THREE CHAPTERS OF 
 
 LETTERS 
 
 RELATING TO THE 
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 
 
 EDITED FROM THE ORIGINALS IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM 
 
 THOMAS WRIGHT, ESQ. M.A. F.S.A. &c. 
 
 coerespondi.vg member of the royal institute of france, 
 (academie des inscriptions et belles LETTRES.) 
 
 LONDON: 
 PRINTED FOR THE CAMDEN SOCIETY, 
 
 BY JOHN BOWYER NICHOLS AND SON, PARLIAMENT STREET. 
 
 1843.
 
 [no. XXVI.]
 
 COUNCIL 
 
 OF 
 
 THE CAMDEN SOCIETY, 
 
 FOR THE YEAR 1843-4. 
 
 President, 
 THE RIGHT HON. LORD BRAYBROOKE, F.S.A. 
 
 THOMAS^ AMYOT, ESQ. F.R.S. Treas. S.A. Director. 
 
 CHAS. FREDERICK BARNWELL, ESQ. M.A. F.R.S .F.S.A. 
 
 THE REV. PHILIP BLISS, D.C.L., 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. 
 
 T. CROFTON CROKER, ESQ. F.S.A., M.R.I.A. 
 
 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. 
 
 THE REV. LANCELOT SHARPE, M.A., F.S.A. 
 
 THOMAS STAPLETON, ESQ. F.S.A. 
 
 WILLIAM J. THOMS, ESQ. F.S.A., Secretary. 
 
 ALBERT WAY, ESQ, M.A. DIR. S.A. 
 
 THOMAS WRIGHT, ESQ. M.A., F.S.A.

 
 PREFACE. 
 
 By much the greater portion of the following letters 
 has been printed from a volume in the Cottonian Library 
 in the British Museum^ (MS. Cotton. Cleopatra, E. iv.) 
 composed of letters and documents, which appear to me 
 to have been selected at some early period from the 
 Cromwell papers, so long preserved in the Chapter House 
 at Westminster, and now lodged partly in the Record 
 Office at the Rolls House, and partly in the State Paper 
 Office. I have added to these a few documents taken 
 from other collections in our national repository, and 
 more especially from the Scudamore Papers, lately added 
 to the treasures of the British Museum. 
 
 I leave these letters to tell their own story. They 
 throw light on the history of a great event, which changed 
 entirely the face of society in our island, an event which 
 I regard as the greatest blessing conferred by Providence 
 upon this country since the first introduction of the 
 Christian religion. I will not at present enter into the 
 history of this revolution, but leave the documents for 
 others to comment upon. I have suppressed nothing, 
 for I believe that they contain nothing which is untrue ;
 
 VI PREFACE. 
 
 and the worst crimes laid to the charge of the monks 
 are but too fully verified by the long chain of historical 
 evidence reaching without interruption from the twelfth 
 century to the sixteenth. Those who have studied in 
 the interior history of this long period the demoralizing 
 effects of the popish system of confession and absolution 
 will find no difficulty in conceiving the facility with which 
 the inmates of the monasteries, at the time of their disso- 
 lution, confessed to vices from the very name of which 
 our imagination now recoils. These documents are of 
 peculiar importance amid the religious disputes which at 
 present agitate the world ; and I think that even the various 
 lists of the confessions of the monks and nuns of the 
 several religious houses, entitled co7nperta, and preserved 
 in manuscript, ought to be made public. The great 
 cause of the Reformation has been but ill served by 
 concealing the depravities of the system which it over- 
 threw. 
 
 I will only add that I have done what I could, under 
 circumstances, to ascertain the dates of these letters, and 
 arrange them in chronological order. It was the custom 
 at this period in dating letters to write the day of the 
 month without the year, which now gives rise to con- 
 siderable difficulties. In the description in the Cottonian 
 Catalogue the dates of these letters are thrown into 
 almost hopeless confusion.
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Letter I. Edmond abbot of York to Cardinal Wolsey. York, Sept. 20, 
 
 1528. Suppression of the priory of Romburgh . . .2 
 
 II. Richard Bishop of Norwich to Cardinal Wolsey. Hoxne, 
 
 January 12, 1528(-9). Concerning the election of a prior of Butley 4 
 
 III. William Barlow TO THE KING. 1533. Recantation of opinions 
 expressed in his works . . • • • .6 
 
 IV. Commissioners at Bristol to Secretary Cromwell. Bristol, 
 1534. Preaching of Latimer and Hubberdin at Bristol . . 7 
 
 V. John Hylsey to Cromwell. Bristol, May 2, 1534. Same sub- 
 
 ject as the preceding . . . . • .11 
 
 VI. Letter TO Secretary Cromwell. 1534. About prophecies, &c. 
 
 of Elizabeth Barton, the holy Maid of Kent . . .14 
 
 VII. The Prior of Christ's Church Canterbury to Cromwell. 
 1533. His account of Elizabeth Barton . . . .19 
 
 VIII. Petition of the Monks of Canterbury to the King, for a 
 pardon for those who had been concerned in the affair of the Maid 
 
 of Kent ........ 22 
 
 IX. Roland Lee and Thomas Bedyll to Cromwell. Canterbury, 
 Dec. 10, 1533. Their commission in Kent to examine into the pro- 
 ceedings of the Maid of Kent . . . . .24 
 
 X. A List OF THE Nun's GOODS . . • • .26 
 
 XI. Cromwell to Bishop Fisher, concerning the Maid of Kent . 27 
 
 XII. Vision of John Darley. June 27 . . . .34 
 
 XIII. Letter of Thomas Dorset. London, March 13. Dr. Crouk- 
 horne's vision of the Trinity and Virgin Mary. Lambert's exami- 
 nation at Lambeth for heresy. Jurisdiction of the Bp. of London. 
 The Bp. of Worcester's Sermon at Paul's Cross. The King's pro- 
 position for an Act of Parliament against idleness . . .36 
 
 XIV. Bedyll to Cromwell. London, Ascension Day, 1534. Con- 
 ference with the monks of the Charter House, who refused to ac- 
 knowledge the King's supremacy . . . . .40 
 
 XV. Roland Lee and Bedy'll to Cromwell. Milesend, June 15, 
 1534. Conference with the friars of Richmond on the same subject 41
 
 VIU TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 Letter XVL Bedyll to Cromwell. London, July 28, 1534. Bp. Fisher's 
 books against the King's new marriage. The nuns of Syon acknow- 
 ledge the King's supremacy, &c. . . . . .44 
 
 XVIL Dr. Layton to Cromwell. Sion, Dec. 12, 1534. The nuns 
 of Syon. Conduct of Bishop the Confessor. Many of the monks 
 weary of their habit . . . . . . .47 
 
 XVIII. Bedyll to Cromwell. Syon, Dec. 17, 1534. Visitation of 
 Syon . . . . . . . .48 
 
 A. D. 1535. 
 
 XIX. Rychard Zouche to Cromwell. Requests to have the abbey 
 
 of Stavordale restored as it was founded by his ancestors , .51 
 
 XX. Sir Peter Dutton to Cromwell. Dutton, Aug. 3. Insur- 
 rection at Norton. The abbot and some others in custody . 52 
 
 XXI. The Abbot of Wardon's reasons for resigning . 53 
 
 XXII. Margaret Vernon to Cromwell, desiring to surrender her 
 monastery . . . . . . . .55 
 
 XXIII. Dr. Legh to Cromwell. Laycock, Aug. 20. Requesting 
 uniformity in the proceedings against the monasteries . . 56 
 
 XIV. Dr. Layton to Cromwell. Bristol, Bartholomew's Day. 
 Relics from Maiden Bradley. Dissolute behaviour of the prior of 
 that house . . . . . . . .58 
 
 XXV. John Bartelot to Cromwell. States that he and five others 
 found the prior of the Crutched Friars, in London, in bed with a 
 prostitute . . . . . . . .59 
 
 XXVI. Thomas I. Legh to Cromwell. Belvoir, Sept. 1. Scanda- 
 lous life of the Abbot of RievauLs, who refused to acknowledge the 
 jurisdiction of the visitors . . . . . .61 
 
 XXVII. John Fitz-James to Cromwell. Redliche, Sept. 2. The 
 abbot of Glastonbury requests to be freed from four of the injunc- 
 tions of the last visitation . . . . . .63 
 
 XXVIII. Dr. Legh to Cromwell. Wilton, Sept. 3. Recommend- 
 ing that the heads of the religious houses should not be allowed to 
 go forth of their houses. Visitation of the universities of Oxford 
 and Cambridge . . . . . • .65 
 
 XXIX. Jaspar Fylolle to Cromwell. London, Sept. 5. Revenue 
 of the Charter House (London). Behaviour of the monks. In- 
 structions for the management of that house . . .67 
 
 XXX. Dr. Layton to Cromwell. Oxford, Sept. 12. Particulars of 
 
 the visitation of the university of Oxford . . . .70 
 
 XXXI. The Abbot of Rewley to Cromwell, offering one hundred 
 pounds to have his abbey preserved or converted into a college . 72
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. IX 
 
 Letter XXXII. Sir Thomas Audley to Cromwell. Sept, 26. Request- 
 ing him to spare a visitation of the nunnery of Barking until he can 
 speak with him ; and various other matters . . .74 
 
 XXXIII. Dr. Layton to Cromwell. Oct. 23. Informing him that 
 he had suddenly entered the abbey of Langdon and captured the 
 Abbot's concubine . . . . • • .74 
 
 XXXIV. William Barlow to Cromwell. States the violent oppo- 
 sition that he had received in preaching the Gospel in the diocese 
 
 of St. David's. Ill treatment of other unoffending persons . 77 
 
 XXXV. The Prior of Bridlington to Cromwell. Bridlington, 
 Oct. 23. With a present, and stating that Sir Gilbert de Gaunt 
 was the founder of his abbey, and not the King . . .80 
 
 XXXVI. Dr. Legh to Cromwell. Ely, Nov. 1. Many of the 
 monks desire to be set at liberty from their way of living . . 82 
 
 XXXVII. The Commendator of Welbeck to Cromwell. Wel- 
 beck, Nov. 2. Death of the abbot of West Dereham. Election of a 
 successor . . . . . • . .83 
 
 XXXVIIL John Ap Rice to Cromwell. Bury, Nov. 5. Mis- 
 management of the abbot, and disorderly living in the abbey of 
 Bury. Relics of that house . . . . .85 
 
 XXXIX. Richard Wharton to Cromwell. Bungay, Nov. 7. The 
 prior of Ingham had sold his abbey and lands to William Wood- 
 house, contrary to his promise to Edward Calthorpe, whose an- 
 cestors founded the same, and who now desires to have it . .86 
 
 XL. The Commissioners in Kent to Cromwell. Canterbury, 
 
 Nov. 16. Surrender of Langdon, Dover, and Folkstone abbeys . 88 
 
 XLI. Christopher Levyns to Cromwell. Informing him that the 
 prior of Christ's Church, Canterbury, had acted contrary to his oath, 
 and had conveyed away jewels and treasure out of the house, and 
 according to report murdered some of the monks . . .90 
 
 XLII. Dr. Layton to Cromwell. Lichfield, Dec. 22. Visitation 
 of monasteries northward from London, and lewd and riotous living 
 of the monks. Chicksand, Harewold, St. Andrew's in Northamp- 
 ton ; Newark and Southwell colleges . . ■ .91 
 
 A. D. 1536. 
 XLIII. The Bishop of Lincoln to Cromwell. Woburn, Jan. 10. 
 Election of Sir John Blakytt to be prior of Newstead besides Stam- 
 ford ........ 94 
 
 XLIV. Dr. Legh to Cromwell. York, Jan. 13. States that he 
 
 and Dr. Layton had visited the archbishop of York . . 95 
 
 XLV. Dr. Layton to Cromwell, York, Jan. 13. Corruptions in 
 
 the monasteries in Yorkshire. Abbey of St. Mary at York . 96 
 
 h
 
 X TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 Letter XLVI. Bedyll to Cromwell. Ramsey, Jan. 15. Commendation of 
 the abbot and convent of Ramsey. Charter of King Edgar in their 
 house. Visitation of Saltrey abbey. Inquires if he shall proceed 
 to the unvisited houses in the diocese of Lincoln . . .98 
 
 XLVII. Layton and Legh to Cromwell. Richmond in Yorkshire, 
 Jan. 20. Scandalous practices of the abbot of Fountains ; that one 
 Marmaduke, a monk of the house, is a proper man to succeed him, 
 and will give six hundred marks for the office. Resignation of the 
 abbot of Whitby . . . . . . .100 
 
 XLVin. The Abbot of Faversham to Cromwell. Faversham, 
 March 16. Stating what he considers the duties of an abbot, and 
 that he is not yet so infirm as to be unable to perform them ; also 
 the services he has rendered that house, and hoping he may be 
 allowed to remain there . . . . . . 1 03 
 
 XLIX. The manner of dissolving the Abbeys by King Henry 
 
 VIII. . . . . . , . .112 
 
 L. The Prioress and Nuns of Leyborne to Cromwell, entreating 
 
 to have their house preserved . , . . .116 
 
 LI. Sir Peter Edgecumbe TO Cromwell. March 25. Stating that 
 his ancestors were founders of the priories of Totnes and Corn- 
 worthy, and intreating to have them spared . . .117 
 
 LII. Lord Lawarr to Cromwell. March 25. Intreating to have 
 the priory of Bosgrave saved from suppression, as he is founder 
 thereof, and many of his ancestors lie buried there ; or, if not, that 
 it may be made a college of; or lastly, that he may have the 
 temporalities thereof . . . . . .119 
 
 LIII. John Morise to Cromwell. Boxgrave, March 27. Reports 
 that he and two others had dissolved the priory of Bosgrave accord- 
 ing to their instructions, and that Lord Lawarr had bought the 
 goods, &c. . . . . . . . .120 
 
 LIV. Humphrey Stafford TO Cromwell. Bletherwick, Palm Sun- 
 day. Intreating that the priories of Fineshed and Worspring may 
 be granted him when suppressed . . . . .121 
 
 LV. The Archbishop of York to Cromwell. Cawood, April 23. 
 Informs him that he has given instructions to his archdeacons to 
 warn all monasteries under ^200 per annum not to embezzle or 
 alienate their goods. Praying also that the houses of St. Os- 
 wald and Hexham may not be suppressed, and that he has given 
 commandment that no preachers shall be allowed to preach novelties 123 
 
 LVI. The Prior of Cokesford to Cromwell. Petition for a pen- 
 sion of 20Z. per annum or more ..... 126 
 
 LVII. Richard Strete to Cromwell. Lichfield, May 12. Inven- 
 tory of the goods and lands belonging to Calwich abbey . .127
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. XI 
 
 Letter LVIII. The Commissioners in Northamptonshire to Sir R. 
 Rich. Catesby, May 12. Recommending that the nunnery of 
 Catesby should not be suppressed . - . . . 129 
 
 LIX. The Prior of Bodmin to Mr. Lok. Bodmin, May 25. Com- 
 plaining that his canons refuse to live according to the injunctions 
 given by the bishop at his visitation .... 130 
 
 LX. Richard Beerly to Cromwell. Desiring to be dismissed from 
 the monastery of Pershore on account of the disorderly life of the 
 monks ........ 132 
 
 LXI. The Abbot of Kenilworth to Cromwell. Kenilworth, 
 June 17- Petitions to have the temporal benefits arising from the 
 priory of Broke ....... 134 
 
 LXII. George Giffard to Cromwell. Garrendon, June 19. He 
 and the other Commissioners had surveyed several religious houses 
 in the counties of Stafford and Leicester; Brook, Bradley, Wolver- 
 ton, Kirkby Beler, Woolstrope, Garrendon, St. James in Northamp- 
 ton, Catesby; he intreats that Woolstrope abbey may remain unsup- 
 pressed, as it is a very well ordered house . . . .136 
 
 LXIIL Richard Southwell to Cromwell. July 25. Sequestration 
 
 of Walsingham abbey. Discovery of implements of alchemy . 138 
 
 LXIV. The Commissioners to Cromwell. Maxtock, July 28. In 
 
 favour of the nunnery of Pollesworth .... 139 
 
 LXV. Sir Thomas Elyot to Cromwell. Pleading his poverty and 
 
 suing for some of the suppressed lands .... 140 
 
 LXVI. Sir William Bassett to Cromwell, with the images of St. 
 Anne of Buxton and St. Modwen of Burton-upon-Trent which he had 
 removed, and stating also that he had shut up the wells at Buxton 143 
 
 LXVII. The Commissioners to Cromwell. Reporting that they had 
 visited the monastery of Bury St. Edmond's, where they had taken a 
 large amount of gold, silver, and jewels. .... 144 
 
 LXVIII. The Abbot and Convent of Wobcrn to the King. 
 Submitting themselves and their goods to his Majesty, and praying 
 that they may be allowed to continue there . . . 145 
 
 LXIX. Richard Cromwell to Lord Cromwell. Ramsey, Oct. 15. 
 
 Visitation of Ely and Ramsey . . . . . 14(j 
 
 LXX. Bishop Latimer to Cromwell. Nov. 8. Recommending 
 two monks, and excusing his personal attendance in consequence 
 of ill health . . . . . . .147 
 
 LXXL Bishop Latimer to Cromwell. Hartlebury, Dec. 13. 
 Thanking him for his goodness in promoting worthy men, and en- 
 treating that the priory of Great Malvern may remain unsuppressed 148 
 
 LXXII. John Smith to Francis Cave. Withcote, Dec. 22. Stating 
 that the prior of Laund had conveyed away much of the property of 
 his house . . . . . . . .150
 
 XII TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 A.D. 1537. 
 
 Letter LXXIII. The Abbot of Croyland to Cromwell. March 25. 
 
 Sends a present of fish, and entreating his favour . . . 15i' 
 
 LXXIV. Report of the Surrender of Furness Abbey. April 5. 153 
 
 LXXV. The Duke of Norfolk to Cromwell. Kenninghall, April 
 
 12. Election of a prior of Newbridge .... 154 
 
 LXXVI. Dr. Layton to Cromwell. June 4. Requesting that he 
 and Dr. Legh may be commissioners to inquire into the state of the 
 monasteries in the North of England . . . .156 
 
 LXXVII. Sir Arthur Darcy to Cromwell. Suppression of Jer- 
 vaulx Abbey ; the grounds the finest in England for the breeding 
 of horses. Visitation of Sallay. His private affairs . . 158 
 
 LXXVIII. Thomas Tyrell to Cromwell. June 12. Informing 
 him that the vicar of Mendlesham had brought home his wife and 
 children, which gave great offence to the laity . . .160 
 
 LXXIX. John Foster to Cromwell. June 18. Stating that he 
 had sent away his wife, whom he had married without knowing that 
 it was contrary to the king's intentions . . . .160 
 
 LXXX. Bedyll to Cromwell. London, June 14. Reporting that 
 the prior of the Charter House had resigned his house to the king, 
 and recommending the said prior to favour . . .162 
 
 LXXXL Francis Cave to Cromwell. Leicester, Aug. 29. Sur- 
 render of the monastery of Leicester . . . .103 
 
 LXXXn. Richard Bellasys to Cromwell. York, Nov. 14. De- 
 molition of the monasteries of Jervaulx and Bridlington . . 164 
 
 LXXXIIL The Commissioners of the North to Cromwell. 
 Selby, Dec. 8. Dissolution of the houses of Hampole, St. Oswald's, 
 Pontefract, Fountains, St. Mary's in York, Nun-Appleton, and 
 Selby; Burton-upon-Trent and St. Leonard's in York " altered.'' 166 
 
 LXXXIV. The Commissioners of the North to Cromwell. 
 York, Dec. 15. Dissolution of the houses of Wyeresope, Monk- 
 Bretton, St. Andrew's at York, Byland, Rievaux, Kirkham, and 
 Eilerton, and the friars' houses at Tickhill, Doncaster, Pontefract, 
 and the friars of York. Lead and bells at Bolton reserved . 167 
 
 A.D. 1538. 
 
 LXXXV. The Commissioners to Cromwell. Northampton, March 
 2. Suppression of the monastery of St. Andrew's, Northampton, 
 with list of the pensions granted to the monks . . .168 
 
 LXXXVL Robert Southwell to Cromwell. Northampton, 
 March 3. Suppression of the monastery of St. Andrew in North- 
 ampton, the priory of Westacre, and Boxley abbey . . 171
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Xlll 
 
 Letter LXXXVII. Archbishop Cranmer to Cromwell. Ford, March 7. 
 Recommending that the prior of the Charter-house in the isle of 
 Axeholm should not be deposed, as he thinks he may be persuaded 
 to resign willingly ..••••' 
 LXXXVIII. The Brethrex of the Charter House in Axeholm 
 to the Prior of Shene. Entreating his assistance, and com- 
 plaining of the misconduct of their prior in conveymg away the 
 property of the house •'*''„' 
 
 LXXXIX. William Petre to Cromwell. Lanthony, March 17. 
 Resignation of the abbot of Evesham, and surrender of the priory of 
 Lanthony ...•••'' 
 XC. William Parre to Cromwell. Horton, March 18. Concern- 
 ing the abbey of Peterborough and the town of Kendal . • 178 
 XCI. John Portinari to Cromwell, Lewes, March 24. Demolition 
 
 of Lewes priory. Description of the building, with measurements . 180 
 XCIL Sir Richard Riche to Cromwell. Wood Rysing, March 29. 
 
 Suppression of Binham and Beeston priories • • -182 
 
 XCIII. Bishop Barlow to Cromavell. Carmarthen, March 31. 
 Superstitious relics at Haverfordwest and Cardigan. Recommends 
 the see of St. David's to be removed to Carmarthen . .183 
 
 XCIV. Bishop Barlow to Cromwell. St. David's, April 5. Plate 
 and money of the chanters of St. David's seized. Violent opposi- 
 tion he had met with in the diocese . . • .187 
 XCV. Elis Price to Cromwell. North Wales, April 6. Removal 
 
 of the image of Darvel Gatheren in the diocese of St. Asaph . 190 
 
 XCVI. Richard Bishop of Dover to Cormwell. Lincoln, first 
 Sunday in Lent. Surrender of a number of houses of friars at Bos- 
 ton, Huntingdon, and Lincoln; Grantham, Newark, Grimsby, 
 Hull, Beverley, Scarborough, Carlisle, Lancaster . . .191 
 
 PROGRESS OF THE COMMISSIONERS IN THE WEST. 
 XCVII. Richard Bishop of Dover to Cromwell. Gloucester, 
 May 23. Dissolution of religious houses in Northampton, Co- 
 ventry, Atherston, Warwick, Thelesford, Droitwich, Worcester, and 
 
 • 103 
 
 Gloucester . . • • ... 
 
 XCVIII. Richard Bishop of Dover to Cromwell. Suppression 
 
 of religious houses in Bristol, Gloucester, and Winchester, and of 
 
 the dissolute conduct of the friars ; with a list of friars who desire 
 
 19G 
 to change their habit ..•••• 
 
 XCIX. Report of the Surrender of the Friars at Glou- 
 
 ''02 
 cester. July 28. 
 
 C. Richard Bishop of Dover to Cromwell. Shrewsbury, Aug. 13. 
 Suppression of religious houses in Worcester, Bridgenorth, Ather- 
 stone, Lichfield, Stafford, Newcastle-under-Line, and Shrewsbury . 203
 
 XIV TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 Letter CI. Bishop Barlow to Cromwell. Llanfey, Aug. IG. Entreating 
 that his see of St. David's may be removed to Carmarthen, and de- 
 scribing the barbarous ignorance and superstition of the Welsh . 206 
 
 CII. Richard Bishop of Dover to Cromwell. Harford East, 
 Aug. 27. Suppression of several convents, and asking instructions 
 concerning others. Shrewsbury, Bristol, Salisbury, Bangor, &c. 
 Superstitious relics in North Wales .... 210 
 
 cm. Dr. London to Cromwell. Oxford, July 27. Surrender of 
 the houses of Kyme, Nun-Coton, L-ford, Fosse, and Hevenynge in 
 Lincolnshire, and Beauvale and Newstead in Nottinghamshire . 213 
 
 CIV. John Fitzwarren to Cromwell. Dorneford, Aug. 20. En- 
 treating to be allowed to purchase the goods at the Black Friars in 
 Sarum, and that Mr. Goodale may be allowed the same with the 
 Grey Friars ....... 216 
 
 CV. Dr. London to Cromwell. Oxford, Aug. 31. Friars at Oxford 
 who desire to change their habit. The Grey Friars in Reading. 
 Relics and superstitions ...... 217 
 
 CVI. Pollard and others to Cromwell. Reports their having re- 
 ceived various relics at Winchester, and their intention of proceed- 
 ing to the monasteries of Hyde and St. Mary's . . .218 
 
 CVII. Richard Pollard to Cromwell. Reading, Sept. 15. Sup- 
 pression of the priory in Reading .... 220 
 
 CVIII. Dr. London to Cromwell. Reading, Sept. 17. Proceed- 
 ings at Reading. Image of our Lady at Caversham, and other relics. 
 Recommends that the Priory Church at Reading should be con- 
 verted into a town hall ...... 221 
 
 CIX. Dr. London to Sir Richard Rich. Reading, Sept. 17. Sur- 
 render of the priory at Reading. Image of our Lady at Caversham, 
 and other relics. Requires instructions for the suppi-ession of the 
 friars' houses in Aylesbury, Bedford, and Northampton . . 224 
 
 ex. Dr. London to Cromwell. Reading, Sept. 18. Surrender of 
 
 the Grey Friars at Reading. Relics taken there, with a list of them 225 
 
 CXI. Dr. London to Cromwell. Godstow, Nov. 6. Suppression 
 of the nunnery of Godstow. The abbess and sisters recommended 
 to favour. Tollisop Crossfriars beside Warwick, Austin Friars at 
 Northampton, Combe Abbey ..... 227 
 
 CXII. The Abbess or Godstow to Cromwell. Godstow, Nov. 5. 
 
 Complaining of the conduct of Dr. London, and asking protection . 229 
 
 CXIII. The Commissioners to Cromwell. Christchurche, Dec. 2. 
 
 Surrender of Twynham priory . . . . .231 
 
 CXIV. Dr. London to Cromwell. Oxford, Dec. 28. Surrender of 
 the houses of Ensham, Notley, Donnington (near Newbury,) De- 
 lapr^, St Anne (near Coventry), and Combe. Many relics . 232
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. XV 
 
 Letter CXV. Dr. London to Sir Richard Rich. Particulars relating to 
 the houses of Notley, Ensham, Delapre, and the Crutched Friars, 
 near Newbury. Requires further instructions respecting Theles- 
 ford, Nun-Coton, and Combe ..... 235 
 
 CXVI. The Commissioners of the West to Cromwell. Glou- 
 cester, Jan. 4, 1538-9. Surrender of the abbeys of Hayles and 
 Winchcombe in Gloucestershire ..... 236 
 
 CXVIL Bishop Lee to Cromwell. Wigmore, Jan. 12. Entreating 
 to have the cathedral at Coventry converted into a collegiate 
 church ........ 238 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS PROCEEDINGS IN 1538. 
 
 CXVIII. Sir Thomas Audley to Cromwell. Eston, Aug. 12. 
 
 Priory of St. Osith. Entreats assistance in his suit to the King . 239 
 
 CXIX. Sir Thomas Audley to Cromwell. Entreating to be allowed 
 
 to purchase Walden Abbey . . . . .241 
 
 CXX. Dr. Legh to Cromwell. Vale Royal, Aug. 22. Disorderly 
 living of many of the knights and gentlemen in the archdeaconries 
 of Coventry, Stafford, Derby, and Cheshire . . . 243 
 
 CXXI. The Abbot of Vale Royal to Cromwell. Lichfield, Sept. 
 9. Stating that he had not surrendered his abbey as reported, nor 
 desired to do so . . . . . . . 244 
 
 CXXII. Sir Thomas Audley to Cromwell. Berechurch, Sept. 8. 
 Reporting that he had visited Prince Edward (afterwards Edward 
 VI.) and entreating that the houses of St. Osith and St. John's in 
 Colchester may be changed into colleges .... 245 
 
 CXXIII. The Prior of Gisburne and Tristram Teshe to Crom- 
 well. Whitby, Oct. 8. Election of a prior of Whitby . . 248 
 
 CXXIV. The Commissioners to Cromwell. St. Alban's, Dec. 10. 
 
 The abbot of St. Alban's refuses to surrender his abbey . . 250 
 
 CXXV. John Beaumont to Cromwell. Whellesborough, Dec. 27. 
 With a present of 20/., entreating that he may be allowed to pur- 
 chase the nunnery of Gracedieu . . . . .251 
 
 SEQUEL OF THE DISSOLUTION. 
 
 CXXVI. The Commissioners to Cromwell. Glastonbury, Sept. 22, 
 
 1539. Examination of the abbot of Glastonbury . . . 255 
 
 CXXVII. The Commissioners to Cromwell. Glastonbury, Sept. 
 28, 1539. Reporting that they had found much money and plate at 
 Glastonbury hidden there by the abbot and monks ; and some other 
 matters relating to the dissolution of that house . . . 257
 
 XVI TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 Letter CXXVIII. The Commissioners to Cromwell. Glastonbury, Oct. 2, 
 1539. The abbot of Glastonbury accused of treasonable prac- 
 tices . . . . . . . .259 
 
 CXXIX. Lord Russell to Cromavell. Wells, Nov. 16. Execution 
 
 of the abbot of Glastonbury and two of his monks . . . 259 
 
 CXXX. Richard Pollard to Cromwell. Wells, Nov. 16. Further 
 account of the execution of the abbot of Glastonbury. Requests 
 that his brother Paulett may have the surveyorship of the abbey 
 estates ........ 261 
 
 CXXXL Project for new Bishops' Sees. . . . 263 
 
 CXXXn. Accounts of John Scudamore (the King's receiver for 
 several counties on the borders of Wales). Shewing the proceeds 
 from the sale of the goods, &c, of Bordesley abbey, the Grey and 
 Austin priories of Stafford, the Grey Friars of Lichfield, and the 
 abbeys of Crokesden, Rowcester, and Hilton . . . 266 
 
 CXXXIIL Sir Richard Riche to John Scudamore. London, 
 April, 24, 1540. Instructions for the disposal of the bells of Wen- 
 lock abbey ........ 278 
 
 CXXXIV. Sir Richard Riche to John Scudamore. London, 
 
 July, 31. Disposal of the goods of Bordesley abbey . . 279 
 
 CXXXV. Roger Bedull to Scudamore and Burgoyn. Droitwich, 
 Dec. 3. On the salt-works and payments belonging to the abbey 
 of Bordesley, in Worcestershire ..... 280 
 
 CXXXVI. Robert Burgoyn to John Scudamore. Thelesford, July 
 6. Survey of the friars' houses at Caiuham, Woodhouse, Bridgnorth, 
 Wigmore, and Hereford, and other places on the borders of Wales ; 
 with a present of a buck . . . . . .281 
 
 CXXXVII. Philip Hoby to John Scudamore. The Court, Oct. 31. 
 Entreating to be allowed to purchase the stone then remaining at 
 Evesham abbey ....... 283 
 
 CXXXVIII. Robert Burgoyn to John Scudamore. Concerning the 
 disposal of the goods, &c. of the priory at Worcester, and the 
 manor of Batenhall ...... 284 
 
 CXXXIX. Robert Burgoyn to John Scudamore. Walton at Stone, 
 Jan. 9. Relating to the priory at Worcester, and various other 
 matters ........ 287 
 
 CXL. William Chorlton to John Scudamore. Concerning the 
 
 Abbey of Lilleshull in Shropshire ..... 288 
 
 CXLI. John Freman to Cromwell. Louth, May 10. On the super- 
 fluous fees given by the late suppressed houses . . . 289 
 
 CXLIL Letter to John Scudamore. Westminster, Feb. 28, 1555. 
 He is directed to settle his accounts of lead and bells belonging to the 
 suppressed religious houses in his " late circuit'' . . . 291
 
 THREE CHAPTERS OF LETTERS 
 
 RELATING TO THE 
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE PERIOD PREVIOUS TO THE PASSING OF THE ACT FOR THE 
 SUPPRESSION OF THE SMALLER MONASTERIES. 
 
 Although it is uncertain when the idea of dissolving the Monasteries was first 
 talked of, it is certain that the axe was first laid to the tree by Cardinal Wolsey, who 
 obtained grants for suppressing a number of the smaller monasteries in order to found 
 a college at Oxford (now Christ's Church) and another at Ipswich. Wolsey himself 
 (in his letter to the King, printed in Ellis, Orig. Lett. Second Series, ii. p. 18) calls 
 them " certain exile* and small monasteries, wherein neither God is served ne religion 
 kept." The zealous Catholics were alarmed by this measure, and justly regarded it as 
 an example which would not fail to lead to a more general demolition of the religious 
 houses. Some of the abbots attempted to avert the danger by offering sums of 
 money for his scholastic foundation instead of the abbey lands, as in the present 
 example of the abbot of York. There were even some tumultuous outbreaks of 
 popular dissatisfaction. Grafton (Chron. p. 382, new edit.) says, — " You have heard 
 before how the Cardinall suppressed many monasteries, of the which one was called 
 Beggam in Sussex, the which was verie commodious to the countrey : but so befell the 
 cause, that a riotus company, disguised and unknowne, with painted faces and visers, 
 came to the same monasterie, and brought with them the chanons, and put them in 
 their place againe, and promised them that whensoever they rang the bell, that they 
 
 * Poor, lean, endowed with small revenues, Lat, exilis, (not alien prioriesj . It is a 
 word of no uncommon occurrence in the writers of this age. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. B
 
 2 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 would come with a great power and defend them. Thys doyng came to the eare of the 
 kings counsayle, which caused the chanons to be taken, and they confessed the capi- 
 taynes, which were imprisoned and sore punished.'' When Wolsey was beginning to 
 decline in the royal favour, the suppression of these religious houses was one of the 
 first charges brought against him. 
 
 The small monastery of Romburgh or Rumburgh in Suffolk is supposed to have been 
 founded about the time of the Norman Conquest. It was given by Alan the Savage, 
 fourth Earl of Richmond and Earl of Britany, about the time of Henry T. to the Abbey 
 of St. Mary at York, which had been founded about 1078, by Alan Rufus, the first 
 Earl. At least such is the opinion of antiquaries, who consider the statement in this 
 letter, that Romburgh was given to the Abbey of York by Alan Niger (the second Earl), 
 to be erroneous. The cell of Romburgh was suppressed by Wolsey, and the site and 
 revenues granted to his college at Ipswich in 1528, the date of the present letter. 
 Edmund Walley, or Whalley, the writer of the letter, was abbot of St. Mary's at York 
 from 1521 to 1530. 
 
 I. 
 
 THE ABBOT OF YORKE TO CARDINAL WOLSEY. 
 
 [MS. Cott. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 46.*] 
 
 Pleaseth your grace to understaunde, that I, your pore oratour, 
 have lately receyvid certen lettres frome our priour of Romeburgh, 
 with other of our brethren there beinge, by whose purporte I 
 perceyve that your graces pleasure ys to suppresse the said priory 
 of Romeburgh, and also to unite, annex, and improper the same 
 unto the church of Saint Peters in Ipiswiche ; and for the ac- 
 compleshment of the same, as they wryte unto me, your oificers 
 came to the said priory the xj*'» day of this present moneth ; and 
 there, after the redinge of certen lettres commissionall not onely 
 of your grace, bot also of our holy father the pope, and of our 
 soveraigne lorde the kynge, for the same purpose directed, intered 
 into the same priory, and that done, toke away as well the goodes 
 moveable of the said priory, beinge a membre of our monastery, 
 and gyven unto us by Alen Niger, summe tyme erele of Riche- 
 mound, and our secounde refounder, by whose gyfte next unto the 
 kinges grace we have had moost benefyttes, laundes, and pro- 
 fettes gyven us, by reason whereof we be most notabily charged 
 with massez, sufFragies, and other almouse dedes for hys bene-
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 3 
 
 fyttes to us most charytably exhibite, bot also certen munimentes, 
 evidencez, and specialties, tochinge and apperteynynge unto our 
 monastery, which we had lately sent unto our said priour and 
 brethren there, for the tryall of certen laundes and rightus 
 which lately did depende betwixt us and certen men of M'orshipp 
 in Cambridge shyre in contraversie, and yet doith depende unde- 
 cised, and for none other purpose. In consideracion wherefore, 
 yf yt might please your grace, forasmuch as we have a greate 
 parte of our laundes graunted unto us by reason of the said Alen 
 Niger, whereby we be daly charged as doith appere by compo- 
 sicion made betwixt us and the said Alen Niger, and also con- 
 firmed by Boniface the iij'h anno sui ponL tercio under certen cen- 
 sures and paynes with clausis dirogatorye, as more largely by hys 
 said graunte doith appere, that the said pryory might consiste and 
 abyde as a membre unto oure monastery, as yt haith done this 
 thre hundred yeres and more, with your graces favour, your grace 
 shall not onely put me and my brether to a greate quietude, bot 
 also take away many sundry doubties and greate perels of the 
 residew of our laundes graunted unto us by the said erele, which 
 be right notable, yf the same suppression or alienation no farther 
 procede ; and, besydes that, minstre unto us a more notable acte 
 then ye had gyven us ten tymes more laundes then unto the same 
 priory doith apperteyne and belonge ; for of trueth the rentes and 
 revenuez unto the same priory belonging doith very lytill sur- 
 mounte the sum of xxx^". sterlinge, as far as I perceyve. And yet 
 towardes your speciall, honourable, and laudable purpose concern- 
 ynge the erection and foundacion of the said college and scole, I 
 am right interely contentid, for your tenderinge of the premisses, 
 to gyve unto your grace ccc. markes sterlinge, which shall be de- 
 liver d unto your grace immediately. Most hummely desyring your 
 grace to accepte my pore mynde towardes your most noble acte, 
 which shuld be far better yf that my lytill pore [estate] thereunto 
 wolde extende, protestinge ever that yf your graces pleasure be to 
 have the said priory to the purpose above recyted, that then Avith all
 
 4 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 my study, diligence, and labour, I shall continually indever my self 
 for the acconipleshment of the same, accordingly as my dutie ys. 
 Trustinge ever that your grace will se our pore monastery no 
 farther hyndred, hot that we may in tyme commyng lyve lyke 
 religiouse men, and serve Almighty God with our nombre deter- 
 minate, and hereafter avoide both in law and good conscience all 
 perells that thereby may ensue ; and also pray for our founders, 
 benefactours, and your good grace, accordingly to thefoundacion of 
 our monastery, as our dutie ys ; and so knowith Jhesus, who pre- 
 serve your most noble grace in high honour and greate pros- 
 perytie long to continew. Frome our monastery of Yourke, the 
 xx^l' day of Septembre. 
 
 Your most bownden bedeman, Edmond, abbot of Yourke. 
 
 To my lorde legates good grace. 
 
 The following letter was written in the beginning of the year 15!^9. The history of 
 the small priory of black canons at Butley in Suffolk is very obscure, and the list of 
 priors particularly imperfect. It was founded in 1171, by the celebrated lawyer 
 Ranulf de Glanvil. Whether Wolsey designed to suppress it or not is uncertain, but 
 this letter shows the tyranny which the haughty Cardinal exerted over the religious 
 houses. 
 
 11. 
 
 RICHARD, BISHOP OF NORWICH, TO CARDINAL WOLSEY. 
 
 [From MS. Harl. No. 604, fol. 55.] 
 
 In moste humble maner I commende me unto your grace, doynge 
 the same t'undrestande that I have hard youre message and cre- 
 dence commytted unto Maister Doctour Stewarde, your chape- 
 lain, to showe unto me, and have showed unto hym my full myende 
 therin, the which I doubte not he wull declare unto your grace. 
 
 And where the president and convent of the howse of Butley, 
 sone after the departynge of their late priour and maister there, 
 prefixed and assigned a day for their election of a new priour, and
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 5 
 
 appoynted certayn of myn officers at that day to be there fully 
 myended and determyned to procede to their election by the way 
 of inspiracion, the same so prefixed for the election, after their 
 service said and other ceremonyes observed, whan thei were redy 
 and at the poynt to procede to their election, your lettres of se- 
 questracion and inhibition to the contrarye were delyvered unto 
 the president and convent, the which thei obeide, as became theym 
 to do, and differred their election for that tyme. And whereas 
 nowe I understonde that the said president and convente, before 
 the said Maister Stewarde and other your officers, have proceded 
 to their election, and fully compromytted in your grace to name 
 and appoynt one of the brether and convente there, suche one as 
 your grace shall thinke moste mete and profightable for the place, 
 surely as I am credibly enfourmed there be dy verse of the brether 
 right hable and mete for that office, and specially one Sir Thomas 
 Sudbourne, celerar there, who had been electe and chosen per viam 
 spiritus sancti at the first day prefixed for their election by the com- 
 men consent of all the brether, if your grace is inhibicion had not 
 been, as myn officers than beynge there have reported unto me; wher- 
 fore your nominacion in this behalve onys made and intimate unto 
 the convent, my truste is your grace wulbe contented that I shall 
 confirme the said election and the priour so by your grace electe. 
 And thus Almyghty God long preserve your grace to your hertes 
 moste desire. At Hoxne, the xijth day of January, 1528, by your 
 oratour and chapelaine, 
 
 Rl. NORVICEX. 
 
 To my lorde cardynall is grace be these lettres dd. 
 
 The following letter is one of many instances of the influence which the vacillating 
 measures of the court had upon men's minds at the first outbreak of the Reformation. 
 William Barlow was a native of Essex, and originally a canon of St. Osythe's. In 
 his youth he was a partizan of the church reformers. He afterwards held appointments 
 in different religious houses in England, was sent by Henry VIII. on an embassy to
 
 b LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 Scotland, and in 1535 was made bishop of St. Asaph. He was in a few weeks removed 
 to the bishopric of St. David's, and afterwards to that of Bath and Wells. He fled 
 from England on the accession of Mary ; but on Elizabeth's return he was promoted to 
 the bishopric of Chichester. Tanner has given the titles of such of his books as were 
 printed. In his Dialogue he had reflected bitterly on Wolsey for the dissolution of the 
 small monasteries with which he intended to endow his new college. 
 
 III. 
 WILLIAM BARLOW TO THE KING, A.D. 1533. 
 
 [From MS. Cott. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 121.] 
 
 Prayse be to God, who of hys infinyte goodnes and mercye 
 inestimable hath brought me owt of darcknes into lyght, and from 
 deadly ignoraunce unto the quicke knowlege of trothe, from the 
 which through the fendes instygacyon and fals persAA^asyones I 
 have greatly swerved, wrappynge my selfe in manyfolde erroures 
 and detestable heresyes agaynst the doctryne of Chryst and deter- 
 mynacyon of holy churche, in so moche that I have made cer- 
 tayne bookes, and have sulfred theym to be emprynted, as the 
 Treatyse of the Buryall of the Masse, a Dyaloge betwene the Gen- 
 tyllman and Husbandman, the Clymbynge up of Fryers and Reli- 
 gious Persones, portred with fygures, a descripcion of Godes 
 worde compared to the lyght ; also a convicyous dyaloge withowt 
 any tytle, inveynge specyally agaynst Saynt Thomas of Canter- 
 berye, which as yet was never prynted nor publysshed openly. In 
 thes treatyses I perceyve and aknowlege my selfe grevously to have 
 erred, namely, agaynst the blyssed sacrament of the altare, dys- 
 alowynge the masse and denyenge purgatorye, with slawnderous 
 infamye of the pope and my lorde cardynall, and owtragious rayl- 
 yng agaynst the clergye, which I have forsaken and utterly 
 renownced. Wherfore I beynge lately informed of your hyghnes 
 endued with so excellent learnynge and syngler jugement of the 
 trothe, which endevored not onely to chace awaye and extyrpe 
 all heresyes, but also to se a reformacyone of slawnderous lyvynge, 
 for the restraynte of vyce in all estates, to the furtheraunce of
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. J 
 
 vertue and avauncement of Godes worde ; also considerynge the 
 pyteous favour voyde of rygour, and mercye abhorrynge cruelte, 
 which your hyghnes hath used towarde other of your subgettes 
 fallen into soche lyke heresyes, as have submytted theym selves 
 humbly unto your grace ; I have made sute by all meanes possyble 
 freely withowt mocyon of any man to come and present my selfe 
 afore your highnes fet,to submytt my selfe unto your mercyfuU plea- 
 sure, besechynge your gracyous pardone. Also as ferre forthe as 
 I have knowlege in all thinges to acertayne your grace unfajmedly 
 whatsoever your hyghnes shall vouchesave to demaunde of me, 
 your unworthye subgett and oratour, 
 
 William Barlo. 
 
 The next letter relates to one of the fathers of the reformation, Hugh Latimer, and his 
 sturdy opponent Hubberdin. Stowe gives an account of Latimer's preaching at Bristol in 
 1534, the date of the present letter. He was active in detecting the practices of the Maid 
 of Kent, and was, in the year following that in which this letter was written, made Bishop 
 of Worcester. At the time of his preaching at Bristol h". was looked upon with some dis- 
 favour ; on the 2nd October, 1533, he had been forbidden to preach at London. Foxe 
 describes Hubberdin as "an old divine of Oxford, a right painted Pharisey, and a great 
 straier abroad in al quarters of the realme to deface and impeache the springyng of Gods 
 holy gospell." It appears that at this time the zealous papistry of Hubberdin was as 
 distasteful to the government as the bold doctrines of Latimer. It would seem that 
 Hubberdin had touched too nearly upon the question of the King's supremacy. 
 
 The abbey of St. Augustine in Bristol appears to have been founded early in the 
 twelfth century ; its church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is now the cathedral. Wil- 
 liam Burton is stated, in the Monasticon, to have been made abbot on the 9th of 
 September, 1534. He, with eighteen of his monks, subscribed to the King's supremacy, 
 and we may therefore suppose that he was one of the moderate party. 
 
 IV. 
 COMMISSIONERS AT BRISTOL TO SECRETARY CROMWELL. 
 
 [MS. Cotton, Cleopat. E. iv. fol. 56.] 
 
 In my moste humble wyse, with dew recommendacyons as ap- 
 pertajmethe, advertysynge your master schype that I recevyd your 
 letter the Saterday vt'> day of Julii, at vj. of the cloke at ny3te,
 
 8 LETTERS RELATING Td THE 
 
 commaundynge me by vertu of the same in the kynges name to 
 electe and chose fyve or yj. oneste men to assyste and helpe me in 
 all cawsys consernynge the behavynge as well of Latomer as of 
 Huberdyn, and ther prechyns, and spesyally what wordes Hyberdyn 
 schold have consernynge the kynges hy5e magesty. And accord- 
 ynge to thys commaundmente immedyatly I electyd and chose the 
 reverend lord abbot of Saynt Augustynes by Brystow, Johan CabuU, 
 Thomas Broke, Richard Tunell, late mayres of the seyd towne of 
 Brystow, and Thomas a Bowen, gentyllman. So electe and chosyn 
 wee concludyd to sytt Sunday the vj. day of Julii at after none at 
 a place callyd Saynte Jamys, and then and there apperyd before 
 us as well of the spyrytuallte as of the temporalte, to whome wee 
 declared and rede the commyssyon wherfore they wher callyd, and 
 so gave them inyoncyon at a day to sertefy the kynges hy3nes and 
 hys moste honorable councell what Latomer had prechyd, wherby 
 thys the kynges towne of Brystow rune in infamy, dyscorde, 
 stryfe, and debate. And lyke charge we gave them to sertefy us 
 what Huberdyne had prechyd consernynge the kynges hy3nes, or 
 any worde that my3te sounde to the kynges hygh dysplesure, in 
 any plase or places, as they at ther perell wood aunser. And apon 
 whych inyoncyon, bothe of the sjiyrytualte and of the temporalty 
 brow3te before us and sertyfyed, as by ther sertyfycattes more at 
 large schall appere. And farder to advertyse your masterschype 
 the very truthe, accordynge to our dewtys and your commaund- 
 ment, what we do know in thys matters, we sertefy yow by the 
 relacyons of many onest and credable persons, that the seyde 
 Latomer came to Brystow and preched there the second Sonday 
 in Lente laste paste ij. sermons, on in Saynte Nycholas chyrche 
 afore none, and another yn the Blake Fryers at after none, and 
 the Monday nexte folowynge he preched the thyrd sermone yn 
 Saynte Thomas chyrche, yn the whych sermondes he prechyd 
 dyvers sysmatyke and yronyous opinions : as yn hell to be no fyer 
 sensyble ; the sowles that be yn purgatory to have no nede of our 
 prayers, but rather to pray for us ; no sayntes to be honoryd ;
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. V 
 
 no pylgrymage to be usyd ; our blessyd lady to be a synner ; as hyt 
 hathe ben reportyd and taken by the herers ; but for my selfe I 
 never hard hym preche yn Brystow, for I was then syk, but by 
 reson of hys iij. sermondes dyvers of the kynges subyectes wythyn 
 thys the kynges seyd towne, as manyfestely hathe apperyd 
 hytherto, ys to be feryd be sore ynfectyd in the same, inso- 
 moche grete stryfe and debate ys amonge the kynges subyectes 
 here, and that amonge all maner of sortes of pepyll from the 
 hyeste to the loweste withyn the same towne. And so dyd con- 
 tynu from the foresayde second Sonday yn Lent unto Ester nexte 
 ensuynge, and yet dothe contynu, at which tyme of Ester Huber- 
 dyn came to Brystow and preched yn Sainte Thomas Chyrche at 
 after none on Ester eve, and at Saynte Nycholas Chyrche before 
 none on Ester day, and there prechyd scharply agenste Latomers 
 artycules, provenynge them be auctorytes as w^ell by the Olde as 
 the New Testamentes sysmatyke and yrronyous. And whereas 
 yt was very yll from the seyd seconde Sonday yn Lente tyll Ester 
 then nexte ensuynge, yt hathe ben wors sens Ester ; for many that 
 favoryd Latomer and hys new maner of prechynge, and other many 
 that favoryd Hyberdyne yn hys olde maner of prechynge, bothe the 
 seyde partes hathe ben more ardente now sens Ester then they 
 were before. Wherefore, as to our symple resons, wythowte the 
 k)mges moste noble grace provyde sume convenyante remedy, 
 muche more ynconvenyens ys lyke to ensu. Also, that same 
 Sonday on Gylberte Cogan came to the bowse of the Grey Fryers* 
 in Brystow, and sayd to the warde of the same bowse that he 
 schowlde be ware what he scholde wryte and testyfy, for there 
 schowlde cume iiij. c. that showlde testefy the contrary, as the 
 seyde warden shewyd hyt manyfestely before all the conimys- 
 syoners. On Fryday the xj^h day of Julij, Johan Drews wyth 
 others brow3te yn before us syttynge yn commyssyon a boke of 
 
 * Little is known of the history of the house of the Grey Friars (or Franciscans) in 
 Bristol, and there is no list of priors. It was founded some time before 1234. 
 CAMD. SOC. C
 
 10 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 many names, and iij. artycles comprisyd yn the same boke, where 
 apperyth every mans confessyon. That boke soresevyd,callydbefore 
 us on Thomas Butteler, examyned hym what he had herde Hyber- 
 dyn preche yn Saynt Thomas Chyrche ; he answeryd, that a num- 
 ber of ery tykes were yn Brystow, and from that nombre he brow3te 
 hyt to xxW or xxx*' erytykes, acordynge to the fyrste artycull. 
 After Thomas Walker was demandyd what he had herd of Hyber- 
 dyn yn the same sayde chyrche ; he confessed that the sayd 
 Hyberdyn sayd there was xx^i or xxx^i ery tykes, acordynge to the 
 fyrste artycull, and he sayd he hard hym say no more, and yet hys 
 name ys to the second and the thyrde artycuUes. Also another 
 man came before us, and sayd that Huberdyn schowlde say that 
 all Brystow M^as knaves and erytykes. John Drws persevyng 
 every man to be examyned thys by hym selfe, knewe very well 
 ther confessyons wolde nothynge agre wyth the artycles yn ther 
 seyde boke, wherefor he desyeryd that every man schowld brynge 
 yn hys confessyon by wrytynge, and for as moche as yt was over 
 longe and tedyows, as well to the commyssyoners as to the partys, 
 we condessendyd to reseve there bylles, Avhych bylles and bokes, 
 as well of the spyrytualte as of the temporalte, which your master- 
 shype shall reseve of thys berer, wyth our dayly servys and prayer 
 to preserve your longe lyfe and good to the plesure of God and 
 your moste harteste desyer. And Almy3ty God preserve owre 
 moste redouptyd soveraynge lorde moste ryall person, bothe bodely 
 and gostely longe to endure, A. M.E.N. 
 
 Per me, Willielmum Burton, abbatem monasterii divi 
 Augustini. 
 
 Bye me, John Calle. 
 
 Thomas Broke. 
 
 Per me, Rychard Tenell. 
 
 Thomas Abowen. 
 By me, Johan Bartholgmevt.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 11 
 
 The following letter must have been written before the preceding, but it will be best 
 understood in its present position. Cromwell was inclined to shew more favour to 
 Latimer than his opponents expected, and the ease with which the latter excused the 
 mistaken harshness of their censures is very remarkable. Little is known of the 
 history of the house of Dorainicans, or Friars Preachers, in Bristol, and there is no list 
 of the priors. Dr. Hylsey succeeded Fisher as bishop of Rochester, which shows that 
 he was compliant with the spirit of the times. 
 
 JOHN HYLSEY TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleopat. E. iv. fol. 140.] 
 Master cliawnselar, I comniende me unto you as hartly as I 
 may thynke, trustynge yn Gode that you be (the which Jesu con- 
 tynewe) yn good prosperyte. Ytt is nott owt off your master- 
 shyppys remembrance, that yn the Lent I dyd wrete unto you off 
 the grete dyvysyon that was (ye and yett ys) amonge the peple yn 
 the towne of BrystoU, off the whyche I wrote unto yowe that hytt 
 came by the prechynge of owne Mr, Latymar, a man nott un- 
 knowne. I wrote to you allsoe that he spake off pylgremages, 
 worshyppyng off seyntes, wurshyppyng off ymages, off pur- 
 gatory, etc. yn the whyche he dyd vehemently perswade towarde 
 the contrary, that the peple ware nott a lytle offendyd. I wrote 
 alsoe that some men thowht necessary to preache agenst hym, the 
 whyche 1 supposyd nott best, except that he sholde be put to 
 sylence, for fere off fardyr dyvysyon (the whyche by this cause ys 
 nowe happenyd yn dede) ; and some thowht hytt metur to have 
 hym before hys ordynarye to be examynyde, and soe the trewthe 
 to be knowen ; and yn thys thynges I desyryd you to do that you 
 thowht metyst to reforme your peryshynge flock, to whome I 
 wrote as to the shepparde off the sayd flocke. Nowe upon thys 
 my byll men hathe crafftly usyd them selfe, ye and crafft was usyd 
 to me or thys l)yll camme frome me, but that makythe nott nowe, 
 thelettre ys off myne owne hande as thys ys, and nowe seynge that 
 men hathe fownde the way to convey hytt to you otherways then 
 they ynformyd me that they wolde, I caunott denye mye hande, 
 nother wyll nott 5 wherfore puttynge asyde all thnges that sholde
 
 1- LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 seme to excuse myn actte, thes war the occasyon of my letter : 
 fyrst the fame that I harde of thys man, master Latymer, before 
 that I knewe hyme, the whyche same decevyd nott only me butt 
 other as well lernyd as I ; seconde was the vehement perswadynge 
 ayenst the abuse off the thynges, as ys above wretyn, wythe more, 
 as off massys, off scale celi, pardons, the fyre off hell, the state off 
 the sowlys yn purgatory, off faythe wytheowt good wurkes, off 
 ower lady to be a synnar or noe synnar, etc. The whyche 1 and 
 syche other dyd suppose that he dyd preache to the yntent to 
 confoAvnde thes thynges ; wherapon bothe the wurshypffuU men, 
 master Doctor Powell, master D. Goodryche, master Heberdynne, 
 master pryour off Seynt Jamys, and I, dyd preache agenst, ap- 
 provynge purgatory, pylgremages, the wurshyppynge off seyntes 
 and ymages, alsoe approvynge that feyth wytheowt good wurkes 
 ys but deade, and that ower lady beynge full of grace ys and was 
 wytheowtte the sjiott of synne. But when we had dunne, I reken 
 Ave lal)oryd but yn vayne, and browht the peple yn greter dy vysyon 
 then they war, as they doe hytherto contynewe. I beseeke God 
 to helpe hytt, for ower kryynge owne agenst another ys nott frut- 
 ffull, nother takythe onny effecte ; ffor sens I have communyd 
 wythe master Lattymar, and I have harde hyme preache, and 
 have yntytle hys sermon sentens for sentens, and I have percevyd 
 that hys mynd ys myche more agenst the abusynge off thynges 
 then agenst the thynge hytt selfe. More, the thyrde thynge that 
 causyd me to wrete unto you was thys dyvysyon that remanythe 
 and yncreasethe yett amonge us, the whyche wyll nott (by thys 
 way that we have begone) be ceasyd. Therfore hytt lyythe yn 
 you to devyse some other way, as God and your goode cownsell 
 shall ynforme you. Yn my jugement, by that that I knowe off 
 master Latymars mynde nowe, yff he myght have your lycens, he 
 woolde opyn hys mynde yn thys matters that the peple sholde be 
 content, and thys woolle plese the cownsell of the towne well, for 
 apone thys they be agreyde, and hopythe apone your good helpe 
 yn hytt. And yff I may wythe my lytle understondynge furder
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 13 
 
 thys matter, to brynge hytt unto an unytye, as God ys my jugge, I 
 wyli doe my dylygens^ and yfF he (quod absitj shollde hereafFter 
 sey onny thynge that sholde sowne other wyse then the catholycall 
 determynacion off the chyrche, ther wylbe inowhe that wylbe redy 
 to note hyt wythe more dylygens then hytherto. The forth was 
 my coscyens, thowhe hytt ware for the tym erronyows, and 
 decevyd for lacke off takynge hede dylygently, to marke and 
 knowe the abuse off a thynge frome the thynge. Thy fythe cause 
 I shall reserve secretly to my selfe, lest that I sholde seme to put 
 other men yn gylty off my factes, that I doe nott yntent, Gode 
 wyllynge, whoe have you yn hys proteccion. Wretyn yn BrystoU, 
 2^ Mail, 
 
 By me, Frere John Hylsey, doctor 
 and pryor off the Freers Prechurs ther. 
 
 The letters which follow relate to an affair that had much influence in bringing 
 the monks into disfavour, and hastened the great revolution which it is the object 
 of the present volume to illustrate. Elizabeth Barton, so celebrated under the title of 
 the Maid of Kent, was originally a servant, and being subject to strange epileptic fits, 
 she was chosen by a violent party as an instrument of deception. She was taught to 
 pretend to have visions and revelations, and was first brought forward by Richard 
 Masters, parson of Aldrington. Archbishop Warham, and even Sir Thomas More 
 and bishop Fisher, were either deceived, or gave encouragement to this pious fraud ; 
 and the former caused her to be placed as a nun in the priory of St. Sepulchre at Can- 
 terbury. She was there under the immediate surveillance of Dr. Edward Bocking, a 
 canon of Christ's Church, who was one of the most zealous partizans of the plot; and 
 another monk, named Richard Dering, or Deering, took down her pretended visions, 
 and formed them into a book. This plot was allowed to go on for some time, and the 
 fathers and nuns of Syon, the Charter House, and Sheen, with some of the friars ob- 
 servants of Richmond and Greenwich, participated largely in it. But at length the 
 public violence with which the King's proceedings, in seeking a divorce from Catharine 
 of Arragon, and his quarrel with the pope, were attacked, called down the vengeance 
 of the Court; and the " holy maid" was seized and examined in the Star-chamber, 
 when she confessed the conspiracy and her accomplices. Elizabeth Barton, Bocking, 
 Dering, and others concerned in this affair, were afterwards condemned of high treason, 
 and executed at Tyburn on the 20th of April, 1534. One of these was Hugh Ricii, a 
 friar observant. The following letter appears to have been written by one also
 
 14 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 concerned in the conspiracy, bnt who had undertaken to examine the last-mentioned 
 person, and gives us a brief catalogue of the principal visions of the nun. 
 
 VI. 
 
 LETTER TO SECRETARY CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleopat. E. iv. fol. 75.] 
 
 Sir, may it please you to be advertysed that accordyng to your 
 comaundement I have put the artykylles of the communycacion be- 
 twene me and Mr. Ryche in wrytyng, and, as he sayth yow have 
 them in wrytyng before^ ever as I hard thynges wurthy to be 
 notyd uppon the margent of my bok in the Doche and Frenshe 
 tong, to thentent he shuld not understond my purpose, I dyd 
 writ them. Yet dyd I not beleve sutche taylys (which he 
 cawlyth revelacions), for I have lernyd the gospell, Attendite a 
 falsis prophetis. Yf I had remembred another comaundement as 
 well as I dyd that, Non concupisces rem jjroximi tid, with the 
 saying of Catho cum boids ambula, I shuld not have fallyn into 
 this mysery. I have in remembraunce xxx. or xxxj. of these taylles 
 which ar not possible to be set forth in wrytynges, that there 
 intent shuld be known, and I suppose that xx. sheytes of papor 
 wyll not wryte them at lengh in order. Wherefore I have 
 written the name of the story whereuppon it dothe treate, so that 
 then (yf it be as he sayth) the hole story wulbe in your re- 
 membraunce. 
 
 Fyrst, of an angell that appered and bad the nun go unto the 
 kyng, that infydell prynce of Inglond, and say that T comaund 
 hym to amend his lyve, and that he leve iij. thynges which he 
 lovyth and purposyth uppon, that is that he tak none of the popis 
 right nor patrymony from hym, the second that he distroye all 
 these new fTolkes of opynyon and the workes of there new 
 lernyng, the thyrde that yf he maryed and tok An* to wyfFe the 
 
 * The King was married to Anne Boleyn in the January of 1533.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 15 
 
 vengaunce of God shuld plage hym^ and (as she sayth) she 
 shewyd this unto the kyng, etc. 
 
 2. Item, after this ii. or iij. monethis theangell apperyd and bad 
 hur go ayen unto the kyng, and say that synce hur last beyng 
 with his grace, that he hath more hyghlyer stodyed to bryng his 
 purpose to passe, and that she saw in spyryt the kyng, the queue, 
 and the yerle of Wylshere * standyng in a gardeyn together, and 
 that the dyd devyze how to bryng the matter to passe, and by no 
 meanys it wuld not be, but at the last a lyttell devyll stode be- 
 sydes the queue, and put in hur mynd to say thus, " Yow shall 
 send my father unto themprowre, and let hym shew the emprowre 
 your mynd and conscience, and gyve hym these manny thowsand 
 docates to have his good wyll, and thus it wulbe browght to passe." 
 Go and fere not to shew the kyng this taylle and prevy tokyn, 
 and byd hym take his owyld wyfF ayen, or elles, etc. It is so 
 nowghty a mattur that my hand shakyth to write it, and some 
 thynges better unwritten then written. 
 
 3. Item, that whan the kynges hyghtnesse was over at Callys, 
 she saw the oyste takyn from the preyst with the blyssid blud, 
 and that angelles browght it hur for to receave, saying, etc. ij. 
 sheytes wull scant write this story. 
 
 4. Item, that she was charged to go unto the cardenallf whan 
 he was most in his prosperyte, and shew hym of iij. swordes that 
 he had in his hand, one of the spirytuallty, another of the tempe- 
 rallty, and the other of the kynges maryage ; a long mattur. The 
 bysshop of Cant, and Bokyng to be remembred. 
 
 5. Item, another season after the angell comaundyd hur to go 
 unto the sayd cardynall, and shew hym of his ffall, and that he 
 had not done as she had comaundyd hym by the wyll of God, etc. 
 
 * Thomas Boleyn, Viscount Rocheford, created Earl of Wiltshire in 1529, the father 
 of Anne Boleyn. In the year following, (1530) the Earl of Wiltshire, with Dr. 
 Stokesley (the elect Bishop of London) and Dr. Edward Lee (the King's Almoner), 
 was sent on an embassy to Bologna, where the Pope and Emperor were to meet, to de- 
 clare to them the decision of the universities in favour of the king's new marriage. 
 
 t Wolsey.
 
 16 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 6. Item, that syns he dyed she saw the disputacion of the 
 devylles for his sowylle, and how she was iij. tymes lyfte up and 
 culd not se hym nether in hevyn, hell, nor purgatory, and at the 
 last where shew saw hym, and how by hur pennaunce he was 
 browght unto hevyn, and what sowylles she saw ffly thorow 
 purgatory, etc. 
 
 7. Item, more the angell warned hur that she shuld go unto 
 a sertayn abbot, and warne hym to take iij. of his bretherne by 
 name, for they were purposed to have them away that nyght with 
 iij. mens wyfFes, and that God wuld they shuld have bettur 
 grace, etc. 
 
 8. Item, of another that had betyn hym zelfe so with roddes 
 that his stamell * was blody, which he thowght to have beryed in 
 the garden, and she by the comandement of the angell met hym, 
 etc. a hy mattur for penance. 
 
 9. Item, of ij. other monkes which had takyn shippyng to go 
 unto Tynldalle, which by hur prayer was torned, and the ship had 
 no powre to depart from the haven, etc. 
 
 10. Item, that the angell comaundyd hur to go to another 
 monke, and byd hym burne the New Testament that he had in 
 Inglyssh, and of great vysions seen by the same in tokyn of 
 grace, etc. 
 
 11. Item, of the warnyng that the angell gave hur of a woman 
 that cam unto sent Thomas of Cantorbery, a mervelos mattur and 
 a long, etc. 
 
 12. Item, the angell shewyd hur that ambassett of the pope 
 shuld be at Cantorbery, and how she sent by hym the message of 
 God unto the pope, how he shuld be scorged of God for ij. 
 cawsis, etc. 
 
 13. Item, that she spok by the comaundement of God at Lon- 
 don with oone other, and bad hym write the messag of God unto 
 the pope, to the which she dyd set hur hand, etc. 
 
 * The Stamcl was a coarse shirt, worn by religious persons.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 17 
 
 14. Item, of the owild bysshop of Cantorbery, how he had pro- 
 mysed to mary the kyng, and of the warnynges by the angell 
 of God, etc. 
 
 15. Item, that she dyd shev/ unto docter Bokyng the owyr of 
 his deth, and zence that she harde the disputacion betwene the 
 angelles and the develles for hys sowle. 
 
 16. Item, she dyd se hym whan he went unto hevyn, with his 
 wurdes that he spok, and how sent Thomas was there present and 
 accompanyd hym, etc. 
 
 17- Item, of the goyng and retorne of the yerle of Wylshere 
 into Spayn, with the receavyng of the kynges letters there, and 
 the answere of themprowre, etc.* 
 
 18. Item, of the vyzion that she had, yf the kyng shuld have 
 maryed at Callys, of the greate shame that the quene shuld 
 have had, etc.f 
 
 19. Item, of sutche persons as the angell of God hath ap- 
 poyented to be at hur deth, whan she shall receave the crowne of 
 marterdom, and the tyme, with the place. 
 
 20. Item, how dyvers tymes the devell hath appered unto hur ; 
 oone tyme he cam in the lykenes of a goodly man, and browght 
 with hym a lady, and befFore hur face had to do M'ith hur uppon 
 hur bed, with other matteres to abhomynable, etc. 
 
 21. Item, of a sertayn vysion that Goldes:}: wyffe had uppon sent 
 Cateryns day, which the angell of God dyd shew by hur prayer, etc. 
 
 22. Item, how at Corteupstreytte, § whan Mr. Gold went unto 
 masse, the other Goldes wyffe desyryd hur to mak hur prayer 
 unto God to know the state of prynces dowager, of ij. other 
 
 * The Earl of Wiltshire was sent on an embassy to Spain in 1531. 
 
 f Anne Boleyn attended the Court to Calais, and it would appear by this passage that 
 it was the king's intention to marry her on that occasion. 
 
 X There were two persons of the name of Golde active in this affair ; Thomas Golde, 
 and Henry Golde, parson of St. Mary Aldermary, London. The "Mr. Gold'' 
 mentioned in the next article is the parson. 
 
 § Our Lady of Court-at-Street, in the parish of Limne, was a little chapel, with an 
 image of the Virgin, much resorted to. It was here that the nun commenced her visions. 
 
 CAMU. SOC. D
 
 l8 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 wemen, and of ij. freers, which was Rich and Risby :* as sone as the 
 preyste began confiteor, she fFyll in a trauncC;, and of hur wunderfull 
 answere, etc. 
 
 23. Item, of a sertayn gentylman dwellyng abowit Cantorberv, 
 that had long tymes ben temptyd to drown hym selfe by the 
 spryte of a woman that he had kept by his wyfFes days, which is 
 damned, etc. a long matter and a straynge. 
 
 2 J. Item, of the vysions sene by hur sister, marvelous, and 
 bow she tok the blud of our Lordys sydes in a challys, and how 
 she saw the plaj-g for the citty of London, etc. 
 
 25. Item, of the wurdes that the nun spake unto Mr. Richardes 
 how the angell of God asked for his fayth, with sertayn prevy tokyns 
 that she shewyd hym that he had in his memento, with dyvers 
 other thynges in your bowse which cawsith them all to muse, etc. 
 
 26". How the angell of God hath comaundyd hur to say that 
 all ar but yllusions, for the tyme is not cum that God wulle put 
 forth the wurk, etc. 
 
 27. Item, of 9 I 9 I 9 I , the rayn of the kyng how long he shall 
 reyngne, as sayth a prophecy which agreeth with hur sayng, etc. 
 
 28. Item, of iij. letteres A. F. G., by a profycye that is in the 
 handes of holly Richard ; yf yow send to me John Gooddolphyn your 
 servant, I can cawse hym to iFynd hym by enquere at the Temple. 
 
 29. Item, more a greate matter of a golden letter that Mary 
 Magdalene dyd send, and how the angell comaundyd hur to 
 CO wnterfayt another, by cawse the people shuld have powre upon 
 hur boddy, etc., Avith monney that was hyd, etc. 
 
 30. Item, that vj. days beffore the sayd Riche was takyn, he 
 went to a man that hath a prophesy, and with hym Nesywyck 
 the observaunt, which shewyd unto them wunderos thyng, pennes 
 and yncornes, letteres of prophesy, and of all ther troble at 
 Powlys Crosse. This man dwellyth ij. mylys fTrom Bugdeane, his 
 name is Handford, etc. 
 
 * Hugh Rich has been ah'eady mentioned : Richard Risby was one of the nun's accom- 
 plices.
 
 SUPPRESSION OP MONASTERIES. 19 
 
 The following letter, upoa the same subject as the preceding, is from Thomas 
 Goldwell, prior of Christ's Church, Canterbury, the oldest monastery in England, having 
 been founded by St. Augustine. Thomas Goldwell was prior during the twenty-three 
 years preceding the dissolution of the monastery. Warhara was Archbishop of Can- 
 terbury from February 1503 to August lo32, and was succeeded by Cranmer. 
 
 VII. 
 
 THE PRIOR OF Christ's church to cromwell. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleopat. E. iv. fol. 79.] 
 
 As consernyng the knowlege of suche thynges as Elizabeth Bar- 
 ton, nun, hath spoken, whiche as she sayde she had knowlege of 
 in traunces and revelaciones, thies be the thynges that I have herd 
 and have knowlege in. At the begynnyng therof, the whiche was 
 abowte vij. or viij.yeres past, as I thynke, my lord Warham, then 
 being archebusshope of Caunterbury, sent his comptroller called 
 Thomas Walle to Caunterbury, and caused me to send two of my 
 brothern, the whiche was the selerer. Doctor Bockyng, and 
 dompne William Hadley, bacheler of divinite, to a place called 
 Courthopestrete, to see this woman, and to see what traunces 
 she had. They went thider at the begynnyng, as I suppose, 
 somewhat ageyn theire myndes, and also ageyn my mynde, except 
 the obedience that I do owe unto my lord of Caunterbury ; and he 
 had not byn, I wold not have sent them thider. After this he 
 caused and gave licence to the selerer to he this womannys gostely 
 ifader, and so he hath contynued ever syns, as ferre as I knowe, 
 and resorted unto her at tymes convenyent when he wold hym silf, 
 and tliat by my lord of Caunterburies licens, and most tymes not 
 be myne. The tyme that I have ben acquaynted with her, as I 
 thynke it past not two yeres at the most. Fader Risby, one of 
 the observaunt fFriers, nowe being warden of the place of ffriers in 
 Caunterbury, he was mover and chief causer that I was acquaynted 
 with her. I suppose, and his mocyon had not be, I had never 
 bene acquaynted with her, for my mynde was not to be ffamelyerly 
 acquaynted with women. He shewed unto me that as he thought
 
 20 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 she was a persone moche in the ifavoure of God, and had speciall 
 knowlege of hym in mony thynges, and he thought, and so sayde 
 unto me, that I shuld have moche spirituall comfort in her 
 spekyng. Sith that tyme she hath hyne with me at dyner dyvers 
 seasons, as I suppose vj. or vij. tymes at the most ; and at suche 
 tymes as she hath ben with me she hath showed unto me that 
 dyvers seasons she had revelacions and speciall knowlege ffrom 
 God in certen thynges consernyng my lord of Caunterbury that 
 Avas, my lord cardynall, and also the kynges highnes, consernyng 
 his mariage, so that she sayde if he dyd mary another woman, his 
 grace shuld not rayne kyng past one moneth afterward ; and also 
 she sayde that she had byn with the kynges grace, and showed 
 hym therof two tymes at the lest ; and also she sayde the she had 
 shewed the same unto my lord of Caunterbury, that was my lord 
 Warhain, as I suppose she dyd, for she was meny tymes with 
 hym, and, as the selerer shewed unto me at dyvers seasons, he 
 gave moche credens unto her wordes in suche thynges as she 
 knewe, and surmysed to knowe, that she dyd shewe unto hym. 
 She sayde also that if Almyghty God dyd suffer his grace to 
 rayne kyng, yet he shuld nott be so accepted in the reputacion of 
 God, as she sayde it was shewed unto her by revelacion. Also 
 she hath reported that at the kynges grace being at Calice, a prist 
 there being at masse, the holy sacrement was taken from the awter 
 and brought unto her, the whiche as she sayde she dyd receyve. 
 Also the selerer shewed unto me that she had revelacions con- 
 sernyng the popes holynes ; he sayde that it was shewed unto her 
 that if the pope dyd geve sentence ageyn the quene that then was, 
 Almyghty God wold be displeased with hym, and send plages to 
 hym for it ; what the plages shuld be I cannot tell. I do not re- 
 member that he dyd shewe any unto me. This be the thynges 
 that they dyd speke unto me, and my answer was unto them, 
 ' Thies be mervelus thynges that ye speke of, if they be trewe/ I 
 do not remember that I made them any other answer at any tyme, 
 and this thynges before rehersed I herd onely of them thre, that
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 21 
 
 is of the nun, of the selerer, and of fFader Risby ; and of none 
 other, nether by noo other meanes, but onely by theire spekyng ; 
 for as consernyng the bookes that the selerer dyd write, I dyd 
 never rede them, nor never sawe them but onely when they were 
 delyvered, one of them to Mr. Attorney before his last goyng to 
 London, and the other to John Antony, when he was sent for it, 
 at what tymes I dyd see them, but I dyd not rede apon them, as 
 they can testyfy that dyd receyve them. Also I am suer that the 
 selerer will testifie for me, that he dyd never showe me the booke, 
 nor eny thyng els that he wrote for her, or consernyng the seid 
 nun, but onely one quayer,* the whiche he willed me to rede and 
 to loke uppon, and it was consernyng dyvers that were ded ; one 
 of them was the selerers unkyll, called Master Benet, and one 
 other was a servaunt of our house called Stephen Villers. As he 
 wrote in that quayer, the nun was desired to pray for them, and to 
 knowe what case they were in ; and, as he wrote there, she had 
 knowlege by revelacion that they were in payne, and for what 
 offences they were there, and also what prayers and other goode 
 dedes shuld be don for them to delyver them owte of payne. Hit 
 was also shewed in the same quayer howe she was meny tymes 
 trobeled with her gostely enmy, the Avhiche moved her to incon- 
 tynency, and to unclene levyng. Other specialities I do remem- 
 ber none that I red in the seid quayer ; and moo thynges then 
 this that he wrote for her I never red, nor had in my kepyng at 
 eny tyme, and that I will depose uppon my conciens. And as 
 consernyng suche traunces as she had at Courthopestrete, or els 
 where, I was never present at eny of them. Howbeit as the 
 nunnes of her house do report of her, this vj. or vij. yere she hath 
 be wunt to be sykke abowte the conception (?) of our lady, and to lye 
 thre or iiij. dayes without mete or drynke, as they say ; and the last 
 
 * A quire. The monks and professed scribes wrote their manuscripts in separate 
 pieces, each consisting oi four double leaves, or sixteen pages, and hence called a qua- 
 ternio, whence is derived our modern word qvire. These quaternios or " quayers," 
 were afterwards bound into a volume. The French cahicr appears to have the same 
 origin.
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 yere when she lay so I [was] desired by the selerer and her silf 
 also to see her, and so 1 dyd ; but at that tyme she was nott 
 r . . fFormed nor spake nothyng but as a syke body is wount to do. 
 Other thynges then I have rehersed before I do remember none 
 to vrrlte unto you nowe ; if any other thyng come to my mvnde, I 
 will not fFayle to write unto you, and to sertefie you of the same, 
 by Goddes grace, etc. 
 
 Per me, Thomas prior em Ecclesiee Christi Cantuarie. 
 
 The following petition to the King appears to have been written by the monks of 
 Christ's Church, Canterbury, who feared to be compromised in the affair of Elizabeth 
 Barton. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 PETITION OF THE MONKS OF CANTERBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleopat. E. iv. fol. 81.] 
 
 After our most humble submission and subjection to your 
 gracis majestic, if we had not taken consolacion of the comon fame 
 reporting your majestic to be as full of benignitie, grace, and 
 mercy, as ever was cristened prince reignyng in Englonde, w& had 
 bene not onelie dejected into intollerable sorowe and pensifenes, 
 but had also bene in dispaire to make any supplicacion to your 
 hignes, or to be harde graciouslie in the same. But now, con- 
 sidering your gracis most benigne nature, moche more inclyned to 
 mercy and pitie than to the rigour of justice, we be anymated and 
 set in comforte to humyliate our selfes as prostrate afore your 
 highnes, and to beseche the same to remytte and forget the necli- 
 gences and offences commytted ayenst your grace by certen persons 
 of our congregacion and monasterie, which causith us all most 
 woofuUie to lamente and sorow. And where the demerites of our 
 miserable brother dan Edwarde Bocking, doctour of dyvynitie, be 
 so highe heynous, so grevous, and so displeasaunte to your 
 majestie, that we dare not ones open our lippes to make any 
 prayers or supplicacion to your highenes for hym, yet if it might
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 23 
 
 please your highnes of your most gracious benignitie and naturall 
 goodnes to extende your superaboundant grace uppon hym, lie 
 should have a thousande tymes more cause to lawde, magnyfie, 
 observe, love, and praye for your grace, then they which never 
 offended, acording to the wordes of the gospell, Cuiplus dimitti- 
 tur, plus diligit. Whose temeritie, furious zele, and malicious 
 blynde affection, went aboute, most gracious king, not onely to 
 compase and imagene to let, stoppe, impedite, and sclaunder your 
 gracis mariage and lawfull matrimonye which ye now enyoye to 
 Goddis pleasure, but also, as well before as after your said mariage 
 was concluded and consumate, hath travailed to bring us all into 
 gret suspicion of your highnes, so that we by infection and cor- 
 rupcion of hym might have bene likewise noted of untowarde 
 myndes contrarie to your gracis saide mariage. Of which note of 
 suspicion we be moche desirous to be purged and clered to your 
 highnes ; ffor we thinke verelye that none of us (the said doctour 
 Bocking onelie excepted) hath by wey of preching, teching, or by 
 secret or open communycacion, moved, exhorted, or excited any 
 persone to sey, thinke, or do any thing contrarie to your gracis 
 mariage, afore it was concluded or after. Nevertheles it can not 
 be denyed but that some of us, not many iiT nombre, and speci- 
 ally suche as were brought into our religion by doctour Bocking, 
 beyng of the yonger sorte, have bene enfourmed by the said 
 doctour of certen counterfeyted, false, and most malicious revela- 
 cions, as well concernyng your gracis said mariage, as also other- 
 wise imagened and fayned by the most lyeng and false nonne, late 
 of Saynt Sepulcres in Canterburie, agenst your majestie. And 
 where that any of us have harde, beleved, or conceled the said 
 false revelacions, or any of theme, we be right pensyve and in- 
 wardelie sorye, most humbly beseching your grace of your remys- 
 cion and most mercyfull pardon therfore, promytting unto your 
 majestie that none of us shall never hereafter in worde or dede 
 openlie or pryvatelie do any thing that may sounde or be judged 
 prejudiciall, hurtfull, or contrarie to your gracis said mariage, or 
 the noble issue proceeding of the samej 1)ut shall oblige our selffes.
 
 24 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 our monasterie, and successoursj at all tymes hereafter to be of 
 consonant myndes, wordes, and deades, to the mayntenaunce, 
 supportacion, and determynacion allredy passed by the clergie of 
 both the provynces of your gracis realme, and to the sentence of 
 our most reverend hed, spirituall father, and ordynarie, the 
 archebisshope of Canterburie, pronounced for the strenght, vale- 
 dite, and liefulnes of the said mariage, acording to the lawe of 
 God, as we of dutye ar bounde to doo ; fFor gret folic it were, 
 most gracious soveraigne, to be imputed unto us, that we being 
 poore simple religeous men, of small lernyng and judgement, 
 shoulde presume to thinke or sey any thing contrarie to the deter- 
 mynacion of so many singuler and notable lerned men, not onlie 
 of your gracis said clergie of this realme, but also of the most 
 famous clerkes of Cristynde, or contrarie to the difFynytyve sen- 
 tence of our said spirituall hedd and father, to whose judgement 
 we gyve full feith and credence, as membres conforme to our said 
 hedd, and to the body of your gracis said convocacions. Which 
 we holy promyse to observe, and for our powers mayntayne and 
 defende, and also contynuallie praye to God Almightie that his 
 goodnes graunte unto your grace long lyf to his pleasure and your 
 hertis desire, and sende your highnes in your said mariage jiros- 
 perous and desiderate yssue, to succede in your realme and to 
 reigne in the same, as many hundreth yeres to come, in honour 
 and felycitie. 
 
