. Ixvii 
 
 LETTER V. 
 
 John Dowbigging to Sir John Paston. 
 
 Between 1486 and 1495.— 2 and 10 H. VII. 
 Peiys of Leigh taken from the Bishop's gaol at Lynn by Lord Oxford — the conversa- 
 tion between the Earl and Bishop — their proceedings afterwards — Lord [^Oxford's 
 courageous behaviour — no blood shed — Sir J. Paston's surety, &c 328 
 
 LETTER VL 
 
 The Queen to the Earl of Oxford. 
 
 25 June, between 1486 and 1503.— 2 and 18 H. VII. 
 Dispute between Simon Bryant and Sir J. Paston, concerning the IManor of Hemnals in 
 Cotton — the terms of agreement — requires the Earl to perform his promise — the 
 Queen's surprise at his not having done so — her desu'e^ &c 332 
 
 LETTER VIL 
 
 Sir Edmund Bedingfeld to J. Paston, Esq. of the Body. 
 
 16 May, 1487.-2 H. VII. 
 
 Attends the Lord Steward — conversation there concerning the gentlemen's, &c. at- 
 tendance on the King — the King's commission — words spoken of J. Paston^ — gentle- 
 men who intend to go, and who do not intend it — J. Paston supposed to have been 
 with the Lady Lovel — a proverb — Lord Oxford, next the King, to be obeyed, &c. 33(i 
 
 LETTER VIIL 
 
 Earl of Oxford to Sir Edmund Bedingfeld. 
 
 May, 1487.— 2 H. VII. 
 
 Thanks him, in the King's name, for his and the gentlemen's good dispositions towards 
 Lis Grace — the King's rebels and enemies in Ireland — their sen'ices not now wanted 
 — an army to be sent — the King's commission enclosed — his thanks to the gentle- 
 men, &c 340 
 
 LETTER IX. 
 
 Dame Elizabeth Brewse to Sir John Paston. 
 About 1487.— 3 H. VII. 
 Thanks for his assistance — requires a dozen men in harness to retake her distress — the 
 Sheriff's man to be with her on Monday — repeats her request, &c 342
 
 Ixiii CONTENTS. 
 
 LETTER X. 
 
 Dame Elizabeth Brewse to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 Between 1487 and 1489.— 2 and 5 H. VII. 
 Tliauks him for past services, and requests some present ones — the Bishop of Chester 
 makes large demands on widowed ladies and gentlewomen, &c 344 
 
 LETTER XL 
 
 Sir J. Paston to Dame Margery Paston. 
 
 Between 1487 and 1495.— 3 and 10 H. VII. 
 Applies to her for a plaster for James Hobart's, the Attorney General's knee — a com- 
 pliment to his Lady — his wishes for its success— desires directions for using it, 
 &c 346 
 
 LETTER XIL 
 
 T. Grigges to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 2 February, 1487-8.— 3 H. VII. 
 
 A xvhale taken at Thornham — Sir John Paston's claim by his deputy as Vice-Admiral 
 — the King's claim — the words of tlie statute — sizx of the fish, &c 348 
 
 LETTER XllL 
 
 Margery Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 10 February, 1487-8.-3 H. VII. 
 
 JyDid Oxford's directions about the whale — the nether chavil to be brought to the King 
 — the rest to be (bvided amongst the takers of it — report on the commission to be re- 
 turned — Pailiamcnt not to conliniu' long — the rcasous why- folks going into Brc- 
 taigue — Cajjtuins returned — Sir Richard Edgecombe in danger — other t'aptuiiis going 
 — ^lier pilgrimage fulfilled — money matters, &c 3r)0 
 
 LETTER XIV. 
 
 The Earl of Oxcnford to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 6 May, 1188.— 3 H. VII. 
 A ship lost— wine to be sold at about )00.9. per ton — Sir John to meet the Earl at 
 (lanbridge^ with uien in harness, on llic King's service, &c 358
 
 CONTENTS. Ixix 
 
 LETTER XV. 
 
 William Paston to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 Between G and 13 May, 1488.— 3 H. VII. 
 
 Tidings from the court — the insurgents continue together — publish a proclamation — 
 Clopton's conversation with Lord Oxford — numbers expected to be brought by the 
 gently — Cornwallis married — wages for his men to be received at Cambridge — a copy 
 of the rebels' proclamation, &c 360 
 
 LETTER XVL 
 
 William Paston to Sir John Paston. 
 
 13 May, 1488.— 3 H. VII. 
 
 St. George's Feast — Ambassadors present — men come to Southampton to have attended 
 Lord AVodeville into Bretaigne — his going countermanded — go on board a ship for 
 Bretaigne — meet a French ship — take her by a stratagem — Ambassador from Scotland 
 — money transactions, &c 366 
 
 LETTER XVIL 
 
 The King to Lord Oxford. 
 
 22 April, 1489.— 4 H. VII. 
 
 Good tidings out of Bretaigne — Lord Malpertuis's account — the King doubts it — Fal- 
 con's, Pursuivant, account — tlie French destroy the fortifications and evacuate the 
 towns — others offer to capitulate — Duchess of Bretaigne at Rennes — Sir Richard 
 Edgecombe her adviser — good conduct of the army, &c 370 
 
 LETTER XVIIL 
 
 John, Bishop of Durham, to Sir John Paston. 
 
 27 Januaiy, 1489-90.-5 H. VII. 
 The Bishop's friendly address — wishes to establish a traffic with him for coals, on con- 
 dition of receiving com, wine, wax, &c. in exchange — ^his Gentleman Usher attends 
 to treat with Sir John on the most advantageous method of dealing, &c. . . 376 
 
 LETTER XIX. 
 
 Lumen Haryson to Sir John Paston. 
 
 6 April, about 1490.— 5 H. VII. 
 Thanks for favours received — a present of wine and oranges for Lady Paston — money 
 not received — always ready to serve Sir John Paston, &c 380 
 
 VOL. V. k
 
 Ixx CONTENTS. 
 
 LETTER XX. 
 
 Sir John Paston to Lord Fitzwalter. 
 
 About 1490.— C I-I. VII. 
 Jocosely requests an order for some rabbits from his warren at Biiling^ford — James Rad- 
 clift's character as a preserver of the game — vermin, &c 382 
 
 LETTER XXL 
 
 Thomas, Earl of Surrey, to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 24 April, between 1490 and 1500.— 5 and 15 H. VII. 
 On Thomas Hertford's business, who is reported to be a Scotsman, and therefore trou- 
 bled at Norwich — bom at York — the Mayor of York interests himself for him, 
 &c 384 
 
 LETTER XXIL 
 
 Elizabeth Duchess of Norfolk to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 28 Febniary, 1490-1.— 6 H. VII. 
 Thanks for his assistance in Thomas Martin's matter, and for his advice what steps 
 should be taken — her obligations to him on that account, &c 388 
 
 LETTER XXIIL 
 
 The Earl of Oxford to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 27 March, 1491.— G H. VII. 
 Sessions at Ipswich — coimty business, and matters between Sir Edmund Bedingfeld and 
 William Yelverton to be settled — desires Sir J. Paston to be there, &c. . . 390 
 
 LETTER XXIV. 
 
 The King to the Earl of Oxford. 
 
 G April, 1491.— G H. VII. 
 Doggers trading to Iceland to have a license — complaints of the sailors' behaviour to the 
 Danish settlers there — to give surety for their good behaviour, &c. — to take no more 
 grain than necessary for their own consumption. Sec. 
 
 10 April, 1491. — The Earl's enforcement of the King's orders — appointment of a 
 deputy, &c 392 
 
 LETTER XXV. 
 
 Earl of Oxford to Sir John Paston. 
 
 31 July, 1491.— G II. VII. 
 Danish men of war rob on the English coast — taken by R. Callc, and ordered to lie de- 
 livered to him, saving the Earl's duty, &e 396
 
 CONTENTS, Ixxi 
 
 LETTER XXVI. 
 
 Elizabeth, Duchess of Norfolk, to Sir William Knivet, 
 Sir J. Paston, &c. 
 
 14 September, 1491.— 7 H. VII. 
 Thomas Martyn, heir of blood to Sir Harry Grey — requests their assistance in prevent- 
 ing him from ))eing disinherited by his uncle — related to the Mowbrays, Dukes of 
 Norfolk — laments his falling to poverty — enforces their endeavours by making them a 
 favour done to her, &c. . . 398 
 
 LETTER XXVIL 
 
 The Bailiffs of Yarmouth to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 September, 1491.— 7 H. VII. 
 Thanks for his assistance, and application to the King — visit him at Caister — thanks to 
 Lord Oxford — send his Lordship a porpoise as a dainty — good wishes for the King, 
 &c 402 
 
 LETTER XXVin. 
 
 Earl of Oxford to Sir John Paston. 
 
 October, 1491.-7 H. VII. 
 
 Corvers of Holland robbed by an English ship called the Fool — Berkeley, &c. with that 
 ship and another intend much harm — security given by Berkeley — now not thought 
 sufficient by the Earl — Sir J. Paston and Berkeley to appear before the Earl — Dutch- 
 men's claim, &c 404 
 
 LETTER XXIX. 
 
 Margaret, Countess of Oxford, to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 15 January, about 1491.— 7 H. VII. 
 Addresses Sir John as her son — John Malpas's writ — requests his attendance to see the 
 ^vrit executed, &c 408 
 
 LETTER XXX. 
 
 William Paston to Sir J. Paston, Kt. his Father. 
 
 Between 1491 and 1495.— 7 and 11 H. VII. 
 His dutiful address — retired from Cambridge to Sir John Fortescue's on account of the 
 sweating sickness — Thomas Clark dead — SnaUwell common, &c 410 
 
 k2
 
 Ixxii CONTFaVTS. 
 
 LETTER XXXI. 
 
 William Paston to Sir John Paston, Kt. 
 18 February, 1491-2.— 7 H. VII. 
 Matters between Sir E. Bedingfeld and W. Yelverton to be settled at Norwich — the 
 King's and others' preparations for the voyage to Calais — horses at a great price — re- 
 quests Sir John's assistance in procuring him one — disappointed of men — excused 
 going to Calais before on account of sickness — servants, &c. ... . . 412 
 
 LETTER XXXn. 
 
 Roger L'Estraunge to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 If, April, 1492.-7 H. VII. 
 Requests to be ])rovided with two or three aichcrs — he will give thcni the King's wages 
 and somewhat more, &c 416 
 
 LETTER XXXIIL 
 
 Sir T. Lyng to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 November, 1494.-10 H. VII. 
 
 List of Knights of the Bath made on the creation of Prince Henry Duke of York — 
 
 ])rice of satfron — procession of the King, &c. in A\'estniinstcr Hall — Court of Star 
 
 Chamber not kept of eight days— records against the writer — person forsworn on the 
 
 Crucifix, &c 418 
 
 LETTER XXXIV. 
 
 Sir John Kendal to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 1 June, between 1495 and 1500.— 10 and 15 U. VII. 
 A marriage proposed between J. Clippesby and Sir J. Paston's niece Custance — his ap- 
 probation — desires Sir John's concurrence — he wishes to do him service, &c. . 422 
 
 LETTER XXXV. 
 
 The Bailiffs of Yarmouth to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 11 July, 1495.-10 11. VII. 
 
 Robert Albon's couvcrsiition with IVrkin W'arbeck's Captains — the rcl)cls threaten Yar- 
 mouth — the Bailiffs, &c. desire Sir J. Paston's assistance — fortify the town — the rebels 
 expected, &c 426 
 
 LETTER XXXVI. 
 
 Robert Crowmer to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 12 July, 1495.-10 H. VII. 
 
 'I'hu Bailiffs, &c. thank Sir J. Paston for his offers of assistance — ship-master's account 
 from St. Wallcren's — the King's rebels out of Ciindiyr westward — desire Sir John's 
 presence — the town of ^'iiniuiulli toiliticd, &c 41)0
 
 CONTENTS. Ixxiii 
 
 LETTER XXXVII. 
 
 Edmund Paston to Sir J. Paston. 
 
 1499 or 1500.— 14 or 15 H. VII. 
 
 The plague in Norfolk — a marriage in contemplation between William Paston and a 
 
 daughter of Sir Robert Clere — proposals — Sir Henry Heydon's teiins — Sir Robert 
 
 Clere's fairness — his family and alliances — merchants or new gentlemen would proffer 
 
 largely — wishes Sir John to delay his journey to London^ &c 432 
 
 LETTER XXXVIII. 
 
 John Yaxlee and James Hobart, their Award. 
 
 6 February, 1502.— IS H. VII. 
 
 Award of the Manor of East Beckham, between Sir J. Paston and Roger Townshend — 
 the conditions — time allowed — farther condition, &c 438 
 
 LETTER XXXIX. 
 
 William, Bishop Elect of London, to William Paston. 
 
 6 September, 1503.— 19 II. VII. 
 Condoles with him on the death of his father. Sir John Paston — advice concerning ad- 
 ministration — recommends resignation to him and his mother-in-law, &c. . . 440 
 
 LETTER XL. 
 
 William Makefyr to Robert Darcy and Giles Alington. 
 
 17 Januaiy, 1505-6.— 21 H. VII. 
 
 The meeting of Henry VII. and Phihp King of Castile at Elworth Green, near 
 AVindsor — their dress — the dress of the attendants of each, with the caparisons of their 
 horses described — the ceremonials of the procession, and arrival at Windsor — the King 
 of Castile's lodging — state-beds, &c 444 
 
 DIRECTIONS TO THE BINDER. 
 
 Head of Sir John Fenn to face Second Title-page. 
 
 Henry VI I'age 5 
 
 Margaret, Duchess of Burgundy 115 
 
 Richard III 303 
 
 Port.raits of Richard III. and Edward Prince of Wales Ixxiv 
 
 Elizabeth Widville, &c bcxv 
 
 Plates (of Autographs, &c.) XXIX. to XXXIV. . . , .at the End of the Volume.
 
 ACCOUNT OF THE PLATES. 
 
 FRONTISPIECE. 
 
 A Portrait of Sir John Fenn, from a painting by the late Mr. A\'alton of 
 Redgrave in Suflfolk, painted in 1775. This head bears a considerable resem- 
 blance, but does not give an adequate idea of the expression of the Editor's 
 countenance. 
 
 For an account of the portraits of Henry VI., Richard III. and Margaret, 
 Duchess of Burgundy, see Advertisement, p. xxxiii. 
 
 RICHARD III. AND EDWARD PRINCE OF WALES. 
 
 These Portraitures are copied from an historical Roll in the Heralds' Office, 
 composed by John Rous, the Antiquary, of Warwickshire, who lived during 
 this time, and had an opportunity of seeing King Richard at Warwick, of 
 whose person he has left us the following account : — 
 
 " Parvae statura; erat, curtam habens faciem, intequales humeros, dexter 
 " superior, sinistcrque inferior." 
 
 There are many Portraitures on the Roll, all drawn by this antiquary's own 
 hand ; those of King Richard and his son are exactly copied as delineated, 
 with the badges of his different kingdoms and dominions. 
 
 The King and Prince are both in armour, having surcoats of the royal arms; 
 the former has his regal crown on his head, and his sceptre in his right hand ; 
 the latter wears a coronet; they arc each represented as standing on a Boar, 
 the usual cogni/aiice of the King. 
 
 The six hLlmcts, with their several crests, issuing out of a coronet, are badges 
 of — I. St. Edward. II. England. HI. France. IV. Wales. V. Gascoyne 
 and Cayenne. VI. Ireland. 
 
 I iidrr the King is the following inscrij)tion : — 
 
 •' Ric. tertius Rex Anglic, Anne lilie sede Ric. Ncvil. Com. Warw. et Anne 
 " cotisse uxoris sue, infelix maritus." 
 
 Richard HI. was born at Fotheringay, about 1452, ascended the throne 
 in 1483, and was killeil in the battle of Hosworlli Field in 1485, from which 
 his corpse was ignominiously carried, and buried at Leicester.
 
 (!!I)ui;t r^. fv\ uci- nt" (iMalw 
 
 Franjj ur^e M '','^J 
 
 Kti'liarb. \\\ 
 
 (r ^S'twiarf'.J.r/n. 
 
 ''tntni h/ C HttUimanJti. 
 /,itn/l^K /It*, /'u ./ Murray JU-tmtrlt .ftf.lfv/. Itti
 
 (llnlnuuun 
 
 t'llortiiJUT, 
 
 /rmfu-u irrvft df/ ' / 'V 
 
 ynn/tc/ by- C. //aUmandel . 
 
 (i„ -Mtarf 7,itAii^;' 
 
 TKACKD I'RDM A V>'TINin»OW IN T HI! AXTT.TD mil r R T III ESSEX.
 
 ACCOUNT OF THE PLATES. Ixxv 
 
 The Portraiture of the Prince is thus inscribed : — 
 
 " Edvard' illustris princeps Wallie, Regis Ric'di tertij et venerabilis Con- 
 " sortis sue Anne Regiie Anglie unica pies, imo heres celi, que in ac^a nin\ 
 " infect, inacuhi culpe, et ante parentes iufaus obijt, et apud Mid"lam hono- 
 " rifice sepePtur traditione." 
 
 This Prince died in the lifetime of his father, in April, 1484, aged about 
 eleven years. 
 
 THREE HEADS, 
 
 TRACED FROM A WINDOW IN THE CHURCH OF THAXTED, 
 IN THE COUNTY OF ESSEX. 
 
 I. ELIZABETH, QUEEN OF EDWARD IV. 
 
 Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Sir Richard Widville, by Jaqueline, Duchess 
 of Bedford, lost her first husband, Sir John Gray of Groby, at the battle of 
 St. Alban's, where he was killed, fighting for the House of Lancaster; she 
 afterwards presented herself before King Edward, as a petitioner for those 
 estates forfeited by his attainder ; the King was struck with her beauty, height- 
 ened in his eyes, perhaps, by her distress, wooed, and in 1464 married her. 
 
 She survived her royal consort, but her possessions being seized upon by 
 Henry Vn. under the pretence of her having incurred a prffiinunire, she retired to 
 the Monastery of Bermondsey in Southvvark, where she lived in a mean estate, 
 and not long after left the troubles of her life, and enjoyed a quiet portion, or 
 burying-place, by her last husband, King Edward, at Windsor. 
 
 II. THE HEAD OF A LADY UNKNO^VN. 
 This head being on the same window, and in a characteristic head-dress of 
 the time, the Editor has thought it worth preserving, as it was probably the 
 Portraiture of some lady of the court during King Edward's reign. 
 
 III. MORTIMER. 
 The head of one of the family of Mortimer, Earls of March, the house from 
 which Edward IV. was lineally descended by the female line. This has a place 
 on the same window. 
 
 PASTON HALL. 
 
 The Plate on the Title-page exhibits a west view of the Church, and the 
 present remains of the old Hall at Paston, in Norfolk, the ancient family re- 
 siding place of the Pastons, the property of Thomas Anson, Esq. (since of 
 Lord Anson). One of the gateways, lately used as a blacksmith's shop, and a
 
 ixxvi ACCOUNT OF THE PLATES. 
 
 part of tliu ruins of the hall, are here represented ; a modern farm-house has 
 been erected on another part of the site. 
 
 The ruins of this ancient building have, however, survived the later family 
 mansion erected in the sixteenth century at Oxnead, in this county, by Cle- 
 ment Paston, Esq. It was a large and stately edifice, the residence of the 
 Earls of Yarmouth ; but at present one stone is scarcely left upon another, 
 the whole having been taken down, and the materials carried away. Some of 
 the outer offices have been converted into a farm-house. 
 
 PASTON CHURCH. 
 
 In tiie chancel of Paston Church are three very ancient altar-tombs, erected 
 to the memory of the Pastons, but from their decayed state (having been 
 robbed of their brasses, &c.) to whom they particularly belong cannot now be 
 ascertained. 
 
 MONUMENTS. 
 
 There are likewise several other Monuments for persons of this family, par- 
 ticularly one for Dame Katharine Paston, wife of Sir Edmund Paston, Kt. 
 made by that famous statuary Nicholas Stone. The following entry, relating 
 to it, is taken from a copy of his pocket-book : — 
 
 " And in lG29, I made a tomb of mylady Paston of Norfolk, and set it up 
 " at Paston, and was very extraordinarily entertained there, and payed for it 
 " i','340." 
 
 He likewise made the Monument for Sir Edmund Paston, in 1633, for 
 which he was payed „£lO0. 
 
 AUTOGRAPHS. 
 
 Plates XXIX. XXX. XXXI. contain fac-similc representations of the 
 hand-writing, names, titles, &c. of tiie several writers of the letters in this 
 volume, not before engraved. 
 
 PAPER MARKS. 
 
 Plates XXXIl. XXXIII. give exact delineations of the various Paper 
 Marks, wrought into the paper on which the original letters are written. 
 
 SEALS. 
 
 ■ Plate XXXIV. represents the several impressions on the Seals, still remain- 
 ing on the letters thtmselves, with the forms of the remaining fastening slips 
 of paper, &c. now adhering to the originals.
 
 ORIGINAL LETTERS, 
 
 WRITTEN DURING THE REIGN OF 
 
 EDWARD IV. 
 
 A.D. 1471 — 1483. 11—23 E. IV. 
 
 VOL. V. B
 
 ORIGINAL LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 Lra lo Pasto7i arm 
 mtri Slice. 
 
 Aftyr humbyll and most dew recomendacyoTn Jn as hum- 
 by 11 wyse as I can I beseclie you of yo' blyssy"g preyi'g God 
 to reward you w' as myebe plesyer and bertys ease as I haue 
 latward causyd yo" to baue trowbyll and thought And w' 
 godys grace it shall not be longe to or then my wrongs and 
 othyr menys shall be redressyd for the world was neuyr so 
 lyek to be owyrs as it is now werfor I prey you let lomnor 
 no be tobesy as yet Modyr I beseche you and ye may spare 
 eny money y' ye wyll do yo' almesse on me and send me 
 some in as hasty wyse as is possybyll for by my trowthe 
 my leche crafte and fesyk and rewardys to them that haue 
 kept me and condyt me to london bathe cost me sythe Estern 
 day more then V li and now 1 banc neythyr met drynk 
 clothys lechecraft ner money but u])on borowy'g And J 
 haue asayid my frendys so fcrre that they be gyn to fayle 
 now in my gretest ned that cuyr I was in Also Modyr I 
 beseche you and my horse y' was at lechecraft at the 'Holt 
 be not takyn uj) for the Ky"gs 'HaM'yks that he may be had 
 horn and kcjjt in yo' plase and not to go owght to wetyr nor 
 no whedyr ellys but that the gat be shot and he too be 
 chasyd aftyr watyr w'in yo' plase and that he haue as myche
 
 ORIGINAL LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 A Letter of John Paston, Esq. to his Mother. 
 
 After humble and most due recommendation, in as humble 
 wise as I can, I beseech you of your blessing, praying God 
 to reward you with as much pleasure and heart's ease as I 
 have lateward caused you to have trouble and thought; and, 
 with God's grace, it shall not be long to or than \_before'\ my 
 wrongs and other men's shall be redressed, for the world 
 was never so like to be ours as it is now; wherefore I pray 
 you let Lumnor not be too busy as yet. 
 
 Mother, I beseech you, and [«/] ye may spare any money, 
 that ye will do your alms on me and send me some in as 
 hasty wise as is possible ; for by my troth my leechcraft and 
 physic and rewards to them that have kept me and con- 
 ducted me to London hath cost me since Easter day more 
 than five pounds, and now I have neither meat, drink, 
 clothes, leechcraft, nor money but vipon borrowing; and I 
 have assayed my friends so far, that they begin to fail now in 
 my greatest need that ever I was in. Also, mother, I be- 
 seech you, and [«/'] my horse that was at leechcraft at the 
 'Holt be not taken up for the King's "^hawks, that he may be 
 had home and kept in your place, and not to go out to 
 water, nor no whither else, but that the gate be shut, and 
 he to be chased after water within the place, and that he 
 
 B 2
 
 4 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 met as he may ete I haue hey j new of myn owne And as 
 for otys Dollys wyll puey for hym or who that dothe it J 
 w)41 paye And I beseche yow y' he haue eu'y wek iij 
 boshell of otys and eu'y day a penyworthe of bred and if 
 boton' be not at Norwyche And Syme kep hym J shall geve 
 hym well for hys labore Also y' Phelypp loveday put the 
 othyr horse to gresse ther as he and J wer acordyd Jt' that 
 Boton' send me hyddyr the two shyrtys that wer in my 
 Casket and y' he send me hydyr xl s. by the next messenger 
 y' comyth to london Jt' that Mastress Broom send me 
 hedyr iij long gownys and ij doblets and a Jaket of Plonket 
 Chamlett and a morey bonet out of my cofyr S' Jamys hathe 
 the key as I sent hyr werd be for thys Jt' that syche othyr 
 wryghty''gs and stuff as was in my kasket be in yo' kepyg 
 and y' nobody look ray wryghtygs. It' that the horse y' 
 Purdy hathe of myne be put to some good gresse in hast 
 
 Tliis is a sequel to that letter written by Sir Jtvtin Pastoii to his mother 
 wherein he informs her of his brother's being wounded, Stc. See Letter xl. 
 vol. ii. p. 62. 
 
 This I>ettcr has no direction, the words " Lra lo. Paston, &c." havini^ since 
 been added by a more modern hand; the writer likewise styles himself J. of 
 Gelston [Geldestone in Norfolk, a place where he sometimes resided] and not 
 J. Paston; these cautions were certainly necessary, when public afl'airs were in 
 so uncertain a situation ; the bearer, we likewise find, was a trusty man, and 
 one who could most probably give his motlier the intelligence upon which he 
 seems still to form the most sanguine hopes of Henry's success ; and which, it 
 may be supposed, arose from Queen Margaret's return and the inidoubted in- 
 formation he had of the formidable army now raised by her adherents, but 
 which was, a few days alter the writing of this letter, completely routed at 
 Tewksbury in Gloucestershire, when the Queen, the Prince her son, and her 
 Commander the Duke of Somerset, being taken j)risoners, suffered in the fol- 
 lowini; inanncr: she was confined in the Tower, her .son most barbarously 
 murder<:(l, almost in the royal presence, and the Duke beheaded. This was the
 
 HENM-ICUS VI. 
 
 From an Ancient Picture in the possession of the Rev^ THO ? KERKICH . MA. 
 FriiLcipal Librarian to the University of Cambridge. 
 
 JiCTiclDn Thi-. iv J-^u.rrM/ . ^lit^marU'StV^Mav ^SS3.
 
 EDWARD IV. 5 
 
 have as much meat as he may eat; I have hay enough of mine 
 own, and as for oats, Dollys will purvey for him, or who that 
 doth it, I will pay; and I beseech you that he have every 
 week three bushels of oats, and every day a pennyworth of 
 bread; and if Botoner be not at Norwich, and Sym keep 
 him, I shall give him well for his labour. 
 
 Also that Philip Loveday put the other horse to grass 
 there, as he and I were accorded. 
 
 Item, that Botoner send me hither the two shirts that 
 were in my casket, and that he send me hither forty shil- 
 lings by the next messenger that cometh to London. 
 
 Item, that Mistress Broom send me hither three long 
 gowns, and two doublets, and a jacket of plunket [/v/we] 
 camblet, and a murrey \_dark red] bonnet, out of my coffer. 
 Sir James \Glois] hath the key, as I sent her word before 
 this. 
 
 Item, that such other writings and stuif as was in my 
 casket, be in your keeping, and that nobody look [oi'cr] my 
 writings. 
 
 Item, that the horse that Purdy. hath of mine, be put to 
 
 twelfth and last battle fought between these contending powers during this pre- 
 sent reign, and for a season caused the White Rose of the House of York to 
 flourish, till it was blasted by the hand of the Earl of Ricliniond at Bosworth 
 field in 1485. 
 
 Under all his present misfortunes J. Paston writes in a style of humour and 
 pleasantry arising from the hopes he had formed of success, and seems to pay 
 as much attention to his horses, as if he himself had been in the most comfort- 
 able condition. 
 
 ' A pasture so called, and means the groves,^ or lands full of wood. 
 
 * This may signify, in jocular language, if he be not dead. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. 
 
 Seal, a Fleur-de-lys and Annulet, PI. xiv.No. 22.
 
 6 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 And if it plese yue to haue knowlage of ou' royal person 
 J thank god I am hole of my Syknesse and trust to be clere 
 hole of all my hurttys w'in a sevenyght at the ferthest by 
 wyche tym I trust to have othyr tydyg''s And those tydy'gs 
 onys had J trust not to be longe owght of NorfF w' godys 
 grace whom J beseche p'serve yo" and yo' for my part 
 Wrety y' last Day of Apryll. 
 
 the berer herof can tell yo" Yo' humbylest Servant, 
 
 tydy'gs syehe as be trew for J. of Gelston. 
 
 v'y serteyn 
 1 1 i l)v 9 
 
 LETTER II. 
 
 To mij ntost worchepfull 
 Mody'' Margaret Paston 
 be t/ii/s delyuci'i/din hast. 
 
 Rygiit worchepfull mody' I recomand me to yow and as 
 lowly as I can I beseche yow of yo' blyssy'g Please you to 
 undyrstand that thys Wednysday S' Thom's WyngfFeld sent 
 to me and let me wet that the Kyng had sygnyd my bylle 
 of jicrdon whyche the seyd S' Thom's delyveryd mo and so 
 by fryday at the forthest I tryst to haue my perdon cnscalyd 
 l)y the Chaunceler And soone aftyr so as I can fernyshe me 
 I tryst to se yow if so be that eny of the Kyngs hows com 
 in to Norwyche I wold fayne my gray horse wer kept in
 
 EDWARD IV. 7 
 
 some good grass in haste; and if it please you to have 
 knowledge of our royal person, I thank God I am whole of 
 my sickness, and trust to be clean whole of all my hurts 
 within a sev'night at the farthest, by which time I trust to 
 have other tidings ; and those tidings once had, I trust not to 
 be long out of Norfolk, with God's grace, whom I beseech 
 preserve you and yours for my part. Written the last day 
 of April. 
 
 The Bearer hereof can tell you tidings, such as be true for 
 very certain. Your humblest Servant, 
 
 John of Gelston. 
 
 London, 
 
 Tuesday, 30th April, 
 
 1471. 11 E. IV. 
 
 LETTER II. 
 
 To my Most Worshipful Mother, Margaret Paston, be this 
 
 delivered in haste. 
 
 Right Worshipful Mother, I recommend me to you, and 
 as lowly as I can, I beseech you of your blessing. Please 
 you to understand that this Wednesday Sir Thomas Wing- 
 field sent to me, and let me weet that the King had signed 
 my bill of pardon, which the said Sir Thomas delivered me ; 
 and so by Friday, at the farthest, I trust to have my pardon 
 ensealed by the Chancellor, and soon after, so as I can 
 furnish me, I trust to see you, if so be that any of the 
 King's house come into Norwich.
 
 8 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 mewe for gnattys Also modyr I beseche yow that Dollys 
 and liis felawe may be sent to that I may haue my money 
 redy ayenst that I com hom whyche is dew to be payid 
 for thys mater hathe cost me the settyng on Also that it 
 may please yow that Purdy at Heylysdon maye be sent to 
 for the horse that he hathe of myne and that the horse may 
 kept well and haue as myche met as he wyll eate be twyx 
 thys and y' I com hom and y' Jakys nage haue met I now 
 also Also and Syr Thom's Wyngfeld com to Norwyche 
 that he may haue as good cher as it please yow to make on 
 to that man that I am most behold to for hys gret kynd- 
 nesse and good wyll fer he takyth full my part agenst my 
 gretest enmyeys Brandons and hys brodyr Will'm For at 
 my fyrst comy'g to S' Thom's Wyngfeld bothe Will'm 
 A\'yngfeld and Will'm Brandon the yonger wer w' S' 
 Thom's and had gret werdys to myn owiie mowthe and in 
 cheff W. Wyngfeld and wher so euyr he may met me on 
 euyn ground he wyll do myche but and we met euynly no 
 fers so I haue yo' blyssy"g I prey yow w' owght it be to my 
 lady Calthorp let ther be but fewe woordys of thys p'don. 
 
 The expectations of the Lancastrians being entirely destroyed by Edward's 
 victory at Tcwksbury, tiiose who iiad esi)ou6ed tlieir cause endeavoured now 
 to make their peace witii the victor, \vc tind not without success, as J. Paston 
 had so quickly obtained his pardon. Sir Thomas Wingfield and William his 
 Ijrutiier were both younger sons of Sir Robert Wingfield of Letiu-riiighani, in 
 Sutl'olk, whose sister Elizabeth iiad married Sir William Brandon of lien- 
 ham, Kt. William lirandon tlie younger therefore was most probably this sis- 
 ter's son and tlieir nephew. He was afterwards standard-bearer to the Earl of 
 Hichiiiond at Hosworth Field, where he fill; and history rejxirts that he was 
 slain by the sword of Richaril IIL : his son Charles became afterwards Duke 
 of Surtolk, married Mary, the daughter of our Henry VH., and widow of 
 Lewis Xn, King of France.
 
 EDWARD IV. 9 
 
 I would fain my grey horse were kept in mew, for gnats. 
 Also, Mother, I beseech you that Dollys and his fellow may 
 be sent to, that I may have my money, ready against that I 
 come home, which is due to be paid, for this matter hath 
 cost me [muc/i^ the setting on. Also that it may please you 
 that Purdy at Hellesdon may be sent to for the horse that 
 he hath of mine, and that the horse may be kept well, and 
 have as much meat as he will eat betwixt this and [^the 
 time] that I come home ; and that Jack's nag have meat 
 enough also. Also and \if~\ Sir Thomas Wingfield come to 
 Norwich, that he may have as good cheer as it please you 
 to make unto that man, that I am most beholden to for his 
 great kindness and good-Avill ; for he taketh full my part 
 against my greatest enemies, [the] Brandons, and his brother 
 William ; for at my first coming to Sir Thomas Wingfield, 
 both William Wingfield and William Brandon the younger 
 were with Sir Thomas, and had great words to mine own 
 mouth, and in chief William Wingfield ; and wheresoever 
 he may meet me on even ground, he will do much, but and 
 [if] we meet evenly, no fears, so I have your blessing. 
 
 I pray you, without it be to my Lady Calthorpe, let there 
 be but few words of this pardon. No more, but I pray God 
 
 J. Paston's gratitude to his friend, and fearless behaviour towards his enemy, 
 are both shown to great advantage in this letter. The Lady Calthorpe here 
 mentioned must be Elizabeth, daughter and co-heir to Sir Miles Stapleton, 
 and wife of Sir William Calthorpe, Kt. 
 
 His horses, in this letter, seem greatly to claim his attention. 
 
 By his grey horse being " kept in mewe for gnattys," he means, being 
 kept in the stable to preserve him from the gnats, flies, &c. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxv. No. 21. 
 
 VOL. V. C
 
 10 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 No more but I prey god p'serue you and yours Wretyn 
 the Wednysday next before Mary Mawdelen by yo' hum- 
 blest Sone 
 
 J. P. 
 
 IIJ by jj. 
 
 LETTER III. 
 
 I CRETE you wele and send you godds blyssy'g and myn 
 letyng you wete that myn Cosyn Clere hath sent to me for 
 the C m'rc y' I borwed of her for yoiu- brother it fortuned 
 so that a frend of her of late hath loste bett' than C C C m'rc 
 and he sent to her for money and she had non y' she myght 
 comyn by and ther for she sent to me for y'" seyd C m'rc 
 and J know not how to do y'for for by my trowth J have it 
 not nor J can not make shyft y'for and J shuld go to p'son 
 y'for comune w"* your brother her of and send me word 
 how that he wul make shyft ther for in hast. J must ell 
 neds sell all my woods and that shall dysse avayll hym bett' 
 than a C C m'rc and J dey and if J shuld selle them now 
 ther wull noman gewe so myche for them be ner an C' m'rc 
 as they be worth be cause ther be so many wood sales in 
 Norfolke at thys tyme y'for lete hym make purvyaunce 
 yfor in hast as he wull haue my good wyll and wull that J 
 saue hym the seyd woods to y*" bett' a wayll and send me 
 word her of in hast if ye wull my welfar for J shall neu' be 
 i'cjuieto tille J kowe an eiide in thys for she hath y'for an 
 obligacon of an (- Vi And it is not kopte cloos y' be many
 
 EDWARD IV. 11 
 
 preserve you and yours. Written the Wednesday before 
 Mary Magdalen (22d July.) By your humblest Son, 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 London, 
 
 Wednesday, 17th July, 
 
 1471. 11 E. IV. 
 
 LETTER III. 
 
 Margaret Paston to John Paston. 
 
 I GREET you well, and send you Gods blessing and mine, 
 letting you weet that mine Cousin Clere hath sent to me 
 for the C marks [66/. 13s. 4f/.] that I borrowed of her for 
 your brother ; it fortuned so that a friend of hers lately 
 hath lost better than C C C marks [200/.] and he sent to 
 her for money, and she had none that she might come by, 
 and therefore she sent to me for the said C marks, and I 
 know not how to do therefore by my troth, for I have it not, 
 nor I cannot make shift therefore, and [i/] I should go to 
 prison, therefore commune with your brother hereof, and 
 send me word how that he will make shift therefore in haste, 
 I must else needs sell all my woods, and that shall disavail 
 him better than a C C marks [133/. 6s. 8f/.] and [/'/"] I die ; 
 and if I should sell them now, thei'e will noman give so 
 much for them by near an C marks as they be worth, be- 
 cause there be so many wood sales in Norfolk at this time ; 
 therefore let him make purveyance therefore in haste, as he 
 
 c 2
 
 12 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 l)'sones now kowyn it Avhich me semyth a greet rebuke to 
 me y' J dep'tyd so la' gely w' your brother y' I res'uyd not 
 to pay y' I was endaungered for hym and so haue dyu'se seyd 
 to me which of late haue kowyn it and whan J remembre 
 it it is to myn hart a very sper Consideryng that he neu' 
 gaue comforte y'in ner of all y" money y' hath be reseyvyd 
 wull neu' make shyft y'for and he had yet be for thys tyme 
 haue sent me / m'rc y'of yet I wuld haue thought y' he had 
 had sume c'sideracon of myn daungers y' I haue put me in 
 for hym remembre hym how that I have excusyd hym of 
 XX/i y' y*^ p'or of Bromholm had which shuld ell haxie be in 
 that damiger y' it shuld haue be to us a grete r'buke to 
 w'hought that he myght a ben holpyn w' shuch money as he 
 shuld have had of your flidyrs bequest and I payd to y* 
 sherefFe for hpn also money all this shuld haue holpe me 
 wele y'to be syde other thyngs y' I have bor thys yers y' 
 I speke not of ther for lete hym helpe me now or ell it 
 shall dysawayll hym bett' than y" trebyll the money whed' 
 that J leue or dey w'ought he hath bett' c'sideracon to y* 
 daungers y' 1 stond in Also I wulde ye shuld meue hym 
 to take John Pampyng to hym or ell to gete hym a s'uyce 
 in y'' Channcery or in sume other place where as he myth 
 be p'feryd for it ys jjety y' he lesyth hys tyme so her and it 
 is non a wayll to non of ws and for d'lu'se othyr thyngs 
 wlu'sch ye shall know her afte"^ J wolde that he wer Irmis in 
 liaste for all man' of ha})])ys co'strw ye &c. I can yw thanke 
 for your lett' that ye sente me and that ye haue i'q'ryd of 
 shwch thyngs as ye thynke that shale plese me J send yw 
 y" boxe and y" dcds that ye sente to me for but as for y* 
 key of y' cofyr in y' wtt' chamb' I can not fynd yt yf y* box 
 had be ther in ye cwdnat haue hadd yth but yf I had broke
 
 EDWARD IV. 13 
 
 will have my good-will, and will that I save him the said 
 woods to the better avail, and send me word hereof in haste . 
 if ye will my avail, for I shall never be in quiet till I know an 
 end in this, for she hath therefore an obligation of an CI. 
 and it is not kept close, there be many person now knows it, 
 which me seemeth a great rebuke to me that I departed so 
 largely with your brother \^gave your brother so liberally^ that 
 I reserved not to pay that I was endangered for him [was 
 engaged to pay for him], and so have divers said to me which 
 of late have known it ; and when I remember it, it is to my 
 heart a very spear, considering that he never gave me 
 comfort therein, nor of all the money that hath been re- 
 ceived will never make shift, therefore and [if] he had yet 
 before this time have sent me L marks thereof, yet I would 
 have thought that he had had some consideration of mine 
 danger that I have put me in for him. Remember him 
 how that I have excused him of XX /. that the Prior of 
 Bronhohn had, which should else have been in that danger, 
 that it should have been to us a great rebuke, without that 
 he might have been holpen with such money as he should 
 have had of your father's bequest ; and I paid to the 
 Sheriff for him also money ; all these should have helped 
 well thereto, beside other things that I have borne this 
 year that I speak not of; therefore let him help me now, or 
 else it shall disavail him better than the treble the money, 
 whether that I live or die, without he hath better conside- 
 ration to the danger that I stand in. Also I would ye 
 should move him to take John Pampyng to him, or else to 
 get him a service in the Chancery or some other place 
 where he might be preferred, for it is pity that he loseth 
 his time so here, and it is none avail to none of us ; and for
 
 14 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 wp y" cofyr ther for r'me'b' yw wer ye haue do y^ key 1 
 kep styll y' key that ye sente me tyll that ye cwm horn as 
 for ye tyclyngs her ywr Cosyn 'barney of Wychshyngg'm 
 ys passytl to gode hvrm gode asoyle Weylys wyfe and 
 lodonys wyfe and pycard y' bacar of twmlond ben 'gon 
 also all this howsold and this parych ys as ye leftyd 
 blyssyd be gode we lewyn in fer bwt we wut not qwed' to 
 fle for to be bett' then we ben her J send yw dm" a riale 
 for to by w' swgr feg and dats for me J pray yw do as wel as 
 ye can and send it me as hastely as ye may and send me 
 word qwat p'ce a li of 'pep' clowys masis gingyr and sina- 
 mon almanys rys ganyngall safrwn r'ysonys of Coriint 
 grenys and comfyts of ych of these send me y" p'ce of a 
 li and yf y' it be bett' shepe at london than yt ys her I shal 
 send yw mony to by w' soch stwfe as I wull haue r'me'b' 
 that J sj)ake to yw to spek to ywyr brother for y' seyd G 
 m'rc wan ye dep'tyd hens I trow ye forgettyt that ye sent 
 me non answer ther of in ony wys lete me haue an answer 
 ther of in hast and send me word how ywyr brother and 
 ye sped in ywyr maters and godds blissy''g and myn mot 
 ye haue both and send yAv good sped in all ywyr m.aters 
 VV^retyn in hast on Sent Leonards eve I warn you kepe 
 y'' lett' clos and lese y' not rather brenyt. 
 
 by yowyr Mod'. 
 
 Paper mark, 
 
 Ikill'!) head and Star. 
 
 I'l. xxii. No. 15. 
 
 This letter to many readers may not seem wortiiy of insertion, bnt as it lets 
 us into the history of the j)rivate aflairs of tiie Pastons, and shows some foibles 
 in Sir John's character, I thought it proper to la\ it Ixfore them. 
 
 The nature of bonds is hert; likewise pointed out; as we find that to an
 
 EDWARD IV. 15 
 
 divers other things which ye shall know hereafter, I would 
 that he were hence in haste, for all manner of haps, con- 
 strue ye, &c. I con you thank for your letter that ye sent 
 me, and that ye have inquired of such things as ye think 
 that shall please me. I send you the box, and the deeds 
 that ye sent to me for, but as for the key of the coffer in 
 the utter [outwarci] chamber I cannot find it, if the box had 
 been therein ye could not have had it, but if [^imless] I had 
 broke up the coffer, therefore remember you where ye have 
 done the key ; I keep still the key that ye sent me, till that 
 ye come home. 
 
 As for tidings here, your Cousin 'Berney of Witchingham 
 is passed to God, whom God assoil ! Weyley's wife, and 
 London's wife, and Pycard, the baker of Tomblond, been 
 'gone also ; all this household and this parish is as ye 
 left it, blessed be God; we live in fear, but we wut 
 \_/cnow'\ not whither to flee, for to be better than we be here. 
 I send you half a rial [5s.] for to buy with sugar, figs, and 
 dates, for me, I pray ye do as well as ye can, and send it 
 me as hastily as ye may, and send me word what price a 
 pound of 'pepper, cloves, mace, ginger, cinnamon, almonds, 
 rice, galangal, saffron, raisins of Corinth, [ciuraiits,^ 
 gi'eynes, and comfits, of each of these send me the price of 
 a pound, and if it be better cheap at London than it is 
 here, I shall send you money to buy with such as I will 
 have. Remember that I spake to you to speak to your 
 brother for the said C marks, when ye departed hence ; 1 
 trow you forgot it, that ye sent me none answer thereof in 
 any wise. Let me have an answer thereof in haste, and send 
 me word how your brother and ye speed in your matters, 
 and God's blessing and mine may ye have both and send
 
 16 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 obligation of ,£100, tlie condition annexed is for the payment of 100 marks, 
 or £66. \3s. 4d., which is only one-third less than the sum expressed in the 
 bond : the usual method now is to make the bond for double the sum men- 
 tioned in the condition. 
 
 ' He married Joan, daughter of Sir Robert AUington, and died in 1471. 
 
 ' There was a sickness this year in Norwich, which, by what is mentioned 
 above, prevailed generally. 
 
 ' The spices, 8cc. in family use are here enumerated. 
 
 LETTER IV. 
 
 To nil/ I'll gilt worchepfiill 
 
 brodijr S' lohn Fusion Kni/ght 
 
 Ryght worchepfull S' J recomand me to yow sertyfyi'g yow 
 that J haue spokyn w*" Mastyr lohn 'Smyth for S' T lyndys 
 and he hathe shewyd me yo' byll whyche ye axe to be con- 
 tent of yo' byll a lone drawyth iiij mark and ode monye for 
 ye haue set in yo' byll for wax alene xx s whyche to Mastyr 
 lohn S. Jmagynacyon and to all other ofycers of the Coort 
 shold not drawe })ast xx d at hys beryi'g the byllys that be 
 put in to the Coorte of S' T Lynys dets drawe xxx li xviij s 
 vj d and all the money that can be mad of hys house and 
 goods in thys contrey drawyth but v//. Mast' J Smyth 
 wold ye shold send hym into the Coort an Jnventory of 
 syche goodys as S' T. had at london when he dyeid and y* 
 Inventory onys had ye shall haue as comyth to your part 
 and more also, ye must send y'' serteynte whedyr the wax 
 be XX s or x\d and as for the freers Mast' John wyll not
 
 EDWARD IV. 17 
 
 yoii good speed in all your matters. Written in haste on 
 Saint Leonard's even. 1 warn you keep this letter close 
 and lose it not, rather burn it. 
 
 By your Mother, 
 Margaret Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 
 Tuesday, 5th Nov. 
 
 1471. 11 E. IV. 
 
 LETTER IV. 
 
 To my Right Worshipful Brother, Sir John Fastun, Knight. 
 
 Right worshipful Sir, I recommend me to you, certifying 
 you that I have spoken with Master John Smyth for Sir 
 Thomas Lyndy's [or Lynes], and he hath showed me your 
 bill which ye ask to be content of; your bill alone draweth 
 four marks (2/. 13s. 4^d.) and odd money, for ye have set in 
 your bill for wax alone 20s. which to Master John ' Smyth's 
 imagination, and to all other Officers of the Court, should 
 not draw past 20f/. at his burying. The bills that be put 
 into the Court of Sir T. Lynys debts draw 30/. 18a. Qd. and 
 all the money that can be made of his house and goods in 
 this country draweth but 5/. Master J. Smyth would ye 
 should send him into the Court an inventory of such goods 
 as Sir Thomas had at London when he died, and that in- 
 ventory once had, ye shall have as cometh to your part and 
 more also ; ye must send the certainty whether the wax be 
 20s. or 20c?. ; and as for the Friars, Master John will not 
 
 VOL. V. D
 
 18 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 alowe theym a peny for he seyth wlier y' detts may not be 
 payeid set y* beqwests at now ght he is agreid to pay the 
 potycarye aftyr that he haue y*" Inventory fi'O you. Rysyng 
 I trowe hathe be w' you. It' as for John Maryot I haue 
 sent to hym for y*" xl s. but I haue non answer. It' I haue 
 spek w' barker and he hathe no money nor non can get tyll 
 haruest when he may dystreyn the cropp upon y* grownd 
 he seyth there is not owy'g past v mark And on Sat'day 
 next comy-g he shall send me a vewe of hys acompte whyche 
 J shall send you as sone as J haue it As for Fastolfs v Mark 
 J Wyndh'm hathe be spekyn to by me half a doseyn tymys 
 to send to liym for it and he seyth he hathe doon so. It' 
 S' John Style hathe told Jwde when ye shall haue the 
 chalys ax Jwde of yo' crwets Also It' the prowd pevyshe 
 and euyll dysposyd prest to us all S' Jamys seyth y' ye 
 comandyd hym to deljoier y' book of vij sagys to my brodyr 
 Water and he hathe it It' J send you the serteynte herw' of 
 as myche as can be enqweryd for myn oncyll to Cleym in 
 Cast' thase artyclys y' fayle the ten'nts of Cast' shall 
 cn((wer the\in and send theym tome hastyly they haue 
 promysyd and they com ye shall haue theym sent yow by 
 the next messenger y' comyth to london. It' my modyr 
 sendyth you woord that she hathe neyther Mast' Robard 
 Popyes oblygacyon nor the "byshopys. It' my modyr wold 
 ye sheld in all haste gete hyr a(j[wetance of the byshop of 
 Wynchest' for S' John Fastolfs goods she preyid you to 
 make it swyr by y' auyse of your consayle and she wyll pay 
 for the costs. Jt' she preyith you to spek to y'' seyd 
 byshop for to get Mast' Clement Felmygh'm the viij mark 
 be yer dwry"g hys lyff'e that S' J. Fastolf be set hym she 
 preyid you to get hym an asygnement for it to som maner
 
 EDWARD IV. 19 
 
 allow them a penny, for he saith, " where the debts may not 
 be paid, set the bequests at nought ;" he is agreed to pay 
 the Apothecary, after that he have the inventory from you. 
 
 Rysing, I trow, hath been with you. 
 
 Item, as for John Maryot, I have sent to him for the 40s. 
 but I have none answer. 
 
 Item, I have spoken with Barker, and he hath no money 
 nor none can get till harvest, when he may distrain the 
 crop upon the ground ; he saith there is not owing past five 
 marks {31. 6s. 8d.) and on Saturday next coming he shall 
 send me a view of his account, which I shall send you, as 
 soon as I have it ; as for Fastolfs five marks, J. Wyndham 
 hath been spoken to by me half-a-dozen times to send to 
 him for it, and he saith he hath done so. 
 
 Item, Sir John Styll hath told Jude when ye shall have 
 the chalice, ask Jude of your cruets also. 
 
 Item, the proud, peevish, evil-disposed priest to us all, 
 Sir James \_Glois], saith, that ye commanded him to deliver 
 the book of Seven Sages to my brother Walter, and he 
 hath it. 
 
 Item, I send you the certainty herewith of as much as 
 can be inquired for my uncle William's claim in Caister ; 
 these articles that fail, the tenants of Caister shall inquire 
 them, and send them to me hastily ; they have promised, 
 and [if] they come, ye shall have them sent you by the next 
 messenger that cometh to London. 
 
 Item, my mother sendeth you word that she hath neither 
 Master Robert Popy's Obligation nor the ^Bishop's. 
 
 Item, my mother would ye should in all haste get her 
 acquittance of the ^Bishop of Winchester for Sir John Fas- 
 
 D 2
 
 20 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 in Norff or in lothynglond. It' she wold ye shold get yow 
 an other house to ley in you' stuff syche as cam fro Cast' 
 she thynkyth on of the freerys is a fayir house she p'poseyth 
 to go in to the contra and thir to soiorn onys a yer. Many 
 (pvarellys ar pyckyd to get my brodyr E and me ought of 
 hyr howse We go not to bed luichedyn lyghtly all y' we do 
 is ille doon and all that S' Jamys and Pekok dothe is well 
 doon S" Jamys and I be tweyn we fyll owght be for my 
 modyr w' thow prowd prest and thow prowd sqwyer. My 
 modyr takyng hys part so I haue almost beshet y'' bolt as 
 for my modyrs house yet somer shal be don or J get me eny 
 mastyr my modyr p'poseith hastyly to take estate in all hyr 
 londys and upon that estate to make hyr wyll of y"" seyd 
 londys parte to geue to my yonger brethyrn for term of 
 ther lyuys and aftyr to remayn to yow pert to my syst' 
 ''Annys Maryage tyll on C/i be payid part for to make hyr 
 Jle at Mawtby parte for a prest to syng for hyr and my 
 fadyr and ther ancestrys. And in thys Angyr betwen S' 
 Jamys and me she hathe promyseid me that my parte shall 
 be nowght What yo' shal be J can not sey god sped the 
 ])lowghe J feythe y" must p'uey for my brodyr E to go ouer 
 w'' you or he is on don he wyll bryng xx noblys in hys purse 
 my modyr wyll nowthyr geue nor lend non of you bothe a 
 j)eny forward p'uey a meanc to haue Cast' ayen or ye goo 
 ouyr my lord and lady whyche for serteyn is gret w"" chyld 
 be wery ther of and all y' housold also Jf ye wyll eny othyr 
 tliyn to be don in thys contre send me woord and J shal do 
 as well as J can w"" gods grace who p'serue yow Wretyn the 
 viij day of Julie J pray yow recomand me to my lord of 
 'Aran S' Jolui Par S' George Browne osbern Berney R. Jlyd
 
 EDWARD IV. 21 
 
 tolfs goods, she prayed you to make it sure by the advice 
 of your counsel, and she will pay for the costs. 
 
 Item, she prayeth you to speak to the said Bishop for to 
 get Master Clement Felmingham the eight marks (5/. 65. 8d.) 
 by year during his life that Sir John Fastolf beset him ; she 
 prayed you to get him an assignment for it to some manor 
 in Norfolk or in Lothingland [in Suffolk^. 
 
 Item, she would ye should get you another house to lay 
 in your stuff, such as came from Caister, she thinketh one 
 of the Friars is a fair house ; she purposeth to go into the 
 country, and there to sojourn once a year. Many quarrels 
 are picked to get my brother Edmund and me out of her 
 house ; we go not to bed unchidden lightly [commonli/l ; all 
 that we do is ill done, and all that Sir James and Peacock 
 doth is well done; Sir James and I be twain: we fell out 
 before my mother, with " thou proud priest," and " thou 
 proud squire," my mother taking his part, so I have almost 
 beshut the bolt [barred myself ^"^1' ^^ ^^^ ™y "^other's 
 house; yet summer shall be done, ere I get me any master. 
 
 My mother proposeth hastily to take estate in all her 
 lands, and upon that estate to make her will of the said 
 lands, part to give to my younger brethren for term of their 
 lives, and after to remain to you ; part to my sister "^Anne's 
 marriage, till an hundred pounds be paid ; part for to make 
 her isle at Mawtby ; part for a priest to sing for her, and 
 my father, and their ancestors ; and in this anger between 
 Sir James and me, she hath promised me that my part shall 
 be nought; what yours shall be I cannot say; God speed the 
 plough. I'faith ye must purvey for my brother Edmund to 
 go over with you, or he is undone ; he will bring twenty 
 nobles (110) in his purse. My mother will neither give nor
 
 22 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 J Hoxson my Cosyn hys wyfe Kate W, Wood and all J 
 pray brenne thys by for losyng 
 
 Your 
 'J. P. 
 
 lU by 12 
 
 Paper Mark. ^ 
 
 Bull's Head and Star. 
 PI. viii. No. 2. 
 
 This Letter gives a fuller account of Sir T. Lyne's affairs mentioned in 
 Letter XLV'L vol. ii. p. 92. and informs us of Master J. Smyth's opinion re- 
 lative to testamentary bequests. 
 
 Some family matters are likewise explained, and the influence which Sir 
 James Glois, a priest, had over his mother is placed before the reader in a 
 strong light. 
 
 Sir John Paston is likewise made acquainted with his mother's intentions 
 relative to the disposal of her lands amongst her children ; and many occur- 
 rences in private life are pointed out in a manner not uninteresting. 
 
 ' Master John Smyth was, at this time, an officer in the Bishop's Court ; 
 he became afterwards Chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich, and died about 
 1491. 
 
 * Walter Lyhcrt, Bishop of Norwich, from 1445 to 1472. 
 
 ^ William de Wainflect, Bishop of Winchester from 1447 to I486. 
 
 * .She afterwards married William Yelverton, Esq.
 
 EDWARD IV. 23 
 
 lend none of you both a penny forward ; purvey a mean to 
 have Caster again ere ye go over ; my Lord and my Lady 
 [0/ Norfolk'], which for certain is great with child, beweary 
 thereof, and all the household also. 
 
 If ye will any other thing to be done in this country, 
 send me word, and I shall do as well as I can with God's 
 grace, who preserve you. 
 
 Written the 8th day of July. 
 
 I pray you recommend me to my Lord of 'Arran, Sir 
 John Parr, Sir George Browne, Osbert Berney, R. Hyde, J. 
 Hoxson my cousin, his wife Kate, W. Wood, and all. 
 
 i pray burn this before losing [# .] (or -fei^^ear of lo s ing - it.) 
 
 Your, 
 
 "John Paston. 
 
 Wednesday, 8th July, 
 1472. 12 E. IV. 
 See Letter xxxiv. vol. ii. p. 42. 
 
 ' Thomas Boyd, Earl of Arran, married a daughter of James II. King of 
 Scotland, was appointed Regent, but died in exile before 1474: for his cha- 
 racter, see Letter XLVI. vol. ii. p. 94. 
 
 * Autograph, PI. xxv. No. 21.
 
 24 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER V. 
 
 A mons" J Paston 
 Cheiialler 
 
 Ryght worchepfull S' J comaiid me to yow sertifyrg yow 
 that Pekok hath receyuyd of S' John Sty lie by a bylle all 
 suche stuff as he had of your and as for Kendallys mater 
 he hathe doon as myche in it as can be doon but as for 
 Richard Calle he hathe geuyn hym a pleyn answer y' he 
 wyll not scale to the lease y' ye haue mad to Kendalle for 
 he seyth he wottyth not whether it be yo' wyllc or not not- 
 w''standyng he sye yore sealle up on it I wold be sory to 
 delyuer hym a subpena and ye sent it me. I send yow 
 herew' the endentvu-e betwyx yow and townesend my 
 modyr hathe herd of that mater by the reporte of old 
 Wayte whyche rennyth on it w' opyn mowthe in hys werst 
 wyse. My modyr wepyth and takyth on meruaylously for 
 she scythe she wotyth well it shall neu' be pledgyd ought 
 wherfor she scythe that she wyll p'uey for hyr lond y' ye 
 shall neu' selle of it for she thynkys ye wold and it cam 
 to yowr hand as for hyr wyll and all sychc maters as wer in 
 hand at yo' last bci'g here they thynk that it shall not lye 
 in all ourc ])()rys to let it in on ])oynt S' Jamys is cuyr 
 cho])])y"g at me when my modyr is jirescnt w' sychc wordys 
 as he thynkys wrathe me and also cause my modyr to be 
 dyspleascd w' me euyn as who scyth he wold T wyst that 
 he settyth not by the best of us And when he hathe most 
 unfytty'g woordys to me J smyllc a lytyll and tell hym it is 
 good hcry"g of ther old talys. S' lamys is p'son of Stokysby
 
 . EDWARD IV. 25 
 
 LETTER V. 
 
 To Sir John Paston, Knight. 
 
 Right Worshipful Sir, I commend me to you, certifying 
 you that Peacock hath received of Sir John Styll, by a bill, 
 all such stuff as he had of yours, and as for Kendal's matter, 
 he hath done as much in it as can be done ; but as for Rich- 
 ard Calle, he hath given him a plain answer that he will 
 not seal to the Lease that ye have made to Kendal, for he 
 saith he weeteth not whether it be your will or not, not- 
 withstanding he saw your seal upon it ; I would be sorry 
 to deliver him a subpoena, and [?"/"] ye sent it me. I send 
 you herewith the Indenture between you and Townshend ; 
 my Mother hath heard of that matter, and taketh on mar- 
 vellously, for she saith she weeteth well it shall never be 
 pledged out ; wherefore she saith that she will purvey for 
 her land, that ye shall never sell of it, for she thinks ye 
 would, and [//"] it came to your hands ; as for her Will, and 
 all such matters as were in hand at your last being here, 
 they think that it shall not lie in all our powers to let 
 \_hi)idei'^ it in one point. 
 
 Sir James {Glois) is ever chopping at me, when my 
 Mother is present, with such words as he thinks wrath me, 
 and also cause my Mother to be displeased with me, even 
 as who saith, he would I wist that he setteth not by the 
 best of us ; and when he hath most unfitting words to me, 
 I smile a little, and tell him, " it is good hearing of these 
 old tales." 
 
 VOL. V. E
 
 •26 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 by I. bernays gyft. I trowe he beryth hym the hyeer Jt' 
 ye must seiide m haste to W. Barker a warrant to pay John 
 Kook XXX 5 and to the woman of Yermotlie for otys xx 
 and syr John Styll hys money for they call dayly up on it 
 It' I prey yow send me some tydyngs howgh the world 
 gothe and whether ye haue sent eny of yo' folk to Caleys 
 me th^nk it costyth yow to myche money for to kepe hem 
 all in london at yo' charge Jt' whethyr ye haue eny thyng 
 spekyn of my goi"g to Caleys. It' as for a goshawk or a 
 terssell J wend to haue had on of yours in kepyng or thys 
 tyme but fere fro jee fer fro hert by my trowthe J dye for 
 defawlt of labore And it may be by eny meane possybyll 
 for aods sake let on be sent me in all hast for if it be not 
 had by halowmess the seson shall passe a non meme"to mei 
 And jn feythe ye shall not loose on it nor yet myche wyne 
 on it by god who p'serue yow Wretyn on Seynt Mychell 
 day in Monte tomba. 
 
 J P 
 11 J by 6i. 
 
 In this Inciter private family affairs are further disclosed, and the transac- 
 tions with Townsheiid seem such as to warrant ]M. Paston's uneasiness, as 
 she fears disagreeable consequences to arise to Sir John Paston from them. 
 Sir James Glois's behaviour to J. Paston is natural, and I fear mii^ht, at this 
 day, be paralleled in many families. He died in 147^, wlieu administration of 
 his effects was granted to Margaret Paston; so it is probable that either she or 
 her family were benefited by him. The reader will smile at .1. Paston's de- 
 scription of his sensations on his hawk not being sent to him. 
 
 Tombland is an open area within the city of Norwich, surrounded by seve- 
 ral good iiouscs, and takes its name from having been maiiy ages ago the 
 largest burial-place in the city.
 
 EDWARD IV. 27 
 
 Sir James is parson of Stokesby by J. Berney's gift ; I 
 trow he beareth him the higher. 
 
 Item, ye must send in haste to W. Barker a warrant to 
 pay John Cook 30s., and to the woman of Yarmouth, for 
 oats, 206., and Sir John Sty 11 his money, for they all call 
 daily upon it. 
 
 Item, I pray you send me some tidings how the world 
 goeth, and whether ye have sent any of your folk to Calais : 
 me thinks it costeth you too much money for to keep them 
 all in London at your charge. 
 
 Item, whether ye have any thing spoken of my going to 
 Caliais. 
 
 Item, as for a Goshawk or a Tersel, I weend to have had 
 one of yours in keeping long ere this time, but " far from 
 eye far from heart;" by my troth I die for default of 
 labour ; and [if] it may be by any mean possible, for God's 
 sake let one be sent me in all haste, for if it be not had by 
 Hallowmas, the season shall pass anon, memento mei, and 
 in faith ye shall not lose on it, nor yet much win on it by 
 God, who preserve you. Written on Saint Michael's day 
 in monte tomba [on Tomhlond]. 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 
 Tuesday, 29th Sept. 
 
 1472. 12E. IV. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxv. No. 21. 
 
 On the back of the original Letter, under the direction, and in a hand of 
 that age, is written " A", iiij". E xij°." 
 
 e2
 
 28 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER VI. 
 
 To M est r esse Margret Past on, 
 or to John Paston esqcr or 
 to Roose dwyllyng affor iher 
 gate to delyii to them. 
 
 Please it yow to weete y* I haveopteyned lett'ys from the 
 Kynge to my lorde of Norfolke to my lady of NorfF and to 
 tlier Concell whyche lett' to ther Concell is not sup'scrybyd 
 For cawse we wyst nott serteyn whyche of the Covnicell 
 sholde be present when the Massenger cowme I therfor 
 thynke y' thoso namys mast be somwhatt by yowr advyce 
 and for get nat Gernaye nor yitt Brome if ye tliynke so 
 best Nor Sowthewelle J trust to my Cosyn Gornaye and 
 on to Brom and barnard in chefFe and as to bernarde 
 brother I praye yow to take hys advyce For I hope he is 
 my welwyller as ye know and iffe he do me p'ffyght ease in 
 tliys mat' I thynke verrely in tyme to come to gyff him xx 
 scutys and yit a goode turne whan so eu' it lythe in my 
 power. The Kynge hathe specially doon for me in thys 
 case and hathe putte me and so have y' lordys in ryght 
 greete comfort y' iff thys fayle y' I shalle have ondelayed 
 Justyce and he hathe sentc a man of worshi]) and in greet 
 Favor w' hym on thys Massage whyche hathe nott ofte ben 
 seyne whyche gentylman kan well do hys mastrys Massage 
 and brynge trywe rc})orte I have gevyn hym v // For hys 
 costs gode sende hym and yow goode spcde in thees werks 
 1 feer thatt he shall iiott speke w' my lady for y' she hathe
 
 EDWARD IV. 29 
 
 LETTER VI. 
 
 To Mistress Margaret Paston, or to John Pastoii, Esq. or to 
 Roos dwelling afore their Gate to deliver to them. 
 
 Please it you to weet that I have obtained letters from the 
 King to my Lord of Norfolk, to my Lady of Norfolk, and to 
 their counsel, which letter to their counsel is not super- 
 scribed, for cause [6eca?<se] we wist not certain which of the 
 counsel should be present when the messenger come ; I 
 therefore think that those names must be some what by your 
 advice ; and forget not Gurney, nor yet Broome, if ye think 
 so best, nor Southwell : I trust to my Cousin Gurney, and 
 unto Broome, and Barnard in chief; and as to Barnard, bro- 
 ther, I pray you to take his advice, for I hope he is my well 
 wilier, as ye know ; and if he do me perfect ease in this 
 matter, I think vei'ily in time to come to give him 20 scutes 
 (3/. 6s. 8d.), and yet \_also'\ a good turn, whensoever it lyeth 
 in my power. 
 
 The King hath specially done for me in this case, and 
 hath put me, and so have the Lords, in right great comfort, 
 that if this fail, that I shall have undelayed justice ; and he 
 hath sent a man of worship, and in great favour with him, 
 on this message, which hath not oft been seen : which gentle- 
 man can well do his master's message, and bring true report. 
 I* have given him 51. for his costs; God send him and you 
 good speed in these works : I fear that he shall not speak to 
 my Lady, for that she hath taken her chamber. If she be 
 my very good Lady, as she hath said heretofore that she
 
 30 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 takyn hyr Chambr if she be my verry goode laclye as she 
 hathe seyde hertofor y' she wolde be J hope y' she wolle 
 speke w' hym. Neu' the lesse J praye yow by the means of 
 IMestresse Jahne Rothen that will have my ladye mevyd for 
 me and wher y' herr to for J wolde have dep'tyd w* C m'rke 
 to have hadde hyr goode helpe and to be restoryd to my 
 place. Whyche nott acceptyd I tolde mysede lady y' I 
 feeryd y' my power sholde natt be ther aft'r to gyf so large 
 a plesyr For at y' tyme I was in hope y' the bysshop of 
 Wynchest'r sholde have payd it thoghe it hadde drawen a 
 c li yet for as moehe as men may nott lur none hawks w' 
 empty handys J wolde yitt agre to gyfe my lady xx // For an 
 horse and a sadell so y' I be restoryd to my place and that 
 doone to have a relesse of my lorde and my gouns and boks 
 to be restoryd if it maye bee neu'thelesse thys mony is nott 
 yit redy w' me 1 remytte thys to yowr dyscressyons It'm if 
 if it be so y' itt be thowte behovefull I thynke y' thoghe 
 nowther Slyfelde nor ye brother John maye come in to my 
 ladyes chamb'r y' my mood'r if she weer at Norwyche she 
 myght speke w' hyr for y' she is a woman and of worshyppe 
 J thynke y' my mood'r sholde meve my lady moche 
 J thynke y' ther most be som body for me havyng aiictoryte 
 to conclude for me orellys knowynge niyn entente they 
 myglit make delaye and seye they wolle at y"" Kyngs 
 enstance comon w' me neu' the lesse I was nott ther present 
 wherfor Rather than fayle yf neede be I wolle w' owte any 
 abode if I heer from yow Come home and Slyfelde is agreyd 
 to tary the a vij nyghte for mysake so y' the mat' take eif ecte 
 1 praye yow make hym goode cheer and if it be so that he 
 tarye I most rememb'r hys costs, therfor if I shall be sent 
 for and he tery at Norwyche ther whylys it wer best to sette
 
 EDWARD IV. 31 
 
 would be, I hope that she will speak with him : nevertheless 
 I pray you, by the means of Mistress Jane Rothen, that [i/e] 
 will have my Lady moved for me, and where that heretofore 
 I would have departed with an 100 marks (66/. 13s. 4d.) to 
 have had her good help, and to be restored to my place, 
 which not accepted, I told my said Lady that I feared that 
 my power should not be hereafter to give so large a 
 pleasure; for at that time I was in hope that the Bishop of 
 Winchester should have paid it, though it had drawn an 100/. 
 yet for as much as men may not lure none hawks with 
 empty hands, I would yet agree to give my Lady 20/. for a 
 horse and a saddle, so that I be restored to my place ; and 
 that done, to have a release of my Lord, and my gowns and 
 books to be restored, if it may be ; nevertheless this money 
 is not yet ready with me : I remit this to your discretion. 
 
 Item, if it be so, that it be thought behoveful, I think 
 that though neither Slyfield, nor ye, brother John, may come 
 into my Lady's chamber, that my mother, if she were at 
 Norwich, she might speak with her; for that she is a 
 woman, and of worship. I think that my mother should 
 move my Lady much ; I think that there must be somebody 
 for me, having authority to conclude for me, or else know- 
 ing mine intent, they might make delay, and say, they will 
 at the King's instance commune with me ; nevertheless I 
 was not there present : wherefore rather than fail, if need 
 be, I will without any abode, if I hear from you, come 
 home ; and Slyfield is agreed to tari'y [ay«7/i] thee a sev'night 
 for my sake, so that the matter take effect : I pray you 
 make him good cheer, and if it be so that he tarry, I must 
 remember his costs ; wherefore if I shall be sent for, and 
 he tarry at Norwich the while, it were best to set his
 
 32 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 hys horse at y® maydes hedde and I shalle content for ther 
 expenc's. Jt'm ye maye largely sey on my behalve for 
 suche servyse y' I sholde do to my lorde and lady hereaft'r 
 wliyche by my trowthe I thynke to doo neu'thelesse to sey 
 y' I woll be liys sworyn man I was neu' yitt lordys sworyn 
 man yit have J doone goode seruyce and nott left any at hys 
 most neede ner for fear but as gode helpe me I thynke my 
 lady shall have my servyce above any lady erthely whiche 
 she scholde weell have knowyn had I been in suche case as 
 I hadde nott been alweye y'' werse welkome for that on of 
 my herands alweye was undrestande y' it was for Cast' 
 whyche was nott acceptable and I evyr the wersse welkome. 
 It"m brother I ame concludyd w' my lorde for yow y' ye 
 shalle be at Caleys if ye list and have iij men in wags undr 
 yow. wherof my lorde seythe y' Will'm lovedaye most be 
 on tyll tyme y' he have p'veyd other Rome for hym, if ye 
 be dysposyd to goo as I tolde hym y' ye weer yitt wer it 
 nott best y' ye lete it be knowe tyll thys mat' be doone and 
 then ye maye acordyng to yowr promyse let my ladye have 
 knowliche ther of neu' y'' lesse my lorde shall be her w' in 
 XX dayes or ther abowt if ye come thys weye ye maye speke 
 w' hym Neu'thelesse ye shall nott lose no tyme if ye weer 
 at Caleys at thys owr For my lorde p'mysed me y' he wolde 
 wryglit to Elkonhed y^' Tresorer at C'aleys for yow by the 
 next Masseng' thalt went It'm ther hathe Peraunts wyfe 
 wryte to me y' bernaye servyth hyr onkyndely he owythe 
 hyr xxxij' and she is in noon hope y' euyr he will come ther 
 ageyii sende me worde if he wyll he shall nott lyf so well 
 and trywly to geed' I trowe but if he goo thyder J hadde 
 Comen home butt y' J ame nott yitt verely p'veyd For 
 payment lor my onck' Wilhn y' xxvj daye of thys monythe
 
 EDWARD IV. 33 
 
 horse at the Maid's Head, and I shall content for their 
 expenses. 
 
 Item, ye may largely say on my behalf for such service as 
 I should do to my Lord and Lady hereafter, which by my 
 troth I think to do ; nevertheless to say that I will be his 
 sworn man, I was never yet Lord's sworn man, yet have I 
 done good service, and not left any at his most need for fear; 
 but as God help me, I think my Lady shall have my service 
 above any Lady earthly, which she should well have known, 
 had I been in such case as I had not been always the worse 
 welcome, for that one of my errands always was understood 
 that it was for Caister, which was not acceptable, and I ever 
 the worse welcome. 
 
 Item, brother, I am concluded with my Lord for you, 
 that ye shall be at Calais if ye list, and have three men in 
 wages under you, whereof my Lord saith that William 
 Loveday must be one, till [^Ae] time that he have purveyed 
 other room for him, if ye be disposed to go, as I told him 
 that you were : yet were it not best that ye let it be known 
 till this matter be done, and then you may according to your 
 promise let my Lady have knowledge thereof; nevertheless 
 my Lord shall be here within twenty days, or thereabout ; if 
 ye come this way ye may speak with him : nevertheless ye 
 shall not lose no time, if ye were at Calais at this hour, for 
 my Lord promised me that he would write to Elkenhead 
 the Treasurer at Calais for you, by the next messenger that 
 went. 
 
 Item, there hath Peraunt's wife written to me, that 
 Berney serveth her unkindly ; he oweth her 32s. and she 
 is in none hope that ever he will come there again ; send 
 
 VOL. V. F
 
 34 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 and he clothe me harme he delythe so oncurteysly w' 
 Towneshende for he wole nott yitt paye hym the C m'rke 
 payable att Halowmesse whyche he hadde a monythe afFore 
 Wherfor I feer y' Towneshende wille nott do for me ageyn 
 I shall doo as I kan Wretyn on Sondaye nest Seynt 
 Clement. 
 
 John Paston, K. 
 
 Ill by 11. 
 
 This long Letter chiefly respects the methods Sir J. Paston had used, and 
 intended to use, to induce the Duke of Norfolk to relinquish Caister to him : 
 the steps he takes seem to promise success, as presents are not forgotten to 
 those from whom he hopes for service. From this letter it appears that when 
 a woman of rank had taken her chamber, which was often done some time 
 previous to her lying-in, no men were admitted, nor many women, unless 
 women of worship. 
 
 Sir John Paston here shows his high spirit, by declining to be the Duke's 
 " sworn man," and declares he never yet bound himself to serve any nobleman;
 
 EDWARD IV. 35 
 
 me word if he will: he shall not live so well and truly 
 together I trow, but if [^imlesi\ he go thither. 
 
 I had come home, but that I am not yet verily purveyed 
 for payment for my uncle William, the 26th day of this 
 month, and he doth me harm, he dealeth so uncourteously 
 with Townshend; for he will not yet pay him the hundred 
 marks payable at Hallowmass, which he had a month afore ; 
 wherefore I fear that Townshend will not do for me again. 
 I shall do as I can. Written on Sunday next Saint 
 Clement. 
 
 John Paston, Knt. 
 
 Sunday, 22d November, 
 1472. 12 E. IV. 
 
 and what he farther says of himself, shows him to be a man of honour and 
 courage. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 9. 
 
 On the back of this letter, in an ancient hand, are the following memoranda: 
 " Anne Haute." " A Letter of S"^ Jo. Paston showing the Kings favo" towards 
 hym for the restoring of Caistr." 
 
 f2
 
 36 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER VII. 
 
 To mast' S" John 
 Past on Kmjght 
 
 Ryght worchepfull syr I recomand me to yow thanky^g yow 
 most heitly of your dylygence And cost whyche ye had in 
 gettyng of the liawk whyche ye sent me for well I wot yo' 
 labore and trowbyll in that mater was as myche as thow she 
 had ben the best of the world but so god help me as 
 ferforthe as the most Cony'g estragers that ever J spak w' 
 can Jmagyn she shall never serue but to ley eggys for she is 
 bothe a mwer de haye and also she hathe ben so brooseid 
 w' carnage of feowle that she is as good as lame in boothe 
 hyr leggys as every man may se at Jee wherfor all syche 
 folk as haue seen hyr auyse me to cast hyr in to some wood 
 wher as I wyll have hyr to eyer but I wyll do ther in as ye 
 wyll whedyr ye wyll J send hyr yow ayc.i or cast hyr in 
 thorp wood and a tarsell w' hyr for J weet wher on js but 
 now J dar no more put yow to the cost of an hawke l)ut for 
 gods sake and ther be eny tcrsell or good chep 'goshawk 
 that myght be got' i that the berer herof may have hyr to 
 bryng me And J enswer yow be my trowthe ye shall have 
 dollys and browne bonde to paye yow at Kandyllmas the 
 pryse of the hawke now and ye have as many ladyse as ye 
 wer wont to have J reqwere yow for hyr sake that ye best 
 loue of theym all onys trowbyll yowr sylf for me in thys 
 mater and be owght of my Clamo' It' as lor the ryng it is 
 delyuerd but I had as gret pcyn to make hyr take it as ever
 
 EDWARD IV. 37 
 
 LETTER VII. 
 
 To Master Sir John Paston, Knight. 
 
 Right worshipful Sir, I recommend me to you, thanking 
 you most heartily of your diligence and cost which ye had 
 in getting of the hawk, which ye sent me, for well I wot 
 [knozo] your labour and trouble in that matter was as much 
 as though she had been the best of the world, but so God 
 help me, as forsooth as the most cunning estragers 
 \_falconers] that ever I speak with can imagine; she shall 
 never serve but to lay eggs, for she is both a muer de haye, 
 and also she hath been so bruised with carnage of fowl, that 
 she is as good as lame in both her legs, as every man may 
 see at eye ; wherefore all such folk, as have seen her, advise 
 me to cast her into some Avood, whereas I will have her to 
 eyer [build'\ ; but I will do therein as ye will ; whether ye will 
 I send her you again, or cast her into Thorp wood, and a 
 Tarsel with her ; for I weet where one is : but now I dare 
 no more put you to the cost of an hawk ; but for God's 
 sake, and [{/] there be any Tarsel, or good cheap 'Goshawk 
 that might be gotten, that the bearer. hereof may have her 
 to bring me, and I ensure you, by my troth, ye shall have 
 Dolly's and Brown's bond to pay you at Candlemas the 
 price of the hawk ; now and {if~\ ye have as many ladies as 
 ye were wont to have, I require you for her sake that ye 
 best love of them all, once trouble yourself for me in this 
 matter, and be out of my clamour. 
 
 Item, as for the ^ring, it is delivered ; but I had as great
 
 33 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 I had in syche a mater but I have promyseid yow to be hyr 
 knyght and she hathe p'myseid me to be more at your 
 comandment then at eny knyghts in Jnglond my lord 
 reseruyd and that ye shall well undyrstand il' ye have owght 
 to do wherin she may be an helper for ther was never 
 knyght dyd so myche cost on hyr as ye have doon I 
 meruyall that I her no woord of the lettyrs that my lord 
 Chamb'leyn shold send to my lord and my lady for Cast' 
 it is best that my lord Chamb'leyn wryght to my lady by 
 som p'vy tokyn betwyx theym and let a man of hys com w*" 
 the lettrys my lord Chamb'leyn may speed w"" my lady what 
 maters he wyll sauyng the gret mater and if ye inbyll me 
 for a solysitor J shal be a vouster comandment a touz iours 
 It' me thynkyth that ye do euyll that ye go not therewgh 
 w'' my lady of SufF. for Heylysdon and Drayten for ther 
 shold growe mony to you whyche wold qwyte yow ayenst 
 R. C. and all other and set yow befor for eucr J prey yow 
 for your ease and all others to you ward plye thes maters as 
 for alle othe' thyngs J shall send yow an answer when I 
 cam to Norwyche whyche shall be on Thorsday w' gods 
 grace J have teryd her at Framly'gh'm thys sevcnnyght 
 for lady took not hyr Chambyr tyll yesterday Adewe 
 Wretvn on Seynt Katv'in euyn. 
 
 J. P. 
 
 llj by 8i. 
 
 I sye the pyc and herd it spek and 'be god it is not 
 worthc a crowe it is fer wcrs then ye wend be god it wer 
 shame to kep it in a cage.
 
 EDWARD IV. 39 
 
 pain to make her take it as ever I had in such a matter : 
 but I have promised you to be her knight, and she hath 
 promised me to be more at your commandment than at any 
 knight's in England, my I^ord reserved ; and that ye 
 shall well understand, if ye have ought to do, wherein 
 she may be an helper, for there was never knight did so 
 much cost on her as ye have done. 
 
 I marvel that I hear no word of the letters that my Lord 
 Chamberlain should send to my Lord and my Lady for 
 Caister : it is best that my Lord Chamberlain write to my 
 Lady by some privy token betwixt them, and let a man of 
 his come with the letters ; my Lord Chamberlain may speed 
 with my Lady what matters he will, saving the great matter ; 
 and ye inbill me for a solicitor, I shall be a votre commande- 
 ment a toujours. 
 
 Item, methinketh that ye do evil that ye go not through 
 with my Lady of Suffolk for Hellesden and Drayton ; for 
 there should grow money to you, which wovild quit you 
 against R. C. [liichard Calle], and set you before for 
 ever. 
 
 I pray you for your ease, and all others to you ward, ply 
 these matters ; as for all other things, I shall send you an 
 answer when I come to Norwich, which shall be oii 
 Thursday, with God's grace. I have tarried here at Fram- 
 lingham this sev'night, for [my] Lady took not her chamber 
 till yesterday. Adieu. Written on Saint Katherine's even. 
 
 John Pastok. 
 r saw the pie, and heard it speak ; and 'by God it is not
 
 40 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 The easy st\le and address of this letter, with the strokes of pleasantry 
 which it contains, must interest the reader in its contents, and make him 
 almost suppose he is perusing a modern epistle from one friend to another. 
 
 ' The Goshawk is a large short-winged hawk, tiie best of which were bred 
 in the north of Ireland ; the Tarsel is the male of this particular kind ; and it 
 may be here observed, that the female of all birds of prey is larger, stronger, 
 and more courageous, than the male. 
 
 * This ring was a present to Mrs. Jane Rothen or Roden, one of her 
 Grace's gentlewomen, and her principal favourite : Sir John and his brother 
 both knew the most likely means of insuring success to their petition ; and, it 
 appears here, did not neglect them. 
 
 ' In this postscript J. Paston twice uses an oath, which is very unusual with 
 him, though swearing was in this age a common failing. I wish I could 
 
 LETTER VIII. 
 
 To S' John Paston 
 Knyght 
 
 Syme recomandyth hym to yo' good maystyrshcp and 
 preyeth you that ye wyll not forget though he be a boye to 
 let hym were the same lyucre that yo' men do And if it 
 pleased yow to lete hys gowne clothe be sent hym hom that 
 it myght be mad ayenst yo' comei'g in to thys contre he 
 wold be as ])ro\vd as eny man ye have S' as h'tly as I can I 
 thank you for the hatt whyche is comy'g as J undyrstand by 
 yo' \vryty"g sent by John the Abottys man of Seynt benet 
 my modyr sendys you gods blyssy"g and hyrs and preyes 
 you to get a new lycencc of my lord of Norwyche that she 
 may have the sacrement in hyr chapell I gat a lycence of
 
 EDWARD IV. 41 
 
 worth a crow ; it is far worse than ye weend : by God it 
 were shame to keep it in a cage. 
 
 Framlingham, 
 
 Tuesday, 24th Nov. 
 
 1472. 12 E. IV. 
 
 enlireli) exculpate the present generation from this vice. Would the gentleman 
 only recollect how common swearing degrades him, and places him on a level 
 with the most abandoned, he would want no further admonition to reclaim 
 h 
 
 mi 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxv. No. 21. 
 
 Under the direction is written A°' xij E. iiij"- 
 
 LETTER VIII. 
 
 To Sir John Paston, Knyght. 
 
 Sym recommendeth him to your good mastership, and 
 prayeth you that ye will not forget, though he be a boy, to 
 let him wear the same livery that your men do ; and if it 
 pleased you to let his gown cloth be sent him home, that it 
 might be made against your coming into this country, he 
 would be as proud as any man ye have. 
 
 Sir, as heartily as I can I thank you for the hat, which is 
 coming, as I understand by your writing sent by John the 
 Abbott's man of Saint BeneTs. 
 
 My mother sends you God's blessing and her's, and prays 
 you to get a new license of my Lord of Norwich, that she 
 
 VOL. V. G
 
 42 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 hym for a yere and it is nyghe woryn ought ye may get it 
 for the byslioppys lyue and ye wylle as for the lettyrs that 
 Slyfeld shokl get newe of the Kyng whyche ye shold bryng 
 to my lord of NorfF. it is myn avyse that ye shall com home 
 yo'sylf as hasty ly as ye maye so that ye may be at the 
 crysteny''g of the chyld that my lady is w' it shall cause yow 
 gret thank and a gret forwell in yo' mater and as for the 
 lettres leve a man of yo' to awayte on Slyfeld to bryng 
 theym after yow of whyche lettres I avyse yow to have su' 
 dyrect fro the kyng to yow comandyg yow to be the mes- 
 seng' and bryng' of the other lettres to my lord my lady and 
 ther Consayll for your owne mater And thys me thynkyth 
 shall do well for then shall ye man shewe to my lords con- 
 sayll the lettre dyrect to yow that ye have awtoi-yte to be 
 your owne solycytour And also it shall be thought that the 
 kyng tendryth yow and yo' mater when he wryghtyth to 
 yo'sylf for it. My lady wayteth hyr tyme win viij dayis at 
 tlie ferthest. 
 
 8^ by 6. 
 
 This Letter is from J. Pastoii to liis brother Sir John; it lias no subscribing 
 name, as the paper appears to iiave been shortened at the bottom, by which 
 means some of tlie writing may have been cut off. It begins diiVerently from 
 most of the letters, as it enters upon the subject at once. The contents are 
 not very interesting; but as it contained advice respecting Caisler, I have 
 given it. 
 
 Seal, a Fleur-de-lis and amiulet. PI. xiv. No. 22.
 
 EDWARD IV. 43 
 
 may have the Sacrament in her chapel : I got a hcense of 
 him for a year, and it is nigh worn out ; ye may get it for 
 the Bishop's Ufe, an ye will. 
 
 As for the letters that Slyfield should get new of the 
 King, which ye should bring to my Lord of Norfolk. It is 
 mine advice that ye shall come home yourself as hastily as 
 ye may, so that ye may be at the christening of the child 
 that my Lady is with : it shall cause you great thank, and a 
 great furtherance in your matter ; and as for the letters, 
 leave a man of yours to await on Slyfield, to bring them 
 after you: of which letters I advise you to have one directed 
 from the King to you, commanding you to be the mes- 
 senger and bringer of the other letters to my Lord, my 
 Lady, and their counsel for your own matter ; and this 
 methinketh shall do well, for then shall the man show to 
 my Lord's counsel the letter directed to you, that ye have 
 authority to be your own solicitor, and also it shall be 
 thought that the King tendereth you and your matter, 
 when he writeth to yourself for it. 
 
 My lady waiteth her time within eight days at the 
 farthest. 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 November, 1472. 
 12 E. IV. 
 
 G 2
 
 44 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER IX. 
 
 To the right hyghe and 
 myghty prince and my 
 right good and gracious 
 lord my lord the dwke of 
 NorJ\ 
 
 Mekly besechyth your hyghness your poore aud trew 
 contynuall seru'nt and oratour John Paston the yonger 
 that it myght please your good grace to call on to your 
 most discret and notabyll remembrance that lateward at the 
 cost and charge of my brodyr John Paston Knyght whyche 
 most entendith to do that myght please your hyghness 
 The ryght nobyll lord the bysshop of Wynchest' entretyd 
 so and compouned w' your lordshcpp that it lickyd the 
 same to be so good and gracyous lord to my seyd brodyr 
 that by forsse of serteyn dedys relessys and lettrys of 
 Attorney selyd w' the sealys of yo' good grace and of 
 other serteyn p'sonys Jnfcoffyd to your use in the maner of 
 Cast' late John Fastolfs knyght in the Conte of Norff. my 
 seyd l)ro(lyr and J w' other enfeoffyd to my seyd brodyrs 
 use in the seyd maner wer peasably possessyd of and in the 
 same tyll syche tyme as serteyn p'sonys seru'nts on to your 
 good grace entred in to the seyd maner and therof have 
 takyii tlic Jssuses and p'fitys in the name of your seyd 
 hyghnesse by the sjiace of thre yer and more to the gret 
 hurt of my seyd brodyr And me yoiu* seyd seru'nt and 
 oratour Whcrfor as J have oft tymys bcfor thys I beseche
 
 EDWARD IV. 
 
 LETTER IX. 
 
 To the ?nost high and mighiij Prince, and nnj right good and 
 gracious Lord, my Lord the Duke of Norfolk. 
 
 Meekly beseecheth your poor and true continual servant 
 and orator, John Paston the younger, that it might please 
 your good Grace to call unto your most discreet and 
 notable remembrance, that latevvard, at the costs and charge 
 of my brother, John Paston, knight, which most intendeth 
 to do that might please your Highness, the right noble 
 Lord the Bishop of Winchester entreated so, and com- 
 pounded with your Lordship, that it liked the same to be 
 so good and gracious Lord to my said brother, that by 
 force of certain deeds, releases, and letters of attorney, 
 sealed with the seals of your good Grace, and of other 
 certain persons, infeoffed to your use in the manor of 
 Caister, late John Fastolf's, knight, in the county of 
 Norfolk, my said brother and I, with others infeoffed to 
 my said brother's use, in the said manor, were peaceably 
 possessed of, and in the same, till such time as certain 
 persons, servants unto your good Grace, entered into the 
 said manor, and thereof have taken the issues and profits 
 in the name of your said Highness, by the space of three 
 years and more, to the great hurt of my said brother, and 
 me your said servant and orator; wherefore, as I have oft- 
 times before this, I beseech your good Grace, at the 
 reverence of God, and in the way of charity, that my said 
 brother may by your Highness be again restored into the
 
 46 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 yoiir good grace at the reu'ence of god and in the wey of 
 charyte that my seyd brodyr may by your hyghness be 
 ayen restoryd in to the possessyon of the seyd maner 
 acordy"g to the lawe and good conscyence And we shall 
 prey to god for the p'seruacyon of your most nobyll 
 estate. 
 
 lU by 6 
 
 Paper mark, 
 A Mermaid, or Figure riding 
 on a Fish. 
 PI. xxxii. No. 2. 
 
 This petition must have been presented about the latter end of 1472, as the 
 Duke liad been in possession of Caister from September 1469, and the peti- 
 tion sets fortli that he liad now received the issues and profits for three years 
 and more. 
 
 LETTER X. 
 
 To mtj Musi' S' John 
 Pnsto7i Knijght be tliys 
 delyucrd in hast. 
 
 As I was wryghty'g y'' bylle Mastresse Jane Harsset 
 Comandyd me streyghtly that I shold recomend hyr to 
 yow in hyr best wyse and she sendyth yow word she wold 
 be as fayne to here fro yow as an other pore body. 
 
 Syr it is so that my Cossyn John 'Bleuerhasset is 
 onforinyd that for verry scrteyn ho is chosyn to be on of
 
 EDWARD IV. 47 
 
 possession of the said manor, according to the law and 
 good conscience ; and we shall pray to God for the pre- 
 servation of your most noble estate. 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 Perhaps some readers may think that several of the Letters respecting 
 Caister might have been omitted : I wish such to consider that the various 
 contests for this manor, arising from its possession by will, by purchase, by 
 arms, by treaty, and by petition, show in one instance what were the several 
 modes of obtaining the object in pursuit, in each similar case throughout the 
 kingdom. In this view, every letter, which tiirows new light on these several 
 methods of proceeding, has its value, and will add to our knowledge of the 
 political or legal process used on each occasion. 
 
 On the back of the original is written, in an ancient hand, " A L"re made 
 by John Paston the younger in the behalf of John Paston his brother to the 
 Duk of NorfF. for restitution to be made to hym of hys manor of Caistr." 
 
 LETTER X. 
 
 To my Master Sir John Paston, Knight, he this delivered 
 
 in haste. 
 
 As I was writing this bill, Mistress Jane Harsset command- 
 ed me straitly that I should recommend her to you in her 
 best wise, and she sendeth you word she would be as fain 
 [g/arf] to hear from you as another poor body. 
 
 Sir, it is so that my cousin John 'Bleverhessat is informed 
 that for very certain he is chosen to be one of the Collectors
 
 48 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 the colectours of the Taske in NorfF. wher in v'ry trowthe 
 he hathe not afoot of lond w'in the shyer wheifor I 
 beseche you that as hastyly as ye may aftyr y*" syght of thys 
 bylle y' it may please yow to take the labore to comon w' 
 S' Ryclierd Harrecorte and to let liym haue knowlage y' thys 
 gentyllman hathe nowght w' in the Shyer And y' ye tweyne 
 may fynd the meane to get hym owght of y' thanklesse 
 ofFyce for I promyse yow it encomberthe hym euyll and my 
 Mastresse hys wyiFe and alle us hys frendys here And if 
 so be y' ye and S' R. Harcorte may not fynd the meane 
 betwyx yow that then it may please yow to meve my lord 
 Chamberleyn w' thys mater And so prayithe yow Mast' 
 Harsset and Mastresse Jane hys wyfF also for she lycky th 
 no thyng by the ofyce It is thowght her ainonge us y' 
 Haydons be y*" causers y' he was set in J prey you enqwer 
 of S' R. Harcort who was the cause and y' it may be wyst 
 in y" next byll y' ye send me for if they wer the causers it 
 lythe in my Cosyn Harsett's pewer to cjwyte theym we have 
 no tydy"gs to send but y' our 'Frenshemen whyche kepte 
 our Costs her ar home into France for lake of vytayll we 
 saye. ^Hogan is })ut in y' gyklhalle in Norwyche and shal 
 be browght up to london for reporty'g of hys old talys he 
 vai-ythe not no more but I ])rey god send yow the holy gost 
 amonge yow in the p'lcnicnt howse and rather y' devyll we 
 sey then ye shold gate eny more taskys Wretyn y" day next 
 aftyr ou' lady day the Annoncyacyon A" xiij E iiij" yong 
 Heydon laborythe all y' he can to ma'y hys doughter to 
 yonge Mohn Berney by y' mean of W. Calthorp. 
 
 J. P. 
 
 I 1 l).v 4,1 .
 
 EDWARD IV. 49 
 
 of the Task in Norfolk, whereas in very truth he hath not a 
 foot of land within the shire : wherefore I beseech you, that 
 as hastily as ye may, after the sight of this bill, that it may 
 please you to take the labour to commune with Sir Richard 
 Harcourt, and to let him have knowledge that this gentle- 
 man hath nought within the shire ; and that ye twain may 
 find the mean to get him out of that thankless office, for I 
 promise you it encumbereth him evil, and my mistress his 
 wife, and all us his friends here ; and if so be that ye and 
 Sir Richard Harcovxrt may not find the mean betwixt you, 
 that then it may please you to move my Lord Chamberlain 
 with this matter, and so Master Harsset prayeth you, 
 and Mistress Jane his wife also, for she liketh nothing by 
 the office. 
 
 Item, it is thought here among us, that Heydons be the 
 causers that he was set in : I pray you enquire of Sir 
 Richard Harcourt who was the cause, and that it may be 
 wist [knownl in the next bill that ye send me: for if they 
 were the causers, it lieth in my cousin Harssett's power to 
 quit [ie even wit/t^ them. 
 
 We have no tidings to send, but that our ^Frenchmen, 
 which kept our coasts here, are home into France, for lack 
 of victuals, we say. 
 
 'Hogan is put into the Guildhall in Norwich, and shall 
 be brought up to London for reporting of his old tales ; he 
 varyeth not. No more ; but I pray God send you the 
 Holy Ghost among you in the Parliament house, and rather 
 the devil, we say, than ye should grant any more tasks. 
 Written the day next after Our Lady day the Annuncia- 
 tion, the 13th of Edward IV. 
 
 VOL. V. H
 
 50 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 On the back of this letter a memoraudum is made of the day on which it 
 was received, in these words, " xxviij" die Marcij A", xiij". E iiij'"-" 
 
 The first sentence likewise was added after the letter was written. 
 
 I have inserted this letter not only to show how disagreeable the Tasks or 
 Subsidies, granted by Parliament, were to the people, but likewise to show 
 how difficult it was to get any one willing to collect them, though most pro- 
 bably a salary was annexed to that office. 
 
 ' John Blennerhasset, Bleverhasset, and (for shortness) often called 
 Harsset, of Frens, married, 1st. Jane, daughter of Thomas Higham, Esq. ; 
 and 2dly, Jane, daughter of Sir Thomas Tindal, of Hockwold, Kt. He 
 died in 1510, aged 87. 
 
 LETTER XI. 
 
