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diff --git a/41024.txt b/41024.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 8c0f869..0000000 --- a/41024.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,15279 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Paston Letters, Volume III (of 6), Edited -by James Gairdner - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - - - - -Title: The Paston Letters, Volume III (of 6) - New Complete Library Edition - - -Editor: James Gairdner - -Release Date: October 11, 2012 [eBook #41024] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PASTON LETTERS, VOLUME III (OF -6)*** - - -E-text prepared by Louise Hope, Chris Curnow, and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made -available by Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries -(http://archive.org/details/toronto) - - - -Note: Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries. See - http://archive.org/details/pastonlettersad03gairuoft - - - Project Gutenberg has the other volumes of this work. - Volume I: see http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/43348 - Volume II: see http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40989 - Volume IV: see http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41081 - Volume V: see http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42239 - Volume VI, Part 1 (Letters, Chronological Table): see http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42240 - Volume VI, Part 2 (Index): see http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42494 - - -Transcriber's note: - - The Gairdner edition of the Paston Letters was printed in six - volumes. Each volume is a separate e-text; Volume VI is further - divided into two e-texts, Letters and Index. Volume I, the - General Introduction, will be released after all other volumes, - matching the original publication order. - - Except for footnotes and sidenotes, all brackets are in the - original, as are parenthetical question marks and (_sic_) - notations. Series of dots representing damaged text are as in - the printed original. - - The year was shown in a sidenote at the top of each page; this - has been merged with the sidenote at the beginning of each - Letter or Abstract. - - A carat character is used to denote superscription. The - character(s) following the carat is superscripted (example: - vj^ti). Braces { } are used only when the superscripted - text is immediately followed by non-superscripted letters - or period (full stop). Errata and other transcriber's notes - are shown in [[double brackets]]. "(o)" is used to represent - the male ordinal. - - Footnotes have their original numbering, with added page - number to make them usable with the full Index. They are - grouped at the end of each Letter or Abstract. - - Typographical errors are listed at the end of each Letter, - after the footnotes. In the primary text, errors were only - corrected if they are clearly editorial, such as missing - italics, or mechanical, such as u-for-n misprints. Italic "d" - misprinted as "a" was a recurring problem. The word "invisible" - means that there is an appropriately sized blank space, but the - letter or punctuation mark itself is missing. The spelling - "Jhon" is not an error. Gresham and Tresham are different - people. - - Note that the printed book used z to represent original small - letter yogh. This has not been changed for the e-text. - - - - - -This edition, published by arrangement with Messrs. ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE -AND COMPANY, LIMITED, is strictly limited to 650 copies for Great -Britain and America, of which only 600 sets are for sale, and are -numbered 1 to 600. - - No. 47. - - [[The number 47 is handwritten.]] - - - * * * * * - * * * * - - - THE PASTON LETTERS - - A.D. 1422-1509 - - - * * * * - * * * * * - -THE PASTON LETTERS -A.D. 1422-1509 - -New Complete Library Edition - -Edited with Notes and an Introduction - -by - -JAMES GAIRDNER -of the Public Record Office - -_VOLUME III_ - - - - - - - -London -Chatto & Windus - -[Decoration] - -Exeter -James G. Commin -1904 - -Edinburgh: T. and A. CONSTABLE, Printers to His Majesty - - - - -THE PASTON LETTERS - -_Henry VI_ - - - - -260 - -WILLIAM PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[1.1] - -_To my rith wurchipfull brodir, Jon Paston, be this delyveryd._ - -[Sidenote: 1454 / SEPT. 6] - -Ryth wurchyfull brodyr, I recomande me to zow, desiryng to her of zowr -willefar. Byllyng[1.2] the serjant hathe byn in his contre, and he come -to Lundon this weke; he sent for me and ast me how I fared; I tolde hym -her is pestelens, and sayd I fard the better he was in good hele, for it -was noysyd that he was ded. A toke me to him and ast how my suster dede, -and I answeryd wyll, never better. He seyd he was with the Lord -Gray,[1.3] and they talkyd of j. jantilman qweche is ward to my Lord--I -remember he sayd it was Harry Gray that thei talkyd of; and my Lord -sayd, 'I was besy with jn this fewe days to a maryd hym to a -jantyllwoman jn Norfolke that schall have iiij. C. marc to hyr mariage, -and now a wyll not be me, for iiij. C. marc wulde do me hese; and now he -wulde have his mariage mony hymself, and therefore (quoth he) he schall -mary hym self for me.' - -This wurds had my Lorde to Byllyng, as he tollde me, he understod that -my Lord laboryd for his owne a vayle, and consaylyd to byd her be wyse; -and I thankeyd hym for hys good consayll. - -I sent zow an answer of zowr letter of Sir Jon Fastolf comyng hom, as he -told me hem self; neverthe lesse he bode longer than he sayd hymself he -schull a do. - -He tolde me he schulde make j. [_one_] ende be twix Skroop[2.1] and my -suster wulle he is in Norfolke. Many wulde it schulde not prove, for -thei say it is an onlykkely mariage. - -In casse Cressener be talkyd of ony mor, he is countyd a jantyllmanly -man and a wurshepfull. Ze knowe he is most wurchipfull better than I. At -the reverens of Good, drawe to sume conclusyn; it is time. - -My Lord Chanseler[2.2] come not her sone I come to Lundon, nether my -Lord of Yorke.[2.3] - -My Lord of Canterbury[2.4] hathe received hys crosse, and I was with hym -in the kynggs chamber qwan he mad hys homage. I tolde Harry Wylton the -demeanyng betwix the kyng and hym; it war to long to wrythe. - -As for the prist that dede areste me, I can not understand that it is -the pryste that ze mene. - -Her is gret pestelens. I purpose to fle in to the contre. My Lord of -Oxforthe is come azen fro the se, and he hath geth hym lytyll thank in -this countre. Much more thyng I wulde wrythe to zow, but I lak lysore. - -Harry Wylton sey the Kyng. My Lord of Ely[2.5] hathe do hys fewthe [_his -fealty_]. God have zow in his blyssyd kepyng. - -Wretyn at Lundon on the Fryday be for owr Ladys day, the Natyvite, in -gret hast. I pray recomand me to my suster, and cosyn Cler. - - Be yowr broder, - - WM. PASTON. - - [Footnote 1.1: [From Fenn, iii. 220.] There is abundant evidence - that the year in which this letter was written was 1454. The - references to Lord Grey's offer of a husband for Elizabeth - Paston, and to Sir John Fastolf's going into Norfolk, of which - William Paston had before written by anticipation, though a - little prematurely, in No. 254, are in themselves sufficient to - fix the chronology; but the mention of fealty having been done - by a new Archbishop of Canterbury and a new Bishop of Ely - removes any possible doubt on the subject.] - - [Footnote 1.2: Thomas Billing was made a serjeant in 1453, and - about 1469 was appointed Chief Justice of the King's Bench.] - - [Footnote 1.3: Edmund, Lord Grey of Ruthyn. --_See_ Letter 250.] - - [Footnote 2.1: Stephen Scroope. --_See_ vol. ii. p. 108, Note 4.] - - [Footnote 2.2: Richard Nevill, Earl of Salisbury, was appointed - chancellor in April 1454.] - - [Footnote 2.3: Richard, Duke of York, at this time Protector.] - - [Footnote 2.4: Thomas Bourchier, who was translated from the - Bishopric of Ely to Canterbury in April 1454.] - - [Footnote 2.5: William Grey. He received his temporalities by a - patent of the date of this letter, 6th September 1454, which - shows that he had by that time done fealty.] - - [[I thankeyd hym for hys good consayll. - _text has "thanlkeyd"_]] - - [[_letters 250, 254 are in vol. ii_]] - - -261 - -ABSTRACT[3.1] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON. - -[Sidenote: 1454-9 / SEPT. 19] - -Has searched among his evidence, and found a release of Nycolas Bockyng -of his messuage and lands in Castre, 'sometime Fraunceys and afterward -John Barboures, and Cassandre his wife,' which is enrolled in _Banco, -Rotulo primo de cartis scriptis, de termino Sc. Trin. anno r. R. Henr. -Sexti_, 23(o). Send me the copy of it. - - (_Signature not in his own hand._) - -Castre, 19 Sept. - - [The year in which this letter was written is uncertain, but it - cannot be earlier than 1454, when Fastolf came to Caister, nor later - than 1459, as he died in November of that year.] - - [Footnote 3.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 227.]] - - -262 - -RICHARD SOUTHWELL TO JOHN PASTON[3.2] - -_To the right reverent and worshippfull John Paston, in haste._ - -[Sidenote: 1454(?) / OCT. 6] - -Right reverent and worshippfull Sir, and my right trusti and welbelovid -cosin, I recomaund me unto you, praiyng you hertily to remembr me unto -my Master Radclyff, so that by your gode meanes I shall mowe have his -gode mastershipp, the whiche I have effectuelly to [m]y power sewed fore -iij. yer, and never deserved the contrarye to my knowlegge, by my -trouth; and if it can or may be founden that I have, I will obeye me, -and offre me to abyde the rewle of you and my cosin your brothir, &c. - -Also my Lord of Caunterbury[4.1] Master Waltier Bl[a]kette will help -forthe, if nede be; and as to the remenant of the Lordes, if the case -requir that ye may understand by your wysdum thei be displeased with -me--as I trust to God thei be not,--I beseche you to remembr that I have -aforetyme b[en] accused unto the Kings Highnesse and the Quenes for -owyng my pore gode will and service unto my Lord of York and other, &c. -Wherof I suppose that Thomas Bagham is remembred that I brought hym -oones from my Lady a purs and v. marc therin, and to Sir Phelipp -Wenteworth an other and a C_s._ [100_s._] therin for their gode will and -advise therin to my Lady and all us that were appelled for that cause, -notwithstanding the King wrote to my Lord by the meanes of the Duc of -Somersette,[4.2] that we shuld be avoyded from hym, &c. And within this -ij. yer we wer in like wise laboured ageyns to the Quene, so that she -wrote to my Lord[4.3] to avoyde us, saiyng that the King and she coude -nor myght in no wyse be assured of hym and my Lady as long as we wer -aboute hym, with much other thing, as may be sufficiently proved by the -Quenes writing under herr own signett and signe manuell, the whiche I -shewd to my Lord of Caunterbury and other Lordes, &c. - -I prey you have me excused that I encombr you with thees matiers at this -tyme, for me thinketh ye shuld will and desire me to do any thing to -your honour and pleaser at any tyme, wherto I shal be redy and welwilled -to my power by the grace of God, who have you ever in his keping, and -all youres. - -Writon at Norwiche, on Seint Feithes day, in haste. - - Youres, - - RIC. SUTHWELL. - - [Footnote 3.2: [From Fenn, iii. 376.] This letter must have been - written during one of the periods of the Duke of York's - ascendency, and on a comparison of possible years I am inclined - to assign it to 1454. The date 1460, to which Fenn ascribes it, - would have been highly probable but for the fact that John - Paston, who was returned to Parliament in that year, does not - appear to have arrived in London even on the 12th October, so - that probably he had not left Norwich on the 6th.] - - [Footnote 4.1: Thomas Bourchier.] - - [Footnote 4.2: Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset.] - - [Footnote 4.3: John Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, in whose household - R. Southwell had an appointment.--F.] - - -263 - -THOMAS HOWES TO [JOHN PASTON?][5.1] - -[Sidenote: 1454 / OCT. or NOV.] - -Please your maistreship to wete, for as mych as the wryt directed to the -exchetor cam not tyl in the Vigil of Symond and Jude,[5.2] at viij. of -the clocke at evyn, whiche coude in no wyse profit us that day; -notwithstondynge we had a yoman of my Lords chamber, and were at Cowhaw, -havyng Bertylmeu Elys with us, and ther was Long Bernard sytting to kepe -a court. And we at the furst Noy come in the court, and Bertylmeu -havynge this termys to Bernard, seying, 'Sir, forasmych as the Kyng -hathe grauntyd be hese lettres patent the wardship with the profites of -the londes of T. Fastolf duryng hese nun age to you[5.3] and T. H., -wherfor I am comyn as ther styward, be ther comaundement, upon ther -pocession to kep court and lete, whiche is of old custum usyd upon thys -day; wherfor I charge you, be the vertu herof, to seas and kepe nouthir -court nor lete, for ye have non autoryte.' Quod Bernard, 'I wyll kepe -bothe court and lete, and ye shal non kepe here; for there is no man -hath so gret autoryte.' Than quod Bertylmeu, 'I shal sytte by you, and -take a reconysaunce as ye do.' 'Nay,' quod Bernard, 'I wyl suffre you to -sytte, but not to wryte.' 'Well,' quod Bertylmeu, 'thanne forsybly ye -put us from our pocession, whiche I doute not but shalbe remembryd you -anothir day,' &c. 'But, Seres,' quod he, 'ye that be tenaunts to this -manoyr, we charge you that ye do nowthir seute nor servise, no[r] paye -ony rents or fermys but to the use of John Paston and T.; fo[r] and ye -do, ye shal paye it ageyn; and as for on yeer past, we have sewyrte of -Skylly, whiche hath resevid it of you to ther use.' And thus we -departid, and Bernard kept court and lete. - -And ther was Ser P. Wentworth and hise brothir, yong Hopton, yong -Brewse, yong Calthorp, with xxiiij. horse; and we spoke with non of hem, -nor they with non of us, for we wold not seke upon hem. And we have -enteryd in all othir plasis undir this forme. I wold we had had the -wryte betymes lever than xx_s._ of myn owne, but it farith thus in many -othir maters, God amende hem. - -Memorandum.--To sende hom wyn and ij. quart botelys. - - [Footnote 5.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter is - anonymous, but appears to be in the handwriting of Thomas Howes. - It must belong to the year 1454, when the wardship of Thomas - Fastolf of Cowhaw was granted to Howes and John Paston.] - - [Footnote 5.2: St. Simon and St. Jude's day is the 28th October. - The Vigil is the 27th.] - - [Footnote 5.3: So in MS. The writer seems to be confusing the - direct and indirect mode of reporting a speech.] - - -264 - -ABSTRACT[6.1] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF to his right well-beloved Brother, RICHARD WALLER. - -[Sidenote: 1454-7 / OCT. 30] - -My Lord is and hath been always my good lord, especially now that he is -chief officer under the King. Commend me to his grace, and beg him to -favor my matters 'as far as conscience will, . . . . . now in mine old -age.' Desires his favor and credence for Henry Fylongley and John -[Pa]ston, whom he has desired to wait on Waller. - -Castre, 30th Oct. - - _Endorsed._-- 'A John Paston et John Bokkyng ou William Barker.' - - [This letter is written in Botoner's hand. The date is probably - between 1454 and 1457, as in 1458 Botoner appears to have been in - London,--at least he was so in November, and in the summer also he - was away from Norfolk; and in 1459 the 30th October would have been - within a week of Fastolf's death, when he must have been ill - inclined, even if capable, to dictate letters, unless of very - special urgency.] - - [Footnote 6.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 273.]] - - -265 - -WILLIAM BARKER TO SIR J. FASTOLF[6.2] - -_To myn ryght worshipfull mayster, Sir John Fastolf._ - -[Sidenote: 1454 / NOV. 3] - -Please youre maystership, the cause of myn terying is that I must ben at -Norwyche on Monday at the shyre to stoppe the oughtlawrye of John -Porter, wheche but if be holpen, he shalben dowble oughtlawed bothe atte -the sewt of the Kyng for a reskuse, as for serteyn money he oweth to on -Hewghe, a man of court. And also the next day I shuld ben, if it please -yow, at Saxthorp with a certeyn person, as I shal telle youre -maystership here after, of whom I shuld have certeyn evydences of the -maner of Saxthorp, and rentall, and fyrmall as I am promysed. And, Sire, -as for alle the maters that I went fore in to Essex and Suffolk, I have -spedde theym, as I shal declare to youre maystership at myn comyng, and -brought wryghtyng from theym. And as for myn Lord of Norffolk, towchyng -your money, he seyth ye shal have hit with inne this xiiij. dayes. Hit -was his fyrst mater to me after I hadde delyvered his rynge. The money -is redye, but he seyd that he must have stoor with inne hym, for he -loked dayly whan the Kyng wold send for hym. But as sone as Barette, his -tresorer, come home--whom he hath sent for money,--ye shall in contynent -after have your C_li._ [L100]. I made to his Lordship as I hadde no -thyng know in the mater for onely for the excuse of Sir Thomas, &c. And -I beseche the blessed Trinyte preserve yow, myn ryght wurshipfull -mayster, after his pleasaunce and youre herts desyre, &c. - -Wreten in hast at Wroxham, the Sonday after Allehallwen day. - - Youre bedeman and servaunt, - - WILLIAM BARKER. - - [Footnote 6.2: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] For the date of this - letter, see preliminary note to No. 258 (vol. ii. p. 333, - Note 1). John Porter, who was at this time in Fastolf's service, - seems to have gone immediately after into that of the Duke of - Norfolk. --_See_ Nos. 268, 278.] - - -266 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON[7.1] - -_To the worshypfull and my ryght welbelovyd cosyn, John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1454 / NOV. 11] - -Worshypfull and ryght welbelovyd cosyn, I comaund me to yow. Lyke you to -wete that I have resseyved a lettre at thys tyme from John Bokkyng, wyth -a copie of the patent concernyng the wardeshyp that ye wote off, by -whych y understand that ye have both wrought and holpen by your grete -wysdom to bryng thys matier aboute, whych y desyred your frendshyp and -gode avice for the suertee of the seyd waarde;[8.1] and for expedicion -of whych y thank you ryzt hertlye, and pray you to contynew foorth your -gode labours in the same yn such wyse as it may be made sure ynall wyse, -thoy it cost me the more of my gode. - -And where as it ys remembred me by the seyd lettres that y shuld labour -to ghete the seyd ward yn to my gouvernance, truely y can not see how y -coude do it to be doon, for y have none acqueyntaunce in that contree -that y coude trust too, wythoute the Shyreve myght be my tender frende -in thys cause, or othyr such as ye thynk best. Wherfor y pray you -hertlye to take thys mater tenderly to hert, and that ye lyke seke a -moyen of such frendys as ye can best avyse, and may verrayly trust -uppon, to gyde thys mater yn such wyse as myne entent myght be sped for -the possession of it; for now that y have go so ferre yn the matier, -I wold not it faylled for no gode, but it preved well, and toke to a -gode conclusion. - -And where as y have understand late, by certeyn well willers to you -warde, whych have meoved me, that yn case the seyd warde myght be had, -that ye desyre an alliaunce shulde take atwyx a doughter of yours and -the seyd waard, of whych mocion y was ryght glad to hyre off, and wylle -be ryght well wylling and helpyng that your blode and myne myght increse -yn alliaunces. And yff it please yow that by your wysdom and gode -conduyt that ye wolde help beere owte thys mater substaunciallie ayenst -my partie contrarie and eville willers, that I myght have myne entent, -I ensure you ye and y shuld appoynt and accorde yn such wyse as ye shuld -hale you ryght well plesed both for the encresyng of your lynage and -also of myne. And y pray you be ware whom ye make of your counsaille and -myne yn thys mater, and that it may be well bore owte er ye com thens, -and yn a sure wey; and yff y had knowe rathyr [_i.e._ earlier] of your -entent, it shuld hafe cost me more of my gode before thys, to hafe com -to a gode conclusion, whych y promysse yhyt shall bee, and the mater -take, by the fayth of my bodye. - -Worshypfull and ryght welbelovyd cosyn, y pray God spede you yn thys -matier, and sende you your gode desyrs. - -Wreten at Castr, the xj. day of November anno xxxiij(o) R. H. VI. - - Your cosyn, - - JOHN FASTOLFE. - -Item, cosyn, I pray yow when ye see tyme that my Lord of -Caunterbury[9.1] and my Lord Cromewell[9.2] may be spoke wyth for the -godes of my Lord Bedford, beyng yn dyvers men handz, be compelled to be -brought ynne, as ye shall see more along of thys mater, wyth the -wrytyngs that I have made mencion, and left wyth John Bokkyng and -William Barker. - - [Footnote 7.1: [From Fenn, iii. 224.]] - - [Footnote 8.1: Thomas Fastolf of Cowhawe. --_See_ vol. ii. p. - 323, Note 1.] - - [Footnote 9.1: Thomas Bourchier.] - - [Footnote 9.2: Ralph, Lord Cromwell.] - - -267 - -THOMAS HOWES TO JOHN PASTON[9.3] - -_To the wurshepfull Sir, and my good Maystyr John Paston, at London, in -haste._ - -[Sidenote: 1454 / NOV. 13] - -Wurshepfull and reverent Sir, and my good maistyr, I recomaund me to zow -in as delygent wyse as on my part apperteineth, and p[le]a[s]e yow to -wete that my maistyr[9.4] was right well pleasyd with youre feithefull -labour in fulfellyng the patent for the warrd of A. B. C., and he wyll -feithefully labour as ye have avysed hym be wrytyng of John Bokyng. And -putte my maistyr in more corage, I meovyd to hym upon myn hed that encas -be the child wer wyse, that thanne it wer a good maryage be twen my wyff -youre doutir and hym; and, Sir, my maistyr was glad whan he herd that -moyen, cosetheryng that youre doutyr is desendyd of hym be the modyr -syde. And, Sir, I have enqwerid aftyr the seyd child, and no dout of but -he is lykly and of gret wyt, as I her be report of sondr personez. And -it is so, as I am credebly enformyd, that Jeffrey Boleyn maketh gret -labour for maryage of the seyd child to on of hese douterez. I wold well -to hym, but bettyr to yow. Wherfor that ye delygently labour for -expedecyon of this mater, that encas ye can fynde ony moyan ther to have -the seyd child, and we shal do feithefully owre delygens in lyke wyse -her, as ye avyse us, &c. - -And, Sir, as ye thynke with avyse of my Maistyr Yelverton, Jenney, and -otherez my maisterez counsell therin, that the Shereff may be rewardyd, -and yif my seyd maisterez counsell thynke it be to do'n, that thanne ye -lyke to take an actyoun upon anenteynt [_an attaint_],[10.1] wheche ye -most with them take upon yow at this tyme in my maisterez absence; for -as ye do in that mater, he woll hold hym content, for Wyllyam Barker -hathe an instruccyon of my maisterez intent upon the same. And I send -John Bokyng a copy of the panell, wheche I shewed yow at Castr, &c. -Almyghty Jesu have yow eternally in hese mercyfull governaunce. - -Wretyn at Castr, the Wednysday next aftyr Seynt Martyn, anno xxxiij. - - TH. HOWYS. - - [Footnote 9.3: [From Fenn, iii. 230.]] - - [Footnote 9.4: Sir John Fastolf.] - - [Footnote 10.1: This is an action against a jury that has given - a false verdict.] - - -268 - -SIR THOMAS HOWYS TO JOHN PASTON[10.2] - -_To the wurshepfull and reverent Sir, my good Maystir John Paston, in -all goodly haste._ - -[Sidenote: 1454 / NOV. 18] - -Reverent and wurshepfull Sir, and my good maistyr, I recomaund me to yow -in as louly wyse as on my part aperteineth. And please yow to wete that -my maistyr is fully purposed to sewe ateynte, whereupon he wrytethe a -lettere directyd to yow and otherez, for the wheche I beseke yow to be -my good maystyr in pursewyng the seyd ateynte; and also my maistyr is -agreed what reward ye geve the Shereff he holdeth hym content. Wherfor, -that youre reward may be the larger, so he woll[10.3] ther upon returne -the panell for the seyd ateynte; and thanne yef Jenney wold meove my -Lord of Norffolke that he wold be my good Lord, amyttyng me for hese -chapeleyn, and Jhankyn Porter for hese servaunt, wheche is hese chek -roll, it shuld cause the matere to have the redyer expedecyon, as well -be the Shereff as be the gret jury. And yef the processe may have so -redy sped that it myght be had be fore my Maystyr Yelwerton in this -vaccacyon tyme, it wer a gret counfort, &c. Beseking yow at the -reverence of God, and as ever my power servyse may be at your -comaundement, that ye effectualy labour this matere in the most spedfull -wyse, as youre descrecyon, with Jenneyez avyse, thinketh most expedyent; -for I ferre gretly to be outlawed or the seyd processe shuld be brought -to a conclucyon withoute redy processe in the seyd ateynte. And I here -no sewer tydinges of a parlement; but rather thanne I shuld be outlawed, -I wold yeld my self to preson, wheche shuld be myn undoyng, and thanne -to be with oute remedy. My refformacyon and counforte in eschewyng that -lythe holly in your helpe and Jenneyez at thys tyme, be cause my maystyr -hathe comytted the governaunce of the seyd matere to yow, and what -expense it draweth he agreyth to bere it, &c. - -I beseke Almyghty Jesu have yow, my good maystyr, eternaly in hese -me[r]cyfull governaunce, and inspyre yow with hese speryt of -remembraunce effectualy to precede in this matere. - -Wretyn breffly at Castre the Monday next be fore Seynt Edmond the -Kyng,[11.1] anno xxxiij. Regis H. vj^ti. - -Item, Sir, as for mony to the sped of this matere, Bokkyng hathe redy in -comaundement to make delevery to yow what that ye nede, so there shall -be no defaute in that, &c. - - T. HOWYS. - - [Footnote 10.2: [From Paston MSS., B.M.]] - - [Footnote 10.3: _Woll_ corr. from _wold_.] [[corr from]] - - [Footnote 11.1: The day of St. Edmund the King was the 20th - November.] - - -269 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON[12.1] - -_To my right welbilovyd cosyn, John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1454-9] - -. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -wise, and for asmoche as it is . . . . . . . . . -. . . the Lady Hastinges[12.2] doughter, as I undrestande . -. . . . . is lyneally descendid of my Lady Felbrig[12.3] -is sustre . . . . . . . . she was maried to Sir -Hug' Fastolf, graunsir to this same Thomas; and the Lady Hastinges is -comen of Sir Robert Clyfton, which dwellid besyde Lynne. I prey yow, -cosyn, enquere of my Lady Felbrigge how nygh they bethe of kynrede, and -whethir they mow marie to ghedre or not, and how many degrees in lynage -they bethe a sundre, for I reporte me to yowr wyse discrescion what the -law wol sey ther ynne. - -Item, it is so that Wyndam[12.4] came yesterday to Jernemouth, and is at -Stapletons; and this day a man of Stapletons came to me to wete if they -sholde come speke with me or not, and I have sent Sir Thomas to hem to -know ther entent and what they meane; and also he shal sey unto theym -that I woll not medle ther with but as law and consciens will. - -This is the tydinges that I have; I pray yow send me some of yours. As -towching the North cuntre, Sperling hathe tolde yow. And God kepe yow. -Wretyn at Castre this same day. - - J. FASTOLF. - - [Footnote 12.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter is - mutilated and its date is uncertain, except that, being dated at - Caister, it must have been written between 1454 and 1459.] - - [Footnote 12.2: Margery, widow of Sir Edward Hastings of Elsing, - and daughter of Sir Robert Clifton. After her first husband's - death she married John Wymondham, who bought the manor of - Felbrigg from Lord Scales and the executors of Sir Simon - Felbrigg. --_See_ Blomefield, viii. 112.] - - [Footnote 12.3: Catherine, widow of Sir Simon Felbrigg. She was - the daughter of Anketill Mallory, Esq. of Winwick, in - Northamptonshire.] - - [Footnote 12.4: John Wymondham or Wyndham. --_See_ Note 2.] - - -270 - -EDMUND CLERE TO JOHN PASTON[13.1] - -_To my welbeloved cosyn, John Paston, be this delivered._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JAN. 9] - -Right welbeloved cosyn, I recomaund me to you, latyng you wite such -tidings as we have. - -Blessed be God, the Kyng is wel amended, and hath ben syn Cristemesday, -and on Seint Jones day[13.2] comaunded his awmener [_almoner_] to ride -to Caunterbury wyth his offryng, and comaunded the secretarie to offre -at Seint Edwards. - -And on the Moneday after noon the Queen came to him, and brought my Lord -Prynce with her. And then he askid what the Princes name was, and the -Queen told him Edward; and than he hild up his hands and thankid God -therof. And he seid he never knew til that tyme, nor wist not what was -seid to him, nor wist not where he had be whils he hath be seke til now. -And he askid who was godfaders, and the Queen told him, and he was wel -apaid. - -And she told him that the Cardinal[13.3] was dede, and he seid he knew -never therof til that tyme; and he seid oon of the wisist Lords in this -land was dede. - -And my Lord of Wynchestr[13.4] and my Lord of Seint Jones[13.5] were -with him on the morow after Tweltheday, and he speke to hem as well as -ever he did; and when thei come out thei wept for joye. - -And he seith he is in charitee with all the world, and so he wold all -the Lords were. And now he seith matyns of Our Lady and evesong, and -herith his Masse devoutly; and Richard shall tell yow more tidings by -mouth. - -I pray yow recomaund me to my Lady Morley,[14.1] and to Maister -Prior,[14.2] and to my Lady Felbrigge,[14.3] and to my Lady -Hevenyngham,[14.4] and to my cosyn your moder, and to my cosyn your -wife. - -Wreten at Grenewich on Thursday after Twelftheday. - - Be your cosyn, - - EDMUND CLERE. - - [Footnote 13.1: [From Fenn, i. 80.] There is no doubt about the - date of this letter. The King fell ill at Clarendon in the - autumn of 1453, and remained in a state of utter imbecility - during the greater part of the year 1454, so that in March a - deputation from the House of Peers, sent to communicate with him - on the death of his Chancellor, Cardinal Kemp, was obliged to - report that they had been utterly unable to obtain from him any - answer or sign that he understood the least thing said to him. - It appears from this letter that his recovery was about - Christmas, when he heard for the first time of the birth of his - son fourteen months before, and of the death of Cardinal Kemp - nine months before.] - - [Footnote 13.2: Dec. 27.] - - [Footnote 13.3: John Kemp, Cardinal Archbishop of Canterbury.] - - [Footnote 13.4: William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester.] - - [Footnote 13.5: Robert Botyll, prior of the Order of St. John - of Jerusalem.] - - [Footnote 14.1: _See_ vol. ii. p. 84, Note 2.] - - [Footnote 14.2: Probably the Prior of Bromholm.] - - [Footnote 14.3: _See_ p. 12, Note 3.] - - [Footnote 14.4: Sir John Heveningham married Elizabeth, daughter - of Sir John Reedesham. Unless he married a second time, this - Elizabeth was now his widow.] - - [[13.5 St. John of Jerusalem. _missing final period_]] - - -271 - -ABSTRACT[14.5] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO HENRY FYLONGLYE AND JOHN PASTON. - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JAN. 24] - -Must pay L40 to the Exchequer this term for the ward of Thomas Fastolf, -in part payment of L80, and other great payments at the same time, -amounting to L200 or more. Desires him, therefore, to speak with my Lord -of Canterbury, whose day of payment is long past, that he may have 'the -rather ready payment' of his duty; 'for he is one of the Lords earthly -that I most trust upon.' Hopes he will consider the great loss Fastolf -already sustains by 'the great good the King oweth me, and other divers -Lords to my great discomfort.' - -Castre, 24 Jan. - - [This letter could not have been written before the year 1455, as - Sir John Fastolf only came to reside at Castre in the autumn of the - year preceding. The wardship of Thomas Fastolf was procured by Sir - John for John Paston in June 1454, so that it is highly probable he - had to pay for it in the beginning of next year. In the year - following, again, Fastolf was endeavouring to make good those claims - against the Crown, which he here merely mentions as a ground of - indulgence to himself.] - - [Footnote 14.5: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 260.]] - - -272 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON - -_To my right trusty and welbelovyd cosyn, John Paston, in goodly haste._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / FEB. 7] - -Ryght trusty and welbelovyd cosyn, I comaund me to yow. And please yow -to wete that I am avertysed that at a dyner in Norwiche, wher as ye and -othyr jentylmen wer present, that that ther were certeyn personez, -jentylmen, whiche utteryd skornefull language of me, as in thys wyse, -with mor, seyeng, 'War the, gosune [_cousin ?_] war, and goo we to -dyner; goo we wher? to Sir John Fastolf, and ther we shall well paye -ther fore.' What ther menyng was, I knowe well to no good entent to me -ward; wherfor, cosyn, I prey yow, as my truste is in yow, that ye geve -me knowelege be writing what jentylmen they be that had this report -with more, and what mo jentylmen wer present, as ye wold I shuld and -wer my deute to do for yow in semblabyll wyse. And I shall kepe yowr -informatyon in this mater secret, and with Godds grace so purvey for -hem as they shall not all be well pleasyd. At suche a tyme a man may -knowe hese frendes and hese fooes asonder, &c. Jesu preserve and kepe -yow. - -[15.1] Wretyn at Caster, the vij. day of Feverer, anno xxxiij. R. H. -vj^ti. - - JOHN FASTOLF, Knyght. - - [Footnote 15.1: [From Fenn, iii. 232.]] - - -273 - -THOMAS HOWYS TO JOHN PASTON[16.1] - -_To the right wurshepfull Sir, my good Maystyr John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1455] - -Right worshepfull Sir, and my good maistyr, I recomaund me louly unto -you, thankyng youre good maystyrshep for your good remembraunce for the -cherche of Stokysby, wherupon I have desyred my trusty frend, Wylliam -Worcestre, to come be the Abot[16.2] homward, besekyng you to avertyse -hym youre good avyse how he may be have hym best in this mater to the -seyd Abot, etc. And, Sir, en cas ye myght be at a leyser to be with my -mayster upon Thursday next comyng, forasmyche as Maistyr Yelvyrton and -Jenney shal be her, ye shuld do my maistir ryght gret pleasure. And I -beseke you the rather for my sake, for at that tyme the conveyaunce of -al materez shal be comounyd of; and I know verely your avyse shall peyse -depper in my maisterys conceyt thanne bothyn thers shal do. Ye have -dayly gret labour for me, God reward yow, and my pore preyer ye shall -have, &c. I beseke Almyghti Jesu have you in hese mercyfull governaunce, -and graunt you evyr that may be to your most herte plessaunce, &c. - - Your chapeleyn and bedeman, - - THOMAS HOWYS. - - [Footnote 16.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] The rectory of Stokesby - in Norfolk was vacant in the year 1455. The right of - presentation ought to have belonged to Sir John Fastolf, as John - Fastolf--doubtless of Cowhawe--had presented in 1444; but it was - allowed to lapse to the Bishop, who presented Simon Thornham, - LL.D. Afterwards it appears that James Gloys was rector, who - must have been presented by John or Margaret Paston. This letter - was probably written a few days before that which comes next.] - - [Footnote 16.2: Of St. Benet's, Hulme. His name was John - Martin.] - - -274 - -THE ABBOT OF ST. BENET'S TO JOHN PASTON[17.1] - -_To my ryght well be lovyd John Paston, Esquyer, be this delivered._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / MARCH 17] - -Wurchepefull Sire, and right well be lovyd, I grete yow well, desyryng -to here of youre well fare, praying you interlych to bie with me at -dyner on Seynt Benett day, the whiche xall be on Friday next comyng, or -ell[es] in brief tyme covenable to your ease, to th'entent that I may -commoun wyth yow of divers maters, the whiche I purpose to have a doo in -be your good advyse, and in on especyall as for the chirche of Stokesby, -whiche I understand xall moche be reulyd after your advyse and content; -tristyng our communicacion had in the seyd [matters] xall cause pees and -pleaser to all parties be leve of our Lord, the whiche Lord mote -preserve you in all goode. - -Wreten in my Monastery the xvij. day of Marche. - - Be your good frend, - - THE ABBOT OF S. BENETTS. - - [Footnote 17.1: [From Fenn, iii. 236.] This letter was written - by John Martin, Lord Abbot of St. Benet's of Hulme. The heads of - this monastery were mitred abbots, and sat in Parliament. The - date may be assigned to the year 1455 for two reasons--first, - that in that year St. Benet's day (the 21st of March) fell on a - Friday; and second, that in the same year the living of Stokesby - lapsed to the Bishop of Norwich.] - - -275 - -ABSTRACT - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON AND ---- YELVERTON. - -[Sidenote: Between 1455-9] - -Thanks them for speeding his action against Thomas Fauconere. Begs them -to sue it out, as Fauconere is obstinate, and has wrought against -Byckwod right unjustly, who owes great sums to divers creditors, etc. - -Castre, 20th March. - - [The date of this letter must be during Sir John's residence at - Caister between 1455 and 1459.] - - -276 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON, ESQ.[18.1] - -_To myn ryght weel beloved cosyn, John Paston, Squier._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / MARCH 29] - -Worshipfull cosyn, I recomaunde me to yow. And lyke yow to wete that at -this tyme I sende to yow myn welbeloved frende and servant, Sir Thomas -Howys, to have youre good councell and advyse how and in what wyse he -may best be demened there at this tyme in his yeldyng to the Sheref upon -his exigend, wheche is and shal be v. tymes called as on Monday next -comyng, as I understande; and, the same by good and discrete advyse -concluded and sette in a good weye by sewertes found to appere at London -the day of the retorn of the wrytte or otherwyse, that thenne if ye -thenke hit be to do'n [_to do_], ye lyke to take upon yow to comon with -myne Lord of Norwyche,[18.2] recomaundyng me to hys good and tender -Lordship, and declaryng to hym how and in what wyse the seyd Sir Thomas -was demened in the _oyer and determyner_, and sethe how he hath -wrongously and with ought cause be vexed by John Andrews and other, and -greetly trowbled, wherupon this atteynt now is grownded, in such wyse as -ye thenk best to be done; and that his Lordship by youre medyacion here -after geve not any favore to any persone or persones on myne contrarye -partye for any synystre informacion geven other wyse than the trought in -the mater shal require, as he shal weel understande by youre good -reporte, for ye know the same mater weel. Wherfore, cosyn, I praye yow -that ye wole tender the same for the weel and good speed therof, as myne -syngler trust is in yow. And the blessed Trinyte preserve yow to his -pleaser. - -In hast, at Castre, the xxix. day of Marche. - - Youre, - - JOHN FASTOLF, Chr. - -Item, cosyn, I sende youre a lettre to delyver to myne seyd Lord with a -copye of the same, wheche I praye yow to se, and if ye thenk hit be to -do'n, delyveret [_deliver it_] youre self, &c., to th'entent he myght -know the disposicion of the pepul how they be sette, &c.; for he weel -advertysed in this mater shalbe a greet supporter of trought in this be -half, for the partye contrarye wole do'n that they can to labore the -jure, and don to have theym rewled after theyr entent and contrary to -trought; wheche mater I remytte ondly to youre ryght wyse discrecion. - - [Footnote 18.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] The reference here made - to the process of attaint, which Fastolf had resolved to sue in - November 1454 (_see_ No. 268), shows that this letter must - belong to the month of March following. It is written in - Barker's hand.] - - [Footnote 18.2: I suspect 'Norwyche' is here a slip of the pen, - and that 'my Lord of Norfolk' was intended.] - - -277 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO THE DUKE OF NORFOLK[19.1] - -[Sidenote: 1455 / MARCH (?)] - -Right hy and myghty Prynce, my right gode and gracyous Lord, I recomaund -me to your gode Lordship, etc. And please itt your Hyghnesse to wete -that Sir Philip Wenteworth purchasid the Kyngs patentis of the ward of -the heyer and londes of a por kynnesman of myne called John Fastolf of -Cowhawe, late passed to God, to the grett hurte and distruccion as well -of the inheritance of the seyd heyer as interrupcion and breking of the -last will of the seyd John, and also to my grett troble and dammage; and -for asmoche as it fortowned be grase the seyd patentes to be mystake, so -that they were not laufull ne suffycyent, be avyce of conceyll, certeyn -persones,[19.2] to myn use, purchesid be the Kyngs letters patentes -suffycyent and laufull of the ward of the seyd londes. And the rigth of -thes bothe patentes hath be putte in juges and lerned men, affor hom the -seyd Sir Philipp ne his conceyll cowd never prove hes tytill lawfull be -his seyd patents, and this notwithstanding intendith be fors, as I -understand, to take the profytes of the seyd londes ageyns all lawe and -concyence. Beseching your Lordchip to tender me in myn age and sekenesse -that may not ryde ne help myself, and of your habundant grace to -supporte me in my right, that I be not be fors ageyns lawe and concyence -kepte from the possescion of the seyd londes in this contre, wher ye be -Prynce and Sovereyn next owr Sovereyn Lord. - -_The following memoranda occur on the back:_-- - - Br[adwe]ll juxta Jernemut. - Kirley juxta Leystoft, viij_li._ - Foxhole . . . . . . . } - Cowhaw in Nakton } xviij_li._ - on this side Yepiswich, iij. myl, } - Langston in Brustall, } - ij. myle beyond Yepiswich,} iij_li._ - Bentele, ij. mile beyond Brustall, xiiij_li._ (?) - - [Footnote 19.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] The MS. of this is a - corrected draft. Although the person addressed is not named, the - style in which he is addressed, and particularly the last - sentence, leave no doubt that it is the Duke of Norfolk. Indeed, - this is not unlikely to be the letter mentioned in the - postscript to the last, of which a copy or draft was sent along - with the original to John Paston that he might deliver the - latter, only if he approved of its contents. If so, it is - probable that Paston withheld it, as we find by the letter - immediately following that Fastolf addressed another memorial to - the Duke on the subject of his dispute with Wentworth four days - later.] - - [Footnote 19.2: They were John Paston and Thomas Howes, and - their patent was dated 6th June 32 Hen. VI. (1454).--See _Rolls - of Parl._ v. 371.] - - -278 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO THE DUKE OF NORFOLK[20.1] - -[Sidenote: 1455 / APRIL 2] - -Right high and myghty Prynce, my right noble and good Lord, in my right -humble wyse I recomaunde me to your good grace. And for the noble -lordship and supportacion shewid unto me at all tymes, I beseche our -Lord God guerdon yow, where as I may not, but only as yowr daily and -contynuell bedeman, now in myn age, pray for the good prosperite of -youre right highe and noble estate, as I am gretly bounde to doo; prayng -tendirly yowre Highnesse to contynue yowre good lordship and -supportacion in the materes touchyng your servaunt John Porter and my -pore Chappelleyn Sir Thomas Howes, trustyng verily to God that, with the -supportacion of your good Lordship, there mater shall yette come to a -good conclusion in punisshyng of perjure and embracery that many yeris -hathe ben and yette is usid in this shire, whiche were grete merite, and -to my conceyte, in yow that ar soo noble a Prynce, a singler renoune, as -for the beste dede that may be doo for the weel of bothe shires. - -And in like wise that it please youre right good grace to contynue youre -noble favour and supportacion to me in remedyeng the force doon by Sir -Philip Wentworth, kepyng now wrongful possession of certeyn londes in -Suffolk, nygh youre Castel of Framyngham; whiche londs certeyn of my -frendes, to myn use, have of the Kyngs graunte by his lettres patent -byfore ony patent that the seid Sir Philip hathe, whiche is my singler -matier in myn owen parte that I have now to doo, as my cosyn Paston can -enforme yowr Lordship, for he knowith the mater and myn hole entente, to -whom your good grace lyke to yife credence. He cometh to awaite upon -your Lordship at this tyme, as I understande, by my cosyn youre servaunt -Richard Suthwell, youre Lordship desired. - -Right highe and myghty Prynce, my noble and right good Lord, I beseche -the Holy Goste be with yow, and evere more sende yow the accomplishment -of youre right noble desires to his plesir and youres. - -Writen at my pore place of Castre, the ij^de day of Aprill. - - Your humble man and servaunt, - - J. FASTOLF. - - [Footnote 20.1: [From Fenn, iii. 338.] Although there is no - direction upon this letter, it was evidently addressed to the - Duke of Norfolk, as it speaks of 'your Castle of Framlingham.' - The absence of any written address Fenn accounts for by - supposing the letter to have been enclosed in a cover; but as it - appears that the original contained at least one passage which - was crossed out (_see_ page 341 in Fenn), we may with greater - probability consider it to have been a corrected draft, like the - last, sent to John Paston for his approval. The dispute with Sir - Philip Wentworth and the matters of John Porter and Sir Thomas - Howes, here referred to, both point to the year 1455 as the date - of this letter. --_See_ Nos. 265, 268.] - - -279 - -ABSTRACT[22.1] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON. - -[Sidenote: 1455 / MAY 3] - -Thanks him for his letters, and the answer he made to Bokkyng. Does not -know how to answer him concerning the ward,[22.2] the suit against -William Jenney and Sir Thomas, etc. If Paston could be at London this -term, even for three days, it would speed better than Fastolf's writing, -and Fastolf will pay his costs. If he cannot, Paston must use his own -discretion, and Fastolf will abide by what he does. It would be a great -rebuke if the matter of the ward went against us, 'for nowadays ye know -well that law goeth as it is favored, and after that the attorneys be -wise and discreet in their conduct.' - -Castre, 3 May. - - [This letter, being dated at Caister in the month of May, cannot be - earlier than 1455, and the references to the matter of the ward and - the suit against Sir Thomas Howes seem to fix it to that year.] - - [Footnote 22.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 244.]] - - [Footnote 22.2: Thomas Fastolf. --_See_ vol. ii. p. 323, Note 1.] - - -280 - -ABSTRACT[22.3] - -RICHARD CALLE TO JOHN PASTON. - -[Sidenote: 1455(?) / MAY 8] - -Thorne did not come to him, nor could he learn anything about him from -Sir Thomas Howes, except that Howes had informed him of what Paston -commanded Calle to tell his wife. Will not distrain till he hear from -Paston. Howys trusts to make sufficient reckoning of all things touching -Fastolf, so that neither he nor Paston be hurt. He will do nothing in -future without Paston's advice. Desires him to remember John Elger, -Bocking, and others 'for the rescues which was made for Jankyn Porter.' -Remember James Gresham to withdraw the suit for W. Magges. No News. - -8 May. - - [The allusion to John or Jankyn Porter in this letter makes it - probable that it was written in the year 1455. --_See_ No. 278.] - - [Footnote 22.3: [From Paston MSS., B.M.]] - - [[--_See_ No. 278.] - _closing bracket missing_]] - - -281 - -ABSTRACT[23.1] - -'THOMAS CANON, THE HELDER, OF MEKYLL PAGRAVE,' TO JOHN PASTON. - -[Sidenote: 1455 / MAY 16] - -Desires to hear of his 'durat prosperite and welfare.' Hopes he will -protect him as he has done, if any man will put him to any wrong. Has -land in Lytyl Pagrave and in Lytyldonham, called Strangys, which he -wishes to sell to Paston before any other, on condition that he will -'keep it counsel' from John Pagrave till he and the writer have -accorded. - -At Sporle, Friday, after Ascension Day, 33 Hen. VI. - - [Footnote 23.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 252.]] - - -282 - -MEMORIAL TO HENRY VI[23.2] - -_Tradatur J. P._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / MAY 21] - -Moste Cristen Kyng, ryght hygh and myghty Prince, and our mooste -redoubted souverayn Lorde, we recomaunde ws as humblye as we suffice -unto your hygh excellence, where unto please it to wete that for so -moche as we hyre and understand to our grettyst sorowe erthlye that our -ennemyes of approuved experience, such as abyde and kepe theym sylf -under the whyng of your Magestee Royall, have throwen unto the same -ryght stedyousely and ryght fraudulentlye manye ambyguytees and doubtes -of the fayth, lygeaunce, and dewtee that, God knowyth, we beere unto -your Hyghnesse, and have put theym yn as grete devoyr as they coude to -enstraunge ws from your mooste noble presonce and from the favour of -your goode grace; whych goode grace to ws ys and owe to be our singuler -and mooste desyred yoie and consolacion: We at thys tyme be comyng wyth -grace as your true and humble liege men, toward your seyd Hygh -Excellence to declare and shew therto at large owr sayd fayth and -ligeaunce, entendyng wyth the mercye of Jesu yn the seyd comyng, to put -ws yn as diligent and hertye devoyr and dewtee as onye your lyege men on -lyve to that at may avaunce or preferre the honnour and wellfare off the -sayd Mageste Royalle and the seurte of the sayd most notable person; the -whych [we] beseche our blessed Creature to prosper [in] as grete honnor, -yoie, and felicitie as ever had onye prince erthlye, and to your sayd -Hyghnesse so to take, accept, and repute ws, and not to plese to geve -trust or confidence unto the sinistrez, maliciouse, and fraudulent -laboures and rapportes of our sayd ennemyes unto our comyng to your sayd -moste noble presence; where unto we beseche humblye that we may be -admitted as your liege men, to th'entent to show ws the same; wheroff -yerstenday we wrote our lettres of our entent to the ryght reverent -fadre yn God, the Archebysshop of Caunterburye,[24.1] your Chauncellr of -England, to be shewed to your sayd Hyghnesse, whereoff, forsomoch as we -be not acerteyned whethyr our sayd entent be by hys fadrehode shewed -unto your seyd goode grace or not, we sende thereoff unto thys closed a -copy of our said lettres of our disposicion toward your sayd Hygh -Excellence and the honnour and weele of the land, whereynne we wolle -persevere wyth the grace of our Lorde. - - [Footnote 23.2: [From Fenn, iii. 178.] This is a copy of the - memorial drawn up by the Duke of York and the Earls of Warwick - and Salisbury just before the first battle of St. Albans, which - the Duke of Somerset and his friends would not allow to be - presented to the King. Although this copy is without date, the - original was dated at Ware, the 21st May.--See _Rolls of Parl._ - v. 281, where the whole document is cited.] - - [Footnote 24.1: Fenn states that on the margin of the MS., in a - hand nearly coeval with the letter itself, is written, - 'Memorandum quod dict' literae (?) Dominorum direct' - Archiepiscopo Cant. est apud . . . . .' What followed is lost, - the paper being torn. The letter to the Archbishop of - Canterbury, however, will be found quoted at full length in the - _Rolls of Parliament_, v. 280-1.] - - -283 - -THE BATTLE OF ST. ALBANS[25.1] - -_Bellum apud Seynt Albons._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / MAY 21-22] - -Be yt knowen and hadde in mynde that the xxj. day of May the xxxiij. -zere of the regne of Kyng Herry the Sext, our sovereigne Lord Kyng toke -his jurnay from Westmynster toward Seynt Albones, and rested at Watford -all nyght; and on the morwe be tymes he cam to Seynt Albones, and wyth -him on his partye assembled under his baner the Duyke of Bockingham, the -Duke of Somersete, the Erle of Penbrok, the Erle of Northumburlond, the -Erle of Devynsshire, the Erle of Stafford, the Erle of Dorsete, the Erle -of Wyltsshire, the Lorde Clyfford, the Lord Dudley, the Lord Burneys, -the Lord Rose, wyth other dyversse knyghtes, squyeres, and other -gentilmen and yemen to the nounbre of ij^ml [2000] and moo. And upon the -xxij. day of the seyde moneth above rehersed assembled the Duyk of -Yorke, and wyth hym come yn companye the Erle of Salesbury, the Erle of -Warrewyke with diverse knyghtes and squyers unto ther partye into the -felde, called the Key Feld, besyde Seynt Albones. Fyrthermore, oure seyd -sovereyne Lord the Kyng, heryng and knowyng of the seyde Dukes comyng -with other Lordes afore seyde, pygth his baner at the place called -Boslawe in Seynt Petrus Strete, whych place was called afore tyme past -Sandeforde, and commaundeth the warde and barrers to be kepte in stronge -wyse; the for seyde Duyk of York abydyng in the feld aforeseyde frome -vij. of the clokke in the morn tyl yt was al most x. without ony stroke -smeton on eyther partye. The seyde Duke sende to the Kyng our sovereyne -Lord, be the avyse of his councell, prayng and be sekyng hym to take him -as his true man and humble suget; and to consider and to tender at the -reverence of Almyghty God, and in way of charite the true entent of his -comyng--to be good and gracyous sovereyne Lorde to his legemen, whech -with al ther power and mygth wille be redy at alle tymes to leve and dye -with hym in his rigth. And to what thyng yt shoulde lyke his Mageste -Ryall to commaunde hem, yf yt be his worsship, kepyng right of the -Croune and welffare of the londe; 'More over, gracyous Lord, plese yt -zour Majeste Ryall of zour grete goodnesse and ryghtwesnesse to enclyne -zour wille to here and fele the ryghtwyse partye of us zoure sugettes -and legemen; fyrst, prayng and besechyng to oure Lord Jesus of his hye -and myghty power to geve un to zou vertu and prudence, and that thorugh -the medyacyon of the glorious martyr Seynt Albon to geve zou very -knowleche to knowe the entent of oure assembleng at this tyme; for God -that is [in] Heven knoweth than our entent is rightful and true. And -there fore we pray unto Al myghty Lord Jesus these wordes--_Domine sis -clipeus defensionis nostrae_. Wherefore, gracyus Lord, plese it your -hyghe Majeste to delyvere such as we wole accuse, and they to have lyke, -as they have deserved and done, and ze to be honorabled and worsshepyt -as most ryghtffull Kyng and oure governour. For and we shall now at this -tyme be promysed, as afore this tyme ys not unknowen, of promes broken -whech ful fayth fully hath ben promysed, and there upon grete othes -made, we wyll not now cesse for noon such promysse, surete, ne other, -tyl we have hem whych hav deserved deth, or elles we to dye there fore.' - -And to that answered the Kyng our sovereyne Lord, and seyde: 'I, Kyng -Herry, charge and comaund that no maner persone, of what degre, or -state, or condicyon that evere he be, abyde not, but voyde the felde, -and not be so hardy to make ony resystens ageyne me in myn owne realme; -for I shall knowe what traytor dar be so bold to reyse apepull in myn -owne lond, where thorugh I am in grete desese and hevynesse. And by the -feyth that I owe to Seynt Edward and to the Corone of Inglond, I shal -destrye them every moder sone, and they be hanged, and drawen, and -quartered, that may be taken afterward, of them to have ensample to alle -such traytours to be war to make ony such rysyng of peple withinne my -lond, and so traytorly to abyde her Kyng and governour. And, for a -conclusyon, rather then they shall have ony Lorde here with me at this -tyme, I shall this day, for her sake, and in this quarrell my sylff lyve -or dye.' - -Wych ansuere come to the Duke of Yorke, the wheche Duke, by the avyce of -the Lordes of hys Counceill, seyde unto hem thise wordes: 'The Kyng our -sovereyne Lord will not be reformed at our besechyng ne prayer, ne wylle -not understonde the entent that we be comen heder and assembled fore and -gadered at this tyme; but only ys full purpose, and there noon other wey -but that he wole with all his power pursue us, and yf ben taken, to geve -us a shameful deth, losyng our lyvelode and goodes, and our heyres -shamed for evere. And ther fore, sythe yt wole be noon othere wyse but -that we shall ootterly dye, better yt ys for us to dye in the feld than -cowardly to be put to a grete rebuke and asshamefful deth; more over, -consederyng yn what peryle Inglonde stondes inne at thys owre, therefore -every man help to help power for the ryght there offe, to redresse the -myscheff that now regneth, and to quyte us lyke men in this querell; -preyng to that Lord that ys Kyng of Glorye, that regneth in the kyngdom -celestyall, to kepe us and save us this day in our right, and thorugh -the helpe of His holy grace we may be made strong to with stonde the -grete abomynable and cruell malyse of them that purpose fully to destrye -us with shameful deth. We ther fore, Lord, prey to The to be oure -confort and Defender, seyng the word afore seyde, _Domine sis clipeus -defensionis nostrae_.' - -And whanne this was seyde, the seyde Duke of Yorke, and the seyd Erle of -Salesbury, and the Erle of Warrewyk, betwene xj. and xij. of the clocke -at noon, the broke into the toun in thre diverse places and severelle -places of the fore seyd strete. The Kyng beyng then in the place of -Edmond Westby, hunderdere of the seyd toun of Seynt Albones, comaundeth -to sle alle maner men of lordes, knygthtes, and squyeres, and zemen that -myght be taken of the for seyde Dukes of York. Thys don, the fore seyde -Lord Clyfford kept strongly the barrers that the seyde Duke of York -myght not in ony wise, with all the power that he hadde, entre ne breke -into the toun. The Erle of Warrewyk, knowyng ther offe, toke and gadered -his men to gedere and ferosly brake in by the gardeyne sydes betuene the -signe of the Keye and the sygne of the Chekkere in Holwell strete; and -anoon as they wer wyth inne the toon, sodeynly the blew up trumpettes, -and sette a cry with asshout and a grete voyce, 'A Warrewe! A Warrewyk! -A Warrewyk!' and into that tyme the Duke of York mygth nevere have entre -into the toun; and they with strong hond kept yt, and myghttyly faught -to gedere, and anoon, forth with after the brekyng in, they sette on -them manfully. And as of Lordes of name were slayn the Lord Clyfford, -the Duke of Somersete, the Erle of Northumberlond, Sir Bartram -Entuwysselle, Knynght; and of men of courte, Wyllyam Zouch, John -Batryaux, Raaff of Bapthorp and hys sone, Wyllyam Corbyn, squyers; -William Cotton, receyver of the Ducherye of Lancastre; Gylbert Starbrok, -squyer; Malmer Pagentoun, William Botelore, yomen; Rogere Mercroft, the -Kynges messanger; Halyn, the Kynges porter; Raufe Wyllerby; and xxv. mo, -whych her names be not zet knowen. And of hem that ben slayn ben beryed -in Sent Albonos xlviij. And at this same tyme were hurt Lordes of -name--the Kyng, our sovereyne Lord, in the neck with an arrowe; the Duke -of Bukingham, with an arrowe in the vysage; the Lord of Stafford in the -hond, with an arowe; the Lord of Dorsette, sore hurt that he myght not -go, but he was caryede hom in a cart; and Wenlok, Knyght, in lyke wyse -in a carte sore hurt; and other diverse knyghtes and squyers sore hurt. -The Erle of Wyldsshyre, Thorpe, and many other flede, and left her -harneys behynde hem cowardly, and the substaunce of the Kynges partye -were dyspoyled of hors and harneys. This done, the seyde Lordes, that ys -to wote, the Duke of Yorke, the Erle of Salesbury, the Erle of -Warrewyke, come to the Kyng, our sovereyne Lord, and on here knees be -soughte hym of grace and foryevenesse of that they hadde doon yn his -presence, and be sought hym of his Heynesse to take hem as hys true -legemen, seyng that they never attendyde [_intended_] hurt to his owne -persone, and ther fore [the] Kyng oure sovereyn Lord toke hem to grace, -and so desyred hem to cesse there peple, and that there shulde no more -harme be doon; and they obeyde hys commaundement, and lote make a cry on -the Kynges name that al maner of pepull shulde cesse and not so hardy to -stryke ony stoke more after the proclamacyon of the crye; and so cessed -the seyde batayle, _Deo gratias_. - -And on the morwe the Kyng and the seyde Duke, with other certeyn Lordes, -come in to the Bysshops of London, and there kept resydens with joye and -solempnyte, concludyng to holde the parlement at London, the ix. day of -July next comyng. - - [Footnote 25.1: This paper is reprinted from the _Archaeologia_, - vol. xx. p. 519, to which it was communicated by Mr. Bayley, - keeper of the records in the Tower, in 1822.] - - [[Boslawe in Seynt Petrus Strete - _text unchanged; correct name is "Goslawe"_]] - - [[lordes, knygthtes, and squyeres _text has "end"_]] - - [[the Duke of Bukingham, with an arrowe in the vysage; - _Gairdner, following Bayley, omits the following line - "the lord of Dudle, with an arowe in the vysage;"_]] - - -284 - -THE BATTLE OF ST. ALBANS[29.1] - -[Sidenote: 1455 / [MAY 22]] - -The solecytouriz and causerys of the feld takyng at Seynt Albonys, ther -namys shewyn her aftyr:-- - - The Lord Clyfford. - Rauff Percy. - Thorpe. - Tresham and Josep. - -The inony [_enemy's_] batayle was in the Market-place, and the Kynges -standard was pight, the Kynge beynge present with these Lordes, whos -namys folwe:-- - - The Duke of Bokyngham. } - The Duke Somyrcete. } - The Erle Devynshire. } - The Erle of Northeombirlond. } - The Erle Stafford. } - The Erle Dorcete. } - The Lord Clyfford. } - The Lord Ros. } - -With many Knyghtes and Squyeriz, to the noumbre in alle that faught that -day iij^ml. [3000], and it was done on Thursday last past atwyx xj. and -xij. at mydday. - -The namys of the Lordes that were on the othir party shewyn here -aftyr:-- - - The Duke of York. } - The Erle of Salysbury. } - The Erle of Warwyk. } - The Lord Clynton. } - Sir Robert Ocle. } - -With many otheriz, to the noumbre of v^ml. [5000] men. - -And Sir Rober Ocle tok vj^c. [600] men of the Marchis, and tok the -Market-place or ony man was war; than the larum belle was ronge, and -every man yed to harneys, for at that tyme every man was out of ther -aray, and they joynid batayle anon; and it was done with inne di. [i.e. -_one half_] houre, and there were slayn the men, whos namys folwyn:-- - - The Duke Somyrcete. } - The Erle Northombirlond. } - The Lord Clyfford. } - The Lord Clynton. } - Sir Bartyn at Wessyll. } - Babthorpe and hese sone. } - Cotton, Receyvour of the Duchye.} - Gryphet, Ussher of Hall. } - Herry Loweys. } - Wyllyam Regmayde. } - John Raulyns. Asple. } - Harpour, Yoman of the Croune. } - -With many othir men, to the noumbre of iiij^c [400], and as many or mo -hurt. The Kynge was hurt with an harwe in the necke. The Duke of -Bukkyngham hurt, and fled in to the Abbey. The Erle Devynshire hurt. The -Erle Stafford and Dorcetyr gretly hurt. Fylongley faught manly, and was -shet thorwe the armys in iij. or iiij. placys. - -The Duke of Norfolke come a day aftyr the jurney was done with vj^mll. -[6000] men. - -And the Erle of Oxinford also. - - The Erle of Shrewysbury, } - Lord Crumwelle, } - And Sir Thomas Stanley, } - -with x^mll. [10,000] men were comynge. - -The Kynge with all the Lordes come to London to Westmenstyr on Fryday, -at vj. of clocke at aftyr none, and London went a generalle processyon -the same day. - - [Footnote 29.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 278.]] - - -285 - -JOHN CRANE TO JOHN PASTON[31.1] - -_Unto my worshipfull and welbeloved cosyn, John Paston, be this lettre -delivred in hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / MAY 25] - -Right worshipfull and entierly welbeloved Sir, I recommaunde me unto -you, desiring hertly to here of your welfare. Furthermore lettyng you -wete, as for such tydinges as we have here, such [_these_] thre Lordes -be dede, the Duke of Somerset, the Erle of Northombrelonde, and the Lord -Clyfford; and as for any other men of name, I knowe noon save only -Quotton of Cammbrigeshire. As for any other Lordes, many of theym be -hurt; and as for Fenyngley, he lyveth and fareth well, as fer as I can -enquere, &c. - -And as for any grete multytude of people that ther was, as we can tell, -ther was at most slayn [x][31.2] vj. score. And as for the Lordes that -were with the Kyng, they and her men wer pilled and spoyled out of all -their harneys and horses; and as for what rule we shall have yit I wote -nett, save only ther be made newe certayn officers. - -My Lord of Yorke, Constabil of Englande; my Lord of Warweke is made -captayn of Calyes; my Lord Burgchier is made Treasorer of Englande; and -as yit other tydinges have I none. - -And as for our soverayn Lorde, thanked be God, he hathe no grete harme. - -No more to you at this tyme, but I pray you send this lettyr to my -Maistresse Paston, when ye have sene hit; preyng you to remembre my -systir Margrete ageyne the tyme that she shal be made nonne. - -Written at Lamehith, on Witsonday, &c. - - By your cosyn, - - JOHN CRANE. - - [Footnote 31.1: [From Fenn, i. 100.] This letter relates to the - first battle of St. Albans and the principal changes which took - place immediately after it.] - - [Footnote 31.2: In the original letter, the x is struck out, and - vj. placed after it in the same line.