 The next letter on this subject is from Roland Lee (afterwards bishop of Coventry 
 and Lichfield, and Lord President of the principality of Wales), and Thomas Bedyll, 
 who was afterwards a very active visitor of the monasteries. It appears that they had 
 been sent to Canterbury to pursue there the examinations relating to the proceedings 
 of the " holy maid." 
 
 IX. 
 
 ROLAND LEE AND THOMAS BEDYLL TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleopat. E. iv. fol. 83.*] 
 
 After our moost hertie commendations, theis shalbe to advertise 
 yow that, God willing, we entend shortly to retorne homeward, ffor
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 25 
 
 we fynd not so greate maters here as we thought we shuld have doen. 
 The crafty nunne kept herself very secrete here, and shewed her 
 marchaundise more openly when she war far from home ; and if 
 she had been as ware in other places as she hath been here, we 
 suppose she had continued in her falshede lenger than she hath 
 doen, whiche was to long. The greatest cause of demore here now, 
 is to accomplisshe certen practises whiche we have devised with 
 the frere observantes of Canterburie, and we trust to bring thaim 
 to some good effect. We tarry also to examine the priour of 
 Hortone,* whiche is detected as a participant of the nunnys revela- 
 tions concernyng the kinges grace reigne and his marriage. We 
 have wreten unto yow that we fere that in caas we shall carry the 
 parson of Aldingtone to Londone agayne now shortly, he wol 
 miscary by the wey, or sone after ; whereupon we desire you to 
 send us your advise. We beseche you to be good maister to 
 John Antony, for he hath shewed as muche kyndnes unto us as a 
 man of his behaviour myght do, and hath always beene diligent to 
 further our causes as myche as he myght. As towelling the 
 monkes of Christes churche whiche bee detected in this mater, 
 whiche be but v. or vj. yong men, whiche have red part of 
 Bokkinges boke of the nunnys revelations, my lord of Cauntre- 
 bury, now being in his visitacion, wol examine thaim at his ley- 
 sure, and therfore we think it shal not be nede for us to tarry 
 upon thair examination, onles ye send us contrary word by this 
 berer, wherin and in other the premisses we desire you to send 
 unto us your mynd at lenght. iFrom Cauntrebury, the x^^ day 
 of December. 
 
 Yower owne, Roland Lee. Evyr your awne, Thomas Bedyll. 
 
 * At Monks' Horton, five miles from Hythe, was a cell of the priory of Lewes. 
 Richard Gloucester, alias Brisley, was its last prior. 
 
 CAMD. SOC.
 
 2G LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 LIST OF THE NUn's GOODS. 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleopat. E. iv. fol. 84.] 
 
 StofFe receyvyd the xvj. day of Februare, of dame Elysabeth 
 Barton, by the handes of the priores of sayent Sepulcres withowt 
 Canterbury, into the handes of John Antony of Canterbury, as 
 her after foloeth. 
 
 fFyrst, a coschyn blade, and one old coschyn, 
 ij. carpettes, whereof one ys cut in to pecys. 
 A old matteres, vij. corsse schettes, a kyverlet and a 
 peyer of blanckettes, with ij. pyllos, and a bolster, 
 ij. platers, iiij. dysches, ij. sausers, and a lyttell 
 basen, wayyng xij't". at iiij^ a lb. wyche my 
 laydy priores hath and payed iiij^. 
 A whyet corter, wych my lady priores hath, and payed xijd. 
 A lyttell old dyaper towell. 
 iij. pylloberes. 
 ij. canstyckes. 
 
 A coet, wyche dame Kateren Wyttsam hath, payed v^. 
 A pece of a plancke for a tabyll. 
 A lyttell chyst. 
 
 StofFe wyche remayneth in the nonnere pertaynyng unto dame 
 Elysabeth Berton, at the request of my lady priores. 
 fFyrst, ij. nyew coschyns, gyven unto the churche. 
 A old mantell, and a kyrtell, unto the yongest nonne. 
 A Yrysche mantell, a colere, with ij. grett 
 
 chystes, and ij. stolys, and a canstycke, to my lady priores. 
 A kyverlet, and a old kyrtell, to dame 
 Alys Colman, at the request of my lady 
 priores.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 27 
 
 It has been already stated that Sir Thomas More and Bishop Fisher were involved 
 in the affair of the " holy maid of Kent: " they were committed to the Tower about 
 the time of her execution, and were both condemned to the scaffold. Fisher was be- 
 headed on the 22nd of June, 1535, and Sir Thomas More suffered on the 6th of the 
 following month. The following is the draught of a letter written by Cromwell to 
 Fisher, before his imprisonment. 
 
 XI. 
 
 CROMWELL TO BISHOP FISHER. 
 [Cotton. MS. Cleopat. E. iv. fol. 85*.] 
 
 My lord, in my right hertie wise I coramende me to your lord- 
 ship, doing you to understand that I have receyved your lettres 
 dated at Rochester the xviij*h day of this moneth, in whiche you 
 declare what craft and cunnyng ye have to persuade and to set a 
 good countenaunce upon all that mater, drawing som scriptures to 
 your purpose whiche, wel weyed acording to the places whereof 
 they be taken, make not so muche for your purpose as ye allege 
 thaim for. And where in the first lefe of your letters, ye write 
 that ye doubt nothing, neither before God nor before the worlde, 
 if nede shal that require, so to declare your self, whatsoever hath 
 beene said of you, that ye have not deserved suche hevy wordes 
 or terrible thretes as hath beene sent from me unto you by your 
 brother. 
 
 How ye can declare your self afFore God and the worlde when 
 nede shal require, I can not tell ; but I think verely that your 
 declaration made by thes lettres is far insufficient to prove that ye 
 have deserved no hevy wordes in this behalf ; and to sey playnly, I 
 sent you no hevy wordes, but wordes of great comforte, wylling 
 your brother to shewe you how benigne and merciful the princewas, 
 and that I thought it expedient for you to write unto his highnes 
 and to recognise your offence and desire his pardon, whiche his 
 grace wold not denye you now in your aige and sikkenes. Whiche 
 my counsel I wold ye had folowed, rather than to have writen thes 
 lettres to me, excusing your self as thoughe there were no maner
 
 28 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 of defaut in you. But, my lord, if it were in an other mannys 
 caas than your owne, and out of the mater whiche ye favor, 1 
 doubt not but that ye wold think him that shuld have doen as ye 
 have doen not only worthy hevy wordes, but also hevy dedys. 
 For wher ye labor to excuse your self of your hering, beleving, and 
 conceling of the nunnys fals and fayned revelations, and of your 
 manyfold sending of your chapeleyn unto her, by a certen intent 
 whiche ye pretende your self to have had to knowe by commonyng 
 with her, or by sending your chapellaine to her, whether her reve- 
 lations were of God or no, alleging diverse scriptures that ye were 
 bound to prove thaim, and not to receve thaim afFore they were 
 proved ; my lord, whether ye have used a due meane to trie her and 
 her revelations, or no, it appereth by the prouflFe of your owne let- 
 tres; fFor wher ye write that ye had conceyved a greate opinion of 
 the holines of this woman for many considerations rehersed in your 
 lettres, comprised in vj. articles, whereof the first is grownde upon 
 the brute and fame of her; The secunde upon her entering into 
 religion after her traunces and disfiguration ; The third upon reher- 
 sall that her gostly father, being lerned and religious, shuld testifie 
 that she was a maide of greate holines; The fourth upon the 
 report that diverse other vertuose prestes, men of good lernyng and 
 reputation, shuld so testifie of her, with whiche gostly father and 
 preestes ye never spake, as ye confesse in your letters ; The fyveth 
 upon the prayses of my late lord of Canterbury, whiche shewed 
 you (as ye write) that she had many greate visions ; The sixt upon 
 this saing of the prophete Amos, Nonfavet Dominus Deibs verbum, 
 nisi revelaverit secretum suum ad servos suos prophetas ; by whiche 
 considerations ye were induced to the desire to know the very 
 certente of this mater, whether thes revelations whiche were pre- 
 tended to be shewed to her from God were true revelations or 
 nott. Your lordship in al the sequell of your lettres shewe not 
 that ye made no forther trial upon the trueth of her and her reve- 
 lations, but only in commonyng with her, and sending your chapel- 
 laine to her with idle questians, as of the thre Mary Magdelens.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 29 
 
 By whiche your conversing and sending, ye tried out no thing of 
 her falshed, nouther (as it is credibly supposed) entended to do, 
 as ye myght have doen many weyes more easely than with 
 commonyng with her or sending to her ; for htel credens was to 
 be gyven to her affirmyng her owne fayned revelations to be frome 
 God. ffor if credense shuld be gyven to every suche lewd person 
 as wold affirme him self to have revelations from Good, what 
 redyer wey wer ther to subvert al common welths and good 
 orders in the world ? 
 
 Verely, my lord, if ye had entended to trie out the trueth of her 
 and of her revelations, ye wold have taken another wey with you. 
 First, ye wold not have beene contented with the vayne voyces of 
 the peple making brutes of her traunses and disfigurations, but 
 like a wise, discrete, and circumspect prelate, ye shuld have 
 examined (as other have) suche sad and credible persons as wer 
 present att her traunsces and disfigurations ; not one or two, 
 but a good number, by whoes testimony ye shuld have proved 
 whether the brutes of her traunces and disfigurations were true 
 or not. And likwise ye shuld have tried by what craft and 
 persuasion she was made a religious woman. And if ye had 
 beene so desirous as ye pretende to enquire out the trueth or 
 falshed of this woman and of her revelations, it is to be sup- 
 posed ye wold have spoken with her godd, religious, and wel 
 lerned gostly father or this tyme, and also with the vertuose 
 and wel lerned preestes (as they were estemed), of whoes rea- 
 portes ye wer informed by thaim whiche herd thaim speke ; ye 
 wold also have beene mynded to se the booke of her revela- 
 tions which was ofFerd you, of whiche ye myghte have had more 
 trial of her and of her revelations than of a hundred communica- 
 tions with her, or of as many sendinges of your chapellen unto 
 her. As for the late lord of Cauntreburys seyng unto you that 
 she had many greate visions, it ought to move you never a deale 
 to gyve credence unto her or her revelations ; fFor the said lord 
 knew no more certente of her or of her revelations than ye dyd
 
 30 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 by her owne reaport. And as towelling the saing of Amos the 
 prophet, I think veryly the same moved you but a Htell to herkyn 
 unto her; for sythe the consummation and thendeof tholde testa- 
 ment, and sythens the passion of Christ, God haithe doen many 
 greate and notable thinges in the worle, whereof he shewed no 
 thing to his prophetes that hath commen to the knowlege of men. 
 My lord, all thes thinges moved you not to gyve credence unto 
 her, but only the very mater whereupon she made her fals pro- 
 ficyes, to whiche mater ye were so affected (as ye be noted to be 
 on al maters whiche ye enter ons into), that no thing could come 
 amysse that made for that purpose. 
 
 And here I appelle your conscience, and instantly desire you to 
 answer, whether if she had shewed you as many revelations for 
 the confirmation of the kinges graces mariage whiche he now 
 enjoyeth, as she did to the contrary, ye wold have gyven as 
 muche credence to her as ye have doen, and wold have let the 
 trial of her and of her revelations to overpasse thes many yeres, 
 where ye dwelt not from her but xx. mylys, in the same shire, 
 where her traunces and disfigurances and prophecyes in her 
 traunses were surmised and countrefeyted. And if per caas ye wol 
 sey (as is not unlike but ye wol sey, mynded as ye were wont to 
 be) that the maters be not like, for the law of God in your opinion 
 standeth with the one and not with thother ; suerly, my lord, I 
 suppose this had beene no greate cause more to reject the one 
 than the other, for ye know by histories of the Bible that God 
 may by his revelation dispense with his owne law, as with the 
 Israelites spoylingthe Egiptians, and with Jacob to have iiij. wifes, 
 and suche other. 
 
 Think you, my lord, that any indifferent mann, considering the 
 qualite of the mater and your affection, and also the negligent 
 passing over of suche lawful trialles as ye myght have had of the 
 said nunne and her revelations, is so dull, that can not perceyve 
 and discerne that your commonyng and often sending to the said 
 nun was rather to here and know more of her revelations, than to
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 31 
 
 trie out the trueth or falshed of thes same ? And in this behalfe 
 I suppose it wolbe hard for you to purge your selfe before God or 
 the worle, but that ye have beene in greate defaut herin, belevyng 
 and conceling suche thinges as tended to the destruction of the 
 prince. And that her revelations were bent and purposed to that 
 ende, it hath beene duely proved aiFore as greate assembly and 
 counsel of the lordes of this realme as hath beene scene many yeres 
 heretofore out of a parliament. And what the said lordes demed 
 thaim worthy to suffer, whiche herd, beleved, and conceled thees 
 fals revelations, be more terrible than any thretes spoken by me 
 to your brother. 
 
 And where ye go abought to defende that ye be not to be 
 blamed for conceling her revelations concernyng the kinges grace, 
 bicause ye thought it not necessary to reherse thaim to his high- 
 nes for vij. causes fFolowing in yourlettres, affore I she we you my 
 mynde concernyng thees causes, I suppose that, albeit ye percaas 
 thought it not necessary to be shewed to the prince by you, yet 
 that your thinking shal not be your triall, but the law must diffine 
 whether ye owghte to utter it or not. 
 
 And as to the first of said v'ij causes : albeit she told you that 
 she had shewed her revelations concernyng the kinges grace to 
 the king her self, yet her seyng or others discharged not you but 
 that ye were bound by your fidelite to shewe to the kinges grace 
 that thing whiche semed to concerne his grace and his reigne so 
 nyghly ; for how knew you that she shewed thes revelations to 
 the kinges grace but by her owne seyng, to whiche ye shuld have 
 gyven no suche credence as to forbere the utterance of so greate 
 maters concernyng a kinges welth ? And why shuld you so sinis- 
 terly judge the prince, that if ye had shewed thes same unto 
 him he wold have thought that ye had brought that tale unto him 
 more for the strenghing and confirmation of your opinion then 
 for any other thing els ? Veryly, my lord, whatsoever your 
 judgement bee, I se dayly such benignite and excellent humanite 
 in his grace, that I doubt not but his highness wold have ac-
 
 32 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 cepted it in good part, if ye had shewed the same revelations unto 
 him, as ye were bounden to do by your fidelite. 
 
 To the secunde cause : Albeit she shewed you not that any 
 prince or other temporal lord shuld put the kinges grace in danger 
 of his crowne, 3'et there were weyes inowghe by whiche her said 
 revelations myght have put the kinges grace in daunger, as the 
 foresaid counsel of lordes have substancially and dewly considered. 
 And therefor, albeit she shewed you not the meanes whereby the 
 daynger shuld ensue to the kinge, yet ye were neverthelesse 
 bounden to shew him of the daunger. 
 
 To the third : think you, my lord, that if any person wold come 
 unto you and shewe you that the kinges destruction were con- 
 spired against a certen tyme, and wold ferther shewe you that he 
 Avere sent from his maister to shewe the same to the king, and wol 
 sey ferther unto you that he wold go streyct to the king, were it not 
 yet your duety to certifie the kinges grace of this revelation, and 
 also to inquire whether the said person had doen his foresaid 
 message or no ? Yes verely, and so were ye bound, though the 
 nunne shewed you it was her messaige from God to be declared 
 by her to the kinges grace. 
 
 To the iiijtlie: here ye translate the temporal duety that ye owe 
 to your prince to the spiritual duety of suche as be bounde to 
 declare the worde of God to the peple, and to shewe unto them 
 the perill and punisshement of syne in an other worle, the concele- 
 ment whereof perteyneth to the judgement of God, but the con- 
 celement of this mater perteyneth to other judges of this realme. 
 To the v^^»: ther wuld no blame be anexed to you, if ye had 
 shewed the nunnys revelations to the kinges grace, albeit they 
 were afterward found fals ; for no man owght to be blamed doing 
 his duety. And if a man wold shewe you secretly that there were 
 a greate mischief entended against the prince, were ye to be 
 blamed if ye shewed him of it, albeit it were afayned tale, and the 
 said mischief were never imagined ? 
 
 To the sixt, concernyng an imagination of master Pacy : it was
 
 SUPPRESSldN OF MONASTERIES. 33 
 
 ktlowdn that he was beside him selfe, and therefore they were not 
 blamed that made no report thereof. But it Avas not lik in this 
 caas, ffor ye toke not this nunne for a mad woman ; for, if ye had, 
 ye wokl not have gyven unto her so greate credence as ye dyd. 
 
 To the final and vijt'> cause, where ye lay unto the charge of 
 our soveraine, that he hath unkyndly entreated yow with grevous 
 wordes and terrible letters for shewing his grace trowthe in this 
 greate mater, whereby ye were disafected to shewe unto him the 
 nunnys revelations : I beleve that I know the kinges goodnes and 
 natural gentilnes so well, that his grace wokl not so unkyndly 
 handle you as you unkyndly write of him, onles ye gave him other 
 causes than be expressed in your letter. And whatsoever the 
 kinges grace hath sayed or writen unto you heretofore, yet that 
 notwithstonding ye were neverthelesse bounden to utter to him 
 tlies pernicious revelations. 
 
 Finally, where ye desire for the passion of Christ that ye be no 
 more quykkened in this mater, for if ye be put to that straite ye 
 wyl not lose your soule, but ye wyl speke as your conscience 
 ledeth yow, with many moo wordes of greate curraige : my lord, 
 if ye had taken my counsel sent unto you by your brother, and 
 folotved the same, submitting your selfe by your letter to the 
 kinges grace for your offensis in this behalf, I would have trusted 
 that ye shuld never be quykkened in this mater more. But now, 
 where ye take upon yow to defie the hole mater, as ye were in no 
 default, I can not so far promisse you. And suerly, my lord, if 
 the mater come to triall, your owne confession in thes lettres, be- 
 sides the wittnes Avhich ar against you, wolbe sufficient to con- 
 demne yow ; wherefor, my lord, I wol eftsones advise you that, 
 leyng apart al suche excuses as ye have alleged in your letters, 
 whiehe in my opinion be of smal effect, as I have declared, ye beseche 
 the kinges grace by your letters to be your gracious lord, and to 
 remitte unto you your negligence, oversight, and offence com- 
 mitted against his highnes in this behalf, and I dare undertake 
 that his highnes shal beningnely accepte yow into his gracious 
 
 CAMD. see. F
 
 34 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 favor, al mater of dyspleasere past aiforc this tyme forgoten and 
 forgyven. 
 
 As towelling tlic spekiag of your conscience, it is thought that 
 ye have writen and have spoken as muche as ye can, and many 
 thinges (as som right probably beleve) against your owne con- 
 science. And men report that at the last convocation ye spake 
 many thinges whiche ye could not wel defende, and therefor it is 
 not greatly fcrede what ye can sey or write in that mater, how- 
 soever ye hee quykkened or strayted, and if ye had taken, etc. 
 
 It appears that other of the monks and friars concerned in these plots against the 
 King's marriage were indulged with visions, as well as Elizabeth Barton. The two 
 following letters are curious specimens of their strange revelations. The first is from 
 a monk of the Charter House. 
 
 u/i^i tL^ i^mM. ■>url: J^i<^t. XII. 
 
 VISION OF JOHN DARLEY 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 129.] 
 
 M'^ That I, John Darlay, monke of the Charterhous besyde Lon- 
 don, had in my tyme licence to say service with a fiather of our reli- 
 gion, named fFather Raby, a very old man, in so moch when he ftell 
 seke and lay apon hys deth bed, and after the tyme he was anelede 
 and had rccevyd all the sacrament of the church in the presens of all 
 the covent, and whan all they war departed, I sayde unto hym, 
 " good ffather Kaby, yff the dede man come to the qwyke, I be- 
 such yow to com to me," and he said, " yea," and mediately he 
 dyed the same nyghte, wich was in the clansyng days last past, 
 anno xv'^xxxiiij. An sens that I never dede thynke apon hym to 
 saynt Jhon day Baptist last past. 
 
 Item, the same day at v. of the cloke at after none, I beyng in 
 contemjilacion in our entre in our ssell, sodanly he appered unto 
 me in a monkes habyt, and said to me, " Avhhy do ye not fl'oloAV
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 35 
 
 our fFather?"* and I sayd, " qwherftbr?^' He saytl, " 'for he is 
 marter in hevyn next unto angelles." And I said, " wlier be all 
 our other fathers wich died as well [as] he ?" He answer and said, 
 " they be well, but nat so well as he." And than I said to bym, 
 " fFather, how do ye?" And he answerd and said, "well 
 enought." And I said, " flfather, shall I pray ffor yow?" and he 
 said, " I am well enowght, but prayer both for yow an other doith 
 good." And so sodanly vanyushd away. 
 
 Item, upon Saturday next after, at v. of the clocke in the morn- 
 ynge, in the same place in our entre, he appered to me agayne 
 with a lange whyte herd, and a whyte staff in his hand, lyftynge 
 it up ; wherapon I was aifrayd, and than lenynge apon his staff 
 sayd to me, " I am sory that I lived not to I had ben a marter." 
 And I said, " I thinke ye be as well as ye war a marter." And he 
 sayd, Nay, ffor my lord of Rochester and our fFather -was next unto 
 angelles in hevyn. And than I said, "fFather, what elles?" 
 x\nd than he answerd and sayd, " the angelles of pease ded 1am- 
 ment and murne withowt mesur ;" and so vanyushed away. 
 
 Written by me, John Darly, nionke of the Carterhows, the xxvij"' clay off June, 
 the yere of our lord Good as afforsaid. 
 
 The date of the following letter is somewhat uncertain ; but the bishops of Canter-, 
 bury, Salisbury, and Worcester seem to have been Cranmer, Shaston, and Latimer ; 
 so that it may be placed in the March of 1535 or 153G. It is placed here on account 
 of its connection with the foregoing, by the vision story at the commencement ; and it 
 will serve as a curious description of the feelings of the King and the reformers towards 
 the monks just before the dissolution of their houses. Latimer's sermon at St. Paul's 
 Cross is particularly characteristic of the sudden change ^Yhich had taken place since 
 his preaching at Bristol. The bishop of Rochester, who inhibited confession at the 
 Cratched Friars, was John Hilsey, originally a friar of Bristol, already mentioned. 
 The bishop of London was John Stokeslcy, who was not one of the reforming bishops, 
 having been appointed to the see as early as 1 -"iSO. 
 
 * Probably he alludes to John Houghton, the prior of the Charter-house, who had 
 been hanged and quartered at Tyburn, on the 27th of April, for refusing to acknow- 
 ledge the King' J supremacy.
 
 36 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 XIII. 
 
 LETTER or THOMAS DORSET. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 110.] 
 
 To the right worshipfull Mr. Horsewell, maiour, Mr. Elyete, Mr. Hawkyns, and 
 William Aishrygh, of Plommourthe, theire bownden and beholdyn Thomas Dorset, 
 curate of S. Margarete in Lothbury in London, sendith gretyng and good heltlie in 
 our Lord Jesu Criste. Amen. 
 
 On the morowe after that master Hawkins departed from hens, 
 I havyng nothyng to doo, as an idler went to Lambhethe to the 
 byshopis place, to see what newis ; and I toke a wliery at Pawlis 
 wharfFe, Avherin also was allredye a doctour, namyd doctour 
 Creukehorne, which was sent for to come to the byshope of Can- 
 terbury. And he before the iij. byshopis of Canterbury, of Wor- 
 cetre, and Salesbury, confessed that he was rapte into heven, 
 where he see the Trinite settyng in a pall, or mantell, or cope (call 
 it Avhat you please), of blew color, and from the midle upward 
 they were thre bodyes, and from the midle were they closid all 
 thre into on bodye, they Avere but on, havyng also but ij. feete 
 nor but ij. legges; and he spake with ourladye, and she toke hym 
 bye the hande, and bad hym serve her as he had doon in tyme 
 passed, and bad hym to preche aborde that she wold be honorid 
 at Eppiswhiche and at Willisdon* as she hath bee in old tymes, 
 ne forte: this he said he wolde abyde bye. Then my lord of Can- 
 terbury apposed hym nerre, and he made but weke aunswer, and 
 was bade to departe and come agayne the second day aftre. So 
 did he; but at the laste he denyed his vision. Then he wold 
 prove purcatory by a certayne vers in the Saulter, but when it 
 was betin well to him he cowld nott byde bye it. The byshope 
 
 * At Ipsv.ich and Willesdon there were images of the Virgin, which were objects of 
 great reverence in Popish times. Saunderus, De Schismate Anglicano, mentions 
 them : — " Sic et populus Christianus in Anglia ad certa loca sacra (in quibus B. Vir- 
 ginis aliaeque sanctorum statute fuerunt erectse, et operibus Dei mirandis honorabiles 
 demonstratse) orationis ergo ascendebat, cujusmodi tunc erant Walsinghamum, Ipsvicus, 
 Vigornia, Vilsedonum, Cantuaria, et alia ejusmodi, quw omnia Cromvellus disjecit et 
 deformavit."
 
 SUPPRESSION OP MONASTERIES. 37 
 
 asked hym what sholcl move hym to take handefaste bye that 
 place. ''■ Mom," quod he^ " My lord of London saide that it made 
 well for it. What place in the Saulter it was, I can nott tell." 
 
 Then was there on Lamberte* within a yij^i^ dayes and lesse 
 aftre that, whiche was detecte of herysie to the iij. byshopis; his 
 articles was this, that it was syn to pray to saintis. Then came 
 he to his aunswer, and the thre byshopis cowld nott saye that it 
 was necessari or nedefull, but he myght nott make syn of it ; and 
 yf he wolde agree to that, he myght have byn goon bye and bye, 
 but he wold nott. Then was he comaunded to ward in the porter 
 logde, and remayne there from that Monday tyll Frydaye nyght. 
 Then he was sett at large to goo whether he wolde. He came 
 thether bapke agayne the morow to knowe the byshopes pleasure, 
 whether he were all free or nott, and then theie apposid hym 
 agayne, and he byde bye it, yet cowde they fynde it bye no scrip- 
 ture that we owght to do it. The byshope of Worcetre was most 
 extreme agaynst hym, so was he sent to ward agayne. And on the 
 next mornyng, which was Sondaye, they sent bothe hym and his 
 articles to my lord chauncellour, and there he remaynyth in prison 
 yet. My lord of Northefolk, the erle of Essex, and the cowntes 
 of Oxfforthe, wrate to this byshopis agaynst hym, and for that 
 cause men suppose they handelid hym so to please theym to geate 
 favor, which thyng bathe within thys litle whyle don great hurt 
 to the truthe, but what shall come of hym God knowith onlye. 
 
 Doctour Heyms prechithe before the kyng, as he is appoyntid, 
 every Wedynsday this Lent, and on Wedynsday in the Ymbre he 
 saide in his sermone that God bathe brought the truthe of his 
 worde to light, and princis be the ministeris of it to gyve co- 
 maundement that it shold goo forward, and yet is no thynge re- 
 garded and make of hym but a Cristmas kyng. On Tewisdaye 
 the same weke the byshope of Rochestre came to the Cruched 
 Fryers, and inhihite a doctour and iij. or iiij. mo to byre confes- 
 sionis, and soe in Cardmaker, and oder in their placis. Then came 
 
 * This Lamberte was afterwards burnt in Smithfield for heresy.
 
 38 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 the byshope of Londonis uparitor, came and raylid on tliother 
 1>yslioi)e, and saide that he nor no suche as he is shall have juris- 
 diccion within his lordes precincte. Then was the byshope 
 of London sent for on Thursday to make aunswer to it, but he 
 was sike and myght nott com. Then on Fryday the clergye sate 
 on it in the convocation howse at after-non a long tyme, and lafte 
 of till anodre daye, and the meane tyme all men that have takyn 
 any hurt, losse, or wrong at his hande, must bryng in their byllis 
 and shall have recompence. 
 
 On Sondaye last the byshope of Worcetre preched at Paulis 
 Crosse, and he saide that byshopis, abbatis, prioris, parsonis, can- 
 nonis resident, pristis, and all, were stronge thevis, ye dukis, lordis, 
 and all ; the kyng, quod he, made a marvelles good acte of parlia- 
 ment that certayne men sliolde sowe every of theym ij. acres of 
 liempe, but it were all to litle, were it so moche more, to hange the 
 thevis that be in England. Byshopis, abbatis, with soche other, 
 shold not have so many servauntes, nor so many dysshes, but to 
 goo to their first foundacion, and kepe hospitalytie to fede the 
 nedye people, not jolye felowis with goldyn chaynes and velvet 
 gownys, ne let theym not onis come into the howsis of religioun 
 for repaste ; let theym call, knave byshope, knave abbat, knave 
 prior, yet fede non of tlieym all, nor their horses, nor their doggis, 
 nor y'e[t] sett men at lybertye ; also to eteileshe and whit mete in 
 Lent, so that it be don without hurtyng of weke consciences, and 
 without sedition, and lykewise on Frydaye and all dayes. The 
 byshope of Canterbury scythe that the kinges grace is at a full 
 poynte for fryers and chavmtry pristis, that they shall awaye all 
 that, savyng tho that can preche. Than one saide to the byshope 
 that they had good trust that they shold serve ftbrthe there lytFe 
 tymes, and he saide they shulde serve it out at cart then, for any 
 other service they shold have bye that. 
 
 On Saterdaye in the Ymbre M'eke the kinges grace came in 
 amonge the burgesis of the parliament, and deiyvered theym a bille, 
 and bade theym loke upon it and waye it in conscience, for he 
 wold nott, he saide, have theym passe on it nor on any other
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 39 
 
 thyng because his grace gevith in the bill, but they to see yf it be 
 for a comyn wele to his subjectis, and have an eye thetherwarde. 
 And on Wedynsdaye next he Avill be there agayne to here their 
 myndes. Ther sbalbe a proviso made for poore people. The gayUs 
 shalbe ryde, the faultye shall dye, and the odre shalbe acquyte 
 ])ye proclamacion or bye jure, and shalbe sett at libertie, and paye 
 no fees ; and sturdye beggaris and suche prisonars as can nott be 
 sett a worke, shalbe sett a worke at the kynges charge, somme at 
 Dover, and somme at the place where the water hathe broken in on 
 the londe, and other mo placis. Then yf they fall to idelnes, tho 
 idelers shalbe had before a justice of peace and his fawte writen ; 
 then yf he be takyn idle agayne in another place, he shalbe knowne 
 where his dwellyng is, and so at the second menycion he shalbe 
 burnyd in the hande; and yf he fayle the iij''^ tyme, he shall dye 
 for it. This saide burgis of the parliament. Men sayd that the 
 sayntuary shall, aftre this settyng of the parliament, hold no man 
 for dett, morder, nor felenye, nor for none other cause, nor West- 
 mester, nor S. Martyns, nor seint Kateryns, nor none other sain- 
 tuary. Other newis knowe I none, as knowith our Lord, who 
 ever kepe us all. Writen in haste, the xiij*'' day of Marche, hy 
 your owne to his litle power. 
 
 It has been already stated that the Charter-house in London and the religious houses 
 at Richmond, Syon, and Greenwich had been involved in the affair of the Maid of Kent, 
 and had distinguished themselves by their opposition to the measures of the King. 
 They thus became the first of the religious houses that were subjected to a reforming 
 visitation, and some of the monks and nuns were treated with great harshness and 
 severity. The following five letters, all written apjiarently in the year 1535, relate to 
 these visitations. Thomas Bedyll and Richard Layton were both of them afterwards 
 very active visitors of the monasteries, as we shall see a little further on. 
 
 The Charter-house (a name known at present by the celebrated school established 
 on its site) was founded in the reign of Edward III. by the famous soldier Sir Walter 
 Manny ; its site was selected by him originally to serve for a burial place in the fearful 
 l)lague of 1319-50, and about 50,000 bodies are said to have been interred there during
 
 40 L^f^ERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 its continilance. It afterwards became a monastery of Carthusians. A considel-able 
 number of the Cliarter-house monks refused obstinately to acknowledge the king's 
 supremacy: John Houghton, the prior, was executed on the 27th April, ISSS ; two 
 others, William Exmewe and Sebastian Newdigate, suffered on the 18th of June 
 following ; and Richard Bere, John IDavy, Thomas Johnson, Thomas Green, Thomas 
 Shryne, Walter Pierson, Robert Salt, Thomas Redyng, and William HorU) were 
 executed on the 4th of August, ^n- urktm. li^> jo.! tdA:t<n- ka,) *« k,trt-J, -^/^ . 
 liuJ: JCr-fU, £.cU..iLyt^. I. ^zff, jtu.ic^ iL- ^.^Uj, iLlL^-cfJrLf . -^-t ^^,/>./6z. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 BBDYLL TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. vi. fol. 252.] 
 
 Pleace it you to understand^ that on Tuesday furthtvitli upon my 
 departure from you I repaired to the Charter-house, and had 
 with me diverse bokes and annotations bothe of myne owne and 
 others against the primacy of tlie bisshope of Rome, and also of 
 sainct Peter, declaring evidently the equalite of the apostelles by 
 the law of God. And after long communication more than on 
 howre and a half with the vicar and procurater of the house, I 
 left thoes bokes and annotations with thaim, that they shuld se 
 the holy scriptures and doctors thereupon concernyng the said 
 maters, and thereupon reforme theim selves acordingly; And 
 yesterday they sent me the said bokes and annotations againe 
 home to my house by a servant of thairs, without any word or 
 Avriting. Wherfor I sent to the procurater to com and speke with 
 me, seiiig I kept my bed bi reason of siknes, and could not com to 
 him. And at his commyngj I demaunded of him whether he and 
 the vicar and other of the sennors had seen or herd the said an- 
 notations, or perused the titles of the bokes making moOSt for 
 the said maters. And he aunswerd that the vicar and he and 
 Nudigat had spent the tynie upon thaim tyl ix. or x. of the clok at 
 nyght, and that they saw nothing in thaim Avherby they M'er 
 moved to alter thair opinion. I than declared to him the daingor 
 of his opinion, whiche was like to be the destruction of thaim and 
 thair house for ever ; and as far as I could perceyve by my com-
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 41 
 
 munication with the vicar and procurator on Tuesday, and with 
 the procurater yesterday, they be obstinatly determined to suffer 
 al extremites rather than to alter thair opinion, regarding no more 
 the dethe of thair father in word or countenaunce than he wer 
 leving and conversant among thaim. I also demaunded of the 
 procurater whether the residue of his bretheren wer of like opinion, 
 and he aunswerd he was not suer, Ijut he thought the Aver al of 
 one mynd. I shewed him that I thought that the spirit whiche 
 appered affor God, and seyed he wold be a fals spirite in the 
 mouthes of al the prophetes of Acab, had inspired thaim and 
 sowed thys obstinacy in thaim. Finally I suppose it to be thewyl 
 of God, that as thair religion had a simple begynnyng, so in this 
 realme it shal have a strainge ende, procured by thaim selfes and 
 by none others. And albeit they pretend holines in this behalf, 
 suerly the ground of thair said opinion is hypocrisy, vayne glory, 
 confederacy, obstinacy, to thentent they may be seen to the worle, 
 or specially to suche as have confidence in thaim, more feythful 
 and more constant than any other. From Aldergate strete, this 
 mornyng of Ascention day. I am so trobyld with the fever, that 
 I am fayne to kepe my house. 
 
 By your owne, 
 
 Thomas Bedyll. 
 
 XV. 
 
 ROLAND LEE * AND BEDYLL TO CROMWELL, 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleopat. E. iv, fol. 10.] 
 
 Please it yow to understande, that on Saterday lastc aboute vj. 
 of the clock we receyved your lettres by the provynciall of tlie 
 
 * Roland Lee had been one of the King's chaplains, and performed the marriage cere- 
 mony between the King and Anne Boleyn : in ir)34 he had been made Bishop of Co- 
 ventry and Lichfield, and the King also conferred upon him the presidency of the 
 council of Wales. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. G
 
 42 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 Augustyn ifriersj according to the ■which lettres we tooke our 
 journey ffurthwithe towardcs Richernount, and came thither be- 
 twixte X. and xj. at night, and in the mornyng fFolowing we had 
 ffirst comunication with the warden and oon of the seniors named 
 Sebastian^ and after with the hole convent, and moved them by 
 all the raeanes and policies that we coulde devise to consent to the 
 articles de.lyvered unto us l)y the saide provynciall, and requyred 
 the confirmation of them by their convent scale ; which warden 
 and convent shewed them selfes very untowarde in that behalfe, 
 and theruppon we were fforced to move the convent to putt the 
 matter holly in the arbitrement of theire senyours, otherwise named 
 distrettes, which were but iiij. in nomber, and that they iiij. havyng 
 flFull auctoritie to consent or dissent ffor them all, and in the name 
 of them all, shulde meate us at Grenewiche this day in the 
 mornyng, and bring their convent scale with them ; and so they 
 did. And when we came to Grenewich we exhorted the convent 
 likewise to putt the hole mattier in the handes of their seniors, or 
 distrettes, to thentent to avoide superfluouse woordes and idle 
 reasonyng, and specially to thentent that if the distrettes shulde 
 refuse to consent, it were better after our myndes to strayne a 
 ffewe then a multytude. But at Grenewiche we coulde in no wise 
 obteyne to have the mattier put in the distrettes handes and arbi- 
 trement, but the convent stiffely affyrmed that wher the mattier 
 concerned perticulerly every oone of their soules, they Avolde aun- 
 swere perticulerly every man ffor hym self. And when, after 
 muche reasonyng and debating, we I'equyred to have their ffinall 
 and determynatt aunswer, Avhich we demaunded of every oone of 
 them perticulerly, we ffounde them in oone mynde of contradic- 
 tion and dissent ffrom the saide articles, but specially agaynst this 
 artycle, Quod episcopus Romanus nildlo inajoris neqiie auctoritatis 
 aut jurisdictionis liahendus sit quam ceteri quivis episcopi in Aiiglia 
 vel alibi gentium in sua quisque diocesi. And the cause of their 
 dissent, as they saide, was by reason that that article was clerely 
 agaynst their professyon and the rules of sayncte Frauncis, in
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MOXASTERIES. 43 
 
 which rules it is thus v\Tytten (as they shewed unto us) : Ad hec 
 per ohedientiam injungo ministris ut petunt a domino papa imunt 
 de sande Romans ecclesie cardinuJibus, qui sit gubernator, pro- 
 tector, et corrector istius fraternitatis, ut semj^er subditi et subjecti 
 pedibus sancte ecclesie ejusdem stabiles in fide cathoUca pauperta- 
 tem et hinnilitatem, et secundum Evangelitwi Domini nostri Jesu 
 Christi, quod firmiter promisimus observemus. Wherunto thre 
 auiiswers : First, that saincte Frauncis and his brethern at the 
 beginnyng were dwellyng in Itahe undre the obedience of the bis- 
 shoppe of Rome, as all monkes not exempte be undre the obe- 
 dience of the bisshoppe off Canterbury, and therfore it were no 
 marvaile that saincte Frauncis wolde his brethern to be obedient 
 to the bisshoppe of Rome, being their prelate ; at which tyme of 
 sayncte Frauncis, and long after, ther were none of his ordre in 
 Englonde, and therfore tliies woordes wer not ment by ffriers of 
 Englonde. The seconde aunswere that we made was this, that 
 the chapiter of saincte Frauncis rule which they alleyge makith 
 mention of mynystres, and that they shulde desyer of the pope to 
 have oone of the cardynalles which shulde be governer, protec- 
 tour, and correctour of their brotherhode; and we shewed them that 
 in our opynyon that chapiter was, no parte of saincte Frauncis 
 rule, but was fforged sythens and planted into the same by some 
 ambicious ff[ri]ar of that ordre, fTor, as we supposed, the name of 
 mynystres was not founde out or spoken of when their rule was 
 confyrmed ; and it is to be thought that saincte Frauncis, being 
 a holy man, was desyrous to have a cardynall to governe and cor- 
 recte his brethern. Thirdely, we affyrmed unto them that they 
 were the kinges subjectes, and that by the lawe of God they 
 owed him their entier obedience; and that the pope and saincte 
 Frauncis and they them selves, with their vowes, othes, or profes- 
 sions, coulde take away not oone jote of the obedience which they 
 owe to the kinge by Goddis lawe. And we shewed them that none 
 of the kinges subjectes coulde submytte himself or beare obedience 
 to any other prynce or prelate, without the kinges consent. And
 
 44 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 if he did, he did the kingcs grace greate iiijurye, and offendid God, 
 breakyng his lawes commaunding obedience towardes prynces. 
 And in this behalf M'e shewed that the king, being a christen 
 prynce, was a spirituall man, and that obedience which they owed 
 to the kinge Ijy Goddes lawe was a spirituall obedience and in 
 spirituall causes ; ffor they wolde l)e obedient but only in tem- 
 porall causes. But all this reason coulde not synke into their ob- 
 stinatt heddes and worne in custome of obedience of the pope. 
 All)eit we fFurther declared unto them that bothe archebissoppes 
 of this realme, the bisshoppes of London, Wynchcster, Duresme, 
 ]3aihe, and all other prelattes and heddes, and all the ftamouse 
 clerkes of this realme, have subscrybed to this conclusyon, Quod 
 liomanus j^ontifex non huhet mnjoremjarisdiciionem ex sacris Uteris 
 in hoc regno Anglie quam quivis alius externvs epiacopus. All this 
 notwithstanding, their conclusion was, they had professed saincte 
 Frauncis religion, and in the observance therof they wolde lyve 
 and dye. Sory we be we can not bring them to no better fframe 
 and ordre in tliis behalf, as our ftaithfull myndes was to doo, fTor 
 the accomplishment of the kinges pleasure. From the iVJylcs 
 cnde, the xv^^l' day of June. 
 
 By yower assurydly, Roland Co. et Licii. 
 
 Your owne, Thomas Beuyll. 
 
 To master Secretary. 
 
 XVI. 
 BEDYLL to CROIMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cleop. E. vi. fol. IGR.] 
 
 After my moost due thankes and hcrtie commendations unto 
 you, I do you to understand that, as it Avas agreed bytwixt you 
 and me at your departing, I have deliverd al maister Dr. Fysshcrs 
 bookes late bisshope of Rochester, devised by him in the defense
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 45 
 
 of the kinges grace first unlawful marriage and against liis secund 
 lawful marriage, to my lord of Cauntrcbury, to l^e seen and vreyed 
 by him and suche as gyve attendance on him at this tyme for 
 thaunswer to be made to Cocleus* boke and others, trustiiig that 
 my said lord and the said other lerned men wol make so substan- 
 cial aunswer to the said M. Fisshcrs books and the seid others, that 
 not only the peple of this tyme, Initalso suche as shal rede the said 
 aunswers at al tymes hereafter, shall wel perceyve thereby that al 
 the kinges procedinges in thoes maters have been grownded upon 
 good reasons and auctorites founded in the law of God, which 
 his grace was bounden in conscience to folow, notwithstanding 
 any other assertion or intelligence. 
 
 I have also been at Syon sith your departing with my lord of 
 London, Avhere we have found the lady abbas and susters as 
 conformable in every thing as myght l^e devised. And as towch- 
 ing the father confessor and ffather Cursone (Avhiche be the saddest 
 men ther and best learned) they shewed thaimselfes like honest 
 men; and I think the confessor wol now on Sonday next in his 
 sermon make due mension of the kinges title of supreme hed, 
 acording as he is commaunded. What towardnes or intowardnes 
 we have seen in som other of the brethern there, I wol informe 
 vou at your retorne to Londone, and omitte it now bicause I have 
 som hope that by the wiscdome of the father confessor and father 
 Cursone the residue shal shortly be brought to good conformite. 
 And if not, there be two of the brethern must be weded out, 
 whiche be sumwhat sediciose, and have labored busily to infect 
 tliair felowes with obstinacy against the kinges said title. 
 
 I had the father confessor alone in the very secrete comunica- 
 tion concernyng certen letters of the said M. Fisshers, of whiche 
 father Rainold made mention in his examination, whiche the said 
 Fissher promised the kinges grace that he never shewed to any 
 
 * Cocleus, a German theologian, was one of the foreign writers against the King's 
 divorce from Catharine of Arrai^on,
 
 46 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 other man^ nouther wold. The said confessor hath confessed to 
 me that the said Fissher sent to him, to the said Rainold, and to 
 one other 1)rother of thers decessed, whoes name I rememher not, 
 the copy of liis said letters directed to the hinges grace, and the 
 copie of the hinges aiinswer also, but he hath sworen to me ujDon 
 his hdelite that the said copies tarried not with thaim but one 
 nyght, and that none of his brethern saw thees same 1)ut thees 
 thre affor named. He hath knowleged to me also that the said 
 Fissher sent unto thaim with the said copies a boke of his made in 
 the defense of the hinges grace first marriage, whiche he con- 
 fessed himself to have in his keping, and which he hath willingly 
 deliverd unto me, and also Abels booke, and one other booke made 
 by the emperour his ambassitor (as I suppose). 
 
 My lord of Londone declared reasons for the confirmation of the 
 kinges title of supreme hed, and for the infirmation and extinc- 
 tion of the Ijisshope of Rome jurisdiction and power within this 
 realme, in such maner and fassion as Avas excellent and singuler. 
 And maister More hath used him self like a feithful true man to 
 his prince, and I m'oI ye Avoid write him som commendations or 
 thankes to recomfort him. Finally maister almaner and I wold 
 know your mynd and pleasure concernyng the boke whiche we 
 drewe out of my lord of Yorke his bothe devises, whereof we with- 
 drewe many thinges and likewise added. And where ye willed us 
 to adde thereto suche substancial mater for the purpose as we 
 shuld thinke convenient, that it myglit be set furthe to printe, 
 albeit v/e have gathered suche mater as shal please you when ye 
 se it, yet we w^ol not be so bolde as put it to printe tyl ye se it 
 and allowe it. 
 
 I have kept Londone al this yere, and have had litel passetyme 
 abrode. If it myght please you to help me to a warrant or two in 
 Kent, at Ledys or elwher, or nyghc London, it wolde be muche to 
 my comfort, whiche am alwayes at your commaundement. From 
 London, the xxviij^'' day of July. By your owne, 
 
 Thomas Bedyll.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 47 
 
 XVII. 
 
 DR. LAYTON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cott. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 125.] 
 
 Hit may please your goodnes to understonde that Bissliope this 
 day prechede and declarede the kinges title varawell, and hade a 
 gret audience, the churche full of people. One of the focares in 
 his saide declaration openly callede hym fals knave, with other 
 folisshe wordes. Hit was that folisshe felowe with the curlede hede, 
 that knelyde in your way Avhan ye came forthe of the confessors 
 chambre. I cannolesse do but set bym in prison, ut pena ejus sit 
 metus aliorum. Yesterday I lernede many enorraouse thynges 
 againste Bisshope in the examination of the lay brederen ; firste 
 that Bissliope persuadyt two of the brederyn to have gone ther ways 
 by nyght, and he hymself with them, and to thaccomplicement of 
 that they lakedebut money to by the seculer apparell ; further, that 
 Bisshope wolde have persuadyt one of his lay brederen, a smyth, 
 to have made a key for the dore, to have in the nyght tyme re- 
 ceyvide in wenches for hym and his felowe, and specially a ^^iffe of 
 Uxbrige nowe dwellyng not far from the olde lady Darbie, nygh 
 Uxbrige, Aviche wifFe his olde customer hath bene many tymes 
 at the graittes commonyng with the saide Bisshope, and muche 
 he was desierouse to have hade hir conveyde in to hym. The 
 saide Bisshope also persuadyt a nune, to whome he was confessor, 
 ad libidinem corporum jjermplendam, and thus he persuadyt hir in 
 confession, makyng hir to beleve that whansoever and as ofFt as 
 they shulde medle together, if she Avere immediatly afFter confes- 
 sede by hym, and towke of hym absolution, she shulde be clere for- 
 gyvyn of Gode, and hit shulde be none oftence unto hir before 
 Gode ; and she Avrite dyvers and sondrie letters viuto hym of 
 suche ther folisshenes and unthrifftynes, and wolde have hade his
 
 48 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 l)rother the smythe to have pulledc owte a hare of yron of that 
 windowe wheras ye examiiiede the lady abljas, that he myght have 
 gone in to hir by nyght, and that same windowe was ther com- 
 monyng phice by nyght. He persuadyt the sexten that he wolde be 
 in his contemplacion in the churche by nyglit, and by that meanes 
 was many nyghtes in the churche talkyng with hir at the saide 
 graitc of the nunnos qwcre, and ther was ther mctyng phace by 
 nyght, l)csyddes ther day communication, as in confession. Hit 
 were to long to declare all thynges of hym that I have herde, 
 wiche I suppos is trewe. This afl'ter none I intendc to make fur- 
 ther serche, bothe of sum of the brederen and sum also of the 
 sisters, for suche lyke matters; if I fynde any thynges apparant to 
 be trewe, I shall, Gode willyng, therof certifye your mastershipe to 
 morowe by vij. in the mornyng, and affter this day I suppos ther 
 wilbe no other thynges to be knowyn as yett here, for I have 
 alredy examynede all the brederen, and many of them Avolde gladly 
 depart hens, and be ryght wery of ther habite: suche religion and 
 faynede sanctitie Gode save me fro ! If Mr. Bedyllhade bene here 
 a frear and of Bisshops cownsell, he wolde ryght well have helpede 
 hym to have broAvght his matter to passe withoute brekyng up of 
 any graite or yett cownterfetyng of keys, suche capacitie Gode 
 hathe sende hym. From Sion, this Sonday xij. Decem])ris. By 
 the sjiedy hande of your assurede poire preste, 
 
 Richard Layton. 
 
 XVIII. 
 BEDYLL TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cott. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 10,9.] 
 
 Right worshipful, after my moost herlic commendations, pleace 
 it you to understand that jnaister Leighton and I have had muche
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 49 
 
 busines with this house sythens your departing hens ; and as for 
 the brethern, they stand stif in thair obstinacy as you left thaim. 
 Copynger and Lache were sent to my lord of London on Mone- 
 "day. Here wer on Tuesday doctor Buttes and the quenys 
 amner to convert Wytford and Litell; and on Wensday here wer 
 doctor Aldrigge, doctour Curven, doctor Bawghe, and doctor Mor- 
 gan, sent by the kinges grace for that purpose, but they nothing 
 proficted. I handled Whitford after that in the garden, bothe with 
 faire wordes and with foule, and shewed him that throughe his 
 obstinacy he shuld be brought to the greate shame of the world 
 for his irreligious life, and for his using of bawdy wordes to diverse 
 ladys at the tymes of thair confession, whereby (I seyed) he 
 myght be the occasion that shrift shalbe layed downe throughe 
 England : but he hath a brasyn forehed, whiche shameth at no- 
 thing. One Mathew, a lay brother, upon hope of liberte, is re- 
 formed. We wolde fayne know your advise what we shal do with 
 Whitford and Litell, and a lay brother, one Turnyngton, whiche 
 is very sturdy against the kinges title. We have sequesterd 
 Whitford and Litell from hering of the ladys confessions ; and 
 we think it best that the place wher thes frires have been wont to 
 hire uttward confessions of al commers at certen tymes of the yere 
 be walled up, and that use to be fordoen for ever ; ffor that hering 
 of utward confessions hath been the cause of muche evyl, and of 
 muche treson whiche hath been sowed abrode in this mater of the 
 kinges title, and also in the kinges graces mater of his succession 
 and mariage. On Wensday my lord Wyndesore came hither, sent for 
 by maister Leighton and me, and labored muche that day for the 
 converting of his suster and som other of his kynneswomen here ; 
 and yesterday we had my lord of London here in the chapiter 
 house of women, and the confessor also, whiche bothe tokeit upon 
 thair consciences and upon the perill of thair soulys that the ladys 
 owght by Godes law to consent to the kinges title, wherewith they 
 wer muche comforted ; and wher we wylled al suche as consented 
 to the kinges title to syt styll, and al suche as wold not consent 
 CAMD. soc. XI
 
 50 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 therunto to depart out of the chapter-house, there was found 
 none emong thaim whiche departed. Albeit I was informed this 
 nyght that one Agnes Smyth, a sturdy dame and a wylful, hath 
 labored diverse of her susters to stop that we shuld not have thair 
 convent seal ; but we trust we shal have it this mornyng, with the 
 subscription of thabbes for her self and al her susters, whiche is the 
 best fassion that we can bring it to. The persone whiche ye spak 
 with at the grate, covyteth very muche to speke with you, seyng she 
 hath suche thinges whiche she wold utter to no man but to you, 
 and what they be I can not conject. We purpose this after none, 
 or els tomorow mornyng, to awaite on the king grace, to know his 
 pleasir in every thing, and specially towching the muring up of the 
 howses of utterward confessions. Maister Leyghton hath wreten 
 certen compertes unto you, and therefor I forber to spek any thing 
 therof. The ladys of Sion besecheth you to be good maister unto 
 thaim, and to thair house, as thair special trust is in you, and that 
 they all run not into obloquy and slaunder for the mysbehavor of 
 one person. A greate niimber of the ladys desired me to speke 
 unto you that Bisshope and Parkere myght be discharged from the 
 house of Sion, and Bisshope and Parker desire the same ; I mer- 
 vaile that they desire not likewise to be discharged of the person 
 with whom ye talked at the grate, seing Bissliopes caus and that is 
 one. From Sion, the xvij*^*^. day of December, 
 
 By yours, as your servant, 
 
 Thomas Bedyll. 
 
 The next letter forms a link in the long chain of evidence of the state in which the 
 English monastic houses had fallen, when the visitation took place. The early history 
 of the monastery of Stavordale in Somersetshire is very obscure. It is said to have 
 been founded by Sir William Zouche. In the reign of Henry VIII. it was annexed 
 to the Abbey of Taunton. There appears no reason for believing that Richard Zouche 
 obtained the appointment which he here solicits.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 51 
 
 XIX. 
 
 RYCHARD ZOUCHE TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cott. Cleop. E. iv. fol. S60.] 
 
 Sure, pleshyt your goode mastershype to underston that wer I 
 dewlie ys a pore pryery, a fundacion off my nawynsetres, wyche 
 ys my lorde my fatheres ynerytans and myne, and be the resone 
 off a levvyde pryore that was ther, wyche was a schanon off 
 Tawntoun afor, browytte hytt to be a sell unto Tawntoun, and 
 now hys hytt dystryde, and ther ys but to chanons, wyche be off 
 no goode levyng, and that ys gret petty, the pore howseholde be 
 so yett yntretyd ; werfor yff ytt may plese your good masterchyppe 
 to be so good master to me to gett me the pore howse wyche ys 
 callyd Staverdell, I wer bownde to pray for your masterchyp, and 
 also I schal here you my herty servys nextt the kynge ys gras, 
 and be at your commayndment, be the gras off God, ho ever pre- 
 serve your goode masterchype. 
 
 Your howyne pore servantt and bedman, 
 
 Rycharde Zouche. 
 
 The following letter belongs, perhaps, to the next year, although it is strange that 
 Sir Peter Button should address Cromwell by the simple title of mastership at so late 
 a date. From documents given in Ormerod's History of Cheshire, it appears that the 
 abbot of Norton refused to surrender his house, and that the attempt to enforce the 
 orders of the court excited a serious insurrection, and the commissioners were obliged 
 to take shelter in the tower of the priory church. The abbot and other persons con- 
 cerned in this affair were arrested by Sir Peter Button, then Sheriff of Cheshire, and 
 the former is supposed to have been executed. It may be observed, however, that this 
 insurrection appears to have taken place at the beginning of October, 1536, whereas the 
 present letter is dated at the beginning of August. 
 
 This little house was founded as a priory, about 1133 or 1135 at Runcorne in Che- 
 shire, by William Fitz Nigel, and was moved by his son in the time of Stephen to Nor- 
 ton. Early in the fifteenth century it was changed from a priory to an abbey.
 
 52 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 XX. 
 SIR PETER BUTTON TO CROMWELL. 
 [From MS. Harl. 604, fol. 54.] 
 Please it your gucl mastership, my duetie remembert, thes to 
 advertise you that I have taken the bodies of thabbot of Norton, 
 Robert Jannyns, and the straunger, a connyng smythe, two of the 
 seid abbottes servantes, also Rondull Breretone, baron of the 
 kynges excheker of Chestre, and John Hale of Chestre, merchaunt, 
 and have theym in my custody and kepyng. And the rest I en- 
 tende to have as spedely as I can, and to be with you with theym, 
 God willyng, in all convenyent spede as I possible may. More- 
 over, I haue causet dan Rondull Wylmyslow, the moncke of the 
 Walle Royall, to cum up to you, for whom I spake unto your gud 
 mastership, whiche is a gud religious man, discrete and wel 
 groundet in lernyng, and hathe many gud qualites most apte to be 
 a master of a religious howse then any other moncke of that howse. 
 Wherfour it may please your gud mastership to be his gud master 
 toward his preferrement that he may be admitted master of the 
 same, and that I did promyse your mastership this seid moncke 
 will accomplisshe accordyngly,wherefour I beseche your mastership 
 that this berer and the seid moncke may resorte unto yow from 
 tyme to tyme, to knowe youre pleasure therin, ensuryng you 
 what ye do for me or my frj-nde, all is your owne, as knowithe 
 our lord God, who mercifully preserve you. At Button, the iij''^. 
 day of Auguste, 
 
 By youres assured, 
 
 Perus Button, K. 
 
 To the right honorable 
 
 and his especiall gud master, maister Cromwell, 
 secretary unto our sovereign lord the kynge.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 53 
 
 The general visitation of the monasteries, which led to the suppression of the smaller 
 houses, began in the autumn of 15;i5, under the immediate direction of Cromwell. 
 One of his most active agents was Dr. Legh, mentioned in the following paper. Stowe, 
 speaking of this event, says that the visitors " put forth all religious persons that 
 would goe, and all that were under the age of foure and twentie yeeres : and after closed 
 up the residue that would remeine, so that they shuld not come out of their places, 
 and took order that no man should come to the houses of women, nor women to the 
 houses of men, but onely to beare their service in the churches : all religious men that 
 departed, the abbot or prior to give them for their habite a priestes gowne, and forty 
 shillings of money; the nuns to have such apparell as secular women weare, and to go 
 wher thei wold." The " closing up" of the monks in their houses is a circumstance 
 frequently alluded to in the letters which follow. 
 
 The abbey of Wardon, or De Sartis, in Bedfordshire, was founded by Walter de 
 Espec in 1135, and was furnished with monks from the abbey of Rievaulx. Henry 
 Emery, the writer of the following paper, was the last abbot : he does not appear to 
 have resigned his office till the surrender of his house on the 4lh of December, 1538. 
 Abbot Henry's " cawses" for resigning present a curious picture of the ignorance and 
 turbulence of the monks. 
 
 XXI. 
 THE ABBOT OF WARDOn's REASONS FOR RESIGNING. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleopat. E. iv. fol. 163.] 
 Theis be the cawses folowing whi that I, Henri abbot off War- 
 don, have made labor to diverse of my frendis to resigne 
 my office. 
 Firste, iramediatele afFter the kinges graces visitacion was exe- 
 cutidd bi his commissioners master doctor Leighe and master Jo. 
 ap Rece, and certaigne injunctions bi them to me and mi bre- 
 therne deliveridd to be observidd, mi saide bretherne toke occasion 
 agenste me therat, and said amongest them that I was the cawser 
 whi that thei wer enclosidd within ther monaster!, to this entent 
 (as thei didd imagine) that I might do owtwardeli what I wollde, 
 and they sholld not knowe it. From that tyme to this presente 
 daie thei have vexidd me with many uncharitable surmises and 
 obprobrius wordes, to muche and longe to be wreten. 
 
 Item, that whereas wee bi the said injunctions be commandid 
 to have earlie lecture of divinite, whe have none ; and whan it is 
 reddj few or non of the monkes cum to it.
 
 54 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 Item, I dec! assigne dampne Thomas Londone to rede the 
 divinite lecture, and he undiscretele (unknowinge to me) did rede 
 the bokes oif Eccius Omehes, whiche bokes be all carnall and off 
 a brutall understandmg, and entret of many thinges clene anenst 
 the determinacion of the churche of Endglonde. And so sone as 
 I hadd knowledg off theis premisses, I toke from him his said 
 bokes and sent to Londone to be deliverid to master doctor 
 Leghe, and dischargid the said dan Thomas off his reding, and 
 cawsid mi brother to rede the lecture ; and then fewe or none of 
 them wollde come at him. 
 
 Item, for as muche as I did perceave ignorance was a greate 
 cawse whi that theis my bretherne wer thus farre owt of goode 
 order and in continuall unquettnesse, to thentent that I wollde 
 somwhat an inducedd them to understanding, I cawsid bokes of 
 gramer to be bowghte for eche off them, and assignidd mi brother 
 to enstructe theim, but ther wollde come non to him but one 
 Richard Balldok and Thomas Clement. 
 
 Item, they be in nombre xv. brethern, and excepte iij. off them, 
 non understand ne knowe ther rule nor the statutes off ther 
 religione. 
 
 Item, in Lente I did sende forthe dampne Thomas Wardon in 
 this housse besinesse, and he did sit at Shesforde all night at the ale 
 howsse, and cam whom in the morning at matens tyme, for the 
 wiche cawse I wollde a ministerid correccion to him, but he de- 
 claridd openle before the covent that I hadd no auctorite to 
 correcte him, and steryd them sediciousli agenste me, in so muche 
 that on dampne Cristofer thretenidd me and my servandes. 
 Thus I was in suche fere that I did command my servandes to 
 watche mi chambur iiij. nightis after, till ther furi was somwhat 
 aswagidd. 
 
 Item, where above all other thinges I have often commandidd 
 bothe the supprior and (as we call him) the custos ordinis that 
 ther shulld no seculer bois be conversant with ony of the monkes, 
 ne to lye in ther dortor ; this notwithstanding ther is on Hewgh,
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 55 
 
 that was a yonge monke here, and he liethe in the dortor every 
 night, but with whome I can not knowe ; and the same Hewghe 
 was here yester daie. 
 
 Item, the v^^^. daie of August Jhon Paxton and Henre Gibbeson 
 did take the subprior in a hedge yn the vineyarde with a brethell 
 woman, and he did promise viij^. to the saide Gibbeson to kepe 
 his CO wn cell. 
 
 Item, William Caringtone, Thomas Bikkliswade, Thomas 
 London, Jhon ClifFtone, Cristofer Wardon, be common dron- 
 kerdes. 
 
 I have not ascertained of what nunnery Margaret Vernon, the writer of the next 
 letter, was abbess. The visitors, by putting in force the injunctions already alluded to, 
 seem to have nearly emptied the house, all the sisters but one having quitted it volun- 
 tarily or by force : and the abbess herself appears to have been not unwilling to follow 
 their example. Cu-MLm-r ■m.^i^L^ iiu.-i. «-iVt^ n. a^^^/ii^roU' i-K^c^rii>-c-^iU^irh. . M'j-^j- 
 
 err- jKiyCir) Ou. h-c^ni. rru-i^jtcfi^ c^>^,L-Uru lR. f7t.^n~c e.trn^<n,->\,cu.^iy . 
 
 MARGARET VERNON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 55.] 
 
 After all dew commendacyons had unto yowre good mayster- 
 shyp, with my most umble thankes for the greate coste mayd on 
 me and my pore maydyn at my last beynge with yowre mayster- 
 shyp, furthermore plesyth yt yow to understonde that yowre 
 vysytors hath bene here of late, who hath dyscharged iij. of my 
 systers, the one ys dame Catheryn, the other ij. ys the yonge 
 women that were last professyd, whyche ys not a lyttyll to my 
 dyscomforte; nevertheles I must be content with the kynges 
 plesure. But now as towchynge my nowne parte, I most humbly 
 beseche yow to be so specyall good mayster unto me yowre poore 
 bedewoman, as to geve me yowre Ijest advertysraent and counseyle 
 what waye shalbe 1)est for me to take, seynge there shalbe none
 
 56 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 left here but my selfe and thys pore madyn ; and yf yt wyl please 
 yowre goodnes to take thys pore howse into yowre owne hondes, 
 ether for yowre selfe, or for my nowne [maister] yowre sonne, I 
 woyld be glad with all my hart to geve yt into yowre master- 
 shypes hondes, with that ye wyll commaunde me to do therin. 
 Trustynge and nothynge dowptynge in yowre goodnes, that ye 
 wyll so provyd for us, that we shall have syche onest lyvynge that 
 we shall not be drevyn be necessyte nether to begge, nor to fall to 
 no other unconvenyence. And thus I offer my sylfe and all myne 
 unto yowre most hygh and prudent wysdome, as unto hym that 
 ys my only refuge and comfort in thys world, besechynge God of 
 hys goodnes to put in yow hys holy sprete, that ye maye do all 
 thynge to hys lawde and glory. 
 
 By yowre owne assured bedewoman, 
 
 Margaret Vernon. 
 
 The writer of the next letter was at the time visiting the abbey of Lacock, in 
 Wiltshire, 
 
 XXIII. 
 DR. LEGH TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Harl. No. 604, fol. 59.] 
 
 After my due and moste hartie comraendacions, please it your 
 mastership to be advertised, that whereas I have in all the places 
 that I have ben at, according to myne instructions and to the 
 kinges graces pleasure and yours, restrayned as well the heddes and 
 masters of the same places as the brethern from going foorth of 
 the precincte of the said places, which I adsure you greveth the said 
 heddes not a litle, as ye shall well perceve by thinstant sutes that 
 they shall make to the kinges grace and to you. It hatlie ben 
 reaported unto me sens my comyng to theis parties, that Mr. 
 doctour Laitone hathe not doon the same in the places where he
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 57 
 
 hathe ben, but licenced the heddes and masters to goo abrode, which 
 I suppose maketh the brethern to grudge the more, whan they see 
 that they be worse entreated than their master, which hath pro- 
 fessed the same rule that they have. Wherfor, to thintent that an 
 uniformitie maye be observed amongest us in all our procedinges, 
 it maye please your mastershipp other to commaunde Mr. doctour 
 Laytone to geve the same injuncions where he goeth and hath ben 
 that I have geven in the places aforesaid, in which case yf ye see 
 reasonable causes wherfor ye shulde release the same injunctions in 
 some places ye maye at all tymes ; or els to advertise me of your 
 pleasure therein, that I maye confourme myself to the same, and 
 direct my proceding after one weye with you. Sir, yf ye go to 
 Oxforde shortely, as ye ones intended, this bringer is a man of 
 good experience and intelligence there and can declare you the 
 state of the Universitie very well. Thus knoweth Allmightie God, 
 who have your mastership in his blessed tuicion. From Laycok, 
 the xx*'' of Auguste. 
 
 Yours ever assureyt, 
 
 Thomas Legh. 
 
 To the right honourable 
 M^ Thomas Crumwell, principall 
 secretarie to the kinges highnes. 
 
 The account of the relics at Maiden Bradley, in Wiltshire, and of the frailties of 
 the prior, given in the following letter, is amusing. This small priory was founded in i.e.. to a. cnn. 
 the latter part of the twelfth centuiy. It was originally a house for leprous women, ikI^JL .- , 
 established by one of the Bisets. The last prior was Richard Jenyn, who, after the l ■ 
 
 dissolution of his house, obtained the rectory of Shipton Moyne, in Gloucestershire. JkU' fc^jL^ n- c 
 
 The visitatorial injunctions were very severe against relics, and the worship of images : '^ ceijnmd. C 
 
 one of them, as given in the Cottonian MS. (Cleop. E. iv. fol. 21), runs as follows : — ty. 
 
 " Item, that they shall not shewe no relyques or fayned myracles for encrease of lucre, 
 but that they exhorte pylgrymes and strayngers to geve that to the poore that they 
 thought to offere to ther images or reliquies." In the lists of relics in other monaste- 
 ries, we find many which were pretended to be preservative of women in labour ; they 
 had previously been made an object of satire in Piers Ploughman's Creed. 
 CAMD. SOC. I
 
 58 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 XXIV. 
 DR. LAYTON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cott. Cleop. E, iv. fol. 249.] 
 
 Pleasit your mastershipe to understonde, that yesternyght late 
 we came from Glassynburie to Bristowe to Saint Austins, wheras 
 we begyn this mornyng, intendyng this day to dispache bothe 
 this howse here, beyng but xiiij. chanons, and also the Gawntes,* 
 wheras be iiij. or v. By this bringar, my servant, I sende yowe 
 relyqwis, fyrste, two flowres wrappede in white and blake sarcenet 
 that one Christynmas evyn hora ipsa qua Christus natus fuerat 
 will spring and burgen f and here blossoms, quod expertum esse, 
 saith the prior off Maden Bradeley ; ye shall also receve a bage 
 of reliquis, wherin ye shall se straingeis thynges, as shall 
 appere by the scripture, as. Codes cote, Oure lades smoke, Parte 
 of Godes supper in cena domini, Pars petre super qua natus 
 erat Jesus in Bethelem, belyke ther is in Bethelem plentie of 
 stones and sum qwarrie, and makith ther maingierres off stone. The 
 scripture of evere thyng shall declare yowe all ; and all thes of 
 Maden Bradeley, wheras is an holy father prior, and hath but vj. 
 children, and but one dowghter mariede yet of the goodes of the 
 monasterie, trystyng shortly to mary the reste. His sones be tale 
 men waittyngupon hym,and he thankes Gode a never medelet with 
 marytt women, but all with madens the faireste cowlde be gottyn, 
 and always marede them ryght well. The pope, consideryng his 
 fragilitie, gave hym licens to kepe an hore, and hath goode wri- 
 tyng sub plumho to discharge his conscience, and toe hoys M"". 
 Underhyll to be his gostely father, and he to gyve hym plenam re- 
 missionem, &c. 
 
 I sende yowe also oure lades gyrdell of Bruton,J rede silke, 
 
 * Billeswyke Hospital, in the suburbs of Bristol, was also called Gaunt's from 
 Maurice de Gaunt, by whom it was founded, before 1229. 
 
 f Burgen, io bud. 
 
 X The priory of Bruton or Brewetone, in Somersetshire, was founded about the year 
 1005, by Athelmer, earl of Cornwall. It was converted into an abbey in the beginning 
 of the reign of Henry VIII.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 59^ 
 
 wiche is a solemne reliquie sent to women travelyng, wiche shall 
 not miscarie in partu. I sende yowe also Mare magdalens girdell, 
 and that is wrappyde and coveride with white, sent also with gret 
 reverence to women traveling, wiche girdell Matilda thempresse, 
 fownder of Ferley,* gave unto them, as saith the holy father of 
 Ferley. I have crosses of silver and golde, sum wiche I sende 
 yow not now bycause I have mo that shalbe delivered me this 
 nyght by the prior of Maden Bradeley hym self. To morowe erly 
 in the mornyng I shall bring yow the reste, whan I have recevide 
 all, and perchaunce I shall fynde sum thyng here. In casse ye de- 
 part this day, hit may please yowe to sende me worde by this 
 bringer, my servant, wiche way I shall repaire afFter yowe. 
 Within the Chartar Howse hath professide and done althynges 
 accordyng as I shall declare yow at large to morowe erly. At 
 Bruton and Glasenburie ther is nothyng notable ; the brethren 
 be so straite keppide that they cannot ofFende, but faine they 
 wolde if they myght, as they confesse, and so the faute is not in 
 them. From Sainte Austines withoute Bristowe, this saint Bar- 
 tilmews day, at iiij. of the cloke in the mornyng, by the spedy 
 hande of your moste assurede poir preste, 
 
 Rycharde Layton. 
 
 John Bartelot, the subject of the following letter, is probably the same person who 
 will be found a little later concerned in a somewhat similar discovery to that here men- 
 tioned. His transaction with the prior of the Crutched friars is not greatly, to his % ja.y kj> m^ 
 credit : and the chancellor appears to have formed no very unjust opinion of him. uiit^C i^nrultl 4 
 
 XXV. *'-'H* l<u^lj^ f 
 
 JOHN BARTELOT TO CROMWELL. ( v^ 7 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleopat. E. iv. fol. 134.] 
 
 Pleas it your honourable mastership to be advertisid, that in 
 the tyme of Lent last past your contynuell oratour John Bartelot, 
 
 * Farley, in "Wiltshire, was a small house dependent on the priory of Lewes, founded 
 by the second Humphrey de Bohun. The empress Matilda was a benefactress, as ap- 
 pears from the confirmation charter of Henry I XL 
 
 h
 
 60 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 with other to the noumber of v. personez of good conversacion, 
 ffound the prior of the Crossid Fryers in London at that tyme 
 beyng in bedde with his hoore, both nakyd, abought xj. of the 
 clok in the for none, upon a Fryday, at which t}me the said priour, 
 to thentent his mysdemeaner and shamfull facte shuld not be 
 knowen wherby he shuld susteyn opyn shame, knelid upon his 
 kneez, and not only desyrid your said oratour and his cumpany to 
 kepe secret his said acte and not to disclose in any wise the same, 
 but also for the same entent frely of his owen mocion yaf 
 amonges theym about xxx^'. which he then was possessid of, of the 
 which summe your oratour hadde by the said yef * abought vij^'. 
 And also the said priour promysid to yef amonges the said com- 
 pany xxx^'. more by a certen day. And after by mediacion of 
 ffrendes of the said priour, the said xxx'i. was releasid to the 
 summe of vj'i, which vj^i. the said priour bound hym self to pay 
 to your oratour by his bill obligatorie at a certen day in the same 
 lymittid. Yet this notwithstonding, for because your said ora- 
 tour for nonpayment of the said vjli. did arrest the said fFryer, he 
 hath so heynously enformed the lord chauncellour ayenst your 
 oratour, that he not oonly will put hym to suertie, making the 
 premisses a heynous robery, sayeng opynly that your oratour is 
 worthy to be hangid, but also will by his high auctorite compell 
 your oratour to repay ayen to the said fFryer the summe of xxx'^., 
 oonles your moost charitable goodnes be therin otherwise shewid. 
 Yt may therfor pleas your good mastership, of your aboundaunt 
 goodnes, to provyd that the premissez may be duly examyned 
 according to equite, for this is the very and hole truth in the 
 same. And your said oratour shall pray to God for your honour 
 and preservacion long to endewer. 
 
 By your humble to his pour duryng his lif, 
 
 John Bartelot. 
 
 To the right honourable master secretory. 
 
 * Gift.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. ()l 
 
 The abbeys of Rievaulx and Fountains, mentioned in the following letter, are well 
 known at the present day by their extensive and picturesque ruins. The former, a 
 house of the Cistercian order, was founded in 1131 by Walter Espec ; the latter was 
 founded in the year following (1132) by a colony of monks of the abbey of St. Mary 
 at York. This letter can hardly be by the same Thomas Legh who was so active a 
 visitor, and whose signature occurs so frequently to other letters. Ijtt, n-<rt ? 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 THOMAS I. LEGII TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS, Cotton. Cleopat. E. iv. fol. 137.] . . 
 
 Jtru^. Vet. 
 
 Pleasithe it your mastershyp to be advartesyd that, according />. 4^5 . 
 unto your commandement, with most diligence I hawe deUverd 
 your letter, also attymes most convenient referrydunto the kynges 
 commyssionars at Riwax siche credance as yower pleisar and 
 equite wolde, whyche uppon the abbott of Funtans partt was butt 
 lyghtly regardyd, and playnly expressyd of the same, that suche 
 letter as I deliveryd and credance relatyde was fFrom M. Crum- 
 well onley, and nott ffrom the kinges hyghnesse, wheropon, by 
 the councelles of docter Spensar and Boyear, a procter, after 
 evidence prove be wyttnessys, and the abbott of Rywax con- 
 fession publishyde, the said abbott amonge other exceptions 
 dyd laye thys excepcion, Quod vigore literarum nulla commis- 
 sionariis nee illorum alicui competit aut competere potest juris- 
 dictio contra prefatum abbatem de Rievalle, pro eo videlicet et 
 ex quo^ dicte littere regie fuerunt et sunt dolose, su7'reptitie, 
 quod sunt tacita veritate et expressa falsitate per dolum et frau- 
 dem ac hujusmodi {?) serenissimi principis nostri circumventione im- 
 petrate, who in hys obstinacie and parrvarse mynde adhering 
 to the ruUes of hys religion, as he said, departyd from Riwax, 
 and wolde nott accordingli unto your letters thare remayne for 
 the accomplyshment of the kinges commaundement, notwith- 
 stondyng that I often tymes desiryd hym and commaundyd hym 
 in the kinges name to tarry and make prosses according to justice 
 withowt forder delay ; whyche rebelliouse mynde at this tyme is soo 
 radicate, not only in hym, butt also in money of that religion. 
 
 "'' ex to oii.CrlL , JCrtfLu .
 
 62 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 as in the abbott of Rywax wryting thys letter here inclosyde to 
 the slaundare of the kinges heygnes, and after the kinges lettars 
 receivyd dyd imprison and otharways punyche divers of hys 
 brethern whyche ware ayenst hym and hys dissolute lywing ; also 
 dyd take ffrom one of the same, being a wery agyd man, all hys 
 money whyche he shulde hawe made hys jubili withalle, that as 
 persons almost nothing regarding God and veri lytyll owr grett 
 maister the king, under the pretence of the rwlles of there reli- 
 gion, lyvythe as persones, solute ah omni lege seu obedientia et Deo 
 et regi debita, being abowghtwardes, as yt semythe to me, to rwUe 
 the king by ther rulles, whyche ys a perverse ordre that so noble 
 a hedde shulde be rulyd by so putride and most corrupte mem- 
 bres. Sed Cato inquit, obsta principiis. All the cuntre maykythe 
 exclamacions of thys abbot of Riwax, uppon hys abhomynable 
 lywing and extorcions by hym commyttyd, also many wronges to 
 divers myserable persons don, whyche evidently duthe apere by 
 bylles corroboratt to be trwe, wythe ther othese corporale in the 
 presens of the commissionars and the said abbott takyn, and 
 opon the same xyj. witnessys examynyd, aifermyng ther exclama- 
 cions to be trwe. Therfore, tempore jam instante, the kinges 
 magiste consideryd, whome they hawe knowligyd to be supremum 
 caput totius ecclesie Anglicane, the honor of my lorde of Rutland * 
 in thys besynes remembryd, your worshyp and also my pore 
 honeste not forgotton, they wolde ether quykli be lokyd opon and 
 shortly, or elles ther dessolute lywing with rebelliose demeanour 
 shall every day increase more and more, to the dysplesour of God, 
 disquietnes of the kinges prerogative, and reproche slanderouse 
 unto ther religion, with troble of suche cuntres as they ar inhabytyd 
 in. The abbot of Funtance had knowlige at hys being at Riwax, 
 the erle of Cumberlondf to have a commission for to inqwyerupon 
 hys demenars, whyche causyde hym in ther businesses to playe 
 
 * Thomas Earl of Rutland, as a descendent of Walter Espec, was the patron of 
 Rievaulx. After its dissolution he obtained a grant of the site. 
 
 t Henry Clifford, created Earl of Cumberland in 1525. He shared largely in the 
 spoils of the monasteries.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 63 
 
 twe partes, nam tunc sua res agitur paries cum proximus ardet. 
 Thes premysses consyderyd, I trust ye wyll thinke hym not worthe 
 to be visitour of hys religion ony longer by the kinges auctorite. 
 Andinthys cause of the abbot of Riwaxe, the other commyssionars 
 hathe precedide according to the lawe, and yowr credence by me 
 to theyme relatyde, and condignlie hathe remowyd hym from the 
 rewUe of hys abbacie and admynistracion of the same. With my 
 slawe wryting I besiche yow to tak no displesur, and of the cause 
 therof I shall at my cummyng to London make trwe relacion 
 unto yow. Wrytten in hast, the fyrst day off Septembar, flfrom 
 Belver. 
 
 By your servanda 
 
 Thomas I(?) Legh. 
 
 I pray yow noote there presumptuose myndes, most alienat 
 ffrom religion, hawing nothing of ther own, ne may have ther 
 accomptes made, whiche oonly to be calyd an abbatte will con- 
 tende contrare to ther obediencie with the kinges highnes, the 
 fownders, and all other, to the great slandar of the religion, dis- 
 qwiettnes and extreme costes and charges of ther howse. 
 
 To the ryght worshypfull master 
 Thomas Crumwell, oon of the kinges 
 most honorable councell, thys 
 be delyverde wythe spede. 
 
 In the following letter we find the Abbot of Glastonbury, one of the greatest abbeys 
 in England, petitioning against some of the visitatorial injunctions. We shall find him 
 afterwards acting more decidedly in opposition to the wishes of the court, for which he 
 was at last brought to the scaffold. 
 
