A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government, Regnal history 14

A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government · Regnal history 14

p. 70THE REIGNE OF KING EDWARD THE SIXTH.

IT was now the yeere 1547. when on the eight and twentieth of Ianuary King Henry dying; Prince Edward his Sonne by his third wife, the Lady Iane Seymour, and the onelyonly Sonne he left behinde him, as well by right of Inheritance, as by his last Will, succeeded him in the Kingdome; to whom as being but nine yeers old, and therefore unripe for Government; hee had assigned eight and twenty Councellours; a fit number, if agreeing amongst themselves; too many, if at variance: and at variance they would soon fall, if there were not a moderatour to keep them in concord; the first worke therfore necessary to be done in this new world, was to make choice of such a man, as might be to the Counsailors a Moderator, a protectour to the King, and in his minority, to the Kingdome. To this place, by common consent of the King and Counsaile, Edward Seymour Earl of Hartford the Kings Unckle, was chosen to hold the place, untill the King should accomplish the age of eighteene yeeres. In which Office the first thing he did, was to make the young King Knight, who presently thereupon, made Henry Hobblethorne Major of London Knight, and then King Henries Obsequies being solemnly performed; on the seaventeenth of February, were raised in Honour the Earl of Hartford Protectour, to be Duke of Somerset, William Par Earle of Essex, to be Marquis of Northampton, Dudly Viscount Lisle, to be Earle of Warwick; Wriothsley Lord Chancelour, to be Earle of Southampton, Sir Thomas Seymour the Protectours brother, was made Lord of Sudeley, and Admirall of England, Sir Richard Rich was made Lord Rich, Sir VVilliam Willoughby was made Lord Willoughby, and Sir Edmund Sheffield was made Lord Sheffield of Butterwick: on the nineteenth of February, the King in great state rode from the Tower to the Pallace of Westminster, where the day following, he was Crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, with all rites accustomed, in great solemnity. At which time a generall pardon was Proclaimed for all offenders, six onelyonly excepted, namely the Duke of Norfolke, Cardinall Poole, Edward Courtney eldest sonne to the Marquis of Excetur, Master Fortescue, Master Throgmorton, and Doctor Pa…es Bishop of VVorcester, who was fled to Rome, to avoid taking the oath of Suprem…cy, all which six continued unpardo…ed, till the first yeere of Queene Mary, and then were restored. A few dayes after, the Earle of Southampton Lord Chancelour for be…ng contumacious to the rest of the Lords in matters of Counsaile, was removed both from his Office of being Chancelour, and from his place in p. 71Counsaile, and the great Seale was delivered to Sir William Pawlet, Lord Saint-Iohn, and Lord great Master of the Kings Huoshold.

Within two months after the death of King Henry, died Francis King of France also, for whom solemne Obsequies were kept in Pauls Church, as hee likewise had kept before at Paris for King Henry: these two Kings were of so consenting natures, that they had certainly been great friends while they lived, if they had not been Kings, and that jelousie of state had not made them oftentimes not to be themselves.

King Henry before his death, had left in charge with the Lords of his Counsaile, by all meanes possible, to procure a proceeding in the mariage with the young Queen of Scots; and now in discharge therof the Lord Protectour himselfe, with an Army of twelve thousand foot, and six thousand horse, besides Labourers and Pioners thirteen hundred, entred Scotland the third of September, at which time also Edward Lord Clinton with a fleet of threescore saile assisted by sea, but before he would doe any hostile Act, he caused Proclamation to be made, that his comming was onelyonly to have performance of the Articles heretofore agreed on fo… the mariage, tending to the good of both Kingdomes, if they would yeeld unto, he would then returne in peaceable manner, and the more to draw them on, w…ere before it was demanded to have the Queen brought into England, and there to be brought up, the Protectour was content, she should remaine in Scotland till yeers of consent… this demand, the more moderate sort of the Scots accou…ted very reasonable, but those of the French and Papal faction, who were the greatest persons, and the greatest number strongly opposed; wherupon, the Lord Protectour, presently put his Army into Array, the Lord Gray and Sir Francis Brian, with eight hundred Light-horse, were sent before to provide lodging for the Army, and to give advertisement of the enemies approaches; then followed the Avant-guard, in number between three and foure thousand foot, one hundred men at Armes, and six hundred Light-horse, led by the Earle of VVarwick; then followed the maine Battaile, consisting of above six thousand foot, six hundred men at Armes, and one thousand Light-horse led by the Protecter himself lastly followed the Arrear, wherein were between three and foure thousand foot, one hundred men at Armes, and six hundred Light-horse, u…der the conduct of the Lord Dacres, upon one wing the Artillery was drawne, being sixteen pieces of great Ordinance; the other wing was made by men at Armes and Demilances; for the Avant-guard and halfe the battaile, ridi…g about two flight shoot from their side, the other halfe of the battaile, and th… whole flanke of the Arrear was closed by the carraiges, being nine hundred …arts besides Waggons; …he rest of the men at Armes, and the Demilances marched behinde. In this order they marched two dayes, taking in three Castles …s they went, with little resistance; where it is memorable, what a suddaine device the Defendants of one of them used to save themselves; for finding they w…re no longer able to defend themselves, and that their obstinacy had excluded a… hope of pardon; they made suite, they might not presently be slain, but have some time to commend their soules to God, and afterwards be hanged: which respite being obtained, thei… pardon afterward did more easily ensue; so much doth the winning of time oftentimes prevaile, more then any other policy. T…e Governour of Scotland, hearing of the Protectours approch and having no sufficient Army ready to resist him, sent his Heralds abroad, into all parts of the R…alm, and commanded the fire-crosse to be carried (an antient custome in cases of importance) which, was two firebrands set in fashion of a crosse, and pitched upon the point of a speare, and therewith Proclamation to be made, that all above sixteen yeers of age, and under sixty, should resort forthwith to Musselborough & bring convenient provision of victuals with them. By this meanes, having gotten a sufficient Army, he set forward towards the English who were now come to a River called Linne, and here the Earle of Warwick being too …enterous, was like to have bin entrapped, but by his valour p. 72came off bravely; and now the Scottish Horse-men began to hover about the English Army, and to come pricking towards them, sometimes within length of their staves, using provoking words, to draw the English from their strength, but the Protector, not moved with their provocations, maintained a close march till he came to Salt-presion by the Frith, where he incamped within two miles of the Scottish Army: and here the Scots having gotten the advantage of a Hill came upon the English with the number of twelve hundred Horse, besides five hundred foot that lay in ambush behind the Hill; at which time the Lord Gray and Sir Francis Brian, impatient of such bravaries, obtained leave of the Gene… to encounter them, and so as they came scattered upon the spurre, within a stones cast of the English, and were beginning to wheele about, the Lord Gray with some troops of Light hors-men, charged them home, and was forthwith seconded by certaine numbers of Demilances, and both of them backed with a thousand men at Armes; yet the Scots resolutely maintained the fight three houres and more, but in the end, overlaid with number, they were put to flight and chased almost to the edge of their Camp. In this fight the chiefest force of the Scottish Hors-men was defeated, the Lord Hume, by a fall from his Horse lost his life, his sonne and Heire with two Priests and six Gentlemen were taken prisoners, and about fifteene hundred slaine: the next day, the Protectour and the Earle of Warwick, rode towards the place where the Scottish Army lay, to view the manner of their incamping. As they returned, an Herauld and a Trumpeter from the Scots overtook them; who having obtained Audience, the Trumpeter said, that the Lord Huntley his Master, to spare effusion of Christian blood, would fight upon the whole quarel, either with twenty against twenty, or with ten against ten, or else try it between the Lord Generall and himselfe: the Protectour answered, that for number of Combatants, it was not in his power to conclude any bargaine; and as for himselfe, that being in publick charge, it was not fit he should hazard himselfe against a man of private Conditions, which otherwise he would most willingly accept: here the Earle of Warwick intreated the Lord Generall, that he might accept the Challenge, and Trumpeter (saith he) bring me word, that thy Master will performe the Combat with me, and thou shalt have an hundred Crownes for thy paines; nay rather (saith the Lord Generall) bring me word that thy Master will abide and give us battaile, and thou shalt have a thousand Crownes for thy paines: and thereupon, when no other agreement could be made, a generall battaile was resolved on: in the Army of the Scots, were five or six and thirty thousand men; in the Avant-guard, commanded by the Earle of Angus, about fifteen thousand; in the Battaile, over whom was the Lord Governour, about te… thousand; and in the Arreare as many, led by the valiant Gourdon Earle of Huntley; Hackbutters …hey had none nor men at Armes, bur about two thousand Hors-men (Prickers as they terme them) the rest were all on foote we'…l furnished with Jack and Scull, pikes, daggers, Bucklers made of boord, a…d slicing swords broad and thin; every man had a long Kirchiffe, folded twic… or thrice about his neck, and many of them had cheines of Lattin, drawne th…ee or foure times along their hoses and doublet-sleeves: they had also to affright the enemies Horses, great …attles covered with parchment or paper, and small stones within put upon staves three ells long. And now both Armies joyned in battaile, where a long fight and much variety of fortune on both sides; at length, the victory fell to the English: in this fight, divers of the Nobility of Scotland were slain; of the inferior sort about ten, or as some say, fo…rteen thousand: of the English were slain, onelyonly one and fifty Horse-men a…d on footmen, but many hurt; the Lord Gray was dangerously thrust with a pike in the mouth which struck two inches into his neck; the Scottish prisoners accounted by the Marshals booke, were about fifteene hundred, the chiefe whereof were, the Earle of Huntley, the Lords Yester, Hobley and Hamilton, the Master of San…-Poole and the Lord of Wimmes; the Earle of Huntley being asked whilst he p. 73was a prisoner, how he stood affected to the marriage; made this answer, that he liked the mariage wel enough, but he liked not this kinde of woing. This victory of Muskelborough against the Scots, was on the tenth of December, the very same day on which thirty yeers before a victory had bin had against them at Flodden field; so as it seems this day was fatall to the Scots, and confirms the opinion of Astologers, that there are dayes to some men fortunate & unfortunate to others if they could be known. This victory strook such a terror into many of the Scots, that the Earl Bothwel and divers chiefe Gentlemen of Tividale and Meers submitted themselves to the King of England, and were received by the Prorectour into his protection: after this, the English army took many towns and Castles, and then for want of Provision, returned into England, having not stayed above five and twenty dayes in Scotland, and not lost above threescore men. But notwithstanding this great overthrow at Muskelborough, the Governour of Scotland would not yet be quiet; but assembling the people, made unto them a long Oration, exhorting them to defend the liberty of their Countrie, and not to be daunted with any event of warre. In this mean time many distractions and troubles hapned in England; partly in matters of Religion, and partly about Inclosures: …nd first for inclosures, the Lord Protector caused Proclamation to be set forth, commanding they who had Inclosed any Lands, accustomed to lye open, should upon a certain pain, before a day assigned, lay them open again: and then in matter of Religion, certain Injunctions were set forth, for removing of Images out of Churches; and divers Preachers were sent with Instructions to disswade the people from praying to Saints or for the dead; from use of Beads, Ashes & Processions; from Masses, Durges, praying in any unknown tongue; and for defect of Preachers, Homilies were appointed publickly to be red in Churches: & many for offering to maintaine these Ceremonies, were either punished or forced to recant. Edmund Bonner Bishop of London, was committed to the Fleet, for refusing to receive these Injuctions; Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, was likewise committed first to the Fleet and after to the Tower, for that he had preached; It were well, these changes in Religion should be stayed untill the King were of yeers to govern by himselfe: for the like causes Tunstall Bishop of Durham, Heath Bishop of Rochester, and Day Bishop of Chichester, were in like manner committed to prison, and all of them dispossessed of their Bishopricks; and that which was worse, the Bishopricks themselves were dispossessed of their Revenues, in such sort, that a very smal pa…t remained to the Bishops that came after. And now a Parliament was held, in the first yeer of the King, and by Prorogation in the second; wherein divers Chantries, Colledges, free Chappels, Fraternities and Guildes, with all their Lands and goods were given to the King; which being sold at a low rate, enriched many and ennobled some, and thereby made them firme in maintaining the change: also it was then ordered, that no man should speak against receiving the Eucharist in both kindes, and that Bishops should be placed by Collation of the King under his Letters Patents, without any election preceding, or confirmation insuing; and that all Processes Ecclesiasticall should be made in the Kings name, as in Writs at the Common-Law; and that al Persons exercising Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction, should have the Kings Armes in the Seales of their Office: and further, the Statute of the six Articles and other Statutes concerning punishment of Lollards were repealed, and the Kings Supremacy over the Church of England was confirmed.