--F.] - - -286 - -ABSTRACT[32.1] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON. - -[Sidenote: 1455 / MAY 28] - -Thanks him for his pains in speeding his causes at London this term. -Understands the Sheriff of Norfolk's officers are at Norwich, and now -the writ of attaint is sent home by William Barker, which Fastolf sends -again to Paston that he may consult with the Sheriff or his officers -what to do. Both William Barker and Seffrey (_sic_) Spyrlyng are now at -Norwich, and one of them, if need be, shall wait on Paston. - -Castre, 28 May. - -'And I trust to God, as the world goeth now, the said attaint shall do -right well.' - - [The postscript of this letter seems to refer to the change of - administration after the battle of St. Albans. As to the action of - attaint sued by Fastolf, see Nos. 268 and 276.] - - [Footnote 32.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 255.]] - - -287 - -WILLIAM BARKER TO WILLIAM WORCESTER[32.2] - -_To William Worcester, be this lettre delyvered in hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JUNE] - -Sir, I recomaunde me to yow; and as for tydyngs, ye may enforme myn -mayster, there is non but that he hath knowleche of, but that the Kyng, -the Quene, and the Prynce remeven to Hertford to morwen withought faute; -myn Lord York to the Fryres at Ware; myn Lord Warwyk to Hunesdon; the -Erle Salysburye to Rye; and there they shall abyde to tyme the Parlement -be gynne. - -The Duk Buk is come inne, and sworn that he shal be rewled, and draw the -lyne with theym; and ther to he and his brethern ben bounde by -reconysaunce in notable summes to abyde the same. - -The Erle of Wylts sent to the Lordes from a place of his, called -Peterfeld, a lettre desyring to know if he shuld come, and abyde abought -the Kynges persone as he dede be fore; and if he shuld not, than that -they wold lycence hym to goon in to Erland, and leve there upon his -landes, &c., and before this don, the Lordes were advysed to have made -hym to don as the Duk Buk hath don, and no more; but what that wolle -falle now therof, no man can telle as yet. - -The Baron of Dudley is in the Towre; what shal come of hym, God wote. -The Erle of Dorsete is in warde with the Erle of Warrwyk. - -Hit was seyd, for sothe, that Harpere and ij. other of the Kynges -chamber were confedered to have steked the Deuk York in the Kynges -chamber; but hit was not so, for they have clered theym therof. - -But London upon the same tale areysen, and every man to harneys on -Corpus Christi even, and moche adoo there was. - -Syr William Oldhall a bydeth no lenger in Seyntwery than the Chef Juge -come, for that tyme he shal goo at large, and sewe all his maters -himself, &c. - -The Baron Dudley hath appeched many men; but what they ben, as yet we -can not wete. Sir Phillyp Wentworth was in the feld, and bare the Kynges -standard, and kest hit down and fled. Myn Lord Norffolk seyth he shal be -hanged therfore, and so is he worthy. He is in Suffolk now. He der not -come abought the Kynge. - -Edmond Stendale was with Wenlok there in the feld, and ffowly hurt. - -Fylongley is at home at his owen place with his wyf, and shal doe ryght -weel; but we have a greet losse of his absence this terme, for hit wole -be longe er he come this terme, I am a ferde. - -Alle the Lordes that dyed at the jorney arn beryed at Seynt Albones. - -Other thinges ben non here, but ye shal sene by Thomas Scales lettre the -rewle of the Frenshemen, &c. - -God spede us weel in our matres this terme, I praye to God, who have yow -in his kepyng, &c. - - W. B. - - [Footnote 32.2: [From Fenn, i. 104.] This letter relates - entirely to occurrences after the battle of St. Albans. The - writer here only signs with his initials, but from the facsimile - given by Fenn of his 'W. B.,' he can be clearly identified with - William Barker.] - - -288 - -THE DUCHESS OF NORFOLK TO JOHN PASTON[34.1] - -_To oure right trusti and welbelovid John Paston, Esquier._ - -_The Duchesse of Norfolk._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JUNE 8] - -Right trusti and welbelovid, we grete you hertili weel. And for as muche -as it is thought right necessarie for divers causes that my Lord have at -this tyme in the Parlement suche persones as longe unto him, and be of -his menyall servaunts, wherin we conceyve your good will and diligence -shal be right expedient, we hertili desire and pray you that at the -contemplacion of thise oure lettres, as our special trust is in you, ye -wil geve and applie your voice unto our right welbelovid cosin and -servaunts, John Howard and Syr Roger Chambirlayn, to be Knyghts of the -shire, exorting all suche othir as be your wisdom shal now be -behovefull, to the good exployte and conclusion of the same. - -And in your faithful attendaunce and trewe devoyre in this partie, ye -shal do unto my Lord and us a singlere pleasir, and cause us herafter to -thank you therfore, as ye shal holde you right weel content and agreid, -with the grace of God, who have you ever in his keping. - -Wreten in Framlyngham Castel, the viij. day of June. - - [Footnote 34.1: [From Fenn, i. 96.] From the time of year at - which it was written, this letter must refer to the - parliamentary election of 1455.] - - -289 - -ABSTRACT[34.2] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON. - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JUNE 11] - -Thanks him for his letter sent from London. Bokkyng writes that a writ -of _ravishment de garde_ is taken, and Wentworth's counsel 'call sore -upon the action of 200 marks in the Common Pleas, and John Andreus is -ready there, and writs of _capias_ ayenst John Porter as well as ayenst -Sir Thomas.' Begs him to hasten to London, as there is great labour -against our intent. Wentworth has got Debenham, Radclyff, and others in -my Lord's house against us. Would rather he were at London two days too -early than too late; for he trusts no man's wit so much as Paston's. - -Castre, 11 June. - - [The references in this letter to the affair of the wardship, and to - the actions against John Porter and Sir Thomas Howes, all show that - it belongs to the year 1455.] - - [Footnote 34.2: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 269.]] - - -290 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON[35.1] - -[Sidenote: 1455(?)] - - . . . . . . . - . . . . . J. FASTOLF. - -More overe, cosyn, I pray yow concyder . . . that yff the plees for the -mater ye [wit off] may be engroced be tyme or the Courtys remefe, hyt -may stand yn more suertee; and ellys hyt wille stand yn a jubardye as to -alle that hathe be spended and doon heere before. And therfor, savyng -your better avice, I had lever ye were at London a weke the rather and -tymelyer then a weke to late. I pray yow doth somwhate aftyr my councell -as I wolle do by youres. - - [Footnote 35.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This is only the - mutilated postscript of a letter without any address, though it - was doubtless directed to John Paston. The anxiety expressed - that Paston should be in London in good time corresponds so - closely with the contents of the preceding letter that we may - refer this to the same period, especially as both the preceding - letter and this are in the handwriting of William Worcester. The - matter, which was to be engrossed before the Courts removed, had - reference probably to the wardship of Thomas Fastolf of - Cowhawe. --_See_ No. 292 following.] - - -291 - -WILLIAM PRYCE TO JOHN PASTON[36.1] - -_The copy of a Letter sent to John Paston be the Undir-Shreve[36.2] of -Norff._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JUNE 19] - -Ryght worchepfull Sir, I recomaund me on to you, &c. And, Sir, as for -the eleccion of the Knyghts of the shire here in Norffolk, in good feyth -her hath ben moch to do; nevir the latyr, to lete yow have knowlech of -the demenyng, my Master Berney, my Master Grey and ye had grettyst -voyse, and I purpose me, as I woll answer God, to retorne the dieu -eleccion, that is aftir the sufficiente, yow and Mastir Grey; nevir the -latyr I have a master. - -Wretyn at Hederset, the Thursday next befor Midsomer. - - By - - WILL'M PRYCE. - - [Footnote 36.1: [From Fenn, iii. 432.] The evidence of date in - this letter is the same as in No. 288. Notwithstanding Pryce's - efforts, not one of the persons named in this letter was - actually elected, the knights returned for Norfolk in 1455 being - the Duke of Norfolk's nominees, Sir Roger Chamberlain and John - Howard. --_See_ Nos. 294 and 295 following.] - - [Footnote 36.2: _Shieve_ in Fenn is almost certainly a - misreading.] - - -292 - -ABSTRACT[36.3] - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JUNE 21] - -Writ to the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer in pursuance of -patent, 12th December last, granting to John Bokking and William -Worcester the wardship, etc., of the heir of John Fastolf of Cowghawe. - -_Above in William Worcester's hand:_-- 'Bre. ad allocand. Vicecomitem de -proficuis terr. Thomae Fastolf in custodia Johannis Bokkyng.' - -Inrolled, Trin., 33 Hen. VI., rot. 3. - - [Memoranda below in William Worcester's hand as to certain - statements of Hugh Fenn about the form of the writ of livery - directed to the Sheriff.] - - [Footnote 36.3: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 261.]] - - -293 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON[37.1] - -_To my ryght trusty cosyn, John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JUNE 22] - -Worshypfull Sir and cosyn, I commaund me to yow. And lyke yow wete that -accordyng to your desyre I sende John Russe to yow to hafe your -informacion of such materis as shall be thought exspedient to be -laboured yn your absence for the mater of Wentworth, and hafe geve hym -in commaundment to entend it in all that he can or may. And, Cosyn, he -hath a lettre of credence to the baylly of Dedham because of doubt of -syght of the baylly ys lettre ther for disclosyng, &c., to do after the -wrytyng of T. Denys. And y sende yow ij. lettres com to me from London -that maketh mencyon of grete besynesse ayenst us, and an accion toke -ayenst yow, Howys, Bokkyng, &c., that most nedys be tendred; in case an -essoyn[37.2] can be take, so moche the better. And therfor, cosyn, at -reverence of God, dispose yow to London yn all the haste that ye can. -For the atthacment can not be tille ye com. And on partie adverse -besyeth hem sore in your absence, _facies hominis facies leonis_. And I -have worde yn a nothere lettre that my Lord Chauncellor ys yn the lyke -wyse disposed yn owre one syde, and therfor that ye kepe hym ynne to -helpe bere the favour of thys mater yn all wyse; And Byngham Justys ys -full well disposed also. Dyvers new processe ys ayenst Sir Thomas. And -all othere materis I commyt to your discrecion; yf nede be, I com thedre -my sylf. Y pray God kepe yow. Wryt hastly uppon Sonday before Seynt John -Baptiste. - - Your cosyn, - - J. FASTOLF. - -Item, after that I have word from yow, so wolle I be gouverned, and com -to London yff ye sende me worde, and that I hafe word from yow yf nede -be bytyme from London. - - [Footnote 37.1: [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 171.] There can be no - reasonable doubt that this letter is of the same date as Nos. - 289 and 290, _i.e._ of the year 1455.] - - [Footnote 37.2: An excuse allowed for not appearing in Court.] - - -294 - -JOHN JENNEY TO JOHN PASTON[38.1] - -_To my wurshipfull maister, John Paston, Esquier._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JUNE 24] - -Mi Maister Paston, I recomaunde me to you. And wher ye shulde be -enformed that I shulde sey to Howard[38.2] that ye labored to be Knyght -of the shire, I seid never soo to hym. I tolde my Lord of Norffolk atte -London that I labored diverse men for Sir Roger Chaumberleyn, and they -seid to me they wolde have hym, but not Howard, in asmeche as he hadde -no lyvelode in the shire, nor conversement [_i.e._ acquaintance?]; and I -asked them hom they wolde have, and they seid they wolde have you, and -thus I tolde hym. And he seid on avysely, as he kan doo full well, -I myght not sey ye labored ther, for I herde never sey ye labored -therfor, be the feithe I vowe to God. - -As for this writ of the Parlement of Norwich, I thanke you that ye will -labour ther in; as for my frendys ther, I truste right well all the -aldermen, except Broun[38.3] and sech as be in his dawnger.[38.4] I prey -you spekith to Walter Jeffrey[38.5] and Herry Wilton,[38.6] and maketh -them to labour to your entent. I prey you that yf ye thenke that it wull -not be, that it like you that to sey that ye meve it of your self, and -not be my desire. Sum men holde it right straunge to be in this -Parlement, and me thenketh they be wyse men that soo doo. - -Wreten atte Intewode,[39.1] on Sceint John day, in hast. - - Your servaunt, - - JOHN JENNEY. - - [Footnote 38.1: [From Fenn, iii. 240.] The parliamentary - election to which this letter refers is evidently the same as in - Nos. 288 and 291. The election of Howard and Chamberlain - actually took place on the 23rd June, the day before this letter - was written, as I find by the original returns in the Record - Office.] - - [Footnote 38.2: John Howard, the Duke of Norfolk's cousin. He - was afterwards created Duke of Norfolk himself by Richard III., - in whose cause he fell fighting at the battle of Bosworth.] - - [Footnote 38.3: Richard Brown was Mayor of Norwich in 1454, and - member for that city in 1460.--F.] - - [Footnote 38.4: This means _in his debt_, and therefore under - his influence.--F.] - - [Footnote 38.5: Walter Jeffrey was Under-Sheriff of Norwich in - 1451, 1452, and 1459.--F.] - - [Footnote 38.6: Henry Wilton was returned with John Jenney in - 1477.--F.] - - [Footnote 39.1: This estate came to Jenney by his marriage with - Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Wetherby, a rich alderman of - Norwich, who, after having twice served as Mayor, quarrelled - with the city about the election of his successor in that office - in 1433, and instigated various prosecutions against them. He - died in 1445.] - - -295 - -JOHN JENNEY TO JOHN PASTON[39.2] - -_To my wurshipfull maister, John Paston, Squier._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JUNE 25] - -Mi wurshipfull maister, I recomaunde me to you; and I thanke you that it -plesith you to take seche labour for me as ye doo. My servaunt tolde me -ye desired to knowe what my Lord of Norffolk seid to me whan I spake of -you; and he seid in asmeche as Howard[39.3] myght not be, he wolde write -a lettre to the Under-Shreve that the shire shulde have fre eleccion, -soo that Sir Thomas Todenham wer not, nor none that was toward the Duc -of Suffolk; he seid he knewe ye wer never to hym ward. Ye may[39.4] -sende to the Under-Shreve, and see my Lord lettre. Howard was as wode as -a wilde bullok; God sende hym seche wurshipp as he deservith. It is a -evill precedent for the shire that a straunge man shulde be chosyn, and -no wurshipp to my Lord off Yorke, nor to my Lord of Norffolk to write -for hym; for yf the jentilmen of the shire will suffre sech -inconvenyens, in good feithe, the shire shall not be called of seche -wurshipp as it hathe be. - -Wreten atte Intewode, this Wednesday next after Sceint John, in hast. - - Your servaunt, - - JOHN JENNEY. - - [Footnote 39.2: [From Fenn, iii. 380.] This letter clearly - refers to the same matters as the preceding, and was written the - day after.] - - [Footnote 39.3: _See_ p. 38, Note 2.] - - [Footnote 39.4: The modern version in Fenn reads, 'The Mayor - sent to the Under-Sheriff, and saw my Lord's letter.'] - - -296 - -ALICE CRANE TO MARGARET PASTON[40.1] - -_To my cosyn, Margeret Paston, be this letter delyvred._ - -[Sidenote: About 1455(?) / JUNE 29] - -Ryght worshipfull cosyn, I recomaund me unto you, desyryng to here of -youre welfare; and if it like you to her of my welfar, at the makyng of -this letter I was in good hele, loved be God. The cause of my wrytyng to -you at this tyme is this, praying you to send me word of youre welfare, -and how ye do of youre seknesse, and if the medycyn do you ony good that -I send you wrytyng of last; thankyng you of the grete frenship that ye -have do to my moder with all my hert. - -Also I pray you that ye wyll be good meyn to my cosyn youre husbond, -that he wyll se that my fader be well ruleyd in his lyvelode for his -worship and his profett. - -Also prayng you to hold me exschusyd that I have wryten no ofter to you, -for, in good feth, I had no leysir; for my Lady hath be seke at London, -ner hand this quarter of this yere, and that hath be grete hevinesse to -me; but now, blesyd be God, she is amendyd and is in the contre agayne. - -Also thankyng you of the grete chere that I had of you when I was with -you laste with all my herte, prayng you of good contenuanse, for I had -never gretter nede than I have now, and if I had leyser and space, -I wolde write to you the cause. - -No more at this tyme, but the Holy Trenite have you in his kepyng. - -Wryten at Wyndesore, the xxix. day of June, - - By youre pore bede oman and cosyn, - - ALICE CRANE. - -Also, cosyn, I pray you to sende me sum Norfoke threde to do a boute my -nekke to ryde with. - - [Footnote 40.1: [From Fenn, iii. 146.] John Crane of Woodnorton, - whom we suppose to have been the writer of Letters 121 and 285, - had a wife of the name of Alice, who was apparently a widow in - 1457, when she presented to the living of Woodnorton (_see_ - Blomefield, iv. 313). But the writer of this was more probably a - daughter, serving in the household of a lady of rank according - to the custom of the times. If so, the date is before John - Crane's death, which must have happened between 1455 and 1457.] - - -297 - -WILLIAM WORCESTER TO JOHN PASTON[41.1] - -_To my Maister Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JULY 7] - -Please your gode maistership to wete, that as yerstenday came lettres -from London that the Parson[41.2] most nedys up to London to safe the -next amerciement; and so ys forth to appiere, yff he nedys most, xv. -Johannis,[41.3] as ye shall see by Barkers lettre, and shall be to morne -at London, and with Goddes grace he shall be releved by the meene of the -Parlement; by Sonday yee shall hafe weetyng. - -As for my maister,[41.4] he departyth not to London tille the next weke -after thys, and [_i.e._ if] he ryde. - -As for tydyngs be none couthe [_i.e._ publicly known], but Ponyngs[41.5] -ys qwyt and delyvered of all tresons; and Sir William Oldhale ys process -yn the Kyngs Bynche reversed; and the Priest that accused Lordz -Cromewell,[41.6] Grey,[41.7] and my maister wolle confesse who caused -hym to do it, so that he may have hys lyve, &c. - -Assone as ye goodly may to see my maister, it shall be to hym a singuler -pleasir. Sir, a baylly of my maister ys yn Drayton. John Eimond brought -a lettre to yow, and he sent me wetyng he was shent [_abashed_] uppon -som mater, as he supposyth, conteyned yn the lettre. Y pray you yn ryght -be hys gode maister, and that y may wete the cause, for y doubt he shall -and most obbey, yff he hath offended. - -At Castr, the noneday,[42.1] vij. day Jullet. - - Your, - - W. WORCESTRE. - - _On the top of this letter, in a different hand, is written:_-- - - Prove ontrouthe in the Undir-Sherif, or that he dede othir wise thanne - your counsell avysid hym, and Paston shall demene hym accordyng. - - [Footnote 41.1: [From Fenn, iii. 128.] At the date of this - letter, William Worcester and his master, Sir John Fastolf, were - both at Caister, though the latter was thinking of going up to - London. This, being in July, cannot have been before 1455. Fenn - supposes the pardon to Poynings to have been on account of his - participation in Cade's rebellion, and accordingly dates this - letter 'about 1451.' But Poynings was accused of raising - disturbances in 1453 and 1454. The reversal of Sir William - Oldhall's outlawry was in 1455; for we have seen in No. 287 that - he was obliged to remain in sanctuary for some little time after - the battle of St. Albans. It appears by an _inspeximus_ on - Patent Roll, 34 Hen. VI., m. 16, that he presented a petition to - the King in Parliament on the 9th July, 33 Hen. VI. (1455), - setting forth how he had served the King in France, and yet had - been pronounced a traitor by the Parliament of Reading in 31 - Hen. VI., but that his outlawry had been reversed in the King's - Bench.] - - [Footnote 41.2: Thomas Howes.] - - [Footnote 41.3: _Quindena Johannis_, or on the quinzaine of St. - John, _i.e._ 8th July, the 15th day from St. John the Baptist's - day.] - - [Footnote 41.4: Sir John Fastolf.] - - [Footnote 41.5: Robert Poynings. --_See_ vol. ii. p. 154, Note - 3.] - - [Footnote 41.6: Ralph, Lord Cromwell. He was accused of treason - by a priest named Robert Colynson.--See Nicolas's _Privy Council - Proceedings_, vi. 198.] - - [Footnote 41.7: Probably Edmund, Lord Grey of Ruthin; but there - were at this time also a Lord Grey of Codnor and a Lord Grey of - Wilton.] - - [Footnote 42.1: The day of the Nones.--F.] - - -298 - -SIR J. FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON[42.2] - -_To the worshypfull and my ryght welle belovyd cosyn, John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JULY 10] - -Worshypfull and ryghte welbelovyd cosyn, I comaund me to you. Please you -to wete that the pryour and convent of Norwych have wyth holden certeyn -rent for londes that they holden of me wythynne my maner of Harlyston, -and the ij. tapers of wax of ij_lb._ wyghte by the space of xviij. yeers -that mountyth . . . . . . . xxj_s._ valued in money; and the -lordes of the seyd maner beying before me, and also y yn my tyme have be -seisid and possessed of the sayd rent. Praying you to speek wyth the -pryour, recomaundyng me unto hym, and that ye lyke to meave hym to make -me payment, as hys dewtee ys, so as y have no cause to stirre further, -and to doo as justice requyryth. He holdyth xxx. acres land or more by -the sayd rent, and yhyt ought to pay me othyr rents more by myne -evidents of more ade. Y pray you, cosyn, that y may speke wyth you or y -ryde, and that on Thrysday by the farthyst, and then y shall tell you -tydyngs off the Parlement, and that ye fayle not, as my trus ys yn you. -Y pray God have you yn Hys governance. - -Wreten at Castre, the x. day of Julle. - - Your cosyn, - - JOHN FASTOLFE. - - [Footnote 42.2: [From a modern copy by Gough in Bodl. Library.] - This letter was evidently written in the year 1455, as appears - by the reference to the Parliament and to the intended journey - of Sir John Fastolf up to London (see No. 297).] - - -299 - -HENRY WINDSOR TO BOKKYNG AND WORCESTER[43.1] - -_Unto my moost faitfull brethern, John Bokkyng and William Worcestre, -and to eyther of theym._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JULY 19] - -Worshipfull Sir, and my most hertely and best be loved brother, -I recommaund me unto you in more loly wise than I can other thenk or -write; and with al my service and trewe herte thank you of your gentill -lettres, full brotherly written unto me at mony tymes of old, and -especiall of late tyme passed. And trwly, brother, I thank Almyghty God -of your welfare, of the which the berer of this my pour lettre certified -me of, &c. - -And, Sir, as touchyng al maner of newe tithinges, I knoo well ye are -averous; truly the day of makyng of this letter, ther were nonn newe, -but suche I herd of, ye shalbe served with all. - -As for the first, the Kyng our souverain Lord, and all his trwe Lordes -stand in hele of there bodies, but not all at hertes ees as we. Amonges -other mervell, ij. dayes afore the writyng of this letter, there was -langage betwene my Lordes of Warrewikke and Cromwell afore the Kyng, in -somuch as the Lord Cromwell wold have excused hym self of all the -steryng or moevyng of the male journey of Seynt Albones; of the whiche -excuse makyng, my Lord Warrewikke had knolege, and in hast wasse with -the Kyng, and sware by his othe that the Lord Cromwell said not trouth, -but that he was begynner of all that journey at Seynt Albones; and so -betwene my said ij. Lords of Warrewikke and Cromwell ther is at this day -grete grugyng, in somoch as the Erle of Shrouesbury hath loged hym at -the hospitall of Seynt James, beside the Mewes, be the Lord Cromwells -desire, for his sauf gard. - -And also all my Lord of Warrewikke men, my Lord of York men, and also my -Lord of Salesbury men goo with harnes, and in harnes with strang wepons, -and have stuffed their Lordes barges full of wepon dayly unto -Westminster. And the day of makyng of this letter, ther was a -proclamacion made in the Chauncerie, on the Kyngs behalf, that noman -shuld nether bere wepon, ner were harnes defensible, &c. - -Also, the day afore the makyng of this letter, ther passed a bill[44.1] -both by the Kyng, Lords, and Comens, puttyng Thorp, Josep, and my Lord -of Somerset in all the defaute; be the which bill all maner of actions -that shuld growe to any person or persones for any offenses at that -journey doon, in any maner of wise shuld be extynt and voide, affermyng -all thing doon there well doon, and nothing doon there never after this -tyme to be spoken of; to the which bill mony a man groged full sore nowe -it is passed. - -And if I myght be recommaunded unto my speciall maister and youres, with -all loliness and trewe service I beseech you hertely as I can. - -And also to my brethern Th. Upton,[44.2] Lodowick of Pole, William Lynd -Calyn [_Lincoln ?_], and John Merchall. No more, but our Lorde have you -both in his perpetuell kepyng. - -Writen at London, on Seynt Margarete Even,[45.1] in hast; and after this -is rede and understonden, I pray you bren or breke it, for I am loth to -write any thing of any Lord. But I moost neds; ther is no thing elles to -write. Amen. - - Your awn, - - H. WYNDESORE. - - [Footnote 43.1: [From Fenn, i. 108.] As this letter refers to - the disputes which arose after the battle of St. Albans as to - who should bear the blame of that occurrence, the date is - certain.] - - [Footnote 44.1: See _Rolls of Parl._ v. 280.] - - [Footnote 44.2: _Upon_ in Fenn, but _Upton_ in the modern - version on the opposite side of the page.] - - [Footnote 45.1: St. Margaret's day is the 20th July, the eve the - 19th.] - - -300 - -JAMES GLOYS TO JOHN PASTON[45.2] - -_To the right wurchepfull Sir, and my goode mayster, my Mayster John -Paston, be this delivered._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JULY 25] - -Reverent and right wurchepfull Sir, and my gode mayster, I recomaund me -to you, prayng you to wete that ther is reysed a slandrows noyse in this -countre up on my Mayster Yelverton and you and my Mayster Alyngton, -which I suppose is do to bryng you ought of the conceyte of the pepyll, -for at this day ye stand gretly in the countreys conceyte. It is seyde -be Heydon and his disciples that my Mayster Yelverton and ye and my -Mayster Alyngton shuld have doo oon Sir John Tartyssale, parson of the -Estchurche[45.3] of Warham and chapeleyn to the priour[45.4] of -Walsyngham, to put in to the Parlement, a bille of divers tresons don be -my Lord of Norwich,[45.5] Sir Thomas Tudenham, and John Heydon, and ye -shuld have set to your seales; and if that Heydon had be vj. howrs fro -the Parlement lenger than he was, ther had be granted an _oyer -determiner_ to have enquer of hem, &c. This was told yesterday in right -wurchepfull audience, and a mong the thrifties men of this countre; and -thei seyd right shrewedly, for my lord of Norwich hath so flatered the -lay pepill as he hath redyn a bought his visitacion that he hath thers -herts. Wherfor, and it plese you to lete me have knowlech what ye wuld I -shuld sey to it, wher as I her any such langage, I wull do my parte, and -have do hed toward as I have thought in my conceytes best, &c. And if -ther be any other servyce that ye wull comaund me, I am and wull be redy -at yowr comaundment with the grace of God, how [_who_] ever have you in -his blyssed kepyng. - -Wretyn at Wighton in hast, on Sent James day, - - Be your servaunte, - - JAMES GLOYS.[46.1] - - [Footnote 45.2: [From Fenn, iv. 32.] This letter is attributed - by Fenn to the year 1461, but that date is certainly inaccurate, - as it was answered by John Paston at Norwich the very day it was - written, whereas in July 1461 Paston was in London. Moreover, it - certainly could not have been _after_ 1461, as Sir Thomas - Tuddenham was beheaded in February of the following year. It - must therefore belong to the reign of Henry VI.; and considering - the time of the year, 1455 is the only date at which it is at - all likely that any one would have ventured to attempt the - impeachment of Tuddenham and Heydon in Parliament, or could have - been plausibly accused of such a design against persons of so - much influence.] - - [Footnote 45.3: There were three churches in the parish of - Warham.] - - [Footnote 45.4: Thomas Hunt.] - - [Footnote 45.5: Walter Lyhert, Bishop of Norwich.] - - [Footnote 46.1: He was a priest, and a dependant of the - Pastons.] - - [[To the right wurchepfull Sir, and my goode mayster - _text has "ana" (italic a for d)_]] - - -301 - -JOHN PASTON TO JAMES GLOYS[46.2] - -_To Sir James Gloys._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JULY 25] - -Ther be dyvers thynges in your letter sent to me; one that a -slaw[n]derus noyse shuld renne ageyns Yelverton, Alygton and me, to -brynge us owte of the conceytes of the puple be Heydon and his -dyscyplis, of a bill that shuld have do put uppe in to the Parlement -ageyns my Lord of Norwich and odir. I lete yow wete this is the furst -day that I herd of any seche, but I wold wete the namys of hem that -utter this langage and the mater of the bill. As for my Lord of Norwych, -I suppose ye know I have not usid to meddel with Lordes maters meche -forther than me nedith; and as for Sir Thomas Todynham, he gaff me no -cawse of late tyme to labor ageyns hym, and also of seche mater I know -non deffaut in hym. And as for Heydon, when I putte a bill ageyns hym I -suppose he shall no cause have, ne his discyplis nother, to avante of so -short a remedy ther of, as ye wrygth they sey now. As for that ye desyr -that I shuld send yow word what I shuld sey in this mater, I pray yow in -this and all other lyke, ask the seyeres if thei will abyd be ther -langage, and as for me, sey I prupose me to take no mater uppon me butt -that I woll abyde by; and in lek wys for Yelverton and Aligton. And that -ye send me the namys of them that ye wryte that herd this langage seyd -shrewedly, and what they seyd; and that ye remembre what men of -substance wer ther that herde itt; for if this can be dreve to Heydon or -his dissyplis, as ye wryte, it wer a gode preve that they fere to be -appelyd of seche materes. And I thank yow for your godwill. Wrete att -Norwych, on Seynt James day. - - [Footnote 46.2: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter, which is - printed from a draft in John Paston's hand, was written in - answer to the preceding, to which the reader is referred for the - evidence of its date.] - - -302 - -JOHN CHEDWORTH, BISHOP OF LINCOLN, TO JOHN PASTON[47.1] - -_To the worshipfull and welbeloved John Paston, Esquyer._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / JULY 26] - -Right worshipful and welbeloved Sir, I comaunde me unto you, and with -all my hert thank you for the grete labours that ye oftymes have -diligently doon for my welbeloved servant John Ode, to th'entent that he -shuld mowe atteyne to entre and enjoy peasible his enheritaunce, as I am -enformed dew unto him; and pray you of youre goode contynuaunce, -certyfieng you that I have written unto Yelverton, the justice, that he -wol, at some sesonable tyme, common with Sir Thomas Tudenham, knyght, -and to offre him asmoche reason as it shal be thought unto him and to -you, that lawe wol in that behalf require, prayng you that ye wol common -with the saide Yelverton, and to conceyve betwix you such lawful meones -of gyding of this matier that my said servaunt may have peasebly with -owten grete trouble his said enheritaunce, as I shal in case semblable -do my labour unto your pleasaunce. And pray you that of the disposicion -of the said Sir Thomas Tudenham in this behalf, I may be certified. And -Jesu preserve you. - -Written at London, the xxvj. day of July. - - J., BYSSHOPP OF LINCOLN. - - [Footnote 47.1: [From Fenn, iii. 246.] The date of this letter - is ascertained by a contemporaneous memorandum at the bottom of - the original in these words, 'Litt. direct. Joh'i Paston inter - Michaelem xxxiij. et xxxiiij. Henr. Sexti.'] - - -303 - -JAMES GRESHAM TO JOHN PASTON[48.1] - -_To my right worshipfull maister, John Paston, at Norwiche, be this -delyvred._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / OCT. 28] - -Please it your maistership to wete[48.2] . . . . - -Here be many marvaylos tales of thynggs that shall falle this next -moneth, as it is seyd; for it is talked that oon Doktor Grene, a preest, -hath kalked [_calculated ?_] and reporteth, that by fore Seynt Andreu -day next comyng shall be the grettest bataill that was sith the bataill -of Shrewisbury,[48.3] and it shall falle bytwene the Bisshoppes Inne of -Salesbury and Westminster Barres, and there shall deye vij. Lords, -whereof iij. shuld be bisshoppes. Althis and meche more is talked and -reported. I trust to God it shall not falle so. - -Also there is gret varyance bytwene the Erll of Devenshire and the Lord -Bonvyle, as hath be many day, and meche debat is like to growe therby; -for on Thursday at nyght last passed, the Erll of Denshyres sone and -heir come with lx. men of armes to Radford's[49.1] place in Devenshire, -whiche was of counseil with my Lord Bonvyle; and they sette an hous on -fyer at Radfords gate, and cryed and mad an noyse as though they had be -sory for the fyer; and by that cause Radfords men set opyn the gats and -yede owt to se the fyer; and for with th'erll sone forseid entred into -the place and intreted Radford to come doun of his chambre to sp[e]ke -with them, promyttyng hym that he shuld no bodyly harm have; up on -whiche promysse he come doun, and spak with the seid Erll sone. - -In the mene tyme his menye robbe his chambre, and ryfled his -huches,[49.2] and trussed suyche as they coude gete to gydder, and -caryed it awey on his own hors. Thanne th'erll sone seid, 'Radford, thou -must come to my lord my fadir.' He seid he wold, and bad oon of his men -make redy his hors to ride with hem, whiche answerd hym that alle his -hors wern take awey; thanne he seid to th'erll sone, 'Sir, your men have -robbed my chambre, and thei have myn hors, that I may not ride with you -to my lord your fadir, wherfor, I pray you, lete me ride, for I am old, -and may not go.' - -It was answerid hym ageyn, that he shuld walke forth with them on his -feete; and so he dede till he was a flyte[49.3] shote or more from his -place, and thanne he was . . . softly, for cawse he myght not go fast. -And whanne thei were thus departed, he turned . . . oon; forwith come -ix. men ageyn up on hym, and smot hym in the hed, and fellid . . . . of -them kyt his throte. - -This was told to my Lord Chaunceler[49.4] this fornoon . . . . . . -messengers as come of purpos owt of the same cuntre. This matier is take -gretly . . . . . . passed at ij. after mydnyght rod owt of London, as it -is seid, more thanne . . . . . the best wyse. Summe seyne it was to ride -toward my Lord of York, and summe . . . . . k, so meche rumor is here; -what it menyth I wot not, God turne it . . . . . . at Hertford,[50.1] -and summe men ar a ferd that he is seek ageyn. I pray God . . . . . . my -Lords of York, Warwyk, Salesbury and other arn in purpos to conveye hym -. . . . . . . . . &c. The seid N. Crome, berer her of, shall telle you -suche tydynggs . . . . . . . . . in hast, at London, on Seint Simon day -and Jude. - - Yowr poer - - J. GR. - - [Footnote 48.1: [From Fenn, i. 114.] This letter was written in - 1455, at the time of the King's second attack of illness, which - happened while he was under the control of the Duke of York and - the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury, as mentioned at the end of - the letter. In the latter part of the letter some words are lost - by the decay of the original MS.] - - [Footnote 48.2: Here, says Fenn, follows an account of some law - business, etc.] - - [Footnote 48.3: Fought in 1403 between King Henry IV. and the - rebel Percies.] - - [Footnote 49.1: 'Nicolas Radford,' says Fenn in a note, 'was an - eminent lawyer, and resided at Poghill, near Kyrton.' In Pole's - _Description of Devonshire_, p. 219, we find that one Nicolas - Radford dwelled at Upcot in Henry VI.'s time, 'after whose death - controversy arose betwixt John Radford of Okeford and Thomazin, - sister of the said Nicholas,' who had married Roger Prous.] - - [Footnote 49.2: A hutch was a coffer or chest standing on legs.] - - [Footnote 49.3: A flight was 'a light arrow formed for very long - and straight shots.' --Halliwell.] - - [Footnote 49.4: Archbishop Bourchier.] - - [Footnote 50.1: The King was at Hertford, as appears by the - Privy Seals, in August and September 1455, and not improbably in - October also.] - - -304 - -ABSTRACT[50.2] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF 'TO MY RIGHT TRUSTY BROTHER, NICHOLAS MOLYNEUX.' - -[Sidenote: 1455 / OCT. 30] - -As I come not to London this winter, I beg you to see to my Lord's -matters, and labour to my Lord of Canterbury and Master John Stokys for -the recovering of my Lord's[50.3] [good]s. No man can say more in the -matter than you where his goods are, 'and where they be disposed,' -especially those that Sir Rob. Whytynham[50.4] had. Also the Lord -Cromwell had 'a certain number of plate.' Your costs shall be paid out -of the first money received. Hears from John de Leawe, one of Lord -Willoughby's executors, that they will labour to my Lord Beaumont to -advance the process for recovery of his part of the reward for the -taking of the Duke of Alencon. Fendykes, a learned man of the Temple, -will help with his advice. Commend me to my sister your wife. - -Castre, 30 Oct. - - _In Worcester's hand, and endorsed by him._-- 'A John Paston et John - Bokkyng.' - - [During the winter of 1455-56 we find several allusions to this - claim put forward by Fastolf to the goods of the late Duke of - Bedford. Unless we are to infer from the manner in which Lord - Cromwell is mentioned that he was dead when this letter was written, - it is probably of the year 1455.] - - [Footnote 50.2: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 228.]] - - [Footnote 50.3: The Duke of Bedford.] - - [Footnote 50.4: Sir Robert Whityngham died on the 4th November - 1452.--_Inq. post mortem_, 31 Hen. VI., No. 47.] - - -305 - -WILLIAM WORCESTER TO JOHN PASTON AND JOHN BOCKING[51.1] - -_To the ryght worshypfull Sir, John Paston, and to my brothyr, John -Bokkyng._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / NOV. 13] - -Please it yow to have yn knowlege that y veele well my maister takyth -gretely to hert the materes whych he hath wryt to you uppon the -execucion of my Lord of Bedford ys godes, and in especiall for the -recuveryng of hem, as well as of Sir Andreu O.[51.2] executors as of Sir -Robert Whytyngham, &c. to th'entent that it myght be opynly knowe yn hys -lyve tyme that they be not yn his gouvernaunce no part of it, and that -hys factors after hym shuld not be troubled ne charged for it. And seth -the seyd mater ys of so grete wyght and charge, and that he takyth it so -gretely to hert, puttyng hys grettist trust yn yow, to remembre thys -seyd mater by avyse of hys councell lerned, both spirituell as -temporell, that ye wolle not delay it, but wyth all your entencion -remembred there, as ye by your wysdoms shall thynk it moste expedient, -that som fruyt may grow of it. - -There ys ynowgh whereoff, and it myght be recuvered, John Bokkyng, ye -know ryght moch yn thys mater, and mooste of my maister ys entent -hereynne. And therfor, for myne acquytaille, y wryte to you to shew the -chieff wrytynges of the copy of endentures of Sir Robert Whytyngham, and -of othyr wrytynges concernyng that to Maister Paston, that he may be -more rypelyer grounded yn the seyd mater when he shall comyn wyth my -Lordz of Caunterburye, Cromewell, and with onye of my maister councell. -And our Lord kepe you. - -My maister carpyth so oft on it dayly, and that meovyth me to wryte to -yow both. Att Castre, xiij. day of November. - - Your, - - W. WOR-H.R.-CESTRE. - - [Footnote 51.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] On the 11th November - 1454 Sir John Fastolf wrote to Paston about the goods of the - Duke of Bedford, but the subject recurred to his thoughts for - more than a year afterwards, and particularly in January 1456, - when all the other executors of the Duke were dead. This letter - is certainly before the death of Lord Cromwell, and therefore - not later than 1455; but it seems to indicate much greater - solicitude on the subject than Fastolf showed in the preceding - year.] - - [Footnote 51.2: Sir Andrew Ogard, who died on the 13th October - 1454.--_Inq. post mortem_, 33 Hen. VI., No. 25.] - - -306 - -MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[52.1] - -_To my right wurshipfull husbonde, John Paston, be this delivered, in -hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1455 / NOV. 25] - -Right wurshipfull husbonde, I recomaunde me unto you. Plesith you to -witte that myn aunt Mondeforthe[52.2] hath desiryd me to write to you, -besechyng you that ye wol wochesafe to chevesshe for her at London xx^ti -marke for to be payed to Mastre Ponyngs, outher on Saterday or Sonday, -weche schalbe Seint Andrwes Daye, in discharchyng of them that be -bounden to Mastre Ponyngs of the s[ei]de xx^ti marke for the wardeship -of her doughter, the weche xx^ti marke she hath delyvered to me in golde -for you to have at your comyn home, for she dare not aventure her money -to be brought up to London for feere of robbyng; for it is seide heere -that there goothe many thefys be twyx this and London, weche causeth her -to beseche you to content the seide money in dischargyng of the matre, -and of them that be bounden, for she wolde for no goude that the day -were broken. And she thankyth you hertely for the greet labour and -besynesse that ye have had in that matre, and in all others touchyng her -and hers, wherfore she seithe she is ever bounden to be your bed-woman, -and ever wolle be whyle she levethe. - -My cosyn, her sone, and hese wife recomaundethe them unto you, besechyng -you that ye woll weche safe to be her goode mastre, as ye have ben a -fore tyme; for they be enformed that Danyell is comen to Rysyng Castell, -and hes men make her bost that her mastre shal be a yene at Brayston -withinne shorte tyme. - -Ferthermore, as for the matre that my sone wrote to me for the boxe -wheron wreten _Falce Carte Sproute_ that I shulde enquer of William -Wurcestre wher it were, the seide William was not at home sen that I had -hes letter; but as sone as he comethe home, I shall enquere of hym, and -sende you an answer. - -As towchyng for your leveryes, ther can noon be gete here of that -coloure that ye wulde have of, nouther murrey, nor blwe, nor goode -russets, undrenethe iij_s._ the yerde at the lowest price, and yet is -ther not j nough of on clothe and coloure to serve you. And as for to be -purveid in Suffolk, it wul not be purveide nought now a yenst this tyme, -with oute they had had warnyng at Michelmesse, as I am enformed. And the -blissed Trenyte have you in his kepyng. - -Wreten at Norweche, on Seint Kateryn Day. - - Be your, - - MARGARET PASTON. - - [Footnote 52.1: [From Fenn, iii. 252.] St. Andrew's day fell on - Sunday in 1455 and 1460. This letter must be written in one of - these two years, and the probabilities are greatly in favour of - the former, as John Paston and William Worcester were not on - good terms after the death of Sir John Fastolf.] - - [Footnote 52.2: Osbert Moundford, Esq. of Hockwold, married - Elizabeth, daughter of John Berney, Esq., and by her had Mary, - their daughter and sole heir, who married Sir William Tindale, - Knight of the Bath.] - - -307 - -ABSTRACT[53.1] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON. - -[Sidenote: [1455] / DEC. 11] - -Thanks him for his pains in the advancement of his 'chargeable matters.' -Was never so much bound to any kinsman as to Paston, who tenders so much -his worship and profit. Sends Worcestre with important letters to my -Lord Privy Seal and the Abbot of Bermundsey, and would like Paston to -common with them. Thanks him for informing him of the answer made to the -bill of Wentworth, 'which I know had stand in great jeopardy had not ye -be.' Sends his evidences concerning Bradwell, that the Judges and -Parliament may have better consideration of his right, and of the -patents granted to Paston and Howys in that behalf. Desires credence for -William Worcestre. - -Castre, 11 Dec. - - [The date of this letter must be between the year 1454, when Sir - John Fastolf settled at Caister, and 1458, as he was not alive in - December 1459. The reference to Parliament fixes it more precisely, - as 1455 was the only year during this period in which Parliament sat - in December.] - - [Footnote 53.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 262.]] - - -308 - -RICHARD BINGHAM TO SIR JOHN FASTOLF[54.1] - -_Copie of my fader Bynghames lettre to my fadre F._ - -[Sidenote: About 1455] - -Right honorable and reverend maistre, after due and hertely -recomendacion, I thank yow als hertily as I can that it likith your gode -maisterschip, of your godnesse, to let to ferme to my son Scrope the -pouer enheritance that he schal enherit after your decesse, if God will -that he life therto. And I hafe for my saide son comonde with my -maistres of your counsell, that is to sey, Paston and other, and I fynde -them not straunge, bot right streyte to dele with in the mater; and -therfore my saide sone, and I for hym, must sue to the well of mercy, -that is to say, to your honurable person, where is special refuge for my -saide son in this cas. My saide son is and hath be, and will be to hys -lifes ende, your true lad and servaunt, and glad and well willed to do -that myght be to your pleaser, wirschip, and profit, and als loth to -offend yow as any person in erth, gentill and well disposid to every -person. Wherfore I besech your gode grace that ye will vouchesafe -remember the premissez, my saide sons age, his wirschipfull birth, and -grete misere for verrey povert, for he hath had no liflode to life opon -sithen my lady his moder deed, safe x. marc of liflode that ye vouched -safe to gife hym this last yer, and therfore to be his good maister and -fader. And thof he be not worthy to be your son, make hym your almesman, -that he may now in his age life of your almesse, and be your bedeman, -and pray for the prosperite of your noble person. And if I durst, for -your displesance, I wolde besech yow that ye wolde vouchesafe lat my -saide son hafe the saide lifelode to ferme for terme of your life, payng -to yow therfore yerely CC. marc at ij. festes of the yere, that is to -say, Cristemasse and Middesomer, and ye schall be paied hit truly at -London, in Hillary terme for the feste of Cristemasse, and Trinite terme -for the feste of Midsomer; and I will be bounden for hym and [_i.e._ if] -your maisterschip will vouchesafe to take me, and he and I schall ever -pray for yow. And thof the saide lifelode be better to yow in availl -yerely then I offer yow therefore, this summe of CC. marc schal be truly -paid to yow yerely; and God, that rewardeth every gode dede, schal pey -for hym the remenant to yow, for every peny an C., in relesyng of yow in -Purgatory, or ellys encresyng of your merite in Heven. And how your -maisterschip will that my saide son schall do in this mater, I besech -yow that he may be certified be your writing. - - [Footnote 54.1: [From Castlecombe MSS., Add. 28,212, f. 26, - B.M.] This letter has been printed by Mr. Poulett Scrope in his - privately printed _History of Castle Combe_. From evidences - contained in other of the family muniments, Mr. Scrope supposes - it to have been written about the year 1455, which is probably - not far from the true date. Compare Letter 349 following.] - - -309 - -FASTOLF'S CLAIMS AGAINST THE CROWN.--I.[55.1] - -_Billa de debitis Regis in partibus Franciae Johanni Fastolf militi -debitis._ - -[Sidenote: 1455] - -These ben the injuries, losses, and damages that the seyd Fastolf hath -had, as well withynne this royaume of England as in othir parties in -maner and fourme as it ensewith. - -First, it is to consider how that the seyd Fastolf hath ben vexed and -troubled seth he came last into this lande by the myght and power of the -Duc of Suffolk, and by the labour of his counseill and servaunts in -divers wyses, as in grete oppressions, grevous and outrageous -amerciemants and manye grete horrible extorcions, as it may appere more -pleynly by a rolle of articles thereuppon made, the damages of which -entenden to the somme of - - V. m^{l}. marc. - -Item, the seyd Fastolf hath be gretely damaged and hurt by the myght and -power of the seyd Duc of Suffolk and his counseill, in disseising and -taking awey a maner of the seyd Fastolf, called Dedham, in the counte of -Essex, to the value of C. marks of yerly rent which was halden from the -seyd Fastolf by the terme of iij. yere day and more, to his grete hurt, -with CC. marks in costs exspended in recouvere of the same, the some in -all, - - V^{c}. marc. - -Item, there ys cast in to the Kyngs hands by untrew forged offices and -inquisicions, supposed to be founde by dyvers eschetours in the countees -of Norffolk and Suffolk, iij. certeyn maners of the seyd Fastolf, to the -value of C. marks yeerly, which seyd offices and inquisicions were never -dewly founde, but forged by untrue imaginacions and meenys of certeyn -persones hys eville willers, as it hath be confessed by thos that were -appoynted and named to be uppon the enquestys; and by the maliciouse -labour of his seyd evylle willers, the seyd maners have ben troubled and -put in plee this iiij. yere day and more, to the damage and costs of the -seyd Fastolf, the somme - - V^{c}. marc. - -Item, the seyd Fastolf hauying the yeft of the Baronyes and Lordshipp of -Sillie Guillem[57.1] and Lasuze, in the countee of Mayn, to hym and to -his assignes for ever, the which weren goten by the seyd Fastolf, and no -charge to the King, for the value and denombrement [_number_] of iiij. -m^{l}. saluz[57.2] of yerly rent, he was commaunded by the Kinges -lettres to deliver upp the sayd baronyes and lordshipps to the Kyngs -commissioners, promyssyng hym, by the Kyngs commaundement to have be -recompensed therefor, as the seyd Fastolf hath to shewe, and he not -recompensed nor rewarded no thing for the levyng of his seyd baronyes -and lordship, to the damages of the seyd Fastolf of the somme of - - m^{l}. m^{l}. v.^c [2,500] marc. - -Item, wher as the seyd Fastolf had a prisonner of his owen taking, -called Guill'm Remond,[58.1] which was raunsonned, and agreed to pay hym -for his raunson with the marks the somme of xxxij. m^{l}. saluz, the -prisonner, withoute knowelege or licence of the seyd Fastolf, was take -awey from hym by the Duc of Bedford, then beyng the Kyngs Regent of -Fraunce; and with the seyd prisonner he caused the towne of Compyn, than -leyng in the Frensh partye ys gouvernaunce, for to be yeldyn to the -Kyng, and to his seyd Regent in his name; and the seyd Fastolf, after -long pursewts made to the Kyng and his conseill, was recompensed but to -the value of m^{l}. vj^{c}. saluz in lands in Normandye, when they -fortuned to falle into the Kyngs hands, which lands he hath also lost. -And also the seyd Fastolf hath lost the residue of the seyd raunson, -besyde the seyd lands, to the somme of - - m^{l}. m^{l}. m^{l}. m^{l}. marc. - -Item, the seyd Fastolf ys yhyt owyng for his porcion and part for the -recompens and reward that shuld grow and be dewe to hym for the takyng -of John, callyng hym Duc of Alauncon, at the batayle of Vernell,[59.1] -which that payd for hys raunson xl. m^{l}. marks, which rewarde, besyde -the Lord Wyllughbye ys part, shuld extend to the somme of - - m^{l}. m^{l}. m^{l}. m^{l}. marc. - -Item, ys dewe to the seyd Fastolf, by the execucion of the last wylle -and testament of John, Duc of Bedford, whos soule God assoyle, for -prestys and othir charges for saufgarde and keping of certeyn -forteresses, castellys, and townes, and for othir costs, prests, and -charges by hym born in his service, as it may appiere in certeyn -articles writen in a rolle partic'lerly of the same, the somme of - - iiij^{ml}. D^{c}. iiij^{xx}. xix. [4,599] marc, v_s._ 6_d._ - - Summa totalis xxj^{ml}. iiij^{xx}xix. [21,099] marc, v_s._ 6_d._ - -Item, seth the last comyng over of the seyd Fastolf into this royaume, -as by the space of xv. yere and more, he hath born grete costs, charges, -and expenss, at alle tymes intending uppon the Kyngs highnesse and the -Lordes of his counseille, as he hath had in commaundement, and was his -part to doo; for the which and for all the service that he hath doo to -the right noble Prince Kyng Herry the iiij^the, ayle [_grandfather_] to -our Souvragn Lord that now ys, and to the most victorious Prince and -Kyng, his fader, whos soulys God assoyle, and also to our seyd Souvereyn -Lord, he hath had, nouther fee, wagys, reward, ne recompense in this his -royaume of England, but hath born it of hys own propre godys, at all -tymys to the Kyngs honour and prouffit as to his power, which ys to hym -right grevouse and chargeable, trusting to have be considered and -rewarded as othir men of suche deservyng have be in the tymes of the -right noble progenitours of our seyd Souvreyn Lords, late Kyngs of this -seyd reaume. - - There is a corrected draft of the above paper, in William - Worcester's handwriting, among the Paston MSS. in the British - Museum, on the back of which are the following additional - memoranda:-- - -Thees been the prestys and sommes of money that the [_sic_] Sir John -Fastolf, knyght, hath lent to oure seid Soverayn Lorde that now is, at -his commaundement in his grete necesitees, at divers tymes with in this -his reaume of England:-- - -Item, the seid Fastolf lent to oure seid Soverayn Lorde, in the moneth -of September, the xv. yer of his seid regne, as it appereth at the seid -recept of Westminster, the somme of - - m^l _li._ - -It is also to be remembred that the seid Fastolf hath lent to oure seid -Soverayn Lord, in the moneth of Feverer, the seid xv. yer of his noble -regne, as it appereth at the Kynges receyt of Westminster, the somme of - - m^l marc. - -Item, the seid Fastolf lent to our seid Soverayn Lorde, for the viage of -Sir Thomas Kiriel, and of his retinue in to the Duchie of Normandye, in -the xxviij. yer of his noble regne the somme of CC. marc. Also afore -that tyme in the Kynges grete necessite ageyn the coronacion of the -Quene, at his forseid commaundement, the somme of C_li._ Somme of bothe - - iij^{c}. xxxiij_li._ vj_s._ viij_d._[60.1] - -Item, the seyd Fastolf lent to the voyage that Thomas Danyell made in to -Breteyn, as it is notorily knowen, of which he ys not yhyt payd, the -somme of - - C_li._ - -Item, the seyd Fastolf hath born grete charge and cost of a lone made -for the spede and help of a voyage whych the Erle of Shrewysbury now -last made in to the Kynges Duchee of Gyen, - - ______ [60.2] - - [Footnote 55.1: [From Fenn, iii. 260.] The date of this paper is - determined by the last paragraph, showing that it was composed - fifteen years after Sir John finally left France in 1440.] - - [Footnote 57.1: Sir John took the castle of Sillie le Guillem in - 1425, and from which he was dignified with the title of - baron.--F.] - - [Footnote 57.2: The salute was a gold coin of Henry VI. current - in France for L1, 5s. English.--F.] - - [Footnote 58.1: In 1423 he took the castle of Pacy, the governor - whereof was Guillaume Reymond.--F.] - - [Footnote 59.1: This battle was fought in 1424.--F.] - - [Footnote 60.1: So in MS. The total should be L100 less.] - - [Footnote 60.2: A blank.] - - -310 - -FASTOLF'S CLAIMS AGAINST THE CROWN[61.1] - -_A Declaracion of the Costs which Sir John Fastolf was at, ben without -this royaume._ - -The declaracions of certeyn prests, costys, and chargys don and born by -Sir John Fastolf, aswel in the tyme of the moste noble and victoryouse -Princes of blessed memorie, Kyng Herry the iiij^the, Kyng Herry v^th, as -in the tyme of our Souvereyn Lord Kyng that now is, in hys werrys by -yend the see, as by the articles that folowen more pleynly apperyth:-- - -First, it ys to be remembred that to the sayd Fastolf ys owyng for -divers costys and chargis by hym born for the tyme that he occupied -th'office of the Constabulrye of Burdeux for the saufgarde of the Kyngys -Duchie of Guyen, as it apperith pleynlye by accompt made of the sayd -office of Constabulrye, remaynyng in the Kyngs Cheker at Westminster of -record, wherof he yet nouther had payement nor assignement of, the somme -of - - ij^{c}. xxvij_li._ xv_s._ iij_d._ _ob._ - -Item, in like wyse there ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for wagys for hys -service don to the Kyng, and to the Duc of Clarence, beyng the Kyng ys -Lieutenant in the seyd Duchie of Guyen, as it may appere under -suffisaunt writing, the somme of - - ij^c ij_li._ x_s._ - -Item, in lyke wyse ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for costys and chargys -that he bare when he was Lieutenant of the towne of Harflew[62.1] in -Normandie, as yt shewith by a debentur made to the seyd Fastolf, with -hym remaynyng, - - Cxxxiij_li._ vj_s._ viij_d._ - -Item, in lyke wyse ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for the keping and -vytaylyng of the Bastyle of Saint Anthoyne in Paris, as it apperith by -writing suffisaunt and by the creditours of Sir John Tyrell, Knyght, -late Tresourier of the Kyngs house, remaynyng in the Escheker of -Westminster of record, the somme of - - xlij_li._ - -Item, there ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for the saufgarde of the toune -of Fount Melank[62.2] in the parties of Fraunce, as it apperith by -accompt therof made in the Kyngs Escheker of England of record, the -somme of - - iiij^xx ix_li._ x_s._ iiij_d._ _ob. q._ - - Summa xlij. marc ix_s._ _q._ - -And in semblable wyse, over all this ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for -prests and wagys of hym and his retenues beyng in the Kings service in -his royaume of Fraunce and duchie of Normandie, as wel abowte the -saufgarde and gouvernaunce of his tounys, castell, and forteresses of -Alaunson, Fresney Le Vicounte, Vernell, Honneflete, as for othir grete -causys and charges born and payd in the Kyng our Souvereyn Lord ys dayes -that nowys, for the avauncement of his conquest, the good and utilite of -hym, of his seyd royaume and duchie forseid, as it apperyth oppenly by -accomptys made in the Chambre of Accompts of Paris and Roon, wherof the -vidimus remaynen with the seyd Fastolf, and also by certeyn debentur -conteynyng the seyd sommes, redy to shewe, wherof the seyd Fastolf -hiderto hath had nouther payement nor assignacion, the somme of - - v. m^{l}. iiij^xx ij. marc, xiij_s._ iij_d._ _ob._ sterling. - - Summa totalis vj. m^{l}. cxxv. marc, ix_s._ _ob. q._ - - There are two drafts of the preceding statement among the Paston - MSS. in the British Museum, besides an imperfect draft hereafter - mentioned. These appear to have been drawn up as early as the year - 1452. One of these is in William Worcester's handwriting; the other - is a fair copy from it, with further corrections, in his hand. The - document printed above embodies all the corrections in the second - paper, and corresponds with it almost exactly in every point, except - that the latter places the second item relating to the Duke of - Clarence at the very end of the account, and contains the following - additional entries:-- - -And beside all this, there is yet owyng to the sayd Fastolf uppon the -voyage that Thomas Danyell made into Bretayn, as it is openly knowen, -the somme of - - C_li._ - -Item, overe this the seyd Fastolf lent to the voyage that Sir -Thomas Kyryell made into Normandye, in the xxviij. yere of the regne of -the Kyng our Souverain Lorde, the somme of CC. marc; also lent to the -Kyng afore that tyme in his necessite the somme of C_li._ The somme of -both, - - ij^{c}. xxxiij_li._ vj_s._ viij_d._ - -And also the seyd Fastolf hath borne grete charge and cost of alone made -for the spede and helpe of the voyage whiche the Erle of -Shrowysbury[64.1] now last made into the Kynges duchie of Guyenne, to -whom God graunte good expedicion, as it shewith by suffisaunt writyng, -for whiche at the commaundement of my Lord Cardynalle[64.2] the seyd -Fastolf made a chevyssaunce and leyd to wedd [_i.e._ pawned] the -substaunce of his pore juellys, in the whiche chevyssaunce the seyd -Fastolf hath lost xxxvij_li._, and is like to lese more herafter, by -cause he is not of poer to quyte hem oute; the seyd juellys lyne as yet -to plegge for the somme of - - iiij^{c}_li._ - -Somme of the prestys and debtys abofe rehersed, - - ij^{ml}. xlv. markes, vj_s._ v_d._ _ob._ - - The following is written on a separate paper, on the back of which - occurs the imperfect draft above referred to. - -Item, overe all thys grete debtes dew at thys day to the seyd Fastolf, -he desyryth and prayth that it may be pondered and concydered the grete -lossez and damages that he hath susteyned and born, as well in the -parties of Fraunce as in thys land; as at one tyme lost the somme and -value of iiij^{ml}. mark for Guillem Remond, hys prysonnere, that agreed -to pay for hys raunsom xxxij^{ml}. salux. The seyd prisonnere was take -awey from hym, and delyvered the toune of Compyne in to the obbeissaunce -of our Souvereyn Lord. Also the reward that the seyd Fastolf shuld hafe -hys part for the takyng of the Duc off Allaunson, whych shuld mount for -hys seyd part iiij^{ml}. [4000] markes, the grete losse that he hath in -delyveryng upp the baronye of Syllye Guillem, in the counte of Mayn, be -thout [_without_] recompense or reward, whych was gevyn to hym and hys -assigneez in the value of m^{l}. m^{l}. [2000] salux off yerly rent. -Also the lesyng of hys pore lyvelode in Normandie that was of the yerly -value of [65.1] mark. The grete importune lossez and damages that he -hath had seth he came into England, whych hys evylle wyllers the -officers and servauntes of the Duc of Suffolk have, be thout [_without_] -cause resonable, made hym leese, as in causyng hym to be disseised -wrongysly of iiij. of hys maners of Dedham, Beyton, Bradwell, Hykelyng, -and Tychewell, to the value of ij^{c}. [200] mark of yeerly rent; besyde -othyr damages and lossez by colours of the lawe, and by menys of -extorcions, as it may shew by a rolle of articles to the value of -vj^{ml}. [6000] markes. - - [Footnote 61.1: [From Fenn, iii. 268.] This appears to be a - supplementary paper to the preceding. Two other copies or drafts - of this paper exist among the Paston MSS. in the British - Museum.] - - [Footnote 62.1: Sir John Fastolf was Lieutenant of Harfleur in - 1415.--F.] - - [Footnote 62.2: Pont Meulent was taken in 1422.