 XXVII. 
 JOHN FITZ-JAMES TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton, Cleop. E. iv. fol. 39.] 
 
 My singuler gode master, after moste humble recommendacion,
 
 64 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 with like thanckes for your great payne of late taken with me to my 
 great comforte,this shal be to advertyse your saide gode mastershipp 
 that I have spoken with my lorde abbot of Glaston concernynge 
 suche injunccions as weer yeven hym and his covent by your 
 deputie at the last visitacion there. Wherof there be foure ar- 
 ticles * in this papar here ynclosede, and as to too the first articles 
 extendyth generally to every moncke yn the howse, but to suche as 
 be exceptede in the seccound article, to infourm your mastershipp 
 of the trothe, ther be certen oflScers brodirs of the howse whiche 
 have allway be attendaunt apon the abbot, as his chapleyn, 
 steward, celerer, and on or too officers moo ; if they schuld be 
 bounde to the firste too articles, it schuld muche disapoynt the 
 order of the howse, whiche hathe longe ben full honorable. 
 Wherfore if it may pleas your saide gode masterschipp to licence 
 the abbot to dispence with thoo too firste articles, yn my mynde ye 
 schall doo a verie gode dede, and I dare be suertie he will dis- 
 pence with none but with suche as schalbe necessarie. And to the 
 thirde article they have used allwayes to make ther leesses by on of 
 the religion and ceculer men appoynted to hym, whiche leesses 
 have comenly be made at a courte and letten by copie of the 
 courte roll, and the covent never made previe to the leese, and 
 if they schuld make no leese but by assent of the more parte of 
 the covent, it schuld be verie tedyous bothe to them and to ther 
 tenauntes. Wherfore, if it may pleas your gode masterschipp to 
 discharge that thirde article, the abbot weer muche bounde to your 
 gode masterschipp. And to the iiij*!^ article, peraventure there 
 
 * The paper containing these four articles appears to be lost, and a slip with four 
 articles in no point answering to the description given in the letter is attached to it in 
 the letter. One of the injunctions of the visitors was, " that no monke or brother of 
 this monastery by any meanes goo forthe of the precynct of the same." Another 
 injunction, which appears to be that alluded to by the abbot of Glastonbury in his 
 third article, was, " Also that the abbot and president of this house shall make no 
 waste of the woodes pertayning to this house, nor shall set out unadvisydly anj 
 ffermes or reversions without the consent of the more parte of the convent." See the 
 draught of the visitatorial injunctions in the Cottonian MS. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 21.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MOXASTERIES. Gb 
 
 be sume of his brodirs would be gladd to be abrode, and to make 
 untrew surmyse, so the abbot may paye for ther costes. "Wher- 
 fore, it may pleas yow to ordre that clawse to be spared to tyme 
 the abbot may wayte on your gode masterschipp the next terme, 
 or elles to make it if the complaynaunt prove his complaynt to be 
 trew than to have his costes, or elles not, the abbot weer muche 
 bounde to yowe. Other articles ther be whiche they thincke 
 verie strayt ; howbeit they will sue to your gode masterschipp ifor 
 that at more leyser, and yn the meane tyme I dowte not they will 
 kepe as gode religion as any howse of that order withyn this realme, 
 as knowith God, who longe preserve your saide gode masterschipp. 
 At RedUche, the ij"'^. day of Septembre. 
 
 Your humble day lye oratour, as he is moste bownd, 
 
 John Ffit James. 
 
 This is the second letter from Dr. Legh on the subject of that part of the injunc- 
 tions which confined the monks and their superiors to their houses. His coadjutor 
 Dr. Leighton appears to have been inclined to more indulgence on this head, to which 
 Cromwell seems to have been not unfavourable. 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 DR. LEGH TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 54.] 
 
 After my dewe commendations to your good maistershipp, 
 please it you to be advertised that I have receyved youre gentill 
 and loving lettres, yn which ye wolde that at my discretion I may 
 licence the heddis for their necessary busynes and affaires to go 
 furth of theire monasteries in suyche discrete maner and fourme as 
 no brute* may be made thereof. Sir, it was not myne entent in my 
 
 * i. e. noise, rppnrt. 
 CAMD. SOC. V
 
 O'G I.KTTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 lettres to have any autoritie to dispense with the saide heddes in 
 this case, but as in tymes past so I doo yet think it very neces- 
 sary that they have not hbertie so sone after their injuctions, 
 partely because it will be some occasion to think the other may 
 as well be broke, and partely because their inferiors shall think 
 that they have no litell injury so to be bounden, and their hed, 
 which hath professid the same religion and shulde be in all harde- 
 nes as a lanterne and example to theym, thus to be losid. Be- 
 sides this, if ye had withdrawen your hand a while herein, they 
 shuld have had gret occasion to seke uppon the kinges favour and 
 yours, and so it might have lyen in your handes to gratifie theym 
 daily to their great hartys ease and your no litell commoditie. 
 And also dyvers other causes there be, as ye shall knowe by the 
 compertes in this visitation, why it is not expedient as yet that some 
 of theym shuld have suych libertie. Wherfore, notwithstonding 
 your gentill licence geven to me in this behalf, I entende to release 
 none before that I speke with your maistership, or els that ye 
 send me strayte commaundement so to doo. Praying you hartely 
 that ye well consider whome ye send to the universities of Oxford 
 and Cambrige, where other will be founde all vertue and goodnes 
 or els the fontayne of all vice and myschief, and if all be well 
 orderid there, no dowte both God and the king shall be well 
 servid in these affaires, and your maistershippes office well dis- 
 charged. Thus I commit you to Allmightie God. From Willton, 
 the third daie of Septembre. 
 
 Yours ever assureytt, 
 
 Thomas Legh. 
 
 Our next letter introduces us again to the monks of the Charter House at London, 
 who continued obstinate in their non-conformity with the desires of the court. It is 
 an interesting picture of the state of the house at this period.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 6/ 
 
 XXIX. 
 JASPAR FYLOLLE TO CROMWELL. 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 35.] 
 
 My dewtye to your good maistershipe humbly premyside, plea- 
 sithe hit the same to understande that with this my rude letter I 
 have sent to you a paper of suche proportyon of vyttell and other 
 as the lay brothers hyre tellyth me of necessite muste be pro- 
 vydyde for them, whiche will not be borne with the revenuce of 
 the howse, ifor the yerly revenuce of the bowse is vj*^. xlij". iiijd. 
 ob., and theprovysion in that proportyon amountythe to \']^. Iviij''. 
 vijs. iiijf^. And yet sythyns the makyngof that proportyon, whete 
 is risen iiijs. in every quarter, and malte xx^. in every quarter, and 
 comunely all other vittell rysithe therwith. I lerne her among 
 this laye broders, that hertofore when all vittell was at a conve- 
 nyent price, and allso when they were fewer persons in number 
 than thei now be, the proctowr hath accomptyde for m^^. a yere, 
 theyr rent of asyse beyng but as above vj^.xlijli. jjjjd. ob., whiche 
 costlow fare, buyldynges, and other, was than borne of the bene- 
 volence and charyte off the citie of London. Nowe they not re- 
 garding this derthe, nether the encrease of ther superfluus nom- 
 ber, nether yet the decay of the said benevolence and charyte, 
 wold have and hathe that same fare contynuall that then was 
 •usid, and wold have like plentye of brede and ale and fyshe gevyn to 
 strangers in the butterye and at the butterye dore, and as large 
 lyvere of bredde and ale to all ther servantes, and to vagabundes 
 at the gate, as was than uside, wich can not be. Wherfore, under 
 the favor of your mastershipe, hit semythe to be moche necessary 
 to mynyshe eyther ther number or deyntye fare, and allso the 
 superfluus lyvere of brede and ale. 
 
 These Charterhowse monkes wold be callyde solytary ; but to 
 the cloyster dore therbe aljove xxiiij. keys, in the handes of 
 xxiiij. persons, and hit is lyke in letters, unprofy table tales and
 
 C8 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 tydinges, and sumtyme perverse concell commythe and goethe by 
 reason therof. Allso to the buttrey dore ther bexij. sundryekeys, 
 in xij. mens handes, wherin symythe to be small husbandrye. 
 
 Nowe is the tyme of the yere when provysion was wont to be 
 made of lyng, haberdens, and of other salt store, and allso of ther 
 wynter vesturys [to] theyr bodyes and to ther beddis, and for fuell 
 to ther cellys, wherin I tarye tyll I may knowe your mastershippis 
 pleasure therein. 
 
 I thinke, under correctyon of your mastershipe, that hit were very 
 necessary to remove the ij. lay broders from the buttery, and sett 
 ij. temporall persons ther in that rome, and lykewyse yn the 
 kychine, fFor in those ij. officys lye the waste of the howse. 
 
 In the beginnynge of Auguste laste paste, my lorde of Caunter- 
 burye sent for ij. monkes her, Rochester and RaAvlyns. Hii^lord- 
 sliipe sent Rochester home again, but he kepithe Rawlyns styll 
 with hym, and I understand he bathe chaungid his habytt to seculer 
 prestes clothing, and eatyth fleshe. I know that summe of them, 
 and I thinke that dyverse moo of them, wold be glad to be 
 lycencyde to the same. 
 
 Oon lay brother apostata, late of the ile of Axalme,-* as he said, 
 being sycke yn the greate syckenes, was secretlye withowt my know- 
 lege receyvyde her into the cloyster, wher he dyed within iiij. 
 days. Oon of the lay brothers kepte him in his siknes, and is 
 now sike in the same greate sycknes. Goddis wyll be performyde. 
 
 Wher the lorde Rede, late chife justyce of the comon place, 
 hath her foundid a chantrye of viij^' yerly for terme of xxx. yeris, 
 his chaplen dyed the first day of September, and ther is yet xiiij. 
 yers to cum. Maister John Maydwell, comenly callyd the Scot- 
 tysshe frere, hath bin hir with danne John Rochester, William 
 Marshall and other than being present, and hath exhortyd him 
 to the best, but they cowd fynde no good towardnes in him, but 
 after an howres communicacyon they lefte him as they fownde 
 him. 
 
 * The Charterhouse of Axholme will be mentioned further on.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 69 
 
 Than I entretyd Rochester and iiij. or v. of the monkes to be 
 contentyde to hyr him precheoon sermon amo[n]g them, oon day 
 that weke, wherwith they were than contentyd ; but on the next 
 day, when they had spokyn with ther other broders, they sent me 
 worde that I shuld not bryng him among them, for if I so dyd, 
 they wold not hire him, by cause they harde tell of him that he 
 prechide agaynst the honoryng of images and of sayntes, and that 
 he was a blasphemor of saynctis. And I said that I mervayled 
 nioche of them, for ther can be no gretter heresie in any man, 
 specyally in a relygius man, than to say that he can not preche 
 the worde of God, nether will not hire hit prechid. And they say 
 that they wyll reade tlier doctors, and go no farder ; and I tellyd 
 them that suche doctours hathe made sum of ther compaynye to 
 be strong traytours and traytorusly to suffer dethe. Now, sir, 
 standing the case in the premisses as I have now wryttyne, I dare 
 do nothing tyll I know sumwhat of your mastershipis pleasure. 
 For I have lernyde of my felowe John Whalley, that your plea- 
 sure is that I shuld breke noone old ordir of the howse ; but your 
 commandement onys knowyne, I trust to endevor my self to folowe 
 and accomplisshe hit, with suche diligence and discrecion as I am 
 able, and as God will geve me grace, and as I thinke to aunswer to 
 your mastership yn dred of your displeasure, as knoweth God, 
 who ever ledde you ffrom henceforth forwarde, as he hathe done 
 hiderto, yn his holye spiryte, the comforte of our mooste christen 
 and mooste catholike prince, the kynges highnes, and of all his 
 noblemen, and all other his true subjectes. At the Charterhowse 
 nexte to London, the v. day of September. 
 
 Your humble servant, Jasp. Fylolle. 
 
 Sur, I have sowyde to the byll of proporcion a parchement con- 
 taynyng the names of the whole howshold of the Charterhouse, 
 and by cause ye shall not mervell upon the ordyr of that byll, in 
 the first lyne is set byfore every mans name that hath confessyd 
 hym selfe to be tlie kyngs trew man, ther is set a g. for good, and 
 before the other a b. for badde.
 
 70 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 In the secunde lyiie ys sett the letter that standyth upon his 
 cell dore. The thyrde lyne is the number of the persons. 
 
 We have already seen several allusions to the intended visitations of the Universities, 
 as connected with the visitation of the monasteries, for it is clear that the Universities 
 were at this time looked upon and treated as at least in great part monastic establish- 
 ments. The following letter from Dr. Layton affords us a kind of sample of what 
 was done at Oxford. It is a curious picture of the state of learning at the moment 
 when our island was about to participate with the continent in its restoration. 
 
 XXX. 
 DR. LAYTON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Faustina C. vii. fol. 205.] 
 
 Pleasit your goodnes to be advertisyde that in Magdelen Colege 
 we fownde stablisshede one lecture of divinitie, two of philosophic, 
 one morale another naturale, and one of Laten tonge, well kept 
 and diligently frequentede. To thes we have adjonede a lecture 
 in the Greke, that is, the grammer in Greke perpetually to be 
 rede there, and all the yewthe therunto to have confluence for ther 
 principulles. In New Colege we have stablisshede two lecturres 
 publique, one of Greke, another in Laten, and have made therfore 
 for evermore an honeste salarie and stipende. In Allsowllen 
 Colege we have in lyke maner stablesshede two lecturres, one of 
 Greke, another in Laten, with a goode stipende and salarie ther- 
 unto assignede for ever. In Corpus Christi Colege we fownde 
 two lecturres stablesshede by the founder, one in Greke, another 
 in Latten, publique for all men therunto to have concourse. We 
 have further stablessede a lecture in Laten tonge, publique, in 
 Marten Colege ; and another in Qwenes Colege ; and have as- 
 signede and made a sufficient stipende for either of thes for ever- 
 more. Bicause we fownde all other the colegeis not able in 
 londes and revenewis to have within them lectures publique, as the 
 other afore rehersede hathe, we have injoned the saide poire
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 71 
 
 colegeis that they and evere of them shall frequent and have dayly 
 concourse unto the saide lectures. Penam imposuimus to evere 
 scoler within the universitie not heryng at the leste one of thes 
 lectures, for that day that he shalbe absent from one of the saide 
 lectures to be punissede in the losse of his commons for that day, 
 the saide paine evere day tociensquociens absensfuerit, nisi concur- 
 renti causa aliqua legitima, approbanda tamen per prepositum 
 collegii sive aule. 
 
 We have sett Dunce * in Bocardo, and have utterly banisshede 
 hym Oxforde for ever, with all his blinde glosses, and is nowe 
 made a comon servant to evere man, faste nailede up upon postes 
 in all comon howses of easment : id quod oculis meis vidi. And 
 the seconde tyme we came to New Colege, aflfter we hade declarede 
 your injunctions, we fownde all the gret quadrant court full of the 
 leiflFes of Dunce, the wynde blowyng them into evere corner. And 
 ther we fownde one Mr. Grenefelde, a gentilman of Bukyngham- 
 shire, getheryng up part of the saide bowke leifTes (as he saide) 
 therwith to make hym sewelles or blawnsherres to kepe the dere 
 within the woode, therby to have the better cry with his howndes. 
 
 We have also, in the place of the canon lecture, jonede a civel 
 lecture, to be rede in evere colege, hale, and in. 
 
 We have further, in visitynge the religiouse studenttes,t 
 emongyste all other injunctions adjoyned that none of them for no 
 maner cause shall cum within any taverne, in, alhowse, or any other 
 howse whatsoever hit be, within the towne and the suburbs of the 
 same, upon payne onse so taken by day or by nyght to be sent 
 imediatly home to his cloister whereas he was professede. With- 
 
 * Duns Scotus. 
 t The religiouse studenttes were the students sent to the university with exhibitions 
 from the monasteries. One of the visitorial injunctions, in allusion to this class of 
 students, directs : — " Also that the abbot or president kyep and fynd in some univer- 
 site one or two of his brethren, accordyng to the habilite and possessions of this house, 
 which brethern, after they be lernyd in good and holly letters, when they retorne 
 home, maye instruct and teache ther brethern and diligently preache the worde of 
 God."
 
 72 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 oute doubte we here say this acte to be gretly lamentede of all the 
 duble honeste women of the towne, and specially of ther laundres 
 that now may not onse entre within the gaittes, and muche lesse 
 within ther chambers, wherunto they wer ryght well accustomede. 
 I doubt not but for this thyng onely the honeste matrones will 
 sew unto yowe for a redresse. 
 
 Other thynges moo wiche ys to tediouse and long to conceve by 
 writyng we have done, wiche all I shall declare unto yowe at my 
 cummyng. This Sonday by nyght we shall make an ende ; for all 
 this day we repaire to colageis for the redresse of division and 
 complaintt put unto us. To morowe by vij. of the cloke in the 
 mornyng I wilbe in the chapitre bowse at Abyngton, and I truste 
 to bring yow the trewthe of evere thyng for that howse ; and 
 therof doubte ye not. On Wedinsday by nyght, at utermoste, 
 I truste to be with yowe at Winchestre, Gode willyng, who sende 
 yowe as goode helthe as your hert desierith. We fynde here all 
 men applyng and glade to accomplisshe all thynges. From Ox- 
 forde, thys Sonday the xij^^ day of Septembre, 
 
 by your moste assurede poire preste and servant, 
 
 Rycharde Layton. 
 
 To the ryght honorable Mr. Thomas Cromwell, 
 chefFe secretarie to the kynges hyghnes. 
 
 The letter which follows appears to have been written about the same time as the 
 preceding. The abbey of Rewley, or De regali loco, in the suburbs of Oxford, was 
 founded by the will of Richard king of the Romans, brother of Henry III. The last 
 abbot (the writer of this letter) was Nicholas Austen. 
 
 XXXI. 
 the abbot of rewley to CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 269.] 
 Ryght honorable and my syngular good master, my dutye re- 
 membred, I humblye commend to yow, glad to here of youre helth.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 'JB 
 
 welth, and prosperyte, the which I pray Jhesu long to contynewe 
 to your hertes desyre, and thanckyng your mastershipp for your 
 greatt kyndnes shewid to me att all tymes, whereas itt pleasyd 
 yow that so sone I sliold come to your speache, with so lytell ex- 
 pense in lyeng att Londone, and also for your good and gentle 
 wordes, kynde and lovyng offre and profre, nott havyng for the 
 same pleasure or commodytie of me as yett, trustyng by some 
 specyall gyfft of grace to acqwyte itt x. fold. And whereas I had a 
 letter sendeme, that our monasteryeshold be gyven to M^". Archard^ 
 your servant, and that itt was also in the commyssyon, I sub- 
 mytt myselfe fulle and holle to your mastershipp, as all my refuge, 
 helpe, and socor is yn yow, glad of my voluntarye mynde to be 
 bounde in obligacion of one hunderd powndes to be payed to your 
 mastershipp, so that our house may be savyd, although itt be con- 
 verted intoo thuse of a college, to have both lernynge and lernyd 
 men go forwardes theryn. I was loth to attempt your master- 
 shypp any ferther, seyng I had such gentle answeres, onlesse the 
 greatt rumour of the towne and universite compulsed me, bycause 
 of the fforsaid gyfft to the said Mr. Archard, besechyng your 
 mastershipps kynde letter agaynst the surveyoures coniyng to dys- 
 charge them, that itt may be as a sheld or buckler to defende me, 
 that yow may gett yow a memoryall to be prayed for for ever. And 
 thus almyghty Jhesus send your mastershipp longe lyfe andmoche 
 honour. 
 
 Nicolas by the grace of God abbott of Royallyen. 
 
 Sir Thomas Audley, afterwards baron Audley of Walden, in Essex, lord chancellor 
 of England, the writer of the following letter, was a zealous promoter of the dissolu- 
 tion of the monasteries, and obtained large grants of the estates which came to the 
 crown by that great measure. 
 
 Barking, or Berking, in Essex, was one of the oldest nunneries in England, having 
 
 CAMD. SOC. L
 
 74 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 been founded by Erkenwald bishop of London in GT7. It was remarkable also for its 
 riches. Dorothy Barley was the last abbess, and surrendered the house to the King on 
 the 14th of November, 1539. 
 
 XXXII. 
 SIR THOMAS AUDLEY TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [State Papers, Vol. I. p. 450.] 
 
 After my right herty commendations, these shalbe to adver- 
 tyse you, that I have sent forth wryttes for prorogacion of the 
 parlament, commyssions and proclamations for corne, and also 
 proclamations for clothiers, accordyngly as ye heretofore adver- 
 tysed me that it was the kynges plesure that I shuld so do. I 
 have also made redy wryttes for adjournement of the terme til 
 Halowmas, and also sent letters in your name and myne for certi- 
 ficate of the residewe of the bokes of the spiritual possessions yet 
 beyng onretourned ; wherin the comyssioners, I promyse you, 
 have been very necligent. I send to you a boke of the instruc- 
 tions for courne. I have usid my poor wytt in yt, trustyng it 
 shalbe taken in good part. I am enformed that doctour Lee is 
 substitute by you to visite al the religeous houses in the diocese 
 of London. My sute at this tyme ys to you, that it may plese 
 you to spare the visitation of the house of Barkyng, til your re- 
 tourne into these partiez, that I and you may speke together, 
 and ye shal comand me as moche to my power. If it like you 
 that this a])stynens may bee at my request, I then hertely desire 
 you to direct your letters to doctour Lee for the same. In good 
 fayth, my request ys, not for any defaut or suspect that I have in 
 doctour Lee, for I here not but that he suith hymself right indif- 
 ferently in the execution of his charge; but it is for other con- 
 siderations that I wold be a sutour to you for the said house. 
 And when ye and I have spoken togethir at your retourne, do as 
 ye shal seeme best ; trustyng for my sake, and at my contempla- 
 tion, ye will use the more favour to the house. Praying you to
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 7^ 
 
 remembir al my requestes in my last letters to you directyd, and 
 eftsones desire you to make myn most humble recommendations 
 to the kinges highnes and to the quenes grace. And thus fare 
 ye as hertely well as I wold my self. Wryten the morow after 
 Michaelmas day. Your assured to al his power, 
 
 Thomas Audely, k. chauncelour. 
 
 To his hertie loving frend, 
 Mr. Secretary, be this 
 yoven. 
 
 The following account of the capture of the abbot of Langdon's concubine is sin- 
 gularly ludicrous. Langdon, or West Langdon, in Kent, was a small abbey of Pre- 
 monstratensians, founded and endowed by William de Auberville, in 1192. The name 
 of the last abbot was William Sayer. The private posterns or " startyng hoilles " 
 of the monasteries are frequently mentioned by the old satirists. One of the injunc- 
 tions (MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 21) seems to have been particularly aimed against 
 such houses as that of Lanngdon. " Also, that ther be no enteryng into this monas- 
 tery but one, and that by the great for-gate of the same, which diligently shalbe 
 watchyd and kept by some porter specially appoynctyd for that purpose, and shalbe 
 shute and openyd by the same bothe daye and nyght at convenyent and accustomyd 
 howres, which porter shall repell all manner women from enteraunce into the said 
 monastery." 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 DR. LAYTON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 127.] 
 
 Pleasit your goodnes to understonde, that one Friday xxij". 
 Octobris, I rode bake with spede to take an inventarie of Fowl- 
 stone,* and from thens I went to Langden. Wheras immediatly 
 discendyng from my horse, I sent Bartlett, your servant, with alle 
 my serv-antes, to circumcept the abbay, and surely to kepe alle 
 
 * At Folkestone in Kent, Eadbald king of Kent founded a nunnery, on the site of 
 which Nigellus de Mandeville founded a priory in 1095. This house was surrendered 
 on the 15th of November, 1535, as will be seen by a subsequent letter in the present 
 volume.
 
 76 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 bake tlorres and startyng hoilles, etc. I my self went alone to the 
 abbottes logeyng jonyng upon the feldes and wode, evyn lyke a 
 cony clapper fulle of startyng hoilles, a goode space knok- 
 kyng at thabbottes dore, nee vox nee sensus apparuit, saveyng 
 thabbottes litle doge that, within his dore faste lokked, bayede 
 and barkede. I fownde a short polax standyng behynde the dore, 
 and with yt I dasshede thabbottes dore in peisses, ictu oculi, and 
 set one of my men to kepe that dore, and aboute bowse I go with 
 that polax in my hande, ne forte, for thabbot is a daingerouse 
 desperate knave and a hardy. But for a conclusion, his hore, 
 alias his gentle womman, bestyrrede hir stumpis towardes hir start- 
 yng hoilles, and ther Bartlett wachyng the pursuet towke the 
 tendre damoisel, and afFter I hade examynede hir, to Dover ther to 
 the maire to sett hir in sum cage or prison for viij. dais, and I 
 browgt holy father abbot to Canterbury, and here in Christes- 
 churche I will leve hym in prison. In this soden doyng ex tem- 
 2)ore to circumcept the bowse and to serche, your servant John 
 Antonie his men mervelede what felow I was, and so dyde the reste 
 of thabbay, for I was unknowyn ther of al men. At last, I 
 fownde hir apparel in thabbottes cofer. To tell yowe all this 
 commodie, but for thabbot a tragedie, hit were to long. Now hit 
 shalle appere to gentilmen of this contrey, and other the comons, 
 that ye shall not deprive or visite but upon substanciall growndes. 
 Surely I suppos Gode hym self put hit in my mynde thus so- 
 denly to make a serche at the begynnyng, bycause no chanon ap- 
 perede in my syghte ; I supposede rather to have fownde a hore 
 emonsiste them then in thabbottes chambre. The reste ofFalle this 
 knaverie I shall differ tyll my cumyng unto yow, wiche shalbe with 
 as muche spede as I can possible, doyng my assurede deligence in 
 the reste. This mornyng I ryde towardes the archebisshop to 
 visite hym ; now whan I have visite hys see, this nyght I wilbe at 
 Feversham abbay.* This ys to advertise yowr maistershipe. 
 
 * The abbey of Faversham in Kent was founded about 1 147, and filled with Clunieu; 
 monks from Bermondscy.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 'J^ 
 
 Scribullede this Satterday, an writen with the hasty hand of 
 your assurede servant, 
 
 Rychard Layton, Preste. 
 
 The following letter was written by the same William Barlow, who wrote the letter 
 printed before at page 6. He appears to have been moved, at his desire, from the 
 priory of Haverfordwest to that of Bisham, which he quitted on the 22nd of February 
 1533-6, for the Bishopric of Asaph, which in the following April (1536) he exchanged 
 for that of St. David's. His predecessor in the latter see, against whom he here com- 
 plains, was Richard Rawlins, appointed in 1523. 
 
 The priory of Haverfordwest was founded before the year 1200 by Robert de Haver- 
 ford, the first Norman lord of this district. The ruins are still visible by the river 
 side, near the town. 
 
 XXXIV. 
 WILLIAM BARLOW TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 107.] 
 
 Pleasith your good maistershipe with compassion to advertise the 
 complaynt and unfayned peticion of your humble oratour, dis- 
 quietly vexede without cause or any pretenced occasion motioned 
 of your saide oratours partie. Whereas the quene of here graciouse 
 hounte advouched me unworthy the priorshipe of Haverfordwest 
 under here graces foundacion, syns the tyme of my ther contynual 
 residence, consideryng the hungry famyne of heryng the worde of 
 God and desolate scarcete of true prechers, I have endeveryd my 
 self with no smalle bodely daunger agenst Antichrist, and all his 
 confederat adherentes, sincerely to preche the gospell of Christ, 
 whose verite as hit is invincible so is hit incessantly assautyd of 
 faythles false perverters ; by reson wherof they whiche of dutie 
 ought to fortifie me in mayntenyng the truthe maliciously have 
 concevid a malivolent mynde causles to maligne agenst me, in 
 suche wise that I was forced ffrom theire tyranny to appele unto 
 the kyng his honorable councellc, as playnly apperithe by the un-
 
 78 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 true surmised articles falsely contrived by the blacke fFreere of 
 Haverfordwest, whiche though I presented to your maistershipe 
 as thacte of his onely doing, yet was hit the mayntenans of the 
 busshope and his ungostly spirituall officers^ whiche is evident by 
 the rewarde of the busshope to the ffreere at his departyng, also by 
 his letters directed to Mr. dean of tharches and to doctoure Huys, 
 diligently to sollicite that I myghtbe suppressed in my just matter. 
 And where they sithe perceive that (praise be to God !) under the 
 favour of your righteouse equite they cannot jDrevaile agenst me as 
 they wilfully wulde, yet cesse they not wrongfully to vex suche as 
 pertayne to me, troblyng them with tyranny for my sake, no 
 suche cruelte deservyng ; as where of late I sent a servaunt home 
 about certen busynes, immediatly aftre his commyng the busshops 
 officers ascited hym to apperans, and ransacking his house forced 
 hym to delyver suche bokes as he had, that is to saye, an Ynglysshe 
 Testament, thexposicion of the iiij^^, v^^, and \j^^^ chapters of 
 Mathewe, the Ten Commaundementes, and the Epistelle of Saynt 
 Johan, violently withholding them wdth vehement reproches and 
 clamarouse exclamacions agenst heretikes, as if to have the Tes- 
 tament in Ynglysshe were horrible heresie, to no litle dismaying 
 and ferefuU discomfort of the sincere favorers of Godes word. 
 Moreover, they charged in the kynges name the maire of Tynby, 
 in payne of fyve hundreth merckes, to putt in warde the said poore 
 man, his wifF, and a certen honest widowe of inculpable fame, with 
 whom they were at host, laying certen articles to theyre charge whiche 
 they never thought nor spake ; and aftre most shamefull rumors 
 raysed uppe to theyre dyfFamacion, with slaunderouse wonderment 
 of the towne, alle crafty meanes assayde to bryng in false witnes, 
 when no accuser wuld appere openely, as a true certificat undre 
 the townes scale largely dothe testifie, the above mencyoned offi- 
 cers, without any charitable satisfaction to the said parties wrong- 
 fully imprisonede, badd the maire do with them as he lusted, and 
 so thens departyng made ther advaunt * in places where they came 
 
 * Their boast.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 7^ 
 
 of theire valyaunt actes agenst heretikes, meanyng therby the fa- 
 vorers of Christes gospell. In consideracion wherof hit may please 
 your singuler goodnes to provyde a redresse, that ffrom the ter- 
 roure of suche tyrannes the kynges faythfuUe subjeetes youre poure 
 oratours maye peaceably lyve according to Goddes lawes, without 
 any suche unchristen empeschement and combrouse vexacyons. 
 Furthermore, unfaynedly to assertayne your maistershipe, in what 
 petious case gretely lamentable the kynges faithfull subjeetes the 
 poore resians * in the dioces of saynt David your suppliaunt ora- 
 tours ar miserably ordred undre the clergye, requyreth a farre 
 larger processe then here maye conveniently be comprised ; for 
 though we have semblably to other dioceses in outwarde auctorite 
 and exterior ceremonies a busshop, a sufFrigan, archdeacons, deans, 
 commissaries, and other busshoplyke officers intitled with spiri- 
 tuall names, also a multitude of mounckes, chanons, ffreers, and 
 secular pristes, yet among them all, so many in nombre and in 
 so large a dioces, is ther not one that sincerely prechithe Goddes 
 word, nor scarce any that hertely favorithe hit, but all utter ene- 
 myes theragenst, whose stubburne resistence cannot be without 
 froward rebellion agenst the kynges graciouse actes establisshed 
 uppon the verite of Goddes word. And concernyng the enormy- 
 ouse vices, the frawdulent exactions, the mysordred lyvyng, and 
 hethyn idolatry, shamefully supported undre the clergies jurisdic- 
 tion, whiche by sequele of theyre blynd wilfull ignorans do conse- 
 quently folowe, no dioces I suppose more corrupted nor none so 
 farre out of frame, without hope of reformacion, except your 
 maistershipe shall see a redresse, in whom under the kynges grace 
 the trust of all those that meane well onely consistyth, Fynally 
 theyr abused fasshions at lengithe to discover, at your commaunde- 
 ment, I shalbe redy with suche certente of truthe, that no adver- 
 sary shalbe able to make contrary denyall ; whiche so performed, 
 hit may then please youre good maistershipe to licence me for to 
 departe, under the laufull favour of youre protection, without the 
 
 * Inhabitants, residents.
 
 80 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 whiche nether can I without parell repaire home, nor ther in saffte 
 contynue among so odiouse adversaries of Christes doctrine, by 
 whose tyranny that I may not be unjustly oppressed, I most 
 humbly beseche your assistent ayde, howbeit no farder then the 
 verity of Scripture will justifie my cause, nether for no carnall 
 commodite of any worldly preferment, but alle onely for tha- 
 vauncement of Christes gospell, to the honor of God, who ever- 
 more graciously preserve your maistershipe in honorable felicite. 
 Your humble oratour, 
 
 William Barlo, prior of Haverfordwest. 
 
 To the right honorable maister Thomas 
 Crumwell, chief secretary to the 
 kynges highnes. 
 
 The priory of Bridlington, situated on the coast of Yorkshire, was founded early in 
 the reign of Henry I. by Walter de Gaunt, whose father (Gilbert de Gaunt) had re- 
 ceived a grant of the manor from William the Conqueror. The second Gilbert de 
 Gaunt, eldest son and heir of the founder, confirmed his father's charters, and added 
 liberal donations of his own. The following letter has been printed by Mr. Prickett, in 
 his History of Bridlington, but with a wrong date. The writer was William Wode, the 
 last prior, who in the year following (1536) took an active part in the insurrection 
 commonly called the " Pilgrimage of Grace," and was executed along with the abbots 
 of Fountains, Rievaubc, and Jervaulx, also implicated in that rebellion. 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 THE PRIOR OF BRIDLINGTON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cott. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 53.] 
 
 Right wourshipfuU, my dewtie in my moste humble maner re- 
 membred, I recommende me to your gude maistershipe, and for 
 somuche as your sayd maistershipe by your last lettres to me 
 directed advised me, and in like maner counselled me, to recognishe 
 the kynges highnes to be our patrone and flounder, forasmuche 
 as noe article, worde, sentence, or clause in our originall graunte to
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 81 
 
 hus mayde by sir Gilbert de Gaunte, cosyne to our originall ffoun- 
 der, appered to the contrarie whie of equitie his highnes owght 
 not so to be, or elles to appere before your maistershipe and other 
 of his graces counsell the laste day of Octobre, as I wolde awoide 
 his graces highe displeasour. In this matter, even so humbUe as 
 I canne, I shall besuche your gude maistershipe to be gude mais- 
 ter to me and your poour and cotidiall oratours ray bretheren ; for 
 notwdthstondinge the kinges grace his noble progenitours titles 
 and clames hertofore mayde to our said patronage and founder- 
 shipe (thoghe all we ar and ever will be at his moste graciouse 
 commaundement and pleasour), yet we have ever benne dimissed 
 clere withowt any interruption in this behalfe nighe this two hun- 
 dreth yeres, as shall appere before your gudnes under substanciall 
 evidence of recorde. And so I besuche your maistershipe we may 
 be at this tyme, for in your maistershipe our holle truste in all our 
 gude causes remaneth. And where as I ame detenede withe 
 diverse infirmities in my body, and in lyke maner ame feble of 
 nature, so that withowt great yeopardie of my lifFe I cannot nor 
 ame not hable to labour in doinge of my dewtie to appere before 
 your [gude] maistershipe, I shall right humblie besuche your gudnes 
 to have [me] excused, and in lyke maner to accept this berar my 
 brother as my lauful deputie in this behalfe, who shall mayke 
 your maistershipe aunswer as concernynge thes premisses, to 
 whome I besuche your maistershipe yeve firm credence, of whome 
 also ye shal resave a poour token frome me whiche I eftsones 
 besuche your gude maistershipe to accept, thankfullie with my 
 poour hert and cotidiall prayers, of whiche ye shall be assured 
 enduringe my liffe, as is my dewtie, Gode willinge, who ever 
 preserve your gude maistershipe, in muche Avourshipe longe to 
 endure. Frome our monasterie of Bridhngtone, the xxiij'''! day 
 of Octobre, by your humble and cotidiall oratour, 
 
 William, prior of the same. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. M
 
 82 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 The next letter relates to the pviory of Fordham, in Cambridgeshire. This house, 
 whicli Tanner calls " Fordham alias Bigynge," is said to have been founded by Ro- 
 bert de Fordham, for canons of the order of Sempringham. 
 
 XXXVI. 
 DR. LEGII TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 229.] 
 
 My hartye recommendatyons presupposid, pleasith y t your mas- 
 tership to undrestand, that ther ys a pryory namyd Byggyn in the 
 towne of Fordham, in the dyocesse of Norwyche, wher as ys but the 
 prior and his moncke, and the moncke is in extreme age and at 
 dethes doore, and my lorde of Northehumberland ysfownder ther, of 
 Avhom I suppose ye maye very easely opteyne his title and in- 
 terest. Yt is a propre howse, and yt stand commodyously and plea- 
 sauntly, and yt maye spend xxx^i. by the yere in temporall landes, 
 besyde spyrytualtyes, whyche ys a benefyce of xvj^'. by the yere. 
 Also I desyre you to send me worde, what shall be doon with thes 
 relygyous persons whiche knelyng on ther knees, howldyng up 
 ther handes, instantly M'ith humble petycyon desyre of God, the 
 kyng, and you, to be dymyssyd from ther relygyon, sayyng they 
 lyve in yt contrary to Goddys lawe and ther conscyens, trustyng 
 that the kyng of hys gracyous goodnes and you wyll set them at 
 lybertye owte of this bondage, which they ar not able lenger 
 to endure (as they saye), but shuld fall into dysperatyon or elles 
 ronne awaye, with many other lamentable petycyons whiche war 
 now to long to wryte, but yt war a dede of charyte that they 
 myght lyve in that kynd of lyvyng whiche myght be moste to the 
 glorye of God, the quyetnes of ther conscyens, and most to the 
 commonwelthe, who so ever bathe informyd you to the con- 
 trary, for your harte wold lamente to here them as I doo, as thys 
 berer your servauntec an shewe you. As consernyng thes thynges, 
 I shall desyre your mastershyp of farder knowlege what I shall 
 doo, and I shalle be redy to accomplyshe your mynde in thes and
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 83 
 
 ill all other thynges \vith dylygens to tluittermost of my poore, 
 desyryng that you Avyll remembre God herein (as I dowte not 
 but ye %\'^'ll), who ever accomplyshe your good mynd in all 
 thynges. From Ely, the fyrst daye of Novembre. 
 
 Yours ever assuryd, 
 
 Thomas Legh. 
 
 In the last edition of tbe Monasticon tliere appears to be some error or confusioh 
 relating to the date of the following letter, and to the last abbot of the Premonstra- 
 tensian abbey of West Dereham, who is said to have been Roger Forman, and to have 
 held the same office from 1522 to the time of the dissolution of his house. It is stated 
 in the same work that •' John Maxey, bishop of Elphin, was commendator of Wel- 
 beck, A.D. 1520." 
 
 The abbey of Premonstratensian canons of Welbeck, in Nottinghamshire, was begun 
 in the reign of Stephen, and the foundation completed under Henry II. The bisliops 
 of Ely, having bought the manor, were afterwards considered the founders or patrons. 
 The abbey of West Dereham, in Norfolk, formed by a colony of canons brought from 
 Welbeck, was built in 1188 by Hubert, then dean of York, afterwards bishop of Salis- 
 bury. 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 THE COMMENDATOR OF WELBECK TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv, fol. 43.] 
 
 Jhesu. 
 Please hit you, maister secretarie, to understonde, I receyved 
 the xxvj^'l' day of Octobre a certificate from the convent of West- 
 dorham under there convent sele of the dethe of my brother abbot 
 ther (whose soule God pardon !), and the sele of his office also, 
 accordinge to the old custome and usage that hath ben all wayes 
 usid in timys past, to be sent unto the father abbot from all his 
 filiall chirches, and also accordinge to ye private statutis of our 
 religion. Sir, I perceyve that the kynges grace visitors (doctor
 
 84 LETTERS RELATING TO TttE 
 
 Lee) be forthe in those parties, and whether hit be your maister- 
 shipis plesure that he shall medle in that eleccion or noo I dissire 
 humbly to know your plesur, fFor I insure you I wolde do no- 
 thinge but that which my3t stonde with your lawful favore, 
 seinge that ye are aiid hath ben alwaye so gud maister to me 
 and unto my pour religion. Notwithstondinge, as your maister- 
 shipe knowes well that the kynges grace hathe gyven to me and 
 unto the pour monastery of Welbeck {imperpetuum) under his 
 brod sele for all eleccions of al the ordre of Premonstraten. within 
 this realme and Walls. Howbehit I intend to do nothingebut that 
 shall stond withe the kynges grace plesur and yours bothe, humbly 
 dissiringe to know your maistershipis plesur in writing what I 
 shall do herein. Your maister ship said unto me, at my last be- 
 inge withe you, that when any eleccion fell in my religion I shvild 
 do my duety lyke as I have done before tyme, and accordingly 
 unto the kynges grace graunt. Also ther hathe ben a prest (the 
 person of Brandon Ferre), and maid a sequestracion of all the 
 gudis ther, both within and witheout, moveable and unmovable, 
 but whether your maistership knowes of hit or not I can not say. 
 Sir, as towching all sviche communicacions as I hade at my last 
 being withe yow, (God willing) I shall performe at my commyng 
 upe at Candlemas next commyng. And thus Jhesu preserve yow 
 in helthe with myche honore. From Welbeck, the i]^^ day of 
 Novembre. 
 
 Yours to hys little poure, 
 
 John Elphin and commendatar off Welbek. 
 
 The commissioners appear to have found little in the large Benedictine monastery 
 of Bury in Suffolk to report, except a list of superstitious relics.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 85 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 JOHN AP RICE TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 120.] 
 
 Please it your mastership, fforasmoche as I suppose ye shall 
 have sute made unto yow touching Burie er we retourne, I thought 
 convenient to advertise yow of our procedinges there, and also of 
 the compertes of the same. As for thabbot, we found nothing 
 suspect as touching his lyving, but it was detected that he laye 
 moche forth in his granges, that he delited moche in playng 
 at dice and cardes, and therin spent moche money, and in 
 buylding for his pleasure. He did not preche openly. Also that 
 he converted divers fermes into copie holdes, wherof poore men 
 doth complayne. Also he semeth to be addict to the maynten}'ng 
 of suche supersticious ceremones as hathe ben used hertofor. 
 
 As touching the convent, M'e coulde geate litle or no reportes 
 amonge theym, although we did use moche diligence in our ex- 
 aminacion, and therby, with some other argumentes gethered of 
 their examinacions, I fermely beleve and suppose that they had 
 confedered and compacted bifore our commyng that they shulde 
 disclose nothing. And yet it is confessed and proved, that there 
 was here suche frequence of women commyng and reassorting to 
 this monastery as to no place more. Amongest the reliques we 
 founde moche vanitie and superstition, as the coles that Saint 
 Laurence was tosted withall, the paring of S. Edmundes naylles, 
 S. Thomas of Canterbury penneknyfF and his bootes, and divers 
 skulles for the hedache ; peces of the holie crosse able to make a 
 hole crosse of;* other reliques for rayne and certain other super- 
 stitiouse usages, for avoyding of wedes growing in corne, with 
 suche other. Here departe of theym that be under age upon an 
 eight, and of theym that be above age upon a five, wolde departe 
 
 * The immense number of pieces of the t)^e cross possessed by different religious 
 houses, both on the continent and in England, was a frequent subject of ridicule among 
 the earlier reformers.
 
 86 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 yf they might, and they be of the best sorte in the house and of 
 best lernyng and jugement. The hole nomber of the covent before 
 we cam was Ix., saving one, beside iij. that Avere at Oxforde. Of 
 Ehe I have written to your mastership by my felowe Richard a 
 Lee. And thus Ahnightie God have you in his tuicion. From 
 BuriCj v'l'. Novembre. 
 
 Your servant moste bounden, 
 
 John ap IIice. 
 
 Tlie t'ollowiiig letter is an additional evidence of the eagerness with which the coun- 
 try gentlemen and the couiLiers were looking out for shares in the abbey lands. The 
 small priory of Ingham in Norfolk was founded in the fourteenth century, by Sir 
 jNIiles Stapleton, of Bedule in Yorkshire. 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 RICHARD WHARTON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 122.] 
 
 llyght AvoorshypfuU syr, as T am most bownde of dewtye, Avith 
 my humble recommendacions to your mastershyppe, syr, yt shall 
 please yow to be athvertysyd that here ys an abljey callyd Ing- 
 ham in Norfolke, not fare frome Seyut Benettes al)beye, the 
 fownder therof ys on sir Frawnses Calthrope, and after hys dethe 
 one Edwarde Calthrope, nevewe and heyer unto the sayd syr 
 Fraunses^ whoo hathe maryid a nere kynswoman off myne. The 
 prior and covent of the same abbye, by the covent seale, hathe 
 solde tiie hole abbye with all the londdes therto belongyng, to 
 one Wylliam Wodhowse a nere dweller to the same, wythowght 
 the knowlege of the fovrnder, and allso contrary to the promysse 
 of the sayd prior and covent, who promyssyd the sayd Edward 
 Calthrope that in case they dyde eyther selle or aleyne the same 
 or ony parte therof, that the same Edwarde shulde have yt be- 
 fore any other man, forasmyche as yt was fFowndyd by hys awn-
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 87 
 
 setours, and the sayd Edward allso nexte heyer to the fowndacion. 
 Yett notwithstondyng hys promysse, he hathte solde yt to the 
 sayde Woodhowse by the covent scale, as afore mensionyd, and the 
 same Woodhowse now beyng at London to serve owght the reco- 
 verye of the same. Soo as the same Edwarde Calthrope for ever 
 shall loose hys fowndacion, and allso hys bargeyne of the prior and 
 covent, onlesse yt wyll please your mastershype, at thys ni)^ 
 power sewte, to be soo goode master to the sayde Edwarde Call- 
 thrope to stoppe the recovere incontinent with spcde, tyll your 
 mastershype shalbe further instructyd and sewyd unto by the 
 sayd Edwarde Calthrope and other of hys fryudys. And foras- 
 mychc as the sayde Edward ys the fownder and allso hade a spe- 
 ciall promyse of the prior and covent to bye the same in casse 
 they dyd sell yt, after my power mynde yt ware moste reason that 
 he shulde have the barganye and profarment before ony other. 
 Yf yt please yower mastershyppe to helpe hym and stonde hys good 
 master, I dowght with yower helpe he maye recover hys sayd bar- 
 gayne in the same, and for the paynys that yower mastershyppe 
 shall take therin, the same Edward shall gyfFe yow an hondryde 
 powndes, and yow shall bynde hym and alle hys frynddys to be 
 yower sarvaunttys and Ijedemen whyll they doo lyve. I beseche 
 yow, syr, that I maye be athevertysyd of yower pleasure herein by 
 my servaunt thys brynger. Syr, I am allwayse bolde to crave to 
 yower mastershyppe for eyde and helj^e for me and my frj'nddys, 
 not able to requite yower goodnesse but with my power harte and 
 sarvyse, wyche ys and shalbe at yower commaundment j and thus 
 I beseche God to preserve yower mastershyppe to long lyfFe and 
 good prosperytye. Frome Bungeye, the vij. daye of Novembyr. 
 Att yower mastershyppes com.mawndment, 
 
 Rychard Wharton. 
 
 The subject of the following letter is a continuation of the report previously given 
 at p. ',•>, of the ])resent volume.
 
 88 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 XL. 
 
 THE COMMISSIONERS IN KENT TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cott. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 219.] 
 
 Right worshipfull sir, itt maye youe to understond, that we re- 
 ceyved your lettre this present Tewesdaye att nyght, about vij. of 
 the clok, by the handes of John Antony your servaunt, advertesyng 
 youe that before the receyt therof we have been att the monas- 
 teries of Langdon, Dovour, and Folkston, and have taken a clere 
 surrender of every of the same monasteries under ther covent 
 seales, beyng also recognized in ther chapter houses, accordyng to 
 your wille and commaundementj wheruppon dyverse tenauntes be- 
 longyng to the seid monasteries have openly attorned unto the 
 kynges grace. 
 
 We have also receyved into your custodye the covent seales 
 of the seid monasteries, and have in lyke maner receyvd all 
 the evidence belongyng to the monasteries of Langdon and 
 Folkston, and have likewyse receyved parte of the evidence be- 
 longyng to Dovour, such as we thought most expedyent, and the 
 residue we have putt into a suer chiste under lock, wherof we 
 have the key in our custodye. 
 
 We have also lefte the chanons and monkes still in ther houses, 
 withoute any clere dyscharge of them, butt have putt them att 
 ther liberte and choise whether they wille abide ther untill the 
 kynges graceis plesure beferther knowen therin, or eles to goo from 
 thens to ther fryndes, wherof the most parte desire to have capa- 
 citees, and somme to be assigned over to other places of religeon. 
 Which monkys and chanons att the tyme of the receypt of your 
 seid lettre (as we trust and thynk) ar remaynyng still in ther 
 houses. 
 
 Advertesyng your mastership fFerther of the estate of the seid 
 monasteries, wherin (as yett) we toke none inventories, by cause 
 the inventories were taken allredy, as your mastership knowes.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 89 
 
 Fyrst, the house of Langdon is sore in decaye, and no maner 
 of grayne or other vittalles for the realeff of the house. Thabbott 
 therof (as he is reported) a veray unthrifte yvell housbond, and 
 of yll rule, and his covent veraye ignorant and poore. 
 
 The house of Dovour is a goodly house and well repayred in all 
 places, as fer as we cowd perceyve ; and that the prior (as itt 
 was reported unto us) fFound the house att his flfyrst comyng 
 thither indented in ix'^^li., and hath reduced and brought that to 
 c''. as itt is said, of whose nowe case dyverse of the honest in- 
 habitantes of Dovour shewe them selves veray sory. 
 
 The house of Folkston is a littill house, well repayred, and the 
 prior a veray honest parson, and a veray good husbond,* and no 
 les belovyd emonges his neypours. 
 
 We have consulted uppon your letter that Herry Foisted, John 
 Antony, and Antony Ager shall accomplish the same in all thyng 
 with all convenyent spede. And thus the Holy Goost contynewe 
 yowe in good helth [and] welffare. Writton at Canterbury, the xvj. 
 daye of November. 
 
 Your owne, Thomas Bedyll. 
 Your servaunt, Herry Polsted. 
 Your servant, John Anthony. 
 
 The next letter is altogether undated, but it appears to have been written about this 
 time, and is placed here from its connection with the proceedings in Kent, a portion 
 of which form the subject of the preceding letter. We have already seen the prior of 
 Christ's Church, Canterbury, excusing himself from having any connection with 
 Elizabeth Barton. 
 
 * i. €. a careful housekeeper. 
 CAMD. SOC.
 
 90 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 XLI. 
 
 CHRISTOPHER LEVYNS TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cott. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 124.] 
 
 Pleasithe hit your mastershype to understonde, that one Son- 
 daye was senyghte I delyveryde unto your servaunt mayster Filoll 
 a certayne bill of complaynte ayenste the priour of Christe Churche 
 in Cantreburye, wheryne I openyde unto your mastershipe that 
 dyverse brethren of the same howse hadde shewyde unto me that 
 the sayde pryour hadde takyne a collette fFor the bysshoppe of 
 Rome by name of Pope^ contrarye to his othe and a lawe made in 
 that behalife,* and allso delyveryde unto hyme the copye of an 
 inventorye latelye exhibityde by hyra unto your maistershipe of 
 the juelles and plate belongynge unto the same monasterye, with 
 a remembraunce of certayne parcells of sylver, golde, and stone to 
 the value of thowsandys of poundys, as the brethren of the same 
 house reporte, willfTullye lefte owte of the sayde inventorye, con- 
 trarye unto an injunction to hyme gevynne by doctor Leyghtone, 
 vysitour there under your mastershipe. Whether your maister- 
 shipe have knowelege of the same byll or no, I knowe not ; but 
 the sayde priour ys departyde to his howse, and I verylye thynke, 
 that those his brethren or monkes M'hiche have openyde thys 
 matter, whome he knowith ryght well, that after his comynge home 
 they shall never come forthe to depose in thys matter that he 
 hathe done ayenste our soverayng lorde the kynge, but other shalbe 
 poysenyde or murtheryde in prysone, as the commen reporte of the 
 monkes of the same house ys that he hathe murthredde dyverse 
 other. And bysydys thys, hit ys not to be dowbtyde that he, 
 knowynge hyme selfe to be gyltye in the mater before rehersyde, 
 wyll eloyne owt of the same howse into the handy s of hys secrett 
 
 * The act of parliament abrogating the " usurped power of the bishop of Rome," 
 in this island, who was no longer to receive the name of pope, was passed in the 
 session of the 25 Hen. VIII.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 91 
 
 fryndys thowsandys of poundes, wiche is well knowen he hatha, 
 to hys conforte herafter, to the greate hynderance of our soveraing 
 lorde the kynge, whiche ys justelye intytyllydde by his lawes ther- 
 unto, upon thys offence done, to have the hole moveable goodes of 
 the howse. Whiche hynderaunce to our sayde soveraing lord, 
 and dangers unto these poore men hys brethren, in thys behalfe 
 consyderyde, hit may please your mastershipe to take summe 
 order by your highe discressyon. Wryten by your bedman and 
 the kynges trewe subjecte, 
 
 Cristofer Lbvyns, 
 
 To the right honorable 
 maister Thomas Crumwell 
 hyghe secretarye to the 
 kynges hyghnes. 
 
 Towards the end of the year Layton and Legh set out on a visitation journey towards 
 Yorkshire. The following letter caries them as far as Lichfield. 
 
 XLII. 
 
 DR. LAYTON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 131.] 
 
 Hit may please your mastershipe to understande, that in goyng 
 northwardes from London I towke in my way towardes Lichefelde, 
 wheras I appointede to mete with doctor Leig, firste a prorie of 
 Gylbertyns and nunnes inclosede and closse;* wheras they wolde 
 not in any wisse have admittede me as vysiter, I wolde not be so 
 answerede, but visitede them, and ther fownde two of the saide 
 nunnes not baron ; one of them impregnavit supprior domus, an 
 other a servyng man. The two prioresses wolde not confesse this, 
 nother the parties, nor none of the nunnes, but one old beldame ; 
 
 * This was probably the priory of Chicksand in Bedfordshire, founded about 1150 
 *or canons and nuns of the order of St. Gilbert of Sempringham.
 
 J?- LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 and whan I objectede agayns the saide prioresses, that if they 
 cowlde not shewe me a cause resonable of that ther conseilement, 
 I muste nedes and wolde punnisshe them for ther manifeste per- 
 jurie, ther answer was that they were bownde by ther rehgion never 
 to confesses the secrette fawttes done emongiste them, but onely 
 to ther owne visiture of ther rehgion, and to that they were 
 sworne evere one of them at ther firste admission. Another 
 priorie callede Harwolde,* wherin was iiij. or v. nunnes with the 
 priores ; one of them hade two faire chyldren, another one and no 
 mo. My lorde Mordant,t dwellyng nygh the saide howse, in- 
 tyssede the yong nunnes to breke up the cofer wheras the covent 
 sealle was ; sir John Mordant his eldyste son then present, ther 
 perswadyng them to the same, causede ther the prioresse and hir 
 folysshe yong floke to seale a writyng made in Latten ; what therin 
 is conteynede nother the priores nor hir sisters can telle, sayyng 
 that my Lord Mordant telhth them that hit ys but a leasse of a 
 benifice improperite, with other small tenanderyse. They say all 
 they durste not say hym nay ; and the priores saith planely that 
 she never wolde consent therto. This was done sens Michaelmas. 
 To cale my lorde Mordant to make answere thus by power and 
 myght in his contrey to use bowses of religion of the kinges 
 foundation (me semith) ye can no lesse do by your offes, unleste 
 ye will suffer the kinges foundations in contincAvaunce by every 
 man to be abusede. At Saint Androse in Northampton J the 
 howse is in dett gretly, the landes solde and morgagede, the fermes 
 
 * At Harewold, or Harwood, in Bedfordshire, there was a prioiy of nuns of the 
 order of St. Augustine, founded in the middle of the twelfth century. Very little is 
 known of its history. 
 
 t Sir John Mordaunt, who had been sheriff of Bedford and Bucks in the first year 
 of Henry's reign, and had been employed by that monarch in several important occa- 
 sions. He was summoned to parliament as a baron in 1532. 
 
 t The date of the original foundation of the priory of St. Andrew in Northampton 
 is somewhat uncertain. In 1084, Simon de St. Liz, the first Norman Earl of North- 
 ampton and Huntingdon, repaired and newly endowed this house, and placed in it a 
 company of Cluniac monks. The last prior is said to have been Francis Abtree, alias 
 Leicester : it is stated in the last edition of Dugdalc that he is called by Layton in this 
 letter John Petie, the words " I have petie '' having been mistaken for a proper name.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 93 
 
 letowte, and the rent recevide before hande, for x., xv., xx. chaun- 
 teres fowndett to be paide oute of the londes, and gret bondes off 
 forfaitures therupon for non payment; the howse is iiij. hundreth 
 powndes in revenewys. The kinges fowndation thus to be man- 
 gellede by the quondam, I have petie ; the prior now is a bacheler of 
 di^^nitie, a gret husbond, and a goode clerke, and petie hit is that 
 ever he cam ther : if he were promotede to a better thyng, and the 
 kinges grace wolde take hit into his handes, so myght he recover 
 all the londes agayne, wiche the prior shall never. In my retorne 
 owte of the northe I will attempte hym so to do, if hit be your 
 pleasure. The colege of Newarke * here in Lecestre of the kinges 
 fowndation, with an hospitale, is welle keppede, and honeste men 
 therin, iij. hundreth powndes in ther trezarewre howse before 
 hande. The abbay here is confederyde, we suppos, and nothyng 
 will confesse. The abbot is an honeste man, and doth varawell, 
 but he hath here the moste obstinate and factiouse chanons that 
 ever I knewe. This mornyng I will objecte aganste divers of them 
 bugrie and adulterie, et sic sjjecialiter discendere, wiche I have 
 lernede of other (but not of any of them) ; what I shall fynde I 
 cannot tell. This mornyng we depart to wardes Lichefelde churche, 
 and from thens to certayne abbays upon Trent syde, and so to 
 pase on to Sothewelle,t and to be at Yorke within a day aifter the 
 xij**i day, we intende, and thus to make spede with diligence and 
 trew knowlege of everethyng is our intent. My lorde of Lincolne J 
 commaundyt the prechers here of Newarke colege that they 
 shulde no more preche, but onely in ther owne benifices. Why 
 shulde he inhibite any man to preche the worde of Gode ? He 
 
 * The College of Newark, or St. Mary's the greater^ in the city of Leicester, was 
 founded by Henry duke of Lancaster, and the buildings completed by John of Gaunt. 
 The church was destroyed after the dissolution. 
 
 ■f The collegiate church of Southwell in Nottinghamshire is said to have been 
 founded by Paulinus archbishop of York about a.d. 630. Subsequently in the twelfth 
 century it consisted of sLxteen canons. After its dissolution, it was restored by 
 Henry VIII. and still exists. 
 . J John Lougland, consecrated in 1521, and no very zealous reformer, fcrie^ ■ ^ 
 
 f/ic net i^ 'Xt C-xJ: a-et^ n irC Lnn-c uT . Jc ortUyr- a- Vlo^x, C> A-rxac^. cry. A*.* fftti\.
 
 94 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 visitede here at Lecestre, and thoroAv his dioces in thes parties, at 
 Lent laste, onely to prevent the kinges visitacion; he cannot 
 visite but de triennio in triennium, and he preventede his tyme 
 more then half a yere, so to prevent the kinges : et sic visitavit 
 pendente visitatione metropolitica, to the derogation off my lorde 
 of Canterburies power and prerogative metropohtan, gyvyn hym 
 by the kinges hyghnes. If he will so suffer his power to be con- 
 temnede, hit is petie he shulde have his mitre. From Lichefelde, 
 crastino divi Thome. By the spedy hande of youre assurede 
 preste and servande, 
 
 Rycharde Layton. 
 
 The small priory of Newstead, called in Latin De Novo Loco juxta Stanford, for 
 which the bishop of Lincoln writes in the following letter, was founded in the begin- 
 ning of the reign of Henry I IL by William de Albini. The last prior was Richard 
 Lynne, so that it is probable that the bishop's recommendation was not listened to. 
 
 XLIII. 
 THE BISHOP OF LINCOLN TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 48*.] 
 
 Myn humble duety remembred unto your good mastershippe, 
 with my bounden thankes for your grette goodnes always and att 
 all tymes shewed unto me, ytt may please you to understand that 
 the pore house of Newsted besydes Stamford hathe bene voyde 
 sence the xxix"' day of October, by the resignation of the late 
 prior ther. And forasmoche as ther ar nowe butt twoo chanons 
 in the sayd house, my lord of Rutland, ther ffounder, hathe nomi- 
 nate ther unto sir John Blakytt, chanon, whiche semyth to be a 
 right honest sobre man, and hathe compounded for the firste 
 fructes. And for that your mastershippe commaunded me nott to 
 medle Avith eny religious houses, I wilnott intermedle in these 
 premisses, nor eny other lyke, withoute knowledge of your pleasour.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 95 
 
 In consideration whereof, I beseche you I may knowe the same 
 by this berer, wheddre itt may stand with your said pleasour to 
 lycence me to admytte the said nomination, and to gyve mandatum 
 to tharchedekon for his installation, for the ease of the said poore 
 house. And thus the blessyd Trynyte have you in his tuicion. 
 Wryten att Wooborne, the x*'^ day of January. Your bownden 
 bedisman, 
 
 John Lincoln. 
 
 To the right honourable master 
 secretary, this may be delyveryd. 
 
 One of the objects of the mission of Legh and Laytoa to the North, appears to have 
 been to intimate the wishes of the court to the archbishop of York (Edward Lee), who 
 was looked upon with some suspicion as a favourer of the monks and of the old 
 religion. In the year following he was drawn into the "pilgrimage of grace" rebel- 
 lion, but excused himself on the ground of having acted under compulsion. 
 
 XLIV. 
 DR. LEGH TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleopat. E. iv. fol. 104.] 
 
 Ryght worshipfull syr, my dewty presupposid, this is to adver- 
 tise you that master doctor Layton and I the xj. daye of January 
 war with the archebushope of Yorke, whom we accordyng to your 
 pleasure and preceptes have vj^syte, injoynyng him to preache and 
 teache the word of God according to his bownd dewty to his cure 
 committid unto hym, and also in the knowlege concernyng the 
 prerogatyve poore that the kynges grace have, and to see other 
 here in his jurisdiction being enduyd with good qualites, havyng 
 any respecte either to God, goodnes, vertue, or godlynes, to per- 
 forme the same ; injoyning moreover to hym to bring up unto you 
 hys fyrst, second, and thyrd fundations, wherupon he enjoiythe 
 hys office and prerogatyve poore, with the grawntes, privelegis, 
 and concessions geven to hym and to his see apperteynyng. The
 
 96 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 whiche whan that you have red them, and knowen in all poyntes 
 the hole effect of them, I doo not dowte but that you shall see and 
 rede many thynges wordy reformation, by the knowlege wherof I 
 suppose the kynges hyghnes and you wyll be glad, and to thyncke 
 it mete that every bushope war in leke wyse orderyd, then shuld 
 they them under ther governauns edyfye moche in Christ, in his 
 doctrine and teachynges, and then the poore ignoraunte persons, 
 now by blyndenes and ignoraunce sedusid, myght therby be 
 browght to lighte and knowlege, wherby they shuld profitt moche 
 the welthe of ther owne sowlys and the commynaltye. And it 
 shuld be gretly expedient to the concervacion of ther fidelite 
 toward ther prince, and to hys graces succession now begotten, or 
 hereafter to be begotton. Now that I have enformyd your master- 
 ship of our actes and dedes, doon to a good ende, as our opinion 
 serve us, yt shall lye in your circumspecte prudencye and wysdom 
 to order all thynges as ye shall thincke to your approvyd dyscre- 
 tion most mete, and to the farderans of the glory of God and pre- 
 servation of the common welthe most expedient and necessary. 
 For in the same injunctions geven heretofore, eyther augmentid or 
 diminyshyd, to be mynystred to other bushopys, as shall be 
 thowght to your wysdom most convenyent, I doo not dowght 
 but it shall be moche profitable and commodius bothe to the kynges 
 highnes and to your mastership, as knoweth God, who ever pre- 
 serve your mastership. From Yorke, the xiij^h daye of January. 
 
 Yours ever assureyd, 
 
 Thomas Legh. 
 
 To the ryght honerable 
 master Thomas Cromwell, 
 chyeflf secretary unto the 
 kynges highnes, and master 
 of his roUys, this be delyveryd.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 9/ 
 
 The mitred abbey of St. Mary at York, mentioned in the following letter, dated 
 from the eleventh century. According to some it was founded by earl Siward ; ac- 
 cording to others, it sprang from a colony of monks who came thither from Whitby. 
 It was enlarged by William Rufus, and became in course of time a very rich house. 
 The last abbot was William Thornton or Dent. 
 
 XL.V. 
 DR. LAYTON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 115*.] 
 
 Hit may please your mastershipe to be advertissede, that here in 
 Yorkeshire we fynde gret corruption emongiste persons religiouse, 
 evyn lyke as we dyde in the sowthe, tam in capite quam in membris, 
 and wurse if wurse may be in kyndes of knaverie, as, retrahere 
 membrum virile in ipso punctu seminis emittendi, ne inde fieret prolis 
 generation andnunnes to take potations ad prolem conceptum oppri- 
 mendum, with suche other kindes of offences lamentable to here. 
 This day, we begyn with Saint Mare abbay, whereas we suppos 
 to fynde muche evile disposition bothe in thabbot and the convent, 
 wherofF, Gode willyng, I shall certify yowe in my next letters. 
 The dean of Yorke was never fully concludede with the tresareure 
 here for the deanrie. The dean wolde not resign unto hym, un- 
 leste he wolde leife hym other possessions ; for pension he wolde 
 none have, fearyng suche lyke debaytment therof as was of pen- 
 sions in the laste Parliament. To have takyn the tresareureshipe 
 for the lieu of a pension he was onse content, wherunto the tre- 
 sareure wolde not agre, unleste he myght have hade his prebende 
 also with his deanrie, wiche the dean wolde not, and so they 
 broke ; the tresareure wolde have hade the dean to have wryten 
 unto yowe of sum towardnes in the premisses at suche tyrae as 
 the tresareure came up laste to London, wyche the dean then 
 refusede to do, bycause therof he persavede no gret towardnes of 
 any conclusion. This is the deans taile to me, and this I fynde 
 trewe ; wherfore I shall desier your mastershipe to continewe 
 
 CAMD. SOC. O
 
 98 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 your goode mynde towardes me, and in the mean tyme ye shalbe 
 faste assurede of my faithfull servyce in all suche your affaires as 
 ye commite unto me, and for no corruption or lucre frome my 
 loyaltie to swerve in doyng my princes commaundement for your 
 discharge, whyche hath put your truste and affiance unto me. 
 Frome Yorke, xiijo Januarii, by your assurede poire preste, 
 
 RiCHARDE LaYTON, 
 
 While Legh and Layton were in the North, Bedyll was occupied in Cambridgeshire, 
 and the fen district. The celebrated abbey of Ramsey was founded soon after the 
 middle of the tenth century. The charter of King Edgar is printed in the Monas- 
 ticon. The last abbot was John Wardeboys, alias Lawrence : he was appointed to 
 that place as early as 1507, and must have been an old man at the time he surrendered 
 his house to the King, which he did very willingly. 
 
 XLVI. 
 
 BEDYLL TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From. MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 204.] 
 
 In my moost hertie wise I commende me to you, doing you to 
 understand that I am now at Ramesey, wher in myne opinion the 
 abbatt and convent be as true and as feythful obedienciaries to 
 the kinges grace as any religious folkes in this realme, and live as 
 uprightly as any other, after the best sort of lyving that hath been 
 emong religious folkes this many yeres, that is to sey mor gyven 
 to ceremonies than is necessary. I pray God I may fynd other 
 houses in no worse condicion, and than I wolbe right glad that 
 I tok this jorney. Your cosyn Mr. Richard * was her on Thurs- 
 day, by whom I sent letters unto you, whiche I thinke ye have 
 
 * The term cousin was applied in a very general manner to all kinds of distant 
 affinity. Richard Cromwell was the secretary's nephew.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MON<iSTERIES. 99 
 
 not yet receyved.* Muche of the mater of my letters concerneth 
 a charter of king Edgar, whiche I found in this house, wreten in a 
 very antique Romane hand, whereof the subscription is this, Sig- 
 nuni Edgari illustris Anglorum imperatmns ; And it is subscribed 
 with \-j. dukes whiche were in Edgars tymes. The said Edgar 
 exempteth the abbat and his convent and al his men from the 
 power of al bisshops, and maketh thaim immediatly subject to 
 him self; and albeit they were then excepted, the bisshop of Rome 
 had never to do with thaim. Ther may be good notes gatherd 
 out herof, as I have wreten mor playne in my said letters delivered 
 to Mr. Richard. Here in this monastery of Ramsey be two bre- 
 thern whiche have gyven thes billys enclosed unto me, very 
 afFectuosly desiryng to have liberte to go from thaire cloyster by 
 the kinges grace auctorite, or els to have licence to repair to my 
 lord of Cauntrebury to sue thaire capacites. I have steyed thaim 
 as wel as I can, with suche counsels and exhortations as I could 
 gyve thaim ; but I fere, if they can have no liberte graunted thaim, 
 they wol take it of thaire owne auctorite. I beseche you to write 
 a word or two how I shal use me self towardes thaim and al other 
 whiche wol make like suyt, in no smal numl^er as I think, whereof 
 som occasion hath growen by that that docter Lee now at Christ- 
 mas gave liberte to half the house of Sawtre f to depart (as I am 
 informed), whiche Sautre is within v. myles of Ramsey. The re- 
 ligious men thinketh that I have like auctorite as doctor Lee, and 
 that moveth thaim to make this suyt. Nevertheless I wol no 
 thing do therein, or presume suche hyghe maters, without your 
 advise and counsel, beseching you to write your mynd in this be- 
 half, and in suche other thinges whiche ye wold me to do in this 
 
 * This letter is preserved in the same volume, but is not of importance, as it chiefly 
 contains a copy of part of the charter. 
 
 t The abbey of Saltrey, or Sawtrey, in Huntingdonshire, was founded in 1 146, when 
 Simon earl of Northampton established there a convent of Cistercian monks from the 
 abbey of Wardon in Bedfordshire. The last abbot was William Angell.
 
 100 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 jorney. If it pleased you to grant me a commission to visit the 
 religious houses unvisitted in Lyncoln diocese, whiche shai be 
 nyghe my jorney, it shuld be muche to my commodite. From 
 Ramsey the xv. day of January. 
 
 By your owne, 
 
 Thomas Bedyll. 
 
 To the right honorable and my singuler 
 
 frende, M. Thomas Cromwel, 
 
 the kinges grace secretarie moost worthy. 
 
 The next letter relates to the mal-practices of the abbot of Fountains, who has been 
 already mentioned in a previous letter, lie was a few months afterwards condemned 
 and executed for his activity in the rebellion of 1536". 
 
 xlvii. 
 layton and legh to cromwell. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 114.] 
 
 Pleasit your mastershipe to understonde, that thabbot of Fon- 
 tance hath so gretly dilapidate his howse, ■\vastede ther wooddes, 
 notoriously kepyng vj. hoorres, difFamede here a toto populo, one 
 day denyyng thes articles with many mo, the next day foloAvyng 
 the same confessyng, thus manifestely incurryng perjurie. vj. days 
 before our accesse to his monasterie he committede theft't and 
 sacrilege, confessyng the same. At mydnyght causede his cliape- 
 laine to stele the sextens keis, and towke owte a jewel, a crosse of 
 golde ■with stones. One Warren, a goldsmith of the Chepe, was with 
 hym in his chambre at that owre, and ther they stole oute a gret 
 emerode with a ruble ; the saide Warren made thabbot beleve the 
 ruble to be but a garnet, and so for that he payede nothyng, for 
 the emerode but xx''. He solde hym also then plate withoute 
 weyght or ownces : howe moche thabbot therfore therin -was de- 
 cevide he cannot tell, for the trewith ys he ys a vara fole, and a mi- 
 serable ideote. We pronuncede hym perjurede, and willede hym
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 101 
 
 to shew us a cause why he owght not of ryght and justes to be 
 deprivede, and reheresyde and rede unto hym his owne rule, 
 wiche deprivede hym for the premisses, with other many his trans- 
 gressions mo, wiche were to long to write. He cowlde not denye 
 but that by those his owne rulles he owght to be deprivede, if 
 ther hade bene no nother lawe made or written for deprivation; 
 and for a conclusion he hath resignede privehe into our handes, 
 noman therof yet knowyng. We have acceptede and admittede 
 his resignation, et declaravimus monasterium jam esse vacans, and 
 sufferith hym to ministre in all thynges (for the avoidance oflF sus- 
 picion) evyn ^s he dyde before, tyll we knowe your further plea- 
 sure. Ther is never a monke in that howse mete for that rowme. 
 Yf the erle of Comerlande knewe that hit were voide, he wolde 
 make all labor he cowlde possible for the scelerer ther, wiche I 
 inseure yowe is not mete therfore, for suche causes as I knowe ye 
 will alowe, whan I shall declare them unto yow. There is a , , , 
 
 monke of the howse callede Marmaduke, to whom jNIr. Tim me s ^ ., 
 leiFt a prebende in Repon churche, nowe abydyng upon the same 
 prebende, the wysyste monke within Inglonde of that cote and well 
 lernede, xx^i yerres officer and rewler of all that liowse, a welthie 
 felowe, wiche will gyve yowe syx hundreth markes to make hym 
 abbot ther, and pay yowe immediatly afFter the election, withoute 
 delay or respite, at one payment, and as I suppos withoute muche 
 borowyng. The first fruttes to the kyng is a thowsande powndes, 
 wiche he with his pollicie will pay within iij. yerres, and owe no- 
 man therfore one grote, as he saith, and his reason therin is vara 
 apparant. Yf ye have not therfore providede or promisede suche 
 a rowme for any other your frendes, this man we thynke were 
 mete both for the kinges honour and for the discharge of your 
 conscience, and the profett of the howse; for I am sure all thab- 
 bottes of his religion will thynke hym a ryght apte man hereunto, 
 and the moste mete of any other. What shalbe your pleasure 
 forther in this behalffe, other in preferryng this man, or other ways 
 as ye thynke beste, we advertissede of your pleasure shalbe glade; 

 
 102 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 with all diligence and dexteritie that shall ly in us, to accomplisshe 
 
 that your mynde, disieryng yowe that by this bringer my servant 
 
 Avith spede hit may please yowe to certifie us of the premisses. 
 
 And we suppos that many other of the beste abbottes mo, affter 
 
 they have commonede with your mastershipe and us, will cum to 
 
 lyke preferment. And wheras we have herde that thabbot of 
 
 Whitbie * hath by his letters certifyede yowe heretofore that he 
 
 wolde resigne, if he be so myndett at our cumyng thether (wiche 
 
 shalbe shortly) or if we fynde any cause of deprivation, whom hit 
 
 shall please yowe then therunto to prefere, if ye be prefixede of 
 
 any, hit may also please yowe to certifie us, or if ye be not deter- 
 
 minede of any, then if hit be your pleasure to commite that to 
 
 our discretion we shall fynde yowe a man habile both for the 
 
 kinges honoure and discharge of his conscience and for your wur- 
 
 shipe and also profite. This monke of Repon hath a prebende of 
 
 xl. powndes, wiche ye may bestowe also upon your frende, if ye 
 
 make hym abbot. 
 
 Ye shall do well to sende for Warren the goldesmith, and 
 lay unto hym thefFt and sacrilege, and the recept therof, and to 
 know what other thynges he hath hade of thabbot this viij. or ix. 
 yerres paste. And thus I pray Gode sende yow as goode helth 
 as yowre hert desierith. From Richemont, xx° Januarii, by your 
 assurede poire prestes and faithful servandes, 
 
 Rycharde Layton and Thomas Legh. 
 
 To the ryght honorable 
 master Thomas Cromwell, 
 cheft'e secretarie to the 
 kinges hyghnes. 
 
 * Whitby was one of the most ancient monastic houses in the north of England, 
 founded by the abbess Hilda about a.d. 657 (the land having been granted by Oswy king 
 of Northumberland as a nunnery by the name of Streoneshalch. After the conquest 
 it was refounded as a monastery of Benedictine monks. The abbot reigned in 1537j 
 and Henry Davell, who was appointed by the king to succeed him, surrendered the 
 monastery in 1540.
 
 SUPPRESSION OP MONASTERIES. 103 
 
 The following able letter was written by John Shepey, alias Castelocke, the last 
 abbot of Faversham in Kent. The commissioners appear to have wished to wrest his 
 house from him on the ground of his advanced age ; and he must have been old, for he 
 was abbot as early as the 14th Hen. YII. (a.d. 1498). He voted for the King in the 
 question of the divorce : and, with the prior and others of the house, he subscribed to 
 the King's supremacy on the 10th Dec. 1534. He finally surrendered the abbey on the 
 8th of July, 1538. 
 
 This abbey, which stands at a little distance to the north-east of the town of Faver- 
 sham, was founded about 1147, for a convent of Cluniac monks brought from the 
 priory of Bermondsey in Southwark. 
 
 XLVIII. 
 THE ABBOT OF FAVERSHAM TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 34.] 
 
 Right worshipfull syr, after humble recommendations accord- 
 ing to my most bounden dutye, with lyke thankes for your bene- 
 volent mynde alwayes shewid toward me and my poore house to 
 your goodnes had and used ; it may please you to be advertised, 
 that I latelye receyvid your lovyng lettres dated the viij^'^ day of 
 this present moneth, concernyng a resignation to be had of the 
 poore house which 1 under God and the kyngis highnes my sove- 
 reigne lorde of longe tyme (though unworthye suche a cure) have 
 hadde mynistration and rule of, and that by cause of thage and 
 debilyte which ar reported to be in me. So it is, right worship- 
 full syr, I trust I am not yet nowe so ferr infeobled or decayed, 
 nether in body nor in remembraunce, either by ony extremytie of 
 aege whome debilitye lightlye for the most part alway accompa- 
 nyeth, either by ony immoderate passion of ony greate contynuall 
 infirmytie, but that I may aswell ( high thankes be unto God 
 therof !) accommodat my self to the good ordre, rule, and govern- 
 aunce of my pore house and monastery as ever I myght sith my 
 first promotion to the same, though I may not so well percase 
 ryde and journey abrode as I might have done in tyme passed. 
 But admytte the peculier office of an abbat to consiste (as I must 
 nedes refell, for we professe a rule myche dyverse therunto) in
 
 104 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 journeying forth and surveying of the possessions of his house, in 
 which case agilytie and pacyence of labour in journeying weer 
 myche requyred indeede : though I my self be not so well able to 
 take paynes therin as I have been in my yongre yeeres, at which 
 tyme I trust I toke suche paynes that I nede lesse surveying of 
 the same at this present tyme, yet have I suche feithfuU ap- 
 proved servauntes whome I have brought upp in mye poure house 
 from their tendre yeres, and those of suche witt and good discre- 
 tion joyned with the long experyence of the trade of suche 
 wordely thinges, that they ar able to furnysshe and supplye those 
 partes, I knowe right well, in all poyntes myche better then ever I 
 my self coulde, or then it had been expedyent or decent for me to 
 have doone. Ayen, on that other side, if the cheif office and pro- 
 fession of an abbat be (as I have ever taken it) to lyve chaste and 
 solitarylye, to be separate from the intromeadlyng of worldelye 
 thinges, to serve God quyetlye, to distribute his facultyes in re- 
 fresshing of poore indigent persons, to have a vigilant eigh to the 
 good ordre and rule of his house and the flock to hym commytted 
 in God, I trust your favour and benevolence obteyned (wherof I 
 right humbly requyre you) I my self may and am aswell able 
 yet nowe to supplye and contynue those partes as ever I was in all 
 my lief, as concernynge the sufficyencye of myne owne persone. 
 Yet doubtlesse myche more ease and quyet might it be unto me, 
 as ye in your seid lettres right freendly and vehementlye have 
 persuaded, for to make resignation of my seid office uppon the pro- 
 vision of suche a reasonable pension as your good maistreshippe 
 shulde thinke meete and convenyent, wherin surely I wolde no- 
 thing doubte your worshipe and conscience, but in the same have 
 myche affiaunce, not onely for the greate goodnes and good in- 
 difFerencye which I here every where commenly reported by you, 
 but also for the greate favour and benevolence which I have al- 
 wayes founde in you. And percase in myne owne mynde I coulde 
 right well be contented and fully persuaded for as myche as con- 
 cerneth myne owne part so to doo for the satisfaction and conteu-
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 105 
 
 tacion of your lovyng motyon, for I am nothing lesse then ambi- 
 cyous ; but I do more esteeme in this thing the myserable state 
 and condition that our poore house shuld stond in, if suche thing 
 shoulde com to passe, then I doo myne owne pryvat office and 
 dignitie, thadmynystratyon wherof though it be somwhat more 
 paynefuU unto me then it hath been accustomed heretofore, yet God 
 forbydde that it shulde seme unto me hirkefull or tedyouse. 
 Moreover I [pray] your good maistership, to whome I wolde all 
 these thinges weere as opynlye and manyfestlye knowen as to my 
 seilf, our seid poore house and monasterye by meane and occa- 
 sion of dyverse and many importable costes and charges Avhich 
 we have susteyned aswell toward the kinges highnes as otherwise: 
 partelye by reason of dyvers greate sommes of money which it was 
 left indebted in, in the tyme of my last predecessour there (which 
 as it is well knowen in the countrey was but a right slendre hus- 
 bande to the house) : partelye by meane of dyvers and many greate 
 reparations, aswell of the edifyces of our churche as of other 
 houssing, which weere suffred to fall in greate ruyne and decaye, 
 insomoche that som of theym weer in maner lykelye to fall clene 
 downe to the grounde, as in the innyng of dyvers marsshes be- 
 longyng to our seid monasterye which the violent rages and sourges 
 of the implacable see hadde wonne and occupyed, beyng nowe sith 
 my tyme well and sufficyently repayred and fully amended, 
 as the thing it seilf may sufficyently declare, to thinestymable 
 costes and charges of our poore house : partely ayen by the meane 
 of the greate costes, charges, and expenses which we have hadde 
 and susteyned by and thorough thoccasion of dj^^ers and many 
 sondrye suetes and actions which we have been compelled to use 
 and pursue ayenst dyvers of our tenauntes for the recoverye of 
 dyversse rightes of our seid monasterye of long tyme injustelye de- 
 teigned and by the same tenauntes obstynatlye denyed ; and 
 partlye also by meane of dyvers and many greate sommes of 
 money which we have payed and lent unto the kinges highnes, as- 
 well in dysmes and subsidies as otherwise, amountyng in all to 
 
 CAMD. SOC. P
 
 106 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 the som of ij^'-^'. and above, to our greate empoverysshing, and is 
 yet nowe at this present tyme indebted to dyvers of our frendes 
 and creditours above the som of cccc.li. as ye shalbe ferther in- 
 structed of the particulers therof whensoever it shall please you 
 to demaunde a ferther and more exact declaration therin. Which 
 sommes, if it might please x\lmighty God that I might lyve and 
 with your good favour contynue in my seid office by the space of 
 six or sevyn yeres at the ferthest, I doubte not but I shulde see 
 theym well repayed and contented ayen. But if I shoulde nowe at 
 this present tyme resigne my seid office (the case stonding as it 
 doth) undoubtedlye our poore house, beyng nowe so ferre endebted 
 alredy by meane of thoccasyons before remembred (thimportune 
 charges of the first frutes and tenth which wolde be due unto the 
 kinges highnes nowe immediatlye uppon the same resignation 
 hadde therunto added and accumulat), shoulde be cleerelye im- 
 poverysshed and utterly decayed and undone for ever in my 
 mynde, which I am right well assured your goodnesse wolde ne 
 coveiteth not to bring to passe. And therfore Christe forbidde 
 that ever I shulde so heynouslye oftende and commytt ayenst 
 Almightye God and the kinges highnes and sovereigne lorde, that 
 by my meane or consent, so godlye and auncyent a foundation, 
 buylded and dedicat in the honour of Saynct Savyour of so noble 
 and victoryouse a prynce and one of the kynges most noble pro- 
 genytours, whose very bodye, togither with the bodyes of his 
 deere and Avelbeloved queue and also the prynce his sonne, there 
 lyeth buryed in honourable sepulture, and ar had all thre in per- 
 petuall memorye with contynuall suffrages and commendations of 
 prayers,* shuld be utterlye and irrecuperablye decayed and undone, 
 as it must nedes of verey necessitie followe if ony suche resigna- 
 tion shuld nowe be had. Wherfore, the whole premysses tendrelye 
 considered and deliberatly perpended, right worshipfull syr, I doubt 
 not but ye M'ill contynue your accustomed favour and benevolence 
 
 * King Stephen, his queen Matilda, and their son Eustace Earl of Boulogne, were 
 buried in the church of Faversham Abbey.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 107 
 
 which ye have alwayes borne toward our poore monasterye, and 
 so doyng ye shall not only please and content Almightye God our 
 Savyour^ but also byende us to be your contynuall bedemen and 
 pray to God duryng our lyves for the prosperous astate of your 
 good maistreship longe to endure with myche increase of honour. 
 Dated at oure poore monasterye aforeseid, the xvj*^'' day of this 
 present monethe of Marche, anno Domini 1535. 
 