All this while the warres in Scotland continued, and were managed by the Lord Gray of Wilton with variable successe; and now about this time was sent to him in aide, the Earle of Shrewsbury with fifteen thousand men; against him, in aid of the Scots was sent the Rhinegrave with ten thousand French; who entring into consul…ation, how to remove the yong Queene out of the reach of the English; provided a Fleet, and sailing round about Scotland, notwithstanding the English Fleet lay in wait to impeach their passage, yet conveyed her safely into France, being then but six yeers old; accompanied in the p. 74journey with Iames her base brother, Iohn Erskin and William Leviston; and in April following was married to Francis the Dolphin of France.

You heard before the alterations, now heare the troubles; for when the Injunctions were sent abroad into the Countrey, and Commissioners appointed to see them executed; one Master Bodye a Commissioner, as he was pulling down Images in Cornwall, was suddenly by a Priest stabbed into the body with a knife. Hereupon the people flocked together in divers parts of the sheere, taking Armes, and beginning to commit outrages; and although the chiefe Offendour was hanged and quartered in Smithfield, and many of his complices executed in divers parts of the Realme; and withall a Pardon proclaimed to all that would lay downe Armes, yet neither could that severity, nor this lenity restraine them from their insolencies; but in divers Countries, as Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Glostershire, Warwickshire, Wostershire, but specially in Semersetshire and Devonshire, great assemblies of people gathered to a head; whose chiefe Leaders were Humfrey Arundel, and about six others of inferiour note, but many Priests. Some of these (we may say) were Commonwealth mutiners; and some mutined for religion: they who were for the Common-wealth could agree upon nothing; some would have no Justices, some no Gentlemen, some no Lawyers, nor ordinary Courts of Justice, but above all Inclosures must down; but whether all, or which, or how to be imployed, none could tell. The religious Mutiners were not altogether so various in their voyces, as having some few amongst them by whom they were guided: these in name of the people hamered up these Ar…icles following; upon granting of which, they pro…essed that both their bodies and goods should be at the Kings devotion.

1. That Curates should administer Baptisme at all times of necessity, a… well o… week-dayes as on holy-dayes.

2. That their children might be confirmed by the Bishop.

3. That the Masse might be celebrated, no man communicating with the Priest.

4. That they might have reservation of the Lords body in their Churches.

5. That they might have holy-bread and holy-water in remembrance of Christs precious body and blood.

6. That Priests might live unmarried.

7. That the six Articles set forth by King Henry the eight might be continued, at lest till the King should come to full age.

Upon these demands, the King, although he knew that Reasons would little prevaile with unreasonable men; yet to discharge the place he held, he sent them in writing Answers to them all, and withall a generall pardon, if they would desist and lay downe armes. But the sedicious growing the more outragious, the fairer they were intreated; and finding themselves unable to subsist with their owne estates, began to thinke upon the spoyle of Cities; and first they came to Excetour, and demanded entrance, which the Citizens refusing, they fell to set fire on the ga…es; but the Citizens prevented this, by casting in wood and maintaining the fire, till they had cast up a halfe moone within; upon which when the Seditious attempted to enter, they were presently hewen and cut in peeces. After this they mined the wals, laid powder, and rammed the mouth; but the Citizens prevented this also, by making a countermine, whereinto they poured such plenty of water, that the wet powder could not be fired. All this while, the Lord Russell Lord Privie Seale, who had beene sent downe to suppresse the Commotion, lay at Huntington, expecting more Forces; whilst these Citizens of Excetour, for twelve dayes together endured so great famine, that they were faine to eat horses, and make bread of course bran moulded in cloathes, for that otherwise it would not cleave together. At last the Lord Gray came to the Lord Russell with supply of Forces; who after many conflicts with the Rebels, forced them to raise their siedge at Excetour; and thereby freed the City from many miseries: to whom the King afterward, gave the Mannour of Evyland, in reward for their loyalty. After this, the Rebels rallying their Force…, were againe set upon by the Kings Army, and the greatest p. 75part of them slaine, the rest fled; many were taken and executed by Martiall Law; the chiefe Leaders were sent to London and there executed. The sedition being thus suppressed; it is memorable what sport Sir William Kingston the Provost Marshall made, by vertue of his Office, upon men in misery. One Boyer Major of Godmin in Cornwall, had bin amongst the Rebels, not willingly but enforced; to him the Provost sent word he would come and dine with him, for whom the Major made great provision; a little before dinner, the Provost took the Major aside, and whispered him in the eare, that an execution must that day be done in the town, and therefore required to have a paire of Gallows set up against dinner should be done; the Major failed not of his charge, presently after dinner the Provost taking the Major by the hand, intreated him to lead him to the place where the Gallowes was, which when he beheld he asked the Major if he thought them to be strong enough; yes (said the Major) doubtlesse they are; well then (said the Provost) get you up speedily, for they are provided for you. I hope (answered the Major) you mean not as you speak: in faith (said the Provost) there is no remedy, for you have bin a busie Rebell; and so without respit or defence he was hanged to death:) a most uncurreous part, for a guest to offer his host. Neere the said place dwelled a Millar, who had bin a busie actor in that Rebellion; who fearing the approach of the Marshall, told a sturdy fellow his servant, that he had occasion to go from home, and therefore bid him, that if any man came to enquire after the Millar, he should not speak of him, but say that himselfe was the Millar, and had bin so for three yeers before. So the Provost came and called for the Millar, when out comes the servant, and saith, he was the man: the Provost demanded how long he had kept the Mill; these three yeeres answered the servant: then the Provost commanded his men to lay hold on him, and hang him on the next tree. At this the fellow cryed out, that he was not the Millar but the Millars man: nay Sir (said the Provost) I will take you at your word, and if thou beest the Millar thou art a busie knave; if thou beest nor, thou art a false lying knave, and howsoever thou canst never do thy Master better service then to hang for him; and so without more adoe he was dispatched.

