A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government, Regnal history 13 (1 of 3)

A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government · Regnal history 13 (1 of 3)

p. 1THE REIGNE OF KING HENRY THE EIGHT.

KING Henry the seventh being deceased, his only sonne Prince Henry, Heire by his Father of the house of Lancaster, and by his Mother of the house of Yorke: by unquestionable right succeeded in the Crowne, at the Age of eighteene yeers, on the two and twentieth of Aprill, in the yeere 1509. who having been trained up in the study of good letters all his Fathers time… he Governed at first, as a man newly come from Contemplation to Action, as it were by the Booke… in so regular and fair a man…er, that as of Neroes Goverment, there was said to be Quinquennium Neronis; so of this Kings, there might as justly be said, Decennium Henrici; and perhaps double so long a time, comparable with so much time of any Kings Reigne, that had been before him. How he came to alter, and to alter to such a degree of change as he did, we shall then have a fit place to shew, when we come to the time of his alteration. King Henry having learned by Bookes, that the weight of a Kingdome is too heavy to lie upon one mans shoulders, if it be not supported by able Councellours; made it his first care, to make choice of an able Councell; to which he called VVilliam VVarham Archbishop of Canterbury, and Chancellour of England, Richard Fox Bishop of VVinchester, Thomas Howard Earle of Surry, and Treasurer of England, George Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury, and Lord Steward of his Houshold, Charles Summerset Lord Chamberlaine, Sir Thomas Lovell … Sir Henry VVyat, Doctor Thomas Ruthall, and Sir Edward Poynings; by advise of these Councellours, his first Act after the care of his Fathers Funerall; was the care to performe his Fathers Will, in marrying the Lady Katherine of Spaine, the Relict of his Brother Prince Arthur; to which perhaps but in respect of filiall pierie, he had not the greatest devotion; and for relinquishing whereof, he might (no doubt) more easily have obtained a Despensation from the Pope, then his Father had done, for getting it to be allowed: but obsequiousnesse to his Fathers desire, and respect to his Councels advice, so far prevailed with him, that he would not be Crowned, till that were performed, that one Coronation might serve them both: and so on the third day of Iune following, he married the said Lady, at the Bishop of Salisburies house in Fleetstreet; where of many great solemnities, I will remember but this one; that though the Bride were a Widdow, yet to shew she was a Virgin Widdow, she was attired all in white, and had the haire of her head hanging-downe behinde at the full length: and then (having made in the Tower four and twenty Knights of the Bath) two dayes after being Midsomer day, he was Crowned at Westminster, p. 2together with his Queene, by the hands of VVilliam VVarham Archbishop of Canterbury; with all Circumstances of State, in such cases usuall; and then all the Nobility Spirituall and Temporall, did him Homage; and the people being asked whether they would receive him for their King, they all with one voice, cryed, yea, yea.

This done, his next Act was another part of performing his fathers Will, which was to proclaime Pardons for all offences, (Treason, Murder, and Felonie only excepted) and to have restitution made of all goods unjustly taken from any; and because the Instruments of such injustice, are alwayes most odious, and nothing gives the people so much contentment, as to see their Persecutours punished; he therefore caused Empson and Dudley the two chiefe Actours of the late unjust proceedings, to be committed to the Tower, and divers of their inferiour Agents, called Promoters, as Canby, Page, Smith, Derby, Wright, Simpson, and Stockton, to be set on the Pillory in Cornhill, with papers on their heads, and then to ride through the City, with their faces to the horse tailes; with the shame whereof within seven dayes after, they all died in Newgate. Shortly after a Parliament was called; whereof Sir Thomas Ingleby was chosen Speaker; and therein Empson and Dudley were attainted of High Treason, and after arraigned; Edmund Dudley in the Guildhall, on the seventeenth of Iuly, and Sir Richard Empson at Northampton in October following, and on the seventeenth of August the yeere following, they were both of them beheaded on the Tower Hill; and their Bodies and Heads buried, the one at the White Fryers, the other at the Black.

On Midsomer Eave at night, King Henry came privily into VVestchester, cloathed in one of the Coats of his Guard, to behold the same: and this first yeer King Henry spent in Justs and Maskes, which were almost perpetuall, performed with great Magnificence alwayes; and sometimes with great Acts of Valour, on the Kings part specially.

In February the same yeer, Embassadours came from the Kings Father in law, the King of Aragon; requiring Ayde against the Moores; in which service, the Lord Thomas Darcy, a Knight of the Garter, making suite to be imployd; he was sent thither, and with him the Lord Anthony Gray, brother to the Marquesse Dorset, Henry Guilford, Wolstan Browne, and William Sidney Esquires of the Kings House, Sir Robert Constable … Sir Roger Hastings, Sir Ralph Elderton and others; who on the Mund…y in the Rogation Weeke, departed out of Plimot… Haven, with four ships Royall, and on the first of Iune, arrived at the Port of Cadis in south Spaine; of whose comming the King of Aragon hearing… sent to bid them welcome, but advertising them withall, that he had now by reason of new troubles with France, taken truce with the Moores; and therefore they might returne againe into their owne Country, to whom yet he allowed wages for all his souldiers. W…ereupon the Lord Darcy and all his men went aboord their ships, but Henry Guilford, Wol…tan Br…wne, and William Sidney, desirous to see the Court of Spaine, went thither and were honourably entertained. Henry Guilford, and Wolstan Browne were made Knights by the King; who gave to Sir Henry Guil…ord a Canton of Granado; and to Sir Wolstan Browne an Eagle of Sicily on a Chiefe, to the augmentation of their Armes: William Sidney so excused himselfe, that he was not made Knight. After this they returned to their ships, and their ships into England.

During the time that the Lord Darcy was in Spain, the Lady Margaret Dutchesse of Sa…oy, Daughter unto Maximilian the Emperour; and Governesse of Flande…s and other the Low-countryes, pertaining to Charles the young Prince of Ca…tile, sent to King Henry for fifteen hundred Archers, to aid her against the Duke of Gelders, which the King granted; and thereupon Sir Edward Poynings Knight of the Garter, and Comptroller of the Kings House appointed to goe, accompani…d with his sonne in law the Lord Clinton, Sir Matthew Browne, Sir Iohn Dig…y, Iohn Werton, Richard Wetherill, and others, to the number of fifteen p. 5hundred, took shipping at Sandwich, and passing over to the said Lady Regent, did her there great service; for which Iohn Norton, Iohn Fogge, Iohn Scott, and Thomas Lynde were knighted; and then with many thanks and rewards, returned, not having lost in all the Journey, by warre or sicknesse, above an hundred men.

In the third yeer of King Henryes Reigne, one Andrew Barton a scottish Pirate, was grown so bold, that he robbed English-men no lesse then other Nations… till the King sent his Admirall, Sir Edward Howard to represse him, who in a fight, so wounded the said Barton, that he died; and then taking two of his ships, brought the men prisoners to London; and though their offence deserved no lesse then death, yet the King was so mecifull as to pardon them all; provided, they departed the Realme within twenty dayes. The King of Scotts hearing the death of Barton, and taking of his ships; sent to King Henry, requiring restitution; but King Henry answered his Herauld, that he rather looked for thanks for sparing their lives, who so justly had deserved death.

In the third yeer also of King Henryes Reigne, the French King made sharpe Warre against Pope Iulius the second; whereupon King Henry wrote to the French King, requiring him to desist from his Warre against the Pope being his friend and confederate; but when the King of France little regarded his request, he then sent him word, to deliver him his Inheritance of the Dutchy of Normandie and Guyen, and the Countryes of Angiou and Mayne; as also his Crown of France, or else he would recover it by the sword. But when the King of France was not moved with this threatning neither; King Henry then joyning in league with the Emperour Maximilian, with Ferdinand King of Spaine, and with divers other Princes; resolved by advise of his Councell to make warre on the King of France, and to that end made preparation both by Sea and Land.

This yeer the King kept his Christmas at Greenwich in a most Magnificent manner. On New-yeers day was presented one of his Joviall Devises, which onelyonly for a Patterne what his showes at other times were, I thinke fit to set downe at large. In the Hall was made a Castle, garnished with Artillery and weapons in a most warlike fashion, and on the Front of the Castle was written, la Forteresse Dangerense: within the Castle were six Ladies, clothed in russet Sattin, laid all over with leaves of gold: On their heads Coyfes and Caps of gold. After this Castle had been carried about the Hall, and the Queen had beheld it; in came the King with five other, apparelled in Coates, one halfe of russet-Satten, with spangles of fi…e gold; the other halfe of rich cloath of gold: on their heads Caps of russet Sattin, embrodered with works of fine gold. These six assaulted the Castle, whom the Ladies seeing so lusty and couragious, they were contented to solace with them; and upon further communication, to yeeld the Castle; and so they came downe, and daunced a long space: after that the Ladyes led the Knights into the Castle, and then the Castle suddenly vanished out of their sights. On Twelfth day at night, the King with eleven more were disguised, after the maner of Italie, called a Maske; a thing not seen before in England. They were apparelled in garments long and broad, wrought all with gold, with Vysors and Caps of gold. And after the banket done, these Maskers came in, with six Gentlemen disguised in silke, bearing staffe Torches; and desired the Ladyes to dance, and after they had danced and communed together; tooke their leave and departed.