 By youre bedeman and dayelly oratour 
 
 John abbott of Favershanv 
 
 To the right honorable his especiall 
 good maistere secretarye, be this 
 letter delyveryd. 
 
 At the time when the foregoing letter was written the first grand step in the destruc- 
 tion of the monasteries had been made. Towards the end of February, 1535-fj, the bill 
 for the dissolution of the lesser monasteries passed the English parliament. Grafton, 
 p. 454, says, " in this time was geven unto the King, by the consent of the great and 
 fatte abbottes, all religious houses that were of the value of three hundred marks and 
 under, in hope that their great monasterys should have continued still. But even at 
 that tyme one sayde in the parliament house, that these were as thornes, but the great 
 abbottes were putrifyed olde okes, and they must needs folowe : and so will other do 
 in Christendome, quod Doctor Stokesley bishop of London, or manye yeres be passed." 
 In fact there were few people of any penetration who did not forsee that it was but the 
 beginning of a more general confiscation of the monastic property. 
 
 The act now passed was entitled, " An Acte wherby Relygeous Houses of Monkes, 
 Chanons, and Nonnes, whiche may dyspend Manors, Landes, Teneraentes, and Here- 
 dytamentes, above the clere yerly value of ij. c. li. are geven to the Kinges Highnes, 
 his heires and successours, for ever. (27" Hen. VIII. cap. 28). — The preamble runs 
 as follows, — " Forasmoche as manifest synne, vicious, carnall, and abhomynable 
 lyvyng, is dayly used and commytted amonges the lytell and smale abbeys, pryoryes, 
 and other relygyous houses of monkes, chanons, and nonnes, where the congregacion 
 of suche relygyous persones is under the nomber of xij. persons, wherby the gouver- 
 nours of suche relygyoiis houses and thir covent spoyle, dystroye, consume, and utterly 
 wast, aswell ther churches, monasteryes, pryoryes, principall houses, fermes, grangeSj 
 landes, tenementes, and heredytamentes, as the ornamentes of ther churches and ther 
 goodes and cattalle, to the high dyspleasour of Almyghty God, slaunder of good 
 relygyon, and to the greate infamy of the kynges highnes and the realme, if redrea 
 shuld not be haddc therof ; and albeit that many contynuall vysytacions hathe bene
 
 108 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 hertofore had by the space of twohuudreth yeres and more, for an honest and charyta- 
 ble reformacion of suche unthrifty, carnal), and abhomynable lyvyng, yett neverthelesse 
 lytell or none amendement ys hytherto hadde, but ther vycyous lyvyng shamelesly 
 encreasseth and augmentith, and by a cursed custome soo rooted and enfested that a 
 greate multytude of the relygyous persones in suche smale houses doo rather chose to 
 rove abrode in apostasy than to couforme them to the observacion of good relygyon ; 
 soe that without suclie small houses be utterly suppressed, and the relygyous persons 
 therin commytted to greate and honorable monasteries of I'elygyon in this realme, 
 where thei maye be compelled to lyve relygyously for the reformacion of ther lyves, 
 ther canne elles be noo reformacion in this behalf. In consideracion wherof the kynges 
 most royall majestye beynge supreme hede in erthe under God of the churche of 
 Englonde, dayly findyeng and devysyng the increase advauncement and exaltation of 
 true doctryue and vertue in the seid churche, to the onelye glorye and honor of God and 
 the totall extirpyng and dystruccion of vyce and synne, havyng knowledge that the 
 premysses be true, as well by the comptes of his late vysytacions as by sondry credyble 
 informacions, consyderyng also that dyverce and greate solempne monasteryes of this 
 realme, wherin, thankes be to God, relygyon is right well kept and observed, be destytute 
 of suche full nombers of relygyous persons as they ought and maye kepe, hath 
 thought good that a pleyne declaracion shuld be made of the premysses aswell to the 
 lordes spirituall and temporall as to other his lovyiig subjectes the commons in this 
 present parliament assembled ; wherupon the seid lordes and commons by a greate de- 
 libei'acion fynally be resolved, that yt ys and shalbe moche more to the pleasour of 
 Almyghty God and for the honor of this his realme that the possessions of suche spirituall 
 relygyous bowses, nowe beyng spent, spoyled,and wasted for increase and mayntenance 
 of synne, shuld be used and converted to better uses, and the unthryfty relygyous 
 persons soo spendyng the same to be compellyd to reforme ther lyves. And therupon 
 most humbly desire the kynges highnes that yt may be enacted by auctoryte of this 
 present parlyament, that his majestie shall have and enjoye to hym and his heires for 
 ever all and synguler suche monasteryes pryoryes and other relygyous houses of monkes, 
 chanons, and nonnes, of what kyndes or dyversyties of habyttes, rules, or orders soo 
 ever thei be called or named, which have not in landes and tenementes, rentes, tythes, 
 porcions and other heredytamentes, above the clere yerely value of two hundreth 
 poundes ; and in lyke maner shall have and enjoye all the scytes and circuytes of every 
 suche relygyous houses, and all and synguler the manors, granges, meases, londes, 
 tenementes, revercions, rentes, servyces, tythes, pencions, portions, churches, chapelles, 
 advowsons, patronages, annuyties, rightes, entres, condycions, and other heredytamentes 
 apperteynyng or belongyng to every suche monasterye, pryory, or other relygyous house, 
 not. havyng as ys aforeseid above the seid clere yerely value of two hundreth poundes, 
 in as large and ample maner as the abbottes, pryours, abbesses, pryoresses, or other 
 governors of suche monasteryes, pryoryes, and other relygyous houses now have or 
 ought to have the same in the right of ther houses. And that also his highnes shall 
 have to hym and to hys heires all and synguler suche monasteryes, abbeis, and pryoryes 
 whiche at eny tyme, within one yere next aftre the makyug of this acte, hath be gevyn
 
 SUPPRESSION OP MONASTERIES. 109 
 
 and graunted to his majesty by any abbot, pryour, abbes, or pryores, under the covent 
 scales, or that otherwyse hath be suppressed or dyssolved. And all and synguler the 
 manors, londes, tenementes, rentes, servyees, revercions, tythes, pencions, portions, 
 churches, chapelles, advowsons, patronages, rightes, entrees, condicions, and all other 
 interestes and hereditaments to the same monasteryes, abbeys, and pryoryes, or to any 
 of them, apperteynyng or belongyng. To have and to holde all and synguler the pre- 
 mysses with all ther rightes, profyttes, jurysdyccions, and commodytyes, unto the 
 kynges majestye and to his heires and assignes for ever, to doo and use therwyth his 
 and ther owen wylles to the pleasor of Almyghty God and to the honor and profytte of 
 thys realme." 
 
 After some provisions in favour of persons holding rents, &c. out of the possessions 
 of the abbeys to be dissolved, the bill goes on to say, — " Provyded alweis and be yt 
 enacted, that, forasmoche as dyverce of the chief governours of suche relygyous houses, 
 determynyng the utter spoyle and destruccion of ther houses, and dreadnyng the sup- 
 pressyng therof, for the mayntenance of ther detestable lyves, have lately fraudelently 
 and craftely made feoffamentes, estates, gyftes, grauntes, and leasses under ther covent 
 scales, or suflfred recoveres of ther manors, londes, tenementes, and heredytamentes in 
 fee symple, fee tayle for terme of lyf or lyves or for yeres, or charged the same with 
 rentes or corrodyes, to the greate decaye and dymynycion of ther houses, that all suche 
 craftye and fraudelent recoveres, feoffamentes, estates, gyftes, grauntes, and leasses, 
 and every of them, made by cny of the seid chief governors of suche relygyous houses 
 under the covent seales within one yere next afore the makyng of this acte, shall be 
 utterly voyde and of none effecte. 
 
 " Provyded alweys that suche person and persons as have leasses for terme of lyf or 
 yeres wherupon is reserved the olde rentes and services accustomed, and such as have 
 cny offyce, fees, and corrodyes that hathe bee accustomed or used in such relygyous 
 houses, or hath bought any liverye or lyvyng in any suche houses, shall have and 
 enjoye ther seid leasses, offyces, fees, corrodyes, lyveres, or lyvynges, as if this acte 
 haddc never be made. 
 
 " And yt ys also cnactyd by auctoryte aforseide that the kynges highnes shall have 
 and enjoye to his owen propere use all the ornamentes, jewelles, goodes, catalles, and 
 dettes which apperteyned to eny of the chief governours of the seid monasteryes or 
 relygyous houses in the right of ther seid monasteryes or houses at the furst day of 
 Marche in the yere of oure Lorde God m'.d.xxxv. or eny tyme sythen, whersoever and 
 to whose possession soever they shall comme or be founde : except onely suche beastes, 
 grayne, and woodes, and suche other lyke catalles and revenues, as have ben sold in the 
 seid furste daye of Marche or sythen for the necessarye or resonable expences or 
 charges of eny of the seid monasteryes or houses. 
 
 " Provyded alweis that suche of the seid chief governours which have be elect or 
 made abbotte, prior, abbesse, or priores, of eny of the seid relygyous houses sythen the 
 furst daye of Januarye which was in the yere of our Lorde God M'.o.xxxiiij., and by 
 reason therof be bounden to paye the furst frutes to the kynges highnes at daj'cs to 
 comme lymyted by ther bondes made for the same, that in every suche house such chief
 
 110 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 governour and the sueityes of every of them shalbe elerly dyscharged by auctoryte of 
 this acta ayenst the kynges highnes and all other persones for the payment of suche 
 sommes of money as thei stonde bounden to paye for ther seid furst frutes or for eny 
 parte therof. 
 
 " And forasnioche as the clere yerely value of all the seid monasterys, pryoryes, and 
 other relygyous houses in this realme, is certefyed into the kynges excheker amongest 
 the bokes of the yerely valuacions of all the spirituall possessions of this realme, 
 amongest which shall and may appere the certentye and nomber of suche small and 
 lytell relygyous houses as have not inlondes, tenementes, rentes, tythes, porcions, and 
 other heredytamentes, above the seid clere yerely value of two huadreth poundes ; be 
 it therfore enacted by auctorytie aforseid, that the kynges highnes shall have and enjoye 
 accordyng to this acte the actuall and reall possession of all and syngler suche monas- 
 teryes, pryoryes, and other relygyous houses, as shall appere by the seid certyfycate re- 
 maynyng in the kynges eschequer not to have in londes, tenementes, rentes, tythes, 
 porcions, and other heredytamentes above the seid clere yerely value of two hundreth 
 poundes : soo that his highnes maye lawfully gyve, graunte, and dyspose them or any 
 of them at his wyll and pleasour, to the honor of God and the welth of this realme, 
 without further inquysycion or offices to be had or founde for the same. 
 
 " In consyderacion of whiche premysses to be had to his highnes and to his heires as 
 ys aforseid, his majestye ys pleasyd and contentyd, of his most excellent charyte, to 
 provyde to every chief bed and governour of every suche relygyous house duryng ther 
 lyves, suche yerely pencions or benefyces as for ther degrees and qualytyes shalbe re- 
 sonable and convenyent ; wherein his highnes wyll have most tender respect to suche 
 of the seid chief governours as well and truly conserve and kepe the goodes and orna- 
 mentes of ther houses to the use of his majestic without spoyle, waste, or embesylyng 
 the same, and also his majestye wyll ordeyne and provyde that the coventes of every 
 suche relygyous house shall have ther capacytes, if thei wyll, to lyve honestlye and 
 vertuously abrode, and some convenyent charytie dysposed to them toward ther 
 lyvyng, or elles shalbe commytted to suche honorable greate monasteryes of this realme 
 wherin good relygyon ys observed, as shalbe lymyted by his highnes, ther to lyve 
 relygyously duryng ther lyves. 
 
 " And yt ys ordeyned by auctoryte aforseid, that the chefF governours and coventes 
 of suche honerable greate monasteryes shall take and accept into ther houses from tyme 
 to tyme such nomber of the persons of the seid coventes as shalbe assigned and ap- 
 poynted by the kynges highnes, and kepe them relygyously duryng their lyves within 
 ther seid monasteryes in lyke maner and forme as the coventes of suche greate monas- 
 teryes be orderyd and kept.'' 
 
 Some clauses follow relating to the payments of tithes and subsidies out of the 
 monastic estates, and to the payment of debts due from the monasteries dissolved. The 
 bill then proceeds, — " Provyded always that the kynges highnes, at eny tyme after the 
 makyng of this acte, may at hys pleasure ordeyne and declare by hys leltres patentes 
 under his greate scale, that suche of the seid relygyous houses which his highnes shall 
 not be dysposed to have suppressyed nor dyssolved by auctoryte of this acte, shall
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. Ill 
 
 stylle contynue, remayne, and be in the same bodye corporatt and in the seid essencyall 
 estate, qualite, and condycion, aswell in possessions as otherwyse, as thai were afore the 
 makyng of this acte, without any suppression or dyssolucion therof or of any parte of 
 the same by auctoryte of this acte ; and that every suche ordinaunce and declaracion 
 soo to be made by the kynges highnes shalbe good and efFectuall to the chieff gover- 
 nours of suche relygyous houses which bis majestye will not have suppressyd and to 
 ther successours, accordyng to the tenours and purportes of the lettres patentes therof 
 to be made ; any thyng or thynges conteyned in this acte to the contrary hereof 
 notwythstondyng." 
 
 After some other provisoes not necessary to be repeated here, the act goes on, — 
 " Savyng alweys and reserved unto every person and persons beyng founders, patrons, 
 or donours of eny abbeys, pryoryes, or other relygyous houses that shalbe suppressyd by 
 thys acte, ther heires and successours, all suche right, tytle, interest, possession, rentes, 
 annuityes, fees, ofFyces, leses, commons, and all other profyttes whatsooever, which any 
 of them have or shuld have had wythout fraude or covyn, by any maner meanes, other- 
 wyse then by reason or occasyon of the dyssolucion of the seid abbeys, pryoryes, or other 
 relygyous houses, in, to, or upon any the seid abbeis, pryoryes, or other relygyous houses 
 wherof thei be founders, patrons, or donours, or in, to, or upon eny the londes, tene- 
 mentes, or other heredytamentes apperteynyng or belongyng to the same ; inlyke maner 
 forme and condycion as other persones and bodyes polytyke be saved by this acte as ys 
 afore rehersed, and as if the seid abbeis, pryories, or other relygyous houses had not be 
 suppressyd and dyssolved by this acte, but had contynued styll in ther essencyall 
 bodyes and estates as thei be now in, eny thyng in this acte to the contrary hereof 
 notwithstondyng. 
 
 "And ferther be ytinacted, ordeyned, and establysshed by auctoryte aforeseid, that all 
 and syngler personnes, bodyes polytyke and corporat, to whom the kynges majestye, his 
 heires or successours, hereafter shall gyve, grante, lett, or demyse any scytt or precynct 
 with the houses therupon buylded, together with the demeanes of any monasteries, 
 pryoryes, or other relygyous houses that shalbe dyssolved or gevyn to the kynges 
 highnes by this acte, and the heires, successours, executours, and assignes of every suche 
 person, bodye polytyke and corporate, shalbe bounden by auctoryte of this acte, under 
 the penalytyes hereafter ensueng, to kepe or cause to be kept an honest contynewell 
 hous and hovishold in the same scyte or precynct, and to occupye yerely asmoche of 
 the same demeanes in plowyng and tyllage of husbondry, that ys to saye asmoche of the 
 seid demeanes which hath ben commonly used to be kept in tyllage by the governours, 
 abbottes, or pryours of the same bowses, monasteryes, or pryoryes, or by ther fermer 
 or fermers occupyeng the same, wythin the tyme of xx'' yeres next before this acte : and 
 if any person or persons, bodyes polytyke or corporat, that shalbe bounden by this acte, 
 doo not keep an honest house, houshold, housbondry, and tyllage in maner and forme as 
 ys aforeseid, that then he or thei soo offendyng shall forfett to the kynges highness for 
 every moneth soo offendyng vj'', xiij". iiij^ to be I'ecovered to his use in any of his 
 courtes of record. 
 
 " And over that yt ys eaactyd by auctoryte aforeseid, that all justyces of peas in
 
 112 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 every shire where any suche offence shalbe commytted or done contrary to the true 
 meanyng and intent of this present acta, shall in every quarter and generall sessyons 
 within the lyniyttes of ther cotnmyssyon inquyre of the premysses, and shall have full 
 poar and auctoryte to hier and determyn the same, and to taxe and assesse noo lesse 
 fyne for every the seid offences then ys afore lymytted for the same offences, and the 
 extretes therof to be made and certefyed in the kynges excheker accordyng and at such 
 tyme and forme as other extretes of fynes, yssues, and amercyamentes ben made by the 
 same justyces." 
 
 The following paper appears to have been written in the time of Queen Elizabeth, 
 by some one who had witnessed the dissolution of the religious houses, and who here 
 sets down his recollections of the causes and manner of that great revolution in the 
 social condition of our island. 
 
 XLIX. 
 
 THE MANNER OF DISSOLVING THE ABBEYS BY K. H. 8. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Titus F. iii. fol, 266.] 
 
 The furst entraunce was a president gewen by cardinall Wolsey, 
 who under pretense of and four better abilitie to bilde his sumptu- 
 ous colledge, dessolved certaine small housses, and by that doinge 
 of himselfe, I doubt not with good warraunt from Rome, he did 
 make loose in others the conscience towardes those houses. 
 After him there came to the kinges service Mr, Cormwell, whoe 
 had served the cardinall in these former doinges. 
 
 That Cormwell was the man that by his zeall, his wisdome, 
 and his couradge, was Goods instrument to carrie all to good 
 effect. These meanes he used. He firste found meanes to per- 
 swade the king that it might lawfully l5e done; that for his 
 crowne and state in saftie it was necessarie to be done, four that he 
 made appeare to the kinge howe by their meanes the pope and 
 clergie had so greate aucthoritie, revenue, alliaunce, and princi- 
 pallye captivitie of the sowles and obedience of subjectes, that 
 they were able to put kinge in hazarde at their will ; that for his
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 113 
 
 revenue and maintenaunce of his estate, warres, and affaires both 
 in peace and in warre, at home and abroade, with others, it was 
 moste profitable to dissolve them for augmentacion of his trea- 
 sure. 
 
 He allyed the king so stronglie with mightie forces in Ger- 
 manie and that league of religion, so as with there forces and his 
 treasure and the consideracion of common perill by there common 
 enemie the pope, he was able to withstande and encounter any 
 foren princes that at the popes irritacion and prostitutinge of 
 his kingdome to the occupante woulde make any attempt against 
 him : this allyaunce was bothe by league with Saxonie and other, 
 and the marriadge with the sister of Cleve. 
 
 The emperor and French king were so in hostilite, that either 
 of them was glade to wine king Henrie to his part, wherby either 
 of them feared to irritate him, least he joyninge with the other 
 mighte make to harde a match againste the other ; wherby I 
 thincke that the same hostilitie was the raither cherrished by Crom- 
 wells policie : whereuppon grew the play in Fraunce, wherein were 
 shewed the emperor and the Frenche king plaing at tenise, and the 
 king of England paieng four the balles;* besides that thoughe they 
 had not ben in hostillitie, yet neither of them durst suffer the 
 other to overgrowe by impropriatinge to him selfe any thing in 
 England, and so the emperor him selfe was glad to set still, al- 
 thoughe the principall ground in shewe of the quarell touched him 
 in heiour repudiatem(?). 
 
 Cromwell caused preachers to goe abroade, and maintayned 
 them to instructe the people, and so to perswade the subjectes con- 
 sciences to stand fast to the king without feare of the popes 
 curse, or his desolving of his allegience. 
 
 He caused to be placed in the archebushopes place Cranmer, 
 and in divers other bushoprickes and hier places in the clearge 
 
 * This is a curious and early example of political caricature. Another similar notice, 
 
 relating to the same period, will be found in Ellis's Letters, second series, vol. ii. 
 p. 44. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. Q
 
 114 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 divers protestantes, by meanes wlierof he was able to execute 
 greate thinges amonge them selves^ and they were not able so 
 muche as to enter into any full and perfect counsell against them, 
 muche lesse to put any thing in publicke execution, as against the 
 former kinges of theis realme. 
 
 He knewe that the clargie had in king Richardes the secondes 
 time suborned an other with pretense of a next title to depose 
 the kingej he knewe that his clargie were attemptinge the like with 
 the marquies of Exetar. 
 
 He perswaded the king by maintteininge of equum jus, and by 
 holdinge-downe the over-emminent power of soche greate ones as 
 in time paste, like bell-Avethers, had led the sheppeshe flockes of 
 England against their prince, to knett fast to him the love of his 
 commons and specially of his cittie of London. 
 
 He placed abbottes and fFriers in divers great housses divers 
 lerned men, and perswaded against these supersti[ti]ens, which men 
 were readie to make surrender of their houses at the kinges com- 
 maundement. 
 
 He caused the king to restrayne all payment at Rome, and all re- 
 sorte of his subjectes thither, either for suites, appells, faculties, or 
 other causes, wherby both he kept treasure and held it from his 
 ennemies, and restrained his ennemies from fliinge to foren partes 
 or conference with them. 
 
 He caused visitacions to be made of all the reeligious houses 
 touching their conversations, whereuppon was retourned the 
 booke called the Blacke Booke, expressing of everie suche house the 
 vile lives and abhominable factes, in murders of their bretherne, 
 in sodomyes, in whordomes, in destroying of children, in forging of 
 deedes, and other infinite horrors of life, in so muche as deviding of 
 all the religious persons in England into three partes two of theise 
 partes at the least were sodomites : and this appeared in writting, 
 with the names of the parties and their factes. This was shewed in 
 parliament, and the villanies made knowen and abhorred. 
 
 He caused the king of the abbes possessions to make suche
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES 115 
 
 dispersion, as it behoved infinite multitudes for th eir owne intrest 
 to joyne with the king in hoUding them downe, w/iiche he did by- 
 divers meanes, and these amoung other : by ffownding divers 
 bushoprickes and colleges with these possessions, selling many of 
 them to many men four reasonable prises, exchainging many of 
 them with the nobilitie and other for their auncient possession to 
 their greate gaine with whome he exchainged, preferring many suf- 
 ficient persons to the kinges servis who were sone raised to nobi- 
 litie and to worshipe and good calling, and all indewed with main- 
 tenaunce out of the revenewes of abbyes. 
 
 Here is all I can remember. 
 
 There was also used for the manner of dessolution — 
 
 First, divers abbotes and other that could he thereunto per- 
 swaded, or were some of them four the purpose placed by the king, 
 made surrender of their houses and conveied them to the kinge 
 by order of lawe, and had competent pencions both them selves 
 and their companie during their lives. Somme beinge detected by 
 the said visitacion, to have the kinges favour not to punishe them 
 with rigour, not to publishe their infamie for their vile factes, were 
 likewise content to surrender. 
 
 For all the rest, which were not then many, the parliament being 
 made acquainted with their vile lives, were redely contented both 
 to confirme the surrender, and geive their consyntes to the geving 
 of all the reaste to the kinge.
 
 116 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 FROM THE DISSOLUTION OF THE SMALLER HOUSES TO THE 
 PASSING OF THE ACT FOR THE DISSOLUTION OF THE LARGER 
 MONASTERIES. 
 
 No sooner was the act for the dissolution of the smaller monasteries passed, than we 
 find Cromwell beset by two classes of suitors ; on one side the heads of houses where 
 the fewest irregularities had been discovered hoped to have advantage of the clause 
 which left it in the power of the king to preserve at his discretion such houses as 
 might appear deserving of exception, while on the other many of the gentlemen and 
 noblemen of the court eagerly sought to obtain a share of the spoils. Among the 
 letters which follow will be found examples of both these classes of applications. The 
 fate of the nuns appears to have excited on the whole more compassion than that of the 
 monks and friars. The following petition is from the prioress and sisters of Legborne, 
 or Lekeburn, in Lincolnshire, a nunnery founded by Robert Fitz-Gilbert towards the 
 end of the twelfth century. Little is known of the history of this house, and it is not 
 clear how Cromwell came to be considered the representative of its founder. 
 
 L. 
 THE PRIORESS AND NUNS OF LEGBORNE TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 270*,] 
 
 Right honourable oure most synguler maister and iFounder, oure 
 duetie in the humblest wise presupposed, with dayly prayer as 
 youre perpetuall and religious beedwomen, please yt youre goodnes 
 to understonde, that whereas almyghty God hath indued you with 
 just title ffounder of the pryory of Legborne, to the great comfort 
 of me and all my systers, we doo and shall alweyes submyt oure 
 selfes to youre most rightuouse commaundement and ordre, oonly 
 puttyng oure comfort in youre goodnesse for all causes concernyng 
 youre poure pryory of Legbourne. And whereas we doo here that 
 a grete nombre of abbyes shalbe punysshid, subprest, and put 
 downe, bicause of theire myslyvyng, and that all abbyes and 
 pryoryes under the value of cc^^ be at oure moste noble prynces
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. ll/ 
 
 pleasure to subpresse and put downe, yet if it may pleas youre 
 goodnes we trust in God ye shall here no compleyntes agaynst us 
 nother in oure lyvyng nor hospitalitie kepyng. In consideracion 
 wherof, if it may please youre goodnes in oure great necessitie to 
 be a meane and sewtsr for youre owne powre pryory, that it may 
 be preserved and stond, you shalbe a more higher ffounder to us 
 then he that first foundid oure howse. We have noon othir 
 comfort nor refuge but oonly unto youre goodnes, and we hooly 
 submyt our selfes to the pleasure of God, to the pleasure of oure 
 prjmce, and to the pleasure of you oure ffounder, and howsoever it 
 shall please God that we shalbe orderid, we shall contynue youre 
 faithfull and dayly bedewomen, as knoweth owre Lorde, who ever 
 preserve you to youre most comfort. 
 
 Your owTie dayly beadwomen, Jane 
 Messyndyne, pryores, and systers of 
 the pryory of Legborne. 
 
 The next letter relates to two of the smaller religious houses in Devonshire. The 
 priory of Totnes was founded by Judhel or Johel in the reign of William the Con- 
 queror, as a cell to the great benedictine abbey of Angers. The patronage descended 
 from the original founder to the Zouches, in which family it remained till their at- 
 tainder after the accession of Henry VII., when it was conferred by the crown on Sir 
 Peter Edgcumbe. Thomas Rychard appears as the last prior of this house. 
 
 The priory of Cornworthy was a poor house of Austin nuns, also in the patronage of 
 the Edgcumbes, although it appears doubtful whether the original founder was of that 
 family, or whether, like the priory of Totnes, it was derived from the Zouches. The 
 following letter supports the latter supposition. The last prioress appears to have 
 been Avicia Dynham. 
 
 LI. 
 SIR PETER EDGECUMBE TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 258.] 
 
 AfFter my most harty recommendacyons, with lyke thanckes for 
 your goodnes to me att tymes schewyd, and this ys to advertyse
 
 118 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 yow that here ys moche communycacyon and brutes * that all ab- 
 bays, pryorys, and nunrys under the cler yerly valew of cc''. schall 
 be suppressydj nottwithstondynge hyt ys nott as yett in thes par- 
 ties oponly knowen the occacyon off suppressyon, nor who schall 
 take most benyifyte therby, nor to whate usse hyt schall rest at 
 lengthe. But trewhyt ys, that I am by the kyngges ifather by hys 
 graunt to my poare ifather made to hym and hys isue male, 
 ffounder off the pryory off Tottenes and the nunry off Cornwor- 
 thye in Devonsschyre, and every off them be under the valew off 
 cc^'. And as to Tottenes, the pryour ther ys a man off goode ver- 
 tuus converssacyon, and a good viander, and I can do no lesse 
 with my truthe and dewty but to advertyse yow off that I know 
 trew in this causse, hartely besechynge yow so to advertysse the 
 kyngges highnes, and that I in my most umbyll maner beseche hys 
 grace to order me in this causse as onne that wyll juberd f lyff and 
 goodes to do hys grace trew servyce, and hartely beseche all- 
 myghty God longge to preserve hys most nobyll persson, and 
 yow so to serve hys highnes. From my poare howsse, the daye 
 off annuncyacyon off our lady, ywr aun, 
 
 P. Eggecombe. 
 
 Mr. secretory, in casse hyt be sso that the kyngges pleasure maye 
 be by ywr meanys so good that the prior of Tottenes maye enjoye 
 the spirituall promocyons, and hyt wyll be no bettere ffor hym and 
 hys bredere to leve on, and I to have the temperall possessyons yn 
 parte theroflF, the sunnere ffor concyderacyons that I am ffownder 
 off bothe howsys, I promyse yow by this my wrytynge to concyder 
 yowr ffavor and sute, as I trust to plese yow, and yff ye thinck my 
 sute not ressonabyll, I refferre me and my causse to yor order 
 under the kyngges highnes above all others lyvynge, and so I 
 trust yow, and herin I hartely praye yow to know ywr pleasure. 
 
 * Brutes, i. e. reports, rumours, 
 t Jeopard.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 119 
 
 Boxgrave in Sussex was an alien priory, founded in the reign of Henry I. by Robert 
 de Haye, as a cell to the benedictine abbey of Essay in Normandy. On its dissolution, 
 the site and premises were granted to Sir Thomas West lord Lawarr, who was patron 
 of the priory as representative of the Hayes, by possessing their estate and residence of 
 Halnaker House, the ' pore howse ' mentioned in the letter. The last prior was 
 Thomas Myles. 
 
 LII. 
 
 LORD LAWARR TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 234.] 
 
 night worshipfull sir, in my most hartes wise I recommend me 
 to you, verey desyrus to here of youre good helthe, thankyng you 
 of your provyd goodnes shewed to me undeservid, for the whiche 
 you bynd me to be youres dewryng my lyfFe, and so shall ye ffynd 
 me to the best of my letyll powre. Pleasythe you to be adver- 
 tysed, that I have perfFyt word that the acte is past that all bowses 
 off relygyon that is under three hundred markys ys gevyn to the 
 kynges highnes, bothe the landes and gooddes, and that by the said 
 acte his highnes may by his letters patentes under his grete scale 
 gyve lysence to as many as shall stand with his gracys pleasure to 
 contynewe unsubpressyd. And so it is, that I have a power 
 howse called Boxgrave, very nere to my power howse, wherof I 
 am fFounder, and there lyethe many of my aunsytorys, and also 
 my wyffys mother ; and for bycawse hyt is of my ffoundacyon, and 
 that my paryshe churche is under the roofe of the churche of the 
 said monastery, and have made a power chapell to be buryed yn, 
 wherfor yf hit myght stand with the kynges gracys pleasure, for 
 the power servyce that I have doyn his highnes, to fForebere the 
 subpressyng of the same, or else to translate hyt ynto a college of 
 suche nombre as the landes wyll here ; and yf hyt may not stand 
 so with his gracys pleasure, then I wold lowly beseche hys grace 
 to have the prefarment of the farme, with all such other thynges 
 as the pryor yn his tyme had for the provysyon of his howse ; 
 wherfFore I wyll beseche you that I may have youre lawfFul fFaver, 
 good wyll, and helpe hereyn. And suerly, syr, I shall recompence 
 youre goodnes, kyndnes, and payne hereyn, so that I trust that
 
 120 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 for soe powere a thyng that you shalbe contentyd and pleasyd, be- 
 sechyng you to be as good to me hereyn as you may be, as my 
 most trust ys in you, as knowythe the blessyd Trinite, who long 
 preserve you. Wryttyn at my powere howse, upon owre Lady 
 day. 
 
 Your owen assuryd, 
 
 Thomas Lawarr. 
 
 As was before stated, the latter part of lord Lawarr's request was granted, and he 
 obtained both the property and even the furniture of Boxgrave priory. The priory 
 church afterwards became the parish church of the town, and the tomb of his father 
 is still preserved. It is rather singular that in the following letter, which must have 
 been written at this time, Cromwell is addressed by the title of lord: this however 
 may have been a mere piece of flattery from an inferior, as a compliment to his political 
 station. 
 
 LIII. 
 JOHN MORISE TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 234*.] 
 
 Right honorable and my synguler goode lorde, I humbly recom- 
 mende me unto yowe ; this shalbe to advertyse your lordshippe, 
 that syr John Dawtree, master Palmer, and I, according to the 
 kynges commyssion and instruccions, have dyssolved the pryorie 
 of Boxgrave in the countie of Sussex. The besenes of dissolucion 
 therof was fynysshed the xxvj^i^. day of this present moneth, at 
 which tyme I receved your lordshypps lettre in fFavor of my lord 
 Lawarre, which according to your lordshypps commaundment by 
 that sent of other joynt commyssioners wyth me I have folowed, 
 so that my seyd lord Lawarre, as I trust, is contented. The valure 
 of the goodes that he hath bowght cummys to cxxv'^ xiij^. iiijd. 
 wherof he hath payed xU'. and for the rest I have taken his owne 
 bond to the kynges use to be payed at suche dayes as he hym selfF 
 hath desyred, that is to sey, Myghelmas next and Ester fFolowing,
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MOXASTERIES. 121 
 
 \Yherwyth I trust the kynges grace wilbe pleased by meanes of 
 yowre good lordshyppe, and the rather for that his grace, by the 
 vygylant circumspectyon and dylygent dewte of the seyd lord 
 Lawarre, hath more proffett there then in any other howse dis- 
 solved in Sussex. And, as I verely thynke, the kyng is not better 
 answered nor more trewly of the goodes apperteynyng to his 
 highnes by reason of any howse dyssolved in Inglond, then he is 
 also there, as almyghty God knowith, who long preserve your 
 lordshippe with the increase of honor to his pleasure. From 
 Boxgrave, the xxvij* day of Marche. 
 
 Att your comaundment glad to do serves, 
 
 JoHAN Mores. 
 
 To the right honorable 
 and my S3mguler good 
 lord, the lorde preve 
 Scale, yeve this. 
 
 The following letter is another suit for a grant of abbey lands. The priory of 
 Fineshed, or (as it was more anciently called) Castel Hymel, in Northamptonshire, was 
 founded by Richard Engayne the elder, who died in 1208. After the dissolution it 
 appears to have been retained for some time in the king's hands, and it was finally 
 granted to John lord Russell. The last prior was Christopher Harpeworth, This, as 
 well as the priory of Worspring in Somerset, was one of the smaller houses. The latter 
 was founded in 1210 by William de Courteney. The last abbot or prior of this house 
 was Roger Thorynton. 
 
 LIV. 
 HUMPHREY STAFFORD TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 209.*] 
 
 Right worshipfull, yn my most humblyst wise I can I comend 
 me unto your good mastership, thanckyng your mastership ever for 
 the great kyndenes and fFavour shewed unto me alweys, and 
 where it may please your mastership to call to your good remem- 
 brauns that yc promysed me to be good master unto mc when 
 
 CAMD. soc. R
 
 122 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 the tyme came : sir, your mastership shall understond that whereas 
 yet I am not able to doo suche acceptable service unto the kynges 
 highnes my master, as my poore and true hert wold, and if I hadd 
 wherwith to maynteyn it, so it is, pleasith it your mastership to 
 understond, that where I desyred Mr. Bryan to be so good master 
 unto me as to moshion unto your mastership to helpe me to the 
 gifte of the priorie of Fynshed, a house of chanons yn the countie 
 of Northampton, of the yerly value of Ivj^'. x^. xjfi. ob. yn case it 
 be subpressed, sir, your mastership shall understond that sens 
 that tyme my naturall fFather willed me to write to your master- 
 ship, and to non other, for to be good master unto me for a house 
 of chanons yn Somersett shiere called Worspryng, where my seyd 
 ffather is ffounder therof, and as I doo subpose of like value or ther- 
 aboutes. And if it wold please your mastership to be so good 
 master unto me as to helpe me to Worspryng priorie, I were and 
 wylbe wylst I leve your bedman and alweys redy to your master- 
 ship suche poore service and pleasure as shal become me to doo, 
 whillest I do leve, God wyllyng, who ever have your mastership 
 yn his tuysshon. From Bletherweke,* thus present Palme Sonday, 
 by your own assured to his litle power, 
 
 HuMFFRAY Stafford, esquyer. 
 
 To the right honorable sir 
 
 Thomas Cromwell, knyght, secretorie 
 
 to the kinges hyghnes, d.d. thus. 
 
 The following letter from Edward Lee, archbishop of York, relates to some of the 
 small houses dependent upon his see. The abbots and monks, perceiving the dissolu- 
 tion of these houses to be inevitable, seem in many instances to have turned to their 
 own advantage the movables and jewels which were in their hands. The sale or em- 
 bezzlement of these articles was afterwards placed among the heaviest charges against 
 certain obstinate abbots. 
 
 * Blatherwick Hall, in Northamptonshire. The old mansion is still standing.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 123 
 
 LV. 
 THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 239,] 
 
 Right honorable, aftre my hartiest commendation, accordeng to 
 your requeste made to me in your lettres, I have furthwith upon 
 the receipte of the same sent commawndement to certayne monas- 
 teries beeing nie to Yorcke, where I was than, and nowe I have 
 given commaundement to all archdeacons to warne all monasteries 
 of lesse yereUe valewe than ijc U. being within their archdeaconries, 
 that they shall no thing imbecille ne alien; and if theye have, 
 that theye shall agayne call suche thinges aliened or imbecilled to 
 their handes. Some that were noted to have received some 
 goodes of suche monasteries I called and warned that they shold 
 in no wiese meddle with anye suche goodes, and that if they had 
 anye suche, that they shold restore them, and ferthermore, if anye 
 suche goodes shalbee offred to them, that they shold give me 
 warneng. And for bicause most resorte for suche propose is to 
 the citie of Yorke, I have warned the maiour of Yorke, and oother 
 of his brodren therof, and speciallie the maister of the mynte, 
 upon their peril and daunger that theye receive no goodes of anye 
 suche monasterie, and ferther herin I entend to doo, from tyme 
 to tyme, as I shall see neede, and dailie doo warne suche as doo 
 resorte to me, that they meddle not with anye suche goodes, that 
 by them this commawndiment maye bee the more published, as I 
 trust it shalbee nowe by tharchdeacons officialles, wiche be nowe all 
 abrode, and have speciall commawndiment to sett furthe this 
 propose. 
 
 Sir, I entierlie praye you to bee good to me for ij. places of the 
 patronaige of the archbushoppes of Yorke, that if you shall 
 thinkc opon suche considerations as I shall alledge that I have 
 reason to sue for them, that you woll helpe me with your good 
 word, that theye bee not suppressed. The tone of them, named
 
 124 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 Saincte Oswaldes, is not of foundation a monasterie of religiousc 
 men, but is libera cajjella archiepiscopi. No man hathe title in 
 it but the archbushoppe : the priour therof is removable at my 
 pleasure and accomptable to me, and the archbushoppe maye put 
 ther, if he woll, seculer prestes, and so wold I have doone at my 
 entre, if I had not ther founde oone of myne acquayntavince 
 whome I judged meete to bee ther undre me. And morover 
 tharchbushoppes of Yorke had it given to them by William 
 Rufus in exchaunge for recompense as well of landes, as juris- 
 diction taken from them at the commeng in of William Con- 
 querour, as apperethe in my registres and oodre old bookes. And 
 in the same it apperethe that the saied chapell enjoyethe all privi- 
 laiges lieke as all oother the kinges free chapelles ; for it was some 
 tyme libera capella regia, and for the defense of the saied privi- 
 laiges, and jurisdiction ther, my predecessours have alwaies had 
 writtes from the king agaynst all disturbers, bicausc it is no oodre 
 but libera capella, and some tyme was the kinges. 
 
 The toodre is called Hexham,* upon the borders of Scotland, 
 and was some t)^me secies episcopalis, and manye holie men some 
 tyme busshoppes ther bee in that churche, sainctes of name ; and 
 wiese men, that knowe the borders, thinke that the landes therof, 
 althoughe theye were x. tymes as moche, can not contrevaile the 
 damaige that is lieke to ensue if it bee suppressed, and some waie 
 ther is never a house between Scottland and the lordshippe of Hex- 
 ham ; and men feare if the monasterie goo downe, that in pro- 
 cesse all shall bee wast moche Avithin the land. And what com- 
 fort that monasterie is daylie to the contre ther, and speciallie in 
 tyme of warr, not onlie the contre men doo knowe, but also manye 
 of the noble men of this realme that hathe doone the kinges high- 
 nes service in Scotland. I doubt not but that the land of that 
 
 * Hexham was a bishop's see under the Anglo-Saxons. The monastery, called by 
 the Anglo-Saxons Hagustald, dated from the seventh century. The last prior was 
 Edward Jaye.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 125 
 
 monasterie is better than tvvoo hundred pound by yere, as liek- 
 wiese tharbushoppes landes war moche bettur if they laie in 
 a quiet place. Some of my predicessours have had ther xiij'^. 
 marces by the yere, and nowe it is communibus annis undre ij^^ li. 
 I entierlie praye you, if you thinke that I have reason to sue for 
 these ij., that you woll helpe me to save them. And as for Hexham, 
 I thinke it is necessarie to bee considred, as I thinke theye that 
 knowe the borders woll saie. 
 
 Sir, according to the kinges commawndiment, I have generallie 
 given commawndment that no prechers shalbee suffred that with- 
 ow3te discretion preache novelties, and, as you right wieselie con- 
 sidered, doo rather sowe seedes of dissention than doo anye good, 
 and some suche as I have herd to use suche preacheng I have 
 discharged, and yet they preach, but I make processe agaynst 
 them, and some of them saie theye wooll get licence of the king to 
 preache. If theye obteigne anye suche licence, I then ame dis- 
 charged for them that have suche licence ; but I trust that yovi woll 
 suffre no suche licence to passe, but that I shall knowe therof,and 
 what your pleasure is, than if they preache suche novelties I praye 
 you I maye knowe by this bearer. Some saie theye have licence 
 of my lord of Cantorburie; but I trust theye have no suche, and if 
 theye have, none shalbee obeyde here, but onlie the kinges and 
 youres. And thus in my hertiest maner iFare you well. From 
 Cawode, the xxiij^^'. of April, 1536. 
 
 Your owne ever assured, 
 
 Edouarde Ebor. 
 
 The next letter relates to the pensions which were granted to the beads and monks 
 of the dissolved houses. It appears that these were often small, and the monks had 
 probably sometimes difficulties in establishing their claims. Cokesford in Norfolk was 
 a priory of Augustine canons, founded in the reign of Stephen by William Cheyney. 
 The site was granted on the 9th of May, 29 Henry VIII. to Thomas Howard duke of 
 Norfolk. John Matthews, the last prior, had subscribed with his caaons to the king's 
 supremacy.
 
 126 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 LVI. 
 THE PRIOR OF COKESFORD TO CROMWELL, 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 269*.] 
 
 Ryght wyrthfull sir, with dwe reverens my duty remembred, 
 desiryng and hartely prayng your masterthep to be good maister 
 to me and help me to my pore levynge and pencion, for the wyche 
 I thynke longe to know wherto I xall hold me, and, sir, for the 
 love of God and of your charitabyle disposicion youe here towards 
 me, of your goodnes and nothynge of my deservynge, it may lyke 
 youe to se the order of it and redy sped for my por comfort and 
 levynge, and that it may so be ordered by your best advyse and 
 cownsell that I may have it without further vexacion or trobyle 
 in getyng on leveynge of my forsed por levynge, for I fer me with- 
 out your good helpe and ayd and comfort it wylbe hard to combee. 
 I have no frend to make my compleynt to but to yow alonly; 
 wherfore I besche yow to take informacions of Mr. Bailey of the 
 Francys, my frynd this brynger. Mr. doctor Lee wylbe good 
 to me with your good helpe, in home ys all my trost ; he pro- 
 mysed me at Londone to have xx^i.for my pension, I trust to have 
 that with better, and my chambre, with all that bylongynge to 
 that same, with ij. beddys, one for my self and another for my 
 servant. In thes thynges, with all other, I submit my self to God 
 and to your good wyll, and I, your chaplene and dayly orator, with 
 alle trew and diligent servys and promysys, by me befor pro- 
 mysyd, as ever xalle lye in my lytyll pore, as knowith our Lord, 
 how ever have youe in his glorius tuiscion, after your wyrschip- 
 full hartes desyre. Wretynge at Cokesford, this Sonday next 
 before the Livencion of the holy crose. 
 
 Alle yours and at your comaunment, your dayly oratour 
 and chaplen, Johan Mathewe, latt pryor of Cokesford.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 127 
 
 Calwich, or Cajewycb, in Staffordshire, was originally a hermitage or small cell 
 founded before 1148, and given by Nicholas de Greselei Fitz Nigel to the priory of 
 Kenilworth. A small convent of black canons was also placed here. Very little ap- 
 pears to be known of the history of this house, and almost all the information contained 
 in the following letter is supplementary to the account given in the last edition of the 
 Monasticon. 
 
 Rowcester, or Rocester, in Staffordshire, was an abbey of black monks, founded by 
 Richard Bacon about the year 1146. The last abbot was William Grafton. 
 
 LVII. 
 RICHARD STRETE TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleopat. E. iv. fol. 236.] 
 
 My duty done, according to your lettres datyd penuUimo die 
 Aprilis I have ben at Calwich, and takyn an inventary of the 
 goodes of that house by indenture, and committyd the keping and 
 garding of all thinges ther to thabbott of Rowceter ij. myles thens, 
 and on of his brethren abidith at Calwich to overse them who 
 hath kept the sequestre syns the departur of the late prior. The 
 valour of the goodes and laundes foloith. 
 
 Inprimis, household very course, as doith 
 appere by particlars in the inven- 
 tary ...... xv^'. xiij''. ij'l. 
 
 Item, in catall, as oxen, kye,* horses, 
 
 mares, shepe old and yonge . . Ixxix''. xv^. iiij<^. 
 
 Item, in corne apon the grounde . . xj'*. vj^. viij^. 
 
 Item, stuff for the church, as chales and 
 
 vestmentes, etc. .... xl'. ix^. viij''. 
 
 riili i;5is vd 
 
 Summa, cxvij''. iiij 
 
 * Kye, i. e. cows.
 
 128 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 Item, the demeanes lyen roundabowt the 
 
 house, and ben worth yerely . . xxiij^^ xij^. 
 
 Item, other tenthes yerely . . . xvij^^ viij^. j^'. ob. 
 
 Item, the paroch church of Glaston to 
 that monastery appropriate besyde 
 the vicar indoment .... xiijl'. vjs. viij^^. 
 
 In these is no harde peneworth : the house and other byldinges be 
 in mean good state of reparacion. I have dischargyd and put 
 forth such persons as were not mete to be ther, and laft such as 
 be husbaundes, and I have made sure the convent saill, and the 
 evidence. 
 
 The first founder ther was Nich. Gresley, in whose title no we 
 clayrayth Mr. Longford (as men here report). Ther be diverse 
 benefactours that hath gyfFyn landes to that house, as it doith 
 appere, viz. my lord Stuard, sir Henrie Saucheverell, Mr. Oker, 
 and other thair ansetors. And thus ye may partly perceyve, and 
 what I can do ferther shalbe redy by God his grace. 
 
 Item, to the last part of your lettre toching demeanour and the 
 payment to the collectours, in the archdeaconry of Coventry, 
 Derby, Staff., and Salop ; the collectors have amoste made an 
 ende in these iiij. archdeaconrys, as fer as I can perceyve is no 
 denying, and as for the collectour of tharchdeaconry of Chester, I 
 never herd from hym, so I supposyd he had good spede in his 
 gedring. And how and in what maner all thynges is ther ye 
 shalbe acertenyd shortly. I trust no man in that archdeaconry 
 wolde be obstinate, if thay be well handlyd. Mr. parson Molenex 
 told me this weke that the collectour as yet askyd hym no money, 
 ner gaf hym warnyng, and whether faute be in the collectour or 
 other, ye shalbe shortly acertenyd, and money sent with spede, by 
 God his grace. The deithe of my lord and his wilfull and parciall 
 cessing, defFerrith all this, as knowith God, who kepe you. Lich., 
 xijo. Maij. 
 
 Yours, Richard Strete, preist.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 129 
 
 The following letter relates to the proceedings of the commissioners in Northampton- 
 shire. At Chaucomb, Chacomb, or Saucomb, there was a priory of Augustine canons, 
 founded by Hugh de Chacombe in the reign of Henry II. The last prior was Thomas 
 Stoner. Ashby Magna, in Leicestershire, was a manor belonging to the nunnery of 
 Catesby, or Catteby, in Northamptonshire, which house was founded by Philip de 
 Esseby or Ashby, or by his son Robert, about the reign of Richard I. The last 
 prioress is said to have been named Jocosa, i.e. Joice. From a subsequent letter it 
 appears that this letter was addressed to the Chancellor of the Augmentations. 
 
 LVIII. 
 
 THE COMMISSIONERS IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE TO SIR R. RICH.(?) 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 209.] 
 
 Ryght honorable, after all humble recommendacions, theis shalbe 
 to advertyse you that we have byn yn execucion off the kynges 
 commission directed unto us, begyngnyng at Chacumbe, wher 
 we accomplysshed alle thynges acordyng unto our commyssion, 
 and frome thens we repayred to Assheby, where after on days tar- 
 reyng we werr ffayne to departe thens unto Catesby nunrey, by oc- 
 cacion of sykenesse, where we have also accomplisshed the kynges 
 commyssion accordyng to his high commandement and our poore 
 distreccions. Which howse of Catesby we fFounde in verry perfett 
 order, the priores a sure, wyse, discrete, and very religyous 
 woman, with ix. nunnys under her obedyencye as relygious and 
 devoute and with as good obedyencye as we have in tyme past seen 
 or belyke shall see. The seid howse standyth in sueche a quarter 
 muche to the relefF oiF the kynges people, and his graces pore sub- 
 jectes their lykewyse mooche relewed, as by the reporte of dyvers 
 worshyppfulles nere therunto adjoynyng as of alle other yt ys 
 to us openly declared. AYherefore yf yt shulde please the kynges 
 highnesse to have eny remorse that eny suche relygous house 
 shall stande, we thynke his grace cannot appoynt eny house more 
 mete to shewe his most gracious charitie and pitey one than one 
 the said howse of Catesby. Ferther ye shall understande, that as 
 to her bounden dewtye towardes the kynges highnes in theis 
 his aifayres, also for discrete enterteynment of ws his commys- 
 sioners and our company, we have not fownde nor belyke shall 
 CAMD. soc. s
 
 130 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 fynde eny suche of more dyscrecion. And lese peraventure theyr 
 may l)e labor made to her detryment and other undoyng, before 
 knowleg showlde cum to his hyghnesse and to yow frome us^ yt 
 may therfore please yow to sygnefy unto his hyghnesse the effecte 
 of theis our lettres, to thentent his grace may stay the graunte 
 theyrof tyll suche tyme we may ascerteyn yow of our fulle certy- 
 fycat and compartes in that behalfe accordyng. Frome Catesby, 
 the xij. day off this present moneth off May 5 from the kynges 
 commyssioners at your commandement. 
 
 Edmond Knyohtley. 
 
 John Lane. 
 
 George Gyffard. 
 
 RoBT. Burgoyn. 
 
 The priory of St. Petroc at Bodmin in Cornwall was founded in Saxon times, and 
 was refounded for Augustine canons in 1120. The site with demesnes were granted, 
 after its dissolution, to Thomas Sternhold, the celebrated translator of the Psalms. 
 The last prior was Thomas Vivian, alias Wannyworth : he was suffragan bishop of 
 Megara in Greece, and his tomb is still preserved in the church. 
 
 LIX. 
 
 THE prior of BODMI.V TO MR. LOK. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 116.] 
 
 Master Lok, I harttili recommend me unto you, so thankyng 
 you for your gret kyndenesse and payne that ye have take for me, 
 which I trust wons God wyllyng to recompens. Syr, I am sore 
 disquietid with a sett of unthryfty chanons, my convent and there 
 berars, which of longe contynuans have lyvyd unthriftili and 
 agene the gode order of relygyon, to the grete sklaunder of the 
 same, as all the contrey can telle. For the reformacyon thereof, 
 the buschope yn hys late visitacyon gave certayne and dyvers in- 
 juncions, commaundyng me straytle to see observyd and kept.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIKS. 131 
 
 which are noo hardar thane ower owne rule and profession byndis 
 us, and as alle other relygyus men use and observe where god 
 relygioun is observid and kept; wherewith they be sore grevid, 
 and yntend the most parte of them to depart with capacitise 
 withowt my concent and wylle, and won of them hathe purchesid 
 a capacyte the last terme withowt my lycence, which is agene the 
 wordes of his capacite, wherefor I have restraynyd his departyng, 
 for no gret los that I showld have of hym, but for the yl exemple 
 to othere ; for yf I showld suffer this man to depart yn this maner, 
 I shall have never a chanon to byde with me. I am sore thret- 
 tynyd with won master Roger Arundell, a gret berar and maynty- 
 nar of my bretherne agenst me, and the procurar of there capa- 
 cites, to be browght before the kynges grace honorable councell, 
 for that I have not sufferd this lewde chanon to depart with his 
 capacite acordyng to there yntent. I pray you harttili to shew 
 this mater to my gode master secretary, desieryng hym, as my 
 speciall trust ys yn hym, yf anney complayntes cum to hym, as T 
 dowt not but that there wol, yt may plese hym to refer the ex- 
 amynatioun of the mater to sir Johan Arundell, sir Peter Egge- 
 cumbe, sir Johan Chamond, or any other discrete gentilmen yn 
 the contrey whatsoever, so that I cum not to London, as there 
 purpose ys. which showld be to gret a charge for me to here, 
 my hows beyng sore yndettid alleredy. This gentilman hathe 
 procured a commyssion, as I am informyd, to pull downe a were 
 longyng to my pore hows, whiche hathe stande us thes ccccc. yere 
 and more. If nede be, I wol wryte more of this mater by mastre 
 Hill. Thus fare ye as wel, as your gentil hart can thynke, and alle 
 my gode frendes and lerners to honour (?) pray you have harttili 
 commendid. From Badmyn, 25 May, by your owne for ever, 
 
 Thomas, priour there. 
 
 To the ryght worshipful! 
 master W. Loke, mercer, dwellyng yn the 
 Chepscyde, at the syngne of the 
 Padlok, this be dd. with spede.
 
 132 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 The following letter from .Richard Beerely, a monk of Pershore, is a curious illus- 
 L,^ ifU/K-CrK (rj.- tration of the state of the religious houses. His request appears to have been granted, 
 as we do not find his name among the list of monks who received pensions at the disso- 
 lution of the house. The Benedictine abbey of Pershore in Worcestershire, was 
 founded towards the end of the seventh century. The last abbot appears to have been 
 John Stanewell or Stonywell. 
 
 LX. 
 
 RICHARD BEERLY TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. Ib'l.] 
 
 Most reverent lord yn God^ second person yn this rem of 
 Englond, ynduyd with all grace and goodnes, y submytt my selfe 
 unto your grace and goodnes, desyuryng you myckely to be 
 good and gracyus lord unto me synful and poor creatur, my lowly 
 and myck scrybullyng unto your nobull grace at thys tyme ys 
 gruggyng yn my conchons that the relygyon wyche we do obser 
 and keype ys no rull of sentt Benett, nor yt no commandyment of 
 God, nor of no sentt, but ly3th and foulysse serymonys, mayd sum 
 yn old tyme and sume yn our tyme, by ly5th and ondyscrytt 
 faders, wych have done ther dutys and fulfellyd ther owne sery- 
 monys, an lett the preceps an commandymentes of God go. And so 
 have y do thys syx yere, wych doth now greve my conchons sore, 
 that y have bye a dyssymblar so long tyme, the wych relygyon 
 say sent Jamys, ys yn vayne and bryngyng forth no good fruttes ; 
 bettur owtt then yn the relygyon, except yt were the tru relygyon 
 of Chryst. Also we do nothyng seyrch for the doctryn of Chryst, 
 but all fowloys our owne sensyaly and pleser. And thys rely- 
 gyon, as y supposse, ys all yn vayne glory, and nothyng worthy to 
 be except nather before God nor man. Also, most gracyus lord, 
 ther ys a secrett thyng yn my conchons wych dothe move me to 
 goo owt of the relygyon, an yf yt were never so perfett, wych no 
 man may know but my gostly fader, the wych I supposs yf a man 
 mothe guge yn other yong persons as yn me selfe, for Chryst say,
 
 l.4->vWt 
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 133 
 
 nolite judicare et non Judicabimini ; therfore y vvyl guge my 
 
 nowne conchons fyrst, the wych fautt he shall know of me heyr- 
 
 after more largyorly, and many other fowll vycys don amonckst 
 
 relygyus me[n], not relygyus men, as y thynk the owtt not to be 
 
 cald, but dyssymblars with God. Now, most gracyus lord and 
 
 most worthyst vycytar that ever cam amonckes us, helpe me owt 
 
 of thys vayne relygyon, and macke me your servant, hande-mayd, ^ ^"^ ^ 
 
 and beydman, and save my sowlle, wych sholdbe lost yf ye helpe '""7, ^^ 
 
 yt not, the \\'}xh you may save with on word speckyng, and mayck ^^ 
 
 me wych am now nawtt to cum unto grace and goodnes. Now y 
 
 wyll ynstrux your grace sumwatt of relygyus men, and how the 
 
 kvnges grace commandyment ys keyp yn puttyng forth of bockes 
 
 the beyschatt of Roms userpt power. Monckes drjmk an bowll 
 
 after collacyon tell ten or xii. of the clock, and cum to mattens as 
 
 dronck as myss, and sume at cardes, sume at dyyss, and at ta- 
 
 bulles, sume cum to mattens begenynge at the mydes, and sume 
 
 when yt ys allmost done, and wold not cum ther so only for boddly 
 
 punnysment, nothyng for Godes sayck, wyth many other vycys 
 
 the use, wyche y have no leser now to express. Also abbettes, 
 
 monckes, prest, don lyttyl or nothyng to put owtt of bockes the 
 
 beysliatt of Romes name, for y my seylfe do know yn dyvers 
 
 bockes wher ys name and hys userpt powor upon us ys. No 
 
 more unto your nobul grace at thys tyme, but Jesu preserve you 
 
 to pleser. Amen. 
 
 Your commyssary commandyd me to wrytt my mynd unto 
 your nobul grace, by my outhe I toyk of hym yn our chaptur 
 hows. 
 
 Be me, your beydman, dan. Rye. Beerley, now 
 
 monck yn the monastery of Pershor. 
 
 To my nobull and gracyus lord 
 vycytar yn the kynges cortt be 
 thys byl delyveryd yn hast. 
 
 Mi^LUC, ^Lciuc^n,. LtuJ.. V^.l. i. CLxxx^i,
 
 134* LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 The writer of the following letter was William Walle, abbot of Kenilworth, from 
 the 8th to the 29th Hen. VIII, He was not the last superior of this house, having 
 been succeeded by Simon Jekys, or Jakys. The abbey of Kenilworth was founded 
 about 1122 by Geoffrey de Clinton, chamberlain and treasurer to Henry I. Broke, in 
 Rutland, was a very small priory, subordinate to the abbey of Kenilworth : its last 
 prior was Roger Orwell. -At^ A^t^A./ w' rijA-C a,fAZ-»^t nU^it. 
 
 LXI. 
 THE ABBOT OF KENILWORTH TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 214.] 
 
 Ryght honorable and my synguler good master, my covenable 
 duety with condygne recommendacyons humbly unto your master- 
 shypp remembryd, maye it please you to be further advertisyd of 
 such matter as at thys daye, I and my pore house ar muche per- 
 plexid and unquietid in, concernyng our maner or cell of Broke, in 
 the county of Rotteland, whych by the injust and wntrewe demean- 
 our and behavour of such my chanon as I sent thider for to have 
 the governaunce and rule thereof, and for that he had not suche 
 profitable and commodyous pencyon assygned and made sure 
 unto hym duryng hys lyfe as he and his consell wold and could 
 devyse and aske, hath entytled the kynges hyghnes in his court of 
 augmentacyons vmto the hoole tytle and interest thereof; whyche 
 woll and shalbe, onles your mercyfull favor be ministrid and 
 shewid therein, a utter undoyng and distruccyon of my house and 
 monastery for ever. For it is not unremembred, I dowte not, 
 unto you, that when I fyrst receyved your lettres concernyng the 
 said house, at my next sendyng after of the saide your lettres, I 
 offrid the fFerme and lesse of the same unto ony frend of yours, yf 
 it please you to name thereunto, and so entred into bargeyn and 
 lesse, and dimisid it after suche forme and facion as ye knowe, 
 with bond of a M. marc unto the lesse for his surety and state 
 therein accordyngly, wych yf it cannot be performed by us, we be
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 135 
 
 dangred in the seid sum by the lawes of this realme. Wherefore 
 it maye please you of your goodnes and perfitt charite to be 
 a meane unto the kynges highnes, and to oder of his counsell that 
 shalle have the heryng, ordryng, and determynacion of the said 
 matter, that our juste, trewe, and perfitt interest of the said maner 
 of Broke, with the appertenauntys, whyche war pperpetually and 
 freghley gyven unto our monastry of Kenellworth in pure all- 
 messe, as it is moost evydently apparaunt in evydence, maye stylle 
 belonge to apperteyn unto our saide bowse, accordyng as thys 
 lawis and ryght doth requyre and aske. And for that it shalle not 
 becum me to stond in contencyon and traverse with his highnes, 
 or to defend or prosecute any thyng that his grace and counsell do 
 suppose and deme to be his ryght and title by his lawis newly 
 made and ordenyd, it may please your mastershyppe, for and in 
 my name, to be solicytour and mediatour, that I and my house 
 maye have and enyoye of the lesse of our saide sovereyghne lord the 
 residwe of all the londis and tenementes at this daye belongyng 
 unto the said cell of Broke, for suche resonable rent as they now 
 be demysid by me, and for lyke yerys in ffee fferme, to thentent 
 that suche my lesse as nowe hath them by me may enyoy and 
 contynue suche dimyssion as is dymisid unto them in salvacion 
 of the bond of the said M^^. marcs, whereunto I and my house 
 stand chargyd. And where it plesid the kinges hyghnes for my 
 good and trewe servyce done to his grace at the insurrexion at 
 Coventre to my grett charge, to promyse me his favour in ony my 
 reasanable suyte concernyng ryght of my house, I shalle, for his 
 goodnes to me in this case shewid, accept my selfe well recom- 
 pensid, and what end so ever your mastershyppe shalle take I shalle 
 at alle oures abyde, for in you nowe is all my trust, as God know- 
 ith, who ever prosper you in honor. Att Kenellworth, the xvij*^ 
 daye of Junij. 
 
 Your humble orator, 
 
 William, abbat ther.
 
 136 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 George GifFard, the writer of the following letter, was one of the commissioners for 
 the dissolution of the smaller religious houses, and was now on his progress through 
 Staffordshire and Leicestershire. Garrendon, from whence the letter is dated, was an 
 abbey in Leicestershire, founded in 1133 by Robert le Bossu earl of Leicester, for a 
 colony of monks from Waverley. The last prior was Thomas Syeston alias Shepyshed. 
 The priories mentioned in this letter were very small foundations. Bradley was 
 founded in the reign of John : its last prior was John Arundell, appointed Jan. 
 18, 1509. Kirkby Beler was a small house in Leicestershire founded by Roger de 
 Beler in the reign of Edward II. 
 
 LXII. 
 GEORGE GIFFARD TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. p. 213.] 
 
 Ryght honorable sir, after myne humble recommendacions, thys 
 shalbe tadvertyse youe that I have receyved your most comfortable 
 letters, for the whiche in my right lowly wyse I rendre unto youe 
 most hartie thankes ; pleasithe itt your mastreship to be fferther 
 advertised, that we have sirveyed the howse or priore of Brook, 
 the certificathe wheroff I sent you by your ffermers sunn and my 
 nephu Roger Carell this present, the xviij. day of June, the priorie 
 of Bradley, thabbey of Wolneston, the priorie of Kirby Bellers, 
 the priorie of Woulstropp, and now be att thabbey of Garadon. 
 And, sir, forasmyche as of late my fellows and I dyd wright unto 
 Mr. chauncellour of the awgmentacions in the favour of thabbey 
 of Seynt James* and the nunrie of Catysby in Northampton shire, 
 whiche letter he shewed unto the kynghis highnes in the favour 
 of those howsez, where the kynghis highnes was displeased, as he 
 seyd to my servant Thomas Harper, seyeng that itt was like that 
 we had receyved rewardes, whiche caused us to wright as we dyd, 
 whiche myght putt me in fFeare to write, nottwithstondyng the 
 sure knowlege that I have had allwey in your indifference gyvethe 
 
 * The abbey of St. James in Northampton was founded by William Peverel, the 
 natural son of king William the Conquei-or, for black monks. The abbot with eight 
 monks had subscribed to the king's supremacy. Between 1532 and the dissolution of 
 this house it had two abbots — John Dasset and William Brockden.
 
 SUPPRESSION OP MONASTERIES. 137 
 
 me boldnes to wright to yowe in the ffavour of the howse of Wol- 
 s[troppe],* the governour wherof is a vere good husbond for the 
 howse, and welbeloved of all thenhabitantes therunto adjoynyng, a 
 right honest man, havyng viij. religious persons beyng prestes of 
 right good conversacion and lyvyng religiously, havyng such quali- 
 ties of vertu as we have nott iFownd the like in no place ; for ther ys 
 nott 0011 religious person thear butt that the can and dothe use eyther 
 inbrotheryng,t wrytyng bookes, with verey fFayre haund, makyng 
 ther own garnementes, karv-yng, payntyng, or grafFyng.J The 
 howse Avithout any sclandre or evyll iFame, and stonds in a wast 
 grownde verey solitarie, kepyng suche hospitalite that except by 
 synguler good provision itt cowld natt be meynte^Tied with halfe 
 so muche landes more as they may spend, suche a nombre of the 
 poure inhabitantes nye therunto dayly relevyd, that we have nott 
 sene the hke, ha^'yng no more landes than they have, God be 
 evyn my juge, as I do wright unto youe the trothe, and non other 
 W}'se to my knowlege, whiche vere petie alloon causithe me to 
 wright. The premyssez wheroff considered, in most humble ■wise 
 I beseche youe to be a meane unto the kynghis majestic for the 
 stondyng of the seid Wolstroppe, wherby his grace shall do a myche 
 gracious and a meritorius acte fFor thereleff off his poure subjectes 
 their, and ye shalbe sure nott only to have the contynewall 
 prayour of those religious persons thear, butt also the hartie prayour 
 off all thenhabitantes withyn iiij. or v. myle abowt that howse. And 
 this fFor lack of wytt I am bold to wright unto youe the playnes 
 of ray harte, as unto hym that of all lyvyng creatures I have most 
 assured and fFaythfuU trust yn, so knowyth our lord God, who 
 have you in his most mercyfull tuycion. From Garadon^ the xix. 
 day oflf June. 
 
 Your bounden bedeman att comandement, 
 
 George Gyffard. 
 
 * Woolstrope is about four miles from Grantham in Lincolnshire, 
 t i. e. embroidering. $ i. e. engraving. 
 
 CAMD. see. T
 
 138 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 On the 9tli of July in tins year (153G), Cromwell was raised to the peerage as baron 
 Cromwell of Okeham, and henceforward we shall always find him addressed by the 
 title of lord. It is a distinction which has enabled me to fix the date of a letter in 
 several instances where it had been previously mistaken. 
 
 Richard Southwell, the writer of the following letter, was one of the commissioners 
 who were now visiting Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. It is hardly necessary to observe 
 that Walsingham was one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in England. The 
 discovery mentioned in the letter^ is a curious trait of the scientific pursuits of the 
 monks. 
 
 LXIII. 
 
 RICHARD SOUTHWELL TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 231.] 
 
 It maye please your good lordshipe to be advertised that sir 
 Thomas Lestrange and Mr. Hoges, accordinge unto the seques- 
 tratyon delegate unto them, have ben at Walsingham and ther 
 sequestred all suche monney, plat, juelles, and stuff, as ther wasse 
 inventyd and founde. Emoung other thinges the same sir Thomas 
 Lestrange and Mr. Hoges dyd ther fynd a secrete prevye place 
 within the howse, where no channon nor onnye other of the 
 howse dyd ever enter, as they saye, in wiche there were in- 
 strewmentes, pottes, belowes, flyes of suche strange colers as the 
 lick non of us had scene, with poysies, and other thinges to 
 sorte, and denyd(?) gould and sylver, nothing ther wantinge that 
 should belonge to the arte of multyplyeng. OflF all wiche they 
 desyred me by lettres to advertyse you, and alsoo that frome the 
 Satredaye at night tyll the Sondaye next folowinge was ofFred * 
 at ther now beinge c.xxxiij^. iiij"*. over and besyd waxe. Of this 
 moultiplyeng it maye please you to cawse hem to be examyned, 
 and so to advertyse unto them your further pleasuer. Thus I 
 
 * i. e. offered by the pilgrims at the image of our Lady of Walsingham.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 139 
 
 praye God send your good lordshipe hartye helthe. Frome my 
 pore howse, this xxv. of Julii, a" xxviij". 
 
 humblye yours to commande, 
 
 Ric. Southwell. 
 
 To the right honerable 
 and my synguler good 
 lord, my lord prevye 
 seale. 
 
 The Benedictine nunnery of PoUesworth in Warwickshire, of which the ruins are 
 still considerable, owed its modern foundation and earliest endowments to the second 
 Robert de Marmion, distinguished by his turbulence in the troublesome reign of king 
 Stephen. Tradition, however, carries back the date of its original foundation to the 
 time of the Saxons. The last abbess, Alicia Fitzherbert, was elected to that office in 
 the first year of the reign of Henry VIII. 
 
 LXIV. 
 
 THE COMMISSIONERS TO CROMWELL. 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 210.*] 
 After oure dueties of humble recommendacion unto youre good 
 lordship hade, it may please the same to be advertysed that we 
 have surveyd the monasterye or nonnery of PoUesAVorth in the 
 countye of Warwike, wherin ys an abbas namyd dame AUce 
 Ffitzherbert, of the age of Ix. yeres, a very sadde, discrete, and 
 relygyous woman, and hath byn heed and governour their xxvij. 
 yeres, and in the same howse under her rule ar xij. vertuous and 
 religyous nonnes, and of good conversacion as farr as we can here 
 or perceyve, as well by our examinacions as by the open ffame 
 and report of all the countrey, and never one of the nonnes thar 
 will leyve nor forsake therr habite and relygyon. Wherfore in our 
 opyneons, yf it myght so stande with your lordships pleasure, ye 
 mought doo a right good and meryetoryous dede to be a medyatour 
 to the kinges highnes for the said house to stande and remayne 
 un suppressed; fFor, as we thinke, ye shall not speke in the prefer-
 
 140 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 ment of a better nonnery nor of better women. And in the towne 
 of Pollesworth ar xliiij. tenementes, and never a plough but one, 
 the resydue be artifycers, laborers, and vitellers, and lyve in effect 
 by the said house, and the repayre and resorte thar ys made to 
 the gentylmens childern and sudjournentes that ther doo lif to the 
 nombre sometyme of xxx'^'^^ and sometyme xV'^^ and moo, that 
 their be right vertuously brought upp. And the towne and non- 
 nery standith in a harde soile and barren ground, and to our esty- 
 macions, yf the nonnery be suppressed, the towne will shortely 
 after falle to ruyne and dekaye, and the people therin to the nombre 
 of vj. or vij. score persones are nott unlike to wander and to 
 seke for their lyvyng, as our Lorde Gode beste knowith, who 
 preserve youre lordshipe in good lif and longe, with encrease of 
 honour. Wrytton at Maxstoke* beside Coventre, the xxviij. daye 
 of July. 
 
 By the kinges commissioners, John Grevyll, Symond 
 MouNTFORT, Thomas Holte, Roger Wygston, George 
 Gyffard, Robt. Burgoyn. 
 
 The following letter furnishes us with another instance of the eagerness with which 
 the courtiers sought after their share in the spoils of the monasteries. Sir Thomas 
 Elyot was a distinguished diplomatist, a man of great learning, and had been an inti- 
 mate friend of Sir Thomas More. 
 
 LXV. 
 SIR THOMAS ELYOT TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 220*.] 
 
 My moste speciall goode lorde, whereas, by your contynuell 
 exercise in waighty afFayres, allso frequent access of sutars unto 
 your goode lordship, I could not fynde oportunity to gyve to your 
 lordship due and convenyent thankes for your honorable and 
 
 * Maxtock, a parish in Warwickshire, near the town of Coleshill.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 141 
 
 gentill report to the kinges majesty on Wenysday last passid in my 
 favour, I am now constrayned to supply with my penne my sayde 
 duety, oiFryng unto your lordship all harty love and servyce that 
 a poure man may ow and beare to his goode lorde and approved 
 frende, which allthowgh hability lakking in me, I can not expresse 
 by any benefyte, your wisedom notwithstanding, which I have 
 allway honoured and trustid, will I doubt not accept my goode 
 intent, being, I thank Godd, ever syncere and withoute flatery or 
 ill dissimulacion, I wisshing unto your lordship the honorable 
 desyres of your hart, with the contynuall favor of Godd and of 
 your prynce. My lorde, forasmoche as I suppose that the 
 kinges moste gentill communicacion with me, and allso his moste 
 comfortable report unto the lordes of me, procedid of your afore 
 remembrid recommendacions, I am animate to importune your 
 goode lordship with moste harty desyres to contynue my goode 
 lorde in augmenting the kinges goode estimacion of me ; whereof 
 I promyse yow before Godd, your lordship shall never have cause 
 to repent. And where I perceyve that ye suspect that I favour 
 not truely Holy Scripture, I wold Godd that the king and you 
 mowght see the most secrete thowghtes of my hart, surely ye 
 shold then perceyve that, the ordre of charity savyd, I have in as 
 moche detestacion as any man lyving all vayne supersticions, 
 superfluouse ceremony es, sklaunderouse jouglynges, countrefaite 
 mirakles, arrogant usurpacions of men callid spirituall, and masking 
 religions, and all other abusions of Christes holy doctrine and 
 lawes. And as moche I injoy at the kinges godly preceding to the 
 due reformacion of the sayde enormyties as any his graces poure 
 subject lyving. I therefor beseeche your goode lordship now to 
 lay apart the remembraunce of the amity betwene me and sir 
 Thomas More, which was but usque ad aras, as is the proverb, 
 consydering that I was never so moche addict unto hym as I was 
 unto truthe and fidelity toward my soveraigne lorde, as Godd is 
 my juge. And where my speciall trust and onely expectation is 
 to be holpen by the meanes of your lordship, and naturall shame-
 
 142 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 fastness more raigneth in me than is necessary, so that I wold 
 not prese to the kinges majesty withoute your lordshippes assist- 
 ence, unto whomc I have sondry tymes declarid myn indigence, 
 and whereof it hath hapned, I therefor moste humbly desyre you 
 my speciall goode lorde, so to bryng me into the kinges most noble 
 remembrance, that of his moste bounteouse liberality it may like 
 his highnesse to reward me with some convenyent porcion of his 
 suppressid landis, whereby I may be able to contynue my life 
 according to that honest degree whereunto his grace hath callid 
 me. And that your lordship forgete not, that neither of his grace 
 nor of any other persone I have fee, office, pencion, or ferme, nor 
 have any maner of lucre or advauntage, besydes the revenues of 
 my poure land, which are but small, and no more than I may 
 therewith mayntayne my poure house. And if by your lordshippes 
 meanes I may achieve goode effect of my sute, your lordship shall 
 not fynde me ingrate. And whatsoever porcion of land that I 
 shall attayne by the kynges gift, I promyse to give to your lord- 
 ship the first yeres frutes, with myn assured and faithfull hart and 
 servyce. This lettre I have writen, bycause that I herd that your 
 lordship went to the court ; and as for my first sute, I shall at 
 your lordshippes better laysour recontynue it, trusting allso in your 
 lordshippes favour therin. 
 
 Writen at my house by Smythfeld, this Moneday. 
 
 Yours moste bounden, 
 Th. Elyot, kt. 
 
 To my speciall goode lorde 
 my lorde pryvy scale. 
 
 The baths of Buxton, in the Peak of Derby, to which the next letter relates, were 
 frequented as early as the times of the Britons and Romans. In popish times, these, 
 in common with other wells and fountains, were regarded with a superstitious feeling, 
 derived from the period of Saxon paganism, and preserved in many popular ceremo- 
 nies to the present day. The wells at Buxton were dedicated to St. Anne, and the
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 143 
 
 chief place for drinking the waters is still called St. Anne's Well. The abbey of Bur- 
 ton upon Trent, in Staffordshire, was celebrated as the resting place of the bones of St. 
 Modwen, The image alluded to in the following letter probably stood over the well, 
 still known by the name of Modwen's well. 
 
 LXVI. 
 SIR WILLIAM BASSETT TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 238.] 
 
 Ryght honorabull my inesspeyciall gud lord, acordyng to my 
 bownden dewte and the teynor of yowre lordschypys lettres lately 
 to me dyrectyd, I have sende unto yowre gud lordschyp by thys 
 beyrer, my brother, Francis Bassett, the ymages off sentt Anne 
 off Buxtone and sentt Mudwen of Burtun apon Trentt, the wych 
 ymages I dyd take frome the place where they dyd stande, and 
 browght them to my owne howss within xlviij*'. howres after the 
 contemplacion of yowre seydlordschypis lettres, in as soobermaner 
 as my lyttuU and rude wytt woUde serve me. And fFor that there 
 schullde no more idoUatre and supersticion be there usyd, I dyd 
 nott only deface the tabernaculles and placis where they dyd 
 stande, butt allso dyd take away cruchys, schertes, and schetes, 
 with wax ofFeryd, being thynges thatt dyd alure and intyse the 
 yngnorantt pepull to the seyd offeryng ; allso gyfFyng the kepers 
 of bothe placis admonicion and charge thatt no more offeryng 
 schulld be made in those placis tyll the kynges plesure and yo^vre 
 lordschypis be ffurther knowen in that behallf. My lord, I have 
 allso lokkyd upp and sealyd the bathys and welles at Buxtons, 
 thatt non schall enter to wasche them, tyll yowre lordschypis 
 plesure be ffurther knowne, whereof I besych yowre gud lord- 
 schyp that I may be acertanyd off agayn att yowre plesure, and I 
 schall nott fayle to execute yowre lordschipis cummandmentt to 
 the uttermust of my lyttull wytt and power. And, my lord, as 
 concernyng the opynion off the pepull and the ffonde trust that 
 they dyd putt in those ymages, and the vanyte of the thynges, thys
 
 144 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 beyrer my brother can telle yowre lordschyp much better att large 
 then I can wryte, for he was with me att the doing of all, and in all 
 placis, as knowyth Jhesu, whorae ever have yowre gud lordschyp 
 in hys blessyd kepyng. Wrytten att Langley,* with the rewde 
 and sympyll hande of yowre assuryd and feythfull orator, and as 
 on ever att yowre cummandmentt next unto the kyng to the utter- 
 most of my lyttull power. 
 
 William Bassett, knyght. 
 
 The following letter relates to Bury St. Edmunds, one of the largest monastic 
 foundations in England, which therefore did not come under the first act of suppression, 
 but it was visited for the purpose of confiscating its superstitious relics, &c. 
 
 LXVII. 
 THE COMMISSIONERS TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 229*.] 
 
 Pleasith it your lordship to be advertysed, that wee have ben at 
 saynt Edmondes Bury, where we founde a riche shryne whiche 
 was very comberous to deface. We have takyn in the seyd 
 monastery in golde and sylver m'.m'.m^.m'.m^ markes, and above, 
 over and besydes a well and riche crosse with emereddes, as also 
 dyvers and sundry stones of great value, and yet we have lefte the 
 churche, abbott, and covent very well ffurnesshed with plate 
 of sylver necessary for the same. And forasmuche as we be 
 creadably informyd that ther dyed of late ij. monkes at Ely, 
 whether they dyed of the sykenes or no we knowe not as yet, 
 and there hathe ben great death in the towne, notwithstondyng 
 we entende to make further serche therein, so that if we fynde 
 not the mater to muche daungerous, we wyll prosede, and els 
 
 * Langley Meynell, about four miles from Derby, was the estate and residence of 
 Sir William Basset. It subsequently passed from the Bassets to the family of 
 Cavendish.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 145 
 
 not untyll your pleasure be knowyn therein. And this present 
 day we departe from Bury towardes Ely, and we assure your 
 lordship the abbott and convent be very well contented with 
 every thyng that we have done there, as knowith God, woo 
 preserve your lordshipp. 
 