--F.] - - [Footnote 64.1: John Talbot, first Earl, sent to France in 1452 - to recover Guienne for the English; killed the following year in - endeavouring to relieve Castillon.] - - [Footnote 64.2: Cardinal Kemp. --_See_ vol. ii. p. 160, Note 7.] - - [Footnote 65.1: Blank in MS.] - - [[iiij^xx ix_li._ x_s._ iiij_d._ _ob. q._ - _text has "iiij_a._" (italic a for d)_]] - - -311 - -NOTE - -'Many of the letters in this collection,' says Fenn (iii. 261, Note 1), -'mention the disputes between the Duke of Suffolk and Sir John Fastolf -concerning different manors and estates.' This remark is made with -reference to the complaints against Suffolk in No. 309 preceding. Only -two of these letters have been seen by the present editor. - - -312 - -ABSTRACT[65.2] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON. - -Sends by his servant an instruction to be engrossed, corrected by -Paston's advice, and a remembrance concerning Walsingham, which I hope -by your help 'shall be corryged.' Certain friends of yours and mine have -been here, and desire me to write to you 'for your friendship and good -will, passing all other men's.' - - [The date of this letter is quite uncertain, but it was probably - written some time during those later years of his life when Sir John - Fastolf resided at Caister. The signature, like some others during - that period, is not in Fastolf's own hand.] - - [Footnote 65.2: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 239.]] - - [[No 239.]] - - -313 - -LORD CROMWELL TO JOHN PASTON[66.1] - -_To my right trusty ffrend, John Paston, Squier._ - -[Sidenote: Before 1456] - -Trusty and welbeloved frend, I grete you wele. And for as much as hit is -don me to understande that there is a greet straungenesse betwix my -right trusty frend John Radcliff and you, withoute any matier or cause -of substaunce, as I am lerned; wherfore, in as much as I love you wele -bothe, I am not content hit shulde so be. - -Praying you hertly to forbere the said straungenesse on your partie to -suche tyme as I speke with you next my self, leting you wite I have -wreten to him to do the same; and that ye faile not herof, as I may do -any thing for you herafter. And our Lorde have you in His keping. - -Wretin at London, the x. day of Fevrier. - - CROMWELL. - - [Footnote 66.1: [From Fenn, ii. 290.] This letter was attributed - by Fenn to Humphrey Bourchier, who was created Lord Cromwell in - the first year of Edward IV., and it was accordingly placed by - him in that reign. The signature, however, of which Fenn gives a - facsimile, is not that of Humphrey Bourchier, Lord Cromwell, but - of Ralph, Lord Cromwell, who died on the 4th January 1456.] - - -314 - -BOTONER TO JOHN PASTON[66.2] - -_To my maister, John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / JAN. 6] - -Please your maistershyp to wete that I had sent yow word of the god -chiere that the persons ye wote off had here uppon New Yeer Day, and how -well they toke it, but W. Barker coude playnly enforme yow. And John -Sadler of Ocle told me how they avaunted of it when he of Lynne came by -hym at nyzt lyeng, that he had neider better chier, &c. - -My maister demaundyth me sondry tymes when ye shall be here. I coude not -sey till thys day be passed. William Geney shall be here to morn, so -wold Jesus ye were her then. I asked licence to ryde yn to my contree, -and my maistr dyd not graunt it; he seyd hys wille was for to make, &c. -Y aunsuerd it fyt not me to know it. God gefe hym grace of holsom -councell, and of a gode disposicion; _non est opus unius diei, nec unius -septimanae_. - -My Lord Bedford wylle was made yn so bryeff and generall termys, that yn -to thys day by the space of xx. yeer can neider hafe ende, but all wey -new to constrew and oppynable; so a generallte shall ne may be so gode -as a particuler declaracion. - -I wryte blontly. I had foryete to hafe told yow Maister Fylongley meoved -me to enforme my maister to hafe a generalle pease, so it myzt be -worshypfull. Y hafe seyd no word, for I can not medle yn hygh maters -that passyth my wyt; and therfor yff ye and W. Geney mete to gheders, ye -know and can devyne best what ys to be doon. Our Lord be with yow. - -Wryt hastly, vj. day Januar. - - W. BOTONER, H.R. - - [Footnote 66.2: [From Fenn, iii. 256.] By the reference to the - Duke of Bedford's will as having been in dispute for twenty - years, it would appear that this letter was written in the - beginning of the year 1456. Bedford died at Rouen on the 14th - September 1435.] - - -315 - -BOTONER TO JOHN PASTON[67.1] - -[Sidenote: 1456(?)] - -Please yow to wete that my maister[67.2] yn allwyse wille that I ryde to -Dedham to speke with Broke as well as wyth the stuard, and to gefe -aunsuer to Broke yn whate wyse he wille depart for the reuersyn; he was -ryd or I came home. And my maister wille comyn with yow for the moyens -of a chauntuarye to be founded of the place ye wote off; y seyd hym such -chargeable maters wold be doo betyme to know the certeyntee. And a -greter lak ys yn hym, he taryeth so long to put all thynges of charge yn -a sure wey; hyt ys for lake of sad councell to moove hym. And I most be -at Castre by Thursday next; and I pray yow let me not be lete of my -voyage yn to my contree, and I shall kepe Yorkesshyre with Spyrlyng, or -such as shall ryde. The parson[68.1] with yow shall do well sort my -maister evidences, and that ys one the grettist thyng nedefull for the -seurtee of hys lyfelode; and so it wold be remembred hym, for now all -thyng ys sett at appoynt, how it standyth with hys debtys and officers, -except that mater of grettist charge, and also to provyde for the -approwement of hys lyfelode. - - W. BOTONER. - -And, syr, yff ye thynke to done (_think it to be done_), to meofe Cler -of the acre lond, but gefe hym no credence yn the contrarye, for I shall -preffe it trewe yn my seyng for onye man lyvyng. He that wille dysseyve -hys servaunt yn maryage for so litell a thyng, he wold disseyve another -frende yn a gretter thyng. He sekyth occasyons and querell to colour hys -brekyng off. - - [Footnote 67.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] From the desire - expressed by the writer in this letter to visit his own country, - we may refer it to the same period as the last.] - - [Footnote 67.2: Sir John Fastolf.] - - [Footnote 68.1: Sir Thomas Howes.] - - -316 - -BOTONER TO JOHN PASTON[68.2] - -[Sidenote: About 1456] - -Please yow to wete that as for ease of my maisters[68.3] tenaunts in -Dedham, yff a lettre were devysed by Maister Geney yn my maister name or -youres to Thomas Hygham, one of the justices of pease in Suffolk that -toke the veredyt, he myzt do grete ease, as yn disavowyng of it or yn -wythdrawyng it owte of the bokes. Robert Dene, clerk of the pese, seyth -that lete my maister councell avise that whych he may do undammaged -hymsylf, and he wille with all hys hert. John Bokkyng ys well remembred -that my maister caused the seyd Thomas Hygham, by Maister Geney mocion, -to be one of the justice of pease, and one Jermyn of Suffolk also. Whych -both Hygham and Jermyn hath suffred my maister hafe, savyng your -reverence, tweyn shrewde tornys seth that they mizt hafe letted, as now -the seyd Thomas Hygham myzt hafe letted the presentment or a moderated -othyrwyse, &c. - -At reverence of God, beyth as sone as ye may with my maister to ease hys -spyryttes. He questioneth and desputyth with hys servauntes here, and -wolle not be aunsuerd ne satisfyed som tyme but after hys wylfulnesse, -for hyt suffysyth not our simple wyttes to appease hys soule; but when -he spekyth wyth Maister Zelverton, yow, or wyth William Geney and suche -othyrs as be auctorised yn the law, and wyth haboundance of godes, he ys -content and haldeth hym pleased wyth your aunsuers and mocions, as reson -ys that he be. So wold Jesus, one of yow iij., or som suche othyr yn -your stede, myzt hang at hys gyrdyll dayly to aunsuer hys materes. - -I had but litille thyng to done when I scrybled thys bille. - - Your, - - W. BOTONER. - - [Footnote 68.2: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] There is no address to - this letter, but it seems to have been intended for John Paston. - The exact time when it was written is uncertain, but we have - placed it after the last on account of the reference to Deddam. - The true date cannot be many years before or after 1456.] - - [Footnote 68.3: Sir John Fastolf.] - - -317 - -ABSTRACT[69.1] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF 'TO THE WORSHIPFUL LADY AND MY RIGHT WELLBELOVED -SISTER, WHYTYNGHAM.' - -[Sidenote: 1456 / JAN. 20] - -As all the executors of my Lord Regent, except himself, are dead, and as -he would not have her troubled in her age 'for execution of my said -Lord's goods,' nor for the evidences of his purchased lands, etc., which -were left in keeping 'with my brother your husband,' sends John Paston -and other his attorneys to common with her, and settle the matter, which -will be a great discharge for her husband's soul. - -Castre, 20 Jan. - - [This letter must have been written after the death of Lord - Cromwell, who was one of Bedford's executors, and who died on the - 4th January 1456. --_See_ his Epitaph in Dugdale's _Baronage_, ii. - 46.] - - [Footnote 69.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 266.]] - - -318 - -ABSTRACT[69.2] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN BOKKING OR WILLIAM BARKER, TO DELIVER TO JOHN -PASTON AT LONDON. - -[Sidenote: 1456 / JAN. 25] - -Copy of a letter of Fastolf's to the wife of Sir Robert Whytyngham (the -copy examined by Botoner) to the same effect as the preceding No., but -with some slight differences in the wording, and dated 25th January -instead of 20th. - -_On the back is written:_-- 'Cousin Paston, I pray you take Nicholas -Molyneux, Thomas West, or Robert Waryn, whether ye may hafe at leyser, -with you, to go speke with the gentlewoman.' - - [Footnote 69.2: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 275.]] - - -319 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON AND OTHERS[70.1] - -_To my right trusty frendes, John Paston, Nicholas Molyneux, and Thomas -West, Escuiers._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / JAN. 26] - -Worchipfull Sirs, and my right trusty frendis, I commaunde me to you. -And lyke you to wite that I desire to knowe in certayn, or evere I -laboured to London, by whate menys in the lawe spirituell or temporell I -might labour, or ellys my frendes and atturneys in my name and in myne -absence myght laboure best, for the recuvere of the goodes of my Lord of -Bedford, whos soule God assoyle, and that his purchaced londes might be -sold to fulfille his wille and pay his debtes. And if it were thought -that the most spedyest and seurest wey were to have it doon by act of -Parlement, than I desire and pray you, as my singuler trust is in you, -that ye wille do make a substanciall bille in my name upon the said -mater and for the said cause, to be grounded and devised by avis of -substanciall lerned man, as Thomas Yonge and othir suche, and of civille -lawe, and the said bille to be put up to the Kyng, whiche is chief -supervisor of my said Lordis testament, and to the Lordes Spirituelle -and Temporelle, as to the Comyns, of this present Parlement, so as the -iij. astates may graunte and passe hem cleerly. And the said bille may -be grounded with so grete resons by your wysdomes and good enformacion, -and so rightfull and of conscience that it shall not be denyed, ne -letted to passe amonges the Lordes Spirituell and Temporell, neythir -amonges the Comyns, whan it comyth before hem. And if this said bille, -after it is devised and made, and sent me a copie of hit, hit shold be -to me a singuler confort; for or evere I came to London, I wold that -alle thing shuld be made redy to my hande. And it were exspedient and -according that my Lord Chaunceller[71.1] were meoved that it might -please his good Lordship to write a lettre to me, in case I must come up -for the said cause, and that by as muche he is in the mater as souverain -juge and ordinarie principalle under the Pope in a cause testamentarie, -and also by cause the wille of my said Lord is aproved in his court -before his predecessour. And Alle myghty God kepe you. - -Writ at Castre, the xxvj. day of Januar. - - Your, - - J. FASTOLF. - -And I wolde this bille were devised by my Lord of Caunterbury is avis -and agreement, to th'entent that he may tender the mater the more whan -it shalle come in revolucion before hym. And I pray you hertely to take -this mater tendirlye to hert, for it shall be to me my most singuler -comfort, and for my discharge a grete record as of myne acquitayle to my -said Lordis soule. Also ye must make frendes of suche as be nere aboute -my said Lord of Caunterbury, and may do, as Maister John Stokys and his -styward, for to remembre his good Lordship as ofte as nede is. And that -Davy Breknok ne Sir Robert Whitingham wyffe be not foryeete. - - [Footnote 70.1: [The original of this letter is the property of - W. A. Tyssen Amhurst, Esq. of Didlington Park, Brandon.] As this - letter was written during Sir John Fastolf's residence at - Caister, and Parliament appears to have been sitting at the - time, the date must be 1456.] - - [Footnote 71.1: Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury.] - - -320 - -WILLIAM WORCESTER TO JOHN PASTON[71.2] - -_To the worshypfull Sir, John Paston, Escuier._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / JAN. 27] - -Worshypfull, aftyr dew recomendacion, please your gode maistershyp to -wete that where as my maister wrytith to yow so homelye of so manye -materes to yow of hys, to be remembred unto hys councell lerned by mene -of yow and of hys frendz and servauntz there, y pray yow and requyre yow -not to wyte [_impute_] it me that y am the causer of it that my seyd -maister noyeth yow with so manye materes, for, be God, hym sylf -remembryth the moste part of hem; albe it the particler rehersell of the -materes be fressher yn my remembraunce then yn hys. And, Sir, yn trouth -he boldyth hym to wryte to yow for the grete lofe and singler affeccion -he hath yn yow before all othyr yn hys causes spedyng, and that ye wille -moste tendyrlye of ony othyr remembre hys servauntes as well as othyrs -to whom belongyth to spede the materes. He desyryth my Lord Chauncellor -shuld wryte to hym speciallye yff he most nedes com upp, and a bille to -be made yn to Parlement for recuvere of my Lord Bedford godes. - -Sir, there ys one Haryngton of Doncastre, a besye soule, that damagyth -my maistre to gretely in Bentley. And Herry Sotehille ys of my maister -councell, but no thyng that ys profytable ys don to hym to remedye it, -ye shall see by one Sir John Vincentes letter sent to yow now, and W. -Barker can enforme yow. Yn the ende of thys terme y suppose to be at -London, and yn to west contre. My maistre wrytith to yow for a rent of -viij_li._ of annuite charged of a touneshyp called Batham Wyly, that -Maister Scrope he shall be beneficed yn the ryzt of it. Ye have nede -fare fayre with hym, for he ys full daungerouse when he wille. Y gate -hym gode evidensis of the seyd rent that my maister ne my lady had -nevere, and he can not know it, &c. Also my maister hath wreten to yow -for avice of a new feffement to be made for the maners of Tychewell and -Beytone, and betyme he desyryth to be sent hym. Y pray yow, and ye se -Maister Yng at a leyser to commaund me to hym, and trustyng hys gode -maistershyp that he wille be of my councell ayenst one William Fouler of -Bokyngham thath kepyth from me a litelle lond. And yff he wille contynew -hys gode maistershyp to me, ye may sey hym that I cast duelle yn my -contree, and wayt uppon hym to help ghete ayen a pore gode of myn, for -heere y thryve not, but lose my tyme. Y pray our Lord have yow yn hys -kepyng. - -Wryt hastlye, the xxvij. day of Januare. - - Your, - - W. WYRCESTRE. - - [Footnote 71.2: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter must have - been written the day after the last, as this also speaks of a - bill being presented to Parliament for recovery of the Duke of - Bedford's goods. The passage in which the writer proposes - visiting the west country confirms the date of Letter 314.] - - -321 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON[73.1] - -_To the worshypfull Sir, and my ryght welbelovyd cosyn, John Paston; and -in hys absence, to John Bokkyng and William Barker._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / FEB. 5] - -Worshypfull Sir and cosyn, I recomaund me to yow. And lyke yow to wete -that y have a taylle[73.2] with my cosyn Fenne[73.3] of v^c. [500] marc -and more, for to be chaunged uppon such places as a man myght have moste -spedye payment; and I pray yow hertlye to comyn wyth the seyd Fenne, -that y myght be ensured of the seyd taylle to be eschaunged; and for -whate rewarde competant to be yeven uppon the same, I wolle agree it. - -Item, I desyre to know who ben the residew, the remenant of the -co-executors of the Lord Wyllughbye,[73.4] now the Lord Cromewell[73.5] -ys decesed; for thys cause. Hyt was so, that there was dew to the Lord -Wyllughbye and to me x. m^l. [10,000] marc for a reward, to be payd of -my Lord Bedford ys godes, for the takyng of the Duc of Allauncon.[73.6] -And the seyd Lord Wyllughbye had but one thowsand marc payd, and I m^l. -[1000] mrc, soo viij. m^l. [8000] levyth [_remains_] yhyt to pay; of -whych somme iiij. m^l. [4000] most grow to the executors of the seyd -Lord Wyllughby to dispose. And therfor y desyre that the executors, and -such as most have intrest in the Lord Wyllughby goodes, may be comyned -wyth; that they may [make] purseute for payment of the seyd iiij. m^l. -[4000] marc, for hys part to be had, and y shall make for my part. - -And [_i.e._ if] Maister Nevyle,[74.1] the whych hath wedded my Lady -Wyllughbye, have power or intrest to resseyve the Lord Wyllughby ys -debts, then he to be labured untoo. And my Lord of Salysburye woll be a -grete helper yn thys cause. - -The Kyng, whych ys Supervisor of my Lord Bedford testament, hath wreten -and comaunded by sondry lettres, that the seyd Lord Wyllughbye shuld be -content for hys part. And so moch the mater ys the furtherer. - -And ther ys one Yon', a servaunt of the Lord Wyllughbye, whych pursewed -thys mater; yff he were yn London, he coude geve gode enformacion uppon -thys mater. - -Y pray yow wryte to me how my maters doth, and of such noveltees as ye -have there. And our Lord have yow yn hys kepyng. - -Wreten at Castr hastlye, v. day of Feveryer, anno xxxiiij^to Regis -Henrici VI. - - Your cosyn, - - J. FASTOLF. - - [Footnote 73.1: [From Fenn, i. 120.]] - - [Footnote 73.2: A tally. This was a cleft stick, in both parts - of which notches were cut to represent sums of money due; on - which one part was given to the creditor, the other being - retained by the debtor.] - - [Footnote 73.3: Hugh Fenn.] - - [Footnote 73.4: Robert, Lord Willoughby of Eresby.] - - [Footnote 73.5: Ralph, Lord Cromwell.] - - [Footnote 73.6: John, Duke of Alencon, taken prisoner at the - battle of Verneuil in 1424.] - - [Footnote 74.1: Sir Thomas Nevill, a younger son of Richard, - Earl of Salisbury, married Maud, the widow of Robert, Lord - Willoughby.--Dugdale, ii. 86.] - - -322 - -JOHN BOCKING TO SIR JOHN FASTOLF[74.2] - -_To the right reverent and worshipful Sir, and my right good maister, my -maister Sir John Fastolf, at Castre._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / FEB. 9] - -Right reverent and my right worshipful maister, I recomaunde me to yow -in my right humble wise. Please hit your right good maistership to wyte -that on Sonday laste I sent yow many and divers lettres and writynges, -by Lampet, of all matiers that I hadde knowlege at that tyme redy to -answere. And now suche tidinges as ar here, but fewe that ar straunge, -excepte that this day my Lordes York and Warwik comen to the Parlement -in a good aray, to the noumbre of iij^c. [300] men, all jakkid[75.1] and -in brigantiens,[75.2] and noo lord elles, wherof many men mervailed. It -was seid on Saterday my Lord shuld have ben discharged this same day. -And this day was seide, but if he hadde come stronge, he shuld have bene -distrussid; and no man knoweth or can sey that ony prefe may be hadde by -whom, for men thinken verily there is no man able to take ony suche -enterprinse. - -The Kyng, as it was tolde me by a grete man, wolde have hym chief and -princepall counceller, and soo to be called hise chef counceller and -lieutenant as longe as hit shuld lyke the Kyng; and hise patent to be -made in that forme, and not soo large as it is by Parlement. But soome -men thinken it wil ner can otherwise bee; and men speke and devyne moche -matere of the comyng this day in suche array to Westminster. And the -Lordes speken this day in the Parlement of a greet gleymyng sterre that -but late hathe be seen diverse tymes, merveilous in apperyng. The -resumpsion, men truste, shall forthe, and my Lordes of Yorkes first -power of protectorship stande, and elles not, &c. The Quene is a grete -and strong labourid woman, for she spareth noo peyne to sue hire thinges -to an intent and conclusion to hir power. - -I have seid to the bringer here of more to declare yow alle a longe. And -as for hise comyng, ye like to understande that your nevew, my Maister -Filongley, hathe laboured and doon that he cowde or myght to hise -preferraunce; but as for to make hym freman and at hise ease, to hise -profite and worship, it can not bee with owte William Lyne be here, that -boughte hise prentishode of his maister, to hise grete hurte and castyng -of bakke by ij. or iij. yere of tyme loste; and ne were it that the -maister and wardeyns of the Taillours tendre hym, be cause of yow and of -Fynynglee, hise firste maister, that solde hym to William Lyne, as weel -as the seide Lyne and Richard, shuld alle lese ther fredoms, as ye shall -more pleinly understande by the reporte of the seid Richard, &c. - -This day was my Lord Devenshire at Westminstre, and shuld have apperid, -but he was countermaundid. As to youre matier of Wentworthe, the trety -contynueth, and is putte by the arbitrours in Fortescu and Yelverton, -and we have day of newe til Friday come sevenyght. God graunte it take a -good ende. The lawe is with us clerly, as weel in th'atteynte as -therinne as yette, blessid be our Lord, hoo have you in hise most noble -governaunce. - -Written in your place this Moneday of Fastyngange,[76.1] m^l. cccclv. - - Your humble servaunt, - - J. B. - -And that ye like to write a good lettre for Richard Fastolf to Sir Roger -Chamberleyn, and to Thornton, Chamberleyn of London, and to both of hem, -&c. - - [Footnote 74.2: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 265.]] - - [Footnote 75.1: _i.e._ in coats of mail. --_See_ vol. ii. p. 322, - Note 3.] - - [Footnote 75.2: _See_ vol. ii. p. 155, Note 2.] - - [Footnote 76.1: Fastingong was Shrovetide. --_See_ vol. ii. p. - 131, Note 1.] - - -323 - -ABSTRACT[76.2] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON - -[Sidenote: 1456 / FEB. 12] - -Thanks him for the pains he takes in his 'chargeable matters,' -especially the ward of T. F., and his advice for the recovery of my Lord -of Bedford's goods. My servants Bokkyng and Barker have written to me -for writings making mention of the jewels and goods of my Lord delivered -to Sir Robert Whitingham that they cannot find there. I send, therefore, -W. Worcestre with a copy of Whitingham's account, which, however, is not -a complete statement. - -Castre, 12 Feb. - -_P.S._--Has just received a letter from Paston, for which he thanks him. - - [This letter was evidently written in the same year as No. 317.] - - [Footnote 76.2: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 270.]] - - -324 - -HUGH A FENNE TO JOHN PASTON[77.1] - -_To the right worchepfull Sir, John Paston, at Norwich._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / MARCH 1] - -Ryght worchepfull Sir, I recumaunde me un to you. Leke you to wete my -Maister Fastolf compert[77.2] is spedde and demyd in the Eschequyer for -hym a yens the Kyng, wher in was crafti labour and cloos to the seid -spede, and laked no dylygence, for the matter was defused and dubble -intendementz after dyverse mennys appynyons. - -Her is Williem Brandon, late Eschetour,[77.3] and wold have a _non -molestando_[77.4] for Fulthorp; and be cause ye spake to me that no mo -shuld be sued owte, and I can gete no lybarate[77.5] in that case, -therfore, as it is tolde me, he wyll have oon up on Wenteworth is -patente, and that wer to my maister bothe velleny and hurte. I pray you -send me heryn your avyse. It is no grete maistre to gader up that mony, -if it wer wele labord. I have somwhat affrayed them, and made hem spend -mony, as I wot well ye shall her therof. Ye and I been discharged of our -maynprys. - -Now, Sir, for Goddis sake, as I have meved you a fore, help to sette my -maister in a worchepful dyreccion of his maters to his honour, his -profyte, and his hertis ease, that which so doon he shall have the -better leysour to dysspose hym self godly, and be sette his londs and -his goodys to the plesour of God, and the wele of his sowle, that all -men may sey he deyeth a wyse man and a worchepfull. Yf ye wyste what -worchep shuld growe to you in favour and conseyte of all men thus to do, -I wot well ye wolde be right spedy therin, for I beleve fully ye ar -ryght well wylled therto; and if owte I cowde helpe therto at myn nexte -comyng, yf I knew your entent, I wold do that I cowde. Yf it like you to -wryte your avyse in a bylle that I myght have it by Good Fryday at Seint -Benettys, Williem Norwyche wol send it theder. The Holy Trinyte conserve -you in honour and prosperite. - -From London, the furst day of Marche. - - Your, - - HUGH A FENNE. - - [Footnote 77.1: [From Fenn, iii. 332.] The first paragraph of - this letter seems to relate to Fastolf's claims against the - Crown set forth in Nos. 309 and 310, and as these seem to have - been drawn up in the end of 1455, this letter probably belongs - to the year following. The reference to William Brandon as 'late - escheator' confirms this date; and also, perhaps, the mention, - at the end, of William Norwich, who was Sheriff of Norwich this - year.] - - [Footnote 77.2: Compertorium is a judicial inquest in civil - proceedings made by Commissioners to find out, etc., the truth - of a cause.--F.] - - [Footnote 77.3: An Escheator was a county officer who certified - into the Exchequer the King's escheats, _i.e._ lands which fell - to the King, either for a time or altogether, as by the death of - tenants _in capite_, minority of heirs, etc. William Brandon was - Escheator of Norfolk and Suffolk from 13th November 33 Hen. VI. - to 4th November 34 Hen. VI., _i.e._ from 1454 to 1455.] - - [Footnote 77.4: A writ which lies for him who is molested - contrary to the King's protection granted him.--F.] - - [Footnote 77.5: A writ of _liberate_ is a warrant either for the - payment of annual pensions, etc., granted under the Great Seal, - or for delivery of possession of certain lands or goods in the - custody of a sheriff.] - - -325 - -JAMES GRESHAM TO JOHN PASTON[78.1] - -_To my right worshipfull Maister, John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1456(?) / [MAR. 24]] - -After due recomendacion had, please it your maistership to wytte that -William Yelverton was mevid by me to comene with my maister his fadir, -as I wrot to yow from Norwich. And now he tellith me that he hath -comened with his fadir; and he undirstondith that his fadir seyth that -he hath not knowelaged Fennes[78.2] obligacion. And he seyth that -Maister Fastolf undirstood that Fen hadde title to the maner of -Haryngby, and therfor wold he that Fen shuld have it after Maister F. -lyve; and, by liklynes, ther shall be labour made by Fenn to have -releses of Maister Yelverton, &c., but he hath not yet relesed. He can -no more undirstond of hym as yet. If he can undirstond ony more pleynly -this day, I shall have knowelage at Norwich on Friday or Saterday next -comyng. Please it you to have pacience, though I write so brefly. - -In hast, at Walsyngham, the Wednesseday next to fore Esterne. - - Youre pouere servaunt, - - JAMES GR. - - [Footnote 78.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] As this letter relates - to money matters of Fenn and Sir John Fastolf, it may most - probably be referred to the same year as Nos. 321 and 324.] - - [Footnote 78.2: Hugh Fenn. --_See_ No. 324.] - - -326 - -ARCHBISHOP BOURCHIER TO SIR JOHN FASTOLF[79.1] - -_To the right worshipfull, and my right entierly welbeloved Sir John -Fastolf, Knight._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / MARCH 27] - -Right worshipful, and my right entierly welbeloved, I grete you right -hertly wele, thanking you specialy, and in full herty wise, for the -verray geantle goodnesse that ye have shewid unto me at all tymes, -praying you of good contynuance. - -And as touching suche matiers as ye sente unto me fore, I truste to God -verraly, insomuche as the rule is amendid heer, and the wedder waxeth -seesonable and pleasante, to see you in thise parties within short tyme, -at whiche tyme I shal commune and demeene unto you in suche wise, that -ye shal be right wele pleasid. - -And as for the matier concernyng my Lord of Bedford, thinketh nat -contrarye, but that ye shal finde me hertly wel-willid to doo that I can -or may for th'accomplesshment of youre desire, as wel in that matier as -in other, like as your servaunte John Bokking, berer hereof, can -clierlier reporte unto you on my behalve; to whom like hit you to yeve -feith and credence in this partie. And the blissid Trinitee have you -everlastingly in His keping. - -Written in my Manoir of Lamehith, the xxvj. daie of March. - - Your feithfull and trew, - - TH. CANT. - - [Footnote 79.1: [From Fenn, i. 124.] The date of this letter - will appear tolerably certain on a comparison with No. 319. In - that letter Fastolf talks of coming up to London, if necessary, - about the matter of my Lord of Bedford's goods, but expresses a - wish that if he is to come, my Lord Chancellor--viz. the - Archbishop of Canterbury--should be got to write him a letter - about it.] - - -327 - -DAME ALICE OGARD TO JOHN PASTON[80.1] - -_To my right wurshipfull cosyn, John Paston, Esquyer._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / MARCH 30] - -Ryght worshippfull and enterly belovyd cosyn, I comaund me to yow -hertyly; latyng yow wete that there ys a contraversie mevyd be twix my -cosyn John Radeclyff[80.2] of Attylburgh and me for the advoweson of the -chirch of Attylburgh, the whech ys now voide, wheroff the title is myn -veryly as God knowith, the whech shall be oppenyd unto yow; and upon -Thursday next atte Wymondham, there shall be take an enquerre _de jure -patronatus_ afore Master Robert Popy and Master Symond Thornham, atte -whech day I may nought be my selff as God knowyth, and thow I myght, yt -were not convenyent. - -And therfore, ryght trusty cosyn, consideryng that I am a wedowe -impotent as of body, tendyrly and hertily I pray you, yf yt lyke yow, to -be there assistyng my councell in my right as reson and lawe will upon -Thursday next, be viij. of the clokke; and Fyncham,[80.3] Spelman, and -othir of my councell shall be than there waytyng upon yow. And, jentyll -cosyn, have me excused thowh I wryte thus brefly and homly to yow, for -in trouth I do it of a synguler trust and affection, the wheche I have -in yow, consideryng the goode nome and fame of trouth, wysdom, and good -conducte, the which I here of you. And therfor, and ye may to youre -well, I beseche you hertyly to be there, and ye shall nought lese therby -with the grace of Almyghty Jesu, the wheche evyr preserve and promote -you, gentill cosyn, in moche worship to youre hertys ease. - -Atte Bokenham Castell, on Teuysday in Pache weke, in hast. - - D. A. OGARD.[81.1] - - [Footnote 80.1: [From Fenn, iii. 290.] This letter would appear - to have been written in the year 1456, as Thomas Fairclowe, - D.D., was presented to the church of Attleborough on the 2nd - August in that year by Dame Alice Ogard as patron.] - - [Footnote 80.2: John Radcliff, Esq., married Elizabeth, daughter - and heir of Walter, Lord Fitz-Walter. He was in her right called - Lord Fitz-Walter, and was killed at Ferrybridge in 1461.] - - [Footnote 80.3: Simeon Fincham, of Fincham, Esq. His son John - married Agnes, daughter of John Spelman, of Beckerton, Esq., - I suppose the person here mentioned. He died in 1460, and Simeon - in 1458.--F.] - - [Footnote 81.1: Dame Alice Ogard was the widow of Sir Andrew - Ogard, Knight, whose first wife was Margaret, the daughter of - Sir John Clifton, Knight, of Bokenham Castle. He died in 1454, - and Alice, his relict, in 1460.--F.] - - -328 - -HUGH FENN TO JOHN PASTON[81.2] - -_To the worchepfull sir, John Paston esquyer._ - -[Sidenote: 1456(?) / APRIL 25] - -Worchepfull Sir, my reverent and right trusty maister and cosyn, -I recommaunde me to you. Lyke you to wyte that wher I have made my fyne -of Ikburgh with Nicholas Waterman, thanne beyng feodary to my Lorde of -Yorke, as the same Nicholas wil recorde, wherof sufficient writyng is -had; the which payment, so made, is sufficient in the lawe; in the which -caas noo newe feodary is chargeable nor I demaundable, but the seide -Nicholas owe to answere therof in his accompt; and if he concele, my -Lorde may have good remedy ageyns hym, and so owe to do. The which not -withstandyng, oon I trowe called Osbarn, som tyme your servant, now my -Lordis feodary, hath often meved to do I wote not, and now late hath -distreyned my cattel, and seith he wil dryve hem awey, &c., and wil have -C_s._ for fyne, wher my uncle paied xxvj_s._ viij_d._, Herry Somer -xx_s._, and so many other ded. Sir, he may do me a pety shame in -distreyning and dryvyng awey to make me hevy, and hym not glad I hoop at -the loong, but wroong shal he nor any other do me, wher I may gete -remedy by the lawe in any place throw Goddis mercy. Wherfor, sir, if he -be stille in your servyse, lyke you I myght have knowlech, and thanne if -your discreccion semith any thyng that I owe to do, by you I wil be -advertysed and ruled; and if I coude conceyve that I owe to pay ageyn, -as I understonde clerly the contrary, forsothe in right hasty seson wold -I provyde and send hym from my seid lorde a sufficient discharge for myn -more availl, that he shuld noght lose by me. And that is reson aswele, -for that I wil not, by Goddis grace be hurted by hym, nor geve hym cause -by my wil. I deserve my lordis good lordeship as wele as any other of my -simple poer her. I besech you that by this simple bille I may be -recommaunded to my worchepful maistresse. The blissid Trinite have you -in His holy governaunce. Written, London xxv. day of Aprill. - - Youris owen, - - HUGH A FENNE. - - [Footnote 81.2: [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 173.] The year of this - letter is uncertain, but it must belong to the latter part of - Henry VI.'s reign, and there is great probability that it was - written in 1456, like No. 324, which is also written by Hugh - Fenn from London.] - - -329 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON[82.1] - -_To my worchepfull Cosyn, John Paston, Esquyer, in hast goodly._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / MAY 2] - -Worchepfull Cosyn, I comaunde me to yow. Lyke yow to wete that for als -moche as my lord of Norwich shal the next wyke visite the hous of -Hykelyng, as on Thursday, as I understand, I pray yow that ye lyke to -informe my lord how it is appoynted atwix the prior of the said hous and -me that my title of xxv. marc of yerly rente is put in the ordynaunce of -yow and Fyncheham, and if any variaunce fortune by twix yow that thanne -we shall stand to the rule and ordynaunce of my lord of Caunterbury and -of my seid lord of Norwich, they callyng to them ij. temporall juges -suche as them please, the ij. chef juges only except. Wherfor that it -please his good lordship to commaunde the seid priour to be bound by -obligacion to stand to the seid appoyntement in lyke form as I at all -tymes lefull am redy soe to do, to th'entent that my lord may verily -knowe that the complysshyng of the seid appoyntement is nat deferred ner -delayed by me. Forthermore, Cosyn, I understand that ye have a feodary -concernyng all the knyght fees in this shire, and for als moche as the -lord Scalys cleymeth an homage of my place called Essex in Hikelyng I -pray yow that ye lyke to sende me woord if it can be understand by the -seid feodary if suche an homage owe to be do or nay. Moreover like yow -to remembre that lateward I meved unto yow that I wold do kyt out a -litell fleet rennyng by twix the Comouns of your lordship of Maulteby -and Castre there it was of old tyme, and now is over grounded and growen -by reedes. Wherfor lyke yow to write on to your baly of Mauteby to take -your tenauntes with hym to have a sight of the seid water and ground, -and that they bere half costes for ther part, and I wole bere the other -part. And all though my wrytyngges put yow many tymes to gret labour and -besynesses, I pray yow to take it that I do it for the synguler -affiaunce and feythful trust unto yow. Besehyng All myghty God have yow, -my worchepful Cosyn, in his mercifull governaunce. Writ at Castre, the -ij^de. day of Maij. - -And that ye lyke to come in to these partyes byfore ye ryde to London, -I pray yow hertely that I may speke with yow for dyvers maters that I -have to comowne with yow, &c. - - J. FASTOLF. - - [Footnote 82.1: [Add. MS. 35,251, f. 24, B.M.] This letter seems - to be of the same year as No. 341.] - - -330 - -JOHN BOCKYNG TO JOHN PASTON[84.1] - -_To my worshipful maister, John Paston, Squier._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / MAY 8] - -Sire, please it your maistership to wyte that on Wednesday, the v. day -of Maij, I received a lettre from you by the prestis man of Walsyngham, -and the Ascencion Day,[84.2] in the mornyng, I received a lettre from -yow bi the handes of John Frays, my maisteris man, in whiche bothe moche -thinge is conteyned whiche alle at this tyme I may not answere un to my -comyng the nexte weke. And as to our atteynte,[84.3] the Chief Justice -hathe, sithe this day sevenyght, kept the Gildehalle in London with alle -the Lordes and Juges, sauf one in eche place. My Maister Markham -yesterday rode owte of London be tymes. Notwithstandyng we called ther -upon, and hadde at the barre Chokke,[84.4] Letelton,[84.5] Jenney,[84.6] -Illyngworth,[84.7] John Jenney, and Dyne, and remembrid the longe -hangyng and the trouthe of the matier, with the grete hurte of the -partie in the tyme; and we have rule the next terme betymes, and non -otherwise, for to morwe the juges sitten ayen in the toune. Mayster -Yelverton can not be myry for Wyrmegey, and as for the distresse, it is -a _non omittas_, and therfore Poley may and wil retorne what isseus he -will. If thei be smale, we shall suffre at this time; if thei be grete, -we must appere for Wyngfelde; and moche labour we have to conceyve a -goode warant of attorney. We shal plede the next terme, for as at this -tyme we wold on Monday enparle and we may. - -Ye must suerly entrete the shireve, for we have moche to doo with hym, -as yesterday hadde we a grete day also in th'eschequer. Myn -maister[85.1] is moche bounde to Haltofte, and there we ar assigned day -over to the next terme, and dwelle in law. Our counsail was longe or -thei come, but at the laste thei acquitte them weel. The bille was -thought not by all that stode at the barre that wer of nother partie. We -ar joyned in the sute of the obligacion in the Comon Place ayenst Jenney -and Howes. As for attachement, ye may none have withowte ye or on of yow -make your othe in propre persone before the barons. I wolde have doon -it; I cowde not be amytted. And as for other processe, it is advised -that by the cors of th'eschequer I shall take a _venire facias_ ayenst -Wentworthe, Andrews, longe Barnard, and Deyvill _ad respondendum quare -in possessionem, &c. ingressi sunt_. And we must telle where other -Coughawe or Kirkeley, I suppose; and therupon a distresse and an -attachement; nevertheles by your othe, &c., hereafter. And it is thought -good that the same men shal be in the writte of ravyshment. Jenney hath -advised us to ley it in Blithinge hundred, and I have taken of hym -names; for as for London it is to nyghe enbracerye, as ye thought well, -and soo is Middlesex. Maister Yelverton conceyvith it weel to your -entent. There are aboughte and in Suffolk but fewe men as of gentilmen -and men of substance, but if [_unless_] it be in Blithing hundre, were -Hopton is grete; but Jenney dredeth it not we may have good men at -large; and as for the hundre, he wil doo inow thereinne. - -As for the tailes of iiij^{xx}_li._ [_four score pounds_], as yette we -shal doo weel inowghe and thei were contentid; or thei that shal have -the silvere, the noyse were the lesse, for it shall, in pledyng, alwey -be rehersid by our contrarie party that for x. marc we have alle that -evere ther is, &c. I can not here how Wentworthe takith this matier by -no meane; what he meneth I wote not. He is no thing pleasid with the -matier of the bille in th'eschequer. Thomas Denys come yesterday, and -none erste. I wolde Arblaster and he spoke with yow this vacacion. -I write noo more til my comyng. - -As for tidinges, noon othere thanne I sent yow laste; but forthe on the -same, all is as it was with the Quene,[86.1] the Prince and myn Lord -York ar stille at Tutbury and Sandale, and my Lord of Warrewick at -Warrewick. My Lord Bukingham rode on Ascencion Even to Writell, noo -thing wel plesid, and sumwhat on easid of herte to his purpose; for the -King hathe ley in London Friday, Saterday, Sonday, Monday, Teusday, and -Wednesday remevid to Westminster agen. In alle whiche tyme, men of -London that wer chargid and sworne wolde not nor hadde noo thing -presentid sauf trespas; this day thei shal sitte ayen. The peas is weel -kepte, but the straungiers[86.2] ar soore a dradde, and dar not come on -brode. Here is alle that I knowe as yet. Our Lord Jesu be with yow. - -Writen at Suthwerk the viij. day of Maij. - -I have paied to Dory C_s._, and with moche peyne made hym to ghete day -of the other Cs. til the nexterme. - - Your owen - - J. B. - - _Endorsed in a seventeenth-century hand._-- L'ra Joh'is Bokking, - Attorn. in Communi Banco. - - [Footnote 84.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] The date of this letter - is quite certain, not only from the circumstance of the 5th May - being a Wednesday in 1456, as mentioned in the beginning, but - also from Ascension Day falling between that and the 8th, the - day on which this letter was written.] - - [Footnote 84.2: Ascension Day was the 6th May in 1456.] - - [Footnote 84.3: _See_ Nos. 267, 268, etc.] - - [Footnote 84.4: Richard Choke, Serjeant-at-law, afterwards Judge - of the Common Pleas.] - - [Footnote 84.5: Thomas Lyttelton, the great lawyer, at this time - King's Serjeant, afterwards Judge of the Common Pleas, famous - for his treatise on _Tenures_.] - - [Footnote 84.6: William Jenney.] - - [Footnote 84.7: Richard Illingworth, afterwards Chief Baron of - the Exchequer.] - - [Footnote 85.1: Sir John Fastolf.] - - [Footnote 86.1: A full stop after 'Quene' would improve the - grammar of this sentence, but the original is entirely without - punctuation. The writer evidently meant that the Queen and - Prince were at Tutbury, and the Duke of York at Sandal.] - - [Footnote 86.2: The foreign merchants. A riot took place about - this time in London, in which the houses of foreigners were - attacked. --_See_ Fabyan's _Chronicle_; also Brown's _Venetian - Calendar_, i. 81, 84.] - - -331 - -JOHN BOCKING TO JOHN PASTON[86.3] - -_To my Maister Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / MAY 15] - -Worshipful Sir, and my good maister, I recomaunde me to yow. This day I -come home; and as to our materes, I shall be with yow on Monday and -Teusday next, be my maisters advys, and enforme yow of all, and of suche -as I will not write. Your cofre is at the Prinse Inne; sende for it -whane ye like, be the token, I hadde of Margret Goche a boke of lawe -that Wigge brought me. As for tidyngs, my maistys your brother faren -weel, and recomaunde them to my maistresse, there moder, to yow, and to -all, &c. - -As for tidings elles, the Kyng is at Shene, the Quene and Prince at -Tutbury, but if it be the latter remevyng. Tidings were that the Lord -Beaumont was slayn, and my Lord Warrewik sore hurte, m^{l}. [1000] men -slayn, and vj^{xx}. [_six score_] knyghts and squiers hurte, and no -thing trewe, blessed be God. As for the Lumbards,[87.1] ij. of the -trespasers were hanged on Monday, and there ar be this tyme -proclamacions made, or shall be, thorwe London, the pees to be kepte up -on grete peynes; and the Lumbards to occupie the merchaundizes as thei -dide til the Counsail or Parlament have otherwise determyned. And noo -more as yet. - -The atteynte abidith unreuled til the next terme, as I shal telle yow, -and it shal doo weel with God is grace, hoe have yow in kepyng and all -youres. - -Writen at Caster _vigilia Pentecosten_. - - Your owen - - J. B. - - [Footnote 86.3: [From Fenn, i. 130.] Whitsun Eve, the day on - which this letter is dated, fell on the 15th May in 1456, just a - week after the date of last letter; and no one can doubt that - they both belong to the same year.] - - [Footnote 87.1: _See_ Note 2, preceding page.] - - -332 - -HENRY WINDSOR TO JOHN PASTON[87.2] - -[Sidenote: 1456(?) / [MAY 16]] - -After humble and due recommendacion, please it your gode maistership to -understand that atte makyng of this my pour letter ther were no -noveltees with us, but suche as yee understode full well afor your -departyng, except the Kyng woll in to Scotland in all maner wyse of -werre, and that my Lord of Weltshire shal be made Chaunceller. I suppose -the better is but a sclaunder, and therfore be ye avised howe ye delyver -theym as tidynges. - -Also I wotte ful well where I lefte you in suche matiers as it pleassed -you to make me of your counsell, as touchyng oon matier specially; and -howe that ye said unto me whenne I desired your goode maistership to -shewe favour in suche as ye best myght yf any thing shuld be shewed _ad -lumen_, my Maister F. except; and howe that ye answered and said as it -pleassed you that I was conquered, in trouth, that shuld preve but a -full grete unstabulnes in me with more, &c. But, Sir, I pray you howe -some ever my maister rekeneth with any of his servaunts, bring not the -matier in revolution in the open Courte, for and it were ones opened -afore the Juges howe that any lettre patentes shuld be purchased of an -ante date,[88.1] and the defaute faunde in me, ye wold be a m^l. -[_thousand_] tymes avised, and my Maister F. both, or that ye wold amend -me soo much as I shuld be appered therbe. And therfor I beseche you be -well avised howe that matier be oponed for myn ease. - -I was not desired to write unto you of no on persone, so God be my help, -yourself except; but I wold ye wold take avise and counsell of the -Preest that hadde you soo long under hand on Shorthursday,[88.2] whenne -I and my feleship, God thank you, hadde of you right grete chere to our -grete comfort and your grete coste, howe that the same Preest -understandeth this letter of the Gospell underwriten: 'Jesus dixit -Simoni Petro, Si peccav[er]it in te frater tuus, vade et corripe eum -inter te et ipsum solum; si te audierit lucratus es fratrem tuum. Si -autem te non audierit, adhibe tecum adhuc unum vel duos, ut in ore -duorum vel trium testium stet omne verbum. Quod si non audierit, dic -ecclesiae; si autem ecclesiam non audierit, sit tibi sicut ethnicus et -publicanus,' etc. And in another place, 'Tunc accedens Petrus ad Jesum -dixit, Domine, quotiens petevit [_peccabit_] in me frater meus, [et] -dimittam ei? usque septies? Dicit illi Jesus, Non dico tibi, usque -septies, set usque septuagesies septies.'[89.1] - -My maister can doo no thing, the which shall come in open audience at -thise deies, but it shalbe called your dede. Hit is not unknoon that -cruell and vengible he hath byn ever, and for the most parte with aute -pite and mercy; I can no more but _vade et corripe eum_, for truly he -cannot bryng about his matiers in this word [_world_], for the word is -not for hym. I suppose it wolnot chaunge yetts by likelenes, but I -beseche you, Sir, help not to amend hym onely, by [_but ?_] every other -man yf ye kno any mo mysse disposed. - -I canno more, but as I can or mey, I shal be his servaunt and youres -unto such tyme as ye woll comande me to sursese and leve of, yf it -please hym. - -Sir, I pray you take this copy[89.2] of your statute, it is not examined -be me, for I found hit thise v. yeres pessed. - -Writan in my slepyng tyme at after none, on Wytsonday. Also, Sir, yf I -have rehersed wyttyngly the text of the Gospell syngularly unto your -maistership, I beseche you to be had excused. - - Your own, - - H. W. - - [Footnote 87.2: [From Fenn, iii. 278.] The date of this letter - is doubtful. The two pieces of intelligence at the beginning - were certainly both false rumours, as the writer, indeed, seems - to have suspected. Henry VI. never went to Scotland in manner of - war, and the Earl of Wiltshire never was made Chancellor. But - the time when those rumours seem most likely to have arisen was - in the year 1456, when the Duke of York had been deprived of the - Protectorate. The Earl of Wiltshire, being of the opposite party - to York, was not unlikely to have been talked of as Chancellor, - although the Chancellorship was given on the 7th of March to the - Archbishop of Canterbury. As to the rumoured expedition against - Scotland, we know that in the preceding year James II., in - defiance of the truce, laid siege to Berwick, which offered a - gallant resistance (Nicolas's _Privy Council Proceedings_, vi. - 248). This, however, does not appear immediately to have led to - open war between the two countries. Diplomatic relations were - still carried on till, on the 10th of May 1456, James II. - despatched Lyon Herald to the King of England to declare plainly - that the Truce of 1453 was injurious to Scotland, and that he - did not mean to abide by it (Lambeth MS. 211, f. 146 b). No - reply was made to this message till the 26th of July, when an - answer was despatched by the Duke of York in the King's name - (_see_ Rymer, xi. 383); but there can be little doubt the desire - to punish the insolence of the Scots must have been very general - long before.] - - [Footnote 88.1: A law was passed in the eighteenth year of Henry - VI. to put a stop to the abuse of persons having interest about - the Court procuring antedated letters patent, by means of which - they were enabled to claim the emoluments of lands or offices - granted to them from a date anterior to the actual passing of - the grant. --_See_ Hardy's Introduction to the _Patent Rolls of - King John_, p. xxx.] - - [Footnote 88.2: Shere or Shore Thursday, Maundy Thursday, the - day before Good Friday.] - - [Footnote 89.1: St. Matthew's Gospel, chap. xviii. ver. 15, 16, - 17, and ver. 21, 22.] - - [Footnote 89.2: This relates to papers sent with this letter, - and accounts for there being no direction, as the whole was - enclosed in a parcel.--F.] - - -333 - -JOHN RUSSE TO JOHN PASTON[90.1] - -_To my Maister Paston, in haaste._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / JUNE 1] - -Please your good maistirship to wete that my Lord of Norffolk yaf in -comaundement to Cristofre and to the balif of Colneise to laboure with -us acording to your mocion. And as to Skilly, fermour of Cowhaugh, we -enteryd there, and seyd we wold have payment for the half yeer past, and -sewrete for the half yeer comynge, or ellys we wold distreyne and put -hym out of pocession, and put in a newe fermoure; and so oure demenyng -was suche that we toke no distresse, and yit we have hym bounde in an -obligacion of xviij_li._ payabil at Michelmesse without condecion, and -vj_s._ viij_d._ we receyvid of hym for opocession, for the ferme as yit -remayneth on gatherid in the fermourez handes. But I seyd hym I wold be -ther ageyn for the recedu of the half yeer ferme past withinne this -xiiij. dayes; and he seyd he wold do hise delygence to gather it up. But -he spak with Wentworth sethyn, whiche yef hym an uttyr rebuke, as he -swor to me, and seyd he wold have hys payment of Skylly, and sewe hise -oblygacion this next terme whiche he is bounden in to Wentworth for the -yeerly payment of the same ferme; and the seyd Wentworth seyd he wyll -takyn an accyon of trespas this next terme ageyn us that were there; and -Devyle seyd ye were hender the londes at the begynning of your sute -thanne ye be now, and that shalbe knowe be Lammesse next comyng, for he -hathe thynges to shewe ye saw nevyr yit. Skilly offerid me xl_s._ to -have delyvered hym ageyn hise obligacion, and he wold have put me in -pocession of a distresse, and [_i.e._ if] I wold have delyvered it hym; -he seithe he dede nevyr so mad a dede, for Wentworth wold no bettyr mean -thane we had takyn a distresse. He shuld sone have remedyed that; but -now he seith Skylls is withoute remedy, but he will be payd, &c. - -Item, Sir, as to the fermourez of the manor of Langston in Brustal, we -have also sewyrte be oblygacion withoute condecion payabil at -Michilmesse, and toke no distresse but enteryd the londes; but we had -gret peyne to brynge hem ther to, for ther is one John Cook of Braunford -hath it in ferme of Wentworth all, and he leteth it out ageyn be -parcelles to iij. sondre persones. But he was not at home, where for we -have the same fermourez bounde for payment, and they had no mony redy, -but they have promysed to delyvere Herry Deye at Yepiswiche this day -xx_s._ in party of payment. - -Item, Sir, as to the fermour of the maner of Bentley, clepid Bentley -Houses, we have hym bonde in lyke wyse for the ferme of the seyd maner -from Michilmesse last past tyl Mychelmesse next comyng, in an obligacion -of x. marks payabil at Michilmesse next comyng, without ony condecyon; -and in party of payment I have receyvid of hym xiij_s._ iiij_d._, and he -promyseth me iiij. markes at Lammesse next comyng. And as for Bradwell, -my maistir[91.1] hathe sewyrte; and as for Kyrley Hawe, I was with the -fermour yistirday, but he wyll paye no peny, nor be bounde neithir. -Wherfor my maistir shal sende us to take a distresse tomorwyn, and I -truste we shal fynde sum meanys to have hym bounde, &c. - -Item, John Andrewe hathe in fee yerly of the maner of Coughaugh xx_s._, -and Thomas Denys xiij_s._ iiij_d._ of the maner of Foxhole, but as ferre -as I can enquere, there is payd no more feez out of non of the maneris -to none othir men but to these tweyne. - -Item, as for the endenturis, I sende here with a copy of Skyllyez -endenture and a copy of Deynis endenture, fermour of the maner of -Bentley, clepid Bentley Houses; and Herry Deye shal brynge a copy of -John Cooks endenture of the ferme of the maner of Langston in Brustall; -and as for Wareyn Bonde, he mad nevyr endenture for the ferme of Kyrkley -Hawe, for he hathe ocupyed it but sethin Michilmesse last past; and so -he holdith it but be promyse upon compnaunt [_covenant ?_]. And we shal -gete a copy of Sewalys endenture, fermour of Bradwelle, and me semyth, -savyng your bettyr avyse, it war right expedient that ye shuld for the -sped of this mater be at London in al haste. - -Primo die Junii anno xxxiiij.[91.2] - - Youre humble servaunt and bedeman, - - JOHN RUSSE. - - [Footnote 90.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.]] - - [Footnote 91.1: Sir John Fastolf.] - - [Footnote 91.2: The thirty-fourth year of the reign of Henry VI. - This date is added in a different hand, apparently that of John - Paston, to whom the letter is addressed.] - - [[JOHN RUSSE TO JOHN PASTON[90.1] _footnote tag missing_]] - - -334 - -JOHN BOCKING TO JOHN PASTON[91.3] - -_To my right good maister, John Paston, Squier, at Norwiche, in haste._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / JUNE 7] - -Sir, please it your maistership to wyte, I have my attachements graunted -in open Courte with helpe of Litelton[91.4] and Hewe at Fen, and was -bide to make redy the names, &c. before the Barons, of which -Haltoft[91.5] was one. . . . . . . . . .[91.6] - -As for tidings, the Kyng is at Shene, the Quene at Chestre; the Duc of -Buk was, as I come hiderward, at Writell, the Erle of Warrewyke at -Werrewyke, and the Lords Chaunceller,[92.1] Tresorier,[92.2] and th'Erle -of Sar' [_Salisbury_] in London, and noo more Lords at the begynyng this -day of the grete Counsail. Many men say that there shuld be, but thei -wote not what. The sege shall, as men say, come to Caleys and to Guynes, -for moche puple come overe the water of Somme, and grete navies on the -see. - -Th'Erle of Penbroke[92.3] is with the Kyng, and noo more Lordis. Th'Erle -of Richemond[92.4] and Griffith Suoh (?) are at werre gretely in Wales. -The Comons of Kent, as thei werre wo[n]tte, er not all weel disposid, -for there is in doyng amongs hem what evere it bee. Of Scotts is here -but litell talkyng. My Lord York is at Sendall stille, and waytith on -the Quene and she up on hym. - -I dide my maistress your moderis erands, as ye have herde of, for -Maister William hath writen his entente, and he and Clement faren weel. - -Writen at Horshighdone, vij^mo die Junij. - -Rokewode and Crane faren weel, and thei and I recomaunde hem to my -maistress your wif. - -And as I understande, the Clerke of the Rolles is owte of charite with -Maister Yelverton, and my Lord Chaunceller a litell mevid, &c. - - Your owen, - - J. B. - - [Footnote 91.3: [From Fenn, i. 134.] On comparing this with the - previous letters of Bocking, Nos. 330 and 331, it will be seen - that they must all three be of the same year.] - - [Footnote 91.4: Thomas Lyttelton. --_See_ p. 84, Note 5.] - - [Footnote 91.5: Gilbert Haltoft.] - - [Footnote 91.6: Here, in the original, followed various passages - relating to law business, which Fenn has not printed.] - - [Footnote 92.1: Archbishop Bourchier.] - - [Footnote 92.2: Henry, Viscount Bourchier, was appointed Lord - Treasurer on the 29th May 1455 (_Patent Roll_, 33 Hen. VI., p. - 2, m. 12), and so continued till the 5th October 1456, when the - office was taken from him and given to the Earl of Shrewsbury - (_Patent_, 35 Hen. VI., p. 1, m. 16).] - - [Footnote 92.3: Jasper Tudor. --_See_ vol. ii. p. 298, Note 1.] - - [Footnote 92.4: Edmund Tudor. --_See_ vol. ii. p. 297, Note 6.] - - -335 - -ABSTRACT[93.1] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON, ESQ. - -[Sidenote: 1456 / JUNE 18] - -As to the matters on which Paston sent to him by Will. Barker to desire -his advice, Paston knows that Fastolf has put his whole confidence in -him, and begs he will do with the advice of Fastolf's learned counsel -whatever they jointly think for his weal; 'for ye know well I am so -visited by the hand of God that I may not deal with such troublous -matters, without it should be to great hurt of my bodily welfare, which -I trust ye would not desire.' If you find my Lady of York disposed to -visit this poor place, commend me to her, and tell her how it is with me -that I cannot receive her as I ought. - -Castre, 18 June. - - [As it will appear a little further on that the Duchess of York - visited Caister in 1456, this letter is probably of that year.] - - [Footnote 93.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 242.]] - - -336 - -ABSTRACT[93.2] - -SIR J. FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON. - -[Sidenote: 1456 / JUNE 24] - -To-day my cousin Sir Miles Stapleton, Sir James Braylyes, Andrew -Grygges, 'hyr resseyvor,' and Grymston have been with Fastolf at Castre, -and brought him 253 marks, which they would have paid if he had had the -obligation here. Sends therefore a letter by his servant Colyn how Sir -S. and he are agreed for its deliverance, etc. Sir S. made many strange -insinuations that the money was paid before, partly by assignment to -Clyffton, etc. On the 18th and 19th inst. 'long Bernard, with a priest -of Kent, to the number of 16 horse, hafe, at Nacton, Bentley, and other -places of F., and entered by colour of a deed of feoffment made to the -Lady Roos and others, and hafe right proud language to the farmers, that -they will obtain their intent.' Russe has written more plainly by Nich. -Colman. - -'Item, I charge right greatly the matter of my Lord of Bedford for my -discharge, and for the recovery of my Lord's goods.' Begs Paston to -common with the Lord Chancellor and others about it; and desires him to -give 'mine attorney, Raulyns, and my serjeants' a warning 'to take more -tenderness' about the process of Hykelyng that has been so many years -and days driven off. - -St. John Baptist's Day. - - [From the reference to 'the matter of my Lord of Bedford,' this - letter was most probably written in the year 1456.] - - [Footnote 93.2: [_Ibid._, No. 263.]] - - -337 - -ABSTRACT[94.1] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON. - -'First it is to remember that, upon St. John's day, there was Sir Symond -Brayles, chaplain of my Lady of Suffolk, and in presence of Sir Miles -Stapleton and Edward Grymston, said that the 200 marks was paid before -in the Duke of Suffolk's days.' Can prove by writings that this was not -so, and that he 'offered to put it upon my Lord Chancellor and upon one -or two of Lords of the King's council as my said Lord Chancellor will -call unto him,' that it may be known whether my Lady is wronged or -Fastolf. The L100 of the above sum was not paid by assignment to -Clyffton. Sir Simon complains that the suit was stolen against Sir Thos. -Tuddenham, and judgment given without my Lady's counsel knowing of it; -which can be disproved. - -Castre, St. John Baptist's Day. - - * * * - -'Item, I remembered Sir Simon for the restitution of my revenues of -Dedham 3 year day, and my damage of a mill put down,' etc. I paid 500 -marks for the ward of Sir Rob. Harlyng's daughter for my Lord to Sir -John Clyfton, of which the Duke had no right to receive one penny, for -there was no land held of the King. - - [This letter corresponds so closely with the last that it must have - been written the same day.] - - [Footnote 94.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 238.]] - - -338 - -FRIAR BRACKLEY TO JOHN PASTON[95.1] - -_Honorabili viro Johanni Paston armigero ac confratri suo Willelmo -germano uterino._[95.2] - -[Sidenote: 1456(?) / [JUNE 29]] - -Ryte reverent Syre, &c. I am informyd credybily of a secrete frend that -S. T. T. [_Sir Thomas Tuddenham_] and J. H. [_John Heydon_], with J. A. -[_John Andrews ?_] and other of cursyd covy, wyl bryng with hem many -gentylmen of here bende to compleyn upon me at the next chapitle, &c. -And there fore, by the grace of God, I dispose me, with help of zour -good maysterschip and my Mayster Willyam, zour brother. Where fore, at -the reverens of God, that ze do speke with the clerk men clepyn Brayn, -that kepyth the bokys of here inditementes at the _oyer determyner_, -anno xxix(o) regni Regis; and that an extret or a copy myte schortly be -wrytyn owt of as many namys as dedyn indyte T. T. and J. H. for trespas, -extorsyones, and oppressyonys done to other men, as wele as to my -Mayster Fastolff, etc., that I may be redy to schew to my ordre, lyk a -kalender, a legende of here lyvys and here rewlyng of the cuntre, in -destruccyon and gret myschef of the cuntre in here dayes. At the -reverens of Jesu, forzet not this mater, ne the mater of Dedham, etc. -I wolde ze askyd my good lord and mayster, Yelverton, yf I sent hym ony -letter in the same mater, &c. Dicente Davitico Psalmo:[96.1] _Ne -obliviscaris voces inimicorum tuorum, nam superbia eorum ascendit -semper_ in psalmo; qui et si nunquam ascendant in coelos, utinam nunquam -desendant ab [_ad_] abissos, &c., etsi anima eorum in malis tabescebat, -&c. Scriptum festinacione (?) feria 3^a post festum Natalis Sancti -Johannis Baptistae.[96.2] Recommendetis me magistro meo W. Paston, -confratri vestro, et Thomae Playter cognato meo, cui dicite quod faciat -Willelmum Geneye sibi benivolum quia Sampson filius et heres J. Sampson -olim mariti Katerinae Fastolff apud Owlton mortuus, et ibi sunt duae -viduae, major et minor, senior et junior. Eligatur quae sibi melius -placet. - -Magister Thomas Howys vobis amantissimus se cordialissime recommendat -vobis, etc. Item, Willelmus Wigorniensis recommendat se vobis ex toto -corde. Scribo vobis, utinam ad placitum. - - Vester ad vota, - - F. J. B., _Minorum minimus_. - -I hafe a rolle redy of the inditements, that they were indityd for -trespase and extorsyon and oppressyon done to my Mayster Fastolff, in -the keping of W. Worceter, &c. - -Visa frangatur et in ignem post jaciatur. Si dignemini loqui cum effectu -magistro Ricardo Fysscher, secretario domini mei comitis Warwicensis, -pro cujus nomine et amore promptissimus sum adhuc plura pati, ut -mittatur pro me litera magistro provinciali et diffinitoribus. - - [Footnote 95.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] Dr. John Brackley, the - writer of this letter, was a Grey Friar of Norwich, of - considerable celebrity as a preacher. Several letters of his are - found in this collection, written in the years 1459 and 1460. - This, however, must be a few years earlier, as in 1459 Brackley - writes of William Worcester in very different terms. The - handwriting also is not so close as that of his later letters. - We cannot, however, carry the date further back than 1455, as it - seems that Worcester and Howes were at this time together, which - must have been at Caister. Nor will the year 1455 itself suit - all the circumstances of the letter, for it is evident that John - and William Paston were also together, and as the writer asks - John Paston to speak to Yelverton, it may be presumed they were - in London. Now, John Paston was certainly not in London within a - week after St. John the Baptist's Day in 1455. We have therefore - placed the letter in 1456. It will be observed that, on the 1st - of June in that year, John Russe advised Paston to go up to - London.] - - [Footnote 95.2: This address is in William Worcester's hand. The - letter itself is in Brackley's own.] - - [Footnote 96.1: _See_ Psalm lxxiii. (or lxxiv.) 