Social Sciences & Humanities Library 
 
 University of California, San Diego 
 Please Note: This item is subject to recall. 
 
 Date Due 
 
 ADC 15 1999 
 
 Cl 39 (5/97) 
 
 UCSD Lib.
 
 3 1822022136873 
 
 IE EGERTON PAPERS 
 
 A COLLECTION OF 
 
 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DOCUMENTS, 
 
 CHIEFLY ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE TIMES OF ELIZABETH AND JAMES I. 
 FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUCRIPTS, 
 
 THfe PROPERTY OF THE 
 
 RIGHT HON. LORD FRANCIS EGERTON, M.P. 
 
 PRESIDENT OF THE CAMDEN SOCIETY. 
 
 EDITED BY J. PAYNE COLLIER, ESQ. F.S.A. 
 
 LONDON: 
 PRINTED FOR THE CAMDEN SOCIETY, 
 
 BY JOHN BOWYER NICHOLS AND SON, PARLIAMENT STREET. 
 
 M.DCCC.XL.
 
 COUNCIL 
 
 OF 
 
 THE CAMDEN SOCIETY, 
 
 ELECTED MAY 2, 1840. 
 
 President, 
 THE RIGHT HON. LORD FRANCIS EGERTON, M.P. 
 
 THOMAS AMYOT, ESQ. F.R.S. Treas. S.A. Director. 
 
 CHARLES FRED. BARNWELL, ESQ. M.A., F.R.S., F.S.A. 
 
 THE RT. HON. RICHARD LORD BRAYBROOKE, F.S.A. 
 
 JOHN BRUCE, ESQ. F.S.A. Treasurer. 
 
 JOHN PAYNE COLLIER, ESQ. F.S.A. 
 
 C. PURTON COOPER, ESQ. Q.C., D.C.L., F.R.S., F.S.A. 
 
 RT. HON. THOMAS PEREGRINE COURTENAY. 
 
 T. CROFTON CROKER, ESQ. F.S.A., M.R.I.A. 
 
 THE REV. ALEXANDER DYCE. 
 
 SIR HENRY ELLIS, K.H., F.R.S., Sec. S.A. 
 
 THE REV. JOSEPH HUNTER, F.S.A. 
 
 SIR FREDERICK MADDEN, K.H., F.R.S., F.S.A. 
 
 THOMAS STAPLETON, ESQ. F.S.A. 
 
 WILLIAM J. THOMS, ESQ. F.S.A. Secretary. 
 
 THOMAS WRIGHT, ESQ. M.A., F.S.A.
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 LITTLE need be said by way of preface to the following 
 collection of public and private documents. 
 
 By permission of Lord Francis Egerton, President of 
 the Camden Society, they have been transcribed from a 
 great body of miscellaneous original manuscripts pre- 
 served at Bridgewater House, accumulated by his Lord- 
 ship's ancestor, who, while Sir Thomas Egerton, was 
 Keeper of the Great Seal to Queen Elizabeth, and who, 
 having been created in the first instance Baron Ellesmere, 
 and subsequently Viscount Brackley, filled the office of 
 Lord Chancellor of England during considerably more 
 than half the reign of James I. 
 
 I cannot express too strongly my sense of obligation to 
 Lord Francis Egerton for the unrestricted manner in 
 which every muniment deposited in his family archives 
 was placed at my disposal. 
 
 " The Egerton Papers " go back to a period consider- 
 ably anterior to the date when Lord Ellesmere (for he is 
 best known by that title) occupied any public situation :
 
 VI INTRODUCTION. 
 
 he was not appointed Solicitor-General until 1581, where- 
 as some of the documents in the ensuing series are not 
 far from a century older, and they are brought down, in 
 tolerably unbroken succession, nearly to the date of the 
 death of his Lordship in 1617- Personal and family 
 matters, unless connected with some public event, have 
 generally been rejected, and many of these will hereafter 
 be included in a separate Life of Lord Ellesmere, for 
 which, with the sanction of Lord Francis Egerton, I have 
 been allowed to collect abundant materials. 
 
 The documents, thus for the first time made public, 
 will be found valuable for the political, historical, legal, 
 literary and biographical information they contain. They 
 correct some important errors, supply various deficient 
 dates, explain several disputed points, and illustrate 
 the conduct and character of the great men of a 
 period in which great men were numerous. The brief 
 introductions to the various manuscripts point out 
 some of the materials they furnish for these purposes, 
 and the reader will be easily able in many instances to 
 carry further my object in this respect. I am not aware 
 that any of the papers, with one or two exceptions, have 
 been printed elsewhere ; and even in the very few excepted 
 cases, the large additions and important differences will 
 not merely reconcile the reader to the repetition, but 
 probably convince him of its fitness.
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Vll 
 
 It has been thought that the insertion of fac-similes of 
 the writing of a considerable number of the distinguished 
 personages who figure in the course of the volume, prin- 
 cipally as correspondents of Lord Ellesmere, would not 
 be uninteresting. Although opportunities might have 
 been taken for giving elsewhere specimens from the 
 pen of Lord Ellesmere, it appeared to me that they would 
 come more appropriately at the commencement of a 
 work of which he may be said to be the chief subject. 
 The following was his Lordship's handwriting not long 
 after he became Solicitor-General, and, consequently, 
 early hi his political and professional career. 
 
 He continued to preserve the freedom and decision 
 of character indicated by his handwriting throughout life, 
 and even the latest of his autographs afford little or no 
 evidence of infirmity. The following is the subscription
 
 Vlll INTRODUCTION. 
 
 to one of his most recent letters to his son, Sir John 
 Egerton, afterwards Earl of Bridgewater. 
 
 Lord Ellesmere was created Viscount Brackley about 
 four months prior to his death, and late in life he seems 
 not to have preserved his papers with so much solicitude 
 as at an earlier period. The whole assemblage of docu- 
 ments, from which the ensuing volume is only a compa- 
 ratively small selection, will be found to support the 
 character given of this great statesman and lawyer by 
 Hacket in his Life of Archbishop Williams, in a happy 
 quotation from Velleius Paterculus, Nihil in vita, nisi 
 laudandum, aut fecit, aut dijcit, aut sensit. 
 
 J. PAYNE COLLIER.
 
 THE 
 
 EGERTON PAPERS, 
 
 CHANCERY RECORDS IN THE TOWER. 
 
 [This document contains a curious enumeration of then existing records belonging to 
 the Court of Chancery, placed by the Master of the Rolls in the custody of the Clerk 
 of the Tower. It is dated 7th October, 14 Henry VII. (1499), and in 1502 William 
 Warham was elevated from the office of Master of the Rolls to that of Lord Keeper, 
 and subsequently made Lord High Chancellor. It is a copy from the original pre- 
 served in the " Office of the Rolls," and it was made at the time when Lord Elles- 
 mere was appointed Master of the Rolls by Queen Elizabeth.] 
 
 THIS Indenture, made the vii th daye of October the xiiij th yere 
 of the Raigne of our Soverayne Lorde Kinge Henrye the vij th 
 Betwene Maister William Warham, Maister of the Holies, on the 
 one partie, and Thomas Everard, Clerke of the Tower, on the 
 oder partie, Witnesseth that the said Thomas hath receyved of 
 the saide Maister of the Holies, the daye and yeare abovesaide, all 
 suche bookes as were used and made in the Courte of Chauncery 
 of Kinge Edwarde the iiij te from the firste daye of his raigne vnto 
 the laste daye of the x tu yere of the same his raigne. To be hadde 
 to the Tower of London, and in a place within the saide Tower of 
 olde tyme accustomed, there by the said Thomas safelye and 
 suerlye to be kepte to thuse of our said Soveraigne Lorde and 
 his heires, Kinges of England. The Inventorie of which bookes 
 hereafter followeth. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. B
 
 2 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 First iiij rolles of iiij Parliamentes, w ch Parliam tes were h olden 
 the first yere, the iij de yere, the iiij th yere, and the viij th yere of his 
 raigne. 
 
 Also xxiiij patent rolles, that is to saye 6 roles in the first yere, 
 ij roles in the ij de yere, ij roles in the iij de yere, ij roles in the iiij te 
 yere, ij roles in the v te yere, ij roles in the vj te yere, iij roles in the 
 vijth yere, iij roles in the viij th yere, ij roles in the ix th yere, and j 
 role in the x th yere. 
 
 Also x closse roles, that is to saye, in every of the said x yeres 
 j role. 
 
 Also xj Confirmation roles, that is to saye, ij roles in the first 
 yere, iiij roles in the ij de yere, j role in the iij de yere, ij roles in the 
 iiij th yere, 1 role in the v th yere, and one role in the vi th yere. 
 
 Item, v charter roles, that is to say, the same v roles conteyn- 
 inge the saide x yeres. 
 
 Also x fyne roles, that is to saye, in every of the saide x yeres 
 j role. 
 
 Also x Fraunce roles, that is to saye, in every of the saide x 
 yeres j role. 
 
 Also j Scotland role, contayninge the said x yeres. 
 
 Also iij pardon roles in the saide x yeres. 
 
 Also all bundles of billes endorsed, that is to saye, 1 bundel in 
 the first yere, 1 bundel in the ij de and the iij de yeres, 1 bundell for 
 the iiij th yere, j bundell for the V th and vj th yeres, j bundell for the 
 vij th and viij th yeres, j bundel for the ix th and xtb yeres. 
 
 Also all bundles of Privey seales, that is to saye, iij bundles in 
 the j yere, j bundle in the ij de yere, j bundele in the iij de yere, j 
 bundle in the iiij 111 yere, j bundle in the v th yere, j bundle in the 
 vi th yere, j bundle in the vij th yere, ij bundles in the viijth yere, 
 and one bundle for the ix tlj and x th yeres. 
 
 Also ix bundles of Escheators, that is to saye, for viij yeares 
 viij bundles, and for the ix th and x th yeres j bundle. 
 
 Also xix bundles of subpena billes, answered and unanswered, 
 in the said x yeres.
 
 COMMISSION BY HENRY VIII. 3 
 
 Also v bundles of Subpena Wryttes of the saide x yeres. 
 Also all bundles of Supersedias, that is to saye, for every yere a 
 bundle. 
 
 Also all bundles of Corpus cum Causa wryttes, that is to say, 
 in every yere a bundell. 
 
 Also vj bundles of Corpus cum Causa billes, contayninge the 
 said x yeres. 
 
 Also all bundles of protections of all the yeres. 
 Also all bundles of Recordes vppon outlaries of all the yeares. 
 Also vj bundles of Tresorers billes of all the saide tene yeres. 
 Also all bundles of dedimus potestatem for all the yeres. 
 Also ij bundles for all the said x yeres, called Thexcoicates 
 bundles. 
 
 Also ij bundles for all the x yeres, called the home bundles. 
 Also iiij bundles for all the saide x yeares, called non sunt inventi. 
 In Witnes of all the premisses, either of the said parties to 
 this presente wrytinge enterchaungeablye hathe sette 
 theire seale and signe manuell the daye and yere 
 abovesaide. 
 
 COMMISSION BY HENRY VIII. FOR COLLECTING MONIES 
 BY ANTICIPATION. 
 
 [The subsequent is the copy of a Commission issued by Henry VIII. to certain per- 
 sons therein named, authorising them to collect monies by anticipation for more effectually 
 carrying on the war in France. It applies only to the county of Kent, but at the end is 
 a schedule of counties and places to which probably similar authority was to be sent. 
 It bears date 2nd November, 1524, and it recites the successes of the Duke of Suffolk 
 in France during the summer, and refers also to the revolt of Charles Duke of Bourbon 
 from Francis I. Notwithstanding the expectation held out in this document that the 
 English troops would not be " impeched or withstand" until they reached Paris, the 
 Duke of Suffolk, not long afterwards, was obliged to break up his army, and returned 
 to England by the end of December. The subsidy intended to be anticipated by virtue 
 of this Commission had been unwillingly granted to Henry VIII. in the Parliament 
 which terminated on the 14th August preceding. It was most likely at this date that
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Wolsey claimed a voluntary contribution from the city of London. Vide Burgon's 
 Life of Gresham, i. 23.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere "Anticipation," and in a different hand, " Anno 15 
 H. 8, for Spedie Collection of Moneys, Commissio.'' 
 
 HENRIE the Eight, by the grace of God King of England and 
 of Fraunce, Defender of the faith, and Lord of Ireland. To the 
 most reverend Fadre in God our right trustie and right wel- 
 beloved Chauncellor the Archbishopp of Canterbury, and to our 
 right trustie and right welbeloved the Lord Cobham, and to our 
 trustie and right welbeloved S r Thomas Boleyn, S r John Wil- 
 sheire, S r Willm Scott, and S r Richard Waldon, Knights, and to 
 our welbeloved George Guldeford, greeting. Where wee of late 
 have byn advertized from our right trustie Cousin the Duke of 
 Suffolk, to our right great comfort and honor of this our Realme, 
 that hee with our armie, being passed all Picardie without resist- 
 ance, after the towne of Ancre and diverse other places wonne 
 by dedition, and the towne of Bray gotten by force and assault, 
 with divers strong passages over the River of Soome, valyauntly 
 woone against Capitayne Pontireunx, accompanied with a great 
 number both of horsemen and footemen, of whome some were 
 taken, maney slayne and drownned, and the residue put to flight, 
 ys now proceeding with our said armye towards the citie of 
 Parys, not likely to be impeched or withstand by our Enemyes : 
 And semblablie our right welbeloved Cousyn the Duke of Bur- 
 bone, being one of the greatest Princes of Fraunce, now become 
 our servant, and for divers urgent causes declared Enemye unto 
 the French King, accompanyed with Tenn Thousand Almaynes 
 at our charge and enterteignement, besides a great number of 
 horsemen and other footemen, to whome also resortith dayle for 
 his assistance diverse and many noblemen and captaynes of 
 Fraunce, with their bandys, taking our partie, doo likewise marche 
 searching and pursuying our auncyent Enemye the said French 
 King in and to whate place he shall directe, myndyng and deter- 
 myned to yeve him battaill wheresoever they shall finde hym.
 
 COMMISSION BY HENRY VIII. 5 
 
 Wee therefore, syns it hath pleased Almighty God to send unto 
 us this good successe, wherein there is great towardnes and ap- 
 parance of notable victorie to ensue, by the advyse of our coun- 
 sail be mynded and determined to follow the same with all effect. 
 And in asmuch as the premisses cannot conveniently and to our 
 honor and suertie be doon without aswell new reforcment of a great 
 nomber of men to be sent unto our said armye, as also the con- 
 tynewall entierteignement of our said armyes by all this winter- 
 tyme within the said Realme of Fraunce, for the charges whereof 
 great and notable somes of mony be necessarily requisite to be 
 hadd, have by theis presentes auctoryzed you, and twoe of you at 
 the least, to practise with all and singuler our lovyng subiects of 
 our countie of Kent, having in goods or lands xl u and above, parte 
 of whose names, with the estimate of their substances, be con- 
 tayned in a cedule or booke hereunto annexed, for Anticipation 
 speedy and prompt payment furthwith ymediately and without 
 delay of soch somes of mony as by vertue of the graunte and 
 Acte of subsydie made unto us in our last Parlyment, by theym 
 due unto us for and after the first sessing of the said subsedie. In 
 the anticipation and avancyng whereof beforehand they shall 
 adminster unto us singuler pleasure, yevyng us cause to think 
 that they have in there good remembrance our honour, welth, 
 suertie, and the good proceeding and successes of our affayres, 
 with the honour and reputation of this our Realme, that is likely 
 thereof to succede and followe. And as touching soch somes of 
 mony as by anticipation shalbe paied as is aforesaid j Wee woll, 
 and by vertue of theis presentes auctoryse you the said S r Wllm 
 Scott and George Guldeford from tyme to tyme particularly to 
 receyve the same, according to such bill and bills as by you our 
 said other Joynt Comissioners with you, or twoe of the same, as is 
 before said, at the lest, shalbe orderyd, made and delyvered to you 
 the said S r Willm Scott and George Guldeford ; and that the 
 bill and bills signed with the hand of the said S r Willm Scott and 
 George Guldeford, specyfying and mentioning the receipt and
 
 6 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 payment of any some or somes for the said anticipation, shalbe 
 good and sufficient discharge for any of theym therefore, as well 
 against us in our Exchequer and elsewhere, as against all others 
 our colleotoures and subcollectoures having charge of collection 
 thereof, without anything to be taken or receyvyd for the same. 
 Willing and comanding you, as you tender our honour, suertie 
 and defence of this our Realme, and the prosperous successe of 
 our affayres, that yee in soch wise endeavour your selfe in and 
 aboute the speedie execution of this our Comission, that not only 
 the money that shall growe thereof may be brought and paied to 
 the Treasurer of our Chamber before the last daie of this present 
 monethe at the furdist, but also that yee before the said last daie 
 make true and plaine certyficate distinctly and particularly before 
 us, and our said counsail at Westm r what yee shall do in the pre- 
 misses. And moreover, wee woll and comaund all and singuler 
 Maiers, Shyreffs, Bailyffes, Constables, and other our officers and 
 faithful] Subiects, that in your executing the premisses they be 
 aiding, helping, counsailing and assisting you, as they woll an- 
 swere us at their uttmost perilles. Yeven undre our great Scale 
 at our Paleys of Westm r , the secound daie of Novembre, in the 
 fifteenth yeere of King Henry the Eight. 
 
 Bedd. 
 
 Hereford. 
 
 Oxon. 
 
 Buck. 
 
 Lindesy, j 
 
 Hotel. 
 
 Berk. 
 
 Liiicolne. 5 
 
 Surr. 
 
 Cornub. 
 
 Kesteuen, ^ 
 
 Salopp. 
 
 Canterb. 
 
 Liiicolne. $ 
 
 Suff. 
 
 Derb. 
 
 Holand, j 
 
 Southt. 
 
 Dors. 
 
 Lincolne. $ 
 
 Wiltes. 
 
 Devon. 
 
 Leic. 
 
 Soms. 
 
 Essex. 
 
 Midd. 
 
 Warr. 
 
 Glouc. 
 
 Northt. 
 
 Sussex. 
 
 Hunt. 
 
 Notingh. 
 
 Wigorn. 
 
 Hertf. 
 
 Norff. 
 
 Civitas Roffen.
 
 REFORM OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND. 
 
 Civitas Norwici. Villa Norhampton. 
 
 Civitas Cantuar. Villa Oxon. 
 
 Civitas Coventr. Villa Derb. 
 
 Civitas Lincolne. Civitas Wigorn. 
 
 Villa Southt. Villa Salopp. 
 
 Villa Bristoll. Civitas Wellen. 
 
 Villa Nott. Civitas Bathon. 
 
 Villa Gloucestr. Villa Gippewic. 
 
 Civitas Oxon. Civitas nove Sax. 
 
 Villa Cantebr. Insula Elien. 
 
 Villa Colcestr. Civitas Winton. 
 
 Villa Leic. Insula Vecta. 
 
 REFORM OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND. 
 
 [These articles for the reformation of the Church in Ireland, and the promotion of 
 the Protestant religion there, are without date, but the MS. is contemporaneous, and 
 an indorsement in a hand not long subsequent informs us that they were drawn up 
 Anno 34 Henry VIII. It is stated in the title that they were prepared by the Arch- 
 bishop of Dublin at the command of the King, and in the penultimate article " his 
 grace's weighty letters " on the subject, " late sent," are mentioned.] 
 
 Indorsed in a handwriting of the time " Articles by the Archibishoppe of Dublin," 
 and in a handwriting of the reign of Elizabeth " Propositions of the Bp. of Dublin 
 for the reformation of religion in Ireland tempore R. H. 8. A. 34 Hen. 8." 
 
 Theise be articles devised by the moste reverend Father in God, 
 George, Archbusshop of Dublin, at the commaundement of 
 our most dreade Soveraigne lorde the King, for the re- 
 formation of certen enormyties and abuses among.es his 
 clergie. 
 
 IMPRIMIS. That every spirituall person witbin this lande, being 
 under the lawe and subjection of the Kinges Majestic, of what 
 estate, auctoritie, or dignitie soever he be of, shall be sworne be-
 
 8 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 fore the forsaide Archbusshop, when that he shall demaunde his 
 othe, to bere faythfull and dew obedience unto the Kinges highnes 
 and to his heires, according unto thacte of Parliament for his 
 gracious succession. 
 
 Itm. That all spirituall parsons shall swere to take the King 
 our soveraigne supreme hed of the Church of Ingland and Ireland, 
 immediate under Christe moste worthy. 
 
 Itm. That no spirituall parson, what order soeuer he bee of, 
 exempte or unexempte, shall owe any obedience to any foren 
 potentate, what auctoritie or name so euer he be of, but onelie 
 to our naturall King and prynce, as well for spirituall power as 
 temporal!. 
 
 Itm. That all Abbottes, Priors, Deanes, Collegians, Preben- 
 daries, or Maisters of Hospitalles, exempte or not exempte, shall 
 preache and teache the worde of God merelie, sincerelie and 
 puerly, without coler or paynting, according to the trew meaning 
 and intent of the texte, at all tymes when the said moste reve- 
 rende Father shall commaund theym, so that they have sufficient 
 warnyng, that is iij wekes. 
 
 Itm. That all those spirituall parsons which be estemed by 
 the said most reverend Father to be lerned, shall, at his com- 
 maundment, preache eyther in Christechurch or Saynt Patrikes, 
 that is to be saide, such lerned men as dwell in and aboutes 
 Dublin following such instructions as the said reverend Father 
 shall gyve unto theym, so that theire faithe and loue which they 
 bere to God and his worde may be there declared before the Kinges 
 Counsaile, and theire obedience, which of dutie they owe to theire 
 prynce, clerely perseyved accordingly, without all coler and 
 fraude. 
 
 Itm. That all Parsons, Vicars, Curates, with other spirituall 
 mynisters, shall, euery Sonday and holyday after the gospell of 
 theire highe masse, declare and rede openly such instructions as 
 the said reverend Father shall sende unto theym, and sett theym 
 foorthe with all diligence according to theire lernyng ; and that if
 
 REFORM OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND. 9 
 
 case they wilnot, it shalbe lefull to the saide Archbusshop to 
 commyt theym to warde unto tyme the Kinges pleasure be 
 knowne. 
 
 Itm. That all those saide parsons which be commaunded by 
 the saide moste reverend Father to preache, and do disobey the 
 saide commaunde, shalbe commytted to the Castell of Dublin 
 there to remayne, and the King to haue the fruictes and profectes 
 of theire benyfices in the meane tyme, reserved onelie to the 
 partie so disobeying his table unto such tyme as they be conform- 
 able as aforesaid. 
 
 Itm. That all monasteries, exempte or not exempte, churches, 
 cathedralles and collages, shall not onelie swere the Kyng to be 
 supreme hed, but shall alsoe gyve out theire Chaptures scales 
 with theire handes subscribed to affirme the same, and they that 
 wilnot so doo, to be taken as rebelles according to theire de- 
 sertes, and that the saide writynges shalbe enrolled in the Kinges 
 records as they be in Inglande. 
 
 Itm. That these articles shall extende to all orders of fryers, 
 observantes as other, what so ever they be, and they to affyrme 
 the same under theire scales. 
 
 Itm. In places exempte where as vice is most notoriously 
 known, that the said Archbusshop shall at all tymes, no libertie, 
 graunte, ne licences withstanding, pony she such as ben culpable 
 within his dioces or province.* 
 
 Itm. That all sermonds, named bosom sermonds amonges 
 friers, if they be not consonant to Holy Scripture and Catholike 
 doctrine, shalbe brent. 
 
 Itm. That the said Archbusshop shall se a unitie and con- 
 corde amonges the Gray Friers, named de observancia et de corn- 
 muni vita, and they to stand at his arbitrament. 
 
 Itm. That those which be in cathedrall churches, preben- 
 daries, or other persons having cure, shall goo to theire owne 
 parishes theymself, orelles to fynde a sufficient curate, souch as 
 
 * This article is struck out in the original. 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. C
 
 10 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 the saide Archbusshop shall admyt to preache and teache Godes 
 worde. 
 
 Itm. That neither religious men nor seculer preestes shall 
 not comenly haunte ne use comen tavernes nor ale houses, nor 
 goo a lone suspiciously either in citie, towne, or vilage : if they 
 doo, the said Archbusshop to punysh theym at his discretion. 
 
 Itm. That every curate shall teche the people, and persuade 
 the same to use their Paternoster and Crede in the mother 
 tonge. 
 
 Itm. That the saide curates shall, at the receipte of the holy 
 communyon, declare unto the people what the sacrament is, and 
 for what cause they should receyue that blissed sacrament, and 
 what profeete commyth to the receyuer if it be receyued worthily 
 with a pure conscience : agayne, what danger the receyuer is in if 
 it be receyued in to an impure vessell. 
 
 Itm. That my Lord Deputie and the Counsaile, considering 
 theire office and dutie towardes theire prince and soverayne Lorde, 
 pondering his Grace's weighty letters late sent, do aide and 
 assiste the said Archbusshop in theis his princes causes, com- 
 maunding all Archbusshops and Busshopes, with other eccle- 
 siasticall prelates, to see the saide Articles duely and justelie set 
 forth with all dexteritie, as the[y] will avoide the Kinges high 
 displeasure. 
 
 Itm. That all manner of Archbusshopes and Busshopes whoo 
 holdith theire dignities by the Busshop of Rome's bulles, that 
 within too monethes after the knowledg of the premisses, they do 
 exhibite the saide bulles before the Lorde Chancellor of Irelande 
 and the saide most reverend Father, and so to haue theym ratified 
 vnder the Kynges brode seale of Irelande.
 
 REDRESS OF THE COMMONWEALTH. II 
 
 REDRESS OF THE COMMONWEALTH. 
 
 f [It does not appear by whom this " Note of things to be passed by Parliament" 
 was drawn up, nor in what shape, if at all, it was brought forward. The date, 3rd 
 March, 1549, is ascertained from the indorsement, which, like the body of the MS., is in 
 a handwriting of the time. It seems to be merely a rough sketch of projects of various 
 laws, and the different subjects could scarcely have been included in any single statute, 
 however comprehensive its enactments.] 
 
 Indorsed " Notes for redresse of the Commyn Welth, iii March, 1549." 
 
 A Note q/ 1 things to be passed by Parliament. 
 
 In Primis, to make it felony to cary any money, wood, or 
 victailes out of the Realme, saving for the victailling of their ships 
 and Calais, and except corn out of that cuntrey where wheat is 
 not above six shillinges the quarter. 
 
 To ordain that no man having so much land a yeir shall, after 
 such a yere of our Lord, occupye any ferme in hyre, but only for 
 the provision of his hous, nor yet for that, if he have sufficient in 
 his hand of his own land for that purpose. 
 
 That no one man shall kepe, after such a daye, above twoo 
 fermeholdes. 
 
 That no man under the degree of a knight, or of a man that 
 hath CCC mark land, or their heyre apparent, weare any silk in 
 their upper capps, scabbardes, hosen nor shoen, except a silk lace 
 on the cappe ; nor shall weare any silke in his gowne, cloke, cote, 
 gabardyn, casack, or any other his upper garmement, except a 
 welt or one garde of velvet or satin. 
 
 That no man under the degree of an Erie, weare any cloth of 
 gold, silver, tissue, or purple silke, any embroderye, passamen 
 lace, sabel, luzarnes, or black genetes, except it be in apparaill for 
 the coronation, parliament, order of the garter, or for the office 
 of an herault or pursuivant, except also a baron may weare 
 luzarnes.
 
 12 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 To ordeyn that whosoever have so many acres of grounde in 
 his occupation, shall sovve so many of them with flex and hemp. 
 
 That no fermer of any ferme, his \vief, children, nor servauntes, 
 shall, after such a daye in such a yere of our Lord, weare any 
 shirtes or smockes but of the spynning within their houses ; or at 
 the least of that which shalbe sponne within the Realme. 
 
 That every clothier, after such a daye in such a yere, shall dwell 
 in market townes, and kepe no ferme in hyre. 
 
 That for thaulnage, or any other kynde of taske or tolle, the 
 lynen cloth made in the Realme shalbe free in all places. 
 
 That for every cloth truely made and sold to be worn within the 
 Realme, there shall no aulnage be payd. 
 
 That for every cloth caryed out of the Realme, after such a day, 
 shalbe payd so much for custume, and so after the rate. 
 
 That for every sack of woll, and the wolfettes, thenglish shall 
 paye after the rate of iiij markes custume, and to cary the same 
 to Callais, and no straunger to buye any wolle but at the stapler's 
 handes. 
 
 That all kinde of artificers (except horse-smithes and plough- 
 wrightes) shall dwell in market townes. 
 
 That all kinde of straungers, artificers of such thinges as be not 
 made in Englande, shall have liberte to dwell and occupye freely 
 their mesteries in any citie, borowe or town, with such their 
 servauntes as cum with them, so as they take of newe to serve 
 non other but English. 
 
 That by such a daye every port town do furnish in commun, at 
 the charges of the town, so many fisher boates or ballingars, over 
 and above such as every man hath or shall have of his own in 
 private. 
 
 That no inhabitant in any towne upon the seesyde shall, after 
 such a daye, buye any fish taken by any straunger, except it be 
 stockfish, and such other fish as cummith from Irian de. 
 
 That the Kinges benevolence to such as set up a shipp of so 
 many tonnes be contynued.
 
 GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND. 13 
 
 That wine and woade may be brought in straunger's botoms. 
 
 That no man cause any tree to be felled, in such a shire and such 
 a yere, but he set or so we and mainteyn an other for it. 
 
 That the Justices shall inquire of the faultes against every of the 
 pointes aforesaide in every their Sessions, and see thoffendours 
 punished, upon peiii of every default of the Justice so many 
 poundes. 
 
 GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND. 
 
 [These instructions to Sir Anthony St. Leger and the Privy Council of Ireland are 
 very minute, and relate to all the more important objects of government in that 
 country, beginning with the performance of divine service in English wherever the 
 language was spoken, and elsewhere in Irish, until the people could be brought to 
 understand English. Next, they advert to the upright administration of the laws, to 
 the proper application of the public money, to the employment of the natives, to the 
 collection of the revenue, to the letting of the royal farms, to the exchange of Irish 
 for English lands, to the reducing and ordering of conquered countries, &c. In 
 Haynes's State Papers, 141, will be found Articles sent two years afterwards to the 
 Lord Deputy requiring him to inform the King and Council on many points connected 
 with the then state of Ireland.] 
 
 Indorsed, " Julye 1550, a 4 E. 6. Kinge E. 6 Instructions to S r Antonye St. Leger 
 for the government of Irelande." 
 
 July, 1550. Instructions geven by the Kinge's Ma tie , with 
 thadvise of his highnes Councell, to his Mat ies trusty and 
 righte welbeloved Counsellor S r Anthony S*. Leger, 
 Knighte of the order, one of the gent, of his highnes' 
 privie Chamber, and Deputy of his Ma ties reahne of Ire- 
 land, and to S r Thomas Cusack knighte, his highnes 
 Chauncellor there, the Archbusshoppe of Dublin, the 
 Bushopp of Meth, S r Gerald Aylmer knighte, Chief 
 Justice of the K s Bench, S r Thomas Luttrell knighte, 
 Chief Justice of the Common Pleas there, Patrick Barne- 
 well esquier, M r . of the Roulls, James Bath esquier, 
 Chief Baron, S r William Brabason knighte, Vicethre-
 
 14 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 sorer, Thomas Hothe esquier, seconde Justice of the 
 Kinge's Bench, John Travers knighte, M r of the Ordi- 
 nance, S r Ralphe Bagnall knighte, Edward Basnet clerk, 
 late Deane of S l Patrick, and Thomas Lockwood clerk, 
 Deane of Christchurch in Dublin, whome his Ma tie hath 
 appointed to be of his highnes privie counsell in his 
 Ma ties said realme of Ireland, for the better government 
 of the same realme, and the nobles and commons resiant 
 within the same. 
 
 First, our said Deputy shall, with the advise of the said councell 
 or the more parte of them, sett furthe God's service to be admi- 
 nistered within our said realme amongest our lovinge subjects 
 there as largely as he may, accordinge to the ordinances and pro- 
 ceedings in the English tounge, in all places where the inhabit- 
 antes, or a convenient nomber of them, understand the Englishe 
 tongue. And where the inhabitants understand not the Englishe 
 tongue, they to cause the Englishe to be translated truly into the 
 Irishe tongue, unto suche tyme as the people maye be broughte to 
 understand the Englishe, gevinge strayte order for the obser- 
 vation therof. 
 
 Our said Deputy, with the advise afforesaid, shall geve order 
 that no sale or alteration be made of any church goods, bells, 
 chantry or free chappie landes, withowt our roiall assent. And if 
 any alteration have bene made, to refourme the same ; and that 
 they shall cause inventories to be made in every parishe, aswell of 
 suche goods, ornaments, Jewells and bells, as of the chauntry or 
 free chappie landes, and of all other landes geven to any church 
 for any intent, for the better knowledge, salf and sure kepinge to- 
 gether of the premisses, and of euery parte therof, lest some lewde 
 persons mighte or woulde imbesill the same with the detriment of 
 the porchians. 
 
 Our said Deputy, by the advise afforesaid, shall see our lawes 
 uprightly ministred to all men, and justice truly donne, and our
 
 GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND. 15 
 
 landes, rentes, woodes, escheates, forfaytes, and all other profitts 
 cominge therof, well surveyd and reped by thofficers therwith 
 charged, and the rentes and profitts yearely cominge and growinge 
 therof truly gathered and payd to our use into the receipte of our 
 Eschequer, or into any other place where it is to be payd. And 
 that the auditor see thaccomptes therof truly taken and fully payd 
 to our use yearely upon the ende of the accomptes, foreseinge like- 
 wise the thresorers accompte that the same be yearely made and 
 fully cleered upon the end of that accompte, gevinge to every ac- 
 comptant ordinary allowance, aswell for reparations and other 
 charges to be susteyned, calling into that accomptes all woodsales, 
 fines, amerciaments, and other casualties yearely growinge upon 
 the lande, whether the lande be of our crowne there, or come to 
 our handes by escheate, forfeyte, suppression, surrendre or ward- 
 shippe, as wee may be therof truly aunswered once in the yeare. 
 And if any officer do not his duety nor reforme himself upon 
 reasonable warninge, then our said Deputy, with the advise affore- 
 said, to take order with him as maye be agreable with justice and 
 with our surety. And our said Deputy, Chancellor and Barons 
 of theschequer, the M> of the Roulls, the two Chief Justices, and 
 the Auditor, or any sixe of them, wherof the Deputy, Chancellor, 
 and the Auditor to be al waves three, shall have aucthoritie to geve 
 to the said Vicethresorers and to euery accomptant upon the de- 
 termination of his or their accomptes, a cleere discharge, which 
 shall be sufficient for the discharginge of them and euery of them, 
 their heires and executors, againste us and our heires. And also 
 to the Auditor for gevinge of the same, any statute or lawe to the 
 contrary notwithstandinge. 
 
 Our said Deputy, with the advise afforesaid, shall see the Barons 
 and officers of our Eschequer do their office and duty truly and 
 diligently in callinge together for us all that the same courte is 
 charged with, as customers, serchers, controllers and other officers 
 accomptable in that courte, so as therof we maye be truly aun- 
 swered at the tyme of payment accustomed in that court. And
 
 16 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 that the surveior of our landes do his office truly for kepinge toge- 
 ther our rentes and farmes, preserve our woods, and the good 
 estate of our castles, houses, and of every thinge to them belong- 
 inge. And that our said Deputy and councell as afforesaid geve 
 order to the said Barons and officers of the said court that the said 
 customers, serchers, and controllers put in to the said court good 
 suerties for the true administration of their offices in their owne 
 persons as nighe as maye be, and not otherwise but by sufficient 
 deputy : and yet not so but where great necessitie so requireth, 
 every thinge customed to be vouched and warranted by the comp- 
 troller of the same office, or ells that entry not to be allowed, nor 
 taken for good, reforminge euery offender in his office that doth 
 not refourme himself upon a reasonable warninge, by such punish- 
 ment as our said Deputy, with thadvise of the councell, or with 
 thadvise of the more parte of them as is afforesaid, shall thinke 
 beste and mete, ether by order of our lawes or otherwise as they 
 by their discretions and wisdomes shall think reasonable ; the allow- 
 ance for reparations of our castles and mannours to be alwaye 
 made no more large than our said Deputy, Chancellor, Chief Jus- 
 tice and Chief Baron, or fower of them, w r herof the Deputy to be 
 one, shall by their warrant appoynte, which warrant shalbe suffi- 
 cient to the Surveior for doinge of the same reparations, and to the 
 Auditor to geve him due allowance therof accordingly, and to the 
 Thresorer for makinge of payment of the same. 
 
 Our said Deputy, with the advise afforesaid, shall charge the 
 surveior and other head officers of the moynes, to see our officers 
 appointed to worke in the same moynes, and all artificers and 
 laborers workinge with them in the same, to do their service duly 
 and truly in gatheringe togethere ower, clensinge, perfectinge, and 
 also in transportinge the same ower so clensed and perfected 
 to the mynt, makinge declaration ones in vj weekes to our 
 said Deputy and Chancellor with others before named, for like 
 purposes as their doinges and charges may appeare : wherby yt 
 maye further playnly appeare what proffitts shalbe therof cominge
 
 GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND. 17 
 
 from tyme to tyme above all charges. And if there shalbe great 
 proffitt fo uncle, and that the same worke maye take many moe 
 workmen and worke them well to the proffitt, then our said Deputy 
 and councell, as afore, to appointe more workmen to the doinge 
 therof, that the beste and moste profitt maye be made of the same, 
 foreseinge alwaye that if any leade or other mettall rise amongest 
 the same ower, the same to be duly ordered and put in salf kep- 
 inge to our use, in suche place as our said Deputy and Councell 
 shall thinke beste for us. And that there be a declaration made 
 therof as before is appointed for the silver. 
 
 Our said Deputy, with the advise afforesaid, shall call the M r . 
 of our Ordnaunce at all tymes to declare the state of his office, 
 and the waste made in the same yearely, wherof a perfect ac- 
 compte requireth to be had yearely ; and a farther order geven 
 by our said Deputy, with thadvise afforesaid, yearely to be 
 made by the Mr. of the Ordnaunce, in bowes, arrowes, pikes, 
 javelins, spades, sho veils, helves for billes and mattocks, spades, 
 elme for mountinge of ordnaunce, powdre, shott, hakes, harque- 
 bushiers, and suche like needfull and necessary thinges for the 
 warre. And so from yeare to yeare as the same maye be conty- 
 nued and provided in the countrey self, if so yt maye be without 
 further trouble for the same. And because we are enformed that 
 there is wood enoughe there for bowes and pykes, they shall 
 serche what furniture they are able to make there, and to certifye 
 yt ; certifinge also yearely what the remayninge of their store is, 
 and in case of neede, what that need shalbe, to be supplied from 
 hence. 
 
 Our said Deputy shall geve suche order with all the menne of 
 warre, as they maye bothe be able men and fitt for the warres, 
 and also 'well furnished with armor and all sortes of weapons : the 
 horsemen well horsed and well experte in ridinge, governed with 
 good and discreete captaynes ; the men of warre not to be of the 
 nation of Irelande, above the number of tenne in every bande of 
 a hundreth, but others of the countrey may remayne stronge of 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. D
 
 18 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 themselves, eschuyng black rents, and coyne, and liveries, as 
 muche as may be, charginge us with no more than shalbe neces- 
 sary. For as muche as our said Deputye maye take of our frendes 
 and servaunts, and also galleglasses and kerne as need shall re- 
 quire, employinge the[m] amongest the rest contynually in our 
 service, where yt maye tende to beste purpose for increase of our 
 strength and contrey, allwaye treatinge noble men as they maye 
 be glad for our service when need shalbe to call for the same, 
 and so there maye be conquest made of the men aswell as of the 
 lande with some proffitt and greate strengthe withowt charge. 
 And in case any captayne or souldior disobey our said Deputy, 
 and will not, upon warninge, reforme himself, yt shalbe lawefull 
 for our said Deputye to discharge all suche offenders, and to place 
 other in their places. 
 
 Our said Deputy, with the advise afforesaid, shall applye all 
 that he maye to have the havens and ports into our handes, that 
 the customes and proffitts cominge of them maye come to our 
 handes, and that no man lande there but suche as shall appeare 
 to be our frendes and subjects, which shall asmuche reduce the 
 people to obedience and civill order as any one thinge that canne 
 be donne. And for the better doinge therof, we, with thadvise 
 of our Councell, are pleased not only to graunte two of our 
 pynnasses furnished with ordnaunce and all kindes of munition 
 and well equipped for the purpose, but also that such charges as 
 our said Deputy and Councell, as before, shall employe upon the 
 same, shalbe allowed at all tymes. And amongest other portes, 
 our pleasure is, that our said Deputy shall, with the advise affore- 
 said, have speciall consideration of the portes of Valentmore, 
 Knockfergus, and Strangeforde, forseeinge aswell how they and 
 every of them maye be best reduced to good obedience, and howe 
 they maye be after beste garded, victualled, and to what purposes 
 the same and every of them maye beste serve, wherof they shall 
 also advertise hither from tyme to tyme as occasion shall re- 
 quire.
 
 GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND. J9 
 
 Our said Deputy with the advise afforesaid shall geve strait 
 order for the punishment of offenders, and favour all those which 
 be and shalbe found obedient, which shall encrease our honour 
 and strength. And our said Deputy, with the said advise, shall 
 geve order to redresse all forces and wronges doune against the 
 lawe, contynually devising the encrease of the state of the realme 
 and the common wealth of the people, wherein one parte consist- 
 eth in kepinge within the realme all woolle and other comodities 
 of the realme, as all thinges may be good and cheape for the com- 
 mon wealth, and that provision be made before hande to withstand 
 all skarcitie, and for the contynuance and encrease of all good 
 races and breeds of horses, any licence heretofore graunted for 
 cariage of woolls to the contrary notwithstandinge. 
 
 Our said Deputy shah 1 also, with the advise afforesaid, make 
 serche for the moyne of allame, and cause the same to be tried to 
 perfection : and beinge founde good, then to staye the same as yt 
 maye be wroughte for us, and employed to the best purpose and 
 moste proffitt. 
 
 Our said Deputy, with thadvise afforesaid, callinge to them 
 the Surveior of our lande, and suche others as be appointed by 
 our Speciall Commission for that purpose, shall let and set our 
 farmes for xxi yeares, when they shalbe voyd by expiration of 
 the former graunts, by escheate, or otherwise by the order of the 
 lawe, reserving to us and our heires the auncient rentes, the great 
 woods and underwoods, fines, wardes, marriages, and other ca- 
 sualties growinge upon the same, the tymber to be used for our 
 buildinges, the underwoods to be soulde amongest the tenaunts 
 and their neighbours, the cleere money comminge therof to be 
 accompted and payd with the rentes of the manour to our use. 
 And where there is decayed of our rentes no small yearely 
 somme, our said Deputy and Councell shall by all wayes and 
 meanes travayle to recover yt, and serchinge thoccasion howe 
 those thinges have bene decayd, not only to redresse the decaye, 
 but also to see that from hence furth no suche occasion be
 
 20 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 suffred, neither throughe their owne graunts there, nor yet 
 throwghe any graunt from hence, thoughe yt come from xis : and 
 in these cases where any rent is decayed, to advertise hither the 
 cause therof, to be aunswered from hence of our further pleasure 
 therein. 
 
 Our said Deputy, with thadvise afforesaid, shall call into our 
 order and tuition all our wardes, and ther landes descended, and 
 as they shall descend, and shall geve order for the well bringinge 
 up of the gentlemen, and for the order of their landes and good 
 repayre of the same, and preservation of their woods and co- 
 modities, foreseinge ther be no tymber solde nor waste made, 
 and us truly aunswered of the rentes and proffitt of the wood 
 sales to be made of underwood yearely, and also of their lyveries 
 when they come to full age, and of our widdowes fines for their 
 licence to mary, or for their contempte if they mary withowt our 
 licence ; and shall have power also to make sale of our wardes, 
 beinge under the degree of a baron or barones. 
 
 Our said Deputy, with the advise afforesaide, shall cause the 
 Surveior of our landes to serche where most plenty of tymber is 
 nighe the good havens, for makinge of shipps, and therof to cer- 
 tifie us and our Councell, and what good shipwrightes and mariners 
 be in the lande, and to what nomber. 
 
 Our said Deputy, with thadvise afforesaid, shall also practise, 
 by suche good wayes and meanes as they may thinke moste 
 expedient, with the port townes, and suche other cities and 
 townes as do stande neare any havens or creeks, that they, by 
 some good order, maye beginne to fortifie their said townes nowe 
 in tyme of peace, wherby they may be allwaies the more assured 
 to li ve quietly in the tyme of warres ; and suche townes or citties 
 as our said Deputy arid Councell shall finde conformable herein, 
 they shall ayde with there best advise for settinge owt of bull- 
 works, or doinge suche other thinges as by their discretions maye 
 be thoughte moste requisite for the suertie and strength of the 
 said townes.
 
 GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND. 21 
 
 Our said Deputy, by the advise of the said Councell, shall also 
 practise, with some suche noble men and others as they maye 
 think good, for the exchaunginge of some parcells of their landes 
 for other landes of like vale we in England : wherein, as in the 
 rest, they shall likewise, from tyme to tyme, advertise their 
 doinges, to the intent further order maye be geven as the case 
 shall require. 
 
 And where the captaynes and souldiors, there beinge in our 
 w r ages, be sondry tymes and for sondry causes vexed and troubled, 
 aswell in the common lawe as in the Chauncery and other Courts 
 there, so as many tymes they are not able to attend their ser- 
 vice, our pleasure, by thadvise of our Councell, is, that they, nor 
 any of them, shalbe aunswerable to any suche Courte or Courtes, 
 but only before our Deputy, or our Marshall by his appointment, 
 so that justice be donne to him or them within three monethes 
 nexte after the comencement of the [suit ?J, the same beinge 
 followed with effect, or ells the parties to be remitted to the 
 common lawes of the realme, accordinge to our Commission in this 
 behalf. 
 
 And where the countreys of Offallye and Lex, late called 
 Oconors countrey and Omores countrey, are presently in good 
 towardnes to be wholy in our handes and possession, and yet 
 not in perfection, our said Deputy, by thadvise afforesaid, shall 
 take order accordinge to his or their discretions, aswell for the 
 full and ample possession to be had to our use of the same coun- 
 treys, as also for the surveyinge therof : and the same so sur- 
 veyd, or as muche therof as shalbe in our possession, to let to 
 farrne, or otherwise to use, to our behoof and proffitt, so as no 
 lease be made of any parcell therof above the terme of xxj yeares ; 
 yeldinge therfor as our said Deputy and Councell shall think 
 reasonable, wherein they maye, at their discretion, allowe to the 
 farmour one or two yeares rent-free to incourage them to dwell 
 upon the same ; which leases, so made by our said Deputy and 
 Councell as afforesaid, our Chauncellour for the tyme beinge
 
 22 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 shall have full power and aucthoritie, by warrant hereof, to in- 
 seale under the Greate Scale accordingly. 
 
 Moreover, our pleasure, by thadvise of our Councell, is, that 
 in all tyme of warre betwene us and other the Emperour or 
 Frenche Kinge, our said Deputy raaye geve licence or lycences 
 by his discretion, to any person or persons beinge subject other 
 of the same Emperour or Frenche King, to resorte and bringe 
 into our said realme of Ireland, to any porte or portes beinge 
 under our obeysance, all kinde of merchandiz, with shippe and 
 goodes, and there salfly to be under our protection so longe tyme 
 as our said Deputy shall think requisit. And that the same 
 straunger, so beinge there, may lawefully buy all suche merchan- 
 dize as are not restrayned to be caried owt of that realme ; and 
 the same so lawefully boughte, to shipp and cary owt of the 
 realme, withowt let, disturbance, or forfeyture of the same, pay- 
 inge to us suche duties and customes as upon such merchandize 
 is due and accustomed to be payd to our use, any lawe, statute, 
 restraint, or proclamation made or to be made to the contrary not- 
 withstandinge. 
 
 And where our mannours and castles, aswell those of longe 
 tyme in our hands, as others now lately builded and not yet 
 finished, be meete to be mayntayned and fully builded, our plea- 
 sure, by thadvise of our Councell, is, that our said Deputy, by the 
 advise of the Chancellor and the Chief Justice, the Vicethresorer 
 and M r . of the Rolles, for the tyme beinge, shall, from tyme to 
 tyme, take order aswell for the necessary furnishinge of those 
 newe begonne buildinges, as for the mayntenaunce of the same, 
 and all the reste as need shall require, and the booke of the 
 charges therof signed with thands of our said Deputy, Chauncellor, 
 Cheif Justice, and M r . of the Rowlls, or any three of them, wherof 
 the Deputy to be alwayes one, shalbe a sufficient warrant to the 
 Vicethresorer for defraying of the charges so bestowed, and also 
 for the auditour and auditours for the tyme beinge to allowe the 
 same.
 
 COMMISSION FOR HEARING SUITS. 23 
 
 And whereas Henry Colley, Willm Duke, and others, have 
 had chardge for making of provisions for the fortes lately co- 
 menced to be builded in Lex and Offalley, to the intente yt may 
 appeare howe they haue expended our threasure committed to 
 their chardge, and what remayneth therof presently in their handes, 
 our pleasure is, that our said Deputy, Chancellor, and Barons of 
 the Exchequer, the M r . of the Rouls, the two Justices, and the 
 Audi tours, or any sixe of them, whereof the Deputy, Chancellor, 
 and Auditor to be allwaies three, callinge the said Colley and 
 Duke and suche others as have bene purveiors in that behalf to 
 an accompte, shall, by all wayes and meanes, see the same so 
 declared as the truthe of their doinges maye appeare, and there- 
 upon receve theire reasonable allowances accordinge to reason, or 
 otherwise suche as shalbe founde faultye to be punished, as to 
 their discretions shall seeme moste convenient. The like order 
 our pleasure is that our said Deputye and the others last before 
 named, wherof the Deputy, Chancellor, and the Auditor to be 
 allwayes three, shall, from tyme to tyme, take and use with all 
 other that have had or shall have any charge of provisions for 
 buildinges, or any other our affayres hereafter. 
 
 And finally, our said Deputy and Councell shall en devour and 
 specially bende themselves to the reducinge into order that parte 
 of the lande called Leinster, wherein the Cavernaughes, Tooles, 
 and Byrnes do inhabit, so as the same maye moste specially of 
 any other be broughte to good and civill order. 
 
 COMMISSION FOR HEARING SUITS. 
 
 [The object of this Commission to the Earl of Bedford and nine others was to relieve 
 the King and the Privy Council from the duty of hearing and determining many 
 suits preferred to them, which interfered with the despatch of public business of greater 
 importance. It is provided that no suit shall be decided upon by a less number than 
 four of the individuals appointed. In Sir John Hayward's Life of Edward VI., Anno 
 1552 (see Rennet's Hist, of England, ii. 328), are eighteen " Articles for the Dispatch 
 of Causes " before the Privy Council.]
 
 24 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Indorsed " 9 Martij 6 E. 6. A Commision to certeine Counselors to heare and 
 determine the sutes preferred either to the Kinge or to his P. C." 
 
 EDWARD the Sixte, &c. To our right trustie and right wel- 
 beloved Cosen and Counsellor John Earle of Bedforde, Keeper of 
 our Privie Scale, our right trustie and right welbeloved Counsellor 
 Sir Thomas Darcie, knight of our order, Lord Darcie Chichey, 
 Lord Chamberlaine of our howse, Sir George Brooke, knight of 
 our order, Lord Cobham, the right reverend father in God, 
 Nicholas, Byshop of London, our trustie and right welbeloved 
 Counsellors Sir John Mason and Sir Philip Hobie, knightes, and 
 our trustie and welbeloved John Cockes and John Lucas, M rs of 
 our requestes ordinary, greetinge. Whereas through the greate 
 nomber of sutes and requests which be daily exhibited vnto vs, 
 and the importune callinge on of the suters of all sortes, the 
 Counsellors of our Privie Councell have heretofore and yet be 
 oftentimes so encombred, overcharged, as they cannot so well attend 
 the greate and waightie causes of our estate royall as were requi- 
 site ; We minding the redress thereof, and beinge also desirous 
 that suters of all sorts, as well our own subjects as straungers, 
 makinge their sutes unto us, our Counsell of estate, maie haue 
 speedie answeres, and be reasonably dispatched without longe de - 
 laie, trustinge in your approoved wisedoomes, discretions and up- 
 rightnes, have appointed yow our Speciall Commissioners for the 
 hearinge, examininge and orderinge of all the sutes and requestes 
 aforesaide, and such other sutes as to you altogeather, eight, seaven, 
 six, fyve, or fower of you salbe exhibited. And because the sutes 
 and requestes commonlie exhibited be of such severall natures as 
 doth require severall orders and directions, we have caused severall 
 instructions signed with our hande to be made for the manner of 
 the proceedings and orderinge of all sortes of matters accordinge 
 to their severall natures. Wherfore our pleasure and express 
 commaundement is that, followinge th' order which we have by 
 our said instructions appointed, you eight, seauen, six, fyve, or
 
 IMPRISONMENT OF A PEER. 25 
 
 fower of you shall from hencforth diligentlie applie th' order and 
 speedie dispatch, as well of all such sutes and requests as remaine 
 not yet ordered, as also of all others as from hencforth shall [be 
 made] in forme aforesaide; straightlie chardginge and commandinge 
 all justices, maiors, bailiffes and sheriffes, and all other our officers, 
 ministers and subiects, that they and everie of them to be to you 
 aidinge and assistinge in the execucion of this our commission as 
 they tender our pleasure and will, and will aunsweare to the con- 
 trarie. In witness whereof, &c. T. R. apud Westmr, ix die 
 Martij, anno regni Regis Edwardi Sexti sexto. 
 Per ipsum Regem. 
 
 IMPRISONMENT OF A PEER. 
 
 [No date is given to the subsequent address to the Lords of the Council, nor has it 
 any indorsement ; but it belongs, as we find by internal evidence, to the year 1552 or 
 early in 1553. It speaks throughout of "the late Lord Protector" Somerset, who 
 was beheaded on the 22nd January, 1552, and Edward VI. died on the 6th July, 1553. 
 It is anonymous, and was written by some Peer of Parliament (who had been sum- 
 moned by writ), then confined, probably in the Tower, in order to procure his libera- 
 tion. It also appears from the document that it was the second appeal of the same 
 kind which the writer had made, but whether in the last instance the demand for an 
 instant hearing was granted, does not appear. In Mr. P. F. Tytler's " England under 
 the Reigns of Edward VI. and Mary," i. 268, is a curious Report regarding the Pri- 
 soners confined in the Tower on the 22nd October, 1549. The original is in the State- 
 Paper Office.] 
 
 AFTER my due commendations to your Lordships. Howsoever 
 the tyme is stollen from you with the multitude of busines and 
 varietie of matters wherewith ye be travelled, whearby you rather 
 want tyme (as I suppose) then be glutted with it, yet with me 
 being alone, comfortles in this miserable prison, the tyme passeth 
 more sensibly. And as grieff groweth in length, so it bringeth 
 more incomberance and travell with it. And being now the tyme 
 of Parliament, wherof I am a member in my degre, called unto 
 it by writt, and not put from it by any fault, but only by power 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. E
 
 26 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 keapt heare, it is a doble calamytie to be detayned in prison by 
 so intollerable wrong, and excluded from thassembly somuch 
 against right. I haue suffred the like in the late Lord Protector's 
 tyme against all reason, which God hath given you power nowe to 
 reforme. And among many other thinges which in his tyme 
 weare writhed amysse, no oon thing (as I suppose) was of worse 
 example, ne more prejudicial! to the good order of the High Court 
 of Parliament, which is the direction of all men's liffes, landes 
 and goodes in this realme, then to allow for a president that any 
 man, being a member therof, might without cause be excluded, 
 and so letted to parle theare his mynd in publique matters for the 
 wealth of the realme, and such other private causes as doo occur. 
 
 If the strength of the Parliament be not ympayred by wrong in 
 oon, bycause right consisteth not in noumber, it shalbe at the 
 pleasure of hym that ruleth to doe the same in moe, wherby others 
 may take more harme then I, as experience hath shewed in suche 
 examples. But I knowe it becometh me not to reason the strength 
 of that Court, ne thorder of it. The lawyers of the realme know- 
 eth that, and to their knowledge I submytt my judgement, and take 
 for good that they allowe. But this I dare say, when religion is 
 treated of in a generall counsell of Christendome, if the rulers of 
 the counsell lett any mans repayer thithir that hath right to be 
 theare, whatsoever is so concluded is in the lawes of the world 
 abrode taken of no force by excluding of oon member wrong- 
 fully, that shold furnishe the body. Which I wright unto your 
 Honors for the good opinion I haue of you, trusting that ye entend 
 not to uphold or followe the late L. Protector's doinges by wrong, 
 but so fashion your procedinges as they may agre with justice at 
 home, and seeme agreable to reason to others abroad. 
 
 Being assured of my innocency, as when your Lordships shall 
 heare what can be said against me, and my answer therunto, theare 
 shall appeare cause why I shold haue hadd prayse, thankes, and 
 commendations of the late Lord Protector, if truth, honesty, and 
 due obedience might loke therefore, and no cause of treble or dis-
 
 IMPRISONMENT OF A PEER. 27 
 
 pleasure at all. So wrongfully haue I ben tormented in this 
 miserable prison, so boldly dare I speake to you of my case, with 
 such an opinion and estimation of your wisdomes, which I knowe 
 and reverence, as I ought not nor will not vainly hoap to abuse 
 you with wordes, but uppon certein confidence of your indiffer- 
 ences veryly I trust that you will deeme and take thinges in such 
 sort as, being playnly and truly opened, shall appear to you by 
 matter in dede. In consideration wherof I renyewe my sute 
 unto your Honors, instantly requyring you that I may be hard 
 according to justice, and that with such speede as the delay of 
 your audience give not occasion to such as be ignoraunt of my 
 matter abroad to thinke that your Lordships allowed and approved 
 the detayning of me heare, which without hearing my declaration 
 I trust you will not, but haue such consideration of me as myne 
 estate in the comon wealth, the passing of my former lief amongst 
 you, and other respectes doo require ; wherin you shall bynde me 
 to doo agreably to your honors, and justice have a free course, 
 whereof you haue honorably taken uppon you to make open to the 
 realme without respect, which is thonly establishment of all com- 
 mon wealthes. And thearfore the zeale of hym was allowed that 
 said fiat justicia mat mundus, signifying that by it the worlde is 
 keapt from falling in dede, although it might seeme otherwise in 
 some respectes, and some treble to arise in doing it. And this I 
 wright bycause in the late L. Protector's tyme theare was an in- 
 synuation made unto me, as though I weare keapt heare by pollycy, 
 which with the violation of justice toke never good effect, as I 
 doubt not of your wisedomes you can and will consider, and doo 
 thearfore accordingly : for theffectuall execution wherof I shall 
 pray Almighty God with the preservation of your Honors.
 
 28 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 PROCLAMATION OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. 
 
 [Camden states that the death of Queen Mary was " for some time kept private ;" 
 ut it appears from the following document that Elizabeth was publicly proclaimed on 
 the day after her predecessor died, supposing the Proclamation to be issued when it 
 bears date. Stowe says nothing of any delay or interval during which the news was 
 " kept private." The last clause, in the then condition of the kingdom, deserves 
 remark. No printed copy of the Proclamation appears to be extant, and the difficulty 
 of obtaining one was perhaps the reason why Lord Ellesmere procured it in MS.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere " The Proclamation for Queen Eliza, after the death of 
 Q. Mary." 
 
 ELIZABETH by the grace of God Queene of Englande, Fraunce 
 and Irland, Defender of the Fay the, &c. Because it hath pleased 
 Aimightie God by calling to his mercye out of this mortall lief, to 
 our great griefe, our deerest sister of noble memorye, Mary, late 
 Queene of Englande, Fraunce and Ireland (whose soule God 
 haue), to dispose and bestowe upon us, as the onelye righte hey re 
 by blood and lawfull succession to the Crowne of the aforesaide 
 kingdomes of Englande, Fraunce and Irlande, with all manner of 
 titles and rightes therunto in anye wise apperteyninge, Wee doe 
 publishe and give knowledge by this our proclamation to all man- 
 ner people, beinge naturall subjectes of every the saide kingdomes, 
 that from the beginninge of the xvij th daye of this moneth of No- 
 vember, at which tyme our said deerest sister departed from this 
 mortall liefe, they be discharged of all bondes and dutye of sub- 
 jection towardes our saide sister, and be from the same tyme in 
 nature and lawe bound onely to us as theire onelye Soverayn 
 Ladye and Queene, wherewith wee doe by this our proclamation 
 straightly chardge and allye them to us, promisinge on our parte 
 noe lesse love and care towardes theire preservation then hathe 
 ben in any of our progenitors, and not doubtinge on their partes 
 but they will observe the duetye which belongeth to naturall goode 
 and true lovinge subjectes. And further wee straightlye chardge 
 and commaunde all manner our saide subjectes to keepe them-
 
 LORD KEEPER AND LORD CHANCELLOR. 29 
 
 selues within our peaxe, and not to attempte upon anye pretence 
 the breach, alteration or chaunge of any order or usage presently 
 established within this our realme, upon peyne of our indignation, 
 and the peril and punishement which therto in any wise maye 
 belonge. Yeven the xviijth daye of November, the firste yere of 
 our reigne. 
 
 LORD KEEPER AND LORD CHANCELLOR. 
 
 [Sir Nicholas Bacon was appointed Keeper of the Great Seal (Privy Seal according 
 to the translation of Camden's " Elizabeth," in Kennett, ii. 369, edit. 1719) in less than 
 five weeks after Elizabeth came to the throne ; Heath, Archbishop of York, though not 
 excluded from the Queen's Council, being deprived of his office of Lord Chancellor. On 
 the 14th April, 1559, a Commission (of which the following is an official copy) was issued, 
 authorizing Sir N. Bacon, as Keeper of the Great Seal, to hear causes in Chancery, as 
 the Lord Chancellor had been accustomed to do, and indemnifying him for any acts 
 he had committed. When Lord Ellesmere (then Sir Thomas Egerton) was raised 
 from Master of the Rolls to be Lord Keeper, this Commission seems to have been 
 taken as a precedent, and for that purpose a copy of the original was made and fur- 
 nished to him.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " A 1 Eliza. A Commission to Sir N. Bacon, Keper 
 of the Great Scale, to heare causes in the Chaunc'rye, as the L. Chancelor of Englande 
 might doe." 
 
 ELIZABETH by the grace of God, &c. To all and singuler our 
 subjectes, greeting. Where we of our especial grace haue de- 
 puted and assigned our trustie and welbeloved Counsellor Nicho- 
 las Bacon, knight, to be Keper of our Create Scale, knowe that 
 we by theis presentes doe giue full powre and autoritie to the same 
 Nicholas Bacon aswell to heare, examyne and determine of all 
 causes, offences, contemptes, and matters of whatsoeuer kynde or 
 nature they be of, as to doe and use himselfe in every thinge and 
 thinges with our said Scale in as lardge and ample manner as our 
 Chauncellor of England might doe, and that he shall haue the 
 same powre and auctoritie in euery behalfe towchinge the pre- 
 misses, as if he were our Chauncellor. And further, we graunt
 
 30 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 for us, our heirs and successors, that all actes and thinges done 
 or suffered to be done by the saide Nicholas at any tyme since 
 the committinge of the custodye of the saide Scale to his handes, 
 shalbe as good and effectuall to all intentes and purposes, as if he 
 had bene Chauncellor at the time of doinge or sufferinge of any 
 suche acte or thinge : Or that he, his heires or executors, shall in 
 no wise be ympecheable or auns wearable for any suche acte or 
 thinge, otherwise then he should haue bene if that he hadd byn 
 our Chauncellor at the tyme of doinge of any suche acte or thinge. 
 And that theis our Letters Patentes shalbe to him sufficient war- 
 raunt for the same. In witnes whereof, &c. Witnes the Quene 
 at Westmr the xiiijth daie of Aprill, in the first yere of our raigne. 
 Per ipsam Reginam, &c. 
 
 Convenit cum record, et exaiat. per me 
 
 THO. RAVENSCROFTE. 
 
 LETTER TO QUEEN ELIZABETH DISSUADING HER FROM 
 THE SCOTTISH WAR. 
 
 [The following appears to be the original draught of a letter sent by some person 
 of distinction to the Queen, to induce her to forego her purpose of sending forces to 
 Scotland to expel the French from that kingdom. It has no date, but is indorsed in 
 the same hand, 12th January, 1559, i. e. 1560, according to our present mode 
 of computing the year. The style is a little pedantic, but the arguments (though 
 unavailing, for Admiral Winter arrived in the Firth of Forth in January 1560) 
 shbw great caution and sound judgment. The censure of the useless and protracted 
 discussions in Parliament is remarkable from its universal application ; and the notice 
 of William Somer, Jester to Henry VIII., is curious. The Sir Thomas Carden, who is 
 mentioned at the close, was Sir Thomas Cawarden, who had been appointed Master of 
 the Revels, llth March, 1545. It is perhaps impossible now to ascertain who was 
 the writer of the letter ; but it is clear, from the conclusion, that he was a suitor for a 
 license, no doubt to give him some exclusive advantage.] 
 
 Indorsed, " To the Q. 12 Jany, 1559." 
 
 IT may please your Most Excellent Ma*ie to understand, that 
 yesterday Mr. Treasourer and Mr. Secretarie were in hand with
 
 LETTER TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. 31 
 
 me againe on your Maties behalf for the voyage into Scotland by 
 land. Wherupon the more I thinke, the more I do mislike it; 
 for, when I thinke of every parte of this verse, quicquid agas 
 prudent er agas, et respice finem, I am marvelously troubled, for I 
 se the two endes of it, and know nothing of the middest. I se 
 that your Matie is in actione, and I see as men may see, and feare 
 finem : quanta prudentia hath byn used in the matter I knowe 
 not, and it becometh not me to enquire. Your Matie knoweth 
 that it is good to deliberate wisely and to execute quickely, for 
 thexecution is all ; for yf the maner used in Parliamentes hereto- 
 fore be used in a Prince's consultation, and the tyme consumed 
 with long contentious orations, and in the end nothing to the 
 purpose, for nothing is executed, the same must folow of those 
 that we se daily doth folowe of thother. I am sure your Mat ie 
 hath wise Counsailors, or els (I speake upon hope of your Ma^es 
 pardon) the fawte is youres. If your Counsaill hath geven you 
 advise in this matter, or in any other, good gracious Lady, folowe 
 yt, and do that you are advised by them to do in tyme. I speke 
 it undre supportation of your good favor, for that I have hard 
 that tyme hath byn lost, and occasion not taken by the forehead ; 
 but if it hath byn, and that prudentia hath byn used in your 
 thinges from the begynnyng, it is well, and I am glad of it: it 
 will appeare in the end. Because it semeth your Ma tie is advised 
 still, and many fayre semblaunces shewed, to move you to folow 
 that that hath byn devised in this matter, wherunto surely, but it 
 maketh no force, I can not by any meanes be induced to agre ; 
 otherwise then, as a simple subjecte, it maketh me to thinke upon 
 Duke Charles of Burgundy, who being advised to invade Swisser- 
 land, after a sevenights sitting in consultation how and which 
 wayes he might entre, a foole of his, such a one as I or Will 
 Somer, sitting after his custome by him at his foote at the bord's 
 end, fell sodenly a-laughing, and said, What a wise sorte are you, 
 that talk every man of your going in, and no man how you shall 
 come out agayne. If your Ma tie be advised nedes to entre,
 
 32 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 entre so, as if there be falshod in felowship, you may trust to 
 your self, and be able to come out againe with honour, or at the 
 lest without daunger ; but yet I can not see how you can well 
 entre by land, specyally this tyrae of the yeare. The Duke of 
 Norfolkes granfather was sent by the King, your father, to in- 
 vade Scotland, well accompanied both with good headds and with 
 a good nombre : an army also by sea went into the Frithe, well 
 furnished with victualles to releive the army by land at theire 
 comyng to Edenborow, which the army by land was not able to 
 do for lacke, and yet as much was done for the furtherance of the 
 jorney as might be. In the Duke of Somersettes tyme, the vic- 
 tory was not folowed in Scotland for lacke. I doubt not but 
 your Counsaillors for this warre, at this tyme, do considre what 
 an enemy besides the French men, yea, and peradventure the 
 Scotts, first the weather will be to your people and to there 
 horses. 
 
 Item. How they shalbe furnished of victualls both going and 
 comyng. 
 
 Item. What store of gunners you may have. 
 
 Item. What passage for their ordinaunce and the carriages. 
 Item. What store of carriages for their munition and victualles. 
 Item. What maner of encamping is at this tyme of the yeare by 
 the waye. Item. What forage is to be founde both for the 
 horse of service and for the horse of drawght. 
 
 Item. What maner of men be sent in to this invasion, and if 
 they should fortune to perishe for lacke of one thing or of another, 
 how much the losse of them will importe to your Ma* ie and to 
 this realme. It were good, if it may pleas your Matie, if you be 
 not already enformed of these poyntes, and that you must nedes 
 entre to understand particularly first how these thinges be fore- 
 seen and provided. 
 
 If it be said to your Ma tie you shall lacke no victualles, you 
 shall have carriages ynough, you shall have horses ynough to 
 drawe your carriages, both of victualles and munition, and like-
 
 LETTER TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. 33 
 
 wise for your ordinaunce, good gracious Lady, be not to ready 
 to beleve yt without you se the proportion in your eye, and knowe 
 where, by whome, and by what tyme, expressely every thing 
 may be furnished, set furth, and come to the place ; for we have 
 sene heretofore, in our dayes, the wisest men have failed in their 
 enterprices for the want of good provision of these thinges. I 
 pray God, if your Ma* will nedes send it, that you may finde 
 store of these thinges ; for I feare, from the further south your 
 folkes come, the worse they will like the aire and ground of Scot- 
 land at this tyme of the yeare. 
 
 But alas, Madame, what have I done, being but a simple man 
 to entre this farre into the matters of your counsaill ? What 
 will the Lords and others of your counsaill say, when they shall 
 heare yt ? Yf they say well, they shall saye as I meane : if they 
 say evill, I must flye to your Ma tie for refuge, who is the cause of 
 this my doyng. Our Lorde save youe and prosper youe, and send 
 you the upper hand and victory of all your enemies. 
 
 I thinke, undre your Ma ties correction, it were good to inquire 
 whether the vessells, or rather (if I might so call them) the turn- 
 barrels which the Kinge, your father, made for a defence upon 
 the enemies (of which Sir Thomas Garden had the charge), be 
 furth comyng or no ? If not, whether it were mete to make such 
 others of new, for they may hap, being well ordered, to serve to 
 some great purpose. I thinke the Citie of London might, by 
 good meanes, be perswaded, if they be to be made new, to be at 
 the charge both of making and furnyshing, and also of maynte- 
 naunce of the same. Sir William Woodhouse were a mete man 
 to be spoken withall touching this matter. 
 
 I pray your Matie most humbly to remembre my licence. Mr. 
 Secretarey hath it to be presented to youe : it was none other but 
 agreable to the meanynge of the statute, and that can Mr. Secre- 
 tary, if nede be, best declare to your Ma tie , who was a great setter 
 furth of the statute, and knoweth that it was nothing intended by 
 the statute, that neither I, nor myn, nor any others in our case, 
 shuld be toched in yt. 
 
 CAMD. SOC, 12. F
 
 34 THE BGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 MARRIAGE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. 
 
 [The purpose of the ensuing letter was to prevail upon Queen Elizabeth to marry, 
 and thereby to remove doubts as to the succession. The object of her choice is 
 not mentioned, but the 'writer (a Peer of Parliament, summoned to attend the House, 
 but prevented by sickness), adverts in considerable detail to the points of history con- 
 nected with the question he discusses. He states that he had before written to and 
 had had personal conference with her Majesty on the subject. His great argument in 
 favour of marriage is, that it would put an end to the danger to which the entail of the 
 Crown would otherwise be exposed. Mr. Wright's " Queen Elizabeth and her Times" 
 contains some interesting matter upon this subject, shewing the gradual change in the 
 Queen's mind : in October 1561, she was " strange to allow of marriage," but in De- 
 cember 1564, she was disposed " to marry abroad." The advice which follows was 
 written in the interval, viz. in February 1562-3.] 
 
 Indorsed, " To the Queues Ma tie ." 
 
 Wth February, 1562. 
 
 MOST excellent Princesse, my most gracious Soveraigne and 
 good Ladye. I crave of your Matie, prostrate before your feete, 
 pardon for my boldnes in wryting unto youe at this tyme ; wher- 
 unto I am brought by the great confidens I have had geven unto 
 me heretofore by youre selff for my wryting unto youre Ma tj e, and 
 partelie am enforced by myn own consciens, burdend with the 
 charge off my love and duetie to youre Ma tie and my countrey, and 
 with the knowledge and foresight I have (as a man maye have by 
 some experiens), howe much the matter wherof I will write dothe 
 importe either to the contentation and quietnes of youre Matics 
 mynde, and to the perpetuall tranquillytie and peax of this realme 
 (being prosecuted in a right course), or to the contrarie, if by 
 private affections, without anie respect to that which maie and is 
 lyke to followe hereafter, yt be otherwise finished at this tyme then 
 yt ought to be by right and consciens. 
 
 I understand that there hathe ben a sewte moved unto your 
 Matie for the mariage of your most noble person (whome I be- 
 seeche God longe to preserve unto us), and for thentaille of the 
 succession of youre crowne, if youe leave us without heires of 
 youre bodye; which sewte [is] made unto your Ma tie in gene-
 
 MARRIAGE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. 35 
 
 rallytie without lymitation for youre mariage or for the succession. 
 Lyke, as I suppose, no good man maye or can be against the fur- 
 theraunce of the sewte (and I my selff have heretofore, not longe 
 agone, wrytteii unto youre Ma tie by youre favor to that effect), 
 so, if anie person shall do prejudice unto youe by debating and 
 disputing of titles in open and great presens, he is not much to be 
 commended j for yt shuld not be done in open presens (I saie,) 
 without youre Maties former lycens, for so might followe muche 
 inconveniens, which dothe not nor can not yet appeare. 
 
 Itt is the greatest matter that ever I or anie man alive at 
 this daie can remember hathe bin brought in deliberation in our 
 daies, and therfore everie parte therof, aswell youre Maties answer 
 to the motion, did require good consideration (which I have heard 
 youe did most prudentlie use) as the further progresse by youre 
 Ma tie in that parte of the matter which tocheth succession, must 
 of necessytie have a tyme to be determined, bicause yt is subjecte 
 to diverse affections and humors founded upon private respectes, 
 some desyringe (after youre Ma tie and the heires of youre bodye) 
 that a man should succeede, without anie regard to the tytle of a 
 woman, whatsoever yt be, forgetting (as I have heard that most 
 noble Prince of worthy memorie, the King, youre father, saie) that 
 the greatest ancherhold of this crowne, after King Henrye the 
 first, tooke roote from the heire generall Maud, daughter and 
 heire to the said Henrye, who was maried first to themp'ror, and 
 after his deceasse to Jeffrey Plantagenett, Ducke of Anjou, &c. 
 Of which two came Kinge Henrye the seconde (none alien, though 
 he were borne out off the realme), but rightfull Kinge by course 
 of nature and by discent of bloode; of whome your Ma tie ys 
 rightfullie discended, and unto whome, by course of nature, dis- 
 cent of bloode, and by lawes of this realme your Ma Ue is right and 
 lawfull heire and successor of this crowne. 
 
 And therfore I saie, under your Ma ties correction, that right, 
 whether it be in man or woman, ought to take place, for ytt is well 
 knowen sithens the Conqueror's tyme, yea, and beffore allso, that 
 the greatest trouble, yea, and almost the onelie trouble that hath
 
 36 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 chaunced within this realme, untill your Graundfather and Graund- 
 mother, Kinge Henrye the vij th and Quene Elizabeth his wief, 
 (thone clayming from thouse of Lancaster, and thother from thouse 
 of York, now joyned in one), hath bin for lacke of right dealinge 
 in the matter of succession ; and by swarving therin present civile 
 warre hath followed, and if not sometime present, yet within 
 three discentes after the swarving, great mischief and incon- 
 veniens hath followed unto the heires of the swarvers and their 
 partakers, and to manye others, both great and small, of thother 
 partie that weare not giltie. 
 
 Stephen and Henry the second. And in briefe to repete to 
 youre Ma*i e , first, when King Stephen (in the right of his mother, 
 syster to King Henry the First,) toke uppon him the crowne by 
 the helpe and power of Henry the Byshopp of Winchester, one 
 of his uncles, from his cousin Maud, daughter and heire to King 
 Henrye the first, his mother's brother, uppon colloure that he 
 was a man and Mawde a woman, and her sonne, Henry Plan- 
 tagenet, younge, and not liable to governe, yt is well knowen 
 what civill warres did follow theruppon in the realme, untill such 
 tyme as the matter being taken up by [not legible\ Henry, 
 Maud's sonne, was restored to the right of his inheritauns. 
 
 John and Arthur. Then, after Henry the Second raigned his 
 sonne Richard the first, who, dieng without issue, appointed 
 Arthur of Brittanie, sonne of Jeffrey his second brother, to be his 
 heire ; but John, the younger brother of Richard, before Richard 
 his death, tooke uppon him the Crowne, wherby great troubles 
 within this realme followed then presentlye, and afterwardes bothe 
 in John his own tyme (notwithstanding that Arthur died) and also 
 in his sonnes tyme, King Henry the Third, the civill plage ceassed 
 not. 
 
 Richard the second, Henry the iiijth. In Richard the se- 
 cond his tyme, Edmunde Mortymer, Earle of Marche, who 
 married the daughter and heire of Lionell Duke of Clarens, was 
 declared heir apparaunt by Parliament : yet, nevertheles, when the 
 said Richard was deprived of his kingdom, Henry Earle of
 
 MARRIAGE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. 37 
 
 Derby, sonne to John Duke of Lancaster, a second brother to 
 the said Lionell, was, by Parlyament, made Kinge ; after whome 
 his sonne Henry the v th raigned ; and after him his sonne 
 Henry the vj th , in whose tyme was advanced great civile warre, 
 great ruine of great families, and great effusion of blood royall ; 
 for, as yt is written, by the swarving of the right of succession 
 after the death of Richard the second, untill the tyme that Ed- 
 ward the iiij th by mariage with the heire of Clarens had gotten 
 the quiett possession of the Crowne, there was, in the meane 
 season, slayne succession of the blood royall. 
 
 Edward the vth Richard the iijd. And in Richard the Third 
 his tyme, what mischeif fell by his taking the Crowne uppon 
 him, and disinheriting his brother King Edward the iiij th his 
 children, I have heard diverse men tell in my tyme, that they 
 both knew yt and felt parte of the smarte of yt. And then came 
 that happie mariage (as I have said beffore) wherby the Houses of 
 York and Lancaster were conjoyned ; which happie conjunction 
 of those two in one, if it shold be broken and brought to any one 
 of the House of York alone, or of the House of Lancaster alone, 
 as longe as there is anie alive that hath just tytle herin, then 
 both the child that is yett unborne which maie fele the smarte 
 off yt, besides those which maie suffer in the meane season. 
 
 Jane Marye. Nowe last, in your Ma ties owne daies what 
 civill discord was like to have risen by swarving from the right 
 line off discent (the Lady Jane Graye taking uppon her the 
 crowne of this realme), your Ma* ie did see, yf God had not pro- 
 vided otherwise, and some others did fele the smarte of yt, wherof 
 some yet remayning, I trust, will learne by the tyme past, and 
 others will take example by them in the lyke hereafter. 
 
 Thentaylle of the Crowne. And because there be some that 
 speake of thentayling of the crowne by your Matie, alledging ex- 
 amples of some of your auncestors ; perswading therfrom, that there 
 is no cause why your Ma tie shold feare to name your successor, 
 true ytt is indeed (as I have heard) that some of your auncestors
 
 38 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 did make thentaill, but yet neuer to anie other person then to ther 
 own children, or to ther brethren and sisters children, and so left 
 yt to the next right heire, cutting off all other taille : whether 
 your Ma tie be in the case of your auncestors or no, I doubt not 
 but by your wisdome you do consider. 
 
 The heire male in Fraunce. The governement of the realme of 
 Fraunce in apoincting the Crowne to the heire male onelie, cutting 
 awaye the heires generall, causeth some men here to lyke well of 
 the succession of the heires male here in this realme ; but whoso- 
 ever shall reade the story of Fraunce since Phillippus Pulchers 
 daies, shall finde after the decesse off his sonnes without heires, 
 that by the disenherison of Isabell, Phillippus his daughter, mother 
 to Edward the Third, who was indead, and so ys your Ma tie by 
 discent from her, rightfull heire to the Crowne of Fraans, there 
 was never realme that hath suffered more calamytie in yt selfe, 
 and by everie meanes then that realme hath suffered ever since yt 
 swarved from the right succession untill within these nientie 
 years (the quarrell nevertheles remayning at thes daies). 
 
 This discourse, wherin I note a disenherison of some right 
 heires, and off callamities that fell theruppon, ys to put your 
 Ma tie in remembruunce to use great and deep deliberation, and to 
 understand thorowghly wher the right resteth by the lawe of this 
 land, which is the rule wherby all your subjectes must be ordred, 
 and wherby they hold all that they have, and wherunto the Princes 
 of this realme do promise solempnelie at ther coronation to have 
 a speciall regarde. 
 
 Yf your Ma tie knowe nott already where the right resteth by 
 the lawe of this land, your Ma tie hath good meanes to knowe, if it 
 shall please you to use yt, by calling unto your selff all your 
 Judges, Barons of thexchequer, your Serjeauntes and Atturneys 
 Generall of the Duchie and of the Wardes, and your Solicitor, and 
 in your Ma ties own royall person to advize them (by such solempne 
 and earnest wordes as I knowe your Ma tie can use in such an 
 earnest matter) nott onelie to declare unto your Ma tic (after they
 
 MARRIAGE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. 39 
 
 have consulted theruppon) in writing subscribed with ther own 
 handes, in whome by the lawes of this land the right resteth, but 
 allso to kepe secret unto them selffes ther opinion therin without 
 disclosing the same unto anye partie (without your Ma li e s formall 
 licens) but to your Ma tie your selff as they will answer at ther 
 perills. And then may your Matie att your will and pleasure kepe 
 close or discover the same as tyme shall require, to whome and 
 in such sorte, either in open counsaill, other open assemblie or in 
 this Parliament ; or if tyme will not serve, at an other tyme of 
 Parliament as your Matie shall think convenient for a full and 
 mature considerans had therof: and your Matie maye knowe 
 thopinions (if it shall so please you) allso of others, though they be 
 not of your cownsaill, grave and learned men in the lawe of this 
 land. For the better conducing wherof to effect, a pedigre shold 
 be delyvered by your Matie to your said Judges and learned cown- 
 saill, with such objections as maie be alledged against anye per- 
 son that hath at this daie anye maner of pretens to the succes- 
 sion. 
 
 In this wise your Matie shall both preserve the dignitie, prero- 
 gative and majestic of your estate royall, and also satisfie the de- 
 sire of your good subjectes, avoyding therby also all such parcia- 
 lities as at this daie, peradventure, leade diverse men to leane to 
 diverse uppon diverse respectes, and finallie so ende the matter as 
 your Matie shall never be disquieted in mynd, and so provide by 
 your wisdome with good advise taken and followed (if the case 
 shall so require), that neither the state of the lawes of this realme 
 at this day, which diverse much do feare, neyther yet anie other 
 thinge shall not be in any other parte or member altered or 
 chaunged contrary to the governement already established. 
 
 But if yt will please your Ma tie to be (after a sorte) a Christ 
 unto us, a Redeemer, a Saviour off us by mortifying your own 
 affection for us, and for our sakes, by mariage, take the paine to 
 bring furth princely children, then shuld youe not nede to feare 
 thentaill ; then shuld your Ma tie be quiet ; then shuld we be
 
 40 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 happie, and then your Ma tie with a better securytie and with 
 longer deliberation (by understanding of everie body his pretens, 
 and what everychone off them could saie for themselffes) establish 
 the matter rightfully. But in this pointe I speake the lesse toch- 
 ing mariage, bicause I have heretofore, by your Maties goodnes, 
 presumed not onelie to write unto you at large, but allso present- 
 lie to move your Matie eftsones by word of mouth therin. I praie 
 God directe your harte in these two pointes speciallie, and in all 
 other your doinges, according to his will and pleasure. 
 
 Thus ceassing to trouble your Matie anye longer, I make my 
 reffuge (wher I beganne) to your Ma ties clemencye, trusting that 
 you will take this my writing in gracious parte according to my 
 true meaning. For I take God to record I haue no manner off 
 respect in this matter to anie manner off person, but onelie to the 
 right, uppon whome soever yt shall fall, and the lawes of this land, 
 forgetting your knowledg, wherof I have briefflie declared myn 
 opinion, for a meane to be used by your Ma tie (yf it so please you), 
 and I have sumarelie sett forth beffore your eyes the civill warres 
 within this realme, with their causes, tymes and persons. And 
 this I have donne for discharge of my consciens towardes God, 
 and my duetie to your Ma tie and my countrey. And I have donne 
 yt the rather because I was apointed by your writte to be at your 
 Parlyament with other noblemen, to geve cownsaill in great and 
 weightie matters concerning the publique weale of this realme : 
 from whens being enforced by sycknes to be absent, and having 
 your Ma ties licens (as my Lord Robert hath declared unto me in 
 your Ma ties behalff), I have thought yt my parte to write thus 
 muche unto your Ma tie , and to your Ma tie alone. And trusting, 
 and allso beseching your Ma tie most humblie that yt will please 
 youe to take this my writing into your protection, as a thing sub- 
 mitted in every pointe to your Ma ties judgment and correction, I 
 praie God protecte your Ma tie long to his honor, your own con- 
 tentation, and the comffortes and quietnes of us all and off our 
 posterytie.
 
 41 
 
 EXCLUSION OF THE LINE OF SCOTLAND. 
 
 [The following contemporary copy of a letter from Sir W. Maitland to Sir W. Cecill, 
 is entitled and noted in the hand-writing of Sir Walter Mildmay. The larger portion of 
 it is to be found in Burnet (Coll. of Records, i. 67, fol. 1681), but so incorrectly printed 
 as much to injure its authority. The whole of the introduction is also there wanting, 
 the imperfect and otherwise defective MS. Burnet used, belonging to Petyt, probably 
 being without it. It is a very important historical document with reference to the 
 claim of the Line of Scotland to the throne of England, and well merits to be printed 
 with accuracy and entireness, as it is found among the MSS. at Bridgewater House. 
 Burnet gives the date 14th January, 1566, whereas the true date appears to be the 
 4 th of January in that year. Several of the most material passages are either ob- 
 scured or perverted by the blunders in the copy employed by the historian of the 
 Reformation.] 
 
 " The copie of a lettre written from Sir W m Maitland, KX 
 lerd of Ledington, Secretary of Scotland, to Sir W m Cecill, 
 Kt. Secretary of England." 
 
 SIR, I have receaved your lettre sent me by my frende Robert 
 Malvyle, and am glad by the same to see my opinion of yowe con- 
 firmed, which (as God is my witnes) hath always bene one since 
 our first acquaintaunce, whatsoever others have thought or spoken 
 to the contrarye ; to witte, that I have ever reputed yowe as 
 honest, and with my self to have delte as plainlye, uprightlye and 
 sincerelye in all causes as any man of your nation or other 
 that I am acquainted with : and saving yowe haue not farthered 
 my man Graham his reasonable and long sute so farre as I 
 have hoped you wolde, I cannot charge yowe with anye thing, 
 which fault yowe may amend when it shall please yowe. And 
 although for some respects yowe may doe lesse therin then per- 
 haps otherwise yowe coulde finde in your hart to doe, yet fynde I 
 it to light a cause whye a breach of amitye betwixt us two shuld 
 followe. In the Queene my mastres causses, whatsoever hath 
 bene other mennes opinion, this hath constantlie bene my judg- 
 ment, and uttered in all my speaches to her Majesties self, that 
 yowe have bene a dutyfull subject and a true servant to your owne 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12.
 
 42 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 sovereign, no enemye to myne, norhinderaunce to her preferment, 
 a good minister to norrish the mutuall intelligence betwixt bothe. 
 no earnest medler in the question of titles ether for one faction or 
 other, but rather willing to forbeare altogither to deale therin, 
 onles yowe were expresselie commanded thereunto by the Quenes 
 majestic. This is your fault in that case, that yowe pretend more 
 ignoraunce then is convenient for a counsaillour, and one that hath 
 bene traded up from his youth in the knowleage of the lawes of 
 the realme and manedging of the publyke affaires : which lack, 
 although yowe are content shalbe found in yowe, I will still purge 
 yowe of it, interpreting your meaning otherwais, as a man unwilling 
 to determyne rashlye matters of so great consequent, Yet under- 
 standing by Mr. Malvyle that yowe be desierous to lern of me 
 soch prouffes and reasons as may declare and fortifie the Q. my 
 sovereigns title to the crowne next to the Q. your sovereign, and 
 the lawfull issue of her bodie, I will interprete your motion to the 
 best, as I have bene always disposed to doe of yowe and your 
 doing. I will not enter into conjectures, but simply say that 
 yowe have as greate cause and as greate moyen to be of the truth 
 of yowre matter well and trewlie informed as anye man of your 
 nation, and by many meanes and circumstances yowe are more 
 enabled then I to rendre probable assertions for the course of my 
 sovereigns title, considering the matter is trobled in part and 
 chieflie by the Inglishe lawes. Not the lesse to satisfie your 
 desier in this matter, I will venture adding this protestation, that 
 whatsoever summarylie I speake to yowe familiarlie may not in 
 anye way prejudge the validytye of her right, or be reputed to be 
 spoken of a sufficient prouffe in soch a cause, where there is so 
 mutch to be sayde by all lawes. And because I think all rightes 
 and titles of the crowne united, invested and incorporate in the 
 lawfull issue of King Henrie the vij th and Quene Elizabeth his 
 wyffe, I doe absteyne from dealling with anye former titles or 
 retrogradacions, and doe send yowe, as a subject to worke on, the 
 genealogie of the issue of the sayde Henrye the vij th and his wyffe 
 Elizabeth ; wherbie it doth appere that the Quene my sovereign
 
 EXCLUSION OF THE LINE OF SCOTLAND. 43 
 
 is jure gentium et sanguinis, by the civill and common lawes, and 
 by the common lawes of Inglonde, undoubtedlie heire to the 
 crowne next after the issue of Henrye theight lawfullie begotten ; 
 for there is no objection nor barre to be object against the decourse 
 of her lyne and progenye ether by ecclesiasticall or temporall 
 lawe. I cannot be ignoraunt that some doe object, as a traverse, 
 her Majesties forreyii birth, and therbie to make her incapable of 
 the inheritaunce of Englonde. To that yowe knowe for aunswere 
 what may be sayde by anye Englishe patrone of my maistres cause, 
 although I being a Scotte will not affirme the same, that there 
 ariseth a question amongest yowe, whether the realme of Scotland 
 be forth of the homage and legeaunce of Englonde ? and heretofore 
 you have in sondrie proclamations, preceading your warres making, 
 and in sondrie bookes at severall tymes, labored moch to prove 
 the homage and fealtie of Scotlande to Englond. Your stories also 
 be not voyde of this intent. What the judgment of the fathers 
 of your lawe is, and what comonlye is thought in this matter, 
 yowe knowe bettre then I, and may have mutch better intelligence 
 then I, the argument being fitter for your assertion then myne. 
 An other question there is also opon this objection of forrein 
 birth, that is to say, whether princes inheritable to the crowne be, 
 in the case of the crowne, exempted or concluded as private per- 
 sons being straungers borne forth of the legeaunce of Englonde. 
 Yowe knowe in this case, as in divers others, the state of the 
 crowne. The persons inheritable to the crowne at the tyme of 
 their capacitie have diverse differences and prerogatives from other 
 possessions. Manye lawes made for subjectes take no houlde in 
 the case of the prince, and they haue soch privileages as other 
 persons enjoye not, as in cases of atteyndures and other penall 
 lawes : examples, Henrye the vij th , whoe being a subject was at- 
 teynted, and Edward the iiij t}l , whose father Richard Plantageriet 
 and himself were both atteynted, all which claymed, notwithstand- 
 ing their atteyndures, the crowne, and two of them atteyned the 
 same. Amongest manye reasons to be shewed bothe for these
 
 '14 THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 differentes, and that forrein birth doth not take place in the case 
 of the crowne as in common persons, the manye experiences, before 
 the conquest and since, of your kinges doe plainlye testifie. Twoe of 
 purpose I will name unto yowe ; Henrye the second, Maulde them- 
 peratrix sonne, and Richard of Burdeaulx, the black princes sonne, 
 the rather for that nether of the twoe was the King of Englondes 
 sonne, and so not enfantz du Roy, if the worde be taken in his stricte 
 signification. And for the better prouffe that it was alwayes the com- 
 mon lawe of yoiir realme that in the case of the crowne forreyn 
 birth was no barre, yowe doe remembre the wordes of the statute 
 of the xxv th Edwardi tertij, where it is sayde the lawe was ever 
 so ; whereupon (if yowe can remembre it,) yowe and I fell once 
 at a reasoning in my Lord of Leicesters chambre, by occasion of 
 the abridgment of Rastall, wherein I did shewe yowe somewhat to 
 this purpose. Also these wordes, enfantz and auncesters be in 
 predicamento ad aUquid, and so correlatives in soch sorte as the 
 meaning of the lawe was not to restraine the understanding of 
 those wordes enfantz so stricte as onlye to the children of the 
 Kinges bodie, but to the others inheritable in remayndre, and 
 namelye in the next remayndre. And if some sophisters will nedes 
 cavill about the precise understanding of enfantz, let them be aun- 
 swered with the stopp of this worde auncestres. In all provisions 
 for filij nepotes et liberi, yowe maye see there was no difference 
 betwixt the first degre and those that come after. Off the civill 
 lawe, liberoriim appellatione comprehenduntur non solum filij, 
 verum etiam nepotes, pronepotes, abnepotes, which, if yowe 
 examine the reason whie forreyn birth is excluded, yowe may see 
 that it was not so nedefull in princes causes as in common per- 
 sons. Moreover, I knowe that Englonde hathe oftentymes made 
 greate allyaunces with daughters, and matched them with the 
 greatest forreyn princes of Europe ; and so doe I also undrestand 
 that they all did repute the children of them and of the daughters 
 of Englonde inheritable in succession to that crowne, notwith- 
 standing the forreyn birth of their issue. And in this case I doe
 
 EXCLUSION OF THE LINE OF SCOTLAND. 45 
 
 appeale to all chronicles, to their contracts of marriages, and to the 
 opinion of all the princes of Christendome ; for, thoughe Englonde 
 be a noble and puissant countrye, the respecte of the alliaunce 
 onlie and the dote hath not moved the greate princes to match 
 so often in manage, but the possibilitie of the Crown in succes- 
 sion. I cannot be ignoraunt altogither of this matter, considering 
 that I serve my Sovereign in the rome that yowe serve yours. 
 The contract is extaunt of mariage betwixt the King, my mastres 
 graundfather, and Quene Margaret, daughter of King Henrye the 
 vijth, by whose person the title is devolvite in my Sovereign. 
 What her fathers meaning was in the bestowing of her, the 
 worlde knoweth by that is conteynid in your Chronicles, written 
 by Polidorus Virgilius, before (as I think) ether yowe or I were 
 borne, at least when it was little thought of this matter shulde 
 come in question. There is one other exception also layd against 
 my Sovereign, which semeth at the first to be of some weight, 
 grounded upon certeyn statutes made in King Henrye the eights 
 tyme, viz. of xxviij and xxxv of his reign, wherbie full power and 
 authoritie was given unto the sayd King Henrie to give, dispose, 
 appoint, assign, declare, and limite by his lettres patentes under 
 his greate seall, or els by his last will made in writing and signed 
 with his hand, at his owne pleasure, from tyme to tyme thereafter, 
 the imperiall crowne of that realme, which imperiall crowne is 
 by some alleaged and constantlie affirmed to have bene limited 
 and disposed by the last will and testament of the sayd King 
 Henrye theight, signed with his hand before his death, unto 
 the children of the ladies Fraunces and Eleanor, daughters to 
 Marye, the French Quene, yonger daughter to Henrie the vii th , 
 and of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolke ; so as it is thought the 
 Quene, my sovereign, and all others clayming by course of inhe- 
 ritaunce, be, by these circumstances, excluded and forclosed. 
 Sir, as it doth well become all subjects soch as I am, so my 
 liking is to speake of princes, of their reignes and proceedinges, 
 modestlie and with respect ; yet I cannot absteyne to say that
 
 46 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 the chronicles and histories of that age, and your owne printed 
 statutes being extant, do contaminate and disgrace greatlie the 
 reign of that king in that tyrae. But to come to our purpose : 
 what equitie and justice was that to disherite a race of forreyn 
 princes of their possibilitie and maternall right by a municipall 
 lawe or statute made in that which some wolde terme a corrupt 
 tyme, and say that will ruled the rost ; yea, and to exclude the 
 right heires from their title withoute calling them to aunswere, 
 or anye for them ? Well, it may be sayde that the injurye of the 
 tyme, and the indirect dealling, is not to be allowed, but, since it 
 is done, it cannot be made voyde onlesse some circumstances 
 materiall doe adnihilate the sayd limitation and disposition of the 
 crowne. Nowe let us examine the mannour and circumstances 
 howe King Henrie the eight was, by statute, enabled to dispose 
 the crowne. There is a forme in twoe sortes prescribed him 
 which he may not transgresse, that is to say, ether by his lettres 
 patentes sealled with his greate seall, or by his last will signed with 
 his hand : for, in this extraordinarie case he was tyed to an ordi- 
 narie and precise forme, which, not being observed, the lettres 
 patentes, or will, cannot worke the intent and effect supposed. 
 And to disprove that the will was signed with his owne hand, 
 yowe knowe that, long before his death, he never used his owne 
 signe with his owne hand ; and, in the tyme of his sicknes, being 
 diverse tymes pressed to putte his hand to the will written, he 
 refused so to doe, as it semed God wolde not suffer him to per- 
 fect an acte so injurious and prejudicial! to the right heire of the 
 crowne, being his niepce. Then his death approching, some, as- 
 well knowne to yowe as to me, caused Willm Clerk, sometyme 
 servaunt to Thomas Henneage, to signe the supposed will with a 
 stamp, for otherwise signed it was never. And yet notwith- 
 standing, some respecting more the satisfaction of their ambition, 
 and others their private commoditie then just and upright dealling, 
 procured diverse honest gentlemen, attending in sondrie romes 
 about the Kinges person, to testifie with their hand writinges the
 
 EXCLUSION OF THE LINE OF SCOTLAND. 4/ 
 
 contentes of the sayde pretended will, surmised to us signed with 
 the sayde Kinges owin hand. To prove this dissembled and 
 forged signed testament, I doe referre yowe to soch trialles as be 
 yet lefte. First, the attestation of the late Lord Pagett, pub- 
 lished in the Parleament in'quene Maryes tyme, for the restitu- 
 tion of the Duke of Northffolke. Next, I pray yowe on my 
 Sovereigns behalf, that the depositions may be taken in this 
 matter of the Marques of Winchester, Lord Threasorer of En- 
 glonde, the Marques of Northampton, the Erie of Pembroke, Sir 
 Willm Petre, then one of King Henrye his secretaries, Sir 
 Henrie Nevell, Sir Mawrice Bercley, Doctor Huick, Edmond 
 Harmon, barbor, John Orborne, grome of the chambre, Sir An- 
 thonie Dennye, if he be lyving, Ferys, the surgeon, and soch as 
 have herd David Vincent and others speake in this case, and that 
 their attestations may be inrolled in the chauncerye and in the 
 arches in perpetuam rei memoriam. Thirdlie, I doe referre yowe 
 to the originall, surmised to be signed with the Kinges hand, that 
 therbie it may most trulie and evidentlye appere by some differ- 
 ences how the same was not signed with the Kinges hand, but 
 stamped as is aforesayde. And albeit it is used both as an argu- 
 ment and calumniation against my sovereign, to say that the 
 sayde originall hath bene imbecilled in Quene Maryes tyme, I 
 trust God hath and will reserve the same to be an instrument 
 to releve the truth and to confound false surmises, that therbie 
 the right may take place, notwithstanding the manye exempli- 
 fications and transcripts, which, being sealled with the greate 
 seall, doe ronne abrode in Englond, and doe carrye away manye 
 mennes myndes, as greate presumptions of greate veritye and 
 validite. But, Sir, yowe knowe in cases of lesse importaunce then 
 the whole realme of Englonde, transcripts and exemplifications be 
 not of so greate force in lawe as to serve for the recoverye of any 
 thing, ether reall or personall. And in as mutch as my sove- 
 reignes title in this case shalbe little avaunced by taking excep- 
 tions to others pretend and craftie titles, considering her prece-
 
 48 THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 dentes, I will leave of to soch as are to clame after the issue of 
 Henrye the vij th to lay in barre the polygamye of Charles Bran- 
 don, the Duke of Suffolke, and also the vitiate and clandestine 
 contractes, if it may be so called, having no wytnes nor anye solem- 
 nization of Christian matrimonye, nor anye laufull matching, of the 
 Erie of Hertford and the Ladie Katherine ; lastly, the semblable 
 coupling of Mr. Keys and the Ladie Marye, sister to the sayd Ladie 
 Katherine. A.nd nowe, Sir, I have to aunswere yowre desier sayde 
 somewhat briefflie to the matter, which in deede is verye little, whare 
 so motch might be sayde, for, to speake trulie, the cause speaketh 
 for it selfe. I have so long forborne to deale in this matter, that 
 I have almost forgotten manye thinges which may be sayde for 
 roboration of her right, which I can shortlie reduce to my re- 
 membraunce being at Edenborough, where my notes are, so that if 
 yowe be not by this satisfied, opon knowleage from yowe of anye 
 other objection, I hope fullye to satisfie yowe in all thinges may 
 be layde against her. In the meane tyme, I praye yowe so counsaill 
 the Quene your sovereign as some effectuall reparation may followe 
 withoute delay the manye and sondrie traverses and disfavour- 
 ings committed against the Quene my sovereign, as the publishing 
 of so many exemplifications of King Henries supposed will, the 
 secreate embracing of John Hales booke, the bokes printed but 
 not avowed the last somer, one of which the Quene my M rs sent 
 by Henrie Killigrewe to the Quene your sovereign, the disputes 
 and proceadings of Lincolnes Inne, where the case was ruled 
 against the Quene my sovereign, the speaches by sondrie in this 
 last session of Parleament, tending all to my sovereignes disherison, 
 and nothing sayde to the contrarye by anye man, but the matter 
 shut up with silence most to her prejudice, and by so mutch the 
 more as everye man is gone whome settled and confirmed in this 
 error ; and lastlie the Quene your sovereignes resolution to defende 
 nowe by proclamations all bokes and writinges conteyning anye 
 discussion of titles, where alreadie the whole realme hath ingendrid 
 by these former proceadinges, and others favored pratizes, a settled
 
 THE GAME OF SWANS. 49 
 
 opinion against my soveriegn to the advauncement of the ladie 
 Katherines title. I might also speake of one other boke latelie 
 printed and sett abrode in this last Session, conteyning manye 
 untruthes and weake reasons, which M r Malvyle desiered might 
 be aunswered before the defence were made by proclamation. 
 I trust yowe will so houlde hande to the reformation of all these 
 thinges, as the quene my sovereign may haue effectuall occasion 
 to esteme yowe her frende, w ch doing, yowe shall nether offende 
 the Quene your maistres, your countrye, nor your owne con- 
 science, but be a favorer of the truth against errors, and yet de- 
 serue well of a princes whoe hath a good harte to recognize a good 
 torne when it is done her, and may hereafter have moyen to doe 
 yowe pleasure. For my particuler, as I have always honored yowe 
 as my frende, so doe I still remaine of the same mynde, one 
 whome, in all things not touching the state, yowe may direct as 
 your sonne Tho. Cecill. And so with my hartie recommendations 
 to yowe and my ladie bothe, I take my leaue. From Striveling, 
 the ferde day of Januarie, 1566. 
 
 THE GAME OF SWANS. 
 
 [Matters connected with the Game of Swans were formerly of much interest, and 
 " upping " (now called " hopping ") the Swans was a diversion greatly followed. In 
 that interesting volume, Mr. A. J. Kempe's Loseley Manuscripts, which contains so 
 many curious and valuable documents connected with public and private affairs in the 
 reigns from Henry VIII. to James I., are some papers, p. 305, which amusingly illustrate 
 the subject : they are not however of so early a date as the subsequent Warrant for 
 appointing Commissioners in Buckinghamshire, which must have been directed to 
 Sir Nicholas Bacon, then Lord Keeper. The first name in the list of Commissioners 
 ought to be Artkurus Dns Grey de Wilton, and not Anthonius. Several of the names 
 of the other Commissioners will be familiar to the ear. The object of the instrument 
 was to authorise the persons mentioned in it to inquire into offences against the 
 laws for the preservation of the Queen's Swans.] 
 
 Indorsed, " The names of the Commyssioners appoynted to heare and determyne the 
 cawses and offences concernyng the Game of Swannes, in the Countye of Buck." 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. H
 
 50 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 1566. 
 
 Anthonius Dns Grey de Wilton. 
 Edwardus Dns de Windsor. 
 Robertus Drewrye, miles. 
 Willelmus Dormer, miles. 
 Henricus Lee, miles. 
 Thomas Packington, miles. 
 Nichas Weste, Ar. 
 Johannes Thomson, Ar. 
 Thomas Fletewood, Ar. 
 Willelmus Hawtrey, Ar. 
 Thomas Terringham, Ar. 
 Thomas Pigott de Grendon, Ar. 
 Willelmus Fletewoode, Ar. 
 Edwardus Ardes, Ar. 
 
 Theis shalbe to require you, for the service of the Quenes 
 Ma tie , to direct her Highnes Commission, under the Greate Scale 
 of England, to the persons above rehersed, or foure of them, to 
 enquire of suche offences as have ben and are committed against 
 thauncient Lawes and Ordres made for the preservation of the 
 Queenes Ma ties game and herd of Swannes within the countie of 
 Buck. And for the dew punishement of thoffenders in that be- 
 half, as in like cases hertofore have benne accustomed. And theis 
 presents shalbe your warraunt for the same. Written the xj th of 
 Julye, 1566. 
 
 QUEEN ELIZABETH'S PROJECTED MARRIAGE. 
 
 [The Marginal Notes, together with an opinion at the close of the following docu- 
 ment, are in the handwriting of Sir Walter Mildmay, who seems to have taken espe- 
 cial interest in all matters relating to the proposed marriage of Queen Elizabeth. The 
 argument for and against the union is attributed in the title of the MS. to Sir Nicholas
 
 ELIZABETH S PROJECTED MARRIAGE. 51 
 
 Bacon, but before the words " by the Lorde Keeper," there is a blank, and something 
 has evidently there been erased, possibly expressive of a doubt upon the point of author- 
 ship. Sir Walter Mildmay does not appear to have been at all satisfied or convinced 
 by the reasoning, and remarks that nothing whatever had been advanced upon the most 
 important point of all religion.] 
 
 Anno 1570. 
 
 A discourse of the Queenes mariage with the Duke of An- 
 joye, drawen oute by the Lorde Keeper. 
 
 Considerations of hir Mariage. 
 
 It is necessarye for here to mary withoute longer delay of tyme, 
 for theis causes followinge : 
 
 ixru t $ the person 
 
 Wheareof some concerne < 
 
 (. the realrae. 
 
 I. In primis, if shee shoulde contynewe without mariage, and 
 so passe the age of hope to have children, shee should be in 
 daunger of suche as by divilishe meanes mighte be tempted to 
 desiere here ende, in respecte to bringe some other to here state 
 beefore here naturall tyme. Wheareas, shee beinge maried and 
 havinge children (as there is no doubte to the contrarye) their 
 intentions woulde waxe colde and vanishe awaye. 
 
 II. Itm, althoughe it maye bee hoped that God will, of his 
 goodnes, restrayne the power of the Devyll from attempte of 
 eny suche wickednes, yet, if shee shall forbeare mariage and passe 
 over her naturall age to have children, she cannot but bee in 
 daunger, and loose daily the loiall dutye of the love now borne 
 here by an infinite multitude of here good subjectes : for that the 
 naturall care in the moste parte of them that have possessions and 
 families to see to the preservation of them selues, their children 
 and posteritie, that muste followe here life, shall, from tyme to 
 tyme, induce them, firste to consider and searche out, and then 
 to resolve and determyn with them selues uppon the personn of 
 suche as by probabilite may seeme to succeede, to whom the 
 subjectes shall firste secretlie, and in proces of tyme more boldlie,
 
 52 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 directe their inward devotions, and so haue lesse regarde to the 
 contyimance, preservation, and prosperity of here, whiche muste 
 bee not only disco mfortable but also dangerous. 
 
 III. I omitte greate number of here subjectes beinge alreadye 
 secreatlie and deeplie infected with severall factions towardes 
 sume others to bee promoted to the rome in sume causes, percase 
 presentlie without expectation of the ende of here naturall life, 
 the whiche kynde of subjectes surely cannot but grudge and mis- 
 like hir prosperous contynuaunce, and shalbee readye to assist 
 any invasion of the State by practize, rebellion, or by foren inva- 
 sion. Wheareupon this is the consequence, when shee shall feele 
 or mistruste this decaye of the naturall kyndnes and love of here 
 subjectes, and almoste shall not knowe whome she may surelye 
 truste, and shall finde no reamedye to recover yt for lacke of 
 maryage and children, shee shall have a perpetuall torment in here 
 life, and shall joye in nothinge, so as she shall not have fiiov 
 o\fiiov. 
 
 Nowe for the Realme. Secondlie, here mariage shall muche 
 profitt the realme, for, upon hope of isshue to bee had, all honeste 
 subjectes will contynue in their constancye of dutye and love to- 
 wardes here, and will nowayes inclyne them selves to have regarde 
 to eny other future Q. ; but will hope by here children that the 
 crowne of this realme, through Goddes goodnes, shall remayne 
 in the right line of Kinge Henrye viiith, and so thereby the curious 
 and dangerous questions of the righte succession (which is now 
 the grounde of all mischiefe,) shall, in the mindes of quiet sub- 
 jectes, bee, as it weare, buried, a happie funerall to all Englande : 
 and for the other sorte, duringe the tyme of this reasonable hope 
 of havinge children by her Ma t} e, the moste parte of subjectes that 
 have not yet manifested them selves to bee overmuche dedicated 
 to a future prince, wilbe afraid to geeve eny open chaunge of 
 mynde towardes eny other, so as in this tyme, and by this good 
 meanes manye daungerous practizes wilbe forborne and lye dedde. 
 Whereof thies followinge are the principall :
 
 ELIZABETH'S PROJECTED MARRIAGE. 53 
 
 1 . The intention to advaunce the Q. of Scotts title, present or 
 future, bee yt for ambition to bee promoted by her, or for disdayne 
 to the Q. or suche unloiall affection. 
 
 2. The purpose also (if eny such shalbee,) to revive the manage 
 beetweene here and the Duke of Norfolke, which shall no waye 
 bee so well stayed as by the Q. mariage, and thereby also shall 
 all other mightie persons that otherwayes shoulde seeke the 
 mariage of the said Q. bee withdrawen from ernest pursuinge 
 thereof. 
 
 3. The comforters of discontented subjectes andrebelles, whose 
 hole hope of prosperitie dependith uppon the succes of a chaunge 
 of the Q,. raigne, in respecte of papistrye and of theire former re- 
 bellion, thereby to be restored to their states and countries. 
 
 4. Itm, when God shall geeve to the realme his blessinge by 
 havinge of issue by the Q. the joye wilbe so greate to good sub- 
 jectes, and the greefe to the evill, that shee shall, as yt weare, a 
 newe life putt into the hartes and bodyes of her good subjectes ; 
 yea, the evell and frowarde will appeare in the leeknes of good 
 subjectes, and so shall here Ma tie bee free from inwarde care and 
 solicitude, which otherwayes shall oppres her greatly. Then shall 
 not here Ma tie feare eny matches of mariage of the Q,. of Scottes, 
 as nowe shee hath greate cause to dooe ; nor eny practize of 
 trowble within the realme by rebelles or discontented persons, so 
 as God bee thanked for his blessinge, and lawes observed by good 
 and indifferent administration of justice, and honorable, good and 
 vertuous persons promoted and rewarded. Then shall there bee 
 no cause to feare the attemptes of other princes, if amitie bee ob- 
 served towarde them, which may bee easelie kepte, consideringe 
 there shall not bee suche neede to use the devises and prepara- 
 tions that hitherto haue bynne invented and prepared, onlie for 
 feare of annoyance of the realme by forrynne enterprises. 
 
 IV. The seconde consideration of here mariage, with whome it 
 may bee meete for here to marye.
 
 54 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 This parte consisteth opon thies pointes : that, what person is 
 meetest for here, and what person is meetest for the realme, and 
 what for both joyntlie. 
 
 The principall pointe for the first is, that the partie bee suche 
 as shee may beste leke of to her owne contentation, and for her 
 satisfaction manny respectes shalbee required ; and that all cannot 
 be fulfilled, as it is not leekely there canne be in any one person : 
 yeat the mariage is so necessarie and profitable both for here and 
 the realme, as it may not be deferred for lacke of some of those 
 respectes, but to allowe of that person that may bringe contentation 
 to hir, with moste of the same respectes, or with the best of them. 
 
 If here Ma tie shall disclose here mynde in the remembrance of 
 thies respectes, then the consideration must bee hadd in perusinge 
 the same both their nomber and for the waight and value, and 
 therewith to make choise of the best that may be attayned. 
 Whearein no man shalbee able to conceaue what in deede shalbee 
 best as hir selfe, and yet conjecturable. 
 
 It maye bee said, first to marrye at home : here Ma tie thereby 
 may bee most assured aforehande of the qualities of the person, 
 and so satisfie those respectes that pertayne to that partye without 
 farther disquisition. 
 
 Shee may also with more facilite directe suche a person in all 
 his actions, for althoughe hee shall by matrimonye be her hedde, 
 yet by the lawes of this realme and by pollicye hee shalbee in the 
 nature of here subjecte, and here Ma tie shall thereby avoyde the 
 mislikinge that comonlie this nation hath of a straunger. 
 
 Besides this, here Ma tie may so order hir proceedinge in mariage 
 with here subjecte, as shee may procure by good meanes that here 
 estates may well allowe of yt. 
 
 To marrye a forryner, and one of the Kynges bludde, and to 
 Henry Duke speake more perticularly at this tyme, to marry with the 
 of Anjow. Duke of Anjowe, the Frenche Kynges brother, it is 
 good firste to remember the discommodities thereof, and then the
 
 ELIZABETH'S PROJECTED MARRIAGE. 55 
 
 commodities, and so consequently to gather thereof by comparison 
 sume probable opinion, with aunsweringe to the objections. 
 
 Discomm odities. 
 
 1. Firste, his age is inferior to her Ma tie , his conditions not yet 
 knowen ; his estate and constitution of his bodye not 
 
 well understanded ; his disposition in religion hitherto 
 manifested contrarye to here Ma tie and the order of her realme, 
 wheareof without reformation there cannot but followe notable 
 perilles and disquietnes to here. 
 
 2. Secondlie, in that hee is a straunger, and especially in that 
 hee is a Prince and an heire of the Crowne of Fraunce, Succession 
 hee shalbee comonly misliked of the nation of Eng- ^.^g of 
 
 land. France. 
 
 3. It shalbe also doughted that if hee shoulde not have children 
 by the Q. he mighte, with helpe of his brother, beinge a potent 
 
 Kynge of Fraunce, incroche to him selfe this Crowne, 
 
 J ' Usurpation 
 
 by coller of some gifte from the Pope, bycause he canne of the 
 devise no other title to the same. e ' 
 
 4. Itm, if hee shoulde have children, beinge sonnes, and his 
 brother the Kynge of Fraunce shoulde dye without issue, then 
 bothe the kingdoms shoulde resorte to the Q. Ma ties Union of 
 sonne by the Duke : whereof thoughe the Q. shoulde both Realm es. 
 haue cause of comfort, yeat here olde naturall subjectes, that is 
 the whole nation of Inglande, shall perpetually rewe it ; and for 
 feare of suche an accident shall presently mislike of this maryage. 
 
 5. Itm, if the Duke shoulde not have children of the Q., and 
 the Scottishe Q,. should remayne unmaried, then it mighte be 
 daunger to the shorteninge of here Ma ties life, lest some insinua- 
 tion might lighte into the harte of the Duke to attaine to the 
 mariage of the Q. of Scottes, as heereby to contynue ._. . 
 the possession of the crowne of Inglande, and to con- of the Scott 
 joyne all the kingdoms of Englande, Scotlande and ' 
 Ireland together in his owne personne.
 
 56 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 6. Itm, by this mariage will ensewe coldnes of amytie with 
 Spayne and Burgondye, and a feare that the French Kynge, hav- 
 inge manye titles and chalenges to contryes possessed by the 
 Bellum Kinge of Spayne, as Naples, Millayne, Flaunders, 
 
 Sociale. Burgundye, the Q. may bee broughte to a conjunction 
 of a warre with Fraunce againste Spayne, as Q. Marye was with 
 Kinge Phillipp againste Fraunce, wheareby Callys was loste. 
 
 Aunsweres to the objections. 
 
 1. It cannot be denied but yt weare to be wished that hee were 
 elder, and yeat his stature and personage is not childishe, but 
 manlye and comlye ; but as yt is hee shall have cause to esteeme 
 the Q. Ma tie as shall become him, both because shee is in person- 
 age, beautye and all giftes of nature the best and goodliest princes 
 in Christendom. Shee is also in sighte to beholde not inferior 
 to eny other princes of the Dukes owne age, neither is hir age to be 
 judged by here visage, but thereby shee may be esteemyd of equall 
 age with him. Shee is also a Gt. of a realme suche one as all Chris- 
 tendome, nor the reste of the knowne world, hath the leke to bee 
 maryed, consideringe her personn, hir giftes, and here kyndomes. 
 Shee is also so wise yt is probable shee shall always provoke 
 De Religione an ^ direct him to love and honor here : besides that 
 nichil. hee hath no kyndoms nor countryes to resorte unto, 
 nor warre to mayntayne, as Kinge Philipp hadd, who by pretence 
 thereof absented him selfe, and by absence abated his love. 
 
 2. Althoughe at the firste suche thinges as are either to be 
 liked or misliked have a voise for a tyme, and with tyme they 
 
 also alter, so as it is a proverbe that a wounder lasteth 
 proverb for n t ^ x daies, this mariage cannot have such mis- 
 soweightiea lykinge as Kinge Phillipps justely hadd. When the 
 
 Emperor Charles, his father, leeved, a Prince feared 
 for his attemptes and conquestes, and King Phillipp was invested 
 in a greate parte of his fathers dominions, and by the Emperors 
 death approchinge, was to bee a monarch of greate puissance as
 
 ELIZABETH 8 PROJECTED MARRIAGE. 5/ 
 
 eny was in Christendome, the offence conceaved againste him at 
 the firste was cheefelye by certaine Protestantes, partlie in respect 
 of religion, partlie for that some of them weare not in creaditt 
 and estimation, as theie had beene ; but the example of that 
 attempte with the sequell is sufficient to make others beware of 
 the leeke. 
 
 3. The necessitie, also, and the longe expectation of the Q. 
 mariage, with the longe desier of here good subjectes to have 
 here maried, will staye the mislikinge of this prince. Consither- 
 inge, also, that hee is to come hither but a kinges youngest bro- 
 ther, and not a monarke, so as hee shall have occasion to require 
 and procure the good will, firste, of the Q. Ma tie , and next of all 
 here estates of all sortes ; and, beinge a straunger heere, shall 
 thereby bee constrayned to use him selfe gentelye and favorably 
 towardes all sortes without difference, whiche wilbe plausible to the 
 multitude. 
 
 4. Itm, in the compacts of mariage maye also be provided 
 suche orders as untill further proofe bee had of him, and that hee 
 shall have a sonne by the Q., hee shall not intermeddell with any 
 parte of the governement of the realme to move any suspection, 
 but as shalbee limited and requisite to ease the Q. Ma tie of here 
 perpetuall care of governement. 
 