 Your Lordeshipe moste bownden, 
 
 John Williams. 
 
 Rychard Pollard. 
 
 Phylyp Parys. 
 
 John Smyth. 
 
 The abbey of Woburn did not come within the Act of Parliament, but in the course 
 of the -visitation crimes appear to have been laid to the charge of the inmates that were 
 sufficient to call for its dissolution. In the present letter, the abbot and convent 
 attempt to defend themselves ; but they were unsuccesful, for early in the year following 
 (1537) the abbot and prior and the parson of Puddington (a parish in the neighbourhood) 
 were executed at Bedford. Robert Hobs, the last abbot, is mentioned as holding that 
 office as early as 1524. 
 
 Woburn abbey was founded in 1145 by Hugh de Bolebeck. The estate was given to 
 John lord Russell in the first year of the reign of Edward VI., and the site of the abbey 
 is now the seat of the duke of Bedford. 
 
 The following letter is not dated, but it must have been written in the latter part of 
 the year 1536. 
 
 lxviii. 
 the abbot and convent of woburn to the king. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 96.] 
 
 In most humble and obedient wise shewithe unto your most 
 excellent highnes your contynuall orators and daily bedemen 
 thabbot and covent of your monasterie of Woburn, that whereas 
 we do apperceyve by the relation of your graces commissioners 
 Mr. doctour Legh and Mr. Williams, that diverse and sondrye ac- 
 cusementes have ben made upon us unto your highnes and your 
 
 camd. soc. u
 
 14G LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 graces most honorable counsell, concemynge manyfolde crymes, 
 enormites, and high treason to your excellent maiesty, we beynge 
 inwardely strj'ken with sorowe and hevynes four that our desertes 
 shulde be suche that any jote of dewe obedience unto your grace 
 (whom under God we do aguise to be our supreme heed, our 
 comfort and joye) shulde be notyd in us, seynge we be and 
 ever have ben, as we trust in God, cleane frome any suche crymes 
 and enormites, and therfor judging nothing to be so expedient 
 and behovefuU unto us as clerely to renounce all pretext of ex- 
 cuse or triall with your grace, by whiche we might percase in 
 our default incurre your majesties high indignacion to our utter 
 undoynge, do in moost humble wise and upon our knees with 
 harte and mynde submytt o^^T selfes and our monasterye, with 
 all the moveables and unmovables therof, unto your majesties 
 accustomede grace and mercy, mekely desirynge the same to 
 shewe your pitie and compassion upon us in suche godly wise 
 that we maye deserve to contynewe (as we trust we have ben) 
 your perpetuall orators and bedemen, and to contynewe utile 
 membres of your commen wealthe, to the high lawde and 
 praise of allraightie God, and perpetuall merite and renowne of 
 your excellent majestic, whom almightie God of his infinite 
 grace preserv^e longe to endure. 
 
 Your humble and most obedient oratours and dayly bedesmen, 
 
 Thabbot and convent of Woburn. 
 
 Richard Cromwell, the nephew of Lord CromweU, was one of the commissioners 
 employed to visit Cambridgeshire and the monastic houses in the Fen district. The 
 following letter leaves him at Ramsey. The date of the month would seem to show 
 that this letter was written in 1538, when the 15th of October would be on a Tuesday. 
 
 LXIX. 
 RICHARD CROMWELL TO LORD CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 204*.] 
 
 I have me most humbly commendyd unto your lordshipp, I
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 147 
 
 rode one Sondaye to Cambrige to my bedd, and the next mornyng 
 was upe betymes, supposyng to have found at Elye Mr. Pollard 
 and Mr. Williams, but they were departyd bifore my commyng, 
 and so beyng at dynner at Somersham with the busshop of Elye 
 I overtoke theym, at which t^mie I openyd your pleasure unto 
 them in every thyng. Your lordshipp, I thynke, shall shortely ap- 
 parseyve the pryour of Elye to be of a frowarde sorte, by evydent 
 tokens, as at our commyng home shalbe at large relatyde unto 
 youe. At the makyng herof we hadd done nothyng at Ramseye, 
 savyng that over nyght I commenyd with the abbot, whome I 
 found conformable to every thyng as shalbe at this tyme put in 
 ure, accordyng as your lordshipps will is. Assone as we have done 
 at Ramsey we go to Peterborough, and frome thense to my house, 
 and so home, the which I trust shalbe at the farthest one this 
 daye come sevyn days. Thus the blessyd Thrynytye preserve 
 your lordshipps helth. From Ramseye, on Tewysday in the mor- 
 nyng, beyng the xvth of Octobre. 
 
 Your lordshipps most bounden nephewe. 
 
 Rich. Crumwell. 
 
 The two next letters are from Hugh Latimer, bishop of Worcester, and relate chiefly 
 to the religious matters and to the monastic houses towards the borders of Wales. 
 They bear no date of year, but they must belong to the last months of 1536. 
 
 LXX. 
 
 BISHOP LATYMER TO CROMWELL. 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 139,] 
 
 Ryght honorable, salutem in Christo, and, syr, when I was with 
 your lordshype laste you were desyrows to kno where you myght 
 have good monkes. I tellyd you of too with my lord of Westmy- 
 ster, I colde natt then name them to you, butt now I can ; the 
 won ys caUyd Goorson, the other Clarke, both bachelars of divi- 
 nite, well lernyd, of ryght jugment, and very honeste men, The
 
 148 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 prior of Coventre,* as I here say, ys dede ; the matter ys sum- 
 whatt entyrd with the kynges grace and lyke to goo forward, 
 yf you putt thertoo your helpynge hande, I dowght natt butt my 
 brother abbott of Westmyster, as yli as he myght spare them, 
 yett wyll forgoo them for such a purpas, butt much the rather yf 
 he perceve your pleseur therin. 
 
 I wold have waytyd uppon your lordshyppe my selff, as my dewty 
 hade byn, butt sewrly, syr, I doo whatt I can to able my selfF to 
 stande in the pulpytt uppon Tewsday. I am in a fayntt wery- 
 nesse over all my boody, butt cheffly in the small of my backe, 
 butt I have a good nursshe, good mastress Pasham, wych, 
 seynge whatt casse I was in, hath fachyd me hoom to here owne 
 howsse, and doth pympur me upe with all dylygence, for I fere a 
 consumption, butt ytt makyth lytull matter for me. I pray God 
 preserve your lordshyppe longe in helth, to all such good purposes 
 as God hath ordenyd you too. 
 
 In master Pashames howsse, 
 
 H. Latymer, Wigorn. 
 viij of Novemb. 
 
 Great Malvern was a celebrated priory, founded about the year 1083. At present 
 there are little remains, except the priory church, which was preserved for the use of 
 the parish, and is a very handsome building. The prior at this time was Thomas 
 Dereham, who was succeeded immediately before the dissolution by Richard Why- 
 thorne alias Bedyl. 
 
 LXXI. 
 
 BISHOP LATIMER TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 264.] 
 
 Right honorable, salutem in Sahatore, and, syr, I have to thanke 
 your good lordshype ifor many thynges, ande now a laitt ffor 
 
 * Thomas Wyfford, who was succeeded by Thomas Camswell, C'amsele, or Kamps- 
 well (the name appears differently written), so that bishop Latimer's recommendation 
 Was not caiTied into effect.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 149 
 
 j'our synguler goodnesse showyd (as I undyrstand) to master 
 Lucy, a right good gentilman, ande also toward master Acton, 
 another of the same sortt, butt of thys my dewtye moor att moor 
 leyser. And yett thus much now I wyll say, ande natt say it alone, 
 butt with many, that your lordshype won man have promotyd 
 many moo honeste men synyste God promotyd you, then hath 
 many men doon befoore your tyme thowgh in licke authorite 
 with you, tamqiiam non tibi natiis soli, sed multoriim commodo : 
 efficiat qui omnia facit ut in eimdem fineni diutissime vivat domi- 
 natio tua, ut sic inter nobiles nobilissimiis evadas, quum quidem 
 nihil esse possit nobiUus qii am bows vivos evehere, males autem re- 
 primere, id quod tibi hactenus usiivenit plus omnibus facer e. 
 
 Butt now, syr, another thynge, that by your favour I myght 
 be a motionare unto you, at the reqweste of an honeste man, the 
 prior of Grett Malverne in my diocese, thowgh natt of my dio- 
 cese, referrynge the successe of the hooU matter to your ownly 
 approvyd wyssdoom and benynge goodnesse in every casse, ffor 
 I knoo that I doo play the ffowll, butt yett with my foolysshnesse 
 I sumwhatt qwyett an unqwyett man and mytygatt hys hevynesse, 
 which I am bold to doo with you, fFor that I kno by experience 
 your goodnesse, that you wyll here with fowlles in ther freylnesse. 
 Thys man both heryth and feryth (as he sayth) the suppressione 
 of hys howsse, wich, thowgh he wyll be conformable in all 
 poynttes to the kynges hynesse plesewr, and youres, ons knoyn, 
 as both I advertysyd hym, ande also hys bownden dewtye ys to 
 be, yett neverthelesse yf he thowght hys interpryesse shuld natt 
 be mystake nor turne to ony displesewr, he wold be an humble 
 sewter to your lordshype, and by the same to the kynges good 
 grace, for the upstandynge of hys forsayd howsse, and contynu- 
 ance of the same to many good purpasesse, natt in monkrye? 
 he maynyth natt soo, God forbyd, butt ony other ways as shuld 
 be thowght ande seyme good to the kynges majestye, as to 
 mayntayne techynge, prechynge, studye with prayynge, ande 
 (to the which he ys much gyvyne) good howskepynge, fFor to 
 the vertu of hospitalitye he hathe byn grettly inclynyd from hys
 
 150 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 begynnynge, ande ys very much commendyd in thes partees for 
 the same ; so that if ccccc. markes to the kynges hynesse, with 
 cc. markes to your selffe for your good wyll^ myght occasione the 
 promatione of hys intentt^ att leste way for the tyme of hys 
 lyffe, he dowbtyth natt to make hys frendes for the same, yf so 
 lytull cold bringe soo much to passe. The man ys old, a good 
 howskepere, fedyth many, and that dayly, for the contreth ys 
 poore and full of penurye ; ande, alas ! my good lord, shall we 
 nat see ij. or iij. in every shyre changyd to such remedye. 
 
 Thus too thys honeste man is importunyte hath browght me 
 beyounde my dewtye, savynge for the confydence and truste 
 that I have always in your beningnytye. As he hathe knolege 
 froom you, soo he wyll prepare for you, ever obedyentt to 
 your advertyessment. Syr Wylliani Kyngston can make re- 
 portt of the man. God prospere you to the utterynge of all 
 hoolow harttes. Blessyd be God of Englande that workyth 
 all, hows instrumente you be ! I herde you say wons aftur you 
 hade sene that furyows invectyve of cardynall Pooll, that you 
 wold make hym to ete hys owne hartt, which you have now, [I 
 trow,] browght to passe, for he muste [nedes] now ette hys owne 
 hartt, and be [cum as] hartlesse as he ys gracelesse. 
 
 H. L. WiGOR. 
 
 13 Decemb. Hartl.* 
 
 The priory of Laund, in Leicestershire, was founded by Richard Basset and Maud 
 his wife about 1125. The site of the priory of Laund, with all belonging to it, was 
 granted by Henry "VIIL to Lord Cromwell. 
 
 John Smith, the writer of the following letter, has already occurred as one of the 
 commissioners in Norfolk. The letter was addressed to his brother-in-law Francis 
 Cave, one of the king's commissioners for taking the surrender of the religious houses. 
 
 LXXII. 
 
 JOHN SMITH TO FRANCIS CAVE. 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 217.**] 
 
 My hartie recommendacions to yow premyssed, this is to adver- 
 * Hartlebury, the palace of the bishops of "Worcester.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 151 
 
 tyse yow that uppon Wenysday last I receyvyd your letter, and 
 syns the receyte therof I have indevored my selif to the best of 
 my power accordyng to theflfecte therof ; and as concernyng the 
 priory of Lawnd, I have caused too honest persons to vewe the 
 demaynes of the same, and wheras the seid demeynes withe 
 Whatbore * fFelde, were wont and accustemyed to kepe this tyme 
 of the yere too thowsande sheipe or very nere, ther be at thys 
 scant iFyve hunderde sheipe, of the Aviche I suppose the one daye 
 halif of them be not the priores ; and wheras the seid prior was 
 accustymed to kepe uppon his comynes in Loddyngton fFeld 
 ffyve hunderd sheipe, ther is at this daye not one sheipe ; and 
 wheras the seid prior was accustymed to have uppon his comyns 
 in Frysby iFeld a fflocke of sheipe, ther is at this day non. And as 
 concernyng beys, all flfate beys, excepte a very iFewe for the howse, 
 be sold, and mych of the stuf of howshold is conveyd awey, wiche 
 sheipe, beyse, and howshold stuf was sold and coveyed befFore the 
 last geyng of the priorf to Londone, and in the tyme of his beyng 
 ther; but syns his comyng home I cane not lerne that he hathe 
 made aweye any catall, except certeyn of the best mylche kye he 
 hade and one bull, wiche I am informyd he cawsed to be con- 
 veyed the ffirst nyght that he came ffrom Londone to Loddyngton. 
 And as concernyng the plate, the prior told me that he hade made 
 hit awey a good whyll agoo, to the intent to have redemyd his 
 howse, if itt wold have bene, except the juelles and plate of 
 chirche, wiche I am informyd remayns stylle. And as for his 
 horsez, he told me that he had gyven to dyvers of hys servauntes 
 every of them a geldyng, and that I thyncke ther remaynd but a 
 ffewe good. And as concernyng leices, I thyncke ther be non 
 letten owt of the demeynes, except hit be tythis, wiche I thynk 
 were grauntyd, but uppon condicion, as I suppose the partyes, if 
 thei be well examyned, wyll coniFesse. And as concernyng Lod- 
 dyngton, I understand ther be dyvers leices graunted of certejTi 
 clowsez and of the mylles ther, wiche I thyncke weer lykwyse letten 
 
 * Whadborough is a hamlet in the parish of Lodington. 
 
 t John Lancaster. He surrendered the priory to the king in 1534, and had a 
 pension of ;^60 a year.
 
 152 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 but uppon condicion^wiche leysez were grauntyd beffore the priores 
 goyng to Londone, but, as I am informyd, thei weer not all dely- 
 verd tyll the priores comyng whom agayn. Syns the priores 
 retorn from Londone, I thyncke ther Avere no leyces sealed. Not- 
 withstandyng I have perfFyt knowlege that the priore hathe bene 
 sore in hand with his brether, syns his comyng whom, to have 
 a leace sealyd of all his purchesed lond hi Alstyd and other townez 
 adjonyng, for on of his kynnesmen, wherunto his brether wyll not 
 agree as yet, becawse hit is unresonable, as his brether report. 
 This is all that I have seye at this tyme, but as I lerne so shall I 
 certyiFy yow. I trust I shall lerne more agaynst the kynges 
 comyssyoners comyng, as knoythe our Lorde, who kepe yow. 
 From Withcoke, * the xxij. day of December. By your lovyng 
 brother, 
 
 John Smythe. 
 
 It required little foresight to perceive that the larger abbeys must soon follow their 
 Weaker brethren, and we find the abbots and priors, in their consternation, attempting 
 every means of conciliating and appeasing the government : the repression of the great 
 insurrection in the north had left them more than ever exposed to the king's resent- 
 ment. In the following letter we see the abbot of the great monastic establishment in 
 the fens of Lincolnshire (the early foundation of St. Guthlac) attempting to conciliate 
 the good-will of the all-powerful minister by a present of fish. The abbot of Croyland 
 was John Welles alias Bridges. 
 
 LXXIII. 
 THE ABBOT OF CROYLAND TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From. MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 57.*] 
 
 With dew reverence I commaund me unto yowr honorable 
 lordshipe, humblye asserteynyng the same that I sende yowr 
 lordshipe by this berar parte of owr fenne fyshe, ryght mekely 
 besechyng yowr lordship favorablye to accepte the same fyshe, and 
 to be gud and favorable lorde unto me and my pore house, in suche 
 cause as I heraftir shal have cause to sewe unto your gud lord- 
 
 * Withcote, CO. Leicester. It is on the edge of Rutlandshire. John Smith was 
 lord of Withcote.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 153 
 
 ship, and I with my brethem shall daily pray to owre Lord God 
 for the long contynuaunce of your good lordship in helth. At 
 Croyland^ the xxv^^ day of Merche. By yowr dayly oratour. 
 
 John, abbot. 
 
 In the earlier part of the year 1537, the two large Cistercian abbeys in Lancashire, 
 Whalley and Fumess, came into the king's hands. The former of these houses was 
 first founded at Stanlaw in Cheshire, about A.D. 1172, whence it was removed to 
 Whalley in 1296. The last abbot, John Pasleu, elected to that office in 1506, was 
 executed on the 12th of March, 1537, at Whalley, having been concerned in the 
 rebellion called the Pilgrimage of Grace. The abbey of Fumess, now remarkable for 
 its fine ruins, was quietly surrendered by the last abbot, Roger Pyle, and his brethren, 
 as appears by the following document. Fumess abbey was founded in 1127 by Stephen, 
 then earl of Boulogne, but subsequently king of England. 
 
 LXXIV. 
 
 REPORT OF THE SURRENDER OF FURNESS ABBEY. 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 246.] 
 
 M^. at Whalley abbay, the Thursday beyng the ytl' day off 
 Aprill, in the xxviij^lj. yere of our soverand lord kyng Henrie 
 viijtii. ti^at I, Roger abbot of the monasterie of Fumes, knawyng 
 the mysorder and evyll liff both unto God and our prynce of the 
 bredren of the said monasterie, in dischargyng of my conscience 
 doo frely and hollie surrender, giflP, and graunt unto the kynges 
 highnes, and to his heyres and assignes for evermore, all suche 
 interest and titill as I have had, have, or may have, of and in the 
 said monasterie of Fumes, and of and in the landes, renttes, pos- 
 sessions, revenous, servyces both spirituall and temporall, and of 
 and in all goodes and cattalles and all other thyng whatsoever 
 it be, belongyng or in ony vise apperteynyng to the said mo- 
 nasterie and every part and parcell therof, in as large and ample 
 maner and forme as ever I hade or aught to have of and in the 
 same or ony part or parcell therof by ony maner of meanes, 
 titill, interest, gift, graunt, or othervise, permittyng and byndeyng 
 
 CAMD. SOC. X
 
 154 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 my selfF l)y thes presentes that from hensfurth I sliall at all tymes 
 and ill all places, whansooever I slialbe called uppon, be redye 
 and glad to conferme, ratefie, and astabilishe this my deyd, purpos, 
 mynd, and intent, as shalbe devised by the lerned counsell of the 
 kynges said highnes, wiche commyth frely of my selfF and without 
 ony inforcement, in consideracion of the evyll dissposicion of the 
 bredren of the said nionasterie, as is aforesaid ; in wittynes wherof 
 herunto I have subscribed my name, and writtyn this byll with 
 myn awn [hand], the day, yere, and place beforsaid, in the presence 
 of the right honorable lord my lord therle of Sussex, the kynges 
 leuetenaunt within this countie of Lancaster, and also in the pre- 
 sence of sir Thomas Butteler, sir WiUiam Leyland, Mr. Johan 
 Cladon, clerk, sir Johan Beron, and sir Antony Fitzherbert, one 
 of the kynges justicis, beyng of the kynges counsell within the 
 said countie, who hereunto have also put to theyr handes to 
 testefie the same. 
 
 Per me, Rogerum abbatem Furnesii. 
 
 RoBERTUs Sussex. 
 
 Antony Fitzherbert. 
 
 Wylliam Leyland. 
 
 Henr. Farryngenk. (?) 
 
 Johon Clayden, jDrest. 
 
 The next letter relates to a small priory in Norfolk, Newbridge, of the history of 
 which very little is known. The duke of Norfolk appears to have wished to protect it 
 by giving up voluntarily to the minister a share in the patronage. 
 
 LXXV. 
 THE DUKE OF NORFOLK TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 41.*] 
 
 My veray goode lorde, after my herty commendations unto 
 your good lordship, thiese shalbe tadvertise the same that it is
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 155 
 
 comme unto my knowleage, by the relation of the berers hereof, 
 that the priour of the house of Newburgh, beyng of my fundation, 
 is lately departed this world ; and albeit of many yeres heretofore 
 it hath not ben seen contrary but the rehgiouse persones of the 
 same in such like cases have ever furst repaired unto me and 
 myne auncetours for our consent as patrone of the same, and 
 theruppon to tharchebushoppe of Yourke for their confirmation, 
 yet nowe, forasmoche as they knowe not howe to use them- 
 selfFes (considering the kinges highnes hath jjlenariam potestatem 
 in such cases) any further than as I shall directe them, I have 
 therfore thought convenient at this present to sende them to your 
 good lordshippe, requiring the same to take such good order with 
 them therin as by your great wisdome shalbe thought most ex- 
 pedient, and in such sorte as the same be not to the hurt or 
 prejudice of any my right and title in the saide house, wherunto 
 I doubte not but ye woU have good respecte accordingly. My 
 good lord, considering as well that the said house is far indebted 
 and behynde hande by the great mysorder and negligence of the 
 saide late priour there, as also that none of that house is mete to 
 be rewler therof, beyng of such sorte as not lik of long tyme 
 tamende and restore the same to his pristine estate, I require 
 you therfore, my good lorde, to handle them by all the policie ye 
 can, that they at their retourne from you may frelye put the 
 matier of ther election in compromission to us twoo, to thentent 
 that we boothe conjoinctly togeyther may so order the matier as to 
 us shalbe thought most convenient; and of your procedinges 
 with them herein I require you of advertisement. And thus 
 most hertily fare ye well. From Kenyngale, the xijtl» dale of Aprill. 
 
 Yours assewredly, T. Norffolk. 
 
 My lord, if ye shall fynde any difFyculte in them to consent to 
 compromytt this mater to us ij., I requj-re you to retorne them to 
 me hither, trustyng to reforme their folies, little gode discrecion 
 being in any of them, as I thynk.
 
 156 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 In the summer of this year (1537) began the second great visitation of the monas- 
 teries, preparatory to the final measure of suppression. Layton and Legh, who in the 
 following letter solicit their commission, were from begining to end two of the most 
 active agents of the court. It was during this visitation, which continued through the 
 year 1538, that so many houses were persuaded or compelled to a voluntary sur- 
 render. 
 
 LXXVI. 
 DR. LAYTON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 10.] 
 
 Pleasit yowe to understonde, that whereas ye intende shortly 
 to visite^, and be lyke shall have many sutters unto yowe for the 
 same to he your commissares, if hit myght stonde with your pleasure 
 that doctor Lee and I myght have committyde unto us the north 
 contre, and to begyn in Lincolne dioces northwardes here from 
 London, Chester dioces, Yorke, and so furthe to the borders of 
 Scotlande, to ryde downe one syde and to cum up the other, ye 
 shalbe well and faste assuryde that ye shall nother fynde monke, 
 chanone, frear, prior, abbott, or any other of what degree so ever 
 he be, that shall do the kynges hyghnes so goode servys in this 
 matter for thos parities, nether be so trusty, trewe, and faithfull 
 to yowe in the same, doyng all thynges so diligently for your pur- 
 pos and your discharge. And forasmuche as the kynges hyghnes 
 hath put his onely truste in yowe for the reformacion of his 
 clergie, gyvyng yowe therunto onely auctoritie and power, ye 
 muste have suche as ye may trust evyn as well as your owne self, 
 wiche muste be unto yowe as alter ego. Doctor Lee and I have 
 onely bene preferryde to the kynges servys by yowe, et te solum 
 ah eo tempore in huncusque diem habuimus Mmcenatem et unicum 
 patronum, nee alium unquam habituri. Owre desier is, therfor, 
 nowe to declare unto yowe owre trewe herttes and faithfull mynde, 
 owre faste and unfaynede servys that we here towardes yowe, and 
 owe unto yowe, as ye have of ryght bownde us. Ther ys nother 
 monasterie, selle, priorie, nor any other religiouse howse in the
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 157 
 
 north ; but other doctor Lee or I have famiher acqwayntance 
 within X. or xij. mylles of hit, so that no knaverie can be hyde 
 from us in that contre, nor ther we cannot be over fayssede nor 
 suffer any maner injurie. We knowe and have experiens bothe of 
 the fassion off the contre and the rudenes of the pepull, owre 
 frendes and kynsfookes be dispersyde in thos parties in evere 
 place redy to assyste us if any stoborne or sturdy carle myght 
 perchaunce be fownde a rebellous. If ye hade leisure to overlooke 
 the booke of articles that I made for your visitacion this tyme xij. 
 monethes, and to marke evere sondrie interrogatorie therin wryt- 
 tyn, dowtles ther is matter sufficient to detecte and opyn all 
 coloryde sanctitie_, all supersticiouse rewlles of pretensyde religion, 
 and other abusys detestable of all sorttes, hether[to] clokyde and 
 coloryde by the reformitors (so naniede) of evere religion wiche 
 ever, by frendeshipe, tyll this day hath founde craflFty meanys to 
 be ther owne visiters, therby no reformacion intendyng nother 
 goode religion (if any be) to incresse, but onely to kepe secrete 
 all matters of mischeffe, with muche privey murmuryng emong 
 them selffes, sellyng ther jewelles and plate to take half the valew 
 for redy money, with gret rewyne and dekay of ther hoAvsis, 
 wiche muste nedes yet continewe and indure dayly more and 
 more with incresse, unleste ye nowe sett to yowr helpyng hande, 
 and with expedicion spedy and efftsones tendre the premisses. 
 Moste humble desieryng yowe to take no displeasure with this 
 my rude and playne letter, thus boldely utteryng unto yowe my 
 intire mynde and consayte, referryng all to your wisdom and 
 goodnes. This Friday, the iiij'^' day of June, by the hasty hande 
 of your moste assuryde poir preste, 
 
 Rycharde Layton. 
 
 The large and celebrated abbey of Jervaulx, Jervaux, or Jorvalles, in Yorkshire, was 
 also forfeited by the attainder of its abbot, who was brought to the scaffold for the 
 part he had taken in the Pilgrimage of Grace. Sallay or Sawley Abbey, in Craven, in
 
 158 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 the West Riding of Yorkshire, was founded by William de Percy in 1146 or 1147. 
 The last abbot, William Trafford, was hanged at Lancaster for his opposition to the 
 measures of the court. The site of Sallay was given to Sir Arthur Darcy, the writer 
 of the following letter, who was the second son of Sir Thomas Darcy, created baron 
 Darcy of Darcy, on the accession of Henry VIII. who had been involved also in the 
 Pilgrimage of Grace, and delivered up Pontefract Castle to the rebels. Sir Arthur 
 Darcy appears on the present occasion to have been sent to the North to aid in 
 pacifying the country after the suppression of the rebellion. 
 
 LXXVII. 
 SIR ARTHUR DARCY TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [Cott. MS, Cleop. E, iv. p. 240.] 
 
 Yt schall lyke your honourabyll lordschypp to be advertyssyd, 
 that I was with my lorde lewtenant att the suppressyon off Ger- 
 vayes, whyche howes within the gatt ys coveryd wholly with leadd, 
 and ther is oon off the fFayrest chyrches that I have sseen^ fFayr 
 medooze, and the ryver runnyng by ytt, and a grett demayne. 
 The kynges hyenes is att greatt charge with hys sstoodes off mares, 
 att Thornbery and other placys, whyche arr ftyne growndes, and I 
 thynke thatt att Gervayes and in the grangyes incydent, with the 
 hellp off ther grett large commones, the kynges hyenes by good 
 oversseers schoUd have ther the most best pasture thatt scholld be 
 in Yngland, hard and sownd off kynd ; ffor ssurly the breed off 
 Gervayes ffor horses was the tryed breed in the northe, the Stallones 
 and marees well ssoortyd, I thynke in no reallme scholld be ftbwnd 
 the lykes to them, ffor ther is large and hye growndes ffor the 
 ssomer, and in wynter wooddes and low growndes to serve them. 
 My lord, by my lord lewtenant I have restytucyon off a grett part 
 off my goodes att Coverham. From Gervayes I went to Sallay, 
 wher I inqueryd owtt a chalyce thatt was brybbed ffrome the kyng 
 affor the ssuppressyon off the howes, and allso I have ffownd a 
 booke off dettes belongyng to the howes, and ther is a barkhawes 
 stoord with leddyr. I requyre yowr lordschypp to send to me 
 your pleassure whatt I ►schall doo therin.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 159 
 
 My good lord, I requyre yow to gett me lycenes Ifor xiiij. dayes 
 to cum upp to dysspache me off dettes thatt I ow. Off my ffaythe, 
 I never brake so muche credence as I have lattly doon. I have 
 dessyrd Mr. Jolymentt to remember yowr lordschypp ffor my 
 cawssys. Off trewthe, my lord, I doo wast the kynges money here 
 att Pomffrett ; ffor off a trewthe the contreyes in the northe was 
 never in a moore dredeffuU and trew obbeysance. 
 
 My lord, I bessyche 30W be good lord to me : ytt is schewd to 
 me thatt the kynges hyenes wolld ageyn survey my landes, and 
 fferther Mr. chanssler dyd send to me thatt ytt was thoght thatt 
 I had dysseyvyd the kyng. My lord, ye know thatt I myght 
 have hadd seynt Lenardes, whiche is better by iij^ markes then 
 my landes in the ffyrst survey. I dyd reffuze thatt ; and on my 
 ffaythe I never knew whatt Salley was, tyll ytt was grauntyd. M. 
 Fermer and M. Montage w AvoUd have gyffyn syx c. markes 
 yerly ffor Grenessnorton ; and in consyderacyon theroff, and with 
 my wyffe in maryage, the kynges hyenes gave me my landes wn- 
 ssurveyd. Yff ytt be the kynges pleasure to have my rentalles, appon 
 my lyff I schall not lye, butt bryng them my sellfe, and hys grace 
 schall have all thynges att hys conssyence and pleasure, as know- 
 ythe God, who ever presserve 30W withmyche honorr. The viij. 
 day off Juyn. 
 
 30wrs humbly till comandment, 
 
 Arthur Darcy. 
 
 A great stumbling block with King Henry VIII. was the question of the marriage of 
 the clergy. He appears to have been always strongly opposed to the marriage of 
 priests (a sentiment in which his daughter Elizabeth also partook) ; but having at one 
 time given some reason for thinking that he was not averse to such marriages, many 
 of the clergy acted accordingly, and became thereby involved in considerable embar- 
 rassment. The date of the two following letters is somewhat doubtful, but they 
 appear to belong to the present year. The vicar of Mendlesham in Suffolk, and John 
 Foster, present instances of priests who ventured to contract marriages ; and the pre- 
 cipitancy with which the latter put away his partner on learning his mistake, is ex- 
 tremely amusing.
 
 160 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 LXXVIII. 
 THOMAS TYRELL TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 124*.] 
 
 With moste humble recommendacions, plese it your grace, 
 my lord, to be advertysed, that the vicar off Mendyllshamj my 
 neybour, hath nowe at the feste off Penticoste laste passyd browght 
 home hys woman and chyldern into hys vicarage, opynly de- 
 claryng how he is mared wnto her, and sche is hys lawfull wyfF. 
 Thys acte by hym done is in thys countre a monster, and many 
 do growge at it. But for that he reportyth that the kynges 
 grace doth know he is maryd, men do refrayne to do that theyre 
 harttes wold serve theym to do ; and as to our ordynary, he dare 
 do no thyng. I moste lowly beseche your grace that I may know 
 your plesure whatte is beste to be done for the reformacion off 
 hys opyn cryme, whyche is abomynable in the jugement off the 
 laye peopell ; and hys ensaniple wnponnyched shall be occacion 
 for other carnall evyll dysposed prestes to do in lyke maner, 
 whyche God defend, and preserve your grace in helth, with long 
 prosperus lyfFe, the joye future trustyd apon not therby in any 
 wyse minysched. Wrytyn the xij^^' day off June. 
 Your humble dayly bedysman, 
 
 powre Thomas Tyrell, 
 
 LXXIX. 
 
 JOHN FOSTER TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 116*.] 
 
 In my moste humblyst wyse, I beyng not so bold as to appere 
 before youre lordschyp untyll your plesure is knowyn, feere
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. IGl 
 
 sett appartt, nede compellythe me to wrytt. Thys last Lentt I 
 dyd no lesse then wrytt, and also to your presence I dyd approche, 
 suyng for your lordschyppys gracyous servyce ; but now my sute 
 ys muche other, for my dysfortune hathe byn to have conceyvyd 
 untruly Goddys worde, and not only with yntellectyon to have 
 thought yt, but exteryally and really I have fulfyllyd the same. 
 For I as then beyng a presste have accompleschyd maryage, nothyng 
 pretendyng but as an obedyentt subj^ect ; for yf the kyngys grace 
 could have founde yt laufull that prestys mught have byn 
 maryd, they wold have byn to the crowne dubbyll and dubbyll 
 faythefull; furste yn love, secondly for fere that the byschoppe of 
 Rome schuld sette yn hys powre unto ther desolacyon. But now 
 by the noyse of the peopull I perseyve I have dunne amysce, 
 which saythe that the kyngys erudyte yugementt with all hys 
 CO wn cell temperall and spyrytuall hathe stableschyd a contrary 
 order, that all prestys schalbe separat by a day ; with which order 
 I have contentyd my selfe, and as sone as I herde yt to be tru 
 I sentt the woman to her frendys iij. score mylys from me, and 
 spedely and with all celeryte I have resortyd hether to desyre the 
 kynges hyghtnes of hys favour and absolucyon for my amysce 
 doyng, prayng and besechyng your lordschypps gracyous cumfort 
 for the optaynyng of hys gracyous pardon, and I schalbe your 
 bounden servauntt yn hartt and also yn contynuall servyce, yf 
 yt schall please your gracyous lordschypp to accept yt, duryng 
 mylyfe. Wryttyn the xviij. day of June. 
 
 Youre bounden for ever, 
 
 John Foster. 
 
 The next letter relates to the monks of the Charter House in London, who con- 
 tinued still in the king's displeasure. One or two letters on the same subject have 
 already been given in the earlier part of the present volume. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. Y
 
 162 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 LXXX. 
 
 BEDYLL TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 217.] 
 
 My very good lord, after my moost hertie commendations, it 
 shall pleace your lordship to understand that the monkes of the 
 Charterhouse here at Londone, whiche were committed to Newgate 
 for thaire traitorus behavor long tyme continued against the kinges 
 grace, be almoost dispeched by thand of God, as it may appere to 
 you by this byll inclosed, whereof, considering thaire behavor and 
 the hole mater, I am not sory, but wold that al suche as love not 
 the kinges hignes and his wordly honor were in like caas. My 
 lord (as ye may) I desire you in the wey of charite, and none other 
 wise, to be good lord to the priour of the said Charterhouse, 
 whiche is as honest a man as ever was in that habite (or els I am 
 muche deceyved), and is one whiche never offended the kinges 
 grace by disobedience of his lawes, but hath labored very sore 
 continually for the reformation of his brethern. And now at the 
 last, at myn exhortation and instigation, constantly moved, and 
 finally persuaded his brethern to surrender thaire house, landes, 
 and goodes into the kinges handes, and to trust only to his mercy 
 and grace. I beseche you, my lord, that the said priour may be 
 so entreated by your help, that he be not sory and repent that he 
 hath fered and folowed your sore wordes and my gentil exhorta- 
 tion made unto him to surrender his said house, and thinke that 
 he might have kept the same, if your lordship and I had not led 
 him to the said surrender. But suerly (I beleve) that I knowe 
 the man so well, that howsoever he be order he wolbe contented 
 without grudge ; he is a man of suche charite as I have not seen 
 the like. As towching the house of the Charterhouse, I pray 
 Good, if it shal pleace the king to alter it, that it may be turned 
 into a better use (seing it is in the face of our werls), (?) and muche 
 
 ■*■ OU" Ull iKtlo^cl " inccf L su^ Uy. /trjl^ led. fU^. /• ^ ZJ . Uij 
 etc lliCer iu-J iTTM-ltU it , t^ «^ io U4-iiyr .
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 163 
 
 communication wol run thereof throughout this realme ; fFor Lon- 
 done is the common countrey of al England, from whiche is de- 
 rived to al partes of this realme al good and yll occurrent here. 
 From Londone, the xiiij^h day of Juny. 
 
 By your lordships at commandement, 
 
 Thomas Bedyll. 
 
 The following letter is one of many which will subsequently occur relating to the 
 manner in which the minor articles of monastic property were disposed of. The 
 monastery of Leicester alluded to, was that of St. Mary de Pratis, near the town, 
 founded in 1143 by Robert le Bossu, earl of Leicester. 
 
 LXXXI. 
 FRANCIS CAVE TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 215.*] 
 
 My most bownden dutye rememberyd, this is to advertis yower 
 good lordshippe of the hole estate of the late monastery of Ley- 
 cester, in the wiche we have taken the surrender and feyne of 
 thabbott an convent, and the wrytinges therof be in my custodye. 
 By yower lordshippes goodnes towardes me I now ame in the pos- 
 session of the house and all the demeynes wiche was unlet at 
 the tyme of owre repare thether. We also fownde the house 
 indettyd to dyvers creditors in iiij<^.xji'. x^. over and besydes 
 certen summes of money the house was indettyd to the kynges 
 heyghnes, wherof we make no reconinge of; and for the dis- 
 charge therof, we have made sale of the stoke and store, withe 
 the liousholdstufFe and ornamenttes of the churche, wiche amounte 
 unto ccxxviij''. The plate is onsolde, wiche maister Freman 
 takithe the charge of, and is valuyd at by weyght ciiij^^^x^'. The 
 leade by estymation is valuyd at m^'. ; the belles at iiij^'^viij". 
 For the dischargeynge of thabbott, conventt, and servanttes of the
 
 1G4 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 seyde monastery, there haithe beyne payde, as dothe apere more 
 particularly by the bouke we send yower lordshippe, cxlix". ; and 
 forasmoche as thabbott haithe nott receyvyd of hus in redy 
 money butt xx", he haithe requyerde me to desyer yower lord- 
 shippe to be so good lorde unto hym he may have xx^'. or twentie 
 markes more. The churche and house remenythe as yet unde- 
 facede ; and in the chirche be meny thynges to be maide sale of, 
 for the wiche yt may plese yower lordshippe to lett me knawe 
 yower pleysure, as well for the farther sale to be made as for the 
 defasinge of the chirche and other superfluus byldinges Mdche be 
 abowte the monastery. A hundrithe markes yerly will not sus- 
 teyne the charges in reparyng this house, yf all byldinges be lett 
 stande, as yower lordshippe shall knowe more hereafter. Thus I 
 pray Jhesus longe to preserve yow in helthe withe muche honore. 
 Wrytten at the late monastery of Leycester, the xxix^li day of 
 Auguste, by yower lordshipes most bownden servantt, 
 
 Frauncis Cave. 
 
 The following letter relates to a similar subject to that spoken of in the preceding, 
 the demolitioa of the monasteries of Jervaux and Bridlington. Bridlington priory 
 (already mentioned) came into the king's hand by the attainder of the prior, who was 
 active in the rebellion of 1536. 
 
 LXXXII. 
 RICHARD BELLASYS TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 241.] 
 
 Pleashithe your good lordship to be advertysed, I have taken 
 down all the leade of Jarvaxe, and maid it in pecys of half foders, 
 whyche leade amowntythe to the nombre of eghten skore and fyve 
 foders, wythe thryttye and fFowre foders and a half that were 
 there byfore ; and the said leade can not be conveit nor caryed 
 unto the next sombre, for the ways in that cowntre are so foule
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 165 
 
 and deape that no caryage can passe in wyntre. And as concer- 
 ninge the rasing and takyn down the howse, if it be your lordships 
 pleasour, I ame myndet to let it staunde to the sprynge of the yere, 
 by reason the days ar now so shorty, it wolde be doble charges to 
 doo it now. And as concerninge the sellyng of the belles, I can 
 not sell them above xv^. the howndrethe, wherin I wolde gladly 
 knowe your lordships pleasour whether I shidd sell them after that 
 pryce, or send them up to London ; and if they be sent up, 
 surely the caryage wolbe costly frome that place to the water. 
 And as for Byrdlington, I have doyn nothing there as yet, but 
 sparythe it to Marche next, bycause the days now are so short ; 
 and frome suche tyme as I begyn, I trust shortlye to dyspache it, 
 after suche fashon, that when all is fynished, I trust your lordship 
 shall think that I have ben no evyll howsband in all suche 
 thinges as your lordship haithe appoynted me to doo. And thus 
 the Holye Gost ever preserve your lordship in honour. At Yorke, 
 this xiiij"^'' daye of Novembre, by your most bounden beademan, 
 
 Richard Bellycys. 
 
 The following letter gives a brief account of the dissolution of a number of monastic 
 houses of the north of England. 
 
 The Benedictine abbey of Burton-on-Trent, in Staffordshire, was of Saxon origin, 
 having been founded about the year 1002 by Wulfric Spott. In ancient times it was 
 often called Modwennestow, because the relics of St. Modwen were enshrined there. 
 William Edys was the last abbot : the date of the surrender given in the last edition 
 of the Monasticon, 1539, must be wrong, and appears to have originated from a mis- 
 take of the date of the present letter. 
 
 The alien priory of Pontefract in Yorkshire was founded by Robert de Lacy in the 
 reign of William Rufus, and was made dependent on the foreign house of La Charity 
 sur Loire, whence the first monks of the English house were brought. The last prior 
 was James Thwayts. 
 
 The Cistercian abbey of Fountains, the magnificent ruins of which still excite the 
 admiration of visitors, was founded in 1132 by a colony of monks from St. Mary's at 
 York. The last abbot was Marmaduke Brodelay, or Bradley, suffragan bishop of Hull. 
 
 St. Mary's abbey at York has been mentioned on a former page. 
 
 Nun-Appleton was a nunnery near Tadcaster, iu the West Riding of Yorkshire, 
 founded by Alice de St. Quintin in the latter part of the reign of Stephen. The last 
 prioress was Anne Langton.
 
 166 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 The rich mitred-abbey of Selby in Yorkshire, was founded by William the Con- 
 queror in lOGy. The last abbot was Robert Selby or Rogers. The fine abbey church 
 is still entire. 
 
 The hospital of St. Leonard at York is said to have been first endowed by king 
 Athelstan, and to have been refounded by William Rufus. 
 
 It may be observed that the dates of the surrender of nearly all these houses appear 
 to be wrongly given in the Monasticon. 
 
 LXXXIII. 
 
 THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE NORTH TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 242.] 
 
 After raeest humble commendacions to your good lordship, 
 pleaseth it the same be advertiesed, that we have altered Burton- 
 upon-Trent; and accordinge to the kinges highnes commission 
 and instruccions we have dissolved the howses of Hampole, Sancte 
 Oswaldes, Pountefracte, Fontaunce, Sancte Maries in Yourke, 
 Nonappleton, and Selbye, and also altered the howse of Sancte 
 Leonerdes in Yourke, after suche ordre and fassion as we trust 
 shall appeir to your lordship to be to the kinges honour and con- 
 tentacion. Albeit, we could natt maike dispeche in parte of the 
 said places withoute some difficultie, as your lordship shall per- 
 ceyve at our repayer to Londone, ffurther certifienge your lordship 
 that we have takyn the shrynes in all such places as we have yett 
 hetherto repayrede unto the kinges use ; and forasmoche as we 
 have no commission in that behalf, we beseiche youe that we 
 may have a commission for that purpouse, beringe date of the 
 other commissions, to shewe if neede shall requier. And thus 
 our Lorde ever preserve your goode lordship in moche honour. 
 
 At Selbie, the viij^^^ day of Decembre. 
 
 Yours at commandement, 
 
 Waltere Hendle. 
 
 RiCHARDE LaYTON. 
 
 Thomas Legh. 
 Rychard Belassys. 
 
 lllCHARD WaTKYNS.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. IG/ 
 
 The following letter contains a continuation of the proceedings of the commissioners 
 in Yorkshire. 
 
 The priory of Monk-Bretton, or Lund, two miles from Barnsley, was founded early 
 in the reign of Henry II. and made dependent upon the monastery of Pontefract. 
 The last prior appears to have been William Browne. 
 
 The priory of St. Andrew at York, sometimes called St. Andrew in Fishergate, was 
 founded about the year 1200, for twelve canons of the order of Sempringham. 
 
 Byland abbey (Bella Landa) was founded in 1143 by Roger de Mowbray. This and 
 St. Andrew's at York had been preserved from the wreck of the smaller monasteries, 
 to which, by the smallness of their revenues, they belonged. The last abbot of Byland 
 was John Ledes, alias Alanbrigg. 
 
 The priory of Austin canons at Kirkham was founded by Walter Espec and his wife 
 in 1121. The last prior was John Kilwik. 
 
 Elreton, or Ellerton priory, situate on the Derwent in Spaldingmore, was founded 
 before 1212, by William Fitz Peter, for canons of the order of Saupringham. The last 
 prior of this house was John Golding. A portion of the priory church now forms the 
 parish church. 
 
 There was a house of friars at Tickhill, which is mentioned by Leland, but so little 
 is known of its history, that it is even uncertain to what order it belonged. 
 
 The " Friars " at Doncaster is known chiefly by the note in Leland. " There was 
 a house of Gray Freres here, at the north ende of the bridge, comunely cauUid the 
 Freres Bridge." 
 
 At Pontefract there was a house of Black Friars, and another of White Friars. The 
 latter was founded by Edmund de Lacy, earl of Lincoln, before 1257. 
 
 At York there were numerous houses of Friars, belonging to the different orders. 
 
 Bolton Abbey is now the beautiful seat of the duke of Devonshire. It was founded 
 in 1120 by William de Meschines. 
 
 LXXXIV. 
 
 THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE NORTH TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 242*.] 
 
 Owre moste singulere good lorde, owre bowndon dewties lowlie 
 premysede, pleas yt youre honorable lordeshippe too be adver- 
 tisede, we have laytlye receyvede youre letters conteigninge the 
 kinges majesties pleasure anempsce the ordere of leed and belles 
 apperteanynge to suche howses off religeon conteanyde in the 
 kinges graces letters commissionall to us addressed^ wherof we
 
 168 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 have allredye coramytte the salve custodie to substanciall honeste 
 persons Hable too answer therefoore, and have not solde ne in- 
 tended to sell anye percell thereof. We have qwyetlye takine the 
 surrenders and dissolvyd the monasteries off Wyeresoppe, Moncke- 
 breton, Sancte Androos at Yorke, Byland, Ryvaille, Kyrkeham, 
 and Ellerton, the ffreers at Tykhill, Doncastere, Pontefracte, and 
 the citie off Yorke. where we perceyved no murmure ore gruge in 
 anye behalfe, bot were thanckefuUye receyvede, as we shall wdthin 
 vj. dayes more playnlie certefye your lordeshippe. And wheere 
 yt haithe pleasyd youre lordeshippe too wryte fore reservinge 
 of leed and belles at Bolton, in chauns ther ys as yet noo 
 suche commission cummyne to owre handes, as Jhesus knowethe, 
 whoo preserve your lordeshippe in helthe and honour. At Yorke, 
 the xv*'^^ daye of Decembere, 
 
 Youre lordshippes humble boundon orators, 
 
 George Lawson. 
 
 Rycherd Belassez. 
 
 WiLLM. BlITHMAN. 
 
 James Rokeby. 
 
 The next letter relates to the suppression of the monastery of St. Andrew at North- 
 ampton, of which a short account has been given on a former page. 
 
 LXXXV. 
 
 THE COMMISSIONERS TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 207.] 
 
 Hit may please your lordshipe to be advertissede, that this 
 seconde day of Marche we have taken a realesse and a deade of 
 feofFtement of the monasterie of Saint Androse in Northehamptone 
 to the kinges use, and an humble submission of the prior and 
 covent, as we suppos, to the kinges honoure and contentation, 
 refferryng our diligence and doynges therin to your jugement.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 169 
 
 We have also compowndede with the hoole covent for ther 
 pensions, excepte the prior and supprior, wiche desierithe to 
 abyde your order in thassyngnement of theires : here inclosede 
 your lordeshipe may persave our order taken with the reste of the 
 covent, haveyng a respecte cherin to the age, qualitie, and dis- 
 cretion of the persons ; and by yowre lordeshippes better advice 
 we thynk hit expedient the saide pensions to he payede by the 
 hondes of the particuler recever of the suppressede londes of this 
 countie of Northamton, and ther pensions payable at our Ladys 
 day next insewyng ; and for that cause we have dispachede them 
 with lesse money in honde. We have also assignede a vicarage of 
 vij''. nowe at this tyme vacant, to one of the covent for his 
 pension, wiche moste humblie desierithe to have remission of 
 the firste fruites therof, mche we juge necessaire to be grauntede 
 by the kinges highnes, leste the pore man shulde bege in the 
 mean tyme, the thyng beyng of so smale valew that evere of them 
 haveyng his pension shalbe in better case then he. The halle 
 chambers seillede with the beste parte of the edifices is covered 
 with leade ; whether the kinges pleasure is we shall discover* the 
 same or not, we be desierouse to be certifiede by this bringer. 
 For the survey of the londes we shall do therin what we may. 
 We fynde many leasses grauntede oute by the olde prior, muche 
 unthrifFtelye, with muche tangullyng and besines, wiche we shall 
 declare unto yowre lordeshipe at our cumyng. Thus our Lorde 
 sende yowe longe lyffe with increase of honoure. Frome Northe- 
 hamptone, by your lordeshippes moste assurede to commaunde, 
 
 Wylliam Parre. 
 
 Your servant, Richard Layton, preste. 
 
 Your pore and most bonden old servaunt, 
 
 Robert Sowtiiwell. 
 
 Your humble and obedyent servaunt, 
 
 Thomas Myldemav. 
 
 '^ 1. c. uncover. 
 CAMD. see.
 
 170 LETTERS REIjATING TO THE 
 
 An ordre taken the secunde dale of Marche, the xxix. yeare 
 of the reign of our soveraign lorde kyng Herry the Eyght, 
 by his highnes commyssioners, with the rehgious of the 
 late monastery of saint Andrews thappostell in Northamp- 
 ton, for their annuall pencions yeven unto them onely of 
 his graces charyte duryng the terme of their naturall 
 lyves, to begynne at the ffeast of thannunciacion of our 
 Lady nexte ensewing, as on his graces behalfe is to them 
 promysed by the saide commyssioners. 
 
 First, Fraunces Leycetour, late priour, and Thomas 
 Bettes, suppriour of the saide late monastery, 
 ben by the saide commyssioners resj^yted uppon 
 certen consyderacions, tyll my lorde prevy sealys 
 pleasure therein be knowne 
 
 Thomas Smyth of thage of lij. yeares for his yerely 
 
 pencion ...... iiij''. 
 
 Thomas Cowlestone of thage of fFyftye yearys for 
 
 his yerely pencion .... iiij''. 
 
 Robert Marten of thage of xlj. yeares for his yerely 
 
 pencion ...... iiij^i. 
 
 James Hopkyns of thage of lij. yeares for his yerely 
 
 pencion ...... iiij". 
 
 Richarde Bunbery of thage of xl. yeares for his pen- 
 cion yerely . . . . . iiij''. 
 
 John Rote of thage of xxxvj. yeares is assigned by 
 the saide commyssioners to the vycarage of Saint 
 Gyles in Northampton, being of the yerely valew 
 of vij'\ and of the gyfte of the saide monastery, in 
 recompence of his yerely pencion. 
 
 Jhon Harolde of thage of xxxij. yeares for his yerely 
 
 pencion ...... Ixvjs. viij^^. 
 
 Thomas Barbor of thage of xxxj. yeares for his yerely 
 
 pencion ...... Ixvj*. viij''.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. l7l 
 
 Wylliam Warde of tliage of xxix*'. yeares for his 
 
 yerely pencion ..... liij^ iiij'*. 
 
 Thomas Atbury of thage of xxvij. yeares for his 
 
 yerely pencion ..... Hij^. iiij'^ 
 
 WyUiam Sowthecote of thage of xxxj. yeares for his 
 
 yerely pencion ..... liij^. iiij''. 
 
 Wylliam Parre. 
 Ric. Layton, preste. 
 Robert Sowthwell. 
 Thomas Myldemaye. 
 
 The following letter also relates to the dissolution of the monastery of St. Andrew 
 at Northampton. The priory of Westacre in Norfolk, founded about the reign of 
 William Rufus as a cell to the abbey of Lewes in Sussex, had been surrendered on the 
 14th of January in the present year. Boxley in Kent was a Cistercian abbey, founded 
 in 1144 by William de Ipre earl of Kent. It was surrendered, according to the 
 Monasticon, "Jan. 29, 1537, 29 Hen. VIII." which must of course mean Jan. 29, 
 1538. The last abbot of Boxley was John Dobbs. 
 
 LXXXVI. 
 ROBERT SOUTHWELL TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 218.] 
 
 Although, my very good lorde, that there wanted here sumrae 
 parte of the occasions comprehendyd in the submyssion of the late 
 monastery of Westacre, as concerning the clere alienacion of the 
 possessions belonging to the same, with suche lieke, yett fownde 
 we here of other (that as I suppose ben in the more parte of the 
 resydew that at this daie stonden) sufficient inowgh for the full- 
 fyllyng of the submyssion that now we sende your lordeshipp in 
 the place of the other that wanted, so as by the variete of occa- 
 sions this booke in the more parte or all is alteryd from the other 
 in matter, as by the perusing tlierof your lordeshipp sliall we\e
 
 172 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 perseyve, which I liumbly beseche you that it may lieke you to do. 
 And although it shall seme tedyous, or the over reding onworthie, 
 yet shall I eftsons humbly beseche you to accepte it in good 
 parte, and for a perfight demonstracion of my good will to have 
 made the bettyr, in case my knowlege had extended therto. The 
 ernest employture neverthelesse of my pore and symple wytt shall 
 at no time wante to serve to the very best and uttermost force 
 therof. Sir, theis pore men have nat spared to confesse the 
 treweth, as ye shall wele perceyve, wherby in my pore mynde they 
 deserve the more favour, and I dare saie in their hartes thinke 
 them selffes rather to have meryted perdon by their ignorance 
 than prayse or lawde for their forme of lyving. Whether ther 
 was cawse why that Boxley shulde recognyce as moche or more, 
 it may please you to judge, whom it also pleased to shewe me the 
 idolle that stode there, in myne opynyon a very monstruows 
 sight. Here was also of late in this monastery a pece of saint 
 Andrews fynger, covered with an unce of sylver or there aboughte 
 (as I conjecture), a very precyows juell in the estimacion of many, 
 and now leyde to pledge by the monastery to one of the towne for 
 xl^i., which we intende nat to redeme of the pryce, excepte we be 
 commaunded so to do. Levyng this matter, it male lieke you 
 farther to undrestande, that in perusing the olde accomjites 
 of the monastery we fownde the yerely revenews of the same to 
 have extended in times past to sevyn hundreth markes, and by 
 the bookes of the tenth nat to fower hundreth markes, and yett 
 no parte of the possessions clerely alienate from the monastery, 
 but decressed by the receyte of the rentes afore hande by the pre- 
 decessours to this priour of suche as be fermours to them for many 
 yeares. There have growne no decay by this priour that we can 
 lerne, but surely his predecessoars plesured moche in odoryferous 
 savours, as it shulde seme by their converting the rentes of their 
 monastery, that were wonte to be paide in coyne and grayne, into 
 gelofer flowers and roses. Wherto the valew of the lande will 
 uppon this survey amounte, I can nat as yett advertyce your lorde-
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 17^ 
 
 shypp, but the monastery in moveables is very pore, moche in- 
 detted, and in ledd, as I conjecture, worth fower or fyve hundretli 
 powndes. Sir, we have practysed with the pore men for their 
 pencions as easely to the kynges charge and as moche to his graces 
 honour, as we cowde, devyce. The boke wherof we do sende unto 
 your lordeshypp, with the names and summes for the makyng of 
 their patentes, which being sent unto us to be delyvered to the 
 parties afore our departure, shalbe moche to their contentacion, 
 and no lesse to the kynges honour, to imparte with somewhat of 
 his gracyous charyte towarde the maintenaunce of their pore 
 lyvyng. My lorde, if it myght so stande with your pleasure, I 
 wolde humbly beseche you to have in your good lordeshippes re- 
 membraunce my ffathers sute consernyng Mallyng : I made your 
 lordeshipp (as my synguler good lorde) prevy to the onely con- 
 sideracion that moved me to use this importunyte with you, as 
 God shall judge me, whom I most hertyly beseche to send your 
 lordeshipp long liffe with moche incresse of honour. At North- 
 ampton, the 3 of Merche, by the handes of your pore and most 
 bounden old servaunt, 
 
 Robert Sowthwell. 
 
 The Carthusian priory mentioned in the following letter, was situated near Eppe- 
 worth, in the isle of Axeholm in Lincolnshire, and was styled the priory in the wood. 
 It was founded by Thomas Mowbray, (then earl of Nottingham, but afterwards created 
 duke of Norfolk) in the nineteenth year of Richard II. 
 
 LXXXVII. 
 ARCHBISHOP CRANMER TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv, fol. 211.*] 
 
 After most hartie commendacions to your lordeshype, fForas- 
 moch as I am enformed that your lordshype entendeth to depose 
 the priour of the Chartcrhowse within the ile of Axliolme, theis 
 shalbe to dcsyre you to permyttthe saidepriourstyll to contynew in
 
 174 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 hys rome, for I am abowte throwe the helpe of suche fFreyndes as 
 I have in thoyse parties to procure that the saide priour shall wyl- 
 linglye resygne the same into the kynges hondes. Thus almyghtie 
 God preserve your lordshype. Frome Fourde, the vij^^' dale of 
 March. 
 
 Your own assured ever, 
 
 T. Cantuarien. 
 
 The following letter is placed here somewhat out of its place, on account of its im- 
 mediate connection with the preceding. 
 
 LXXXVIII. 
 
 LETTER FROM THE BRETHREN OF THE CHARTER HOUSE IN 
 AXHOLM TO THE PRIOR OF SKENE. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 97.] 
 
 Humly shewyth and complanyth unto your faderhede your 
 poor oratours and chyldren of obediens, nott knowyng whome we 
 may make our complant and shewe our dolorus grefes, but only 
 unto your worshypfull faderhede, that our fader j)rior hath done 
 and dayly doth in convayng our goodes owt of our howse. As 
 sone as he was comme home fro London, he sayd that he had 
 gyfyne up hys ofFyce, the howse and the landes, but not the 
 goodes. At hys goyng up to London he left us in monye nother 
 golde nor sylver, but only iij''. for to kepe our howse withall, and 
 it is not a lytyll that he hath receyvyd of our baly * syns Myghyl- 
 mes, and yet he dyd report to mayster doctor Layton that he 
 had devydyd the same monye in porcions and gyfyne it to his 
 brethren, whych thyng is not trwe. Butt when prior Awstynf 
 was dead, this man was vicar, and mych of that that we had that 
 
 * Bailiff. 
 
 t This prior is not mentioned in the Mouasticon, where the last prior is stated to 
 have been Michael Makeness.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 175 
 
 tyme he delyvered it to us in porcions ; and as sone as he was 
 prior, he cald it in agane ; but now at thys tyme for our comforth 
 we can nothyng gett of hyni. He hath convayde owt of hys celle 
 wax worth xl^., and pewtyr vessell to the nowmbyr of iij. score, or 
 ther abowte, and iij, pecys of lyne cloth, and ij. pecys of wolan 
 cloth, and a great qwantyte of spyce, with other moo thynges. 
 Our chese and fysshe is greatly wastyd, sych as we shuld lyve 
 withall ; and all our rydyng horses is gone, and none left in the 
 howse but our cartte horses, with certen other catell and movable 
 goodes that dyd belong to the howse, whych werre to long to wryte 
 every thyng. His prevy caryers dyd convay thys by nyght, and 
 thys they dyd so long at last they were takyn with our awne ser- 
 vans, and such thynges were broght in agayne. Also our fader 
 hath presumyde, after he had gyfyn up the howse and landes, he 
 wold have lettyn a certen fermhold by the covent scale to one 
 of hys kynsmen, but parte of the covent wolde nott consent 
 therto, and therfore he is sore grevyde with some of them. Also 
 he hath lett my lord of Darbyis oifyser take copyes owt of our 
 copes that we holde of my lord of Darby, whych we feare shall turne 
 us to hurt and trobull ; and as sone as he had them he dyschargde 
 us of them and of our fyshyng waters, whych thynges were the 
 most profytt that longde unto us. Also we fere convayng of our 
 evydence, and he receyvyth renttes as he dyd before, whych Ave 
 thynke shall be but lytyll profytt to our howse. We dyd desyre 
 hym to have a key with hyra in the kepyng of our covent scale, 
 but he wyll grawntt us none, and we fere of more hurt and dys- 
 pleaser shall cum to us therby. For but late we were certifyed 
 that mayster Stokwith sayd to our fader, " yf that the visitors of 
 your religion cum to visitt, abyde hym not, but convey your selfe 
 with the covent scale, and tarry nott hys commyng." And Henry 
 Stokwith dyd say to the same man, if that that he had done wolde 
 not serve, then he wold take another way. And, as we be informyd, 
 our fader is myndyd to send hym to London very shortly, and we
 
 176 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 fere he shall have the covent seayle with hym for to do the worst 
 to the howse that he can. Also mayster Henry Stokwith was at 
 London at the feast of All Santes, or there abowte, and he had 
 with hym of our monye xxl'. to labor for our fader, that he shuld 
 not preche when he comme home : he sayd that my lord pryvy 
 scale had grawntyd hym that he shuld not preche, nor he shuld 
 not be put owt of his office, and for that promys my lord had on 
 hym XX. markes. But we, that ar the poor covent, can not thynke 
 that my lord had it, but that M. Stokwith dyd kepe it hym 
 selfe, and so doth report of my lord. Also, after the tyme that 
 M. Stokwith comme home, our fader wold asyne no man to preche 
 accordyng to your commawnment. And when our fader is any 
 thyng movyd or troblyd with us, hewyll send for M. Stokwith 
 for to reforme us, as he hath done many tymes. Of what autoryte 
 he do take it upon hym, we pray you, fader, that it may be 
 knowne. Also M. Stockwith doth sclawnder the covent, and 
 sayth our howse is noght els nisi spelunca latronum, nor he caryth 
 not what he doth say, so that his wordes may make for his purpas. 
 Also, our husbandrye is not lokyd upon, our lond is not tylde, 
 muke is not led, our come lyth in the barn, sum is threshte, and 
 [sura is husbojndyd, and mych is yit to threshe, and takethhur[t] 
 with vermyn ; and as sone as our fader comme home, he shewede 
 our servandes that he had gyven up the [howse, and] bad them 
 shyfte for them selfe, and so at Ester they went many of them away. 
 And shortly hay tyme shall cum, and when it shuld be sped, 
 other thynges shalbe to do. And for we can se none other by 
 all his actes and dedes, but that he goth abowte to undo the 
 howse ; and for fere that an other man shuld have hys ofFyce, he 
 intendyth to leave hym lytyll or noght to kepe howse withall. Also 
 he and his carnall frendes detrackyth us, sayng that all the troble 
 that the howse is in commyth nothyng of hym selfe, but by us, 
 with letters that we have wrytyn op to my lord of the prevy 
 scale. Now, worshypfull fader, for the love [of] God, helpe us at
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTEPvIES. 177 
 
 gret nede, and send us sum conforthable cowncell, and our lord 
 Jhesu rewarde you in hevyn, and evermore kepe you and all your 
 devoute brederen. Amen. 
 
 By your headmen and chyldren of obediens, 
 
 Dan Bryan Lee, vicar. 
 Dayn Thomas Alred. 
 Brother Thomas Convere. 
 
 The great Benedictine abbey of Evesham, in Worcestershire, was founded by Egwin 
 bishop of Worcester, at the beginning of the eighth century. The last superior of this 
 house but one was abbot Litchfield, who built the noble gateway-tower still standing ; 
 he was persuaded to resign, and was succeeded by Philip Hawford, alias Ballard, who 
 surrendered the abbey to the king's commissioners. 
 
 LXXXIX. 
 
 WILLIAM PETRE TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 255.] 
 My duete most humbly remembryd, it may please your lorde- 
 shipp to bee advertised, thatt according to yower commawndment I 
 have byn at Evesham, and ther receyvyd the resignation of 
 thabbott, whiche he was contentyd to mak immediatly uppon the 
 sight of your lordeshippes letters, saving thatt he desiryd me very 
 instantly thatt I wolde nott open the same during the tyme of 
 my being here, bicause (as he sayd) it wold bee notydd thatt he 
 was compellyd to resigne for fear of deprivation. As touching his 
 pension, and the assurance therof, he hath made certayn re- 
 questes, submitting hym self to bee ordred in all thinges as to your 
 lordeshipp shall be thought mete. Wee have taken the surrendar 
 of this priorye* with as moche quyetnes as might be desiryd, and 
 prepare our self four the dispeche of all other thinges as diligently 
 as we may, which finisshed wee shall wayte on your lordeshipp, 
 
 * Lantony : see the end of the letter. The Austin priory of Lanthony, near Glou- 
 cester, (generally called Lanthony secunda) was founded by King Henry I. in ll'JG. 
 The last prior was Richard Hemsted or Ilart. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 2 A
 
 178 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 and certefye the same of all thinges at large. This berar can cer- 
 tefye your lordeshipp whow farre wee have procedyd hitherto, 
 by M^hom wee have send the names of the chanons for the making 
 of ther capacites. And so allmighte God have your lordeshipp in 
 his blessed keping. From Lanthonye, the xvij*^' of Marche. 
 Your lordeshippes most bownden beadesman and servant, 
 
 William Petre. 
 
 The abbey of Peterborough was a foundatioa of great antiquity, dating from the 
 middle of tlie seventh century. It was originally named Medeshamstede, but was after- 
 wards called Peterborough, from the name of its patron saint. Its abbot in later times 
 wore the mitre, and had a seat in parliament. At the dissolution, it was converted into 
 a bishop's see by the king. The last abbot was John Chambers, who became the first 
 bishop, being consecrated on the the 23rd October, 1541. 
 
 XC. 
 
 WILLIAM PARRE TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cott. Cleop. E. rv. fol. 205.] 
 
 Pleasethe your lordship to bee advertised, that according to the 
 tenour of my last lettre sente unto your lordship by this berer, I 
 have bene at Peterbourgli, where the abbot, upon the rumour 
 that was spred abrode of the commyng downe of the visitours, and 
 not upon any occasion geven or mynistred to hym either in worde 
 or dede by doctor Layton, shewed hymself to bee afFrayed, inso- 
 moche as at my furst commyng thiddir he required me of myne 
 advise and favour what was best for hym to doo, and perceiving 
 by hym amongis other commynicacion that speciallie he tendred 
 the contynuaunce and standing of his monastery, I declared that I 
 had no auctorite ner commyssion to treate or comon with hym 
 concernyng any poynt, cause, or purpos, touching either the 
 standing or the dissolucion of his hous, and that my commyng 
 thiddir was for no other matier but bicause he sent for me, ad- 
 vising hym to put all doubtes awaye, onles he knewe other matier 
 thene I did. Nevertheles this coude not satisfie his myende, but
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 179 
 
 fFering that some thing shulde bee done contraire to his myende, 
 he sent sir Thomas Tresham, the marshall of his hall, and Johan 
 Layne of Kettring to me, who alledged on his behalf that he was 
 contente upon condicion that he mought bide in suertie that his 
 hous shulde stande to give the kinges highnes on hoole yeres rent 
 of all the landes apperteynyng to the monastery, whiche I thinke 
 amountethe nigh upon two thousaunde and five hundred merkes. 
 And over that to gratifie your lordship to bee good lorde to hym, 
 with the some, as I suppose, of thre hundred poundes. Notwith- 
 standing therein I gave hym directe aunswere, that I coude not 
 determyne any such poyntes with hym more thene I had alredie 
 before shewed hym, untill suche tyme as I had knowleige of your 
 lordshippes pleasure, wherewith and at that same tyme there 
 arrived this said berer with letters from your lordship. And aftre 
 he had knowelege howe good lorde ye were unto hym, by the 
 reaporte of on that came from the court, he digressed apar- 
 telie from his fi'urst commynicacion, and said that in his suetes 
 towardes the kinges highnes and your lordship he wolde bee 
 ordred as Mr. comptroller and myself wold advise hym, and in 
 this state I left hym, without any ferther prouf or treatie bitwene 
 hym and me. Howebeit if [it] shall pleas your lordship to com- 
 maunde me with any ferther service in thapproving hym eftesones 
 in his matier, I shall most humble ensue the same, supposing 
 that small treatie wolde moeve hym to accomplishe his furst offre. 
 It maye pleas your lordship to bee soo goode lorde to me as to 
 have the bill of Kendall for the pore inhabitauntes of the same in 
 your remembrance, wherebie your lordship shall not onlie, in my 
 judgement, doo as good a dede as ever was done and acquire all 
 the comons there for ever to bee your perpetuell bednien, but alsoo 
 suche rest, quietnes, and suertie against the kinges ennemyes 
 shall therebie procede, that it shalbee to the comforte and rewise of 
 all that parties, whiche nowe by the crueltie and senistre poUicie of 
 on or two privat persones is in maner clerelie subverted. The 
 pore men hathe no other meane but dailie either on nombre or
 
 180 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 other to labour hiddir to sliewe theire griefFes, in trust that for 
 theym all I shulde bee a sueter unto your lordship to releasse theyni 
 of theire extreme oppressons and bondage, whiche most humblie I 
 beseche your lordship amonges other your weightie busynes to 
 considre. And thus the hoolie Trenytie evermore have you, my 
 singler good lorde, in his hoolie governaunce. At Horton, the 
 xviij'l". daye of Merche. 
 
 Your lordshippis assurred most boundon, 
 
 Wylliam Parre. 
 
 The great priory of Lewes in Sussex was founded by William earl of Warren in 
 1077 or 1078. The priors were mitred and sat in parliament. Robert Crowham was 
 the last prior. The site of this house was granted to Cromwell. The date of the 
 surrender given in the last edition of the Monasticon, 6 Nov. 1538, must be incorrect. 
 March 1537, is, of course, 153g. The following letter gives a singular picture of the 
 devastations made in many of the dissolved houses. 
 
 XCI. 
 JOHN PORTINARI* TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. p. 232.] 
 
 My lord, I humbly commend my selfe unto your lordshyp, the 
 laste I wrote unto your lordshyp was the xx^^' daye of thys present 
 monith l)y the handes of Mr. Wyliamson, by the whych I adver- 
 tised your lordshyp of the lengthe and greatenes of thys churche, 
 and how we had begon to pull the hole down to the ground, and 
 what maner and fashion they used in pulling it down. I told vour 
 lordshyp of a vaute on the ryghte syde of the hyghe altare, that was 
 borne up with fower greate pillars, having abowt it v. chappelles, 
 whych be compased in with the walles Ixx. stokes (?) of length, 
 that is, fete ccx. All thys is down a Thursday and Fryday last. 
 Now we ar pluckyng down an hygher vaute, borne up by fower 
 
 * Perhaps this is a disguised name, as the letter appears to be in the hand-writing 
 of Richard Moryson.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 181 
 
 thicke and grose pillars, xiiij. fete fro syde to syde, abowt in cir- 
 cumference xlv. fote. Thys shall downe for our second worke. 
 As it goth forward I woll advise your lordshyp from tyme to 
 tyme, and that your lordshyp may knowe with how many men we 
 have don thys, we browght from London xvij. persons, 3 car- 
 pentars, 2 smythes, 2 plummars, and on that kepith the fornace. 
 Every of these attendith to hys own office : x. of them hewed the 
 walles abowte, amonge the whych ther were 3 carpentars : thiese 
 made proctes to undersette wher the other cutte away, thother 
 brake and cutte the waules. Thiese ar men exercised moch better 
 then the men that we fynd here in the contrey. Wherfor we must 
 both have mo men, and other thinges also, that we have nede of, 
 all the whych I woll within thys ij. or thre dayes tell your lord- 
 shyp by mouthe. A Tuesday they began to cast the ledde, and it 
 shalbe don with such diligence and savyng as may be, so that our 
 trust is your lordshyp shall be moch satisfied with that we do, 
 unto whom I most humbly commend my self, moch desiringe God 
 to mainteyn your helth, your honour, your hartes ease. At Lewes, 
 the xxiiij. of March, 1537- 
 
 Your lordshyps servant, 
 
 JOHAN PORTIXARI. 
 
 Undernethe here your lordshyp shall see a juste mesure of the 
 hole abbey. 
 
 The churche is in lengthe cl. fote. 
 
 The heygthe, Ixiij. fote. 
 
 The circumference abowte it, M.o.lviij. fote. 
 
 The wall of the fore fronte, thicke x fote. 
 
 The thyckenes of the stepil wall, x fote. 
 
 The thickenes of the waules interno, v. fote. 
 
 Ther be in the churche xxxij. pillars, standyng equally from 
 the walles. 
 
 An hygh roufe made for the belles. 
 
 Eyght pillars verry bygge, thicke xiiij. fote, abowte xlv. fo.
 
 182 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 Thother xxiij. ar for the moste parte x fote tliicke, and xxv. 
 abowglit. 
 
 The heygthe of the greater sorte is xhj. fo. ; of thother xviij. 
 fote. 
 
 The heygthe of the roufe before the hyghe altare is Ixxxxiij. 
 fote. 
 
 In the middes of the church, where the belles dyd hange, ar 
 cv. fote. 
 
 The heygthe of the stepil at the fronte is Ixxxx. fote. 
 
 Binham and Beeston, mentioned in the following letter, were two priories in Nor- 
 folk. The first was a cell to St. Albans, although the writer of this letter states the 
 contrary. It is said to have been as old as the time of the conqueror : the last prior 
 appears to have been John Albon. Beeston was founded about the beginning of the 
 reign of Hen. III. ; its last prior was Richard Hudson or Hodgeson. 
 
 XCII. 
 
 SIR RICHARD RICHE TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Harl. No. 604, fol. 67.] 
 
 Aftur my harty recommendacions, thes shalbe to render to yowe 
 my most harty thankes for your good expedycion of my matter of 
 Syon, for the wyche, on my faith, ye have and shall bynde me ; for 
 this and many other pleasures and gratuytes to me shewyd, I reken 
 my selflf most bownden to owe to yowe my pore servyce (next to 
 the king) duryng my lyfF. My lorde, I entend to suppresse Byn- 
 ham before my retorne, which pretendyth hit selflf to be a sell to 
 Seynt Albonys, yf ye advertyse me not to the conterary. I have 
 fynez and other matters of record levyed by them not namyng the 
 abbott of Saynt Albanys. Also contynually they make leasez 
 under ther owne seale, not namyng the abbott. Also I entend to 
 suppresse Beeston, which jjretend them selflfez to be flfryers, which 
 ys not true, but they ar chanons, and so apparellid, knowen, and 
 taken. They consume the goodes and cattalles. I and other have 
 sent to yowe a generall lettur of our procedynges in thes partyes.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 183 
 
 And thus I beseche Jhesu preserve yowe in honor and helth. Frome 
 Wood Rysing, this present xxix*^ daye of Marche. 
 
 Your owne assurydly, 
 
 Rychard Ryche. 
 
 To his ryght honerable 
 and singular good lorde 
 the lorde privy seale. 
 
 The next letter is from William Barlow, then bishop of St. David's, and (with others 
 which follow) gives a curious picture of the state of Wales at the time of the dissolu- 
 tion of the monastic houses. An immense number of superstitious images and relics 
 were during the present year confiscated and destroyed in all parts of the kingdom. 
 
 XCIII. 
 
 BISHOP BARLOW TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 117.] 
 
 After my right humble commendacions, the benevolente good- 
 nes of your lordship towarde me, apperceaved both by your lord- 
 ships lettres and by relacion of M. doctour Barnes concernyng 
 soch sommes of moneye as I am yndetted to the kynges highnes 
 favorably to be respited, though I can not in this nor in other 
 your manyfold benefites condigly make recomperisacion, yet the 
 litle that I maye to the uttermost of my pore possibilitye my un- 
 fayned endevour shall not fayle faythfully to perfourme. Gon- 
 cernynge your lordships lettres addressed for the taper of Haver- 
 forde West, yer the receyte of them I had done refourmacion and 
 openly detected the abuse therof, all parties which before tyme re- 
 pugned penitently reconcyled. But sythen I chaunced apon 
 another taper of moch greater credyte and of more shamefuU de- 
 testacion, called our ladyes taper of Cardigan,* which I have sente 
 here to your lordship with convenyent instructyons of that deveHsh 
 
 * There was at Cardigan a small priory of Benedictine monks, dependent on the 
 abbey of Chertsey in Surrey, founded before 1291 ; the last prior was Thomas Hore.
 
 184 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 delusyon. Forthermore, where I admonished the canons of 
 Sainte Davids accordinge to the kynges injunctions in no wyse to 
 set forth fayned reUques for to allure people to supersticion, 
 nether to advaunce the vayne observacion of unnecessary holy 
 dayes abrogated by the kynges supreme authoritye, on sainte 
 Davids daye the people wilfully solemnysinge the feest, certen 
 reliques were set forth which I caused to be sequestred and taken 
 awaye, detaynynge them in my custody untill I maye be adver- 
 tised of your lordships pleasour. The parcels of the reliques are 
 these : two heedes of sylver plate enclosinge two rotten skuUes 
 stuffed with putrified clowtes ; Item, two arme bones, and a 
 worme eaten boke covered with sylver plate. Off the canons 
 slombringe necligence towarde the prefermente of Gods worde, 
 and what an ungodly disguysed sermone was preached in the ca- 
 thedrall church in the feest of Ynnocentes last passed, they beinge 
 presente with an auditory of iij. or iiij. hundred persons, this 
 bearer, a mynister of the same church, shall forder declare, havynge 
 parte of the said sermone in wrytinge apparente to be showed. 
 Forthermore, though I myght seme more presumptuous then 
 ftTri^nU ti ycn^nn. ncadcth to mocion any sute for the translacion of the see from 
 du jcL. fi-Thy^ J': ^^' Davyds to Kermerddyn, yet, my good lorde, the just 
 ^ J. f- p equytye therof and expedyente utilytie enforceth me so to pre- 
 . sume, consyderinge that a better deade for the comen wealth and 
 
 ^ dew reformacion of the whole mysordered dyocesse can not be 
 
 purposed, as well for the preferremente of Gods worde, as for the 
 abolyshinge of all antichristian supersticion, and therin the kynges 
 supreme majestic to be amplyfied with the unyversall commoditye 
 of hys graces subjectes there reseaunte, annoy enge none with 
 discommoditye, excepte perchaunce foure or fyve persons will 
 surmyse their pryvate pleasour to be anoyed yn profetinge the 
 comon wealth. And the cause partlye that moveth me thus 
 with importune instaunce to be urgente in my sute, ys the over 
 sumptuous expenses that the canons have interpr^^sed in reedi- 
 fyenge the body of theyr cathedrall church, which yer it be 
 
 tn-Oyr
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 185 
 
 fully fyneshed will utterly consume the small resydew of the 
 church treasure remayninge in their custody, without any profj't- 
 able effecte, savinge to norysh clatteringe conventycles of barba- 
 rous rurall persons, the deformed habitacions of the pore colle- 
 gyans in soch beggerly ruyne and so wrechedly decayed that 
 honestye will abhorre to beholde them. Which to remedy, 
 pleaseth the kynges highnes of his gracyous bountye to graunte 
 the Grey Freres place at Kermerddyn,* where his most noble 
 progenytour and graundefather lyeth honorably entiered, lycen- 
 synge the see thydder to be translated, which (his graces pleasour 
 condescendinge) maye be perfourmed withoute any chargeable 
 difficultie, and not only the pore collegyans but also the canons 
 resydentearyes myght be there pleasantly enhabited, with habound- 
 ant provision of all necessarye commoditees, contynually havinge 
 oportune occasion to profite the kynges subjectes. Whereas 
 at S. Davids, lurkynge in a desolate corner, they that be best 
 mynded can do veraye litle good in case they wold, savynge to 
 them selves. And concernynge the fFreres, that they nether shuld 
 be agreeved with any prejudice, I dowte not but under the kynges 
 highnes favour of soch preferrementes as I have of his grace suffi- 
 ciently to provyde for every one of them that shalbe founde an 
 able mynister of Christes church in competente lernynge and 
 honest conversacion. Moreover the sayed towne of Kermerddyn 
 beinge the most frequented place and indifferently sytuate in the 
 myddle of the dyocesse, I myght there (and God willinge so I 
 wolde) settle my contynuall consistory, assisted with lerned per- 
 sons, maynteynynge a ffi'e grammer scole, with a dayly lecture 
 of holy scripture, whereby Gods honour princypally preferred, 
 the Welsh rudenes decreasynge, Christian cyvihtye maye be in- 
 
 * This was probably the priory at Caermarthen, of which there are still considerable 
 remains. This letter seems to contradict the common opinion that Edniond Tudor, 
 first earl of Richmond, the father of King Henry VII. was buried in the cathedral of 
 St. David's. His remains were perhaps removed thither on the suppression of the 
 priory. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 2 B
 
 186 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 troduced to the famous renowne of the kynges supremytye, 
 whose princely majestye almightye Jesu preserve with your good 
 lordship. From Kermerddyn, the last daye of Merch. 
 
 Your lordeshyppes to commaund, 
 
 W. Meneven. 
 
 To the right honorable 
 and my synguler good 
 lorde my lorde privey 
 seale. 
 
 [Inclosed with the foregoing letter.'] 
 
 Thexaminacion of Thomas Hore, prior of Cardigan, donatyve of the late monasterye 
 
 of Chersey, concernynge the pretensed taper of our Lady there. 
 
 Inprimis, the said pryour sayeth that he hath be prior there the space of fyve yeres. 
 
 Item, that he never saw the taper of our Lady within but at the neder ende, where 
 it appered wood unto his judgement. 
 
 Item, that he estemed the same to be a holy relyque to his judgemente, accordinge 
 to the fame of the cuntrey, unto the tyme that he saw it opened. And then he con- 
 fesseth hym selfe to have be deceaved therin. 
 