23.] - - [Footnote 96.2: St. John the Baptist's Day is the 24th June. - _Feria tertia_ means Tuesday.] - - -339 - -FRIAR BRACKLEY TO JOHN PASTON[97.1] - -_Magistro meo venerabili Johanni Paston Armigero detui._ - -Dixi enim magistro meo gardiano ante meum exitum quod magistri mei -generosi et amici alii vellent me juvare pro die Jovis pro pascendo -doctores, patres ac caeteros confratres nostri provincialis capituli; et -in exitu meo consentire noluit, quia Gurnay suus socius et procurator, -frater juvenis nostri conventus et unus sacerdos simplex, curatus de -Worsted, et Bukle, cocus, super se diem praedictum assumpserunt. Et ego -dixi, 'Olim fuit modus quod unus ejusdem loci magister esset praeferendus -in tali diei eleccione. Sed unum scitote, si magistri mei certi generosi -et ego cum eis habere non potuerimus diem quem elegimus, certe pro hoc -tempore nullum alium diem habere volumus.' Utinam placeret vobis ut -magistra mea, uxor vestra, vellet mittere pro magistro gardiano, et -dicere sibi quod ipsa quaesivit a me qualem diem ego haberem pro -fratribus pascendis in tempore capituli et quod ego dixi me habiturum -illum vel certe nullum aliter. Quaecumque ego potero procurare de -pecuniis seu victualibus ego singula venderem et expendere vellem in -reparacionibus, &c. Rogo vos ex caritate ut magistrae meae matri vestrae ac -aliis amicis vestris vobis notis, insinuetis nostram indigenciam pro -faciliori relevamine capituli provincialis. Sic enim ad vestri et mei -magistri mei specialem instanciam praesencialiter habere residenciam -teneo, ut alia loca pro praesenti negocio accedere non valeam, &c. Non -plura pro praesenti sunt calamo praesentanda, nisi quod vos, vestros et -vestra Jesus Christus graciose conservet in prosperis et graciosius -dirigat in agendis. Amen. - -Recommendetis me, si placeat, uxori et matri et confratribus vestris W., -&c. et domino meo Rectori de Blofeld, utinam de Hadle, &c.; cui dicatis -quod hac nocte jacuit Colinus Gallicus cum pulcherima Amasia sua in -camera conducta per eum, &c. Utinam nunquam vigeat, &c. Ipse proponit in -vestra praesentia dicere dicto rectori satis perversa verba. Et spero -quod dominus Rector faciat de sua speciali gratia meum negocium per -Ricardum famulum suum crastina die summo mane expediendum, quia dies -ista est dies ultima, &c. Ex manerio de Castre, Sabbato circa tempus -prandii festinantissime. - -Magister meus[97.2] valde gavisus est quando audivit de vobis quomodo -scienter, audacter, viriliter et veraciter respondistis adversariis -vestris coram Domino Cancellario aliisque dominis, &c. - -Vester prae caeteris orator, - - F. J. B., Minorum minimus. - - [Footnote 97.1: This letter was copied by the Editor from one of - the Royden Hall MSS. in 1875.] - - [Footnote 97.2: Sir John Fastolf.] - - -340 - -HENRY FYLUNGLEY TO SIR JOHN FASTOLF[98.1] - -_To my ryght worshipfull unkle, and my ryght good master, Syr John -Fastalf, Knyght._ - -[Sidenote: 1456(?) / JULY 17] - -Ryght worshipfull unkull, and my ryght good master, I recomaund me to -yow wyth all my servys. And, Sir, my brother Paston and I have comened -togeder as touchinge to your colage that ye wold have made; and, Sir, -hit ys to gret a good that ys axed of yow for youre lycens; for they ax -for every C. marc that ye wold amortyse D. marcz, and woll gefe hit noo -better chepe. - -And, Sir, y told my brother Paston that my Lady of Bargeveney[98.2] -hath, in dyvers Abbeyes in Lecestershyre, vij. or viij. prestes singinge -for her perpetuell, by my brother Darcyes and my unkle Brokesbyes -meanes, for they were her executors; and they acorded for money, and -gafe a cc. or ccc. marc, as they myzt acord for a prest. And for the -suerte that he shuld synge in the same abbey for ever, they had maners -of good valew bounden to such persones as plesed the sayd barthern -[_brethren_] Brokkesby and my brother Darcy, that the sayd servyse -shulde be kept. And for lytell moore then the Kynge axed hem for a -lycence, they went thorgh with the sayd abbots. And y hold this wey as -sure as that other. Ye may comen with youre councell therof. - -And yf there be any servyse that I can do for yow, hit shall be redy at -all tymes, with the grace of God, who have yow in his kepynge. - -Wryten at London, the xvij. day of Juyll. - - Your nevew and servaunt, - - HENRY FYLUNGLEY. - - [Footnote 98.1: [From Fenn, i. 166.] This letter must have been - written about the time Sir John Fastolf first began to make - inquiry on what terms he could obtain a licence for establishing - a college at Caister,--a project which he had much at heart - during the latter years of his life. A letter from Sir John - himself upon this subject will be found a little further on, - dated the 18th November (No. 351), and we think it probable that - this is of the same year, 1456.] - - [Footnote 98.2: Edward Nevill, Lord Abergavenny, was twice - married. His first wife, to whom he owed his title, was - Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Worcester. His - second was Catherine, daughter of Sir Robert Howard. The Lady - here mentioned is probably the former, for though Dugdale says - he obtained a dispensation for his second marriage in 1448, that - date is inconsistent with the age of his son and other facts - mentioned.] - - -341 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON[99.1] - -_To my worshipful cousyn, John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / JULY 31] - -Right trusty and worshipful cousyn, I recomaunde me to yow. And like it -yow to wyte, myn attorny, Raulyns, hathe enformed me that the Jugis have -ruled processe to goo owte ayenst the priour of Hikelyng of distresse -_per omnia bona et catalla_, of whiche the writte and other ar not yet -come fro London. I trust whan thei come, be your good counsail and -meane, the Shireve wil doo his devoir; how be it, as I understande, thei -have sente the Lord Scales all there evidences, and he wil come and -dwelle there hym silf. And I am also enformed, for certeyn, that the -Bushop of Norwiche, for all the truste I hadde to hym, that by his meane -I shulde have knowen there fundacion, he hathe warned his officeres not -to have adoo therinne, by cause of the Lord Scales, &c. Cousyn, I pray -yow, in as moche as the matere, by agrement, was putte in you and -Fyncham, and how that ye, for the same cause, specially kepte your day -at London, and toke not in there defaulte and not myn, that ye wil soo -in caas ye see Fyncham remembre, and to othere there as ye seme it -shulde profite to be knowen, and that yet nevertheles my sute soo -ferforthe I wole yet, as I wolde thanne, and at all tymes am redy; and -soo I wolde the priour knewe, and all othere, as weel his weelwillers as -otheres, as the bringer herof shall declare you more pleinly. As for -tidinges, my folkes ar not yet come fro London. The abbot of Seint -Benettes hathe ben with me, and suche as he tolde me the bringer shall -enforme you. And our Lord Jesu have you in governaunce. - -Writen at Castre, the last day of Julle. - - Your cousyn, - - J. F. - - [Footnote 99.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter is - doubtless of the same year as No. 336, in the end of which - Fastolf wishes his attorney, Rawlyns, urged to greater activity - in the matter of Hickling.] - - -342 - -LORD SCALES TO JOHN PASTON[100.1] - -_To my right trusty and intierly welbeloved frend, John Paston, Squier._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / AUG. 10] - -Right trusty and entierly welbeloved frend, I grete you well, and wull -ze wite that Danyell[100.2] hath required me to write un to you, praying -you that ze wyll kepe the day upon Thursday[100.3] vij. dayes nexst -comyng, which shal be for the best, as I trust; not with standyng I -suppose lerned men wyll not be easy for to gete be cause of this besy -tyme of hervest. Almyghty God have you in Hise governaunce. - -Writen at Mydelton,[100.4] the x. day of August. - - Your frend, - - SCALES. - - [Footnote 100.1: [From Fenn, i. 138.] This letter is dated by a - memorandum at the bottom of the original, in the handwriting, as - Fenn believes, of John Paston: 'Lettera inter Mich. xxxiiij. et - xxxv.'] - - [Footnote 100.2: Thomas Daniel of Rising. --_See_ vol. ii. pp. - 79, 80, 103, etc.] - - [Footnote 100.3: 19th August.] - - [Footnote 100.4: In Norfolk.] - - -343 - -LORD SCALES TO JOHN PASTON[100.5] - -_To my right trusty and welbeloved frend, John Paston, Squier._ - -[Sidenote: About 1456(?)] - -Right trusty and welbeloved frend, I grete you hertly well. And for as -mych as I u[ndyrstond] a bill was made at Yermuth ageyns my cousyn Bryan -Stapylton and hise wy. . . . have set up the said bill in the Kynges -Bench, which bill is in your kepyng, pray[ing] you that ye wyll sende me -the same bill be the bringer herof, to the entent I m[ay] se it. And as -I am informed be my said cousyn, ye shewed hym grete gentilnesse and -benyvolence, wherof I thanke you right hertely. I pray God have you in -governance. - -Writen at Midelton, the xx. day of Septembre. - - Zowr frend, - - SCALES. - - [Footnote 100.5: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter is placed - immediately after another letter of Lord Scales, dated like this - from his seat at Middleton in Norfolk, as probably belonging to - the same period, though the exact year is uncertain.] - - -344 - -ARCHBISHOP BOURCHIER TO JOHN PASTON[101.1] - -_To our right truste and right welbeloved John Paston, Esquier, and -William Norwiche[101.2] and to either of theym._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / SEPT. 7] - -Right truste and right welbeloved, we grete you hertly wel. And where as -Sir Nichol Bowet, Knight, sueth an appeelle in the countee of Norffolk -ayenst oon Robert Offord of Berking for the deeth of oon Sir Henry -Bowet, clerc, we being enformed that the matier is pitevous, praie you -hertly that ye wul in our behalve moeve and entreete the Shirreve of the -saide countee to surceese of the execucion of any processe upon the -exigent[101.3] to hym directed in that behalve unto the next terme, so -that resonable meanes maye be founden to save the saide Robert -harmelesse; lating hym wite that we have written to the saide Sir Nichol -for a convenient treetie to be taken in that behalve, as shalbe thought -according to right. And God have you ever in his keping. - -Written in our Manoir of Mortelake, the vij. daie of September. - - T., ARCHBYSSHOPP OF CANTERBURY. - - [Footnote 101.1: [From Fenn, iii. 276.] This letter may be - presumed to have been written during the time that Archbishop - Bourchier was Lord Chancellor, viz. between 7th March 1455 and - 11th October 1456, when the Great Seal was given to Bishop - Waynfleet. William Norwich, also, was Sheriff of Norwich in - 1455, and is doubtless addressed in that capacity, but his year - of office would not have begun so early as September. The letter - therefore belongs to the following year.] - - [Footnote 101.2: Sheriff of Norwich, 1455; Mayor, 1461. Died, - 1463-4.--Blomefield.] - - [Footnote 101.3: _See_ vol. ii. p. 248, Note 4.] - - -345 - -JOHN BOCKING TO JOHN PASTON[102.1] - -_To my right worshipful Maister, John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / OCT. 8] - -Right worshipful Sir, and my good maister, I recomaunde me to yow, and -have receyvid a lettre from yow by Sir Thomas is man, berer here of. And -as for the accions,[102.2] bothe of ravishement and th'attachement, the -declaracions ar made _tunc solvend'_ and not _solut'_, and as moche -amendid as we can or may be favour have amendid. We hadde be beguyled -and they hadde not be sen in Norffolk, for here til this day come noo -counsaill; and to have _per manus Johannis Wyngfelde_ it wole not be, -for we can not bringe it inne, and also it is to late. - -And as for iiij^{xx}_li._ [_fourscore pounds_],[102.3] Fenn and I mette -with Worsop this day, and he spake soore to Fenn and me, and we put hym -overe, saying we wolde doo as moche as we myghte. I thinke verily that -Fenn wole deserve ther inne a thanke, but I can not understande hym what -he wolde be doon to, or how rewardid, for whanne I speke of it he is -desplesid, and seithe he desirith noo rewarde; but he farith as a man -wole sey he wold noo silvere, and lokith awaywardes and takith a noble. -And he hath written to yow of the matere of Sir Philip Wentworthe -touching this writte of _liberate_,[102.4] whiche is but a color and noo -warant sufficient, ner we owe not to doo no thinge that shuld obeye it, -ner the Shireve nother dothe but of favor that he dothe to hem, and hym -liste otherwise to doo, as Fenn writeth yow more pleinly. And as for a -_supersedies_ [_sic_], there lithe noon, as he seith, up on a -_liberate_. - -And as for entryng in Bradwell, thei doo opyn wronge, for after myn -patent opteyned, there was a writte to sease it into the Kynges hande, -and soo it was and is. And as to your patent, it is counsailled me to -have a writte to th'eschetor _de custodia liberanda_, whiche may not be -denyed. And if we myght have _una cum exitibus a tempore mortis_, it -were a sovereigne writte. It shalbe assaied, and doo thertoo what can -lete; the fermours be promised to be saved harmeles and chargid not to -paie ony thing to them. - -And as for the iiij^{xx}_li._ [_fourscore pounds_] to be sette on -Olivere is taile, I can not see it wole be, for there is noo suche -worlde to bringe it abowte. It is faire, and we can ghete it on Fulthorp -is dette by grete labor for agrement, for I drede it wole be moste agayn -us that it is of recorde soo longe unpaied. And Hue at Fenn sueth now to -Nailer to ghete owte moo _liberates_, suche as the last were to the last -eschetor. And this God graunte thei take good spede. - -And as to your isseus, I shal accordyng to your lettre speke with -Gresham whanne he cometh, and the Juges and Barons bothe shalbe enformed -of the title of Wentworthe, as ye write, and how it is up on a feyned -dede upon surrender, and a patent cancelled, &c., which Fenn hath -promisid to doo. - -And as to Sir Thomas matier, I write un to yow and hym joinctly what -hathe be doon therinne at this tyme. And Jesu have yow in kepyng. - -Writen at Suthwerk, the viij. day of Octobre. - -As to tidinges, the Kyng and the Quene ar at Coventre.[103.1] The -Counsail be ganne there yesterday, and my Lord Shrewyshbury,[103.2] -Tresorier of England, and John Wode shalb [_shall be_] Under-Tresorer. -Thus thei say in the Chequer. - - Your owen, - - J. B. - - [Footnote 102.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] The body of this - letter relates entirely to proceedings in the dispute between - Sir John Fastolf and Sir Philip Wentworth about the wardship of - Thomas Fastolf. The postscript alone relates to public matters. - The date will appear by the footnotes.] - - [Footnote 102.2: Against Sir Philip Wentworth.] - - [Footnote 102.3: This sum was to be paid by John Bocking and - William Worcester for a patent of the wardship of Thomas - Fastolf. --_See_ Letter 347 following.] - - [Footnote 102.4: _See_ p. 77, Note 5.] - - [Footnote 103.1: The Privy Seal dates show the King to have been - at Coventry between the 20th September and the 14th October - 1456.] - - [Footnote 103.2: John Talbot, second Earl of Shrewsbury, was - appointed Treasurer on the 5th October 1456.--_Patent Roll_, 35 - Hen. VI., p. 1, m. 16.] - - -346 - -BOTONER TO JOHN PASTON[104.1] - -_To my Maister Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1456(?) / OCT. 12] - -Please yow to wete that I hafe remembred of the langage that I hafe late -lerned W. Barker had to yow and othyrs of his accomptes apposyng,[104.2] -and of that they be not hole bethyn [_between_] ws, but yn division, &c. -Sir, as I may sey yow, hyt was nevere othyrwyse, ne nevere ys lyke to -be; for now they hafe do with Lowys, he that ys next shall be yn the -same as he was yn gelosye; for when my maister comaundyth such as of -force, by reson of her occupacion, most be nere hym, to do a message to -hys felow, or question of hym, hyt shall be ymagyned amonges our -felyshyp that he doth make maters to my maister. And so it ys ymagyned -of me when I wryte lettres to London, to Bokkyng or Barker, that yn such -maters as please hem not, then it ys my doyng; yff it take well to theyr -entent, then it ys her [_their_] doyng. And yn gode feyth, so it was -ymagyned of me and othyrs that wrote, by my maister comaundment, to -Castre, to the parson of Blofeld, Geffrey Spyrlyng, and othyrs, that of -such maters as was lykyng to hem and coude be sped by help of my maister -frendes as by theyr solicytyng, then it was seyd that it was theyr -avice, labour, and doyng. And yff the maters went not to my maister -entent, ne that they coude not bryng aboute the mater, then it was -imagyned and jangled that it was my wrytyng and doyng. I bare nevere my -maister purs, ne condyt nevere chargeable mater alone of hys yn lawe, -for my discrecion ne connyng know not whate such maters menyth. I knew -nevere of _oyer_ ne _terminer_, ne rad nevere patent before, ne my -maister knew nevere the condyt of such thynges; and when he wrote of hys -grevonse to hys frendys, he commaunded no man to be endyted, for he wyst -not whate belonged to such thynges, ne the parson neyther, but remitted -it to his councell lerned. There was no man gretter at hert with hym, as -Andreus wyth Heydon, because of castyng Bradwell and Tychewell yn the -Kynges handes, and toke awey the waarde. And I came nevere at the _oyer -and terminer_. - -By God, my maister lost c. marc by a seute of Margyt Bryg upon a defence -of atteynt, because a quest passed ayenst hyr of xij. penyworth lond by -yeer; and I dar sey and prefe it, my maister never spake of hyr, ne knew -hyr not, ne wrote to sew hyr at the _oyer and terminer_, as I am -remembred. Yhyt yt was well deffended, at my maister grete cost and -labour, and myne pore labour also. Yhyt ought not I, ne none such yn my -stede, beer the wyte [_blame_] wyth Sir Thomas, ne none othyr; he that -takyth the tolle most take the charge, hyt ys hys negligence that wille -take the labour more then he may awey. I wold the parson ys wellfare -asmoch as man lyvyng, to my wreched power; and yff, or when, ye hyre -onye froward ymagynacions, I pray yow gefe no credence tille ye hyre it -aunsuerd. I am eased of my spyrytes now that I hafe expressed my leude -[_ignorant_] menyng, because of my felow Barker, as of such othyr -berkers ayenst the mone, to make wysemen laugh at her foyle. Our Lord -kepe yow. - -Wryt at Castre the xij. day of October. - - Your - - W. BOTONER. - -I hafe and do purchasse malgre to remembre of evidenses lakkyng by -negligence, &c. And therfor I most be muet and suffre gretter losses but -[_unless_] it be othyrwyse concydered. I sende yow the copie of your -patentes,[105.1] in parchement, and I hafe remembred as well as I can -both the stuard and Bertilmeu Elys for execucion ayenst the pleggs of -your seyntuarye, carpenter (?) Snow, that evere ys disposed to breke -promysses. Foryefe me of my leude lettre wrytyng, and I pray yow laugh -at it. - - [Footnote 104.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] The date of this - letter is uncertain, but must be between the years 1454 and - 1459, when Botoner was at Caister. Bocking and Barker seem to - have been in London at the time, which we know was the case in - February 1456; and as we have evidence that Bocking at least was - still there in October, we may perhaps attribute this letter to - the October of 1456.] - - [Footnote 104.2: The _apposing_ of accounts was the charging of - an accountant with the balance due by him to his employer.] - - [Footnote 105.1: Probably the patent of 6th June 1454, granting - the wardship of Thomas Fastolf to John Paston and Thomas - Howes. --_See_ No. 248 (in vol. ii.), also the letter following.] - - -347 - -SIR THOMAS HOWES TO JOHN PASTON[106.1] - -_To my right goode maister, John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 or 1457] - -Reverent Sir, &c. Please yow to wete that it [is] so that my maister, of -his owen frowardness, and of non other mannys mevyng, hat sent a warent -to Cristefor that he shuld delyver me no mony tyll the iiij^{xx}_li._ -[_fourscore pounds_] where payed for Bokkyng and Wurcestre -patent;[106.2] and yf the seyd Cristefore delyvered me any mony, that he -shuld take a sewerte of me therfor, nowthwithstandyng my maister preyed -me that I shuld reherce alle thynge in my name, where of I held me -content. And now I fele this traytour wrytyng under nethe, and I nowth -prevy ther to, at my comyng owt causet me to thynk the more hevynes, &c. -Nevertheles, I prey yow that a mene may be taken of trety by the mene of -Clopton or Ellys. Sende me word, and I shal seke menys of trety, for, be -God, I shal trust no more no fayre wordes; and there to I shall lete -alle the Lords of this lond knowe what wrytyngs I have, and his -disposicion. Save yowre reverens, Cristyfor sal (?) have swyche a -maister, &c. I prey yow, as ever I may do yow service or be yowre -bedeman that ye wele sende me yowre avise. I had lever paye xx. marke, -or x_li._ in hande and x_li._ yerely furthe, with myn enemyndz good -love, than to yelde me to preson ayens here entent, and sewe forth the -tyncte. And no trost what my maister wele do, for I can right evele -beleve that he wele bere owt the cost of the tyncte whan he maket -straunge to ley dowun the condempnacion, &c. - -Wretyn brevely at Horseydown the Wenesday after messe, anno xxxv^to. - - T. HOWYS. - -I shal nowt leve this mater to serve the most enemy that he hat in -Inglond. I wele non of his good. I have lever other men go to the Dille -[_Devil ?_] for his good than I do. - - [Footnote 106.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter is dated - by the writer in the 35th year of Henry VI., but he does not say - in what month it was written. The 35th of Henry VI. was reckoned - from the 1st September 1456 to the 31st August 1457. Taken in - connection with the postscript of Botoner's letter immediately - preceding (the date of which letter this partly confirms), it is - not unlikely that this was written about October. Perhaps - 'Wednesday after messe' should have been 'Wednesday after - Michaelmesse.' If so, the exact date would be October 6th.] - - [Footnote 106.2: The wardship of Thomas Fastolf was at first - granted to John Paston and Thomas Howes, by patent of the 6th - June 1454, and for this they agreed to pay 100 marks into the - Exchequer. But, for some reason or other, a new arrangement was - made, and the wardship was granted by another patent, dated 12th - December 1454, to John Bokkyng and William Worcestre, who - offered the King 20 marks over what Paston had offered, _i.e._ - L80 in all.--See _Patent Roll_, 33 Hen. VI., p. 1, m. 10.] - - -348 - -JAMES GRESHAM TO JOHN PASTON[107.1] - -_To the right worshipfull and myn especiall maister, John Paston, -Esquyer, in hast be this delivered._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / OCT. 16] - -After al due recomendacion, like it you to wete, that the day of your -assise is _die Lunae proximo post tres septimanas Sancti Michaelis_, -whiche is on Moneday come vij. nyght; at whiche tyme I trost ye wole be -here, or ellis can I do lytell or nought there inne. - -As touchyng your mater ageynst Gunnore, that dwelleth in lawe, I have -spoken to Lyttelton,[107.2] and comuned with hym there in, but it is not -yet spoke of atte barre. Gunnore hath waged his lawe[107.3] of that he -haade his day to wage it of, &c. - -As touchyng your issues at Wentworth sute, it is ij_s._, and it was -retourned er I come here. My Maister Fastolfs councel taketh heed -thereto, &c. - -As for tydynges, my Lord Chaunceler[108.1] is discharged. In his stede -is my Lord of Wynchestre.[108.2] And my Lord of Shrewisbury[108.3] is -Tresorer, and Broun[108.4] of your Inn is Undertresorer. If ye wold -sende to hym to graunte you the namyng of th'eschetorship of Norffolk, -&c., it were weel do, for it is told me he wold do moche for you. - -Maister Lawrence Bothe[108.5] is Prive Seall. And it is seid that my -Lord of York[108.6] hath be with the Kyng, and is departed ageyn in -right good conceyt with the Kyng, but not in gret conceyt with the Whene -[_Queen_]; and sum men sey, ne hadde my Lord of Buks[108.7] not have -letted it, my Lord of York had be distressed in his departyng. - -On Moneday last passed was a gret affray at Coventre bytwene the Duke of -Somersets men and the wechemen [_watchmen_] of the toun, and ij. or iij. -men of the toun were kylled there, to gret disturbance of alle the Lords -there; for the larom belle was ronge, and the toun arose, and wold have -jouperdit to have distressed the Duke of Somerset, &c., ne had the Duke -of Buks not have take a direccion therein. - -Also it is seid the Duke of Buks taketh right straungely that bothe his -brethren[108.8] arn so sodeynly discharged from ther offices of -Chauncellerie and Tresoryship; and that among other causeth hym that his -opynyon is contrary to the Whenes [_Queen's_] entent, and many other -also, as it is talked. Item, sum men seyn, the counseal is dissolved, -and that the Kyng is forth to Chester,[109.1] &c. Also summe sey that -many of the Lords shall resorte hiddir to London ageynst Alhalwen tyde. - -And as touchyng th'eleccion of Shirefs, men wene that my Lord of -Canterbury shall have a gret rule, and specyall in our countre. - -I can no more, but Almyghty God send us as his most pleaser is. - -Wretyn al in hast, the Saterday next after Seint Edwards day. - - Your Servaunt, - - JAMES GRESHAM. - - [Footnote 107.1: [From Fenn, i. 24.] This letter is assigned by - Fenn to the year 1449, but the true date is 1456, as will be - seen by the footnotes.] - - [Footnote 107.2: _See_ p. 84, Note 5.] - - [Footnote 107.3: Wager of law was an ancient process by which a - defendant cleared himself in an action of debt. He gave sureties - that on a certain day he would 'make his law,' then took oath - that he did not owe the plaintiff anything, as alleged, and - called eleven compurgators to swear they believed him.] - - [Footnote 108.1: Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury, - afterwards Cardinal.] - - [Footnote 108.2: William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester, was - appointed Chancellor in Archbishop Bourchier's place on the 11th - October 1456.] - - [Footnote 108.3: John Talbot, second Earl. He was appointed - Treasurer on 5th October 1456.--_Patent Roll_, 35 Hen. VI., p. - 1, m. 16.] - - [Footnote 108.4: John Brown. --_See_ William Wyrcestre's _Annals_ - under the year 1468.] - - [Footnote 108.5: Afterwards Bishop of Durham, and finally - Archbishop of York.] - - [Footnote 108.6: Richard, Duke of York.] - - [Footnote 108.7: Humphrey Stafford, Duke of Buckingham.] - - [Footnote 108.8: The two Bourchiers, viz. Thomas Bourchier, - Archbishop of Canterbury, and Henry, Viscount Bourchier, the - former of whom had been Lord Chancellor and the latter Lord - Treasurer (_see_ Notes 1, 2, and 3 above), were the Duke of - Buckingham's half-brothers by the mother's side.] - - [Footnote 109.1: The Court had been staying at Coventry.] - - -349 - -ABSTRACT[109.2] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON. - -[Sidenote: 1456 / NOV. 10] - -Begs him in the end of the term to come home by Dedham, along with -William Worcester and Barker, to see to the accounts of barley and such -husbandry as is used there. As to Wighton in Yorkshire, Bokkyng reminds -me you spoke to me that my son Scrope and his father-in-law[109.3] -should have all the lyvelode of my wife's in farm, to which I agreed, or -else that Lord Vesey would have Wighton, as he once had, at a rent of -L34--much more than I make it worth yearly. Do as you think best for me. -I had rather my son Scrope had it with sufficient surety. - -Castre, 10 Nov. - - * * * - -Begs him to common with William Worcester that by means of my Lord of -Canterbury, or otherwise, Master William Clyf and others of the -executors of John Wellis may be spoken to for the recovery of great good -that William Worcester knows Wellis owed to Fastolf. - - [The date of this letter appears to be 1456. Of the years when - Fastolf resided at Caister, it is not 1454, because in that year - Barker could not have been in London on the 10th November (_see_ No. - 265). It is not 1455, because Worcester appears to have been at that - time at Caister (_see_ Nos. 305 and 306). The same appears to have - been the case in 1457, though we can only judge by a letter of the - 29th October; and although Worcester certainly was in London in - November 1458, Sir John Fastolf was then in London with him.] - - [Footnote 109.2: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 241.]] - - [Footnote 109.3: Richard Bingham, Judge of the King's Bench.] - - -350 - -ABSTRACT[110.1] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON AT THE TEMPLE. - -[Sidenote: 1456 / NOV. 15] - -Received certain letters by Henry Hanson on Thursday last, including one -from William Barker written in Lukett's hand, and two bills of -supplication, one of which, in the name of the tenants of Cotton, he has -sent to Paston, as he has already written. John Russe and Geoff. -Spyrlyng have ridden to Cotton in consequence, and will inform Paston -how they speed. Thinks the bill 'right good and well spoken according to -the truth of their riotous demeaning.' Received at the same time a bill -written in his own name, of which he approves. Hears that young Henry -Wentworth, young Calthorpe, and young Brews were at the distress-taking, -among others. Has perfect confidence in Paston as to the treaty, and -hopes to obtain again the manor of Bradwell by some means, as clear as -he had it before his unhappy release. Hears that the Chief Justice -'rectid the matter' in Parliament before the Lords, and showed how -Fastolf was wronged in that it was untruly found by the office that he -had disseised Sir Hue Fastolf of the manor, whereas he has documents -proving a true sale. My Lady of York has been here, 'and sore moved me -for the purchase of Castre.' Begs him to devise means for the licence of -mortising of certain buildings for the foundation of a college, 'as ye -and I have commoned of before.' William Worcester can show him a copy of -one passed by the King, and signed ready to the late Chancellor -Stafford. Desires him to make himself acquainted with two chaplains -about my Lord of Canterbury and my Lord Chancellor. William Barker -writes of a general treaty, to which he can make no answer further than -he has already done to Yelverton and Paston. - -Castre, Monday after St. Martin. - - [In this letter, as in the last, we have Worcester and Barker both - in London, which, we have seen, points to the year 1456. It is clear - also that this letter was written just before that which follows.] - - [Footnote 110.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 259.]] - - -351 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON[111.1] - -_To the worshipful and my right welbeloved cosyn, John Paston, at the -Temple, or to William Barker, at Suthwerk, be this delvered._ - -[Sidenote: 1456 / NOV. 18] - -Worshipful cosyn, I comaunde me to yow. And where as I late wrote unto -yow in a lettre by Henre Hansson for the fundacion of my college, I am -soore sette therupon; and that is the cause I write now, to remembre yow -agayn to meve my Lords of Canterbury[111.2] and Wynchestre[111.3] for -the licence to be opteined, that I might have the morteisying withowte -ony grete fyne, in recompence of my longe servise contynued and doon un -to the Kyng, and to his noble fader, whom God assoile, and nevere yette -guerdoonned or rewarded. - -And now sithe I have ordeyned to make the Kyng founder, and evere to be -prayed fore, and for his right noble progenitors, hise fader, and -uncles, me thinketh I shuld not be denyed of my desire, but the rather -to be remembrid and spedde. - -Wherfore, as I wrote un to yow, I pray yow acqueynte me and yow, for the -rather spede here of, with a chapelleyn of my Lord of Caunterbury, that -in your absence may remembre me, and in like wise with my Lord -Chaunceller;[112.1] for seyng the Kyngs disposicion, and also hise, un -to the edyfyeng of God is service, it myght in noo bettyr tyme be mevid, -&c. - -My Lord of Norffolk is remevid from Framlyngham on foote to goo to -Walsyngham,[112.2] and deily I wayte that he wolde come hidre. - - Your cosyn, - - J. FASTOLF. - - [Footnote 111.1: [From Fenn, i. 164.] This letter, as printed by - Fenn, bears no date in itself, but in the editorial note at the - foot it is dated: 'Caister, 18th of November.' Probably this - date is expressed in the original, but has been accidentally - omitted in the printing. If so, the year in which it was written - must be either 1456 or 1457, and most probably the former. In - 1455 the Archbishop of Canterbury and my Lord Chancellor were - one and the same person, which they evidently are not here; and - in 1458 it appears by the Castlecombe MSS. that Sir John Fastolf - was in London on the 26th November, so that he is not likely to - have been expecting a visit from the Duke of Norfolk at Caister - eight days before. On the other hand, if this was written in the - year 1456, it must be remembered that Archbishop Bourchier had - been just recently discharged of the office of Lord Chancellor, - which was given to Bishop Waynfleet on the 11th October, and it - is highly probable that the Archbishop had been already spoken - to on the subject in his capacity of Chancellor.] - - [Footnote 111.2: Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop.] - - [Footnote 111.3: William Waynfleet, Bishop.] - - [Footnote 112.1: William Waynfleet, the Bishop of Winchester - before mentioned.] - - [Footnote 112.2: On pilgrimage to the famous shrine of Our Lady - at Walsingham.] - - -352 - -ABSTRACT[112.3] - -PROCEEDINGS IN A SUIT IN MICHAELMAS TERM, 35 HEN. VI. - -[Sidenote: 1456 / NOV.] - -I. Writ to the Sheriff of Suffolk to attach John Andrewe of Boylom, and -bring him before the Barons of the Exchequer on the morrow of All Souls -to answer, along with Sir Philip Wentworth and Thos. Deyvill of -Netlestede, to the suit of John Paston and Thomas Howys. - -II. Pleadings. The King committed the wardship of Thomas, son and heir -of John Fastolf of Cowhawe, to Paston and Howes by patent, 6th June 32 -Hen. VI.; but on the 8th June 32 Hen. VI., Andrewe and Deyvill, with -force and arms, entered Sholond Hall, Suffolk, and Foxhole, and Bentley -Houses, etc., and took rents to the sum of L360, and underwood to the -value of L40. Imparlance granted till 26th Nov., when the parties were -not agreed. _Venire facias_ was then awarded _a die Sancti Helarii in -xv. dies_. - - [Footnote 112.3: [Add. Charter 17,244, B.M.]] - - -353 - -JOHN DORY TO JOHN PASTON [113.1] - -_To my ryth wurchepfull sovereyn and master, John Paston, be this -delyveryd in hast._ - -[Sidenote: About 1456(?)] - -Ryth wurshepfull master and sovereyn, I recomaunde me to you, besechyng -you to pardon me that I cum not to awayte up on you like as Barkere -wrote to me. For I have notable and grete causis syth the lettere cam -from hym, the qweche hath chaungyd my purpos, and be my master the -Schreve is wrytyng, on to weche I must aplie me, all excusis leyd apart. -And as for the wrytyng Barkere wrote to me, be the qweche he directyth a -gret default in my deputys for return of the _habeas corpus_ with -_ducens tecum_, ther as is none, I dar seye, for John Rede spek to all -my master Fastolfs councell to advyse hym in the return, and to have -returnyd hit after ther conceyt, and thei wuld gyf hym non advys. -Nevertheles I now understande ther entent be Barkere is wrytyng; for -thei wuld put alle juparte up on me to myn utter ondoyng, and yit to do -my trewe part in execucion of ther entent, for ye knowell my master hath -put the juparte and the losse, if any growe, to me on his part. And ther -for I may repent the tyme that ever I promysyd my trewe and good wyll to -that entent. For alle the malesse and evylwill that is owyng to me in -alle the Schere ys for that mater and non other, the qweche hath -grettely hurt me, and in tyme comyng schall hurt more. But lete them -hold me excusyd, thei schall not have my goodwill so feythfully as thei -have had, be my troweth, and I schall helpe my sefl [_sic_] as I may. -And, Sire, I be seche you, thynke not that I pyke this be waye of -qwarell, that I myth be this querell owe my good wyll to the toder part, -for thei schall never have yt in that mater, nor in non other. And for -good the qweche I have receyvyd yff be thowth I have not deservyd yt I -am abill to content yt a geyn. And on Friday nexst foluwyng I schall be -with you atte Norwich be Goddys grace, and knowe your entent in this -mater. - -No more, &c., but &c. - - Be your man and servaunt, - - JOHN DORY under Schreve of Norffolk. - - [Footnote 113.1: [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 170.] The name of Dory - occurs only once elsewhere in these letters, and then without a - Christian name; but the person so referred to (at the end of No. - 330) is probably the under-sheriff of Norfolk; and this letter, - which is likewise concerned with Fastolf's business, may have - been written about the same period.] - - -354 - -JOHN BOCKING TO JOHN PASTON[114.1] - -[Sidenote: 1457(?) / APRIL 2] - -Sire, lyke it your maistership to wete that I sende you at this tyme the -rolle of the copies of all patentes, and the appoyntement with Wentworth -laste, and also a abstracte drawen as it come simply to my remembrance. -And I shalbe with you sumtyme the next weke. All men ar owte at this -tyme, as the Parson,[114.2] Worcester, and Barker; and therfore til thei -come, I may not owte. H. Wyndesor departid on Monday, and will doo that -he can. He telleth me Lumleys patent is in his awarde, but it is of noo -force. And also he hathe Constable is ij. [_second ?_] patente, and that -is moste ayenst us, &c. He wil purveie therfore as ye knowe myn -maister[114.3] comaundit hym to yow. - -Here hath ben Wilton with the dede of feffement yesterday, and all men -hadde ensealed sauf myn maister that now hathe ensealed, and H. Inglose -is right soory. I can no newe tidinges, but that myn maister hath put -his matier of Issabells in Scroudeby, and the rente of the priour of -Norwiche dieu to Heilesdon in your hande and Thomas Grene. Ye shal the -next weke have the evidences. And Jesu kepe you and youres. - -I sende myn Maistres Crane a lettre fro hir brother, but I have the -credence, whiche I can not say but if she appose me for certein materes -of hir brotheres. - -Writen at Castre, the ij. day of Aprill. - - Your owen servaunt, - - J. B. - - [Footnote 114.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] The date of this - letter is very uncertain. In 1456 the writer dates from - Southwark on the 8th of May, and in 1458 from London on the 14th - of March, so that there is rather a presumption against his - being at Caister on the 2nd of April in either of these years. - But these points, it must be owned, are little to be relied on, - as Bokking certainly passed to and fro a good deal between - London and Norfolk. The date must, however, be between 1455 and - 1459. The letter has no address, but was doubtless intended for - John Paston.] - - [Footnote 114.2: Thomas Howes.] - - [Footnote 114.3: Sir John Fastolf.] - - -355 - -BOTONER TO JOHN PASTON[115.1] - -_To my Maister Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1457 / APRIL 20] - -Please you to wete that, after dew recommendacion, hyt yt so that my -maister sendyth me to London for the mater of Rochestr, as for dyvers of -hys oune particuler maters which concern not the lawe, &c.; and I am -lyke to tarye till ye com, in case ye com wythynne iij. wekys. - -Sir, at reverence of God, seth my maister ys fully yn wille to renew hys -fefment, that it may be do be tyme by the surest grounde that may be -had, for, be it nevyr so suerly don, hyt shall be thought lytille ynowgh -to kepe hys lond owte of trouble; and to spare for no councell ne cost -to make sure, for a peny yn seson spent wille safe a pounde. I comyned -with my broyder Spyrlyng, which seyth he wille do hys attendaunce, and -to kepe it ryzt close of the namys. Taryeng drawyth parell. - -And ye meved a gode mater to the Parson and to me at your last beyng at -Castr, that my maister shud be lerned whate hys housold standyth uppon -yerlye, seth he kept it holye to ghedr at one place; and that don, then -to see by the revenues of hys yeerly lyfelode whate may be leyd and -assigned owte for that cause to meynteyn hys seyd housold, and over -that, whate may be assigned to beere owte hys plees, and also do pay for -hys foreyn chargs[115.2] and dedes of almes to a convenyent somme. - -And seth the grettist ordynarye charge most be hys housold kepyng, hyt -were moste exspedyent that ye wold note well to remembre specially my -maister to do hys audyt[or]es cast up and make rollys of hys accompts -concernyng the seyd housold seth he came yn to Norffolk thys ij. yer and -half, whych was nevyr so long to doo thys xl. wynter as ye now. And it -ys pytee that hys audyt ys none ethyr wyse yn that entended; ye must -nedys, yff ye wille my maister know how hyt stand with hym yerly of hys -chargs, that thys be do fyrst, as it was allwey accustomed. My maister -wille acord it to be don, but it ys forgete throwgh negligence of men -yoven to sensualite, as Thomas Upton, me, and othyrs. My maister can not -know wheder he go backward or forward till thys be doon. - -I can not elles, but ye wille not foryete thys that the audyt[or]es go -verraily aboute it to an ende. And Haylysdon accompts be behynde for ij. -yeer to [_too_] grete pite ys, and it wer yours or yn any wyseman -gouveraunce. - -At Norwich hastly, the Wenstay in Ester weke. - - BOTO-H.R.-NER. - - [Footnote 115.1: [From Fenn, iii. 294.] It appears from the - contents of this letter that it was written two and a half years - after Sir John Fastolf came to live in Norfolk, which he did in - the autumn of 1454. The date therefore is certain.] - - [Footnote 115.2: Charges not connected with his household - accounts.--F.] - - -356 - -BOTONER TO JOHN PASTON[116.1] - -_To the ryght worshypfull Sir, John Paston, Escuier, beyng in Norwych, -yn haste._ - -[Sidenote: 1457 / MAY 1] - -Ryght worshypfull Sir, aftyr dewe recommendacion, please yow to wete -that I wrote a remembraunce to yow the day that I departed owte of -Norwich, by Rychard, the Parson ys servaunt of Blofeld, concernyng -certeyn maters to be remembred by your wysdom for my maister ys avaylle, -whych your grete wysdom can well undrestand ys ryght nedefull, as one -thyng yn especiall, that Shypdam and Spyrlyng ought to labour, fyrst of -onye thyng that belongyth, to audyt the accompts of the resseyt and -despense of my maister housold at Castr seth he came last in to -Norffolk, whych aswell for the provisyons that ys had of hys oune -grownyng as in money payd; for till the seyd accompts be made -ordynatlye, whych be of a grete charge yeerlye, wete ye for certeyn my -maister shall nevere know whethyr he goth bakward or forward. And manye -othere accomptants that maken lyvere of provysyons of cornys and catell -to the household by the resseyvour and by the bayllyfs can not approve -theyr liberatz just tille the seyd housold bokes be made upp; and seth -it hath be kept ordynarylye seth my maister begen to kepe house thys l. -yeer almoste, and when he hath be absent beyond see, &c., hyt ought to -be more redelyer be doon and made upp whyle he is present, and well the -rathere that hys housold menye were not so hole to ghedr thys xl. yer as -be now at Castr. Also hyz minustrs of accompts of hys chieff maner of -Haylysdon for iij. yeer to make upp and to examyn; and I ensure yow full -simplye approwed hys wollys and hys fermys. - -And the iij^d ys that so wold Jesus my maister audytors wold faythfully -and playnlye enforme my maistr of the trouth of the yeerly grete damage -he beryth in debursyng hys money aboute shyppes and botes, kepyng an -house up at Jermuch [_Yarmouth_] to hys grete harme, and resseyvyth but -chaffr and waare for hys cornys and wollys, &c. and then most abyde -along day to make money; of such chaffr takyng he shall nevere[117.1] be -monyed, ne be aunsuerd clerly of hys revenues yeerly but [_unless_] -those thyngs abofeseyd be amended be tyme. Yn Lowys days xij. yeer to -gheder my maister was wont to ley upp money yeerly at London and Castr, -and now the contrarye--_de malo in pejus_. - -I dar not be know of thys bille, but ye may question and vele of the -disposicion of thys maters of otheres, and then I undrstand yff I wryt -justlye or no; and ye, as of your mocion for my maister worshyp and -profyt, exortyng hym, the stuard, Shypdam, and Spyrlyng to take a labour -and a peyn that thys be reformed. - -I pray yow, and require yow kepe thys mater to your sylf. - - Yowr, - - BOTONER. - -As for nouveltes none comth,[118.1] but yt ys seyd the sege shall com to -Calix. The Erle of Warwyk[118.2] ys yhyt at Caunterbury with the -Archbyship,[118.3] and the Erle younger brothere[118.4] maryed to Sir -Eadmund Yngylthorp doughter uppon Seynt Marks Day. The Erle of -Worcestr[118.5] broght aboute the maryage. The Queen and the Kyng at -Herford,[118.6] the Lordes Bokyngham,[118.7] Shrewsbury,[118.8] and -otheres ther. And now it ys seyd Herbert[118.9] shall com ynne, and -apper at Leycester before the Kyng and the Lordes, hys lyfe graunted and -godes, so he make amendys to theym he hath offended. Manye be endyted, -som causelese, which makyth Herbert partye streng, and the burgeys and -gentlemen aboute Herford wille goo wyth the Kyng wyffe and chylde, but a -pease be made or the Kyng part thens, for ell[es] Herbert and hys -affinite wille acquyt them, as it ys seyd. - -The Erle of Warwyk hath had the folks of Caunterbury and Sandwych before -hym, and thanked hem of her gode herts and vytaillyng of Calix, and -prayeth hem of contynuaunce. - -I sende a bille of the namys endyted to my maister and yow, to see and -laugh at theyr Wellsh names descended of old pedegris. Our Lord be with -yow. - -Wryt hastly at London, the fyrst day of May. - - BOTONER. - - [Footnote 116.1: [From Fenn, iii. 298.] That this letter was - written in the year 1457 appears pretty clear from its agreement - with the last, in which Botoner speaks of the expediency of - getting the accounts of Fastolf's household audited, and - mentions that his master was sending him up to London. A further - confirmation of the date may be found in the dates of the Privy - Seals of the 35th year of Henry VI., which show that the King - was at Hereford during April, though he had removed to Worcester - on the 4th of May.] - - [Footnote 117.1: The left-hand copy in Fenn reads 'neide,' but - the modern version 'never,' which is clearly the true reading.] - - [Footnote 118.1: So in Fenn, but qu. 'couth.' --_See_ p. 41.] - - [Footnote 118.2: Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick.] - - [Footnote 118.3: Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury.] - - [Footnote 118.4: John Neville, afterwards Marquis Montague, - married Isabel, daughter and heir of Sir Edmund Ingoldesthorpe - of Burgh Green, in Cambridgeshire, by his wife Jane, sister, and - at length co-heir of John, Lord Tiptoft, first Earl of - Worcester. He was slain in the battle of Barnet in 1471.] - - [Footnote 118.5: John Tiptoft.] - - [Footnote 118.6: Hereford.] - - [Footnote 118.7: Humphrey Stafford.] - - [Footnote 118.8: John Talbot, second Earl.] - - [Footnote 118.9: Sir William Herbert, afterwards Earl of - Pembroke, a steady Yorkist.] - - -357 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON, ESQUIRE[119.1] - -_To myne worshipfull cosyn, John Paston, Squier._ - -[Sidenote: About 1457 / AUG.] - -Ryght worshipfull cosyn, I recomaunde me to yow, and thanke yow of youre -greet peyn and labores that ye daylye take for me in alle myn causes, -for wheche I am greetly holden to yow, God yelde hit yow. And, cosyn, -hit is so, as I am enformed, that a fermore of myn maner in Saxthorp, -called John Bennes, shuld come be fore yow for to appoynte for suche -dewte as he oweth to me upon his ferme. I sende to yow the bokes of his -accompt to th'entent that Spyrlyng may awayte upon yow at his comyng, -and declare hym his dewte, wheche, as myn receyvore seyth, hit wole -drawe to the summe of xlv_li._ [L45], and more money at Michelmasse now -next comyng. And the ferme is but xx_li._ [L20] yerly, by wheche ye may -understande that he hath hadde greet favore in his payementes to his -weel and myn greet hurt, as I reporte me to youre greet wysdome. -Neverthelesse, sethe hit is so that he hath hadde this advayle upon me, -I wold seen now that suche dewte as shal ben dewly founde upon hym by -accompt to be made at this day, that I may ther of have payement in -hande as reson wole, or of as moche as the day is ronne of; and for the -resydewe to have greable sewerte, that is to sey, of xx_li._ growen at -Mihelmasse next comyng, to have payement therof at the Festes of Seynt -Andrew and the Annunciacion of our Lady next comyng by even porcions, as -in his endenture made of the seyd lees more pleynerly is conteyned. And -this don, I am content that he goo at large, and elles that Spyrlyng -take a rekenyng of hym, so as I may be aunswered accordyng to the -statute, &c. And, cosyn, that overe this ye lyke to yeve credence to the -brynger her of of that he shal declare yow in this be half be mouth. And -oure Lord kepe yow. - -Wreten in hast, at myne manoir of Castre, the Saterday next after our -Lady Day the Assumpcion. - - * * * - -And, cosyn, I praye yow that he have none favore other wyse than lawe -wole, seyng he is so contraryows for any fayer promyse of his behalf, -&c. - - Youre cosyn, - - JOHN FASTOLF, Ch'r. - - [Footnote 119.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This is a letter of - pure business, and the date is uncertain; but as John Paston had - been giving advice about money matters and the affairs of - Fastolf's household in 1457, we may insert it here.] - - -358 - -ABSTRACT[120.1] - -[Sidenote: 1457 / OCT. 2] - -Copy of a charter granted by John Paston, [patron?] of the church of -Gresham, and Robert Miller, . . . . . allowing the prior and convent of -St. Sepulchre of The[tford] to distrain for a pension on the vicarage. - -2 Oct. 36 Hen. VI. - - [This document is mutilated. In the margin is the following note in - a modern hand: 'E. Coll. Fr. Blomefield, _Hist. Norf._ vol. i. fo. - 436.'] - - [Footnote 120.1: [Add. Charter 17,245, B.M.]] - - -359 - -ABSTRACT[120.2] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO 'MY BROTHER' WILLIAM YELVERTON, JUSTICE. - -[Sidenote: 1457 / OCT. 29] - -Begs him to continue his kindness especially, now that the Parson, Sir -Thomas, comes up to appear before him and other the King's judges 'by -the cruel and hasty suit of Androus and his affinity.' Hopes the process -sued by him so eagerly 'upon the unjust condemnation shall be reformed -and holpen by the attaint in chastising of perjury that reigneth so much -now a days.' It were a blessed deed if it were reformed by Yelverton. -Desires credence for 'my cousin Paston' and Sir Thomas in the matter. - -(_Signature not Fastolf's own._) - -Castre, 29 Oct. - - [This letter is written in William Worcester's hand. The suit of - Andrews against Howes appears to have been in 1457, as it is - referred to afterwards in a writ of the 1st September 1458, which - will be found noticed under that date.] - - [Footnote 120.2: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 268.]] - - -360 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO STEPHEN SCROOPE[120.3] - -_A Stevyn Scrope._ - -[Sidenote: 1457 / OCT. 30] - -Worschepeful and my right wel beloved Sone, I comaund me to yow, and -hertily thank yow for your good avertismentys, and right well avysed -lettres to me sent from tyme to tyme, and so pray yow of your good -continuance. - -Plese it yow to wete that, for as mech as the parson Sir Thomas Howes -cometh up at this tyme by the grevous pursewte of John Andreus and -Heydon, to apere be fore the right worschepeful Sir, my right wel be -loved brother, your fadir,[121.1] and other the Kynges Juges of the -Kynges Benche,--I pray zow hertily that ye wille have in remembraunce -for to recomaund me to hym whan ye speke with hym, and for to thank hym -for his rightful favour shewed in Sir Thomas matier, and in alle other -maters that toucheth me, wheche ben attained in that hey courte; and so -it lyke yow, pray hym of his good continuance, and I shall doo serve it -unto hym to my symple power for his good wyl to me shewed, and to myne; -and I trust to God that he shal hold hym plesid. And that it like yow to -geve credence to the seid Sir Thomas of that he shal sey to zow for my -worschepe and profyte, and that this lettre may recomaund me to my -doghtir your wyf, be sechyng the blissed Trinite to sende yow the -acomplyshment of your good desyre. - -Wretyn at Castre, the xxx. day of Octobr. - - J. F. - - [Footnote 120.3: [From Fenn, iii. 42.] The date of this letter - is clearly the same as that of the last, with only a day's - difference.] - - [Footnote 121.1: On comparing this letter with the last, the - person here referred to would seem to be Justice Yelverton. Mr. - Poulett Scrope, however, in his privately printed _History of - Castlecombe_ (p. 277), says it was Sir Richard Bingham, whose - daughter Joan Stephen Scrope had by this time married. It is - quite possible that Fastolf sent a similar message to Bingham by - Scrope, and to Yelverton by Paston and Howes.] - - -361 - -RICHARD, EARL OF SALISBURY, TO VISCOUNT BEAUMONT[121.2] - -_To the right worchipful and with al myn hert rigt entierly welebiloved -Brother, the Viscount Beaumont._ - -[Sidenote: 1458(?) / JAN. 24] - -Right worshipful, and, with al myn hert, right entierly wele bilovede -brothre, I recomaunde me unto yow. And for somoche as by the Kings moste -noblez lettrez brought me late by Hagreston, oon of the gromes of his -chambre, I am desirede to come unto his Highnesse to London; wherunto -for suche grevous diseas and infirmitees as it hath liked oure Lord to -visit me with, wherof Robert Danby can at large declare unto yow, I can -ne mowe dispose me, without feynyng, by the trouth I owe unto the King, -but that therby I doubt not, I shulde not rekever, daies of my lyfe, -suche hurt as, by the reason of the said diseas, wolde grow unto me, the -which hath right fervently and sore holden me in many diversez bihalvez, -so that, sith my last comyng frome London I had not, by the space of vj. -daies togidiez, my helth. - -Wherfore, brothre, I pray yow, with al myn hool hert, that it like yow -to cal tofore yow the said Robert Danby, and to take of him the vray -trouth in the premissez, and therupon to bee my good and tendre moyen, -as by your wysdome can best bee thought convenable, unto the Kinges -goode grace, for th'excuse of my nown comyng; prayng yow hertly to -certifye me, by comers bitwen, suche tidings as ye shal have in thos -partiez, with othre your good pleasir to be perfourmed at my power, as -knoweth oure Lord, to whom I biseche to ever have yow in his blissed -proteccion and keping. - -Wryten at Shirrifhoton, the xxiiij. day of Januare. - - Your trew brodir, wich prayth you hertely to excuse me - to the Kings Heghnesse. - - R. SALISBURY. - - [Footnote 121.2: [From Fenn, i. 146.] Fenn considers this letter - to have been called forth by the summons sent by the King to the - Lords of both parties to come to London, in the beginning of - 1458, with a view to a reconciliation. On this view, the excuse - of illness given by Salisbury is, of course, a mere pretence, - and, moreover, was not adhered to, for within a week after it - was penned Salisbury actually was in London with a company of - 400 horse and 80 knights and squires (_see_ Botoner's letter of - the 1st February). This sudden change of tactics on the part of - the Earl seems to me hardly probable, and I see no reason why - the letter should not refer to a genuine illness upon a - different occasion. Nevertheless, as there is no positive - evidence on the subject, I leave the date suggested by Fenn, - with a query, on which the reader may use his own judgment.] - - -362 - -AGNES PASTON[123.1] - -_Erands to London of Augnes Paston, the xxviij. day of Jenure, the yer -of Kyng Henry the Sext, xxxvj._ - -[Sidenote: 1458 / JAN. 28] - -To prey Grenefeld to send me feythfully word, by wrytyn, who Clement -Paston hath do his dever in lernyng. And if he hathe nought do well, nor -wyll nought amend, prey hym that he wyll trewly belassch hym, tyl he -wyll amend; and so ded the last maystr, and the best that ever he had, -att Caumbrege. And sey Grenefeld that if he wyll take up on hym to -brynge hym in to good rewyll and lernyng, that I may verily know he doth -hys dever, I wyll geve hym x. marcs for hys labor, for I had lever he -wer fayr beryed than lost for defaute. - -Item, to se who many gownys Clement hathe; and the that be bar, late hem -be reysyd. He hathe achort [_a short_] grene gowne, and achort -musterdevelers[123.2] gowne, wer never reysyd; and achort blew gowne -that was reysyd, and mad of a syde gowne, whan I was last at London; and -asyde russet gowne, furryd with bevyr, was mad this tyme ij. yer; and -asyde murry gowne was mad this tyme twelmonth. - -Item, to do make me vj. sponys, of viij. ounce of troy wyght, well -facyond and dubbyl gylt. - -And sey Elyzabet Paston that she must use hyr selfe to werke redyly, as -other jentylwomen done, and sumwhat to helpe hyr selfe ther with. - -Item, to pay the Lady Pole . . . xxvj_s._ viij_d._ for hyr bord. - -And if Grenefeld have do wel hys dever to Clement, or wyll do hys dever, -geffe hym the nobyll. - - AGNES PASTON. - - [Footnote 123.1: [From Fenn, i. 142.]] - - [Footnote 123.2: _See_ vol. ii. p. 155, Note 1.] - - -363 - -AGNES PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[124.1] - -_Tho my wele be lovyd son, John Paston, be this delyvered in haste._ - -Sonne, I grete zow wele, and lete zow wete that for as myche as zoure -brothir Clement leteth me wete that ze desyre feythfully my -blyssyng,--that blyssyng that I prayed zoure fadir to gyffe zow the -laste day that ever he spakke, and the blyssyng of all seyntes undir -heven, and myn mote come to zow all dayes and tymes; and thynke veryly -non other but that ze have it, and shal have it, with that that I fynde -zow kynde and wyllyng to the wele of zoure fadres soule, and to the -welfare of zoure bretheren. - -Be my conseyle dypose zoureselfe as myche as ze may to have lesse to do -in the worlde; zoure fadye sayde: In lityl bysynes lyeth muche reste. -This world is but a thorough fare, and ful of woo; and whan we departe -therefro, rizth nouzght bere with us but oure good dedys and ylle. And -ther knoweth no man how soon God woll clepe hym, and therfor it is good -for every creature to be redy. Qhom God vysyteth him he lovyth. - -And as for zoure bretheren, thei wylle I knowe certeynly laboren all -that in hem lyeth for yow. Oure Lorde have zow in his blyssed kepyng, -body and soule. - -Writen at Norwyche, the xxix. day of Octobyr. - - Be zoure modir, - - A. P. - - [Footnote 124.1: [From Fenn, iii. 40.] As there is no distinct - evidence of the date of this letter, I have placed it after - another paper written by Agnes Paston, and making mention of - Clement, though I rather suspect it may be a little later. It - certainly cannot have been, as Fenn supposes, written within a - short time after William Paston's death in 1444, as Clement - Paston was then only two years old. From some of the expressions - we might be led to suspect that John Paston was in trouble at - the time.] - - -364 - -WILLIAM BOTONER TO SIR JOHN FASTOLF[125.1] - -_To my ryght worshypful master, Sir John Fastolf._ - -[Sidenote: 1458 / FEB. 1] - -Ryght worshypfull Sir, and my ryght gode maister, I recomaund me to yow -yn my full humble wyse. Please yow to wete, as to nouveltees here -both[125.2] Christofr Barker wryteth to you more along. - -The Kyng came the last weke to Westminster, and the Duk of Yorke came to -London with hys oune housole onlye to the nombre of cxl. hors, as it ys -seyd; the Erle of Salysburye with iiij^c. [400] hors yn hys companye, -iiij^xx [_fourscore_] knyghts and sqwyers. - -The Duke of Somerset came to London last day of Janyver with ij^c. [200] -hors, and loggyth wythoute Temple Barre, and the Duc of Excestr shalle -be here thys weke with a grete felyshyp and strong, as it ys seyd. - -The Erle of Warwyke ys not yhyt com, because the wynde ys not for hym. - -And the Duke of Excester takyth a grete displesir that my Lord Warewyke -occupyeth hys office, and takyth the charge of the kepyng of the see -uppon hym. - -Item, as for tydyng of beyend see, I hyre none certeyn, but that the -Frensh Kyng[125.3] shulde hafe maryed hys doughter to the Kyng of -Hungerye,[125.4] whych had the descomfytur uppon the Turks, and the seyd -Kyng ys decesed wythynne thys vj. wekes, or the spouselle was made; but -he ordeyned or he dyed that the Frensh Kyngs doughter shuld be named -Quene of Hungerye duryng hyr lyffe. - -Rygt worshypfull Sir, I beseche the blessed Trinite hafe yow yn hys -gouvernaunce. - -Wrete at London, the fyrst day of Feverzer, anno 36 R. H. VI. - - * * * - -Moreover, please you to wete that William Canyngs the merchaunt wryteth -an aunsuer of your lettre. I trust it shall be the better for your -wrytyng. - -My brother promytted me a certeyn somme when I maryed, and I shall hafe -it of my sister yff I may. - - Your humble servauntte, - - W. BOTONER, _dit_ WORCESTYR. - - [Footnote 125.1: [From Fenn, i. 150.] Fenn states that he has - omitted, as of no consequence, the first part of this letter - relating to the holding of some courts and some other law - matters wherein Yelverton, Fylongley, and others were - concerned.] - - [Footnote 125.2: The modern version in Fenn reads 'here being.'] - - [Footnote 125.3: Charles VII.] - - [Footnote 125.4: Ladislaus V., who died on the 23rd November - 1457, when on the point of marriage with Magdalen, daughter of - Charles VII. of France. He is believed to have been poisoned.] - - -365 - -ABSTRACT[126.1] - -WILLIAM BOTONER TO SIR JOHN FASTOLF - -[Sidenote: 1458(?) / [FEB.]] - -You shall know the governance here on Paston's coming to you better than -I can write. The King is gone to Berkhamstead, 'and it is said my Lords -Somerset, Exeter, Clifford, and Egremont, that rode upon Thursday last -to the King, they come again to London; and the Lord of Northumberland -is come to the King at this time after the Lords' departing out of -London with 3000 or 4000 people, as it is said, but all toke (?) to a -good peace, and reconysances made to keep the peace in great sums till -Michaelmas, that in the mean time to make a throw peace final by means -of all the Lords.' John Vyncent of Bentley was at the Priory of Lewes in -Sussex this week, and says that sixty sail of Frenchmen were sailing -before the coasts, keeping the sea. The Lord Fauconberg is at Hampton -with his navy. Edmund Clere of the King's house has heard from a soldier -of Calais that Crowmer and Blakeney is much spoken of among Frenchmen. -'The King's safe conduct is not holden but broken, as it is voiced here, -and that will do no good to merchants till it be amended.' Figs and -raisins are dear at 18_s._ the croc (?), 'wherte' at 10_s._ the qr., -malt 5_s._ Remains here awaiting for the com[ing of your] officers of -Castlecombe to bring up your money. Expects to send L40 by Master -Paston. . . . . (_Mutilated at the bottom; date lost._) - - [The King was at Berkhamstead in the end of June and beginning of - July 1450; also on the 3rd March 1453 (from Reading, whither he - returned immediately); also in February and March 1458 (from 20th - February to 13th March). This letter must have been written in - February 1458.] - - [Footnote 126.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 274.]] - - -366 - -JOHN BOCKING TO SIR JOHN FASTOLF[127.1] - -_To my Maister Fastolf, at Castre, in haste._ - -[Sidenote: 1458 / MARCH 15] - -Lyke it your maistership to wyte that, as for tidings, the Counsell is, -the fornone, at the Blake Frires, for the ease of resorting of the -Lordys that are withinne the toun; and at afternone at the White Frirers -in Fletstrete, for the Lordis withowte the toun; and all thing shall -come to a good conclusion with God is grace, for the Kyng shall come -hidre this weke, and the Quene also, as some men sayn, and my Lord -Buk,[127.2] and Stafford[127.3] with hire, and moche puple. - -My Lord of Caunterbury takith grete peyne up on hym daily, and will -write un to yow the certeynte of suche tidings as falle; and shuld have -doon or this tyme, saf for that he wolde knowe an end of the matter. - -Other tidings here are none, sauf my Lord of Excestre[127.4] is -displesid that the Erle of Warwyk shall kepe the see, and hath therfore -received this weke m^l _li._ [L1000] of the Hanupere.