When this sedition in Devonshire was appeased, there rose another in Norfolke, and that specially upon a grievance for enclosures; the Rebels had got one Robert Ket a Tanner of Wimondham to be their Leader, and were growne to a body of twenty thousand, seating themselves at Monshold, neer Mount-Surrey, where they carried a face as it were of Justice and Religion; for they had one Conyers an idle fellow to be their Chapleyne, who morning and evening read solemn Prayers, also Sermons they had often, and as for Justice they had a bench under a tree where Ket usually sate, and with him two of every hund…ed whence their Companies had been raised, to heare complints and to give Judgment, and from hence were warrants sent in the Kings name, to bring in powder, shot, victuals, and all things necessary: which tree hath ever since been called the tree of Reformation; and now being grown to a heighth, they presented certain complaints to the King, requiring, he would send a Herauld to them, to give them satisfaction; the King though he tooke it for a great indignity, to have such base fellowes to capitulate with him, yet framing himselfe to the time, he returned this answer; that in October following he would cal a Parliament wherin their complaints should be heard, and all their grievances should be redressed, requiring them in the meane time, to lay downe Armes and returne to their houses, and therupon granting them a generall pardon: but this was so far from satisfying the seditious, that hereupon first, they assaulted the Town of Norwich tooke it, and made the Major attend them as their servant, and then returned again to their station at Manshold … not long after William Parre Marquesse of Northampton, with the Lord Sheffield, the Lord Wentworth, divers Knights, and fifteen hundred Horse, with a small band of Italians was sent against them; whom the seditious so stoutly oppos…d, that much mischiefe was done on both p. 76sides, the Lord Sheffield falling with his Horse in a ditch was taken prisoner, and as he pulled off his helmet to shew who he was, he was by a Butcher strucken downe with a club and slaine; so as the Marquesse with his forces not prevailing, there was afterward sent the Earle of Warwick with six thousand …oot, and fifteen hundred Horse, with whom were the Lords Willoughby, Powis and Bray his two sonnes Ambrose and Robert, and many Knights and Gentlemen of Name. When the Earl was come neere to the Camp of the seditious, he sent a Herauld to them, offering them the Kings pardon, if they would desist, but they were so far from accepting it, that a lewd Boy turned up his naked breech towards the Herauld and bid him kisse it; upon this, many skirmishes passed between the Earle and them, with losse sometimes to one side, and sometimes to another; at last they came to a Battaile, where the Rebels placed in the Fro…t, all the Gentlemen they had taken prisoners, meaning they should be the first slain, of whom yet very few were hurt, but of the Rebels were slain above two thousand, and now once againe the Earle offered them pardon, if they would desist; but for all their losses, they continued obstinate still, at last the Ea…le sent to know if they would entertaine their pardon, in case he should come in person and assure them of it; this moved them much, and then they answered, they knew him to be so honourable, that from himself they would embrace it; wherupon the Earle riding to them, and causing their pardon to be read, they thre… away their weapons, wishing all joy and prosperity to the King: nine of …he principall Rebels were hanged upon the tree of Reformation; Ket himselfe flying away was taken and hanged in chaines upon Norwich Castle; the day of this defeat of the sedicious, was a long time after observed for a festivall day by the Inhabitants of Norwich, and thus ended the sedition in Nor…olke; whe… at the same time another arose in Yorkshire, whereof the chiefe movers were William Ombler a Gentleman, Thomas Dale a Parish Clerk, and Stephenson a Post, to whom were assembled foure or five thousand, who tooke their encouragement from a certain Prophesie, which did foretell, that the time should come, when there should be no King, when the Nobility and Gen…ry should be destroyed, when the Realm should be ruled by foure Governours elected by the Commons, holding a Parliament in commotion, which should begin at the South and North Seas of England, and that time they understood to be the present, and that the Rebels of Devonshire, Norfolke and Yorkshire should draw together to accomplish this prophesie; but as soon as they heard that the tumults of Devonshire and Norfolke were quieted, they found that they were deceived in the understanding of the prophesie, and therupon presently upon the Kings pardon, they fell off and dispersed, their chiefe Leaders Ombler, Dale and foure others were executed at Yorke; and with this, the Spirit of sedition was quite laid in all places of the Kingdome.

But the King of France, taking advantage of these sedicio…s, though he had been in treaty before of peace with England, yet now he brake off the treaty, Proclaimed war, and denounced it by his Embassadour to the King: hereupon all French-men in England, not Denizens, were taken prisoners, and all their goods seized for the King, which the French King understanding, he sent a fleet of Ships to surprise Gernsey and Iarnsey, but was repelled with the losse of a thousand men: after this, he levied an Army by land, and went himselfe in person against Bulloigne, defended by the valiant Sir Nicholas Arnold, but being weary of the worke, he left his Lievtenant Chatillon to pursue the Siedge, who having made many fierce batteries, and at last assaults and no… prevailing, hee then attempted to hinder the Towne from supply of victuals; and to this end, charged a Galley with gravell and stones, meaning to sinke it in the Haven, but the English took the Galley before it was sunke, and made use of the stones for their owne defence: after this, they made faggo…s of light matter, mixed with pi…ch, tar, tallow, rosi… powder and wild-fire, with intention to fire the ships in the Haven, but that enterprise was defeated by the Bulloignes, and the faggots p. 77taken from the French; and more then this, there was little done in those parts at this time.