The five and twentieth of Ianuary began the Parliament, of which was speaker Sir Robert Sheffield knight, where the Archbishop of Canterbury shewed the wrong which the King of France did to the King of England, in with-holding his Inheritance from him; and thereupon the Parliament concluded that Warre should be made on the French King and his Dominions.

At this time King Ferdinand of Spaine, having Warre with the French King, wrote to his Sonne in law King Henry, that if he would send over an Army into Biskey, and invade France on that side; he would aid them with Ordnance, p. 4Horses, and all other things necessary; whereupon Thom…s Gray, Marquesse Dorset was appointed to go, and with him the Lord Howard Sonne and hei…e to the Earle of S…rry, the Lord Brooke, the Lord Willoughby, the Lord Ferrers, the Lords Iohn, Anthony, and Leonard Grey, all brothers, to the Marquesse; Sir Grisseth ap Ryce, Sir Maurice Barkeley, Sir William Sands, the Baron of B…r…ord, and Sir Richard Cornwall his brother, William Hussey, Iohn Melton, William Kingst…n Esquires, and Sir Henry Willoughby, with divers others, to the number of ten thousand, who taking ship at Southampton, o… the sixteenth of Ma… … the third of Iune they landed on the coast of Biskey, whither within three dayes after their arrivall, came from the King a Marquesse and an Earle to welcome them; but of such necessaries as were promised, there came …one; so as the English being in some want of victualls, the King of Navarre offered to supply them, which they accepted; and promised thereupon not to molest his Territories. After the Army had lyen thirty dayes, looking for aid and provision from the King of Spaine, at last a Bishop came from the King, desiring the… to have patience a while, and very shortly he would give them full contentme…t. In the mean time, the Englishmen forced to feed much upon Garlick, and … drink of ho…t Wines; fell into such sicknesse, that many of them dyed, at least eighteen hundred persons; which the Lord Marquesse seeing, he sent to the King to know his pleasure, who sent him answer, that very shortly the Duke of Alv… should come with a great power, and joyne with him; and indeed the Duke of Alva came forward with a great Army, as if he meant to joyne with him as was promised; but being come within a dayes Journey, he suddenly turned towards the Realme of Navarre; and entring the same, chased out the King, and Conquered the Kingdom to the King of Spaines use. This Spanish policie pleased not the English, who finding nothing but words from the King of Spain, and being weary of lying so long idle; they fell upon some small Townes in the border of Guyen, but for want of Horses as well for service as draught; were unable to performe any great matter; at which time, being now October, the Lord Marques fell sick, and the Lord Howard supplied his place of General, to whom the King of Spaine once again sent, excusing his present coming, and requiring him, seeing the time of yeer was now past, that he would be pleased to break up his Army, and disperse his Companies into Townes thereabou…, till the nex… spring, when he would not faile to make good all his promises: Hereupon the Lord Howard and his Company went to Rendre, the Lord Willoughby to Gorscha…g, and Sir William Sands with many other Captaines to Fontarely. King Henry in the meane time, hearing what the King of Spaines intention was; sen… his Herauld Windsor with Letters to the Army, willing them to tarry there…for that very shortly he meant to send them a new supply of Forces, under the conduct of the Lord Herbert his Chamberlaine; but this message so incense… the Souldiers, that in a great fury they had slaine the Lord Howard if he had …o… yeelded presently to returne home; who thereupon was forced to hire shippe… and in the beginning of December they landed in England; being taught …y this experience what trust is to be given to Spanish promises.

About the same time that the Marquesse went into Spaine, Sir Edward H… ard Lord Admirall of England, with twenty great ships made forth toward… Br…ttaine; where setting his men on land, he burned and wasted divers Town… and Villages, and being threatned by the Lords of Brittaine to be encountred, to encourage his Gentlemen, he made divers of them Knights; as Sir Edwa… Brook brother to the L. Cobham, Sir Grif…eth Downe, Sir Thomas Windham, Sir Thomas Lucy, Sir Iohn Burdet, Sir William Pirton, Sir Henry Sherburne, and Sir Stephen Bull. The Brittains were tenne thousand, the English but five and twenty hundred; yet the Brittaines not contented with this advantage of number, would ne…ds use policy besides, for by the advice of an old experienced Captaine, their Generall commanded his men that a…soone as Battels were joyned… they should retire a little, meaning thereby to draw the English into some disadvantage; p. 5but the common Souldiers not knowing their Generalls purpose, and supposing he had seen some present danger, instead of retyring tooke their heeles and fled; so giving the English by their Brittish policy, if not a Victory, at least a safety to returne to their ships. After which the Brittaines sued for truce, and could not obtaine it; for the English Admirall pursued his forraging the Countrey, till fearing there were many French ships abroad at Sea, he came and lay before the Isle of Wight. King Henry in the meane time followed his pleasures; and in Iune kept a solemne Just at Greenwich, where he and Sir Charles Brandon took up all cummers; and the King shewed himselfe no lesse a King at Arms, then in Estate.

After this, King Henry having prepared men and ships ready to go to Sea; under the Governance of Sir Anthony Out…read, Sir Edmund Ichingham, William Sidney and divers other Gentlemen; appointed them take the sea, and to come before the Isle of Wight, there to joyne with the Admirall; which altogether made a Fleet of five and twenty faire ships: and to Portesmouth he we…t himselfe to see them, where he appointed Captaines; for one of his chiefest ships called the Regent, Sir Thomas Knevet master of his horse, and Sir Iohn Carew of Devonshire, and to another principall ship called the Soveraigne, he appointed for Captaines Sir Charles Brandon, and Sir Henry Guildford; and then making them a banke…, sent them going. The French King likewise had prepared a Navy of nine & thirty ships in the Haven of Brest, whereof the chief was a great Carrick, called the Cordelyer, pertaining to the Queen his wife. These two Fleets met at the Bay of Brittaine, and there entred a tirrible fight; The Lord Admirall made with the great ship of Deepe, and chased her; Sir Charles Brandon and Sir Henry Guildford being in the Soveraigne, made with the great Carrick of Brest, and laid stemme to stemme to her but whether by negligence of the Master, or by reason of the smoake from the Ordnance, the Soveraigne was cast at the ster…e of the Carrick; whereat the Frenchmen shoured for joy; which Sir Thomas Knevet seeing, suddenly he caused the Regent in which he was, to make to the Carrick, and to grapple with her a long boord; and when they of the Carrick perceived they could not get a sunder, they let slippe an Anchor, and so with the streame the ships turned, and the Carrick was on the Weather side, and the Regent on the Lee side; at which time a cruell fight passed between these two ships: but in conclusion the Englishmen entred the Carrick, which when a Gunner saw, he desperately set fire on the Gunpowder (as some say) though others affirmed, that Sir Anthonie Outhread following the Regent at the sterne, bowged her in divers places, and set her powder on fire; but howsoever it chanced, the Carrick and the Regent both were consumed by fire. In the Carrick was Sir Piers Morgan, and with him nine hundred men: in the Regent were Sir Thomas Knevett, and Sir Iohn Carew, and with them seven hundred men, all drowned and burnt. King Henry to repaire the losse of the Regent, caused a great ship to be made, such a one as had never been seen in England; and named it Henry Grace de Dieu.

Though King Henry had hitherto followed his pleasures, as well agreeing with his youth and constitution; yet he neglected not in the meane time severer studies; for he frequented daily his Councell Table, and no matter of importance was resolved on, till he had heard it first maturely discussed: as was now a War wi…h France, which he would not enter into upon his owne head, nor yet upon advise of his private Councell, till he had it d…b…ted and concluded in Parliament; whereupon he called his High Court of Parliament, wherein it was resolved; that himselfe in person with a Royall Army, should invade France; and towards the charges thereof, an extraordinary Subsidy was willingly granted.

On May even this yeer, Edmund de la Poole, Earle of Suffolke, was beheaded on the Tower Hill: This was that Earle of Suffolke whom King Phillip Duke of Austria, had delivered up into the hands of King Henry the seventh, upon his promise that he would not put him to death; which indeed he performed, but p. 6his sonne King Henry the eight was not bound by that promise, and by him he was; and shortly after, to bring another Lord in his place, Sir Charles Brandon was created Viscount Lisle.