 To John Past on esqer 
 
 Best belovyd brother I recomend me unto you, letyng yow 
 weet y' as for tydynges heer the Kynge rydeth fresselye 
 thys daye to Northamton warde ther to be thys est'ne and 
 after est'ne he p'j)osythe to be moche at leysettr and in 
 leysettr shyr eu"y man seythe y* we shall have a doo or 
 maye passe Hogan the prophet is in the Tower he wolde 
 fajiie speke w' y' Kyng but the Kynge seythe he shall not 
 avauht y' euyr he sjiake w' hym It'm as for me J most nedys 
 to Caleyse warde to morowe I shall be heer ageyn if I maye 
 thys next terme John Myry(^ll Thyrston and W. Woode be 
 goon from me I shi-ewe them My modre dothe me moor 
 harme than good T weiide she wolde have doon for me 
 playter wroot to me y' sshe wolde have leyde owt for me
 
 EDWARD IV. 51 
 
 Young Heydon laboureth all that he can to marry one 
 of his daughters to young *John Berney by the mean o£ 
 W. Calthorpe. 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 Friday, 26th March, 
 1473. 13 E. IV. 
 
 * These were probably some French vessels that infested the coast. 
 ' Hogan pretended to foretell commotions and rebellions, &c. 
 
 * This marriage never took eflfect. 
 Autograph, PI. xsv. No. 21. 
 
 LETTER XI. 
 
 To John Paston, Esq. 
 
 Best beloved brother, I recommend me unto you, letting 
 you weet that as for tidings here, the King rideth fresselye 
 \_briskly^ this day to Northamptonward, there to be this 
 Easter ; and after Easter he purposeth to be much at 
 Leicester, and in Leicestershire. Every man saith that we 
 shall have ado [a tumult^ ere May pass : Hogan the prophet 
 is in the Tower, he would fain speak with the King, but the 
 King saith he shall not avaunt [boast^ that ever he spake 
 with him. 
 
 Item, as for me I must need to Calais ward to-morrow : 
 I shall be here again, if I may, this next term. John Myryel, 
 Thyrston, and W. Wood be gone from me, beshrew them ! 
 
 h2
 
 52 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 C li and receyvyd it ageyn in v yer of the man' of Sporle 
 wherto I trustyd whyche if she had pTormyd I had nott ben 
 in no lop'te of the man' of Sporle Neu'thelesse I shall do 
 whatt J kan yitt I pray yow calle uppon hyr for the same 
 remembre hyr of that promyse It'm J preye yow remembre 
 hyr for my fadrys tombe at bromholme she dothe ryght nott 
 J am afferde of hyr y' she shall nott doo weell bedyngfelde 
 shall mary S' lohn Skotts doghtr as I suppose It'm lanor 
 lovedaye shall be weddyd to on denyse a ifuattyd gentylman 
 w' S' G. brown nowther to weell ner to ylle It'm as for me if 
 I had haddy' vj dayes leyser mor than I hadd and other also 
 I wolde haue hopyd to haue ben delyu'yd of Mestresse 
 Anne Haidt hyr Frends the quyen and AttclifF agreyd to 
 comon and conclude w' me if I can fynde the means to 
 dyscharge hyr concyence m hyche I trust to god to doo. 
 
 No mor to yow but wretyn at london the xij daye of 
 Apryll A" E iiij" xiij" 
 
 11^ by 8|. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 Vine branch, 
 
 and Hunch of Grapes. 
 
 PI. X. No. 2. 
 
 This letter shows the state was far from quiet ; tumults were feared, perhapii 
 from the disputes between the Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester, who had 
 been for some tiuie at variance on the latter's marriage with Ann, the Duchess 
 of Clarence's sister. 
 
 The King's answer to Hogan's petition seems dictated by propriety and 
 good sense. 
 
 Sir I'-dmund Bcdingfield, of Oxborough, Knt. married Alargaret, daughter 
 of Sir, lohn Scott, Marshal of Calais.
 
 EDWARD IV. 63 
 
 My mother doth me more harm than good ; I wend 
 Ithoughtl she would have done for me : Playters wrote to 
 me that she would have laid out for me an 100/. and received 
 it again in five years off the manor of Sporle, whereto I 
 trusted ; if she had performed, 1 had not been in no jeopardy 
 of the manor of Sporle, nevertheless I shall do what I can 
 yet : I pray you call upon her for the same, remember her 
 of that promise. 
 
 Item, I pray you remember her of my father's tomb at 
 Bromholm, she doth right nought ; I am afraid of her, that 
 she shall not do well. Bedingfeld shall marry Sir John 
 Scot's daughter, as I suppose. Item, Janor Loveday shall 
 be wedded to one Dennis, a ffliatted gentleman, with Sir 
 George Browne, neither too well nor too ill. 
 
 Item, as for me, if I had had six days leisure more than I 
 had, and other also, I would have hoped to have been deli- 
 vered of Mistress Ann Hault, her friends, the Queen and 
 Attcliif agreed to commune and conclude with me, if I can 
 find the means to discharge her conscience, which I trust to 
 God to do. 
 
 No more to yovi, but written at London, the 12th day of 
 April, in the 13th year of Edward IV. 
 
 John Paston, Kt. 
 
 London. 
 Monday, 12th April, 
 1473. 13E. iv. 
 
 The nature of the connexion between Sir John Paston and Mistress Ann 
 Hault, so often mentioned in these Letters, is very difficult to ascertain : from 
 tlie Queen's interference, she could never have been his mistress. 
 
 Q. ? the meaning of the word ffuatted ?
 
 54 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XII. 
 
 To John Paston 
 Esquyer be thys d''d 
 
 Ryght Wyrshypfull and hertyly belovyd brother I comand 
 me to you letyng you Avet y' I receyuyd a lett' that com 
 from yow wretyn circa viij Mychalys wherin ye leet me weet 
 of y"" decesse of S' Jam' and y' my moocb-e is in p'pose to be 
 at Norwyche and I am ryght glad y' sche vvyll now doo 
 somwhat by your advyce Wherfor be war fro hense forthe 
 y' noo suche felawe crepe in be tvvyen hyr and yow and if 
 ye lyst to take a lytell labo' ye may lyfF ryght well and slie 
 pleasyd it is as good that ye ryde w' a cople of horse at 
 hyr cost as syr Jam' or Richard Calle ye sende me worde 
 also y' she in noo wyse wyll p'ueye thyr c li For y" redemyng 
 of Sporle late it goo as towchyng that mat' lohn Osbern 
 toide me that he comonyd w' yow at Sporle of that 
 mat' Ferr he devysed y' Kokett or suche an other man 
 sholde to have it the bett' cheppe leye owt the valewe of 
 vj yer For to have it vij yer vvlierto I wolde agr and for 
 goddys sake if thatt maye be browt abowt late it be doon as 
 ye woot of it is laten For xxij li by yer yit y' Fermor graunt 
 but xxj but to Koket it wolde be worthe xxv // yea and bett' 
 
 Neu'thelesse if Koket wyll delyu' vj // J wolde he had it for 
 vij yeer w' thys that my moodr be agreble to y'' same by 
 cawse of thentresse that she hathe for my brother Will'm 
 whyche shall nott be of Age thys vij yeer Neu'thelesse as ye 
 know myn olde entent I j)'pose to p'vey for hym in an other 
 ])lase bett' thatt theer whyche graiuite of my moodre 1 praye
 
 EDWARD IV. 55 
 
 LETTER XII. 
 
 To John Past on, Esq. he this delivered. 
 
 Right worshipfLil and heartily beloved brother, I commend 
 me to you, letting you weet that I received a letter that 
 came from you, written circa viii Michaelis [6 October^, 
 wherein ye let me weet of the decease of Sir James [Glois^, 
 and that my mother is in purpose to be at Norwich, and I 
 am right glad that she will now do somewhat by your advice, 
 wherefore beware from henceforth that no such fellow creep 
 in between her and you ; and if ye list to take a little labour, 
 ye may live right well, if she pleased : it is as good that ye 
 ride with a couple of horses at her cost, as Sir James or 
 Richard Calle. Ye send me word also, that she in no wise 
 will purvey the 100/. for the redeeming of Sporle ; let it go : 
 as touching that matter, John Osbern told me that he 
 communed with you at Sporle of that matter ; farther, he 
 devised that Cocket, or such another man should, to have it 
 the better cheap, lay out the value of six years for to have it 
 seven years, whereto I would agree ; and for God's sake, if 
 that may be brought about, let it be done : as ye wot of, it 
 is let for 221. by the year, yet the farmer grant but 21/. ; but 
 to Cocket it would be worth 25/. ; yea, and better : neverthe- 
 less, if Cocket will deliver six score pounds, I would he had 
 it for seven years, with this, that my mother be agreeable to 
 the same, because of the interest that she hath for my 
 brother William, which shall not be of age this seven years ; 
 nevertheless, as ye know my old intent, I purpose to purvey
 
 56 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 yow to be my solycytor in whyche and it be browt abowt 
 Sporle shall be in as goode case as euyi' he was. lohn 
 Osbern willyd me to make yow a sufficiaunt waravmt to selle 
 and felle wood at Sporle whyche I remembr ye have in as 
 ample Forme as can be Neu'^thelesse if thys meane above 
 wretyn of letyng to Ferme maye be hadde it shall I hope nat 
 nede to felle ner selle moche but I remytt that geer to yowr 
 dyscrescon but if ye have suche comforte I praye yow sende 
 me worde I maye seye to yow John Osbern ilateryd me for 
 he wolde have borowyd mony of me It'm jn retaylyng of 
 woode theer it weer harde to trist hym he is nedye if 
 Kokett or whoo so euyr had that man"^ to ferme for vij yer 
 
 XX 
 
 and payd therfor but vj li he sholde to lete it ageyn wynne 
 xxxvj U whyche be moche wherfor if itt myght bee y' wer 
 
 XX 
 
 more resenable vj vij li to be reseyvyd and yit is ther lost 
 xxix li or ellys if ye take lesse mony and fewer yerys so it be 
 aftr the Rate so ther be p'ueyd C li at y" lest send worde 
 It'm ye wroot y' lyke a trewe man ye sende me xviij' by 
 Rycharde Radle ye weer to trewe but he semys to be a false 
 shrewe For he browt me noon yitt whethyr he be owt of 
 town or nott kan J nott seye. 
 
 Ye prayed me also to sende yow tydyngs how I s])edde in 
 my mat'ir and in cheff of Mestresse Anne Hault J have 
 Answer ageyn froo Roome that ther is the welle of grace 
 and salve sufficiaunt for suche a soor and that J may be 
 dyspencyd w' Neu'thelcsse my ])roctor ther axlth a m' 
 'docatys as he demythc I)ut Mast' Lacy another Rome rcnner 
 heer whyche knowytli my seydc proctor theer as he scythe 
 as weell as bernard knewe hys sheeld scythe y' he menyth 
 but an C docats or CC at y' most wherfor aflr thys ('omythe
 
 EDWARD IV. 57 
 
 lor him in another place better than there; of which grant of 
 my mother, I pray you to be my solicitor ; in which, and 
 [(/"] it be brought about, Sporle shall be in as good case as 
 ever he was, 
 
 John Osbern willed me to make you a sufficient warrant 
 to sell and fell wood at Sporle, which I remember ye have in 
 as ample form as can be : nevertheless, if this mean above 
 written, of letting to farm, may be had, it shall, I hope, not 
 need to fell nor sell much ; but I remit that geer to your 
 discretion : but if ye have such comfort, I pray you send 
 me word. 
 
 I may say to you John Osbern flattered me, for he would 
 have borrowed money of me. Item, in retailing of wood 
 there, it were hard to trust him ; he is needy. If Cocket, or 
 whosoever had that manor to farm for seven years, and paid 
 therefore but six score pounds, he should, to let it again, 
 win 36/. which be much ; wherefore if it might be, it were 
 more reasonable six score and seven pounds to be received, 
 and yet is there lost 29/. or else if ye take less money and 
 fewer years, so it be after the rate, so there be paid 100/. at 
 tlie least, send word. 
 
 Item, ye wrote that like a true man ye sent me 18s. by 
 Richard Raddle ; ye were too true : but he seems to be a 
 false shrew, for he brought me none yet ; whether he be out 
 of town or not can I not say. Ye prayed me also to send 
 you tidings how I sped in my matters, and in chief of 
 Mistress Ann Hault : I have answer again from Rome, that 
 there is the Well of Grace and salve sufficient for such a 
 sore, and that I may be dispensed with : nevertheless my 
 Proctor there asketh a 1000 'ducats, as he deemeth; but 
 Master Lacey, another Rome Renner IRimner^ here, which 
 knoweth my said Proctor there, as he saith, as well as 
 
 VOL. V. I
 
 58 P ASTON LETTERS. 
 
 moor he wrote to me Also q' papa hoc facit hodiernis diebus 
 multociens. 
 
 It'm as towchyng Castr I tryst to god y' ye shall be m it 
 to myn use or Crystmesse be past. 
 
 It'm yowr ost brygh'm recomand hym to yow and when 
 he and I Rekenyd I gave hym ij Noblis For yowr borde 
 whyll ye weer theer in hys absence but in Feythe he wolde 
 For nowth y' I kowde doo take j''. Wherfor ye most thanke 
 hym or charge me to thanke hym on yowr behalve in som 
 nexte epystyll y' ye wryght to me to Caleys he leete me 
 weet y" he wolde do moor for yow than soo. 
 
 It'm my lady bowgcher was almost deed but she ys 
 Amendyd I trowe they Com in to Norff. 
 
 It'm as for W Berker J heer no worde from hym I 
 praye you Comon w' Berney ther in he knoweth myn 
 Conceyt and also J praye yow hast Berney ageyn J wold 
 not y' he played the feoU ner wastyd hys tyme ner hys sylu' 
 
 It'm as for the brace of growndes or on verry goode or 
 in especiall y" blak of germyn J can nott seye but ye be a 
 trewe man but Will'm Mylsent isse a false shrewe So mote I 
 thee and I trow hys Mast' y too. 
 
 It'm I most have myn Jnstruments hydd' whyche are 
 in the chyst in my chambre at Norwyche whyche I praye 
 yow and berney to gedre Joyntly but natt seu'ally to trusse 
 in a pedde and sende them me hyddr in hast and a byll ther 
 in how many pecs thys most be had to avoyde Jdclnesse at 
 Caleys. 
 
 It'm I preye yow take heed among thatt my stufFe take 
 noon harme ner that myn evydence wher ye wott of be owt 
 of lo])'tc. 
 
 It'm J praye yow doo for Borncyc as yc kan so y' he 
 niaye be in sewerte for hys Anny wyte and that it be nott
 
 EDWARD IV. 59 
 
 Bernard knew his shield, saith that he meaneth but an 100 
 ducats, or 200 at the most ; wherefore after this cometh 
 more : he wrote to me also, Quod Papa hoc facit hodiernis 
 diebus multociens. 
 
 Item, as touching Caister, I trust to God that ye shall be 
 in it to mine use, ere Christmas be past. 
 
 Item, your host Brigham recommends him to you, and 
 when he and I reckoned, I gave him two nobles for your 
 board, while ye were there in his absence; but in faith he 
 would, for nought that I could do, take a penny ; wherefore 
 ye must thank him, or charge me to thank him on your 
 behalf, in some next epistle that ye write to me to Calais : 
 he let me weet that he would do more for you than so. 
 
 Item, my Lady Bourchier was almost dead, but she is 
 amended : I trow they come into Norfolk. 
 
 Item, as for W. Barker, I hear no woid from him: I pray 
 you commune with Berney therein, he knoweth my conceit ; 
 and also I pray you hasten Berney again, I would not he 
 played the fool, nor wasted his time nor his silver. 
 
 Item, as for the brace of growndes [^grei/homids\ or one 
 very good, or an especial the black of Germyns; I cannot 
 say but ye be a true man, but William Mylsent is a false 
 shrew [^knave], so mote I thee \_thrlve\ and I trow his master 
 is too. 
 
 Item, I must have my instruments hither, which are in 
 the chest in my chamber at Norwich, which I pray you and 
 Berney, together jointly, but not severally, to truss in a ped, 
 and send them me hither in haste, and a bill therein how 
 many pieces: this must be had, to avoid idleness at Calais. 
 
 Item, I pray you take heed among, that my stuff take 
 none harm, now that mine evidence, where ye wot of, be out 
 of jeopardy. 
 
 I 2
 
 60 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 cost' fro hense forthe to hym any mor to come or sende for it 
 I pray you wynne yowr sporys in hys mat'. 
 
 It'm I p'posed to have sent heer \v' the testament of my 
 fadyr and the scytacons to my Moodr to yow and Arblast' 
 but they be nott Redy w*in ij dayes aftyr the comyng of thys 
 I suppose they shall be w' yow and than I shall wryght mor 
 to yow. 
 
 As for other tydyngs I trust to God thatt the ij dukes of 
 Clarans and Glowcest' shall be sette att on by the Adward of 
 the Kyng. 
 
 Jt'm I hope by the means of y'^ Duke of Gloucest' y' my 
 lord ^Archebyshop shall com hom. 
 
 It'm as towchyng my sustr 'Anne I undrestand she hathe 
 ben passyng seek but I wende y' she had ben weddyd as for 
 Yelu'ton he seyde but late y' he wold have hyr if she had hyr 
 mony And ellis nott Wherfor me thynkyth that they be nott 
 verry sewr but amonge all other thyngs I pray yow be war y' 
 y'' olde love of Pampyng renewe natt he is nowe fro me J 
 wott nat what he woll doo No mor Wretyn at london the 
 xxij daye of Novembr A" RR E iiij" xiij". 
 
 *JoHN Paston, Kt. 
 
 1 H bv 17. A whole sheet. 
 Paper Mark, 
 Wheels, &.c. 
 Pi. X. No. 9. 
 
 Tlii.s long letter contains a variety of matter, and some curious information 
 relative to the terms on which manors and estates were let to farm. The \y.\i- 
 ticulars relative in ilu- Court of Rome are interesting, and in sonu^ degree 
 laughai)!*' ; but wv. arc not <icar]y informed of tiie nature of tlie business be- 
 tween Mistress Ann llaull and Sir Jolin. Tiu; slightest intimation of any 
 transactions, wherein the Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester were parties, de- 
 iiKind iittcntioii, as iM<ist matters in wliiili they were coneerned reniaiu at this 
 <la\ in\ stci lous and obscure.
 
 EDWARD IV. 61 
 
 Item, I pray you do for Berney as ye can, so that he may 
 be in surety for his annuity, and that it be not costious 
 [expeiisive] from hence forth to him any more, to come, or 
 send for it. I pray you win your spurs in his matter. 
 
 Item, I proposed to have sent herewith the Testament 
 of my father, and the citation to my mother, to you, and 
 Arblaster ; but they be not ready : within two days after tlie 
 coming of this I suppose they shall be with you, and then I 
 shall write more to you. As for other tidings, I trust to 
 God that the two Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester shall 
 be set at one by the award of the King. 
 
 Item, I hope by the means of the Duke of Gloucester, 
 that my Lord 'Archbishop shall come home. 
 
 Item, as touching my sister 'Ann, I understand she hath 
 been passing sick ; but I wend that she had been wedded : as 
 for Yelverton, he said but late, that he would have her if 
 she had her money, and else not; wherefore methinketh that 
 they be not very sure: but, among all other things, I pray 
 you beware that the old love of Pampying renew not ; he is 
 now from me : I wot not what he will do. 
 
 No more. Written at London the 22d day of November, 
 the 13th year of Edward IV. 
 
 *JoHN Paston, Knt. 
 
 London, 
 
 Monday, 22d November, 
 
 1473. 13 E. iv. 
 
 ' The value of these ducats cannot be readily ascertained. 
 
 » George Neville, Archbishop of York, though formerly pardoned, had 
 been accused of holding correspondence with the Earl of Oxford, for which lie 
 was imprisoned at Guines. 
 
 * Anne Paston married William Yelverton, grandson of Sir William Yel- 
 verton the Judge. 
 
 * Autograph, PI. iv. No. 9.
 
 62 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XIII. 
 
 To John Past on Esq'er 
 
 Ryght wyrshippfull and well belovyd brother I recomaimd 
 me to yow letyng yow weet y' J sende yow her w' j sitacon 
 wher in ben my moodre and yee wherof I praye yow y' I 
 maye have hasty Answeer the efFecte therof is no moor but 
 ye bothe most sende answer and make yow a proctor heer 
 and that most Come hyddi- ondre a Notaryes syngne 
 affermyng that ye make suche a man Mast' John Halsnothe 
 or cllis yf ye will do y*" Cost to sende som other hyddr yowr 
 jiroctor to take Admynyst'con or to refuse and what so he 
 do the ye to holde it for ferme and stable than most my 
 moodr and ye wryght a lettre vndre my moodr seall and 
 yowr syngne Manuell to me and Mast' John Halsnothe Jn 
 thys forme (wc gret you well letyng you weet y' we have 
 made yow Mast' John Halsnothe our proctor in the testament 
 of John Paston husband andfadre to yow wherin we wyll y' 
 on owr behalf ye refuse the Admynest'con of the seyde testa- 
 ment and thys Wryghtyng is to yow warantt and dyscharge 
 and also the verry wyll of vsse ) thys most we have for owr 
 dyscharge. 
 
 It'm I pray yow take good hedde to my sost' 'Anne lesse 
 the olde love atwyen hyr and Pampy"g renewe It'm I pray 
 yow sende me worde howe my Moodr is dysposyd to hyr 
 wards and iffe so weer that a good maryage myght be had 
 what she wolde dep't w'. 
 
 It'm I j)raye yow y' ye r'membr hyr ibr the Tombe of my
 
 EDWARD IV. 63 
 
 LETTER XIII. 
 
 To John Past 071, Esq. 
 
 Right worshipful and well-beloved brother, 1 recommend 
 me to you, letting you weet that I send you herewith one 
 citation, wherein be my mother and ye, whereof I pray you 
 that I may have hasty answer; the effect thereof is no more, 
 but ye both must send answer, and make you a Proctor here; 
 and that must come hither under a Notary's sign, affirming 
 that ye make such a man, Master John Halsnothe, or else, 
 if ye will do the cost, to send some other hither; your Proc- 
 tor to take administration, or to refuse; and what so he doth, 
 ye to hold it for firm and stable: then must my mother and 
 ye write a letter, under my mother's seal and your sig)) 
 manual, to me and Master John Halsnothe, in this form, 
 
 "We greet you well, letting you weet that Ave liave 
 " made you, Master John Halsnothe, ovu* Proctor, in the 
 " Testament of John Paston, husband and father to you [us, 
 " it should be], wherein we will that on our behalf ye refuse the 
 " administration of the said Testament, and this writing is to 
 " you warrant and discharge, and also the very will of us. " 
 
 This must we have for ovu- discharge. 
 
 Item, I pray you take good heed to my sister 'Anne, lest 
 the old love atween her and Pamping renew. 
 
 Item, I pray you send me word how my mother is 
 disposed to her wards ; and, if so were that a good marriage 
 might be had, what she would depart with.
 
 64 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 tadr at Bromholme and also the chapell at Mavteby and 
 sende me worde how she is dysposyd her in. 
 
 It'm if I have Cast' ageyn whethyr she wolle dwelle ther 
 or nott and I wyll fynde hyr a prest towards at my charge 
 and geve hyr the dovehowse and other Coniodites ther and 
 if any hossekep' on myn lye ther J wolle paye for hys borde 
 Also as weell as for the prests. 
 
 It'm if my modr sholde have a new prest I thynk y* my 
 brother S' J goos weer a metly man to be ther he wolde also 
 doo as ye wolde have hym nowe ber the "^cuppe durn", as 
 what calle ye hym seyde to Aslake. be war of myners fro 
 hense forthe and sende me worde how ye trist Doctor 
 Pykenh'm I wolde if he wolde doo owght for my Moodr 
 that he hastyd the soner to paye me the C H so y' I myght 
 ])ledge owt Sporle. 
 
 It'm as for other tydyng the Erie of 'Oxcnforthe is stille 
 besegyd Neu'thelesse onys he issued owt and toke a Jentyl- 
 man and haue hym w'in but now of late he was besye and 
 on espyed hym and shott at hym and strake in the verry 
 fase w'' an Arowe J sye thys daye y' same man and theere I 
 leef hym if Arblast' come to yow ye maye see hys lett' sente 
 to hym by me wherin J have wretyn y' he scholde take 
 yowr advyc but I praye you above all thyngs that me make 
 hast so y' I heer from you ageyn by thys day vij nyght at 
 london the xxv daye of Novembr 
 
 ^Joiix Past' K 
 
 I \\ hy lOj. 
 
 I'll))! r .M;ii k, 
 
 Wheels, &c. 
 
 PI. N. No. <).
 
 EDWARD IV. 65 
 
 Item, I pray you that ye remember her for the tomb of my 
 father at Bromhohn, and also the chapel at Mauteby ; and 
 send me word how she is disposed herein. 
 
 Item, if I have Caister again, whether she will dwell there 
 or not, and I will find her a priest towards at my charge, and 
 give her the dove-house, and other commodities there ; and 
 if any horsekeeper of mine lie there, I will pay for his board 
 also, as well as for the priest's. 
 
 Item, if my mother should have a new priest, I think that 
 my brother Sir J. Goos were a meetly man to be there; he 
 would also do as ye would have him, "now bear the 'cup 
 dUiMi," as what call ye him said to Aslake. 
 
 Beware of miners from henceforth, and send me word how 
 ye trust Doctor Pykenham : I would, if he would do ought 
 for my mother, that he hasted the sooner to pay me the 100/. 
 so that I might pledge out Sporle. 
 
 Item, as for other tidings, the Earl of 'Oxford is still be- 
 sieged; nevertheless once he issued out, and took a gentle- 
 man, and has him within : but now of late he was busy, and 
 one espied him, and shot at him, and struck him in the very 
 face with an arrow. I saw this day the same man, and there 
 I lea;ve him. 
 
 If Arblaster come to you, ye may see his letter sent to 
 him by me, wherein I have written that he should take your 
 advice ; but I pray you, above all things, that me [?/e] make 
 haste, so that I hear from you again by this day sev'night. 
 At London, the 25th day of November. 
 
 *JoHN Paston, Knight. 
 
 Loudon, 
 
 Thursday, 25th Noveujber, 
 
 1473. 13E. iv. 
 
 VOL. V. K
 
 66 P ASTON LETTERS. 
 
 From the process relative to John Paston's will, it should seem as if this 
 letter had been written soon after his death in November 1466; but from the 
 mention of tlie Earl of Oxford being besieged, it could not have been written 
 before 14-73, when he was besieged in St. Michael's Mount, in Cornwall : the 
 preceding Letter likewise fixes it to 1473. 
 
 Sir John's mentioning his repossessing Caister also carries the date to 1473. 
 See Letter LIX. vol. ii. pp. 156 and 157. 
 
 ' Anne Paston afterwards married William Yelverton of Rougham, Esq. 
 grandson of Sir William Yelverton the Judge. She died about 1500, leaving 
 no issue. 
 
 " This refers to some well known saying, implying submission and docility, 
 at this time ; but the word after cup is unintelligible. 
 
 * John Earl of Oxford, after the beheading of his father and brother in 146 1, 
 
 LETTER XIV. 
 
 To S' John Paston 
 
 Knyght or to hya bj-odyr 
 Edmund in hys Absence 
 lodgyd at the George by 
 Powlys wharf in london 
 
 Ryght Worchepfiill S' J recomand me to yow preyrg yow 
 to reme'byr or ^e depert ought of london to spek w' Herry 
 Ebertonys wyf draper and to enforme hyr tliat I am profyrd 
 a maryage in lo.idon wliyclie is worth vj' Mark and bettyr 
 vv' whom 1 ])reyid yow to Comone in as myche as I myght 
 not tery in U)ndon myself alweys reseniy'g that if so be that 
 mastresse Eberton wyll dele w' me that ye shold not Con- 
 clud in the other place thow so wer that Eberton w old not
 
 EDWARD IV. 67 
 
 suffered many and great hardships for his loyalty to the House of Lancaster. 
 He was an active assistant in replacing Henry VI. on the throne in 1470; 
 but after the restoration of Edward IV. fled, and by surprize took St. Michael's 
 Mount, in Cornwall, where he was besieged, and his men being induced to 
 submit, he surrendered, and was committed prisoner to the Castle of Hommes, 
 in Picardy, where he remained a prisoner many years (see Letter LXXXV. 
 vol. ii. pp. 274 and 275). He escaped from that fortress in 1484, and joining 
 the Earl of Richmond, attended him in his expedition into England ; by whom, 
 when King, he was reinstated in all his honours and estates, and served him 
 faithfully during his whole reign. He was also in great favour with Henry 
 VIII. but died in the fourth year of that King's reign (1512), aged about 
 seventy-four years. 
 
 * Autograph, PI. iv. No. 9. 
 
 LETTER XIV. 
 
 To Sir John Paston, Knight, or to his Brother Edmund in his 
 absence, lodged at the George, by Paul's Whar^f, in London. 
 
 Right worshipful sir, I recoiiunend me to you, praying you 
 to remember, ere ye depart out of London, to speak with 
 Harry Eberton's wife. Draper, and to inform her that I am 
 proffered a marriage in London, which is \^wirth 600 marks 
 (400/.) and better, with whom I prayed you to commune, 
 inasmuch as I might not tarry in London myself; always 
 reserving, that if so be that Mistress Eberton will deal with 
 me, that ye should not conclude in the other place ; thovigh 
 so were that Eberton would not give so much with Mistress 
 Elizabeth his daughter, as I might have with the other, for 
 such fantasy as I have in the said Mistress Elizabeth 
 
 K 2
 
 68 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 geve so moche w' Mastress Elyzabet liys dowghtyr as I 
 myght have w' the other for syclie fantazy as I have in the 
 seyd Mastress Elyzabet Eberton And that it lyek yow to 
 sey to Ebertons wyf that syche as I spek to hyr of shalbe 
 bettyrd rather then enpeyred as for my part And if it lyek 
 hyr to deale w' me I wyl be at london for that cawse only 
 w* in xiiij dayis aftyr the wryghty''g of thys byll w' gods 
 grace who p'serue yow and yours Wretyn at Norw^che on 
 Sey't Jamys day Also 8' I prey yow that ye wyll as I 
 desyerd yow comon w' John Lee or hys wyf or bothe and to 
 undyrstond how the mater at the blak freerys dothe and 
 that ye wylle see and spek w' ye thyng your sylf and w' hyr 
 fad}T and modyr or ye depert And that it lyek yow to 
 desyer John Lee is wyf to send me a byll in all hast possy- 
 byll how fer forthe the mater is and whedyr it shalbe 
 necessary for me to come up to london hastyly or not or 
 ellys to kast all at the Kok Also S' I prey yow that pytt 
 may trusse in a male whyche I left in your chambyr at 
 london my tawny gowne furyd w' blak and the doblet of 
 porpyll sateyn and the doblet of blak sateyn And my 
 wryghty'g box of syprese And my book of the mety"g of the 
 Dwke and of the Empcrour and when all thys gere is 
 trussyd in the male to delyuer it to the berer herof to 
 bi-ynge me to Norwyche Jt' J send you herw' the pylyon 
 for the male and x' for the hyer whyche is vsery I tak God 
 to rckord. 
 
 Also that it lyek yow to spek w' your apotycary whyche 
 was som tyme the I'rle of Warwyk's Apotycary And to 
 weet of hym what the wedow of the blak freiris is woorthe 
 and what hyr husl)onds name was he can tell all for he is 
 executore to the wedows husbond I prey you forget me not
 
 EDWARD IV. 69 
 
 Eberton ; and tliat it like you to say to Eberton's wife, that 
 such as I spake to her of shall be bettered rather than 
 enpeyred [^inade worse'] as for my part ; and if it like her to 
 deal with me, I will be at London for that cause only within 
 fourteen days after the writing of this letter, with God's 
 grace, who preserve you and your's. Written at Norwich, 
 on Saint James's day. 
 
 Also, Sir, I pray you that ye will, as I desired you, 
 commune with John Lee, or his wife, or both, and to under- 
 stand how the matter at the Black Fryers doth, and that ye 
 will see and speak with the thing yourself, and with her 
 father and her mother, ere ye depart; and that it like you 
 to desire John Lee's wife to send me a bill in all haste 
 possible, how far forth the matter is, and whether it shall 
 be necessary for me to come up to London hastily or not, 
 or else to cast all at the Cock. Also, I pray you that Pitt 
 may truss in a mail, which I left in your chamber at London, 
 my tawny gown furred with black, and the doublet of 
 purple satin, and the doublet of black satin, and my 
 writing box of cypress, and my "Book of the Meeting of 
 the Duke and of the Emperor;" and when all this geer 
 is trussed in the mail, to deliver it to the bearer hereof, to 
 bring me to Norwich. 
 
 Item, I send you herewith the pillion for the mail, and 
 IOa'. for the hire, which is usury, I take God to record. 
 
 Also, that it like you to speak to your apothecary, which 
 was sometime the \_late] Earl of Warwick's apothecary, and 
 to weet of him what the widow of the Black Fryars is 
 worth, and what her husband's name was: he can tell all, 
 for he is executor to the widow's husband. I pray you 
 forget me not, no more than I do you.
 
 70 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 no more then I do you I have spokyn thys day w' Jamys 
 Hubberd and Herry Smyth and to morow I shall haue an 
 Answer of theym Also my modyr Avyll labore thys mater 
 w' effect that the CC mark may be had for the wood Also 
 brodyr Edmu'd I prey yow^ and my brodyr S' John be not in 
 london that ye wyll labore all thys maters w' effect, as my 
 trust is in yow Jn eu"y poynt as is above wretyn Also J 
 assartayn yow that I was w' Ferrour thys day and he had 
 no leyser to Comon w' me but I wyll be w' hym ayen to 
 morow by apoyntment betwyx hym and me And so as I 
 speed I shall send yow woord by the next man that Corny th 
 to london Also J sent John Lee is wyf a lettyr by on 
 Crawethorn dwelly"g in Wood Street or ellys in sylu"^ Street 
 at the end of Wood Street I prey yow weet whedyr she had 
 it or nouo-ht and she had it not brodyr Edmund I prey yow 
 go to the same Crawethorn and take the lettyr of hym and 
 delyuer it hyr in all hast. 
 
 J. Paston. 
 
 1 1 liy 7. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 Foot and Cross. 
 PI. xxxii. No. 11. 
 
 'I'liis is a very curious letter, as it not only opens the ciiaracters of persons, 
 but delineates the manners of the times, particularly in treaties of marriage. 
 At tiie same time that .f. Paston is endeavouring to settle terms with the 
 l)arents of .Mistress li]lizai)eth Ebertoii, and acknowledging a regard for the 
 young lady, lie not only informs them of another engagement oftered him, but 
 is himself making inquiries after a young widow. This is hastening business ; 
 bill it (lues not siiow any aft'ectionate regard for the object of his marriage, and 
 were .). I'astoii to be tried by a jury of ladies, I fear they would lind him guilty 
 (jf a want i)i)tli "f politeness and atl'eelion. The manner in which he mentions 
 ■■ the tiling" at llie lilack Fryars is not iiuieli m favour of iiis gallantry.
 
 EDWARD IV. 71 
 
 I have spoken this day with James Hubbard [Hobar^t'], 
 and with Harry Smyth; and to-morrow I shall have an 
 answer of them. 
 
 Also my mother will labour this matter with effect, that 
 the 200 marks [133/. 6.s-. 8f/.] may be had for the wood. 
 
 Also, brother Edmund, I pray you, and [(/"] my brother 
 Sir John be not in London, that ye will labour all these 
 matters with effect, as my trust is in you in every point as 
 is above written. 
 
 Also, I ascertain you that I was with Ferrour this day, 
 and he had not leisure to commvme with me ; but I will be 
 with him again to-morrow by appointment betwixt him and 
 me; and so as I speed I shall send you word by the next 
 man that cometh to London. 
 
 Also I sent John Lee's wife a letter by one Crawthorn, 
 dwelling in Wood Street, or else in Silver Street, at the end 
 of Wood Street: I pray you weet whether she had it or 
 not; and [i/"] she had it not, brother Edmund, I pray you go 
 to the same Crawthorn, and take the letter of him, and 
 deliver it her in all haste. 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 Monday, 25th July, 
 1474. 14 E. iv. 
 
 The list of his apparel shows us that he dressed handsomely ; and, in so 
 distant and unlearned an age, we should scarcely have expected to tind a 
 writing-box of cypress mentioned as part of a young gentleman's equipage. 
 
 His book most probably contained an account of some meeting between 
 Charles Duke of Burgundy and the Emperor Frederick III. 
 
 The word thing was sometimes used in ancient poetry coupled with terms 
 of endearment, as " that swete thynge." This usage of the word is not en- 
 tirely laid aside in modern language.
 
 72 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XV. 
 
 To Mestresse Margret 
 Fasten at Norwijche or 
 to J Paston in Jn/r absence 
 
 Ryght wyrshypfull and my moste kynde and tendr moodr 
 I recomaund me to yow tliankyng yow off the grete Cost 
 and off the greet Cher y' ye dyd to me and myn at my last 
 beyng wyth yowe whyehe cheer also hath made me p'fyghtly 
 hooll I thanke god and yow in so moche y' Avher as I feeryd 
 me y' for weykenesse and so green recuveryd off my 
 syknesse y' I seholde have apeyrr' by the weye but god 
 tlianke yow I toke so my crommys whyls I was w* yow y' I 
 felyd my sylfe by the weye that god and ye had made me 
 strong' than I wenyd y' I had ben jn so myehe y' I feell my 
 selffe eu'y daye holler than other : Jt was soo that I mett w* 
 myn onkle Will'm by the weye and ther in the felde I payed 
 hym the iiij li whyehe I had borowyd of hym and he was 
 passyng jnq'sytyff howey' I was p'veyd for reco'pensyng of 
 Townshend. J tolde hym I hopyd weell he tolde me y' he 
 undrestood y' I had the C li of the byshopys executors and 
 he had herde seye y' I had also borowyd another of a 
 marchaunt and so I lakyd but an C m'rke I deme he herde 
 thys of T. lovell for I tolde hym y' I was in hope to fynde 
 suche a frcende y' wolde lende me C/i he axed me who Avas 
 that I answeryd liym an olde Marchaunt a freende of myn 
 but myn oncle thowte y' shold be by weye of chevysanse
 
 EDWARD IV. 73 
 
 LETTER XV. 
 
 To Mistress Margaret Faston at Norwich, or to J. Faston, 
 
 in her absence. 
 
 Right worshipful and my most kind and tender mother, 
 I recommend me to you, thanking you of the great cost, 
 and of the great cheer, that ye did to me at my last being 
 with you ; which cheer also hath made me perfectly whole, 
 I thank God and you ; insomuch that, whereas I feared me 
 that for weakness, and so green [lately] recovered of my 
 sickness, that I should have apeyred \_grown worse'] by the 
 way ; but, God thank you, I took so my crumbs, while I 
 was with you, that I feeled myself by the way that God 
 and ye had made me stronger than I wened that I had been, 
 insomuch that I feel myself every day wholer than other. 
 
 It was so that 1 met with mine uncle William by the 
 way, and, there in the field paid him the 4/. which I had 
 borrowed of him ; and he was passing inquisitive how that 
 I was purveyed for recompensing of Townshend : I told him 
 I hoped well ; and he told me that he understood that I had 
 the 100/. of the Bishop's executors, and he had heard say 
 that I had also borrowed another 100/. of a merchant, and 
 so I lacked but an 100 marks (G6/. 13a'. 4f/.) : I deem he 
 heard tliis of T. Lovel, for I told him that I was in hoj^e to 
 find such a friend that would lend me an 100/. He asked 
 me who was that ? I answered him, an old merchant, a 
 friend of mine ; but mine uncle thought that should be by 
 
 VOL. V. L
 
 74 P ASTON LETTERS. 
 
 and to myn herte wherfor I was pleyne to hym and tolde 
 hym that ye wer sewerte therfor and p'veyed it of suche as 
 wolde doo for yowe and as for the Forte C m'rk he seyde 
 to me y' as for that he wolde rather than jop'te sholde be 
 p'^vey it by weye of chevysaunce at london Jnso moche y' 
 er he come fro london he had for my sake leyde v C M'rks 
 worthe of plate w' Hewghe Fenne the place at Warwyks 
 jnne is large and my grawntdame is agyd it had ben jop'tous 
 to leve moche plate w' hyr thoghe halfe wer hyr owne. but 
 if I maye do other wyse I p'pose nott to chevystie any 
 mony by hys meane. It'm I have delyv'yd yowr botell to 
 Courbye y* caryer thys same daye and he promysed me to 
 be w' yow on Mondaye nyglite or ellys on Tuesday tymely 
 he hathe also xl' to paye for the thryd hyryd horse and he 
 bryngythe the iij horse w' hym and is contente for hys 
 labor and for the mete largely they be delyv'yd hym in as 
 good and rather bett"^ plyght than whan I had them forthe 
 and not gallyd nor hurte he hat also ij sadelys on of my 
 brothers and on other hyr'd as ye woot of It'm he hathe a 
 peyr botys of Edmond Reeds y'' shomaker whyche Saundr 
 borowyd of hym I beseche yowe that Will'm Mylsent or 
 Symme maye se y' eu'y man have hys owne It'm as for 
 my broth' F/dmond blyssyd be god is weell amendyd It'm 
 as for Hankyn owr dogge I am a ferde neu' to see hym 
 but if yowr good helj)c bee It'm as for the books y' weer 
 S' Jam' if it lyke yow y' I may have them I ame not able 
 to by them but somwhat wolde J gyffe and the remenant 
 w' a goode devowte herte by my trowthe I wyll \ney for 
 hys soule Wherfor if it lyke yow by the next messe'g' or 
 karyer to sonde hem in a daye J shall have them dressyd
 
 EDWARD IV. 75 
 
 way of chevisance [?/s/«v/], and to mine hurt; wherefore I 
 was plain to him, and told him that ye were surety there- 
 fore, and purveyed it of such as would do for you ; and as 
 for the forte [Q^ fort>j] hundred marks (2666/. 13s. 4d.), he 
 said to me that as for that he would, rather than jeopardy 
 should be, purvey it by way of chevisance at London ; inso- 
 much that, ere he come from London, he had for my sake 
 laid 500 marks (333/. 6s. 8d.) worth of plate with Hugh 
 Fenn : the place at Warwick's inn is large, and my grandara 
 is aged ; it had been jeopardous to leave much plate with 
 her, though half were her own : but, if I may do otherwise, 
 I purpose not to chevise any money by his mean. 
 
 Item, I have delivered your bottle to Courby the carrier 
 this same day, and he promised me to be with you on 
 Monday night, or else on Tuesday timely ; he hath also 40d. 
 to pay for the third hired horse, and he bringeth the three 
 horses with him, and is content for the labovir, and for the meat 
 largely : they be delivered him in as good, or rather better 
 plight than when I had them forth, and not galled nor hurt; 
 he hath also two saddles, one of my brother's, and another 
 hired, as ye wot of. 
 
 Item, he hath a pair of boots of Edmund Reed's, the 
 shoemaker, which Saunders borrowed of him : I beseech 
 you that William Millisent or Sym may see that every man 
 have his own. 
 
 Item, as for my brother Edmund, blessed be God, he is 
 well amended. 
 
 Item, as for Hankin our dog, I am afraid never to see 
 him, but if \_iinless] your good help be. 
 
 Item, as for the books that were Sir James's, if it like you 
 that I may have them, I am not able to buy them ; but 
 
 L 2
 
 76 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 her and if any of them be claymyd her aftyr in Feythe I 
 wyll restar it WretjTi on Sat'daye. 
 
 John Paston, K. 
 
 Hi by 11 J. 
 
 Paper mark, 
 
 A radiated Star 
 
 of 16 points, 
 
 with ylis in the 
 
 Centre. 
 PI. viii. No. 5. 
 
 We here behold Sir John Paston in an amiable light, sincerely thanking 
 God and his mother for his health and strength ; we also become acquainted 
 with his private affairs, and find that he and his uncle William are now on 
 friendly terms together. The ' Forte C m"rk,' (and it is plainly so in the 
 original Letter,) seems a large sum, and for which the pledge of 300 marks is 
 very insufficient ; it undoubtedly should have been 'foure C nfrk' (266/. \3s. 4d.), 
 and, if so, the 500 marks worth of plate was a sufficient pledge. I have let 
 it stand, however, in the original, as I found it; but the next Letter clearly 
 shows it ought to have been only 400 marks, and for which the pledge to 
 Townshend was left with H. Fenn.
 
 EDWARD IV. 77 
 
 somewhat would I give, and the remanent with a good 
 devout heart, by my troth, I will pray for his soul ; 
 wherefore if it like you, by the next messenger or carrier, 
 to send them in a day, I shall have them dressed [set in 
 order] here ; and if any of them be claimed hereafter, in 
 faith I will restore it. 
 Written on Saturday. 
 
 John Paston, Kt. 
 
 Saturday, before November, 
 1474. 14 E. iv. 
 
 Sir John's orders about the hired horses, &c. shows not only his care and 
 attention, but the kindness of his disposition in allowing largely for their 
 meat. 
 
 Books in this age were great curiosities, and bought up at high prices : he 
 owns his inability to pay for those here mentioned entirely in money, but he 
 proposes (partly in jest and partly in earnest, I believe) an easier method of 
 settling the account, by undertaking to pray most devoutly for the soul of Sir 
 James, the late owner of them. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 9-
 
 78 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XVI. 
 
 To Mestresse Margrete 
 Paston or to Roosc 
 dzDellyng by for hyr gate 
 at Noriit/che. 
 
 Aftr dew recomendacon my most tendre and kynde 
 moodr I beseche yow of yowr dayly blessy'g please it yow 
 to weete y' I reseyvyd a lettr thhat come from yow 
 Wretyn y* xxvj daye of octobr non erst but on Wednysday 
 last past wherby I conceyvyd y' at y" wryghtyng of y' lett' 
 ye weer nott serteyn of the delyng betwyn towneshende 
 and me Jt was so y* god thanke yow I receyvyd y" xx It 
 broght by Syme and also the mony browght by my brother 
 w' whiche mony and w' moor y' I had my self I redemyd 
 the man' of Sporle and payed towneshend bothe y*" CCCC 
 m'rke ther for and also x li y' I owte hym besyde and have 
 of hym an aqwytaunce of all bargaynes and of all other 
 detts. neu'thelesse I assayed hym if hewolde if nede hadde 
 ben gyvyn me a xij monyth leng"^ res])yght whyche he 
 grauntyd to do but in eoiu'lusyon I can nott entrete hym 
 but y' he woll have the uttremest of hys bargayn and tliys 
 XX li payable at Candelmesse and Est'ne I kan entrete hym 
 noon other wyse as yit wlierfor I thynke if 1 had passyd my 
 daye it had ben harde to have trustyd to hys cortesye Jnso 
 moche 1 fynde hym also ryght loose in the tonge for 
 Bekham he spekyth no thyng coTortably ther in what he 
 wyll doo can I nott seye It'm as for Castr it nedyth nott to
 
 EDWARD IV. 79 
 
 LETTER XVI. 
 
 To Mistress Margaret Paston, or to Roos dwelling before her 
 
 gate at Norwich. 
 
 After due recommendation, my most tender and kind 
 mother, I beseech you of your daily blessing : please it you 
 to weet that I received a letter that came from you, written 
 the 26tli of October, non erst [7io7ie earlier^, but on Wed- 
 nesday last past ; whereby I conceived that, at the writing 
 of that letter, ye were not certain of the dealing between 
 Townshend and me. It was so that, God thank you, I 
 received the 20/. brought by Sym, and also the money brought 
 by my brother ; with which money, and with more that I had 
 myself, I redeemed the manor of Sporle, and paid Towns- 
 hend both the 400 marks (266/. 13s. 4d.) therefore, and also 
 10/. that I owed him beside, and have of him an acquittance 
 of all bargains of all other debts : nevertheless I assayed 
 him, if he would, (if need had been,) have given me a twelve- 
 month's longer respite, which he granted to do ; but in 
 conclusion I cannot entreat him, but that he will have the 
 uttermost of his bargain, and this 20/. payable at Candlemas 
 and Easter: I can entreat him none otherwise as yet; 
 wherefore I think, if I had passed my day, it had been hard 
 to have trusted to his courtesy ; insomuch I find him also 
 right loose in the tongue : for Beckham he speaketh 
 nothing comfortably therein; what he will do, cannot I 
 say. 
 
 Item, as for Caister, it needeth not to spur nor prick me
 
 8Q PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 spor nor prykke me to doo owghte ther in I doo y' I can 
 w' goode wyll and somwhat I hope to doo hastely y' in y* 
 shall doo goode. It'm as for the bokes y* weer Syr lam' 
 god have hys sowle whyche it lykethe yow y* I shall have 
 them I beseche yow y' I maye have them hyder by the next 
 masseng' and if I be goon yit that they be delyv'yd to myn 
 ostesse at y" George at Powlys WharfF whyche wolle kepe 
 them safFe and y' it lyke yow to wryght to me whatt my 
 peyne or payment shall be for them It'm it lyked yow to 
 weet of myn heelle I thanke god now y' I am nott greetly 
 syke ner soor but in myn heele wherin alle men know nott 
 whatt peyne I feele and wher ye advysed me to hast me 
 owt of thys towne I wolde full fayne be hense I spende 
 dayly mor than I sholde doo if I wer hense and I am nott 
 well purveyed It'm blessyd be good my gravmtdam is 
 amendyd by suche tyme as myn oncle W. come hyddr but 
 my yongest Cosyn Margret hys doghtr is ded and beryed er 
 he come hom. I am as moche afferde of thys londe y' is in 
 hys hande as I was of that y' was jn towneshend's hande J 
 hope to wryght yow moor serteynte w'in iiij or v.dayes No 
 mor &c. Wretyn y' xx daye of Novembr A° Eiiij xiiij" 
 
 Yowr Son J Paston K. 
 
 12 by 8J. 
 
 This Letter fiillv explains tlic preceding, and shows us tliat at this time 
 lands, &c. in pledge for money lent, were forfeited to the mortgagee, if the 
 money was not paid at tiie time stipulated in the mortgage. Neither Towns- 
 hend's, nor his uncle William's, character appears here to advantage; they seem 
 desirous of taking every legal advantage to encrease their landed |)roperty, 
 uj)on any deviation from the terms of the contract. Sir John I'aston's anxiety
 
 EDWARD IV. 81 
 
 to do ought therein ; I do that I can with good will, and 
 somewhat I hope to do hastily therein that shall do good. 
 
 Item, as for the books that were Sir James's, God have 
 his soul ! which it liketh you that I shall have them ; I 
 beseech you that I may have them hither by the next 
 messenger ; and, if I be gone, yet that they be delivered to 
 mine hostess, at the George at Paul's Wharf, which will 
 keep them safe ; and that it like you to write to me what 
 my pain or payment shall be for them. 
 
 Item, it liked you to weet of mine heelle [^fiealtli] ; I 
 thank God that I am not greatly sick nor sore, but in my 
 heel, wherein all men know not what pain I feel ; and 
 where [as] ye advised me to hasten me out of this town, I 
 wovdd full fain be hence : I spend daily more than I should 
 do if I were hence, and I am not well purveyed. 
 
 Item, blessed be God, my grandam is amended by such 
 time as mine uncle William come hither ; but my youngest 
 cousin Margaret, his daughter, is dead and buried ere he 
 come home. 
 
 I am as much afraid of this land that is in his hand, as I 
 was of that that was in Townshend's hand. ■ 
 
 I hope to write you more certainties within four or five 
 days. No more, &c. Written the 20th day of November, 
 in the 14th of Edward IV. 
 
 Your Son, John Paston, Kt. 
 
 London, 
 
 Sunday, COth Nov, 
 
 1474. 14 E. IV. 
 
 for Sir James's books still continues, and raises his character as a scholar, in an 
 age when ignorance almost generally prevailed amongst the gentry; who not 
 only neglected, but despised learning. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 9. 
 
 Seal, a Fleur-de-lis, surrounded by nine others. PI. xiv. No. 23. 
 VOL. V. M
 
 82 P ASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XVII. 
 
 To John Past on sqzvyer 
 Be thys deli/ued in hast. 
 
 IHS 
 
 I GRET yovv well and send yow godds blyssyng And myn 
 letyng yow wet y' my Cosyn Robard Clere was her w' me 
 thys weke and told me y* he was nowt payd of the mony y' 
 
 XX 
 
 ye know y' was Borowd of hys modyr and of hym but iiij li 
 y^ XX II y' my pleggs ly for ys on payd he seyd y' he was 
 desyryd to delyv'e my pleggs and to have be payd y*' xx li 
 but he wold not tyll he had spokyn w* me because of y* 
 p'mys y' he had mad to me befor y* he shuld not delyu' 
 them to non w'owt my assent I seyd to hym y' I suppose 
 veryly y' yowyr brodyr hys a greyd w* yowyr hunkyll y' he 
 shuld paye all the hole for I suppose he hath a swerte for 
 all y' and more I wold undyrstond how y' ys And how y' 
 my seyd Cosyn shall be content for I war loth to lese my 
 pleggs I wot y' well yowyr good hunkyll wold ben in 
 possessyon w' good well but J wol not soo J wold y* ye 
 shuld speke w' yowyr hunkyll ther jn And send me word in 
 a hast what he seet I marvyll be my trowth y' J had no 
 wrytyng fro yowyr brodyr er he departyd fro london as he 
 p'mysyd in the last lettyr y' he sent me the Wych was 
 wretyn be for the Kyngs comyng to Norwych I went veryly 
 to have hard from hym at thys tyme I wold ye shuld send 
 hym word of yowyr hunkyls delyng in this seyd mater And
 
 EDWARD IV. 83 
 
 LETTER XVII. 
 
 To John Past on, Esq. be this delivered in haste. 
 
 IHS 
 
 I GREET you well, and send you God's blessing and mine, 
 letting you weet that my cousin Robert Clere was here with 
 me this week, and told me that he was not paid of the 
 money, that ye know that was borrowed of his mother and 
 of him, but fourscore pounds ; the 201. that my pledges lie 
 for is unpaid : he said that he was desired to deliver my 
 pledges, and to have been paid the 20/. ; but he would not, 
 till he had spoken with me, because of the promise that he 
 had made to me before, that he should not deliver them to 
 none without my assent. I said to him that I suppose 
 verily that your brother is agreed with your uncle, that he 
 should pay all the whole, for I suppose he hath a surety 
 for all that and more ; I would understand how it is, and 
 how that my said cousin shall be content, for I were loath 
 to lose my pledges ; I wot it well your good uncle would be 
 in possession with good will, but I would not so : I would 
 that ye should speak with your uncle therein, and send me 
 word in haste what he said. 
 
 I marvel, by my troth, that I had no writing from your 
 brother, ere he departed from London, as he promised in 
 the last letter that he sent me, the which was written 
 before the King's coming to Norwich ; I weend \_thought^ 
 verily to have heard from him at this time : I would ye 
 
 M 2
 
 84 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 send me an answer ther of recomaund me to yowyr 
 grauntd'm I wold she war her in NorfF. as well at es as 
 evyr J sy hyr And as lytyll rewlyd be hyr son as evyr she 
 was and than J wold hope y* we alle shuld for the bettyr 
 for hyr. y' ys told me y' yo^vyr hunkyll hath mad gret menys 
 and larg p'fyrs to John Bakton to make a relesse to hym 
 of Oxinhed ^^ hedyr y* be don or nowt J wot nowt yet l)ut 
 I shall wot in hast yf I may I wold ye shuld spekyn w* my 
 lord of Norwyeh And A say to get a lysen of hym y' I may 
 have y*" sacrement her in the Chapell because y* ys far to 
 y"^ Chyi-ehe And I am sekly and y"^ prson ys oflyn owt for all 
 man' of casweltes of me and myn J wold hauyt graimtyd yf 
 J myth send me word yf ye her ony tydyngs from yowyr 
 brodyr how he doth of hyr seknes And in odyr thyngs as 
 farforth as ye know as astely as ye may I thynk long tyl I 
 her from hym for dyu's causys god kepe yow Wretyn on 
 hast at Mawdby on y*" Satyrday next be for Candelmes Day 
 send me An Ansswer of thys lettyr in hast and odyr 
 tydyngs &c. 
 
 My Cosyn Robard told me y' Be yowyr modyr. 
 
 ther was mor than vij li of y*" 
 mony y* was payd hym y' was 
 ryght on rysty and he co%\'d nowt 
 
 havytcliaiuigydhewas on goodly Paper mark, 
 
 servyd ther jn. I^""'s '"i""' -"'i' Star, 
 
 llibjSj. PI. viii. No. C. 
 
 The first part of this and tlic fullowing Letter, both written on the same 
 day, states a money transaction between Margaret Paston, Sir Jolm Paston, the 
 Cleres, and her brotlier William, not much indeed to his credit, who wanted to get 
 his sister's pledges into his possession, and retain them, as they are said to have
 
 EDWARD IV. 85 
 
 should send him word of your uncle's dealing in this said 
 matter, and send me an answer thereof. 
 
 Recommend me to your grandam ; I would she were here 
 in Norfolk, as well at ease as ever I saw her, and as little 
 ruled by her son as ever she was ; and then I would hope 
 that we all should fare the better for her. It is told me 
 that your uncle hath made great means and large proffers 
 to John Bacton, to make a release to him of Oxnead ; whe- 
 ther it be done or not, 1 wot not yet, but I shall wot in 
 haste, if I may. 
 
 I wovdd ye should speak with my Lord of Norwich, and 
 assay to get a license of him, that I may have the Sacra- 
 ment here in the chapel, because it is far to the church, and 
 I am sickly, and the parson is often out : for all manner of 
 casualties of me and mine, I would have it granted, if I 
 might. 
 
 Send me word if you hear any tidings from your brother, 
 how he doth of his sickness, and in other things, as far 
 forth as you know, as hastily as ye may. I think long till 
 I hear from him, for divers causes. God keep you. 
 
 Written on haste at Mawteby, on the Saturday next 
 before Candlemas day. Send me an answer of this letter 
 in haste, and other tidings, &c. 
 
 My cousin Robert told me that there was more than 7/. 
 of the money that was paid him that was right on [^qiiitel 
 rusty, and he covild not have it changed : he was ungoodly 
 \unhandsomely] served therein. 
 
 By your Mother, 
 
 Margaret Paston. 
 
 Mawteby, 
 
 Saturday, 29th Jan. 
 
 1474. 14E. IV.
 
 86 
 
 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 been worth more than the money taken upon them. William Paston, by what 
 follows, appears to have had an improper ascendancy over his mother Agnes, 
 and to be at this time endeavouring to get possession of Oxnead. 
 
 What is meant by the money (silver, I presume, he was paid in,) being 
 
 LETTER XVIII. 
 
 To Ser John Paston 
 
 Knyght be thfjs delijiCycl 
 in hast. A° xiij" 
 
 IHS 
 Ryght welbelovyd son I gret yow well and send yow 
 godds blyssyng and myn letyng yow wete y' I marveyle y' 
 I have had no wrytyng from yow sethyn ye sent me y* lettyr 
 y' ye sent me befor the kyngs Comyng to Norwych in the 
 whyehe lettyr ye wrot to me y* ye shuld a wretyn azeyn to 
 me or ye shuld de part owt of london it is so y' yowyr 
 Hunkyll Will'm hath do ])ayd to my Cosyn Robard Clere 
 but iiij" li of the C li and he wol no mor })ay but yf he hath 
 delyu'aunc of my plegg the wych was leyd to ])legg for 
 xx'' li the wych ben bcttyr J wot well be cause of the good 
 well y' he owyt to mc as ye know he wold ben in possessyon 
 therof my Cosyn Robard Cler was her w' me thys weke 
 and told me y' yf he wold a delyu'yd them he myth an had 
 ye seyd xx li but he seyd he wold nowt tyll he had spokyn 
 w' me be my trowth I fynd hym ryght kyndly dysj)osyd to 
 yow and to mc bothc and so I have desyryd hym to kepe
 
 EDWARD IV. 87 
 
 rusty, I do not exactly understand, — unless it means stained and can- 
 kered, probably from the quantity of alloy. 
 
 Seal, a Fleur-de-lis, PI. xiv. No. 4. 
 
 On the top of this and the following Letter IHS are placed. This shows 
 the piety of the writer, and intimates her invocation to Jesus. 
 
 The use of IHS, and of the word Emanuel, prefixed to Letters, was com- 
 mon at this period, and for some time after. 
 
 LETTER XVIII. 
 
 To Sir John Pastoii, Knight, be this delivered in haste. 
 
 IHS 
 
 Right well-beloved son, I greet you well, and send you 
 God's blessing and mine, letting you weet that I marvel 
 that I have had no writing from you since ye sent me the 
 letter that ye sent me before the King's coming to Nor- 
 wich ; in the which letter ye wrote to me that ye should 
 have written again to me ere ye should depart out of 
 London. 
 
 It is so that your uncle William hath do paid [^/lath 
 paid^ to my cousin Robert Clere but fourscore pounds 
 of the 100/. and he will no more pay, but if \_unless] he hath 
 deliverance of my pledges, the which were laid to pledge 
 for 20/. the which be better, [z^iorih 7nore.^ I wot well, be- 
 cause of the good will that he oweth to me, as ye know, he 
 would be in the possession thereof. 
 
 My cousin Robert Clere was here with me this week, and 
 told me, that if he would have delivered them, he might 
 have had the said 20/. ; but he said he would not, till
 
 88 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 styll y" plegg in hys possessyon tyll I have word from yow 
 how ye ar agreyd w' yowyr hunkyll for the papnent of the 
 seyd luoiiy J wen veryly y' ye have fownd hym swerte for 
 alle and yf ye have so do I wold ye shuld wryt to yowyr 
 hunkyl therfor y' I myth have my plegg ageyn for I war 
 loth that they shuld Com in hys fyngy'rs. It' as for Sporyl 
 AVood be for the Kyng's comyng into Norff. I myth an had 
 
 Chapmen to abowtyd a gret for xij mark and now ther wol 
 no man by yt a gret bycause of y'' gret good y* the pepyll 
 ys leyd to for y*" Kyng Wherfor we ar a bowth to retaylyt 
 as well as we may and as well as yt can be browth too And 
 J send yow word how we shall do as astely as I may as for 
 yowyr Barly in this Cuntre y' cannot be sold above x'' or 
 ^j^ yt ys *^^6 gretest prys of Barly her And but y' be at a 
 bettyr prys I purpose for to do yt malt And as for mony I 
 cowd not get yet of Pecok but iij li And he seth y* be than 
 y' y'' o^Yt chargys be boryn and y^ repracion of y'' myll at 
 Wyntyrton We ar lyke to have but lytyll mor mony besyd 
 the Barly Malt ys sold her but for xiij" And Whet ij" or 
 xxvj' at thys time And otys xij" ther ys non owtlod suffyrd 
 to goo owth of thys cuntre as yet the Kyng hath 
 comaundyd y' ther shuld non gon owth of thys lond I fer 
 me y* we shall have ryth a straung warld god a men dyt 
 whan hys wyll ys I thank yow for the Flakons y* ye sent me 
 they be ryght good and plesyth me ryght well I shall be as 
 good an Huswyf for yow as J can and as J wold be for my- 
 self send me word how ye doo of yowyr syknes y' ye had 
 on yowyr hey and yowyr logo And yf god wol nowt suffyr 
 yow to have helth 'thank hym thorof and takyt j)ashcntly 
 and com horn a geyn to me and we shall lyve to geddyr as
 
 EDWARD IV. 89 
 
 he had spoken with me ; by my troth I find him right kindly 
 disposed to you, and to me both ; and so I have desired 
 him to keep still the pledges in his possession, till I have 
 word from you how ye are agreed with your uncle for the 
 payment of the said money : I ween verily that ye have 
 found him surety for all, and if ye have so done, I would ye 
 should write to your uncle therefore, that I might have my 
 pledges again, for I were loath that they should come in his 
 fingers. 
 
 Item, as for Sporle Wood, before the King's coming into 
 Norfolk, I might have had Chapmen to have bought it a 
 gret [by the great] for twelve score marks (160/.), and now 
 there will no man buy it a gret, because of the great good 
 [large sitmi\ that the people is laid to for the King; where- 
 fore we are about to retail it as well as we may, and as well as 
 it can be brought to ; and send you word how we shall do, 
 as hastily as I may. 
 
 As for your barley in this country, it cannot be sold above 
 10c?. or lit?, that is the greatest price of barley here, and 
 but [unless] it be at a better price, I purpose for to do it 
 malt [malt it]; and as for money, I could not get yet 
 of Peacock but 3/. ; he saith that by then that the out- 
 charges be born, and the reparation of the mill at Winter- 
 ton, we are like to have but little more money beside the 
 barley. Malt is sold, here but for \Zd. and wheat 2s. or 
 2Qd. at this time, and oats \2d. There is none outload 
 suffered to go out of this country as yet ; the King hath 
 commanded that there should none go out of tliis land. I 
 fear me that we shall have right a strange world; God amend 
 it, when his will is. 
 
 I thank you for the flaggons that ye sent me ; they be 
 
 VOL. V. N
 
 90 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 god woU geve us grase to do And as J have send to yow 
 befor thys I wold ye war delyu'yd of my mastres ^A. H. 
 And than J wold trost y' ye shuld do the Bettyr. 
 
 As for the 'bokys that ye desyryd to have of Syr Jamys 
 the best of alle and the fayrest ys claymyd nor y' ys not in 
 hys Inventory I shall a say to get yt for yow And I may 
 the prys of y*" todyr Bokys besyd that ys xx' vj' the wych I 
 send yow a byll of yf ye lyk be y'' prys of them And ye wol 
 have them send me word And also I p'y yow send me an 
 answere of thys lettyr be cause I thynk long seth I hard 
 from yow God have yow God have yow in hys kepyng 
 Wretyn at INIawdby on the Sattyrday nex be forn the Pu- 
 rificaeion of owyr lady the xiiij yer of Kyng Edward 
 the iiij'. 
 
 Yowyr modyr. 
 
 lUbySJ. 
 
 This Letter, amongst other curious circumstances, contains one very curious 
 one, arisinjj; from the granting benevolences to the King, and requires some 
 sliort explanation. 
 
 In 1474, Edward I\'. iu order to levy an army to invade France, went from 
 place to place to ask money ; this he termed a Benevolence ; and that it might 
 be the more lucrative, lie went in person to those who, he was informed, were 
 the most opulent. 
 
 By this unjustifiable method he extorted money so plentifully, as to lower 
 the prices of most commodities, not leaving a sufficient quantity with his sub- 
 jects to pay for them, as they had done before. 
 
 He visited Norfolk and Norwich at this time on the above occasion; and it 
 seems, by what Margaret Paston here says, that he had been successful in 
 his plan, and amassed such sums of money, that chapmen were wanted for 
 her sale of wood, " bycause of the grct good that the pepyll ys leyd to for 
 the kyng." 
 
 The prices of grain are here mentioned as being very low ; and though the
 
 EDWARD IV. 91 
 
 right good, and please me right well : I shall be as good an 
 housewife for yovi as I can, and as I would be for myself. 
 Send me word how ye do of your sickness that ye had on 
 your eye and your leg ; and if God will not suffer you to 
 have health, thank him thereof, and take it patiently, and 
 come home again to me, and we shall live together, as God 
 will give us grace to do, and as I have said to you before this. 
 I would ye were delivered of my Mistress 'A. H. [^Ann 
 Haiilie,^ and then I would trust that ye should do the 
 better. 
 
 As for the 'books that ye desired to have of Sir James's, 
 the best of all and the fairest is claimed ; nor it is not in his 
 inventory, I shall assay to get it for you, and [{/"] I may ; 
 the price of these other books, beside that, is 205. and 6d. 
 the which I send you a bill of If ye like by the price of 
 them, and ye will have them, send me word. And also I 
 pray you send me an answer of this letter, because I think 
 long since I heard from you. God have you in his keeping. 
 
 Written at Norwich on the Saturday next before the 
 Purification of our Lady, the 14th year of King Edward 
 the Fourth. 
 
 Your mother, 
 
 Margaret Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 Saturday, 29th Jan. 
 1474. 14 E. IV. 
 
 quantity is not specified, yet it appears from Margaret Paston's letter, dated 
 23d May, 1475, that the price of the Comb is meant. 
 
 Submit, with thankfuhiess for other blessings, to his will, — seems to be 
 the meaning intended in this place. 
 
 n2
 
 92 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 * Sir John's mysterious connexion with Mistress Anne Haulte here 
 appears again : it must rehite to some contract between them. 
 
 ' The price of Sir James Glois's book is ascertained, and seems low; but 
 we are unfortunately not informed of the title of the best and fairest. 
 
 LETTER XIX. 
 
 To hys brother John Pasfon 
 or to hys onclc JV'll'in Paston 
 
 in IVerwyk Lane or to Edmond > 
 
 Paston at y George at Pou'lys 
 IVharfe to delyii any of them 
 
 Ryght worshypfull I recomaimcle me on to yow letyng 
 yow weete y' J thynke longe y' J heer natt fi-om yow syns 
 Crystmesse nor have no serteyn knowleche whether y' 
 Towneshend hathe p'formyd hys promysse or nott ner of 
 my brother Johnys beyng at london ner of my lord or lady 
 of Norfolks comyng to london at whoys comyng sholde be 
 y'' chefFe labor and sewte y' I or or any for me sholde labor 
 it was soo god thankc you bothe y' iche of yow at my last 
 beyng w' yow gvauntyd me to take labor ui)pon yow and 
 iche of yow for the hauyng ageyn of my place in Castr Now 
 it is soo y' wher my verry p'pose was to have C'omyn to 
 london now w' the Mast' of the rollys and S' Thom's 
 Mengom'e demjiig to fynde the kyng at the p'lement and 
 also y' my lord and lady of Norff. sholde nott by lyklyhod 
 fayle to be there also Wherfor me thoght the tyme was
 
 EDWARD IV. 93 
 
 This and the foregoing Letter, by their date, were both written on the 
 same day ; the one at Maulteby, and the other at Norwich : Margaret Paston 
 must therefore liave gone on that same day from tiie one place to the other ; 
 the distance is about sixteen or eighteen miles. 
 
 LETTER XIX. 
 
 To his Brother John Paston, or to his Uncle JVilliam Paston,' 
 in Warwick Lane, or to Edmund Paston, at the George, at 
 Paul's Wharf, to deliver (to) any of them. 
 
 Right worshipful, I recommend me unto you, letting you 
 weet that I think long that T hear not from you since Christ- 
 mas, nor have no certain knowledge whether that Towns- 
 hend hath performed his promise or not, nor of my brother 
 John's being at London, nor of my Lord or Lady of 
 Norfolk coming to London, at whose coming should be the 
 chief labour and suit that I or any for me should labour. 
 
 It was so, God thank you both, that each of you, at my 
 last being with you, granted me to take labour upon you ; 
 and each of you, for the having again of my place in Caister. 
 Now it is so, that where [os] my very purpose was to have 
 come to London now with the Master of the Rolls and Sir 
 Thomas Montgomery, deeming to find the King at the Par- 
 liament ; and also that my Lord and my Lady of Norfolk 
 shovdd not by likelihood fail to be there also : wherefore 
 me thought the time was convenient ; but it happened so
 
 94 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Convenyent but it happy d so y' suche tydyngs Come hyddr 
 of the Frenshe Kyngs hasty Comyng m to thees Marchys of 
 Pykardye whyche cawsyd my lords depute and Cownsell 
 here to desyr and charge me soo streyghtly y' in noo wyse 
 I maye tyll I heer other tydyngs depute from hense. Not- 
 w'stancyng the INIarchall and Consell heer have wretyne to 
 my lorde lywe tenant for me and moor ou' desyryd bothe 
 Mast' of y" roUys and S' T. Mongom'e to remembr my 
 maters bothe to y*' Kynge and to my lorde in so meche y' if 
 the season be convenyent both y*" seyd Mast' and S' T 
 ]\Iongom'e wille labor bothe the Kynge and my lorde to 
 entrete my lorde of Norff. my lady hys wyfF and ther Con- 
 sell to do for me all that reason wyll of whoys good wills 
 and labor her in J ame bett' ensuryd of than I kan for lakke 
 of leyser at thys tyme wryght yowe wetyng of A^'herfor I 
 praye j^ow and iche of yow if the season be Convenyent to 
 take the labor that theese Jentylmen maye do for me and to 
 my profyght like as I feelle them dysposyd to doo and 
 inooreov' 1 have somwhatt informyd them both therin and 
 also y' I maye hastyly heer from yow and jif it Come to 
 y' any mony most be geuyn to my lorde or lady of NorfF. 
 For a plesyr herfor I woll uppon as J heer from yow 
 Come to yow in alle hast possible all thyngs leyde a parte 
 It'in if any lett' be rc(j'syth to be hadde Jn lyke forme as 
 onys ther was from the Kyng to my lorde of Norif, S' T 
 Mongom'e will by your advics opteyne yow suche on of 
 yowr entents to my p'fyghte in the p'myssys and by thys 
 my wryghtyng I bynde me to repaye yowe if any suche 
 lett' or wryghtyng be opteyned what so cu' it coste No 
 mor for lakke of leysor Wretyn at Caleys the v day of
 
 EDWARD IV. 95 
 
 that such tidings come hither of the French king's hasty 
 coming into these parts of Picardy, which caused my Lord 
 Deputy and Council here to desire and charge me so 
 straitly, that in no wise I may, till I hear other tidings, 
 depart from hence. Notwithstanding the Marshal and 
 Council here have written to my Lord Lieutenant for me, 
 and moreover desired both the Master of the Rolls and Sir 
 Thomas Montgomery to remember my matters both to the 
 King and my Lord, insomuch that, if the season be conve- 
 nient, both the said Master and Sir Thomas Montgomery 
 will labour both the King and my Lord to entreat my Lord 
 of Norfolk, my Lady his wife, and the counsel, to do for me 
 all that reason will ; of whose good wills and labour herein 
 I am better insured of, than 1 can for lack of leisure at Lhis 
 time write you weeting [o« account] of; wherefore I pray 
 you and each of you, if the season be convenient, to take 
 the labour, that these gentlemen may do for me, and to my 
 profit, like as I feel them disposed to do ; and moreover I 
 have somewhat informed them both therein : and also that 
 I may hastily hear from you, and if it come to that any 
 money must be given to my Lord or Lady of Norfolk for a 
 pleasure herefore, [^as a gratuitij on this account,] I will, 
 upon \_acco7'ding] as I hear from you, come to you in all 
 haste possible, all things laid apart. 
 
 Item, if any letter be requisite to be had, in like form as 
 once there was from the King to the Lord of Norfolk, Sir 
 Thomas Montgomery will by your advice obtain you such 
 one of your intents to my profit in the premises, and by 
 this my writing I bind me to repay you, if any such letter 
 or writing be obtained, whatever it cost.
 
 96 P ASTON LETTEHS. 
 
 Fev'er A° Eiiij xiiij" as for tydyngs heer my Mast'is them- 
 bassators S' T Mongom'e and the Mast' of the Rollys kom 
 streyght from the Duke at hys assege at Nywysse whyche 
 wyll nott yitt be wone 
 
 Your John Paston, Kt. 
 
 Hi by 8 J. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 A Katharine Wheel. 
 PI. xxxii. No. 7. 
 
 The contents of this Letter are not very interesting ; but as they related to 
 the means and the persons Sir John Paston had employed to endeavour to 
 have Caister restored, I thought it should be inserted. 
 
 LETTER XX. 
 
 To Mestresse Margrct 
 Paston at Norwi/che be 
 thi/s delifv'yd 
 
 Please it yow to weete y' I reccyvyd a lett' from yow 
 wretyn y" Sat'dayc next byfor Candelmesse for answer 
 Avhcroff lyke it yow to weete y' as for the bokys y' weer S' 
 Jam' god haue hys sowle I thynke best that they be styll 
 w' yow tyll y' I S})eke w' yow my selfe my mynde is now 
 nott most uppon boks It'm as for xx li y' ye sey y* yowr 
 plate lythe for it is so y' I fownde my oncle Will'm no 
 sewerte therfor as Playtcr and my brollier lohn botlie 
 cowde enforme yow it wos non dcsyryd of me ner the tolde
 
 EDWARD IV. 97 
 
 No more for lack of leisure. Written at Calais the 5th 
 day of February, in the 14th year of Edward IV. 
 
 For tidings here, my masters the Ambassadors, Sir Tho- 
 mas Montgomery, and the Master of the Rolls, come strait 
 from the Duke at his siege of Nuys, which will not yet 
 be won. 
 
 Your John Paston, Kt. 
 
 Calais. 
 Sunday, 5th Feb. 
 1474-5. 14 E. iv. 
 
 Tlie tidings from abroad are likewise confirmed by other letters. 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 9. 
 
 LETTER XX. 
 
 To Mistress Margaret Paston, at Norwich, he this delivered. 
 
 Please it you to weet that I received a letter from you, 
 written the Saturday next before Candlemas; for answer 
 whereof, like it you to weet, that as for the books that were 
 Sir James's, God have his soul ! I think best that they be 
 still with you, till that I speak with you myself My mind 
 is not now most upon books. 
 
 Item, as for 20/. that ye say that your plate lieth for, it is 
 so, that I found my uncle V/illiam no surety therefore, as 
 Playters and my brother John both could inform you ; it was 
 
 VOL. V. o
 
 98 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 me nott y' any suche pledge laye for it but y' ye hadtl dys- 
 chargyd me of xx li aiid clievyshyd it and y' ye sholde 
 repaye it in hast wherin I woll do as ye woll and as it 
 pleasyth yow to sende me wetyng I'm I ame sory y' ye be 
 no bett' payd of y*" xx li y' I had of yowe whyche ye sholde 
 haue receyvyd ageyn of my londs in Flegge if the markett 
 be nott goode yit I hope jt shall be bett' neu'the lesse my 
 wylle is that ye sholde have yowr holl xx li ageyn and not 
 lose j ' ^Mierfor if it be so y' ye be mysse seivyd ther I 
 beseche yow of pacyence tyll the begynnyng of the next 
 yeer and if aught be behynd ye shall receyve uppe the 
 remenaunt then for as god helpe me I wolde be sory y' ye 
 lost m* '^r for me I haue putte yow to cost charge and losse 
 I nowge god thanke yow of it thoughe ye lose no mor 
 Wherfor jff Sporle woode sprynge any sylu' or golde it is 
 my wjU y' fyrst of alle yebe yowr owne payer off all y' is be 
 
 hynde and next thatt to paye myn oncle Will'm vij vj li 
 xiij' iiij** and besyd that xvj li lost uppon the chevyshaunce 
 
 XX XX 
 
 of iiij li and so I owe viij ij li xiij' iiij Wherfor I beseche yow 
 to make hast in rej)ayment herof as fast as it wolle growe as 
 my Trust is in yowe Jt'm wher it pleasyd yow to weete of 
 myn heele and amendyng I thank godde I ame in goode 
 case, and as goode a full hooll bothe of the fevr agwe of myn 
 je myn legge and myn heele Saff y' I ame tendre of all theese 
 and wer nott goode rewle full like to feell off ache off them 
 ryght soone neu'thelesse god thanke yow of your large 
 ])r()fre whcroff I wolde be ryght gladde if I myght for 
 trobles and other lal)or that 1 have takyn on me nowe in to 
 Fraunce warde for the goode spede of me and y' .Torncye I 
 beseche yow of your preyers and remembrance and thatt
 
 EDWARD IV. 99 
 
 never desired of me, nor they told me not that any such 
 pledge lay for it, but that ye had discharged me of 20/. and 
 chevised it, and that ye should rei)ay it in haste ; wherein 
 I will do as ye will, and as it pleaseth you to send me 
 weetmg. 
 
 Item, I am sorry that ye be no better paid of the 201. 
 that I had of you, which ye should have received again of 
 my lands in Flegg, if the market be not good yet, I hope it 
 shall be better; nevertheless my will is, that ye should have 
 your whole 20/. again, and not lose one penny. Wherefore 
 if it be so that ye be misserved there, I beseech you of pa- 
 tience till the beginning of the next year, and if aught be 
 behind, ye shall receive up the remanent then, fo' as God 
 help me, I would be sorry that ye lost more for me ; I have 
 put you to cost, charge, and loss enough, God thank you 
 of it, though ye lose no more. Wherefore, if Sporle Wood 
 spring any silver or gold, it is my will that first of all 
 ye be your own payer of all that is behind ; and next that, 
 to pay mine uncle William seven score and six pounds, 135. 
 and 4d. and beside that, 16/. lost upon the chevisance of 
 fourscore pounds ; and so I owe eight score and two 
 pounds, 13s. and 4d. wherefore I beseech you to make 
 haste in repayment hereof as fast as it will grow, as my trust 
 is in you. 
 
 Item, where [as] it pleaseth you to weet of mine health 
 and amending ; I thank God I am in good case, and as good 
 as full whole both of the fever, ague of mine eye, mine leg, 
 and mine heel, save that I am tender of all these ; and were 
 not good rule, full like to feel of each of them right soon ; 
 nevertheless, God thank you of your large proffer, whereof 
 I would be right glad that I might, for troubles and other 
 
 o 2
 
 100 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Jorney w' godds grace ons doon I p'pose verrely w' godds 
 grace therafter to daunce atenda'nce most abowt yowr plesur 
 and ease and w' godds grace soone upon Est'ne er euyr I 
 goo forthe I hope to se yow and fecche your blessygn No 
 moor at thys tyme but Ihe have yow in hys kepyng Wretyn 
 at Calys the xxij daye of Feu'er A° E iiij" xiiij" 
 
 Your Sone, 
 
 John Paston, Kt. 
 
 This being Sir John Paston's letter, ia answer to that from his mother, 
 dated 29th of January, I have thought it worth inserting, not only as 
 there are but few letters in this collection which have their answers preserved, 
 but as it lets us into the nature of money transactions, more particularly than 
 many of the others on that subject. 
 
 We feel ourselves interested likewise in the accouxit of his health; and the 
 dutiful attention which he ensures to his mother, places him in the reader's 
 good opinion, who cannot avoid wishing his French expedition may be sue-
 
 EDWARD IV. 101 
 
 labour that I have taken on me now into France ward ; for 
 the good speed of me, and that journey, I beseech you of 
 your prayers and remembrance ; and that journey, with 
 God's grace, once done, I purpose verily, with God's grace, 
 thereafter to dance attendance most about your pleasure 
 and ease : with God's grace, soon upon Easter, ere ever I 
 go forth, I hope to see you, and fetch your blessing. No 
 more at this time, but Jesus have you in his keeping. 
 Written at Calais the 22d day of February, in the 14th year 
 of Edward IV. 
 
 Your Son, 
 
 John Paston, Kt. 
 
 Calais, 
 Wednesday, 22d Feb. 
 1474-5. 14 E. iv. 
 
 cessful, and that he may return and pay that attendance upon his mother 
 which he promises. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 9.
 
 102 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXI. 
 
 To the Right Worshippfull 
 and my right feithfull gode 
 Cosin lohn Posfon Esqider 
 
 Right Worshippfull and my right feithfull gode Cosin I 
 recomaunde me onto you And as hertily as I can thanke you 
 of yo' right gentill and kynde remembraunce that I Con- 
 seyve well by yo' late writyng that ye have to me wardes 
 undesVed in dede but not in Will so god helpe me as ye 
 sh\dd weell known if my power might accorde with my will 
 And Cosin in the mat' that it liked you to remembre me in 
 bothe to my ^^'^orshipp and pleas' I feere me that nouther 
 my pou'e doughter nor pou'e purs can nor may be to his 
 pleas ? wold god outlier might And I shuld take me right 
 neer to his pleas' savyng myself I ensure you by my trowth 
 and howe to understand his pleas' and disposicon therin J 
 see no mean as thus advised, but if it might please you by 
 y' wisdam to attempte it forthcr as ye seme moste conve- 
 niente And theruppon to be guyded by yo' gode advise as 
 the cas shall re(iuire wherin ye shall bynde me hereft' to do 
 that may be to yo' pleas' to my })ower and yette with no 
 betl' will than I have had so god hclj) me Who have you 
 eu' in his kei)ing and sonde you yo' herts desire to his pleas' 
 And if it pleas you to remenib' I'urther in the p'misses I trust 
 ye shall loose no labo' on my ])ou'e p'te howe be it I fere 
 me sore as J be gan bothe of my pou'e dought' and purs
 
 EDWARD IV. 103 
 
 LETTER XXI. 
 
 To the Right JVorshipful and my Right Faithful good Cousin, 
 John Paston, Esquire. 
 
 Right worshipful and my right faithful good cousin, I 
 recommend me unto you, and, as heartily as I can, thank 
 you of your right gentle and kind remembrance, that I 
 conceive well by your late writing that ye have to me wards, 
 undeserved in deed, but not in will, so G od help me, as ye 
 should well know, if my power might accord with my will. 
 
 And, cousin, in the matter that it liked you to remember 
 me in, both to my worship and pleasure, I fear me that 
 my poor daughter nor poor purse can nor may be to his 
 pleasure; would God either might; and I should take me 
 right near to his pleasure, saving myself, I ensure you by 
 my troth ; and how to understand his pleasure and dispo- 
 sition therein, I see no mean as thus advised ; but if [iinless~\ 
 it might please you by your wisdom to attempt it farther, 
 as ye seem most convenient, and thereupon to be guided by 
 your good advice, as the case shall require, wherein ye shall 
 bind me hereafter to do that may be to your pleasure to my 
 power, and yet with no better will than I have had, so God 
 help me, who have you ever in his keeping, and send you 
 your heart's desire to his pleasure ; and if it please you to 
 remember farther in the premises, I trust ye shall lose no 
 labour on my poor part : how be it I fear me sore, as I 
 began, both of my poor daughter and purse. Written at
 
 104 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Writon at Woderysyng the morn aft' our lady Day in haste 
 I requu"e you this bill may be secrete. 
 
 By y' trew cosin, 
 
 R. Southwell. 
 
 12 by 4^. 
 
 No one can read this Letter, written so apparently from the heart, without 
 wishing that both the young lady and her fortune might prove agreeable to the 
 gentleman here hinted at. It is probable they both did ; for John Berney of 
 Recdhani, Esq. the person here meant, I believe, married Alice, daughter of 
 Richard Southwell, Esq. of Wood Rising. 
 
 The Southwells were a family of consequence, and for many generations 
 seated at Wood Rising, in Norfolk. A female descendant, in the fifth gene- 
 
 LETTER XXII. 
 
 Ln to Si/r John Paston 
 be this delyu'ed i~ hast 
 
 Ryght welbelouyd son I grete you well and send you 
 e'stes blissyng and myne desyi'inge to know how ye faire, J 
 mervaile y' I haue herd no tydyngos from you sythe ye 
 sent me y' lettyr of an answere of y*^ xx li the which J have 
 layde pleages for to my Cosyn Cleere the which lett' was 
 wryten y' xxij" day of Febr And as for y' money J can not 
 gete no lenger day y'of yan mydsomer or fourte nyght aft' 
 And towardys y' money And y" xx'^ /iy* I send yow by 
 syde to london by Sym J have receyued no mor money of
 
 EDWARD IV. 105 
 
 Wood Rising, the morn after our Lady Day, in haste : I 
 require you this bill may be secret. 
 
 By your true Cousin, 
 
 Richard Southwell. 
 
 Wood Rising, 
 
 26th March, about 1475. 
 
 15 E. iv. 
 
 ration from the writer of this Letter, a very beautiful young lady, stole abroad 
 in the habit of a page with Sir Robert Dudley, when he left the kingdom in 
 discontent durino; the reiorn of James I. to whom he was afterwards married in 
 Italy. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xx. No. 27. 
 
 LETTER XXII. 
 
 Unto Sir John Paston, be this delivered in haste. 
 
 Right well-beloved son, I greet you well, and send you 
 Christ's blessing and mine, desiring to know how ye fare. 
 I marvel that I have heard no tidings from you since ye 
 sent me the letter of an answer of the 20/. the which I have 
 laid pledges for to my cousin Clere; the which letter was 
 written the 22d day of February ; and as for that money, I 
 cannot get no longer day thereof than Midsummer, or fort- 
 night after ; and towards that money, and the 201. that I 
 sent you besides to London by Sym, I have received no 
 
 VOL. V. p
 
 106 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 yowres but as moch as J send yow ^vreten in yis lettr And 
 as for any discharge y' I promysed at y*" boroeng y' of y*" 
 xx" r when J leyde the pleages y' for I thought not but y' 
 yo' uncle shuld a boroed yem owte And I to have had my 
 pleages as well as he his neu' y'' less I shall be the warer 
 how J shall dele her aftyr by my trowth J wote not how to 
 do y' for, the kyng goth so ner vis in yis Contre both to 
 pooer and ryche y' I wote not how we shall lyfF but yfF ye 
 world amend god amend it whan his wyll is J can nor sell 
 corne nor catell to no good preve malt is her but at x" a 
 comb wheete a comb xxviij" ootes a Comb x'' And y' of is 
 but lytell to geet her at thys tyme. Will'm Pekok shall 
 send you a byll what he hath payde for yow for ij tasks 
 at y' tyme And how he hath purveyde for y" rem- 
 naunte of yo' corne And also of oy' thyngs y' be necessary 
 y' shuld be purveyd for m yo' absence. Send me word also 
 whome ye wyll desyre to do for yow in this Contre or ellys 
 wher in yo' absence And wryte to them to do for yow and 
 they wyll be the bett' wylled to do for yow And I wyll do 
 my devyrs for yow also as well as I can. The som of mo- 
 ney y' T have Receyvyd of Will'm Pecok fyrst xls of 
 Ilunnh'm. Jt'm of Bastwyk xx.s- It'm of Runnh'm xxs It'm 
 of hym for barly at runnh'm xxa- It'm of y'' Fyschynge at 
 Bastwyk xiij' iiij' It'm for Barely sold at Runnh'm viij sum'a 
 total' vj / xvj''. It'm J have receyuyd of Ric Calle of Sporle 
 Wodd xxvj' viij' And mor shall 1 hope her aftyr w'in short 
 tym As J receyue for yow I hope to yefFyow a trew acownt. 
 And yis is all y' I have receyuyd for yow zytt sen ye de- 
 partyd hens god bryng yow well ageyn to y" contre to his 
 pleasans and to yo' wurshyp and profyzt. Wryten at 
 Mawtcby y*^ xxiij'^ day of May and y" Tewsday next aftyr
 
 EDWARD IV. 107 
 
 more money of yours, but as much as I send you written in 
 this letter. And as for any discharge that I promised at 
 the borrowing of the 20/. when I laid the pledges therefore, 
 I thought not but that your imcle should have borrowed 
 them out, and I to have my pledges, as well as he his : 
 nevertheless I shall be the warer how I shall deal here- 
 after. 
 
 By my troth, I wot not how to do therefore ; the King 
 goeth so near us in this country, both to poor and rich, that 
 I wot not how we shall live, but if [_UJiless] the world amend: 
 God amend it, when his will is. I can neither sell corn 
 nor cattle to no good preve [^proof^. 
 
 Malt is here but at lOd. a comb ; wheat, a comb, 28d. ; 
 oats, a comb, lOd.; and thereof is but little to get here at 
 this time. 
 
 William Peacock shall send you a bill what he hath paid 
 for you for two tasks [subsidies] at this time ; and how he hath 
 purveyed for the remenant of your corn; and also of other 
 things that be necessary, that should be purveyed for in 
 your absence. Send me word also whom ye will desire to 
 do for you in this country, or elsewhere in your absence; 
 and write to them to do for you, and they will be the better 
 willed to do for you; and I will do my endeavour for you 
 also, as well as I can. 
 
 The sum of money that I have received of William 
 Peacock : 
 
 First, 40s. of Runham. Item, of Bastwick, 205. Item, 
 of Runham, 20s. Item, of him for barley at Runham, 20s. 
 Item, of the fishing at Bastwick, 13s. 4d. Item, for barley 
 sold at Runham, 8s. Sum total, 61. Is. 4d. 
 
 Item, I have received of Richard Call, of Sporle woods, 
 
 p 2
 
 108 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 t'nyte Sonday. For godds loue And yo' brey' go ou' y*^ see 
 auyse them as ye thynk best for her saue garde. For som 
 of them be but yonge sawgers And wote full lytyll what yt 
 meneth to be as a sauger nor for to endur to do as a sawger 
 shuld do. God saue yow all and send me good tythyngs 
 of yow all And send ye me word in hast how ye doo For I 
 thynk longe to j her of yow 
 
 Be youre modyr. 
 Jt'm J wold not i" no wyse y' ye 
 shuld nor sell nor sett to pleage y' ye 
 haue m Runnh'm. What som eu' for- 
 tune of y'' remnaund for y' is a prety 
 thyng And resonable well payde And 
 nere thys towne J wold be ryght sory 
 y' ye shuld for ber that J had leu' ye 
 for bor y' yo' uncle hath to morgage 
 than y'. 
 
 1 1 J by 9. 
 
 This Letter, in reply to Sir John Pastoii's of the '22cl of February, still com- 
 plains of the times, and shows us how the country was distressed by the large 
 demands from the King; that the price of corn, &c. was low, and money 
 scarce. 
 
 Margaret Paston's anxiety for her chiUiren, some of whom were now first 
 "oing to France as soUliers, attracts our notice, and interests us in their safety 
 and welfare. Tliere is no doubt but tluit her son comjilicd with her earnest 
 request, and gave them proper caution and advice, as he always showed him- 
 self a kind and affectionate brother. 
 
 The contents of the Utter are both curious and interesting. 
 
 Seal, a Flcur-de-lys. PI. xiv. No. 4.
 
 EDWARD IV. 109 
 
 265. 8d. and more shall I hope for hereafter within short 
 time ; as I receive for you, I hope to give you a true ac- 
 count: and this is all that I have received for you yet, since 
 ye departed hence. 
 
 God bring you well again to this country, to his plea- 
 sance, and to your worship and profit. Written at 
 Maulteby, the 23d day of May, and the Tuesday next after 
 Trinity Sunday. 
 
 For God's love, and [i/] your brethren go over the sea, 
 advise them as ye think best for their safeguard, for some of 
 them be but young soldiers, and wot ftdl little what it 
 meaneth to be as a soldier, nor for to endure to do as a 
 soldier should do. God save you all, and send me good 
 tidings of you all. And send ye me word in haste how ye 
 do, for I think long till I hear from you. 
 
 By your mother, 
 
 Margaret Paston. 
 
 Maultby, 
 Tuesday, 23d May, 
 1475. 15E. iv. 
 
 Item, I would not in no wise that ye should sell nor set 
 to pledge that ye have in Rmiham, whatsoever fortune of 
 the remanent; for it is a pretty thing, and reasonable well 
 paid, and near this town : I w ould be right sorry that ye 
 should forbear that: I had lever \^fatlier~\ ye forbore that your 
 uncle hath to mortgage than that.
 
 110 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXIII. 
 
 To John Pas ton or to 
 hi)s brother Edmond 
 Paston at y George 
 at Powles IVharf 
 
 Brother Edmonde it is soo y' J heer telle y* ye be in hope 
 to come hyddr and to be in suclie wags as ye shall com lyve 
 lyke a Jentylman Wherof I wolde be gladde Wherfor for 
 yowr bett' speede I lete yow weete y' Heugh Scamond is 
 deed Wherfor I wolde ye had hys Roome nowe or neu' if ye 
 can brynge it abowt ellys if ye dispose yowe to abyde in 
 Jnglonde syns it is so y' the bysshop of Lynkolne is Chaun- 
 celer hys servyce is the meter for yow he is next Neyghbor 
 to Norff of any Astate god sende yow som good warde of 
 hys J praye you of yowr leyser be ther aftr to remembr 
 Towneshende y' he w' the advyse and assystence of my 
 Mast' of y'^ Rollys have on daye of Marche w* y'' slowe 
 byshop of Wynchest' y' he maye kepe me hys promyse y' 
 is to seye to entrete y'' Duke and Duchesse of Norff For 
 Castr he p'mysed to doo it and to ley owt on C // for y*^ 
 same It'm I praye yow sende me som tydyngs w'in v dayes 
 aftr y' ye see thys bylle Wretyn at Caleys y"" xiij daye of 
 June. 
 
 John Paston, K. 
 
 11 J by 5. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 Bull's-licad and Star. 
 
 PI. X. No. 1.
 
 EDWARD IV. Ill 
 
 LETTER XXIII. 
 
 To John Paston, or to his Brother Echnund Paston, at the 
 George, at Paul's Wharf. 
 
 Brother Edmund, it is so that I hear tell that ye be in 
 hope to come hither, and to be in such wages as ye shall 
 come [and] live like a gentleman, whereof I would be glad ; 
 wherefore for your better speed, I let you weet that Hugh 
 Seamond is dead; wherefore I would ye had his room, 
 \_place~\ now or never, if ye can bring it about ; else if ye 
 dispose you to abide in England, since it is so that the 
 Bishop of Lincoln is Chancellor, his service is the meeter 
 for you, he is next neighbour to Norfolk of any estate: God 
 send you some good ward of his. 
 
 I pray you, if your leisure be thereafter to remember 
 Townshend, that he, with the advice and assistance of my 
 Master of the Rolls, have one day of march with the slow 
 Bishop of Winchester, that he may keep his promise, that is 
 to say, to entreat the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk for 
 Caister; he promised to do it, and to lay out an 100/, for the 
 same. 
 
 Item, I pray you send me some tidings within five days 
 after that you see this bill. Written at Calais, the 1 3th 
 day of Jime. 
 
 John Paston, Kt. 
 
 Calais, 
 
 Tuesday, 13th June, 
 
 1475. 15 E, iv.
 
 1 12 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 The contents of this Letter are not very interesting ; but as it shows there 
 was a connexion between the Pastons, tlie Bishop of Lincoln, and the Master 
 of the Rolls, I have inserted it. 
 
 Thomas Rotherham, bishop of Lincoln, was appointed Lord Chancellor in 
 
 LETTER XXIV. 
 
 To Mestresse Margret 
 Pastonat Norwijche 
 
 11 Y GUT reu'end and my most tendre and kynde moodr I 
 recomande me to yow please it yow to weete y' blessyd be 
 god thys wyage of the Kyngs is fynyshyd for thys tyme and 
 alle the Kyngs ost is comen to Caleys as on Mondaye last 
 past y* is to seye y" iiij daye of Septembr and at thys daye 
 many of hys host be passyd y* see in to Jnglond ageyn and 
 in especiall my lorde of NorfF. and my bretheryn Jt' I was 
 jn goode hope to have hadde Cast' ageyn y' Kynge spake to 
 my lorde of Norff. for it and it was full lyke to have comyn 
 but in conclusyon it is delayed tyll yis next terme by whyche 
 tyme the Kynge hat comaundyd hym to take advyce of hys 
 co"ncell and to be sywer y' hys tytle be goode or ellys y" 
 Kyng bathe asserteynyd hym y' for any Favor he most do 
 me ryght and Justyce &c And if Cast' hadde comen by my 
 feythe I had comyn streyhte home Notw'stondyng if 1 may 
 do yow servyce or eese as ye and J have comonyd her to 
 foor aftr as I heer from yow as god helpe me J p'pose to
 
 EDWARD IV. 113 
 
 1475, and in 1480 was consecrated Archbishop of York. He died of the 
 plague in 1300, being then seventy-six years old. 
 