 5. This is an incident not yet happened, nor muche like here- 
 after suche to happen, for the kinge, his brother, is j^^ sithence 
 newlie maried, with a wiffe leeke to have children ; hath happen- 
 and, by proofe, as it is reported, hee is knowen able 
 
 to gett children ; but to staie the feare of that inconveniance it 
 may bee also provided by lawes, surely of both the realmes, that 
 if the Queeries Ma tie of Ingland shall have too sonnes, Union of the 
 the one may be Kinge of Fraunce, thother of Eng- turpe. 
 land ; and if God shall so dispose the matter there How our actes 
 should bee but one sonne, then the case must be hereof both, 
 suffered, with promision, that the crowne of England Quere. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. I
 
 58 THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 One sonne. may e remayne in suche estate as if the Prince, beeinge 
 durum. Kinge of Englande and Fraunce, shall aftenvarde have 
 
 too sonnes, the kingdome may bee divided. If the Queene have 
 Daughters, no sonne, but daughters, then, consideringe the crowne 
 of Fraunce is not dissendable to daughters, as the crowne of 
 England is, the perill is avoided. 
 
 6. It weare good that the Scottishe Q. weare maried, and it is 
 leekely that, beeinge younge as shee is, shee will not longe abyde 
 unmaried. 
 
 7- It is more likely that heereby the Kinge of Spayne will 
 more curteously use the Queene and here subjectes, for, by hard 
 dealinge, hee shall nothinge gayne of Ingland, but rather provoke 
 harme to him selfe and his countryes. 
 
 The Commodities that mighte ensue upon the mariage with the 
 Duke of Anjoye. 
 
 The mariage with the Duke of Anjoye is honorable, for hee 
 being a sonne and brother to the Kinge of Fraunce, the children 
 also that shall come of that mariadge shalbe princely, and in re- 
 spectes more comfortable for the subjectes to serve and obeye 
 them. Yt shalbe also comfortable, by conjunction of good amitye 
 Fragilis with the crowne of Fraunce, with the which in former 
 tymes only the wares of Ingland have beene most 
 cruell and hurtefull. 
 
 The Q. Maties mynde shalbe also more in this satisfied, in that 
 Honorable s ^ ee ^ atn alwayes professed that if shee maried, it 
 
 if it be as should bee like a kynges daughter, in the ranke of 
 gauffe. 
 
 princes. 
 
 And by this mariage the Q. shalbe delyvered of the continuall 
 feare of the practizes withe the Queene of Scottes, on whome 
 dependeth almoste the onlye prosperitie of the Q. hole liffe and 
 raygne; so as here Ma tie may delyver if shee please, and permitte 
 hir to marrye whome shee liste : and indeede it weare conve- 
 nient shee weare also maried after that the Q. shalbee married. 
 
 Itrn, heereby the Kinge of Spayne shall bee made more con-
 
 PRECEDENCE AT CORONATIONS. 59 
 
 formable to renue and keepe bothe the araitye and treaties of 
 the intercoise with the Q., whereof the doubte is nowe suche, 
 as howe to recover and keepe them dependeth upon his plea- 
 sure. 
 
 Itm, the Popes mallice, with his bulles and excommunication, 
 and the spight of his dependantes, as well heere at home as 
 abrode, shalbe suspended and vanished awaye as a smoke. 
 
 Itm, the Emperor and his brother shall heereby have the 
 Queene in more estimation then it seemith, for all their faire 
 wourdes, thei haue hadde. 
 
 [Note in the handwriting of Sir W. MildmayJ\ 
 To the matier of Religion, which is the greatest thing, he hath 
 said nothing, and to the rest the aunsweres are not so weightie 
 as the objections, if they be well considered. 
 
 PRECEDENCE AT A CORONATION. 
 
 [The subsequent Order of Precedence, dated in 1572, had been probably made out 
 originally in reference to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth, which took place on the 
 15th January, 1558-9. It is from a folio MS. volume containing entries of irregular 
 dates between the commencement and the termination of the reign of Elizabeth. In 
 the list of the nobility, with the places they ought to occupy in such a solemnity, 
 will be noticed the names of several Peers not created until some time after the corona- 
 tion, as the Earl of Leicester in 1563, Lord Buckhurst in 1567, and Lord Burghley in 
 1571, &c. The probability therefore is, that the transcriber corrected the original 
 from which he copied according to the date when he was writing. It is to be remarked 
 that what follows is the earliest entry in the volume, but some few of the additions 
 would seem to have been made even thirty years later. In Nichols's Progresses of Q. 
 Elisabeth, i. 299, is an " Order of Proceeding to Parliament" in 1572, with which what 
 follows may be compared, and by which in some material points it may be corrected.] 
 
 The proceeding e to a Coronation. 
 
 Messengers of the Chamber. 
 Esquiers 2 and 2. 
 Esquiers for the Body. 
 Clarkes of the Chauncery G.
 
 60 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Clarkes of the signet 4. 
 Clarkes of the privie seale 4. 
 Clarkes of the Councell 4. 
 Masters of the Chauncery. 
 Bachelor Knightes. 
 Knightes Bannerettes. 
 
 THE TROMPETES. 
 
 The Serjeant at Lawe. 
 
 Attorney > ^ 
 
 Sollicitor 3 
 
 Barons of thexchequer 2 and 2. 
 
 Judges of the comen pleas. 
 
 Judges of the K's Benche 2 and 2. 
 
 L. Chief Baron of thexchequer. 
 
 L. Chief Justice of tha^omen pleas. 
 
 Master of the Holies. 
 
 L. Chief Justice of England. 
 
 Knightes of the Bathe. 
 
 Knightes of the privie Counsell. 
 
 Knightes of the Garter. 
 
 Barrons youngest sonnes. 
 
 Barrens eldest sonnes. 
 
 Earles youngest sonnes. 
 
 Earles eldest sonnes. 
 
 Dukes younger sonnes. 
 
 Marquises eldest sonnes. 
 
 Dukes eldest sonnes. 
 
 Comptroller. 
 
 Thresorer. 
 
 BARONS. 
 
 Noris. Burghley. 
 
 Cheyne. Delaware. 
 
 Compton. Buckhurst.
 
 PRECEDENCE AT CORONATIONS. 61 
 
 St John of Bletsu. Montegle. 
 
 Hunsdon. Darcy of Nevill. 
 
 Chandois. Ogle. 
 
 North. Mountjoye. 
 Hawardof Effinghamof Chirche. Lomeley. 
 
 Darcy. Sturton. 
 
 Pagett. Latymer. 
 
 Shefield. Dudley. 
 
 Willoughbie. Scroope. 
 
 Riche. Grey of Wilton. 
 
 Wharton. Stafford. 
 
 Evers. Cobham. 
 
 Cromewell. Dacres of the South. 
 
 S l John of Basing. Moreley. 
 
 Mordaunt. Barkeley. 
 
 Burrough. Straunge. 
 
 Wentworth. Souche. 
 
 Windsor. Audeley. 
 
 Vaux. Aburgavenney. 
 Sandes. 
 
 BUSHOPPES. 
 
 Glocester. Salisbury. 
 
 S* Asaph. Lincolne. 
 
 Chester. Bangor. 
 
 Carlile. Worcester. 
 
 Peterboroughe. Ely. 
 
 Norwiche. Hardford. 
 
 Exeter. Landaff. 
 
 Lichefield. Chichester. 
 
 Bath. Winchester. 
 
 Rochester. Durham. 
 
 S* Davies. London.
 
 62 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 VlSCOUNTES. 
 
 Viscount Bindon. Viscount Montague. 
 
 EARLES. 
 
 Lincolne. Sussex. 
 
 Essex. Cumberland. 
 
 Leicester. Rutland. 
 
 Herford. Worcester. 
 
 Pembrook. Darby. 
 
 Bedford. Kent. 
 
 Southampton. Shrewsbury. 
 
 Warwick and Bath. Oxford. 
 
 Huntington. Arundell. 
 
 Marques of Winchester. 
 Marques of Northampton. 
 
 ARCHBUSHOPPES. 
 
 The K's Secretarye, beinge a Baron, to be placed above all Barons 
 so placed in Parl 1 . 
 
 L. Chamberlayne. 
 L. Steward of the Howse. 
 L. Admirall of England. 
 L. Marshall of England. 
 L. Constable of England. 
 L. Chamberlayne of England. 
 
 These sixe great Officers to be placed before the L. Privie Scale 
 according to their estates, viz. if any of them be a Duke, then 
 above all Dukes being not of the blood royall : yf he be a Mar- 
 ques, above all Marqueses : if he be an Earle, above all Earles : 
 yf Vicount, above all Vicounts : a Baron, above all Barons.
 
 ROMAN CATHOLIC FUGITIVES. 63 
 
 L. Privie Scale. 
 
 L. President of the Counsell. 
 
 L. Threr of England. 
 
 L. Chancellor of England. 
 
 Theis fower, beinge the degree of a Baron or above, shall sett 
 and preceed all above all Dukes beinge not of the blood royall, 
 viz. the K's brother, unckle or nephewe. 
 
 ROMAN CATHOLIC FUGITIVES. 
 
 [This list is inserted in a folio volume, bound in vellum, containing various docu- 
 ments, apparently copied from the originals. The dates range from the com- 
 mencement to the end of the reign of Elizabeth, and that which belongs to the ensuing 
 enumeration of religious fugitives is Jan. 29 tb , 1576, when probably their names were 
 " certified into the Exchequer " as absent from the kingdom contrary to the statute 
 passed five years before. They are placed under counties, but without any other 
 arrangement, and many of the names will be familiar to the ear of the reader. The 
 first that occurs must have been the grandson of the Henry Parker, Lord Morley, who, 
 besides other works, translated The Triumphs of Petrarch, which he presented to 
 Henry VIII., and which was printed by John Cawood. The " John Heywood, Gent.'' 
 mentioned as of Kent, was no doubt the old Poet and Dramatist, who had fled the 
 country when Elizabeth came to the throne, and who is stated by Anthony Wood 
 (Ath. Oxon. i. 349, edit. 1813,) to have died " about 1565." If this list were of living 
 fugitives, Heywood survived the dace assigned by Anthony Wood about eleven years, 
 and he is known to have been alive in 1570 ; but it is possible that when the return was 
 made out Heywood was dead, though no account of his death might have been received 
 in England. In Strype's Annals, II. App. to Book ii. No. 1, is a list of fugitives 
 with the same date : it mainly corresponds with what is inserted below, but it omits 
 some names and varies with respect to others. It seems likely that the two lists were 
 made out from the same original ] 
 
 The names of all such as are certified into theschequer to be 
 fugitives over the seas, contrary to the statut of A". 
 13 E. Re e . 
 
 ESSEX. Henry Parker, L. Morley. 
 
 Charles Parker, Gent. 
 Edward Parker, Gent.
 
 64 
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Miche, D. of Lawe. 
 
 Thomas Clement, Gent. 
 
 Margaret Clement, Widdowe. 
 
 John Clement, D. of Phisike. 
 
 John Griffin. 
 
 Richard Norton, late of Norton, in Com. Eborn. Ar. 
 EBORN. John Twinge, Gent. 
 
 Anthony Langdale, Gent. 
 
 John Brown, Gent. 
 
 Frauncis Moore, Gent. 
 DERB. John Sacheverell, Ar. 
 
 Henry Babington, Gent. 
 LONDON. Humfrey Shelton, Gent. 
 
 Hugh Charnock, Gent. 
 SUFF. Anthony Wilkinson, Parson of Melford. 
 
 Nichas Wendon, D. of Lawe, Archdecon, ibm. 
 
 Walter Gerningham, Gent. 
 
 Robert Stepes, Parson of Hackstede. 
 
 Edmond Smart, Gent. 
 
 Richard Sely, Gent. 
 Henry Drury, Gent. 
 Walter Ellis. 
 William Soane, Gent. 
 John Watson, Miller. 
 Anthony Goldingham, Clerk. 
 Anthony Noller. 
 Thomas Laurence, Junr. 
 John Watson, Miller, 2. 
 SURR. Thomas Copley, Ar. 
 
 John Prestall, Gent. 
 'Anthony Standon, Gent. 
 SOUTH H. Thomas Shelley, Gent. 
 
 Anthony Willnison, Gent. 
 John Flower, Clerk. 
 Willm Smith, Clerk.
 
 ROMAN CATHOLIC FUGITIVES. 
 
 65 
 
 KANC. John Heywood, Gent. 
 
 Robert Gyles, Gent. 
 SUSSEX. John Leedes, Ar. 
 
 James Shelley, Ar. *. 
 
 Willm Stapleton, Gent. 
 
 Thomas, his sonne. 
 LANCASTER. Thomas Houghton, Ar. 
 
 Evan Leydock, Gent. 
 STAFF. Richard Hopkins. 
 
 DOBS. Roger James, Clerk. 
 
 CANT. Robert Rowt, Clerk. 
 
 Tho. Hanadine, Clerk. 
 HE RTF. Robert Chaunty, Gent. 
 
 MIDD. Richard Shelley, Miles, unus confratrum nup Hos- 
 
 pi tails S^ Johis Jerim. 
 LEIC. Henry JoliiF, Clerk. 
 
 John Pott, Scholm r . 
 
 John Bowcer, late Abbot of Leic. 
 NORF. Willm Daie, retorned. 
 
 BERK. Frauncis Englefield, Knight. 
 
 SOMS. James Bosgrave. 
 
 Willm Phelps. 
 
 James Fitsjames, Clerk. 
 
 Gilbert Barford, Clerk. 
 
 Edward Crockford, Clerk. 
 
 Willm Good, Scholm r . 
 
 Gyles Capell, Clerk. 
 OXON. John Bustard, Gent. 
 
 John Hart, Yoman. 
 
 Margaret Hart. 
 
 Elizabeth Hart. 
 BEDD. Edmund Cussen, Clerk. 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12.
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 ROYAL PREROGATIVE IN IRELAND. 
 
 [In the margin of this document are the following words, " Out of the Lo. Tres. 
 Burghleies papers 4h his owne hand ; " so that what follows is a copy of the original, 
 and although it bears date in 1577, it refers to a transaction during the reign of Mary, 
 " the late Queen '' being specially mentioned. Camden, in his Annals of Elizabeth, 
 (Kennett, ii. 398, Edit. 1719,) tells us that Sir Henry Sidney had been "Lord Justice 
 and Treasurer of Ireland" in the reign of Mary ; but he is here spoken of as " Deputy," 
 though not as Lord Deputy. . On p. 437 of Camden's Annals, he is called " Lord 
 Deputy" on his return into England in 1571. He was sent to Ireland again in the 
 same capacity in 1576, and, with relation to this appointment, it seems likely that 
 Lord Burghley drew up the subsequent account of the manner in which Queen Mary's 
 prerogative had been resisted, and the steps then taken to assert it. Sir Henry Sidney 
 finally quitted Ireland in 1578, and was succeeded by Sir William Drury, who, how- 
 ever, died in the following year. Sidney was much beloved, and in Haynes's State 
 Papers, p. 463, may be seen a tribute to the excellence of his character and government.] 
 
 Indorsed, " 1577. The order against such as complayned against Sir Henry Sidney, 
 Deputy of Ireland." 
 
 THE Earle of Desmond, out of Munster, and the Vicount Bal- 
 tingglasse, the Barons of Delvin, Hoth, and Trimelston, out of 
 Leinster, sent certen persons with their petitions to the late 
 Queene against the Deputy, Sir Henry Sidney, complayning that 
 he had (in imposing Sesse and other thinges upon the countrey, 
 as out of the power of prerogative) infringed the liberties of the 
 country ; which petitions receaved by her Maty and delivered over 
 to her privy Councill to consider of, they answer her Highnes 
 that what the Deputy had done was just and warrantable by her 
 prerogative, quee legibus non subjicitur, nee tamen legibus adver- 
 satur. When her Highnes had read and throughly considered 
 their opinions and resolutions, and finding her self to be undu- 
 tifully handled by her subjectes, commaunded (by the advice of 
 her Councell) the said agentes, which followed their sute, to be 
 comitted to the Fleete, and forthwith wrote her letters to her 
 Deputy and Councell, finding her self greeved with those her said 
 subjectes of the pale, that the releeving of her army with victuals, 
 by way of Sesse, should be avowched to be a matter against lawe
 
 ROYAL PREROGATIVE IN IRELAND. 67 
 
 and ancient custome, and yet the same, both in her time and in 
 the times of her progenitors, hath usually beene imposed, and 
 now impugned by some such as, in times past, had subscribed 
 thereunto, in prejudice of her prerogative and hinderance of her 
 service. And therefore she did not onely rnislike and was greatly 
 offended with theis their presumptions and undutifull manner of 
 preceding, but also found fault with the Deputy and her Councell 
 there, that they would and did suffer her prerogative, in contempt 
 of her Highnes authority, to be impugned, and the parties not 
 committed and punished, by which meanes the matter at the first, 
 and in the beginning, might have beene remedied. And therefore 
 as her Highnes had already not only geven order for committing 
 them to the Fleete, and punishment of the agentes, which were 
 sent over with complain tes and letters, for such their justefeying 
 and mainteyning the imposition of the said Sesse to be against 
 the lawes and customes of that her realm, and therefore seeking 
 to impeach her prerogative and royall authority ; but also willed 
 and commaunded him, her Deputy, and all her whole Councell 
 there, to send for those lordes and gentlemen which subscribed 
 the letters sent unto hir Highnes, who, if they will stand to main- 
 teyne their assertions, and avowe the imposition of the Sesse to 
 be against the lawes and customes of the realme, and not warrant- 
 able by her prerogative, that then her pleasure was, that theis 
 persisting and avowing so to be likewise committed. But with- 
 all advising him, by her private letters, that in his courses there 
 she would not her subjectes dum condeantur deglubi, lest it might 
 so far distast her people as to put them out into rebellion, and in 
 the end the occasion cast upon her self, as Batus did on Tiberius 
 the whole of Dalmatia, Vos in culpa estis, qui greges non pasto- 
 ribus cum canibus, sed lupis custodiendos commisistis.
 
 68 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 ORDNANCE AND STORES IN THE TOWER. 
 
 [It does not appear on what particular occasion, nor for what purpose, this estimate 
 was made out, but the government was, no doubt, at this date (1578) anxious to ascer- 
 tain its resources, seeing that in the year preceding Queen Elizabeth had entered into 
 a " league of mutual aid by sea and land" with the Netherlands. In Stowe, under 
 date of 4n. Reg. 20, may be found the Declaration on the subject which was sent to 
 Spain. Subjoined to the Estimate is another document, shewing all that was required 
 for the employment and equipment of ordnance, in order that when the necessity arose 
 due provision might be made to meet the public exigencies.] 
 
 The Office of the Ordinaunce, June, 1578, A. 20 E. Reee. 
 
 An Estimate of the remaynes in the said office, with the valew 
 in ready money of the severall titles ensuinge, as well 
 within the Tower of London as aboord the shippes. 
 
 Remayning in store within the Tower of London : 
 Canons, 18; Canon pirier, 1 ; Demicanons, II; Culver- 
 inges, 8 ; Demiculveringes, 20 ; Sacres, 1 1 ; Minions, 
 8; Fawcons, 7; and Fawconettes, 20 . . .104 
 
 Brasse Ordnance. 
 
 Remayning aboorde the shipps : - 
 Canon piriers, 24; Demicanons, 36; Demicanon piriers, 
 5; Culveringes, 76; Demiculveringes, 118; Sacres, 
 123; Minions, 30; Fawcons, 39: Fawconetes, 3; 
 Fowlers, with chambres a pece, 47 ; Portpeces, 3 . 504 
 
 All which doe waye, by estimation, xiij c iiij** xv 
 MH vj c ij qrters weight, which beinge rated 
 at iiijli the C th . waight, with M. ix c IxK for 
 their cariages and the furnitur, amounteth in M. c. xx. 
 money to ....... Ivij vij iiij vj H . 
 
 All which peces afforesaid do remayne as before, over and be-
 
 ORDNANCE AND STORES IN THE TOWER. 69 
 
 sides all those that have bene yssued out of the store from tyme 
 to tyme for the supplie of the fortes and castells alongst the 
 coaste and other your Ma ties places of strength and service, by 
 sondry warrantes from your H. and the Counsell. 
 
 Shot. 
 In the Tower : 
 
 Crossebarred and rounde shott of iron of severall 
 heightes, 47,000 ; and stone shott for canon 
 piriers, portpeces, and fowlers, 4,500 . . 51,500 
 
 Abord the Shipps : 
 Iron shott, 10,000; Stone shot, 1300 3{:flr . . 
 
 Amountinge in money to the some of . 
 
 Powdre, and Stuff e for Powdre. 
 In the Tower : 
 
 Corne and serpentine powdre . 55 lasts. 
 
 Saltpeter ,' ''T' . . 10,000 weight. 
 
 Sulphur '. X ' V V 20,000 weight. 
 
 Aboorde : 
 Corne and serpentyn powdre, di. last. 
 
 Amountinge in money to the some of . , 6,6 17 U 10s. 
 
 Smale Gonnes, Artillarie, Minitions, and Riche Weapons. 
 In the Tower : 
 
 Calivers ^v-. . . 7000. 
 
 Dagges . . . . >' ' 5000. 
 
 Matche .... 60,000 weight. 
 
 Bowes .... 8000. 
 
 Arrowes .... 16,000 sheff.
 
 70 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Morrispikes .... 10,000. 
 Black Billes .... 3500. 
 
 A boord shippes : 
 
 Calivers . . . . 320. 
 
 Matche . . . 300 weight. 
 
 Bowes . . . '. 380. 
 
 Arrowes . . . . 380 sheff. 
 
 Morispikes .... 460. 
 
 Billes -.. * ...' . . 460. 
 
 In the Tower : 
 
 Riche weapons, viz. armed pikes, halberds, parti- 
 zuntes, javelins, boarespeares, pollaxes, &c. 
 amting in money to . . 2,300 li . 
 
 li s d 
 In aU .' . . .' . ' '". " . ' . ' . 18,877 13 4 
 
 Sm a to 116 of the value of the remaynes afForesaid 88,766 13 4 
 
 The sondry natures and kindes of Ordinance, Shott, Powder, 
 Munitions, Habilliments of Warre, and other furnitures for 
 Ordnance, incident and belonginge to the service therof. 
 
 Brasse and caste iron Ordnance of diverse kindes. 
 
 Canons. Fawconettes. 
 
 Demicanons. Basses of forged iron. 
 
 Canon piriers. Bombardes. 
 
 Demicanon pirier. Portpeces. 
 
 Culveringes. Fowlers. 
 
 Culveringe piriers. Slinges, Demislinges and 
 
 Demiculveringes. quarter slinges. 
 
 Sacres. Basses. 
 
 Minions. Harquebutes acocke and 
 
 Fawcons. diverse others.
 
 ORDNANCE AND STORES IN THE TOWER. f 
 
 Shott of iron and stone of the kindes afforesaid. 
 
 Powder and stuff e to make powder, viz. 
 
 Corne powder. Sulphur. 
 
 Serpentyne powder. Cole Powder. 
 
 Salpeter. 
 
 Smale ordinaunce and their furniture, viz. 
 
 Calivers. Flaskes and touche boxes. 
 
 Curriors. Laces. 
 
 Harquebuttes. Matche. 
 
 Dagges. Leade for shott. 
 
 Metall, viz. 
 
 Copper to make ordinaunce. Tynne for comixture. 
 Bell Mettall. Copper plate for ladles. 
 
 Artillarye, viz. 
 
 Bowes. Bowstringes. 
 
 Bowestaves. Shootinge gloves and 
 
 Arrowes. bracers. 
 
 Munitions, viz. 
 
 Morispikes. Light horsemen staves. 
 
 Black billes. Cullen Cliffes. 
 
 Demilaunce staves. Topdartes. 
 
 Riche weapons, viz. 
 
 Armed Pikes. Raricons. 
 
 Javelins and Demiperti- Pollaxes. 
 
 zuntes. Tergates and diverse other 
 
 Halberts gilt, and soche like. 
 Partizuntes.
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Habillimentes of Warre and 
 Pykeaxes. 
 Mattockes. 
 Myners tooles. 
 Sledges. 
 Pickhammers. 
 Crowes. 
 Sythes. 
 
 Sides and hookes. 
 Cressettes. 
 Cresset light. 
 Felling axes. 
 Hedging billes. 
 Sawes of all sortes. 
 Ballaunces and Scales. 
 Leaden weightes. 
 Lanthorns. 
 Leather Buckettes. 
 Leather bagges. 
 Bonge barrells. 
 Shovells and Spades. 
 Scowpes. 
 Scavelles. 
 
 Formes of cartouches. 
 Hedds and Rammers. 
 Tampions. 
 Spareladles. 
 Sponges. 
 
 White Staves for Ladles. 
 Meltinge ladles. 
 Farecartes. 
 Tracehorse harnes. 
 Carte sadle trees. 
 Whit leather hides. 
 
 other furnitures for Ordinaunce, viz. 
 
 Wheles of all sortes. 
 
 Lymniers. 
 
 Somners. 
 
 Cartebodies. 
 
 Strakes. 
 
 Rosenailes. 
 
 Dowlages. 
 
 Dowlage nayles. 
 
 Houpes of iron. 
 
 Carte cloutes. 
 
 Clout nayles. 
 
 Hurters. 
 
 Washers. 
 
 Spokes. 
 
 Fellowes. 
 
 Extrees. 
 
 Elme, oke and ash timber. 
 
 Plankes. 
 
 Naves for Wheeles. 
 
 Gynnes. 
 
 Shivers of Brasse. 
 
 Handspeckes. 
 
 Rollers. 
 
 Helves for axes, &c. 
 
 Crane and gynne rope. 
 
 Bridging Rope. 
 
 Rope for bowsinge tacke and 
 lashes. 
 
 Woollinge rope and hand- 
 rope. 
 
 Horseshoes. 
 
 Hammers. 
 
 Pynsons.
 
 ORDNANCE AND STORES IN THE TOWER. 
 
 73 
 
 Lettice galtroppes. 
 Arrowe and Bowchestes 
 
 and chestes for calivers. 
 Archers stakes. 
 Boxes for shott. 
 Handbaskettes. 
 Maundes. 
 Crosse nayles. 
 Broddes. 
 Truckles. 
 Drugges. 
 Forecariages. 
 Tailing hookes. 
 Lynch pinnes. 
 Spykes of iron. 
 Nayles of all sortes. 
 Copper nayles. 
 Coale presses. 
 Wynches to mounte ordi- 
 
 naunce. 
 
 Iron unwroughte. 
 Steele. 
 Tallowe. 
 
 Tallow candells. 
 
 Pytch. 
 
 Tarre. 
 
 Leade. 
 
 Extree barres of iron. 
 
 Tylth of heare. 
 
 Smithes forges. 
 
 Anvieldes. 
 
 Hammers. 
 
 Tounges. 
 
 Smythes bellowes. 
 
 Seacoales. 
 
 Soape. 
 
 Shepe skinnes. 
 
 Canvas. 
 
 Tanned hides. 
 
 Commaunders. 
 
 Barehides. 
 
 Trayes to drie powder. 
 
 Syves for corninge of powder, 
 
 and divers other kindes of 
 
 necessaries. 
 
 Stuff e for firework, viz. 
 
 Camphir. 
 
 Sal armoniacke. 
 
 Vitriol. 
 
 Arsnick. 
 
 Roseanger. 
 
 Verdigrese. 
 
 Copperas. 
 
 Mastick. 
 
 Mercury sublimate. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 
 
 Arsa fetida. 
 Rosen. 
 Turpentyne. 
 Aqua vite. 
 Trayne oyle. 
 Linced oyle. 
 Lyme pottes. 
 Marlyne and twyne. 
 Packthrede.
 
 74 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Trunckes. divers other receiptes and 
 
 Staves for trunckes. ymplementes, accordinge 
 
 Canes. to the nature and service 
 
 Roddes for Rockettes, and of the fierworkes. 
 
 Off all which kindes there are a nomber remayninge, accordinge 
 to the necessary service and employment of the same, which for 
 the multitude of their natures and quantities cannot be presently 
 esteemed nor valued, that otherwise beinge sett downe would 
 amount to a greate masse, as may be considered by perusing their 
 severall natures. 
 
 QUEEN ELIZABETH AND THE DUKE OF ANJOU. 
 
 [The match between Elizabeth and the Duke of Alen?on was first proposed when the 
 French Prince was about seventeen, and the Queen not far from forty. The project 
 was entertained in 1571-2, and a French alliance was not abandoned for many years. 
 In 1579, Anjou visited England privately (Alenfon having been elevated to that duke- 
 dom in 1576, although, as the subsequent document shews, he was still known in 
 England by his former title) ; and in Murdin's State Papers, 319, et seg., may be seen 
 a variety of official documents on the subject. It seems from the following that the Earl 
 of Sussex had written a special letter to her Majesty, the original of which has not been 
 preserved, but the following abstract of it is entirely in the handwriting of Sir Walter 
 Mildmay, who took a deep interest in the question, and was importantly concerned in 
 the discussions with Bacherville and Simier. It is to be observed that the letter of the 
 Earl of Sussex to the Queen was dated in August 1578, when Bacherville was in Eng- 
 land, and prior to any of the documents printed by Murdin. Camden mentions the 
 Earl of Sussex as one of those directly instructed to treat with Simier. Vide 
 " Annals " in Kennett, 463.] 
 
 Fr. Marriage with Mons r . D'Alanson, the French Kinges 
 brother and heyre apparent. 
 
 Notes taken owt of a letter from the E. of Sussex, xxviij 
 Auguste, 1578, to the Q. Mae. 
 
 Comodyties which he saieth will follow. 
 1. Alliance with the housse of Fraunce, and the partie there by
 
 QUEEN ELIZABETH AND THE DUKE OF ANJOU. JB 
 
 the Protestantes, so as the Fr. K. neither will nor shalbe liable to 
 anoy the Q. 
 
 2. The Q. and hir husband shall protect the Protestantes in 
 Fr. from proces. 
 
 3. The avoyding of practises, seditions, by competition or other- 
 wise abrode or at home, by French assurance of the Q. person. 
 
 4. The Q., with the help of hir husband, shall constrayne the 
 K. of Spayne to make reasonable peax with the Low Countreyes, 
 with preservation of his right and their libertyes, which wilbe 
 suerty to the Q. and great honour. 
 
 5. The Q. may have, for more securitye of this, some mary- 
 tyme partes, to be kept at the K. of Sp. chardge, and hir husband 
 some frontier townes, in like sort, for some nombre of yeres, 
 untill the peax be stablished. And therby free from perilles by 
 Spayne. 
 
 6. If the Q. like not this course, then she and her husband to 
 joyne and to possesse all the Low Countryes, and so anex them 
 to England, yf she have a child by hym : if not, than to devyde 
 the hole between Engl. and Fr. ; but, in his opynion, the first is 
 the better course. 
 
 7. The stablishing the realme by children, and the avoydinge 
 of cyvill warres, to the Q,. suretye and hir fame, with discharge of 
 conscience before God, &c. 
 
 So as, briefely, by the marriage the Q. shall give lawe to Fr., 
 Spayne, the Low Countryes, England, Scotland, and in effect to 
 all Christendome. 
 
 She shall settle her state surely at home. 
 
 She shalbe strongly guarded abrode. 
 
 In estimation over all the world. 
 
 To have a husband, as a servant and a defender of hir causes 
 present. 
 
 Like to have a child that shalbe feared, to be a revenger of hir 
 injuryesj and to settle hir kingdom.
 
 76 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 She shalbe like a serpent in the sight of the devill, and as a dove 
 in the sight of the good. 
 
 She shalbe the peax maker over all Christendom. 
 
 Hir fame shall excede all princes that ever were in Europe. 
 
 And God shall blesse hir as his owne chosen vessel in this world 
 and in the next. 
 
 With the commodyties that shall come by hir marriage, 
 
 The incommodyties that are objected. 
 
 1. The Q. mislike of manage, which might brede discontented 
 liffe hereafter. 
 
 2. The difficultie in hir choyse to content hir. 
 
 3. The daunger that a French prince might, by degrees, usurpe 
 the state. 
 
 4. The daunger if he sholdbe K. of Fr., than he to reside there 
 and the Q. here, and so after, &c. 
 
 5. If the Q. have but one son, than England shold fall as a 
 province to Fr., and so to be ruled by a Viceroy, him selfe never 
 the greatest. 
 
 6. The difficultie of religion. 
 
 7. The charge to the realme for mayntenance of that hus- 
 band. 
 
 8. The generall mislike that Engl. must have of straungers 
 government. 
 
 9. The daunger of the Q. person, if that husband shold frau- 
 dulently seek hir first, to possesse by treason an other after. 
 
 Aunsweres which he maketh to the Objections. 
 
 The ij first he leaveth to the Q. herself to judge as hir heart 
 will direct hir. 
 
 The iij is a perill that must have long tyme to frame, and can 
 never be except the Q. and the States be bereft of all sense, a 
 perill in talke but not in dede, as in the K. of Sp. were seen.
 
 QUEEN ELIZABETH AND THE DUKE OF ANJOU. 77 
 
 The iiij tb , if yt shold happen, yet the Q. and he must come to- 
 gether, as K. Php. and Q. Marye did. 
 
 To the v th , if yt shold come to passe, and the child born in 
 Engl., than it wilbe honor, and no perill, if he be K. of Fr. and 
 Engl., as heretofore hath been, as he saieth. 
 
 To the vj tb , no daunger, for the exercise of his religion shold be 
 private to hym self and to a few of his nation. He shall acom- 
 pany the Q. to hirs ; and this, he saieth, can be no perill to the Q. 
 nor her realme, but is only a quarrell piked by thadversaryes of 
 hir marriage, as hath been seen by proffe. 
 
 The vij th shall bring gayne rather than losse, his patrymonye 
 being so great. Example K. Philip. 
 
 The viij th utterly untrew, for the realme is to be governed only 
 by Engl. Example K. Philip ; and so the people have no cause 
 to feare, but be farr from all daunger. 
 
 The ix tb inferreth a treasonable dealing not to be thought in a 
 Christian Prynce. 
 
 Touching the alienating the Low Countryes to the French. 
 Incommodyties. 
 
 1. Suertie to Engl. to have France and the basse contryes in 
 the handes of ij princes : the bringing of them all to Fr., an ille 
 perill to Engl. 
 
 2. The encrease of the Fr. force both by land and sea. 
 
 3. Greate daunger to all Europe by the to greatnes of France. 
 
 4. The perilles, in perticler to the Q., by the Fr. mayntenance 
 of competition, popery, and other factions at home, and withdraw- 
 ing of Engl. from hir dewties. 
 
 5. The disturbyng of the traffique of Engl. and neyghboures at 
 their willes. 
 
 6. The stoppe of vent of the inward commodyties, and muty- 
 ning of the people who shall lack work. 
 
 7. Bringing of the realme into a perpetuall servitude, or worse, 
 which no one commodytie can recompence.
 
 78 THE EGEBTON PAPERS. 
 
 Touching the joyninge of Mounsieur with Don John against 
 thies contryes. 
 
 Incommodyties. 
 
 1 . Either the tyrannizing over thies contryes by the Spaniardes, 
 that will bring many perilles aforesaid ; or ells the Q. to make 
 hirself thordring the warre for their defence, which, as he thinketh, 
 she cannot endure, &c. 
 
 The only remedy is a peax betweene the K. of Sp. and the 
 States, such as may be sure, which he findeth difficult. If that 
 cannot be, than he seeth not but the States must cast them selfes 
 into the defence of the Q., or the French, wherupon dependeth the 
 perilles aforesaid. 
 
 'CONFERENCE ON THE QUEEN'S MARRIAGE. 
 
 [This document, purporting to be the heads of a conference regarding the Queen's 
 Marriage with the Duke of Anjou, is indorsed by Sir Walter Mildmay, but the body 
 of it is not in his hand-writing. By the list of the Commissioners, which he supplies, 
 it appears that he was not one of them, and probably was not present. We may infer 
 therefore that he derived the materials of the document from one of the Commission- 
 ers, perhaps Sir F. Walsingham or Dr. Wilson, who were Secretaries. The balance of 
 the argument seems decidedly against the proposed union. In Murdin's State Papers, 
 p. 355, is a letter from Beale, dated from Paris, 30th August, 1581, in which he mentions 
 having received " her Majesty's own particular letters" for his instruction on the sub- 
 ject of her marriage, but he gives no information regarding their contents. The 
 Duke of Anjou came publicly to England in 1581.] 
 
 Indorsed "1579. The somme of the principall headdes remembred in the confer- 
 ence at Westm r towching the Q. mariage with the Duke of Anjow, the Fr. K's Brother. 
 The Commissioners, 
 
 The L. of Burghley, L. Treasurer. 
 
 Therle of Sussex. 
 
 The Erie of Leicestre. 
 
 The L. of Hunsdon. 
 
 Sir Christ. Hatton. 
 ( Sir Fr. Walsingham. 
 1 Doctor Wilson."
 
 CONFERENCE ON THE QUEEN^S MARRIAGE. 7^ 
 
 The meanes to assure her Matie of peax, and to preserue hir 
 person and state from daunger. 
 
 1. Assistance of the Religion in France. 
 
 To geve helpe in the case of the Low Countryes. 
 
 To mayntene our Religion, Lawes and Justice inviolably. 
 
 To concert with Scotland and their King fast and lovingly, 
 with plawsible termes and good and commodyous actions. 
 
 To make an Act of Parliament to disable all such persons 
 from the clayme of the Crowne as shall by any meanes in- 
 terrupt her Ma ties quiett or endanger her person. 
 
 Perilles growing by the manage. 
 
 The difficultie of the contynuance of our Religion. 
 
 The feare that may be justely conceyved that he will bring 
 
 the Realme into his owne possession. 
 The daunger of separation, if he shold be called by his brother's 
 
 deceasse into his owne kyngdom. 
 England will abyde no Viceroy. 
 The great charge that this Realme shalbe at for his maynte- 
 
 naunce. 
 
 2. The discontentment of the people to be governed by a 
 
 straunger. 
 
 The suspicion of treason in seking her Ma tie , to professe 
 [possesse ?] an other afterwardes. 
 
 The daunger of fallyng into foreign warres by maynteyning 
 at her Ma ties greate charges this princes quarrelles where- 
 soever. 
 
 The encouragement that the Scottes might take against us in 
 hope of the favour of the Frenche, with whom they haue 
 allwayes had auncyent league and alliance, greately to our 
 prejudice and disquyett. 
 
 The Low Countreyes wilbe jaylous of the matche, the Ger- 
 maynes wilbe displeased, and Spayne will not abyde the
 
 80 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 greatenes of thies twoo kingdomes, growen so mightie by 
 this alliance. 
 
 The people shalbe more taxed than heretofore, which they 
 will murmur at, the rather bicause it is by the meanes of a 
 straunger. 
 
 The Commodities growing by the mariage. 
 
 The gayning of the Frenche by this alliance. 
 
 The suppressing of sedition, which may otherwise ensue by 
 popery in this Realme. 
 
 Spayne shall not dare to trouble or offend hir Matie. 
 
 Hir Matie may, by this Princes helpe, wyn to her the posses- 
 sion of the Low Countryes. 
 
 3. The comfort which may redownde to the Realme by the 
 blessed fruict of hir Ma^es body. 
 
 Spayne shalbe glad to take reasonable condytions of the Low 
 Countryes. 
 
 Perilles ensuing by leaving this Alliance. 
 
 Their griefes already conceyved against us. 
 
 The alienating of Scotland from us. 
 
 Mounsieur will seke the King of Spaynes daughter, wherby 
 
 his faction shold cease in France, and he should happely 
 
 have the Low Countreyes for his wiffes dower. 
 Spayne and France wold then sett up the Q. of Scottes. 
 They would reduce the Low Countreyes to obedience. 
 They wold practise to wyn the King of Scottes to them, and 
 
 than marry hym at their pleasure. 
 They wold supplant the Religion in Europe, and begynne at 
 
 the roote. 
 If the Papistes in England had but one of thes Kinges to 
 
 back them, they wold be ready to rebell. 
 The Q. of Scottes being in England wold further the motion. 
 When hope of issue shall fayle, her subjectes will begynne to 
 
 adorare solem orientem.
 
 81 
 
 SIR THOMAS BROMLEY'S SPEECHES. 
 
 [Camden informs us ("Annals of Elizabeth," in Kennett, ii. 464, edit. 1719), and 
 Stowe agrees with him, that, on the 25th April, 1579, on the death of Sir Nicholas 
 Bacon, Sir Thomas Bromley succeeded him, " with the title of Lord Chancellor of 
 England." The subsequent Speeches, made by him to Queen Elizabeth, first, when 
 he was appointed Lord Keeper, and afterwards when he was elevated to the dignity of 
 Lord Chancellor, shew that he was not at once made Lord Chancellor, but that, in the 
 first instance (though it does not appear for how long), he held only the rank given to 
 Sir Nicholas Bacon. The two papers are indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Sir Th. 
 Bromley," and the first of them contains what he addressed to the Queen when called 
 upon to serve as Lord Keeper ; and the second, his speech to her as Lord Chancellor. 
 Lord Ellesmere had procured copies of them, perhaps on his own advancement, and 
 with a view to his own guidance as Lord Keeper to Queen Elizabeth, and Lord Chan- 
 cellor to James I.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Sir Th. Bromley." 
 
 EJfecte of that spoken to the Queues Ma tie by the L. Keper 
 when he was first called by her to serve. 
 
 I WISHE, for service sake, seinge it pleaseth your Ma tie to call 
 me to serve, that those thinges which your highnes by reporte 
 supposeth to be in me, were in me in very dede ; but in judginge 
 rightlie of my selfe, I must nedes confesse that I am so much 
 unpurvyed of them, that, besides diligence and fidelitie, I can pro- 
 mise nothinge, wherof I trust there shalbe no want. But if there 
 were ynough in me to answere these reportes, yea, and as much 
 more as I would wishe to have, I wulde be right well contented, 
 as my dutee is, to ymploye the whole in your service. And yet, to 
 be plaine with your Ma tie , I have founde, in the course of my life, 
 that I have led sithence the Kinge your fathers deathe, such 
 suretie in all changes, and suche quietnes and delight in other 
 tymes, that I cannot but like and love that sorte of life as the 
 best for my selfe ; nor cannot make my selfe beleeve that I can 
 make any change therof but for the worste respectinge my private 
 comodities. And that I doo thus judge the contynuance of that 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. M
 
 82 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 order of lief (notwithstandinge some occasion given to the con- 
 trary), doth, I trust, sufficiently witnes with me. Mary, againe, 
 when I remember this tyme (which I give God thankes that it is 
 my chaunce to live to see), and therwith my dutie to your Ma tie 
 as my Soveraigne Lady, and my duty to my countrie, I am then 
 driven to thinke that I ought of right to make of every paine 
 tending to that end a delight, and to preferre busines and trouble 
 before quietnes and ease, and to adventure any daunger without 
 regarde of private suretie. For I must nedes confesse that your 
 highnes and my countrie hath a greater interest in me then I have 
 in my selfe ; and because God knoweth that, whensoever I shall 
 enter in service, that uppon these respectes cheiflie I shall do it. 
 Therfore I hope he will assiste me in my doinges ; wheruppon re- 
 posinge my cheif trust, and againe beinge much encouraged by 
 the greate noblenes and gentlenes that I here, not only by these 
 your Councellors, to be in your highnes, but also by a generall 
 affirmation of all that knowe you, I here comyt my selfe whollie 
 and fully into Godes handes and yours, to dispose of me as you 
 shall best like, assuringe your highnes that as I woulde most 
 gladly, for my owne selfe, contynue the choise of like ( life ?) 
 that I have already entred into, so, for duty sake, I shall, with 
 good contentation, enter into such service as your Ma tie shall co- 
 maunde me to. 
 
 The L. Chauncellor>s speche to her Ma tie when he was called 
 to that place. 
 
 I do most humblie thanke your Ma tie for this so greate and 
 singuler good opynion which your highnes hath conceived of me, 
 as to thinke me fyt for this greate service and credit under your 
 Ma tie , and I am very sory there is not in me such sufficiency as 
 might satisfie and answere this your Ma ties good opynion. 
 
 If I had all the wisdome, all the learninge, and all other good 
 qualities and virtues that God hath given to all men livinge, I 
 shoulde thinke [them] to fewe and to smale to be imploied in
 
 PROCEEDINGS AGAINST RECUSANTS. 83 
 
 your highnes service. But when I consider my selfe, and fynde 
 my greate wantes and lackes to do your Ma tie such service as 
 appertayneth, 1 am driven most humbly to beseech your Ma tie to 
 tollerate with me my many and sondry defectes and ymperfec- 
 tions. 
 
 To this humble petition I am the more forced for two other 
 causes : the first is, the greate learninge, wisdome, and judgmente 
 that resteth in your Matie, to whome my ignoraunce and rudeness 
 will easily appere : the seconde is, that yf your highnes shall ym- 
 pose this greate charge uppon me, I shall succede one in whome 
 all good qualities did abounde fyt for the due execution of your 
 Ma ties service in that place, wherby my want and insufficiency 
 shalbe made more manifest. 
 
 Yet, nevertheles, trustinge in the assistaunce of Almightie God, 
 and in the noblenes and bounty of your Ma ties nature, I do, as my 
 duty bindeth me, humblye sub my t my selfe to be disposed of as 
 shall stande with your Ma ties good pleasure. 
 
 Concerninge these good preceptes and admonitions which it 
 hath pleased your highnes very prudentlie to give unto me, I shall 
 pray ernestlie to Almightie God to give me his grace that I may 
 follow the same, and do my best and uttermost endevor effectually 
 to performe them. 
 
 PROCEEDINGS AGAINST RECUSANTS. 
 
 [The MS. from which the following is taken is much injured by mildew, and in seve- 
 ral parts, as pointed out, it is either destroyed or illegible. In 1580, Popish Recusants 
 gave considerable trouble and even uneasiness to the government ; and Campion and 
 his associates were executed on the 1st December, 1581, as appears by the "True 
 Report," &c. printed in that year (vide Bridgewater Catalogue, p. 45). Camden, in his 
 " Annals," gives a full account of the Seminary Priests, and their designs, carried on 
 subsequently to the issue of the Bull of Pius V. against Queen Elizabeth, in 1569. With 
 reference to the subsequent document, it appears that, in June 1580, a Proclamation had 
 been published requiring all who had relations abroad, especially at Douay, Rheims 
 and Rome, to call them home within four months ; while in July the Council sent out
 
 84 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 orders for the confinement and surveillance of Recusants. In May of the subsequent 
 year, Recusants were required to enter into bond for conformity in matters of religion, 
 due attendance at church, &c. In August 1581, the Sheriffs, &c. were directed to 
 ascertain how the conditions of the bonds had been complied with ; and the Lords 
 Lieutenant of counties were empowered to seize and sequester horses belonging to Re- 
 cusants, lest they should be employed to aid the enemy. These points, particularly 
 alluded to below, are not touched by Camden, who informs us that he was at Oxford 
 with the Jesuits, Parsons and Campion, whose contrasted dispositions he describes.] 
 Indorsed " Proceedings against Recusants, Annis 1580, 1581." 
 
 At Oatelandes, the xxvj th of July, 1580. 
 
 Present, 
 
 Lo. Chancellor. Lo. of Leicester. 
 
 Lo. Treasurer. Mr. Comptroller. 
 
 Lo. Admirall. Mr. Vicechamberlayn. 
 
 Lo. Chamberlayn. Mr. Secretary Walsyngham. 
 
 Lo. of Bedford. Mr. Secretary Wilson. 
 
 This day were signed at the table sundrey letters concerning 
 the [def. in MS.] of castles in sundrey counties of the realrae, 
 whereunto such Recusantes as are most notorious, and of the 
 better sort, are intended to be comitted. 
 
 Likewise letters to certaine persons to take the speciall charge 
 and oversight of the ordring of the Recusantes to be comitted, and 
 to advise of persons of zeale in religion and loyaltie unto the 
 Queene, to whom the keeping of the castles and Recusantes might 
 be delivered. 
 
 At the Court at Whitehall the 7 th of May, 1581. 
 
 Present, 
 
 Lo. Chancellor. E. of Leicester. 
 
 Lo. Admirall. Mr. Treasurer. 
 
 Lo. Chamberlayn. Mr. Comptroller. 
 
 E. of Bedford. Mr. Vicechamberlayn. 
 
 Mr. Secretary Walsyngham.
 
 PROCEEDINGS AGAINST RECUSANTS. 85 
 
 This dale it was ordred by their Lordships that all the Recu- 
 santes which had bene comitted, ether to her Matyes prison, or to 
 the charge of anie [def. in MS.] persons, for not conformitie in 
 matters of religion, should, upon [def. in MS.] and surties in good 
 somes of money to her Maty es use, with such [def. in MS.] followe, 
 be released of their imprisonment. 
 
 The Conditions of the Bonds of the Recusances. 
 
 The condition is such that if the within bounden A. B. doe not 
 at any tyme hereafter departe out of this realme into any of the 
 partes beyond the seas, without her Matyes speciall license to be 
 graunted unto him in that behalfe, and doe alsoe continew and 
 remayne at his dwelling-house called , in the co untie 
 
 of , or within three miles compasse of his said house, 
 
 untill he haue conformed and yeilded himselfe unto the orders for 
 religion, and for coming and resorting to divine service established 
 by Acte of Parliament within this realme, and that the same his 
 conformitie shall by his meanes and procurement be notified by 
 the Ordinary of the dioces whear he shalbe dwelling unto the 
 Lordes of her Ma 1 ? 68 privie counsell. And also do not at anie 
 tyme hereafter willinglie suffer or admitt the repaer and accesse of 
 anie Jesuit, massing Priest, seminary Preist, or of anie other per- 
 son whatsoever knowen to him to be a Recusant in not coming to 
 the church according to the lawes of the realme. And do also 
 from henceforth forbeare to hunt or resort aswell unto the house 
 as to the societie of anie such person or persons as nowe is or 
 hereafter shalbe knowen to the said A. B. to be a Recusant in not 
 coming to the church. And also if the said A. B. doe not retayne 
 or keepe anie servantes or in any of his houses that 
 
 shall contrary to the lawes of the realme forbeare to resort and 
 come to the church, that then, &c.
 
 86 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 At Greenwich the last of August, 1581. 
 
 Lo. Treasurer. Mr. Comptroller. 
 
 E. of Leicester. Mr. Vicechamberlayne. 
 
 Mr. Treasurer. 
 
 Sixteene severall letters directed to the Sheriffes, Gustos Rotu- 
 lorum, or his Deputie, and rest of the Justices of Peace in theis 
 counties followinge, viz. Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Oxon, Wiltes, 
 Lincolne, Middx, Bark, Buck, Southampton, Staff, Sussex, Salop, 
 Hereff, Lo. President of York, Lo. Maior of London, &c. with a 
 certaine schedule enclosed contayning the names and places where 
 the Recusantes, &c. were upon bondes to remaine, together with 
 a copie of the generall condition appointed by their Lordships to 
 be taken of the Recusantes : requiring the said Sheriffes to have 
 a regarde, and to see in eche of the said counties how the conditions 
 of the said bondes are performed and keapt by the said parties so 
 bound. 
 
 A Clause of a Letter to the Lords Liuetenantes and Commis- 
 sioners of the Musters in the severall counties of the 
 realme, written in Anno [def. in MS.] 
 
 And because the enemy doth make accompt to have the assist- 
 ance of evill effected subjectes of this land, and there is direction 
 given [def. in MS.] the Recusantes of habilitie, so we thinke it 
 meete that you cause all the horses or gueldinges in the possession 
 or belonging to any Recusant to be for this present tyme seques- 
 tred from them, and comitted to the custodie of some well affected 
 gent, their neighbours, that their service maie be used yf there be 
 occasion, and in the meane season they shalbe keapt and mayn- 
 tayned at the charge of the owners, and restored againe.
 
 87 
 
 CONCEALED LANDS. 
 
 [Lord Ellesmere was made Solicitor General in June 1581, and it was part of the 
 duty of his office to prepare legal documents, or, as they were then often called, 
 " books" for the royal signature. In the following letter Sir Christopher Hatton (who 
 was Vice- Chamberlain at this date) requests Mr. Egerton to " make a book " in favour 
 of his servant Adams, and Woodshawe, granting them an annuity of ,40, beyond 
 ,100 already given to them, out of funds derived from the discovery of concealed lands. 
 The date is 17 March, 1581-2, nearly nine months after Lord Ellesmere had been ap- 
 pointed to the first office he held under the crown, but no earlier record connected 
 with it appears to have been preserved. The signature and postscript only are in the 
 handwriting of Sir Christopher Hatton.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Theophilus Adams James Woodshawe." 
 
 " To the R. worshipful my assured good frend, Mr. Egerton, 
 her Ma ties Solicitor." 
 
 SIR. Wher it hath heretofore pleased [her Ma tie ?] to graunt a 
 warrant for the revealing and fynding out concealed landes to the 
 valewe of C u . P annum, by vertue wherof there have ben founde out 
 and discovered certayne other landes to be concealed, over and be- 
 sydes the said Cl. P annum, to the yerely valewe of xl !i , or there 
 about, which it hath pleased her Ma tie , at my humble suite and peti- 
 tion, to graunt unto Theophilus Adams, my servant, and Jeames 
 Woodshawe, in fee farme. I have therefore thought good to 
 desyer you that, according to her Ma ties gratious pleasure, you 
 wyll have care to make a booke thereof with what speede you may 
 conveniently, that it may be ready for her Hyghnes signature 
 whersoever it shall please her to call for it. You shall receave 
 the perticulers of the graunt by this bearer, whome I have sent 
 unto you expressly to satisfy you in any thinge that you shall 
 doubt touching this matter. And so I committ you to God. 
 From the Court at Grenwich, this xvij th of March, 1581. 
 
 Your very lovinge assured frende, 
 
 CHR. HATTON.
 
 88 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Post S. Sir, her Ma*ie is pleased to graunt the arrerages of 
 thes consealyd landes. I pray you drawe the booke accordingely, 
 for suche is her pleasure. 
 
 CONCEALERS AND LONDON COMPANIES. 
 
 [This letter, from the same to the same, has reference to the same transaction as 
 that last inserted, though dated three months afterwards. As early as 1572 (Vide 
 Stowe, An. Reg. 14) Queen Elizabeth had revoked the Commission granted to certain 
 persons called " Concealers," but she seems subsequently, at the instance of her cour- 
 tiers, to have now and then conceded powers of a similar kind to individuals. Adams, 
 mentioned in the annexed letter, was one of these favoured persons ; and we may infer 
 that, in his eagerness to discover lands formerly belonging to the Crown, but concealed, 
 he had got into a dispute with some of the trading companies of London. Sir C. 
 Hatton is unusually earnest in his solicitations to Lord EUesmere on behalf of his 
 dependant.] 
 
 " To the R. worshipfull my assured good frende, Mr. Egertone, 
 her Maties Solicitor." 
 
 SIR. Understanding by my servant, Adams, of your most 
 frendly paynes which you have taken in the matter of concealed 
 landes now in question betwixt hym and the Companyes of Lon- 
 don, I could not forbeare, in thes fewe lynes, to yeld you that 
 thanckfulnes in all perfect good wyll which I fynde dewe to your 
 most kynde and curteous dealinge. Yf I may in any respect 
 requyte it, I hope you shall well perceave I wyll not be ungrate- 
 full unto you for it ; and I praye you, as you have hitherto made 
 me much behoulding unto you, contynewe still your frendly 
 indevour therein, that of this good begynninge of your acceptable 
 and good advise, the ende may be agreable to the same, in th* ac- 
 complishment of equitie and justice, which I doubt not shalbe the 
 sooner obtaynid through the furtheraunce of your travayle and
 
 OFFICE IN REVERSION. 
 
 favorable assistance. And so I byd you hartely farewell. From 
 the Court at Grenwich, the xix of June, 1582. 
 
 Your very lovinge assured frende, 
 
 OFFICE IN REVERSION. 
 
 [This letter is dated from the house of Sir Thomas Bromley, and the writer was pro- 
 bably one of the Lord Chancellor's dependants. The nature of the office he was 
 soliciting in reversion is not stated, but, from his urgency, we gather that he enter- 
 tained some doubt whether Lord Ellesmere would sanction the " bill and the ticket 
 thereto annexed." The "bill" was the copy of the grant, and the "ticket" was a 
 brief explanation for the Queen of the contents of the bill. The " copies of records " 
 referred to in the letter were most likely returned through Mr. Lawley's brother, as 
 they were not found with the letter. Of the " spiritual suit," mentioned below, and 
 of the " dangers" in it arising from " delays," no information remains.] 
 
 Indorsed, by Lord Ellesmere, " Mr. T. Lawley's letter." 
 
 To the right worshipfull my singuler good friende, Thomas 
 Egerton, Esquire, her Ma ties Solyssetor generall, geve 
 theise with speede. 
 
 GOOD Mr. Solyssetor, my due recommendations remembered, 
 with lyke thankes for your many cortesys to me showed. I am 
 to be an humble sutor unto youe for your good furderance in a 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12. N
 
 9O THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 casuall sute for an offyce in reversion, whiche my good frendes 
 meane to prefer unto her Ma tie in my behalfe, the particulareties 
 wherof this bearer, my brother (whome I meane to joyne with 
 me) shall at large imparte unto youe ; but the some of my sute 
 unto youe ys, no more but to crave your hande unto my bille and 
 the tecket thereunto annexed. Yt shall apeare unto youe, by the 
 copys of the records, whiche I haue herewith sent unto youe 
 under the offycers hande of the Petty Bagge, that yt hath bin 
 heretofore graunted in reversion, and your owne knowledge (as I 
 thinke) will concur with the recorde. I trust my brother and I 
 will prove as able men to execute the offyce (yf yt please God 
 that other of us do lyve untill yt faule), as some that within your 
 memory have bin patentees of the same ; in respecte whereof, 
 and for that I haue ever founde youe my very good frende, I am 
 the boulder (without using eny other mediator), by theise my 
 letters, to desyre your frendship herein, whiche I wilbe very 
 reddy to requyte with any servyce I am able, when youe shall 
 haue cause to use my poore helpe in eny thing I can. My sute, 
 as yt standeth, doth require some expedition, for (youe know) 
 delayes haue brought me some daynger in my spirituall sute. 
 This vacasion wilbe fytter for me to follow my sute, and my 
 good frendes wilbe at better leasure to speake and do for me then 
 in the Terme tyme : I beseech youe, therefore, geve me that 
 dyspatche youe can with secrecy, for I thinke I have some com- 
 pettitors not so fyt for the execution of the offyce as (in myne 
 owne opinion) my brother and I are. And so, not doubting of 
 your good frendship and secrecy herein, I humbly take my leaue. 
 From my L. Chauncellors howse, at Wealde Haule, in Essex, the 
 xx th of July, 1582. 
 
 Your assured poore kynsman, to use and commaunde 
 in all I can, 
 
 THO. LAWLEY.
 
 KEEPERS OF CHANCERY RECORDS. 
 
 [It appears, by the annexed letter of Gilbert Gerrard (which was probably sent to 
 the Solicitor General for him to confirm it by his opinion), that some dispute had arisen 
 between the Clerk of the Hanaper (or Hamper) respecting the fees due to Sir Thomas 
 Henneage and his brother Michael, as Keepers of the Records of Chancery in the 
 Tower. The right of those Keepers to certain gratuities is distinctly stated, on the 
 ground that the two Henneages were "members and ministers" of the Court of 
 Chancery. Sir William Cordell, who had bestowed the offices upon Sir Thomas and 
 Michael Henneage, had been Speaker of the fifth Parliament of Queen Mary, and had 
 been knighted and made Master of the Rolls by her. The " ancient records of the 
 Chancery " were of the nature of those to which the first document in the present col- 
 lection of papers applies.] 
 
 To his very lovinge frend the Clarke of the Hamper, or his 
 Deputie. 
 
 AFTER my hartie recommendations. Whereas Sir Thomas 
 Henneage, Knighte, together with Mychell Henneage, his brother, 
 have the custodye of the auncyente Recordes of the Chauncerye 
 remayninge within the Tower, of the gyefte of Sir Willm Cordell, 
 Knighte, late M r of the Rolles ; and for that cause both are and 
 ought to be reputed as members and mynisters of the same 
 courte, and to have all suche priviledges and allowances as be^ 
 longeth to other persons priviledged in the same courte ; I have 
 thought good, therefore, at theire request, hereby to signifye the 
 same unto you, that you, beinge thereof advertysed, maye yelde 
 them suche like ordinarye favours for fees or other duties of pri- 
 vilege within your office, as you knowe to be usuall to other in 
 like cases. And so I bydde you farewell. From London, this 
 xxij d of Julye, 1582. 
 
 Your loving frende, 
 
 G. GERRARD.
 
 92 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 SIR P. SIDNEY AND THE ORDNANCE. 
 
 [In the Life of Sir Philip Sidney by Dr. Zouch, p. 207, is inserted a letter from 
 the subject of the memoir to Lord Burghley, requesting to be joined with his uncle, 
 Lord Warwick, as " Master of the Ordnance." The date is 27th January, 1582, and 
 Dr. Zouch adds, "This application, though urged with great modesty, failed of suc- 
 cess." The following letter from Sir F. Walsingham to Lord Ellesmere, desiring him, 
 in his capacity of Solicitor General, to prepare " a joint patent for her Majesty's signa- 
 ture," would shew that the application was successful. It is very possible, however, that 
 the joint patent was never prepared, but Dr. Zouch cites no authority for his statement 
 that the wishes of Sidney and Walsingham were not fulfilled. The charge of 
 secrecy, near the end, will not escape observation. In the year the letter bears date, 
 1582-3, Sir P. Sidney was married to the only daughter of Sir F. Walsingham, which 
 may account for that statesman's interference and urgency in the business. The pre- 
 cise date of the marriage does not seem to be ascertained, but the probability is that it 
 was subsequent to February 1582-3.] 
 
 To the right worshipfull my verie loving frend Mr. Edgerton, 
 her Ma ties Sollicitor General!. 
 
 SIR. Wheras there hath ben a motion made unto her Matf for 
 the joint patencie of th'office of th'ordnaunce with my L. of War- 
 wick for Sir Philippe Sydney, whom her Maty i s willing to grate- 
 fye in the sute with the good lyking and consent of my L. of War- 
 wick. These are to desire youe that you will prepare such a joint 
 patent for her Ma*y s signature., and to send yt me as soone as yt 
 is engrossed, for which purpos I send youe herewith my Lords 
 patent, praying youe withall that for some considerations youe 
 will keepe the matter secret, and geve especiall chardge unto your 
 clerk that shall engrosse the booke, to use the same in like sorte. 
 And so I comit you to God. At Richmond, the xiiijth of Feb- 
 ruary, 1582. 
 
 Your very loving frend, 
 
 FRA. WALSYNGHAM.
 
 ALNAGER OF DEVONSHIRE AND CORNWALL. 
 
 [Thomas Sackville, Lord Buckhurst, had relations of the name of Parker for whom, 
 as will be seen hereafter, he interested himself ; but whether the Mr. Parker men- 
 tioned below (and who was to have the reversion of the " Alnagership of Devonshire 
 and Cornwall" twenty years earlier), was of the same family cannot now perhaps be 
 ascertained. According to a letter from Lady Shrewsbury dated August 1570, printed 
 in Wright's " Elizabeth and her Times," i. 371, a person of the name of Parker was 
 a witness in the case of Throckmorton, but he is not likely to have been the person 
 who was to be benefited by the ensuing communication. He repaired to the Solicitor 
 General, as was not unusual, with his " book" for the appointment ready drawn in 
 order to avoid delay, and if that were not approved by the law-officer of the Crown, 
 Sir F. Walsingham charges that another shall be "forthwith made ready."] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Mr. Secretaryes letter for Mr. Parker, for the Alna- 
 ger of Devon." 
 
 To the right worshipful my very loving frend Mr. Thomas 
 Egerton, her Ma ties SoUicitour. 
 
 SIR. Wheras her Ma tie hath bestowed upon the bearer, Mr. 
 Parker, her servaunt, the reversion of the Alnagershippe for 
 Devonshyre and Cornewall, and to that end hath willed me to 
 signifye unto you that her pleasure is you shold frame a booke 
 according to the forme of la we, as in those cases is accustomed. 
 Forasmuch as he hath to present unto you a booke alredy drawen 
 for the said office, I haue thought good to pray [you] to peruse 
 the same j or if it shall not be found agreeable to lawe, to cause 
 another to be forthwith made ready, and after being confirmed by 
 your signature, to be sent hither to be signed according to her 
 Maty 5 order. And so I commit you to God. From the Court at 
 Richmond, the V th of Aprill, 1583. 
 
 Your very loving frend, 
 
 FBA. WALSYNGHAM.
 
 94 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 GRANT TO SIR WALTER RALEIGH. 
 
 [From what follows we gather that All Souls' College, Oxford, had granted to Queen 
 Elizabeth leases of Stolney and Newland, which she subsequently conferred upon Sir 
 Walter Raleigh or his appointee. Raleigh having " bargained " with two persons for 
 Stolney, requests, in the subsequent letter, the passing of the assignment to them. At 
 this date (April 1583) Sir Walter was accustomed to spell his name in a different man- 
 ner to that which he employed afterwards (Vide " Bridge water Catalogue," p. 248), but 
 even later in life he was by no means uniform, judging from the few autographs that 
 remain of him. The circumstance alluded to below is not adverted to by his bio- 
 graphers.] 
 
 To my worshipfull frende Mr. Egerton, Esquier, Solycyter 
 to her Highnes. 
 
 MB. Solycyter, yt hathe pleased her Ma tie to bestowe the leases 
 of Stolney and Newlande, lately graunted vnto her from Al-Solne 
 Colledge in Oxon, vppon me or any other that I shall agree with- 
 att. And for that of late I have bargande with Willm Touse and 
 Clemente Stupney for the lease of Stolney, I ame to request you 
 that the assignement maye passe by your good helpe from her 
 Matie to them, they payenge all fees and chardges thereto belong- 
 ing. And soe with hartie thanks for many other courtesyes, I 
 byd you farewell, from the Courte, the x th of Aprille, 1583. 
 
 W
 
 95 
 
 LICENCE TO SPORT. 
 
 [Lord Ellesmere appears in early life to have been fond of the sports of the field, 
 and the annexed " Warrant" to the Lord Paget's keepers in Staffordshire affords evi- 
 dence of this propensity. His biographers do not appear to have been in possession of 
 any information tending to such a conclusion. He was also to be supplied with " sum- 
 mer or winter deer" at any time, on directing his letters to the keepers. 
 
 Indorsed " The L. Pagettes Warraunt." 
 
 THESE are to will and commaunde youe, and every of youe, 
 that whensoever my verie good frend Mr. Thomas Egerton, 
 Esquier, hir Maties Sollycitour Generall, shall come into any my 
 parkes in Staffordshier within your severall chardges, thatt youe 
 attend uppon him and make him the best sporte that youe maie, 
 geving him free libertie to hunt and kill within the same parkes 
 att his pleasure. And likewise whensoever he shall dyrect his 
 letters to youe, or anie of youe, for the having off anie somer or 
 wynter deare, that youe deliver the same unto such persons as he 
 shall appointe, takinge care thatt he be verie well served theroff. 
 And these letters shalbe a suffycyent warrant, from tyme to tyme, 
 to youe and euerie of youe in this behalfe. Fare youe well. From 
 Draiton, this xxiiij th off Maie, 1583. 
 
 Yo r . ma r . 
 
 J. PAGET. 
 
 To Richard Sneade, keper of my parke at 
 Beaudesert. Willm Crispe, keper of my 
 parke att Seney. And to John Godwin, 
 keper of my great parke att Bromley Pagett. 
 And to every of them, and in ther absence, to 
 the deputie and deputies, and to everie of 
 them.
 
 96 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 MASTER OF THE GAME AT BIDSTON. 
 
 [The preceding document was merely a permission to sport and to be supplied with 
 deer, but what follows is the formal appointment of Lord Ellesmere, then Solicitor 
 General, as Master of the Game, to Henry Earl of Derby, in his " park and ground at 
 Bidston," in Cheshire. The fee was a " buck of season " in summer, and a " doe of 
 season " in winter, together with an annuity of five marks and liberty to distrain in case 
 of arrears. Of course liberty of sporting at Bidston was included in the grant by the 
 very nature of the office. There is good reason to believe that at this date the Soli- 
 citor General was retained as what is now termed " standing counsel " to the Earl of 
 Derby, and his assistance in all legal proceedings was considered of the highest value. 
 It is equally probable that he stood in the same relation to the Lord Paget who sub- 
 scribed the preceding warrant. What follows is the original document, and is signed 
 and sealed by the Earl of Derby, but it is without any superscription. He was the 
 father of Ferdinando Earl of Derby, who died in 1594, with such extraordinary 
 symptoms (detailed at length by Stowe) as to have led to the suspicion that he had been 
 bewitched or poisoned.] 
 
 HENRIE, Erie of Derbie, Lo. Stanley, and Straunge, Lo. of 
 Manne and Thysles, and of the moste honorable order of the 
 garter, knighte. To all men to whom theis presentes shall come, 
 greetinge. Knowe yee me, the saide Erie, for and in respecte of 
 the good opynion I have and conceyve of my welbeloved Thomas 
 Edgerton, esquire, her Maties Solicitor generall, and of the spe- 
 ciall care I make accompte and ame perswaded he will have, for 
 the preservation and keepinge in good order of my deere and 
 game within my parke and grounde at Bidston, to have pointed 
 and made choyce of the said Thomas Edgerton to be M r of my 
 saide Game within my said parke. And in respecte of his exer- 
 cysinge of that office to have geven and graunted, and by theis 
 presentes to geve and graunte unto him, the said Thomas Ed- 
 gerton, one fee bucke of seyson in sommer, and one fee dooe 
 of seyson in winter, to be hadd and taken forthe of my said 
 parke and ground, together with one annuitie or yearlie pension 
 of fyve markes, yssuinge and goinge forthe of my mannor of 
 Bidson, within the countie of Chester, and forthe of all my
 
 MASTER OF THE GAME AT BIDSTON. 9/ 
 
 landes, tents, and hereditamentes whatsoever in Bidson afore- 
 saide, to be paide yearelie to hym, the said Thomas Edgerton, or 
 his assignes, at the feastes of S*. John Baptist and S*. Martin the 
 Busshoppe, in winter, by even and equall portions. To haue, 
 houlde, exercise, and enjoye, as well the saide rowme and office 
 of M r of my Game within my saide parke of Bidson, the saide 
 fee bucke of seyson in sommer, and fee dooe of seyson in winter, 
 as alsoe the said annuitie or yearelie pension of fyve markes to 
 hym, the saide Thomas Edgerton, esquire, or his assignes, from 
 hence forthe, yearlie, for and duringe the naturall lyfe of hym the 
 saide Thomas Edgerton. And yf it happen the foresaide annuitie, 
 or yearelie pension of fyve markes, to be behynde and unpaide, in 
 parte or in all, at anye of the saide feastes at which it ought to 
 be paide, yf it be lawfullie demaunded, that then it shalbe lawfull 
 to and for the said Thomas Edgerton, or his assignes, into the 
 said mannor landes arid tents, with their appurtenances, to enter 
 and distreigne, and the distresses there founde and taken, to 
 carie, dryve, leade, convey, and reteigne, untill the said Thomas 
 Edgerton, or his assignes, of the saide annuitie or yearelie pen- 
 sion, with tharrearages yf anye be, be fullye satisfied, contented, 
 and paide. In witnesse whereof hereunto I, the said Erie, haue 
 sett my hande and seall the xiij daye of Auguste, in the xxv th 
 yeare of the reigne of our moste gracious sovereigne ladie, Eliza- 
 bethe, by the grace of God of Englande, Fraunce, and Irelande, 
 Queene, Defender of the Faitlie, &c. 
 
 H. DERBY. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12.
 
 98 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 FOUNDATION OF ST. BEES. 
 
 [The subsequent letter corrects an error in the Life of Archbishop Grindall, where 
 it is said (Gen. Biogr. Diet. XVI. 352) that " he resigned his see toward the latter end 
 of 1582." Walsingham here speaks of him as Archbishop in March 1583. The 
 " School in the North " which Grindall was about to " erect" is St. Bees, or Beghs, 
 endowed by him with 30 a year, and ,366 13*. 4rf. for the buildings. In Stowe, 
 Anno 1583, may be seen a particular recital of the bequests of Grindall, including 100 
 to the City of Canterbury, " to be employed upon a stock to set the poor on work, 
 which stock (as I am informed) was never put to so good an use." The Archbishop 
 died on 6th July, 1583, so that his death was anticipated by Walsingham, who bears 
 testimony to his Grace's " weak state of body."] 
 
 To my verie loving frend Mr. Egerton, her Ma ties Sollicitor 
 Generall. 
 
 SIR. The Archbushoppe of Canterburies Grace hath been long 
 in mynd to erect a schoole in the North, and to maintaine 
 some schollers in one or both the Universities, for the better 
 establishment of which, his good purpose, a mortmaine is ne- 
 cessarie, wherabout this bearer, his G. servant, nowe repaireth 
 to you with a paper booke of the same. For that I have no 
 doubt of hir Ma ties good liking of so good a matter as this is, I 
 hartely pray you to yeald this cause what furtherance you may by 
 the preparation of the said mortmaine under your hand, in such 
 sort as it may be readie for hir Highnes signature. And the 
 more speed the better, in respect of the Archbushoppes weake 
 state of bodie. And thus I byd you hartely farewell. From my 
 howse, in London, the xxv th of March, 1583. 
 
 Your loving frend, 
 
 FRA. WALSYNGHAM.
 
 ANNUITY TO HENRY HARLESTON. 
 
 [What peculiar claim Henry Harleston had upon the Queen's bounty excepting that 
 he was of " poor estate," an " old gentleman," and had been " one of the men at 
 arms," does not appear. Lord Ellesmere is more than usually particular in his in- 
 dorsement upon the warrant of Sir W. Mildmay.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " A grant to Henry Harleston, gent, of an annuytye 
 of xx markes yerelye : by Sir Walter Mildmayes warrant, 2 Ap'lis, 1584." 
 
 To my veary lovynge frende Mr. Tho. Egerton, esquire, hir 
 Soliciter General!. 
 
 MB. Solicitor. The Q. Ma rie having grevous consideration to 
 the poore estate of this old gentlemen, Mr. Henry Harleston, 
 sometyme one of the men at armes, is pleased to graunt unto hym 
 for his relief one annuytie or pencion of twenty markes yerlie, 
 during his life, wherin her Ma tie commaunded me to give order 
 for his warrant, by which occasion I trowble yow at this present, 
 requiring yow to cause a bill to be made in forme to passe hir 
 Maties signature, for the graunt of the said annuitie owte of the 
 receipt half yerlie ; and the same bill under your hand to send to 
 me, that it may be further presented to hir Ma tie as opportunitie 
 may serve. And so with my hartie commendations I leaue yow 
 in the kepyng of the L. Almightie. This second of April, 1584.
 
 100 
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 GRANT TO RODERIGO LOPEZ. 
 
 [In Bishop Goodman's " Court of King James I.," recently edited by Mr. Brewer, 
 Vol. I. p. 149, is an interesting account of Dr. Roderigo Lopez, a Portuguese Jew 
 and one of the Queen's physicians, who was executed in 1594 for a design to take 
 away the Queen's life hy poison. In 1584 he was (as he continued almost to the 
 hour of his trial) in full favour, and we here find Walsingham writing to the Solicitor 
 General respecting a grant to be made to him, with the omission of a proviso which 
 Dr. Lopez had requested should be left out.] 
 
 Indorsed, by Lord Ellesmere, " Mr. D. Lopez." 
 
 To my verie lovinge frend Mr. Egerton, her Ma ties Solli- 
 citor General!. 
 
 THEIS are to let you understand that her Maty, being againe 
 moved in the behalf of M r . Doctor Lopez, is nowe content that 
 the proviso, which I wrote unto you by my last should be added 
 to this graunt, maie be left out, for that he appereth to be 
 bound to yeld up the said graunte in case yt shalbe hereafter 
 found prejudityall to the common wealthe ; and so I commit you 
 to God. At Whitehaule, the vj th of Aprill, 1584. 
 
 Your very loving frend,
 
 101 
 
 SURVEYOR OF THE WORKS AT BERWICK. 
 
 [This is another official note of the same kind from the Earl of Leicester in favour 
 of his servant William Spicer, who was to succeed Rowland Johnson as surveyor of 
 the works and fortifications at Berwick. It is the earliest extant communication be- 
 tween the great favourite and the Solicitor General, but it has no indorsement. At 
 this date Leicester had recovered from the disgrace into which he fell with the 
 Queen for marrying the widow of Walter Earl of Essex, whom Leicester was suspected 
 of having poisoned, and of the circumstances of whose death a particular account is 
 preserved at Bridgewater House, agreeing precisely with that in Harleian MS. 392. 
 In 1584, Leicester was engaged in getting up Associations for the defence of Eliza- 
 beth's person, and in the latter end of the next year he was dispatched into the 
 Netherlands. According to Lord Burghley's Memoria Mortuorum, at the end of Mur- 
 din's State Papers, p. 783, John Carey, Esq. was appointed Chamberlain of Berwick 
 in September 1585.] 
 
 To my verye loving frende Mr. Egerton, her Ma ties Soli- 
 citor Generall. 
 
 MR. Solicitor. Her Matie is mynded to bestowe upon my ser- 
 vant Willm Spicer the office of surveior of her Highnes workes 
 and fortifications at Barwyke, for the tearme of his lief, to be ex- 
 ercised by himselfe or his sufficient deputye, with such fees and 
 profittes as Rowland Johnson deceased, her Ma ties surveyor there, 
 latelie had. Wherfore, I praye you, cause a bill to be drawen to 
 that end with your hand sett to the same, ready for her Ma tie to 
 signe, and to send nje the same bill with as convenient spede as 
 you maye. And so fare you hartelie well. From my house at 
 Wanstede, this ix th of Aprill, 1584. 
 
 Your verye lovinge frende, 
 
 R. LEYCESTER.
 
 102 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 CORPORATION OF COLCHESTER. 
 
 [Sir Francis Walsingham, the writer of the subsequent letter, was Recorder of Col- 
 chester, and was therefore the fit medium of communication for a renewal of a grant 
 by Henry VIII. of certain lands. Lord Treasurer Burghley and Sir Walter Mildmay 
 both concurred in what was sought ; but it may serve to shew how carefully Lord 
 Ellesmere was in the habit of looking into these matters when Sir F. Walsingham 
 thought it necessary not only to send the petition, and the Lord Treasurer's " note 
 thereupon in his own hand," but the original patent, as a warrant for the course he 
 recommended.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Colchester." 
 
 To my verie loving frend Mr. Egerton, Esqr, her Ma ties 
 Sollicitor Generall. 
 
 AFTER my hartie commendations. By the inclosed you may 
 see as well the sute which the Towne of Colchester hath to hir 
 Ma tie for the surrender of an old graunt unto them from King 
 Henrie the viij tn . of certaine landes which they desire to take a 
 newe of hir Ma ties gift, and to such uses only as by K. Henries 
 graunt were expressed, as also the cawse moving them to sur- 
 render. Herein long since I moved hir Ma tie and my L. Trea- 
 surer, and M r . Chancellor of the Exchequer having been made 
 acquainted and well likyng of the cawse, I pray you cawse a newe 
 grant to bee made readie with all convenient speed for hir Ma ties 
 signature, to theffect of the inclosed petition and my L. Trea- 
 surers note theruppon under his owne hand. For the better dis- 
 patch wherof this bearer, one of that towne, is to attend on you 
 and to shewe you the patent it self from K. Henrie. And so I 
 byd you hartely farewell. From the Court the xij th of Aprill, 
 1584. 
 
 Your loving frend, 
 
 FRA. WALSYNGHAM.
 
 103 
 
 CONSTABLE OF SCARBOROUGH CASTLE. 
 
 [We find from what follows that Elizabeth refused to sign warrants of the kind re- 
 ferred to, without the previous approbation of a law officer of the Crown ; and no doubt 
 she had good ground for caution. The rough draft of Lord Ellesmere's approbation 
 is appended to the letter of the Secretary of State, and it shews how express and dis- 
 tinct was the information required by the Queen.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord EUesmere " Mr. Secretaryes letter for the offyce of Scarborough 
 Castell to Ed. Gate, EsqV 
 
 To the right worshipfull my loving frend Master Thomas 
 Egerton, hir Ma tie8 Sollicitor Generall. 
 
 SIR. This bearer, Sir Henry Gate, hathe to deliver unto you a 
 byll for his Soon towching Skarborow Castell, which her Ma tie is 
 well pleased to signe, and so had she done yesternight, yf it had 
 bin subscribed by anie of hir learned Councell in lawe, a matter 
 which, for order sake, hir Ma tie will have observed, though shee 
 be allreadie resolved of the matter it selfe. And therfore I har- 
 tily pray you to peruse the sayd byll, and seying it to have due 
 forme, to subscribe and testifie it accordingly. And so I com- 
 mend you hartely to God. From the Court the xvij th of Aprill, 
 1584. 
 
 Your loving frend, 
 
 FRA. WALSYNGHAM. 
 
 [The following is appended in Lord Ellesmere's handwriting.] 
 
 The manor of Northstede, in the countie of York, was annexed 
 to the Castell of Scarburghe, and usuallye graunted together with 
 the offyce of Constabularye and keepership of the same Castell, at 
 the yerelye rent of xxiiij u to your Ma 1 ? for the same. 
 
 In the xj th yere of your Highnes reigne, your Ma*y graunted 
 the said Manor to Raffe Morete for xxj yeres, to begynne after the 
 death of Sir Rycharde Cholmeley, who then had the same manor
 
 104 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 annexed to the said offyce for terme of his lyfe. Sir Richarde 
 Cholmeley dyed. 
 
 This byll conteyneth a graunt to Edw. Gate, Esqr. of the said 
 offyce for terme of his lyfe, and an yerelye fee of xvj'i for the same, 
 during the contynuance of the same lease to Morete. 
 
 And after thende of the same lease [it] doth re-annexe the 
 said manor to the said offyce, with a graunt therof to the said 
 Edward Gate for the terme of his lyfe, yelding to your Maty a 
 yerelye rent of xxiiip, and from thenceforth the fee of xvjii to 
 cease and determyne. 
 
 SECOND JUDGE IN NORTH WALES. 
 
 [Fabian Phillips was a lawyer of some eminence, and was probably grandfather to 
 the Fabian Phillips who was also a lawyer, and bold enough to print and publish a 
 protest against the execution of Charles I. By the subjoined letters it appears that, 
 in 1584, Fabian Phillips, then second Judge of North Wales, wished to resign his office 
 in favour of a Mr. Reynoldes. Fabian Phillips acknowledges his peculiar obligations 
 to Sir F. Walsingham in obtaining the situation.] 
 
 Indorsed, by Lord Ellesmere, " Mr. Reynoldes, for the offyce of Justyceshippe in 
 North Wales.' 
 
 To the right worshipfull my very loving frend Mr. Sollicitour 
 Generall. 
 
 SIR. I send you herenclosed a letter I receaved from Mr. 
 Fabian Phillips, wherin he seemeth willing to resigne upp into 
 the handes of Mr. Reynoldes his place of second Justiceshipp in 
 North Wales, requesting my consent therunto. And therfore 
 you may nowe proceed to the drawing of his booke for the same 
 accordingly. And so committ you to God. From the Court at 
 Greenwich, the xv th of Maye, 1584. 
 
 Your very loving frend, 
 
 FRA. WALSYNGHAM.
 
 SECOND JUDGE IN NORTH WALES. 105 
 
 [The following is the Letter enclosed.] 
 
 Indorsed, by Sir F. Walsingham, " 1584. Mr. Fab. Phellips, to have my consent 
 in the resignation of his Justiceshippe to Mr. Renoldes." 
 
 To the right honorable Sir Frauncis Wallsingham, knight, 
 chief Secretary to her Ma tie , and of her highnes most 
 honorable Privy Cownsaile. 
 
 RIGHT honorable, my duty most humbly remembred, so hit is 
 that I am ernestly pressed by some frendes on the behalf of on M r . 
 Reynolls, being, as I heare, a very honest gentleman, to relinquish 
 and geve up myne office in Northwalles, being the second 
 Justiceship ther, to the behof of the said MX Reynolls, if by his 
 good frendes he may obtayne the same. And for that I have 
 not my health most commonly in traveling into those parties, I 
 am the more willing to depart with the same, so as hit may cum 
 to his use, or otherwise not. Yet, notwithstanding, for that your 
 honor was the chief procurer therof for me at the first, and 
 sithens the only maynteyner of me in the same, and generally my 
 sole patron in all, I thought hit my duty to aske leave and to 
 make your ho. privy therunto, lest I, that am bownd by your 
 manifold benefites to serve your ho. in all, may not in any wise 
 seme to offend you in any on jott of my bownden duty. And 
 even so eftsones remembering my humble duty for all your ho. 
 goodnes, I humbly pray the Allmighty long to prosper you and all 
 yours. Oxeton, the 2 of May, 1584. 
 
 Your ho. ever bownden and at commandment, 
 
 F. PHILLIPS. 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12.
 
 106 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 BAILIWICK OF BARKING. 
 
 [The name of the party to he benefited by a grant of the Bailiwick and Collectorship 
 of Barking, &c., only appears in Lord Ellesmere's indorsement, viz. John Wylfurde, 
 whom Sir F. Walsingham calls his servant. The Secretary seems to have been very 
 assiduous in providing for his retainers. He speaks of Knivett as a person known to 
 Lord Ellesmere, but no trace is to be found of him in any of the papers.] 
 
 Indorsed, by Lord Ellesmere, " A grant to John Wylfurde, Gent, of the baylywyck 
 of Barkyng." 
 
 To the right worshipfull my very loving freinde Mr. Thomas 
 Egerton, hir Ma ties Sollicitor Generall. 
 
 SIR. This bearer, my servant, having agreed with one Nut- 
 browne for his interest in the offices of the Bayliwike and Col- 
 lectorshippe of the Manor of Barking, and of the Surveyorshippe 
 of the Marshes there, both which were graunted to the said Nut- 
 browne in one patent ; and also having a reversion of one of the 
 saied offices in Knivettes name, is willing to resigne those two 
 patentes to have a new graunt of them passed from hir Ma tie in 
 his owne name. I pray you, therefore, to peruse the booke 
 which he shall deliver unto you for the purpose, and, finding it 
 agreable in meaning and effect with the former patentes, to sub- 
 scribe unto the same, shewing him, for my sake, your best helpe 
 and furtherance therin, to thende it may be the redier for hir 
 Maties signature, wherin I shall thinke my selfe beholding unto 
 you. And so committ you to God. From the Court at Rich- 
 monde, the xiiij th of July, 1584. 
 
 Your assured lovinge freinde, 
 
 FRA. WALSYNGHAM.
 
 MARKET AND FAIR AT HALIFAX. 
 
 [In Trinity term, 1584, Sir F. Walsingham first wrote to Lord Ellesmere respecting 
 a weekly market and annual fair at Halifax. It was then intended to make the grant 
 to the inhabitants of the town, but subsequently a person of the name of Waterhouse 
 put in his claim to the patent as Lord of the whole Manor, and that claim appears, 
 from the following letter, to have been admitted. By a letter hereafter inserted it will 
 be seen that the matter in dispute was not concluded.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " M r . Secretaryes letter for M r . Waterhouse for the 
 faire and markett in Hallifaxe." 
 
 To my verie loving frend M r . Egerton, esquire, hir Ma ties 
 Sollicitor. 
 
 SIR. Whereas the last terme I writt unto you for the makynge 
 readie of a certayne byll for a mercatt to bee had weekly, and 
 one fayre yearly, at Hallifax, in Yorkshire, and in my sayd 
 letter named the inhabitantes of that towne as the persons to 
 whome this graunt should passe. So it is that since I doe under- 
 stand the sayd towne is a parcell of the Manor of Hallifax, and 
 Robert Waterhouse, esquire, as Lord of the whole manor, seased 
 of that towne. Wherefore theise are to pray you to make the 
 sayd byll in such sort as the grawnt of this mercatt and fayre 
 maye passe to the sayd Waterhouse and his heires : wherby his 
 Tenants in the sayd towne may have benefitt thereof, and he avoyd 
 such prejudice as may, peradventure, growe to his inheritance yf 
 the grawnt weare passed in the name of the inhabitants in that 
 towne. To which effect the inclosed byll is made readie, which I 
 pray you to allowe of by your hand in case you fynd it to con- 
 teine nothing prejudiciall to hir Ma tie . And so I commend you 
 hartely to God. From my howse in London, the xij th of Novem- 
 ber, 1584. 
 
 Your loving frend, 
 
 FRA. WALSYNGHAM.
 
 108 THE EGEBTON PAPERS. 
 
 ASSOCIATIONS FOR DEFENCE OF THE QUEEN. 
 
 [Under the date of 1584, Camden (Annals, edit. Keunett, 1719, p. 499) refers to 
 the " new designs of the Pope, Spaniard, and the Guises for invading England," and 
 speaks of the manner in which, " by Leicester's means," Associations were formed 
 " by mutual vows, subscriptions and seals to prosecute to the death, as far as lay in 
 their power, all those that should attempt anything against the Queen." What fol- 
 lows is the form in which the various members of Lincoln's Inn bound themselves by 
 oath, attested by their hands and seals, to support and defend Elizabeth whether against 
 foreign or domestic, open or concealed enemies. The first name is that of the then 
 Solicitor General, and to it are added 94 others, from which a selection of some of the 
 principal has been made. It has no date.] 
 
 Indorsed in a contemporaneous hand, " Lincolnes Inne," and in a much more 
 modern hand, " Association for the defence of Queen Elizabeth. 
 
 Lincolnes FORASMUCH as Almightie God hath ordayned Kynges, 
 Inne. Quenes and Princes to haue domynion and rule over 
 
 all theire subjectes, and to preserve them in the pro- 
 fession and observation of the true Christian religion, accordinge 
 to his holy worde and commaundementes, and in like sorte that 
 all subjectes should love, feare and obeye theire Soveraigne Princes, 
 being Kynges or Quenes, and to the uttermoost of their powers 
 at all tymes to withstande, pursue and suppresse all raaner of per- 
 sons that shall by any meanes intende and attempte any thinge 
 daungerous or hurtefull to the honors, estates or persons of theire 
 Soveraignes : Therefore wee, whose names are or shalbe subscribed 
 to this writinge, beinge naturall borne subjectes of this realme of 
 Englande, and having so gracious a lady, our Soveraigne Elizabeth, 
 by the ordynance of God our moost rightfull Quene, raignynge 
 over us theise many yeres with greate felicitie to our inestimable 
 cbmforte ; and findinge of late by dyvers depositions, confessions, 
 and sundry advertisements out of forayne partes from credible 
 persons well knowen to her Ma tics Counsell, and to dyvers others, 
 that, for the furtherance and advancement of some pretended titles 
 to the Crowne of this realme, yt hath bene manifest that the lief 
 of our gracious soveraigne lady Quene Elizabeth hath bene moost
 
 ASSOCIATIONS FOR DEFENCE OF THE QUEEN. 109 
 
 trayterously and devylishly soughte, and the same followed moost 
 daungerously to the perill of her person, yf Almightie God, her 
 perpetuall defender, of his mercy had not revealed and withstoode 
 the same, by whose lief wee and all other her Ma ties loyall and 
 true subjectes doe injoye an inestimable benefyte of peace in this 
 lande, doe, for the reasons and causes before alledged, not only 
 acknowledge our selves moost justlye bounden with our bodies, 
 lyves, landes and goodes in her defence, and for her safetie to 
 withstande, pursue and suppresse all such myschevous persons, 
 and all other her enemyes of what nation, condition or degree so- 
 ever they shalbe, or by what coloure or title they shall pretende 
 to be her enemyes, or to attempte any harme unto her person. 
 But we doe also think it our moost bounden duties, for the great 
 benefites of peace, welth, and godly government which we have 
 more plentifully receaved theis many yeres under her Ma ties govern- 
 ment then our forefathers haue done in any longer tyme of any 
 other her progenitors, Kinges of this realme, to declare and by 
 this writinge make manifest our loyall and bounden duties to our 
 said soveraigne lady for her safetie. And to that end wee and 
 every of us, first calling to witnesse the holie name of Almightie 
 God, doe voluntarilie and moost willingly bynde our selves every 
 one of us to the other joyiitly and severally in the bonde of one 
 fyrme and loyall societie, and doe hereby vowe and promise before 
 the majestic of Almightie God, that with our whoale powers, 
 bodies, lyves, landes and goodes, and with our children and ser- 
 vantes, wee and every of us will faythfully serve and humbly obay 
 our said soveraigne lady Gluene Elizabeth, against all estates, dig- 
 nities and earthly powers whatsoever, and will, aswell with our 
 joynte as perticuler forces, duringe our lyves, withstande, offende 
 and pursue, as well by force of armes as by all other meanes of 
 revenge, all maner of persons of what estate soever they shalbe 
 and theire abettors, that shall attempte by any acte, counsell or 
 consent to any thinge that shall tende to the harme of her Ma ties 
 royall person. And wee shall never desist from all maner of for-
 
 110 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 cible pursuyte against such persons to the uttermoost extermina- 
 tion of them, their comforters, ayders and abettors. And if any 
 such wicked attempte against her moost royall person shalbe taken 
 in hande or procured, whereby any that have, may or shall pretende 
 title to the Crowne of this realme by the untymely death of her 
 Ma tie soe wickedly procured (which God for his mercies sake for- 
 bidde) may be advaunced, wee doe not only vowe and bynde our 
 selves both joyntly and severally never to allowe, accepte or 
 favoure any such pretended successor, by whom or for whom any 
 such detestable act shalbe attempted or commytted, or any that 
 may any way clayme by or from such person or pretended succes- 
 sor as is aforesaid, by whom or for whom such an acte shalbe 
 attempted or commytted, as unworthy of all government in any 
 Christian realme or cyvill societie. And to the better corrobora- 
 tion of this our loyall bonde and association, wee doe also testifie 
 by this writinge that wee doe confirme the contentes hereof by 
 our oathes, corporally taken upon the holie Evangelistes, with this 
 expresse condition, that none of us shall for any respecte of per- 
 sons or causes, or for feare or rewarde, separate our selves from 
 this association, or faile in the prosecution hereof duringe our 
 lyves, upon payne to be by the rest of us prosecuted and sup- 
 pressed as perjured persons, and as publique enemies to God, our 
 Quene and our natyve countrey. To which punyshment and 
 paynes wee doe voluntarilie submytt our selves and every of us, 
 without benefite of any exception to be hereafter challenged by 
 any of us by any coloure or pretexte. In witnesse of all which 
 premisses to be inviolably kepte, wee doe to this writinge putt to 
 our handes and seales, and shalbe moost ready to accepte and 
 admytt any others hereafter to this our societie and association. 
 
 Tho. Egerton. Ric. Kyngesmyll. 
 
 Rauffe Rokeby. Amos Dalton. 
 
 John Davy. Humfrey Brydges. 
 
 George Kyngesmyll. Robert Ryche.
 
 PRISONERS IN THE KING'S BENCH. Ill 
 
 Chr. Jenneye. Robte Clerke. 
 
 Peter Warburton. John Tyndall. 
 
 C. Rytche. John Glanvyle. 
 
 Avarey Copley. Thomas Palmer. 
 
 Toby Aston. Roger Pope. 
 
 Tho. Thornton. John Evelyn, &c. 
 
 PRISONERS IN THE KING'S BENCH. 
 
 [The Commission mentioned by Lord Burghley in the following letter was probably 
 for the relief of certain poor debtors. It seems to have been drawn up by the Attorney 
 General, and not entirely approved by the Lord Treasurer, who sent it to the Solicitor 
 General (in the absence of the Attorney General from London) for revision.] 
 
 Indorsed " 6 th Martij, 1585 ; my L. Treasurers letter touching the Commission for 
 the prisoners in the Kynges Bench." 
 
 To the R. worshipfull my verie loving frend M r . Egerton, her 
 Solicitor. 
 
 SIR. This bearer shall deliver unto you a draught of a Com- 
 mission for the poore prisoners in the Kinges Benche sent unto 
 mee the other daie by M r . Attournie Generall, with which I knowe 
 not wheather you have been acquainted or not. But seeing he is 
 nowe out of the towne, and some thinges in the booke that weare 
 fitt in mine opinion to be further considered of before the passing 
 thereof, I hartelie praie you to take the paines to revewe the 
 same, and if yowe shall shortlie have any occasion to cum to the 
 Court, to bringe the Commission with you hether to me, that I 
 maie conferre with you touchinge the same, or otherwise to ad- 
 vertise mee your opinion in writinge. Soe fare you hartelie well. 
 From the Court this sixt of Marche, 1585. 
 
 Your verie lovinge frend, 
 
 W. BURGHLEY.
 
 112 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 THROCKMORTON'S ATTAINDER. 
 
 [Francis Throckmorton was tried for high treason on 21st May 1584, but he was 
 not executed, according to Stowe, until 10th July. The following letter refers to 
 certain manors, &c. conveyed to Throckmorton by William Wygmore upon his mar- 
 riage (as well as to the sum of .2000 in money), in danger of becoming forfeit to the 
 Crown by reason of the attainder. The Queen relinquished any right she might have 
 acquired in favour of Wygmore in 1585. The day of the month is omitted by Sir F. 
 Walsingham.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " 15 Marche, 1585, Mr. Secretaryes warrant for Mr. 
 Wyllm Wygmore' s boke." 
 
 To my verie lovinge frende M r . Thomas Egerton, esquior, her 
 Ma ties Sollicitour Generall. 
 
 AFTER my hartie commendations. Whereas William Wigmore, 
 of Lucton, in the countie of Heref., esquior, upon the mariage 
 between him and Anne, his wife, did, by indenture between him 
 on the one partie, and Francis Throgmorton, late of highe trea- 
 son attainted, on the other partie, conveigh the manors of Luc- 
 ton, Kinton, Aston, Nether Kinsham, and Lytton, in the countie 
 of Hereford, and certeine other lands expressed in the said 
 indenture, unto the said Throgmorton to certeine uses in the 
 indenture appearing : and whereas, also, the said William Wigmore 
 dyd, by statute, dated, &c., become bounden unto the said 
 Francis Throgmorton in the somme of 2000 li , and afterwards the 
 said Throgmorton was attainted, and the attainder had relation 
 to the first day of October in the xxj yeare of her Mati es raigne, 
 which was before the said indenture made. Forasmuch as there 
 is some question growen whether the manors and lands before 
 mentioned are forfeyted unto her Ma tie by the attainder of the 
 said Throgmorton, theise are to pray you, for the clearing of all 
 doubtes, to cause a booke to be drawen and engrossed for a 
 graunt to bee made in fee simple from her Ma ti e of the said 
 manors and all other the lands mentioned in the said indenture,
 
 SHERBURNE HOSPITAL, DURHAM. 113 
 
 as also a release of the said statute of 200011 before specified unto 
 the said William Wigmore and his heires. And so I comitt you 
 hartely to God. From the Court the of March, 1585. 
 
 Your verie loving frend, 
 
 FRA. WALSYNGHAM. 
 
 SHERBURNE HOSPITAL, DURHAM. 
 
 [Da. Valentine Dale, in whose behalf the following letter was written, was much 
 employed abroad both before and after its date. He had been collated to the Master- 
 ship of Sherburne Hospital 22nd March, 1584. (Vide Surtees' History of Durham, 
 i. pt. ii. p. 141.) In 1588 he was sent to expostulate with the Prince of Parma upon 
 the publication of a tract by Cardinal Allen.] 
 
 To my very worshipfull assured good frend Mr. Egertone, 
 Esquier, her Ma ties Solliciter. 
 
 SIR. Hir Mati e beeing moved lately touching M r . Doctor 
 Dale his byll for his ryght of presentation in the hospitall of 
 Sherburne, is gratiously contented to sygne the same, so the pro- 
 viso contayned therin be as full and ample as it ought to be ; 
 which, yf you shall fynde to be so, her Ma ties pleasure is, you 
 shall subscribe his byll with present expedition that it may be re- 
 turned ymmediately, for such is her hyghnes dyrection. And so 
 I committ you to God. From the Court at Grenewich, the xv th of 
 Aprill, 1585. 
 
 Your very lovinge assured frend, 
 
 CHR. HATTON. 
 
 Sir. Yf you fynd not this bill formally drawen according to the 
 law, you must presently make upp an other, and delyver it to M r . 
 Dale subscribed with your hand. 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12.
 
 114 THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 CHARTER OF WINCHESTER. 
 
 [It is not mentioned by the biographers of Sir Francis Walsingham that, among 
 other appointments, he held that of High Steward of the City of Winchester. This 
 fact is established by the subsequent letter to the Solicitor General for a renewal 
 of the charter of that Corporation, with certain additional powers not particularly spe- 
 cified. The charter did not pass until 23rd January, 1587, and a translation of it may 
 be seen in the History of Winchester, 1773, iii. 99. It is dated from his house at Barn 
 Elms, which he had held under the Queen since 1581, and where her Majesty visited 
 him in 1589, about a year before Sir Francis died almost in poverty, increased, no 
 doubt, by expenditure for the due entertainment of his royal visitor.] 
 
 Indorsed, by Lord Ellesmere, " Wynchester." 
 
 To rny verie loving frend M r . Thomas Egerton, Esquier, hir 
 Mati 68 Sollicitor generall. 
 
 SIR. The Citie of Winchester having verie earnestly desired 
 mee to bee a meane to hir Ma tie for the renewing of their Charter, 
 by which, as you may see by the articles inclosed, there shall in 
 effect no great matter passe unto them more than alreadie eyther 
 by former Charters or by long custome and prescription they 
 doe enjoy, and being my self desyrous, for that I am Highe Ste- 
 ward of this Citie, to doe the same what good I can ; theise are 
 hartely to pray you, according to the said articles, to cause a new 
 Charter to be made readie for them and subscribed by you, which 
 I have no doubt but hir Ma tie will willingly signe when I shall 
 enforme hir of the poore estate of this Citie, and the need yt hath 
 of this new Charter. And so I commend you hartely to God. 
 From my howse at Barnelmes, the xxvij th of May, 1585. 
 
 Your loving frend, 
 
 FRA. WALSYNGHAM. 
 
 This bearer shall further by word acquaint you with the matter 
 of the sute of the Citie, and at the beginning of the next terme 
 some of the Citizens them selves wayte on you, against which time 
 I hope you will have made readie their booke.
 
 115 
 
 MARKET AND FAIR AT HALIFAX. 
 
 [This letter refers to a former one, dated in Nov. 1584, on the same subject (vide 
 p. 107). The patent then drawn was objected to, and the question was referred to the 
 Master of the Rolls ; who prepared another instrument, in which " Mr. Waterhouse's 
 adversary " concurred, for the settlement of matters in difference. It was transmitted 
 to the Solicitor General that it might be engrossed and signed by him, and a note of the 
 contents added for the information of the Queen. In the Histories of Halifax by Wat- 
 son and by Wright, no information is given respecting the application by the inhabit- 
 ants or its resistance by Waterhouse. Perhaps no patent was ever granted, in conse- 
 quence of the dispute ; as we are told by modern authorities that the market is held by 
 prescription.] 
 
 Indorsed, by Lord Ellesmere, " Mr. Waterhouse boke for Halifaxe Markett." 
 
 To my very loving frend Mr. Thomas Egerton, Esq., her 
 Ma ties Sollicitour Generall. 
 
 SIR. Whereas, a good while since, I writt to you for a patent 
 to be made for M r . Robert Waterhouse to keepe certayne fayres 
 in Hallifax, which you dyd make readie accordingly for hir Ma ties 
 signature. So it is that some objection beeyng made agaynst 
 that patent, and the consideration thereof by hir Ma tie beeyng 
 referred to the Master of the Rolles, he hathe, after the hearyng 
 of all objections, made a draught of a newe by assent of Mr. 
 Waterhouses adversarie in this cawse, which draught I send you 
 subscribed by the Master of the Rolles, praiying you the same 
 may be engrossed and subscribed by you, with some short docquet 
 of the effect of the byll. And so I commend you hartely to God. 
 From the Court the fyrst of December, 1585. 
 
 Your very loving frend, 
 
 FRA. WALSYNGHAM.
 
 116 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 SENDING FELONS TO THE GALLEYS. 
 
 [The contents of the ensuing letter are somewhat remarkable, seeing that the Queen 
 resigned a portion of her prerogative into the hands of Commissioners who were to 
 decide as to the prisoners who should be executed or reprieved and sent to the galleys, 
 one of which had just been built. In Wright's Elizabeth and her Times, ii. 291, is a 
 letter from Recorder Fleetwood to Lord Burghley, mentioning the sessions just con- 
 cluded at Newgate, and adding, " There were none executed; but all the reprieves 
 are referred to the order of my Lords the Commissioners.'' " Thursday (he continues) 
 was spent by Mr. Wrothe and Mr. Yoonge in perusing the strength and abilitie of the 
 prisoners " to ascertain which were fit to serve on board the galleys.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " 6 April, 1586, Mr. Secretary's Letter for comytting 
 Prysoners atteynted and repryfed to the galleyes." 
 
 To my very loving frend Mr. Egerton, her Ma ties Sollicitor 
 Generall. 
 
 SIR. Her Maty fynding that the lawes of the realm do not cary 
 severity enough to represse the insolency of all sortes of fellows, 
 the number wherof by such meanes doth daily increase, yt hath 
 pleased her of late to devise that such offendors, being repryved 
 from execution, shalbe bestowed in her gallyes, wherof one is 
 already built, and more are meant to be built ; the use of which 
 kind of punishment will both terrify ill disposed persons from 
 offending, and make thos that shall hazard them selves to offend 
 in some sorte proffitable to the common wealthe. For which pur- 
 pose her Ma 1 ? 3 meaning is to direct a Commission unto any sixe 
 of her Counsell, wherof the L. Chancellor, the L. Threr, and the 
 L. Admirall to be alwayes one, authorizing them to repryve from 
 tyme to tyme such fellows as they shall fynd to be of hable bodyes 
 to serve in gallyes, and them to commit to the said gallyes for the 
 space of three yeares, or longer tyme, as to them shalbe thought 
 meete. With reservation nevertheles in the said Commission of 
 the right of appeales in cases accustomed unto the parties greeved. 
 Uppon which her Matys resolution my Lords of the Counsell 
 thinke meete you should send for the Clerk of the Crowne, and
 
 ALL SOULS* COLLEGE, OXFORD. 117 
 
 geve him instructions for the draught of such a Commission, 
 grounded uppon the considerations above specifyed. And so I 
 commit you to God. At Grenewich the vj th of Aprill, 1586. 
 
 Your assured frend, 
 
 FRA. WALSYNGHAM. 
 
 ALL SOULS' COLLEGE, OXFORD. 
 
 [" The poor fellowship" of All Souls, Oxford, having petitioned to have the parson- 
 age of Stanton Harcourt passed anew to them, with some other matters, the following 
 letter was sent by Secretary Walsingham to the Solicitor General as his warrant for 
 preparing a "book" for the purpose. It will be seen that a very similar letter 
 was sent more than three years afterwards, as if the direction which follows had not 
 been complied with in 1536.] 
 
 Indorsed, by Lord Ellesmere, " Mr. Secretaryes letter for warrant for passing a 
 boke for the personage of Stanton Harcourt to Alsoules Colledge in Oxon." 
 
 To my verie loving frend Mr. Thomas Egerton, esquior, her 
 Ma tics Sollecitor Generall. 
 
 SIR. Hir Ma ties pleasure is to bee gratiouse to the poore fellow- 
 shippe of Allsoules College in Oxford, in passing a newe unto 
 them the personage of Stanton Harcourt, with the other thinges 
 conteined in the inclosed supplication, as shee hath been alreadie 
 good to diverse other private persons standing in lyke state for 
 other lands as that Colledge doth for this personage. And there- 
 fore I praye you, according to hir pleasure, cause a booke to bee 
 made readie for this matter, subscribed with your hand readie for 
 hir signature, and to send the same unto me, together with this 
 inclosed petition, as soone as you can. For your better instruc- 
 tion in this cawse, the Warden of this Colledge will him selfe, or 
 els appoynt some other presently to wayte uppon you with their 
 evidences concernyng this matter. And so I commend you 
 hartely to God. From the Court the third of Maye, 1586. 
 Your loving frend, 
 
 FRA. WALSYNGHAM.
 
 18 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 UNDERTAKERS IN MUNSTER. 
 
 [The first President of Munster, Sir Walter St. Leger, was appointed in 1565, after 
 which date various endeavours were used to reduce that part of Ireland to obedience, 
 and to induce capitalists to embark their property in land there. " This year (says 
 Stowe, An. Reg. 1586) the Queen's Majesty took order for the peopling and inhabiting 
 of the countries late belonging to the Earl of Desmond and his rebellious companions ;" 
 and among the Undertakers were Sir Christopher Hatton, Sir Walter Raleigh, 
 Sir William Courtney, Sir Richard Molineux, Sir George Bourcher, Sir Edward 
 Fitton, Sir Valentine Browne, Sir Walter Leeson, and Popham, the Attorney General. 
 The Solicitor General was to prepare the " books," and draw the patent, which Lord 
 Burghley was especially anxious should be as forcible for the Queen as for the Under- 
 takers, being well aware, no doubt, that the Attorney General was himself a party inte- 
 rested against the Crown.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " 6 July, 1586 : my L. Treasurers letter touchinge 
 the drawing of the Patentes for the lands in Monster in Irelande." 
 
 To the R. worshipfull my verie loving frend Mr. Egerton, hir 
 Ma ties Solicitor. 
 
 AFTER my verie hartie commendations. I have looked over 
 thes bookes which yowe delivered unto me concerning hir Ma ties 
 landes in Monster to bee passed over to the Undertakers, &c. 
 which I leave to your further vewe and consideration, to be as 
 forcible for hir Ma tie as for them, espetiallie the Patent to passe 
 from hir Ma* ie , that she maie be in as good assurance to have that 
 performed by the tenantes as their booke, and will be sure to have 
 all thinges grawnted by the same to their advantage. If you so 
 thinke good you maie use the advise of such of the Judges as are 
 in towne uppon anie pointes thearein, or any of the other bookes. 
 And so I verie hartelie bid you farewell. From the Court this 
 fourthe of Julie, 1586. 
 
 Your assured loving frend, 
 
 W. BURGHLEY.
 
 119 
 
 VICARS CHORAL OF HEREFORD. 
 
 [This letter affords another proof of the rapacity of persons called "concealers," 
 who, under pretence that they belonged to the Crown, had endeavoured to get possession 
 of lands granted to the Vicars Choral of Hereford. The Lord Treasurer was therefore 
 anxious that the right of the Vicars Choral should be confirmed by " a new book." 
 The letter with this object was rather unusually addressed jointly to the Attorney and 
 Solicitor General. Blackstone (iv. 436, edit. 1829) speaks of the "victories" gained 
 over the Crown in the reign of James I. in " cases of concealment," but, as we have 
 seen, Elizabeth had previously in some degree relaxed or relinquished what was termed 
 her " prerogative" in this respect, in consequence of the gross abuses which arose out 
 of its exercise.] 
 
 Indorsed, by Lord Ellesmere, " September, 1586. My L. Treasurers letter for the 
 Vycars Choralle in the Churche of Hereford." 
 
 To my verie lovinge frendes M r . Attornie Generall and M r . 
 Solicitor, or either of them. 
 
 AFTER my verie hartie commendations. For that hir Ma tie is 
 pleased to confirme unto the Vicars Chorals of the Churche of 
 Hereford the graunt of their landes, which hath been sowght by 
 divers greedie persons to have been gotten from them as conceled, 
 which would have served to the subversion of that Churche, 
 whereof hir Highnes hath gracious consideration ; and thearefore I 
 praie youe, as your leisures maie better serve you, to peruse their 
 former grauntes, and to drawe a newe Book of Confirmation to 
 passe from hir Ma% according to hir Ma ties good meaning, for their 
 quietnes heareafter. And so I verie hartelie bid you farewell. From 
 Westm r , this second of September, 1586. 
 
 Your verie lovinge frend, 
 
 W. BURGHLEY.
 
 120 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 TRIAL OF THE QUEEN OF SCOTS. 
 
 [The particular circumstances which rendered the subsequent communication from 
 Lord Burghley to Lord Ellesmere necessary are not stated ; but if the latter, as Solicitor 
 General, and importantly engaged in the trial, complied, as no doubt he did, with the 
 desire of the Lord Treasurer, his report would form a highly interesting historical 
 document. In Goodman's Court of King James I., by Brewer, I. 274, the advancement 
 of Mr. Egerton to be Master of the Rolls is attributed mainly to his exertions on the 
 trial of the unfortunate Mary of Scotland ; but this event did not occur until 1594, more 
 than seven years after the trial, and in the mean time, on the elevation of Popham, 
 Mr. Egerton was appointed Attorney General. He therefore rose by the regular gra- 
 dations of office. The letter is not indorsed, a circumstance deserving remark when 
 we know Lord Ellesmere's general accuracy in this particular, and when we advert also 
 to the great curiosity and magnitude of the subject.] 
 
 To my verie lovinge frend M r . Egerton, her Maties Solicitor. 
 
 SIR. For that you weare best acquainted with the matters 
 whearewith the Scottishe Queene, hir Secretaries and those Trai- 
 tors that weare executed and others wear towched, concerning the 
 practices for the destruction of hir Ma tie , and thearein howe farre- 
 forthe either the K. of Spayne or anie his ministers weare ac- 
 quainted with anie of thos practises ; for that at this present 
 theare is summ speciall cause of consideration to be had of all 
 those thinges that thearein maie so concerne the said K. and his 
 ministers, I hartelie praie you, with what speede you conve- 
 nientlie maie, to collect and sett the same downe briefordlie in 
 writing, and by what confessions and proffes everie of the same 
 are maintained, and thearewithall, so soone as you have done, to 
 attend mee. From my howse neare the Savoie, the xxiiij of No- 
 vember, 1587. 
 
 To* verie loving frend, 
 
 W. BURGHLEY.
 
 121 
 LICENSE TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. 
 
 [The Earl of Leicester went to the Low Countries at the latter end of 1585, and 
 returned to England the 3rd December, 1586 (Camden in Kennett, ii. 512). He was in 
 Holland again in 1587, but by the ensuing letter and accompanying document it is clear 
 that he was at " the Court" again in February 1587-8. The draught of the License for 
 exporting artillery follows the letter. It is throughout elaborately corrected in the 
 hand-writing of Lord Ellesmere.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " The Earle of Leicester touching her Ma'r* license 
 for 320 tonne of cast iron ordynance." 
 
 To my very loving frende Mr. Thomas Egerton, Esq r . Solli- 
 citor Generall to the Q. Ma tie . 
 
 AFTER my right harty commendations. Whereas it hathe 
 pleased the Q,. Ma tie to graunt me the making and transporting of 
 three hundred and twentye tonnes of cast iron ordinance into the 
 countryes of Hollande and Zealande, being in amitye with her 
 Ma tie , to be transported at any tyme or tymes within the space of 
 three yeares ; for which purpose I have caused a booke to be 
 drawen which I send you herewith. I hartily pray you that you 
 will peruse the saide booke, and reducing it into due forme to the 
 effect aforesaide, that you will sett your hande to it, that it may 
 be offered to her Ma ties signature. For which I will right hartily 
 thanke you. And so I bid you fare well. From the Court the 
 xiij of Febr. 1587. 
 
 Your loving frende. 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12.
 
 122 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Elizabeth, by the grace of God, of England, Fraunce, and Ire- 
 land Queene, defendour of the faithe, &c. Whereas we have 
 bene enformed by our lovinge cosen and councellor Robert Erie 
 of Leicester, that divers of the cities, tovvnes and places of Hol- 
 land and Seeland, that are in amytie with us, doe stand in greate 
 nede of Ordynaunce and Munition, aswell for the defence of their 
 cities, townes, houlds and places of defence, as also for their navyes 
 and shipps. And whereas the said Erie of Leicester hathe made 
 humble and ernest suyte unto us, for and in the behalfe of the 
 citizens and inhabitants within the said countries of Holland and 
 Seland, and at theyr specyall instaunce and desyre, that we would 
 vouchesafe to lycense him the said Erie of Leicester, and suche 
 person or persons as he the said Erie under his hand and seale 
 shall assigne or appoynte, full power and lawfull aucthoritye to 
 transporte and convey over to any of the said cities, townes or 
 countryes, being in amytie with us, thre hundred and twentye 
 tunnes of cast iron Ordynaunce, to be made, bought, gotten and 
 procured in our countee of Sussex, or elsewhere within any our 
 domynions. We of our especiall grace, certeine knowledge and 
 mere motyon, for us our heyers and successors, have gyven and 
 graunted, and by theis our Letters Patents doe gyve and graunt 
 full power and lawfull aucthoritye unto the said Robert Erie of 
 Leicester, and to suche person and persons as he by writinge un- 
 der his hand and seale shall in that behalfe assigne, aucthorize or 
 appointe, for by and duringe the space of three yeres next ensu- 
 inge the date of theis our present Letters Patents, to transporte and 
 convey over out of our countryes or domynions to any of the said 
 cities, countryes or places beyond the seas, beinge in amytie with 
 us as is aforesaid, cast Ordynaunce of iron to the weighte of three 
 hundred and twentye tunnes, to be made, bought and procured 
 within any of our domynions, cuntryes or territories, without any 
 lett or interruption of any cfur customers, comptrollers, or searchers 
 of any our portes, havens or creeks, or any other our offycers or
 
 LICENSE TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. 123 
 
 mynisters whatsoever. And also of our speciall grace, certeine 
 knowledge, and mere motion, we have gyven and graunted, and 
 for us, and our heyres and successors, doe by these presentes gyve 
 and graunt, full power and aucthoritie unto the said Robert Erie 
 of Leicester, that he the said Robert Erie of Leicester and such 
 person or persons as he shall in that behalfe assigne, authoryse or 
 appointe, shall have full power and lawfull aucthoritye to make 
 and caste, and cause to be made and caste, any Iron Ordynaunce 
 to the waight of three hundred and twentye tunnes as is aforesaid, 
 within any of our domynions and cuntries, by the space of three 
 yeres next ensuinge the date herof, to be transported and conveyed 
 to any of the said cyties, cuntryes and places beyond the seas, 
 beinge in amyty with us as is aforesaid. And our expresse wyll and 
 pleasure ys, and of our supreame authorytye and prerogative royall 
 wee doe by these our present Letters Patentes straightly charge and 
 commande, that noe other person or persons whatsoever shall, for 
 by and duringe the said terme of three yeres, cary and transporte, 
 or cause to be caryed and transported, any such cast Iron Ordy- 
 naunce aforesaid, uppon payne of our grievous and highe displea- 
 sure, and as they wyll answere the contrarye at their uttermoost. 
 And further our mynde and will is, and we doe herby graunt for 
 us and our heyres, that theis our present Letters Patentes shalbe of 
 full force, valydytye and effect accordinge to the tenoure, intent 
 and true meaninge therof, any law, custome, proclamation, ordy- 
 naunce or restreynt whatsoever to the contrarye therof in any 
 wise notwithstandinge. In wytnesse wherof, &c. 
 
 [The following rough draft of a note of information to the Queen 
 was appended by Lord Ellesmere.~\ 
 
 This conteyneth a licence by your Maty to the Earle of Leices- 
 ter for the making and transporting into such cytyes and places 
 in Hollande and Zelande as be in amytye with your Highnes, of 
 cccxx tunnes of Cast Iron Ordynaunce within three yeares next 
 commynge.
 
 124 THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 CROWN LEASE TO MR. LOVELACE. 
 
 [The nature of the lease granted by the Queen to Lady Warwick's " good friend, Mr. 
 Lovelace,'' is not stated in the following communication.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " My Lady Warwickes letter for Mr. Lovelace, 25 
 Junij, 1588." 
 
 To my assured good freind Mr. Thomas Egerton, Esquier, her 
 Ma*? 8 Sollicitor Generall. 
 
 GOOD M r . Sollicitor. My self having undertaken the pro- 
 curing of a confirmation of a lease from her Ma tie for my good 
 friende Mr. Lovelace, for the better dispatch thereof I am verie 
 hartetie to pray yow to putt your hande to the newe draughte, for 
 that the former, by some mishap that came by the negligence of 
 one of his servantes, is so defaced as noe way fitt to be offered 
 unto the Queene : wherein assuring my self of your friendlie 
 readines for the furtherance of this Gent., whose cause I doe 
 greatelie regarde, to be browght to some good ende, I wishe yow 
 right well to fare. From the Courte, the xxv th of June, 1588. 
 
 Your assured good friende, 
 
 ANNE WARWYCK. 
 
 KEEPER OF THE PARKS AT GRAFTON. 
 
 [This appointment as Keeper of the Parks, &c. at Grafton, preceded Lord War- 
 wick's death rather more than a year.] 
 
 Indorsed " Mr. Secretaryes letter for my L. of Warwick for the offices, &c." 
 
 To the right worshipfull my verie loving frind Mr. Thomas 
 Egerton, her Ma ties Sollicitor. 
 