But in England in the meane time, an unfortunate accident happened, which beginning upon a very light occasion, produced afterward very heavy effects; whereof, though there were many concurrant circumstances, yet the originall cause was the pride of a woman, upon a point indeed, wherein the natures of women are commonly most tender, Precedency of place: the Protectour had maried Anne Stanhope, a woman of a haughty stomack, and the Lord Admirall his Brother the Queene Dowager, a Lady of great mildnesse: the neerenesse of the Husbands, gave occasion to the Ladies often meeting, where the Dutchesse would inwardly murmur, why shee being the wife of the elder brother and the better man, should give place to her, who was the wife of the younger brother, and the meaner man; this envy of hers toward the Queen, bred a malice in her towards the Admirall, as thinking the mischiefe she did to the husband, to be a part of revenge upon the wife, and though the Queene shortly after died in Child-bed, yet the mallice of the Dutchesse towards the Admirall lived still; (so hard a thing it is, for malice once setled in a womans heart, to be removed) out of this malice, she put divers surmises into her husband the Protectours head against his brother the Admirall, as though he went about to procure his death, to the end he might aspire to the place he held; but certainly as misliking his government being a Protestant, who was himselfe a Papist; in this case causes of jealousie against the Admirall was obvious enough, for it was knowne that in King Henries time, he had aimed at the mariage of the Lady Elizabeth King Henries second daughter; and now his wife the Queen Dowager being dead (and not without suspition of poyson) he fell upon that mariage a fresh, which could not be thought to tend, but to some very high aspiring end: the Protectour a plain man, and one that had not the cleerest insight into practises; whether too importunately provoked by his wife, or whither out of an honest mind, not willing to patronize faults though in a brother, gave way to accusatio…s brought against him, so as in a Parliament then holden, he was accused, for attempting to get into his custody the person of the King, and government of the Realm, for endeavouring to marry the Lady Elizabeth the Kings sister, for perswading the King in his tender yeers, to take upon him the rule and ordering of himselfe; upon which points (though perhaps proved, yet not sufficiently against him, who was never called to his answere) he was by Act of Parliament condemned, and within few dayes after condemnation, a warrant was sent under the hand of his brother the Protectour to cut off his head; wherein (as after it proved) he did as much, as if he had laid his own head downe upon the block; for whilst these brothers lived and held together, they were as a strong fortresse one to the other; the Admirals courage supporting the Protectours authority, and the Protectours authority maintaining the Admirals stoutnesse; but the Admiral once gone, the Protectours authority as wanting support began to totter, and fell at last to utter ruine: besides there was at this time, amongst the Nobility a kind of faction; Protestants who favoured the Protectour for his owne sake, and other of Papall inclination, who favoured him for his brothers sake, but his brother being gone, both sides forsooke him, even his owne side; as thinking they could expect little assistance from him, who gave no more assistance to his own brothe…; and perhaps more then all this, the Earl of Warwick at this time, was the most powerfull man both in Courage and Counsaile amongst all the Nobility, and none so neere to match him as the Admirall while he lived, but he being gone, there was none left that either was able and durst, or durst and was able to stand against him: however it was, not long after the Admirals death, the Protectour was invaded with sundry accusations, wherein …h… Earl of Warwick made not alwaies the greatest show, but yet had alwayes the greatest hand; one thing the Protectour had done, which though a private act, yet gave a publick distaste. To make him a Mansion house in the Strand (the same p. 78which is now called Somerset-house) he pulled downe a Church, and two Bishops houses by the Strand Bridge; in digging the foundation wherof, the bones of many who had been there buried, were cast out and carried into the fields; and because the stones of those houses and the Church suffised not for his work, the steeple a…d most part of the Church of Saint Iohns of Ierusalem neer Smithfield, was mined and overthrowne with powder, and the stones applied to this sparious building; and more then this, the Cloyster of Pauls on the North side of the Church, in a place called Pardon Church-yard, and the dance of Death very curiously wrought about the Cloyster, & a Chapel that stood in the midst of the Churchyard; also the Charnal house, that stood upon the South side of Pauls (now a Carpenters yard) with the Chappell, timber and Monuments therin were beaten downe, the bones of the dead caried into Finsbury-fields, and the stones converted to this building. This Act of the Protectours, did something alienate the Peoples minds from him; which the Earle of Warwick perceiving thought it now a fit time to be falling upon him; and therupon drew eighteene of the Privy Counsaile to joyne with him, who withdrawing themselves from the Court, held secret consultations together, and walked in the Citty with many Servants weaponed, and in new Liveries; whereof when the Lord Protectour heard, he sent secretary Peter to them, to know the causes of their Assembly, requiring them to resort unto him peaceably, that they might comune together as friends; but in the meane time, hee Armed five hundred men, and removed the King by night from Hampton-court to Windsor: on the other side, the Lords at London having first taken possession of the Tower, sent for the Majo… and Aldermen of the Citty, to the Earle of Warwicks lodging at Ely-house in Holburn; to whom the Lord Rich then Lord Chancelour made a long Oration wherin he shewed the ill government of the Lord Protector, and the many mischifes that by it were come upon the Kingdome; and therup…n requiring them to joyn with the Lords there assembled to remove him; and presently that day, a Proclamation was made in divers parts of the Citty to that purpose; to which the Lords and Counsailors that subscribed their names were these; the Lord Rich Chancelour, the Lord Saint-Iohn Lord great Master, the Marquesse of Northampton, the Earle of Warwick Lord great Chamberlaine, the Earle of Arundell Lord Chamberlaine, the Earle of Shrewsbury, the Earle of Southampton, Sir Thomas Cheyney Treasurer of the Houshold, Sir Iohn Gag… Constaple of the Tower, Sir William Peter secretary, Sir Edward North Knight, Sir Edward Montague chiefe Justice of the Common-pleas, Sir Iohn Baker Chancelour of the Exchequer, Sir Ralph Sadler, Sir Edward Wootton, Sir Richard Southwell Knights: and Doctor Wootton Deane of Canterbury. In the afternoone of the same day, the Lord Major assembled a Common Counsaile in the Guild-hall where two letters arrived almost in one instant from the King and the Lord Protectour, for a thousand men to be Armed for defence of the Kings Person; another from the Lords at London for two thousand men to aide them in defence of the Kings person also; both pretending alike, and therefore hard how to please them both. The Recorder set forth the complaint of the Lords against the Protectour, in such sort, that he made many inclinable to favour that side, but one named George Stadlow better advised, stept up, and in a long Speech shewed, what mischiefes had come to the City by opposing the King; and therefore gave his opinion to suspend giving aide to the Lords, at lest for a time. His advice was harkened to, and thereupon the Court resolved onelyonly to arme a hundred Horsemen and foure hundred foot, in defence of the City; and to the letters, returned submissive but dilatory answers. After some other passages betweene the Protectour and the Lords, Sir Edward Winkfield Captaine of the Guard, was sent from the Lords to Windsor; who so well perswaded the King of the Lords loyall affection towards him, and of their moderate intention towards the Protectour, that the King was contented to have him presently remvoed from him, and suffered him within two dayes after p. 79to be carried to the Tower. In whose absence, seven Lords of the Councell and foure Knights were appointed by turnes to attend the Kings person; and for affaires of State, the government of them was referred to the whole body of the Councell: soone after were sent to the Protectour in the Tower, certain Lords of the Councell, with Articles against him, requiring his present Answer, whether he would acknowledge them to be true, or else stand upon his justifica…ion. The chiefe Article was this; That he tooke upon him the Office of Protectour, with expresse condition, that he should doe nothing in the Kings affaires, but by assent of the late Kings Executours, or the grea…est part of them; and that contrary to this condition, he had hindered Justice, and subverted laws of his owne authority, as well by letters as by other command; and many other Articles, but all much to this purpose. The Protectour, whether thinking to speed better by submission then by contesting; or perhaps finding himselfe not altogether innocent, (for indeed in so great a place, who can beare himselfe with such sincerity, but he will commit errours, with which he may be taxed;) subscribed an acknowledgement with his owne hand; humbly submitting himselfe to the Kings mercy, and desiring their Lordships favour …owards him. Upon this submission, three moneths after he had bin imprisoned, he was released, entertained and feasted by the King, and swor…e again to be a Privie Councellour, but no more Protectour: at which time, betweene him and the Lords, a shew at lest of perfect amity was made; and to make it the more firme, the Dukes daughter was afterward married to the Lord Lisle, Sonne and heire to the Earle of Warwicke; at which marriage the King himselfe was present; and perhaps to honour their reconcilement and this marri…ge, the Earle of Warwicke was made Lord Admirall of England, Sir Iohn Russell Lord Privie Seale was created Earle of Bedford, the Lord Saint-Iohn was created Earle of Wiltshire, and soone after made Lord Treasurour, Sir William Paget Controlour of the Kings House, was made Lord Paget, Sir Anthony VVinkfield Captaine of the Guard, was made Controlour, and Sir Thomas Darcye was made Captaine of the Guard. But of the other side, the Earle of Arundell, the Earle of Southampton, were put off from the Councell; of whom, the Earle of Southampton dyed shortly after at Lincolne-Place in Holborne, and was buried in Saint Andrewes Church there.

About this time a Parliament was held at Westminster, wherein one Act was made against spreading of Prophesies; another against unlawfull Assemblies: but for feare of new tumults, the Parliament was untimely Dissolved, and Gentlemen were commanded to retyre to their Count…ey-habitations; and …or the same cause also Trinity Terme did not hold.

About this time also, Pope Paul the third dyed; after whose death the Cardinals being divided about the election of a new Pope; the Imperial part, which was the greatest, gave their voyces for Cardinall Poole; which being told him, …e disabled himselfe, and wished them to choose one that might be most for the glory of God, and good of the Church: upon …his stop, some that were no friends to Poole, and perhaps looked for the place themselves, if he were put off, laid m…ny things to his charge; amongst other, that he was no… withou… suspition of Lutharisme, as having bin very conversant with Immanuell Tremellius and Anthonius Flaminius, great Lutherans, and not altogether without blemish of incontinency; there being a young Nunne that was thought to be his daughter. But of these criminations Poole so cleered himselfe, that he was afterward more importuned to take the place then he was before; and thereupon one night the Cardinals came unto him, being in bed; and sent him word they came to adore him (which is one special kind of electing the Pope) but he being awaked out of his sleepe, and acquainted with it; made answer, that this was not a worke of darkenesse, and therefore required them to forbeare till the next day, and then to doe as God should put in their mindes. But the Italian Cardinals attributing this putting off, to a kinde of stupidity and sloth in Poole; looked p. 80no more after him, but the next day chose Cardinall Montanus Pope, who was afterward named Iulius the third.