 John Morton was at this time Master of the Rolls; he became afterwards 
 successively Bishop of Ely, Lord Chancellor, Archbishop of Canterbury, and 
 a Cardinal. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 9- 
 
 LETTER XXIV. 
 
 To Mistress Margaret Pastoji at Norwich. 
 
 ' a"- 
 
 Right reverend, and my most tender and kind mother, I 
 recommend me to you ; please it you to weet that, blessed 
 be God, this voyage of the King's is finished for tliis time, 
 and all the King's host is come to Calais as on Monday last 
 past, that is to say, the 4th day of September ; and at this 
 day many of his host be passed the sea into England again, 
 and in especial my Lord of Norfolk and my brethren. 
 
 Item, I was in good hope to have had Caister again ; the 
 King spoke to my Lord of Norfolk for it, and it was full like 
 to have come, but in conclusion it is delayed till this next 
 term, by which time the King hath commanded him to take 
 advice of his counsel, and to be sure that his title be good, 
 or else the King hath ascertained him, that for any favour 
 he must do me right and justice, &c. 
 
 And if Caister had come, by my faith I had come strait 
 home ; notM'ithstanding, if I may do you service or ease, as 
 ye and I have commvmed heretofore, after as I hear from 
 
 VOL. V. Q
 
 114 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 leefe alle heer and come home to yow and be yowr hosbonde 
 and balyff. wher in J spake to my brother lohn to telle yow 
 myn advyce I also mysselyke somwhat the heyr heer for by 
 my trowte I was in goode heele whan J come hyddr and 
 all hooll and to my wetyng J hadde neu' a bett' stomake in 
 my lyfe and now w' in viij dayes I am crasyd ageyn I sup- 
 pose y' I most be at london at Mychelmesse and ther to 
 p'ueye for payment for myn oncle Will'm by whyche tyme 
 I praye yow y' J may heer from yow and of yowr advyce 
 and helpe if any thynge be growyn of Sporle woode For had 
 nott yit that danger have been J mygh yit haue ben at 
 home w' yow at thys daye or w* in vij dayes aftr No mor 
 but J beseche Jhu have yow in kepyng Wretyn at Caleys 
 the xj daye of Septembr 
 
 John Paston, K 
 
 n| by 5J. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 French Arms crowned, 
 
 and the Letter t. 
 
 PI. xii. No. 21. 
 
 This curious Letter was written immediately after King Edward's return 
 from his personal interview with Lewis XI. King of France, at Pcquini, on 
 the 29th of August, when these monarchs met on the bridge over the Somme. 
 Sir >Iolin Paston expresses himself in such a manner as shows he was glad that 
 the King and his army were returned to Calais. 
 
 Edward had now been about two months in France, where he went with a 
 most fonnidable army, expecting to have been joined by the Duke of Bur-
 
 EDWARD IV. 115 
 
 you, as, God help me, I purpose to leave all here, and come 
 home to you, and be your husband and bailiff; wherein I 
 spake to my brother John to tell you mine advice. 
 
 I also mislike somewhat the air here ; for, by my troth, I 
 was in good health when I came hither, and all whole, and 
 to my weeting I had never a better stomach in my life, and 
 now within eight days I am crazed again. I suppose that I 
 must be at London at Michaelmas, and there to purvey for 
 payment for my uncle William ; by which time I pray you 
 that I may hear from you, and of your advice and help, if 
 any thing be grown of Sporle Wood ; for had not yet that 
 danger' have been, I might yet have been at home with you 
 at this day, or within seven days after. No more : but I 
 beseech Jesus have you in keeping. Written at Calais, the 
 11th day of September. 
 
 John Paston, Kt. 
 
 Calais, 
 
 Monday, 11th Sept. 
 
 1475. 15 E. iv. 
 
 gundy with a powerful one likewise ; thus supported, he hoped to have con- 
 quered that kingdom. The French king pursued another plan ; he soothed 
 and bribed Edward's ministers, and by these means brought about a truce, nnil 
 peace for seven years. 
 
 Thus ended the expedition, for the undertaking of which Edward had been 
 collecting money from his subjects in England, by subsidies and benevolences 
 for almost two years, by which he had occasioned great discontents. After his 
 return he gave himself up to dissipation and avarice. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 9- 
 
 ' Debt. 
 
 q2
 
 116 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXV. 
 
 To the ryght worchepfull 
 S' John Past on Kni/ght 
 lodgyd at the George by 
 Powlys Wharf in london 
 
 Ryght werchepfull S' I recomand me to yow sertyfyi'g 
 yow that I haue comenyd w* Barnard and other your well- 
 wyllers w' my lord of NorfF whyche avise me that ye shold 
 for yo' nyghest meane to get caster A yen labore to get a 
 lettre fro the Kyng dyrect to R. Sothewell Jamys Hubbard 
 and ou' of my lordys consayll bei'g and to Jche of theym 
 And in the seyd letter to lete theym hawe knowlage that the 
 Kyng mevyd to my lord of the seyd mater beyond y*" see 
 and hough my lord answerd the Kyng that at hys comyg in 
 to Jnglend he wold meve to hys seyd Consayll of the seyd 
 mat' and geue the Kyng an answer wherfor the Kyng in the 
 seyd lettyr must streyghtly charge theym and iche of theym 
 to comon w' my lord in the seyd mater in syche wyse that 
 the Kyng may be sertyfyed of an answer fro my lord and 
 theym at the ferthest by crasti'b a'i'aru" for Suthewell nor 
 lamys Hubbard shall not be at london befor Halowmass and 
 thys is the best wey that ye may take as we thynke here 
 my lady 'sweryth and so dethe barnard on hyr behalf that 
 she wold as fayne ye had it as eny body notu'standyng she 
 seyd not so to me sythe J cam horn for I spak not w' hyr 
 but onys sythe I sye yow last yet she lythe in Norwyche 
 and shall do tyll she be delyuerd but J haue be seek euer
 
 EDWARD IV. 117 
 
 LETTER XXV. 
 
 To the Right Worshipful Sir John Paston, Knight, lodged at 
 the George, by Paul's Wharf, in Londoii. 
 
 Right worshipful Sir, I recommend me to you, certifying 
 you that I have communed with Barnard, and other your 
 well-willers, with my Lord of Norfolk, winch advise me that 
 ye should, for your nighest mean to get Caister again, 
 labour to get a letter from the King, directed to Richard 
 Southwell, James Hobart, and other of my Lord's counsel 
 being, and to each of them ; and in the said letter to let 
 them have knowledge, that the King moved to my Lord of 
 Norfolk the said matter beyond the sea, and how my Lord 
 answered the King, that at his coming into England he 
 would move to his said counsel of the said matter, and give 
 the King an answer; wherefore the King in the said letter 
 must straitly charge them, and each of them to commune 
 with my Lord in the said matter, in such wise that the King 
 may be certified of an answer from my Lord and them at the 
 farthest by crastino animarum (3d Nov.), for Southwell nor 
 James Hobart shall not be at London before Hallowmas ; 
 and this is the best way that ye may take, as we think here. 
 My Lady 'sweareth, and so doth Barnard on her behalf, 
 that she would as fain ye had it as any body ; notwithstand- 
 ing she said not so to me, since I came home, for I spake not 
 with her but once, since I saw you last ; yet she lieth in Nor- 
 wich, and shall do, till she be delivered : but I have been sick, 
 ever since I came on this side the sea, but I trust hastily to
 
 118 P ASTON LETTERS. 
 
 sythe J cam on thys sycl the see but I trust hastyly to amend 
 for all my seknesse that I had at Caleys and sythe I cam 
 ouer also com but of cold but I was never so well armyd for 
 the werre as I haue now armyd me for cold Wherfor J avyse 
 yow take exampyll by me if it happyn yow to be seek as ye 
 wer when I was at Caleys in eny wyse kepe yow warme 
 I weene herry Woodhous nor Jamys Arblaster ware never at 
 onys so many cotys hose and botewx as J doo or ellys by 
 god we had gone therfor what we shall yet I can not sey but 
 I here me bold on ij dayes amendy~g my modyr sendyth yow 
 gods blyssi'g and hyrs And she wold fayne haue yow at hom 
 w' hyr and if ye be onys mette she tellyth me ye shall net 
 lyghtly dep'rt tyll dethe dep't yow As J was wryghty'g thys 
 lettyr on told me that the Kyng sliold be at ^Walsygh'm 
 thys next if it be so it wer best for yow to awayte on the 
 Kyng all the wey and if ye have not men and horse J 
 nowghe J shall send yow do as ye thynk best And as ye 
 wyll have me to do send me your avyse and I shall acco"- 
 plyshe it to my power w' gods grace who p'serue yowWretyn 
 at Norwyche the x day of Octob' A" xv" E iiij" 
 
 J. P. 
 
 12 by 10. 
 
 Paper mark, 
 \Mieels, &c. 
 PI. xxii. No. 10. 
 
 After what had passed between the King and the Duke of Norfolk, the 
 ads ice here given appears proper, as the King's letter woidd oblige the counsel 
 to consider the matter immediately, and report their opinion to their Lord. 
 How very respectable the Duke's counsel were, we may learn from James 
 Ho!):irt being one of tlioni ; lie was a great lawyer, and in the reign of Ilenry 
 VII. was constituted Attorney-(ieneral, and aflerwaiils became a I'rivy Coun- 
 .sellor. He was made a Knight of the Sword at tiu cieation of Henry Prince
 
 EDWARD IV. 119 
 
 amend, for all iny sickness that I had at Calais, and since I 
 came over also, came but of cold ; but I was never so well 
 armed for the war as I have now armed me for cold ; where- 
 fore I advise you take example by me, if it happen you to 
 be sick, as ye were when I was at Calais, in any wise keep 
 you warm. I ween Harry Wodehouse, nor James Arblaster, 
 wear never at once so many coats, hose, and boots as I do, 
 or else by God we had gone therefore ; what we shall yet I 
 cannot say, but I bear me bold on two days amending. 
 
 My mother sendeth you God's blessing and her's, and she 
 would fain have you at home with her ; and if ye be once 
 met, she telleth me, ye shall not lightly depart, till death 
 depart \^part^ you. 
 
 As I was writing this letter, one told me that the King 
 should be at 'Walsingham this next [weekl ; if it be so, it 
 were best for you to await on the King all the way ; and if ye 
 have not men and horse enough, I shall send you. Do as 
 ye think best: and as ye will have me do, send me your 
 advice, and I shall accomplish it to my power with God's 
 grace, who preserve you. 
 
 Written at Norwich, the 10th day of October, in the 
 fifteenth year of Edward IV. 
 
 'John Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 
 Tuesday, 10th Oct. 
 
 1475. 15 E. iv. 
 
 of Wales in 1503, and dying about 1509, was buried in the Cathedral Churcli 
 of Norwich, though he had built the fair church of Loddon, where his por- 
 traiture lately remained in the east window. Fuller saith "he was a right good 
 man, of great learning and wisdom." He acquired a large fortune with honour, 
 and was the ancestor of the present Earl of Buckinghamshire, the proprietor
 
 120 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 of the noble mansion at Blickling, in Norfolk, built in the year l6'28, and im- 
 proved by his lordship, with great taste, in a style suitable to the original plan. 
 
 ' We must not consider this phrase to be so coarse as it would sound in 
 modern language: it is merely a strong asseveration. 
 
 * This journey was undertaken, I suppose, to return thanks to Our Lady for 
 his safe return from his expedition into France. 
 
 ^ Autograph, PI. xxv. No. 21. Seal, a Fleur-de-lys and Annulet, PI. xiv. 
 No. 22. 
 
 In the course of this work we have been often informed of the meeting of 
 the council of the Duke of Norfolk, at the residence of that nobleman; a 
 
 LETTER XXVI. 
 
 To S' John Posfon 
 Kiii/ght at y George 
 at Powlys Wharffe 
 
 Aftyr all dewtes of recoiiiendacyon lycketh yow to weet 
 that J cnsuer yow your se'dy'g to Cast' is evyll takyn among 
 my lords folks in so myclie that some sey that ye te"dryd 
 lytyll my lords dethe in as myche as ye wold so sone entre 
 ii})on hym aflyr hys dysease w' ought auyse and assent of 
 my lords Consayll wherfor it is thought here by syche as be 
 yo' frends in my lords house that if my lady haue onys the 
 g'unt of the wardshepp of the 'chyld that she wyll ocupye 
 Cast' w' other londs and ley the defaute on your unkynd 
 hastyness of Entre w" ought hyr assent Wherfor in eny
 
 EDWARD IV. 121 
 
 few words respecting the nature of this council, and of their duty when assem- 
 bled will not be unacceptable to the reader. From what we have collected 
 from these Letters, and from the various accounts of similar councils mentioned 
 by our historians, it plainly appears that the Baron, (for many members of this 
 council often appear to be summoned in consequence of their feudal connexion 
 with the barony,) when surrounded by his council, represented the King, sur- 
 rounded by his Privy Council, or Counsellors of State. In this assembly all 
 matters relative to the disputes between his vassals and dependants were heard 
 and determined ; orders and regulations respecting his own territorial posses- 
 sions were debated and confirmed, and many even of his domestic affairs were 
 here settled ; for in this council the officers on his establishment had a seat un- 
 der titles similar to those in the royal household, as Treasurer, Comptroller, &c. 
 
 LETTER XXVI. 
 
 To Sir John Paston, Knight, at the George at Paul's Wharf. 
 
 After all duties of recommendation, liketh it you to weet, 
 that I ensure you your sending to Caister is evil taken 
 among my Lord's folks, insomuch that some say that ye 
 tendered little my Lord's death, in as much as ye would so 
 soon enter upon him after his decease, without advice and 
 assent of my Lord's counsel ; wherefore it is thought here 
 by such as be your fiiends in my Lord's house, that if my 
 Lady have once the grant of the wardship of the 'child, that 
 she will occupy Caister with other lands, and lay the default 
 on your unkind hastiness of entry without her assent ; 
 wherefore in any wise get yovi a patent of the King ensealed 
 before her's, and \if^ ye may, by any mean possible. Also 
 
 VOL. V. R
 
 122 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 wyse gett yow a patent of y" Kyng ensealyd be for hyrs and 
 ye may by eny meane possybyll Also I pray yow Comon w* 
 my lord Chamb'leyn for me and weet hough that he wyll 
 have me demeanyd it iss told me for serteyn that ther is non 
 hey to gete at Caleys Wherfor if I mygh be p'don'd for eny 
 kepy-g of horse at Caleys till Myd somer it wer a good torne. 
 the berer herof shall Com home ayen fro london w' in a day 
 aftyr that he Comyth thedyr if ye wyll ought Comand hym. 
 J prey yow send me woord by hym hough ye do w' your 
 maters and I prey yow in eny wyse lete me undyrstand by 
 the berer herof hough Bowen of the Cheker will dele w' me 
 
 XX XX 
 
 vj and X li it is nough and I would haue vij // and x li And J 
 to plege it ought in iiij or v yer or ellys to forfet the 'maner 
 Wretyn at Norwyche the Twysday next aftyr yoiu: dep'tyg 
 thens. 
 
 xxiij die Jaiiuarij A° 
 Eiiij" xv° 
 
 'John Paston. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 a Coronet. 
 
 Pi. xxvi. No. 2. 
 
 ' (^y ^>- f't; paper seems to liavc been so cut before tlie letter 
 
 1 li lower part J 
 
 •^ was written on it. 
 
 We here find that Sir John Paston, immediately after the decease of the 
 Duke of Norfolk, sent and took possession of Caister. This step, though 
 perhaps necessary, gave oflfence to the Duchess and her council, and his bro-
 
 EDWARD IV. 123 
 
 I pray you commune with my Lord Chamberlain for me, and 
 weet how that he will have me demeaned. It is told me 
 for certain that there is none hay to get at Calais, wherefore 
 if I might be pardoned for any keeping of horse at Calais 
 till Midsummer, it were a good turn. 
 
 The bearer hereof shall come home again from London, 
 within a day after that he cometh thither, if ye will aught 
 command him. I pray you send me word by him how ye do 
 with your matters, and I pray you in any wise let me under- 
 stand, by the bearer hereof, how Bowen of the Exchequer 
 will deal with me : six-score and ten pounds it is now ; 
 and I would have seven score and ten pounds, and I to 
 pledge it out in four or five years, or else to forfeit the 
 'manor. Written at Norwich, the Tuesday next after your 
 departing thence, the 23d day of January, in the fifteenth 
 year of Edward IV. 
 
 'John Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 
 Tuesday, 23d Jan. 
 
 1475. 15 E. iv. 
 
 ther seems fearful that it would make her grace more tenacious of keeping it ; 
 he therefore urges Sir John instantly to apply for the King's patent. 
 
 ' This child was Ann, who soon after was betrothed to Richard Plantagenet 
 Duke of York, the second son of King Edward. She died very young, and 
 the Duke was, as it is supposed, smothered in the Tower by the command of 
 his uncle Richard III. 
 
 '^ This transaction seems to relate to a mortgage of a manor, upon which 
 Bowen would not advance the sum J. Paston expected. 
 
 ' Autograph, Pi. iv. No. 12, 
 
 r2
 
 124 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXVII. 
 
 to my lord 
 
 My most doughtyd and singuler good lord aftyr most hum- 
 ble and dew recomendacyon please it your good lordshepp 
 to haue knowlage that accordy'g to your comandement Jn 
 my wey homeward I renie'bred me of a p'sone whyche to 
 my thynkyng is meetly to be clerk of your Kechyn whyche 
 p'sone is now in seruyse w* Mast' Fitzwater And was befor 
 that w' Whethyll at Gwynes And purueyor for hys house 
 And at syche tyme as the Kyngs grace was thcr last in hys 
 vyage towardes France thys man is meane of stature yonge 
 Jnough well witty d well manerd a goodly yong man on 
 horse and foote he is well spokyn Jn Jnglyshe metly well 
 in Frenshe and verry p'fite in Flemyshe he can wryght and 
 Reed hys name is Rychard Stratton hys modyr is IMastress 
 Grame of Caleys and when I had shewyd hym myn Intent 
 he was agreable and v'ry glad if that it myght please your 
 lordshep to accc])l hym in to your servyse wherto I ])'mysed 
 hym my poore helpc as fcr forthe as I durst meve your good 
 lordshe})p for hym trusty'g that I shold have knowclage of 
 your ])losure her in or I departed towardes your lordshep 
 ought of this ('ontrey wherfor I advysed hym to be redy 
 w' in xiiij daycs of Marche at the ferthcst that if it j)leasyd 
 yo' lordsluppe to accept hym or to haue a syght of hym be 
 for your dej)'tyng to Caleys that thcr shold be no sloughthe 
 in hym he desyred mc to meve Mast' Fitzwater to be good 
 Mastyr to hym in thys behalve And so J dyd And he was
 
 EDWARD IV. 125 
 
 LETTER XXVIL 
 
 To my Lord Hastyngs. 
 
 My most doughted [valiant] and singular good Lord, after 
 most humble and due recommendation, please it your good 
 Lordship to have knowledge, that according to your com- 
 mandment, in my way homeward, I remembered me of a 
 person, which to my thinking is meet to be clerk of your 
 kitchen ; which person is now in service with Master Fitz- 
 walter, and was before that with Whethill at Guisnes, and 
 purveyor for his house, and at such time as the King's grace 
 was there last, in his voyage towards France. This man is 
 mean of stature [of moderate stature], young enough, well 
 witted, well mannered ; a goodly young man on horse and 
 foot ; he is well spoken in English, meetly well in French, 
 and very perfect in Flemish ; he can write and read ; his 
 name is Richard Stratton ; his mother is Mistress Grame of 
 Calais ; and when I had showed him mine intent, he was 
 agreeable and very glad, if that it might please your Lord- 
 ship to accept him into your service: whereto I promised 
 him my poor help, as far forth as I durst move your good 
 Lordship for him, trusting that I should have knowledge of 
 your pleasure herein, ere I departed towards your Lordship 
 out of this country, wherefore I advised him to be ready 
 within fourteen days of March at the farthest ; that if it 
 pleased your Lordship to accept him, or to have a sight of 
 him before your departing to Calais, that there should be 
 no sloth in him.
 
 126 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 v'ry glad and agreable ther to seyi'g if hys sone had ben of 
 age and all the seru'ntes he hathe niyght be in eny wyse 
 acceptabell to yo' lordshepp that they all and hym silf in 
 lyek wyse shall be at yo' Comandment wliyll he leveth And 
 at my Comy~g horn to my poore house I sent for Robart 
 Bernard And shewid on to hym that J had mevyd your 
 lordshepp for hym And he in lyck forme is agreable to be 
 redy by the xiiij day of Marche to awayte on yo' lordshepp 
 be it to Caleys or ellys where And fro that Day so foorthe 
 for ever whyll hys lyff wyll last w* ought grugei'g or Con- 
 trayy'g your Comandement and plesure in eny wyse that is 
 in hym possibyll taccomplishe J shewed on to hym that I 
 had preyed Mast' Talbot to be A mean to yo' good lord- 
 shepp for hym And if so wer that Mastyr Talbot thought 
 that yo' lordshep wer content to take hys servyse then that 
 it wold please M. Talbot to meve my lady of Norff. grace to 
 wryght or send to Bernard putty 'g hym in knowlage that 
 hyr g'ce is Content that he shall become yo' menyall 
 serv'nt Wherof he was passy"g well pleasyd but that notw'- 
 standy'g as J enformed yo' lordshep he is not so receyvyd 
 neyther by fee nor p'mess but that he may let hym sylf 
 loose to do yo' lordsheppe seruyse when ye wyll receyve 
 hym And so wyll he do but your lordshepe so ])leasid leve 
 wer bettyr llychard Stratton told me that whyll he was in 
 Servyse w' Whethyll John lledwe mocyond hym onys 
 myche aftyr thys .Intent but at that tyme whethyll wold 
 not be so good Mastyr to hym as to meve your lordshepe 
 for hym My lord I trust that yo' lordshe})e shall lyek bothe 
 ther p'sones and ther Condicyons And as for ther trowthes 
 if it may ])lease yo' good lordshej)e to accept my poore 
 woord w' thers J wyll depose largely lor that And as it
 
 EDWARD IV. 127 
 
 He desired me to move Master Fitzwalter to be good 
 master to him in this behalf, and so I did, and he was very 
 glad and agreeable thereto, saying if his son had been of 
 age, and all the servants he hath might be in any wise 
 acceptable to your Lordship, that they all, and himself in 
 like wise, shall be at your commandment, while he liveth. 
 
 And at my coming home to my poor house, I sent for 
 Robert Bernard, and showed unto him that I had moved 
 your Lordship for him ; and he in like form is agreeable to 
 be ready, by the 14th day of March, to await on your Lord- 
 ship, be it to Calais or elsewhere, and from that day so 
 forth for ever, while his life will last, without grudging or 
 contrarying your commandment and pleasure, in any wise 
 that is in him possible to accomplish. 
 
 I showed unto him that I had prayed Master Talbot to 
 be a mean to your good Lordship for him, and if so were 
 that Master Talbot thought that your Lordship were con- 
 tent to take his service, then that it would please Master 
 Talbot to move my Lady of Norfolk's grace to write or send 
 to Bernard, putting him in knowledge that her grace is 
 content that he shall become your menial servant : whereof 
 he was passing well pleased ; but that notwithstanding, as I 
 informed your Lordship, he is not so received neither by 
 fee nor promise, but that he may let himself loose to do your 
 Lordship service, when ye will receive him; and so will he 
 do; but, your Lordship so pleased, leave were better. 
 Richard Stratton told me, that while he was in service with 
 Whethill, John Redwe motioned him once much after this 
 intent, but at that time Whethill would not be so good 
 master to him as to move your Lordship for him. 
 
 My Lord, I trust that your Lordship shall like both their
 
 128 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 pleasyth yo' good lordshepe to Comand me Jn thes maters 
 and all other Jf it may please yo' lordshepe to shewe the 
 same to my brodyr Nesfeld he knowith who shall sonest be 
 \v' me to putt me in knowlage of yo' plesure whyche J shall 
 be at all seasons redy taccomplyshe to my poore power w' 
 gods grace whom I beseche longe to contenue the p'spe- 
 rous Astate of yo' good lordshepp fro Norwyche the 
 seeonde daye of Marche w* the hand of yo' most humble 
 serv'nt and beedman. 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 12i by 10^. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 Bull's-head and Star. 
 
 PI. xxxii. No. 1. 
 
 From the particular character here given of Richard Stratton, the person 
 recommended by J. Paston as a servant to Lord Hastyngs, it appears how 
 cautious and exact noblemen and others were both in receiving and recom- 
 mending those who were to compose their household. 
 
 Robert Bernard either had been in the service of the late Duke of Norfolk, 
 or was in treaty with the Duchess, as it was thought necessary for her consent 
 to be asked for his engaging himself now in the service of another. 
 
 These proceedings show a proper attention in the great both to the manners 
 and morals of their domestics ; and were the same cautions observed now, 
 joineil with a strict regard to truth in the characters given M'ith servants by 
 those wiiom they last served, that dissohiteness of manners amongst the com-
 
 EDWARD IV. 12a 
 
 persons and their conditions ; and as for their truth, if it 
 may please your good Lordship to accept my poor word 
 with theirs, I will depose largely for that ; and as it pleaseth 
 your good Lordship to command me in these matters, and 
 all other, if it may please your Lordship to show the same 
 to my brother Nessfield, he knoweth who shall soonest be 
 with me to put me in knowledge of your pleasure, which I 
 shall be at all seasons ready to accomplish to my poor power 
 with God's grace, whom I beseech long to continue the 
 prosperous estate of your good Lordship. 
 
 From Norwich, the second day of March, with the hand 
 of your most humble servant and beadsman. 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 Saturday, 2d March, 
 1473-6. Ij E. iv. 
 
 inon people would not be so general, nor would our gaols so swarm with 
 highwaymen and housebreakers. When the Great become inattentive and 
 dissipated, the Little will soon follow tlieir example, and stop at no unjust 
 methods to enable them to imitate their superiors. 
 
 Though there is no name on the superscription of the original letters, it 
 was certainly intended for Lord Hastyngs, at this time Lieutenant of Calais, 
 for which government he was preparing to embai k. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 12. 
 
 VOL. V.
 
 130 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXVIII. 
 
 To John Fasten esqer or 
 
 to Mestresse Margrett Paston 
 hys Moodr in Norff. 
 
 J RECOMANDE me to yow letyng yow wete y' blessyd be 
 god iippon Sat'daye last past My lorde and wee toke the 
 see and come to Caleys y" same daye and as thys daye my 
 lode come to Guynesse and theer was receyvyd hono'ablye 
 w'owt any obstaklys wheer as I fownde Mast' Fytzwalt' and 
 other whyche wer ryght hevye for the dethe of y" noble 
 man thatt was theer to foor Jtt happyd soo y' my seyd 
 Mast' Fytzwalt' axid me ryglit hertely lor yow and I lete 
 hym weete y* I demyd ye wolde be heer in haste wheroffe 
 he seyde he was ryght soory for soo moche y' he entendyth 
 to come in to englonde and as I conceyve he wyll come to 
 Attylborogh and brynge my Mestresse hys wyfe w' hym and 
 theer to stablyshe hys howse contymiall Wherfor he 
 thynketh y' he sholde have as grete alakke of yow as of any 
 on man in y' contr willyng me to wryght on to yowe and to 
 late yow weete of hys comynge he also hathe tolde me 
 moche of hys stomake and tendre fav' y' he avythc to yow 
 Wherfor I asserteyn yow y' he is your verry especiall goode 
 Mast' and ife ye weer abydynge in thatt contr whylse he 
 weer theer he is dysposyd to doe largely for yowe in 
 dyu'se wyse whyche weer to longe to wryght in so moche 
 y' I feele l)y hym y' he thynkyth y' itt shold be longe er he 
 scholde be wery of yowr expencs of horse or man Now I
 
 EDWARD IV. 131 
 
 LETTER XXVIII. 
 
 To John Faston, Esq. or to Mistress Margaret Paston, his 
 
 Mother, in Norfolk. 
 
 I REC03IMEND me to you, letting you weet that, blessed be 
 God, upon Saturday last past, my Lord and we took the 
 sea, and came to Calais the same day ; and as this day my 
 Lord came to Guisnes, and there was received honourably 
 without any obstacles; where I found Master Fitzwalter 
 and other which were right heavy for the death of the no- 
 bleman that was there before ; it happened so that my said 
 Master Fitzwalter asked me right heartily for you, and I let 
 him weet that I deemed ye would be here in haste; whereof 
 he said he was right sorry, for so much that he intendeth 
 to come into England, and as I conceive he will come to 
 Attleborough, and bring my mistress his wife with him, and 
 there to stablish his house continual : wherefore he thinketh 
 that he should have as great a lack of you as of any one 
 man in that country, willing [^desiringl me to write unto you, 
 and to let you weet of his coming. He also hath told me 
 much of his stomach and tender favour that he oweth to 
 you ; wherefore I ascertain you, that he is your very espe- 
 cial good master, and if ye were abiding in that country, 
 while he were there, he is disposed to do largely for you in 
 divers wise, which were too long to write, insomuch that I 
 feel by him, that he thinketh that it should be long ere he 
 should be weary of your expense of horse or man; now I 
 
 s 2
 
 132 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 remytte alle thynge to your dyscresion ye woote best what 
 is for yow as for my lorde J undrestande natt yitt whethyr 
 he wylle m to Jngelonde the weke to foor est'ne or ellys 
 aftr I pray yow recomande me to my moodr J wolde have 
 wretyn to hyr but in trowthe J ame somewhatt erased what 
 w' the see and what wythe thys dyet heer No moor to yow 
 but wretyn at Gynes the xij daye of Marche A° E xuj 
 
 By John Paston K. 
 
 Ill by G. 
 
 Lord Hastings, the Governor of Calais, &c. was, I presume, the nobleman 
 with whom Sir John Paston went into France. 
 
 John Ratcliff, Esq. of Attleborough, married Elizabeth, daughter and heir 
 of Walter Lord Fitzwalter, and in her right was summoned to Parliament as 
 Lord Fitzwalter; he was killed at Fcrrybiidge in 1460. The Master Fitz- 
 walter here mentioned, I believe, was their son, now about twenty-four years 
 old, and who was in right of his mother summoned to Parliament as Lord 
 Fitzwalter in 1485, 1 H. vii. He was concerned in the plot of Perkin War-
 
 EDWARD IV. 133 
 
 remit all thing to your discretion, ye wot best what is for 
 you. 
 
 As for my Lord, I understand not yet whether he will 
 into England the week before Easter, or else after. 
 
 I pray you recommend me to my mother ; I would have 
 written to her, but in truth I am somewhat erased, what 
 with the sea, and what with this diet here. 
 
 No more to you ; but written at Guisnes, the 12th day of 
 March, the 16th of Edward IV. 
 
 By John Paston, Kt. 
 
 Guisnes, 
 Tuesday, 12th March. 
 1475-6. \6 E. iv. 
 
 beck, for wliich, being convicted of treason, he was sent prisoner to Calais, 
 from whence endeavouring to escape, he was retaken and beheaded. 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 9.
 
 134 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXIX. 
 
 Aftyr all dewtes of recomendacyon inas hu'byll wyse as I 
 can I beseche yow of yo' blyssy'g tlie chef cause that I 
 wryghty'g to yow for at thys season is for that I undyrstand 
 that my lady wold be ryght glad to have yow a bought hyr 
 at hyr labore jn so myche that she hatlie axyd the questyon 
 of dyuers gentyllwemen wliedyr they thought that ye wold 
 away te on hyr at that season or nought And they answerd that 
 they durst sey that ye wold w' ryght good wyll awayte on hyr 
 at that tyme and at all other seasons that she wold comand 
 yow And so I thynk that my lady wyll send for yow And 
 if it wer your ease to be here I wold be ryght glad that ye 
 myght be here for I thynk your bei"g here shold do gret 
 good to my brodyrs maters that he hathe to sped w' hyr 
 wherfor for gods sake haue your horse and all yo' gere redy 
 w' yow whersoeur ye be ought or at home and as for men 
 ye shall nott need many for I wyll come for yow and awayte 
 on yow my sylf and on or ij w' me but I had need to undyr- 
 stand wher to fynd yow or cllys I shall ha])})yly sceke yow 
 at Mautby when ye be at Freton And my lady myght then 
 fortune to be ferforthe on hyr Jorney or ye cam if she wer 
 as swyfte as ye wer onys on good Fryday and as for the 
 mater in the latter end of my brodyr S' Johnys lettyr me 
 thynk he takyth a wronge wey if he go so to werk for as fer 
 the peopyll here I luidyrstand non other but that all folkys 
 here be ryght well dysi)osyd toward that mater fro the 
 hyghest degre to the lowest except Robart Brandon and 
 John Colvyll and it is a grete lykeyhod that the grettest
 
 EDWARD IV. 135 
 
 LETTER XXIX. 
 
 John Pasto7i to his Mother Margaret Paston. 
 
 After all duties of recommendation in as humble wise as I 
 can, I beseech you of your blessing ; the chief cause that I 
 write to you for at this season is, for that I understand that 
 my Lady would be right glad to have you about her at her 
 labour; insomuch that she hath asked the question of divers 
 gentlewomen, whether they thought that ye would await on 
 her at that season, or not : and they answered that they durst 
 say that ye wovdd, with right good will, await on her at that 
 time, and at all other seasons that she would command you ; 
 and so I think that my Lady will send for you ; and if it 
 w ere your ease to be here, I would be right glad that ye 
 might be here, for 1 think your being here should do great 
 good to my brother's matters that he hath to speed with 
 her ; wherefore for God's sake have your horse and all your 
 geer ready with you, wheresoever ye be, out or at home ; 
 and as for men, ye shall not need many, for I will come for 
 you, and await on you myself, and one or two with me ; but 
 I had need to understand where to find you, or else I shall 
 haply seek you at Maultby, when ye be at Fritton ; and my 
 Lady might then fortune to be farforth on her journey, ere 
 ye came, if she were as swift as ye were once on Good 
 Friday. 
 
 And as for the matter in the latter end of my brother Sir 
 John's letter, methinks he taketh a wrong way, if he go so 
 to work; for as for the people here, I understand none
 
 13G PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 body is well dysposyd towards that mater in as myche as 
 they wold put yow to the labore aboue wretyn and if they 
 wer not I thynk they wold not put yow to that labore 
 Also here was here w' me yest'day a man fro the p'our 
 of bromholme to lete me haue knowlage of the ille speehe 
 whyche is in the contre now of new that the tombe is not 
 mad and also he seythe that the clothe that lythe over the 
 grave is all toryn and rotyn and is not worth ij" and he 
 seythe he hathe paehyd it onys or twyis wherfor the pryour 
 hathe sent to yow at the least to send thedyr a new clothe 
 a yenst estern Also mastyr Sloley prayith yow for gods sake 
 And ye wyll do non almess of tylle that he myght berow 
 some of yow tyll he may bye some and pay yow ayen for en 
 the fayrist chambyrs of the fryers standyth half encouerd for 
 defaulte of tylle for her is yett non to get for no money And 
 the holy trynyty haue yow in kepyng at Norwyche thys 
 Twysday. 
 
 J Paston 
 
 Part of the 
 Paper Mark, 
 A Coronet. 
 PI. xxvi. No. -2. 
 
 The reader cannot but be pleased with this Letter, and m ith tlie anxiou.s 
 care expressed by J. Paston for his mother's attendance on the Duchess, both 
 on her own and on her son Sir John's account. The neglect of his father's 
 tomb cannot escape notice; and the circumstance of having a ciotii over the 
 grave during nearly ten years, for in; iliiil in May 140G, shows the fashion of 
 the time; the decayed state of it likewise will not pass unobserved. As the
 
 EDWARD IV. 137 
 
 other but that all folks here be right well disposed towards 
 that matter, from the highest degree to the lowest, except 
 Robert Brandon and John Colville ; and it is a great likeli- 
 hood that the greatest body is well disposed towards that 
 matter, in as much as they would put you to the labour 
 above written ; and if they were not, I think they would not 
 put you to that labour. Also here was here with me yes- 
 terday a man from the Prior of Bromholm, to let me have 
 knowledge of the ill speech which is in the country now of 
 new, that the tomb is not made ; and also he saith, that the 
 cloth that lieth over the grave is all torn and rotten, and is 
 not worth two pence, and he saith he hath patched it once 
 or twice ; wherefore the Prior hath sent to you at the least 
 to send thither a new cloth against Easter. 
 
 Also Master Sloley prayeth you, for God's sake, an [//"] ye 
 will do no alms of tile, that he might borrow some of you, 
 till he may buy some, and pay you again ; for one, the 
 fairest chamber of the Fryars, standeth half uncovered for 
 default of tile, for here is yet none to get for no money ; 
 and the Holy Trinity have you in keeping. At Norwich, 
 this Tuesday. 
 
 Your son and humble servant, 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 Tuesday, March, 
 1475-6. 16 E. iv. 
 
 new cloth was desired to be procured against Easter, which this year fell on 
 the 14th of April, it is probable the letter was written during the month of 
 March. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 12. 
 
 VOL. V. T
 
 138 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXX. 
 
 To my ryght worchepful 
 modyr Margaret Paston 
 
 Aftyr all dewtes of recomendacyon pleasyt yow to weet 
 that as yest'day att noon my brodyr S' lohn dep'tyd fro 
 Norvvyche towards london for as now all the sped is w' the 
 kyng for the swerte of the maner of Castr consedery'g the 
 dyeing' seasyd of my lord of Norff he trustyth to be in thys 
 contre ayen w' in x or xij dayes And at hys dep'ty'g he seyd 
 to me that ye sent hym woord to selle the clothe of gold 
 if he myght selle it well whyche clothe I thynke may be 
 sold if ye wyll agre not w^standy'g I wylle make no bar- 
 gayn for it tyll ye send me woord of the serteyn some what 
 ye wyll haue for it or ellys ye to have it ayen S' Robard 
 Wyngfeld offyrd me yest'day xx mark for it but I wot 
 well ye shall haue more for it if ye wyll sell it Wher 
 for as ye wyll deele in this mater I prey yow send me 
 woord to morow ])e tyniys for if thys bargayn be forsakyn 
 1 trow it wyll be longe er ye kan get one other Bargayn 
 to selle it eny thyng aftyr that it is woorthe Modyr in as 
 humbyll wyse as I can I beseche yow of yo' blyssy-g 
 I trust fro hense foorthe that we sliall have our chyldy" 
 in rest w' ought rebwky'g for their pleyi'g wanton for it is 
 told me yoiu- ostess at Freton hathe gotyn hyr syche a 
 thyng to i)ley w' that our other chyldyr shall haue leve to
 
 EDWARD IV. 139 
 
 LETTER XXX. 
 
 To my right worshipful Mother, Margaret Paston. 
 
 After all duties of recommendation, please it yovi to weet, 
 that as yesterday noon my brother Sir John departed from 
 Norwich towards London ; for as now all the speed is with 
 the King for the surety of the manor of Caister, consider- 
 ing the dying seised of my Lord of Norfolk : he trusteth to 
 be in this country again within ten or twelve days ; and at 
 his departing he said to me, that ye sent him word to sell 
 the cloth of gold, if he might sell it well, which cloth I 
 think may be sold, if ye will agree ; notwithstanding I 
 wall make no bargain for it, till ye send me word of the 
 certain sum, what ye will have for it, or else ye to have it 
 again. 
 
 Sir Robert Wingfield offered me yesterday twenty 
 marks (13/. 6s. 8d.) for it, but I wot well ye shall have more 
 for it, if ye will sell it ; wherefore as ye will deal in this 
 matter, I pray you send me word to-morrow betimes ; 
 for if this bargain be forsaken, I trow^ it will be long ere ye 
 can get another bargain to sell it any thing after that it is 
 worth. 
 
 Mother, in as humble wise as I can, I beseech you of 
 your blessing ; I trust from henceforth that we shall have 
 our chyldyr [^children] in rest without rebuking for their 
 playing wanton, for it is told me your hostess at Fritton 
 
 t2
 
 140 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 sporte thepii god send hyr joye of it Wretyn at Norwyche 
 thys Sonday. 
 
 ' John Paston. 
 
 8J by 7i . 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 a Coronet, 
 PI. xxvi. No. 2. 
 
 There is no date to tliis Letter, but I think the contents will fix the date to 
 the summer of 14/6, after Sir John Paston's return from Calais ; when, having 
 received back the cloth of gold from the Duchess of Norfolk, his mother 
 wished to sell it. 
 
 We shall find afterwards that the money arising from the sale of it was in- 
 tended to be employed about her husband's tomb, which we have been before 
 informed had been neglected. 
 
 The latter part of this Letter contains a deserving censure on his mother's 
 
 LETTER XXXI. 
 
 To the ryght worchepfull 
 S' John Paston Knyght 
 loclgi/d at the George by 
 Vowlys wharf in london 
 
 Aftyr all dewtes of recomendacyon lycketh yow to wet 
 that to my power ye be welcom ay en in to Inglond and as 
 for the Castell of Shene ther is no mor in jt but Calle and 
 hys male and a goose may get it but Jn no wyse I wold not 
 that wey and my modyr thynkyth the same take not that
 
 EDWARD IV. 141 
 
 hath gotten her such a thing to play with, that our other 
 chyldyr shall have leave to sport them. God send her joy 
 of it. 
 
 Written at Norwich, this Sunday. 
 
 Your son and humble servant, 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 
 Sunday, May or June, 
 
 1476. 16E. iv. 
 
 hostess at Fritton, who appears to have been a person too ready to find fault , 
 with the conduct of others : she seems here to have shown her own frailty ; 
 J. Pastou therefore hopes that young people in future will be free from her 
 remarks: his manner of mentioning her misfortune is humorous, and at the 
 same time severe. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 12. 
 
 LETTER XXXI. 
 
 To the Right Worshipful Sii' John Paston, knight, lodged at 
 the George, by Paul's Wharf, in London. 
 
 After all duties of recommendation, liketh you to weet, 
 that to my power ye be welcome again into England ; and 
 as for the Castle of Shene, there is no more in it but Calle 
 and his mak \_wife\ and a goose may get it, but in no wise 
 I would not that way, and [(/"] my mother thinketh the 
 same, take not that way, if there be any other. 
 
 I understand that Mistress Fitzwalter hath a sister, a
 
 142 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 wey if ther be eny other I undyrstand that Mastres Fytz- 
 water hathe a syst' a mayd to mary I trow and ye entretyd 
 h}iii she myght Come into Crysten nienys handys I prey yow 
 spek \v' Mastyr fytzwater of that mater for me And ye may 
 telle hym synse that he wyll haue my servyse it wer as good 
 and syche a bargayn myght be mad that bothe she and 
 J awaytyd on hym and my mastress hys wyf at oure owne 
 cost as I a lone to awayt on hym at hys cost for then he 
 shold be swer that I shold not be flytty'g and I had syche a 
 qwarell to kepe me at home And J have hys good wylle it is 
 non Jnpossybyll to bryng a bowght I thynk to be at london 
 w' in a xiiij dayes at the ferthest and p'auenture my mastress 
 .,: j' Also in Consayll be it clatryd God kepe yow and yours At 
 
 Norwyche the vj day of May A° Eiiij" xvj" 
 
 J. P. 
 
 7 by 51. 
 
 I have given this Letter as it contains J. Paston's inclinations to pay his 
 addresses to the sister of Fitzwalter, a friend of his and Sir John's, and who I 
 suppose now returned with the latter into England. What he means by his 
 advice to Sir John concerning the Castle of Shene, I know not, unless it re- 
 fers to some lady there resident. 
 
 ' Let it be kept secret.
 
 EDWARD IV. 143 
 
 maid, to marry, I trow, and [ifl ye entreated him, she might 
 come into Christian men's hands. I pray you speak with 
 Master Fitzwalter of that matter for me ; and ye may tell 
 him since that he will have my service, it were as good, and 
 [ifl such a bargain might be made, that both she and I 
 awaited on him, and my mistress, his wife at our own costs, 
 as I alone to await on him at his cost; for then he should be 
 sure that I should not be flitting, and [if] I had such a 
 quarrel [qiiarryl to keep me at home ; and [</] I have his 
 good will, it is none impossible to bring about. 
 
 I think to be at London within a fourteen days at the 
 farthest, and peraventure my mistress also, in counsel be it 
 clattered.' 
 
 God keep you and your's. At Norwich, the 6th day of 
 May, in the 16th year of Edward IV. 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 Monday, 6th May, 
 1476. 16 E. iv. 
 
 Autograph, PI. XXV. No. 21. Seal, a Fleur-de-lis and Annulet, PI. siv. 
 No. 22.
 
 144 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXXII. 
 
 To Mesfresse Margret Past on, 
 in Nortci/che or to hi/r Sone 
 John Paston K' 
 
 Please it yow to weete y' as for my maters and tlieye 
 appeyr nott the doo blessyd be godde as well as I wolde 
 they dyd safFe that it shalle cost me grett mony and it hatha 
 cost me moche laboor it is soo y' the Kynge most have C 
 m'rke and other costs will drawe xl m'rke and my mat' is 
 examynyd by the Kyngs cowncell and declaryd a foor all 
 
 the lords and nowe lakkythe noo thynge but the pryvy 
 
 seals and wryghtyng to Mast' Colvill to avoide For the 
 
 Kyng hath promysed me as moche as I wolde he sholde 
 fullefille and alle the lords Jugs seriaunts have afFermyd my 
 title goode, Nott w'standyng sowthewell Jam' Hubberde 
 and S' W. Braundon whcr at ther owne desyrs oifryd to 
 aff'erme and advowe my tytell for goode and y' my lorde of 
 NorfF y' ded is had noo tytell thett they knywe they tolde 
 my tale as ille as they cowde and yitt a lye or too to helpe 
 it and yit it servyth them nott they be knowcn as they ar 
 in cowncell be it seyde and so most all thys lett' be I have 
 moche ])ayne to get so moche mony neu'thelesse but if 
 myne oncle schewe hym selfe werse than eu' he was I shalle 
 nott fayle if he kepe me promyse and that is but as he dyde 
 last y' is butt to be my syuerte and I to make hym syuerte 
 ageyn. the kynge dep'tyth thys daye and wille non se heer
 
 EDWARD IV. 145 
 
 LETTER XXXIL 
 
 To Mistress Margaret Paston, at Norwich, or to her Son 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 Please it you to weet, that as for my matters, and [//'] they 
 appear not, [do not grow worse^ they do, blessed be God, as 
 well as I would they did, save that it shall cost me great 
 money, and it hath cost me much labour ; it is so that the 
 King nuist have an 100 marks {GQl. 13s, Ad.), and other costs 
 will draw 40 marks (26/. 13s. 4f/.) And my matter is 
 examined by the King's council, and declared afore all the 
 Lords, and now lacketh nothing but the Privy Seals, and 
 writing to Master Colvill to avoid, for the King hath pro- 
 mised me as much as I would he should fulfil, and all the 
 Lords, Jvidges, and Sergeants, have affirmed my title good : 
 notwithstanding Southwell, James Hobart, and Sir W. 
 Brandon, at their own desires, offered to affirm and avow 
 my title for good, and that my Lord of Norfolk, that dead 
 is, had no title that they knew ; they told my tale as ill as 
 they could, and yet a lie or two to help it, and yet it serveth 
 them not, they be known as they are ; in counsel be it said, 
 and so must all this letter be. 
 
 I have much pain to get so much money ; nevertheless, 
 but if [iinkss^ mine uncle shew himself worse than ever he 
 was, I shall not fail, if he keep me promise, and that is but 
 as he did last, that is but to be my surety, and I to make him 
 surety again. The King departeth this day, and will none 
 see here till Friday, which letteth me, or else by that day I 
 
 VOL. V. u
 
 146 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 tyll Frydaye whyche lettyth me or ellys by tliatt daye I 
 
 wolde haue hopyd to haue comen homeward and erst 
 
 jj'auent*^^ no moor but Jhe have yow in kepyng Wretyn at 
 
 london y" xxvj daye of Maye the mondaye next holy thur- 
 
 rysdaye y" assencon y*" kynge wolde have bowte it but he 
 
 was enformyd of the trowthe and y' it was nott for a prynce 
 
 and of the greet pryse y' I wolde selle it att for y" I myght 
 
 1 1 
 nott for ber it for he sholde have payed m m m'rke or moor 
 
 if he hadde hadde it. 
 
 Your 
 
 J Paston K 
 sone 
 
 H by 71. 
 
 We may now congratulate Sir John Paston on Iiaving made good his title to 
 Caister, though at a considerable expense to himself. The King, we find, 
 must be paid an hundred marks for his consent ; this, therefore, appears to 
 have been one of his methods of raising money. 
 
 Sir John had reason to be dissatisfied with his friends, who not only luke- 
 warmly asserted his right, but endeavoured to depreciate it. The value of 
 the manor, &c. of Caister is here ascertained, which is a curious circumstance. 
 
 Sir John Paston's joy on the occasion of regaining his estate has made him 
 overlook two mistakes in tliis Letter. First, he directs it to his mother, or 
 
 »•>!
 
 EDWARD IV. 147 
 
 would have hoped to have come homeward, and erst [before^ 
 peradventure. 
 
 No more ; but Jesu have you in keeping. Written at 
 London, the 26th day of May, the Monday next Holy 
 Thursday, the Ascension. The King would have bought 
 it, but he was informed of the truth, and that it was not for 
 a Prince, and of the great price that I would sell it at, for 
 that I might not forbear it, for he should have paid 2,000 
 marks (1333/. 6s. 8d.) or more, if he had had it. 
 
 Your son, 
 
 John Paston, Kt. 
 
 London, 
 
 Monday, 29th May, 
 
 1476. 16 E. iv. 
 
 " to hyr Sone John Paston, K" : it should have been John Paston, Esq. but in 
 his hurry he thought he was writing his own name, and therefore added 
 theK. 
 
 Secondly, he dates it " the xxvj daye of Maye the Mondaye next Holy thur- 
 rysdaye. In 1476, (the year wherein this letter must have been written,) the 
 xxvij day of May was the Monday next after Holy Thursday. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 9. 
 
 u 2
 
 148 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXXIII. 
 
 To John Past on Esq'er 
 heyng at the Si/ngne of 
 the George at Powles JVharfe 
 
 I RECOMAUNDE me to jow Ictjiig yow weete y' I had re- 
 ceyvyd yowr lett' wretyn tlie next daye aft' mydsom' for 
 
 c 
 
 answer wlierof I tliynke y* to be bownde in v m'rke I thynke 
 it is to moelie wlier as J felt by yow ye sholde have w* y" 
 
 c 
 
 gentylwoman but iiij Neu'thelesse I agree but ye shall 
 undrestande y' J wyll not be bownde for yow y* ye shall 
 make hyr Joyntour past xx U by yer w'in a sertayne daye 
 lymyted be it j yer or ij y' is y" largest y' ye maye p'forme 
 For as for the man' of Sparh'm my moodr and ye acorde 
 notte in yowr sayngs she wyll nowght graunte yow ther in 
 whylse she levyth saff as she seythe to me she liathe 
 grauntyd yow x m'rke by yeer tyll xl li be payed y' is but vj 
 yeer and aftr hyr dyscease she woU agree w' goode will so 
 y' it maye be yowr proferment y' ye sholde have y' man' in 
 Joynt' w' yowr wyfe to y'' leng' ly ver of yow bothe payng x 
 m'rke by yeer Soo or as she wyll y' it shall be therfor 
 
 as for 1 m'rke Joynt' I pray yow bynde me in no suche 
 clawse butt iff it be for xx li by a resonable daye and xx 
 m'rke aftr the dyssease off my moodr take example at Derby 
 It'm ye make yow sywercr than J deme yow bee For 1 dome 
 y' her Frendes wyll nott be Content w' bedyngfelds sy werte 
 nor yowrs J deme thys mat' will ocopy leng' leyser than ye
 
 EDWARD IV. 149 
 
 LETTER XXXIII. 
 
 To John Paston, Esquire, being at the Sign of the George, at 
 
 Paul's IVharf. 
 
 1 RECOMMEND me to you, letting you weet that I have re- 
 ceived your letter, written the next day after Midsummer ; 
 for answer whereof, I think that to be bound in 500 marks 
 (333/. 6s. 8d.), I think it is too much; whereas I felt by you, 
 ye should have with the gentlewoman but 400 marks 
 (266/. 13s. 4d.), nevertheless I agree; but ye shall under- 
 stand that I will not be bound for you that ye shall make 
 her jointure past 20/. by year, within a certain day limited, 
 be it one year or two, that is the largest that ye may 
 perform ; for as for the manor of Sparham, my mother and 
 ye accord not in your sayings; she will nought grant you 
 therein while she liveth, save as she saith to me, she hath 
 granted you 10 marks (6/. 13s. 4d.) by year till 40/. be paid, 
 that is but six years ; and after her decease she will agree 
 with good will, so that it may be your proiferment, that ye 
 should have that manor in jointure with your wife to the 
 longer liver of you both, paying 10 marks (6/. 13s. 4d.) by 
 
 year, so , or as she will that it shall be ; therefore 
 
 as for 50 marks (33/. 6s. 8d.) jointure, I pray you bind me 
 in no such clause ; but if it be for 20/. by a reasonable day, 
 and 20 marks (13/. 6s. 8f/.) after the decease of my mother; 
 Take example at Derby. 
 
 Item, ye make you surer than I deem you be, for I deem 
 that her friends will not be content with Bedingfeld's surety
 
 150 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 deme for It'm I remembr thatt thys mony y' she sholde have 
 is nott redy but in the handes of Marchaunts of the Estaple 
 whyche at a prove ye shall fynde p' case be slakke payers y' 
 ye myght be deseyvyd ther by I knowe dyverse have lost 
 mony er they cowde gete ther dywtes owte of the staple 
 God spede yow and sende yow y' ye wolde have J sende 
 yow y*" obligacon her w' acordyng to yowr desyr and a lett' 
 to bedyngfelde thankyng hym for yow and nior ou' letyng 
 hym know of myn entent opyn it and close it ageyn if ye 
 lyst. It' wher I tolde yow y' the gowne clothe of olde 
 chamlett I wolde have it hoome For my sust' Anne ye for 
 gate it I praye yow sende it home by the next masseng' 
 and a lett' w' it of suche tydyngs as ye knowe It'm blissed 
 be god I have Castr at my will god holde it bett' than it 
 doone her to foor No moor but Wretyn the next daye aftr 
 Seynt Petr A" Eiiij" xvj° 
 
 J Paston k 
 iijby8|. 
 
 Paper Mark. 
 
 The Dog and Porridge-pot. 
 
 PI. xxxii. No. 0. 
 
 The name of the lady is not mentioned for whom J. Paston was now in 
 treaty with her friends ; it niiglit be Mistress Fitzwalter's sister. The marriage 
 never took effect; but the terms proposed by Sir John, who disapproved of 
 those then in agitation, \v.t us into tlie modes of settlements, and are therefore 
 curious. 
 
 The Merchants of the Staple were those who carried and deposited their 
 goods at particular places, appointed for the sale of them, and were incorpo- 
 rated by statutes, under which they borrowed money on particular security. 
 Sir John seems to doubt the goodness of their security, and gives his reasons 
 for it.
 
 EDWARD IV. 151 
 
 nor yours; I deem this matter will occupy longer leisure 
 than ye deem for. Item, I remember that this money that 
 she should have is not ready, but in the hands of Merchants 
 of the Staple, which at a proof ye shall find per case so 
 slack payers, that ye might be deceived thereby ; I know 
 divers have lost money ere they could get their dywtes 
 [dues] out of the Staple. God speed you, and send you 
 that ye would have. 
 
 1 send you the obligation herewith, according to your 
 desire, and a letter to Bedingfeld, thanking him for you, 
 and moreover letting him know of mine intent; open it, and 
 close it again, if ye list. 
 
 Item, where [as] I told you that the gown cloth of old 
 camblet, I would have it home for my sister Ann, ye for- 
 got it ; I pray you send it home by the next messenger, and 
 a letter with it of such tidings as ye know. 
 
 Item, blessed be God, I have Caister at my will ; God 
 hold it better than it [has] done heretofore. No more, 
 but written the next day after Saint Peter, in the 16th of 
 Edward IV. 
 
 John Paston, Kt. 
 
 Sunday, 30th June. 
 1476. 16 E. iv. 
 
 On the back of the Letter, in an ancient hand, is written, " Caister is gotten 
 agayn." 
 
 The recovery of Caister had been the great object of the Fastens ever since 
 the Duke of Norfolk had obliged them, by a regular siege, to surrender it to 
 him in 1469. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 9- Seal, a Fleur-de-lys, surrounded by nine others, 
 PI. .\iv. No. 23.
 
 152 P ASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXXIV. 
 
 I Recomaund me to you and thanke you hertyly of your 
 lett'is and delygente labour yat ye have had in thoes mat'is 
 yat ye have wretyn to me of And in all other to my p'fette 
 and worschep and Jn esspeciall atte this sesons towchyng 
 the mater yat I sent you ye Indentur of ye have lyghtyd 
 myne hert y'in by a pound for I was in fere yat it wold not 
 have bene doo so hastyly with oute danger And as for the 
 letters yat Thorn Holler son schuld have brought me I see 
 nother hym ne the letters yat he schidd have brought 
 wherefor I pray you hertely yeve it be no dysese to you yat 
 ye will take the labour to bryng 'Walt' thcyr he schuld be 
 and to p'uaye for hym yat he may be sette in good and sad 
 rewle for I were loth to lese hym for I trust to have more 
 Joye of hym yan I have of them yat bene owlder though it 
 be more Coste to me to send you forth w' hym I hold me 
 plesed for I wote well ye shall best p'uaye for hym and for 
 suche thyngs as is necessar to hym Than another schuld 
 doo (after myne jntent) And as for Ane hors to lede hys 
 gere me thynkc it were best to porvaye one atte Cambe- 
 rach lesse than ye canne gytte ony carreoiu'S from thens to 
 Oxynfbrth more hastyly And 1 morvell yat the letters come 
 not to me whether I may laye the dcfautc to the fauder or 
 to the son y' of And I wold Water scludd be co])ilct w' a 
 better than Holler son is y' as he schalbe (howr bett' I wold 
 not yat he schuld make nev'thelesse of hym) by cause he is 
 his contre ma" and negh])our and also I pray you wryte a 
 letter in my name to >\'atere After yat ye have knowne
 
 EDWARD IV. 153 
 
 LETTER XXXIV. 
 
 Margaret Poston to * * * 
 
 I RECOMMEND me to you, and thank you heartily of your 
 letters, and diligent labour that ye have had in those mat- 
 ters that ye have written to me of, and in all other, to my 
 profit and worship, and in especial at this season, touching 
 the matter that I sent you the Indenture of; ye have 
 lightened mine heart therein by a pound, for I was in fear 
 that it would not have been done so hastily without danger. 
 And as for the letters that Thomas Holler's son should 
 have brought me, I see neither him, nor the letters that he 
 should have brought ; wherefore I pray you heartily, if it be 
 no disease to you, that ye will take the labour to bring 
 ^Walter where he should be, and to purvey for him, that he 
 may be set in good and sad [sobe?-] rule, for I were loath to 
 lose him, for I trust to have more joy of him than I have of 
 them that be older ; though it be more cost to me to send 
 you forth with him, I hold me pleased, for I wot well ye 
 shall best purvey for him, and for such things as is neces- 
 sary to him, than another should do, after mine intent. As 
 for any horse to lead his gear, methink it were best ye 
 purvey one at Cambridge, less then [u7iless'\ ye can get any 
 carrier from thence to Oxford more hastily ; and I marvel 
 that the letters come not to me, and whether I may lay the 
 default to the father or to the son thereof And I will 
 Walter should be coupled with a better than Holler's son 
 is, there as he shall be ; how be it I Avill not that he shall 
 
 VOL. v. X
 
 154 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 myne entent by fore this to hym ward so yat he doo 
 welle lerne well and be of good rewle and disposycion y' 
 shall nothyng faylle hym yat I may helpe w' so yat it be 
 nessessare to hym And bydde hym yat he be not to hasty 
 of takyng of Orderes yat schuld bynd hym till yat he be of 
 xxiiij yeere of Agee or more thofF he be consaled the 
 contrare for oftyn Rape rewitli I will love hym better to be 
 a good secular ma" yan to be a lewit Prest and I am sore 
 yat my Cosyn *Bernay is seke and I pray you yeff me white 
 wine or ony of my wat'is or ony other tliyng that I have yat 
 is in your Awarde may doo hym ony Comforth lette hym 
 have it for I wold be right sory y' ony thyng schuld come 
 to hym bette good And for god sake advise hym to doo 
 make hys m ill yeve it be not doo and to doo well to my 
 Cosyn his witf And els it were pete and I pray you to re- 
 comaunde me to hyr and to my nawnte And to all the gen- 
 till men and gentil women ther And as for John Daye And 
 he be dede I wold be sory for I know not howe to come by 
 my money that he oweith me and I porpose yat Pacoke 
 schall have les to doo for me another yere than he haith had 
 if y may be better porvayed with your helpe for he is for 
 hyni self bett not for me and as for ony marchands to my 
 corn I can gyttc none her y' for I pray you doo ye als wele 
 y'n as ye canne Also 1 send you by the berer hereof the bill 
 of myne llesayts And yef ye go forth with Walter I pray 
 you Come to me Als sone as ye may aft' ye be comyn home 
 and me lyketh myne Abydyng and ye C'ontre here right 
 well And I trust whan somm' comilh and fayre wether I 
 schall lyke it Ijetter for I am Cherysed here botte to well 
 and 1 constrew your lett' in othei* mat'is well j nough 
 whereof I thaukc you and if it nede not to send forth Walt'
 
 EDWARD IV. 155 
 
 make never the less of him, because he is his countryman 
 and neighbour ; and also I pray you write a letter in my 
 name to Walter, after that ye have known mine intent 
 before this to him ward ; so that he do well, learn well, and 
 be of good rule and disposition, there shall nothing fail him 
 that I may help with, so that it be necessary to him ; and 
 bid him that he be not too hasty of taking of orders that 
 should bind him, till that he be of twenty-four years of age 
 or more, though he be counselled the contrary, for often 
 rape [^haste^ rueth : I will love him better to be a good 
 secular man than to be a lewit \_ignorant^ priest. 
 
 And I am sorry that my cousin "^Berney is sick ; and I pray 
 you gif my white wine, or any of my waters, or any other 
 thing that I have, that is in your award, may do him com- 
 fort, let him have it, for I would be right sorry if any thing 
 should come to him but good ; and for God's sake advise 
 him to do make his will, if it be not done, and to do well to 
 my cousin his wife, and else it were pity ; and I pray you to 
 recommend me to her, and to my aunt, and to all the gen- 
 tlemen and gentlewomen there. And as for John Day, if 
 he be dead I would be sorry, for I know not how to come by 
 my money that he oweth me ; and I purpose Peacock shall 
 have less to do for me another year than he hath had, if I 
 may be better purveyed with your help, for he is for himself, 
 but not for me. 
 
 And as for any merchants to my corn, I can get none 
 here, therefore I pray you do ye as well therein as ye can. 
 Also I send you, by the bearer hereof, the bill of mine 
 receipts ; and if ye go forth with Walter, I pray you come 
 to me as soon as ye may after ye be come home ; and me 
 liketh mine abiding and the country here right well, and 
 
 x2
 
 156 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 hastyly I wald ye myght Come to me thowe ye schuld Com 
 opon one day and goo Agayne on ye next day than schuld 
 I comon w' you in all mat'is and I hold best if ye have not 
 ye lett'is y' Holler son schuld have brough me yat ye send 
 sym ov' for them this nyght yat I may have them to mo- 
 rowe and yif ye may combe your self I wold be ye bett' 
 playsed and I remember yat Wat' of Mynte or Wat' of 
 ^Millefole were good for my Cosyn bernay to drynke for to 
 make hym to browke and yeve thei send to Dame Elesebeth 
 *Callethorppe y' ye shall not fayill of the tone or of both 
 sche haith other wat'is to make folkis to browke god kepe 
 you Wrytyn on ye Monday next Aft' Sent Hiller I have 
 no longer leyser atte this tyme. 
 
 ni by 12. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 a Coronet. 
 
 PI. xxvi. No. 2. 
 
 This long letter, without either name, date, or superscription, was written 
 by Margaret Paston about 1476 to one of her ti-usty domestics during her 
 absence from home ; and, as it gives her directions concerning her son Walter's 
 removal from Cambriilge to Oxford, and her opinion of what he should do there, 
 I have lliought it of sufficient conseqnence to lay it before the reader ; the 
 prescriptions for her Cousin Herney's illness, I likewise thought too curious 
 to he Nvilhhcld, as we are very ignorant of the kinds of medicinal assistance 
 aflorded to the sick at this period. 
 
 ' Waltir Paston was the fourth son of Margaret Paston; he took his degree 
 at Oxford in 1479, and died soon after. She shews her respect for the Church
 
 EDWARD IV. 157 
 
 I trust when summer cometh and fair weather, I shall 
 like it better, for I am cherished here but too well ; and 
 I construe your letters into other matters well enough, 
 whereof I thank you, and if it need not to send forth 
 Walter hastily, I woidd ye might come to me, though 
 ye should come upon one day, and go again on the next 
 day, then should I commune with you in all matters ; and 
 I hold best if ye have not the letters that Holler's son 
 should have brought me, that ye send Sym over for them 
 this night, that I may have them to morrow, and if ye may 
 come yourself I would be the better pleased ; and I re- 
 member that water of mint or water of ^Millefole were 
 good for my cousin Berney to drink for to make him to 
 browke ; and if they send to Dame Elizabeth *Calthorpe 
 there ye shall not fail of one or of both ; she hath other 
 waters to make folks to browke. God keep you ; written 
 on the Monday next after Saint Hilary, {13th Jan.) 
 I have no longer leisure at this time. 
 
 Margaret Paston. 
 
 Monday, Jan. 
 about 1476-7. l6 E. iv. 
 
 by the advice she wishes should be given to hei' son by the person here en- 
 trusted with the care of him to Oxford. 
 
 '^ John Berney, of Reedham, Esq., married Catherine, daughter of Osbert 
 Mundeford, Esq., of Hockwell; his mother Elizabeth, the daughter of John 
 Clippesby, of Clippesby, Esq., was still living ; she was aunt to Margaret 
 Paston. 
 
 ' This, I suppose, is the herb Yarrow. 
 
 ♦ Elizabeth, wife of Sir William Calthorpe, and daughter and coheir of Sir 
 Miles Stapleton.
 
 158 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXXV. 
 
 To tmj Wui'schypfull Cosyn 
 JoJm Past oil be thys bill 
 delyiCed, SfC. 
 
 Ryght wurschypfull Cosyn I reco'inande me on to yowe 
 Thankyng zowe hertely for the grette Cher y' ye made 
 me y" last tyme y' ye wer w* me at Norvvych &c And 
 Cosyn as for the mat' yat was put in my nownele Hastyngs 
 and Henry Heydon J ondyrstand be myn uncle y' y' was 
 made non ende y'in whech J am ryght sory for Cosyn ye be 
 reme"bred what ye p'mysed me y' and so wer y' myn uncle 
 and Henry Heydon made non ende y'in y' ze wold put the 
 mat' in me And if it please zowe so far to do jn good faith 
 Cosyn I schall goo As well and as ryghtfully and Consciensly 
 as I can for both the p'tyes And Cosyn if it please zowe 
 to Com to Topcroft and poynt ze what dey when ze will 
 Com I schall sende for my Cosyn to be y' the same day 
 And Cosyn I pray zowe to sende me worde Agayn be the 
 bryng' of thys lett' howe ze will do &c And almyghty Jhe 
 hafe zowe in kepyng &c. 
 
 llibySi. 
 
 Seal, 
 A Squirrel seiant. 
 PI. xxxiv. No. 3. 
 
 As tlic Inciters piiblislicd in the second volume of this work, relative to the 
 alliance between John Paston, and Margery, the daughter of Sir Thomas
 
 EDWARD IV. 159 
 
 LETTER XXXV. 
 
 To my Worshipful Cousin John Paston, be this bill delivered, ^c. 
 
 Right Worshipful Cousin, I recommend me unto you, 
 thanking you heartily for the great cheer that ye made me 
 the last time that ye were with me at Norwich, &c. 
 
 And, Cousin, as for the matter that was put in my uncle 
 Hastings and Harry Heydon, I understand, by mine uncle, 
 that there was made none end therein, which I am right 
 sorry for ; Cousin, ye be remembred what ye promised me, 
 that, and so were that mine uncle and Harry Heydon 
 made none end therein, that ye would put the matter in 
 me ; and if it please you so for to do, in good faith, Cousin, 
 I shall go as well and as rightfully and consciensly [consci- 
 entiously] as I can for both the parties ; and. Cousin, if it 
 please you to come to Topcroft, and point [appoint] ye 
 what day when ye will come, I shall send for my Cousin, 
 &c. to be there the same day ; and. Cousin, I pray you to 
 send me word again by the bringer of this letter, how ye 
 will do, &c. And Almighty Jesu have you in keeping, &c. 
 
 By your Cousin, 
 Dame Elizabeth Brews.. 
 
 Jan. or Feb. 
 1476-7. 16E. IV. 
 
 Brews, were so well received and eagerly perused by the public, I have great 
 pleasure in being able to furnish a few more on the same subject, from which
 
 160 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 the modes of entering into matrimonial connexions will be set in a still clearer 
 light ; and the conditions expected by each party will exhibit a pleasing picture 
 of the interest taken by parents and relations in the future happiness of their 
 children. 
 
 Ladv Brews appears to have had conversation at Norwich and elsewhere 
 with J. Paston on this connexion, but the letter here given seems to be the 
 
 LETTER XXXVI. 
 
 Un to my Tiyglit wiascJu/pfull 
 Cosijn John Paston be thys 
 Icttur dehjucd S^-c. 
 
 Rygiit wurscliypfuU Cosyn I recomande me in yowe &c 
 And I send myn husbonde A bill of the raat^ y' ze knowe of 
 and he wrote An other bill to me Agayn towchyng the 
 same mat' And he. wold that ze schiild go on to my mais- 
 tresse your modur And Asaye if ze myght gete the hole 
 XX li in to zowr hands and then he wolde be mor eladd to 
 marye w' zowe and will gyffe zowe An Cli And Cosyn y' 
 day y' sche is maryed my Yadur will gyffe hyr L merk But 
 and we acorde J schall gyffe yowe a grett tresur y' is a 
 wytty gentylwoma" and if 1 sey it bothe good and v'tuos. 
 For if I schuld take money for hyr I wold not gyffe hyr for 
 
 e 
 
 A m li but Cosyn J trust zowe so meche y' I wold thynke 
 her wele bc^sett on zowe And ye wer worthe meche mor. 
 And Cosyn A lytyll atV y' ze wer gon Come A ma" fro my
 
 EDWARD IV. 161 
 
 first written on the subject, and to have been occasioned by the friends, em- 
 ployed to talk with Sir Thomas Brews, not having been able to settle terms 
 with him. 
 
 The style of the letter is easy and polite, and shews the inclinations of the 
 writer to be interested in the proposed alliance. 
 Autograph, PI. v. No. '26. 
 
 LETTER XXXVI. 
 
 Ujito my Right Worshipful Cousin John Fasten, he this Letter 
 
 delivered, Sj-c. 
 
 Right Worshipful Cousin, I recommend me unto you, &c. 
 And I sent mine husband a bill of the matter that ye know 
 of, and he wrote another bill to me again touching the same 
 matter, and he would that ye should go unto my mistress 
 your mother, and assay if ye might get the whole 20/. into 
 your hands, and then he would be more glad to marry with 
 you, and will give you an 100/., and Cousin, that day that 
 she is married, my ^father will give her 50 marks, (33/. 6s. 8rf.) 
 But and [(/"] we accord, I shall give you a great treasure, 
 that is, a witty gentlewoman, and if I say it, both good and 
 virtuous ; for if I should take money for her, I would not 
 give her for a 1000/. ; but. Cousin, I trust you so much, 
 that I woidd think her well beset on you, and [if~\ ye were 
 worth much more. And, Cousin, a little after that ye were 
 gone, came a man from my Cousin Derby, and brought me 
 word that such a change fell, that he might not come at 
 
 VOL. V. Y
 
 162 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Cosyii Derby and broght me wurde y' suche A chance fell 
 y' he myght not Com at the Day y' was set as I schall let 
 zowe undyrstond more pleynly when I speke w' zowe &c 
 But Cosyn and it wold please zowe to Com Agayn what 
 dey y' ze will set J dar undyrtake y' they schall kepe the 
 same day for J wold be glad y' and myn husbond and 
 ze myght acorde in thys maryage y' it myght be my fortune 
 to make and ende in thys mat' betwene my Cosyns and 
 zowe y' yche of zowe myght love oy' m frendely wyse &c 
 And Cosyn if thys byll please not zowr Entent J pray 
 zowe y' it may be brent &c No mor onto zowe at thys 
 tyme but almyghty Jhe p's'Te zowe &c 
 
 By yowr Cosyn Dame 
 '^Elizabeth Brews. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 a I'lower. 
 Pi. xxi. No. 3. 
 
 This easy and familiar letter opens tlie terms on which the intended alliance 
 is to go forward : who can read the cliaracter which the mother so fondly gives 
 of her daughter without being interested in the affection and tenderness of 
 the parent ? 
 
 Younrv Reader, are not you in love already with this worthy girl ? Do not 
 you wish that you had Uved three centuries ago, that you might have had a 
 chance to have offered your addresses to so accomplished a maiden '
 
 EDWARD IV. 163 
 
 the day that was set, as I shall let you understand more 
 plainly, when I speak with you, &c. But, Cousin, and it 
 would please you to come again, what day that ye will set, 
 I dare undertake that they shall keep the same day, for I 
 would be glad that, and [//] mine husband and ye might 
 accord in this marriage, that it might be my fortune to 
 make an end of this matter between my cousins and you, 
 that each of you might love other in friendly wise, &c. 
 And, Cousin, if this bill please not your intent, I pray you 
 that it may be burnt, &c. No more unto you at this time, 
 but Almighty Jesu preserve yovi, &c. 
 
 By your Cousin, 
 ^Dame Elizabeth Brews. 
 
 Jan. or Feb. 
 1476-7. 16 E. IV. 
 
 Look around you, and, to the honour of the present age, I make no doubt, 
 but that you will soon find many youthful females worthy of your choice, 
 should you have made a proper use of those advantages and modes of educa- 
 tion, which your rank and fortune (whatsoever it be) may have enabled you to 
 procure. 
 
 Thus accomplished, success will most probably attend your addresses. If 
 you have hitherto neglected the advantages in your power, it is not even now 
 too late to retrieve the lost time. 
 
 Begin, proceed, and prosper! 
 
 ' Sir Giles Debenham, Kt. 
 
 * Autograph, PI. v. No. 26, Seal, a Squirrel seiant, PI, xxxiv. No. 3. 
 
 y2
 
 164 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXXVII. 
 
 To John Past on 
 Esqmjer in hast 
 
 I HAVE rec*" your lett' and yow man I. bykerton by whom I 
 knowe all y'' mat' of Mestresse brews whyclie if it be as he 
 seythe 1 praye godde brynge it to a good ende It'm as for 
 thys mat' of Mestresse burly I holde it but a bar thynge I 
 
 feele weell y' itt passyth nott m'rke I syghe hyr for 
 
 yowr sake she is a lytell onys she maye be a woman heer 
 aftr if she be nott olde nowe hir person semyth xiij yer of 
 age hyr yerys men sey ben full xviij' she kowyth nott of 
 the mat' I suppose Neu' the less she desyryd to see me as 
 gladde as I wasse to se hyr I praye yow sende me som 
 wryghtyng to Calys of yowr spede w' Mestresse brewys 
 bykerton tellyth me y' she lovyth yow weell if I dyed I 
 hadde lever ye hadde hyr than the lady Wargrave Neu' the 
 lesse she syngeth weell w' an harpe Clopton is aferde of S' 
 T. Greye for he is a wy dower now late and men sey y' he is 
 aquayntyd w' hyr of olde No mor wretyn on Sondaye the ix 
 daye of Marche A" Eiiij" xvij° to Caleys warde Jf ye have 
 Mestresse brews & E. Paston Mestresse bylyngford ye be 
 lyke to be bretheryn. 
 
 J. Paston K. 
 
 8i by 5. 
 
 Sir John I'a.slijii lii'ie, as well as m otiici Icttcis, slicws liiin.scll' a kind anil 
 aAixtiunatc brother. 
 
 His description of Mistress Burley will raise a smile on llic reader's face ;
 
 ' /- 
 
 1 
 
 EDWARD IV. 1C5 
 
 LETTER XXXVII. 
 
 To John Paston, Esq. in haste. 
 
 I HAVE received your letter, and your man Bykerton, by 
 whom I know all the matter of Mistress Brews, which if it 
 be as he saith, I pray God bring it to a good end. 
 
 Item, as for this matter of Mistress Burley, I hold it but 
 
 a bare thing; I feel well that it passeth not marks ; I 
 
 saw her for your sake ; she is a little one, she may be a 
 woman hereafter, if she be not old now, her person seemeth 
 13 years of age, her years, men say, be full 18 ; she knoweth 
 not of the matter I suppose, nevertheless she desired to see 
 me, as glad as I was to see her. 
 
 I pray you send me some writing to Calais of your speed 
 with Mistress Brews ; Bykerton telleth me that she loveth 
 you well ; if I died, I had lever [i-ather~\ ye had her than 
 the Lady Wargrave [JValgrave], nevertheless she singeth 
 well with an harp. 
 
 Clopton is afraid of Sir T. Grey, for he is a widower now 
 late, and, men say, that he is acquainted with her of old. 
 
 No more. Written on Sunday the 9th day of March, in 
 the 17th year of Edward IV. to Calais ward. 
 
 If ye have Mistress Brews, and E. Paston Mistress By- 
 lingford, ye be like to be brethren. 
 
 John Paston, Kt. 
 
 Sunday, 9 March, 
 1476-7. 17 E. iv. 
 
 what her fortune was cannot be discovered, as the original letter is torn where 
 the sum has been mentioned.
 
 166 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 J. Paston's desiiic to be married is very apparent from the inquiries he had 
 made after, and the offers he had addressed to, various ladies; the aUiance 
 now in agitation seems most approved of by Sir John. 
 
 It is worthy of observation, that " the singing well with an harp" was one of 
 the accomplishments attributed to Lady Walgrave; the modern line lady will 
 perhaps tune her harp with greater pleasure, now she finds that she is follow- 
 ing the fashion set by women of rank in the fifteenth century. 
 
 LETTER XXXVIIL 
 
 This bylle be de/i/itcrd to Thorn's 
 Gijene good man of the George by 
 Powlys Wharfc or to hys wyf to send 
 to S' John Paston wher so eitere he be 
 at Calcys london or other placys. 
 
 Ryght Worchepfull S' & my most good and kynde brodyr 
 in as humbyll wyse as I can I recomand me to yow S' it is 
 so that I have sythe John Bekiirton dep'tyd fro hem ben at 
 Toj)j)croft at S' Thorn's Brewse and as for the mater that I 
 sent yow word of by Jon Bekurton towchy'g my sylf and 
 mastress Margery Brews I am yet at no serteynte hyr fadyr 
 is so hard l)iit I trow I have the good wyll of my lady liyr 
 modyr and hyr but as the mater p'vyth I shall send yow 
 woord w' gods grace in short tyme but as for John 'Bekur- 
 ton I prey yow dele w' hym for suerte as a soudyer shold be 
 delt w' trust hym never the more for the bylle that I sent 
 yow by him but as A man at wylde for eu'y thyng that he
 
 EDWARD IV. 167 
 
 By the spelling in this letter it appears that Walgrave was then pronounced 
 Wargrave. 
 
 The family of Grey was so numerous, that it would be difficult to ascertain 
 who this Sir T. Grey was ; he most probably was a relation of Sir John Grey, 
 the queen's first husband. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. Q. 
 
 LETTER XXXVIII. 
 
 This Bill be delivered to Thomas Gyney, Goodman [Keeper] of 
 the George by Paul's Wharf, or to his Wife, to send to Sir 
 John Paston, wheresoever he be, at Calais, London, or other 
 places. 
 
 Right worshipful Sir, and my most good and kind Brother, 
 in as humble wise as I can, I recommend me to you ; Sir, it 
 is so that I have, since John Bykerton departed from home, 
 been at Topcroft at Sir Thomas Brews's, and as for the 
 matter that I sent you word of by John Bykerton, touching 
 myselfe and Mistress Margery Brews, I am yet at no cer- 
 tainty ; her father is so hard ; but I trow, I have the good 
 will of my Lady her mother and her ; but as the matter pro- 
 veth, I shall send you word with God's grace in short time. 
 But as for John 'Bykerton, I pray you deal with him for 
 surety as a soldier should be dealt with, trust him never 
 the more for the bill that I sent you by him, but as a man 
 at wild, for every thing that he told me is not true ; for he 
 departed without license of his master Sir Thomas Brews,
 
 168 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 told me is not trewe for he clep'tyd w' ovight lyeence of hys 
 Mastyr S' Thorn's brevvse and is fere endangeryd to dyuers 
 in thys Contrey I prey god that I wryght not to you of hyra 
 to late but for all thys I knowe non untrowthe in hym but 
 yet I prey yow trust hym not ouer myche upon my woord 
 Syr Perse "Mody recomandyth hym to yo' mastyrshep and 
 besecheth yow to send hym werd in hast hough he shall be 
 demeanyd at yo' place at Castr for he is asygnyd to no body 
 as yet to take of mete and drynk nor yet wher y' he shall 
 haue money to paye for hys mete and drynk and now is the 
 chefF replenysheng of yo"^ waren there the Au'ntage of the 
 dove howse wer well for hym tyll ye came hom your sylf 
 S' I prey yow prdon me of my wryghtyng hough so euer it 
 be for 'Carpenters of my Crafte that J use now haue not 
 alder best ther wyttys ther owne And Jhu p'serue yow 
 Wretyn at Norwyche the ix day of Marche A° Eiiij" Septi"o 
 decymo. 
 
 *J. P. 
 
 12 by GJ. 
 
 W'c here find that Sir Thomas Brews wished to make as good a bargain as 
 he could with J. Paston respecting settlements on his daughter, before he con- 
 sented to the marriage. 
 
 ' .1. Paston seems fearful that his brotlicr Sir John should have made a con- 
 fidential servant of J. Bykeiton, and therefore seems anxious to give him the 
 earliest intelligence of his faults, &c.
 
 EDWARD IV. 1G9 
 
 and is sore endangered [in debt^ to divers in this country ; 
 I pray God that I write not to you of him too late ; but for 
 all this I know none untruth [treacherij^ in him, but yet I 
 pray you trust him not over much upon my word. 
 
 Sir, Perse 'Moody recommendeth him to your master- 
 ship, and beseecheth you to send him word in haste, how 
 he shall be demeaned at your place at Caister ; for he is 
 assigned to nobody as yet, to take of meat and drink, nor 
 yet where that he shall have money to pay for his meat and 
 drink ; and now is the chief replenishing of your warren 
 there ; the advantage of the Dove house were well for him, 
 till ye come home yourself 
 
 Sir, I pray you pardon me of my writing, howsoever it be, 
 for ^Carpenters of my craft, that I use now, have not alder- 
 best their wits their own ; and Jesu preserve you. 
 
 Written at Norwich, the 9th day of March, in the 17th 
 year of Edward IV. 
 
 *JoHN Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 Sunday, 9 March, 
 1476-7. 17E. iv. 
 
 ^ Perse Moody was a servant of Sir John Paston's, now at Caister. 
 ' This proverb refers to his being in love. 
 * Autograph, Pi. xxv. No. 21. 
 
 VOL. v.
 
 170 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXXIX. 
 
 A Detenm~acon of S' Tho Bi'ews how much he zcould gyve 
 w"' his Daughter M'gery in mariage. 
 
 JVr to let my Cosyn Margaret Paston ondyrstand that for a 
 Jonter to be mad in Sweynsthorp in hand and for a Jontare 
 of no more but X mark ought of Sp'h'm I wylle dep't w' CC 
 Mark in hand and to giue theym ther boord free as for ij or 
 iij yer in serteyn or ellys CCC Mark w' ought ther boord 
 payable by L mark yerly tyll the some of CCC Mark be full 
 payed. 
 
 It' I wyll geve CCCC Mark payable L li in hand at the 
 day of Maryage and L li yerly tyll the some of CCCC Mark 
 be full payed upon thes Condyeyons folowi'g Wher of on 
 Condyeyon is thys that I wyll lend my Cosyn John Paston 
 
 XX 
 
 vj li besyd hys maryage money to pledge ought the Maner 
 of Sweynsthorp So tliat he may fynd syche a frend as wyll 
 
 XX 
 
 paye me a yen the seyd vj li by XX Mark a yer so that it 
 be not payed of the maryage money nor of the p'pre goods 
 of my seyd Cosyn John. 
 
 Or ellys an other Condyeyon is thys if it be so that my 
 seyd Cosyn John may be sufired fro the day of hys maryage 
 to my doughter to take the hole p'fitcs of the Maner of 
 Sp'h'm besyde the Maner of Sweynsthorp for terme of ther 
 two lyves and the longest of theym leveng zet wyll I be 
 agreable to de])'t w' the seyd CCC Mark ])ayable ayen in 
 forme aboue seyd {and to geve theym ther boord for a yer or
 
 EDWARD IV. 171 
 
 LETTER XXXIX. 
 
 A Determination of Sir Thomas Brews how much he would give 
 with his Daughter Margery in Marriage. 
 
 Memorandum, To let my Cousin Margaret Paston under- 
 stand, that for a jointure to be made in Swainsthorp in 
 hand, and for a jointure of no more but 10 marks (6/. 13a'. 
 4f/.) out of Sparham, I will depart with 200 marks (133/. 6a'. 
 Sd.) in hand, and to give them their board free as for two or 
 three years in certain, or else 300 marks (200/.) without 
 their board, payable by 50 marks (33/. Qs. Sd.) yearly, till 
 the sum of 300 marks be full paid. 
 
 Item, I will give 400 marks (266/. 13s. 4d.) payable 50/. 
 in hand at the day of marriage, and 50/. yearly, till the sum 
 of 400 marks be full paid, upon these conditions following. 
 
 Whereof one condition is this. 
 
 That I will lend my Cousin John Paston sixscore pounds, 
 besides his marriage money, to pledge out the manor of 
 Swainsthorp, so that \_07i condition^ he may find such a friend 
 as will pay me again the said sixscore pounds by 20 marks 
 (13/. 6s. 8f/.) a year, so that it be not paid of the marriage 
 money, nor of the proper goods of my said cousin John. 
 
 Or else, another condition is this. 
 
 If it be so that my said Cousin John may be suffered, from 
 the day of his marriage to my daughter, to take the whole 
 profits of the manor of Sparham, besides the manor of 
 Swainsthorp, for term of their two lives, and the longest 
 of them living, yet will I be agreeable to depart with the 
 
 z 2
 
 172 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 two) And if thes or eny of the Conclussyons may be takyn I 
 am agreable to make the bargayn swer or ellys No more to 
 be spekyn of. 
 
 8^ by 12. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 Bull's Head and Star. 
 
 PI. xxxii. No. 4. 
 
 We have here the terms proposed by each party for a settlement on the 
 marriage of John Paston with Margery Brews, with some further proposals of 
 Sir Thomas Brews's on certain conditions to be performed by the Pastons. 
 These propositions were in contemplation during the months of February and 
 March, 1476-7. 
 
 LETTER XL. 
 
 Notes touching the manage hctwen Jo. Paston af. and 
 Margerif Brczvs. 
 
 M*" to kepe secret fro my moder that the bargayn is full 
 Concludyd 
 
 It' to let hyr haue fyrst knovvlago tliat in the Chapell 
 wher as ye wold had ben no book nye by X Myle that when 
 Mastyr Brews seyd that he wold shortly haue eyther more 
 lond in Joyntour then Sweynsthorj) and X Mark ought of 
 
 NX 
 
 Sp'h'm or ellys that some frend of inyne shold paye the vj 
 li so that it shold not be payed of the Maryage Money that
 
 EDWARD IV. 173 
 
 said 400 marks (266/. 13s. 4d.) payable again in form above- 
 said (and to give them their hoard for a year or two). 
 
 And if these or any of the conchisions may be taken, I 
 am agreeable to make the bargain sure, or else no more to 
 be spoken of. 
 
 March, 1476-7. 
 17 E. iv. 
 
 N. B. The words " and to geve theym ther boord for a yer or two" are 
 struck cross with a pen in the original, as if Sir Thomas thought that too much 
 to be complied with under these conditions. 
 
 LETTER XL. 
 
 Notes touching the Marriage between John Past on, Esq. 
 and Margery Brews. 
 
 Memorandum, To keep secret from my mother that the 
 bargain is full concluded. 
 
 Item, to let her have first knowledge that in the chapel, 
 where as ye would had been no book nigh by ten miles, that 
 when Master Brews said that he would shortly have either 
 more land in jointure than Swainsthorp and ten marks 
 (6/. 13s. 4f/.) out of Sparham, or else that some friend of 
 mine should pay the sixscore pounds, so that it should not 
 be paid of the marriage money, that then I swore on a book 
 to him, that I would never of my motion endanger mother
 
 174 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 then I sware on A book to hjan that I wold neuer of my 
 mocyon endanger nioder nor broder ferther then I had done 
 for I thought that my modyr had done myche for me to 
 geue me the maner of Sp'h'm in syche forme as she had 
 done but Mastyr Brews wyll not agre w^ ought that my 
 Mastress hys doughter and I be mad swer of it now in hand 
 and that we may take the hole p'fytes what so euer fortune 
 
 It' to enforme my moder that if so be that we may be 
 pute in possessyon of all the hole maner dury'g oure two 
 lyues and the lengest of us leveng y' then Mastyr Brews 
 wyll geve me in maryage w' my Mastresse hys doughter 
 CCCC Marks payable in hand L li and so yerly L li tyll the 
 soine of CCCC Mark be full payed. 
 
 It' that wher as he had leyd up C li for the maryage of 
 a yonger doughter of hys he wylle lend me the same C li 
 and XX li more to pledge ought my lond And he to be 
 payed ayen hys C li and XX li by X li by yer. 
 
 It' to avyse my modyr that she brek not for the yerly 
 valew of Sp'h'm aboue the X Mark dury'g hyr lyve. 
 
 54 by 11 1. 
 Part of the 
 Paper Mark, 
 Bull's Head ami Star. 
 PI. xxxii. No. 4. 
 
 Tiiese seem to he the final conditions on which the marriage was to take 
 effect, hut there appears some mjstcry in concealing the accomplishment of 
 tiiis i)iisiness from iiis mother. J. Paston had either cnj^ajied to ])erforni some 
 conditions which he knew she would not aj)prove; or he thought, by keeping 
 her ignorant of the idtimate conclusion of tiieui, to persuade her to do some- 
 tliiug more toi liini.
 
 EDWARD IV. 175 
 
 nor brother farther than I had done ; for I thought that my 
 mother had done much for me to give me the manor of 
 Sparham in such form as she had done ; but Master Brews 
 will not agree, without that my mistress his daughter and I 
 be made sure of it now in hand, and that we may take the 
 whole profits, whatsoever fortune. 
 
 Item, to inform my mother that if so be that we may be 
 put in possession of all the whole manor diuing our two 
 lives, and the longest of us living, that then Master Brews 
 will give me in marriage with my mistress his daughter 400 
 marks (266/. 13s. 4d.), payable in hand 50/. and so yearly 
 50/. till the sum of 400 marks be full paid. 
 
 Item, that whereas he had laid up 100/. for the marriage 
 of a younger daughter of his, he will lend me the same 100/. 
 and 20/. more, to pledge ovit my land, and he to be paid 
 again his 100/. and 20/. by 10/. by year. 
 
 Item, to advise my mother that she break not, for the 
 yearly value of Sparham above the ten marks during her 
 life. 
 
 March, 
 1476-7. 17E. iv. 
 
 In either case he seems to act disingenuously, and contrary to his own sen- 
 timents in these Notes. 
 
 It appears that these conditions were discussed in the chapel, where J. Pas- 
 ton swore on one of the service books, tliat he never would consent to the 
 endangering of any of his friends by their entering into an obligation for the 
 repayment of the sixscore pounds. 
 
 This condition, by what follows, seems to have been given up, and the 
 agreement appears to be, that the sixscore pounds should be repayed by him 
 by oflO every year on his own security only.
 
 176 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XLI. 
 
 To S' John Pasfon 
 Kiuight be th's 
 delyverid in Calic. 
 
 Mast" Paston J recomavind me to zow and by cause that 
 J haue wryty" to yow iij long letters which as yet be an- 
 swereles J wote not wheth' that the length of mat' acom- 
 bred yow or ells the simpylnes of the effect displesid yow 
 or ells that ye haue utterly refusid the p'fers of my pore 
 s'uyce and frendeship but which of these so euer h' be h' 
 heuyeth me Syr h' nedith not J trow to send yow the 
 tidyngs of these p'^tyes how be h' J haue thryes send yow 
 such as here were m entent that ye shuld send us of yowrs 
 l)ut as long as my lord and yowrs is there ye can not faile 
 to have the c'teynte of all owre english aventurs which is 
 grete ese to yo' frends and s^uaunts in the c'tre for so much 
 as they may make her letters shorter by so much. Syr at 
 the wrytyng of th's lett' J was in Kent where all thyng that 
 I rewisid I wishid yow p' of (or all) and as for myself I am 
 styll yo' s^iaunt and bedema' and so am bownd to be so sore 
 and sewrely that J can not imbynde me. Syr th's is the 
 V lett' that J haue sent zow whereyn thys entent that fo- 
 lowyth was all wayes on That is to say that h' plesid yow 
 sum on day to take so much labo"^ for me for to se the Jen- 
 tyllest hors in C'alic that is to be sold and to lett n>e know 
 of his Colowre deds and pric remembry"g that he be also 
 large as mesure wyll for I loue no small hors nor hors that
 
 EDWARD IV. 177 
 
 LETTER XLI. 
 
 To Sir John Paston, Knight, be this delivered in Calais. 
 
 Master Paston, I reeommend me to you, and because that 
 I have written to you three long letters, which as yet be 
 answerless, I wot not M'hether that the length of matter 
 accumbred you, or else the simpleness of the effect dis- 
 pleased you, or else that ye have utterly refused the proffers 
 of my poor service and friendship ; but which of these 
 soever it be, it heavyeth me. 
 
 Sir, it needeth not, I trow, to send you the tidings of 
 these parts, howbeit I have thrice sent you such as here 
 were, in intent that ye shall send us of yours, but as long 
 as my Lord and yours is there, ye carmot fail to have the 
 certainty of all our English adventures, which is great ease 
 to your friends and servants in this country, for so much as 
 they may make their letters shorter by so much. 
 
 Sir, at the writing of this letter, I was in Kent, where all 
 things that I revised, I wished you part of, or all ; and as 
 for myself I am still your servant and beadsman, and so am 
 bound to be so sore and surely, that I cannot unbind me. 
 
 Sir, this is the fifth letter that I have sent you, wherein 
 this intent that followeth was always one, that is to say, that 
 it pleased you some one day to take so much labour for 
 me for to see the gentlest horse in Calais that is to be 
 sold, and to let me know his colour, deeds, and price, 
 remembring that he be also large as measure will, for I 
 love no small horse, nor horse that will ever be lean and 
 
 VOL. V. A A
 
 178 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 wyll euyr be lene and slendyr but J wold haue hy" hye 
 truttyng if h' wylbe and if he be styryng w' all he shall 
 plese me the bett' for I wuld haue hy" all for the plesur and 
 not for the Werre but if he myght be for bothe veryly ther 
 is no tidyngs on that side the se safe only the welfare of 
 yow and all oth' there that I wuld so fayne here of as of a 
 Jentyll trottyg hors that were lyght and pleasaunt in deds 
 if eny such be there. Flemysh hors J thenk ye have y 
 nowh that wyll play for a myle or ij but such we have here 
 also how be h' J pray yow send me word of yowre store and 
 be sewre of the p'c if ye like eny or elles let summa" for yow. 
 No more but god kepe yow prayyng yow to recomaund me 
 to my Cosy" S' John Scot and to Syr Tyry Robsert let the 
 lett' be sent to the godewif of yo' loggyng. 
 
 By yo' John 
 Pympe. 
 
 8 J by ll.i 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 BuU's-hcad and Star. 
 
 PI. ix. No. 12. 
 
 This letter may seem superHuous, as I have given two on the same subject 
 from l!ie same person in the second vohime ; but his style and easy manner of 
 writing iiiducetl me to add this, as tliey so nearly agree with the jjresent mode 
 of correspondence. His description of a tine horse may be also agreeable to 
 some of my readers.
 
 EDWARD IV. 179 
 
 slender, but I would have him high trotting, if it will be, 
 and if he be stirring withal, he shall please me the better, 
 for I would have him all for the pleasure and not for the 
 war, but if [rinlcss] he might be, for both ; verily there is no 
 tidings on that side the sea, save only the welfare of you 
 and all other there, that I would so fain hear of as a gentle 
 trotting horse that were light and pleasant in deeds, if any 
 such be there ; Flemish horse I think ye will have enough 
 that will play for a mile or two, but such we have here also ; 
 howbeit I pray you send me word of your store, and be sure 
 of the price, if ye like any, or else let some one for you. 
 No more, but God keep you, praying you to remember me 
 to my cousin Sir John Scott, to Sir Terry Robsart ; let the 
 letter be sent to the goodwife of your lodging. 
 
 By your 
 John Pympe. 
 
 March, 1477. 
 17E. IV. 
 
 We learn that all the public news in England was sent over to Lord Has- 
 tyngs, who was Governor of Calais, &,c. 
 
 What he says of the Flemish horses is worth recording. 
 Autograph, PI. vi. No. 29. 
 
 aa2
 
 180 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XLIL 
 
 To Jii/s weell belovyd brother 
 John Paston Esquyer. 
 