 Item, that the image now situate in the church of Cardigan, which ys used for a 
 greate pilgremage to this presente daye, was founde standinge apon the ryver of Tyve, 
 beinge an arme of the see, and her sonne apon her lappe, and the same taper bernynge 
 in her hande. 
 
 Item, that the said ymage was caryed from thens unto Christes church of Cardigan, 
 and the sayd ymage wold not tarry there, but was founde thre or fowre tymes in the 
 place where now ys buylded the church of our Lady, and the taper brunnynge in her 
 hande, which contynued styll burnynge the space of nyne yeres, without wastinge, 
 untiLl the tyme that one forsware hymselfe theron, and then it extincted, and never 
 burned after. 
 
 Item, that sence the ceasinge of burnynge of the sayd taper, it was enclosed and 
 taken for a greate relyque, and so worshipped and kyssed of pylgremes, and used of 
 men to sweare by in difficill and harde matters,* wherof the advauntage admounted to 
 greate sommes of money in tymes passed, payenge yerely of the same xx" nobles for a 
 pencion unto thabbot of Chersey. 
 
 Thexaminacion of syr t Morgan Meredeth, vicar of our Lady church there. 
 
 Inprimis, he sayeth that he hath be vicar there xxj'". yeres. 
 
 • We might imagine, by the number of holy relics which the Welsh had to swear by, 
 that they were constantly in the habit of false-swearing, and did not believe one 
 another. Other instances will be found in Giraldus Cambrensis, &c. 
 
 t Sir, applied to a priest, was a scholastic title, the translation of domitius, given 
 to a person who had taken his first degree in the university. We meet with other 
 instances in the course of these letters.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 187 
 
 Item, that prior Johan Frodsam* tolde hym, that because the people toke the wax 
 awaye, he put the tree beneth, that the people shuld not dyminesh the substance of the 
 taper, otherwise he assenteth and agreeth in all thinges with the priour. 
 
 Injuncfiones dictis priori et vicario facte et injuticte, decimo sexto die mensin Mercij, 
 auctoriittte regia mediante. 
 
 Inprimis, that the sayd prior and vicare alternis vicibus shall preach and declare the 
 gospell or the epistle reade apon that daye in the mother tongue, exponynge the same 
 syncerly as ferre as their lernynge will extende, openynge to the people the abhomina- 
 ble idolatri and disceatfull jugglinge of their predicessours there in worshippinge and 
 causinge to be worshipped a pece of old rotten tymber, puttinge the people in belefe 
 the same to be a holy relique, and a taper which had burned without consumynge or 
 wast, &c. 
 
 Item, the sayd pryour and vicar shall so preach every Sondaye and holyday betwixte 
 this and dominica in albis. 
 
 Item, the sayd prior and vicare shall do awaye or cause to be done awaye all maner 
 of clothes, fygured wax, delusyons of myracles, shrowdes, and other entysementes of 
 the ignorante people to pilgremage and ydolatry. 
 
 Item, that they shall take an ynventory of all and every soch clothes, wax, shrowdes, 
 and other entysementes, and the same shall converte into the use of pore people, or 
 otherwise to some other good use, makynge therof a recknynge in writinge, declaringe 
 the trewe bestowynge and usinge of the same. 
 
 Item, that all and synguler these injunctyons shalbe inviolablye observed in payne 
 of contempte. 
 
 XCIV. 
 BISHOP BARLOW TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 262.] 
 
 After moste humble recommendacions, pleasith your lordeshippe 
 to be advertysede, that immedyatly upon the receyte of your 
 honora])le lettres, I made delyvery of soche goodes of the chaun- 
 tours of Seynte Davydes as remayned in my custodye ; and where 
 itt was suggestyde that I vysetede his howse and toke awaye all his 
 
 * Probably Hore's predecessor in the office.
 
 188 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 goodes and catalle, to sertefye your lordeshippe unfayndly of the 
 treweth, I causyde nothinge to be removede thence butt certeyne 
 chestes, wherein was perceyvede to be his plate and money, 
 whiche after his voluntary submyssion I dyd upon consyderacyons, 
 bycause parte of the contrie was ryotously raysid uppe by his 
 iFrendes, and for the manacynge rumoures of Mr. Rychard De- 
 vourax hyther commynge, as this barer my brother can ferder 
 enforme your lordeshippe with the hole circumstance of the 
 chauntres ferre abusyde demeanour and intollerable fassheon. 
 Wherein doinge my dutie, though I have nott excedyd equyte and 
 conscience, yett is ther soche valyant baringe, contrarye to all 
 justice, that onles your good lordeshippe be my favorable defence 
 in right, I shall not escape confusyon. For, whatt by moche 
 money and many myghty ffrendes, my adversaries, as they make 
 theyr advaunte, dubt nothinge to prevayle. And of this partyall 
 baringe the pryncypall procurers are two of my rycheste cannons 
 (other lawde I can nott geve theym), sworne chaplaynes to my 
 lorde Ferreis, Mr. Gryflith ap Owen and Mr. John Lewes, trea- 
 sorer of Seynte Davydes, who upon dyspleasure causeles in this 
 mater to hynder my fame and to elevate my hatred, have sythen 
 absentyd theyme selff, contrarye to the kynges actes, ydelly 
 sojournynge in Carmerdyne, and nowe fully porposide withowte 
 occasyon of greyff to be playntyffe agaynste me, whom I never 
 agrevyde in no case, excepte they acounte it for a greif, bycause 
 in the late sedytyous season, havynge notycion that certeyn of the 
 rebellyous lettres were amongest the cannons, sever[ally] examyn- 
 ynge theym I tryede owte that the treasorer had a copye, whiche I 
 requyringe hime to delyver, he made excuse that he hade loste it, 
 whereof I wrote to my brother then beinge att London to certefie 
 your lordeshippe, whiche cam nott to his handes, butt as I am 
 enformede were syns delyvered to Mr. William Popley. Con- 
 cerninge the other, Mr. Lewes GryfFyth ap Owen, in my late 
 vysytacion itt was presentyde and founde that he hade kepte a 
 certeyn woman, havinge dyvers chyldren by her, and causyde
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 189 
 
 (as she affirmith, forced) her to contracte matrymony with a ser- 
 vante of his owen, and sythen by the space of ij. yeres hath suf- 
 frede her dayly frequentynge his howse to acompany another canon, 
 one of his nexte neyghboures (by whome she hath hade one 
 chylde^ and is redy to be dely\erede of another) ; whiche wdth lyke 
 necessarie maters of reformatyon I charytably layde to theyr 
 charge. And as for any other causes of greifF, I knowe none that 
 they can lawfully allege agaynste me, excepte they be agrevyde 
 with ray contynuall prechinge and syncere settynge forthe of the 
 kynges gracyous artycles to the reproche of ungodly superstycyon 
 and abhomynableidolatry, whiche with horryble blasphemy agaynste 
 God, and detestable delusyon of the kynges subgettes, have bene 
 here shamfully supportyd, as by apparente evydens att your lorde- 
 shippes pleasour redy to be showed, shall manyfestly apere. And 
 yet in all thiese thinges, natwdthstandynge their obstynate repug- 
 nance, I have usyde soche attemjired moderacion, that yf they can 
 justly convynce me of any rasshe inordynate extremyte, I wyll 
 never desire to be favored of your lordeshippe, whiche as I have 
 allwayes largely founde withowte any demeryte, so I truste never 
 by noo mysdemeanour to lose ; as knowith Criste, who have your 
 good lordeshippe in his kepynge. Frome Seynte Davydes, the v^^ 
 daye of Apryll. 
 
 Your lordeshyppes to commaunde, 
 
 W. Meneven. 
 
 The image of Darvel Gatheren, mentioned in the following letter, which appears to 
 have been an object of great reverence in Wales, was subsequently transported to 
 London, and in May was publicly burnt in Smithfield, along with friar Forest of 
 Greenwich, who had been condemned for high treason in denying and opposing the 
 king's supremacy. The burning of this image with the friar appears to have created 
 considerable sensation at the time, and is mentioned by most of the chroniclers. Hall, 
 after telling the story of friar Forest, says — " A little before the execution, a huge and 
 great image was brought to the gallows, which image was brought out of Wales, and of
 
 190 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 Welshmen much sought and worshipped. This image was called Darvell Gatheren, 
 and the Welshmen had a prophecy that this image should set a whole Forest a fire, 
 which prophecy now took effect, for he set this friar Forest on fire and consumed him 
 
 to nothing Upon the gallows that he died on was set up in great letters 
 
 these verses following : 
 
 " David Darvell Gatheren, 
 
 As saith the Welshmen, 
 
 Fetched outlawes out of hell. 
 Now is he come with spere and shilde 
 In harnes to burn in Smithfelde, 
 
 For in Wales he may not dwell. 
 And Forest the frier. 
 That obstinate Iyer, 
 
 That wilfully shalbe dead. 
 In his contumacie 
 The Gospell doth deny. 
 
 The kyng to be supreme head." 
 
 It would seem by these verses that the image represented a man in armour, or at 
 least armed. Bishop Latimer preached a sermon on this occasion. 
 
 xcv. 
 
 ELIS PRICE TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 55*.] 
 
 Ryghte honorable and my syngular goode lorde and mayster, all 
 circumstauncys and thankes sett aside, pleasithe yt youre good 
 lordeshipe to be advertisid that where I was constitute and made 
 by youre honorable desire and commaundmente commissarie 
 generall of the dyosese of Saynte Assaph, I have done my dylygens 
 and dutie for the expulsinge and takynge awaye of certen abu- 
 sions, supersticions, and ipocryses usid within the saide diosece of 
 Saynte Assaph, acordynge to the kynges honorable actes and in- 
 junctions therin made. That notwithstondinge, there ys an image 
 of Darvellgadarn within the saide diosece, in whome the people 
 have so greate confidence, hope, and truste, that they cumme daylye 
 a pillgramage unto hym, somme withe kyne, other with oxen or 
 horsis, and the reste withe money, insomuche that there was fyve
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 191 
 
 or syxe hundrethe pillgrames to a mans estimacion that offered 
 to the saide image the fifte dale of this presente monethe of Aprill. 
 Tlie innocente people liathe ben sore aluryd and entisid to wor- 
 shipe the saide image, insomuche that there is a commyn sayinge 
 as yet amongist them that whosoever will offer anie thinge to the 
 saide image of Darvellgadarn, he hathe power to fatche hym or 
 them that so offers oute of hell when they be dampned. Ther- 
 fore, for the reformacion and amendmente of the premisses, I 
 wolde gladlie knowe by this berer youre honorable pleasure and 
 will^ as knowithe God, who ever preserve your lordeshipe longe 
 in welthe and honor. Writen in Nortlie Wales, the vj. daye of 
 this presente Aprill. 
 
 Youre bedman and dayelye oratour by dutie, 
 
 Elis Price. 
 
 A party of commissioners were, about this time, dispatched towards Wales, who ap- 
 pear to have been chiefly directed against the houses of the different orders of friars, 
 many of them small establishments, which had been allowed to escape the first act of 
 suppression. One of the most active of these commissioners was Richard (suffragan) 
 bishop of Dover,* and we will break through the strict chronological order of the let- 
 ters during the present year (1538) in order to follow him, and afterwards a different 
 party of commissioners, in their several progresses. 
 
 XCVI. 
 RICHARD BISHOP OF DOVER* TO CROMW^ELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 212.] 
 
 My synguler good lorde, in my umbyll maner pleseyht yt yower 
 
 * He signs his name Richard Doverensis or Dovorencis ; and in an authentic docu- 
 ment printed at p. 202 of the present volume he is called Rychard byschop of Dotcor, 
 and on another occasion (p. 228) by Dr. London my lord of Dover. In the catalogue 
 of the Cottonian MSS. he is always called Richard Devereux, but the Mr. Rychard 
 Devourax mentioned by bishop Barlow (p. 188) must either be another person, or a 
 mistake of the bishop's.
 
 192 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 good lordeschyp to understand, that accordeyng to my dewte 
 at yower commandement I have receyveyd to the kynges heynes 
 use the iiij. howseys off fFreyrs in Boston,* very pore howseys 
 and pore persons, and accordeyng to yower letter I have delyveryd 
 the same howses to master Taverner and master Johnys, servanttes 
 to the kynges grace, with all the pore implementtes for hys money. 
 In my way thederwarde I fonde a howse of Austen fFreyrs in 
 Huntteyngton,t very pore, the which also I receyveyd, and dely- 
 veryd the same to one Phelyp Clampe, one of the kynges ser- 
 vanttes, accordeyng to the kynges plesur as master chanseleres 
 letter of the agmentacyon sygnyfyyd to me. They howseys be all 
 metely ledeyd; I thynke in Hunteyngton abowte viij. foder, and 
 in Boston I thynke in the iiij. howses abowte iiij. schor foder or 
 more. 1 now am in Lyncolne, where that also I have receyveyde 
 iiij. pore howseys, J non thyng lefte but stony s and pore glasse, but 
 metely ledeyd. All the led and belly s I leve to the kynges use ; 
 and as for plate allso I save, the which ys very ly tyll. Yf that I fynde 
 xij. unc. in a howse, yt ys well ; fore the more parte vij. or viij. unc. 
 ys the most. In Lyncolne, in the Grey Freyrs ys a godely 
 condyte, for the which the meyar and the aldermen was with me 
 to make sute to have the condythe into the cete. I kowde nott 
 satysfy them tyll that I promyseyd them to wryght in ther behalfe 
 to yower lordschyp for the same, and so they have a letter of me 
 to yower lordschyp, besecheyng yow to be good lord to them ; they 
 orderyd me very jentylly ther. I trosteyd to a made an ende of 
 the vesytacyon : but I am certefyyd that yet ther be stondeyng in 
 the north parte above xx. placeys of freyrs, as in Grantham, in 
 Newarke, in Grymsseby, in Hull, in Beverley, in Scharborow, in 
 Carlehyll, in Lancaster, and in dyverse placeys more, for the which 
 howseys I well serge so that I trost to leve but fewe in Ynglond 
 
 * The Monasticon contains accounts of only three houses of friars at Boston in»Lin- 
 colnshire, namely, the Black Friars, Grey Friars, and White Friars. 
 
 f The priory of Austin canons at Huntingdon is said to have been founded originally 
 in the tenth century. The last prior was Hugh Olives, alias Whitewick. 
 
 J There were houses of black, grey, white, and Austin friars, in Lincoln, besides a 
 house of friars de Sacco, all which are described in the Monasticon.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 193 
 
 before Ester, and I thyngke yt woll be ner Ester or that I can make 
 an ende, besecheyng yower lordschyp to be good lorde for the pore 
 ffreyrs capacytes ; they be very pore and can have lytyll serves 
 withowtt ther capacytes. The byschoyppys and curettes be very 
 hard to them, withowtt they have ther capacytes. And, my good 
 lord, I harttely beseche yow be good lord to me for my leveyng 
 in Langley, as all my trost ys in yower lordschyp, and in non oder, 
 and I evar att yower commandemente to the vittermost of my lytyll 
 powre, be goddes grace, hoo evar preserve yower lordschyp to hys 
 hey honor. Wretyn in Lyncolne, thys fyrste Sonday of Lentt, by 
 yower pore servantt and orator, 
 
 Richard Dovorenc. 
 
 To my syngnlar good 
 lorde Crumwell lorde 
 prevy seale thys delyver. 
 
 In the next letter we find the Bishop of Dover already on the Welsh border, having 
 probably received new directions from the court. 
 
 XCVII. 
 
 RICHARD BISHOP OF DOVER TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. p. 250.] 
 
 My singular good lorde, in my humely maner plesith yt your 
 goodlordechipe to understande, that I have ben at Norhthampton, 
 at Coventre, at Aderstone, at Warwike, at Thelford, at Drayte- 
 wich, at Wisitor,* and now am at Gloscetur intendyng toward 
 Bristowe. In every place ys povertey and moche schiffte made 
 with suche as theie had before, as yewellys selling, and other 
 schiffte by leasys. But in all thes placys I have sett steys by 
 indenturys making, and the common sealys sequestering, so that 
 
 * Worcester. 
 CAMD. SOC. '2. C
 
 194 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 now thei have no scliiffte to make, so that I thinke hefore the yere 
 be OAvt ther schall be very fewe howsis abill to lyve, but schall be 
 glade to gifFe up their howseis and provide for them selvys other- 
 wise, for their thei schall have no living. As for Gloscetor, wher 
 that now I am, I thinke their be ij. howseis that will give up 
 their howsies, for thei have no living. I schall order them so well 
 as I can, and at my next letter I schall certefey your lordeschipe of 
 them. The cause of my writing now ys for ij. hoM'seis specially; 
 that ys for Aderston,* an howse of Austen freeres, x. mile from. 
 Coventre, and for Wheych. For thes ij. howseis your lordechipe 
 may at your plesure adjooynte to helpe sum to them. At Ader- 
 stone, I have adpoynteid the prior to se good serveyd till that I 
 knowe further off your plesure ; but all ys gon, so that thei war 
 not abill to make schifFte to paye for my costis, nor to giffe me 
 on peny of the contribucyon to their visitor accustomeyd. That 
 howse ys a propar howse, and certeyne londe longing to yt 
 lieing rownde abowte yt to the valure, as yt ys laten owt by lease, 
 of iiij. markys by yere. All the stuffe ys not worthe xl*. beside a 
 chales and a bell, and leade ys non ther. And towcheing Wheych, 
 the which ys the principall cause of my writing, yt ys not abill to 
 contynue a howse of religion to kepe above on freer, for all ys 
 solid. He that was prior, by whom at Hester yow senthe your 
 letters to the balys their to se all their stuflfe delyveryd ageyne in- 
 to the howse, he bathe in lesse than on 5ere that he bathe be prior 
 ther fellyd and solid vij. score good elmys, a chales of gillt of iij'^^. 
 vine, and x. unc, a senser of xxxvj. unc, ij. gret brasse pottys 
 eche ahull to sethe an boll oxe as men sey, spetys, pannys, and 
 other, so that in the howse ys not left on bede, on schete, on 
 plater or dische, nor for all the promes that be made to your 
 
 * At Atherstone, in Warwickshire, there was a small priory of friars eremites of 
 the order of St. Augustine, founded in 1375, by Ralph, lord Basset of Draiton. It is 
 stated in the Monasticon that this house was dissolved in the 37 Hen. VIII., which 
 must be an error.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 195 
 
 lordescliipe he ys not abill to bring home eny thing ageyne, nor 
 yet to make a trewe accowntes wher this ys spent by xx. markys 
 truly. And in his cofer I fowne xj. bullys of the bischopis of Rome, 
 and above an hunderyd letters of pardons^ and in all the bokys in 
 the quere the bischope of Rome still standing as he did xx. yerys 
 past. I have chargid the balys that he schall be forthe camming ; 
 and for the howse I have sett a pore freer to kepe masse ther, and 
 I have providyd for liis borde and leveyng to be payde xvj. a 
 weke, till your further plesure be knowen in yt. Their be iij. 
 labur for yt, that ys sir John Russell, schreyve of Wisitor schere, 
 he ys cum to London to sewe for yt ; ^Ir. Pye ; and Mr. Newell, 
 servant with my lorde of Wisitor, ffor whom at the desyar of my 
 lorde of Wisitor I spake to your lordescipe, for and excepte he 
 have yt I thinke he schall lese a mariage of xL markys by yere. 
 Your lordescliipe may do your plesure. This ys the substans of 
 yt. The howse ys mete for no man to dwelle in, withowte gret 
 costis don on yt. Yt standith in a good ayer, and yt hathe so 
 many tenauntreys and closeis abowte yt as be laten for y^K by 5ere. 
 Their be ij. good bellys, a chales, and a fewe vestmentes of litill 
 valure ; the stufFe beside ys not worthe xl*. Leade ther ys non, 
 except in ij. gutteres, the which the prior hathe conveyd into the 
 towne, but yt ys suar. Yt ys metely wodeyd in hege rowys. Here 
 ys all, beseching your lordeschipe to knowe your plesure, yff eny 
 thing I schall do in theis ii. howseis. I schall cum within x. mile 
 of them in my progresse, but what soever yow order for them I 
 pray yow be so good lorde that my chargis their may be payde off 
 the stuffe and the dewteis of the howseis, and that I may be dis- 
 chargid of the borde and wagis for the freer at Wheich, for I had 
 neither peny nor penyworthe in eny olF them. Also, my lorde, I 
 beseche yow to sende me your plesure yfF that I schall medill witli 
 the howse of wheite freeres in Winchester.* I here that their be 
 no freeres, and whether eny ordenans be made by the kingis grace 
 
 * At Winchester there was a priory of Carmelite or white friars, founded in 1278, 
 which stood opposite the church of St. Michael, but of which very little is known.
 
 i'^6 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 or yow I knowe not. Your plesure in theis, my lorde, I hartely 
 beseche yow, and I ever at your commandment by Goddis grace, 
 boo preserve yow to beis bei bonor. Tliis xxiij. day of Maye. 
 From Gloscetur, by your servant and orator, 
 
 Richard Dovorens. 
 
 It seems by the date of the following letter that the bishop remained several weeks 
 occupied between Gloucester and Bristol. It appears, however, that during this 
 period he had visited Marlborough and Winchester, and perhaps also some other places 
 in that part of the country. 
 
 XCVIII. 
 RICHARD BISHOP OF DOVER TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 251.] 
 
 My synguler good lorde, my dewte presupposyd, pleseytbe yt 
 yower good lordeschype to understande, tbat before I receyvyd 
 yower letter by my servantt, I bad beyn in Brystowe at tbe Wbyte 
 Fryers,* and also in ij. bowsys of Glowsetur, and tber for tbe gret 
 clamor tbat was for dettes tber, I bad men assyngneyd by tbe 
 mayeres of botbe towneys to prise sucbe as was in tboys iij. 
 bowsys, and solde all and payd tbe dettes, as by my accounttes yt 
 sball appere, and tbe bowsys put in saffe custody tyll tbe kynges 
 plesur be fortber knowyn. Tbe substans in tbe more parte of tbe 
 bowsys ys very small ; in dyverse placeys lytyll more tban tbe 
 dettes ; and tbe clamor of pore men to wbom the monye ys 
 oweynge ys to tedyus. Wberfor tbys order I toke tyll yower let- 
 ter cam specyally, wbere tbat the dettes were mocbe. But nowe 
 that I knowe your fortber plesur, I shall folowe yower coramande- 
 ment so nere as I can, and accordeynge to yt I have begon with 
 tbe Grey Fryers in Glowsetur.f And because I am in dowte off 
 
 * The priory of the Carmelites or White Friars in Gloucester, a small house, was 
 founded in the latter part of the reign of Henry III, 
 
 t There was in Gloucester a house of Grey or Franciscan Friars, or Friars Minors, 
 which existed as early as the year 12G8, but the date of its foundation is uncertain.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 197 
 
 my returne to London, I sende to yow here the copys off every 
 indenter off the inventorys off every howse that hathe gyfFyn up into 
 the kynges hondes, because yf that yt shall forten in the tyme any 
 howse by the kynges grace or yow to be set any order for yt, that ye 
 maye knowe the order and substans off that howse by theys copys. 
 And where that yt hathe pleseyd yower lordeschype to wryght 
 to me, as ye juge, that thowgh I have changeyd my habet, I have 
 not changeyd my fryeres hartt, goode my lorde, juge me not so, 
 for God shall be my juge, my fryers hart was gone ij. yeres befor 
 my habet, saveynge only my leveynge ; but the favor that I have 
 schewyd hathe not be for my fryers hartt, but to brynge all 
 thynges with the moste quiet to passe ; and also tyll now that 
 yower honorabull letter cam to me, I never koulde perseyve any 
 thynge of yower plesur, but ever fereyd that yf I wer to quike, 
 that I shulde offende yower lordeschype, the whyche I wolde not by 
 my wyU for all that I am abuU to make in the worlde. But yff 
 that I myght know that I shulde not offende the kynges grace 
 nor yower lordeschype, I koulde by juste and fayer menys, and do 
 no wronge, dyspache a gret parte off the fryeres in Ynglonde, or 
 my yere off vysytacyon was endeyd, so that I myght have sum 
 lyberte to lycens them to change ther habettes after ther hoAvsys 
 were gyffyn up. For off trewthe ther harttes be clene from the 
 relygyon the more parte, so they myght change ther cotes, the 
 whyche they be not abull to paye for, for they have no thenge. I 
 harttely beseche yower lordeschype be good lorde to theys pore 
 men that have gyffyn up ther howsys that they may have sum 
 dyscharge. I sende ther namys here incloseyd. And where yower 
 lordschype noteythe that I shulde sum thinge wryght in commen- 
 dacyon of the fryers, and suffer sum to tery at mennys desyer, the 
 trewthe ys, I have so don because that I wolde not be taken to 
 schewe them extremyte, but rather favor. But in my besynes 
 amonge them, ther appereythe lytyll favor, for where that I fynde 
 them fawte, I declare ther fawttes after suche facyon that they 
 rather woll gyffe up the howsys, than I shulde declare ther deme-
 
 198 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 nors, as by that menys I have receyvyd iij. howsys sythe that I 
 wroght laste to yower lordeschype, the Avhyche I thynke wolde not 
 a lytyll a moveyd yower lordschype, yff ye had kiiowen the order 
 otF them ; sum stekeynge faste in wyndowys iiakeyd goynge to 
 drabbes, so that the peler was fayne to be sawyde to have hym 
 owte ; sum beynge plucked from under drabbes beddes ; sum 
 feytynge so that the knyfFe bathe stoken in the bone ; wythe 
 suche other praty besynes, off the whyche I have to moche. But 
 on I thynke ye shulde doo a goode dede to wryght to the mayer 
 of Marleburthe, that he sumwhat loke on a fryer ther that ys in 
 prison for a mayde chylde off x. or xi. yeres of age, whom he useyd 
 nowtely ; they wolde that I shulde a delyveryd hym at my beynge 
 ther, but master Yorke and I spake with the chylde and here 
 fryndes, so that the mater appereyd so that I wolde not medell 
 with the fryer. As for the Blacke Fryers of Wynchester,* I lefte 
 yt with all the stuffe in a seculer mannys handdes, and gave but 
 lycens to the prior to say masse ther tyll that I sent hym my 
 letter ageyn, the whyche nowe I have senth to advoyde hym 
 thense. 
 
 Sythe that I last wroght to yower lordschype I have receyvyd 
 iiij. howsys into the kynges handdes. The Whyte Fryeres in 
 Brystowe,t the w^hyche all that was in yt ys lytyll more than payd 
 the dettes. Yt ys a goodly bowse in byldeynge, mete for a gret 
 man, no renttes but ther gardens. Ther ys a chapell and an yle 
 off the chyrche, and dyverse gutteres, spowtes, and condytes, lede ; 
 the reste all tylle and slate. A goodly laver and condyte cumynge 
 to yt. Thys bowse was in dett above xvjl'. of the whyche payd 
 viij'^, the rest dyschargeyd by plegeys. In Glowsetur I have 
 dyschargeyd iij. howseys, as by the mayer and aldermennys handes 
 
 * The house of Black or Dominican Friars in Winchester, was founded by Peter de 
 Rupibus, or Derrocbes, bishop of Winchester, in 1221. 
 
 -f I find no account of this house in the Monasticon. It was against the order of 
 the friars to possess lands ; but the gardens, which they let out on leases, were allowed 
 to pass by a quibble.
 
 SUrPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 199 
 
 ye may perseyve. The Blacke Fryers * ys a proper lytyll howse ; 
 lytyll led but on yle ; no renttes, but ther gardens, the whyche 
 master Bell the alderman hathe in lese under ther convente sell 
 for many yeres, and I harttely desyer yow be good lorde to hyra 
 that he also may have that howse. He dothe moche goode in that 
 towne amonge the pore pepuU, setteynge many on worke, above iij. 
 hunderyd dayly ; and I am moche bownde to hym for heys gret 
 comfort in all my besynes ther at bothe tymys, and for the more 
 parte I have beyn at borde with hym. I beseche youe be good 
 lorde to hym. The Grey Fryers ys a goodly howse, moche oiF yt 
 new byldeyd, specyally the chyrche, quere, and dorter; the rest small 
 logeynges ; dyverse leseys owt for yeres off logeynges and gardens ; 
 no led but a condyte and small gutturs. The Whyte Fryeres but 
 a small howse, and in decay, and sum howseys taken downe and 
 solde ; no renttes but xx^. by yere, and that ys taken for xx. yeres 
 befor, off the wyche ix. or x. yere to cum. Yonge Thomas 
 Bell hathe parte off the gardens off yt for yeres. I wold he 
 myght have that howse, yf yt pleseyd the kynges grace and 
 yower lordschype. My singuler goode lorde, I mekely beseche yow 
 pardon me of my rude and longe wTytynge, and yff yt plese yow 
 to be good lorde to me to sende the dyscharge for the fryeres and 
 yower forther plesur by thys brynger, he shall sende yt to me to 
 Ludlowe or Harforde f thys nexte weke, and I ever yower orator 
 to Jhesu, whom I hartely beseche to gyve me that grace to do 
 that thynge that shall be to hys hey honor, to the kynges graceys 
 plesur and yowers, to the whyche I woll appley my selfe to the 
 uttermost of my pore. 
 
 Yowr servantt and orater, 
 
 Richard Dovorens. 
 
 My gude lorde, if that ^e wold be so gode lord to me to send to 
 
 * The house of the black or Dominican friars in Gloucester was founded about 
 1239. The last prior was John Raynolds. 
 t Hereford.
 
 200 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 me a hunderyd worans for the delyverans of a hunderyd ffreeres 
 that schall gyif up ther howseys in thys progresse, and leve a 
 space for ther nameys, I woll hrynge 30\v the nameys and place 
 at my returne. And, gode my lord, I beseche 30U thynke noht 
 that I am any feynour to 30 w, for I insuer 30W I am nojt, but am 
 and woll be as trew and as secrete to 30 w as any servantt that 36 
 have, and as glad to do that thyng that schuld plese God specyally 
 and the kynges grace and 30W. I wolde do all thynges with so 
 moche quiet and withowt any clamor so ner as I know ; if that I 
 knew 30wer plesur, ther schall no parte be left undon so ner as I 
 may. My commyscyon gyffyht me no auctoryte to put any owte 
 withowte they gyfF up ther howseys ; but if that I knew 30wer 
 plesur, I may fynde causeys suifycyent to put them owte of many 
 placeys, for ther mysleveyng and for disobeyyng the instruccyons 
 and the kynges actes. 
 
 [At] Winchelse, accordeyng to 30wer commandement, I have 
 sold the stuff J the howse is at the kynges commandement and 
 yowres. 
 
 To my synguler goode lorde 
 Crumwell, lorde prevy scale, 
 be thys delyveryd with 
 honor. 
 
 (Inclosure.) 
 
 TO MY SYNGULER GOODE LORD CRUMWELL, LORDE PREVY SE/VLE. 
 
 I beseche yower lordeschype to have dyscharge for theys fryers to change ther 
 apparell. 
 
 The Blacke Fryers of Glosseter. 
 Fryer Johan Raynoldes, bachyler in dyvynyte, /jn'or nuper. 
 Fryer Johan Howper, 
 Fryer Ryehard Bylond. 
 Fryer Wyllyam Swan. 
 Fryer Wyllyam Walton. 
 Fryer Raffe Howell. 
 Fryer Thomas Meykyns.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MOXASTERIRS. 201 
 
 The Whyte of Gloseter. 
 Fryer Thomas Knyght. 
 Fryer Wyllyam Plesaus. 
 Fryer Henry Byschswode. 
 
 The Grey Fryers ofiF Gloseter. 
 Fryer Wyllyam Lyghtfote. 
 Fryer Johan Barclaye. 
 Fryer Henry Jaket. 
 Fryer George Coper. 
 Fryer Johan Rebull. 
 
 The Whyte Fryers of Brystowe. 
 Fryer Thomas Wraxall. 
 Fryer Thomas Clyfton. 
 Fryer Symon Vagan. 
 Fryer Johan Hoper. 
 
 The Whyte Fryeres of Marlysborowe.* 
 Fryer Thomas Goldysborowe. 
 Fryer Crystofer Hyll. 
 Fryer Martyn Brasy. 
 Fryer Austen More. 
 Fryer Johan Arnolde. 
 
 The Grey Fryers off Wynchester. * 
 
 Fryer Thomas Parys. 
 Fryer Wyllyam Kenett. 
 Fryer Rycharde Forde. 
 
 The Austen Fryers off Wynchester.f 
 Fryer Johan Wyhtt. 
 
 The Blacke Fryers off Wynchester. 
 Fryer Rycharde Chessam, doctor of dyvynyte, prior. 
 Fryer Robarde Browne. 
 Fryer Johan George. 
 Fryer Nycholas Barker. 
 Fryer Johan Ynggylbye. 
 Fryer Robarde Haynys. 
 
 * The house of the white friars in Marlborough was founded by two merchants 
 in 1316. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 2 D
 
 202 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 I wante iij. or iiij. freeres nameys of the Austen and Wheyte Freeres of Wincliester. 
 I lefte the boke at hom. If ye wold be so gode to send to me iij. or iiij. waranttes 
 with a space for ther namys, I wer bonde to yow. 
 
 My lorde, I intende, God willing, your plesure not knowen to the contrary, to ride 
 now to Bristow, to Winchester, to Chichester, to Arrondell, to Sowthamton, to Salis- 
 bery, and so all the west centre within xvj. mile of the Mownthe, and so returne into 
 Walys, and cum ageyne to Ludlowe and to Schrewisbery, and so to Denbith and to 
 Bangar, and so to Westchester and to Lancastei-, and so all the northe abowthe or 
 I returne. In all placeys wher as yet I have ben I have made inventory indenteid, 
 and seleyd up their common sealys so that thei shall sell or alienate nomore of their 
 jewellys nor other stuffe, wherfor I am suar that within a yere the more parte shall be 
 fayne to giffe up their howseis for povertey. I beseche your lordechipe that my 
 servant may knowe your plesure whether he shall adwaythe for a letter from your 
 lordeschipe or no. 
 
 XCIX. 
 REPORT OF THE SURRENDER OF THE FRIARS GLOUCESTER. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 252.*] 
 
 Memorandum, tliys xxviij. day of Julii, in the xxx. yer of ower 
 most dred soveren lord kyng Henry the viij*^'', Rychard byschop of 
 Dowor and vesytor under the lord prevy selle for the kynges grace 
 was in Glowsetur, and tlier befor the meyar and aldermen in the 
 howseys of freeres ther at ij. tymeys in ij. days putt the seyd freeres 
 att ther lyberteys, whether they void contynew in ther howseys and 
 kepe ther relygyon and injuxcyons accordeyngto the same, or ellys 
 gyfFther howseys into the kynges handdes. The injuxcyons he 
 ther declareyd among them^ the whyche war thowthe by the seyd 
 meyar and aldermen to be good and resonabyll, and also the seyd 
 freeres seyd that they war accordeyng to ther rewlys, yet as the 
 
 * The convent of the Grey Friars at Winchester is said to have been founded by 
 Edward III. 
 
 t This house stood outside the town : the Austin friars settled here in the time of 
 Edward I.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 203 
 
 warlde ys nowe they war nott abuU to kepe them and lefFe in ther 
 howseys, wherfore voluntary ly they gaffe ther howseys into the 
 vesytores handes to the kynges use. The vesytor seyd to them, 
 " thynke not, nor hereafter reportt nott, that ye be suppresseyd, for 
 I have noo suche auctoryte to suppresse yow, but only to reforme 
 yow, wherfor yf ye woU be reformeyd accordeyng to good order, 
 ye may contynew for all me." They seyd they war nott abull to 
 contynew. Wherfor the vesytor toke ther howseys, and charyta- 
 bully delyveryd them, and gaff them letteres to vesyte ther fryndes, 
 and so to goo to oder howseys, with the whyche they war wery 
 well contentt, and soo departeyd. Thys whe the seyd meyar and 
 aldermen testyfy by ower handes subscrybeyd. 
 
 Maister Wyllyam Hasard, meyr. 
 
 Master Wylyam Mathew, aldermon. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Bell the elder, alderman. 
 
 Thomas Payne, alderman. 
 
 The next letter traces the visitors in their progress to Shrewsbury, where they were 
 preparing to enter Wales. 
 
 C. 
 RICHARD BISHOP OF DOVER TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 248.] 
 
 My synguler good lord, in my humble maner pleseythe yt yower 
 lordschype to understande, that sythe I MTOght to yow from Glo- 
 setur I have taken into the kynges handdes ij. conventes in Wor- 
 setur,* on in Brygenorthe,t on in Atherston, and on in Lechefyld,^ 
 
 * Leland speaks of a house of black friars at Worcester. He also mentions the 
 Grey Friars, "without St. Martin's Gate," founded by the earls of Warwick in the 
 thirteenth century. In the 31 Hen. VIII. the site of the latter house was granted to- 
 the bailiffs and citizens. 
 
 t There was in Bridgenorth a house of grey friars founded in the reign of Henry 
 VI, by John Talbot earl of Shrewsbury. 
 
 J At Litchfield there was a house of grey friars founded about the year 1229.
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 of the whyche I wroght to yower lordschype by yower servant Holt 
 from Lechefylde. Sythe I have taken into the kynges handdes 
 ij. conventes in Stafforde,* on in Newcastell Underlyne^f and ij. 
 in Schrewysbery, and ther on standeytht styll ; the occasyon of it 
 standeynge is because that I alwaye have declaryd that I had no 
 commyssyon to suppresse no howse, nor non I dede suppresse, but 
 suche as was not abull to lyve. YfF they gave ther howseys into 
 the kynges handdes for poverte, I receyveyd them, and elles 
 non. Now for that howse in Schrewysbery that standeyth, yt 
 ys of the blacke fryeres,J and I cowde fynde no gret cause in 
 them to cause them to gyve up. And also yt schall declare that I 
 do not suppresse the howsys, but suche as gyve up, seynge that 
 sum stande, and not all put downe. To wryght to yower lordschype 
 the copys of all the howsys and the inventorys of the same I have 
 no leyser, and I am lothe to sende them Avithowte yt war be my 
 servant, that I myght have sum answer of yower plesur agayn, 
 and my servanttes be seke, so that I have non to sende ; but I 
 trust to se yower lordschype within a veke, and be that tyme I 
 trust to make an ende in all Walys. Sumwhat to certyfye yower 
 lordeschype of the state off suche as I have receyveyd sythe that I 
 wrote to yow towcheynge Staiforde, the Austen Fryeres ther ys a 
 pore howse, with small implementes, no jwelles but on lytyll 
 chales, no led in the howse, in rentes by yere Ij^. viij^^. The Graye 
 Fryeres ther, halfe the quere ledeyd and a chapell, small imple- 
 mentes, no plate but a chales and vj. small sponys, in renttes 
 xxvj^. iiij'^. The Blacke Fryeres in Newecastell Underlyne, all 
 in ruyne, and a pore howse, the quere ledeyd and the cloeyster 
 
 * A house of grey or Franciscan friars existed at Stafford early in the reign of 
 Edward I. There was also a house of Austin friars, founded about 1344, in the south 
 suburb called Forbrugge. 
 
 t Leland, speaking of Newcastle-under-Line, says " there was an house of black 
 friars in the south end of the town." 
 
 t The Black Friars in Shrewsbury appears to have been founded about the sixth 
 year of the reign of Henry III.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 205 
 
 led redy to fall downe, the reste slate and schyngyll ; in fermys 
 by yere xP. On master Broke liatlie of late fownde the rnenys 
 with the prior to gett of hym the more parte of they howseys and 
 grownde ther by iij. leseys, and that for lytyll money; he wolde 
 a gyve me golde to a grantteyd to hys leseys, but I toke no peny 
 of hym nor of non other, nor non woll. YfF he have thoys leseys, 
 ther ys lytyll besyde, for he bathe lyberte allmost in all. Ther 
 ys a proper wode, but] he bathe all in lese. No sylver above xiij. 
 ounce. In Schrewysbery be iij. howsys. The Blacke Fryeres 
 stande, as before I have wrytyn. The graye fryeres * had con- 
 veyd all, and made a grett rumor in the towne, for the whyche 
 they war glade to gyve up all into the kynges handdes ; that ys a 
 proper bowse, small implementtes, no jwelles but a plate crosse 
 sylver, and on lytyll chales of lytyll valur ; no renttes but ther 
 howse and abowte iij. or iiij. acores of eryabull londe lyeynge to 
 yt. The Austen Fryeres, f a howse all in ruyne, and the more 
 parte falleynge downe ; no thynge in that howse, not in all to the 
 valur off iiij. nobylles, in vestementes, copys, brasse, pewter, and 
 all other stuffe ; no chales to sey masse, nor non wolde trust 
 the prior to lende hym any ; no fryeres ther but the prior, a man 
 leke to be in a fransey, % and ij. Erysche§ men. I have dyschargeyd 
 the prior of beys offys, and sent the ij. Erysche men into ther 
 owyn contre, and so take the howse into the kynges handdes. 
 The rentes be iiij. markes by yere. 
 
 Thys ys the boll state of all the conventes that as yet I have 
 receyveyd, of the whyche at more large and clerenes I shall schewe 
 to yow at my cumynge. I ryde thys day toward Westechester, 
 and so into Walys. My synguler good lorde, I beseche youe 
 
 * The Grey Friars ia Shrewsbury was standing in the earliest half of the thirteenth 
 century, but its history is very obscure. It was the burial place of the lady Hawisia 
 wife of John de Charlton first earl of Powis, and he, having probably been a benefactor, 
 came at a later period to be looked on as the founder. 
 
 •)• Leland says that the Austin Friars in Shrewsbury was a foundation " of the 
 Staffordes." 
 
 J Frenzy. § Irish.
 
 206 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 pardon me of my rude wrytynge, and yf that I do not my dewte 
 as that I owte to do, I beseche youe pardon me, for my hart and 
 intente ys to do that thynge that shulde specyally plese God, the 
 kynges grace, and yower lordschype, accordeynge to my dewte ; 
 also besechynge yower lordschype, that yf before my cumynge ther 
 be any order taken for Newecastell Underlyne, that ye wolde be 
 good lorde to on master Johan Bothe, a servant of the kynges 
 graces, the whyche ys a grett bylder in theys partes, that he 
 myght for money have the slate and schyngyll ther ; for ther ys 
 no other to be don with the more parte of that howse, l)ut save 
 the lede and slate, and take the profete of the grownde. That 
 master Bothe for yower sake scheuyd me many plesures, and gave 
 me venyson ; wherefor I may no lesse do but wryght to yower 
 lordeschype, besecheynge yow to be good lorde to hym, an I ever 
 yower orator to Jhesu, who preserve yower lordschype. Thys xiij^^ 
 day of August. From Schrewysbery. By yower bedeman and 
 servantt, 
 
 Richard Dovorenc. 
 
 I receyvyd non word from 30wer lordschyp sythe that I receyvyd 
 30wer letter by my servanth, wretyn in Petworth, the xxviij. day 
 of Juhi. I make promes to the freeres that gyfF up ther how- 
 seys that I shall send to them waranttes ffor ther abettes befor 
 Myhelmas, and in the tyme I gyff them letters to vesyte ther 
 frynddes. 
 
 While the visitors were entering Wales, we meet with another letter from bishop 
 Barlow, which is interesting as picturing the state of the country at that time. 
 
 CI. 
 
 BISHOP BARLOW TO CROMW^ELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 260.] 
 
 After my right humble commendacions, I considere my dutie
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 207 
 
 tadvertise your lordsliip, that accordinge to the purporte of your 
 lettres latly receaved, signifienge the kynges highnes pleasour for 
 the removynge of ydolotrous abused ymages, wherewith this con- 
 trey horribly dyd abounde, in satisfyenge of the same I have dili- 
 gently done myne endevour, and that quyetly every where withyn 
 my diocesse unresisted, without tumulte^ commotion, or disturb- 
 ance, with no frustrate expectacion (as I trust) of forther efFectuall 
 redresse, yn all causes of Christen religyon and godly purposes of 
 the kynges most honorable and no lesse profitable proceadinges. 
 The people now sensibly seinge the longe obscured veryte many- 
 festly to displaye her brightnesses wherby their inveterate accus- 
 tomed supersticion apparantly detected, all popish delusions shall 
 sone be defaced, so that erudityon, the parente of vertue and un- 
 fallible foundacion of all ordynate pollecye, which by the kynges 
 most renowmed fortherance beawtyfully florisheth yn all other his 
 royall domynions, might also be planted here in his graces principa- 
 lyte of Wales, where knowlege utterly unknowen, scyence ys litle 
 regarded, barberouse ignorance pyteously pleatinge in possession, 
 notwithstandinge wolde easely be redressed, without hyndraunce 
 of the kynges advauntage, yee with notable augmentacion of his 
 most worthy honour, small expences therto requysite of any partie, 
 with moch commodytie of many, to the incommoditie of none 
 that preferre an unyversall weale before a private sensuall plea- 
 sure. In case my peticion thorow your good lordships medyacion 
 maye be attayned of the kynges highnes, for the translacion of the 
 see to Kermerddyn, and transposinge of Abergwilly college to 
 Brecknok, the princypall townes of Sowthwales, where provision 
 had for lernynge as well yn gramer as yn other scyences and know- 
 lege of Scripture, the Welsch rudenesse wolde sone be framed to 
 English cy\alitie, and their corrupte capacyties easely reformed 
 with godly intelligens, which moveth me to be so instante a suter 
 and a contynuall peticyoner, especyally for the translacion of the 
 see, beinge sytuated in soch a desolate angle and in so rare a 
 frequented place (excepte of vacabounde pilgremes), that evill
 
 208 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 disposed persons, unwillinge to do good, maye lurke there at 
 lybertye in secrete withowt restraynte, and they that wolde fayne 
 do Avell can have no convenyente oportunyte profitabUe to utter 
 their well doinge to the commodytie of the comon weale. Which, 
 yf there were no nother causes, as ther be ynfinyte more reason- 
 able then maye be justly disalowed, and so evydente that they 
 can not be shadowed, yet yt mighte seme sufficient necessarylie 
 to persuade a translacion of the see. But forthermoare, yt hath be 
 allwayes estemed a delycate doughter of Rome, naturally resem- 
 blinge her mother in shamelesse confucion, and lyke qualified 
 with other perverse properties of execrable malignitie, as ungodly 
 ymage service, abhomynable ydolatrye, and lycentiouse lybertie of 
 dishonest lyvinge, popish pilgremages, disceatefuU pardons, and 
 fayned indulgences, in whose lawde yt ys written, 
 
 Roma semel quantum dat bis Menevia tantum. 
 
 And as the bisshop of Rome crepte up by policye, and rayninge 
 by tyranny was more then man, little lesse then God, whose 
 authorytie never knowen was contynually obeyed, no reason ad- 
 mitted to aske why, ])ut as he wold so did yt avayle, even thus 
 hath our Welsh David byn avaunced to be patrone of Wales, as 
 he that had signiory not only in erth, by lawles pryveleged ex- 
 empcions, but power also in heven to geve it whom he wold, to 
 discharge hell, to emptie purgatory, to pardon synne, to release 
 payne, yee to save his beneficiall frendes, to curse and kyll his 
 unfavorable adversaries, whose legende ys so uncerten of trueth, 
 and certenly full of lyes, that not only his sayntly holynesse ys to 
 be suspected, but rather to be dowted whether any soch person 
 was ever bisshop there, as ys surmysed, experyence in semblable 
 cases latly tryed owte by Dervelgadern,* Conoch, and soch other 
 Welsch godes, antique gargels of ydolatry. And verely, yf cre- 
 dence ought to be geven to the most auntyente writinges that can 
 
 * See before, p. 190, of the present volume.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 209 
 
 be exhibited, wherof I have certen pamflettes testifyeng antiquitie, 
 both in barbarouse letters and incongrue Latyne, agreable to the 
 maners of that season, also mencyonynge soch enormyous fas- 
 chion, that scarsly Rome myght be comparable with saynte Davids 
 terrytorye concernynge presumptuous usurpacyon apon their 
 princes, crafty yncrochinge of possessions, subtyle defeatinge of 
 enherytances, extorcion, brybery, symonye, heresie, ydolatrye, 
 supersticion, etc. Wherfore, consideringe that where Rome with 
 all her popish pageantes (praysed be God !) thorow the kynges 
 most prudente provysyon ys exiled forth of England, the unfayned 
 fydelitie of myne allegeaunce enforseth me to wysh all memoryall 
 monymentes of her popetry yn lyke maner to be banyshed owt of 
 Wales, which hytherto remaynynge yn the terrytory of S. David, 
 unneth maye be extincte without translacion of the see. For 
 excepte the manyfolde occasions of ydolatrous infidelytie and 
 papisticall practyses (notwithstandynge compulsory inhibycions 
 and tongue professions) be clerely abolyshed, shall allwayes reno- 
 vate new fangled ymaginacions to contrefayte the olde exercysed 
 wickednes. Wherin reducynge to remembraunce the prysed 
 memoryes and perpetuall renowned factes of the famouse princes 
 of Israel, which did not only abarre ydolatrye and other ungodly- 
 nesse, but utterly abolished all occasyons of the same, lykewise 
 notifyenge their terreble reproches and aggravated punyshmentes 
 that were neglygent, I dowte not but that ray supplyante sute 
 shall seme reasonable. And though peraventure some will ob- 
 jecte the contrary e, the causes not prepensed, which partly I have 
 uttered yn these and other my former letters, omittinge the resy- 
 dew, lest I shuld molest your lordship ; yet havinge the kynges 
 most benynge and gracyous favour with your assistente supporta- 
 cion, I trust so to justifie the equytie of my peticion that no adver- 
 sarye shalbe able to emblemish yt. And yf urgente ymportunytie 
 of hasty sute shall neade excuse in this behalfe, I have sufficiently 
 to allege the importable charge and costly exspences of a sump- 
 tuous buyldynge (a comorthe latlye graunted for the same), which 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 2 E
 
 210 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 bestowed yn Kermerddyn or some other frequented place, myght 
 be pleasante, profitable, and commodyous for the kynges subjectes, 
 whereas other wyse yt shall^e wasted yn vayne and unprofitably 
 perysh in a barbarous desolate corner, as knoweth our Lorde, who 
 have you in his tuicion. From Lantfey,* the xyj*^'' daye of Au- 
 gust. 
 
 Your lordeshyppes to commaund, 
 
 W. Meneven. 
 
 CIl. 
 RICHARD BISHOP OF DOVER TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 263,] 
 
 My synguler goode lorde, my dewte presupposeyd, pleseyth 
 yt yower good lordschype to understond, that sythe I departyd 
 from yow I have receyveyd to the kynges use xxviij^'. conventes, 
 as by a byll here incloseyd yt dothe appere, of the whyche be- 
 fore I have wrytyn to yower lordschype. The copys of the inven- 
 tores of dyverse conventes, and also the testymonyalles of ther 
 relesseys, subscrybyd with the handes of the wyttenesseys, of the 
 rest that yet I have not sent to youe before I sende here now, 
 noteyd on the backes of the inventores of ther value yerly so ner 
 as I can knowe. Goode my lorde, I praye yow be good lorde to 
 me, that the waranttes for ther habettes maye be had accordeynge 
 to my promes, for they may not be suiFeryd to saye masse abrode 
 in chyrchys tyll they have ther exempcyons. I have wreten to 
 dyverse of the byschoppes, and with dyverse I have spokyn, to 
 lycens them tyll after Mychelmas, and at that tyme I have pro- 
 myseyd to sende ther lycens to certen placeys wher they shall 
 have them fre, for the more parte of them have no peny to paye 
 
 * Llanfey castle, in Pembrokeshire, was one of the residences of the bishops of St. 
 David's.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 211 
 
 for the charge of them. In many placeys ther ys moche clamor 
 for dettes of conventtes, so that withowte ye be goode lorde to 
 pore men, many shall lese moche moneye by the fryeres, the 
 whyche woll make a grett clamor amonge the pepull, for now I 
 have moche besynes to satysfye the pepull for dettes. They say 
 that yt ys not the kynges plesur that pore men shulde lose ther 
 monye, with manye worddes ; but by feyer menys I satysfye 
 them ; sum I make schyfte and pay, sum I satysfye with worddes, 
 for in dyverse placeys all the stuflFe in the howseys ys not abull to 
 pay the dettes. I wroght to yower lordschype for ij. howseys in 
 Schrewysbery. The Blacke Fryeres yet standeythe, and for the 
 contynewans of that shall be made moche labour to yow. I praye 
 yow grauntt nott but as 1 shall order that accordeynge to my 
 commyssyon, for the standeynge of that makeythe me to have 
 more besynes in dyverse placeys than 1 schulde have. Also ther 
 ys a howse of Austen fryers, that I dyschargeyd the prior, and 
 sent the ij. Yeryschemen into ther owyn contreys ; ther war no 
 more at hom ther, and all was gone, and all the more parte of the 
 howseys in falleynge downe, and non chales to say masse, nor no 
 man wolde trust them to lende them any. By ther inventory ye 
 shall see ther substans. I here that the prior ys cum to London, 
 to sew for hys howse agayne ; yt wer pety that he shulde spede. 
 Theys ij. sutes I wolde gladly have recysteyd. Also ther be iij. 
 conventes yt in Brystowe ; as for the Blacke be redy to gyve 
 up, but the other ij. be styiFe and here them sore be gret favor. 
 The Gray Fryeres, by reson that the warden ys warden of Reche- 
 monde and ys in favor by reson of that, yet for all hys grett port 
 I thynke hym xx. merke in dett, and not abull to paye yt. 
 The Austen fryer, by reson of a grantt that he hathe of the kynges 
 grace for terme of hys lyfFe, by the whyche he thynkeyht that he 
 may sell the howse and all, for the plate ys all solde and allso the 
 tymber that grewe abowte the howse, so that he hathe within iij. 
 yeres taken above a hunderyd markes of plate and tymber and 
 other implementes, so that almost all ys gon. Yf yt wolde
 
 212 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 plese yow to sende yower plesur by thys bryngar of theys ij. con- 
 ventes in Brystowe, in my cumynge home I shall cum within x. 
 myle of Brystowe, and so I wolde thether to fynysche all thoys 
 partes ; and so I wolde to Salysbury, and other ther, yf that I 
 knewe yo\v[er] plesur. In many placeys I fynde but on lytyll 
 chales, and also in many placeys the substans in plege. Suche 
 small chales and suche plegeys as be better than they ley for, I 
 pay the money, and receyve the pleges to the kynges use, and 
 suche I brynge with me. I have chales bothe of tynne and coper, 
 plate in sum placeys I fynde non. Goode my lorde, I beseche 
 yow be so goode lorde to me to sende me sum byll of yower plesur. 
 I had no worde from yow thys v. wekes. I wold sende to yow dy- 
 ^tco cu.m.l>t.rea.i versc relykes, but they wer to comeres to cary. I have Malkows 
 ere that Peter stroke of, as yt ys wrytyn, and a m. as trewe as 
 that, but the holyest relyke in all Northe Walys I sende to yow 
 here ; ther may no man kysse that but he muste knele so sone as 
 he se yt, thowgh yt war in the fowleest place in all the contre, 
 and he must kys every stone, for in eche ys gret pardon. After 
 that he hathe kyssyd yt he must pay a met of corne, or a chese 
 of a grote, or iiijd. for yt. Yt was worthe to the fryeres in 
 Bangor,* with another image, the whyche I also have closeyd uj^, 
 XX. markes by yere in corne, chese, catell, and money. Yf that 
 I shulde wryght of all suche ymages at that ydolatre hathe be 
 useyd, that wold take a schete of paper, the whyche I have 
 avoydeyd. I am now in Harford-est, wher that I have be thys 
 iij. days, and have had moche besynes to brynge my purpose to 
 passe, by reson of the Graye Fryeres. With hom in every place 
 I have moche besynes, and also with an ancar in that howse ; but 
 at the last I have my purpose, as by ther relesseys ye may per- 
 seyve, the whyche I send here, besechyng yower lordschype to be 
 good lorde to the mayeres and balys of suche cetes and towneys 
 as I have be in. I have fownde them very goode, and dylygent 
 
 * There was a house of black fiiais at Bangor, founded at the beginning of the four- 
 teenth century.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 213 
 
 to do suche thynges as I have desyeryd them. And also I praye 
 you be good lorde to yower servant master Holt, and to master . . . ; 
 they have moche comforteyd me. I also am desyeryd be many 
 other of the kynges servanttes to wryght for them ; and dyverse 
 be so inportune on me to wryght, that I can not voyde them, tyll 
 that I promyse to wryght. Sum woll gyve me xx. nobylls, sum 
 more, but I have taken no peny of any, nor non I woll take. On 
 Johan Turner, the man of the garde at Ludlowe, sore laboryd to 
 me to wryght. And thys daye I ryde to Brekenocke, and so to 
 Carmarden and to Harforde-west, and so over to Sent Myhelles 
 Mownte, and so brynge all Cornewall and Denschyar with me. Be- 
 sechynge yower lordschype to sende me yower pleser of Brystowe, 
 Sowthehampton, Salysbury, and other, and I ever yower orator to 
 Jhesu, who preserve yow. Thys xxvij. daye of August. Wreten 
 from Harford e- est, by yower servantt, 
 
 Richard Dovorenc. 
 I sende the namys of them that schuld have warantes for ther 
 apparell. 
 
 We now leave the bishop of Dover, to follow the commissioners who during the 
 summer and autumn of this year visited the monastic houses in the southern and south- 
 western counties, among whom one of the most active was Dr. John London. He 
 appears also to have begun his progress in the midland counties, but we find him first 
 at Oxford. 
 
 CIII. 
 
 DR. LONDON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. S'S?.] 
 
 My most humble dewtye observyd unto your gudde lordeshippe, 
 with my assurede prayer and faithfull service during my liff. I
 
 214 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 have taken the surrendres of Kyme,* Noncotton,t Irforthe, J 
 Fosse,§ and Hevenynges.|| Altho universally in every place re- 
 ligiose persons makith ther hondes, as they have done lardgely in 
 every oon of thees howses, yit have I lefte thees howsys clerly 
 owt of dett, have rewardyd them honestly towardes ther apparell, 
 payd all servantes wages, with rewardes convenyent, left the 
 howsys undefacyd, belly s and ledde reservyd to the kinges majestie 
 thorowly, and yet have I all that litill plate was lefte with som 
 monye above all costes and chardges, wiche I shall dispache my 
 hondes of as sone as I may convenyently send it with the plate to 
 Mr. Thackre. Mr. Johan Hennage, Mr. Wisman, and M. Cotton 
 wer with me at every of these howsys, and we have commytt the 
 custodyes of thes howsys with the evydenses perteynyng unto the 
 same, as we wer commaundyd by your lordeships letters ; Heve- 
 nynges, wher moche wast ys made in the woddes, to Mr. Johan 
 Hennage, depute for sir Thomas Hennage ; Noncotton to M. 
 Skipwith ; Kyme to the baylifF ther, for my lord Talbos ; Irforde 
 to M. Turwhyte ; and Fosse, a beggerly power ruynose howse, to 
 M. Phihppe Hobye. Many of thes nonnys wer professyd at x. 
 and xij. yeres of age, as they do reportt, and after they knew the 
 frayltie of ther bodies, and com to rypar age, lyvide in unperfytt 
 chastitie, and now be wonderfull gladde of thys late ordinance it 
 pleasyd the kinges majestie to mak in hys high cowrt of parlya- 
 ment, declaring suche as wer professyd befor the age of xxj. to be 
 at lybertie to marye if they will, and do pray right hartely for the 
 
 * Kyme, in Lincolnshire, a priory founded by Philip de Kyme, in the reign of 
 Henry II. The last prior was Ralph Fairfax. 
 
 f Nun Coton, or Gotham, in Lincolnshire, was a small house of Cistercian nuns, 
 founded in the first half of the twelfth century. 
 
 t The Premonstratensian nunnery of Irford in Lincolnshire, was founded by Robert 
 de Albini in the time of Henry II. The surrender in the Augmentation Office is dated 
 July 8. 
 
 § The nunnery of Fosse, near Torkesey in Lincolnshire, was founded by the towns- 
 men of Torkesey, in the reign of king John. The last prioress was Agnes Marr. 
 
 II Hevenynge, or Heyninges, was a small nunnery in the parish of Lea in Lincoln- 
 shire, founded about a.d. 1 180. The site was granted in the 31 Hen. VIII.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 215 
 
 kinges majestie. I perceyve many of the other sortt, monkes and 
 chanons, wiche be yonge lustie men, all ways fatt fedde, lyving 
 in ydelnes and at rest, be sore perplexide that now being prestes 
 they may nott retorn and marye. Most partt of them be no thing 
 lernyd, nor apte therto, and therby in moche warsse case. I have 
 geven as well to sondrie of them, as to ther masters, suche power 
 counsel! as I my5t do, and have advisede them that wher 
 they be nother lernyd nor apte unto the same, to torne som of 
 ther seremonyns of ydilnes unto som bodely exercise, and nott to 
 sytt all day lurking in the cloister ydellye. After I hadde don 
 with those v. places in Lincoln shyer, Mr. Freman browjt me a 
 commission for the Charterhowse in Notingam shyer callyd Bow- 
 vale,* and for a howse of chanons callyd Newstede.f Of Bow- 
 vale, sir Johan Hussey hathe the custodi, and sir Johan Beryn of 
 Newstede. We founde the prior of the Charterhowse in hys 
 shortt gowen and velvytt cappe, redy befor our commyng, and 
 the proctor of that howse in lyke apparell the next day following. 
 I think it were harde to geve so manye agen into these howseys 
 I have be att as I have dispacchyd, ffor in every howse, as well of 
 men as of wemen, they be in maner all gon that ny3t I have taken 
 ther surrendre, and streightway in new apparell. Now I have 
 done in all those howsys acording to the kinges highnes commis- 
 sions, and shalbe at all owors redy to the best of my litell power 
 to do suche farther service as may lye in me, acording to my 
 most bounden dewtie, by the helpe of almy5tie Jhesus, who 
 with increse of moche honour long preserve your gudde lorde- 
 shyppe. Oxon., xxvij. Julii. 
 
 Your most bounden oratour and servant, 
 
 Johan London. 
 
 * The priory of Beauvale, in Nottinghamshire, or as it was called in Latin, de 
 Pulchra Valle in parco de Gresseley, was founded by Nicholas de Cantelupe, in 1342. 
 The last prior was Thomas Woodcock. 
 
 t The abbey or priory of Newstead in Sherwood, since the picturesque seat of the 
 Byrons, was founded about a.d. 1170. The last prior was John Blake. The site was 
 granted to Sir John Byron, mentioned in the letter, and from whom the poet Bjrron 
 was a lineal descendant.
 
 216 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 The ' visitor of the friars' mentioned in the following letter, was probably Richard 
 bishop of Dover. Little is known of the two houses of friars in Salisbury. The Grey 
 Friers w^as founded by Richard, bishop of Salisbury, in the reign of Henry III. The 
 Black Friars, of which house we do not even know the founder, stood in the west 
 suburb of the town, near Fisherton Bridge. 
 
 CIV. 
 
 JOHN FITZWARREN TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 146.] 
 
 After my most hartie recommendations unto your honorable 
 lordeshipe, plese it the same to be advertised, that syns I re- 
 ceyved your lovyng and hartie lettres by your servaunte Mr. 
 Goodale, with the warrant for a stagg in Purbeke, for the wiche I 
 render to your honorable lordeshipe my most hartie thankes, he 
 mayntenauntly declared unto me the pryvie operation of certayn 
 prystes within the cyte of Sarum, in ther confessions concernyng 
 forbyddyng of whytmeates in Lent, the redyng of the New Testa- 
 ment in Englisshe, and the cumpany of such as be of the new 
 lernyng. Whom I have not only examyned, but also have ex- 
 amyned certayne witnes agenst them, the ponesshement wherof I 
 have stayed untyll your lordesheps pleaser be further therin 
 knowen. And, my good lord, wher that I am enformed that the 
 vysytour of the fryers shortly will repayre to the cyte of Sarum to 
 dissolve and make sale of all such thynges as he at his last beyng 
 ther dyd take an inventory of, I most hartely desyer your good 
 lordeshepes lovyng letters unto the saied vysytour in my favour, 
 that I may have the stuff of the Black Fryers for my money befor 
 any other with the place to dwell in for my rent. And if it may 
 stond with your lordeships pleaser, I desyer your good lordeshipe 
 to wrytt your lyke lettres unto the saied visytour in the favour of 
 your sei'vaunte Mr. Goodale for the Gray Fryers, who dwellith next 
 unto hit, and who also taketh so much paynes for the comen wele, 
 and in helpyng and furtheryng poore mennys matiers, as I knew 
 never bayliff to doo lyke in my tyme. And thus most hartely
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 217 
 
 fare your lordeshipe well. Frome Dorneford, the xx*^' day of 
 August. 
 
 Youer lordships faythfuUy assured, 
 
 JOHAN FyTZWAREN. 
 
 In the following letter we find Dr. London still at Oxford, which seems to have 
 been the centre of his operations. 
 
 CV. 
 DR. LONDON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 227.] 
 
 In my most humble maner I have me commendyd unto your gudde 
 lordeschippe, with my assured prayer and service duringe my lyff. 
 I have causyd all our fower ordre of fryers to chaunge ther cotes, 
 and have dispacchide them as well as I can till they may receyve 
 ther capacities, for the wiche I have now agen sent uppe thys 
 berar doctor Baskerfelde, to whom I do humblie besek your lorde- 
 schippe to stonde gudde lorde. He ys an honest man, and causyd 
 all hys howse to surrendre the same and to chaunge ther papistical 
 garmentes. I wrote to your lordeschippe specially for hym to have 
 in hys capacytie an expresse licens to dwell in Oxford, altho he 
 wer benefycyd ; and your lordeschipp then wrote that yt wasse 
 your pleasur he and all other shulde have ther capacities acording 
 to ther desyer, and for that thys man ys now an humble sutar unto 
 your lordeschippe. He hath be a visitar of dyvers places wiche 
 they do call custodies, and knowith many thinges as well in 
 London as otherwise, wiche he hath promised me to declare unto 
 your lordeschippe, if it be your pleasur he schall so do. And a 
 frynde of myne, the warden of the Grey Fryers in Reding,* hathe 
 
 * The priory of the Grey Friars, in Reading, was founded in 1233. The deed of 
 surrender of this house, printed in " Coates' History of Reading," p. 303, is dated 
 Sept. 13, 30 Hen. VIII. i. e. 1538. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 2 F
 
 218 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 also desyred me to be an humble sutar for hyra and hys brothern, 
 that they may with your lordeschips favour also chaunge ther gar- 
 mentes with ther papisticall maner of lyvinges. The most partt of 
 them be very agede men, and be nott of strength to go moch 
 abrode for ther lyvinges, wherfor ther desyer ys that yt myght please 
 your lordeschippe to be a mediator unto the kinges grace for 
 them that they my3t during ther lyves enjoy ther chambres and 
 orcharde, and they wolde assuredly pray unto almi3tie Godde 
 long to preserve the kinges grace and your lordeshipp to hys most 
 blessyd pleasure. Oxon, ultimo Augusti. 
 
 At Merston Mr. Johan Schorn stondith blessing a bote, where- 
 unto they do say he conveyd the devill. He ys moch sow3t for the 
 agow. If it be your lordeschips pleasur, I schall sett that botyd 
 ymage in a nother place, and so do with other in other parties wher 
 lyke seking ys. 
 
 Your most bounden oratour and servant, 
 
 Johan London. 
 
 Richard Pollard, another of the commissioners, was occupied partly on the same 
 ground as Dr. London. In the following letter we find him at Winchester ; it is with- 
 out date, but probably belongs to the earlier part of the September of this year. 
 
 CVI. 
 POLLARD AND OTHERS TO CRUMWELL. 
 
 [From the State Papers, vol. i. p. 621.] 
 
 Pleasith your lordship to be advertised, that this Saturdaye, in 
 the mornyng, aboutes thre of the clok, we made an ende of the 
 shryne here at Wynchestre. There was in it no pece of gold, ne 
 oon ring, or true stone, but al greate counterfaictes. Nevertheles 
 we thinke the sylver alone thereof woll amounte nere to twoo 
 thousande markes. We have also receyved into our possession 
 the crosse of emeraudes, the crosse called Hierusalem, an other
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTEBIfiS. 219 
 
 crosse of gold, 2 chalices of gold, with some sylver plate, parcel of 
 the portion of the vestrye ; but thold prior made the plate of the 
 house soo thynne, that we can diminish non of it and leave the 
 prior any thing furnished. We found the prior, and all the con- 
 vent, very conformable ; having assistentes with us, at the open- 
 yng of our charge to the same, the mayre, with 8 or 9 of the best of 
 his brethem, the bisshops chauncelour, Mr. doctour Craiforde, 
 with a good apparaunce of honest personages besides ; who, with 
 oon voyce, most hartely gave lawde and prayse to God and to 
 the kinges majesty e, thinking verily that they doo all as moch 
 rejoise of his majestes godly and most christian purpose herin as 
 canne be devised. We have also this mornyng, going to our 
 beddes warde, vieued thaulter, whiche we purpose to bring with us. 
 It wol be worthe the taking dovvne, and nothing therof seen ; but 
 suche a pece of work it is, that we thinke we shal not rid it, doing 
 our best, befor Monday night, or Tuesdaye mornyng, which doon 
 we entende, both at Hide* and St. Maryes, to swepe awaye all the 
 roten bones that be called reliques; which we may not omytt, 
 lest it shuld be thought we cam more for the treasure thenne for 
 avoiding of thabomynation of ydolatry. Other thinges, as ferre 
 as we canne lerne, there be none for us in those places, whiche 
 thinges doon, and our thinges set out-warde, we shall attende 
 uppon your lordship with diligence. 
 
 I, Thomas Wriothesleyf humbly beseche your good lordship to 
 pardon the rudenes of this letter, writen in hast in tlie churche 
 whenne I was wery ; and, in like maner, I beseche yovir lordship 
 to be good lorde to the poore man the berer of this letter. It is 
 the same of whom I told your lordship concernyng the ferme 
 
 * The monastery of Hyde, without the walls of Winchester, was the same abbey 
 which, founded by King Alfred, was in Saxon times called the New Minster; but it 
 then stood adjacent to the cathedral or Old Minster, from whence it was removed to 
 Hyde in the reign of Henry I. There are still some remains. The last abbot was 
 John Sulcot, or Saltcot, alias Capon, who for his subserviency to the court was made 
 bishop of Bangor, and afterwards of Salisbury. The abbey of St. Mary was the nun- 
 nery founded in this city by king Alfred. The last abbess was Elizabeth Shelley. 
 
 f Sir Thomas Wryothesley, afterwards earl of Southampton.
 
 220 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 whiche sir William Kempe wold have from him. He affirmethe 
 constantly that he is utterly untlon if he shuld forgo either thole, 
 or that half that Mr. Kemi^e wold have. Forty acres of his best 
 lande he wold be content to let him have, at reasonable rent, for 
 his favour ; which, in my poore opinion, is more thenne reason- 
 able. Thus having certain affiance that your lordships goodnes 
 woll pardon this my boldnes, we shall pray to God to kepe your 
 lordship in healthe. From St. Swythines in Winchestre, this Sa- 
 turdaye mornyng. 
 
 Your lordshippes most bounden, 
 
 Rychard Pollard. 
 
 Thomas Wriothesley. 
 
 John Williams. 
 
 To the right honorable and 
 our singular good lord, 
 my lorde privye seale. 
 
 If the date of the preceding letter be right, Pollard seems to have gone from Win- 
 chester to Reading, where he would act in conjunction with Dr. London. The follow- 
 ing letter must refer to the priory, and not to the abbey, in this town. 
 
 CVII. 
 RICHARD POLLARD TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 224.*] 
 
 Pleasyth youre lordshyp to be advertysed, that att my comyng to 
 Readyng I dyd dyspatche Mr. Wrytheslys servaunt wyth every 
 thyng accordyng to youre commaundement, wyche amountythe to 
 the some of cxxxjli. ix^. viij'^, as appeyrythe by the partyculers 
 herein inclosyd, and parte of the stufFe reservyd for the kynges 
 majestyes use, wyth the whole house and churche undefasyd. I 
 and my fellowes have lefte hytt by indenture in the custody 
 of Mr. Penyson, and as for the plate, vestementes, copys, and 
 hangynges, wyche we have reservyd also to the use of the
 
 SUPPRESSION OP MONASTERIES. 221 
 
 kynges majestye, we have lefte hytt in the custody of Mr. 
 Vachell * by indenture, wych shalbe conveyd to London 
 ageynste my comyng thyther ; and, thangkes be to God ! every 
 thyng ys well fFynysshyd there, and every man well contentyd and 
 gyvythe humble thankes to the kynges grace. I wythe my ffel- 
 lowes intend on Tewsday next, God wyllyng, to take oure journey 
 frome Readyng, as knowythe God, who ever preserve youre good 
 lordshyp. Frome Readyng, the xv. daye of Septembre. 
 Your owan assuryd to command, 
 
 Rychard Pollard. 
 
 The three following letters from Dr. London, all relating to the suppression of the 
 priory of Reading, are almost counterparts of one another. The two first were cer- 
 tainly not addressed to the same person — the second was probably sent to the chan- 
 celler of the augmentations. 
 
 CVIII. 
 DR. LONDON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 225.] 
 
 In my most humble maner I have me commendyd unto yower 
 gude lordeschippe, acertenyng the same that I have pullyd down 
 the image of our ladye at Caversham, wherunto wasse great pilgre- 
 mage.f The image ys platyd over with sylver, and I have putt 
 yt in a cheste fast lockyd and naylyd uppe, and by the next bardge 
 that comythe from Reding to London yt shall be browght to your 
 lordeschippe. I have also pullyd down the place sche stode in, with 
 all other ceremonyes, as hghtes, schrowdes, crowchys, and imagies 
 of wex, hangyng abowt the chapell, and have defacyd the same 
 
 * Cromwell was high steward of Reading, and Thomas Vachell, Esq. who repre- 
 sented the town in parliament, acted as his deputy- steward. 
 
 t Caversham is about a mile and a half to the north of Reading.
 
 222 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 thorowly in exchuyng of any farther resortt thedyr. Thys chapell 
 dydde belong to Notley abbey,* and ther always wasse a chanon 
 of that monastery wiche wasse callyd the warden of Caversham, 
 and he songe in thys chapell, and hadde the oiferinges for hys 
 lyving. He wasse acostomyd to shew many prety relykes, among 
 the wiche wer (as he made reportt) the holy dager that kylled 
 kinge Henry,t and the holy knyfe that kylled seynt Edwarde.l 
 All thees, with many other, with the cotes of thys image, her 
 cappe and here, my servant shall bring unto your lordeschippe 
 thys wek, with the surrendre of the Freers under the covent 
 scale, and ther seale also. I have sent the chanon home agen to 
 Notleye, and have made fast the doores of the chapell ; wiche ys 
 thoroAvly well coverd with ledde ; and if it be your lordeschips 
 pleasure, I schall se yt made suer to the kinges graces use. And, if it 
 be nott so orderyd, the chapell standith so wildely that the ledde 
 will be stolyn by ny3t, as I wasse servyd at the Fryers ; ffor as 
 soon as I hadde taken the Fryers surrendre, the multytude of the 
 poverty of the town resortyd thedyr, and all thinge that my3t be 
 hadde they stole away, insomyche that they hadde convayd the 
 very clapers of the bellys. And saving that Mr. Fachell, wiche 
 made me great chere at hys howse, and the mayer dydde assist 
 me, they wolde have made no litill spoyle. In thys I have don 
 as moche as I cowde do to save every thing to the kinges graces 
 use, as shall apper to your lordeschippe at the begynnyng of the 
 terme, Godde willinge, who with increse of moche honour long 
 preserve your gudde lordeschippe. At Redinge, xvijo Septem- 
 bris. 
 
 At Caversham ys a propre lodginge, wher the chanon lay, with a 
 
 * Notley, or Nutley Abbey, ia Buckiaghamshire, of which there are still considerable 
 remains, was founded in 1162, for Austin canons, by Walter Gyffard, second earl of 
 Buckingham. The last abbot was Richard Ridge. 
 
 t Henry VI. This is curious, as showing the established belief that the king had 
 been murdered. 
 
 % Edward the martyr, the son and successor of king Edgar.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 223 
 
 fayer garden and an orcherd, mete to be bestowyd upon som 
 frynde of your lordeschips in thes parties^ fFor the chanon hadde 
 no thing to do ther butt to kepe the chapell and receyve the 
 offringes. 
 
 I besek your gudde lordeschippe to admytt me a power sutar for 
 thees honest men of Redinge. They have a fayer towne and 
 many gudde occupiers in ytt, butt they lacke that howse necessary, 
 of the wiche, for the mynystracion of justice, they have most nede 
 of. Ther towne hall ys a very small howse, and stondith upon 
 the ryver, wher ys the commyn wassching place of the most partt 
 of the towne, and in the cession dayes and other cowrt dayes ther 
 ys such betyng with batildores as oon man can nott here another 
 nor the quest here the chardg gevyng. The body of the church 
 of the Grey Fryers, wiche ys solyd with lath and lyme, wold be a 
 very commodiose rowme for them. And now I have rydde all the 
 fasschen of that church in parcleses, ymages, and awlters, it wolde 
 mak a gudly towne hall. The mayer of that towne, Mr. Richard 
 Turner,* is a very honest gentill person, with many other honest 
 men, hathe expressyd unto me ther gref in thys behalf, and have 
 desyred me to be an humble sutar unto your lordeschippe for the 
 same, if it shulde be solde. The wallys besyd the coyne stonys 
 be butt chalk and ilynt, and the coveryng butt tile. And if it 
 please the kinges grace to bestow that howse upon any of hys 
 servantes, he may spare the body of the churche, wiche stondith 
 next the strete, very well, and yit have rowme sufficient for a 
 great man. 
 
 Your most bounden oratour and servant, 
 
 John London. 
 
 * Richard Turner was mayor of Reading from September 19, 1537, to Sept. 1538, 
 and was succeeded by Thomas Mirthe, (mayor from 1538 to 1539), and Richard Just- 
 ice (from 1539 to Sept. 1540.) See Coates' History of Reading. The petition of the 
 townsmen for the priory church to be converted into a town hall was granted.
 
 224 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 CIX. 
 
 DR. LONDON TO SIR RICHARD RICH (?). 
 
 [From MS. Cotton, Cleop. E. iv. fol. 226.] 
 
 Right worshipfull, in my most hartie maner I have me com- 
 mendyd unto yow, I have pullyd down the image of your lady at 
 Caversham, with all trynkettes abowt the same, as schrowdes, 
 candels, images of wexe, crowches, and brochys, and have tho- 
 rowly defacyd that chapell in exchuyng of any farther resortt, fFor 
 even at my being ther com in nott so few as a dosyn with imagies 
 of wexe. The image ys thorowly platyd over with sylver. I 
 have putt her in a chest fast lockyd and naylede, and by the next 
 bardge that comythe uppe it schall be brow5t to my lorde, with 
 her cootes, cappe, and here, with dyvers relykes, as the blessyd 
 knyfe that kylled seynt Edward, the dagger that kyllyd kinge 
 Henry, schethe and all ; and I myssed no thing here butt oonly a 
 peece of the holy halter Judas wasse hangyd withall. Here song 
 a chanon of Notley, wiche hadde conveyd home to hys master as 
 great a relik as any of thees befor I com ; butt I wyll have hym, 
 and schall send yt to my lorde. And thys wek folowing I will 
 send uppe Mr. Johan Schorn, and so as many as I fynde. I have 
 occasion for my colledg besynes to go by Aylisbery and Bedford 
 thys next wek, and as I suppose by Northampton. In all thees 
 places be howsys of fFryers. If it be my lordes pleasur I will dis- 
 pache them quyckly, ffor seying they wold fayne be abrode yt wer 
 pytie to stay them. And in d)^ers of thees howsys moche ydoly- 
 trie have be usyd, and the people sore abusyd. I besek yow 
 remembre Mr. Kny5tes mater I have movyd yow in ; and if by 
 your gudnes it be browjt to passe, I know well yow will herafter 
 moche rejoyse yow dydd ytt. My servant schall be with yow 
 thys wek to bringe uppe the Fryers surrendre, with the relykes of 
 Caversham, and schall also bring yow a tokyn in parchement undre
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 225 
 
 the covent scale from the abbott and covent here.* He desy- 
 rethe oonly your favour, and no other thinge ; and I know so 
 moche that my lord schall fynde hym as conformable a man as 
 any in thys realme, as more at lardg I will tell yow at the begyn- 
 nyng of the terme, by the grace of Godd, who with increse of 
 moche worschippe longe preserve yow. At Reding, xvij° Sep- 
 tembris. 
 
 Your most bounden oratour, 
 
 JoHAN London. 
 
 ex. 
 
 DR. LONDON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 223.] 
 
 In my most humble maner I have me commendyd unto your 
 gudde lordeschippe, with my assured prayer and service, I have 
 sent upp to your lordeschippe the surrender of the Grey Fryers of 
 Reding, with ther plate, suche as yt ys. I have inwardly defacyd 
 the churche and dorter ; the resydew of the howse I have left hole 
 till I know your farther pleasur, and clerly dispacchyd all the 
 fryers owt of the doores in ther seculer apparell, and have geven to 
 every oon of theym mony in ther purcys, and have clerly payd 
 ther dettes. Thys ys a towne of moch power people, and they 
 fell to steling so fast in every corner of the howse, that I have be 
 fayne to tary a hole wek here to sett every thing in dew ordre, 
 and have and schall receyve to the kinges grace use I trust 
 above xi^K The mansion holy reservyd. I have sent uppe the 
 principall relik of idolytrie within thys realme, an aungell with 
 oon wyng that brow3t to Caversham the spere hedde that percyd 
 our Saviour is syde upon the crosse. It wasse conveyd home to 
 
 * Reading Abbey was not dissolved till the year following, when the abbot was 
 hanged. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 2 G
 
 226 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 Notley, butt I sent my servant purposley for ytt. I have sent 
 also iij. cotes of the image, with such thinges as I fownde upon 
 them. Math the dagger that they say slew king Henry the vj. and 
 the knyflf that kylled seynt Edw^ard, with many other lyk holy 
 thinges. I have defacyd that chapell inward, and have sent home 
 the chanon to hys master to Notley. I have requyred of my lord 
 abbott the relykes of hys howse, wich he schewyd unto me with 
 gudde will, I have taken an inventary of them, and have lokkyd 
 them upp behynde ther high awlter, and have the key in my 
 keping, and they be always redy at your lordeships commaunde- 
 ment. They have a gudde lecture in scripture dayly redde in ther 
 chapitour howse, bothe in Inglysche and Laten, to the wich ys gudde 
 resortt, and the abbott ys at yt hym self. In any other thing I can 
 do your lordeschipp service 1 am and always schalbe redy, Godde 
 willyng, who with increse of moche honour, long preserve your 
 gudde lordeschippe. Att Reding, xviijo Septembris. 
 