For all the great preparation for France, King Henry forbore not his course of Revelling, but kept his Christmas at Greenwich, with divers cu…ious devises, in most magnificent manner. In March following, the Kings Navy Royall, to the number of two and forty ships was set forth, under the conduct of Sir Edward Howard Lord Admirall, accompanied with Sir Walter Deveraux Lord Ferrers, Sir Wolston Browne, Sir Edward Ichingham, Sir Anthony Poynings, Sir Iohn Walloppe, Sir Thomas Windham, Sir Stephen Bull, William Fits Williams, Arthur Plantagenet, William Sidney esquires; and divers other Gentlemen, who sayling to Brittane, came into Bertram Bay, and there lay at Anchor in sight of the French Navie, wherof one Prior Iohn was Admirall, who keeping himselfe close in the Haven of Brest; the English Admirall intended to assaile him in the Haven, but because his ships were to great to enter the Bay; he caused certaine Boa…es to be manned forth, thinking thereby to toule out the French; but when this neither would draw them to come abroad, he then called a Councell, where it was determined, that first they should assayle Prior Iohn and his Gallies, lying in Blankesable Bay, and after set upon the rest of the French Flee…e in the Haven of Brest; and it was further appointed, that the Lord Ferrers, Sir Stephen Bull, and others should go on land, with a convenient number, to assault the Bulworkes, which the French had there made; while the Admi…all with Row B…rges and little Gallies entred into the Bay, that so the Frenchmen might at once be assailed both by sea and land. But though this were determined by the Councell of Warre …et, the Lord Admirall had a trick by himselfe, for by the advise of a Spanish Knight called Sir Alphonso Charunt, affirming that he might enter the Bay with little danger; he called to him William Fi…s-VVilliams, VVilliam Cooke, Iohn Colley, and Sir VVolston Browne, as his most trusty friends, making them privy to his intent, which was to take on him the whole enterprize with their assistance only; and so confident he was of successe, that he wrote to the King to come thither in person, to have the honour of the enterprize himselfe; but it seemes the King had better Fates, at least went not; and thereupon, on Saint Marks day the Admirall put himselfe in a small row B…rge; and appointing three other small row Ships, and his own Shipboat to attend him: and therewith on a sudden rowed into the Ba…, where Pryor Iohn had moored up his Gallies just to the ground; which Gallies with the Bulworks on the land shot most cruelly; yet the Admirall went on, and comming to the Gallies, drove out the French-men. The Bay was shallow, and the other ships by reason the Tide was spent, could not enter; which the French-men perceiving, they entred the Gallies againe with Morris Pikes, and began a new fight; whereupon the Admirall attempting to returne back into his row B…rge; which by violence of the Tide, was driven downe the streame; with a Pike was throwne over boord, and drowned; the just issue of his headstrong enterprize; the forenamed Alphonso was also there slaine: upon which sorrowfull accident, the Lord Ferrers with the rest, returned into England. After whose departure, Pryor Iohn came forth with his Gallies; and coasting over the borders of Sussex, burnt certaine poore Cottages… but the King made suddenly a new Admirall, the Lord Thomas Howard, eldest Brother to him that was drowned; sonne and heire of the Earle of Surrey: who so skowrd the seas, that the French were no more to be seen on any coast of England.

King Henry had hitherto performed Acts of Armes, though in Jest, yet with great magnificence; he will not performe them with lesse, being now in earnest and especially to deale with so potent aa adversary: and therefore when it was concluded by Parliament, that he should make a Warre in France himselfe in p…rson; he sent before to prepare the way for him, George Talbot, Earle of Sh…ewsbury, high Steward of his Houshold; accompanied with the Lord Thomas p. 7Stanley Earle of Derby, the Lord Dowckeroy Pryor of Saint Iohns, Sir Robert Ratcliffe, Lord Fitswater, the Lord Hastings, the Lord Cobham, Sir Riceap Thomas, Sir Thomas Blunt, Sir Richad Sacheverell, Sir Iohn Digby, Sir Iohn Askew, Sir Lewis Bagot, Sir Thomas Cornwall and others, to the number of eight thousand; who arrived at Callice about the middle of May; after him in the end of May, followed Sir Charles Somerset, Lord Herbert, Lord Chamberline, accompanied with the Lord Percy Earle of Northumberland, the Lord Gray Earle of Kent, the Lord Stafford Earle of Wiltshire, the Lord Dudley, the Lord Delaware, Sir Edward Hussey, Sir Edward Dimmock, Sir David Owen, with others, to the number of six thousand: These Generalls joyning together, issued out of Callice, and on the two and twentieth day of Iune, sate downe before the strong Towne of Terwin, which City was strongly fortified; and in it was Governour the Lord Poultreny, who had with him six hundred Horsemen, and five and twenty hundred Almans, besides the Inhabitants. Here at the very first happened two disasters to the English; one, that the Baron Carew was slaine with a shot from the Towne; the other, that Sir Nicholas Va…x, and Sir Edward Belknappe coming from Guys…es with four and twenty Carts of Provision, were set upon by the Duke of Vendosme, Lieutenant of Picardie, and many of the English slaine, and the Provision taken. In this state was the English Campe at Terwin; when King Henry the last day of Iune came himselfe to Callice, and on the one and twentieth of Iuly took the field, having in his Army of fighting men, not above nine thousand, but with Pyoners, and others that attended the Cariages, eleven thousand and three hundred men: His foreward was led by Charles Brandon Viscount Lisle, his maine Battaile by himselfe, and Sir Henry Guildford carried his Standard; and in this order he marched forward to the siege of Terwin, entring upon the French ground, the five and twentieth of Iuly. On the morrow after, by negligence of the Carters, that mistook the way, a great Gunne called the Iohn Evangelist, was overthrowne in a deep Pond of water, aud could not at that time be recovered; but a few dayes after, the Master Carpenter taking with him a hundred labourers, went and weyed it up; but having carted it ready to bring away, was set upon by eight hundred French; and the most of his company slaine: the Gunne was taken by the French, and carried to Bulloyne. In the French Army were to the number of eleaven thousand footmen, and four thousand Horse; whereof were Captaines, the Lord De la Palyce, the Lord De Priennes, the Duke De Longuevyle, the Earle of Saint Paul, the Lord of Floringes, the Lord of Clermont, and Richard De la Poole an English man, sonne to Iohn Duke of Suffolke. The Armies were come within two miles one of another, and some light skirmishes passed between them, specially one; on a day called the dry Wednesday, for the day was wonderfull hot, and the King with his Army stood in order of battaile, from six a clock in the morning, till three in the afternoone: after this, the King removed towards Terwyn; and as the Army marched, another of the Kings Bombards of Iron, called the Redde Gunne, was overthrowne in a lane, and there left; which the French understanding, went with a great power to fetch it away, as they had done the other; but the Lord Berners, Captaine of the English Pyoners, prevented them; and though set upon by the French, to the number of nine or ten thousand, yet by the valour of the Earle of Essex, and Sir Riceap Thomas, with the bold adventures of Sir William Tyler, and Sir Iohn Sharpe, they recovered it and brought it safe to the Campe. On the fourth of August K. Henry came before the city of Terwyn, where he strongly fortified his Tents with Ord…ance, and other Warlike defences. In which meane time, the Captaine of Bulloigne, knowing that many of the Garison of Callice were gone with the King, thought to take advantage of …heir absence, and do some great exploit upon Callice; and therupon with a thousand men, came to New… ha… Bridge, and killing the watchmen, tooke it; but afterward some of his company going to fetch Booties, and coming so neere the walls of Callice, that p. 8they were descried; about sixscore Coopers and other Artificers issued forth, and driving them back, recovered againe Newnham Bridge, and took divers of them prisoners; especially when the gate of Callice, called Bulloign gate was opened, & that Colepepper the under Marshal, with two hundred Archers issued forth, and joyned with them. The French prisoners were brought to Callice, and there sold in open Market; amongst others, a Cooper of the Town of Callice, bought a prisoner that dwelt in Bulloigne, and had of the prisoner for his ra…some, a hundred Crowns; when the mony was paid, the French man prayed the Cooper to see him safe delivered, and to conduct him out of danger; the Cooper was content, and went himselfe alone with the French man, till he came beyond the Cawsey, and there would have departed; but the French man perceiving that the Cooper was aged, and that no rescue was nigh… by force tooke the Cooper prisoner, …d caried him to Bulloigne; making him pay two hundred Crownes, before h… was delivered.

Whilst King Henry lay thus at the siege of Terwyn, on the eleventh of Au…, the Emperour Maximilian was come to Ayre; which King Henry understanding, went and met him between Ayre and the Campe; where with great complements they saluted each other; but their complements were broken off, by …e extreame foule weather which happened that day: the morrow after, the Emperour Maximilian came from Ayre to the Kings Campe, wearing a Crosse of Saint George, as the Kings Souldier, and receiving wages of him for service; an honour never done to any King of England before; and yet was no disparagement to the Emperour, for he was royally received, and lodged in a Tent of cloath of gold; that as no Emperour before, had ever been souldier to a King; so no souldier before was ever lodged in such a Tent. At this time the City of Terwyn, being in some distresse for want of victualls; the French King appointed all his horsemen to the number of eight thousand, to see victualls by any means convoyed into it; the charge of which Convoy was committed to Monsieur De Priennes: but King Henry by advise of the Emperour Maximilian, had made Bridges to passe his men over the river, to the other side of the Towne, where was easiest accesse; in such sort, that when the French Convoy came with their victualls, and thought to have entred the Towne, they found the English Army there ready to resist them; whereupon a fierce battell was fought between them: but in conclusion the French were put to flight, and fled so fast, that from thence it was called the battell of Spurres, for that they used more their spurres in running away, then theit Launces in fighting. In this battell, the Duke of Longuevyle, the Lord of Clermont, Captaine Bayard, and others to the number of twelve score were taken prisoners, and all brought to the Kings presence; with six Standards that were likewise taken. After the battell, the King made Sir Iohn Pechye Banneret, and Iohn Carre Knight, who had both of them done great service in this encounter. King Henry having obtained this victory against the French horsemen, and hindred the Towne of Terwyn from reliefe of victualls, and withall plying his battery more fiercely then before; made the Townsmen soone fall to desire composition, and upon condition that the souldiers might depart with Horse and Armour, they yeelded up the Towne into the Kings hands. This was done on the eighteenth of August, and the Earle of Shrewsbury entred the Towne the same night; and set up the Banner of Saint George in the highest place of it, in signe of victory, and swore all the Townsmen to be true subjects to the King of England. The four and twen…eth of August, the King himselfe entred the Towne, and dined in the Bishops Palace, where it was resolved, that the Walls and Fortifications of Terwyn should be raced, and the Towne burnt all but the Cathedrall Church and the Pallace, all the Ordnance was sent to Ayre, to be kept there to the Kings use.