 J RECOMANDE me to you letyng you weete y' I receyvyd a 
 lett' of yowrs by Edward Hensted ij dayes aftr y' Whetley 
 was dep'tyd from me wliyche he hadde forgetyn in liys 
 caskett as he seyde wheroff I sholde have sent yow answer 
 by Whetley if I liad hadde it tofor he wente notw'stan- 
 dyng I am ryght lothe to wryghte in that mat' ofte For 
 For a conclusion I wrote to my moodr by Persse Moody 
 alle y' I myght and wolde do ther in ye haue also nowe wre- 
 tyn ageyn yow need nott to praye me to doo y' myght be 
 to yowr profyght and Worship y' I myght doo oiler than 
 ons or to late me weete theroif For to my power I wolde 
 do for yow and take as moche peyne For yowr weall and 
 remembr itt when p' case ye sholde nott thynke on it yowr 
 selfe I wolde be as gladde y' one gaffe yow a man' of XXli 
 by yeer as if he gave it to my self by my trowthe Wher ye 
 thynke y' I may w' Concience recom])ence it ageyn on to 
 owr stokke of other londys y' I liave of y" valywe in fee 
 symple it is so y' Snaylwell by my grauntefadrs will ons 
 and l)y my fadris will scecond'cly is entaylyd to y*" issyw of 
 my fadrs body It' as for Sporlc XXh by yeer I hadde ther 
 of butt XX m'l-ke l)y yer whyche XX m'rke by yeer and the 
 X m'rke ouyr I haue endang'yd as ye weell knowe of y' 
 bargayne whyche if itt l)e nott redemyd I most rcca'pence
 
 EDWARD IV, 181 
 
 LETTER XLII. 
 
 To his well-beloved Brother, John Past on, Esq. 
 
 I RECOMMEND me to you, letting you weet that I received 
 a letter of yours by Edward Hensted two days after that 
 Wheatley was departed from me, which lie had forgotten 
 in his casket, as he said, whereof I should have sent you 
 answer by Wheatley, if I had had it before he went : not- 
 withstanding I am riglit loath to write in that matter oft ; 
 for for a conclusion I wrote to my Mother by Perse Moody 
 all that I might and would do therein ; ye have also now 
 written again : You need not to pray me to do that might be 
 to your profit and worship, that I might do, oftener than 
 once, or to let me weet thereof, for to my power I would 
 do for youL, aud take as much pain for your weal, and re- 
 member it when per case [perchance'\ ye should not think 
 on it yourself I would be as glad tliat one gave you a 
 manor of 20/, by year, as if he gave it to myself by my 
 troth. 
 
 Item, where(as) ye think that I may with conscience 
 recompense it again unto our stock of other lands that I 
 have of that value in fee simple, it is so that Snailwell by 
 my grandfather's will once, and by father's will secondly, is 
 entailed to the issue of my father's body. 
 
 Item, as for Sporle 20/. by year, I had thereof but 20 
 marks (13/. 6.9. 8d.) by year, which 20 marks by year and 
 the 10 marks over, (6/. 13s. 4d.) I have endangered, as ye 
 well know of the bargain ; which, if it be not redeemed, I
 
 182 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 som other man of myn to on of my bretheryn for the seyde 
 X m'rke ouyr XX nfrke y' longyth to me wherfor I kepe 
 the man' of Run'm than haue I Fe symple londe y'' man' of 
 ^^^ynty'ton w' bastwyk and billys whyche in alle is nott XX 
 m'rke by yeer whyche is nott to y" valywe of y*" man' of 
 Sp'ham And as for Castr it weer noo Convenyent londe to 
 exchange for suche a thyng Nor it were not polesy for me 
 to sett y* man' Jn suche case for alle man' of Happis I nede 
 nott to make thys excuse to yowe but y* yowr mynde is 
 troblyd I praye yow reioyse nott yowr sylfe to moche in 
 hope to opteyne thynge y' alle yowr freendys may nott ease 
 yow of For if my moodre wer dysposyd to gyve me and any 
 woman in Jngelande the best Man' y' she hathe to have it 
 to me and my wyfe and to y^ heyrs of our two bodyes be- 
 gotyn J wolde nott take it of hyr by god stablysshe yovir 
 selfe uppon a goode grownde and grace shall folowe Yowr 
 mat' is ferre spoken of and blowyn wyde and if it preve 
 noo bett' J wolde y' it had ncu' be spoken of Also y' mat' 
 noysyth me y' I am so onkynde y' I lett alle togedr I thynke 
 notte a mat' happy nor weell handelyd nor poletykly dalte 
 w' when it cam neu' be fynysshyd w^ owte an Jn Conven- 
 yence and to any suche bargayne I kepe neu' to be Conde- 
 scentyng Ner of Cowncell Jff I weer att the l)egynnyng of 
 suche a mat' J wolde haue hopyd to haue made a bett' 
 Conclusyon if they mokke yow notte thys mat' is drevyn thus 
 fcrforthe w' owte my Cowncell I ])raye yow make an ende 
 w' owte my Cowncell iif'e it be weell J wolde be glad if it 
 l)c oderwyse it is pite I praye yow treble me no moor in 
 thys mat' 
 
 12 by 8.
 
 EDWARD IV. 183 
 
 must recompense some other manor of mine to one of my 
 brethren for the said 10 marks and 20 marks that longetli 
 to me, wherefore I keep the manor of Runham ; then have 
 I fee simple land the manor of Winterton with Bastwick 
 and Billys, which in all is not 20 marks by year, which is 
 not to the value of the manor of Sparham. And as for 
 Caister, it were no convenient land to exchange for such a 
 thing ; nor it were not policy for me to set that manor in 
 such case for all manner of haps. I need not to make this 
 excuse to you, but that your mind is troubled ; I pray you 
 not to rejoice yourself too much in hope to obtain a thing 
 that all your friends may not ease you of, for if my mother 
 were disposed to give me and any woman in England the 
 best manor that she hath to have it to me and my wife, and 
 to the heirs of our two bodies begotten, I wovdd not take 
 it of her by God. Stablish yourself upon a good ground, 
 and grace shall follow ; your matter is far spoken of and 
 blown wide, and if it prove no better, I would that it had 
 never been spoken of. Also that matter noiseth me, that 1 
 am so unkind that I let [^/linder^ altogether. I think not a 
 matter happy nor well handled nor politically dealt witli, 
 when it can never be finished without an inconvenience, 
 and to any such bargain, I keep never to be condescending 
 nor of counsel ; if I were at the beginning of such a matter, 
 I would have hoped to have made a better conclusion, if 
 they mock you not. This matter is driven thus far forth 
 without my counsel ; I pray you make an end without my 
 counsel : if it be well, I would be glad ; if it be otherwise, 
 it is pity ; I pray you trouble me no more in this matter. 
 
 John Paston, Kt.
 
 184 P ASTON LETTERS. 
 
 We have in this Letter a strong instance of Sir John Paston's regard to the 
 Wills of his Ancestors ; willing to do every thing legally in his power to serve 
 his brother, he will not consent that any entailed Manor shall be settled upon 
 his brother on his marriage and to the general issue of that marriage, so that 
 
 LETTER XLIII. 
 
 To ye Hyght wurchepfiill 
 
 and my verry good Lady and Cosyn 
 Dame Elyzabeth Brews. 
 
 Ryght Wurchepfiil and my chefF lady and Cosyn as hertly 
 as I Can I recomaunde me to yow Madam lycketh yow to 
 undyrstand that y" cliefF cause of my wiytyng to yow at 
 thys season ys thys J wot well yt ys not unreme^bred w' 
 yow the large communyeacyon that dyuers tymes hatha 
 ben had towchy'g the maryage of my Cosyn Margery yowyr 
 dowghter and my son John of whyche I have hen as glad 
 and now late wardes as sory as euyr I was for eny maryage 
 in My lyve and wher or in whom the defawte of y' breche 
 ys I can haue no pTyte knowlage but Madam yf yt be in me 
 or eny of myn I prey yow assygne a day when my Cosyn 
 yowyr husbond And ye thynk to be at Norwych to wards 
 Salle And I wyll com theder to yow And 1 thynk or ye 
 And I departe y' ye defawte schall be knowe wher yt ys 
 And also that w' yowyr advyse and helpe and iny" to gedyrs 
 we schall take some way y' yt schal not breke for yf yt dyd
 
 EDWARD IV. 185 
 
 his other brothers might be afterwards barred of tiie possession by a female 
 heir. The letter is written with great good sense and a proper degree of 
 spirit. He reasons with propriety, and his advice sets his judgment and ho- 
 nesty in a fair point of view. 
 
 LETTER XLIIL 
 
 To the Right Worshipful and my very good Lady and Cousin 
 Dame Elizabeth Brews. 
 
 Right worshipful, and my chief Lady and Cousin, as 
 heartily as I can I recommend me to you; Madam, liketh 
 you to understand that the chief cause of my writing to you 
 at this season is this ; I wot well it is not unremembered 
 with you the large communication that divers times hath 
 been had touching the marriage of my Cousin Margery 
 your daughter and my son John, of which I have been as 
 glad, and now latewards as sorry, as ever I was for any 
 marriage in my life ; and where or in whom the default of 
 the breach is, I can have no perfect knowledge; but. Madam, 
 if it be in me or any of mine, I pray you assign a day, when 
 my Cousin your husband and ye think to be at Norwich 
 towards Sail, and I will come thither to you, and I think, 
 ere ye and I depart, that the default shall be known where 
 it is, and also that with your advice and help, and mine to- 
 gether, we shall take some way that it shall not break ; for 
 if it did, it were none honour to neither parties, and in chief 
 to them in whom the default is, considering that it is so far 
 spoken. 
 
 VOL. V. B B
 
 186 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 yt wer non honoure to neyther p'tyes And in chefF to them 
 in whom the defawte ys Consyderyng that it ys so ferre 
 spoken And Madam I prey yow y' I may have p'fyte know- 
 lage be my Son Yelu'ton berar herof when thys metyng 
 schall be yf ye thynk it expedyent And y" soner the better 
 in eschewy'g of worsse For Madam J know well yf yt be 
 not co-cludyd in ryght schort tyme that as for my son he 
 entendith to doo ryght well by my Cosyn Margery and not 
 so well by hym sylf And y* schuld be to me nor J trust to 
 yow no gret plesur yf yt so fortunyd as god defFend whom 
 I beseche to send yow your levest desyers Madam I besech 
 yow y' I may be recomawndyd by y" bylle to my Cosyn 
 yowyr husbond And to my Cosyn Margery to whom I sup- 
 posyd to have gevyn an otheyr name or thys tyme Wretyn 
 at Mawteby on Seynt Barnaby is Day. 
 
 By yo' Margaret Paston. 
 
 Ui by 63. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 The Letter G 
 
 with a Cross. 
 PI. xii. No. 18. 
 
 Some difficulties having occurred as to settlements, the marriage seems, at 
 this period, to have been almost broken oft". Margaret Paston now comes for- 
 ward and solicits a meeting in order to accommodate any ditTerences. She 
 cautiously avoids mentioning on which part the difiiculties arose, but seems 
 inclined to meet them more than half way. She announces her sou's inclina-
 
 EDWARD IV. 187 
 
 And, Madam, 1 pray you that I may have perfect know- 
 ledge by my son Yelverton, bearer hereof, when this meet- 
 ing shall be, if ye think it expedient, and the sooner the 
 better in eschewing of worse ; for, Madam, I know well if it 
 be not concluded in right short time, that as for my son he 
 intendeth to do right well by my Cousin Margery and not 
 so well by himself, and that should be to me, nor I trust to 
 you, no great pleasure, if it so fortuned, as God defend, 
 I forbid^ whom I beseech to send you your levest [dearest^ 
 desires. 
 
 Madam, I beseech you that I may be recommended by 
 this bill to my cousin your husband, and to my Cousin Mar- 
 gery, to whom I supposed to have given another name ere 
 this time. Written at Mawtby on Saint Barnabas's day. 
 
 By your 
 
 Margaret Paston. 
 
 Mawtby, 
 
 Wednesday, 1 1 June, 
 
 1477. 17E. iv. 
 
 tions to do every thing in his power, even to the hurting of his own interest, 
 but hopes that will not be insisted on. 
 
 The letter is polite towards Lady Brews, and shews the writer's maternal 
 concern for her son's happiness. 
 
 The manner in whicii she recommends herself to her intended daughter is 
 both easy and natural, and expressed in a way to interest the young lady in her 
 son's favour. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xi. No. 20. 
 
 bb2
 
 188 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XLIV, 
 
 To my ryght worchepfull 
 Mocler Margaret Pastoii. 
 
 Ryght Worchepfull and my most good and kynd moder in 
 as humbyll wyse as I can or may I recomand me to yow 
 and beseclie yow of yo' dayly blyssy"g Moder please it yow 
 to undyrstand that tyll thys day dame Elyzabeth brews 
 hathe ben so syke that she myght nevyr sythe she cam to 
 Salle haue leyser to Comon of my mater w' master Brews 
 tyll thys day And thys day w' gret peyn I thynk the rather 
 because Hey don was ther the mater was Comond but other 
 Answer than she hathe sent yow in hyr lettre closed her in 
 can she not haue of hyr husbond. Wherfor Modyr if it 
 please yow myn advyse is to send hyr Answer ayen in thys 
 forme folowi'g of some other manys hand. 
 
 Ya' J Paston 
 
 To the ryght worchepfull and my very good Lady and Cosyn 
 Dame Elyzabeth Brews. 
 
 Ryght worchepfull and my v'ry good lady and Cosyn as 
 hertly as I can J recomand me to yow and Madam J am 
 ryght sory if it myght be otherwyse of the dysease as I 
 undyrstand by the berer herof that my Cosyn yo' husbond 
 and ye also haue had a season whyche I \nvy god soone to
 
 EDWARD IV, 189 
 
 LETTER XLIV. 
 
 To my right zn'orshipful Mother Margaret Paston. 
 
 Right worshipful and my most good and kind mother, hi 
 as humble wise as I can or may, I recommend me to you, 
 and beseech you of your daily blessing. Mother, please it 
 you to understand that till this day Dame Elizabeth Brews 
 hath been so sick, that she might never, since she came to 
 Sail, have leisure to commune of my matter with Master 
 Brews till this day ; and this day, with great pain, I think the 
 rather because Heydon was there, the matter was com- 
 muned, but other answer than she hath sent you in her 
 letter closed herein can she not have of her husband; 
 wherefore, mother, if it please you, mine advise is to send 
 her [a?i] answer again, in this form following, of some other 
 man's hand. 
 
 Your John Paston. 
 
 Salle, Saturday, 
 28 June, 1477. I7E. iv. 
 
 " To the Right Worshipful and my very good Lady and Cousin 
 " Dame Elizabeth Brews." 
 
 " Right worshipful and my very good lady and cousin, 
 " as heartily as I can I recommend me to you; and, madam, 
 " I am right sorry, if it might be otherwise, of the disease, 
 " as I understand by the bearer hereof, that my cousin your
 
 190 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 redresse to your bothe easeis and madam I thank yow 
 hertly that ye haue reme'bred the mater to my Cosyn your 
 husbond that I spak w' you of at syche tyme as I m as last 
 w' you at Norwyche to my gret Comfort And I wyse mada" 
 I am ryght sory that John Paston is no more fortunate 
 then he is in that mater for as I undyrstand by yo" lettyr 
 my Cosyn yo' husbond wyll geue but an C H whyche is no 
 money lyck for syche a Joyntore as is desyred of my Son 
 thow hys possybylyte wer ryght easy but Madam when I 
 mad that large grant in the maner of Sperh'm that I have 
 mad to hym and my Cosyn yo' doughter he told me of an 
 other some that he shold haue w' hyr then of an C li he 
 hathe befor thys be wont to tell me none untrowthe and 
 what I shall deme in thys mater I can not sey for me 
 thynkyth if more then an C li wer promysyd on to hym by 
 my Cosyn yo' husbond and yow that ye wold not lett to 
 geve it hym w' ought so wer that J or he abryggyd eny 
 thyng of ou' p'mess whyche I wot well neyther I nor he in- 
 tend to do if I may undyrstand that hys seyi'g to me was 
 trowthe and that it may be p'formyd but wyst I that he 
 told me otherwyse then my Cosyn yowr husbond and ye 
 p'mysed hym to descyue me of Sp'h'm by my trowthe thow 
 he haue it he shall lese as myche for it If I leve and that 
 shall he well undyrstand the next tyme I se hym And ma- 
 dam I ]n-cy god scMul us good of thys mater for as for hys 
 l)roder S' John also I sent ones to hym for it to haue mad 
 good the same g'unt that 1 g'unted yow w' hys dissent to 
 them .md to thcr issu of thcr ij bodycs lawfully comy'g 
 And he dyd not ther in as I desyred hym And thcr for J 
 prey yow p'don me for sendy'g on to hym eny more for 
 Madam he is my sone and I can not fynd in my hert to
 
 EDWARD IV. 191 
 
 husband and ye also have had a season, which I pray God 
 soon to redress to your both eases ; and, madam, I thank 
 you heartily that ye have remembered the matter to my 
 cousin your husband, that I spake with you of, at such 
 time as I was last with you at Norwich, to my great com- 
 fort; and I wis, madam, I am right sorry that John Paston 
 is no more fortunate than he is in that matter, for as I 
 understand by your letter, my cousin your husband will 
 give but an 100/. which is no money like for such a join- 
 ture as is desired of my son, though his possibility were 
 right easy. But, madam, when I made that large grant in 
 the manor of Sparham, that I have made to him and my 
 cousin your daughter, he told me of another sum that he 
 should have with her than of an 100/. He hath before this 
 been wont to tell me none untruth, and what I shall deem 
 in this matter I cannot say, for methinketh if more than 
 an 100/. were promised unto him by my cousin your hus- 
 band and you, that ye would not let to give it him, with- 
 out so were that I or he abridged any thing of our pro- 
 mise, which I wot well neither I nor he intend to do, if 
 I may understand that his saying to me was truth, and 
 that it may be performed; but wist I that he told me 
 otherwise, than my cousin your husband and ye promised 
 him, to deceive me of Sparham; by my troth though he 
 have it, he shall lose as much for it, if I live, and that 
 shall he well understand the next time I see him. And, 
 madam, I pray God send us good of this matter, for as 
 for his brother Sir John also, I sent once to him for it, to 
 have made good the same grant, that I granted you with 
 his dissent, to them and to their issue of their two boches 
 lawfully coming, and he did not therein as I desired him;
 
 192 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 becom a dayly petycyoner of hys sythe he liathe denyed 
 me onys myn axi'g p'auentvire he had ben better to haue 
 p'formed my desyer And what hys answer was on to me 
 John Paston Can tell yow as well as J but madam ye ar a 
 moder as w ell as J wher J prey tak it non other wyse bot 
 well that J may not do by John Paston as ye wyll haiie me 
 to do for madam thow I wold he dyd well I haue to p'uey 
 for more of my chylder then hym of whyche some be of 
 that age that they can tell me well Jnow that J dele not 
 evenly w' theym to geve John Paston so large and theym so 
 lytell And madam for syche grwgys and other causys I am 
 ryght sory that the g'unte is knowyn that J haue mad w' 
 ought it myght take effect And therfor Madam fro henss- 
 forthe 1 remyght all thyng to yowr dyscressyon besechy'g 
 yow the rather for my sake to be my son Johnis good lady 
 And I prey god p'serue yow to hys plesure send yow has- 
 tyly yowr hele ayen And my Cosyn yo' husbond Also to 
 whom I prey yow^ that I may hertly be recomandyd and to 
 my Cosyns Margery and Margaret byllyngforthe Wretyn 
 at Mawtby on Seynt Petrys Day. 
 
 Yo' Margaret Paston.
 
 EDWARD IV. 193 
 
 and therefore I pray you pardon me for sending unto him 
 any more, for, madam, he is my son, and I cannot find in 
 my heart to become a daily petitioner of his, since he hath 
 denied me once my asking; peradventure he had been 
 better to have performed my desire: and what his answer 
 was unto me, John Paston can tell you, as well as I; 
 but, madam, ye are a mother as well as I, where [/ore] I 
 pray you take it none otherwise but well, that I may not 
 do by John Paston, as ye wdll have me to do; for, madam, 
 thovigh I would he did well, I have to purvey for more of 
 my children than him, of which some be of that age, that 
 they can tell me well enough that I deal not evenly with 
 them, to give John Paston so large, and them so little; 
 and, madam, for such grudges, and other causes, I am 
 right sorry that the grant is known, that I have made, 
 without it might take effect, and therefore, madam, from 
 henceforth I remit all things to your discretion, beseech- 
 ing you, the rather for my sake, to be my son John's good 
 lady, and I pray God preserve you to his pleasure, [and] 
 send you hastily your health again and my cousin your 
 husband also, to whom I pray you that I may heartily be 
 recommended, and to my cousin Margery and Margaret 
 Billingforth. Written at Maultby on Saint Peter's day. 
 
 " Your Margaret Paston." 
 
 " Maultby, 
 " Sunday, 29 June, 
 
 "1477. 17E. iv." 
 
 VOL, V. C C
 
 194 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 An other Lettyr ta me that J may shewe. 
 
 To John Paston Sqwyer, 
 I GRET yovv well and send you gods blessy'g and myn 
 lety"g yow wet that J undyrstand well by my Cosyn Dam 
 Elyzabeth Brewsys lettyr whyche I sende yow her w' 
 wherby ye may undyrstand the same that they intend not 
 to p'forme thos p'ferys that ye told me they p'mysyd yow 
 trusty'g that ye told me non other wyse then was promysed 
 yow Wherfor I charge yow on my blessy'g that ye be well 
 ware how ye bestow your mynd w' ought ye haue a sub- 
 stance wher upon to leve for I wold be sory to wet yow 
 myscary for if ye do in your defawt looke neuer aftyr helpe 
 of me And also J wold be as sory for hyr as for eny gentyl- 
 woman leueng Jn good feythe Wherfor I warne yow be 
 ware in eny wyse And look ye be at Mawtby w' me as has- 
 tyly as ye can and then I shall tell yow more And god helpe 
 yow Wretyn at Mawtby on Seynt Petrys Day. 
 
 Yo^ Modyr M. P. 
 
 ITs by llji. a wliole sheet. 
 Paper Mark, 
 Biill's-head and Star. 
 PI. xxii. No. 15. 
 
 From tliis letter of J. Paston and the enclosed copies to his mother, to get 
 transcribed, and send as from herself, we learn that Sir Thomas Brews had de- 
 parted from his original promise respecting the fortune he meant to give his 
 daughter; this proceeding seems to have juHtly displeased J. Paston, and he 
 tiierefore dictates to his mother, wiiat he wished her to sa\ in answer to l-ady 
 Brews's letter, (whicii does not appear,) and also a letter to himself, hoping by 
 these means to have the promised conditions complied with.
 
 EDWARD IV. 195 
 
 Another Letter to me, that I may shew, 
 
 " To John Past on, Esq. 
 
 " I GREET you well and send you God's blessing and mine, 
 " letting you weet that I understand well by my covisin 
 " Dame Elizabeth Brews's letter, which I send you here- 
 " with, whereby ye may understand the same, that they 
 " intend not to perform those proffers that ye told me they 
 " promised you, trusting that ye told me none otherwise 
 " than was promised you ; wherefore I charge you on my 
 " blessing, that ye be well aware how ye bestow your mind, 
 " without ye have a substance whereupon to live, for I 
 " would be sorry to weet you miscarry, for if ye do, in your 
 " default, look never after help of me ; and also I would be 
 " as sorry for her as for any gentlewoman living, in good 
 " faith, wherefore I warn you beware in any wise, and look 
 " ye be at Maultby with me as hastily as ye can, and then 
 " I shall tell you more, and God keep you; written at 
 " Maultby on Saint Peter's day." 
 
 " Your Mother, 
 
 " Margaret Paston." 
 
 " Maultby, 
 " Sunday, 29 June, 
 " 1477. 17 E. iv." 
 
 The letters shew his good sense and address in managing a matter of this 
 kind, and though some finesse appears, it is excusable after the treatment he 
 had met with, his mother having done, as far as she was able, every thing re- 
 quired of her. 
 
 It is probable he was really pleased with his brother Sir John Paston for his 
 
 c c 2
 
 196 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 having refused his consent to the settling the manor of Sparham in fee upon 
 his marriage, though Sir Jolm's refusal proceeded entirely from scruples of 
 conscience. 
 
 The making his mother say that she feared he had deceived her, rather than 
 to think it possible that Sir Thomas or Lady Brews could vary from their 
 original promise, is an artful and refined thought, and perhaps had its efi'ect, 
 ulien the letters were transcribed and sent. 
 
 LETTER XLV. 
 
 To y ryght worshypfull 
 
 Mestresse Margref Faston. 
 
 Please it yow to weate y' I have receyvyd yowr lett' 
 wretyn y" tywesdaye nexte afft' seynt lani' daye, wlierin ye 
 desyr me to reme~br Kokett and also to be helpyng to my 
 brother John's mariage. As for Kokett as god helpe me I 
 knowe not yitt the means possible y' I myght paye hym by 
 tluitt daye ffor thoos mat' is y' be off grettest wyght and 
 charge and y' stonde nerrest my weell y' is to seye the sywerte 
 off y' man' of Castr and the mat' betwen Anne llault and 
 me shall w' godds grace thys terme be at a p'fi^ght ende, 
 whyche will charge me fferther than I have mony as yitt or 
 lyke to have byffor that tyme off myne owne and as god 
 helpe me I wote nott wher to borow. I most i)aye w* in 
 thys iij yeer iiij"^ mrke to Towneshende or elles fforffett the 
 man' off Sporle and thus my chargs be grett' than I may a
 
 EDWARD IV. 197 
 
 It plainly appears from this letter that Margaret Paston did not write her 
 own letters, for her son concludes with saying " of some other manys hand," 
 fearing perhaps lest his mother in her hurry might have returned them in his 
 hand, and so have discovered the part he had taken, and the advice he had 
 given. He was now at Sir Thomas Brews's house, and had been told the con- 
 tents of Lady Brews's letter, most probably by his mistress Margery Brews. 
 
 Seal, a Fleur-de-lys and Annulet. PI. xiv. No. 22. 
 
 LETTER XLV. 
 
 To the Right Worshipful Mistress Margaret Paston. 
 
 Please it you to weet, that I have received your letter 
 written the Tuesday next after Saint James C^dth Juli/J, 
 wherein ye desired me to remember Kocket, and also to be 
 helping to my brother John's marriage ; as for Kocket, as 
 God helpe me, I know not yet the means possible that I 
 might pay him by that day, for those matters that be of 
 greatest weight and charge, and that stand nearest my weal, 
 that is to say, the surety of the manor of Caister, and the 
 matter between Anne Hault and me, shall, with God's 
 grace, this term, be at a perfect end, which will charge me 
 farther than I have money, as yet, or like to have, before 
 that time, of mine own ; and as God help me, I wot not 
 where to borrow. 
 
 Item, I must pay within this three years 400 marks 
 (266/. 13s. 4d.) to Townshend, or else forfeit the manor of 
 Sporle, and thus my charges be greater than I may away
 
 198 P ASTON LETTERS. 
 
 weye w' concidryd suche helpe as I have and iff it ffortunyd 
 y' I fforffetyd the maif off Sporle ye weer nev' lyke to se 
 me myry afftr so god helpe me. ye gave me ons XX W, to 
 it wards and ye promyttyd as moche whyche I receyvyd 
 and synnys off my mony offseide man' gro^vyng y' come 
 to yowr handys was rec. by yow ageyn the seyd XL li, 
 v.hyche when kokett scliolde be payed was not yowr ease 
 to dep'te wyth. nev'thelesse ye maye yett when yow 
 lyketh perfforme yowr sayde gyffte and promise, and thys 
 somme owyng to Kokett is nott so moche nev'^thelesse I 
 suppose y' ye be nott so weell pVeyd wherffor iff it pleese 
 yow at yowr ease her afft' to performe yowr seyde gyffte 
 and promise so y' I may have it w4n a yer or ij or yitt iij I 
 sholde p' case get yoAvr obligac^on to yow ageyn ffrom 
 Kokett and he pleasyd. wherffor I beseche yow y' I maye 
 have an assygnement of suche detts as been owyng yow 
 payeable at leyser off suche mony as is owyng ffor the 
 woode at Basyngh''m or ellys wher, ffor so God helpe me I 
 siiolde ellys wylfully ondoo myselfe, wherin I beseche yow 
 to sende me an answer in hast. 
 
 It'm as towchyng the mariage of my brother John I 
 have sente hym myn advyce and tolde hym wherto he shall 
 truste and I have grauntyd hym as moche as I maye I 
 wolde y* I weer at on Confunycacion atwyen them for hys 
 sake whyche I sholde if 1 inyght as for my Comyng home 
 I ame nott yitt sertayn therof J shalle hast me as faste as 
 I canne w' y"" grace of god who have yow in hys kepyng I 
 beseche yow to rcme''br the p'myssis and to helpe me and 
 w' godds grace thes ij mat'is above wretyn bothe of Castr 
 and Mestressc Anne llault' shall be cndyd to my profyt 
 and rest and moor ovyr cr awghtc longc to w' godds grace
 
 EDWARD IV. 199 
 
 with, considering such help as I have ; and if it fortuned that 
 I forfeited the manor of Sporle, ye were never hke to see me 
 merry after, so God help me. Ye gave me once 20/. towards 
 it, and ye promised as much, which I received, and since of 
 my money of (the) said manor growing that came to your 
 hands, was received by you again the said 40/. which, when 
 Kocket should be paid, was not your ease to depart with ; 
 nevertheless ye may yet, when you liketh, perform your 
 said gift and promise, and this sum owing to Kocket is not 
 so much ; nevertheless I suppose that ye be not so well 
 purveyed, wherefore if it please you at your ease hereafter 
 to perform your said gift and promise, so that I may have it 
 within a year, or two, or yet three, I should per case, (per- 
 haps) get your obligation to you again from Kocket, and 
 [if] he pleased, wherefore I beseech you that I may have 
 an assignment of such debts as be owing you payable at 
 leisure of such money as is owing for the wood at Basing- 
 ham or elsewhere ; for so God helpe me, I shovdd else 
 wilfully undo myself, wherein I beseech you to send me an 
 answer in haste. 
 
 Item, as touching the marriage of my brother John, I have 
 sent him mine advice, and told him whereto he shall trust, 
 and I have granted him as much as I may ; I would that I 
 were at one communication atween them for his sake, which 
 I should if I might; as for my coming home I am not yet 
 certain thereof, I shall haste me as fast as I can with the 
 grace of God, who have you in his keeping. I beseech you 
 to remember the premises and to help me, and with God's 
 grace these two matters above written both of Caister and 
 mistress Anne Hault shall be ended to my profit and rest, 
 and moreover, ere aught long, with God's grace, the manor of
 
 200 P ASTON LETTERS. 
 
 the man' of Sporle to be owte of danger. Promyttyng yow 
 y' I shall doo jn koketts mat' as moche as is possible for me 
 to doo to yow plesyr it shall neu' neede to prykk nor threte 
 a free horse I shall do whatt I can wretyn the Thorysdaye 
 next byfor sejait lawrence A° E iiij" xvij°. 
 
 by yow' Sone John Paston, Kt. 
 
 81 by 12. 
 
 This Letter would not have appeared, if it had not opened the affairs ot 
 Sir John Paston, and occasioned the following severe letter in answer from his 
 Mother. 
 
 His anxiety about his brother's marriage, and his endeavours to accommo- 
 date matters between hiui and the Brews faniilv, raises his character as a kind 
 
 LETTER XLVI. 
 
 Copia Ire Jo. Paston mil. a mre suA. 
 
 Yt ys soo y' I undyrstonde be yowyr lett' wretyn y" thyrs- 
 day nexte be for sey't laiierens y' ze wulde haue knowlage 
 how y' I wuld be demenyd in Coketts mater of weche I 
 send you her undyr wretyn I putte yow in c'teyn y' I wall 
 neuyr pay him peny of y' duty y' ys owyng to hym thow he 
 sue me for yt not of niyn owyn pursse for J wul not be 
 ca'pellyd to pay yowyr detts azens my well And thow J 
 wuld I may not wher for J a wyse yow to see me sauyd 
 liarmelesse azens hym for yowyr OAvyn a wauntage in tyme
 
 EDWARD IV. 201 
 
 Sporle to be out of danger ; promising you that I shall do 
 in Kocket's matter as much as is possible for me to do to 
 your pleasure : it shall never need to prick nor threat a 
 free horse : I shall do what I can. Written the Thursday 
 next before Saint Laurence, in the 17th year of Edward IV. 
 
 By your Son, 
 
 John Paston, Kt. 
 
 Thursday, 7th Aug. 
 1477. 17 E. iv. 
 
 and affectionate relation, when we find that he had many pecuniary difficulties 
 of his own to adjust and provide for, at the time he was endeavouring to serve 
 and assist his brother, whose marriage took place soon after the writing of 
 this letter. We are still in the dark respecting the point in issue between 
 Sir John Paston and Ann Hault. 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 9. 
 
 LETTER XLVL 
 
 The Copy of a Letter to Sir John Paston, Knt. from his 
 
 Mother. 
 
 It is so that 1 understand by your letter, written the Thurs- 
 day next before Saint Laurence, that ye would have know- 
 ledge how that I would be demeaned in Kocket's matter, 
 which I send you hereunder written: I put you in certain 
 that I will never pay him [«] penny of that duty that is 
 owing to him, though he sue me for it, not of mine own 
 
 VOL. v. - D D
 
 202 P ASTON LETTERS. 
 
 cifyng For yf I pay yt at longe wey ze xall ber y" losse. 
 And wher as ze wrj te to me y* J gaue yow XX li and 
 p'mysyd odyr XX li y' ys nat soo for J wutte wele yf I had 
 soo doon ze wuld nat assynyd me by yowyr lett'ys of yowyr 
 owyn hande wrytyng y*" whech J haue to schew y' I scliuld 
 refreyne a zen y"" same sunfe of Wyll'm Pecok and of yowyr 
 fermors and byars of yowyr wood of Sporle and take y" for 
 a full c'clusyon in tliys mater for y' xall be noon othyr wyse 
 for me yan J wryte her to yow J meruel meche y' ze haue 
 delte azen soo symply wyth Sporle c'syd'yng y' ze and 
 yowyr frendys had so meche to doo for to geetyt yow azen 
 onys And ze hauy'g noo grett' mat'es of charge yan ze havie 
 had sythyn y* was last pleggyt owte y' causyth me to be in 
 grete dowte of yow what yowyr dysposycon wul be here 
 aftyr for swheche lyfelood as I haue be dysposyd before y' 
 tyme to leve yow afr my decesse for I thynke veryly y* ye 
 wulde be dysposyd heraftyr to selle or sette to morgage 
 y*" lond y' ye xuldc haue aft' me yowyr modyr as gladdly 
 and rathyr yan y' lyfe lood y' ye haue aft' yowyr fadyr 
 y* greuyth me to thynke upon yowyi' gydeyng aft' y" 
 greet good y' ze haue had in yowyr rewle sythyn yowyr 
 fadyr deyyd whom god assoyle And soo symply spendyt as 
 y' hath ben. God geue yow g'ce to be of sadde and good 
 dysposyn her aft' to hys ])lesans and c'forte to me And to 
 all yowyr frendys and to yowyr wurchyj) and p'fyte her aft' 
 And as for yowyr brothyr Wyll'm J wuld ye xulde purvey 
 for hys fyndyng for as I told yow y*" laste tyme y' ye war at 
 home J wuld no le'g' fynde hym at my cost and charge hys 
 boord and hys scole hycr ys owyng sythyn sey' Thom's day 
 a for c'stmesse And he hathe greet nede of gownys and 
 odyr ger y' whar necessary for hym to haue in haste J wulde
 
 EDWARD IV. 203 
 
 purse; for I will not be compelled to pay your debts against 
 my will, and though I would, I may not : wherefore I advise 
 you to see me saved harmless against him for your own ad- 
 vantage in time coming; for, if I pay it, at long way ye 
 shall bear the loss. And whereas ye write to me that I 
 gave you 20/. and promised other 20/. that is not so, for I 
 wot well if I had so done, ye would not [Afli'e] assigned me 
 by your letters of your own hand writing, the which I have 
 to shew, that I should receive again the same sum of Wil- 
 liam Peacock, and of your farmers, and buyers of your wood 
 of Sporle ; and take this for a full conclusion in this matter, 
 for it shall be none otherwise for me than I write here to 
 you. 
 
 I marvel much that ye have dealt again so simply with 
 Sporle, considering that ye and your friends had so much 
 to do for to get it you again once, and ye having no greater 
 matters of charge than ye have had since it was last pledged 
 out, it causeth me to be in great doubt of you, what your 
 disposition will be hereafter for such livelihood as I have 
 been disposed before this time to leave you after my de- 
 cease; for I think verily that ye will be disposed hereafter 
 to sell or set to mortgage the land, that ye should have 
 after me your mother, as gladly and rather than that liveli- 
 hood that ye have after your father; it grieveth me to think 
 upon your guiding, after the great good that ye have had in 
 your rule, since your father died, whom God assoil, and so 
 simply spent as it hath been; God give you grace to be of 
 sad [serious] and good disposition hereafter to his pleasance 
 and comfort to me, and to all your friends, and to your 
 worship and profit hereafter. 
 
 And as for your brother William, I would ye should pur- 
 
 D D 2
 
 204 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 ze xulde r'me'byrt and purvey ye for as for me I wul nat 
 I thynke ze sette butte lytyl be my blessyng and yf ye dede 
 ye wulde a desyyrd y' in yowyr wryty'g to me God make 
 yow a good man to hys plesans Wretyn at Mawteby y*" 
 Day aft' sey't lauerons y" yer and y*" r'nge of Ky'g E y" iiij'^ 
 ye xvij yer. 
 
 Be yowyr modyr. 
 
 12 by 8|. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 Bull's Head and Star. 
 
 PI. xxxii. No. 4. 
 
 This letter, in answer to the foregoing, shews how much displeased Marga- 
 ret Paston was with her son, not only for his extravagance, but for insinuating 
 that she had given him different sums of money which, she here says, were only 
 lent to him. 
 
 Perhaps her representations are just, and if so, though they are severe, she 
 has Sir John's interest at heart ; indeed several expressions in the letter con- 
 
 I
 
 EDWARD IV. 205 
 
 vey for his finding, for as I told you the last time ye were 
 at home, I would no longer find him at my cost and charge ; 
 his board and his school hire is owing since Saint Tho- 
 mas's day afore Christmas; and he hath great need of 
 gowns, and other geer, that were necessary for him to have 
 in haste. I would ye should remember it, and purvey them, 
 for as for me I will not. I think ye set but little by my 
 blessing, and if ye did ye would have desired it in your 
 writing to me : God make you a good man to his plea- 
 sance. 
 
 Written at Maultby the day after Saint Laurence, the 
 year of the reign of King Edward IV., the 17th year. 
 
 your Mother, 
 Margaret Paston. 
 
 Maultby, 
 Monday, 11th Aug. 
 1477. 17E. iv. 
 
 firm it; and her fears for his future difficulties make her express herself in 
 stronger terms than usual. The neglect of his brother Williain, who was at 
 school at Eton, is certainly reprehensible, as he had estates and manors left for 
 the provision and education of his brothers. 
 
 These letters set family affairs clearly before us, and shew that human 
 nature has varied little during the course of three centuries.
 
 206 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XLVII. 
 
 To the ryth worchypful Ser 
 John Paston knyght. 
 
 Ryth worchypfull Ser I recomand me to your good Mas- 
 terchep plesyth you as for Pekryngs mat' I sent a frer in 
 John Pekeryngs name for y" Evyde~s and he had an answer 
 y' if he had a busschelful of Evydenss he chuld noon have 
 of them for he hath set y'' londe in trebill nor he cowd haue 
 no seyte of none Also remembir your Ryth of your wreke 
 at Wynt'ton these arn y*" mens namys of Wynt'ton Rob't 
 Parker of West Som'ton John" lonyyard of Wynt'ton 
 Thorns zoodknape of y'' same Will Wranth'm and Joh' 
 Curteys of y'' same Wynt'ton y' caryid of your seueral 
 grownd xxij carte ful of stuffe viij" bowestaues iij ' and vij 
 Waynescotts xiiij' elepalde v Barell ter iiij Copil oris and 
 gret plante of Wreke of y" Schyppe y' is worth meche 
 niony as ye dial vnd'stonde y*" trowth aft' this and as for 
 your heryng y' chuld into essexks they arn ther be y^ 
 grace of god as for your swans they chal be ther be our 
 lady's day next comyng I troste to god ho haue your mas- 
 t'chyp in is kepyng Wretyn at Mawteby wher as I am ryth 
 wery on Sen Andrews day A° xvij" E 
 
 Ser if it plese your masterchep I sold yet no barly ner 
 non Can a bove xiiij' ye Comb as J sen word in a leter be 
 John Russe and I toke iiij li in mony to bryng to your 
 mate'chep y' i)rysse of your heryng is iiij'' iij' iiij' besyd od' 
 costs Hery Cook wold zoo w' your swan be for hys gefte
 
 EDWARD IV. 207 
 
 LETTER XLVIL 
 
 To the Right Worshipful Sir John Paston, Knight. 
 
 Right Worshipful Sir, I recommend me to your good 
 mastership, pleaseth you, as for Pickering's matter, I sent 
 a Fryer in John Pickering's name for the evidence, and he 
 had an answer that if he had a bushell full of evidence, he 
 could none have of them, for he hath set the land in trouble, 
 nor he could have no sight of none. Also remember your 
 right of your wreck at Winterton : these are the mens' names 
 of Winterton, — Robert Parker, of West-Somerton, John 
 Langard, of Winterton, Thomas Goodknape, of the same, 
 Wilham Wrantham, and John Curteys, of the same Win- 
 terton, that carried off your several ground 22 carts full of 
 stuif, 8 score Bowstaves, 3 score and 7 Wainscots, 1400 
 Clapald (q. ? Clapboard), 5 barrels of tar, 4 couple of oars, 
 and great plenty of wreck of the ship, that is worth much 
 money, as ye shall understand the truth after this ; and as 
 for your Herring that should into Essex, they are there by 
 the grace of God ; as for your Swans, they shall be there 
 by our Lady's day next coming, I trust to God, who have 
 your mastership in his keeping. 
 
 Written at Maultby, whereas I am right weary, on Saint 
 Andrew's day, the 17th of Edward IV, 
 
 Sir, if it please your mastership, I sold yet no barley, nor 
 none can above YAd. the Comb, as I sent word in a letter 
 by John Russ ; and I took 4/. in money to bring to your
 
 208 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 chuld be vj' viij"* and ther for he wold yeffe you his labor 
 be so ye payd for his Costs \pe dix'. 
 
 Will Pekoc. 
 
 84 by 8|. 
 
 Paper mark, Seal, 
 
 J.H.S. a Peacock, 
 
 in a shield, PI. xxxiv. No. 2. 
 
 having a Fleur-de-lys 
 on the top of it. 
 PI. xxxii. No. 8. 
 
 When an estate was mortgaged, we find by this letter that the Evidences 
 were all deposited with the mortgagee. 
 
 The stores saved, and wreck here mentioned, must have been wortii a con- 
 siderable sum of money ; the Clapald, or Clap-boards, were boards cut ready 
 for casks. 
 
 LETTER XLVIII. 
 
 To mi/ Bi/Q;/it xvorchcpfull 
 
 brodtr S' John Boston Km/ght. 
 
 Syr aftyr all dates of rccomendacyon lycketh yow to 
 luulyrstand that J hauc Comond w' dyucrs folkys of the 
 dwk of Suff". now thys crystmas and sythen whychc let me 
 in secret wyse haue knowlage lyck as J wrott on to yow 
 that he nuist niak a shefl for money And that in all hast
 
 EDWARD IV. 209 
 
 mastership. The price of your Herrings is 41. 3s. 4f/. be- 
 side other costs. Harry Cook would go with your Swans, 
 for his gift should be 6s. Sd., and therefore he would give 
 you his labour, if so be ye payed for his costs. Ipse dixit. 
 
 By your Servant, 
 William Peacock. 
 
 Maultby, 
 Sunday, 30th Nov. 
 1477. 17 E. iv. 
 
 The Herring were probably laid in for Lent provision. 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 5. 
 
 LETTER XL VIII. 
 
 To my Right Worshipful Brother, Sir John Paston, Knight. 
 
 Sir, after all duties of recommendation, liketh you to vm- 
 derstand that I have communed with divers folks of the 
 Duke of Suffolk now this Christmas and since, which let me 
 in secret wise have knowledge, like as I wrote unto you, 
 that he must make a shift for money, and that in all haste ; 
 wherefore, Sir, at the reverence of God, let it not be la- 
 chesed [jieglectedl, but with effect applied now, while he is 
 in London, and my Lady his wife also, for I ascertain you 
 that an 100 marks (66/. 13s. 4d.) will do more in their need 
 
 VOL. V. E E
 
 210 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Wherfor s' at the reu'^ence of god let it not be lachesyd but 
 w' effect apl\ ed now whyll he is in london and my lady hys 
 wyff also for J assarteyn yow that C mark wyll do more 
 now in ther neede the" ye shall p'auenture do w' C C marks 
 in tynie Comy"g and thys season he not takyn And alweys 
 fynd the meane that my lady of Suff and S' R. Chamber- 
 leyn may be yo' gwyd in thys mater for as for my lord he 
 nedyth not to be mevyd w' it tyll it shold be as good as 
 redy to the sealyng S"^ lyeketh yow also to reme'ber that J 
 told yow that Mastyr ^Yotton had as I cam last towards 
 london desyred me by a lettre of attorney wrythyn w' hys 
 owne hand to se thenprowment of syche p'fytes as ar 
 growi'g of hys Chapell in Cast' that ye gaue hyni. And at 
 syche season as I told yow of it ye sayd on to me that ye 
 wold asay to make a bargayn w' hym so that ye niyght 
 haue a prest to syng in Cast'. S"^ me thynk ye can not haue 
 so good a season to meiie hym w' it as now thys p'lement 
 tyme for now I thynk he sholbe awayty"g on the quen 
 And also if ye myght Compone w' hym or he wyst what 
 the valew wer it wer the better. And I haue p'mysed hym 
 to send hym woord thys terme of the v'ry valew of it And 
 also syche money as J Cowd gader of it. Wherfor S' I 
 prey yow that by the next messeng' that ye can get to 
 Pekok that ye wyll send hym woord to paye me for the 
 loncl in XXX Acres as it hathe ben answerd befor tyni. 
 And as for tydygs here we haue non but we wold fayne 
 here of all yo' royaltc at london as of the maryage of my 
 lord of ''Yerk and other ])'leme't mater And so I prey yow 
 that J may doo wlien ye haue leyser. S' I i)rey yow that 
 whetley may haue knowlagc that my brodcr Vehrton hathe 
 j)'mysed me to take hym XL' he owyth me by reason of
 
 EDWARD IV. 211 
 
 than ye shall peradventure do with 200 marks (133/. 6s. 8d.) 
 in time coming, and [/'/"] this season be not taken ; and 
 always find the mean that my Lady of Suffolk and Sir R. 
 Chamberlayn may be your guides in this matter, for as for 
 my Lord, he needeth not to be moved, till it shall be as 
 good as ready to the sealing. 
 
 Sir, liketh you also to remember that I told you that 
 Master *Yotton had, as I came last towards London, de- 
 sired me, by a letter of attorney written with his own hand, 
 to see the improvement of such profits as are growing of 
 his chapel in Caister, that ye gave him; and at such 
 season as I told you of it, ye said unto me that ye would 
 assay to make a bargain with him, so that ye might have a 
 Priest to sing in Caister : Sir, methink ye cannot have so 
 good a season to move him with it as now this parliament 
 time ; for now I think he shall be awaiting on the Queen ; 
 and also if ye might compound with him ere he wist what 
 the value were, it were the better; and I have promised 
 him to send him word this term of the very value of it, and 
 also such money as I could gather of it ; wherefore, Sir, I 
 pray you that by the next messenger that ye can get to 
 Peacock, that ye will send him word to pay me for the 
 land in 30 acres, as it hath been answered before time. 
 
 And as for tidings here, we have none, but we would 
 fain hear of all your royalty at London, as of the marriage 
 of my Lord of 'York, and other parliament matter, and so 
 I pray you that I may do, when ye have leisure. 
 
 Sir, I pray you that Wheatley may have knowledge that 
 my brother Yelverton hath promised me to take him 40d. 
 he oweth me, by reason of his farmer at Caister, more than 
 that. 
 
 E E 2
 
 212 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 hys fermore at Cast" more then that. And S' as for my 
 'huswyfF I am fiiyne to carry hyr to se hyr fadyr and hyr 
 frends now thys Wynter for I trow she wyll be ought of 
 facyon in Somer And so Jn my p'gresse fro my fadyr 
 Brews on to Mawtby J took Mast' playter in my wey at 
 whoys hows J MTot thys bylle the xxj day of January A" E. 
 iiij" xvij° And J beseche god to p'serue yow and yowrs. 
 
 *Yo' J Paston. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 the letter (B. 
 
 and a Cross. 
 
 PI. xli. No. 18. 
 
 Tlie business with the Duke of Suffolk was by this money to settle some 
 claims on the Hellesdon and other estates in Norfolk, which had caused much 
 trouble and expense to each part)' ; the Duchess seems to be the person who 
 was to transact the business. 
 
 ' Dr. Yotton was the Queen's Chaplain. 
 
 - Richard, Duke of York, second son to King Edward IV., married Ann, 
 dauglitcr and heir of John Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, 15th Jan. 1477-8. He 
 
 LETTER XLIX. 
 
 To my ri/ght woirhcpfiill 
 Modyr Margai-et P anion. 
 
 Ryght worc'hepfull modyr aflyr all dwtes of humble re- 
 comendacyon in as hinnl)le wyse as 1 can I beseche yow of
 
 EDWARD IV. 213 
 
 And, Sir, as for my ^housewife, I am fain to carry her to see 
 her father and her friends now this winter, for I trow she will 
 be out of fashion [s/iape] in summer ; and so in my progress 
 from my father Brews unto Maultby, I took Master Play- 
 ters in my way; at whose house I wrote this bill the 21st 
 day of January, in the 17th of Edward IV., and I beseech 
 God to preserve you and yours. 
 
 Your 
 
 *JoHN Paston. 
 
 Wednesday, 21st Jan. 
 1477-8. 17E. iv. 
 
 is supposed to have been murdered by the command of his uncle, king Richard 
 III., in 1483, and she died very young. Their nuptials, I suppose, were cele- 
 brated with great magnilicence and rejoicing, she being a very rich heiress. 
 
 The Parliament appears to have been sitting at this time. 
 
 ' John Paston had been married to Margery Brews about four or five 
 months, and we find that she was now in a fair way to produce him an heir in 
 due season, i 
 
 * Autograph, PI. iv. No. 12. 
 
 LETTER XLIX. 
 
 To my Right Worshipful Mother Margaret Paston. 
 
 Right Worshipful Mother, after all duties of humble re- 
 commendation, in as humble a wise as I can, I beseech you
 
 214 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 yo' dayly blyssy'g pleasyt yow to wett that at my berg now 
 at London lyck as ye gaue me in Comandeme't I mevyd to 
 Mastyr Pykenh'm and to Jamys Hubard for ther bei'g at 
 Norwyche now thys lent that ye myght haue ther avyses 
 in syche maters as ye let me haue understandyg of And as 
 for Mastyr Pykenh'm he is now Juge of the Archys And 
 also he hathe an other offyce whyche is callyd Auditor 
 Causar' and hys besyness is so gret in bothe the oiFyces that 
 he can not tell the season when that he shall haue leyser to 
 Come in to Norff' but I left not tyll I had gotyn Jamys 
 Hubbart and hym togedyrs And then I told theym yo' Intent 
 And then Mastyr Pykenh'm told Jamys and me hys Jntent 
 and he preyed Jamys that he shold in no wyse fayle to be 
 w' yow thys lent not w'standy'g it was no gret ned to prey 
 hym myche for he told Doetore Pykenh'm that there was 
 no gentyl woman in Inglond of so lytyll aqxieyntance as he 
 had w' yow that he wold be glader to be servyse on to and 
 myche the glader for he p'posyth fro hens forthe dury'g 
 hys lyff to be a norfolk man and to lye w'in ij myle of 
 Loddon whyche is but viij or x myle at the most fi'o Mautby 
 And in Conclusyon he hathe appoyntyd to awayte on 
 yow at Norwyche the weeke nexte afty' mydlent Sonday all 
 the hole vveke if nede be all other maters leyd apart Also 
 J comend w' my brodyr S' John at london of syche maters 
 as ye wold haue amendyd in the bylle that he sent on to 
 yow And he stake not gretly at it Also modyr I herd Avhyle 
 I was in london Avher was a goodly yong Avoman to mary 
 whyche Avas doiighter to one Self a merser and she shall 
 haue CC li in money to hyr Maryagc and XX mark by yer 
 of lond aftyr the dyssease of a steppe modyr of hyrs whyche 
 is upon L yer of age And er I de})artyd ought of london I
 
 EDWARD IV. 215 
 
 of your daily blessing ; please it you to weet that at my 
 being now at London, like as ye gave me in commandment, 
 I moved to Master Pykenham and to James Hobart for 
 their being at Norwich this Lent, that ye might have their 
 advices in such matters as ye let me have understanding of. 
 And as for Master Pykenham he is now Judge of the 
 Arches, and also he hath another office which is called 
 Auditor Causarum, and his business is so great in both these 
 offices, that he cannot tell the season when that he shall have 
 leisure to come into Norfolk ; but I left not till I had gotten 
 James Hobart and him together, and then I told them your 
 intent ; and then Master Pykenham told James and me his 
 intent ; and he prayed James that he should in no wise fail 
 to be with you this Lent ; notwithstanding it was no great 
 need to pray him much, for he told Doctor Pykenham that 
 there was no gentlewoman in England, of so little acqviaint- 
 ance as he had with you, that he would be gladder to do 
 service unto, and much the gladder, for he proposeth from 
 henceforth during his life to be a Norfolk man, and to lie 
 within two miles of Loddon, which is but eight or ten miles 
 at the most from Maultby ; and in conclusion he hath ap- 
 pointed to await on you at Norwich the week next after 
 Midlent Sunday, all the whole week, if need be, all other 
 matters laid apart. 
 
 Also I communed with my brother Sir John at London 
 of such matters as ye would have amended in the bill that 
 he sent unto you, and he stuck not greatly at it. 
 
 Also, Mother, I heard v/hile I was in London, where was 
 a goodly young woman to marry, which was daughter to 
 one SefF, a mercer, and she shall have 200/. in money to 
 her marriage, and 20 marks (13/. ds. 8d.) by year of land
 
 216 PASTON LETTERS. . 
 
 I spak Av' some of the maydys frendys and haue gotyii ther 
 good wyllys to haue hyr maryd to my brodyr Edmu'd not- 
 w'standy'g those frendys of the maydys that I Comend w* 
 avysyd me to get the good wyll of on Sturmyn whyche is in 
 Mastyr Pykenh'ms danger so myche that he is glad to please 
 hJ^ll And so I mevyd thys mater to Mastyr Pykenh'm And 
 incontinu' he sent for Sturmyn and desyred hys good wyll 
 for my brody' Edmu^l And he grantyd hym hys good wylle 
 so that he koud get the good wyll of the remen'nt that war 
 executours to SefF as well as the seyd Sturmyn was and 
 thus fer forthe is the mater Wherfor modyr we must be- 
 seche yow to helpe us forward w' a lettyr fro yow to Mastyr 
 Pykenh'm to reme'byr hym for to handyll well and dyly- 
 gently thys mater now thys lent And for I am aqueyntyd 
 w' yo' Condycyons of old that ye reke not who endytyth 
 more lettres than ye ther for I haue drawyn a note to yowr 
 secretarys hand Freir Perse whych lettre we must prey yow 
 to send us by the berer herof and I trust it shall not be 
 longe fro Mastyr Pykenh'm your doughter of Sweynsthorpp 
 and hyr soiorn'nt E Paston recomandyth hem to yow in ther 
 most humble wyse lowly besechy~g yow of yo' blyssyg and 
 as for my brodyr Edmu'd Sweynsthorp for non Jntrete that 
 hys ostas yo' doughter nor I koud jntrete hym niyght not 
 kepe hym but that he Mold haue ben at home w' you at 
 Mautby on Sonday last past at nyght and as he was de])arty'g 
 fro liens had we word fro Frcnshes wyf that god yeld yow 
 modyr ye had govyn hym leve to dysperte hym her w' us 
 lor ^i ^ij or viij dayes And so the drevyll lost hys thank of 
 us and yet abod never the lesse yow' doughter sendyth yow 
 part of syc'he poore stuff as I sent hyr fro london besechy'g 
 yow to take it in grce though it be lytyll plente that she
 
 EDWARD IV. 217 
 
 after the decease of a step-mother of hers, which is upon 
 fifty years of age ; and ere I departed out of London, I 
 spake with some of the maid's friends, and have gotten their 
 good wills to have her married to my brother Edmund, not- 
 withstanding, those friends of the maid's, that I communed 
 with, advised me to get the good will of one Sturmyn, 
 which is in Master Pykenham's danger \_debt'] so much that 
 he is glad to please him ; and so I moved this matter to 
 Master Pykenham, and incontinent [immediatehf] he sent for 
 Sturmyn, and desired his good will for my brother Edmund, 
 and he granted him his good will, so that he could get the 
 good will of the remanent that were executors to Seif, as 
 well as the said Sturmyn was ; and thus far forth is the 
 matter ; wherefore Mother we must beseech you to help us 
 forward with a letter from you to Master Pykenham to 
 remember liim for to handle well and diligently this matter 
 now this Lent ; and, for I am acquainted with your con- 
 ditions of old, that ye reek [care] not, who enditeth more 
 letters than ye, therefore I have drawn a note to your Se- 
 cretary's hand. Fryer Perse, which letter we must pray you 
 to send us, by the bearer hereof, and I trust it shall not be 
 long from Master Pykenham. 
 
 Your daughter of Swainsthorp, and her sojournant, 
 Edmund Paston, recommendeth them to you in their most 
 humble wise, lowly beseeching you of your blessing ; and 
 as for my brother Edmund Swainsthorp, for none intreat 
 that his hostess your daughter nor I could intreat him, 
 might not keep him, but that he would have been at home 
 with you at Maultby on Sunday last past at night ; and as 
 he was departing from hence, had we word from French's 
 wife, that, God yeld [thank'] you. Mother, ye had given him 
 
 VOL. v. F F
 
 218 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 send3'th yow but as for datys I wyll sey trowthe ye haue 
 not so many by ij pownd as wer ment on to yow for she 
 thynkys at thys season datys ryght good mete what so 
 euer it menyth I prey god send us good tydy'gs whom I 
 beseche to p'serve yow and yours and so send yow your 
 myst desyred Joye at Sweynsthorp on Ashe Wednesday. 
 
 Yo' sone and humble serv'unt, 
 J. Paston. 
 
 Modyr plesit yow to remember that ye had need to be 
 at Norwyehe v or vj dayes befor that Jamys Hubbart and 
 yo' Consayll shall be ther w' yow for to look up yo' Evy- 
 dence and all other thyngs redy Also if ye thynk that thys 
 bylle that I send yow her w' be good j now to send to 
 Doctore Pykenh'm ye may close vip the same and send 
 itt sealyd to me ayen and I shal Convey it forthe to hym. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 French Arms, and 
 Letter t- 
 PI. xii. No. 21. 
 
 The business for tlie examination of Dr. Pykenham and James Hobart was 
 the inspection of Margaret Paston's title deeds, 8cc., relative to tlic matters in 
 dispute between licr and the Duke of Suffolk, &,c. 
 
 Dr. Pykenham had been Chancellor of Norwicii. 
 
 James Hobart was afterwards knighted, and maile Attorney General to 
 Henry VH.; he resided at llaleshall, by Loddon, where his wife was buried 
 in the church of her husband's building. 
 
 The treaty of marriage which J. Paston was so anxious about, and after 
 nliicli he had taken such pains in favour of his brother, appears to have been 
 worthy his attention ; for if we estimate the lady's fortune as then able to
 
 EDWARD IV. 219 
 
 leave to disport him here with us for a seven or eight days ; 
 and so the drevyll [^si/npktoji] lost his thank of us, and yet 
 abode nevertheless. Your daughter sendeth you part of 
 such poor stuif as I sent her from London, beseeching you 
 to take it in gree [^favoiii-], though it be little plenty that 
 she sendeth you ; but as for Dates, I will say truth, ye have 
 not so many by two pounds, as were meant unto you, for 
 she thinks at this season Dates right good meat, whatsoever 
 it meaneth, I pray God send us good tidings, whom I be- 
 seech to preserve you and yovu-s, and to send you your 
 most desired joy. 
 
 At Swainsthorp on Ash Wednesday. 
 
 Your Son and humble servant, 
 John Paston. 
 
 Swainsthorp, 
 
 Ash Wednesday, 4th Feb. 
 
 1477-8. 17 E. IV. 
 
 Mother, please it you to remember that ye had need to 
 be at Norwich five or six days before that James Hobart 
 and your Counsel shall be there with you, for to look up 
 your evidence and all other things ready ; also if ye think 
 that this bill that I send you herewith be good enough to 
 send to Doctor Pykenham, ye may close up the same, and 
 send it sealed to me again, and I shall convey it forth to 
 him. 
 
 produce about ten times the comforts and conveniences that the same would 
 
 at this day, we may say that she had ofSOOO on her marriage, and the reversion, 
 
 on the death of her mother-in-law, of a landed estate of upwards c£l30 a year. 
 
 The desire of J. Paston and his wife to detain their brother Edmund, and 
 
 F F 2
 
 220 P ASTON LETTERS. 
 
 his determinalion to retina to his mother, are pleasing traits in their several 
 characters. 
 
 I dare say Margaret Paston easily excused the deficiency in the Dates sent 
 to her, as they had been applied to so good a purpose as to satisfy her daugh- 
 ter-in-law's inclination for them in her situation ; a situation in which they 
 used to be esteemed proper, as tending to strengthen the child in the womb. 
 
 LETTER L. 
 
 To S' John Paston Chf 
 he y" byll ddyveryd 
 in hast. 
 
 Rytii reu'ent and worcliepful ser I recomend me on to yo' 
 mast'schcpp effectually desyryng to her of yo' welfar and 
 Contynual p'sp'ite and if it pies yow to her of my poor 
 estat I was in good hele at the makyng of y" sympyll byll. 
 towchyng y'' cause of my wrytyng to yo' mast'schep is 
 for as moche as J poyntyd w' yow to a be w' yow be y'' day 
 y* ye asynyd me of y' wheche w' outh yowr good supporta- 
 cyon 1 con not well have myn entent w'outh it pie yow to 
 send oon of yowr men to me and J shall p'vyd a lett' in 
 myn Unkyll name the wheche he shall delyu' to my Cosyn 
 as he wer myn Unkyll masagcr and be y" mene J wyll Com 
 at yo' request For my Cosyn wold I shuld not depart w' 
 hym w'outh it wer to myn Unkyll s'vyse. heys and all 
 other J refuse for yowrs yf my sympyl s'vyse may be to yowr
 
 EDWARD IV. 221 
 
 Dates are the fruit of the Pahn Tree, are gathered in Autumn before they 
 are ripe, and resemble our buUace, being then green, very sliarp and astringent ; 
 when ripe they become ruddy ; they are brought hither from Egypt, Syria, 
 Africa, and the Indies. 
 
 The manor of Swainsthorpe at this time belonged to the Pastons. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 12. Seal, Fleur-de-lys and Annulet, PI. xiv. No. 22. 
 
 LETTER L. 
 
 To Sir John Paston, Chevalier, be this bill delivered in haste. 
 
 Right Reverend and Worshipful Sir, I recommend me to 
 your mastership, effectually desiring to hear of your welfare 
 and continual prosperity ; and if it please you to hear of 
 my poor estate, I was in good health at the making of this 
 simple bill; touching the cause of my writing to your 
 mastership it is, for as much as I appointed with you to 
 have been with you by the day that ye assigned me of, the 
 which, without your good supportation, I cannot well have 
 mine intent, without it please you to send one of your men 
 to me, and I shall provide a letter in mine uncle's name, 
 the which he shall deliver to my cousin, as \if~\ he were 
 mine uncle's messenger ; and by this mean I will come at 
 your request, for my Cousin would I should not depart 
 with him, [leave hini\ without it were to mine uncle's ser- 
 vice; his and all others I refuse for yours, if my simple 
 service may be to your pleasure ; and of an answer hereof
 
 222 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 plesur. and of an answer her of I beseche yow to be y"^ 
 brynger of my byll and I wyll Conforme me to yovvr en 
 tente be y"" g'rce of good the wheche mot p's've yow all 
 ours WretjTi at Cobh'm the xxj day of Marche 
 
 By yo' woman and sevnt, 
 Constance Reynyforth. 
 
 8h by 5h. 
 
 At the bottom of this letter, in a different hand from the original, is written, 
 " Li"a illiiis p'' qua~ J. Fasten mil. ac Bacchalaiireus iriiit filiani," and under 
 tlie direction on the back of it, in the hand of Sir John Paston, is written, 
 " Custaunce Raynford, A°. xviij"." 
 
 The style of this letter is artless and simple, but the lady's contrivance by a 
 forged letter, as from her Uncle to her Cousin, to leave him and to go to Sir 
 John, shews she understood what she had undertaken, and that her attachment 
 to him got the better of every other consideration. 
 
 Sir John left a natural daughter by this lady, to whom his mother, by iier 
 Will, dated 4th Feb. 1481, and proved 18th Dec. 1484, gave 10 marks 
 f£6. 13s. 4d.) in the following words: — 
 
 " Item, I bequeth to Custaunce basterd Doughf of John Paston knyght 
 " when she is xx yer of age x m~rs, and if she die bifore the seid age, than I 
 " wull that the seid x ni'rs be disposed by niyn executours." 
 
 Whether this young person ever attained the age here mentioned, or what 
 afterwards became of her, I have never been able to discover, though I have 
 examined many papers with that view ; as no one can read this letter without
 
 EDWARD IV. 223 
 
 I beseech you by the bringer of my bill, and I will con- 
 form me to your intent by the grace of God, the which mot 
 [mm/] preserve you at all hours. 
 
 Written at Cobham, the 21st day of March. 
 
 By your woman and servant, 
 
 Constance Reynforth. 
 
 Cobham, 
 
 Saturday, 2 1 st March, 
 
 1477-S. 18E. iv. 
 
 feeling an interest in the welfare of the writer, which, on knowing she left a 
 daughter, will be transferred to her. 
 
 There is more than one village of the name of Cobham in Surrey ; and 
 likewise one of that name in Kent ; from which Cobham this letter was dated 
 cannot be ascertained. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 4. 
 
 Since writing the above Notes I have discovered a Letter from Sir John 
 Kendal, Prior of St. John's of Jerusalem, to Sir John Paston, Kt., dated 
 between 1495 and 1500, wherein it appears that the daughter of the then late 
 Sir John Paston, by Constance Reynforth, lived with her Uncle, and was then 
 sought in marriage by John Clippesby, of Oby, Esq. See Letter XXXIV., 
 written in the reign of Henry VIL, in this volume.
 
 224 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER LI. 
 
 To his worchi/pfull 
 
 Modi/' Margart Taston 
 dwellyng in Mawthy be 
 y" letV delyv'yd i" hast 
 
 Rytgh reifent and worchypfull Mod' I recomaund me on 
 to yowr good mod'chypp Besechyiig yo^v to geve me yowr 
 dayly b'n'diccyon Desyeryng hartyly to heer of yowr p'sp'^yte 
 whych god p'serue to hys plesur and to yowr hartys desyyr 
 &c I marvel soor that yow sent me noo word of the lett' 
 wych I sent to yow by mast' Wyll'm Brown at Est' I sent 
 yow word that tym that I xold send yow myn exspels' 
 p'tyculerly but as at thys tym the berar her of had a lett' 
 sodenly that he xold Com hom and ther for I kowd haue 
 no leysur to send them yow on that wys and therfor I xall 
 wryt to yow in thys lett' the hool som of my exspens' 
 sythyns I was w' yow tyll Est' last paste and also the 
 reseytys rekenyng the xx' that I had of yow to Oxon 
 wardys w' the buschoyps fyndyng The hool som of reseytys 
 ys v/i xvij' vj' and the holl som of exspe's' ys vj/i v' v' ob 
 q'' and that Comth ov' the reseytys in my exspels' I haue 
 borowd of Mast' Edmund and yt drawyth to viij' and yet 
 I recon non exspe's' sythyns Est' But as for them they be 
 not grete and therfor I besech yow to send me mony by 
 Syr Richard Cotman bryng' of thys lett' or ellys by the 
 next Maseng' that yow kan haue to me J besech yow that
 
 EDWARD IV. 225 
 
 LETTER LI. 
 
 To his Worshipful Mother, Margaret Paston, dwelling in 
 Manltby, be this Letter delivered in haste. 
 
 Right Reverend and Worshipful Mother, I recommend 
 me unto your good Mothership, beseeching you to give me 
 your daily benediction, desiring heartily to hear of your 
 prosperity, which God preserve to his pleasure and to your 
 heart's desire, &c. 1 marvel sore that you sent me no word 
 of the letter which I sent to you by Master William Brown 
 at Easter : I sent you word that time that I should send 
 you mine expenses particularly; but as at this time the 
 l>earer hereof had a letter suddenly that he should come 
 home, and therefore I could have no leisure to send them 
 you on that wise, and therefore I shall write to you in this 
 letter the whole sum of my expenses since I was with you 
 till Easter last past, and also the receipts, reckoning the 
 20.y. that I had of you to Oxon wards with the Bishop's 
 finding. 
 
 £. s. (I. 
 
 The whole sum of receipts is 517 6 
 
 And the whole sum of expenses is - - - 6 5 5i 
 
 rVO 
 Edmund, and it draweth to - - - - 3 
 and yet I reckon none expenses since Easter, but as for 
 them they be not great, and therefore I beseech you to send 
 
 VOL. v. G G 
 
 And that [which^ cometh over the receipts in 
 
 my expenses, I have borrowed of Master ^0 8
 
 226 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 he that I sent by thys lett' to yovv may haue good scher 
 yf he brynge y t hym selfe as he telth me that he woll for 
 heys a good lov' of myn Mast' Edmund Alyard r'comaund 
 hjan specyally to yow and to all my brodiyn and systyrs 
 and to all yowr howshold &c I besech yow that I may be 
 lecomaundyd to all them also and specyally to my brodyr 
 John y'' youg' No mor to yow at thys tym but allmythy 
 Jhus haue yow m hys kepyng Ame" Wr'tyn at Oxonforth 
 on sent Dustonys day and y'' xix day of May. 
 
 By your sonn and 
 scoler Walt Paston. 
 
 1'2 by 7. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 Biill's-head piid Star. 
 PI. xi. No. 10. 
 
 Had this Letter contained a particular account of Walter Paston's expenses 
 at Oxford, it would have been more curious ; we must, however, take it as we 
 tind it, and be content with knowing that he iiad expended J^G. 5s. o'^d. from 
 the time that he had left his Mother to Easter last, which this year fell on the 
 22d of Marcli ; from which time it was now two months, and of tlie expenses
 
 EDWARD IV. 227 
 
 me money by Sir Richard Cotman, bringer of this letter, or 
 else by the next messenger that you can have to me. 
 
 I beseech you that he that I sent by this letter to you, 
 may have good cheer, if he bring it himself, as he telleth 
 me that he will, for he is a good lover of mine. Master 
 Edmund Alyard recommend him specially to you, and to 
 all my brethren and sisters and to all your household ; and 
 I beseech you that I may be recommended to all them 
 also, and specially to my brother John the younger. No 
 more to you at this time, but Almighty Jesus have you in 
 his keeping. Amen. 
 
 Written at Oxonforth on Saint Dunstan's day, and the 
 19th day of May. 
 
 By your Son and scholar, 
 Walter Paston. 
 
 Oxford, 
 
 Tuesday, 19th May, 
 
 1478. 17 E. iv. 
 
 " since incurred," he says " they be not grete :" we may, therefore, conclude 
 the former account was from the Michaehnas preceding, and a moderate one ; 
 if so we may fairly estimate his University education at ,£100. a year of our 
 present money. I mean that ,£'12. 10s. Wid. would then procure as man} 
 necessaries and comforts as J: 100 will at this day. 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 7. 
 
 gg2
 
 228 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER LII. 
 
 To the rijght Worsh"" full S' 
 
 John Fast on Knight loged at the 
 si/gne of the george At Powhjs 
 Wharf in loiidon he thys dehju'cd 
 in hast 
 
 Pleas it yo' measf^shep to onderstond the dealyng of eu^y 
 thyng the wych J was charged w' at my dep'tyng frome yo' 
 ineast'chep Fyrst yo' suppena to Denton was delyu'ed by me 
 on trenite sondaye in hys p'ych cherch at Matens tyme be 
 for the substenis of the p'ych And as for Drayton wod it is 
 not all down yet but it drawes fast toward I haue the names 
 of all the mynestres of and in that wod and more schall know 
 or I come yf y' be any more Dealyng &c And as for Haylys- 
 don my lord of Suff. was ther on Wedensday in Whytson 
 AV^eke and ther dined and drew a stew and toke gret plente 
 of fych yet hath he left you A pyke or ij Agayn ye Come 
 the wych wold be gret Comford to all yo' frends and dys- 
 comford to yo' enmys for at hys beyng ther y' daye ther was 
 neu' no man y' playd Herrod in 'Corpus Crysty play bett' 
 and more agreable to hys pageaunt then he and but ye 
 schall onderstond y' it was aft 'none and the weder hot and 
 he so fe])le for seknes y' hys leggs wold not here hyme but 
 ther was ij men had gret payn to kepc hym on hys fete and 
 y ze were Juged som sayd sley som sayd ])ut hym in p'son 
 and forth Com my lord and he wold met you w' a '*spere and 
 have non other mends for y' troble as ye have put hym to
 
 EDWARD IV. 229 
 
 LETTER LIE 
 
 To the Right Worshipful Sir John Pastoii, Knight, lodged at 
 the Sign of the George, at Paid's Wharf, in London, be this 
 delivered in haste. 
 
 Please it your mastership to understand the deahng of 
 every thing, the which I was charged with, at my departing 
 from your mastership. First, your subpoena to Denton was 
 dehvered by me on Trinity Sunday, [17^/* May,'] in his parish 
 church, at Matins time, before the substance of the parish ; 
 and as for Drayton wood, it is not all down yet, but it draws 
 fast towards. I have the names of all the ministers [assist- 
 ants, or agents'] of and in that wood, and more shall know, 
 ere I come, if there be any more deahng, &c. 
 
 And as for Hellesdon, my Eord of Suffolk was there on 
 Wednesday in Whitsun week, \\Zth May,] and there dined, 
 and di'ew a stew, and took great plenty of fish ; yet hath he 
 left you a pike or two, again ye come, the which would be 
 great comfort to all your friends, and discomfort to your 
 enemies ; for at his being there that day, there was never no 
 man that played Herod in ^Corpus Christi play better, and 
 more agreeable to his pageant, than he did; but ye shall 
 understand that it was afternoon, and the weather hot, and 
 he so feeble for sickness, that his legs would not bear him, 
 but there was two men had great pain to keep him on his 
 feet; and there ye were judged, some said " slay," some 
 said " put him in prison;" and forth come my Lord, and he 
 would meet you with ^a spear, and have none other mends
 
 230 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 but yo' hart blod and y' will he gayt w* his owen hands for 
 and ye haue Haylesdon and Dreton ye schall haue hys lyf 
 w' it and so he Comford yo' enmys w' y' word y' thay haue 
 Dealed and dealeth w' the wod and most pry'eepall nowe is 
 Nycolese Ovye for as for ^Ferrer the meare he delys not 
 w' out it be under cov't for it is sayd y' he be soght my lord 
 y' he myght have other sygnements for hys money y' he had 
 payd for playnly he wold deall no mor w' the wod And so 
 my lord hath set in the bayly of Cossay and all is doon in 
 hys name And as for hys s'v'nts thay dayly thret my meast' 
 yo' brother and me to slay for Comyng of y' lords ground 
 and thay say y' we made Aventr And thay beth answerd as 
 ye Comaunded me for many a gret chalaunge make thay to 
 mest* John both meast' Wodhowse Wysman w* other dyu'es 
 y' I know not y' names but he holdeth hys own y' thay gayt 
 no grownd of hym and thys he letts thaym knowe y' if thay 
 bete hym or any of hys thay schall Aby vj for on and so 
 thay deall not but w' ther tongs and as yet syth Ferrer was 
 at london y' passes not iij Acres of wod down but thay Cary 
 fast for fere of rayn &c Also S' I trust to bryng or send 
 hastely the cloth of gold for it hath ben largely tempted 
 but as yet J havie non playn Answer but put in hope Also J 
 haue spoken w' Popy for yo' money And delyu'ed hym yo' 
 lett' the wych as he sayth is a straunge thyng to hym for as 
 J understond he y^ owght thys deute was luicle to thys yong 
 man and he sayth y' hys Fader was neu' Exsecuto' to hym 
 nor nev' mynestred and I told hym howe y' hys Fader was 
 bound for the same deute in so mcch and my meast' wold 
 haue forgevyn part of the same deute he wold haue payed 
 it and so he will be at london thys terme antl speke w' you 
 and thys is hys Answer Morou' Wyllyam Worsest' mevyd
 
 EDWARD IV. 231 
 
 [amends], for that trouble that ye have put him to, but your 
 heart's blood, and that will he get, and with his own hands, 
 for and [i/] ye have Hellesdon and Drayton, ye shall have 
 his life with it; and so he comforted your enemies with that 
 word, that they who have dealed and deal with the wood, and 
 [the] most principal now is Nicholas Ovy, for as for ^Farrer, 
 the mayor, he deals not, without it be under covert ; for it is 
 said that he besought my Lord that he might have other 
 assignments for his money that he had paid, for plainly he 
 would deal no more with the wood ; and so my Lord hath 
 set in the bailiff of Cossey: and all is done in his name; and 
 as for his servants, they daily threat my master your brother 
 and me to slay, for coming on their Lord's ground; and they 
 say that we made aventure, and they be answered, as ye 
 commanded me, for many a great challenge make they to 
 Master John, both Master Wodehouse, Wiseman, with 
 other divers that I know not their names, but he holdeth 
 his own that they get no ground of him; and this he lets 
 them know, that if they beat him, or any of his, they shall 
 abide [stiffe)-] six for one, and so they deal not but with 
 their tongues; and as yet, since Farrer was at London, 
 there passes not three acres of wood down, but they carry 
 fast for fear of rain, &c. 
 
 Also, Sir, I trust to bring or send hastily the cloth of 
 gold, for it hath been largely tempted [a great price hath 
 been offered for it], but as yet I have none plain answer, but 
 \am] put in hope. Also I have spoken with Popy for your 
 money, and delivered him your letter, the which, as he 
 saith, is a strange thing to him, for, as I understand, he that 
 ought this duty was uncle to this young man, and he saith 
 that his father was never executor to him, nor never admi-
 
 232 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 onto me of orTe S' Wyll'm bokkyng Exsecutor and brother 
 to John Bokkyng the whych was one of S' John Falstolf 
 hys clerks the whych mater I knewe not nor had no Co- 
 maundement be you to deall y'in and so I tokl hym Neu'- 
 the lesse he sayd y' ye p'mysed hym to haue sent yo' will 
 to haue ben don in that mater by me and so he troweth y' 
 it was owt of yo' niynd at my dep'tyng yf so be y' ye will 
 any thyng to be doon by me or I com to yow in y' mater 
 let me haue knowlege schortly for I thynk to be w* yow in 
 the weke folowyng aft' thys wryten w' owt I may haue more 
 Comford of money then I haue yet And as for my meastres 
 yo' moder hath ben gretly deseased and so seke y' she 
 wened to haue dyed and hath made her *wyll the wyche ye 
 shall onderstond more when I com for y'is euly man for 
 hym self I know not the sercomstance of eu'y thyng as yet 
 and y'for I writ no more to yow y'in but I am pmysed to 
 know or I depart from thens Also I spake w' Will'm 
 Barker and he sayth y' I shall haue the stuff or I depart or 
 els the monye Agayn y' he hade of Wyll'm Fecoke Also 
 S' as for yo' land be syd Bromholm y' ye had of Bakton it 
 hath layn on ocupyed syth y' were ther moreou' my lord of 
 'Suff is remevyd in to Suff the morow aft' y' he had bene at 
 Haylesdon and my lady i)'posed to remef aft' on thys Day 
 Corpus crysty Evyn by the grace of Jhu who p'slie yow 
 eu' in worchep wryten at Norwych on Wedensday Corpus 
 crysty A" Eiiij'' xviij". 
 
 It'm as for the knowlcg y' Ferrer denyed by hys othe y' 
 he knew neu' no tytle nor entrest y' ye had in and to 
 Haylysdon and Dreton as yet we can not know but thys 
 thay will record all y' were at the delyifance of the wryt y' 
 he sayd my lord had j)"mysed to saue hym harmles in so
 
 EDWARD IV. 233 
 
 nistered; and I told him how that his father was bound for 
 the same duty, insomuch, and [if\ my master would have 
 forgiven part of the same duty, he would have paid it; and 
 so he will be at London this term, and speak with you, and 
 this is his answer. 
 
 Moreover, William Worcester moved unto me of one Sir 
 William Bocking, executor and brother to John Bock- 
 ing, the which was one of Sir John Fastolf his clerks, the 
 which matter I know not, nor had no commandment by you 
 to deal therein, and so I told him; nevertheless he said that 
 ye promised him to have sent your will to have been done 
 in that matter by me, and so he troweth that it was out of 
 your mind at my departing ; if so be that ye will any thing 
 to be done by me, ere I come to you in that matter, let me 
 have knowledge shortly, for I think to be with you in the 
 week following after this writing, without I may have more 
 comfort of money than I have yet. 
 
 And as for my mistress, your Mother, [s/^e] hath been 
 greatly diseased and so sick, that she weened to have died, 
 and hath made her *Will, the which ye shall understand 
 more when I come, for there is every man for himself; I 
 know not the circumstance of every thing as yet, and there- 
 fore I write no more to you therein, but I am promised 
 to know, ere I depart from thence. 
 
 Also I spake with William Parker, and he saith that I 
 shall have the stuff ere I depart, or else the money again 
 that he had of William Peacock. 
 
 Also, Sir, as for your land beside Bromholm, that ye had 
 of Bacton, it hath lain unoccupied, since ye were there. 
 
 Moreover, my Lord of 'Suffolk is removed into Suffolk, 
 the morrow after that he had been at Hellesdon, and my 
 
 VOL. V. H H
 
 234 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 mech y' Wysman was bownd to Ferro' to saue hyni harme- 
 les and he had for brygyng y* mater About y' Ferro' shuld 
 haue the wod xx'. 
 
 "Yo' su'nt J Whetley. 
 
 Hi by 13. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 The Letter <3 
 
 witli a Cross. 
 PI. xii. No. 18. 
 
 We have here a Letter full of business, containing many curious circum- 
 stances relative to the manners of the times. The public delivery of a Sub- 
 poena, at morning service, deserves notice, and the violent behaviour of the 
 Duke of Sutl'olk will not escape the attention of the reader ; the comparing 
 him to the character of Herod, in a Mystery, wherein, I suppose, the Murder 
 of the Innocents was represented, is an humorous allusion to the blustering 
 and violent language and manner attributed to that personage. 
 
 ' Corpus Christi day, the Thursday after the Octave of Whitsuntide, was 
 famous for the acting of Mysteries, particularly at Chester. 
 
 ^ The Duke's challenge to meet Sir John Paston with a spear, and his weak 
 state of health accord but ill together ; his weakness, perhaps, proceeded 
 either from gout or rheumatism, as he lived many years after this time, not 
 dying till 1491.
 
 EDWARD IV. 235 
 
 Lady purposed to remove after on this day Corpus Christi 
 even by the grace of Jesu, who preserve you ever in wor- 
 ship. 
 
 Written at Norwich, on Wednesday, Corpus Christi 
 Even, in the 18th year of Edward IV. 
 
 Item, as for the knowledge that Farrer denied by his 
 oath that he knew never no title nor interest that ye had in 
 and to Hellesdon and Drayton, as yet we cannot know ; but 
 this they will record, all that were at the deliverance of the 
 Writ, that he said, my Lord had promised to save him 
 harmless, insomuch that Wiseman was bound to Farrer to 
 save him harmless, and he had for bringing that matter 
 about, that Farrer should have the wood, 20s. 
 
 Your Servant, 
 ''J. Wheatley. 
 
 Norwich, 
 
 Wednesday, 20lh May, 
 1478. 18E. iv. 
 
 ' Richard Farrer, Farrour, or Ferriour, was five times Mayor of Norwich, 
 namely, in 1473, 1478, 1483, 1493, and 1498. 
 
 * The Will now made by Margaret Paston was afterwards cancelled, as that 
 which was proved after her death in 1484, was dated on the 4th of February, 
 1481. 21 E. iv. 
 
 ' John de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, &c., married Elizabeth, third daughter 
 of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, and sister of Edward IV. Tiiey botii 
 lie buried at Wingfield, in Sufl'olk. 
 
 * Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 9. 
 
 hh2
 
 236 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER LIII. 
 
 To Iii/s zrorchepfid brodifr 
 John Paston be t/ii/s delijued 
 in hast. 
 
 Ryght reifent and worchepful brodyr J i-ecomaunde me on 
 to yow desyrynge to here of yowre welfare and prosp'ite 
 litynge yow wete that J haue reseuyd of Alwedyr a lettyr 
 and a nobyll in gowkle y'in Ferthirmor my Creansyr 
 Mayst' Thomas hertely recomandyd hym to yow and he 
 p'ythe yow to sende hym su" mony for my Comons for he 
 seythe ye be XX" S in hys dette for a monthe was to pay 
 for whe" he had mony laste. Also I beseche yow to sende 
 me a hose clothe on for y'" halydays of su' colore and a no- 
 thyr for y'' workyng days how corse so eu' it be it makyth 
 no matyr and a stomechere and ij schyrts and a peyer of 
 sclyp})ers and if it lyke yow that J may come w' Alwedyr 
 be watyr and sporte me w' yow at london a day or ij thys 
 terme tyme Tlian ye may let all thys be tyl y'" tyme that J 
 come And than J wol telle you when J schall be redy to 
 Come from Eton by y'^ gi-ace of god whom haue yow in liys 
 kepyng Wretyn the Saturday next aftyr all halown day w' 
 y*" hand of y' brodyr. 
 
 Wyllm Paston. 
 
 11 J by -i. 
 
 VVilliaiii Paston, a younger I)r()llnr of .1. Paston, was now iiiiishinghis school 
 education at Eton; lie was boin in \\'A), and was at tliis time about 19 years 
 old.
 
 EDWARD IV. 237 
 
 LETTER LIII. 
 
 To his worshipful Brother John Paston, he this delivered 
 
 in haste. 
 
 Right reverend and worshipful brother, I recommend me 
 unto you, desiring to hear of your welfare and prosperity, 
 letting you weet that I have received of Alweder a letter 
 and a noble in gold therein; furthermore my creanser [cre- 
 ditor~\ Master Thomas [Stevenson~\ heartily recommended 
 him to you, and he prayeth you to send him some money 
 for my commons, for he saith ye be 20s. in his debt, for a 
 month was to pay for, when he had money last; also I be- 
 seech you to send me a hose cloth, one for the holydays 
 of some colour, and another for the working days how 
 coarse soever it be it maketh no matter, and a stomacher,^ 
 and two shirts, and a pair of slippers : and if it like you 
 that I may come with Alweder by water, and sport me with 
 you at London a day or two this term time, then ye may 
 let all this be till the time that I come, and then I will tell 
 you when 1 shall be ready to come from Eton by the grace 
 of God, who have you in his keeping. Written the Satur- 
 day next after Allhallows day with the hand of your bro- 
 ther, 
 
 William Paston. 
 
 Eton, 
 
 Saturday, 7tli Nov. 
 
 1478. 18E. iv. 
 
 ' A sort of band or ruff. 
 
 His desire to sport himself for a few days at London is very natural and
 
 238 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 reminds us of a modern Eton boy; his next letter from school, dated a few 
 months after this, talks of a wife. 
 Autograph, PI. v. No. 13, 
 
 It is necessary to inform the reader that the letter here referred to is Letter 
 XXII. vol. i. and the last in that volume; there dated by mistake Wednesday, 
 23d Feb. 1467-8. 7 E. iv. The date should have been Tuesday, 23d Feb. 
 I47S-9, 18E. iv. as I found out afterwards. I wish it therefore to be cor- 
 
 LETTER LIV. 
 
 To my Mastresse Margaret Pastoti 
 at Norzcnche 
 
 My worshypfuU Mastresse I recome'de me un to yow And 
 thanke yow of yowr approvyd ensewryd gyndenesse eu'meer 
 shewde and so I p'y yow to co^tenew I haue resyuyd yowr 
 lett' And undrestonde yowr desyre wyclie ys ageyns the 
 lawe for three cau.sys oon ys for yowr son Watr ys nott ton- 
 sewryd in modre tunge callyd benett a nodre cause he ys 
 not xxiiij yeer of aghe wyche ys requiryd complete the 
 thyrde ye owte of ryrte to be preyst w'in dwehnothe aflyr 
 y' he ys p'son wyth owte so wer he hadd a dyspensacion fro 
 Rome be owr holy fadre the Pope wyche I am certen can 
 not be hadde therfor I present not yowr desyre un to my 
 'lorde lest ye wolde haue takyn y' to a dysplesur or else to 
 take a grete sym})ylnesse in yowr desyre wyche shulde 
 cause hym in suche matres As xall fortune yow to spede
 
 EDWARD IV. 239 
 
 rected accordingly. The following errata in the second edition of the same 
 letter must likewise be thus corrrected. 
 
 p. 298, 2 note, line 1,/or 1468, read 1479- 
 
 p. 299, same note, line I, for I suppose about 18 or 20, read between 
 
 19 and 20. 
 p. 300, *note, line 2, for deductura? read deductum? 
 line 3, for exemptum, read exemplum. 
 
 LETTER LIV. 
 
 To my Mistress Margaret Paston at Norwich. 
 
 My worshipful Mistress, I recommend me unto you, and 
 thank you of your approved ensured kindness evermore 
 shewed, and so I pray you to continue. I have received 
 your letter and understand your desire, which is against the 
 law for three causes; one is, for your son Walter is not ton- 
 sured, in mother tongue called Benett ; another cause, he is 
 not twenty-four years of age, which is required compleat. 
 The third, ye ought of right to be priest within twelve- 
 months after that he is parson, without so were he had a 
 dispensation from Rome, by our Holy Father the Pope, 
 which I am certain cannot be had; therefore I present not 
 your desire unto my ^Lord, lest ye would have taken it to 
 a displeasure; or else to take a great simpleness in your 
 desire, which should cause him, in such matters as shall for- 
 tune you to speed with him another time, to shew unto
 
 240 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 w' hym a nodre tyme to shew un to yow the Rigur of the 
 lawe wyche I wokle be lothe therfor present a nodre ma" 
 abyll haske co'sell of M' John Smythe and sease of yowr 
 desyre in thysse partey for y' ys not goodely nether goddely 
 And lete not yowr desyre be knowyn aftyr my awyse be 
 not wrothe thow I sende un to yow thusse playnyly in the 
 niatr for I wolde ye dede as well as any woma" in Norfolke 
 y' ys wyth rygth to yowr honor prosp'ite an to the plesur 
 of godde w' yowre and all yowrs ho haue yow in hysseblessyd 
 kepyng from Hoxn on Candylmasse Day. 
 J sende yow yowr p'sente agen 
 in the boxe ^Willm Pykynhm. 
 
 12 by 4f. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 A Tower. 
 
 PI. xxxii. No. 3. 
 
 We are here informed of tlie three requisites to enable a clerk to be insti- 
 tuted to a benefice, namely, tonsure, age, and priest's orders within a given 
 time. 
 
 ' James Goldwell was consecrated by Pope Sextus IV. Bishop of Norwich, 
 ill 1472. He resided much at his manor of Hoxne, where he died in 1498. 
 
 * William de Pykenham became chancellor of Norwich and archdeacon of
 
 EDWARD IV. 241 
 
 you the rigour of the law, which I would be loth ; therefore 
 present another man able; ask counsel of Master John 
 Smyth, and cease of your desire in this part, for it is not 
 goodly neither godly; and let not your desire be known 
 after my advice : be not wroth, though I send unto you thus 
 plainly in the matter, for I would ye did as well, as any 
 woman in Norfolk, that is, with right, to your honour, pro- 
 sperity, and to the pleasure of God, with you and all yours, 
 who have you in his blessed keeping. From Hoxne on 
 Candlemas day. 
 
 I send you your present again in the box. 
 
 ^William Pykenham. 
 
 Hoxne, 
 Tuesday, 2 February, 
 1478-9. 18 E. iv. 
 
 Suffolk in 1471, and was also some time rector of Hadleigh in Suffolk, where 
 he built the grand gate or tower before the parsonage. He died in 1497. This 
 letter shews him to have been a sensible man, and a conscientious divine, whose 
 friendship for the family of the Pastons was best shewn by giving them such 
 advice as he thought right, though it interfered with Margaret Paston's scheme 
 of providing for her son. What the returned present was does not appear. 
 John Smyth was chancellor of Norwich in 1485. 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 10. 
 
 VOL. V. II
 
 242 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER LV. 
 
 To his worshepfiil Mastres 
 Mastres Margaret Paston 
 
 Right worshepful mastres I rec'mande me un to yow as 
 lowly as I kan thankyng yow for yo' goodnes at all tymis 
 god gramit me to des've it and do that may plese yow As 
 for yo' son Wat' his labo' and lernyg hathe be and is yn the 
 faculte of art and is well sped ther yn and may be bacheler 
 at soch tyme as shall lyke yow and then to go to lawe I kan 
 thynk it to his p'ferryng but it is not good he know it on to 
 the tyme he shal chaunge and as J c'ceyve ther shal no" 
 haue that exibeshyon to the faculte of lawe therfor meue ze 
 the executores that at soche tyme as he shal leve it ye may 
 put a nother yn his place sqche as shal lyke you to p'fer If 
 he shal go to law and be made bacheler of art be for and ye 
 wolle haiie hym horn y" yer then may he be bacheler at 
 mydsomo' and be w' yow yn the vacacion and go to lawe at 
 Mikclmas qwhat it shal lyke yow to c'mande me yn this or 
 eny odir ye shal haue myn s'vice redy I pray yow be the 
 next maseng' to send me yo' entent that swech as shal be 
 necessary may be purueyed yn seson And Ihu p's've yow at 
 Oxinforth the iiij day of March. 
 
 Yo' scoler Edmu'd Alyakd. 
 
 Hi by 3. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 A Pillar and Coronet. 
 PI. xxxii. No. 9. 
 
 This letter, from Walter Paston's tutor at Oxford, informs us of Walter's 
 standing in that University, and of his tutor's advice concerning Jiis further pro- 
 ceedings, if agreeable to his inutlier Margaret Paston. 
 
 Autograpii, Pi. xxix. No. G.
 
 EDWARD IV. 243 
 
 LETTER LV. 
 
 To his worshipful Mistress, Mistress Margaret Fasten. 
 
 Right worshipful Mistress, I recommend me unto you as 
 lowly as I can, thanking you for your goodness at all times, 
 God grant me to deserve it and do that may please you. 
 
 As for your son Walter, his labour and learning hath been, 
 and is, in the faculty of art, and is well sped therein: and [/«e] 
 may be bachelor at such time as shall like you, and then to 
 go to law, I can think it to his preferring, but it is not good 
 he know it unto the time he shall change; and as I conceive 
 there shall none have that exhibition to the faculty of law, 
 therefore move ye the executors that at such time as he 
 shall leave it, ye may put another in his place, such as shall 
 like you to prefer. If he shall go to law, and be made 
 bachelor of arts before, and ye will have him home this year, 
 then may he be bachelor at Midsummer, and be with you in 
 the vacation, and go to law at Michaelmas. 
 
 What it shall like you to command me in this or any 
 other, ye shall have mine service ready. 
 
 I pray you by the next messenger to send me your intent, 
 that such as shall be necessary may be purveyed in season, 
 and Jesu preserve you. At Oxinforth the 4th day of 
 March. 
 
 Your Scholar, 
 
 Edmund Alyard. 
 
 Oxford, 
 Thursday, 4 March, 
 1478-9. 19 E. iv. 
 
 Il2
 
 244 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER LVI. 
 
 To hijs Ri/th rev'end hrod' S' 
 John Past on at Cast' Hall in 
 Norfolk 
 
 Aft' all dw rev'ens and recome'dacons likythyt yow to 
 und'stond that J receyvyd a lettr fro my brod' John wherby 
 I und'stod that my mod' and yow wold know what ze costs 
 of my p'cedyng shold be J sent a lettr to my brod' John 
 c'tyfyyng my costs and y"^ causis why that J wold p'cede 
 but as I have sent word to my mod' I p'pose to tary now 
 tyll yt be Mychelmas for yf I tary tyll then sum of ray 
 Costys shall be payyd for I supposed whan that J sent y'' 
 lettr to my brod' John that y" qwenys brod' schold have 
 pcedyd at MydsonV but he woll tary now tyll Michylm's 
 but as I send word to my mod' J wold be inceptor befor 
 Mydsom' and ther for I beseehyd her to send me sum 
 mony for yt woll be sum cost to me but not mych and 
 Syr J besech you to send me word what answer ye have of 
 y'' buschop of AVynchest' for that mat' whych ye spak to 
 hym of for me whan J was w' you at london J thowth for to 
 have had word ther of or thys tym I wold yt wold com for 
 our fyndyng of y" buschoj)]) of Norwych begynyth to be 
 slake in payment and yf ye know not whath thys term me- 
 nyth inceptor Mast' Julnnrd that was my rewler at Oxforth 
 berar her of kan tell yow or ellys ajiy od' graduat Also 1 
 P y yo^^' send me word what ye do w' y*" hors J left at tot-
 
 EDWARD IV. 245 
 
 LETTER LVI. 
 
 To his Right Reverend Brother Sir John Past on, at Caister 
 
 Hall in Norfolk. 
 