And now the King of France, upon many just considerations, was growne desirous to have a Peace with England; and thereupon sent one Guidol…i a Florentine in…o England, to make some overture of his desire to the Lords of the Councell; who addressing himselfe to the Earle of Warwicke, whom he knew to be most prevalent; so prevailed, that it was concluded foure Embassadours should be sent from the King of England into Franee … and foure from the French King, to treat with them. The Commissioners for the English were Iohn Earl of Bedford, William Lord Paget, Sir William Peter and Sir Iohn Mason, Secretaries of State. For the French were Monsieur Rochpot, Monsieur Chatillon, Guyllart de Martyer and Rochetelle de Dassie: much time was spent to agree about a place of meeting; till at last the English to satisfie the French, were contented it should be before Bulloigne; where were many meetings and m…ny diff… rences about conditions; but in conclusion, a Peace was concluded upon certaine Articles; the chiefe whereof was, that Bulloigne and the places adjacent should be delivered up to the French within six weekes after the Peace Proclaimed; and that the French should pay for the same two hundred thousand crownes, within three dayes after delivery of the Towne; and other two hu… dred thousand crowes upon the fifth day of August following: hostages were on both sides given for performance; and to those Articles the French King was sworne at Amyens, and the King of England in London: the Lord Clinton who had been Deputy of Bulloigne was made Lord Admirall of England.

Presently after this Agreement, the Duke of Brunswicke sent to the King of England, to offer his service in the Kings wars, with ten thousand men, and to intreat a marriage with the Lady Mary, the Kings eldest sister. To his offer of aide, answer was made, that the Kings warres were ended; and touching the marriage with the Lady Mary, …hat the King was in speech for her marriage with the Infanta of Portugall, which if it succeeded not, he should then be favourably heard. Upon this, the Emperours Embassadour demanded of the King, that the Lady Mary might have free exercise of the Masse, which the King not onelyonly constantly denied, but thereupon Sermons were exercised at Court, and order taken, that no man should have any Benefice from the King, but first he should Preach before him; and shortly after, under pretence of preparing for Sea-matters, five thou…and pounds were sent to relieve Protestants beyond the Seas. At this time also, an Embassadour came from Gustanu… King of Sweden, to enter league with the King for entercourse of Merchants; and charge was then also given, that the Lawes of England should be administred in Ireland.

About this time the Queene Dowager of Scotland, going from France to her Countrey, passed thorow England, having first obtained a safe Conduct, she arrived at Portesmouth, and was there met by divers of the English Nobility; conducted to London, she was lodged in the Bishops-Pallace: after four dayes staying, having beene feasted by the King at Whitehall, she departed; being waited on by the Sheriffes of Counries to the borders of Scotland. And now was one Steward a Scot apprehended in England, and imprisoned in the Tower, for intending to poyson the yong Queene of Scots, whom the King delivered to the French King upon the frontiers of Callice, to be by him justiced at his pleasure.

At …his time certaine Ships were appointed by the Emperour, to transport the Lady Mary either by violence or by stelth out of England to Antwerpe; whereupon Sir Iohn Gates was sent with Forces into Essex, where the Lady lay; and besides, the Duke of Somerset was sent with two hundred men, the Lord Privie Seale with other two hundred, and Master Sentleger with foure hundred more, to severall coasts upon the Sea, and the Lord Chancellour and Secretary Peter were sent to the Lady Mary; who after some conference, p. 81brought her to the Lord Chancellours house at Lyee in Essex, and from thence to the King at Westminster. Here the Councell declared unto her, how long the King had permitted her the use of the Masse, and considering her obstinacy, was resolved now no longer to permit it, unlesse she would put him in hope of some conformity in short time. To which she answered, that her soule was Gods; and touching her faith, as she could not change, so she would not dissemble it. Reply was made, that the King intended not to constraine her faith, but to restrain the outward profession of it, in regard of the danger the example might draw. After some like enterchange of speeches, the Lady was appointed to remain with the King, when there arived an Embassadour from the Emperor, with a threatning message of warre, in case his cousin the Lady Mary, should be denied the free exercise of the Masse: hereupon the King presently advised with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and with the Bishop of London and Rochester, who gave their opinion, that to give licence to sin was sin, but to connive at sinne might be …llowed so it were not too long, nor without hope of reformation: then answere was given to the Embassadour, that the King would send to the Emperour within a month or two, and give him such satisfaction as should be fit.

And now the King being uncertaine of the faith, both of his Subjects and of his Confederates, intended by alliance to strengthen himselfe; and thereupon sent one Bartwicke, to the King of Denmarke with private instructions, to treat of a mariage, betweene the Lady Elizabeth the Kings youngest sister, and the King of Denmarks eldest son; but when it came to the point, this Lady could not be induced to entertaine mariage with any.

After this, the Marquesse of Northampton was sent Embassadour to the French King, as well to present him with the Order of the Garter, as to treat with him of other secret affaires: with him were joyned in Commission the Bishop of Elye, Sir Philip Hobbie, Sir William Pickering, Sir Iohn Mason, and Master Smith Secritary of State; also the Earle of Worcester, Rutland, and Ormond were appointed to accompany them; as likewise the Lords Lisle, Fitzwater, Bray, Aburgavenie and Evers, with other Knights and Gentlemen of note, to the number of six and twenty; and for avoiding of immoderate traine, order was given that every Earle should have but foure attendants, every Baron but three, every Knight and Gentlem…n but two, onelyonly the Commissioners were not limited to any number. Being come to the Court of France, they were forthwith brought to the King, being then in his Bedchamber; to whom the Marquesse presented the Order of the Garter, wherewith he was presently invested: then the Bishop of Elye in a short Speech, declared, how the King of England, out of his love and desire of amitye, had sent this Order to his Majestie; desiring with all, that some persons might be authorized to treat with them, about some other m…tters of importance; whereupon a Commission went forth to the Cardinall of Lorraigne, Chastillion the Constable, the Duke of Guysae, and others. At the first, the English demanded, that the yong Queene of Scots might be s…nt into England for perfecting of marriage betweene King Edward and her. But to this the French answered, That conclusion had beene made long before for her marriage with the Dolphin of France. Then the English proposed a marriage betweene King Edward and the Lady Eliza…eth the French Kings eldest daughter: to this the French did cheerfully incline; but when they came to talke of Portion, the English demanded at first fifteen hundred thousand crownes, then fell to foureteene, and a… last to eight hundred thousand: the French offered at first, one hundred thousand crownes, then rose to two hundred thousand, and higher they would not be drawne; saying, it was more then ever had bin given with a daugh…er of France. Shortly after Monsieur the Marshall and other Commissioners were sent by the French King, to deliver to the King of England the Order of Saint Michael; and then was further treaty about the marriage; and because the French could be s…rued no higher then two hundred thousand crownes, it was at p. 82last accepted, and the agreement was reduced into writing, and delivered under Seale on both sides.

And now King Edward supposing his state to be most safe, when indeed it was most unsure; in testimo…y both of his joy and love, advanced many to new titles of honou…; the Lord Marquesse Dorset, who had maried the eldest daughter of Charles Brandon was created Duke of Suffolke, the Earle of Warwicke Duke of Northumberland, the Earle of Wiltshire was created Marquesse of Winchester, Sir William Herbert Lord of Cardisse and Master of the Horse, was created Earle of Pembrooke; also William Cecill the Kings Secretary, Iohn Cheeke one of his Schoolmasters, Henry Dudley and Henry Nevill were made Knights, and (that which perhaps it had bin happy, if it had never bin) Sir Robert Dudley one of the Duke of Northumberlands sons (the same who was afterward the great Earle of Leicester) was sworne one of the six orninary Gentlemen of the Kings Chamber; for after his comming into a place so neere about him, the King enjoyed his health but a while.