After this it was concluded, that the King should lay siege to the City of Tourney; whereupon he set forward in three battells, the Eeale of Shrewsbury p. 9led the Vangard; the King and the Emperour, the Battaile; and the Lord Chamberlaine the Re…eward. In this order the Kings Army marched forwards towards Tourney; by the way, he went and visited the yong Prince of Castile, and the Lady Margaret, Governesse of the Prince, in the Towne of Lisle, where with all Mag…ificence; or rather indeed Reverence, he was entertained; and after he had staied there three dayes, he took his leave, and being gone a mile and somewhat more out of the towne, he asked where his Campe lay, and no man there could tell the way, and guide they had none; the night was so darke and mystie, by chance at last they met with a victualler comming from the Camp, who was their guide and conducted them to it. By which we may see, to what distresse a great Prince may be brought by a little over-sight.

On the one and twentieth day of September, the King removed his Campe towards Tourney; and being come within three miles of the towne, he sent Garter king of Armes to summon the towne; but they, though they had but few men of warre amongst them, yet stood upon their guard; whereupon the King begin it on all sides, and made such firce batteries upon it, that though it were written on the gates of the towne, graven in stone, Iamais tu ne as perdu ton Pucellege; thou hast never lost thy Maidenhead; yet now they were glad to loose it: and in conclusion, they sent a trumpet to require a Parley, and then sued for mercy, and yeelded it up, and paid ten thousand pounds sterling besides, for redemption of their liberties: and then Master Thomas VVoolsey the Kings Almoner, calling before him all the Citizens yong and old, swore them to the King of England; the number of whom was fourescore thousand. This done, the King entred into Tourney, and calling into his presence Edward Guildford, VVilliam Fitzwilliams, Iohn Dansie, VVilliam Tyler, Iohn Sharpe, VVilliam Hussey, Iohn Savage, Christopher Garnysh, and some other valiant Gentlemen; he gave to them the order of knighthood; and then remembring the great entertainment the Prince of Castile and the Lady Margaret had given him at Lisle, he would not be behinde them in such courtesie; and thereupon in…ited them solemnly to his citie of Tourney, whom at their coming he brought into the towne in great triumph: during their abode in Tourney, amongst other compliments of entertainment, there was had a Justs, where the King and the Lord Lisle answered all comers: after the Justs, was a sumptuous Banquet; after the Banquet, the Ladies danced, and then came in the King, and eleven other in a Maske, all richly apparelled with Bonnets of gold: and when the… had passed the time at their pleasures, the garments of the Maskers were cast off; amongst the Ladies take them that could. This was King Henries disposition, that he could not forbear Revelling in the midst of his Armes; and Ladies must be entertained as well as souldiers. After this, finding the French not willing to come to a Battaile, and the winter drawing on, he left Sir Edward Poynings Governour of Tourney, and then returned to Callice, and from thence passed into England, and rode in post to Richmond to the Queene.

Whilst King Herry was thus busied in his warre with France, the King of Scots, though his Brother in law, yet instigated by the French King, and taking advantage of King Henries absence, assembled his people to Invade England; but before his whole power could come together, the Lord Humes his Chamberlin, with seven or eight thousand men entred the borders; but as he was returning with a great booty of Cattle, in a field overgrowne with Broome, called Milfield, he was encountred by Sir Edward Bulmer, having with him not above a thousand men; who lying in that field in ambush, broke out upon him, and put him to flight, with the slaughter of five or six hundred of his company, and foure hundred taken prisoners, the Lord Humes himselfe escaped by …light, but his Banner was taken; and this, by the Scots was called, the ill Rode. In the meane time the whole power of Scotland was assembled, no fewer then one hundred thousand men; though Buchanan in favour of his Countrey, …aith, not the fifth part of that number; and with these, King Iames approaching p. 10the borders, and coming to Norham Castle, laid siedge unto it, which for want of Powder, was soone delivered up unto him. But by this time the Earle of Surrey, Lievtenant of the North parts, had assembled an Army of six and twenty thousand men; to whom also soone after, his Sonne the Lord Admirall, with one thousand expert souldiers came and joyned… and now having many great Lords and Knights in his Army, he appointed to every one their station; and then was informed, that King Iames being removed six miles from Norha…, lay embattelling upon a great Mountain called Floddon, where it was impossible to come neere him, but with great disadvantage; for at the foot of the hill, o… the left hand, was a great ma…ish ground full of reeds and water, on the right hand was a river called Till, so swift any deepe that it was not possible; on the back-side were such craggie rocks and thick woods, that there was no assayling him on that part; the forepart of his Campe he had fenced with his great Ordnance. Being in such a hold, the Earle of Surry found there was no possibility of a Battaile, unlesse he could draw him from the hil; wherupon he called a coun…ell, by which it was determined to s…nd Roug-Cross… Pu…suivant at Armes with a trumpet, to the K. of Scots, to let him know, that he was ready on Friday following to give him Battaile, if he would abide it; wherunto the King of Scots by his Pursuivant Ilay, made answer, that at the day prefixed he should finde him ready for Battail as he desired, that he would willingly have come to such a ma…ch if he had bin at Edenburgh; but though he made this answer, yet he would not leave the strong Hold he was in, but kept himselfe still upon the Hill; at last, Thomas Lord Howard, sonne and hei…e to the Earle of Surrey, having viewed the Countrey round about, declared to his Father, that if he would but fetch a smal compasse, and come with his Army on the back of his Enemies, he should enforce the Scottish King to come down out of his strength, or else stop him from receiving of victuals o… any other thing out of Scotland. This councell of the Lord Howard his Father followed, and King Iames perceiving what their meaning was, thought it stood not with his honour to be forestalled out of his owne Realme, and thereupon immediately raised his Camp, and got to another Hill, but not so steepe as the other; which the Earle of Surrey perceiving, he determined to mou…t it, and to fight with the Scots, before they should have leisure to fortifie their Campe; and herewith making a short Speech, for encouragement of his Souldiers, he divided his Army into Battailes; the Van…guard was led by the Lord Howard, to whom was joyned as a Wing, Sir Edward Howard; the middle-ward was led by the Earl himself, and the Rear-ward by Sir Edward Stanley; the Lord Dacres with a number of horsmen was set apart by himselfe, to succor where need should be; the Ordnance was placed in the Front, and in other places, as was thought most convenient: and in this order they March forward, towerds the Scots. On the other side, King Iames reckoning upon the benefit of the Hill, thought the English half mad, to venture a Battaile upon such disadvantage; and thereupon making a Speech to encourage his Souldiers, who were of themselves so forward, that they needed no encouraging. Hee divided his Battailes in this manner; the maine Battaile he led himself, to which he appointed two Wings; the right led by the Earls of Huntley, Cr…wford and Mountrosse; the left by the Earls of Lenox and Argyle, together with the Lord H…mes Lord Camberlain: and so confident they were of victory, that the King first, and after all the Lords and meane… me…, put away their Horses, as thinking they should not need them; which confidence was afterward their undoing; for when the Battaile being joyned, Sir Edward Howard in getting up the Hill, was so assaulted by the Earles of Lenox and Argyle, that he was left almost alone, and in manifest perill to be slaine; in comes the Lord Dacres with his Horsmen, and trode under foot the Scottish Battaile of speeres on foot, which he could not have done, if they had kept their Horses. And this part of the Scottish A…my being led by the Earles of Crawford and Mountrosse, they were both of them slaine, and the whole Battaile but to flight. In another part p. 11also Sir Edward Stanley did the like, upon the Battaile led by the Earles of Lenox and Argyle, putting it to flight, with the slaughter also of these two Earles. King Iames notwithstanding, maintained the fight still, with great resolution, till Sir Adam Forman his Standard-bearer was beaten downe; and then not fainting, though despairing of successe, he rushed into the thickest of his Enemies, amongst whom he was beaten downe and slaine; and to make his death the more honourable, there dyed with him three Bishops (whereof one was Alexander, Archbishop of Saint Andrewes, the Kings base Sonne) two Abbots, twelve Earles, and seventeene Lords, of Knights and Gentlemen very many, in all about eight thousand, and almost as many taken prisoners (as Paulu… Iovius saith) amongst whom was Sir William Scot, Chancellour to the said King, and Sir George Forman his Sergiant Porter; the Lord Hume and the Earle Huntley got horses and escaped. Neither was the Battaile without blood to the English, for there was slaine at lest a thousand, and (that which in a Defeat was strange) many also taken prisoners; for many in pursuing the Scots, went rashly so farre… that they knew not which way …o returne, and by Bands of Scots that had not fought that day, were set upon and …aken. When the field was done, the Lord Generall called to him certaine Lords and Gentlemen, and made them Knights, as Sir Edward Howard his Son, the Lord Scroope, Sir William Percy, Sir Edward Gorge, and others. This Battaile was fought on Friday the ninth of September, in the yeere 1513. called by some Bramston, by some, …lodden Field. King Iames heere slaine was the same that had maried the Lady Margaret eldest Daughter of King Henry the seaventh; and sister to the present King Henry; and might have enjoyed many happy dayes, if he had kept himselfe firme to his alliance, but being carried away with the inveterate spleen betweene the two Nations, and propension to France; he ended his life, though honorably, yet miserably under many wounds. It is a very memorable, but s…arce credable thing; which, (from the mouth of a very credible person who saw it) George Buchanan relates concerning this King; that intending to make a warre with England; a certaine old man of venerable aspect, and clad in a long blew garment, came unto him, and leaning familiarly upon the chaire where the King sat, said, I am sent unto thee O King, to give thee warning, that thou proceed not in the warre thou art about; for if thou doe, it will be thy ruine: and having so said, he pressed thorow the company, and vanished out of sight; for by no inquiry it could be knowne what became of him. But the King was too resolute to be frighted with Phantosmes, and no warning could divert his Destinie, which had not been Destiny if it could have been diverted. The day after the Battaile, his Body, though disfigured with wounds, was knowne by the Lord Dacres and others, to be his; and thereupon bowelled, embalmed and wrapped in lead, was brought to the Monastery of Sheene in Surrey, and there interred; but at the dissolution of that House, was taken up and thrown into a waste roome amongst timber and stone; which Iohn Stow saith, he so saw; and further relateth, that the servants of Launcelot Young, Glasier to Queene Elizabeth being at Sheene, in new Glazing the windowes, either upon a foolish pleasure, or desire of the lead, cut the head from the rest; but smelling the sweet perfums of the Balms, gave it to their Master; who opening the lead, found therin the head of a man, retaining favour, though the moisture were cleane dried up, whose haire both of head and beard was red: which afterward, he caused to be buried, at Saint Michaels Church in Woodstreet, where he dwelled. But notwithstanding this relation of Stow; Iohn Lesly Bishop of Rosse affirmeth, that it was held for certaine, the Body thus found, was the Body of the Lord Bouchard slaine in that B…ttaile. Buchanan saith, of Alexander Elfinston, who in countenance and statu…e was like the King; and that King Iames was seene alive the same night at Kelso, whence he passed to Hierusalem, and there spent the rest of his dayes in holy contemplation: but howsoever it was, he was never seen any more in Scotland.