 Your most bounden oratour and servant, 
 
 JoHAN London. 
 
 THE INVENTORYE OFF THE RELYQUES OFF THE HOW^SSE OFF 
 
 REDYNG. 
 
 Inprimis, twoo peces off the holye crosse. 
 
 Item, saynt James hande. 
 
 Item, saynt Phelype stoUe. 
 
 Item, a bone off Marye Magdelene, with other moo. 
 
 Item, saynt Anastasius is hande, with other moo. 
 
 Item, a pece off saynte Pancrates arme. 
 
 Item, a bone oflf saynt Quyntyns arme. 
 
 Item, a bone off saynt Davyde is arme. 
 
 Item, a bone off Marye Salomes arme. 
 
 Item, a bone off saynt Edwarde the Martyre is arme. 
 
 Item, a bone of saynt Hierome, with other moo.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF AiON ASTERIES. 227 
 
 Item, bones off sayiit Stephyn, with other moo. 
 Item, a bone off saynte Blase, with other moo. 
 Item, a bone of saynt Osmonde, with other moo. 
 Item, a pece off saynt Ursula stole. 
 Item, a chowbone of saynt Ethelmold. 
 Item, bones off saynt Leodigarye and of S. Herenei. 
 Item, bones off saynt Margarett. 
 Item, bones off saynt Arnal. 
 Item, a bone off" saynt Agas, with other moo. 
 Item, a bone off S. Androwe, and ij. peces of his crosse. 
 Item, a bone off S. Fredyswyde. 
 Item, a bone off saynt Anne. 
 Withe many othere. 
 
 Ther be a multitude of small bonys, laces, stonys, and ermys, 
 wiche wolde occupie iiij. schetes of papyr to make particularly an 
 inventary of every part therof. They be all at your lordeschips 
 commaundement. 
 
 The nunnery of Godstow, in Oxfordshire, founded in the time of Henry I., is chiefly- 
 celebrated as the place of burial of Fair Rosamond, the mistress of Henry II. The 
 last abbess was Catherine Bulkeley, alias Bewmaris, who in a subsequent letter com- 
 plains that Dr. London was actuated by personal resentment towards her. As, how- 
 ever, we have here the visitor's private letter to Cromwell concerning the abbey, 
 where he speaks with leniency, it appears that the abbess was mistaken. Her letter 
 has been frequently quoted as a proof of the harsh and unjust treatment of the nuns 
 and their superiors, but the fact was overlooked that on the dissolution Catherine 
 Bulkeley received the extremely large pension of fifty pounds a year, t/a.) it ^a.ld.: 
 
 CXI. 
 DR. LONDON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. S27*.] 
 
 In mv most humble maner I have me commendyd unto your
 
 228 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 gudde lordeschippe, acertenyng the same that I am now at God- 
 stow to execute the kinges highnes commission, wher I perceyve 
 my ladye do tak my commynge som thinge penciflye, and hatha 
 desyred me to spare herre determynate answer untill suche tyme 
 sche may with convenyent spede know the kinges hignes deter- 
 mynate and resolute pleasure in that behalf. And in the mean tyme 
 I schall som thing rype my self in knowledg of the state of the 
 howse bothe inwardely and utterward, and if the kinges grace 
 pleasur be notwithstonding herre desyer for suche considerations 
 as movith his grace for the reformation of suche abuses to tak the 
 howse by surrendre, then I besek your lordeschipp to admytt me 
 an humble sutar for my lady and herre sisters and the late abbasse 
 and suche as have covent scales for lyvinges in that howse, that 
 they may be favorably orderyd, specially my lady, wiche lately 
 payd herre fyrst fruytes, and wasse indaungeryd therfor unto 
 herre fryndes. Many of the mynchys(?) be also agyd, and as 1 per- 
 ceyve few of the other have any fryndes, wherfor I besek your 
 lordeschipp to be gudd lord unto them. In dyvers of the fryers 
 sup2:)ressyd they hadde no covent sealj^s, ffor my lord of Dover 
 tok them away, as they saye, and badd them lyve upon ther stock 
 and plate, and so dydd they, as apperithe. I have taken, wher the 
 kinges grace ys nott founder, a feofement also (besyd the sur- 
 rendre) made to me to the kinges use. I dydd it by my lord 
 Bawdwyns counsell at Aylisbery. I have sent uppe all the plate, 
 wyche commythe, with the plate I delyverd to M. Gostwik, to 
 xviijf. viij. unc. et di. Thys ys besyd the plate of Oxforde and the 
 Fryers of Redinge, wiche wasse befor delyverd to M. Thacker, 
 whom I have desyred to know your lordeschips pleasur in certen 
 articles necessary abowt my besynes. Oon of your lordeschips 
 injunctions geven in the kinges name ys that no fFryar schalbe 
 admytted to serve any cure. Now they be dimissed owt of ther 
 bowses, no man Avill admytt any of them to be curattes, unlesse 
 they do bring ther capacyties ; wherfor I besek your lordeschippe 
 we may have them with spede, ffor in the mean tyme the power
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 229 
 
 men be withowt lyvinges, and now I have sett many abrode. I 
 have sold no maner of thyng at Tollissop Crosfryers besyd War- 
 wikj* for the howse stondith alone, and if I hadde begon any sale, 
 all the howse wold have be spoylyd or I hadde com agen. I have 
 left all in safe custodye till my retornyng. In thausten fFryers at 
 Northampton,t a lytill befor my commyng, the prior devydyd xxx^^ 
 of plate money amonge hys brothern. In that I wold fayne know 
 your lordeschips pleasure : fFor that and other lyk maters, I 
 left the prior in prison, and I have xl^. of that money agen. As 
 your lordeschips pleasur schall farther be in all the premisses, I 
 schall in that and all other do my best diligens, by the grace of 
 almy5tie Godd, who with increse of moch honour long preserve 
 yower gudde lordeschipp. At Godstow, vj". Novembris. 
 
 Thys mornyng my lady holy referrithe her self to your lorde- 
 schijDs pleasur ; wherfor I besek your lordeschippe of your favorable 
 letters to herre, and also for your favour to herre and herre sisters 
 for ther lyvinges. When I am at the Chartre Howse of Coventry, 
 ColmeJ ys within iij. myles. 
 
 Your most bounden oratour and servant, 
 
 JoHAN London. 
 
 CXII. 
 
 THE ABBESS OF GODSTOW TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cottoa. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 228.] 
 
 Pleasithe hit your honour with my moste humble dewtye to be 
 advertised, that where it bathe pleasyd your lordeship to be the 
 
 • I find no mention of this house in the Monasticon. 
 
 t The small house of the Austin friars at Northampton (founded in 1322) had been 
 surrendered on the 28th of October. The prior was John Goodwyn. 
 + Combe abbey.
 
 230 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 verie meane to the kinges majestic for my preferment most un- 
 wortliie to be abbes of this the kynges monasterie of Godystowe, 
 in the whiche offyce I truste I have done the beste in my power 
 to the mayntenance of Godes trevve honour, Avithe all treuthe and 
 obedience to the kynges magestie, and was never movyd nor 
 desired by any creature in the kynges behalfe or in your lorde- 
 ships name to surrender and gyve upe the howse, nor was never 
 myndyd nor intendyd so to do otherwise then at the kinges 
 gratius commawndement or yours, to the whiche I do and have 
 ever done and will submyt my selfe most humblie and obedientlie, 
 and I truste to God that I have never ofFendyd Godes lawes, 
 nother the kynges, wherebie that this poore monasterie ought to 
 be suppressyd, and this notwithstondyng, my good lorde, so it 
 is that doctor Londone, whiche, as your lordeship dothe well 
 knowe, was ageynste my promotyon, and hathe ever sence borne 
 me greate malys and grudge, like my mortall enmye, is sodenlie 
 cuminyd unto me withe a greate rowte withe him, and here dothe 
 threten me and my susters, sayeng that he hathe the kynges com- 
 myssyon to suppres the house spyte of my tethe. And when he 
 sawe that I was contente that he shulde do all thinges accordyng 
 to his commyssyon, and shewyd him playne that I wolde never 
 surrender to his hande, beyng my awncyent enemye, now he be- 
 gynes to intreate me and to invegle my susters one by one other- 
 wise than ever I harde tell that any of the kynges subgectes hathe 
 bene handelyd, and here tarieth and contynueth to my grete coste 
 and charge, and will not taike my answere that I will not surrender 
 till I knowe the kynges gratious commawndement or youre good 
 lordeshipes. Therefore I do moste humblie beseche you to conty- 
 newe my goodlorde, as you everhave bene, and to directeyourhonor- 
 able lettres to remove him hens ; and whensoever the kinges gratius 
 commawndement or youres shall cum unto me, you shall fynde 
 me moste reddie and obedyent to foloe the same. And notwithe- 
 stondyng that doctour Londone, like a untrewe man, hathe informyd
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 23t 
 
 your lordeship that I am a spoiler and a waster, youre good 
 lordeshipe shall knowe that the contrarie is trewe, fFor I have 
 not alienatyd one halporthe of the goodes of this monasterie, 
 movable or unmovable, but have rather increasyd the same, nor 
 never made lease of any farme or pece of grownde belongyng to 
 this house other than hathe bene in tymes paste allwaies set 
 under covent scale for the Avealthe of the house. And, therefore, 
 my verie truste is that I shall fynde the kynge as gratius lorde 
 unto me as he is to all other his subgectes, seyng I have not 
 oflFendyd, and am and wilbe most obedyent to his moste gratious 
 commawndement at all tymes, withe the grace of allmighty Jesus, 
 who ever preserve you in honour longe to indeure to his pleasure. 
 Amen. At Godistow, the v^'' dale of November. 
 
 Your moste bownden bedeswoman, 
 
 Katherine Bulkeley, abbes there. 
 
 From Godstow, we trace Dr. London to the priory of Twynbam or Christ's Church, 
 in Hampshire, the church of which still remains a most interesting monument of 
 early ecclesiastical architecture. This house was originally founded in the reign of 
 Edward the Confessor, The last prior was John Draper. 
 
 CXIII. 
 
 THE COMMISSIONERS TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 267*.] 
 
 Ower humble dewties observyd unto yovir gudde lordeshippe, it 
 may lyk the same to be advertised that we have taken the sur- 
 rendre of the late priorye of Christechurche Twynham, wher we 
 founde the prior a very honest conformable person, and the howse 
 well furnysschide with juellys and plate, wherof some be mete for 
 the kinges majestie is use, as a litill chalys of golde, a gudly lardge 
 crosse doble gylt with the foote garnysschyd with stone and 
 perle, two gudly basons doble gylt having the kinges armys well 
 inamylyd, a gudly greet pyxe for the sacrament doble gylt ; and
 
 232 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 ther be also other thinges of sylver right honest and of gudde 
 valewer, as well for the churche use as for the table, reservyd and 
 kept to the kinges use. In thys churche we founde a chaple and 
 . ( I monument curiosly made of Cane stone, preparyd by the late 
 / mother of Raynolde Pole* for herre buriall, wiche we have 
 " causyd to be defacyd and all the armys and badgis clerly to be 
 
 delete. The surveyng of the demaynys of thys howse, wiche be 
 lardge and baryn, and som partt therof xx*^'. mylys from the mo- 
 nastery, wiche we also do survey and mesure, hathe causyd usse 
 to mak longer abode at thys place then we intendyd. And now 
 we be in jorney towardes Amysbery, wher we schall use like dili- 
 gens for the accomplisshing of the kinges highnes commission, 
 and as sone as we have don ther we schall farther certifie your 
 lordeschippe of our doinges. And thus M^e beseke almy5tie Jhesus 
 longe to preserve your gudde lordeschippe with increse of moche 
 honour. At Christchurche, ij" Decembris. 
 
 Your lordschipes humbly to comand, 
 
 robt. sowthwell. 
 
 Edward Carxe. 
 
 Jhon London. 
 
 Rychard Poulet. 
 
 William Berners. 
 
 It appears by the following that Dr. London had been to Coventry and Northampton, 
 as he intimated his intention in a former letter. He is now returned to Oxford, where 
 we found him at the beginning of his correspondence. 
 
 CXIV. 
 
 DR. LONDON TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 208.] 
 
 In my most humble maner I have me commendyd unto your 
 
 * Cardinal Pole. His mother was severely persecuted by the crown.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 233 
 
 gudd lordeschippe, with my assurede prayer and servys during my 
 lyf, I have sent unto your gudde lordeschippe a power tokyn, 
 beseking almy3tie Godde most hartelye nott oonly to graunt unto 
 yow thys new yere prosperose, butt many moo also, to the hyghe 
 pleasure of Godde and the great comfortt of your lordeschipp and 
 all your boundon oratours.* I have also sent with the same power 
 tokyn the half-yere fee it pleasithe yow to accept of me and my 
 power howse. Godde willing, I schall now with all diligens applie 
 the execution of the commission I hadde of your lordeschippe in 
 places wher as yet I have nott be. M. Williams, I trust, hathe 
 certefied your lordeschippe what we have don at Ensham f and 
 Notley, and at the Crowche Fryers at Newberye.J And with the 
 farmers of Ensham I have don my best diligens for syr George 
 Darcye,§ and do trust that we shall com to som gudde conclusion. 
 Thys day the late abbott, they, and I shall mete agen for that 
 purpos. Att Delapray besyde Northampton § I have taken 
 thabbesse surrendre. Sche ys a gudde agydd woman, and lately 
 hadde the kinges chartre for the contynuance of herre howse ; 
 that notwithstonding, she willingly withowt any refusall renderyd 
 unto the kinges majestic that chartre, wiche with herre and her 
 sisters surrendre I have sent by thys berar, and acording to your 
 commaundment have putt Small, M. Hennage kinsman, in pos- 
 session of the same. And forasmoche as I founde that late abbesse 
 
 * On the old custom of giving new year's gifts (^trennes), still preserved in France, 
 see Brand's Popular Antiquities, vol. i. pp. 5 — 11 (ed. 1841). 
 
 + The abbey of Ensham, or Eynsham, in Oxfordshire, was founded by Athelmer 
 earl of Cornwall and Devonshire, at the beginning of the eleventh century. It was a 
 rich house. The last prior was Anthony Dunstan, a^ia* Kitchen, who was subsequently 
 (in 1545) made bishop of Landaff. 
 
 + This was a small priory at Donnington, near Newbury, in Berkshire. See the 
 Monasticon, vi. p. 1562. Henry White was the last prior. 
 
 § Sir George Darcy was the elder brother of Sir Arthur Parcy, mentioned before, 
 and was restored to his father's title of Lord Darcy in the 2nd Edw. VI. 
 
 II Delapre (De-la-preJ, a Cluniac nunnery in the parish of Hardingstone, founded 
 in the reign of king Stephen by Simon de St. Liz, earl of Northampton. 
 
 CAMD. see. 2 II
 
 234 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 SO comformable, and the howse in so gudde state, considering 
 dyvers grave chardges sche hathebe att, I dydde assigne unto herre 
 for her comfortt in herre great age the fowrt partt of the schepe, 
 viz. fyve score, a certen of every kynde of grayne, a certen of 
 every sort of the catell, wherof I founde praty store, and lyk- 
 wise of the stuff and iraplementes, beseking your lordeschippe to 
 ratefie the same, and to be gudde lorde unto herre and to herre 
 power sisters in ther pensions. I have also receyvide the unwise 
 letters wryten by the monkes of the Chartre House in Coventrye.* 
 Ther and at the priory I schall I trust accoinplishe the kinges grace 
 pleasur and yowers. And forasmoche as Colme ys so nye unto 
 Coventry, and thabbott with all hys fryndes at your lordeschips 
 commaundement, as I am pryvie of ther myndes, if it be your 
 lordeschips pleasure I schall be gladde to goo thorow with that 
 howse also. All the sortt of them do lok dulye for ther departing, 
 and therfor they mak ther handes by leesys, salys o£ wodde, and 
 of ther plate. I suppose thys abbott will leve hys howse and 
 landes lyk an honest man ; Avherfor, inasmoche the howse hathe 
 many gudly commodities, wherof if any be lett (as in dede sora 
 be) and muII easily com agen to your lordeschips hondes, I think it 
 best your lordeschijip do tak itt while yt ys at the beste. I am 
 so bolde to desyer M, Thacker to know your lordeschips pleasur 
 in certen other thinges, wiche I schall duly accomplische with the 
 help of God, who with increse of moche honour long preserve your 
 gudde lordeschippe. Oxon., xxviij. Decembris. 
 
 I have sent to your lordeschippe also a coote of idolytrie, with 
 iij. frontlettes apperteynyng to the furnyture of the same. I have 
 dyvers other propre thinges, as two heddes of seynt Ursula, wich 
 bycause ther ys no maner of sylver abowt them, I reserve tyll I 
 have another hedd of herse, wich I schall fynd in my waye within 
 thees xiiij. dayes, as I am creadably informyd. 
 
 Your most bounden oratour, 
 
 JoHAN London. 
 
 * The monastery of St. Anne near Coventry, founded by William lord Zouch in 
 1381, for Carthusian monks.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 235 
 
 In the following letter we find Dr. London still on his way to Coventry : it is 
 supplementary to the preceeding. 
 
 cxv. 
 
 DR. LONDON TO SIR RICHARD RICH (?). 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 207*.] 
 
 Right worschipfull, in my most harty maner I have me com- 
 mendyd unto yowj in lyk maner thankinge yow for your kynde 
 paynys taken for me, wherby ye have bound me to ow yow the 
 best servys I can do yow, and therof always ye schall be well as- 
 sured. I besek yow to delyver unto my lord suche surrenders as I 
 have sent uppe. The plate of Notley and Ensham M. WilHams 
 being in commission with me ther hath brow3t uppe ; and at the 
 Crowche Fryers besyd Newbery wasse no more butt a power 
 chalys. The londes be gudde xxij"^. by yere, butt the guddes all 
 were nott worth the mynistre rewardyd vj". 
 
 At Delapray I hadde ij. chalyces and a pyxe, and the howse 
 wasse pratily storyd with catell and corn. Ye schall se me mak 
 yow a praty bank by that tym I com next uppe. I pray yow 
 know my lordes [will], and that I may be acertenyd of the same in 
 thinges folowing. 
 
 Imprimis, my lord commandyd me to putt M. Lucy in pos- 
 session of the Crowch Fryers howse in Thelsford,* and now he 
 wry tithe that I schall putt M. Cheynye in possession of the same. 
 If M. Lucy schall have Thelsford, then if my lord so will that 
 I do go to Nuncotton or Stikkiswold nonryes t in Lincoln schyer, 
 M. Cheyney may be servyd in som of them. 
 
 * The friary of Thelesford in Warwickshire was founded in the reign of king John. 
 Edward Davy was the last prior. 
 
 f The Cistercian nunnery of Stykeswold, or Stixwold, in Lincolnshire, was founded 
 by the widow of Ranulph first earl of Chester, in the reign of Stephen. It had been 
 refounded after the act for the suppression of the smaller monasteries, under which it 
 fell. The last prioress was Mary Missenden.
 
 236 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 If my lord will have me do any thing at Colme, then I wolde 
 my lord wold send soni oon of hys trusty servantes to me at my 
 being ther, to receyve the howse with all other rekenynges to my 
 lordes use, the guddes indifferently praysed. He can nott have a 
 more commodiose howse, and the longer he taryeth the warsse 
 every thing will be, as universally they mak ther handes all they 
 can that yet do remayne nott suppressyd. When I am at Coventry, 
 I am but iij. myles from Colme. And if my lord percase have 
 syns my being ther sett hys mynde upon any other place, then 
 help M. Gregory or M. Richard may have ytt, ffor yt ys a thynge 
 to be taken. 
 
 Your own bounden assuredly, 
 
 JoHAN London. 
 
 Ill the next letter we find Dr. London and his fellow commissioners at Gloucester, 
 ■which had been recently visited by the bishop of Dover, whose letters are given on a 
 former page. 
 
 exvi. 
 
 THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE WEST TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 254*.] 
 
 Ower humble dewties observyd unto your gudde lordeschippe, 
 it may lyke the same to be advertysede, that we have taken the 
 surrendre of the late monasterye of Haylys,* wher we founde the 
 father and all hys brothern very honest and conformable persons, 
 and the howse clerly owt of dett. Over that the father hadde hys 
 
 * The mitred abbey of Hayles, in Gloucestershire, was founded in the middle of the 
 thirteenth century, by Richard earl of Cornwall. Stephen Sagar was the last abbot.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 237 
 
 howse and groundes so well furnysschede with juellys, plate, stuff, 
 come, catell, and the wodes also so well savyd, as thoo he hadde 
 lokyde forre no alteration of hys howse. Hys arable londe also 
 wasse in lyk maner husbondyd, no small nombre of acres redy 
 sowen with whete, and the tylthe seasonablie orderyd for barlye ; 
 and dydde surrendre hys howse Avith suche discrete and frank 
 maner, as we have seen no other do better in all ower jorney. The 
 howse clerly dispacchede and conimyttede, acording to the kinges 
 majesties lettres, unto the custodye of M. Acton. We have 
 from that howse right honest sortes of juellys, plate, ornamentes, 
 and monye, besyde the garnysschyng of a small schryne, wherin 
 wasse reposyd the counterfett relyke in tymys past,* wiche all we 
 do saflye reserve unto the kinges highnes use, and thow3t it our 
 partes to declare and signifie unto your lordeschipe thys honest 
 manneis behaviour and doinges, to thentent he my3t have at your 
 hondes condinge prayse and thankes for hys trew dealinge, and to 
 humbly desyer your lordeschippe to be gudde lorde unto hym, as 
 hys full trust ys ye will be. We have dispacchyd Haylys and 
 Winchcombe,t and now be at Glocestre, wher we have taken the 
 surrendre, and be dyligently traveling for a new ordre to be sett 
 ther, wherin we fynde the more difficultye, for that as yet the 
 kinges highnes hathe nott deterrayd hys pleasure upon the master 
 that shall have the governance of thys congregation. From Glo- 
 cestre we go unto Teuxbery, wher thys weke we trust clerly to 
 mak a fynall conclusion of all our commissions for thys schyer, as 
 we have now don in Hampschyer and Wilshyer, and schall use no 
 
 * The following note of the fate of this counterfeit relique, which had been seized 
 some weeks before the date of this letter, is found in Holinshed : — " 1538. The 
 foure and twentith of November, the bishop of Rochester preached at Paules crosse 
 and there shewed the bloud of Hales, and affirmed the same to be no bloud, but honie 
 clarified, and coloured with saffron, as it had beene evidentlie proved before the king 
 and his counceil." 
 
 t The abbey of Winchcombe, or Winchelescombe, in Gloucestershire, was founded 
 by Oswald bishop of Worcester in 985, in the place of a much more ancient nunnery. 
 The last abbot was Richard Ancelme, Anstelme, or Mounslow.
 
 238 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 lesse diligens for the next of Worcestre schyer, by the grace of 
 almyghty Godde, who with increse of raoche honour longe pre- 
 serve your gudd lordeschippe. At Glocestre, iiij°. Januarii. 
 Your lordschipes most humbly to be comandyd, 
 
 Robert Sowthwell. 
 
 Edward Carne. 
 
 Rl. GWENT. JoHAN ArNOLD. 
 
 Johan London. Johan Ap Rice. 
 
 William Berners. Rycharde Poulet. 
 
 Bishop Lee, the -writer of the following letter, was lord president of the principality 
 and marches of Wales, the court of government of which was held at Ludlow. The 
 following letter is dated from Wigmore Castle. 
 
 CXVII. 
 BISHOP LEE TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 256*.] 
 
 Right honerabile, my dewte rememberyde unto youer good lord- 
 schippe, it may plesse the same to caule unto youer lordschypesre- 
 memberans my seute mayd to your lordschipe for the cathedrall 
 churche of Coventre, for the contynewans of the same, that apon 
 alteracion it myght stonde : we moweyd soe to doo, for soe miche it 
 is my principallsee and hede churche. Whereunto youer lordschype 
 dyd gyff me levyng answere of comfurthe ; and now I am informyd 
 by the letteres herein inclosseyd frome the mayre and aldermen of 
 the citee, that doctor London repareys thether for the suppression 
 of the same. My good lorde, helpe me and the cite bothe in thys, 
 and that the churche may stonde, wherby I may kepe my name, 
 and the cite have commodite and ease to theyre desyre, wiche
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 239 
 
 schall folew, if by your goodnes it myght be browght to a colege 
 churche, as Liche., and see that poyre cite schall have a per- 
 petuall comfurthe of the same, as knowyth the holy Trenite, whoo 
 preserve youer lordschyp in honor to youer hartys comfurth. At 
 Wigmere, xij°. Januarii. 
 
 Youer lordschypes most bownden, 
 
 Roland Co. et Lich. 
 
 Having thus traced the proceedings of Dr. London, in his progress during the autumn 
 and winter of 1538, we shall return to the summer of that year, to give a few miscel- 
 laneous letters relating to different parts of the country, beginning with Essex. 
 
 CXVIII. 
 SIR THOMAS AUDLEY TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 201.] 
 
 After my right herty comendacions to your good lordshipp, I 
 sende to you a true copy of the value of the goodes of Seynt 
 Osies,* and of the particularytees therof, delyvered to me by 
 Myldmay the auditour, oon of the comyssioners, wherby your lord- 
 shipp may perceyve the contentes of al the same goodes, with the 
 estymate of leade and belles. I was not at the dissolucion of the 
 howse, nor have eny penyworthe of the goodes, but I thynke the 
 comyssioners have servyd the kynges mageste bothe honestely and 
 truly. The comyssioners were syr John Seynteler, syr William 
 Pirton, Myldmay, and Jobson, whiche be ij of the comyt of the 
 augmentacion, and a master of the chancery with them, to take 
 
 * The priory of St. Osith's was founded for Austin canons sometime before the year 
 1118, by Richard de Belmeis, bishop of London. Its site is said to Iiave been occu- 
 pied, in Saxon times, by a very ancient nunnery. The last prior was John Colchester, 
 a/ia» Witherick. The site was granted to Lord Cromwell in the 31 Hen. VIH.
 
 240 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 the surrendir. In dede I sent for the abbott afore the dissolu- 
 cion, and inducyd hym to yelde the ho\yse to the kynges mageste 
 with ins good wyll, and that he shuld exort his covent to con- 
 forme them to the same, who by my advise and exortacon con- 
 formed them selfes as hvxmble subgettes without murmours or 
 grugge, wherin I trust I have not for my part servyd the kynges 
 highnes amysse. And now I beseche your good lordshipp to 
 further my sute. His mageste grantyd al my sute in effect 
 durynge his graces plesure, and my bil ys for terme of hfF. They 
 be offices and feez that must be gevyn, and I trust to serve his 
 grace honestely in them. I have no fFee nor office of his highnes 
 but the chancelourshipp, and althoughe yt be hye and honorabill, 
 yet it ys cumberous and chargeable. Praying your lordshipp to 
 knowe his magesteez plesure of this litel svite, to the entent I may 
 know the end therof, wherby your good lordshipp shal admynyster 
 to me a right gret plesure and quyetnes. And as towchynge the 
 archedekenry of Leycettour, I take it that your lordshipp ys at 
 appoynt for me to have it, and to giff my lord of Hereford Ixxx^i ; for 
 your lordshipp ones so advertised me by your lettres ; besechyng 
 you therfore to help to the resignacion therof, and the kynges lettre 
 to the byshop of Lincoln for the aleccion. The name of the 
 person that shuld have it ys William More, clerk, byshopp suffra- 
 gan of Colchester. Yf the resignacion and lettre be opteyned, my 
 servant shal discharche the Ixxx'i. at London to my lord of Here- 
 fordes use, where your lordshipp wil apoynt hym. I have wryten 
 to my ffrend Pope to dispache it for me. I hertely desire your 
 good lordshipp to putt me to an end and quyetnes in this mater. 
 And for the travayles your lordshipp takyth in my sutes at this 
 tyme, I wil accordyng to my last lettre gif you xx'' towardes 
 your paynes, and my poor herty good will duryng my liff. Yt 
 may lik your lordshipp to understond, that the lord of Seynt 
 Johanns hath sent to me for comyssion to gather the ffrarys. I have 
 warrant to make them ye know by the gret boke that the gret 
 master opteyned at the kynges hand ; neverthelesse I staye in
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 241 
 
 yt til I may knowe the kynges plesure there. He seyth the 
 kynges mageste hath the x*l>. of the rates therof in the value of 
 his possessionz. He makyth rnoche a do for them. I beseche 
 your good lordshipp to move the kynges mageste in yt and to 
 advertise me of his graces plesure therof, besechyng you also to 
 make my most humble recomendacion to his mageste, besechyng 
 our Lord to send his highnes longe and prosperus lyff. And thus 
 flfare your good lordshipp as wel and with as longe lifF as I wold 
 my self. Scribelid at Eston, at the erle of Essex liowse, the xij. 
 day of August. 
 
 Thankes be to our Lord, the contree ys in good order and quyet- 
 nes abowt me, and there where I have been, and begyn to fall to 
 good quyetnes without contencons. 
 
 Your lordshippes assured to his pour, 
 
 Thomas Audeley, chauncelour. 
 
 The next letter is also from the chancellor Audley. The priory of Walden was 
 founded in 1136 by the first Geoffrey de Mandeville, earl of Essex. It was changed 
 into an abbey towards the end of the twelfth century. The last abbot was William 
 More, suffragan bishop of Colchester, mentioned in the preceding letter. The site 
 was granted to Sir Thomas Audley, whose descendant, Thomas, earl of Suffolk, in the 
 reign of James I., built on the ruins the noble residence of Audley End, now the seat 
 of Lord Braybrooke. 
 
 CXIX. 
 SIR THOMAS AUDLEY TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 197.] 
 
 Please it your good lordship to understond, that I have sercli- 
 ed for the just value of Walden, and send to you the parti- 
 culariteez therof, assuring you that it ys valued to the most, as al 
 the monesteryes in Essex were, and also it ys treuth that all ys 
 owt in lease by the predecessour of the now comendatery for 
 many yeres. The comendatery at the lest can have no lesse then cc. 
 
 CAMD. soc. - I
 
 212 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 markes pencion, viij. monkes prestes every of them viij.". at the lest, 
 summa Ixiiijl'. The dettes of the howse to the kynges grace and 
 others amountyth to c.". and above, as I am enformed. I beseche 
 your good lordshipp be my good lord in this my sute, yf it shal plese 
 the kynges mageste to be so good and gracius lord to me, it shal 
 sett forth as moche my pour estymacion as the valuof thethynge. 
 In the besy world I susteyned damage and injory, and this shal re- 
 store me to honeste and comodyte. The kynges majeste hath be 
 so good lord to me that I can not of right crave eny thyng, but of 
 his owen goodnes and liberalyte. And where I have promysed 
 you to gyf his highnez v^. markes redy mony, if ye thynke it to 
 litell, order me as his grace may be best plesid, so that I may 
 have dayes for the rest ; fFor, on my fayth, I am in dett ; besech- 
 yng your good lordshipp to use this my sute as the kynges 
 highnes shal not thynke nor conceyve me to be inportune, fFor I 
 desire more his graces contentacion then eny prolight in the world. 
 I have lost by capacyteez liberally and frely granted to relegeous 
 persones of al the howses suppressid, of very ordynary fFeez 
 anexid to my office above a m^'., and have it no recompens for it. 
 The charges of the rebellion and the occasion cost me xj<=. markes 
 and above ; but that mony was wel bestowed, and ifor my office 
 that the kynges highnes gafe me of exchange, I can take no como- 
 dyte by it. I do not repete these thynges but to your lordshipp, 
 not to be declarid to the kynges mageste, as for eny consideracion 
 to restore me, ffor al this and al that I have done and shall do 
 in servyce duryng my life, his highnes hath recompensid with 
 more then I can or may deserve. Remyttyng now all thynge 
 to your lordshippes wisdom to use this my pour sute as to your 
 dyscrecion shal seme best and most convenient, and that whiche 
 I promysed your lordshipp ye shal have, with more, and my hart 
 and good wil duryng my lifF; and thus fare your lordshipp hartely 
 ■ivell. Wry ten this Satirday in the mornyng. 
 
 Your assured to his pour, 
 
 Thomas At^deley, k. chanceler.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 24S 
 
 The next letter relates to the abbey of Vale Royal in Cheshire, founded by Edward 
 I. in 1277. The last abbot was John Harwood, who formally surrendered on the 7th 
 of September, 30 Hen. VIII, 
 
 cxx. 
 
 DR. LEGH TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Harl. No. 604, fol. 56.] 
 
 In my most humble manner I commend me unto your good 
 lordship, ever more thanckyng you of your manyfycency and gret 
 goodnes at all tymes shewyd unto me, advertising your lordship, 
 that wheras I have hetherto, accordyng to your commaundement, 
 visite tharchedaconrye of Coventry, Stafford, Derby, and parte of 
 Cheshyre, for that I can perceyve accordingly as I heretofore have 
 wryttyn unto you, ther lackythe nothyng but good and godly 
 instruction of the rude and poore people, and reformation of the 
 heddis in thes partyes. For certen of the knyghtes and gentil- 
 men, and most commonly all, lyvythe so incontinently, havyng 
 ther concubynes openly in ther howses, with v. or vj. of their 
 chyldren, putting from them their wyfes, that all the contrey ther- 
 with be not a litill offendyd and takithe evyll example of theym. 
 Wherfor hetherto I have geven and sent commaundement to them, 
 (forasmoche as I culd not speke with them all, by reason they 
 war at the assyses) to put from them immediatly suche concu- 
 bynes as they have hetherto notoriously and manyfestly occupyed 
 and kept, and to take agen their wyfes, or ellys to appere before 
 your lordship to shewe a cause whye they shuld not be compellyd. 
 And iff your lordship wyll commaunde any other thyng to be 
 doon in the premissis, I shall be redy to accomplyshe the same. 
 And seing my lord of Norfolke ys cum to the cowrte, I shall most 
 humbly desire you to have me in remembrans. And thus Jliesu 
 preserve you and have you in his moste firme tuytion, with moche 
 increase of honor, according to the contentation of your lordshi])s
 
 244 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 most noble good hartes desyre. From the monastery of A'^ale 
 Royall, the xxij*'. day of August. 
 
 Your lordscyps ever att commandment, 
 
 Thomas Legh. 
 
 To the right honerable and bis singuler 
 good lord, my lord prevy seall, this be 
 delyvered. 
 
 In the following letter, which is imperfect at the beginning, the abbot of Vale Royal 
 refuses to acknowledge the deed of surrender. (^ Ji-4J^<ni.-h^ , t .l . tiiiU Ju. inU. ^-(J-en. 
 
 t^tu^.^ CXXI. 
 
 THE ABBOT OF VALE ROYAL TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Harl. No. 604, fol. 62.] 
 
 '(& fff 'K ^ T^ 
 
 me and my brothren the kynges most graciouse and drade com- 
 myssion, wherein his graciouse plesure was that for the gratuytye 
 that his grace trusted in me and my brethren^ that we wold clere- 
 lye of our own consentes surrendre into his graciose handes our 
 monasterye, beying of his most graciouse foundacion, and whereof 
 your lordship is stuard. My good lorde, the truthe is, I nor my 
 said brethern have never consented to surrendre our monasterye, 
 nor yett doo, nor never will doo by our good willes, onles it shall 
 please the kynges grace to gifF to us commandement so to doo, 
 whiche I can not perceve in the commyssion of maister Holcroft 
 so to bee. And if any informacyon be gifFon unto his magestye, 
 or unto your good lordship, that we shulde consent to sur- 
 rendre, as is above sayd, I assure your good lordship, apon my 
 fidelitie and truthe, there was never non suche consent made by 
 me nor my brethren, nor no person nor persons had auctoritye so
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 245 
 
 to do in our names. Wherefore I humbly beseche your good 
 lordship, in whome is my single trust under God and the kynges 
 magestye, to be meane for us unto his grace, so that we may con- 
 tynewe in our sayd raonasterye to pray for his most noble grace 
 and your good lordship, whiche ve shall dayly doo, accordyng to 
 our bounden duyties, duryng our lyves. I assure your lordshipe I 
 am cumyng upwardes as fast as my sekenes will suflFre me, to be- 
 seche your lordshipe of charite to be good to our pouer monastery. 
 I sende unto your lordshipe the bill indented made by me and my 
 brethren, whiche in presence of worshipfull men I proffered to 
 M. Holcroft, whiche to take he refused. And thus our Lord 
 God preserve your lordshipe in good helthe. Writen at Lychefyld, 
 the ix. day of Septembre, by your pouer bedeman, 
 
 Jo HAN, abbot of Valerayall. 
 
 To the ryght honorable sir Thomas 
 Cromewell, knyght, lord Cromewell, 
 lord prevye seall, and ehieff secre- 
 tarye to the kynges highenes. 
 
 We have next another letter of the chancellor Audley, which relates to the two houses 
 of St. Osith's (mentioned before) and St. John's at Colchester. The latter was 
 founded by Eudo Dapifer at the beginning of the twelfth century. The last abbot was 
 John Beche, who was executed Dec. 1, 1539, for his opposition to the king's com- 
 mands. His predecessor had suffered the same fate. 
 
 CXXII. 
 
 SIR THOMAS AUDLEY TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From the State Papers, vol. i. p. 586.] 
 
 After ray right harty comendations to your good lordship, with 
 my most harty thankes for your last gentill letters, I am required 
 by the erle of Oxford and master chauncelour to desire your 
 good lordshipp, in all our names, to make our moost humble 
 recommendations to the kynges mageste, and to render ouer most
 
 246 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 harty thankes to his highnes for our licens to visite and see my 
 £A-a.ni. lord prynces grace,* whom, accordyng to our desires and duteez, 
 we have seen, to our most rejoise and comfort, next the kynges 
 mageste. And I assure your lordshipp I never sawe so goodly a 
 childe of his age, so mery, so plesaunt, so good and lovyng counte- 
 nans, and so ernest an ye, as it were a sage juggement towardes 
 every person that repayreth to his grace ; and, as it semyth to 
 me, thankes be to our Lord, his grace encresith well in the ayer 
 that he ys in. And albeyt a litell his graces flesche decayeth, yet 
 he shotyth owt in length, and wexith ferme and stiff, and can 
 stedfastly stond, and wold avaunce hymself to move and go, if 
 they wold suffir hym ; but as me semyth they do yet best, con- 
 sideryng his grace is yet tendir, that he shuld not streyn hymself, 
 as his owen corage wold serve hym, till he cum above a yere of age. 
 1 was right glad to understond there that the kynges mageste wil 
 have his grace removyd from Haveryng now ageynst wynter 
 tyme ; for surely it semythe to me that the house Avil be a cold 
 howse for wynter, but for somer it ys a good and a goodly ayer. 
 I can not comprehend nor describe the goodly towardljj^ qualiteez 
 that ys in my lord princes grace. He ys sent of almyty Good for 
 al our comfortes. My dayly and contynual prayer ys and shalbe 
 for his good and prosperus preservation, and to make his grace 
 an olde prince, besechyng your good lordeshipp to rendir to the 
 kynges mageste thankes in al our names as ys abovesayd. 
 
 Suche brutes hath runne, sythen my last departyng from your 
 good lordshipp, concernyng the dissolution of the abbeys of seynt 
 Johns in Colchester and seynt Osyes, that I am bold to wryte 
 to your good lordshipp after myn old sute for the contynuans of 
 the said 2 places, not, as they bee, religeous, but that it mought 
 plese the kynges mageste of his goodnes to translate them into 
 collegys, after suche sort and ordynaunces as shall seme most 
 
 * Prince Edward, son of Queen Jane Seymour, born Oct. 12, 1537, afterwards 
 King Edward VI.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 247 
 
 charitable to his highnez ; for the whiche, as I seyd to you afore, 
 his grace may have of eythir of them a £1000, that ys for bothe 
 £2000, and the gyft of the deanes and prebendaryes at his owen 
 plesure. The cause I move this ys, fyrst, I consider that seynt 
 Johns stondyth in his graces owen town at Colchester, wherin 
 dwel many pour people, whiche have dayly relefe of the house ; 
 another cause, bothe these howses be in the ende of the shire of 
 Essex, where litel hospitality shalbe kept, yf these be dissolved. 
 For as for Seynt Jones lakkyth water, and seynt Osyes stondyth 
 in the mersches, not very holsom, so that fewe of reputation, as I 
 thynke, wil kepe contynual howses in eny of them, oonlez it be a 
 congregation, as ther be nowe. There ys also 20 howses, gret 
 and smal, dissolved, in the shire of Essex, all redy. These, and 
 many other considerationz, movyth me to be a suter for ther 
 traunslationz ; and yet I will not nor mynde in eny wise to move 
 or speke in this mater othirwise than shal stond with the kynges 
 plesure ; nor, in good fayth, I entend not to have eny particler 
 avauntage for ther standyng. Yt hath plesid the kynges mageste 
 to gifF me leve to exchange londes and thynges with eyther of 
 the house, wher with I am satisfyed, and right hertely thanke his 
 highnes for the same. I beseche you, my good lord, if yourlord- 
 shipp shal thynke thys sute honest and resonable, to move this 
 mater to the kynges mageste, and to sett it ernestly forward. Your 
 lordshipp knowing bothe the howses, as ye do, can alegge more 
 better considerations then I can imagyn or wryte. And thus I 
 trobill you with my sutes oft tymes, and can not recompens your 
 often gentilnesses and paynes taken for me but with my pour 
 harty good will, whereof your lordeshipp shall be suer duryng my 
 lyiF. And besides that, if ye can or may opteyn this sute for the 
 traunslation of these 2 howses, your lordeshipp shal have for 
 your favour therin £200, besechyng you to travayle therin and to 
 advertise me, as sone as ye shal se tyrae, of the towardnes or 
 ontowardnes therof. And thus, as a bolde sutour, puttyng your 
 good lordshipp in remembrauns of al myn olde sutes, to use them
 
 248 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 at your owen leysur, I beseche our Lord to send your lordshipp 
 as good helth, and as wel to fare as T wold myself. Wryten at 
 Berecburch, the Sth day of September. 
 
 Your assured, to all his power, 
 
 Thomas Audeley, k. chauncelour. 
 
 Post scripta. Forasmoche as this day I ryde into Suffolk, to 
 mete the duke of Norfolk at Framyngham, to kyll sum of his 
 bukkes there, I thought good to advertise your lordeshipp therof. 
 His grace desired to have had me to Kenynghale, to his howse 
 there, but I besought hym to pardon me therof, it was so ferre 
 from me ; and so, to satisfy his desire, I promysed to mete hym 
 at Framyngham, whiche ys but 24 miles from me ; besechyng 
 your lordeshipp to advertise me, by your next letters, of the 
 kynges magestes retourne to London, or nere there abowt, with 
 such other occurrauntes, as your lordshipp maye. And thus fare 
 your good lordshipp hertely well. 
 
 The following letter relates to the abbey of Whitby, which has been already men- 
 tioned in the present volume. 
 
 CXXIII. 
 THE PRIOR OF GISBURNE AND TRISTRAM TESHE TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton, Cleop. E. iv. fol. 48.] 
 
 Maye it please your good lordeshippe to be advertised, that ac- 
 cordinge to the kinges majestic commaundement we have byne 
 at the monasterie of Whitbye, to have taken thelection of a newe 
 abbott there. Aftre moch comunication hadd with the bretheren 
 of the same howsse, we movid them according to your lordeship 
 pleasure to compromitte the election into our handes, and 
 therupon we to have nominate hym that your lordeshipp com-
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES, 249 
 
 maunded us in your lettres. And yet they nott therwith con- 
 tentid, we moved them of newe to compromitt their saed election 
 unto your lordeshipp, to thintent that your lordeshipp might have, 
 nominat, and elect any at your pleasure ; and utterly that also 
 they have refused. And that forsomych as your lordeshipp hath 
 send downe the congie (Teslier and free election from the kinges 
 majestic, they woll not therfore go to any oodre election, but onlie 
 per viam scrutinii. And forsomych as we can not induce them to 
 compromitt their saed election neither to your lordeship nor to 
 us, we have continued the said election tyll we be certified of 
 the kinges and your lordeshipp further pleasure herin. And, 
 that doon, syr Robert Woodhowsse, prior claustrall of the said 
 monasterie, with the counsael of his adherentes which perversly 
 resisted and withstode your lordeshippis pleasure and commaund- 
 ment, we beyng their present, did departe withow3t our knowledg, 
 and is commyng towarde your lordeshipp to make (as we doo 
 thinke) sume sinistre and untrewe reporte and enforraacion, to 
 whome we humbly besech your lordeshipp geve no creadaunce, 
 unto such tyme as we may flfurther certifie your lordeshippe of 
 his and their demeanors in the premisses, which we shall doo with 
 as moche spede and diligence as we canne. And thus allmyghty 
 God preserve your lordeshipp in honor. At Whitbye, the viij'^'\ 
 day of Octobre, anno Domini 1538. 
 
 Your lordshipps most humble bedman, 
 
 Robert Silvester, prior of Gysburne. 
 
 Your lordeships moste bounden oratour, 
 
 Tristram Teshe. 
 
 The next letter relates to the great abbey of St. Alban's, in Hertfordshire, the abbot 
 of which house also was obstinate in resisting the dissolution. The last abbot of St. 
 Alban's was Richard Boreman, alias Stevenage. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 2 K
 
 250 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 CXXIV. 
 THE COMMISSIONERS TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 43.] 
 
 Please it your lordeship to be advertised, at our commyng to 
 Sainct All)ons on Thursedaye last we beganne a visitacion amonges 
 the moonkes, thabbot being than in Londone. And bicause we 
 wolde the more fully knowe the hole state of alle thinges, taried 
 the lenger in thexaminacion of theym. And upon Friedaye last 
 we sent a monicion for the abbot to appere before us, who camme 
 hether on Saturday bifore none, whome we have likewise as fully 
 examined upon alle thinges as we might. And allthoughe as 
 well by the examinacion of the moonkes as by confessioun of 
 thabbot hymself ther doth appere confessed and fully proved 
 juste cause of deprivacion ageinst thabbot, not only for breking of 
 the kinges injunctiouns, but also for manifest dilapidacioun, making 
 of shiftes, negligent administracion, and sundry other causes, yet, 
 by what meanes we knowe not, in alle communications or motions 
 made concernyng any surrendre he sheweth hymself so stiife, 
 that, as he saith, he woUe rather choyse to begge his bredde alle 
 the dayes of his lif than consent to any surrender. We have 
 everich of us severally and also alle togethers communed with 
 hym and used alle suche motions as we tliought might moste 
 further that purpose, but he contynueth allweys one man and 
 waxeth hourely more obstinate and lesse conformable. Whether 
 he so doo upon trust and confidence of any frendeshipp, we knowe 
 not. The premisses we thought our bounden duetie to signifie 
 unto your lordeshippe, moste humbly beseching the same that we 
 maye by Mr. doctour Layton knowe the kinges highnes further 
 pleasure by you, whether we shalle contynewe in this processe of 
 deprivacion ageinst hym and so deprive hym according to thorder 
 of justice without lenger delaye ; which doone the house wilbe 
 in suche debt that we thinke no man willc take thoffice of abl)ot
 
 SUPPRESSION' OF MONASTERIES. 251 
 
 here upon liyrn, except any doo it only for that purpose to sur- 
 render the same to the kinges handes ; and by thies meanes we 
 thinke this thing maye most easely and with leste speche be 
 brought to the kinges highnes purpose. Or els whether we 
 shalle staye in owre processe at this tyme^ and appoynte some 
 longer daye to here the sentence of deprivacioun, leaving hym in 
 the meane tyrae in utter desperacion of any favour ; which weye 
 maye also be occasion that he, whan it shalle appere unto hym 
 that he shal be deprived, wille perchaunce sue to have his surrender 
 taken, bicause he wolde be assured of some lyving. The premisses 
 we referre to the kinges highnes pleaser, which knowen by your 
 lordeship, we shalle with alle our possible diligence confourme 
 ourselfes to accomplishe the same, and in the meane tyme travaille 
 with the moonks to knowe howe many of theym maye be in- 
 duced to this purpose. Thus almighty God have your lorde- 
 ship in his blessed keping. From Sainct Albons, the x^^^ of De- 
 cember. 
 
 Youre lordscyps ever att commandement 
 
 Thomas Legh. 
 Your Lordyshippes most bounden servant, 
 
 William Petre. 
 
 The nunnery of Gracedieu, at Belton in Leicestershire, was founded by Rohesia de 
 Verdon, in the 24th of Hen. III. The last prioress was Agnes Litherland. 
 
 cxxv. 
 
 JOHN BEAUMONT TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 216*.] 
 
 My dutye unto your ryght honorable lordshype in moste humble 
 fforme remembred, pleyseth hyt the same to be by thes advertysed.
 
 252 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 that I have caused xxi'. to be delyvered unto my fFelowe Thomas 
 Avery to the use of your good lordeshype, humbly besechyng your 
 lordshyppes fFavour and goodnes that as shall stand wyth the kynges 
 plesure I may other purchase or have in fFerm the demenez of 
 Gracedewe abbey, whych I am in possessyon of, and my fFelowe 
 Whalley to eethere, by your honorable lettres. Whych seyd 
 abbey the erle of Huntyngdon * doth labour to take ffrom me, 
 whych have no truste but of your lordshyppes goodnes, wythoute 
 whych I am undoyn ; fFor I do ffeyre the seyd erle and hys sonnes 
 do seke my lyffe, and all fFor the truthe sake, fFor I have secret 
 warnyng by one ofF hys counsell to weyre a prevy cote, whych ys 
 not sufFycyent fFor me, hys powere beyng envyron my poore 
 howse. Besechyng God that your lordeshyp wyll take in good 
 parte my inornate colleccyon of the kynges supremyty, wherin 
 ys no thyng apte to be presented unto your lordshyp, but the 
 apparaunce of a trewe herte, with whych I shall contenewally 
 pray and labour to send your lordshyp your moste noble hertes 
 desyre. From Whellesborough, the xxvij*"^ daye of Decembre. 
 
 Your humble servaunt, 
 
 John BEAMouNT.t 
 
 * This was George Hastings, first earl of Huntingdon of the family which still 
 enjoys the title. 
 
 f John Beaumont, Esq. of Thringston, county of Leicester, was appointed Jan. 30, 
 1534-5, to take the ecclesiastical survey of the county of Leicester. He was appointed 
 Recorder of Leicester in 1350, and in the same year, Dec. 3, was constituted Master 
 of the Rolls. He resigned that office in disgrace May 28, 1552. He was grandfather 
 of Francis Beaumont, the dramatic poet. (See Nichols's History of Leicestershire, 
 vol. iii. pp. 655, 661*, 1125.) His "fellow Whalley" above mentioned was the 
 receiver of Yorkshire.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 
 
 253 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 FINAL SUPPRESSION OF THE MONASTIC HOUSES AND CONFIS- 
 CATION OF THEIR PROPERTY. 
 
 After the searching visitation of the commissioners sent round the country in 1538, 
 only a few of the larger houses, chiefly the mitred abbeys, remained unsuppressed. 
 Some of these latter had been voluntarily surrendered, or confiscated by the attainder 
 of their abbots. From the Journals of the House of Lords, we find that in the par- 
 liament of 1536, on the seventeenth of July, the following abbots were present (distin- 
 guished by a p.) or voted by proxy. 
 
 p. Abbas Westm. 
 
 p. Abbas sancti Albani. 
 
 Abbas sancti Augustini Cantor, 
 p. Abbas Burgi sancti Edmundi. 
 
 Abbas sancte Marie Ebor. 
 
 Abbas Glaston. 
 p. Abbas de Abyngdon. 
 
 Abbas Glocestre. 
 
 Abbas de Ramesey. 
 
 Abbas de Evesham. 
 
 Abbas Burgi sancti Petri, 
 p. Abbas de Redyng. 
 p. Abbas de Malmesbury. 
 p. Abbas de Crowlande. 
 
 p. Abbas de Selby. 
 
 Abbas Bardeney. 
 p. Abbas de BsUo. 
 p. Abbas de Thorney. 
 p. Abbas de Wynchecombe. 
 p. Abbas de Waltham. 
 p. Abbas Cirencest. 
 p. Prior de Coventre. 
 p. Abbas de Tewkesbury. 
 
 Abbas Salopie. 
 
 Abbas de Hyde. 
 
 Abbas sancti Benedicti. 
 
 Abbas Colohestrie. 
 
 Abbas Tavestok. 
 
 In the parliament which was opened on the 28th of April, 1539, they were dimi- 
 nished to the following list, showing those who were present or sent their proxies on 
 that day. 
 
 Abbas Westm. 
 Abbas sancti Albani. 
 Abbas Burgi sancti Edmundi. 
 Abbas beate Marie Ebor. 
 Abbas de Glaston. 
 
 p. Abbas de Glocestrie. 
 p. Abbas de Ramsey, 
 p. Abbas de Evesham, 
 p. Abbas Burgi sancti Petri. 
 
 Abbas sancti Johannis Colcestrie.
 
 254 LETTERS liELATlNG TO THE 
 
 p. Abbas de Retlyng. p. Abbas de Wynchcombe. 
 
 p. Abbas de Malmesbury. p. Abbas de Waltham. 
 
 p. Abbas de Crowlande. p. Abbas Cirencestrie. 
 
 p. Abbas de Selby. p. Abbas Tewkysbury. 
 
 p. Abbas de Thorney. Abbas Tavestock. 
 
 When this parliament held its second session, beginning on the 12th of April, 1540, 
 all the abbots had disappeared from the house. It was in fact in the session of 1539 
 that the act was passed giving the monastic estates to the king (Statutes, 31 Hen. VIII. 
 chap. 13). This act, after reciting that a great number of religious houses had been 
 voluntarily surrendered to the king, invests them, as well as all houses afterwards to be 
 surrendered or dissolved, with all their sites, possessions, &c. in the king and his suc- 
 cessors. It contains a general saving of rights to present tenants, &c., with a proviso 
 annulling all leases or grants made within a year before the dissolution, which was 
 called for by the eagerness with which the monks endeavoured to make away the pro- 
 perty of their houses to enrich themselves before they were driven out, which is 
 frequently alluded to in the foregoing letters. 
 
 The Act of Parliament just alluded to did not dissolve the monasteries. It appears 
 to have been the policy of the court to persuade or terrify the occupants into a volun- 
 tary surrender, which was successful, except in a very small number of instances. 
 Several of the abbots who were stubborn in refusing surrender, or who thwarted the 
 king's measures or disobeyed his arbitrary commands, were on one charge or other 
 indicted for high treason, and brought to the block or to the gallows, which helped to 
 strike terror into the others. Among these were John Beche, abbot of St. John's at 
 Colchester, Hugh Cook, abbot of Reading, and Richard Whiting, abbot of the ancient 
 and noble abbey of Glastonbury. The following letters relate to the trial and execution 
 of the person last mentioned. The death of abbot Wliiting appears to have caused a 
 great sensation and to have been long remembered in the West of England ; a Somer- 
 setshire peasant, visiting Glastonbury on his way to London, in a song of the seven- 
 teenth century,* is made to say, — 
 
 " Ice azked whose tooke downe the leads an the heels, 
 And thay tould me a doctar that lived about Wels ; 
 In the 7th of Jozhua pray bid them goe looke. 
 Chill be hanged if thick same chaptar be not out of his booke. 
 
 Vor thare you may reade about Achans wedge, 
 How thick zame goolden thing did zettz teeth an edge. 
 'Tis an ominous thing how this church is abused. 
 Remember how poor abbott Whitting was used." 
 
 * A Collection of Pieces in the Dialect of Zummerzet. Edited by James Orchard 
 Halliwell, Esq. (8vo. Lond. 1843.) p. 4.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 255 
 
 CXXVI. 
 
 THE COMMISSIONERS TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From Burnet's Reform, vol. ui.p. 160, who printed it from MSS. Tanner * at Oxford.] 
 
 A Letter of the visitors, sent to examine the Abbot of Glass enbury . 
 
 Please hyt your lordship to be advertised, that we came to 
 Glastenbury on Fryday last past, about tenn of the clock in the 
 forenoone : and for that the abbot was then at Sharpham, a place 
 of hys, a myle and somewhat more fro thabbey, we, without 
 any delay, went unto the same place ; and there, after communica- 
 tion declaring unto him theffect of our coming, examined him 
 upon certain articles. And for that his answer was not then to 
 our purpose, we advised him to call to his remembrance that which 
 he had as then forgotten, and so declare the truth, and then 
 came with him the same day to the abbey; and there of new pro- 
 ceeded that night to search his study for letters and books : and 
 found in his study secretly laid, as well a written book of argu- 
 ments against the divorce of his kinges majestic and the lady 
 dowager, which we take to be a great matters, as also divers par- 
 dons, copies of bulls, and the counterfit lyfe of Thomas Bequet in 
 print ; but we could not find any letter that was materiall. And 
 so we proceeded again to his examination concerning the articles 
 we received from your lordship, in the answers whereof, as we 
 take it, shall appear his cankerd and traitorous heart and mind 
 against the kinges majestic and his succession ; as by the same 
 answers, syned with his hand, and sent to your lordship by this 
 bearer, more plainly shall appear. And so, with as fair words as 
 
 * It would have been desirable to have collated this letter with the original ; but, 
 although the Tanner MSS. have been a century in the Bodleian Library, they still 
 remain uncatalogued, and, out of the large number of volumes of letters in that collec- 
 tion, it is almost useless to search for a single document.
 
 250* LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 we could, we have conveyed him from hence into the tower, being 
 but a very weak man and sickly. And as yet we have neither 
 discharged servant nor monk ; but now the abbot being gone, we 
 will, with as much celerity as we may, proceed to the dispatching 
 of them. We have in money 300/. and above ; but the certainty 
 of plate and other stufFe there as yet we know not, for we have 
 not had opportunity for the same, but shortly we intend (God 
 willing) to proceed to the same ; whereof we shall ascertain your 
 lordship so shortly as we may. This is also to advertise your 
 lordship, that we have found a fair chalice of gold, and divers 
 other parcels of plate, which the abbot had hid secretly from all 
 such commissioners as have bine there in times past ; and as yet 
 he knoweth not that we have found the same : whereby we think, 
 that he thought to make his hand, by his untruth to his kinges 
 majesty. It may please your lordship to advertise us of the 
 kinges pleasure by this bearer, to whom we shall deliver the cus- 
 tody and keeping of the house, with such stuff as we intend to 
 leave there convenient to the kinges use. We assure your lord- 
 ship it is the goodliest house of that sort that ever we have seen. 
 We wold that your lordship did know it as we do ; then we doubt 
 not but your lordship would judge it a house mete for the kinges 
 majesty, and for no man else : which is to our great comfort ; and 
 we trust verily that there shall never come any double hood within 
 that house again. Also this is to advertise your lordship, that 
 there is never a one doctor within that house ; but there be three 
 batchelors of divinity, which be but meanly learned, as we can 
 perceive. And thus our Lord preserve your good lordship. 
 From Glastenbury, the 22 day of September. 
 
 Yours to command, 
 
 Richard Pollard. 
 
 Thomas Moyle. 
 
 Richard LaytOxV. 
 
 To the ryght honorable and their 
 syngular good lord, my lord 
 pryvye seal, thys be delivired.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 257 
 
 CXXVII. 
 THE COMMISSIONERS TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From the State Papers, vol. i. p. G19.] 
 
 Pleasithe hytt your lordeshippe to be advertisedj that sithen 
 our letters last dyrectide unto yow from Glastou.;, we have dayly 
 fownde and tryede oute bothe money and plate hyde and 
 muryde up in wallis, vauttis, and other secrette placis as well by 
 thabbott as other of the coventt, and also convaide to diverse 
 placis in the countrye. And in case we shoulde here tarry this 
 fortnigthe, we do suppose daily to increase in plate and other 
 goodis by false knaves convayde. And emonge other petty 
 bryberies, we have founde the twoo thresorers of the churche, 
 monkis, with the 2 clarkis of the vestry, temporall men, in so 
 arraunte and manifeste robery, that we have commyttide the 
 same to the jayle. At our first entree into the threser house, 
 and vestre also, we nether fownde jewellis, plate, nor ornamenttis 
 sufficient to serve a pour parishe churche, wherof we colde not 
 a litell marvill ; and therupon ymmediatly made so diligent 
 enquirye and serche, that with vigilante labour we muche im- 
 provide the same, and have recoveride agayne into our handes 
 bothe money, plate, and adornamenttis of the churche. How 
 muche plate we knowe not, for we hade no ley sure yet to wey 
 the same ; but we thinke hit of a greate valewe, and we increase 
 itt more every day, and shall doo, as we suppois, for our tyrae 
 here beinge. We assure your lordeshippe that thabbott and the 
 monkis forsaide hade ymbecelyde and stollyne as muche plate 
 and adornamentes as wolde have sufficide to have begone a new 
 abbay ; what they mentte therby, we leve itt to your judgmentt. 
 Whether tlie kyngis pleasur slialbe to execute his lawis upon the 
 saide 4 persones, and to mynister them justice, according to their 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 2 L
 
 'y LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 ■;3rtes, or to extende his mercy toNvardes them, and what his 
 : jesties pleasur is, hitt may please your lordeshipp to advertise 
 . tlierof. The liouse is grcate, goodly, and so pryncely as we 
 ■"3 not sene the lyke ; with 4 parkes adjoynynge, the fm'ther- 
 ::e of them but 4 myles distaunte from the house ; a grete 
 ■ re, whiche ys 5 miles cumpas, being a myle and a halfe 
 *ante from the house, well replenished with greate pykis, 
 •:jraes, perche, and roche ; 4 faire manour placis, belonginge to 
 .3 late abbott, the furthermost but 3 myles distante, beynge 
 .:)dly mansions; and also one in Dorsettshire, 20 myles dis- 
 r.te from the late monastery. We have dispachyde the ser- 
 •-'.ntes, with their halfe-yeres wagies, gevinge humble thankis to 
 3 kingis majestie for the same ; the monkes also, withe the 
 .:'gis benevolence and rewarde, and have assigned them pen- 
 as. We fynde them vei'y glade to departe, most humbly 
 ;;.:^kinge the kyngis majestie of his grete goodnes moste gra- 
 nisly showyde unto them at this tyme, as well for his gracis 
 . '.rde as also for their pentyons. Cattell we intende to sell for 
 . .y money ; and to let owte the pastures and demeynes now 
 .■.;a Mighelmas forthe quarterly, untill the kingis pleasure 
 . :rin be further knowyne, to thentente his grace shall lease no 
 .! c, for thabbott had muche pasture grounde in his hande. 
 • :.;er newys we knowe none, but that almighty God have you in 
 . -: ! uytioTi. From Glaston., this 28 day of September. 
 Youres to command, 
 
 Rychard Pollard. 
 Thomas Moyle. 
 Ric. Layton. 
 
 ;• right honorable and our 
 i ,uler good lorde, my lorde 
 ; .• . V scale.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. ";>./ 
 
 CXXVIII. 
 
 THE COMMISSIONERS TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From the State Papers, vol. i. p. 621.] 
 
 Pleasyth hytt youre good lordshyp to be advertysed, tha'v, 
 sythens the dyrection of oure laste letters unto youre lordshypp, 
 we have come to knowlege of dyvers and sundrye treasons coni- 
 mytted and done Ijy the abbot of Glastonbury ; the certentyc 
 wherof shall appeyre unto youre lordeshyppe in a boke herein in- 
 closyd, and the accusers names put to the same, wych we thyngke 
 to be verye haut and ranke treasons. And thus Jesu preserve 
 youre good lordshypp. Frome Glastonbury, the second daye of 
 Octobre. 
 
 Yours to command, 
 
 Rychard Pollard. 
 
 Thomas Moyle. 
 
 Ric. Layton. 
 
 To the ryght honorable and 
 theare synguler good lord, 
 my lord pryvye seale, thys 
 be delivered. 
 
 CXXIX. 
 
 LORD RUSSELL TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 99*.] 
 
 Right honourable and my verey good lorde, pleaseth youre lorde- 
 shipp to be advertysed, that I have receyved youre lettres dated 
 the xij*'!. daye of this preasent, and understond by the same youre
 
 l&) 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 lordeshipps greate goodnes towardes my friende the abbott off 
 Peterborough, for whome I have ben ofte bolde to wryte unto 
 youre good lordeshipp, moste hartely thankynge your lordeshipp 
 for that and all other youre goodnes that I have fouade at youre 
 good lordeshipps handes, even so desiering you, my lorde, longe to 
 contynew in the same. My lorde, thies shalbe to asserteyne, that 
 on Thursdaye the xiiij*^^ daye of this present moneth the abbott of 
 Glastonburye was arrayned, and the next daye putt to executyon, 
 wythij. other of his monkes,for the robbyngof Glastonburye churche, 
 on the Torre Hyll, next unto the towne of Glaston., the seyde ab- 
 bottes body beyng devyded in fower partes, and heedd stryken oflf, 
 whereof oone quarter stondythe at Welles, another at Bathe, and at 
 Ylchester and Brigewater the rest, and his hedd uppon the abbey 
 gate at Glaston. And as concern ynge the rape and burglary 
 commytted, those parties are all condempned, and fower of theym 
 putt to executyon at the place of the act don, whiche is called the 
 Were, and there adjudged to hange styll in chaynes to thensample of 
 others. As for Capon, oone of the seyde offenders condempned, I 
 have repried according to your lordeshipps letters, of whome I shall 
 further shew unto you at my next repayre unto the courte. And 
 here I do sende your lordeshipp enclosed the names of thenquest 
 that passed on Whytyng the seid abbott, whiche I ensure you, my 
 lorde, is as worsshij^full a jurye as was charged here thies many 
 yeres. And there was never seene in thies partes so greate 
 apparaunce as were here at this present tyme, and never better 
 wyllyng to serve the kyng. My lorde, I ensure you there were 
 many bylles put upp ageynst the abbott by hys tenauntes and 
 others, for wronges and injuryes that he hadd donne theym. 
 And I commytt your good lordeshipp to the keapyng of the 
 blessed Trynyte. From Welles, the xvj. daye of Novembre. 
 
 Your owen to commande, 
 
 J. Russell.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 261 
 
 CXXX. 
 
 RICHARD POLLARD TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 133*.] 
 
 Pleasyth it youre lordshyp to be advertysed, that synse my 
 laste letter sent unto youre lordshyp bearyng date the xv. daye of 
 Novembre, the same xv. daye the late abbott of Glastonberye 
 ■went frome Welly s to Glastonberye, and there was drawyn 
 thorowe the towne apon a hurdyll to the hyll callyd the Torre, 
 wheare he was putto execucion ; att wyche tyme he askyd God 
 mercye and the kyng for hys great oflFensys towardes hys hyghenes, 
 and also desyred my servauntes then beyng there present to se the 
 execucion done, that they Avoid be meane to my lord president 
 and to me thatt we shold desyre the kynges hyghenes of hys 
 mercyfull goodnes and in the waye of charytye to forgyve hym his 
 great offensys by hym commytted and done ageynste hys grace, 
 and thereapon toke hys deathe very pacyently, and hyse hede and 
 body bestowyd in lyke maner as I certyfyed youre lordshyp in my 
 last letter. And lykewyse the other ij. monkys desyred lyke for- 
 gyvenes, and toke there deathe verye pacyently, whose sowllys 
 God pardon. And whereas I att my last beyng wyth youre lord- 
 shyp att Londone movyd youre lordshyp for my brother Paulett, 
 desyryng youre lordshyp to be a meane that he myght have the 
 surveorshype of Glastonbery, wyche I dowt nott but he wyll use 
 and exercyse the sayd offyce to the kynges moyste profytt and 
 advantage, and youre lordshyppes goodnes herein to hym to be 
 showyd he shall recompense to hys lytle powere, I assure your 
 lordshyp he hathe byn very dylygent, and dyvers other by hys 
 meanys, to serve the kynge att thys tyme, accordyng to hys dewtye 
 and ryght. So was Nycholas fytz James, John Sydnam, and 
 Thomas Hornar, youre servantes. Also thys ys to advertyse
 
 1^62 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 youre lordshyp that the late abbott of Glastonberye, afore his 
 execution, was examyned apon dyvers articles and interrogatoryes 
 to hym mynystred by me, but he cowld accuse no man but hym 
 selfe of any offense ageynst the kynges hyghnes, nor he wold 
 confesse no more goold nor sylver nor any other thyng more then 
 he dyd afore youre lordshyp in the Towre. My lord Russell 
 takythe hys jorney this present daye from Wellys towardes Lon- 
 done. I suppose hytt wylbe nere Crystmas before I shall have 
 surveyd the landes att Glastonberye, and takyn the audyte there. 
 Other newes I knowe none, as knowythe God, who ever preserve 
 youre lordshype. Frome Wellys, the xvj. daye of Novembre. 
 
 Your assuryd to command, 
 
 Rychard Pollard. 
 
 Many projects appear to have been started for the purpose of turning the monastic 
 houses and estates to some public use. We have seen in the foregoing letters different 
 suggestions of this kind, some wishing them to be applied to purposes of education, 
 others praying for their preservation for " the keeping up of hospitality." The advo- 
 cates of the latter proposition did not understand the great social revolution which 
 was then commencing. The king appears to have entertained a plan of apply- 
 ing them to increase the number of bishopricks. In MS. Cotton. Cleop. E, iv. fol. 
 182, we find a draught of a proposed act of parliament to embody, in a certain degree 
 all these purposes, which was drawn up after the suppression of the lesser monasteries, 
 and by which it was proposed " to keep hospitality at the place of the dissolved abbies ; 
 that no bishop have above 1000 marks a year ; that all monks, canons, and nuns be 
 closely confined to their abbeys, and have 40s. a year, besides victuals, and abbots £5; 
 that governors be appointed to each house, with a salary of a 1000 marks a year to 
 keep hospitality, if the revenues will answer ; and that the rest of the revenues be 
 applied for the defence of the realm, mending highways, &c." In the same volume 
 we have fragments of another project, drawn up apparently at the time of the dissolu- 
 tion of the greater monasteries, and which certainly originated with the king. The 
 commencement is written, and corrected, in the king's own hand, and runs as follows 
 (MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 305.) :— 
 
 " Forasrauche as it is nott unknowne the slowghful and ungodly lyfF whyche hath 
 bene usid amonst all thos sort whyche have borne the name off religius folke, and to 
 the intente that hensforthe meny off them niyght be tornyd to better use (as heraffter 
 shall folow), werby Godes worde myght the better be sett forthe, cliyJdren broght up
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 
 
 263 
 
 in lernyng, clerces nuryshyd in the universites, olde servantes decayd to have lyfynges, 
 allmeshousys for pour folke to be sustaynyd in, reders off Grece, Ebrew, and Latyne 
 to have good stypende, dayly almes to be mynystrate, mendyng off hyght wayse, exhy- 
 bission for mynysters off the chyrche, it is thowght therfore unto the kynges hyghtnes 
 most expedient and necessary that mo bysshopprycys, colegyall and cathedralle 
 chyrchys, shulbe establyshyd in sted of thes forsayd relygyus housys, within the fonda- 
 sion weroff other tytylles affore rehersyd shalbe stablysyd." 
 
 This is followed by a commencement of a preamble of a law written by another hand ; 
 and it is accompanied by the following plan for new bishopricks, &c. on a separate 
 sheet of paper, written in the king's hand, but apparently incomplete. 
 
 CXXXI. 
 
 PROJECT FOR NEW BISHOPS' SEES. 
 [From MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. fol. 304*.] 
 
 Byshopprychys to he new made. 
 
 Essex 
 
 Hertforde . 
 
 Bedfordshyre and 
 Buckyngham • 
 
 Oxford and 
 
 Barkshyre 
 Northhamton and 
 
 Hontyng. 
 Mydelsex 
 Lecestre and 
 
 Rowttland 
 Glocester- 
 
 shyre 
 
 Lancaster 
 SufFolke 
 
 . — Waltam. 
 
 . — Saynt Albonys. 
 
 '^ Dunstable 
 
 V Nowenham 
 *J Elnestowe. 
 
 > Osnay and Tame. 
 
 > Peterburrow. 
 
 .1 
 
 .} 
 
 Westra. 
 Laycester. 
 
 Saynt Peters. 
 
 -\ Fontayne and 
 . \ archdeconry 
 J off Rychemond. 
 . — Burv.
 
 26'4 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 Stafford and 1 oi i 
 
 Saloppe . . J Shrewsbury. 
 
 Not. and r Welbek 
 
 Derby . . .) Worsop and 
 
 L Turgarton, 
 
 r Lanceston 
 Cornewall . . J Bedmynne 
 
 (. with another. 
 
 Plasys to be altheryd acordyng to our devyse whyche have sees 
 
 in them. 
 
 Cryst chyrche in Cantorbury. 
 
 Saynt Swytynnys. 
 
 Elye. 
 
 Durhame. 
 
 Rochester with a part off Lydes. 
 
 Worcester. 
 
 and all others havyng the same. 
 
 Plasys to be alieryd into coleges and scolles wonly. 
 Burton super Trent. 
 
 The project of law last mentioned appears to have shared the same fate as the one 
 preceding ; but the king carried into effect a part of his plan of establishing new 
 bishops' sees. Three of those mentioned in the list were created within two years 
 after the dissolution of the houses on the ruins of which they were established. In 1541 
 John Chambers, last abbot of Peterborough, was made first bishop of Peterborough. 
 At the close of the year 1540, Thomas Thirlby (who had no successor) was appointed 
 bishop of Westminster. In 1541 also, the king appointed Robert Kyng, last abbot 
 of Oseney, bishop of Oxfordshire, making Oseney abbey church his cathedral, but 
 the see was soon afterwards moved to Christ Church, Oxford.* The abbey of Oseney, 
 
 * " Upon the erection of the new bishopricks by king Henry the Eighth, in 1542, 
 the abbey of Oseney was changed into a cathedral church of Christ and the blessed
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 265 
 
 founded in 1129 by Robert de Oily, stood within the suburbs of Oxford. The Cister- 
 cian abbey of Thame, or Tame, also in Oxfordshire, was founded in 1137 or 1138 ; its 
 last abbot also signs himself Robert Kyng, and was perhaps the same person as the 
 last abbot of Oseney. Henry VIII. established two other new bishoprics on monastic 
 sites, those of Bristol and Gloucester ; the first bishop of Gloucester, John Wakeman, 
 had been abbot of Tewkesbury. 
 
 Many of the monastic estates were retained in the crown several years, but in the 
 sequel they were nearly all sold to secular proprietors, after the moveables and even 
 the materials of the buildings had been disposed of for the use of the king. The fol- 
 lowing documents, which will help to show the manner in which the moveables of the 
 religious houses were sold, are selected from the papers of the Scudamores of Here- 
 fordshire, now in the British Museum. The first contains a part of the accounts of 
 John Scudamore, the king's receiver for several counties on the borders of Wales ; it 
 will help to throw a light on the domestic economy of the monks, and may be compared 
 with the survey of the moveable property of the abbey of Peterborough printed in 
 Gunton's History. 
 
 Of the houses to which it relates, Bordesley abbey, in Worcestershire, was founded 
 by the empress Matilda in 1 136. It was surrendered on the 17th July, 30 Hen. VIII. 
 (a.d. 1538) ; the last abbot was John Day. 
 
 Of the Grey Friars at Stafford very little is known ; it stood in the north part of the 
 town. The Austin priory of St. Thomas at Stafford is said to have been founded about 
 1180 by the bishop of Coventry and Lichfield ; the last prior was Robert Wythell. 
 
 The Grey Friars of Lichfield is described by Leland as being in the south-west part 
 of the town ; but its history is also very obscure. 
 
 The Cistercian abbey of Crokesden, or Croxden, in Staffordshire, was founded about 
 1179 by the Verdons ; its last abbot was Thomas Chawner. 
 
 Rouceter Abbey, also in Stafi'ordshire, was founded by Richard Bacon] for^ black 
 monks about the year 1146. The last prior was William Grafton. 
 
 Very little is known of the abbey of Hilton, or Hulton, in Staffordshire ; it was 
 founded by Henry de Audeley, early in the thirteenth century, and its last abbot bore 
 the name of John. 
 
 Virgin, wherein were settled a dean, prebendaries, &c. who were to be the chapter of 
 the bishop of Oxfordshire, whose palace was to be at Gloucester Hall : but this esta- 
 blishment continued not above three or four years, when, in 1546, the conventual 
 church of St. Frideswide, then called King Henry the Eighth's College, was made the 
 cathedral, and called Christ Church." (Monasticon.) 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 2 M
 
 266 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 CXXXII. 
 
 ACCOUNTS OF JOHN SCUDAMORE. 
 
 J 
 
 VllJ^ 
 
 vij'. ^y 
 
 [From MS. Addit. in Mus. Brit. No, 11,041, fol. 86.] 
 
 Bordesley. — Sales ther made the xxiij^i^. day of September, anno 
 regni regis Henrici viij^'. xxx™o., at the survey 
 ther. 
 pFyrst, sold to RafFe Sheldon esquyer, -^ 
 I and Mr. Markeham, the iron and I , -.g 
 I glasse in the wyndowes of the north- 
 ^ syde of the cloyster 
 rltem, sold to Mr. Markeham the old 
 sol, < broken tyle house at the reddyche 
 L and a lytle house by the same 
 -Item, recevyd of Mr. Fowke Grevylle 
 esquyer, for a ffyne for the lytle 
 house by Seynt Stephens chappell, ^ vj^ 
 with the close belongyng to the 
 . same* .... 
 
 'Item, recevyd of the same Mr. Gre- "^ 
 vylle for a lytle table and the / 
 I. pavyng stone ther . . J 
 
 ritem, sold to Mr. Markeham the ^ 
 sol. < pavyng tyle of the northsyde of > 
 C the cloyster . . . . J 
 
 ritem, a lytle belle sold to Raphe \ 
 \ Sheldon esquyer . . . j 
 
 rItem, the pavement of the est syde -n 
 sol. <f of the cloyster sold to a servaunt \ 
 (. of the busshoppes of Worceter . J 
 
 sol. 
 
 sol. 
 
 VllJ" 
 
 iij\ iiij^. 
 
 xxx* 
 
 * This article is erased in the original, as though the bargain had not held good.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 26/ 
 
 fltem, the glasse of the est syde of "I 
 sol \ /" vii* vi^. 
 
 * \ the cloyster sold to Mr. Morgon .J J ' J * 
 
 ritem, sold to Thomas Norton a but- "^ 
 
 sol. / teras of stone at the est ende of the > xij^. 
 
 L churche* . . . .J 
 
 Summa ult. :sxx^n j^^^ oneratur. 
 pro campan. | 
 
 J 1 '^^^ ^^^^ °^ goodes ther made the xxvij^l' day of 
 
 ^ V September, anno xxx"^o. Henrici viij^., as herafter 
 
 * , followyth 
 
 surrendryd -* 
 
 Kechyn fFyrst, sold to the warden of the seyd ^ 
 
 sol. (_ fryers ij. brasse pottes . . j ^ ' 
 
 1 ritem, ij. brasse pottes sold to Edward 'I .... 
 
 \ Scudamour . . . j ^ ' 
 
 1 fltem, sold to the towene of Stafford ii. ^ 
 sol. < ' > V* 
 
 |_ church candelstyckes . .J * 
 
 ritem, sold to the seyd Scudamour ij. "] 
 
 sol < ^^^'^ "^^ > xviii'* 
 
 ' I coberds, a cobert, a spytt, and a | ' ^ ' 
 
 L tryvett . . . .J 
 
 sol. Item, sold to the wardene vj. plattes . ij^ 
 
 I Item, a fryeng panne and a peyre of I 
 ' I pothangles sold to the seyd Scuda- | ^^ * 
 ^ mour . . . .J 
 
 sol. Item, ij pannes sold to . . vj'^. 
 
 ritem, sold to the baylyf of Staff, a pott-1 ^^..j, 
 
 ^°'- 1 bangles . . -....•]■ ""' 
 
 Summa xxij^ ijJ. 
 
 Butterie 
 
 srie fltem, sold to Doryngton a "1 
 
 sol. \ gret basen . . • _) 
 
 XX" 
 
 Summa patet. 
 Churche. Item, a cope of tawny damaske . xij'^ 
 
 * This article also is erased in the original.
 
 sol. < old i^rest velvet sold to Johan \ xiij^. iiij'i. 
 
 268 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 rltem, a vestment and ij. tynakles of 
 
 < old i^rest v( 
 
 L Savage baylyf 
 
 ritem, sold to Thomas Williams ii. copes "1 
 sol. < e -iA 4. >. r X d. 
 