The aspiring thoughts of the Duke of Northumberland, were now growne up to be put in execution: He was advanced in title of honour equall with the highest; in authority and power above the highest; he had placed his politicke Sonne neere about the Kings person; the next thing was to remove the Duke of Somerset out of the way; and for this also he had prepared instruments; Sir Thomas Palmer, Crane, Hamond, Cecill, and others; who brought severall accusations against the Duke; some trenching upon the King and Kingdome, but one specially against the Duke of Northumberlands person; whose practises when the Duke of Somerset found, and had cause to feare; he went one day Armed into the Duke of Northumberlands Chamber, with a purpose to kill him; but finding him in his bed, and being received with much kinde complement by him, his heart relen…ed, and thereupon came away without any thing done: at his comming out, one of his company asked him if he had done the deed? who answered, No: then said he, you are your selfe undone: and indeed it so fell out; for when all other Accusations were refelled, this onelyonly stucke by him, and could not be denyed; and so on the first of December he was arraigned at Westminster; where the Lord William Pa…let Marquesse of Winchester and Lord Treasurour, sat as high Steward of England, and with him Peeres to the number of seven and twenty; the Dukes of Suffolke and Northumberland, the Marquesse of Northampton, the Earles of Derby, Bedford, Huntington, Rutland, Bathe, Sussex, Worcester, Pembrooke and Hert…ord; the Barons, Aburgaveuy, Audeley, Wharton, Evers, La…ymer, Borough, Zouth, Stafford, Wentworth, Darcye, Sturton, Windsor, Cromwell, Cobham and Bray. The Lords being set, the Indit…ments were read, in number five, containing a charge, for raising men in the North parts of the Realme; and at his house, for assembling men to kill the Duke of Northumberland; for resisting his Attac…ment, for raising London, for assaulting the Lords, and devising their deaths. To all which he pleaded, Not guilty, and made a satisfactory Answer to every point, though the Kings learned Councell p…essed them hard against him. This done, the Lords went together, where exception was taken by some, …s a thing unfit, that the Duke of Northumberland, the Marquesse of Northampton, and the Earle of Pembrooke should be of the Jurie; seeing the prisoner was chiefely charged with practises against them. But to this, the Lawyers made answ…r, that a Peere of the Realm might not be challenged; so after much variation of opinions, the prisoner was acqui…t of Treasor, but by most voyees found guilty of Felony; and that by a Statute, lately by his owne p…ocureme…t made; That if any should attempt to kill a Privie Councellour, although the Fact were not done, yet it should be Felonie, and be punished with death. But upon his being acquit of Treason, t…e Axe of the Tower was presently laid downe, which m…de people conceive he had beene acquitted of all; who thereupon for joy, gave so great a p. 83shout, that it was heard as farre as Charing-Crosse: but the Duke was little the better for being acquitted of Treason, seeing he was found guilty of Felonie; and had Judgement to dye. It is thought by some, he might have saved his life, if he had demanded his Clergie; but it is rather thought, that in that Statute Clergie w…s denied. Two moneths after his condemnation; (much against the Kings will) Hee was brought to the Tower-Hill to execution; wher… b…ing …scended the Scaffold, hee entred into a Speech, wherein though he justified himselfe, for any matter tending to the hurt of the King or Kingdome; yet he confessed, he was justly by the Law brought to th… d…h; and thanked God, that had given him so large a time of repentance, spe…ially that he had opened his eyes, to see cleerely the light of the Gospell; and going on in his Speech, a sudden noyse arose, of some crying, away, …way; which made some thinke a Pardon had beene come; but was indeede the voyce of some that had beene warned to be at the Execution, and were come somewhat late: but the tumult being appeased, the Duke went on with his Speech, and at last commending his soule to God, with a coun…enance not shewing a signe of feare or perturbation, onelyonly his cheekes a little redder then they use …o be; he peaceably laid downe his head upon the blocke, and in a moment with one stroke of the Axe, had it strucken off. The death of this Duke, made the Duke of Northumberland more odious to the people then he was before; and there were some that dipped H…ndkerchiffes in his blood, and kept them to upbraide the Duke of Northumberland withall, when he came himselfe afterward to the like end. After execution of the Duke, Sir Ralph Vane and Sir Miles Partridge were hanged at the Tower-hill, Sir Michael Stanhope and Sir Thomas Arundell were there beheaded.

After the Dukes condemnation, it was thought fit to have something done for averting the Kings minde, from taking thought; and to that end, one George Ferrers, a Gentleman of Lincolnes-Inne, was appointed in the Christmastime, to be Lord of Misrule; who so carried himselfe, that he gave great delight to many, and some to the King, but not in proportion to his heavinesse.

About this time was a call of seven Serjeants at Law, who kept their Feast at Grayes-Inne; of whom, Master Robert Brooke Recorder of London, was the first; and the next Master Dyer, who was chosen Speaker the next Parli…ment.

About this time also, the Lord Paget was committed to the Tower, …or what cause is not certaine; and being a Knight of the Order, his Garder was taken from him by Garter king at Armes, upon this pretence, that he was said to be no Gentleman, either by Father or Mother; and the Garter was then bestowed on the Earle of Warwicke, the Duke of Nor…hum…erlands eldest Sonne, and the Lord Rich Lord Chancellour, was put off from his Place, and the Seal then delivered to Doctor Thomas Goodricke Bishop of Elye.

About this time also three great Ships were set forth at the Kings charge, for discovery of a passage to the East Indies by the North Seas; the chiefe Pilot and directour in this Voyage, was one Sebastian Gabato an Englishman, borne at Bristow, but the son of a Genoway: these Ships at the last arrived in the Countrey of Muscovia, but not without losse of their Captain Sir Hugh Willoughby, who being tossed and driven by tempest, was afterward found in his Ship frozen to death, and all his people.

At this time al…o the Duke of Suffolks three Daughters, which he had by Frances, Daughter of Charles Brandon and Mary Queene of France, were married at Durham-House; the eldest Iane to the Lord Guildford Dudley …, fourth Soone of the Duke of Northumberland: the second Katherine, to Henry Sonne and heire to the Earle of Pembrooke; the yo…gest Mary, being somwhat deformed, to Martyn Keyes the Kings Gentleman-Porter. And then also p. 84Katherine the Duke of Northumberlands yongest daughter, to the Lord Hastings, eldest sonne of the Earle of Huntington. And now had the Duke of Northumberland gone a great way in his design; it remained to perswade King Edward to exclude his two sisters from succession in the Crowne; for that do…e, his daughter in law the Lady Ian…, would come to have a right; for as for pretenders out of Scotland, or any other, he made no great matter. And now to worke the King to this perswasion, (being in a languishing sicknesse, not farre from death) he inculcates to him, how much it concerned him to have a care of Religion, that it might be preserved in purity, not onelyonly in his owne life, but as well after his death; which would not be, if his sister the Lady Mary should succeed, and she could not be put by unlesse her other sister the Lady Elizabeth were put by also, seeing their rights depended one upon another; but if he pleased to appoint the Lady Iane, the Duke of Suffolkes eldest daughter, and his owne next kinswoman to his Sisters, to be his successour, he might then be sure that the true Religion should be maintained, to Gods great glory, and be a worthy Act of his owne religious Providence. This was to strike upon the right string of the yong Kings affection, with whom nothing was so deere as preservation of Religion; and thereupon his last Will was appointed to be drawne (contrived chiefly by the Lord chiefe Justice Montague, and Secretary Cecill:) by which Will, as farre as in him lay, he excluded his two sisters from the succession, and all other, but the Duke of Suffolkes daughters; and then causing it to be read before his Councell, he required them all to assent unto it, and to subscribe their hands; which they all, both Nobility, and Bishops and Judges did; onelyonly the Archbishop Cranmer refused at first, Sir Iames Hales a Judge of the Common-Pleas to the last, and with him also Sir Iohn Baker Chancellour of the Exchequer. And now remained nothing for the Duke of Northumberlands purpose, but that the King should dye; which soone after he did at Greenwich the sixth of Iuly, in the yeere 1553. One point of the Dukes policie must not be forgotten, that fearing what troubles the Lady Mary might raise after the Kings decease, if she should be at liberty; he therefore, seeing the King drawing on, used all meanes possible to get her within his power; to which end Letters are directed to her in the Kings name from the Councell, willing her forthwith to repaire to the King, as well to be a comfort to him in his sicknesse, as to see all matters well ordered about his person: whereupon, the Lady suspecting nothing, addressed her selfe with all speed to the journey; till being upon the way, she was advertised of the Dukes designe; and then she returned to her House at Hoveden, and so escaped the snare; by whose escape, the whole designe of the Duke of Northumberland was disappointed; as soone after will be seene.

Of his Taxations.

IN no Kings reigne was ever more Parliaments for the time, nor fewer Subsidies; the greatest was in his last yeere, when yet there was but one Subsidie, with two fifteenes and tenths granted by the Temporalty, and a Subside by the Clergie. And indeed to shew how loath this King was to lay Impositions upon his people, this may be a sufficient argument; that though he were much in debt, yet he chose rather to deale with the Foulker in the Low-Countries for money upon loane, at the interest of fourteene pounds for a hundred, for a yeere. But his wayes for raising of money, was by selling of Chantrie Lands and Houses, given him by Parliament; and by inquiring after all Churchgoods, either remaining in Cathedrall and Parish-Churches, or embezeled away, as Jewels, gold and silver, Chalices, ready money, Copes, and other Vestments; reserving to every Church one Challice, and one covering for the Communion-Table, the rest to be applied to his benefit. He also raised money by enquiring after offences of Officers in great places; in which inquirie, one Beamont p. 85Master of the Rolles, being convinced of many crimes, surrendred all his Offices, Lands and Goods into the Kings hands: also one Whalley Receiver of Yorkeshire, being found a delinquent, surrendred his Office, and payed a great fine besides: also the Lord Paget, Chancellour of the Dutchie, convinced, that he had sold the Kings Lands and Timber-woods without Commission, and had applied the Kings Fines to his owne use; for these and other offences, surrendred his Office, and was fined at foure thousand pounds, which he payed in hand. One thing more was done in his time for raising of money; twenty thousand pounds weight of Bullion, was appointed to be made so much baser, that the King might gaine thereby a hundred and forty thousand pounds.

Of his Lawes and Ordinances.