[127.5] - -The messenger was on horsbak whanne I wrote yow this bill, and therfore -it was doon in haste; and our Lord Jesus kepe yow. - -Writen at London the Wednesday after Midlenton. - -And my Lord of Caunterbury tolde me that the Frenche men have ben before -yow, and that ye shotte many gonnes; and so he tolde all the Lords. -I have desirid hym to move the Counsell for refreshing of the toun of -Yermowth with stuff of ordnance and gonnes and gonne powdre, and he seid -he wolde. - - Your humble servaunt, - - J. BOKKING. - - [Footnote 127.1: [From Fenn, i. 154.] This letter relates to the - temporary reconciliation effected between the Lords of the - opposite parties in the spring of 1458.] - - [Footnote 127.2: Humphrey Stafford, Duke of Buckingham.] - - [Footnote 127.3: Henry Stafford, Earl of Stafford, grandson of - Buckingham, who succeeded him in the Dukedom in 1460.] - - [Footnote 127.4: Henry Holland, Duke of Exeter.] - - [Footnote 127.5: The Hanaper of Chancery.] - - -367 - -WILLIAM CALTHORPE TO JOHN PASTON[128.1] - -_To my worshipfull Cosyn John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1458(?) / [MAY 11?]]] - -Right worshipfull Cosyn, I recommaund me unto you, certifying you that -your man John Osberne of Walsyngham hath be with me and lete me have -knowlage of a commyssion chuld be doun from my lord Chaunceler to Sir -Robert Conyers, you other and me, and that ye wold have your day upon -Munday or Tewesday at Crowemer, Blakeney or Walsyngham, &c. And after -that he was departed from me, ther cam a servaunt from my cosyn Twyer, -and seid that his maister hade a letter from you that ze have set to be -at Blakeney uppon Munday next comyng. And for as much as I stande in -nonn certeyn be cause of variaunce of the massangeres, therfore I send a -man of myne to you, praying yowe to sende me verray certeynte and a copy -of the commyssion, that my neybures may have knowlage of the kingis -entent if the case requyreth so, &c. - -I hold Blakeney a resonable place, and if ye kepe youre purpose at -Blakeney uppon Munday next comyng I shall mete ther with you, with -Goddis grace, Wheche have you ever in His intyer kepyng, &c. Wretyn at -Brunham upon the Assencion day of our Lord, &c., - - By W. CALTHORPE. - - [Footnote 128.1: [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 163.] The date of this - letter is by no means certain, but may be 1458, after the - reconciliation of parties. The reference to 'the King's intent' - shows at least that it was not when the Duke of York was - Protector; and it is not likely to have been under Somerset's - rule or in the reign of Edward IV. If 1458 was the year, the day - (Ascension Day) was the 11th May.] - - -368 - -ABSTRACT[129.1] - -JOHN PASTON AND T. HOWYS[129.2] TO FASTOLF AT CASTRE - -[Sidenote: 1458 / MAY 24] - -Yesterday 'I and other of yours' were at your manor of Bentlay--a right -fair manor, in the shrewdest rule and governance. You have had many -officers there who, for ill-will, have put out the tenants, and let the -lands to your hurt. Some owe for six, some for seven years, etc. - -Yesterday Harry Sotehill, of your learned counsel, was with us, and has -taken ways in the law, etc. As Barker sends word that the attaint held -not, we shall stay the longer. The Lord Egremont sent for my brother, -and told him 'he would see you homeward, as he supposed.' Take care, -therefore, you make no more grants, for you have made too many. Could -let Bentlay, with surety, for 500 marks a year; but will not venture, -because of the trouble of letting Wyghton, 'and also till Scrope hath -spoken with you,' who will be with you now, etc. - -Doncaster, Wednesday in Pentecost week. - - [It appears from an account of Paston's expenses, of which an - abstract is given farther on, that he was at Doncaster in the 36th - year of Henry VI.] - - [Footnote 129.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 267.]] - - [Footnote 129.2: John Paston signs for both.] - - -369 - -JOHN JERNYNGAN TO MARGARET PASTON[129.3] - -_Unto my ryght wurchipfull Cosyn, Marget Paston, this lettre be -delyvered in haste._ - -[Sidenote: 1458 / JUNE 1] - -Ryght wurchipfull and my moste beste beloved maystres and cosyn, -I recommaund me unto you as lowly as I may, evermor desyring to here of -your gode welfar; the whiche I beseche Almyzthy Jesus to preserve you -and kepe you to his plesur, and to your gracious herts desyre. - -And yf it plese you to here of my welfar, I was in gode hele at the -makyng of this lettre, blessed be God. - -Prayng you that it plese you for to send me word yf my fadyr wer at -Norwiche with you at this Trenite Masse or no, and how the matyr dothe -be twene my Maystres Blawnche Wychynham and me, and yf ze sopose that it -shall be brought a bowte or no; and how ze fele my fadyr, yf he be wele -wyllyng thereto or no; prayng you lowly that I may be recomaund lowly -unto my maystres, Arblastres wyfe, and unto my Maystres Blawnche, her -dowzther, specially. - -Ryght wurchipfull cosyn, yf it plese you for to her of suche tydings as -we have her, the basset [_embassy_] of Burgoyne schall come to Calleys -the Saturday[130.1] eftyr Corpus Christi day, as men say v. hondred -horse of hem. Moreover, on Trenite Sonday,[130.2] in the mornyng, came -tydings unto my Lord of Warwyke that ther were xxviij^te sayle of -Spaynyards on the se, and wherof ther was xvj. grete schippis of -forecastell; and then my Lord went and manned fyve schippis of -forecastell, and iij. carvells, and iiij. spynnes [_pinnaces_], and on -the Monday,[130.3] on the mornyng eftyr Trenite Sonday, we met to gedyr -afore Caleis, at iiij. at the clokke in the mornyng, and fawz thet gedyr -till x. at the clokke; and ther we toke vj. of her [_their_] schippis, -and they slowe of oure men aboute iiij^xx [_four score_], and hurt a ij. -hondred of us ryght sore; and ther wer slayne on theyr parte abowte -xij^xx [_twelve score_], and hurt a v. hondred of them. - -And haped me, at the fyrste abordyng of us, we toke a schippe of iij^c. -[300] ton, and I was lefte therin and xxiij. men with me; and thei -fawzthe so sor[130.4] that our men wer fayne to leve hem,[130.5] and -then come they and aborded the schippe that I was in, and ther I was -taken, and was prisoner with them vj. houris, and was delyvered agayne -for theyr men that wer taken beforne. And as men sayne, ther was not so -gret a batayle upon the se this xl. wyntyr. And for sothe, we wer wele -and trewly bette; and my Lord hathe sent for mor scheppis, and lyke to -fyzthe to gedyr agayne in haste. - -Nomor I write unto you at this tyme, but that it plese you for to -recomaund me unto my ryght reverent and wurchipfull cosyn your husband, -and myn ownkll Gournay, and to myn awnte his wyfe, and to alle gode -maysters and frends where it schall plese yow; and eftyr the writyng I -have from you, I schall be at you in alle haste. - -Wretyn on Corpus Christi day in gret haste, be your owne umble servant -and cosyn, - - JOHN JERNYNGAN. - - [Footnote 129.3: [From Fenn, i. 156.] The engagement at sea - described in this letter is dated by Fabyan on Trinity Sunday or - Monday 1458.] - - [Footnote 130.1: June 3rd.] - - [Footnote 130.2: May 28th.] - - [Footnote 130.3: May 29th.] - - [Footnote 130.4: 'for' in Fenn; seemingly a printer's error, as - the word is 'sore' in the modern version.] - - [Footnote 130.5: Here, according to Fenn, the words 'and go the' - occur in the original, struck out.] - - -370 - -HENRY WYNDESORE TO JOHN PASTON[131.1] - -_To my full speciall gode Maister, John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1458(?) / [AUG. 27]] - -Worshipfull Sir, and my full speciall goode maister, after humble -recommendacion, please it you to understand that such service as I can -doo to your plesir, as to myn understandyng, I have shewed my diligence -nowe this shorte season sithen your departyng, and in especiall aboute -suche a copie of a foundacion as your maistership commaunded me to gete -you a copie of, of the which I sende unto you at this tyme, by my broder -William Worcestre, iij. copies writen by Luket, because I had no leisir, -but somoch besems in settyng forth my Maistr of the Rolles.[131.2] At -this tyme, and in all this Kyngs deies, ye can have noon oder accordyng -any thing to your entent. - -And as for the names of the Poles,[132.1] William hath more wrytyng than -ye and I coude fynde, foundon by labor made by hym and me. And also, -Sir, he hath caused me to examyn olde and mony records, writen by some -Frenshman, concernyng the manour of Dedham; that was a comborous labour, -for these copies were full defectif, as it apereth by the correctyng of -them. - -Item, Sir, I may sey to you that William hath goon to scole, to a -Lumbard called Karoll Giles, to lern and to be red in poetre or els in -Frensh; for he hath byn with the same Caroll every dey ij. tymes or -iij., and hath bought divers boks of hym, for the which, as I suppose, -he hath put hymself in daunger to the same Karoll. I made a mocion to -William to have knoen part of his besines, and he answered and seid that -he wold be as glad and as feyn of a good boke of Frensh or of poetre as -my Mastr Fastolf wold be to purchace a faire manoir; and therby I -understand he list not to be commynd with all in such matiers. - -Item, Sir, as for any tidings, William can tell you here at London ar -but full fewe; but Henry Bourgchier is ded sodenly at Ludlowe; my Lord -of Caunterbury and my Lord Bourgchier shall be this wyk at Hunnesdon, -and hunte and sporte theym with Sir William Oldhall. - -At this tyme nothyng els to your maistership; but and it please you to -remembre my maister at your best leiser, wheder his old promise shall -stande as touchyng my preferryng to the Boreshed in Suthwerke. Sir, -I wold have byn at a noddr place, and of my maisters owun mocion he said -that I shold sett uppon the Boreshed, in the which matier I reporte me -to William Worcestre, Bokkyng, and William Barker, and most specially to -my maisters awun remembraunce. - -I know full well ther cann noo conclusion be taken to myn asayle -[_avayle ?_] without help of your maistership, unto the which I utterly -submitte me in this, and in all oder. And our Lord Jesu preserve you and -all youres, and send you your herts desire with right. - -Writen at London on Sonday next after Seynt Bartholomu Dey in hast. - -By your servaunt, - - HENRY WYNDESORE. - - [Footnote 131.1: [From Fenn, i. 170.] At the date of this - letter Sir John Fastolf must have been in Norfolk, and William - Worcester in London. From the time that the former went into - Norfolk in 1454, till the end of the year 1457, Worcester seems - generally to have resided with him; but in the beginning of 1458 - he was in London, and it appears by the Castlecombe MSS. (Add. - MS. 28,208, B.M. pp. 39, 42) that he was holding courts at - Castlecombe in Wiltshire in June and July of that year, and - that, in November of the same year, he and Fastolf were both - together in London. It is probable, therefore, that he was in - London in August, before Fastolf had come up. Indeed, he appears - not to have returned to Norfolk till January following; so that - in August he might quite well have devoted himself to the study - of French in the expectation of a lengthened stay.] - - [Footnote 131.2: Thomas de Kirkeby.] - - [Footnote 132.1: Apparently William Worcester was examining the - pedigree of the De la Poles, ancestors of the late Duke of - Suffolk, who had disputed with Fastolf the right to the manor of - Dedham.] - - -371 - -ABSTRACT[133.1] - -[Sidenote: 1458 / SEPT. 1] - -Writ of _pone_ procured by Thomas Howes, clerk, of Castre, against John -Wyndham, Thomas Danyell of Rysyng Castle, Edmund Bukenham of Snyterton, -Robert Lethum of Wytton by Blofeld, Simon Gunnor of Estbekham, and -sixteen others, for maintaining a plea begun at Westminster without the -King's writ by John Andrew of Beylom, Suffolk, against Howes, whom he -had maliciously procured to be indicted. - -1 Sept. 37 Hen. VI. - -_On the back are the words:_ 'Manutenencia facta fuit iiij^to die Julii -anno xxxv^{to}.[133.2] Dampna C_li._' - - [Footnote 133.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.]] - - [Footnote 133.2: A.D. 1457.] - - [[Dampna C_li._' _close quote missing or invisible_]] - - -372 - -BOTONER TO JOHN PASTON[133.3] - -_To my Maister Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1458] - -Sir, as I went to my horsward by Lincoln Coke ys place, hyt fortuned -that Wymondham and H. Fenne talked to gedre, and called me by my name, -and both asked how my maister[133.4] fard, &c. Then Fen desyred me abyde -to see astate taked yn Lyncoln place by hym boght of Markham. In the -meene tyme the seyd Wymondham sent hys man to speke with hym, and yede -yn talkyng of Sir Thomas[133.5] how he wille help labour to an ende, and -had spoke with Heydon yersten efe for the seyd cause. I seyd the cruell -amerciementes by their labour, and the [_they ?_] not beneficed, shewed -to grete a malice to undo a preest innocent yn such a cause, &c. After -my takyng leefe, he called me ageyn, and seyd that he desyred Sir Thomas -to be gode meene to my maister to hafe affeccion to the chylde, &c. -I aunsuerd, yff my maister had before the maryage be laboured [_i.e._ if -my master had been applied to before the marriage], hyt had [been] moche -esyer to bryng aboute then now. And because hys fadre was so maryed -ayenst my maister wille, he nevere wold hafe affeccion to hym all hys -lyfe dayes. He seyd that Thomas[134.1] was with hys modre ther she -duellyth, and yff it please my maister to sende for hym by Sir Thomas -meene, &c. - -I ensure yow by my soule I brake no mater to hym but of Sir Thomas -undoyng, and hys adversaries nevere the better, whych to my power wold -help make it knowen to Lordes and all othyrs of the cruell -amerciementes, the cruell juge to be knowen as he ys, for I am of hys -contrey, and know hys rysyng and maryages as well as hym sylfe. At ix. -at clok to hors bake. I pray yow breke my bille (?). - - Your, - - H. R. - - [Footnote 133.3: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 249.] This - letter clearly relates to the subject of the preceding No.] - - [Footnote 133.4: Sir John Fastolf.] - - [Footnote 133.5: Howes.] - - [Footnote 134.1: Apparently Thomas Fastolf.] - - -373 - -ABSTRACT[134.2] - -ROLL OF THE PERSONAL AND OTHER EXPENSES OF JOHN PASTON IN THE 36TH AND -37TH YEARS OF HENRY VI. - -For dress and cloth, various. - -'Liberat' hospitio,' L57, 17_s._ 7_d._ 'Item, uxori et pueris domi,' L8, -19_s._ 1_d._ 'Item, pueris Cantabrig' cum v. marke (?) per Wekeys,' -101_s._ 'Item, eisdem et sosiis (_sic_) suis in regard',' 4_s._ 2_d._ -'Item, eisdem apud London,' etc. - -'Item, Henr' Bolte, capellano pro stipendio usque Pascha, xxxv^{to.}' -13_s._ 4_d._ 'Et 17 die Julii pro ij. quart',' 26_s._ 8_d._ - -'Expencae forinsecae.' --'Pro fine Domino Regi facto quod Johannes Paston -non sit miles.' Expenses with Munford at Thetford, 2_s._ 1_d._ 'Item, in -exemplificatione Ecclesiae de Gresham, Magistro Bulman,' 3_s._ 8_d._ -'Item, expenc' equorum Fastolf Norwici ij. vic. et Alexand' apud -Forncet,' 3_s._ 1_d._ 'Item, praesentatio angnellorum data Radclyff,' -18_d._ To Alexander coming from Cambridge. 'Item, in coltellis apud -Dancaster datis servientibus Fastolf et meis,' 3_s._ 4_d._ Glazing -Chapel at Mauteby, 10_s._ 'Pro arrestatione Carroli Nowell apud Bury -septimana Matthiae,' 3_s._ 8_d._ Expenses of Ball's horse at Berkwey for -six weeks, 10_s._ 'Item, expenc' meae versus Snaylwell et redeundo de -Bury,' 5_s._ 4_d._ 'Item, expenc' Norwici ad cess' hospic' existent' -apud Heylysdon,' 18_d._ 'Item, expenc' meae apud Sweynsthorp,' 8_d._ - -In Easter and Trinity terms.--Paid to William Wyrcester 'equitanti super -negotia maritagii sororis,' 10_s._ For wine and spice with Fortescu and -Wentworth, 23_d._ - -Hilary term.--Lent to James Arblaster at London, 40_s._ 'Item, exequiae -Edmundi Paston,' 2_s._ 4_d._ To divers poor people of Norwich for relief -of their charge 'circa reparationem murorum civitatis,' 7_s._ - - [Footnote 134.2: [From Add. Charter 17,246, B.M.]] - - [[10s. For wine _printed in roman (non-Italic) type_]] - - -374 - -ELIZABETH POYNINGS TO AGNES PASTON[135.1] - -_To my right worshypfull moder, Agnes Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1459 / JAN. 3] - -Right worshipfull and my most entierly belovde moder, in the most louly -maner I recomaund me unto youre gode moderhode, besekeyng you dayly and -nyghtly of your moderly blissing, evermore desiryng to her of your -welfare and prosperite, the which I pray God to contynw and encresce to -your herts desyre. And yf it lyked your gode moderhode to here of me and -how I do, at the makyng of this lettre I was in gode hele of body tanked -be Jesu. And as for my mayster, my best beloved that ye call, and I must -nedes call hym so now, for I fynde noon other cause, and as I trust to -Jesu non shall; for he is full kynde unto me, and is as besy as he can -to make me sur of my joyntor, wherto he is ibounde in a bonde of -m^{l}_li._ to you mother, and to my brother John, and to my brother -William, and to Edmund Clere,[136.1] the which neded no such bond. -Wherfore I beseke you, gode moder, as our most synguler trost is yn your -gode moderhode, that my maistr, my best beloved, fayle not of the C. -marc at the begynnyng of this terme, the which ye promysed hym to his -mariage, with the remanent of the money of faders wille; for I have -promytted faithfully to a gentilman, called Bain, that was oon of my -best beloved suertees, and was bounde for hym in CC_li._, of which he -reherseth for to ryseyve at the begynnyng of thys terme Cxx_li._, and yf -he fayle therof at this tyme, he wille clayme the hool of us, the which -were to us to grete an hurt; and he con not make an ende with noon of -hys other suertees withoute this seyd sylver, and that con my brother -John telle yow wel i nough, and it lusteth hym to do soo, and in all -other thyngs. As to my Lady Pool,[136.2] with whom I sojerned, that ye -wul be my tendr and gode moder that she may be payde for all the costes -doon to me before my maryage, and to Christofre Houson, as ye wrote unto -my brother John that I shuld have ben so; and that it plese your gode -moderhode to yeve credence to William Worcestr. And Jesu for his grete -mercy save yow. - -Written at London, the Wendysday the iij. day of Janyver. - - By your humble doughter, - - ELYZABETH PONYNGGS. - - [Footnote 135.1: [From Fenn, iii. 328.] The writer of this - letter is Agnes Paston's daughter Elizabeth, for whose marriage, - as we have seen, there had been a good deal of negotiating in - past years (_see_ Nos. 93, 94, 236, 250, 252), and who has now - become the wife of Robert Poynings. As the 3rd of January, the - day on which this letter is dated, was a Wednesday, the year - must be 1459. The 3rd of January did not fall on a Wednesday - again till 1470, by which time Elizabeth Paston was no longer - the wife of Robert Poynings, but his widow, for he was killed - at the second battle of St. Albans on the 17th Feb. 1461.] - - [Footnote 136.1: Edmund Clere was the second son of John Clere, - Esq. of Ormesby, and died in 1463.] - - [Footnote 136.2: _See_ p. 123.] - - [[Footnote 135.1: Text beginning "Elizabeth Paston" corrected by - author in Errata. Original text: - ... by which time Elizabeth Paston and Robert Poynings must have - been married several years, as will be seen by No. 126 preceding - (vol. ii. p. 154, Note 3).]] - - -375 - -JOHN PASTON, THE ELDER SON, TO HIS FATHER[137.1] - -_To my ryght wyrschypful fadre, John Paston, Esquyer, be thys letter -delyveryd in hasty wyse._ - -[Sidenote: 1459 / MARCH 5] - -Ryght worschypful Syr, in the most lowly wyse, I comaund me to yowr good -faderhod, besechyng yow of yowre blyssyng. Mut it plese yowr faderhod to -remembre and concydre the peyn and hevynesse that it hath ben to me syn -yowr departyng owt of thys contre, here abydyng tyl the tyme it please -yow to schewe me grace, and tyl the tyme that by reporte my demenyng be -to yowr plesyng; besechyng yow to concydre that I may not, ner have noo -mene to seke to yow as I awght to do, and savyng under thys forme, whych -I besech yow be not take to no dysplesur, ner am not of power to do any -thynge in thys contre for worschyp or profyht of yow, ner ease of yowr -tenantys whych myght and scholde be to yowr pleasyng. Wherfor I besech -yow of yowr faderly pyte to tendre the more thys symple wryghtyng, as I -schal owt of dowght her after doo that schal please yow to the uttermest -of my power and labor; and if ther be any servyce that I may do if it -please yow to comaund me, or if y maye understonde it, I wyl be as glad -to do it as any thyng erthely, if it wer any thyng that myght be to yowr -pleasyng. And no mor, but Allmyghty God have yow in kepyng. - -Wretyn the v. day of Marche. - - By your older sone, - - JOHN PASTON. - - [Footnote 137.1: [From Fenn, iii. 336.] By Letter 377 following, - it will be seen that the writer of this letter had given - displeasure to his father in the early part of the year 1459. - There can be no doubt that this letter refers to the same - occasion.] - - -376 - -ABSTRACT[138.1] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON AND SIR THOMAS HOWES, PARSON OF BLOFELD - -[Sidenote: 1459 / APRIL 13] - -As you desire me to write letters to certain lords, etc., on 'such -matters as ye beth now to London for,' and as you know best what it -would be most expedient for me to write, I send my servant Colyn Newman -to you with my signet sealed in a little leather bag, under a signet of -a ram, that you and William Jenney, or two of you, may make out letters -in my name as you think fit, keeping copies of those you write. When Sir -Thomas comes home again, let him bring back my signet sealed under your -signets and the copies you have sent. 'And also peradventure I might as -well write to them that ben away as to those that been present. And -among others ye may say to my nephew, Henry Filongley, I trust right -greatly in my Lord Treasurer's good Lordship that he will be my good -Lord's supporter to me in my right.' - -Castre, 13th April 37 Hen. VI. - - (_Signature not Fastolf's own._) - - [Footnote 138.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 254.]] - - -377 - -MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[138.2] - -_Tho my ryth worschopfful hossebond, John Paston, in hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1459 / APRIL 29] - -Rythe worchepfwl hosbond, I recommawnd me onto yow. Plesyth you to wete -that on Thorisday last was ther wer browt unto this towne many Prevy -Selis, and on of hem was indosyd to yow, and to Hastynggs, and to fyve -or sexe odyr gentylmen; and anodyr was sent onto yowr sone, and indosyd -to hym selfe alone, and asynyd wythinne wyth the Kynggys howyn hand, and -so wer bwt fewe that wer sent, as it was told me; and also ther wer mor -specyal termys in hys then wern in oderys. I sey a copy of thoo that wer -sent onto odyr gentylmen. The intent of the wrytyng was, that they -sshuwlde be wyth the Kyngg at Leycester the x. day of May, wyth as many -personys defensebylly arayid as they myte acordyng to her degre, and -that they schwld bryng wyth hem for her expensys for ij. monythis. As -for the lettyr that was indosyd to yow and to odyr, it was delyveryd to -Welyam Yelvyrton, for ther aperyd no mor of the remwlawnt. Hastynggs is -forthe into Yorke schyr. - -I prey yow that ye vowchesaf to send word in hast how ye wyl that yor -sone be demenyd herin. Men thynk her, that ben yowr wel wyllerys, that -ye may no lesse do than to send hym forthe. As for hys demenyng, swn ye -departyd, in god feythe, it hath ben ryth good, and lowly, and delygent -inn ovyr sythe of yowre servawntys, and odyr thinggys, the whiche I hope -ye wold abe plesyd wyth, and ye had be at hom. I hope he wyl be well -demenyd to plese yow heraftyrward. He desyryd Alblaster to bemene[139.1] -to yow for hym, and was ryte hevy of hys demenyng to yow, as I sent yow -word also be Alblaster, how I dede to hym aftyr that ye wer go; and I -beseche yow hartyly that ye wochesaf to be hys god fadyr, for I hope he -is schastysyd, and wil be the worher [_worthier ?_] heraftyr. - -As for alle odyr tynggys at hom, I hope that I and odyr schal do howr -part ther inne, as wel as we may, bwt as for mony it comyth bwt slowly. -And God have yow in hys kepyng, and sen yow good sped in alle yowr -matteris. - -Wretyn in hast at Norwece, on the Sonday next before the Assencyon Day. - -Ser, I wold be ryte glad to he [_hear_] swmme gode tydynggys fro yow. - - Be yorys, - - M. P. - - [Footnote 138.2: [From Fenn, i. 174.] The only years during the - married life of John and Margaret Paston (except when their - eldest son was a mere child), in which the Sunday preceding - Ascension Day fell some time before the 10th of May, were 1456 - and 1459. In the former year the King could not either have been - or have intended to be at Leicester on the 10th of May. In 1459 - the Privy Seals show that he was at Northampton on the 14th, - 18th, and 19th of May, and it is quite possible he may have been - at Leicester on the 10th. In 1464 Edward IV. was at Leicester in - May, and the Sunday before Ascension Day was the 6th of May; but - it is not probable this letter was written in that year, for two - reasons. In the first place, Margaret Paston could hardly have - hoped for an answer from her husband--who may be presumed to - have been in London--in time to have sent his son to be at - Leicester on the 10th; secondly, Letter 375, which is evidently - of the same year as this, would probably have been signed 'John - Paston, K.' (_i.e._ Knight).] - - [Footnote 139.1: To be mean, _i.e._ to be a mediator. Fenn has - not apprehended the phrase, which he has modernised 'to - bemoan.'] - - -378 - -OSBERT MUNDEFORD TO JOHN PASTON[140.1] - -_A mon treshonnoure Seigneur, Jehan Paston, Escuier._ - -[Sidenote: 1459(?) / MAY 25] - -Treshonnoure Sire, je me recommande a vous tant que je puis, et vous -prie qu'il vous plaise me recommander a ma maistresse vostre noble -espouse et a tous voz enffans, et que ne soit point mis en oubly mon -petit homme d'armes. Et oultre vous plaise me recommander a mon Maistre -Yelverton et mon Maistre Caulthorpe, et a touz mes autres maistres et -amis de pardela ou sera vostre bon plaisir. Et vous mercie des grans -plaisirs et amitiez que avez faitz et monstrez a moy et aux miens, -lesquelz Dieu me doint deservir. Treshonnoures Sire, plaise vous savoir -que mon frere Jehan a Bernay ma escript dune matere dont me touchastes, -moy estant parde la, a laquelle vostre desir vouldroit l'onneur des deux -pars, et de laquelle matere le porteur de cestes vous informera, et des -nouvelles de pardeca s'il vient a voz bons plaisirs. Et vouldroye bien -que vous et mon dit frere Jehan a Bernay voulsissez communiquer avecques -la personne aqui la matere touche, et que je peusse savoir son entente, -affin dy otemperer, car je luy vouldroye faire plaisir et service; car -je y suis tenu, et la chose sera en partie reglee par vous et par mondit -frere, mais je veil estre le tiers, et une autre personne sera le quart. -Treschere et treshonnoure Sire, je vous recommande tout mon fait de -pardela, et sy faiz je la petite Marie, pour laquelle je vous mercie, et -especiallement ma damoiselle vostre fame et noble espouse, et me -desplaist de la grant paine et charge que avez pour elle; mas Dieu me -doint grace que je le puisse aquicter. Priant nostre Seigneur qui soit -garde de vous, et vous doint bonne vie et longue, et joyeulx -acomplissement de touz voz desirs. - -Escript a Calais, le xxv^me jour de May. - - Le tout votre serviteur, - - OSBERNE MUNDEFORD. - - [Footnote 140.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] The writer of this - letter was put to death at Calais on the 25th June 1460, having - been taken at Sandwich when about to go thither in aid of the - Duke of Somerset against the Earl of Warwick. The date cannot be - in that year, and how much earlier it may be is quite uncertain, - unless we suppose 'mon petit homme d'armes' to be Paston's - eldest son, who, as we have seen, was summoned to perform - military service in 1459.] - - -379 - -WILLIAM BARKER TO JOHN PASTON[141.1] - -_To myn ryght worshypfull [m]ayster, John Paston, at London, atte the -Temple._ - -[Sidenote: 1459 / JUNE 24] - -Please youre maystership that as to morwen a newe _inquirendum_ shal be -taken at Wycham Markette for the parsonage of Rendelesham for one -Mayster John Clerke, a chapeleyn of the Lady Roos; and Sir Thomas[141.2] -shuld a ben there, but he is hurte of an hors, and also hit was so late -warnyng that we myght not ben there; and, as Mayster Steven seyth, hit -should not a avayled, thow one hadde bene there, and elles I wold a -labored theder myn self. But he seyth and [_i.e._ if] ye wold speke to -myn Lord Norwych, and enforme hym of the trought of the mater, he shal -never presente ner inducte non tyl the ryght of the patentes be -discussed, and also we may after wardes hald a _melius inquirendum_. -Mayster Steven hath wreten to Sir John Bulman all the tytles and -presentacions, and therefore, if hit please yow to comon with hym, ye -shall understande all the mater by hym how myn Lord is disposed. And -[_if_] Mayster Robert Eppeswell is now at London, hit were shame that -they shuld have ther entent. Sir Phillip Wentworth groundeth not his -presentacion by the patent, but by the endenture a twyxt the wedewe and -hym, &c. Myn mayster is as freshe as ever he was this ij. yere, thanked -be God. And youre mater that ye have meved of to Sir Thomas for the -porchase, &c., myn mayster is weel agreed therto, but fyrst hit was -taken strangely, &c. Almyghty Jesu preserve yow, myn worshipfull -mayster, to youre desyre after his pleser and youre trewe entent. - -Hastly at Norwyche, on Seynt John Day, at vij. of the clokke at even. - - Youre owen man, - - W. BARKER, - - Per mandat' T. H. - - [Footnote 141.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] It appears by the - Bishops' Registers at Norwich that John Clerk was instituted to - the living of Rendlesham on the 20th June 1459 on the King's - presentation. This letter must have been written four days later - in ignorance of the fact. Clerk's predecessor was John Sybton, - administration of whose goods was granted on the 19th May 1450.] - - [Footnote 141.2: Sir Thomas Howes.] - - -380 - -ABSTRACT[142.1] - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF TO JOHN PASTON - -[Sidenote: 1459 / JULY 3] - -'Hit is to remember my cousin, John Paston, that where as he desired to -have the names of the new feoffment of the manor of Dedham that William -Geney might see to ground such matter upon as might be for the surety of -the said manor, I sent a copy of the said feoffment by John Daunson the -last week.' Gives other points of information asked for. Has caused the -patent to be written and sealed for Rauff Alygh's fee. Paston is to -oversee the evidences of Fastolf's tenement by St. Olave's Church, which -one Laurence Donne has summoned. Philip Grocer on London Bridge is a -great maintainer of Donne. As to the matters moved by Stephen Scrope and -Richard Byngham has lately written by Daunson 'to my said cousin' and to -William Yelverton of his intent, and given them full power to appoint -with them. - - (_Signature not his own._) - -Castre, 3 July 37 Hen. VI. - -Would like Paston and Hue at Fenne to see a speedier mean for the -recovery of the 300 marks adjudged to Fastolf to be received of the Lady -Fulthorp for the ward of Thomas Fastolf. - - [Footnote 142.1: [From MS. Phillipps, 9735, No. 250.]] - - [[142.1: missing close-bracket]] - - -381 - -JOHN, LORD LOVEL, TO VISCOUNT BEAUMONT[143.1] - -_To my right worshipfull, and my moost best beloved Lord Fadre, my Lord -Beaumont._ - -[Sidenote: Between 1454 and 1459] - -Right worshipfull and my moost best beloved Lord Fadre, I recomaunde me -unto youre good Lordship. Please it yow to wit, I have consayvid your -writyng right well; and for asmoche as ye desure the stiwardship of -Baggeworth for youre wilbeloved Thomas Everyngham, which y trowe verely -be right a good and a feithfull gentilman. How be it, my Lord, youre -desure shall be had in all that is in me; and at the instaunce of your -Lordship, y by th'avise of my counceill, shall gyf it hym in writyng -undre suche fourme as shall please yow, wheryn y wold be glad to doo -that at might please youre good Lordship, prayng yow right hertly ye -wold be myn especiall good lord and fadre in all suche [matters] as ye -can thynk shuld growe to my worship or profite in any wise, as my -synguler trust is moost in yow. And y alwey redy to doo yowe servyse -with Goddes grace, who have yow, my right worshipfull and my moost best -beloved Lord Fadre, ever in His blessid kepyng. - -Written at Rotherfild Gray, the xxiiij. day of Juyle, &c. - -Furthermore, my Lord, and it like yow, my Lady my modre recommaundid her -unto your good Lordship, yn whom her moost feith and trust is in, prayng -yow, ye woll be good brother unto her, for she hath taken yow for her -chief counceill, &c. - - JOHN, LORD LOVELL. - - [Footnote 143.1: [From Fenn, i. 128.] The writer of this - succeeded to the barony of Lovel in 1454, and married Jane, the - daughter of John, first Viscount Beaumont, the person addressed. - As Beaumont was slain at the battle of Northampton on the 10th - July 1460, this letter cannot be later than 1459, but may be - some years earlier.] - - -382 - -ELIANOR, DUCHESS OF NORFOLK, TO VISCOUNT BEAUMONT[143.2] - -_To my right worshipfull and right entierly welbelovid cousin, the -Viscount Beaumont._ - -[Sidenote: 1444-1460] - -Right worshipfull and right entierly welbelovid cousin, I comaunde me to -you with alle my herte, desiring to here, and verile to knowe of your -worshipfull estate, profite, hele and good prosperite, the whiche I -beseche our Lord Jesu ever to mayntene and preserve in alle worship, to -his plesaunce, and to your herts ease. - -Please it you, cousin, to witte that your welbelovid servaunt, Roger -Hunt, and a servaunt of my moost dred Lord my husbond, on William, yoman -of his ewry,[144.1] have comend to gedre, and been fully thorgh and -agreed that the said William shall have his office, if it may please -your good Lordship. Wherfore, cousin, I pray you, as my speciale truste -is in you, that ye will, at th'instaunce of my proier and writing, -graunte by your lettres patents to the said William the forsaid office, -with suche wages and fees as Roger your said servaunt hath it of you; -trustyng verile that ye shall fynde the said William a faithfull -servaunt to you, and can and may do you right good service in that -office. - -And, cousin, in th'acompleshment of my desire in this mater, ye may do -me a right good pleaser, as God knowith, whom I beseche for His merci to -have you ever in His blessed gouvernaunce, and send you good lyfe and -long, with muche good worship. - -Writen at Framlynham, the viij^th day of Marche. - - ELIANORE, the Duchess of Norfolk. - - [Footnote 143.2: [From Fenn, i. 194.] Here we have another - letter, of uncertain date, addressed to the same person as the - last. The year when it was written is quite immaterial, but must - have been between 1444, when John Mowbray, the writer's husband, - was confirmed in the dignity of Duke of Norfolk (which had - belonged to his grandfather in the time of Richard II.), and - 1460, when Viscount Beaumont was slain at the battle of - Northampton.] - - [Footnote 144.1: An officer who had charge of the table linen, - etc.] - - -383 - -FRIAR BRACKLEY TO JOHN PASTON[144.2] - -_To my Mayster, Jon Pastone, Esqwyer, be this letter presentid._ - -_Jesu mercy._ - -[Sidenote: 1459] - -Ryte reverent mayster, &c., as sone as ze may goodly, comyth to Castre, -and Zelverton[144.3] with zow, and ze think it to be done; and sendyth -home zowr men and hors, tyl ze haf do here, &c. And by grace of God and -zour polityk wisdham, ze schal conclude more effectually in gret matyers -of substans, to my maysterys[144.4] and zour worschip and profyte. It is -hey tyme; he drawyt fast home ward, and is ryte lowe browt, and sore -weykid [_weakened_] and feblyd, &c. And ze must bryng with zow a forme -of a supplicacyon made at London in what maner wyse Mr. R. Popy, -a cunnyng and a crafty man, schal presentyn and purposyn to the Kyng for -the inmorteysing of Castre to Seynt Benet, &c., which he promittyd up -[_promised upon_] a certeyn mony, &c., and undirtoke it, &c., and fond -that tyme no bonys in the matere, &c. And now he seyth he wil labour and -ryde and do hise part, &c. And he wold haf me to help hym, &c., quod non -fiet, &c., or elles a man of credens of my masterys, &c., quod dubito -fieri, &c. God bryng zow sone hidyr, &c., for I am weri tyl ze come. - -Sir Thomas the parson, zowr owne most trewe, &c., be myn trewthe, and I -zour bedeman and zowrs at zour comaundement, in zour letter haf no more -towchid of the mater, &c., to my mayster, &c. Every day this v. dayes he -seyth, 'God send me sone my good cosyn Paston, for I holde hym a -feythful man, and ever on man.' Cui ego, 'That is soth,' &c. Et ille, -'Schew me not the mete, schew me the man.' Haec verba replicat saepius cum -magno stomacho, &c. Colinus Gallicus dicit in Jernemuta et aliis locis -se esse executorem, &c. Dixit etiam heri coram pluribus, si semel fuerit -London' nunquam vult videre Norfolchiam, &c. Dicit etiam, ubi executores -credunt se habituros claves, &c., post mortem alii habebunt claves, ita -bene sicut illi, &c. Falsissimus est, et ego bene dixi in partem suam -inter ipsum et me, &c. Propter Deum, faciatis Spirlyng venire juxta -promissum in f'cu [_factum ?_], &c. Gallicus ipse maxime odit rectorem -et vellet supplantare eum, &c. Item, valde desiderat suum, quietus est -quia absit, &c. - -Henricus Todyham continue aspirat post mortem magistri cum mille habeat -oculos nocendi, &c., si quorum duos deperderit, nullus caeteros timeret, -&c. - - [Footnote 144.2: [From Fenn, iii. 342.] No signature appears to - be attached to this letter as Fenn has printed it, but the style - is unmistakably that of Brackley, to whom he attributes it. The - original was endorsed in an ancient hand, according to Fenn, - 'Littera fratris Doctoris Brackley per quam patet Jo. Fastolf - valde desiderasse presentiam consanguinei sui Jo. Paston.' The - date seems to be shortly before Sir John Fastolf's death, which - happened on the 5th November 1459.] - - [Footnote 144.3: William Yelverton.] - - [Footnote 144.4: Sir John Fastolf.] - - -384 - -WILLIAM JENNEY TO JOHN PASTON[146.1] - -_To my worshipful and right gode mayster, John Paston, Squyer._ - -[Sidenote: 1459(?) / AUG. [22]] - -Wurshipful sire, and my right gode mayster, I recomaunde me to zou, and -hertely I thanke zour gode maystership that ze liked to sende my mayster -zour sone to Sporle with suych felaship as ze dede, for which I am ever -bounde to doo zou service, prayeng zou of zour gode contenuaunce. - -Sire, the cause why I kam not was this: I was falle seek with an axez -[_ague_], and truly that caused me that I and my felaship taryed; and so -be cause theroffe I caused my lady to wryte a specyall lettre to my Lord -Scales. But for al that Blake hath hoom the corn in my Lady of Suffolkys -name. And the cause why I sent no wurd of my seknes was, that I wuld not -myn enmy shuld be rejoysed be the knowlych of my seknesse. So God help -me, the felaship that was redy to goo was right sory that thei myght not -goo furth with me; and my lordes and my ladyes wyl was that thei shuld -have goon further. But if I had been heil and not seek, there shuld have -kome a wurshipful felaship out of Suffolk of so litel warnyng; but truly -I lay seek at Ipeswych of the axcez bothe Sunday and Monday. But, sire, -syn ze have shewed me so kyndely zour gode maystership, I praye zou I -may have your felaship redy at a nothir tyme to help to execute a -commyssion touchyng Blake, and that thei may be redy withinne ij. dayez -after ze have warnyng. And, sire, my service is redy to zou at alle -tymys, as ze shewe me gret cause to doo zou service. Wreten at -Thelton,[147.1] the Wednysday next before Seynt Bertilmew Day in haste. - - Your servaunt, - - WILLIAM JENNEY. - - [Footnote 146.1: [From Fenn, iv. 38.] This letter is referred by - Fenn to the beginning of Edward IV.'s reign, but on a careful - examination I think it must be earlier, as William Jenney's - proceedings, even in the first year of Edward IV., were by no - means friendly to John Paston. The Lord Scales here mentioned - must therefore be the Lord Scales of Henry VI.'s time, who was - murdered in July 1460, and the letter, having been written in - August, cannot be later than 1459. In that year, as will be seen - by Letter 377, John Paston's eldest son had already begun active - life, and I am inclined to think that it is the precise year in - which the present letter was written. John Paston, the second, - was at that time not more than nineteen years of age, and we - hear nothing of his doings earlier. The manor of Sporle was - inherited by John Paston, senior, from his father the judge.] - - [Footnote 147.1: Thelveton, near Diss, in Norfolk.] - - -[[The sections headed First Draft and Second Draft were printed in -facing columns. They are shown here in separate blocks. Unlabeled -paragraphs belong to the First Draft. Asterisks and brackets are in the -original, as explained in the first Footnote. Missing or misplaced -brackets have been left as printed.]] - -385 - -WILL OF SIR JOHN FASTOLF[147.2] - -[Sidenote: 1459 / NOV. 3] - -In the name and the wurship of the holy, blyssydfull Trynite [in the -year] of our Lord Jesu Crist, M^{l}CCCCLIX., and in the xxxviij. yeer of -[our souerayn Kyng] of Englonde and of Fraunce, Herry the Sexte, the -iij. day of the moneth [of] Novembre,[147.3] I, John Fastolf of Castre, -be Gret Jernemuth, of the counte of [Norfolk], Knyght, beynge in good -remembraunce, albeit I am sykly and thorwh age infeb[led], bryngyng to -mende and often revolvynge in my soule how this world is tra . . . and -how, amongs all e[r]thely thynges that is present or for to come, there -is noe thynge in this onstable world so serteyn to creature of man kende -as is departynge out of this world be dethe, the soule from the wrechyd -body; and noo thynge erthely so onserteyn as the oure and tyme of -deth--Therefore I, willynge and desyringe that of suche goodes of -substaunce worldly, mevabill and onmevable, that God of hise bounteuous -grace hathe sent me in my lif to dispose and ocupye, that they be -disposed as it may be thowght best for the helthe of my soule and to the -plessaunce of God, and also for the relyf, soccour, and helpe of the -soulez that I am most oblygid and bounde to purveye and doo . . . for, -as the soule of John Fastolf, my fadyr, Dame Mary, doutyr of Nicholas -. . . . . my modir, and the soule of Dame Milcent, my wiff, the dautyr -of [Sir Robert] Tibtot, knyght, and for the soulez of othyr of myn . . . -. . . . kynsefolke and speciall frendes here undir wretyn,--I ordeyn and -. . . . . this my last will in fourme and maner folwyng:-- - -[_First Draft._] - -*[_Fyrst_, I will and ordeyne that, if it plese oure sovereynge lord -Kynge Herry the Sexte, or hese heyre Kynges, for the longe contynwyd -servise be me in the daye of strengthe and helthe of my body, to hym and -to the noble Kynge Herry the Forthe and Herry the Fifte, hise -progenitoris, and to hise noble uncles John Duke of Bedford, Thomas Duke -of Clarence, whill they were in the werrys of oure seyd sovereyng Lord -and hise noble progenitorys forseid, in Fraunce and Normandy as in -cuntreez and othyr placis, consederynge my many gret labourys, peynis, -and perilis in the seyd servise of oure sovereyn Lord and hise noble -progenitoris forseyd, and hise pleyntyuous grace withoutyn ony other -. . . . . of myn executores namyd in my testament, or ellys for a -resonable sume of [money] whiche oure seyd sovereyn Lord owith me, or in -othir wise, or be ony othyr meane, so as myn executores therein shall -accorde with oure seyd sovereyn Lord and hise counsell, or with hise -heire Kynges and here councell, to lycence and graunte to them that be -feffyd to myn use in my Lordshepis manerez, londes, tenementes, rentes, -servisez, with here appurtenaunces, or to here assigneez aftyr the -effecte and forme of the lawe, by the avyse of myn executores, to -ordeyne, founde, and stablishe, withinne the gret mancion or dwelynge -place late be me newe edified and motid in the town of Castre, be Gret -Jernemuth, in the counte of Norffolk, whiche mancion or dwellyng place I -was born in, a collage of a prioury of vj. religeous personis, monks of -the ordir of Seynt Benett, and to inmorteise and graunte to the seyd -priour and vj. religeous personis, or to here successorys, the forseyd -mancion or dwellynge place, with all the appurtenauncez and othir -suffecient and cleer lyflode of the forseyd lordshepis, maneres, londes, -and tenementes, rentes, and servisez, with here appurtenauncez, for the -sustentacion of the seyd priour and vj. religeous personys and here -successorys, and for here othyr chargys and reparacionis, and for vij. -pore men in the seyd collage in perpetuite, be the avise and discrecion -of myn executores forseid, to be foundyd and susteynid; and that thanne -the forseyd feffees or her assignees if they . . . . grauntes of othyr -havyng entresse in this be halve requisit lawefully shul make, founde, -and stablishe, or doo be made, founde, and stablishid in the seyd -collage, with the seyd priour and vj. religeous men, ever to endure, for -to prey for my soule and for the soulez of my fadir and my modir, and of -all my kynsefolk and good doeres, and for the soulez of the blissyd -memorye Kynges forseyd, Herry the Forthe and Herry the Fifte, and the -seyd noble Dukys, and for the good astat and prosperite of oure sovereyn -Lord durynge hese lyf tyme, and aftyr for hese soule, and for all -Cristeyn soules, therefor to synge and sey dayli devyne servise and -preyeris in perpetuite; and to be of the orderis, proffession, -obedyence, and governaunce of the ordyr of Seynt Benettes, and of the -same ordyr and profession as been the monkes of Seynt Benettes in Holme, -in the counte of Norffolk, and shalbe stablyshid be the good avyse of -myn executorys: And thoo feffeez forseyd, or here assygnez, inmorteyse -and graunte, or do been inmorteised and grauntid, feffe sufficiently -swyrly and lawfully to the seyd pryour and religeous, [and to their] -successores, the forseyd mancion and dwellynge place, with the -appurte[nances], . . . . sufficient, swyr, and cleer lyflode of the for -seyd lordshepis maneres . . . . rentes, servisez, with here -appurtenancez in Castre forseyd, and in all othir placis . . . . . lithe -next the seyd mancion or dwellynge place, for the sustenaunce [of the] -seyd priour and vj. religeous men and here successoris, here servauntis, -and the [seyd] vij. pore men: And for the chargys and reparacionis -forseyd, to the yeerly valew of thre hundryd markes starlyng over all -chargys; to have and to holde to the forseyd religeous men and to here -successoris for ever; providid alwey that the seyd priour and religeous -men and here successoris be bounden and compellabill suffeciently in -lawe be the discrecion of my seyd executoris, to susteyne the forseyd -vij. pore men contynwally, suffeciently, and convenyently in all thyngis -withinne the seyd collage for ever, and for to preye for the soulys -afore seyd.]* - -[_Second Draft._] - -_Firste_, Forasmyche as for the welfare of my soule and of the soules -forseyd, and for ese, support, and helpe of the pore inhabitantes in the -cuntre of Flegge, and for to avoyde that noo lord nor gret astat shuld -inhabit in tyme comyng withinne the gret mancion be me late edified and -motid in Castre forseid, I have of long tyme been in purpose to -stablishe and founde a collage withinne the seyd gret mancion, and soo -to purveye that suche as I lovyd and thought behoffefull for the seyd -cuntre, and that noon othyr, shulde inhabite in the seyd mancion with -the collagyens of the seyd collage: Therfor, and for the senguler love -and trust that I have to my seyd cosyn John Paston, [abov]e all othyr, -beyng in veray beleve that he will execute my will here in, I will and -ordeyne, as he and I have covinauntyd and been accordyd that he shall, -with inne resonable tyme aftyr my deseas, founde or do founde . . . . -and indewe withinne the seid mancion a collage of vij. religeous monkys -or pristes, to preye for the soules above seyd in perpetuite, of whiche -one to be cheif governour of hem, and he to have x_li._, and iche othyr -prist or monk [of the said co]llage x. marks yeerly for here sustenaunce -and fynding, clerly paid in mony, and that the seyd collagyens shull be -soo indewyd that be syde here seyd pencions for here propir levynge to -be grauntyd hem, they . . . . . inmorteysid to hem to fynde vij. pore -folke yeerly in perpetuite in the seyd mancion of Castre to preye for -the soulis above seyd in perpetuite. Of whiche pore folk iche of hem to -have xl_s._ a yeer or th . . . . ere levynge, fynding, and sustentacion; -and that the seyd John Paston shall ordeyne and make swyr to the seyd -collagyens, and to the seyd pore folke a suffecient summe, and a -competent and an esy dwellynge place . . . . . seid collagyens nor here -successorys beryng no reparacion there of, for whiche and for othyr -consyderacionis above seyd, I will, graunte, and ordeyne that the seyd -John Paston shall have in fee symple, to hy[m and his heirs] all the -manerez, londes, and tenementes in Norffolk, Suffolk, and Norwiche in -whiche the seyd John Paston or ony othyr to myn use are or were feffyd -in or have title to, and that all feffeez feffyd in the seyd manerez, -londes, and . . . er astat of the seyd manerez, londes, and tenementes -to suche personys, and at suche tymes and in suche fourme as the seyd -Paston, hise heyris or his assigneez, shall requyre hem, or ony of hem. -And the seyd John Paston . . . . . seyd collage shal bere and paye to my -behoff, towardes the paymentys of my dettes and othir thynges, be my -present will assygnid to be do, m^{l}m^{l}m^{l}m^{l.} [4000] mark, in -suche fourme and at suche tyme as in this my present will . . . . . . . -here aftir folwyng:-- - -[_First Draft._] - -*[Item, I will and graunte that if outhyr the forseyd licence and -graunte of oure seyd sovereyn Lord, or of hise heyre Kynges, or the -licence or graunt of ony othyr . . . . entresse in this behalve be not -lawefully, swyrly, and suffeciently . . . . . . . that thanne my seid -executorys shall geve or do be gove to . . . . . . of the monastery of -Seynt Benettes of Holme for seyd, lyflode or mony competent . . . . . -seyd abot and covent or here successorys, and my seyd executores shal -accorde there in be here wise discrecionis, for the indewement and -sustentacion of vj. monkes in the seyd monastery and vij. pore men in -the same monastery, to prey for the soulys forseyd in perpetuite, to be -foundyd, susteynid, and kept, providid that the vj. monkes forseyd be -aumentyd abovyn the noumbre of monkes of here ferst fundacion, and over -the noumbre that they now use to kepe in the seyd monastery, and that -lawefull and agreable swyrte perpetualy be made be the avyse of myn seyd -executores, aswell for the augmentacion, susteyning, and kepynge of the -seyd vj. monkys, as for the convenyent and suffecient sustentacion, -fyndyng, and kepyng of the seyd vij. pore men in perpetuite, to preye as -is afore seyd. - -*[It]em, I will and ordeyne that all and singuler lordshepis, maneres, -londes, and tenementes, [ren]tes, and servisez, with here -appurtenauncez, in whiche ony persone or personys are feffid in or have -astat and possession to myn use, in whiche sum ever counteez or townez -the said lordshepis, maneres, londes, and tenementes, rentes, and -servisez bein withinne the ream of Englond; and that all the forseyd and -senguler lordshepys, manerez, tenementes, rentes, and servisez, with -here appurtenaunce, in whiche ony person or personys been intitlyd to -myn use be the lawe, shull be sold be my seyd executoris, except -manerez, londes, and tenementes, rentes, and servisez, with here -appurtenauncez, as shall be morteysyd to the seyd collage, if the -fundacion thereof take effecte: And that the mony of the sale or salys -comynge be disposed be my seyd executores in executyng of thys my last -wyll and testament, and in othyr dedes of almesse as my seyd executores -be here discrecion shal seme best to plese God for the helthe of my -soule and for the soulys forseyd: And that happe the fundacion of the -seyd collage to take to noon effecte, nor the seyd collage foundyd, that -thanne the lordshepis, londes, and tenementes, rentes, and servise, with -here appurtenancez, whiche shul bee assygnid to the seyd morteysyng, -also shull be sold [be my]n executores, and the mony thereof comyng to -be disposed be [myn] executores in executyng and parformynge of my will -and testament, and in othyr dedes of mercy, pite, and almesse as shal -seme best to my seyd executores for the soulez afore seyd and the soulys -undyr wretyn.]* - -[_Second Draft._] - -Item, I wyll, ordeyne, and graunte that all othir lorshepis, manerez, -londes, and tenementes, rentes, and servisez, with here appurtenaunce, -in whiche ony persone or personis been feffid in, or have astat or -possession, or be in titlid to myn use be the lawe, except the seyd -manerez, londes, and tenementes, rentes, and servisez, with here -appurtenauncez, in the shirez of Norffolk, Suffolk, and Norwiche, in the -article next presedent specified, shull be sold be the seyd John Paston -and Thomas Howys, ij. of myn executoris. And I will, graunte, and -ordeyne that the seyd John and Thomas, and noon othir while they leve, -shall have the sengler rewle, sale, and disposecion of all my londes -forseyd, except before except, and execucion of this my last will and of -every article there in; and I will that the seid John and Thomas shall -have all the profitez and avaylez and emolwements of the seyd maneris, -londes, and tenementes, rentes, and servisez, with all othir comoditeez -thereof comyng, til be them they be sold, and the mony of the profites -and salis thereof comynge, be them to be disposed for the welfare of my -soule and of the soulez forseyd duryng the lyf of the seyd John and -Thomas; and in cas this my will be not executyd in theyre [liv]es, that -thanne the execucion be thereof doon be othyr myn executores that aftyr -hem too shal have the mynistracion of my goodes. - -[_First Draft._] - -*[Item, I will and ordeyne that my seyd executoris shull take and have -all the issews, avaylez, profitez, and emolwementes of all and senguler -lordshepys, manerez, londes, tenementes, rentes, and servisez forseyd, -with here appurtenaunce, excepte before except, to be geve to the seyd -collage, on to tyme they be sold feithefully and trewly be my seyd -executores; and on to tyme that they that shull be purchasorys be -feithefull and trewe bargeyne thereof made be twene hem and my seid -executorys, shull take and have the issewes, profitez, avayles, and -emolwementes, withoute fraude or male ingyne. And also I wyll and -ordeyne that my forseyd executores shull take and have all the issewys, -profitez, avayles, and emolwementes of all and senguler aforn except l -. . . . . londes, tenementes, rentes, servisez, with here -appurtenauncez, on to tyme . . . . . and vj. religeous men or here -successoris, if the forseyd admynistracion . . . . . . shull have and -take lawefull and feithfull estat beforce of the seyd inmorteys[yng], or -ellys that they be feithfully and trewly accordid with my seid -executorys for the takyng and havyng of the issewes, profitez, and -avayles, and emolwementes withoute fraud or male ingyne. And if the seyd -inmorteysyng take noon effecte, I will and ordeyne that my seyd -executores shull have and take all and senguler issewys, profitez, -avayles, and emolwementes of the forseyd except lordshepys, londes, -manerez, and tenementes, rentes, and servicez, with here appurtenaunces, -tyl they be feithefully and trewly sold be my seyd executores, unto tyme -that they that shalbe purchasorys thereof, be feithefull and trewe -bargayne be twene them and my seyd executores thereof made, shull take -thoo issewys, profitez, and avaylez, and emolwements thereof, withoute -fraude or male ingyne. And I will and ordeyne that my seyd executores -shull dispose all and senguler issewys, profitez, avaylez, and -emolwementes afornseyd for my soule, and for the soulys aforn rehersyd, -as they shall seme beste to the plesure of God.]* - -Item, forasmyche as it is seyd that dyverse personis of dyverse desentes -pretende . . . . . . at this day to be next heneritere [_inheritor_] to -me aftyr my deseas, where . . . . . . . . . . . . knowe that no creature -hathe title or right to inheryte ony . . . . . . . . . . . londes and -tenementes, rentes, and servisez that ever I hadde, or ony persone or -personys . . . . . . have to myn use; therfor I will and ordeyne that no -persone nor personis as hey . . . me for no douteful or obskure materes -conteynid in this my present will, nor for noon othyr, shall take ony -maner of avauntage, benefice, or profit be ony manner meanys or weyes, -of ony manerez, lordshepis, londes, tenementes, rentes, servisez, -goodes, or catellys that were myn at ony tyme. - -Item, I will and ordeyne and graunte that myn executoris [before namyd], -or the more part of them[152.1] and noon othir, shall have the -decleracion and interpretacion of all and senguler articles, chapetris, -clausis, whiche and wordes in this my last will hadde and wretyn, in -whiche articlis, chapetris, clausis, and wordes ony doute or doutez, -dirknesse or dyversite of undirstondyng shall falle or happe to be -founde, and that no persone or personys be reson of suche articlys, -chapetris, clausys, or wordes, have or take ony profit or avauntage -othyr wise thanne aftyr the maner and fourme of declaracion and -interpretacion of my seyd [too namyd][152.2] executors. - -Item, I will, ordeyne, and comaunde that all my dettes that is owynge -[be] me be dewe examynacion be fully payd and contentyd to the -creditoris, which can be foundyn dewe that is owynge be me; and also -that all wronges, trespacis, offencis, and grevys be me doon or -comyttid, if ony bee, that ony maner persone hathe been hyndryd or -damagid wrongfully, if ony suche bee that can suffeciently and lawefully -be previd and knowe, I wyll fyrst be fore all othyr thinges it be speed -that myn executores do make amendes, restitucion, and satisfaction to -thoo personys or to here executorys by me damagyd and hyndred as -concience and good feithe requyreth. - -Item, I will and ordeyne that in every town in which I or ony to myn use -have lordshepys, manerez, londes, and tenementes that the pore pepyl of -the tenure of the seyd town have ij. yeer to gethyr in reward after -theyre afferaunt and quantite of the x. part of oon yeerly valewe and -reveneuse of the seyd [lor]dshepis, manerez, londes, tenementes, and -rentes, halfe to be departyd to . . [par]ishe cherchis for werkys, -ornamentes, and othyr thynges necessarye to the seyd chyrchis, and half -to be departyd amonges the seyd pore pepil that be tenauntes[152.3] of -the seid lordshepis, maneres, londes, and tenementes soo to be disposed -aftyr the discrecion of myn executores [before namyd],[152.4] aftyr my -will approvid, and my dettes payd. - -Item, I will and ordeyne that the pryour of the prioury of the parishe -cherch of Jernemuth for the tyme beynge, and hese covent and hise -successorys, observe and kepe yeerly and perpetualy to endure an -annversary in the seyd parishe cherche for to preye for the soule of my -fadyr, John Fastolf, Squyer, that lythe buryed there in the seyd -chyrche, with _placebo_ and _derige_ and messe, be note the vigyl and -day of hese obit, with the noumbre of prystes and clerkes accordyng in -such a cause; and for to susteyne the kepyng of the seyd annversary, -I will that be the avise of myn executorys [before namyd][152.4] that -londes or teneme[ntes] . . . . . . . . . . ordeynid to the yeerly valewe -of xx_s._, and that to be inmorteis . . . . . . . . swyr to the seyd -prioury or parishe chyrche, oonly to susteyne and bere . . . . . and -chargys of the perpetuall kepyng and susteyning of the seyd annversary. - -Item, I will and ordeyne that if I have ony reliquis of Seyntes, also -suche ornamentes for the chirche, that I have left as vestmentes, -garlementes of sylke or velwet, of robis, and my gownys, that parcell of -hem be yovin to the seyd monastery cherche of Seynt Benettes, where I -shal be buryed, to remayne for ornament of the chapell there be me late -edified; and also part of hem to be distrubited amonges the parishe -chyrchis that be in suche townes that I have ony lordshipis, manerez, -londes, tenementes, and rentes, provided that a resonable and a -competent part of the seyd reliquis and ornamentes be kept and govyn to -the seyd collage to be made at Castre, and this to be doon be the avise -of myn executores be fore namyd.[153.1] - -Item, I will and ordeyne that suche of my consanguinite and kynred -whyche be pore and have but litil substaunce to leve by, that they be -relevyd of my goodes . . . . . havyng consederation to thoo that be -nerrest of my kyn and of . . . . . Also of here good disposecion too God -ward and to me in here . . . . . othir of my kyn, that a consyderacion -be hadde and yovyn to the relyf and prefer[ment] of my cosyn Robert -Fitzraf, for hese good, trewe and long servise to me doon and contynwyd, -and alsoo be reson of my consanguynite and kynred. - -Item, I will and ordeyne that if ony persone make ony compleynt to myn -executores that I have purchasyd ony taylid londes be this my will -ordeynid to be sold,[153.2] and that thoo personys that so compleyne doo -suffeciently and evydently prove and shewe withoutyn ony collucion, -fraude, or male ingyne suche londes taylid; thanne I will that the right -heyris purchase as be suche taylid londes, if ony be in my possession or -in my feffeez handes, and that for a . . . . . . is thanne ony othir -persone after the avyse and discrecion of the seid John Paston and -Thomas Howis, clerk, and where there be no lawefull answere nor debarre -of the tayle.[153.3] - -Item, I will and ordeyne that the holy place of monastery and abbathye -of oure Ladyiz chirche of Langley, in the diocise of Norwiche, for my -soule to be more specialy recommendyd, and also for to kepe and -susteyne, one day in the yeer, myn annversary solempnely be note the -_derige_ and messe of requyem for ever to endure for the helthe of my -soule and for the soule of Dame Milcent, my wif, the doutyr of Sir -Robert Tibetot, Knyght, whiche was of the consanguynite and kyn to the -foundorys of the seyd monastery, and she owyng a senguler affeccion and -love of devocion to the preyeris of that place, that the Abot and Covent -have a reward and a remuneracion of my mevable goodes aftyr the -discrecion of myn executores before namyd. - -Item, I will and ordeyne that be the avise of myn executorys before -namyd, that prevecion and ordenaunce be made that the obit and -annversary may be yeerly inperpetuite kept with _placebo_ and _derige_ -and messe of requiem benote for the soule of Dame Mary, my modir, in the -chirche of Attilburgh, *[and a fundacion of a messe there, or in othyr -convenyent place to be morteysid, for ever to seye and preye for here -soule and for here auncetryez aftyr the discrecion of myn executorys.]* - -[_Second Draft._] - -* and that oon of the monkis or pristes in the collage be me ordeynid in -the mancion of Castre forseid shall synge specialy in perpetuite for the -soule of my modir and all here auncestryez, and good dooerys. - -[_First Draft._] - -Item, I will and ordeyne that it be provided by myn executores before -namyd a reward as a yefte be made to the chapell of Seynt Jorge in the -Castill of Wyndishore, and to the collagyens of the same collage for to -have my soule recomendid amonges . . . . . with an annversary to be kept -yeerly and perpetualy amonges hem with _placebo_ and [_derige_ and] -messe of requyem be note.