 SIR. Whereas her Mat* 6 is pleased to bestowe upon my verie 
 good Lord, the Erie of Warwick, the keeping of the parks at
 
 SIR C. HATTON S ORDER IN CHANCERY. 125 
 
 Grafton, with the Launes, Chases and Walkes belonging there- 
 unto, in as large and ample maner as the late L. Steward held 
 the same from her Highnes ; theise are to pray you to peruse a 
 booke, which his L. hath caused to be made readie, conteyning a 
 graunt as aforesaid, and finding the same in due forme, to sett 
 your hand thereunto, that yt may be presented unto her Ma ties 
 signature. And so I commend me hartely unto you. From the 
 Court at Richmond, the xxvij th Januarie, 1588. 
 
 Your verie loving frend, 
 
 FRA. WALSYNGHAM. 
 
 SIR C. HATTON'S ORDER IN CHANCERY. 
 
 [Sir Nicholas Bacon was only Keeper of the Great Seal, and Sir Thomas Bromley, 
 who succeeded him, was not, as we have seen, at first made Lord Chancellor ; but Sir 
 Christopher Hatton, on the 29th April, 1587, was at once appointed to the highest dig- 
 nity of the profession, " which (as Camden informs us) the lawyers of England took very 
 great distaste at," he heing merely a courtier. Stowe gives an account of his stately 
 procession from Hatton House to Westminster, with Lord Burghley on one hand and 
 the Earl of Leicester on the other. ' ' What he wanted in knowledge of the law (adds 
 Camden) he laboured to make good by equity and justice ; " and the following " Order 
 in Chancery" shews in what way, by the assistance of the Masters, he endeavoured 
 to make up for his own deficiencies. He caused four of them sit daily in Court, and 
 two of them attend at his private house three times a week. The document is an 
 office copy, and the words, not far from the close, " shalbe due perceyved," are evi- 
 dently miswritten.] 
 
 Indorsed " Order in Chancery for Masters of that Courte." 
 
 ORDO CURI^E. 
 Decimo viij die Aprilis, Anno Regni Elizabeth Reginae xxx. 
 
 THE Right ho. Sir Christopher Hatton, Knight, Lo. Chaun- 
 celor of England, having bene enformed that of late yeres the
 
 126 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Courte of Chauncery hathe bene for the most parte unfurnished 
 of suche Masters of the Chauncery as are in ordynary, and have 
 her Ma ties fee to attende there, whereby the dignitye of that 
 honorable Courte hathe bene in some parte blemished, and the 
 same destitute of such assistauntes and advice of theirs as were 
 meete and necessary. For remedy therof the said Lo. Chaun- 
 celor dothe order that fower of the said ordynary Masters of the 
 Chauncery shall dayly, in theire course, attende at or in the said 
 Courte of Chauncery upon the benche there, unles some speciall 
 cause shall drawe them from thence, and then he or they, whose 
 course it shalbe, to procure some other of the ordynary Masters 
 of this Courte to supply theire places in theire absence. And 
 also the said Lo. Chauncelor dothe further order that two of the 
 said masters, being in ordynary, shall lykewise daylye attende on 
 every Monday, Tuysday, and Thursday, in the afternones, at the 
 said Lo. Chauncelors howse, to assist his Lop. in suche causes 
 as there shalbe opened and heard before him in every terme. 
 And in respect of the said attendaunce and service of the said 
 ordynary Masters, and of the place they have by auncyent order 
 of the said Courte, his LoP s pleasure and commaundement ys, 
 that all suche fees, profyttes, and comodytyes, as be incydent and 
 belonginge to the Masters of the Chauncery, shalbe due per- 
 ceyved and taken by the said ordynary Masters only, and by no 
 other, and they to have and enjoye all preheminence and place 
 that to theire offyces and roomes apperteyne, secludinge all ex- 
 traordinary Masters within 3 myles compasse of the Citty of 
 London and suburbs of the same, and in all other places where 
 the said ordynary Masters shalbe, from doinge any manner of 
 actes, or exercisinge any aucthoryty belonging to thoffyce and 
 roomes of a Master of the Chauncery, and from takinge the fees 
 dewe to the same. And prohibiting aswell every Clerke of the 
 Inrolmentes and others to receyve or in roll of recorde any wryt- 
 inges, deede, or bonde, or any other act that shalbe hereafter 
 knowleged before any extraordynary Master of this Courte ; as
 
 CAMBRIDGE AND STURBRIDGE FAIR. 127 
 
 also all other clerkes of the same courte to bring or cause to be 
 brought to any of the extraordynary Masters any wry tinge, deede, 
 bondes, or othir matter to be knowleged, or otherwise dealt in by 
 them or any of them from hencefourth. 
 
 Signatur manu d'ni Cancell. 
 
 RIC'UM EDWARDS, deput. Regist. hac vice. 
 
 CAMBRIDGE AND STURBRIDGE FAIR. 
 
 [The " postscript M to the ensuing document, in Lord Burghley's handwriting, refers 
 to an opinion he had given in 1576 on the rights of the University of Cambridge in the 
 town of Sturbridge. In " The History of Dramatic Poetry and the Stage," i. 233, 
 will be found some information regarding proceedings of " light and decayed persons" 
 near Cambridge, in 1575, which doubtless led to the expression of this opinion. In 
 the same work, p. 289, other facts of a similar kind are noticed under date of Sept. 
 1592 ; but no information is furnished connected with the following documents, which 
 were to give the University authority in the town of Sturbridge, in order to prevent mis- 
 conduct during the Fair. The Charter of Henry III. gave the University power within 
 a circuit of five miles per- quinque milliaria circumquaque, but the Charter of 
 Elizabeth, in 1561, fixed the boundary at one mile round the town of Cambridge. It 
 is obvious that the powers thus conferred were considered inadequate, and application 
 must have been made by the University, shortly prior to the date of Lord Burghley's 
 letter, for an increase of them.] 
 
 Indorsed, by Lord Ellesmere, " Cambridge." 
 
 To my verie lovinge freind Mr. Egerton, esq r . hir Ma ties 
 Solliciter. 
 
 SIR. I send you herewith a booke to passe from hir Ma tie to 
 the Universitie of Cambridge, concerninge their liberties and pri- 
 vileges within the said towne and Sturbridge Fayre, uppon which 
 booke it is agreed on both sides, and signed under the handes of 
 the heades of the Universitie and Aldermen of the towne. Ac-
 
 128 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 cording to both their desires, I have thought good to send it unto 
 you, requiring you to peruse it, and to advertise me wither the 
 same be drawen in good and fitt forme of lawe to passe from hir 
 Ma tie , or els to amende it in suche places as you thinke mete. So 
 fare you well. From my howse nere the Savoie, this xv th of 
 Maye, 1589. 
 
 Your verie lovinge frend, 
 
 W. BURGHLEY. 
 
 The content es of the Billefor the Universytie of Cambridge. 
 
 Fyrst, a confyrmation of all pryviledges, jurisdyctions and lyber- 
 ties which they have hertofore enjoyed in Sturbridge Fayre by 
 any graunte of the Queenes Ma tie , or any of her progenytors. 
 
 Then for supplying of all defectes in former pattentes unto 
 theym, and to avoyde all doubtes and questyons touching their 
 said pryviledges and lyberties. 
 
 Yt conteyneth a specyall graunte unto theim of the Clerkeshippe 
 of the Markett in Sturbridge fayre. 
 
 The assyze and assaye of breade, wyne, and ale. 
 
 The surveye, governement and correction of waightes, measures, 
 and all other pryviledges belonging to the Clerke of the Markett. 
 
 To inquyre of and punyshe all forstallers, Regraters and In- 
 grossers in Sturbridge fayre. 
 
 To searche for and punyshe all vagabondes, common women 
 and suspected persons in the same fayre. Except mayme and 
 felonye. 
 
 That, for the preservation of the peace and good governement in 
 the same fayre, the Chauncellor, Maysters, and Schollers, shall 
 make fyrst proclamation this present yeare, and the Mayor, Bay- 
 liffe and Burgesses of Cambridge the next yeare, and so alternis 
 vicibus. 
 
 To be discharged of all Tolles, Exactions and Imposytions for
 
 CAMBRIDGE AND STURBRIDGE FAIR. 129 
 
 all thinges brought to or from the sayd fayre to the use of the 
 sayd Universytie, or of any Colledge, Hall or house of Schollers 
 within the same, or of any graduate therof comorant within the 
 same Unyversytie, or within fyve myles therof ; or to the use of 
 any offycer or servant of any scholer of the same Unyversytie 
 during the same fayre. 
 
 To have conusance and power to hold plee of all personall 
 actions and suytes growing within the same fayre, betwene 
 strangers comorant out of the Lyberties of Cambridge, to whatso- 
 ever somme or value, where yt toucheth not freehoulde or the 
 right or tytle of any boothes within the same fayre. And also of 
 all trespasses, misprysions and offences against the peace within 
 the same fayre. (Except mayme or felonye.) In which actions 
 and sutes the Pis. will make choyse of the same Chauncellor, 
 Maysters or Schollers, or theyr Comyssary or Deputie, to be 
 theyre judges. And also to houlde plee of all lyke actions and 
 causes within the same fayre, where any scholler or any mynister 
 or servant of the Unyversytie shall be partye (excepting for con- 
 tracts for vyctualles within the same fayre betwene any bur- 
 gesses of the towne of Cambridge, or betwene any burgesse of 
 Cambridge and any straungers, not being persons pryvyledged of 
 the Unyversytie, wherin any burgesse shall be PL, which cases 
 so excepted are to be determyned before the Mayor, baylifFes and 
 burgesses of the sayd towne of Cambridge), and the same Courte 
 to be a Courte of Recorde. 
 
 To have a booth e within the same fayre for the keping of the 
 Court, and for theyr necessarie and convenyent use ; and that to 
 be eyther in the place accustomed, or if the same happen to be 
 inconvenyent, then an other fytte place to be assigned within 
 three dayes after Bartholomew daye, by the Mayor of Cambridge, 
 uppon request of the Proctor or Bedell of the Unyversytie ; or, in 
 defalt of such assignement, then some other convenyent place 
 (where no boothe was before erected) at the election of the Chaun- 
 cellor, Maysters and Schollers, or theyr Mynisters. 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12. a
 
 130 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 To have the inspection, searching and trying of all vyctualles, 
 and gauging of all vessells within the same fayre, and to have all 
 forfeitures, fynes, amercyamentes and proffettes comming therof. 
 
 The inspection and searching of all other merchandyzes and 
 wares in the same fayre (except leather and sackecloth in whoale 
 pieces), to be by 4 indyfferent persons, w r herof two to be assigned 
 by the Universytie and two by the Mayor. 
 
 The inspection and searching of leather and sackecloth in 
 whoale peces to be by the Mayor, bayliffes and burgesses, paying 
 yerelie iij s . iiij d . to the Unyversytie. 
 
 Then in a generall graunte and confyrmation unto them of all 
 Lyberties, pryvyledges and jurisdictions in Sturbridge fayre, 
 heretofore graunted to the Unyversytie, or lawfullie used and en- 
 joyed by theym by the more parte of xx tie yeares last past. 
 
 A declaration what mynisters and servantes of the Unyversitie, 
 and of the sch oilers there, shall enjoye the pryvyledges of the same 
 Unyversytie. 
 
 Also a dispensation with the Statutes against Retayners graunted 
 to the Chauncillor, Maysters and Schollers of the Unyversytie, for 
 theyr necessarie servantes dwelling within the towne of Cam- 
 bridge, and not elswhere. 
 
 Last: that the graunte shall be expounded moost lyberallye 
 and benefycyallie for the Unyversytie. 
 
 THO. EGERTON. 
 
 [Lord Burghley added the following in the margin.] 
 
 " To the Chanc., Vich., M rs of howses, pursevents, proctors, 
 duryng the tyme of the faire, semeth resonable, so that nowe be 
 also convenient. " W. B." 
 
 " Postscript. Uppon shewyng to me of an article concernyng 
 this matter assented to [by] me a. 1576, I do allow the sub- 
 stance of that article notist, and my former opinion above wryt- 
 ten. " W. BURGHLEY/'
 
 131 
 
 LORD DERBY AND THE SOLICITOR GENERAL. 
 
 [The " French Occurrences " mentioned below was probably some tract containing 
 news (a substitute for a newspaper) , which the Solicitor General had forwarded to the 
 Earl of Derby, who died in 1593, and whose brother's widow Lord Ellesmere mar- 
 ried in 1600, after the decease of his second wife in 1599. The intelligence from 
 France at this period was of great interest, and Lord Derby was far from London. 
 Newspapers were unknown in 1589, as Mr. Watts has recently proved in his " Letter 
 to Mr. Panizzi ;" the relics in the British Museum, purporting to be newspapers of the 
 year 1588, being merely forgeries. Lord Ellesmere' s "brother Brereton " was his 
 brother-in-law, and was a candidate for some office connected with the musters.] 
 
 To my assured lovinge frende Thomas Egerton, esquire, her 
 Ma tie s Solicitor generall. 
 
 SIR. I doe verie thankefullie accepte your late kynde letters 
 and Frenche occurrences thereinclosed, desireinge still that where- 
 soever you become, I maye, at your conveniente leasure, receyve 
 some lynes from yow. For your brother Brereton, his muster, 
 I will, uppon his repaire to me, proceede with Sherington as shall 
 apperteigne and contente you bothe ; and accordinglie, by my let- 
 ters to their Lordshipps (which I will inclose in a fewe lynes to 
 yow) certifie the cowrse I helde. And soe, with my hartieste com- 
 mendations, doe, with all my harte, weshe you well. Rocksavage, 
 this xj th of September, 1589.
 
 132 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 ALL SOULS 5 COLLEGE, OXFORD. 
 
 [This is the second letter from Secretary Walsingham respecting Stanton Harcourt 
 (vide p. 117 of this Collection). Although an interval of more than three years had 
 occurred between the two letters to the Solicitor General, the wording is extremely 
 similar. It seems likely that the first communication was not effectual for its pur- 
 pose, and that, far some unexplained cause, the matter was postponed. There is a 
 material difference in Lord Ellesmere's indorsements of the two letters, that printed 
 below specifying that it was only " for parcell of the parsonage," while both letters of 
 Secretary Walsingham speak as of " the parsonage of Stanton Harcourt."] 
 
 Indorsed, by Lord Ellesmere, " 27 Octbris, 1589. Mr. Secretaryes letter for Al- 
 soules Colledge, for parcell of the personage of Stanton Harcourt." 
 
 To the right worshipfull my verie loving frend Mr. Thomas 
 Egerton, her Ma ties Sollicitor Genii. 
 
 SIR. Her Matie being gratiously pleased to passe a newe 
 unto the Warden and Fellowes of Alsouln Colledge, in Oxford, 
 the parsonage of Stanton Harcourt, with the other thinges con- 
 teyned in the inclosed supplication, as she hath been alreadie 
 to divers others standing in like state for other lands as that Col- 
 ledge doth for this parsonage, I am to pray you, according to her 
 Highnes pleasure, to cause a booke to be made readie conteyning 
 such a graunt, and the same, subscribed with your hand, to send 
 unto mee, together with the inclosed petition, as sone as you can, 
 to thend yt may be presented to her Highnes signature. For 
 your better instruction in this cause, the Warden of the Colledge 
 will, eyther by him self or some other, presently attend you with 
 their evidences. And so I comend you to God. From my howse 
 at the Savoy, this xxviij 111 of October, 1589. 
 
 Your verie loving frend, 
 
 FRA. WALSYNGHAM.
 
 133 
 
 LORDSHIP OF THE ISLE OF MAN. 
 
 [Blackstone (Comm. I. 104, edit. 1829) gives an account of the separate rights of 
 the Kings and Lords of the Isle of Man, and refers to the disputes which arose after 
 the death of Ferdinando Earl of Derby, in 1594, between his three daughters and 
 William, his surviving brother. His materials he derived from Camden, An. Reg. Eliz. 
 37. The following is the copy of a pardon granted by Henry Earl of Derby as " Lord 
 of Man and the Isles," to a felon of the name of Neven, and it was possibly used as 
 evidence during the contest which arose subsequent to 1594.] 
 
 Indorsed, " The Copy of a Pardon graunted by Henry Earle of Derby to one of the 
 Inhabitants of the Isle of Man." 
 
 HENRIE, Erie of Derbie, Lo. Stanley and Strange, Lo. of 
 Manne and the Isles, Knighte of the noble Order of the Garter, 
 one of the Lordes of her Ma^es most honourable Pryvye Coun- 
 cell, Lo. Lieuetenante of the counties of Lancaster and Chester, 
 and of the Cytie of Chester and countye of the same, and Chieffe 
 Chamberlyne of the Countye Pallatyne of Chester afforesaide. 
 Whereas I understande that one Robert Mark Neven, uppon 
 stealthe, to the value of ten pens, was (accordinge to good order 
 and the lawes of that my Isle for the due execution of justice by 
 a Jurie beinge charged and sworne to enquire after the same 
 facte,) evicted of fellonie and thereuppon abjured my Isle ; the 
 which notwithstandinge, knowe yee me, the said Erie, of my mere 
 motion and accorde, and at the earnest sute and humble petition 
 of the said Robert Mark Neven, to have pardoned, remitted, and 
 released, and by these presentes (for and on the behalfe of me and 
 myne heires) do pardon, remitt, and release the saide Robt. Mark 
 Neven, by whatsoever name, surname, addition or tytle soever he 
 be otherwise termed, of and from all judgmentes, executions, 
 paynes of death, paynes corporall, imprisonmentes or banish- 
 mentes, due in any wyse or lyable uppon his bodie onely by the 
 lawes of that my Isle, for or by reason of the saide fellonie ; soe 
 as from henceforth he the said Robt. Mark Neven shall in noe 
 sorte be chargeable therewithall by me the saide Erie, or myne
 
 134 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 heires, but shall and maye live in peace and quyetnes within that 
 my Isle as thoughe this fellonie hadd never bene done or com- 
 mitted by hym, he usinge hym selfe in suche honeste and orderlie 
 sorte hereafter as apperteignethe. Willinge and commaundinge 
 all and everie of you my cheiffe officers afforesaide, accordinglie 
 to allowe and accepte of this my pardon and clemencie extended 
 towards the saide Roberte Mark Neven. Geven under my hande 
 and seale at my Manner of Latham, the of Februarie, in 
 
 the twoe and thirtythe yeare of the reigne of our moste gratious 
 Soveraigne Ladie Elizabeth, by the grace of God, Queene of Eng- 
 land, Fraunce, and Irelande, Defender of the Faithe, &c. 1589. 
 
 H. DERBY. 
 
 UNNAMED APPOINTMENT. 
 
 [It is to be regretted that the subsequent letter is without indorsement or address : 
 it is impossible, therefore, to state to what appointment it relates, but from the terms 
 of the letter we may perhaps conclude that it was conferred upon the then Solicitor 
 General. Windebank, in 1590, was Clerk of the Signet, aa office he procured, ac- 
 cording to Bishop Goodman (" Court of King James I." by Brewer, I. 175), through 
 the interest of Lord Burghley. Windebank had been travelling tutor to Thomas Cecil, 
 and in Burgon's " Life and Times of Sir Thomas Gresham,' 1 I. 422, et seq., are some 
 interesting letters from Windebank when in Paris, Antwerp, &c., giving no very 
 favourable account of the conduct and character of the Lord Treasurer's eldest son. 
 Windebank probably died in 1599, in which year his will was proved.] 
 
 SIR. As I was very glad that it wolde please you to commytt 
 any thing to my care, measuring therby your good will toward 
 me and the trust you reposed in me, so have I bene carefull to 
 answear and discharge the same, that therby I might shew my 
 honest and duetifull good mynde towards you, wherin it hath 
 pleased God so to assist me that I have bene liable to send you, 
 by this bearer, her Ma ti es bill signed that you sent me. Wher-
 
 DEAN NOWELL'S LAW-SUIT. 135 
 
 uppon I must allso saye that I am bounde in duety to lett you 
 knowe that her Ma tie did signe it with as great ready willingnesse 
 as ever I knew her doo in any matter whatsoever, which I take 
 my self bound to signifie unto you, both for your owne comfort, 
 and for that (knowing thus much by me) you may give her Ma^e 
 thankes for her most gracious and good opinion and favour to- 
 wardes you. And so, Sir, remayning as ready as you can wish to 
 any thing being in my power to pleasure you, I humbly take my 
 leave. At Grenewich, this last night of Aprill. 1590. 
 
 Sir, 
 Yours humbly at commaund, 
 
 . WlNDEBANK. 
 
 DEAN NOWELL'S LAW-SUIT. 
 
 [The subsequent letter is printed (though not quite accurately) in Churton's " Life 
 of Nowell," App. 426 ; but the " Casus," as Lord Ellesmere calls it, to which it relates, 
 and which is here subjoined, is not found there. The letter is wholly in Nowell' s 
 hand-writing, and the " Casus" is indorsed by him, " Betweene the Deane of Pawles 
 and Mr. Faryngton :" it is also corrected in several places by him. It is not usual 
 now for counsel to give an opinion unless the case be sent through a solicitor.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " From Mr. Deane of Powles Casus." 
 
 To the right woorshyppfull Mr. Thomas Egerton, Esquire, 
 principall Sollicitar to the Queenes Ma tie , my speciall 
 good frende. 
 
 RIGHT woorshyppfull, I am verie hartely to pray you to be of 
 my counsell in a matier the effecte wherof is conteyned in the ar- 
 ticles inclosed. For I doe feare that the covetousnes of a tenant 
 in pluckinge downe and buyldynge for hys gayne wyll toorne me 
 to greate losse : by whose offence I woote not howe muche may be
 
 136 
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 demaunded of myn exequutors for delapidations. Also wheras Mr. 
 Kempe, one of my Lorde Chancellors gent n , became bounden unto 
 me for my Lorde byshoppe of London in iijc li, which bounde I 
 thynke is forfeyted by my said L. byshope's defalte, myght it please 
 your woorshyppe allso to be of counsell with me agaynst my saide 
 L. Byshoppe, who hath sundrie wayes injured me, rather then 
 agaynst Mr. Kempe, whom my L. ought to save harmelesse : I 
 shall be much bounden unto your woorshyppe, unto whom I am 
 bolde to sende a poore tooken, for the antiquitie rather then for the 
 value of the same. And so ceassynge further to treble your woor- 
 shyppe, I commende the same vnto the moste protection of all- 
 mightie Godde. 7 Julij, 1590. 
 
 [The following is the inclosure.] 
 
 One howse in Carter Lane in London joynynge closse to the 
 Deane of Paules howse by one common walle, was freelie letten 
 without takynge of any fyne by the Deane of Paules to a schollar 
 in the Universitie of Cambridge, beinge hys kynseman, towardes 
 the mayntenaunce of hym at his studie, the rente beinge v 11 . iij s . 
 iiijd. 
 
 The sayd schollar parted with the said lease to one James 
 Walton, a kynsman of hys, for the somme of x lj .
 
 DEAN NOWELL'S LAW-SUIT. 137 
 
 The said James Walton parted with the said lease to one James 
 Readfearne, for the somme of xx u . 
 
 The said lease was made over by the said Readfearne to one 
 James Farrington for a greate somme of money, as is reported. 
 
 The said Farrington converted firste a parte of the said tene- 
 mente, next joynynge unto the said Deane of Paules howse by one 
 common walle, and closse to the cheeke poste of the said Deanes 
 back gate, into a taverne : at the which the Deanes back gate the 
 resorters unto the said taverne doo usuallie unloade them selves 
 of all their drinke taken in the said taverne. Out of the which 
 taverne, offten after xi of the clocke in the night, outcries, filthye 
 and blasphemous wordes are hearde by suche servantes of the 
 Deane as doo lye neare unto yt. 
 
 And for that the said tenement was inclosed with a mayne stone 
 walle, beinge part of the bounders of the Churchyarde of Paules, 
 granted by the Kinges of Englande unto the Deane and Chaptre 
 of the same, it is covenanted in the said lease that the tenante, 
 his executors, administrators and assignes at their owne propre 
 costes and charges, all the said tenemente with the appurtenances 
 shall mainteyne in all maner of reparations, as well in greate tym- 
 ber, stone and leade, as in all other thinges necessarie : which 
 mention of stone was speciallie made for the savynge of the sayd 
 mayne stone walle, beinge the bounder of the churchyarde. 
 
 Whiche clause notwythstandinge, the said Farrington hath cleane 
 taken downe and caried awaye all the stone of the said mayne 
 walle, which was twoe foote and three inches thicke, and above 
 tenne foote highe, and in lengthe above one hundrethe and fortie 
 foote : notwythstandinge he was forbidden by the sayd Deanes 
 servantes, and by the Deane hym selfe put in remembraunce of 
 the said covenante. 
 
 By the takynge awaye of the which walle, beinge part of the 
 bounders of the churchyarde, the said Deane may be charged for 
 delapidations by hys successor, to the undooynge of his executors. 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12. T
 
 138 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 And whereas even at this presente greate offences are taken 
 with such as converte one tenemente into many small tenementes, 
 the said Farrington hath notwithstandinge, besydes the foresaid 
 taverne, made viij other smale tenementes, buylded with smale 
 tymber, lathe, and some with soe many doores into ; and besydes 
 the open doore to the taverne, a privie doore is made to the same. 
 
 Soe that wheras before there was but twoe doores in the mayne 
 stone walle, one for the inne, and an other for the stable, now 
 there be eleaven doores to those most weake walles, to the greate 
 daunger of the sayd Deane and hys howse, beinge severed from 
 that multitude of entrees and weake buildinges only by one lowe 
 brieke walle, over the which any man may easelie passe. 
 
 PATENT TO SERES, THE PRINTER. 
 
 [The following document throws considerable light upon the interesting subject of 
 early printing. (Vide Dibdin's Ames, iv. 195.) William Seres, the elder, was ser- 
 vant to Lord Burghley while he was only Sir W. Cecill, and by the aid of his master 
 procured a patent, dated 4th March, 7 Edw. VI. (Strype's Memor. i. 378, 504), for 
 printing Primers, &c. By what succeeds, it appears (and it is a new point in his bio- 
 graphy) that he was long imprisoned and deprived of his books by Queen Mary, and 
 that, to compensate him, Elizabeth, in 1558, gave him the privilege of sole printing 
 not only Primers but Psalters. In 1571 he wished his son to be joined in the patent, 
 and a new grant was made out accordingly. Many years afterwards (subsequent 
 to the death of William Seres, the father, who is supposed to have died before 1579, 
 see Stat. Ordinances, B. fol. 433 b, as quoted by Dr. Dibdin, though Lord Elles- 
 mere, in a note at the end of the grant, states that the death of William Seres, the 
 father, occurred about 1581,) the validity of the grant of 1571 was questioned, on the 
 ground that no surrender of the grant of 1558 was extant in Chancery. To clear up 
 all doubt a new patent was conceded in 1591, and from the indorsement, in the hand- 
 writing of Lord Burghley, " forasmuch as some question is made touchyng the 
 former Grant, I pray you to cause a new book to be made," we may conclude that 
 it was at his Lordship's instance. In Archceologia, xxv. p. 108, Sir Henry Ellis has 
 inserted Barker's account of the patent granted to William Seres. What succeeds is 
 the draft of the new patent sent to Lord Ellesmere and corrected by him. Among other 
 corrections, he struck out a clause empowering the Sheriffs of London, on behalf of
 
 PATENT TO SERES, THE PRINTER. 
 
 139 
 
 William Seres and his assigns, " to breake uppe and destroy all and every the presses 
 of suche impressions, wheresoever the same may be founde, and to bind suche per- 
 son or persons with sufficyent seuertie to their good behaviour, as shall presume to 
 offend in any thinge contrary to the purport and intention of theis our Letters Pa- 
 tentes." The note for the information of the Queen, at the end, is in the handwriting 
 of Lord Ellesmere.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Burghley. 
 
 Indorsed, in another handwriting, " Mr. Seres Patent ; " and by Lord Ellesmere, 
 " 23 Junij, 1591." 
 
 ELIZABETH, &c. To all printers, bookesellers, and all other 
 our subjectes, greetinge. Whereas by our former Letters Pa- 
 tentes under our Great Scale, bearinge date at Westminster the 
 thirde day of July, in the first yeare of our Raigne, recitinge that 
 where we were duly informed how our late loving subject William 
 Seres, the elder, by the name of William Seres of our citie of 
 London, stacioner and bookseller, had, by the late graunt of our 
 deere brother of worthie memorye, Kinge Edward the Sixt, license 
 to print all maner of Prymers that then were and that from
 
 140 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 thenceforth shoulde be sett forth agreeable to the booke of Com- 
 mon Prayer at the same tyme established. And in the tyme of 
 our late deere sister, Quene Marye, was not onelie defeated 
 thereof to his great losse, but also was ymprisoned longe tyme 
 and depryved of great multitude of the Prymers, and also of 
 other great nomber of bookes, which tended to his utter undoinge, 
 We, by the same Letters Patentes, were pleased to geve and 
 graunt by the same for us, our heires and successors, of our spe- 
 ciall grace, mere motion and certen knowledge, did geve and 
 graunt full power and authorytie to our said loving subject, Wil- 
 liam Seres, and his assignes, for and duringe the terme of his 
 naturall lief, to ymprint or cause to be ymprinted, aswell all 
 manner of bookes of pryvatt prayers usually and commonly 
 called or taken for Prymers, as also of Psalters, both in great 
 volumes and in small, in Latyn or Englishe, which then were or 
 att any tyme after that shoulde be sett forth and permitted by us, 
 our heires and successors, or by any other persons thereto author- 
 ized by us, to be had, redd, used and taught of our lovinge sub- 
 jectes, throughout our realmes and dominions, duringe the said 
 terme of his naturall lief, any other priviledge or any other order 
 before that graunted or taken to the contrary notwithstandinge, 
 as by the same our Letters Patentes, amongest other thinges, more 
 plainelie appeareth. And where also in other our Letters Pa- 
 tentes, under our great scale, bearing date at Gorhambury, the 
 xxiij daie of August, in the xiij th yere of our Raigne, yt is con- 
 teyned, that the said William Seres, having surrendered to us in 
 due forme the same Letters Patentes as is aforesaid to be can- 
 celled, to the intent notwithstanding that we our Letters Pa- 
 tentes to him the said William Seres the elder, and William Seres 
 the younger his sonne, would vouchsaffe to graunt in forme as 
 after in the said other Letters Patentes ensueth, wherein wee, of 
 our speciall grace, mere motion and certen knowledge, by the said 
 other Letters Patentes, bearinge date on the said xxiij tl daye of 
 August, in the xiij th yere of our Raigne, did geve and graunt
 
 PATENT TO SERES, THE PRINTER. 141 
 
 full power, aucthorytie, pryviledge and lycense unto our said 
 lovinge subject William Seres the elder, and unto William Seres 
 the younger his sonne, joyntly, and to every of them severally, and 
 to their and every of their assignes, for and duringe the termes of 
 their lyves, and for and duringe the terme of the lief of the 
 longer lyver of them, to ymprint, or cause to be ymprinted, as 
 well all manner of booke and bookes of pryvatte prayers, prymers, 
 psalters and psalmes, both in great volumes and smalle, in Eng- 
 lishe or Latyn, which then were, or att any tyme after that should 
 be sett forth and permitted by us, our heires and successors, or 
 by any other person or persons thereto by us, our heires or suc- 
 cessors aucthoryzed, or to be aucthoryzed to be redde, used and 
 taught of by or unto our lovinge subjectes throughout our 
 Realmes arid dominions, by whatsoever name or names the same 
 booke or bookes or any of them were or should be called, duringe 
 the said lyves of the said William and William, and duringe 
 the naturall lief of the longer lyver of them, as also all and 
 every other booke and bookes which the said William and Wil- 
 liam, or eyther of them, have or had ymprinted, or att any tyme 
 after that shoulde ymprint, which had ben, or shoulde have ben 
 sett forth by any lerned man of this our Realme, by whatsoever 
 name or tytle, names or titles, the same or any of them now [are] 
 or sholde have ben called or knowne, whether the same or any of 
 them shoulde be in Englishe or Laten, any other pryveledge or 
 any other order before that graunted or taken to the contrary not- 
 withstandinge ; and by the same last mentioned Letters Patentes, 
 amongest other thinges therein expressed, more playnely also 
 may appere. Since which tyme the said William Seres the elder 
 is deceased, and now, of late, some question and doubte is growne, 
 as wee are informed, touchy ng the valydytye of the said last 
 mentioned Letters Patentes graunted to the said William Seres the 
 elder and William Seres the younger, as ys aforesaid, by reason 
 that no such surrender of the former Letters Patentes is extant 
 of recorde in our said Court of Chauncerye ; whereupon the said
 
 142 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 William Seres the sonne hath surrendered to us, in our said Court 
 of Chauncery, the said last mentioned Letters Patentes to be can- 
 celled, to thintent, notwithstandinge, that we other our Letters 
 Patentes to him the said William the sonne would vouchsaffe 
 to graunte in forme, as hereafter enseweth, and which said sur- 
 render we, by these presents, for us, our heires and successors, 
 doe accept and allowe of. Knowe ye that we are pleased to geve 
 and graunt, and by these presents, for us, our heires and succes- 
 sors, doe, of our speciall grace, mere motion and certen know- 
 ledge, geve and graunt full power and aucthorytie, priviledge and 
 licence unto our said subject William Seres the younger, and his 
 assignes, for and duringe the terme of his naturall lief, to imprint, 
 or cause to be ymprinted, as well all manner of booke and bookes 
 of pryvatt prayers, Prymers, Psalters and Psalmes, both in great 
 volumes and smalle, in Englishe or Lattyn, which nowe be or att 
 any tyme hereafter shalbe sett forth and permitted by us, our 
 heires or successors, or by any other person or persons thereto 
 by us, our heires or successors, aucthoryzed, or to be aucthoryzed 
 to be had, rede, used and taught of by or unto our lovinge sub- 
 jectes throughout our Realmes and dominions, by whatsoever 
 name or names the same booke or bookes, or any of them, are or 
 shalbe called duringe the naturall lief of the said William Seres the 
 younger. As also all and every other booke and bookes which 
 the said William Seres the younger hath ymprinted, or att any 
 tyme hereafter shall ymprint, which have ben or shalbe sett forth 
 by any learned man of this our Realme, by whatsoever name or 
 tytle, names or titles, the same or any of them shalbe called or 
 knowne, whether the same or any of them shalbe in Englishe or 
 Latyn, any other priviledge or any other order heretofore graunted 
 or taken to the contrary notwithstandinge. Streyghtlie inhibit- 
 inge other our subjectes to print, utter, or sell, or cause to be 
 printed, uttered, or solde, any other booke or bookes of pryvatt 
 prayers, Prymers, Psalters and Psalmes, then such as shalbe by 
 the said William Seres the younger or his assignes printed, or
 
 PATENT TO SERES, THE PRINTER. 143 
 
 caused to be printed, accordinge to the true meaninge of this our 
 presente pryveledge, uppon paine of forfeiture of all such bookes 
 as they shall ymprint, utter, or sell contrary to the true mean- 
 inge hereof, the same booke or bookes so to be forfeted, to be 
 seized upon and taken by the sayd William Seres the younger, or 
 his assignes. Wherefore we will and command you and all other 
 our officers and subjectes, as they tender our favour, and will 
 avoyd our displeasure, that they and every of them, yf nede do 
 requyre, do ayde and assiste the said William Seres the younger, 
 and his assignes, in the due execution of this our graunte and 
 lycens. Soe that expresse mention, &c. In witness, &c. 
 
 [Note for the Queen.] 
 
 Your Majestic in A 1 of your moost gracious Raigne dyd 
 graunte to William Seres, cityzen and stationer of London, the 
 prynting of all Prymers, Psalters and Psalmes during his naturall 
 lyfe, and in the xiij th yeare of your Highnes Raigne, upon surren- 
 der of the former Letters Patentes, your Maty made a lyke grant to 
 William his sonne, during their two lyves, and the lyfe of the longer 
 lyver of them. William Seres the father dyed about xxiij d of your 
 Ma ties Raigne, and William the sonne is yet lyving and hath ever 
 since enjoyed the benyfite of your said graunte. Nowe of late 
 there ys some doubt made of the valyditie of the sayd later graunte 
 by reason that no surrender of the said former Letters Patent 
 is extant of record in the Courte of Chauncerie. To cleare which 
 doubt this conteyneth a new graunte, to be made by your Ma tie 
 to the sayd William Seres the sonne, for terme of his lyfe, of the 
 prynting of the said Prymers, Psalters and Psalmes, to such effect 
 as in the sayd Letters Patent was formerlie graunted.
 
 144 THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 OFFENCES OF SIR BRYAN O'ROURKE. 
 
 [Sir Bryan O'Rourke (or Bren O'Royrke, as Stowe calls him) was tried for High 
 Treason at Westminster on 28th Oct. 1591, and having been found guilty was hanged 
 at Tyburn on 3rd November following. Stowe, giving an account of his execution, 
 states that O'Rourke complained of not having been allowed to answer the writings 
 which " the officers of Ireland, viz. William Fitz William and Dicke Bingham sent 
 against him." The subsequent is copied from six brief-sheets of the original deposition 
 of Sir Richard Bingham, taken in Dublin on the 28th July, 1591, and transmitted to 
 England for the prosecution of O'Rourke. They are separately subscribed by Sir 
 Richard Bingham, and his " notes" to each article are added in the margin, but for 
 greater convenience they are here subjoined. Sir Richard Bingham cut an important 
 figure in the affairs of Ireland at this period, and in Mr. Thoms's "Anecdotes and 
 Traditions," p. 18, is one relating to him, which has reference to the smallness of his 
 stature.] 
 
 Indorsed " The Deposition of Sir Richard Bingham towchinge the 32 Articles 
 against O'Rourk, latlie sent over into England." 
 
 A trew reporte of some parte of the tratorus actions and mis- 
 demenours comytted of late yeares by the Traytor Sir 
 Bryan O'Rourke, late of Leotrim, knighte, viz. 
 
 APUD Dublin, 28 July, 1591, Sir Richard Bingham being de- 
 posed before the Lord Deputie and Councell touching his know- 
 ledge of every these 32 articles, he hath declared his knowledge to 
 every Article according as is set downe in the marginal noates to 
 every Article. 
 
 1. First, the said Sir Bryan, accompanyed with divers Scotts and 
 notehable malefactors, in the tyme of the government of Sir 
 Nicholas Malby, Knight, invaded the countie of Roscomon, and 
 there praed, burned, murdered, robbed and spoyled divers of the 
 Queenes Ma ties faythfull subjectes, and came soe farr as O'Kelly 
 his howse, where beinge resysted by some of her Ma ties forces, 
 slewe xij of her highnes soldiers, and retorned backe to his con- 
 trey with the losse of some of his people, and the prey of O'Kellye's 
 contrey. 
 
 2. Item, the said Sir Bryan comytted many and sondry horrible
 
 OFFENCES OF SIR BRYAN* O*ROURKE. 145 
 
 treasons and rebellions after this tyme, which would be tedious to 
 sett downe in particularities, and never in his lyfe came to Sir 
 Nicholas Malby but uppon protection or worde. 
 
 To theis two Articles Sir Richard Bingham can say 
 
 nothinge, but by reporte, more then he hath deposed to 
 
 the Articles followinge. 
 
 3. Item, uppon the firste comynge of Sir Richard Byngham to 
 the goverment of Connaght, the said Sir Bryan promised the 
 Lo. Deputie to delyver his sonn Bryan for pledge unto the handes 
 of the said Sir Richard for his loyaltie to her Ma l y by a certayne 
 day, which he delayed from tyme to tyme, and compelled Sir 
 Richard to enter his contrey with suche forces as he had of her 
 Maty to take in the said pledge whether he would or no ; and at 
 leingth, after that the said Sir Richard entred into his contrey, he 
 yelded the said sonn as pledge. 
 
 He deposeth of his owne knowledge this Article to be 
 true, adding further upon his oath that when he entred 
 into O'Rorks contrey, O'Rork kept trayterouslye in his 
 contrey two hundreth Scotts, which skirmished with Sir 
 Richard in that cuntry before the pledge was delivered 
 to Sir Richard. All which was done about September 
 1584. And Capten Frances Barkley and Capten Robert 
 Fowle were present in this service. 
 
 4. Item, the said Sir Bryan, before and at that tyme, havinge 
 retayned certayne nombers of Scotts to annoy the Queens Maty 5 
 good subjectes of the counties of Roscomeii and Sligoe, contrary 
 to the lawes and statutes of this realme, and beinge then co- 
 maunded by the Lo. Deputie, and at the takinge of the said pledge 
 by the said Sir Richard, to 'put away the Scotts, he most con- 
 temptuously retayned the said Scotts still, and gave them bon- 
 naght in his contrey. 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12. u
 
 14fi THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 He deposeth this Article of his owne knowledge to be 
 true. 
 
 5. Item, the said Sir Richard, seinge the contynuall treason 
 and inclynation which the said Sir Bryan had to retayne the said 
 Scotts, and beinge specially comaunded by the Lo. Deputie, Sir 
 John Perrot, to temporise and beare with hym, and not to make 
 any roode upon hym, was forced to worke some other meanes for 
 the cuttinge of the said Scotts, and comytted the charge thereof 
 to John M c Kiggan, an officer then in that contrie, whoe had the 
 killinge of Donell M c Evye, a pryncipall leader of the said Scotts 
 and others of that company; whereupon the rest of the said Scotts 
 fled into Scotland, and theire goods, which ought to have escheted 
 to her Maty, was fathered by the said Sir Bryan, and ever sithence 
 detayned to his owne use. 
 
 He deposeth this Article to be true of his owne know- 
 ledge. 
 
 6. Item, the said Sir Bryan O'Rourke was heighly offended 
 for the killinge and banyshinge of the said Scotts, and in revenge 
 thereof did most traterously comaund and procure Gilleballaghe 
 M c Loghlyn, Thomas Dorman M c Loghlyn, Tyrloghe O'Loghlyn, 
 and divers other traytors, howshold servantes to the said Sir 
 Bryan, trayterously to murder the said John M c Kiggan, which 
 they accordingly did ; and presentlie after in open wordes, and by 
 letters, did forbyd and threaten William Clyfford, whoe was a pryn- 
 cipall officer there, that he should not medle any more within his 
 contrey, and sent hym away in greate contempt of her Mates 
 authoritie ; and for the mylde course which the said Sir Richard 
 was directed to beare with hym, he was constrayned to wyncke at 
 his tray torus actions. 
 
 The declaration of the manner of the killinge of John 
 M c Kiggan is true upon Sir Richard Bingham's owne 
 knowledge. To the rest of the Article he can say no-
 
 OFFENCES OF SIR BRYAN o'ROURKE. 147 
 
 thinge of his knowledge, but the same is proved by the 
 testymony of William Clifford in writinge, then sub- 
 sherif of Letrym, which examination is sent herewith. 
 
 7. Item, all such prysoners as the said Clifford did apprehend 
 for capitall or crymenall offences, duringe his beinge there, were 
 reskewed and put at liberty by the said Sir Bryan. 
 
 He verefieth this Article to be true, not of his know- 
 ledge, but by the said testymony of the said Clifford in 
 writinge. 
 
 8. Item, where a provinciall order was taken that all the fortes 
 and holdes standinge in Ilandes within Loghes, where divers male- 
 factors were contynewally releved, should be defaced and throwne 
 downe, the said Sir Bryan, in contempt of the said order, have for- 
 tefied sondry Ilandes and holdes within his contrey, and therein 
 mayntayned and releved the Clarishees, M c Gwyres, and others 
 oute of Mounster, whoe were in actuall rebellion with the arch- 
 traytor therle of Desmonde. 
 
 Sir Richard verefieth this Article of his owne know- 
 ledge. 
 
 9. Item, yt appereth by advertisement from Thomas Mostin, 
 gent, beinge Sherif in Farmanaghe, that Sir Bryan O'Rourke had, 
 at the self same tyme, conspyred and practised with O'Donnell to 
 bringe in Scotts into the province, and to enter armes against the 
 Queenes Ma^. 
 
 He saieth the Article is true, and he hath delivered 
 the advertisement of Capten Tho. Mostin mentioned in 
 the Article, and the Scotts cam (as he saieth) into 
 Conoght accordinge to the advertisement, and O'Rourk 
 retained them in his owne contrey, and gave them the 
 ayde of the Scotts he kept in his contrey. 
 
 10. Item, the said Sir Bryan, contrary to the lawes of the
 
 148 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Churclie of Englande and Irland, did selebrate and keepe the 
 feaste of the Natyvitie of our Lord God accordinge to the Romishe 
 and Popishe computation ; and moste trayterously and wickedly 
 caused a woman's pycture to be drawne and draged after a horsse 
 tayle through his owne towne, where then he kept his Xpmas, in 
 the very pudle and myre and like most fylthy places, and did 
 publishe and declare to the voulgare people that the same was her 
 highnes pycture, and that he caused the same to be soe used in 
 despighte and contempte of her Ma l y, tearmynge her highnes the 
 mother and nurse of all herisies and heretiques, as more at lardge 
 appereth by twoe severall attestations subscribed by Sir George 
 Byngham, knight, and other credable persons, namely, John Ball, 
 gent., Serjant at Armes, whoe was present and sawe this most 
 wycked tray torus and abhomynable acte. 
 
 Sir Richard can say nothinge to this Article of his 
 knowledge, but referreth yt to the depositions of suche 
 as are deposed in that matter of John Ball and others. 
 
 [These attestations are sent amongst the depositions 
 concerninge the image.] 
 
 1 1 . Item, when the Bourkes of Maio did revolt, the said Sir 
 Bryan did contynually send his messingers unto them to any mate 
 and encorage them to enter into rebellyon, as appereth by the 
 confession of , whoe was executed at Roscoman, 
 and by divers other profes and cyrcumstances which appereth 
 unto us. 
 
 He can say nothinge of knowledge to this Article ; 
 neither knoweth he the name of the person executed 
 that made the confession ; neither knoweth before whome 
 he was examyned, neither whether he was executed by 
 comon lawe or marshall lawe : and more of any profes or 
 testymony mentioned in the Article he cannot say. 
 
 12. Item, about the said tynie Sir Bryan did prohibit and for-
 
 OFFENCES OF SIR BRYAN o'ROURKE. 149 
 
 bid Mr. Glannath, a principall gent, dwellinge under hym, to sub- 
 myt hym self to her Ma tie , or to acknowledge any dutie to Sir 
 Richard Byngham, her Maties officer, as appereth by Mr. Glannathes 
 letter and submyssion made afterwardes to the said Sir Richard. 
 
 To this Sir Richard can say no more than Mr. Glanaghes 
 letter purporteth, the which letter now he hath de- 
 livered. 
 
 13. Item, in Aprill, 1586, the said Sir Brian O'Rourke sent 
 one Ashernan, his gallyglasse, to Surloghe boy his sonn, called 
 Alexander, to come to hym with such force as he could make, and 
 that he would retayne hym, and would presently after his comynge 
 enter into action of rebellion against her Ma l y. Also Gillaspicke, 
 a galliglasse, was likewyse sent to Alexander M c Surloy to intreate 
 to joyne with the said O'Rourke, who had obtained his good will 
 and consent, and had com to the said O'Rourke, yff Capt. Mery- 
 man with his company had not by good hap met with the said 
 Alexander, and slew hym and divers of his company and confede- 
 rates. This appereth more perticularly by the confession and ex- 
 amynation of Donoghe Og, testified under his hand in the pre- 
 sence of Mr. John Marbury and John Byrt. 
 
 To this he can say nothing, but hath delivered the 
 testymony of Donoghe Oge in writing, dated the 26'th of 
 Aprill, 1586, testefied under the hand of John Marbury 
 and John Byrt. 
 
 14. Item, when Donnell Gorme and Alexander Corraghe 
 were retayned w r ith theire greate bandes of Scotts by the Bourkes 
 of Maio and brought into Connoght, the said Sir Bryan did re- 
 lyve and ayde the said Scotts in his contrey, in theire going to- 
 wards Maio, givinge them Ix beeves (traytorusly) and other help 
 upon his contrey for theire present reliefe, as is notoriously knowen 
 unto us. 
 
 He affirmeth this Article to be true of his knowledge.
 
 150 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 15. Item, after the overthrowe gevin to the said Scotts by Sir 
 Richard Byngham, some xl of them escapinge from the battayle, 
 the said Sir Bryan did releve them in his contrey againe, and sent 
 them saufe out of the same. 
 
 This Article he saieth he knoweth to be true. 
 
 16. Item, in A. 1587, the said Sir Bryan sent a Fryer or 
 Priste into Spayne with letters to the traytors Castell Barry his 
 sonnes, advisinge them to procure forrayne ayde, and retorne to 
 theire contrey agayne, and that hym self would joyne with them 
 with all his forces, as we were credibly informed by divers intelli- 
 gence. 
 
 He saieth the matters specified in this 16 Article were 
 comonlie bruted abroade in the Province, but he cannot 
 call to remembrance any intelligence thereof, and more 
 he cannot say. 
 
 17. Item, when the Spanyshe shippes were cast away at 
 Sligo, the said Sir Bryan did relyve, comfort, and succour some iiijx* 
 of the said distressed Spaniardes ; and notwithstanding that pro- 
 clamation was made, upon payne of death, that none should 
 relyve or keepe any of the said distressed Spanyardes in his cus- 
 tody above xxiiij howers, but should send them to the Lo. Deputy 
 or to the Governor of the Province ; and moreover, the said Sir 
 Bryan being expressly wrytten unto, both from the Lo. Deputy 
 and the said Sir Richard, to send in and delyver up the said Spa- 
 nyardes, he most traytorusly and contemptusly refused soe to 
 doe, and after detayning of them a good whyle in his contrey, un- 
 derstandinge that the Lo. Deputy and the said Sir Richard were 
 determyned to drawe towards his contrey, he conveyed all the 
 said Spanyardes into the North, and did soe carefully deale for 
 them, as that some of them were shypped from thence into Spayne 
 with secret advertisments from the said Sir Bryan to the Kinge of 
 Spayne, as we were credably enformed.
 
 OFFENCES OF SIR BRYAN O*ROURKE. 151 
 
 The matters of the releyvinge, succouringe, and send- 
 inge away the Spanyardes, he knoweth thes to be true, 
 in maner as the Artecle supposeth, but for the said 
 secret advertisementes sent by O'Rork into Spayne he 
 knoweth nothinge thereof but by comon fame. 
 
 18. Item, the said Sir Bryan O'Rourk most contemptuously 
 refused to come to the Lo. Deputie, Sir William Fytz William, at 
 his Lp being at Sligo, when he went the Northen jorney, how- 
 beit that his Lp sent unto hym severall tymes by severall mes- 
 singers. 
 
 This 18 Article he knoweth and deposeth to be 
 true. 
 
 19. Item, about this tyme divers of the septe of the O'Hartes, 
 in the county of Sligo, beinge in action of rebellion, the said Sir 
 Bryan did anymate and encourage the said rebells, and from tyme 
 to tyme did relyve them within his contrey, as also after they had 
 burned Ballymoat and comytted great spoyle upon Sir George 
 Byngham, they were relyved and mayntayned chiefely by the said 
 Sir Bryan. 
 
 This Article he knoweth to be very true, and so de- 
 poseth. 
 
 20. Item, the Lo. Deputie havinge appoynted Rob te M c Peter 
 pryncipall officer in the county of Leatrim for this presente yere, 
 and givinge hym chardge of the county and exercise [of] the 
 said office, the said Sir Bryan did resist him, and in all that yere 
 would not suffer hym to execute the same. 
 
 This he deposeth to be true. 
 
 21. Item, the said Sir Bryan O'Rourk received letters about 
 May, 1589, by a Fryer from the Kinge of Spayne, givinge hym 
 thankes for the good service don to hym when his shypps were
 
 152 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 distressed, as Fardocgh O'Kelly and Robert M c Peter did at that 
 
 tyme severally advertise unto us. 
 
 Of this Sir Rich, knoweth nothinge, but by the ad- 
 vertisementes mentioned in the Article, which he is sure 
 once he had, and promyseth to send unto us. 
 
 22. Item, in Aprill, 1589, the said Sir Bryan most traytorusly 
 did send his sonnes, Owen O'Rourke and Bryan O'Rourke, with 
 his brother, Ternon O'Rourke, and all the force of his contrey, 
 both horsemen and footmen, into the countie of Sligo, and then 
 entringe most traytorusly into the Barrony of Tyreraghe, did 
 burne, pray, spoyle, and kill her Ma ties faythfull subjectes; and 
 from thence have taken and led away, besides other spoyle, the 
 nomber of 3000 cowes, and 1000 mares and garrans, with an 
 inumerable nomber of sheepe, and goates, and swyne, to the 
 worth and value of 4000 11 ster. ; and the said pray and spoyle did 
 dryve and leade to the said Sir Bryan to his house of Dromheare. 
 This was sufficiently proved by thinhabitantes of Tyreragh. This 
 was don when the Lo. Prymat, the B. of Meith, Sir Robert 
 Dillon, Sir Nicholas Whyte, Sir Thomas Lestrange, were at Gall- 
 way treatinge upon a pacification of Sir Moroghnedo and the 
 Boorks of Maio, where Sir Richard Bingham was also, and at 
 that tyme was restrayned from makinge any warr of hostilitie 
 upon the said Sir Brian, or any ells within the province, untill the 
 said pacification should be ended. 
 
 He knoweth O'Rorks sonnes made the pray, and 
 O'Rork received the same, as the Article setteth downe, 
 but the certen nomber of the cattail taken he cannot de- 
 pose, but they were thousands, at least, which fact was 
 don about May, 1589. 
 
 23. Item, the said rebells, by thadvice and procurement of 
 the said Sir Brian, entred into the Barrony of Corran, in the 
 aforesaid month and yere, and ther prayed and burned her Ma ties
 
 OFFENCES OF SIR BRYAN O^ROURKE. 153 
 
 good subjects, and killed to the nomber of xxxtie of them, and led 
 away 600 cowes, viij c garrans and mares, besides sheepe, goates, 
 and swyne, to the value of 2,4001", and the same led to the same 
 Sir Bryan, as was likewise proved before us by the inhabitantes of 
 Corran. This was likewise comytted within the tyme of the afore- 
 said treaty of pacification. 
 
 This Article was sufficientlie proved before Sir Rich. 
 
 Bingham and others, in sort as the Article purporteth, 
 
 and more he cannot depose. 
 
 24. Item, in Maie, 1589, the said Sir Bryan sent his sonne, 
 Owen O'Rourke, with diverse notorious malefactors of his fol- 
 lowers and servantes, with banners displayed, most traytorously 
 to invade the countie of Roscomon, and there prayed, burned, and 
 killed diverse of her Ma ties good subjectes, and being encountered 
 by Richard Maypowther, gent., then Sherif of the said countie, 
 the pray was reskewed with some losse of men on both sides. At 
 this tyme Sir Richard Byngham was in the county of Mayo, in 
 service against the Boorkes, whoe were then in action of rebel- 
 lion. 
 
 This Article he knoweth to be true, and so deposeth, 
 savinge he thinketh the fact was in Aprill, the same yere 
 mentioned in the Interr. 
 
 25. Item, the said rebells, in May, 1589, by procurment of 
 the said Sir Bryan as aforesaid, came to the Barrony of Carbery, 
 in the countie of Sligo, and from thence led and caryed away a 
 pray of cowes and garrans, to the worth arid value of v c li star., as 
 was proved before us by the inhabitantes of the said Barrony. 
 
 The offences mencioned in the Article Sir Rich, de- 
 poseth were proved, before hym self and others, to be 
 done in the same maner the Article setteth downe. 
 
 26. Item, in Julie, 1589, the said Sir Bryan most traytor- 
 CAMD. soc. 12. x
 
 154 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 ously did send his sonne, Bryan Oge O'Rourke, accompanied 
 with iij or iiij c rebells, to the mountayne of the Corlewes, and 
 there did sett upon William Taffe, then Sherif of the countie of 
 Sligoe, murdered 17 of his Cap en Mostians, soldiers which were 
 attending on hym, and ij gent, of good accompte, the said Sheryf 
 beinge but 40 in company, and put hym in no small danger of 
 his owne life, all which is notoriously knowne. This was don the 
 very same day that the Lo. Prymat, the B. of Meith, Sir Robert 
 Dillon, and Sir Thomas Le Strange, were in plee upon the bor- 
 ders of O'Rourkes contrey with the said O'Rourke ; Sir Richard 
 beinge commaunded to Athlone, and wholy restrayned to medle 
 with O'Rourke till the same pacification should be ended. 
 
 The contentes of this Article he deposeth of his own 
 knowledge to be true. 
 
 27. Item, about the said tyme the said Sir Bryan sent his 
 sonne, Owen O'Rourke, accompanyed with divers other male- 
 factors, to take away, of the goodes of Sir George Byngham, 9 
 garrans. This was don most traytorously within this tyme of 
 the peace made by the aforesaid Comyssioners with the said 
 O'Rourke. 
 
 This Article he affirmeth upon his oath to be true of 
 his owne knowledge. 
 
 28. Item, about the said tyme the said Sir Bryan sent his 
 sonn, Bryan O'Rourke, accompanyed with other rebells, into the 
 countie of Sligo, toke the pray of Tollynemulla, and from thence 
 most traytorously led away of the goodes of the townesmen the 
 nomber of clx cowes, besides howshold stuffe, and the same led 
 and carryed away to the said Sir Bryan, as was proved before us 
 by the inhabitantes of the said towne. This likewyse was co- 
 mytted within the foresaide tyme. Duringe all the foresaid trea- 
 sons of O'Rourke, Sir Richard Byngham was restrayned from
 
 OFFENCES OF SIR BRYAN O^ROURKE. 155 
 
 makinge war upon hym by the Lo. Deputy and the Commis- 
 sioners, but onely was assigned to lye upon a defensable warre, 
 eatinge out of the good subjectes, and forbiden to prosecut 
 thenemy by sondry letters. 
 
 In this he cannot speake any thinge of his knowledge, 
 
 but he is sure the Article was proved before Sir George 
 
 Bingham and others. 
 
 29. Item, the said Sir Brian most contemptuously did refuse to 
 come to the Lo. Deputy, Sir William Fytz William, and Councell, 
 at his Lp last beinge in Sligoe in Anno 1589, notwithstandinge 
 that he had promysed dyvers tymes before to com in and submyt 
 hym self to his Lp. 
 
 This he knoweth and deposeth to be true. 
 
 30. Item, in February, 1589, the said Sir Bryan sent his 
 messingers to the Boorkes, in the countie of Maio, they beinge in 
 action of rebellion and prosecuted by her Ma ties forces, any- 
 matinge them to hold out, and that hym self would stir in thother 
 parte of the province, whereby the governor should be forced to 
 devid his forces. This was confessed unto us by some of tlje 
 Bourkes, and that a messinger of the said Sir Bryan's was in 
 company with the Bourkes for that purpose, when they sett upon 
 Sir Richard Bingham and her Ma ties forces at Barnegie. 
 
 This Article he deposeth to be true in maner as 
 tharticle purporteth. 
 
 31. Item, at the same tyme, and before and after, the said Sir 
 Bryan did moste traytorusly anymate and procure the Occonor, 
 Roes, and Clandermod Reoghes, his next neighbors, to enter and 
 contynu in action of rebellion, and did from tyme to tyme relyve 
 and succor them in all the tyme of theire late rebellion, as divers 
 of them examyned by us have sythence confessed, and of our
 
 156 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 perfect knowledge he did still receive them, and such spoyles as 
 they had taken from her Ma^es good subjectes. 
 
 This Sir Richard deposeth to be true. 
 
 32. Item, in March, 1589, the said Sir Brian O'Rourke, ac- 
 companied with his sonn, Bryan Og O'Rourke, his bretheren, 
 Ternon and Donell, nowe O'Rourke, and all his whole force, to 
 the nomber of vj or vij c men, entered in most rebellyus maner, 
 with banners displayed, into the countie of Sligo, and the said 
 Sir Bryan, hym self stayinge upon the borders of the said countie, 
 comaunded and gave direction to his sonn, brethren, and most 
 parte of the said malefactors to invad the countie of Sligo, and to 
 pray, burne, and spoyle, and [def. in MS.] good subjectes, where 
 they beinge entred into the barrony of Tyr- [def. in MS.] exe- 
 cut that traytoruse direction were encountered by Sir George 
 Byngham with xxty horsmen, accompanyed with Capen Hughe 
 Mosten and [def. in MS.] footmen, whoe sett upon them, res- 
 kewed the pray and spoyled the [def. in MS.] and slewe some of 
 the rebells, with the losse of xix of her Ma ties [def. in MS.], 
 whereupon a pacification beinge presently concluded with the 
 Boorkes, [def. in MS.] whole force directed to the prosecution of 
 the said Traytor, Sir Bryan O'Rourke, which was prosecuted 
 untill he was forced to flie to M c Swynenedo, where he contynued 
 untill he toke his way into Scotland. Upon this Article the said 
 Sir Bryan is indighted of highe treason at the last Cessions 
 hoi den at Sligo, and the inditment retorned into the Kingis 
 Benche. And forasmuche as no Sheryf was appoynted for the 
 last yere in the countie of Leotrim, the said Sir Bryan could not 
 be indyted for the treasons before recyted, but at the next Ces- 
 sions which shalbe holden there he may be indyted of the said 
 offences. 
 
 I, Sir Richard Bingham, knight, beinge sworne upon 
 the holie Evangelist before the L. Deputie and Coun-
 
 WARRANT DORMANT TO SPORT. 
 
 157 
 
 cell, to declare my knowledge towchinge the truth of all 
 the said xxxij Articles, do, upon my oath, sett downe 
 truelie upon the margynall noate of eche Article what 
 I knowe or have hard towchinge the same. Witnes my 
 hand, the xxviij th of Julie, 1591. 
 
 Justice Thomas Dillon, Ed. White, and William 
 Taaffe have bene deposed towching ther knowledge to 
 every of the said 32 Articles. 
 
 W. FYTZWYLLIAM. 
 
 WARRANT DORMANT TO SPORT. 
 
 [On p. 95 is inserted a document somewhat similar to the following, which, how- 
 ever, applies only to one of the parks mentioned in 1583, viz. Seney Park, Stafford- 
 shire, which, in December 1591, had devolved into the hands of another member of the 
 Paget family. It may serve to shew that, up to this date, Lord Ellesmere still de- 
 lighted in field sports, whenever he could retire into the country from the burdensome 
 duties of his profession.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " A warrant dormant graunted unto me by Mr. Wyl- 
 liam Pagett, Esq r . in Seney Parke, in com. Staff." 
 
 To the keper of Seney Parke in the countie off Staff., and others, 
 to whome this presente graunt or warraunt shall come to be redd 
 over or understoode, 1 William Paget of London, Esquier, sende
 
 158 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 greatinge. Knowe ye that I the said William Paget, for to showe 
 my good will and for other good consyderations me movinge, have 
 geven and graunted, and by thes presentes do for me and myn 
 heires give and graunte unto my verie good frend Mr. Thomas 
 Egerton, Esquier, hir Ma ties Sollicitor Generall, during his lieff, 
 one bucke of season in sommer, and one doe of season in wynter, 
 to be yearlie had and taken within my said parke att his fre will 
 and pleasure. And libertie for himself with his companie att all 
 tymes to hunte within my said parke. Willing and commaunding 
 the said keper, and all other his deputies and myn ofFycers there, 
 upon the sight hereoff, that they and every of them do readylie 
 accomplish and performe all thinges concerning the premisses, 
 according to the tenor off this my graunte and warraunt dormant, 
 anie restraint or other commandment heretofore had, made, or 
 geven, or hereafter to be had, made, or geven to the contrarie 
 heroff in anie wise notwithstanding. And this my presente wryting, 
 signed with myn hande, and sealed with my scale, shalbe unto 
 youe and everie off youe suffycient warrant and dischardge in this 
 behalfe. Yeven under myn hand and seale this xiiij th daie of De- 
 cember, in the xxxiiij th yeare of the raigne off our Sovereigne 
 Ladye Elizabeth, by the grace of God off England, Fraunce and 
 Ireland Quene, defender of the faieth, &c. 
 
 WILLIAM PAGETT. 
 
 Sealled and delyvered in the presence of 
 
 THO. FARMER. 
 EDW. KELMAISTER. 
 WILLM. WARDE. 
 
 M d that the said delyverye was had and made 
 by the said Wylliam Pagett to the afforenamed 
 Wylliam Warde for and to the use of the 
 abovenamed Thomas Egerton, Esquyer.
 
 159 
 
 LONG MELFORD HOSPITAL. 
 
 [Little is known respecting Sir William Cordell, beyond the fact that he was knighted 
 and appointed Master of the Rolls by Queen Mary. From A. Wood's Fasti Oxon. i. 
 220, edit. 1813, we learn that he was one of the Visitors of St. John's Coll. and pro- 
 cured the restoration of Dr. Willys, who was subsequently sent Ambassador to Mus- 
 covy by Queen Elizabeth. As he endowed a hospital for poor men at Long Melford, 
 as we find by the following letter, we may perhaps conclude that he was a native of the 
 place.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " For Melfourde Hospytall." 
 
 To the right worshipfull my very lovinge frende her Ma*ie s 
 Solicitor Generall. 
 
 AFTER my hartie commendations. Where Sir William Cordell, 
 knighte, late M r of the Rolls, in his liffe tyme was determined to 
 be an humble sutor to her Ma tie for the incorporatinge of an Hos- 
 pitall of certen pore men in longe Melforthe, in the countie of 
 Suff. ; and for the better sustentatione and mayntnance thereof, 
 the said Sir William, by his laste will and testament in wrytinge, 
 hathe devised and bequeathed to me and divers others, and to our 
 heires (whereof some are nowe dead), divers parcells of landes and 
 tythes, to the entent the same should be by us assured and con- 
 veyed to the saide Hospitall, when it should be so incorporated by 
 her Ma tie , as by his said laste will more at large will appeare. You 
 shall nowe understande that I have lately moved her Highnes for 
 the said incorporatione to be graunted, and license to me and 
 others by the survyvors of the saide Devisees to convey the said 
 landes and tythes to the said Hospitall when it shall so be incor- 
 porated by her Ma tie , which her Heighnes of her moste gratiouse 
 disposition is well pleased to doe. Wherefore I shall hartely re- 
 quire you to peruse and penne a graunte, alreadie drawen for that 
 purpose and delivered unto you, and after the same shalbe re- 
 formed and penned by you according to the true intent and 
 meaninge of the said Sir William Cordell, and the good pleasure 
 of her Ma* ie , then to cause yt to be ingrossed and subscribed by
 
 160 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 you, and with such expeditione as you maye to be sent to me to 
 be preferred to her Ma ties signature. And so I bidde you farewell. 
 From the Courte at Grenewich the xxvij th of Marche, 1591. 
 
 Your assured lovinge frende, 
 
 W. BURGHLEY. 
 
 COMMISSIONERS OF CHARITIES. 
 
 [The purpose of the following Commission under the Great Seal was to inquire 
 into the abuse and perversion of charitable funds and foundations in the North Riding 
 of Yorkshire. It should seem as if only the Commissioners whose names are sub- 
 scribed at the back of the document acted on the occasion. The indorsement is nearly 
 obliterated, no more than Executio istius Commissionis Inquisit. et Veredic., with the 
 names, being legible. The ' articles annexed," mentioned in the body of the instrument, 
 have not been preserved. 
 
 Indorsed " Executio istius Commissionis Inquisit. et Veredic. 
 
 Wylliam Belassys. 
 John Dawney. 
 Th. Stryckland. 
 Christopher Wandisford. 
 Cuthb 1 Pepper. 
 
 Northridinge." 
 
 ELIZABETH, by the grace of God Quene of England, Fraunce 
 ' and Ireland, defender of the Faithe, &c. To the moste reverend 
 Father in God, John Archbusshoppe of Yorke, primate and me- 
 tropolitane of England, and to our deere coosyn Henrye Earle of 
 Huntingdon, Lorde President in the northe partes ; and to our 
 trustie and welbeloved Sir William Bellayssys, knight, Sir John 
 Dawney, knight, Sir William Bowes, knight, the Deane of Yorke 
 for the tyme being, Thomas Strickland, Cutbert Pepper, Robert 
 Brigges, Christopher Wandisford, Esquyers, and to the Chaun- 
 cellor to the said Archebusshoppe for the tyme beinge, greetynge.
 
 COMMISSIONERS OF CHARITIES. 161 
 
 Forasmuche as we are crediblie informed that many Colledges, 
 Hospitalles and Almeshouses, and other roomes and places within 
 this our Realme which have ben founded and ordeyned, some of 
 them by us and our progenitors and some of them by divers other 
 godlie and weldisposed persons, for the charitable reliefe of the 
 poore, aged and impotent people, are of late yeares greatlie decaied 
 and impoverished, and that the possessions and revenues therof, and 
 divers other landes, tenements and hereditamentes, leases, sommes 
 of money, goodes and chattelles, which have bin given, assigned 
 and appoynted to and for other the like good and charitable uses, 
 are unlawfully and moste uncharitablie converted to the private 
 lucre and gayne of some fewe greedye and covetous persons, con- 
 trarie to the godlie intent and meaninge of the founders and givers 
 therof, and to the greate offence of Almightie God : Knowe ye 
 that we, beinge moved withe a moste godlie zeale to have all suche 
 poore, aged and impotent people, and specially souldiers and mar- 
 ryners, and other our good subjectes whiche have bin or maie be 
 hurte or mayemed in the warres for mayntenance of God^s true 
 religion, and for the defence of us and their native countrye, to be 
 godly and charitablie provided for, relieved and mayneteyned ; and 
 havinge a princely care and regard to have all suche Colledges, 
 Hospitalles and Almeshowses, and other places, and all landes, 
 tenements, revenewes, leases, sommes of money, goodes and 
 chattelles whatsoever within this our Realme as have bin founded, 
 ordeyned, given or appoynted to or for any suche godly and chari- 
 table use or purpose, to be ordered, disposed, used and imploied 
 according to the true intent and meaninge of the founders and 
 givers, and all such enormities, offences and abuses as have bin 
 committed or suffered for or touchinge the same, to be with all 
 convenient speede corrected and reformed ; and reposing in that 
 behalfe speciall trust and confidence in your fidelities and wis- 
 domes, have therefore chosen you to be our Commissioners, and 
 doe by these presentes assigne and appoynte, and give full power 
 and authoritie unto you, or any three or more of you, to doe and 
 CAMD. soc. 12. Y
 
 162 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 execute for and touchinge the premisses, by searche and view of 
 evidences, examination of witnesses upon othe to be produced or 
 called before you, or any three or more of you as aforesaid, by 
 your preceptes or commaundment, inquisition by verdict of twelve 
 or more lawfull men, and by any other good and lawfull waies and 
 meanes whatsoever, as to your wisedomes and discretions shalbe 
 thought mete, all thinges and matters whiche are conteyned and 
 specified in certen articles annexed to this our Commission, ac- 
 cordinge to the effect and true meaninge of the same articles, and 
 in such manner and forme as in and by the same articles is pre- 
 scribed and appoynted. And further our will and pleasure is, 
 that whatsover you, or any three or more of you as aforesaid, shall 
 doe in or concerning the premisses by vertue of this Commission, 
 the same shalbe certified into our Courte of Chauncerye under the 
 hand and seales of you, or three or more of you as aforesaid, with- 
 out delaye. And also by authoritie hereof we commaund our Sheriff 
 of our Countye of Yorke, that at suche daies and places as you or 
 any three or more of you as aforesaid shall appoynte to him, he 
 shall cause to come before you, or any three or more of you as 
 aforesaid, suche and as many able, sufficient and honest freehold- 
 ers of the partes of Northridinge in the said Countie, by whome 
 the trothe in the premisses maie best be knowne, as you, or any 
 three or more of you as aforesaid, shall give him in chardge to 
 inquier of the premisses. Willing, chardging and commaunding 
 all other our subjectes, of what estate, degree and condition soever 
 theie be, to whome in this case it shall apperteyne, to be aiding, 
 helping and assistinge to you, or any three or more of you as 
 aforesaid, in the due execution of this our Commission in all 
 thinges as apperteyneth, as theie and every of them tender our 
 pleasure, and will aunswere to the contrarie at their perilles. Pro- 
 vided nevertheles that this our Commission, or any thinge therein 
 conteyned shall not in any wise extende to any Colledge, Hall or 
 Howses of Leaminge within the Universities of Cambridge or 
 Oxford, or either of them, for any matter concerninge the order or
 
 SEARCH FOR ROMAN CATHOLICS. 163 
 
 government of any suche Colledges, Hall or Houses there , but 
 only to inquier what landes, tenementes, rents or profitts have bin 
 given to the said Colledges, Halles or Houses for the mayneten- 
 ance or reliefe of almes people, or amending of bridges or highe 
 waies, or for exhibition or maynetenance to poore schollers. In 
 witnes whereof we have caused these our Letters of Commission 
 to be sealed with our great scale. Witnes our selfe at Kewe, the 
 thirtenth daye of September in the five and thirtith yeare of our 
 raigne. 
 
 Per dom. Custod. magni sigilli AngL virtute Warranti Regii. 
 
 POWLE. 
 
 SEARCH FOR ROMAN CATHOLICS. 
 
 [The following serves to shew the rigid and minute nature of the inquiries made in 
 the year 1592, into the number and conduct of the Roman Catholic subjects of Eliza- 
 beth, and into the Jesuits and seminary Priests lurking in different parts of the king- 
 dom. On the 10th December prior to the date of the succeeding document three 
 seminary priests and four of their abettors were hanged in Gray's Inn Field, as it was 
 then called, and at Tyburn. Vide Stowe, An. Reg. Eliz. 34.] 
 
 An Inventorie of such superstitious thinges as were founde in 
 Sir John Sothworthe his howse at Samlesburie, by 
 Richard Brereton, esquier, one of her Ma ties Justices of 
 the Peace, at a Searche made there by the said Richard 
 Brereton, esquier, vicesimo primo die Novembris, anno 
 regni dnse nree Elizabeth Reginae, &c. xxxv to . 1592. 
 Imp. one canabie to hang over the alter, founde in a secrett 
 
 vawlte over the dyninge chamber and an other chamber. 
 Itm. two candlestickes of brasse, of the fashion used in the 
 tyme of superstition, founde in the same place.
 
 1(M THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Itm. fourteene Images, of divers fashions, founde in the same 
 
 vawlte. 
 
 All which thinges were delivered to the Constable of Samles- 
 burie to deliver to my L. Honour. 
 
 Itm. eleven bookes of papistrie founde in a chamber, delivered 
 
 to the said Constable to deliver to my L. Honour. 
 Itm. one head peece delivered to the said Constable to deliver 
 to my L. Honour. All the rest of the armour is in the custodie 
 of James Cooke, of Preston, who hath a yearelie pension given 
 him to scowre and keepe faire the same. 
 
 Itm. founde in an other chamber thirteene bookes of papistrie ; 
 that is to saye, 
 
 A Rhemes Testamente. 
 
 An apologie of the Englishe Seminaryes. 
 
 A defence of the censure given upon two bookes written 
 
 against Edmund Campyon, prieste. 
 A treatise of Schisme, shewinge that all Catholickes 
 must absent theymselves from hereticall conven- 
 ticles, to witt, prayer and sermons. 
 A discoverie of John Nichols. All the rest of the bookes 
 
 are written. 
 Itm. founde in the same chamber one blewe coate, with Sir John 
 
 Sotheworthe his cognisaunce upon the same. 
 Itm. a dublett and paire of hose. 
 
 Itm. a frize gowne without a pocked, and yet devises secretlye 
 to keepe letters in, and certeyne other ould apparell. All 
 which bookes and apparell was reported to be the goodes of 
 one Edward Sager. 
 
 The Answeare of John Wright, Servant to Sir John Sothworthe, 
 
 knight. 
 
 John Wright, servant to Sir John Sothworthe, beynge exa-
 
 SEARCH FOR ROMAN CATHOLICS. 165 
 
 myned saith, that there be dwellinge and remayninge in the howse 
 of the said Sir John Sothworthe, called Samlesburie, these persons 
 whos names are underwritten. And this exaroynat, beinge asked 
 when he sawe anye Jesuite or Semynarie prieste in his masters 
 howse, saith that he sawe none there for the space of fyve yeares 
 laste paste ; and for the space of xiiij yeares this examinat saith 
 that he sawe noe unknowne person or straunger in his masters 
 howse. 
 
 The names of the persons dwellinge in Sir John Sothworthe his 
 howse at Samlesburie. 
 
 Mrs. Standley, wydowe. 
 
 Mrs. Anne Sothworth, daughter to Sir John Soth- 
 
 worth. 
 
 Mr. Singleton, of Broxhall. 
 Ric. Lyvesley, servingman. 
 Water Sideweeke, butler. 
 John Singleton, keeper of the parke. 
 William Sothworth, senior, brewer. 
 John Snape, cooke. 
 Lawrence Bownon, porter. 
 Ric. Alcor, brewer. 
 Robert Stanton, servingman. 
 John Eccleston, servingman. 
 William Sothworth, junior, laborer. 
 John Aspell, laborer. 
 John Burye, laborer. 
 Ric. Bretton, senior, laborer. 
 Ric. Bretton, junior, laborer. 
 Thomas Shorrocke, laborer. 
 Robt. Silcocke, laborer. 
 William Smithe, laborer. 
 James Walmesley, laborer.
 
 166 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Thomas Broxhall, senior, laborer. 
 Thomas Broxhall, junior, laborer. 
 Robt. Broxhall, laborer. 
 John Broxhall, laborer. 
 Ric. Broxhall, laborer. 
 Henrie Gill, laborer. 
 Roger Woodruffe, laborer. 
 Ric. Sharpies, laborer. 
 Thomas Wright, laborer. 
 Thomas Sharpies, laborer. 
 George Ryley, laborer. 
 Lawrence Atoughe, laborer. 
 Elizabeth Corleys, spinster. 
 Margaret Potter, spinster. 
 Joane Walmesley, spinster. 
 
 And this examinat John Wright, beinge asked who were dwell- 
 inge or remayninge at the lodge at Samlesburie, saith, thes persons 
 whos names are under written : 
 
 The said John Wright, servingman, who hath charge of Sir 
 
 John Sothworthe howse at Samlesburie. 
 Anne Wright, wief of the said John Wright. 
 
 Elizabeth Wright, 1 Vw ! t w i 
 
 T i tir i.^ f children of the said John n right. 
 
 John Wnght, 
 
 Elizabeth Sothworthe, servant of the said John. 
 
 BARROW AND HIS FOLLOWERS. 
 
 [The subsequent, with one exception, are from the original depositions of Henry 
 Barrow, John Greenwood, Robert Bowie, Robert Stokes, Daniel Studley, and James 
 Forester, who were tried in March 1592-3 for writing and publishing certain books, the 
 tendency of which was " to cry down the Church of England and to lessen the Queen's 
 prerogative in matters spiritual." The trials took place on the 21st March, and some
 
 BARROW AND HIS FOLLOWERS. 167 
 
 of the depositions bear date on the 20th March ; others on the 3rd, llth, and 19th 
 March, Barrow himself having been interrogated on three separate occasions. The 
 examinations were conducted chiefly by Sir John Popham, Chief Justice, and Lord 
 Ellesmere, Attorney General, and the documents are subscribed by them and other 
 authorities. Barrow and Greenwood suffered at Tyburn on 6th April, 1593. Stowe 
 tells us (Ann. Reg. Eliz. 3o) that they were executed, as it were, twice over ; for, on 
 the 31st March, they were " brought to Ty borne in a carry, and there fastened to the 
 gallowes, but being staide and returned for the time, they were there hanged on the 6 
 of Aprill." All the depositions, excepting the first, are in Popham's most illegible 
 hand-writing : the first would seem to be a copy from the original. In Neal's " His- 
 tory of the Puritans," by Toulmin, I. 473, it is said that the work especially com- 
 plained of was entitled "A brief Discovery of False Churches," but in the ensuing 
 depositions it is called " A brief Dissection of the False Church," and "A brief De- 
 scription of the False Church."] 
 
 Indorsed, " Henry Barowe, his Examination." 
 
 HENRY BARROWE. 
 
 1. INTER R. Whether it be lawfull for a Christian man to use 
 the Lords Prayer in the church, publiquely or otherwise ? 
 
 Myne aunswere is, that this prayer is to be used, publiquely or 
 privately, in that sorte as Christ hath geven it and tought it unto 
 his disciples, which is to use [it] for groundworke of all prayers 
 and the confirmation of our consciences, that our petitions are to 
 the glory and accordinge to the will of God ; but to use all that 
 forme of words of all those petitions I see it not necessarye, by- 
 cause it expresseth not our particular and private wantes : neither 
 can our faith aryve to all there expressed, neither can I see any 
 warrant or example for yt, and therefore I thinke it ought not 
 to be. 
 
 2. Interr. Whether all sett and stinted prayers are mere 
 bablinge in the sight of the Lord, and whether it be lawfull to use 
 any such ? 
 
 I hould it not lawfull for any man to ympose any forme of 
 Lyturgie, or stinted praiers in the Churche. 
 
 3. Interr. W T hether he thinketh the publique prayers and
 
 168 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 worshipp of God, in such sorte as it is established in the Church 
 of England by law, to be false, superstitious, and popishe, or not ? 
 I hould that that booke of common prayers, and most of the 
 worshipp therin, is false, superstitious, and popishe. 
 
 4. Interr. Whether he thinketh that the Sacramentes of Bap- 
 tisme and the Lords Supper, as they are administered in the 
 Churche of England, be true Sacramentes or noe ? 
 
 I thinke that these Sacramentes, as they are in these publique 
 assembly es administered, are not true Sacramentes, neither scale 
 Gods favoure to us. 
 
 5. Interr. Whether he thinketh the Church of England, as it 
 is now established, to be the Churche of Christ or noe ? 
 
 I thinke that these publique parishes, assemblyes, as they are 
 here established, are not the true established Churches of Christ, 
 nor the people as they are there assembled. 
 
 6. Interr. Whether he thinketh the government of the Churche 
 of England, as it is now by lawe established, to be a lawfull and 
 Christian government or noe ? 
 
 I hould that this publique government, wherewith thes pub- 
 lique assemblies of England are governed, have noe warrant from 
 the word of God, and is unlawfull and antichristian. 
 
 7. Interr. Whether he thinketh that those which have bene 
 baptised in the Churche of England, sithence the beginning of hir 
 Ma** 68 Raigne, have bene lawfully and rightly baptized or no ? 
 
 I thinke that such as have bene baptised in these publique 
 assemblies, accordinge to the usuall order there established, have 
 not bene rightly baptised accordinge to the institution of Christ. 
 
 8. Interr. Whether he thinketh that infantes, borne in this 
 Churche of England, ought to be baptized accordinge to the order 
 of the Churche of England or noe ?
 
 BARROW AND HIS FOLLOWERS. 169 
 
 I thinke that the children of the faithfull ought not to be bap- 
 tized after that manner. 
 
 9. Interr. Whether he thinketh that the Quenes Matie have 
 supreme aucthorytye to governe the Churche in causes and mat- 
 ters ecclesiastical!, and to make lawes ecclesiastical!, not contrary 
 to the lawes of Christ, or not ? 
 
 I thinke that the Quenes Ma tie is the supreme governer over 
 the whole land, and over the Churche alsoe, boeth bodyes and 
 goods ; yet I am perswaded that she ought not to make or ym- 
 pose other lawes over .them then Christ hath made and left in his 
 Testament. And that the Prince ought most carefully, above all 
 other, to revyve and inquier oute the lawes of God which are 
 commaunded in his word, and cann make noe newe. 
 
 10. Interr. Whether he thinketh that the law ecclesiastical!, 
 alredy established by authoritie, be lawful! or noe ? 
 
 This beinge a [blank in MS.] so infinite in your bookes, decres, 
 and councells, I cannot aunswere generally, bycause I knowe fewe 
 of them ; but of those I knowe, sundrye of them are ungodly and 
 contrary to his word. 
 
 11. Interr. Whether he thinketh that there ought to be a 
 Presbytery in every parishe or congregation ? 
 
 I thinke that holy government of Christ belongeth not to thes 
 parishes, as they generally stand, and cannot, withoute sacrilege, 
 be ministred unto them in this estate, but there ought to be a 
 Presbytery over every true assembly of Christ, and the faithfull 
 people of God can receyve no other government then that of 
 Christ. 
 
 Beinge asked, whether the Congregation have aucthoritie to 
 excommunicate the Quene, saith that, in a reformed Churche, 
 if the Quene doe synn, the Pastor, in the name of the Churche, is 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. Z
 
 170 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 to denounce the excommunication against the Quene which the 
 word of God doeth laye uppon hir for that sinne. 
 
 Beinge asked, whether the Congregation may reforme abuses in 
 the Churche, if the Quene or Magistrate doe refuse or delaye to 
 the same, saith, that the Churche need not to staye for the 
 Prince in the reforminge of any abuse, but may reforme it, though 
 the Prince saye noe. 
 
 The Examination of Henry Barrowe, taken the xjth daye of 
 Marche, 1592. 
 
 A. He sayeth that the booke showed unto hym, intituled a 
 Declaratyon off certein Letters and Conferences lately passed be- 
 tweene certeyne persons and two prysoners in the Flete, was col- 
 lected by hym and John Grenwood, and delyvered and sent forth 
 by them, but to whom they were delyvered he doth not remem- 
 ber, hys memory ys so decayed, neyther doth he know who 
 prynted them ; but at the tyme they were collected together the 
 sayd Mr. Grenwood and he were both prysoners together in one 
 chamber. 
 
 B. He sayeth he hath sene of these bookes at two severall 
 tymes, sythens they were prynted, in other mens or womens 
 handes, but he rather thynketh the bookes were not left with hym 
 above an hower or two. 
 
 C. He sayeth he never said how many had been prynted off 
 them, nor hath enquyred of any suche matter. 
 
 D. He sayeth the cause why they were thus collected was to 
 testify alwayes to the world what was the truth of their speche and 
 conferens with those prechers. 
 
 E. He confesseth that he hathe sene the booke entituled an 
 aunswer to G. Gyffords pretended defens of redde prayers and 
 devised Liturgies, &c. sythens yt was printed, as he thynketh 
 where the others were bought, and hath redde some parte therof ;
 
 BARROW AND HIS FOLLOWERS. 11 
 
 and sayeth he sawe Mr. Grenwood when he was in wrytyng off 
 that booke, who made this Exam* acquaynted with sundry partes 
 therof, as occasion fell out in the wrytyng therof, but who putt the 
 same to pryntyng, or prynted it, he knoweth not. 
 
 F. He confesseth, also, he hath sene the booke intituled a 
 Collectyon of certeyiie slanderous Articles geven out by the 
 Bysshopps against such faythfull Chrystyns as they now unjustly 
 deteyne in their prisons, together with the aunswer of the sayd 
 prisoners therunto, and for such parte therof as concernyth hym 
 selfe he collected yt ; and for that which concernyth Mr. Gren- 
 wood, he thynketh Mr. Grenwood collected [yt], for that he saw 
 hym wrytyng about yt ; but knoweth not who prynted that booke, 
 or sett yt to prynt, but sayeth he sawe it after it was prynted, as he 
 dyd the others. 
 
 HENRY BARROW. 
 Ex d by us, 
 Jo. POPHAM. E. ANDERSON. 
 
 The Examination of John Grenwood y taken the xjth day of 
 Marche, 1592. 
 
 A. He confessyth that he knoweth the thre severall bookes 
 showed hym upon his Exam., and that for suche parte of the 
 severall bookes as concernyth thys Exam* was collected by thys 
 Exam*, with which he made Henry Barrow acquaynted j and that 
 which doth concerne Henry Barrow, the same Henry dyd collect 
 and sett downe, which he, thys Exam*, saw or saw parte therof, for 
 that the same Barrow and thys Exam* were there chamber fel- 
 lowes together at that tyme. 
 
 B. He sayeth he remembreth not to whom they were de- 
 lyvered after they were thus collected and sett downe, whether yt 
 was this Exam ts wyffe or not, he doth not well remember.
 
 172 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 C. He sayeth the cause why they so sett the same downe 
 was, that the L. Chief Justices, and those in authoryte, myght 
 se what they held concernyng the crymes wherewith they were 
 charged. 
 
 D. He sayeth that for hyra selfe he had one of every sort 
 after they were prynted, and doth not well remember whether yt 
 was Cycely, there thys Exam ts mayed servant, that brought them 
 to thys Exam*. 
 
 E. He sayeth he hath sene some of these bookes, but doth not 
 remember in whose handes, or how many. 
 
 F. He sayeth that he hath harde that one Robert Stookes had 
 these bookes, as owner of them, but who otherwyse prynted them 
 he knoweth not. 
 
 G. He sayeth he hath hard there shold be a thowsand off 
 them prented, or therabouts ; the pryce, as he harde, was viij d 
 a pece. 
 
 By me, JOHN GRENEWOOD. 
 
 Ex d by us, 
 Jo. POPHAM. E. ANDERSON. 
 
 The Examination of Robert Bowie, taken the xixth of Marche, 
 
 1592. 
 
 A. He sayeth that the booke intituled a Collection of cer- 
 teine Letters and Conferences lately passed betwene certen 
 Preachers and two Prysoners in the Flete, this Exam* caused to 
 be prynted at Dort, in the Low Cuntryes, by the meanes of 
 Robert Stookes. 
 
 B. The copy of that booke this Exam 1 cownted for in London, 
 but where there, or off whom, he remembreth not. 
 
 C. He sayeth Arthure Byllett was the cownter for the prent of 
 that booke, and they were prynted by one Hanse. They were 
 above two or three hundred of them.
 
 
 BARROW AND HIS FOLLOWERS. 173 
 
 D. He confessyth he brought these bookes from the presse, 
 which were putt into the sayd Stookes hys clockbag. 
 
 E. Thys Examt layd out the money for the pryntyng therof, 
 whech thys Exam 1 had by the means of the sayd Stookes. 
 
 F. He sayeth that he hath hadd thre of those bookes sythens 
 he retorned into England, but sayeth he brought them over with 
 hym into England, but whether he brought over any more with 
 hym he remembreth not. 
 
 G. He sayeth he hath one of those bookes leaft, but where yt 
 ys, or where he leaft yt, he remembreth not, neyther can he dyrect 
 where yt may be cum by, and yet he offereth to gett yt. 
 
 H. He denyeth that he can tell to whom he hath delyvered 
 eyther of the other two bookes, but he sayeth he hath delyvered 
 them to somebody, but doth not remember to whom. 
 
 I. He denyeth he toke any other person any booke in any 
 case ; but wyll swere by the name of God, but not upon any 
 creature. 
 
 K. He confessyth he was one of those that was taken in Seyn- 
 johns wood upon yesterday was fortynyght. 
 
 By me, ROBERT BOULL,. 
 
 Ex d by us, 
 
 Jo. POPHAM. E. ANDERSON. 
 
 THO. EGERTON. EDW. STANLEY. 
 
 The Examination of Robert Stookes, taken the xixth of Marche, 
 
 1592. 
 
 A. He sayeth he hath ben seduced, and therby bene one 
 alowyng of Henry Barowes opynyons, and hath ben perswaded 
 from yt by the space of a yeare and a halff, and was perswaded 
 partely by Sunper, and chefly by Mr. Atres, my L. of Canter- 
 buryes chaplyn.
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 B. He sayeth whyles he held that opynyon he was at the 
 pryson with the sayd Henry Barrow and John Grenewood, and 
 they moved thys Examynat fyrst to procure the booke intituled a 
 Collection off certen slanderous Articles, &c., and one other 
 booke intituled an aunswere to George Giffordes pretended de- 
 fens of redd prayers, to be prynted, about thys tyme three yeares, 
 which thys Exam 1 dyd cause to be done accordyngly, at thys 
 Exam ts owne charges ; and there were prynted about fyve hun- 
 dred of eche of those bookes at Dort, which thys Exam* conveyed 
 over into England after they were prynted ; some of which bookes 
 the sayd Henry Barrow and John Grenwood had the dyspo- 
 sysion off to the matter of about two or thre hundred. 
 
 C. For the booke intituled a Collection of certeyne Letters 
 and Conferences lately passed, &c. 
 
 D. He confessyth that the sayd Barrow and Greneway dealt 
 with this Examt. to gete that prynted also, and that was about 
 mydsommer last was two yeares, at which tyme thys Examynat 
 promysed to gett yt done, and the copy therof beyng sent to one 
 Robert Bulle, now in the Counter of the Pultry, to whom thys 
 Examt gave order that what so ever the sayd Barrow and Gren- 
 wood shold direct hym to do, the same Bull shold do yt at 
 thys Exam ts charges. And so the same Barrow and Grenwood 
 gave dyrections to the sayd Bull for the doyng therof. 
 
 E. And thys Exam* cumyng into the Low Cuntryes, to Dort, 
 where the same also were prynted, hadd about CC of those 
 bookes putt into thys Exam ts clokebag by Robert Bull ; and so 
 thys Exam* brought them into England, and delyvered sundry 
 of these bookes to one Mychens, there to be sted. And of those 
 also there were prynted about fyve hundred. 
 
 F. He sayth also that the booke intituled a Breiff Dyssection 
 of the false Church, and the booke intituled a playne refu- 
 tation of Mr. G. Giffords Book, &c., thys Exam 1 procured, at hys 
 charges, to be prynted at Dort about Christmas last was two 
 yeares ; which was lykewyse don by the perswasyon of the sayd
 
 BARROW AND HIS FOLLOWERS. 175 
 
 Mr. Barrow and Grenewood, all which were taken at Flushyng 
 and Brill : and there were of these thre thowsand prynted, as 
 thys Exam 1 understood, and Arthure Byllet was the exarayner for 
 that impressyon. 
 
 G. He sayeth that the severall impressyons stud thys Exam 1 
 in about xl 11 . 
 
 H. He sayeth, also, he caused a litle thyng of one shete of 
 paper to be prynted by their procurement before all thys, called 
 the Destructyon of the vysyble Church. 
 
 By me, ROBERT STOKES. 
 Ex d by us, 
 
 Jo. POPHAM. E. ANDERSON. 
 
 THO. EGERTON. EDW. STANLEY. 
 
 The Examination of Danyell Studley, taken the xxth day of 
 Marche, 1592. 
 
 A. He confessyth that he hadd the orygynall of the booke in- 
 tituled, A Breiff Dyssection off the false Church, which he receyved 
 shete by shete at Mr. Henry Barrowes study in the Flette, when 
 as he and one Andrew Smyth hadd Letters from the Archbusshopp 
 of Canterbury to have accesse unto hym. 
 
 B. He sayeth that James Forester brought word to this Exam* 
 from the sayd Henry Barrow that he was to have that copy to 
 copy out to be putt in prynt, which this Exam* dyd delyver unto 
 the said James Forester, who wrote out of the same copy an other 
 copy of the whole therof, which copy was that by which yt was 
 prynted. 
 
 C. He confessyth that he had the orygynall under the said 
 Barrows hand of the same Forester backe agayne, and began to 
 wryte out a copy therof ; but he sayeth he knoweth not what ys 
 become of that copy under the said Barrows hand.
 
 176 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 D. He confessyth he hadd two of those bookes, after they were 
 prynted, off Arthure Byllet, and were delyvered this Exam 1 at 
 Bry dwell. 
 
 E. He sayeth he delyvered the one of those bookes to John 
 Gwalter about two yeres past in Brydwell, but who hadd the other 
 of thys Exam* he can not tell at thys present, unles yt were the 
 same John Gwalter. 
 
 He confessyth that within thys halff yeare he hath bene chosen 
 by the congracyon to be one of the Elders. 
 
 DANIELL STUDLEY. 
 
 Jo. POPHAM. E. ANDERSON. 
 
 W. LEWYN. EDW. STANLEY. 
 
 The Examination of John Grenwood, taken the xxlh day of 
 Marche, 1592. 
 
 A. He confessyth that hym selfe dyd sett forthe that parte 
 of the Booke intituled a playne Refutatyon of M. G. Giffordes 
 reprochfull booke, intituled a short treatyse agaynst the Dona- 
 tystes off Ingland, contynued in the end therof, intituled a 
 Breif Refutation of Mr. George Gifford hys supposed confirma- 
 tion betwene the Donatystes and us, &c., and that also in the one 
 therof intituled a fewe observatyons off Mr. Giffordes last cavilles 
 about stynted redd prayers and devysed Liturgyes : for the rest, 
 beyng the former parte off that booke, he sayeth that Mr. Henry 
 Barrow dyd sett it forthe as Mr. Barrow sayed. 
 
 B. He confessyth for the other booke showed unto hym, inti- 
 tuled a Breiff Dyscription of the false Churche, he taketh that to 
 be sett forth by Mr. Barrowe, for he sayeth that Mr. Barrow hath 
 hadd such spech with thys Exam* of the same booke. 
 
 C. He sayeth that Stookes upon that thys Exam 1 and Henry
 
 BARROW AND HIS FOLLOWERS. 177 
 
 Barrow urged to wryte the sayd bookes, Stookes offered to be 
 the means to gett them printed, and to be at the charges off yt ; 
 but he sayeth he remembreth not by whome he hard thys, but 
 srayeth he hard Henry Barrow saye yf the same Stookes wold not 
 gett them prynted, that yet hym selfe wold use some other meanes 
 to gett them prynted. 
 
 By me, JOHN GRENEWOOD. 
 Ex d by us, 
 
 Jo. POPHAM. E. ANDERSON. 
 
 THO. EGERTON. EDW. STANLEY. 
 
 W. LEWYN. 
 
 The Examination of Henry Barrow, taken the xxth day of 
 Marche, 1592. 
 
 A. He confesseth that the booke intituled a Breiff Dyscrip- 
 tion of the False Churche was wryten and set forth by this Exam* 
 in the Flete. 
 
 B. He sayeth he sent out that booke shete by the shete, and 
 sent to Dudley, where it was wryten out, hadd the copy, and sent 
 it out by Padry. 
 
 C. He sayeth that James Forrester and this Exam* had speche 
 touchyng the wrytyng out of the said booke. 
 
 D. He sayeth, to his remembrans, he moved not the same 
 Forester to copy out that booke, but sayeth Forester told this 
 Exam* he hadd ben moved to do yt. He thynketh yt was at 
 Stokes his charges that Forester dyd copy yt out. 
 
 E. He sayeth he doth not remember what speche passed be- 
 twene this Exam* and Grenewood concernyng any means to have 
 those Bookes prynted. 
 
 F. He denyeth, to hys remembrans, that the same Forester 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 2 A
 
 178 THE EQERTON PAPERS. 
 
 dyd ever lett thys Exam* to knowe that he dyd myslyke any the 
 sharpe [not legible] in that booke. 
 
 G. For the other booke showed hym, intituled a playne 
 refutatyon of Mr. Giffords reprochfull booke intituled a short 
 treytyse against the Donatystes of England, for the former two 
 partes therof, endyng on the 206 page, was wryten and sett forth 
 by this Exam 1 , and for the resydue therof Mr. John Grenwood as 
 he taketh yt ; but how that came to be putt in prynt he knoweth 
 not. 
 
 II. For the two draughtes of the letters showed unto hym, the 
 one begynyng Brother R, your letters of the xij th , and the other 
 begynyng Such and so honorable hath ben, &c., he confesseth 
 they were of hys owne hand wrytyng, and they were draughtes of 
 letters for Stephen Byllet to wryte. 
 
 I. He sayeth he herde the sayde Forrester dyd copy out the 
 same fyrst booke for money, and thys Exam* dyd desyer hym to 
 direct yt. 
 
 HENRY BARROW. 
 Ex d by us, 
 
 Jo. POPHAM. E. ANDERSON. 
 
 THO. EQERTON. EDW. STANLEY. 
 
 W. LEWYN. 
 
 The Examination of James Forester, physycyane and Mr. off Artes 
 taken the xxth day of Marche, 1592. 
 
 A. He confesseth that hym selfe, by the procurement off 
 Henry Barrow, wrote out some parte of the booke intituled a 
 Breiff Description of the false Church e, and as one shete was 
 wryten the same was taken away, with the copy therof, and new 
 brought.
 
 BARROW AND HIS FOLLOWERS. 179 
 
 B. There were sundry thynges that thys Examt fond fawte 
 with in respect off the sharpe maner of wrytyng therof, which 
 thys Exam* caused to be reformed ; but whether he wrote the 
 whole therof he remembreth not, for he sayeth he never sawe 
 the booke beyng prynted. The same were caryed, alwayes as he 
 wrote the copyes, unto one Danyell Studley, a wryter with hym, 
 who hadd the orygynall copy therof, which thys Exam* saw in 
 his handes at Bry dwell, they beyng fellow prysoners ther together ; 
 and he saw also the same Studley to wryte one copy therof for 
 nym selfe : and he sayeth he began to inclyne that way, but hath 
 sythens sene, he thanketh God, their great error. 
 
 JAMES FOWRESTIER. 
 Ex d by us, 
 
 Jo. POPHAM. E. ANDERSON. 
 
 THO. EGERTON. EDW. STANLEY. 
 
 THE COINING OF CROWN GOLD. 
 
 [The subsequent appears to be the earliest official letter yet discovered addressed by 
 the Lord Treasurer to Lord Ellesmere after his appointment as Attorney General on 
 June 2nd, 1592. In the Biogr. Britan. Art. " Egerton," it is said that " he was 
 knighted soon after ; " but here we see that he was addressed by Lord Burghley as 
 " Mr. Egerton" nearly a year after he had been made Attorney General, and sub- 
 sequent documents shew that he was not knighted, at all events, until after the close of 
 1593. Internal evidence proves that there had been previous communications between 
 the same parties on the same subject, but they are not extant.] 
 
 To rny vearie lovinge frend M r . Egerton, Esq r . hir Ma tie8 
 Attorney generall. 
 
 SIR. I have received from yowe the copie of a longe indenture 
 touchinge the coininge of Angells, Crownes, and other sortes of 
 gold, with manie covenantes in the same. By which I perceive 
 yowe mistooke my meaninge, which was onelie to drawe the forme
 
 180 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 of an indenture to passe betwene hir Matie and Sir Richard Mar- 
 tin, Warden of the Mint, for the coininge onelie of Crowne Gold 
 and none other, and that with usuall and iiecessarie covenantes. 
 And therefore I retorne to you your booke againe, and praie yowe 
 to draw such a draught, and so send the same to mee with what 
 covenantes soever you canne. Soe fare yowe hartelie well. From 
 my house in the Strand this xxiiij tn of Maye, 1593. 
 
 Your vearie lovinge frend, 
 
 W. BURGHLEY. 
 
 AFFAIRS OF THE MINT. 
 
 [As early as 1560, Elizabeth and her Ministers entertained a project of improving 
 the coinage, debased in preceding reigns, and Mr. Burgon, in his Life and Times 
 of Sir Thomas Gresham, i. 355, has presented some valuable details on the subject. 
 Others may be found in Mr. Wright's Elizabeth and her Times, i. 45. What follows 
 is the copy of a letter to Lord Burghley from Sir Richard Martin, Master of the Mint, 
 against whom complaints about security, &c. appear to have been made. That it came 
 from him we gather from its contents, and 'a subsequent letter shews that both were sent 
 by the Attorney General to the Lord Treasurer. In the preceding letter Lord Burghley 
 calls Martin " Warden of the Mint," but in the subsequent letter, dated in the next 
 month, Sir Richard speaks of himself as " Mint-Master," and in other documents he is 
 termed "Work-master" of the Mint.] 
 
 Indorsed " A copie of a letter wrytten to my Lo. Threasorer." 
 
 MATE it please your good Lp. I sente your honor the names 
 of a Jurye retorned by the Wardens, with my letters, by one of 
 your servantes the laste weke, for the makinge of an indented pece 
 of crowne golde accordinge to the true standarde lymytted by her 
 Ma ties indenture ; and therewithall humblie praied your Lp., and 
 still doe, to gyve order who shall gyve the Jurye their charge and 
 oathe ; and yf it stande with your Lp/s good pleasure to appoynte 
 a daie for the triall of the pixe this terme, and that 1 shall ac- 
 quaynte my Lo. Keper therewith, the same Jurye maye make yt
 
 AFFAIRS OF THE MINT. 181 
 
 verie well, and so I maye passe my accompte untill that tyme, and 
 delyver in our bookes to the Auditor according to the indenture. 
 
 Yesternighte (my good Lorde) Mr. Fanshawe shewed me the 
 indenture signed by her Ma tie , and your honorable letters, where- 
 by your Lp. requireth that I sholde put in suerties, and therin I 
 take your ho. meaninge to be that I sholde scale the other parte 
 of the indenture to her Matie ; for at the firste entrance into my 
 office I procured verie sufficient suerties to be bounde to her 
 Ma tie in MMli, and my selfe was bounde in M^ before the Barons 
 of the Exchequer, althoughe my predecessors and their suerties 
 were bounde only in v c Ji in the Chauncerie and not in the Exche- 
 quer : and ever sithence I was officer I have made the subjectes 
 better payment of their monyes from tyme to tyme then ever any 
 Mynte Master did heretofore ; which I can justly prove by the 
 booses, recordes, and otherwise, so that none hathe juste cause to 
 complaine, althoughe some of my malicious adversaryes have in- 
 formed the contrarie, whose name or names I humblie desire to 
 knowe that they maye answere the same. 
 
 I acquaynted your Lp. at my laste being with your honor with 
 diverse thinges, and lefte them with you in wrytinge, with a 
 humble praier to your Lp. to have in remembrance, for that they 
 tende whollie to the profit and good of her Ma tie and the realme, 
 and wilbe verie pleasinge to all her good subjectes ; and there- 
 withall offered to gyve her Ma tie MM 11 a yere for the same, and 
 good assurance for performance thereof. Besides, I am her Ma ties 
 goldsmith, and serve her everie yere above M 1 * worth of plate and 
 chaynes of golde, which she gyveth awaye, and somtymes thrice so 
 muche ; and nowe she oweth me x c ij !i , which is another verie 
 good assurance to her Ma tie ; and there is but onely xv d due to her 
 Ma tie upon every pound weight for coynage of crowne golde, 
 which will not be above xxx 11 a yere, yf there come thre tymes so 
 muche golde to the Mynte to be coyned as of late yeres hathe 
 done. Notwithstanding, I humblie praie your Lp. to contynue
 
 182 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 my good Lorde as you have alwaies done, and yf your Lp. doe 
 not thinke that I have alredy gyven sufficient securitie, I will gyve 
 her Ma^ suche further securitie as before I have offered, and per- 
 forme any thinge as your Lp. shall thinke mete for me to doe 
 therein. And so, humblie craving pardon for my over bouldnes, I 
 comyt your Lp. to the blessed protection of thalmightie. London, 
 this xxj of June, 1593. 
 
 PROFITS OF THE MINT. 
 
 [The subsequent account has no date, but it appears to have accompanied the pre- 
 ceding letter, and applies to the gains by the Mint, and to the allowances and charges of 
 the Master, during the years 1587, 1588, 1589 and 1590. It is a valuable document in 
 connexion with the monetary affairs of the kingdom at that period.] 
 
 Indorsed " An Abstract of the whole gaynes (in the Mynt) arisinge to her Majestic 
 in foure yeres paste : and of the Master his allowances and charges. 
 
 " Wheareof a coppie was given to the Lo. Threasorer, to Mr. Chauncelor, and to 
 Mr. Fanshawe." 
 
 A Breefe both of the severall quantities of golde and silver 
 coyned within her Ma li es Mynt betweene the laste of 
 Februarye, 1586, and the firste of March, 1590, which 
 is foure whole yeares ; and of all suche proffittes as have 
 therebye growne due to her Ma tie : and alsoe of all 
 suche fees and other duties and charges (by her Ma tie ) 
 within that time allowed and paide out of the same, as 
 by the perticuler accomptes thereof will appeare. 
 
 There was coyned in golde monies 
 within the said foure yeres 1939U w t 
 OQOZ Q2 dwt ll& rs , of which her 
 Ma ties gayne, being xv d uppon 
 every llw*, did amount to . . Cxxj 11 iiij 8 iiij d
 
 PROFITS OF THE MINT. 
 
 There was coyned in silver monies 
 within that time 63,900 Uwt 03z 
 Hdwt 6 grs } O f w hich her Maes 
 gayne, being viij d uppon everie 
 llw*, it amounted to the some of 
 
 Sum of the said foure yeares 
 proffittes amounteth to 
 
 Whereof 
 
 Thallowances paide within the said 
 foure yeres, for reparations and 
 other necessarye charges of the 
 Mynt, did amount to . 
 
 The better sizing of the said 
 GSgOO 11 ^ 03 OZ lldwt o6& rs of the 
 silver monies at ob. the llw*, did 
 amount to .... 
 
 The fees allowed to the officers of 
 the Mynt in the saide time did 
 amount to .... 
 
 The moyetie of diett allowed by her 
 Ma tie to the saide officers amount- 
 eth to 
 
 Sum of the saide foure yeares al- 
 lowances amounteth to 
 
 Soe there remayneth clerely gayned 
 to her Ma tie in these foure yeres 
 
 Whereby it appeareth that in everie 
 of the saide foure yeres her Ma tie 
 hath gayned .... 
 
 183 
 
 MM.Cxxx" 
 
 js 
 
 Cxxx 1 ' vj s xj d ob. 
 
 Cxxxiij H ij 8 vj d 
 MCCClxjii xvja 
 CCviij" 
 
 M.CCCxxxiip v 8 v^ ob. 
 
 CCCCxvijii xix s ijd ob. 
 
 ix s ix d ob.
 
 184 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 A Breefe aswell of all manner of allowances geven to 
 Richard Martyn, Workmas ter of her Ma tieS monees, 
 uppon the severall quantities of golde and silver within 
 the saide time coyned, as alsoe of all necessaryes incy- 
 dent to th'office by him in that time borne. 
 
 He hath been allowed for the charges 
 
 here under mentioned (uppon 
 
 everie pound weight of the said 
 
 1939 llwt 09oz 02 dwt llin-s of 
 
 golde coyned within the saide 
 
 foure yeres) the sum of iiij s ix d , 
 
 which amounteth to . . . CCCClx 11 xiijs x d 
 
 He hath also been allowed towards 
 
 the charges following uppon everie 
 
 llw*. of the saide 63,900 llwt 03 z 
 
 l^iwt yjgrs o f silver coyned within 
 
 the saide time the sum of xiiij d , 
 
 which cometh to '. MMMvijc xxvij 11 x s iiij d 
 
 Sum of the saide foure yeres 
 
 allowances is . . iiij m Clxxxviijli iiijs jjd 
 
 Out of which 
 
 He hath allowed the Monyers for 
 
 coynage and blanching of everie 
 
 llw*. of the saide golde ix d , and 
 
 uppon everie llw 1 thereof for the 
 
 waste in melting ij s , in all it 
 
 amounteth to .... CClxvj 11 xiiij 8 
 
 He hath allowed the Monyers for 
 
 coynage and blanching of everie 
 
 llw* of the saide silver vj d ob. and
 
 PROFITS OF THE MINT. 185 
 
 uppon everie llw* thereof for the 
 
 wast in melting iij d , in all amount- 
 ing to . . . . . MMvij c iiij" xv 11 xij s viij d 
 Alsoe to his deputie there, is for 
 
 his fee during the said iiij yeres, 
 
 Cxxli; to his clarke there, lxxx ]i ; 
 
 to his melters and two laborers, 
 
 Clx 11 ; to the clarke of the yrons, 
 
 xxvp xiijs iiij d ; and for making 
 
 the potts and coppels, liij 1 * vj s 
 
 viij d , m a ii amounting to . . CCCCxl 11 
 
 For fine silver, leade, stronge water, 
 
 tooles, and other necessaryes to 
 
 make golde and silver assayes . Cvj 11 xiij 3 iiij d 
 
 For the moyetie of the diett for 
 
 th'officers of the Mynt . . CCviij" 
 
 For coles, yron pottes, stampes, 
 
 and other necessarye provisyons 
 
 for the Mynt .... Cvj H 
 
 Sum of these foure yeares al- 
 lowances . . . MMMMiiij c xvij'i 
 
 Whereby it maye appeare that he 
 hath clerely loste, in the saide 
 foure yeres by his office of Work- 
 master in her Ma ties Mynt, the 
 sum of . . . . CCxxviij 1 * xv s x d 
 
 The which maketh, on yere with 
 
 another, clerely lost . . ; Ivij 1 ' iij s xj d ob. 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12.
 
 18G THE KGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 ORDER OF TAKING THE ASSAY. 
 
 [The subjoined description of the ancient manner of taking the Assay in the Star 
 Chamber was also no doubt furnished to the Attorney General by Sir Richard Martin , 
 and by the Attorney General handed over to the Lord Treasurer. It contains the oath 
 to the Jury referred to in Sir Richard Martin's letter of 21st June, 1593. In his ad- 
 mirable " Outline of the History of the Court of Star Chamber," (Archaeologia, xxv. 
 342,) Mr. Bruce only adverts to the judicial character of that Court, and does not at 
 all touch upon any duties discharged in it connected with the royal Mint. It seems by 
 what follows that a furnace was either kept or placed in the Star Chamber for the pur- 
 pose of taking the Assay. What is meant by the words " old and ancient order of 
 taking the assay" in the indorsement, and "of old time" in the title of the subse- 
 quent MS. it is not easy to determine ; but the document itself shews that it applies to 
 a period anterior to the reigns of Mary and Elizabeth.] 
 
 Indorsed, "The ould and auncient order of taking the asaie of the monies at the 
 Starchamber before the Lordes." 
 
 The order of ratinge of thassaies of the Mynte in the Realme 
 of Englande by the Queenes Majesties moste honnorable 
 Counsel! in the Star chamber of oulde tyme. 
 
 > 
 
 FIRST, the Lorde Chancellor, or Lord Keeper of the greate 
 seale for the tyme beinge, and the Lorde Threasorer of England, 
 and others of the Counsell, have used to cause to be somoned the 
 Threasurer and all other officers of the Mynte, and also iiij or 
 Wardens of the Goldsmithes of London, and xij other of the 
 most wysist and discrete men of that companie to appere before 
 them, the saide Counsell, in the Starchamber at a certayne day 
 by them appointed ; and the saide Threasurer and other officers of 
 the saide Mynte to bringe with them, at that tyme and place, all 
 their pixes and their severall indentures of coynage by and for the 
 holle tyme the saide Assaye shalbe taken in, which pixes oughte 
 to bee for every month theie have used coynage and no assaie 
 taken, one bage of leather and the monethis wrytten thereuppon, 
 and in the same certayn peeces of every jorney that was coyned 
 the same moneth, which bage is woant to bee called Snithia.
 
 ORDER OF TAKING THE ASSAY. 187 
 
 Item, the dale of appearaunce their ought to be attendant 
 uppon the said Counsell the Lord Threasurer his Clarke, the 
 Chamberlaynes deputies of the receipt of the Queenes Exchequer, 
 bringinge with them the counterpainnes of the indentures of the 
 coynage, the standardes and the troy weightes, the Queenes Re- 
 membrancer of the saide Courte of the saide Exchequer, or his 
 deputies, also to take their verdict and to make reporte thereof 
 accordinglie. 
 
 Item, the Counsell beinge assembled in the medell chamber, 
 next the Mynte furnace in the saide Starchamber, the saide 
 Threasurer and other officers ought to bringe in the saide pixe or 
 pixes locked with their severall keies, and the same skall open 
 with their severall keies before the said Counsell, and then every 
 bage, called Snithia, for every month to be opened, and of so 
 many peeces founde in the saide Snithia as woulde make a pounde 
 weight of silver or golde troy, to be weied by troy weightes, and 
 after to bee nombred to try yf yt holde out in nomber accordinge 
 to the standarde and indenture ; and after that all whole monie 
 in every the saide bages, called Snithia, to be bounde in one heape, 
 and thereof takinge so many pounde weight as shall please the 
 Counsell to have putt into the fyer to trie the assaie : that done, 
 the saide Wardenes and Goldsmithes to bee sworne to trie the 
 saide monie and to take the assaie accordinglie, the tenor of whose 
 oathes hereafter ensewethe, 
 
 That is to saie, 
 
 Yee shall well and trewlie, after your knowledge and discre- 
 sions, make thassaies of theis monies of gold and silver, and 
 trewlie reporte yf the saide monies be in weighte and fynes ac- 
 cordinge to theis the Kinges Standardes of his Treasury, and 
 also yf the same monies be sufficient in allaies, and accordinge to 
 the covenauntes comprised in the indenture thereof made be- 
 tween the Kinges grace and the Masters of his Mynt, so help 
 me God.
 
 188 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 And that donne, the said severall pounde weightes of monies, 
 put in severall fyer pottes, to be delivered to the form an of the 
 Jurye to be molten and tryed by the assaie, whereby yt may be 
 knowne whether the saide pounde weightes contayne so many oz. 
 and penie weightes in puer and good sylver as by the standarde 
 and indenture is appointed or not, and as then yt shalbe founde 
 by the saide Jury to be signifyed to the Counsell, whose ver- 
 dicte, with the nomber of all the oz. coyned by any suche inden- 
 ture within the tyme of the said assaie, to bee delivered from the 
 said Counsell to the said Remembrancer, to recorde all their 
 doinges accordinglie appertayneth. 
 
 Item, the like Assaye to be made of the golde, mutat. mu- 
 tand. 
 
 MASTER-WORKER OF THE MINT. 
 
 [We gather from the subjoined copy of a letter from the Attorney General to Lord 
 Burghley, that the latter had referred Sir Richard Martin to the former on the subject 
 of securities. A question had arisen as to the fitness of additional securities on the 
 projected new coinage of crown gold, in consequence of the advancement of Sir Richard 
 Martin from the office of Warden to that of Master-worker, or Work-master, of the 
 Mint. From preceding letters (vide p. 179, 180) it is evident that the change in his 
 position took place between 24th May and 21st June, 1593. He had been Lord Mayor 
 of London, and was Goldsmith to the Queen. Sir John Davys was one of the deserv- 
 ing professional men patronised by Lord Ellesmere, and he had a friend of the name of 
 Richard Martin, to whom he dedicated his celebrated Poem called "Orchestra" in 
 1596, (vide Bridgewater Catalogue, p. 92) in a highly laudatory sonnet, though we 
 afterwards find that he had a violent quarrel with him (there can be little doubt it was 
 the same person) and that he beat him in the Middle Temple Hall. This circumstance 
 produced the expulsion of Sir John Davys from that Society. It seems not unlikely 
 from various particulars not worth detailing that this Richard Martin was the son of Sir 
 Richard Martin, Master-worker of the Mint in 1593. According to the indorsement by 
 Lord Ellesmere, on the following communication, it was addressed to the Lord Keeper, 
 but this is an evident error, as appears by Lord Burghley's answer and by the contents, 
 where the presence of Sir John Puckering, then Lord Keeper, at Court is mentioned. 
 The original was, no doubt, like the copy, in the hand-writing of Lord Ellesmere, aud
 
 MASTER-WORKER OF THK MINT. 189 
 
 was sent to Lord Burghley for his consideration and instructions. The inclosure is 
 also the autograph of Lord Ellesmere.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, ' 26 Junij, 1593. My letter to my L. Keper for 
 Coynage." 
 
 MY moost humble dewtie done to your Lp. According to your 
 Lp's letter to Mr. Fanshawe, he and I dyd require Sir Hi. Martyn 
 to put in bondes to her Maty, as well for performance of the former in- 
 dentures for coynage, as for that which is now to passe for Crowne 
 goulde : whereupon he toulde me, that after the wryting therof, 
 he had made knowne to your Lp. that he was alredy bounden in 
 several bondes in thexchequer amounting to 2000 li , besides which 
 her Ma l y had another suffycient securyty of hym in much more 
 then any of his predecessors had gyven in lyke case; and that 
 therupon your Lp. directed hym to showe the same unto me, to 
 the ende that I might further informe your Lp. therof. I wylled 
 hym to sett it downe in wryting for my better understanding of 
 yt, which he hath done, and I have sent the same herinclosed to 
 your Lp., together with a copye of one of his bondes remayning 
 in thexchequer, all the rest being of the same forme and amount- 
 ing in the whoale to 20001'. Upon perusing wherof yt seemeth to 
 me (and so I understande lykewyse by Mr. Fanshawe) that those 
 former bondes charge hym, as Warden of the Mynt, to answere to 
 her Ma*y the proffettes of a myntage due by vertue of his office of 
 Warden. But the bondes now requyred are in another degree, 
 viz. to charge hym, as Mayster Worker of the moneyes, to answere 
 to her Ma l y and the subjectes for the bullyon to be delivered unto 
 hym to be coyned. The consideration wherof, and of the other 
 securytye which he now offereth, and his allegations and reasons 
 for the same, I leave to your ho. judgement, which he moost hum- 
 bly prayeth therin, and submytteth hym selfe to whatsoever course 
 your Lp. shall therupon resolve to be taken. And hearing my 
 Lo. Keper to be now at the Courte, I have presumed to send here- 
 with to your Lp. the indenture signed by her Ma l y, to the ende 
 the same maye be passed the great seale, and then kept with your
 
 190 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Lp. or my Lo. Keper, untyll such bondes and securyty be taken 
 of Sir Ri. Martyn as your Lp. sball directe. In the meane tyme, 
 order maye be gyven (yf your Lp. shall so thynke meete) for the 
 making redye of the indented piece, and for graving the irons, 
 which wyll occupye a good tyme, and this is meete to be ex- 
 pedited (as he thynketh) for her Ma tics better servyce. And 
 thus praying God for your Lp's healthe, I rest in all humble 
 duetye at your Lo. good pleasure and commande. At Lincoln's 
 Inne this 26th of June, 1593. 
 