p. 12King Henry being now returned from Tourney into England, and finding the great services done in his absence against the Scots; on the day of the Purification of our Lady, at Lambeth he created the Earle of Surrey Duke of Norfolke, with an augmentation of the Armes of Scotland; Sir Charles Brandon Viscount Lisle, he created Duke of Suffolke, the Lord Howard high Admirall, hee made Earle of Surry, Sir Charles Somerset Lord Herbert his chiefe Chamberlaine Earl of Worcester, and shortly after Sir Edward Stanly he made Lord Monteagle; and in March following, Master Thomas Woolsey his Almoner, was made Bishop of Lincolne. Here before we goe further, it will be fit …o …ay something of this man, that he be not a rub afterward in the way of the Story: He was borne at Ipswich in Suffolke, the sonne of a Butcher, sent to Oxford by reason of his pregnancy of wit, so soone, that taking there the first degree of Art, he was called the Boy Batchelour; proceeding in learning, he was made Fellow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford, and afterward Schoolemaster of the Schoole there, at which time the Marquesse Dorset committed three of his Sonnes to be Instructed by him; and having a Benefice fallen in his gift, sent for him one Christmas, and bestowed it upon him; whereof Woolsey going to take possession, at his being there, for what misdemeanour is not delivered, he was by Sir Amyas Pawlet set by the heeles, which afterward he remembred to Sir Iam…s his no small trouble, for he made him attend his pleasure five or six yeeres; all which time lying in the Middle-Temple, where he re-edified the Gate-house next the street very sumptuously, setting the Cardinals Armes upon it, to appease him. After this disgrace he went over-sea, where he fell in acquaintance with Sir Iohn Naphant treasurer of Callice, and by him was preferred to be King Henry the sevenths Chaplaine: and now being by this meanes in the Kings eye, he so diligently carried himselfe, that he soone got into the Kings heart. One time it happened, the King had occasion to send a Messenger to the Emperour Maximilian, about a businesse that required haste; for which imployment no man was thought more fit then Woolsey; whereupon, the King called him, gave him his Errand, and bad him make all the speed he could; Woolsey departed from the King at Richmond about noone, and by the next morning was got to Dover, and from thence by noone that day was come to Callice, and by night was with the Emperour; to whom declaring his Message… and having a present dispatch, he rode that night backe to Callice, and the night following came to the Court at Richmond. The next morning he presented himselfe before the King, who blamed him for not being yet gone, the ma…ter requiring haste; to whom Woolsey answered, that he had beene with the Emperour, and had dispatched the businesse, and for proofe shewed the Emperours lines; the King wondred much at his speed, but then asked him if he met not his Pursuivant, whom he sent after to advertise him of a speciall matter hee had forgotten; whereto Woolsey answered, May it please your Grace I met him yester-day upon the way, but that businesse I had dispatched before, taking the boldnesse so to doe without commission, as knowing it to be of speciall consequence; for which boldnesse I humbly intreat …our Graces pardon. The King not onelyonly pardoned him, but bestowed presently upon him the Deanery of Lincolne, and soone after made him his Almoner. In this state King Hen…y the eight found him, with whom also he grew into such favour, that he made him of his Councell; and having won Tourney, made him Bishop of that Citie; and returning into England, (the Bishopricke of Lincolne falling void by the death of Doctor Smith) made him Bishop of that Diocesse. And thus far the story hath now brought him, but soone after he was raised higher; for Doctor Bambridge Archbishop of Yorke dying, he was translated from Lincolne to that See; and that he might not be inferiour to the Archbishop of Canter…ury, he procured of the Pope to be made Cardinall, and Legat a Latere; and after, by the King was made Lord Chancellour of England: and being come to this height of dignity, he so carried himselfe in Expences of Houshold, in p. 13number of Retinve, and in all circumstances of State, that no Subject before or since, hath in any degree come neere him. And if we may say it, he was the first Debaucher of King Henry; for to the end he might have the managing of all matters himself, he perswaded the King that he should not need trouble himselfe with frequenting the Councell Table as he did, but take his pleasure, and leave those things to his Councell, whereof himselfe would alwa…es give him …nie Information. This was plausible Councell, and no marvaile if it were embraced of a yong King, coming from the mouth of so great a Prelate.

In this fifth yeer of the King, the Citizens of London finding themselves grieved with the Inclosures of the common fields about Islington, Hogsdon and Sh…rdich, and other places adjoyning; went one morning, and threw downe all the Hedges, and filled up all the Ditches; whereat though the Kings Councell were at first offended, yet the Maior and City shewed them such reaso…s, that they rested satisfied, and the fields were never since hedged.

On the nineteenth of May, this yeer Pope Iulius the second sent to King Henry a Cap of Maintenance and a Sword; and being angry with the King of France, transferred by Authority of the Lateran Councell, the title of Christianissimo from him, upon King Henry, which with great solemnity was published the sunday following, in the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paul; but this solemnity must not passe without Revelling, Maskes, and Justs; wherein the King and the Duke of Suffolke were defendants against all commers; who having the Duke of Longuevyle, and the Lord of Clermont to be spect…tours, spread the fame of their Chivalrie into forreigne Nations.

And now the great love that had been long between King Henry and the Flemings, began to abate; upon this occasion, King Henry the seventh had concluded a match between his daughter Mary, and Charles Prince of Spaine: but by reason of her young yeers, and for want of assurance of Joynture, the match was deferred during his time; but now King Henry the eight seeing his sister of convenient yeers, began to call upon it, and signified so much to the Councell of Flanders; but they, whether having other ends, or out of Spanish delayes, put him off with excuses, and at last sent him word plainly, they could doe nothing in it that yeer. The King of France had soone Intelligence how much King Henry distasted these Spanish dealings, and meant to make some good use of it, for the ends he began to propose to himselfe, which were, to get the Lady Mary for himselfe, and thereby procure peace with England, being now old, and weary of the War. And for this purpose he got the new Pope Leo the tenth to be his mediatour, and both of them send Embassadours to King Henry, the Pope to perswade him to have peace with France, the French King to treat about a Marriage with the Lady Mary: upon whose Embassages, King Henry partly to satisfie the Pope, and partly to advance his sister; did not unwillingly hearken to the motions: but whilst this was in working, Pryor Iohn (who knew nothing of these intentions) began again to play his Pra…ks; and coming with his Gallyes on the coast of Sussex, burnt Bhighthem-steed, and took away the goods he found in the Village, whereupon the Lord Admirall sent Sir Iohn Walloppe to sea, with divers ships and eight hundred men, who for one Village that Pryor Iohn burnt in England, burnt one and twenty Villages and Townes in France, to the great honour of himselfe, and his countrey.