[154.1] - -Item, I will, ordeyne, and comaunde that myn [executores and][154.2] -feffeez* porsewe lawfully my right and title that I have in xxv. marke -of yeerly rente, with all the areragis that of right and concience is -dewe to my feffeez feffyd there in to myn use to dispose for my soule -helthe chargyd and payable out of a maner in Hiklyng, callid -Nethyrhalle, with the priour and covent of Hiklyng for the tyme beyng, -be bounden and astrict be wryting undyr here covent sealys to paye -yeerly. And on lyke wise I wyll that pursewt be made be Parlement or -othyrwise lawefull for redressyng of the wrong doon to me in the maner -of Bradwell, in the hundrid of Lodynglond in Suffolk, whiche I purchasid -trewly, and hadde a lawefull astat in the same maner, as myn evydence -woll shewe of record, xl. yeer past; and for to redresse the wrong full -entre doon . . . . . my feffeez in the maner of Dedham Nethirhalle by -Willyam, late Duke of Suff[olk], as well as for the wrongfull entre -eftsonys and late made upon serteyn personys feffyd to myn use in the -seyd maner, now of latter tyme; And that myn executores doo dewly here -deligence aboute the recovery and getyng ageyn of the seyd manerez, -lond[es], and tenementes and rentes above seyd of my goodes to be born. - -[_Second Draft._] - -* be the avise of myn executores before namyd - -[_First Draft._] - -Item, I will and ordeyne that the wardeyn and the procutoris for the -tyme beyng of the parishe chirche of Seynt Oloff in Suthewerk, be London -Brege, beyeng to the use of the seyd chirche of Seynt Oloff, be -preferryd, in beyeng and purchasyng of myn executorys before namyd, -a tenement with a warff thereto longyng, set be the seyd chirche, callyd -the Bukheed, before ony man, and for a lesse valewe than it is worthe -withine the sum of xx_li._ - -Item, I will that a convenyent stoon of marbill and a flat fygure, aftyr -the facion of an armyd man, be made and gravyn in the seyd stoon in -laton in memoryall of my fadyr, John Fastolf, Squyer, to be leyd upon -hese toumbe in the chapell of Seynt Nicholas, in the parishe chirche of -Jernemuth, and with my skochonys of armys of hym and hese auncestryez, -with a scripture aboute the stoon makynge mencion the day and yeer of -hise obite. - -Item, I will that in semblable wise a marble stoon of a convenyent me -. . . . . . . . . . made to be leyd upon the toumbe of Dame Mary, my -modyr, in the . . . . . . . . foundid in the parishe chyrche of -Atilburgh, and that a figure . . . . . . . . . . of a jentilwoman with -here mantil, with a scripture made of laton in on . . . . . . . iiij. -skochonys of armys of here iij. husbondes, as the skochon of Thomas -Mortimer, Knight, [John] Fastolf, Squyer, the seconde husbonde, and of -John Farwell, Squyer, the thridde husbonde, auncetryez in the seyd -toumbe, and the day and yeer of here obite to be wretyn aboute. - -*[Item, I will that a provecion be made for swerte of the maner of -Cowlynge in Suffolk, accordyng to the last wyll of Dame Marget Braunche, -my sustir, in whiche maner I stond enfeffed in to here use, and serteyn -londes in the seyd Cowlynge that Dame Mary, my modir, purchasyd to here -and to hire heirez, that Herry Braunche, my neweu, here son . . . . seyd -maner, provided that he be oblygid to preye for hise fadir, Sir Philip -Br[aunche, and his] modir, Dame Marget, serteyn preyeris and messez, -with a prist, to be contynw[aly] seyd [be] the discrecyon of myn -executorys.]* - -[_Second Draft._] - -Item, that myn executores before namyd helpe that the maner of Cowlynge -be disposed and guydid aftyr the will of Dame Marget Brannche, my -sastir, if my executoris thynke it be to doo. - -[_First Draft._] - -Item, I will and ordeyne that the executores of John Wellys, aldreman of -London, whiche hadde gret goodes of myne in hise governaunce whil I was -in the partyez of Fraunce and Normandye, and hadde never opyn -declaracion to whos handes of my resseyvoris atturnyez, or servauntes of -myne the seyd goodes were delyvered particlerly, and for that cause to -be aserteynid of the trouthe in this be halve, as well as for the -dyscharge of the seyd John Wellys soule, his executores and attornyez -may yeve accompt, soo declaryng of my seyd goodes accordyng to the -trouthe and concience. - -*[Item, to be providyd, if it be thowght comodiously that it may be doon -be myn executores, that a chauntry may be foundyd in the chyrche of -Seynt Oloff, be London Brege, in Southewerk, to prey for my soule -perpetualy.]* - -Item, I will and requyre that it be knowyn to all pepill present and for -to come that where afore thys tyme whil I dwellyd and excersysed the -werrys in Fraunce, Normandye, Angoy, and Mayne, as in Gyen, havyng undir -the Kyng, myn sovereyn Lord, officez and governauncez of cuntreez and -placis, as of castilys, fortreys, citeez, and townes be xxx. yeer and -more contynwed, be reson of whiche officez . . . . . many sealis of myn -armys gravyn with my name wretyn aboutyn . . . . . . . . . . . course -(?) in the seyd castilys and fortreycez that my lef tenauntes and -. . . . . officerz beyng in dyverse suche placis ocupied undyr me the -sealys and sygnettes to seale saf conduytez and billettes of saf gardes, -and othyr wrytinges of justice longyng to suche officez of werre; and I -doutyng that summe of the forseyd sealys of armys or sygnettes remayne -stille amonges myn officeres or personys not delyvered to me ageyn, and -that with the sealys of armys and signettes ony monwements, chartrys, -dedes, letterys patentes, blankes chartrys in parchemyn or paper, or -othyr evydence forgyd and contryved withoute my knowynge or assent, -myght soo be sealyd ageyn all concience and trouthe and ryghtwisenesse; -and for these causez, and for doute of ony inconvenyent that myghte -falle be this my wrytinge, I sertefie for trouthe and afferme on my -soule, I swere and proteste that sethe I cam last out of Fraunce and -Normandye, xix. yeere passed, I never sealyd wrytinge of charge, yefte, -nor graunte with noon othyr seal of armys nor sygnet thanne *[with this -same seal of armys and sygnet . . . . . . . . . this my present will and -my last testament],* and overmore that I have enselyd no [charge] yefte, -nor graunte be the space of xix. yeer with noo seal nor sygnet, of noo -lordshype, maner, nor manerez, annuite, reversionis, nor of no yiftes -nor grauntes of goodes and cattellys, mevable and on mevable, nor mony, -excepte suche as I have made opynly to be knowyn, executyd, and put in -pocession be fore this day. Wherfore I requyre . . . . . . all Cristyn -peple to yeve noo feithe nor credence to ony pryvat wryting not opynly -declarid nor provid in my lif tyme, nor to blanke chartrys sealyd in my -. . . . . . . whereof I remembre me well that oon John Wyntir, Esquyer, -late my servaunt, hadde (?) in kepyng a blanke letter in parchemyn -ensealyd ondyr my seal, and never delyvered it me ageyn, but seyde he -hadde lost it at hyse confecion, as wryting ondyr hise owyn hande maketh -mencyon or he deyde. - -[_Second Draft._] - -* I have usyd this ij. yeer day last passed. - -[_First Draft._] - -Item, I will and ordeyne that myn houshold be holdyn and kept with my -menyal servauntz be the space of half yeer aftyr my deseas, soo as they -wyll be trewe to me and obedyent to myn executorys, and here wages for -that tyme payd, and that in the meane tyme they purvey hem for othyr -servise as they lyke best to avise to leve in trouthe; and if ony -servaunt be well governyd and holde ageyns my . . . or ageyn myn -executorys to breke my good disposecion, I wy[ll that he shall be?] -remevyd, and that he abyde noo lenger among the fel . . . . . . . . . . -trewly avoydid withoutyn ony reward of me or of myn ex[ecutores]. - -*[Item, I will and ordeyne that amonges othyr lordes, frendes, and -kynesmen that I desyre, [for] the discharge of my concience, be put in -remembraunce of preyeris for the [good] affeccion I hadde on to them -that I desyre shuld be preyed fore, is the soule of that blyssyd prynce, -Thomas Bedford,[156.1] late Duke of Excestre, the soulys of the Lord -Tibtot, Rauff, Lord Crumwell, Sir John Radclife, my brothyr-in-lawe, and -Dame Cisly, late hyse wiff, my sustyr, whiche lithe buryed at Burdeux; -Sir Philip Braunche, Knyght, my brothyr-in-law, that deyde and was slayn -in Fraunce, and Dame Marget, late hyse wif, my sustyr, buryed at -Cowlynge; also John Farwell, Squyer, my fadyer-in-lawe; Sir Herry -Inglose, Knyght, of my consangwynite; Sir Hewe Fastolf, Knyght, that -deyde in Cane in Normandye; Sir Robert Harlynge, Knyght, my neveu, that -was slayn at the sege of Seynt Denys in Fraunce; John Fitzraf, Squyer, -my neveu; Cisly, late the wif of Herry Fylongley, my nese, also late -desesyd; Dame [_Dan_] Willyam Fastolf, of my consanguynite, prophessyd -in the monastery of Seynt Benettes, and aftyr Abot of Fescamp in -Normandye, whiche deide at Parys; Mathew Gowgh, Squyer, Thomas Gower, -Squyer, John Sak (?), marchaunt of Paryse, my trusty frend and servaunt, -and for the soule of John Kyrtlyng, parson of Arkesey, my right trusty -chapeleyn and servaunt domysticall xxx. wynter and more, Thomas -Hoddeson, a trusty servaunt of myne, John Lyndford, and William -Gunnour.]* - -[_Second Draft._] - -Item, I will and ordeyne that amonges othir that I have put in -remembraunce be this my will to be preyed fore that suche as shalbe -bounden to preye for me, and be rewardid of myn almesse, shalbe chargid -be myn executoris be fore namyd to preye for the welfare of m[y] -soverayn Lord the Kyng, and for the soulys of all my good lordes and -kynsefolk, and of thoo I am b[ounden] to preye fore or doo preye fore, -and for hem that I have hadde ony goodes of. - -[_First Draft._] - -Item, I will, ordeyne, and streyghtly charge myn executorys that noon of -hem shall [give] quyetaunce nor rellesse in no wise be hym self, nor be -noon othir, to noon of my detorys, nor to dettour of myn executoris, of -what so ever of astat or condecion that he be of, withoute the -*[knowynge, plessaunce, and assentynge of all myn executorys, or the -more part of hem.]* - -[_Second Draft._] - -* full wyll and assentynge of the seyd John Paston and Thomas Howys, -clerk. - -[_First Draft._] - -Item, I will, ordeyne, and streightly charge that none of myn -executorys, be him self, nor be noon othyr, in ony maner or condecion -cautelous, colour . . . . . . . shall sell, nor doo selle, alyen, nor -doo alyen, withdrawe, or do be [withdra]we, my londes and tenementes, -jowellys of gold or sylvir, dettes or cattelys, vesselys or vestmentes -of sylke, lynen, or wollyn, or ony othyr utensylez, to my persone or -houshold perteyning, nor noon othyr goodes of myne, mevable or on -mevablys, quyk or ded, generaly or specialy, withoute *[the knowyng, -plessaunce, and assentynge of all myn executorys, or the more part of -hem; and if it be soo that ony of myn executores attempte maleciously -the contrary in effecte, he fallith in the centense of excommunicacion, -doyng the contrary to my last will.]* - -[_Second Draft._] - -* the very will and assentyng of the seyd Paston and Howys, and that -noon othyr attempte there in nor in noon othir cause in this my will to -doo the contrarye to hem in effecte I require hem in Goddes be halve. - -[_First Draft._] - -Item, I will, ordeyne, and streyghtly charge that all my feffeez feffyd -of trust on to myn use of and in all my manerez, lordshepis, londes, -tenementes, and rentes, and servisez, and profitez, be me or othyr to -myn use purchasyd *[in all maner of counteez, citeez, or burghes or -townes with in the ream of Eng[lond] . . . . . ]* they that have astat, -pocession, or tythe to myn use, with all the goodly haste, . . . . and -withoute delay aftyr they be requyred be myn executores* aftyr my -deseas, that they shall feffyn and make lawefull astat in fee symple -*[of and in all maner lordshipys, londes, tenementes, meswages, rentes, -servisez, and profitez forseyd, or of every parcell of the same]* to -that persone or personys to whom or to whiche *[my seid executores in -accomplisment of my last will, the said maneres, lordshepys, londes, -tenementes, mecis, rentes, and servisez, or ony parcell of the same,* -shall sell, or doo sell aftyr the declaracion of this my last will * for -the helthe of my soule, *[Dame Milcent, my wif, with all my -progenitorys, cosynes, and benefactorys, and all my frendes.]* - -[_Second Draft._] - -* except before except, be me grauntid to the seyd John Paston or hese -assygnes. - -* before namyd. - -* the seid John Paston and Thomas Howys. - -* except before except. - -* to dispose. - -* and for the soulis above seyd. - -[_First Draft._] - -*[Item, I will, ordeyne, and streightly charge, aftyr be the grace of -God I be desesed out of thys world, also myn executores willynge in -effecte to accepte the charge upon hem of execucion of my testement and -of mynistracion of my last will, all the articlis there in conteynid -they shall ransakyn besyly and discussyn soo discretly in here -remembraunce, that both in will . . . . . . . . shal not omyttyn for to -complishe the seyd articles in . . . . . . . . . . Seynt Poule the -Appostyll seithe he that is ignoraunt . . . . . . . . God Almighty shall -hym not knowyn to hise savacion[158.1] . . . . . . this article to -otherys that ignoraunce shuld not been on to myn execu[torys] in -hurtynge of my soule, occacion of trespacynge, nor God offendyng.]* - -*[Item, I wyll, I ordeyne, and hertely desyr, that if it soo be be the -grace of the Holy Gost, or of my good Aungill, or ellys be the verteuous -devocion of ony good man, or be lyberte of fredam of myn owyn will, it -happe ony good werkes and profitable to the helthe of my soule -necessarye or avayleable to come be favour or swetnesse in to my -remembraunce, as oftyn as I wryte or doo wryte suche thyngs worthy to be -remembryd in ony codicill or codicilles for to be conyoinid to my -testament or to my last will, thanne I will and preye with gret -instaunce of al myn executorys that alle thoo poyntes or articlys be me -expressyd and conteynid in the seyd my codicill or codicillys that they -may have strengthe and vertwe of observaunce in effecte, as if the hadde -be wretyn in the code of my testement and my last will.]* - -*[Item, I will, I ordeyne, and I hertely desyre, sethe that every -mortall creature is soget to the lymitez or merkys of mutabelyte and -chaungeableness, and mannys levynge in frelte and condecion is caduke -and casewell, therfor on the behalve of Almyghty God, and be the weye of -entyer charyte, I exhorte, beseche, and preye all myn executorys, in the -vertwe of oure Lord Jesu Cryst, and in the vertwe of the aspercion of -Hise holy blood, shed out graciously for the savacion of all man kende, -that for the more hasty delyveraunce of my soule from the peynefull -flawmes of the fyre of Purgatory, on suche maner and wise they dele and -departe my goodes feithfully be here discrecion and prudence and -polytik,]* the yeer of my buryeng, in exspence of myn entyrement and -othyr almesse, the same yeer, and dedys of pyete (?) for the holsum -estat of my soule amonges pore peple and nedy to [be p]artyd and -distributid plenteuously and hastely, the sum of m^ll marke *[. . . . . -. . . the space of v. or vij. yeer immediatly folwyng by yeer -Dxxxiij_li._ vj_s._ viij_d._ in almessefull deds and charitable wirkys, -with all goodly possibelyte that they shall soo dispose my goodes in -effecte feithefully that my soule, vexid in peynefull angwyshis, with -holy Job, be not compellyd to sey with gret lementacion and mornyng, -Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, namely yee that my frendes shuld -bee, for the hande of Goddes punysshynge hathe grevously touchyd me. -These be the articlys, xxxj. be noumbre, concernith the intent and -purpose of my last will be the handes of myn executores, whiche I charge -hem streytly, prey hem, and beseche hem enterly feithefully to execute, -as they will have helpe of God and of hise holy Gospell. And soo I -requyre hem as wysdam, justice, and concience to doo for me as they -wolde I shuld doo for hem in cas lyche. In tokene and witnesse whereof, -to this my last will I, Sir John Fastolf, above[160.1] . . . . . . . . -. . .]* - -[_Second Draft._] - -* Item, I wyll and ordeyne that John Paston and Thomas Howys, clerk, -geve and dispose. - -* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . of the salis of my londes and my goodes -be my will . . sygnid to be sold, be fully disposid for the well of my -soule in almessefull dedes [and] charitable werkes with all goodly -possibelite. - -[_The following new clause at the end._] - -Item, I will and ordeyne that the seyd John Paston, for the payment of -iiij. m^ll. marke forseid, shal bere and paye to the seyd Thomas Howys, -clerk, or to suche as shall aftyr them have the mynistracion of my my -goodes, the seid sum [of] viij^c. marke iche othyr yeer of the forseyd -yeerrys in whiche that sum is ordeynid to be distributid til he . . . -. . be tho paymentes born and payd the seyd sum of iiij^ml markes, and -that soo paid to be disposed be the seyd [John Pa]ston and Thomas Howys, -or be hem that shal aftyr them have the mynistracion of my goods in -executyng [my] will in awmesse full dedes in fourme afore seyd soo that -my mevable goodes be mean of that . . . . . . . shall the lenger indure -in dedis of almesse. - - [Footnote 147.2: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This document is - printed from the original draft, in which a great part of the - text has been crossed out, and other paragraphs substituted in - the margin. The passages thus cancelled are enclosed within - brackets with asterisks. Those substituted for them or inserted - in a later hand are printed in a parallel column on the right. - The passages bracketed without asterisks, and also the dotted - spaces, are lost by mutilation.] - - [Footnote 147.3: The date was originally 'the xiiij. day of the - moneth of June.'] - - [Footnote 152.1: _Or the more part of them._--These words are - crossed out. The words 'before namyd' are an interlineation - substituted for them by the second hand.] - - [Footnote 152.2: Interlineation by second hand.] - - [Footnote 152.3: 'fermors' inserted in a different hand.] - - [Footnote 152.4: Interlined by second hand.] - - [Footnote 153.1: _be fore namyd._--These words are an - interlineation by another hand.] - - [Footnote 153.2: _be this my will ordeynid to be sold_, - interlined by another hand.] - - [Footnote 153.3: _after the avyse--tayle._--These words are an - interlineation by the second hand.] - - [Footnote 154.1: _with an annversary--note_, erased.] - - [Footnote 154.2: Erased.] - - [Footnote 156.1: Beaufort.] - - [Footnote 158.1: _See_ 1 Cor. xiv. 38. The translation of this - verse in the Vulgate-- 'Si quis autem ignorat ignorabitur' - --conveys a materially different sense from that of our English - version.] - - [Footnote 160.1: The original draft ends with this word at the - bottom of the page. Apparently the last few words of the draft - were written on a flyleaf, which is now lost.] - - -386 - -WILL OF SIR JOHN FASTOLF[160.2] - -Anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quinquagesimo nono, mensis -Novembris, videlicet, die Sabbati proximo post Festum Omnium Sanctorum, -Johannes Fastolff, miles, de comitatu Northfolch, Norwicen Dioc', in -manerio suo de Castre, dictae Diocesis, quoad bona sua immobilia suam -ultimam declaravit voluntatem prout sequitur: - -John Fastolff, Knyght, the secunde and the thirde day of the moneth of -Novembre, the yere of the reigne of King Henry the Sexte after the -Conquest, xxxviij. yers, being of longe tyme, as he said, in purpos and -wille to founde and stablissh withynne the gret mansion at Castre, by -hym late edified, a college of vij. religious men, monkes or seculer -prestes, and vij. pore folke, to pray for his soule and the soulys of -his wife, his fader and modir, and other that he was beholde to, -imperpetuite. And forasmuch as he had, as he rehercid, a very truste and -love to his cosyn, John Paston, and desired the performyng of the -purpoos and wille forsad to be accomplisshed, and that the said Sir John -shulde not be mevid ne sterid in his owne persone for the said -accomplisshing of the said purpoos and wille, ne with noon other wordly -maters, but at his oune request and plesire, wolde, graunted, and -ordeyned that the said John Paston shalle, withynne resonable tyme aftir -the dissese of the said Sir John, doo founde and stablisshe in the said -mansion a college of vij. monkes or prestes and vij. pore folke, for to -pray for the soulys above said imperpetuite; so that one of the said -monkes or prestes be maister, and have x_li._ yerely, and ich othir -monke or preste x. marc yerely, and ich of the pore folke xl_s._ yerely; -and that the said John Paston shalle make sure to the said collegions a -sufficient roume and a competent and an esy duelling place in the said -mansion, the said collegions nor her successours bering no charge of -reparacion therof. For which, and for othir charges and labours that the -said John Paston hath doon and take uppon hym, to the eas and profite of -the said John Fastolf, and for othir consideracions by hym rehercid, the -said Sir John Fastolff wolde, graunted, and ordeyned that the said John -Paston shalle have alle the maners, landes, and tenementes in -North[folk], Southfolk, and Norwich, in which the said John Paston or -any other are or were enfeffed or have title to the use of the said Sir -John Fastolf; and at [_that_] alle the feffees infeffed in the said -maners, londes, and tenementes shalle make and deliver astate of the -said maners, landes, and tenementes to such persones, at such tymes, and -in such forme as the said John Paston, his heirs, and his assignes -shalle requere thaym or any of thayme. And that the said John Paston -shall pay to othir of the said Sir Johns executours iiij^ml. [4000] marc -of laufulle money of England in the forme that folweth, that is to say: -Where the said Sir John hadde apointed and assigned that his executours -shalle, the first yere aftir his disses, dispoos for his soule and -performyng his wille a m^l. marks or a m^{l}_li._ [L1000] of money, and -yerely aftir, viij^c. [800] marc, tille the goodes be disposed, the said -John Paston shalle pay iche othir yere the said summe of viij^c. marc -till the summe of iiij^m. [4000] be paid; so that the said mevabill -goodes shall the lenger endure to be disposed, by th'avise of his -executours, for the said soulys: And also the said Sir John said, -forasmuch as it was the very wille and entent of the said Sir John that -the said John Paston shulde be thus be avauntaged and in no wise hurte -of his propir goodes, therfore the said Sir John wolde graunted that if -the said John Paston, aftir the dissese of the said Sir John, by -occasion and unlaufulle trouble in this reame, or by mayntenaunce or -myght of Lordes, or for defaute of justice, or by unresonable exaccions -axid of hym for the licence of the said fundacion, withoute coveyne or -fraude of hym selve, be lettid or taried of the making or stablesshing -of the making of the said fundacion, that thanne he fynde or doo finde -yerely aftir the first yere of thus dissese of the said Sir John, vij. -prestes to pray for the said soulys in the said mansion, if he can -purvey so many, or els for as many prestes as faile, yeve yerely aftir -the said first yere, by th'avise of his executours, to bedred men and -othir nedy true pepille, as much money in almose for the said sowlys as -the salary or findyng of the prestes so faillyng is worthe or amounteth -to, unto the tyme he may laufully and peasably founde the said college -and doo his true devir for the said fundacion in the meane tyme. And the -said Sir John Fastolf wolde, graunted, and desired faithfully alle the -residewe of his executours and feffees to shewe the said John Paston -favore in the said paymentes and daies, and help hym for the Kinges -interesse and the eschetours, and furthir hym in that they may in alle -othir thinges as they wolde doo to hym selve, and not vex ne inquiete -hym for the said fundacion in the meane tyme. Ande where the said Sir -John Fastolf made his wille and testament the xiiij. day of June in -somer last passed, he wolde, graunted, and ordeyned that this his wille -touching thes premissez, as welle as the said wille made the said xiiij. -day, except and voided out of his said wille, made the said xiiij. day, -alle that concerneth or perteyneth to the fundacion of a college, -priory, or chauntery, or of any religious persones, and all that -concerneth the sale or disposing of the said maners, landes, and -tenementes, wherof this is the very declaracion of his full wille, stand -and be joyntly his very enteir and last wille, and annexed and proved -togedir. Also the said Sir John Fastolf, Knyght, the Tuysday next before -the fest of Alle Saintes, and in the moneth of Septembre the said yere, -and the iij. day of Novembre, and diverse other tymes, at Castre -aforesaid, wolde, ordeynyd, and declared his wille touching the making -of the said college, as welle as the graunte of the said maners, landes, -and tenementes in Norffolk, Suffolk, and Norwich, in fourme, manere, and -substance aforeseid. Also the said Sir John wolde and ordeyned that if -the said John Paston, by force or myght of any othir desiring to have -the said mansion, were letted to founde the seid college in the said -mansion, that thanne the said John Paston shulde doo poule down the said -mansion and every stone and stikke therof, and do founde iij. of the -said vij. prestes or monkes at Saincte Benettes, and one at Yermuth, one -at Attilbrugh, and one at Sainte Oloves Church in Southwerke. Also the -said Sir John Fastolf, the iij. and iiij. daies of the moneth of -Novembir abovesaid, desired his said wille or writyng, touching the -fundacion of the said college and the graunte of the said maners, -landes, and tenementes to the said John Paston, to be redde unto the -said Sir John; and that same wille redde and declared unto hym -articulerly, the said Sir John Fastolffe wolde, ordeyned, and graunted -that the said John Paston shulde be discharged of the payment of the -said iiij^ml. markes, and noght pay therof in case he did execute the -remenaunte of the said wille. - -Also the said Sir John Fastolf, Knyght, aboute the tyme of hervest the -yere of the reigne of King Henry the Sexte, xxxv^th yere at Castre faste -by Mikel Yermuth, in the shire of Norffolk, in presence of divers -persones that tyme called to by the said Sir John, did make astate and -feffement and liverey of the seasin of the maner of Castre aforesaid, -and othir maners, landes, and tenementes in Norffolk, to John Paston, -Squier, and othir; and at that lyverey of season therof delivered, as -welle by the handes of the said Sir John as by other, the said Sir John -Fastolfe by his owne mouth declared his wille and entente of that -feffement and liverey of season made to the use of the said Sir John -asfor during his live onely, and aftir his decese, to the use of the -said John Paston and his heirs. And also the said Sir John said and -declared that the said John Paston was the best frende and helper and -supporter to the said Sir John, and that was his wille that the said -John Paston shulde have and enherite the same maners, landes, and -tenementes and othir aftir his decese, and there to duelle and abide and -kepe householde; and desired Daun William Bokenham, Priour of Yermouth, -and Raufe Lampet, Squier, Bailly of Yermuth, that tyme present, to -recorde the same. Also the said Sir John Fastolf, the vj. day of July -next aftir the tyme of the sealing of his wille made the xiiij. day of -June, the xxxv. of King Henry the Sexte, and aftir in the presence of -Daun William Bokenham, that tyme Prioure of Yermouth, and other, wolde, -ordeyned, and declared by wille that the said John Paston shulde have -alle thynges as the said Sir John had graunted and declared to the said -prioure and othir at the tyme of the said [asta]te and feffement made to -the [said] John Paston, the said xxxv. yere of King Henry the vj^th, the -said John seyng [_saying_] that he was of the same wille and purpoos as -he was and declared at the tyme [of the] said astate takyng. Also the -said Sir John wolde that John Paston and Thomas Howes, and noon othir of -his executours, shulde selle alle maners, landes, and tenementes in -whiche any persones were enfeffed to the use of the said Sir John, -excepte the said maners, landes, and tenementes in Norffolk, Suffolk, -and Norwich; and the same John Paston and Thomas Howes shalle take and -receyve the profites, ysshueys, and emolumentes commyng of the said -maners, landes, and tenementes, excepte before except, tille they may -resonably be solde; and that the said John Paston and Thomas, the money -comyng of the same sale, as welle of the said proufites, ysshuys, and -emolumentes, shulde dispoos in dedys of almose for the soule of the said -Sir John and the soulys aforesaid, and in executyng of his wille and -testament: And also the said Sir John wolde that alle the feffees -enfeffed in the said maners, landes, and tenementes assigned to be sold, -whanne thay be required by the said John Paston and Thomas Howes, shall -make astate to persone or persons as the said John Paston and Thomas -shalle selle to, the said maners, landes, and tenementes, or any parte -therof, and that noon othir feffe [_feoffee_] nor the executours of the -said Sir John shall make any feffement, relece, ne quitance of any -londes befor assigned to be solde that wer at any tyme longing to the -said Sir John, withoute the assente of the said John Paston and Thomas -Howes. Datum anno Domini, mense, die et loco supradictis. - - [Footnote 160.2: [From Add. MS. 22,927, B.M.]] - - [[the said John Paston shulde be thus be avauntaged - _text unchanged: superfluous "be" or error for "shulde he"?_]] - - -387 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF'S WILL[163.1] - -Anno Domini [millesimo][163.2] quadringentesimo quinquagesimo nono, -mensis Novembris, videlicet, die Sabbati proximo post Festum Omnium -Sanctorum, Johannes Fastolffe, miles, de com' Norfolk, Norvicen' dioc', -in manerio suo de Castre, dict' dioc', suum condidit testamentum, et -ipsius ultimam declaravit voluntatem, prout sequitur:--In primis, -commendavit et commisit animam suam Deo Omnipotenti, Creatori suo, ac -gloriosae Virgini Mariae, matri Domini nostri Jesu Christi, et omnibus -Sanctis. Item, legavit corpus suum, postquam ab hac luce migraverit, -sepeliendum in ecclesia conventuali monasterii Sancti Benedicti in -Hulmo, Norvicen' dioc', sub arcu novae capellae per ipsum ibidem de novo -constructae, ex parte australi chori sive cancelli, sub tumba marmorea, -juxta corpus Milicenciae olim consortis suae ibidem sepultae; ac voluit -quod abbas et conventus monasterii praedicti, antequam corpus suum ibidem -sepeliretur, securitatem facerent quod dabunt et concedent Johanni -Paston et aliis per ipsum nominandis, licentiam dandi et concedendi -septem monachis vel presbyteris et eorum successoribus in quodam -collegio apud Castre praedict' per praedictum Johannem Paston stabiliendo -et dotando, terras et tenementa quae idem Johannes Paston et alii -feoffati per ipsum Johannem Fastolf seu suos feoffatos de dictis abbate -et conventu tenent, vel tantum inde quantum idem Johannes dictis -monachis vel presbyteris dare voluerit. Item legavit, ordinavit, et -praecepit omnia debita sua fideliter persolvi et quaecumque per ipsum -forisfacta de quibus constare poterit, emendari, restitui,[164.1] et -satisfieri cum effectu. Item legavit ad reparationem et sustentationem -portus villae Magnae Jernemuth', ac ad renovationem et sustentationem -murorum dictae villae pro bono commodo reipublicae, salva tuitione villae -praedictae et patriae adjacentis, centum marcas sterlingorum, sub -conditione quod burgenses seu gubernatores dictae villae sine mora seu -dilatione perficiant[164.2] reparationem portus et murorum praedictorum -quamdiu dicta summa a se extendet, ut gentes ibidem commorantes habeant -animam suam in suis orationibus specialiter recommendatam. Item, -cuilibet ecclesiae parochiali singularum villarum in quibus habuit, aut -aliquis ad suum usum habet, domum seu manerium, terras, et tenementa pro -speciali recommendatione animae suae, unum vestimentum de serico panno pro -missis ibidem celebrandis, et quod fiat in eodem scutum armorum suorum -brodinatum secundum discretionem executorum suorum et indigentiam -dictarum ecclesiarum. Item, legavit et ordinavit servientibus[164.3] -suis et familiaribus domesticis remunerationem condignam seu competentem -de bonis suis mobilibus juxta statum suorum [_sic_] ad summam tres -centum marcarum, ita quod quilibet generosus habeat duplicem ad -valentiam, et sic descendendo successive juxta statum eorum seu -exigentiam meritorum ministrorum suorum ac fidelium laborum, habita -tamen consideratione ad certos servientes[164.4] circa personam suam -attendentes diebus et noctibus in laboribus, angustiis et vigiliis, tam -in sanitate quam in infirmitate, circa praeservationem corporis sui ac -sanitatem celerius obtinendum. Item, legavit cuilibet ordini Fratrum -religiosorum et domorum Mendicantium, tam in villa Magnae Jernemouth quam -in civitate Norwici, pro recommendatione animae suae, summam competentem -secundum discretionem executorum suorum limitandum, cum nihil in proprio -habeant unde sustentari valeant nisi de caritate et elemosina devotorum -Christianorum. Residuum vero omnium bonorum suorum mobilium legata sua -excedentium, ac catallorum suorum vivorum et mortuorum, ac debita -singula quae sibi debeantur, dedit et legavit executoribus suis -infrascriptis juxta modum, formam et potestatem eisdem per eum superius -limitatam, specificatam et ascriptam, ut ipsi eisdem modo et forma, per -inde omni pondere discretionis et sani consilii, ea distribuant pro -salute animae suae inter maxime debiles et pauperes, claudos et caecos, ac -alios impotentes in eorum lectis decumbentes, se et suos sustentare -commode non valentes; habita consideratione speciali ad pauperes de -consanguinitate et affinitate sua intimos et propinquos, et praesertim in -locis ubi quondam possessiones, praedia, redditus et sua dominia fuerunt -situata, et praesertim in villis et locis ubi habent, seu aliquis ad usum -suum habet, dominia, maneria, terras, tenementa, et etiam ad -emendationem pauperum ecclesiarum villarum praedictarum, viarum turpium -et pontium communium reparationem, et in aliis piis elemosinariis usibus -et caritatis operibus, specialiter in comitatibus Norfolk' et Suffolk'; -et quod circa funeralia et legata sua ac elemosinas supradictas primo -anno post decessum suum mille marcae seu mille librae disponantur, et -annuatim postea quingentae librae, triginta tres librae, sex solidi et octo -denarii, quousque bona sua mobilia et pecuniae de venditione terrarum ac -bonorum suorum vendendorum provenientia modo et forma praedictis plenarie -disponantur, sicut coram Deo in die extremo Examinis voluerint -respondere; et ad hoc eos exhortabatur in Domino Jesu Christo taliter -pro[165.1] ipso singula fideliter peragere vellent cum pro eis in casu -consimili faceret juxta conscientiam, rationem, et justitiam. Et -praedicti testamenti ac ultimae voluntatis suae suos executores ad -exequendum, disponendum et ministrandum modo et forma per eum inferius -limitatis et subscriptis, constituit, ordinavit, fecit et elegit -Willelmum Wintoniensem episcopum; Johannem, Dominum de Beauchamp; -Nicholaum, abbatem de Langle; Johannem Stokes, legum doctorem; Fratrem -Johannem Brakley, doctorem theologiae; Willelmum Yelverton, unum -justiciariorum Domini Regis; Johannem Paston, armigerum; Henricum -Filongley, armigerum; Dominum Thomam Howes, presbyterum; et Willelmum -Worcester; quos modum et formam executionis et administrationis bonorum -suorum per executores suos fiend' sic limitavit, voluit, disposuit, et -modificavit; videlicet, quod praedicti Johannes Paston et Thomas Howes -solum et ante alios executores praedictos subeant et habeant -administrationem et dispositionem omnium bonorum mobilium, catallorum ac -denariorum ex venditione omnium terrarum et tenementorum suorum -vendendorum et proficuorum eorundem terrarum et tenementorum -provenientum, ut ipsi duo soli ea disponant pro salute animae suae, et -quod alii executores supradicti abstineant se ab omni administratione -dictorum bonorum suorum, nisi pro modo, forma, causa, loco, et tempore -quibus per ipsos Johannem Paston et Thomam Howes ad eorem juramenta pro -dicta administratione fuerint evocati pariter et rogati; et quod nullus -dictorum aliorum executorum suorum sine consensu et voluntate ac -advisamento dictorum Johannes Paston et Thomae Howes capiat aliquid seu -distribuat de bonis suis mobilibus et catallis praedictis, nec -venditionem eorundem neque terrarum nec tenementorum praedictorum faciat, -nec aliqua sibi debita recipiat, neque aliquos creditores suos quovis -modo acquiet et, neque, praedictis Johanne Paston et Thoma Howes -viventibus et administrare bona sua volentibus, aliquis alius executorum -praedictorum administrationem bonorum suscipiat suorum, sed quod quantum -dicti alii sui executores ad [_sic_] eorem singuli praedict' Johanni -Paston et Thomae Howes in quibuscunque egibilibus [_sic_] quae hujusmodi -testamentum et ultimam voluntatem concernentibus, favorabiliter -assistant et succurrant cum per eosdem fuerint ad hoc requisiti. Voluit -tamen quod si alter praedictorum Johannis et Thomae recusaverit onus -administrationis bonorum hujusmodi subire, vel ante administrationem -functam obierit, quod tunc ille dictorum duorum executorum suorum -administrare volens eligat unum de executoribus praedictis sibi -associandis quem putaverit in hiis sibi magis idoneum, et ita voluit -fieri de omnibus aliis executoribus praescriptis; videlicet, quod uno -moriente vel deficiente de duobus, alter loco ipsius ad electionem -administrationem incumbent' substituatur et assumatur. Si autem ambo -executores praedicti onus recusaverint subire administrationis praedictae, -vel ambo executores administrationem incumbentes moriantur antequam -substituantur executores alii, voluit quod tunc illi duo executores -viventes praedictam administrationem subeant et habeant quos major pars -executorum viventium sui testamenti duxerit eligendos, et quod illi duo -administrationem subeuntes ad dictos Dominum Episcopum et Dominum de -Beauchamp, Nicolaum Abbatem de Langley, Johannem Stokes, Fratrem -Johannem Bracley, Willelmum Yelverton, Henricum Filongley, et Willelmum -Worcester recursum habeant pro eorum consilio et advisamento obtinendo -in causis arduis et materiis requisitis. Supervisores vero dicti -testamenti reverendissimum in Christo patrem et dominum, Dominum Thomam -Dei gratia Cantuariensem Archiepiscopum, Walterum Episcopum Norwicensem, -Magistrum Robertum Popy clericum, et Hugonem Fenn, Domini Regis -auditorem, ordinavit et constituit, et voluit quod dicti duo executores -onus administrationis subeuntes remunerarentur secundum merita laborum -suorum et diligentiam in praemissis expediendis juxta discretionem dicti -Domini Episcopi Wintoniensis et Magistri Johannis Stokes, seu majoris -partis aliorum executorum viventium. Supervisores vero praedicti et -caeteri executores remunerarentur secundum merita laborum suorum per -discretionem duorum executorum dictae administrationi incumbentium. Et -voluit quod si quis praedictorum per eum superius nominatorum dictos -Johannem Paston et Thomam Howes in officio suo hujusmodi seu circa -administrationem bonorum ejusdem defuncti quoquomodo impediverit, -turbaverit, vexaverit, molestaverit, vel inquietaverit, aut aliquid -praedictorum facere praesumpserit vel conatus fuerit, ab administratione -bonorum suorum omnino removeatur, et si quid praemissorum ante -susceptionem administrationis hujusmodi attemptaverit, ipsum ad -administrationem hujusmodi nullatenus admitti voluit et declaravit. -Datum anno Domini, mense, die, loco supradictis. - - [Footnote 163.1: From a modern copy among the MSS. at Narford, - in the possession of Andrew Fountaine, Esq. The original of this - document has not been met with, and the copy from which it is - printed is unfortunately very corrupt; but no other text is - obtainable. The more obvious inaccuracies have been corrected, - but some obscurities remain, on which the reader may exercise - his own judgment. For a knowledge of this document I am indebted - to Mr. Tyssen Amhurst, of Didlington Hall, Brandon, to whom it - was lent by the owner.] - - [Footnote 163.2: Omitted in MS.] - - [Footnote 164.1: restum, MS.] - - [Footnote 164.2: proficiant, MS.] - - [Footnote 164.3: finentibus, MS.] - - [Footnote 164.4: finentes, MS.] - - [Footnote 165.1: per, MS.] - - -388 - -INVENTORY OF SIR JOHN FASTOLF'S GOODS[166.1] - -[Sidenote: 1459] - -Memorandum that here aftir foloweth an inventarye of the gold and silver -in coyne and plate, and othir godes and catelles that sumtyme were Sir -John Fastolf, Knyght, whiche the said Sir John Fastolf gaf to John -Paston, Squier, and Thomas Howys, clerk, of trust and confidence, that -the same godes shuld the more saufly be kept to the use of the said Sir -John duryng his lif, and aftir his decesse to be disposed in satisfiyng -of the duetees and dettes to God and Holy Chirche, and to alle othir, -and in fulfillyng and execucion of his legate last wille and testament -without eny defraudyng of the said Holy Chirche or of eny creditours or -persones. - - [Footnote 166.1: [From Add. Charter 17,247, B.M.] The MS. from - which this document is printed is a roll which appears to have - been at one time in the possession of Blomefield, the historian - of Norfolk. At the end is the following note in his - handwriting:-- 'March 7, 1743.--A true coppy of this roll given - to Sr. Andr. Fountain, Kt., by me, Fra. Blomefield.'] - - - First, in goold and silver, founden in th'abbey of Seynt Benet - aftir the decesse of the said Sir John Fastolf, m^{l}m^l iiij^xx - xiij_li._ iij_s._ iiij_d._ - Item, founden atte Castre, lxj_li._ vj_s._ viij_d._ - Item, receyved atte Bentlee by the handes of William Barker in money - by hym receyved of John Heryngton, xx_li._ - Item, receyved atte London, CCCClxix_li._ - - Summa M^{l}M^{l}DCxliij_li._ x_s._ in coyne. - - First, two peces of golde, weiyng xlviij. unces. - Item, two ewers of golde, weiyng xxvij. unces. - Item, j. flaget of silver, weiyng xxxviij. unces. - Item, ij. prikettys of silver, weiyng xxvij. unces et di. - - Summa of golde, lxxv. unces, and of silver, lv. unces. - - Item, iij. chargeours of silver, weiyng vij^xx iij. unces. - Item, xij. platers of silver, weiyng ix^xx ix. unces. - Item, xij. disshes of silver, weiyng vij^xx viij. unces. - Item, xij. sausers of silver, weiyng iiij^xx xv. unces. - - Summa v^c lxxv. unces. - - Item, xij. flat peces bolyond in the bothom, weiyng viij^xx ix. - unces. - Item, vj. bolles with oon coverecle [_lid_] of silver, the egges - gilt, my maister helmet enameled in the myddes, weiyng viij^xx - iiij. unces. - Item, a candilstik, a priket and ij. sokettys of silver, weiyng - xvij. unces. - Item, ij. potell pottes of silver wrethyn, the verges gilt with - braunches enameled, with j. tree in the lyddys, weiyng vj^xx xij. - unces. - Item, ij. galon pottes of silver wrethyn, the verges gilt, enameled - in the lyddes with iij. floures, weiyng xj^xx ix. unces. - Item, j. roste iron with vij. staves and j. foldyng stele of silver, - weiyng lxxiij. unces. - Item, ij. flagons of silver, with gilt verges, and the cheynes - enameled in the myddes, with j. hoke, weiyng ix^xx unces. - - Summa, ix^c lxiiij. unces. - - Item, a saltsaler like a bastell [_a bastille or small tower_], alle - gilt with roses, weiyng lxxvij. unces. - Item, a paire of basyns, alle gylt, with an antelope in the myddes, - weiyng xj^xx unces. - Item, ij. ewers, gilt, pounsed with floures and braunches, weiyng - xxxix. unces. - Item, j. spice plate, well gilt like a double rose, my maister - helmet in the myddes, with rede roses of my maisters armes, - weiyng v^xx x. unces. - Item, ij. galon pottes, all gilt, enameled in the crownes with - violet floures, weiyng x^xx xiij. unces. - Item, vj. bolles, with oon coveracle gilt, with my maisters helmet - enamelled in the myddes, weiyng viij^xx vj. unces. - Item, j. stondyng cuppe, all gilt, with a coveracle, with my - maisters helmet enamyled in the myddes, weiyng xlj. unces. - Item, another cuppe of the same facione, all gilt, weiyng xlij. - unces. - Item, iiij. cuppes, gilt like founteyns, with j. columbyne floure - enameled in the myddes, weiyng iiij^xx xvj. unces. - - Summa, DCCCClxv. unces. - - Item, j. grete flagon, with stuf theryn, weiyng xvij^xx xj. unces. - - Summa, CCClj. unces. - - Item, vj. platers, weiyng vij^xx unces. - Item, xiiij. disshes, weiyng ix^xx unces. - Item, xij. peces of dyvers sortes, weiyng vij^xx xiij. unces. - Item, ij. grete galon pottes, playn, with gilt verges, my maisters - helmet in the kever, weiyng xij^xx xij. unces. - Item, j. paire basyns, the verges gilt, Harlyngs[168.1] armes in the - bottom, weiyng v^xx xv. unces. - Item, ij. quart potts, with gilt verges, with the same armes in the - lydde, weiyng lxx. unces. - Item, ij. ewers, the oon demi gilt, and the othir the bordures gilt, - weiyng lj. unces. - Item, j. spice plate demi gilt, my maisters terget enamyled in the - myddes, weiyng lxxj. unces. - - Summa, DCCCCCxxxij. unces. - - Item, j. stondyng cuppe gilt, with j. kever, with j. rose in the - toppe, weiyng xl. unces. - Item, anothir cuppe of the same facion, gilt, weiyng xlj. unces. - - Summa, iiij^xx j. unces. - - Item, iij. grete chargeours, weiyng vij^xx ij. unces. - Item, xij. platers, weiyng xj^xx xij. unces. - Item, xij. disshes, weiyng ix^xx viij. unces. - Item, xj. sausers, weiyng lxxvj. unces. - - Summa, DCxxxviij. unces. - - Item, j. paire basyns, with gilt verges and j. rose, with my - maisters helmet enameled and gilt in the myddes, weiyng viij^xx - vj. unces. - Item, ij. ewers, gilt and enameled in like wise, weiyng lxxv. unces. - Item, xij. flatte peces, pounsed in the bottom, the verges gilt - sortely, weiyng vij^xx xvj. unces. - Item, j. spiceplate demi gilt, wrethyn, weiyng lxxij. unces. - Item, vj. bolles, with oon kever, the verges gilt, my maisters - helmet in the myddes, weiyng viij^xx iiij. unces. - Item, ij. grete pottes, eche of a galon, wrethyn the verges of bothe - gilt with popy leves, with j. tre levedroses in the lidde, - enameled, weiyng xj^xx xvj. unces. - Item, ij. potelers, with gilt verges, enameled in the liddes, weiyng - iiij^xx ix. unces. - Item, ij. flagons, with gilt verges, and the cheyne enameled in the - myddes, weiyng viij^xx j. unces. - Item, j. candelstik, with j. priket and ij. soketts, weiyng xvij. - unces. - - Summa, xj^c xxxvj. unces. - - Item, j. saltsaler, with j. kever, well gilt, with many wyndowes, - weiyng iiij^xx vj. unces. - Item, vj. bolles, all gilt, with j. kever and j. rose in the toppe, - eche enameled in the bottom with my maisters helmet, weiyng - viij^xx vj. unces. - Item, ij. galon pottes, gilt playn, anameled in the lyddes with my - maisters target, weiyng vij^xx xiiij. unces. - Item, j. stondyng cuppe, pounsed with floures, well gilt, weiyng - xlij. unces. - Item, j. gilt cuppe, stondyng covered, pounsed with j. rose in the - toppe, weiyng xlvij. unces. - Item, vj. gobelettes, wele gilt, with j. columbyne floure, weiyng - vij^xx vj. unces. - - Summa, DCxlj. unces. - - [Footnote 168.1: Sir Robert Harling of East Harling, in Norfolk, - was a companion in arms of Fastolf, and was killed at Paris in - 1435.] - - -_Chapell._ - - Item, vij. prikettes, with gilt verges, weiyng iiij^xx vj. unces. - Item, ij. stondyng candilstikkes, with gilt verges, weiyng iiij^xx - j. unces. - Item, j. ship, with gilt verges, weiyng ix. unces. - Item, j. box for syngyng brede,[169.1] weiyng iiij. unces. - Item, j. haly water stop, with j. sprenkill and ij. cruettes, weiyng - xij. unces. - - Summa, C iiij^xx xij. unces. - - Item, j. brode pryket, all gilt, weiyng xlv. unces. - Item, j. paire basyns, all gilt, enameled in the bottom with roses, - weiyng xl. unces. - Item, j. pyx, demi gilt, weiyng xxx. unces. - Item, j. crosse, all gilt, weiyng xlj. unces. - Item, j. ewer, all gilt, weiyng xvij. unces. - Item, j. chalice, alle gilt, weiyng xxvij. unces. - Item, j. lesser chalice, all gilt, weiyng xiiij. unces. - Item, ij. roses over gilt, weiyng xv. unces et di. - Item, j. ymage of Seynt Michell, weiyng viij^xx x. unces. - Item, j. ymage of oure Lady and hir Childe in hir armes, weiyng - v^{xx} x. unces. - - Summa, D^{c}xxix et di unces. - - Item, j. grete flagon, weiyng xviij^xx viij. unces. - Item, j. almesse disshe, weiyng vj^xx xij. unces. - - Summa, D^c unces. - - Item, j. sensour of silver, and gilt, weiyng xl. unces. - Item, j. ship, weiyng xviij. unces. - Item, j. pece with j. kever, weiyng xx. unces. - Item, j. gobelet, gilt, weiyng xj. unces. - Item, j. stondyng cup, with j. kever, weiyng xij. unces. - - Summa, Cj. unces. - - Item, iij. grete chargeours, of oon sorte, weiyng xj^xx xviij. - unces. - Item, j. chaufer, to sette upon a table for hote water, weiyng - iiij^xx xiij. unces. - Item, iiij. holowe basyns, wherof oon is bolyons, weiyng all x^xx - xiij. unces. - Item, iij. botelles, of oon sorte, weiyng vij^xx xiiij. unces. - Item, vj. grete peces, of oon sorte, weiyng v^xx xvij. unces. - Item, xij. peces, all of oon sorte, weiyng xj^xx xiiij. unces. - Item, iij. smale peces, weiyng xxv. unces. - Item, j. grete bolle, with j. kever, weiyng lxij. unces. - Item, iij. gobelettes, pounsed, weiyng xiiij. unces et di. - Item, j. powder box, and j. kever to j. cup, weiyng xxij. unces. - Item, ij. basyns, the verges gilt with popy leves, enameled with my - maisters helmet in the bottom, weiyng viij^xx ix. unces. - Item, ij. ewers, gilt, enameled in the same wise, weiyng iiij^xx - unces. - Item, iiij. ewers, of the olde facion, weiyng lxxvij. unces. - - Summa, xv^c xxij. unc' et di. - - Item, j. litill flat pece, gilt, with j. kever, weiyng xxvij. unces. - Item, j. stondyng pece, all gilte, with j. kever, weiyng xxxviij. - unces. - Item, j. litill stondyng pece, gilt, with j. kever, weiyng xxj. - unces et di. - - Summa, iiij^xx vj. unc' et di. - - [Footnote 169.1: The round cakes or wafers intended for - consecration in the Eucharist.] - - [[Item, j. brode pryket, all gilt, weiyng xlv. unces. - _final . missing or invisible_]] - - -_Apud Sanctum Benedictum._ - - Item, ij. basyns, with gilt verges, and my maisters helmet in the - botom, with ij. ewers, with gilt verges, and my maisters helme - on the lyddes, weiyng togider CCxxxj. unces. - Item, iiij. prikettes, with gilt verges, weiyng xxxj. unces. - Item, ij. lesser prikettes, weiyng v. unces. - Item, j. basyn and j. ewer, with my maisters armes in the botom, - weiyng lxiij. unces. - Item, ij. litill ewers, of ij. sortes, weiyng xxiiij. unces. - Item, j. spiceplate, with gilt verges, weiyng xliiij. unces. - Item, ij. galons, with gilt verges, with my maisters armes in the - liddes, weiyng iiij^xx xvj. unces. - Item, ij. potellers, of oon sorte, weiyng iiij^xx iiij. unces. - Item, ij. othir potellers, of oon sorte, weiyng iiij^xx xiij. unces. - Item, j. potell potte, of anothir sorte, weiyng xxxv. unces. - Item, ij. quartelettes, of dyvers sortes, weiyng xlviij. unces. - Item, j. litill botell, with j. cheyne and j. stopell, weiyng - xxxviij. unces. - Item, j. brode priket, with gilt verges, weiyng xxiiij. unces. - Item, ij. candilstikkes, ij. prykettes, and iiij. sokettes, weiyng - xxxvij. unces. - Item, vj. gobelettes, of dyvers sortes, weiyng xxviij. unces. - Item, xiiij. peces, of dyvers sortes, weiyng vj^xx xv. unces. - Item, j. old pece, with j. kever and j. knop, weiyng xxxij. unces. - Item, ij. chargeours, of oon sorte, weiyng lxxviij. unces. - Item, vj. platers, of oon sorte, weiyng vij^xx vij. unces. - Item, xviij. disshes, of dyvers sortes, weiyng x^xx xvj. unces. - Item, vj. sawsers, of oon sorte, weiyng xxviij. unces. - - Summa, xv^c xvij. unces. - - Item, j. saltsaler, alle gilt, with j. kever, weiyng xxxvij. unces. - Item, j. pese, with j. kever, all gilt, with j. knop, weiyng xxxj. - unces. - Item, j. playne pece, gilt, with j. kever, weiyng xxvj. unces. - Item, j. litill pece, gilt, with j. kever, weiyng xviij. unces. - - Summa, v^xx xij. unces. - - Item, j. chargeour, weiyng xlv. unces. - Item, viij. platers, weiyng ix^xx xj. unces. - Item, viij. disshes, weiyng vj^xx v. unces. - Item, viij. saucers, weiyng xlix. unces. - Item, j. potell potte, with gilt verges, enameled in the top with - violet leves, weiyng xlix. unces. - - Summa, CCCC iiij^xx iij. unces. - - Item, j. stondyng cup, with j. kever, all gilt, weiyng xxxviij. - unces. - Item, j. founteyn, all gilt, with j. columbyne floure in the bottom, - weiyng xxiij. unces. - - Summa, lxj. unces. - - Item, ij. saltsalers, weiyng xxxix. unces. - Item, j. candilstik, with ij. sokettes, weiyng xxj. unces. - Item, iiij. flat peces, pounsed in the bottom, weiyng xl. unces. - Item, ij. gobelettes, pounsed, weiyng ix. unces. - Item, xiij. spones, wherof oon is gilt, weiyng xvij. unces. - Item, j. ewer, with j. knop, weiyng xiij. unces. - Item, ij. potellers, with my maisters armes on the liddes, weiyng - lxxji. unces. - Item, j. potell potte, with braunches on the lidde enamelid, weiyng - xlix. unces. - Item, iij. pottes, enameled with j. garlond, weiyng v^xx vij. unces. - Item, j. quart pot, weiyng xxix. unces. - Item, j. grete chargeour, weiyng lxxix. unces. - Item, iij. lesser chargeours, weiyng v^xx xj. unces. - Item, v. platers, of oon sorte, weiyng v^xx xv. unces. - Item, xij. disshes, of oon sorte, weiyng x^xx ix. unces. - Item, ix. sausers, of oon sorte, weiyng lxiij. unces. - - Summa, M^l iiij^x xij. unces. - - Item, j. gobelet, gilt, with j. columbyne in the bottom, weiyng - xxiiij. unces. - Item, j. stondyng cup, with j. kever, weiyng xxxv. unces. - - Summa, lix. unces. - - [[Summa, M^l iiij^x xij. unces. - _final . missing or invisible; all numbers are as shown_]] - - -_Castre._ - - Item, ij. prykettys, with gilt verges, weiyng xvij. unces. - Item, ij. cruettes, oon lakkyng a lydde, weiyng viij. unces. - Item, j. litill crosse, with j. fote, all gilt, weiyng vij. unces. - Item, j. sakeryng bell, weiyng xj. unces. - Item, j. chalice, weiyng xviij. unces. - Item, j. saltsaler, weiyng v. unces. - Item, j. paxbrede,[172.1] weiyng [172.2]unces. - Item, j. grete saltsaler, with j. kever, weiyng xxvij. unces. - Item, j. playn basyn, with j. ewer, weiyng liij. unces. - Item, ij. flat peces, of oon sorte, weiyng xxij. unces. - Item, xvij. spones, of ij. sortes, weiyng xviij. unces. - Item, iiij. platers, weiyng iiij^xx xiiij. unces. - Item, vj. disshes, weiyng iiij^xx xiiij. unces. - Item, iiij. sausers, weiyng xviij. unces. - Item, j. candilstik, withoute sokettes, weiyng xviij. unces. - - Summa, CCCCx. unces. - - -_M^d of xlvj. unces gold and ij^ml. Dxxv. unces of silver plate taken -from Bermondesey._ - -[Sidenote: _Sold by John Yong of London._] - - {In primis, a peson[173.1] of gold, it fayleth v. balles, - weiyng xxiij. unces gold. - {Item, j. paire basons, beyng[173.2] bothe weiyng v^xx ij. unces. - {Item, j. paire ewers, beyng[173.2] bothe weiyng xlv. unces. - {Item, j. paire of newe flagons, cheyned, everyche weiyng - lxxiiij. unces--vij^xx xiij. unces. - {Item, iiij. platers, parcell of ix. platers not sortely, weiyng - in all x^xx ix. unces; so iche weieth xxiij. unces. Soo the - weight of the same iiij. platers, iiij^xx xij. unces. - {Item, xij. disshes, weiyng in all ix^xx ix. unces. - {Item, xij. sausers, weiyng in all iiij^xx xvij. unces. - - Summa unciarum argenti, DClxxiij. unc', et de auro, xxiij. unc'. - - Item, j. cup of golde, with an ewer, weiyng xxiij. unces. - Item, ij. spiceplates, weiyng bothe iiij^xx xij. unces. - Item, ij. olde chargeours, of oon sorte, weiyng iiij^xx viij. unces. - Item, j. grete plater, weiyng xxxviij. unces. - Item, v. olde disshes, weiyng in alle lxxvj. unces. - Item, v. sausers, weiyng xxix. unces. - Item, ij. quart pottes, weiyng liiij. unces. - Item, ix. platers, weiyng xvj^xx iij. unces. - Item, a flat pece, playne, of silver, weiyng xvj. unces. - Item, a quart pot, of silver, with gilt verges, weiyng xxvj. unces. - Item, an holowe basyn, of silver, weiyng xxviij. unces. - - Summa unciarum de auro, xxiij. unc'; et de argento, - DCClxx. unc'. - - Item, ij. stondyng cuppes, gilt, of oon sorte, iche weiyng xxiiij. - unces--lxviij. unces. - Item, vj. gobelettes, uncovered, weiyng xxiij. unces et di. - Item, j. layer, weiyng xxiiij. unces. - Item, j. saltsaler, gilt, weiyng xxxiiij. unces. - Item, ij. lesse chargeours, weiyng lxx. unces. - Item, v. platers, not sortely, parcell of ix. platers, weiyng in all - x^xx ix. unces; so iche plater weyeth by estymacion xxiij. unces. - So the weight of v. platers, Cxv. unces. - - Summa, CCCxxxiiij. unces di. - - Item, j. saltsaler, gilt, with a cover, weiyng xxxj. unces. - Item, iiij. peces, gilt, with ij. coveres, weiyng lxxiiij. unces. - Item, vj. Parys cuppes, of silver, of the Monethes, with lowe fete, - the bordures gilt, weiyng iiij^xx x. unces. - Item, j. white stondyng cuppe, with a cover of silver, weiyng xij. - unces di. - Item, j. knoppe, for a covere, gilt, weiyng j. unce. - Item, j. flagon, of silver and gilt, accordyng with the olde - inventarie, weiyng x^xx xviij unces. - Item, anothir flagon, of the same sorte and of the same weight, x^xx - xviij. unces. - - Summa, DCxliiij. unces di. - - Item, j. paire of olde flagons, iij. pyntes, fayleth j. stopell, - weiyng iiij^xx x. unces. - Item, j. grete sawser, weiyng vj. unces di. - Item, ij. olde cruettes, weiyng vj. unces. - - [Footnote 172.1: A small tablet with a representation of the - Crucifixion on it, presented to be kissed during the mass.] - - [Footnote 172.2: Blank in MS.] - - [Footnote 173.1: An instrument in the form of a staff, with - balls or crockets, used for weighing, before scales were - employed for that purpose.] - - [Footnote 173.2: The word 'beyng' in these two places seems to - have been altered to 'weyng,' which was unnecessary.] - - [[Item, ij. cruettes, oon lakkyng a lydde, weiyng viij. unces. - _text has "weiyhg"_]] - - [[Item, j. paire ewers _period (full stop) invisible_]] - - -389 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF'S WARDROBE[174.1] - -_Memorandum._ - -That the last day of Octobre, the yere of the reyne of King Henri -the Sixt, Sir John Fastolf, Knyght, hath lefte in his warderope at -Castre, this stuffe of clothys, and othir harnays that followith, that -is to wete:-- - - [Footnote 174.1: [From Archaeologia, xxi. 252.] This roll and the - preceding are both printed in the Archaeologia from transcripts - made by Blomefield, the Norfolk historian, for his friend Sir - Andrew Fountaine. The original of this second roll we have not - met with.] - - -_Togae remanenciae hoc tempore in Garderoba Domini._ - - First, a goune of clothe of golde, with side slevis, sirples wise. - Item, j. nothir gowne of clothe of golde, with streyght slevys, and - lynyd withe blak clothe. - Item, halfe a gowne of red felwett. - Item, j. gowne of blewe felwett upon felwet longe furrid withe - martyrs, and perfold[174.2] of the same, slevys sengle. - C. Item, j. gowne, clothe of grene, of iij. yerds. - Item, j. side scarlet gownys, not lynyd. - Item, j. rede gowne, of my Lorde Coromale[174.3] is lyverey, lyned. - Item, j. chymere[174.4] cloke of blewe satayne, lynyd with blake - silke. - Item, iij. quarters of scarlet for a gowne, di. quarter of the same. - Item, j. broken gowne of sangweyne, graynyd with the slevys. - Item, j. gowne of Frenche russet, lynyd with blak clothe. - Item, j. chemer of blak, lynyd with blak bokerame. - Item, j. gowne of blak, lynyd with blak lynyng. - Item, iij. quarters of a russet gowne with ought slevys. - Item, j. jagged huke[175.1] of blakke sengle, and di. of the same. - - [Footnote 174.2: Trimmed. The word is more commonly written - 'purfled.'] - - [Footnote 174.3: Cromwell.] - - [Footnote 174.4: The _chammer_ or _shamew_ was a gown cut in the - middle. --_See_ Strutt's _Dress and Habits of the People of - England_, ii. 359.] - - [Footnote 175.1: A kind of mantle. --_See_ Strutt's _Dress and - Habits_, ii. 363.] - - -U. - -_Tunicae Remanentes ibidem._ - - Item, j. jakket of blewe felwett, lynyd in the body with smale lynen - clothe, and the slevys withe blanket. - Item, j. jakket of russet felwet, lynyd with blanket clothe. - Item, j. jakket of red felwet, the ventis bounde with red lether. - Item, j. jakket of blakke felwet upon felwet, lynyd with smale lynen - cloth. - Item, j. jaket, the bret and slevys of blak felvet, and the remanent - of russet fustian. - Item, ij. jakketts of russet felwet, the one lynyd with blanket, - t'other with lynen clothe. - Item, ij. jakketts of chamletts. - Item, j. jakket of sateyne fugre.[175.2] - Item, j. dowblettis of red felwet uppon felwet. - Item, j. jakket of blak felwet, the body lynyd with blanket and the - slevys with blak clothe. - Item, j. dowbelet of rede felwet, lynyd with lynen clothe. - Item, ij. jakketts of derys lether, with j. coler of blak felwet. - Item, j. dowbelet of white lynen clothe. - Item, j. pettecote of lynen clothe stoffyd with flokys. - Item, j. petticote of lynen clothe, withought slyves. - Item, ij. payre hosyn of blakke keyrse. - Item, iij. payre bounden with lether. - Item, j. payre of blake hosyn, vampayed with lether. - Item, ij. payre of scarlet hosyn. - - [Footnote 175.2: Figured or branched satin.] - - -U - -V - -_Capucia et Capellae._ - - Item, j. russet hode, with owgt a typpet, of satyn russet. - Item, j. hode of blakke felwet, with a typpet, halfe damask and - halfe felwet, y jaggyd. - Item, j. hode of depe grene felwet, jakgyd uppon the rolle. - Item, j. hode of russet felwet, with a typpet, half of the same and - half of blewe felwet, lynyd with the same of damaske. - Item, j. hood of depe grene felwet, the typpet blake and grene - felwet. - Item, j. hood of russet felwet withougt a typpet. - Item, j. hode of damaske russet, with j. typpet, fastyd with a lase - of silke. - Item, j. rydyng hode of rede felwet with iiij. jaggys. - Item, j. hode of skarlet, with a rolle of purpill felwet, bordered - with the same felwet. - Item, j. hode of blake satayne, the rolle of blake felwet. - Item, j. of purpill felwet, with owten rolle and typpet. - Item, j. hode of russet felwet, the typpet lynyd with russet silke. - Item, j. typpet, halfe russet and halfe blake felwet, with j. jagge. - Item, j. rydynghoode of blakalyere, lynyd with the same. - Item, j. rydyng hoode of blakke felwet, i-lynyd with blakke clothe. - Item, j. hatte of bever, lynyd withe damaske gilt, girdell, bokkell, - and penaunt, with iiij. barrys of the same. - Item, j. gret rollyd cappe of sangweyn, greyned. - Item, ij. skarlet hoodys. - Item, iiij. hodys of sangweyn, graynyd. - Item, ij. hodys of perce blewe. Item, ij. hodys blakalyre. - Item, j. knitte cappe. Item, j. unsette poke. - Item, ij. poyntys of a hood of skarlot. - Item, j. blake rydyng hoode, sengle. Item, ij. strawen hattis. - Item, j. blewe hoode of the Garter. - Item, j. gowne of my ladys, sengle. - - -_Aliae res necessariae ibidem._ - - Inprimis, j. canope of greene silke, borderyd with rede. - Item, iij. trapuris, with iij. clothis of the same sute. - Item, ij. old cheses plis [_chasubles_] of rede. - Item, ij. pokkettis stuffyd and embraudyd with white rosys after his - devyce, of rede with crossis leten with silver. - Item, j. pece of scarlot, embraudit in the myddell, containing in - length iij. yerds and di. - Item, j. pece of blewe, contaynyng in length iij. quarters, and in - brede v. quarters. - Item, j. pece of skarlot for trappars for horsys, with rede crossis - and rosys. - Item, ij. stripis of the same trappuris sutly. - Item, j. pece of Seynt George leveray, for j. hode. - Item, j. ball of coper gilt, embrauded rechely with j. skogen - [_scutcheon_] hongyng therbi. - Item, ij. pencellis of his armys. - Item, ij. yerds and j. quarter of white damaske. - Item, j. pece of white felwet ij. yerdis longe. - Item, j. pece of rede satayne, brauden [_embroidered_] with _Me - faunt fere_. - Item, ij. strypes of the same. - Item, ij. cote armours of silke, aftir his own armys. - Item, j. cote armour of whyte silke of Seynt George. - Item, ij. pecys of clothe of golde of tyssent. - Item, j. pece of blak kersey with rosys, and embraudit with _Me - faunt fere_. - Item, ij. stripis of the same sute. - Item, ij. peces of blewe canvas of xlij. yerds. - Item, j. pece of linnen cloth, steyned. - Item, j. pece of grene wurstet xxx. yards longe. - Item, iiij. clokys of murry[177.1] derke. - Item, j. bollok haftyd dager, harnesyd wyth sylver,[177.2] and - j. chape[177.3] thertoo. - Item, j. lytyll schort armyng dager, withe j. gilt schape. - Item, iij. payre tablys of cipris, being in casys of lether. - Item, j. parre tablys of G., enrayed withowght, and here men in - baggys longyng thertoo. - - [Footnote 177.1: Dark or brownish red.] - - [Footnote 177.2: Silver twisted round the haft.] - - [Footnote 177.3: The schape or chape was the ferule of the - scabbard.--Dr. Meyrick.] - - -E. - - Imprimis, v. pellowes of grene silke. - Item, j. pellow of silk the growund white wyth lyllys of blewe. - Item, ij. pellowes of rede felwet and the growund of ham blakke. - Item, v. pellowys of rede felwet. - Item, ij. pellowys of rede felwet beten upon satayne. - Item, j. littill pellow of grene sike, full wythin of lavendre. - Item, j. pellow of purpyll silke and golde. - Item, ij. pellowes of blew silke, with a schelde. - Item, v. large carpettys. - - Imprimis, j. longe pillowe of fustian. - Item, iij. brode pillowes of fustyan. - Item, ij. pillowys of narwer sorte and more schorter, of fustyan. - Item, j. longe pellow of lynen clothe. - Item, j. pellow of a lasse sorte. - Item, j. brode pyllow of lynen clothe. - Item, ij. pillowes of lynen clothe of a lasser assyse. - Item, viij. pelowes of lynen clothe off a lasser assyse. - Item, v. of the lest assyse. - - In primis, j. cover of grene silke to a bedde, lynyd with blewe silke. - Item, j. close bedde of palle grene and whyte, with levys of golde. - Item, j. covyr of the same. - Item, j. covyr of rede silke lynyd with bokerame. - Item, j. cover of white clothe, fyne and well-wrought, purpeynte - [_pourpointe or stitched_] wyse. - Item, j. cover of raynis, wrowght with golde of damaske. - Item, j. donge [_mattress or feather bed_] of purle sylke. - Item, j. seler of white lynen clothe. - Item, j. testur of the same. Item, iij. curtaynys sutely. - Item, iij. cartaynyes of lynen clothe. - Item, iij. blankettis of fustian. - - [[Item, iij. blankettis of fustian. - _final . missing or invisible_]] - - -_Clothis of Arras and of Tapstre warke._ - - Inprimis, j. clothe of arras, clyped the Schipherds clothe.