 Your Lp's moost humble to be commanded. 
 
 [The following was inclosed '.] 
 
 
 The first bondes are put in onely as Warden of the Mynt, to 
 aunswere to her Ma*y the profites of the myntage, of which xj are 
 deade and decayed, and being bound in a bonde of M 11 to find 
 newe in their places, hath put in none, nor ever made any accompt 
 of the profites of the same office. 
 
 But as M r . Woorker of the bullion he never put in any suer- 
 ties, although by his indenture it be specified that he did put in 
 suerties. 
 
 The suerties that are to be put in as M r . Woorker serve to an 
 other end then those which he puts in as Warden, namely, to 
 make good to the Quene and the merchauntes for the bullion that 
 shalbe delivered in accordinge to the meaning of his indenture, as 
 may appere by the last covenant in thindenture. 
 
 The newe offers by him made for securitie seme onely to be for 
 the profites of the Mynt, aunswerable by him as Warden, and 
 nothing at all for satisfying the Q. and the subject for the bullion 
 delyvered in.
 
 191 
 
 SECURITIES OF THE MASTER. 
 
 [The following is the reply of Lord Burghley to the preceding letter, by which it appears 
 that as Lord Treasurer he was by no means satisfied with the proposal of Sir Richard Mar- 
 tin regarding securities. When Daniel Wollstat in 1560 offered to refine the base money 
 of the realm, he proposed to put in sureties either in Antwerp or London. Mr. Bur- 
 gon seems not to have understood correctly a passage in the letter on this subject from 
 Sir Thomas Gresham (Vol. i. p. 355). Mr. Burgon prints it as follows, " Allbeit 
 the enterprise ys of great importance, and the sonner it ys put in [hand] ewre [ever ?] 
 the more honnor and proffyt it wolle be to the Quene's Majestic." The error lies in 
 not being aware that to " put in ewre,'' or ure, was a common phrase of the time, 
 meaning, of course, to put in practice : " albeit the enterprise (says Sir Thomas Gre- 
 sham) is of great importance, and the sooner it is put in practice the more honor and 
 profit it will be to the Queen's Majesty."] 
 
 To my vearie lovinge frend Mr. Egerton, Esqr., hir Ma ties 
 Attorneye Generall. 
 
 SIR. I perceive by your letter of the xxvjth that Sir Richard 
 Martin misliketh to putt in bondes for the trewe awnswearinge 
 to the subjectes and to others such monies as he should coine of 
 the bullion or then to be delivered, pretending that he neadeth 
 not to putt in anie other bondes than the bondes in the Ex- 
 chequer, which I have considered by the copie sent unto mee, 
 being onelie to binde him as warden of the mint to awnsweare 
 the profitt of the coinage to hir Ma tie , as warden, and theirebie 
 the assurance for the making of the monies trewe and good, and 
 to awnsweare the subject is not provided for, which is to be per- 
 formed notwithstanding any allegation that I finde in his Articles : 
 and yet I doe not disallowe the reasons in his Articles conteined, 
 but they tend not to that ende of securitie. And wheare he maketh 
 mention to offer 2000ii in detanietie, I doe thinke yt weare prof- 
 fitable for hir Ma" e , but yet hir Matie will not alter that corse at 
 this time. And so I praie yowe both tell him, and perswade him 
 therunto. From the Cort this xxvij of June, 1593. 
 
 Your vearie lovinge frend, 
 
 W. BURGHLEY.
 
 192 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 CHAMBERLAIN OF CHESHIRE. 
 
 [Very soon after the date of the subsequent letter Lord Ellesmere was himself ap- 
 pointed Chamberlain of the County Palatine of Chester. Under date of February, 
 1593-4, Lord Burghley, in his Diary (Murdin's " State Papers," 803,) has the follow- 
 ing entry : " Mr. Egerton, hir Majesty's Attorney, allowed to make Peter Warberton 
 his Deputy at Chester." On the 12th March, Warberton was so constituted under 
 the sign manual. It is unfortunate that Lord Ellesmere' s reply has not been pre- 
 served. Who " the Earl" might be to whom Lord Burghley "wished" the office 
 is no where stated : possibly Ferdinando Earl of Derby, who, however, died soon after- 
 wards. In some merely private letters relating to family affairs, preserved at Bridge- 
 water House, Lord Ellesmere is addressed as Chamberlain of Chester in 1594. It 
 is probable that the appointment was put upon a new footing when it was conferred 
 upon the Attorney General, in order, as Lord Burghley expresses it, that the office 
 might "be exercised only to serve administration of justice, without other extraordi- 
 nary powers."] 
 
 Indorsed, by Lord Ellesmere, " 27 Decembre, 1593. My L. Tresurer, and my 
 answere tuchinge the office of Chamberlayne of the County Palatyne of Chester." 
 
 To the R. worshipfull my vearie lovinge frend Mr. Egerton, 
 Esquire, her Ma ties Attorn eie generall. 
 
 MR. Attornay. Concernyng the office of Chamberlen of Ches- 
 ter, I fynd some obstacles to pass it, wher suerly I wish it to the 
 Erie. It is objected that it is of a more larg and absolute autho- 
 rite than is mete for a subject. The limitts thereof I know 
 not, but I pray yow to inform me what are the incidents for rule 
 and authorite belongyng to it, and how it may be exercised only 
 to serve administration of justyce without other extraordinary 
 powers. Her Maty beyng informed of the diminution of the re- 
 venew of the holder, which also is very meane, by meanes of a 
 multitud of officers with fees, hath a disposition to extinguish all 
 such as may seam not nedefull to justyce. 
 
 Your assured loving frend, 
 
 W. BURGHLEY. 
 22 10' 8 , 1593.
 
 193 
 
 VICE-CHAMBERLAIN OF CHESHIRE. 
 
 [From Lord Burghley's Diary, as quoted on p. 191, we learn that Peter Warberton 
 was allowed to act as Vice-Chamberlain of Cheshire in September, 1593. What fol- 
 lows is his permanent official appointment by Elizabeth. He was one of the Members 
 of Lincoln's Inn who subscribed the deed of Association in 1584. (Vide p. Ill of 
 this Collection.) The original of what is given below is much damaged, and is illegible 
 in some places': it is also without address, but we can have no doubt that it was sent 
 to Lord Ellesmere, as Chamberlain of Cheshire.] 
 
 BY THE QUEENE. 
 
 TRUSTY and welbeloved, We greete you well. Where we 
 have appointed you to exercise the office of Chamberlain of our 
 Countie Palatin of Chester, by your self or by your sufficient 
 deputy, to a [def. in MS.] : for as much as Peter Warberton, 
 esquier, doth, by vertue of our former warrant in that behalfe, 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 2 c
 
 194 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 occupy [def. in MS.] of Vicechamberlain of our said Countie 
 Palatin of Chester, and that he is by you thought a meete man 
 to be your deputie, we doo by these our letters allowe him to be 
 so, as long as you shall fynde him fitt to supply that place in your 
 absence. Given under our Signet at our Honour of Hampton 
 Courte, the twelvith daye of March, in the Six and Thirtith yeere 
 of our Raigne. 
 
 WlNDEBANK. 
 
 PORTAGE OF THE CHANCERY. 
 
 [The ensuing draft is corrected throughout and added to in the handwriting of 
 Sir Gilbert Gerrard, who was Master of the Rolls antecedent to the appointment 
 of Lord Ellesmere (then Sir Thomas Egerton, knight) to that office. The object 
 of it was to explain and enlarge the oath taken by the Portage, Marshal or Usher of the 
 Court of Chancery upon some points upon which a strict construction and obedience 
 were inconvenient, if not impossible. John Sonkey was made Janitor sive Locator of 
 the Rolls on llth April, 1592, and he was succeeded by Richard Orrell on the 
 l?th December, 1594, shortly before the demise of Sir Gilbert Gerrard. The subse- 
 quent document must have been drawn up soon after Orrell obtained the place. The 
 table of fees is subjoined to it. It is to be observed that in July 1594 a warrant was 
 directed to Lord Burghley and Sir John Fortescue to inquire what had been the profits 
 of the office of the Rolls " between the death of Sir Gilbert Gerrard and the entry of 
 Sir Thomas Egerton." Murdin's State Papers, p. 804.] 
 
 Indorsed, " The Ushers Othe of the Chansery." 
 
 To all Christian people to whome this present wrytinge shall 
 come, Sir Gilb. Gerrard, knight, M r . and Keeper of the Roulles 
 of the Courte of Chauncerie, sendeth greeting. Knowe yee, that 
 whereas Rychard Orrell was admytted unto the Office of Portage 
 of the Chauncerie the xj th daye of Aprill, in the xxxiiijth yeere of 
 the reigne of our Sovereigne Lady the Queenes Ma tie that nowe 
 ys, and for his due execution therof hath taken his corporall oathe 
 before me the said Sir Gilb. Gerrard, the true intent and mean- 
 inge ys, that the said Rychard Orrell shall have and enjoye
 
 PORTAGE IN THE CHANCERY. 195 
 
 the same office during his lyfe, as well by the name of Portage as 
 of Marshall or Usher of the said Court of Chauncerie, and that 
 by vertue therof he shall have the keeping of the Holies, Recordes 
 and other rytynges under the M r . of the Holies for the tyme 
 being, in such good sorte and beneficial] manner as heeretofore 
 hath beene used and accustomed. And whereas, in the same 
 Oathe, there are diverse clauses so strictlie penned as att this 
 daie, without some specyall lycence, the same cannot possibly be 
 performed accordinge to the necessarie and usuall dischardge of 
 the same place or office without danger or scruple of conscience, 
 yf they be not in some indifferent and reasonable manner miti- 
 gated, tollerated, and expounded, Theise are therefore to many- 
 fest and declare that whereas, in the said Oathe, yt is emongest 
 other thinges conteyned, that the said officer shalbe contynually 
 abyding uppon the said office, and no tyme be absent without 
 speciall leave of the Chauncellor or Keeper of the Holies, and 
 that for good and juste cause, The true intent and meaning 
 therof ys, that the said Rychard Orrell shall not be absent from 
 his said office, he beinge in helthe and hable to execute the same, 
 without the speciall lycense and consent of the L. Chauncellor or 
 L. Keeper, or of the M r . and Keeper of the Holies for the tyme 
 being, leaving, when he shalbe absent, suche hys suffycient deputie 
 as the M r . of the Holies shall alowe of for the execution of the 
 same office, aswell in lokyng out and safe keepinge the said 
 Holies, as in geevinge, doinge, and performinge suche service 
 and attendaunce att Westm. Hall, as ys by him, by vertue of his 
 said office, to be geeven, performed, and done. 
 
 Item, whereas yt is conteyned in the said oathe that the 
 said officer shall not carrie, or beare, or suffer the Holies to be 
 carried or borne to any place but unto the place to the same or- 
 deyned and appoynted, .The true intent therof ys, that the said 
 Richard Orrell, his deputie or deputies as aforesaid, shall and may 
 carrie or cause the Holies and Recordes remayning in his chardge 
 to be carried and borne to suche place and places as shalbe
 
 196 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 licensed or appoynted by the said Mr. or Keeper of the Roules 
 for the tyme beinge, or in his absence shalbe required by any of 
 the Councell lerned of the Queenes Ma tie that nowe ys, her heires 
 or successors, only for hyr Majesties servyce to be perused and 
 sene, and not otherwyse to remayne with theym, or any of theym, 
 any longer.* 
 
 Item, whereas yt is conteyned in the same oathe that the said 
 officer shall not shewe the Holies or Recordes to any person but 
 by comaundement or lycence of the said Keeper of the Rolles, 
 privily or openly, a thinge not possible to be observed by reason 
 of the multytude of Rolles and Recordes, and by the infynite 
 nombers of suche as come to searche in them. The true intent 
 and meaninge therof ys, that the said Richard Orrell shall nor 
 may shewe them in any other sorte, except yt be, in the absence 
 of the said Mr. or Keeper of the Rolles for the tyme being, to 
 any the Councell of the Queenes Ma tie that nowe ys, her heires 
 or successors, requiring to see them, or any of them, for her Ma~ 
 jesties better service, or to such clerke or clerkes of the Pettie 
 Bagge, or others, as the M r . or Keeper of the Roules for the tyme 
 being doth or shall appoynte or allowe to have accesse to the said 
 Rolles or Recordes for necessary and lawfull busines to be done 
 by them, or any of theyme, or in the presence of such clerke or 
 some of them. 
 
 Item, after any of the clerkes of the Pettie Bagge shall have 
 occasion to see and use any office or inquisitions for the passing 
 of any leverie or leveries, then the bundell or fyle, wheruppon the 
 same offices be, shall and may be delyvered to the hand of any of 
 the clerkes alredy named and appoynted by the other clerkes of 
 the Petie Bagge, for the makyng furth of such leveries as ys to be 
 mayd, soe that he delyver [def. in MS.] so receyve the same 
 fyle or bundell within days savely within the same fyle 
 
 * [Note in the Margin.'] Q. What order shalbe used for Inquisitions and Rolles 
 for the Pettibagge, theire owne Clerkes fetchinge them out of the Chappie, &c., and 
 keepinge them 2 or 3 dayes, whereby any may be taken from the fyles .'
 
 PORTAGE IN THE CHANCERY. 197 
 
 or bundell againe without any alteration, dymynution, or change 
 therof, according to his oath alredy taken for the same. 
 
 The fees of the Keeper of the Bookes of the Rolles. 
 
 The vj Clarkes, for every exemplification 
 
 and every perpetuytie . f , ... . . iiij d 
 
 The Examyners of everye exemplification . iiij d 
 
 The Clarkes of the Chapell for everie can- 
 cellation and every exemplification . iiij d 
 
 The Clarkes of thinrollment for everye can- 
 cellation and every exemplification . iiij d 
 
 The Clarke of the Hamper for everye 
 perpetuytie, xx d ; and for every daie 
 iiij d ob. fee . . . . . . vj'i v s P annum. 
 
 Wages for any Liverye . . . , - 4 xx s 
 
 Every sellinge daye in Courte . . xij d 
 
 Every perpetuytie of gree[n] waxe . . xx d 
 
 For Confirmations, and Judgementes, and 
 
 Rolles in the Tower ; . viij d 
 
 For every pate vent rolle v _ . , . . iiij d 
 
 For everye bundell of offices . ,:.,*,- iiij d 
 
 For everye bundell of billes and answeares iiij d 
 
 Upon the bringinge of any money into the 
 Courte by the commaundement of the 
 Lord Keeper, or by the M r . of the 
 Rolles, nothinge. But upon the de- 
 livering of the same forth of the Corte, 
 in the pounde . . . . . iiij d 
 
 For bringinge in of any chist, boxe or 
 bagge of evidence, nothinge. But for 
 the deliveringe of the said cheist, bage 
 or boxe out of the Courte . . . iij s iiij' 1
 
 198 
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 OFFICE FOR BILLS AND ANSWERS. 
 
 [By an instrument inserted hereafter, (p. 203) it appears that John Parker, Esq. was 
 appointed to the office of keeping and filing Bills and Answers in Chancery on the 9th 
 April, 1594, the day before Lord Ellesmere was elevated from the post of Attorney 
 General to that of Master of the Rolls. Parker was related to Lord Buckhurst, and 
 the following letter from his Lordship to Lord Ellesmere refers to the appointment by 
 Parker of a Deputy, as he was authorised to do by his Letters Patent. He had been 
 contravened and delayed in some way by the Six Clerks, with whom he was resolved to 
 treat no longer.] 
 
 To my veary good frend Sir Thomas Egerton, knight, M r . of 
 the Rolles, give theas. 
 
 SIB. My cosin Parker, sins I saw you, being desirous that no- 
 thing shold be doon in the execution of his new office to your mis- 
 like, hath praied me to offer to you on his behalf, that if it pleas 
 you to nomenate any such person as you shall like of to be by him 
 deputed in the same office, he will most willingly apoint him upon 
 such reasonable conditions as betwixt them both shalbe agreed 
 upon. He hath first offred the like offer to the 6 clerkes, who 
 neither accepting nor refusing, but, as he saith, dalieng and delai- 
 eng him therin, he is fully resolved to deale no more with them, 
 and now doth wholy relie upon your resolution herin. He is not 
 only my kinsman, but also a gentleman of so faire condition and of 
 so much worth as I assure you he is beloved and well weighed of 
 all men, and I, knowing that his 14 yeres servis and the expens of 
 4000li (which he raised upon his father's guift and portion left 
 unto him, and incresed by his returne from Venis) doth all depend 
 upon the bettering of his state and fortune by this offis, which, if 
 it shold not succede wel unto him might turn to his utter undoing, 
 do very hartilie pray you that sins her Ma tie hath vouchsafed the 
 guift therof unto him, that with your good favoure he may enjoy 
 it, sins I dare promise you your direction in the execution therof 
 shall wholy rule and guide him. I move this the readier, because
 
 PARKER AND THE SIX CLERKS. 199 
 
 I do partly understand that the 6 clerkes ar so sharply stil bent, 
 as he saith, against him, not letting underhand to further al devices 
 that may give impediment to him. I rest all and ever yours right 
 assured. 
 
 T. BUCKEHURST. 
 
 3 May, 1594. 
 
 PARKER AND THE SIX CLERKS. 
 
 [The following is another letter from the same to the same, and upon the same sub- 
 ject. Parker's office was not only new to him, but new in itself, as we find both from 
 the correspondence and from the " Deputation." Lord Buckhurst again urges Parker's 
 fourteen years' service, but he does not state the nature of it : possibly it was in some 
 diplomatic capacity at Venice, mentioned in the foregoing letter.] 
 
 To my very loving frend Sir Thomas Egerton, knight, M r . of 
 the Rolles. 
 
 SIR. As I have ben very loth to importune your aunswer toch- 
 ing your acceptation or not dealing in the deputation of my cosin 
 Parkar's new office, so nevertheles have I ben often solicited to 
 have knowen your mind therin, for that it behoveth that some on 
 be placed in the same. I am now going to the Court, but so sone 
 as I return, which, if I can, shalbe to morow night or erly on 
 Monday morning, I wilbe bold to intreate your coming to me, 
 that some good course for the pore gentleman may be taken here- 
 in, this matter being the foundation of his whole state and fortune, 
 and his 14 yeres servis, with the expens of all his living and por- 
 tion left him, in the servis of her Ma tie . I have in some sorte com- 
 forted him, that although your answer be long, yet I hope it wil 
 prove more beneficial to him, sins I much rather that a deputie 
 apointed by you might have it before any other. And so the 6 
 clerkes, that wil nedes fal in to contention to their own harme,
 
 200 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 maybe the better bridled in this hard course of theirs against him, 
 being now so careful for the subject that they can with a safe con- 
 sciens take viij d a shete to them selves, and can not alow him xij d 
 for that which to them is most times worth x s . 
 
 I rest at yours assured, 
 
 T. BUCKEHURST. 
 
 This Satterday. 
 
 ALTERATION OF A ROLL. 
 
 [The following is a precedent for the alteration of a Roll by the Master under the 
 authority of a letter from the Lord Treasurer. At the foot of the letter Lord Elles- 
 mere has placed a memorandum of what he had done on comparison of the Roll with 
 the Privy Seal ; viz. erased quadraginta and substituted quadringent, in order to 
 effect the purpose of a person of the name of Johnson who had procured a license of 
 mortmain for the erection of certain free schools, in what part of the kingdom is not 
 mentioned.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " 14 May, 1594, for Mr. Johnson for amendinge the 
 Rolle, 40 wrytten for 400 marcarum." 
 
 To the R. worshipfull my vearie lovinge frend Sir Thomas 
 Egerton, knight, M r . of the Rolles. 
 
 SIR. I am informed by Mr. Johnson, a godlie and honest 
 preacher, that havinge in a godlie zeale procured a license of mort- 
 maine from hir Ma tie for the erection of certaine free schooles and 
 the maintenaunce of them of fowre hundred markes by the yeare, 
 and having had the same passed accordinglie undre hir Ma ties sig- 
 nature, the signet, privie scale, and great scale, uppon the enrol- 
 ment an error hath been committed of great importance, for in stede 
 of quadringent marcarum, the writer hath written quadraginta. I 
 therefore praie yowe to vewe the Roll with hir Ma ties graunt, and 
 accordinglie to cawse the error to be reformed. And so I com-
 
 PARKER'S DEPUTY, ROBERT BOWYER. 201 
 
 mend mee hartelie to yowe. From the Cort this xij of Maye, 
 1594. 
 
 Your vearie lovinge frende, 
 
 W. BURGHLEY. 
 
 M r . of the Holies. 
 
 M d that primo Junij, 1594, according to this letter, I perused 
 the Rolle and the Letters Patentes and privye scale, and findinge 
 the Rolle to varye from the Letters Patentes and the privye 
 scale in twoe places, viz. in the Rolle quadraginta marcarum, 
 where in the privye scale and Letters Patentes yt is quadringent 
 marcarum ; I caused the Rolle to be amended and made according 
 to the privye scale and Letters Patentes, viz. quadragint to be 
 made quadringent, which was done by Bortroke Lukyn, by my 
 commaundement, in the presence of 
 
 Per me, THO. EGERTON. 
 Per me, BOR. LUKYN. 
 RYCHARD ORRELL. THO. RAVENSCROFTE. 
 
 PARKER'S DEPUTY, ROBERT BOWYER. 
 
 [This is a third letter from Lord Buckhurst to the Master of the Rolls respecting 
 the Deputy to be appointed by Parker. The next document will shew that Robert 
 Bowyar, or Bowyer, was chosen by Parker and approved by Lord Ellesmere. 
 The Queen's anxiety lest the fees of Parker's new office should prove burdensome to 
 her subjects, mentioned towards the end of the subsequent letter, deserves notice.] 
 
 To my very loving frend Sir Thomas Egerton, knight, Mr. 
 of the Rolles, geve theas. 
 
 AFTER my very harty commendations unto you. I perceave 
 by my cosin Parkar that the cause of his long staye in not offring 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 2 D
 
 202 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 a deputie to be sworn and admitted by you, hatb growen by 
 reson of a daungerous siknes, wherwith it hath plesed God to 
 visit a Gentleman heretofore chosen by him to that place, in such 
 sort as, hoping stil upon his recovery, the matter hath herby ben 
 driven even in manner to the last houre, my cosin hath ben 
 inforced to seke upon the sodein for some sufficient man for the 
 place ; for which purpose he hath made chois of this bearer, 
 Robert Boyar, a gentleman of the Middle Temple, well knowen 
 to me self to be of honest sorte and behavior, of such good 
 knowledge and skill for the discharge of such a place, and with- 
 all having so good meanes and ability to live, as I do not dout 
 but that for his sufficiency you shal have just cause to geve him 
 your willing assent and allowans ; which I hartely pray you with 
 all convenient spede to doe, in as much as the Terme being this 
 day begoon, the differring therof may bring grete prejudice unto 
 him. And to the end her Ma ties will and pleasure toching the 
 placing of the said M r . Parkar in this office may be likewise made 
 knowen unto you, I have thought good to let you understand 
 that whan her M. was moved for the passing of the said graunt 
 under seale, her Ma tie , by me self, sent this expres comaunde- 
 ment to my Lord Kepar, that her pleasure was the same shold 
 be sealed and delivered unto him, and he to use and exercise the 
 said office acording to the tenor of his letters patents, wherin, yf 
 upon profe therof, it should fall out that the same were found 
 overburdenous to the subject, that then her Ma tie wold ther- 
 upon mitigate the tax set downe to such a resonable rate as to 
 her M. shold be thought expedient. And thus recomending the 
 gentleman and his caus to your good favour and fartherauns, 
 being the only recompens of all his long servis and grete expens, 
 and now the stay wherupon his whole state dependeth, I wishe 
 yoxi all helth and happines as to me self. From my hous this 
 first of June, 1594. 
 
 Your very loving and assured frend, 
 
 T. BUCKEHURST.
 
 203 
 
 PARKER'S DEPUTATION. 
 
 [Trinity Term commenced on the 1st 'June, 1594, and the subsequent appointment 
 of Robert Bowyer, as deputy to Parker, bears date on 3rd June, as well as Lord 
 Ellesmere's original memorandum at the end of his approval of the deputation. It 
 does not recite from the Letters Patent what were the fees to be allowed either to the 
 principal or to the deputy, a point specially adverted to by Lord Buckhurst in the 
 preceding letter, as having attracted the attention of the Queen, lest they should be 
 " overburdenous to the subject." It will be observed in a subsequent letter, that 
 Parker's " fourteen years' service, " dwelt upon by Lord Buckhurst in former commu- 
 nications, (p. 198 and 199,) had increased to " twenty-two years' service." The differ- 
 ence in point of date was only between May 1594, and March 1595. Either Lord Buck- 
 hurst's memory must have been treacherous, or he must have hoped that Lord Elles- 
 mere's would be so.] 
 
 To all Christian people to whome this present writinge in- 
 dented shall come. John Parker, Esquier, one of her Ma ties 
 gentlemen pencioners, sendeth greetinge, in our Lord God ever- 
 lastinge. Whereas our Soveraigne Ladye, the Queenes most 
 excellent Matie that now is, by her letters pattentes vnder the 
 greate seale of Englande, bearinge date the nyiithe day of Aprill, 
 in the six and thirtith yeare of her highnes raygne, for divers espe- 
 ciall good causes and considerations her highnes thereunto mov- 
 inge, hath graunted, ordayned, and appoynted, that from the date 
 of the same letters pattentes there shalbe an office for the keep- 
 inge and fylinge of all Bills, Aunswerres, and other kyndes of 
 pleadinges uppon anie Englishe bills or peticion thentofore exhi- 
 bited or commenced, and dependinge in her highnes courte of 
 chauncerye, or after the same letters pattentes to be exhibited or 
 commenced in the sayde courte ; and for the due execucion of the 
 same office hath, by the same letters pattentes, gyven and 
 graunted the sayde office vnto the sayde John Parker, and the 
 sayde John Parker, the officer of the sayd office, hath, by the 
 same letters pattentes, ordayned and made, to have, hold, occupie, 
 and enjoye the sayde office unto the sayde John Parker, to be 
 exercised, used, and enjoyed by himself, or by his sufficiente
 
 204 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 deputies or assignes, under his hand and scale, in that behalfe to 
 be warrantted, for and duringe the naturall life of the sayde John 
 Parker, yf he the sayde John Parker shall well and faythfullye 
 deraeane himselfe in the execucion of the same, as by the same 
 letters pattentes more at large may appeare. Now knowe yee 
 that the sayde John Parker beinge well informed, and thereuppon 
 sufficientlie satisfied that Robert Bowyer, of the Midle Temple, 
 London, gent., for his skill and knowledge, is sufficiente and able 
 to exercise the same office, and that he will execute and per- 
 fourme the same honestlye, carefullye, and diligentlye, accordinge 
 to the most gracious mynde and intente of our sayd Soveraigne 
 Ladye, the Queenes Ma tie , hath made, constituted, and appoynted, 
 and by these presentes doth make, constitute, and appoynte the 
 sayde Robert Bowyer, his deputy e of the sayde office, and the 
 same office to use and exercise as his deputye, as fullye and 
 largelye to all intentes and purposes as the sayde John Parker 
 may or can doe by virtue of the aforesayde letters pattentes. In 
 witnesse whereof the sayd John Parker to this presente Indenture 
 hath sett to his hand and seale the thirde day of June, in the 
 six and thirtith yere of the raigne of our most gracious soveraigne 
 Ladye Elizabeth, by the grace of God Queene of England, Fraunce, 
 and Ireland, deffendor of the Fayth, &c. 
 
 Sealed and delivered in the presence of, 
 
 HEN. JOHNES. 
 Jo. PANTON. 
 
 3 Junii, 1594. Memorand. that I, Sir Thomas Egerton, 
 Knight, M r . of the Rolls, do admit and allow the 
 within named Rob*. Bowyer to be meete and sufficient 
 for the exercise and execution of the office within named, 
 as deputy to the within named John Parker. 
 
 Tuo. EGERTOX.
 
 205 
 
 THE EARLDOM OF DERBY. 
 
 [The body of the following document is in the handwriting of Lord Bacon, one of 
 the witnesses. The memorandum at the end was written by Michael Doughtie. We 
 have already seen that Ferdinando Earl of Derby died on 16th April, 1594, and in 
 the following September a trunk, containing family evidence, was deposited in the 
 custody of Lord Ellesmere, then Sir Thomas Egerton, by the then Earl William, and 
 by Alice the Dowager Countess of Derby, whom Lord Ellesmere married in the year 
 1600. The trunk was afterwards produced in the Court of Wards, and Hugh Ellis 
 and Michael Doughtie acknowledged the receipt of it for the purpose.] 
 
 Indorsed, " 23 Septembris, 1594. A Memorand. of the receit of a Trunke, with 
 Evidence concerning the now Earle, of the L. Ales, Countess Dowager of Derbie." 
 
 23 Septembris, 1594. 
 
 M d that Sir Thomas Egerton,, Knight, M r . of the Rolles, dyd 
 receyve into his custodie, the day and yeare above written, of 
 Mr. Michaell Doughtie, servant to the Earle of Derbie, and of 
 Mr. Hugh Ellis, servant of the Ladye Ales, Countesse of Derbie, 
 one Trunke with Evidence, bounde uppe in packcloth, sowed 
 uppe and sealed with the scale of the sayd Earle by the sayd 
 Mr. Doughtie, and by the sayd Mr. Ellis with his owne scale, on 
 behalfe of the Countesse, to be kept by the sayd Sir Thomas 
 Egerton, by entreatie of the sayd Earle and Countesse, as he 
 would kepe his owne Evydence, in the presence of these wit- 
 nesses. 
 
 FR. BACON. 
 MICH. DOUGHTIE. 
 HUGHE ELLIS. 
 HEN. JOHNES. 
 Jo. PANTON. 
 
 Octobr. 30. M d . that the same daye, 1594, wee, Michaell 
 Doughtie and Hughe Ellis, servants to the saide Erie 
 and Countesse, receyved the saide Truncke and Evi-
 
 206 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 dence, to thuse of the saide Erie and Countesse, to be 
 broughte public into the Court of Wardes accordinge to 
 the order there, in the presence of theise persons whose 
 names be underwrytten. 
 
 THOMAS SPENCER. MICH. DOUGHTIE. 
 
 ROBERT CALCOTTE. HUGHE ELLIS. 
 
 THE EXCHEQUER AT CHESTER. 
 
 [The subsequent letter is addressed by Alexander Cotes to Lord Ellesmere in his 
 capacity of Chamberlain of Cheshire, and it refers to certain legal proceedings at this 
 date not very intelligible. From what is said in a subsequent communication from 
 Cotes it appears that Lord Ellesmere's eldest son, Thomas Egerton, at this date held 
 the office of Baron of the Exchequer of Cheshire. The Serjeant, several times mention- 
 ed, by other documents we find to have been Serjeant Moore.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Rec. 2 February, 1595. Alex. Cotes. The Clerkes 
 office in thexchequer at Chester. Mr. Tatton." 
 
 To the right wor. Sir Thomas Egerton, knight, M r . of the 
 Rolles, and her Ma ties Chamberlein of the Com. Pala- 
 tyne of Chester, dd. 
 
 MOST humblie (right wor 11 ) accordynge to my duetye, it may 
 please you to be advertyzed that Mr. Serjante this shorte vacation 
 hath well ordered about xx* ie causes at hearynge and other pro- 
 ceedinges in corte. As also at this quarter sessions begone a good 
 course for the bestoynge of the brydgemonye rem. in his custodye 
 to the resonable good lykynge of the justices of peax. And as by 
 your grave consyderation and his meanes and travaile, this courte 
 of Exchequer is in good sorte reduced to his auncient jurysdiction, 
 so I hartelie wyshe that Mr. Serjant, for his owne good and then- 
 crease of the good wyll of the contreye to you and hymself, wold
 
 THE EXCHEQUER AT CHESTER. 207 
 
 use mylder speches in hearynge of causes, not to the disgrace of 
 anye in corte or elswhere absent or presente. I contynue my 
 suete for your sonnes offyce that it may be restored to his aun- 
 cyente right, as well in jury diction as profett, accordyng to the 
 breyfe articles I left with you and your sonne, wherein I truste 
 he hath often remembered you. I wold wyshe your sonne shold 
 compounde with Mr. Ferdinand to yelde him such yearlie profett 
 as he reapeth clerelye from Mr. Bothe, forr I and my clerkes, 
 which of force I must kepe for the execution of the baron's offyce, 
 can w r ell dyscharge all dueties in examinations to the good lykynge 
 of the contrey. The rest of the wronges your self may reforme 
 by conference with Mr. Serjante. All which do greatlie importe 
 your sonne and his office in credytte and profett. For the effect- 
 ynge of these my self will travaile as your wor. shall thynke nede- 
 full ; and I humblie desyer to knowe your pleasure when I shall 
 attende your wor. and your sonne with thaccomptes of the offyce, 
 half yerelye or otherwyse yf it be your pleasure, and where you 
 shall appoynte. In my suet against Mr. Tatton, I receive slowe 
 proceedinges, yet complayne not of Mr. Serjante, nor doubte his 
 indyfferencye albeit he be nere alied to Mr. Tatton, and that the 
 great men of the contrey do countenance and labor the cause. 
 The order sett downe by your wor. at Mycfcas (which to performe 
 Mr. Tatton was bounde in v c marks) is in no parte accomplished, 
 and he regardeth not the forfeycture of any landes, nor obeieth 
 any auctorytie or orders. So as I despaire of remedye by any 
 ordynarie meanes in equytie, but by the extremetie of the comen 
 lawe, which I beseche you I may have lybertie to prosecute. I 
 was enforced the daie after my retorne to poste for my suerties, 
 albeit Mr. Serjante told me Mr. Tatton nor any suerties wold 
 come at his daie, and we enforced also to be bounde to Mr. Hol- 
 crofte and Mr. Davenporte, which I and my suerties thought to 
 be agaynste reason. Yet, in obedience to Mr. Serjantes opynyon, 
 and that I wold not hynder the good preceding your wor. en- 
 tended, I hardlie persuaded my suerties to doe yt. I demanded
 
 208 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 the like bandes of Mr. Holcrofte and Mr. Davenporte to be 
 bound to my suerties to paie so much as Mr. Serjante shold sett 
 downe to be due to me by Mr. Tatton, which wold not be graunted. 
 And sithens that tyme nothynge is done by Air. Tatton in accom- 
 plishment of any order or procedynge. but that this daie he hath 
 paide Mrs. Mary Maynwarynge vi 1 '. xiii 8 . iv d . which shold have 
 beiie paide by your order at Martelmas last, and by other orders 
 the whole xx^. ij yeres paste. And therefore I besech you with 
 your good favor I may take the benefyte of the lawe, yet alwaies 
 humblie to be ordered by you as your wysdome in equitie will de- 
 termyne. Thus besechinge pardon and good acceptance of these 
 my letters, readie in any humble service to you and yours, I co- 
 mende you to your hartes desier, with encrease of honor. From 
 Chester the xv th daie of Januarye, 1595. 
 
 Yours in all humble dutie, 
 
 ALEX. COTES. 
 
 FEES OF PARKER'S OFFICE. 
 
 [The following is another letter from Lord Buckhurst to the Master of the Rolls on 
 behalf of his Lordship's "cousin, John Parker." At this date the Lord Keeper, Sir 
 John Puckering, and the Master of the Rolls, had undertaken the task of reforming 
 abuses, fees, &c. among the officers of the Court of Chancery, and Lord Buck- 
 hurst was in apprehension lest the emoluments of Parker should be reduced. At 
 the same time he admits the inquiry to be a work of ' ' great good and benefit to 
 the commonweal.'' The Lord Keeper and the Master of the Rolls, it appears, were 
 proceeding in their duty under the authority of a royal commission.] 
 
 To my very loving frend the M r . of the Rolles, be theas 
 given. 
 
 SIR. Understanding that my Lord Kepar and your self ar
 
 THE EXCHEQUER AT CHESTER. 209 
 
 now in consideration, as well for understanding of the state of 
 officers and clerkes within the Court of Chauncery, and of their 
 fees, rewardes, and wages, as also for the reformation of abuses 
 among the same officers and clerkes, with intention to set downe 
 and make into a table such and so many orders, ordinances, and 
 constitutions as shalbe thought convenient and necessary, accord- 
 ing to the effect of her Ma ties comession in that behalf addressed 
 [to you] (a work in my opinion of so great good and benefit to 
 the comon weale, as I do not know a greater) ; I am bold to 
 recomend unto you (like as I have doon the like to my very good 
 Lord, the Lord Kepar) the graunt and office of my cosin John 
 Parkar, that as it pleased her Ma tie , of her special favour towards 
 my said cosin, to recomend the same both to you and to my said 
 lorde, when it pleased her Ma tie to bestow the same upon him, 
 being the only reward of his 22 yeares servis, and for the expens 
 of far much more in the servis of her Ma tie then the value therof 
 may in any sort amount unto, so now that as I dout not but that 
 among the orders, ordinances, and constitutions, which in a 
 comon Table for all her Ma ties subjectes to know and behold 
 shalbe made and set downe, the fees, rewardes, and wages by you 
 to be established and alowed shalbe therein expressed, so likewise 
 the office and fee by her Ma ties letters patents to my said cosin 
 graunted and given, may be likewise among your said orders be 
 ratefied and set downe, wherby the poore gentelman may have 
 his graunt the better fortefied, and the same therby to the sub- 
 jectes the more fully manifested. He shalbe very much bound 
 unto you therby, and by his servis redy to deserve yt, and I shall 
 acknowledge it as an increse of your desert towardes me, I assure 
 you, of much more bond unto you then if it were a benefit doon 
 unto me self. And so I wish to you as to me self. This 
 of March, 1595. 
 
 Your very loving and assured frend, 
 
 T. BUCKEHURST. 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 2 E
 
 210 
 
 PRESIDENCY OF THE NORTH. 
 
 [The ensuing document enables us to correct an error in Camden (" Annals " in Ken- 
 nett, II. 596), where he fixes the death of the Earl of Huntingdon (President of the North 
 since 1574) " towards the end of the year 1596." These Instructions speak of him as 
 dead in Feb. 1595-6, and there can be little doubt that they were issued soon after 
 that event. They were directed to Mathew Hutton, Archbishop of York, and others, 
 authorising them to execute the duties of President of the Council of the North in conse- 
 quence of the demise of the Earl of Huntingdon, and until another President should be 
 appointed.] 
 
 Indorsed " Copie of the Instructions sent to the L. Archb. of Yorke, 26 Februar. 
 1595." 
 
 Instructions given by her Matie to the most reverend father 
 in God Mathew, Archb. of York, and to all others 
 apointed by her Ma ties speciall Commission under her 
 great Seale of England to be her Commissioners in the 
 North parts of her Realme, bearing date the xxvjth of 
 Feb. 1595, to be observed by the Archb. and every of 
 them according to the tenor of the said Commission and 
 to these Articles following. 
 
 FOR as much as by the death of her right trustie and right wel- 
 beloved Cousin, Henry Earl of Huntingdon, who was President 
 of her Highnes Councell in those partes, the said Commission is 
 determined by which he w r as constituted President], and that her 
 Majestic hath not yet made her certaine determynation for any 
 one to be President of the Councell there : and yet considering 
 how necessary it is to have a convenient nomber authorised to be 
 in Commission, for hearing and determyning of all such causes as 
 have been apointed in the former Commission, for the quyet 
 government of her subjectes in those Northern partes, her Ma tie 
 hath therefore caused her Commission under her great Seale of 
 England to be presently directed to the said Archb. and others in 
 the said Commission named, and hath by the same referred them 
 to proceed, as well according to the lawes and custome of her
 
 PRESIDENCY OP THE NORTH. 211 
 
 Realme, as according to the effect of certain instructions, signed 
 with her owne hand, heretofore given to the said E. of Huntingdon 
 and to other Councellors joyned with him. 
 
 Her Ma tie therefore willeth and commandeth the said Archb. 
 and all others authorised by the said Commission to proceed to 
 the hearing and determyning of all maner of causes concerning the 
 peace, tranquillitie, and good government of her subjectes in those 
 North partes, according to the said Commission and the tenor of 
 the said Instructions ; which Instructions her Ma tie willeth to be 
 brought and presented to the said Archb. and Commissioners, 
 and to be preserved and kept by the Secretary of that Councell, 
 or his deputie, to be from tyme to tyme perused, and to be 
 executed according to the tenor thereof, as the causes shall 
 require. 
 
 And where her Ma* ie is informed that the late L. President did 
 adjourne a Session to be kept by that Councell, then being, about 
 the v th of March next, her Ma tie requyreth the said Archb. and 
 the rest of the Commissioners to resorte to the place to the 
 which the said Session was adjourned, and there, yf possibly he 
 and they may, to begynne the said Sessions at that tyme, or as 
 soone as they may, and there contynue the same such accustomed 
 tyme as in like hath been used for the relief of her Ma ties sub- 
 jectes, having anie theire former causes and complaintes not deter- 
 myned, or that shall have just causes from henceforth to make 
 theire complaintes. 
 
 And for that her Ma e would have it knowne to her good sub- 
 jectes what care she hath to have them relieved in theire causes 
 necessarie, the said Archb. and others of the Councell shall, by 
 proclamation in the Citie of York, cause it to be published, that 
 her Ma tie hath presently graunted a sufficient Commission to the 
 said Archb. and others for the executing of the like authoritie for 
 reliefe of her people, as heretofore [hjas been ordayned by former 
 Commissioners.
 
 212 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 And the Archb. shall at this his first Sessions cause as manie of 
 the Commissioners named in this presente Commission, as conve- 
 niently may repaire thither, to appeare and to execute the tenor of 
 the said Commission. 
 
 And although her Ma tie doubtith not but the said Archbishop 
 will applie himself at tymes convenient, with the Commissioners 
 joyntly authorised with him, to continue the usuall Sessions, yetyf 
 by anie accident of his mfirmitie he should not be able to be con- 
 tynually resident upon this service, yet considering there are a 
 speciall nomber of learned men in the lawes of the realme, very 
 sufficient to heare and determyne the causes depending before 
 that Councell, to whome her Ma tie doth allowe fees for theire ser- 
 vice, the said Archb. shall specially prescribe all the saide learned 
 persons, being of the Quorum in the Commission, to contynue 
 their attendance about the said service, so as there be no intermis- 
 sion nor want of convenient number to contynue the accustomed 
 Sessions. 
 
 And for contynuance of the said Commissioners during theire 
 attendance about the said service, the said Archb., with advise of 
 others of the Councell, being of the Quorum and bounde to attend- 
 ance, shall make choice of some one meet person to take the 
 charge, as a Steward of the Houshold, for the dyett of the said 
 Councell as heretofore hath ben used ; for allowance of the charges 
 wherein her Ma tie will give order, by warrant to her Receavor of 
 that Shire, to contynue the payment of the Sommes of money for 
 the discharge of the said Houshold, as heretofore he hath had 
 warrant.
 
 213 
 
 BARON OF THE EXCHEQUER IN CHESHIRE. 
 
 [Alexander Cotes, the writer of the annexed and of a preceding letter (p. 206), was 
 probably Clerk of the Exchequer of the County Palatine of Chester, and it seems to 
 have been his duty to keep certain accounts of the profits of the office of Baron of the 
 same Court held by Lord Ellesmere's son. Cotes seems anxious to impress upon 
 the Chamberlain of the County the importance and severity of his own duties. 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " 30 Martij 1596, Mr. Cotes letter touching the prof- 
 fettes of the Barons Office in thexchequer at Chester." 
 
 To the right worll Sir Thomas Egerton, Knighte, M r . of the 
 Rolles of her H. corte of, Chauncerye, and Chamber- 
 lane of her Coun. Palatyne of Chester, &c. 
 
 WITH humble duetie, Right Wor.. I have thought it convenient 
 by this messenger to send unto your sonne, enclosed in this my 
 letter to yow, a briefe vewe of the yssues and proffettes of the 
 Baron's Office for the last half yeare, in the same manner as I have 
 heretofore used to doe to the late Barons, as you may perceive by 
 the like enclosed under Mr. Yerworth his hand, which I praie 
 maie be returned unto me. And therin (as nowe) have I dealt 
 truelie and playnlie, referringe my self to your grave consideration 
 concerninge the same. And whatsoever shalbe your pleasure to 
 appoynte me I will performe, wherwith if your Wor. or Mr. Eger- 
 ton be not satisfied, I will attend your further pleasure with my 
 bookes of Exivit. This only it maie please you to consider of 
 that I am enforced to keepe three Clearkes, and bound to dailie 
 attendaunce my self twise in every daie for the most parte. The 
 proffettes have since your tyme of government encreased verey 
 much, in respect the place is learnedlie supplied and well ordered. 
 My dailie attendaunce I take to be some great helpe therin, and 
 especiallie because (I thancke God) I nowe exercise the office in 
 quiet, which heretofore I was enforced to defend with the whole 
 proffettes and more, (as by this one accompt in Mr. Yerworthes 
 tyme will partlie appeare,) and yet in those troublesome tymes a
 
 214 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 third parte and better of the right of the office was taken awaie, 
 and is yet withholden, whereof I have heretofore advertised your 
 Wor. by breif articles, and dailie expecte and hope of redresse, if 
 not in your Wor. tyme then never. And that is the cause I use 
 contynuall importunitie. Thus having presumed, [I] praie your 
 pardon and good acceptaunce of my service, and so humblie com- 
 mend you to the Highest, who happelie protect and prosper yow 
 with the good encrease of his benefites. From Chester the xxx tl1 
 
 of March 1596. 
 
 Your Wor. most humble, 
 
 ALEX. COTES. 
 
 MASTERS IN CHANCERY. 
 
 [This is the earliest extant communication to Lord Ellesinere (then Sir Thomas 
 Egerton) after he was elevated from the Rolls to be Lord Keeper, an event which took 
 place on the 6th May, 1596, six days after the death of his predecessor, and twelve 
 days before the date of the ensuing representation from nine Masters in Chancery. We 
 have seen that before the demise of Sir John Puckering, Lord Ellesmere had under- 
 taken to aid him in the reform of the abuses and excessive fees of the Court of Chancery, 
 and what follows has reference to the pending inquiries, which the new Lord Keeper 
 was determined to carry forward. The "particularities," which are spoken of as 
 " contrived in writing," have not been preserved.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Masters of the Chauncerye." 
 
 To the right honour ble our very good Lo. Sir Thomas Eger- 
 ton, Knight, Lord Keeper of the Great Scale of England. 
 
 Right honourable and our very good L. Wee are bowlde to 
 present to your L. grave consideration our humble petition con- 
 cerninge the places wee howlde under your L. in her Ma ties 
 Courte of Chauncerie. The perticularities wherof it may please 
 your L. to receyve by theis bearers, as we have contrived the 
 same in writinge, wherin wee right humbly beseeche your Lp. to 
 vouchesafe us your honourable favor, as wee our selves shalbe
 
 BILLS BY IMMEDIATE WARRANT. 215 
 
 most ready, nott only to employ our best indevors in this her Ma ties 
 service, but also to yeilde all other dutie to your good L. whom 
 wee humbly commend to the tuition of Thalmightie. From the 
 Doctors Commons in London, this xviij th of May, 1596. 
 
 Your Lo. in all dutie 
 to be commaunded, 
 
 Ri. Cosix. R. SWALE. 
 
 W. LEWYN. Jo. HONE. 
 
 THOMAS LEGGE. W. HUNT. 
 
 LAUR. HUSE. Jo. AMYE. 
 MAT. CAREW. 
 
 BILLS BY IMMEDIATE WARRANT. 
 
 [Tt is easy to imagine how such a guard as is contained in the following document, 
 under the sign manual, might be necessary, but the particular case or cases which had 
 called for it not long before its date, and which are alluded to in it, cannot now be 
 pointed out. The Lord Keeper is informed that this is only a renewal of a former 
 order, and that a similar direction had been given to Sir John Puckering. Lord 
 Burghley in his Diary (Murdin's State Papers, 809) gives the date of this " Restraint," 
 as he terms it, June, 1596.] 
 
 A Warrant to the Lord Keeper for restraynt of passing Bills 
 signed by immediate Warrante. 20th May, 38 Eliz. 
 
 ELIZABETH R. 
 
 Elizabeth, by the grace of God Quene of England, Fraunce, and 
 Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. To our righte trustie and right 
 welbeloved Councellor SrThomas Egerton, Knight, Lord Keeper of 
 our great Scale of England, greeting. Wheras uponverie great incon- 
 veniences heretofore fallen owt by passing of Bills under our great 
 Seale of England by ymmediate warrant, upon sight onelie of our 
 bill signed with our hand, we have to some of your predecessors,
 
 216 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Chauncellors and Keepers of our great Seale, gyven commaund- 
 ment, by our speciall letters and otherwise, for the restreyninge of 
 such passing of bills at the suyte of parties by the immediate war- 
 rant without our pleasure expreslie signifyed in that behalf. For- 
 asmuch as we finde our comaundement not to have ben herein 
 observed accordinge to our pleasure, and as for our service were 
 meete, and that by the continewance of the former evill custome of 
 passinge Letters Patentes vnder our great Seale by the immediate 
 warrant the inconveniences do also continewe, and maye increase 
 more and more, as not longe since experience hath well shewed ; 
 We have therefore thought good to renewe our former order 
 given to your predecessors, and by theis our speciall letters to 
 will and commaunde you, that from henceforth ye doe not suffer any 
 booke, bill, guifte, graunte, lease, or other letters pattentes to be 
 made vnder our greate Seale at the suyte of any parties whatso- 
 ever, whereof the originall warrant is to be obteyned by our bill 
 signed with our hand, nor any leases from our Commissioners, 
 being appointed by statute, to passe under our signett and privye 
 Seale, but that the same shall orderlie be passed by the usuall and 
 direct warrantes of our saide Seale. And for that there are dyvers 
 causes happening from tyme to tyme, for bills of commissions to 
 be signed with our hand, concerning the publicke service of us 
 and our realme ; and bills of pardons alsoe for parties which are 
 to be obteyned under our signe manuell, and maye at some tyme 
 require speedyer expedition then the writing of them at the signett 
 and pryvie Seale maye afforde, in such cases of necessitie, we are 
 pleased that the same shall be passed under our saide Great Seale 
 by the immediate warrant under our hand, soe as there be an indors- 
 ment upon those said bills, testifying under the handes of three or 
 fower of our privie Councell (whereof the Lord Treasorer of England 
 to be one) our pleasure and contentation for the passinge of them 
 by the immediate warrant. And as our pleasure is that this course 
 be strictlie observed by yow, soe to the end the same maye be alsoe 
 dulie kepte hereafter by your successors in the office of Chaun-
 
 ENCOURAGEMENT OF ARCHERY. 217 
 
 cellor or Keeper of our Great Scale, you shall cause theis our 
 Letters to be forthwith enrolled in our Chauncerie, there to re- 
 mayne of recorde of this our pleasure and commaundment, and 
 that ye doe likewise make the contentes hereof knowne to all 
 clerkes and officers of our Chauncerie whatsoever, who it doth 
 or maye concerne. Gyven at our manor of Grenewich, the nyne 
 and twentith daye of Maye, in the eight and thirtith year of our 
 raigne. 
 
 This Bill conteyneth a restreynte that the nowe 
 Lord Keeper of the Great Scale doe not suffer any 
 Bills signed to passe by imediate warrant, but onelie 
 such Bills of Commissions and Pardons as require 
 speedie expedition, and those to be endorsed with 
 the handes of three of your highnes privie councell, 
 whereof the Lord Treasurer to be one, and agreeth 
 with a former restreynt directed to S r John Pucker- 
 ing, late Lord Keeper, in like cases. 
 
 THOMAS POWLE. 
 
 ENCOURAGEMENT OF ARCHERY. 
 
 [The following is one of the latest measures for the maintenance of Archery, which 
 had so far fallen into disuse in 1542, as to render necessary an Act of Parliament for sup- 
 pressing unlawful games, and for promoting shooting with the bow. The Lord Keeper 
 is here authorised under the sign manual to issue Commissions to any county or town 
 with the same object, but no power of enforcing the law is given to the Commis- 
 sioners, who, in case of disobedience, are merely to report the names and dwelling 
 places to the Lord Chancellor, or Lord Keeper. In 1596 the purpose was at least 
 as much to restrain unlawful games, as to maintain skill in the use of the bow. 
 In addition we find fromMurdin's State Papers, p. 810, that authority was given to the 
 Lord Mayor, Lord Keeper, Lord Treasurer, the Earls of Cumberland and Essex, the 
 Lords Cobham, Buckhurst, &c. " To survey the fields about London fit for 
 Archery." This passage is from Lord Burghley's Diary, which, however, does not 
 mention the warrant which follows. In 1596 great resistance was made to dramatic 
 representations. Vide Hist. Dram. Poetr. i. 298, &c.] 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 2 F
 
 218 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 A Warrant for the L. Keeper to passe Commissions for the 
 maintenaunce of Archerye. 
 
 ELIZABETH R. 
 
 ELIZABETH by the grace of God Quene of England, France, 
 and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. To our right trustie and 
 right welbeloved counsailor S r . Thomas Egerton, Knight, Lord 
 Keper of the Great Scale of England, greatinge. We will and 
 commaunde you by warrant herof to make fourthe, and direct from 
 tyme to tyme, under our Great Seale of England, suche and as 
 manye Commissions of the forme hereunder written, to be directed 
 to suche persons, or to any convenyent nomber of them, in anye 
 sheire, citie, towne, or other place of libertie of this our Realme 
 of England, as you shall thinke convenyent, and the same and 
 everie of them to renewe as often as you shall thinke expedyent. 
 And these presentes shalbe your sufficient warraunt and dischardge 
 for the same. Given at our Manner of Greenwich the fyfte 
 daie of June, in the eight and thirtith yere of our raigne. 
 
 ELIZABETH by the grace of God, &c. To our right trustie and 
 welbeloved A. B. C. and D., and to everie of them, greatinge. 
 Whereas in the Parliament holden at Westm r in the xxxiij th yeare 
 of the raigne of our late dere Father of worthie memorie, Kinge 
 Henrie the eight, one Acte or Statute was then and there made for 
 the maynetenaunce of archerye and debarringe of unlawfull games, 
 by the whiche good Statute, amongste manye other thinges, it was 
 provided that the fathers, governors, and masters of the youthe of 
 this our realme shoulde, in divers and sondrye sortes, trayne and 
 bringe upp their youthe in shotinge in the longe bowe, and shoulde 
 have for that purpose severall bowes and arrowes in nomber and 
 quantetie accordinge to their ages and yeres, upon suche payne 
 and penaltie as is expressed in the said Statute, as by the same 
 Statute more at large it dothe and maie appere. And beinge
 
 ENCOURAGEMENT OF ARCHERY. 219 
 
 given to understand that for lacke of due searche whether everie 
 person and persons have bowe and arrowes accordinge to the tenor 
 of the said Acte, the comendable exercise and use of shotinge, and 
 the rest of the good devises and provisions conteyned in the said 
 Statute is, therefore, in the moste partes of this our realme utterlie 
 forgotten and not accomplished ; and to the intent that shotinge 
 may be used and exercised within this our realme as in tymes 
 paste, and unlawfull games suppressed and put out of use, wee 
 have thought it convenient, for good considerations us speciallye 
 moveinge, to nominate, assigne, and appoynte you to be our Com- 
 missioners, givinge unto you and to everie of you, and to all other 
 persons authorised and appoynted by the said Statute, full power 
 and aucthoritie by vertue of these presentes, in our name, not onlie 
 from tyme to tyme as often as need shall require, to make due and 
 laufull searche in everie place within our countie of B., as well 
 within liberties as withoute, as well for suche as use unlawfull 
 games, as also for suche as kepe howses or alleies for unlawfull 
 games ; but also whether everie person, for himself, his servauntes 
 and other youthe in his or their severall houses, have sufficient 
 furniture and provision of bowe and arrowes, and have and doe 
 use and occupie the same accordinge to the true meaninge of the 
 said Statute. And to the intent the same maye be the better 
 understanded and knowen, our pleasure and commaundement is 
 that all suche bowes and arrowes, that everie person ought to have 
 by the order of the said Statute, ye shall cause the parties to bring 
 to some convenient place or places within the parishe where suche, 
 parties dwell, or other convenient place within the said sheire, by 
 the discrecion of you our said Commissioners, or any of you, there 
 to be vewed and scene by you our said Commissioners or any of 
 you, upon whiche vewe, serche, and examination, if you our said 
 Commissioners or any of you, or any other our officer and minister 
 authorised by the said Statute, shall finde any person or persons 
 either not furnished with bowe and arrowes or not useing the 
 same, as by the said Statute is limited and appointed, or any person
 
 220 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 or persons useinge unlawfull games, or kepeing houses or alleys for 
 unlawfull games, contrarie to the meaninge of the said Statute, that 
 then our pleasure is that you our said Commissioners, and everie 
 or any of you, by gentle admonition and order, shall doe your good 
 endeavour to cause a reformation to be hadd therein, that the 
 exercise of shotinge maie be used and contynewed by as manye of 
 our good subjectes of everie estate as cann or maye use the same. 
 And if you cannot by gentle admonition and order cause the of- 
 fenders to reforme themselves in the premises, then our pleasure 
 is, that you, or any two of you, shall cause the names and dwellinge 
 places of such offenders to be noted and certified unto the Lord 
 Chauncellor, or Lord Keeper of the Great Seale of England for the 
 tyme beinge, to the intent wee maye cause suche order and direc- 
 tion to be taken and hadd therein, as by the lawes and statutes of 
 this our realme is provided in that behalf. Wherefore wee will 
 and commaunde all and singuler our officers, ministers, and sub- 
 jectes of our said countye of B., as well within liberties as withoute, 
 that they and everie of them be aidinge, helpinge, and assistinge, 
 and at the commaundement of you our said Commissioners, and 
 everie or anye of you, in the due execution of this our Commission, 
 as they and everie of them tender our pleasure, and will an s were 
 for the contrarie at their perills. In witness whereof, &c. 
 
 This conteyneth a bill to be signed by your Ma tie , 
 authorisinge the nowe Lord Keper to graunt 
 fourthe Commissions from tyme to tyme for mayn- 
 tenaunce of Archerie and debarringe of unlawfull 
 games, according to a Statute in that case pro- 
 vided ; and agreeth with the like warrant directed 
 unto S r John Puckering, Knight, late L. Keeper of 
 the Great Seale. 
 
 THOMAS POWLE,
 
 221 
 
 PARSONAGE OF LINTON. YORK HOUSE. 
 
 [Matthew Hutton, the writer of the subsequent letter, having been made Bishop of 
 Durham in 1589, was elevated to the Archbishoprick of York in 1594. His house, 
 called York House, near Charing Cross, had been in the occupation of the late Lord 
 Keeper Puckering, and in 1596 Lord Ellesmere was desirous of becoming tenant to the 
 Archbishop, as in fact he did not long afterwards. Dr. Hutton took the opportunity 
 of recommending a son of his wife to the favour of the Lord Keeper.] 
 
 To the right honorable my verie good Lorde, Sir Thomas 
 Egerton, Knight, Lo. Keeper of the Great Seal of Eng- 
 land. 
 
 MY honorable good Lord. This daie I received your Lo. letter 
 of the last of May, whereby I perceive your Lo. good inclination 
 towardes my Chaplaine, Walter Carrer, to be preferred to the par- 
 sonage of Linton when it shall happen to be void, for which I geve 
 your Lo. verie harty thankes. I understand also that your Lo. is 
 desirous to be my tenaunt in my house nere Charing Crosse, &c. 
 The trueth is that I was certainly informed that your Lo. had no 
 inclination that way, because the house standes nere the water, 
 and is thought to be somewhat rheumatike, which is the cause 
 that I have proceaded somewhat farr with some others in that 
 matter. Notwithstanding, because I know that hir Matie hir self 
 hath made espetiall choice of your Lo. to that honorable place, 
 and for that I have had alwaies a verie constant opinion of your 
 zeale in relligion and integritie in ministringe justice, I mean, God 
 willing, to forbeare to deale farther with any, until your Lo. be 
 further acquainted. If the bearer hereof, Richard Barnes, my 
 wives eldest sonne, stand in nede of your Lo. lawfull favour, I 
 pray your Lo. aforde it unto him. Thus beseaching God longe 
 to blesse your Lo, with his manifold graces, that your Lo. may
 
 222 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 aunswere the generall expectation conceived of you, I bid your Lo. 
 moste hartely farewell. From York, the xiij of June, 1596. 
 
 Your Lo. in Christe moste assured, 
 
 YORK HOUSE. RICHARD BARNES. 
 
 [This communication, from the same to the same, also relates to the letting of York 
 House to the Lord Keeper. He could not commence tenant until the expiration of the 
 term of Lady Puckering, who had a right of occupancy until April 1597. Lord Elks- 
 mere had taken Richard Barnes into his service.] 
 
 To the right honorable my verie good Lord Sir Thomas 
 Egerton, Knight, Lo. Keeper of the Great Seal of 
 England. 
 
 MY honorable good Lord. Since the writing of my last letter 
 unto your Lp. I did see two letters written by Mr. Thomas Par- 
 menter unto his mother in law, my wife, wherin he is moste 
 earnest with her to solicit me to let a lease of my house nere 
 Charing Crosse unto your Lo. ; in which letters he doeth signifie, 
 not onely how much he is bound unto your Lo. himself many 
 waies, but also of your Lo. honorable inclination to receive 
 Richard Barnes, her eldest sonne, into your service, for both which 
 I geve your Lo. most harty thankes. Your Lo. shall finde Mr. 
 Parmenter a verie honest, plaine gentleman, and Richard Barnes 
 a yong gent, of a verie good nature, duetifull to please your Lo.
 
 THE LETTING OP YORK HOUSE. 223 
 
 As concerning my house, thus it standeth. My Ladie Pucker- 
 ing hathe a state in it for one yere after her husbands death, which 
 is until Aprill next. But I doe not mean that any man shall pre- 
 vent your Lo. in your desire. Thus for this tyme beseaching 
 God to blesse your Lo. with his manifold graces, I bid you moste 
 hartely fare well. From Yorke, the xx th of June, 1596. 
 Your Lo. in Christe moste assured, 
 
 MATTH. EBOR. 
 
 THE LETTING OF YORK HOUSE. 
 
 [The Archbishop having resolved to take Lord Ellesmere for his tenant, wrote the 
 letter of which the following is a copy (transmitted, no doubt, to the Lord Keeper for 
 his satisfaction in the business,) to some person who had previously applied to Dr. 
 Hutton on the subject. It has no address.] 
 
 Salutem in Christo. I would have bene glad to have granted 
 you my house nere Charing Crosse, accordinge to your desire by 
 letters and the earnest motion by Marmaduke Wilson, but trueth 
 is I have bene so earnestly sued unto by the right honorable my 
 verie good Lord, the Lo. Keeper, and so pressed by others in his 
 behalf, that I can let it to none but unto him. It hathe pleased 
 hir Ma tie (and that verie worthely) to make him a publique per-, 
 son, to serve her Highnes and the Common Wealth in most ho- 
 norable place, and therefore I am moved in conscience to have 
 more care that he may be fitly placed for that service, then of my 
 private gaine or commoditie. Thus beseaching God to blesse you 
 with his manifold graces, I bid you right hartely farewell. From 
 Yorke, the xxvij of June 1596. 
 
 Yours in Christe verie assured, 
 
 MATTH. EBOR.
 
 224 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 QUEEN ELIZABETH TO KING JAMES. 
 
 [The subsequent copy of a letter from Elizabeth to James, is in the handwriting of 
 Lord Ellesmere, but from the style it does not read as if it had been prepared by him 
 for the Queen's signature. There is some error at the close of the third paragraph 
 which it would not be difficult to set right, but the passage is here given exactly as 
 it stands in the MS. As to its subject, the document speaks for itself, and about this 
 date the affairs of the borders between England and Scotland were attracting much 
 attention. We shall see hereafter (p. 229) that eight Commissioners (four on each 
 side) were appointed to investigate and report upon the matter. It is clear therefore 
 that Elizabeth did not adhere to her determination, expressed in the following letter, 
 not to grant a Commission. The Commissioners met at Carlisle and prepared a very 
 elaborate report, in which they suggested various modes of putting an end to the 
 bloodshed and plunder on the Borders.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Elleemere, " Junij 1596, Re ni Sco. Regi." 
 
 MY deare brother. I am to seke with what argumentes my let- 
 ters shoulde be fraught, synce such theames be gyven me as I am 
 loathe to fynde and slowe to receyve ; yet synce I must needes 
 treate of and unwyllinglye receyve, I can not omitte to sett before 
 you a [word not legible] example of a seduced Kynge by evill inform- 
 ation. Was yt ever sene that a Prince, from his cradle preserved 
 from the slaughter, helde upp in royalle dignitye, conserved from 
 many treasons, maynteyned in all sorte of kyndnes, shoulde remu- 
 nerate with so foule measure such deere desertes, with doubt to 
 yelde a juste treatie uppon a lawfull frendes demande ? 
 
 Ought yt to be put to a question whether a Kynge shoulde doe 
 an other his lyke a right ? or shoulde a consell be demanded theyre 
 good pleasure what he hym selfe shoulde doe ? Were yt in the 
 nonage of the Prince yt might have some colour, but in a father 
 age it seemeth strange, and I dare saye without example. I am 
 sorye for the cause that constreynes this speche, speciallye in so 
 apert a matter, whose note groweth farre, and ys of that nature 
 that yt (I feare me) wyll more harme the wronger nor the wrong- 
 ed : for how litle regarde soever be helde of me, yet I shoulde
 
 QUEEN ELIZABETH TO KING JAMES. 225 
 
 greve too much to see you neglecte your selfe, whose honour ys 
 touched in such degree as the Inglysh (whose regarde I doubt not 
 but you have in some esteme for their good thoughtes of you) 
 wyll measure your love by your dedes, not your wordes in your 
 paper. 
 
 Therfore for fine let this suffice you, that I am as evill treated 
 by my named frende, as I coulde be by my knowne foe. Shall 
 any castell or habitacle of myne be assayled by a night larcinie, 
 and shall not my confederate sende the offender to his due pu- 
 nysher ? Shall a frende stycke at that demaunde that he ought 
 rather to prevent ? The lawe of the kyngelye love woulde have 
 sayed No ; and not (for persuasion of such as never can nor wyll 
 stede you, but dishonor you to kepe their owne rule) burye 
 behynde you the due regarde of me, and in yt of your selfe ; who, 
 as long as you use this trade, wyll be thought nought of, your selfe 
 ought, but with conventions what they wylle. 
 
 For Commissyons I wyll never graunt for an acte that he can 
 not denye they made ; for whatso the cause be made, no cause 
 shoulde have done yt. 
 
 And when you with a better wayed judgement shall consider, I 
 am sure my aunswere shall be more honourable and juste, which 
 I expecte with moost spede, as well for you as for my selfe. For 
 other doubtfull and litigious causes upon our bourders, I wyll be 
 redye to permytte Commissyoners, yf I shall fynde it nedefull ; 
 but for this matter of so vyllaynous an usage, assure you, I wyll 
 never be so answered as hearers shall nede. In this and many 
 other matters I requyre your trust to my Imb r , who faythfullye wyll 
 worde theym. So praying God for your saffe kepinge, 
 
 Your lovinge Sister and Cosen, 
 Junij, 1596. ELIZABETH R. 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 2 o
 
 226 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 KING JAMES TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. 
 
 [What follows is the reply of James to the preceding letter. It is also in the hand- 
 writing of Lord Ellesmere, as well as the Extract from the Book of Acts of the Secret 
 Council of Scotland at the conclusion. Ridpath, in his " Border History," p. 689, states 
 that a Commission to inquire into the matters to which these letters refer was appointed 
 " before the end of 1596," but he does not give the precise date.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere " 7 Julij, 1596. Sco. Rex Dnse Re nae ." 
 
 MADAME and dearest Sister. I have receyved your Letter, 
 wherby I woulde have bene cast into great doubt that my former 
 had not come to your handes, yf I had not bene certified of the 
 receit of the same. Yt appeares very well that you are so preoc- 
 cupied by your first information, as now no reason can take houlde 
 upon you. I can not enough wonder at your wonderinge at my 
 sperringe advyse in this errande. Your Imbassador craved fylinge 
 and deliverye of a partie offender (as he alleadged). Could fylinge 
 precede judgement? and coulde I gyve answere of matters of 
 judgement unsettinge in some ordynarye seate of judgement? 
 Suppose were I not a father, but a Nestor Kynge, I were but a 
 starke foole yf in matters of such importance I woulde take all 
 upon me, unspirringe the advise of any. I never craved your 
 richtinge me in any such case, but you playnelye remitted my ser- 
 vantes over to your consell. Neither dyd I ever put in question 
 yf I shoulde doe you right (as you appeare to agreage) but onlye 
 what was the ordynarye judgement, wherein right should be first 
 tryed and then discerned to you. And yf this Judgement, wher- 
 unto I have remitted the tryall herof, be not the ordynarye place, 
 wherin all such causes have ever bene cognossed upon synce the 
 first establishinge of our twoo Crownes, then shall I be content to 
 grant the wranginge you in as hyghe measure as you shall please 
 to accompt the same. Pardon me, therfore, Mad. to appeale 
 from your harde conclusion in your last letter to a more rype and
 
 KING JAMES TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. 227 
 
 frendelye consideration. God is my wytnesse, I never meant but 
 to satisfye you in this, not onelye in justice accordinge to lawe, 
 but with all thankefulnes accordinge to our streight frendshippe, 
 the faulte and qualitye therof beinge first formallye tryed. But 
 wheras you accompte my frendshippe in equall ranke with your 
 knowne foe, surelye then I am looser at all handes, that hath 
 refused the frendshippe of others for yours. But I must gyve 
 place to your passion at this tyme, and abyde with pacience your 
 better consideration of my desertes herafter. Thus prayinge you 
 to consider, that yt is not the parte of a lovinge frende to stycke 
 at new and uncouth formes, where reason in substance ys not 
 refused, I committe you, Madam and dearest Sister, to the tuition 
 of the Almightye. From Edinburghe, the 7 th of July, 1596. 
 
 Your moost lovinge and affectionate 
 Brother and Cosen, 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 At Ed. 5 Julij, 1596. 
 
 Bucklugh, protestinge that he ought not to enter in the tryall or 
 reasoninge of such a faulte concernynge mutuall allegeat injuryes 
 done betwixt Warden and Warden before a Convention of the 
 estates assembled for other causes, but that tryall therof ought 
 and shoulde be remitted to Commissyoners to be sent by his Ma^ 
 in rem presentem, for the more easye tryall of the verytye of the 
 whoale cause and circumstances therof, as by the Treatyes of 
 peace is appoynted, and by a moost auncyent custome contynually 
 hath bene observed, 
 
 Hys Ma*y, with the advise aforesaid, thynkes as before, That the 
 officers, beinge partyes who can not fyle, deliver, nor receyve 
 others, the tryall of the factes, sentences, and executions therof of 
 all necessitye must be, by the authoritye of other Commissyons, 
 conforme to the auncient custome.
 
 228 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Extract, de libro actorum Secret! Consilij S. D. 
 M. Regis, per me Magistrum Joannem Skene, Cle- 
 ricum Rotulorum, Registri ac Consilij, et sub meo 
 signo et subscriptu manualibus. 
 
 Jo. SKENE, Cler. Reg. 
 
 CHARITABLE TRUSTEES. 
 
 [William Lambarde, the writer of the succeeding letter, having been made a Master 
 in Chancery by Sir John Puckering, was farther patronised by Lord Ellesmere, who, 
 not long after he became Lord Keeper, appointed Lambarde to the custody of the 
 Rolls. They seem to have been joint trustees under some will, Lambarde having un- 
 dertaken the active part of the duty, and he writes to his co -trustee relative to the 
 manner in which, up to Aug. 1596, he had fulfilled his task. The " Dean of Pauls" 
 was of course Nowell, whose brother had been Lambarde's early instructor in law and 
 antiquities.] 
 
 Indorsed " 6 August, 1596. W. Lambardes relation."' 
 
 To the righte Honourable his verie good Lorde, the Lorde 
 Reaper of the Great Scale of Inglande. 
 
 AFTER myne humble and most bounden duetie, right honour- 
 able Lorde. Having been alreadie in theise 3 last yeares thrise 
 severely bytten with sickness in theise dogdayes, and (as it weare) 
 hearde 3 peales rong for me, expecting the (All in) when God 
 shall make it, I have thought it necessarie, as wel in regarde of 
 my duetie as for your Lo. interest, to leave with your Lo. the 
 inclosed at this my departure in your Lo. absence : the which 
 may bothe deliver me, satisfie your Lo., and discharge the trust 
 layed upon us bothe, but undertaken by me aloane. The chest 
 (I doubt not) is in sure handes, wheather M r Gore lyve or dye, 
 suche is myne interest both in him and his heire or follower. I 
 have intreated meet and honest persons to deale in all the prisons 
 (except the Marshalsey) : I have payed all the other particular
 
 COMMISSIONERS FOR BORDER CAUSES. 229 
 
 legacies, except to Camb., Oxforde, Mr. Rob. Scrope (through his 
 absence), and the lOO 11 to the Cosines in the Northe, and I 
 looke dayly to be discharged of the lOO 11 to Oxforde by M r Deane 
 of Paules, with whome I am this day to conferre therof. But from 
 my Lo. of Wynton (to whome I have notified that the distribution 
 for Cambridge is layed upon him) I can heare nothing. I pro- 
 pose also (God continuing my healthe) after theise services (for 
 the corne subsidie and some others not so general) passed over, 
 to attend your Lo. agayne in this towne, and in the meane 
 whyle to work as I may by my letters in this busynesse. And so 
 I humblie take my leave, and recommend you in my hardest 
 prayers to the blessed favour of God in Christe. 6 Aug. 1596, 
 from Lincolnes Inne. 
 
 y 
 
 ' *o 
 
 
 COMMISSIONERS FOR BORDER CAUSES. 
 
 [Two letters which passed between Elizabeth and the King of Scotland respecting 
 differences on affairs of the Borders have been already inserted. The appointment of 
 Commissioners probably arose out of this correspondence ; and the following is a copy 
 of the Report they agreed upon on the 5th May, 1597, which was certified under the 
 hand of the Bishop of Durham, Tobie Matthew. Ridpath (vide " Border History," 
 p. 689) seems to have had the use of an imperfect copy of this document. In Rymer 
 (Feed. xvi. 312) is a letter from Queen Elizabeth to Sir W. Bowes, requiring him, a 
 few days before the Report bears date, to proceed to King James with remonstrances.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, "A. 38, Eliza. The proceedings of the Commis- 
 sioners for Englande and Scotlande for Border Causes." 
 
 To all Christian people to whome these presentes shall come. 
 Wee, Tobie, by God's providence, Bushopp of Duresme, Sir 
 William Bowes, knight, Frauncis Slingisbe, esquier, and Clement 
 Colmore, Doctor of Lawe, Commissioners of the most high, most 
 excellent and mightie Princes, Elizabeth, by the grace of God, 
 Queene of Englande^ Fraunce, and Ireland, defendour of the
 
 230 THE EGEBTON PAPERS. 
 
 faith, &c. And wee, Peeter, by the mercie of God, Bushopp of 
 Dunkell, one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice within 
 Scotland, Sir George Houme of Wedderbourne, knight, Andrew 
 Kerr, of Fawdonside, and Mr. George Younge, Archidean of S fc . 
 Andros, Commissioners for the right high, right excellent and 
 mightie Prince, James the Sixt, King of Scottes, our Soveraigne 
 Lord, send greeting, in our Lord God everlasting. Knowe yee 
 that wee, the said Commissioners, having mett heer in the Cittie 
 of Carlisle, in the name of Almightie Godd, and for obedience of 
 our Soveraignes directions, given us by there Commissions under 
 their Great Scales, and having ordered all complaintes presented 
 to us throughout all the Marches of both the Realmes, and 
 thereby made our selves acquainted with the lamentable effectes 
 which the lawlesse and disobedient disposition of the most part 
 of the Inhabitantes thereof, emboldened with long impunitie and 
 tolleraunce of carelesse officers, hath wrought betweene the 
 Marches, to the offence of God's most holie Ma tie , the great dis- 
 honour of the Princes, and pittifull desolation of both the Bor- 
 ders, exhausted by these meanes both of inhabitantes and goods, 
 and being ripelie and at length advised upon the apparant causes 
 of those great disorders, have, in the feare of God and with due 
 reverence of our Soveraigne Princes, resolved upon these reme- 
 dies, as likeliest meanes in our opinions both to redresse the 
 former wronges, and to prevent the like confusion in time to 
 come. 
 
 1 . First, That the Princes be most humblie and earnestlie in- 
 treated to cause good Ministers of the worde to be placed at every 
 border church to enfourme that lawlesse people of their dewties, 
 and to watch over their mannours ; and that the principall inha- 
 bitantes of each parish shall putt in suertie to their Prince for 
 due reverence to be used toward their Pastors in their office, and 
 the safetie of their persons ; and that to this effect ordre may be 
 tymelie taken for reparation of the decayed churches within the 
 boundes.
 
 COMMISSIONERS FOR BORDER CAUSES. 231 
 
 2. Likewise that for the better prevention of such great enor- 
 mities and mischeefes as of late yeares have undone the Border 
 and disquietted the peace betwene the Realmes, the Soveraignes 
 of either side shall be in all humillitie intreated to choose and 
 establish a Councell in every Marche of the most sufficient and 
 discreet Borderers inhabiting the boundes thereof, who shall con- 
 veyne twice in the yeare for such effect, and at such times and 
 places as by their particuler commissions shall be appointed to 
 them. 
 
 3. That the Wardens yearelee, at the first daie of truice 
 after Midsommer, to be holden within 4 daies at the furthest 
 after the said feast, shall show their commission eyther of them 
 to other, enterchanging the copies thereof under their hands, give 
 and receyve reciprocallie their solemne oath both to doe justice 
 in their severall offices without respect of persons or anie sinister 
 affection, and to speir, file, and deliver upon their honour, accord- 
 ing to the former treaties. 
 
 4. That everie Warden, in time to come, shalbe bound by his 
 foresaid Oath to speir out whatsoever attempt comitted against 
 anie inhabitant of the opposite realme by anie companie within 
 his Marche exceeding the number of five persons, and file the 
 same upon his honour, and deliver therefore, within fyftene daies 
 after he be required thereto by his opposite officer, under the 
 paine of paying the bill him selfe. Provided alwaies, that requi- 
 sition be made within xlviij bowers after the comitting of the 
 attempt. 
 
 5. That the Wardens, in fyling or clearing of their honour, 
 shall sett downe in the mergent of everie bill filed or cleared by 
 them, fowle or cleare as I am verilie persuaded upon my con- 
 science or honour. And such billes as they will neither file nor 
 cleare within the said fifteene daies by these wordes, or such like 
 in effect, the same being signified unto them within the foresaid 
 space of xlviij howers, to be fowle upon themselves for their 
 neglect of dewtie on that behalfe.
 
 232 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 6. That no Warden nor Keeper ride hereafter in person, nor 
 direct anie to ride by his commaunde or causing, in hostile man- 
 ner within the opposite realme without a speciall commaunde 
 first had therto from his Prince under his hande and scale, under 
 the paine to be accompted a publique enemie to the peace. 
 And whosoever shall accompanie him to anie such unlawfull act, 
 or ride at his commaunde in manner aforesaid, shall loose for ever 
 all benefitt of redresse for anie offence done to them before the 
 date of the said roade, and neverthelesse shall satisfie the partie 
 grieved for scath and damage, according to the lawes of the 
 Marches. 
 
 7. That the Border Councelles aforesaid, at their convey- 
 ninges and meetinges, shall make diligent enquirie and triall of 
 all notorious theives and robbers within their Wardenrie, and 
 such as they finde to be of that qualitie that they inroll them 
 under their handes, and deliver a copie of the same to their 
 Warden, who shall, upon the first attempt that shalbe truelie 
 tried and filed upon anie of them thereafter, putt the said offenders 
 indelaiedlie to death, or in case he be fugitive, shall cause him to 
 be proclaimed such a one, according to the ordre and custome in 
 the Borders, and his house immediatelie to be demolished and 
 destroied, that it serve him no more for receyt within that War- 
 denrie. 
 
 8. If it fall out that anie deadlie feed be borne against anie of 
 the opposite realme for executing anie theif by justice, or killing 
 him with read hande, when as he findeth him stealing or claid 
 with stollen goodes, or for pursuing him to death by anie lawfull 
 meanes, the Warden, to whose office he pertaineth, upon signifi- 
 cation made to him of the said feed, shall apprehende the partie 
 so bearing feed, and either cause him presentlie to renounce his 
 feed by writinge under his hand, or shall deliver him to the oppo- 
 site officer to be kept by him until such time as he have re- 
 nounced the same as aforesaid, and found suertie to that effect 
 to the contentment of the partie plaintiff. And this to be ex-
 
 COMMISSIONERS FOR BORDER CAUSES. 233 
 
 tended to all feeds presentlie standing for causes by past betwene 
 the Borderers of both realmes, as well as for the time to come. 
 
 9. Concerning slaughters, it is ordained that the former trea- 
 ties made there upon, shall stand in full effect and force, with 
 this addition, that when soever anie slaughter shalbe comitted in 
 time to come betwene the inhabitantes of the Marches, the 
 Wardens shall doe justice therin presentlie within fifteene daies 
 after they shalbe required thereunto by their opposites, under 
 the paine of tenn poundes sterling, to be paid by the Warden 
 making default to the partie grieved, for everie moneth during 
 his delaie of justice, without prejudice of further following of the 
 offendour, according to the treaties in that behalf provided. 
 
 10. That, in time to come, yf anie Warden or Keeper having 
 two opposite Marches to aunsweare unto and be aunsweared of, 
 in case he be denied justice by anie of his opposite officers, shall 
 neverthelesse proceed in justice with the other, leaving the re- 
 fuser to be ordered by the Princes and their Councelles. 
 
 1 1 . Yf the Warden deliver his officer for a bill filed before 
 him, and afterwardes borrow him againe upon his worde (as the 
 use is), yf in the meane time the partie so filed depart this life, 
 by whatsoever way or meane, the Warden in this case shall paie 
 the bill, and seeke his remedie and relief upon the heires or exe- 
 cutors of the defunct as he maie best. 
 
 12. For maisterfull and violent thefte or reyf by night or 
 daie, and for secret stealing, wherewith is joyned eyther bodilie 
 hurt of men, women, or children, or violent resistance against the 
 followers in hote and fresh pursuit of their goodes, it is ordeyned 
 that, besides the ordinary redresse to be made of the goodes, anie 
 one of the offenders whom the complanant shall chuse shalbe 
 delivered to the opposite officer, to be punished by his discretion 
 according to the quallitie of the offence. 
 
 13. That the Wardens hereafter take good heed in everie 
 March that none of the broken Borderers be suffred to keepe in 
 their companie anie ydle person not imploied in some honest 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 2 H
 
 234 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 service or trade ; and likewise that no ydle person be suffred to 
 remane in border villages or alehouses, certifying such as shall 
 resett the same upon their ground, that they shalbe billable for 
 their so doing, as yf they had actuallie receyted the goodes by 
 them stollen. 
 
 14. Yf anie partie shall malitiouslie trouble or molest another 
 in causing him to be arrested on daies of trewes without just 
 cause, the Warden, upon knowledge thereof, shall see the partie 
 so troubled, satisfied for his damage and expenses which he shall 
 sustaine there through ; and for the better tryall therof, the partie 
 complanant shalbe bounde to take his oath that he is persuaded 
 he hath just cause to pursue that bill against the persons which 
 he hath caused to be arrested. 
 
 15. Yf it shall happen anie persons to have bona fide in his 
 possession stollen goods, not knowing them to be stolne, in case 
 he be not sued therefore within a yeare and a daie, the goodes shall 
 remaine with him ever after as his owne proper goods. And if 
 within that space he be sued for the same, he shall give good and 
 sufficient proof of his innocencie before the Wardens or their 
 Deputies, and he shall render the goods which he received onelie, 
 and shall give upp and nominate a responsible debtor of whome 
 he had the said goodes ; and this to excuse none that are privie to 
 theft, or anie way partakers, concealers, hiders or keepers upp of 
 stolne goods, but that the auncyent lawes and customes be exe- 
 cuted upon them. 
 
 16. For eschewing of perjurie in swearing of billes in time to 
 come, it is ordeyned that everie partie sweare his ow r ne bill, other- 
 wise to have no deliverie for the same. 
 
 17. Yf anie man unjustlie trouble or offende another in worde 
 or deed anie time hereafter for filing anie bill against him, he shall 
 never be heard to backbill against the avower, and neverthelesse 
 shalbe punished therfore by the discretion of his Warden, accord- 
 ing to the qualitie of his offence. 
 
 18. For eschewing of fraudulent drifte and delaie used in
 
 COMMISSIONERS FOR BORDER CAUSES. 235 
 
 backbilling of purpose to disappoint the avower of his proofes, 
 which he hath or may have presentlie to verifie his worde, it is 
 ordeyned that whosoever hereafter shall backbill against anie 
 avower, shall doe it within fortie daies after the fyling, or other- 
 wise to be excluded from that reinedie for ever. And to that 
 effect everie Warden shalbe bound to hold Warden Courtes, and 
 to doe justice within twentie daies after he be required thereto by 
 the partie, under the paine of paying the bill himself. 
 
 19. That in time to come causing and commaunding being 
 billed in anie complaint shall be no lesse cryminall then having, 
 stealing and resetting. 
 
 20. Yf anie Borderer hereafter procure anie of the opposite 
 nation to be bounde for him by worde or writing, and releive him 
 not in due time of the same bonde, wherebie the suertie shalbe 
 compelled to paie the somme for the which he gave his bonde, the 
 partie for whome he gave his bonde, or in case he die, his heires, 
 executors or assignes shalbe adjudged in tyme to come by the 
 Warden to repaie the same somme to the suertie, or in case he 
 die, to the heires, executors or assignes of the said suertie, riot- 
 withstanding there be no mention of the wordes heires, executors 
 or assignes in the said bonde. Provided alwayes, that they prove 
 their intention and claime eyther by sufficient bond in writing, or 
 by a lawfull avower of the opposite nation, according to the cus- 
 tom e and treaties. 
 
 21. Yt is likewise agreed that except both parties, or at least 
 the partie defendaunt, be inhabitant within the Marches, actions 
 of debt shall not be tryed before the Wardens, but before the 
 ordinarie Judges, in which case the Marches shalbe understood : 
 the English from Newcastle and Peareth, and the Scottish from 
 Edinb. and Dumfreese exclusiveiie. 
 
 22. That where divers offences are billed for in one and the 
 same complaint, the partie defendaunt, upon his appearance, shalbe 
 filed of no more crimes therein contained then shalbe speciallie 
 recorded upon the mergent of his bill by the opposite hande. 
 
 23. Yt is likewise ordeyned that all billes fyled by us and by
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 our ordre, or to be filed in time to come by Commissioners or 
 Wardens, which shalbe found at the time of deliverie or swearing 
 to be enterlined in anie materiall point or name, the wordes or 
 name so enterlined shalbe of none effect or force, but taken as 
 unwritten, except the same have bene or shalbe inserted by the 
 privitie and consent of us the Commissioners, or of the Corny s- 
 sioners for the time to come. And to the end the same may be 
 the better knowen, that the principall complaintes be aswell pre- 
 sented at the time of deliverie as the indents. 
 
 24. That for the better repressing of the manifolde disorders 
 arising for the most part of the resetting of fugitives exiled for 
 theft and robberie out of their native realtnes, the Wardens shall 
 before the last of June next inroll the names of all such persons 
 within their March as they have given upp for fugitives in the 
 tyme of this treatie ; together with such other fugitives for theft 
 and robberie as they can trye to be resetted in their opposite 
 March, albeit they be not complained of at this time, and send 
 the said rolles to their opposites subscribed with their hands, 
 together with their request to cause so manie of them as are re- 
 setted within their boundes to be secrettlie and safelie appre- 
 hended and delivered according to the treaties ; which being re- 
 ceyved by the opposite, he shall eyther performe him the con- 
 tentes thereof with all possible secrecie and diligence, as he will 
 aunsweare to his Soveraigne yf he faile therein, or if he cannot 
 apprehend them, he shall declare them fugitives throughout his 
 March, and cause them to be so declared throughout the other 
 Marches of that realme; and after the said proclamations shall 
 cause their sheildes and houses to be demolished and destroied 
 within their office, and no waies to suffer them to be resetted 
 within the same for ever after to his knowledge, under paine to be 
 reputed in so doing an entertainer of publique enemies to the 
 peace betwene the realmes, and to be aunswearable to the parties 
 greyved for all such attemptes as shalbe comitted by them in the 
 meane time. 
 
 25. Concerning the residue of complaintes, yf anie rest as yet
 
 COMMISSIONERS FOR BORDER CAUSES. 237 
 
 unordered, it is ordeyned that all the Wardens shall, betweene this 
 and the tenth of June next ensewing, enterchange their rolles 
 with their opposites, and, within eight daies after, shall, by them- 
 selves or their Deputies, meeting at their usuall places, returne 
 and redeliver them on eyther side to their opposites, eyther fyled 
 or cleared upon their honours, under the paine of paying the billes 
 themselves, which they refuse eyther to file or cleare within that 
 space, without prejudice alwaies to the complanant to use an 
 avower if he have anie, and therby to claime his double and 
 sunfey. 
 
 26. Lykewise for the better assurance of deliverie and redresse 
 of billes filed by us during this treatie, as also for the like redresse 
 of billes fyled by the last Commyssioners in Februarie, Anno Dni 
 1587, included in this treatie, and for the keeping of the borders 
 quiett till that full deliverye for both be made, that two or moe of 
 everie surname of broken men on eyther side (as the same is of 
 quantitie), being of equall ranck, to be named and given in in bill by 
 the opposite officer, shalbe entred to their said opposite as pledges 
 for the said billes filed and to be fyled upon themselves and the 
 rest of their surname. 
 
 27. That the billes filed as aforesaid, and to be fyled by us 
 upon such border men and others as are not of anie knowen 
 clanne, that the Wardens shall enter everie of them a gentleman, 
 to remaine with his opposite, till full deliverie be made of such 
 billes as he shall enter for. 
 
 28. That their entrie shalbe to their opposite officer, betwixt 
 the daie of the date of this indenture and the first of Julie next. 
 
 29. That the Princes on either side shalbe intreated to appoint 
 in everie March some Commyssioners to see the same take effect. 
 
 30. That being entred, they shalbe kept by indifferent men 
 upon their owne expences, and not comitted to the custodie of anie 
 personn with whome they stand at feed and variaunce. 
 
 31. That their remayning in the opposite realme shalbe no 
 longer then the billes fyled and to be fyled by our ordre, together 
 with such other billes as by the last Comyssioners were fyled upon
 
 238 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 them and their whole surname (for the which they enter pledges) 
 be duelie satisfied and redressed according to the fyling. 
 
 32. That if anie of them, being entred, depart this life during 
 his aboad in the opposite realme, another broken man of his sur- 
 name, at the choice of the opposite officer, shalbe entred in his 
 place. 
 
 33. That the broken pledges entred shalbe subject to cause 
 the billes fyled and to be fyled by our ordre, and likewise by the 
 ordre of the last Commissioners intended in this treaty, upon 
 their whole surname, at that hande to be redressed within a yeare 
 and a daie after the date of this our indenture ; within the which 
 space, if the said whole billes fyled or to be filed upon their sur- 
 name as aforesaid be not redressed, it shalbe in the choice of the 
 Prince or officer in whose hands they remaine to take their lives 
 or to retaine and spare them at his pleasure untill full the deli- 
 verie be made. Provided, that if the said Prince or officer oppo- 
 site dispose upon their lives after the yeare and daie, he maie call 
 for and shall receyve from his opposite as manie of the like qual- 
 li tie to lie another yeare upon the like . condition, and so from 
 yeare to yeare as is aforesaid. 
 
 34. That this entrie shall noe waies be extended to the redresse 
 for slaughters, but so farr foorth as the Commissioners shall agree 
 and appoint in this treatie thereupon. 
 
 35. It is agreed in like manner by the Commissioners, that 
 the pledges entred shall lie for all and whatsoever attemptes fyled 
 by the Wardens at their severall meetinges upon anie of their sur- 
 names on that side whereof no reparation nor redresse hath fol- 
 lowed ; as likewise whatsoever other attemptes to be comitted by 
 anie of their surname aforesaid, from the daie of our dissolving 
 till the daie of their libertie, and cause both the one and other be 
 repaired within the foresaid space at their said perilles. 
 
 36. Likewise it is agreed by the said Comissioners for 
 England, that in respect the said Comissioners for Scotlande 
 have willinglie consented both to begin and prosecute this treatye 
 within England, that therefore the next treaty of Commissioners
 
 EXPEDITION AGAINST SPAIN. 239 
 
 shall holde within Scotland, except the Princes or their Commis- 
 sioners for the time otherwise agree, for whose indempnitie in the 
 meane tyme his Majestic shall give a sufficient salfe conduct yf it 
 be required. 
 
 Sequuntur tenores Commissionum. 
 
 In witnes of the truth of all and everie the premisses we have 
 subscribed these presentes with our hands at Carlisle, the fifte 
 daie of Maij, Anno Dni 1597. 
 
 TOBYE DURESME. DlJNKELL. 
 
 WILLIAM BOWES. GEORGE HOUME. 
 
 F. SLINGISBIE. FAWDONSIDE. 
 
 C. COLMORE. 
 
 EXPEDITION AGAINST SPAIN. 
 
 [The preparations for the new armament against Spain commenced in May, 1597, 
 and it will be seen that the following commission to the Earl of Essex bears date 
 (according to the endorsement of Lord Ellesmere, who affixed to it the Great Seal) on 
 the 4th June. Another indorsement by five of the Queen's Council was made for the 
 purpose of obtaining the passage of it " by immediate warrant," in conformity with 
 the " Restraint," before inserted, of the 20 th May, 1596. The particulars and result 
 of the expedition are well known.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Rec. 4 Junij, 1597. T. E. C.S." 
 . Also indorsed, " Commission for the Earle of Essex. This Commission is to pass 
 by immediate warrant by her Ma ties commandment. 
 
 W. BURGHLEY. C. HOWARD. 
 
 G. HUNSDON. R. NORTH. 
 
 Ro. CECYLL." 
 
 Memorand. qd: ista billa delifcat. fuit dno Custodi magni Sigilli 
 Angliee quarto die Junij, Anno Regni Dnae Eliz. R. tri- 
 cessimo nono, apud Westm r exequend.
 
 240 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 ELIZABETH R. 
 
 Elizabeth, by the grace of God, Queene of England, France, and 
 Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. To all Christyan people to 
 whome theis our present letters shall come greeting. Forasmuch 
 as, looking into and deeply considering the hostile attempts dayly 
 practized against this our Realme and person by the King of 
 Spayne with his forces, altogether without just cause gyven by us, 
 and understanding that the lyke is intended with great prepara- 
 tions to be renewed this present yeare, and so to be contynewed 
 against us, our crowne, and countries, Wee are justly moved to 
 enter into consideration what urgent and great cause we have to 
 use all the best meanes we can (wheare peaceable courses on 
 our part have not prevayled) to prevent, ympeach, and withstand 
 such hostile attempts and preparations for the same, for the better 
 defence and protection of our Realme and domynions and of all 
 our lovinge subjects. Knowe ye, therefore, that, having resolved 
 uppon some speciall service to be done for this good purpose, and 
 to withstand such attempts this present yeare, and having speciall 
 trust and confydence in the fidelitie, wisdome, valour, experience, 
 prudence, Industrie, integritie, and singuler diligence of our right 
 trustie and right welbeloved Cousin and Councellor Robert Earle 
 of Essex and Ewe, Viscount Hereford and Bourchier, Lord Fer- 
 rers of Chartley, Bourchier, and Lovaine, Master of our Horse, 
 and Knight of the most honorable Order of the Garter, the said 
 Robert Earle of Essex, our Lieutenant- Generall and Governor of 
 such our Navye and Armye as is prepared to serve upon the sea 
 at this present under his charge towards forraine partes against 
 the Spanyards and their adherents, and also of all and singuler 
 Viceadmyralls, Collonells, Captaines, Pety-captaines and Lieute- 
 nants, Earles, Barons, Baronetts, Lordes, Knights, Shipmasters, 
 Maryners, Soldiers, and men armed, being at this present appointed 
 and sent to warre under the charge of the said Earle and all others 
 in our said Navye and Armye now by us provyded, retayned, or 
 to be retayned, as well by sea as by lande whatsoever, Wee assigne,
 
 EXPEDITION AGAINST SPAIN. 241 
 
 make, ordaine, appoint, and depute by theis presents, gyving and 
 graunting unto the said Robert Earle of Essex, our Lieutenant- 
 Generall, to that end full power and authoritie to make, chuse, 
 and constitute such meet persons as he shall think fitt, and them 
 to depute thereunto by wryting under his hand and scale, to 
 assemble, governe, muster, leade, and arme all such our subjects as 
 are by us appointed and levyed within soiidrie partes of this our 
 realme and domynions, and such others, now in our wages in the 
 Lowe Countries, as are by us ordayned, appointed, and directed to 
 be transported out of the said Lowe Countries to come to our 
 service under the charge of the said Earle. And the said nombers, 
 so ordayned to be levyed within our realme, and the others that 
 shall come out of the Lowe Countries, being sufficiently furnished 
 with armor, weapons, and other things requisite, to conduct, or 
 cause to be conducted by meet Captaines, Leaders, and Officers, 
 to such places as they shall be directed by the said Earle, for the 
 speediest and aptest use of our service. Gyving and graunting 
 further to the said Robert Earle of Essex, Lieutenant-Generall 
 aforesaid, our full power and authoritie to leade, or cause to be 
 ledde, all and singuler our liege people and subjects, of what estate 
 or condition soever they shall be, in our Navye and Armye afore- 
 said in anie sort retayned or to be retayned, aswell by sea 
 as by lande, and to him in our service in this behalf howso- 
 ever committed, for the resisting and subdueing of the said Spa- 
 nyards, and of all other their adherents, adjutors, and helpers j 
 and also such parts as our saide Lieutenant-Generall shall thinke 
 most convenyent for our service of the realmes, domynions, 
 landes, and isles, and other places whatsoever of the said Spa- 
 nyards and others their adherents, adjutors, and helpers, with our 
 said Navye and subjects, being in our service gathered togither and 
 arrayed to warre, as neede shall require, and so often and when- 
 soever it shall seeme good to him at his will and pleasure where- 
 soever and whensoever to invade, enter, burne, and spoyle. And 
 to keepe and place within the said King of Spaynes domynions, 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 2 i
 
 242 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 which by the said Earle, and by our said Navie and Armye, or by 
 any our subjects serving in the said Navye and Armye, shall be 
 taken, with force and convenyent garryson as he shall thinke good, 
 untill we shall revoke or discharge the same. And the said Spa- 
 nyards and such others as shall be open adherents, adjutors, and 
 abbettors, with anie forces of shippes or men, against us, our 
 realmes, and subjects, or against the said Earle and our Navye 
 under his charge and conduction whatsoever, with force of armes 
 to molest, damnific, depresse, convince, and impugne, and them 
 to overcome, subdue, slaye, and kyll as cause of our service shall 
 require. And our said Navye, Armye, and subjects aforesaid, in 
 the invasion and leading aforesaid and other the premisses, to 
 rule, order, dyrect and governe, and from thence, yf neede shall 
 require, to departe, journey, and saile to our said realme of Irland 
 or other places whatsoever for our service, and to offende any 
 forces of Spanyards, or such as shall be open ayders to the said 
 Spanyards, with forces of shippes or men, against the said Earle 
 and our Navye, at his will and pleasure with the said Navye, 
 Armye and subjects aforesaid. Gyving further and graunting 
 unto the said Robert Earle of Essex, our Lieutenant-Generall afore- 
 said, our power and full authoritie all and singuler Viceadmyralls, 
 Collonells, Captains, Petycaptaines, Lieutenants, Earles, Barons, 
 Baronetts, Lords, Knights, Shipmasters, Maryners, Soldiers, and 
 others whatsoever of our Niivye and Armye aforesaid in our ser- 
 vice now armed and appointed to warre, to gather, leade, rule, 
 conduct, direct, and governe ; and also for all suites, causes, quar- 
 relles, and busines whatsoever of all and singuler such things as 
 belong to the office of him as our Lieutenant-Generall of our said 
 Navye and Armye upon sea or lande of right or custome howso- 
 ever to heare, examyne, discusse, order, and determyne ; and also 
 orders and statutes for the safetie and governement of our said 
 Navye and Armye and subjects aforesaid to make, appoint, and 
 establish ; and thereupon to make proclamation and duely to put 
 the same in execution ; and anie person whatsoever, of our
 
 EXPEDITION AGAINST SPAIN. 243 
 
 Navye and Armye aforesaid, in any sorte offending to chastice, 
 punishe, reforme, and impryson. And yf it shall seeme good and 
 expedient, the imprisonment to discharge, exonerate, loose, lett 
 goe, and delyver. And also all causes cryminall and capitall 
 whatsoever, aswell of lyfe as mayme of member and of the death 
 of man, in our Navye or Armye aforesaid, howsoever happening, 
 with their incidents and appendancies whatsoever, uppon manifest 
 publique offence requyring such severe correction for preservation 
 of good order, to take knowledge of, examyne, heare, and fynally 
 determyne. And also sentences definitive, according to martiall 
 lawe or other lawfull decrees whatsoever, in that behalf to give, 
 pronounce, and publishe, and the same fully and with effect to 
 put, or cause or commaunde to be put in execution ; all and sin- 
 guler other things whatsoever, which may be for the good guyding 
 and governement of our Navye and Armye aforesaid, to doe, 
 exercise, speede, ordaine, decree, and performe according to his 
 discretion, and as it shall seeme expedient to him from tyme to 
 tyme at his will and pleasure, with further power to use whatso- 
 ever correction of los"se of lyfe or member as the quallitie of the 
 offence shall require. And also further power and authoritie one 
 or more Under Lieutenants or other officers whatsoever, all and 
 singuler the premisses or anie of them in his place and name to 
 doe and execute, exercise and speede, as often and whensoever it 
 shall seeme expedient or necessarie to him to name, ordayne, and 
 constitute, depute and appoint, and him or them to revoke, yf 
 cause so requyre, and one or more in his or their places to the 
 effects aforesaid, or apie of them, to ordayne and constitute. 
 Gyving further and graunting unto the said Robert Earle of Essex, 
 for the valour, wisdome, and other vertues of woorth which shall 
 appeare, by anie martiall singuler acte that shall be done in this 
 service by anie person or persons serving in our said Navie or 
 Armye, and for the incouragement of other men to treade the 
 same steppes, and to seek in lyke sorte to exceede in valour, wis- 
 dome, and other vertues, our full power and authoritie to give the
 
 244 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 order and tytle of knighthoode at his owne good discretion, judge- 
 ment, and pleasure, so as the same person have convenient lyving 
 in possession or reversion to mayntaine him in such degree. And 
 wee doe give straightly in commaundement to all and singuler 
 Vice-admyralls, Under Lieutenants, Collonells, Captains, Earles, 
 Barons, Baronetts, Lordes, Knights, Masters of Shippes, Mary- 
 ners, Soldiers, and others whatsoever, in our Navye and Armye 
 aforesaid, howsoever hyred, retayned, or to be retayned, or serve 
 voluntarily to the saide Robert Earle of Essex, our Lieutenant- 
 Generall, both upon sea and lande, in the execution of the pre- 
 misses, and every of them from tyme to tyme, as neede shall 
 requyre, that they be attendant, helping, obedyent and assisting 
 in all thinges as shall become, uppon payne of most grievous 
 contempt and our high displeasure. And this our Commission 
 to be in force unto the said Robert Earle of Essex during our 
 pleasure. In witness whereof, &c. 
 
 THE ARMY IN PICARDY. 
 
 [Camden (" Annals " in Kennett, ii. 602) mentions the death of Sir Thomas Basker- 
 ville during the siege of Amiens, and he also speaks of Sir Arthur Savage (who had 
 served at Cadiz in the preceding year) as " another excellent commander," but he does 
 not state that, after the death of Baskerville, Savage was appointed to command the 
 2000 men in Picardy, previously led by Baskerville. That such was the fact is proved 
 by the subsequent Commission under the Great Seal, by which also Sir John Aldridge 
 was made second in command.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Rec. 10 Junij, 1597." 
 
 Memorand. q d ista billa delifcat. fuit Drio Custod. magni 
 Sigilli Angh decimo die Junij, A. infr. apud Westm r . 
 exequend. 
 
 ELIZABETH, by the grace of God, Queene of England, Fraunce, 
 and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. To our right trusty and 
 welbeloved Sir Thomas Egerton, Knight, Keeper of our greate
 
 THE ARMY IN PICARDY. 245 
 
 Scale of England, greeting. We will and commaund you that 
 under our said great Seale, being in your custody, ye cause our 
 letters patentes to be made furth in forme following : Elizabeth, 
 by the grace of God, Queene of England, Fraunce, and Ireland, 
 Defender of the Faith, &c. To our trusty and welbeloved Sir 
 Arthur Savage, Knight, greeting. Wheras by our commission 
 under our great Seale of England, bearing date the eleventh of 
 October last, we did constitute and appointe Sir Thomas Basker- 
 vile to be colonell generall and cheife comaunder of our forces, 
 consisting of two thousand men, serving us in Picardy, and in the 
 same commission did appoint you to be his Lieutenant of all our 
 said forces under his charge, and in case of his sickness or death, 
 the charge of all those same forces to be committed to you untill 
 our further pleasure should be otherwise knowen. Forasmuch 
 nowe as it hath pleased Almighty God to call the said Sir Thomas 
 Baskervile to his mercy, We, upon the speciall confidence we 
 have in your judgment, experience, and fidelity, have made choice 
 of you, as our eldest colonell in those troupes, to take the charge 
 which Sir Thomas Baskervile had, and to imploy you in maner 
 following, that is to saye : We do hereby make, constitute, and 
 appointe you to be our chiefe commaunder of the said two thou- 
 sand men, aswell colonells and captaines as others, and do give 
 you full power and authority to receave them into your charge, 
 and to use, employ, and comaunde them, and every of them, in 
 all thinges concerning this our service, according to such direc- 
 tions as you shall receave in writing by instruction from us or 
 our privy counsell, nowe at your departure from hence, or here- 
 after from tyme to time by any letters or other signification of our 
 pleasure from our self or our said counsell. And we hereby 
 streightly charge and comaunde all colonells, captaines, lieuten- 
 ants, and soldiers that shalbe under your conduct, charge, and 
 comaundement, to give all due obedience and respect unto you, as 
 their cheife comaunder, aucthorizing you to lay upon all persons, 
 disobedient and offending against the lawes of military discipline
 
 246 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 accustomed in any other our armies and forces being in our ser- 
 vice, such punishments as you shall thinck meete, according to the 
 qualitie of their offences, using therein the advice of such other 
 colcnell as we shall appoint, and some convenient nomber of the 
 captaines in the regiment of whome the offender may be a 
 member. And, for that purpose, giving you power for the better 
 guiding and rule of our people committed to you to execute mar- 
 shall lawe, and, upon triall by an orderly court, (where necessary 
 cause shall require) to inflict punishment of life or member upon 
 any haynous offender. And further, we do hereby give you full 
 power and aucthority to imploy all our subjectes, nowe by us 
 committed to your charge, to invade, burne, spoyle, and destroy, 
 and to doe all maner of hostile actes upon the adversaryes of our 
 good brother the French Kinge, in whose ayde we have sent the 
 said two thousand men ; and to leade them to such services as 
 you shalbe required by the said King, being in the feilde in his 
 owne person or by his Lieutenant Generall of his army, not being 
 repugnant to such instructions as you shall have from us or our 
 counsaile for your direction in the use of this our Commission. 
 And forasmuch as these our troupes may be decided upon occa- 
 sion of imployment as the Kinge our brother shall direct them, 
 and that we have and doe repose great trust and confidence in 
 our servant, John Aldrige, Knight, we doe also by this ordaine 
 and constitute him our second colonell of all our troupes, and in 
 your absence, either by death, sicknes, or imployment elswhere, doe 
 give him full aucthority and power to commaund and execute all 
 thinges for our service, as you may doe by vertue hereof. And 
 do also hereby commaunde all persons in our service to obaye 
 him and all his directions, in as ample maner as they did before 
 to Sir Thomas Baskervile, and are appointed nowe to you. In 
 witnes wherof, &c. Given under our privy scale at our mannour of 
 Greenewich, the nynth da of June, in the nyne and thirtith yeere 
 of our reign e. 
 
 Tuo. CLERKE.
 
 247 
 
 SUMPTUARY LAWS. 
 
 [The earliest " Act of Apparel," as it is called, was passed in 3 and 4 Edw. IV. 
 and it was followed by 24 Hen. VIII. and 2 Ph. and Mar. On 20th October, 1559, 
 the Privy Council of Elizabeth issued what it termed " a Decree " upon the subject ; 
 and next day, according to Lord Burghley's Memoria Mortuorum (Murdin's " State 
 Papers," 749), a Proclamation was published, which was printed by Jugge and Cawood, 
 and is preserved in the Library of the Society of Antiquaries. Similar enforcements of 
 the statutes were promulgated in 1574, 1577 and 1580, and the subsequent instru- 
 ment passed the Great Seal in 1597 : it was, doubtless, printed, though it is not now 
 known to exist in that state. The Proclamation of February 1579-80 may be seen in 
 " Illustrations of the Manners and Expenses of Ancient Times in England," 4to. 1797.] 
 
 ELIZABETH R. 
 
 WHERAS the Queenes Matie, for avoyding of the great incon- 
 venience that hath growen and daily doth increase within this her 
 relm by the inordinate excesse in apparell, hath, in her princely 
 wisdom and care for the reformation therof, by sondry former pro- 
 clamations straitly charged and comaunded those in autoritie under 
 her to see her lawes provided in that behalfe duely executed. 
 Wherof notwithstanding, partly through their negligence, and 
 partly by the manifest contempt and disobedience of the parties 
 offending, no reformation at all hath followed. Her Majestic 
 finding by experience that by clemency, wherunto she is most in- 
 clinable so long as there is any hope of redresse, this increasing 
 evill hath not been cured, hath thought fitt to seeke to remedy the 
 same by correction and severitie to be used against both these 
 kindes of offenders, in regard of the present difficulties of this 
 tyme, wherin the decay and lack of hospitalitie appeeres in the 
 better sorte in all countries, principally occasioned by the imme- 
 surable charges and expences which they are putt to in superfluous 
 apparelling their wyves, children and families ; the confusion allso 
 of degrees in all places being great where the meanest are as richly 
 apparelled as their betters, and the pride that such inferior par- 
 sons take in their garments driving many, for their mayntenance, 
 to robbing and stealing by the high waye. And yet in her graci-
 
 248 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 ous disposition being willing to have that corse of punishment to 
 be the last meane of reformation, did in the end of this last Term 
 of the Holy Trinitie in her Highnes Court of Starre Chamber, at 
 an assembly of divers Lords of her Privie Counsell, and most of 
 the Judges being justices of assize, in the open hearing of many 
 justices of the peace of all the partes of the relm, and of a multi- 
 tude of her Ma ties subjectes there present, by way of admonition, 
 signifie her princely determination to have (specially at this tyme) 
 for many urgent considerations this intolerable abuse and unmea- 
 surable disorder refourmed. And albeit her Highnes knowes how 
 she might justly make greate proffitt, as well by the executions of 
 her lawes standing in force for the penalties allready due, as allso 
 against both the sayd kinde of offenders for their manifest con- 
 tempts against her Ma ties sayd proclamations, yet her Majestic, not 
 respecting her advantages in these cases, but seriously intending 
 the reformation of the abuses and the common good and benefitt 
 of all her loving subjectes by these most royall and gracious pro- 
 ceedinges, hath not only added by these presents such favourable 
 tollerance and qualifications to such poyntes of the former lawes 
 that be most agreable to this tyme, and easy and necessary to be 
 observid, without charging eyther kinde of the said offenders for 
 any offence already paste, unlesse it be against such as shall heer- 
 after offend or not observe the speciall partes and braunches of the 
 lawes now standing in force and articles hereafter followenge, ac- 
 cordinge to such toleration and moderation thereof as ys hereafter 
 expressed and set downe. 
 That is to say, 
 
 For Men's Apparell, 
 
 Her Ma tie doth streightly charge and commaund that none shall 
 weare in his apparell, 
 
 Cloth of gold or sylver tissued ) Under the de- 
 
 Silke of coulour purple 5 gree of an Erie. 
 
 Except Knightes of the Garter in their purple 
 mantels onely.
 
 SUMPTUARY LAWS. 
 
 249 
 
 Under the de- 
 gree of a Baron. 
 
 Passemaine lace, or 
 any other lace 
 
 I 
 
 Under the degree 
 of a Baron's sonne. 
 
 Cloth of gold or sylver 
 
 Tyncelled sattyn 
 
 Silk or cloth mixed or imbroidered with pale 
 
 gold or sylver 
 Wollen cloth made out of the realme 
 
 f Knightes of the Garter. 
 Except < Privy Counsellors to the Queenes 
 
 * Majestie. 
 Of gold or sylver, or 
 myxed with gold 
 and sylver, with 
 gold and silk, with 
 sylver and silk. 
 Spurres 
 Swordes 
 Rapiers 
 
 Daggers Gilt or damasked 
 
 Skaynes > with gold or syl- 
 
 Woodknyves ver sylverd. 
 
 Hangers 
 Buckles, or 
 Studdes of girdles 
 
 / Gentlemen in ordinary office attending 
 upon her Ma 1 " 6 in her howse or cham- 
 ber. 
 
 Such as have been employed in am- 
 bassage to foreyne princes. 
 Such as may dispend v c markes by the 
 yere for terme of lyfe in possession 
 above all charges. 
 
 And Knightes for wearinge onely of 
 spurres, swordes, rapiers and daggers, 
 and those other thinges therewith 
 ensewinge. 
 And likewise Captaines beinge in her 
 
 Ma ties paye. 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 2 K 
 
 Except <
 
 250 
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Under the de- 
 
 ("Gownes 
 
 Velvet m< Clokes 
 
 1 _ T Under the de- 
 
 ^Coates or any uppermost garments > . 
 
 Embroidery with silk V 
 
 Netherstockes of silk 
 
 /Gentlemen in ordenary office attend- 
 
 inge uppon her Ma tie in her howse or 
 
 chamber. 
 Such as have been employed in am- 
 
 bassage to foreyne prynces. 
 Except / The sonne and heir apparent of a 
 
 Knight. 
 
 Captaines in her Ma ties paye. 
 And such as may dispend cc 11 by the 
 
 yere for terme of lyfe in possession 
 
 above all charges. 
 
 C Jerkyns 
 Velvet in < Hose 
 
 (Doblets 
 
 Sattyn 1 Gownes 
 Damask ! Clokes 
 
 Taffata ( Coates or other uppermost gar- 
 G rogeran J mentes 
 
 Under the de- 
 gree of a 
 Knightes eld- 
 est sonne. 
 
 Except < 
 
 Gentlemen in ordenary office attend- 
 
 inge uppon her Ma tie in her howse or 
 
 chamber. 
 Such as have been employed in ambas- 
 
 sage to foreyne princes. 
 And such as may dispend c'i by the 
 
 yere for terme of lyfe in possession 
 . above all charges.
 
 SUMPTUARY LAWS. 
 
 251 
 
 None shall have in their 
 
 Sadies 
 
 Bridles 
 
 Stirrops 
 
 Trappinges 
 
 Harnesse 
 
 Footcloth, or 
 other furni- 
 ture of their 
 horse 
 
 ) an y 
 
 f Velvet > 
 
 
 Gildinge 
 
 
 Damasking with gold or 
 
 Under 
 
 sylver 
 
 the de- 
 
 Sylveringe 
 . rj;u 
 
 \ greeofa 
 
 Studdes ^ U 
 Buckles, or /Damasked 
 
 
 Baron's 
 sonne. 
 
 other garni- f wlth S ld 
 
 > 
 
 
 \ or silver 
 
 
 
 ture 1 
 
 
 
 ^ silvered. 
 
 J 
 
 
 Except ( 
 
 Knightes. 
 
 Gentlemen in ordenary office attend- 
 inge uppon her Ma tie in her howse or 
 chamber. 
 
 Such as have been employed in am- 
 bassages to foreyne princes. 
 
 Captaines being in her Mat ie s paye. 
 
 And such as may dispend v 6 markes by 
 the yere for terme of lyfe in posses- 
 sion above all charges. 
 
 For Wemen's Apparell. 
 Her Ma tie doth streightly charge and commaund that 
 
 Cloth of gold or sylver tissued 
 Silke of colour purple 
 
 | Under the degree of a 
 5 Countesse. 
 
 T^, . C Vicountesses to weare cloth of gold or 
 Except < ....... 
 
 i. svlver tissued in their kirtles onely.
 
 252 
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Cloth of gold 
 
 Cloth of sylver 
 
 Tincelled sattyn 
 
 Sattyns brauncht with sylver or gold 
 
 Sattyns striped with sylver or gold 
 
 Taffaties brauncht with sylver or gold 
 
 Taffaties with gold or sylver groundes 
 
 Tinseld taffaties tuft or plaine 
 
 Tinseld cipresses 
 
 Cipresses flourisht with sylver or gold 
 
 Gold or sylver chamblets 
 
 Networkes wrought with sylver or gold 
 
 Tabines brauncht or wrought with sylver or 
 
 gold 
 Or any other silke or cloth mixt or embroder- 
 
 ed with perle, gold or sylver J 
 
 Under the de- 
 ) gree of a Ba- 
 ronesse. 
 
 The wyves of Barones 
 eldest sonnes 
 
 And Barones daugh- 
 ters 
 
 And Knightes wyves 
 
 Embroderies of gold or sylver 
 
 , Of gold or sylver 
 
 Passemayne lace or \ r With gold or 
 
 any other lace ^ 
 
 To weare cloth of 
 gold and sylver one- 
 ly in their kirtles 
 and lynynges of their 
 garments. 
 
 To weare cloth of syl- 
 ver in their kirtles 
 onely. 
 
 \ 
 
 or mixt 
 
 sylver 
 With gold or 
 
 silk 
 
 With sylver or 
 L silke 
 
 Cawles, attires, or other garnishinges for the 
 hed trymmed with perle 
 
 Under the de- 
 gree of a Ba- 
 ron's eldest 
 sonnes wief.
 
 SUMPTUARY LAWS. 
 
 253 
 
 Except/ 
 
 Velvet in 
 
 f Gownes 
 I Clokes 
 
 Baron's daughters. 
 
 The wives of Knightes of the Order of 
 the Garter, or of Privy Counsellors. 
 
 The Ladies and Gentlewomen of the 
 Privy Chamber. 
 
 The Maidens of Honour. 
 
 And such whose husbandes or them 
 selves may dispend v c markes by the 
 yere for the terme of lyfe in posses- 
 sion above all charges. 
 
 Under the de- 
 ^ gree of a 
 Knightes wyfe. 
 
 Except- 
 
 I Savegardes or other uppermost 
 (_ garmentes 
 Embrodery with silke 
 Netherstockes of silk J 
 
 - Gentlewomen of the Privy Chamber. 
 The Maidens of Honour. 
 And such whose husbands or them 
 selves may dispend cc 11 by the yere 
 for terme of lyfe in possession above 
 all charges. 
 
 C Kirtles -j 
 
 {. Peticoats I Under the de- 
 
 C Gownes I gree of a 
 
 J Clokes j Knightes eld- 
 
 | Savegardes or other uppermost estsonneswyfe. 
 
 f Gentlewomen of the Privy Chamber. 
 
 The Maidens of Honour. 
 
 Gentlewomen attendant uppon Coun- 
 tesses, Vicountesses, or ladies of the 
 like or higher degree. 
 
 And such whose husbandes or them 
 selves may dispend cl' by the yere 
 for terme of lyfe in possession above 
 
 ^ all charges. 
 
 Velvet in 
 
 Sattin in 
 
 I 
 
 garments 
 
 Except (
 
 254 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Sattyn in kyrtles 
 Damaske 
 
 Tufte taifety 
 
 _ J >m Gownes 
 
 Plame taifety 
 
 Under the de- 
 gree of a Gen- 
 tleman's wyfe 
 bearingearmes. 
 
 Grograine 
 
 Gentlewomen attendant uppon 
 Knightes wieves or ladies of the like 
 or higher degree. 
 
 Except ( And such whose husbandes or them 
 selves may dispend xl 11 by the yere 
 for terme of lyfe in possession above 
 all charges. 
 