IN his third yeere a Parliament was holden; wherein one Act was made against spreading of Prophesies; another against unlawfull Assemblies. In his fourth yeere a Parliament was holden, wherein Priests children were made legitimate; and usury for the loane of money was forbidden. In his fifth yeer, it was ordained that the Lawes of England should be administred in Ireland; and a king at Armes named Vlster, was newly instituted for Ireland; whose Province was all Ireland; and he was the first fourth king of Armes, and first Herauld appointed for Ireland. Also in his fifth yeere, base monies formerly coyned, were cried downe; so as the shilling went but for nine pence, and shortly after but for six pence, the g…oat but for three pence, and shortly after but for two pence.

Affaires of the Church in his time.

IN the first yee…e of this Kings reigne, Injunctions were set forth, for pulling downe a…d removing all Images out of Churches; also certaine Homilies were appointed to be made by learned men, to be read in Churches, for the peoples instruction: and at Easter this yeer, it was ordered, that the Sacrament of the Lords Supper should be ministred to the Lay-people in both kindes; also Marriage was allowed to Clergie men; Auricular Confession and prayer for the dead were forbidden: and it is observable, that the very same day that Images were pulled downe at London, the great overthrow was given to the Scots at Mu…kleborough. Also at this time, by the Archbishop Cranmers means, divers learned Protestants came over into England, and had here ente…tainment, as Peter Martyr, Martin Bucer, and Paulus Fagius; of whom Peter Martyr was sent to read a Divinity Lecture in Oxford, Bucer and Fagius in Cambridge. In this Kings foutth yeer, all Altars in Churches were comma…ded to be taken downe, and Tables placed in their roomes. In his fifth yeer the Book of Common Prayer was established.

Casualties happening in his time.

IN his second yeere, Saint Annes Church within Aldesgate was burnt. In his …ifth yeere, a sweating sicknesse infested first Shrewesbury, and then the north parts, and after grew most extreame in London, so as the first weeke there dyed eight hundred persons, and was so violent that it tooke men away in foure and twenty houres, sometimes in twelve, and somtimes in lesse: amongst other of account that dyed of this sicknesse, were the two Sonnes of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolke, who dyed within an houre after one another, in such order that both of them dyed Dukes. This disease was proper to the English Nation, for it followed the English wheresoever they were in foraigne parts; but seized upon none of any other Countrey. In this yeere, one Master Arden of p. 86Kent, by procurement of his wife was murthered in his owne house; being dead, his body was carried out and laid upon the ground, in a close hard by; where this is memorable, that for two yeers after, the ground where his body lay, bore no grasse, but represented still as it were a picture of his body, onelyonly in the space between his legges and armes there grew grasse, but where any part of his body touched, none at all. Yet this miraculous accident was not so much for the murther, as for the curses of a widow-woman, out of whose hands the said Master Arden had uncharitably bought the said close, to her undoing. And thus the divine justice even in this world oftentimes works miracles upon offenders, for a mercifull warning to men, if they would be so wise to take it. In his sixth yeer, the third of August, at Middleton-stony, eleven miles from Oxford, a woman brought forth a childe which had two perfect bodies from the navill upward, the legges for both the bodies grew out at the midst where the bodies joyned, and had but one issue for the excrements of them both: they lived eighteen dayes, and were women children. This yeere also were taken at Quinborow three Dolphins, and at Black-Wall six more, the least of which was bigger then any horse.

Works of Piety by him or other in his time.

THis King gave three houses to the reliefe of the poor; first for the fatherlesse and beggers children, he gave the late Gray-Fryers in London, which i… now called Christs Hospitall: then for lame and diseased persons he gave the Hospitall of Saint Thomas in Southwarke, and Saint Barthalomews in West Smithfield: Thirdly, for riotous and idle persons, he gave his house of Brid…well; and for their maintenance, he took six hundred pounds a yeer land from the house of the Savoy (which had been long abused) and bestowed it upon these houses; to which he added four thousand marks a yeer more. By his example Sir William Chester Alderman of London, and Iohn Calthroppe Draper, at their owne costs made the Brickwalls and way on the backside that leadeth to the Hospitall of Saint Barthalomews; and also covered and vawted the Towne Ditch, which before was very noysome. In the second yeer of this King, Sir Iohn Gresham then Major of London, founded a free Schoole at Host in Norfolke; also at his decease, he gave to every Ward in London ten pounds, to be distributed amongst the poor, and to maids marriages two hundred pounds. In his third yeer, Sir Rowland Hill the …hen Lord Major of London, caused to be made a Cawsway commonly called Overlane pavement, in the high way from Stone to Nantwich, in length four miles, for the ease of horse and man. He caused also a Cawsway to be made from Dunchurch to Bransen in Warwickshiere, more then two miles in length; and gave twenty pounds towards the making of Roitton Bridge three miles from Coventry. He made likewise the high way to Kilborne neere to London. Also four Bridges, two of them of stone, containing eighteen arches in them both; the one over the River of Severne called Acham Bridge, the other Terne Bridge; and two other of Timber at Stoke, where he built also a good part of the Church. A free Schoole likewise he builded at …rayton in Shropshiere, with Master and Usher, and gave sufficient stipends to them both. Also he purchased a free fair to the said Towne, with a free Market weekly; and every fourteen dayes a free Market for cartell. Besides all thi…, he gave to the Hospitall of Christ-Church in London in his life time, five hundred pounds, and at his death, a hundred. In this Kings fourth yeer, Sir Andrew Iud Major of London, founded a notable free Schoole at Tunbridge in Kent; he builded also an Almshouse for six poor people, nigh to the Parish Church of Saint Helens in Bishopsgate-streete; and gave threescore pounds land a yeer to the Skinners of London, for which be bound to pay twenty pounds to the Schoolemaster, and eight pounds to the Usher of his free Schoole at Tunbridge yeerly for ever; and four shillings weekely to the six poor Almspeople, p. 87and something more yeerly. In his sixth yeer, Sir George Barnes Major of London, gave a Windmill in Finsbury-field to the Haberdashers of London, the profits thereof to be destributed to the poor of that Company; also to Saint Bartholamews the little, certaine Tenements to the like use.

Of his personage and conditions.

COncerning his personage, it is said, he was in body beautifull, of a sweete aspect, and specially in his eyes, which seemed to have a starry livelinesse and lustre in them. Concerning his conditions, in matter of fact, there is not much to be said; but in matter of disposition and inclination very much, even to admiration. For though his tree was not yet come to the maturity of bearing fruit, yet it was come to the forwardnesse to bear plenty of buds and blossomes. For proofe of his mercifull disposition this one example may be sufficient; when one Ioan Butcher was to be burned for blasphemy and heresie, all the Counsell could not get him to signe the Warrant, till the Archbishop Cranmer with much importunity perswaded him, and then he did it, but not without weeping. For his pregnancy of wit, and knowledge in all kindes of learning; we shall need but to hear what Cardan (who coming into England, had often conference with him) reporteth of him: that he was extraordinarily skilfull in Languages, and in the Politicks; well seen in Philosophy and in Divinity, and generally indeed a very miracle of Art and Nature. He would answer Embassadours somerimes upon the suddaine, either in French or Latine; he knew the state of forraigne Princes perfectly, and his own more. He could call all Gentlemen of account through his Kingdome by their names; and all this when he had scarce yet attained to the age of fifteene yeers; and died before sixteene; that from hence we may gather, it is a signe of no long life, when the faculties of the minde are ripe so early.

Of his death and buriall.

IN the sixth yeer of his reigne, which was the yeer before he died, he fel sick of the Measels, and being well recovered of them, he fell after soon into the smal Pox, & of them also was so well recovered, that the summer following he rode a progresse, with a greater magnificence then ever he had done before; having in his traine no fewer then four thousand horse. In Ianuary following, (whether procured by sinister practise, or growing upon him by naturall infirmity) he fell into an indisposition of body, which soon after grew to a cough of the Lungs. Whereupon a rumour was spread abroad by some, that a Nosegay had been given him at Newyeerstide, which brought him into this slow but deadly consumption; by others that it was done by a Glister: how ever it was, he was brought at last to so great extremity, that his Physicians despared of his life; and when Physicians could do him no good, a Gentlewoman (thought to be prepared for the purpose) tooke him in hand, and did him hurt; for with her applications his legges swelled, his pulse failed, his skinne changed colour, and many other symptomes of approaching death appeared. The hour before his death, he was overheard to pray thus by himselfe, O Lord God, deliver me out of this miserable and wretched life; O Lord, thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee; yet for thy chosens sake, if it be thy will send me life and health that I ma… truly serve thee: O Lord God, save thy chosen people of England, and defend this Realme from Papistrie, and maintaine thy true Religion, that I and my People may praise thy holy Name, for thy Sonne Jesus Christs sake. So …urning his face and seeing some by him, he said; I thought you had nor been so nigh: Yes, said Doctor Owens we heard you speak to your selfe; then said the King, I was praying to God: O, I am faint; Lord have mercy upon me, and receive my spirit; and in so saying gave up the Ghost, the sixth p. 88day of Iuly, in the yeer 1553. and in the sixteenth yeer of his Age when he had reigned six yeers, five moneths, and nine dayes. It is noted by some, that he died the same monethmonth, and the same day of the monethmonth that his father King Henry the eight had put Sir Thomas Moore to death. His body was buried upon the ninth of August in the Chappell of Saint Peters Church in Westminster; and laid neere to the body of King Henry the seventh his grandfather. At his funerall which was on the tenth of August following, his sister Queen Mary shewed this respect to him, that though Doctor Day a Popish Bishop preached, yet all the service with a communion was in English.