 After all due reverence and recommendations, liketh it 
 you to understand that I received a letter from my brother 
 John, whereby I understood that my mother and you would 
 know what the costs of my proceeding should be; I sent 
 a letter to my brother John certifying my costs, and the 
 causes why that I would proceed, but as I have sent word 
 to my mother, I purpose to tarry now till it be Michaelmas, 
 for if I tarry till then, some of ray costs shall be paid, for I 
 supposed, when that I sent the letter to my brother John, 
 that the queen's brother should have proceeded at Mid- 
 summer, but he will tarry now till Michaelmas, but as I 
 sent word to my mother, I would be Inceptor before Mid- 
 summer, and therefore I beseeched her to send me some 
 money, for it will be some cost to me, bvit not much. 
 
 Sir, I beseech you to send me word what answer ye have 
 of the Bishop of Winchester for that matter which ye spake 
 to him of for me, when I was with you at London : I thought 
 for to have had word thereof ere this time : I would it would 
 come, for our finding of the Bishop of Norwich beginneth 
 to be slack in payment; and if ye know not what this term 
 meaneth " Liceptor," Master Edmund, that was my ruler at 
 Oxford, bearer hereof, can tell you, or else any other gra- 
 duate.
 
 246 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 nam and whyd' y^ man be cd'tent that J had yt of or nat 
 Jhu p'serve you to hys plesur and to your most hartys de- 
 syyr Wretyn at Oxforth y" Saturday next aftr asce'syon of 
 yowr lord. 
 
 Waltr Paston. 
 11^ by 2|. 
 
 Paper Mark. 
 
 A Unicorn. 
 
 PI. xxxii. No. 4. 
 
 This letter informs us of Walter Paston's proceeding to take a batchelor's 
 degree in arts. 
 
 When any gentleman is admitted to a degree in the University at any time 
 previous to the usual public time of conferring degrees, he is during that period 
 styled an inceptor. 
 
 The qupen's brother here mentioned must have been Lionel VVideville, at 
 that time of the University of Oxford, and youngest son of Richard Wideville 
 Earl Rivers. 
 
 He was consecrated bishop of Salisbury in 1482, and was afterwards chan- 
 cellor of that University. 
 
 iMancis Godwin, who was born in 156'2, and was successively bishop of 
 Laiidaff and Hereford, in his " Catalogue of the Bishops of England," presents 
 us with the following anecdote of this Lionel, Bishop of Salisbury. 
 
 " A neere kinsman of this bishoppe hath assured me, that Stephen Gardiner,
 
 EDWARD IV. 247 
 
 Also, I pray you send me word what is done with the 
 horse I left at Tottenham, and whether the man be content 
 that I had it of or not. Jesu preserve you to his pleasure, 
 and to your most heart's desire. Written at Oxford the 
 Saturday next after the Ascension of our Lord. 
 
 Walter Paston. 
 
 Oxford, 
 Saturday, 22 May, 
 1479. 19 E. iv. 
 
 " Bishop of Winches.er, was begotten by him, who, to cover his own fault, 
 " married his mother unto one Gardiner, one of his meanest followers, and 
 " caused another of better sort to bring up the childe, as it were of almes." 
 He died in 1483. 
 
 It appears from this letter that when any person related to the royal family 
 took any degree in the University, a part of the expenses of those who become 
 graduates at the same time were borne by such personage. It does not appear 
 whether the University fees were so discharged, or whether it related only to 
 the expense attending the feasts given at such time. 
 
 It most probably related only to the expenses attending the good cheer, and 
 if so, it might be confined to those of the same college only. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 7.
 
 248^ PASTON LETTERS- 
 
 LETTER LVII. 
 
 To hys ryth trusty and hartyly 
 belovyd brod' John Post on 
 ohydyng at y" georg at Powlys 
 qwharfe in london be y" lett' 
 ddyu'yd. 
 
 Rygth worchypfull and hartyly belovyd brod' I r'comaund 
 me on to yow desyeryng feythfoly to her of yowr p'sp'yte 
 (pvhych god p'serve thankyng yow of dyv'se lett'ys that yow 
 sent me Jn the last lett' that yow sent to me ye wryt 
 that yow schold have wryt in the lett' that yow sent by 
 INIast' brown how that I schold send yow word what tym 
 that J schold p'cede but ther was no such wrytyng in that 
 lett' the lett' is yet to schew and yf yow com to Oxon ye 
 schal see the lett' and all the leterys that yow sent me 
 sythynys I cam to Oxon and also Mast' brown had that sam 
 tym mysch mony in a bage so that he durst not bryng yt w' 
 hyni and that sam lett' was in that sam bage and he had 
 for gete to take owt the lett' and he sent all to ged' by lon- 
 don so that y' was y' next day aft' that J was maad bachyler 
 or than y' lett' cam and so y*^ fawt was not in me and yf ye 
 wyl know what day J was maad baschyler J was maad on 
 Fryday was sevynyth and I mad my fest on the Mu'day aft' 
 J was p'mysyd venyson ageyn my fest of my lady Harcort 
 and of anod' man to l)ut J was deseyvyd of both but my 
 gcsts hewld them plesyd w' such mete as they had blyssyd
 
 EDWARD IV. 249 
 
 LETTER LVII. 
 
 To his right trusty and heartily beloved Brother, John Paston, 
 abiding at the George at Paul's Wharf in London, be this 
 Letter delivered. 
 
 Right worshipful and heartily beloved Brother, I recom- 
 mend me mito you, desiring faithfully to hear of your pros- 
 perity, which God preserve, thanking you of divers letters 
 that you sent me. 
 
 In the last letter that you sent to me, ye writ that you 
 should have writ in the letter that you sent by Master 
 Brown, how that I should send you word what time that I 
 should proceed, but there was none such writing in that 
 letter; the letter is yet to shew, and if you come to Oxon, 
 ye shall see the letter, and all the letters that you sent me 
 sythynys [since'] I came to Oxon. 
 
 And also Master Brown had that same time much money 
 in a bag, so that he durst not bring it with him, and that 
 same letter was in that same bag, and he had forgotten to 
 take out the letter, and he sent all together by London, so 
 that it was the next day after that I was made bachelor ere 
 then the letter came, and so the fault was not in me. 
 
 And if ye will know what day I was made bachelor, I was 
 made on Friday was sev'night \\^th June], and 1 made my 
 feast on the Monday after [21*'^ June]. 1 was promised ve- 
 nison against my feast of my Lady Harcourt, and of another 
 person too, but I was deceived of both ; but my guests held 
 
 VOL. v. K K
 
 250 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 be god hoo haue yow in liys kepyng Wr'tyn at Oxon on the 
 Wedenys day next aft' seynt Pet' 
 
 W Paston. 
 
 I U by 3^. 
 
 Paper Mark. 
 Bull's-head and Star. 
 PI. X. No. 1. 
 
 We have here the account of Walter Paston's being made a bachelor of 
 arts, the custom of making a feast. Sec. and the expectations he had of receiving 
 venison. Sec. from the neighbouring gentry. 
 
 The Lady Harcourt here mentioned was most probably Margaret daughter 
 of Sir John Byron, and widow of Sir Robert Harcourt, knight of the garter, 
 of Stanton Harcourt in Oxfordshire. See vol. i. p. 13. note 6. The effigies 
 of this lady on her tomb, in the church of Stanton Harcourt, represents her 
 with the garter on her left arm, just above the elbow, which proves that in for- 
 
 LETTER LVIII. 
 
 SuER dydyngs arn com to Norwyclie y' my grandani is dys- 
 sessyd whom god assoyle my Uncle had a Messeng' zest' 
 day y' she shukl not escape and this day cam a nother at 
 suche tyme as we wer at Masse for my Brother Water 
 whom god assoyle my Uncle was comyng to haue otferd 
 but y'" last Messeng' lletornyd hy~ hastely so y* he toke hys 
 hors incontyne''t to enforme mor of owr hevynes my Syst' ys 
 delyu'ed and y'^ chyld j)assyd to god who send us of hys 
 gee. 
 
 Dokkyng told me sekr'tly y' for any hast my Uncle shukl
 
 EDWARD IV. 251 
 
 them pleased with such meat as they had, blessed be God, 
 who have you in his keeping. Amen. 
 
 Written at Oxon, on the Wednesday next after Saint 
 Peter. 
 
 Walter Paston. 
 
 Oxford, 
 
 Wednesday, SOtli June, 
 
 1479. 19 E. iv. 
 
 mer times the ladies of these knights were honoured by wearing this badge of 
 their husband's knighthood; a distinction which ought to be re-estabHshed for 
 the honour of the order and the ornament of the fair. 
 
 A branch of the Harcourt family having intermarried with the Stapeltons, 
 accounts for Walter Paston's expectations from the Lady Harcourt. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 7. 
 
 LETTER LVIII. 
 
 Sure tidings are come to Norwich that my Grandam is de- 
 ceased, whom God assoil: my Uncle had a messenger yes- 
 terday that she should not escape, and this day came ano- 
 ther at such time as we were at mass for my brother 
 Walter, whom God assoil! My Uncle was coming to have 
 offered, but the last messenger returned him hastily, so that 
 he took his horse incontinent [immediately] to inform more 
 of our heaviness. 
 
 My Sister is delivered, and the child passed to God, who 
 send us of his grace. 
 
 K K 2
 
 252 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 ryde by my lady of NorfF to haue a iij skor p'sons whyther 
 it is to co'vey my grandh'm hyder or nowght he cowde not 
 sey J deme it is Rather to put them in possessyon of some 
 of her londs Wretyn the Sat'daye the xxi daye of August 
 A" Eiiij" xix". 
 
 This letter was written by one of the children of Margaret Paston, but by 
 which iloes not appear; I believe by John Paston; it informs us that his 
 friends were saying masses for the soul of Walter Paston, who died at Nor- 
 wich in August, 1479, at the very time when an account arrived of the death 
 of Agues Paston, the widow of Sir William Paston the judge. She was bu- 
 ried in Our Lady's Cliapel in Norwicli Cathedral. 
 
 William Paston, the uncle here mentioned, had disputes with his nephews 
 concerning the lands of Agnes Paston, his mother; his reasons for so imme- 
 diately waiting upon the Duchess of Norfolk are therefore obvious. 
 
 LETTER LIX. 
 
 The Accounte of John Pasioii Sqwyer. 
 
 Rec' at Cressi'gh'm the Thirsday nex aftyr seynt Edmund 
 
 at the corte ther v U x' by the hands of me John Paston 
 
 Sqwyer 
 
 Wher of payed to my modyr for costys don up on 
 the beryi'g of Wa't' Paston and whyll he lay 
 sek and for the hyer of a man comy"g w' the seyd I xj" 
 water fro Oxn' xx'' J 
 
 It' payed to Will'm Gybson for horse sadyll and) ^ ., 
 brydyll lent to water Paston by the seyd Will in j 
 
 XXIX
 
 EDWARD IV. 253 
 
 Docking told me secretly that for any haste [^in all haste] 
 my Uncle should ride by my Lady of Norfolk to have a 
 threescore persons, whether it is to convey my Grandam 
 hither or not he could not say; I deem it is rather to jiut 
 them in possession of some of her lands. 
 
 Written the Saturday the 21st of August, in the 19th 
 year of Edward IV. 
 
 Norwich, 
 Saturday, 21st August, 
 1479. 19 E. iv. 
 
 Anne Paston married William Yelverton in 1477, and is most probably the 
 sister here said to be just delivered. 
 
 Walter Paston died soon after his return from Oxford, in the town residence 
 of the Pastons, called Paston's Place, in the parish of St. Peter's at Hungate, 
 in the city of Norwich, and was buried in the church there before the image 
 of St. John the Baptist. 
 
 LETTER LIX. 
 
 The Account of John Paston, Esq. 
 
 Received at Cressingham the Thursday next ' 
 
 after Saint Edmund [25th Nov. 1479. 19 E. ^ ^^ '^ 
 IV.] at the court there, by the hands of me 
 John Paston, Esq
 
 254 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 It' geuyn the seyd man comyg fro Oxn' w* the seyd) . ,, 
 Water by the handys of J Paston 3 
 
 It' payed for dyuers thyngs whyll Water Paston? .... 
 lay sek 3 "^ 
 
 It' for the costs of John Paston's Rydy'g to kepe 
 the coort at Cressrgh'ra A° sup' diet whych was 
 iiij dayes in doig for the styward mygh not be 
 ther at y^ day p'fyxid 
 
 4i by 6|. 
 
 This is a memorandum of money received at a court, and of the disposal of 
 a part of it on the sickness and burial of Walter Paston. 
 
 I thought it worth preserving, and have therefore inserted it here. 
 
 M iiij" 
 
 LETTER LX. 
 
 To S' John Fastou 
 knyghf. 
 
 Syr aftyr all diites of reconiniendaeyon plcesyt to undyr- 
 stand that acordy'g to yo' lettre sent me by Wyllson Lom- 
 nore and I mett at Norwyche and drew ought a formable 
 bylle ought of your and sent it ayen to thexchetore Palmer 
 l)y my brodyr Edmu'd whyche had an other erand into that 
 contre to spek w* H. Sjiyhnan to get hys good wyll towards 
 the bargayn lyck to be fynyshed hastyly betwyx mastres
 
 EDWARD IV. 
 
 255 
 
 1 9 11 
 
 Whereof paid to my mother, 
 
 For costs done upon the burying of Walter Pas- 
 ton, and while he lay sick; 
 
 And for the hire of a man coming with the said 
 Walter from Oxon, 20d - 
 
 Item, paid to William Gibson for one horse,! 
 
 saddle and bridle lent to Walter Paston by > 16 
 the said William j 
 
 Item, given the said man coming from Oxon with } 
 the said Walter, by the hands of John Paston j 
 
 Item, paid for divers things while Walter Paston } 
 lay sick j 
 
 Item, for the costs of John Paston riding to keep~ 
 the court at Cressingham anno supradicto, 
 which was four days in doing, for the steward 
 might not be there at the day prefixed . . . 
 
 1 8 
 
 4 
 
 3 4 
 
 Total paid 
 
 2 11 3 
 
 LETTER LX. 
 
 To Sir John Paston, Knight. 
 
 Sir, after all duties of recommendation, please it \_yon~\ to 
 understand, that, according to yovu* letter sent me by Wil- 
 son, Lomner and I met at Norwich and drew out a formable 
 bill out of yours, and sent it again to the Escheator Palmer 
 by my brother Edmund, which had another errand into that
 
 256 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Clyppysby and liym. And S' at the delyvere of the bylle 
 of Inquisicyon to thexchetour my brodyer Edmu'd told 
 h\nii that accordy'g to yo' wryghty'g to me I spak w' myn 
 oncle ^MUm and told hym that I undyrstood by you that 
 my lord of Elye had as well desyred hym in wryghty'g as 
 you by mouthe that non of you shold sue to have the 
 inquisycion fond aftyr yo' mtentys tyll other weyes of pese 
 wer takyn betwyx you, wherfor my brodyr Edmifd desyryd 
 hym that w"' ought myn oncle labord to have it fond for 
 hym ellys that he shold not pcede for you, but thexche- 
 tour answerd hym that he wold fynd it for you aftyr your 
 by 11 of hys ovvne autorite and so it Avas fond but S' ye must 
 remembre that my lord of Ely desyryd myn oncle as well 
 as you to surcease as I put myn oncle in knowlage and 
 myn oncle at the fyrst agreid that he wold make no more 
 sute a bought it in trust that ye wold do the same acordy'g 
 to my lord of Elys desyer wherfor ye had ned to be ware 
 that thexchetor skyppe not from you when he comyth to 
 London and sertyfye it or ye spak w' hym thexchetor shalbe 
 at London by twysdaye or Wednysday next comy'g at John 
 Leuis house for he shall ryd forwardys as on Monday next 
 comy'g be tymys &c. 
 
 Syr your tena'ts at Crowmer sey that they know not who 
 shalbe ther lord they marvayll that ye nor no man for you 
 hathe not yet ben there. Also when I was w' myn oncle I 
 had a longe pystyll of him that ye had sent Pekok to Paston 
 and comandyd the tena''ts thcr that they shold pay non 
 areragys to hym but if they wcr bond to hym by obligacyon 
 for the same my oncle scythe it was other wyse apoyntyd 
 be for the Arbytrorys they thouglit he seythe that as well 
 my mestyr Fytzwalter as other that he shold receyve that
 
 EDWARD IV. 257 
 
 country to speak with H. Spilman, to get his good will to- 
 wards the bargain like to be finished hastily betwixt Mis- 
 tress Clippesby and him. 
 
 And, Sir, at the delivery of the bill of Inquisition to the 
 Escheator, my brother Edmund told him that according to 
 your writing to me, I spake with mine uncle William, and 
 told him that I understood by you that my Lord of Ely had 
 as well desired him in writing, as you by mouth, that none 
 of you shovdd sue to have the Inquisition found after your 
 intents till other ways of peace were taken betwixt you; 
 wherefore my brother Edmund desired him that without 
 mine uncle laboured to have it found for him, else that he 
 should not proceed for you; but the Escheator answered 
 him that he would find it for you, after your bill, of his own 
 authority; and so it was found. 
 
 But, Sir, ye must remember that my Lord of Ely desired 
 mine uncle as well as you to surcease, as I put mine uncle 
 in knowledge, and mine uncle at the first agreed that he 
 would make no more suit about it, in trust that ye would 
 do the same, according to my Lord of Ely's desire; where- 
 fore ye had need to beware that the Escheator skips not 
 from you, when he cometh to London, and certify it, ere ye 
 speak with him. 
 
 The Escheator shall be at London by Tuesday or Wed- 
 nesday next coming at John Lewis's house, for he shall 
 ride forwards as on Monday next coming betimes. 
 
 Sir, your tenants at Cromer say that they know not who 
 shall be their lord, they marvel that ye nor no man for you 
 hath not yet been there. 
 
 Also when I was with mine uncle, I had a long pystyl 
 [letter] of him, that ye had sent Peacock to Paston and 
 
 VOL. V. L L
 
 258 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 as it myght be gadi'yd but now he seythe that he wettyth 
 well some shall runne away and some shall wast it so that 
 it is nevyr lyke to be gadryd but lost and so I trow it is 
 lyck to be of some of the dettors what for casuclte of dethe 
 and thes other causes befor rehersyd wherfor me thynkyth 
 if it wer apoyntyd befor the Arby trors that he shold receyve 
 theym as he seythe it wer not for you to brek it or ellys if 
 he be pleyn executor to my gra"ndam then also he ought to 
 have it. I spek lyck a blynd man do ye as ye thynk for I 
 was at no soche apoyntme"t befor rharbytrors nor I know 
 not whethyr he is executor to my gra"ndam or not but by 
 hys seyi'g. Also S' ye must of ryght consydery~g my bro- 
 dyr Edmu'dys dilizence in yo' maters sythe yo' dep'ty"g 
 helpe hym forwardys to myn oncle S' George Brown as my 
 brodyr Edmiuid preyid yow in hys lettyr that he sent on to 
 yow by Mondys sone of Norwyche dwelly'g w' Thorn's 
 Jenney that myn oncle S' George may zett to my brodyr 
 Edmu''d of the Kyng y'' wardshepp of John Clyppysby son 
 and heyer to John Clyppysby late of Owby in the Conte of 
 Norff sqwyr dury'g the nonnage of my lord and lady of 
 Yerk thow it cost iiij or v mark the swte let myn oncle S' 
 George be clerk of the Haniper and kepe the patent if it 
 be g'ntyd tyll he have hys mone and that shall not be longe 
 to myn Oncle S' (Jeorge may enforme the kyng for trowthe 
 that the chyld shall haue no lond din-y"g hys yong modyrs 
 lyf And ther is no man her that wyll mary w' hym w'ought 
 they have some lond w' hym And so the gytl shall not be 
 gret that the kyng shold geve hym and yet I trow he shold 
 get the modyr by that meane And in my conseyt the kyng 
 dothe but ryght if he g'unt my brodyr I'Mmund (ny])pysbys 
 son in recompense for taky'g my br'dyr I'Ahnunds son
 
 EDWARD IV. 259 
 
 commanded the tenants there that they shoukl pay none 
 arrearages to him, but if [imless] they were bound to him by 
 obhgation for the same; mine uncle saith it was otherwise 
 appointed before the arbitrators; they thought, he saith, as 
 well my master Fitzwalter as other, that he should receive 
 that as it might be gathered; but now he saith, that he 
 weeteth well some shall run away, and some shall waste it, 
 so that it is never like to be gathered, but lost, and so I 
 trow it is like to be of some of the debtors, what for casualty 
 of death and these other causes before rehearsed; wherefore 
 me thinketh if it were appointed before the arbitrators that 
 he should receive them, as he saith, it were not for you to 
 break it, or else if he be plain executor to my grandam, 
 then also he ought to have it. I speak like a blind man, do 
 ye as ye think [best^, for I was at no such appointment be- 
 fore the arbitrators, nor I know not whether he is executor 
 to my grandam or not, but by his saying. 
 
 Also, Sir, ye must of right, considering my brother Ed- 
 mund's diligence m your matters, since your departing, help 
 him forwards to mine uncle Sir George Brown, as my bro- 
 ther Edmund prayed you in his letter that he sent unto you 
 by Mond's son of Norwich, dwelling with Thomas Jenney, 
 that mine uncle Sir George may get to my brother Edmund 
 of the king the wardship of John Clippesby, son and heir 
 to John Clippesby, late of Oby, in the county of Norfolk, 
 esquire, during the nonage of my lord and lady of York, 
 though it cost four or five marks {21. 13s. 4d. or 3/. Gs. 8d.) 
 the suit; let mine uncle Sir George be clerk of the haniper, 
 and keep the patent, if it be granted, till he have his money, 
 and that shall not be long to. Mine uncle Sir George may 
 inform the king for truth, that the child shall have no land 
 
 L L 2
 
 26u PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 otl ^rwyse callyd Dyxsons the chyldys faclyr bei^g alyve 
 Dyxson is ded god haue hys sowle whom J beseche to send 
 you your most desyred Joye Wretyu at Norwyche on Seynt 
 leonards day. 
 
 J Paston 
 
 Syr it is told me y' Nycolas Barlee the Sequer hathe 
 takyn an axion of dett ayenst me thys terme I prey yow let 
 Whetley or some body spek w' hym and lete hym wet that 
 if he swe me softly thys terme that he shall be payed or 
 the nexte terme be at an end it is a bought vj li And in 
 feythe he shold haue had it or thys tyme And our threshers 
 of Sweynsthorp had not dyed upp" And if I myght haue 
 payed it hym a yer ago as well as 1 trust I shall sone aftyr 
 Crystmass J wold not for xij li haue brokyn hym so many 
 p'messys as I haue Also S' I prey yow send me by the next 
 man that comyth fro london ij pottys of tryacle of Jenne 
 they shall cost xvj'' for I haue spent ought that J had w' 
 mi^ ye'g wyf and my yeng folkys and my Sylf And J shall 
 pay hym that shall bi-yng hem to me and for hys caryage I 
 prey you lett it be sped the pepyll dyeth sore in Norwyche 
 and specyally abought my house but my wyf and my 
 woman come not ought and lie ferther we cannot for at 
 Sweynsthor]) sythe my dei)'ty'g thens they haue dyed and 
 ben syke nye jn ev'y house of the towne. 
 
 Hi by 12i. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 Bull's Head aiiH Star. 
 
 Pi. xi. No. 10.
 
 EDWARD IV. '261 
 
 during his young mother's Hfe, and there is no man - lere 
 that will marry with him without they have some land with 
 him, and so the gift shall not be great that the king should 
 give him, and yet I trow he should get the mother by that 
 mean, and in my conceit the king doth but right if he grant 
 my brother Edmund Clippesby's son in recompense for 
 taking my brother Edmund's son, otherwise called Dyx- 
 son's, the child's father being alive; Dyxson is dead, God 
 have his soul, whom I beseech to send you your most de- 
 sired joy. 
 
 Written at Norwich on Saint Leonard's day. 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 
 Saturday, 6 November, 
 
 1479. 19 E. iv. 
 
 Sir, it is told me that Nicholas Barley the squire hath 
 taken an action of debt against me this term, I pray you let 
 Wheatley or somebody speak with him, and let him w'teet 
 that if he sue me softly this term, that he shall be paid ere 
 the next term be at an end; it is about six pounds, and in 
 faith he should have had it ere this time and [if] our 
 threshers of Swainsthorp had not died upon, and if I might 
 have paid it him a year ago, as well as I trust I shall soon 
 after Christmas, I would not for twelve povuids have broken 
 him so many promises as I have. 
 
 Also, Sir, I pray you send me by the next man that 
 Cometh from London two pots of treacle of Genoa, they 
 shall cost 16c?. for I have spent out that I had with my 
 young wife, and my young folks, and myself; and I shall
 
 262 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 The former part of this letter informs us chiefly of matters in dispute be- 
 tween William Paston and his nephew Sir John, relative to the lands and estates 
 of Agnes Paston. 
 
 William Clippesby, of Oby, Esq. (not John) died about this time, leaving 
 Catherine his widow. She was daughter of John Spelman, Esq. of Stow-Be- 
 kerton ; she soon became the wife of Edmund Paston, by whom she had a son 
 Robert, and dying in 1491 was buried in Oby church. 
 
 LETTER LXI. 
 
 To the ryght Worchypfull 
 
 John Faston Sqyyer yii haste. 
 
 My Mast' Paston I recomaunde me to yow preyyng god to 
 haue m'cy on my mast' yo' brothe' sowle to whom ye ar 
 heyre and also to my Mestres yo' gr'untdam Wherfore be 
 thavyse of my mast' yo' earful mode' yo' brothe' Ed" on 
 Sunday next before sent Andrew rod to Marlyngforth and 
 before alle the ten'ntez examynid on James Kepe' the' for 
 Will Paston wher he was the weke next before Sent An- 
 drew and the' he seyd that he was not at Marlingforth from 
 the Monday onto the Thorday at evyn and soo the' was 
 no man ther but yo' brothers man at the tymc of his decese 
 so be that yo' brothe' dyyd sesid and yo' brothe' bad yo'
 
 EDWARD IV. 263 
 
 pay him that shall bring them to me, and for his carriage; 
 I pray you let it be sped. 
 
 The people dieth sore in Norwich, and specially about 
 my house, but my wife and my women come not out, and 
 flee farther we cannot, for at Swainsthorp, since my depart- 
 ing thence, they have died, and been sick nigh in every 
 house of the town. 
 
 Til this year a terrible sickness raged throughout England. 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 12. 
 
 LETTER LXI. 
 
 To the Right Worshipful John Paston, Esq. in haste. 
 
 My Master Paston, I recommend me to you, praying God 
 to have mercy on my master your brother's soul, to whom 
 ye are heir, and also to my mistress your grandam; where- 
 fore by the advice of my mistress your careful mother, your 
 brother Edmund, on Sunday next before Saint Andrew, 
 rode to Marlingford, and before all the tenants examined 
 one James, keeper there for William Paston, where he was 
 the week next before Saint Andrew, and there he said, that 
 he was not at Marlingford from the Monday unto the Thurs- 
 day at even, and so there was no man there but your bro- 
 ther's man at the time of his decease; so by that your bro- 
 ther died seized; and your brother Edmund bad your man
 
 264 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 man kepe possession to yo' behesse and warned the ten'ntez 
 to pay noo man til ye hadde spoke them so mesemyth yat 
 ys a remyttir to yo' old taylyd titell Comon with yo' co'cell 
 fory' at aft'noon he was at Oxned to onderstande how they 
 had doo And Peris kepyd yo' brothe's possession at that 
 tyme and yo' Uncle his man was not the' but he assyned 
 anothe' pore man to be y' wheche'' that co"tynued the pos- 
 session of W Paston or not be reme'brid &c. And aft' the 
 decese &c. W. Paston sent the man yat kepyd possession 
 to fore to ent' and kepe possession wheche was noo wa- 
 rent be that poyntment for ye stande at yo' lib'te as for ony 
 apoyntment or combnycacon hadde before and soo men 
 seme it wer good for yow to stande at large til ye her mor 
 yf ye myght haue my lord Chamberleyn god fau' and lord- 
 ship it wer ryght expedyent as for my lord of Ely dele not 
 wyth hym be owr auyse for he woU meue for trete and els 
 be displesid yo' brothe' Ed' sent to John Wymond and he 
 sent word he wolle be a niene of trete but wold take noo 
 ji'te and as I sopose yat was be Heydons avyse for yo' Uncle 
 sent to me to be with hym and also the same man i-odd to 
 Heydon and Wymondh'm &c the brcng' of this lett' can tell 
 for he was with yo' brothe' E. at these placez Eery' my mastr' 
 yo' mod' gretyth yow well and sendyth yow her blessyng 
 req'ryng yow to come once of that her alsone as ye may 
 And yo' broth' E comaundid hym to yow and he doth hys 
 dylygens and p'te for yow full well and saddely yn many 
 l)ehalvys and hath brought my maistr yo' wife to Topcrofte 
 on Friday last and they far all well ther And he yntendith 
 to see my Mast' fitz Wa' whech lythe at Freton ner long 
 Stratton And god be yo' gide yn all yo' mat's and brenge 
 yow sone home Wretyn at Norwyche on Sonday at nyglit
 
 EDWARD IV. 265 
 
 keep possession to your behest, and warned the tenants to 
 pay no man, till you had spoken [^o] them; so meseemeth 
 that is a remitter to the old tailed title: commune with 
 your counsel. Further, at afternoon he was at Oxnead, to 
 understand how they had done; and Perys kept your bro- 
 ther's possession at that time, and your uncle's man was not 
 there, but he assigned another poor man to be there, whe- 
 ther that continued the possession of W. Paston or not be 
 remembered, &c. 
 
 And after the decease, &c. W. Paston sent the man, that 
 kept possession tofore, to enter and keep possession, which 
 was no warrant by that appointment, for ye stand at your 
 liberty as for any appointment or communication had before, 
 and so men seem it were good for you to stand at large, till 
 ye hear more; if ye might have my Lord Chamberlain's 
 good favour and lordship, it were right expedient; as for my 
 Lord of Ely, deal not with him by our advice, for he will 
 move for treaty, and else be displeased. Your brother Ed- 
 mund sent to John Wymondham, and he sent word he 
 would be a mean of treaty, but would take no part, and as 
 I suppose that was by Heydon's advice, for your uncle sent 
 to me to be with him, and also the same man rode to Hey- 
 dou and Wymondham, &c. the bringer of this letter can 
 tell, for he was with your brother Edmund at these places. 
 
 Further, my mistress your mother greeteth you well, and 
 sendeth you her blessing, requiring you to come once of 
 that here, as soon as ye may: and your brother Edmund 
 commended him to you, and he doth his diligence and part 
 for you full well and sadly [seriousli/^ in many behalves ; and 
 hath brought my mistress your wife to Topcroft on Friday 
 last, and they fare all well there ; and he intendeth to see 
 
 VOL. V. JM M
 
 266 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 next before sent Andrew and delyu'd on Monday next be 
 the mornyn. 
 
 Be yo' W Lomner 
 
 111 b}' Si. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 A Mermaid, or 
 
 Figure riding on a Fish. 
 
 PI, xxxii. No. 2. 
 
 The first part of this letter informs us of the steps taken by J. Paston's 
 friends to secure the possession of Sir John Paston's manors and estates to 
 him, against the endeavours of his uncle William, who was using every mean 
 to obtain possession of many of them. 
 
 William Lord Hastyngs was Lord Chamberlain, and John Morton Bishop 
 of Ely, at this time. 
 
 William Lomner, the writer of this letter, possessed a family estate at Man- 
 
 LETTER LXIL 
 
 To my riight woichepfuU 
 and 7nost ki/ud modyr 
 Margarcit Faston. 
 
 Ryght werchepfull Modyr atlyr all dates of humble re-, 
 comendacyon as lowly as I can I beseche yow of your dayly 
 blysy"j5 and preyer pleasyt yow to iindyrstand that wher as 
 ye wyllyd me by Paines to hast me oup;ht of the hcyer that 
 I am jn it is so that I must put me in god For her must I
 
 EDWARD IV. 2G7 
 
 my master Fitzwalter, which lyeth at Freton, near Long 
 Stratton, &c. and God be your guide in all matters, and 
 bring you soon home. 
 
 Written at Norwich on Sunday at night next before Saint 
 Andrew, and delivered on Monday next by the morning, 
 
 By your 
 
 William Lomner. 
 
 Norwich, 
 Siiuday, 28th November, 
 1479. 19 E! iv. 
 
 luugton, where he built a hail embattled castlewise, according to a license 
 obtained from the king; he was on very friendly terms with the Pastons, and 
 died in 1494, leaving a sou William, who succeeded him. 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 10. 
 
 LETTER LXIL 
 
 To my right worshipful and most kind Mother, 
 Margaret Paston. 
 
 Right worshipful mother, after all duties of humble recom- 
 mendation, as lowly as I can, I beseech you of your daily 
 blessing and prayer. 
 
 Please it you to understand that whereas ye willed me 
 by Paines, to haste me out of the air that I am in ; it is so 
 that I must put me in God, for here must I be for a season, 
 and in good faith I shall never, while God sendeth me life, 
 
 M M 2
 
 26S PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 be for a season and in good feyth I shall neuer whyll god 
 sendyth me lyff dred nior dethe than shame And tliankyd 
 be god the sykness is well seasyd here and also my besyness 
 puttyth awey my fere I am drevyn to labore in letty'g of 
 thexeeucyon of myn unkynd oncly's entent wher in I haue 
 as yet non other dyseorage but that I trust in god he shall 
 fayle of it I haue spokyn w' my lord of Ely dyvers tymys 
 whyche hathe put me in serteynte by hys woord that he 
 wyll be ayenst myn oncle in iche mater that I can shewe 
 that he entendyth to wrong me in And he wold fayne have 
 a resonable end betwyx us wher to he wyll helpe as he 
 seythe and it is serteyn my brodyr god haue hys soule had 
 p'mysed to a byde the reule of my lord Chamberleyn and of 
 my lord Ely but J am not yett so ferr forthe ner not wyll be 
 tyll I know my lord Chamberleyns intent And that I p'pose 
 to do to morow for then I thynk to be w' hym w' gods leva 
 And sythe it is so that god hathe p'veyd me to be the soly- 
 sytore of thys mater I thank hym of hys grace for the good 
 lords mastrys and frendys that he hathe sent me ^\hyche 
 haue pTytely p'mysyd me to take my cause as ther owne and 
 those Frends be not a fewe And modyr as I best can and 
 may 1 thank yow and my Cosyn lemenore of the good avyse 
 tliat ye haue sent me And J shall aplye me to do ther aftyr 
 also Modyr I beseche on my behalf to thank myn cosyn 
 lamnore for y*" kindness that he hathe shewyd on to me in 
 geuy"g of hys answer to myn onclys serv'nt whyche was w' 
 hym Modyr I wryght not so largely to yow as 1 wold do for 
 I haue not most leyser and also when 1 haue ben w' my 
 lord Chamberleyn I p'pose not to tery lenge aftyr in london 
 but to dressc me to yow wards at whyche tyme 1 trust I 
 shall brynge yow more serteynte of all the fordell that I
 
 EDWARD IV. 269 
 
 dread more death than shame; and thanked be God, the 
 sickness is well ceased here, and also my business putteth 
 away my fear. I am driven to labour in letting of [liinder- 
 iug] the execution of mine unkind uncle's intent, wherein I 
 have as yet none other discourage, but that I trust in God 
 he shall fail of it. 
 
 I have spoken to my Lord of Ely divers times, which 
 hath put me in certainty by his words, that he will be with 
 me against mine uncle, in each matter that I can shew that 
 he intendeth to wrong me in; and he would fain have a 
 reasonable end betwixt us, whereto he will help, as he saith; 
 and it is certain, my brother, God have his soul ! had pro- 
 mised to abide the rule of my Lord Chamberlain and of my 
 Lord of Ely; but I am not yet so far forth; nor not will be, 
 till I know my Lord Chamberlain's intent, and that I pur- 
 pose to do to-morrow, for then I think to be with him, with 
 God's leave. And since it is so that God hath purveyed 
 me to be the solicitor of this matter, I thank him of his 
 grace for the good lords, masters, and friends that he hath 
 sent me, which have perfectly promised me to take my cause 
 as their own, and these friends be not a few. 
 
 And, mother, as I best can and may, I thank you and my 
 cousin Lomnor of the good advise that ye have sent me, 
 and I shall apply me to do thereafter; also, mother, I shall 
 beseech you on my behalf to thank mine cousin Lomnor for 
 the kindness that he hath shewed unto me in giving of his 
 answer to mine uncle's servant, which was with him. 
 
 Mother, I write not so largely to you as I would do, for 
 I have not most leisure; and also when I have been with 
 my Lord Chamberlain, I purpose not to tarry long after in 
 London, but to dress me to you wards, at which time I
 
 270 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 haue in my besyness then I can as yett vvryght I am put in 
 serteynte by my most specyall good mastyr my mastyr of 
 the roUys that ray lord of Ely is and shal be bettyr lord to 
 me then he hathe shewyd as yet And yet hathe he delt w' 
 me ryght well and honourably Modyr I beseche yow that 
 Pekok may be sent to p'vey me as myche money as is pos- 
 sybyll for hym to make ayenst my comy"g hom for I haue 
 myche to pay her in london what for the Funerall costs 
 detts and legatts that must be content in gretter hast then 
 shal be myn ease Also I wold the Ferme barly in Flegge as 
 well as at Paston if ther be eny wer gadryd And if it may 
 be resonably sold then to be sold or pvitt to the malty"g but 
 I wold at Castr that it were ought of the ten'nts handys for 
 thyngs that I here kepe ye consell thys fro Pekok and all 
 folkys whyche mater I shall appese if god wyll geve me 
 leve. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 Frencli Arms and t- 
 
 PI. xii. No. 21. 
 
 This letter gives further information concerning the steps taken by J. Pi'.slou 
 to prevent his uncle Williams intention of entering into possession of some of 
 those estates fallen to him by the death of his grandmother ami brother. H(; 
 writes like a dutiful son and a man of business ; shewing himself active, but at 
 the same time cautious.
 
 EDWAliD IV. 271 
 
 trust I shall bring you more certainty of all the fardel that 
 I have in my business than I can as yet wi-ite. 
 
 I am put in certainty by my most special good master, 
 my Master of the Rolls, that my Lord of Ely is and shall 
 be better lord to me than he hath shewed as yet, and yet 
 hath he dealt with me right well and honourably. 
 
 Mother, I beseech you that Peacock may be sent to pur- 
 vey me as much money as is possible for him to make 
 against my coming home, for I have much to pay here in 
 London, what for the funeral costs, debts, and legacies, that 
 must be content in greater haste than shall be mine ease. 
 Also I would the farm barley in Fleg, as well as at Paston, 
 if there be any, were gathered, and if it may be reasonably 
 sold, then to be sold, or put to the malting ; but I would at 
 Caister that it were out of the tenants' hands, for things that 
 I hear: keep ye counsel this from Peacock and from all 
 folks, wliich matter I shall appease, if God will give me 
 leave. 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 London, " 
 
 December, 
 1479. 19 E. iv.
 
 •272 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER LXIII. 
 
 S' I p'y yow ye will send sum chykl to my lord of Buk 
 place and to ye Crown wich as I conseiue is called Gerards 
 Hall in bred stret to inquer wliedir J liaue any answer of 
 my lett' sent to Caleys which ye know off and that ye will 
 Reme^br my broyeris ston so y' it myth be mad er I cu'm 
 ageyn and yat it be klenly wrowgth it is told me yat ye man 
 at Sent Bridis is no klenly port'yer Therfor J wold fayn it 
 myth be port'yed be sum odir man and he to g'ue it iij). 
 S', It is informyd su" psones in yis cu~tre yat ye know yat 
 the frer will sew a nodir Delegate fro Rome dyrekt to sum 
 byschop of i'gla'd to ame'd his maf^ &c. and how be it yat it 
 may not gretly hurt yet ye seyd psones &c. wold not he 
 shuld have his entent inamoch as his suggestion is untrew 
 but rayer yey wold spend money to lette it. I suppose ye 
 Abbot of Bery shuld labor for him rather yn anodir because 
 ye sey Abbot is a reteynor to y*" Lord yat is y" freris mayn- 
 tener &c. wherefor boy my M. and I p'y yow to en(]uer 
 after a man callid Clederro whych is solisitor and attorne 
 with iVList' Will Grey yat late was y" ki'ggs })ktor at I^ome 
 and y'' seyd Clederro senditli matiers and lett's owth of 
 ingcland to his seyd mast' ev'' monith &c. he is well knowe 
 in London and amo'g y*" lumbards and with y' bisdioj) of 
 Winchestres men but I wot not wher he dwellit in London 
 and I supj)os if ye speke w' him he knowitli me. ])lcse yow 
 to confe w' him of y'' mat' but let him not wete of y' mat' 
 atwix my modir and him but desir him to wryth to his
 
 EDWARD IV. 273 
 
 LETTER LXIII. 
 
 Sir, I pray you that ye will send some child to my Lord of 
 Buckingham's place, and to the Crown, which, as I con- 
 ceive, is called Gerard's Hall, in Bread-street, to inquire 
 whether I have any answer of my letter sent to Calais, 
 which ye know of ; and that ye will remember my brother's 
 stone, so that it might be made ere I come again, and that 
 it be cleanly wrought; it is told me, that the man of Saint 
 Bride's is no cleanly poui'trayer, therefore I would fain it 
 might be pourtrayed by some other man, and he to grave it 
 
 up- 
 
 Sir, it is informed some persons in this country, that ye 
 
 inow that the friar will sue another delegate from Rome, 
 directed to some bishop in England, to amend his matter, 
 &c. and howbeit that it may not greatly hurt, yet the said 
 persons would not he shovdd have his intent, inasmuch as 
 his suggestion is untrue, but rather they would spend 
 money to let [Iihidei-'\ it. 
 
 I suppose the Abbot of Bury should labour for him ra- 
 ther than another, because the said abbot is a retainer to 
 the lord that is the friar's maintainor, &c. wherefore both 
 my mother and I pray you to inquhe after a man called 
 Clitheroe, which is solicitor and attorney with Master Wil- 
 liam Grey, that late was the king's proctor at Rome, and 
 the said Clitheroe sendeth matters and letters out of Enff- 
 land to his said master every month, &c. ; he is well known 
 in London and among the Lombards, and with the Bishop 
 of Winchester's men, but I Avot not where he dwelleth in 
 
 VOL. V. N N
 
 274 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 mast' to lett y'' if it may be or ell to se y" best wey yat he 
 have not his intent and to com'e w* y^ p'ktor of y" Whith 
 Freris at Rome to hep forth for ye freris her have laboricl 
 to my M and p'yd her to lete his ontrcAve inte't and have 
 wrete to her pketor befor yis &c. and I suppose if ye speke 
 to y" p'or of y" freris at London he will writh to her seyd 
 p'ktor &e. but tell y" p'or no word yat I know yerof but let 
 him wete if he will wry th to his p'ktor oder men shall help 
 forth. Morov' yat ye will tell Cledero yat I am not seker 
 y' the frer laborith yus but by talis of freres and oder nev'- 
 theles let him writh to his mast' yat for whatsomeveyr he 
 do herin he shall be truly cd'te't for his labor and costs and 
 if y* thi''k y' Cledero will writh effectually herin geff hym j 
 noble bid hy" let his mast' know yat my lord of Wynchest' 
 and Danyell ow god will to y" p' that he shall labor for and 
 if ther be fow n no sech swth be ye seyd frer yet wold I have 
 sum thi^g fro Rome to anull ye old bull &c. or to open it if 
 it myth be do esely &c. and tydi'g wheder yer be any sech 
 sute &c. 
 
 Yo' own &c. 
 
 For how beit y' it may nowyir avayl nor hurt yet my M. 
 will yis be do. I send yow y'" Cope of y'' bull and how ex- 
 ecucion was do and informacion of y'' mat' in pte &c. and 
 S' I sha conte"t yo' noble &c. and I pray yow red it ov' and 
 spede yow homward and bri~g yis lett' hom w' yow &c. 
 
 8 by 3|. 
 
 This letter has no diicctiou, so to wlioin it is written docs not appear; nei- 
 ther is it subscribed by any one, tliougli the writer was certainly J. Paston. 
 
 It shows the care and attention of the surviving friends towards the properly 
 pourtraying tiic effigies of the dceeaseil, vviien a skilful draughtsman was em-
 
 EDWARD IV. 275 
 
 London ; and I suppose, if ye speak with him, he knoweth 
 me ; please you commune with him of this matter, but let 
 him not weet of the matter betwixt my mother and him, 
 but desire him to write to his master to let this, if it may 
 be, or else to see the best way that he have not his intent ; 
 and to commune with the proctor of the White Friars at 
 Rome to help forth, for the friars here have laboured to my 
 mother and prayed her to help to let his untrue intent, and 
 have written to her proctor before this. And I suppose if 
 ye speak to the prior of the friars at London, he will write 
 to her said proctor, &c. but tell the prior no word that I 
 know thereof, but let him weet, if he will w rite to his proc- 
 tor, other men shall help forth. 
 
 Moreover, that ye will tell Clitheroe that I am not seker 
 [s?/:?'e] that the friar laboureth this, but by tales of friars and 
 other ; nevertheless let him write to his master, that what- 
 soever he do herein he shall be truly content for his 
 labour and costs ; and if ye think that Clitheroe will Avrite 
 effectually herein, give him one noble, and bid him let his 
 master know that my Lord of Winchester and Daniel owe 
 good w ill to the post that he shall labour for. And if there 
 be found no such suit by the said friar, yet would I have 
 something from Rome to annul the old Bull or to appeir 
 llesaen the effect of] it, if it might be done easily, &c. and 
 tidings whether there be any such suit, &c. 
 
 Your own 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 1479-80. 19 E. iv. 
 
 For howbeit that it may neither avail nor hurt, yet my 
 mother will [that~\ this be done. I send you the copy of 
 
 N N 2
 
 276 ' PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 ployed to make the drawing, wliicii another was to engrave. It may be pre- 
 sumed, that in many cases where there remained a picture or likeness of the 
 deceased, that a copy from that was taken for the purpose of having it en- 
 graved ; many brass plates therefore may at this day be real representations of 
 the persons whom they cover. 
 
 The account which we have here of the business to be transacted at Rome 
 is both curious and full of information, as it describes the modes of proceeding 
 in the Pope's court, &,c. 
 
 LETTER LXIV. 
 
 To my Rijght wurclii/pfull 
 And especiall good mother 
 Maraaret Paston. 
 
 '&' 
 
 Ryght worchypfull and inoste especialle good inodyr jn 
 my nioste vmble wyse w' alle my dute and s'vyse I Reco- 
 mawnd me to yovv besecliynge zow of zo"^ blessyng whyche 
 is to me moste joye of erthely thynge And it plese zow to 
 be so good and kynd modyr to me to forgeue me And also 
 my wyffe of ow' leiide offence yat we haue not don ow' diite 
 whyche was to haue seyn and ave waytyd up on zow or now 
 my huswyffe trustythe to ley to zow her huswyferey for 
 her excuse wyche I nuiste beseche zow not to accej)te for 
 jn good faythe I deme her mynde hathe l)en otlier weys 
 ocapyed ya" to huswyfery whyche seniyth wellc; by y' 
 latchesnes of y' tylthe of her landds I beseche god for y" 
 forderawnce of the" as now Rewavde zow And y' good p'son
 
 EDWARD IV. 277 
 
 the Bull, and how execution was done, and information of 
 the matter in part, &c. and, Sir, I shall content your noble, 
 &c. I pray you read it over, and speed you homeward, 
 and bring this letter home with you, &c. 
 
 LETTER LXIV. 
 
 To my Right Worshipful and especial good Mother, Margaret 
 
 Paston. 
 
 Right worshipful and most especial good mother, in my 
 most humble wise, with all my duty and service, I recom- 
 mend me to you, beseeching you of your blessing, which is to 
 me most joy of earthly thing; and it please you to be so good 
 and kind, mother, to me, to forgive me, and also my wife, 
 of our lewd [rude] offence, that we have not done our duty, 
 which was to have seen you and have waited upon you ere 
 now. My huswife trusteth to lay to you her hovxswifry for 
 her excuse, which I must beseech you not to accept, for in 
 good faith, I deem her mind hath been otherwise occupied 
 than as to houswifry, which seemeth well by the lachesness 
 [negligeiicel of the tilth of her lands. I beseech God, for 
 the furtherance of them as now reward you, and the good 
 parson of Maultby and also Master Baily, who I wend 
 would not have balked this poor lodging to Norwich ward. 
 I understand by the bringer hereof that ye intend to ride
 
 278 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 of Mautby and also Masty' baley who I wende woold not 
 have balkyd this por loggeyng to Norwyche wards I nndyr- 
 stand by y^ bryngger her of yat ze entende to Ryde to Wal- 
 sjiigh'in yf it please zow yat I may wette y" seayson as my 
 dute is J shalle be redy to awayte up on zow Plese it zow 
 yat y^ brynggar her of cam to me for x' viij'' whyche I shuld 
 o^v hys fadyr trew it was at my laste dep'tyng from hy" I 
 owte hy" somych but s'taynly or I cam at Thetford home 
 wards J thowt of co'cyence he owte to haue restoryd me as 
 myche I had my horsse w' hy' at Ly very and amonge alle on 
 of them was putte to gresse and to labur so yat he dyed of 
 a laxe by y*^ wey I payed for hard mete eu' to hy" Plese it 
 zow to delyv' Kateryn v' wyche J send zow i" this bylle I 
 am not assartaynd how she is purveyde of mony towards 
 her Jornay yf her fadyr cowde not acleymed j'' of me J 
 woold not se her dysporveyd yf I myght nor y" poreste 
 chyld yat is belonggyng to hys loggeyng Modyr my wyffe 
 is boold to send zow a tokyn I beseche zow p'don alle 
 thynggs not don acordyng to dute I beseche god send zow 
 y" accomplyshme"t of zo' moste and woorchypfull desyers 
 At Owby y'' Sat'day nex' befor Candylmes. 
 
 zo' omble son 
 
 and sruant 
 
 Edmund Paston. 
 
 8J by 94- 
 
 This letter appears to have been written very soon after Edmund Paston's 
 marriage vvilli tlie widow of William Clippesby, as it stems to imply that he 
 had not yet carried his bride to pay iier duty to iiis mother. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xx. No. '50. 
 
 SeaI,aFkur-d.-lys. PI. xiv. No. 4.
 
 EDWARD IV. 279 
 
 to Walsingliam, if it please you that I may weet the season, 
 as my duty is, I shall be ready to await upon you. 
 
 Please it you, that the bringer hereof came to me for lOi'. 
 8d. which I should owe his father ; true it was at my last 
 departing from him, I owed him so much, but certainly ere 
 I came at Thetford homewards, I thought of conscience he 
 ought to have restored me as much ; I had my horses with 
 liim at livery, and among all one of them was put to grass 
 and to labour, so that he died of a lax by the way; I paid 
 for hard meat ever to him. 
 
 Please it you to deliver Katharine 55. which I send you 
 in this bill. I am not ascertained how she is purveyed of 
 money towards her journey. If her father could not have 
 claimed one penny of me, I would not see her dispurveyed 
 [improvidecl] if I might, nor the poorest child that is belong- 
 ing to his lodging. 
 
 Mother, my wife is bold to send you a token; I beseech 
 you pardon all things not done according to duty. I be- 
 seech God send you the accomplishment of your most wor- 
 shipful desires. At Oby, the Saturday next before Candle- 
 mas. 
 
 Your humble Son 
 
 and Servant, 
 
 Edmund Paston. 
 Oby, 
 
 Saturday, 29th January, 
 1479-80. 19 E. IV.
 
 280 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER LXV. 
 
 To John Kynge Fermo' of my 
 Man' of Harwdbury in Kelsall 
 be Hoystoi be this ddyu'd 
 
 JoHX Kyng I grete yow hartely well And J luiderstond as 
 well by my frende Syr Will'm Storar as by Ric Browne 
 that as well my Kynnesman S' John Fasten that dede is as 
 my Kynnesman John Paston that now liveth have ben w' 
 yow and govin yow many grete thretis for that y*" acordyng 
 to the trowth tolde unto them that ye ocupyed my Man' of 
 Harwelbury be my leese and be my ryght And further more 
 J understand notw'stondyng the seyde grete thretis that ye 
 lyke a full trewe harty fi-ende have delyd and fastely abe- 
 dyn in my tytill and wolde not retorne to none of them 
 Wherfor I hartely thank yow and further more to corage 
 yow in yow' fast dealyng J schcw onto yow that I have 
 ryght bothe in law and in concience \\ herby I ])'myse yow 
 on my Feythe to defende yow and save yow harmeles for 
 the occupacion of the londe or any thynge that ye schall 
 doo in my titill a gaynst hym And it schulde cost me as 
 moche as the man' is worth And also another tynie to doo 
 as moche for yow And it ly in my powre yf ye haue ony 
 mat' to doo ther as I may doo for yow And also I here say 
 by my said frende Syr Will'm Storar and by Ric Brown that 
 ye ar of suche substaunce and of suche trust and suche favor
 
 EDWARD IV. 281 
 
 LETTER LXV. 
 
 To John K/jng, Fanner of tiiij Manor of Harzselbury in Kel- 
 sall by Roijdon, he this delivered. 
 
 JoHX Kyng, I greet you heartily well, and I vmderstand as 
 well by my friend Sir William Storar as by Richard Browne, 
 that as well my kinsman Sir John Paston that dead is, as 
 my kinsman John Paston that now liveth, have been with 
 you, and given you many great threats, for that ye, accord- 
 ing to the truth, told unto them, that ye occupied my 
 manor of Harwelbury by my lease, and by my right; and 
 furthermore I understand, notwithstanding the said great 
 threats, that ye, like a full, true, hearty friend, have dealed, 
 and fastly abiden on my title, and would not retourn [cittourn'] 
 to none of them ; wherefore I heartily thank you, and fur- 
 ther more to courage [encom^age^ you in your fast dealing, 
 I shew unto you that I have right both in law and in con- 
 science, whereby I promise you on my faith to defend you 
 and save you harmless for the occupation of the land, or 
 any thing that ye shall do on my title against him, and [//] 
 it should cost me as much as the manor is worth, and also 
 another time to do as much for you, and [//'] it lie in my 
 power, if ye have any matter to do there as I may do for 
 you. 
 
 And also I hear say, by my said friend Sir William Storar 
 and by Richard Browne, that ye are of such substance, and 
 
 VOL. V. o o
 
 282 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 in the Contre ther that it Hthe in yow' powre to do a goode 
 turne for yow' frende Wretyn at London the xxiiij day of 
 Februar. 
 
 Be William Paston. 
 
 6 by 53. 
 
 This letter so fully explains itself, that notiiiiig I can add can throw any 
 additional light upon it. The manor of Harwelbury, the estate of his mother 
 
 LETTER LXVL 
 
 To my brother IVyll'm Paston 
 be this Delyu'd. 
 
 J HARTELY Rccomawnd me to zow her is lately fallyn a 
 wydow in Woorstede whyche was wyff to on Bolt a wor- 
 stede marchant and woi'th a m' li and gaff to hys wyff a C 
 marke i' mony stuffe of Howsold And plate to y' valew of a 
 V marke and x li be zer i" land she is callyd a fayer ianlyl- 
 woma" I wyll for zo' sake se her she is Ryght systyr of Fad' 
 and modyr to Herry ynglows I p pose to speke w' hy" to 
 gctt hys good wyll the ja'tylwoma" is abovvght xxx zers and 
 has but ij chyldern whyche shalbe at y' deds charge she 
 was hys wyf l)ut v zer yf she be eny bett' ya~ I wryght for 
 take it in woothe I shew the leeste thus lete me haue 
 knowlache of zo' my"de as shortly as ze ca' and wha" ze shall
 
 EDWARD IV. 283 
 
 of such trust, and such favour, in the country there, that it 
 Ueth in your power to do a good turn for your friend. 
 Written at London, the 24th day of February. 
 
 By William Paston. 
 
 London, 
 
 Tliursday, 24th February, 
 1479-80. l[) E. iv. 
 
 Agnes Paston, was in the parish of Hariield near Kelsall by Royston, in 
 Hertfordshire. 
 
 Autograph, PI. ii. No. "21. 
 
 LETTER LXVL 
 
 To my Brother JJ illictm Faston be this delivered. 
 
 I HEARTILY recouimend me to you; here is lately fallen a 
 widow in Worsted, which was wife to one Bolt, a worsted 
 merchant, and worth a thousand pound, and gave to hifs 
 wife an hundred marks (66/. 13s. 4d.) in money, stuff of 
 household, and plate to the value of an hundred marks, and 
 ten pounds by the year in land; she is called a fair gentle- 
 woman. I will for your sake see her. She is right sister, of 
 father and mother, to Harry Ingloss; I purpose to speak 
 with him to get his good will. The gentlewoman is about 
 thirty years, and has but two children, which shall be at the 
 dead's charge ; she was his wife but five years ; if she be any 
 better than I write for, take it in woothe [q. ? don't be .sur- 
 prised^ I shew the least ; thus let me have knowledge of 
 
 o o 2
 
 284 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 nioun be T this cu"tr And thus god send zew good halth and 
 good auentur from Norwyche y'^ Sat'day aft' xij"" Dey. 
 
 Yo' 
 
 E. Paston. 
 
 8i by 4^. 
 
 The date of this letter cannot be exactly ascertained ; I think it was not 
 written sooner than 1480 or 1481, and it might be written not till a few years 
 after ; which will bring the age of the lady nearer to an eqnality with that of 
 William Paston. 
 
 The marriage never took effect, nor do I find that he did ever marry. 
 
 LETTER LXVII. 
 
 To my JFurs/iepfull and 
 tendrest maistcr John 
 Paston Esqiti/er 
 
 RiGH Wurshc])fulle one of my most kyndest and tenderest 
 and undes'ued most contynuell maister. J recomaunde me 
 to you And where your trusty maistershep willeth me to 
 come to Norwich Pleas it you I may not For eu" as in long 
 tyme j)assed on thursday in Esterne weke bygynne maister 
 Heydons Courtes and letes the vieu of the llalfyere of the 
 houshold accompte The closyng uj) fynally of thaccomptes 
 of alle baillicvs so that the rcsceyvour may make his fynall
 
 EDWARD IV. 285 
 
 your mind as shortly as ye can, and when ye shall moun 
 [iriean to, q. ?] be in this country, and thus God send you 
 good health and good adventure. 
 
 From Norwich, the Saturday after twelfth-day. 
 
 Your 
 
 Edmund Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 Saturday, 13th January, 
 
 1480-1. 21 E. iv. 
 or it might be written a few weeks after. 
 
 The lady's fortune and the state of her affairs, as widow of Bolt, are mi- 
 nutely related. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xx. No. 30. 
 
 LETTER LXVII. 
 
 To my Worshipful and Tender est Master, John Ponton, Esq. 
 
 Right worshipful, one of my kindest and tenderest, and 
 undeserved most continual master, I recommend me to you : 
 and where[fls] your trusty mastership willeth me to come to 
 Norwich ; please it you 1 may not, for ever, as in long time 
 passed, on Thursday in Easter week begin Master Heydon's 
 courts and leets ; the view of the half-year of the household 
 account; the closing up finally the account of all bailiffs, ho 
 that the receiver may make his final account, which will 
 extend in all to fourteen days and more, and to this season 
 is my duty, and else I should not fail your pleasure.
 
 286 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 accompte which %ville extende in alle to xiiij dayes and more 
 And to this season is my duete And elles I shulde not faill 
 your pleasure. INIoreou' pleas it you my lord Reviers in his 
 owne p'^sone hath bene atte Hikelyng and his counseill lerned 
 and serched his fees for his homages among which ye be for 
 Begvyles pasture in Somerton and I suppose Wynterton 
 late S' John Fastolfs My Maistres your modre for Mawtebyes 
 in Waxham Wherein I beseche you p'vide for I haue don 
 therein hertofore as fer as I myght &c ^Vhat it meneth my 
 lord is sette sore to approwement and Husbondry his Coun- 
 seill hath tolde him he may sette his fines for Respite of 
 Homage at his pleasure &c I besech you my maistresse may 
 haue worde of this And oure blessed lord eu' mutte p's've 
 you and be your gou'nour and defender Wreten at Thorpe- 
 lond this Wednesday in Esterne Weke fallyng the x Day of 
 Ap" A" Eiiij" xxij. 
 
 Your sau"t T. Cryne. 
 
 m by 35. . 
 
 We have line an instance of the exactness with wliich the different accounts 
 of gentlemen of fortune were kept and audited. Sir Henry lleydon, hy the 
 death of iiih father in 1-1-80, came into possession of a very large estate ; the 
 writer of this letter appears to have been one of the principal of his bailiffs or 
 stewards. 
 
 Hickling and the other estates here mentioned were the possessions of the 
 Lord Scales, whose only daughter and heir Anthony Widvihe. in her right 
 L'>rd Scales, and at the death of ins fallier. Earl Rivers, had married.
 
 EDWARD IV. 287 
 
 Moreover please it you my Lord Rivers in his own person 
 hath been at Hickling, and his counsel learned, and searched 
 his fees for his homages, among which ye be for Begvile's 
 pasture in Somerton, and, I suppose, Winterton, late Sir 
 John Fastolf's. 
 
 My mistress your mother for Maultby's in Waxham ; 
 wherein I beseech you provide, for I have done therein 
 heretofore, as far as I might, &c. What [ever'] it meaneth, 
 my lord is set sore to approvement and husbandry ; his 
 counsel hath told him he may set his fines for respite of 
 homage at his pleasure, &c. 
 
 I beseech you my mistress may have word of this ; and 
 our blessed Lord ever mutte [may] preserve you, and be 
 your governor and defender. 
 
 Written at Thorpland this Wednesday in Easter week, 
 falling the 10th day of April, the 22d year of Edward IV. 
 
 Your servant, 
 
 T. Cryne. 
 
 Thorpland, 
 Wednesday, 10th April, 
 1482. 22 E. iv. 
 
 Richard III., after beheading this nobleman, granted these manors to his 
 favourite the Duke of Norfolk. 
 
 We are likewise informed that the fines imposed for respite of homage were 
 arbitrary and depended on the lord's pleasure. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 14.
 
 288 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER LXVIII. 
 
 To mi/ Right IVorshipfuU 
 Masf John Paston in haste 
 
 Right reu'nt and wershipfull S' in my nioste vmble vice I 
 recomaunde nie vnto yow as lowly as I can &c Plese you 
 to wete John Howes Alex' Qwharteyn John Fille w' tlie 
 p'son and the ncwe niyller of Marly ngforthe have goten 
 Thorn' at Willes Carte of Estetodenh'm feimor and myn 
 Uncle ^MU'm Paston Herry Hervy of Meelton mag~a fennor 
 and baly to my seide vncle Ric Barkers Carte of the seide 
 towne of Multon late fermo' And yette is in daunger to my 
 seide vncle And Will'm Smythes Carte- jf brandon iux' 
 Bernh'm broom late fermo' and baly and also in daunger to 
 my seide vncle on Monday And Twesday last past caryed 
 A wey from Merlyngforth in to the place at Seint Edmonds 
 in Norwich xij of yo' greete plankes of the weche they made 
 vj loodes beryng A bowte the seide Cartes bowes and gleves 
 for fcere of takyng A wey S' as for yo' serv'nts of Marlyng- 
 forth they w'holde her Catell and hem selfe bothe from tlie 
 Coorte and Come not w'in the lordship nor make noon 
 attornment except Thom' Davy and John Water weche 
 absentyng of the ten'nts is to them a greet hurt and los for 
 lak of sedyng ther londs w' ther wynter Corn besechyng you 
 for gods sake to reme"bre som remedy for them My lady 
 Calthorp hath ben at Gei)peswich on pilgry mathe and 
 came homward be my lady of Norff. yVnd ther was moche 
 Conv'cacon of yo' mat' be twix you and myn vncle seyng to
 
 EDWARD IV. 289 
 
 LETTER LXVIII. 
 
 To my Right Worshipful Master, John Past on, in haste. 
 
 Right reverend worshipful sir, in my most humble wise, I 
 recommend me unto you as lowly as 1 can, &c. Please 
 you to weet John Howes, Alexander Warden, John Fille, 
 with the parson and the new miller of Marlingford, have 
 gotten Thomas at Well's cart of East Todenham, farmer ; 
 and mine uncle William Paston, Harry Hervy of Melton 
 Magna, farmer, and bailiff to my said uncle, Richard Barker's 
 cart of the said town of Melton, late farmer, and yet is in 
 danger [debt^ to my said uncle, and William Smyth's cart of 
 Brandon juxta ^arnham Broom, late farmer, and bailiff, and 
 also in danger to my said uncle, on Monday and Tuesday 
 last past carried away from Marlingford into the place at 
 Saint Edmund's in Norwich, twelve of your great planks, 
 of the which they made six loads, bearing about the said 
 carts bows and glaives [panned with bozi\s and bills^ for fear of 
 taking away. Sir, as for your tenants of Marlingford, they 
 withhold their cattle and themselves both from the court, 
 and come not within the lordship, nor make none attourn- 
 ment, except Thomas Davy and John Water, which absent- 
 ing of the tenants is to them a great hurt and loss, for lack 
 of seeding of their lands with their winter corn ; beseeching 
 you for God's sake to remember some remedy for them. 
 
 My Lady Calthorpe hath been at Ipswich on pilgrimage, 
 and came home by my Lady of Norfolk, and there was 
 much communication of your matter betwixt you and mine 
 
 VOL. V. p p
 
 290 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 my lady Caltorp ye nede not A goune to londou ye myght 
 haue had an ende at home rememberyng to my seid lady 
 Caltorp of the mocon that he made towchyng the man' of 
 Sporle p'myttyng to my lady to Abide y' and to write and 
 scale as largely as any man wol desire hym And at his 
 dep'tyng from my lady he was not mery what the Cauce 
 was I wot not my lady Calthorp desireth me to write to yow 
 to have ende for he intendes largely to have a peace w* yow 
 as he seth but truste hym not to moche for he is not goode 
 my mother in lawe thynketh longe she here no word from 
 you She is in goode heele blissed be god and al yo' babies 
 also I mervel J here no word from you weche greveth me 
 ful evele I sent you a lett' be brasio' sone of Norwiche wher 
 of I here no word No more to you at this tyme but Almyghty 
 Ihvi haue you in his blissed kepyng Wreten at Norwich on 
 AUowmes Day at nyght 
 
 Be yowr sru'nt and bedewo^n 
 
 Margery Paston. 
 S' I prey yow if ye tary longe at 
 london y' it wil plese to sende for me 
 for J thynke longe sen I lay in yo' 
 Amies 
 
 12 by 81. 
 
 The former \r,ut of tins letter relates to tlic tlispiites still subsisting between 
 .1. Paston and his uncle, who, from the conversation here mentioned to have 
 passed between him ami l^ady Cultliorpe, seems to wish for an accommodation. 
 
 La<Iy Caltlior|)<', the dau-^hter and co-heir of Sir Miles Staplelon, was the 
 second wife of Sir \\ illiani Caltiiorpe, Kt. 
 
 The simplicity of manners, and the amiable affection of the writer towards 
 her husband, exhibited above, will remind the reader of those delicate letters 
 written by her when a maiden, ami w iiicli, as he will most probably wish to
 
 EDWARD IV. 291 
 
 uncle, saying to my Lady Calthorpe, ye need not have gone 
 to London, ye might have had an end at home ; remembering 
 to my said Lady Calthorpe of the motion that he made 
 touching the manor of S])orle, promising to my Lady to 
 abide that, and to write and seal as largely as any man will 
 desire him. 
 
 And at his departing from my Lady he was not merry, 
 what the cause was I wot not. My Lady Calthorpe desired 
 me to write to you to have end, for he intends largely to 
 have a peace with you, as he saith ; but trust him not too 
 much, for he is not good. My mother-in-law thinketh long 
 she hear no word from you ; she is in good health, blessed 
 be God, and all your babes also. I marvel I hear no word 
 from you, which grieveth me full evil ; I sent you a letter 
 by \_the] brasier's son of Norwich, whereof I hear no word. 
 No more to you at this time, but Almighty Jesu have you 
 in his blessed keeping. Written at Norwich on Halimas 
 day at night, 
 
 By your servant and beadswoman 
 
 Margery Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 2d Nov. 
 about 1482 or 1483. 
 22 or 23 E. iv. 
 
 Sir, I pray you, if ye tarry long at London, that it will 
 please [j/oi«] to send for me, for I think long since I lay in 
 your arms. 
 
 refer to them here, he will find in vol. ii. pp. 209. 211. Letters LXXI. and 
 LXXII. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 1 1 . 
 
 p p 2
 
 292 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER LXIX. 
 
 To f/ii/ ryght IVurcJmpfull 
 MaysV John Pasfoii Esqnyer 
 be this lett' delyuerd in hast 
 
 Myne owyn Swete hert Jn my most humyhvyse I Reco- 
 maund me on to you desyryng hertly to her of your AYelfar 
 the wheche I beseehe alle myghty god p's'ue and kepe to 
 liis pies' and your herts desyer Ser the Cause of my Wrytyng 
 to you at thys tyme on Friday att nyght last past Come 
 Alexand' Wharten lohn Hous and lohn Fille w* ij good 
 carts well mannyd and horsyd w' hem to Marlyngford And 
 ther at y*" Man' of Marlyngford and at the mille lodyn bothe 
 carts w' mest lyon and Whete and betymys on Saturday i" 
 the Mornyng they departyd fro IMarlyngford towai'ds Bongey 
 as it is seyd for the seyd carts come fro Boiigey as I soppose 
 by the sendynge of Bryon for he goth hastyly ou' y'' se as 
 it is seyd And as I suppose he wyll haue the Mest lyon ou' 
 w' hym for the most part of the cart loods was Mest lyon 
 &c It'm Ser on Saturday last past I spacke w' my Cosyn 
 (iornay And he seyd if I wold goo to my lady of Norff. and 
 besech hyr good g'ce to be your good and Gracyous lady she 
 wold so be for he seyd that on Word of a Woman sludd do 
 mor than the Words of xx men yiffe I coixde Rewyll my 
 tonge and speke non hemic of myn Vnkyll And if ye 
 Comaund me so for to do I Trist J shuld sey nothynge to 
 my ladys displesur but to yoin* ])'fvt for me thynkyth by the 
 Words of them and of your good fermor of Oxncd that they
 
 EDWARD IV. 293 
 
 LETTER LXIX. 
 
 To my Kight Worshipful Master, John Foslon, Esq. be this 
 letter delivered in haste. 
 
 Mine own sweet heart, in my most humble wise', I recom- 
 mend me unto you, desiring heai'tily to hear of your welfare, 
 the which I beseech Almighty God preserve and keep to 
 his pleasure and your heart's desire. 
 
 Sir, the cause of my writing to you at this time, on Friday 
 at night last past came Alexander Wharton, John Howse, 
 and John Fille, with two good carts well manned and horsed 
 with them to Marlingford, and there at the manor of Mar- 
 lingford and at the mill loaded both carts with mestlyon 
 [^inesling^ and wheat, and betimes on Saturday in the morning 
 they departed from Marlingford towards Bungay, as it is 
 said ; for the said carts came from Bungay, as I suppose, by 
 the sending of Bryon, for he goeth hastily over the sea, as 
 it is said, and as I suppose he will have the mestlyon over 
 with him, for the most part of the cart loads was mestlyon, 
 &c. 
 
 Sir, on Saturday last past, I spake with my cousin Gor- 
 ney, and he said if I would go to my Lady of Norfolk and 
 beseech her good Grace to be your good and gracious lady, 
 she would so be, for, he said, that one word of a woman 
 should do more than the words of twenty men, if I would 
 rule my tongue, and speak none harm of mine vmcle ; and 
 if ye command me so for to do, I trust I shall say nothing 
 to my Lady's displeasure, but to your profit ; for me thinketh
 
 294 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 will sone drawe to an ende for he Cursytli the tyme that ev' 
 he Come i' the ferme of Oxned for he seyth y' he wotyth 
 Well that he shall haue a grette losse And yet he wyll not 
 be a knowyn whed' he hathe payd or nought but whan he 
 seth his tyme he wyll sey trowth I understond by my seyd 
 Cosyn Gornay that my lady is ner wery of hyr p'te and he 
 seyth my lady shal Come on Pylgremage i' to this towne 
 but he know' not whed' afor Cristmes or aftyr and if I wold 
 thanne gete my lady Calthorpe my moder i" lawe and my 
 moder and myselfe and come befor my lady beseehyng hyr 
 to be your good and graeyous lady he thynkyth ye shull 
 haue an ende for fayne she wold be Redde of it w' hyr onner 
 sauyd but yette money she wold haue No mor to you at 
 thys tyme butte I mervell sor that I haue no lett' from you 
 but I prey god p' serve you and send me good tydyngs from 
 you and spede you well in your matei's And as for me I 
 haue gotyn me anothyr logyn felawe the ferst lett' of hyr 
 name is Mastras Byscheppe she Recomaundyth hyr to you 
 by the same tokyn that ye wold haue had a toky" to my 
 IVIayst' Bryon att Norwych the Sonday next aft' the fest of 
 all Seynts. 
 
 Be yowr srwnt and b^'dewo^n 
 
 Margery Paston. 
 
 12 by CJ. 
 
 Tills letter continues the account of transactions occasioned by the same 
 dispute between the uncle and the nephew. 
 
 It appears here that the Duchess of Norfolk favoured the uncle, and had 
 some concern in the dispute herself. 
 
 The same affectionate regard for her Inisband, which dictated tlie preceding 
 letter, directs the pen of the dutiful wife in this.
 
 EDWARD IV. 295 
 
 by the words of them, and of your good farmer of Oxnead, 
 that they will soon draw to an end, for he curseth the time 
 that ever he came in the farm of Oxnead, for he saith that 
 he weeteth well that he shall have a great loss, and yet he 
 will not be aknowyn \_lei it be hiiown^ whether he hath paid 
 or not ; but when he seeth his time, he will say truth. 
 
 I understand by my said cousin Gornay that my Lady is 
 near weary of her part; and he saith my Lady shall come 
 on pilgrimage into this town, but he knoweth not whether 
 afore Christmas or after, and if I would then get my Lady 
 Calthorpe, my mother-in-law, and my mother, and myself, 
 and come before my Lady, beseeching her to be your good 
 and gracious Lady, he thinketh ye shall have an end, for 
 fain she would be rid of it with her honour saved, but 
 yet money she would have. No more to yo\i at this time, 
 but I marvel sore that I have no letter from you, but I pray 
 God preserve you and send me good tidings from you, and 
 speed you well in your matters. And as for me, I have 
 gotten me another lodging fellow, the first letter of her 
 name is Mistress Bishop; she recommendeth her to you by 
 the same token that ye would have had a token to my 
 Master Bryon. 
 
 At Norwich, the Sunday next after the feast of All Saints. 
 By your servant and beadswoman, 
 
 Margery Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 Sunday, November, 
 about 1482 or 1483. 
 
 22 or 23 E. iv. 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 11.
 
 296 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER LXX. 
 
 To my Jxyght u'orcJiepfuU 
 Modyr Margaret Paaton 
 
 Ryght Worcliepfiill Modyr jn my most bumble wyse I re- 
 comand me to yow beseeliy'ng yow of yo*^ dayly blyssy'g 
 And wben I may I wyll witb as good wyll be redy to re- 
 compence yow for tbe cost that my huswytf and J have put 
 yow to as I am now bond to thank yow for it whyche I do 
 in the best wyce I can And Modyr it pleasyd yow to haue 
 serteyn woordys to my wyff at hyr deperty"g towchy'g yo' 
 remembrance of the shortness that ye thynk yo' dayes of 
 And also of the mynd that ye haue towards my brethryn 
 and systyr yo' chyldyr And also of yo' seru'nts wher in ye 
 wyllyd hyr to be a meane to me that I wold tendyr and 
 favore the same Modyr savy"g yo' plesure ther nedyth non 
 enbasatours nor meanys betwyx yow and me For ther is 
 neyther wyff nor other frend shall make me to do that yo' 
 comandment shall make me to do jf I may haue knowlage 
 of it and if I have no knowlage jn good fcytli 1 am excuse- 
 abyll bothe to god and yow and well remembred I wot well 
 ye ought not to haue me in Jclusye for on tliyng nor otlier 
 tliat we wold haue me to accomplyshe if I overleve yow for 
 I wot well non oo man a lyve hathe callyd so oft oopon yow 
 as I to make your wylle and ])ut iche thyng in serteynte 
 that ye wold haue don for your sylf and to your chyldre 
 and seru'nts Also at the maky"g of yo' wylle and at ev'y 
 confunycacyon that J liaue ben at w' yow towchy'g the
 
 EDWARD IV. 297 
 
 LETTER LXX. 
 
 To mi/ higlit Worshipfid Mother Margaret Past on. 
 
 Right worshipful Mother, in my most humble wise I re- 
 commend me to you, beseeching you of your daily blessing, 
 and when I may, I will with as good will be ready to re- 
 compense you for the costs that my huswife and I have put 
 you to, as 1 am now bound to thank you for it, which I do 
 in the best wise I can. And, mother, it pleased you to 
 have certain words to my wife at her departing, touching 
 your remembrance of the shortness that ye think your days 
 of, and also of the mind that ye have towards my brethren 
 and sister your children, and also of your servants, wherein 
 ye willed her to be a mean to me, that I would tender and 
 favour the same. Mother, saving your pleasure, there 
 needeth not ambassadors nor means betwixt you and me, 
 for there is neither wife nor other friend shall make me to 
 do that, that your commandment shall make me to do, if I 
 may have knowledge of it ; and if I have no knowledge, in 
 good faith I am excusable both to God and you; and, well 
 remembered, I wot well, ye ought not to have me in jea- 
 lousy for one thing nor other that ye would have me to 
 accomplish, if I overlive you ; for I wot well none man alive 
 hath called so oft upon you as I, to make your will and put 
 each thing in certainty, that ye would have done for your- 
 self, and to your children and servants. Also at the making 
 of your will, and at every communication that I have been 
 
 VOL. V. Q Q
 
 .298 P ASTON LETTERS. 
 
 same I nevyr coutraryed thyng that ye wold haue doon and 
 p'formyd but always offyrd my sylf to be bownde to the 
 same but modyr J am ryght glad that my wyff is eny thyng 
 yo' favore or trust but I am ryght sory that my wyff or eny 
 other chyld or seru'nt of yo' shold be in l)ettyr favore or 
 trust w' yow then my sylf for I wyll and must forbere and 
 put fro me that that all yo' other chyldre seru'nts ])restys 
 werkmen and Frendys of yo' that ye wyll ought bequethe 
 to shall take to theym And thys haue 1 and euyr wylbe 
 redy on to whyll I leue on my feyth and nevyr thought other 
 so god be my helpe whom I beseche to p'serve yow and 
 send yow so good lyff* and longe that ye may do for youre 
 sylf and me atlyr my dyssease and I beshrewe ther hertys 
 that wold other or shall cause yow to mystrust or to be im- 
 kynd to me or my Frendys at Norwyche thys Monday w' 
 the hand of your sone and trwest seru'nt. 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 1 1| by S|. 
 
 Can all} word.s beUer express tlie seiiliineiits ot'awrilei than \\\osv lure used 
 liy J . l^asloii ? 
 
 Call wc n^ail \\is liearl by any ollu r niuaiis so well, as by those he has liere 
 afl'orded us ? 
 
 We arc; at a loss whicii most to aclinire, his (hilitiil attention to his inotherV 
 desire; his intended pnnetuality in discharging every known iiiliniation of her's, 
 not only towards her eliildren, but likewise towards her friends, priests, and 
 servants ; his ready acquiescence in every wish of her heart ; or his final hope 
 lliat she will not only survive him but live to ])ei'forin his will.
 
 EDWARD IV. 29!) 
 
 at with you touching the same, I never contrariecl [contra- 
 dicterQ any thing that ye would have done and j)erformed, 
 hut always offered myself" to be bound to the same; but, 
 mother, I am right glad that my wife is any thing [m] your 
 favour or trust, but I am right sorry that my wife, or any 
 other child, or servant of yours should be in better favour 
 or trust with you than myself, for I will and must forbear, 
 and put from me that, that all your other children, servants, 
 priests, workmen, and friends of yours, that ye will ought 
 bequeath to, shall take to them, and this have I, and ever 
 will be ready unto, while I live, on my faith, and never 
 thought other, so God be my hel}) ; whom I beseech to pre- 
 serve you and send you so good life and long, that ye may 
 do for yourself and me after my decease: and I beshrew 
 [c/«.s't'] their hearts that would other, or shall cause you to 
 mistrust, or to be unkind to me or my friends. 
 
 At Norwich, this Monday, with the hand of your son and 
 truest servant, 
 
 John Paston. 
 
 Norwich, 
 
 Monday, 
 
 Between 1482 and 1484. 
 
 21 E. iv. and 2 R. iii. 
 
 This letter, exclusive of the sentiments it contains, would, as a composition, 
 do honour to any modern writer. 
 
 Margaret Paston's Will, here referred to, was dated on the 4th of February, 
 1481-2, 21 E. iv. and proved on the 18th of December, 1484, 2 R. iii. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 15. to which is added a fac-simile of the conclud- 
 ing part of this letter. 
 
 Q Q 2
 
 ORIGINAL LETTERS, 
 
 WRITTEN DURING THE REIGN OF 
 
 EDWARD V. 
 
 A. D. 1483. 
 
 RICHARD III. 
 
 A. D. 1483—1485. 1— SRic. Ill-
 
 302 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER 1. 
 
 To mi/ Lorde Nevi/ll hi hast. 
 
 My Lorde Nevyll, I recomiuaunde me to you as hartely as 
 I can, and as ever ye love me and your awne weale and 
 securty and yis Realme that ye come to me with that ye 
 may make defensably array de in all the hast that ys possy- 
 
 ble, and that ye wyll yef credence to Richarde 
 
 Ratclyff thys beerrer ; whom I nowe do sende to you en- 
 structed with all my mynde and entent. And my Lord do 
 me nowe gode servyce, as ye have always befor don, and I 
 trust nowe so to remember you as shalbe y** makyng of you 
 and yours. And God sende you goodc fortunes. 
 
 VVrytten att London xi day of Jun with the hande of 
 your hertely lovyng Cousyn and Master, 
 
 R. Gloucester. 
 
 I received the copy of this Letter from the Rev. John Brand, secretary to the 
 Society of Antiquaries, on the '24th of February, 1787, accompanied with the 
 following memorandum. 
 
 " Extract from an ancient MS. of pedigrees, &c. in quarto, late in the pos- 
 session of Sir Walter Blackett, Bart, and now the property of John Erasmus 
 Blackett, Esq. Alderman of Newcastle-upon-Tyne; p. S33. under title of 
 ' A Coppie of some Letters which were Jotiiid in Rtihie Vnstle after the Reliel- 
 
 lio)i, tu shew the Fashion oj' those Times.' The above MS. is of 
 
 the date of James I. though there are several continuations in a more modern 
 hand." 
 
 " This copy has doubtless been a transcript of an original letter of the Duke
 
 . dei'^}0r^i6'Xi 
 
 .:,^.M 
 
 Krom a very nnricnt rirturtin llir. pnKsessioii of tUr. l^fV' T 1H» ' KKKRICK.M \ 
 Prmcijial l.ibrnrijin i <• thr Univr.rttity uf lam hruloc 
 
 /.tmAon f'tif' /ff . / . '//// rrtty, . 4ffi^imr/« tft ' Ma^. /«»V.7
 
 EDWARD V. :H)-6 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 To my Lord ISevyll in haste. 
 
 My Lord Nevyll, 1 recommend me to you as heartily as J 
 can, and as ever ye love me, and your own weal and surety, 
 and this realm, that ye come to me with that ye may make, 
 defensably arrayed, in all the haste that is possible; and 
 
 that ye will give credence to Richard Radcliff' 
 
 this bearer, whom I now do send to you instructed with all 
 my mind and intent. 
 
 And, my Lord, do me now good service, as ye have always 
 before done, and I trust now so to remember you as shall 
 be the making of you and yours; and God send you good 
 fortunes. 
 
 Written at London, the 11th day of June, with the hand 
 of 
 
 Your heartily loving Cousin and Master, 
 
 R. Gloucester. 
 
 London, 
 Wednesday, 1 Itli June, 
 
 1483. 1 E. V. 
 for so this Letter must be dated. 
 
 of Gloucester, afterwards King Richard IIL and written just before his seizure 
 of the crown." 
 
 " Raby Castle is in the County of Durham." 
 
 It does not appear clearly who this Lord Neville was. Sir George Neville, 
 Lord Abergavenny, attended at the coronation of Richard IIL as a baron, but 
 he was never called Lord Neville.
 
 304 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Ralph Neville, second Earl of Westmoreland, died, witliout surviving issue, 
 in 1484, and was succeeded by his nephew Ralph, son of his younger brother. 
 Sir John >i'eville, wiio could not properly be called Lord Neville during his 
 uncle's life, whose second title this was ; yet it is probable that Richard luigiit 
 address him by this title as presumptive heir. The Nevilles were cousins to 
 Uichard by his mother Cecily, Duchess of York, who was daughter of Ralph 
 .Neville, the rirst Earl of Westmoreland. 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 7o mil n/i>ht worclicpfull and herthj 
 beloved Nevew John Fasten Squj/er 
 
 Ri(;ht wovchepfiiU And my ryglit liertly beloved Nevew 
 I recoinand me to yow And whev as ye desier me to send 
 yow woord wliether my brodyr John Paston yo' fadyr was 
 w' my fadyr and hys who God assoyle dury'g hys last syk- 
 nesse and at the tyme of hys dissease at Seynt brydis er 
 7i()wght Nevew I assarteyn yow upon my I'eythe and j)oore 
 honore that I was xiiij xv yer or xvj yer old and at Seynt 
 brydis w' my fadyr and my modyr when my fadyrs last syk- 
 nesse took hym And tyll he was disseassid And I dare de- 
 ])ose befor ony p'sone honorable that when my fadyrs last 
 siknesse tooke hym my brodyr yoiu' fadyr was in Norff' 
 And he came not to london tyll aftyr that my fadyr was dis- 
 seasid And that can S' \\'iirm ('ootyng and Jamys Gressh'm 
 record for they bothe were my fadyrs clerkys at that tyme
 
 RICHARD III. aor, 
 
 T)iis letter was written at a busy period of Richard's life; liis plans were now 
 in forwardness for his seizing the crown, and his orders must have been sent 
 (perhaps this very day) for the beheading of Rivers. Vaughan, and Gray, at 
 Pontfract. Lord Neville appears to have done Richard former services, and 
 he seems to have great confidence from his assistance now, for which he makes 
 most liberal promises. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. I. 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 To mji Right JVorsliipful and hcartilij he loved Nephetc', 
 John Paston, Esq. 
 
 Right worshipful and my right heartily beloved nephew, 
 I recommend me to you; and whereas ye desire me to 
 send you word, whether my brother John Paston, your 
 father, was with my father and his, whom God assoil ! du- 
 ring his last sickness and at the time of his decease at St. 
 Bride's, or not. 
 
 Nephew, I ascertain you upon my faith and poor honour, 
 that I was 14, 15 year, or 16 year old, and at St. Bride's 
 with my father and my mother, when my father's last sick- 
 ness took him, and till he was deceased ; aiid I dare depose 
 before any person honourable, that when my father's last 
 sickness took him, my brother your father was in Norfolk, 
 and he came not to London till after that my father was 
 deceased; and that can Sir William Cooting and James 
 
 VOL. V. 1? K
 
 306 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 And I remembre and Avot well that Jamys Gressh'm was w' 
 my fadyr at Seynt brydys duiyg all hys siknesse and at hys 
 disseasse And thys wyll I wyttnesse whyle I leve for A 
 trowthe as knowith god whom I beseche to p'serve you and 
 yours And nevew I prey yow recomand to my neese your 
 wyff whom I wold be glad to se onys A yen in london wher 
 thys bylle was wretyn Signed w' myn hand and sealed w' 
 my seale (the thursday next befor whyghtsonday the second 
 yer of Kyng Richard the thred) the xxiij daye of Septem- 
 ber the first yer of the reyngne of Kyng Herry the vij'" 
 
 your loveng awnte 
 
 Elizabeth Browne. 
 
 S^ by y. 
 
 This letter from Dame Elizabeth Browne to her nephew, J. Fasten, appear^ 
 to have been written to disprove some assertion of William Paston concerning 
 the matters in dispute between him and his nephew. 
 
 By its having two dates (the former scratched through with a pen), it seems 
 to have been originally written in May, but not sent till September; the trou- 
 bles during the latter months of Richard's reign employing not only the 
 thoughts, but probably the time of the parties concerned.
 
 RICHARD III. 307 
 
 Gresham record, for they both were my fathei-'s clerks at 
 that time; and I remember and wot well, that James Gre- 
 sham was with my father at St. Bride's during all his sick- 
 ness, and at his decease, and this will I witness while I live 
 for a truth, as knoweth God, whom 1 beseech to preserve 
 you and yours. 
 
 And, Nephew, I pray you recommend [we] to my niece 
 your wife, whom I would be glad to see once again in Lon- 
 don, where this bill was written, signed with mine hand and 
 sealed with my seal (the Thursday next before Whitsunday, 
 the second year of King Richard the Third), the 23d day of 
 September, the first year of the reign of King Henry the 
 Vllth. 
 
 Your loving Aunt, 
 
 Elizabeth Browne. 
 
 London, 
 Thursday, IQth May, 14S5. 2 R. iii. 
 Friday, 23d September, 1483. 1 H. vii. 
 
 The writer was the daughter of Sir William Paston, the judge, who died in 
 1444, and must have been now about 56 or 57 years old; she married to her 
 second husband, Sir George Browne, Kt. of Beechworth Castle, in Surry. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 12. 
 
 R r2
 
 I
 
 ORIGINAL LETTERS, 
 
 WRITTEN DURING THE REIGN OF 
 
 HENRY VII. 
 
 1485—1509. 1—24 H. VII.
 
 310 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 To myn n/ght Worshepfull 
 Cosyn John Past on Esqwyer 
 
 Myn Ryght Worshipfull Cosyn J Recomawnde me hertly 
 to you thankyng you of yo' greet kyndnes and lovyng dis- 
 posicon towardys myn lord and me at all tymes which I 
 pray god I may live to see the Acquytell therof to yo' pie- 
 sure Prayeng you of yo' good continuans Cosyn J shewyd 
 you myn mynde that I wolde have myn shildern to ^ Thorp 
 \vher in god yelde you it pleasyd you to sey that J shulde 
 have hors of you to help to conveye them thyder but now 
 I undirstonde myn lord 'Fitz Walt' hath disch'gyd myn 
 lordys s'v'nts thens affermyng up on them that they shulde 
 have had unfittyng langage of the kyngs grace Cosyn I trust 
 that ye and all the Jentilmen of the Shire which have had 
 knowleche of myn lords s'v'nts kan sey that her to for they 
 have not ben of that disposicon to be lavas of theyr tongys 
 whan they had moore cause of booldncs than they have 
 nowe J wolde not have thowght myn lord Fitzwalt' wolde 
 haue takyn so ferforth displeasure for the keepyng of x or 
 xij men at thorp I woot well thcr exccded not iij "'mees meet 
 good and bad J truste all thow J weer a soel woman to 
 mayntene so many at the leeste what so evyr I dyde moore 
 J trustyd to have fowndyn myn lord Fitzwalt' bett' lord to 
 me seyng whan J was wyth myn lord of '^Oxonforth u]) on 
 myn desyre and request at that tymc made on to hym he
 
 HENRY VII. 311 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 To 7nine Right Worshipful Cousin, John Pastofi, Esq. 
 
 Mine right worshipful Cousin, I recommend me heartily to 
 you, thanking you of your great kindness and loving dispo- 
 sition towards mine Lord and me at all times, which I pray 
 God I may live to see the acquittal thereof to your pleasure, 
 praying you of your good continuance. 
 
 Cousin, I shewed you mine mind that I would have mine 
 children to ^Thorp, wherein, God yelde [?/ic/d] you, it 
 pleased you to say that I should have horse of you to help 
 to convey them thither; but now I understand mine Lord 
 'Fitzwalter hath discharged mine Lord's servants thence, 
 affirming upon them that they should have had unfitting 
 language of the King's grace. 
 
 Cousin, I trust that ye and all the gentlemen of the shire, 
 which have had knowledge of mine Lord's servants, can 
 say that heretofore they have not been of that disposition 
 to be lavas \_lavish'\ of their tongues, when they had more 
 cause of boldness than they have now. I would not have 
 thought mine Lord Fitzwalter would have taken so far forth 
 displeasure for the keeping of ten or twelve men at Thorp ; 
 I wot [/fHoziy] well they exceeded not three ^mees meet Impro- 
 per messes] good and bad; I trust, although I were a sole 
 woman, to maintain so many at the least, whatsoever I did 
 more. 
 
 I trusted to have found mine Lord Fitzwalter better lord 
 to me, seeing when I was with mine Lord of "^Oxenford, 
 upon mine desire and request at that time made unto hmi.
 
 312 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 p'mysed me to be good lord to myn lord and me Wher of 
 I p'ye you to put hym in remembrauns trustyng yit be the 
 meene of you to fynde hym better lord to me her aftyr I 
 have fownde myn lord of Oxenforth singuler very good and 
 kynde lord to myn lord And me And stedefaste in hys 
 p'mys wher by he hath wonne myn lordys s'viee as longe as 
 he leevyth and me to be hys trewe beedwoman t'me of myn 
 lyve for hym I drede mooste and yit as hyther to I fynde 
 hym beste I p'y you good Cosyn the rather by yo" meane 
 that I may have the continuans of hys good lordship And 
 to myn poore power I truste to des"ve it J p"y you Cosyn 
 that thys byll may recomawnde to myn lady brews and to 
 myn Cosyn from Mynster in the yle of Shepey the iij'" day 
 of Octobr I p'y you yeve credens to the berer of thys and 
 to thom's Jenney whan he comyth to you. 
 
 Yoiir faythefoull 
 
 Cosyene E. Surrey. 
 
 H|by 8|. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 The Holy Lamb. 
 PI. xxxiii. No. 7. 
 
 We have here a curious and aftecting letter from Elizabeth, tlie wife of Tho- 
 mas Howard Earl of Surrey, who liad been tiikcn :it ihc l);ittlc of Hosworlh. 
 and was now a prisoner in the Tower, but became afterwards a great favourite 
 of Henry VH. and was restored as Duke of Norfolk. He tlied in l,Vi4, 1(> 
 H. Vni. aged above 80 years. 
 
 EMzabeth, his countess, was the daughter and heir of Sir Frederick 'I'ilney, 
 Kt. and widow of Humphrey Bourcliii r Lord lierners. Slie died al>out l.)0(i, 
 liaving borne liini eleven elnldren. 
 
 • In Norfolk. 
 
 * Sir John HatrliiV had NUininoiis to parli;n)U'nt as Lord Fit/waiter in Sep- 
 tembtr, 148.), I H.\'il.but \\;is attainted and belieaded in I 1!)H, for beintr 
 ooncerned in the plot of Perkni W arbeck.
 
 HENRY VII. 313 
 
 he promised me to be good lord to mine lord and me, 
 whereof I pray you to put him in remembrance, trusting 
 yet by the mean of you to find him better lord to me here- 
 after. 
 
 I have found mine Lord of Oxenford singular very good 
 and kind lord to mine lord and me, and stedfast in his pro- 
 mise; whereby he hath won mine lord's service, as long as 
 he liveth, and me to be his true beadswoman term of mine 
 life; for him I dread most, and yet, as hitherto, I find him 
 best. I pray you, good Cousin, the rather by your mean, 
 that I may have the continuance of his good lordship, and 
 to mine poor power I trust to deserve it. I pray you, Cou- 
 sin, that this bill may recommend [?«c] to mine Lady Brews, 
 and to mine Cousin your wife. 
 
 From Minster in the Isle of Shepey, the 3d day of Octo- 
 ber. I pray you give credence to the bearer of this, and to 
 Thomas Jenney, when he cometh to you. 
 
 'Your faithful Cousin, 
 
 Elizabeth Surrey. 
 
 Minster, Kent, 
 Monday, 3d October, 
 1485. 1 H.vii. 
 
 ' A mess consisted of four persons. 
 
 '^ Jolin de Vere, Earl of Oxford, suffered a long imprisonment in the castle of 
 Hamnies, in Picardy, in France, during the reign of Edward IV^; he at length 
 escaped, and had a principal command under Henry at the battle of Bosworth, 
 whom he served faithfully, and with whom lie continued in favour during his 
 reign. He died in 1512. 
 
 The character here given shows him to advantage, both as a noble and a 
 generous man. 
 
 ' These last words are written by the countess, tiie letter by her secretary. 
 The seal has the impression of some bird's head erased, but too imperfect to 
 be ascertained. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxxi. No. IG. Seal, a bird's head erased. PI. xxxiv. No. 4. 
 VOL. V. S S
 
 314 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER II. 
 
 To My Mosti/r John Past on 
 be this Deli/vhrl 
 
 Ryght Reirent and Worshepfull Syre Jn my most vmbill 
 Weysse I Recomaunde me to you desyryng to here of your 
 Welfare the wytche I beseche god to preserve to his ple- 
 sur and to your harts desyer Syr I thank you for the veny- 
 son that ye sent me and youre schepe is seylyd owt of y^ 
 havene as this daye Syr I send you be my brodyr Wyllem 
 your stomachere of damaske as for youre teppet of velvet it 
 is not here An seythe that ye put yt Jn your Casket at 
 London Syr your chyldryn be jn goode helle bellside be god 
 Syr I prey you sende me the gowild that I spak to you of 
 be the nexst man that Comythe to Norwytche Syr your 
 mast that laye at Yermowyth is letyn to a scheppe of Hull 
 for xiijs iiijd and if ther fawyll ony hurt therto ye schall 
 have a newe mast ther for No mor to you at this tyme but 
 almyty god haue you in his kepyng Wretyn at Castyr Haw- 
 ill the xxj daye of Janevcr Jn the furst yere of Kyng Harry 
 the vij'" 
 
 J pray god no ladyis No more 
 
 ovyr com you that ye geve no Be your servant 
 
 lenggar Respyt Jn your Margery Paston. 
 
 Materys 
 
 14 by 3j. 
 
 Tliis Iclli'i- is very respectfully written, iiiid contains several r>f tliosc little 
 family inatti^s wiiieli always constitute materials for a letter to an absent master 
 of a family. 
 