 Certaine notes out of the Statutes for Dispensations, with 
 sondry persons not beinge in eny certainty before ex- 
 pressed, whereof all such persons as thereby are to be 
 dispensed withall, may be better enfourmed by perusal 
 of the sayed Statutes, unto which they are to be re- 
 ferred. 
 
 All officers and servauntes waytinge uppon the Queene's Ma li e 
 in her howshould, beeinge in her Highnes Checkroll, may weare 
 such apparell as to them shalbe licensed, limitted, and declared in 
 writinge by her Ma tie , or by the Lo. Steward of her Howshould, 
 Lo. Chamberlaine, or the Threr. and Comptroller of the same, they 
 knowenge the same to be the Queene's Ma ties pleasure. And yt 
 shall be lawfull for a gentleman in ordenary and in howshould, 
 attendinge uppon eny persone beinge of her Ma ties Pryvy Coun- 
 sell, or uppon eny Baron or Baronnesse, or other person of higher 
 degrees, to weare such apparell in her Ma ties Courte at eny tyme, 
 as he or they which may dispend an hundred poundes by the 
 yere are licensed or lymitted to weare as ys aforesayed. 
 
 There are also speciall and several provisions conteyned in the
 
 SUMPTUARY LAWS. 255 
 
 sayed Statutes for sondry degrees of persons as hereafter fol- 
 loweth : First, for the Lord Chancellour and Lord Threr. of 
 England, the President of the Kingis Counsell, the Lord Privy 
 Seale, of what degree soever they be. And in like manner there 
 are provisions for all persons havinge taken degrees of lernynge 
 in any University. And also any of the Kingis most honorable 
 Counsell, Justices of the Benches, Barons of the Exchequer, M r . 
 of the Rolles, Serjeants of the Lawe, Masters of the Chancery, 
 Apprentices of the Lawe, the Queenes Phisitions, all hed officers 
 of townes corporate, Barons of the Five Portes. Provisions are 
 also there expressed for Utter Barristers in Innes of Courte to 
 weare such apparell as men that can dispend xx 11 in landes may 
 doe. And in like manner provisions are made for Studentes of 
 the Innes of Courte or Chancery, and servauntes to noblemen 
 and gentlemen for their doblets or jerkyns. Of all which provi- 
 sions or exceptions, with sondry others conteyned in the sayed 
 Statute not here particulerly expressed, apperteynynge to a few 
 other, every person ys to enfourme him self diligently howfar- 
 fourth he or they may, by license of the sayed provisions, weare 
 eny thinge prohibited by the generall woordes of the lawe. 
 
 Also it is not ment for any thinge before expressed, but that 
 her Ma ties servauntes, and the servauntes of noblemen and gen- 
 tlemen, may weare such lyvery coates or clokes as their masters 
 shall give or allowe unto them, with their badges and cognizances 
 or other ornamentes of velvet or silke, to be layed or added to 
 their sayed lyvery coates or clokes. 
 
 Nor yt ys not ment hereby to prohibit Henchmen, Herauldes, 
 Pursuvantes at Armes, Ronners at Justes, Turneys, or such 
 martiall feates, or such as weare apparell given by the Queene's 
 Ma tie , or such as have license from the Queene for the same. 
 
 Provided allwayes, that all and every persone and persones, 
 which by any Statute lawe remaynynge in force ys licensed or 
 appointed to weare any manner of thinge contrary to the tenor 
 and meanynge of any of the articles before mencioned, or any
 
 256 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 parte of them, shall and may weare the same to him licensed or 
 appointed to weare, as ys aforesayed, any thinge in these articles 
 to the contrary notwithstandinge. 
 
 All which articles, clauses, and premisses her Ma tie streightly 
 commaundeth to be exactely and duly observed in all pointes, from 
 the xxiiij th day of August next commynge, and the parties offend- 
 inge to be further punished as violators and contempners of her 
 royall and princely comaundement, by this her Highnes Procla- 
 mation expressed and published. Given under our Signet at our 
 Manner of Grenewich, the 23 d daye of July, in the xxxix th yere of 
 our Raigne. 
 
 God Save the Glueene. 
 
 Ro. CECYLL. 
 
 DEATH OF SIR JOHN ALDRIDGE. 
 
 [On a former page (244) is inserted the Commission to Sir Arthur Savage recited in the 
 subsequent instrument. Sir John Aldridge was appointed second in command by the 
 same Commission, but between that date, 9th June, 1597, and the date of what follows, 
 25th July, 1597, intelligence was received of the death of Sir John Aldridge. It was 
 necessary therefore to appoint a successor to him, and Captain Henry Power, as will 
 be seen below, obtained that distinction.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord EUesmere, " Rec. 25 Julij, 1597." 
 
 Comission for the second colonelship of the companies in 
 Picardy, for Capt ne Henry Power. Her Ma te pleasure 
 is, that this comission shall passe the Great Scale of 
 England by emedyat warrant. 
 
 W. BURGHL.EY. 
 
 HOWARD. T. BUCKHURST. 
 
 Ro. CECYLL. FORTESCUE. 
 
 ELIZABETH R. 
 
 ELIZABETH, by the grace of God, &c. To our trusty and wel- 
 beloved servaunt Captaine Henry Power, esq., greeting. Where
 
 DEATH OF SIR JOHN ALDRIDGE. 25? 
 
 uppon the death of Sir Thomas Baskervile, colonell genrall and 
 chief commaunder of our forces, consistinge of two thousand men, 
 servinge us in Picardy under our good brother the Frenche 
 Kinge, wee did, by our commission under our greate seale of 
 England, made bearinge date at Westminster the tenthe daye of 
 June last past, make choice of our trusty and welbeloved Sir 
 Arthur Savage, Knight, before Lieutenaunt to the sayed Sir Tho- 
 mas Baskervile, of all our sayed forces under his charge, and than 
 our eldest colonell in those troupes, to take that charge which the 
 sayed Sir Thomas Baskervile before had, and to employe him in 
 manner followenge. That ys to saye, wee did thereby make, con- 
 stitute, and appointe him to be our chief commaunder of the 
 sayed two thousand men, as well colonels and captaines as others, 
 and did, by the same our comission, give him full power and 
 authority to receive them into his charge, and to use, imploye, 
 and commaund them, and every of them, in all thinge concern- 
 ynge that our service, accordinge to such directions as he should 
 receyve in writinge by instructions from us or our privy counsell, 
 then at his departure hence, or hereafter from tyme to tyme by 
 any letters or other signification of our pleasure from our self or 
 our sayed counsell. And wee did thereby streightly charge and 
 commaund all colonels, captaines, lieutenantes, and souldiors that 
 should be under his conducte, charge, and comaundement, to give 
 all due obedience and respecte unto him as their chief com- 
 maunder; authorising him to laye uppon all persones, disobe- 
 dient and offendinge against the lawes of military discipline 
 accustomed in any other our armyes and forces beeinge in our 
 services, such punishmentes as he shall thinck meete accordinge 
 to the qualities of their offences, usinge therein the advice of such 
 other colonell as wee should appointe, and some convenient 
 nomber of captaines of the regiment of whome the offender may 
 be a member. And for that purpose givinge him power, for the 
 better guidinge and rule of our people committed to him, to exe- 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 2 L
 
 258 THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 cute marshall lawe, and uppon tryall by an orderly martiall 
 courte, (where necessary cause shall require) to inflict punishment of 
 lyfe or member uppon eny heynous offender. And further, wee 
 did thereby give him full power and aucthority to imploye all 
 our subjectes, then by us committed to his charge, to invade, 
 burne, spoile, and destroye, and to doe all manner of hostile 
 actes uppon the adversaries of our good brother the French 
 Kinge, in whose aide wee did send the sayed two thousand men, 
 and to leade them to such services as he shalbe requyred by the 
 sayed Kinge, beenge in the field in his owen persone or by his 
 Lieutenaunt Generall of his army, not beenge repugnant to such 
 instructions as he shall have from us or our counsell for his direc- 
 tion in the use of this our Commission. And for as much as 
 these our troupes might be devided, upon occasion of imployement 
 as the Kinge our brother shall direct them, and that wee had and 
 did repose greate truste and confidence in our servaunt Sir John 
 Aldridge, Knight, wee did also by the same our commission 
 ordayne and constitute him our second colonell of all our sayed 
 troupes, as by the same our Commission made unto the sayed 
 Sir Arthur Savage more at large yt doth and may appere. For as 
 much as yt hath pleased God lately to call to his mercy the 
 sayed Sir John Aldridge, uppon the special confidence wee have 
 in your judgement, experience, and fidelity, wee have made choice 
 of you, Captayne Henry Power, and by these presentes do or- 
 dayne and. constitute you jto be our second colonell of all our 
 sayed troupes, in the rome and place of the sayed Sir John 
 Aldridge deceased, from whose decease wee ar pleased that ye 
 shall receive the entertaynement for the sayed rome and place. 
 And in the absence of the sayed Sir Arthur Savage, either by sick- 
 nes or death or any other employment elswhere, wee do give you 
 full power and authority to comaunde and execute all thinges for 
 our service, as the sayed Sir Arthur Savage may doe by vertue of 
 our sayed commission to him made. And do also hereby will and
 
 WARLIKE STORES, ETC. FOR SPAIN. 259 
 
 comaunde all and every persone and persones in our sayed service 
 to obey you in all your directions in as ample manner as they 
 did before to the sayed Sir Thomas Baskervile, and are appointed 
 by our sayed comission to doe to the sayed Sir Arthur Savage. 
 In witnes whereof, &c. 
 
 J. WOOD. 
 
 WARLIKE STORES, &c. FOR SPAIN. 
 
 [A new fleet was fitted out against Spain in the Spring of 1597, which returned to 
 England in October. The following Proclamation was issued not long before the return 
 of the fleet, and the title sufficiently explains its object. It was sent to Lord Ellesmere 
 by Sir Robert Cecyll with this brief note : "I pray you cause this Proclamation to be 
 printed," and no doubt it passed the press accordingly.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere " Proclamation, 27 Sep. a* 39 Eliz." 
 
 ELIZABETH R. By the Queene. 
 
 A Proclamation publishing certain just causes for prohibition 
 and staye of caryage of victuall and other provisions of 
 warre by seas into Spayne, for contynuance of the King 
 of Spaynes purposes to invade most unjustly her Mae s 
 Dominions ; with authoritie for the staye thereof by sea. 
 
 FORASMUCH as it is manyfestly seen that the King of Spayne, 
 notwithstanding his manie losses by ruyne of his navie at sondry 
 tymes of late yeares, not only by her Ma ts forces on the sea, but 
 specially by the ordynance of Almightie God with tormentes of 
 wynde and forcible tempestes at tymes and places unlocked for : 
 yet upon the contynuall relief he hath of yearly treasures out of 
 both his Indies, farre exceeding in value all such as his father the 
 Emperor Charles had in his tyme from thence, or that he himself 
 had untill he conquered the Kingdome of Portugall, doth nothing 
 the lesse increase his preparations of warre both by lande and sea,
 
 2GO THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 and specially by building of new and more mightie shippes, at- 
 tempting most unjustly the invasion both of the domynions of the 
 French King in divers coastes, and the realmes of England and 
 Irland, and not forbearing with good sommes of money and other 
 corrupt rewardes, also to move some principall noblemen of Scot- 
 land to rebellion there against theire King, and mainteyning the 
 Duke of Savoye with men and money to invade the French Kinges 
 domynions in Province and the partes adioyning ; and further more, 
 by the abundant meanes of his said Indian treasures, he hath 
 manie yeares kept and mainteyned in the same countries mightie 
 armies compounded of unnaturall straungers, specially of Spa- 
 niardes and of Italians from Naples, Milan, and other his territo- 
 ries there, to the lamentable oppression, impoverishing, and depo- 
 pulation of the naturall people of the said Lowe Countries, so as 
 there is to be seen no maner of hostillitie at this daie in anie part 
 of Christendome, saving in Hungarie, but by his great armies by 
 sea or land, wherewith he doth wilfully invade his neighbors, that 
 would lyve in peace yf he would forbeare to invade them, they 
 being yet constrayned for their defence to maintaine armies to 
 withstand his invasions. And though these his vyolent hostillities, 
 to the trouble of a great part of Christian domynions, are mightely 
 mainteyned by reason of the abundance of his said treasures from 
 the Indies, yet it is manyfestly seen, that to maintain his said 
 armies, and to renew his shipping, his monies would not in their 
 proper nature suffice, yf he were not contynually mainteyned 
 with victuall, and furnished from forrain countries with munytions, 
 whereof neither his Indies, nor Spayne, nor any other parte of his 
 owne countries are hable to serve him ; but the same is knowne 
 to be brought into Spayne and Portugall from other forraine parts 
 not in his subjection, and that specially from the north-east partes 
 by sea, where the said King, by abundance of his money, with his 
 factors for that purpose in the most part of the port townes of 
 Eastland, doth buy and provyde the most part of his victualls, 
 wherewith he feedeth and mainteynith his armies, and all kynde
 
 WARLIKE STORES, ETC. FOR SPAIN. 261 
 
 of provysions for the building and furnishing his navie, and without 
 which he could not contynue his great hostillitie, but should be 
 unhable to offer so great offence to his neighbors, and thereby he 
 and all other his neighbors should lyve in peace. For this cause 
 the Queenes Ma tie , being amongest other Prynces most interested 
 for defence of herself and her countries and subjectes against the 
 said Kinges great preparations of his navies and armies by sea ; 
 and manyfestly perceiving that yf his said provysions for hostilli- 
 tie to be brought by sea from the said East partes might be stayed 
 untill he might be disposed to lyve in peace, her Ma tie might 
 thereby forbeare to contynue her charge in maintayning her forces 
 both by sea and land, which she is constrayned yearly to renewe 
 and contynue only for her defence. And though some of the 
 Kinges in those East countries, that have interest in certain 
 portes of the said Est countries, being in amitie with her Ma tie , 
 have ben freindly requyred by her Matie to prohibite theire sub- 
 jectes to carrie or sende by sea into Spayne such kyndes of victual! 
 and munytion as properly doe maintaine his armies and furnish 
 his shippes of warre with all thinges requysite for to serve for his 
 unjust warres ; and that her Matie might hope that thereby in 
 some measure the great quantitie of such victuall and munytion 
 might be stayed ; yet for that there are manie port townes in the 
 said Est partes not directly at the commaundement of the said 
 Kinges, from whence the King of Spayne hath yearly great quan- 
 tities of such provysions by meanes of manie his factors residing 
 there, and furnished with great sommes of money and creditt, which 
 is most lykely to be contynued for the excessive and great gayne 
 that is to ensue to the inhabitantes of such dispersed port townes. 
 Therfore her Matie doth by theis presentes notifie to all maner 
 persons of all conditions, that shall sende or carry into Spayne or 
 Portugall anie maner of grayne or other victualls, or anie maner 
 of provisions to serve to builde or arme anie shippes of warre, or 
 anie kynde of munytion for the warre, being not of the nature of 
 meere merchandise, that as it is lawfull for her, being a Monarch
 
 26'2 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 and Prynce Soveraigne, and as other Kinges have alwaies in like 
 cases used, to withstand the forces of her ennemies, she will not 
 only authorise her owne Admyrals and Captains of her owne 
 shippes of warre serving on the seas, but will allowe and approve 
 all other her subjectes to arme theire shippes at theire will, and with 
 them to impeache and arrest all shippes, that shall sayle either out 
 of the East partes or out of the Lowe Countries with intention to 
 passe to Spayne or Portugall, having on boarde anie such victuall 
 or other provysions of warre, and the same to brynge into the 
 next good port, there to be ordered as goodes duely forfaited for 
 the benefitt of her Ma tie , wheare her Maties shippes shall arrest 
 the same, and to the benefitt of such others, as being not in her 
 Ma ties wages, that shall have by their travaile and adventure 
 stayed and arrested such shippes and goods prohibyted. Pro- 
 vyded that all other beside the Captains of her Ma ties owne shippes, 
 that shall be disposed to arme theire shippes for this purpose, 
 shall first notefie theire intent to the Lord high Admyrall of 
 England, making declaration of theire condition, of theire maner 
 of shipping, of the furnyture thereof, of the nombers of men 
 requisite to serve therein, with the quantitie of victuall and muny- 
 tion, and of all other thinges requisite to be certefyed to the L. Ad- 
 myrall, which being by him allowed, thereuppon the owners of the 
 shippes, and the captains or conductors to be bounde, to her Ma ties 
 use, in good somes of money for themselves, and as cause shall 
 requyre, to the L. Admyrall, with sufficient sureties that they shall 
 doe theire best endevours, without fraude for gayne or composition, 
 to arrest such shippes, having, as is above said, victuall or muny- 
 tion prohibited ; and likewise to be bounde, as is aforesaid, that 
 with the saide shippes noe harme shall be wittingly done to anie 
 person on the seas, that shall be in freindshippe with her Ma tie , 
 and that shall not be privie to the caryage of any such victuall, or 
 other provysions for warre into Spayne or Portugall, or towardes 
 either of the saide countries, or to any of the King of Spaynes 
 shippes being on the seas. And in case anie shall be founde to
 
 COMMISSION TO THE EARL OF CUMBERLAND. 263 
 
 have committed anie such offence whereby the bondes shall be for- 
 faited, the parties dampnyfied shall be fully recompensed for all 
 theire losses and damages with the somes of money forfayted, and 
 the offenders also severely punyshed according to theire offences 
 by lawe. Gyven at the Court at Richmond, the xxvij th daie of 
 September, in the xxxix 1 ^ yeare of her Ma* ie s raigne. 
 God save the Queene. 
 
 COMMISSION TO THE EARL OF CUMBERLAND. 
 
 < 
 
 [Camden (Annals in Kennett, ii. 610) speaking of the return of the Earl of Cumber- 
 land from his adventure against the Portuguese Caracks, states that he had " furnished 
 out a fleet of eleven ships" for the purpose. This might be so, but the subsequent 
 Commission only authorised him to fit out his own ship the Malice-Scourge and six 
 others. Camden is indefinite as to the date of the Earl of Cumberland's return, merely 
 saving, " about this time," the last date he gives being Sept. 1598. The following 
 bears date nearly a year anterior, and prior to the time when Lord Essex, Sir Walter 
 Raleigh, &c. re-entered an English port.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere " Rec. xj Octobris, 1597." 
 
 ELIZABETH, by the grace of God, Queene of England, Fraunce, 
 and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. To our right trusty and 
 welbeloved Counsailor Sir Thomas Egerton, Knight, Keeper of 
 our great Scale of England, greeting. We will and commaunde you 
 that under our said great Scale, being in your keeping, ye cause 
 our lettres patentes to be made forth in forme following : Eliza- 
 beth, by the grace of God, &c. To our right trusty and right 
 welbeloved Cosen, George Earle of Cumberland, greeting. Foras- 
 much as duely considering the late hostile attemptes against this 
 our Realme and our person, without just cause given by us, we are 
 justly moved to enter into consideration howe necessary yt ys for 
 us to use all good meanes to prevent, impeach, and withstand all 
 occasions of hazard and daunger of the like in tyme to come, and
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 by all meanes to disable and weaken the strength and wealth of 
 all and every person and persons so maliciously and injuriously 
 affected and disposed against us, our dominions and subjectes. 
 We let you wete, that knowing your approved fidelitie, wisedome, 
 valour, and circumspection, of our speciall grace and mere motion, 
 we have made choyce of you, and doe by these presentes give you 
 authority to make choyce and constitute such principall officers, 
 aswell by sea as land, and also to appointe such meet Captaynes, 
 and other persons whom you shall depute thereunto by writing 
 under your hand, to take up, leavye, assemble, arme, and furnish 
 with all and all manner of victual! s and warlike provision whatso- 
 ever, within any parte of this Realme, such and so many of our 
 loving subjectes as are fitt and apt for the warres to serve by sea 
 and lande, as shalbe willing thereto, and as by you shall be thought 
 expedient to serve in this fleet under your chardge. And with 
 the same men, provision, and furniture shipped and imbarked, we 
 doe aucthorize you in your owne person, and by such others allso 
 whom you shall depute, by sea and by lande to invade and de- 
 stroye the powers, forces, preparations, or provisions whatsoever 
 of the King of Spayne, or any his subjectes, or of any Prince, State, 
 or Potentate, or the people or subjects of them, or any of them, 
 that is not at this present in league and amytye with us ; and the 
 said persons, their possessions, territories, dominions, and goodes, 
 aswell upon the sea as upon the continent, or any islande belong- 
 ing to such persons, their adherentes, or subjectes, in hostile 
 manner to invade, take, or destroye as just and needefull cause 
 shall require. And for your more strength and assistaunce, we 
 doe aucthorize you to take into your charge your owne shippe 
 called the Malice Scourge, and such other shippes of your owne 
 and others which shall be appointed by you or in your name, not 
 exceeding the nombre of sixe at the most, to the perfourmance of 
 the service aforesaid. And forasmuch as you, our said Cosen, 
 being at great chardges in the victualling and furnishing of your
 
 COMMISSION TO THE EARL OF CUMBERLAND. 265 
 
 owne and other shippes aforesaid, togither with such other of our 
 loving subjectes which shall assiste and be imployed in the said 
 service, or may beare adventure with you, are to receave due con- 
 sideration for their chardges, service, assistaunce, and adventure, 
 we give you full power and aucthoritie, not only to deale with our 
 said subjectes so offering to adventure, and to accept and agree 
 with them for the same, but allso to make distributions and shares 
 of all such gaynes, goods, and prices whatsoever that shall by the 
 said shipps or any of them, and their captaynes, jointly or seve- 
 rally, be taken from any such aforesaid manner of persons or any 
 their adherentes, the said goodes and prices whatsoever, after the 
 due shares distributed, to be holden and enjoyed by you and your 
 assignes, as allso our said subjectes so adventuring, without any 
 accompt to be made to us, our heyres, or successors, saving only 
 such duties and customes as are due unto us upon all goods brought 
 into any of our dominions. And for the better perfourmance of 
 this service, we doe hereby straightly chardge and commaunde all 
 our loving subjectes, which shall serve in your said shippes or in 
 any of the rest of the said fleete, to yeeld all duety and obedience 
 to you, our Cosen, and to the officers commaunding under you in 
 that service, and to avoyde all occasion of discorde and dissen- 
 tion, to the hinderance of this said service. And yf there be 
 any that shall so offende, then we give you, our said Cosen, full 
 power and authoritye to inflict upon all such offendours such 
 punishment, ether by losse of lymme or member, or by death, 
 according to martiall lawe or otherwise, as shall seeme good 
 to you, our said Cosen, respecting the quality of the offence. 
 Lastly, we doe charge and commaunde all our officers to be ayding 
 and assisting to you our said Cosen, aswell by sea as by lande, in 
 any thing you shall reasonably require and stand in neede of for 
 the furtheraunce of this service, at prices reasonable. And these 
 our lettres shall be, aswell to you our said Cosen as unto any of 
 our said subjectes, for and concerning the premisses, and every 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 2 M
 
 266 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 parte and parcell thereof, sufficient warrant and dischardge. And 
 these our letters shall be your sufficient warrant and dischardge in 
 this behalf. Gyven under our Privy Scale, at our mannour of 
 Richmond, the seaventh day of October, in the nyne and thirtieth 
 yeare of our raigne. 
 
 WILL. PARKER. 
 
 LORD BACON'S FIRST PROMOTION. 
 
 [Lord Ellesmere, as is well known, was one of Lord Bacon's early patrons, and 
 when the former was made Master of the Rolls, and the latter had some chance of ob- 
 taining the situation of Solicitor General, wrote for him observations on the discharge 
 of its duties. (Birch's " Memoirs," i. 165.) Bacon, however, did not obtain the place, 
 and some time afterwards was obliged to content himself with the reversion of the 
 Clerkship of the Star-Chamber, which he did not enjoy until many years had elapsed. 
 The following letter refers indistinctly either to that or to some other appointment : 
 had a previous letter of Lord Bacon to Lord Ellesmere, referred to below, been re- 
 covered, it would perhaps have explained some of the not very intelligible parts of 
 what follows.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Mr. Bacon." 
 
 To the R. hon. his very good L. the L. Keeper of the great 
 Seale of England be these delivered. 
 
 YT may please your hon. good L. As I beganne by letter so 
 I have thought good to goe on, signifieing to your L., with refer- 
 ence had to my former letter, that I am the same man, and beare 
 the same mynd, and am ready to perfourm and make goode what 
 I have wrytten, desyring your L. not onely to discern of this my 
 intention, howsoever in other circumstances, concernyng the 
 quicke and not the impostume of the office, I may seam to stand ; 
 but also to thinke that I had consydered and digested with my 
 self how I mowght putt in execution my purpose of good will 
 to be carried withowt all note, as first to a deputation in some
 
 LORD HOWARD DE WALDEN. 267 
 
 apt person your L. mowght chuze, and so to a passing over to 
 such depute, and then a name in the next degree is soone 
 chaunged. All which I doe now wryte, both lest your L. mowght 
 conceyve any alteration or inconstancy in me, and also than you 
 mowght thinke that I had suffycient regard to all by matters of 
 discretion before I would expound any thinke to a person of such 
 honour. I am assured the matter is bonum in se, and therefore 
 accidents may be accomodate. So in most humble maner I take 
 my leave, comending your L. to Goddes preservation. From 
 Graies Inne, this xij th of Nov., 1597. 
 
 Humbly at your L. hon ble commandement, 
 
 FR. BACON. 
 
 LORD HOWARD DE WALDEN. 
 
 [The following are curious family relics, and testimonies of the interest Queen Eliza- 
 beth took regarding the Howards. Lord Thomas Howard, who had accompanied Lord 
 Essex in his second voyage against Spain, according to Sir Robert Cecill was lying 
 " in great extremity" and not expected to live till morning : the Queen wished to shew 
 him a mark of her favour by making him by writ Baron Howard de Walden, in order 
 that his son, under age, might succeed to the title. Camden tells us that Lord 
 Thomas Howard being "indisposed," and therefore not able to attend in Parliament, 
 " the Lord Scroop was conducted in his stead to the upper House." He is un- 
 usually minute in his description, and probably assisted at the ceremony, having been 
 appointed Clarencieux on the 23rd October preceding : he says " When the Lord 
 Keeper of the Great Scale had publicly read the writ, he was placed below all the rest 
 of the Barons, though elsewhere the younger sons of Dukes take place of Viscounts. 
 For it appeared by the records of Parliament that, in the sixth year of Henry VIII. 
 when Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey, being called to the Parliament, claimed prece- 
 dency of Earls, whether in sitting or walking, because he was the eldest^on of a Duke, 
 it was then adjudged that he should sit in Parliament according to the order of his 
 creation, and in other places enjoy the dignity and prerogative due to a Duke's eldest 
 son." (" Annals" in Kennett, ii. 602.) The Parliament, as Stowe informs us, was pro- 
 rogued fifteen days afterwards. The Warrant under the sign manual was found with
 
 268 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 the letter of Sir Robert Cecill, which is without date or address, but it no doubt imme- 
 diately preceded the Warrant.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " My L. Thomas Howarde de Walden." 
 
 MY good L. The Q. is minded to leave a testimony in my L. 
 Tho. Howards child of her favour. My L. is in great extremity, 
 and if he be dead, then can not his soon be capable of this grace, 
 who is an infant. If it please your Lo. to send hyther a warrant 
 for the Q. to sign to you, she will sign it instantly, for prevention 
 of Gods calling him to his mercy, which I feare wilbe before 
 morning. In the meane time I beseech your Lo. to send for the 
 record when his ancestor was created, and to have a writt ready 
 against your Lo. receave the Q/s warrant : he is now to be called 
 to [by ?] writt and not created. My L. you shall do a noble woork, 
 for which God will reward you. 
 
 Yours to com., 
 
 Ro. CECYLL. 
 He must be called 
 Tho. Howard de Walden, Cheavalier. 
 
 ELIZABETH R. 
 
 ELIZABETH, by the grace of God, Queue of England, Fraunce, 
 and Irelande, Defender of the Faith, &c. To our righte trustie 
 and righte welbeloved Counsellor, Sir Thomas Egerton, knighte, 
 Lorde keeper of our great Scale of Englande, greetinge. We will 
 and commaunde you that fourthwith, upon the receipte hereof, ye 
 directe fourthe under our said greate Seale our writte to sommon 
 Thomas Howarde of Walden, Chivelor, to geve his attendance at 
 this instante Parliamente begunne at our Cittie of Westm r ., the 
 fore and twentith daye of October laste paste. And theis pre- 
 sentes shalbe your warraunte and discharge for the same. Yeoven 
 at our pallace of Westm r . the fifte daye of December, in the 
 forty the yeare of our raigne.
 
 269 
 
 PATENT FOR THE EARL OF ESSEX. 
 
 [Bishop Goodman attributes the earliest advancement of Bacon to Sir Robert Cecill ; 
 "his first rising, as I take it, was by Salisbury," (" Court of King James," by Brewer, 
 i. 284,) which agrees with the letter of thanks from Cecill to Lord Ellesmere (printed 
 in Biogr. Britan. Art. Egerton) for his advice to " my cousin Bacon." There is some 
 reason to think that Bacon at one time acted as private secretary to Sir Robert Cecill, 
 and the ensuing letter is addressed in the hand-writing of Bacon. We are without any 
 copy of the Patent to which it relates, and which was to be prepared so suddenly and 
 secretly. Possibly it arose out of some false alarm of an intended descent by the 
 Spaniards. On the 19th February following the date of the subsequent letter, the 
 writer of it, Sir George Carew, and Herbert, Master of the Requests, proceeded on an 
 embassy to France, and did not return until May 1598.] 
 
 To the R. honorable my very good Lorde, the L. Keper of 
 the great Scale of Englande. 
 
 MY good L. There is a Patent drawen for the Erl of Essex, 
 but not signed yet, and to thintent it mowght be vyed with all 
 expedition (because it may happily not be signed long before it 
 shalbe delivered), I have thoght in private to let your Lo. know 
 only thus much, and not without my Lords owne request, that it 
 mowght be gon in hand with to night (so as if it be but signed to 
 morrow at x of clock, yet it may have the great Scale put to at 
 xij of clock), my Lord will think him kindly delt with, both by 
 your Lo. and my self. 
 
 I dare not now send the Bill owt of my chamber, but if your 
 Lp. will please to send some Chancery man hyther that is secret 
 and honest, he shall have a very convenient place to do it in, and 
 yet be ready at hand if her My to night shold call to sign that 
 which I have. And thus, with my best wishes of all health and 
 happines, I take my leave. From the Court, this 25 th of Decem- 
 ber (97). 
 
 Your Lps. ass. poor fr. at com., 
 
 Ro. CECYLL.
 
 270 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 GOVERNOR OF THE BRILL. 
 
 [According to the following document Camden (" Annals " in Kennett, ii. 5.94) 
 must be in error when he says, under date of 1596, that Sir Francis Vere was made 
 Governor of the Brill " upon the Lord Sheffield's voluntary resignation of that post." 
 Lord Sheffield was not appointed until 13th January, 1597-8, and it is expressly stated 
 in the instrument that Lord Sheffield followed the Lord Burghe. The Privy Seal 
 nominating the Lord Burghe as Governor of the Brill on 6th February, 1587, is 
 printed in Rymer's Foedera, xvi. 4.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Re. 9 die Februarij, 1597." 
 
 M* 1 qd istud bre delibat. fuit Dno Custodi magni sig. 
 Angi. nono die Februarij, A. infr. apud Westm. exe- 
 quend:. 
 
 ELIZABETH, by the grace of God, Quene of England, France, 
 and Irland, Defender of the Faithe, &c. To our right trusty and 
 welbeloved counsellor S r . Thomas Egerton, knight, Keeper of our 
 great Scale of England, greeting. We will and commaunde you 
 that under our said great Scale, being in your keeping, ye cause 
 our letters paten tes to be made furth in forme following. Eliza- 
 beth, by the grace of God, &c. To all to whom these presents 
 shall come, greeting. Whereas the towne of Brill, in the Lowe 
 Countryes, is now withoute a Governor by the deathe of the 
 Lorde Burghe, late Governor there. For as moche as we thinke 
 it very meete and necessary for the advauncement of our service 
 in those partes, to have the said place supplied agayne with as 
 great expedition as may be, by some parsonage of quallitie and 
 guiftes fytt for a charge of that importance ; knowe ye, that for 
 the speciall truste we have reposed in the fidelitie and sufficiency 
 of our right trusty and welbeloved Edmunde Lorde Sheffeild, 
 Knight of our Order of the Garter, we have made choice of him 
 to supply the place of our Governor and Captayne of the said 
 towne of Bryll, and of all other the Fortes thereunto belonging, 
 and of all the garryson and soldiers that now are, and hereafter 
 shalbe there placed for our service and garde of the same towne
 
 CLERK OF THE STAR CHAMBER. 
 
 and fortes. To have, holde, exercise, and occupy the office of our 
 said Governor and Captaine of the said towne and fortes, by 
 himself, or his sufficient deputie or deputies, during our pleasure. 
 Geving unto the said Lorde Sheffeild full power and authoritie by 
 these presentes to take oathe and oathes of all captaynes and 
 souldiors there serving, and that hereafter shall serve in the said 
 towne and fortes, as in like cases is requisite, and from tyme to 
 tyme to remove oute of the said garrison suche as by him shalbe 
 thought unfitte to serve us there. And likewise to receave and 
 admytt from tyme to tyme into the said garrison suche persons 
 as he shall thinke convenient for our better service ; and also to 
 punishe, by lawe martiall and otherwise as cause shall require, 
 suche of the said garrison and souldiors serving there, and other 
 persons resorting and remayning there, as shalbe anye wayes 
 offenders, either by death or other corporall or arbitrary punish- 
 ment, according to the quallitie of theire offence. In witnes 
 wherof, &c. Geven under our Privy Scale at our pallace of 
 Westm., the thirtenth day of January, in the fortieth yeere of our 
 reigne. 
 
 WILL. PARKER. 
 
 CLERK OF THE STAR CHAMBER. 
 
 [Lord Bacon's grant of the reversion of the office of Clerk of the Star Chamber has 
 been already mentioned. In the Gen. Biogr. Diet. iii. 257, it is asserted that, though 
 Sir R. Cecill prevented Bacon from obtaining any high appointment, " he procured 
 him the reversion of the place of Register of the Court of Star-Chamber." The last 
 part of the statement may be true, but for the first there appears no sufficient founda- 
 tion. How it happened that Lord Bacon was not made Solicitor General in 1594 has 
 not been fully explained, but the documents at Bridgewater House tend to prove that 
 Sir Robert Cecill was Bacon's sincere friend, rather than his enemy. In his investiga- 
 tions into abuses and fees of various courts, it seems that Lord Ellesmere projected to 
 include those of the Star-Chamber; and among the MSS. from which the present
 
 272 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Collection is made are many connected with that subject. Lord Bacon refers to his 
 own expectations and to Lord Ellesmere's inquiries in the subsequent letter.] 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Mr. Bacon, 22 January, 1597." 
 
 To the r. hon. his very good L., the L. Keeper of the great 
 Seale of England. 
 
 YT may please your r. hon. good L. I have understood that 
 your L. hath an intention to reduce the office of Clerke of the 
 Starrechamber to the just and lawfull fees, and to purge it of the 
 exactions newly imposed, and I was advysed by a wise frend to 
 desire umbly of your L. to be called unto it. But truely, my good 
 L., I am determyned not to meddle in it : first, because my tyme 
 is not yet comme in presence, at lest for any thing doth yet judi- 
 cially appear. Next, bycause I trust your Lo. judgment better 
 then myne own ; and sure I am, as long as it is in your good 
 hand, terminus antiquus non movebitur. Lastly, bycause looking 
 into the matter at first, and synce better infourmyng my self, I 
 fynd the ground to watry for me, or any other to stand upon. 
 And therefore, as at first I alwaies protested to sondre my self 
 from any thing that was unjust, so the same cowrse I hold still, 
 ever desyring your L., as I have heartofore doon, that in safting 
 this unlawfull prize, no lawfull fraught may be [not legible] which 
 I know perfitely your L. will doe, and to your L. I wholy leave 
 it. So I commend your good L. to the preservation of the divine 
 Ma. From Graies Inne, this xxij nd of Jan. 1597.
 
 273 
 
 MERCHANTS OF THE HANS TOWNS. 
 
 [Without furnishing the particular date, Camden speaks of the measures of reprisal 
 adopted in 1597 against the Merchants of the Hans Towns (" Annals," An. Reg. Eliz. 
 40). He mentions the issue of a Proclamation for the expulsion of the Hans traders 
 from the Stilliard, but he does not allude to the following extension of the time allowed 
 for their departure, or to the reasons stated for that extension.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Merchants in the Stilliard." 
 
 Md. q d vicesimo sexto die Januarij, anno regni R ne Elizabeth 
 quadragesimo, ista Billa delifcat. fuit Dno custodi magni 
 Sigilli Angl. apud Westm r exequenct. 
 
 " It may please your Lo. to give order that this bill may 
 passe by imedyat warrant. 
 
 W. BURGHLEY. 
 ESSEX. NOTINGHAM. 
 
 Ro. CECYLL." 
 
 ELIZABETH R. 
 
 ELIZABETH, by the grace of God, Queene of England, Fraunce, 
 and Irian d, Defender of the Faith, &c. To our right trustie and 
 welbeloved the Maior and Sheriffes of our citie of London, greet- 
 ing. Whereas, of late, by our Commission directed unto you, 
 we did commaunde you to repaire to the House comonly called the 
 Stilliard, in that our Citie, and for considerations in our said 
 Comission expressed to charge all such marchauntes as belonge 
 to the Haunce Townes, scituate in the Empyre, being resident 
 either within our said Citie or anie other place, to forbeare the 
 trafficque by way of marchandize, and to departe out of our do- 
 mynions by the eight and twentieth daie of this moneth ; which 
 our comaundement, we understande, you have signified unto the 
 Alderman of that House and his Companie, from whoine petition 
 hath ben made unto our Councell, that there might be a longer 
 day given them for their departure. Considering our marchantes 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 2 N
 
 274 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 at Stoade have had a farre longer tyme given them to depart by 
 the Emperors mandat, and for that also it appearith, by dyvers 
 of our subjectes, that there are debtes due to them payable after 
 the same daie, and some debtes also due unto them aunswerable 
 after the same daie ; for clearing whereof, on both partes, and 
 considering also we are informed of some favour used to our 
 marchantes at Stoade, more then was looked for, Wee are pleased 
 to have the daie of our said comaundement for their departure pro- 
 longed, and to permitt them to contynue in the House of the 
 Stylliard untill the last daie of this next moneth of February, or 
 further, as our Councell shall fynde our subjectes well used, to 
 enlarge the same tyme by their letters to be directed unto you. 
 Hereof we require you to gyve them present knowledge of this our 
 favour, charging them, upon their perill, that none of them attempt 
 to departe in the meane season, without satisfaction of our sub- 
 jectes for theire due debtes, as already our Councell by theire 
 letters have gyven you direction. 
 
 SPANISH FLEET IN THE CHANNEL. 
 
 [The particular circumstance to which the following warrant refers is not mentioned 
 by the historians of the time. It was no doubt a false alarm. We have already seen that 
 Essex returned to England in October, 1597, and he was soon afterwards made Earl 
 Marshal, by which style he is addressed below. Four Privy Councillors directed that 
 the Great Seal should be affixed to the Commission " immediately ;" but Sir Robert 
 Cecill was not one of them. He had embarked from Dover for France, as has 
 been already stated, on the 19th February, the alarm of the Spanish fleet being in the 
 narrow seas having then subsided.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Rec. 17 Feb. 1597." 
 
 Decimo septimo die Februarij, anno superscr. ista bill, de- 
 lifoat. fuit Do. custod. Magni Sigilli Angl. apud Westm r . 
 exequend.
 
 SPANISH FLEET IN THE CHANNEL. 275 
 
 Commission for my L. of Essex to repaire to Dover. This is 
 to pass immediatly by the Great Seale. 
 
 R. NORTH. W. BURGHLEY. 
 
 W. KNOLLYS. J. FORTESCUE. 
 
 ELIZABETH. 
 
 ELIZABETH, by the grace of God, Queene of England, France, 
 and Ireland, Defendor of the Faith, &c. To our right trusty 
 and right welbeloved cousin and counsaylor Robert Erie of Essex, 
 Erie Marshall of England, &c., greeting. Whereas we have 
 knowledge given us of a fleete of the King of Spayne that is 
 come into our narrow seas with a force of men, and hath bene 
 discovered betwext Dover and Callais. And being not certain 
 upon what parte of our countries they may offer attempt to land, 
 though presently our High Admirall be gon to putt our shipping 
 in order to withstand the same, and that direction is given to the 
 Lord Cobham to repaier fourthwith into Kent, and the Lord 
 Montjoye to Portsmouth, and the Lord Chamberlain to the 
 Wight ; yet we thinke it meete, and heerby we autorize you to 
 make your present repaier to Dover, and there and from thence 
 along the coaste to commaund all such forces as ought to repayre 
 to the defence of the countries to be ready, with the help and 
 conduct of such skillfull captens as you shall finde needefull in all 
 places, for the defence of the countries. And for this purpose we 
 do by these presents will and command all our Lieutenants, 
 Deputy-Lieutenants, and all Captens of any of our castells and 
 forts, and all other our officers and ministers and subjects what- 
 soever, to be both ayding and assisting to you, and to obeye your 
 directions and commaundements upon the sight or knowledge to 
 be geven to them of these our present letters, as they and every 
 of them will answer for the contrary at their uttermost perills. 
 For your doings herein these our letters shall be your sufficient 
 warrant and discharge. Geven under our Signet at our Palace of . 
 Westminster, the xvij th daye of February, 1597, in the xl tith yere 
 of our Raigne. 
 
 WlNDEBANK.
 
 276 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 ORDERS FOR BORDER AFFAIRS. 
 
 [The following appears to be an official copy of intended regulations in the affairs 
 of the Borders between England and Scotland. The " Brief of the Bounders, Ways, 
 and Passages,'' &c. was found appended, and is a curious topographical relic. There 
 is no indorsement to give us any information of the source whence the details were 
 derived."] 
 
 Orders to be given in her Majesties Border Affayres. 
 April 12. 1598. 
 
 To treate with the AT w ^ at t 7 nie an( * pl ace tne Podges for the 
 Scottish Kinge or Teviotdales shalbe delivered to the Queene, to 
 
 his Ambassador. . . ,, , . , ., , , , ^ _ 
 
 satisne the indent, of the late Com rs , to be as 
 caution for paying the Bills fyled upon their surnames. 
 
 How the Kinge will yett satisne the indent, under his hande 
 alreadie broken, in that the L. Ochilltree delivered not the pledges 
 of the West March, or his Deputie Warden at Torday watche upon 
 the first of Marche. 
 
 Who shall answere as Warden for the midle March of Scot- 
 lande in the absence of Seffurde ; and who shall answere as Warden 
 for the West March of Scotlande. 
 
 Q d t th L That the L. Scroope and the L. Eurie sett 
 
 Scroope and the downe their exceptions in writinge against such 
 poyncts of the Treatie as they approve not ; so 
 as accordinge to the validitie thereof the Treatie may proceede 
 or be reformed. 
 
 Secondly, That the said Lords deliver in writinge the names of 
 such pledges as they or eyther of them have receyved of Baclughe, 
 settinge downe their approbation of the said pledges to thende 
 that, accordinge to the indent, made with Baclughe at Barwicke 
 the xv th of Feb., 97, her Ma tie may eyther acknowledge satis- 
 faction for the said pledges and redeliver his sonne, or Baclughe 
 may be summoned to enter agayne accordinge to his said indent.
 
 ORDERS FOR BORDER AFFAIRS. 277 
 
 That their Lordships shall sett downe their opinion for repeo- 
 plinge the wasted grounds, and exceedinge decayes ofTyndaleand 
 Riddisdale under the L. Eurie, and Bewcastle and Gillslandc 
 under the L. Scroope. 
 
 Order to the Marches T^* a11 displeasures betwixt any of the 
 ingenerail. Wardens and the gentlemen of the cuntrie, 
 
 or betwixt one gentleman and another, be ended. 
 
 That all bandes and kyndnesses made by the English with the 
 Scotts, without the Warden's privitie, be renounced. 
 
 That the Wardens be indelayedly dispatched to their charges, 
 and be readie to order their pledges ; to defende their people ; 
 to renewe the interrupted course of justice ; to holde correspond- 
 ence one with another, agreable to the order hereafter specified. 
 
 That the Midle and West Marches be furnished with conve- 
 nient forces, and order given how those forces shalbe employed, 
 when justice of the Scotlande side is denyed or delayed. 
 
 That a Border Councell be established, the more parte whereof 
 to be resiente at Barwicke ; or that a Commission be graunted to 
 the Governour of Barwicke, to the Wardens of the West and 
 Midle Marches, and to the Marshall, the Tresurer, the M r . of 
 th'Ordinance, the gentleman Porter and Chamberiayne of Barwicke, 
 to joyne in one generall care of the whole borders, in uniforme 
 correspondence one with another, to attende the defence of her 
 Majesties people, redresse of murthers, and recoverie of their 
 spoyles by waie of reprisall, agreable to the treatie or the statute 
 lawes of this Realme, in such attempts wherein justice is denyed 
 or delayed, first by the Warden, then by the Kinge. 
 
 That her Ma tie may give instructions to explayne and limitt 
 this Commission, givinge order to the Governour of Barwicke, 
 upon just occasions, to employ some of the guarison at tymes, 
 places, and occasions found fitt by the said Commissioners or 
 fower of them, whereof the said Governour or the said Wardens 
 to be one. 
 
 That the said instructions may contayne the necessarie rules
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 of lawfull reprisall, gentium jure, sett downe by the civill law- 
 yers : allso agreable to the statute quarto Henrici quinti, and not 
 contrarie to the treaties standinge still in force. 
 
 That the said Commissioners order the matter of the pledges 
 with all other particulars necessarie for settinge the borders in 
 quiett; attendinge- likewise and givinge order to the more im- 
 portant occurrents upon any of the Marches, as an established 
 Councell, until the said Commission shalbe revoked. 
 To be mutually performed That tlie Treatie made by the Commis- 
 by bothe the Princes. sioners be confirmed by the Princes as their 
 
 Actes under their great Scales. 
 
 That certayne tymes and places be sett downe, when and 
 where the Wardens of both sides shall meete to do justice instantly 
 for the instant attempts, and indelayedly for the olde. 
 
 A breife of the Bounderes, Wayes and Passages of the 
 Midle Marche, all a longe the Border of Scotland begin- 
 ing at Chiveat Hill, being the lemyet of the Easte 
 Marche, and ending at Kirsop, the Bounder of the 
 Weste Marche of England. 
 
 Imprimis, a place called the Cribb head, a passage and bye 
 way for the theefe. joyning on the weste ende of Chiveat, and one 
 myle distant from Hexpeth. 
 
 One other passage at Hexpeth gayte heade, called the Cocke- 
 lawe, which Cocklawe is an usuall place where the dayes of 
 Marche be houlden, a myle distant from the Cribb heade. 
 
 On other passage at Mayden Crosse, a myle distant from the 
 Cocklawe. 
 
 An other passage at Hymere Well, distant from the Mayden s 
 Crosse 2 myles. 
 
 An other passage at Kemlespeth, distant from Hymere Well 1 
 myle. 
 
 An other passage at Phillips Cross, three myles distant from 
 Kemlespeth.
 
 ORDERS FOR BORDER AFFAIRS. 279 
 
 An other passage at Readswire, a myle distant from Phillips 
 Cross. 
 
 A passage at a place called the Carlintothe, on the west syde of 
 the Carter, twoe myles distant from the Readeswire. 
 
 A passage at the heade of Parlrigg, on the topp of the Parl fell, 
 twoe myle distant from the Carlintothe. 
 
 A passage at the foote of the Parlerigg, throughe the Meere- 
 dick, att the syde of the Readmosse, a myle distant from the topp 
 of the Parle fell. 
 
 A passage at the Blacklawe, a myle distant from the Mere- 
 dicke. 
 
 A passage at Whithaughe swire, twoe myles from the Black - 
 lawe. 
 
 A passage at the head of Kirsop, three myles distant from 
 Whithaugh swire. 
 
 The Passages of the Scottes all along Rydsdale. 
 
 Bells, the heade of Tindaile, within a myle of Lyddesdale. 
 
 Hellcawdron bournefote, from Bell kirke one myle and more. 
 
 Whele cawsey, in Tyndaile, joyning on the West Tyvidale. 
 
 Carlingtothe, one myle from Whele Cawsey, in Tyndale, joyning 
 on West Tyvidale. 
 
 Robbs cross, halfe a myle from Carlintoth, in Tindaile, joyning 
 on West Tyvidale. 
 
 Battinhoprack, one myle from Robbs Crosse, in Tindale, West 
 Tyvidale. 
 
 From the Wharle Cawsey, in Tindaile, to Readswire Crosse. 
 
 The Cartell fell joynes on West Tyvidayle. 
 
 The Readswire, in the heade of Ryddin Redsdaile, West Tyvi- 
 dale. 
 
 The Townespick, half a myle from Readeswire, West Tyvi- 
 dayle. 
 
 Ramshopp Gavill, from Townes picke halfe a myle, West Tivi- 
 dayle myll, West Tyvidale.
 
 280 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Halkwillis, from Phillipps Crosse halfe a myle, West Tyvi- 
 dayle. 
 
 Spitterpink, from Halkwillis one myle, West Tyvidayle. 
 
 Ammoundlawe, from Spitterpink halfe a myle, West Tyvidayle. 
 
 Kirkforde, from Kemlespethe halfe a myle, joynes on West 
 Tyvidayle. 
 
 Hyndmarswell, from Kirkforde one myle, Easte Tyvidayle. 
 
 Barrestele, from Hindmars Well one myle, Easte Tyvidale. 
 
 Maydenscross, from Blackbray one myle, in Rydsdayle on 
 Cockethead, joynes on East Tyvidale. 
 
 Cocklaw hill, from Maydens Cross two myles. Cokedayle joynes 
 on Easte Tyvidayle. 
 
 Butrodd heade, one myle in Cokedayle, joynes on Easte Tyvi- 
 dayle. 
 
 Hangingstone, from Butrodhead one myle, in Cokdayle, joynes 
 on Chevat on Easte Tyvidayle. 
 
 Aucupswire, from Hangingstone halfe a myle, in Easte Tyvi- 
 dayle. 
 
 Cribbhead, from Awcuppswire half a myle, in Cokdayle. 
 
 East Tyndayle and Cribb is in the Easte Marche of England. 
 
 Tyndayle Passages westwards. 
 
 Bellay of Blackup, from the Bells half a myle, joyne on Lyddes- 
 dayle. 
 
 Blackupsaughes, from the Bellay of Blackup halfe a myle, in 
 Lyddesdayle. 
 
 Murdersrack, from Blackupsaughes one myle, in Lyddesdayle. 
 
 Lanriggfote, from Maydensrack one myle, joyning on Lyddes- 
 dayle. 
 
 Geleecragg, from Langriggfoote one myle, in Ryddesdayle. 
 
 Kirsoppheade, from Geleecragg one myle. 
 
 Kirsoppbrigg, from Kirsopp heade twoe myles, joynes on Lyd- 
 desdayle, and so fronts on the West Marche of England.
 
 THE ISLE OF MAN. 281 
 
 Watches to be kept in Tyndale in tyme of necessitie. 
 
 Spye, Thruspick, Haling, Midleborne, Blackhallborne, Boots- 
 lawe, Jerdin, Smayle, Shortelawe, Heade of Lysborne, Leapilishe, 
 Southside of Tyne ; Kealderedge, Plashetts, Blackharme, North 
 Tyne. 
 
 The Bounders of the frontyrs of this Mydle Marche is 
 knowne all a long by thes places aforenamed, begining 
 at Cheveat, being the ende of the East March of Eng- 
 land, and endeth at Kirsopp head, being the bounder of 
 the West March of England. 
 
 Betwixt the Cribbhead in Cheveat and Kirsop heade is xx tie 
 myles. 
 
 The opposite Warden called Sir Rob. Kerr, Laird of Sefford, 
 who hath twoe houses, Sefford fronting on England, and Halladen 
 in Easte Tyvidayle, for which East and Weste Tyvidayle the said 
 opposite Warden aunswereth, except Baclugh, Farmhirst and 
 Hunthill, his landes exempted by the King. 
 
 Lyddesdayle only governed by Baclughe, and exempted from 
 the Marche. 
 
 THE ISLE OF MAN. 
 
 [The dispute between William Earl of Derby and his three nieces, daughters of Fer- 
 dinando, has been already mentioned (p. 133). The following letter from Popham to 
 Lord Ellesmere has relation to the claims of the Earl and the heirs general, and it 
 seems that the Chief Justice was strongly impressed with the invalidity of the original 
 Patent of Henry IV. Consequently the lordship of the island would again have fallen 
 into the Queen's hands, but Camden tells us (" Annals" in Kennett, ii. 580) that she 
 relinquished her right, and that then an agreement was made between the contesting 
 parties. " The lawyers, (he observes) were of opinion that the King (i. e. Henry IV.) 
 could not legally make any such grant for life, because he was not yet entitled to the 
 forfeiture ; and consequently that the Letters Patent, being grounded on the delivery of 
 the former, were invalid, but that the King had been imposed upon by a false pretence, 
 and therefore the grant was null and insignificant."] 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 2 O
 
 282 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 To the ryght honorable my very good L. Syr Thomas Eger- 
 ton, knyght, L. Keeper of the Great Seal. 
 
 MY humble deuty don unto your L. We have thys afternowne 
 hadd some farther hyeryng off the matter touchyng the He of 
 Man ; and for the title of the Earle, for any thyng yet shewed, yt 
 ys lyke to prove with [not legible] in all our opynyons, for that 
 neyther the Statute of Uses, nor the Statute of Wylles, nor the 
 Statute De Donis Conditionalibus wyll extend to that Hand. Ney- 
 ther do we for anythyng yet appearing se that [not legible] wyll 
 ryse of landes in that He. And for the objectyons made agaynst 
 the orygynall patent of Kyng Henry the fowerth, under which 
 both the Earl and the heires general! must clayme, the severall 
 objectyons made therunto by M r . Attorney the laste day before 
 your L. and the rest, we fynd them not answered as yet, but rather 
 fortefyed more strongly and som others more fallen out now to 
 impech that pattent, for which the Earles consell prayed further 
 tyme to seke the recordes to se yf they cowld fynd any pattent 
 for lyff to John Stanley, meaning betwene October a 6 H. 4 and 
 Mche. a 7 H. 4, that ys existent for seysure and custody; but 
 none yet appearying for lyff as ys mentyoned in the rehersall and 
 consyderation of that of a<> 7 H. 4, and therfore, for any thyng yet 
 appearyng, we are very farre drawen to hold that pattent voyd. 
 We told the Earles cownsell they must serche for these thynges 
 to satesfye your L. and the rest therin by Fryday at the farthest, 
 but touchyng the poynt of the pattent the consell of the heyres 
 generall wold not stand to desyer yt. And even so I humbly take 
 my leave. At Serjantes Inn, the xvij th of June, 1598. 
 
 Your L. most humbly, 
 
 JO. POPHAM.
 
 283 
 
 C. J. POPHAM'S LETTER REGARDING TIN. 
 
 [Why any question respecting " the matter of Tin" came before Sir John Popham 
 does not appear ; and in the following letter from him to the Queen (which no doubt 
 Elizabeth transmitted to Lord Ellesmere) he speaks of " the weakness of his under- 
 standing in matters of that nature." The " brief discourse," which he states he 
 sent to the Lord Keeper, has not survived. The whole of what is given below is in 
 Popham' s handwriting.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere " My L. Chief Justices letter to the Q. Ma 1 ^." 
 
 To the Q. most excelent Ma tie . 
 
 MY most gracious Q. Yt doth not a litle appall me to enter 
 into a dewe con sy deration to whose vewe and sensure these and 
 what else hath ben commanded me shall come : wherfore I do 
 most humbly beseke your Ma tie to beare with and pardon such 
 errors and oversightes as in the depthe of your jugement maye 
 easily be found to have passed therin. 
 
 The cawse that hath hytherunto moved me to forbeare to wryte 
 touchyng the matter of Tynne, as your Ma tie gave me in charge, 
 hath ben for that I desyered fyrst to have spoken with one whome 
 I may trust, that came very latelye out of the liberty, by whome 
 I expected (if I cold have gotten hym) to have ben better informed 
 off the trewe valewe of Tynne in those partes : for I well know 
 that ordynarye merchantes are not to be dealt with therin, who 
 seke by all meanes to conceale the great benefytt of their trades, 
 whether it growe through the Englishe or forrein comodytes ; and 
 I can not thynke that by meanes of the generall companyes of 
 Merchantes your Ma tie shalbe able to advance suche benyfytt to 
 your selff off the Tynne as ys sett downe in the notes, but some 
 other way must be thought off to rayse that, or happely some 
 greater commodyte, which upon conferens hadd with the partie 
 that gate the information (who as yt seemeth hathe muche and to 
 purpose labored in the cawse) may be effected as I am perswaded. 
 Upon my conferens off late with Mr. Myddelton, I fynd ther can
 
 284 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 not be so muche Tynne vented out of this realme yearly as ys 
 pretended by these notes, for upon vewe hadd of his late travelles 
 in the matter of coynage, I perceive that for five yeares together 
 there was yearly brought to the coynage, accounting one yeare 
 with an other, not passing xij c thowsand powndes weight off 
 Tynne, muche wherof is yearly spent in thys realme, as happely 
 some fowerth parte therof; and yf so, then there can not be trans- 
 ported out of thys realme yearly above some ix c thowsand 
 powndes weight theroff ; after which proportion, notwithstandyng, 
 yf it myght be reysed to some perticuler merchantes here from 
 xlviij 5 the hundred (which is the pryce sett downe) to viij d the 
 pownd weight, (which is iiijs the hundred) yet wold yt amount in 
 yearly benyfytt to xiiij m cccc 1 * sterling, and I can not thynke that 
 meanes myght be used that the same or a farre greatter profFyt 
 myght be reysed therof yearly, yf it myght be well handeled and 
 loked into, being as yt ys affirmed to be at some places within 
 the Liberty (at the least) at fower tymes the valewe that yt ys at 
 here. And to be assertained what ys transported yearly I have 
 wysshed M r . Mydelton to informe hymselff by the costome bookes, 
 which he hath promysed to do, which done, and the partie spoken 
 with that delyvered the notes, there may some sure grownd be 
 hadd to settle a more sownd resolution what were fytt to be donne. 
 For the matter of coyne and transportyng of gold out of the 
 realme, I have alredy sent inclosed in a letter to the L. Keper a 
 breiff discorse to be delyvered unto your Ma tie as oportunyte may 
 serve; wherin, as I must trewly acknowledge that I have layd 
 open to your Ma ties vewe the wekenes of my understanding in 
 matters of that nature, yet hadd I rather subject the same to your 
 Ma l y s most gracious and favorable construction, who hath often 
 heretofore boren with many my imperfections, then to have my 
 disobedyens in not performyng what your Ma^ hath commanded 
 justly sensured against me. And even so I do most humbly 
 [pray] hym never to cesse to protect and preserve you, who hy-
 
 SALE OF CROWN LANDS. 285 
 
 therunto hath never leaft to defend you. At Wellington, the ix* h 
 of August, 1598. 
 
 Your Ma 1 )^ most humble and most devoted sub- 
 ject and servant, in all deuty and obedyens, 
 
 SALE OF CROWN LANDS. 
 
 [The Commission appointing certain individuals to regulate and superintend the 
 sale of Crown Lands in the spring of the year 1600, is not extant among the MSS. 
 at Bridgewater House, but the following "Instructions" to them under the sign 
 manual, and subscribed by Sir Robert Cecill, has been preserved in the original. 
 Blackstone, speaking of the stat. 1 Anne, st. 1, ch. 7, complains that it did not pass 
 until it was nearly too late for its object, as " almost every valuable possession of the 
 Crown had been granted away for ever " by previous Sovereigns.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " 9 Martij a 41 Eliz." 
 
 The Queen's Instructions for the Sale of Manors, &c. 
 
 ELIZABETH R. 
 
 Instructions prescribed by the Queenes most excellent Ma tie 
 to the nowe Commissioners for the sale of certaine of 
 her Ma tes Mannors, Landes, Tenements and Heridita- 
 ments, and comaunded by her Ma tie to be dewly ob- 
 served, the nynthe daie of Marche, in the one and fortieth 
 yeere of her highnes Raigne.
 
 286 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 1. No manner, landes, or tenementes, in possession or rever- 
 sion, uppon estate for yeeres, lief or lyves, to be sould under 60 
 yeeres purchase, yf the same by industry may be so sould : other- 
 wise to be sould for so many yeeres purchase as by industry maie 
 be obtained. 
 
 2. No personage, impropriate tithes, or portion of tithes in pos- 
 session or reversion, uppon estate for yeeres, lief, or lives, to be 
 sould under 50 yeeres purchase, yf the same by industry may be 
 so sould : otherwise to be sould for so many yeeres purchase as by 
 industry may be obtayned. 
 
 3. No manners, landes, tenementes, or hereditaments to be 
 graunted in fee farme under 40 yeeres purchase, yf the same by 
 industry may be so sould : otherwise to be sould for so many 
 yeeres purchase as by industry maie be obtained. 
 
 4. No manner above 30 1 . per ann. to be sould, and no manner 
 above that valew to be divided or dismembered. 
 
 5. To sell in fee simple any lands or tenements being holden of 
 us in fee tayle generall or speciall, the reversion belonging to us 
 and our crowne, at such ratable prices as shall seeme reasonable, 
 having respect to the children or other persons no we lyving, to 
 whome the said land maie by possibility discend. 
 
 6. To sell no mannors whereunto any greate woodes of great 
 timber shall belonge, other then such quantity of timber as reason- 
 ably ought to serve for reparation of the howses being within the 
 said mannors. 
 
 7. To take order, by good bondes to our use, for to answere for 
 the full valewe of the woodes growing uppon anie the landes, 
 together with the soile which you shall sell, to be paid within sixe 
 monethes; for which purpose you shall geve warrante for the 
 survey thereof without delaye, at the costes of the purchaser. 
 
 8. That all mannors, landes, tenementes, and hereditamentes to 
 be sould by you, being of or under tenne poundes by the yeere, 
 shall be holden of us, our heires, and successors of some of our 
 mannors in free socage, and not in capite ; and all mannors, landes,
 
 SALE OF CROWN LANDS. 287 
 
 tenementes, and hereditamentes, above x 11 by the yeere, and under 
 xx 1 * by the yeere, in knightes service only and not in capite, and 
 all landes of the yeerely valewe of xx 1 ' and upwardes in capite. 
 
 9. If you shall finde men unwilling that shall refuse to paie in 
 ready money the totall sommes of their purchase, you shall, if 
 you shall finde yt proffitable to advaunce the sale, bargaine with 
 them conditionally to paie the one-half of the money within 14 
 daies after the rates by you assessed, and the rest either within 
 tenne daies after the bill signed, or before the sealing of the 
 grauntes with the great scale, as you shall see cause reasonable 
 for the hastening of payment, foreseeing that the lettres paten tes 
 be not sealed and delivered before the full payment of the money 
 assessed for the purchase. 
 
 10. That no particular be certified of any the said landes but 
 by the auditor of that county where the same landes doe He. 
 
 11. Wee charge you, uppon the trust and confidence wee have 
 and repose in you and every of you, to use your dilligence and 
 fidelity to make the sales at the best price you can, not yeelding 
 to the entreaty or motion of any person of anie estate. 
 
 12. You shall certifie us weekely how much you shall sell, and 
 when you shall have sould to the valewe of one thousand pound 
 landes of cleere yeerly valewe, you shall certifie us. 
 
 13. Provided that no sale or graunt be made of anie of the 
 auncient inheritance of the Crowne, nor of anie of the possessions 
 of the Duchies of Lancaster or Cornewall, nor of anie of the pos- 
 sessions of the Erledome of Chester, nor of anie manners, landes, 
 or tenementes lying neere to anie of our howses of accesse, nor of 
 anie forreste, parkes, or chaces thereunto belonging, nor any landes 
 or tenementes within our Isle of Wighte or Portesmouth, or the 
 Isles of Silley or Shepey, or within our marches towardes Scot- 
 lande. 
 
 Ro. CECYLL.
 
 288 THE EOERTON PAPERS. 
 
 LETTER OF THE EMPEROR OF MUSCOVY. 
 
 [The Muscovy Company was established by Elizabeth iu 1567, and from time to 
 time steps were taken to promote a good understanding between England and Russia 
 and to encourage trade. Such was particularly the case in 1569 and 1583. The letters 
 from the Queen to the Emperor of Russia, to which the following is a reply, were sent 
 out by Francis Cherry, in April, 1598, and the messenger returned in March, 1598-9. 
 In September, 1600, according to Stowe, Ambassadors arrived in London from Russia; 
 but neither he, nor any other authority, mentions the mission of Cherry, nor that of 
 Dr. Ridley, spoken of in the subsequent singular document.] 
 
 Indorsed, " The Translation of the Emperor of Moskovia his letter brought into 
 England by Frauncis Cherie, the 23 of Marche, 1598." 
 
 THROUGHE the tender mercye of God, wherby the dale spring 
 from on highe hath guided our feete into the waye of peace, the 
 same God in Trinetye be praised for his mercye. 
 
 From the right mightie and right noble Prince and great Duke 
 Boris Phedorowick, of all Russia, Volodomer, Moskovia, Novo- 
 gorod, King of Cazan, Astracan, Lord of Dobsco, and great Duke 
 of Smolenskoe, Otner, Ugharia, Perme, Viatskey, Bolghory and 
 other places ; Lord and great Duke of Novogorod in the Lowe 
 Countrey, of Cheringo, Rezan, Poletskey, Rostane, Yerastamley, 
 Belozera and Leifland, of Udorsk, Obdorskey, Conduiskey, and 
 Commaunder of Seberland and the North Costes ; Great Lord 
 over Chirkas and of Ugorskey, and Lorde of manie other Coun- 
 tries, greetinge. 
 
 Right noble and excellent Prince. Your Ma tie hath sent 
 your princelie letters by your subject Frauncis Cherry unto the 
 moste mightie Prince Pheodor Ivanowicke, late Emperor and 
 Great Duke of all Russia, our Predecessor ; whoe, throughe the 
 will of God, being a moste virtuous, renowned, and moste reli- 
 gious Prince, and Lorde of manie kingdomes, advaunced by God 
 to manie worthy dignities of famous memorie, and meritinge 
 eternall honour through the just shineing light, is removed from 
 this light, and hath resigned his wordlie kingdome for a heavenlie 
 and everlasting kingdome.
 
 LETTER OF THE EMPEROR OF MUSCOVY. 289 
 
 By the last will and testament of the said raightie Prince, 
 Emperor, and Great Duke of all Russia, by the moste earnest 
 intreatye of the moste virtuous and religious Empresse of Russia, 
 Alexandra Pheorderonna, our moste deare sister ; by the suettes 
 and praiers of the holie Father, the Patriarke of all Russia, the 
 Metropolitans, Archbishops, and residue of the holie Clergie ; 
 by the importunat petitions of manie noble men and severall 
 Princes, subject to our mightie command and government; by 
 the petitions of our noble Cham, Counsellors, Dukes, Magis- 
 trates, Courtiers, Souldeers, and all other officers throughout our 
 whole Empire of Russia, and by the generall applause of the whole 
 commonaltie of the land, We, Boris Phedorowick, were created 
 Emperor and Great Duke of all Russia, and Commaunder of 
 manie Territories. 
 
 Moreover, our loving sister hath sent over other letters which 
 were presented to our principall officers by Doctor Ridley, which 
 we have caused to be received, and have with all love and kind- 
 nesse considered of them. 
 
 And wee have likewise caused your Ma ties Comissione, gieven 
 to your Messenger Frauncis Cherrie, to be perused by our prin- 
 cipall Counsellors, theffect wherof and alsoe of your Ma^ 8 letters 
 sent by the said Frauncis Cherry, your Messenger, hath bine by 
 him declared to our Councell, all which have bine by them signi- 
 fied to our Highnes. 
 
 Your Mati^ by your said letters, giveth the Great Duke 
 Pheodor Evanowick, lately deceassed, to understand, and to 
 our Highnes likewise, the false reportes and scandalous sugges- 
 tions exhibited by the Pope and the Emperor of Germany ther 
 Ambassadors, protesting your Ma tie to be a mightie supporter of 
 the great Turke against the Emperor and Princes of all Ctiristen- 
 dome, which injurious insinuations your Ma tie doth whoelie frus- 
 trate by many prooffes of your desire to confirme peace betwixt 
 the Turke and Christian Princes, producinge an evident demon- 
 stration therof in workeing and effectinge the last accord and 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 2 P
 
 290 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 agreement betwixt the Turke and the King of Poland ; wherin you 
 shewed your forwardnesse in compassinge a peace for the Ger- 
 maine Emperor, which he at that instant, (judging his power to 
 exceed the Turkes and therebie to have some extraordinary ad- 
 vantadge of him) thought not meet to conclude. 
 
 Uppon receipt of these your Ma ties letters, and perusing of 
 them, althoughe the former suggestions were given out by sondrie 
 Ambassadors and Merchauntes tradinge hither out of divers 
 countries, we rest our selves fullye satisfied, giveing noe creditt 
 unto them. And our Highnes findeth you, our loving sister, to 
 be noe aider or upholder of Turkish forces ; soe we request your 
 Ma tie to continue, and not to enter any confederacy with heathen 
 Princes, nor minister aide, by men or munition ; but rather be 
 a means of piety betwixt all Princes, Christians, to be rooting out 
 of all heathen, soe that Christian forces may prevaile, and heathen- 
 ish whollie be overthrowne. 
 
 Your Ma tie , in your later Letters, geaveth our Highnes to un- 
 derstand the late greif conceived by your Ma* ie for the death of 
 our Predecessor, Pheodor Evanowick, Emperor of all Russia, and 
 the joye likewise of that your Ma tie receaved at the full know- 
 ledg of our electione unto the Empire, being much pleased and 
 verrie glad of the understandinge of those honours which were 
 descended upon us, not forgettinge the love and kindnes shewed 
 by us unto the merchantes residing and trading in our dominions, 
 with assuraunce that the same will continue, profferinge from your 
 self the ratefying of all kynde presentes, and discharge of all friendlie 
 offices towards us. 
 
 We, that by the blessed will of Almightie God, Wee, Boris 
 Phedorowick, created L. Emperor and Great Duke of all Russia 
 and of many other dominions seated in our kingdome, anointed 
 and crowned in the same according to former princelie rites and 
 ceremonies, doe desire of you, our loving sister, Queene Eliza- 
 beth, continuance of the same intercourse of love and frendshipe 
 which passed betwixt the late Emperor Pheodor Evanowick,
 
 LETTER OF THE EMPEROR OF MUSCOVY. 291 
 
 being of our selves moste willinge, in all messages and otherwise, 
 to continue the moste nearest and kyndest love and ametie that 
 maie be for ever. And those, your merchauntes, which have re- 
 course into any of our countries, shall have the full fruition of the 
 like priviledg for your sake, our loving sister, as heretofore they 
 have injoyed; and, especiallie, order shalbe given to our prin- 
 cipall officers to regard the same fullie : for proeff wherof we 
 have, imediatlie after our inthronizement, caused a new priviledg 
 to be given to your merchauntes to trade freelie into all our 
 kingdomes and dominions, without paieinge anie maner of toll or 
 costome, or without anie maner of contribution what soever, and 
 have caused our golden scale to be sett unto the same, and deli- 
 vered it and sent it by your Messenger Frauncis Cherry to be 
 scene. 
 
 Your Highnes shall further understande, that, whereas you 
 desire our princely Ma tie would further suffer Docter Mark 
 Ridley to retorne into England, we have, uppon your motion, 
 geaven him full leave and libertie to departe at such tyme as he 
 himselfe shall thinke convenient. And if hereafter any Docters, 
 learned men in secret artes, artificers, or such like, have a deter- 
 mination or desire to travell into our dominions with intent to 
 searve, our request unto your Highnesse is, to permitt such 
 cunning and learned Docters, artificers, &c., freelie to have 
 accesse unto our dominions, whome we will admite into our 
 princelie presence and intartainment in bountifull manner ; whoe 
 having searved our Highnes and willing to departe into ther owne 
 countrey, shall have free permission to retorne at ther owne 
 pleasure without any stay or hindrance, and shall receave a 
 worthie stipend according to ther desertes, and injoy ther freedome 
 and liberty. 
 
 Our Highnes is given to understande that you, our loveing 
 sister Elizabeth, have ministred aide unto Sigismundus, King of 
 Poland, against Duke Charles of Swethen. We doe require of 
 your Ma tie to certify us in what sorte you furthre the Kinge of
 
 292 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Poland againste the said Duke, with men, munition, and money, 
 and that this might be knowne with all such expedition or conve- 
 nient speede as your Ma tie can. 
 
 We desire your Ma tie not to support anie of those with men, 
 munition, or money, which professe themselves enimies of such 
 princes as are under our mightie government, or are confederated 
 and live instantlie in leage and ametie with us, that the ametie that 
 is betwixt our Highnes and your Ma tie may noe way be dimi- 
 nished. 
 
 Your Ma ties messenger, Frauncis Cherry, hath continued in 
 our dominions upon affaires touching your Highnes longer then 
 we ment to have stayed him, had we not bine hindred by urgent 
 affaires. 
 
 Written in our princelie Palace of Mosko, from the Creation 
 of the Worlde 7101 yeares, the moneth of December. 
 
 FRANCIS CHERRY'S VOYAGE TO RUSSIA. 
 
 [What follows is an amusing narrative drawn up by Francis Cherry of his voyage to 
 Russia, from his arrival at Archangel, on the 3d June, 1598, until his return. It is 
 not stated for what purpose, nor for whose information the account was drawn out, but 
 it would seem that the MS. at Bridgewater House is not the original. 
 
 Indorsed, " A Declaration of the Proceedings of Fra. Cherry, sent as a Messenger 
 from her Ma tie to the Emperour of Russia. 1598." 
 
 The 24 th of March, 1598. 
 
 A Declaration of the proceedinge of me Fraunces Cherry, 
 sente as a Messenger by her Ma tie to the Emperour of 
 Muscowia, with her Highnes letters in Aprill, 1598, with 
 instructions to satisfye the sayde Emperour in some 
 points of the sayde letters more amplie then the same 
 were touched in the letters.
 
 FRANCIS CHERRY'S VOYAGE TO RUSSIA. 293 
 
 I WENTE out of Englande from Harwich the 20 th of Aprill, 
 1598, and arrived att St. Michael Tharchangell, in Russia, the 3 
 of June followinge, wher upon .my arryvall learned that Theodor 
 was lately dead, and the Lord Borris Thedorowick was elected 
 Emperour. 
 
 Being arrived, not as a marchant but as a messenger to the 
 Emperour with letters, was, accordinge to the custome of the 
 countrey, received ashore by certaine gentlemen, officers to the 
 Governor of the sayd porte of Archangell, and brought to the 
 same Governour, to whome having declared that I was come 
 thether as a messenger from her Matie with letters to the Empe- 
 rour and to the Lord Borris Theodorowick, he tolde me that I might 
 not passe to the Musco untill the sayd Governour had sent up 
 word to the Emperour, and had received order for my goinge to 
 the Musco j yet notwithstandinge, upon the viewe of her Ma ties 
 letters salf conducte, and upon further delyberation, he was con- 
 tente to sende me awaye conducted with a gent., and delyvered me 
 eight post horses, with comyssion to be supplyed with chandge of 
 horses untill I should come to the Musco, which was distante 
 from S l . Michael Tharchangell 1200 Englishe miles. 
 
 I arived at the Musco the 22 d of June, at which time the Empe- 
 rour was in campe against the Cryme Tartar, about one hundreth 
 miles dystant from the Musco ; and the next daye after my arivall 
 sent my servant with letters toward the campe, directed to Vatilly 
 Cholcan, Lo. Chauncelor to the Emperor, to whom all messengers 
 make fyrst repayer from forreine partes before they have accesse 
 to the. Emperor, and made him acquainted with my arivall with 
 her Ma ties letters, whoe ymedyatly made yt knowen to the Empe- 
 rour, and after returned my man againe, requiringe me to abyde at 
 the Musco untill the Emperor came thether, which wolde be 
 about x daies after. 
 
 The Emperour retorninge the 2 of July to the Musco, I attended 
 his Highnes pleasure untill I was sente for to deliver her Ma ties
 
 294 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 letters, which was nyne dales after his returne from the carape. 
 Butt the letters appearing, one of them to be directed to 
 Theodor late Emperour, and thother to himself, not as Empe- 
 rour but as Lord Borris Theodorowick, therefore I was not 
 admitted to delyver them to his owne handes; butt they were 
 received of me by the sayd Lo. Chauncelor, whoe told me they 
 shold be translated and his Majesty made acquainted with the 
 tenor therof. The letters and alsoe my instructions beinge trans- 
 lated into the Russe tongue, the same was delyvered the nexte 
 daye after to the Emperor, who havinge consydered of the con- 
 tents therof, answere was gyven me by the Lo. Chauncelor from 
 his Ma tie . that the Emperour wolde not geve any order for the 
 answearinge of forreyne letters, nor enter into any treaty therof, 
 untill his Coronation was passed, which was appointed the fyrst 
 of September followinge, beinge two monthes after the dely- 
 very of her Ma tie s letters ; butt withall he tolde me that the Empe- 
 rour received her Ma ties letters most graciously, and was well 
 pleased with the contents therof. 
 
 The meane tyme, between the delyvery of her Ma* ies letters and 
 the Emperour's Coronation, I solecyted the said Lo. Chauncelor, 
 both in the pointes of my instructions concerninge the wronge 
 done to her Ma tie by the Pope's Legate, and [blank in MS.] 
 Ambassador, which was the cause of my ymployment into Russia, 
 and alsoe of the renewinge of the pryveledges to the Company by 
 the sayd Emperour, whom I found verry favorably inclyned to 
 any thinge that I moved hym in. 
 
 And havenge daily accesse to the said Chauncelor, and much 
 conference with him, he seeminge to affecte the good successe of 
 my busynes, did, about 4 or 5 dayes before the Emperor's Coro- 
 nation, question with me whether I had any present from her 
 Ma tie to deli ver to the Emperor ; to whom I answered, I had not, 
 for that I came not with letters of congratulation to his Highnes 
 admittinge to the Orders, butt uppon other occasions, as appeareth
 
 FRANCIS CHERRY'S VOYAGE TO RUSSIA. 295 
 
 
 
 by the letters. Yet, notwithstanding, he directed me, by order from 
 the Emperor, to shewe my selfe upon the Coronation daie, when 
 the Emperour shoulde retorne from his anoyn tinge. 
 
 Upon which day of Coronation I was apointed by the Chauncelor 
 too stande at the churche doore in which his Ma 116 was crowned, 
 to which church he came from his pallace by a secret way not 
 publicly scene, butt in his returne after his anointinge he came 
 from the church to his pallace with the crowne upon his heade, a 
 septor in his righte hande and a globe in his lefte hande ; and as 
 he passed by he staied and spake to me enquiringe of her Ma ties 
 health, wherof when he understoode hee seemed to rejoyce, and 
 willed me to assure her Ma*y that the slaunderous reports, wherof 
 her Ma ties letters mention, had no credytt with him, and gave me 
 his hande to kysse, promysinge me my dispatch to her Maties good 
 lykeinge, sayinge further, in stead of invitinge you home to me to 
 dynner, I will sende you of my provisyon. 
 
 Wythin one houre after my returne to my lodginge, ther repaired 
 home to me a gent, pentioner of the Emperors, and presented mee 
 from his Ma tie with thirteen carts, laden with victualls and severall 
 kindes of meat and made wines, contayninge thes several parti- 
 culars : 
 
 1 barrell of raspe wine. 
 
 1 barrell of blacke chery wine. 
 
 1 barrell of redd chery wine. 
 
 1 barrell of white Meade. 
 
 1 barrell of Muskadine Meade. 
 
 3 greate loves of his Ma*) 8 finest bread. 
 
 1 elke, or loshe, new killed. 
 
 2 lyve boares. 
 10 fatt weathers. 
 
 10 Seeches of bacon. 
 20 heanes. 
 05 quicke hares. 
 10 ducks.
 
 296 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 04 wilde geese. 
 12 chickyns. 
 With dyvers dyshes redy dresed. 
 
 The feastinge of his coronation contayninge [continuing?] ij 
 dayes, nothinge was done all that tyme by reason of the solem- 
 nitie ; and that being ended, there happened other ympedyments, 
 viz. the sicknesse of the old Empresse, which is syster to this 
 Emperour, whoe laie in a monastrey three miles dystant from the 
 Moskoe, by reason of whose sycknes, for the space of sixe weekes 
 togeather, his Ma tie was not to be drawen into the hearing of 
 any matter of busines, for that he spent the most of that time 
 with her. 
 
 The late Empresse beinge recovered of her sycknes, his Maty was 
 mindfull of the answearinge of her Highnes letters, wherto he had 
 so honorable and carefull regarde that he called often times for the 
 sayde letters before they were latly written, and caused them to 
 be altred in dyvers points, indovoringe to give her Maty full con- 
 tentemente, both in the answeare of her Highnes letteres and alsoe 
 in the graun tinge of a newe pryviledge for her marchants, wherin 
 he hath caused his sonne to joyne with him in the graunte of the 
 same pryviledges. 
 
 The letters and priviledges beinge made ready for my dispatch, 
 I was sente for the 17 th of December to come to the Lo. Chaun- 
 celor to receyve the same, which beinge delyvered me in the name 
 of the Emperor, with his Highnes salutation to her Ma tie , he gave 
 me this by waie of charge to be solicited to her Ma tie , that her 
 Highnes would be mindfull to satisfy the Emperor with letters whe- 
 ther she gave ayde to the Kinge of Polande against Duke Charles 
 of Swethen with men and shipping the last sommer, whereof the 
 Emperor hath byn advertised ; and yf she had that her Highnes 
 wold make her self noe partye in those warres, but for his sake 
 desyst from further supplyinge of ayde against his loveinge confe- 
 derat the said Duke Charles. 
 
 The answearinge of this pointe of the Emperor's letter wilbe
 
 FRANCIS CHERRY'S VOYAGE TO RUSSIA. 297 
 
 looked for to be broughte by some messenger to come from her 
 Ma^, w hen shee sendeth to congratulate with him for his cominge 
 to the order, which was looked for to have come by the last shipps, 
 but that was excused by reason of the shortnes of the time and 
 the uncertaintie of the reporte of the deathe of the former 
 Emperor. 
 
 Upon the 22 of December I departed from the Musko, and had, 
 by the Emperour's appointment, a gent, pensioner to accompany 
 me over lande to the uttermost border of Russia, which is 700 
 miles, who defrayed all my chardges untill I came out of the 
 countrey, and supplyed me with xvj post horses, lykewies free of 
 all chardges. 
 
 Uppon the 28th of December I came to Dorpte, which is the 
 fyrst city of Leeflande that bordereth upon the Russe, and beinge 
 knowen to be an Englyshe man I was ther staled by the Gover- 
 nour of Dorpte, by pretence that our nation had done that coun- 
 trey wronge in theyr customes, for that in thes tenne yeeres space, 
 whilest he was Governour, they had made trade from Pleskoe 
 backe to St. Michael's of flax and other goods, and shipped them 
 there for Englande, which were to have paide custome at Dorpte, 
 and were to be carried through Polande, to the advauncementes 
 of the customes of other the kinges cities in those partes, and 
 untill I wold satisfye thos pretended customes I should not de- 
 parte. Wheruppon I produced her Ma ties salf conduct, wherof he 
 made noe accompte, aleadginge he gave the like to those he thought 
 meete, but for my selfe to rest contented, for untill such time as 
 I sholde see the said customes payde I sholde nor hope for any 
 sufferance nor departe, which matters he uttered with many un- 
 seemely wordes and inraged went out of the towne ; nor wolde he 
 stay for any answeare, nor admitt my selfe nor any for me to use 
 any meanes of a dispatch, unlesse I wold yeeld to his unreason- 
 able demaunde; which I withstood for the space of 17 daies, and 
 in the ende, findinge that I cold not be dyschardged, I was driven 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 2 Q
 
 298 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 to geeve to the Governour and the Lieftenante a rewarde, and so 
 obtained leave to departe; when gyveing me leave to goe for- 
 warde, and not directly for Englande, he sent me with a company 
 of gentlemen to make knowen upon what affaires I was ymploide 
 from her Matie unto the Emperour of Russia, and willed certaine 
 Commissioners to meete togeather from the Kinge at Wenden, 
 for matters best knowen unto themselves. I dyspatched my neces- 
 saries the directest way to Ryge, which, uppon my comeinge to 
 Wenden, unknowen to me, were sente for back againe and 
 broughte into the castle there as they were all sealed up, and my 
 servauntes sente unto me to my lodgeinge. And they sente unto 
 me to my lodginge, sayenge the principall of the Parlamente was 
 the Archbishop of Rustimerick, who at my beinge ther managed 
 all matters. The rest of the Commyssioners beinge not fully come 
 togeather, the morninge after returne of my necessaries, I was 
 sente for unto the castle, wher the Archbushopp, Chauncelor, 
 and the Governour of the citie, willed me to shewe such coppies 
 of letters I presented from her Ma tie unto the Emperor of Russia, 
 and with them my instructions ; which in respect I was purswaded 
 her Maty would have published throughe all Christendome, refused 
 not to shewe unto them, beinge at that presente amongst the rest 
 of my wrightinges in theyr handes and custody. Theis letters 
 they caried to the Archbishop ; whoe desired, after sighte, that I 
 woulde sett my hande unto them, and that his purpose was that 
 he woulde send them all unto the Kinge of Poland, whose likinge 
 must be my dyspatch or further staie, for untill such tyme as his 
 pleasure was knowen concerninge them he could not suffer me to 
 departe. I marvailed at this unkinde dealinge, and demaunded 
 the reason, and nothinge would be answeared to anny purpose ; 
 soe that I requested I might have libertie my self to repaier unto 
 the Court, there to answere any thinge that might be objected. 
 Butt that wolde not be graunted, because the K. pleasure was not 
 fullye knowen whether I sholde come unto him or not.
 
 FRANCIS CHERRY'S VOYAGE TO RUSSIA. 299 
 
 The same day, in the after noone, I was sent for againe into the 
 castle, only to see my necessaries perused by them, and a laste 
 note of all thinges taken, not soe much lefte as a small quantity 
 of money which I brought with me to defray my charges, out of 
 which they made me some small allowance to pay my present 
 expences ; soe sealinge upp every parcell by it self, they willed me 
 to departe. I then grewe very urgente to understande the ground 
 of their extremities, protestinge the abuses to be more then they 
 could answere to the Kinge, in regarde that her Ma tie was then in 
 league with him. The Chauncellor then resited that he under- 
 stoode the matter otherwies then I hope he had hearde of, for, 
 said hee, those tearmes of league have now taken an ende, her 
 Ma tie shewing her self to be an ayder and maintainer of Duke 
 Charles of Swethland, the Kinges only professed enemye; and 
 that I shoulde not doubte of her Ma ties forwardnesse in strength- 
 eninge the Duke, he assured me the reporte did proceed from the 
 Generall of the Kinge^s army in Swethland, now one of the Com- 
 missioners and a faythfull eye witnes of the premisses, and alleadged 
 an Ambassador of her Ma tie to be staied in Elbing, without per- 
 mission to passe into Englande. He delyvered all my private 
 wrightinges, with the priviledge graunted by the great Duke, only 
 his letter unto her Ma^e he retorned with those speeches, that my 
 persone was of more vallewe then those letters, and soe for that 
 time we parted. 
 
 Theis matters were so hardly aleadged, and upon them a com- 
 plainte made of some hard intertainement shewed unto the Kinge's 
 Embassador at his beinge in Englande with an unexpected answer, 
 soe that I was perswaded by their pressinge me forwarde to sett 
 my hande to those coppies, that I should obtaine noe lyberty till 
 such time as the Kinge sholde sende his orders, to hasten the 
 which I grewe to be a sutor unto the Archbishop for libertie for 
 any of my servantes to passe into the Court with his messendger. 
 I coulde hardly obtaine it ; yet in th'end, upon condition that I
 
 300 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 wolde plight my faith not to suffer him whome I should sende to 
 converse with any Englysh men at Ryge or elsewhere, nor ymparte 
 my staie in letters unto any man, he would graunt me that favour. 
 The reason why he wolde the matter shoulde be kepte sylente 
 was for that her Ma tie hadd already geven sufficient testimony of 
 her bouldnes (as he tearmed it), in soe as when shee shall under- 
 stande that her messenger is heer detained, shee will presently 
 seaze of some of the Kinges subjects and worke a speedy revenge. 
 I wished him to consider better of the matter, which beinge com- 
 menced in publike coulde not longe be smothered, thoughe I shoulde 
 be satisfyed. The sixth daie after my comeinge thether, the Arch- 
 byshop sent for the coppies framed by mee, and for him likewies, 
 that should [blank in MS.] unto the Kinge. Both were sente 
 unto him : he demaunded only the perusing of that letter which 
 was written unto the Lo. Borris Phedorowitz, which now is Em- 
 peror. It was shewen and translated unto him. The points con- 
 cerninge her Ma 1168 kindnes to the Kinge of Polande, recited in 
 them, were all acknowledgede and shewe made of very good likinge 
 of the rest. Uppon sighte of those letters the Archbishop began 
 to deliberate againe on them with the Palentine of Permon, 
 willinge those to departe that broughte the letters. After noone 
 he sent unto me his Chancelor with those letters he had framed 
 to the Kinge in my behalf, willinge to knowe how they contented me. 
 I thanked him of his kindnes, notwithstandinge that he might have 
 eased himself of that trouble yf yt would please him to consyder 
 well how the matter stoode, that he had received noe comyssion 
 from the Kinge to make stay of any ymployed by her Ma l >' ; nor 
 of her ordenary subjects, which I would wyshe him well to think 
 uppon. The Chauncelor returned with this answeare and pre- 
 sently came unto me againe, makinge a longe relation of the good 
 and vertuous dysposition of the Archbishoppe, how much he 
 endeavoured to avoyd all contention, thoughe it happened to his 
 owne disgrace. He gave me therfore to understand that I had
 
 FRANCIS CHERRY'S VOYAGE TO RUSSIA. 301 
 
 my libertye to departe, that my necessaries should be restored, 
 and advysed with all I shoulde make the most speede I coulde to 
 avoyde out of the towne, to shone any vyolence that might hapen 
 by those which were yett to come, beinge men of great mighte, 
 and attended upon by whole armies (as he tearmed yt) whose 
 dyspositions happelye were not soe inclynable to unitie, being 
 dyfferente in religione, yet caried as great comaunde as himself, 
 therefore not to be governed by him, and soe with my kinde salu- 
 tations from his M r . he departed. 
 
 The morrowe after he restored what he had taken, and willed 
 me to come unto him. He intreated me verry kindly, and alleadged 
 for excuse of my stay that I was sent unto him by the Governor 
 of Dorpte as one ymployed in Princes affayres, and that he could 
 not without mature deliberation and good advice suffer me to goe 
 forward. He for himself was willing to entertaine love and 
 ametye with all, and seemed to be much greeved that it was his 
 happe to be an instrumente of my trouble, butt havinge no expresse 
 order from the Kinge to make staye of any Englyshmen, thoughe 
 he feared it woulde incurre the displeasure of his Ma*y and generall 
 dyslike of the other Comissioners, yet woulde he rather hazarde 
 all whatt coulde be objected against my liberty then by further 
 restraint to urdge my dyslike or dysagreement betwixt the Queenes 
 Ma tie and the Kinge his M r . And for further proof therof hee 
 there made proffer of himself to be at her Ma*i es pleasure to 
 effecte any matter with the Kinge his M r . in her behalf, which 
 shee might assuer herself of, yf hir Ma* ie by her letters woulde 
 make tryall of his service. And soe, with many intreties not to 
 misconster his meaninge in my detainemente, with reverence done 
 unto lier Ma 1 ?, he bade me farewell.
 
 302 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 TENURE OF ROYAL MANORS, &c. 
 
 [The following instrument was not issued until some months after the date of the 
 " Instructions " printed on a preceding page. It seems to have been rendered neces- 
 sary by legal difficulties which had arisen. It is countersigned at the end by Sir Ed- 
 ward Coke, then Attorney General.] 
 
 ELIZABETH R. 
 
 WE are well pleased that all manners, being under the cleere 
 yerely valewe of xx 1 *, not being restrayned by our former instruc- 
 tions for other respectes, shall (yf for the furtheraunce of our 
 sales and our better sen-ice yt shall so seeme good to our com- 
 missioners in that behalf,) passe and be houlden in socage. 
 
 And that all manners, being of the cleere yerely valewe of 
 twentye poundes, and under the cleere yerely valewe of thirtie 
 poundes, not being restrayned by our said instructions for other 
 respectes, shall (yf for the furtheraunce of our sales and our better 
 service, yt shall so seeme good to our comissioners in that be- 
 half,) passe and be houlden by knightes service only, and not in 
 capite. 
 
 And that all manners, being of the cleere yerely valewe of 
 thirtye poundes, and under fortye poundes, not being restrained 
 by our former instructions for other respectes, shall (yf for the 
 furtheraunce of our sales and our better service, yt shall seeme good 
 to our comissioners,) passe and be holden in capite. 
 
 Wee are likewise well pleased that all landes and tenementes 
 which are no manners, nor parcell of anie manners, being under 
 the cleere yerely valewe of fortye poundes, nor being restrained 
 by our former instructions for other respectes, shall (yf for the 
 furtheraunce of our sales and our better service, yt shall so seeme 
 good to .pur comissioners in that behalf,) passe and be holden in 
 socage. 
 
 And that all landes and tenementes which are no manners, nor 
 parcell of anie manners, being of the cleere yeerely valewe of
 
 TENURE OF ROYAL MANORS, ETC. 303 
 
 fortye poundes, and under the cleere yerely vale we of threescore 
 poundes, not being restrayned by our former instructions for 
 other respectes, shall (yf for the furtheraunce of our sales and 
 our better service, yt shall so seeme good to our comissioners in 
 that behalf,) passe and be holden by knightes service. 
 
 And that all landes and tenementes which are no manners, nor 
 parcelles of manners, being of the cleere yerely valewe of three- 
 score poundes, not being restrained by our former instructions for 
 other respectes, shall (yf for the furtheraunce of our sales and 
 our better service, yt shall so seeme good to our comissioners,) 
 passe and be houlden in capite. 
 
 We are likewise well pleased that all tithes and rectories, 
 being under the cleere yerely valewe of fiftye poundes, not being 
 restrained by our former instructions for other respectes, shall (yf 
 for the furtheraunce of our sales and our better service, yt shall 
 so seeme good to our comissioners,) shall passe and be houlden 
 in socage, and not in capite. 
 
 And that all tithes and rectories, being of the cleere yerely 
 valewe of fyftye poundes, and under the cleere yerely valewe of 
 three score and tenne poundes, and being restrayned by our 
 former instructions for other respectes, (yf for the furtheraunce 
 of our sales yt shall so seeme good to our comissioners,) shall 
 passe and be holden by knightes service. 
 
 And that all rectories and tithes, being of the cleere yerely 
 valewe of three score and tenn poundes, not being restrained by 
 our former instructions for other respectes, (yf for the further- 
 aunce of our sales yt shall so seeme good to our comissioners,) 
 shall passe and be holden in capite. Given the ninetenth daye of 
 June, in the fortith and one yeare of our raigne. 
 
 EDW. COKE.
 
 304 
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 DEATH OF THE LORD KEEPER'S SON. 
 
 [The following is an exceedingly characteristic letter from Lord Essex to Lord El- 
 lesmere on the death of his eldest son, Thomas Egerton, who accompanied the Earl 
 into Ireland in March, 1599. The loss of so promising a young soldier, and so dear a 
 friend, no doubt contributed not a little to the disgust Lord Essex seems at this 
 period to have felt towards the country.] 
 
 To the right honorable my very good L., the L. Keeper of 
 the greatt scale of England. 
 
 WHATT can you receave from a cursed cuntry but unfortunate 
 newes ? whatt can be my stile (whom heaven and earth are agreed 
 to make a stranger,) butt a stile of mourning? nott for my self 
 that I smart, for I wold I had in my hart the sorow of all my 
 frends, butt I mourne thatt my destiny is to over live my deerest 
 frendes. Of your losse, yt is nether good for me to write, nor you 
 to reede ; but I protest I fealt myself sensibly dismembred when 
 I lost my frend. Shew your strength in lyfe. Lett me, yf yt be 
 Gods will, shew yt in taking leave of the world and hasting after 
 my frends. Butt I will live and dy, 
 
 Arbrachan, this last of August.
 
 305 
 
 LETTER OF CONDOLENCE. 
 
 [The subsequent letter must have been sent to Lord Ellesmere very soon after the 
 distressing news of the death of his son had reached him. It is to be observed that, 
 although the body of the letter is written by Sir Robert Cecill, the superscription is in 
 the handwriting of Lord Bacon. It is possible that he had something to do with the 
 composition of it, and some of the expressions resemble others in his " Essays," 
 printed not long before.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Mr. Secretarye." 
 
 To the right hon ble ray very good Lord, the L. Keper of the 
 great scale of England. 
 
 MY good L. Discretion hath overruled my affectionate desire 
 to have visited you er this time, knowing that the sight of freends 
 do rather revive then suspend sorrovves. But, my L., I doubt 
 not but your wisedome will abiidge the time in which griefs are 
 remedied, and your experience of the world make you compatible 
 with these accidents, which are comon and unavoydable. It is 
 not therfore (beyond Natures tribute, which flesh and blood can 
 not withold in some proportion,) fitt for your place and your 
 person to mourn when the blow is past, and not to be prevented, 
 and the arm that strook it powerfull and not contented if it be 
 repined at ; especially when he that made him hath him, and lent 
 him you so long, till he had don honour to his country and to his 
 howse. I pray your Lp., therfore, pay those debts in which the 
 expectation and experience of your moderation in all things have 
 tyed you more then others (that are compounded of humours and 
 passions), and thogh this stile of mine be full of weaknes in r.e- 
 spect of other your wiser freends, yet let my affection make, by 
 these defects, from whom you may build surely to receave all 
 effects of an honest man, and one that in this request, and all 
 other, will veld you the just accompt of him that hath vowed him 
 self unfainedly 
 
 Your Lp's trew fr. to com., 
 
 Ro. CECYLL. 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 2 R
 
 306 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 BARON OF THE EXCHEQUER IN CHESHIRE. 
 
 [It is not stated by whom the following paper on the duties, emoluments of, and 
 infringements upon, the office of Baron of the Exchequer of the county palatine 
 of Chester was drawn up ; perhaps by Alex. Cotes, whose name has been already 
 introduced. It shews that Lord Ellesmere, as Chamberlain of Chester, had procured 
 his son, John Egerton, afterwards the first Earl of Bridgewater, to be appointed Baron 
 of the Exchequer of Chester in May, 1600. The writer mentions having previously 
 given some " brief notes" to Lord Ellesmere of the " wrongs" done to the Baron's 
 office, adding, however, that though " some course for reformation " was taken, nothing 
 was done. From the conclusion it appears that the paper was sent to Mr. Egerton for 
 his information on the subject of the rights and fees of his office.] 
 
 Indorsed, " For Mr. Egerton, his Ho. Sonne and heire apparante. Maie, 1600." 
 
 i Compilatum Cestr. Officium Baronis Scij Cestr. 
 
 The State and Righte of the saide Baron's Offyce, as the same 
 is to be proved by recordes, and auncyente evidence and 
 testymony. 
 
 That the Baron is her Ma ties second offycer in that Corte for 
 the admynystration of justyce. And the same offyce hath al- 
 waies ben graunted by her Ma^e and her noble progenytors for 
 terme of lyffe, to execute by hymself or by his deputie, with the 
 fee of vj d per diem. 
 
 That the Baron and his clerkes are to make all proces, patentes 
 and wrytynges of the Corte whatsoever, to wryte and enter all 
 rolles of maynprize, recognyzances, inrollmentes, and all other 
 wrytynges used within the Corte, and to ingrosse all the Kynges 
 recordes there. 
 
 That they ought to have a keye of theschequer dore and free 
 accesse, serche and commynge at all tymes to the Kynges re- 
 cordes there, and to have his auncyent place there for hym and his 
 clerkes onlye. 
 
 That they ought to receyve all the proffcttes of the Corte, and 
 of late tyme, by awarde, to yelde to the Chamberlayne two partes, 
 and to reteyne hymself the third parte.
 
 BARON OF THE EXCHEQUER IN CHESHIRE. 307 
 
 The wronges now done to the same Offyce. 
 
 The keye of thexchequer dore is taken awaie, whereas, in my 
 tyme of service, the Chamberlayne had one, and the Baron an 
 other, as the cheiffe offycers have in the Exchequer at West- 
 minster, and other Cortes there, for their free accesse to the Corte, 
 execution of their offices, and service of her Matie. 
 
 The free accesse to the recordes is restreyned, and the makynge 
 and proffett of all copies of recordes is taken awaie. 
 
 The examination of wytnesses, and the copies of all wytnesses 
 in Corte, or by commyssion, is also taken awaie. 
 
 The recepte of the Issues of the Seale is taken awaie, and 
 divers other proffettes are taken from the Barons, and not in 
 dyvidente. And in my tyme of service the copies generallie were 
 not in dividente, but the Barons clerkes had the whole proffettes 
 thereof without accompte. After, the same were in dyvident, and 
 j d per shete allowed to the Barons clerkes for copies, and now that 
 allowance is taken awaie. 
 
 By these wronges, almost two partes of the proffettes of 
 the Barons offyce is taken awaie, whereof I gave lyke 
 breiffe notes to Sir Thomas Egerton, your ho. father, 
 who did take some corse for reformation, but nothynge 
 done. 
 
 And in discharge of my duetie I do now offer the same, 
 alwaies ready to make the trueth manyfeste as well by 
 recordes and evidences as by my knowledge in my tyme 
 of service.
 
 308 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 THE ROKEBY FAMILY. 
 
 [The following is an interesting and curious family record respecting the execution 
 of the will of Mr. Ralph Rokeby by William Lambarde, the distinguished antiquary 
 and lawyer. The testator was a member of Lincoln's Inn, and subscribed the Deed of 
 Association there in 1584 (Vide p. 109 of this collection), but the precise date of his 
 death is not stated. Many of the bequests and disbursements are singular, and Lam- 
 barde, as executor, seems to have kept and made out his account with the utmost 
 minuteness.] 
 
 Indorsed by W. Lambarde, " The Execution of the laste Wille of Mr. Ra. 
 Rokebye, 24 Junij, 1600. By W. La." 
 
 The Accompte of me William Lambard touching the summe 
 of 1970. 6*. 2d. (lefte in my handes the 15th of Julie, 
 1596, for the execution of the laste wille of Mr. Raphe 
 Rokeby, and for discharge of his Funerals, Debtes, and 
 other charges), standeth upon theise disbursementes, 
 viz. 
 
 249. 1 7*. 8d. upon the Funerals and probate of the Wille. 
 
 s. d. 
 The Draper, Mr. Johnson, for Blackes, new coloured 
 
 clothe, and for the use and losse of Bayes /. 167 9 
 The Heraldes (Clarencieux and Lancaster) and 
 
 theire Ministers , . . . , t . . . . 30 10 
 
 A Carpenter, for woorke about the Church . . 17 3 
 
 The Clerke of S*. Androes parish for church dueties 211 
 The Churchewardeins of St, Androes for the poore 
 
 theare ... . . . . .' 200 
 
 The Churchewardeins of St. Dunstanes for the lyke 200 
 The principall of Furnivalles Inne for a drinking for 
 
 the gent, theare in their halle y . . . 1 15 
 
 The principall of Thavyes Inne for the lyke theare . 0176 
 The cheif Butler of Lincolnes Inne and others for 
 
 the lyke theare . . . . . . .10011
 
 THE ROKEBY FAMILY. 309 
 
 
 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 Mr. Eglonbye (the preacher of Lincolnes Inne) 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 Mr. Young (the Chaplayn of Lincolnes Inne) 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Syngingmen and Choristers . 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 The Cooke for hyre of vessell . , ; -'',. # '.f ; 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 The Butlers and Panyermen of Lincolnes Inne for 
 
 
 
 
 reward .... . t .. ', ?, . . >-,>: 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 The Marbler, Paynter, and Churchewardeins for the 
 
 
 
 
 monument in S*. Androes Churche 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 A Proctor for charges in the Prerogative Court, and 
 
 
 
 
 at St. Chaterines, and in Yorkshyre for several 
 
 
 
 
 probates and exemplifications of the Wille : 
 
 23 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 285. 11*. 3d. in Legacies to theise persons following, viz. to - 
 
 Sir Drue Drurye, knight r v" 'U ' ;i f i>< ' *" 
 
 20 
 
 
 
 
 
 Henry Seckforde, Esquior '"/" :/ *. . 'vi 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 Robert Scrope, Esquior *'*-* : . ' '*>\ 
 
 20 
 
 
 
 
 
 Henry Thorsby, Esquior ... v'>- ; 
 
 20 
 
 
 
 
 
 Raphe Wilbraham, gent. '- : ' . . * ! * : - 
 
 20 
 
 
 
 
 
 William Pope, gent. . . . - : . ' > ' 
 
 20 
 
 
 
 
 
 The Benche of Lincolnes Inne for five sylver 
 
 
 
 
 BoUes .-.<-.. 
 
 16 
 
 11 
 
 3 
 
 Three Brothers and three Systers of St. Catha- 
 
 
 
 
 rines .... * * '' ' V ' '< * ' 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 
 
 Thomas Rokeby, Esquior, and to his bretheren and 
 
 
 
 
 Sisters .... . 
 
 100 
 
 
 
 
 
 George Lutwiche, a Butler of Lincolnes Inne 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 Jhon Mortimer and his wife . . 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 Charles Helyarde . -":/- . {'.,'-*, L a^ 1 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 Francys Humfrey . . ' i \ > ' - : '-'s n V-- " ; ^ 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 Anthonie Craven . .- 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 Jhon Kytsone ....... 
 
 20 
 
 
 

 
 310 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 33. 10*. in wages and rewardes to servauntes. 
 
 s. d. 
 Jhon Mortymer and his wife for a y r wages and re- 
 
 warde , . .- ,- . . . ; ^ 5 10 
 
 Charles Helyarde for the like '' ... 1 13 4 
 
 Francys Humfrey for the like . :f - T . * -. 300 
 
 Anthonye Craven for the like . ,- . . 2 13 4 
 
 Jhon Kytson for the like - i ' . >'. '.< -:'i-: 2013 4 
 
 240. 6*. 8d. in gratuities to kynsfolkes, viz. to 
 
 Elizabeth Hog (a syster's daughter) ... , N . 6 13 4 
 William Rokebye and his 2 Sisters, a brother's chil- 
 dren "' '* ' . . 58 6 8 
 
 Thomas and Ambrose Lancaster and theire two 
 
 sisters, all children of one of the Testators systers 53 6 8 
 William Wycliffe, Esquior, one ryng, and two others, 
 
 and in money for his brothers and systers and 
 
 some others of the neere kyndred . ; . 62 6 8 
 The wife of Jhon Lucas, a syster's daughter, and for 
 
 others two ryngs, and in money ., . . 45 13 4 
 
 The wyfe of Richard Vincent, a syster's daughter, 
 
 one ryng . ... . . . . . 300 
 
 Richard Brakenburye, Esquior, one ryng . . 300 
 
 Jhon Wyclif, upon his petition to the Lord Reaper 500 
 
 Thomas Dodswoorth, a syster's sonne . . . 300 
 
 420. to the Poore of 
 
 Christes Hospitall in London, by theire Treasorer . 100 
 The College in Eastgrenewiche, by the Wardeins of 
 
 Drapers :> 100 
 
 St. Cathareines parishe, by William Pope aforsaide 20 
 
 Scholars in Oxforde, by the Deane of Paules . 100
 
 THE ROKEBY FAMILY. 311 
 
 s. d. 
 Scholars in Cambridge, by the Bishop of Winchester 100 
 
 14. 4s. Wd. for Debtes to 
 
 William Pope aforsaid for a surplusage of an accompte l 1 410 
 Mable Harrys, syster of St. Catharines, for pension 
 
 unpayed 200 
 
 Walter Nycholson, Joyner, for woorke in the Testa- 
 tor's life . 100 
 
 300. Os. Od. Prisoners in the 
 
 Ludgate, London, by Alderman Lowe . . . 100 
 
 Comptar in the Poultrie, London, by him . . 100 
 
 Comptar in Woodstrete, London, by him . . 100 
 
 Summe of this page . 1543 10 5 
 
 The Justifications of all which disbursementes 
 weare sen and conferred with the billes, bondes 
 and acquitances thearof by Mr. Thomas Whit- 
 be, the 24 Junij, 1597. At which tyme also the 
 greater partes of the summes following weare 
 disbursed, as by the warrantes thearof appeared. 
 
 W. LAMBARDE. 
 
 The Residue of the Disbursementes doe con- 
 siste of one debte and of moneys payed to 
 prisoners, viz. 
 
 1. One debte of 4 payed to Charles Lee, gent, as 
 due to his wife Mercy Pickering by a legacie of 
 the Ladie Tyrwhitt, to whome Ma r Rokeby was 
 executor 400
 
 312 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 2. To the prisoners of the Fleet, London, by the 
 handes of Mr. Stone and Mr. Newbyry, as by the 
 particularities thearof under theire handes appear- 
 
 ethe . ~ ''*' "V f J . . '^ . 100 
 
 3. To the prisoners of the Kinges Benche, by the 
 order of Mr. Edmond Bowyer, esquier, the parti- 
 cularities whearof are extant undre his hande . 1 00 
 
 4. To the prisoners in Newgate by Mr. Cogan and 
 Mr. Bankes, as particularly appearethe under 
 
 theire handes 100 
 
 5. To the prisoners of the Marshalsey, as undre 
 
 the hand of Doctor Caesar is to bee scene ." . 100 
 To the prisoners of the White Lyon by Mr. Bowyer 
 
 and Mr. Reefe, as the particulars doe manifest . 20 
 
 Summe of this page . 424 
 
 Sumrae totall of all theise and the former disburse- 
 
 mentes 1967 10 5 
 
 And so is the summe which seemethe to remayne in 
 
 this Accomptantes handes . . _ . , ' . '"'".' 2 16 6 
 
 But in the Accompt of Alderman Lowe, for Lud- 
 gate and the 2 Comptars, theare is 40*. 4d. to 
 them, and 39*. for a prisoner in Newgate more 
 by him payed then the 300 heare sett downe to 
 be payed by him ~. 1 19 
 
 And so this Accomptant is in surplusage fl-jio . 1 2 10 
 
 W. LAMBARDE, 24 June, 1600. 
 
 I have sene and conferred the Justifications by Bylles, Bondes, 
 and Acquittances, to agree with this accompt. 
 
 THO. WITBE.
 
 313 
 
 RECEIPT FOR A JEWELL. 
 
 [One of Queen Elizabeth's ladies of her Privy Chamber, Mary Radcliffe, baring lent 
 a valuable jewel to Lady Elizabeth Egerton (second wife to Lord Ellesmere), and it 
 being still in the possession of the latter at her death, Lord Ellesmere returned it to 
 the owner, and obtained on its delivery the following receipt.] 
 
 Indorsed " 29 Jnnij, 1600. M". Mary Radcliffe's bill acknowledging the receit of 
 a Jewell, &c." 
 
 MEMORANDUM, that I Mary Radcliffe, one of her Ma*" 58 most 
 honorable Privie Chamber, have received of Sir Thomas Egerton, 
 Knight, Lord Keeper of the Create Scale of England, one Jewell 
 of gould enameled, havinge sett in yt fyve greate and riche dia- 
 moundes, with a great pendant perle, which Jewell the Lady Eli- 
 zabeth Egerton deceased, late wyffe of the said Sir Thomas 
 Egerton, had in her custodie by my delyverie and to my use. 
 And I doe therof acquite and discharge the said Sir Thomas 
 Egerton by these presentes, sealed with my scale the 29th daie of 
 June, 1600. 
 
 MARY RADCLYFP. 
 
 Sealed and delivered in the presence of 
 
 THO. MARBURYE. 
 
 SIR W. RALEIGH AND JERSEY. 
 
 [What follows would seem to be original instructions, given by Lord Ellesmere and 
 subscribed with his initials, for making out a Patent for Sir Walter Raleigh as Gover- 
 nor of Jersey, and Lord of the Manor of St. Germayne, reserving the yearly rent to 
 the Queen of ^300. It has neither indorsement nor address, but it was doubtless 
 directed to the proper officer under the Great Seal, whose duty it was to prepare such 
 instruments.] 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 2 S
 
 314 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Pro Sigillo iijii xij d . 
 
 A PATENTE during life graunted to Sir Walter Raleigh, Knighte, 
 of the office of Governor or Captayne of the Isle of Jersey, and 
 of the Castell of Surry, alias of Montergill. And also of the 
 Manner and Lordshipp of St. Germayne, and of the revenues, 
 profyttes and commodyties of the scale within the same Isle, 
 whereuppon the yerely rente of iij c H , paiable at the receipt of the 
 Exchequer, is reserved to her Highnes, her heires and successors. 
 Teste R a apud Westm r , xxvj to die Augusti anno r. s. xlij. Per ip- 
 sam Reginam, &c. 
 
 THO. E. C. S. 
 
 POWLE. 
 
 COMMISSION TO SIR W. RALEIGH. 
 
 [This is an instrument of a similar nature to the preceding, for making out a Com- 
 mission to Sir Walter Raleigh and others, authorising them to grant waste lands, to 
 inquire into concealed lands, &c. in Jersey. It was only to continue in force from 
 12th September to the end of November.] 
 
 Per Reginam. 
 
 A COMISSYON directed unto Sir Walter Raleigh, Knight, Cap- 
 ten and Governor of the Isle of Jersey, George Pawlett, Es- 
 quier, Bayliff of the sayde Isle, Giles Lamprier, Esq. Segneur of 
 the Trinity, Helier Carteret, Attorny-generall there, Johan Dorrey, 
 Receiver of the Revenues there, and Aaron Messerny, Sollicitor 
 of the same Isle, gyving them, or three of them, wherof Sir Wal- 
 ter Raleigh or Helier Carteret to be one, aucthoritye to graunt the 
 waste groundes in fee ferme, reserving certen fine and rentes to 
 her Ma tie ; and to lycense the Signior of Sa. Mares to erect a water 
 mill, and to licence John Aunley to converte a tucking mill into
 
 SERJEANT HELE AND THE ROLLS. 315 
 
 a griste mill ; and also to enquire of concealed and incroched landes 
 there : the same Comission to continew until the last of Novem- 
 ber next. Teste R. apud Westm r xij die Septembris, Anno r. s. 
 xlij. Per ipsam Reginam. 
 
 THO. E. C. S. 
 
 POWLE. 
 
 SERJEANT HELE AND THE ROLLS. 
 
 [It is very clear, from the subsequent and some other documents preserved at Bridge- 
 water House, that Serjeant Hele had hopes of being appointed Master of the Rolls on 
 the elevation of Lord Ellesmere in 1596 to be Keeper of the Great Seal. Lord Elles- 
 mere continued, with the consent of the Queen, to fill both offices, and Serjeant Hele 
 attributes his disappointment to his Lordship. It does not appear that Serjeant Hele 
 thought his chance hopeless until November 1600, when he wrote as follows to the 
 individual he considered his enemy, and who owed him .400.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " S. Hele." 
 
 To the Ryght ho. the Lo. Keeper of the Greate Scale of 
 Englande, &c. 
 
 IT hath byne my spetiall desyre to have your Lo. holde a good 
 opynion of me. I have dealte as it became me in all thinges. 
 What the cause of your sudden mislike with me is I cannot gesse, 
 for sure I am I have ever respected and dealte with you as it be- 
 came me. You knowe howe I came fyrste to entertaine the hope 
 of the Rolles, and have followed your owne directions. I fynde 
 nowe that my hope, throughe your hard conceite againste me, is 
 desperate. I shall therefore praie your Lo. to delyver to this 
 bearer my bandes, and at your Lo. pleasure to sende me the 400 U 
 you owe me. I shall humblie entreate your Lo. to use me as you 
 doe the meaneste of my brethren. Thus resting humblie yours. 
 From Serjeantes Inne, the 14th of November, 1600. 
 
 Your Lp.'s in all humblenes, 
 
 JOHN HELE.
 
 316 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 OFFENCES OF WILLIAM MILL. 
 
 [William Mill was Registrar or Chief Clerk of the Star Chamber, at whose death the 
 office had been granted in reversion to Lord Bacon. Some years before the date of 
 the following document, Mill had been called in question regarding his fees, and a let- 
 ter is published in Wright's "Elizabeth and her Times," ii. 441, in which Lord 
 Burghley mentions the imprisonment of Mill, and the answer he (Lord Burghley) had 
 made to the Queen justifying it. This was in February 1594, and the Registrar does 
 not appear to have escaped from his difficulties untiLthe issue of what succeeds under 
 the sign-manual in February 1600-1.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " For Mr. Mylle." 
 
 To the most Reverend Father in God, our right trusty and 
 right welbeloved Counsaylor the Archbisshop of Canter- 
 bury, to our right trusty and welbeloved Counsaylors 
 Sir Thomas Egerton, Knight, Lord Keeper of our Greate 
 Seale of England, the Lord Buckhurst, High Treasurer of 
 England, and to our trusty and right welbeloved Coun- 
 saylors, Sir Robert Cecyll, Knight, our principall Secre- 
 tary, Sir John Fortescue, Knight, Chauncelor of our 
 Exchequer, and Sir John Popham, Knight, our Cheef 
 Justice of England. 
 
 By the Quene. 
 ELIZABETH R. 
 
 RIGHT trustie and right welbeloved Councellour, we greete you 
 well. Wheras our servaunte William Mill, Clerk of our Counceill, 
 hath by the space of theise two yeeres past or therabouts been 
 charged and calde in question for sundrye supposed offences, laide 
 together in a bill exhibited in our Courte of Starre Chamber 
 againste him; the examynacion wherof we (takinge the matter 
 into our owne handes) committed vnto you for our better satisfac- 
 cion : And findinge withall, as well by the viewe of such presidentes 
 of that Courte and breviats of the cause, as have been shewed vs, 
 as by the moste of your relacions therof, that the pretended of- 
 fences are, neither in their owne natures, nor due proofes, such as
 
 OFFENCES OF WILLIAM MILL. 
 
 deserve the correction soughte for, and desiered ; We therfore, in- 
 tendinge to proceede gratiouslie with our saide servaunte, and to 
 take fynall resolution of all such controversies, in regarde that 
 the said office is of our proper guifte, disposition, and peculier to 
 our Crowne, and the said William Mill, as our Chief Clarke 
 therof, dulie invested, by vertue of our Lettres Patentes un- 
 der our Greate Seale, as likewise upon other gratious motives, 
 do of our princelie pleasure, absolute power, and soveraigne 
 aucthoritie, will and hereby commaunde that, not onelie the saide 
 information, with all proceedings therin, be by you revoked, can- 
 celled and made utterly voide, but also that none of the offences 
 supposed therin, nor any other of like suggestion (before the date 
 herof by the said William Mill committed), be any further prose- 
 quuted, or at any tyme herafter commenced in that our saide 
 Courte againste him, but be from thence cleerelye dismissed. And 
 for a full cleeringe of all questions, doubtes, and objections in 
 tyme to come, towchinge the dueties, perquisites and prehemyn- 
 ences of that our saide office (wherupon moste of the former occa- 
 sions seeme to have growne and to be grounded), oure like will 
 and pleasure is, that you, entring into a serious consideration and 
 vie we of the nature of the function and qualitie of the officer, with 
 the severall droits and fees of righte to the service apperteyninge, 
 establish and assigne the same, or such of them as in your wise- 
 domes and iudgements shall appere proper and fitte to be allowed, 
 and the same to confirme unto the saide William Mill our ser- 
 vaunte and present Clarke of that our office ; wherin we recom- 
 mende unto your discretions whatsoever in our righte by custome 
 or autentique presidences maye be justlie approved and sett downe. 
 Geven under our Signett at our Palace of Westminster the firste 
 day e of February, 1600, in the three and fortith yere of our Raigne.
 
 318 THE EQERTON PAPERS. 
 
 FOLLOWERS OF THE EARL OF ESSEX. 
 
 [The subsequent letter, though it mentions no names, relates to the execution of 
 Sir Charles Danvers and Sir Christopher Blount (two of the friends and followers of the 
 Earl of Essex) who were beheaded on Tower Hill three days after its date. Their 
 noble master had suffered on the 25th February, and Sir Gilly Merick and Henry 
 Cuffe on the 13th March preceding.] 
 
 To the right honorable our very good Lorde, the L. Keper of 
 the greate Scale of England. 
 