 L of redd tartarne . . • J *^ 
 
 fltem, a sute of blue sarcenet sold to 1 -.. ■'-.. 
 ^°'- \ Thomas Cradock . . . ) "'' '"J " 
 
 ritem, a sute of grene branchyd sylk, ^ 
 "«^- t sold to Mr. Offeley . . / ^J^' ^"J 
 
 {Item, ij. tynakles of dunne sylk, sold "1 
 to Pereson . , , j 
 
 fltem, iij. auter clothes, sold to Robert T 
 1 Doryngton . . . f" 
 
 {Item, ij. tynakles of dunne sylk, sold "l 
 to Pereson . . . r ^^'^ 
 
 fltem, iij. auter clothes, sold to Robert 
 ^^^' \ Doryngton 
 
 {Item, a cope of lynyn clothe steynyd 
 sold to a fryer 
 sol /Item, ij. table clothes, sold to John 
 
 vji. 
 
 sol. 
 
 j Item, ij. raoie ciotnes, som to Jonn ^ 
 \ a Lee . . . . r 
 
 ("Item, ij. corperas casys, sold to the ^ 
 1 prior . . . . /" iiij'^. 
 
 ritem, a corperas, sold to the wardens ~j 
 \ of the churche . . . j ^"J • 
 
 1 ritem, sold to William Beutrey a stre- "1 
 
 \ mer of lynyn clothe . . j •* * 
 
 ritem, a vestment of blue fustian and 'v 
 
 ^ol* J one of whyt diaper, sold to fryere \ yj'*. 
 I Wood . . . . j ' 
 
 sol fltsm, a sute of vestmentes of yolowe T 
 
 \ say, sold to Edward Rogers . j ^^ * 
 
 ("Item, sold to John Webbe the tymber ~] 
 
 sol. 1 worke in the hyegh quyer, and a ! . ^ ... 
 "^ auter of alablaster in the body of f ' ^ 
 
 the churche . . . J 
 
 sol. fltem, sold to Rychard Lees all the ^ -a 
 j_ setes . . ^ . j
 
 rid 
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 269 
 
 r Item, a table of allablaster standyng T ij*. viij'^. 
 \ in the church, sold to Mr. Loveson j 
 r Item, in Seynt Fraunces chapelle all ■\ 
 sol I ^^® seates sold to Robert Doryng- \ iiijd. 
 V. ton . . , .J 
 
 {Item, a image of Seynt Katerine, sold "l 
 to Lee . . . j ^J* 
 
 J Item, sold to Robert Doryngton, old "I 
 L bokes and a cofer in the library . j ^J • 
 . fltem, sold a old peyre of portatyfFes ~< 
 
 1_ organs to Mr. Besum . . j ^f' 
 
 ritem, an old cofer, in the vestry, 1 
 ^°^* \ sold t(^ Jamys Clement . . ]' ^'f- ^^^f' 
 
 fltem, old wexe, sold to Robert 'i 
 L Doryngton . . . j "" 
 
 r Item, a lampe, sold to Robert Dorjmg- o 
 
 (Item, a iampe, sold to Kobert Doryng- O 
 ton . . . . f 
 
 r Item, old bokes in the vestry, sold to ^ 
 \ the same Robert . . . r" 
 
 {Item, sold to Robert Whytgreve, a i 
 missale . . . . j 
 
 ritera, ij. aulter candelstyckes and a S 
 < pykes of copper, sold to Mr. Swyn- > 
 V. nerton . . . .J 
 
 mj' 
 
 viij^ 
 
 viij' 
 
 xij'*. 
 
 sol. Item, a bere franke, sold to . jia^ 
 
 Summa lv^ viij'^. 
 
 Bruehouse. — Item, sold to the under baylyfF and 
 
 r to the late warden of the Fryers "j 
 
 I J iij. leads, one to brue in, and ij. to ' ....^ ... 
 
 I kele in, fates, iiij tubbes, a bultyng | ^ ' ^ 
 
 [_ hutche, and a knedyng trowghe . J 
 
 gQJ ("Item, ij. peces of tymber lyeng in the "1 
 
 \ bruehouse, sold to BagnoU . j •' ' 
 
 Summa xv^.
 
 270 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 Hall, 
 sol. 
 
 sol. 
 
 sol. 
 
 ritem, a table on the north syde of "1 
 
 \ the hall, sold to Robert Danes . j 
 
 {Item, sold to the hyeghe baylyff, the "| 
 
 table on the sowthsyde of the hall j 
 
 {Item, sold to Robert Wetwood, the ^ 
 
 table at the hyeghe deske . J 
 
 Summa iij^ iiij'^. 
 
 xvj' 
 
 xvj' 
 
 viij' 
 
 Buyldynges. — Item, soldtoJamysLusone esquyer 
 all the churche and quyer, with all 
 ' edyfyengs and buyldynges within 
 the precinct of the Fryers Minours 
 surrendryd, with all the stone, tym- 
 ber, tyle, glasse, and iron in the 
 same,ledd and belles only exceptyd, 
 and also exceptyd and reservyd the 
 stone wall next unto the towne of 
 Stafford .... 
 Item, sold to the towneshyp, the wall 
 
 sol. 
 
 A of the Fryers next unto the towne 
 Summa xxix". v^. 
 
 XXIX". XX". 
 
 pro qua quidem 
 summa pre- 
 fatus Jacobus 
 /•obligat. lateral, 
 ad solvend. ad 
 fest. Pur. beate 
 Marie et Na- 
 tivitat. Sancti 
 Johannis equal. 
 
 } 
 
 ly . iiij' 
 
 Sum of all the goodes"^ 
 
 and buyldynges of Vxxxiiij^ 
 the seyd ffryers sold J 
 
 nj= 
 
 cj'. ij*^ 
 
 Item, ij. belles, one a sauncebelle, the other by estimation x'^"'- 
 in the custodye of Mr. Luson. 
 
 Item, in ledd apon the quyer and a chapelle by estimation xlv. 
 fotes brode of bothe sydes and xliij. fotes long, in the custody of 
 baylyffes of Stafford. 
 
 The Austen"^ The sales of the goodes ther made the xxvij*^ day of 
 Fryers of > September, anno xxx™°. Regis Henrici viij. 
 Staff. J
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 271 
 
 Church sol /^y^^*' ^^^^ ^^ ^^' Whytgreve, a masse \ . 
 
 L boke . . . . J ^'J • 
 
 sol. Item, a cope of blake chamlet, sold . ij^ 
 
 C Item, a vestment and ij. tynaklez of ") 
 R. B. < blake say with albes and amyses, > iiijs. 
 
 ^ etc. sold to Richard Ward . J 
 
 ■p jy ritem, a vestment and ij tynakles of ^ 
 
 \ tawny sarcenett, sold to _J ^"J * 
 
 R. B. 
 
 xviijd. 
 
 xx"^ 
 
 if. viij''. 
 
 r Item, a vestment and ij. tynakles with- 
 R. B. < out albes of bawdekyn with images 
 
 V. of our lady, sold to Mr. Luson . j 
 
 r Item, ij. tynakles with albes, bawde- -n 
 R. B. < kyn with bryddes, sold to \ iij^ iiij^ 
 
 t Affley . . . .J 
 
 R B < Item, a syngle vestment with a albe 1 
 
 L and a blake orferuns, sold . _f 
 
 •" Item, a vestment of redd fustyan with ^ 
 
 L ij. albes . . . . j 
 
 sol. fltem, ij. old copes, one of grene and 1 
 
 \ another of old badkyn parke worke j * 
 
 f Item, ij. copes grene and yolowe -j 
 
 R. B. < partye colowryd and rewyd, sold to > xxij'^ 
 
 y. Mr. Luson . . .3 
 
 R' B. Item, iiij. corperas casys . . viij'^. 
 
 ritem, a peyre of censours, sold to ^ 
 
 \ Thomas Browne . . . f "^J * 
 
 R. B. fltem, a vestment of white bustion, t ...^ 
 
 I sold to the prior . . . f 
 
 I. S. Item, ij. candelstyckes . . xvi*^. 
 
 I. S. Item, a alter cloth . . . viii^. 
 
 I. S. Item, old bokes in the quyer . vi'^. 
 
 R. B. Item, a pulpytt . . . ijijd^ 
 
 I. S. Item, ij. ladders , . . viii'*.
 
 272 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 iij'. viij''. iiij**. 
 
 r Item, a table of alablaster and a dore, 
 
 \ sold to Mr. Stamford 
 
 ritem, the hyegh alter, sold to Mr. 
 
 j_ Stamford . . . . 
 
 {Item, the hordes of the altar of the 
 northe syde of the church . 
 {Item, ij. grave stones of alablast[er], 
 sold to Wolrych 
 
 Item, the organs, sold to Mr. Offeley 
 
 {Item, a table in the old hall with ij. 
 trestylles . . . . 
 
 Item, a table in the inner hall, with 
 trestylles and iij. formes, sold to 
 Robert Doryngton 
 Bruehouse. J" Item, a bultyng table, sold to Marga 
 R. B. L rett Whytfyld 
 
 r Item, a fFurnes of ledd, sold to Mr 
 * * \ Stamford 
 
 Kechyn. 1 
 
 J g_ r Item, a great pot and a lesse , 
 
 R. B. Item, iij. pannes of brasse 
 
 rltem, iij. platters, a dysshe, and a 
 
 R. B. / sawecere . . . . 
 
 (. Item, a trevett. 
 
 Summa Ixxix*. 
 
 R. B. 
 
 R. B. 
 
 R. B. 
 
 I. S. 
 
 I. S. 
 
 Hall. 
 I. S. 
 
 R. B. 
 
 r Iten 
 I R 
 
 } 
 } 
 } 
 } 
 
 } 
 
 } 
 } 
 } 
 
 } 
 
 inj« 
 
 nj^ 
 
 \nf 
 
 xif. 
 XXVJ8. viij*^ 
 
 mj^ 
 
 viij' 
 
 vf 
 
 ij^ viij-^ 
 
 xiji. 
 iiijd. 
 
 Buyldyngs. — Item, sold to Jamy s Leuson esquyre, 
 Thomas Picto, and Richard Warde, 
 all the tyle, shyngle, tymber, stone, 
 glasse and iron, one marble grave 
 stone, the pavementes of the church, 
 quyer, and chapelles, with rode lofte, 
 the pyctures of Cryst, Mary, and 
 Johan, beyng in the church and
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 
 
 273 
 
 rec. xls. 
 
 pro 
 
 v^XXVll]". V11J= 
 iiij^. 
 Inde sol. 
 Picto xl^ et 
 rem. 
 
 xxvj'". viij'. iiij''. 
 pro qua quidem 
 summa Jacobus 
 Loveson de 
 Wolverhamp- 
 ton, ar. obli- 
 gat. inter al. 
 ad solvend. ad 
 fest. Pur. 
 beatae Marie 
 virginis et 
 
 Sum of all the goodes and 
 edyfyengs forseyd in the 
 Austen Fryres sold. 
 
 chauncell of the Austen Fryers, be- 
 sydes the tovvne of Stafford, sur- 
 rendryd with all other superfluos 
 edyfyes and buyldynges within 
 the precynct of the seyd Fryers, to 
 be takyn downe,defacyd, andcaryed 
 away by the seyd Loveson, Picto, 
 and Ward, at there owne proper 
 costes and charges, and to pay for 
 all the premysses to the kyng and 
 hys heyres, successors and assignes 
 
 Nat. sancti Johannis prox. equal, ut patet obligat. dat 
 
 Sept. anno xxx"" regis Henrici viij. rem. cum J 
 
 Scudamour, ar. rec. partic. 
 
 r Rec. per J. S. cxviij^. 
 xxxij . vj^ iiij''.< Super, pro edific. 
 
 (_ xxvji^. viij^. iiij'' 
 
 Item, there remaynyth in the custodye ^ 
 
 of Robert Burgoyne, audytour, one 
 
 playne crosse of copper, with a ^ iij^. iiij 
 
 lytle image of Cryst sylver apon 
 
 hyt, worth by estimation . 
 Item, remaynyth in the custodye of 
 
 Johan Scudamore esquyer, parti- 
 
 culer receivor,etc. onelytle woodden 
 
 crosse platyd over verry thyn with 
 
 sylver, worth by estimation . 
 Item, ther remaynyth in the steple 
 
 one belle, by estimation x^"', in the 
 
 custodye of Thomas Picto, worth 
 
 by estimation 
 Item, one lytle belle in the steple, 
 
 weyng by estimation di.'^"', worth 
 
 by estimation 
 
 xij'i 
 
 viiji 
 
 vnj^ 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 
 
 2 N
 
 274 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 r Robert Ryve, "1 
 
 . j William Colman, I . 
 
 Prisors ^ ^,^ x\r.rrU.r ^ J^^ati. 
 
 Marke Wyrley, 
 \^ Thomas Fanne, 
 
 Grey Fryers ">The sales ther made the iiij*^ day of October, 
 of Lychefyld. y anno xxx^ regis Henrici viij^. 
 
 r fFyrst sold to M^. Strete all the copes, "1 
 
 \ vestments, and tynakles in gros for J 
 
 C Item, sold to the seyd M^ Strete ij. "I ...^ 
 
 \ candelstyckes of latten . . _f ^ ' 
 
 , f Item, the pavyng tyle in both the "1 
 \ cloysters sold to M^. Strete . . j 
 
 , Wtem, sold to Thomas Bardell, ij. can- \l 
 
 ( delstykes . . . . J ^' 
 
 , i Item, sold to sir Thomas Dobsone, a "I ..... 
 
 I presse, a bedstede, and a dore .J 
 
 r Item, the tymber, tyle, and stone of "| 
 
 sol. < the old hostery and the IFermery, r iiij*'. 
 
 L sold to Rychard Rawson . . -^ 
 
 {Item, the tyle and tymber of the "^ 
 lytle cloys ter, sold to Johan ap > x^\)^« "y • 
 Gtm J 
 
 C Item, ij.worteleddesinthebruehouse, 'I . ... 
 sol- j sold to Johan Sandelond . . J ^J'* ^^^ * 
 
 sol. Item, sold to Mr. Aston, a wynd . ^f' 
 
 1 i Item, sold to Thomas Fanne, the 1 --g 
 ^ bryck wall at the churche ende . J 
 g^j i Item, sold to the master of the He, a \ -"j 
 
 I fate in the bruehouse . . J 
 
 sol. Item, sold to Chapman, a fate . xijd. 
 
 -.Item, sold to Johan Genynges, the "1 
 1 I tymber, tyle, and stone of the I "--li 
 I stable buttyng upon the churche | 
 L ende ....
 
 XVllj* 
 
 liijs. 
 
 iiijd. 
 
 Xijd. 
 
 
 xiijs. 
 
 . iiij'^. 
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 2/5 
 
 ritem, sold to John Mylward, the ") 
 
 1 tymber, tyle, and stone of the iij. I , 
 
 sol. I houses joynyng together in the | 
 
 ^_ court callyd the Tenys Court . J 
 
 f Item, sold to Rychard Ballard, the "1 
 
 ' \ ^y^^^ house over the ovyn , . J 
 
 /- Item, sold to M'". Ryce, raastres "l 
 
 sol. < Warden, mastres Stonye, vij. leddes / 
 (^ for wort . . . .J 
 
 r Item, the tymber, tyle, and stone of ■^ 
 
 sol. < ^^ kechyn and the bruehouse, sold > 
 (^ to Edward Spratte . . J 
 
 {Item, sold to Johan Laughton, a cofere \ 
 and a hutche in the buttery . J 
 
 /■Item, the cesterne of ledd, and the ") 
 
 sol. \ stone that hyt standyth in, in the ( 
 (^ kechyn, sold to John Genynges . ^ 
 r Item, the glasse that ys lewse in the 1 
 
 sol. \ ^^^^'^ loggyng, sold to WilUam Col- ^ "J^* 
 (. man . . . .J 
 
 c Item, a lampe, sold to Edmund Bar- \ '--^ 
 
 sol- \ dell . . . . J ^"-^ • 
 
 ^^j C Item, the presse in the vestrye, sold 1 ^-a 
 [^ to the warden of the gyld . .J 
 
 sol. Item, ij hutches, sold to Mr. Warden viij^. 
 
 r Item, a fryers masse boke, solde to 1 jjjjd^ 
 1^ Marke Wyrley . . .J 
 
 r Item, the stone wall betwene the old "^ 
 
 sol. < ostery and the flfrater, sold to Johan / ^''' 
 (. Sadeler . . . ,3 
 
 ^ Item, the pavement of the quyere, 1 xiii' iiii^ 
 
 ''^^' \ sold to Mr. Stretes . .J ''••'• 
 
 sol. I ^^^"^'' ^^^ ^''^'^''^ ^^^^^ ^^ *^^^ quyere, ^ ^,js^ viii'*. 
 I sold to Johan Laughton . . j ' J '
 
 276 
 
 sol. 
 
 sol. 
 
 sol. 
 
 sol. 
 
 sol. 
 
 recepi 
 
 xxj''. iij". iiij'' 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 r Item, the cundyt of ledrl in the cloys- 
 / ter, sold to the master of the gyld 
 (, and his brethern . 
 
 Item, a halywaterstocke, sold to Johan 
 Howlat . . . . 
 
 Item, all the kechyn stuff, sold to 
 Ml", warden of the gyld 
 
 Item, ij. standert candel sty ekes, sold 
 to the seyd M^ warden 
 /■ Item, the lytle cundyt standyng at 
 / the revestrye dore, sold to George 
 C Stonyng . . . . 
 
 Item, the cesterne of ledd standyng 
 in the porche at the Tenys Court 
 ende, sold to M"". Lytleton 
 
 Item, a lytle porche standyng by the 
 dwellyng house^ sold to M^ Lytyl- 
 ton . . . . 
 
 Item, the fFrayter and the chambers 
 stretchyng to the kechyn, with all 
 the quadrant of the inner cloyster 
 joynyng to the church and steple, 
 and the church and quyer, and the 
 long newe house of the est syde of 
 the same cloyster, except and re- 
 servyd ledd, belles, pavement, and 
 gravestones within all the seyd 
 buyldynges, save oidy the pavement 
 of the seyd churche, whyche ys 
 parcell of the seyd bargayne, sold to 
 Johan Westone of Lichfeld, Johan 
 Archer, Richard Cotes gent., Hugh 
 Bowde, Harry Hopwood draper, 
 Michaell Hylle, Johan Genynges 
 
 } 
 
 ■{ 
 
 ] 
 
 } 
 
 xxx^ 
 
 1 
 
 xxs. 
 
 ^> viij« 
 
 v^ 
 
 xx^ 
 
 ,xlij». xiijs. 
 
 iiijd. 
 
 Inde sol. J, S. 
 xxj". iij^ iiij''. 
 Et rem. xxj''. x*. 
 pro qua quidetn 
 summa Johan- 
 nes Weston, Jo- 
 hannes Archer, 
 Ricardus Cotes, 
 et Hugo Bowde, 
 obligat. ad sol. 
 ad fest. sancti 
 Michaelis arch- 
 angel! prox. ut
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 
 
 277 
 
 patet oblig. dat. 
 quinto die Oc- 
 tobr. anno 
 regni regis 
 Henrici viij^'. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 rem. cum Jo- 
 hanna Scuda- 
 mour, ar. r. 
 partic. etc. 
 
 and Johan Mylward, and hath day 
 to deface the steple, cloyster, and 
 quyer forthj wyth the churche, onles 
 they ohteyne lycens otherwyse of 
 the kyng and hys councell, athys- 
 syde the feast of the Purification of 
 our Lady next commyng, and for 
 all the residewe of the buyldynges 
 iij. yeres day to pull downe and 
 carye awey, and to have egresse 
 and regresse for the same . 
 
 Crokesden. — The salez ther made the xv^'^ day of October, anno 
 xxx° regis Henrici viij". as herafter followyth : 
 r Item, a lytle gatehouse on the north- 
 sol. < syde of the comyn wey, sold to 
 L Mr. Bassett 
 
 ("Item, sold to M"". Basset, the loft 
 \ under the organs . 
 
 sol. 
 
 sol. 
 sol. 
 
 sol. 
 
 '] 
 
 ••.} 
 
 xnjs. mj^ 
 
 xs. 
 
 n 
 
 i 
 
 } 
 
 mjs. viij' 
 
 XX" 
 
 vj". 
 
 r. xxxnjs. 
 sol. 
 
 liij'l. 
 
 > xxxiij^ 
 
 uij^ 
 
 Rouceter.- 
 
 sol. 
 
 {Item, sold to M''. Bassett, the lytle 
 smythes forge 
 Item, the bott of an asshe sold 
 r Item, the roffe of the churche, sold to 
 J sir Thomas Gylbert and Edmund 
 (. Wetheryns of Chekeley parysshe . 
 
 {Item, the roffe of the dorter, sold to 
 M^ Bassett 
 r Item, sold to Johan Feme, all the old ~\ 
 I tymber in the cloyster . . j 
 
 Summa, ix''. ix*. \"iij'^. oneratur. 
 
 -The sales there made, the xyj**" day of October, anno 
 xxx°. regis Henrici A'iij. 
 Item, the glasse and iron in the wyn- 
 dowes of seynt Michaelles chapell, 
 sold to Johan Forman 
 
 vj^ viij'^. 
 
 { 
 
 '■ "I 
 
 1, f iij' iiij"-
 
 278 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 ritem, the tymber of the seyd ch.apell, 'I 
 j^ sold to William Loghtonhouse . _f J * J * 
 (-Item, the shyngle of the same chapell, "1 ...^ 
 sol. i sold to Wilham Bagnall . . j ^"J * 
 
 Summa, xjs. vj<J. oneratur. 
 
 Hylton. — The salez ther made, the xxj^h day of October, anno 
 xxxo regis Henrici viij^. 
 
 Item, sold to Stephen Bagott, gent, -j xix^'. xvj^ 
 thre belles, a grett , for the ^^^^ ^oi. J, s. 
 
 rec. iiij". r ^ i I ^'■- "'J"- Et 
 
 oneratur iiij". somme ot nynetene poundes syx- >rein. xv". xvj». 
 
 tene shyllynges, after the rate of P^-o q-^a quidem 
 
 J J o ' summa prefatus 
 
 xviij^. the hundredd J Stephanus ob- 
 
 lig. solvend. ad festum sancti Michaelis archangel! 
 prox. ut patet oblig. gerent. dat. xxj" die Octobr. 
 anno xxx° regis Henrici viij. cum Johanna Scuda- 
 mour ar. rec. rem. 
 
 The priory of Wenlock was founded as a nunnery as early as the seventh century ; 
 but was refounded as a convent of Cluniac monks, and made dependant on the house 
 of La Charity sur Loire, by Roger de Montgomery, in 1080. It is still remarkable 
 for its interesting ruins. The last prior was John Bayly (or Bay lis), alias Cressage. 
 
 CXXXIII. 
 
 SIR RICHARD RICHE TO JOHN SCUDAMORE. 
 
 [From MS. Addit. No. 11,041, fol. 18.] 
 
 Mr. Sckidmore, this shalbe after my right hertie commenda- 
 cions to requyre you to assingne and apoynct unto my ifrende 
 James Lewson, the five bellis remaynyng at the late monasterie 
 of Wenlocke, he givyng unto you unto the kinges highenes use 
 lyke waight of belle mettell for the same, or elis for the perform- 
 ance therof he to pay after xx^ the hundreth waight therof,
 
 SUPPRESSION OP MONASTERIES. 279 
 
 praying you to accomplyshe the same accordinglie as I trust you. 
 And this shalbe your discharge in that behalfF. From London, 
 this xxiiij*'' of Aprill, anno xxxij'^° H. viiij". 
 
 Your lovyng fFrende, 
 
 Rychard Ryche. 
 
 To my right loving ffrende Mr. Skidmore, 
 receivour generall unto the kinges majestic of 
 the dissolvid possessions in the countie of 
 Salopp. 
 
 The two next letters relate to Bordesley abbey ; the second gives some curious illus- 
 trations of the process of salt-making at that time. 
 
 CXXXIV. 
 
 SIR RICHARD RICHE TO JOHN SCUDAMORE. 
 
 [From MS. Add. No. 11,041, fol. 26.] 
 
 Forasmoche as I am creadiblie advertised that the late monas- 
 tery of Bordesley is defacid and pluckid downe, and the substance 
 therof solde to dyverse persons without proffitt or lucre paide or 
 aunswerid to the kinges majestes use for the same, thiese shalbe 
 to requyre you, in the kinges hyghenes behalfF, as convenyent 
 oportunytie may serve you, as welle to enquyre of theym that so 
 hath defacid the said howse, and of their auctoritie in that be- 
 halff, as also of those persons that have bought or have hadd 
 given any of the same, and what somes have ben paide therfor, 
 and to whose use, not omytting to charge all and every of the 
 said persons whiche heryn shalbe touched to apere personally at 
 this next terme following before me at London, as they will aun- 
 swer at their perills, there to make aunswere to suche mattier as 
 shalbe by me objectid agenst theym; eftsones praying yow for 
 my sake to graunte unto sir George Throgmerton, knight, the 
 preferment of all suche stone, glasse, and iron as is at the said
 
 280 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 late monastery lefte to be sold, he giving therfor as any other 
 will, not faylyng herof as I may doo you pleasm-e. Thus fare ye 
 well. From London, the last of Julie. 
 
 Your lovyng flfrende, 
 
 Ryciiard Ryche. 
 
 To my loving ffrendes, Mr. Sckidmore 
 and Mr. Burgoyn, the kinges highenes 
 offycers of the dissolvid possessions in 
 the countie of Worcestre, and to every 
 of theym. 
 
 cxxxv. 
 
 ROGER BEDULL TO SCUDAMORE AND BURGOYN. 
 
 [From MS. Addit. No. 11,041, fol. 48.] 
 
 Right worshypple masters, my dewty rememberyd, I have me 
 commendyd unto yow, sertyfying yow that your servanttes hathe 
 demawndyd of me serten salte that the abbye of Bordysley hade 
 yerly, for the whiche sawlte that was laste made I have payd to 
 Mr. Thomas Evans, liij^ iiij'^. Consytheryng the chargys therto 
 belongyng, I thynke hyt be all payd, soo ther ys no more dewe 
 to be payd as yet ; for Bordysley salte ys wont to be made alweys 
 betwene Estur and Pentycoste. Also I have recevyd your rente- 
 rowle, and getheryd up the rent, and fownde more then ys there, 
 as hytt aperythe by a rent-rowle that your clarke made owte of 
 myne, as knowythe God, who ever kepe yow. 
 
 From Droytewyche, the iij''® day of Decembre. 
 
 By yours, Roger Bedull. 
 
 The chargys that belongythe to the salte makyng. 
 
 Item, for the salte makyng . . . x^. 
 
 Item, for the cuttyng of the wod . . . ij^
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 281 
 
 Item, for the beryng of the bryue . . xvjf^. 
 
 Item, for the drawyng of the bryne . . v'l. 
 
 Item, for the reparacyon of the fates . . xyj"*. 
 
 Also, for the getheryng of the rent and the 
 makyng of the salte, my fFee is yerly a lyver^-e 
 
 cote and ..... vj«. viij'*. 
 
 To the ryght worshypple Mr. 
 Scuddamore aud Mr. Burgoenye 
 thys be delyvered with sped, dd. 
 
 The places mentioned in the following letter are all in Shropshire. Caynham is a 
 village in the neighbourhood of Ludlow, which was a manor of the abbey of Wigmore. 
 There was a house of Austin friars at Woodhouse near Cleobury ; it was one of the 
 earliest establishments of this order in England, said to have been founded not long 
 after 1250 by a member of the family of the Turbervilles. At Bridgnorth there was a 
 convent of grey friars, founded by John Talbot earl of Shrewsbury in the time of 
 Henry VI. Wigmore abbey, founded by the Mortimers in the twelfth century, was 
 one of the most important religious houses on the borders of Wales. 
 
 CXXXVI. 
 ROBERT BURGOYN TO JOHN SCUDAMORE. 
 
 [From MS. Addit. No. 11,041, fol. 31.] 
 
 Right worshippfull sir, after most hartie recommendations, 
 with lyke thankes for your gentill lettres, and ffor your seduHous 
 paynes and labours taken aboute the survey off Cayneham, and 
 certen fFrjTC houses, off the whiche I have receyved parte off 
 the surveys, and wher you entend to survey the iFrire houses 
 in HereflFord, and ferther that you will send Mr. William Scuda- 
 more, your sone, and my clarke, to surveye the fFrj'ers at Wod- 
 house and Bridgenorth, I thynk my selfF muche bounde unto 
 you that yt will please you off your goodnesse so to fforder me 
 in my greate and intollerable busynesse ; but, sir, because I 
 cannott convenyently, nor before thys tyme I have not used, to 
 certefie but by hoole shires, yt myght therfore please you to 
 
 CAMD. see. 2 O
 
 2S2 LETTERS REr<ATING TO THE 
 
 appoynt your seid sone, together with my servaunte Palmer, to 
 survey fFully alle fFrire houses within your and my circuite, and 
 they to do no more but onlye to survey the houses and landes, 
 and make estate off the scytuacion off the houses, and to prayes 
 all and every house within the precyncte of eny suche house, 
 and to note which off them be moste meteste for a tenaunte, and 
 to make no manner off sale, but suffre suche as be nowe in pos- 
 session of every suche house to occupie the same quousque, etc., 
 and to charge them with the saufFe kepyng therofF, and to mesure 
 the ledes and take the contentes, etc. and to mesure the belles, 
 and to certefie the c*''^* by estimacion, and ferther to take 
 a note off all the ffrires names, off the order, religion, and dioces, 
 and off whose ffoundacion, etc. And as you write unto me, we 
 maye sell no housyng unto suche tyme we have furste certefied, 
 save only the churches, cloysters, and dorters. Howbeyt, Mr. 
 Giffard and I have sold in some ffrire houses all the buyldynges, 
 the cause \vas for that they werre so spoyled and torne by 
 suche as sold the goodes, that in manner they werre downe, 
 and yff they shuld nott have ben sold, the kyng shuld have hadd 
 nothyng theroff. Ferder, sir, they muste surveye the wodes 
 belongyng to the seid ffryre houses, etc. Besides this, Mr. Brade- 
 shawe, who hath the demeans off Wigmore, hath wrytten unto 
 me to requyre you to be so good to survey the demeans theroff, 
 and such thynges as he shuld have in fferme, and my servaunte 
 Palmer shall wayte apon you. I beseche you do so muche for 
 hym, for my good lord precedentes sake;* and what you do 
 theryn I am right well contented therwith, etc. Sir, I have sente 
 you by your servaunte a buk ; such as he ys, I pray you take yt 
 in good parte. And tber had ben eny better that I could have 
 gotten, you shuld have hadd yt. Good Mr. Giffard kylled yt for 
 you yesterdaye, and I begged yt ; I wold y t werre a stage. I 
 pray you have me hartely recommended to my good mistres your 
 
 * The lord president of the Marches and Principality of Wales, which office was at 
 this time held by bishop Lee.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 283 
 
 vryffe, and to Mr. Monyngton and Mt. Dansey, your sones in 
 lawe, with ther good wyffes. And thus I am always bolde oflF 
 you, as off one whome I wold shuld commaunde me. From Thel- 
 lesferd, the vj^'' daye off Juhi. 
 
 Thekynges majestic will take his journey this yere into Sussex, 
 and so be the coste, and to Wodstoke and Grafton, and so re- 
 turne. 
 
 Your owne, to the uttermoste off his little power, 
 
 Robert Burgoyn. 
 
 To the right worshippffull Johan 
 Scudeamore esquyer, one off 
 the kynges receyvoures, geve 
 thies. 
 
 The next letter relates to the destruction of the abbey of Evesham, and the sale of 
 the stones. 
 
 CXXXVII. 
 
 PHILIP HOBY TO JOHN SCUDAMORE. 
 
 [From MS, Addit. No. 11,041, fol. 5?.] 
 
 After my right hartty commendacions hadd, where at my last 
 communycacion hadd with yow I desyred yow that I myght have 
 hadd some partt off the stone that shuld be solde at Evisham ffor 
 my money, the princypall and best whereoff, as I am informed, 
 ys sold, yett fforasmoche as my necessyte which shall shorttcly 
 happen in buyldyng wyll requyre a grett partt off that stone that 
 ys unsold there, this shalbe, therefore, right harttely to desyre 
 and praye yow that ye wyll sell me resydew that there remaynyth, 
 and I wyll paye thereffore yeven as ye shall thynke reasonable. 
 And iff ye shuld nott shew me this pleasure, I were lyke in tyme 
 of my necessyte to be very destitute. And as consernyng the 
 spoyle or waste that ye wrate to me off that hath be done there,
 
 284 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 I assure yow both I and myne be gyltles thereofF, besydes that 
 hit did cost me money to persons ffor a long tyme nyghtly to 
 weche and to take hede lest any thyng shuld to be mysordered 
 there. I trust alsoo that att your there beyng and others the 
 kynges highnes commyssyoners, ye remember that there was no 
 lytell spoyle made, and I promyse yow sythens then your depar- 
 ture therehence there hath byn nothyng mynyshed to my know- 
 lege ; and iff it bee, I wold the offenders were ponysshed to the 
 example of other. Thus I wyll leve to wrytt unto yow any more 
 at this tyme, trustyng that we shall mete shorttely and talke 
 thereoff more largely, commyttyng yow to Goddes tuycion, who 
 preserve yow with as good health as I wold to my selff, desyryng 
 to use me as ye know ffor your assuryd to my power. Wry tten at 
 the courtt, the last off October : 
 
 Your lovyng ffrend, 
 
 Phelyp Hoby. 
 
 To the right worshipfull 
 and my especyall good 
 ffrend, master Johan 
 Scudamore esquyer, 
 this be delyvered. 
 
 The priory of Worcester, attached to the cathedral, was founded in 971. Henry 
 Holbech is said in the Monasticon to have been the last prior, More having been his 
 predecessor. The manor of Batenhall was one of the possessions of tlie priory. 
 
 CXXXVIII. 
 
 ROBERT BURGOYN TO JOHN SCUDAMORE. 
 
 [From MS. Addit. No. 11,041, fol. 37.] 
 
 Right worshijipffull, I commend me unto you and to good 
 mistres Scudamore, etc. Sir, thies shall be to advertise you that 
 I have sold as much off the stuffe off the late priorie off Worcester
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 285 
 
 as remayned in the custodye off the deane there, by inventorie. as 
 is appoynted by Mr. chauncelloures note made in the seid inventorie 
 to be sold, and have receyved money for all the same, savyng 
 xiijs. ij<^., for such parcelles as your servaunte Baston hath taken 
 for you, which be such as he wold chuse ; he hath a bill off the 
 parcells theroff. The council bord in the greate chamber was 
 bought and taken upp or he cam to Worcester ; you have another 
 in manner as good as that. Sir, there be dyvers parcelles off 
 stuffe remaynyng at Battenhall, which Mr. Borne hath in fferme, 
 which be praysed at Iviijs. x'*., and olde Borne hath desiered daye 
 tyll candelmasse to knowe whether his sonne will have them or 
 no. He is bounde to paye ffor them then, or elles to bryng a dis- 
 charge. There be dyvers other parcelles which Mr. More quondam 
 prior off Worcester hath in his custodye, wheroff you shall re- 
 ceyve a bill off parcelles with ther pryses by your servaunte berer 
 hereoff. He is at no poynt with me for them ; his chapleyn was 
 with me, and have promised to give me an aunswere off the thynges 
 this daye at Glessam ; he claymyth them by his pattent ; neverthe- 
 lesse I shewed his chapleyn that one off his beste beds with one 
 off the lyke coverlettes werre sold, and I mente them for you. I 
 entend to cause hym to come to you to take an order for the 
 same. Ferder I have receyved to the kyngs use cxliiij. oz. off 
 plate, which I do carry with me ; and where ben reserved to the 
 kynges use x. copes off grene velvett, a coope off nedle worke 
 wrought with gold, and a coope priest dean and subdean off rede 
 velvett embrodered, which I assure you be but corse and base 
 thynges, the seid deane hath requyred me to have the delyvery 
 off them to Mr. chauncellour hym selff, consyderyng that wher they 
 lake ornamentes to ffurnysshe the churche, and the thynges off 
 them selff but course, he trustyth to obteyne them at Mr. chaun- 
 celloures hand agen to the use off the churche. I have a remem- 
 braunce off his hand for them, that he hath the custodye off them 
 to the kynges use ; and he standeth bounden other to delyver them 
 to the seid Mr. chauncellour betwene this and the purification off
 
 286 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 our ladye next commyng, or elles to bryng a discharge forthem from 
 the seid Mr. chauncellour by that daye ; and to all such parcelles 
 as ben appoynted in the seid inventorie to the church, to the 
 deane, and to the bodye oif the house, the deane standyth charged 
 with thes parcelles styll by the seid inventorie delivered hym at 
 the surrender off the seid late priorie, unto such tyme as the ffull 
 establyshement off the college shall be forth, and commissioners 
 appoynted to sett the same in an order, etc. And nowe, sir, to 
 Lorrymers dowghteris mattier : Mr. Packingtons opynion is that 
 she shall nott clayme yn by her graundefather, to whom she is off 
 hole bludd, because off the ffeoffement ; and she can nott be heyre 
 to her syster Mergerie, because off the halff blodd ; and seyth 
 fferder that in his opynyon yff ther be none off the hole blodd to 
 inherrytt that, then yt shall exchete to the lord and not goo to 
 eny off the halff blodd. Mr. Packyngton and his wyffe have them 
 hartely recommended unto you, and wold verry ffayne have sene 
 you in ther house. Mistres Packyngton ys hungry, but she can not 
 be fede : she hadd provyded a ffatt swane for you. And thus I 
 committ you to God, as my selff. My lord suffragan hath hym 
 hartely commended unto you. Written in haste, this presente 
 Wendesdaye, at my departyng ffrom Worcester. 
 
 Your oune assuered, 
 
 Robert Burgoyn. 
 
 To the right worshippffuU 
 Johan Scudeamore esquyer, 
 one off the kynges receyvours 
 oflF his courte off augmentations 
 be thies delyvered. 
 
 The following letter also relates to the priory of Worcester.
 
 SUPPRESSION OP MONASTERIES. 287 
 
 CXXXIX. 
 ROBERT BURGOYNE TO JOHN SCUDAMORE. 
 
 [From MS. Addit. No. 11,041, fol. 35.] 
 
 Right worshippfFull, I commend me hartely unto you, and I 
 pray you that I may be the same to my good mistres your wyffe, 
 assertenynge you that I have perused the copie off the councelles 
 lettres which you sente unto me, wheruppon I have sente you an 
 abstracte off such arrerages as have growne in the laste audite for 
 such rentes and ffermes as werre dewe betwene Michaelmas anno 
 xxxij'^" H. viij". and Michaelmas anno xxxiij*'° ejusdem regis, 
 that ys to wytt such as I thynk to be good and trewe debtes, 
 requyryng you accordyng unto your lettres to use some diligence 
 in thaccomplisshyng off the councelles lettres theryn, as yt shall 
 beste seme your wysdome. And as to the kynges lede lyeng in 
 the kynges castell at Worcester, yff the walles theroff be close, 
 then I thynk the same well enough, and yff not, I thynk yt 
 myght be layed verrey well into the great belfrey within the newe 
 college in Worcester, where I suppose yt might lye verrey sauffe. 
 I thank you right hartely for my ij. baked salmons, which werre 
 verrey well carried and well baked, and lykewyse seasoned, and 
 came to me in verrey good tyme. And, sir, as for the table at 
 Worcester, which I thought to have hadd home to me, I am right 
 well contented that my mistres your wyffe shall have the same ; 
 neverthelesse I thynk I shall not bye soche anothere for money ; 
 at my commyng to London I shall so ; neverthelesse, I wold yt 
 werre so good as I cowlde fynd in my harte yt werre for her. I 
 muste pray you to take no displeasur with your servaunte for his 
 long tarryeng ; his horse dyed at Dunstable, and I tarryed hym 
 tyll Mundaye after the xij'^^^ daye for the makyng off the seid 
 abstracte off arrerages, etc. You muste send to Mr. Brougham 
 my lettre herwith sente, when you send for the seid table ; as
 
 288 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 knoweth God, who send us merye raetynge. From Watton at 
 Stone, the ix*''. daye off Januarie. 
 
 Yours assured to his power, 
 
 Robert Burgoyn. 
 
 To the right worshipfull Johan 
 Scudamore esquyer, be this delivered. 
 
 The next letter relates to the abbey of Augustine Canons at LilleshuU, in Shrop- 
 shire. This house was founded by Richard de Belmeis in 1145. The last abbot was 
 Robert Watson. 
 
 CXL. 
 WILLIAM CHORLTON TO JOHN SCUDAMORE. 
 
 [From MS. Addit. No. 11,041, fol. 51.] 
 
 Jhesus. 
 Right wourshipfull Mr. Scudamor, in my hartiest maner I com- 
 mend me unto you, ever more thankyng you for your kyndnes 
 shewid unto me, trystyng to God that ye be amendyt of your 
 fever, wiche shukl be gret comforthe unto me and many other, 
 and so long to contenew to Godes pleasure. Sir, where hit pleased 
 you to wryt your letter to Bostok and to Byst, that they shuld 
 pay suche money as was in ther handes for the payment of the late 
 abbott of Lilleshull and the brether ther for ther penciouns unto 
 my handes, and farther your pleasure was that I shuld pay them, 
 hit was so that Bostoke promysed to come unto me, but truthe 
 hit ys that sythe the tyme of his promyse makyng he ys to London 
 abowt besenes of his maysters, and he hathe recevid part of the 
 rent and other part dothe remayne styll in the tennance handes 
 ungedrede ; and also as yet he ys not come home, nor no knolage 
 ys to be had wat tyme he wyll come home. Moreover William 
 Byst saythe that at his beyng with your mastership he payd all 
 that he had to pay by your appoyntment, and hathe no more in
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 289 
 
 his hands for to pay. In consideracion wherof, that hit may- 
 please your mastershipe to be so good master unto the late abbott 
 and brether to pay them ther pensions, and rather at this my 
 request by thes bereres, they ar moche bownden to pray for you. 
 And so to retayne in your handes the fee wiche the late abbot 
 hathe with goode will granted you, and the brether, as ye shall of 
 your goodnes thynke convenyent at your pleasure. Sir, the late 
 abbot hathe set to his seale to the acquittance, and other of the 
 brether with ther names subscribed; and for the rest of the acquit- 
 ance the bereres herof ar put in tryst in lyke maner. No more, but 
 Jhesu have you in his blessed kepyng. At Wombrige, by yours 
 ever to his litle power, 
 
 per me Wyllym Chorlton. 
 
 To the right worshipfull 
 
 Mr. Johan Scudamour, esquier, 
 
 theis be delivered. 
 
 CXLI. 
 JOHN FREMAN TO CROMWELL. 
 
 [From MS. Cotton. Titus, B, i. fol. 394.] 
 
 Yt may pies your good lordshipe to understond, that in the 
 makynge of this half yeres resaite in Lincolnshier, I well parsayve 
 of the gyvyn owte of late, not oidy there but also throwghowte the 
 realme, thies superfluus ffees gyven by the late surrenderd bowses. 
 Whiche ffees be gyven in three sortes. The fFurst to bailies, ho hath 
 for smale somes resay ving large ffees, and where they have made a 
 dosen, one war sufficient. Secondlye, they have gyven to generall 
 resayvors greater ffees, whiche sorte shall never resayve no money; 
 for the particuler bailies doth gather the rentes and so brynges it 
 to the kinges resayvor, who stondes charged with the same. And 
 the thirde sorte haith their ffees to be accounseill with the howse, 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 2 P
 
 290 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 and yet the greatest nomber of theym hath no lernynge. Inded 
 they gave counsel to thabbott to gyve theym a covent seale to robe 
 the kinge of part of his revenues. Wherfore me thinke they might 
 lawfully at this parliament be called in agane, and the kinges 
 highnes shuld resayve therbye within his realme iij.or four thowsand 
 markes by the least yerly. And further as consarnynge the kinges 
 leade within his realme, yf it wold pies his grace to make sales 
 therof it shuld turne hym to a great proffite. Their be merchantes 
 within his realme, I thinke a great sorte, wold gyve him iiij''. for a 
 foder, and fynd his grace suerties sufficient to be pad yerly one 
 porcion therof, whiche I thinke wold be no less than xx.m"., a yere 
 for the space of foure yeres, whiche war a goodlye payment ; and 
 yet or the foure yeres war expired their wold every foder be worthe 
 to the kinge xx. nobles, considering the costome in and owte. 
 And further I thinke that c.m^ of his pore sugetes shuld be 
 benefite takers of their retorns, whither it war in money or in ware. 
 And also the yeres beynge expired, it wold qwyken well agane one 
 of the commodities of his realme that nowe is ded, whiche is the 
 myndes of his leade. Yt may pies yow to consider that, and yf 
 other owtward prynces wold take apon theym to redres their idell 
 fayned religiouse howses, as the kinges highnes hath done, as I 
 mystrust not but and their powers war accordinge as the kinges 
 was and is they wolde so do, and than shall they have suche 
 abundance of lead of suche like howses that they woll than sett 
 litell by ours. Besechinge your lordship for my follyshe oppynyon 
 so boldlye to you to write of, that ye wold take with me no dis- 
 pleasure. And thus I remayn your pore man. From Lowthe, 
 the X*''. day of May. 
 
 Yours, 
 
 John Freman. 
 
 To the right honorable and his singuler 
 good lord my lord prevy seale be this yeven.
 
 SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 291 
 
 It appears that many of the accounts of the sales, &c. of the religious houses re- 
 mained long unsettled. The following letter was written in the reign of PhiUp and 
 Mary. 
 
 Several of the places enumerated in the following letter have been previously men- 
 tioned. At Ludlow in Shropshire there were houses of Austin and White friars, and 
 a hospital of St. John the Baptist, of the history of which very little is known. The 
 abbey of Dioilacres in Staffordshire was founded by Randulph earl of Chester in 1214; 
 its last abbot was Thomas Whitney. The Benedictine priory of Tutbury in Stafford- 
 shire was founded by Henry de Ferrers, about the year 1080 ; the last prior was Arthur 
 Meverell alias Throwley, The prsemonstratensian abbey of Halesowen, of which 
 the ruins are still interesting, was founded by king John ; the last abbot was Wil- 
 liam Taylor. Dudley priory, in Worcestershire, was founded about the middle of the 
 twelfth century by Gervase Paganell or Painel, who placed in it a party of Cluniac 
 monks from Wenlock, of which house it was considered as a cell; the last prior was 
 John Webley. At Westwood, in Worcestershire, there was an alien nunnery, dependent 
 on the abbey of Fontevrault, but its history is obscure. 
 
 CXLII. 
 LETTER TO JOHN SCUDAMORE. 
 
 [From MS. Addit. No. 11,041, fol. 78.] 
 
 After our harty comendacyons, theise maye be to advertyse you 
 that we have perused the indentures made bytwyxte Mr. Sheldon 
 and you, and accordynge to the tenure of the same have charged 
 the sayed master Sheldon with all the leade, hell metalle, and 
 redy money mencyoned and conteigned in the sayed indenture, 
 which beynge deducted oute of youer charge, yett there dothe re- 
 mayne to be aunsweryd by you bothe leade and bell metalle as 
 fFollowythe, that ys to saye, for leade att Bristol!, iij. fF. iiij'^. quarter, 
 x.lb. ; Wygmore, liij. fF. j. quarter fF. de. cxxij. lb. ; Ludlowe, v. ff. 
 iij. quarter, ff. ccciij. quarter c"^. ; at Severne, in the custodye of 
 Thomas Irelonde, j. ff.; Rocestre, vj. ff. ; Croxden, xiiij.ff.de.; 
 Delacres, iiij. ff . ; Tuttberye, vj. ff. j. quarter; intper prioratus 
 cowowicorwrn c?e Stafford, xliiij. ff. ; LylleshuU, v. ff. ; Halesowen, 
 X. ff . ; the late monestarye of Shrewsborye, Ixvij. ff. de. ccc. lb. ; 
 the celle of Dudley, iiij. ff. ; and ffor belle metalle att VVestwoode
 
 292 LETTERS RELATING TO SUPPRESSION OF MONASTERIES. 
 
 in the county of Worcestre^ cccc. lb. ; fFor the aunswere whereof 
 we requyer you, by the vertue of the kynge and quenes majesties 
 comyssyon to us dyrected, that withe as convenyente spede as you 
 may after the receyte hereof you sende unto us youre sufFycyente 
 deputie to accoumpte byfore us for the same, so as hereuppon 
 their majesties may be satisfyed by you of the dett that shall faul 
 out uppoii the same. And bycause we be moche callyd uppon to 
 reporte youer estate and dett herein, we therefore are constrayned 
 the more ernestly to calle upj^on you, whome we dought not wylle 
 have suche regarde hereunto as bothe their majesties expectacyon 
 herein may be served (as ys mete), as also for the full ende of this 
 charge towardes youer selfe, with which as before the ende ys 
 troblesome and comberous unto you, so will the ende thereof be 
 to youer quyetnes and comforte. Whereof, for that you are ouer 
 Guide ffrende and of oulde acquayntaunce, we thought to advyse 
 you the rather, for that commyssyon ys nowe oute for the ende of 
 those causys, of which you nowe may be dyscharged yf the faulte 
 be not in youer selfe. We also advertysse you that Mr. Sheldone 
 w'ylbe no further charged concernynge the leade and belles within 
 youer late circuyte there thenne ys conteyned in the indentures 
 bytwyxte you and hym ; and therefore you muste aunswere the 
 reste youer selfe, whereunto M'e dought not but you wyll have 
 suche resjDecte as we may receyve youer aunswere withe expedy- 
 cyon. Andso webydde youhartelyfFare well. From Westminster, 
 laste of February, 1555. 
 
 Youer very lovynge ffrendes, 
 
 William Berners. 
 
 Tho. Mildmay. 
 
 Johan Wyseman. 
 
 To the worshippfull Johan 
 Skudemore, esquyer, in haste.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Abergwilly college, 207. 
 
 A'Bowen, Thomas, 8. 
 
 Abingdon abbey, 70. 
 
 Acton, Mr. 149, 237. 
 
 Agar, Antony, 89. 
 
 Alban's, St., abbey, 182, 250. 
 
 the abbot of, 250. 
 
 Aldington, the parson of, 25. 
 
 Aldridge, Dr. 49. 
 
 A'Lee, John, 268. 
 
 Aired, Thomas, 177. 
 
 Antony, John, 21, 25, 26, 76, 88. 
 
 Ap Gl'm, John, 274. 
 
 Ap Owen, Griffith, 188. 
 
 Ap Rece, Jo. 53, 238. 
 
 Ap Rice, John, 85. 
 
 Archard, Mr. 73. 
 
 Archer, John, 276. 
 
 Arnold, John, 201, 238. 
 
 Arundell, Roger, 131. 
 
 ■ , sir John, 131. 
 
 , town of, 202. 
 
 Asaph, diocese of St. 190. 
 
 Ashby Magna, 129. 
 
 Aston, Mr. 274. 
 
 Atbury, Thomas, 171. 
 
 Atherstone, religious houses in, 193, 
 203. 
 
 Audley, sir Thomas, 74, 239, 241, 245. 
 
 Austin, prior of the Charter-house, Ax- 
 holme, 174. 
 
 Avery, Thomas, 252.' 
 
 Axholme, Charter-house in the isle of, 
 
 68, 173, 174. 
 Aylesbury, town of, 224, 228. 
 
 Bagnall, William, 278. 
 Bagot, Stephen, 278. 
 Baldock, Richard, 54. 
 Ballard, Richard, 275. 
 Bailey, Mr. 126. 
 Bangor, town of, 202. 
 
 , house of friars in, 212. 
 
 Barber, Thomas, 170. 
 Barclay, John, 201. 
 BardeU, Thomas, 274. 
 
 , Edmund, 275. 
 
 Barker, Nicholas, 201. 
 
 Barking nunnery, 74. 
 
 Barlow, William, bishop of St. David's, 
 
 6, 77, 183, 187, 206. 
 Barnes, Dr. 183. 
 Bartelot, John, 59. 
 Barton, Elizabeth, the maid of Kent, 
 
 particulars concerning, 13 to 34. 
 
 , list of her goods, 26. 
 
 , prophecies of, 14. 
 
 Baskerfield, Dr. 217. 
 Bassett, sir William, 143. 
 
 , Francis, 143. 
 
 , Mr. 277.
 
 294 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Batenhall, the manor of, 285. 
 
 Bath, city of, 260, 
 
 Baugh, Dr. 49. 
 
 Bawdwyn, lord, 228. 
 
 Beaumont, John, 251. 
 
 Beauvale priory, 215. 
 
 Bedford, town of, 224. 
 
 BeduU, Roger, 280. 
 
 Bedyll, Thomas, 2^, 40, 44, 48, 89, 98, 
 
 162. 
 Beerly, Richard, 132. 
 Beeston priory, 182. 
 Beggam monastery, 1. 
 Bell, Thomas, 199, 203. 
 Bellasys, Richard, 164, 166, 168. 
 Benet's, St., abbey, 86. 
 Berners, William, 232, 238, 292. 
 Beron, sir John, see Byron. 
 Besum, Mr. 269. 
 Betts, Thomas, 170. 
 Beutrey, William, 268. 
 Beverley, friars' houses in, 192. 
 Bigynge priory, 82. 
 Bikkliswade, Thomas, 55. 
 Billeswyke hospital, 58. 
 Binham priory, 182. 
 Bishop, a monk of Syon, 47, 50. 
 Bishops' sees to be created or altered , 263. 
 Black Book, the, 114. 
 Blakytt, sir John, 94. 
 Blatherwich hall, 122. 
 Blithman, William, 168. 
 Bockyng, Dr. 19, 22, 25. 
 Bodmin priory, 130. 
 Boleyn, Thomas, earl of Wiltshire, 15. 
 Bolton abbey, 168. 
 Booth, John, 206. 
 Bordesley abbey, sale of goods, &c. of, 
 
 266, 279. 
 
 Bordesley abbey, salt making at, 280. 
 
 Borne, Mr. 285. 
 
 Bostock, Mr. 288. 
 
 Boston, friars' houses in, 192. 
 
 Bowde, Hugh, 276. 
 
 Bowen, Thomas a, 8. 
 
 Boxgrave priory, 119, 120. 
 
 Boxley abbey, 172. 
 
 Bradley priory, 136. 
 
 Bradshaw, Mr. 282. 
 
 Brandon Ferre, the parson of, 84. 
 
 Brasy, Martin, 201. 
 
 Brecknock, town of, 207, 213. 
 
 Brereton, Randal, 52. 
 
 Bridgnorth, the Grey Friars in, 203, 281. 
 
 Bridgwater, town of, 260. 
 
 Bridlington, the prior of, 80. 
 
 —-^^— — priory, 165. 
 
 Bristol, religious houses in, 8, 58, 193, 
 196, 198, 202, 211, 292. 
 
 Broke priory, 134, 136. 
 
 , Thomas, 8, 205. 
 
 Brougham, Mr. 287. 
 
 Browne, Robert, 201. 
 
 , Thomas, 271. 
 
 Bruton priory, 58. 
 
 Bryan, Mr. 122. 
 
 Bulkeley, Katharine, abbess of God- 
 stow, 231. 
 
 Bunbury, Richard, 170. 
 
 Burgoyn, Robert, 130, 140, 273, 280, 
 281, 284, 287. 
 
 Burton-upon-Trent, St. Modwen of, 
 143, 166. 
 
 Bury St. Edmund's abbey, 85, 144. 
 
 , relics in, 85. 
 
 Butler, sir Thomas, 154. 
 
 Butler, Thomas, 10. 
 
 Butley priory, 4.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 295 
 
 Butts, Dr. 49. 
 
 Buxton, St. Anne of, 143. 
 
 wells, 143. 
 
 Byland abbey, 168. 
 Bylond, Richard, 200. 
 Byron, sir John, lo4, 215 
 Byschewode, Henry, 201. 
 Byst, William, 288. 
 
 Cabul, John, abbot of St. Augustine's, 
 
 Bristol, 8. 
 Cainham, near Ludlow, 281. 
 Calthorpe, sir Francis, 86. 
 
 ■ , Edward, 86. 
 
 Calwich abbey, 127. 
 Cambridge, university of, 66. 
 Canterbury, St. Thomas of, 85. 
 
 , monks of Christ's Church, 25. 
 
 , prior of, 90. 
 
 , St. Sepulchre's, 23. 
 
 Cardigan, relics at, 183. 
 
 CareU, Roger, 136. 
 
 Carlisle, houses of friars in, 192. 
 
 Carmarthen, town of, 184,188,207,213. 
 
 ———— — priory, 185. 
 
 Carne, Edward, 232, 238. 
 
 Carrington, William, 55. 
 
 Catesby nunnery, 129, 136, 
 
 Cave, Francis, 150, 163. 
 
 Caversham, relics at, 221, 224, 225. 
 
 Chacomb priory, 129. 
 
 Chamond, sir John, 131. 
 
 Charter-house, foundation of the, 39. 
 
 , the, 40, 162. 
 
 , instructions concerning 
 
 the, 67. 
 Charter-house, prior of the, 162. 
 Chertsey abbey, 186. 
 Cheshire, the archdeaconry of, 243. 
 
 Chessam, Richard, 201. 
 
 Chichester, town of, 202. 
 
 Chicksand priory, 91. 
 
 Chorlton, William, 288. 
 
 Cheynye, M, 235. 
 
 Cladon, John, 154. 
 
 Clampe, Philip, 192. 
 
 Clarke, a monk of Westminster, 147. 
 
 Clement, James, 269. 
 
 , Thomas, 54. 
 
 Clifford, Henry, earl of Cumberland, 62. 
 Clifton, John, 55. 
 
 , Thomas, 201, 
 
 Cocleus, a German theologian, 45. 
 
 Cogan, Gilbert, 9, 
 
 Cokesford, the prior of, 126, 
 
 Colchester, St, John's abbey, 246. 
 
 Colman, William, 274. 
 
 Combe abbey, 229, 234, 236. 
 
 Conoch, a Welsh idol, 208. 
 
 Convere, Thomas, 177, 
 
 Cooper, George, 201. 
 
 Corn worthy priory, 118, 
 
 Cotes, Richard, 276. 
 
 Cotcon, M. 214. 
 
 Courthopestrete, the residence of the 
 
 " Maid of Kent," 19. 
 Coventry, the cathedral church of, 238. 
 
 , insurrection at, 135. 
 
 , the prior of, 148. 
 
 , religious houses in, 193, 229, 
 
 234, 236. 
 , the archdeaconry of, 243. 
 
 Coverham, 158. 
 Cowlestone, Thomas, 170, 
 Cradock, Thomas, 268. 
 Craiford, Dr. 219. 
 
 Cranmer, Thomas, archbishop of Can- 
 terbury, 36, 113, 173.
 
 296 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Crolcesdea abbey, 277, 291. 
 
 Cromwell, Thomas, his letter to bishop 
 Fisher, 27 ; his motives for dissolv- 
 ing the monasteries, 112. 
 
 , Richard, 89, 146. 
 
 Croyland abbey, 152. 
 
 Cumberland, the earl of, 101. 
 
 Cursone, father, 45. 
 
 Cursen, Dr. 49. 
 
 Danes, Robert, 270, 
 Dansey, Mr. 283. 
 Darby, lady, 47. 
 Darcy, sir Arthur, 158. 
 
 ' , sir George, 233. 
 
 Darley, John, 34. 
 
 Darvel Gatheren, the image of, 190, 
 
 208. 
 David's, St., disorders in the diocese of, 
 
 79, 188, 208. 
 
 , relics at, 184. 
 
 Dawtree, sir John, 120. 
 Delapre nunnery, 233, 235. 
 Denbigh, town of, 202. 
 Derby, lord, 175. 
 
 , the archdeaconry of, 243. 
 
 Devereux, Richard, 188. 
 Dieulacres abbey, 291. 
 Dobson, sir Thomas, 274. 
 Doncaster, the " Friars," 168. 
 Donnington priory, near Newbury, 233, 
 
 235. 
 Dorington, Robert, 267. 
 Dorset, Thomas, 36. 
 Dover priory, 88. 
 , Richard bishop of, 191, 193, 196, 
 
 202, 203, 210, 228. 
 Drews, John, 9, 10. . 
 
 Droitwich, town of, 280. 
 
 , religious houses in, 193. 
 
 Dudley priory, 291. 
 
 Duns Scotus, the works of, banished 
 
 from Oxford, 71. 
 Dunstable, town of, 287. 
 Dutton, sir Peter, 52. 
 
 Eccius, homilies of, 54. 
 
 Edgar, charter of king, 88. 
 
 Edgecumbe, sir Peter, 117, 131. 
 
 Edmund, St. 85. 
 
 Edward the Vlth. king, 246. 
 
 EUerton priory, 168. 
 
 Ely, city of, 144, 147. 
 
 , the prior of, 147. 
 
 , bishop of, 147. 
 
 Elyete, Mr. 36. 
 
 Elyot, sir Thomas, 140. 
 
 Emery, Henry, abbot of Warden, 53. 
 
 Ensham abbey, 233, 235. 
 
 Espec, Walter de, 53. 
 
 Essex, earl of, 241. 
 
 Evans, Thomas, 280. 
 
 Evesham abbey, 177, 283. 
 
 Exeter, marquis of, 114. 
 
 Fanne, Thomas, 274. 
 Farley, in Wiltshire, 59. 
 Farryngenk, Henry, 154. 
 Faversham abbey, 76. 
 
 , abbot of, 103. 
 
 Fermer, M. 159. 
 Feme, John, 277. 
 Ferreis, lord, 188. 
 Fineshed priory, 122. 
 Fisher, John, bishop of Rochester, 27, 
 35, 45.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 297 
 
 Fitzherbert, Alicia, abbess of Polles- 
 worth, 139. 
 
 , sir Anthony, 154. 
 
 Fitz-James, John, 63. 
 
 , Nicholas, 261. 
 
 Fitzwarren, John, 216. 
 
 Folkestone priory, 75, 88. 
 
 Ford, Richard, 201. 
 
 Forman, John, 277. 
 
 Fosse nunnery, 214. 
 
 Foster, John, 160. 
 
 Fountains abbey, 61, 166. 
 
 • , mal-practices of the 
 
 abbot of, 100. 
 Francis, saint, 43. 
 Freman, John, 289. 
 
 , Mr. 163, 215. 
 
 Friars, list of, who desire to change their 
 
 habit, 200. 
 Frodsham, John, 187. 
 Furness abbey, 153. 
 Fylolle, Jaspar, 67, 90. 
 
 Garrendon abbey, 136. 
 Gaunt, sir Gilbert de, 81. 
 Gaunt's hospital, at Bristol, 58. 
 George, John, 201. 
 Gibson, Henry, 55. 
 Gilbert, sir Thomas, 277. 
 Glastonbury abbey, 58, 255, 257. 
 , abbot of, 255, 259, 
 
 260, 261. 
 GTm, John ap, 274. 
 Gloucester, religious houses in, 193, 
 
 196, 199. 
 , surrender of the friars, 202, 
 
 237. 
 Godstow nunnery, 228, 23C. 
 
 CAMD. SOC. 
 
 Godstow, abbess of, 229. 
 
 Goldwell, Thomas, prior of Christ'i 
 Church, Canterbury, 19. 
 
 Goldysborowe, Thomas, 201. 
 
 Goodale, Mr. 216. 
 
 Goodrich, D. 12. 
 
 Goorson, a monk of Westminster, 147. 
 
 Gostwick, M. 228. 
 
 Gracedieu nunnery, 252. 
 
 Grafton, 283. 
 
 Grantham, houses of friars in, 192. 
 
 Gregory, M. 236. 
 
 Grenefelde, Mr. 71. 
 
 Greenwich, 42. 
 
 Gresley, Nich. 128. 
 
 Greville, John, 140. 
 
 , Fulke, 266. 
 
 Grimsby, houses of friars at, 192. 
 Gwent, Richard, 238. 
 Gyflfard, George, 130, 136, 140, 282. 
 Gysburne, prior of, 249. 
 
 Hadley, Wm. 19. 
 
 Hale, John, 52. 
 
 Halesowen abbey, 291. 
 
 Hampole monastery, 166. 
 
 Harewold priory, 92. 
 
 Harolde, John, 170. 
 
 Harper, Thomas, 136. 
 
 Hartlebury palace, 150. 
 
 Harwood, Jolin, abbot of Vale Royal, 
 
 244. 
 Hasard, William, 203. 
 Haverfordwest, the town of, 213. 
 
 , priory of, 77. 
 
 , relics at, 183. 
 
 , the grey friars in, 112. 
 
 Hawkins, Mr. 36. 
 
 2 Q
 
 298 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Hayles abbey, 236. 
 
 • , relics in, 237. 
 
 Haynes, Robert, 201. 
 Hendle, Walter, 166. 
 Hennage, John, 214, 233. 
 
 , sir Thomas, 214. 
 
 Henry the VIII. proposes a law against 
 
 idleness, 38. 
 Hereford, city of, 199. 
 
 , friars' houses in, 281. 
 
 Hevenynge nunnery, 214. 
 Hexham monastery, 124. 
 Heyms, Dr. 37. 
 Hill, Mr. 131, 
 
 , Christopher, 201. 
 
 , Michael, 276, 
 
 Hilton abbey, sale of the goods, &c. of, 
 
 287. 
 Hoby, Philip, 214, 283. 
 Hodges, Mr. 138. 
 Holcroft, Mr. 244. 
 Holte, Thomas, 140, 204, 213. 
 Hooper, or Hoper, John, 200, 201. 
 Hopkins, James, 170. 
 Hopwood, Harry, 276. 
 Hore, Thomas, prior of Cardigan, 186. 
 Horner, Thomas, 261. 
 Horsewell, Mr. 36. 
 Horton, prior of, 25. 
 Howell, Ralph, 200. 
 Howlat, John, 276. 
 Hubberdin, the opponent of Latimer, 
 
 7, 12. 
 Hull, houses of friars in, 192. 
 Huntingdon, house of Austin friars at, 
 
 192. 
 
 , earl of, 252. 
 
 Hussey, sir John, 215. 
 Huys, Dr. 78. 
 
 Hyde monastery, 219. 
 Hylsey, John, bishop of Rochester, 
 11,37. 
 
 Ilchester, 260. 
 Ingham abbey, 86. 
 Ingilby, John, 201. 
 Ipswich, 36. 
 Irelonde, Thomas, 291. 
 Irford nunnery, 214. 
 
 Jaket, Henry, 201. 
 Jannyns, Robert, 52. 
 Jennings, John, 274. 
 Jervaulx abbey, 158, 164. 
 Jobson, Mr. 239. 
 Johns, Mr. 192. 
 Jolyment, Mr. 159. 
 
 Kempe, sir William, 220. 
 Kendall, town of, 179. 
 Kenett, William, 201. 
 Kenilworth abbey, 134. 
 Kirkby Beler priory, 136. 
 Kirkham priory, 168. 
 Knight, Thomas, 201. 
 
 , Mr. 224, 
 
 Knyghtley, Edmund, 130. 
 Kyme priory, 214. 
 Kyngston, sir William, 150. 
 
 Lamberte imprisoned for heresy, 37. 
 Lambeth palace, 36. 
 Lancaster, houses of friars in, 192, 
 202.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 299 
 
 Lane, John, 130, 179. 
 Langdon, abbey of, 75, 88. 
 Langley Meynell, 144. 
 Lanthony priory, 177. 
 Latimer, Hugh, bishop of Worcester, 
 11, 36, 147, 148. 
 
 , account of his preaching at 
 Paul's Cross, 38. 
 Laund priory, 151. 
 Laughton, John, 275. 
 Lawarr, lord, 119, 120. 
 Lawson, George, 168. 
 Lay ton, Dr. Richard, 47, 49, 50, 57, 
 58, 70, 75, 90, 91, 95, 97, 100, 156, 
 166, 169, 171, 174, 178, 250, 256, 
 258, 259. 
 Lee, Edward, archbishop of York, 95, 
 
 123. 
 — — , John a, 268. 
 
 , Richard a, 86. 
 
 , Bryan, 177. 
 
 , Roland, bishop of Lichfield, 24, 
 41, 238, 282. 
 Leyborne priory, 116. 
 Legh, Dr. Thomas, .53, 56, 65, 74, 82, 
 84, 91, 95, 98, 100, 126, 145, 156, 
 166, 243, 251. 
 
 , Thomas I. 61, 
 
 Leicester, archdeaconry of, 239. 
 
 , monastery of, 163. 
 
 , Newark college, 93. 
 
 , Francis, 170. 
 
 Lees, Richard, 268. 
 Lestrange, sir Thomas, 138. 
 Levynes, Christopher, 90. 
 Lewes priory, 180. 
 Lewis, John, 188. 
 Lewson, James, 278. 
 Leyland, sir William, 154. 
 
 Lichfield, religious houses in, 91, 93, 
 
 203, 239. 
 , sale of the goods, &c. of the 
 
 grey friars in, 274. 
 Lightfoot, William, 201. 
 Lilleshull abbey, 288, 291. 
 Lincoln, houses of friars in, 192. 
 Litell, monk of Sion, 49. 
 Llanfey Castle, 200. 
 Lodington, Leicestershire, 151. 
 Loghtonhouse, William, 278. 
 Lok, W. 130. 
 London, Dr. John, 213, 217, 221, 224, 
 
 227, 230, 232, 235, 238. 
 
 , Thomas, 55. 
 
 Longford, Mr. 128. 
 
 Longland, John, bishop of Lincoln, 93, 
 
 94. 
 Lorrymer, Mr. 286. 
 Loveson, Mr. 269. 
 Lucy, Mr. 149, 235. 
 Ludlow, town of, 199, 202, 213, 291. 
 Lusone, James, 270. 
 Lytleton, Mr. 276. 
 
 Maid of Kent, (see Barton). 
 Maiden Bradley, prior of, 58. 
 
 priory, relics in, 58. 
 
 Malvern, Great, priory, 149. 
 
 Manny, sir Walter, 39. 
 
 Markham, Mr. 266, 
 
 Marlborough, mayor of, 198. 
 
 Marmaduke, prebendary of Ripon, 101. 
 
 Marshall, Wm. 68, 
 
 Martin, Robert, 170. 
 
 Mathewe, John, prior of Cokesford, 
 
 126. 
 , William, 203.
 
 300 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Maxey, John, bishop of Elphin, 83. 
 
 Maxtock, Warwickshire, 140. 
 
 Maydwell, John, 68, 
 
 Mekins, Thomas, 200. 
 
 Mendlesham, vicar of, 160. 
 
 Meredith, Morgan, 186. 
 
 Messyndyne, Jane, prioress of Ley- 
 borne, 116. 
 
 Michael's, St. Mount, 213. 
 
 Mildmay, Thomas, 292. 
 
 Milward, John, 274. 
 
 Molyneux, parson, 128. 
 
 Monasteries, visitation of the, 53. 
 
 ■ , suppression of the smaller, 
 
 53. 
 
 ■ , the act for the dissolution 
 
 of the smaller, 107. 
 
 , suppression of the larger, 
 
 116. 
 
 -, final suppression of the, 254. 
 
 Monk-Bretton priory, 168. 
 Montagew, M. 159. 
 Monyngton, Mr. 283. 
 Mordaunt, lord, 92. 
 
 , sir John, 92. 
 
 More, sir Thomas, 46, 141. 
 
 , Austin, 201. 
 
 , Williams, 240. 
 
 , Mr. prior of Worcester, 283. 
 
 Morgan, Dr. 49. 
 
 , Mr. 267. 
 
 Morise, John, 120. 
 Mountfort, Simon, 140. 
 Moyle, Thomas, 256, 258, 259. 
 Myldemay, Thomas, 169, 171, 239. 
 
 Newark, houses of friars in, 192. 
 Newbridge priory, 154. 
 Newcastle-under- Line, black friars, 204. 
 
 Newell, Mr. 195. 
 Newstead abbey, 94, 215. 
 Norfolk, duke of, 154, 243, 248. 
 Northampton, St. Andrew's priory, 92, 
 
 168. 
 
 , St. James's abbey, 136. 
 
 , St. Giles' vicarage, 170. 
 
 , religious houses in, 193, 
 
 224, 229. 
 Norton abbey, 52. 
 
 , Thomas, 267. 
 
 Notley abbey, Buckinghamshire, 222, 
 
 224, 226, 233, 235. 
 Nun-Appleton nunnery, 166. 
 Nun-Coton nunnery, 214, 235. 
 
 Offley, Mr. 268. 
 
 Oker, Mr. 128. 
 
 Osith's, St. priory, 239, 246. 
 
 Oswald's, St. monastery, 124, 166. 
 
 Owen, Griffith ap, 188. 
 
 Oxford, earl of, 245. 
 
 , city of, 217, 228. 
 
 university, 57, 66. 
 
 , particulars respect- 
 ing, 70. 
 
 , All Souls College, 70. 
 
 , New College, 70. 
 
 , Corpus Christi, 70. 
 
 , Merton College, 70. 
 
 , Queen's , 70. 
 
 , Magdalen , 70. 
 
 Packyngton, Mr. 286. 
 Palmer, Mr. 120. 
 Parker, a monk of Sion, 50. 
 Parre, William, 169, 171, 178.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 301 
 
 Parys, Philip, 145. 
 
 , Thomas, 201. 
 
 Pasham, Mrs. 148. 
 Paxton, John, 55. 
 Payne, Thomas, 203. 
 Penyson, Mr. 220. 
 Pershore monastery, 132. 
 Peterborough abbey, 17H. 
 
 , abbot of, 260. 
 
 Petre, William, 177, 251. 
 
 Petworth, town of, 206. 
 
 Picto, Thomas, 272. 
 
 Pirton, sir William, 239. 
 
 Plesans, William, 201. 
 
 Pollard, Richard, 145, 147, 220, 256, 
 
 258, 259,261. 
 Pollesworth nunnery, 138,^ - 
 
 , town of, 139. 
 Pole, cardinal, 150, 232. 
 Polsted, Henry, 89. 
 Pontefract, town of, 159. 
 
 priory, 166. 
 
 , houses of friars at, 168. 
 
 Pope, Mr. 240. 
 
 Popley, William, 188. 
 
 Portinari, John, 180. 
 
 Price, Elis, 190. 
 
 Poulet, Richard, 232, 238. 
 
 Powell, Dr. 12. 
 
 Pye, Mr. 195. 
 
 Pyle, Roger, abbot of Furnes, 153. 
 
 Raby, father, 34. 
 
 Rainhold, father, 45. 
 
 Ramsey abbey, 98, 147- 
 
 Rawlins, monk of the Charter-house, 68. 
 
 Rawson, Richard, 274. 
 
 Reading, town of, 220, 223, 228. 
 
 Reading, grey friars in, 217, 223, 224. 
 
 225. 
 
 abbey, list of the relics in, 226. 
 
 Rebull, John, 201. 
 
 Race, or Rice, 53, 85, 238. 
 
 Rede, lord chief justice, 68. 
 
 Rewley, abbot of, 72. 
 
 Reynolds, John, 200. 
 
 Rice, Mr. 275. 
 
 Rich, Hugh, 14, 18. 
 
 Richard, king, the second, 114. 
 
 , M. 236. 
 
 Riche, sir Richard, 182, 224, 235, 278, 
 
 279. 
 Richmond, warden of, 211. 
 
 , Alan Niger earl of, 2. 
 
 Rievaulx abbey, 61, 168. 
 , scandalous life of the 
 
 abbot of, 61. 
 Ripon cathedral, 101, 
 Risby, Richard, 18, 19, 21. 
 Rochester, John, 68. 
 Rogers, Edward, 268. 
 Rokeby, James, 168. 
 Romburgh priory, suppressed by Wol- 
 
 sey, 1. 
 Rote, John, 170. 
 Rowcester abbey, 127, 291. 
 , sale of the goods, &c. 
 
 of, 277. 
 Russell, sir John, 195. 
 
 , lord J., 259, 262. 
 
 Rutland, Thomas, earl of, 62, 94. 
 Ryve, Robert, 274. 
 
 Sacheverall, sir Henry, 128. 
 Sadler, John, 275. 
 Salisbury, city of, 202, 212.
 
 302 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Sallay abbey, 158. 
 
 Sanctuary, right of, 39. 
 
 Sandelond, John, 274. 
 
 Sarum, Old, religious houses in, 216. 
 
 Savage, John, 268. 
 
 Sawtrey abbey, 99. 
 
 Scarborough, houses of friars in, 192. 
 
 Schorn, John, 218, 224. 
 
 Scudamore, John, 266, 273, 278, 279, 
 
 280, 281, 283, 284, 287, 288, 291. 
 
 , Edward, 267. 
 
 , William, 281. 
 
 Selby abbey, 166. 
 
 Severne, 291. 
 
 Seynteler, sir John, 239. 
 
 Shaxton, Nicholas, bishop of Salisbury, 
 
 36. 
 Sheldon, Mr. 291, 292. 
 
 , Ralph, 266. 
 
 Shene, prior of, 174. 
 Shesford, 54. 
 Shrewsbury, town of, 202. 
 , religious houses in, 204 
 
 211. 
 
 abbey, 291. 
 
 Silvester, Robert, 249. 
 Skipwith, M. 214. 
 Smyth, John, 145, 150. 
 
 , Thomas, 170. 
 
 , Agnes, 50. 
 Southampton, town of, 202, 213. 
 Southcote, William, 171. 
 Southwell, collegiate church of, 93. 
 
 , Richard, 138. 
 
 , Robert, 169, 171, 232, 238. 
 
 Spenser, Dr. 61. 
 
 Spratt, Edward, 275. 
 
 Stafford, Humphrey, 121. 
 
 I , religious houses in, 204. 
 
 Stafford, archdeaconry of, 243. 
 
 , town of, 267. 
 
 , sale of the goods, &c. of the 
 
 grey friars in, 267. 
 , . of 
 
 the Austin friars in, 270. 
 Stamford, Mr. 272. 
 Stavordale monastery, 51. 
 Stewarde, Dr. 4. 
 
 Stokesley, John, bishop of London, 38. 
 Stokwith, Henry, 175. 
 Stonyng, George, 276. 
 Strete, Mr. 274. 
 Stykeswolde nunnery, 235. 
 
 , Richard, 127. 
 
 Sudbourne, sir Thomas, 5. 
 Sussex, the earl of, 154. 
 Swan, William, 200. 
 Swinnerton, Mr. 269. 
 Sydnam, John, 261. 
 Syon monastery, 45, 50. 
 
 Talboys, lord, 214. , 
 
 Taunton abbey, 51. 
 
 Taverner, Mr. 192. 
 
 Tenby, mayor of, 78- 
 
 Teshe, Tristram, 248. 
 
 Tewkesbury, town of, 237. 
 
 Thackre, Mr. 214, 228,234. 
 
 Thelesford friary, 193, 235. 
 
 Thornberry, 158. 
 
 Throgmorton, sir George, 279. 
 
 Tickhill, house of friars at, 168. 
 
 Timmes, Mr. 101. 
 
 Tollisop Crosfryers, near Warwick, 229. 
 
 Totnes priory, 118. 
 
 Tresham, sir Thomas, 179. 
 
 Tunell, Richard, 8.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 o03 
 
 Turner, John, 213. 
 
 , Richard, 223. 
 
 Turwhyte, M. 214. 
 Tutbury priory, 291. 
 Twynham priory, 231. 
 Tyrell, Thomas, 160. 
 
 Underhill, Mr. 58. 
 Uxbridge, town of, 47. 
 
 Vachell, Thomas, 221. 
 
 Vagan, Simon, 201. 
 
 Vale Royal abbey, 244. 
 
 Vernon, Margaret, 55. 
 
 Villers, Stephen, 21. 
 
 Vivian, Thomas, prior of Bodmin, 130. 
 
 Walden abbey, 241 . 
 
 Wales, relics in North, 212. 
 
 Walker, Thomas, 10. 
 
 Wall, Thomas, 19. 
 
 Walle, William, abbot of Kenilworth, 
 134. 
 
 Walley, Edmund, abbot of York, 2. 
 
 Walsingham abbey, 138. 
 
 Walton, William, 200. 
 
 Ward, William, 171. 
 
 , Richard, 271. 
 
 Weirdon, Thomas, 54. 
 
 — — — , Christopher, 55. 
 
 , abbey of, 53. 
 
 Warham, Wm. archbishop of Canter- 
 bury, 19, 20. 
 
 Warren, a goldsmith, 100. 
 
 Warwick, religious houses in, 193. 
 
 Watkins, Richard, 166. 
 Watton at Stone, 827. 
 Webb, John, 268. 
 Welbeck, commendator of, 83. 
 Welles, John, abbot of Croyland, 152. 
 Wells, city of, 260, 261. 
 Wenlock abbey, 278. 
 Westacre priory, 171. 
 West-chester, 202, 205. 
 West Dereham, abbey of, 83. 
 Westminster, abbot of, 148. 
 Weston, John, 276. 
 Westwood nunnery, 291. 
 Wetheryns, Edmund, 277. 
 Wetwood, Robert, 270. 
 Whadborough, Leicestershire, 151. 
 Whalley, John, 69. 
 
 abbey, 153. 
 
 Wharton, Richard, 86. 
 Whitby, abbot of, 102. 
 
 abbey, 248. 
 
 White, John, 201. 
 Whitfield, Margaret, 272. 
 Whitford, a monk of Sion, 49. 
 Whitgreve, Robert, 269. 
 Whiting, Richard, abbot of Glaston- 
 bury, 254, 260. 
 Wigmore, 291. 
 Wigmore castle, 239. 
 
 — abbey, 282. 
 
 Willesdon, 36. 
 
 William the Conqueror, 124. 
 
 Rufus, 124. 
 
 WUUams.John, 145, 147,220,233,235. 
 
 , Thomas, 268. 
 
 Williamson, Mr. 180. 
 Winchcombe abbey, 237. 
 Winchelsea, religious house at, 200,
 
 304 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Winchester, city of, 71. 
 
 .——— — , house of white friars in, 
 
 195, 202. 
 
 , , black friars, 198. 
 
 , relics at, 218. 
 
 , St. Mary's abbey, 219. 
 
 Windsor, lord, 49, 
 
 Wisman, Mr. 214. 
 
 Withcote, Leicestershire, 152. 
 
 Woburn abbey, 145. 
 
 Wolneston abbey, 136. 
 
 Wolsey, cardinal, 1, 112. 
 
 Wombrige, 289. 
 
 Woodhouse, a friary near Cleobury, 281. 
 
 Woodhouse, William, 86. 
 
 , Robert, 249. 
 
 Woodstock, town of, 283. 
 
 Woolstrope priory, 136. 
 
 Worcester, religious houses in, 193, 
 
 203, 284, 285, 287. 
 
 Worcester castle, 287. 
 Worspring priory, 122. 
 Wraxall, Thomas, 201. 
 Wryothesley, sir Thomas, 219. 
 Wyeresope monastery, 168. 
 Wygston, Roger, 140. 
 Wylmyslow, Randal, 52. 
 Wyrle, Mark, 274. 
 Wyseman, John, 292. 
 
 York, St. Mary's abbey, 97, 166. 
 
 , archbishop of, 123. 
 
 ' , city of, 123. 
 
 , St. Leonard's hospital, 166. 
 
 , St. Andrew's priory, 168. 
 
 , houses of friars at, 168. 
 
 , Mr. 198. 
 
 Zouche, Richard, 51. 
 
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