 What his wife says of ladies in her postscript has a doubtful meaning; it
 
 HENRY VII. — 315 
 
 LETTER II. 
 
 To my Master John Paston be this delivered. 
 
 Right reverend and worshipful Sir, in my most humble 
 wise I recommend me to you, desiring to hear of your wel- 
 fare, the which I beseech God to preserve to his pleasure, 
 and to your heart's desire. 
 
 Sir, I thank you for the venison that ye sent me; and 
 your ship is sailed out of the haven as this day. 
 
 Sir, 1 send you by my brother William your stomacher of 
 damask. As for your tippet of velvet it is not here; Ann 
 saith that ye put in your casket at London. 
 
 Sir, your children be in good health, blessed be God. 
 
 Sir, I pray you send me the gold, that I spake to you of, 
 by the next man that cometh to Norwich. 
 
 Sir, your mast that lay at Yarmouth is let to a ship of 
 Hull for 13s. 4d. and if there fall any hurt thereto, ye shall 
 have a new mast therefore. 
 
 No more to you at this time, but Almighty God have 
 you in his keeping. Written at Caister Hawill [Hall], the 
 21st day of January, in the first year of King Harry the 
 Vllth. 
 
 I pray God no ladies no more By your Servant, 
 
 overcome you, that ye give no Margery Paston. 
 
 longer respite in your matters. 
 
 Caister Hall, 
 
 Saturday, 21st January, 
 
 1485-6. 1 H. vii. 
 
 may mean that he had been over persuaded to some delay in the business with 
 his uncle William by the ladies mentioned in Letter LXIX. 23 Ed. iv. 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 11. Seal, a Helmet, PI. xxxiv. No. 5. 
 
 s s 2
 
 316 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER III. 
 
 Right Worchupfull Serys We Recomaunde us all unto 
 you in oure most herty wyse And it is so that longe and 
 many yerys ther hath ben hangyng agrete variaunce and a 
 growge bitwix Annes Paston deceassed late the wyf of 
 Will'm Paston Justic And Will'm Paston now lyvyng and 
 Clement Paston deceassid ther sones one the oone p'te And 
 John Paston the sone of the seide Will'm Paston Justic 
 And of the seide Annes his wif also deceassid And ser John 
 Paston Knyght deceassed And John Paston yet lyvyng 
 sones to the seide John deceassid on the other p'te And 
 now the seide variaunce contynueth betwix the seide Will'm 
 and John that now is lyuyng of and upon the right title and 
 possessioun of the Maners of Sporle Woodhall Pagraue 
 Cressyngh'm Swaynesthorp And Est Bekh'm all on this 
 Cuntr of Norff. likitli it you to wete that the seide Wil- 
 liam Paston Justic in his lyve was a speciall lover and 
 frende to our Monastery and for singuler loue and trust that 
 he hadde to be Remembred amonge us after hys deceasse 
 Not with stondyng he deyed at london yet he bequest his 
 body to be beryed and is beryed in the chapell of our lady 
 with June oure Monastery And the seide William Paston 
 Justice oftyn and many tymes in his ployn lyfe the seide 
 Annes beyng j/sent he shewed unto the Priour of our Mo- 
 nastery that was than called Dawn John Iloverlonde And 
 to Dawn John Molett that was P'our after to Da\\n John
 
 HENRY VII. 317 
 
 LETTER III. 
 
 Right worshipful Sirs, We recommend us all unto you in 
 our most hearty wise, and it is so that long and many years 
 there hath been hanging a great variance and a grudge be- 
 twix Annes [Agnes] Paston deceased, late the wife of Wil- 
 liam Paston, Justice, and William Paston now living, and 
 Clement Paston deceased, their sons, on the one part, and 
 John Paston, the son of the said William Paston, Justice, 
 and of the said Annes his wife, also deceased, and Sir John 
 Paston, knight, deceased, and John Paston yet living, sons 
 to the said John deceased, on the other part. And now 
 the said variance continueth betwixt the said William and 
 John that now is living, of and upon the right, title, and 
 possession of the manors of Sporle, Woodhall, Palgrave, 
 Cressingham, Swainsthorp, and East Beckham, all in this 
 country of Norfolk. 
 
 Liketh it you to weet that the said William Paston, Justice, 
 in his life was a special lover and friend to our Monastery; 
 and for singular love and trust that he had to be remem- 
 bered among us after his decease, notwithstanding he died 
 at London, yet he bequested his body to be buried, and [//] 
 is buried in the chapel of Our Lady within our monastery. 
 And the said William Paston, Justice, often and many 
 times in his pleyne [full, actual] life, the said Annes 
 being present, he showed unto the Prior of our Monastery 
 that was then, called Don John Haverland, and to Don
 
 318 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Fornsett Doctour of Devynyte Dawn Richerd Walsli'm our 
 Sexten And to Dawn John Wechyngh'm And to many 
 dyifse other that were of his acquentaunee and that he 
 had trust unto to breke his mynde for the wele of his soule 
 that were thanne olde Fadirs of our Monastery and arn 
 now decessed that it was his verry last will that ought 
 of the seide Maners schuld be p'petually Jmmortaysed a 
 s'tejTi londe or Annuyte of suche valewe that eify suche 
 Monlce that syngith the last messe in the seide Chapell 
 wher the body of the seide Will'm Paston light beryed 
 schuld haue that day that he songe Messe ther iiij"" to pray 
 for the soules of the seide Will'm and of Annes his wif and 
 for ther Auncetrys Kynred consanguynyte Affynyte and 
 frends and for all cristen soules And ou' that a s'teyn su'me 
 of money yerly to be payed to haue the obytt of the seide 
 Will'm And Annes yerly kept w' dirige and masse in the 
 seide Chapell And it is so that many yers aftir the decesse of 
 the seide Will'm Justice ther wer many men lyuyng bothe of 
 olde brethern of ours afore rehersyd And of other that 
 cowde aborn witnesse in this mater And that knewe the 
 mynde of the seide William Paston Justic that it was his last 
 will of whiche men many now be deceassed And no m'veill 
 for it is vpou a xliij ycre past sithen the seide Will'm Justic 
 dcyed And also the seide Annes that was liys wif lyued 
 more thanne xxx Avynt' aftir hir husbonde And was in sin- 
 gulcr trust with her husbonde And one of his Executours 
 and wele knowen in the Cuntre A woman of v'tuos lyujmg 
 and disposicon and of goode discrecoun and Conscience And 
 knewe hir husbonds mynde and last will as wele as ony 
 lyujig creatur She witnessed alvvay that it was hire liusbonds 
 last will to haue this p'petuall messe and called on it all the
 
 HENRY VII. 319 
 
 John Molett, that was Prior after ; to Don John Fornsett, 
 Doctor of Divinity, Don Richard Walsham our Sexton, and to 
 Don John Witchingham, and to many divers other that were 
 of his acquaintance, and that he had trust unto to break his 
 mind for the weal of his soul, that were then old fathers of 
 our monastery, and arn \^are^ now deceased ; that it was his 
 very last will, that out of the said manors should be perpe- 
 tually iramortised a certain land, or annuity of such value, 
 that every such monk that singeth the last mass in the said 
 chapel, where the body of the said Wilham Paston lyeth 
 buried, should have that day that he sung mass there 4d. to 
 pray for the souls of the said William, and of Annes his 
 wife, and for the ancestors, kindred, consanguinity, affinity, 
 and friends, and for all Christian souls ; and over that a cer- 
 tain sum of money yearly to be paid, to have the obit of the 
 said William and Annes yearly kept with Dirige and Mass in 
 the said chapel. 
 
 And it is so that many years after the decease of the said 
 William [the] Justice, there were many men living both of 
 old brethren of ours afore rehearsed, and of other that could 
 aborn \_have born^ witness in this matter, and that knew the 
 mind of the said William Paston, and that it was his last 
 will; of which men, many now be deceased; and no marvel, 
 for it is upon a 43 year past since the said William [the] 
 Justice, died ; and also the said Annes that was his wife 
 lived more than 30 winters after her husband, and was in 
 singular trust with her husband, and one of his executors, 
 and well known in this country, a woman of virtuous living 
 and disposition, and of good discretion and conscience, and 
 knew her husband's mmd and last will, as well as any living 
 creature.
 
 320 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 dayes of hir lyfe and also atte her Decesse And sche seide 
 that it was the will of her husbonde that the Annuyte 
 schulde go oute of the seide Manor of Swaynesthorp the 
 seide John Paston decessed wolde haue hadde it g'unted 
 owte of the seide maner of Cressyngh'ra And Sume of the 
 Executours wolde haue hadde the seide niesse to a con- 
 
 tynued but for the t'me of iiij yere And wolde haue 
 made writyng accordyng but the seide Annes wolde not 
 ther of but Seide alway that it was the last will of hir 
 husbonde to haue the inesse made p'petuall And the Exe- 
 cutours schewid to us that they wolde se the wyll prfourmed 
 And ther upon the Executours be ther comon Assent lefte 
 a Cofre w* a grete substaunce of money of the goods of the 
 seide Will'm Justic to be kepte with June our Monastery 
 and tolde and schewed to us that the seide gode schuld 
 never be dep'tid nor hadde oute of our place till we wer 
 made sure of the seide Annuyte And duryng all the season 
 that the seide Cofer w' the goods was with ynne our Monas- 
 tery it was alway schewid to us that the seide Annuyte 
 schulde be mortaysed in p'petyyte and dm-yng all that sea- 
 son that the seide Cofer was in our place we hadde money 
 ycrly yoven us to pray for his soule and to kepe his obit 
 whene by menyes devysed w' oute the knowlechc of the 
 seide Annes or of ony of our brethern all the goods that 
 was in the zeide Cofre was Conveyed oute of our Monastery 
 And aft' that dede don ther was no more money yoven 
 us nowther to kei)e the seide obit ner to pray for the soule 
 of the seide Will'm As be the seide Exccuto's sauyng that 
 the seide Annes duryiig her lyvc yaff us of hir owne Cost 
 yerly to remcmbr the Soule And that y' hath be don sithcn
 
 HENRY VII. 321 
 
 She witnessed alway that it was her husband's last will 
 to have this perpetual mass, and called on it all the days of 
 her life, and also at her decease ; and she said that it was the 
 will of her husband that the annuity should go oiit of the 
 said manor of Swainsthorp. The said John Paston deceased 
 would have had it granted out of the said manor of Cres- 
 singham ; and some of the Executors would have had the 
 said mass to have continvied but for the term of fourscore 
 years, and would have made writing according; but the said 
 Annes would not thereof, but said alway, that it was the last 
 will of her husband, to have the mass made perpetvial, and the 
 Executors showed to us, that they wovdd see the will per- 
 formed; and thereupon the Executors by their common assent 
 left a Coffer with a great substance of money of the goods of 
 the said William [the'] Justice, to be kept within our monas- 
 tery, and told and showed to us, that the said good should 
 never be departed nor had out of our place till we were made 
 sure of the said annuity ; and during all the season that the 
 said coffer with the goods was within our monastery, it was 
 always showed to us that the said annuity should be mortized 
 in perpetuity, and during all that season that the said coffer 
 was in our place, we had money yearly given us to pray 
 for his soul and to keep his obit; when by means devised 
 without the knowledge of the said Annes, or of any of our 
 brethren, all the good that was in the said coffer was con- 
 veyed out of our monastery, and after that deed done, there 
 was no more money given us, neither to keep the said obit, 
 nor to pray for the soul of the said William, as by the said 
 Executors,* saving that the said Agnes, during her life, gave 
 
 * Something appears to be omitted here. 
 VOL. V. T T
 
 322 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 hath be don of our owne devocon and this many yerys ther 
 hath no thing be youen ns Notwithstondyng of our own 
 devocon we haue rehersid his name in oure bede rolle eu'y 
 Sonday And now it is informed us that as wele the seide 
 Will'm as the seide John hath putt all the title and infest 
 as wele in and of all the seide Maners londes and tene- 
 mentys as of the seide goods in the awarde And Jugement of 
 the Right Reu'ent Fader in god my lord of Ely Chaunceler 
 of Inglond 8er Reynold Bray Knyght And in you tweyne 
 And in asmoche as ze be of our Cuntre and speciall frends 
 to our Monastery And longest acqueyntyd w' you that 
 makith one and all my brethren the more bolde to schewe this 
 our mater And int'est unto you beseching yowbothe to tendre 
 the mater And to schewe it bothe to my lorde of Ely And to 
 S' Reynolde Bray y' atte suche tyme as ze haue the Examy- 
 nacon of the title of theire seide maners that ze will vouche 
 safF of yo' charite to schewe this mater and our int'est in 
 this behalf And of the seide Annuyte And how that we 
 aught of Right to haue a graunt of it oute of the seide 
 Maners And in this mat' we hertily pray yow to take re- 
 membraunce And speciall labo' so that we may trust that 
 it schall not askape your hands nowe that the mater is putte 
 in yowe. And all our Monastery schall pray for you And 
 also rewarde you to your plesur. And over that ze schall 
 do her in suche a goode dede that god schall rewarde you 
 
 It does not appear to wliat two gciUleiiien of the county of Norfolk this 
 letter was addressed ; but it is printed to show the spirit of devotion of the time, 
 when lands were given, and aniniitics granted, to found perpetual prayers for 
 the souls of the decease<l. 
 
 The story of the Coft'er is a < inio\is one, and sliovvs the readiness of the sur- 
 vivor to defraud the church of tlie bequests of his ancestor. The circumstances
 
 HENRY VII. 323 
 
 us of her own costs yearly to remember the soul, and that 
 that hath been done since, hath been done of our own devo- 
 tion ; and this many years there hath no thing been given 
 us, notwithstanding of our own devotion we have rehearsed 
 his name in our bead-roll every Sunday; and now it is in- 
 formed us, that as well the said William as the said John 
 hath put all their title and interest, as well in and of all the 
 said manors, lands, and tenements, as of the said goods, in 
 the award and judgment of the Right Reverend Father in 
 God my Lord of Ely, Chancellor of England, Sir Reynold 
 Bray, Knight, and in you twain; and in as much as ye be 
 of our country, and special friends to our monastery, and 
 longest acquainted with you, that maketh me and all my 
 brethren the more bold to show this our matter and interest 
 unto you ; beseeching you both to tender the matter, and 
 to show it both to my Lord of Ely and to Sir R^eynold Bray, 
 that at such time as ye have the examination of the title of 
 these said manors, that ye will vouchsafe of your charity to 
 show this matter, and our interest in this behalf, and of the 
 said annuity, and how that we ought of right to have a grant 
 of it out of the said manors. 
 
 And in this matter we heartily pray you to take remem- 
 brance, and special labour, so that we may trust that it shall 
 not escape your hands, now that the matter is put in you ; 
 and all our monastery shall pray for you, and also reward 
 you to your pleasure : and, over that, ye shall do herein such 
 
 of it have been thus related. John Paston, the son of Sir William, the Judge, 
 procured leave to place a Coffer of his own in the same room in which that 
 containing the goods of his family were deposited, and to which having at all 
 times free access, he by degrees privately took out and conveyed away the 
 valuable treasure contained in the pledged one. 
 
 T T 2
 
 324 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Wretyn in our Monastery the day of the secunde 
 
 yer of the regne of Kyng Herry y'^ vij"'. 
 
 By John P'or off Northwith 
 And the Co' vent. 
 
 Paper Mark. 
 French Arms and t. 
 PI. xii. No. 21. 
 lU by 16|. 
 
 The truth of the story, as to the goods being taken, is confirmed by this 
 letter ; whether John Paston committed this fraud, or any other person, must 
 be left to the judgment of the reader. 
 
 John Haverlond was Prior from 143G to 1453, when he died, and was suc- 
 ceeded by John Molet, who died in 1471. The Prior by whom this letter is 
 
 LETTER IV. 
 
 To the Ryght Worchxjpfull Maysf 
 Will'm Paston Squyer w' my lord 
 of Oxynford be his bill delyiier'd 
 in hast. 
 
 Ryght worchipfull S' J Recomend me un to you in my 
 best man' acordyng to my deute S' Jsent you a lett' by 
 Hem- Fox wyfF And I had non answer from you of it on of 
 the gretest thyngs y' I wrot to you of was y' y' fryer shuld 
 be aposed howe was p'uy w' him Whan he Robbed M'm'tyn 
 the prest at Hornyngtofl in Norff Also that Fox and the 
 prson of testcrton Shuld be aposed if eny of Ilempton 
 Albay whar out p'uy to the mony makyng S' now J beseche
 
 HENRY VII. 325 
 
 a good deed that God shall reward you. Written in our 
 
 monastery, the .... day of the 2d year of the reign 
 
 of King Harry the vij'\ 
 
 By John, Prior of Norwich, 
 and the Convent. 
 
 Norwich. 
 1486. 2 H. vii. 
 
 signed was John Bonwell, who was confirmed in 1480, and died in 1488. Judge 
 Paston was buried in 1444, Agnes his widow in 1479- John Alcock, Bishop 
 of Ely, was for a few months in this year Lord Chancellor; he resigned in the 
 same year. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxx. No. 7. 
 
 LETTER IV. 
 
 To the Right Worshipful Master, William Paston, Squire, with 
 my Lord of Oxford, this Bill be delivered in haste. 
 
 Right worshipfiil Sir, I recommend me unto you in my 
 best manner, according to my duty; Sir, I sent you a letter 
 by Henry Fox's wife, and I had none answer from you of it; 
 one of the greatest things that I wrote to you of, was that 
 the Friar should be aposed [drawn to confess~\ who was privy 
 with him, when he robbed Master Martyn, the priest, at 
 Horningtoft in Norfolk. Also that Fox, and the parson of 
 Testerton, should be aposed, if any of Hempton Abbey 
 were ought privy to the money making. Sir, now I beseech 
 you to send me a copy of these money makers confession,
 
 326 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 you to send me a copy of thes mony makers cofeschon and 
 ther namys for J ame bothe sworne on the quest of the oyer 
 determiner and also on the quest at large and of y' we most 
 make o' v'dyte at y*" sessyons aftr crystmes for y" quest at 
 large for we toke day ou' at y*" last sessyons tyll y*" sessyons aftr 
 crestmes for the quest at large lytefot of yo' hous is sworne 
 on y^ oyer determiner J beseche you to speke w' my lord 
 to know of his good lordchepe how we shall demene o'self 
 in y' be half And J beseche you send me word as sone as 
 ye can J thynk y' Yelurtons s^iant y' is w' you in prson 
 shall com a gayne hether And he may bryng yo' lettr tome 
 he bryngythe you this lettr and if it may be nat a fendyng 
 I p'y you be good M' to Yelu'ton for my sake I have 
 fownd hym a good p'sone S' I shall not be w' my lady is 
 g'ce y" crystmes for her g'ce shalbe w' ye Kyngs g'ce aftr 
 crystmes and thane I shall awayt on her g'ce wher ye shall 
 haue my s'uyce be the g'ce of Jhu he p's''ue you at Ryburgh 
 xvj day of Decemb' and ye hepe nat J am leke to losse 
 moche mony of my costs for thes mony makers I p'y helpe 
 &c. 
 
 Yo' s'vant 
 
 Thomas Andrew. 
 
 llj by 7i. 
 
 This letter relates two curious circumstances; the first, a robbery coniinittcd 
 by a Friar on a Priest ; and the other, an account of persons in custody for 
 coining, in wliich offence some of llenipton Abbey were suspected to be con- 
 cerned. 
 
 I suppose her " Lady is Grace," was the Countess of Richmond, the King's 
 mother, under whom this Thomas Andrew, wiio was of a gentleman's family 
 in Norfolk, had some appointment. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxx. No. 3.
 
 HENRY VII. 327 
 
 and their names, for I am both sworn on the quest [inquesQ 
 of the oyer determiner, and also on the quest at large, and 
 of that we must make our verdict at the sessions after 
 Christmas for the quest at large ; for we took day over at 
 the last sessions till the sessions after Christmas for the 
 quest at large. Lightfoot, of your house, is sworn on the 
 oyer determiner. 
 
 I beseech you to speak with my Lord, to know of his 
 good Lordship how we shall demean ourselves in that be- 
 half; and I beseech you send me word as soon as ye can. 
 
 I think that Yelverton's servant, that is with you in per- 
 son, shall come again hither, and he may bring your letter 
 to me. He bringeth you this letter, and if it may be not 
 offending, I pray you be good master to Yelverton for my 
 sake ; I have found him a good person. 
 
 Sir, I shall not be with my Lady's Grace this Christmas, 
 for her grace shall be with the King's Grace after Christ- 
 mas, and then I shall await on her grace, where ye shall 
 have my service by the grace of Jesu, who preserve you. 
 At Ryburg, the 16'" day of December. And [«/'] ye help 
 not, I am like to lose much money of my costs for these 
 money makers. I pray help, &c. 
 
 Your servant, 
 
 Thomas Andrew. 
 
 Riburgh, 
 l6th Dec. between 1486 and 1490. 
 2 and 7 H. vii. 
 
 William Paston was a younger brother of J. Paston, and at this time in the 
 retinue of the Earl of Oxford. 
 Autograph, PI. xxx.
 
 328 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER V. 
 
 To the ryght reiCent 
 and worship S' John 
 Paston sum tyme lord of 
 Gresh'ni and nowfermo' 
 y'of as hit is seid 
 
 Perys of legh come to lynne opon Cristymnesse even in 
 the fresshest wise and there he dyned so as was bot when 
 my lorde of Oxenforde herde hereof he with his fehship 
 and suche as I and other yovu-e p'sones Come rydyng unto 
 Inline and even unto the Bysshop Gaele where the seid 
 Perys dyned with oy' of his fehship my lorde pulled hym 
 cute of the seid Gaele and made to kest hym opon an horse 
 and tyed an halter by his Arme And so ledde hym furth 
 like hym self And even furth with the seid Bysshop the 
 mair and oy' their feliship mette with my seide lorde and 
 yo' p'sones and also the seide Perys tyed by an halt' the 
 Bysshop liavyng thies wordes onto my lorde with his pilHon 
 in his handes my lorde this is a p''sone' ye may knowe he 
 his by his tepet and staff what will ye do with hym Tlierto 
 my lorde seide he is my p'son' nowe Whcrto the Bysshop 
 seid where is youre Waraunt or Comission therto my lorde 
 seide J have Warraunt sufficiaunt to me And thus they de- 
 puted the mair and all the Coialtie of lynne kepyng theire 
 silence bot when we weren goon and Perys of legh fast in 
 Rysyng Castell then the yates of lynne by the bysshop
 
 HENRY VII. 329 
 
 LETTER V. 
 
 To the Right Reverend and JVorshipfid Si?- John Paston, some- 
 time Lord of Greshayn, and now Farmer thereof, as it is said. 
 
 Perys of Leigh came to Lynn upon Christmas even in the 
 freshest wise; and there he dined so as was; but when my 
 Lord of Oxenford heard hereof, he, with his fellowship, and 
 such as I and other your prisoners, came riding unto Lynn, 
 and even unto the Bishop's gaol, where the said Perys dined 
 with other of his fellowship. My Lord pulled him out of 
 the said gaol, and made to cast him upon an horse, and tied 
 an halter by his arm, and so led him forth like himself ; and 
 even forthwith the said Bishop, the Mayor, and other their 
 fellowship, met with my said Lord and your prisoners, and 
 also the said Perys tied by an halter. The Bishop having 
 these words unto my Lord, with his pillion in his hands, 
 " My Lord, this is a prisoner, ye may know by his tippet 
 and staff; what will you have with him?" Thereto my Lord 
 said, " He is my prisoner now." Whereto the Bishop said, 
 " Where is your warrant or commission?" Thereto my Lord 
 said, " I have warrant sufficient to me." And thus they 
 departed, the Mayor and all the Commonalty of Lynn keep- 
 ing their silence. 
 
 But when we were gone, and Perys of Leigh fast in Rising 
 Castle, then the gates of Lynn, by the Bishop's command- 
 ment, were fast spered [bolted^ and kept with men of arms ; 
 and then the Bishop and his squires rebuked the Mayor of 
 
 VOL. V. V V
 
 330 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 comaundement weren fast sperred and keped with men of 
 Armes And then the Bysshop and his squyers rebuked the 
 mail- of Ijinie and seid that he hade shamed both hym and 
 his tovn for eu' with muche oy' langage &c the Bysshop 
 shukle haue keped his Cristemnesse at Gaywode bot yet he 
 Come not oute of lynne Jn faith my lorde dyde qviyte hym 
 als curageousely as eu' J wist man do the Bysshop Come to 
 the toun with Ix psones the same tyme and made to sper 
 the yates aft' hym bot when we mette there bede not with 
 hym ou' xij p'sones atte the most with his seriamit of 
 Armes whiche seriaunt was fayn to ley don his mase and so 
 oute the same yates we Come in we went oute and no 
 blode drawen god be thanked yf ye will any thyng atte J 
 may do send me worde hit shall be doon to my power &c 
 Comaunde me to my maistresse yo' wyfF &c And yf ye dar 
 iop'die yo' suyrtis of C m'rc I shall come and se you And 
 elles haue me excused for &c 
 
 From your own 
 
 John Dowbiggyng. 
 
 8J by 74. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 Circle and Cross. 
 
 PI. xxi. N". B. 
 
 We have here a very minute account of the Earl of Oxford taking a person 
 from the Bishop's gaol at Lynn, with the conversation between him and the 
 Bishop, &c. 
 
 Perys of Leigh had been, I suppose, a prisoner of the Earl's, and had either 
 escaped, or broken his parole.
 
 HENRY VII. 331 
 
 Lynn, and said that he had shamed both liim and his town 
 for ever; with much other language, &c. 
 
 The Bishop should have kept his Christmas at Gaywood, 
 but yet he comes not out of Lynn; in faith my Lord did 
 quit [cicquit'\ him as courageously as ever I wist man \_to] 
 do. The Bishop came to the town with sixty persons the 
 same time, and made to spere the gates after him ; but when 
 we met, there abode not with him over twelve persons at the 
 most, with his Serjeant of arms, which serjeant was fain to 
 lay down his mace, and so at the same gates we came in we 
 went out, and no blood drawn, God be thanked. 
 
 If ye will any thing that I may do, send me word; it shall 
 be done to my power, &c. 
 
 Commend me to my mistress, your wife, &c. ; and if ye 
 dare jeopardy your surety of an hundred marks (66/. 13s. 4d.) 
 I shall come and see you, and else have me excused for, &c. 
 
 From your own 
 
 John Dowbiggyng. 
 
 Between 148G and 1495. 
 2 and 10 H. vii. 
 
 James Goldwell was Bishop of Norwich from 1472 to 1498, and had a palace 
 and park at Gaywood belonging to his see. Who the writer was, or on what 
 occasion he became a prisoner to Sir John Paston, I cannot discover ; the 
 latter part of the letter seems to inform us, that a security of 100 marks was 
 given that he should not escape. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxx. No. 11. 
 
 u u 2
 
 332 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER VI. 
 
 To oiire right trusty and 
 enterly beloued Cosyn Therll 
 of Oxon 
 
 BY THE QUENE 
 
 Ryght trusty and entierly beloued Cosyn We grete you 
 well lattyng you wete liou it is colnen un to oure knowlege 
 that where as ye newly entred upon oure welbeloued 
 Symon Blyant gentilman in to the Maner of He^nals in Cot- 
 ton descended and belongyng vnto hym by right of enhe- 
 ritance as it is seid z" ther upon desired the same Synion to 
 be agreable for hys part to put all maters of Variance 
 thenne depcndyng atwene hym and oon Sir lohn Paston 
 Knyght p'tendyng a title vnto the seid Maner into thaword 
 and Jugement of twe lenerd men by you named and chosen 
 as arbritrours atwene them. And in Case that the same 
 arbritrours of and upon the p'misses neither yaue outc nor 
 made suche awarde be for the brekyng up of Pasch tcrme 
 nowe last passed ze of yo' owne offre graunted and pro- 
 niysid unto the seid Symon as w' be enformed to restore 
 hym forwyth there upon unto hys possession of the seid 
 Maner And how it be that the same Symon at youremocion 
 and for the pleasir of youre lordsliyp as he seithaggreed on 
 to the seid compromyse And tlier vpon brought and shewed 
 hys evydence concernyiig and sufficiently ])r()vyng hys ryght 
 in the seid Maner un to the seid arbritrours and that they
 
 HENRY VII. 333 
 
 LETTER VL 
 
 To our right trusty and entirely beloved Cousiji the Earl of 
 
 Oxenford. 
 
 BY THE QUEEN. 
 
 Right trusty and entirely beloved Cousin, We greet you 
 well, letting you weet how it is come unto Our knowledge, 
 that whereas ye newly entered upon Oiir well-beloved 
 Simon Bryant, Gentleman, into the Manor of Hemnals in 
 Cotton [in Suffolk\ descended and belonging unto him by 
 right of inheritance ; as it is said, ye thereupon desired the 
 same Simon to be agreeable for his part to put all matters 
 of variance then depending atween [between^ him and one 
 Sir John Paston, Knight, pretending a title unto the said 
 Manor, into the award and judgement of two learned men 
 by you named and chosen as arbritrours [arbitrators] atween 
 them; and in case that the same arbritrours of and upon 
 the premisses neither gave out nor made such award before 
 the breaking up of Pasche [Easter] term, now last passed, 
 ye of your own offer granted and promised unto the said 
 Simon, as we be informed, to restore him forthwith there- 
 upon unto his possession of the said Manor; and how it be 
 that the same Simon, at your motion, and for the pleasure 
 of your Lordship, as he saith, agreed unto the said compro- 
 mise, and thereupon brought and showed his evidence con- 
 cerning, and sufficiently proving his right in the said Manor 
 unto the said arbritrours ; and that they have not made nor
 
 334 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 haue not made nor ) olden out betwene the said parties any 
 suclie award. Yet haue not ze restored the same Symon 
 unto hys possession of the seid Man' but contynuelly kepe 
 hym owt of the same wich yf it so be is not only to hys right 
 ffrete hurt and hinderanee but also oure nfyaile Wherfore 
 we desire and pray you right affectueusly that ze woll the 
 rather at the co'templacion of thees oure Ires shew unto the 
 said Symon in hys righfull int'esse and title in the seid 
 Maner all the fauorable lordshyp that ze goodely may 
 doyng hym to be restored and put in to hys lawfull and 
 peasible possession of the same as fer as reason equite and 
 good conscience shall require and youre seid promise Jn 
 suche wyse that he may undyrstond hym selfe herynne to 
 fare the better for oure sake as oure verray trust is in you 
 Yeuen vnder oure signet at my lords palois of Westmynster 
 the XXV day of Juyn 
 
 Elesebeth. 
 
 W'u see here the inter j)osilioii of the Queen iu favour of a person who seems 
 to have acted fairly and honourably respecting the Manor in dispute between 
 him and Sir J. Paston. Whether the Earl of Oxford withheld his promise, to 
 favour Sir John, or whether he wished to keep possession of the Manor for 
 himself, does not appear. 
 
 The Queen's letter is open and generous ; she how ever gives the Earl a hint, 
 that his not having performed his promise is " to oure marvaile." She was
 
 HENRY VII. 335 
 
 yolden out [^given oiit^ between the said parties any such 
 award; yet have not ye restored the same Simon unto his 
 possession of the said Manor, but continually keep him out 
 of the same, which, if it so be, is not only to his right great 
 hurt and hindrance, but also our marvel ; wherefore We de- 
 sire and pray you right effectuously that ye would the rather, 
 at the contemplation of these Our letters, show unto the 
 said Simon, in his rightful interest and title in the said 
 Manor, all the favourable Lordship that ye goodly may, 
 doing him to be restored and put into his lawful and peace- 
 able possession of the same as far as reason, equity and good 
 conscience shall require, and your said promise; in such 
 wise that he may understand himself herein to fare the 
 better for Our sake, as Our very trust is in you. 
 
 Given under Our signet, at my Lord's Palace of West- 
 minster, the 25th day of June. 
 
 Elesabeth. 
 
 25th June, 
 Year uncertain. 
 Between 1486 and 1503. 
 2 and 18 H. vii. 
 
 daughter and heir to Edward IV. and was married to Henry VII. in 14S5-(J. 
 She died in childbed, in the Tower of London, in 1503, and was buried in 
 Henry Vll.th's Chapel at Westminster. 
 
 Under her signature is written in an ancient but different hand from the 
 letter, " subskrybyd w' y' Quenys hand." 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxx. No. 2.
 
 336 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER VII. 
 
 Un to my Ri/ght WurshypfnU 
 Cosyn John Fast on Esquyer for 
 the body 
 
 Ryghtz Wurshypfull Cosyn I Recomawnd me on to you 
 as hertly as J can letyng you wytte J was w* my lorde 
 Stuarde as on Munday laste paste by the desyir of them y' 
 J myght not sey ney to I herde all that was seyd there but 
 they gaate non avawntage wurde nor promyse of me but 
 they thought Jn asmoche as they ware the beste Jn the 
 shere y' eu"y man owghte to wayte and go w' them wherto 
 y' was answerd that ou' mast"^ nexte the Kynge havynge hys 
 Comysshon muste nedys haue the Icntylmen And the 
 Contre to A wayte up on hym by the vertu of the same but y' 
 was thought J owght not to obeye no copy of the Comisshon 
 w' oute J had the same und' wexe where Jn hathe ben gret 
 Argume't whyclie J und'stoodc by Reporte A fortnyte paste 
 And that Causyd me to sende unto my lorde to haue the 
 very Comysshon whyclie he sente me And a lett' where of 
 J sende you y' copy here Jn Closyd As for you y'' be sore 
 takyn Jn sum place seying y' y' Jnte'de SAN^ychc thyngs as 
 ys lyke to folow gret myschefFe J seyd J imdyrstood non 
 swyche nor thyngs lyke y" And y' ys thoughte y*" Jntende 
 nat to go forthc thys Jorncyc nor no Jentylma" Jn y' quart' 
 but Rob't Brandon that bath promysyd to go w' them As 
 they seye J und'sto'de S' Wyll'm ^Bolen And S' Harry
 
 HENRY VII. 337 
 
 LETTER VII. 
 
 Unto my Right Worshipful Cousin, John Fasten, Esquire for 
 the body (to the King's Majesty, prout patet alibi per ejus 
 literam.) 
 
 Right worshipful Cousin, I recommend me unto you as 
 heartily as I can, letting you weet I was with my Lord 
 Steward as on Monday last past, by the desire of them that 
 I might not say nay to ; I heard all that was said there, but 
 they got none advantage, word, nor promise of me, but they 
 thought, in as much as they were the best in the shire, that 
 every man ought to wait and go with them ; whereto it was 
 was answered, that our master, next the King, having his 
 commission, must needs have the gentlemen and the country 
 to await upon him by the vertue of the same ; but it was 
 thought I ought not to obey no copy of the commission, 
 without I had the same under wax, wherein hath been great 
 argument, which I understood by report a fortnight past; 
 and that caused me to send unto my Lord to have the very 
 commission, which he sent me, and a letter, whereof I send 
 you the copy herein closed. 
 
 As for you, ye be sore taken in some place, saying that 
 ye intend such things as is like to follow great mischief; I 
 said I understood none such, nor things like it; and it is 
 thought ye intend not to go forth this journey, nor no gen- 
 tleman in that cpiarter but Robert Brandon, that hath pro- 
 mised to go with them, as they say. 
 
 VOL. V. XX
 
 338 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 "Heydon were at thatforde Jn to Kente ward but they 
 Returnyd Jn to NorfF A geyne I tliynke they wull not goo 
 thys Jorney yf the Kynge nede S' Harry was At Attylborow 
 on Sat'day J wene he had A vyce there to turne a zen 
 wher for Cosyn y' ys good to und'stonde the s'tente what 
 Jentylme" Jntende to goo And be assuryd to go togey' y' J 
 may haue wurde my Cosyn Hoptvui hathe p'mysyd that he 
 wull be oon As for Wysman he seythe he wull be of the 
 same but I can haue no holde fury'more ^Cosyn y' ys seyd 
 y' aft' my lordys departyng to the Kynge y'' ware mette at 
 Barkwey whyche ys construid that ye had ben w" the lady 
 lovell but Wrathe seyd neu"^ well And Jn Asmoche as we 
 und'stonde my lordys pies' y' ys well doon we dele wysly 
 y'aft' And nexte to the Kynge J answerd pleynly I was 
 bownde to do hym s'uice And to fuUfylle hys comawndmelt 
 to the vtt'mest of my powere by the g'ce of god Who 
 eu' p's"ue you to hys pies' Wretyn at Oxburgh the xvj day 
 of Maye. 
 
 Yo' Cosen 
 
 *E Bedyngfeld. 
 
 8| by 8. 
 
 Paper Mark. 
 
 A Unicorn. 
 
 PI. xii. No. 23. 
 
 This letter, and the next, were written whilst tlie rebellion, headed by the 
 Earl of Liiicohi, in favour of Lambert Sinniel, was on foot. The rebels were 
 now in Ireland, on their way to England, where they arrived very soon, and 
 were defeated by the King's forces, at the battle of Stoke by Newark, in the 
 following month. 
 
 Lord Lovel had a command in the rebel army, and is supposed to have been 
 either slain in the bailie or diowned in the 'I'rent, as he was endeavouring to 
 escape. 
 
 • Sir \\ illiam Bolcyn, of Hlickling, had been made a Kuight of the Bath at 
 the Coroualioii of Richard IlL He died in l.iO.'i.
 
 HENRY VII. 339 
 
 I understand Sir William ^Boleyn and Sir Harry ~Heydon 
 were at Thetford into Kent ward, but they returned into 
 Norfolk again ; I think they will not go this journey, if the 
 Kmg need. Sir Harry was at Attleborough on Saturday; 
 I ween he had advice there to turn again; wherefore, Cousin, 
 it is good to understand the certainty what gentlemen intend 
 to go; and be assured to go together, that I may have 
 word; my Cousin Hopton hath promised that he will be 
 one. As for Wiseman, he saith he will be of the same, but 
 I can have no hold. Furthermore, '^Cousin, it is said, that 
 after my Lord's departing to the King ye were at Barkway, 
 which is construed that ye had been with the Lady Level, 
 but wrath said never well ; and inasmuch as we understand 
 my Lord's pleasure, it is well done [^that^ we deal wisely 
 thereafter. And, next to the King, I answered plainly, I 
 was bound to do liim service, and to fulfil his command- 
 ment to the utmost of my power, by the grace of God, who 
 ever preserve you to his pleasure. Written at Oxburgh, the 
 16th day of May. 
 
 Your Cousin, 
 
 Edmund *Bedingfeld. 
 
 Oxburgh, 
 Wednesday, l6th May, 
 1487. 2 H. vii. 
 
 * Sir Henry Heydon, of Baconsthorp, Knight, had been Steward of the 
 Household to Cecilia Duchess of York, and died in 1503. 
 
 ' J. Paston seems to have been suspected of favouring the Lord Lovel. 
 
 * Sir Edmund Bedingfeld was made a Knight of the Bath at the Coronation 
 of Richard IH.; he was likewise in high favour with Henry VH. who paid him 
 a royal visit at Oxburgh, in Norfolk. He died in 1496. He seems to under- 
 stand the politics of the time, and to have been earnest for the interest of his 
 sovereign and his friends. 
 
 Autograph, PI. vi. No. 30. 
 
 X X 2
 
 340 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER VIII. 
 
 Where as J uncVstonde by your late Wi7tyng un to me y' 
 y*" haue Ryght well endevyr'd you to thexeewsion of the 
 kyngs Comission and Comawndme't in preparyng yo' self w* 
 y*^^ Jentylme" And oy' of the Contre to be redy to do y'" 
 Ky'g s'vyce whyche I haue shewid on to y*" Kyngs hyghnes 
 So y' hys grace ys Ryght well co"tent And ryght thankfully 
 acceptyth y*" same und'stondynge ye Ryght good myndys 
 And dysposyschon of you and off oy' lentylmen there to- 
 wards hys grace how be yt hys hyghnes wull not as zytte 
 put you to ony fury" labur or charge for someche as hys 
 Rebellys and enemyes be Jn to Jrlande Ncu''y''lesse hys g'ce 
 wuld y' the Contre be redy at all tyniis to do hys hyghnes 
 s'uyce up on resonabull Warnyng for so moche as the 
 Kyngs grace Jntendythe to make p'uysyon to sende an 
 armi Jn to Jrlende Jn haaste Nat knowyng as zytte whey' 
 y* y*" and oy" aboute you shall be desyred to here ony charge 
 y' to or no And where as yt ys mervellyd that y' had not 
 the Kyngs Comyssyon Und' hys gret scall J send y" to you 
 w' thys my wrytyng wyllynge you nat to p'cede fury" to eny 
 execushon therof tyll swyche tyme as y'' haue oy' wise Jn 
 comawndme't Alwey thankyng hertyly the Jentylmen And 
 all oy' for y" good wyllys towards me. 
 
 8^ by 3i. 
 
 The copy of this Ictlt r was enclosctl in tiic loiegoiiig fioin Sir luhnuiul 15c- 
 (lingfcld to .1. Pasloii, and appears to iiavc bcrii wrillcn by tlie Eail of Oxford, 
 or some oilier nobleman in tiie King's confulence, bul being a copy, it lias no 
 name to it. 
 
 ll iipfoiMis US of llic orilers issued by tlie kin;;, that an army mis^ht be easily
 
 HENRY VII. 341 
 
 LETTER VIII. 
 
 The Earl of Oxford to Sir Edmund Bedingfeld. 
 
 Whereas I understand by your late writing unto me that 
 ye have right well endeavoured you to the execution of the 
 King's commission and commandment, in preparing yourself 
 with the gentlemen, and other of the country, to be ready 
 to do the King service, which I have showed unto the King's 
 Highness, so that his Grace is right well content, and right 
 thankfully accepteth the same, understanding the right 
 good minds and disposition of you, and of other gentlemen 
 there towards his Grace ; howbeit his Highness Avill not as 
 yet put you to any further labour or charge for soniuch as 
 his rebels and enemies be into Ireland; nevertheless his 
 Grace will that the country be ready at . all times to do his 
 Highness service upon reasonable warning, for so much as the 
 King's Grace intendeth to make provision to send an army 
 into Ireland in haste, not knowing as yet whether that ye, 
 and other about you, shall be desired to bear any charge 
 thereto or no. And whereas it is marvelled that ye had not 
 the King's Commission, under his Great Seal, I send it to 
 you with this my writing, willing you not to proceed farther 
 to any execution thereof till such time as ye have otherwise 
 in commandment, alway thanking heartily the gentlemen, 
 and all other, for their good wills towards me. 
 
 May, 1487. 
 2 H. vii. 
 
 raised on the invasion of the rebels, or sent after them into Ireland, if they 
 continued there. 
 
 The writer expresses his satisfaction at the conduct and behaviour of the 
 Norfolk gentry, both towards the King and himself.
 
 342 P ASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER IX. 
 
 To my rytth worchupfull 
 Son S' Jon Paston be thys 
 byll delyvyrd jn hast 
 
 Ryth worchupfull Son J recomme'd me on to zow And to 
 my lady zowyr wyf And tliankyng zow harttyly for the 
 grett labyr thatt ze had on thorys day for me and for zowyr 
 kynd nes for and odyr had don asse ze ded I had had my 
 purpos qwerfor I prey god do be them asse they do be me 
 Son J must prey zow to haue adosseyn me" in harnes w' 
 bowys and wepyn Convenyent for them that I may feche my 
 stres agey" the schrevyf man wasse her wythe me and j of 
 yowyr he seyth heys and he hatth mad me feythful promes 
 y' he wel be wyth me Agey" on Mo'day qwerfor I prey zow 
 harttyly Son and reqwere zow y' zowyr me" may be wyth me 
 on Monday as my werry tros ys jn zow qwo sknowyth 
 lilyssyd Juhu hom haff zow and yowyr jn yss kepyng. 
 
 Be zouyr trew Modyr, 
 Dam Elysabethe brewysse. 
 
 8^ by 5. 
 
 Paper Mark. 
 
 Tlie Letter T. 
 
 PI. xxxiii. No. 1. 
 
 Lady Brewse in this letter, at the same time that she thanks her son for his ser- 
 vices, shows her dissatisfaction with others. A distress which she had taken, 
 appears to have hccn gotten from her, and she finds it necessary to apply to 
 Sii .lolin for a dozen men, completely armed, to recover it again; this shows
 
 HENRY VII. 343 
 
 LETTER IX. 
 
 To my Right Worshipful Son, Sir John Paston, be this delivered 
 
 in haste. 
 
 Right worshipful Son, I recommend me vuito you and to 
 my Lady your wife, and thanking you heartily for the great 
 labour that ye had on Thursday for me, and for your kindness, 
 for and [i/] other had done as ye did, I had had my purpose, 
 wherefore I pray God do by them as they do by me. 
 
 Son, I must pray you to have a dozen men in harness, 
 with bows and weapon convenient for them, that I may fetch 
 my stres [distress^ again ; the Sheriff's man was here with 
 me, and one of yours, he saith his, and he hath made me 
 faithful promise that he will be with me again on Monday, 
 wherefore I pray you heartily. Son, and require you that 
 your men may be with me on Monday, as my very trust is 
 in you, which knoweth blessed Jesu, whom have you and 
 your in his keeping. 
 
 By your true Mother, 
 Dame Elizabeth Brewse. 
 
 About 1487. 
 3 H. vii. 
 
 the inefficacy of the law alone to do her justice, when so strong a force was 
 necessary to secure the execution of it. 
 
 She was the daughter of Sir Giles Debenham, and mother to Sir John Pas- 
 ton's lady. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxx. No. 8.
 
 344 > PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER X. 
 
 To my right Worshipfull 
 Son S" John Fast on Knyght 
 be this delyverd. 
 
 Right worshipfull Son J recomaund me unto you and to 
 my lady my dougliter your wyfe and I send you both 
 cristes blyssyng and myne And Son J thank you hertely for 
 my Son Will'm Brews and J moste pray you for y'' reu"ens 
 of Jhu to help hym for youi* ten'nts and myne or els John 
 Dynne Will Owner rewle them and Son god thank you ye 
 helpyd ons \A hyte of Metfeld and so I most besech you 
 nowe to do And y' y" wold pleas you to gyffe credans onto 
 the Prio' of y*" white Freres for I haue shewed vnto hym my 
 mynd And as ye do J hold me content And Son we ladys 
 and Jentyl Women as in this Contrey that is wedows be sore 
 trobyld w' the Bysshop of Chester and haskith of us more 
 than we may pay and y' knowith all myghty Ihu who haue 
 yow in his blyssed kepyng. 
 
 Be your Modyr, 
 
 Dam Elizabeth Buewse. 
 
 12i by 44. 
 
 This letter contains little worthy of notice, except what Lady Browse says 
 concerning the Bisiiop of Ciiestcr, as she calls him ; she must moan John 
 Hales, Bishop of Litciifield, the bishops of which sec were often called Bishops 
 of Chester, from having their palace there. The Bishopric of Chester was not 
 fomided till 1541. 33 II. VIII.
 
 HENRY VII. 345 
 
 LETTER X. 
 
 To 7111/ Right Worshipful Son Sir John Paston, Knight, 
 be this delivered. 
 
 Right worshipful Son, I recommend me unto you, and to 
 my Lady my daughter your wife, and I send you both Christ's 
 blessing and mine. And, son, I thank you heartily for my 
 son William Brewse; and I must pray you for the reverence 
 of Jesu to help him for your tenants and mine, or else John 
 Dynne will over-rule them; and, son, God thank you, ye 
 helped one White of Metfield, and so I must beseech you 
 now to do, and that it would please you to give credence 
 unto the Prior of the White Friars, for I have showed unto 
 him my mind ; and as ye do, I hold me content. 
 
 And, son, we ladies and gentlewomen in this country, 
 that is [ie] widows, be sore troubled with the Bishop of 
 Chester, and [Ae] asketh of us more than we may pay, and 
 that knoweth Almighty Jesu, who have you in his blessed 
 keeping. 
 
 By your Mother, 
 Dame Elizabeth Brewse. 
 
 Between 1487 and 1489- 
 2 and 5 H. vii. 
 
 WJiat demand the Bishop had upon widowed ladies and gentlewomen does 
 not appear. 
 
 William Brewse died in 1489; this letter, therefore, must have been written 
 ■before that time. 
 
 Autograph, Pi. xxx. No. 8. 
 
 »VOL. V. Y Y
 
 346 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XI. 
 
 To Dame Margery 
 Paston at Oxenhed 
 
 Mastres Margery J recomand me to yow And I prey yow 
 Jn all hast possybyl to send me by the next swer mes- 
 senger that ye can gete a large playster of yo^ flose un- 
 guentoru for Kynges Attorney James Hobart for all hys 
 dysease is but an Ache in hys knee he is the man that 
 brought yow and me togedyrs And I had lever then xl li ye 
 koud w' yo'^ playster depai't hym And hys peyne but when 
 ye send me the playster ye must send me wryghtyg hough 
 it shold be leyd to and takyn fro hys knee And hough longe 
 it shold Abyd on hys kne unremey vd And hough longe the 
 playster wyll laste good And whethyr he must lape eny 
 more clothys aboute the playster to kepe it warme or nought 
 And god be w* yow 
 
 Yd' John Paston. 
 
 ^ by 6. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 Hand with two 
 Fingers doubled. 
 PI. xxxiii. No. 4. 
 
 In tliis letter we are introduced to Lady Paston in her domestic character, 
 and may conclude tiiat her Flower of Ointments was in iiij^ii repute, when we 
 iind it aj)plied for to cure the knee of the Attorney (ieneral. 
 
 Her iiusband likewise pays her an atfectionate compliment, w hen he mani- 
 fests his regard for his friend, as arising from his having fnst brought him and
 
 HENRY VII. 347 
 
 LETTER XL 
 
 To Dame Margaret Paston, at Oxnead. 
 
 Mistress Margery, I recommend me to you, and I pray 
 you in all haste possible to send me, by the next sure mes- 
 senger that ye can get, a large plaster of your Flos Unguen- 
 torum for the King's Attorney James Hobart; for all his 
 disease is but an ache in his knee ; he is the man that 
 brought you and me together, and I had lever \ratlier'\ than 
 401. ye could with your plaster depart [separate'\ him and 
 his pain. But when ye send me the plaster, ye must send 
 me writing, how it should be laid to and taken from his 
 knee; and how long it should abide on his knee unremoved; 
 and how long the plaster will last good ; and whether he 
 must lap any more cloths about the plaster to keep it warm 
 or not ; and God be with you. 
 
 Your John Paston. 
 
 Written between 
 
 1487 and 1495. 
 3— lOH.vii. 
 
 his lady together, and therefore particularly wishing that her applications might 
 now relieve him. 
 
 James Hobart was appointed Attorney General in I486, and so continued 
 during his life ; he was a man of great learning and wisdom, and died full of 
 riches and honour in 1509-10. He was the ancestor of the present Earl of 
 Buckinghamshire. 
 
 This letter has no date, but it must have been written between 2 and 10 of 
 H. VII. when Lady Paston died. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 15. 
 
 Y Y 2
 
 348 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XIL 
 
 To the Right honorable S' 
 
 John Paston Knyght be this ^ 
 
 delyu'id 
 
 Right Reu'ent and honorable After the ordi*e of all diew 
 Recomendacon had J Recomaunde nie vn to yo' maist'ship 
 S' it is so that Talyour of Brytch'm Debite in yo' office of 
 thadniirallite was with me this mornyng to haue niyn advyce 
 in this mater folo\\'yng the whiehe is this ther was taken 
 ageyns Thornh'm in the Kyngs Streeme beyng ij fadam and 
 an half depe vpon the See a whall Fyssh by Thornh'm 
 men labouryng all nyght on Sunday nyght last was and so 
 haue slayn it and brought to londe vpon the whiche yo' said 
 Debite hath ben ther as yist' Day and seysed my lords p't 
 therof Wherof the puple was glad it shuld so be than John 
 A lowe was there and he seyd to yo' Debite that he wold 
 haue the Kyngs ])"t in this wise that the Kyng and my lord 
 shuld p't the half S' the lawe Cyvyle seyth thus, if any 
 Fyssh ryall be founde on the Se that is to say, Whall Bales 
 SturgionPorpei/s orGrapci/s that my lord Admyrall shall haue 
 the haluerdele &c J thynke my lord hath the kyngs p'ro- 
 gatyff vpon the See the whiche J remytte to yo' discreccon 
 &c S' by lyklyhode w'out ye take hede and send thedir som 
 of youres my lords p't shall be litill it is a greit F. and A 
 ryall yo' Debite sheweth me it is xj fadam and mor of length 
 andji Fadam of bygnes and depnes in the mydde F. S'
 
 HENRY VII. 349 
 
 LETTER XII. 
 
 To the Right Honourable Sir John Paston, Knight, be this 
 
 deliverecL 
 
 Right reverend and honourable, after the order of all due re- 
 commendation had, I recommend me unto your mastership. 
 Sir, it is so that John Taylor of Bridgeham, Deputy in your 
 office of the Admiralty, was with me this morning to have 
 mine advice in this matter following, and the which is this. 
 
 There was taken against Thornham, in the King's stream, 
 being two fathoms and an half deep upon the sea, a Whale 
 Fish by Thornham-men labouring all night on Sunday night 
 last was, and so have slain it, and brought [it'] to land ; 
 upon the which your said Deputy hath been there as yes- 
 terday and seized my Lord's part thereof, whereof the people 
 was glad it should so be ; then John a'Lowe was there, and 
 he said to your Deputy that he would have the King's part 
 in this wise, that the King and my Lord should part the 
 half; Sir, the law civil saith thus, " If any fish royal be 
 " found on the sea, that is to say, Whale, Bales, Sturgeon, 
 " Porpus, or Grampus, that my Lord Admiral shall have the 
 " halverdele, &c." 
 
 I think my Lord hath the King's prerogative upon the 
 sea, the which I remit to your discretion, &c. 
 
 Sir, by likelihood, without ye take heed and send thither 
 some of yours, my Lord's part shall be little ; it is a great 
 fish and a royal; your Deputy showeth me it is eleven fathom
 
 350 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Remembr what ye have to do there corns not suche a 
 casualte in yo' tyme of yo"^ office &c Wherfor this by 
 thenfourmacion of yo"^ sayd Debite cavise me to wryte on to 
 you this sympill bille p'ying you to p^done me of the 
 writyng for it was don in hast and this bille J sent to Will'm 
 Brykks yo' se''nt to Matelask by Masse tyme to brynke it to 
 you and tliis Day they purpose to breke it Do heryn now 
 as it please you and allmighti god haue you and all youres 
 in hese kepyng Besechyng you that thys symple bille may 
 recomaunde my pouer wif vn to your maist'shipp Wret' on 
 Candlemas Day in hast at Wells. 
 
 Yo' T. Grigges. 
 
 12 by 71. 
 
 Paper Mark. 
 
 Hand and Star. 
 
 Pi. xxxiii. No. 8. 
 
 It appears by this letter that Sir John Paston was Vice- Admiral of Norfolk 
 under the Earl of Oxford. 
 
 Tlie claims here made are still in force, and, I believe, often enforced by the 
 King's and the Admiral's officers. 
 
 " On the taking of a whale on the coasts, which is a royal fish, it shall be 
 divided between the King and Queen." — 1 Blackst. 222. 
 
 LETTER XIII. 
 
 To my rygth IVurchypfull 
 Mast 1/1' S' John Pasto7i 
 Knytli y" lettyr he del' 
 in hast 
 
 RY(;Tn reu^ent and wurchy])full S' in y*" most domble wyse 
 J recomand mc on to yow desyryng to here of yowrc welfare
 
 HENRY VII. 351 
 
 (66 feet) and more of length, and two fathom (12 feet) of 
 bigness and deepness in the mid fish. 
 
 Sir, remember what ye have to do there, cans \hecause\ not 
 such a casualty in your time of your office, &c. 
 
 Wherefore this, by the information of your said Deputy, 
 cause me to write unto you this simple bill, praying you to 
 pardon me of the writing, for it was done in haste, and this 
 bill I sent to William Brykks {Briggs, q ?) your servant, to 
 Matlaske,by mass time, to bring it to you; and this day they 
 purpose to break it. Do herein now as it please you, and 
 Almighty God have you and all yours in his keeping ; %e- 
 seeching you that this simple bill may recommend my poor 
 wife vmto yovir mastership. 
 
 Written on Candlemas day, in haste, at Wells. 
 
 Your 
 
 T. Griggs. 
 
 Wells, 
 
 Saturday, 2d February, 
 
 1487-8. 3 H. vii. 
 
 Thornham lies upon the sea on the north coast of Norfolk. 
 Autograph, PI. xxx. No. 10. 
 
 LETTER XIII. 
 
 To 7711/ Right Worshipful Master, Sir John Faston, K7iight, 
 this letter be delivered in haste. 
 
 Right reverend and worshipful Sir, in the most humble 
 wise I recommend me unto you, desiring to hear of your 
 welfare, the which God long continue.
 
 352 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 y" qwecli god long Contynew S' myn brodyr Wyllyam re- 
 comawnd liym on to yow And as for y" lettyr y' ze sent onto 
 hyni he hath schewyd my lord y" entent y' off And he 
 thynkyth hym self y* it is no part of hys dute to have any 
 part of the fysch or any mony y' schuld grow y' of nev' y*' 
 lasse my lord acordyng as yowr desyre was in y'' lett' had 
 questyond John Alowe of thys Fych Afor y" Comyng of 
 John Danyele what he had doon w' all And he Answerd 
 As for y^ nedyr chavyll y'of he had put it in sewrte And 
 leyd it in a howse be Cawse youre devyte seasyd it to myn 
 lords vise tyll it myth be undyrstond wedyr y'' p'pyrte war 
 in y*" Kyng or in my lord And so my lord held hym well 
 content it sehud be so in so moch As y'' Kyng And my 
 lord have Comawndyd John A lowe y' thys forsayd chavyll 
 schuld he browth up to y'' Kyng in all goodly hast Furder- 
 more my brodyr Wyllyam p'seyvyd be youre wrytyng y* ye 
 cowd make y" remnawnth of y' fych worth a iiij li to my lord 
 my lord wold ze schuld not trobyll youre self no more w^all 
 becawse he thynkyth y* y'' p'pyrte is not in hym And also 
 Anodyr my brodyi- Wyllyam heryth sey in y" Corte y* y^ 
 Kyng And my lord be content y' y" remenaunt of y'' fych 
 be to y' vse of them of y* Cuntre y" wech ze schall here y^ 
 more s'teyn y'of here aft' Also my brod" Wyllyam seyth y' 
 my lord wyllyd yow y' ze schuld send y*' retorne of y*' 
 Comyscion as hastyly as ze can And m'vcll y' ze hath not 
 sent it up or thys As towards y' brckyng up of y*" p'lement 
 many lykelywoods y' be y' it schuld Contynew no wyle And 
 thcs be they my lord y'' Archebyschop of Yorkc deputed as 
 zyst'day And myn lord of Northethomyrlond schall goo as on 
 Fryday And also all schuch folkys as schall goo in to Breten
 
 HENRY VII. 353 
 
 Sir, mine brother William recommends him unto you ; and 
 as for the letter that ye sent unto him, he hath showed mine 
 Lord the intent thereof, and he thinketh himself, that it is 
 no part of his duty to have any part of the fish, or any 
 money that should grow thereof; nevertheless, my Lord, 
 according as your desire was in the letter, had questioned 
 John a'Lowe of this fish, afore the coming of John Daniel, 
 what he had done withall; and he answered, as for the 
 nether chavil thereof he had put it in surety, and laid it 
 in a house, because your deputy seized it to mine Lord's 
 use, till it might be understood whether the property were 
 in the King, or in my Lord ; and so my Lord held him well 
 content it should be so, inasmuch as the King and my Lord 
 have commanded John a'Lowe that this foresaid chavil 
 should be brought up to the King in all goodly haste. 
 
 Furthermore, my brother William perceived by your writ- 
 ing, that ye could make the remanent of the fish worth a four 
 pound to my Lord ; my Lord would ye should not trouble 
 yourself no more withall, because he thinketh that the property 
 is not in him. And also another, my brother William heareth 
 say in the covu't, that the King and my Lord be content that 
 the remanent of the fish be to the use of them of the country, 
 the which ye shall hear the more certain thereof hereafter. 
 
 Also my brother William saith, that my Lord willed you 
 that ye should send the return of the commission, as hastily 
 as ye can, and marvels that ye have not sent it up ere this. 
 
 As towards the breaking up of the Parliament, many like- 
 lihoods there be, that it should continue no while, and these 
 be they: my Lord the Archbishop of York, as yesterday, 
 and mine Lord of Northumberland shall go, as on Friday, 
 and also all such folks, as shall go into Bretaigne, shall be at 
 
 VOL. V. z z
 
 354 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 schall be at Portysmowtli on Satyrday cu" forthiiyth And 
 y" muday aft' on see bord at wech seassvin y*" bryng' in- 
 tendyd to be y' to take y^ mustyrs And as for thos Jantyl- 
 men that toke scheppyng to Agon ov' in to Breten up on A 
 fortnyth A goo y* is to say S' Ricbard Edgecmn y" Cown- 
 troller S' Roberd Clyfford S' JohnTrobylvyle and John Mot- 
 ton Sariant port' be A ryvyd Ageyn up on y*" Cost of Yng- 
 land save All only S' Richard Egecum wech landyd in 
 Breten And y' was in a Towne callyd Morleys wech A non 
 up on hys Comyng was besegyd w* y*" Frenchmen And so 
 skapyd hardly w' hys lyflPy" wech towne y"" Frenchemen have 
 gotyn And also y'' Town callyd Breest how be it y" Castell 
 holdyth As we here say And y"" be Apoyntyd serteyn Cap- 
 tens At thys seasun wech be lord Bruke S' John Cheney S' 
 lohn of Arundell S' lohn Bech'm S' lohn Gray niyn brod' 
 Awdley myn Vnkyll S' Gylberd Debnam And Thomas 
 Staiford And many odyr knytys and Esqwyrys And Syr J 
 thanke yow for y*" lettyr y' ze sent me Also S' J have ful- 
 fyllyd myn pylgremage thanke it be god Also S' we undyr- 
 stond y' it is Anactyd of eu^y x m'rke of mevable goods xx" 
 to y'' Kyng besyd ye tennyth of eu''y mannys londs And S'my 
 brodyr Heydon schall send yow y" s'teynof All odyrthyngys 
 grawntyd at thys plement for he hath cawsed lohn Danyell 
 to tery All thys day for hys lett' be cawse he was w' y' Kyng 
 at Westmestre y' he myth not entend to wryth it tyl nyth 
 Also S' Mast' Calthorp hath payd j C m'ke to y'= Kyng 
 Also S' I have delyu'd y*" x li to Mast' Hawes And reseyw*" of 
 hym y' oblygacion Also J have dolyu'^d y'^ xx" m'rke to 
 Edmu~d Dorma" be my brodyr Ileydons Comawndme~t No 
 mor to yow at thys tyme but god And y'' holy t'nytc have 
 yow in her kcpyng And myn syst' Anne w' all y*" Comi)any
 
 HENRY VII. 355 
 
 Portsmouth on Saturday come fortnight, and the Monday 
 after on sea board, at which season the King intended to be 
 there to take the musters ; and as for those gentlemen that 
 took shipping to have gone over into Bretaigne upon a fortnight 
 ago, that is to say, Sir Richard Edgecomb, the Comptroller, 
 Sir Robert Clifford, Sir John Trobylvylle [^rurberville], and 
 John Motton, serjeant porter, be arrived again upon the 
 coast of England, save only Sir Richard Edgecombe, who 
 landed in Bretaigne, and there was in a town called Mor- 
 laix, which anon upon his coming was besieged with the 
 Frenchmen, and so \Jie\ escaped hardly with his life ; the 
 which town the Frenchmen have gotten, and also the town 
 called Brest ; howbeit the castle holdeth, as we hear say. 
 
 And there be appointed certain captains at this season, 
 which be Lord Brooke, Sir John Cheney, Sir John of Arun- 
 del, Sir John Becham [^Beauc/iamp^, Sir John Gray, mine 
 brother Awdley, mine uncle Sir Gilbert Debenham, and 
 Thomas Stafford, and many other knights and escpiires. 
 
 And, Sir, I thank you for the letter that ye sent me; also 
 Sir, I have fulfilled my pilgrimage, thanks be to God. 
 
 Also, Sir, we understand that it is enacted of every ten 
 marks (6/. 13s. 4cl.) of movable goods 20d. to the King, be- 
 side the tenth of every man's lands. 
 
 And, Sir, my brother Heydon shall send you the certain 
 of all other things granted at this parliament, for he hath 
 caused John Daniel to tarry all this day for his letter, be- 
 cause he was with the King at Westminster, so that he might 
 not intend to write it till night. 
 
 Also, Sir, Master Calthorpe hath payed one hundred 
 marks (66/. 13s. 4d.) to the King. Also, Sir, I have deli- 
 vered the ten pounds to Master Hawes, and received of him 
 
 z z 2
 
 356 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 recomawnd hem onto yow Wretyn at london y'' X Day of 
 Februar. 
 
 Be your sr'unt 
 
 Margery Paston. 
 
 1 U by 1 7. 
 
 Paper Mark. 
 The Arms of France 
 per bend, on a chief 
 
 three roundlets. 
 PI. xxxiii. No. 2. 
 
 This letter from Sir John Paston's lady, tlnough his brother William's infor- 
 mation, gives him Lord Oxford's directions concerning the fish. The chavil is 
 to be sent to the King, and the rest his Lordship desires may be divided amongst 
 those who took the fish. The money to be raised on the subject by the taxes 
 passed in this parliament was for carrying on the war in Bretaigne ; and the 
 Earl of Northumberland here mentioned was killed in a popular insurrection in 
 Yorkshire, occasioned by the strict levying of this tax, on the 28th of April, 
 1488. 
 
 He left a minor son, Henry Earl of Northumberland, the regulations and 
 establishments of whose household, begun in 1512, were published from the 
 original MS. now in the possession of the present Duke of Northumberland, 
 in 1770. 
 
 The Pilgrimage here mentioned was most probably to Our Lady of Walsing-
 
 HENRY VII. 357 
 
 the obligation. Also, I have delivered the twenty marks 
 (13/. 6s. 8(/.) to Edmund Dorman, by my brother Hey don's 
 commandment. 
 
 No more to you at this time, but God and the Holy Tri- 
 nity have you in their keeping ; and my sister Ann, with 
 all the company, recommend them unto you. 
 Written at London, the 10th day of February. 
 
 By your servant, 
 
 Margery Paston, 
 
 London, 
 
 Sunday, 10th February, 
 
 1487-8. 3 H. vii. 
 
 ham, to oflfer up some petition for her own health and piosperity, or for that of 
 her husband. 
 
 Though a large sum of money was granted by parliament, and great prepa- 
 rations were begun, to assist the Duke of Bretaigne, little was accomplished, 
 and Henry put the chief part of the money collected into his own coffers. 
 
 The battle of St. Aubin, wherein the Duke was defeated, was fought on the 
 28th of July, and some of our English historians say, that a reinforcement from 
 hence arrived some days after; be that as it may, the Duke, worn out with age 
 and misfortunes, died on the 9th of September following, and was succeeded 
 by his daughter Ann. 
 
 It seems by this letter that troops did go over into Bretaigne about this 
 time. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 1 1 .
 
 358 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XIV. 
 
 To the Right WorshipfuU and 
 
 my Right Welbeloued CounceUouv 
 S' John Past on Knyght 
 
 Right Worshipful! and right Welbeloued Counceilo' I 
 comaunde me to you. And where as I understand by yo' 
 Wrytyng that a grete Shippe is perisshed with you in thoo 
 parties. And that ye haiie ben gretly occupied aboute the 
 savyng of the goods of the same And that the Merchaunts 
 therof ben disposed to put their Wynes to Sale Of the 
 whiche ye maye by a Ton for C s and litel more J may by 
 in this Cuntrey for iiij li Wherfore if ye may by there eny 
 better chepe I pray you to purveye for me such as ye seme 
 necessary And forsomoche as ye may nat be here with me 
 at this tyme I desire and pray you to p'pare and ordeyne 
 yo'self with as many jnen in barneys as ye godely may to do 
 the Kyng service in my Company at the Kyngs charge and 
 costes So as ye and they may be w' me at Cambrige vpon 
 Tcwosday next Comyng And that ye faile nat herof as my 
 right especial trust is in you. Writen at my Castell of He- 
 dyngham the vj daye of May. 
 
 OXENFORD. 
 
 1 1 \ b_v 8i. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 The Arms of I'raiice 
 
 per lifiid oil a chief 
 
 ihnc- rnuiullcts. 
 
 PI. xxxiii. No. 3. 
 
 Seal, ail T''ai;lc displayed. PI. xxxiv. No. 7-
 
 HENRY VII. 359 
 
 LETTER XIV. 
 
 To my right worshipful and my right well-beloved Counsellor, 
 Sir John Paston, Knight. 
 
 Right worshipful andrightwell-beloveclCounsellor, I recom- 
 mend me to you. And whereas I understand by your writ- 
 ing that a great ship is perished with you in those parts, and 
 that ye have been greatly occupied about the saving of the 
 goods of the same ; and that the merchants thereof be dis- 
 posed to put their wines to sale, of the which ye may buy a 
 ton for one hundred shillings and little more. I may buy 
 in this country for four pounds ; wherefore if ye may buy 
 there any better cheap, I pray you to purvey for me, such 
 as ye seem [see~\ necessary. 
 
 And forasmuch as ye may not be here with me at this time, 
 I desire and pray you to prepare and ordain yourself with as 
 many men in harness as ye goodly may, to do the King ser- 
 vice in my company, at the King's charge and costs, so as 
 ye and they may be with me at Cambridge upon Tuesday 
 next coming; and that ye fail not hereof, as my right special 
 trust is in you. 
 
 Written at my Castle of Hedingham, this 6th day of May. 
 
 OXENFORD. 
 
 Castle of Hedingham, 
 
 Tuesday, 6th May, 
 1488. SH.vii. 
 
 We see here the Earl of Oxford's attention to his domestic affairs ; for though 
 he was at this time under orders to march into the north, to suppress the insur- 
 rection occasioned by the levying the supplies for the foreign war, he did not 
 neglect to give orders for purchasing wine for his household, and to give di- 
 rections to have it bought on the most moderate terms. 
 
 Autograph, Pi. iv. No. 5.
 
 360 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XV. 
 
 To lujs Brodyr 
 Si/r John Past on. 
 
 Syr I recomaunde me on to yow And where as ye desyre 
 that I schulde sende yow worde of siiche tydyngs as Phylyp 
 Lewes and Wyndesor bryngythe to the Corte they be come 
 thens bothe but we here of no tydyngs that they brynge 
 but that yondyr folkys Abyde stylle abowte y" place where 
 as thys onhappy dede was done and not w' no grete 
 nowmbyr they sey not paste w' v and vj C where they were 
 moste liowbeyt they haue made p'clamacons in y" cuntrey 
 to mete w' oder of ther AfFynyte as on tuesday last past as 
 it Aperytlie in the copy of ther p'clamacon heraftyr folow- 
 yng Also they schew the Kynge intendythe to holde on 
 hys jurney. And Phylyp Lewes is redyn ageyn to the 
 Kyng and schall brynge w' hym money for all ther wags 
 that schall be in my lordys retynew as yow and vj of Syr 
 Wyll'm bolens s'v'nts and odyrs Syr M Clopton sye yowre 
 lettyr And a scythe he knew my lords mcnde suche that he 
 durste not meue hym w' it ther was S' Wyll'm Say but 
 clopton wolde not it schulde be knowen of non other but 
 yo' selfe he sent my lorde be a s'v'nt of his xl li to haue 
 excusynd hym and it wolde not be takyn and y' J m'vell of 
 Howbcyt he brake thus fcr to my lorde he aschcd hym how 
 many he a])oyntyd yow to brynge w' yow and he Answerde 
 hym XX" and than he schewyd hym yowr chargs y' ye haue
 
 HENRY VII. 361 
 
 LETTER XV. 
 
 To his Brother Sir John Paston. 
 
 Sir, I recommend me unto you, and whereas ye desire that 
 I should send you word of such tidings as Philip Lewes 
 and Windsor bringeth from the court; they be come thence 
 both, but we hear of no tidings that they bring, but that 
 yonder folks abide still about the place whereas this un- 
 happy deed was done, and not with no great number, they 
 say not with past 5 or 600, when they were most; however 
 they have made proclamations in the country, to meet with 
 other of their affinity, as on Tuesday last past, as it ap- 
 peareth in the copy of their proclamation hereafter follow- 
 ing. 
 
 Also they show the King intendeth to hold over his jour- 
 ney, and Philip Lewes is ridden again to the King, and 
 shall bring with him money for all their wages that shall be 
 in my lord's retinue, as you and six of Sir William Bolein's 
 servants and other. 
 
 Sir, Master Clopton saw your letter, and a seythe [he 
 saith^ he knew my lord's mind such, that he durst not move 
 liim with it. There was Sir William Say, (but Clopton would 
 not it should be known of none other but yourself;) he sent 
 my lord, by a servant of his, 40/. to have excused him, and 
 it would not be taken, and that I marvel of. Howbeit he 
 brake thus far to my lord: he asked him how many he ap- 
 pointed you to bring with you; and he answered him 
 
 VOL. V. 3 a
 
 362 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 had my lorde seyd ye myght haue men A nowe and ther 
 wags schal be payd for Clopton Aunswerde how that it 
 wolde eoste yow large money besyde y' wags to hors them 
 and hemes them and how that to sey the trowthe ye were 
 not well at ese. Notw'standynge all thys my lorde wyllyd 
 that y*^^ schulde come to hym to Cambryge on tuesday at 
 nyght w' as many as y*" myght and ye and he schulde do 
 well Jnow. Soo Clopton thyngyth that and ye brynge A 
 dosen w' yow it is sutfycyent Howbeyt y' S' Emonde Be- 
 dyngfeld S' Thomas TyrelP and S' Rye Lewes haue ben w' 
 my lorde and yche of them haue ofFyrde to mete w' my 
 lorde at Cambryge w' xxx me" apese of them So I wolde not 
 ye schulde be so ferre undyr them Wherfor I thynke best 
 that ye puruey yow so as and y*" schulde goo forthe yor 
 selfe for I can p'seue non othyr wyse My bedfelawe Corn- 
 waleys'^ is maryed in the northe and he came as yesternyght 
 to my lorde streyt owt of the contre and he scheythe non 
 othyr wyse but as I haue wretyn here afore in thys lettyr 
 ye schall haue for yor self and for yche of yor s'v'nts horsyd 
 and herneyssyd xx' in hande At Cambryge for a monthe and 
 I truste we schall haue done or xx days to An ende w* y'^ 
 grace of god who haue yow in kepynge At Henyngh'm. 
 
 Be yo' brodyr 
 
 Wyllm Paston. 
 
 THE REBELLES p'cLAMAc''oN. 
 
 To be knowyn to all the Northe p't of England to eu'ry 
 lorde Knyght Es(piyer Jentylman And yeman that they 
 schalbe redy in ther defensable Aray Jn the Est p'te on 
 tuysday next comyng on Aldyrton more And in the west 
 p'te on Cateley More the same Day u])on ])oyne of losyng
 
 HENRY VII. 363 
 
 twenty ; and then he showed him your chai-ges that ye have 
 had; my lord said ye might have men enough, and their 
 wages shall be paid for. 
 
 Clopton answered, how that it would cost you large 
 money beside their wages to horse them and harness them; 
 and how that, to say the truth, ye were not well at ease. 
 
 Notwithstanding all this, ray lord willed that ye should 
 come to him to Cambridge on Tuesday at night with as 
 many as ye might, and ye and he should do well enough. 
 So Clopton thinketh that and [//"] ye bring a dozen with 
 you it is sufficient; howbeit that Sir Edmund Bedingfield, 
 Sir Thomas Tyrell,* and Sir Richard Lewes have been with 
 my lord, and each of them have offered to meet with my 
 lord at Cambridge with thirty men apiece of them; so I 
 would not ye should be so far under them ; wherefore I 
 I think best that ye purvey you so as and [if'j ye should go 
 forth yourself, for I can perceive none otherwise. My bed- 
 fellow Cornwallis" is married in the north, and he came as 
 yesternight to my lord strait out of the country, and he 
 saith none otherwise, but as I have written here before in 
 this letter. 
 
 Ye shall have for yourself and for each of your servants 
 horsed and harnessed 20 shillings in hand at Cambridge for 
 a month, and I trust we shall have done ere twenty days to 
 an end, with the grace of God, who have you in keeping. 
 At Henyngham. 
 
 By your brother, 
 
 William Paston. 
 
 Heningham Castle, 
 between 6th and 13th May 
 1488. SH.vii. 
 
 3 a2
 
 364 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 of ther goods and bodyes For to geynstonde suche p'sons 
 As is Aboutward for to dystroy oure sufFereyn lorde the 
 Kynge and the Comowns of Engelond for suche vnlawfuU 
 Poynts As seynt Thomas of Cauntyrbery dyed for And thys 
 to be fulfyllyd and kept by eu'ry ylke Comenere vpon 
 peyn of detlie. 
 
 And thys is in the name of Mayster 
 
 HoBBE Hyrste 
 
 RoBYN GoDFELAws brodyr he is as 
 
 J trow 
 
 l\hhy 12|. 
 
 Seal, a Bull's Head caboshed. PI. xxxiv. No. 8. 
 
 This letter refers to the rising of the people near Thirsk in Yorkshire, where 
 the Earl of Northumberland was killed in endeavouring to levj the supplies 
 granted by the parliament for the expenses of the war to be undertaken in sup- 
 j)ort of Francis II. the last Duke of Bretaigne. 
 
 We see here the method of collecting the forces, and the number of men 
 expected to be raised by individuals ; we may observe too, how strictly the 
 personal attendance of the gentry was required, when forty pounds sent to the 
 Earl of Oxford would not be taken to excuse appearance at the place of ren- 
 dezvous. A month's wages were to be advanced beforehand, and W. Pastoii 
 seemed to think their attendance would be over in less than that time. 
 
 The proclamation of the rebels pretends that lliey are assembled to resist 
 such as are endeavouring to destroy the King and the Connnons of England. 
 
 Those who resist legal government never have wanted, and, I believe, never 
 will want, a pretence for their actions. 
 
 ' Whether the Sir Thomas Tyrell here mentioned was the head of the
 
 HENRY VII. 365 
 
 THE rebels' proclamation. 
 
 To be known to all the north parts of England, to every 
 lord, knight, esquire, gentleman, and yeoman, that they 
 shall be ready in their defensible array, in the east part, on 
 Tuesday next coming, on Alderton Moor, and in the west 
 part on Cately Moor the same day, upon pain of losing of 
 their goods and bodies; for to gainstand [resist'] such per- 
 sons as are about for to destroy our sovereign Lord the 
 King and the Commons of England, for such unlawful 
 points as Saint Thomas of Canterbury died for. And this 
 to be fulfilled and kept by every ylke [^separate] commoner 
 upon pain of death. 
 
 And this is in the name of Master Hobbe Hyrste, 
 
 Robin Good Fellow's brothei-, he is, as I 
 
 trow. 
 
 Essex branch of this family, or whether he was the Sir Thomas, younger bro- 
 ther to Sir James Tyrell, the supposed murderer of Edward V. and his brother 
 the Duke of York, does not appear. 
 
 ^ This was most probably William Cornwallis, Esq. who married Elizabeth, 
 daughter and heir of John Stamford, Esq. They were ancestors to the pre- 
 sent Marquis Cornwallis; he died in 1519, and was buried at Oakley ; she 
 continued his widow till her death in 1537, and was interred at Thrandeston, in 
 Suffolk. 
 
 The term " bedfellow" was often used in this age by one friend speaking of 
 another, as persons of the highest quality in the days here spoken of frequently 
 slept together. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxx. No. 12.
 
 366 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XVI. 
 
 To S' John Paston 
 be thys lettyr clelt/u'ed. 
 
 Aftyr All clewe recomendacon pleasyt vow to undyrstonde 
 that my lorde hathe ben w* the Kynge in Wyndeso' at 
 Seynt Georgys Feste and ther at the same Festewere bothe 
 y*" Jnbaceto's of Breten and of Flaundyrs as well fro the 
 kynge of Romayns as fro the yonge duke But J can not 
 schew yow y' ceiteyn whedyr we schall haue w* them warre 
 or pease But J undyrstonde for eerteyn that all suche 
 Capeteyns as wente to the y" see in lente y' is to sey S' 
 Charlys Som'sett S' Ric' Hawte and S' Wyll'm Vampage 
 makythe them redy to goo to the see Ageyn as schortely as 
 they Can to what Jntente J can not sey Also where as it 
 was seyde that my lord Woddevyle and other schulde haue 
 gone ou' in to Breten to haue eyded the Duke of Breten J 
 can not tell of non suche eyd Butt upon that seynge ther came 
 many men to Sowthhamton where it was seyd that he schulde 
 haue takyn schyppyng to haue waytyd vpon hym ou' and soo 
 whan he was countyrmaundyd thos that resortyd thedyr to 
 haue gon ou' w' hym taryde there styll in hope y' they schuld 
 haue ben lycensyd to haue gone ou' and whan they sey no 
 lykeleod that they schuld haue Ij^cens there was ij C of them 
 that gete them in to a Breton schyppe y'' whyche was late 
 Come ou' w' salte and bad the mayst' sett them a lond in 
 Breten and they had nott seylyd not paste v legs butt they
 
 HENRY VII. 367 
 
 LETTER XVI. 
 
 To Sir John Paston be this Letter delivered. 
 
 After all due recommendation, please it you to under- 
 stand that my Lord hath been Avitli the King in Windsor 
 at St. George's Feast ; and there at the same feast were 
 both the Embassadors of Bretaigne and of Flanders, as well 
 from the King of \the~\ Romans as from the young Duke ; 
 but I cannot show you the certain whether we shall have 
 with them war or peace ; but I understand for certain that 
 all such Captains as went to the sea in Lent, that is to say, 
 Sir Charles Somerset, Sir Richard Hawte, and Sir William 
 Vampage maketh them ready to go to the sea again, as 
 shortly as they can; to what intent I cannot say. 
 
 Also, whereas it was said that my Lord Wodevile and 
 other should have gone over into Bretaigne, to have aided 
 the Duke of Bretaigne ; I cannot tell of none such aid; but 
 upon that saying there came many men to Southampton, 
 where it was said that he should have taken shipping, to 
 have waited upon him over ; and so when he was counter- 
 manded, those that resorted thither, to have gone over with 
 him, tarried there still, in hope that they should have been 
 licensed to have gone over ; and when they saw no likeli- 
 hood that they should have license, there was 200 of them 
 that got them into a Bretaigne ship, the which was late come 
 over with salt, and bad the master set them a land [on land'] 
 in Bretaigne ; and they had not sailed not past five leagues
 
 368 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 as})ied a Frenchina" and the Frenclima" mad ou' to them and 
 they ferde as thaw they wolde not haue medylde w' them 
 and all the Englysehe me' went undyr the hetchys soo that 
 the schewyd no more but those that Come to Sowthehamton 
 w' the schype to cause the Frenehemen to be the more 
 gladder to medyll w' them and soo the frenchema"" Burdyd 
 them and then they that were undyr the hetches came up and 
 soo toke y'' Frenclima" and caryed y"^ me" schyppe and all in 
 to Breaten Also ther was ther an Inbaceto"^ fro the Kynge 
 of schotts who is now put in grete trobyll be hys son and 
 other of the lords of his londe Syr as J came homewerde be 
 london I spake there w' Edmonde Dormand and he seyd 
 that he had Wretyn onto yow but he had non Aunsvvere 
 W'herfor he p yd me that if I knew ony man comynge towerds 
 Norwhyche and J wolde wrythe on to yow y* he ferythe if 
 ye see non other dyreccon that he schall be comittyd to y*^^ 
 Flete Also he schewyd me that Herry Wyottwholde fynde 
 the mene to haue yow condemnyd and recov' y" obligacon of 
 xl li ageyns yow and soo he seythe he whote nott how to doo 
 for he is halfe dysmayd he ferythe lesse that he schall neu' 
 come home But he Jntendythe to plede the obligacon 
 fulfylyd at Norwyche for he seythe ther is no other remedy 
 to saue yow fro the condemnacon tyl that he herythe other- 
 wyse from yow whyche he thynketh longe aftyr Wretyn at 
 Henyngh'm y' xiij day of May w' the hand of yo' Brodyr 
 
 Will'm Paston. 
 
 1 IJ by 84. 
 
 Seal, 
 A I'll 111 lie Ias and CiTRCcnt. 
 PI. xxxiv. No. (J.
 
 HENRY VII. 369 
 
 but they espied a Frenchman ; and the Frenchman made 
 over to them ; and they fared as though they would not 
 have meddled with them, and all the Englishmen went 
 under the hatches, so that they showed no more but those 
 that came to Southampton with the ship, to cause the French- 
 men to be the more glad to meddle with them; and so 
 the Frenchman boarded them, and then they that were under 
 the hatches came up, and so took the Frenchmen, and car- 
 ried the men, ship and all, into Bretaigne. 
 
 Also, there was there an ambassador from the King of 
 Scots, who is now put in great trouble by his son, and other 
 of the lords of his land. 
 
 Sir, as I came homeward by London, I spake there with 
 Edmond Dormand, and he said that he had written unto 
 you, but he had none answer; wherefore he prayed me 
 that, if I knew any man coming towards Norwich, and \_that^ 
 I would write unto you, that he feareth, if ye see none other 
 direction, that he shall be committed to the Fleet. 
 
 Also, he showed me that Harry Wyot would find the 
 mean to have yon condemned, and recover the obligation of 
 40/. against you ; and so he saith he wote not how to do, 
 for he is half dismayed ; he feareth lest he shall never come 
 home ; but he intendeth to plead the obligation fulfilled at 
 Norwich, for he saith there is no other remedy to save you 
 from the condemnation, till that he heareth otherwise fi-om 
 you, which he thinketh long after. 
 
 Written at Henyngham, the 13th day of May, with the 
 hand of your brother. 
 
 William Paston. 
 
 Heninghani, 
 Tuesday, 13tli May, 
 1488. 3H. vii. 
 
 VOL. V. 3 B
 
 370 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Henry VII. this year kept the Feast of St. George very solemnly at Wind- 
 sor, at which were present the Lord Malpertuis, ambassador from Francis 
 Duke of Bretaigne ; the President of Kiishemborough, from Maximilian the 
 King of the IJomans ; the Scotish ambassador the Lord Bothville, and many 
 
 others. 
 
 Sir Charles Somerset executed the office of Cupbearer ; he was the natural 
 son of Henry Duke of Somerset, and for his great abilities and loyalty was 
 afterwards created Earl of \V orcester. 
 
 The office of Sewer was filled by Sir William Vampage. 
 
 Sir Edward W^odevile, commonly called Lord Wodevile, though never sum- 
 moned to Parliament, was at this time installed a Knight of the Garter ; he was 
 a younger sou of the late and brother to the present Earl Rivers, and was very 
 
 LETTER XVII. 
 
 The Ki/iige to my Lorde of Oxijnford. 
 
 Right trusty And Entierly beloued Cousin We grete you 
 well Jnasniuch as it hath liked god to sende us good tidings 
 oute of Bretayn such as we dought not but that ye be desi- 
 rous to understonde we wryte unto you of them as they be 
 Comen to our knowlage and as foloueth The lord IVIalptuis 
 now late w' vs in Anibassade from our dere Cousino the 
 Duchesse of Brctayne shi])pid at our porte of Dortmouth 
 and arriued at Saynt powle de lyon in Bretayn on Palme 
 sonday at iiij after noone from whcns he wrote us the dis- 
 ])oscion And the state of the Countre there And of the 
 landyng And the Demeanyng of our Armee We receuied 
 his Wrytyng on Monday last at Evynsong tyme And be
 
 HENRY VII. 371 
 
 soon after slain in the battle of St. Aubin, where he was present with a troop 
 of chosen men, to assist the Duke of Bretaigne. 
 
 The eagerness of the English to engage tlie French is apparent from their 
 earnest desire to get into Bretaigne ; and the capture of the French sliip by a 
 stratagem deserves notice. 
 
 James III. King of Scotland, was at this time in great distress ; his nobles 
 were many of them in arms, headed by his eldest son Prince James ; the battle 
 of Bannockburn was fought in June following, wherein the King was defeated 
 and murdered. 
 
 The intending to plead Sir J. Paston's obligation to Henry Wyot, as " ful- 
 filled at Norwich," seems to be a plea to gain time, as it seems to appear that 
 the obligation was never really fulfilled. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxx. No. 12. 
 
 LETTER XVII. 
 
 The King to my Lord of Oxenford. 
 
 Right trusty and entirely beloved Cousin, we greet you 
 well; inasmuch as it hath liked God to send us good tidings 
 out of Bretaigne, such as we doubt not but that ye be desi- 
 rous to understand ; we write unto you of them, as they be 
 come to our knowledge, and as followeth. 
 
 The Lord Malpertuis, now late with us in ambassade from 
 our dear Cousin the Duchess of Bretaigne, shipped at our port 
 of Dartmouth, and arrived at St. Paul de Lyon in Bretaigne, 
 on Palm Sunday [\2tli Ai)ril\ at 4 in the afternoon, from 
 whence he wrote us the disposition and the state of the 
 country there, and of the landing and the demeaning of our 
 
 army. 
 
 3 B 2
 
 372 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Cause he was of Bretayn borne and favorable to that p'tie 
 We ne gave such trust to his tidings as was thought to us 
 surete to wryte to you theruppon Tliis Day aftre high Masse 
 Comyth vmto vis from oute of Bretayne forsaid and w' a new 
 Ambassade from our said Cousine Fawcon oon of our pur- 
 suiants that Ratifieth the newes of the seid h)rd Malp'tuis 
 which ben these after the garysson of Frenshmen in the 
 towne of Gyngh'm hadCerteinte of thelandyng of ourArmee 
 ther drewe do^vne the fobours of Gyngh'm And made thayme 
 mete to defende A siege but assone as thei undirstode 
 that our said Armee Jornayned towards theim thei left the 
 same Gyngh'm w^here our said Armee ariued the Thursday 
 next before Palme senday and was receiued w* p'cession 
 logged and receivied refreshed in the town iiij daycs And 
 goyng towards the said Duchesse thei must passe to the 
 Castell and Borua;h of Moncouter Jn that Castell was Also 
 a garnissoii of Frenshemen which incontinently vpon worde 
 that our said Armee drwe towards theym the Frenshmen 
 Did Cast downe gret parte of the Walles and fled from thens 
 Jn that Castell and borugh our seid Armee kept thair Estre 
 The Castell of Chawson adioyni'g ner to the towne of 
 Saynt Bryak was also garnisond w' Frenshmen that ('astell 
 they set on Fire And soo fled Jn the townes of llenebone 
 And Vannes were garnsond w' Frenshmen which breke 
 downe the walles of the townes and putte them self to FHgth 
 Tliinhabitants a bought Brest hauc layd Siege the'unto 
 And goten the Base Courte of the Frenchmen or the de- 
 l)artyng of our said pursiva'nt The garnson of the towne of 
 Concarnewe which is oon of the grettest strenghes of all 
 Bretayn was besieged in like wyse And Drevyn to that neces- 
 site that thei w' in olferd or his dep'tyng to avoyde the
 
 HENRY VII. 373 
 
 We received his writing on Monday last at evensong 
 time ; and because he was of Bretaigne born, and favourable 
 to that party, we ne gave [did not give] such trust to his 
 tidings, as was thought to us surety to write to you there- 
 upon. 
 
 This day after high mass cometh unto us from out of Bre- 
 taigne aforesaid, and with a new ambassade from our said 
 Cousin, Falcon one of our Pursuivants, that ratifieth the 
 news of the said Lord Malpertuis, which be these. 
 
 After the garrison of Frenchmen in the town of Gyngham 
 [Guingamp] had certainty of the landing of our army, they 
 drew down the fabours [Fortcullises or FaiLiboiugs] of Gyng- 
 ham, and made them meet [^readi/l to defend a siege ; but 
 as soon as they understood that our said army journeyed 
 towards them, they left the same Gyngham, where our said 
 army arrived the Thursday next before Palm Sunday, and 
 was received with procession, lodged and received, and re- 
 freshed in the town four days ; and going towards the said 
 Duchess, they must pass to the castle and borough of Mon- 
 couter ; in that castle was also a garrison of Frenchmen, 
 which incontinently, upon word that our said army drew 
 towards them, the Frenchmen did cast down great part of 
 the walls and fled from thence ; in that castle and borough 
 our said army kept their Easter. The castle of Chauson, ad- 
 joining near to the town of Saint Bryak \_St. B}-ieii] was also 
 garrisoned with Frenchmen, that castle they set on fire, and 
 so fled in. The towns of Henebone and Vannes were gar- 
 risoned with Frenchmen, which brake down the walls of the 
 towns, and put themselves to flight. The inhabitants about 
 Brest have laid siege thereunto, and gotten the Base Court 
 of the Frenchmen ere the departing of our said Pm-suivant.
 
 374 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 towne w' staffe in hande how that is takyn or what is more 
 done sithens he cannot telle Oure said Cousine the Duehesse 
 is in her Citee of Raynes And our right trusti Knyght And 
 Counsellour Sir Richard Eggecombe ther also hauyng Cheef 
 Rule abowte her And the Marchall of Bretayn arredieth 
 hym to Joyne with them in all haste w' a gode band of men 
 mony noble men of that Countree repair to our said Armee 
 to take their partie These premisses in substance We haue 
 be Wrytyng aswell from the Chef Capytaynes of our said 
 Armee as from our ComptroUo' forsaid And that our said 
 Armee blessid be god hath Among theyme selfe kepte such 
 love and accorde that no man' of fray or debate hath bene 
 bitwene them sithens the tyme of thair dep'ting out this our 
 Reame Youen und' our signed at our Castell at Hartford 
 the xxij day of Aprill 
 
 Syr thys js the Copye of the lettyr that y*" Kynge sente 
 my lorde of Oxynford of tydyngs owte of Breten 
 
 Be yowre Brodyr 
 
 Wy'llm Paston. 
 
 lU by I'll 
 
 Paper Mark. 
 
 Catharine Wheel and Stars, &c. 
 
 PI. xxxiii. No. 9. 
 
 A treaty had been concluded at Redon, in February 1488-9, between Henry 
 and Ann Duchess of Bretaigne, one article of which was, that Henry should 
 send her an aid of fiOOO men. These were the troops now landed in Bre- 
 taigne, before whom tiic French garrisons seem to fly witii i)recipitation. 
 
 The caution of the King is very api)arent, from the doubts he entertained of 
 the Until of llic account forwarded to hini from the Duchess's ambassador. 
 
 The movements of this army, and the evacuation of her towns by the French,
 
 HENRY VII. 375 
 
 The garrison of the town of Concarnell, which is one of the 
 greatest strengths of all Bretaigne, was besieged in like wise, 
 and driven to that necessity, that they within offered, ere 
 his said departhig, to avoid the town with staff in hand ; 
 how that is taken, or what is more done since, we cannot 
 tell. 
 
 Our said Cousin, the Duchess, is in her city of Rennes ; 
 our right trusty Knight and Counsellor, Sir Richard Edge- 
 combe, [is] there also, having chief rule about her; and the 
 Marshal of Bretaigne arredieth him \jnakes himself ready] to 
 join with them in all haste with a good band of men. 
 Many noblemen of that country repair to our said army to 
 take their party. 
 
 These premisses in substance we have by writing, as v.ell 
 from the chief Captains of our said army, as from our 
 Comptroller aforesaid. And that our said army, blessed be 
 God ! hath among themselves kept such love and accord, 
 that no manner of fray or debate hath been between them 
 since the time of their departing out [o/] this our realm. 
 
 Given under our signet, at our Castle of Hertford, the 
 22d day of April. 
 
 Hertford, 
 
 Wednesday, 22d April, 
 
 1489. 4 H. vii. 
 
 Sir, this is the copy of the letter that the King sent to 
 my Lord of Oxenford of tidings out of Bretaigne. 
 
 By your brother, 
 
 William Paston. 
 
 must have greatly relieved the Duchess from the critical situation to which she 
 had been reduced by the French King.
 
 376 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Sir Richard Edgecombe had hazarded his life and fortune in the senice of 
 Henry, and had behaved with the greatest valour and intrepidity at the battle 
 of Bosworth ; when, the crown being placed on the Earl's head, he amply and 
 justly rewarded his faithful follower, making to him large grants of land, and 
 appointing him Comptroller of his Household, and one of his Privy Council. 
 
 This embassy to the Duchess of Bretaigne was the last service he per- 
 formed, dying at Mortlaix, on the 8th of September, 1489 ; and where he lies 
 buried in the Church of the Friars Preachers, where a monument is erected to 
 his memory. 
 
 LETTER XVIII. 
 
 To the right uorshypfid 
 S'e and my right trusty 
 Olid right entierhj wel 
 hcloffed freynde S'e John 
 Paston Knyght 
 
 JHS. XTS. 
 Rygiit Wortchipftil S'e and myne especial and of long 
 tyme apprevyd t'sty and feytliful frcnde I in myne hertyeste 
 Avyse rec'niannde me un to you And for as myche as I hafe 
 coles and odyr tliyngs in those parties and also y' hafe in 
 those parties cornes wyne and wax and as I am enfoiirmyd 
 y' be noght evyl wyllyd to dele w' me no more than I 
 am to dele w' you in utt'yng and also in receyvyng of 
 suche thyngs the whiche myght be to the j)'fete of us 
 bothe : J ther fore send im to you at thys tyme thys 
 berer Willia" Waltere gentylnia" usshere of my Chamber to
 
 HENRY VII. 377 
 
 The account of the behaviour and discipHne of the English forces redounds 
 greatly to the honour of their commander and officers. 
 
 This is a copy of the original letter from the King to the Earl of Oxford, 
 sent to Sir John Paston by his brother William, and contains a curious and 
 most authentic account of the proceedings and progress of the army employed 
 in the assistance of the Duchess of Bretaigne, in order to recover her fortresses 
 from the Frencli. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxx. No. 12. 
 
 LETTER XVIII. 
 
 To the Right Worshipful Sir, my right trusty and right entirely 
 well beloved Friend, Sir John Paston, Knight. 
 