And now King Henry by advice of his Councell, and specially of Woolsey Bishop of Lincolne, concluded both the peace with France, and the Marriage of his Sister the Lady Mary, with the French King; but yet it stuck a while upon some differences, King Henry demanding Bulloigne, and the King of France Tourney: in conclusion these demands were waved, and the principall conditions were… first concerning the Ladies Joynture, that she should have two and thirty thousand Crownes of yeerly revenues if she survived the King; and then concerning ths peace, that the French King should pay yeerly to King Henry for five yeers one hundred thousand Crownes, and the peace to continue between p. 14them during their lives, and a yeer after, and bound reciprocally to assist each other with ten thousand foot, if the warre were by land, with six thousand if by sea. All things thus concluded, the Lady Mary was brought to Dover by King Henry and his Queen: and on the second of October taking shippi…g, was conducted by the Duke of Norfolke, the Marquesse Dorset, the Bishop of Durham … the Earle of Surry, the Lord De la ware, the Lo…d Berners, the Lord Monteagle, Sir Maurice Berkely, Sir Iohn Pechye, Sir William Sands, Sir Thomas Bulleyne … Sir Iohn Carre, and many other Knights and Ladies; but being not past halfe way over the sea, their ships by tempest were dispersed, and the Lady with some jeoperdy landed at Bullen, where Sir Christopher Garnish was faine to stand in the water and take her in his armes, and so set her on shore, and there the Duke of Vendosme with a Cardinall and many other great States received her. From Bullen the eight of October, she came to Abbevyle where the Dolphyn received her: on the morrow being Saint Dennis day, she came to Saint Dennis, where the marriage between the King of France and her, was solem…ized (though some write it had been solemnized before at Abbevyle.) The fifth of November she was Crowned Queene of France, at which time the Dolphyn held the Crowne over her head, as being too massie for her to weare; and the day following she was received into Paris in most magnificent manner. In honour of whose Marriage and Coronation, the Dolphyn had caused a solemne Justs to be proclaimed, which should be kept in Paris the seventh of November. Upon report of this Proclamation in England, the Duke of Suffolke, the Marquesse Dorset and his four Brothers, the Lord Clinton, Sir Edward Ne…ll, Sir Giles Capell, Thomas Cheiney and others, obtained leave of the King to be at the challenge, where they all behaved themselves with great valour, but specially the Duke of Suffolke; whose glory the Dolphyn so much envied, that he got a Dutch-man the tallest and strongest man in all the Court of France, secretly as another person to encounter him, with a purp…e to have the Duke foyled; but indeed it turned to his greater honour, for he foiled the Dutch-man in such sort, that when they came to the Barriers, the Duke by maine strength took him about the neck, and so prommeled him about the head, that he made the blood issue out at his nose: many other Princes and Lords did bravely; and after three dayes the Justs ended.

King Henry was not long behinde to solemnize it in England also; for at Greenwich the Christmas following, on Newyeers night, and Twelfth night; he presented such strange and magnificent devices, as had seldome been seene; and the third of February following he held a solemne Justs, where he and the Marquesse Dorset answered all commers, at which time the King brake three and twenty speares, and threw to the ground one that encountred him both man and horse.

At this time preparation was making for King Henry in person to go to Callice, there to meet with the French King and Queene, but death hindred the designe; for before the next spring, the first of Ianuary the French King dyed at the City of Paris, fourscore and two dayes after his marriage; teaching others by his example, what it is for an old man to marry a young Lady. King Henry hearing of the French Kings death, sent the Duke of Suffolke, Sir Richard Winkefield, and Doctor West, to bring over the Queene Dowager, according to the Covenants of the marriage. Whereupon the Queene was delivered to the Duke by Indenture, who obtaining her good will to be her husband, (which was no hard matter, that had been her first love:) wrote to the King her brother for his consent; whereat the King seemed to stick a while, but at last consented; so as he brought her into England unmarried, and then marry at his return; but the Duke for more surety married her secretly in Paris, and after having received her Dower, Apparrell and Jewels; came with her to Callice, and there openly married her with great solemnity. At their coming into England, King Henry to shew his conten…ment with the marriage, in the company p. 15of the Duke of Suffolke, the Marquesse Dorset, and the Earle of Essex, all richly apparelled; held a new kinde of Justs, running courses on horseback in manner Volant, as fast as one could follow another, to the great delight of the beholders.

This yeer the King at his Mannour of Oking; Woolsey Archbishop of Yorke came and shewed him letters, that he was elected Cardinall; for which dignity he disabled himselfe, till the King willed him to take it upon him, and from thenceforth called him Lord Cardinall, but his Hat and Bull were not yet come: after which Doctor Warham Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Chancelour of England; finding Woolsey being now Cardinall, to meddle more in his office of Chancelourship, then he could well suffer… resigned up the Seal, which the King presently gave to Woolsey. About this time, Cardinall Campejus was sent by Pope Leo to King Henry, to solicite him to a Warre against the Turke, with whom Cardinall Woolsey was joyned in Commission, who hearing of the ragged retinue of his fellow Cardinell; sent store of red cloath to Callice to make them fit followers of so great a Lord: and when Campejus was landed at Dover, Cardinall Woolsey caused the gentry of Kent to waite upon to Black-heath, where he was met and received by the Duke of Norfolk and many Prelates, & there in a Tent of cloath of gold shifted himself into his Cardinals robes. Eight Mules he had laden with necessaries; but Woolsey not thinking them enough for his honour, sent him twelve more. But now see the shame of pride, for in Cheap-side his Mules by some mischance overthrew their Carriages and Coffers on the ground, whose lyds flying open, shewed the world what treasure it was they carried, old Breeches, Boots, and broken Shoos, broken Meat, Marybones and crusts of Bread; exposing him to the laughter of all the people: yet the Cardinall went joging on afore with his Crosses, guilt Axe and Mace, unto Pauls Church; and by the way had an Oration made him by Sir Thomas Moore, in name of the City, and then waited on with many Bishops, was conducted to Bath Place, where he was lodged for his own particuler: he got well by the Journey, for the King gave him the Bishoprick of Salisbury; but the errand he came about, which was to have Ayde by mony, for a Warre against the Turke, he could not obtaine, for it was well known to be but a devise to get money, without any intention of what was pretended.

In his seventh yeer, King Henry kept his Christmas at his Mannour of Eltham; where on Twelfth night according to his custome, was a stately Maske of Knights and Ladies, with solemne Daunsing and a most Magnificent Banquet.

It was now the eight yeer of King Henryes Reigne, when the new league between him and the French King was Proclaimed in the City of London: and this yeer Mageret Queene of Scots eldest Sister to King Henry, having before married Archibald Dowglasse Earle of Angus; by reason of dissention amongst the Lords of Scotland, was glad with her husband to flye into England, and to seek succour at her brothers hands; who assigned to her the Castle of Harbottell in Northumberland to reside in; where she was delivered of a daughter named Margaret. From thence the King sent for her and her husband to come to his Court; and thereupon the third of May, Queene Margaret riding on a white Palfrye (which the Queen of England had sent her) behinde Sir Thomas Parr…, came through London to Baynards Castle, and from thence went to Greenwich: but her husband the Earle of Angus, was secretly before departed into Scotland; which when King Henry heard, he onelyonly …aid it was done like a Scot. And now in honour of his sisters coming, King Henry the nine and twentieth of May, appointed two solemne dayes of Justs; where the King, the Duke of S…ffolke, the Earle of Essex, and Nicholas Carew Esquire: took upon them to answer all commers, amongst others, the King and Sir William Kinston ran together, which Sir William though a strong and valourous Knight, yet the King overthrew him to the ground: all the rest was performed with no lesse p. 16valour then magnificence. This yeer died the King of Aragon, Father to the Queene of England, for whom was kept a solemne Obsequie in the Cathedrall Church of Pauls; and Queene Margaret after she had been a yeer in England, returned into Scotland.

In this yeer were sent twelve hundred Carpenters and Masons, with three hundred Labourers, to the City of Tourney in France, to build a Castle there, to keep the City in Awe. And now the Cardinall being weary of hearing so many Causes himselfe, as were daily brought before him; ordained by the Kings Commission (aftet the patterne of Mases, divers under Courts to hear co…mplaints of Suitours: whereof one was kept in the Whitehall, another before the Kings Almoner Doctor Stokesley, a third in the Lord Treasurers lodging neere the Starre-chamber, and the fourth at the Roles in the afternoone: these Courts for a time were much frequneted; but at last, the people perceiving that much delay was used in them, and that sentence given by them bound no man by Law: they thereupon grew weary of them, and resorted to the common Law. By occasion of this Government of the Cardinall, who under colour of Justice, did what he pleased: many great men withdrew themselves from the Court; as first the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishop of Winchester, who went and lived in their Diocesses; then the Duke of Norfolke, and at length the Duke of Suffolke, who being run deep into the Kings debt, by reason of his many Imployments into France, and his great House-keeping since his marriage with the Kings Sister, hoped the King would have forgiven it, and would no doubt have done it, but that the Cardinall opposed it, to the end the Duke should be the more at his command.

In October this yeer, Matthew Bishop of Sion commonly called the Cardinall of the Swizzers came into England from the Emperour Maximilian; by whose soliciting, and Cardinall Woolseys perswasion, the King lent the Emperor a great some of money, for Woolsey being angry with the King of France, for detaining the revenewes of his Bishoprick of Tourney, perswaded King Henry that the best way to abate the French Kings power, was to furnish the Emperour money, the better to maintaine warre against him: and what Woolsey said, was in those dayes to King Henry an Oracle.

This yeer the King kept his Christmas at his manner of Greenwich; where on Twelfth night according to his custome, rare devices with great magnificence were presented; after which time the King exercised himselfe much in Hawking, which was like to have proved no good sport to him; for one time following his Hawke, and leaping over a Ditch with a Pole, the Pole brake, so that if one Edmund Mody a foot-man had not leapt into the water and lift up his head which was fast in the clay, he had been drowned.