Men of note in his time.

THis Kings reigne being short, and having but small warres, had not many sword-men famous for any acts they did; Gowne men there were some, as Edward Holl a Councellour in the Law, who wrote a notable Cronicle of the union of the two houses of Yorke and Lancaster; William Hugh a Yorkeshireman, who wrote a notable Treatice called The troubled mans medicine; Thomas Sternehold, borne in Southampton, who turned into English Meete… seven and thirty of Davids Psalmes.

The Interregnum betweene the death of King Edward and the proclaiming at London of Queene Mary.

KIng Edward being dead, the Duke of Northumberland tooke upon him to sit at the Sterne, and ordered all things at his pleasure: so two dayes after he with others of the Councell, sent to the Lord Major that he with six Aldermen and twelve principall Commons, should repaire presently to the Court; to whom when they came, it was secretly signified that King Edward was dead; and that by his last Will, to which all the Nobility and Judges had given assent, he had appointed the Lady Iane, daughter to the Duke of Suffolke, to succeede him; his Letters Patents whereof were shewed them, and therupon they were required, to take their Oathes of Allegeance to the Lady Iane, and to secure the City in her behalfe; which whether dissemblingly, or sincerely; whether for love or fear, yet they did, and then departed. The next day the Lady Iane in great state, was brought to the Tower of London, and there declared Queene; and by edect with the sound of Trumpet proclaimed so through London; at which time, for some words seeming to be spoken against it, one Gilbert Pot a Vint…ers servant, was set in the Pilory, and lost both his ears. Before this time, the Lady Mary having heard of her brothers death, and of the Duke of Northumberlands designes; removed from Hovesdon to her Mannour of Keninghall in Norfolke, and under pretence of fearing infection, (having lately lost one of her houshold servants of the plague) in one day she rode forty miles, and from thence afterward to her Castle of Framingham in Suffolke; where taking upon her the name of Queene, there resorted to her the most part of all the Gentlemen both of Norfolke & Suffolke, offering their assistance; but upon condition she would make no alteration in Religion, to which she condiscended; and thereupon soone after came to her, the Earles of Oxford, Bathe and Sussex, the Lord Wentworth, Thomas Wharton, and Iohn Mordant Barrons eldest sonnes; and of Knights Cornwallis, Drury, Walgrave, Shelton, Beningfield, Ierningham, Suliard, Freston and many others. The Lady Mary being thus assisted, wrote her letters signed the ninth of Iuly to the Lords of the Councell, wherein shee claimed the Crowne, as of right belonging to her; and required them to proclaime her Queene of England in the City of London, as they tendred her displeasure. To this letter of hers, the Lords answered, that for what they did, they had good Warrant; not onelyonly by King Edwards last Will, but by the Lawes of the land, considering her Mothers divorce, and her owne Illegitimation; p. 89and therefore required her to submit her selfe to Queene Iane, being now her Soveraigne. This Letter was written from the Tower of London, under the hands of these that follow, Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury, Thom…s Elye Chancellour, William Marquesse of Winchester, Iohn Earle of Bedford, Henry Duke of Suffolke, Francis Earle of Shrewsbury, Iohn Duke of North…mberland, William Earle of Pembrooke, Thomas Lord Darcey Lord Chamberlin, Cobham, Rich, Huntington, Cheyney, Iohn Gates, William Peter, William Ce…ill, Iohn Clerke, Iohn Mason, Edward North and Robert Bowes. The quarell on both sides being thus begun by Letters, is prosecuted by Armes; and the Lords for their Generall make choyce of the Duke of Suffolke, as a man most likely to be firme and sure in the imployment; but the Queen his daughter cannot misse his presence; and besides, is not willing to hazard his person; and thereupon, she by intreaties and the Lords by perswasions prevaile with the Duke of Northumb…rland to undertake the charge; who before his going having conference with the Lords, let them know how sensible he was of the double danger he under-went in this enterprize; both in respect of the Lady against whom he went, and in respect of them whom he left behinde him; for if they in his absence should by any accident be drawne to waver in their resolution, they might worke their owne safety with his destruction, and make themselves seeme innocent in his guiltinesse. To which one of the Lords replied and said; Your Grace makes a doubt of that which cannot be, for which of us all can wash his hands cleane of this businesse? and therefore it behooves us to be as resolute as your selfe; and the Earle of Arundell, to testifie his resolution in the matter, said, he was sorry it was not his chance to goe with him, at whose feet he could finde in his heart to spend his blood. So the Duke with the Marquesse of Northampton, the Lord Gray, and divers other of account, on the fourteenth of Iuly set forward on the journey with eight thousand foot and two thousand horse; and passing through Shoreditch, the Duke said to the Lord Gray, see how the people presse to see us, but not one of them saith, God speed you. The Duke had every dayes march how farre he should goe, appointed him by Commission; which being very slow, whether it were done of purpose, by some that favoured the Lady Maries side, was certainly a great helpe to her proceedings; for by this meanes she had the longer time to make her preparations; and indeed in this time two accidents happened, of great benefit to her; one, that Edward Hastings the Earle of Huntingtons brother, having an Army of foure thousand foot committed to him by the Earle of Northumberland, he now left his Party, and went to the Lady Mary: the other, that six great Ships which lay before Yarmouth to intercept the Lady Mary, if she shouly attempt to flye, now at the perswasion of Master Ierningham, came in to her aide: which two revolts so terrified the Londoners, that though Doctor Ridley Bishop of London, on the sixteenth of Iuly, at Pauls Crosse Preached a Sermon, wherein he invited the people to stand firme to Queene Iane, whose cause he affirmed to be most just, ye… few or none were perswaded by him; so as the Lords themselves fell off from the side, who assembling at Beynards-Castle, first the Earle of Arundell, then the Earle of Pembrooke fell to invectives against the Earle of Northumberland; and then all the Lords joyning in opinion with them, they called for the Major, and in London Proclaimed the Lady Mary Queene; as likewise the Lord Windsor, Sir Edmund Peckham, Sir Robert Drurie and Sir Edward Hastings did in Buckinghamshire; Sir Iohn Williams of Tame, and Sir Leonard Chamberlaine in Oxfordshire, and Sir Thomas Tresham in the County of Northampton. All this came soone to the knowledge of the Duke of Northumberland, being then at Burie; who thereby seeing how the world went, thought it his best course to turne with the streame, and thereupon returning to Cambridge, he tooke the Major of the Towne with him into the Market-place, and there himselfe for want of a Herauld, Proclaimed the Lady Mary Queene, and in signe of joy threw up his Cap; which p. 90yet served not his turne, for the next morning Henry Fitz-Allen Earle of Arundell, came into Cambridge from Queene Mary, who entring his Chamber, the Duke at his feet fell on his knees; desiring him for Gods love to consider his case, that had done nothing but by the Warrant of him and the Councell: My Lord (said the Earle) I am sent hither by the Queen to arrest you; and I (said the Duke) obey your arrest; yet I beseech your Lordship, to use mercy towards him whose Acts have been no other then were injoyned by Commission: you should have thought of that sooner (said the Earle) and thereupon committed him to a Guard, and left him to the Queenes mercy. Thus ended all this great Dukes designes, in his owne destruction, and brought him to fall on his knees to them, who had often before bowed their knees to him; and the Earle, who at the Dukes going ou…, could have beene contented to spend his blood at his feet, was now contented to be made an instrument of his fall: so sudden are the turnes of mens affections, and so unstable is the building upon their asseverations; at lest no man must looke to have his case be of any weight against him, who hath his owne case put in the Ballance. Together with the Duke his three Sonnes Iohn, Ambrose and Henry, the Earle of Huntington, Sir Andrew Dudley, the two Gates, Iohn and Henry, Sir Thomas Palmer and Doctor Sands were conveyed towards London, and brought to the Tower; and the next day the Marquesse of Northampton, the Lord Robert Dudley and Sir Robert Corbet. Before which time, the Duke of Suffolke entring his daughters the Lady Ianes Chamber, told her, she must now put off her Royall Robes, and be contented with a private life: to which she answered, She would much more willingly put them off, then she had put them on; and would never have done it, but in obedience to him and her Mother. And this was the end of the Lady Ianes ten dayes Reigne.