[178.1] - Item, j. of the Assumpsion of Oure Lady. - Item, j. newe banker of arras, with a bere holdyng j. spere in the - middys of the clothe. - Item, j. tester of arras with ij. gentlewomen and ij. gentlemen, and - one holdyng an hawke in his honde. - Item, j. clothe with iiij. gentle women. - Item, j. testour of arras with a lady crouned and a grete rolle - aboughte her hede, the first letter N. - Item, j. clothe of ix. conquerouris. - Item, j. cover for a bedde, of newe arras, and a gentlewoman beyng - ther in the corner with a whelp in hir honde and an Awnus Day - abought hir nec. - Item, a seler of arras frangyd with silke, red, grene, and white. - Item, j. testir of the same, red, grene, and white. - Item, j. testur frangyd with grene silke. Item, j. seler of the - same. - Item, j. clothe for the nether hall, of arras, with a geyaunt in the - myddell, beryng a legge of a bere in his honde. - Item, j. clothe of arras for the dese [_dais_] in the same halle, - with j. wodewose [_a savage_] and j. chylde in his armys. - Item, j. clothe of the sege of Faleys for the west side of the - halle. - Item, j. clothe of arras with iij. archowrys on scheting - [_shooting_] a doke in the water with a cross bowe. - Item, j. clothe of arras withe a gentlewoman harpyng by j. castell - in myddys of the clothe. - Item, j. cover of arras for a bedde, with a mane drawyng water in - the myddel of the clothe ought of a welle. - Item, j. lytell tester of arras, whith j. man and a woman in the - myddyll. - Item, j. banker[178.2] of arras with a man schetyng at j. blode - hownde. - Item, j. clothe of arras with a lady crouned, and j. rolle abought - her hedde with A. N., lynyd with gray canvas. - Item, j. clothe of arras with a condyte in the myddill. - Item, j. clothe of arras, with a gentlewoman holding j. lace of - silke, and j. gentlewoman a hauke. - Item, ij. clothis portrayed full of popelers. - Item, j. testyr of blewe tapistry warke with viij. braunchys. - Item, j. blewe hallyng[178.3] of the same sute. - Item, j. rede clothe of v. yerds v. dim. of lenthe. - Item, j. banker of rede, with iij. white rosys and the armys of - Fastolf. - Item, j. nothyr clothe of rede, with v. roses sutly. - Item, j. hallyng of blewe worstet, contayning in lenthe xiij. yerds, - and in bredthe iiij. yerds. - Item, j. hallyng with men drawen in derke grene worsted. - Item, ij. pecys of whyte worsted, bothe of one lenthe. - Item, j. hallyng of depe grene, contayning in lenthe xj. yerds, and - in bredthe ij. yerds and one halfe. - Item, j. hallyng of the same sute, lenthe, and brede. - Item, j. tester of grene and whyte, wyth braunchis sutely. - - [Footnote 178.1: Probably representing the Adoration of the - Shepherds.] - - [Footnote 178.2: Covering for a bench.] - - [Footnote 178.3: Hanging for a hall.] - - -F. - -_Clothis of Arras._ - - Item, ij. clothis of arras for the chamboure over the nether halle, - of huntyng and of haukyng. - Item, iij. clothis of grene and whyte, withe braunchis sutely to the - other wreten before. - Item, a coveryng of a bedde of aras, withe hontyng of the bore, - a man in blewe, with a jagged hoode, white and rede. - - -G. - -_Canvas in the Warderop and fyne Lynen Clothe of dyvers sortes._ - - First ix. berys for fetherbeddys. - Item, iiij. transomers. - Item, j. pece of lynen clothe, countyng lenthe and brede iiij^{xx}. - ellys, and the tone ende kit and nought enselyd and the other ende - hole. - Item, j. pece of lynen clothe, yerde brode, contaynyng xiiij. yerds - and more, and not sealed. - Item, j. pece of grete lynen clothe, yerde brode, of xxij. yerds. - Item, j. pece of yerde brode, xxiv. yerds iij. quarters, pro - Willelmo Schipdam. - Item, j. pece of a yerde and a halfe quarter brode, of xxv. yerds - and iij. quarters, pro Willelmo Schypdam. - Item, j. pece of yerde brode, of xij. yerds and j. quarter. - Item, j. pece of fyne lynen clothe, yerd brode, of lvj. yerdys of - lenthe. - Item, j. pece of grete clothe, yerde brode, of lvij. yerds. - Item, j. pece of grete clothe of xxiiij. yerds. - Item, j. pece of clothe leke of xxviij. yerds. - Item, j. pece of clothe of xxxvij. yerds et dim. - Item, j. pece of grete clothe of xxij. yerdys per Willm. Schypdham. - Item, j. pece of clothe lyke of xxxij. yerds and j. quarter. - Item, j. pece of lyke clothe of xxxvj. yerds, per Willm. Schypdam. - Item, j. pece of clothe of xxxiij. yerds and j. quarter, per Willm. - Schypdam. - Item, j. pece of xxvij. yerds j. quarter. Item, j. pece of x. yerds - dim. - Item, j. pece of viij. yerds. Item, j. pece of xxviij. yerds iij. - quarters. - Item, j. pece of xix. yerds dim. Item, j. pece of xxij. yerds - j. quarter. - Item, j. pece of xiij. yerds j. quarter. Item, j. pece of xxiij. - yerds. - Item, j. pece of xxvij. yerds j. quarter. Item, j. pece of xxx. - yerds dim. - Item, j. pece of xxxij. yerds dim. Item, j. pece of xlj. yerds and - j. quarter. - Item, j. pece of xxxj. yerds dim. Item, j. pece of xviij. yerds iij. - quarters. - Item, j. pece of xiij. yerds. Item, j. pece of xiiij. yerds. - Item, j. pece of xlv. yerds. Item, j. pece of viii. yerds dim. - Item, j. pece of xiij. yerds dim. Item, j. pece of xxij. yerds - j. quarter. - Item, j. pece of xxxix. yerds. - Item, j. pece of xxxiij. yerds j. quarter of beter clothe. - Item, ij. rollys of lynen clothe, both not moten. Item, lx. yerds of - clothe. - Item, j. pece of Seland clothe, with dyvers sealys at the endys. - - Summa totalis, xl. peces. - - Summa totalis istius folij ultra ij. rolles conc' lx. virg' et in - pece sigillat' cum Domini secreto sigillo uti in fine paginae, - ml. xxxvij. virg. ij. quart. dim. per C. que re. - - Manent, cum tribus pecijs restitutis. - - -H. - -_Adhuc in Garderoba in domo Superiori._ - - Item, iij. grete brasse pottys of Frenche makyng. - Item, j. grete chafron of brasse. Item, ij. chafernes of a lase - sorte. - Item, iiij. chafernes of the French gyse for sewys. Item, j. panne. - Item, j. litell potte of brasse. Item, ij. chamber basons of pewter. - Item, iiij. chargeourys. Item, vj. platowres. Item, vj. sawsers of - pewter. - Item, iiij. candylstykkeys of my mayster is armys und my ladyes, - copper and gilt. - Item, j. fountayne of latayne to sette in pottys of wine. - Item, ij. hangyng candylstykkes. Item, ij. maundys [_baskets_]. - Item, j. basket of wykers. Item, xxj. bowys. - Item, viij. schefe arrowys of swanne. - - -_Camera ultra Buttellarium pro extraneis._ - - Item, j. fedder bedde. Item, j. bolster. Item, j. pillowe. - Item, ij. blankettys. Item, j. payre of schetys. - Item, j. purpeynt of white. Item, j. seloure. Item, j. testoure. - Item, ij. curtaynys of the same sute. Item, j. cobbord clothe of the - same. - - -_Magna Camera ultra Aulam Estevalem._ - - In primis, j. fetherbedde. Item, j. bolster. Item, j. seler. - Item, j. tester, withe one gentlewoman in grene, taking a mallard in - hir hondes. - Item, j. coveryng, with j. geyaunt smytyng a wilde bore with a - spere. - Item, iij. courtaynes of grene silke. - Item, j. clothe of arras, of the Schipherds. - - -_The White Chambour next the Gret Chaumbur, sumtyme Nicholas Bokkeyng is -Chaumbre._ - - In primis, j. fedder bedde. Item, j. bolster. Item, j. pyllowe - of doun. - Item, ij. blankettys bon. - Item, j. payre of schetys, every schete iiij. schete iiij. webbes. - Item, j. coveryng of whyte lynen clothe. Item, j. purpoynt. - Item, j. tester. Item, j. seler. Item, iij. curtaynys of whyte. - Item, j. fedder bedde. Item, j. bolster. Item, ij. blankettys. - Item, iij. payre of schetys. Item, ij. coverlettes of grene warke. - Item, j. cobbord clothe. - - -_The Chaumboure, sumtyme for Stephen Scrope, hangyng clothys portrayed -with the Schipherds._ - - Item, j. federbedde. Item, j. bolster. - Item, ij. fustian blanketts, every of hem vj. webbys. - Item, j. pyllowye of downe. Item, j. pyllowe of lavendre. - Item, j. cover of apres [_ypres ?_], lynyd with lynen clothe. - Item, j. tester and j. seler of the same. Item, iij. curtaynes of - rede saye. - Item, j. clothe hangyng of Schovelers. - Item, j. rede curtayne o saye for the chayre. - Item, iiij. cosschonys of rede say. Item, j. cobbord clothe. - Item, j. rynnyng bedde with a materas. - Item, j. bolster. Item, ij. blankettis. Item, j. payre of schetys. - Item, j. coverlet of yellow clothe. - - -_Raffman is Chambour._ - - Item, j. fedder bedde. Item, j. bolster. Item, j. blanket. - Item, j. payre of schetys. Item, j. redde panne of kinyng skynnys. - Item, j. testour. Item, j. selour of rede saye. - Item, j. hangyng clothe of popelers. Item, ij. tapettis with - clowdys. - Item, j. coveryng of grene saye. Item, j. coverlet of other warke. - - -_The Yeomen is Chambur for Straungers._ - - In primis, iij. fether beddys. Item, iij. bolsterys. Item, j. materas. - Item, v. blankettys. Item, iij. payre of schetys. - Item, j. coverlet of grene warke. - Item, ij. coverynges of white, grene, and blewe. - Item, ij. hangyng clothys of the same. - - -_The White hangyd Chambre next Inglose is Chamboure._ - - In primis, j. feddebedde. Item, j. bolster. Item, ij. blankettys. - Item, j. payre of schetys. Item, j. pillowe of downe. - Item, j. purpoynt white hangyd. Item, j. hangyd bedde. - Item, j. selere. Item, j. testoure. Item, iij. curtaynys of white. - Item, j. curtayne of the same. - - -_Inglose Chambre._ - - In primis, j. fedder bedde. Item, j. bolster. - Item, ij. blanketts of fustian, everyche of them vj. webbes. - Item, j. peyre of schetys, every schete iij. webbys. Item, j. hed - schete. - Item, j. pillowe of downe. Item, j. pillowe of lavendre. - Item, j. covering of aras. Item, j. testoure. - Item, j. seleure of the same. Item, j. pane furryd with menevere. - Item, iij. courtaynys of rede saye. Item, v. clothes of tapserey - warke. - Item, j. bankere clothe of the same. Item, j. cusschen of redde - silke. - Item, iiij. of rede saye. Item, j. cobbordclothe. Item, j. paylette. - Item, j. bolster. Item, j. blanket. Item, j. payre of schetys. - Item, j. coverlyte. Item, j. grene carpette. - - -_The White hangyd Chambour next the Warderobe._ - - In primis j. fedderbedde. Item, j. bolster. Item, ij. blankettys. - Item, j. payre of schettys. Item, j. hed schete. Item, j. pillow of - downe. - Item, j. pillow of lavendre. - Item, j. purpoynt white, with a scuchon after an horse wyse, visure - and braunchis of grene. - Item, j. selour. Item, j. testour. Item, iij. curtaynys of lynen - clothe. - - -_Cole and Watkyn is Chamboure that was for the two auditourys._ - - Item, ij. materasse. Item, ij. blankettys. Item, ij. schetys. - Item, j. bolster. Item, j. coverlet of white warke withe burdys. - Item, j. testour of red saye. Item, j. seler of canvas. - - -_The Porter is Chambour._ - - In primis, j. fedder bedde. Item, j. bolster. Item, j. payre - of schetys. - Item, j. blankett. Item, j. coveryng cloth. - Item, j. curtayne of rede saye. - - -_The Chambour agenest the Porter is Chamboure._ - - In primis, j. fedder bedde. Item, j. bolster. Item, j. payre - of schetys. - Item, j. payre of blankettys. Item, ij. coverlettys of grene and - yolowe. - Item, j. seler of blewe panes and white. Item, ij. pecys of saye. - - -_The Chamber over the Draught Brigge._ - - In primis, j. fedder bed, covered withe gray canvas. Item, - j. bolster. - Item, ij. blankettys, j. payre of schettys. - Item, j. rede pane furryd withe connyngs. - Item, j. testour, and j. selour of rede saye with _Me faunt fere_. - - -_Schipdam is Chambre._ - - In primis, j. fedderbedde. Ijem, ij. blangettis. Item, ij. schetys. - Item, j. bolster. - Item, j. coverlet of white rosys, at every corner iiij., and one in - the myddell. - Item, j. seler of rede say. - Item, j. testour of rede say, lynyd wythe canvas. Item, j. chayre. - Item, j. pece of rede say for accomptyng borde. - Item, iiij. cosschonys rede say. Item, j. aundiren. Item, - j. firepanne. - Item, j. payre of tongus. Item, iij. formys. Item, j. junyd stole. - - [[Ijem, ij. blangettis. _text unchanged: error for "Item"?_]] - - -_The Inner Chaumbour over the Gatis._ - - In primis, j. federbedde. Item, j. bolster. Item, ij. blankettes. - Item, j. gardevyaunt [_meat safe_]. Item, ij. cosschonys of blewe - say. - Item, j. junyd stole. - - -_The Myddell Chambour._ - - In primis, j. feder bedde. Item, j. materas. Item, j. quylt. - Item, ij. coverletts of rede say. Item, j. testour withe a selour. - Item, ij. courtaynys of rede say. Item, j. testoure of the same. - Item, j. payre of tongys. - - -_Camera Bokkyng in le Basecourte._ - - In primis, j. fedderbedde. Item, j. bolster. - Item, ij. payre of schetys. Item, ij. blankettys. - Item, j. coverlete of popelers, lynyd with whyte lynnyng clothe. - Item, j. selour. Item, j. testour of rede saye. - - -_The Coke is Chambour._ - - Item, j. feder bedde. Item, j. bolster. Item, ij. schetys. - Item, j. redde coverlyte of rosys and blood houndys hedys. - - -_Feraufe [or Fitzrauf] is Chambre._ - - Item, j. fedderbedde. Item, j. bolster. Item. j. payre of schetys. - Item, ij. blankettys. Item, j. coverlyte. Item, j. testour. - Item, j. selour of blewe clowded. - - -_Thomas Fastolff Chamboure._ - - Item, j. fedderbed. Item, j. bolster. Item, j. payre of schetys. - Item, ij. blankettis. Item, j. rede coverlet. - Item, j. coveryng of worstet. Item, j. testour. - Item, j. selour of rede say, withe the armys of Fastolf. - - -_The Bedde in the grete Stabull._ - - Item, j. materas. Item, j. payre of schetys. - Item, j. coverlyt of blewe and rede. - - -_The Bedde in the Sumer Stabull._ - - Item, j. materas. Item, j. payre of schetys. - Item, j. coverlyte of blewe and rede. - - -_The Gardinares Chambre._ - - In primis, j. bolster. Item, j. materas. Item, j. payre of schetys. - Item, ij. blankettys. Item, j. coverlet of blewe. - Item, j. nother of better blewe. Item, j. materas. Item, j. bolster. - Item, j. carpet. Item, j. coveryng of grene say. - Item, j. coveryng of popelerys. Item, j. selour of blewe. - - -_My Maister is Chambre and the withe draughte withe the Stable._ - - In primis, j. fedderbedde. Item, j. donge of fyne blewe. - Item, j. bolster. Item, ij. blankettys of fustians. - Item, j. payre of schetis. Item, j. purpeynt. - Item, j. hangyd bedde of arras. Item, j. testour. Item, j. selour. - Item, j. coveryng. - Item, iij. curtaynes of grene worsted. - Item, j. bankeur of tapestre warke. - Item, iiij. peces hangyng of grene worsted. - Item, j. banker hangyng tapestry worke. Item, j. cobbord clothe. - Item, ij. staundyng aundyris. Item, j. feddefflok. - Item, j. chafern of laten. Item, j. payre of tongys. - Item, j. payre of bellewes. Item, j. litell paylet. Item, - ij. blankettys. - Item, j. payre of schetys. Item, j. coverlet. - Item, vj. white cosschynes. Item, ij. lytell bellys. - Item, j. foldyng table. Item, j. longe chayre. Item, j. grene - chayre. - Item, j. hangyng candylstyk of laton. - - -_In Camera and Warda nuper pertinentibus Dominae Mylcentiae Fastolf._ - - In primis, j. fedder bedde. Item, j. bolster. Item, j. materas. - Item, j. quelte. Item, smale pyllowes of downe. - Item, j. hongyd bedde of fyne whyte. Item, ij. smale payletts. - Item, j. rede coverlet. Item, j. leddre pyllewe. Item, j. basyn. - Item, j. ewer. Item, ij. pottys. - Item, ij. lyttyll ewers of blew glasses, powdered withe golde. - - -_The Chambure there Margaret Hodessone laye._ - - Item, j. fedderbedde. Item, j. bolster. Item, ij. fustians. - Item, j. chayre withe j. pece of palle white and grene. - - -_The utmost Chambur nexte Winter Halle._ - - Item, j. fedder bedde. Item, j. bolster. - Item, j. coveryng of grene worsted. Item, ij. staundyng aundeirys. - Item, j. hangyng candylstyk of laton. - Item, j. cobbord clothe. Item, j. rede chayre. - - -_The White Draught Chamber for Lewys and William Worcester._ - - In primis, j. fedder bedde. Item, j. donge. Item, j. bolster. - Item, j. hangyd bedde. Item, j. testour. - Item, j. selour of rede worsted, i-hangyd with clothe of pale, - blake, white, and grene. Item, j. arstellawe. - - -G. - - In primis, ij. pecys of satayne after the fassion of a dowblet to - were under gownes. - Item, viij. quarters of silk, the slevys of the same rolled to - gedder for jakketts. - Item, j. jakke of blakke lynen clothe stuffyd with mayle. - Item, vj. jakkes stuffyd with horne. - Item, j. jakke of blake clothe lyned with canvas mayled. - Item, xxiiij. cappes, stuffed withe horne, and sum withe mayle. - Item, vj. payre glovys of mayle, of schepys skynne, and of doos. - Item, iij. grete crosbowes of stele, with one grete dowble wyndas - ther too. - Item, j. coffyre, full of quarrellys of a smale sorte. - Item, xij. quarrellis of grete sorte, feddered with brasse. - Item, vj. payre curassis. Item, j. payre of breggandires. - Item, iij. harburyones of l'Milayne. - Item, v. ventayletts for bassenetts. Item, vj. peces of mayle. - Item, j. garbrasse. Item, j. polleson. Item, vj. payre grevys. - Item, iiij. payre thyes. Item, xj. bassenetts. Item, j. payre - coschewes. - Item, j. payre bregandines, helyd with rede felwet. Item, j. spere. - Item, ij. bassenetts. Item, ij. saletts withe ij. visers. - Item, viij. saletts, white, withe oute vesoure. Item, v. payre - vambras. - Item, iij. spere heddys. Item, j. swerde with a gyld chape. - Item, j. prikkyng hat, covered withe blake felwet. - Item, ij. tarcellys on hym be hynde. Item, iij. gonnes, called - serpentins. - Item, ij. white payre of brigaundiris. Item, ij. payre hosyn of blak - kersey. - Item, payre bounde wyth lether. Item, ij. payre of skarlat. - Item, j. payre of blake vampayed withe lether. - Item, ij. jakketts of russet felwet. Item, ij. aundyrys, grete, of - one sorte. - Item, ij. lasse, of anothyr sorte. Item, iij. lesser aundiris. - Item, xi. aunderis for lecchen. Item, j. iren spitte. - Item, ix. barrys of iren for curtaynes. - Item, ij. chaynes for the draught brigge. - - -_Magna Aula._ - - xj. crosbowes whereof iij. of stele, and v. wyndas. Item, - j. borespere. - Item, vj. wifles. Item, j. rede pavys. Item, j. target. - Item, xxj. speris. Item, j. launce gay. Item, iij. pecys of rede - worsted. - Item, j. grene chayre. Item, j. red chayre. - Item, j. pece of rede worsted in the toure parloure. - Item, j. banker of tapestry worke. - Item, j. nothir of tapestry warke newe, in the hall wendewe. - Item, vij. cosschenys of tapestre. - - -_Aula Yemalis._ - - Item, j. clothe of arras, of the Morysch daunce. - Item, ij. chayrys fraungyd. Item, j. rede chayre di. dos (?). - Item, di. dosn. of tapestrye warke. Item, j. banker of aras. - Item, ij. andyris stondyng. - - -_Celar._ - - In the seler, certayn vessell whiche John Ouresby is chargid withe - by an endenture, wherof the copy is annexed to this lese. - Item, ij. pypes of rede wyne. - - -_The Bottre._ - - Item, ij. kervyng knyvys. - Item, iij. kneyves in a schethe, the haftys of every, withe naylys - gilt. - Item, j. payre galon bottels of one sorte. - Item, j. payre of potell botellys of one sorte. - Item, j. nother potell bottell. Item, j. payre quartletts of one - sorte. - Item, iiij. galon pottis of lether. Item, iij. pottelers of lether. - Item, j. trencher knyfe. Item, j. grete tankard. - Item, ij. grete and hoge bottelis. Item, xiiij. candylstykkys of - laton. - Item, certayn pecys of napre, accordyng to a bylle endentyd annexed - to this lese. - Item, j. quartelet for wine. - - In primis, iij. chargeres argenti de parvo sorte. Item, v. platers - argenti. - Item, xij. dissches argenti unius sortis. - Item, viij. dissches argenti minoris sortis. - Item, xj. sawseris argenti unius sortis. - Item, iij. crateras argenti, quarum, j. data Margaretae Hoddsone. - Item, iij. covertorijs argenti enamelid and borage floures in les - botimes. - Item, vj. chacyd pecys gilte bi the bordurys, with the towche of - Paryce. - Item, ij. pottis argenti potlers, percell gilte and enameled with - violetts and dayseys. - Item, ij. pottis of sylver, of the facion of goods enamelyd on the - toppys withe hys armys. - Item, j. quarteler argenti, percel gift withe j. chase a bought of - rosys and levys. - Item, j. rounde salt seler, gylt and covered with a wrethe toppe - with this wordys wreten, _Me faunt fere_, a bowght. - Item, j. salt seler, pacell of the same fassion sengle. - Item, ij. salt selers of sylver, playne and smale with a dowble rose - graven withe armys. - Item, j. basyn of sylver, percell gylte, with a dowble rose, his - armis enamelid in the bottom be with his helme and his crest. - - -_Liberat' London' cum Domino._ - - Item, j. nother bacyn, white, of the same facion, enamilid with his - armys in the bottom. - Item, ij. ewars ther withe. - Item, j. lytyll sylver bacyn playne, with j. flat ewer. - Item, j. goboleit chaced, the bordours gilt. - Item, xvj. sponys of sylver, withe knappys gylt lyke perle. - Item, j. candylstyk of sylver, percell gylt, dowble nosyd. - Item, j. rounde basyn argenti cum, j. ewer argenti playn. - Item, ij. grete bacyns of sylver, the bourdour is gylt and wretyn - abought, _Me faunt fere_. - Item, ij. ewers accordyng ther to. Item, j. lytyll stert panne of - sylver. - Item, ij. disschys of sylver founden in my lady is chambre. - Item, ij. smale pecys. - Item, j. saltseler boliouned inwarde, covered and gylt. - Item, j. stondyng coppe gylte, with j. knappe in maner like perle. - Item, ij. playn borde clothys for my maister is table, counte - ix. yerds in lengthe. - Item, ij. playne clothis for my maisters table, ece counte - vj. yerds. - Item, vj. napkyns playn. - Item, iiij. tewelles playn warke, eche cont' in lenthe ij. yerds, - dim'. - Item, iiij. playne clothis for the hall, eche of vj. yerds. - Item, ij. wasschyng tewellys of warke, eche of x. yerds. - Item, j. pocter (?). Item, j. overpayn of Raynes. - - [[Item, j. overpayn of Raynes. - _final . missing or invisible_]] - - -_Capella._ - - Inprimis, ij. antyfeners. Item, j. legande of hoole servyce. - Item, ij. myssayles, the one noted and closyd wyth sylver, and the - other not noted. - Item, j. sauter claspyd with sylver, and my mayster is armys and my - ladyes ther uppon. - Item, j. mortellege covered withe white ledes. - Item, j. vestement covered withe crownes gilt in the myddes, with - all the apparayle. - Item, j. vestement hole of redde damaske warke. - Item, j. vestement of blak clothe of golde, with the hole ornaments. - Item, j. auter clothe, withe a frontell of white damaske, the - Trynete in the myddys. - Item, j. vestement of tunekell. Item, j. cope of white damaske, - withe the ornaments. - Item, j. awbe. Item, j. stole. - Item, j. favon, encheked white and blewe. Item, j. auter clothe. - Item, ij. curtaynes of white sylke, withe a frontell of the same, - with fauchouns of golde. - Item, j. vestement of divers colurys, withe a crosse of golde to the - bakke, iiij. birdys quartelye. - Item, j. crosse of sylver and gylt, with oure Lady and Seynt John. - Item, j. chales sylver and gylt. Item, j. pax brede. - Item, j. crucyfyxe, thereon withe oure Lady and Seynt John enamelyd, - and full of flour delys. - Item, ij. candylstykkys of sylver, the borduris gylt. - Item, ij. cruettys of sylver, percell gylt. - Item, iij. pyllowes stondyng on the autre off rede felwet withe - flowrys enbrawderid. - Item, ij. carpettis. Item, iiij. cosschenys of grene worstede. - Item, j. chayre in the closet of Fraunce, fregid. - Item, j. cosschon of redde worsted. Item, j. sakeryng bell of - sylver. - - -_Pistrina._ - - Item, j. bulter. Item, j. ranell. Item, ij. payre wafer irens. - Item, ij. basketts. Item, j. seve. Item, j. payre trayes cum - j. coler. - Item, j. materas. Item, j. blanket. Item, j. payre of chetis. - Item, j. coverlyte. - - -_Brewhousee._ - - Item, xij. ledys. Item, j. mesynfate [_mashing tub_]. Item, - j. yelfate [_ale vat_]. - Item, viij. kelers, &c. - - -_Coquena._ - - Item, j. gret bras pote. Item, vj. cours pottys of brasse. - Item, iiij. lytyll brasse pottis. Item, iiij. grete brasse pottis. - Item, iij. pike pannys of brasse. - Item, ij. ladels and ij. skymers of brasse. - Item, j. caudron, j. dytyn panne of brasse, j. droppyng panne. - Item, j. gredyren, iiij. rakkys, iij. cobardys, iij. trevitts. - Item, j. fryeyng panne, j. sclyse. - Item, ij. grete square spittys, ij. square spittys cocnos. - Item, ij. lytyll brocchys rounde, j. sars of brasse. - Item, j. brasyn morter cum j. pestell, j. grate, j. sarche of tre. - Item, j. flessche hoke, ij. potte hokys, j. payr tongys. - Item, j. dressyng knyfe, j. fyre schowle, ij. treys, j. streynour. - Item, j. venegre botell. - - -_Larderia._ - - Item, iij. grete standere pannes, j. bochers axe. - Item, ij. saltyng tubbes. Item, viij. lynges. Item, iiij. - mulwellfyche. - Item, j. barell, dim. alec. alb. di. - Item, j. barrell. anguill., unde car. cc. anguill. - Item, j. ferkyn anguill. hoole. Item, j. barrell. - Item, j. busschell salt albi. Item, j. quart, alb. sal. - - [[Item, j. quart, alb. sal. _text has "alb sal."_]] - - -390 - -FASTOLF'S COLLEGE[189.1] - -Ultima exitacio domini Johannis Fastolf ad concludendum festinanter cum -Johanne Paston fuit quod vicecomes Bemond, Dux Somerset, comes Warwyk, -voluerunt emere, et quod intendebat quod executores sui desiderabant -vendere et non stabilire colegium; quod totaliter fuit contra -intencionem sui dicti Johannis Fastolf; et considerabat quod certum -medium pro licencia Regis et dominorum non providebatur, et sic tota -fundatio colegii pendebat in dubiis; et ideo ad intencionem suam -perimplendam desideravit dictum barganium fieri cum Johanne Paston, -sperans ipsum in mera voluntate perficiendi dictum colegium et ibidem -manere ne in manibus dominorum veniat. - -Item, plures consiliarii sui dixerunt quod licet fundaret regulos seu -presbiteros, aut eicientur per clamia falsa aut compellantur adherere -dominis pro manutinencia, qui ibidem ad costus colegii permanerent et -morarent[ur] et colegium destruerent; et hac de causa consessit eos -ditari in pencionibus certis ad modum cantariae Heylysdon, sic quod -dictus Johannes haberet ad custus proprios conservacionem (?) terrarum -erga querentes et clamatores; et ne executores diversi propter -contrarietates et dissimulaciones se favores----[190.1] - -Item, considerabat quod ubi monechy et canonesi [_monachi et canonici_] -haberent terras seu tenementa ad magnam [_sic_] valorem, scilicet m^l. -[1000] vel ij. m^l. [2000 _sc. librarum_], tam singulares monachi et -canoneci tantum per se resiperent [_reciperent_] xl_s._ per annum et -prandium, et quod abbas, officiarii et extraequitatores expenderent -residuum in mundanis et riotis; et ideo ordinavit dotacionem praedictam -in annuetatibus. - -Et quod non fuit intencio dicti Johannis Fastolf in convencione praedicta -mortificare CCC. marcas terrae, quia prima convencio Johannis Paston est -solvere v. m^l. [5000] marcas in tribus annis et fundare colegium quod -in intencione dicti Johannis Fastolf constaret m^l. [1000] libr., et -semper dedit Johanni Paston mancionem suam in manerio et tota terra -[_sic_] in Northefolk et Southefolk assessa ad v. C. [500] marcas -annuatim, tunc Johannes Paston emeret revercionem CC. marcarum terrae quae -valet iiij.[190.2] m^l. [4000] marcas ad suam propriam adventuram pro -vj. m^l. v. C. [6500] marcis. - -Item, pro tranquillita[te] et pace tempore vitae, ita ut non perturbetur -per servos hospicii, ballivos, firmarios seu attornatos placitorum. - -Item quod abbas de Sente Bede[191.1] potuit resistere fundationi, -intentione ut tunc (?) remaneat sibi et suis. - - _Endorsed:_-- 'Causa festinae barganiae inter Fastolf et Paston.' - - [Footnote 189.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This paper is a very - rough draft, full of errors in grammar and spelling. Additions - have been made to the text here and there in the handwriting of - John Paston. It was evidently written after Sir John Fastolf's - death, possibly several years later.] - - [Footnote 190.1: _Sic_--the sentence left unfinished.] - - [Footnote 190.2: The figures 'iiij.' are blurred.] - - [Footnote 191.1: Apparently St. Benet's is intended.] - - -391 - -WILLIAM PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[191.2] - -_To my Maistr Jon Paston in Norffolk._ - -[Sidenote: 1459 / NOV. 12] - -Rythe will belovyd broder, I recomand me to zow, sertefyeng zow that on -Fryday last was in the mornyng, Wurceter and I wer come to London be -viij. of the clok, and we spak with my Lord Chanceler,[191.3] and I fund -hym well disposyd in all thyng, and ze schall fynd hym ryth profytabyll -to zow, &c. And he desyred me to wrythe zow a letter in hys name, and -put trust in zow in gaderyng of the good togeder, and pray zow to do so -and have all his good owthe of every place of his, and his awne place, -qwer so ever they wer, and ley it secretly wer as ze thowth best at zowr -assynement, and tyll that he speke with zow hym selff, and he seyd ye -schuld have all lawfull favor. I purpose to ryde to him this day ffor -wryttis of _diem clawsit extremum_,[191.4] and I sopose ze schall have a -letter sent from hym selff to zow. - -As for the good of Powlis, it is safe j now [_enough_]; and this day we -have grant to have the good owthe of Barmundsey with owthe avyse of any -man, sawyng Worseter, Plomer, and I my selff, and no body schall know of -it but we thre. - -My Lord[191.5] Treasorer[191.6] spekyth fayr, but zet many avyse me to -put no trust in hym. Ther is laboryd many menys to intytill the Kyng in -his good. Sothewell[191.7] is Eschetor, and he is rythe good and well -disposyd. My Lord of Exsater[192.1] cleymyth tytill in myn master plase, -with the aportynancys in Sothewerk, and veryly had purposyd to have -entrid; and his consayll wer with us, and spak with Wurseter and me. And -now afterward they have sent us word that they wold meve my Lord to sue -be menys of the lawe, &c. I have spoke with my Lord of Canterbury and -Master Jon Stokys, and I fynd hem rythe will disposyd bothe, &c. - -Item, to morow ar the nexst day ze schall have a noder letter, for be -that tyme we schall know mor than we do now. - -My Lord Chanceler wold that my master schuld be beryed wurchyply, and C. -mark almes done for hym; but this day I schall holly know his enthent. -Master Jon Stokys hathe the same consaythe and almes gevyng. Harry -Fenyngley is not in this towne, ner the Lord Bechamp. - -Item, we have gethe men of the speretuall law with haldyn with us, qwat -casse some ever hap. We have Master Robert Kenthe, but in any wyse have -all the good ther to gedyr, and tary for no lettyng, thow ze schuld do -it be day a lythe [_daylight_] opynly, for it is myn Lord Chanceler -ffull in thenthe that ze schuld do so. - -As for Wyllyam Worceter, he trustythe veryly ze wold do for hym and for -his avaylle, in reson; and I dowthe nott and he may veryly and -feythefully understand zow so disposyd to hym ward, ze schall fynd hym -feythefull to zow in leke wysse. I understand by hym he will never have -oder master butt his old master; and to myn consaythe it were pete butt -iff he schull stand in suche casse be myn master that he schuld never -nede servyce, conserying [_considering_] how myn master trustyd hym, and -the long zers that he hathe be with hym in, and many schrew jornay for -his sake, &c. - -I wrythe zow no mor, be cawse ze schall [have] a noder letter wretyn to -morow. Wretyn at Lundon the xij. day of Novembr, in hast, be - - WILLYAM PASTON. - - [Footnote 191.2: [From Fenn, iii. 352.] This letter gives an - account of the steps taken by William Paston in behalf of his - brother, who was Sir John Fastolf's principal executor, to - secure the goods of the deceased knight immediately after his - death.] - - [Footnote 191.3: William of Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester.] - - [Footnote 191.4: _See_ vol. ii. p. 16, Note 1.] - - [Footnote 191.5: The left-hand copy in Fenn reads 'brod,' which - seems to be a misprint.] - - [Footnote 191.6: James Butler, Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond. - Beheaded in 1461.--F.] - - [Footnote 191.7: Richard Southwell.] - - [Footnote 192.1: Henry Holland, Duke of Exeter.] - - [[WILLIAM PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[191.2] _footnote tag missing_]] - - -392 - -SIR JOHN FASTOLF AND JOHN PASTON[193.1] - -[Sidenote: 1459 / NOV. 26] - -Memorandum, that I Robert Fytzrawff, Esquyer, recorde that I, beyng in -my Master Fastolff chambre, lenyng upon the gret bedde, at suche tyme as -John Paston, Esquyer, Master John Brackeley, Master Clement Felmyngham, -weere in comonycacion with my seid master of dyvers gret maters towchyng -his will, and serten appoyntmentes a twyx my seid master and the seid -John Paston, in the weke next be ffor my seid master dissesid, I hard my -seid master and the seid John Paston appoynte and conclude that the seid -John Paston shulde take upon hym the rwle of my masters howsold and of -all his lyflod in Norffolk and Suffolk duryng his lyve; and aftir his -dissese the seid John Paston shulde do ffounde a colage at Caster of -vij. monkes or prestis, and pay iiij. m^l. mark of money be yeres to my -seid masteres executoris, at eche payment viij^c. marke, till the seid -som wer paid; and that the seid John Paston shulde have all the lyvelode -that was my seid masters in Norffolk and Suffolk to hym and to his -heyres in fee. And aftir this seid mater rehersed my seid master seide -these wordes, 'Cosyne, I pray you and requere you, lete this be settled -in all hast withowte tarying, for this is my very last wille.' Also be -it knowe to all men that I had knowlege of this bargayne dyverse tymes -halfe-yere past, and how my seid Master Fastolff and the seid John -Paston wer nye at a conclucion of the seid maters a quarter of a yere be -fore this last bargayne was made. - -Wrete at Caster the xxvj. day of Novembre the xxxviij. yere of Kyng -Herry the Sexte. In witnesse wherof, I have syngnyd this bull with myn -own hand and sette to my seale. - - ROBT. FETZRAWFF. - - [Footnote 193.1: [From a Bodl. MS.]] - - -393 - -BISHOP WAYNFLETE'S ADVICE[194.1] - -Be it remembred that forasmoch as Sir John Fastolf late decesed, of -grete affeccion, hath put me yn trust to be one of hys executors, and -seth hyt ys desyryd me to know my disposicion hereynne, myne advyse is -this, that fyrst an inventorie be made holye of hys godes and catell yn -all places, and thayt they be leyd yn sure waard by your discrecions, -tille the executors, or the moste part of tho that he put hys grete -trust uppon, speke wyth me and make declaracion to me of hys laste -wille, to the accomplyshment whereoff I wolle be speciall gode Lord. - -Ferthymore, as touchyng hys buryeng and month ys mynde[194.2] kepyng, -that it be don worshyplye, accordyng to hys degree and for the helth of -hys soule, and that almesse be yeven yn mass seyng, and to pore peple to -the some of a hundred mrcks tille that othyrwyse we speke to geder; and -I can agree ryzt well that hys servaunts haf theyr rewardes be tymes -accordyng to hys wylle, to th'entent that they may be better disposed -and to pray for the wellfare of hys soule, takyng avyse of a lerned man -yn spirituell lawe, for no charge of administracion till the executors -com to ghedr, or the moste part that hys trust was most uppon, to tak -the administracion. - - W. WINTON. - - [Footnote 194.1: [From Fenn, iii. 358.]] - - [Footnote 194.2: A monthly celebration in memory of a deceased - person, when prayers were said and alms offered for the good of - his soul.] - - -394 - -ABSTRACT[194.3] - -ROBERT SPANY OF POSSEWYKE TO THE WIFE OF JOHN PASTON, ESQUIRE - -[Sidenote: Between 1459 and 1466] - -Begs her influence with her husband and Sir T. Howes, executors of Sir -J. Fastolf, for reparation of a wrong done by Sir John, who refused to -ratify a purchase made by the writer from his surveyor, Sir John -Kyrteling, of a place and lands in Tunstale, sometime called Wrightes of -Smalbergh, without receiving 10 marks over what was bargained. - - [This letter must have been written between the death of Fastolf in - 1459 and that of Paston in 1466.] - - [Footnote 194.3: [From Paston MSS., B.M.]] - - -395 - -FRIAR BRACKLEY TO JOHN PASTON[195.1] - -_Carissimo suo magistro, Johanni Paston, armigero._ - -_Jesus, Maria, &c._ - -[Sidenote: 1459] - -Ryte reverent mayster and most trusty frend in erthe, as lowly as I kan -or may, I recomaunde me, &c. Syr, in feyth I was sore aferd that ze had -a gret lettyng that ze come not on Wednysday to met, &c. Be myn feythe, -and ze had be here, ze schuld haf had ryte good chere, &c., and hafe -faryd ryte wele after zour pleser, &c., with more, &c. - -Sir John Tatirshall is at one with Heydon, &c., and Lord Skalys hathe -made a lofeday[195.2] with the prior and Heydon in alle materys except -the matere of Snoryng, &c. And the seyd pryor spake maysterly to the -jurrorys, &c., and told hem and [_i.e._ if] they had dred God and hurt -of here sowlys, they wold haf some instruccyon of the one party as wele -as of the other. But they were so bold they were not aferd, for they -fownde no bonys to sey in her verdyte, as T. T.[196.1] and J. H.[196.2] -wold, &c. - -A lewde [_i.e._ illiterate] doctor of Ludgate prechid on Soneday -fowrtenyte at Powlys, chargyng the peple that no man schuld preyen for -these Lords traytorys,[196.3] &c.; and he had lytyl thank, as he was -worthy, &c. And for hyse lewd demenyng his brethir arn had in the lesse -favour at London, &c. Doctor Pynchebek and Doctor Westhawe, grete -prechowrys and parsonys at London, bene now late made monkys of -Charterows at Schene, one at the on place and an other at the other -place, &c. - -The Chaunceler[196.4] is not good to these Lords, &c., for he feryth the -Erle of Marche wyl cleyme by inheritans the Erldam of Ha -. . . . .[196.5] &c., of which mater I herd gret speche in Somercede -schyre, &c. Wyndham, Heydon, Todynham, Blake, W. Chambirleyn, Wentworth, -have late commyssyonys to take for tretorys and send to the next gayl -all personys fawtorys and weelwyllerys to the seyd Lords, &c. Mayster -Radclyff and ze haf none of commyssyonys directid to zow, &c., for ze -bene holdyn favorabil, &c. Wyndham and Heydon bene namyd here causerys -of the commyssyonys, &c. - -On Moneday last at Crowmere was the ore and the bokys of regystre of the -amrelte takyn a wey from my Lord Scalys men be a gret multitude of my -Lord Rossys, &c. The Lord Skalys is to my Lord Prince,[196.6] &c., to -wayte on hym, &c. He seyth, per Deum Sanctum, as we sey here, he schal -be amrel or he schal ly there by, &c. Be my feyth, here is a coysy werd -[_unsettled world_]. Walsham of Chauncery, that never made lesyng, told -me that Bokkyng was with my Lord Chaunceler this terme, but I askyd not -how many tymys, &c. - -As I haf wrytyn to zow oftyn byfor this, _Facite vobis amicos de mammona -iniquitatis_, quia de facto. T. T., J. H., et J. W. [_J. Wyndham_] cum -ceteris Magistri Fastolf fallacibus famulis magnam gerunt ad vos -invidiam, quod excelleritis eos in bonis, &c., Judas non dormit, &c. -_Noli zelare facientes iniquitatem, quoniam tanquam fenum velociter -arescent et quemadmodum olera herbarum cito per Dei gratiam decident._ -Ideo sic in Psalmo: _Spera in Domino et fac bonitatem et pasceris in -divitiis ejus et delectare in Domino, et dabit tibi petitiones cordis -tui_.[197.1] Et aliter: _Jacta cogitatum tuum in Domino et ipse te -enutriet_.[197.2] _Utinam_, inquit Apostolus, _abscindantur qui vos -conturbant_,[197.3] &c. Et alibi: _Cavete vos a malis et importunis -hominibus_.[197.4] Precor ergo Deum qui vos et me creavit et suo -pretioso sanguine nos redemit, vos vestros et vestra gratiose conservet -in prosperis et gratiosius dirigat in agendis. - -Scriptum Walsham, feria quarta[197.5] in nocte cum magna festinatione, -&c. Utinam iste mundus malignus transiret et concupiscentia ejus. - - Vester ad vota promptissimus, - - Frater J. BRACKLEY, - - _Minorum minimus_. - - [Footnote 195.1: [From Fenn, iii. 346.] This letter belongs to - the latter part of the year 1459. After the dispersion of the - Duke of York's army near Ludlow in October of that year, - commissions were granted to various persons to arrest and punish - his adherents. Even as early as the 14th of October, Lord Rivers - and others were commissioned to seize their lands and goods in - different counties (see _Patent Roll_, 38 Hen. VI., p. 1, m. 12, - _in dorso_). But this letter, we are inclined to think, was - written about six or seven weeks later, for it will be seen by - the next that Bocking, who is here stated to have been with my - Lord Chancellor 'this term,' must have been in attendance on him - before the 7th December, and therefore, we may presume, during - Michaelmas term, which ended on the 28th November. It is, - however, difficult to judge, from the very slender allusion to - Sir John Fastolf, whether this letter was written before or - after the old knight's death. Brackley here speaks of having - been quite recently in Somersetshire, which is not unlikely to - have been in the middle of October, when the Earls of March, - Warwick, and Salisbury withdrew into the West. Brackley, as will - be seen, was a great partisan of these Lords, and may very well - have accompanied them; but not long before Fastolf's death he - appears to have been at Norwich.] - - [Footnote 195.2: Love days were days appointed for the - settlement of disputes by arbitration.] - - [Footnote 196.1: Sir Thomas Tuddenham.] - - [Footnote 196.2: John Heydon.] - - [Footnote 196.3: Meaning the Earls of March, Warwick, and - Salisbury.] - - [Footnote 196.4: William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester.] - - [Footnote 196.5: The original letter is here defective.--F.] - - [Footnote 196.6: Edward, Prince of Wales.] - - [Footnote 197.1: Psalm xxxvi. (or xxxvii.) 1-4.] - - [Footnote 197.2: Psalm liv. (or lv.) 22.] - - [Footnote 197.3: Gal. v. 12.] - - [Footnote 197.4: 2 Thess. iii. 2.] - - [Footnote 197.5: 'Feria quarta' means Wednesday.] - - -396 - -JOHN BOCKING TO YELVERTON, PASTON, AND FILONGLEY[197.6] - -_To my right worshipful maistris, William Yelverton, Justice, John -Paston, and Herre Filongley, and to eche of them._ - -[Sidenote: 1459 / DEC. 7] - -Right worshepful Sers, I recomaunde me to yow. And like it yow to wete, -that my Lord Chaunceller[197.7] is right good and tendre Lord in all -your materes, and soo wil contynue, and my Lord Tresorier[197.8] in like -wise; which bothen have answerid Wyndham, not aldermoste to hise plesir, -becaus of his noiseful langage, seyng [_saying_] how he myght have noo -lawe, and that my Lord Chaunceller was not made executor but for -meigntenaunce,[197.9] with many othir woordis noo thing profitable ner -furtheryng his entents. As for ony particular materes, the parlament as -yet abideth upon the grete materes of atteyndre and forfetur;[198.1] and -soo there be many and diverse particuler billes put inne, but noon -redde, ner touchyng us, as nygh as we can herken; to whiche Playter and -I attenden daily, trustyng on my Lords aboveseid, my Lord Privy -Seall,[198.2] and other good Lords, and many also of your acquayntance -and owres, that and ony thing be, we shall sone have knowlege. - -The Chief Justice[198.3] is right herty, and seith ful wel and kyndely -of my maistr, whom Jesu for his mercy pardonne, and have yow in His -blessid governaunce. - -Writen at Coventre the morwne after Seint Nicholas.[198.4] - -And as to money, I delyvered unto the Under-tresorier[198.5] a lettre -from Maister Filongley, and I fonde hym right wele disposid to doo that -may please yow in all our materes; and take noo money of hym as yette, -for we have noo nede to spend ony sumes as yette, ner with Gods grace -shall not have. I come to this town of Coventre suche day sevenyght as -the parlement byganne; and as for suche things as I coude herken aftyr, -I sende to William Worcetre a grete bille of tidings to shewe yow and -all. - -Yesterday in the mornyng come inne th'erle of Pembroke[198.6] with a -good felechip; and the Duchesse of York[198.7] come yestereven late, as -the bringer here of shall more pleinly declare yow, to whom ye like to -gif credence. The Bushop of Excester[198.8] and the Lord Grey -Ruthyn[198.9] have declarid them ful worshipfuly to the Kings grete -plesir. Playter and I writen you a lettre by Norffolk, yoman for the -Kyngs mouth. - - Your - - JOHN BOKKING. - -_The following list of those of the Duke of York's party who were -attainted by Parliament was found by Fenn pinned to the above letter:_-- - - The Duc of York. - Therle of Marche. - Therle of Rutland. - Therle of Warrwyk. - Therle of Salusbury. - The Lord Powys. - The Lord Clynton. - The Countesse of Sarr. - Sir Thomas Nevyle. - Sir John Nevyle. - Sir Thomas Haryngton. - Sir Thomas o Parre. - Sir John Conyers. - Sir John Wenlok. - Sir William Oldhall. - Edward Bourghcier, sq. - A brother of his. - Thomas Vaughan. - Thomas Colte. - Thomas Clay. - John Denham. - Thomas Moryng. - John Oter. - Maistr Ric Fisher. - Hastyngs and other that as yet we can not know the names, &c. - - As for the Lord Powys, he come inne, and hadde grace as for his lyf, - but as for hise gods the forfeture passid. - - [Footnote 197.6: [From Fenn, i. 178.] This letter was written at - Coventry during the Parliament which sat there in 1459, when the - Duke of York and his adherents were attainted.] - - [Footnote 197.7: William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester.] - - [Footnote 197.8: James, Earl of Wiltshire, was made Treasurer of - England on the 30th October 1458.--_Patent Roll_, 37 Hen. VI., - p. 1, m. 21.] - - [Footnote 197.9: _See_ vol. ii. p. 167, Note 3.] - - [Footnote 198.1: Against the Duke of York and his adherents.] - - [Footnote 198.2: Lawrence Booth.] - - [Footnote 198.3: Sir John Fortescue.] - - [Footnote 198.4: St. Nicholas' Day is the 6th December.] - - [Footnote 198.5: 'Undertresouer' in Fenn must, I think, be a - misprint.] - - [Footnote 198.6: Jasper Tudor. --_See_ vol. ii. p. 298, Note 1.] - - [Footnote 198.7: Cecily, daughter of Ralph Nevill, Earl of - Westmoreland.] - - [Footnote 198.8: George Nevill, son of Richard, Earl of - Salisbury, brother of Richard, Earl of Warwick. He was - afterwards Archbishop of York.] - - [Footnote 198.9: Edmund, Lord Grey of Ruthin, afterwards created - Earl of Kent.] - - -397 - -SIR PHILIP WENTWORTH'S PETITION[199.1] - -[Sidenote: 1459 / NOV. or DEC.] - -Mekely besechith Phelip Wentworth, Knyght, that where the warde and -mariage of Thomas, sone and heire of John Fastolf, late of Cowhaugh in -the [county] of Suffolk, squyer, and of the lond of the same John, -belonged to the Kyng of rigth, and among other by reason of the nonnage -of the sayd heir, the maner of Bradwell in the said counte was sesed in -to his handes by vertu of an enquest take a fore his Eschetour of the -seid counte. The whiche offices[199.2] John Fastolf, Knyght, and other -tented to traverse, and by that meane had the sayd maner to ferme, -accordyng to the statute in that case made, and it was founden and -jugement yoven for the Kyng in the said traverse by the labour of the -said Phelipp, which, the xviij. day of Novembre, the yer of the regne of -the Kyng the xxvj.,[200.1] bougth of Marmaduke Lampney, than Tresorer of -Englond, the said ward and mariage for an C. marc, as it appereth in the -Kynges receyte, be syde all other costes and charges that the said -Phelipp hath don uppon the same, as weel in fyndyng of the Kyngges title -of the said ward, as in the meyntenauns of all other sewtes dependyng -uppon the same, to the costes of the said Sir Phelypp more than D. marc. -And the said John Fastolf, Knyght, was adjuged in the Kynges eschequer -to pay an C.ix_li._ xiij_s._ viij_d._ _ob._ for the issuez and profites -which he had take of the londes of the same warde. And where the Kyngges -lettres patentes be entred in the remembrauns on the Tresorer parte in -the said eschequyer in this fourme: - -Rex omnibus ad quos, &c., salutem. Sciatis quod per manucaptionem Thomae -West de London armigeri, et Willelmi Barker de Norwico gentilman, -commisimus Johanni Paston armigero et Thomae Howes clerico custodiam -omnium terrarum et tenementorum cum pertinentiis quae fuerunt Johannis -Fastolf de Cowhaugh in com Suffolk armigeri die quo obiit et quae per -mortem ejusdem Johannis Fastolf ac ratione minoris aetatis Thomae, filii -et haeredis dicti Johannis Fastolf, ad manus nostras devenerunt et in -manibus nostris ad huc existunt; habendam a tempore mortis praefati -Johannis Fastolf usque ad plenam aetatem dicti haeredis, una cum maritagio -ejusdem haeredis, absque disparagatione; et si de haerede illo humanitus -contingat antequam ad plenam aetatem suam pervenerit, haerede illo infra -aetatem existente non maritato, tunc dicti Johannes Paston et Thomas -Howes habeant custodiam et maritagium hujusmodi haeredis, simul cum -custodia omnium terrarum et tenementorum praedictorum; et sic de haerede -in haeredem quousque aliquis haeres haeredum praedictorum ad plenam aetatem -suam pervenerit: Reddendo nobis prout concordari poterit cum Thesaurario -nostro Angliae citra festum Paschae proximo futuro, ac sustentando domos -clausuras et aedificia, necnon supportando alia onera dictis terris et -tenementis cum pertinentiis spectantia sive aliquo modo incumbentia quam -diu custodiam habuerint supradictam, ac inveniendo dicto haeredi -compententem sustentationem suam: Eo quod expressa mentio de vero valore -annuo praemissorum in praesentibus minime facta existit, aut aliquo -statuto, actu sive ordinacione in contrarium edito sive proviso non -obstante. Proviso semper quod si aliquis alius plus dare voluerit de -incremento per annum pro custodia et maritagio praedictis, quod tunc -praedicti Johannes Paston et Thomas Howys tantum pro eisdem solvere -teneantur si custodiam et maritagium habere voluerint supradictam. In -cujus &c. Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium vj^to die Junij anno H. vj^ti -xxxij^{do}. - -And after that an accorde is entred in the sayd Eschequer in thys -forme:--_In Hillarii record', anno xxxvj^to Regis H. vj^ti ex parte -Remembr' Thesaurarii:_ - -Et modo, xx. die Februarii hoc termino, praedicti Johannes Paston et -Thomas Howys venerunt hic in propriis personis suis et optulerunt se ad -concordandum cum Thesaurario Angliae pro custodia omnium terrarum et -tenementorum, una cum maritagio ejusdem haeredis. Et super hoc -concordatum est inter Johannem Comitem Wigorniae, Thesaurario Angliae et -praefatos Johannem Paston et Thomam Howys quod ipsi solvent domino Regi -pro custodia omnium terrarum et tenementorum praedictorum, videlicet a -tempore mortis praefati Johannis Fastolf usque ad plenam aetatem dicti -haeredis ac maritagium ejusdem haeredis, decem marcas tantum; de quibus -quidem x. marcis consideratum est per Barones quod praedicti Johannes -Paston et Thomas Howys et manucaptores sui praedicti pro custodia et -maritagio praedictis erga Regem onerentur praetextu Regis literarum -patentium et concordiae predictorum ac aliorum praemissorum. - -So by the sayd lettres patentez and the sayd accorde the sayd John -Paston and Thomas Howys schuld have the sayd C.ix_li._ xiij_s._ viij_d._ -_ob._ and the sayd ward and mariage, the whiche is worthe CC_li._, for -the sayd x. marc only. And also, for as moche as the sayd Tresorer -recordeth in the Kyngges High Court of Parlement begonne at Westminster -the ix. day of Jule the yer of the Kyngges noble regne xxxiij., that he -made never no suche accord wyth the sayd John Paston and Thomas Howys of -the sayd ward, the whiche mater is of record in the Kyngges chauncerye -certefyed by the sayd Erle of Worceter, as weell as by other his lettres -to dyvers persones directed, sealed with his signet, wretyn and signet -with hys owen hand, as plenerly dooth appere: Where for plese it your -gret wysdams, the premisses considered, to pray the Kyng oure soverayn -Lord, that, by the advys and assent of his Lordes spirituelx and -temperelx, and by you hys comunes in the present parlement assembled, -stablysshed and inacted that the sayd entre of accord and jugement -theruppon be anulled and of non effect. And the sayd Phelyppe schall -pray to God for you, &c. - - [Footnote 199.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This petition was - presented to the Parliament which sat at Coventry in 1459, and - received the Royal assent. It has already been printed in the - _Rolls of Parl._, v. 371.] - - [Footnote 199.2: An inquisition taken before an escheator, by - virtue of his office, was frequently called an office.] - - [Footnote 200.1: A.D. 1447.] - - [[was adjuged in the Kynges eschequer to pay an C.ix_li._ xiij_s._ -viij_d._ - _period (full stop) after _li._ invisible_]] - - -398 - -ABSTRACT[202.1] - -G. SPERLYNG TO JOHN PASTON - -[Sidenote: 1460 / JAN. 6] - -Paston was misinformed as to what Sperlyng said of his late -master's[202.2] will. What he said was that about Hallowmas was -twelvemonth he was about eight weeks with his said master, who one day -examined him about the conveyance of his lands, and said there was no -man of worship in Norfolk had so many auditors as he, yet he could never -get the certainty how his livelode was disposed; but he had found a -means to be quiet, 'whereof,' he said, 'I am as glad as a man had geve -me 1000 mark,' by granting his cousin Paston all his livelode in Norfolk -and Suffolk, on condition he should amortise sufficient lands to -maintain a master and six secular priests at Castre. Paston was to take -the risk of any counter claim and trouble hereafter, etc. - -Norwich, Epiphany Day. - - [The date of this letter must be 1460, as it is after Fastolf's - death, and speaks of a conversation the writer had with him about - the management of his lands a twelvemonth before Hallowmas preceding - the date of the letter. At Hallowmas 1459 Sir John was dying, and - quite unable to support any conversation for want of breath, so that - the reference must be to Hallowmas 1458.] - - [Footnote 202.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.]] - - [Footnote 202.2: Sir John Fastolf.] - - -399 - -WILLIAM BOTONER TO JOHN BERNEY[203.1] - -_To the ryght worshypfull Sir, John Berneye, Scuier, at Castre beyng._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / JAN.] - -Ryght wohypfull Sir, I recommaund me to yow.[203.2] . . . . . . . As for -tydyngs here, I sende som of hend wreten to you and othyrs how the Lord -Ryvers,[203.3] Sir Antonye, hys son, and othyrs hafe wonne Calix[203.4] -be a feble assault made at Sandwich by Denham,[203.5] Squyer, with the -nombre of viij^c. men, on Twyesday betwene iiij. and v. at cloks yn the -mornyng. But my Lady Duchesse[203.6] ys stille ayen receved yn Kent. The -Duke of York ys at Debylyn [_Dublin_], strengthed with hys Erles and -homagers, as ye shall see by a bille. God sende the Kyng victorie of hys -ennemyes, and rest and pease among hys Lordes. - -I am rygt gretly hevyed for my pore wyfe, for the sorow she takyth, and -most leefe hyr and hyr contree. Y shall nothing take from hyr more then -a litell spendyng money, tille better may bee. And the Blessed Trinite -kepe and sende you helth. - -Wret at London hastly, the Monday after I departed from you, 1459, x. - - Your, - - W. BOTONER, called WYRCESTER. - - [Footnote 203.1: [From Fenn, i. 182.] The date of this letter is - ascertained partly by the reference in the suppressed passage to - Sir John Fastolf's interment, and partly by the allusion to the - capture of Rivers and his son by John Denham. Compare the letter - following.] - - [Footnote 203.2: 'Here,' says Fenn, 'follow complaints against - Frere Brakle, etc., concerning Sir John Fastolf's interment, - affairs, etc.'] - - [Footnote 203.3: Richard Widville, Lord Rivers, afterwards - created an Earl by King Edward IV., who married his daughter - Elizabeth.] - - [Footnote 203.4: This must be a sneer. The truth, as recorded by - Botoner himself in his annals, was that John Denham and others - secretly sailed from Calais, and surprised Sandwich, where they - took Lord Rivers and his son Anthony prisoners, and carried them - back to Calais.] - - [Footnote 203.5: John Denham or Dynham, afterwards Lord Dynham.] - - [Footnote 203.6: Cecily, Duchess of York.] - - [[Ryght wohypfull Sir _text unchanged: error for "worshypfull"?_]] - - -400 - -WILLIAM PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[204.1] - -_To his right worshipfull brother, John Paston, be this lettre -delyvered._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / JAN. 28] - -After dewe recomendacion had, please you to wete that we cam to London -uppon the Tewysday by none, nexst aftr our departour fro Norwich, and -sent our men to inquyre after my Lord Chaunceler,[204.2] and Maister -John Stokys, and Malmesbury. - -And as for my Lord Chaunceler, he was departed fro London, and was redyn -to the Kyng ij. dayes er we were come to London; and as we understand he -hasted hym to the Kyng by cause of my Lord Ryvers[204.3] takyng at -Sandwyche, &c.[204.4] . . . . . . . . - -As for tydyngs, my Lord Ryvers was brougth to Caleys, and by for the -Lords with viij^xx. [_eight score_] torches, and there my Lord of -Salesbury reheted [_rated_] hym, callyng hym knaves son, that he schuld -be so rude to calle hym and these other Lords traytors, for they schall -be found the Kyngs treue liege men, whan he schuld be found a traytour, -&c. And my Lord of Warrewyk rehetyd hym, and seyd that his fader was but -a squyer, and broute up with Kyng Herry the V^te, and sethen hymself -made by maryage, and also made Lord, and that it was not his parte to -have swyche langage of Lords, beyng of the Kyngs blood. And my Lord of -Marche reheted hym in lyke wyse. And Sir Antony[204.5] was reheted for -his langage of all iij. Lords in lyke wyse. - -Item, the Kyng cometh to London ward, and, as it is seyd, rereth the -pepyll as he come; but it is certayn ther be comyssyons made in to -dyvers schyres that every man be redy in his best aray to com whan the -Kyng send for hem. - -Item, my Lord Roos is com fro Gynes. - -No more, but we pray to Jesu have you in his most mercyfull kepyng. -Amen. - -Wretyn at London, the Munday next after Seynt Powle day.[205.1] - - Yowr broder, - - WILLIAM PASTON. - - [Footnote 204.1: [From Fenn, i. 186.] This letter, like the - last, refers to the capture of Lord Rivers and his son at - Sandwich, an incident dated by William Worcester in his annals - shortly after the Christmas of 1459, which probably means just - after the New Year.] - - [Footnote 204.2: William de Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester.] - - [Footnote 204.3: _See_ p. 203, Note 3.] - - [Footnote 204.4: 'Then follows,' says Fenn, 'a long account of - private business, which is here omitted.'] - - [Footnote 204.5: Sir Anthony Widville, afterwards Lord Scales - and Earl Rivers.] - - [Footnote 205.1: The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul is on - the 25th of January.] - - -401 - -WILLIAM BOTONER TO ----[205.2] - -[Sidenote: 1460 / FEB. 7] - -A very frende at nede experience will schewe be deede, as wele as be -autorite of Aristotle in the Etiques that he made of moralite. Also by -the famous Reamayn Tullius in his litell booke _De Amicicia_; thangyng -you for olde contynued frendschip stidffastely grounded, as I wele -[_qu._ feel?] be your letter of a goode disposicion made, as it -appereth. Where as it schewith to the understandyng of suche as you -write uppon that I schulde, be crafty councell of some men sodenly have -departed in to these parties, &c., and that I straunched me from sertein -persones to moche, &c.; as for the furste, it schalbe to openly knowe -that I departed not hedre be councell of suche persons as they ymagyne, -for in trowthe no creature levyng, when I departed from Norwich, knewe -of it, saffe one that hath and evermore schal be next of my knowlege in -viagis makyng, alle be it I will not alwey disclose the cause. I herde -sey sith I come to London theye weche ye dempte to be of my councell -thanne where at Wolsyngham or Thepala (?) when I departed. I have wrete -the cauce to hym that of nature schulde be my beste frende, that for as -much I had labored as weele as W. Paston do my maister frendes, -chevised, and leyd money content out of his purse to the some of C_li._, -and more for cloothe and other thynges for my seide maister entencion, -promyttyng payment be fore Cristemesse, or right soone aftir, or to be -at London, and acquytyng me that I put me my dever. And be cause my -maister attorneys in that parties toke not to herte to make the -payementes here so hastely as they ded there, I had no comffortable -answere of spedyng the seid paymentes here. And also I was not put in -truste a mong the seid attorneys there to yeve on peny for my maister -sowle, but I paid it of myn owne purse befoore; nother in trust ne -favour to geve an almesse gowne, but that I praid for it as a straunger -schulde doo, alle be it myn autorite is as grete as theris, and rather -more as I tolde you. And also my Lorde of Canturebury and Maister John -Stookes, his juge, had geve autorite to ministre to a certein somme till -the testament were proved. And these preseidents consedred wolde -discorage any man to a bide but a litel amonges hem that so straunged -hem self from me and mistrusted me, be thut any cauce ye knowe wele how -that my maister man servauntes were put in gretter truste and -familiarite to handell, geve, and telle out of the bagghes my maister -money bothe at Seint Benetts and in Norwich in divers places by grete -summes and litell. And ye as other my maister servauntes and I that -helped gete my maister goode and brynge it togedre were straunged, and -as it semyd by there demenyng mistrusted to oure grete vilanye and -rebuke, wheche muste be answerd the causes why, and we declared [i.e. -_exculpated_], and so shal I make it for my pore person, and for my -maister sowle heele. It is not soilied (?) knowen that I was one of the -cheeffe that kepte bothe my Maister Paston and myn oncle[206.1] in my -maister favour and truste, and if I wolde have labored the contrary, by -my sowle--that is the grettest othe that I may swere of my silff--they -had never be nygh my maister in that case they stonde nowe. And if they -woll labour to damage or hendre me, all the worlde woll mysreporte of -hem and litel truste hem, nowther they schal not have wurschip nor -profight bi it. I wolde be to them as lowyng and as wele willyng as I -gan, so I fynde cause, and other I wolnot be to my fadre, and he weere a -liffe. I requere you a[n]swere for me as I wolde and have do for you -whan som of hem have seid ful nakedly of you, and suche as ye deeme hafe -mysereported causeles of me, I pray you that they see my letter as weele -as my frendes. My maister also (God yelded is sowle) graunted to me a -liffelode accordyng to my degre, that I, my wiffe, and my childre, -schulde have cause to prey for hym. My wiffes uncle[207.1] was present -in his chapell at Castre as wele as my wiffe, and comaunded her oncle to -chese the londe. This is trowthe be the blissed Sacrament that I -receyved at Pasch [_i.e._ Easter]. And because I demaunded my right and -dwte of my Maister Paston, he is not plesed. I have lost more thanne x. -mark worthe londe in my maister servyce, by God, and not [_unless_] I be -releved, alle the worlde schal knowe it elles that I have to gret wrong. -Wolde God I kowde plese bothe Maister Paston and my oncle in reson, who -preserve you. - -Wrete hastely the vij. day of Feveryere. - - Your, - - W. BOTONER, _dit_ Wurcester. - - [Footnote 205.2: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] The MS. of this letter - is not an original, but a copy in the handwriting of John - Paston. It appears to be written on the cover of a letter from - his wife, addressed on the back, 'To my ryght wurschipfull - husbond, John Paston, be this delyvered in haste.' The date must - be 1460, as it is clearly not long after the death of Sir John - Fastolf; and as the writer speaks of having recently left - Norwich, it was probably not many days or weeks after No. 399.] - - [Footnote 206.1: Botoner's wife, whose Christian name was - Margaret, was a niece of Thomas Howes, parson of Blofield. He - therefore calls Howes his uncle.] - - [Footnote 207.1: _See_ Note on last page.] - - -402 - -W. LOMNER TO JOHN PASTON[208.1] - -_To the right worchipfull and reverent and myn good mayster Paston, -Squyere, be this taken._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / APRIL 6] - -My ryght worchipfull mayster, I recomaunde me to yow, besechyng yow to -hold me excusyd that I awaytyd noon otherwyse opon yow and my mastras at -my comyng from Norwich; for yn good feyth I was soo seke that I hadde -moche labour to come home, and sythen that tyme I have hadde my parte, -&c. And, Sere, as for Berney, he begynnyth to falle ought of the popell -conceyte faster than ever he fell yn, for serteyn causez, &c. I shalle -telle yow yn haste. But, Sere, blyssyd be God, as for yow, your love -yncresith amonge hem, and so I prey God it mot, for and I herde the -contrarie, ye shuld sone have wetyng. The under-shrefe dotht Mortoft -favour, and lete hym goo yn Norwich as hym lyst, and al the contre -abought me sey right evyll of hym for a mayntenor of the Kynges enime; -for there ben an C. [_hundred_] purposid to ride to the Kyng for hym, -and he come neer this contre, for they sey thow he hadde never doo with -his handes he hath seid a now to die. I have warend the under-shreffe -ther of, &c. Sere, forther, I am yn bildyng of a pore hous. I truste God -that ye shulle take your loggyng ther yn here after whan ye come to your -lordshippis on tho partes. And I durste be soo bolde on your maystershep -to aske of yow xij. copill of oken sparris, I wold hertilly prey yow not -to have them, but ther they may be for bore beste, and that is at a yard -of yourz yn Saxthorpe, callid Barkerz. I have eshe but noon oke, but -litell now comyth the fellyng ther of, &c. And me semyth ye myght take -mony for wood ther that stant and seryth and doth no good but harme, and -with yn fewe yeres ye shulnot wete where it is become, &c. Also ther be -serteyn materz betwyn soom of your tenuantez and me. I abide your comyng -and doo not [_naught ?