In this yeer also there happened in the City of London, an Insurrection against strangers, specially of Artificers, complayning that strangers were permitted to resort hither with their Wares, and to exercise Handy-crafts, to the great hindrance and impoverishing the Kings own Subjects; and not onelyonly so, but that they were borne out in many great Insolencies, and wrongs they offered to the English, as one time it happened, a Carpenter in London called Williamson, had bought two Pigeons in Cheap-side and was about to pay for them, when a French-man tooke them out of his hand, saying, they were no meat for a Carpenter: well (said Williamson) I have bought them, and I will have them; nay (said the French-man) I will have them for my Lord Embassadour; hereupon they grew to words, and complaint was made to the French Embassadour, who so aggravated the matter to the Major, that the Carpenter was sent to prison, and when Sir Iohn Baker sued to the Embassadour for him, he answered, by the body of God, the English knave was worthy to loose his life for denying any thing to a French-man, and other answer he could have none. Matry like and worse Insolencies were offered by changes; which one Iohn Lincoln a Broker drew into a Bill, and prevailed with Doctor Beale, Preacher on Easter p. 17Tuesday at the spittle to reade it openly in the pulpit, which so stirred up many, that strangers could hardly passe the streets, but were strucken, and sometimes beaten downe. At last, one evening, many Prentises and others assembling, rifled some strangers houses, and much mischief was like to be done: but by the tare of the Maior and Aldermen and by the ind…stry of Robert Brook Recorder, and Sir Thomas Moore, …hat had bin under shriefe of London; they were gotten to be quiet and many of the disturbers were sent to prison, whereof Lincolne and twelve other were hanged, foure hundred more in their shirts, bound in ropes and halters about their neckes (and thereupon called the black wagon) were brought to Westminster, where the King himselfe sate that day; and when the Cardinall had charged them with the greatnesse of their offence; they all cryed, mercy, mercy: and then the King by the mouth of the Cardinall, pardoned them all which clemency purchased the Ki…g no small love amongst the people.

In this ninth yeere, in Iune King Henry had divers Embassadors at his Court; for whose entertainment he prepared a costly Justs; himselfe and twelve more against the Duke of Suffolke and other twelve. The King had on his Head a Ladies sleeve full of Diamonds, and perhaps something else of the Ladies in hes heart, which made him performe his courses with the applause of all beholde…s. This yeere by reason of a sweating sicknesse, Michaelm…s Tearme was adjourned; and the yeere following, Trinity Tearme was held one day at Oxford, and then adjourned againe to Westminster.

About this time Cardinall Woolsey obtained of Pope Leo, authority to dispence with all Offences against the spirituall Lawes; by vertue whereof he set up a Court, and called it, The Court of the Legat; in the which he proved Testaments, and heard Causes, to the great hindrance of all the Bishops of the Realme; and to the debauching of Priests and Religious persons, who relying upon his greatnesse, tooke …uch a liberty of licentiousnesse, to themselves, that none was more disorderly, then those that were in orders: and supposii…g perhaps, they might lawfully comit such sins themselves, as they forgave to others. And indede the Cardinalls carriage exceeded all boundes of moderation; for when he said masse, he made Dukes and Earles to serve him of wine, with a say taken, and to hold the bason at the Lauatory: and when the Archbishop of Canterbury, writing a letter to him, subscribed, your brother William of Canterbury, he tooke it in great dudgion, to be termed his brother.

It was now the tenth yeere of King Henries Reigne, when the Kin… of France, longing much, to have Turney restored to him: by great guifts and greater promises… wonne …he Cardinall Woolsey, to move the King in it; who upon his perswasions, was contented to be treated withall about it: to which the King of France sent the Lord Bonquet high Admirall of France: and the Bishop of Paris, who in there attendance, having above fourescore Gentlemen, and with their servants and all above twelve hundred, arived in England; and on Munday the seaven and twentieth of September, were met at Black-heath by the Ea…le of Surrey high Admirall of England, attended likewise with above five hundred Gentlemen and others, who conducted them to London, where they were lodged at Marchantailors Hall: The last of September, the Embassadours went to the King at Greenwich, where after long communication, an Agreement was at last concluded under pretence of a marriage to be had, betweene the Dolphin of France, and the Lady Mary Daughter to the King of England, that in name of her marriage money, Tourney should be deliveted to the French King: he paying to the King of England, for the Castle he had made in that Citty, six hundred Thousand C…ownes in twelve yeeres, by fiftie Thousand Crownes yeerly: and if the marriage should chance not to take effect, then that Tourney should be againe restored to the King of England; for performance of which article, Hrstages shotld be delivered: namely, Monsi…ur de Memorancye, Monsieur de Monpesac, Monsieur de Moy, and Monsieur Morett, p. 18and moreover the French King should pay to the Cardinall of England a thousand markes yeerly, in recompence of his Revenewes, received before of his Bishoprick of Tourney: All things thus concluded, the Cardinall made to the Embassadours a solemne Banquet, and after presented them with a stately Mummery. The eighth of October, the King feasted them at Greenwich, and at night presented a stately Maske of Knights and Ladies, with reare devises and great magnificence: The next day, Sir Thomas Exmew Major of London, feasted them at Goldsmiths-Hall, and then delivering their foure Hostages, they tooke their leave. At whose departure, the King gave to the Admirall of France, a Garnish of guilt vessell, a paire of covered Basons, gilt, twelve great guilt Bowles, fower paire of great guilt Pots, a standing Cup of Gold, garnished with great Pearles, and to some other he gave Plate, to some other cheins of Gold, to some rich Apparell: to the great comendation of his liberality. Shortly after their departure, the Earle of Worcester Lord Chamberlaine, the Bishop of Ely, the Lord of Saint Iohns, Sir Nicholas Vaux, Sir Iohn Pechy, and Sir Thomas Bullen, as Embassadours from the King of England, accompanied with Knights, Gentlemen, and others, to the number of above foure hundred, passed over to Callice, and from thence went to Paris; where after Royall Entertainment by the King, with di…erse Maskes and stately shewes, they tooke their leaves and rode to Tourney to see the Citty delivered to the French men, on the eighth of February to the great griefe of the English Garrison. After the English Embassadours were returned, King Henry to cheere up the foure French Hostages, left heere for performance of covenants, on the seaventh of May, presented a solemne and stately Maske, wherein himselfe, the Duke of Suffolke and the French Queene were Actors, and on the eight of March following was a solemne Just holden, and with great magnificence performed.

In the eleventh yeere of King Henries Raigne died the Emperour Maximilian, for whom, the King caused a solemne obsequie to be kept in Paules Church. After whose death the French King and the King of Spain, endeavoured by sundry plots, each of them to get the Empire, but in conclusion, Charles King of Castile, (afterwards called Charles the fifth) was elected Emperour; for joy whereof, a solemne Masse was sung at Pauls, the seaventh of Iuly, at which were present the Cardinall Campeius, the Cardinall of Yorke, the Duke of Buckingham, Norfolke and Suffolk, with the Embassadours of Spaine, France, Venice, and Scotland; and this yeere the King kept Saint Georges feast at Winsor, with great solemnity.

At this time, diverse young Gentlemen that had been in France, after the manner of that Country, carried themselves so familiarly with the King; that the Lords of his counsell thought it a disparagement to him: and thereupon, with his leave first obtained, they banished them the Court: and in their places, brought in more staied aud graver men: namely, Sir Richard Winkefield, Sir Richard Ierningham, Sir Richard Weston and Sir VVilliam Kingston.

In the summer of this yeere, the Queene lying at her Mannor of Havering in Essex, desired the King to bring thither the foure Hostages of France to whom shee made a Royall Banpuet and in September following the King lying at his Mannor of Newhall in Essex, otherwise called Beaulieu; where he had newly built a stately Mansion, invited the Queen and the French Hostages thither, where after a sumptuous Banquet, he presented them with an extraordinary Mask, for the Maskers were the Duke of Suffolk, the Earl of Essex, the Marquesse Dorset, the Lord Aburgaveny, Sir Richard VVinkfield, Sir Richard VVeston and Sir VVilliam Kingston, the youngest of whom was fifty yeeres old at least, that the Ladies might see, what force they had to make age young againe.

At this time, the French King was very desirous to see the King of England with whom he had entred into such a league of alliance, and to that end made meanes to the Cardinall, that there might be an Enterview betweene them at some convenient place: to which the Cardinall, no… so much to satisfie the p. 19French King as to shew his owne greatnesse in France; e…sily condiscended, and thereupon perswaded King Henry, how necessary it was, that such an Enterview should be: and then were sent unto Guysnes, under the rule of Sir Edward Belknap three thousand artificers, who builded on the plaine before the Castle of Guysnes, a most stately Pallace of timber, curiously Garnished without and within: whither both the Kings in Iune next following, agreed …o come and to answere all commers at the Tilt, Tournies and Barriers, whereof proclamation was made in the Court of England, by Orleance King of Armes of France and in the Court of France by Clarentius, King of Armes of England: whilst these things were preparing on Candlemas Even, as the King and Queene were come from Even-song at their Mannour of Greenwich; suddainly there blew a Trumpet, and then entred into the Queenes Chamber, foure Gentlemen, who brought with them a waggon, in which sate a Lady richly apparelled; which Lady, acquainted the King, that the foure Gentlemen there present, were come for the love of their Ladies, to answer all commers at the Tilts on a day by the King to be appointed; which day was thereupon appointed on Shrovetuesday next …nsuing, where they all behaved themselves with great valour, to the great delight of the King and Queene.