 IHS XTUS. 
 Right worshipful Sir, and mine especial, and of long time, 
 approved, trusty, and faithful friend, I, in mine heartiest 
 wise, recommend me unto you; and forasmuch as I have 
 coals and other things in these parts, and also ye have in 
 those parts corns, wine, and wax ; and as I am informed ye 
 be not evil-willed to deal with me, no more than I am to 
 deal with you in uttering, and also in receiving of such things, 
 the which might be to the profit of us both; I therefore send 
 unto you at this time William Walter, Gentleman Usher of 
 my Chamber, to commune with you herein ; so that by deli- 
 beration such a way may be taken in this behalf, as may be 
 to the profit of either of us, and whereby our familiarity and 
 friendship may be increased in time to come. Whereunto, 
 VOL. v. 3 c
 
 378 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Comune w' you herin so that by delyb'ation suche a wey may 
 be takyn in thys byhalfe as may be to the p'fete of either 
 of us and wher by o' famiUarite and frendeship may be 
 encrescyd in tyme to cu' wher on to for o' old acq'yntance 
 to gedyr y' shal fynde me ful redy aft' my powere by the 
 grace of o' lorde Who eu' kepe you and send y" myche 
 worship and long p'sp'ite scribyllyd in the moste haste at 
 my Castel or Manoi' of Aucland the xxvji day of January 
 1489 
 
 Y' own trewe lufFer and 
 frende John Duresme. 
 8 by 6. 
 
 John Sherwood, the Bishop of Durham here mentioned, was raised to that 
 see by Richanl III. in 1483. He was a man of great learning, an excellent 
 poet, undt^rstood the Greek language, and was a good lawyer; to which we may 
 add, from the information conveyed in this letter, that ho was a man of busi- 
 ness, and desirous of benefiting the community by a proper exchange of mer- 
 chandize. He died in 1494. Coals at this time were very rarely used by 
 families in the country, wood was the general fuel ; a scheme therefore of 
 bringing them into Norfolk, in return for the commodities of that county, would 
 be not only of great advantage to the inhabitants, but would most probably 
 enrich the individuals concerned in the traffic.
 
 HENRY VII. 379 
 
 for our old acquaintance together, ye shall find me full 
 ready, after my power, by the grace of our Lord, who ever 
 keep you, and send you much worship and long prosperity. 
 
 Scribbled in the most haste, at my Castle or Manor of 
 Aukland, the 27th day of January, 1489. 
 
 Your own true Lover and Friend, 
 
 John Duresme. 
 
 Aukland Castle, 
 
 Wednesday, 27th January, 
 
 1492. 5 H. vii. 
 
 Norfolk, we see, was then, as it is now, famous for its growth of corn. 
 Foreign wines appear likewise to have been then imported in sufficient quan- 
 tities to supply, not only its own consumption, but that of other parts of the 
 kingdom. 
 
 Wax was also imported in addition to the quantities made in the county, from 
 the number of bees there kept. The quantity of those useful insects, whose 
 industry supplied themselves with food, and their owners with honey and wax, 
 is unfortunately much decreased of late years. 
 
 The impression on the seal is imperfect, but it appears to have been an 
 Eagle, or some bird, standing on two balls. PI. xxxiv. No. 10 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxxi. No. 19- 
 
 3 c 2
 
 380 P ASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XIX. 
 
 Oner Abyll and well be louyd knytlie I comend me on to 
 zour mast'chepe and to my lady zowyr wyfFe J thanke 
 zowyr mastyrchepe y' ae havie don foi* me J sen my lady a 
 lytyll pes of renysch wyne of y*" best of X gallons and halfe 
 a hondryd orrygys J schall send hyr mor A geyns pencost 
 y' sclie may liaue fresche and renold haue not gyue me y' 
 to nobyls and xl j"" y' ze told me of for y'' wyne and my 
 s'uys be nygt and be day to zowr Comawndment zyff zowyr 
 mastyrchep wyll ony thyng wyth me I xall be at cley No 
 mor than God he wyth zow Wrytyn up on y" tuysday 
 aftyr Palme sonday. 
 
 Lumen Haryson 
 At zowyr comawndment. 
 
 83 by 5J. 
 
 This is a complimentary note, with a present of wine and oranges for Lady 
 Paston, in acknowledgment for some services performed by Sir John to the 
 writer.
 
 HENRY VII. 381 
 
 LETTER XIX. 
 
 Honourable and well-beloved Knight, I commend me 
 unto your Mastership, and to my Lady your wife ; I thank 
 your Mastership [/or] that ye have done for me ; I send my 
 Lady a little piece of Rhenish wine of the best, of ten gal- 
 lons, and half an hundred oranges ; I shall send her more 
 against Pentecost [JV/iitsonticIcI, that she may have fresh ; 
 and Renold has not given me the two nobles and forty-one 
 pence, that ye told me of, for the wine ; and my service by 
 night and by day to your commandment, if your Mastership 
 will any thing with me, I shall be at Cley. 
 
 No more than God be with you. Written upon the 
 Tuesday after Palm Sunday, 
 
 Lumen Haryson, 
 at your commandment. 
 
 Tuesday, 6th April, 
 about 1490. 5 H. vii. 
 
 I have given it as a specimen of a grateful heart in the person obliged. 
 Autograph, PI. xxxi. No. 21.
 
 382 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XX. 
 
 HuiMBLY besecheth yo' good lordshepe yo' dayly serv'nt 
 and beedman John Paston more Kayteff than Knyght that 
 it may please you of yo' specyall grace to dyrect ought yo' 
 lettres sygned w' your hand and seaUd w' your seall to the 
 dreedfuU man Jamys RadcUff of Bylh'gforth sqwyer fermo' 
 of yo' wareyn ther ought of wheys wareyn no maner of man 
 nor vermyn dare take on hym for dought of yo' seyd dred- 
 fiill to take or carye awey eny of your game ther for fere of 
 being hangyd up among other mysdoers and forfaytours as 
 weselUs lobsters polkattys bosartys and mayne Currys That 
 the seyd Jamys shall upon the syght of yo' seyd wryghty'g 
 dely ver or cause to be delyverd to yo' seyd besecher or to 
 hys depute delyuerer of your seyd letters at hys fyrst syght 
 of the same vj coupyll blake Conyes or Renny''g Rabbettys 
 or some blake and some whyght to the seyd nombre to 
 store w* a newe grownd of yo' seyd besechers at Oxenhed 
 more lycke a Pynnefold then a parke And yo' seyd besecher 
 shall daylye prey to god for the p'servacyon of yo' noble 
 estate longe t' endure 
 
 11 J by 5. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 Hand and Caterfoil. 
 
 PI. xxxiii. No. 3. 
 
 This jocular letter seems to be written by Sir Joiin Paston to the Lord 
 Fitzwalter, lord of liic manor of Billingford in Norfolk, to induce him to give 
 an order to his relation James Radcliff, for the delivery of some store rabbits 
 to stock iiis warren.
 
 HENRY VII. 383 
 
 LETTER XX. 
 
 Humbly beseecheth your good Lordship, your daily servant 
 and beadsman, John Paston, more caitiff than knight, that 
 it may please you of your special grace to direct out your 
 letters, signed with your hand and sealed with your seal, to 
 the dreadful man James Radcliff, of Billingford, Esquire, 
 farmer of your warren there; out of whose warren, no man- 
 ner of man nor vermin dare take on him, for doubts of your 
 said dreadfull \_man\ to take or carry away any of yovu- 
 game there, for fear of being hanged up among other mis- 
 doers and forfeitors, as weasels, lobsters [stoats], polecats, 
 basarts \_hawks], and main curs; that the said James shall, 
 upon the sight of your said writing, deliver, or cause to be 
 delivered, to your said beseecher, or to his deputy, deliverer 
 of your said letters, at his first sight of the same, six couple 
 of black conies or running rabbits, or some black and some 
 white, to the said number, to store with a new ground of 
 your said beseecher at Oxnead, more like a pinfold than a 
 park ; and your said beseecher shall daily pray to God for 
 the preservation of your noble estate long to endure. 
 
 About 1490. 
 6 H. vii. 
 
 Letters of humour were very rare in this early period, and this is a curious 
 specimen of that species of writing. James Radcliff appears an exact counter- 
 part of a modern sportsman, and we cannot read this letter without comparing 
 him with our present setters of man-traps and spring-guns, to deter every one 
 from coming near, or even looking at, that game, which these despotic poachers 
 live only to destroy. The diversions which the gun and dog afford, when
 
 384 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 used with moderation, produce health and pleasure to their followers ; but 
 when carried to the excess exhibited in modern times, both by the great, and 
 by some of those whose small property gives them no such pretensions, they 
 become the destruction of friendship, and the bane of good neighbourhood. I 
 do not wish my reader to suppose that I speak thus warmly against the mo- 
 dern preservers of game (as they call themselves), from any restrictions I may 
 feel myself subject to by the present laws. I am no sportsman; if I were, the 
 providence of my ancestors has given me a power of indulging myself in those 
 amusements, sufficient for the wishes of any moderate sportsman. 1 would 
 have these diversions pursued with moderation, and as a relaxation from more 
 serious studies ; I could wish likewise that those who are blessed with royal- 
 ties and large possessions would indulge their friends and neighbours in mode- 
 rately partaking of those amusements which they themselves prize so highly. 
 
 At present, the confused number of game laws disgrace our statute-book, 
 some of them being absurd, others tyrannical, and many contradictory. 
 
 LETTER XXL 
 
 To my Wight Jf'urs/iipfull 
 Cousine S' John Vast on 
 Knyght 
 
 Right worsliipfull Cousine in right harty wyse I comaundc 
 me unto you And wher J understand by Thomas Hartforde 
 Bower of Norwiche berer herof hath been putt to grete 
 vexacion and trouble by oon Thomas Ilogan scomaker of 
 Norwiclie and yet I p'ceyue ye haue hard the matier de- 
 pending in trav's bitwix the saide p'ties I therfore desire 
 you yat in the right of the forsayd Thomas Hartford ye
 
 HENRY VII. 385 
 
 Tlie qualification by estate to kill game in Henry the Seventh's time was 
 forty shillings a year. 
 
 A warren is, properly, a place privileged by prescription, or grant of the 
 king, for the preservation of the beasts and fowls of warren, namely, hares, 
 conies, partridges and pheasants. 
 
 Free warren is a franchise erected for the preservation or custody ot the 
 beasts and fowls of warren; and he who has a grant of such a franchise is 
 really a royal game-keeper; but no man can by common law justify sporting on 
 another's soil, unless he has this liberty. 
 
 Sir John Radclift', or Ratcliff, was summoned to parliament as Lord Fitz- 
 walter, in 1485, 1 H. VII. in right of his mother Elizabeth, heir of Walter Lord 
 Fitzwalter. He was attainted and beheaded for being concerned in liic plot 
 of Perkin Warbeck in 1498. 
 
 The exact date of this letter is uncertain and immaterial; I have supposed 
 it written about 1490. It has no direction. 
 
 LETTER XXI. 
 
 To our Right JVorshipful Cousin, Sir John Paston, Knight. 
 
 Right Worshipful Cousin, in right hearty wise I commend 
 me unto you, and where[fl.?] I understand by Thomas Hart- 
 ford, a bowyer of Norwich, bearer hereof, \_that Ae] hath 
 been put to great vexation and trouble by one Thomas 
 Hogan, shoemaker, of Norwich, and that I perceive ye have 
 heard the matter depending in traverse betwixt the said 
 parties ; I therefore desire you that, in the right of the fore- 
 said Thomas Hartford, ye will be unto him good master, 
 and the better for this mine instance, as my singular trust 
 VOL. V. 3 b
 
 386 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 wolbe unto hym gode maistir and the bettir for this myn 
 Jnstaunce as my singler trust is in you And where J con- 
 ceyue also yat the same Thomas is Noysed in Norffolk for 
 a scothman borne ye shall understande that I p'ceyue wele 
 by suche honest Folks as I haue hard speke w' in the Citie 
 of York that the saide Thomas was bo'ne their and his Fa- 
 thir y'e Jnhabityng and his god Fathirs and Mothers ye 
 which bee right honest p'sones And for that this is true and 
 not feyned ye shall understand the Maio' of the Citie of 
 York and his brethern hath made grete Instaunce unto 
 me to writ for the saide Thomas For whom I must neds do 
 because yaye arr my nye Neighbours As our Lord knoweth 
 who haue you in his blissid saufegard Written in the Cas- 
 tell of Sairesheton the xxiiij"' Day of Aprill. 
 
 Your louyng Cousin 
 
 Thomas Surrey. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 Hand and Caterfoil. 
 
 PI. xxxiii. No. 3. 
 
 I have given tliis letter as containing acnrious anecdote, sliowing tlie jealousy 
 between the English and Scots; a single man of that nation being harassed at 
 Norwich upon a supposition that he was born in Scotland, a suggestion which, 
 from this Itltcr, appears not to be true. 
 
 Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey, was so created by Richard HI. at the 
 same time that his father was raised to the dignity of Duke of Norfolk. He 
 was taken prisoner at the battle of Bosworth, and confined in the Tower for 
 some years. He was however taken into favour by Henry VH., and in 1488
 
 HENRY VII. 387 
 
 is in you. And where[cfs] I conceive also that the same 
 Thomas is noised in Norfolk for a Scotsman born; ye shall 
 understand that I perceive well, by such honest folks as I 
 have heard speak within the city of York, that the said 
 Thomas was born there, and his father there inhabiting, 
 and his godfathers and mothers, the which be right honest 
 persons; and for that this is true, and not feigned, ye shall 
 understand the mayor of the city of York and his brethren 
 have made great instance unto me to write for the said 
 Thomas; for whom I must needs do, because they are my 
 nigh neighbours, as our Lord knoweth, who have you in his 
 blessed safeguard. 
 
 Written in the castle of Sheriff Hutton, the 24th day of 
 April. 
 
 Your loving Cousin, 
 
 Thomas Surrey. 
 
 Sheriff Hutton, Yorkshire, 
 24th April ; 
 probably between 1490 and 1500. 
 5 and 15 H. vii. 
 
 restored to his title of Earl of Surrey, when he was sent to qiiell the northern 
 insurrections. In 1513 he was advanced to his father's title of Duke of Nor- 
 folk, and having served all his sovereigns faithfully in many great and impor- 
 tant offices both in peace and war, he died in 1524, 16 H. VIII., when above 
 eighty years of age, at his castle of Framlingham, in Suffolk, and was buried 
 in the abbey church of Thetford. 
 
 The castle of Sheriff-Hutton is situated about ten miles north of the city of 
 York. 
 
 His Autograph is a curious one. PI. xxxi. No. 15. 
 
 3 d2
 
 388 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXIL 
 
 To my right welbeloved frende 
 S'e John Paston Kivjght 
 
 Elizabeth Ditches of Norff 
 
 3 coafAUNDE me to you tliankyng yovi as hartely as I can 
 for yo" labo' and substancyall serching owte of Thorn's Mar- 
 tynz Matyr preing you of contenuance and of yo' best 
 aduyse therin how he shall breke the mat^ so as by yo' 
 helpe and wysdani a frendely comlmycacon may be hadde 
 so as the mat' may be had in examynacon by suche Gentyl- 
 men as shalbe named by thassent of bothe p'ties suche as 
 tendyr and love the wele of bothe the p'ties And also the 
 pees and tranquyllyte of the Cuntre and loue to eschewe 
 variaunce and p'ties in the Contre. wherin ye shall not only 
 do a greete pleasure to me but a grete dede of Chary te 
 for the p'fight and ease of bothe p'ties And als a pleasure 
 to god who haue you in kepyng at Erie Soh'm lodge this 
 xxviij day of Febriuu-y. 
 
 E. N. 
 
 11 by 4L 
 
 The matter here in consitleration is fiillv cxphmii'd in a following letter, 
 dated 14lli September, 14<J1. 
 
 The dangcrons and tnnniltuous method of entering upon, or defending a dis- 
 ])Uted property is here wiiown to disturb the i)eace and tranipiillity of the 
 country, as well as to aft'eet the concord and harmony of private fainilii:s ; such 
 dissensions the Duchess m ishcs may be avoided, and liopes, by the interference 
 of common friends, a proper ilisposition may be eftected. 
 
 Elizabeth, Dinluss Dowager of Norfolk, was tile daugliter of John Talbot,
 
 HENRY VII. 389 
 
 LETTER XXII. 
 
 To my right well-beloved Friend, Sir John Padon, Knight. 
 Elizabeth, Duchess of Norfolk. 
 
 I COMMEND me to you, thanking you as heartily as I can 
 
 for your labour and substantial searching out of Thomas 
 
 Martin's matter, ])raying you of continuance, and of your 
 
 best advice therein, how he shall break the matter, so as, 
 
 by your help and wisdom, a friendly communication may be 
 
 had, so as the matter may be had in examination by such 
 
 gentlemen as shall be named by the assent of both parties, 
 
 such as tender and love the weal of both parties, and also 
 
 the peace and tranquillity of the country, and love to eschew 
 
 variance and parties in the country ; wherein ye shall not 
 
 only do a great pleasure to me, bvit a great deed of charity for 
 
 the profit and ease of both parties, and also a pleasure to 
 
 God, who have you in keeping. At Earl Soham Lodge, this 
 
 28th day of February. 
 
 Elizabeth, Norfolk. 
 
 Earl Sohain Lodge, 
 
 Monday, (28th February. 
 
 1490-1. 6 H. vii. 
 
 the great warrior, first Earl of Shrewsljury; and had been the widow of John 
 Mowbray, the last Duke of Norfolk of that name, from the year 1475. She 
 was living in 1496. 
 
 Their only child Anne, who died very young, was married to Richard Duke 
 of York, (by this marriage Duke of Norfolk,) who was supposed to be mur- 
 dered by his uncle Richard III. 
 
 The letter is written by a secretary, the signature alone being of the Duchess's 
 hand-writing, and that of her initials only, E. N. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxx. No. 4.
 
 390 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXIII. 
 
 To the right JVorshipfull 
 mi/ right intierly wclbeloiiyd 
 Counsellour S' John Paston 
 Knyght 
 
 Right Worshipfull and right intierly Welbelouyd Coun- 
 cello' I comaund me hertely to you And for as moche as 
 for certayne espiall causes moving there be Sessions ap- 
 poynted to be holden at Gyppiswiche the Friday sevenyght 
 aftre Estre which shall be the xv day of Aprile where 
 J purpose then certaynly to be and to haue aswell the 
 matere by twene S' Edmounde Bynyngfeld and Yelverton 
 there to be harde and Comenyd as diuerse othre grete 
 maters in that Contrey necessary to be had in comynycaccon 
 I therfor desire and pray you that ye fayle nat to be there 
 the same Day bryngyng with you the forseide Yelverton 
 trusting that then suche direccion shall be takyn in that 
 matere as can be thought resonable and to the weale of the 
 ' parties Nat doubting but that S" Edmound Benyngfeld 
 shall be there in like wise And Almyghty god kepe you 
 Wretin at my Castell of Hedingham the xxvij dayof Marche 
 
 OXYNFORD. 
 
 I liavc given lliis letter, as it shows the amiable and friendly disposition of a 
 iii)lil(iii;m lii^li in <)fli<o, and in tin: confidence of his royal master. 
 
 The Earl seems sincerely desirous of terminating all matters in dispute be- 
 tween the gentlemen here mentioned, to the satisfaction of both parties.
 
 HENRY VII. 391 
 
 LETTER XXIII. 
 
 To the right worshipful, and my right entirely well-beloved 
 Counsellor, Sir John Paston, Knight. 
 
 Right worshipful and right entirely well-beloved Coun- 
 sellor, I commend me heartily to you ; and forasmuch as 
 for certain especial causes moving, there be sessions ap- 
 pointed to be holden at Ipswich the Friday sev'night after 
 Easter, which shall be 15th day of April, where I purpose 
 then certainly to be, and to have as well the matters between 
 Sir Edmund Bedingfield and Yelverton, there to be heard 
 and communed, as divers other great matters in the covnitry 
 necessary to be had in communication. I therefore desire 
 and pray you, that ye fail not to be there the same day, bring- 
 ing with you the foresaid Yelverton, trusting that then such 
 direction shall be taken in that matter, as can be thought 
 reasonable, and to the weal of the parties ; not doubting but 
 that Sir Edmund Bedingfeld shall be there in like wise. And 
 Almighty God keep you. Written at my Castle of Heding- 
 ham, the 27th day of March. 
 
 OXYNFORD. 
 
 Hedingham Castle, 
 Sunday, 27th March, 
 1491. 6H. vii. 
 
 William Yelverton was the brother-in-law of Sir John Paston, having mar- 
 ried his sister Ann. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 5.
 
 392 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXIV. 
 
 The Kynge to the Earle of Oxynforde. 
 
 HENRY R. 
 
 Rygiit trusty and ryght welbelovyd Cousyn we grete you 
 well &c Jn that ye desyer all the Dogers of thos p'tes 
 sehuld haue our licens to dep'te in the viage towards 
 Jslond as they haue ben accustomyd to do yerly in tyme 
 passyd And that ye woll undertak they shall haue w' them 
 no more quantites of Graynes then woll only suffice for ther 
 \'itallyng and expensis We late yow witte that owr full 
 Jnterly belovyd Cousyn the Kyng of Demarke hath showyd 
 and co''pleynyd un to us by dyu''s his letters that when our 
 subieets come to the seid Islelond beyng in hys obeissiance 
 they stell Robbe and exstorte his subieets ther ageynse 
 ryght and conciens wherfore the seyd Doggers fyndyng suf- 
 ficient surte be forne yow such as y'' will Answer unto us 
 That they shall not haue with them no graynes mo then 
 shall only suffice for the vitallyng nor odyr thyng woth 
 them that ys for bedyn And that also they shall not in 
 goyng Coniyng nor in ther beyng at the seyd Islond take 
 noo thyng but that they treuly pay or agre for and frendly 
 entrete our seyd Cousyns subieets withowth eny Robbyng 
 or exstartyng them in ther bodyes ner goody s we be content 
 the seyd Doggers make ther viags thedyr at ther lib'tes 
 eny our Wrytyng or C'o'andinent mad in to the contrary 
 nat withstandyng And ellys we woll that our Restraynte of 
 ther thedyr goyng stand styll in his strenthe and vertu
 
 HExNRY VII. 393 
 
 LETTER XXIV. 
 
 The King to the Earl of Oxeriford. 
 
 HENRY R. 
 
 Right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin, we greet you 
 well, &c. In that ye desire all the Doggers of those parts 
 should have our license to depart in the voyage towards 
 Iceland, as they have been accustomed to do yearly in time 
 past, and that ye will undertake they shall have with them 
 no more quantities of grains than will only suffice for their 
 victualling and expenses. 
 
 We let you weet that our full entirely beloved Cousin, 
 the King of Denmark, hath showed and complained unto 
 us by divers his letters, that when our subjects come to the 
 said Iceland, being in his obeysance, they steal, rob, and 
 extort his subjects there, against right and conscience ; 
 wherefore, the said Doggers finding sufficient surety before 
 you, such as ye will answer unto us, that they shall not have 
 with them no grains more than shall only suffice for their 
 victualling, nor other thing with them that is forbidden ; 
 and that also they shall not, in going,"' coming, nor in their 
 being at the said Iceland, take nothing but that they truly 
 pay or agree for, and friendly entreat our said Cousin's sub- 
 jects, without any robbing or extorting them in their bodies 
 nor goods ; we be content the said Doggers make their 
 voyages thither at their liberties, every our writing or com- 
 mandment made unto the contrary notwithstanding ; and 
 else we will that our restraint of their thither going stand 
 still in his strength and virtue. 
 
 VOL. v. 3 E
 
 394 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 yovyn onclir our signet at our Man' of Shene the vj'" day 
 of Ap'le 
 
 John Ver Erie of Oxynford gret Chamberleyn and Admi- 
 rall of Ynglond Viscount Bulbek And lord Skalys to all 
 them that this p'sent writyng shall see or her gretyng and 
 for asmuch as I late haue recevyd the kyng our sovereyn 
 lords letters beryng date the vj'" day of this monyth of 
 Apirle accordyng to a copy of the same signyd with myn 
 hand wiche my ritht trusty servant John Rowe Marchall of 
 my Admyralite hath for to showe know ye that J the seyd 
 Erie and Admirall haue assygned and deputyd my seyd 
 servant to see our seyd sou'eyn lords lettyrs pleynly exe- 
 cutyd acordyng to the tenure of the same And by thys 
 p'sent wrytyng haue yevyn to hy" full autoryte and power to 
 put undyr Arest all such Doggers as be dysposyd to make 
 the viage towards Islond to such tyme as they haue fownd 
 surte afor me accordyng to owr seyd sou'eyn lordys co'and- 
 ment for ther demenyng in the seyd viagys yovyn onder 
 myn Signett and Hignee manuell the x"' Day of Ap'le the vj 
 yer of the Reygne of our seyd sou'eyn lord Kyng Hery 
 the vij'\ 
 
 Oxynford. 
 
 12| by 8i 
 
 Paper Mark. 
 
 Ilaiul, Star, and Letter R. 
 
 PI. xxxiii. No. S. 
 
 The outrajTcous behaviour of our sailors towards the Danisli settlers in Ice- 
 land, willi whom lh( V iradcii lor wlialc oil and bone, dried <ish, &c. made these 
 regulations necessary, as complaints luul arrived from John King ot' Denmark. 
 
 The restrictions as to grain arose from the scarcity i)f corn tiiis \ear iu Kiig- 
 land, wheat selling at \l. 4*. 0,(1. per quarter. 
 
 All matters relative to our trade and commerce I think worthy preservation,
 
 HENRY VII. 395 
 
 Given under our Signet, at our Manor of Shene [Ric/<- 
 mo7id\ the 6tli day of April. 
 
 John Verb, Earl of Oxynford, Great Chamberlain and 
 Admiral of England, Viscount Bulbec, and Lord Scales, to 
 all them that this present writing shall see or hear, greet- 
 ing ; and for as much as I late have received the King our 
 Sovereign Lord's letters, bearing date the 6th day of this 
 month of April,"according to a copy of the same signed with 
 mine hand, which my right trusty servant John Rowe, 
 Marshal of my Admiralty, hath for to show. 
 
 Know ye, that I, the said Earl and Admiral, have assigned 
 and deputed my said servant to see our said Sovereign 
 Lord's letters plainly executed, according to the tenor of 
 the same ; and by this present writing have given to him 
 full authority and power to put under arrest all such Doggers 
 as be disposed to make the voyage towards Iceland, to such 
 time as they have found surety afore me, according to our 
 said Sovereign Lord's commandment, for their demeaning in 
 the said voyage. 
 
 Given under mine Signet and Sign Manual, the 10th day 
 of April, the 6th year of the reign of our said Sovereign Lord 
 King Harry the Vllth. 
 
 OXYNFOKD. 
 
 Wednesday, 6th ■) 
 Sunday, 10th 3 ^P"'' 
 1491. 6 H. vii. 
 
 especially as fioni the reign of Henry VII. we may date the great extension of 
 our national character as merchants. 
 
 In this reign the Palace of Sheen was destroyed by fire, but rebuilt, and 
 called Richmond. 
 
 Royal Autograph, PI. xxx. No. 1. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 5. 
 
 3e2
 
 396 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXV. 
 
 To the Right Worshipfidl 
 and my Right Welbeloued 
 S' John Paston Knyght 
 
 Right Worshipfull and Right Welbeloued I comaunde me 
 to you And where as I late Receyued yo' Wrytyng beryng 
 Date the xxvj day of this present Monthe By the whiche I 
 understand that one Richard Calle toke certeyne men of 
 Werre Robbyng opon the coste there And in somoche 
 as I understand that they be under the obeissaunce of 
 the Kyng of Denmarke J woUe and desyre you that ye 
 delyuer theym unto the seid Richard Calle to take his 
 avauntage of theym as p'soners seyng my Dutee reserued in 
 eu'y thyng as my trust is in you And Almyghty god kepe 
 you Writen at my Castell of Hedyngham the last day of 
 Jule 
 
 OXYNFORD. 
 
 ni by 8. 
 
 J'aper Mark. 
 
 A Unicom. 
 
 PI. xi. No. 14. 
 
 The date of tliis letter is uncertain ; but, as complaints were made in the j car 
 I 4'Jl concerning the behaviour of the English sailors at Iceland, perhaps about 
 llic same lime some of the Danish sailors might rob and plunder ou our coast. 
 
 A Richard Calle mariied Margery, a sister of Sir John I'aston, but whether 
 he is the person here mentioned as the captor of the Danish ships, docs not 
 :ippeai°.
 
 HENRY VII. 397 
 
 LETTER XXV. 
 
 To the Right Worshipful, and my right well-beloved Sir John 
 
 Pastoii, Knight. 
 
 Right worshipful and right well-beloved, I commend me 
 to you ; and whereas I late received your writing, bearing 
 date the 26th day of this jjresent month ; by the which I 
 iniderstand that one Richard Calle took certain men of war 
 robbing upon the coast there ; and insomuch as I understand 
 that they be under the obeissance of the King of Denmark; 
 I will and desire you that ye deliver them unto the said 
 Richard Calle, to take his advantage of them as prisoners, 
 seeing my duty reserved in every thing, as my trust is in 
 you. And Almighty God keep you. 
 
 Written at my Castle of Hedingham, the last day of 
 July. 
 
 OXYNFORD, 
 
 Hedingham Castle, 
 
 Sunday, 31st July, 
 
 1491. 6H. vii. 
 
 If this capture happened later in this reign than the date here fixed, he might 
 be a son of his. 
 
 John Vera, Earl of Oxford, was Lord Admiral of England during the whole 
 reign of Henry VII. and Sir John Paston was his Vice Admiral during part 
 of that time, at least upon the Norfolk coast. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 5.
 
 398 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXVI. 
 
 To mi/ right enti/erli/ and 
 
 wclbeloved frends S'e William 
 Knevette S'e John Paston S'e 
 Rob'f Clere K7ii/ghts the Ki/ngs 
 Attonici/ Phelippe Calthorpc 
 Richard Suthwell And Rob't 
 Suthwell Squyers and to yche 
 of thei/m 
 
 Elizabeth Diichcsse of NorJ\ 
 
 Right entyerly welbelovyd frendys I comaiindc me to 
 you And for as moche as I iind'stande that S'e Harry Grey 
 that is the verry owner and possessioner of the Man' of 
 Ketiyngh'ni is nowe in gret age And as it is seide of right 
 seekely disposicon And that aft' his deceasse the right and 
 title therof shall ofi-ight belonge to my right s'unt Thomas 
 Martyn and his nevewe and heyre of blood and his eyre therof 
 by reason of entaylys what the seid S'e Harry entcndith to do 
 therin J knowe not but it rennyth in reporte that he is in pur- 
 jjose to disherite the seid Thomas Martyn therof contrary to 
 all right and good conscience Jn eschuenge wherof I desire 
 and p'y you as hertely as I can that it wull leeke you to be 
 so good maistyrs to the seid Thomas as by yo' wisdoms and 
 discrecon the seid S'e Hary by you or some of you may be 
 moved of conscience and of kyndenesse to his blood to haue 
 regard to the seid right And not to do eny thyng y' shuld
 
 HENRY VII. 399 
 
 LETTER XXVI. 
 
 To my right entirely and well-beloved Friends, Sir William 
 Knivet, Sir John Paston, Sir Robert Clere, Knights, the 
 King's Attorney, Philip Calthorpe, Richard Southwell and 
 Robert Southwell, Esquires, and to each of them. 
 
 Elizabeth Duchess of Norfolk. 
 
 Right entirely and well-beloved friends, I recommend me 
 to you; and for as much as I understand that Sir Harry Grey, 
 that is the very owner and possessioner of the Manor of 
 Ketteringham, is now in great age, and, as it is said, of right 
 sickly disposition ; and that, after his decease, the right and 
 title thereof shall of right belong to my right well-beloved 
 servant Thomas Martyn, and his nephew and heir of blood, 
 and his heir thereof by reason of entails. 
 
 What the said Sir Harry intendeth to do therein I know 
 not ; but it runneth in report, that he is in purpose to 
 disherit [disinherit'] the said Thomas Martyn thereof, con- 
 trary to all right and good conscience; in eschewing whereof, 
 I desire and pray you, as heartily as I can, that it will like 
 you to be so good masters to the said Thomas, as by your 
 wisdoms and discretion the said Sir Harry, by you or some 
 of you, may be moved of conscience and of kindness to his 
 blood, to have regard to the said right, and not to do any 
 thing that should be disherison to his said nephew, and to 
 have the more tender consideration to your motion, for that 
 the said Thomas is to divers of you of kin and alliance, and
 
 400 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 be disheryson to his seid nevewe and to haue the more tend' 
 consideracon to yo' mocion for that the seid Thomas is to 
 dyu'se of you of kynne and ahaunce and to many oy' Gen- 
 tihnen w' in the Shere in leeke cas And for the consideracon 
 y" J haue that the seid S'e Harry and Thomas his nevewe 
 were of my lords nere blode whoes soule Jhu p'don and 
 assoyle It were to gret a pete to see hym by disherison to 
 falle to penury and pou'te wherby your good exortacon in 
 consideracon of the p'missis and mo odir by your wisdamys 
 to be remembred in the Hf of the seid S'e Harry suche in- 
 conveniences may be better remadyed wherin ye shall not 
 only do an almas dede and a gret pleasir to God but also to 
 me for that blods sake a singuler pleasir And cause me 
 heraftir therather to considir thynge that shall Concerne 
 your resonabill pleasir w' goddes grace who eu' kepe you 
 At Erie Soh'm this xiiij"° day of Septembyr. 
 
 E. N. 
 
 12 by 9. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 Hand and Star. 
 
 PI. xxxiii. No. 10. 
 
 From this letter it appears that Thomas Martvn was a sister's son of Sir 
 Harry Grey, a descendant from tlie Lords of llutliyn, Jkc., and by tlieni re. 
 lated to the Mowbrays Dukes of Norfolk. 
 
 The interference of the Duchess sho\\ s her regard to the memory of her lord, 
 and does iier honour. 
 
 It appears from tiie will of Sir Ilarry Grey, dated 28th September, 1492, that 
 the endeavours of the Duchess and her friends were ineffectual, for therein he 
 devises his Manor of Ketteringham to his wife DunieJane for life, and after her
 
 HENRY VII. 401 
 
 to many other gentlemen within the shire in hke case. And 
 for the consideration that I have, that the said Sir Harry 
 and Thomas his nephew, were of my Lord's near blood, 
 whose soul Jesu pardon and assoil ; it were too great a 
 pity to see him by disherison to fall to penury and poverty, 
 whereby your good exhortation in consideration of the pre- 
 mises, and mo odir [_more otJier^ by your wisdoms to be re- 
 membered, in the life of the said Sir Harry such inconve- 
 niences may be better remedied ; wherein ye shall not only 
 do an alms deed and a great pleasure to God, but also to 
 me for that blood's sake a singular pleasvu-e, and cause me 
 hereafter the rather to consider [sucfi] thing that shall con- 
 cern your reasonable pleasure with God's grace, who ever 
 keep you. 
 
 At Earl Soham, this 14th day of September. 
 
 E.LIZABETH N.OBFOLK. 
 
 Earl Soham, Suffolk, 
 Wednesday, 14th September, 
 1491. 7H. vii. 
 
 decease for a term of years to his executor, to discharge some debts, with the 
 remainder to Thomas Heveningham, Esq. and to Anne his wife, daughter to 
 the said Dame Jane Grey his wife, by a former husband. 
 
 Tlie gentlemen whom the Duchess requested to undertake this matter were 
 some of the first in the county of Norfolk; however their endeavours could not 
 prevail against the ascendancy of his lady. Sir William Knivet had been at- 
 tainted in 1 483 by the name of Sir William Knivet, Knight of Bokenhani, Con- 
 jurer [conspirator], together with the Earl of Richmond, the Earl of Oxford, 
 &c. for being with the Earl, who w as now^ King. The attainder was reversed, 
 1 Hen. VII. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxx. No. 4. 
 
 VOL. V. 3 F
 
 402 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXVII. 
 
 To oure right 
 
 reuent and w ship full 
 and special good MaisV 
 Maist' Paston 
 
 Right reu'ent and w'sliipfuU S' and oure veray lovyng and 
 curteys good Mayst' We recomaund us on to you in as 
 feythefuU wyse as on oure part ap'teynith and hertely we 
 thanke you for your labour and letter whiche ye sent to vs 
 be your s^iaunt be the whiche we wer ass'teynid of the 
 kyngs pleasur and to aco^plyshe the same we w* the Assis- 
 tens of youre Maistirship wyll put us Jn oure devoir We 
 wer at your Manoir of Castir to haue sen yo' Maistirshyp 
 but ye wer departyd as well from Yermouth yistirday as thus 
 day from Castr We wole haue ben Joyous to haue seen 
 your Maistirship if o' fortune so had ben H' we be Jnfo'myd 
 that o're old speciall good lord of Oxford Jn whom we 
 founde as gret fauo' be the Mediation of your Maystirship 
 as eu' we had of any creatur as we haue wryting to shewe 
 Jn recompcns of whiche at all tymes sethyn hise lordshyp 
 hathe had our ])reyeris and now we wold haue waytid upon 
 hise lordshyp but yo' Maystirship knewith well we may not 
 be absent on Mychilmesse day for dyu'se consedcracicns. 
 Wherfor we beseke your good Maystirshyp ye lykc of your 
 Jentihiesse to recomaund vs unto our seyd good h)rd and to 
 make our cxkuse to hym and to do hyse lordshyp be pre-
 
 HENRY VII. 403 
 
 LETTER XXVII. 
 
 To our right reverend and worshipful and special good Master, 
 
 Master Past on. 
 
 Right reverend and worshipful Sir, and our very loving 
 and courteous good Master, we recommend us unto you in 
 as faithful wise as on our part appertaineth ; and heartily we 
 thank you for your labour, and letter which ye sent to us by 
 your servant; by the which we were ascertamed of the 
 King's pleasure ; and to accomplish the same, we with the 
 assistance of your Mastership will put us in our devoir. 
 
 We were at your Manor of Caister, to have seen your 
 mastership, but ye were departed as well from Yarmouth 
 yesterday, as this day from Caister. 
 
 We would have been joyous to have seen your mastership, 
 if our fortune so had been. 
 
 Sir, we be informed that our old special good Lord of 
 Oxford, in whom we found as great favour by the mediation 
 of your mastership, as ever we had of any creature, as we 
 have writing to show; in recompense of which at all times 
 since, his Lordship hath had our prayers ; and now we would 
 have waited upon his Lordship, but your Mastership know- 
 eth well we may not be absent on Michaelmas day for divers 
 considerations. Wherefore we beseech your good Master- 
 ship, ye like of your gentleness to recommend us unto our 
 said good Lord, and to make our excuse to him, and to do 
 his Lordship be presented with a Porpoise, which we send 
 
 3 F 2
 
 404 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 sentyd w' a p'peyse whiche we send yow be the brynger of 
 thys and if we had any othyr deyntes to do hym apleasur 
 we wold that knowy th god whom we beseke of hyse infenit 
 m'cy to p's'ue the Kyng our sou'ayn lord and oure seyd good 
 lord and you and all the ffrutys of you from all Adu'site 
 
 Youre louers and bedmen the old baliffs 
 of Yermouth and the newe balyffs that 
 now shalbe. 
 
 Ill by 9. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 A Chalice. 
 Pi. xxxiii. No. 5. 
 Seal, the Letter R, surmounted by a Coronet. PI. xxxiv. No. 9. 
 
 We have here a most respectful and kind letter from the Bailiffs of Yar- 
 mouth to Sir John Paston, acknowledging great kindnesses received through 
 his mediation both from the King and Lord Oxford, to the latter of whom they 
 send, as a rare dainty, a Porpoise. 
 
 The conclusion, wherein they pray to God to preserve the King, the Lord 
 Oxford, and Sir John Paston, " and all the frutys of you" [all their descertdantsj 
 from all adversity, is very particular. 
 
 LETTER XXVIII. 
 
 To the right JVonhipfull 
 
 and my right inticrhj wclbdouyd 
 Coiincellour S' John Paston 
 Knyght. 
 
 Right Worshipfull and right inticrly welbeloued Coun- 
 cello' I comaund me to you And where as J undirstond by 
 your writing to me delyucrid by this berar the roborye and
 
 HENRY VII. 405 
 
 you by the bringer of this ; and if we had any other dainties 
 to do him a pleasure, we would, that knoweth God, whom 
 we beseech of his infinite mercy to preserve the King, our 
 Sovereign Lord, and our said good Lord, and you, and all 
 the fruits of you from all adversity. 
 
 Your Lovers and Beadsmen, the old 
 Bailiffs of Yarmouth, and the new 
 Bailiffs that now shall be. 
 
 Yarmouth, 
 September, 1491- 
 7 H. vii. 
 
 Several ordinances respecting Corporation business made by tlie men ot 
 Yarmouth, through Sir John Paston and Lord Oxford's attention to them, re- 
 ceived the King's assent by his Attorney General in 1491. It was for their 
 activity in those matters, I presume, that this letter of thanks, 8tc. was addressed 
 to Sir John. 
 
 In our ancient feasts the Porpoise often makes his appearance as a fish in esti- 
 mation; when George Neville gave his grand Installation feast, as Archbishop 
 of York, in 1 466, four Porpoises were placed on the tables. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxxi. No. 25. 
 
 LETTER XXVIIL 
 
 To the right worshipful and my right entirely well beloved 
 Counsellor, Sir John Paston, Knight. 
 
 Right worshipful and right entirely well-beloved Counsel- 
 lor, I commend me to you ; and whereas I understand, by 
 your writing to me delivered by this bearer, the robbery and 
 despoiling of certain Corvers of Holland and Zeland, done
 
 406 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 dispo} ling of certain Corvers of Holond and Seland done by 
 the Shipp eallyd the Foole vvherof Robert Spenser was 
 maister aswell in Herryng vitayle and takelyng as ye be en- 
 fo'myd by iij personnys of the same Shippe And of thentent 
 and disposicion of the Master and Feleship of the same 
 whiche shewe as ye write that Barkeley aswell with that 
 Shipp as with A prise that he hathe bought late takyn of the 
 Frenchemen were disposid and determenyd to do niyche 
 havme Wherupon ye haue indevorid to breke the same how 
 be hit that the seid Barkeley hath be late with me and found 
 suertie in a C li to answer to all suche demeanyng when he 
 shall be eallyd And therupon I wrote to you to suifer hym 
 his men and Shippis to departe at libertie yet neuyrtheless 
 concidering yo' large Writing I can nat be Content in my 
 mynde to suche tyme as I may here bothe you and Barkeley 
 to geder Willing therfor that ye do kepe the Shippys and 
 
 goods in suertie and to be with me yo'selfe 
 
 well may bringyng with you suche iij per- 
 sonnys as have certainte of this mater And 
 
 so I haue wretin to Barkeley to answer to 
 
 the same And god kepe you Wretin 
 
 of Octobre Also yf the be eny of the Duchemen 
 
 any sute for ther gode that ye then cause 
 
 one of to shewe and clayme ther owne. 
 
 OXYNFOUD. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 A Ship. 
 
 PI. xxxiii. No. 6. 
 
 This letter is iiiij)erfect, from a piece ha\iiii; bttii torn out of it. Tlic date 
 is likewise uncertain; so I have placed it in the same year as others from the 
 Lord Admiral to Sir John Paston, his Vice Admiral.
 
 HENRY VII. 407 
 
 by the ship called the Fool, whereof Robert Spenser was 
 master, as well in herring, victual, and tackling, as ye be 
 informed by three persons of the same ship, and of the in- 
 tent and disposition of the master and fellowship of the same, 
 which show, as ye write, that Berkeley, as well with that 
 ship as with a prize that he hath bought, late taken of the 
 Frenchmen, were disposed and determined to do much harm, 
 whereupon ye have endeavoured you to break the same ; 
 howbeit that the said Berkeley hath been late with me, and 
 found surety in a hundred pounds to answer to all such de- 
 meaning, when he shall be called ; and thereupon I wrote 
 to you to suffer him, his men, and ships, to depart at liberty; 
 yet nevertheless, considering your large writing, I cannot be 
 content in my mind till such time as I may hear both you 
 and Berkeley together ; willing therefore that you do keep 
 the ships and goods in surety, and to be with me yourself 
 
 well may bringing with you such 
 
 three persons as have certainty of this matter And so I have 
 
 written to Berkeley wise to answer to the 
 
 same ; and God keep you. Written this day of 
 
 October. Also if there be any of the Dutchmen 
 
 any suit for their goods, that ye then cause one of 
 
 to show and claim their own. 
 
 OXYNFORD. 
 
 October, 
 1491. 7H.vii. 
 
 Who the Berkeley iiere mentioned was must remain a doubt. There was a 
 Maurice Berkeley at this time, a brother of the Marquis Berkeley, who died 
 without issue in 1491, and by whom he was disinherited, for having married a 
 person of mean blood. It might be him. 
 
 As the letter concerned naval affairs, I thought it worth preserving. 
 
 Autograph, PI. iv. No. 5.
 
 408 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXIX. 
 
 To my Right trusty and 
 hertely Wilhilovede Sone 
 Sir John Paston Knyght. 
 
 Right trusty and hertely Wilbiloved Sone I RecoTmennde 
 me to you And send you gods blyssynge and myn And 
 w here oon John Malpas myn olde s'v'nt brynger herof hath 
 j)urcheede a Writt directede to you and othre Justices of 
 peace in the shirs of Norff. and SufF. And also to the She- 
 ryff of the same for to put hyni in pessible possesscion in 
 such c'tayn Lands of his accordynge to the Kyngs Writt I 
 pray you therefor hertely and of my blyssynge Charche you 
 that at this my pour Request and desir ye wole pute you in 
 yo' faythfull Dovo' w* oye' Justecs associete w' you to see 
 the execuscion doon and p'formyede accordynge to the 
 saide Writt And almyghty god eu'e more pVue you my 
 nown der Sone Writene in my Lords Castell of Hethyngh'm 
 the XV day of January. 
 
 Marguet Oxynford. 
 
 113 by 54. 
 
 Paper Mark. 
 
 A Ship, 
 
 PI. .\xxiii. No. (). 
 
 When we find a lady of quality interesting herself in the concerns of an old 
 servant, her memory rises upon us \\ ilh respect. She had herself known ad- 
 versity, and therefore felt a peculiar pleasure in smoothing the road through 
 life to others. 
 
 The letter is aft'ectionate and parental, but on wiiat account she styles Sir 
 .lolin I'aston her son, I know not; perhaps it proceeds from some form of 
 adoption from the great, kindly used in tiiose days towards those most distin- 
 gui-.lH(l in their service antl under their protection.
 
 HENRY VII. 
 
 409 
 
 LETTER XXIX. 
 
 To my right trusty and heartily well beloved Son Sir John 
 
 Paston, Knight. 
 
 Right trusty and heartily well beloved Son, I recommend 
 me to you, and send you God's blessing and mine; and 
 where[ffs] one John Malpas, mine old servant, bringer here- 
 of, hath purchased a writ, directed to you and other jus- 
 tices of peace in the shires of Norfolk and Suffolk; and 
 also to the sheriff of the same, for to put him in peaceable 
 possession in such certain lands of his, according to the 
 King's writ. 
 
 I pray you, therefore, heartily, and of my blessing charge 
 you, that at this my poor request and desire, ye will put 
 you in your faithful devoir with other justices associate with 
 you, to see the execution done and performed according to 
 the said writ; and Almighty God evermore preserve you, 
 mine own dear son. 
 
 Written in my lord's castle of Hedingham, the 15th day 
 of January. 
 
 Margaret Oxynford. 
 
 Hedingham Castle, 
 15th January, 
 year uncertain, 
 perhaps about 1491. 7 H. vii. 
 
 Margaret, Countess of Oxford, was one of the numerous family of Richard 
 Neville, Earl of Salisbury, and sister of Richard, Earl of Warwick, the king 
 maker. 
 
 Norfolk and Suffolk had always the same sheriff till 1575. 17 Eliz. when 
 distinct ones were appointed for each county. 
 VOL. V. 3 G
 
 410 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXX. 
 
 To my most special 
 good father S' John 
 Pasto" Knyght. 
 
 Aft' most humbyl wyse of recomandacion Jn my most lo- 
 vyngly wyse I beseche yow of y' dayly blyssyng showyng 
 yow y* I am at S' John Fortescu place be cause they swet 
 so sor at Cambryg. Also I shew yow y' M Thomas Clark 
 ys desessyd hows sowle god haue m'cy Also I beseche 
 yow that ye wol se a remedy for the comun of snaylwel for 
 the bayly of Snaylwel and on of y' fermors war w' my tutor 
 and me and shevyd me y' all the Comun shuld a be takyn 
 away butt for M Cotto" and the vecur of fordan Horn I be- 
 seche yow to thank fro Pamsborow be y' most humbyl 
 s'uant. 
 
 WiLLM Paston. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 Hand and Star. 
 PI. xxxiii. No. 10. 
 Part only remains. 
 Seal, A Lamb, surmounted by a W. PI. xxxiv. No. 1 1. 
 
 I have given this Letter to show the dutiful address of a yoiinj; man to his 
 fatlier; lie vias then a student at Cambrid<;c, where lads were sent at an earlier 
 age than at this time, tlie University being then considered as more of a school, 
 where strict discipline was observed, and where the modes of study then in use 
 were kept up and ruforccd. 
 
 'I'iic sweating sickness is said to have made its first appearance iicre amongst
 
 HENRY VII. 411 
 
 LETTER XXX. 
 
 To my most special Good Father, Sir John Paston, Kt. 
 
 After most humble wise of recommendation, in my most 
 loving wise, I beseech you of your daily blessing, showing 
 you that I am at Sir John Fortescue's Place, because they 
 sweat so sore at Cambridge. 
 
 Also, I show you that Master Thomas Clark is deceased, 
 [on'\ whose soul God have mercy. 
 
 Also, I beseech you that ye will see a remedy for the 
 Common of Snailwell, for the bailiff of Snailwell and one of 
 the farmers, was with my tutor and me, and showed me 
 that all the common should be taken away, but for Master 
 Cotton and the Vicar of Fordham, whom 1 beseech you to 
 thank. From Parasborough, by your most humble servant, 
 
 William Paston. 
 
 Pamsboioiigh, 
 
 Qy. Potesboine, in Hertfordshire. 
 
 Between 1491 and 1495. 
 
 7 and 11 H.vii. 
 
 Henry Vllth's army, when he landed at Milford Haven in 1485, and raged in 
 London during the autumn. It several times afterwards prevailed in this king- 
 dom, but the particular year in which it visited Cambridge does not appear; it 
 must have been between 1491 and 1495, during which years this letter must 
 have been written. 
 
 William Paston, the son of Sir John and Dame Margery Paston, was born 
 in 1479 or 1480. He married Bridget, the daughter of Sir Henry Heydon, 
 
 3 g2
 
 412 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 about 1305. He was twice high sheriff of Norfolk aiid Suffolk, the first time 
 in 1518, when he was knighted, and again in 1529. In 1532, Sir William was 
 in the number of tliose noblemen and gentlemen, who attended King Henry 
 
 LETTER XXXL 
 
 To the ryght Worchepfull 
 S" John Paston knyght 
 
 Aftyr All dew recomendacon lyke it yow to vndyrstond 
 that S' Heny Heydon schewyd me that it is agreyd be S' 
 Edmond Bedyngfcld that the mater betwyx hym and my 
 brodyr Yelu'ton schalbe comynd at Norwyche And there a 
 dyreccon to be takyn in the same mater mete for them 
 bothe Syr y" Kyng sendythe ordynannce dayly to y*" see 
 syde and hys tents and Alys be A makyng faste and many 
 of them be made And there is also grete p-uysyon made be 
 Gentylmen y' scholde goo wythe hys gi-ace for hors harnes 
 tents halys gardyuyens Carts and othyr thyngs that scholde 
 s'ue them for thys Jurney that the Kynge entendythe to 
 take on hand soo that belykelyod hys grace wolbe goyng 
 sone upon ester And so I entende aftyr that J here heartyr 
 to goo to Caleys to p'uey me of barneys And suche thyngs 
 as I schall nede besydes hors undyr that forme y' my Costs 
 schalbe payd fore Syr J am as yet no bettyr horsyd than J 
 was whan J was wythe yow nor I wote not where to haue 
 none for hors tlesche is of suche a pee here that my ])'ce is
 
 HENRY VII. 413 
 
 VIII. to his interview with Francis I. King of France, at Calais. Sir William 
 died at Paston, where he was buried on the 26th September, 1554. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxxi. No. 23. 
 
 The device on his seal is a lamb, surmounted by a W. perhaps a rebus for 
 William, that is VVillamb. It might be intended for an emblem of innocence. 
 
 LETTER XXXL 
 
 To the Right Worshipful Sir John Paston, Knight. 
 
 After all due recommendation, like it you to understand 
 that Sir Henry Heydon showed me that it is agreed by Sir 
 Edmund Bedingfeld, that the matter betwixt him and my 
 brother Yelverton shall be communed at Norwich, and 
 there a direction to be taken in the same matter, meet for 
 them both. 
 
 Sir, the King sendeth ordnance daily to the sea, and his 
 tents and halys [^pavilions'] be making fast, and many of them 
 be made; and there is also great provision made by gentle- 
 men that shall go with his Grace for horse, harness, tents, 
 halys, garde-viants \_hiapsacks], carts, and other things that 
 should serve them for this journey, that the King intendeth 
 to take on hand, so that by likelihood his Grace will be 
 going soon upon Easter; and so I intend, after that I hear 
 hereafter, to go to Calais to purvey me of harness, and such 
 things as I shall need besides horse, under that form that 
 my costs shall be paid for.
 
 414 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 schante able to bye on hois Wherfor J beseehe yow to 
 herkyn for some in yowre contre Syr my Cosyn John Hey- 
 don tolde me that y*" p'or of Waburnes horse was really 
 Amendyd And that y"^ Abott of seynt benets schewed hym 
 there was a bay hors of a p'^sons nyght onto seynt benetis 
 And y' y^ Abot woolde gete hym for my Cosyn Heydon at 
 a resonable p'ce Syr my Cosyn John Heydon woll geue me 
 hys entrest in that hors if the Abot haue bowght hym and 
 so y* may lete y*" Abot haue knowlege and if he haue not, 
 bowght hym J beseehe yow sende to see hym for I w,ote 
 not how to do w'owt yowre helpe aswell in horsyng of me 
 as in other thyngs At the makyng of thys lettyr I cannot 
 acerteyn yow what p'son it is that owythe thys hors if I can 
 know J wolle send yow worde in a bylle I sende to Thomas 
 Jullys by the berer herof Syr as towards my lurney to Ca- 
 leys the whyche I entende to haue tane at my laste beyng 
 w' yow It was so J was dysapoyntyd of Thomas Dey and an 
 other man J scholde haue had be hys menys as ye haue had 
 knowlege of or now and also J had went to haue had folkys 
 a mette w' me at Hedyngh'm whyche ded nott My lord 
 seyng me dysesyd And also non otherwyse p'ueyd wyllyd 
 me in any wyse to tary on tyl hys comyng to london and 
 sent myn excuse to my lorde Dawbeney undyr thys forme 
 how that J was sore disesyd notwythestondyng J was wele- 
 wyllyd to haue come to fulfyll my p'messe but he cowde 
 not sofyr me seyng me soo dysesyd And so my lord Dawbe- 
 ney was sory of my dysese and content that J taryd Syr J 
 beseehe yow to holde me cxcusyd for kejjyng of Thomas 
 Lynstcd yowr s'v'nt and hym bothe It is soo that lie and J 
 bothe haue ben in hand w' my unkyll for hys mater and yett 
 wee haue hym at noo good ])oynt but J troste we schall
 
 HENRY VII. 415 
 
 Sir, I am as yet no better horsed than I was when I was 
 with you, nor I weet not where to have none, for horseflesh 
 is of such a price here, that my purse is sckante [^scarce^ 
 able to buy one horse. Wherefore I beseech you to herkyn 
 [/icar/iT/?] for some in your country. Sir, my cousin, John 
 Heydon, told me that the Prior of Waburn's horse was 
 really amended; and that the Abbot of St. Benet's showed 
 him there was a bay horse of a person's nigh unto St. Be- 
 nets, and that the Abbot would get him for my Cousin 
 Heydon at a reasonable price. Sir, my cousin, John Hey- 
 don, will give me his interest in that horse, if the Abbot 
 have bought him, and so ye may let the Abbot have know- 
 ledge; and if he have not bought him, I beseech you, send 
 to see him, for I weet not how to do without your help, as 
 well in horsing of me as in other things. 
 
 At the making of this letter, I cannot ascertain you what 
 person it is that oweth this horse; if I can know, I will send 
 you word in a bill I send to Thomas Jully's by the bearer 
 hereof. 
 
 Sir, as towards my journey to Calais, the which I intended 
 to have taken at my last being with you; it was so, I was 
 disappointed of Thomas Dey, and another man I should 
 have had by his means, as ye have had knowledge of ere 
 now; and also I had went [^t/touglitl to have had folks met 
 with me at Hedingham, which did not. My Lord, seeing 
 me diseased, and also none otherwise purveyed, willed me 
 in any wise to tarry until his coming to London, and sent 
 my excuse to my Lord Dawbeney under this form, how that 
 I was sore diseased, notwithstanding I was well willed to 
 have come to fulfill my promise, but he would not suffer me, 
 seeing me so diseased; and so my Lord Dawbeney was
 
 416 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 haue Syr if I take thys Jurney to Caleys J moste beseche 
 yow to forbere hym lenger and Jf I goo not to Caleys 
 thow I be lothe to forbere hym yet J schall brynge hym w' 
 me schortly in to Norfolke ye to haue hym if ye lyste w' y® 
 grace of God who haue yow in kepyng Wretyn at london y^ 
 xviij day of february w* the hande of yowre pore brodyr. 
 
 Wyllm Paston. 
 
 8| by 12. 
 
 These preparations for war were not made with the design of assisting Bre- 
 taigne only, but with a view of invading France; the parliament had granted 
 the King a supply, under the name of a benevolence, which he took care to 
 collect; in the mean time continuing his warlike preparations: he did not, 
 however, embark with his army for Calais till October; in November, the 
 treaty of Estaples was signed, and in December he returned to England. Sir 
 Giles D'Aubney was created Lord D'Aubneyin 1485, and was at this time go- 
 vernor of Calais; he died in 1507. 
 
 Autograph, PI. v. No. 13. 
 
 LETTER XXXII. 
 
 To the ryth JVorrhijpfull 
 S' John Paston Knijth 
 he thys ildyuyd 
 
 Mastyr Paston J recomawnd me to yow S' so it is y' I am 
 not yet p'veyd of men to my nowmbyr of Archers suych as 
 chold go hovyr see w' me wer for S' J be ceche yow y' it 
 wold plese yow at thys tyme to do so mych for me as to a
 
 HENRY VII. 417 
 
 sorry of my disease, and content that I tarried. Sir, I be- 
 seech you to hold me excused, for keeping of Thomas Lyn- 
 sted, yovu* servant, and him both; it is so that he and I both 
 have been in hand with my uncle for his matter, and yet we 
 have him at no good point, but I trust w^e shall have. Sir, 
 if I take this journey to Calais, I must beseech you to for- 
 bear him longer, and if I go not to Calais, though I be loth 
 to forbear him, yet I shall bring him with me shortly into 
 Norfolk, ye to have him, if ye list, with the grace of God, 
 who have you in keeping. Written at London, the 18th 
 day of February, with the hand of your poor brother. 
 
 WiLLiAJi Paston. 
 
 London, 
 Saturday, 18th February, 
 1491-2. 7 H. vii. 
 
 LETTER XXXIL 
 
 To the right worshipful Sir John Paston, Knight, be this 
 
 delivered. 
 
 Master Paston, I recommend me to yoa : Sir, so it is that I 
 am not yet purveyed of men to my number of Archers, such 
 as should go over sea with me ; wherefore. Sir, I beseech 
 you that it would please you at this time to do so much for 
 me, as to have purveyed me of two or three, such as ye think 
 should be for me. 
 
 VOL. V. 3 H
 
 418 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 purveyd me of ij or iij siicli as ye thynk chold be for nie S' 
 J imdjTstond S' Tery Robstert lyth but lyttyll from yow 
 wer as J trow he myde help me of j by yowyr menys and 
 as for ther wags they xall have the Kyngs wags and some 
 what ells so y' I trost y"^ they xall be plessyd S' J be cech 
 yow to tak the peyne for me at thys tyme and J xall do yow 
 y' s'^uys y* lyth in me by the grace of Jhii ho p's'vie you on 
 Monday next aftyr Palme Sonday by yowyr howne to hys 
 pouyr S' J be sech yow y' thys byll may recomawnd me on 
 to my lady and J trost J xall a wayt on you sone on Estyr. 
 
 Roger Lestraunge. 
 
 124 by 54. 
 
 These archers seem to be wanted to attend Sir Roger to Calais, where lie was 
 going witii his Sovereign, Henry VII. to whom lie was Esquire of the Body. 
 He died on the 27th of October, 1 jO(3, and lies buried in the chancel of Hun- 
 stanton church, in Norfolk, under a beautiful altar monument of marble, having 
 on the top his portraiture in brass at full length, in complete armour, sur- 
 rounded by the portraitures and arms of his ancestors. 
 
 This family was of very ancient extraction, and came into England with Wil- 
 
 LETTER XXXIII. 
 
 To my Rigth umrchypfull Mad' 
 S' John Past on Kmjth in hast 
 
 M". That thes be the namys that war mad Knyts of tlie 
 Bath the Thwrsday befor Alhalow Day.
 
 HENRY VII. 419 
 
 Sir, I understand Sir Terry Robsart lieth but little from 
 you, where, as I trow, he might help me of one by your 
 means, and as for their wages, they shall have the King's 
 wages and somewhat else, so that I trust that they shall be 
 ]>leased. Sir, I beseech you to take the pain for me at this 
 time, and I shall do you that service that lieth in me, by the 
 grace of Jesu, who preserve you. 
 
 On Monday next after Palm Sunday, by your own to his 
 power. 
 
 Sir, I beseech you that this bill may recommend me unto 
 my Lady, and I trust 1 shall await on you soon on Easter. 
 
 Roger L'Estraunge. 
 
 Monday, l6th April, 
 1492. 7 H. vii. 
 
 liain the Conqueror. A branch of it was settled at Hunstanton, in Norfolk, 
 early in the reign of Henry I. (1100), and that remained the principal seat of 
 the family till the death of Sir Henry L'Estrange, Bart, in 1763. 
 
 The male branch of this respectable family is now extinct, and the Hunstan- 
 ton estate is passed to the Stylemans, who are the descendants of a female. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxx. No. 13. 
 
 LETTER XXXin. 
 
 To mi/ right worshipful Master, Sir John Faston, Knight, 
 
 in haste. 
 
 Memorandum, That these be the names \of those'] that 
 
 were made Knights of the Bath, the Thursday before All 
 
 Halow Day. 
 
 3h 2
 
 420 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Fyrst, My lord Kerry Duke of Yorke 
 
 My lord Haryngton lord m' cas sun 
 
 My lord ClyfFord 
 
 My lord Fywaren 
 
 My lord Dakyr of the Sowtli 
 
 My lord Strange lord Strangs Sun 
 
 Sir John Arundell of the West 
 
 Su- Water Grefyth of lonkastchyre 
 
 Sir Jarveys A ClyfFton of Yorkechyre 
 
 Sir Roberd Hareorth of the West 
 
 Sir Edmund Trayford 
 
 Sir Heny Marney of Esexe 
 
 Sir Roger Newborow 
 
 Sir Raff Richer of Yorkechyre 
 
 Sir Thorn's Bawd of Harforth chyre 
 
 Sir John Speke 
 
 Sir Hemufrey Fulford 
 
 Sir Roberd lytton t 
 
 Sir Pers Egecom 
 
 Sir Roberd Clere 
 
 Sir Thorn's Fayrefaxe 
 
 Sir Ric' Knythley 
 
 Sir Wyllem Cheke 
 
 Also M' Rob Southwell is Hey schreve of Norffblke 
 
 M*" that saforn is at xvj s j li the lowest j)'ce 
 
 Also the Kynge And the (jwenc went crowned on halow- 
 
 messe Day last 
 
 And iny lord of schrewsbory l)are my lord Harry l)nk(> 
 
 of Yorke in hys harmys and x byscliopis w' mytors on thcr 
 
 heds goyng be for the Kyng that Day rovvnd a bout Wcst- 
 
 mynst' Hawle w' many odyr gret Astats S' ther hath be so
 
 HENRY VII. 421 
 
 First, My Lord Harry Duke of York, (afterwards Henry VIII.) 
 
 My Lord Harington. Lord Marquis Dorset's Son. 
 
 My Lord ClifFord. 
 
 My Lord Fitzwaren. 
 
 My Lord Dacre of the South. 
 
 My Lord Strange, Lord Strange's Son. 
 
 Sir John Arundel of the West. 
 
 Sir Walter Griffith of Lancashire. 
 
 Sir Jarvis Clyfton of Yorkshire. 
 
 Sir Robert Harcourt of the West. 
 
 Sir Edmund Trayford. 
 
 Sir Harry Marney of Essex. 
 
 Sir Roger Newborough. 
 
 Sir Ralph Rither of Yorkshire. 
 
 Sir Thomas Bawd of Hertfordshire. 
 
 Sir John Speke. 
 
 Sir Humphrey Fulford. 
 
 Sir Robert Lytton. 
 
 Sir Piers Edgecombe. 
 
 Sir Robert Clere. 
 
 Sir Thomas Fairfax. 
 
 Sir Richard Knightley. 
 
 Sir William Cheke. 
 
 Also Master Robert Southwell is High Sheriff of Norfolk. 
 
 Memorandum, That saffron is at xvj shillings one pound 
 the lowest price. 
 
 Also the King and the Queen went crowned on Halow- 
 raass day last ; and my Lord of Shrewsbury bare my Lord 
 Harry Duke of York in his arms ; and ten Bishops, with 
 mitres on their heads, going before the King that day round 
 about Westminster Hall, with many other great estates.
 
 422 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 gret cownsell for the Kyng maters that my lord Chawnsler 
 kept not the ster chawnb' thys viij days but on day at london 
 on sent lenards day 
 
 Be yowre pore prest and s'unt 
 S' T Lyng. 
 
 S' ther hath records a yenst me S' John Seyve vec"ry of 
 Barton John Anond Richard Elwyn of Wytton John Bow- 
 lond of totyngton Sumnor whch are all forsworyn on the 
 crwsifyxe a yenst me. 
 
 6 by 17. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 The Letter P, 
 witli a bend across it. 
 PI. xiii. No. ]. 
 
 Prince Henry, the King's second son, was at this time created Duke of York, 
 when this list of Kniglits of tlie Bath was made. He was born on the 28tli of 
 .lime, 1491. 
 
 LETTER XXXIV, 
 
 To the right Worshipful and 
 
 mil right etitierli/ u.xlbeloued Cosin 
 and freiide Sir John Past on 
 Knight 
 
 Right worsliipfidl S' I Recomaunde mc onto you J \vryte 
 this oncly unto you to aduise you that I was myndcd that 
 my Cousin Clippesby bercr herof sluild well liaue maryed 
 here in thies parts wherin your nyce toke hevy Conceytc 
 thinking in liir mynde that I was not willing that my said
 
 HENRY VII. 423 
 
 Sii-, there liath been so great counsel for the Khig's mat- 
 ters, that my Lord Chancellor kept not the Star Chamber 
 this eight days, but one day at London, on Saint Leonard's 
 Day. 
 
 By your poor Priest and Servant, 
 Sir T. Lyng. 
 
 Sir, there hath records against me, Sir John Seyve, Vicar 
 of Barton, John Anond, Richard Elwyn of Witton, John 
 Bowland of Totington, Summoner, which are all forsworn on 
 the Crucifix against me. 
 
 November, 
 1494. 10 H. vii. 
 
 These shows were intended to amuse the people, some of the King's actions 
 at this time having given great disgust. 
 
 The Court of Star Chamber had been instituted in 1487. The Lord Chan- 
 cellor presided there, and had the casting vote. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxxi. No. 22. 
 
 LETTER XXXIV. 
 
 To the right worshipful and my right entirely well-beloved 
 Cousin and Fi'icnd, Sir John Faston, Knight. 
 
 Right worshipful Sir, I recommend me unto you. I write 
 this only unto you, to advise you that I was minded that my 
 Cousin Clippesby, bearer hereof, should v/ell have married 
 here in these parts, wherein your niece took heavy conceit,
 
 424 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Cousin should marye ^\^th hir At that tyme J knewe not 
 what love was bitwix them But now J undrestand that bothe 
 there niynds is to mary to geders Whervnto on my parte J 
 am agreble and wel Content Desiring and praying you to be 
 the same And to be the better frende onto them at this my 
 prayer and instaunce And what pleasir as J may doo vnto 
 you in thies parts shal be redye in that 1 may at yo' Desires 
 And I pray you to Recommaunde me to my Cousin yo' nyce 
 And Jhu pres'ue you Writen at london the first day of 
 Juyn. 
 
 Your own the Priour of Saint Johns 
 S' John Kendal. 
 
 10 by 5J. 
 
 Paper Mark, 
 The Letter P, 
 and a Caterfoil. 
 PI. xiii. No. S. 
 
 John Clippesby, of Oby, in Norfolk, Esq. was a ward to the Duke of Nor- 
 folk, of whom \\ illiani Paston, Esq. purchased the wardship and marriage. 
 The pedigree of his family say.s that he married " Custance or Coustantia, a 
 daughter of Paston of Norfolk." 
 
 This lady must be, therefore, the natural daughter of the late Sir John 
 Paston, brother to the present Sir John, and his niece. See Letter L. of this 
 volume. 
 
 The date of this letter cannot be exactly ascertained ; I sii|>pose it to have 
 been written between 1495 and 1500, as no notice is taken of Lady Paston, 
 who died in the former year; and as the niece seems now to have resided \\'ith 
 her uncle Sir John. 
 
 The Monastery of St. John's, Jerusalem, in Middlesex, was founded by Jor- 
 danus Briset 1 100, and governed by a Prior, who must have been born a gen- 
 tleman of blood, and who was stvlcd " Primus Anglia' Haro." 
 
 Sir John Kendal appears as Prior in \4[)\, and again in 1501 ; his letter 
 seems dictated both by kindness and aft'cction towards the young peoj>ie who 
 are the subject of it. 
 
 Autogra])h, PI. xxx. No. G.
 
 HENRY VII. 425 
 
 thinking in her mind, that I was not wilHng that my said 
 Cousin should marry with her. 
 
 At that time I knew not what love was betwixt them ; 
 but now I understand that both their minds are to marry to- 
 gether ; whereunto, on my part, I am agreeable and well 
 content, desiring and praying you to be the same; and to be 
 the better friend unto them at this my prayer and instance. 
 And what [such^ pleasure, as I may do unto you in these 
 parts, shall be ready, in that I may, at your desires. 
 
 And I pray you to recommend me to my Cousin your 
 niece ; and Jesu preserve you. 
 
 Written at London, the first day of June. 
 
 Your own, the Prior of St. John's, 
 Sir John Kendal 
 
 London, 
 1st June, 
 Between 1495 and 1500. 
 10 and 15 Hen. vii. 
 
 The following extract from " The Medallic History of England to the Re- 
 volution," by Edwards and Sons, 4to. 1790, will not be here misplaced. 
 
 " The first contemporary medal is of Sir John Kendal, Turcopolier, or General 
 of the Cavalry of the order of Rhodes, now of Malta. This office being annexed 
 to that of Grand Prior of England, was generally held by Englishmen ; and 
 there are fine medals of Sir Richard Shelly, the last English Grand Prior, 
 the Reformation annihilating that dignity. Obverse, head, JO. KENDAL. 
 RHODI TURCUPELLERIUS. Reverse, the Arms of Kendal, TEM- 
 PORE OBSIDIONIS TURCORUM MCCCCLXXX. 
 
 " This medal, which is evidently done in Italy at the time, (as the reader may 
 perceive by comparing its fabric with the early Italian medals in the Musaeum 
 Mazzuchellianum,) is cast, not struck. 
 
 " It was found in Knaresborough Forest, in the beginning of this century, 
 and passed into the Museum of Mr. Thoresby, who published it in his ' Duca- 
 tus Leediensis.' It is now in the Devonshire Collection." 
 
 VOL. V. 3 I
 
 426 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXXV. 
 
 To our Right honorable 
 and especi/all good Maister 
 ser John Faston Knyght this 
 lett' be dehjued in hast 
 
 Right wurchipfiill Ser we Recomaimd us to yo' good 
 Maist'rship s'tefyeng you that Robert Alban of Yermouth 
 with many more of our Neybors thys Sat'day am Comen liom 
 from Caunterbury and Robart Alban hath spokyn with the 
 EngUsh Captayns of the Kyngs Rebellys ther part of theym 
 that arn takyn and Robart Albon And his Company seith 
 
 X X 
 
 that ther wer takyn and slayn to the Noumbr of vij Wherof 
 were v Capteyns iiij of them he named ov' Mounford. 
 Whyght. Belt and Corbett he Coude nott telle the fysst 
 Capteyns name And they told hym that they haue apoynted 
 to haue a Town of strength for they wold an had Sandwich 
 and the Countre had nott a resistid them And so Belt seid 
 on to Robart Albon he wyst weell that he was but a deed man 
 and for asmoche as he wyst that he was of Yermouth he 
 shewed hym that they woU haue Yermouth or they xall dye 
 for it as seyth to vs And this is a mater of trcwth And 
 therfore we desyre and pray your good Maist'ship that we 
 may haue yo' myghty help of Ayde And socowr And that it 
 woll please you to Comon with Maist' Mayer of Norwiche 
 to meve hym of hys sokour but jn cspecyall that we may 
 haue your Maist'ship mongs us with suche strength of yo'
 
 HENRY VII. 427 
 
 LETTER XXXV. 
 
 To our right honourable and especial good Master, Sl'r John 
 Paston, Knight, ihis Letter be delivered in haste. 
 
 Right worshipful Sir, we recommend us unto your good 
 Mastership, certifying you that Robert Albon of Yarmouth, 
 with many more of our neighbours, this Saturday are come 
 home from Canterbury, and Robert Albon hath spoken with 
 the English Captains of the King's rebels there, part of them 
 that are taken ; and Robert Albon and his company saith, 
 that there were taken and slain to the number of sevenscore, 
 whereof were five Captains, four of them he named over ; 
 Mountford, Whight, Belt, and Corbet; he could not tell 
 the fifth Captain's name; and they told him that they 
 have appointed to have a town of strength, for they would 
 have had Sandwich, and [«/"] the country had not resisted 
 them; and so Belt said unto Robert Albon he wist well 
 that he was but a dead man, and for as much as he wist 
 that he was of Yarmouth, he showed him that they would 
 have Yarmouth, or they shall die for it, as Robert saith to 
 us. And this is a matter of truth, and therefore we desire 
 and pray your good Mastership, that we may have your 
 mighty help of aid and succour, and that it will please you 
 to commune with Master Mayor of Norwich, to move him 
 of his succour, but in especial, that we may have your Mas- 
 tership among us, with such strength of your good counsel, 
 as your Mastership shall think most best for the King's plea- 
 
 3 I 2
 
 428 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 good Councell as yo' Maist'ship shall thynk most best for the 
 Kyiigs pleasur And for the sewyrtye of us alle for we putt 
 us Jndevyr to furnyssh the Town with all that we can doo 
 for we know noon od' but that they may be here by possy- 
 bylyte thys nyght or to morow att nyght at the ferdest No 
 more to you but Jhu p'serve you Wretyn at Yermouth in 
 hast tliis Sat'day the xj day of July 
 
 Be yo' owyn the Balyffs of Yermouth 
 with our Brethern and Comons of the 
 same Town. 
 
 lUbyQJ. 
 
 On the 3d of July, 1495, Perkin Warbeck appeared off Sandwich, on the 
 coast of Kent, and landed some men; the inhabitants feigned themselves friends 
 to Perkin, and advised him to land, but he mistrusted their professions, and 
 stood off; they then fell upon those already landed, and either slew or took the 
 whole. Thefive Captains at Canterbury were of the number of those that were 
 taken prisoners. Stow says their names were Mountfort, Corbet, Whitebelt, 
 Quintin, and Genine. 
 
 This happened within the view of Perkin, who immediately returned into Flan-
 
 HENRY VII. 429 
 
 sure, and for the surety of us all, for we put us in devoir [we 
 do our utmost^ to furnish the town with all that we can do, for 
 we know none other but that they may be here by possibility 
 this night or to-morrow at night at the farthest. 
 
 No more to you, but Jesu preserve you. Written at Yar- 
 mouth, in haste, this Saturday the llth day of July. 
 
 By your own the Bailiffs of Yarmouth, 
 with our Brethren the Commons of the 
 same town, 
 
 Yarmouth, 
 Saturday, llth July, 
 1495. 10 H. vii. 
 
 ders. The town of Yarmouth therefore, had they known this, had at this time 
 nothing to fear. 
 
 Robert Albon, and his neighbours, had been at Canterbury, most probably, 
 to be present at the Feast of the Translation of St. Thomas a Becket, annually 
 kept on the 7th of July. He was one of the Bailiffs of Yarmouth the follow- 
 ing year. John Welles was at this time the Mayor of Norwich. 
 
 By this and the following letter we see the great esteem and respect the Cor- 
 poration of Yarmouth ^ad for Sir John Paston. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxxi. No. 25.
 
 430 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXXVI. 
 
 To my right especyall and syngler good Maist' 
 Scr loan Faston knyglit thys letV be delyv'ed. 
 
 WuRCHiPFULL Ser I recamaund me on to you. Maist' 
 BalyfFs with alle rayn Maist'es of the Town of Yermouth 
 thankith you hartilly and trusty'g fay thfully of yo' ayde and 
 comford at neede and if any suche cause happith with us 
 they woU feytlifully send you word in all the hast possyble 
 up on the syght of the Shippis. Ser ferdermor ther is a 
 Ship of o' town came hom fro" Seint lohn of Aniyas and he 
 seyth that on Seint ThomTs day ther came to Seint Walbens 
 in Normandie an hoye of Dorderyght with viij horsis with 
 many saddills and brydills ther in wer viij or ix Englysh 
 men the wiche toke the Shipps boat and went on land at 
 Staphs and arn a renne awey up in to the Cuntre, and the 
 Admirals Depewty sesonyd the Ship and hors and all that 
 they found ther in to the kyng o' Sov'ayn Lords beheofF and 
 the Duche men were leydc in pryson this is a mater of 
 trowth for Willm Carr of o' town maryn' and od' of our 
 town see this doo" in deed. And as for the Shipps with the 
 Kyngs Rebellars they be forth out of Chambyr westwards 
 Whyd' they be thei can not sey but the Duchemen seid to 
 Willm Carr that they trustid on one man shuld help them 
 with many men these is suche tydyngs as the Amyas men 
 brout hom. 
 
 Ser if it woU please yo' maist'ship that ye myght have
 
 HENRY VII. 431 
 
 LETTER XXXVI. 
 
 To my right especial and singular good Master, Sir John 
 Paston, Knight, this Letter be delivered. 
 
 Worshipful Sir, I recommend me unto you. 
 
 Master Bailiffs, with all mine Masters of the Town of 
 Yarmouth, thank you heartily, and trusting faithfully of 
 your aid and comfort at need; and if any such cause happith 
 \_hoppeneth^ with us, they will faithfully send you word, in 
 all the haste possible, upon the sight of the ships. 
 
 Sir, farthermore, there is a ship of our town come from 
 Saint John of Amyas, and he saith that on St. Thomas's day 
 there came to St. Walerens, in Normandy, an hoy of Dorde- 
 i-yght [^Dort'\, with eight horses, with many saddles and 
 bridles; therein were eight or nine Englishmen, the which 
 took the ship's boat and went on land at Estaples, and are 
 run away up into the country; and the admiral's deputy 
 seized the ship and horses, and all that they found there, 
 into the King our Sovereign Lord's behalf; and the Dutch- 
 men were laid in prison. This is a matter of truth, for 
 William Carr of our town, mariner, and others of our town, 
 saw this done indeed. And as for the ships with the King's 
 rebellers [re6c/s], they be forth out of Cambyr westwards; 
 whither they be they cannot say, but the Dutchmen said to 
 William Carr, that they trusted on one man should help 
 them with many men. 
 
 These is [are] such tidings as the Amyas men brought 
 home.
 
 432 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 leyser I desyre and pray you to come sporte you and to see 
 how weell we have appareld and furnyshid o' town I would 
 be right gladd and I trvist to Ahnyghty God that it wold 
 please you' maist'ship right weell and with yo' betyr advyce 
 we woll doo~ more to our power that knowith God the 
 wiche Lord p'serve you. 
 
 \\ retyn at Yarmouth on Relyk Sonday. 
 
 By y' Seruant Robart Crowmer. 
 
 81 by lU. 
 
 On the receipt of the former letter, it appears that Sir John Paston had pro- 
 mised his help and assistance, if wanted, to tlie Town of Yarmoutli. 
 
 We have here further accounts, such as were brought to Yarmouth, of Per- 
 kiii Warbeck's proceedings. 
 
 The inhabitants seem to have bestirred themselves, and fortified their town in 
 a manner to prevent any invasion by surprise. 
 
 Robert Crowmer had been one of their bailiffs in 1489 and 1490, and was so 
 again in 1497. 
 
 LETTER XXXVII. 
 
 To the R}/ght JVurshupfnJl 
 S' John Fast on Kni/ghi be 
 Ij" dehju'd. 
 
 Rygiit Wurshypfull S' J Reeomawnd me to zow As 
 zest'day I was w' my eosyn clere he lythe at Borow And my 
 mastr's hys Wyveffe be cause the plage Reygnyth at 
 Ormysl>y And so of hys own inocyon he mcvyd to me of the 
 maryage of my Nevew zo' Soon And as glad foolks Avookl be 
 to bargayn as eu' ze wyste And soo liathe shewyd me that
 
 HENRY VII. 433 
 
 Sir, if it will please your Mastership that ye might have 
 leisure, I desire and pray you to come and sport you, and 
 to see how well we have apparelled and furnished our 
 town, I would be right glad; and I trust to Almighty God 
 that it would please your Mastership right well, and with 
 your better advice we will do more to our power, that 
 knoweth God, the which Lord preserve you. Written at 
 Yarmouth on Relick Sunday. 
 
 By your Servant, 
 
 Robert Crowmer. 
 
 Yarmouth, 
 Sunday, 12th July. 
 1495. 10 H. vii. 
 
 Relick Sunday is the third Sunday after Midsummer day, which in this year 
 fell on the 1 2th of July. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxx. No. 14. 
 
 LETTER XXXVII. 
 
 To the Bight Worshipful Sir John Paston, Knight, he this 
 
 delivered. 
 
 Right Worshipful Sir, I recommend me to you, as yester- 
 day I was with my Cousin Clere ; he lieth at Burgh, and my 
 mistress his wife, because the plague reigneth at Ormesby; 
 and so of his own motion he moved to me of the marriage of 
 my nephew your son, and as glad folks would be to bargain 
 as ever ye wist, and so hath shewed me that ye should have 
 as much as Sir Edmund Bedingfeld, which was five hundred 
 VOL. V. 3 k
 
 4 
 
 434 
 
 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 ze Shuld haue as myche as S' E. Bedyngfelld why die was 
 V C marke moore ou' he shewyd that he woold dep't w' it 
 to S' Roger T or to Harry Colett whyche he shewyd ze 
 woold not of but to haue the mony at zo' dysposyssyon 
 And me semys be hys Report that he knowyth well that yf 
 ze delle w' S' H, H. he wyll be i asuerte that the mony 
 that he shuld dep't w' shuld goo to the redemyng of zo' 
 lands and other zo' dawngers more ou"^ he shewyd me that 
 the mony whyche ze skyftyd of H. Colett was thought be 
 S' Harry H that S' R Townesend shuld haue ben contentte 
 w' it whyche is knowyn the co''trary and causyd hy" to geue 
 delaye i" that be halfFe to zow I knoAV well this Jantylman 
 berythe zow as good mynde as any man alyve my mastr's 
 hys mother and allso my mastr's hys wyve i" lyke wyesse 
 And me semys he makys not the doAvghtts to delyu' zow 
 hys mony that other men do of the delyu'e of thers Foor 
 trowthe he shewithe me hys mynde whyche is thus yf ze 
 wyll putt londe in fefFeme"t for zers to the full colentacyon 
 of Townesend Colett and of my Uncle whyche he and all 
 men thynke ze muste be charged to or eu' ze goo thorow 
 And that zo' next frends haue the Receyte of it tyll it be 
 full co'tente And payed thus or suche a suer weye to be 
 had for the well of all parteys I darre say he is not Alyve 
 wyll indevour hy" w' bett' wyll to deele w' zow And as my 
 mynde s'uys me streytte hy'syltfe as it may be booryn be 
 syde my mastcs hys modyr v C my mastrs hys wyfFe on my 
 feythe I darr say the moste harty body to zow wards i" this 
 be halfe that is alyve and the fayneeste body woold be to 
 haue it accomplyshyd S"' I thinke ze be to wards london and 
 well I woot zou' mynde is to ease zo' sylfe as hastely as ze 
 may I j)ray god ze do to zo' honur And to zo' moste well to
 
 HENRY VII. 435 
 
 marks (333/. Gs. 8d.) Moreover he shewed that he would 
 depart with it to Sir Roger Townshend or to Harry Colet, 
 which he showed ye would not of, but to have the money at 
 your disposition. And me seems by his report, that he 
 knoweth well that if ye deal with Sir Henry Heydon, he 
 will be in a surety that the money that he should depart 
 with should go to the redeeming of your lands, and other 
 your dangers. Moreover he showed me that the money 
 which ye skyfted of Harry Colet was thought by Sir Harry 
 Heydon that Sir Roger Townshend should have been content 
 with it, which is known the contrary, and caused him to 
 give delay in that behalf to you. I know well this gentle- 
 man beareth you as good mind as any man alive, my mis- 
 tress his mother, and also my mistress his wife, in likewise; 
 and me seems he makes not the doubts to deliver you his 
 money that other men do of the delivery of theirs; for 
 truth he showeth me his mind, which is thus: If ye will put 
 land in feofment for years, to the full contentation of Town- 
 shend, Colet, and of my uncle, which he and all men think 
 ye must be charged to, or ever ye go through, and that your 
 next friends have the receipt of it, till it be full content and 
 paid; thus, or such a sure way, to be had for the weal of all 
 parties, I dare say he is not alive will endeavour him w ith 
 better will to deal with you, and as my mind serves me, 
 straight himself, as [that'] it may be borne, beside my mis- 
 tress his mother's five hundred. 
 
 My mistress his wife, on my faith, I dare say the most 
 hearty body to you wards in this behalf that is alive, and 
 the fainest body would be to have it accomplished. 
 
 Sir, I think ye be towards London, and well I wot your 
 
 3 K 2
 
 436 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 gederys marcliands or new Jantylmen I deme wyll p'ferr 
 
 large noon other dyspreysed ze know the co'tynewance of 
 
 this man And how he is alyed Well J woott yf ze dep't to 
 
 london ze shall haue p'ferys large yf zo' Jornay be not but to 
 
 ease zow in that be halfe be my poor avyce slake for iij or iiij 
 
 days for eif me semys I shuld not haue ben brokyn to so 
 
 largely but that they entende it hastely to say to zow sythe 
 
 I was ther I undyr sta'de yf it had not happyd me to haue 
 
 seyne them as zest' day she wold this day haue made her 
 
 cowntenance to haue seyn her nes both and dowter wyche is 
 
 at Pallyngs for fer of the plage And haue Comyn Seyne my 
 
 wyssete And specyally to haue de syrd us to meve zow 
 
 towards them and i' trowthe so she basse I pray god ze do 
 
 as well to zo' honur as I woold do my sylfe yf ze wyll tery 
 
 thys lytell season be foor r'hersyd yf ze lyste I woott well ze 
 
 may haue the mat' moor largely Comyned And yf ze tary tyll 
 
 Monday I wyll awayte on zow to Hynengh'm w' gods g'ee 
 
 Who eu' p's'ue zow and zo's. 
 
 Yo" E. Paston. 
 
 IIJ by 17. 
 
 A whole sheet, 
 
 Paj)er Mark, 
 
 Hand and Caterfoil. 
 
 PI. xxxiii. No. 3. 
 
 This letter from Edmund Paston to his brother Sir John, gives us a full 
 account of a treaty of marriage then in a>;itation between Sir John Paston's 
 son and a daugiiter of Sir Robert Clere, of Ormesby. It seems likewise that a 
 siinilar treaty had been on foot between Sir John and Sir Henry Heydon in 
 behalf of a daughter of his; which afterwards took effect, Sir William Paston 
 marrying Bridget, daughter of Sir Hemy Ht'vdon, of Baconsthorpe. 
 
 E. Paston seems inclined, by his manner of writing, to favour the alliance 
 with the Cleres, whom he mentions, not only as an ancient and honourable 
 family, IjiiI as a most worthy one. Merchants and new gentlemen would bid 
 high, he tells us, for an alliance with the heir of the Paston family.
 
 HENRY VII. 437 
 
 mind is to ease yourself as hastily as ye may; I pray God ye 
 do to your honour, and to your most weal together. 
 
 Merchants or new gentlemen I deem will proffer large : 
 none other dispraised, ye know the continuance \_famil)/^ of 
 this man, and how he is allied; well I wot if ye depart to 
 London ye shall have proffers large ; if your journey be not 
 but to ease you in that behalf, by my poor advice slack for 
 three or four days, for even me seems I should not have 
 been broken to so largely, but that they intend it hastily to 
 say to you. Since I was there I understand if it had not 
 happed \Jiappenecl] me to have seen them as yesterday, she 
 would this day have made her countenance [i-eckoning] to 
 have seen her niece both and daughter, which is at Fallings 
 for fear of the plague, and have come since my visit; and 
 specially to have desired us to move you towards them; 
 and in truth so she has. 
 
 I pray God ye do as well to your honour as I would do 
 myself. 
 
 If ye will tarry this little season before rehearsed, if ye 
 list, I wot well ye may have the matter more largely com- 
 muned; and if ye tarry till Monday, I will await on you to 
 Heningham, with God's grace, who ever preserve you and 
 yours. 
 
 Your Edmund Paston. 
 
 1499 or 1500. 
 14 or 15 H. vii. 
 
 The plague raged in London during tiie year 1 499, and was still there, and 
 also ravaged the country in 1500, in which year it is most probable this letter 
 was written. 
 
 Sir Robert Clere's mother was Elizabeth, the daughter and heir of Thomas 
 Uvedale, and his first wife was Anne, a daughter of Sir William Hopton. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxix. No. 8.
 
 438 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXXVIII. 
 
 Est Bekh'm 
 thadward 
 
 Where S' John Paston and Rogir Townesende haue agreed 
 and p'mysed to obey as we lamys Hobart and John Yaxley 
 will deuyse for the varians of the Maner of Estbekh'm we 
 devyse and a warde that S' John Paston shall haue the seid 
 Man' to hym And to liis heirs And he therfor shall paye to 
 the seid Rogyr xl li at Pentecoste nexte and at Halowmesse 
 nexte aftyr that xl li And at Pentecoste next aftyr that xx li 
 And the same S' lohn shall haue the Arrerags of the seid 
 Man' And if the seid John Refuse to haue the Man' then 
 the seid Rogyr to haue the same Man' w' the Arrerags as is 
 a forseid payeng to the seid S' John the seid C li at the 
 Dayes aforseid And the seid S' John to geve Answer which 
 he will chose the viij daye of this Moneth Yeuyn the vj 
 daye of February A° R R H vij xviij" And all this to be 
 p'furmyd and put in surte aft' o'wis' And We deuise y' he 
 y' shall haue the land shall paie to thoy' at Halwemes came 
 twelvemonyth ten mark bcsids ye seid C. li because thar- 
 rerags haue ben lang in the ten'nts hands, 
 
 John Yaxi.ee, 
 James Hobakt. 
 
 12 by 64. 
 Paper Mark, 
 
 Hand and Star. 
 PI. xxxiii. No. 10.
 
 HENRY VII. 439 
 
 LETTER XXXVIII. 
 
 East Beckhmn. 
 The Award. 
 
 WHERE[as] Sir John Paston and Roger Townshend have 
 agreed and promised to obey as we James Hobart and 
 John Yaxley will devise for the variance of \c.onccrnmg\ the 
 Manor of East Beckham. 
 
 We devise and award that Sir John Paston shall have the 
 said Manor to him, and to his heirs; and he therefore shall 
 pay to the said Roger 40/. at Pentecost next; and at Ha- 
 lowmas next after that, 40/.; and at Pentecost next after 
 that, 20/. ; and the same Sir John shall have the arrearages 
 of the said Manor. And if the said Sir John refuse to have 
 the Manor, then the said Roger to have the same Manor, 
 with the arrearages as is aforesaid, paying to the said Sir 
 John the said 100/. at the days aforesaid; and the said Sir 
 John to give answer which he will choose the 8th day of 
 this month. 
 
 Given the 6th day of February, the 18th year of the 
 reign of Henry VII.; and all this to be performed and put 
 in surety after our advice. 
 
 And we devise that he that shall have the land shall pay 
 
 to the other, at Halowmas come twelvemonth, ten marks, 
 
 (6/. 13s. 4f/.) besides the said 100/,, because the arrearages 
 
 have been long in the tenant's hands. 
 
 John Yaxley. 
 
 James Hobart. 
 
 Sunday, 6th February, 
 1502. 18H. vii.
 
 440 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 The Manor which is the subject of this award was purchased by Sir VVilham 
 Paston the Judge. During the life of his son John Paston, and of the late Sir 
 John Paston, there had been several money transactions, and pledges of land, 
 Sec. between them and the Townshends. It is probable some dispute had 
 arisen concerning this Manor of Beckham, whether it iiad not, by some delay 
 in not redeeming it, become the property of this Roger Townshend. 
 
 The award gives the preference to the present Sir John Paston, and he ac- 
 cordingly accepted it, I suppose, under the proposed conditions. 
 
 This Roger Townshend was the eldest son of Judge Townshend, and in the 
 rei<Tn of Henry VIII. was three times High Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk. 
 He was also knighted by this king, and dying witiiout issue, was succeeded by 
 his next brother, John, the ancestor of the present Marquis Townshend. 
 
 John Yaxley, an eminent lawyer, was one of those who were called to the de- 
 
 LETTER XXXIX. 
 
 To mil Coiisi/n M 
 Jlillia Paston. 
 
 CousYN Paston I recomaundc me vnto you And haue re- 
 ceiued yo' lett' by the which J haue vndrestand of the deth 
 of my Cousyn yo' fadre whose soule Jhu assoile J wol coun- 
 saile and exhorte you to take it as wel and as paciently as ye 
 can Seeyng that we al be mortal and borne to dey And 
 where as ye desire to haue a letter ad colligendu' aft' myne 
 advise ye shal doo wel to be here w' me at Michaelmas next 
 comyng and at yo' then comyng' I shalbe glad to doo you the 
 best confort and hcl})e that I can Counsailing that ye in the 
 meane tyme doo not entremcdyll in any wise w' thadmynys-
 
 HENRY VII. 441 
 
 gree of Serjeant at Law on tlie 10th of September, 149C, when the king and 
 queen honoured them with their presence at their feast at Ely House in Hol- 
 born. 
 
 James Hobart was a right good man, of great learning and wisdom, and for 
 his knowledge and eminence in the law was appointed Attorney General and a 
 Privy Counsellor by Henry VH. In 1503-4 he was made a Knight of the 
 Sword, at the Creation of Henry Prince of Wales; and died early in the reign 
 of this prince, when he became king. He may be said to have been the prin- 
 cipal head of the family of Hobart, and from him the present Earl of Bucking- 
 hamshire is lineally descended. 
 
 . . 1 CPl- xxxi. No. 17. 
 
 Autograr 
 
 jphs, ) 
 
 PI. xxxi. No. 18. 
 
 LETTER XXXIX. 
 
 To my Cousin Master William Paston. 
 
 Cousin Paston, I recommend me unto you, and have re- 
 ceived your letter, by the which I have understanding of the 
 death of my cousin, your father, whose soul Jesu assoil. 1 
 will counsel and exhort you to take it as well and as patiently 
 as ye can, seeing that we all be mortal and born to die. And 
 whereas ye desire to have a letter ad colligendum, after 
 mine advice ye shall do well to be here with me at Michael- 
 mas next coming; and at your then coming I shall be glad 
 to do you the best comfort and help that I can, counselling 
 that ye in the mean time do not intermeddle in any wise 
 with the administering of any part of your father's goods, nor 
 with the receiving of his debts, for divers causes. 
 
 VOL. V. 3 L
 
 442 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 tryng of any parte of yo' faders goods nor w' the receiving 
 of his debts for diuers causes as at yo' comyng hadre ye 
 shal knowe more The meane season loke that ye be of as 
 confortable chere as ye can Exhorting my lady yo' modre in 
 lawe to be in hke wise Towhom I pray you to haue me re- 
 comendyd Thus fare ye hertily wel From london the vj'" 
 day of Septembre. 
 
 Yd' William electe 
 
 OF London. 
 9 by 64. 
 
 Tliis letter was written to William Paston, the great grandson of .liidgo 
 Paston, the first of that family concerned in this correspondence, by \\ illiam 
 Warham, Bishop Elect of London, on the death of Sir John Paston, from 
 whom and to whom so many of these letters have been addressed, and w ilh 
 whoni the reader must have now become well acquainted. 
 
 Sir John Paston, Kt. was born between 1442 and 1450, and married Mar- 
 gery, the daughter of Sir Thomas Brewseof Stinton Hall in Norfolk, in 1477, 
 before the death of his elder brother. 
 
 In 1483 he was made an honorary freeman of the City of Norwich, and in 
 14S,j was elected one of its representatives in parliament, having just before 
 served the office of High Sheriff for the Counties of Norfolk and Suftolk, in 
 which year he was also knighted. He is likewise said to have been made a 
 Knight Banneret at the battle of Stoke, in 1487, but of that I have found no 
 certain proof. In 1 JOl he was one of those knights appointed to receive the 
 Princess Catharine of Spain at Plymouth, where she arrived on the 'id of 
 October. He was living on the 20th of December, 1502, but died in the next 
 year, and was buried in the White Fryars' Church, at Norwich, by his wife, 
 who died in 1495, by whom lie left issue William, his son and heir, and now
 
 HENRY VII. 443 
 
 The mean season look that ye be of as comfortable cheer 
 as ye can, exhorting my lady, your mother-in-law, to l)e in 
 like wise; to whom I pray you to have me recommended. 
 