 OUR very good Lord. Wee send your Lop. herewith her 
 Ma ties pryvie scale, with the contentes whereof your Lo. may 
 please to informe your selfe, and accordingly to make out the 
 Wryttes, so as the Execution may be done uppon Monday next 
 by ix of the clocke in the morning, for so it is her Ma ties pleasure 
 that it should be. And thus, having no further cause to trouble 
 your Lo. at this tyme, we commytt you to God. From the Corte 
 the xv th of Mar. 1600. 
 
 Your Lop's, very assured freindes, 
 
 NOTINGHAM. 
 
 Ro. CECYLL. 
 
 MONIES FOR IRELAND. 
 
 [Charles Blount, Lord Montjoy, having succeeded Essex in Ireland, went thither on 
 the 7th February, and about six weeks afterwards the following Privy Seal was ad- 
 dressed to Lord Ellesmere, requiring him to make out Letters Patents under the Great 
 Seal for effecting an immediate supply of money for the service of Ireland. In July 
 the citizens of London furnished 500 men for the Irish wars, and on the 13th October 
 they sent out an additional reinforcement of 400 men. Vide Stowe, An. Reg. Eliz. 43.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Rec. 25 Aprilis, 1601."
 
 MONIES FOR IRELAND. 319 
 
 Commission for Lords of the Councell to make Warrants 
 for moneys for Ireland. 24 April, 43 Eliz. 
 
 Md qd vicesimo quinto die Aprilis, anno subscript, istud bre 
 delibat fuit Dno custodi magni Sigilli Anglie apud Westm. 
 exequend. 
 
 ELIZABETH, by the grace of God, dueene of England, Fraunce, 
 and Ireland, Defender of the Fayth, &c. To our right trusty and 
 well beloved counsellor Sir Thomas Egerton, knight, keeper of 
 our Great Scale of England, greeting. Wee will and comaund 
 you that under our said Great Seale, being in your custody, you 
 cause our lettres patentes to be made forth in forme following. 
 Elizabeth, by the grace of God, &c. To all men to whome 
 these presentes shall come, greeting. Whereas, by reason of our 
 great forces maynteyned in our realme of Ireland for suppressing 
 of our Rebells there, wee have had, and dayly shall have, divers 
 causes to dysburse great sommes of money, aswell for the defraying 
 of our ordinary charges as also for thentertainment of our ex- 
 traordinary forces there, considering that, by the delaye of time 
 in making of warrantes to our Exchequer which must needes 
 passe, if the same should tarry our owne signing, being other- 
 wise empeched with thexpedition of our other weighty affayres 
 of our realme, there might fortune such hinderance and detri- 
 ment to our said affayres as could not easily be repayred after- 
 ward. Wee have thought good to give, and by these presentes 
 doe give unto the Lordes and other of our privy counsell, or to 
 any tenne, nine, eight, seaven, or sixe of them (whereof our 
 Treasurer of England to be one), full power and aucthoritie to 
 addresse and make warrantes, from time to time, in our name, 
 aswell to the Treasurer and Chamberlaynes of our Exchequer 
 for the time being, as also to the Warden and other officers of our 
 Minte for the time likewise being, to whome it may apperteyne, 
 or to any other our Treasurer or Receavors or other persons whoe
 
 320 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 shall have any of our moneyes in his or their custody, eyther of 
 our moneyes currant of England or of our newe Standard for our 
 realme of Ireland appointed, and to comaund them, and every 
 of them, by the sayd warrantes, to content and paye to our 
 Treasurer of Ireland for the time being, and to the Maister of our 
 Exchaunge betweene England and Ireland for the time being, all 
 and every such somme and sommes of money as they shall appoint 
 for the defraying of our sayd charges in our realme of Ireland, 
 and maintenaunce of an exchaunge by us established, to be had 
 and mainteyned betweene our realme of Ireland and England 
 according to the contentes of our Privy Seale to our said Ex- 
 chequer directed, bearing date the three and twentieth day of 
 Aprill, and an establishment beginning the last day of March last 
 past, specifying the particuler natures and rates of our charges in 
 our said realme. And wee are pleased and contented that all such 
 warrantes as our sayd Counsell, or so many of them as aforesayd, 
 shall, under their hands, make out or addresse hereafter to the 
 Treasurer and Chamberlaynes of our Exchecquer, or to the 
 Warden of our Minte, or to any other persons whatsoever, for the 
 payment of any somme or sommes of money for the use and pur- 
 pose aforesayd ; as also all such other warrantes or lettres as our 
 sayd Counsell, or any sixe of them as aforesaid, hath directed to 
 our Treasurer and Chamberlaynes of our Exchequer, or other 
 persons heretofore, sithens the first day of March in the one and 
 fortieth yeare of our raigne, for and concerning our affayres in our 
 sayd realme of Ireland, shalbe to them, and every of them, which 
 have payed, or shall hereafter paye money by vertue of the said 
 warrantes or lettres, a sufficient warrant and discharge against 
 us, our heires and successors forever. And to thintent that this 
 our comission may more playnly appeare unto all and every per- 
 son to whome in this case it shall apperteyne, wee are pleased 
 that our Keeper of our Great Seale of England, for the time being, 
 shall, by warrant hereof, make a duplicate under cure Great Seale 
 of England of this our comission to every one that will require
 
 LETTERS OF THE EARL OF ESSEX. 321 
 
 the same, which duplicate, with the warrantes to be made under 
 the handes of our Privy Councell as aforesayd, or made hereto- 
 fore sithens the said first day of March, in the one and fortieth 
 yeare of our raigne, wee will that all and every our auditors and 
 other comissioners and officers nowe made, or hereafter to be 
 made, shall accepte and allowe for as sufficient a warrant and 
 discharge, both to all and every of our said counsel! for the 
 making of any such warrantes or lettres as aforesayd, and to all 
 and every person or persons whatsoever, for payment of any somes 
 of money by comaundement of the same, as if the said warrantes 
 or lettres had been signed with our hand: Provided that this 
 our warrant and comission shall continue and be of effecte untill 
 wee shall, by wrighting under our hand, signifie our pleasure to 
 our sayd counsell to the contrary hereof. In witnes whereof, &c. 
 Gyven under our Privy Seale at our Pallace of Westminster, the 
 fowre and twentieth daye of Aprill, in the three and fortieth yeare 
 of our raigne. 
 
 THO. PARKER, dep 1 . Hug. Alington. 
 
 LETTERS OF THE EARL OF ESSEX. 
 
 [What follows is the sentence of the Star Chamber upon a person of the name of 
 John Daniel, servant to the late Earl of Essex, for embezzling certain private letters 
 from the Earl to the Countess, procuring them to be copied by Peter Bales, and extort- 
 ing the sum of 1720 from the Countess. The whole forms a very remarkable and 
 interesting narrative, the circumstances of which are only glanced at by Camden 
 (" Annals " in Kennet, ii. 640), and some of them stated incorrectly. Incidents relating 
 to the Earl of Essex before his execution are also mentioned below. For an interesting 
 account of Peter Bales, vide D' Israeli's Cur. of Lit. 434, edit. 1838.] 
 
 Indorsed, ' Camera Stellat. Attorneus Reginse v j . Danyell ar." 
 
 In Camera Stellat. coram Dom. ibm. Decimo Septimo die 
 Junij, Anno quadragessimo tertio Elizabethae Reginae, 
 &c. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 2 T
 
 322 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Tho. Egerton, Milite, Dfio Custode magni Sigilli Anglise. 
 Dfio Buckhurst, Dno Thes. 
 Comite Nott. 
 
 Wittmo Knowlles, Milite, Compt. Hospic. Dnae Rnse. 
 Robto Cecill, Milite, Principal. Secretar. Dnee Rnse. 
 Jone Fortescue, Milite, Cane. S c crii. 
 M ro Herfote, un. Secretar. Dnee Rfiee. 
 Archo Cant. 
 Epo London. 
 
 Popham, Capli Justic. de Banco Regio. 
 Anderson, Capti Justic. de Comm. Banco. 
 Presentibus. 
 
 THIS day John Danyell, of Darrsbury, in the countie of Ches- 
 ter, esq r ., prysoner in the Gatehowse, was brought to the barre, 
 against whom Edward Coke, esq r ., her Majestys Attorney Gene- 
 rall, did informe, on her Highnes behaulf, uppon the said Dan- 
 yell's owne confession, that, about September, 1599, shortlie after 
 the late Earle of Essex was comitted to the custodie of the right 
 horlble the L. Keeper for great and very heynous contemptes 
 and mysdemeanours, the Countesse and wief of the said then 
 Erie of Essex, then being in childbedd, having a caskett wherin 
 she kept diverse and sundrie letters wrytten to her from her said late 
 husband, the said Erie, some before the tyme of their marriage, and 
 some other afterwardes, the said Countesse delivered the same 
 caskett of letters to one Jane Rehova, the now wief of the said 
 Daniell, who had somtymes attended uppon the said Countesse 
 as a gentlewoman, desiring her to keepe the same safe till she 
 ^hold call for yt againe. But the said Daniell, fyndinge the same 
 caskett placed under his bedd, as he saied, very secretlie and 
 coninglie opened the same, and thereout tooke diverse of the 
 said letters, knowinge them to be the said Erles owne letters, and, 
 myndinge wickedlie and by indirect meanes to contryve and gaine 
 unto himself some great benefytt therby, tooke some of the said
 
 LETTERS OF THE EARL OF ESSEX. 323 
 
 letters out of the said caskett and went therewith to one Peter 
 Bales, a scryvener, for to make coppies of the same letters, and 
 procured the said Bales to write, expresse, and counterfaite the 
 same letters as neere and like as he possible could to the said 
 Earle of Essex proper hand writing, and to observe the same 
 length and distance of the lynes, the scantling of the margent, 
 and the proportion of the paper, wherwith the said Daniell had 
 fitted him very conveniently, so that thoriginall and the coppies 
 might not be different or discerned one from another. And the 
 rather to provoke the said Bales therunto, the said Daniell most 
 falsely abused the name of the said Countesse, and told the said 
 Bales a counterfaite and untrue messuage, pretending that the 
 said Countesse had sent him to the said Bales, purposely to get 
 him, the said Bales, to coppy the same letters for herself in such 
 manner as they might resemble one another in all likelyhood 
 (verbatim) and without any alteration, which the said Daniell con- 
 fessed to be but a fiction ; for he, in open court, utterly denied 
 that the said Countesse was ever acquainted therwith. And that 
 further, the said Daniell read and dictated some of those letters 
 unto the said Bales, whileste the said Bayles writt the same, 
 wherin the said Daniell not only found fault with the said Bayles 
 for not imitating and following the hand of the said Earle so 
 neere as he wished, but alsoe corrupted the said coppies by 
 adding and forging thereto more matters in his reading to the said 
 Bayles then were conteyned in the true and originall letters 
 written by the Earle himself ; and having procured the same letters 
 to be coppied, counterfeited, corrupted and forged in manner as 
 aforesaid, the said Daniell said he mente to gull some bodie. And 
 the said Countesse afterwards, about the begyning of January 
 following, sent for the wife of the said Daniell unto Yorkehowse, 
 and told her she was desirous to receave backe her caskett to 
 peruse some letters that were therin, wherunto Mrs. Daniell 
 answered, that it was very safe, and had bene sene by noe crea- 
 ture lyving since she had it. The next day the Countesse sent
 
 324 THE EGKRTON PAPERS. 
 
 one of her gentlewomen to Daniells howse for the caskett, who 
 broughte it with her to Walsingham howse unto the Countesse, 
 where the Countesse privatly opened it, and found many of her 
 letters missing, wherupon she went herself to the said Daniells 
 howse to speake with him and his wief, to knowe from either of 
 them how those letters were imbeseled ; and being greatly per- 
 plexed therat, and rather for that the said Earle might conceave 
 some dislike against her by careles suffering his letters directed 
 to her to be divulged and spread abroade, questioned with the 
 said Daniell and his wief theraboutes, who utterly denied the hav- 
 ing or seing any such letters or any knowledge what might 
 become of them. And afterwardes, the said Daniell beganne to 
 aske the Countesse, seeing her somewhat troubled with the losse 
 of them, whether they were letters of any importance or daunger, 
 and if they were, he thought both her Ladyship and his wief had 
 offered him some injurie in conveighinge them into his howse 
 without his knowledge, and thereupon very peremptorely began to 
 tax the Countesse of some want of ho ble respecte, and his wief of 
 greate improvidence and undutifulnes, and used other very crafty 
 and subtill and discurteous speeches to the Countesse; where- 
 upon the Countesse answered him that they were only letters of 
 affection that had long since passed from her husband to herself, 
 both before and after the tyme of theire mariage, and that there 
 conteyned no matter of ymportance or danger, other to the State 
 or to any perticuler person, only she was troubled with the losse 
 of them, out of this feare, that, when her Lorde should knowe 
 that his letters should be exposed to the view of the world, only 
 by her credulity and want of care, it mighte, for ought she 
 knewe, hazarde his unkindnes towardes her, which, if she could, 
 she would prevente with all she were worth. Daniell then seemed 
 to be glad to heare the Countesse say they were of no other 
 ymportance, and said that then she nede care the lesse for theire 
 losse ; but, for his owne parte, he could not imagyne what way 
 they were gone, unles a maide that his wief had newly put away
 
 LETTERS OF THE EARL OF ESSEX. 325 
 
 had stolne them, and said he would enquire her out and cause her 
 to be straightlie examined, and besides, doe his uttermoste endea- 
 vour for the finding out of these letters againe. Nevertheles, 
 about the first of March following, the said Daniell wrote and sent 
 a letter to the Countesse, acknowledging that he had the same 
 letters which her Ladyship then wanted, and that they might 
 greately concerne her Lorde, and that it behoved her to be carefull 
 therof for to retayne the same ; and that soe it was that he was 
 become very much ympoverished of late and decayed in his estate, 
 above three thousand pounds, during his service with the said 
 Earle, the said Earle having had small respecte of him, rather 
 countenancing one Mr. Brooke, to his exceeding great prejudice ; 
 yet, upon some ho. consideration of his necessity, he, the said 
 Daniell, would safely restore them to hir Ladyship againe. The 
 Countesse therupon sent one of her servauntes dyvers tymes 
 unto the said Daniell, to intreate him to have her letters againe, 
 assuring the said Daniell that she would relieve the wants of the 
 said Daniell to her best ability ; but the said Daniell, not satisfied, 
 insisted much upon the demaund of three thousand poundes unto 
 the Countesse servaunt, and the Countesse herself at Yorke- 
 howse, or otherwise he would not delyver them againe. Then 
 the Countesse herself was glad to deale and treate with the said 
 Daniell more earnestly for the same ; but the said Daniell said he 
 would not forgoe them without the said some of three thousand 
 poundes at least, for, said he, he doubted not but if he should carry 
 those letters to some persons of greate quality and degree, they 
 would give him so much for the same, and that without that some 
 he would not forgoe them. The Countesse not being able to pro- 
 vide so greate a some as the said Daniell demaunded, yett being 
 very fearefull and loth to hazarde her husband's unkindnes, re- 
 solved rather to sell all her Jewells, and thereby to satisfie the 
 said Daniell's unconscionable demaund, then to leave any such 
 letters in the hands of so unhoneste a man, who so treacherously 
 sought to make a pray of his ladies truste and his mistress afflic- 
 tions. And having made thereof the some of 1720, for under
 
 326 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 that some he would in no wise be drawne to departe with them, 
 the said Countesse was, by the wicked practises of forgeries and 
 deceiptes of the said Daniell, forced to pay the said Daniell the 
 said one thousand seven hundred and twenty pounds, for he vowed 
 that under so much she shoulde never have them, pretending that 
 it wolde only redeeme his land at mortgage. And therupon the 
 said Daniell delivered the foresaid letters, protesting withall volun- 
 tarely upon the Bible, that he then delivered backe all such letters 
 as he then had of the said Earles, that none had red them, and 
 that he had no coppies of them ; but withall doubting his treacher- 
 ous and bad practises might afterwardes come to lighte, yet to 
 prevent all daunger that might therof ensue, laboured to procure 
 a generall release of all matters both from the said Earle and the 
 Countesse, which he procured and extorted from the said Coun- 
 tesse by many feares and much ymportunity under pretence of 
 greate daunger in the said letters, whereby he ymagined to terrific 
 the Countesse the more, and thereby make her more careles of 
 any coste. All which moste plainely and manifestly appeared to 
 this ho. Courte by thexamination of the said Daniell in writing 
 under his owne hand this daie shewed in open Courte, and by his 
 confession here at the barre, where he was utterly unable to make 
 any defence therof, or to extenuate the same in any wise, but 
 rather made a more apparaunte declaration of his false deceiptfull 
 proceedinges, and was not able to yeeld or render any excuse or 
 colour at all for any of his said offences. And it further appeared 
 that the said Daniell had now very lately written a letter to the 
 said Countesse, purporting very presumptious and scandalous 
 matter, to impeach her of some supposed unkinde intention to- 
 wardes the late Earle, being in trueth moste false and malicious. 
 Her Highnes said Attorney hereupon observed the greate treach- 
 ery and cousenage of the said Daniell, being a servaunte to the 
 late Earle, and the tyme when as the same was comitted to and 
 againste so ho. a Lady in the tyme of her childbed, and amidste 
 the sorrowes and afflictions for the full [foul ?] and greate offence 
 of her husband, which did highlie agravate thoffence of the said
 
 LETTERS OF THE EARL OF ESSEX. 327 
 
 Daniell. In respecte of which offence, so comitted by the said 
 Daniell, her Highnes said Attorney humbly praied that the said 
 Daniell might receyve some extraordinary and exemplary punish- 
 ment. The Courte therupon, gravely considering the heynousnes 
 of the said offences, well waighing the quality and falsetie thereof, 
 to deserve moste severe and condigne punishment, ordered that 
 the said Daniell shall therefore stand and be comitted to the prison 
 of the Fleet, and there to remaine all the daies of his lief, and ad- 
 judged and decreed to pay iij m li. for a fyne to her Ma tie . And 
 theire Lordships, much pittying the greate and intollerable wrong 
 and injury susteyned by the said Countesse therby, have altogether 
 cleered the said Countesse from all touch of suspicion of anie un- 
 kind e acte or intention towardes the said Earle, for that theire 
 Lordships themselves could witnes and testifie her moste ho. and 
 true regarde of her late husband, in that she did as much as was 
 possible for her by all meanes and industrie for the good of her 
 husband in the tyme of his dures and imprisonment, being ever 
 reputed a moste vertuous and ho. Lady ; for the which their Lord- 
 ships did greately condempne the false and malicious imputation 
 of the said Daniell, and approved the good behaviour of the said 
 Countesse to be as honourable and juste as mighte be ymagined 
 in any of her ho. quallity. And withall theire Lordships doe pur- 
 pose to be suitors unto the Queenes most excellent Ma 116 , that her 
 Highnes would be pleased to allowe the said Countesse out of the 
 said fyne the some of ij m li. for her damage and losse in that behalf. 
 And to thend the said offences of the foresaid Daniell should not 
 only be notefyed to the publique viewe, but to cause others to 
 refrayne the comitting of the like hereafter, it is likewise ordered 
 and decreed that for the same his offences he the said Daniell 
 shalbe sett upon the pillory, with his eares thereunto nayled, with 
 a paper on his head inscribed with these wordes For Forgery, 
 corrupte cosenages, and other lewde practises declaring the na- 
 ture of his said offences. 
 
 WILLIAM MILL.
 
 328 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 WRITS FOR A PARLIAMENT. 
 
 [At the time of the signature of the subsequent Privy Seal, the Queen was at Basing 
 in Hampshire, the seat of the Marquess of Winchester. She was on a Progress, 
 having quitted London early in September. She met her Parliament on her return 
 to London in the end of October, and it was dissolved on the 19th December.] 
 
 The Sommons for the Parliament. 
 
 ELIZABETH R. 
 
 ELIZABETH, by the grace of God, Queene of Englande, Fraunce, 
 and Irelande, Defender of the Faith, &c. To our right trustie and 
 right welbeloved counsaillor Sir Thomas Egerton, Knight, Lord 
 Keeper of our Greate Scale of Englande, greetinge. Whereas wee, 
 by the advise of our Counsaile, for certein greate and urgent causes 
 concerninge us, the good estate and comon weale of this our 
 realme and of the Churche of England, and for the good order and 
 continuance of the same, have appointed and ordeined a Parlia- 
 ment to be holden at our citie of Westminster the twenty seventh 
 of October next comynge. In which case divers and sundrie writtes 
 are to be directed furth under our Greate Scale of Englande, as- 
 well unto the prelates, busshoppes and nobilitie of this our realme, 
 as also for the election of knightes, citizens and burgesses of the 
 severall counties, cities and burroughe townes of the same, to be 
 present at the saide Parliament at the daie and place aforesaide. 
 Wherefore we will and comaunde you furthwith, upon the receipt 
 hereof, and by warrant of the same, to cause such and so manie 
 writtes to be made and sealed under our saide Greate Seale for the 
 accomplishment of the same, as in like cases hath ben heretofore 
 used and accustomed. And this Bill, signed with our hand, shalbe 
 aswell unto you, as unto everie such clarke and clarkes as shall 
 make and passe the saide writtes, a sufficient warrant and discharge 
 in that behalfe. Yeoven at Basing the ixth day of September, in 
 the three and foareteth yere of our raigne.
 
 329 
 
 WARRANT FOR REPAYMENT OF MONEY. 
 
 [The subjoined royal warrant authorised the issue of Letters Patent for the purpose 
 of relieving the Lord Treasurer, Buckhurst, Sir Robert Cecill, Sir John Fortescue, 
 Sir John Spencer, and John Swynerton, from the bonds and obligations into which 
 they had entered for the service of the Queen in expeditiously raising money to be 
 employed " against the Spaniards lately landed in Ireland." Of course this passage 
 refers to the troops under Don Juan del Aquila, who, on the 2nd January, imme- 
 diately subsequent to the date of the following Privy Seal, agreed to abandon all the 
 places he held in Ireland and to retire again to Spain.] 
 
 Md qd decimo nono die Octobris, anno regni Drie Elizabeth. 
 R ne quadragesimo tercio, istud Bre deliberat. fuit Dno 
 custodi magni sigilli Angt apud Westm exequend. 
 
 ELIZABETH, by the grace of God, Queen of England, Fraunce, 
 and Irland, Defender of the Faith, &c. To our right trustie and 
 welbeloved councellor Sir Thomas Egerton, Knight, Keeper of 
 our great Scale of England, greeting. Wee will and comaund you 
 that under our said great Scale, being in your custodie, you cause 
 our lettres patentes to be made forth in forme following : 
 
 Elizabeth, by the grace of God, &c. To the Treasurer, Chamber- 
 lains and Barons of our Exchequer, and to all others to whoine 
 it may appertaine, greeting. Whereas you, our Treasurer of 
 England, and our trustie and right welbeloved councellors, Sir 
 Robert Cecill, knight, our principall secretary, and Sir John 
 Fortescue, knight, Chaunceller of our Exchequer, have, by our 
 appointment, for the better and more speedy advauncement of 
 our present and important service against the Spanyardes lately 
 landed in Irland, treated with dyvers marchantes and others for 
 the provyding and borrowing of sondry sommes of money for cer- 
 taine monethes uppon consideration to be given for the same, 
 and at our desire have ben contented to give bondes in great 
 sommes of money unto the said marchantes and others for the true 
 and sure repayment thereof at the tymes and dayes agreed upon. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 2 U
 
 330 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Wee, mynding to acquyte, discharge, and save harmeles you our 
 said Treasurer and our said Secretary and Chauncellor of our said 
 Exchequer, aswell of and from the said bondes, and of and from 
 all forfeytures, damages and troubles that may growe by the 
 same, as also to make due satisfaction and payment of all and 
 every the saide sommes of money which are or shalbe so provided 
 and borrowed for our service, doe, by these presentes, for us, our 
 heires and successors, covenaunt, promyse, and graunt to and 
 with you our said Treasurer, and to and with our said Secretarie 
 and Chauncellor of our Exchequer, that we will well and truly 
 satisfie and paie, or cause to be satisfied and paid, at the tymes 
 and daies so agreed on, unto all and every the said marchauntes 
 and others, all such sommes of money as are or shalbe by you our 
 said Treasurer and our said Secretarie and Chauncellor, or by 
 any other by your appointment, for us and our service provyded 
 and borrowed as is aforesaid. And lykewise acquite, discharge, 
 save, and keepe harmeles John Spencer, of London, Knight, and 
 John Swynerton, the younger, of London, who have likewise 
 given their bondes for us by your appointment, and every of 
 them, their heires, executors, administrators and assignes, and 
 every of them, and all their landes, goodes and chattells, and 
 the landes, goods and chattells of every of them, of and from all 
 sutes, charges, damage and prejudice whatsoever, which may or 
 shall at any tyme or tymes hereafter come, growe or accrue for 
 or by reason of the non-payment and satisfaction of the said 
 sommes of money, or any part thereof, so provyded and borrowed 
 as aforesaid, at the dayes and tymes so agreed uppon. And for 
 the better and more speedy discharge of this our covenant and 
 graunt, and for the sure repayment and satisfaction of all and 
 every the said sommes of money by you our said Treasurer and our 
 said Secretarie and Chauncellor of our Exchequer so provyded 
 and borrowed, or to be provyded and borrowed for our service as 
 is aforesaid, Wee doe, by these presentes, will, comaund and
 
 WARRANT FOR REPAYMENT OF MONEY. 331 
 
 authorize you, our Treasurer and Chamberlains of our Exchequer, 
 out of such our treasure, as is or shall be at any tyme hereafter 
 remayning in the receipt of our Exchequer at Westminster, from 
 tyme to tyme, and at all tymes, to make due payment and satis- 
 faction to the said Sir John Spencer, knight, and John Swy- 
 nerton aforesaid, their executors, administrators or assignes, as- 
 well of all and every sommes of money so provyded and borrowed 
 as is aforesaide, uppon the bondes of the said Sir John Spencer, 
 knight, and John Swynerton, or uppon anie bondes of you our 
 said Treasurer, our said principal! Secretarie and Chauncellor of 
 our Exchequer aforesaide ; as also of all money for consideration 
 of the loane thereof, according to the agreementes by you made, 
 and for all other charges incident and belonging to the same. 
 And we require you, according as you shall pay or cleare anie 
 of the saide debtes, to take into your handes and custodie all 
 such bondes, wrytinges and assurances as are or shalbe made by 
 you our said Treasurer, Secretary and Chauncellor of our Ex- 
 chequer, to the said Sir John Spencer and John Swynerton, or to 
 anie others for their securitie of the sommes by them lente, and 
 thereuppon to cancell and adnihilate the same accordingly. And 
 these our lettres shalbe your sufficient warrant and discharge in 
 this behalf. In witnes whereof, &c. Gyven under our Privie 
 Scale at our mannor of Richmond, the eighteenth day of October, 
 in the three and fortith yeare of our raigne. 
 
 THO. KERRY.
 
 332 THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 THE SPANIARDS IN IRELAND. 
 
 [Sir Richard Leveson was one of the parties who signed the treaty with Don Juan 
 del Aquila. He had previously been appointed, by the following instrument, Admiral 
 of a fleet of seven ships of war, besides merchantmen, which was to co-operate with 
 the Queen's land forces against the Spaniards in Ireland. Sir Amyas Preston, as Vice 
 Admiral, was to have charge of the fleet if Sir Richard Leveson should " miscarry in 
 this action."] 
 
 Met qd vicesimo die Octobris, anno regni R ne Elizabeth, 
 quadragesimo tercio, istud bre delifcat. fuit Dfio custodi 
 magni sigilli Anglic apud Westih exequend. 
 
 ELIZABETH, by the grace of God, Queene of England, France, 
 and Irland, Defender of the Faith, &c. To our right trustie 
 and welbeloved Councellor, Sir Thomas Egerton, knight, keeper 
 of our great Scale of England, greeting. We will and comaund 
 you that under our said great Scale, being in your custodie, you 
 cause our lettres patentes to be made forth in forme following : 
 
 Elizabeth, by the grace of God, &c. To our trustie and wel- 
 beloved servaunt Sir Richard Leveson, knight, greeting. For the 
 trust we repose in your valour, fidelitie, and experience in maryne 
 matters, we have thought good to comitt to your charge our 
 shippes called the Wastspyte, the Garland, the Defyance, the 
 Nonpareille, the Swyftsure, the Crane, and the Merlion, togither 
 with foure marchantes shippes of London, and two Crompsters, 
 all which shall, by our Admirall of England, be delyvered to you 
 furnished in warlike marier ; and doe hereby name, make, 
 appoint and constitute you to be captain generall and admirall of 
 our said shippes and others abovementioned, and of our forces 
 in them serving. And likewise of all viceadmyralls, captains, 
 lieutenantes, soldiors, shippes, masters, maryners and others 
 now retayned, or hereafter to be retayned, for the use of this our 
 navie. And doe give and graunt unto you, by these presentes, 
 full power and authentic all our subjectes in our said shippes
 
 THE SPANIARDS IX IRELAND. 333 
 
 retayned, or to be retayned, and comitted to your charge, to arme, 
 muster, leade, guide, governe and comaund for thexecution and 
 performance of all such services as are prescribed unto you by 
 certain instructions signed by our self, herewith delyvered unto 
 you, or by anie directions hereafter by us or our privie councell, 
 under sixe of their handes (whereof our Admirall of England to 
 be one) shalbe prescrybed, or by anie directions or warrant from 
 our Deputie of our Realme of Irland for the tyme being, or, in his 
 absence, from our president of our Province of Mounster in our 
 said realme of Ireland for the tyme being. And in execution and 
 performance of anie service by anie of those directions or war- 
 rantes to you enjoyned, wee doe give you full power and autho- 
 ritie, our shippes and the others to your charge committed, and all 
 our subjects in them serving, to use and employe against anie our 
 Ennemies or Rebels, and namely against certain Spanyardes lately 
 landed in our Realme of Irland, and their shippes and vessells 
 and their adherentes and assistantes whatsoever, and with the 
 shippes and people of the said Spanyardes or anie other our 
 Ennemies or Rebels, to fight, yf cause require. And them to 
 invade, burne, spoile, kyll and destroye by fire, or otherwise, to 
 the uttermost of your power. And to pursue them, yf cause be given; 
 and in such pursuite the realmes, territories, countries, shippes 
 and people of our said Ennemies or Rebels, and of their adhe- 
 rentes, to invade, infest, enter, spoile, and destroye. Gyving 
 also and graunting unto you full power and authoritie all and 
 singuler causes, quarrells, questions and matters whatsoever, our 
 said navie and subjectes therein serving any waies concerning, 
 and to the office of captain generall at the seas, by anie lawe, 
 usage, right or custome belonging, to heare, examyne, discusse 
 and determyne, according to the lawe martiall, or anie discipline 
 in our navies and armies at sea accustomed ; and lawes, orders, 
 and statutes, for the good governement of our saide navie and 
 armie, to make and establish, and the same to decree, proclayme 
 and put in execution ; and all persons offending against the said
 
 334 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 lawes and ordynances to punyshe, chastice, reforme, imprison, 
 and, when you shall thinck good, againe to discharge and release ; 
 and all causes cryminall concerning lyfe or member in our said 
 navie happening, and all incidentes and circumstances the same 
 concerning, to heare, examyne and determyne, and sentence 
 and judgment thereuppon to give and pronounce, or decrees to 
 make. And all other thinges, which for the good government of 
 our said navie and subjects therein serving may be, to doe and 
 performe, according to your best discretion, and such directions 
 and instructions as from us or our privie councell in our name 
 from tyme to tyme you shall receave. Willing therefore and 
 comaunding all viceadmyrals, captains, lieutenantes, soldiers and 
 all our lieutenantes, deputie lieutenantes, justices of peace, 
 maiors, sheriffes, bailiffes, constables, hedboroughs, and all cus- 
 tomers, comptrollers, searchers and all other our officers, mynis- 
 ters, and loving subjectes whatsoever, to be ayding and assisting 
 to you in all thinges concerning the furtherance of this our 
 service to you committed, to the uttermost of their abillities, when 
 they shall be by you required, as they will aunswere the contrarie 
 at theire perills. And because it may happen, by fight or other- 
 wise, that you our admyrall of these forces committed to your 
 charge, may miscarry in this action (which God we hope will 
 prevent), wee have thought good, pro vy ding for all eventes, to 
 appoint and authorize in such extremitie Sir Amyas Preston, 
 knight, to take the charge of this our Fleet and forces, being now 
 our viceadmyrall for the same, with such power and authoritie 
 as by this our comyssion is to you given, untill our pleasure be 
 to him made knowne to the contrarie. In witnes whereof, &c. 
 Gyven under our privie Scale at our manner of Richmond, the 
 twentith day of October, in the three and fortith yeare of our 
 raigne. 
 
 THO. KERRY.
 
 335 
 
 EXPORTATION OF CLOTH. 
 
 [The Earl of Cumberland had obtained a Patent from the Queen for the exportation 
 of cloth, and was thereby involved in a dispute on the subject with the company of 
 Merchant Adventurers. The ensuing letter to Lord Ellesmere, as one of the Lords of 
 the Council, refers to this subject, and makes a very earnest appeal to him lest the 
 Earl of Cumberland's adversaries should prevail in setting aside the grant, or in rendering 
 it unprofitable. Hence we find also that Sir R. Cecill and Sir Edward Stafford had both 
 previously enjoyed similar Patents.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " The E. of Cumberlande, 5 Martij, 1601." 
 
 To the Ryght Honorable my very good Lo. Lo. Keper of the 
 Great Scale of Inglande. 
 
 MY good Lo. I resolved to have attended your Lo. this daye 
 at the Court, but one of the sicke fittis wherwith I am often 
 trebled forceth my staye, and, doubtyng least hir Maj. should 
 enter into speeche with your Lo. concernyng my cause, pardon 
 me for rememberyng you howe it standeth. The only inconveny- 
 ence can cum by it to the Marchant Adventurerrs is my grauntyng 
 leave to otherrs not free of ther cumpany, or to interloperrs though 
 they be free, to shippe clothes contrary to the order of ther courtes 
 here. I have ever beene contented, and still am, that thoes per- 
 sons which ar obedyent to the Goverment shall only have lycence 
 from me, soe long as your Lo. of the Councell doothe not direct 
 me contrary ; and for the pryce I will refer my selfe to any reson- 
 able consitheration. For thoes clothes which have alredy beene 
 shipped by unfreemen in straungerrs bottoms, the faule of clothe 
 by the marchants practis forced me to seecke out any which 
 would bwy ; soe they broke the malytyus platt which was layde to 
 macke the clothyer exclayme upon me, by which culler, provyng 
 my patent hurtfull to the commonwelthe, it should have beene 
 revoked. Alsoe I was extreamly urged by hir Maj. officerrs in the 
 Custom House, and tould that if I should refuse to grant lycense
 
 THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 to such as for dyvers years past had used to shippc, it would soe 
 much prejudice the Qu. in her custom as justly I should be founde 
 fault with for it ; and to aprove that they myght passe in straun- 
 gerrs bottoms showed me tooe letters to allowe it, writte to them 
 by great counsellors, soe as I hoope I am not in the wysest censure 
 to be condemned. Sense my grant I have shipped over some 
 1200 clothes : there was nether Mr. Secretory nor Sir Ed. Staf- 
 ford, but shipped 3000 at the least before the sould ther patentes. 
 My grant but for tenne years, the least of thers continued soe 
 long : this last, if I had not louked into it, would have donne 15 
 at the least, when I am tyed to lycence none but them (which I 
 willyngly submit my selfe to as long as your Lo. shall see it good 
 for the reame), ether can I not in tenne yeare passe above 100,000 
 clouthes, or for so many as I dooe I gayne to hir Ma. the custom 
 which heretofore she was deceved of, soe as by my grant hir Ma. 
 shall not only receve 1 OjOOO 11 , but be truly payed hir custome, 
 which I dout not shalbe twyse as muche more, for that which here 
 tofore she never receved any thyng; for all the former grantes, 
 which thus long contynued, were certayne, myne (if upon experi- 
 ence hurtfull) to be revoked, and I protest to your Lo. "upon my 
 soule, I will as willyngly, whensoe it is found, laye it at hir Maj. 
 feete as I dutyfull receved it. All this consitheryd I hoope your 
 Lo. will favor me. Her Maj. hath allwayes beene gratius, and I 
 dout not will, out of hir owne disposition, be redy to favor ; but 
 fearyng howe she maye be enformed, I macke bould to laye before 
 your Lo. the truth of my cause, not soe much caryng for the 
 profitt, howe much soever I need, as for the disgrace which it 
 would be to me, if thes men, that yett never prevaled agaynst any 
 former patenty, should nowe tryumphe over me, whoe only they 
 mislyke, for that I will not see hir Maj. deceved as in former 
 tymes she hathe beene. I protest to your Lo. the losse of my 
 hoole estate should not cum soe neare my harte as this disgrace, 
 which though, the justnes of my cause consithered, I feare not,
 
 EARL OF CUMBERLAND'S PATENT. 337 
 
 yett the unsupportable burthen that it would be, if it should hap- 
 pen, trobleth me, and causeth me thus to treble your Lo., to whoes 
 wyse consitheration I present thes, only assuryng your Lo. that if 
 I contynue in this I will dooe honest and good servis. 
 
 Your Lo. to command, 
 
 GEORGE CUMBRELAND. 
 
 CASE OF THE MERCHANT ADVENTURERS. 
 
 [The following is upon the same subject, and was sent to Lord Ellesmere on the day 
 after the Earl of Cumberland had dispatched his letter. The writer was Governor of 
 the Company of Merchant Adventurers, and adverts more generally to the question at 
 issue, and to the effect of the existing Patent. Complaint is principally directed against 
 the Earl's Deputy in the Custom House, who had exchequered some of the Merchants.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " 6 Martij, 1601. Mr. Hoddesdon, Governor of the 
 Mar chant Venturers." 
 
 To the Right Honorable and my verie good Lord, the Lord 
 Keeper, one of her Ma ties most honorable Privie Coun- 
 cell, at the Court, d.d. 
 
 RIGHT Honorable and my verie good Lord. Forasmuche as 
 dyvers matters weare not on Wedsondaie last throughlie aunswered, 
 so large as they might have binne in the behalf of the Marchauntes 
 Adventurers, and knowing as I do the good affection which your 
 Lop. not onely carryeth to the honnour of our most gratious and 
 excelent good Prince, our Saveraigne good Lady Queen e and Em- 
 presse, but also the good of the common wealth, have thought 
 good for the discharge of my dewtie to make knowne unto your 
 Honnour so muche as my proper experience yeldeth unto me, as 
 by these artikles following unto your good Lordshipp maie 
 appeare. 
 
 And now to the fyrst allegation. Wheras it was said that before 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 2 x
 
 338 THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 her Ma tie graunted priviledges to the Merchantes Adventurers in 
 Germanic, all other Englishmen might freely passe thither with 
 their wares and commodyties, the which I graunt to be true ; but 
 I denye that there was any traffique in Germanye by Englishmen 
 before the begyning of her Ma ties raigne. For in the yeare 1554 
 I came from Dansyck by land, throughe all the maryne townes 
 nere the sea, except Stoad and Embden, and found no English- 
 men using any trade in them, nor any cloth to be solde, but onely 
 by the Stylyard men. As for the upland townes in Germanye, it 
 is well knowne they had their factors and servants at Anwerp, 
 not onely to buy their cloth of the Company aforesaid, but also to 
 vent suche comodyties as their countrie yelded; and it is verie 
 manyfest that before the said Company settled their trades at 
 Embden and Stoade there was no cloth by Englishmen shipped 
 thither, which trade the Company fownd out when they were in 
 daunger in the Loo Countries to their great costes and charges, 
 and therefore no reason why others should have the trade from 
 them. And before the said Company weare priviledged in Ger- 
 manic, the said Marchantes Adventurers weare at libertie to adven- 
 ture into all partes Avithin the Straytes and Mediteranium Sea, 
 and also into all partes within the East Seas, and to all partes of 
 the Ocian Seas, which they maie not do now by meanes of new 
 corporations to the Company of New trades, the Company of East- 
 land Marchauntes, and to the Company of Trypolie, &c., and 
 therefore no reason why they should be cutt of from the trade of 
 Germanye, which countrie was alwaies not onely cheeflye fedd 
 with comodyties from them, but also with vent of the comodyties 
 of the said countrie unto them as aforesaid. 
 
 And whereas it was said that the Navye would be better mayn- 
 teyned by trade further of then Midlebroughe, that is in lyke case 
 trew, yf the said trade be not mannaged in good order ; but the 
 Marchauntes Adventurers, even to and for Midlebroughe, mayn- 
 teyneth as good shipps as the trade at Stoade, for they sett no
 
 CASE OP THE MERCHANT ADVENTURERS. 33!> 
 
 shipps on \vorck for that place but of 150 toon at the least, and 
 well appoynted. 
 
 And Avhereas it was said that the clothes did beare a better price 
 at Stoade then at Midlebroughe, it maie be well proved that by 
 the experience of this yeare passed clothes hath been aswell sold 
 at Midlebroughe as at Stoade ; but it is not the great pryce of 
 cloth that is either good for her Ma tie in the customes, or for the 
 Common Wealth to sett people on worck, for the higher the price 
 of cloth the fewer is sold, as by experience appeareth ; for synce 
 our clothes hath borne these great prices there is much more 
 cloth made in Germanic then there was before. 
 
 And whereas the Marchaunts Adventurers hath given their 
 generall opinion, that so farr fourth as her Ma tie8 Councell shall 
 back them, that no trade where they be priviledged be used but 
 to the mart towne where theye sell themselves, yet it maie be 
 doubted, yf Thearle of Cumberland's lycense do contynew, that it 
 maie fall out otherwyse, wherof a reason or two I have thought 
 good to sett downe, althoughe there maie be objected many 
 others. 
 
 For yf the Merchaunt be discouraged, as needs he must yf when 
 he have bought his clothe he knoweth not at what rate he shall 
 passe it in the Custom Howse, but shall stand for the same at an 
 other man's devotion, and so to be driven to paie more then he 
 shall well knowe to gayne by the sale therof, will make men to 
 pause and not to be to hastie to buy anie cloth at all. 
 
 In lyke cases the prices of course clothes being by this meanes 
 advaunced, and therby the great quantitie of the same sort of 
 cloth be made in Germanye, then the lesse must needs be 
 shipped out of England. 
 
 Even so in lyke case maie be imagined when marchaunts shall 
 without cause stand at the devotion of their enymie, whether 
 their goods shalbe turmoyled by opening of their packs, them 
 selves wrongfullie put into the Exchequer, as late hath been, 
 experymented, which is imagined not to [be] don without, the
 
 340 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 practise of the deputie of the said Earle in the Custome-howse, 
 who is knowne to be a verie enymie to honest men and those 
 which dealeth uprightlie, and a great freind to those which by all 
 meanes practiseth to deceave the Company of their imposytions. 
 
 And forasmuch as the said deputie, and others his companyons, 
 would willinglie even now shipp their goods to Stoade, notwith- 
 standing the great daunger there, it maie be imagined that they 
 have some secreete doinges with some of the Haunse Townes, and 
 the rather for that ever synce the Styllyard was put downe they 
 have used dyvers greate practises to hinder the quiet and settled 
 trade of the Marchaunts Adventurers, wherby the said Haunses 
 have so obstynately contended : whereas otherwyse, before this 
 theye would have sought to her Ma tie for an ende of these trebles, 
 wrongfullie surmised by the said Haunses, practysers to the greate 
 hurt of the Marchaunt Adventurer. And thus, with prayer for 
 the long contynewance of your Honnour amongest us, in most 
 humble sorte, I take my leave. London, this 6 th of March, 1601. 
 
 Your Lp's. most humble at commaunde, 
 
 CHRISTOPHER HODDESDONN. 
 
 THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO THE LORD KEEPER. 
 
 [Lord Ellesmere bought Harefield of Sir Edmund Anderson, Chief Justice of the 
 Common Pleas, in 1601. There Queen Elizabeth paid him a visit on the 31 st July, 
 1602, remaining until the 3 d August. Some particulars regarding this event may be 
 
 found in Nichols's Progresses, vol. iii. and vol. iv. pt. 1 In Lodge's Illustr. of Brit. 
 
 Hist. iii. 132, is the Copy of a Speech delivered to her Majesty on her departure. The 
 following document relates to the same subject, and to monies expended (it does uot 
 appear by whose hands) for provisions, &c. on this great occasion.] 
 
 31 Julij, et lo et 2 Augusti, 1602, the Queen's Ma* ie being 
 at Harefield iij nightes.
 
 THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO THE LORD KEEPER. 
 
 341 
 
 A breefe of these things that weare bought at Harefield by 
 my self and M r . Cowper, and other layinges out, as per 
 bill apeareth. 
 
 WHEATE bought of sondrey persons, as 
 per bill apeareth, xxij q rs di. at sondrey 
 prices . . * * * 
 
 Rie for the pasterie, j q r v buz. . . 
 
 Wheate of my ladies store, xxviij q re , at 4 s 
 per buzell, which my lady will geve my 
 Lord, worth xliiij 1 ' xvj 8 ; '-J ! . ' 
 
 In wheate for fyne manchett, and course 
 wheate from the Queen's bakers 
 
 In wheate from M r . Doctor Singleton, iiij 
 quarters, worth vp viiij 8 ; . 
 
 In oates from my ladies store, x q rs , worth 
 4 H , which my Lo. must pay nothinge for 
 
 Rewardes for presents .... 
 
 Garages, per bill ..... 
 
 Laborers, per bill . 
 
 Extraordinary paymentes . . 
 
 Charcoles, per bill 
 
 In butter, per bill 
 
 In eggs, per bill . 
 
 Gooseberis, per bill .... 
 
 Chickens, per bill, lij dozen di. of sondrey 
 prises ...... 
 
 Pigions, tame and wild, viij dozen . 
 
 Veales, xxij. ca. di. at 
 
 Geese, ij . . . " 
 
 Rebotts from my ladies warren at lix 
 couple at xii d per couple 
 
 Duckinges, xxiij, at .... 
 
 Pigges, xx lie , at 
 
 xxxviij 11 xiij 8 iiij d 
 
 XXX s 
 
 000 
 000 
 
 
 000 
 
 xlviij'i vj 8 x d 
 xjtt x 8 vj d 
 
 xxxj 11 xvj s j d 
 
 x 1 ' vj 8 
 
 xxxiij'i xvj 8 viij d 
 
 iirp viij 8 vj d 
 
 v 8 
 
 xj u xiij 8 ij d 
 
 XXV s VJ d 
 
 xiiij 11 xix 8 viij d 
 
 iij !i xviij 8 viij d 
 viij 5 ij d 
 xiij 8 vj d
 
 342 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Capons, xj " v- . . , 
 
 Pullettes, xxxv, at . * . . . xix s xj< 
 
 Partridges, iij doz. ij, at . . xl s vj d 
 
 Trouts, x, at xj s vj* 1 
 
 Lobsters, xxiiij, at , ^ v . , . - . xvj 8 
 
 Ploovers, yj, at . - v . ; j' . ij 8 
 
 Creafishe, per dozen, at . . . ij 8 vj d 
 
 Calves feete, xvj paire, at . r , : . iiij 8 
 
 Sope, ij 11 , and carage of plumbes . . xix d 
 
 Som totall of all these severall sommes ccxxix 1 ' xij s v c 
 
 Delivered to Tho. Sley, at Harefield, 
 for worke don ther upon his ac- 
 compte . . . . cliiij 11 
 
 Rem. in handes . * . xvj ! i vij 8 vij (1 
 Rec. of my Lo. . I ., cc 1 ' 
 Rec. of M r . Manwaringe cc 11 
 
 400 U 
 Rec. from my Lo. in all 2013 18 4 
 
 MAINWARING'S ACCOUNT. 
 
 [The subsequent account, by Sir Arthur Mainwaring, was prepared eighteen days 
 after the Queen had taken her departure. He had received 553. 6*. and had dis- 
 bursed the whole, excepting 54. 17 s. for which he debits himself. 
 
 Indorsed " Maynwaringes accompte alone, for disbursement about Harfield, 1602." 
 
 30 Julye, 1602. Receyved of your Lop.1 
 
 at Yorke howse, v c I ^-...,1 . 
 
 3 August, 1602. Receyved of your Lop. f 
 at Harefeld, liij H vj s J
 
 343 
 
 Whereof disbursed by your Lop.'s apoyntment, as by bills- and by 
 my booke more particularlye apeareth. 
 
 3 August, 1602. Delivered to M r . Steward 
 
 at Harefield .,/.'.. .i - v ccli 
 
 Rewardes to severall offices in her Ma ties 
 
 howse and to particular persons there, 
 
 lxvj u xij s iiij d 
 6 August, 1602. Rewardes to the vaulters, 
 
 players, and dauncers. Of this x li to Bur- 
 
 bidge's players for Othello, lxiiij u xviij 3 x d 
 
 Rewarde to M r . Lillyes man, which brought 
 
 the lotterye boxe to Harefield, per M r . 
 
 Andr. Leigh, x 8 
 
 Rewardes to tentkeepers . . xl 8 
 10 August, 1602. Payde to mercers, the 
 
 imbroderer, silkeman, and the Queenes 
 
 taylor, .... Ixxv 1 ' xv s 
 
 Payde to the goldsmith, part for the an- 
 chor and for other matters, . viij 1 ' 
 
 Payde to the goldsmith for badges, xxixti iij s 
 
 Payde to the lynnen draper for browne 
 
 canvas, part of which was not used, xvj 1 ' v s 
 
 Payde to the London butler for hyre of 
 
 damaske, dyaper, and knyves, xv 11 vij s 
 
 Payde for the caryage of Turkye carpetts 
 
 from Harfield to Mr. Garwayes howse, v s 
 
 Rewarde to M r . Garwaye his men for 
 
 removing the same, . . ; > x s ' 
 
 So remayneth due to your Lop. in my handes *\ 
 
 upon this accompt, this 20 August, 1602, > Ixxij 11 xix 8 
 the somme of . ) 
 
 ) 
 
 li. 
 
 280 
 
 v'l 
 
 ARTH. MAYNWARINGE.
 
 344 
 
 THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 20 August, 1602. Payd more by me for lot- 
 terie guiftes, as by my booke and by bill 
 also apeareth, beinge paid to M r . Stew- 
 arde . . ' 
 
 Soe remayneth now due to your Lop. in -^ 
 my hands upon this accompt, this said 20 * 
 August, 1602, the somme of . : '. r: * . * 
 
 ARTH. MAYNWARINGE. 
 
 li. 
 
 18 
 
 54 17 
 
 COWLEY'S ACCOUNT. 
 
 [The subsequent account refers to the sum of .1260. 12*. 4d. the whole of which, 
 excepting 5. Os. 4d. was expended on the same occasion by a person of the name of 
 Cowley. The first column appears to be the sum charged, the second the sum paid, 
 and the third the difference between the two which had been deducted, but there is an 
 error in the second item.] 
 
 Money dysbursed upon severall occasions agaynst her Majes- 
 ties cummynge to Harefilde, 1602. 
 
 THE totall of all the bylles upon this fylle. 
 
 The paymentes. The abatementes. 
 
 M r . Williamsone, for 
 sacke and wine vine- 
 gar . . . liij 1 ' j s ix d Ij 1 ' x s 
 
 M r . Swinerton, for Gas- 
 con wine . . clx 11 cxlvij 1 ' 
 
 M r . S. State, for Rea- 
 
 nishe wine \ . xxxij 1 ' ij s xxx 11 
 
 M r . Campyon, for beare iiij xx iiij u iiij sx iiij H 
 
 Robte Johns for bottell 
 
 alle : --s . iij u j s iiij d iij 1 ' xij d 
 
 xxxj s x 
 
 xlij s
 
 THE QUEEN'S 
 
 Walter Lacke, for pro- 
 vition of beefe, mut- 
 ton, lame, and white 
 
 Gylberte Wrighte, for 
 provition of poultrye 
 and foule . . 
 
 M r . Colles, the Groser 
 
 Abraham Viell, for oylle 
 and other provition 
 
 M r . Hore, for greene 
 frutes 
 
 M r . Harte, Earbe man 
 
 Allin Wardis, for work- 
 men, horse hyer, and 
 his owne labour, with 
 his man, and his kyt- 
 chen necessaryes w cl1 
 he brought with him 
 
 More to him for other 
 provition 
 
 M r . Walther, the Con- 
 fectioner 
 
 M r . Farrington, for li- 
 vories 
 
 M r . Westone, for greene 
 clothe for the carpett 
 
 M r . Steweard, the Pot- 
 ter T- . fc < ; 
 
 Waxe Chaundler, cot- 
 ten and sope . 
 
 Colliare the Pewterer, 
 for hier and losse of 
 vessell 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 
 
 VISIT TO THE LORD KEEPER. 345 
 
 The paymentes. The abatementes. 
 
 clxxvij 11 xv s clxxvij 1 ' xv s 
 
 clv ]i iiij 8 iiij d 
 Ixxix 11 vij s ij 
 
 ix s 
 
 xiijH 
 
 11 s 
 
 x 1 ' xvj s 
 
 VJH ijs 
 
 xvjli x s viij d 
 
 Ixxix 1 ' ii 
 
 vij u 
 
 xxiiij 1 ' xvjs xxiiij 1 ' xvj* 
 xxv 1 ' ixs xxv 1 ' ix s 
 
 cxxvij 1 ' 
 
 v 11 x s 
 
 x s 
 
 xxj 11 iiij 8 xxj 1 * iiij s 
 
 11 
 
 nif 
 ix s 
 
 xiiij 11 xs xxxvjs 
 
 cxxxv x 
 cxxiiij 11 iij d cxxiip xixs xv 
 X H xvj s 
 
 xj s 
 
 ii d 
 
 v 
 
 2 Y
 
 346 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 The paymentes. The abatementes. 
 
 To White, for dealle 
 
 boorde and poulles . iiijli iijs vij d iiij 1 * ij s xix d 
 
 M rs . Shewemaker, the 
 
 Tallowe Chaundler . vjti vjs vjli vjs 
 
 For the carryage of the 
 
 beare and the dealle 
 
 boord with poulles to 
 
 Brayneford by water iijH ii s iijli ijs _ 
 
 Jerry Weston, his byll 
 
 for necessaryes, and 
 
 his man gevinge at- 
 
 tendaunce aboute the 
 
 beare and wine . xxiij 8 vj d xxiij 8 vj d 
 
 Humfrey Kelsall . j^ x s xxx s 
 
 To a Carre Man for 
 
 carriage of tentes 
 
 from St. Johnes . ix s ix 
 
 M r . Allesone, the Sad- 
 ler . . . . xijl' vij s viij d xijli vijs viij d 
 M r . Cooke, of her 
 
 Ma ties householde . xxvjK j s x d xxvj 11 j s x d 
 
 Payde accordinge to 
 
 M r . Banestre his ap- 
 
 poyntmente ., .* lij 11 vij 8 iiij d lij 11 vij s iiij d 
 
 M r . John Porter per byll vij 11 xvj s viij d vij li xvj s viij d 
 
 John Ashley, per byll xij s iiij d xij s iiij d 
 
 Edward Malbye, per 
 
 byll . . . xij s xij s 
 
 Richard Withe, per byll vj s vj s 
 
 M r . Maynwaringe, per 
 
 byll ,, ; . vrp xvij 8 viij d xij H xvij s viij d - 
 
 Cowley, in foure seve- 
 
 rall bylles . . xx 11 vj s viij d xx 11 vj s viij d
 
 THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO THE LORD KEEPER. 347 
 
 The paymentes. Theabatementes. 
 
 Geaven in rewarde to 
 myL.Chamberlin his 
 man 
 
 Summe 1291H 4 s 9 d 1225U 12 s O d 55 U 12 s 9 d 
 
 Receaved of your Lordshippe at towe severall 
 tymes by M r . Steward, M r . Mainwaringe, 
 and my selfe, the summe of one thou- 
 sand towe hundrethe three score poundes, 
 twelve shillinges, foure pence, I saye re- 
 ceived 
 
 1260 1 ! 
 
 4 d 
 
 Payde out of the foresayde summe, as shall 
 appeare by byll 
 
 So remaynethe due unto your Lordshippe of 
 the foresaide summe 
 
 1255 12 s O d 
 
 COWLEY. 
 
 THOMAS SLE'S ACCOUNT. 
 
 [The extensive nature of the preparations for the due reception and entertainment of 
 the Queen may be judged of from the subsequent statement of disbursements for the 
 ovens, ranges, dining room, &c. In all these cases it is to be recollected that money was 
 then of about five times the value it bears at present, so that the sum total of what fol- 
 lows 199 : 9 : 11 would be equal to nearly lQOO for the articles and work enu- 
 merated.] 
 
 An accounte of money dysbursed by Thomas Sle agaynste 
 her Mat ies cumminge to Harefilde, and sithence her de- 
 parture thence.. 
 
 25 August, Anno 1602. 
 
 The charge of the Oveyns. 
 
 Brickes, xlviij thousand, at severall prices 
 
 as by his Book doethe appeare . ;;> xxij 1 ' xiij s 
 
 Lime, 4J4 bushells, at severall prices 
 
 viij 1 ' vj*
 
 348 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 20 bricke leaers, at xj dayes a peece, at 
 
 xviij d the daye a man . . . xvj 1 ' x s 
 
 20 laborers, at xj dayes a peece, at xij d 
 per diem . ^__ . ..,_ . . . xj 11 
 
 Iviijli iij s vj d 
 Carpenters and Bricke leaers for the Ranges. 
 
 12 workmen at xviij d the man for severall 
 dayes, as by his booke doethe appeare, 
 the summe of . , r , . . . x 1 * xiij s 
 25 laborers at xij d a man, for severall 
 
 dayes, as by his booke doethe appeare xiip xij s 
 
 xxiiij 11 v s 
 
 Carpenters, joyners, and laborers about the dynynge romme and 
 other places about the house. 
 
 39 workemen severall dayes, and at sun- 
 
 drye prices, the summe of . . . xxxij n v s vj d 
 82 laborers, aboute the same places, se- 
 verall dayes, and at sundrye prices, as 
 doethe appeare by his booke, the 
 summe of ' ' i xxxv'i x s ij d 
 
 Ixvij 11 xv 8 viij d 
 Sawiers three payre, one payre for daye 
 
 wages, and towe payre by the C th , as 
 
 by his booke doethe appeare, the 
 
 summe $* ..... iiij 11 iij d 
 For dyggeinge of gravill one daye xvj 
 
 men, at x d per diem a man . ... . xiij s iiij d 
 To Will Marshall for his clerke, xij 
 
 dayes, at ij s per diem .... xxiiij 8 
 29 cutters of berche, at x d a man, one 
 
 daye . . . . . . xxiiij 8 ij d 
 
 For x burdens of byrche upon Mundaye, 
 
 at iiij d the burden /}* v ; -'' <&t . iij s iiij d 
 
 vijli v s jd
 
 THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO THE LORD KEEPER. 349 
 
 To Richard Robinsoiie for nealles, as by 
 
 his booke doethe appeare . . vij 1 * xv 8 
 
 To M r . -Pagge of Uxebrigge for lockes, 
 hookes, hinges, bedde cordes, and 
 arris hookes, as by his booke doethe 
 appeare, the summe of ... xlviij 8 v d 
 
 To John Hamshire for xx casmentes at v 8 
 the peece as doethe appeare -/ . -.- . < v 1 * 
 
 For three lodes of poulles to Widdowe 
 Satherley of Rickemansworthe, the 
 summe . ?. f/ >; , . xij 8 
 
 To severall men for bordes, which were 
 
 cutte for severall uses, the summe of . xviijl 1 viij s viij d 
 
 For xxv basketts for to carrye earthe in . viij 8 ix d 
 
 29 workemen and laborers severall dayes, 
 and at sundery prices, to sett things in, 
 ordered after her Ma tie was goone from 
 Harefilde, as by his booke doethe ap- 
 peare . . . . . vij 1 ! vij 8 x d 
 
 xlij 11 viij d 
 
 Summe totall of the dysbursementes 199 J i 9 s ll d 
 Wherof received, as appearethe by his booke, 
 
 the somme of . . .''.". 154 1 * 
 So restethe for your lordshippe to dyscharge 
 
 the somme of . . . < . %> xlv 11 ix s xj d 
 
 Of which somme of 45 11 9 s 1 l d 
 
 Ther resteth in my handes the somme of . xvj u vij 8 vij d 
 So resteth for my Lo. to pay . "". '"" , *.* xxix 11 ij s iiij d
 
 350 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 LIST OF PRESENTS AT HAREFIELD. 
 
 [The following " Note of all the presents" made to Lord Ellesmere, for the purpose 
 of enabling him more honourably to entertain the Queen, affords a singular feature of 
 the times, and shews that in some way or other most of his friends contributed in order 
 to share a small part of the burden. The first column contains the " reward" given 
 to the bringer, the second the commodity presented, and the third the name of the 
 donor. Many of these deserve notice, but especially one of the items, where it is 
 stated that Sir Thomas Lucy (against whom Shakespeare is said to have written a bal- 
 lad) sent a present of a buck. Malone discredits the whole story of the deer stealing, 
 because Sir Thomas Lucy had no park at Charlecote : " I conceive," he says (Shakesp. 
 by Boswell, ii. 145), " it will very readily be granted that Sir Thomas Lucy could not 
 lose that of which he never was possessed." We find, however, from what follows,' 
 that he was " possessed" of deer, for he sent a present of a buck to Lord Ellesmere 
 in 1602, though that was fifteen or twenty years after Shakespeare (if it ever happened) 
 had been punished for stealing his deer, and had revenged himself by writing the cele- 
 brated ballad.] 
 
 A Note of all the presentes that weare geven to my Lord at 
 Harefilde, from the xx th of July untill the 2 of August, 
 1602. 
 
 Anno Regine ELLEZABETHE xliiij. 
 
 Rewards. 
 vj 8 Mr. Warden of the fleete iiij 7 Mr - Ward en of the 
 
 suger loves J Fleete. 
 
 xx 8 Stagge, 1 ; Lobsters, 1 J ; Prawnes, ' 
 cc ; Trouts, 1 9 ; Breames, 5 ; 
 Phesantes, 1 2 ; Partridges, 14 ; 
 Quailes, 2 doz. di. ; Swannes, \ Sir George More. 
 4 ; Selsie Cockles, 8 C ; Puettes, 
 ij doz. ; Guiles, vj ; Pulletts, 
 ij dossen ; Pygions, ij dossen , 
 
 xxv 8 vj d Buckes, 4 Sir Tho. Gerard. 
 
 xxv 8 Stagge, 1 
 Bucke, j 
 
 Morepootes, iij ( Sir Rich ' Warde 
 
 Partridges, iiij
 
 LIST OF PRESENTS AT HAREFIELD. 
 
 351 
 
 v s 
 
 Sugerloves, x 
 Sugerloves, iiij 
 
 v j 
 
 Sacke, j pype 
 Sturgeon, ij firkins 
 H ernes, yj 
 Gulls, yj 
 Puetts, ij doz. 
 Partridges, j doz. 
 Semondes, ij 
 Phesantes, iiij 
 
 xiij 8 iiij d Wheate Floure, 4 q rs 
 Capons, ij clossen 
 Turkies, xv 
 Chickins, 4 dozen 
 Oxen, 4 
 Muttons, 20 
 Oxen, ij 
 Buck, j 
 Samon, j 
 Phesantes, iij 
 Partridges, iiij 
 Floures, j baskett 
 Sweetmeats, xviij boxes 
 Fyne Cakes, iij dossen 
 xxxiij 8 iiij d Stagge, 1 
 Buckes, yj 
 
 Bucke, 1 
 
 XXX s 
 
 xx 8 
 
 XV s 
 
 X s 
 
 X s 
 X s 
 X s 
 
 Bucke, 1 
 Muttons, yj 
 Bucke, 1 
 
 Sir Jo. Egerton. 
 Mr. Washington, 
 Regester. 
 
 ) Lo. Maior. 
 
 Doctor Singleton. 
 
 > Mr. Tho. Spencer. 
 Mr. Rob. Deneie. 
 
 J 
 
 rMr. Kiddermaister. 
 
 xiij 8 iiij d Stagge, 1 
 
 Sir Henry Lea. 
 
 f Sir Michell Mul- 
 \ lins. 
 
 Lo. Burgaveny. 
 C Mr. Clerke of Riss- 
 i Up. 
 
 Mr. Lenard. 
 
 Lo. Treasurer.
 
 352 
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Bucks, 2 
 
 Lobsters, xiij 
 
 Crafishe, iij c 
 
 Trouts, xij 
 
 Crabbes, iiij 
 
 Scales, iiij pare 
 
 Plaice, iiij 
 
 Mulletts, ij 
 ij 8 vj d Lobsters, xiiij 
 
 Cakes, iij dossen 
 ij 8 vj d Oisters, ij firkins 
 x s Oxe, 1 
 xxxv 8 Stage, j 
 
 Buckes, iij 
 Lobsters, cvij 
 Crabbes, x 
 Cellsie Cockells, xij c 
 Partridges, xviij 
 Samon, j 
 Bucks, ij 
 Bucks, j 
 Capons, vj 
 Carpes, xij 
 Swanne, j 
 Stage, j i 
 Bucke, j 
 Phesants, ij 
 Bucke, j 
 Oxe, j 
 Muttons, x 
 x s Bucke, j 
 
 Phesants, iiij 
 Swannes, ij 
 Cheeses, ij 
 
 XX 8 
 VJS 
 
 X 8 
 X s 
 
 vj s 
 
 xiij s iiijd 
 
 Mr. Chamberlen 
 the Councellor. 
 
 i My fellow Wal- 
 5 ters. 
 
 Mr. Doctor Harris. 
 
 Mr. Coppinger. 
 
 > Mr. Rob. Sackvill. 
 
 w 
 
 Sir Hary Gray. 
 Mr. Eevelyn. 
 
 >Mr. Dorrell. 
 
 Sir Jo. Seymor. 
 7 Sir William Kings- 
 3 meU. 
 
 Sir Rich. Gifford. 
 
 t Sir Fra. Goodwin. 
 
 >Mr. TirreU of 
 Thorneton.
 
 LIST OF PRESENTS AT HAREFIELD. 
 
 353 
 
 V s Samon, j 
 
 Partridges, 9 
 vjs 8 d Bucke, j 
 xv s Buckes, ij 
 xx s Buckes, ij 
 
 Hernshowes, iiij 
 Showlers, iiij 
 Puetts, xij 
 Quailes, xviij 
 Chickens, vj 
 xxxiiij 8 x (1 Stagge, j 
 
 Buckes, iij 
 ij 8 vj d Gulls, vj 
 
 Puetts, xij 
 x s Buckes, ij 
 v s Phesants, vj 
 
 Partridges, xij 
 xxxiij 8 iiij d Buckes, ij 
 
 Muttons, xix 
 xix s vj d Stagge, j 
 Bucke, j 
 
 v s Sammondes, iij 
 
 vjs v jd Bucke, j 
 v s Phesants, vj 
 
 Partridges, xj 
 xx s Buckes, iij 
 x s Showlers, iij 
 H ernes, iij 
 Swans, iij 
 Puetts, xij 
 Quailes, xij 
 Partridges, x 
 Phesant, j 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 
 
 >Mr. Bowier of Ca- 
 S merwell. 
 
 Sir Ed. Moore. 
 
 Lo. Pembrocke. 
 
 )> Sir Jo. Peeter. 
 
 j 
 
 Goody Beckenton. 
 J Sir Robt. Wroth. 
 
 7 Clerke of the 
 * Pype. 
 
 Erie of Sussex. 
 
 M r . Gargreve. 
 Sir Robt. Spencer. 
 
 f Lo. Admyrall. 
 
 M r . Sanders. 
 Gilford Parke. 
 
 > M r . Jerman Poole. 
 Lord Mountague. 
 
 >SirTho.Tasborowe. 
 
 2 z
 
 354 
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 V 8 
 
 ij 8 
 
 V jS yj d 
 
 X s 
 
 xxxiij 8 
 
 XX s 
 
 Stagges, iij 
 
 Buckes, iiij 
 
 Capons full, xxiiij 
 
 Ducklinges, ij dossen 
 
 Puetts, v dossen 
 
 Partridges, ij dossen di. 
 
 Swans, yj 
 
 Phesants, iij 
 
 Phesant pie, j 
 
 Cheeses, viij 
 
 Suger loves, iij 
 
 Banbery cake, j 
 
 Cheese, ij 
 
 Cherrie wine, iij gallands 
 
 Turkies, vj 
 
 Ducklinges, ij dossen di. 
 
 Chickins, ij dossen 
 
 Piggions, ij dossen 
 
 Geese, ij 
 
 Partridges, x 
 
 Quailes, v 
 
 Ploovers, ij dossen 
 
 Bucke, j 
 
 Buckes, ij 
 
 Oxen, ij 
 
 Buckes, ij 
 
 Buckes, ij 
 
 Brewes, iij 
 
 Godwittes, iij 
 
 Puetts, xij 
 
 Quailes, vj 
 
 Oisters, ij firkins 
 
 Cheeses, ij 
 
 Sir Tho. Leighe. 
 
 Mr. Beeston. 
 
 l M r . Water Cope. 
 
 Mr. Jo. Throckmor- 
 ton. 
 
 M r . Wm. Parsons. 
 Lo. Riche. 
 
 Lo. Norres. 
 
 > Sir Tho. Mildmay.
 
 LIST OF PRESENTS AT HAREFIELD. 
 
 355 
 
 XV s 
 XV s 
 
 j 8 v 
 
 XX s 
 XX s 
 
 viij 
 
 xiij 8 
 
 Buckes, ij 
 Phesants, xij 
 Buckes, ij 
 Bucke, j 
 Buckes, ij 
 Oisters, 4 firkins 
 Buckes, ij 
 Signetts, vj 
 Phesants, iiij 
 Partridges, xx 
 Preserved apricox, j pott 
 Preserved siterons, j pott 
 Marmallet, xij boxes 
 Fyne cakes, j box 
 Stagge, j 
 
 vj d Samons, ij 
 j s Sugerloves, ij 
 
 XX s 
 
 vjs viij d 
 xvj s viij d 
 
 XV 8 
 
 vjs v j d 
 vjs 8 d 
 xij 8 vj d 
 
 Erie of Lincolne. 
 
 Lo. Lumney. 
 M r . Myddleton. 
 
 j Si 
 
 Sir Tho. Lucas. 
 
 Buckes, iiij 
 Bucke, j 
 Stagge, j 
 Bucke, j 
 Oxe, j 
 Muttons, x 
 Sugerloves, ij 
 Phesants, iiij 
 Partridges, x 
 Quailes, viij 
 Bucke, j 
 Bucke, j 
 Bucke, j 
 
 Apricox, plumbes, and preserved 
 oranges, j box 
 
 >Sir Phillip Buttler. 
 
 }Sir Oliver Crum- 
 well. 
 
 ~l M r . Harrison, of 
 * Braynford. 
 lM r .Wolly,Maiorof 
 * St. AUbans. 
 Sir Edward Norres. 
 Sir Tho. Lucie. 
 
 \Lo. Chamberlen. 
 
 j- Mr. Sergeant Duck. 
 M r . Hawley. 
 
 Sir Olh'ver Leighe. 
 
 Grafton Parke. 
 M r . Lister. 
 
 Sir Francis Carew.
 
 356 
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 viij d 
 
 s V 
 
 V s 
 
 Bucke, j 
 
 Sugerloves, ij 
 
 Partridges, viij 
 
 Biskett bred, j box 
 
 Plumbes, j box 
 
 Bucke, j 
 
 Sugarloves, iiij 
 
 Prunes de Cenello, iij boxes 
 
 Venis plumbes and apicox, 
 
 boxes 
 
 Sturgion, j kegge 
 Stagge, j 
 
 Ollives, j rundlett 
 Capers, j rundlett 
 Partridges, xij 
 Apricox, C 
 Sweetemeates, j box 
 Presarves, ij potts 
 Rosewater, j bottell 
 Preserved leemons, j pott 
 Synamond water, j glasse 
 Sugerloves, viij 
 
 Sam on, j 
 
 Veales, ij 
 
 Linges, greate, vj 
 
 Coddes, iiij 
 
 Bay salt, xx bushell 
 
 White salt, ij q re . 
 
 Peakcockes, ij 
 
 Bustardes, ij 
 
 Freshe sturgion, viij peces 
 
 )>Lady Morison. 
 J 
 Winsor great Parke. 
 
 ij )-Mr. Rich. Spencer. 
 
 J 
 
 Sir Robt. Dudley. 
 
 jM r . George Carie. 
 
 M r . Pille. 
 
 tyl rs . Maisterson. 
 
 |M rs . Moore. 
 
 >M r . Jo. Brereton. 
 
 -j M r . Conyers, of the 
 J Wardes. 
 
 Jo. Marshall. 
 
 M r . Baishford. 
 
 j,Mr 
 
 . Halsie. 
 
 M r . Browne, Clerke 
 Comptrowler.
 
 CASE OF JOHN DANIELL. 357 
 
 Samons, iiij -\ 
 
 Congers, ij 
 
 Sturgion, ij firkins J> Mr> Angell. 
 
 Lobsters, xiiij 
 
 Crabbe, greate J 
 
 Samons, ij 
 
 Pyckes, greate, iij 
 
 Carpes, greate, iij 
 
 > M r . George Hyre. 
 
 Oisters, greate, iiij firkins 
 Oisters, small, iiij firkins j 
 
 C M r . Barnston, my 
 Sugerloves, 11 T , , 
 
 f. I.o. Chaplen. 
 
 CASE OF JOHN DANIELL. 
 
 [We have seen (p. 321) that by the Court of Star-chamber, on 7th June, 1601, John 
 Daniell was sentenced to imprisonment for life and to pay a fine of .3000. The sub- 
 sequent petition is from this individual, who complained that his property had been so 
 dealt with, that the fine, instead of being paid in three years, would not be discharged in 
 thirty years, while nothing was allowed him for the maintenance of himself, his wife, 
 and children.] 
 
 Indorsed " The homble petition of Jhon Daniell," and by Lord Ellesmere, " 2 
 February, 1602." 
 
 To the right honorable Sir Thomas Egerton, knyght, Lord 
 Keper of the Great Scale of England. 
 
 The humble petytion of John Danyell, prysoner in the Fleete. 
 
 LYKE as I have reason to hould my selfe very unfortunate in 
 receyving soe heavie a censure in the Starre Chamber, soe have I 
 greate cause to certyffie your Lordship, that I esteeme my selfe 
 more unfortunate in that I could neyther haye the agryment
 
 358 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 mayde with the Lo. Treasurer performed, nor any part of my 
 estate as yt was extended, nor remedie in the Starre Chamber 
 agaynst those that have hyndered her Ma ties spedie payment bie 
 embeaseling, purloynyng, deteyning, or undervaluying all my 
 estate, to the prejudyce of her Highnes and our undoing. For yf 
 our estate had been well used, the whole fyne of 3000 11 myght 
 have ben payd before thende of three yeares, as I have often in- 
 formed your Lordship. Bat now such corruption hath ben used, 
 that the sayd fyne will hardlie be answered before the end of xxx 
 yeares, during which tyme I have nothing leaft to mayntayne mee, 
 my wyffe and chyldren, unlesse your Lordship wilbe pleased to 
 take some good course for our releefe. 
 
 Wherfore, and for that her Ma tie hath referred these matters to 
 your Honors consy deration, my humble suyte ys that your Lord- 
 ship wilbe pleased to sett downe in what manner you will proceede 
 for the redresse of these wronges, that some releefe may be yealded 
 to us, that are lyke to perysh in a contrey where justyce and 
 Chrystian relygyon ys soe much esteemed ; which I humbley 
 referre to your Lordships honorable regard, and I will dalie pray 
 to God for the encrease of your Lordships helth, honor, and hap- 
 pynes. 
 
 JOHN DANIELLE IMPRISONMENT. 
 
 [This is a representation of a similar nature to the Lords of the Privy Council. It 
 has no date.] 
 
 Indorsed, " The humble petytion of John Danyell, prysoner in the Fleete." 
 
 To the right honorable the Lords and others of her Ma^ 5 
 most honorable Pryvie Counsell. 
 
 The humble Petecyon of John Danyell, prysoner in the 
 Fleete.
 
 LORD ELLESMERE TO SIR T. CHALONER. 359 
 
 WHERE yt hath pleased her Ma tie , owt of her Highnes 
 pryncelie corny seration of my dystressed estate, to referre my 
 longe and lamentable suyte in the behalfe of my selfe, my wyffe 
 and chyldren, unto the grave consyderation of the right honorable 
 the Lord Keeper, who, together with your Honors, ys acquynted, 
 not onlie with the due courses I have taken for her Ma ties satys- 
 faction and our releefe, but alsoe with the crosses that have 
 hyndered my spedie payment of my fyne, and provysyon of our 
 mayntenance. Good my Lords, I most humblie beseech your 
 Honors to consyder how harde a thinge yt ys for a gentleman of 
 my late abilitie to be depryved of all his estate in lands, leases 
 and personages, goods, debtes and specyalties, and now having 
 nothing leaft neyther to answere her Ma tie , nor succor my selfe, 
 my wyffe and chyldren, wherbie her Highnes is not onlie deceyved 
 of her spedie payement, but alsoe I am in danger to perysh by 
 ymprysonment. Therfore I most humble beseech your Honors 
 to grante mee my libertie, to the end I may dyspose my selfe for 
 satysfaction of her Highnes fyne and mayntenance of my selfe, my 
 wyffe and chyldren, who are all in extreme necessitie. So shall 
 wee pray, as wee are bounde, for the encrease of your Lo. helth, 
 honor, and happynesse. 
 
 LORD ELLESMERE TO SIR T. CHALONER. 
 
 [Before the death of Queen Elizabeth Sir Thomas Chaloner had been sent to Scot- 
 land by Sir Robert Cecill, and soon acquired the good opinion of King James, whom 
 he accompanied during his whole journey from Edinburgh to London. It appears by 
 the indorsement of the ensuing draught of a letter (entirely in the handwriting of Lord 
 Ellesmere,) that it was dated the 12th April, on which day, according to Stowe, James I. 
 was at Newcastle, not reaching York until the 16th of April. Arthur Wilson informs 
 us that the Lord Keeper did not meet the King until he reached Theobalds.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " 12 Ap'lis, 1603. The draught of my letter to Sir 
 Tho. Chaloner."
 
 360 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 SIR; I understande by my frende Mr. John Davyes, and by 
 my kynsman Capten Tho. Button, the ho. and kynde favors yt 
 hath pleased you to doe for me to my moost gracious soveraigne, 
 which I acknowledge my selfe the more bounden to receive from 
 you with my moost hartie and inwarde thankefulnes, for that it 
 hath preceded out of your owne mere love and ingenuous dispo- 
 sition, without any foregoinge merite on my parte, a vertue fitte 
 for a gentleman of your sort and willingnes, but in this age ( fos- 
 cundo culpce seculd), exceding rare, and in very [verity ?] scarce to 
 be founde. That which I can yelde you for yt is the sincere and 
 true affection of an honest frende. 
 
 Yf I have bene taxed of hautenes, insolencye or pryde in my 
 place (as I partely hear relation), I hope it is by theym that have 
 not learned to speake well, and against this poyson I have two 
 precious antidotes : 1. The religious wissdome, royall justice and 
 princelye vertues of the King my soveraigne, which wyll soon 
 disperse such foggye mystes. 2. The innocencye and cleernes of 
 myne owne conscience, which is more then mille testes. 
 
 I must confesse that, in the place of justice which I have helde, 
 I was never so servile as to regarde parasites, calumniators and 
 sycophantes, but alwayes contemned them, and therfore have 
 often fealte the malice of theyr thoughtes and the venym of their 
 tonges. I have learned no waye but the kingis hyghe waye, and 
 travelling in that, the better to guyde me I have fastened myne 
 eyes on this marke, Judicem nee de obtinendo jure orari oportet, 
 nee de injuria exorari. Yf this have offended any, I will never 
 excuse yt, for I take [it] to be incident to the place by severe exa- 
 mynyng of manie mens actions to offende many, and so to be 
 hatefull to many, but those alwayes of the worst sorte, agaynst 
 whom I wyll say no more but with Ecclesiasticus, Beatus qui 
 tectus est a lingua nequam (Eccles. ca. 28). You must never 
 accompte me a babbler, that when I have begonne can not make 
 an ende : beare with me ; I handle this argument but seldome, 
 and now wyll close uppe these lines with my prayers that his
 
 LORD ELLESMERE TO LORD HENRY HOWARD. 361 
 
 sacred Maty and his royall offspring may raigne over these great 
 kyngdomes in all prosperous felicyty, untyll the do time may re- 
 sume all septers in his owne hande. And so, with my moost 
 hartie commendations to your self, I will ever rest your very 
 assured, loving and honest frende, 
 
 THO. E. C. S. 
 
 LORD ELLESMERE TO LORD HENRY HOWARD. 
 
 [The King reached Berwick on the 6th April, and there was greeted, among others, 
 by Lord Henry Howard, who, it seems from the following (the autograph draught of 
 Lord Ellesmere's letter,) had quitted London very hastily. It was dated 13th April, 
 and, from the contents, we may conclude that Mr. John Egerton (not long afterwards 
 knighted) was the bearer of it, though suffering from ill health at the time.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " 13 Ap'lis, 1603. The Draught of my letter to the 
 L. Henry Howard." 
 
 MY verie good L. Your departure hence was so sodayne that 
 I coulde not bidde you farewell, but yet you coulde not overgoe 
 my love and affection which doeth stylle attende you, and by these 
 fewe lynes I present unto you. I cundoled with you in the sicke- 
 nes and deceasse of our late gracious Quene and Soveraigne, and 
 wyll ever rejoyce with you in the greatest and most blessed happi- 
 nes that ever any people enjoyed, in that it hath pleased God to 
 place in the royall throne over us, sine cade et sanguine, our liege 
 Lorde and Soveraigne the Kinges Ma tie , according to his true, 
 lawfull and undoubted right and lineall descent ; and that so 
 spedilye, so peaceablye, with such generall acclamation and ap- 
 plause as precedent tymes can not exemplifye, and in all future 
 ages will be admirable. 
 
 I have readde of Halcyonis dies, and Laetus Introitus, and Sol 
 occubuit, nox nulla secuta : we see and feele the effectes of that 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 3 A
 
 362 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 which they fayned and imagined. Wee had heavynes in the 
 night, but joy in the mornyng. Yt is the great work of God : to 
 hym onlye is due the glorye and prayse for it, and wee are all 
 bounden to yelde to hym our contynuall prayers, prayse and 
 thankes. When I toke penne in hande I meant onlye to scribble 
 a fewe commendatorye lynes unto you, but I am now transported 
 I wott not whyther : beare with me I praye you, for, after attend- 
 ing serious services, I make these meditations my soliloquia, and 
 place my recreation and comfort in them, and the fulnes therof 
 maketh me thus familiarlye trouble you, if you accompte that 
 trouble that commes from a true and honest frende. 
 
 My sonne cometh now, lympinge with lame Mephiboseth, not 
 to salute (yt becomes hym not), but to see David, and to joye in 
 the sight which rejoyceth all true eyes and hartes. In tyme he is 
 slow, stayed by infermitye (to well known to many, but felte by 
 hym), but in true and loyall zeale and duetye seconde to none. 
 Your favour maye much relieve and support hym : affourde it 
 hym, I praye you, in what measure you thinke good, for by 
 merite I can challenge nothing for you. So drye and barren have 
 my fortunes bene of any meanes to stande you in steade, all I 
 can promise you is my selfe, which is little worth, for you know 
 sexagenarius de ponte, and so in substance I promise you nothing. 
 But yf I can performe any thing, it shall be at your commaunde, 
 and I wyll ever be desirous and redye to make demonstration how 
 much I love and honor your vertues. So, commending you to 
 the grace of God, I rest your verie affectionate and assured loving 
 frende, 
 
 THO. E. C. S.
 
 363 
 
 SIR T. CHALONER TO LORD ELLESMERE. 
 
 [The following is the reply of Sir Thomas Chaloner to the letter of Lord Ellesmere 
 (p. 359), dated 12th April, 1603. The former speaks of his "alliance in blood" to 
 the latter. The expressions respecting the supposed haughtiness of the Lord Keeper 
 are somewhat remarkable, and were called for by a passage in the letter of Lord Elles- 
 mere.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Rec. 23 Aprilis, 1603. S r Tho. Chaloner." 
 
 To the Right Honorable my very good Lord, the Lord 
 Keeper of the greate Seale of Englande. 
 
 Right Honorabl my very good Lorde. 
 
 LET it not seeme straunge to your Lp. if I held it my duty to 
 performe the best offices which my poor deserte could merite at 
 his Majesties handes in recommendation of that worthe, wherby 
 all honest Englishmen have just cause to acknowlege ther private 
 peace and publike happines to have flowed, as from the heade of 
 the founteyne of wisdome, due forsight and justice. For albeit 
 that many discontented humors have fedde themselves fatt with 
 the hoope of an alteration of governors and government, I cal 
 myne innocency to witness that my minde alwais abhorred to 
 harbor any such thought, as being better instructed by the rule 
 of reason to honor al the moast honorabl counseylors of my late 
 Sovereigne, whoose vigilante providence, by God's assistance, 
 hath cleared the kingedome of thoase feares which have appeared 
 unto us as a dumbe glimse of a lightninge, without any horror of 
 a thundercracke. I confess that it is necessary in a Common 
 wealth to cherrishe spies and informers, of which number, not- 
 withstandinge, I nether would wish myself or any of my frends to 
 bee partys. For if it shal please the Kinge, my moast gratious 
 master, to lende his care unto mee, I will nether flatter him with 
 untruths, deprave the vertues of the meanest, much less of the 
 publike magistrate, nor adventure to make an ungodly marte of 
 my princes graces. In general, I am bounde to shew myself in
 
 364 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 effect what I profess myself to bee in woorde, but in particular I 
 am bounde to present my service to your Lp, both in respect of 
 alliance in bloode, and for the honor (which without insinuation 
 I speake freely) I owe unto your vertues, which have full autority 
 to commaunde mee and to make mee proude, if any thinge that is 
 in mee may bee acceptabl to your Lp., wher I desir to be best 
 esteemed. As for the objection of haughtines, which, by mistak- 
 inge of the relator, hath bene imputed unto your Lp. I must 
 clear the Kinges Majesty of any such suspition in your honor. 
 For the woords hee used weer only bare questions, as being rather 
 desirous to bee informed of the quality and affections of his sub- 
 jects and principal counseylors, then any note or prejudicate opi- 
 nion against your Lp. or any others. I doubt not but tyme will 
 discover my advise unto our nobl kinge, 8 dayes befor the Queenes 
 decease, to establishe the present forme of govermente with al 
 expedition possibl after certayne advertissmente receaved of her 
 departure. The effecting of whiche counseyle hath reysed mee 
 many ennemis, whoose malice I feare not, nor frendship I fawne 
 not after. It sufficeth mee to have discharged my conscience; 
 and for others I wish them to attend the fishinge in the trubled 
 waters of other cuntries, which in this kingdome of Englande can 
 never bee a profitabl occupation. And heer I conclude thees 
 overhasty lines with a solemne tender of my affectionate duty, 
 wherin none shal exceede 
 
 Your Lp.'s 
 
 moast devoted servante, 
 
 THO. CHALONER. 
 Yorke, Apr. 18.
 
 3G5 
 
 LORD HENRY HOWARD TO LORD ELLESMERE. 
 
 [The date of the receipt of the subsequent letter is ascertained from its indorsement. 
 It was in answer to Lord Ellesmere (p. 361), who wrote after Lord Henry Howard 
 had suddenly quitted London for Berwick. It is not surprising that the Lord Keeper's 
 letter should have pleased King James. The answer to it is characteristic of the writer.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " L. Henry Howardes Letter, Rec. 20 Aprilis 1603." 
 
 To the R. honorable S r Tho. Egerton, Lo. Keeper of the 
 great Seale, my special good Lord. 
 
 THOUGH my sodain occasions, most honorable and worthy 
 Lord, did speed me so fast toward the pole as I could not use 
 that observance toward your Lo. which I did infinitely desiringe 
 [desire ?] , beinge most deepelie bownde to you when my poore 
 fortune gasped in contempte, then to any man alive exceptinge 
 one of your qualitie, I knowe not howe it can ever fall within the 
 compasse of my poore credite to cleere anie parte of so juste a 
 dette ; but herof your Lo. may assure yourself, that no man can 
 be more desirouse to embrase all meanes that may testify my 
 thankfulnesse. 
 
 Your Lo. Letter was so judiciously and sweetely written, as, 
 although on two sondrie tymes befor in private discourse I had 
 performed the parte of an honest man, yet I could not forbear to 
 present it to the sacred hand of his Majesty, who not onely redde 
 it over twice with exceding delight, witnessed by his owne mouth 
 to all in his chambers, but besid commaunded me to give you 
 verie great thankes for the stronge conceit you holde of him, and 
 to let you knowe that he did hope that longer acquaintance would 
 not make you like him worse, for he was pleased with persones of 
 your parte s and quality. 
 
 Poor Mr. Egerton hath to demonstratively witnessed the 
 weakenesse of his state, wherof your Lo. wrote, by the kepinge 
 of his bedde, which makes me sorie that so great a mynd should 
 be lodged in so weake a body. He hath not wanted the kinde
 
 366 THE EGEKTON PAPERS. 
 
 offices to the kinge of those that honor you, and should have 
 tasted more, if infirmity had not detayned him. The Kinge did 
 befor hear very well, and doth nowe like aswell, wherof no man 
 can be more gladde, both for your sake and his, then my self; 
 and his Majesty is much greved that an overstrayne out of his 
 dutifull affection, as he conceaveth it, hath caused the payne 
 which nowe holdes him presoner in a cittie metropolitan, though I 
 could wishe that he wear stronge and healthfull in the next poore 
 village whear the kinge doth settell. 
 
 This fortnightes experience, to one that conversith so neere to 
 the person whom he wold most carefully and watchfully observe, 
 may give some light of the persones enclynation with whom he 
 doth converse ; and therfore I dare confidently assure your Lo. 
 uppon my sowle and without all flattery, that in the daies of my 
 life I never mette with so swet a disposition in subject nor sove- 
 raine, nor a person that deserved better to be chosen kinge, though 
 right and nature had not raised him. 
 
 I have at this tyme somewhat in hand, by his Maty 8 direction, 
 that concernes his service ; wherfor, referring other matters and 
 more large discourse till my fortune shall be to attend your Lo. at 
 more leisur, whear your eie and observation shall fortifie this duti- 
 full conceit, I humbly take my leave, and will ever rest, as I am 
 deepely bownde,
 
 367 
 
 LORD LIEUTENANT OF IRELAND. 
 
 [What follows appears to be the earliest extant warrant signed by King James after 
 he came to the Crown, and it is dated from Worksop, on his way to London. It is a 
 singular instance of the coupling of two totally different subjects in the same instru- 
 ment ; 1st. for making Lord Mountjoy Lieutenant, instead of Deputy of Ireland (as had 
 been done by Elizabeth in the case of the Earl of Essex) ; and, 2nd. for correcting an 
 error in the omission of the name of Francis Bacon from the List of King's Counsel. 
 It is addressed to Lord Ellesmere as " Keeper of our Great Seal."] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Rec. 24 Ap'lis, 1603. The K.'s warrant for a com- 
 mission of Lieutenancy to be made for the L. Montjoye. Also for Mr. Bacon to be of 
 the K.'s Counsell, &c." 
 
 To our right trusty and welbeloved Councellor S r Thomas 
 Egerton, Knight, Keeper of our Great Seale of England. 
 
 TRUSTIE and right welbeloved Councellor. We have thought it 
 fitte, uppon the sight of such lettres as have ben written to us from 
 our Deputye and Councell of Ireland, and uppon conference with 
 our principall secretarye, to appoint the Lord Montjoy, now our 
 Deputy of Ireland, to be our Lieutenant there, in such a forme of 
 Comission as by the Queen deceased was granted to the late Earle 
 of Essex. And because we doe further thinke it convenient to 
 have him here for a tyme, to conferre abowt the setling of the 
 affaires of that kingdome, and have given him licence to come 
 over, in which case he is to appoint a Deputy to gouvern in his 
 absence, you shall cause a commission to be made unto him under 
 our Great Seale, being in your keeping, in such forme as was
 
 368 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 graunted by the late Queen to the sayd Earle of Essex. And in 
 the sayd Commission you shall insert, by advise of our learned 
 Councell, a further clause to authorise him, in his absence, to 
 appoint S r George Carye, Knight, our Treasurer at Warres there, 
 to be our Deputy according to such Commission as our sayd Lieu- 
 tenant shall in our name graunt him under our Great Seale of 
 Ireland. Or in case he shall not thinke fitte to appoint the sayd 
 S r George Carey, or that anie accident should happen to him 
 whereby he could not supply the place, our Lieutenant to have 
 power to appoint anie other whom he shall think fitt. This Com- 
 mission, because it is speedely to be sent away with our lettres to 
 our sayd Lieutenant, as in our lettres to him we have mentioned, 
 you are therefore to cause the same presently to be made and sealed, 
 and to be delivered to our principall secretary, to be sent to him. 
 For the doing whereof and passing the same under our Greate Seale 
 these our lettres shalbe to you as sufficient warrant, as if we had 
 signed the sayd commission with our own hand. And where we have 
 perceaved by a lettre from our Councell at Whitehall, that Francis 
 Bacon, Esq. was one of the learned Councell to the late Queen, 
 our sister, by speciall commandement, and that in the warrant 
 granted by us to them for the continewance of their places he is 
 not named, we have thought good to allow him in such sort as she 
 did. And therefore doe require you to signify our pleasure to him 
 and to the rest of our learned Councell, and others to whom it 
 shall appertain to be thereof certefyed, that our meaning is that 
 he shall continew to be of our learned Councell, in such manner as 
 before he was to the Queen, during our pleasure. Given under 
 our signett at Worsopp, 21 of Aprill, 1603.
 
 369 
 
 KING JAMES AT THEOBALDS. 
 
 [The King arrived at Theobalds on the 3d May, and was entertained there by Sir 
 Robert Cecill for four days. Stowe adverts to the costliness of the reception, and the 
 following letter shews that the Secretary put his friends under contribution on the 
 occasion. Most likely he also received presents, as seems to have been usual when 
 Queen Elizabeth visited any of her nobility.] 
 
 To the right honourable my very good Lord, the Lord Keeper 
 of the Great Scale of England. 
 
 MY very good Lord. Because of my self I am not able to 
 furnish my house at Theobalds of all such necessarys as are con- 
 venient for his Maty reception without the helpe of my frends, I 
 am bould to pray your Lp. to suffer me to borrow some of your 
 sylver dishes, and such other gilt plate as this bearer, my servant, 
 shall request of you, and I will undertake for the safe delivering it 
 back again according to the note that shalbe made of it. And so 
 I take my leave and remaine 
 
 Your Lp.'s to commande, 
 
 Ro. CECYLL. 
 
 Whytehall, 27 Aprill, 1603. 
 
 MASTERSHIP OF ST. CROSS. 
 
 [The Rev. Arthur Lake, appointed by the subsequent document Master of the Hos- 
 pital of St. Cross, was brother to Mr. Lake, afterwards Sir Thomas Lake, then one 
 of the Masters of Requests. The Rev. Arthur Lake was subsequently made Bishop 
 of Bath and Wells, and his brother Chief Secretary to James I. The King was not 
 allowed to quit Scotland before suits for vacant or expected places were made to him. 
 At this date, 28th April, he had travelled as far as Huntingdon on his way to London.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere " The Kynges Warrant for Ar. Lake to be Maister of 
 St. Crosses." 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 3 B
 
 370 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 To our right trusty and welbeloved Councellor Sir Thomas 
 Egerton, Knight, Keeper of our Great Scale of England. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 RIGHT trusty and welbeloved Councellor, we greet you well. 
 The place of a Master of the Hospitall of St. Crosses being now 
 void by promotion of the last incumbent, Dr. Bennet, to the 
 Bishoprick of Hereford, and the guyft therof by our prerogative 
 appertayning to us for this tyme, we have of our grace and favour 
 bestowed the same upon Arthure Lake, bachelor in divynitie. 
 Wherfore we will and commaund you to cause to be taken out of 
 our Rolles within your custodie, a copie of the letters patentes of 
 the guyft therof by the late Queene, our sister, to the said Dr. 
 Bennett, and to cause the lyke to be made in our name to the 
 said Arthure Lake, and the same to be ymediatly passed under 
 our Great Scale, without any other warrant to be obtayned for the 
 same. And this to be done by what name soever the said Hos- 
 pitah 1 be incorporated or knowne. And for the doing herof these 
 our letters shall be to you as sufficient discharge, as yf we had 
 signed a bill for the passing therof with our hand. Gyven under 
 our signet, at Huntingdon, this xxviij th of Aprill, 1603. 
 
 Rec. 29 Ap'lis, 1603. 
 
 KING JAMES AND THE LORD KEEPER. 
 
 
 
 [The day of the date of the subsequent copy (in the hand writing of Lord Ellesmere) 
 of the Lord Keeper's letter to Mr. Lake is not legible, owing to an injury the MS. has 
 sustained. He had been continued in his high office by warrant under the sign manual, 
 on the 5th April. (Rymer's Feed. xvi. 495.) The object of the letter was to have 
 certain omissions supplied, and the care and pre-vision of the Lord Keeper must have 
 been satisfactory to the King. What Lord Ellesmere says about the Serjeants, in the 
 postscript, does not much redound to the credit of the body.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Aplis, 1603. The draught of my letter to Mr. Lake 
 for the K.'s service, with a mynute for Wales, &c."
 
 KIN'G JAMES AND THE LORD KEEPER. 371 
 
 MR. LAKE. I have receyved by Mr. G. Garden the Kinges 
 Ma ties bylle, signed with signe manuelle, for the dispatche of his 
 services under his Great Scale of Englande, aswell for ordinarye 
 justice generally, as for sundrye Commissions speciallye mentioned 
 in the same. In this I moost humbly acknowledge with exceeding 
 joy and comfourt the great honour and favour which it hath pleased 
 his sacred Ma*y e to conferre upon me, and will attende his Highnes 
 services with all the diligence and fidelitye I can possibly per- 
 forme. 
 
 In this multitude and varietye of busynes all can not be fore- 
 seene and provided for at once. Somethinges there are, whether 
 omitted in the memoriall or in the ingrossinge of the bylle I 
 knowe not, which requyre spedye dispatche for the administration 
 of justice, and his Ma lies service ; as namelye all the Justices of the 
 Assises and great Sessions in Wales and the countie Palatyne of 
 Chester (all which helde theyr places duringe the Q. pleasure, 
 saving onlye the Chiefe Justice of Chester, who hath his office 
 duringe his lyfe) ; so the Chamberlayne of the countie palatyne of 
 Chester, who hath the charge and custodye of the scale of that 
 countie palatyne and the countie of Flynte. Lykewyse the severall 
 Chamberlaynes of the 1 2 shyres of Wales, who have the custodye 
 and charge of the Kynges scales in those shyres, under which 
 scales all writtes and processe for ordinarye justice there, accord- 
 ing to the [not legible] of the common lawe, are to be passed. 
 Also the seales of the Courtes of Kynges Bench, Common Place, 
 and Exchequer, and the seales for the reconisances in the nature 
 of statutes of the staple ; and lastly e for the Kynges Serjeant and 
 the Kynges Attorney and Solicitor Generall. These I note as 
 cases omitted, and for all these I have caused a shorte bylle to be 
 drawne, for these places to be supplyed provisionally untill his 
 Ma ties pleasure shall be further knowne, which I present you her- 
 with, leaving the dispatche therof to your good consideration and 
 to his Highnes gracious pleasure. 
 
 I have thought good to sende you a mynute of the 12 shyres of
 
 372 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Wales, shewinge how they stande divyded and lymited to the 
 severall charge of the severall Judges and Chamberlaynes, and also 
 the severall scales before mentioned, to the ende you may the 
 better informe and satisfye his Ma tie yf occasion serve. And so I 
 commende you to the grace of God, restinge your very assured 
 and lovinge frende, 
 
 THO. E. C. S. 
 
 Besydes, I thynke yt not amysse to put you in remembrance 
 that the late Queene, consideringe that moost of the Judges are 
 aged, and the Serjeantes at Lawe now servinge at the barre not so 
 sufficyent to supply e judiciall places as were to be wyshed, (ne 
 quid dicam durius,) made choyse of certen persons of great learn- 
 inge and sufficiencye fitte to be called to that degree, and awarded 
 writtes unto theym for that purpose returnable the seconde returne 
 of next terme, which writtes are now by her deceasse abated, and 
 the gent, alredye bene at very great charge to prepare themselves 
 as they were commanded. Wherefore, de bene esse, I have pro- 
 visionally made a warrant redy for his Ma*y es signature, but how 
 or when it shall be mete to be spoken of, or whether not at all, I 
 determyne nothinge, but also remember it and referre it to you. 
 
 RECEIVERSHIP OF MIDDLESEX. 
 
 [We might be led by Stowe to suppose that the King and Court did not remove to 
 Greenwich until about the 20th May, but the eusuing letter from the Duke of Lenox 
 to the Lord Keeper shows that they were there on the 14th May. It proves also how 
 the King was beset for offices, and that in his confusion he gave away gome of them 
 twice over.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " The Duke of Lenox letter for Sir Henry Bromley to 
 be Receyver of Midd."
 
 PATENT TO JOHN NORTON. 373 
 
 To my verie good Lord, the Lord Keeper of his Ma ties Great 
 Seall. 
 
 MY verie good Lord, I moved his Ma tie in the behalf of one Sir 
 Henry Bromleyis frendes for the place of Receivership of London, 
 Middlesex, &c. and found his Heighnes well pleased to bestowe 
 the said place upon him ; and now being advertised that some 
 other hath obtayned a graunt of the same frome his Ma tie , and 
 hath passed a warrant of it, I am to entreat your L. that it may 
 not passe the Great Seall till his Ma ties further pleasure concerning 
 the same be knowen. And thus I do rest, 
 
 Frome the Court at Greenwitch, this 14 of May, 1603. 
 
 PATENT TO JOHN NORTON. 
 
 [John Norton was a Printer and Bookseller, who under the Privy Seal had obtained 
 a license for printing and publishing certain books. Why the grant was stayed, or to 
 what books it referred do not appear in the following letter, nor in any other extant 
 authority.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Mr. Lake, 18 mo Maij, 1603, to staye John Norton's 
 Patente." 
 
 To the right honorable Sir Thomas Egerton, Knight, Lo. 
 Keeper of the Greate Scale of England. 
 
 MY duety to your Lo. humbly rememberd. There is passed 
 the Privy Scale a grant for printing of certaine bookes to John
 
 374 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Norton, which uppon a petition exhibited to his Ma l y this morning 
 he hath willed me should be stayd untill the matter be examyned 
 of the equity of his grant. Whereof I have thought good to 
 advertise your Lo., because it is fett from hence this morning, to 
 th'end your Lo. may stay it at the Greate Scale. And so I humbly 
 take my leave. This 18 th May, 1603. 
 
 Your Lo. humbly to command, 
 
 THO. LAKE. 
 
 GRANT TO MICHAEL HICKES. 
 
 [The office referred to in the following warrant had probably been procured for 
 Michael Hickes (who was made a Baronet soon afterwards), through the recommenda- 
 tion of Sir Robert Cecill, to whom he had been very useful, and with whom he was on 
 intimate terms many years before the accession of King James. It appears that the 
 appointment had been previously made but deferred.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere " Mr. Hickes, by the K." 
 
 To our trustie and welbeloved Counsailor the L. Keper of 
 our Great Scale of England. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 WHEREAS we have graunted the office of our Receyvour 
 Generall of all our Reveniues within our counties of Essex, &c. 
 unto our welbeloved servante Michaell Hickes, which our graunte 
 is passed our signett, and Privey Seale (as we understand). Our 
 pleasure is that yow fourthwith passe the same under our Greate 
 Seale of England, notwithstanding any staye thereof. At our 
 Court at Grenewiche, the xx th of Maye, 1603.
 
 375 
 
 BISHOPRICKS OF BRISTOL AND OXFORD. 
 
 [James was disposed to translate the Bishop of Limerick to the See of Bristol, and 
 we may gather from the ensuing document that it had been his intention to make some 
 change respecting the Bishoprick of Oxford, but that some reason had occurred for 
 delaying it. It is misdated 1602 for 1603. The Bishop of Limerick was Dr. John 
 Thornborough, who was subsequently translated from Bristol to Worcester in 1616.] 
 
 Indorsed " Bushops," and in Lord Ellesmere's handwriting " Lymerike and Bris- 
 tolle." 
 
 To our right trusty and welbeloved Counsellor Sir Thomas 
 Egerton, Keper of the Greate Scale of Englande. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 RIGHT trustie and right welbeloved, wee greet yow well. 
 Whereas wee understande that yow have made staie of the pas- 
 sage of the Busshopricke of Bristoll undre our Great Seal unto 
 the Bisshopp of Lymericke. Our will and expresse pleasure is 
 that yow do furthwith cawse the said our graunt of the said 
 Busshoprick of Bristoll be passed undre our Great Scale unto the 
 said Busshop of Lymericke. And as touchinge the graunt of the 
 Busshoprick of Oxfort, oure pleasure is that yow make staie thereof 
 untill yow shalbe further advertised from us how the same shalbe 
 disposed of. Yeven at the Courte at our manner of Este Gren- 
 wiche, the xxiiij of May, 1602. And in the firste yere of our reigne. 
 
 EXAMINERSHIP OF WALES. 
 
 [The following order arrived too late, for Lord Ellesmere notes in the indorsement 
 that not only had the Patent been sealed, but delivered to the party on the day preceding 
 its date. Importance was obviously attached to the subject, and the letter itself bears 
 the signatures of five of the Council.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " For staying the grant of the Examiners office in 
 Wales. I receyved this letter on Mondaye at 9 in the evenyng, 30th Maij, and the 
 patent was sealed and delivered to the paVtye on Sonday evening before."
 
 376 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 To our very good Lo. Sir Thomas Egerton, knight, Lord 
 Keeper of the Great Scale of England. 
 
 AFTER our harty commendations to your Lp. Whereas upon 
 suite made to his Ma tie , he signed a bill for the Examinership of 
 Wales in reversion, which hath passed the Scales here. Wee are 
 now to lett you understand his Ma ties pleasure, that if the same 
 be not past the Great Scale, you shall forbeare to putt the Seale 
 unto it ; and if it be already sealed, we are likewise to signifie his 
 Ma ties pleasure that your Lp. shall stay the same in your handes, 
 and not to deliver it to the party to whom the graunt is made, 
 untill you shall further understand of his Maties pleasure. And 
 so, praying your Lp. to take presente order herein accordingly, 
 wee wishe you hartily well to fare. From the Courte at Green- 
 wich, the 30th of May, 1603. 
 
 Your Lp.'s most assured loving freendes, 
 
 T. BUCKHURST. NOTINGHAM. 
 
 HOWARD. E. WORCESTER. 
 
 Ro. CKCYLL. 
 
 SIR W. RALEIGH AND DURHAM HOUSE. 
 
 [We learn from the following and subsequent documents that Sir Walter Raleigh 
 and some of his adherents had at this date quartered themselves in Durham House, in 
 the Strand, claimed by Toby Matthew, Bishop of Durham. On his trial, in November 
 1603, Sir Walter was charged with having there concocted his treason with Lord Cob- 
 ham, &c. In the spring and summer of that year the Bishop had endeavoured to get 
 possession, and the question of right was referred to the Lord Keeper, the Lord Chief 
 Justice of the King's Bench, the Lord Chief Baron, and the Attorney General, who, 
 it seems, had reported in favour of the Bishop. The following, under the sign manual, 
 was issued accordingly.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " For Durham house."
 
 SIR W. RALEIGH AND DURHAM HOUSE. 3/7 
 
 To our right trusty and welbeloved Counsellors the L. Keeper 
 of our Great Scale of England, and the L. Chief Justice 
 of our Bench. And to our trusty and welbeloved the 
 L. Chief Baron of our Exchecquer, and our Attorney 
 Generall. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 RIGHT trusty and welbeloved Counsellors, we greet you well. 
 Forasmuch as upon examination before you of the matter between 
 the Bishop of Duresme and those that now dwell in his house 
 touching the right of the house called Duresme Place, it appeareth 
 that neither the said dwellers have any right therein, nor we, 
 whome they sought to entytle to it, and that thereof we are cer- 
 tyfyed by you, we think it reasonable the said Bishop should 
 have quiet possession of his house. Wherfore we require you to 
 give order to our Attorney Generall, or some other of our learned 
 Counsell, to give warning and comandment in our name to Sir 
 Walter Raleigh, knight, and Sir Edward Darcy, to delyver quyet 
 possession of the said house to the said Bishop of Duresme, or to 
 such as he shall appoint to receave it in his name. And that 
 they and all others there abyding do, within such tyme as you 
 shall think good to lymitt, avoid the house, removing thence 
 themselves and all their goods within that tyme which you shall 
 appoint, with indifferent consideration as well of the Bishop's 
 necessary use of the place, as also of their convenyency for re- 
 moving from thence. Gyven under our Sygnet at our Manor of 
 Greenwich, the last day of May, 1603, in the first yeare of our 
 raigne. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 3 C
 
 378 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 THE BISHOP OF DURHAM'S HOUSE. 
 
 [The Bishop of Durham here excuses himself for not having attended the Lord 
 Keeper and the other Commissioners, having been suddenly dispatched into the north 
 of England to attend the Queen on her way to London. Sir Walter Raleigh still ob- 
 stinately kept his residence in Durham House. What afterwards became of part of 
 the building we learn from Wilson and other authorities : " About this time (1609) 
 the suburbs betwixt London and Westminster had many ruinous piles of building 
 which age had worne out, and industry and riches (the two great supporters of this 
 momentary eternity) did strive to renew. Among the rest, the Lord Treasurer erected 
 out of the rubbish of the old stables of Durham House a goodly brick fabric to be rival 
 to the old Exchange, which the King, by his presence, dignified with the name of 
 Britain's Burse." Life and Reign of King James I.] 
 
 To the right honorable my very good L. S r Thomas Egerton, 
 knight, L. Keeper of the Great Scale of England. 
 
 MAIE it please your good Lp. Whereas yesterdaie morning, 
 when I should have attended your L. and the rest of his Ma*? 8 
 Commissioners for the possession of my house in the Strand, I 
 received a message from his Highnes, by Sir Roger Ashton and 
 Mr. Hudson, that it was his Ma l y g good pleasure and direction 
 that I should fortwith repaire to the Queene, our Sovereigne, 
 and give myne attendance on her Highnes in her jorney from 
 Duresme to the Court (which his Ma tie would vouchsafe to take 
 in very good parte of his princely benignitie), I had no tyme to 
 take my leave of your Lp., being the same afternoone to depart 
 the Cittie northward, much lesse to solicite your Lp. and the rest 
 as aforesaid. Wherein, as necessitie it self will, I trust, pleade 
 myne excuse, so notwithstanding I thought meete to acquaint 
 your Lp. with this sodaine occasion of my absence, and to in- 
 treate that this bearer, my servant, Francis Berty, maie have 
 accesse to your good Lp. to receive your honorable and favorable 
 aunswer, togeather with the possession of that house to my use 
 with what celeritie conveniently may be graunted ; the supposed
 
 THE BISHOP OF DURHAM'S HOUSE. 379 
 
 tenaunts seeking nothing els but to gaine tyme to deface the house 
 more then is justifyable by lawe, or to shuffle in some noble or 
 otherwise gracious person thereinto (yf not moe then one), whome 
 to remoove it maie be harder for me then I am willing to assaie. 
 I heare that Sir Walter Rawleigh doth earnestly labour to con- 
 tynue his habitation there untill Michaelmas, a desyre nothing 
 reasonable, considering that thereby the commoditie of the sum- 
 mer will be lost, a tyme most fitt for me to repaire the dilapida- 
 tions and decayes which he by so many yeres space hath made 
 or suffered, and which I would forthwith sett in hande with all 
 by workmen of all sorts, whatsoever it cost me. Humbly beseech- 
 ing your Lp. that, as .hitherto, so to the ende of this my suite, I 
 maie finde your especiall favour whereupon I depende, and must 
 acknowledge the same with all dutie and thankfulnes at my 
 retorne at her Ma^ 8 repaire to London. By which tyme all 
 those wranglers maie have remooved their stuffe, especially sithe 
 they were not ignorant that none but my self could clayme any 
 just title, interest or occupation, and that I had made the same 
 knowne unto them all before Easter last, which they cannot denie. 
 Thus being sorie, but that there is no remedie, to be so trouble- 
 some to your Lp., I humbly take my leave. At Ware, this vij th 
 of June, 1603.
 
 380 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 SIR WALTER RALEIGH TO THE COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 [The contest respecting Durham House is not mentioned by the biographers of 
 Raleigh. The subsequent letter from him to the Commissioners, who had required him 
 to deliver possession to the Bishop by the 24th June, is very characteristic. In it Sir 
 Walter asserts that he had held the house for nearly 20 years, and he also adverts to 
 the number of his retainers and horses who were suddenly to be expelled. Lord 
 Ellesmere registers that it was received on the 9th June, two days after the date of the 
 communication of the Bishop of Durham from Ware, but Sir Walter gives it no date.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Sir Walter Raleigh's letter. Rec. 9 Junij, 1603." 
 
 To the right honorabell my very good Lords, the Lorde 
 Keeper of the Great Scale, and my Lorde Chief Justice 
 of Inglande, and to my very good frinde his Maiesties 
 Aturnay Generall. 
 
 I RECBVED a warrant from your Lordshipps, my L. Keeper 
 and my L. Cheife Justice, and signed also by Mr. Aturney Gene- 
 rall, requiringe me to deliver the possession of Derum howse to 
 the Byshop of Derum, or to his aturney, before the xxiiii th day of 
 June next insewinge, and that the stabells and garden should be 
 presently putt into his hands. And that I should not remove 
 any selinge, glass, iron, &c. without warrant from your Lord- 
 ships or any two of you. This letter semeth to mee very strange, 
 seinge I have had the possession of the howse almost xx yeares, 
 and have bestowed well nere 2000 uppon the same out of myne 
 own purse. I am of oppinion that if the King's Maiestye had 
 recovered this howse, or the like, from the meanest gentelman 
 and sarvant hee had in Inglande, that his Maiestye would have 
 geven six monenths tyme for the avoy dance, and I do not know 
 butt that the poorest artificer in London hath a quarter's warn- 
 inge given hyme by his land lord. I have made my provisions for 
 40 persons in the springe, and I have a [def. in MS.] of no less 
 number [def. in MS.] and the like for allmost xx horse. Now, to 
 cast out my hay and oates into the streats att an howres warninge,
 
 SIR w. FITZWILLIAM'S PATENT. 381 
 
 and to remove my famyly and stuff in 14 dayes after, is such a 
 seveare expultion as hath not bynn offred to any man before this 
 daye. But this I would have written to any that had not bynn 
 of your Lordships plase and respect, that the course taken with 
 mee is both contrary to honor, to custome, and to civillety, and 
 therfore I pray your Lordships to pardon me till I have ac- 
 quaynted the King's Maiestye with this letter; and then, if his 
 Maiestye shall thinck it reasonabeU, I will obey it. But for the 
 cummandment sent mee for the wenscote and other things, I do 
 not finde that it pleased his Maiestye to geve your Lordships any 
 suche direction, and if I do any thing contrary to law the Byshope 
 may take his remedy, and I percave cannot want good frinds. 
 And so I humblie take my leve, and rest your Lordships to cum- 
 mande. 
 
 W. RALEGH. 
 
 SIR W. FITZWILLIAM'S PATENT. 
 
 [It appears from a letter of Sir Robert Cecill, preserved at Bridgewater House, but 
 in a most decayed state, that the following letter refers to a grant of Fotheringay to the 
 Earl of Devonshire, with which some former Patent to Sir W. Fitzwilliam interfered. 
 It had therefore been stayed. Sir W. Fitzwilliam and Sir Charles Blount (afterwards 
 Baron Mountjoy and Earl of Devonshire,) had both been Deputies of Ireland, but how 
 their interests came to clash as regards Fotheringay is not explained. It will be ob- 
 served that it is addressed to " the Lord Chancellor of England," a rank to which Lord 
 EUesmere, by that title, was raised on 24th July, 1603.] 
 
 To the right honorable my very good Lord, the L. Chauncelor 
 of England. 
 
 MY LORD. 
 
 I DOO humbly thanke you for the favor itt hathe pleased youre 
 Lopp. to doo mee in makinge staye off Sir William Fitzwilliams
 
 382 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 patient att the scale, since it was by him verie indirectly procured, 
 and myght have tended to the deprivation off the chiefe com- 
 moditye off his Ma te y s grante unto mee; and now I beseeche 
 youre Lopp. that his Ma te y s grante unto mee may bee by your 
 favor speedely passed the Scale ; and I hope to take such order 
 with Sir William Fitzwilliam thatt he shall otherwise receave 
 satisfaction to his contentinente, whearin we may bee bothe muche 
 better pleased then iff his former grante had gone forward. My 
 Lord, I must acknowledge your Lopp/s great favor heerin nott 
 to be the least of many itt hathe pleased you to do mee, for the 
 which you shall ever commande mee as one whom you have made 
 
 Your Lopp.'s most assured to do you servis, 
 
 DEVONSHYRE. 
 Winchester, this 9th October [1603]. 
 
 LORDS COBHAM, GRAY, AND SIR G. MARKHAM. 
 
 [What follows is the letter of five Privy Counsellors to the Lord Chancellor, requir- 
 ing him to make out warrants under the Great Seal for the execution of Lord Cobham, 
 Lord Gray, and Sir Griffin Markham, who had been previously tried and condemned 
 at Winchester. Stow (Anno Regni Jac. I. 1) gives a long and interesting narrative 
 of the manner in which they were all three reprieved at the very moment when the 
 headsman was about to strike.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Received at Harfelde, Tuesday, at nyne in the morn- 
 yng, 6 Decembris, 1603. 
 
 For the L. Cobham. 
 L. Graye. 
 
 Sir Gryffin Markham. 
 By Cuthbert Stringefleete." 
 
 To our very good Lo. the Lord Ellesmere, Lo. Chauncellor 
 of England.
 
 LORDS COBHAM, GRAY, AND SIR G. MARKHAM. 
 
 383 
 
 AFTER our harty recommendations to your L. Forasmuch as 
 it hath pleased his Maty to direct these warrantes inclosed to your 
 L. for the making out of writs of execution according to the 
 contentes of the warrantes, which warrantes were sent hither by 
 Mr. Attorney, we have nothing els to doe herein, but to pray you 
 to make out the sayd warrantes speedely, and to send the same 
 hither by some body in post (whose charges shalbe born), and 
 uppon the receipt of them we will give to the Sheriffe such direc- 
 tions as shalbe thought fitt. And so we byd your Lo. hartely 
 farewell. From the Court at Wilton, this fiveth day of December, 
 1603. 
 
 Your Lp/s very loving frendes,
 
 384 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 FIRST PARLIAMENT OF JAMES I. 
 
 [The first Parliament of King James did not meet until 19 th March, but Stow informs 
 us that " Proclamation for the summons of a Parliament' 1 was made on the 11 th Jany. 
 1603-4. The following document is wholly in Lord Ellesmere's writing, and is without 
 date or indorsement, but from internal evidence there can be no doubt that it was a 
 rough draught of the heads of the Proclamation, as recommended by him to the King.] 
 
 To certifye that his Ma 1 ? 6 resolveth to houlde a Parlement so 
 soone as conveniently may be, and that the same cause of calling 
 of Parlementes is, and ought to be, to make and establysh lawes 
 for meynteyning of veritie in the true and sincere religion of 
 Almightye God, and for the administration of justice and preserva- 
 tion of the generall tranquillitye and peace of these realmes. 
 
 And for as much as by such lawes the lyves, landes, goods of 
 all subjects are to be governed and ordered, therefore his Highnes 
 hath speciall care to reduce the election of Knights for the Shyres, 
 Barons for Cyncke Ports, Citizens for Cityes, and Burgesses for 
 Boroughes, to the due and lawfull course that by the lawes and 
 statutes of this realme ought to be observed therin. And to 
 signify that his Ma l y e doeth much mislyke that any person should 
 presume to use any meanes to lette or hynder such lawfull and 
 free election, or to procure to theym selves the nomynation or 
 appoyntment of any such Knights, Citizens, or Burgesses ; for it 
 cannot be denied but that by such their practizes they doe ima- 
 gyne some wycked and disloyall plott or designe, and to strive or 
 procure some factious and seditious sydirige and parte-takyng in 
 the said House of Parlement, and that they endeavour to ingrosse 
 and gather voyces to serve their turne for some such dangerous 
 and wycked ende and purpose. 
 