By this time King Henry was ready for his journey into France, and so removing from his Mannour of Greenwich, on Friday the five and twentieth of May he with his Queene arived at Canterbury, where he ment to keepe his Whitsontide. At which time, the Emperour Charles returning ou… of Spaine arrived on the coast of Kent, where by the vice Admirall of England, Sir William Fitz-Williams, he was conducted to land, and there met aud received by the Lord Cardinall in great state. After which the King himselfe rode to Dover, to welcome him: and on Whitsunday earely in the morning conducted him to Canterbury, where they spent all the Whitsontide in great joy and solace. The chiefe cause that moved the Emperour at this time, to come on land, was to have disswaded the King from any Enterview with the French King: but when he saw him …o forward in that jour…ey, he then onelyonly endeavoured to perswad… him, that he should put no trust in the French Kings words, and with great gui…ts and promises, prevailed with the Cardinall to joyne with him in this perswasion. The last of May, the Emperour tooke his leave, and the same day, the King made saile from Dover and landed at Callice, together with the Queen and many Lords and Ladies. The fourth of Iune the King and Queen removed from Callice to his Princely lodging beside the Towne of Guysnes, the most Royall Building that was e…er seene; likewise Francis the French King had his lodging prepared close to the Towne of Ard, in a strange but most magnificent fashion. Both Kings had given authority and power to the Cardinall to affirme and confirme, …o bind or unbind, whatsoever should be in difference betweene them; no lesse an honour to the Cardinall then a confidence in the Kings. On Thursday the seaven…h of Iune, the Kings met in the vale of Andren so magnificently attired, both themselves, and all their followers, that from thence it was called …he campe of cloath of Gold. Heere they spent that day in loving complements; and at night departed, the one to Guysnes, the other to Ard. On Satureday the ninth of Iune were set up in a place, within the English pale two Trees of honour, with stately roomes and stages for the Queens, and thither the two Kings came, most Royally accompan…ed; wherein most magnificent manner, they performed Acts of valour, both on foo…e and horseback; and after them all the great Lords both of France and England did the like: this solemnity of Justs and Maskes was continued to the foure and twentieth day of Iune; at which time, the Kings and Queenes tooke leave of each other, the French King and Q…eene removed to Ard; the King and Queene of England to Callice, where he remained till the tenth of Iuly, and then ridings …oward Graveling, was by the way met by the Emperour, and by him conducted thithet, and there in most royall manner ente…tained; whereof when the French King heard, he began p. 20from that day forward, to have King Henry in a kinde of jelousie, as though to love him and the Emperour both were inconsistent, and could not stand together. On Wednesday the eleventh of Iuly, the Emperor and his Aunt the Lady Margaret, Dutchesse of Savoy, came with the King of England to the town of Callice, and there continued with Feasting, Dancing and Masking, till the fourteenth of Iuly. In which time, all the Articles of the league tripartito, betweene the Emperour and the Kings of England and France were reviewed; to which the King of France had so fully condiscended, that he had sent Monsieur de Roche to the Emperor with Let…ers of credence; that in the word of a Prince, he would inviolably observe and keepe them all: all which notwithstanding, he dispenced with his conscience afterward, in breaking them all. On Saturday, Iuly 14. the Emperor tooke his leave and went to Graveling; the King with his Queene returned into England.

It was now the twelfth yeer of King Henries reigne; when being returned from Callice, he kept his Christmas at Greenwich with great magnificence; & on twelfth day he and the Earl of Devonshire maintained a solemn Justs against al commers.

The Cardinal had long born a grudg against the Duke of Buckingham, for speaking certain words in his disgrace, and now hath made his way for reveng: for the Earl of Surrey, Lord Admirall, who had maried the Dukes daughter, the Cardinall had caused to be sent Deputy into Ireland, and the Earle of Northumberland, the Dukes speciall friend he had caused upon certain suggested crimes to be Imprisoned; so as the Duke having his friends sequestred from him, he lay now open to accusations, and accusations shall not long be wanting; for the Duke having some time before put from him in displeasure, one Charles Knevet, that had been his Surveyar, and inward with him; him the Cardinall gets to him, to see what he could get out of him against the Duke. And whether it was out of desire of revenge, or out of hope of reward, or that the matter was so indeed, this Knevet confessed to the Cardinall, that the Duke had once fully determined to make away the King; being brought into a hope to be King himselfe by a vaine Prophesie, which one Nicholas Hopkins (a Monke of an house of the Chartnar Order, besides Bristow, called Henton) somtimes his Confessor, had opened to him; and as for the Cardinall, that he had often heard the Duke sweare, he would punish him soundly for his manifold misdoings. And now had the Cardinall matter enough for Accusation, which he so aggravated to the King, that the King bid him do with him according to Law. Hereupon the Duke is apprehended and brought to the Tower by Sir Henry Marney, Captain of the Guard, the fifteenth of April, and shortly after in Guild-hal before Sir Iohn Brugge, then Lord Major, was indited of divers points of High-treason; the substance whereof was, that in the second yeer of the Kings reign, and at divers times before and after, he had imagined and compassed the Kings death at London and at Thornbery in Glocestershi…e; and that in the sixth yeer of the Kings reign, he went in person to the Priory of Henton, and there had conference with the foresaid Nicholas Hopkins, who told him he should be King; and that he had often said to the Lord Aburgayne who had maried his daughter, that if King Henry died without issue, he would look to have the Crown himself. VponUpon these points hee was arraigned in Westminster-hall, before the Duke of Norfolk, sitting then as high Steward of Engla…d, the Duke of Suffolk, the Marquesse Dorset, the Earls of VVorcester, Devonshire, Essex, Shrewsbury, Kent, Oxford and Darby, the Lords of Saint Iohns de la ware, Fitz-water, Willoughby, Brook, Cobha… Herbert & Morley. The Duke pleaded for himself til he swet again, but al booted …ot, for by these Peeres he was found guilty and condemned, and so on Friday the seventeenth of May was led by Iohn Keyme and Iohn Skevington Sheriffes of London to the scaffold on Tower-hill, and there beheaded. The Augustine Friers took his body and head and buried them. This Edward Bohun Duke of Buckingham was the last high Constable of England (the greatest place, next the high Steward in the kingdome) whose Power extended to restrain some actions of the King. He was also Earl of Hereford, Stafford and Northampton, he maried Elianor the daughter of Henry Earle of Northumberland, and had issue Henry Lord Stafford (Father to Henry Lord Stafford la…e living) and three daughters, Elizabeth maried to Thomas p. 21H…ward Earl of Surrey, Katherine maried to Ralph Nevil Earl of Wes…merland, and Mary maried to George Nevill Lord of Abu…ga…enie.

In this meane while, a new Warre was begun between the Emperour and the King of France; for composing whereof, the Cardinall of Yorke was sent attended with the Earle of Worce…ter, Lord Chamberline, the Lord of Saint Iohns, the Lord Ferrers, the Lord Herbert, the Bishop of Du…ham, the Bishop of Ely, the Primate of Armagh, Sir Thomas Bullen, Sir Iohn Pechye, Sir Iohn Hussey, Sir Richard Winkfield, Sir Henry Guild…ord, and many other Knights, Gentlemen and Doctors. On the twelfth of Iuly he arrived at Callice, whether came to him the Cha…cellour of France, and the Count de Palice attended with four hundred horse, as Embassadours from the French King; and from the Emperour the like, with Commissions to treat and conclude of Peace. There were also Embassadours from the Pope, whom the Cardinall moved to have the Pope be a party also in their League, but they wanting Commission. Letters were presently sent to Rome about it, and in the time till answer might be had, the Cardinall went to Bruges, to speak with the Emperour, with whom having stayed thirteene dayes, after most Royall entertainment, he returned back to C…llice, and then fell presently to the treaty of Peace, with the French Commissioner, but was colder in the matter then he was before, as having had his edge taken off, by some dealings with the Emperour, so as nothing was concluded; but that Fishermen of both the Princes might freely Fish on the Seas without disturbance, till the end of February following; whereof he sent advertisement to both the Princes; to the Emperour by the Lord of Saint Iohns and Sir Thomas Bullen; to the French King by the Earle of Worcester and the Bishop of Ely. During all which time of the Cardinalls stay in Callice, all Writs and Pa…ents were there by him sealed, and no Sheriffe could be chosen for lack of his presence, having the Great Seal there with him, and full power in things, as if the King had been there in person. Before he returned he made a new League with the Emperour, and intimated to the French King, that he doubted the King of England would not hereafter be so much his friend, as heretofore he had been; whereat, though the King of France were much offended, yet he signifyed by his Letters (perhaps dissemblingly) that he would continue the King of Englands friend asmuch as ever: onelyonly he enveighed against the Cardinall, as a man of no truth, & withdrew many Pensions which he had before given to some English. Presently upon this, was Tourney besieged, by the Lord Hugh de Moncada a Spaniard; and though the French King sent great Forces to succour it; yet it was rendred up to the Emperour the last of November, in the thirteenth yeer of King Henries Reigne.

This yeer Pope Leo died the first of December, suspected to be poysoned by Barnabie Malespina his Chamberlaine, whose office was alwayes to give him drinke. After whose death, Doctor Pace was sent to Rome, to make friends in behalfe of the Cardinall of Yorke; who was brought into a hope through the Kings favour to be elected Pope, but that hope was soon quailed; for before Doctor Pace could get to Rome, Adrian the sixth was chosen Pope. This Doct. Pace was a very learned and religious man, yet thorow crosses in his imployment, fell mad and dyed; in whose place of Imployment succeeded Doct. Stephen Gardyner.