 Thus fai-e ye heartily well. From London this 6th day 
 of September. 
 
 Yours, 
 
 William Elect of London. 
 
 London, 
 Wednesday, 6th September, 
 1503. 19 H. vii. 
 
 the head of the family; Pliilip, who died young; and three daughters, Eliza- 
 beth, Dorothy and Phiiippa, who all afterwards married. 
 
 By this letter it appears that he took a second wife, who survived him, but 
 who she was I have not been able to discover. 
 
 William W^arham, a gentleman of an ancient family, was born in Hampsliire, 
 educated at Winchester, from whence lie was removed to New College, Ox- 
 ford. In the beginning of the year 1503, after having served his sovereign in 
 several public capacities, he was elected Bishop of London, but in less than 
 two years was translated to the See of Canterbury, where he was inthroned 
 with great solemnity and magnificence, enjoying, during the whole of this reign, 
 the greatest prosperity ; but in the next the political Cardinal Wolsey stood 
 between him and the king's favour. He was chosen, with other bishops, by 
 Queen Catharine to assist and direct her in her suit, in which difficult business 
 he conducted himself so properly, tiiat the king could not be offended with his 
 over-zeal, nor the queen blame him for neglect. After having sat in this See 
 nearly twenty-eight years, he died on the 23d of August, 1532, and lies buried 
 on the north side of the Martyrdom, in his own Cathedral. 
 
 Autograph, PI. xxxi. No. 20. 
 
 3 L 2
 
 444 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XL. 
 
 To the ri/ght Worschypfull 
 
 M Roger Darcy and M Gi/lys 
 Alyngton beyng at y' Jeorge 
 ill luberd Strett be y" 
 delyu'yd in hast. 
 
 Ryght Worschypfull Mast' J Recomend me on to yo" 
 c'tyfying yor that y" kyngs g'ce and y*' kyng of Castyle mett 
 y" day at thre of the cloke upon Elevvorth greyn ij niyll owt 
 of Wyndesower and y' ye Kyng reseyued hym in the good- 
 lyest man' that eu' I sawe and ech of them eubracyd od' hi 
 Armys to shew yo the Kyngs Aparell of Yngland thus it 
 was hys hors of bay Trappyd w' nedyll worke A gown of 
 purpuyr ueluyt A Cheyn w' A Joerge of Dyamonds and a 
 hood of purpuyr uekiyt Whych he put not of at y" mettyng 
 of y" seyd Kyng of Castylle liys hatt and hys bonett he 
 avaylyd And y*" Kyng of Castylle in Cas lyke And y"^ King of 
 Castyll red apon sorellyd hoby which y' Kyng gaue un to 
 hym hys Apparell was all blak a gown of blak ueluyt a blak 
 hood a blak hatt and hys hors harnes of blake ueluyt to 
 schew yo" of y*" Kyngs Company My lord Harry of 'Staf- 
 forth red in a gown of Cloth of Tuyssew tukkyd furryd w' 
 Sabulls a hatt of goldsmyth worke and full of stons dya- 
 monds and rubys rydyng Apon a sorellyd Courser Bardyd 
 w' a bayrd of goldsniyths wark w' rosys and dragifs red 
 And my lord 'Mkas rydyng apon a bald sorclyd hors w' a 
 deyp trajjper full of long Tassels of gold of Venys and
 
 HENRY VII. 445 
 
 LETTER XL. 
 
 To the Right Worshipful Master Robert Darcy and Master 
 Giles AUngton, being at the George in Lombard Street, be 
 this delivered in haste. 
 
 Right Worshipful Masters, I recommend me unto you, 
 certifying you that the King's Grace and the King of Cas- 
 tile met this day, at three of the clock, upon Elworth 
 Green, two miles out of Windsor, and there the king re- 
 ceived him in the goodliest manner that ever I saw, and 
 each of them embraced [^the^ other in [^fiis] arms. 
 
 To show you the King's apparel of England, thus it was, 
 his horse of bay, trapped with needle work ; a gown of pur- 
 pure [purple^ velvet; a chain with a George of Diamonds, 
 and a hood of purpure velvet, which he put not off at the 
 meeting of the said King of Castile; his hat and his bonnet 
 he availed, and the King of Castile in case like. 
 
 And the King of Castile rode upon a sorrelled hobby, 
 which the king gave unto him ; his apparel was all black, a 
 gown of black velvet, a black hood, a black hat, and his 
 horse-harness of black velvet. 
 
 To show you of the king's company; my Lord Harry of 
 * Stafford rode in a gown of cloth of tissue, tucked, furred 
 with sables; a hat of goldsmith's work, and full of stones, 
 diamonds and rubies, riding upon a sorrelled courser barded 
 with a bard of goldsmith's work, with roses and dragons 
 red; and my Lord '^Marquis riding upon a bald sorrelled 
 horse, with a deep trapper full of long tassels of gold of
 
 446 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 Apon y^ Crowp' of hys hors a whytt fedyr w' a Cott Apon 
 hys bak y'^ body goldsmyths wark y"" sleiiys of cremysyne 
 ueluyt w' lett's of gold My lord of ^Kent Apon a Sorelyd 
 hors bald y*" harnes of Venys gold w' a deyp fryng of half 
 yerd of lengh My lord of Kent Cott was on barr of Cloth of 
 gold an oder of Cremysyn veluyt pvirlyd w' a demy manehe 
 Cut of by y*" Elbowe Thyes be y"^ lords y' bare y" bruyt S' Hew 
 *Waghan Apon a bay hors trappyd w' c'mysyn veluyt full of 
 gylt bels a gown of blak veluyt and a Cheyn of gold bawdryk 
 wys worth v hondreth pownd thys be y'' sperys M. 'Sant 
 John Apon a blak hors w' harnes of Cloth of gold w' Tassels 
 of Plunkytt and whytt A Cott of Plunkytt and whytt y'^ 
 body of goldsmyths werk y*" slevys full of spa"guls John Carr 
 and Will'm Parr Cotts lyke y' horsys gray of Parr Trappyd 
 w* Cremysyn veluyt w' Tassels of gold and bels gylt Carr 
 hors Bay w* an Almayn harnes of syluer An ynch brod of 
 Betyn sylu' both y" Cotts of goldsmyths wark y" bodys y* 
 sleuys on stryp of sylu' y" od' gylt Edward neuell Apon a 
 gray hors trappyd w' blak velueyt full of small bells hys 
 Cott the on half of *greyn veluyt y*" od' of whytt Cloth of 
 gold thyes to y*^ rutters of y*" spers dyu's well appontyd On 
 the Kyng of Castyles party y'" lord Chamberlayn cheyf I can 
 not tell hys name yctt hys Apparell was sad and so was all 
 y'' resydeu of hys Com])any \v' Cottys of sad tawnye blake 
 gardyd su" w' veluyt and su" w' sarsnyt not j)assyng a dosyn 
 in nowmbcr it is sayd y' is many by hynd wych en's w' y'" 
 queyn of Castyll wych schall cu" A})on Teyusday when y*" 
 Kyng rod forth to Wyndesor 'Castyle 'J'he Kyng rede Apon 
 y« ryght hand y' Kyng of Castylle how be it y*^ Kyngs g'ce 
 offeryd hjni to take hym Apon y' ryght hand y' whydi he 
 refussyd And at y' lyghtyng y"^ Kyng of Castylle was of liys
 
 HENRY VII. 447 
 
 Venice, and upon the crupper of his horse a white feather; 
 with a coat upon his back, the body goldsmith's work, the 
 sleeves of crimson velvet, with letters of gold. 
 
 My Lord of ^Kent upon a sorrelled horse, bald; the har- 
 ness of Venice gold, with a deep fringe of half a yard of 
 length. My Lord of Kent's coat was one bar of cloth of 
 gold and another of crimson velvet, purled with a demy 
 manche cut off by the elbow. These be the lords that bare 
 the bruit l_we}x most nuticecC]. 
 
 Sir Hugh +Vaughan upon a bay horse trapped with crim- 
 son velvet full of gilt bells, a gown of black velvet, and a 
 chain of gold bawdrick wise [belt wise] worth five hundred 
 pounds. These be the spears : Master 'St. John upon a 
 black horse, with harness of cloth of gold, with tassels of 
 plunket [blue] and white; a coat of plunket and white, the 
 body of goldsmith's work, the sleeves full of spangles. 
 
 John Carr and William Parr, coats like the horses, gray 
 of Parr, trapped with crimson velvet, with tassels of gold, 
 and bells gilt. Carr's horse bay, with an Almayne harness 
 of silver, an inch broad of beaten silver, both the coats of 
 goldsmith's work the bodies, the sleeves one stripe of silver, 
 the other gilt. 
 
 Edward Neville upon a gray horse trapped with black 
 velvet full of small bells; his coat the one half of ''grain 
 velvet, the other of white cloth of gold; these two the 
 rutters [casters or throwers] of the spears, with other divers 
 well appointed. 
 
 On the King of Castile's party, the Lord Chamberlain 
 Chief, I cannot tell his name as yet, his apparel was sad 
 [dark coloured], and so was all the residue of his comj^any, 
 with cloaks of sad tawny [dark duskti i/ellow] and black,
 
 448 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 hois a good space or owr kyng was a lyght and ye' y^ 
 Kyngs gee ofFeryd to take hym by the Arm y^ whych he 
 wold not hot toke y" Kyng by y" Arme and so went to y*^ 
 Kyngs of Castylle Chamber whych is y" rychestly hangyd 
 that eu' J sawe vij Chambers to geder hangyd w' Cloth of 
 Arras wrogh w* gold as thyk as cowd be and as for iij beds 
 of Astate no Kyng 'Crystyned Can schew sych iij thys is as 
 fer as J Can schew yo" of y" Day and when J can know mer 
 y" schall haue knowlege from Wyndesou y" Safday at v of 
 y^ Cloke. 
 
 'By yo'r WillTm Makefyr. 
 12 by 83. 
 
 This curious Letter, describing a state procession, requires a short historical 
 Introduction. 
 
 Isabella, the wife of Ferdinand, the first King of all Spain, dying in 1504, 
 the kingdoms of Castile and Leon came by succession to Johanna, their 
 daughter, married to Philip, Arch-Duke of Austria, Governor of the Nether- 
 lands. In January, 1505-6, Philip and Johanna set out on their voyage in 
 order to proceed to Spain, to take possession of those kingdoms, which Ferdi- 
 nand still continued to govern as administrator to his late queen. 
 
 A violent storm arising during their passage through the English Channel, 
 they were forced into Weymouth, where, overcome with fatigue, they landed. 
 
 News of their arrival having been immediately conveyed to the King of Eng- 
 land, Philip found he would not be permitted to re-embark till ids pleasure 
 was known. Henry instantly dispatched the Earl of Arundel to congratulate 
 tlu; king and queen, and to assure them of iiis good will, and that he would 
 come without delay and embrace them. 
 
 The King of Castile wishing to make his undesigned visit here as short as 
 possible, thought to gain time by coming to Henry; he therefore proceeded 
 towards Windsor ; the royal meeting near which place is here described in the 
 most accurate maimer. 
 
 The behaviour and address of the two nionarchs; the striking superiority 
 claimed by Henry in every the minutest article, with their dress, and that of 
 their several attendants; tiic caparisons of their horses, Stc, are here so parti-
 
 HENRY VII. 449 
 
 guarded, some with velvet and some with sarsenet, not 
 passing a dozen in number. 
 
 It is said there are many behind, which shall come with 
 the Queen of Castile, which shall come upon Tuesday. 
 
 When the King rode forth to "Windsor Castle, the King 
 rode ever \^alwai/s] upon the right hand of the King of Cas- 
 tile; however the King's Grace offered him to take him 
 upon the right hand, the which he refused. 
 
 And at the alighting the King of Castile was off his 
 horse a good space ere our King was alighted; and then 
 the King's Grace offered to take him by the arm, the which 
 he would not, but took the King by the arm, and so went 
 to the King's of Castile chamber, which is the richestly 
 hanged that ever I saw; seven chambers together, hanged 
 with cloth of Arras wrought with gold as thick as could 
 be; and as for three beds of state, no king 'christened can 
 show such three. 
 
 This is as far as I can show you of this day, and when I 
 can know more, ye shall have knowledge. 
 
 From Windsor this Saturday at five of the clock. 
 
 By Yovu's, 
 
 ^William Makefyr. 
 
 Windsor, 
 
 Saturday, 17th January, 
 
 1505-6. 21 H. vii. 
 
 cularly delineated, that an ingenious painter might from this sketcii easily form 
 a most accurate picture of the whole proceeding. 
 
 During the time that these royal personages remained here, Henry concluded 
 several treaties with them for his own and his kingdom's advantage. He like- 
 wise claimed the delivery of Edmund de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, son of Eli- 
 zabeth, the sister of Edward IV. and Richard III., who had put himself under 
 this king's protection. This was obtained likewise upon condition that his life 
 VOL. V. 3 M
 
 450 PASTON LETTERS. 
 
 should be safe. The duke returned, and was committed a prisoner to the 
 Tower, where he continued till 1513, when Henry VIII. ordered him to be 
 beheaded, his greatest crime being his nearness to the crown. 
 
 Henry detained his royal guests here between three and four months, during 
 which time Philip was personally installed a Knight of the Garter. They ar- 
 rived in their own kingdoms in May, where they were received w itli loyalty and 
 affection. Philip's reign, however, was short, he dying the September follow- 
 ing, in the CQth year of his age; and his death so affected his queen that she 
 lost her reason, and Ferdinand, her father, resumed the administration of those 
 affairs he had so reluctantly desisted from on their arrival. These royal per- 
 sonages were the parents of the Emperor Charles V. 
 
 ' Henry, Earl of Stafford, eldest sou and heir of Edward Stafford, Duke of 
 Buckingham, who was attainted and beheaded in 1521, owing to the machina- 
 tions of Cardinal VVolsey. 
 
 This earl was in 1523 restored in blood, but summoned to parliament only 
 as Baron Stafford. 
 
 ^ Thomas Grey, Marquis of Dorset, was the son of Thomas, the late Mar- 
 quis, who was the son of Elizabeth, Queen of Edward IV'. by her first hus- 
 band. Sir John Grey of Groby. 
 
 This nobleman in the next reign became Lord of the Marches between Eng- 
 land and Scotland, which lie stoutly kept, and boldly maintained. He died in 
 1530, 22 H. VIII. 
 
 ' George Grey, Earl of Kent, was a true soldier to, and a favourite of, 
 Henry, but surviveil this pageant a very short time, dying within the year. 
 
 * Sir Hugh Vaugiian was a gallant gentleman and valiant soldier. 
 
 ' Master St. John, John Carr, William Parr and Edward Neville, were gal- 
 lant young men and tlie king's military attendants. Parr was probably of the 
 family of Catharine, afterwards the wife of Henry VIII. ; and Neville was per- 
 haps the knigiit who was beheaded in 1538 for being concerned with others in 
 a correspondence with the exiled Cardinal Pole. 
 
 ' Grain colours were red and purple colouis dyed with the grain called 
 Cochineal, now known to bean insect. 
 
 ' No king in Christendom. 
 
 ' I can find no account of tin; writer of this letter, nor of the peisons to 
 whom it is directed, more than tiiat they were gentlemen and men of worship. 
 
 AutO"i:i|ih, 1*1. xxxi. No. 24.
 
 CATALOGUE 
 
 ORIGINAL LETTERS, &c. 
 
 LIST OF THE PLATES AND NUMBERS THEREON. 
 
 AN EXPLANATION OF THE PLATE OF SEALS, &c. 
 
 A CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX TO VOLUMES II. AND V. 
 
 ALPHABETICAL LIST 
 
 OF ALL 
 
 THE AUTOGRAPHS, PAPER-MARKS, AND SEALS, IN THE FIVE 
 VOLUMES OF ORIGINAL LETTERS. 
 
 THE PLATES OF AUTOGRAPHS, No. XXIX. XXX. XXXL 
 
 THE PLATES OF PAPER-MARKS, No. XXXIL XXXIIL 
 
 THE PLATE OF SEALS, &c. No. XXXIV. 
 
 3 M 2
 
 ( 452 ) 
 
 A CATALOGUE of the ORIGINAL LETTERS, 
 
 EDWARD IV. 
 
 VOL. V. 
 
 Autographs. 
 
 No. 
 
 PI. 
 
 No. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 XXV. 
 
 21 
 
 2 
 3 
 
 XXV. 
 
 21 
 
 4 
 
 XXV. 
 
 21 
 
 5 
 
 IV. 
 
 9 
 
 6 
 
 XXV. 
 
 21 
 
 7 
 8 
 9 
 
 XXV 
 
 21 
 
 10 
 11 
 
 IV. 
 
 9 
 
 12 
 
 IV. 
 
 9 
 
 13 
 
 IV. 
 
 12 
 
 14 
 
 IV. 
 
 9 
 
 15 
 
 IV. 
 
 9 
 
 16 
 17 
 18 
 
 IV. 
 
 9 
 
 19 
 
 IV. 
 
 9 
 
 20 
 
 XX. 
 
 27 
 
 21 
 •>■> 
 
 IV. 
 
 9 
 
 23 
 
 IV. 
 
 9 
 
 24 
 
 XXV. 
 
 21 
 
 2.i 
 
 IV. 
 
 12 
 
 26 
 
 IV. 
 
 12 
 
 27 
 
 IV. 
 
 9 
 
 28 
 
 IV. 
 
 12 
 
 29 
 
 IV. 
 
 12 
 
 30 
 
 XXV. 
 
 21 
 
 31 
 
 IV. 
 
 9 
 
 32 
 
 IV. 
 
 9 
 
 33 
 31 
 
 V. 
 
 2G 
 
 3J 
 
 Letters 
 From and to whom. 
 
 J. of Gelston to Margaret Paston, his Mother 
 
 John Paston to Margaret Paston 
 
 Margaret Paston to John Paston 
 
 J. Paston to Sir John Paston 
 
 J. Paston to Sir John Paston 
 
 Sir J. Paston to jMargaret Paston, or J. Paston, Esq. 
 
 J. Paston to Sir John Paston 
 
 J. Paston to Sir John Paston 
 
 J. Paston to the Duke of Norfolk 
 
 J. Paston to Sir John Paston 
 
 Sir John Paston to J. Paston 
 
 Sir John Paston to J. Paston 
 
 Sir .Tohn Paston to J. Paston 
 
 J. Paston to Sir J. Paston, or AV^illiam Paston 
 
 Sir John Paston to Tilargaret or J. Paston 
 
 Sir John Paston to Margaret Paston or Roos 
 
 Margaret Paston to John Paston 
 
 JNIargarct Paston to .Tohn Paston 
 
 Sir .1. Paston to John, William, or Edmund Paston 
 
 Sir J. Paston to ^Margaret Paston 
 
 Richard Soutliwell to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 Margaret Paston to Sir J. Paston 
 
 Sir .1. Paston to Jolui, or K(hiiund Paston 
 
 Sir .T. Paston to Margaret Paston 
 
 Jo|}n Piuiton to Sir John I'aslon 
 
 Jolm Piiston to .Sir Joliii Paston 
 
 .lohii Paston to Lord Ilastyiigs 
 
 Sir Jolui Paston to Jolm or Margaret Paston 
 
 Jolm Paston to Margaret Paston 
 
 Jolm Paston to Margaret Paston 
 
 Jdlin Paston to Sir J. Paston 
 
 Sir J. Paston to Jolm Paston 
 
 Sir J. Paston to John Paston 
 
 M.ugaret Paston to 
 
 Dame Elizabeth Urcwsc to John Paston 
 
 Page. 
 
 o 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 16 
 
 24 
 
 28 
 
 36 
 
 40 
 
 44 
 
 46 
 
 50 
 
 54 
 
 62 
 
 66 
 
 72 
 
 78 
 
 82 
 
 86 
 
 92 
 
 96 
 
 102 
 
 104 
 
 no 
 
 112 
 
 116 
 
 12(t 
 
 124 
 
 130 
 
 134 
 
 138 
 
 140 
 
 144 
 
 148 
 
 152 
 
 158
 
 ( 453 ) 
 
 WITH THEIR AUTOGRAPHS, DATES, and PAPER-MARKS. 
 
 EDWARD IV. 
 
 VOL. V. 
 
 No. 
 
 Dates. 
 
 Year ot 
 Reign. 
 
 Paper-Marks. 
 
 Paper-Mabks. 
 PI. No. 
 
 
 
 
 Ed. IV. 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 30 April, 1471 
 
 — 
 
 11 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 17 July, 1471 
 
 — 
 
 11 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 5 November, 1471 
 
 — 
 
 11 
 
 Bull's head and star — 
 
 XXII. 
 
 15 
 
 4 
 
 8 July, 1472 
 
 — 
 
 12 
 
 BuU's head and star — 
 
 VIII. 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 29 September, 1472 
 
 — 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 22 November, 1472 
 
 — 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 24 November, 1472 
 
 — 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 November, 1472 
 
 — 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 1472 
 
 — 
 
 12 
 
 A figure on a fish — 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 26 March, 1473 
 
 — 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 12 April, 1473 
 
 — . 
 
 13 
 
 Vine branch and grapes 
 
 X. 
 
 2 
 
 12 
 
 22 November, 1473 
 
 — 
 
 13 
 
 Wheels, &c. — — 
 
 X. 
 
 9 
 
 13 
 
 25 November, 1473 
 
 — 
 
 13 
 
 Wheels, &c. — — 
 
 X. 
 
 9 
 
 14 
 
 25 July, 1474 — 
 
 — 
 
 14 
 
 A foot and cross — 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 u 
 
 15 
 
 before November, 1474 
 
 14 
 
 Radiated star and y h s 
 
 VIII. 
 
 5 
 
 16 
 
 20 November, 1474 
 
 — 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 
 17 
 
 29 January, 1474-5 
 
 — 
 
 14 
 
 Bull's head and star — 
 
 VIII. 
 
 2 
 
 18 
 
 29 January, 1474-5 
 
 — 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 
 19 
 
 5 February, 1474-5 
 
 — 
 
 14 
 
 Katharine wheel, 13 teeth 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 7 
 
 20 
 
 22 February, 1474-5 
 
 — 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 
 21 
 
 26 March, about 1475 
 
 — 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 
 22 
 
 23 May, 1475 — 
 
 — 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 
 23 
 
 13 June, 1475 — 
 
 — 
 
 15 
 
 Bull's head and stai- — 
 
 X. 
 
 1 
 
 24 
 
 1 1 September, 1475 
 
 — 
 
 15 
 
 French arms and t. — 
 
 XII. 
 
 21 
 
 25 
 
 10 October, 1475 
 
 — 
 
 15 
 
 Wheels, cap, &c. — 
 
 XXII. 
 
 10 
 
 26 
 
 23 January, 1475-6 
 
 — 
 
 15 
 
 A coronet — — 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 *> 
 
 27 
 
 2 March, 1475-6 
 
 — 
 
 15 
 
 Bull's head and star — 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 1 
 
 28 
 
 12 March, 1475-6 
 
 — 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 
 29 
 
 March, 1475-6 
 
 — 
 
 16 
 
 A coronet — — 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 2 
 
 30 
 
 Mayor June, 1476 
 
 — 
 
 16 
 
 A coronet — — 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 2 
 
 31 
 
 6 May, 1476 — 
 
 — 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 
 32 
 
 27 May, 1476 — 
 
 — 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 
 33 
 
 30 June, 1476 — 
 
 — 
 
 16 
 
 Dog s head and porridge pot 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 6 
 
 34 
 
 January, about 1476-7 
 
 16 
 
 A coronet — — 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 ■2 
 
 35 
 
 Januaiy or February 
 
 , 1476-7 
 
 16 
 
 

 
 454 
 
 CATALOGUE OF ORIGINAL LETTERS 
 
 Autographs. 
 PI. No. 
 
 V. 
 
 IV. 
 
 XX\'. 
 
 VI. 
 
 II. 
 
 IV. 
 IV. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 IV. 
 
 IV. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 V. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 XXiX. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 IV 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 II 
 
 XXIX. 
 XXIX. 
 XXIX. 
 XXIX. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 No. 
 
 26 
 
 9 
 
 21 
 
 29 
 
 20 
 
 12 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 12 
 
 12 
 
 4 
 
 7 
 
 9 
 
 13 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 7 
 
 12 
 
 8 
 21 
 
 8 
 14 
 11 
 II 
 
 12 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 l(i 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 11 
 
 XXX. 
 
 7 
 
 XXX. 
 
 9 
 
 36 
 37 
 
 38 
 39 
 40 
 41 
 42 
 43 
 44 
 45 
 46 
 47 
 48 
 49 
 50 
 51 
 52 
 53 
 54 
 55 
 56 
 57 
 58 
 59 
 60 
 61 
 62 
 63 
 64 
 65 
 66 
 07 
 68 
 69 
 70 
 
 Letters 
 From and to whom. 
 
 Dame Elizabeth Brewse to John Paston 
 
 Sir J. Paston to John Paston 
 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston 
 
 Sir Thomas Brewse to Margaret Paston 
 
 Sir Thomas Brewse to John Paston 
 
 John Pynipe to Sir John Paston 
 
 Sir John Paston to John Paston 
 
 Margaret Paston to Dame Elizabeth Brewse 
 
 John Paston to Margaret Paston 
 
 Sir John Paston to ftlargaret Paston 
 
 Margaret Paston to Sir John Paston 
 
 W'illiam Peacock to Sir John Paston 
 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston 
 
 John Paston to jNIargaret Paston 
 
 Constance Reyn^'forth to Sir John Paston 
 
 WaUer Paston to Margaret Paston 
 
 J. Whetley to Sir John Paston 
 
 A\'illiam Paston to John Paston 
 
 William Pykenham to Margaret Paston 
 
 Edmund Alyard to Margaret Paston 
 
 ■Walter Paston to Sir John Paston 
 
 Maker Paston to John Paston 
 
 John Paston to 
 
 The Account of John Paston 
 John Paston to Sir John Paston 
 \V. Lorancr to J. Paston, Esq. 
 John Paston to Margaret Paston 
 
 John Paston to 
 
 Edmund Paston to IMargarct Paston 
 ^^■ilIiam Paston to John Kyng 
 Edmund Paston to WiUiam Paston 
 T. Cryne to John Paston, Esq. 
 Margery Paston to John Paston, Esq. 
 Margery Paston to John Paston, Esq. 
 John Paston to Margaret Paston 
 
 EDWARD V. 
 Richard, Duke of Gloucester, to Lord Neville 
 
 RICHARD III. 
 Elizabeth Browne to John Paston 
 
 HENRY VII. 
 
 The Countess of Surrey to John Paston, Esq. 
 
 Margery Paston to J. Paston 
 
 Joliii Prior of Norwirli, fee. to 
 
 Thomas Andrew to WiUiam Paston, Esq. 
 
 Page. 
 
 160 
 
 164 
 
 166 
 
 170 
 
 172 
 
 176 
 
 180 
 
 184 
 
 188 
 
 196 
 
 200 
 
 206 
 
 208 
 
 212 
 
 220 
 
 224 
 
 228 
 
 236 
 
 238 
 
 242 
 
 244 
 
 248 
 
 250 
 
 252 
 
 254 
 
 262 
 
 266 
 
 272 ~ 
 
 276 
 
 280 
 
 282 
 
 284 
 
 288 
 
 292 
 
 296 
 
 302 
 
 304 
 
 310 
 314 
 316 
 324
 
 AVITH THEIR AUTOGRAPHS, DATES, AND PAPER-MARKS. 
 
 456 
 
 No. 
 
 36 
 
 37 
 
 38 
 
 39 
 
 40 
 
 41 
 
 42 
 
 43 
 
 44 
 
 45 
 
 46 
 
 47 
 
 48 
 
 49 
 
 50 
 
 51 
 
 52 
 
 53 
 
 54 
 
 55 
 
 56 
 
 57 
 
 58 
 
 59 
 
 GO 
 
 01 
 
 62 
 
 63 
 
 64 
 
 65 
 
 66 
 
 67 
 
 68 
 
 69 
 
 70 
 
 Dates. 
 
 Yeai- of 
 Reign 
 
 Paper-Marks. 
 
 Paper-Marks. 
 PI. No. 
 
 11 
 
 29 
 
 7 
 
 11 
 
 30 
 
 21 
 
 4 
 
 21 
 
 1.9 
 
 20 
 
 7 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 22 
 30 
 21 
 25 
 6 
 28 
 
 29 
 24 
 13 
 10 
 2 
 
 .Taniiai-y or Februaiy, 1476-7 
 March, 1476-7 — 
 
 March, 1476-7 — 
 
 February or March, 1476-7 
 March, 1476-7 — 
 
 March, 1476-7 — 
 
 March or April, 1477 
 June, 1477 — — 
 June, 1477 — — • 
 
 August, 1477 — 
 
 August, 1477 — 
 
 November, 1477 — 
 January, 1477-8 - — 
 February, 1477-8 — 
 March, 1477-8 — 
 
 May, 1478 — — 
 
 May, 1478 — — 
 November, 1478 — 
 February, 1478-9 — 
 March, 1478-9 — 
 
 May, 1479 — — 
 June, 1479 — — 
 August, 1479 — 
 
 November, 1479 — 
 November, 1479 — 
 November, 1479 — 
 December, 1479 — 
 
 1479-80 
 January, 1479-80 — 
 Februaiy, 1479-80 — 
 January, 1480-1, or after 
 April, 1482 — — 
 November, 1482 or 83 
 November, 1482 or 83 
 between 1482 and 1484 
 
 EDWARD V. 
 
 11 June, 1483 — — 
 
 RICHARD III. 
 
 19 May, 1485 — — 
 
 HENRY VII. 
 
 3 October, 1485 — 
 
 21 J.inuary, 1485-6 — 
 
 1486 — 
 
 16 December, before 1486 
 
 Ed. IV 
 
 16 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 16 
 16orl7 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 18 
 
 18 
 
 18 
 
 18 
 
 18 
 
 19 
 
 19 
 
 19 
 
 19 
 
 19 
 
 19 
 
 19 
 
 19 
 
 19 
 
 19 
 
 19 
 
 20 
 
 22 
 22 or 23 
 22 or 23 
 122&24 
 
 A flower — 
 
 Bnll's head and star — 
 
 Bull's head and star — 
 
 Bull's head and star — 
 
 G. and cross — — 
 
 Bull's head and star — 
 
 Bull's head and star — 
 Letters, shield and fleur-de-lys 
 
 G. and cross — — 
 
 French arms and t. — 
 
 Bull's head and star — 
 
 G. and cross — — 
 
 A tower — — 
 A pillar and coronet 
 A unicorn — 
 
 Bull's head and star 
 
 Bull's head and star 
 A figure on a fish 
 French arms and t. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 XXXII. 
 XXXII. 
 IX. 
 
 XII. 
 XXII. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 XII. 
 
 XII. 
 
 XI. 
 XII. 
 
 XXXII. 
 XXXIl. 
 XXXII. 
 X. 
 
 XI. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 XII. 
 
 Holy Lamb — 
 
 French arms and t. 
 
 4 
 4 
 
 12 
 
 18 
 15 
 
 8 
 18 
 21 
 
 10 
 18 
 
 3 
 9 
 5 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 21 
 
 XXXIII 7 
 XII. 21
 
 456 
 
 CATALOGUE OF ORIGINAL LETTERS 
 
 Autographs. 
 
 No. 
 
 PL 
 
 No. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 11 
 
 .5 
 
 XXX. 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 VI. 
 
 30 
 
 / 
 
 8 
 
 XXX. 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 XXX. 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 11 
 
 XXX. 
 
 10 
 
 12 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 11 ■ 
 
 13 
 
 XXIX, 
 
 5 
 
 14 
 
 XXX. 
 
 12 
 
 15 
 
 XXX. 
 
 12 
 
 IG 
 
 XXX. 
 
 1. 12 
 
 17 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 4 
 
 IS 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 C 
 
 19 
 20 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 1 
 
 21 
 
 XXX. 
 
 4 
 
 22 
 
 XXX. 
 
 5 
 
 23 
 
 XXX. 
 
 1 
 
 "1 
 
 XXX. 
 
 5 
 
 
 XXX. 
 
 5 
 
 2o 
 
 XXX. 
 
 4 
 
 2G 
 27 
 
 XXX. 
 
 5 
 
 28 
 
 VII. 
 
 C, 
 
 29 
 30 
 
 XXX. 
 
 12 
 
 31 
 
 XXX. 
 
 13 
 
 32 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 " 
 
 33 
 
 XXX. 
 
 6 
 
 34 
 
 3r) 
 
 XXX. 
 
 14 
 
 30 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 8 
 
 3/ 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 3 
 
 38 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 6 
 
 39 
 
 XXX. 
 
 
 40 
 
 Letters 
 From and to whom. 
 
 Page. 
 
 John Dowbiggyng to Sir John Paston 
 
 The Queen to the Earl of Oxford 
 
 Sir Edmund Bedingfeld to J. Paston, Esquire of the body 
 The Earl of Oxforil to Sir Edmund Bedingfeld 
 
 Dame Elizabeth Brewse to Sir John Paston 
 
 Dame Elizabetli Brewse to Sir John P aston 
 
 Sii' John Paston to Dame Margery Paston 
 
 T. Grigges to Sir J. Paston 
 
 Dame Margery Paston to Sir J. Paston 
 
 The Earl of O.xford to Sir J. Fasten 
 
 ^^'illiam Paston to Sir J. Paston 
 
 William Paston to Sir J. Paston 
 
 The King to the Earl of Oxford 
 
 John, Bishop of Durham, to Sir J. Paston 
 
 Lumen Ilaryson to .Sir J. Paston 
 
 Sir J. Paston to Loril Fitzwalter 
 
 The Earl of Surrey to Sir J. Paston 
 
 Elizabeth, Duchess of Norfolli, to Sir J. Paston 
 
 The Earl of Oxford to Sir J. Paston 
 
 f The King to the Earl of Oxford 
 
 I The Earl of Oxford to, &c. &c. 
 
 Tlie Earl of Oxford to Sir J. Paston 
 
 Elizabeth, Duchess of Norfolk, to Sir Wm. Knivet, Sir J . Paston, &c 
 
 The Bailiffs of Yarmouth to Sir J. Paston 
 
 The E.arl of Oxford to Sir J. Paston 
 
 The Countess of Oxford to Sir J. Paston 
 
 ^\'illiam Paston to Sir J. Paston 
 
 AVilliam Paston to Sir J. Paston 
 
 Roger L'Estraunge to Sir J. Paston 
 
 Sir r. Lyng to Sir J. Paston 
 
 Sir John Kendal to Sir J. Paston 
 
 The Bailiffs of Yarmouth to Sir J. Paston 
 
 Robert Crowmcr to Sir J. Paston 
 
 Edmund Paston to Sir J. Paston 
 
 The Award of John Yaxlce and James llobart 
 William, iiishop elect of London, to \\'illiam Paston 
 WiUiani Makcfyr to Robert Darcy and Giles Alington 
 
 328 
 332 
 336 
 340 
 342 
 344 
 346 
 348 
 
 350 
 
 358 
 
 360 
 oGa 
 370 
 376 
 380 
 382 
 384 
 388 
 390 
 392 
 394 
 396 
 398 
 402 
 404 
 408 
 410 
 412 
 416 
 418 
 422 
 426 
 430 
 432 
 438 
 440 
 444
 
 WITH THEIR AUTOGRAPHS, DATES, AND PAPER-MARKS. 
 
 457 
 
 
 
 Year of 
 
 
 
 Paper-Marks. 
 
 No. 
 
 Dates. 
 
 Reign. 
 
 Paper-Marks. 
 
 
 PI. 
 
 No. 
 
 
 
 H.VII. 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 between 1486 and 1495 
 
 2 & 10 
 
 Circle and cross — 
 
 — 
 
 XXI. 
 
 8 
 
 6 
 
 25 Jan. between 1486 and 1503 
 
 2 & 18 
 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 16 May, 1487 — — 
 
 2 
 
 A unicorn — 
 
 — 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 5 
 
 8 
 
 May, 1487 — — 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 about 1487 — — 
 
 3 
 
 Letter T. — 
 
 — 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 between 1487 and 1489 
 
 2&5 
 
 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 between 1487 and 1495 
 
 3 & 10 
 
 Hand and two fingei's doubled 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 4 
 
 12 
 
 2 February, 1487-8 — 
 
 3 
 
 Large band and star 
 
 — 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 8 
 
 13 
 
 10 Februaiy, 1487-8 — 
 
 3 
 
 f French arms per bend 
 \ chief 3 roundles 
 
 , on a 7 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 6 May, 1488 — — 
 
 3 
 
 1 French arms per bend 
 \ chief 3 roundles 
 
 , on a 1 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 2 
 
 15 
 
 between C and 13 May, 1488 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 16 
 
 13 May, 1488 — — 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 17 
 
 22 April, 1489 — — 
 
 4 
 
 Catharine wheel, stars, &c. 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 9 
 
 18 
 
 27 January, 1489 — 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 19 
 
 6 April, about 1490 — 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 about 1490 — — 
 
 5 
 
 Hand and caterfoil 
 
 — 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 3 
 
 21 
 
 24 April, between 1490 & 1500 
 
 5 & 15 
 
 Hand and caterfoil 
 
 — 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 3 
 
 22 
 
 28 February, 1490-1 — 
 
 6 
 
 Hand and star with a cross 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 10 
 
 23 
 
 27 March, 1491 — 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 24 
 
 10 April, i'^^' 
 
 6 
 
 Hand and star and letter 
 
 R. 
 
 XXXIII, 
 
 8 
 
 25 
 
 31 July, 1491 — — 
 
 C 
 
 A unicorn — 
 
 — 
 
 XI. 
 
 14 
 
 26 
 
 14 September, 1491 — 
 
 7 
 
 Hand and star — 
 
 — 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 10 
 
 27 
 
 September, 1491 — 
 
 7 
 
 A chalice — 
 
 — 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 5 
 
 28 
 
 October, 1491 — 
 
 7 
 
 A ship — — 
 
 — 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 6 
 
 29 
 
 15 January, about 1491-2 
 
 7 
 
 A ship — — 
 
 — 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 6 
 
 30 
 
 between 1491 and 1495 
 
 7 & 11 
 
 Hand and star — 
 
 — 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 10 
 
 31 
 
 18 February, 1491-2 — 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 32 
 
 16 April, 1492 — — 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 33 
 
 1494 — — 
 
 10 
 
 Letter P. and bend 
 
 — 
 
 XIH. 
 
 1 
 
 34 
 
 between 1495 and 1500 
 
 10&15 
 
 Letter P. and caterfoil 
 
 — 
 
 XIII. 
 
 3 
 
 35 
 
 11 July, 1495 — — 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 36 
 
 12 July, 1495 — — 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 37 
 
 1499 or 1500 — 
 
 14orl5 
 
 Hand and caterfoil 
 
 — 
 
 XXXIIL 
 
 3 
 
 38 
 
 6 February, 1502-3 — 
 
 18 
 
 Hand and star — 
 
 — 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 10 
 
 39 
 
 6 September, 1503 — 
 
 19 
 
 
 
 
 
 40 
 
 17 January, 1505-6 — 
 
 21 
 
 
 
 
 
 3n
 
 1 
 
 ( 458 ) 
 
 EDWARD IV. 
 
 4 List of the Plates and Numbeus, referring to the h^TTERS which 
 have their Autographs or Paper Marks engraved. 
 
 Autographs. 
 
 
 
 
 PI. 
 
 No. 
 
 
 Letters. 
 
 AuTOGR.iPHS. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 1 Edw. V. 
 
 R. Gloucestie. 
 
 
 2 
 
 9. 
 
 vol. i. H, VI. 
 
 Alys (Duchess of SufiFolk). 
 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 
 Yo'' humbykst Servu t J. of Gelston. 
 
 
 4 
 
 50 
 
 
 By yo'^ woman and sVant Constans Reynyforth. 
 
 
 5 
 
 47 
 
 
 Will. Pekoe. 
 
 
 C 
 
 55 
 
 
 Yo'' scoler Eduiu~d Alyard. 
 
 
 7 
 
 51 
 
 
 By your sonn and scoler Wnh' Paston. 
 
 
 8 
 
 64. 
 
 60 
 
 Zio' umble son and s''vant Ednio~d Paston. 
 
 
 9 
 
 52 
 
 
 Yo' s'vift J. ^Vlletley. 
 
 
 10 
 
 54 
 
 
 William Pykynirm. 
 
 
 11 
 
 68, 
 
 09 
 
 Be your s'vu~t and bcdewonr Maigeiy Paston. 
 
 
 12 
 
 1 
 
 2 R. III. 
 
 Your lovei^g Awnte Elizabeth Browne. 
 
 
 13 
 
 61 
 
 
 Be yo' W. Lomno"'. 
 
 
 14 
 
 67 
 
 
 Your s'^vu"'t T. Cryne. 
 
 
 15 
 
 70 
 
 
 John Paston, with a fac simile of the concluding part of 
 Letter LXX. p. 298, beginning at " And I beshrewe," 
 &c. 
 
 Paper Marks. 
 PI. No. 
 
 Letters, 
 
 Paper Marks. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 1 
 
 27 
 
 
 
 Bull's head and star. 
 
 
 2 
 
 9. 
 
 61 
 
 
 A hunum figure on a fish. 
 
 
 3 
 
 54 
 
 
 
 A tower. 
 
 
 4 
 
 39, 
 
 40 
 
 
 Bull's head and star. 
 
 
 5 
 
 56 
 
 
 
 An iniicorn. 
 
 
 6 
 
 33 
 
 
 
 Dog's head and porridge-pot. 
 
 
 7 
 
 19 
 
 
 
 Catharine wheel, with thirteen teeth. 
 
 
 8 
 
 47 
 
 
 
 Shield, with IIIS. surmouTitcd by a flour de lys. 
 
 
 9 
 
 55 
 
 
 
 A pillar, surmounted by a coronet. 
 
 
 10 
 
 108. 
 
 vol. 
 
 IV. 
 
 A flower within a circle, surmounted by a cross. 
 
 
 11 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 A foot and cross.
 
 ( 459 ) 
 
 HENRY VII. 
 
 A List of the Plates and Numbers, rcfcrr'mg to the Letters lohich 
 have their Autographs or Paper Marks engraved. 
 
 Autographs. 
 PI. No. 
 
 Letters. 
 
 Autographs. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 17.24 
 6 
 
 Henry R. . . . Heniy VII. 
 
 Elezebeth. . . . The Queen of Henry VII. 
 
 
 3 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 22. 26 
 
 Margaret. . . . The Mother of Heniy VII. 
 E.N Elizabeth, Duchess of Norfolk. 
 
 
 5 
 6 
 
 8.14.23,24,25.28 
 34 
 
 Oxynford. 
 
 Your own the Priour of Sauit .Johns Sir John Kendal. 
 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 By John P'or off Northwich and the Convent. 
 
 
 8 
 9 
 
 9, 10 
 
 4 
 
 Be your trew niodyr Dam Elysabethe Brewysse. 
 ThonTs Andrew. 
 
 
 10 
 
 12 
 
 Yo"- T. Grigges. 
 
 
 11 
 
 5 
 
 Ffrom yowre ownc John Dowbiggyng. 
 
 
 12 
 13 
 14 
 
 15, 16, 17. 31 
 
 32 
 
 36 
 
 Be yo' brodyr A^'yllm Paston. 
 
 Roger L'Estraunge. 
 
 By vo"" servu~t Robart Crowmer. 
 
 XXXI 
 
 15 
 
 16 
 
 17, 18 
 
 21 
 
 1 
 38 
 
 Your Lovying Cousin Thomas Surrey. 
 Your faythefoutl Cosyene E. Surrey. 
 John Yaxlee. James Hobart. 
 
 
 19 
 
 18 
 
 V own trewe luffer and frende John Duresme. 
 
 
 ■ 20 
 
 39 
 
 Yo' William Electe of London. 
 
 
 21 
 
 19 
 
 Lumen Haryson, at yowyr comawndment. 
 
 
 22 
 23 
 
 33 
 30 
 
 Be yowre pore prest and s'vift, S' T. Lyng. 
 WiUm Pasto . 
 
 
 24 
 25 
 
 40 
 27.35 
 
 By yo"r Willm Makefyrr. 
 
 Youre lov^es and bedmen the old baliifs of Yermouth and 
 the newe balyffs that now shalbe. 
 
 Paper Marks. 
 PI. No. 
 
 Letters. 
 
 Paper Marks. 
 
 XXXIII 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 The letter T. 
 
 
 2 
 
 13, 14 
 
 French arms per bend, on a chief three roundles, a cateifoil 
 
 
 3 
 
 20, 21. 37 
 
 Hand and caterfoil. 
 
 
 4 
 
 11 
 
 Hand, with two fingers doubled. 
 
 
 5 
 
 27 
 
 A chalice. 
 
 
 6 
 
 28,29 
 
 A ship. 
 
 
 7 
 
 1 
 
 A holy lamb. 
 
 
 8 
 
 12.24 
 
 Large hand and star, with the letter R. 
 
 
 9 
 
 17 
 
 Catharine wheel, with six teeth, three stars, &c. 
 
 
 10 
 
 22. 26. 30. 38 
 
 Hand and star, &c. 
 
 3n2
 
 ( 460 ) 
 
 CONTENTS OF THE PLATES. 
 
 Plate. 
 
 Autographs. 
 
 Royal. — Noble. — Commoners. 
 
 Tot AL- 
 
 Paper Marks. 
 
 Seals. 
 
 Kings' Reigns. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 1 1 13 
 
 3 2 9 
 4 7 
 
 '* 
 
 IO 
 
 14 
 11 
 
 11 
 
 lb 
 
 3 
 
 8. Editor, &c. 
 
 VEdwardlV. &c. 
 V Henry VII. 
 
 
 4 7 29 
 
 40 
 
 21 
 
 1 1 . Editor, &c. 
 
 
 XXIX. No. 15. A fac simile of the concluding part of Letter LXX. p. 298. 
 
 Seals on Letters in this Volume engraved on the preceding Plates. 
 
 Letters. 
 
 Seals. 
 
 PI. 
 
 N'o. 
 
 No. 
 
 17. 
 
 22. 
 
 64 . 
 
 
 
 
 Fleur 
 
 de 
 
 lys 
 
 
 
 
 
 XIV. 
 
 4 
 
 
 1.8.25 
 
 .31. 
 
 44. 
 
 50. 
 
 56 
 
 l-'lcur 
 
 dc 
 
 lys 
 
 and nnnulet 
 
 
 
 
 XIV. 
 
 22 
 
 
 13. 
 
 16 
 
 . . 
 
 
 
 
 I'lcui- 
 
 dc 
 
 lys, 
 
 iunoundcd 
 
 by 
 
 nine 
 
 others 
 
 XIV. 
 
 .23
 
 ( 461 ) 
 
 An Explanation qj' the Plate of Seals. 
 
 EDWARD IV. 
 
 Plate 
 XXXIV. 
 
 Devices on the Seals. 
 
 No. 
 
 4 
 5 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 11 
 
 John de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk vol. iv. 
 
 A lyon seiant, double quevee. 
 William Peacock 
 
 A peacock with his tail displayed. 
 Dame Elizabeth Brewse 
 
 A squirrel seiant, cracking a nut. 
 
 HENRY VII. 
 
 Countess of Surrey 
 
 A bird's head erased. 
 Margery Paston 
 
 The impression on the seal resembles a helmet. 
 William Paston 
 
 A fleur de lys with a crescent. 
 
 The Earl of Oxford 
 
 An eagle with two heads displayed. 
 William Paston 
 
 A bull's head caboshed. 
 The Bailiffs of Yarmouth 
 
 The letter R, surmounted by a coronet. 
 John, Bishop of Durham 
 
 An eagle, or bird standing with each foot on a ball. 
 William Paston 
 
 A lamb, surmounted by a W. The seal is nearly square. 
 N.B. The lines drawn round the seals represent the remaining 
 forms of the different fastening papers. 
 
 Lette 
 
 108 
 
 47 
 
 35,36 
 
 Iti 
 N 
 15 
 27 
 IH 
 .50
 
 ( 462 ) 
 
 A CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX, 
 
 ArriDigiiig all the Letters, written during the Reigns of Edward IV. 
 Edward V. Richard III. ^/;/f/ Henry VII., which are contained in 
 part (if the Second and in the ivhole Fifth Volume of this Work, 
 according to their Dates. 
 
 Letters. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Dates. 
 
 Edward IV. 
 
 
 
 Vol.. II. 
 
 Vol. V. 
 
 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 
 14 March, 1470. (Henry AI.) 
 
 11 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 
 19 March, 1470. (Henry VI.) 
 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 
 March or April, 1471. (Henry \'I.) 
 
 
 XL. 
 
 
 18 April, 1471. 
 
 
 XLI. 
 
 
 April, 1471. 
 
 
 
 I. 
 
 30 April, 1471. 
 
 
 
 II. 
 
 17 July, 1471. 
 
 
 XLU. 
 
 
 13 or 15 September, 1 47 1. 
 
 
 XLIll. 
 
 
 28 September, 1471. 
 
 
 
 III. 
 
 .') November, 1471. 
 
 
 XLIV. 
 
 
 8 .lanuaiy, 1471-2. 
 
 
 XLW 
 
 
 1 7 FebniaiT, 1471-2. 
 
 
 XLM. 
 
 
 5 June, 1472. (1470.) 
 
 12 
 
 XL\1I. 
 
 
 20 September, 1472. 
 
 
 XLVlll. 
 
 
 21 September, 1472. 
 
 
 
 V. 
 
 29 September, 1472. 
 
 
 XLIX. 
 
 
 4 November, 1472. 
 
 
 L. 
 
 
 8 and 9 November, 1472. 
 
 
 
 VI. 
 
 22 November, 1472. 
 
 
 
 VII. 
 
 24 November, 1472. 
 
 
 
 VUI. 
 
 November, 1472. 
 
 
 
 IX. 
 
 .... 1472. 
 
 
 LI. 
 
 
 3 Febniary, 1472-3. 
 
 
 
 X. 
 
 26 March, 1473. 
 
 13 
 
 LU. 
 
 
 2 April, 1473. 
 
 
 
 XI. 
 
 12 April, 1473. 
 
 
 LIU. 
 
 
 \r, April, 1473. 
 
 
 LIV. 
 
 
 Id April, 1473. 
 
 
 LV. 
 
 
 18 May, 1473. 
 
 
 LVI. 
 
 
 3 June, 1473. 
 
 
 LVII. 
 
 
 ;■) July, 1473. 
 
 
 LMII. 
 
 
 Ki .September, 1473. 
 
 
 
 XII. 
 
 22 November, 1473. 
 
 
 
 XIII. 
 
 2.") November, 1473. 
 
 
 LIX, 
 
 
 20 February, 1 173-4.' 
 
 
 LX. 
 
 
 7 Mardi, 1473-4. 
 
 14 
 
 
 XIV. 
 
 2.") Juiy, 1474. 
 
 
 
 XV. 
 
 bel'iire November, 1474. 
 
 
 
 XVI. 
 
 20 N()venil)pr, 1474. 
 
 
 LXI. 
 
 
 20 November, 1474. 

 
 CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX. 
 
 463 
 
 Letters. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Dates. 
 
 Edward IV 
 
 Vol. II. 
 
 Vol. V. 
 
 M-f RJ TT J* ■% *' ■ T - 
 
 LXII. 
 
 
 11 December, 1474. 
 
 
 LXIII. 
 
 
 17 January, 1474-5. 
 
 
 
 XVII. 
 
 29 January, 1474-5. 
 
 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 29 January, 1474-5. 
 
 
 
 XIX. 
 
 5 February, 1474-5. 
 
 
 
 XX. 
 
 22 February, 1474-5. 
 
 
 LXIV. 
 
 
 5 March, 1474-5. 
 
 15 
 
 
 XXI. 
 
 2C March, about 1475. 
 
 
 
 XXII. 
 
 23 May, 1475. 
 
 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 13 June, 1475. 
 
 
 LXV. 
 
 
 10 August, 1475. 
 
 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 1 1 September, 1475. 
 
 
 
 XXV. 
 
 10 October, 1475. 
 
 
 LXVI. 
 
 
 23 October, 1475. 
 
 
 LXVII. 
 
 
 17 January, 1475-6. 
 
 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 23 January, 1475-6. 
 
 
 LXVI II. 
 
 
 27 January, 1475-6. 
 
 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 2 March, 1475-6. 
 
 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 12 March, 1475-6. 
 
 16 
 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 March, 1475-6. 
 
 
 LXIX. 
 
 
 21 March, 1475-6. 
 
 
 
 XXX. 
 
 May or June, 1476. 
 
 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 6 May, 1476. 
 
 
 
 XXXIL 
 
 27 May, 1476. 
 
 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 30 June, 1476. 
 
 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 January, about 1476-7. 
 
 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 Januaiy or February, 1476-7. 
 
 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 January or February, 1476-7. 
 
 
 LXX. 
 
 
 14 February, 1476-7. 
 
 
 LXXI. 
 
 
 8-14 February, 1476-7. 
 
 
 LXXII. 
 
 
 February, 1476-7. 
 
 
 LXXIII. 
 
 
 February or March, 1476-7. 
 
 
 LXXIV. 
 
 
 February or March, 1476-7. 
 
 
 LXXV. 
 
 
 8 March, 1476-7. 
 
 17 
 
 LXXVI. 
 
 
 8 March, 1476-7. 
 
 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 9 March, 1476-7. 
 
 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 9 March, 1476-7. 
 
 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 February or March, 1476-7. 
 
 
 LXXVII. 
 
 
 16 March, 1476-7. 
 
 
 
 XL. 
 
 March, 1476-7. 
 
 
 
 XLI. 
 
 March, 1476-7. 
 
 
 
 XLII. 
 
 March or April, 1477. 
 
 
 *LXXVII. 
 
 
 March or April, 1477. 
 
 
 LXXVIII. 
 
 
 28 March, 1477. 
 
 
 LXXIX 
 
 
 14 April, 1477. 
 
 
 V. Appendix 
 
 
 26 April, about 1477. 
 
 
 
 XLIII. 
 
 11 .Tune, 1477. 
 
 
 LXXX. 
 
 
 23 June, 1477. 
 
 
 
 XLIV. 
 
 29 June, 1477. 

 
 464 
 
 CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX. 
 
 Letters. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Dates. 
 
 Edward IV. 
 
 Vol. 11. 
 
 Vol. V. 
 
 
 XLV. 
 
 7 August^ 1477. 
 
 
 
 XLVl. 
 
 1 1 August, 1477. 
 
 
 LXXXI. 
 
 
 17 August, 1477. 
 
 
 
 XLVII. 
 
 30 November, 1477. 
 
 
 LXXXII. 
 
 
 18 December, (query?) 1477. 
 
 
 
 XLVIII. 
 
 21 January, 1477-8. 
 
 
 
 XLIX. 
 
 4 February, 1477-8. 
 
 
 
 L. 
 
 21 March, 1477-8. 
 
 18 
 
 LXXXIII. 
 
 
 13 Mav, 1478. 
 
 
 
 LI. 
 
 19 May, 1478. 
 
 
 
 LII. 
 
 20 May, 1478. 
 
 
 LXXXIV. 
 
 
 26 Mav, 1478. 
 
 
 LXXXV. 
 
 
 23 or 2.") August, 1478. 
 
 
 
 LIIl. 
 
 7 November, 1478. 
 
 
 
 LIV. 
 
 2 February, 1478-9. 
 
 
 
 LV. 
 
 4 March, 1478-9. 
 
 19 
 
 
 LVl. 
 
 22 May, 1479. 
 
 
 
 LVll. 
 
 30 June, 1479. 
 
 
 
 LVIII. 
 
 21 August, 1479. 
 
 
 LXXXVI. 
 
 
 2!) October, 1479. 
 
 
 
 LIX. 
 
 2.5 November, 1479. 
 
 
 
 LX. 
 
 6 November, 1479. 
 
 
 
 LXI. 
 
 28 November, 1479. 
 
 
 LXXXVII. 
 
 
 November, 1479. 
 
 
 
 LXII. 
 
 December, 1479. 
 
 
 
 LXIII. 
 
 .... 1479-80. 
 
 
 
 LXIV. 
 
 29 January, 1479-80. 
 
 
 
 LXV. 
 
 24 February, 1479-80. 
 
 
 
 LXVI. 
 
 13 January, 1480-1, or after. 
 
 20 
 
 
 LXVIl. 
 
 10 April, '1482. 
 
 22 
 
 
 LXVIII. 
 
 2 November, 1482 or 83. 
 
 22 or 23 
 
 
 LXIX. 
 
 November, 1482 or 83. 
 
 22 or 23 
 
 . 
 
 LXX. 
 
 between 1482 and 1484. 
 
 22 and 24 
 
 Api)emlix. 
 
 
 The dales uncertain. 
 
 
 11. 
 
 
 10 Febnuiry, 
 
 
 III. 
 
 
 ([uery ? Edward IV. 
 
 
 IV. 
 
 
 22 July, 
 
 
 VI. 
 
 
 C) November, . . . 
 
 
 VU. 
 
 
 Ilcn.Vl. or Edw. IV. 
 
 Edward \'. 
 
 
 I. 
 
 11 .Tune, 1483. 
 
 1 
 Richard III. 
 
 1. 
 
 
 10 October, 1483. 
 
 I 
 
 II. 
 
 
 1 May, 1484. 
 
 
 III. 
 
 
 23 June, 1 184. 
 
 2 
 
 IV. 
 
 
 20 October, 1484. 
 
 
 V. 
 
 
 24 December, 1484. 
 
 
 
 I. 
 
 19 May, 1485. 
 
 
 VI. 
 
 
 between 8 and If) August, 148.5. 
 
 3
 
 CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX. 
 
 465 
 
 Letters. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Dates. 
 
 Henry VII. 
 
 Vol. II. 
 
 Vol. V. 
 
 
 I. 
 
 3 October, 1485. 
 
 1 
 
 
 II. 
 
 21 January, 1485-G. 
 
 
 Hic. III. 
 
 
 
 
 VII. 
 
 
 24 February, 1485-G. 
 
 
 VIII. 
 
 
 19 May, I48G. 
 
 
 
 III. 
 
 1480. 
 
 
 
 IV. 
 
 16 December, before 148C. 
 
 
 
 V. 
 
 Between 1486 and 1495. 
 
 2 and 10 
 
 
 VI. 
 
 25 January, between 1486 and 1503. 
 
 2 and 18 
 
 
 VII. 
 
 16 May, 1487. 
 
 2 
 
 
 VIII. 
 
 May, 1487. 
 
 
 
 IX. 
 
 about 1487. 
 
 
 
 X. 
 
 between 1487 and 1489. 
 
 2 and 5 
 
 
 XI. 
 
 between 1487 and 1496. 
 
 3 and lO 
 
 
 XII. 
 
 2 February, 1487-8. 
 
 3 
 
 
 XIII. 
 
 10 February, 1487-8. 
 
 
 
 XIV. 
 
 C May, 1488. 
 
 
 
 XV. 
 
 between G and 13 INIay, 1488. 
 
 
 
 XVI. 
 
 13 May, 1488. 
 
 
 
 XVII. 
 
 22 April, 1489. 
 
 4 
 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 27 January, 1489-90. 
 
 5 
 
 
 XIX. 
 
 6 April, about 1490. 
 
 1 
 
 
 XX. 
 
 about 1490. 
 
 
 
 XXI. 
 
 24 April, between 1490 and J 500. 
 
 5 and 15 
 
 
 XXII. 
 
 28 February, 1490-1. 
 
 6 
 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 27 Marcb, 1491. 
 
 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 G and lO April, 1491. 
 
 
 
 XXV. 
 
 31 .July, 1491. 
 
 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 14 September, 1491. 
 
 7 
 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 -September, 1491. 
 
 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 October, 1491. 
 
 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 15 January, about 1491-2. 
 
 
 
 XXX. 
 
 between 1493 and 1495. 
 
 7 and 1 1 
 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 18 February, 1491-2. 
 
 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 16 April, 1492. 
 
 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 1494. 
 
 10 
 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 between 1495 and 1500. 
 
 10 and 15 
 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 11 July, 1495. 
 
 10 
 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 12 July, 1495. 
 
 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 1499 or 1500. 
 
 14 or 15 
 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 G February, 1502-3. 
 
 18 
 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 G September, 1503. 
 
 19 
 
 
 XL. 
 
 17 January, 1505-6. 
 
 21 
 
 N.B. To tbe Chronological Index, p. 476. vol. iv. at the bottom, after LXIV. add — 
 Vol. II. 
 
 1. Appendix. 
 
 VOL. V. 
 
 Before 14G6. 
 
 3 O
 
 ( 466 ) 
 
 ORIGINAL LETTERS. 
 
 \'0L. 
 
 I. 
 
 III. 
 
 I, 
 II. 
 
 ■\ppeiulix. 
 IV. 
 V. 
 
 V. 
 
 II. 
 
 V. 
 
 Reign. 
 
 I Henry VI. 1422— 14G0 — | 
 
 ► Edward IV. 14(50—1483 
 
 Edward V. 1483 — — 
 
 I Richard III. 1483—1485 
 Henry \II. 1 4,S.") — IT.Oy — 
 
 No. OF Letters. 
 
 -LIII. 
 
 -ex. 
 
 -XXII. 
 
 XXIII— LXXXVII. 
 — VII. — 
 
 — ex. — 
 
 — LXIX. — 
 
 -VIII.* — 
 
 I. XL. 
 
 TOT.VI,. 
 
 |CL^ 
 
 CLXIII. 
 
 -CCLXXIII. 
 
 I. 
 
 •IX. 
 XL. 
 
 CCCCLXXXVI. 
 
 * N.B. Letters VII. and \'1II. bclon;; ])ropcrly to tlie first year of the reign of Heui-y VII.
 
 ( 4G7 ) 
 
 AN ALPHABETICAL LLST 
 
 AUTOGRAPHS, PAPER-MARKS AND SEALS, 
 
 ENGRAVED IN THE FIVE VOLUMES OF ORIGINAL LETTERS, PUBLISHED 
 
 IN 1787, 1789, AND 1823. 
 
 Vol. 
 
 AuTOGR.\rUS. 
 
 PI. 
 
 No. 
 
 Vol. 
 
 AUTOGKAPHS. 
 
 PI. 
 
 No. 
 
 
 A. 
 
 
 
 
 R. Calle 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 9 
 
 I. II. 
 
 John Aubry — — 
 
 V. 
 
 22 
 
 
 John Clopton 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 J. Arblaster — — 
 
 
 24 
 
 
 Elisabeth Clere 
 
 XIX. 
 
 14 
 
 
 Arabic Figures 
 
 XI. 
 
 31 
 
 IV. 
 
 R. C. V. C. 
 
 XXV. 
 
 15 
 
 HI. 
 
 Articles, &c. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 
 
 T. Cryne 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 14 
 
 V. 
 
 Alys, D^ of Suffolk 
 Edmu'd Alyard 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 6 
 
 
 Robart Ci'owmer 
 
 XXX. 
 
 14 
 
 
 Thom*. Andrew 
 
 XXX. 
 
 9 
 
 
 D. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 I. II 
 
 Denyes 
 
 III. 
 
 35 
 
 
 B. 
 
 
 
 III. 
 
 J. D. and Gr. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 fi 
 
 I. II. 
 
 H. Bukingham 
 
 I. 
 
 5 
 
 
 R. DoUay 
 
 XIX. 
 
 15 
 
 
 Botoner 
 
 II. 
 
 23 
 
 IV. 
 
 Th. Denyes 
 
 XXV. 
 
 11 
 
 
 W. B. 
 
 
 27 
 
 
 J. Daubeney 
 
 
 18 
 
 
 J. Bokkyng 
 
 III. 
 
 33 
 
 
 T. D. avers 
 
 
 22 
 
 
 John Bcrneye 
 
 V. 
 
 15 
 
 
 .John Davy 
 
 
 24 
 
 
 Henr. Beiry 
 
 
 19 
 
 V. 
 
 John Dowbiggyng 
 
 XXX. 
 
 11 
 
 
 T. Brews, Knyth 
 
 
 25 
 
 
 Jolui Duresme 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 19 
 
 
 Dame Elizabeth Brews 
 
 
 26 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 M'gery Brews 
 
 VI. 
 
 27 
 
 
 E. 
 
 
 
 m. 
 
 E. Bedyngfeld 
 J. Bathon. Cane 
 
 XVII. 
 
 30 
 
 LIL 
 
 R. E. Rex Edvardus 
 Elizabeth 
 G. Eborac 
 William Ebesham 
 
 IV. 
 
 1 
 
 
 Rob'. P. of B. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 4 
 20 
 
 
 Abbot of St. Bene'tts 
 
 XIX. 
 
 17 
 
 
 V. 
 
 
 Frater J. B. mi'oru minim' 
 
 XX. 
 
 25 
 
 
 Elizabeth and fac simile 
 
 XV. 
 
 2 
 
 IV. 
 
 John P. of Bromholm 
 J. Beauchamp 
 C. Browne, k. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 33 
 o 
 
 9 
 
 HI. 
 
 J. Ebor 
 P. Elien 
 
 XVII. 
 XVII. 
 
 
 
 
 IV. 
 
 R. E. Rex Edvaidus 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 I 
 
 V. 
 
 Elizabeth Browne 
 
 Dam Elysabethe Brewysse 
 
 XXIX. 
 XXX. 
 
 12 
 
 8 
 
 
 Elezebeth (Q. of H. VII.) 
 F. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 2 
 
 I, II. 
 
 C. 
 T. Cant 
 
 I. 
 
 9 
 
 I. II. 
 
 J. Fastolf, k. 
 
 II. 
 
 15 
 
 
 John Crane 
 
 III. 
 
 29 
 
 
 Henry Fylungley 
 
 HI. 
 
 36 
 
 
 Edmund Clere 
 
 
 31 
 
 
 Alise, Lady Fitzhugh 
 
 VII. 
 
 5 
 
 in. 
 
 Cromwell 
 Cromwell 
 
 IV. 
 XVII. 
 
 8 
 
 
 f 
 
 Jn". Fenn, fac simile < 
 
 VII. XIII. 
 XX. XXVIII. 
 
 
 S''. Roger Chamberleyn 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 3 
 
 HI. 
 
 Hugh a Fenne 
 
 XX. 
 
 28 
 
 
 Alice Crane 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 8 
 
 IV. 
 
 3 ( 
 
 H. atte Ffenne 
 J 2 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 4
 
 468 
 
 AUTOGRAPHS, SEALS, AND PAPER-MARKS 
 
 \o\. 
 
 Autographs. 
 
 PI. 
 
 No. 
 
 Vol. 
 
 Autographs. 
 
 PI. 
 
 No. 
 
 
 John Felbrigge 
 
 Fac similies -j 
 
 XXIV. 8 
 X^'. XVI. 
 XVII. 
 
 I. II 
 
 M. 
 
 Marguiret (Q. of II. VI.) 
 Mowbray Norfolk 
 
 I. 
 
 2 
 3 
 
 
 G. 
 
 
 
 
 R. H. Lord Molyns 
 
 11. 
 
 13 
 
 I. II 
 
 James Gresham 
 
 III. 
 
 28 
 
 
 Fi-yer Jan ]\Iowth 
 
 V. 
 
 17 
 
 III. 
 
 H. Gloucestre 
 
 XVII. 
 
 
 IV. 
 
 Elizabeth IMundeford 
 
 XXV. 
 
 13 
 
 
 John G)Tiey 
 
 Edniond Grey, Lord ofi 
 
 XVIII, 
 
 1 
 
 V. 
 
 Margaret (mother of II . VII.) 
 U'iUiam jNIakefyrr 
 
 XXX. 
 XXXI. 
 
 24 
 
 
 Hastynges \V'ayford ami > 
 
 XIX. 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 
 
 IV. 
 
 of Riithyn J 
 James Gloys 
 
 XXA-. 
 
 IC 
 
 I. II. 
 
 N. 
 Elianore, D". of Norfolk 
 
 II. 
 
 1« 
 
 V. 
 
 R. Gloucestre (Rich. III.) 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 1 
 
 
 John Northwod 
 
 
 18 
 
 
 J. of Gelston 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 Xorft- 
 
 IV. 
 
 3 
 
 
 T. Grigges 
 
 XXX. 
 
 10 
 
 
 J. Norfolk 
 
 \II. 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 III. 
 
 Wyllya™ Nanton 
 
 XX. 
 
 3fi 
 
 
 H. 
 
 
 
 V. 
 
 11 E n. Eliz'". D«. of Norfolk 
 
 XXX. 
 
 4 
 
 I. II. 
 
 R. H. (Rex Henricus) 
 
 I. 
 
 1 
 
 
 John, P'or of Northwich 1 
 
 
 .. 
 
 
 Xpofer Hausson 
 
 III. 
 
 37 
 
 
 and the Co' vent j 
 
 
 / 
 
 
 Hastjnigs 
 Jakys Hawtc 
 
 IV. 
 
 V. 
 
 21 
 
 
 O. 
 
 
 
 
 Hastyngs and fac simile 
 
 XVII. 
 
 4 
 
 I. 11. 
 
 ().\enford 
 
 I. 
 
 8 
 
 III. 
 
 J. Huntyngton 
 .lohn Haufeyn 
 
 XVII. 
 XVIII. 
 
 • > 
 
 
 Uxynford 
 (> . . . . d 
 
 IV. 
 
 5 
 
 (> 
 
 
 Joh Ileveny'glfm, lit. 
 
 
 ](') 
 
 
 Margaret Oxynford 
 
 VII. 
 
 0" 
 
 
 T. Howys 
 
 XIX. 
 
 Hi 
 
 III. 
 
 D. A. Ogard 
 
 XIX. 
 
 20 
 
 V. 
 
 Henry R. (H. VII.) 
 
 James Hobart 
 Lumen Haryson 
 
 XXX. 
 XXXI. 
 
 1 
 18 
 21 
 
 V. 
 
 John Osbern 
 O.xynford 
 
 P. 
 
 Agn. Paston 
 
 XXX. 
 
 21 
 
 5 
 
 
 I. 
 
 
 
 I. II. 
 
 IL 
 
 19 
 
 MI. 
 
 Jolin Jernyngham 
 
 III. 
 
 34 
 
 
 yi. Paston 
 
 
 20 
 
 III. 
 
 John Jcnney 
 
 XIX. 
 
 18 
 
 
 \A'yllyani Paston 
 
 
 21 
 
 IV. 
 
 Will'". Jenney 
 
 XX^'. 
 
 10 
 
 
 Clement Paston 
 M. P. 
 
 
 22 
 25 
 
 
 K. 
 
 
 
 
 Payn J. 
 
 III. 
 
 30 
 
 I. II 
 
 Tho'. Kela 
 
 VI. 
 
 28 
 
 
 John Paston, k. 
 
 IV. 
 
 9 
 
 V. 
 
 S' John Kendal 
 L. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 (i 
 
 
 J. P. k. 
 
 John Paston the yongcst 
 
 .1. Paslon the yonger 
 
 
 10 
 11 
 
 12 
 
 I, II. 
 
 John, Lord Lovell 
 
 1. 
 
 11 
 
 
 W'yll'". Paston, jmi. 
 
 V. 
 
 13 
 
 
 \V. L. 
 
 II. 
 
 20 
 
 
 Thoins Playtcr 
 
 
 14 
 
 III. 
 
 W. Lincoln 
 
 X\II. 
 
 
 
 J. Pympe 
 
 \l. 
 
 29 
 
 
 J. Hi^sllO|)l) of Lincoln 
 
 XIX. 
 
 23 
 
 
 M.P. 
 
 \1I. 
 
 7 
 
 
 Abbot ol Langelcy 
 
 XX. 
 
 .■i.i 
 
 III. 
 
 Pcrs 
 
 XIX. 
 
 24 
 
 iV. 
 
 Abbot of Langelcy 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 3 
 
 
 Elizabeth I'liniiiggs 
 
 XX. 
 
 26 
 
 
 R. L. 
 
 xx\. 
 
 20 
 
 
 .IdliM Paston (older son) 
 
 
 29 
 
 V. 
 
 \V. Lonuio'' 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 13 
 
 
 Edmund I'aston 
 
 
 30 
 
 
 Roger L'Kstraungc 
 
 XXX. 
 
 13 
 
 
 Will'". Pryec 
 
 
 34 
 
 
 U'illiuni Elect of London 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 20 
 
 I\'. 
 
 .Ion Paston 
 
 XX1\. 
 
 .0 
 
 
 S'. T. Lyiig 
 
 
 22 
 
 
 .1. P. 
 
 
 6
 
 ENGRAVED IN THE FIVE VOLUMES. 
 
 469 
 
 Vol. 
 
 Autographs. 
 
 PI. 
 
 No. 
 
 Vol. 
 
 AUTOOBAPHS. 
 
 PI. 
 
 No. 
 
 
 John Pampyiige 
 
 XXV. 
 
 12 
 
 
 W. AVinton 
 
 XIX. 
 
 22 
 
 
 Elizabeth Ponyngs 
 
 
 14 
 
 
 W. Wyrcestre 
 
 XX. 
 
 31 
 
 
 J. P. 
 
 
 21 
 
 IV. 
 
 J. AVymondhain 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 7 
 
 V. 
 
 Will. Pekoe 
 Waif. Paston 
 Edmud Paston 
 
 XXIX, 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 8 
 
 V. 
 
 J. AVhetley 
 
 Y. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 y 
 
 
 Willni Pykynham 
 
 
 10 
 
 I. II. 
 
 R. York 
 
 I. 
 
 4 
 
 
 Margery Paston 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 Will". Yelverton 
 
 II. 
 
 14 
 
 
 John Paston 
 
 
 15 
 
 V. 
 
 John Yaxlee 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 17 
 
 
 Wyll". Paston 
 
 XXX. 
 
 12 
 
 
 Baliffs of Yarmouth 
 
 
 25 
 
 
 Willm Paston 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 23 
 
 
 
 
 
 1. II. 
 
 R. 
 Rob. Reppes 
 John Russe 
 
 II. 
 
 V. 
 
 17 
 18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 R. R. 
 
 VII. 
 
 1 
 
 
 PAPER-MARKS. 
 
 
 
 
 Ricardus Rex 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 III. 
 
 J. Rotfen 
 
 XVII. 
 
 
 
 A. 
 
 
 
 V. 
 
 Constans Reynyforth 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 4 
 
 I. II. 
 
 Animal with one horn 
 Animal, part of 
 
 VIII. 
 XII. 
 
 I 
 22 
 
 
 S. 
 
 
 
 III. 
 
 Anchor 
 
 XXII. 
 
 12 
 
 I. II. 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 R, Salisbury 
 
 I. 
 
 6 
 10 
 
 
 B. 
 
 
 
 
 Seales 
 
 
 12 
 
 I. II. 
 
 Bull's head and star 
 
 VIII. 
 
 <> 
 
 in 
 
 
 Stops or Points 
 
 VI. 
 
 32 
 
 
 Bull's or goat's head 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 VII. 
 
 3 
 
 
 Bull 
 
 IX. 
 
 10 
 
 
 R. Salisbuiy and fac simile 
 
 XV. 
 
 1 
 
 
 Bull's head and star 
 
 
 12 
 
 III. 
 
 Suffolk 
 
 XVII. 
 
 
 
 Bull s head and star 
 
 X. 
 
 1 
 
 
 H. Stafford 
 
 XVII. 
 
 
 
 Bull's head and star 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 Ric. Suthwell 
 
 XX. 
 
 27 
 
 
 Bull's head and star deformed 
 
 XI. 
 
 10 
 
 IV. 
 
 B. D. M. S. 
 
 XXV. 
 
 17 
 
 
 Bull's head deformed 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 J. Straunge 
 
 
 23 
 
 III. 
 
 Bell 
 
 XXI. 
 
 1 
 
 V. 
 
 Thomas Surrey 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 15 
 
 
 Bull's head and star 
 
 XXII. 
 
 13 
 
 
 E. Surrey 
 
 
 16 
 
 
 Bull's head and star 
 Bull 
 
 
 15 
 16 
 
 
 T. 
 
 
 
 IV. 
 
 Bull 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 14 
 
 I. II. 
 
 For trowyth 
 
 V. 
 
 23 
 
 
 Bugle horn 
 
 
 15 
 
 III. 
 
 Willia" Tailboys 
 
 XIX. 
 
 9 
 
 V. 
 
 Bu Is head and star 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 1 
 
 
 T. with a device 
 
 XX 
 
 35 
 
 
 Bull's head and star 
 
 
 4 
 
 IV. 
 
 Roger Taverham 
 
 XXV. 
 
 19 
 
 
 C. 
 
 Cap and flcur-de-lys 
 
 
 
 
 W. 
 
 
 
 I. II. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 4 
 
 I. II. 
 
 R. Warrewyk 
 
 I. 
 
 7 
 
 
 Cross and altar 
 
 
 (1 
 
 
 W.Botoner, called Wyrcester 
 
 II. 
 
 24 
 
 
 Cross keys — 
 
 
 !) 
 
 
 H, Wyndesor 
 
 III. 
 
 32 
 
 
 Cross keys — — 
 
 XII. 
 
 19 
 
 
 Rob'. Wenyngton 
 
 
 38 
 
 
 Coronet. Badge Plate. 
 
 
 
 
 John Wykes 
 
 V. 
 
 16 
 
 IV. 
 
 Coronet — — 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 2 
 
 III. 
 
 S'. Robard WiUya^son 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 4 
 
 
 Crosier — — 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 Wyngefeld J. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 7 
 
 
 C. — — — 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 8 
 
 
 W. Wayte 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 Cross — — 
 
 
 12
 
 470 
 
 AUTOGRAPHS, SEALS, AND PAPER-MARKS 
 
 Vol. 
 
 Papeb-M.vrks. 
 
 PI. 
 
 No. 
 
 Vol. 
 
 Paper-Marks. 
 
 PI. 
 
 No. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Cross keys — — 
 
 XXVH. 
 
 13 
 
 
 L. 
 
 
 
 V. 
 
 Chalice — — 
 
 XXXIII 
 
 5 
 
 MI. 
 
 Lozenge and coionet 
 
 IX. 
 
 13 
 
 
 D. 
 
 Demy Bull — — • 
 
 
 
 IV. 
 
 Lozenge and coronet 
 
 XXVIl. 
 
 9 
 
 1. 11. 
 
 X. 
 
 3 
 
 
 M. 
 
 
 
 y. 
 
 Dog's head and porridge-pot 
 F. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 6 
 
 III. 
 
 Mound and cross — 
 P. 
 
 XXL 
 
 8 
 
 Ml. 
 
 Flower — ■ — 
 
 VIII. 
 
 8 
 
 I. II. 
 
 PiUar — — 
 
 VIII. 
 
 7 
 
 
 Flaggon or chalice — 
 
 Xll. 
 
 20 
 
 
 Pyramid — — 
 
 IX. 
 
 15 
 
 
 French arms, coronet and t. 
 
 
 21 
 
 
 P. and caterfoil — 
 
 XL 
 
 13 
 
 III. 
 
 Fleur-de-lys and coronet 
 
 XXI. 
 
 2 
 
 
 P. and caterfoil — 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 Flower — — 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 P. and caterfoil — 
 
 Xlll. 
 
 1 
 
 
 Flower, kind of — 
 
 I. 
 
 9 
 
 HI. ;P. and caterfoil — 
 
 
 3 
 
 V. 
 
 Figure on a fish — 
 
 XXXll. 
 
 2 
 
 IV. Pillar and cross — 
 
 XXI. 
 
 7 
 
 
 Flower withinacircle, with 7 
 
 
 10 
 
 V. Pillar large — — 
 
 XXVL 
 
 5 
 
 
 a cross — — J 
 
 
 IPillar and coronet — 
 
 XXXIL 
 
 9 
 
 
 Foot and cross — 
 
 
 I] 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 French arms per bend three 1 
 roundles. Crest, afleur- > 
 de-lys — — 3 
 
 
 
 1.11. 
 
 R. 
 
 
 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 2 
 
 111. 
 
 R. — — - 
 
 XL 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ring _ — _ 
 
 XXL 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 IV. 
 
 Ring — — — 
 
 XXII. 
 
 17 
 
 
 G. 
 
 
 
 
 Rose and cnoss — 
 
 XXVL 
 
 1 
 
 1.11. 
 
 Grapes — — 
 
 IX. 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Grapes and vine-branch 
 
 X. 
 
 2 
 
 
 S. 
 
 
 
 
 Grapes — — 
 
 
 4 
 
 MI. 
 
 Sheers — — 
 
 IX. 
 
 11 
 
 
 Goat's head — — 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 Scales, pair of — 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 Gresham House, ])lan nf 
 
 XI. 
 
 17 
 
 
 Sheers — — 
 
 XI. 
 
 11 
 
 
 (i. and cross — — 
 
 XII. 
 
 18 
 
 
 Star of 8 rays and coronet 
 
 Xlll. 
 
 5 
 
 
 G. and caterfoil — 
 
 Xlll. 
 
 2 
 
 
 Star of 8 rays within a circle 
 
 
 (i 
 
 IV. 
 
 Globe and cross — 
 H. 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 3 
 
 111. 
 
 Sheers — — 
 Snake — — 
 Scales within a circle 
 Sheers — — 
 
 XXI. 
 XX 11. 
 
 5 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 18 
 
 Ml. 
 
 Hand and star of six points 
 
 XIH. 
 
 4 
 
 IV. 
 
 Snake, small — — 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 10 
 
 IV. 
 
 Helmet — — 
 Hand and rose — 
 
 XXVl. 
 XXVIl. 
 
 7 
 2 
 
 V. ^Shield with I. H. S. and] 
 1 fleur-de-lys — ( 
 
 XXXll. 
 
 8 
 
 V. 
 
 Hand and caterfoil — 
 Hand witli 2 fingers doubled 
 Holy Land) — — 
 
 XXXlll 
 
 3 
 4 
 7 
 
 
 Ship — — — 
 T. 
 
 XXXlll 
 
 (i 
 
 
 Hani! and star and K. 
 
 
 8 
 
 V. 
 
 A tower — — 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 3 
 
 
 Hand, star and cross 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 T. — — — 
 
 XXXlll 
 
 I 
 
 
 K. 
 
 
 
 
 U. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 MI. 
 
 Uniconi — — 
 
 XL 
 
 14 
 
 1. 11. Kadiariiic wheel r> ttttli 
 
 X. 
 
 C 
 
 
 Unicdin, part of — 
 
 XIL 
 
 23 
 
 111. Kalhariiu- wheel 7 teclh 
 
 XXI. 
 
 6 
 
 V. 
 
 Unicorn — — 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 5 
 
 Kiilhariijc wheel 1,'5 teeth 
 
 XXXII, 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 Katharine wheel G teeth. 1 
 
 
 
 
 w. 
 
 
 
 
 3 stars, &c. — j 
 
 XXXIII 
 
 !) 
 
 I. II. 
 
 Wheels, &c. 
 
 X. 
 
 7
 
 ENGRAVED IN THE FIVE VOLUMES. 
 
 471 
 
 Vol. 
 
 Papeb-M.\rks. 
 
 PI. 
 
 No. 
 
 Vol. 
 
 Skals. 
 
 PI. No. 
 
 
 Wheels, &c. 
 
 X. 
 
 9 
 
 III. 
 
 France and F^ngland with SS. 
 
 XXIII. 2 
 
 III. 
 
 Wheels, cap, &c. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 10 
 
 
 Fleur-de-lys and lines 
 
 7 
 
 
 Y. 
 
 Y. h. s. within a star of I G ) 
 rays j 
 
 Y. h. s. within a star of 1 G ) 
 rays j 
 
 
 
 V. 
 
 Fleur-de-lys with a crescent 
 
 XXXIV. c, 
 
 I. 11. 
 
 VIII. 
 XXVI. 
 
 
 
 G. 
 
 
 IV. 
 
 5 
 4 
 
 I. II. 
 
 Grasshopper 
 Griffin 
 
 n. 
 
 XIV. 2 
 24 
 
 
 
 
 
 I. II. 
 III. 
 
 Head and Flower 
 Head crowned 
 
 XIV. 27 
 XXIII. 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 SEALS. 
 
 
 
 
 Head in a charger 
 
 4 
 
 
 B. 
 
 
 
 IV. 
 
 Head ei-ascd on a helmet 7 
 with I. B. I 
 
 xxvin. 6 
 
 I. II. 
 
 Blank and straw 
 
 XIV. 
 
 38 
 
 V. 
 
 Helmet 
 
 XXXIV. 5 
 
 
 Bear anil ragged staff 
 Bear passant 
 Bear, ([,? 
 Bird and tree 
 
 
 C 
 
 7 
 
 11 
 
 17 
 
 III. 
 
 L. 
 
 J f directed side 
 I scaled side 
 
 xxin. 10 
 11 
 
 
 Bear and straw oval 
 
 
 ly 
 
 V. 
 
 Lion double queve 
 
 XXXIV. 1 
 
 
 Beast 
 
 
 19 
 
 
 Lamb and W. 
 
 11 
 
 IV. 
 
 Bear and branch 
 
 XXVIII 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 V. 
 
 Bird's head erased 
 
 XXXIV 
 
 4' 
 
 
 P. 
 
 
 
 Bull's head caboshed 
 
 
 8 
 
 V. 
 
 Peacock 
 
 XXXIV. 2 
 
 
 C. 
 
 
 
 
 R. 
 
 
 1. II. 
 
 Cincjuefoil and straw 
 
 XIV. 
 
 1 
 
 I. II. 
 
 Rose 
 
 XIV. 5 
 
 
 Cross glory 
 
 
 21 
 
 
 Rose in an octagon 
 
 26 
 
 III. 
 
 Cheveron between 3 roiindles 
 E. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 9 
 
 V. 
 
 II. crowned 
 
 S. 
 
 XXXIV. 9 
 
 1. 11. 
 
 Escallop shell 
 
 XIV. 
 
 1.5 
 
 Ill, 
 
 Saint sitting, oval 
 
 XXIII. .5 
 
 III. 
 
 Eagle's head erased, &c. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 8 
 
 
 Straw, &c. imperfect 
 
 G 
 
 V. 
 
 Eagle with two heads 
 
 XXXIV 
 
 7 
 
 IV. 
 
 Stag coucbant 
 
 XXVIII. 4 
 
 
 Eagle on two balls 
 
 
 10 
 
 V. 
 
 Squiriel seiant 
 
 XXXIV. 3 
 
 
 F. 
 
 
 
 
 T. 
 
 
 I. II. 
 
 Flcur-de-lys 
 
 XIV. 
 
 4 
 
 III. 
 
 Tradesmen's mark 
 
 XXXII. 3 
 
 
 France and England's arms 
 
 
 10 
 
 IV. 
 
 T. crowned 
 
 XXVIII. 1 
 
 
 Flower 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 Thistle, &c. 
 
 2 
 
 
 Flourishing tree and h. f. 
 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 
 
 Fleur-de-lys and crescent 
 
 
 IG 
 
 
 W. 
 
 
 
 Fleur-de-lys and annulet 
 
 
 22 
 
 I.II. 
 
 W. and coronet 
 
 XIV. 9 
 
 
 Fleur-de-lys surrounded l 
 by 9 others j 
 
 
 23 
 
 
 Wyvern on a helmet 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 
 Wings conjoined 
 
 20 
 
 
 Fruit 
 
 
 25 
 
 IV. 
 
 Wheatsheaf, &c. 
 
 XXVIII. r, 
 
 
 Fenn's arms 
 
 
 28 
 
 

 
 ( 472 ) 
 
 A LIST 
 
 AUTOGRAPHS, PAPER-MARKS AND SEALS, 
 
 ENGRAVED IN EACH VOLUME, AND ON EACH PLATE. 
 
 
 AUTOGRAPHS. 
 
 Vol. 
 
 PAPER-MARKS. 
 
 \"ol. 
 
 PI. 
 
 Nos. 
 
 Total. Reign. Total. 
 
 PI. 
 
 Nos. Total. Reign. Total 
 
 1. II. 
 
 I. 
 
 1 — 12 
 
 = 12) 
 
 
 I. II. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 ,;z,6 = 7 !"•'''• "^ 
 
 
 II. 
 
 13—27 
 
 = 1-) >H. VI. 
 
 3S 
 
 
 IX. 
 
 
 III. 
 
 28—38 
 
 = 11 j 
 
 
 
 X. 
 
 1— !) = 9 1 
 
 
 IV. 
 
 1 — 12 
 
 = '-? 
 
 
 
 XI 
 
 10-17 = 8VE. IV. 23 
 
 
 V. 
 
 13— 2(; 
 
 = 14 VE. IV. 
 
 32 
 
 
 XII. 
 
 18—23 = (i^ 
 
 
 VI. 
 
 27—32 
 
 = 4 
 
 
 
 XIII. 
 
 1— 6. 1= 6 R.III. C> 
 
 
 VII. 
 
 1— 7. 
 
 = 8 IMII. 
 
 8 
 
 III. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 ,iZ,? = ?}h.vi. ,s 
 
 1-7=7) 
 
 
 XV. XVI 
 
 1— 3 
 
 = 3{;"?r 
 
 I siiiiiies 
 
 1^' 
 
 IV. 
 
 XXII. 
 XXVI. 
 
 lll.iXVII. 
 
 1 — 10 
 
 = 10^ 
 
 
 
 XXVI I. 
 
 8—15 = 8>E. IV. 2(i 
 
 XMII. 
 
 1 — 12 
 
 Zli^H.VI. 
 
 47 
 
 V. 
 
 XXXIl. 
 
 1 — 11 = 11 ) 
 
 XIX. 
 
 13-24 
 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 1 — 10 = 10 II. VII. 10 
 
 |XX. 
 
 25— 3C. 
 
 1= 13^ 
 
 
 
 Badge PI 
 
 itc = 1 ] 
 
 IV. iXxn . 
 ,xxv. 
 
 1— 9 
 
 10-24 
 
 = i^l--^v. 
 
 24 
 
 
 Paper-M.\rks 100 JOO 
 
 V. ixxix. 
 
 1— i:. 
 
 1 — 14 
 
 ir,-25 
 
 = l.i E.IV. 
 
 = |;|n.v„ 
 
 15 
 
 . 25 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 |xxx. 
 
 ixxxi. 
 
 
 SEALS. 
 
 jPieface. XIII. 7 
 XXVlll.XXXlV. j 
 
 = 4 Editor. 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 \'ol. 
 
 PI. 
 
 Nos. Total. Reign. 
 
 ArronBAFiis . 
 
 . I9(J 
 
 IDfi 
 
 I. II. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 1 — 15 =15 H. VI. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 !()- 25 =10 E. IV. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 26-28 = 3 R. III. 
 
 
 
 
 
 III. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 1 — 11 =11 II. VI. 
 
 
 
 
 
 IV. 
 
 XXVllI. 
 
 1— 6. 1= 6 E. IV. 
 
 
 
 
 
 V. 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 1—3 = 3 E. 1\'. 
 4 — 11. 1= y 11. \ II. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Skai.s 56 
 
 LuQiJon ; l'rlPi(i><l hy C. It'iHxrrli, 
 IU-ll->4r<l,Tf'<iirl>-l>.ir.
 
 r/ A'.r/x. 
 A\llTT'l])iU!HU;\n"HI.S, 
 KthvardlV. I 4<l()„14ao Kdwnrd V. 14-83 Bi<-Kar<l 111 I4«3_ I4'n5 
 I. ->. 
 
 %C^iy\^ 
 
 Ai 
 
 ♦:» 
 
 ^^^ YjcrUA? (iva*^ (i j;Q 
 
 9. 
 io. 
 
 Ij 
 
 
 yK4Hjf^^-0^^^^^2^^*^ 
 
 12. 
 
 
 14. 
 
 (W nyJUKt Y^i^TWU^ 
 
 
 y^e^z/z ^■^ 
 
 
 (7 Sr/iff^'/^iMc^
 
 yy, .tLr. 
 
 
 
 
 ^^y Oajv/? ilMNi ^/9W 1M<j6jf|7 
 
 ^..? 
 
 lo 
 
 
 /,-T^l 
 
 00 ^y^' 
 
 <pv, Z^/*""^'^^^^;^";^ 
 
 v^. /•hfT^tW*'/ 
 
 
 ^'' Sr/a/^[Ze£4tri^
 
 J'A.XJTM 
 
 AXy TT O IB-I4A IP THTS . 
 Henry VII ,14 5 1 fi OJ* 
 
 
 19. 
 
 
 17 ■ IH 
 
 
 21 
 
 
 ii3. 
 
 ""^^^^^y^'^ 
 
 2 4-. 
 
 'Ql^v^-^^v^Wifl^ «\ytfe 
 
 / J-h^^ tie/. 
 
 Imtd^n ' J^ih JMu-rrO'tf- Alhe/naH<^ St- Afat/ /S23 
 
 /r Sr/uCJyl/ /ifii^^.
 
 pz xxxrr. 
 
 Ed-wara IV . 1460_1485. 
 
 /.Jimi' del. 
 
 
 &■ Sckxurf-LTffwo.
 
 I'li.jczxn/. 
 
 Henry VII. 1485_1509. 
 
 J .J^enn/cU^. 
 
 
 o^:Sda7f2tci/v
 
 K.lward IV. 
 
 /y xxxrr. 
 
 .3. 
 
 Henry Ml 
 
 8. 
 
 lO. 
 
 vn ''-7'/ 
 
 
 y^.J'e^t^tfe/ 
 
 ^ . s'l•A^^y/'Z/>/it)t/ 
 
 .J.imd-en J'ui. ly J.Mkrray Alitnuu-icyJdt M<u/.^it3.
 
 ^.
 
 
 % 
 
 w> 
 
 .^irtEUNIVERVA 
 
 CI £S 
 
 ^rjijowsoi^"^ 
 
 ^^tUBRARYO/r 
 
 o 
 
 ^OFCAIIFO% 
 
 ^^JAavaaii^- 
 
 AWfl)NIVER% 
 
 ^i5l3DKVSO# 
 
 ,^\^EUNIVERy/A 
 
 <rii33NVS01^ 
 
 njJTV1-4C\V' 
 
 University of California 
 
 SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 
 305 De Neve Drive - Parking Lot 17 • Box 951388 
 
 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90095-1388 
 
 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. 
 
 '^-r^UONVSOl^'^ 
 
 REC'D YRL JAIJ 
 
 L 2 '^.005 
 
 ■VAa3MNIl]rtV 
 
 >clOSANC[lfj> 
 
 v/iaiAINftlWV 
 
 <^MIBRARYO/C^ 
 
 '^iOJilVDdO^ 
 
 ^OFCAllFOff^ 
 
 ^CAavaaii-^^"^ 
 
 ^lOSANCFlfj> 
 
 "^/SaBAINft-lWV 
 
 ^VlOSANCflfj-^ 
 
 ■^/saaAiNnavvv 
 
 ^;^tUBRARYO/c 
 
 'S^LLIUItrMII \J/ 
 
 '^.i/OdnvDjo'^ 
 
 '^AOdllVDJO'^ 
 
 \\IL uin *Lnj//^ 
 
 <jjMUj niiutitj^ 
 
 <rjl3'jNVS01^ 
 
 -< 
 
 %a3AINIl]WV^ 
 
 -t^L uunnn i o/' 
 
 ^vM-llBRARYO/ 
 
 o 
 
 '^OJIIVJJO'^ 
 
 .^;OFCAllFORfe, 
 
 ^OFCALIFOfiV 
 
 
 '^^C'Aavaaii-^'*^^ 
 
 .-^WEUNIVERi'/A 
 
 < 4> >: 
 
 %'JIJONVSOI^ 
 
 ^lOSANCElfj-^ 
 
 "^^/^adAiNfuyw^ 
 
 ^OFCALIFOff^ 
 
 o 
 
 -;;OFCAIIFO% 
 
 ^CAtivaaiH^"^ ^<?Aavaaii# 
 
 .^MEUNIVERJ/A 
 
 2 
 
 <riiJONvy)i^ 
 
 ^lOSAJICElfj-^ 
 
 -< 
 
 .^lllBRARYO/v 
 
 ^iOJIlVDJO'^ 
 
 ^tllBRARYGr 
 § 1 1 c^ * 
 
 ^AOJIWJJO'^ 
 
 AWE UNIVERJ/A 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 ? :3 
 
 "^/SaiAlNO 3\\V^ 
 
 .5MEUNIVERS/A' 
 
 ^lOSANCElfj-;^ 
 
 ^OFCAllFOff^ ^OFCAIIFOR^^ 
 
 .^WE■UNIVERi•/A 
 
 ^m ^\©i 1^ 

 
 o 
 
 ,5Mfl)NIVERJ/A 
 
 o 
 
 ^ 5 
 
 
 %130NVS01^ "^AajAINftlWV^ 
 
 iiifri i 
 
 '^-f/OJIlVDJO'^ '^OJITVDJO^ 
 
 S- 
 
 ^of-CAiirf) 
 
 "ro% 
 
 
 3 1158 60919^706 
 
 
 >- 
 
 ^. 
 
 M rMV[p,r// 
 
 
 |]WV 
 
 ^ 
 
 15 
 
 K^^lllBRARY(> 
 
 A^tllBRARY(> 
 
 %0JllV3JCi^ 
 
 ^OJIIVJ-JO"^ 
 
 ij) 
 
 -n <~' 
 
 ?3 C 
 
 <rii30NVSoi^ "^'^ 
 
 J>- i! 
 
 -,.,:^ 
 
 SOUTHERN Rir.KjNAl L'BRAflY f ACIUTV Q^ 
 
 D 000 846 203 8 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 ,-j,.OFCALIFO%, 
 
 ^ o 
 
 .^OFCALIF0% 
 
 >- 
 
 \m 
 
 
 
 >; T\ 1 := 
 
 
 ^UIBR 
 
 oBY/)/. 
 
 . •,..!n^.','I^rI^^ 
 
 ^OF•CAllF0% 
 
 
 ; in: '.iirfirr. 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^VlOSANCElfj-^ 
 
 ''^AdMINrt-ilW 
 
 -< s 
 
 .^ 
 
 o 
 
 -Ul' 
 
 x^ 
 
 ^vWSANCFlfjv 
 
 '/idaAiNivmv 
 
 >^OFCAllFOff 
 
 
 vMllBRARYO/. 
 
 1 irrs 
 
 
 >- 
 
 .^ 
 
 # 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 .OFCAllFOftj^ 
 
 ^.wr I'|•;\TPl^/^. 
 
 c^ 
 
 .vKT^wrr;,':.,