 For the preventing and eschewing of which indirecte and un- 
 lawfull courses, and to the intent that the next Parlement, being 
 the first, &c. maye be assembled of such suffycient and worthy 
 persons as the lawe requyreth,
 
 FIRST PARLIAMENT OF JAMES I. 385 
 
 A. That strict charge and commaundment that for the Knights 
 of the Shyres choyse be made of the moost notable Knights, or 
 of gentlemen of sufficient habilitye to be Knights, and resiants 
 within the coimtyes for which they are to be chosen. And the 
 choyse to be made freely e and indifferentlye, without respect of 
 any commaunde, sute, prayer, or other meanes to the contrarye. 
 
 B. That the lyke care and regarde be had in choyse of Barons 
 of the Cink Ports, and of Citizens and Burgesses of Cities and 
 Boroughs ; and that the persons to be chosen be free men of the 
 Cities, Boroughs, or places for which they shall be chosen, yf 
 sufficient persons for the service may so be had ; or at the least 
 that^hoyse be made of other notable and suffycient men of those 
 counties in which the same cityes or boroughs are. 
 
 C. Also to give admonition to have speciall care and regarde, 
 that all such as shall be chosen for this service be men of good 
 judgement and understanding, and well experienced in the affayres 
 and state of the Countie, Cytye, Borough, or place for which they 
 are to serve. 
 
 D. And that they be men well affected in religion no Papists 
 or Recusants, or vehementlye and probablye suspected to meyn- 
 teyne or favour Papistrye; nor Sectaries or men of turbulent, 
 factious, and unquiett behaviour or conversation, or disturbers of 
 the ecclesiasticall government and peace of the Church. 
 
 E. That they be not any persons outlawes, bankrouptes, or great- 
 lye decayed in their [estate] , but men of good and sufficient havyour 
 and lyvelyhoode and taxed to the payment of subsidies and other 
 lyke charges, and have ordinarylye payed and defrayed the same. 
 
 F. That none under the age of yeares be chosen to this 
 service. 
 
 G. To charge all Sheriffs that they doe not directe any precept 
 for electing and returning of any burgesses to or for any auncient 
 borough towne within that countie, being utterlye ruined or so 
 decayed that there are not sufficient resiants to make such choyse, 
 and of whom lawfull election may be made. 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 3 D
 
 386 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 H. Also to charge all cyties, boroughs, and the inhabitants of 
 the same, that none of theym scale any blanks, referring and leav- 
 ing to any others to inserte the names of any citizens or burgesses 
 to serve for any such citye or borough ; but that the inhabitants of 
 every such citye and borough doe make open and free election, 
 accordynge to the lawe, and sett downe the names of the persons 
 whom they choose before they inseale theyr certificate. 
 
 I. Furthermore to signyfye that all returns and certificattes of 
 all Barons, Cityzens, and Burgesses ought and are to be brought 
 into the Chancerye, and there to be filed of recorde. And that yf 
 any shall be found to be made contrarye to this his Ma^ 8 Procla- 
 mation, the same is to be rejected as defectyve and insufficyent, 
 and the citye or borough is to be fyned for the same. But yf it 
 be found that they have committed any grosse and wyllfull de- 
 faulte and contempte in theyr election, returne or certificat, that 
 then the liberties are to be seized into his Ma ties handes as for- 
 faited. And to notifye further, that yf any person take upon hym 
 the place of a Knight, Cityzen, or Burgesse, he not being duelye 
 elected and returned according to the lawes, and according to the 
 purpose, effecte, and true meaning of this his Ma ties Proclamation, 
 then every person so offending to be fyned and imprisoned for the 
 same. 
 
 K. Also to gyve warning to the Lords and all other that are to 
 serve in this Parlement, to have speciall care (as they dreade his 
 Ma ties indignation and displeasure) that they admitte none to have 
 the name or countenance of theyr servaunts or attendants, during 
 the parlement tyme, of purpose to inhable them therby to chal- 
 lenge the privilege of the Parlement ; for such questions of privi- 
 lege in tyme past consumed a great parte of the tyme appoynted 
 for the Parlement, whereby the service of the realme hath bene 
 hyndred, and the subjects drawne into great charges and expenses, 
 by attending much longer then otherwyse neded.
 
 387 
 
 PROCLAMATION FOR THE PARLIAMENT. 
 
 [What follows is a similar document, in the handwriting of Lord Chief Justice 
 Popham, and it was indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, shewing the Parliament to which it 
 applied. It had been probably submitted to the Lord Chancellor with some view to his 
 own sketch just inserted. The note at the close of both, respecting the useless consump- 
 tion of time in the discussion of questions of Privilege, will not escape attention.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Touching the Parlement a 1 Jac. Regis. For the 
 election of Knights and Burgesses." 
 
 MATTERS proposed for a Proclamation to be grounded on : 
 
 1. Fyrst to notefy that his Ma tie is resolved shortly to hold a 
 Parliment. 
 
 2. Then to sett downe how much he dyslyketh that any shold 
 seke to ingrosse burgesshypps into their handes agaynst a Parli- 
 ment. 
 
 3. Then that he is desyrous to reduce the elections offKnyghts 
 of the Sheres, off Barons for the Cincke Ports, and of Cytyzens 
 for Cyties, and Burgesses for the Boroughs, to the dew course and 
 order that ought to be observed therin. 
 
 4. Then streightly to charge and command the Sheriffes not te 
 direct any precept for somonyng off any Burgesses to any Borough 
 within his baylywicke that is utterly ruynated and decayed. 
 
 5. Then to charge the Boroughes that non of them presume to 
 seal any blanck for any others to move any Burgesses for their 
 Borough, but that them selves make the choyse and putt in the 
 Burgesses names where they chuse before the ensealing therof. 
 
 (J. Then for the Knyghts of the Sheres, that (accordyng to the 
 lawe) the choyse be made of the most notable knyghts or gen- 
 tylmen able to be knyghts, and resyant within the said coun- 
 tyes for which they are to be chosen, and that the same be done 
 freely and indyfferently, notwithstanding any prayer or com- 
 maundement to the contrary whatsoever. 
 
 7- That a lyke respect also be had in the choice aswell off the
 
 388 THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 Barons of the Cinke Ports, as of the Cytyzens and Burgesses of 
 Cytyes and Boroughs, that they be freely chosen and free men of 
 the same Cytyes, Boroughs, and places for which they shalbe 
 chosen, yf suffycyent for the same may be had, or at lest that they 
 be other notable men off the countyes in which the same cytyes 
 or boroughs are. 
 
 8. That they be admonyshed to have specyall regard, that all 
 such as use to be chosen for these Cytyes bee men of integrite and 
 well experyensed in the affairs of the County, Cyte, or place for 
 which they are to serve. 
 
 9. That they be men of good habylyty, estate, and understand- 
 yng, well affected, both in religion and to the state. 
 
 10. That they be no maner of outlawes, banckrouts, decayed 
 men, importing of any faccious humour. 
 
 11. That the Lords, and all other that are to be called to thys 
 servys in the Parlement, be warned to have specyall care that 
 none of their attendants be such as wyll seke it but to stand upon 
 the pry vylleges of the Parliment in respect of their attendance, for 
 that those questions off pryvylleges have in tymes past consumed 
 unnecessaryly a great part of the Parliment, to the hindrans of the 
 servys, and great charge of the subject, therby dryven to attend 
 much longer then otherwyse wold have neded. 
 
 TWO NEW JUDGES. 
 
 [Popham had no doubt been applied to to recommend two learned persons fit to be 
 raised to the Bench : he submits the names of four eminent lawyers to the Lord Chan- 
 cellor, leaving him to make his own selection.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " 28 January, 1603. The L. Chief Justice for 2 
 Judges, in the K.'s Benche and Commen Place." 
 
 To the R. honorable my very good L. the L. Elmsmeer, and 
 Chauncelor of England.
 
 SHERIFF OF NORTHUMBERLAND. 389 
 
 MAYE yt pleas your L. to be advertysed that I hadd wayted on 
 you this mornyng my selff, about the matter of the Justices off 
 the Kinges Bench and Comen Plees, but that sythens my being 
 at the Starre Chamber yesterday in the mornyng, I have ben so 
 extremely greved by a serious [not legible] into the ryght syde of 
 my face, as I held yt fytt for my ease to forbeare the Hall this 
 day, and therfore have thought good to recomend these names to 
 your L. to be preferred to hys Ma tie to make hys choyse of two, 
 if yt may so seeme good to your L., or to add to or alter the same 
 as your L. shall thynk best : my brother Danyell, my brother 
 Williams, my brother Tanfyld, and my brother Altham, all men 
 lerned, and of good estate ; and yf amongst the rest my brother 
 Williams shold be allowed of by his Ma tie for one, that then yt 
 wold pleas your L. to admytt hym into the Court off hys May s 
 Bench : and even so I humbly take my leave, at Serjants Inn, the 
 xxviij th of Januarij, 1603. 
 
 Your L. very humbly, 
 
 JO. POPHAM. 
 
 SHERIFF OF NORTHUMBERLAND. 
 
 [The difficulty which arose respecting the shrievalty of the county of Northumber- 
 land, for which Sir William Selby had been pricked, is sufficiently explained in the 
 subsequent document.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Rec. 8 February, 1603. From his Ma 1 ^ touching 
 Sir William Selbye, Knight." 
 
 To our right trusty and right welbeloved Councellour, the 
 Lord Ellesmere, our Chancellor of England. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 RIGHT trusty and right welbeloved Councellor, we greet you
 
 390 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 well. Whereas we have appointed Sir William Selby, Knight, 
 the younger, our high Sheriffe of our countie of Northumberland 
 for this yeare, and have since understoode that his dwelling and 
 settled resydence with his famylie is in our countie of Kent, 
 remote by the space of almost three hundred myles from the said 
 countie of Northumberland, and that he did never dwell nor 
 inhabit in our saide countie of Northumberland, neither hath any 
 mansion howse there. We are therefore pleased that he shall not 
 be compelled to remayne altogether in the saide countie for execu- 
 tion of his saide office, except it be for our service by our speciall 
 commaundement, but shall be permitted to execute the same, 
 partly by himself, and partly by one or more sufficient deputie or 
 deputies, undersheriffe or undersheriffes. And for that effect our 
 will is, that in taking his oath for the execution of the said office, 
 he shall be exempted from that part of his oath, which exacteth 
 his personall presence in that countie for the most part of this 
 yeare, or els that Nicholas Forster, esq., the present Sheriffe, may 
 be contynued for this yeare also ; for that by reason of the plague 
 no aseises [were] held in that countie, and so lesse exercise of his 
 office in thislast yeare, thetermes not having theire ordynarie conty- 
 nuance. Hereof we pray you conferre with our Justices of Asseise, 
 that the most convenient course of these two may be taken with- 
 out preiudice to our service. Given under our signet, at our Honor 
 of Hampton Court, the fourth day of February, in the first yeare 
 of our raigne of England, France, and Ireland, and of Scotland 
 the seaven and thirtith.
 
 391 
 
 PETITION OF SERJEANT HELE. 
 
 [The subsequent petition was doubtless sent by the King to the Lord Chancellor. 
 It relates to some suit instituted by Serjeant Hele to recover from the heirs of " the 
 late Lord Cobham," who died in 1596, the sum of 4666 13*. 4d. The note at the 
 end, in the same handwriting as the petition, was to have been signed by the King, had 
 his Majesty thought fit to do so instead of remitting the question to Lord Ellesmere. 
 It will be seen from various parts of the present Collection that Serjeant Hele bore the 
 Lord Chancellor no good will, and that he conceived his Lordship had taken a distaste 
 against him from some misinformation. Certain documents preserved at Bridgewater 
 House afford evidence that one of the imputations against Serjeant Hele was that he 
 was in habits of intoxication, and consequently unfit for judicial duties, to which from 
 his standing in the profession he naturally aspired.] 
 
 To the Kinges moste excellent Ma tie . 
 
 THE worthiest and my most gratious Soveraigne. 
 
 The late Lo. Cobham owed me 4G66U. 13 s . 4d. 
 
 It is saide that my Attorney hath erred in his proceedings. 
 
 His auns\A-ere is, that he hath proceeded by thadvise of the Mr. 
 of that office, according to his directions, which he hath under his 
 hand, and according to manye 1000 presidents used 40 yeres laste 
 paste and more. 
 
 It is enforced that if his proceedings be undue, the same hath 
 byne done by my meanes. 
 
 Thattorney, being examyned by your Ma ties learned Councell, 
 hath put under his hand that my dyrections to hym were to deale 
 directlie and justlie, and by thadvise of the Mr. of thoffice to 
 whome yt doth apperteyne, and yet sythence, yt seemeth, he layes 
 some faulte on me. 
 
 I have served our late Queene and your Ma tie as a publique 
 majestrate, at the leaste as a justice of the peace, 30 yeeres and 
 more. In all thatt tyme never touched with anye cryme : what 
 my desyres have byne to advaunce your Ma ties undoubted title, 
 espetialJie in the latter tyme of the late Queene, is well knowne.
 
 392 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 I protest to God and to your Ma tie I am innocent of anie 
 undue course. Since the last hearing of this cause before your 
 Ma tics Privie Councell upon the revolte of my attorney, who 
 nowe denyes, yt is bruted underhand that I have dealte indi- 
 rectlie, that I am deepelie fyned, that I shall loose my just dett, 
 my profession and practize cleane taken frome me, with imprison- 
 ment. 
 
 Theise thinges, most sacred Kinge, exceedinglie greive me. 
 
 I humblie prostrate my selfe, the dett and all that I have, to 
 your Ma tles feete, and if your Ma tie will vouchsaufe to heare the 
 cause concerning me (which is my greatest desyre), whatsoever 
 your Ma tie shall thinke to be a faulte I will yeilde unto yt, and 
 to such punishment as your Ma tie shall impose upon me. If 
 your Ma tie shall not vouchsaufe the paynes, that yt will please 
 your Ma tie to referre yt to the Judges, being matter in lawe, and 
 that they maie report whether I have erred or not, and wherein, 
 which if I have done I desire noe favour. And if your Ma tie shall 
 thinke me fitte to doe you anie service, this scandall woulde be 
 taken frome me. 
 
 Your Ma ties vassall and true subjecte, 
 
 JOHN HELE. 
 
 Our pleasure is, that our Judges and Barons of Thexchequer, 
 or the mDste of them, examyn and repoarte unto us 
 whether our Serjeant be to be touched with anie undue 
 and indirecte practize, and whether they shall fynde 
 anie cause that he should not be satisfied his dete, and 
 soe we shalbe resolved whether he be fytt to serve us or 
 noe, and in the meane tyme all thinges to staie as now 
 yt is. 24th Februarie, 1603.
 
 393 
 
 LORD ELLESMERE TO HIS SON. 
 
 [The following letter from the Lord Chancellor to his son, at that time Sir John 
 Egerton, relates to some suit preferred by the latter in a petition to the King which 
 his Majesty had signed. It also contains family intelligence, as well as news from 
 Court respecting the peace with Spain, which Camden tells us (" Annals of James I." 
 in Kennett, ii. 642) was concluded and proclaimed on the 5th August. The " instru- 
 ments '' were not " sealed," according to Lord Ellesmere, on the 18th of that month.] 
 
 Indorsed by the first Earl of Bridgewater, " 18 Augustj, 1604. q re le petition within 
 mentioned." 
 
 To my lovinge sonne Sir John Egerton, knight, haste. 
 
 IMMEDIATLYE upon the receipte of your letter from Wolver- 
 hampton I dyd write unto you, a'nd amongest other thinges what 
 had passed betwene the Erie of Derby, the L. Chandoys, the L. 
 Cecill and me, touchinge your sute after your departure from 
 London. This my letter, I thinke, is not commen to your handes 
 yet, for I had more care for the saffe then spedye deliverye of it, 
 and therfore committed it to Sir G. Maynwaring, with charge 
 that he shoulde cause it to be delivered to your owne handes, or 
 else to kepe it hym selfe and so returne it to me. At that tyme 
 I had not hearde any thinge from the Court, but on Frydaye, 10 
 Augusti, the eveninge, in my waye from London to Harfelde, 
 Clapham, the L. Erskines servant, mette me and delivered me a 
 letter from his L. directed to you, which I opened and founde it 
 full of all kynde and lovinge respectes towardes you, your petition 
 inclosed in it, with his Ma ties dispatche indorsed, referringe the 
 matter to be hearde accordinge to your owne desire. 
 
 Fame is swyfte, and ever makes thinges greatter and worse 
 then they are, and leste she hath now played her parte with you, 
 accordinge to her commen wonte, 1 have thought good to gyve 
 you certen knowledge of that wherof I knowe you take greattest 
 care, and wyll moost desire to heare and to sende you comfort 
 before you heare any cause of sorowe : for which purpose I have 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 3 K
 
 394 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 sent this bearer, Elis Sutton, unto you, to relate unto you and 
 gyve you satisfaction in all perticularities. Synce your departure 
 yt pleased God to visite your Lady with the smalle pockes. 
 They appeared first upon her on Frydaye morninge, the 10 of this 
 August, and before the Thursdaye eveninge were not suspected. 
 God be thanked she is well recovered, and healthfull and merye, 
 the pockes dryed, and all on her face (which were not many) 
 fallen awaye, and no feare or likelyhood of blemysh. She is so 
 well as you have cause to thanke God and be merye. Of the 
 maner of her sicknes and all perticuler accidentes, I referre you 
 to Button's relation. But for your more comfort I must lette 
 you knowe, that litle Francke and myne other litle ones I caused 
 to be removed to Harfelde on the same Frydaye, in the after- 
 noone ; but Francke would not suffer his mother to be sicke alone, 
 but within three dayes after her commynge to Harfelde she felle 
 into the measells, and God be praysed is well recovered and past 
 theym, and lightsome and mery as she was before. Thus you 
 see it pleaseth God mercifullye to shake his rodde, and to gyve us 
 some warninge strokes rather then chasticementes. Let us ther- 
 fore not cease to praye to hym to make us trulye thankefull for 
 all his great mercies and favours. Thinges beinge thus, there is 
 no cause you shoulde hasten your commynge uppe before your 
 tyme appoynted, but dispatche your busines in the countrey as 
 you shah 1 have occasion, and as you were determined. The great- 
 test care your Lady had was for you, and that you should not 
 heare of her sickenes before you might be advertised of her reco- 
 verye, and that you shoulde not indanger your selfe to come to 
 her before all perille of the infection were paste ; and wee were all 
 gladde that you were absent at this tyme. 
 
 Now for newes at Court. The best I can sende you is that 
 the Kinges Ma tie , the Q,., and the Prince, be all in good healthe 
 and well. God longe and longe contynue it, and be ever praised 
 for it. His Ma tie , when he signed your petition, used very gra- 
 cious speeche of you, declaringe his good opinion, as my L.
 
 SIR FRANCIS BACON'S JEWEL. 395 
 
 Erskin toulde me. The Constable of Castile had publick audi- 
 ence on Wednesdaye last, and private audience on Thursdaie 
 evenynge. The treatye is ended, the peace concluded, and to 
 morowe the instrumentes to be sealed and the Kinge to be 
 sworne, and the Spanyardes royallye feasted ; and on Mondaye 
 eveninge his Ma tie intendeth to returne towarde Rockingham, and 
 so to procede in his progresse. I have caused a copye of the 
 jestes bothe for the Kinge and the Quenes progresse to be sent 
 unto you by this bearer. But of all these thinges Sutton can 
 satisfye you. So I praye God to blesse you and guide you with 
 his grace, and so I rest, 
 
 Your moost lovinge father, 
 
 TH. ELLESMERE, Cane. 
 At the Court at Whytehall, 18 Augusti, 1604. 
 
 SIR FRANCIS BACON'S JEWEL. 
 
 [Had the following document related to any man inferior to Lord Bacon, it would 
 hardly have been thought worth printing. He was knighted in July 1603, having 
 been made one of the King's Counsel on 21st April, 1603, (see p. 368 of this collec- 
 tion) and not on the 25th August, 1604, as is stated in the Gen. Biogr. Diet. iii. 259, 
 and other authorities. Morgan Colman was one of the persons who had the manage- 
 ment of the household of Lord Ellesmere.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Mr. Colman, his acquitaunce for the Jewell." 
 
 I, MORGAN COLMAN, have received from the Right honorable 
 the Baron of Ellesmere, Lord Highe Chauncellor of England, by 
 the hands of Mr. Arthur Manwayringe, a Jewell of Sussanna, 
 made of gould, sett with diamonds and rubys, upon which I lent 
 to Sir Frauncis Bacon, knight, fiftie pounds ; I saye received the 
 said Jewell the xxj st August, 1604. 
 
 MOR. COLMAN.
 
 396 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 ENTAIL OF THE CROWN LANDS. 
 
 [By the subsequent Privy Seal the Lord Chancellor was restrained from affixing the 
 Great Seal, saving in certain excepted cases, to any grant of Crown Lands until the 
 King had passed an entail of " a reasonable portion" of the ancient royal possessions 
 for the benefit of his posterity. This document affords a singular picture of the con- 
 fused manner in which public business was transacted, and of the apprehensions of 
 the King, lest the rapacity of some of his courtiers should induce him to part with 
 his possessions in right of his crown before he had taken any measures to provide for 
 his family, and to make them independent of supplies to be derived from the people.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord EUesmere, "20 Septembris, 1G04. A restraynt for passing 
 bokes of Inheritance." 
 
 To our trusty and right welbeloved Counsellor, the Lord 
 of Ellesmere, our Chancellor of England. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 TRUSTIE and right welbeloved, wee greet you well. Forasmuch 
 as wee were hindered of a purpose of ours, at the last Session of 
 Parliament (for lack of tyme for examining of all particulers be- 
 longing to such a matter,) to establish by an Act of Parlia- 
 ment some such certain portion of lands in our posterity (where- 
 of God hath geven us plentifull blessing, and dayly may) as may 
 secure us, that those that shall inherite this Crowne after us shall 
 not finde the same so farr decayed, as thereby to be dryven to 
 take any other unpleasing courses to our people for the support 
 of that royall estate and dignity which Almighty God shall please 
 to cast upon them ; wee have resolved presently to pass an 
 entaile of such a reasonable portion of our ancient possessions 
 (restraining thereby all gyfts or sales from our posterity) as wee 
 shall think convenient : in which consideration wee have thought 
 good, and so wee doe hereby comand you, that you forbeare to 
 suffer any grant of our lands, either in fee simple or in fee farme, 
 to pass under our Great Scale, notwithstanding any signature of
 
 ENTAIL OF THE CROWN LANDS. 397 
 
 ours, untyll the same Act of Entaile aforesaid be finished by us : 
 for which purpose our Thresurer of England hath order to prepare 
 a project, contayning a lyst of our possessions, out of which 
 (when the same shall be presented to our view) wee determine, 
 with thadvice of our counsell, presently to perfitt that worke of 
 our intended limitation. Neverthelesse, because wee have al- 
 ready made some graunts to divers subjects of ours, some for 
 valuable consideration of money, others for services, which per- 
 sons have not yet so filled up their bookes as they could bring 
 the same to our Great Scale (before which tyme they cannot 
 receave the benefytt of our sale or grant, in which we have no 
 purpose to prejudice any of them, for that which wee have here- 
 tofore freely geven) wee doe hereby authorise you, notwithstand- 
 ing the premisses, to pass any of those bookes when they shalbe 
 brought to you, as yf there were no such restraint : provided that 
 the same be certified unto you by our Thresurer, Secretary, and 
 Chancelor of our Exchequer, or by any two of them, to have ben 
 particularly granted and concluded by us before the date of these 
 presents. And now to th' intent this good purpose of ours be 
 not prevented by some warrant to be procured from us in the 
 mydst of our affaires, wherein there may be some words inserted 
 with a non obstante of this our absolute restraint, such is our 
 resolution, no way to alter this caution, untyll this worke of 
 entaile be finished (which wee intende with all possible expedi- 
 tion to consummate), as yf any such accident should happen, how 
 peremptory soever it be, wee are contented that you make stay 
 of it, untyll you have informed us yourself, that we may give you 
 the reason of such an extraordinary alteration. Geven at our 
 Castle of Windsor, the xx th day of September, anno dfii 1604.
 
 398 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 BILLS BY IMMEDIATE WARRANT. 
 
 [On p. 215 of this Collection is inserted " a restraint" by Queen Elizabeth, in 1596, 
 against the passing of bills by immediate warrant. The following is an order of the 
 same kind, and upon similar grounds, from James I.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Rec. 29 Octobris, 1604, a. 2 Ja. Regis." 
 
 To our right trusty and welbeloved Counsaylor the Lord of 
 Ellesmere, our Chauncelor of England. 
 
 BY THE KING. 
 JAMES R. 
 
 RIGHT trusty and welbeloved Counsaylor, we greete you well. 
 Whereas we understand that divers tymes billes signed with our 
 hand, som concerning our own affaires and service, and others for 
 private causes, are brought unto you to be passed under our 
 Greate Scale of England by the immediat warrant of our hand 
 only ; by reason wherof it may fall out that such our officers, who 
 have the charge and keeping of our Scales, under which the 
 billes signed with our hand ought to passe, and our officers who 
 are to write and prepare the same billes to the Seales of our 
 Signet and Privie Scale, can not give that accompte therof as they 
 wolde, and is fitte they shoulde : we, therefore, for the avoyding 
 of such inconveniences as may growe both to us and our officers 
 who [m] it concernith, and to other our subiectes allso, doo heerby 
 will and comaund you that from hence fourth you suffer not any 
 bill signed with our hand to be passed by the immediat warrant of 
 the same under our sayed Greate Scale, without the indorsement 
 therupon, under the hand of the Erie of Dorsett, our High 
 Treasurer of England, the L. Vicount of Cranborne, our principall 
 Secretary, and the Lord of Burwick, Chancelor of our Exchequer, 
 or of any twoo of them. Being our expresse pleasure that all 
 billes signed with our hand, and which are of that nature that they 
 are to be sealed under our Greate Scale of England, shall be
 
 SERJEANT HELE'S SUIT. 399 
 
 passed by the direct and established course of our Scales ap- 
 poynted for that purpose. And these our lettres shall be your 
 sufficient warrant in this behalfe. Given under our Signet at our 
 palace of Westminster, the seven and twentith daye of October, 
 1604, in the second yeere of our raigne of Great Brittaine, France, 
 and I rlai id. 
 
 WlNDEBANK. 
 
 SERJEANT HELE'S SUIT. 
 
 [It is probable that the following letter refers to the decision of the suit against Ser- 
 jeant Hele, in which, as appears by a previous document (p. 391), he sought to recover 
 4,666. 13*. 4d, from the heirs of the late Lord Cobham.] 
 
 To the right honorable my verye good Lo. the Lo. Elles- 
 meere, Lo. Chaunceller of England. 
 
 RIGHT HONORABLE, 
 
 I PROTESTE unto God that ever synce I knewe you I did truelie 
 desyre your Lo. fryndshipp and favor. The contrary conceite hath 
 disquieted me more than the order againste me. If your Lo. 
 wilbe pleased to remove that opynion, I will acknowledge my 
 selfe moste bounde unto you. Thus with remembrance of my 
 humble duetye, 
 
 Your Lo. in all service, 
 
 JOHN HELE. 
 
 Serjent's Inne, 5 Januarij, 1604.
 
 400 THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 LORD ERSKINE TO LORD ELLESMERE. 
 
 [What " last oversight" Lord Erskine refers to in the subsequent letter is not very 
 clear, whether it relates to the King's health, or to his Majesty's expressed opinion of 
 the value of the services of the Lord Chancellor. The previous communication has 
 not been found.] 
 
 To the right honorable and my verrie goode Lord, my Lord 
 of Ellesmere, Lord Chancellore of England. 
 
 MY verrie goode Lord. For amendment of my last oversight 
 I have taiken occasion to truble your Lop. a little with these lynes, 
 and to signifie unto your Lop. that his Ma te is now become a 
 litle better in his helth (praysed be God) and mendit of his could. 
 Your Lop. is verray greatly bound unto his Highnes for the love 
 and affection he carieth toward yow, for this last night in his con- 
 ference yt happened his Ma te to remember yow. He did not 
 omit the commendation of your worthines for that place your 
 Lop. caryeth, and withall continewit a long tyme in that discourse, 
 ever to your credeat and prayse. And so, having no forther 
 matter of moment to impesche your Lop.'s greater affaires, I shall 
 ever rest, as I have bene, 
 
 Your Lop.'s right assured to doe yow service, 
 
 From Royston, this 25 of February, 1604.
 
 401 
 
 LORD ELLESMERE TO LORD ERSKINE. 
 
 [The following reply to the preceding has been preserved in Lord Ellesmere's writing, 
 for he seems usually, when he kept copies of his letters, &c. to have made them with 
 his own hand. At this date, when he speaks of his " old years," he was about sixty- 
 four, but had suffered much from the gout.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " 28 February, 1604. The copy of my letter to my 
 L. Erskine." 
 
 MY very good L. There coulde not have beene brought unto 
 me greater comfort then I receyved by your late kynde letter ; 
 first, that you did thereby advertise me of his Ma ties healthe and 
 good amendment of his coulde : next, in that you relate unto me 
 his Highnes moost gracious approbation and benigne acceptation 
 of my poore services. I know not what greatter blessinge coulde in 
 this worlde have happened to myne owlde yeares, then to have 
 lyved tyll this tyme, that now when I am almost past tyme, I lyve 
 to this tyme to serve so religious, virtuous, prudent, and gracious 
 a Soveraigne, who interpreteth all thinges to the best, and out of 
 his swete and blessed nature is pleased to remember often the 
 humble duetyes of his poore servantes as merite and deserte. In 
 performyng these dueties to his Ma tie I shall never satisfye 
 my selfe, and yet my best indevours shall never want, and in 
 faythfulnes I will never fayle nor gyve place to anye. God blesse 
 hym with long contynuall and prosperous health and eternall 
 happines. This your favour I wyll adde to many other kynde 
 offices which I acknowledge to have receyved from you, and wish 
 I were as hable to requite the same, as I will be alwayes redye 
 and desirous. S* commending you to the Almighty, I rest 
 
 Your moost assured true friende, 
 
 T. E. C. 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 3 r
 
 402 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 ALTERATION OF THE GREAT SEAL. 
 
 [On the 19th July, 1603, King James caused the Great Seal used by Queen Eliza- 
 beth to be broken (vide Rymer Feed. xvi. 496), and delivered a new one into the hands 
 of Lord Ellesmere, at that time created a peer. It seems from what follows that the 
 new seal was defective in one part, and the Lord Chancellor was authorised to have it 
 altered in his own house, by Charles Anthony, the King's Engraver of Seals, who 
 registered the fact upon the Privy Seal.] 
 
 To our right trusty and right welbeloved Councellor the Lord 
 Ellesmere, our Chauncellor of England. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 RIGHT trusty and right welbeloved Councellor, we greet you 
 well. Forasmuch as in our Great Seale lately made for our realme 
 of England, the canape over the picture of our face is so lowe 
 imbossed, that therby the same seale in that place therof doth 
 easely bruse and take disgrace, which (as we understand) may be 
 soone amended without new making or alteracion of our said seale 
 in any other part of the same, saving in the said canape only. 
 These are therfore to authorise you to give order to our servant 
 Charles Anthony, Graver of our Scales, by himself and other suf- 
 ficient woorkmen (in your howse and in the presence of yourself, or 
 such others as you shall in that behalf assigne and appoint,) to 
 imbosse and engrave the said canape, over the picture of our face 
 in the foresyde of our said great seale, higher and deeper, that 
 thereby our said seale may in all partes therof be the better preserved 
 and contynewed from brusing and battering. And to allowe unto 
 him for his workmanship and other charges incident such reward 
 as you shall think reasonable. And these our lettres shall be, 
 aswell unto you our Chauncellor, as unto our saide graver and such 
 as he shall employ about the foresaid woork, sufficient warrant and 
 discharge. Given under our signet, at our manor of Greenwich,
 
 PATENT FOR SIR NICHOLAS MOLINE. 403 
 
 the xxv th day of June, in the third yeare of our raigne of England, 
 France, and Ireland, and of Scotland the xxxviij th . 
 
 Ex. T. LAKE. 
 
 Great Scale to be amended. 
 
 This amendment within mentioned was done and 
 perfected before twelve of the clock the xxviij th 
 daye of June, the yere within written, 
 
 By me, CHARLES ANTHONY. 
 
 PATENT FOR SIR NICHOLAS MOLINE. 
 
 [Nicholas Moline, a foreigner in whose favour the following Privy Seal was issued, 
 had been knighted by the King in his eagerness to augment the list of persons upon 
 whom that distinction was conferred. He was also to have " a canton to his arms,'' 
 confirmed to him under the Great Seal of England. From the indorsement of the 
 Lord Chancellor we should be led to suppose that Moline, at the date of the instru- 
 ment, was Ambassador from Venice, but he had ceased to be so, and in the Privy Seal 
 itself he is called " late Ambassador."] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Rec. 23 Jaiiuarij, 1605. A Warrant for Nicolas 
 Molin, Amb r of Venice." 
 
 To our right trusty and right welbeloved Councellor the 
 Lord Ellesmere, our Chauncellor of England. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 RIGHT trusty and right welbeloved Councellor, we greet you 
 well. Where we'have upon the good opinion by us conceaved of 
 Nicholas Molin, gentleman, of Venice, and late Ambassador with 
 us from the Duke and State of that citie, bestowed upon him the 
 honor of Knighthood, and an addition of a canton to his armes, 
 and are pleased to give him the same by our lettres patentes under 
 our Great Scale for the better manifestation thereof to all men. Our
 
 404 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 pleasure therefore is, that unto the bill contayning the said 
 graunt, which is signed with our hand, you shall cause our Great 
 Scale of England to be put, and the same so delyvered to the 
 saide Nicholas Molyn. And these our lettres shalbe your suffi- 
 cient warrant and discharge in this behalf. Given under our 
 signet, at our Pallace of Westminster, the xxiij th day of January, 
 in the third yeare of our raigne of Great Brytaine, France, and 
 Irland. 
 
 Ex. T. LAKE. 
 
 LIBERTIES OF THE TOWER. 
 
 [The original document here printed has neither address nor indorsement, but they 
 are not at all necessary for its intelligibility. What was the result of the inquiry by 
 the five Commissioners is not stated, but it is to be inferred that their report put an 
 end to the dispute respecting the bounds of the Liberties of the Tower of London, and 
 to the " tumult and disorder" consequent upon it. Parties pursued by officers had 
 taken shelter within the liberties of the Tower of London, and had claimed exemption 
 on the ground that it was a privileged place, as a royal residence. Dr. Hickes, 
 Dissert. Epistol. 114, quotes a fragment of the Textus Roffensis, by which it appears 
 that by the ancient Saxon Constitution the limits of the pax regia were most exactly 
 Defined, viz. from the palace gate to the distance of three miles, three furlongs, three 
 acres, nine feet, nine palms, and nine barley-corns. The Curia Palatii was erected 
 by Charles I. under Patent in 1631.] 
 
 AFTER our right harty commendations to your good Lp. 
 Whereas there hath beene of longe time great controversy be- 
 tweene the Citty and the Tower of London about the boundes, 
 limitts, and liberties of each place, by reason whereof there hath 
 oftentimes tumult and disorder happened. For avoiding of which 
 inconvenience it is thought meete that the boundes and liberties 
 of that his Ma* 568 auncient howse, and of the jurisdiction the 
 Cittie doth hould by charter from his Ma ties progenitors, might be 
 sett out, distinguished, and knowne. For as his Ma tie hath no
 
 LIBERTIES OP THE TOWER. 405 
 
 meaning to take from the Cittie of London any parte of that which 
 hath beene formerly graunted unto them, soe it is reason that the 
 Tower, beeing his Ma ties Castle Royall, should enjoy those liber- 
 ties and extent of ground that aunciently did appertain e unto it. 
 For the deciding whereof it is thought fitt that a Commission 
 under the Greate Seale of England should bee directed .to the twoe 
 Lordes Chiefe Justices, the Lo. Chiefe Baron, the Chancellor of 
 Thexchequer, and Sir Roger Wilbraham, Knight, to heare the 
 allegations and see recordes, and that which can bee said for the 
 right of his Ma tie and in behalfe of the Cittie for the liberties, 
 boundes, and jurisdictions of both places, how the same hath 
 beene carried in time past, wherein his Ma ties Councell learned 
 may bee heard for the right of his Ma tie , and the Councell of the 
 Citty for them, soe that reservation be made to his Ma ties Castle 
 Royall of the liberties and royaltie which the same aunciently 
 hath used and in right doth appertaine. Therefore wee pray your 
 Lp. to give direction that a Commission may be graunted to the 
 forenamed Commissioners to heare and determine the foresaid 
 controversies. And these shalbee sufficient warrant unto your Lp. 
 And soe we wish your Lp. right hartely well to fare. From 
 Whitehall, the 13 th of October, 1606. 
 
 Your good Lp.'s very assured loving freindes, 
 
 T. DORSET. THO. SUFFOLKE. 
 
 E. WORCESTER. H. NORTHAMPTON. 
 
 SALISBURY. 
 F. MAR. 
 W. KNOLLYS. T. BRUCE.
 
 406 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 LETTER FROM LORD DUNFERMLINE. 
 
 [Alexander Hay, Clerk of the Council of Scotland, was the bearer of the following 
 complimentary epistle from the Lord Chancellor of Scotland to the Lord Chancellor of 
 England. It was an answer to a letter from Lord Ellesmere, no copy of which has 
 been preserved at Bridgewater House.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, "The Erie of Dumfirling, L. Chancellor of Scot- 
 lande." 
 
 To the Right nobill my werie hon ble good Lord, Lord Eleis- 
 meir, Lord heiche Chancellor off England. 
 
 MY werie honorabill good Lord. I could not of my dewtie 
 latt this berar passe awaye onsaluting your Lop., and geiving you 
 most humble and hairtelie thankes for the kyndlie rememberance 
 I onderstand your Lop. has off me be your letters off the first 
 August, whilk I ressaved aught dayes efter, and aunsuered not 
 befoir, fearing to truble your Lop., and distraict yiow from more 
 weghtie and necessair affeyres, and thochtes swa acceptable to 
 our maist gracious Soverane, and to that haill kingdome. It 
 pleased your courtessie to think of me more then I am worthie off, 
 and to impute to good will and courtessie the desire I hawe to be 
 interteyneed in your Lop.'s acquentence, favour, and remember- 
 ance, whilk indeed your Lop/s innumerable vertieus and merittes 
 binde me to. 
 
 The estaite of this kingdome in quietnes, obedience, arid all 
 other respects, is indeed better (thankes to God) at this present, 
 nor it hes bene seene in ony leving mennes rememberance. The 
 onlie truble we haiff is this contagious sicknes of peste, whilk is 
 spread marvelouslie in the best townes off this realme. In Eden- 
 burght it hes bene continuall this four yeares, at the present not 
 werie wehement, bot sik as stayes the cowmoun course of admi- 
 nistration off justice, whilk can not be weill exercised in naa other 
 plaice. Air and Striveling ar almoste overthrowiu with the seik- 
 nes, within thir twa monethes about twa thowsand personnes 
 dead in ane of thame. The maist of the peple fled, and the
 
 LETTER FROM LORD DUNFERML1NE. 407 
 
 tounes almoste left desolat. Bundle and Pearthe, otherwayes 
 called St. Jhonstoun, the twa best tounes in this kingdome nixt 
 to Edenburght, wearie wealthie and merchand tounes indeed, ar 
 baithe also infected within theis twa month es, and in great 
 truble. Glasgow and manye other tounes and paretes ar in the 
 same distres ; God of his mercie remove the same. Everie 20 
 dayes we appoynt some metinge of the specialls off the Counsall, 
 at some convenient plaice, where we tak the best ordour we may 
 for mantenance of his Ma ties peace and obedience, and directlie 
 all other thinges ayer in his Ma ties serwice, or for repressing of 
 ony vrangis falles in ony pairt to be tried and tayne ordour with 
 be Commissionars and reported at our nixt meting. All farder 
 of this estaite your Lop. as your lasure and opportunitie may 
 serve, may onderstand of this berar, Mr. Alex r . Haye, alswell as 
 of me or ony other man, for he is ordinair Clerk off our Counsall 
 off Estaite, and ane of the Clerks off our Sessioun and Counsall 
 of Justice also, ane werie honest and weill qualifeit man alwayes, 
 and I assure your Lop. ane great admirar and honorar off your 
 Lop.'s wisdome and all other wertewes, whilkes he thinkes schynes 
 in your Lop. bye all other subjectes he has ewer knowen. This 
 for the present most humelie taking my leive, and praying the 
 Eternall long to preserve your Lop in all prosperitie, I reste 
 
 Dunfermeljne, 30 Octobris, 1606.
 
 108 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 LORD ELLESMERE TO LORD SALISBURY. 
 
 [The succeeding very modest and interesting letter to Lord Salisbury (Sir Robert 
 Cecill having been first created Viscount Cranbourn on 20th August, 1604, and after- 
 wards Earl of Salisbury on 4th May, 1605,) bears date, according to the indorsement 
 of the rough draft (wholly in the handwriting of Lord Ellesmere), on 16th July, 1606 ; 
 but from the opening sentence, unless we understand it figuratively, it seems likely 
 that it was an error for the 16th January, 1606-7. It appears that Lord Ellesmere 
 had previously addressed the King on the same subject, both by word of mouth and in 
 writing.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, "16th Julij, 1606. The copye of my letter to the 
 Earle of Salesburye." 
 
 MY very good L. Now Christenmas is done, yt is tyme for 
 those that durst not presume to the feast to seke some parte of 
 the fragments. I found nothing in my selfe worth prizing or 
 valuing to be a grounde of a sute, saving love and fidelity only, 
 which being the duety of all, ought not to be esteemed as singular 
 in anye. This made me, being bashfull by nature and lame in 
 lymmes, to lye styll, as the poore lame man by the poole of 
 Bethesda, in hopes that after the Angelles moving of the water 
 [St. John, v. 3.] some woulde helpe ,to put me in at one tyme or 
 other. The water is often moved and almost exhausted, many 
 are cured, and some are overflowed, and some, perhappes, sur- 
 fayted, and yet I lye sty lie lame and helples, but not hopeles. 
 I see that Presidents of Provinces, and some honest petie Chan- 
 cellors, and many others, have bene bountifully rewarded : Non 
 equidem invideo, miror magis. I detracte nothing from their 
 worthynes, but commend their good fortunes. When I looke 
 backe to my predecessors, I dare compare with none in desert, 
 but with the last I would I might also compare with him in the 
 frutes of my service. You may thynke me too ydle and folysh 
 thus to trouble you with these foleryes : beare with me I praye 
 you, and burne them, and let that be an expiatory sacrifice for 
 this my faulte. Gifts gyven to oulde men serve but as Mary
 
 SUMMONS TO BARON KNYVETT. 409 
 
 Magdalen's oyntment, to helpe to burye them ; yet that comforts 
 age, and in the ende serveth for good and necessarye use. On 
 Sondaye last, and upon an occasion unexpected, I cast out some 
 fewe wordes to his Ma tie as a preparative of my sute, which he 
 did gracyously accept, and therupon I have synce presumed to 
 speake unto hym more at large by a fewe lynes in wrytinge. Yf 
 it please ye to afforde furtherance unto yt, you shall gyve me 
 great comfourt, and make my debte and obligacion unto you 
 greater and stronger, which, in true and honest frendshippe and 
 affection, is alredye seconde to none. Yf you mislyke yt, let this 
 chylde dye in the cradelle, for I will never importune his Maty in 
 any thing that maye seme unto you inconvenient for me to aske, 
 or for his gracious and princelye wysedome to grante. And so I 
 recommend my selfe to your good favour, and you to the Almighty, 
 and, whylest I have being, will ever be your honest, true, and 
 affectionate poore frende to command. . . 
 
 T. E. C. 
 
 SUMMONS TO BARON KNYVETT. 
 
 [The date of the summons of Lord Knyvett, in Dugdale, is the 4th July, 1607, and 
 we here see that the Privy Seal authorising it was dated on the day preceding. This at 
 once settles the doubt which has been suggested, and which arose out of the fact that 
 the name of Thomas Knyvett occurs among those of persons summoned to the House 
 of Lords between 9th Februaiy, 7 Jac. I., and 14th November, 19 Jac. I.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Warrant for the Lord Knyvette of Escrick." 
 
 To our right trustie and right welbeloved counsellor, Thomas 
 Lord Ellesmere, our Chancellor of England. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 RIGHT trustie and right welbeloved councellor. We lett you 
 witt that our will and pleasure is, that you make or cause to be 
 made forth one writt of summons under our Great Seale of 
 England, to be directed to our trustie and welbeloved Thomas 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 3 G
 
 410 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Knyvett, of Escrick, chevalier, to be personally present with us 
 and the Prelates, Peeres, and Barons of this our realme, on the 
 fourth day of this instant moneth of July, at our present Session 
 of Pareliament, holden by prorogation at Westminster on the 
 eightenth day of November last past, in as honorable and ample 
 manner and forme to all intentes and purposes as any Baron of 
 this realme hath at any time heretofore byn enhabled or created 
 by writt. And these presentes shall be your sufficient warrant 
 and discharge in that behalfe. Given at our Pallace of West- 
 minster, the thirde daie of Julij, in the fifte yeare of our reigne of 
 England, France, and Ireland, and of Scotland the fortieth. 
 
 Ex tr per G. COPPIN., cler. Coronse. 
 
 AFFAIRS OF IRELAND. 
 
 [Sir John Davys, the writer of the subsequent interesting and important historical 
 letter from Dublin, had, as we have seen by a previous communication, gone to Scot- 
 land to congratulate King James on his accession. He became a favourite with the King, 
 and was especially patronised by Lord Ellesmere. He was appointed Solicitor General 
 in Ireland in 1603, and soon afterwards rose to be Attorney General, the rank he held 
 when he dispatched what follows. Some account of him and of his poem " Orchestra " 
 may be found in the Bridgewater Catalogue, p. 92. Only the latter part of what fol- 
 lows is in his handwriting, but he corrected the whole.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Rec. 3 Octobris, 1607. S r John Davys, out of 
 
 Irelande." 
 
 % 
 
 To the right honorable my very good Lord, the Lord Elles- 
 mere, Lord Chauncellor of England, deliver these at 
 York house in the Strand. 
 
 MY most honorable good Lo., your Lp. hath receaved advertise- 
 ment att large from the Lo. Deputie and Councell of the departure 
 of the Earles of Tirone and Tireconnell out of the kingdome, 
 which being an accident extraordinary, I conceave your Lp. will
 
 AFFAIRS OF IRELAND. 411 
 
 accept in good part divers relationes thereof, and sundry mens 
 notes and observations thereuppon. And I, for my part, doe the 
 rather trouble your Lordship with my letters att this tyme, be- 
 cause this occurrent (if all the circumstances thereof be true which 
 uppon the first report are brought unto the State) doeth crosse my 
 coming over this next terme, by interrupting the buysinesse wherein 
 I should have been imployed. 
 
 For the accident, doubtlesse yt is true that they are imbarqued 
 and gone with the most part of that companie of men, women, and 
 children, which are named in the proclamation : yt is true they 
 took shipping the fifth of this present moneth of September ; that 
 the Saterday before, the Earle of Tirone was with my Lord De- 
 putie att Slane, where he had speech with his Lordship of his 
 journey into England, told him he would be there about the be- 
 ginning of Michaelmas Terme, according to his Majesty's direc- 
 tions ; that he tooke his leave of my Lord Deputie in a more sad 
 and passionate manner then he used at other tymes ; that from 
 thence he went to Mellefont, Sir Garrett Moores howse, where 
 hee wept aboundantlie when he tooke his leave, giving a solemne 
 farewell to every child and every servant in the howse, which 
 made them all mervayle, because it was not his manner to use 
 such complements : from thence, on Sunday, hee went to Dun- 
 dalke, on Munday hee went to Dungannon, where he rested two 
 whole daies : on Wensday night, they say, he travailed all night 
 with his impediments (I meane the women and children), and yt 
 is likewise reported that the countesse, his wife, being exceeding 
 wearie, slipt downe from her horse, and, weeping, said shee could 
 goe noe farther, whereuppon the Earle drevve his sword and swore 
 a great oath, that hee would kill her in the place if she would 
 not passe on with him and putt on a more cheerefull countenance 
 withall ; yet the next daie, when he came neere Loughfoyle, his 
 passage that way was not soe secret but the Governor there had 
 notice thereof, and invited him and his sonne to dinner, but 
 theire hast was such as they accepted not that courtesie ; but
 
 412 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 they went on and came that Thursday night to Raghmullan, a 
 towne on the west side of Loughswilly, where the Earle of Tire- 
 connell and his companie mett him. There they tooke some 
 beeves from one Frauncys White, an Englishman, and killed them 
 for their provision. There, also, the Earl of Tireconnell sent for 
 the foster father of his brother Gaffer O Donell's sonne, willing 
 him to bring the child with him : he presently repaired with the 
 child towards the place where the Earles lodged, but being mett 
 by the way by the Baron of Dungannon and Gaffer O Donnell 
 himself, they tooke the infant violentlie from him, which terrefied 
 the foster father so as he escaped by the swiftnes of his horse, 
 theire horses being tired with travailing. Of this child they have 
 a blind and superstitious prophecie, because hee was borne with 
 sixe toes uppon one foote ; for they affirme that one of their 
 saints of Tirconnell hath prophecied that when such a one, being 
 of the sept of O Donnell, shalbe borne, hee shall drive all the 
 English out of Ireland. 
 
 But no we the great question is, whether these travailors have 
 directed there course. 
 
 The common voice and opinion is, that they are gone into 
 Spayne. The reasons and presumptions are these 
 
 First, Sir Cormacke M c Baron O Neale, the Earle of Tirones 
 brother, brought the first newes of theire departure, and reported 
 that the Earle his brother sent one O Hagatt unto him, who 
 perswaded him to accompanie his brother into Spaine, but hee 
 would not bee moved by his persvvasions, but presentlie made his 
 repaire to the state to accquaint my Lo. Deputie with this acci- 
 dent. Howbeit yt was noted that Sir Cormacke had his private 
 ende in this ; for, withall, he was an earnest suitor to have the 
 custodia of his brothers country, which perhapps might bee to his 
 brothers use by agreement betwixt them ; and therefore, for this 
 and other causes of suspicion, the Constable of the Castle of 
 Dublin hath the custodia of them. 
 
 Next, it is said that M c Guyre, whoe hath been lately in
 
 AFFAIRS OF IRELAND. 413 
 
 Spayne, came in the shipp wherein they are imbarqued, disguised 
 like a mariner, and that Florence O Mulconnor, the Popes titu- 
 lary bishop of Tuam and a pensioner of Spayne, came alsoe in 
 that shipp from the coast of Flaunders. If this be true, yt is to 
 be presumed that those men brought some message out of Spaine, 
 whereby the Earles were invited to come thither. 
 
 Againe, the Earle of Tirconnell hath no licence nor other pre- 
 tence to goe into Scotland or into England, but hath been noted 
 of late for his extreme discontentment, and suspected for some 
 treasonable practises, so as hee hath no place to direct his course 
 unto but Spaine, which doeth receave all the discontented persons 
 of this kingdome. 
 
 Againe, it is certen that Tirone, in his heart, doeth repine at 
 the English government in his cuntry, where, untill his last sub- 
 mission (as well before his rebellion as in the tyme of his rebel- 
 lion), hee ever lived like a free Prince, or rather like an absolute 
 tyrant there. But now the lawe of England and the ministers 
 thereof were shackles and handlockes unto him, and the garisons 
 planted in his country were as prickes in his side. Besides, to 
 evict any part of that land from him, which hee hath heretofore 
 held after the Irish manner, making ah 1 the tenants thereof his 
 villaines (though the troth bee, that for one moyetie of his coun- 
 try, att least, hee was either a disseisor of the BB S of Armagh and 
 Clogher, or an intruder uppon the Kinges possession), this was as 
 greevous unto him as to pynch a way the quicke flesh from his 
 bodie.* Theis thinges, doubtles, have bred discontentment in 
 him ; and now his age and his burthned conscience, which no ab- 
 solution can make altogether cleare, have of late increased his 
 melancholic, so as he was growen very pensive and passionate, and 
 the friers and priests perceaving it, have wrought mightily uppon 
 his passion. Therefore it may bee hee hath harkned to some pro- 
 
 * For these Irish lords in all ages did make more prayes of lands then of cowes, and 
 were indeed prsedones terrarum, as the poet speaketh of Alexander the Great fselix 
 terrarum praedo. Note in the handwriting of Sir John Davys.
 
 414 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 ject of treason which he feareth is discovered, and that feare hath 
 transported him into Spaine. For it hath been told my Lord De- 
 putie that as he now passed through his country, hee said to some 
 of his followers that if hee went into England hee should either 
 be perpetual prisoner in the Tower, or els loose his head and his 
 members, meaning (as I take it) hee should have the judgement of 
 a tray tor. 
 
 Theis are the arguments of theire departure into Spaine. 
 
 On the other side others have been of opynion that they are 
 gone into Scotland, for which they make this reason. It hath 
 been confidently reported all this summer that Sir Randall M c Sur- 
 ley, whoe hath maried the Earle of Tirone' s daughter and hath 
 good alliance and acquaintance in Scotland, hath for the space of 
 4 or 5 monethes past been treating with the Erie of Argile for a 
 mariage between the Baron of Dungannon and the Earle of Argiles 
 daughter ; that they descended to articles of agreement which were 
 transmitted to the Erie of Tirone, and hee liked well thereof. 
 
 It was likewise said that the Earle of Tirone intended this sum- 
 mer to see the consummation of the mariage. There is not any 
 Irishman in the north that hath not heard of this intended match ; 
 for the common newes amongst them was that M c O Nele should 
 marrie the daughter of M c Rallyn, for soe the Scottishe Irish call 
 the Earle of Argile. In the meane tyme the Earle of Tirone is 
 sent for into England to receave order in the cause between him 
 and O Chane, or rather betwixt him and the King's Ma*y touching 
 the title of O'Chanes country ; and hee is directed by the King's 
 letters to attend att Court about the begining of Michaelmas terme. 
 The Lord Deputie gives him notice of his Ma 1 ? 8 pleasure, and 
 willeth of him to prepare himself for that journey. Accordingly 
 hee levies monies among his tenants to defray his chardges in 
 England, repayreth to the Lord Deputie, taketh his leave solemne- 
 ly, and returneth into Tirone. 
 
 From hence, say they, it is likely hee resolved to passe into 
 England thorough Scotland, and to conclude the marriage by the
 
 AFFAIRS OF IRELAND. 415 
 
 waie, because hee wrote an expresse letter to his sonne (which 
 letter is since come the hands of the Lord Deputy) willing him to 
 prepare and furnish himself with apparell fitt for that occasion. 
 Hee taketh in his companie the Earle of Tirrconnell and his 
 brother, both uncles to the Baron of Dungannon, and S r Neale 
 Garve O Donell's wife, his aunt, for O Donell's sister was mother 
 to the Baron. Theis, with the Countesse of Tirone, and the Earle 
 of Tirones principall followers, are likely persons to be present at 
 the marriage. 
 
 Uppon all this matter some have collected a probable presump- 
 tion that he is gone into Scotland. 
 
 Againe they make argumentes concluding negatively that hee is 
 not gone into Spaine. 
 
 First, because he hath reported often since hee was receaved to 
 grace that, during his late rebellion the King of Spayne made 
 plaine demonstration that hee held but a contemptible opynion of 
 him, for (said hee) when we expected a royall aid from him, and 
 great store of crown es to supplie our wants, the priests and frieres 
 that came unto us brought us hallowed beades and poore counter- 
 feit jewelles, as if wee had been pettie Indian kinges that would 
 be pleased with threepenny knives and chaines of glasse, and the 
 like beggerlie presents. 
 
 Againe he hath ever been noted to bee subtle, foxelike and 
 craftily wise in this kind, and therefore it were straunge that he 
 should quitt an Earledome and soe large and beneficiall a territory 
 for smoake and castles in the aire ; and that, being posseste of a 
 country quietlie, hee should leave the possession to trie if hee 
 could wynne yt againe by force. 
 
 Lastlie, hee hath carried with him a trayne of barbarous men, 
 weomen and children to the number of 50 or 60 persons : if he 
 meane to make them appeare like persons of good qualitie, they 
 will presentlie spend all his Alhallowtide rent, which he hath 
 taken up by waie of anticipation ; but yf hee shall carry them 
 thorough the country in the fashion and habit wherein nowe they
 
 416 . THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 are, doubtlesse they will be taken for a company of gypsies, and 
 be exceedinglie scorned and despised by that proud nation. As 
 for himself, minuet prtesentia famam, when the formall Spanish 
 courtier shall note his heavy aspect and blunt behaviour, soe as 
 they will hardly believe hee is the same O Neale which mayntained 
 so long a warre against the Crowne of England. 
 
 Therefore if hee be gone into Spaine the first newes wee shall 
 here of him wilbee, either that hee is shorne a monke, or dead 
 with extreame greefe and melancholic. As for the Earle of Tire- 
 connell, he will appeare to be soe vaine a person as they will scarce 
 give him meanes to live, yf the Erie of Tirone doe not countenance 
 and maintaine him. As for us that are heere, wee are glad to see 
 the day wherein the countenance and majestic of the lawe and 
 civill government hath banisht Tirone out of Ireland, which the 
 best armie in Europe, and the expence of two millions of ster- 
 ling pounds did not bring to passe. 
 
 And wee hope his Majesty's happie government will worke a 
 greater miracle in this kingdome then ever St. Patrick did ; for St. 
 Patrick did onely banish the poisenous wormes, but suffred the 
 men full of poyson to enhabite the land still ; but his Majesty's 
 blessed genius will banish all those generations of vipers out of yt, 
 and make yt ere it be long a right fortunate iland, 
 
 This is my poore and weake conjecture towching this accident, 
 which I humbly submitt to your Lp/s judgment, and leave your 
 Lp. to the divin protection. 
 
 i 
 
 Dublin, 12 September, 1607.
 
 THE MARCHES TOWARDS WALES. 417 
 
 The variety of reports caused me to alter and blott that letter 
 which I had written to your Lp. with mine owne ill hand, so as 
 for expedition I caused my man to make thys coppy thereof; and 
 yet S r Oliver Lambert, who carried the first newes, was imbarqued 
 before wee cold dispatch it. I beseech your Lp/s pardon for this, 
 and I shall bee quicker in my next advertisements. 
 
 Since the date of those letters, Sir Tho. Bourke, the Earle of 
 Clanriccard's brother, is committed to the Castle for suspition of 
 some practise agaynst the State, but God be blessed wee have 
 peace and quiet in all parts, which wee hope will continew. 
 
 Since the date of those letters, I was commanded by the Lord 
 Deputy to draw an instrument of association to be sworne and 
 subscribed unto by the noblemen and gent, of this kingdome. It 
 is done in that forme, as I dare boldly say no man would have 
 refused to sweare and subscribe unto it ; but, in regard of the 
 novelty of it, some were of opinion that the safest way was to 
 transmitt it into England first, and to have warrant from thence 
 to offer it ta this people : the copy thereof I send unto your Lp. 
 inclosed. 
 
 THE MARCHES TOWARDS WALES. 
 
 [Ralphe Lord Eure, the writer of the ensuing letter to Lord Ellesmere, was President 
 of the Marches towards Wales, and complains of various circumstances connected with 
 his duties, and especially of a desire to limit or abolish the jurisdiction of his Court. 
 His objection to the number of attornies in the counties subject to his authority would 
 lead to the supposition that they were the chief promoters of a change for their own 
 benefit, as regarded the suitors in the Court of the Lord President.] 
 
 To the Righte Honorable my very good Lord the Lord Elles- 
 mere, Lord Chauncellor of England, and of his Ma ties 
 most honourable Privy Councell. 
 
 MY very good Lord, 
 As it hath pleased your Lop. out of your grave judgment and 
 
 CAMD. 80C. 12. 3 H
 
 418 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 worthy respect, which you did alwaies beare nobly to strengthen 
 and continewe the auncient established government of this juris- 
 diction of his Ma ties President and Councell in these partes, the 
 same being of late strongly opposed by some of the great gent, of 
 the fower sheires adjoyning to Wales, many of them combining 
 thereunto, may breed and nourishe a just suspecion that the said 
 Courte is meere unnecessary, oppressing, and unlawfull, rather 
 then honourable to the King, beneficiall to the subjecte, and most 
 necessary for thes partes, as by the grave wisedome of the dead 
 upon the eminent occasions it was then found to be. I therefore 
 beseech your Lop. be pleased at this tyme (necessity enforcing 
 more than ever heretofore) to patronize and strengthen this decay- 
 ing jurisdiction, and to make knowne to his Ma tie your worthy 
 experience and knowledge of the course of this Courte, being 
 much better knowne to your Lop. then to the gent, that oppose 
 themselves againste it. How necessary the continewance of this 
 Court, both for the English confronting sheires, as also for the 
 body of the whole Principality of Wales, which confining each one 
 with the other cannot welbe separated more in the tyme of our 
 Soveraigne then heretofore it was in the tyme of his royall, wise, 
 and prudent progenitors thoughte fitt and necessary to be esta- 
 blished, I leave to your honourable consideration; fearing that 
 the great liberty which persons of greatness did then usually chal- 
 lenge and usurpe, is likely now againe to be attempted, which was 
 then thoughte fitt to be overruled and tempered by the justice of 
 the Counsell here established, by which meanes was nourished 
 obedience of the greatest to the septer, easement of the meaner 
 subjects from oppression of the greate, each person possessed their 
 owne vineyardes with peace and plenty, and the Courte, with ease 
 and smale travell and coste to the subjects, did minister unto 
 every one suum, meum, et tuum with all equality. 
 
 How this happines should be contradicted and opposed with 
 just reasons of state lawe and conveniency, I beseech your Lop. 
 that those thinges which by the gent, opposors are or shalbe
 
 THE MARCHES TOWARDS WALES. 419 
 
 alleadged against it, may be deepely considered before they be 
 condiscended unto. The seate of justice for the Principality and 
 the fower sheires appeareth plainely alwayes to have bene placed in 
 the fower English sheires, as a place most worthy, meet, and in- 
 different for that purpose. Likewise the vicinitye of Wales and 
 those fower sheires doth force continewall traffique, covenant, and 
 trayding one with the other. See the inconvenience : the Welchman 
 is served in the Marches by the Englishman, who with ease of 
 charge recovereth that which to him is due, as which the Welch- 
 man (e converso) being fair poorer (as the case now standeth) 
 cannot doe, but is remedilesse against the Englishman, except he 
 traveill to Westminster Hall, which his poverty cannot endure, if 
 prohibitions be allowed in such cases for the Englishman, as now 
 they are. I am boald to send unto your Lop. a true transcript 
 of the laste Instructions signed by his Ma tie to me, by which your 
 Lop. shall perceave wheather I have exceeded my authority by 
 any complaints that are or shalbe exhibited by the gent, or no ; 
 which Instructions being shorter then the former were, if they 
 might be enlarged, according to the former, would cause the like 
 obedience now to be observed as then was, soe shall his Ma tie be 
 eased of many clamours at this Courte, and his Ma ties other Courtes 
 of the common lawe shall receive no prejudice, indignity, or blame 
 by the mutuall concurrancy whiclTmay easily and justly be held 
 betweene them. And if it pleased the Lords the Judges to survey 
 the number of Attorneys following the common law, and reduce 
 them to a proportionable number fitting the Courte, it would be 
 a good meanes, I thinke, to stopp the multiplicity of prohibitions 
 which now are procured. I find by my litle experience that in 
 Mounmothsheire there be above xxij tie Attorneys : in Shropsheire 
 about 40 : in Herefordsheire about 50 : in Worcestersheire about 
 50 : in Glocestersheire about 40 ; soe that the number being so 
 great, must of necessity draw a great number of causes unto them, 
 which surely is muche more burthensome unto the subjects in
 
 420 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 their charge then would fall out if they remayned subjecte unto 
 this jurisdiction. 
 
 I beseech your Lop. pardon me in offering to your Lop. viewe 
 some meanes, and my speciall desire to some present helpe (if it 
 were so thoughte fitt by the Counsell of State), that a Proclama- 
 tion were made in the fower English sheires and Mounmoth, com- 
 maunding all Sherriffes and Undersheriffes to execute all proces 
 from this Courte for any cause not exceeding ten poundes, and 
 with all comraaunding the same to continewe untill his Ma ties finall 
 resolution had with the privity of the Lordes of his Councell, 
 and the opinion of his learned Councell, for the desyding of the 
 question (which by instruction appeareth not yet adjudged), or 
 otherwaies a letter to the Sherriffs of the severall countyes from the 
 Lordes to that purpose. I doubt not but both your Lop. would 
 in the interim well discerne the benefitt, or the inconvenience, of 
 continewing the jurisdiction soe extended in the fower sheires, 
 and in the meane tyme satisfy a number that with amaze wounder 
 at the strong and strange opposition to the Instructions. Thus 
 craving pardon for troubling your Lop. doe take my leave, 
 and rest 
 
 Your Lop. ever at commaund, 
 
 RA. EURE. 
 Ludlow Castle, 13 February, 1607. 
 
 NEWS FROM FLORENCE. 
 
 [Sir John Egerton, son and heir to Lord Ellesmere, was in the habit of keeping up 
 a correspondence with some of the English official residents in foreign courts. What 
 follows is a letter of news from the English resident at Florence, and the date of 1607 
 (for neither place, year nor month are given by the writer) is ascertained by what is 
 stated at the close regarding the death of Cardinal Baronius leaving unfinished his 
 Ecclesiastical Annals. This event occurred on 30th June, 1607. The conduct and 
 adventures of Ward, the pirate, mentioned below, formed the subject of a play by Ro- 
 bert Daiborne printed in 1612.]
 
 NEWS FROM FLORENCE. 421 
 
 To his most honorede freinde Sir John Egerton, geve these. 
 
 THE Duke of Florence hath sent an armada of shippes against 
 the great Turke for Cipres : the report is they are landed in five 
 severall places, but yet nothinge else donne. There are a thow- 
 sand and more pioneres lyinge at Livornia ready to goe for Cipres 
 to fortifie what they gett. The Duke of Thoscanye hath concluded 
 a match between his sonne and heyre and the Kinge of Spaine his 
 wifes sister. 
 
 He is also makinge the Kinge of Englandes armes every colour 
 of naturall stone without any art but carving, which being finished 
 he will send the Kinge. 
 
 There is suche league now between the Venetians and the Pope, 
 that so the Venetian makes earnest sute to the Pope for the 
 tenthes of the tithes in their owne cuntrie, in consideration of their 
 charges heretofore against the Turke. The Jesuites are quite 
 banished their cuntrie, but their livinges are yet undisposed of. 
 Their peace is absolutely concluded of between the Pope and 
 them, with the same conditions that were before (as they say), 
 only the tolleration of Jesuites excepted. 
 
 There is an Englishe man whose name is Warde, a pirat, on the 
 coast of Italy, who hath spoyled arid gotten the valew of three 
 hundred thowsand crownes from the Venetians; besides others 
 which he hath robed, and is now growne very stronge. 
 
 The peace is not yet concluded between the Emperour and the 
 Turke : the Turke is growne weake ; his bashaws rebell, and he 
 geven altogether to his pleasure, led and guided by eunuches. 
 
 The Duke of Mantua hath sent to the Pope to crave license to 
 sett up a house of religious knightes of the order of St. Martha, 
 which granted he will furnish out tow galleyes and these knightes 
 against the Turke. There are in Millaine gathered together fortie 
 ensignes of soldiours, most of them Spaniardes, which are yet un- 
 disposed of, either to goe to the Low Cuntries if the peace doe not
 
 422 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 hold, or els to Naples to the assistance of the Duke of Thoscanie. 
 There is in Millan a governor under the Kinge of Spaine called 
 Conte Fuentos, who, by his wisdome and justice, hath reduced 
 the whole cuntrie of Lumbardie into that subjection as now it is 
 as safe a cuntrie to travell in as anye cuntrie in Italic, where be- 
 fore, both in the cittie and cuntrie, there was more robbinge and 
 cuttinge of throates then in any cuntrie of civile government in 
 the world. In this towne I was when I saw the castle, an invin- 
 cible fortification. He hath five hundred soldiers only in pay in 
 the towne and castle, whereof there are some foure hundred in the 
 castle. These men keepe the towne and whole cuntrie in awe. 
 The towne is rounde, very populos, and, by their estimation, is 
 twelve Italian mile about ; all kinde of trades, the people very in- 
 dustriouse ; in brief, the best furnished towne that ever I saw. 
 There is an Hunn which singes there so excellent as she doth 
 astonishe all her herers. This Hun when I was there was sicke, 
 by which meanes I heard her not, but by report both in towne 
 and since confirmed by diverse Englishmen I have mett withall. 
 
 To conclude, Baronius is dead : he hath written fully 1 2 tomes, 
 and was come to the 13th, He hath treated of 1200 yeres since 
 Christ, and hath left 400 yeares yet unwritten, but such directions 
 are behinde left by him, and such order taken for the finishing as 
 all his ecclesiastical story shall be compleat accordinge as he had 
 intended. There is a frier of the house of Nova Chiesa in Rome 
 hath undertaken it, and hath the libertie to goe into the Vatica, 
 the Pope's library. So much of such newes we have brought 
 every weeke : these, beinge brought some fower howers before the 
 night (this leaves goinge away the next morninge), I wrote out 
 in some hast, which I commend to your handes. 
 
 Your servant, 
 
 HENRY TWEEDY.
 
 423 
 
 THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. 
 
 [The schedule, stated to have been inclosed in the following warrant from six of the 
 Privy Council, has not been preserved. They were to be extraordinary Commissioners 
 for administering the Oath of Allegiance to persons arriving from abroad.] 
 
 AFTER our right harty commendations to your good Lop. 
 Whereas the lawes of the realme have ordeyned punishment, by 
 imprisonment and other meanes, for such of his Ma ties subjects 
 as, coming from beyond the seas and arriving at any port or creeke 
 in this realme, shall refuse to take the Oath of Allegeance, when 
 the same shalbee offred unto them according to the statute made 
 in that behalfe. Forasmuch as the audaciousnes of divers persons 
 of disloyall affection and malitious entention toward his Ma tie and 
 the State, in presuming (notwithstanding the said statute) to come 
 into this realme with mindes corrupted by traitors and fugitives 
 beyond the seas, hath geven his Ma tie greate cause to require a 
 very straight observance and execution of the said lawe, and there- 
 upon hath not onely declared his pleasure for the due perfourm- 
 ance of the said statute, but also (for supply of other fitt persons, 
 besides the justices of the peace, to bee alwaies at hand to minis- 
 ter the said Oath,) hath geven warrant to your Lop. to graunt 
 commission from time to time, to any the officers of such portes 
 as any sixe of us of his Privy Counsell should, under our handes, 
 signify unto your Lordship, thereby to authorise them to minister 
 the said Oath in manner and forme agreeable to the said statute. 
 Wee doe therefore pray your Lop. (according to the authority 
 geven you by his Ma^e in that behalfe) to graunt commission un- 
 to the persons mentioned in the schedule hereinclosed and signed 
 by us [def. in MS.] thereby they may bee authorised to minister 
 the said Oath to any persons [def. in MS.] coming from beyond 
 the seas shalbee unknowne, or otherwise shalbee suspected to bee 
 dangerous and perverted in pointe of theire loyaltie and due alle- 
 giance. And these letters, agreeing with his Ma ties foresaid war-
 
 424 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 rant, shalbee unto your Lop. sufficient discharge in that behalfe. 
 And soe we wish your good Lop. right hartely well to fare. From 
 the Corte at Whitehall, the 26th of May, 1608. 
 
 Your good Lp/s assured loving freindes, 
 
 SALISBURY. H. NORTHAMPTON. 
 
 T. SUFFOLKE. E. WORCESTER. 
 
 E. ZOUCHE. JUL. CAESAR. 
 
 Lo. Chancellor. 
 
 NEW CHARTER FOR CANTERBURY. 
 
 [The subsequent documents relate to the granting of a new charter for the city of 
 Canterbury : first, the petition of the mayor and commonalty ; secondly, the direction 
 of the Lord Chancellor ; thirdly, the approbation of Dr. Bancroft, Archbishop of Can- 
 terbury ; fourthly, the consent of the Marquis of Northampton, as Lord Warden of the 
 Cinque Ports ; fifthly, a note of accordance by the Mayor of Canterbury and James 
 Chamber, the King's Serjeant ; and sixthly, the reference of the subject by Sir Thomas 
 Lake to the Attorney General.] 
 
 Indorsed " The humble Petition of the Maior and Commynaltie of the Cittie of 
 Canterbury." 
 
 Articles humblie desired by the Maior and Commynaltie of 
 the Cittie of Canterbury to be inserted in their newe 
 Charter. 
 
 1. That they maie be newlie incorporated by the name of Maior 
 and Commynaltie of the cittie of Canterbury. 
 
 2. That the Maior and Recorder of the saide Cittie, and such of 
 the Aldermen as heretofore have bene or hereafter shalbe Maiors 
 of the saide Cittie shalbe Justices of the Peace within the saide 
 Cittie, and the Maior and Recorder to be of the quorum, and that
 
 NEW CHARTER FOR CANTERBURY. 425 
 
 the Maior may have aucthority to give the othe of Justice of Peace 
 unto the Recorder and thother Justices. 
 
 3. Wheras the Maior and Aldermen have authoritie by their 
 Charter, graunted by Kinge H. the 6, to make sesses within the 
 Cittie. That now they maie have power to levie them by dis- 
 tresse. 
 
 4. That they may choose their Maior and Aldermen of anie 
 such persons as are naturall borne subjectes of this realme of Eng- 
 land, wheras by their former Charter they might not choose any 
 but such as were borne within England, which they desire to alter, 
 for that they have now one for an Alderman, being a verie suffi- 
 cient man, but was borne in Antwerpe of English parentes. 
 
 5. That no forreyner shall keepe anie shoppe or trade within 
 the Cittie, except it be in tymes of faires and markettes. 
 
 6. That for the more countenance and creditt of his Ma ties ser- 
 vice there, the Maior maie have a sword caried before him. 
 
 7- That they maie have authoritie to take statutes merchantes, 
 as they did before, and that they maie appointe one to have the 
 custodie of the lesser peece of the scale, which was imperfect in 
 their former graunte. 
 
 8. That all their former landes and liberties maie be confirmed 
 unto them, to be holden by such rentes and services as the same 
 were formerly holden. 
 
 9. That they may purchase landes in mortmaine of the yearlie 
 value of xl 1 ', not being holden in chiefe or by knightes service. 
 
 10. Wheras by their former Charter they were exempted from 
 apparance out of the Cittie before the Justices of Assize for felo- 
 nies done within the Cittie, they desire that they maie also be 
 exempted from apparance before the Justices of the Kinges 
 Bench, or anie other Justices, for felonies or other criminall causes 
 done within the said Cittie, all treasons excepted. 
 
 1 1 . With a proviso that this Charter, or anie thing therein con- 
 teyned, shall not be prejudiciall to the Lord Archbishopp of Can- 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 3 i
 
 426 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 terbury or his successors, or to the Deane and Chapter of Canter- 
 bury, or their successors, or to the Lo. Leiutenant of the countie 
 of Kente and countie of Canterbury for the time being, or to the 
 liberties of the late dissolved monasterie of St. Augustines neare 
 Canterburie, or to the libertyes of the Cinque Fortes. 
 
 Attende my L. Grace and my L. Privye Scale, that their Lps. 
 maye see what is here desired, and that nothinge passe 
 which may be prejudiciall to the Churche of Canter- 
 burye, or to the Libertyes of the Cynke Fortes. 
 
 T. ELLESMERE, Cane. 
 
 The Kinges Ma tie referred the renuing of the Charter of the 
 Citty of Canterbury, and such thinges as are fitt to be graunted in 
 the same, unto the consideration of the right Honorable Thomas 
 Lo. Ellesmere, Lord High Chauncellor of England. 
 
 R. CANT. 
 
 The proviso entred was vewed by Sir John Boyes and some 
 others whom I trust, and therefore I am contented with 
 it. 
 
 R. CANT. 
 
 Admittinge the proviso of beinge no waie prejudiciall to the 
 Liberties of the Cinq Fortes, I subscribe. 
 
 H. NORTHAMPTON. 
 
 These are to signifie unto you that James Chamber, his Ma ties 
 servant, and the Cittizens of Canterbury are agreed so that they 
 shall renew their Charter without anie stay by him the said Mr. 
 Chamber, so as they have onely thereby graunted them power to 
 governe according to the auncyent custome, the principall pointes
 
 LORD BACON AND THE STAR CHAMBER. 427 
 
 whereof are hereunto annexed, being perused by his Ma^es Attor- 
 ney General. 
 
 THOMAS MAROMORE, Maior. 
 
 JAMES CHAMBER. 
 
 To the right wor 11 
 Sir Thomas Lake, Knight. 
 
 Sir. The Kinges Ma tie , being informed that, as you may per- 
 ceave by this subscription, that the Cittie of Canterbury and his 
 servant Mr. Chambers are agreed, ys pleased that the charter may 
 be passed upon such articles as have bene shewed as collected by 
 you, or such as you shall think fitt for the necessary administra- 
 tion of justice there. Onely this, that my Lo. of Canterbury may 
 see the draught of the Charter before it passe, to see that nothing 
 be therein prejudiciall to his charters. So God keep you. From 
 the Court at Greenewiche this xxx th of May, 1608. 
 
 Yours to commaund, 
 
 THOMAS LAKE. 
 
 This is the coppie of the reference from the 
 King by Sir Thomas Lake unto Mr. Attorney 
 Generall for passing of the booke. 
 
 LORD BACON AND THE STAR CHAMBER. 
 
 [The reversion to Lord Bacon to the office of Registrar of the Star Chamber has 
 before been mentioned : he succeeded to it in July 1608, for Lord Ellesmere, writing 
 to his son on the 19th of that month, says, " On Saturday mornynge, about five of 
 the clock, God toke out of this lyfe Mr. Mylle of the Starre Chamber, and because 
 nature can not suffer vacuum, Sir Francis Bacon (after 19 yeares expectation) was 
 sworne before me to that place before 2 in the afternoone." The Calendars of the 
 Court were consequently delivered to Lord Bacon on 19th August, 1608, as appears by
 
 428 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 the subsequent document. " The humble motion and allegations of Fr. Bacon," re- 
 specting the fees of the office, is here appended, though somewhat out of date, because 
 it was originally laid before Lord Ellesmere in May 1597, when the Lord Keeper was 
 engaged in the investigation.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Kalenders of the Starre Chamber, delivered to Sir 
 Fr. Bacon, 19 Augusti, 1608." 
 
 In Camera Stellata. 
 
 ONE Booke of the Kallender of Orders, beginning anno primo 
 et secundo Henr. Septimi, and endinge in termino Trinitatis, anno 
 xxx Henr. viipi. 
 
 One other Booke of Kallender of Orders, beginning in termino 
 Micnis, anno xxx H. 8, and endinge in termino Hillarij, anno v to 
 Eliz. Rn*. 
 
 One other Booke of Kallender of Orders, begininge termino 
 Pasch. anno quinto dnee Reginee Eliz., and endinge in Trinity 
 xxx dictse R n *. 
 
 One other Kallender, in lose papers, begininge in termino Micnis, 
 anno xxx dictae Eliz., and endinge at Trinity xxxijo dictee Eliz. 
 
 One other Booke, or Alphabet Kallender, conteininge all such 
 matters as were debated in the Starchamber from Mich, terme, in 
 the 8 yeare of Kinge Henry the S, untill Trinity in the xiij th yeare 
 of his reigne. 
 
 One other Boke, or Alphabet Kallender, to give light of divers 
 especiall presidentes, under Mr. Mynat's hand. 
 
 The severall Kallenders abovesaid were delivered to the right 
 honor, the Lord Chauncellor, by Richard Dallydowne 
 and Edward Hawkyns, 19 August, 1G08. 
 
 Rec d this 19 th of Aug. 1608, of the hands of 
 the right Hon. the L. Chancellor, the bookes 
 and papers above wrytten. 
 
 FR. BACON, 
 RICHARD DELADOUNE. 
 EDW. HAWKYNS.
 
 LORD BACON* AND THE STAR CHAMBER. 429 
 
 The humble motion and allegations of Fr. Bacon concerninge 
 certaine fees restrayned by the right Ho. the L. Keeper, 
 of which fees Mr. Mylle, clerk of the Counsell, hath bin 
 vested and possessed as in right of his office, wherof the 
 said Fr. Bacon, by her Ma ties royall graunt, is in rever- 
 sion. 
 
 First, I humblie praie your L. to conceive that I holde it no 
 augementation nor raysing to the office, but a pulling downe and 
 cancre to it, if anie unjust fees should cleve to the same ; and as 
 I knowe myne owne mynde in this, soe I have that good estyma- 
 tion of Mr. Mill, as I suppose he beareth the same mynde. 
 
 Next, I doe in harte so fullie consent and gratulate to hir 
 Majesties soveraigne intention for the reformation of abuses in 
 justice, and to your L. reverent severitie in the same, as I shall 
 be glad of it, though e I be a leeser in parti culare, yea, thoughe it 
 shoulde be never executed nor put in use but onelie in this office 
 of ours (if cause were), and all other went scott-free. 
 
 My humble petition is, that as your L. shall receive from Mr. 
 Mill awnswere articulation to the severall poyntes out of his skill 
 and experyence, soe your L. maie be pleased withall to give some 
 attention to theis allegations touching the mere right of the fees, 
 which uppon perusal of his awnsweres and conference with him I 
 have to myne owne sense collected, and am to open and submitte 
 to your grave and honorable consideration. 
 
 Your L. course, as I do apprehende it, is to restraine such fees 
 as are not auncient fees. But then the question is, what [is] to be 
 understoode for auncient fee, which ministreth these doubtes fol- 
 lowinge. 
 
 First, If a fee have been alwaies taken, but sometimes more 
 and lesse, if the officer shall drawe it to a fee certaine, and taxe 
 it at the lowest rate of that which hath bin used to be paide, 
 whether this maie not be accompted auncient fee ?
 
 430 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Under this question falleth out the fees of searche, as well 
 those for bills and replications as those for Commissions, which 
 fees have bin auncientlie taken, but variablie, which Mr. Mill had 
 the more reason to restraine to a certeintie, because he taketh it 
 not himselfe but putteth it over to his clerke, whose discretion it 
 was not safe for him to trust, in leaveing it to his libertie to take an 
 uncertaine rewarde. 
 
 The noble taken for certificate falleth within the same questyon, 
 for as much as rewarde hath bin allwaies taken for the same 
 according as usuall for certeficates in the Chauncery; and al- 
 thoughe it be not used by the Judges and the Queenes Counsell 
 learned in the Starrechamber, yett the nature of the Clerke of the 
 Counsells certificate differeth from the rest, because the refer- 
 ences which are made to him are either uppon question of pre- 
 sidentes in the Courte in other cases, or uppon question how a 
 particulare cause standeth in proceeding in the Courte, both 
 which poyntes require much travell in search and perusall of 
 orders or other recordes of the Courte, whereas the other certifi- 
 cates require but audyence, or consideration of that which is pre- 
 pared to be shewed and sett forth by the parties counsell. 
 
 And it seemeth to have proceeded of a very good mynde in Mr. 
 Mill to have drawne this rewarde to an equall and verie moderate 
 fee, lest in this service, which is judiciall, he mought be thoughte 
 to carrie himselfe more or lesse favourable according to the libe- 
 ralitie used towardes him. 
 
 Secondlie, If an auncient fee be in case, and the favoure of 
 the Courte, or som new course conceyved doe drawe matters 
 into an other course, whereby that case (in which the auncient 
 fee is due) is frustrated, whether yett the officer's fee ought not to 
 remaine and to be accounted as the auncient fee ? Under this 
 question falleth the fee of a noble for such as awnswere by ded. 
 pot. wherein Mr. Mill alleadgeth the president of the proclama- 
 tion, when, by reason of sicknes, all Defendants were permitted to 
 awnswere by ded. pot. ; at what tyme nevertheles all fees were
 
 LORD BACON AND THE STAR CHAMBER. 431 
 
 payde, and soe was the Judge's opinion. So when the L. Chaun- 
 cellor or Keeper passeth anie patent by imediate warrant, yett 
 the fees of the Clerke of the Seale and Signett are ordered to be 
 awnswered, and yett theie doe noething for them. 
 
 So, since the office erected of wry ting the Queenes leases, 
 graunted by the Coraonw th , were wont to passe the Q. learned 
 Counsell, the fees remaine good to the Atturnye and Sollicitor, and 
 yett the leases com not to them. 
 
 So, no doubt, by diligence manie the like presidents mought 
 be founde out, it standing with all equitie and reason that new 
 orders or favours shoulde not frustrate auncient and vested fees. 
 
 Thirdlie, If by a new order of the Courte the officer be in- 
 joyned to any new travell in case not accustomed, whether the 
 same fee be not dew in that case not accustomed, which is dew in 
 the like cases accustomed ? 
 
 Under this falleth the question if the fee for subsignation, 
 peing the same fee which the clerke in all cases taketh for his 
 hande and signe, and there being a new order that coppies should 
 be credenced with the clerkes hande, which heretofore was sette 
 when the subject prayed it, and the fee ever awnswered, and yett 
 allowed in that case, soe as it is the new order exactes this fee 
 generally, and not the officer. 
 
 Now, if theis defences, laide unto Mr. Mill his particulare awn- 
 swers, shall seeme unto your L. reasonable for the proveing theis 
 fees to be in true understanding auncient fees, (which defences, by 
 the presidentes and courses of all other Courtes, mought be am- 
 plyfied and fortified,) and neverthelesse it shall seem unto your 
 L. that, notwithstanding you shoulde be pleased to give allow- 
 aunce to the matter of them, yett that there was an error in the 
 fourme, because the Clerke of the Counsell did forerunne in 
 taking of them de facto, as fees which he supposed to be auncient 
 and due unto him, and not putting uppe som petition unto your 
 L. and the rest of the r. hoble the Judges of the Corte for the de- 
 claring and ordering of them accordingly, then my humble request
 
 432 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 unto your L. is, that that which hath not yett bin don may now 
 be don, and that your L. will be pleased to give us leave to be- 
 come humble suitors to your selfe principallie, and the rest aswell, 
 for the establishing by your ho. order these fees according to 
 reason and convenience, and the true equitie and understanding 
 of auncient usage, as also for the redresse of some wrounges and 
 abuses which Mr. Mill fyndeth to be committed by the Atturneys 
 and other Clerkes, to the prejudice both of this office, being of her 
 Ma ties gyfte, as also of the subjecte and sutor. 
 
 To conclude, If your L. shall not rest satisfied by theis awn- 
 sweres and defences, but uppon the consideration of them and 
 the hearing of our selves with Counsell, as it pleased your L. 
 most honorablie to assent unto, shall yett thinke good to con- 
 tynue theis restraintes in all or in parte ; I, for my parte, doe 
 ascribe so much not onelie to your L. autoritie, but to your 
 judgement and integritie, as I shall most willinglie resigne my 
 reason to yours, and thinke no [thing] so just but such as so just 
 a magistrate shall allowe. 
 
 WARDEN OF THE EXCHANGE. 
 
 [The following, among many other documents, shows how extensively King James 
 availed himself of the services of Lord Ellesmere in other departments than those to 
 which his duties as Lord Chancellor were directed, and how much confidence was re- 
 posed in his judgment.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " 30 Jan. 1608. The Gouldesmythes petition against 
 the erecting of an Exchanger." 
 
 To the right ho ble the Lord High Chauncellor of England. 
 The humble petition of the Company of Goldsmiths. 
 
 WHEREAS your petitioners understand that the right honorable
 
 WARDEN OF THE EXCHANGE. 433 
 
 the Lord Knevett (pretending him selfe by patent to be Warden 
 of his Majesties Exchange) seeketh by that meanes to erect an 
 Exchanger, and to obteyne a prohibition from his Majestic by 
 Proclamation to all persons (other then him selfe) to buy golde 
 and silver bullion, or to exchange gold monyes for profitt. 
 
 Your Petitioners doe most humblie praie your Honour, that 
 forasmuch as the erection of that office will generally concerne the 
 hurt of the state, and perticulerly the utter undoing of a thowsand 
 poore Goldsmithes, theire wyves and children, 
 
 That out of your honorable consideration hereof, your Lord- 
 ship wilbe pleased to vouchsafe them copyes of such reasons and 
 argumentes as are projected for the use of an Exchange, and to 
 geve them such convenient tyme to make theire answeres there- 
 unto by theire Counsell (beinge, as yt is, a matter worthy e of very 
 deliberate and mature consideration) as to your Honour shalbe 
 thought meet. And that, in the meane tyme, your Honour wilbe 
 pleased to vouchsafe your vewe uppon the severall propositions 
 or articles inserted in this petition. And your poore suppliantes 
 shall dailie praie for the prosperous preservation of your honorable 
 estate longe to contynue. 
 
 [The following is on the back of the petition.] 
 
 By the wordes of the Statute of 9 Ed. 3, ch. 7> whereby the 
 office of Exchainger is appointed, the same is not to be sett upp 
 but where and when it shall please the King and Counsell to make 
 Exchaungers ; which Statute, as in tymes past (upon necessarie 
 and expedient occasions) it was probationarilie put in use, so in 
 theis succeeding tymes, the use thereof growing unnecessarie and 
 very hurtfull, the same office hath ceased. 
 
 The office of Exchainger wilbe very hurtfull for theis tymes, for 
 the reasons following. 
 
 The Exchaingers office was onely used in the tyme of ignorance, 
 when Goldsmithes were fewe and pore, not able to buy bullion, 
 and for some other causes now ceasing. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 3 K
 
 434 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Yt will take away the freedome of everie subject to bring bullion 
 to the Mynt to be coyned. 
 
 Yt wilbe the greatest meanes that hath yet byn knowne to hinder 
 ymportation of bullion. 
 
 Yt wilbe a like meanes to further transportation of our gold and 
 silver. 
 
 Yt wilbe unprofitablie chardgeable the Kinges Majestic. 
 
 Yt wilbe daingerous to the lives and goodes of the merchants 
 that are to import bullion. 
 
 Yt will utterlie overthrowe the whole trade and misterie of gold- 
 smithes. 
 
 Yt must of necessitie raise the price of plate. 
 
 Yt wilbe a perpetuall lett that his Majesty e, nor any noble man, 
 gentleman, or other, shall have plate made with any convenient 
 dispatch. 
 
 Yt wilbe a generall losse to all degrees of persons that are owners 
 of plate. 
 
 All the plate in the kingdome (which is a treasure verie fit to 
 be maynteyned for the honour thereof, and for the benefitt of the 
 Common Wealth) wilbe in short tyme worne out and consumed. 
 
 The Goldsmithes shoppes in Cheapside (of auncient tymes 
 called the Goldsmitherie) which alwaies hath byn a speciall honour 
 and bewtie to the state of the Cittie, being his Majesty's chamber, 
 wilbe absolutelie in a short tyme put downe. 
 
 Yt will hinder his Majestic in his subsidies and fifteenes 300 11 
 per ann. 
 
 Yt will, in short tyme, overthrowe or gratlie prejudice the trade 
 of the Mynt. 
 
 Yt wilbe manifestlie hurtfull to the state of the kingdome. 
 
 The end of this office tendeth onely to the perticuler gaine of 
 the Exchainger,
 
 435 
 
 THE KNIGHTING OF PRINCE HENRY. 
 
 [Birch, in his " Life of Prince Henry," p. 141, states that, "his Majesty having 
 resolved upon knighting the Prince, a consultation was held at Westminster in the 
 month of February about levying and collecting the aid to the King's use for that pur- 
 pose ; " and he subsequently refers to a Commission under the Privy Seal (inserted by 
 Rymer, Feed. xvi. 680) for knighting Prince Henry. The following Privy Seal preceded 
 it nearly three months, and was for making out Commissions for the levy and collec- 
 tion of the aid. It was probably issued very soon after the consultation at West- 
 minster.] 
 
 To our right trustie and right welbeloved Counsellor, Tho- 
 mas Lo. Ellesmere, Lord Chauncellor of England. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 WHEREAS our eldest sonne, Prince Henry, hathe nowe accom- 
 plished the age of fifteene yeares, by reason whereof there is due 
 unto us, by the Lawes and Statutes of this our realme, reasonable 
 ayde, to be had and leavyed of all our ymmediate tenantes by 
 knights service and in soccage, for the makeing of our saide sonne 
 knight. Theis are therfore to will and require you, our Lorde 
 Chauncellor, to cause to be made and sealed under our Great 
 Seale of England (to be directed into all the counties of this our 
 saide realme), severall Commissions, according to the forme of the 
 draughte of a Commission for that purposse to theis presentes 
 annexed, chaungeing such thinges therein as are to be chaunged, 
 and to direct them to such Commissioners as you, with our 
 Lorde Treasorer of England and our Chauncellor of our Ex- 
 chequer, shall name and appointe, retorneable at the daye in this 
 annexed draughte prefixed. And theis shalbe your sufficient war- 
 raunt and discharge in that behaulf. Given at the Courte at 
 Royston, the xxi st daye of February, in the yeare of our raigne of 
 England, Fraunce, and Ireland the sixte, and of Scotland the two 
 
 and fourtith. 
 
 Ex. HENRY HOBARTE.
 
 43G THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 ISSUE OF NEW COMMISSIONS. 
 
 [The difficulties experienced by the King in raising the aid for knighting the Prince 
 are well known, and in Rymer (Feed. xvi. 681 and 682) are copies of additional Privy 
 Seals dated the 15th and 21st June on the subject; but the following, which proves 
 that from some counties the money had not been procured even in Dec. 1609, has not 
 hitherto been printed.] 
 
 To our right trustie and right welbeloved Counsellor, Thomas 
 Lord Ellesmere, Lord Chauncellor of England. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 WHEREAS our eldest sonne, Prince Henrie, lately accomplished 
 the age of fifteene yeares, there was due unto us, by the Lawes and 
 Statutes of this our realme of England, reasonable aide to be had 
 leavied of all ymediate tenants by knights service and in soccage 
 for the makinge of him our said sonne knight ; and for that pur- 
 pose severall Comissions by our warrants have heretofore issued, 
 and wherbie divers somes of money have byn levied and aun- 
 swered to our use ; yet understanding that there be divers of our 
 tenants which have not yet come in and compounded with our 
 Commissioners, according to our directions given in their generall 
 favour, which (if newe Comissions be nowe ounce more graunted 
 into such sheires and other places as are yet somewhat behind) 
 would certenlie and speedilie growe to order and give due satis- 
 faction according to lawe. Theis are therefore to will and requier 
 you, our Chauncellor of England, to cause to be made, sealed, and 
 sent forth under our Great Scale of England, such and so manie 
 Comissions to such Commissioners, and into such sheires and 
 other places of this our realme of England, as you, with our 
 Threasorer of England and our Chancellor of our Exchequer, 
 shall thinke meete, retornable in Easter tearme next. And this 
 shalbe your sufficient warraunt and discharge in that behaulfe. 
 Given under our Signet at our Pallace of Westminster, the tenth 
 day of December, in the seaventh yere of our raigne of England, 
 Fraunce, and Ireland, and of Scotland the three and fortieth.
 
 437 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 [Wilson shrewdly observes (Life of James I. in Kennett, ii. 685) that "such old 
 customs as bring in money are seldom out'of date," referring to the aid required by 
 the King for knighting the Prince. The Instructions to the Commissioners were the 
 following.] 
 
 Instructions given to his Ma ties Commissioners for the levy- 
 ing of Ayde to make the most high and noble Prince 
 Henry, his Ma ties eldest sonne, Knight. 
 
 FIRST, that your meetinges and sittinges be in the most pub- 
 lique places of the county, and the same to be in more or fewer 
 places according as the county is great or small. 
 
 That you cause juries to be retorned, according to the nomber 
 of the places of your sittinges, of the sufficientest of the free- 
 houlders, and that generall warrantes be sent foorth to sommon 
 in every parish all the Kinges freehoulders ; and also to commaund 
 all the constables and bailiffes of hundredes and petty constables 
 or tithingmen to attend the service at your severall meetinges, and 
 to present the names of all such freehoulders, the quantities and 
 yearly value of their landes, and where the same lye, with all cir- 
 cumstances that maye certainely designe the same. 
 
 You shall declare that ayde is by the auncient common lawes of 
 this realme due to the King, and that at the first it was uncertaine 
 and to be imposed by discretion reasonably, and afterward by the 
 statute 25 E. 3, at the suite of the subject and in his favour, it was 
 reduced to a certainty of twenty shillinges for a Knightes fee, and 
 twenty shillinges for twenty poundes land in socage, and so rate- 
 ably. 
 
 Then you may declare the reasons why the like ayde hath not 
 bin demaunded of late times (yf you finde it needfull) which are 
 apparente ; but you are to take knowledge that King Henry the 
 Seventh had satisfaction by Parliament both for Prince Arthur,
 
 438 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 his eldest sonne, and for the Ladye Margaret his eldest daughter ; 
 and before his time aydes were usually levied when there was 
 cause, as appeares by recordes as highe as any extante. 
 
 You are so to carry your selves that you give no just cause of 
 greevance or suspition to the subject, nor yet neglect the Kinges 
 right and just proffitte, and therefore you shall folio we the course 
 hereafter prescribed. 
 
 You shall make declaration that the Kinges purpose is not to 
 search into the estates of anie his subjectes, nor exactly to know 
 the quantities or worth of their landes, nor to sifte the tenures of 
 the same, nor to strayne their values, nor to have any record made 
 or certified for any other use then for the taxation of his ayde, but 
 that his purpose is onely to be satisfied of that duty of ayde, mo- 
 derately valued, which of right belongeth to him. 
 
 And therefore you shall advise them to make no unnecessary 
 opposition, but quietly to yeeld unto his Ma*y what shalbe found 
 likely to be due unto him after a moderate valuation of the landes 
 holden, not under a third parte of the true improved value ; for 
 knowledge whereof, although you shall not need to proceed by 
 jury or survey particularly, yet it is so well knowne that by your 
 owne understanding of each others estate you may soe estimate 
 the value as the King may not be wronged, nor the subject pressed 
 to the highest ; in which case, as they shall avoyde all trouble and 
 charge, soe you may thereupon accept and take such composition 
 as shall seeme reasonable unto you after the rate aforesaid, with- 
 out making anie particular recorde eyther of the tenure or the 
 values of their landes. 
 
 But yf you shall finde any to be willfull or obstinate, then you 
 shall proceed with them by jury according to the lawe ; and if you 
 shall finde anie partiality in the jury, or any confidence in the 
 partyes upon their favor with the juryes, you shall lett them knowe 
 that you have authority by the law to taxe them without jury, 
 which yet you shall not put in use but in case of meere neces- 
 sity.
 
 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE COMMISSIONERS. 439 
 
 And monastery and chantrey landes are houlden of the King 
 imediately, eyther by knightes service or in socage tenure, and 
 therefore are liable ; as also all landes conveyed away from the 
 Crowne since the statute of Quia emptores terrce, &c. 
 
 The landes of Bishops, Deanes and Chapters, Colledges, and 
 other Spirituall Corporations, Maiors and Commonalties, and other 
 lay Corporations, are to be charged according to their tenures as 
 particular persons. 
 
 Where lande is found to be houlden by knightes service, not 
 expressing the quantity of the knightes fee, there it lyes upon the 
 tenante to prove the quantity, or els to be charged with a whole 
 knightes fee ; and if a knightes fee, or any parte of a knightes fee, 
 be devided by severall partes of the land houlden, anye one maye 
 be charged with the whole, and he to seeke his contribution of the 
 rest. 
 
 Where the mesne, being the imediate tenante of the Kinge, is 
 chargeable, there the ayde is to be levyed upon any other his owne 
 landes, and not upon the tenante landes (except there be no other 
 way to levy it). 
 
 If any lande houlden in socage of the King be lett out perti- 
 cular estate at a lowe rent, he in the reversion is to be charged 
 according to the value of the lande, as if it were in possession, 
 and the ayde thereupon rysing may be taken out of his rent of 
 that lande, or of any other his lande, and for want thereof out of 
 the lande it self in the handes of the farmer. 
 
 Landes that appeare to have bin heretofore houldin of a mesne 
 whose heyres are not at this day knowne, are to be taxed as 
 landes houlden imediately, except the tenante can certainely assigne 
 the heyre of the mesne. 
 
 The Commissioners are to prefixe further severall dayes to the 
 
 juryes to bring in their informations for their presentments, and 
 
 the Commission is to be adjourned untill the first of those dayes. 
 
 In the meane time, betwene that and the day of prefixion, the 
 
 feodarye and jurors may agree upon one or more certaine dayes of
 
 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 meetinges, to be held after that the jurors have made a survey of 
 the landes in every hundred ; at which meetings the feodary and 
 parties whom it shall concerne may informe them of any thinge 
 pertinent to the said service, or to their satisfaction in that behalf. 
 
 At the day of adjournment the jurors are to deliver in their 
 remembrances in paper, which are to be perused by the Commis- 
 sioners as instructions and not as presentmentes. 
 
 And yf any differences happen concerning tenures, quantities, 
 or values, then the feodary or other Commissioners are to informe 
 the jurors therein by recordes or other proofes, except they can 
 growe to composition as aforesaid. 
 
 And because the feodary of the county hath the dayly use, car- 
 riage, and custody of recordes and other prooffes that are to give 
 light and furtherance to this service, that therefore the said feodary 
 be alwayes one at all the sittinges and other meetinges concerning 
 the said service. 
 
 That the taxations and rates made by composition be engrossed 
 into two rolles indented, intitled, The Rolle of Composition made 
 by force of the Commission for levying the Kinges Ma ties Ayde 
 to make the most highe and noble Prince the Kinges Ma ties 
 eldest sonne Knight, in the county of And that the 
 
 same be signed and sealed by the Commissioners and Collector : 
 the one parte thereof to be delivered to the Collector, and the 
 other to be certified into the Exchequer. 
 
 And the taxation and rates, found by inquisition, or sett by the 
 Commissioners, to be also ingrossed into two other rolles indented, 
 intitled, The Rolle of the Sommes found by inquisition, and sett 
 by the Commissioners, by force of the Commission for levying the 
 Kinges Ma ties Ayde to make the most high and noble Prince the 
 Kinges eldest sonne Knight, in the county of r 
 
 That such as shall not satisfie the ayde before the retorne of 
 the Commission shalbe certified into the Exchequer, and be lefte 
 to the proces of the Courte. 
 
 And you, the Commissioners, take knowledge that it is his
 
 LORDS CLINTON AND HOWARD DE WALDEN. 441 
 
 Maties pleasure that of you onely shall levy and collect 
 
 the moneys from time to time ariseing by this Commission, and 
 that the rest of you are to forbeare to meddle with the said collec- 
 tion. And therefore his Maty doth discharge the rest of you the 
 Commissioners thereof, and will give order that you shall receyve 
 your full discharge in that behalfe by further order of his Courte 
 of Exchequer. 
 
 LORDS CLINTON AND HOWARD DE WALDEN. 
 
 [The following warrant under Privy Seal authorized the Lord Chancellor to issue 
 writs of summons for the eldest sons of the Earl of Lincoln and the Earl of Suffolk. 
 Lord Clinton succeeded his father in 1616, and Lord Howard de Walden became Earl 
 of Suffolk in 1626.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " 8 February, 1609. For the Ld, Clinton. For the 
 L. Howard. of Walden." 
 
 To our right trustie and right welbeloved Counsellor, Thomas 
 Lorde Ellesmere, our Chauncellor of England. 
 
 M d qd octavo die Februarij ann R. Regis Jacobi Angt, &c. 
 septimo et Scot? xiiij cio , ista billa delifcat fuit dno Can- 
 cellar Angt apud Westm r exequend. 
 
 f 
 
 RIGHT trustie and right welbeloved counsellor, we lett you witt 
 that our will and pleasure is that you make, or cause to be made 
 forthe two severall writtes of summons under our Greate Seale of 
 England, the one to be directed to our trustie and right welbe- 
 loved Thomas Lorde Clynton, of and the other to 
 our trustie and right welbeloved Theophilus Lord Howarde of 
 Walden, to be personally present with us and the prelates, peeres, 
 and barons of this our realme, at our session of parliament to be 
 houlden by prorogation at Westminster, on the nynthe daie of 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 3 L
 
 442 THE EGERTOX PAPERS. 
 
 this instant moneth of February, in as honorable and ample 
 manner and forme to all intentes and purposes as anie other that 
 have at anie time heretofore ben enhabled or called to sitt in par- 
 liament. And these presentes shalbe your sufficient warraunt and 
 discharge in that behalf. Given, &c. 
 
 Ex. per G. COPPING. 
 
 SCOTTISH UNDERTAKERS IN IRELAND. 
 
 [The object of the ensuing Privy Seal was to procure the denization of certain Scot- 
 tish Noblemen and Gentlemen who had undertaken plantations in Ireland. The King, 
 as appears by the conclusion, was considerate both of the purses and of the consciences 
 of his countrymen.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Rec. 12 May, 1610: for the Undertakers of Scot- 
 land." 
 
 To our right trusty and right welbeloved Councellor, Thomas 
 Lord Ellesmere, our Chancellor of England. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 Right trusty and right welbeloved Councellor, wee greet you 
 well. Whereas certain Noblemen and Gentlemen of our realme 
 of Scotland have undertaken portions of landes within our realme 
 of Ireland, to be planted and inhabited by them. To the end that 
 they may freely transport from out of all our dominions and into 
 the same all commodities necessary for the plantation, wee are 
 pleased that they shalbe all made denizens, aswell of our realme 
 of England as Ireland. And therefore wee do hereby will and 
 require you, and do hereby authorise and warrant you in such 
 lettres patentes as they take forth under our Great Seale of 
 England of the landes allotted to them, you do conteyne a graunt 
 of denization to the severall persons suing forth such lettres
 
 THE SIEGE OF GULICK. 443 
 
 patentes of landes, whereby they may be made denizens of our 
 realme of England and Ireland, in as ample manner as any deni- 
 zens have bene or use to be. And these shalbe unto you for the 
 making forth of such lettres patentes as ample and sufficient war- 
 rant for the said denizations as if each of them had a bill specially 
 signed by our hand. And further, our pleasure is that they shall 
 pay but one fee for the scale of theire said lettres patentes, and 
 that you shall require no oath of them. Geven under our 
 signet, at our Pallace of Westminster, the eleventh day of May, 
 in the eight yeare of our raigne of England, Fraunce, and Ireland, 
 and of Scotland the three and fortieth. 
 
 THE SIEGE OF GULICK. 
 
 [What follows is a letter of news from one of Sir John Egerton's foreign correspon- 
 dents. The town yielded soon afterwards.] 
 
 To my honorable good frende Sir John Egerton, Knyght of 
 the nobell order of the Bathe, at Yourke house, thease 
 bedd. 
 
 HONORABLE Sir, my humble servis remembered, I cannot let 
 passe at this instant any honest messenger, but in dutye I must 
 acknowledg my service unto you. 
 
 Sir, you shall understand that the towne of Gulick is, at the 
 date of this letter, besiedged 32 dayes, and at this tyme doth stande 
 to entertaine all parlyes. 
 
 Our aproches are with towe galeryes over the mote, and are 
 entered through the wale in the bulwark of the castell, so that in 
 my judgment the towne can not holde out tenne dayes after the 
 date of this letter, for we heare of no relefe for them. Sir John 
 Burlacie and Captaine Muntuns are both shot in the arme.
 
 444 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Liftenant Sutton and Liftenant Spencer both slayne. 
 
 8 or 9 sargantes of our nacion, and manye gentelmen and soul- 
 diars, are slayne before this castell and towne. 
 
 Thus intreating your worship to except of this my writing, I 
 hurnblye take my leave. 
 
 From the trenches before Gulick, the 19 of August, 1610. 
 
 Yours in all service, 
 
 GEORGE SHUTE. 
 
 SCOTTISH SCHOLARS IN CAMBRIDGE. 
 
 [The subsequent document must have been accompanied by " special branches" of 
 the Statutes of the University of Cambridge, but they were not found with it. At this 
 date Lord Ellesmere was Chancellor of Oxford, having been unanimously elected to 
 that office on the 3d Nov. 1610, on the death of Archbishop Bancroft.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Cambridge, Rec. 20 Feb. 1610." 
 
 CONCERNING the admittance of Scottish Students into the 
 several Colledges of Cambridg, the Heades of Houses have an- 
 swered by their letters to their Honorable Chancelor. 
 
 First, that they cannot admit them into their foundations, eyther 
 as fellowes or scollers, because it is contrary to their local statutes, 
 as appeares by the special branches of the same statutes sent up 
 in writing, which forbid that election be made of any borne out of 
 the realme of England. 
 
 Againe, they cannot otherwise mainteine them out of any allow- 
 aunce of their colledges, both because their foundations are 
 alredy full, which makes their expenses equall to their revennues, 
 as also for that the distribution and ordering of every colledg 
 receiptes and rentes is not in the disposition of the maisters 
 alone, but is respectively referred by their statutes to the consent 
 of the major part of the fellowes also, who (they feare) wilbe
 
 MONEY BORROWED IN CHANCERY. 445 
 
 adverse and backward to any such good purpose as this, because 
 whatsoever is this way to be allowed must of necessity be defalked 
 from them. 
 
 MONEY BORROWED IN CHANCERY. 
 
 [The King's wants at this time were so pressing that he resorted to all kinds of 
 expedients for raising money. The present was not the first time he had procured loans 
 from parties belonging to the Court of Chancery, but in this instance he favoured them 
 by only requiring two thirds of the sums they had before advanced and had been re- 
 paid.] 
 
 Indorsed, " Starr Chamber." 
 
 To our right trustie and welbeloved Counsellor, Thomas 
 Lord Ellesmere, our Chancellor of England, and to our 
 trustie and right welbeloved Sir Edward Philips, Maister 
 of our Rolles. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 RIGHT trustie and wellbeloved Counsellor, and trustie and 
 right wellbeloved, wee greet you well. It hath been so usuall a 
 course for Kinges and Princes of this realme to make use of their 
 subjectes good affections by borrowing some such competent 
 sommes of money of persons hable to lend, as might supply 
 those present occasions for publique service, which cannot attend 
 that length of tyme wherein it might be raised by contribution 
 from the generalitie of our subjectes, as wee have not onely pre- 
 sent occasion to make the like tryall by borrowing from some 
 private gentlemen and others, but also of your syncerity and 
 endeavours in furtherance of the service ; that is to say, in taking 
 some course, either out of your owne knowledge and experience 
 or by any other meanes or instrumentes which you like best, to 
 make collection of as many persons names that are any way be-
 
 446 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 longing or depending on our highe Court of Chauncerie, as may 
 be of habilitie to furnish us with severall somraes at this tyme, 
 and thereof to returne unto our Privy Councill, at the least 
 within twentie daies after the receipt of these our letters, both the 
 names of the persons, their dwellinges, and what sommes you 
 thinke they may spare, that wee may thereupon direct our Privy 
 Scales unto them according to the forme of this inclosed. And 
 because wee could be glad to make appeare (if any of those per- 
 sons have formerly lent, thoughe repaide againe) howe well wee 
 conceave of their former readines, yet can wee not resolve to spare 
 them any further at this tyme, then by letting you knowe that wee 
 meane not to require of any of those so much as they lent by 
 one third part. By which course and consideration of ours, 
 thoughe you may perceave howe much wee desire to procure 
 this without inconvenience to any, which is intended onely for 
 the service of the publique, yet must wee assure you that wee 
 had no greater cause at any tyme then nowe wee have to make 
 use of your integritie in respect of the just election, and of your 
 constant demonstration both of diligence and affection to the 
 service. Given under our Signett at our Pallace of Westm., the 
 last day of October, in the nynth yeare of our raigne of Greate 
 Brittaine, France, and Ireland. 
 
 EXECUTION OF LEGATE AND WIGHTMAN. 
 
 [The following letter will not much redound to the credit of Archbishop Abbott, 
 who was desirous that the " two blasphemous heretics, Legate and Wightman," should 
 be burned, and that the authority of certain accommodating judges should be obtained 
 for that species of execution. The passage regarding Lord Coke, and his " singu- 
 larity in opinion " standing in the way of such a course, is remarkable. Bartholomew 
 Legate was burned in Smithfield, but not until the 13th March, 1614, and Edward 
 Wightman in the month following at Burton-upon-Trent. The two subsequent com- 
 munications may partly account for the long delay between January 1611-12, and 
 March and April 1614,] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " ArchP of Cant. Rec. 21 January, 1611."
 
 EXECUTION OF LEGATE AND WIGHTMAN. 447 
 
 To the right honorable my very good L., the L. Ellesmere, 
 L. Chancelor of England, geve these. 
 
 MY very good Lord. His Majestic being carefull that justice 
 should proceede against those two blasphemous heretikes, Legate 
 and Wightman, gave me in charge that before the terme, when 
 the judges drewe towards the towne, I should make his Majesties 
 pleasure knowne unto your Lordship. And that is, that your 
 Lordship should call unto you three or foure of the judges and 
 take their resolution concerning the force of lawe in that behalfe, 
 that so with expedition these evill persons may receive the recom- 
 pence of their pride and impiety. His Majestic did thinke the 
 Judges of the Kinges Benche to bee fittest to be dealt withall in 
 this argument, as unto whom the knowledge of causes capital 
 doth most ordinarily appertaine. And as I conceived his High- 
 nesse did not muche desire that the Lord Coke should be called 
 there unto, least by his singularitie in opinion he should give 
 staye to the businesse. So, hoping shortly to see your Lordship 
 abroade, with remembrance of my best love, I remaine, 
 
 G: 
 
 Lambich, Januar. 21, 1611.
 
 448 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 CHOICE OF THE JUDGES. 
 
 [We gather from what succeeds that Lord Ellesmere, having been referred to on the 
 subject of the judges whose opinions were to be taken on the execution of Legate and 
 Wightman, had pointed out such as he thought most proper to be consulted. Justice 
 Williams and Baron Altham, with the Attorney and Solicitor General, seem to have 
 been clearly in favour of burning the prisoners. Lord Coke's aversion to such a pro- 
 ceeding, and other points of his character, are also noticed.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " The Archb? of Canterbury. Rec. 22 Januarij, 1611." 
 
 To the right honorable my very good L., the L. Ellesmere, L.' 
 Chancellor of England. 
 
 MY very good Lord. I cannot chuse but well approve your 
 Lordships choise of the judges. And if any more should bee 
 added, I distrust not but Justice Crooke would do well. Mr. 
 Justice Williams was with mee the other day, who maketh no 
 doubt but that the lawe is cleere to burne them. Hee told me 
 also of his utter dislike of all the Lord Coke his courses, and 
 that himselfe and Baron Altham did once very roundly let the 
 Lord Coke knowe their minde, that he was not such a maister of 
 the lawe as hee did take on him, to deliver what he list for lawe, 
 and to dispise all other. I finde the Kinges Atturney and Soli- 
 citer to bee throughly resolved in this present businesse. My 
 servant, Hart, is at this present out of the way, but as soone as 
 he cometh in hee shall waite upon your Lordship. And so, wishing 
 your Lordship ease and health, I remaine, 
 
 Your Lordships very ready to do you service, 
 
 G. CANT. 
 Lambich, Januar 22, 1611.
 
 449 
 
 CREATION OF BARONETS. 
 
 [The principal public topic in the ensuing original letter from Lord Ellesmere to his 
 son is the creation of the new order of Baronets then under discussion. His Lordship 
 states that the King had spent two afternoons in hearing counsel on each side, and had 
 taken a third day to consider of his decision, which, however, was very well known 
 even before the lawyers were called in. Blackstone informs us (i. 403, edit. 1829) that 
 the order was " first instituted by King James in 1611," and Wilson places it in 1614 ; 
 but Lord Ellesmere's letter fixes the discussion of the subject in March 1612. Docu- 
 ments of this authentic kind are very useful in settling dates with precision. Wilson 
 (Life of King James I. in Kennet, ii. 695) attributes the device to the favourite 
 Somerset, and states that two hundred were to be made, each paying ,1000 " for their 
 honour." The private matters introduced place the character of the Lord Chancellor, 
 as usual, in the most amiable point of view.] 
 
 To my lovinge sonne Sir John Egerton, Knight, at Ash- 
 ridge. 
 
 I THAN KB God there is stylle better hope of your sister's good 
 recoverye : omnia signa ad salutem, bothe for her and for the 
 chylde she goeth with, as the physicions and mydwyffe conceyve. 
 I praye God increase the hope, and gyve her healthe and strength, 
 for she is yet very weake. 
 
 For the Baronettes, fervet opus : the Kinge hath spent 2 after- 
 noones in the hearinge of Counsell on both sydes, and reserveth 
 a thyrde daye to resolve. His Ma*y is this afternoone goinge to 
 Theobaldes, and hath cutte out worke for his Counsell untill his 
 returne, which is loked for to be on Frydaye evenynge. So my 
 commynge to Ashridge at this tyme is disapoynted, and I take 
 some hope to be there the later ende of Easter weke, yf God wyll 
 suffer me. 
 
 I am gladde to heare of Georges amendment, and am sorry for 
 Prossers sycknes. Let hym lack nothinge that maye doe hym 
 good, and let hym be warned not to hurte hym selfe by yll dyett 
 or desorder. Commende me to Mr. Chamberlayn and Mr. Pak- 
 ington, yf they come to you before your returne. All your chyl- 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 3 M
 
 450 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 dren be well, God be praysed for it, and the poore nurses husband 
 in good forwardnes of perfect recovery. So, praying God to blesse 
 you and your wyffe and all yours, I rest, 
 
 Your moost lovinge and carefull father, 
 
 T. ELLESMERE, Cane. 
 31 Martij, 1612. 
 
 TREATY BETWEEN ENGLAND AND FRANCE. 
 
 [The following affords another striking proof of the weighty unprofessional matters 
 in which James I. consulted and employed Lord Ellesmere. Of the public event to 
 which the document relates, it is not necessary to say anything, but the clause respect- 
 ing the maintenance of the Protestant faith in France is interesting and important.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " 19 Maij, 1612. A copye of the Kinges Declaration 
 delivered to the Duke of Bouillion, which I subscribed by his Ma tief commaundement 
 and in his presence." 
 
 THE Kinges Ma tie of Great Britaine having understood by the 
 Duke of Bouillon, aswell by speach as by writing delivered under 
 his hand, what he hath in charge to say to his Ma tie in the behalf 
 of the King of France and the Queene Regent, doth aunswere 
 unto the severall partes of the said writing as followeth. 
 
 First, touching the manages : seing that matter is now no more 
 in question, his Highnes hath no further to say unto it. 
 
 Next, his Ma tie doth well approve the course offered in the 
 said writing, which is to conserve inviolably all leagues, amities 
 and correspondencyes which they have with their said neighbors, 
 frendes and allies, and in those thinges which shall concerne them 
 in common to governe and direct their actions by advice from 
 their said frendes and allies, and to contribute their authoritie and 
 countenance uppon all actions which may concerne ether their 
 common or any of their perticuler good. Among which their
 
 TREATY BETWEEN ENGLAND AND FRANCE. 451 
 
 freinds and allies his Ma*ie, having the ranck he hath, doth take 
 in kind parte in this negotiation with Spayne, that they have (as 
 is saved in the said writing) made profession not to depart from 
 the leagues and amities which they have with his Ma tie ; who doth 
 make like profession to the said King and Queene, that he will 
 for his part be as carefull to conserve the leagues and amities he 
 hath with France, and with all other their common frends and 
 allies to whome this writing hath reference, and will not only as 
 often as occasion shalbe ministred freely and sincerely, impart to 
 the said King and Queene his opinion in thinges occurring which 
 may concerne them in common, or any one of them perticularly, 
 but will also take that course and give charge accordingly to his 
 Ma Ues ministers in Germany, the Lowe Countries, or other such 
 places, to keepe a correspondency and a mutuall conjunction with 
 such as shalbe employed on their part in all such actions as may 
 concerne the furtherance, common good and strengthening of such 
 other frendes and allies, in whose strength and safetie both his 
 Ma tie and the State of France had so great interest. 
 
 And for a proofe of his Ma ties begining to take this course for 
 the good of both crownes, as his Highnes hath sent by the said 
 Duke of Bouillon the copie of his Ma ties treatie of union made 
 with the said Princes, that they might be therewith acquainted, 
 soe hath he willed the said Duke to invite them, not only jointly 
 with his Matie to move the said Princes of the union to solicite 
 the States to be joyned with them in that societye, but that the 
 said King and Queene will themselves be content likewise to 
 joyne in it, which would be a wonderfull great strengthening of all 
 the said Princes of Germanye, whoe have so great an interest in 
 both their Ma ties , not doubting but that, according to their pro- 
 fession by the said Duke, his Highnes and the rest shall find like 
 sinceritye and plainnesse in contributing their advices uppon the 
 same accidents. 
 
 And as touching the matter in speciall of those of the religion 
 reformed in France, wherein by the said Declaration it is acknow-
 
 452 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 ledged that his Matie hath, both in the late Kinges time and since, 
 so carryed himself as the said King and Queene have found him 
 to doe the offices of a true frend and allie, soe doth his Highnes 
 now further assure them that his affection is such to the King and 
 Queene, and his disposition so good toward the preservation of 
 the peace of France, as he is very glad to heare the resolution of 
 their Ma*'** to maynteyne the edicts graunted to those of the said 
 reformed religion ; for that it is the most assured way to preserve 
 their estates in peace and in safetie. And his Ma tie doth so much 
 assure him selfe of the dutifull and loyall disposition of those of 
 the religion, as that they will no way give the King and Queene 
 just cause of offence or of distrust of them. But if his Ma tie shold 
 find that any perticuler persons among them shold misbehave 
 themselves towardes the King and Queene, he wilbe so farre from 
 allowing their actions, as he will give both his best advice (and if 
 need be assistance) how to reforme them as freely as if they had 
 no affinitye in religion with his Ma* ie . But if it should so fall out 
 (which his Ma tie doth hope and assure himself never will) that the 
 Queene should be perswaded to breake the edicts towards those 
 of the religion, that the world might apparantly see that they were 
 persecuted for the cause of their religion, his Ma tie prayeth in that 
 point that neither his late made league with them, nor yet his 
 ratification thereof, may be extended in that case ; for naturall 
 reason teacheth every man to foresee what his owne case wilbe 
 next, when his neighbors bee first dealt with in the same quarrell. 
 Dated at Whitehall the xix th day of June, 1612. 
 
 [The date is in Sir Tho. Lake's writing, as well as what follows, 
 in which, however, the document is probably misdated.] 
 
 This Declaration, putt into the French tongue to be delivered 
 to the Duke of Bouillon, Ambassador from the French King, was 
 the sayd xixth day of May, 1612, in his Ma ties presence, and by 
 his commandement, subscribed by the Lo. Ellesmer, Lo. Chan-
 
 OATH OF ALLEGIANCE RECUSANTS. 453 
 
 cellor, in the French copie delivered to the sayd Duke, and then 
 ordered by his Ma tie that this copie in English shold be left with 
 the Lo. Chancellor for his warrant and discharge. 
 
 THO. LAKE. 
 
 OATH OF ALLEGIANCE RECUSANTS. 
 
 [The Oath of Allegiance having been enacted in 1608, had been vindicated by King 
 James himself in print in 1609, and in the next year it had been required to be taken 
 by every body, but especially by Roman Catholics. The subsequent letter shews some 
 of the difficulties experienced in this undertaking in the county of Oxford.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Touchyng Wyves, Recusantes and Fugitives." 
 
 To the right ho ble my most singuler good Lord, Thomas 
 Lord Ellesmere, Lord Chauncellor of England, geve 
 these. 
 
 MAIE it please your Lopp. to be advertised that sithence the 
 letters from your Lopp. and the Lord of Canterburies Grace, I, 
 with the Justices of the division beyond Oxon, went to Sir 
 Frauncis Stonners howse, wher his Ladie, the Ladie Lentall his 
 daughter, Mrs. Crowch his sister, and the Ladie Lentall's woman, 
 refused to take the othe of allegeance, and theareuppon wee com- 
 mitted them all to prison (the Ladie Stonner and Mrs. Crowch 
 being recusants convicted). From thence we went to Henrie 
 Stonner, sonne and heire to Sir Frauncis Stonner (his Ladie being 
 a recusant convicted) : her husband told us that shee was gone, 
 because shee would not take the othe of allegeance. From thence 
 wee went to Mr. Symonds, a man of great estate, whose wieffe 
 being a recusant convicted, hee answeared us, that his wieffe was 
 gone before our comming, for that shee would not take the othe 
 of allegeance. From thence Sir George Tipping and my selfe went to
 
 454 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 Mr. Belson (hee and his wieffe being recusants convicted) ; he being 
 not at home, his wieffe, his mother, the wieffe of one Mr. Lovett 
 and one Mrs. Belson, an auncient mayde, all of them refused to 
 take the othe of allegeance, wheareuppon we committed them. 
 From thence Mr. Brome and I went to one Mr. Powells howse, a 
 man of good estate, (his wieffe being a recusant convicted,) shee, 
 likewise, was gone before our comeing (as her husband told us), 
 for that she would not take the othe of allegeance. Thus much 
 I thought it my dutie to signifie unto your Lopp. of our proceed- 
 inges beyond Oxon, and of the rest your Lopp. shall have intelli- 
 gence from our Sessions, which we have appoynted for that pur- 
 pose, to bee on Wednesdaie next, the xix daie of this instant 
 moneth. The estate of our contrey is lamentable, and I humblie 
 beseeche your Lopp. and my Lord's Grace of Canterburie to con- 
 sider of it. I am humblie to entreate your Lopp. in the behaulfe 
 of the bearer heareof, a poore minister of my name, and minister 
 to Sir Richard Chetwood, my neighbour, well commended in his 
 place, that your Lopp. would be pleased to bestowe on him a 
 poore living latelie fallen, for which hee shall bee bounde to praie 
 to God for your Lopp. and my selfe most bounden for all your 
 Lopp.'s most honorable favoures towardes mee and myne. And 
 soe, resting at your Lopp/s service and commaunde during my 
 lieffe, I most humblie take my leave, this xvj th daie of August, 
 1612. 
 
 THO. CHAMBERLAYNE. 
 
 LORDS ROCHESTER AND NORTHAMPTON. 
 
 [This is only the copy of a letter, which copy we may presume was furnished by 
 Lord Northampton to Lord Ellesmere. It is a curious exposure of court intrigue and 
 traffic for great places, whether vacant or in expectancy. How far we may be inclined 
 to agree in the favourite's vindication of himself is a different question.] 
 
 Indorsed, " Copy of my Lo. of Rochester his letter to my Lo. of Northampton."
 
 LORDS ROCHESTER AND NORTHAMPTON. 455 
 
 MY Lo. It had been objected against me that I should seeke 
 to get the Mastership of the Horse from my Lord of P., to 
 whom, they pretende, it was promised long agoe when it fell. 
 Your Lordship heard the K. protestation that he never made any 
 such promise, and I know no man living whose integrity and 
 memory is more to be trusted, and, for mine owne parte, I pro- 
 test I never before heard mention of any such promise geven, 
 nor did I ever move the K. first for the place ; but his Majesty, 
 thinking it fitt in generall that that place shoulde be helde by one 
 who did continually attend his person, made choice of me, as 
 being one upon whom he perceaved the conferring of it could not 
 be unwellcome, as being a Peere of this kingdome, and naturalized 
 as well by affection and meritt towards it as by lawe. Since there 
 hath risen another imputation, that my L. of Wo. shoulde be 
 forced to compounde for the possession, for feare of the King's 
 displeasure, which otherwayes he woulde not doe, which is no 
 lesse unjust ; for at Hampton Courte my L. of W. and I speaking 
 of that businesse, and his Lo. demanding, as I thought, some- 
 what large conditions, I toulde him I was not so fonde of the 
 place as to geve unreasonably for it, but woulde rather expect 
 till it fell, till when I shall accompt my Master's trust dignity 
 enough. Thus was I so far from extorting his consent, that, 
 after I had it, I was negligent in the pursuite of the businesse. 
 And all this can your Lordship the easier beleeve, because your 
 Lordship knowes how carefull I have beene to preserve the nobi- 
 lity here, rather then invade the right of any ; as in that busi- 
 nesse of my Lo. Montagues escheat, and Cobham Hall, both 
 which your Lordship knowes I refused, and refused to come by 
 the possession of Sir John Ross's office by moving the King to 
 make him a Baron, because I would not sett tytles to sale for my 
 private endes. And as towardes the nobility, so towardes other 
 men may I justifye my selfe, that I ame the courtier whose 
 handes never tooke bribe ; and that partely my estate can wdtnesse, 
 which I have sought rather to preserve by moderate expense then
 
 456 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 to increase by unjust getting, and have beene content to suffer 
 most by a generall restriction, then to gaine most by a generall 
 confusion. And so let me prosper in after times as I have ever 
 in all my wayes, according to my judgement, done that which is 
 right, rejoiced to preserve love betweene the K. and his people, 
 and ever to joyne his and the publicke good, and used my favor, 
 as muche as in me laye, towardes the advancement of worthy 
 men : out of the conscience of which I ame confident that, where 
 rumor is left to it selfe, it will stand even betwixt me and any 
 man ; but where I ame unknowne, or men misinformed, I woulde 
 desire your Lordship (because of many particulars you knowe 
 best) to certifye them, for which paines I shall rest, 
 
 Your Lordship's to commande, 
 
 ROBERT ROCHESTER. 
 Royston, the 8th October, 1612. 
 
 SLANDER AGAINST LORD NORTHAMPTON. 
 
 [The " scandalous words " against the Earl of Northampton, adverted to in the 
 succeeding Privy Seal, related to his answer to Bellarmine, and to a charge against his 
 Lordship that he was nevertheless in his heart a Roman Catholic. This fact appears 
 from other documents preserved at Bridgewater House, being the examination of the 
 different parties accused before the Star Chamber. It was made a matter of very grave 
 importance ; and elaborate notes for a speech, in the hand-writing of Lord Ellesmere, 
 are appended to the documents with this motto, Qui mendacem audit, qui libenter 
 credit, suumfacit, together with a play upon the name of Bellarmine, viz. Bella, arma, 
 minaeque. Vide also Wilson's Life of James I. in Kennett, ii. 694.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " The Kinges warrant for discharge of Sir Richard 
 Cox, Henry Mynors, Tho. Goodryche, Tho. Lake, and Henry Vernon, Gent. 20 
 Decembris, 1612." 
 
 To our right trustie and welbeloved Councellor, Thomas Lord 
 Ellesmere, our Chancellor of England.
 
 SLANDER AGAINST LORD NORTHAMPTON. 457 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 WHEREAS at the last sitting of our Court of Starre Chamber, 
 after the terme of St. Michall last past before the date hereof, 
 judgment was given against Sir Richard Cox, knight, Henry 
 Mynors, sergeant of our cariages, Henry Vernon, Thomas Good- 
 rich, and Thomas Lake, gentlemen, for scandalous words spoken 
 against our right trustie and right welbeloved cousin and coun- 
 cellor the Earle of Northampton, keeper of our Privie Scale. By 
 which judgement they are to pay to us, our heires and successors, 
 severall fines in the said judgement limited, and to have impri- 
 sonment during our pleasure, and accordingly they doe now 
 remayne imprisoned. For that our said cousin the Earle of 
 Northampton hath out of his honnorable and compassionate dis- 
 position made humble and earnest suite unto us to remitt unto 
 all the persons above named, not only their imprisonment but 
 also their fines, which wee are for his sake pleased to doe ; theise 
 are therefore to will and require you and hereby to give you 
 warrant and authority, forthwith not only upon the receipt 
 hereof, to take order for their discharge and enlargement out of 
 prison, and to set at libertie the said Sir Richard Cox, Henry 
 Mynors, Henry Vernon, Thomas Gooderich, and Thomas Lake, 
 but also to discharge and acquitt them of all fines imposed upon 
 them, or any of them, by the judgment of the said court, either 
 by forbearing to estreat the fines into our Exchequer, or by any 
 other wayes or meanes whereby fines in that court are used to be 
 discharged. And theise our lettres shalbe to you sufficient warrant 
 and discharge. Given under our Signett at our Pallace of West- 
 minster, the twentith day of December, in the tenth yeare of our 
 raigne of England, France, and Ireland, and of Scotland the six 
 and fortith. 
 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 3 N
 
 458 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 PEACE BETWEEN DENMARK AND SWEDEN. 
 
 [The following document requires no explanation : the public event to which it 
 refers is matter of history.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Aprilis, 1613 : for confirmation of the Leag betwene 
 the Kinges of Denmark and Sweden." 
 
 To our right trusty and right welbeloved Councellor, the 
 Lord Ellesmere, our Chauncellor of England. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 RIGHT trastie and right welbeloved Counsellor, wee greet you 
 well. Whereas our good brother the King of Denmark, by our 
 meanes and persuasion, hath bin induced to dispose himself to a 
 peace and reconciliation betwixt him and the King and State of 
 Sweden, and that by the intervention of our ministers, whome 
 wee have sent both into Denmark and Sweden, thinges are 
 brought to a good and happy conclusion, and for the strengthning 
 and confirming therof, it having bin thought convenient there, 
 that wee allso under our hand and scale should approve and 
 ratifie the articles and conventions agreed betwixt them, according 
 to an instrument alreadie ingrossed and made readie for our 
 signature which our said brother the King of Denmark hath sent 
 unto us by our servant Robert Anstruther, knight, wee being 
 willing to condiscend thereunto, and to all other thinges that may 
 settle the peace of Christendome, having signed the said instru- 
 ment with our hand, doe hereby will and require you to put our 
 Great Seale of England thereunto, and to cause the same to be 
 inrolled of record in our Court of Chancery of England, and to 
 redeliver the same so sealed to our said servant Robert Anstruther, 
 knight ; and this shalbe your sufficient warrant and discharge in 
 that behalfe. Given under our Signett at our Palace of West- 
 minster, the eight day of Aprill, in the eleventh yere of our raigne 
 of England, Fraunce, and Ireland, and of Scotland the six and 
 fortieth.
 
 459 
 
 CUSTOMS UPON FRENCH WINES. 
 
 [The frauds committed upon the Crown by the farming of the Customs are well 
 known. Sir John Swinnerton had long enjoyed the grant of the farming of the duty on 
 French wines, but by the subsequent letter we find that it had been taken away from 
 him by " violent greatness," and that he had petitioned the King for its restoration. 
 He urges various obligations on the part of his Majesty, and notices the accusations 
 against him.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere f " 21 Ap'lis, 1613. Sir John Swynarton." 
 
 To the right honorable his singuler good Lo. the Lord Hygh 
 Chancellor of England. 
 
 MY humble dewty remembred to your good Lop. Havinge 
 almoste by the space of xx li yeares imployed my cheifest tyme in 
 the sarvice of his most excellent Ma tie , by discoveries of bad 
 dellinge of som that have byn unfaythfull in the service and trust 
 reposed in them, and upon thos groundes my sealf and frendes 
 have made great offers, by which his Ma*"* revenewof the Crowne 
 hath byn greatly advanced merely by me and my frendes, amount- 
 inge unto Lviijm li per ann., and vj m ll fyne, viz. in the French 
 farme fyrst, and now lastxviij m H per ann. ; and in thefarme of the 
 great customes xxxiij mli vj cli per ann. andvj mli for a fyne; and in 
 the farme of the sweet wynes vj m Ji per ann. reckninge the great 
 fyne I paid, besydes sundery great loanes of mony for which (som 
 of them) I toke no interest. And for that the performance of these 
 sarvices could not be effected without expence of much tym and 
 mony, besydes much truble incurred by attempts and mallicious 
 practises against my credit and estate to make me the more un- 
 hable to do his Ma tie sarvice (myne inocency God makinge it my 
 sheild and defence against them) moves me, upon this my last 
 sarvice, humbly to praye your honorable good Lop., whom I have 
 made choice of owt of trew judgement and obsarvance to be the 
 principall and rediest to advance and further the proffit of the 
 Crowne by all honorable cources, to intersede for me to his excel-
 
 460 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 lent Ma tie that the farme of the French wynes may retorne to 
 hym that was the auncient tennant and thonly improver of it, 
 which viollent greatnes (to the losse and prejudice of his Ma^ ie , and 
 against auncient custome heald with owld desarvinge tennants) 
 hath wrested from me. And to this eand (yf it may please your 
 Lop.) I have in humble manner wrytten to his most excellent Ma tie , 
 and do humbly praye your Lop., as occasion shalbe mynefested, to 
 forther my sewit. Cravinge pardon for my bouldnes, I rest in 
 harty prayer to Allmighty God for the continewanc of your Lop.'s 
 good health with the increase of honor, 
 
 Your Lop.'s most humbly to commaund, 
 
 JNO. SWINNARTON. 
 
 xxj of Aprill. 
 
 FARMERS OF THE CUSTOMS UPON WINES. 
 
 [The subsequent Privy Seal follows up the subject of the preceding letter. The 
 whole matter was left to the decision of the Lord Chancellor and the Earl of 
 Northampton. At the end is the first notice we have met with of Sir Lionel Cran- 
 field, afterwards Earl of Middlesex. A \ery minute account of his origin and elevation 
 is contained in Bishop Goodman's " Court of King James" by Brewer, i. 293. 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Rec. 18 August, 1613. The Kinges letter under the 
 signet for a new Lease to be made to the farmers of the Customes, &c. of French and 
 Renysh wynes." 
 
 To our right trustie and right welbeloved Counsellor Thomas 
 Lord Ellesmere, our Chancellor of England, and to our 
 right trustie and right welbeloved cousin and Counsellor 
 Henry Earle of Northampton, Keeper of our Privie 
 Scale. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 RIGHT trustye and right welbeloved Cozen and Councellors,
 
 CUSTOMS UPON FRENCH WINES. 461 
 
 wee greete you well, &c. Wheras ther hath been made unto us, 
 aswell by Sir John Swynarton, Knight, as by Wm. Garraway 
 and Nic. Sallter, sundry offers for the impost of the French wynes 
 (synce that farme was questioned), which we have refused, for that 
 neither of them did untill of late offer neere the trew vallewe. 
 
 Theis are to give you to understand, that the said Garraway 
 and Sallter have very lately becom humble petitioners unto us to 
 accept of an offer (not altogether so good as this inclosed) which 
 wee, having considered of, do like ; and the rather for that com- 
 paring it with Sir John Swynarton's last and best offer, wee find 
 it equall yf not better then his, besides it consisting of part ready 
 money by way of fyne, and an increase of rente, it doth better fitt 
 owr present occation, and therfore, aswell for the respectes afore- 
 said, as for that in equitye they have yet one yeare in the first 7 
 yeares, and for that we have been ever accustomed to myngle 
 mercy with justice, we are resolved to accept of theis conditions 
 herinclosed. 
 
 Yet remembring yow have been by us formerly imployed in this 
 affaire, wherin you have proceeded with such integretye and judg- 
 ment, as you have not only added an increase of revenue unto our 
 Crowne, farre beyonde our expectation or hope, but in the 
 manner of it have expressed so much affection, as wee will never 
 forgett. 
 
 And that you maye in som measure perceave how acceptable 
 your service hath been to us in this behalfe, wee have concealed 
 our resolution from them, and are pleased to do you the honnor 
 to comyt the concluding of this bargen unto you, giving you herby 
 to understand it is our pleasure that you doe forthwith call before 
 you the said Garraway and Sallter, and propound unto them theis 
 conditions hereinclosed, which yf they shall accepte wee will that 
 you presentlye give order to our Attornye and Solicitor to drawe 
 up a boocke accordingly for our signature. 
 
 What our further pleasure is concerning this buysines wee have
 
 462 THE EGEBTON PAPERS. 
 
 made knowne unto our servaunt Sir Lionell Cranfeild, unto whose 
 reporte wee referre yow. Gyven under our signett, at Salisbury, 
 the fift day of August, 1613. 
 
 MANOR OF CRESSINGHAM, NORFOLK. 
 
 [How the subsequent letter came into the possession of the Lord Chancellor does 
 not appear. It relates to a proposed, but abandoned, purchase by Sir Edward Coke 
 of the manor of Cressingham, and possibly Sir Henry Windham requested the advice 
 of Lord Ellesmere on the occasion.] 
 
 To my very loving frend Sir Henry Wyndham, knight. 
 
 SIB. Whereas I intended to have purchased the lease of the 
 manor of Cressingham in Norfolk, made by the Deane and 
 Chapter of Norwiche to the late Queene for one hundred yeares. 
 Soe it is that I ame constrayned to borrowe greate summes of 
 money to furnishe paimentes for thinges which of late I have 
 entred into, by meanes whereof I ame at this present unprovided 
 to undertake the buying of the lease aforesaide. Nowe, because I 
 will no longer entertayne this your offer to your prejudice, doe set 
 you at liberty*with my good liking to sell the lease aforesaid to 
 any to whom you will, and doe promise you to satisfye any with 
 whom you shall deale about it, that it is a good lease in law and 
 any may safely buy it. Soe I bidd you farewell. 
 
 Your loving frende, 
 
 EDW. COKE. 
 14 9 bris , 1613.
 
 463 
 
 LORD ESSEX AND HENRY HOWARD. 
 
 [The date of the following extract of a private letter is only to be ascertained from its 
 remarkable contents, which fix it in 1613. The duel between Mr. Sackville and Lord 
 Bruce, mentioned in the last clause, took place in August of that year. The paper is 
 without address or indorsement.] 
 
 MY Lo. of Essex and Mr. Henry Howard are gone over to fight, 
 and taken two seconds a peece with them, Mr. Walter Devoreux 
 and Sir Thomas Beomount with my Lo., and Huntingdon and 
 Ned Ball with Mr. Henry Howard. It is thought the quarrell 
 did arise about my La. of Essex, but what or how it was I cannot 
 learne. My La. of Essex came up to my Lo. of Northampton 
 upon Saterday last in very great hast, but what the busines was I 
 know not ; but he hath lately writt a letter to her by the name of 
 the La. Frances Howard. 
 
 My Lo. of Bedford is exceeding ill, and not like to recover, yet 
 if he may be able he doth purpose to trie what good the bathe will 
 do him. I heare other newes which is too true, that my Lo. 
 Harington is dead. My Lo. of Rutland and my Lo. Danvers are 
 fallen out at Bathe, and gone likewise to fight. Mr. Sackvill hath 
 wounded my Lo. Bruce twise in the body, and received but one 
 hurt in the arme : my Lo. was caried out of the field, and Mr. 
 Sackvill did goe away himself. 
 
 PARLIAMENTARY SERVICES REWARDED. 
 
 [The subsequent Privy Seal shews in what way James I. did not scruple to interfere 
 with the regular course of equity, for the purpose of favouring a suitor who had been 
 of use to him in the House of Commons. The nature of the proceeding, which was 
 thus to be delayed at the royal instance, is not hinted at, but the indorsement of Lord 
 Ellesmere gives the name of the plaintiff.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Rec. 23 Aug. 1614. His Ma'r signifies his pleasure 
 in the cause inter Skyllicorne et Woolfreston."
 
 464 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 To our right trustie and welbeloved Councellor Thomas Lord 
 Ellesmere, our Chancellor of England. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 RIGHT trusty and welbeloved councellor, wee greet you well. 
 Wee have heretofore recommended to you the case of Robert 
 Wulverstone depending before you in Chauncery, because he had 
 in the Parliament house shewed himself forward in our service, 
 and our desire was, that either so much favour might be shewed 
 him as with equitie might stand, or that nothing were done against 
 him till the next terme ; since wee have been informed from him 
 that his adversary presseth him now out of terme, whereupon wee 
 have thought good to require you, that because he hath other 
 busines to attend in the vacation, he may not be urged to any 
 thing till the terme, and that then a day certaine be given for the 
 hearing of his cause, which wee must leave to the equitie of the 
 Court, not doubting but that you will regard one, of whose service 
 wee are pleased to take notice, so farre forth as in justice you may. 
 Given under our signet, at Leicester, the eighteenth day of August, 
 in the twelfth yeare of our raigne of England, France and Ireland, 
 and of Scotland the eight and fortieth. 
 
 SKYLLICORNE v. WOOLFRESTON. 
 
 [We may perhaps conclude from the ensuing letter from Sir Thomas Lake that even 
 the Privy Seal had produced little effect upon the Lord Chancellor, and it certainly is 
 not in favour of the defendant that, though so favoured by the King's interference, he 
 could get no counsel to undertake his cause.] 
 
 Indorsed " Rec. 27 Octob. 1614. Sir Thomas Lake signifies the Kinges pleasure 
 concerninge Mr. Wolverston."
 
 LORD BACON'S CHANCERY SUIT. 465 
 
 To the right honorable my singuler good Lord, the Lo. Elles- 
 mere, Lo. Chancellor of England. 
 
 MY duty to your Lo. remembred. His Ma tie hath commaunded 
 me to let your Lo. understand, that whereas in his late progresse 
 he directed his owne letters to your Lo. in favor of Mr. Robert 
 Wolverston, requiring your Lo. that no prejudice might be done 
 to him by importunitie of his adversary during the vacation. The 
 said Wolverston hath now bene with his Ma tie with a new petition, 
 which his Highnes findeth somewhat strange, for he alleadgeth 
 that he can get no counsell to plead for him, an allegation whereof 
 his Matie hath not heard the like before, and knoweth not what 
 construction to make of it. But because the time of his Ma ties 
 returne to London is now so short as no great prejudice can grow 
 to either side by deferring the cause so long, his Ma tie wisheth 
 your Lo. to lett it rest till then, and at his coming to informe him 
 in the cause, and what you find of this new allegation of his that 
 he can get no counsell, if so be it be true. And so I humbly take 
 my leave. From the Court at Royston, this 25 of October, 1614. 
 
 Your Lo. humbly to command, 
 
 THO. LAKE. 
 
 LORD BACON'S CHANCERY SUIT. 
 
 [We hear of the " suit in Chancery," spoken of in the indorsement to the following 
 letter, nowhere else, but it respected part of Lady Bacon's property derived from her 
 wealthy father, Alderman Barnham. It is wholly in Lady Bacon's handwriting, but it 
 was probably dictated by her husband.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " The Lady Bacon, touching hir husbandes sute in 
 the Chauncerye. Sir Fra. Bacon." 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 3 O
 
 466 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 To the Right Honorable her very good Lord, Thomas Lord 
 Elesmere, Lord Chauncellor of England. 
 
 RIGHT HONOURABLE. 
 
 MY humble dutye to your good Lordship. My husband hath 
 signifyed to mee the honourable favour your Lords, hath lately 
 showed in his just cause and mine, for the which I am bound ever 
 to pray for your Lords. I understand your Lords, is pleasd to 
 require the names of such whom I chuse to trust for recevinge the 
 monye, and the new statute and assurance in that behalfe to bee 
 taken. In a former letter to your Lordship I did name Sir Tho- 
 mas Blount, a worthy gentleman, my freinde and neighbour heere 
 in the country, Sir Francis Barnham, my neere kinsman, and Sir 
 John Constable, whoe hath maried my sister. Theise thre I did 
 and doe still make choyce of, and withall one Mr. Fitche, a citizen 
 of London, an honest man, whom I am willinge to joyne with 
 them for a fourth. Thus cravinge pardon for this trouble, with 
 my humble thankes and prayers for your Lords, health and longe 
 life, I take my leave, remayninge, 
 
 Humblye your Lords, in all thankfulnes and dutye, 
 
 ALICE BACON. 
 From Gorhambury, 
 this 23th of November, 1614. 
 
 SIR H. WOTTON AND SPINOLA. 
 
 [The subsequent copy of a letter from Sir Henry Wotton to the Marquis Spinola 
 may serve to illustrate a rather obscure point in the history of the time.] 
 
 Indorsed by the first Earl of Bridgewater, " Sir Henry Wotton, Embassador to the 
 Estates Netherland, his Letter to Marquis Spinola, 27-17 9 bris 1614." 
 
 EXCELLENT AND ILLUSTRIOUS SIR. 
 YOUR Excellency knoweth all that hath passed since the time
 
 LADY NOTTINGHAM AND THE KING OP DENMARK. 467 
 
 we have continued hear at your request, and therefore unnecessary 
 to trouble you with the repetition of the circumstances. You 
 knowe likewise that this present businesse is already brought to 
 such tearmes that there remayneth noe meane betweene peace 
 and warre. Yet for all this, we see that hourely there are newe 
 petty scruples most strangely interposed, either to delay or abso- 
 lutely to disannull that which hath beene formerly sealed and 
 accorded on both sides. Whereupon, seeing that every minister 
 (although joyned with others) ought to have a perticuler reflection 
 upon the honor of him by whome he is commaunded, I have 
 thought it my duty to put your Excellencie in remembrance, with 
 all due respecte, that yf it be your intent to hold the places taken, 
 perad venture it had beene better to have done it without abusing 
 the dignitie of the Kinge my master and his crownes with enter- 
 tayning discourses heere, and soe many promises made and re- 
 iterated to his royall person. Therefore I pray your Excellency 
 to deliberate, not only with magnanimitie, but with your wisdome 
 and realitie, how much dependeth of that which is yet to be re- 
 solved. Wherewith I hartely rest, 
 
 Your Excellencies servant, 
 
 HENRY WOTTON, 
 
 Santen, ft of November, 1614. 
 
 LADY NOTTINGHAM AND THE KING OF DENMARK. 
 
 [The following original letter (which must have been sent back from Denmark and 
 placed in the hands of Lord Ellesmere for his advice in the business) affords a curious 
 anecdote connected with a supposed imputation upon the honour of Lady Nottingham 
 by the King of Denmark when he was in England in July 1614. He took his depar- 
 ture from London on the 1st August, and was accompanied as far as Gravesend by 
 James I. The document which follows the letter affords an explanation of the affair, 
 and adverts to some subsequent matters relating to it.]
 
 468 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 To the right wo. Sir Andrew Sinkler, knight. 
 
 SIR. I am sory this occasion should have bin offered me by 
 the King your M r ., which makes me troublesome to you for the 
 present. Yt is reported to me by men of honor the greate wrong 
 the Kinge of the Danes hath done me when I was not by to 
 answere for my selfe, for if I had bin present I would have letten 
 him knowe how much I scorne to receive that wrong at his hands. 
 I neede not write the perticuler of it, for the King him selfe 
 knoweth best. I protest to you, Sir, I did thinke as hono ble of 
 the King your M r . as I did of any one prince, but now I persuade 
 my selfe there is as much basenes in him as can be in any man ; 
 for, although he be a prince by birth, it seemes not to me that 
 there harbereth any princely thoughts in his brest, for either in 
 prince or subject it is the basest parte that can be to wrong any 
 woman of honor. And I would the King your M r . shoulde knowe 
 that I deserve as little that name which he gave me, as either the 
 mother of him selfe or of his children : and if ever I come to 
 knowe what man hath informed your M r . so wrongfully of me, I 
 shall doe my best to put him from doing the lyke to any other ; 
 but if it hath come by the tongue of any woman, I dare say she 
 would be glad to have companyons. So, leaveing to trouble you 
 any farther, I rest your friend, 
 
 MARGARET NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 [The following explanatory paper was found with the preceding 
 
 letter.] 
 
 THE Lord Admirall was the man made choice of to putt his 
 Ma 4 ? in mynde how the time passed, and when the opportunity 
 of the tide served (his Highnes beeing then abourd the King of 
 Den. shipp with the Queene, &c.), he, often consulting with his 
 watch to see how the time slipt away, putt the King of En. in 
 mynde that he should leese the benefitt of the tide unlesse he 
 were then gone at that hower. The Kinge of D., desirous to
 
 LADY NOTTINGHAM AND THE KINO OF DENMARK. 469 
 
 enjoye the company of theis his deerest freinds as long as possibly 
 he could, was pleased to take notice of this my L. Ad. importu- 
 nitye, and was as ernest on the contrary side for their longer 
 staye abourde. The L. Admirall, in the ende, shewing what 
 hower it was by his watche (which he (as it is sayd) had pur- 
 posely advanced some ij howers only for this turne), the K. of 
 Denmarke, suspecting it, was pleased to aske him what was the 
 hower by his watche. His Lop. told him neere fower, wher- 
 upon the K. of D. replied, No, it is but two, which his Lop., 
 eyther not willing or not well understanding, still seemed to be 
 of the same opinion. The K,, to make him the better to under- 
 stand him, was faine to doe yt by way of demonstration, and, 
 with his foremost fingers directed towards him, shewed him by 
 the nomber of them the hower of the day, which was, according 
 to the generall opinion of those present, neere the true time of 
 the daye ; but his Maty i n the performance heerof was so longe in 
 action that the standers by tooke notice that my Lo. Adm. toke some 
 secrett dislike at the manner thereof ; whereof notice beeing since 
 given to the Countesse of Nottingham, she hath sent a letter 
 eyther to the King of D. himself or one very neere him, the sub- 
 ject whereof was only the discontent she tooke at the K. of Den. 
 The particulars of this letter were such as are very offensively 
 taken heer. Amongst other, shee in expresse plaine termes 
 writt unto him that she did not thinke that the K. of the Danes 
 would have offred that abuse to any lady of England as to make 
 the signe of the homes at her husband. This title to the King, 
 and some other straynes in this letter, are very greivously taken 
 by our Queene, the letter itself being sent unto her by the King 
 her brother, together with an answer very ho bl y and respectively 
 written from him to the Countesse. The Queene went presently 
 upon receipt thereof downe to the K. of En., and upon notice 
 given him of what had passed, she cast herself upon her knees, 
 and ernestly beseeched him that this Countesse might be banished 
 the Court. She hath been called to accompt about it, and much
 
 470 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 pressed to discover who penned the letter. She takes yt not 
 upon her self, yet (as yet) will not discover her secretarye. What 
 will be the issue we yet knowe not, but certaynely there is a full 
 resolution in the Queene to followe this against the lady and the 
 advisers of yt, as farre as with her honor she may. 
 
 This is written from the mouth of such a one who entirely 
 loves you, and shall ever command my poore service without 
 deniall : otherwise I would not intermeddle in a matter of this 
 nature. I hope you will bee pleased to judge and dispose both of 
 mee and it accordingly. I deny all. 
 
 THE TRIAL OF ANN TURNER. 
 
 [The following letter, without any other date than " Thursday evening," must have 
 been written on the 9th Nov. 1615, on which day Mrs. Turner was convicted of being 
 concerned in the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury. It is highly interesting and very 
 curious and minute in its details, and part of it has been already quoted in the " New 
 Particulars regarding the Works of Shakespeare," p. 7. The writer was an eye witness 
 of the trial, but in what relation he stood to Sir John Egerton, whom he addresses at 
 Ashridge, does not appear.] 
 
 To the Rt hon. knight S r John Egerton, at Ashridge. 
 
 SIR. The effects that in this woorke of darkenes this day hath 
 brought forth to the woorld are shortly theis. 
 
 There were at this arraignment of Mrs. Turner to the number 
 of 20 men and women's severall depositions published this day, 
 some read, some taken viva voce in the Court, all materiall and 
 conducing to the manifestation and proofe of M ns Turner's guilt 
 and privitye before the fact to this impious acte. She putt her- 
 selfe upon the country, pleading not guilty e, but when she came 
 to speake (as shee had free liberty to doe) in her owne defence,
 
 THE TRIAL OF ANN TURNER. 4/1 
 
 she spoke little, and that to little purpose, making onely a generall 
 deniall to all that was eyther urged or there prooved by divers 
 witnesses against her. The jury found her guilty, and thereupon 
 Sir John Crooke was appointed to pronounce the sentence of the 
 lawe, which he did in very pious and religious terraes. 
 
 To speake forwards. May yt please you to understand, there 
 was the copye of a letter, wrytten by the Lady Somersett to 
 Weston, produced and read, and the late Lieutenant deposed 
 that the said copye was true, which makes very much against her 
 Ladyship, concerning her supposed privitye and incouragement to 
 doe this acte. Divers other letters written with her owne hand, 
 one to the Lieutenant himselfe, one to Ms Turner, and one to 
 Mr. D r . Foreman, which was long after his death found by great 
 chance in the pockett of his hose (and which letter she hath 
 acknowledged to the Lords to bee her hand), which it is impos- 
 sible for the witt of man to answere with a cleere conscience, were 
 publiquely read this day. In the letter to Foreman she begins 
 thus : Sweet father, I must still crave your helpe. I pray keepe 
 the Lorde sure to me, else I shall bee most miserable : the world 
 forsakes me, and the heavens are against mee ; and for my Lord 
 (meaning the Earle of Essex) he is still lusty and merry, and as 
 dogged to mee as ever he was. This honest and ho ble Lord was 
 present this day in Court amongst other ho ble auditors of both 
 sexes. The Ladyes private and sondry runnings to Foreman, 
 &c., her other lascivious meetings with the Earle of Som. att M ris 
 Turner's and elsewhere, I passe over now, and so they were att 
 the arraignment without any contradiction. 
 
 Amongst other deponents this day viva voce examined there 
 was one Symcockes, a man of some fashion and good understand- 
 ing (as yt seemed), who spake upon his oath to this purpose. 
 That in that league of friendship that was between Weston and 
 him, Weston told him that the Earl of Som. did often give him 
 money with his owne hand, and badd him keepe Sr Tho. Ov. 
 saffe, for, sayes he, if ever he gett out, he or I must die for yt.
 
 472 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 And that this Earle willed Weston not to be knowen to any (and 
 especially to Mr. Rawlins) that eyther hee knew Weston, or that 
 Weston knew him ; (whereupon said Weston further) they say S r 
 Tho. Over, hath witt, but I thinke he is not so wise as the world 
 takes him to bee, for he sues onely to my Lord of Somersett to 
 get him his libertye, and I know that Lord does but mock him, 
 and meanes never to effect yt for him. Whereupon these wordes 
 fell from the Lord Cooke, that this knight was close imprisoned 
 by the onely practiz and treacherous dealing of Rochester. This 
 was the most and the worst that was this day opened against this 
 man upon the point of treachery. But for the poysoning, it was 
 published in one of Weston's examinations that, for the white 
 powder that was sene in one of the Earle's letters, so much thereof 
 as was lefte at Over, deathe was brought backe (by speciall com- 
 mandment of the Earle's) by Weston, and delivered to the Earle's 
 owne hands by him. 
 
 There was more often occasion given to speake of Sr Ar. Mayn- 
 waring of his familiarity with M ris Tur. and of the children that he 
 had had by her, then many that were there [were] willing to heare, 
 but the examinations and the course of the proceeding lead so 
 unto that, that yt could not be well blanched or avoyded. The 
 imagery and spells were all produced and expounded, and the very 
 same spell (and in the very same paper) that was used to unite 
 and continew the love of the too much honord coupple : the very 
 same (mutatis mutandis onely) weere put in practize by Foreman at 
 the instance of M ris Turner to catch the knight S r Art. for her- 
 selfe. 
 
 My Lord Cooke spoke seldom and at no tyme much, leaving 
 the carriage of the cause to the same councell that pleaded before, 
 who were very well instructed, and did so this day also acquitt 
 themselves. Onely the Lo. Cooke, when the jury were ready 
 to goe together from the barre, he told them he lefte to their con- 
 sideration the seven deadly sinnes, 
 A strumpett.
 
 EXECUTION OF FRANKLIN. 473 
 
 A bawde. 
 
 A sorcerer. 
 
 A conjurer. 
 
 A Papist. 
 
 A daughter of Foreman, the foreman of the divell (she 
 
 ever stiled him in her letters, sweet father). 
 A consultor with witches and conjurors. 
 And whether a murtherer in the highest degree or not, 
 
 that was now referred to them to determine. 
 
 Now, Sir, I have made you an abrupt, but I dare undertake a 
 true relation of the dayes travail. My duty and attendance calles 
 me away, and so might my stomach after 1 howres sitting far 
 enoughe from the table. I pray excuse the errors of haste, and 
 accept the hart of 
 
 Your affectionate servant to be commanded, 
 
 THO. BONE. 
 This Thursday evening. 
 
 EXECUTION OF FRANKLIN. 
 
 [The ensuing autograph letter from Lady Egerton, daughter of the Countess of 
 Derby, to her husband Sir John Egerton, refers to the same event as the preceding 
 the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury and incloses an account of the demeanour of 
 Franklin, one of the inferior parties implicated, at his execution on the 9th December, 
 1615, after his trial on the 27th November preceding. Vide Camden's " Annals" in 
 Kennet, ii. 645.] 
 
 Indorsed " Lady Egerton to Sir John Egerton about Franklen." 
 
 To my very loving Housband, Sir Jhon Egerton, at Ashridge, 
 give these. 
 
 DEARE love, your desire makes me not omitt to let you know 
 CAMD. soc. 12. 3 P
 
 474 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 what is now to be writtne, which is that the La. Sommerset is 
 brought to bed of a daughter, and some other papers which I have 
 sent you inclosed : on of them is Frankelen's behaviour when he 
 was hanged, which I got not till I cam this Satterday at night to 
 Greenewege, else I had not with theis few wordes bed you good 
 night, and in such haste assure you of the tru affection and never 
 decaying love of 
 
 Your 
 
 FRANCES EGERTON. 
 
 My La. commendes her love to you, and 
 commandes me to tell that Frankelen dyd geve 
 the hangman a bockes of the eare afore he was 
 hanged. 
 
 \Thefollowing was inclosed in the above.'] 
 Satterdaye, 9 X^ris, 1615. 
 
 This morning, about half an hower after tenn, Franklin was 
 hanged at St. Thomas of Wateringe. As soone as he came out of 
 the prison, he went to the cart and lept up into it with a great 
 shew of resolution. The hangman came to him and offered to 
 put the rope about his neck, but he took it out of his hand and 
 strived to put it about the hangman's necke, and laughed in doing 
 it : then he stood uprighte and streched hime self, and gave 
 money to every one that begged of hime, and all this in so strange 
 fashion, which he continued till his death, that all men thought 
 hime either madd or drunke. 
 
 As soon as he came to the gallowes he kissed it, and made a 
 cross uppon it, and putting his hatt before his eies crossed him- 
 self. Then they caled that every man should keep silence, which 
 being donn, and every one expecting very attentively to hear 
 what he would saye, he stood still and offered not to speak one 
 worde : with that Mr. Doctor Whiting called to hime by his name,
 
 EXECUTION OF FRANKLIN. 475 
 
 at which Francklin turned about and put of his hat to hime. Mr. 
 Doctor used a very grave speech unto hime, advising hime to say 
 something to the people to desyer them to pray for hime, and to 
 confess his fault, whereunto he answered that he was come thether 
 to dye, and that was no place nor tyme to make exclamation ; 
 that he dyed justly, and was willing to dye, and had longe desired 
 this hower, and that was all he had to saye. The Doctor tould 
 hime he should do well to give the world some testimony of the 
 manner of his death : noe, sayes he, He testimony nothing (I use 
 his owne wordes) ; my confessions are all true that are under my 
 hand : I did not know of this bloody acte at the first, but after- 
 wardes (I cannot denye) but I had my handes very deepe in it. 
 There are some yett left behind, and great ones tow, with which 
 (and then he clapped his handes twice or thrice uppon the coffin 
 that lay uppon the cart before hime) but lett that passe. He 
 was willed to deale playnly, and to name whome he meant. No, 
 sayes he, He never name them while I breath : come, pray lett me 
 be dispatched. Then the Doctor willed hime to beginn some 
 short prayer, and all the people would pray with hime, and to call 
 for some psalme, whereunto he would not answer a word, though 
 he wear often called uppon to doe it. Then he was advised by 
 the Doctor to pray for the King and State, at which he lifted upp 
 his eyes and sayd, God bless the King and the Councell. Thear 
 are greater heads abroad then they are aware of, and greater matters 
 abroach, but they will know it all one daye. My Lo. Chief Jus- 
 tice is very just I must needs saye, but he has done me wronge in 
 one thing : he has deceived me, but 'tis no matter. He was put in 
 mynde (to move him to confess somthing now) that it was his owne 
 desyer to have his confessions put in print, and that he had writ- 
 ten a discourse for that purpose. It is true (sayd he) I desyer 
 indeed that it may be put in print, and you have it to that end, 
 and more I cannot saye ; and then the cart was driven away and 
 thus he dyed, never heard to pray one word. The best word he 
 used was that he hoped to supp with Christ to nighte. Never
 
 476 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 man, as I thinke, shewed at his death lesse shewe of religion or 
 fear of death. Yesterday about 3 of the clocke in the after noone 
 he was tould he should dye, at which he seemed to be in a great 
 chafe, yet at last seemed to put one a very great resolution, and 
 was very merry, and daunced carantoes upp and downe his cham- 
 ber, and would hang by the armes uppon a beame, and tould them 
 that to-morrow they should see how gallantly he would hang. He 
 would often use this word in Lattin, non sum quod fui, for he 
 sayd he had in his tyme raysed upp thirtye spirits at a tyme. He 
 refused to receive the communion this morninge in the prison, or 
 to be present at any publick prayers, and being advised to pray 
 publickly at his execution, and that then all the people would pray 
 for hime Tutt, sayd he, I am resolved their prayers can doe me 
 no good. He talked at his execution of 3 great ones, that he hath 
 confessed this morning, and spake doubtfully as if he could saye 
 much more then he had sayed ; but I understand that they are 
 onely shiftes to spin out his life a little longer, and that this morn- 
 ing he was saying that if he might live a day longer he could re- 
 veal great matters, and that he hath bin so often thus, and so 
 uncertayne and distracted in his speeches that thear is not much 
 hould of any thing he sayes. 
 
 TREATIES WITH THE NETHERLANDS. 
 
 [Thomas Wilson, the writer of the ensuing paper, was a civilian of considerable emi- 
 nence, who had been much employed upon public affairs. It seems to have been in 
 some respects hastily and carelessly drawn up, and Lord Ellesmere inserted several 
 dates and corrected various errors ; but he still left one mistake, where the year 1506 
 is spoken of as in the reign of Henry VIII.] 
 
 Indorsed by Lord Ellesmere, " Remembrances for the Treatyes with the Nether 
 Landes."
 
 TREATIES WITH THE NETHERLANDS. 477 
 
 To the right hon bl e my most singuler good Lo., my Lo. 
 Elsmere, Lo. Chancellor of England, dd. 
 
 Right hon ble my most singuler good Lo. 
 
 I HAVE here sett downe unto your Lordship the points of all 
 or most of the materiall treatyes which concernes the businesse of 
 intercourse and commerce betwixt us and the States. 
 
 I have fetched them noe higher then the great treaty betwixt 
 Hen. 7 and Phillip Duke of Burgundy in the yeare 1495 (10 or 11 
 H. 7)? because that treaty is the grownd and foundation wherupon 
 the rest ensuing depends. 
 
 Some of the articles I have transcribed at lardge, as that of the 
 freedome of commerce in the yeare aforesayd. Also the fift and 
 sixt articles of the treaty of Calis next following, wherby all impo- 
 sitions upon English cloath are prohibited, and the trade therof 
 inlardged into all the dominions of the Duke of Burgundy (Flan- 
 ders only excepted), which before was restrayned to Antwerp and 
 Brugies, which was in the yeare 1499 (14 or 15 H. 7)- 
 
 The next was between Maximillian the Emperor and Henry 8 
 (7) in the yeare 1502 (17 or 18 H. 7) 5 wherby the like freedome of 
 commerce was confirmed. 
 
 The fourth was betwixt Phillipp Duke of Burgundy and King 
 of Castile and King Henry 8, in the yeare 1515 (6 or 7 H. 8), 
 called the Treaty of Bruxills, wherby the lyke freedome of enter- 
 course was confirmed as by the treaty of a. 1495. It is true 
 there was a treaty between these last named princes of 1506, 
 which was afterwards suspended and disannulled ; but divers 
 treatyes following betwixt Charles the 5 and Hen. 8, namely, 
 those of 1520 and 1529 and 1542, doe all confirme, for that there 
 is no mention of it in all his Ma ts papers, nor in all the letters 
 written from thence of that tyme, neither can any of the merchants 
 that I can speak withall tell of it. 
 
 But be it that they are tyed both by their late and ancient 
 treatyes to this freedome of commerce with us, yet will they fynd
 
 478 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 an evasion to make this action of theyres no contravention to the 
 treatyes : for they will say they doe not prohibitt our bringing in 
 of cloths reddy drest, but they only forbid their own people not 
 to buy them, or rather their people conspyre amongst them selves 
 not to buy them without a publique edict. 
 
 By the sixt article of this last treaty, 1608, it seems the States 
 doe challendge unto themselves the benefitt of all the ancient 
 treatyes, for it is sayd in that article as folioweth : " As for the 
 priviledges and imunities which the United Provinces pretend to 
 belong unto them in his Ma tis kingdomes, by vertue of the ancient 
 treatys made between his predecessors and their Princes for the 
 lyberty of commerce, when the sayd Estates shall thinke good to 
 send their Deputyes into England, his Maty will depute some to 
 enter into conference with them for the recyprocall reestablish- 
 ment of commerce," &c. ; wherby it appears also that that busi- 
 nesse as yet is imperfect, for other treaty since then about the 
 matter I have not heard of. 
 
 But that your Lordship may the better consider of the poynts 
 of this late treaty, I have sent herewith all those articles thereof 
 that concerne that businesse, truly transcribed out of the originall 
 in French. 
 
 Thus hath your Lordship the deduction of this businesse as 
 far as I can draw them, and that which my poore understanding 
 conceives of them, humbly craving pardon that I have been thus 
 bold, and that I may say one thinge more, that by the complaints 
 that I have heard both of the poore people in clothing contryes, 
 and of the merchants lykewise, for want of venting of their cloths, 
 this businesse is lyke to prove lamentable, if it be not speedyly 
 remedied, which how it may be done your Lordship (I doubt not) 
 will take it into your grave consideration, which (if I may be so 
 bold to show my weak judgment) can be by noe other means then 
 by a much more strict restraint of exporting our woolls in all his 
 Ma ts kingdomes, which is yet dayly used : if this might be done 
 and well observed, the Hollanders and all our neyghbors wold
 
 LORD ELLESMERE TO SIR JOHN EGERTON. 479 
 
 want materiails for making so much cloth as they now doe, and 
 wee with our owne stuffe sett our people on worke in makeing so 
 much cloth as therby we might undersell them all, and therby gett 
 the trade againe into our owne hands, which now they seeke to 
 gett from us. 
 
 Much more might be sayd to this purpose, but I have been a 
 little too bold and tedious with your Lordship alredy, for which 
 I also humbly crave pardon. And so I rest ever, as your Lord- 
 ship by your favors hath bound me to be, 
 
 Your Lop/s most devoted, and desyrous 
 to doe you service, 
 
 THO. WILSON. 
 
 From the Office of his Ma tes Papers at Whytehall, 
 this 10 tb of August, 1616. 
 
 LORD ELLESMERE TO SIR JOHN EGERTON. 
 
 [The following is the last letter found subscribed " T. Ellesmere," for on 7th Nov. 
 following its date, his Lordship was created Viscount Brackley. Camden (" Annals" 
 in Kennet, ii. 646) records, that the son of Sir John Egerton spoken of below, was 
 born on 21st Sept. 1616, and that the King stood godfather to him on 2nd Oct. The 
 " merry" remark imputed to King James arose out of the known enmity between 
 Lord Ellesmere and Sir Edward Coke, who, to use Camden's words, was " banished 
 Westminster Hall" on the very day after the baptism.] 
 
 To my loving Sonne, Sir John Egerton, knight, at York 
 House. 
 
 THK inclosed to my wyffe wyll lett you know what the Kyrg 
 and Gluene have sayed to me to-daye. Bothe used very gracyous 
 congratulations, but of the Baptysme not one worde, nor I to 
 theym. I have not scene the Vicount Villiers. John Murraye
 
 480 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 toulde me that when the Kyng heard fyrst of the byrth of your 
 sonne, he sayed he was sure I woulde not name him James, but 
 Edwarde, after the L. Chiefe Justice. Thus yt pleased hym to be 
 merye. His Ma*y appoyntes to be at Whytehall on Mondaye 
 night, and from thence on Tuesdaye. I praye God 1 may heare 
 good newes from you of your wyffe and the litle one, and all the 
 rest, and to his mercifull protection I committe you both you and 
 them all. 
 
 Your lovinge and carefull father, 
 
 T. ELLESMERE, Cane. 
 
 At Court, this Tuesday Evenynge, 
 24 Sebris 1616. 
 
 CREATION OF VISCOUNT BRACKLEY. 
 
 [Sir William Segar, Garter King at Arms, furnished the following table of fees under 
 his own hand. Camden, who no doubt assisted at the ceremony, gives the date of the 
 creation, like the succeeding paper, the 7th November, 1616.] 
 
 Indorsed " Mr. Garter, for my Lorde to pay. 7 Novemb. 1616." 
 
 Fees due to the Kinges Servants for the Creation of a 
 Vicount. 
 
 To M r . Garter himself. Imprimis to M r . Garter for his Lp/s 
 
 garmentes . . . . x n 
 
 To Mr. S*. George. To the Officers of Armes .;.,,, .. - x 11 
 
 To Hughes, their ser- To the Gent. Ushers dayly Wayters x ]i 
 
 vant. 
 
 To Sir William Twis- To the Gent. Ushers of the Privy 
 
 den. Chamber . . ? ;> . ."ii v u 
 
 To Serj 1 . Benet, et al. To the Serjeants of Armes . . v 1 * 
 
 To Mr. Lovell. To the Quarter Wayters :1 J . v 11
 
 FEES AND EXPENSES OF CREATION. 
 
 481 
 
 To Mr. Roffingam. 
 To M r . Armiger. 
 To Sir T. Cornwallis. 
 To M r . Hoddesdon. 
 To the Serjt. &c. 
 To M r . Gosson, Drum 
 
 Major. 
 To old M r . Harden, et 
 
 al. 
 
 To M r . Huntley. 
 ToMr.Serjt.Blagrove. 
 To M r . Snowe. 
 To Mr. Todd. 
 ToM r .Daniell,clearke. 
 To M r . Fynch. 
 To Rafe, &c. 
 
 To the Sewers > ., , ,,*,. . v u 
 To the Yeomen Ushers . iij 1 * vj 8 . viij d 
 To the Groo me Porter .,.. . . xl 
 To the Groomes and Pages iij 1 ! vj 8 viij d 
 To the Trumpettes . . . . vj 1 ' 
 To the Drommes . ... . xl 
 
 To the Kinges Musicions, 4 com- 
 
 panyes . . . . . 
 To the Buttry ..... 
 
 To the Pantry V . . . 
 
 To the Ewery ' . . . . 
 
 To the SeUor . . . *C-' . 
 
 To the Cookes , ; . . 
 
 To the Porters . . . . 
 To the Kinges footmen . 
 
 vj H 
 xx 8 
 xx 8 
 xl 
 xx 8 
 xl s 
 
 Summa tot. 
 
 vj 8 . viij d 
 11 
 
 Ixxxvij 
 
 WILLM. SEGAR, Garter, 
 
 FEES AND EXPENSES OF CREATION. 
 
 [The succeeding is the account of the mode in which Sir Arthur Mainwaring dis- 
 bursed 99. 17*. 9d. on the occasion of Lord Ellesmere's elevation to the rank of a 
 Viscount.] 
 
 Indorsed by the first Earl of Bridgewater " Fees at my father's being created Vis- 
 count Brackley." 
 
 9 November, 1616. Rec. of M r . Tho. Whilbe to dis- 
 charge fees for my Lord's creation of Viscount Brack- 
 ley, the somme of ; . . lj .- . . . c 11 
 
 Unde : payd severall fees to the King's servants, ac- 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 3 Q
 
 482 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 cordinge to a noate sett downe and subscribed by 
 
 M r . Garter, the somme of 87 ]i 
 
 More disbursed 
 
 A reward to yonge M r . S*. George - I . . . I 1 * 2 s 
 Reward to the Keepers of the Counsell Chamber . I 1 * 2 s 
 To Sir George Coppin's Clearke, for velume, florish- 
 
 inge, and strings for your Lop.'s pattent . . 3 11 13 s 4 d 
 To the same Cleark, your Lp/s reward for engross- 
 
 inge the pattent . . ,. . . . l !i 6 s 8 d 
 
 Some totall of the fees and rewards > .,. ~ a 
 
 ^ T , f "5' 1 " 
 
 for your Lop. s creation . . .3 
 
 7 Decemb. More by me disbursed to make 104 11 
 
 1616. 10 s 6 d , which I receyvid of your Lop. 
 
 and of M r . Nicholas Gibbons, the somrne 
 
 of 108 11 3 s 9 d , which was delivered to Sir 
 
 John Egerton 7 Dec. 1616, I say added 
 
 by me the somme of . . . . 3 K 15 s 3 d 
 
 3 1 Decemb. Delivered by me to my cosin Marburye 
 
 1616. to make up 33li 12 s 4 d the somme of 
 
 34 U 8 s 10 d for your Lop/s rewards the 
 
 last Newyeres tyde in Court, I say added 
 
 by me . . .... 0^ 16 s 6 d 
 
 Soe the totall by me disbursed is . . ' . 99 H 17 s 9 d 
 
 Soe there remayneth due to your Lop. . . 2 s 3 d 
 
 Which somme of 2 s 3 d is herewith presented. 
 
 ARTH. MAYNWARINGE.
 
 483 
 
 THE KING'S INTERFERENCE IN CHANCERY. 
 
 [The following is the first and, as far as appears, the last Privy Seal addressed by 
 James I. to Viscount Brackley, by that title. It relates to the speedy termination of a 
 private suit, and authorizes the Lord Chancellor to call to his aid in deciding it the new 
 Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, Sir Henry Montagu, who had just succeeded 
 Sir Edward Coke. For a somewhat similar interposition see p. 464.] 
 
 To our right trusty and right welbeloved Cousin and Coun- 
 sellor, the Lord Vicomt Brackley, our Chancellor of 
 England. 
 
 JAMES R. 
 
 RIGHT trustie and right welbeloved Counsellor, we greet you 
 well. It is not unknowen unto you how often we have been 
 importuned in the cause depending between Sir Richard Cham- 
 pernon and the heyres of the Earle of Devonshire deceased; 
 wherof we were desirous that a finall end should have been long 
 since made ; which neverthelesse could not be so long as our late 
 Chief Justice, who was one of the assessors, stood upon his 
 removiall from that place. Wherefore, that hinderance being now 
 taken away, we have thought fitt to signifie our pleasure unto 
 you, that you take unto you our now Chief Justice of our Bench 
 in the place of the other, together with the other assistantes that 
 have hitherto been employed in that business, and use all your 
 endeavours to make an end thereof this terme, according to the 
 justice and equitie of the cause, that so both the parties themselves 
 may be eased of the great paines and charge they have been at in 
 prosecuting the same, and we our self freed from their continuall 
 importunitie. Given under our signet, at our Pallace of West- 
 minster, the fower and twentith day of November, in the fower- 
 teenth yeere of our raigne of England, France, and Ireland, and of 
 Scotland the fyftythe.
 
 484 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 MUSTER-MASTER OF BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. 
 
 [The writer of the ensuing letter had been created Viscount Villiers, on the 27th 
 August preceding its date. On the 5th January following (Camden's " Annals" in 
 Kennett ii. 647) he was raised to the rank of Duke of Buckingham.] 
 
 Indorsed, " Rec. 19 Decembris, 1616. In behalfe of Mr. Cotterell to be Muster 
 M r in the Com. of Buck." 
 
 To my very worthy frend, Sir John Egerton, knt. 
 
 SIR, I have written joyntly to your self and the rest of my 
 deputie Lieutenantes recommending Clement Cottrell, my servant, 
 unto your favor to be made Mustermaster of Buckinghamshire. 
 And though I doubt not but the notice you will take therein of 
 my desire to doe him good will suffice, yet I could not so satisfie 
 my self without writing singly to you, upon whose love toward me 
 I most relye, and with whome I take more libertie then with the 
 rest, assuring my self that you will give your best furtherance to 
 any reasonable thing I affect. This therefore I recommend unto 
 you as a businesse of myne own, being for one of whose honest 
 and civill carriage I have had long tryall, and for whome I accompt 
 that I cannot doe more then he hath deserved. I knowe it is 
 needelesse to use more wordes, when the least touch of my desire 
 is sufficient with you for using your best meanes to effect it, and 
 to binde me in all thinges to shew my self 
 
 Your very affectionate frend at command, 
 
 Xewmarkett, Decemb. 1616.
 
 485 
 
 WADHAM COLLEGE, OXFORD. 
 
 [Mrs. Dorothy Wadham writes to Lord Brackley respecting " my college," as if 
 her late husband had had no concern in the foundation of it. Vide Chalmers' Hist, 
 of Un. Oxford, p. 405. 
 
 To the right honorable my very good Lord, Thomas Lord 
 Ellesmere,Vicount Brackley, Lord Chancelor of England, 
 these. 
 
 RIGHT HONORABLE, 
 
 Having lately understood that your Lordshipp hath been pleased 
 out of your honorable disposition to respect my College in Oxford, 
 and to afford it your honorable countenance when it was enforced 
 to troubles by such as should rather have laboured to better it 
 then to undermine it, whereby (were it not for your honorable 
 favour) it had receyved a great losse without recovery, I hold it 
 my duty (both in respect of this and many other your Lordshipp's 
 honorable favours towards me) to make this meane acknowledg- 
 ment of my thankfullnes, beseechinge the continuance of your 
 Lordshipp's honorable favour towards my College. And soe, with 
 my prayers for the encrease of your Lordship's honor, health, and 
 happines, and with the remembrance of my duty and service I 
 rest 
 
 Your Lordship's to be comaunded, 
 
 From Edge, the 28th of January, 1616.
 
 NOTES AND CORRECTIONS. 
 
 Page 1. The earliest known enumeration of our records occurs in an 
 indenture dated the 9th September, fifth Richard II. by which the records 
 then in the Tower were transferred by a retiring Master of the Rolls to his 
 successor. A translation of that document was published by C. P. Cooper, 
 Esq. in his " Account of the Public Records," i. 449. Since the reign of 
 Richard II. the more ancient records have been transferred from time to time 
 from the Rolls Chapel to the Tower, whenever the former repository has be- 
 come over-crowded, and a document of the kind now published was executed 
 upon every transfer, but no one has yet been printed. The transfer alluded to 
 in this document was probably the last but one which has taken place from 
 the Rolls. The records of the several kinds here enumerated now in the 
 Tower come down to the end of the reign of Edward IV. A warrant was 
 granted by Elizabeth to transfer the records of the same kind from Richard 
 III. to Edward VI. (Leland's Collectanea, ii. 656) ; but for some reason 
 which does not appear, it was not acted upon. Much information upon this 
 subject will be found in Mr. Cooper's " Proposal for the Erection of a 
 General Record Office," p. 79. 
 
 P. 28. Upon the subject of Queen Elizabeth's accession Bishop Good- 
 man (" Court of King James," by Brewer, i. 418) speaks as follows : 
 
 " The Queen deprived all her Bishops : she did not spare Nicholas 
 Heath, Archbishop of York, who being then Lord Chancellor, took special 
 care that Queen Mary's death should be concealed, and none should know 
 it, until himself, sitting that very day in Parliament, desired the Lords that 
 the Commons might be sent for up ; who coming, and expecting to have
 
 488 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 some message from the Queen, Heath acquainted them with tears that God was 
 pleased to take the Queen to his mercy, and what a virtuous good Queen 
 she was. But then he added that she had a sister Elizabeth behind, to 
 whom the right of the kingdom did devolve, and did desire that they might 
 go jointly together and proclaim Queen Elizabeth. Then all of them cried, 
 " Queen Elizabeth ! Queen Elizabeth ! " and so they went out to proclaim 
 her. This was a very good piece of service ; for by this contriving, the 
 proclaiming of the Queen was in effect an Act of Parliament, and had she 
 no other title, or had her title, such as it was, been any way insufficient or 
 defective, this had abundantly supplied all ; so much did God bless her 
 upon her first entrance into the kingdom. Now, how Queen Elizabeth did 
 requite this ; for within four days she took the Chancellorship from him, 
 for she knew that it could not stand with her other designs that he should 
 have the Great Seal. Yet she would not give the title of Chancellor to 
 any other because he had never offended. Only she erected a new office 
 to make a Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, who should have the same 
 power, though not the same title." 
 
 Among the Harleian MSS. No. 293, is a list of Proclamations issued 
 during the reign of Elizabeth, the first being a Proclamation on her coming 
 to the throne; but though others are dated with the day of the month when 
 they were issued, this is only stated generally to have been published in 
 November 1558. 
 
 Sir John Hayward in his " Annals of Queen Elizabeth," as printed by 
 Mr. Bruce (Camden Society Publications, 7), tells us, speaking of Queen 
 Mary, that " whilest she lay thus languishing under the heavy hand of 
 death, many false rumours were spreade abroade that she was deade :" 
 Hayward further on says, that Queen Elizabeth was proclaimed by the 
 Heralds, &c. in various places on Thursday 17th November, the very day 
 of Mary's decease. 
 
 P. 29. With reference to this Commission it may be worth while to 
 quote the words of the author of the General Biographical Dictionary, iii. 
 275 : " In the Chancery he (Sir Nicholas Bacon) distinguished himself 
 by a very moderate use of power, and the respect he shewed to the common 
 law. At his own request an Act of Parliament was made to settle and 
 establish the power of a Lord Keeper, though he might probably have taken
 
 NOTES AND CORRECTIONS. 489 
 
 away all need of this by procuring the title of Lord Chancellor : but accord- 
 ing to his motto, which was mediocra Jirma, he was content to be safe and 
 did not desire to be great." In a note the Commission (or Patent, as it is 
 there called,) inserted in this Collection is referred to, as well as the Statute 
 which was subsequently passed. 
 
 P. 61. The words " of Chirche" ought to be " of Chiche," and they 
 ought to follow " Darcy " in the next line, and not " Haward of Effingham." 
 L. 2, col. 2. Darcy of Nevill" ought to be " Darcy of Menill." 
 
 P. 64. After the name of " Thomas Clement, gent." Strype omits 
 " Margaret Clement, widdowe," and he gives the name " Anthony Wil- 
 nison," in the last line but two of the page, " Anthony Williamson." 
 
 P. 101. The number of the Harleian MS. containing an account of the 
 last illness and death of Walter Devereux, Earl of Essex, is 293, and not 
 392, as here stated. 
 
 P. 131. Other papers, since examined, would lead to the belief that 
 Henry Earl of Derby, for some reason, always signed by deputy ; at least 
 such seems to have been the case with documents at Bridgewater House. 
 His secretary was Michael Doughty. 
 
 P. 247. One of the earliest allusions to Sumptuary Laws occurs in the 
 interlude of " Godly Queene Hester," printed in 1561, but first acted no 
 doubt at a considerably anterior date. The only known copy is in the Col- 
 lection of the Duke of Devonshire. There Pride, " poorely arayed," enters 
 singing a satirical song, and complaining that Haman having bought up all 
 the cloth worth any thing, no man could procure a good gown : 
 
 " And any man in the towne 
 Doe by him a good gowne, 
 
 He is verye wrothe, 
 And wyll hym strayte tell 
 The statute of apparell 
 
 Shall teache hym good : 
 Wherefore, by this day, 
 I dare not goe gay ; 
 
 Threde bare is my hoode." 
 CAM. SOC. 12. 3 R
 
 490 THE EGERTON PAPERS. 
 
 P. 281. Farnihirst, or Ferniehurst, was a well-known principal residence 
 of the Kers, ancestors of the Marquess of Lothian. In the original it has 
 been miswritten, as it is here printed, Farnihirst. 
 
 P. 284. The words " iiijs the hundred," should have been written iiijli 
 the hundred : six score or 120 pounds were reckoned to the hundred, and, 
 at Sd. a pound, that amounts to 41. the hundred; and the difference between 
 48*. and 80*. on 900,00011 of tin, will be found to amount to 14,000/., the sum 
 stated. In the next line there is perhaps another clerical error, the sense 
 requiring us to read, " I can not but thynke." 
 
 P. 314, /. 4. For Castell of Surry, alias Montergill," read Castell 
 of Gurry, alias Montergill." 
 
 P. 373. On the death of the Duke of Lenox on the 12th February, 
 1624-5, John Taylor, the Water-Poet, published a broadside to his 
 memory, calling him " that gracious and illustrious Prince Lewis Steward, 
 Duke of Richmond and Linox," &c. The " Epitaph " runs as follows 
 
 " Good, gratious, great, Richmond and Linox Duke, 
 God, king and countries servant here doth lye ; 
 Whose living merits merit no rebuke, 
 For whose lives losse lamenting Memory 
 Our hearts are growing graves of griefes and cares, 
 Which when we die wee'le leave unto our heires." 
 
 This is not very intelligible, and the rest is as little worthy of extraction 
 or .explanation. It was " printed for Henry Gosson, 1624." 
 
 George Marceline wrote a " lamentable broadside " on the same event, 
 printed for John Trundle. Vide an account of a work by Marceline 
 printed in 1625, in Bridgewater Catalogue, p. 185. 
 
 P. 470. Samuel Rowlands produced a sheet-poem on this occasion, en- 
 titled " Sir Thomas Overbury ; or, the Poysoned Knight's Complaint;" on 
 the top of which is a wood cut representing a skeleton lying on a tomb, on 
 one side of which stands Time, and on the other Justice. On the tomb 
 are inscribed the following lines
 
 NOTES AND CORRECTIONS. 491 
 
 " Within this house of Death a dead man lies, 
 Whose blood, like Abels, up for vengeance cryes : 
 Time hath revealed what to trueth belongs, 
 And Justice sword is drawne to right my wrongs. 
 Your poysoned mindes did me with poyson kill : 
 Let true repentance purge you from that ill." 
 
 The rest of the page is filled with a poem of seventy-two lines, sub- 
 scribed with the author's name. " Imprinted at London for John White." 
 It is no where enumerated among the productions of Rowlands. 
 
 P. 475. In the Library of the Society of Antiquaries is preserved an 
 anonymous poem on the death of James Franklin, on the 9th December, 
 1615. It begins 
 
 " I am arraigned at the black dreadfull barre, 
 Where sinners (so red as scarlet) Judges are : 
 All my inditements are my horrid crimes, 
 Whose story will affright succeeding times, 
 As (now) they drive the present into wonder, 
 Making men tremble as trees struck with thunder." 
 
 JP. 483. Among the MSS. at Bridgewater House is also a letter 
 from Sir Robert Naunton, dated 19th August, 1616, on the subject 
 of the " many petitions from Sir Richard Champernown." It appears 
 from it that the Lord Chancellor had furnished the King with his " opinion 
 concerning the cause." It had been of long standing, and the King 
 urged Lord Ellesmere either to decide it himself or to call to his assistance 
 the C. J. of the Common Pleas, Justice Doddridge, Justice Crooke, or 
 other learned persons acquainted with the facts and circumstances, as it 
 would be impossible to satisfy either party " by way of composition." The 
 King, through Sir Robert Naunton, urged the Lord Chancellor to put an 
 end to the proceeding before the next term, which of course would not arrive 
 until November. 
 
 P. 485. A. Chalmers, in his History of the University of Oxford, 
 p. 405, says 
 
 " As he (Wadham) died before this design could be carried into exe- 
 cution, he bequeathed the management of it to his wife Dorothy, the 
 daughter of Sir William Petre."
 
 INDEX. 
 
 ABBOT, Archbishop, his letters for the 
 burning of Legate and Wightman, 
 446, 448. 
 
 Aldridge, Sir John, death of, 256. 
 
 Alen9on, Duke of, his projected mar- 
 riage with Queen Elizabeth, 74. 
 
 Allegiance, oath of, orders for adminis- 
 tering it to persons from abroad, 423. 
 
 All Souls' College, Oxford, and Stanton 
 Harcourt, 117, 132. 
 
 Alnager of Devonshire and Cornwall, 
 93. 
 
 Altham, Baron, his opinion of Sir Ed- 
 ward Coke, 448. 
 
 Anecdotes and Traditions by Mr. W. J. 
 Thorns, 144. 
 
 Anjou, Duke of, projected marriage of 
 Queen Elizabeth with, 50, 70, 74. 
 
 Anthony, Charles, the King's engraver, 
 employed to alter the Great Seal, 402. 
 
 Anticipation, commission of Henry VIII. 
 for collecting monies by, 3. 
 
 Apparel, Act of 3 and 4 Edw. IV., and 
 proclamation of Queen Elizabeth re- 
 specting dress, 247, 489. 
 
 Aquila, Don Juan, his descent upon and 
 evacuation of Ireland, 329. 
 
 Archery, warrant to the Lord Keeper 
 for the encouragement of, 217. 
 
 Assay, order of taking the, 186. 
 
 Associations for the defence of Queen 
 Elizabeth in 1584, 108. 
 
 Bacon, Lord, a jewel deposited as secu- 
 rity for a loan to, 395. 
 
 1 appointed King's counsel, 
 
 367. 
 
 conjecture that he wrote 
 
 Sir R. Cecill's letter, 305. 
 
 probability that he wag 
 private Secretary to Sir Robert Cecill, 
 269. 
 
 his Chancery suit, and 
 
 Lady Bacon's letter respecting it, 
 
 465. 
 his first promotion, and 
 
 his letter to Lord Ellesmere upon it, 
 
 266. 
 his letter on the proposed 
 
 reduction of the fees of the Clerk of 
 
 the Star- Chamber, 272. 
 his memorandum of the 
 
 delivery of a box of evidence to Lord 
 Ellesmere, 205.
 
 494 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Bacon, Lord, his office of Clerk of the 
 Star-Chamber in reversion, 266. 
 
 his receipt for the Ka- 
 
 lendars of the Star-Chamber, 427. 
 
 his representation to 
 
 Lord Ellesmere respecting the fees of 
 the Clerk of the Star-Chamber, 429. 
 
 Bacon, Sir Nicholas, commission to, as 
 Lord Keeper, to hear causes as Chan- 
 cellor, 29. 
 
 his arguments on the 
 
 projected marriage of Queen Eliza- 
 beth with the Duke of Anjou, 50. 
 
 Bailiwick of Barking, John Wilfred's 
 appointment to the, 106. 
 
 Bales, Peter, his employment by John 
 Daniel to forge letters of Robert Earl 
 of Essex, 323. 
 
 Bancroft, Archbishop, his approbation of 
 a new Charter for Canterbury, 426. 
 
 Barnes, Richard, recommended to Lord 
 Ellesmere, 222. 
 
 Baronets, Lord Ellesmere' s letter re- 
 garding the creation of, 449. 
 
 Baronius, death of, and state of his 
 work on Ecclesiastical History, 422. 
 
 Baron of the Exchequer in Cheshire, 
 paper on the duties, fees, &c. of, 306. 
 
 Barrow, Henry, depositions of, respect- 
 ing his tenets and works, 167, 177. 
 
 Baskerville, Sir Thomas, death of, 244. 
 
 Bedford, Earl of, commission to him 
 and others for hearing suits, 23. 
 
 the illness of, 463. 
 
 Bees, St. foundation of, by Archbishop 
 
 Grindall, 98. 
 
 <> 
 
 Bellarmine, Lord Northampton's an- 
 swer to, 456. 
 
 Berwick, Surveyor of the Works at, 101. 
 
 Bidston, Master of the Game at, Lord 
 
 Ellesmere appointed, 96. 
 Bills by immediate warrant, orders 
 
 against passing, 215, 398. 
 Bingham, Sir Richard, fac- simile of bis 
 
 handwriting, 157. 
 his depositions 
 
 against Sir Bryan O'Rourke, 144. 
 
 Bishopricks of Bristol and Oxford, Privy 
 
 3* 
 Seal regarding, #75. 
 
 Blount, Charles, LordMontjoy and Earl 
 of Devonshire, appointed Lord Lieu- 
 tenant of Ireland, 318. 
 
 Blount, Sir Christopher, letter for the 
 execution of, 318. 
 
 Bone, Thomas, his account of the trial 
 of Ann Turner, 470. 
 
 Books, John Norton's patent for print- 
 ing certain, 373. 
 
 Border affairs, orders regarding, 276. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth's letter 
 
 to King James regarding, 224. 
 
 Border causes, Report of the Commis- 
 sioners of England and Scotland ap- 
 pointed to settle, 229. 
 
 Borders, brief of the boundaries of the, 
 276. 
 
 Bower, Robert, Parker's Deputy, Lord 
 Buckhurst's letters upon, 201, 203. 
 
 Bowie, Robert, examination and deposi- 
 tions of, 172. 
 
 Brewer, Mr. his " Court of King James 
 I." by Goodman, 100, 120, 134, 487. 
 
 Bridgewater Catalogue referred to, 83, 
 94, 188, 490. 
 
 Brill, death of Lord Burghe, Governor 
 of the, 270. 
 
 Bristol, the Bishop of Limerick appoint- 
 ed to the See of, 375.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 495 
 
 Bromley, Sir Henry, appointed Receiver 
 
 of Middlesex, 372. 
 Bromley, Sir Thomas, his speeches, 81, 
 
 82. 
 Bruce, Lord, and Mr. Sackville, their 
 
 duel, 463. 
 Bruce, Mr., his edition of Hayward's 
 
 Annals of Elizabeth, 488. 
 Buckhurst, Lord, his letter regarding 
 
 the fees of Parker's office, 208. 
 Buckhurst, Lord, his letters respecting 
 
 the deputy of his cousin John Parker, 
 
 198, 199, 201, 203. 
 Buckingham, Duke of, his letter, as 
 
 Viscount Villiers, to Sir John Eger- 
 
 ton, 484. 
 Burbage, Richard, his players rewarded 
 
 for acting Othello at Harefield, 343. 
 Burghe, Lord, Governor of the Brill, 
 
 his death, 270. 
 
 Burghley, Lord, letter to, from Sir Wil- 
 liam Maitland, on the exclusion of the 
 
 Line of Scotland, 41. 
 i fac-simile of his hand- 
 writing, 139. 
 his letter concerning 
 
 the office of Chamberlain of Cheshire, 
 192. 
 his letter for the alte- 
 
 ration of a Roll, 200. 
 his letter for the relief 
 
 of Prisoners in the King's Bench, 111. 
 his letter for the Vicars 
 
 Choral of Hereford, 119. 
 his letter regarding Sir 
 
 W. Cordell's hospital at Long Mel- 
 ford, 159. 
 his letter respecting the 
 
 coining of Crown gold, 179. 
 
 Burghley, Lord, his letter respecting the 
 jurisdiction of the University of Cam- 
 bridge in Sturbridge fair, 127. 
 
 his letter respecting the 
 
 trial of Mary Queen of Scots, 120. 
 
 his letter on the secu- 
 
 rities of the Master of the Mint, 
 191. 
 his Memoria Mortuo- 
 
 rmn, 101. 
 Burgon, Mr. his " Life and Times of Sir 
 
 Thomas Gresham," 4, 180, 191. 
 Burning, the, of Legate and Wightman 
 
 for heresy, 446, 448. 
 
 Cambridge University, paper concerning 
 
 the admission of Scottish Students 
 
 into, 444. 
 ' its jurisdiction 
 
 in Sturbridge fair, 127. 
 Campion, Edmund, and his associates, 
 
 execution of, 83. 
 Canterbury, documents relating to a new 
 
 charter for, 424. 
 Cecill, Sir Robert, his letter for elevating 
 
 Lord Howard de Walden to the Peer- 
 ' age, 268. 
 bis letter for the Patent 
 
 of the Earl of Essex, 269. 
 . his letter of condolence 
 
 to Lord Ellesmere on the death of his 
 son, Thomas Egerton, 305. 
 
 Cecill, Sir William, see Burghley, Lord. 
 
 Chaloner, Sir Thomas, bis letter to Lord 
 Ellesmere, 363. 
 
 letter to, from 
 
 Lord Ellesmere, 359. 
 
 Chamberlain of Cheshire, Lord Burgh- 
 ley's letters concerning, 192.
 
 496 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Chamberlain, Thomas, his letter to Lord 
 Ellesmere respecting Recusants and 
 the Oath of Allegiance, 453. 
 
 Champernown, Sir Richard, the King's 
 interference in his suit, 483. 
 
 Chancery, Masters in, their petition to 
 Lord Ellesmere, 214. 
 
 Sir C. Hatton's 
 
 order regarding, 125. 
 
 money borrowed by the King 
 
 from persons belonging to the Court 
 of, 445. 
 Records, fees to the Keepers 
 
 of, 91. 
 Records deposited in the 
 
 Tower, 1, 91. 
 reform of the fees of, by Lord 
 
 Ellesmere and Sir J. Puckering, 208, 
 214. 
 the King's interference in the 
 
 proceedings in, 463, 483. 
 
 the Lord Keeper authorised 
 
 to hear causes in, 29. 
 
 Charities, Commissioners of, for the 
 North Riding of Yorkshire, 160. 
 
 Charities, Trustees for, 228. 
 
 Charter for Canterbury, documents re- 
 specting the grant of a new one, 424. 
 
 Cherry, Francis, narrative of his voyage, 
 &c. to Russia, 292. 
 
 Cheshire, Chamberlain of, Lord Burgh- 
 ley's letter regarding the, 192. 
 
 Vice-Chamberlain of, Privy 
 
 Seal regarding the, 193. 
 
 Church of Ireland, Articles for the re- 
 form of the, 7. 
 
 Cinque Ports, the Earl of Northampton, 
 Lord Warden of the, 426. 
 
 Clerkship of the Star- Chamber given in 
 reversion to Lord Bacon, 266. 
 
 Clinton, Lord, writ of Summons to Par- 
 liament for, 441. 
 
 Cloth, exportation of, the Earl of Cum- 
 berland's letter on his Patent for the, 
 335. 
 
 Cobham, Lord, order for his execution, 
 382. 
 
 Serjeant Hele's loan 
 
 to, 391. 
 
 Coinage, project for improving the, 180. 
 
 Coining of Crown Gold, Lord Burghley's 
 letter regarding the, 179. 
 
 Coke, Sir Edward, Baron Altham's and 
 Justice Williams' opinion of, 448. 
 
 his conduct on the 
 
 trial of Mrs. Turner, 472. 
 
 his letter abandoning 
 
 his intended purchase of Cressingham 
 in Norfolk, 462. 
 his signature to a 
 
 declaration respecting the tenure of 
 royal manors, 303. 
 his singularity of 
 
 opinion respecting the burning of two 
 heretics, 447, 448. 
 
 Colchester Corporation, grant of cer- 
 tain lands to, 102. 
 
 Collier, J. Payne, his History of Dra- 
 matic Poetry and the Stage, 127. 
 
 Commission to concealers revoked, 88. 
 
 to inquire into Charities in 
 
 the North Riding of Yorkshire, 160. 
 
 Commissioners appointed to settle affairs 
 of the Borders, 224, 229. 
 
 for the sale of Crown 
 
 lands, Queen Elizabeth's instructions 
 to, 285. 
 
 ^^ instructions to, for raising 
 
 money for knighting Prince Henry, 
 436, 437.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Commonwealth, notes for the redress of 
 the, 11. 
 
 Companies of London and concealers, 88. 
 
 Concealed lands, letter from Sir Chris- 
 topher Hatton respecting, 87, 88. 
 
 Concealers and the Companies of Lon- 
 don, 88. 
 
 Conference, heads of a, on the projected 
 marriage of Queen Elizabeth, 78. 
 
 Constable of Scarborough Castle, 103. 
 
 Cordell, Sir William, Master of the 
 Rolls, 91. 
 
 his Hospital at 
 
 Long Melford, 159. 
 
 Coronation, order of precedence at a, 59. 
 
 Cotes, Alexander, his letters respecting 
 the Exchequer at Chester, 206, 213. 
 
 Cottrell, Clement, made Muster-Master 
 of Bucks, 484. 
 
 Cowley, his account of expenses on the 
 visit of Queen Elizabeth to Harefield, 
 344. 
 
 Cox, Sir Richard, punished for slander 
 against the Earl of Northampton, 457. 
 
 Cranfield, Sir Lionel, mention of, 460, 
 462. 
 
 Cressinghara, Norfolk, Sir Edward 
 Coke's intended purchase of the 
 Manor of, 462. 
 
 Cross, St. Mastership of, given to the 
 Rev. Arthur Lake, 369. 
 
 Crown Lands, on the entail of, 396. 
 
 i instructions to the Com- 
 
 missioners for the sale of, 285. 
 
 Cumberland, Earl of, Commission to, 
 for fitting out ships of war, 263. 
 
 his letter regard- 
 ing his patent for the exportation of 
 cloth, 335. 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 
 
 Dale, Dr. Valentine, his right of pre- 
 sentation to Sherburne Hospital, Dur- 
 ham, 113. 
 
 Daniel, John, his sentence in the Star- 
 Chamber for forging and embezzling 
 the letters of Robert Earl of Essex, 
 327. 
 
 petitions of, to Sir Tho- 
 mas Egerton and the Privy Council, 
 357, 358. 
 
 Danvers, Sir Charles, letter for the exe- 
 cution of, 318. 
 
 Darcy, Sir Edward, his possession of 
 Durham House, 377. 
 
 Davys, Sir John, fac-simile of his hand- 
 writing, 416. 
 
 his letter to Lord El- 
 
 lesmere on the affairs of Ireland, 410. 
 
 his poem of " Orches- 
 
 tra," 1596, 188. 
 
 Declaration respecting the treaty be- 
 tween England and France, 450. 
 
 Decree of the Privy Council in 1559 on 
 the subject of apparel, 247. 
 
 Denmark and Sweden, peace between, 
 confirmed under the Great Seal, 458. 
 
 Derby, Alice, Countess Dowager of, her 
 marriage with Lord EUesmere, 205. 
 
 Derby, Earldom of, evidence relating to, 
 deposited with Lord EUesmere, 205. 
 
 Ferdinando Earl of, his death 
 
 and the dispute regarding the lord- 
 ship of the Isle of Man, 133. 
 
 Henry Earl of, fac-simile of hTs 
 handwriting, 131. 
 
 i his appointment 
 
 of Lord Ellesmere Master of the 
 Game at Bidston, 96. 
 
 his pardon as 
 
 3 3
 
 498 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Lord of Man to Robert Mark Neven, 
 
 a felon, 133. 
 Devonshire, Earl of, appointed Lord 
 
 Lieutenant of Ireland, 367. 
 his claim to Fo- 
 
 theringay, and letter to Lord Elles- 
 
 mere regarding it, 381. 
 Dublin, Archbishop of, his articles for 
 
 the reform of the Church of Ireland, 7. 
 Dunfermline, Lord, his letter to Lord 
 
 Ellesmere, 406. 
 Durham House, Sir W. Raleigh's claim 
 
 to the possession of, 376, 378, 380. 
 
 Edward VI. and Mary, by Mr. P. F. 
 Tytler, 25. 
 
 Edward VI. life of, by Sir John Hay- 
 ward, 23. 
 
 Egerton, Lady Elizabeth, jewel lent to 
 her and returned, 313. 
 
 Egerton, Lady, her letter to Sir John 
 Egerton respecting Franklin, 474. 
 
 Egerton, Sir John, Baron of the Ex- 
 chequer in Cheshire, 306. 
 
 his lameness, 362, 
 
 365. 
 
 letter to, from Lord 
 
 Ellesmere, 393. 
 
 the King godfather 
 
 to his son and heir, 479. 
 
 Egerton, Thomas, Baron of the Ex- 
 chequer at Chester, 206, 213. 
 
 death of, 304. 
 
 Elizabeth and her Times, by Mr. 
 Wright, 34, 116, 180,316. 
 
 Elizabeth, Queen, Proclamation when 
 she came to the throne, 28. 
 
 fac-simile of her sig- 
 nature, 193. 
 
 Elizabeth, Queen, her letter to King 
 James on Border affairs, 224. 
 
 her visit to the Lord 
 
 Keeper at Harefield, and its expenses, 
 340. 
 
 ' letter to, dissuading her 
 
 from a war with Scotland, 30. 
 projected marriage of, 
 
 34, 50, 74, 78. 
 Ellesmere, Lord, when Solicitor General, 
 
 appointed Master of the Game at 
 
 Bidston, 96. 
 his letter to Lord 
 
 Burghley respecting the Master of 
 
 the Mint, 188. 
 when Attorney General, 
 
 appointed Chamberlain of Cheshire, 
 
 192. 
 his authority, as Master 
 
 of the Rolls, to alter a Roll, 201. 
 
 license to sport to, 95. 
 
 made Lord Keeper of 
 
 the Great Seal, 214. 
 
 his care when first ap- 
 pointed Lord Keeper to James I., 370. 
 
 appointed Lord Chan- 
 
 cellor of England, 381. 
 his creation as Viscount 
 
 Brackley, 480. 
 
 his dislike of Sir Ed- 
 ward Coke, 479. 
 
 his heads of a procla- 
 
 mation for calling King James's first 
 Parliament, 384. 
 his letter to his son 
 
 regarding the creation of Baronets, 
 449. 
 his letter to Lord Ers- 
 
 kine, 401.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 499 
 
 Ellesmere, Lord, his letter to Lord 
 Northampton, 361. 
 
 his letter to Lord Salis- 
 bury respecting the rewards to former 
 Lords Chancellor, 408. 
 
 his letter to Sir John 
 
 his letter to Sir Thomas 
 
 Egerton, 393. 
 
 Chaloner, 359. 
 
 his marriage to Alice, 
 
 Countess Dowager of Derby, 205. 
 
 imputation of haughti- 
 ness against, 360, 3G4. 
 
 letter to from Lord 
 
 Dunfermline, 406. 
 letter to from Lord 
 
 Erskine, 400. 
 
 reply of Sir T. Chaloner 
 
 to his letter, 363. 
 
 Serjeant Hele's loan of 
 
 400 to, 315. 
 
 the Queen's visit to 
 
 him at Harefield, expenses of, 340. 
 when knighted, 179. 
 
 England and France, treaty between, 450. 
 
 England and Spain, peace between, 395. 
 
 England under Edw. VI. and Mary, by 
 Mr. P. F. Tytler, 25. 
 
 Entail of the Crown Lands, 396. 
 
 Erskine, Lord, fac-simile of his hand- 
 writing, 400. 
 
 Lord Ellesmere's letter 
 
 to, 401. 
 
 Essex, Robert Earl of, embezzlement 
 of bis letters by John Daniel, 321. 
 
 fac-simile of his hand- 
 writing, 304. 
 
 Essex, Robert, Earl of, his friends, Sir 
 Charles Danvers and Christopher 
 Blount, ordered for execution, 318. 
 
 his letter to Lord Elles- 
 mere on the death of Thomas Egerton, 
 304. 
 
 his sudden employment 
 
 on the appearance of the Spanish Fleet 
 in the channel, 274. 
 patent for the, 269. 
 
 his execution, 318. 
 
 Essex, Lady, extortion of money from 
 
 by John Daniel for the Earl of Essex's 
 
 letters, 321. 
 Essex, Earl of, and Henry Howard, the 
 
 duel between, 463. 
 Essex, Sir Michael Hickes, appointed 
 
 Receiver of, 374. 
 Eure, Ralph Lord, his letter to Lord 
 
 Ellesmere on the Court of the Welch 
 
 Marches, 417. 
 Examinership of Wales, stay of the grant 
 
 of the, 375. 
 Exchange, Warden of the, Lord Kny- 
 
 vett's claim to the office, 432. 
 Exchequer, Court of at Chester, letters 
 
 regarding, 206, 213. 
 Expedition against Spain, commission to 
 
 the Earl of Essex for, 239. 
 
 Faryngton, Mr., his law-suit with Dean 
 
 Nowell, 135. 
 Fees of Mr. John Parker's office, 
 
 208. 
 of the Clerk of the Star-Chamber, 
 
 Lord Bacon's letter on the proposed 
 
 reduction of, 271. 
 of the Court of Chancery, reform 
 
 of the, 208, 214.
 
 500 
 
 IXUEX. 
 
 Feei to the Keeper of the Books of the 
 
 Rolls, 197. 
 Felons, commission empowering certain 
 
 persons to send them to the galleys, 
 116. 
 Fitzwilliam, Sir William, his patent for 
 
 Fotheringay, 381. 
 Fleetwood, Recorder of London, his 
 
 letters regarding criminals, 116. 
 Florence, intelligencefrom, sentby Henry 
 
 Tweedy, 420. 
 Foreman, Dr., his concern in the murder 
 
 of Sir T. Overbury, 471. 
 Forester, James, his examination, 178. 
 Fotheringay, conflicting claims of the 
 
 Earl of Devonshire and Sir William 
 
 Fitzwilliam regarding, 381. 
 Franklin, account of the execution of, for 
 
 his concern in Sir T. Overbury's 
 
 murder, 473. 
 French Wines, customs on, Sir John 
 
 Swinerton's letter to Lord Ellesmere 
 
 regarding, 459. 
 
 the dispute regarding re- 
 ferred to Lord Ellesmere and the Earl 
 
 of Northampton, 460. 
 Fugitives, Roman Catholic, list of, 63. 
 
 Galleys, commission for sending prison- 
 ers to the, 116. 
 
 Game of Swans, commission regarding, 
 49. 
 
 Games, unlawful, discouraged, 217. 
 
 Gate, Sir Henry, his son Edward ap- 
 pointed Constable of Scarborough 
 Castle, 103. 
 
 Gerrard, Sir Gilbert, his letter on the 
 fees due to the Keepers of Chancery 
 Records, 91. 
 
 Gerrard, Sir Gilbert, on the oath of the 
 
 Marshal of the Court of Chancery, 194. 
 Goldsmiths' Company, their petition 
 
 against the Warden of the Exchange, 
 
 432. 
 Goodman, Bishop, Court of King James 
 
 I. by Brewer, 100, 120, 134, 487. 
 Goodrich, Thomas, punished for slander 
 
 against the Earl of Northampton, 
 
 457. 
 Grafton, Keeper of the Parks at, Lord 
 
 Warwick appointed, 124. 
 Gray, Lord, order for his execution, 
 
 382. 
 Great Seal, warrant for the alteration 
 
 of the, 402. 
 Greenwood, John, his examination, 171, 
 
 176. 
 Gresham, SirT., Mr. Burgon's Life of, 
 
 4, 180, 191. 
 Grindall, Archbishop, his foundation of 
 
 St. Bees, 98. 
 Gulick, siege of, letter from George 
 
 Shute regarding, 443. 
 
 Halifax, market and fair, a patent for 
 establishing, 107, 115. 
 
 Hans Towns, extension of time to the 
 merchants of the, 273. 
 
 Harefield, Queen Elizabeth's visit to the 
 Lord Keeper at, 340. 
 
 Harleston, Henry, annuity to, 99. 
 
 Hatton, Sir Christopher, fac-simile of 
 his handwriting, 89. 
 
 letter respecting 
 
 the right of Dr. V. Dale to the pre- 
 sentation of Sherburne Hospital, 113. 
 
 ' his order to 
 
 Masters in Chancery, 125.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 501 
 
 Hatton, Sir Christopher, letter from re- 
 specting concealed lands, 87, 88. 
 
 Hay, Alexander, Clerk of the Councilin 
 Scotland, 406. 
 
 Hayward, Sir John, his life of Edward 
 VI., 23. 
 
 Hele, Serjeant, and his hopes to be 
 Master of the Rolls, 315. 
 
 loan to Lord Ellemere, 
 
 315. 
 
 letter for the favour of 
 
 Lord Ellesmere, 399. 
 petition to the king, 391. 
 
 Henneage, Michael, fees due to him and 
 Sir T. Henneage, as joint Keepers 
 of the Chancery Records, 91. 
 
 Henry III., his Charter to the Uni- 
 versity of Cambridge, 127. 
 
 Henry VIII., commission from for col- 
 lecting monies by anticipation, 3. 
 
 his grant of certain lands 
 
 to the Corporation of Colchester, 102. 
 
 Henry, Prince of Wales, Privy Seal for 
 raising money for knighting him, 435. 
 
 Hereford, confirmation of a grant of 
 lands to the vicars choral of, 119. 
 
 Dr. Bennet made Bishop of, 
 370. 
 
 Hester, Godly Queen, the interlude of, 
 489. 
 
 Heywood, John, the dramatist, period 
 of his death, 63, 65. 
 
 Hickes, Sir Michael, appointed Receiver 
 of Essex, 374. 
 
 History of Dramatic Poetry and the 
 Stage, by J. Payne Collier, 127. 
 
 Hoddesdon, Christopher, his statement 
 of the case of the Merchant Adven- 
 turers against the Earl of Cumber- 
 land, 337. 
 
 Howard de Walden, Lord, his elevation 
 to the Peerage, 67. 
 
 -' writ of sum- 
 mons to Parliament for, 441. 
 
 Howard, Henry, and Lord Essex, the 
 duel between, 463. 
 
 Huntingdon, Earl of, date of his death, 
 210. 
 
 Hutton, Matthew, Archbishop of York, 
 instructions to as one of the Com- 
 missioners for the Presidency of the 
 North, 210. 
 
 his letters to Lord 
 
 Ellesmere respecting the parsonage 
 of Linton and York House, 221, 222, 
 223. 
 
 Immediate warrant, orders against pass- 
 ing bills by, 215,398. 
 
 Imprisonment of a Peer, letter regarding, 
 25, 
 
 Instructions to Commissioners for rais- 
 ing money for knighting Prince Henry, 
 437. 
 
 for sale 
 
 of Crown Lands, 285. 
 
 Ireland, immediate supply of money for, 
 318. 
 
 instructions to Sir Ant. St. 
 
 Leger for the government of, 13. 
 
 reform of the church of, 7. 
 
 royal prerogative in, 66. 
 
 Scottish undertakers in, deni- 
 
 zation of, 442. 
 
 Sir John Davys' letter to Lord 
 
 Ellesmere on the affairs of, 410. 
 
 Isle of Man, Lord Derby's claim to, and 
 Sir J. Popham's letter upon it, 281. 
 
 James I., his arrival at Theobalds, 369.
 
 502 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 James I., his interference in Chancery, 
 
 463, 483. 
 his letter to Queen Elizabeth 
 
 on Border affairs, 226. 
 Jersey, Lord Ellesmere's instructions 
 
 for making out Sir W. Raleigh's patent 
 
 as Governor of, 313. 
 waste lands in, commission to 
 
 Sir W. Raleigh and others for grant- 
 ing, 314. 
 Johnson, Mr., his license of mortmain 
 
 for endowing a school, 200. 
 Judges, Sir J. Popham's letter regarding 
 
 the appointment of, 388. 
 
 Kalendars of the Star- Chamber put 
 
 into the hands of Lord Bacon, and his 
 
 receipt for them, 427. 
 Keeper of the Books of the Rolls, his 
 
 fees, 197. 
 Keeper of the Great Seal, authorised to 
 
 hear causes as Lord Chancellor, 
 
 29. 
 Kempe, Mr. A. J., his Loseley MSS. 
 
 regarding the Game of Swans, 49. 
 King's Bench, commission for the relief 
 
 of prisoners in the, 111. 
 
 Counsel, Lord Bacon omitted to 
 
 . be included among the, 367. 
 Knighting Prince Henry, proceedings 
 
 for raising money for his knighting, 
 
 435, 436, 437. 
 Knyvett, Baron, summons of to the 
 
 House of Lords, 409. 
 Knyvett, Lord, his claim to the office 
 
 of Warden of the Ezchange, 432. 
 
 Lake, Rev. Arthur, made Master of St. 
 Cross, 369. 
 
 Lake, Sir Thomas, his letter to Lord 
 Ellesmere regarding the cause of 
 Skyllicorne v. Woolfreston in Chan- 
 cery, 464. 
 
 Lord Ellesmere's 
 
 letter to, 370. 
 
 Thomas, punished for slander 
 
 against the Earl of Northampton, 
 457. 
 
 Lambarde, William, fac-simile of his 
 
 handwriting, 229. 
 his account of the 
 
 execution of the will of Ralph Rokeby, 
 
 308. 
 joint Keeper of the 
 
 Rolls, 228. 
 Lawley, Thomas, his letter for an office 
 
 in reversion, 89. 
 Legate, Bartholomew, the burning of in 
 
 Smithfield, 446. 
 
 Leicester, Earl of, fac-simile of his hand- 
 writing, 121. 
 his instrumentality in 
 
 getting up Associations in defence of 
 
 the Queen in 1584, 108. 
 
 his recommendation of 
 
 William Spicer, 101. 
 
 patent to, for transport- 
 ing ordnance to the Netherlands, 121, 
 122. 
 
 Lennox, Duke of, fac-simile of his hand- 
 writing, 373. 
 
 Leveson, Sir Richard, appointed to com- 
 mand a fleet against the Spaniards in 
 Ireland, 332. 
 
 Liberties of the Tower of London, dis- 
 putes regarding the, 404. 
 
 License to sport granted by J. Paget to 
 Lord Ellesmere, 95.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 503 
 
 Lincoln's Inn, Deed of Association for 
 Defence of the Queen in 1584, 108. 
 
 Line of Scotland, letter from Sir W. 
 Maitland on the exclusion of the, 41. 
 
 Linton, the parsonage of, 221. 
 
 London, Bishop of, his debt to Dean 
 Nowell, 136. 
 
 Long Melford, Sir William Cordell's 
 Hospital at, 159. 
 
 Lopez, Dr. Roderigo, grant to and exe- 
 cution of, 100. 
 
 Lovelace, Mr., Crown-lease to, 124. 
 
 Lucy, Sir Thomas, his present of a buck 
 to Lord Ellesmere, 350. 
 
 Mainwaring, Sir Arthur, his account of 
 expenses of the Queen's visit to Hare- 
 field, 342. 
 
 his account of 
 
 expenses on the creation of Lord Elles- 
 mere as Viscount Brackley, 481. 
 
 Maitland, Sir William, his letter to Lord 
 Burghley on the exclusion of the line 
 of Scotland, 41. 
 
 Man, Isle of, Sir J. Popham's letter on 
 the claim of Lord Derby to, 281. 
 
 dispute regarding the Lord- 
 ship of, 133. 
 
 Manors, Royal, declaration respecting 
 the tenure of, 302. 
 
 Marches, towards Wales, Lord Euro's 
 letter to Lord Ellesmere on the autho- 
 rity of the Court of, 417. 
 
 Marceline, G., his Poem on the Duke 
 of Lennox, 490. 
 
 Markham, Sir Griffin, order for his exe- 
 cution, 382. 
 
 Martin, Sir Richard, Lord Mayor of Lon- 
 don and goldsmith to the Queen, 188. 
 
 Martin, Sir Richard, Master of the 
 Mint, his letter, 180. 
 
 securities required 
 
 from, 188. 
 
 Marriage of Queen Elizabeth, projected, 
 34, 50, 74, 78. 
 
 ^ heads of 
 
 a conference on, 78. 
 
 Mary Queen of Scots, letter from Lord 
 Burghley to Lord Ellesmere respecting 
 her trial, 120. 
 
 Masters in Chancery, petition from to 
 Lord Ellesmere, 214. 
 
 Master of the Ordnance, joint -patent for 
 to Lord Warwick and Sir Philip Sid- 
 ney, 92. 
 
 Master-worker of the Mint, 188. 
 
 Matthew, Tobie, Bishop of Durham, 
 fac-similes of his handwriting, 239, 
 379. 
 
 his right to the possession 
 
 of Durham House, 376, 378, 380. 
 
 Merchant Adventurers, the Earl of Cum- 
 berland's dispute with, 335. 
 
 their case against 
 
 the Earl of Cumberland, 337. 
 
 Merrick, Sir Gilly, order for the exe- 
 cution of, 318. 
 
 Middlesex, Receiver of, Sir H. Bromley 
 appointed, 372. 
 
 Mildmay, Sir Walter, fac-simile of his 
 handwriting, 99. 
 
 his letter for an 
 
 annuity to Henry Harleston, 99. 
 
 his notes of the 
 
 letter of the Earl of Sussex on the 
 projected marriage of Queen Eliza- 
 beth, 74. 
 his note on Sir N.
 
 504 
 
 IXDEX. 
 
 Bacon's argument respecting the pro- 
 jected marriage of Queen Elizabeth, 
 59. 
 
 Mill, William, Clerk of the Star-Cham- 
 ber, his offences pardoned, 316. 
 
 Mint, account of the profits of the, 1 82. 
 
 order of taking the assay in, 186. 
 
 the affairs of the, and project for 
 
 improving the coinage, 1 80. 
 
 Moline, Sir Nicholas, patent for his 
 knighthood, 403. 
 
 Money borrowed by the. King from per- 
 sons belonging to the Court of Chan- 
 cery, 445. 
 
 raised to resist the Spaniards in 
 Ireland, 329. 
 
 for knighting Prince Henry, 
 
 435. 
 
 repayment of, warrant for the, 
 
 329. 
 
 Montjoy, Lord, afterwards Earl of De- 
 vonshire, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, 
 318. 
 
 Munster, Undertakers in, grant of lands 
 to, 118. 
 
 Muscovy, letter of the Emperor of, to 
 Queen Elizabeth, 288. 
 
 Mynors, Henry, punished for slander 
 against the Earl of Northampton, 
 457. 
 
 Naunton, Sir R., his letter regarding 
 
 Sir R. Champernown, 491. 
 Netherlands, Thomas Wilson's letter on 
 
 the treaties with the, 476. 
 Neven, Robert Mark, his pardon by 
 
 Henry Earl of Derby, 133. 
 Newspapers, antiquity of, Mr. Watts's 
 
 letter upon, 131. 
 
 Northampton, Earl of, his reply to Lord 
 
 Ellesmere's letter, 365. 
 letter of Lord 
 
 Ellesmere to, 361. 
 
 Rochester to, 454. 
 
 letter of Lord 
 
 Lord Warden of 
 
 the Cinque Ports, 426. 
 supposed slander 
 
 against respecting his predilection for 
 Popery, 457. 
 
 North, President of the Council of the, 
 instructions to, 210. 
 
 Northstead, manor of, granted with the 
 Keepership of Scarborough Castle, 
 103. 
 
 Northumberland, Sheriff of, Sir W. Sel- 
 bye appointed, 389. 
 
 Norton, John, printer and bookseller, 
 his patent stayed, 373. 
 
 Nottingham, Lady, the King of Den- 
 mark's supposed imputation upon, 
 467. 
 
 Nowell, Alexander, Dean of St. Paul's, 
 his law-suit and application to Lord 
 Ellesmere, 135. 
 
 fac-simileof his hand- 
 writing, 136. 
 
 Oath of allegiance, orders for requiring 
 
 its administration, 423. 
 steps taken against 
 
 recusants, 453. 
 Office in reversion, letter from Thomas 
 
 Lawley regarding one, 89. 
 Orchestra, 1596, a poem by Sir John 
 
 Davys, 188. 
 
 Order of precedence at a coronation, 59. 
 Orders regarding Border affairs, 276.
 
 IXDEX. 
 
 505 
 
 Ordnance and stores in the Tower, ac- 
 count of, 68. 
 
 cast-iron, patent to the Earl of 
 
 Leicester to export to the Nether- 
 lands, 121, 122. 
 
 Master of the, joint patent to 
 
 Sir Philip Sidney, 92. 
 
 O'Rourke, Sir Bryan, report upon the 
 offences of, 144. 
 
 Orrell, Richard, Portage, Marshal, or 
 Usher of the Court of Chancery, his 
 oath, 194. 
 
 Othello, performance of atHarefield, 343. 
 
 Overbury, Sir Thomas, murder of, and 
 Lady Somerset's guilt, 471. 
 
 Oxford, stay of the grant of the bishop- 
 rick of, 375. 
 
 Paget, J., his license to sport granted to 
 Lord Ellesmere, 95. 
 
 William, his warrant dormant to 
 sport in Seney Park, granted to Lord 
 Ellesmere, 157. 
 
 Patent to the Earl of Leicester for ex- 
 porting cast-iron ordnance to the Ne- 
 therlands, 122. 
 
 to William Seres for printing, 139. 
 
 Parker, Henry, Lord Morley, his transla- 
 tion of the Triumphs of Petrarch, 63. 
 
 John, Lord Buckhurst's letters 
 
 regarding his office for filing bills and 
 answers in Chancery, 198, 199, 201. 
 
 . . Mr. Alnager, of Devonshire and 
 
 Cornwall, 93. 
 
 Parliamentary services of Robert Wool- 
 freston rewarded, 463. 
 
 Parliament, heads of a proclamation for 
 summoning the first, called by King 
 James, 384. 
 CAMD. SOC. 12. 
 
 Parliament, Privy Seal for the issue of 
 
 writs for a new, 328. 
 Peer, imprisonment of a, letter regard- 
 ing the, 25. 
 Phillips, Fabian, author of a protest 
 
 against the execution of Charles 1. 1 04. 
 a judge in North Wales, 
 
 his letter to Sir F.'Walsingham, 105. 
 Picardy, the troops in, put under the 
 
 command of Sir Arthur Savage, 244. 
 Plague, ravages of the, in Scotland, 406. 
 Prerogative, royal, in Ireland, 66. 
 transference of to 
 
 Commissioners, 116. 
 Presents made to the Lord Keeper on 
 
 the Queen's visit to Harefield, 350. 
 President of the Council of the North, 
 
 instructions given to, 210. 
 Printing, account of the patents to W. 
 
 Seres for, 138. 
 
 Prisoners in the King's Bench, commis- 
 sion for the relief of, 111. 
 Privy Council, its duties delegated to 
 
 the Earl of Bedford, &c. 23. 
 . petition of John Daniel 
 
 to, 358. 
 Proclamation of Q. Elizabeth when she 
 
 came to the throne, 28. 
 respecting 
 
 apparel, 247. 
 against 
 
 conveying victuals and warlike stores 
 
 to Spain, 259. 
 
 Profits of the Mint, account of the, 182. 
 Popham, Sir John, fac-simile of his 
 
 handwriting, 285. 
 
 his heads of a pro- 
 clamation for calling King James's 
 first parliament, 387. 
 
 3 T
 
 506 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Popham, Sir John, letter on Lord 
 
 Derby's claim to the lordship of the 
 
 Isle of Man, 281. 
 letter regarding 
 
 two new judges, 388, 
 letter respecting 
 
 tin and the mines, 283. 
 Popish recusants, proceedings against, 
 
 83. 
 
 Portage of the Court of Chancery, 194. 
 Power, Capt. Henry, appointed second 
 
 in command in Picardy, 256. 
 Puckering, Sir John, Lord Keeper of 
 
 the Great Seal, 208, 215, 221, 228. 
 Puritans, examinations of Henry Barrow 
 
 and others, 167. 
 
 Radcliffe, Mary, her receipt for a jewel 
 
 lent to Lady Egerton, 313. 
 Raleigh, Sir Walter, fac-simile of his 
 
 handwriting, 94. 
 leases of Stolney 
 
 and Newland granted to, 94. 
 instructions of 
 
 Lord Ellesmere for making out a 
 patent to him as Governor of Jersey, 
 313. 
 commission to, for 
 
 granting waste lands in Jersey, 314. 
 his claim to the 
 
 possession of Durham House, 376. 
 378, 380. 
 letter to the Com- 
 
 missioners regarding Durham House, 
 . 380. 
 Records of Chancery, fees due to the 
 
 keepers of, 91. 
 preservation of 
 
 in the Tower, 1, 91, 487. 
 
 Russia, narrative of Francis Cherry's 
 
 voyage to, 292. 
 Rutland, Lord, and Lord Danvers, their 
 
 quarrel and duel, 463. 
 Recusants, proceedings against, 83, 453. 
 Redress of the Common-wealth, notes 
 
 for the, 11. 
 Report of the Commissioners of England 
 
 and Scotland upon Border causes, 
 
 229. 
 
 Reynoldes, Mr., succeeds Fabian Phil- 
 lips as Judge in North Wales, 104. 
 Rochester, Lord, afterwards Earl of 
 
 Somerset, his letter to Lord 
 
 Northampton, 454. 
 Rokeby, Ralph, account of William Lam- 
 
 barde regarding the execution of the 
 
 will of, 308. 
 
 Roll, alteration and amendment of a, 200. 
 Rolls, Master of the, Serjeant Hele's 
 
 hopes of being appointed, 315. 
 Roman Catholic fugitives, list of, 63. 
 
 search for, 163. 
 
 Rowlands, S., his Poem on Sir Thomas 
 
 Overbury, 490. 
 
 Sackville, Mr., and Lord Bruce, their 
 duel, 463. 
 
 Salisbury, Earl of, borrowing plate of 
 Lord Ellesmere, 369. 
 
 letter to, from Lord 
 
 Ellesmere, respecting his private af- 
 fairs, 408. 
 
 Savage, Sir Arthur, appointed to com- 
 mand the troops in Picardy, 244. 
 
 Scotland, Sir W. Maitland's letter on 
 the exclusion of the line of, 41. 
 
 war with, letter to Q. Eliza- 
 beth dissuading her from, 30.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 507 
 
 Scots, Mary Queen of, letter of Lord 
 Burghley, respecting her trial, 120. 
 
 Scottish students, paper concerning the 
 admission of into Cambridge Univer- 
 sity, 444. 
 
 Scottish undertakers in Ireland, cleniza- 
 tion of, 442. 
 
 Segar, Sir William, his account of fees 
 on the creation of a Viscount, 480. 
 
 Selbye, Sir William, appointed sheriff of 
 Northumberland, 389. 
 
 Seres, William, the printer, the patents 
 to, 138. 
 
 Serjeants at law, Lord Ellesmere's opi- 
 nion of them, 372. 
 
 Shakespeare and the story of his stealing 
 deer from Sir Thomas Lucy, 350. 
 
 Sheffield, Lord, appointed Governor of 
 the Brill, on the death of Lord Burghe, 
 270. 
 
 Sherburne Hospital, Durham, and Dr. 
 Valentine Dale, 113. 
 
 Shute, George, his letter regarding the 
 siege of Gerlick, 443. 
 
 Sidney, Sir H., Deputy in Ireland, 66. 
 
 Sidney, Sir Philip, Dr. Zouch's life of, 
 92. 
 
 his joint patent of 
 
 the office of Master of the Ordnance, 
 92. 
 
 Sinkler, Sir Andrew, letter to, from Lady 
 Nottingham, 467. 
 
 Six Clerks, Parker's dispute with, re- 
 garding his deputy, 198, 199201. 
 
 Slee, Thomas, his account of expenses 
 on the visit of the Queen to Hare- 
 field, 347. 
 
 Solicitor-General, probable appointment 
 
 for the, 134. 
 Somerset, Earl of, when Lord Rochester, 
 
 his letter to Lord Northampton re- 
 specting his designs on various high 
 
 offices, 454. 
 Somerset, Lady, and Sir Thomas Over- 
 
 bury's murder, 471. 
 Somer, or Somers, William, the jester of 
 
 Henry VIII., 30,31. 
 Sothworthe, Sir John, search in his house 
 
 at Samlesbury for Roman Catholics 
 
 and relics, 163. 
 
 Spain and England, peace between, 395. 
 Expedition agaiust, commission to 
 
 the Earl of Essex for, 239. 
 warlike stores and provisions for- 
 bidden to be carried there, 259. 
 Spaniards in Ireland, Sir Richard Leve- 
 
 son appointed to command the fleet 
 
 against, 332. 
 Spanish fleet in the Channel, sudden 
 
 employment of the Earl of Essex on 
 
 the appearance of, 274. 
 Speeches of Sir Thomas Bromley when 
 
 made Lord Keeper, and afterwards 
 
 when Lord Chancellor, 81. 
 Spicer, William, recommended by Lord 
 
 Leicester to be surveyor of the works 
 
 at Berwick, 101. 
 Spinola, Marquis of, letter from Sir H. 
 
 Wotton to, 466. 
 Stanton Harcourt, parsonage of, given 
 
 anew to All Souls College, Oxford, 
 
 117, 132. 
 Star-chamber, Lord Bacon's letter on 
 
 the proposed reduction of the fees of 
 
 the Clerk of the, 271. 
 his repre- 
 sentation regarding the fees of the 
 
 Clerk of the, 429. 
 William Mill, the Clerk 
 
 of, cleared from his offence*, 316.
 
 508 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Steward, High, of Winchester, an office 
 held by Sir Francis Walsingham, 114. 
 
 St. Leger, Sir Anthony, instructions to 
 aim for the government of Ireland, 13. 
 
 Stokes, Robert, his examination, 173. 
 
 Stolney and Newland, leases of, granted 
 to Sir W. Raleigh, 94. 
 
 Studley, Daniel, his examination, 175. 
 
 Sturbridge fair, jurisdiction of Cam- 
 bridge University in, 127. 
 
 Suits, commission to the Earl of Bed- 
 ford, &c. for hearing, 23. 
 
 Sumptuary laws, proclamation of Queen 
 Elizabeth for enforcing, 247, 489. 
 
 Sussex, the Earl of, his letter to Queen 
 Elizabeth on her projected marriage, 
 74. 
 
 Swans, the game of, commission regard- 
 ing, 49. 
 
 Sweden and Denmark, peace between, 
 confirmed under the Great Seal, 458. 
 
 Swinerton, Sir John, his letter on the 
 customs upon French wines, 459. 
 
 Taylor, John, his Poem on the Duke of 
 
 Lennox, 490. 
 Thorns, Mr. W. J., his Anecdotes and 
 
 Traditions, published by the Camden 
 
 Society, 144. 
 Throckmorton, Francis, his attainder, 
 
 112. 
 Tin, Sir John Popham's letter respecting 
 
 the mines, &c. 283. 
 Tower, Chancery records in the, 1, 91, 
 
 487. 
 1 dispute respecting the Liberties 
 
 of the, 404. 
 ordnance and stores in the, ac- 
 
 count of, GS. 
 
 Trustees for charitable purposes, 228. 
 
 Turner, Ann, account of the trial of, by 
 an eye-witness, 470. 
 
 Tweedy, Henry, letter to Sir JohnEger- 
 ton, with news from Florence, 420. 
 
 Tyrone, Earl of, Sir John Davys' ac- 
 count of the flight of, and information 
 regarding the state of Ireland, 410. 
 
 Tytler, Mr. P. F. his England under 
 Edward VI. and Mary, 25. 
 
 Undertakers in Ireland, denization of the 
 
 Scottish, 442. 
 in Munster, names of some 
 
 of the chief, 118. 
 
 Vernon, Henry, punished for slander 
 against the Earl of Northampton, 
 457. 
 
 Vicars Choral of Hereford, confirmation 
 of a grant of lands to, 119. 
 
 Vice-chamberlain of Cheshire, Privy 
 Seal regarding, 193. 
 
 Villiers, Viscount, afterwards Duke of 
 Buckingham, fac-simile of his hand- 
 writing, 484. 
 
 his letter to Sir John 
 
 Egerton, 484. 
 
 Viscount, fees on the creation of a, 480. 
 
 Wadham, Mrs. Dorothy, fac-simile of 
 her handwriting, and letter to Lord 
 Ellesmere respecting Wadham Col- 
 lege, 485. 
 
 Wales, examiner's office in, the grant of 
 stayed, 3 7 5. 
 
 Walsingham, Sir Francis, his letter for 
 a joint Patent of the Ordnance for Sir 
 P. Sidney and Lord Warwick, 92.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 509 
 
 Walsingham, Sir Francis, fac-simile of 
 
 his handwriting, 100. 
 his letter for 
 
 the reversion of the Alnagership of 
 
 Devonshire and Cornwall to Mr. 
 
 Parker, 93. 
 his letter re- 
 
 specting the foundation of St. Bees by 
 Archbishop Grindall, 98. 
 
 his letter for 
 
 a new grant of lands to the corpora- 
 tion of Colchester, 102. 
 ' his letter in 
 
 favour of Mr. Reynoldes to be second 
 judge in North Wales, 104. 
 his letter in 
 
 favour of John Wilford for the baili- 
 wick of Barking, 106. 
 his letter re- 
 
 specting lands, &c. forfeited by F. 
 Throckmorton's attainder, 112. 
 his letter, as 
 
 High Steward of Winchester, for a 
 renewal of the charter, 114. 
 his letter for 
 
 a new gift of Stanton Harcourt to All 
 Souls, Oxford, 117, 132. 
 his letters re- 
 
 specting a bill to Mr. R. Waterhouse 
 for a market and fair at Halifax, 107, 
 115. 
 his letter re- 
 
 garding a commission to reprieve 
 felons, 116. 
 his letter for 
 
 a patent to Lord Warwick as Keeper 
 of the Parks at Grafton, 124. 
 Warwick, Earl of, appointed Keeper of 
 the Parks at Grafton, 124. 
 
 Warwick, Earl of, and Sir P. Sidney, 
 Masters of the Ordnance, 92. 
 
 Lady, her letter for the grant 
 
 of a crown-lease to Mr. Lovelace, 124. 
 Waste lands in Jersey, commission to 
 Sir Walter Raleigh for granting, 314. 
 Waterhouse, Robert, his bill for a mar- 
 ket and fair at Halifax, 107, 115. 
 Watts, Mr., his letter on the antiquity 
 
 of newspapers, 131. 
 Wightman, Edward, the burning of, at 
 
 Burton-upon-Trent, 446, 448. 
 Wigmore, William, his conveyance of 
 manors to Francis Throckmorton, 112. 
 Williams, Justice, his opinion of Sir 
 
 Edward Coke, 448. 
 
 Wilson, Thomas, his letter to Lord Elles- 
 mere respecting the treaties with the 
 Netherlands, 476. 
 
 Winchester, renewal of the charter to 
 the city of, 114. 
 
 Sir F. Walsingham, High 
 
 Steward of, 114. 
 Windebank, Thomas, his letter to Lord 
 
 Ellesmere, 134. 
 Wolfreston, Robert, his parliamentary 
 
 services and their reward, 463. 
 Wollstat, Daniel, his offer to refine the 
 
 English coinage, 191. 
 Wotton, Sir Henry, his letter to Mar- 
 
 quis Spinola, 466. 
 
 Wright, Mr., his Elizabeth and her 
 Times, 34, 93, 116, 180, 316. 
 
 York House, Lord Ellesmere's negotia- 
 tion for renting, 221, 222, 223. 
 
 Zouch, Dr., his Life of Sir Philip Sid- 
 ney, 92. 
 
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