_] at the reverens of yow; they be knowelle yn the -contre. And God have yow yn his kepyng. - -Wretyn on Palme Sunday. - - Be your servaunt, - - W. LOMNER. - - [Footnote 208.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] The date of this - letter must be after the death of Sir John Fastolf, and before - John Paston had gone to take possession of his lands in Norfolk. - Saxthorpe was one of Fastolf's manors which so came to him. The - year may therefore be presumed to be 1460.] - - -403 - -FRIAR BRACKLEY TO [WILLIAM PASTON][209.1] - -[Sidenote: 1460 / [before Easter]] - -Jesu mercy, Marie help, cum Sanctis omnibus, trewe menyng executorys -ffro fals terrauntes and alle tribulacyonys. Amen. Ryte reverent Sire, -&c., W. Y.[209.2] Judex and hise wyf were here with here meny and here -hors in our ladyes place, &c. on Saterday at evyn, and yedyn hens on -Monday after none, whan summe had drunkyn malvyseye and tyre,[209.3] &c. -And I prechid on the Sonday byfore hem, not warnyd tyl after mete. And -than for lak of M. Vergeant, or our wardeyn Barnard, I sodeynly seyd the -sermon. And byfore I had ryte ovyr and soleyn chere of hem bothe, &c.; -but after the sermon he seyd opely to the prior, heryng myche folk in -the chirch, 'I haf herd hym oftyn here and ellys where, but -[this][209.4] is the best that ever I herd hym sey,' &c., and at evyn -drank to me, and made me good chere, half on the splene, &c. - -But on Moneday, whan he had ny etyn and drunkyn a now, he gan to rollyn -hym in hise relatyvis, and we eldyd hym, as many men thowtyn, ryte -ongayly in hise gere, &c.; hise wyf begynnyng the communicacyon with -rite a sootyr (?) chere. And he heeld on so sore he cowd not cese, &c. -tyl he went to his hors, &c. And the pryor demenyd hym gentylly in hise -talkyng. And there was not forgetyn non unkyndnesse of my Mayster J. P., -zour brother, of sleyn [_slaying_] of hise man Wormegey, and of mariage -of hise dowghtyr, whiche now schal solempnely be maryed to -Conerys,[210.1] a knytes sone, &c. And now last at Seynt Benettes, where -he so worschipful a justise and as kunnyng in lawe as ever was zour -fadyr, &c. as alle men knowyn, &c. And zour brother J. P. brokyn owt be -occasyon of zour langage, and takyn wytnesse of Malmysbury, a man of my -Lord of Caunterbury, whiche hath spokyn with the seyd justise the last -terme in Westmyster Halle. And there he seyd more tymes than one, 'Sire, -this the fyrst tyme that ever I spake with zour Lordschip, &c.' And -sythe after ze weryn at Seynt Benettys forseyd, ze komyn not gentylly -but ryte malicyously disposid to myn Lady Felbrygg, and dede your devoyr -to haf put hym out of hir conceyt, and it wolde not be, &c. And what -vyolens my Mayster J. P., germanus vester, dede to W. Wayt,[210.2] &c. -up on hise owne grownd at Musshold, &c. And after al these materys, bare -me on hand[210.3] that I had seyd to on of the worthiest of the schyre -that the seyd justise be gan the brekyng at Seynt Benettes; for I -suppose I seyd thus to my Lord Fyz Water, _alias_ my Mayster Radclyff, -to whos in I went to, and zaf hym a potel of swete wyne, he demaundyng -me of that brekyng, &c., as I remembre me, and suppose I seyd, 'W. Y., -justise, began to myn knowlache and understondyng.' Whan he seyd so -fumowsly, 'Who so ever sey that of me, he lyeth falsly in hise hede, -&c.' And my Mayster Radclyff rode forthe with owt of towne to Dokkyng -and Brumham, and with hym rode W. Y., sone to the justise. And yf the -seyd Radclyff teld this to W. Y., I wote never. And yf he dede I -merveyle sore. But and al go to al, as is like to go, I may not sey nay, -but I trow I seyd so. Radclyf and ze bene grete frendes. I wold ze wold -lat hym knowe the trowth, &c. - -This mater mevyd the justisis wyf, and than he be gan hise mater more -boldly, seying to me be fore the pryour and miche pepyl, that it was -told hym the same day that I seyd, as for the brekyng, the justise -began. 'Forsothe' seyd I, 'whan I came into the chambre there, the fyrst -word I hard was this, that ze seyd to my mayster J. P., "Who that ever -seyth so, I sey he lyeth falsly in hise hede," &c.' 'Ya,' quod the -justise, 'ze schuld haf told what mevyd me to sey so to hym.' And I seyd -I cowde not tellyn that I not herd, &c. Et Judex-- 'Ze schuld haf -examyned the mater,' &c. And I seyd, 'Sire, it longyd not to me to -examyne the mater, for I knew wele I schuld not be juge in the mater, -and alonly to a juge it longyth to sene and stodyen illam Sacrae -Scripturae clausulam, whiche holy Job seyd, _Causam quam nesciebam -diligentissime investigabam_.' - -And than, 'No,' seyth he hardyly, 'ze schal not be juge, but yf ze had -owt me as good wil as ze dede and do to Paston, ze wold than have sergyd -the cause of my gret greef, why I seyd as I seyd, &c. But I haf sey the -day, ze lovyd me beter than hym, for he yaf zow never cause of love as I -haf done,' &c. 'Sire,' I sey, 'he hath yovyn me cause swyche as I am -behold to hym for,' &c. 'Ya,' seyth he, 'ze schal bere wytnesse, &c., -and the other Mayster Clement and W. Schipdham.' Cui ego-- 'As for the -wytnesse I schal bere, I schal say and writyn as I knowe,' &c. Cui -ille-- 'I made hise testament,[211.1] and I knowe,' &c. Cui ego-- 'I saw -nevir testament of your makyng; and as for on testament that he made, -and I knowe bothe the writer and maker, after hise wyl and intent, ze -stonde stille there in as ze dede than,' &c. Et tunc gavisus est, &c. Et -ille-- 'I knowe ze haf a gret hert, &c., but I ensure zow, the Lordes -above at London arn infoormyd of zow, and they schal delyn with zow wele -anow.' Cui ego-- 'He or they that hafe infoormyd the Lordes wele of me, -I am behold to hem; and yf they be otherwyse infoormyd, I schal do as -wele as I may. But be myn trowthe I schal not be aferd to sey as I knowe -for none Lord of this lond, if I may go saf and come, quod non credo, -per Deum, propter evidencias multas,' &c. Tunc prior-- 'Domine, non -expedit nec rationi seu verae conscientiae congruit, quod vos contendatis -cum Magistro Paston, vel ipse vobiscum, pro bonis defuncti, quae solum -sua et non vestra sunt. Miror valde,' inquit, 'cum prioribus temporibus -tam magni fuistis amici, et non sic modo, quare valde doleo.' Cui -Judex-- 'There is no man besy to bryng us to gyder, &c., so that I kan -wele thynk it were lytil maysteri.' But in feyth I knowe wele the Juge, -W. Wayte his mawment [_i.e._ puppet], hise boy Yimmys, with here hevedy -and fumows langage, have and dayly do uttyr lewd and schrewd dalyauns, -&c. - -I sent zow bode of dyvers thinges be M. Roger Palle, and I haf no -answer, &c. I schuld go to Castre, and a man of my Lordes Norfolk told -here he came fro London, and there he had commonly voysid that the Duke -of Norfolk schuld be the Kynges comaundement kepe hise Esterne at Castre -for safe gard of the cuntre ayens Warwyk and other swich of the Kinges -enmyes whiche may lytely be lyklynesse aryve at Waxham, &c. My mayster -zour brother, J. P., ne ye, ne M. T. Howys, ne I may not esily be brokyd -in the Jugys conscyens, &c. Sir Jon Tatirshales man spake with yow at -London, and than ye seyd to hym to hafe comyn in your owne persone to -our Lady or this tyme, whiche was cause of myn abidyng here, &c. -I schal, be the grace of Jesu, be at Castre on Soneday next, &c. W. W., -J. B., junior, Colinus Gallicus, et T. Upton multum, ut suppono, fuerunt -assidui ad informationem malam dandam dominis diversis hujus regni -contra vestrum germanum J. P., M. T. Howes, me, etc.; sed confido in -vobis quod vos confiditis in Christo Jesu et Sanctis omnibus, qui vos -vestros et vestra dirigat in agendis. Recommendetis me, si placeat, -Magistro meo Johanni P., uxori, et matri, cum filiis suis nepotibus -vestris, et Thomae Playtere vestro dilecto amico. Et quare vobis jam -scribo et non vestro germane J. P. alias scietis, etc. - - Vester orator continuus, - - F. J. B., Minorum minimus. - - [Footnote 209.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] From what is said of - the expectation of a descent of Warwick upon the coast, it - appears that this letter was written in the spring of 1460.] - - [Footnote 209.2: William Yelverton.] - - [Footnote 209.3: Tier; a bitter drink or liquor.--Halliwell.] - - [Footnote 209.4: Omission in MS.] - - [Footnote 210.1: John, son of Sir Robert Conyers, knight, - married Eleanor, daughter of William Yelverton, Justice of the - King's Bench.--Blomefield, i. 483.] - - [Footnote 210.2: Judge Yelverton's clerk, the writer of No. 142. - _See_ vol. ii. p. 174, Note 3.] - - [Footnote 210.3: _See_ vol. ii. p. 110, Note 1.] - - [Footnote 211.1: This seems to refer to the will of Sir John - Fastolf, though he is not named.] - - -404 - -FRIAR BRACKLEY TO JOHN PASTON[213.1] - -[Sidenote: 1460] - -Jhesus Maria, &c.,--Reverende domine et prae omnibus mortalibus -amantissime. Super omnia omnino oblivioni non tradenda faciatis ut -W. P.[213.2] germanus cum sua ac vestra prudenti industria sagaciter et -secrete informet H. Fylongley de W. W.[213.3] Hibernico ac Colino -Gallico, qui suo malicioso proposito confederati sunt, adversusque -dominum et magistrum suum militem defunctum et executores ejus ad -dampnificandos eos et bona defuncti per ostensionem literarum secretarum -olim dicto militi missarum, ex confidentia speciali, sicut solito more -amicus amico solet scribere. Si haec enim proditoria condicio esset -insinuata per H. Fylongley vel per me, forsan Domino Comite Wilschirie, -idem fallax et deceptorius Colinus Gallicus non esset cum dicto comite -tam magnus et intimus cum dicto domino, sicut credit se esse unum de -suis secretioribus, vel cum Regina per laborem sui germani ad magistrum -Ormond ut ipsum faciat introduci ad favorem et servicium Reginae. Si -habueritis amicos circa Reginam, cito poteritis Colinum frustrare suo a -proposito. Si W. P. vester germanus posset per subtilia media adquirere -et adquiri facere casketum C. Gallici ac casketum W. W. Hibernici, -audiretis et videretis aliqua non laude sed fraude plena, &c. Mitte -sapientem et nihil ei dicas, &c. Prudenti viro pauca scribenda pro -presenti propono quia scio vos ex paucis plura colligere et ex praeambulo -plura concludere. Item, propheta clamat, 'Nolite confidere in verbum -mendacii,'[213.4] &c., et secundum eundem prophetam, 'Non est -confidendum super baculum arundineum confractum,'[213.5] &c., et est -commune et vulgare dictum: 'A man schuld not trusty on a broke swerd, ne -on a fool, ne on a chyld, ne on a dobyl man, ne on a drunke man,' &c., -thow that he were an amewse and a notarye be W. W. Hibernicus he schal -knowe al, and be hym Colyn and Spirlyng the same knowe schal, &c., Hoc -ideo dicite W. P., Cavete, &c., quia, Deo teste, bona fide et conscia -non ficta, haec suprascripta sunt in toto vera, &c. Feria secunda ad -minus in prandio vos videbo, &c. Scriptum festinissime infra quarterium -horae, praesentis latore nimis sponsalium causa festinante. Recommendo vos -vestros et vestra Deo. - - vester totus prius notus, - - Frater J. B. Minorum minimus. - - [Footnote 213.1: [Add. MS. 34,888, f. 161.] This letter is - evidently holograph. The date might be at the very end of the - year 1459, after the death of Fastolf and after the attainder of - the Yorkists at Coventry; but is more probably in the early part - of 1460, between January and May. Indeed, though the language is - mysterious, its substance is probably not unconnected with that - of the preceding letter.] - - [Footnote 213.2: William Paston, son of the judge.] - - [Footnote 213.3: The initials 'W. W.' suggest the name of - William Worcester; but he was not an Irishman, and before this - letter was discovered he was believed to be Brackley's 'Colinus - Gallicus,' who, however, is here mentioned as a different - person.] - - [Footnote 213.4: Jerem. vii. 4.] - - [Footnote 213.5: Referring apparently to Isaiah xxxvi. 6--not - 'the same prophet.'] - - -405 - -ANONYMOUS TO H. B. OF LINCOLN[214.1] - -_To my good Maister, H. B. of Lincoln._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / APRIL 9] - -Right worchepful sir, after my recommendation, like you to wete I wold -yisterday have spoken with you if ye had be allone at good leiser, for -my aquytaile to God and to you, and for the wele of my maister, God -pardon hym. I have many thynges to remembre you if ye wol. Wherof -diverse specialtes that I wold sey, I may not write. For I meved you at -your chamber wyndow at Lammes homward from London some thynges of my -good wil, and me thought ye toke it gretely to displeisur; the which -caused me to sey the lesse of thynges that had be worchepfull to have be -doon. But, Sir, as I remembred you late at Norwich of the variaunce by -twix the worchepfull man and you, for Goddes love and your most ease, -folwe the meanes of his good wil by help of holsom gentilmen, and also -the feithfull love of other that grucchen to you warde, as I fele moche -thof thei speke litil therof to you, rettyng in you singuler fastnesse -ageyns kyndenesse and reson; for with love and unyte ye shal do moost -good for oure maister to your worchep. And with the contrary many mysse -dispenses as han be and thanne moche lette in doyng of good dedis to the -causers perill and slawnder God hath sent you wysdham grete that telleth -you the best is to drede God. A man shal never have love of God nor love -nor drede of good men for myskepyng of moche good thof it wer his owen, -for it is dampnable; but wher it is truly delt with and godly disposed, -thanne folwith bothe grete meryte and worchep. Pety it is that mo more -is do for hym. At the gate is nowther mete, drynke nor money, _ut -dicitur_, no man wele spekyng thof thacte above be not do necessary -almesse to the nedy that peynen wold and myght be do dayly. And, Sir, be -ware what ye talke to som men of the lordes your coexecutours, and what -is spent for the man, and what he was worth. Thei reporten you -unfavorabely and withoute credence, as men seyn, and some I have herd. -Also your entretyng and other for you with them that have entres with -you for to have your entent sped, is tolde oute whow, and your iournay -to lorde Beauchamp to Cambrig is taken as men like, and your associacion -is seid made by your witt to your purpos. As somme fer of and grete that -may nor peraventur wiln not medle, somme ye wold thei left, somme havyng -no conduyt, somme no stomak, and somme glosours and witnesses for lucre; -this is not my seyyng, I have often herd it. Therfor to have such a post -as the seid man is that ye be in variaunce; so he do wele, as I fully -beleve, he shuld help you to bere moche, and cause eschuyng of moche of -this noyse. This variaunce grew of mater of noght and japes; the soner -may be accorde. And thynke not, Sir, that any persone hath stered me -herto; for by the good Lorde I trist to receyve this holy tyme it is my -owen steryng and good hert to you warde, for that I her and see, and -moost of your wele willers, in eschuyng of inconvenyentz as right many -talke must ensue to you ward. For I fonde you pleyn at Cristemesse, and -I toke you that ye loved me, wher to fore, withoute cause truly, to my -seid maister moch ye hyndred me, as parte he tolde me, and thanne I -praied you in that your good maistership and amendement, and sith I have -be pleyn and wol be. And I require you as ye arn a gentilman, kepe thees -maters secrete by twix God, you and me; for by Almyghty Jhesu of me -knoweth this non erthely creatur, nor shal knowe. Other thynges been -that sounden not wele, but as I fele your wisdham take me in this, so -herafter I wil demene me with you in maters. I am urke of variaunces, -for parties waxen wrooth if men hold not with there oppynyons whan thei -in angre trotte over fer by yon hem self. I may not come by you to -London ward, I trow I must by Suffolk; elles I had not writen this. Oure -Blissed Lorde have you in His governaunce and be your conduytour to His -pleisur, Amen. This Wednesday, ix. day Aprill. - -As ye arn a veray gentilman, be my true confessour as I am youres and -take me as I mene, thof my termes been not discreet. Brenne this scrowe -or kepe it pryvy, as ye like and I beseche you, if ye wil trist me, wil -me pleyn, &c.--Your owen, &c., to my power. - - [Footnote 214.1: [Add. MS. 34,888, f. 143.] This letter is - mysterious, but seems to have some bearing on Sir John Fastolf's - will, and may be assigned with tolerable certainty to the year - 1460, as the 9th April, the day it was dated, was a Wednesday, - and one expression in it shows that it was written immediately - before Easter, which in that year fell on the 13th April.] - - -406 - -WILLIAM PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[216.1] - -_To hys rythe wurchyp[full] broder, Jon Paston, [dwell]yng at Castre._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / MAY 2] - -Broder, I comand me to zow, certhefieng zow that Playter is redyn to -Lundon ward this day abowthe ij. afternone. And he taryed here, and -schulde abedyn styll till he had had an horse that Master Thomas Howys -schuld have lent hym. And so I thowthe he schuld have taried to long; -and so he hathe bowthe on off myn hors. And iff it nede, he schall send -zow word be his man fro Lundon how he felythe the disposycyon off men -ther, &c.; and he schall send his man hom be Newmarket wey. And I have -infurmyd hym acording after the ententhe of zowr letter. - -I spak this day with Bokkyng. He had but few wurdes, but I felt be hym -he was rythe evyll disposyd to the parson and zow, but coverthe langgage -he had. I wene he be assentid to the fyndyng of this offyce[217.1] takyn -at Bokynham, and Recheman schall bryng zow the namys of the men that mad -the verdythe on Soneday nexst comyng. I pray send to myn broder Clements -fermor of Somerton for money for my broder Clement, for to have sent to -hym to Lundon. I schuld have done it qwan I was at Caster; myn moder -desyryd me, and I sent a letter after to the parson, and prayed hym to -receve it, &c. - -Item, I prayd the parson to wrythe a letter in his name to myn suster -Ponyngges,[217.2] as ze and I comunyd onys togeder, cownsellyng her to -take good avyse befor sche sold her wood at Wrenham; and he schuld knowe -ther by weder Ponyngges wer in Kent ar nat, &c. I understond that this -Bokkyng and Worceter have grett trust in ther awne lewd consaythe, wathe -some ever it menythe, &c. Bokkyng told me this day that he stood as well -in consaythe with myn Maister Fastolff iii. days befor he dyed as any -man in Englond. I sayd I soposyd nay, ner iij. zere before he dyed. -I told hym that I had hard dyveres talkynges of hym as men sayd, qweche -I soposyd schuld nat easly be browthe a bowthe, and he swore that he -talkyd never with no man in no mater that schuld be a zen zow, &c. It is -he that makythe William Wurceter so froward as he is. - -I wold ze had a witnesse of Roberd Ingglows, thow he wittnessyd no more -but that myn master had his witthe, becawse he was so lathe with myn -master Fastolff. Worceter sayd at Castre it schuld be nessessary for zow -to have good witnesse, as he saythe it schuld go streythe with zow -wytheowt zowr witnesse were rythe sofycyent. Myn cosyn Berney can tell -zow, &c. - -Item, remenbre to make the parson to make an instrument up on his -sayyng. I funde hym rythe good qwan I spak with hym at Caster; and -remembre the newe evydens. - -Item, Arblaster and I spakk togeder. I felle hym rythe feythefully -disposyd to zow ward, and he schall mow do myche good and he go to -Lundon, for he can labore will a monge Lordes. He and I comunyd to geder -of myn Lord Awbre;[218.1] lethe hym tell zow qwat it was, for he will -speke with zow to morow. It is full nessessary to mak zow strong be lord -chep, and be oder menys. Myn Lord Awbry hathe weddit the Duke of -Bokyngham dowter,[218.2] and he was lathe with Master Fastolff be fore -he dyed, and he is gret with the Qwene. - -God have zow in His kepeng. Wretyn at Norwyche the secund day of May. - - Be zowr broder, - - W. PASTON. - -Omnya pro pecunya facta sunt. - - [Footnote 216.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] The date of this - letter is certainly in the year 1460, for it was written after - the death of Sir John Fastolf, and before the deposition of - Henry VI., Margaret of Anjou being still spoken of as 'the - Queen.'] - - [Footnote 217.1: _See_ p. 199, Note 2.] - - [Footnote 217.2: Elizabeth Paston, now wife of Robert Poynings.] - - [Footnote 218.1: Aubrey de Vere, son of the Earl of Oxford, who - suffered death, with his father, in February 1462.] - - [Footnote 218.2: Anne, eldest daughter of Humphry, Duke of - Buckingham.] - - -407 - -THE ABBOT OF LANGLEY TO JOHN STOKES[218.3] - -_To the ryght worchepfull Sere, Mayster John Stokes._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / MAY 8] - -Ryght worshypfull Sere, I recomaund me to yow; and for asmyche as it is -informyd me that it was appoynted that alle the executors of the -worshepfull knyght, Sere John Fastolf, whos soule God asoyle, shuld be -at London as on Monday next comyng, of wheche executors I am namyd for -on, as I ondyrstond; wherfore, in as myche as ye be ordenary and on of -the same executors, I prey yow tendre my laboure, withoute my comyng, be -youre dyscrecion, myght be more profyt to the dede; for I conseyve it -shuld be but charge to the dede, and lytell avayleable, consyderyng that -John Paston, Squyere, and Thomas Howys, parson of Blofeeld, schall come -up at this time, wheche were[218.4] the persones above all other that -the seyd Sere John Fastolf put in hys most sengulere love and trust, and -wold they shuld have the kepyng and dysposicion of hys goods, as wele in -hys lyve as after hys deseas, to dyspose for the well of hys soule; and -that non other namyd hys executors, but only they tweyn, shuld have ony -kepyng or dysposyng of ony part of hese goods duryng ther lyves; and -that alle other namyd executors shuld supporte them and geve them to the -seyd John Paston and Thomas Howys here good avyse in performyng of hys -desyre in that behalve. Wherfor that it lekyth yow in ony thyng ye -desyre me to do in thys cause or matere to geve yowre feyth and credence -to the seyd John Paston and Thomas Howys; and so desyred me the seyd -Knyght feythefully to do, that knowyth God, whom I be seke preserve yow -from alle adversyte. - -Wretyn in the Abbey of Langeley, the viij. day of the monyth of May, the -yeere of oure Lord m^{l.}cccc.lx. - - Youre preest, - - ABBOT OF LANGELEY.[219.1] - - [Footnote 218.3: [From Fenn, iii. 398.]] - - [Footnote 218.4: This word is omitted in the literal transcript - in Fenn.] - - [Footnote 219.1: His name was Nicholas.] - - -408 - -JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON[219.2] - -_To my trusty cosyn, Margaret Paston, at Norwich, be this -delyvered._[219.3] - -[Sidenote: 1460 / JUNE 19] - -I recomaunde me to you, letyng you witte that I sent a letter to John -Russe and Richard Kalle that thei, by th'advyse of Watkyn Shipdam and -William Barker shuld send me word of whom alle the maneres, londes, and -tenementes that were Sir John Fastolffes wern holde, preyng you that ye -wold do them spede them in that matier; and if my feodaryes, whiche lye -in the tye of my gret cofyr, may ought wisse therin, lete them se it. - -Item, I wolde that William Barker shulde send me a copye of the olde -traverse of Tychewell and Beyton. And lete Richard Kalle spede hym -hidderward, and come by Snaylwel, and take suyche mony as may be getyn -there, and that he suffre not the mony that the tenauntes owe to come in -the fermours handes. - -Item, that he come by Cambrigge and bryng with hym Maister Brakkeles -licence from the provynciall of the Grey Freres. I prey you recomaunde -me to my modir. - -Wretyn at London the Thursday next to fore Middesomer. - - JOHN PASTON. - - [Footnote 219.2: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter appears to - have been written the year after Fastolf's death.] - - [Footnote 219.3: Below this address is written, in another hand, - 'To Richard Calle, at Caster, be this deliverid in hast.'] - - -409 - -FRIAR BRACKLEY TO JOHN PASTON[220.1] - -_Venerabili armigero, Johanni Paston seniori, detur haec litera._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / JULY 6] - -Honoris superni amorisque interni indissolubile vinculum tam venerabili -viro in Christo condignum, praecordialissime magister ac amice -singularis, non solum quales debeo sed quales valeo vobis refero grates -cordiales pro vestris beneficiis quampluribus michi multiformiter -exhibitis, pro quibus omnibus recompenset vos Altissimus. Honorabilis -domine, causa motiva praesentis scripturae est haec. Ex magno cordis -affectu audire desidero de vestra expeditione prospera in materia -concernente testamentum et voluntatem venerabilis viri J. F.[220.2] -militis per Ricardum Calle vel Johannem Pampyng, vestros fideles -servientes; quod si fieri non possit per relationem latoris praesentium, -michi certificare dignemini. Cujus verbis audienciam credulam praebere -curetis, sicut et michi dare velletis si vobiscum personaliter -interessem. Scire insuper dignetur vestra caritas quod iste frater, -praesentium lator, est meus spiritualis filius, eo quod in ordinem per me -indutus et professus et ad gradum sacerdotii promotus, jam per biennum -continuum, fuit socius et servitor meus satis solaciosus in tempore meae -gravissimae infirmitatis, in laboribus et vigiliis continuis, tam diurnis -quam nocturnis, quorum occasione a suo libro et studio fuit -multiformiter impeditus; sicque ad suos amicos non potuit habere -recursum ad sui victus et vestitus adquirendum subsidium. Cui si placet -intuitu caritatis elemosinam per vos graciose collatam Willelmo nepoti -meo ingratissimo, utinam non infidelissimo, latori praedicto dare -curetis, qui vobis suam indigenciam fideliter explanabit et dicti -nepotis viciosa demerita certissime declarabit. Unum enim scitote, si -frater praedictus circa meam personam non fuisset multiformiter solicitus -ego pluries fuissem mortuus. Spero enim per Dei graciam circa festum ad -Vincula Petri vestram graciosam visitare presenciam, et de dicti fratris -gratitudinem clariorem dare noticiam. Cui propter Deum ad mei cordis -multiforme solacium dicti beneficii ne denegetis suffragium, sicud in -vobis gero confidenciam singularem. Non plura pro praesenti vobis offero -calamo digna, sed vos, vestros et vestra defendat Trinitas alma, Quae vos -graciose conservet in prosperis et graciosissimis dirigat in agendis. -Scriptum Donewici, in vigilia Translacionis Sancti Thomae Martiris. - -Vester ad vota promptissimus ac orator pauperculus. - - FRATER J. B., Minorum minimus. - - [Footnote 220.1: [Add MS. 34,888, f. 147.] This is a letter of - Friar Brackley, apparently written the year after Fastolf's - death. It is in a large and regular handwriting, different from - some of his other letters.] - - [Footnote 220.2: Sir John Fastolf.] - - [[quod si fieri non possit _text has "qood"_]] - - -410 - -THE YORKIST LORDS TO THE AUTHORITIES IN NORFOLK[221.1] - -_The Erlys of Marche, Warwyke, and Salysbury._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / JULY 23] - -Ryght welbeloved, we grete you wele; and wher, for the tendre love that -we have to the concervacion of the Kyngs peas, lawes, and justice in -this his realme of Englonde, we have comaunded the Kyngs peeple in his -name, be oure letters and diverse writyngs, that no man shulde robbe or -dispoile Sir Thomas Todenham, Knyght, John Heyden, John Wyndham, Herry -Todenham, and John Andrws, and other weche have sued to us for oure -seide letters; we, wolyng to eschewe that any person shulde have colour -be oure seide letters to noyse us, or any of us, that the seide Sir -Thomas, John Heyden, John Wyndham, Herry, and John Andrws, or any other -of suspecte fame, be accorded with us, or any of us, for suche wrongs as -they, or any of ham, have do to us, our servaunts and tenants or -wellwellers, or that we shulde hafe hem in tendrenesse or favour to -discorage trewe people to swe a yen hem be the lawe; We therfore notyfie -to yow, as we woll that it be notyfid to all people, that we, ne noon of -us, intende not to favour or tendre hem, or any other of suspecte fame, -but rather to corecte suche be the lawe, for we made our seid letters -soly for kepyng of the pease and justice, and not for favour of suspecte -condicione. And the Holy Trynyte kepe yow. - -Wreten at London the xxiij^ti. day of Jule. - -To all Meyers, Sceryves, Balyfys, Constables, and all the Kynges -Offecers and Ministres in Norffolk, and eche on of hem. - - [Footnote 221.1: [From Fenn, iii. 244.] This manifesto must have - been issued in July 1460, after the battle of Northampton, when - the King was in the hands of the confederate Lords. It certainly - was not, as Fenn supposes, in 1455, after the battle of St. - Albans, when the Earl of March was only thirteen years old and - the Duke of York, his father, was made Protector. York had not - come over from Ireland in July 1460, and is consequently not - named in this document.] - - -411 - -ABSTRACT[222.1] - -THE KING TO JOHN NEDHAM AND THOMAS LITILTON, JUSTICES OF THE COUNTY -PALATINE OF LANCASTER - -[Sidenote: 1460(?) / JULY 26] - -Desires them to show favour to the defendants in an appeal of robbery -sued before them out of malice by Thomas Bury against John Berney of -Redham, Norf., Junior, Esq., John Paston of Norwich, Esq., John Berney -of Redham, Norf., Senior, Esq., John Hevenyngham, of Norwich, Esq., and -Christopher Norwich of Brundehale. They are to receive no writ returned -in the name of the Sheriff of Norfolk touching that matter except by the -hands of the sheriff himself, or of John Bernarde his under-sheriff. - -London, 26 July. - -II. Another letter, similar in substance, in which no justices' names -are given. - - [These documents cannot be later than 1460, as the younger John - Berney died in July of that year (see next letter). But as Judge - Littleton was only made a King's Serjeant in 1455, they cannot be - many years earlier, and they are not unlikely to be of the year 1460 - itself.] - - [Footnote 222.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.]] - - -412 - -JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON[223.1] - -_To my wurschipfull coysyn, Margaret Paston, be this delyvered in -haste._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / JULY 28] - -I recomaunde me unto you, letyng you witte that your unkyll, John -Berney, is deed, whoos soule God have mercy; desyryng you to sende for -Thomas Holler,[223.2] and enquere of hym wher his goode is, and what he -is wurthe, and that he take goode eede to all suche goods as he had -bothe meveable and on mevable; for I undre stande that he is wurthe in -money v^c. [500] marke, and in plate to the valwe of other v^c. marke, -beside other goods. Wherfor I wolde ye schulde not lete hym wete of his -dissese unto the tyme that ye had enquered of the seide Thomas Holler of -all suche maters as be a bovyn wreten, and whan he hathe enformed you -therof, than lete hym wete verely that he is deede, desiryng hym that no -man come on to his place at Redham but hym selfe, unto the tyme that I -come. - -Item, I lete you witte that gret parte of his goode is at William -Taverners, as I undrestande. Thomas Holler woll telle you justely the -trouthe as I suppose, and deseyre hym on my behalfe that he doo soo, and -ther is writyng therof; and telle Thomas Holler that I and he be -executours named, and therfore lete hym take heede that the goods be -kept saffe, and that nobody knowe wher it shall lie but ye and Thomas -Holler. And Thomas Holler, as your unkyll tolde me, is prevy wher all -his goode lithe and all his writyng, and so I wol that ye be prevy to -the same for casualte of deethe, and ye too shal be his executours for -me as longe as ye doo trewly, as I trowe verely ye woll. - -Wreten at London, the xxviij^t. day of Jule. - -I requer yow be of god cumfort and be not hevy, if ye wil do owth for -me. - - Yowr, - - JOHN PASTON. - - [Footnote 223.1: [From Fenn, iv. 36.] According to Fenn, - Margaret Paston's uncle, John Berney, second son of John Berney, - Esq. of Reedham, died in July 1461, and he accordingly places - this letter in that year. It is evident, however, that John - Berney was dead at the date of Nos. 431 and 462, the former - written in January 1461, the latter certainly not so late as the - 28th July in the same year, for Thomas Denys was murdered at the - very beginning of the month. Indeed, it is clear that in No. 462 - Margaret Paston wishes to arrange about the approaching - anniversary of her uncle's death. John Berney must therefore - have died in July 1460, although from the troubled character of - the times his will (which is preserved in the Principal Registry - at Somerset House), made on the 2nd June 1460 (Monday after the - Feast of St. Petronilla the Virgin), was not proved till the 1st - December 1461.] - - [Footnote 223.2: When Berney's will was proved at Lambeth, 1st - December 1461, administration was granted provisionally to - Thomas Hooler, who was to send in accounts before the morrow of - the Conversion of St. Paul (Jan. 26) following. Power was, - however, reserved of committing administration to John Paston. - But John Paston did not appear on the day, and left the - undivided administration to Hooler.] - - [[written in January 1461 _text has "1561"_]] - - -413 - -ABSTRACT[224.1] - -[Sidenote: 1460 / AUG. 1] - -'Soutwerk cum membris,' No. 50 _a._-- 'Inquisitio post mortem Johannis -Fastolf militis capta per eschaetorem Regis, ubi mentio fit quorundam -tenementorum, viz., the Berehouse, Boreshead, Hartshorne, et 2 -molendinorum aquaticorum. Aug. 1, Hen. VI. 38.' - - [Footnote 224.1: [From MS. Index in Magd. Coll., Oxford.]] - - -414 - -ANONYMOUS TO YELVERTON AND PASTON[225.1] - -_To the right worshipful Seres, my right welbeloved and trusted cosyns, -William Yelverton, Justice, and John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1460(?)] - -Sir, please your right worshipfull maystership that Mayster Paston come -to London as on Thursdaye att none last past, and I trust verelye all -maters here were resonablye labored to his comyng, and now they shal be -better. Neverthelesse, I have ben mevid of tretye by dyvers personez -sith I came hidre, as wele for Tudenham, Wentworth, Heydon, and other at -this tyme not wel willed to yow and yourez, seyng that such money as is -spent a twix yowe is but wastfully expendid and to non use vertuouse. -I fele by theym they be not right corageous in theyr werkes, ner nought -wold if they myght have a resonable trete. I meve not this that ze shold -thenk that they had conquered me by noyans, but I do it to avertyse yow -for th'eschewyng of the importable costes that hath ben born by yow, and -yet lyke to bee, aswele in the elde maters hangyng as in newe at this -tyme to be grownded, if this werre shal rest and hold a twyx yowe, and -specially for the ease of hym that shalbe solicitour in the same. Ye -nede at this terme rather to have had thre solicitours than in any other -terme past this iij. yere, on concyderyng the maters hangyng, &c.; of -which please yow to send yowr gode advyse and wille yf ye thenk it to be -don, and els not, for this is but a mocion, &c. - - [Footnote 225.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter is by an - unknown writer, and very uncertain as to date. It shows that - Tuddenham, Wentworth, and Heydon, all adherents of the House of - Lancaster, were desirous of a compromise with Yelverton and - Paston. The year 1460, some time after the battle of - Northampton, is perhaps as likely a period as any.] - - -415 - -FRIAR BRACKLEY TO JOHN PASTON[226.1] - -_To my Mayster Jon Pastone, Esqwyer, be this letter presented._ - -_Jesus, Maria, &c._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / OCT.] - -Ryte reverent Sire, after du recommendacion, we sey in this cuntre that -Heydon is for Barkschir in the Comon Hows. And the Lady of -Suffolk[226.2] hath sent up hyr sone[226.3] and hise wyf to my Lord of -York to aske grace for a schireve the next yer, Stapilton, Boleyn, or -Tyrel, qui absit. God send zow Ponyng, W. P., W. Rokewode, or Arblaster. -Ze haf myche to done; Jesu spede zow. Ze haf many good preyers, what of -the covent, cyte, and cuntre. God safe our good Lords, Warwik, alle hise -brether, Salisbury, &c., fro al fals covetyse and favour of extorcyon, -as they wil fle uttyr schame and confusyon. God save hem, and preserve -fro treson and poyson; lete hem be war her of for the pite of God; for -yf owt come to my Lord Warwik but good, far weel ze, far weel I, and al -our frends! for be the weye of my sowle, this lond wer uttirly on done, -as God forbede. Her [_their_] enmyes bostyn with good to come to her -favour; but God defende hem, and zeve hem grace to knowe her frends fro -her enmyes, and to cherisch and preferr her frends and lesse the myte of -alle her enmyes thorw owt the schiris of the lond. And [_i.e._ if] my -good Lord Warwik, with my Lord his brother Chaunceler[226.4] and my Lord -her fadyr[226.5] woldyn opposyn, as dede Danyel, Fortesku, Alisaunder, -Hody, Doctor Aleyn, Heydon, and Thorp, of the writyng made be hem at -Covyntre Parlement, they schuld answer wers than sub cino or sub privo -(?), and this generaly wold I sey at Powlys Cros, etc., and [_i.e._ if] -I schuld come there, &c. It is verifyed of hem, 1(o) Jeremiae, 8(o), _Vere -mendacium operatus est stilus mendax scribarum_, &c. And think of two -vers of zour Sawter, _Scribantur haec in generatione altera_ (hujus -scilicet parliamenti) _et populus qui creabitur laudabit -Dominum_,[227.1] &c. _Deleantur etiam tales perversi scriptores de libro -viventium et cum justis non scribantur._[227.2] Et non plura, sed vos, -vestros et vestra conservet Jesus graciose in prosperis et graciosius -dirigat in agendis. - -Ex Norwico, feria quarta,[227.3] nuncio festinante. - -And I prey zow for Godds sake to be good mayster to Jon Lyster, &c. And -I prey zow think, in this Parlement, of the text of Holy Scripture, -_Quicunque fecerit contra legem Dei et contra legem Regis judicium fiet -de eo, vel in condemnationem substantiae ejus, vel in carcerem, vel in -exilium, vel in mortem_ (Primo Esdrae, vij., et parti 2(o) Esdrae 8(o)). - - [Footnote 226.1: [From Fenn, iii. 382.] This letter appears to - have been written just before the sitting of the Parliament of - October 1460, of which John Paston was a member. Warwick's - brother was then Chancellor. No signature is attached to this - letter in Fenn's literal copy, although the name is appended to - the modern transcript.] - - [Footnote 226.2: Alice, widow of William, Duke of Suffolk.] - - [Footnote 226.3: John de la Pole, second Duke of Suffolk. He - married Elizabeth, the Duke of York's daughter.] - - [Footnote 226.4: George Nevill, Bishop of Exeter.] - - [Footnote 226.5: Richard Nevill, Earl of Salisbury.] - - [Footnote 227.1: Psalm ci. (or cii.) 18.] - - [Footnote 227.2: Psalm lxviii. (or lxix.) 28.] - - [Footnote 227.3: 'Feria quarta' means Wednesday.] - - -416 - -FRIAR BRACKLEY TO [JOHN PASTON] - -[Sidenote: 1460 / [OCT.]] - -Jesus, Maria, &c. Reverende domine, si contingat ut sitis Londoniae hoc -termino in principio parliamenti, haec poteritis in secretis dicere -domino Warwik ac domino Cancellario, quomodo Johannes W.[227.4] apud -Felbrigg jacet cum manu forti contra pacem domini Regis et patriae, qui -quantum valere potest est hostis publicus et inimicus capitalis domini -Regis et suorum fidelium dominorum utilitatem rei publicae et -communitatem Angliae diligentium, pro quo taliter esset modo indilate et -cum omni festinacione possibili providendum quod esset commissio directa -sub poena ligeanciae et poena mortis et privatione bonorum vicecomiti, -domino M. Stapilton, domino W. Chambirleyn, W. Yelverton justiciario, W. -Calthorp, Johanni Twyre, Johanni Geney, T. Gurnay, Johanni Fyncham, -Johanni Yelverton Juniori, Edmundo Bokyngham, Johanni Gros, Johanni Dam, -Johanni Lomenour, Jacobo Arblaster, T. Denys, ut assistant sub poena -praedicta sex primis militibus et armigeris ad excitandum populum de -patria pro domino T. T.,[227.5] J. H.,[227.6] P. Wentworthe, -J. A.,[227.7] T. Danyel, H. Hunton, J. Wode, W. Prentys, S. Gunnor, H. -Todynham, Joh. Wyndham, Palmere Ballivo de Costsey, T. Brygge, et suis -complicibus subito et secretiori modo capiendo et versus London -adducendo cum manu forti, et in Turri vel Newgate firmiter cum Thorp de -Scacario carcere collocando, &c. Et tunc eorum clientes et eis -adhaerentes non possent, ymmo nec auderent, nocere populo patriae bonae -disposicionis. Certe si in hac parte fideliter laborare in effectu -volueritis, dominus Comes Warwic, et omnes sibi et suis benivoli essent -vobis multiformiter obligati, et tunc esset in Norffolchia mansio -concors et valde pacificus. Utinam bona voluntas vestra non sit in hac -materia pigra, &c. - -2(o). Item, quod Episcopus Norwicensis esset in curia Regis ad tempus, vel -in parliamento omnino, quia hic parvum bonum facit, nisi supportando -iniquos et paci patriae contrarios; est enim satis dives ad comprestandum -pecunias Regi in necessitate sua. Ipse enim cum ducissa Suff. et aliis -personis praenominatis sunt Reginae et principi maxime favorabiles cum -totis suis viribus; et ideo maxime expediens est parti Regis et comitis -Warwic subtrahere, diminuere, et pocius opprimere, vires omnium illorum -praedictorum eis et suis continue malignantium ex adverso, &c. - -3(o). Item, vos et vestri praemunire poteritis, si placeat, Doctores Kyrry -et Godard quomodo fama communis hic volat continue per Boreales et eorum -fautores quod Regina ac sui firmiter statuerunt unanimi decreto ipsos -doctores et me non solum morti ignominiose tradere sed etiam generaliter -omnes Fratres Minores citra flumen Trent commorantes interfici facere. -Sed Magister Vergeant cum socio qui in sermonibus Reginam cum principe -solempniter recommendat et in suis missis Reginam nominatim specificat -per instanciam Ducissae Suff. erit cum socio privilegiatus ab hac -punicione. - -4(o). Item, bonum esset quod juvenis dux Suff. cum suis militibus et -armigeris uteretur suis calcaribus et jam probaretur in bello cui esset -fidelis, an caro vel piscis. Si T. T. cum suis prius recitatis essent -unde memorati in parliamento a dominis et communibus, non dubium quin -puniti essent causatores insurrectionis falsorum Regis contra Comitem -Warwic apud pontem Westmonasterii, &c. - -5(o). Item, memorari dignetur dominus Comes Warwic quomodo T. T., J. H., -J. A., et H. T.,[228.1] J. W. et caeteri gravissime comminantur priorem -Wals' [Walsingham], &c. - -6(o). Item, caveant Comes Marchiae et Comes Warwic ne quovis modo sit inter -eos controversia, sed sint omnino unanimes et concordes, nec aliqua -cupiditas consiliariorum suorum faveat alicui eorum adversario propter -lucrum bonorum in finalem deperdicionem ipsorum et amicorum suorum. - -7(o). Item, fiat per decretum parliamenti diminutio juris peritorum ac -legis attornatorum Suff. et Norff. punicioque taxata singulorum -oppressorum, generosos ac eorum liberos, nativosque tenentes cotidie et -annuatim gravissime infestancium. - -8(o). Continue ac continue cordialiter cogitate ac scrutinio diligenti -saepius revolvite quomodo inimici vestri et adversarii antiqui, spiritu -rancoris et invidiae maliciose agitati, nituntur pro posse suo, et totis -viribus, vos, et vostros vobis benevolos funditus destruere et finaliter -deperdere, quod absit omnino; quare ex naturali legis dictamine potestis -et debetis vim vi volenter ac potenter reprimere ac repellere et eorum -maliciis inveteratis virili congressu rigorose resistere, quia minus -malim incomparabiliter videtur existere quod eorum obstinata malicia -potestate politica sit diminuta et quasi dejecta quam vos et vestri -affines, propinqui et amici essetis nimis depauperati, et quasi, quod -absit, finaliter abjecti. - - [Footnote 227.4: John Wyndham.] - - [Footnote 227.5: Sir Thomas Tuddenham.] - - [Footnote 227.6: John Heydon.] - - [Footnote 227.7: John Andrews. _See_ p. 222.] - - [Footnote 228.1: Henry Tuddenham.] - - [[Sidenote: 1460 / [OCT.] _closing bracket missing or invisible_]] - - [[propinqui et amici essetis nimis depauperati - _text has "propinuqi"_]] - - -417 - -FRIAR BRACKLEY TO JOHN PASTON[229.1] - -_Reverendo magistro meo et amico singulari Johanni Paston armigero -detur._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / OCT. (?)] - -Jhesus, Maria, Raphael, Johannes Baptista, Johannes Ewangelista, -Franciscus Guardianus, cum Sanctis omnibus, succurant maestis in -tribulationibus. Amen. Praecordialissime domine et amice maxime -singularis, Omissis pro praesenti vestri gratitudinis beneficiis mihi -saepius impensis, me humilime vestrae reverenciae recommendo. Pensetis, -quaeso, cum omni festinatione possibili instabilem virum, utinam -Hibernicum[229.2] non ingratissimum, cujus nacionis aliquales -proprietates sunt istae:--animo saeva, vultu ferox, torva affatu, -versupellis moribus et inconstancia in omnibus bonis viis suis; qui -inter caetera magistro Clementi retulit quod expensae annuales magistri -Johannis Fastolff, bonae memoriae, secundum fidelem compotum se extendunt -omni anno ad octingentas marcas in Norfolch et Suffolch, &c., et quod -idem miles vobiscum faciens pactum pro iiij. M^l, &c., fuit purus -fatuus; et quod idem vobis donatoriam literarum faciens fuit major -fatuus, &c., et quod idem Hibernicus scit deteriorare, et diminuere bona -militis ad summam viginti m^l marcarum, &c. Ob reverentiam Jhesu -Christi, cavete quod impediatur omnino a suscipiendo onus testamenti -quousque verum et integrum compotum reddiderit de defuncti bonis per eum -receptis tot annorum evolutis et transactis curriculis, &c. Item, quod -non vendat nec alienet maneria, terras, tenementa cum pertinentiis, nec -commutat jocalia nec evidenciales literas, nec pecunias per vestrum -germanum, W. P., et per ipsum receptas London, Bermondyseye, &c., cum -jam sciat de multis ubi sunt, &c. Videtur mihi, salvo saltem vestro -meliori judicio, quod de aliis personis et locis est cum omni celeritate -possibili prudenter providendum et politice, ne idem W. W. oculis luscus -et denigrato colore, in facie fuscus, sit cum W. Yelverton judice -confederatus, et per Ducem Exoniae satis tiranizantem supportatus et per -suos complices, &c. Sapienti loquor; nam philosophorum princeps ait -'Cave ab hiis quos natura signavit'; et metrice dicitur: - - 'Nam fallax faciens mens, mores ac pariformes - Concludunt mutuo quod sit quasi fraudis ymago.' - -Dixi vobis quod non esset pro vobis nec vestris utile in W. W. aliquam -confidentiam gerere. Post vestrum didici recessum in 4^or nostri -collegii famulis duplicibus et falsis cum omni perfidia contra -voluntatem militis et ejus executores iniquitatis vinculo confederatis -et astrictis, scilicet Colino Gallico, coquinae clerico, W. W., militis -secretario et W. Eton; nunc in promptuario propter Jhesum Christum -deleantur de libro vertuose et unanimiter viventium et a modo cum justis -nequaquam conscribantur, &c. Est vulgare proverbium 'Accordyng to ryte -reson that to oftyn it is in ceson, that in trust is gret treson.' Ideo -cavete quod Sapiens dicit 'Qui cito credit, levis est corde.'[230.1] Et -audite scripturae sacrae sententiam 'A malo inquit consiliario serva -animam tuam,'[230.2] &c. Nam alibi Sapientis proclamat eloquium: 'Non -est sapientia, non est prudentia, non est consilium contra -Dominum.'[230.3] Haec ibi. In alienis negociis velox, nec vivax erit, qui -in propriis causis piger existit. Rogo attendite et menti imprimite -diligenter quod revolvite quomodo poteritis resistere homini tam -perverso noxam volenti et nocumentum executoribus inferre. Mens mea -particulam evangelii retinet: 'Si in viridi ligno hoc faciunt in arido -quid fiet?'[230.4] Quasi diceret, si iste W. W. executorum ultimus et -merito novissimus et per vestram et magistri Thomae Howes diligenciam -inscriptus tantam proterviam gerit, in hoc quasi exordio, quid in fine -maliciose sit facturus? Hoc penitus ignoro. Deo vos vestros et vestra -commendo et praesentem causam. Recommendetis me si placeat -recommendandis, &c. Scriptum festinanter, hora prima post prandium. -W. B., lator praesentis, intendit vobis si placeat humilime et verissime -servitorum. Ex Castre in die Sabbathi. - -Vester ad vota promptissimus, - - FRATER J. B., Minorum minimus. - - [Footnote 229.1: [Add. MS. 34,888, f. 158.] This letter appears - to be holograph. If we are right that it was written just before - No. 418, we may place it early in October 1460.] - - [Footnote 229.2: _See_ p. 213.] - - [Footnote 230.1: Eccles. xix. 4.] - - [Footnote 230.2: _Ibid._ xxxvii. 9 (8).] - - [Footnote 230.3: Prov. xxi. 30.] - - [Footnote 230.4: Luke xxiii. 31.] - - -418 - -FRIAR BRACKLEY TO JOHN PASTON[231.1] - -_Venerando suo magistro, Johanni Paston._ - -_Jesus, &c._ - -[Sidenote: 1460] - -Reverende domine, &c. Propter Deum caveatis a confidentia in illo nigro -Hibernico[231.2] oculis obliquo et lusco, qui utinam corde, ore et opere -non esset obliquior; qui heri misit literam Colino Gallico; de quibus -dicitur quod singuli caccant uno ano. Et parvus Adam hodie portavit (?) -magistro suo responsum. Idem enim luscus dicit vos esse cupidissimum, -quia multum afflixistis debitores patris vestri, persequendo eos cum -omni rigore, &c. Item dicit quod cum pater vester fuerit judex -ditissimus, quasi nihil fecistis pro eo in distribuendo elemosinam pro -anima ejus, et cum nihil feceritis pro patre vestro, quomodo pro -magistro Fastolf aliquid facietis? Item dicit 'Utinam fuissem in morte -magistri mei, quia in me ultra omnes homines mundi maxime confisus est,' -&c. Item dicit quod in hora qua obiit magister suus, obviavit sibi unus -albus bubo, qui eodem tempore juxta unam ecclesiam continuo clamavit -mirabiliter et volavit saepius iteratis vicibus sub equo suo inter tibias -equi sui &c. Item dixit cuidam fratri conventus mei, 'Magister Brakle -accipit super se magnum regimen, &c., et certe, si pecunia legata in -ultima voluntate suis servientibus non fuerit in larga habundancia -distributa, erit ad magnum dedecus et verecundiam personae meae,' &c. -Utinam caveritis ita bene de eo sicut ego cavebo, quia cum sit filius -Hibernicus, ego de eo semper minus curabo. Ipse vellet habere bona ex -parte sua, &c. Deo teste non fecit (?)[232.1] vos magistri sui, &c. Haec -omnia et plura dixit idem miser magistro Clementi, a quo haec omnia et -plura didici &c. Item dicit quod vos timetis adire locum parliament quia -non vultis praestare pecunias Regi nec Reginae et aliis; et ideo pigritia -vestra in hoc passu erit bonis mortui satis nociva, &c. Ego tot et tanta -audivi de illo quod, per Deum, nunquam confidam in illo, &c.; est enim -miser multum malencolicus et in toto colericus, et, salva patientia -vestra, reddat compotum de singulis antequam capiat onus testamenti, &c. - -Judex[232.2] cras venturus est, &c., et sicut se hic gerit vestra -caritas notitiam habebit, &c. Rogo detis mihi licentiam recedendi ad -conventum Norwici, ad mutandum vestimenta mea propter sudores, &c., et -ad studendum pro sermone, &c., ad honorem Dei, &c., qui vos vestros et -vestra salvet in saecula. Amen. - - Vester orator, - - FRATER J. B. - -_On the back:_--Item dixit magistro Clementi quod ipse non vult esse -Frere, veni mecum, nec canta secum, nec Dacok, nec facok, nec Frater, -lava pedes, &c. Item dicit vos instruxisse magistrum suum contra eum de -auferendo evidencias, &c., et ipse plures labores habuit pro eo quam vos -vel aliquis alius, &c. Custodite literam ultimo a me vobis missam, &c. -Utinam Upton et ipse essent extra locum, &c., quia hic fiunt -consumptiones maximae, &c. - - _Endorsed in a 16th century hand:_-- A lettre much dispraising - W. Wircester, from Doctor Brakley. - - [Footnote 231.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter appears by - the contents to have been written about the beginning of the - Parliament of 1460, to which it would seem Paston did not - immediately repair to take his place, thus giving occasion to an - insinuation that he did not wish to be called upon to vote money - for the King and Queen.] - - [Footnote 231.2: _See_ p. 213.] - - [Footnote 232.1: The word is 'ft' in the MS. And to make sense - of the passage, I must suppose another word to be omitted. 'Non - fecit vos _amicum_ magistri sui,' _i.e._ he did not make you out - to be any friend of his master.] - - [Footnote 232.2: William Yelverton.] - - -419 - -CHRISTOPHER HANSSON TO JOHN PASTON[233.1] - -_To the right worshipfull Sir and Maister, John Paston, Escuier, at -Norwiche, be this delyvered in hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / OCT. 12] - -Right worschipfull Sir and Maister, I recomaund me un to you. Please you -to wete, the Monday after oure Lady Day[233.2] there come hider to my -maister ys place,[233.3] my Maister Bowser, Sir Harry Ratford, John -Clay, and the Harbyger of my Lord of Marche, desyryng that my Lady of -York[233.4] myght lye here untylle the comyng of my Lord of York and hir -tw sonnys, my Lorde George[233.5] and my Lorde Richard,[233.6] and my -Lady Margarete[233.7] hir dawztyr, whiche y graunt hem in youre name to -ly here untylle Mychelmas. And she had not ley here ij. dayes but sche -had tythyng of the londyng of my Lord at Chestre. The Tewesday next -after, my Lord sent for hir that sche shuld come to hym to Harford -[_Hereford_], and theder sche is gone. And sythe[233.8] y left here -bothe the sunys and the dowztyr, and the Lord of Marche comyth every day -to se them. - -Item, my Lord of York hath dyvers straunge commissions fro the Kyng for -to sitte in dyvers townys comyng homward; that is for to sey, in Ludlow, -Schrrofysbury, Herford, Leycetre, Coventre, and in other dyvers townys, -to punych them by the fawtes to the Kyngs lawys. - -As for tythyngs here, the Kyng is way at Eltham and at Grenewych to hunt -and to sport hym there, bydyng the Parlement, and the Quene and the -Prynce byth in Walys alway. And is with hir the Duc of Excestre and -other, with a fewe mayne, as men seythe here. - -And the Duc of Somerset he is in Depe [_Dieppe_]; withe hym Maister John -Ormound, Wyttyngham, Andrew Trollyp, and other dyvers of the garyson of -Gyanys, under the Kyng of Fraunce safcondyte, and they seythe here, he -porpose hym to go to Walys to the Quene. And the Erle of -Wyltschyre[234.1] is stylle in pece at Otryght at the Frerys [_Friars_], -whiche is seyntwary. - -Item, Colbyne ys come home to my maister is place, and seyth that, at -your departyng[234.2] ouzt of London, ze send hym word that he schuld -come hedder to the place, and be here un tylle your comyng a zene; and -so he is here it, and seith he wolle take no maister but be your avyce, -nether the leese [_nevertheless_] awaytythe uppon Maister Oldhall the -most parte at Redre[234.3] at his place. - -Item, Maister Ponyngs hathe enteret on an two or iij. placys uppon the -Erle of Northomberlond, and he stondyth in good grace of the Kyng, my -Lord of Marche, my Lord Warwyk, and my Lord of Salysbury. Most parte of -the contre abought his lyflod hold aythe withe hym. And my maisteras -your sister[234.4] is not delyverd as yet; God yef hir god delyveraunce. - -No more to you at this tyme, but and ze wolle comaund me any servyce y -may doo, it is redy. And Jesu have you in his blessid kepyng; and I -beseche you this letter may comaund me to my maisteras your moder, and -my maisteras your wyfe, and alle your houshold. - -Wreten at London the xij. day of Octobre. - - Your owne Servaunt, - - CHRISTOFER HANSSON. - - [Footnote 233.1: [From Fenn, i. 198.] This letter must have been - written in the year 1460, when the Duke of York came over from - Ireland, his party having been victorious at the battle of - Northampton, and gained possession of the King's person.] - - [Footnote 233.2: The Nativity of Our Lady is on the 8th - September. The Monday following was in this year the 15th.] - - [Footnote 233.3: Probably Sir John Fastolf's place in - Southwark.] - - [Footnote 233.4: Cecily, Duchess of York.] - - [Footnote 233.5: Afterwards Duke of Clarence.] - - [Footnote 233.6: Afterwards Richard III.] - - [Footnote 233.7: Afterwards Duchess of Burgundy.] - - [Footnote 233.8: The modern version in Fenn reads: 'And she hath - left here.'] - - [Footnote 234.1: James Butler, Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond.] - - [Footnote 234.2: Paston must have left London and gone to - Norwich not long before the Parliament, which began on the 7th - October; and, as we have already observed, he did not return in - time for its commencement.] - - [Footnote 234.3: Redriff or Rotherhithe.] - - [Footnote 234.4: Elizabeth, wife of Robert Poynings. --_See_ No. - 406, p. 217.] - - -420 - -ABSTRACT[235.1] - -ROBERT CALL TO [JOHN PASTON]. - -[Sidenote: 1460(?) / OCT. 17] - -Has delivered the horse-litter to Robert Lynne according to his message. -Cannot get a farmer for Mauteby. Sends John Deye. He will not pass one -combe barley for an acre. He has fourteen acres 'reasonably well dight -to sow on wheat.' None will take the close at Mauteby at the price -agreed upon with Calle by Lynne and Robert Butler. - -Caister, St. Luke's Eve. - -_P.S. on the back, unimportant._ - - [From what is said in Margaret Paston's letter of the 20th October - following about the lands at Maultby being unlet, this may perhaps - have been written in the same year three days earlier.] - - [Footnote 235.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.]] - - -421 - -THOMAS PLAITER TO JOHN PASTON[235.2] - -_To my rygth worchipfull and my good maister, John Paston, Esquyer, in -hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / [OCT.]] - -Rygth worchipfull and my most speciall synguler good maister, I recomend -me to you, besechyng your maistership not to be dysplesed with my long -taryans, and also to take it to no gref thou it were long or I wrot to -you; for in good feyth I wend my self with in sevenygth after Seynt -Feythesmesse[235.3] to have ben at London, and for asmoche as -Suthwell[235.4] desyred me to tarye for evydens gevyng, &c. I promysed -hym so to do and tarye tyll the Munday after Seynt Feythesmesse, or tyll -the Tewysday sevenyth after at the ferthest, and at tho dayes I hard no -word fro hym. And so uppon the Thursday after had I word that the -under-eschetour schuld sytte at Ocle[236.1] the Tewysday after Seynt -Luce;[236.2] and so I tarye as yette, and trust verely to be with you -the Saterday at the ferthest after Seynt Luce. Item, Sir, if my Maister -of the Rolles[236.3] be not come, I trust to God to com tydely i now, as -for the traversys; and if ye besi you to the innyng ther of or I com, -Richard Ley schall delyver hem you, if ye send to hym for it; for I left -hem with hym to gete hem in if he mygth, and promysed hym a reward for -his labour. Item, my maistres[236.4] and all folkes be heyll and mery, -blyssed be Jesu, ho have you in his blyssed governans and proteccion. - - By your, - - THOMAS PLAITER. - - [Footnote 235.2: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] The writer of this - excuses his delay in coming to London, as he had been asked to - stay and give evidence before the under-escheator, who was to - sit at Acle on Tuesday after St. Luke's Day. This refers to the - inquisition on the lands of Sir John Fastolf, which was taken at - Acle on that day in 1460.] - - [Footnote 235.3: St. Faith's Day is on the 6th of October.] - - [Footnote 235.4: Richard Southwell, Escheator of Norfolk.] - - [Footnote 236.1: Acle in Norfolk.] - - [Footnote 236.2: St. Luke's Day is the 18th October. The Tuesday - after it was the 21st in 1460.] - - [Footnote 236.3: Thomas de Kirkeby.] - - [Footnote 236.4: Margaret Paston.] - - -422 - -THOMAS PLAITER TO JOHN PASTON[236.5] - -_To my maister, John Paston, Esquyer._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / [OCT. 21]] - -A[fter] my most speciall recomendacion, like your maisterchip wete that -the office[236.6] is taken at Ocle in lyke forme as Suthwell[236.7] can -schew you, for Fraunceys Costard hath sent it hym, and the jentylmen -that passed uppon the office wold fynd nor medyll nouther with the -tenurs nor ho is next here [_heir_]. Wherfor if ye wol have other wyse -found, Fraunceys Costard hath under take it, but it schal not be by -suche men of worchip [as] is yn this. Item, the under-chryf was at Ocle, -and ded and sayd to the jentylmen al that ever he cowde to the lette of -the matter. And as for Suffolk, I understand they have no warant, so I -tarye as yet what cas that ever falle. And if ye wold that I tarye not, -that it lyke you by the brynger her of to send me hasty wurd. - -I send you the names of the jure here in. - - Your, - - THOMAS PLAITER. - -_On a separate paper formerly enclosed in the preceding is the following -List:_-- - -_Jurati pro Domino Rege._[237.1] - - Willelmus Rokewood, armiger, jur'. - Johannes Berney, armiger, jur'. - Radulphus Lampytte, armiger, jur'. - Johannes Byllyngford, armiger, jur'. - [Jacobus Arblaster, armiger, jur'.][237.2] - Willelmus Deymayne, armiger, jur'. - Willelmus Dawbeney, armiger, jur'. - Willelmus Julles, jur'. - Christofre Norwiche, jur'. - Thomas Holler, jur'. - Johannes Berkyng, jur'. - Robert Bryghtlede, jur'. - Robertus Spany, jur'. - Johannes Bernard, jur'. - Rogerus Iryng, jur'. - Robertus Townesende. - Johannes Grygges de Ranworth, jur'. - Robertus Regestre, jur'. - Johannes Maunvyle, jur'. - Willelmus Rysyng. - Johannes Doke. - Robertus Jekkes, jur'. - Johannes Why[te]. - Henr[icus] . . . ratte. - Car[ol]us Barker. - Johannes Cappe. - Thomas Paternoster. - - [Footnote 236.5: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter must have - been written immediately after the taking of the inquisition - referred to in the preceding. The list of the jury who took it - is on a separate paper found apart from this letter, in which it - was enclosed. The names of those indicated as sworn are - identical with those on the official record (Inquisitions - _post-mortem_, 38 and 39 Hen. VI., No. 48), but seven additional - names are included, besides one that is struck out.] - - [Footnote 236.6: The inquisition. --_See_ p. 199, Note 2.] - - [Footnote 236.7: Richard Southwell. --_See_ p. 191.] - - [Footnote 237.1: This is a panel of the jury drawn up before the - inquisition was taken. The heading and the word 'jur'' opposite - the names of those sworn have been added afterwards.] - - [Footnote 237.2: This name is scored out with the pen.] - - -423 - -MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[238.1] - -_To my ryth worchepfull husbond, Jon Paston, be thys delyveryd in hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / OCT. 21] - -Ryth worchepfull husbonde, I recomand me to yow. Plesyth it yow to weet -that I receyvyd yowyr letter that ye sent me by Nycolas Colman on Sonday -last past. And as for the mater that ye desyiryd me to breke of to my -cosyn Rokwode, it fortunyd so that he came to me on Sonday to dyner sone -aftyr that I had yowyr letter; and when we had dynyd, I mevyd to hym -ther of in covert termys, as Playter shall informe yow eraftyr. And as I -thowt by hym, and so ded Playter also by the langwage that he had to us, -that he wold be as feythfull as he kowd or myte be to that good Lorde -that ye wrot of, and to yow also, in ony thynge that he kowde or myte do -in case wer that he wer set in offyse, so that he myth owte do; and ther -to he seyd he wolde be bownde in a m^l. _li._ [L1000] and he was so -myche worthe. - -As for the todyr that ye desyiryd I scholde meve to of the same mater, -me semyth he is to yonge to take ony swhyche thyngys up on hym; and also -I knowe veryly that he scholl never love feythfully the todyr man that -ye desyiryd that he schuld do, for when he rem[em]bryth the tyme that is -paste, and ther for I spak not to hym ther of. - -Thys day was holde a gret day at Okyll[238.2] befor the undyr schreve -and the undyr exchetor, for the mater of Syr Jon Fastolfys londys; and -ther was my cosyn Rookwod and my cosyn Jon Berney of Redham, and dyvers -odyr jentylmen and thryfty men of the contre; and the mater is well sped -aftyr your intent (blyssyd be God!) as ye schall have knowlage of in -hast. - -I suppose Playter schall be with yow on Sonday or on Monday next comyng, -if he may. Ye have many good prayers of the poer pepyl that God schuld -sped yow at thys Parlement, for they leve in hope that ye schold helpe -to set a wey that they myte leve in better pese in thys contre thane -they have do befor, and that wollys schold be purveyd for, that they -schuld not go owt of thys lond as it hathe be suffryd to do be for, and -thane schall the poer pepyll more leve bettyr thane they have do by her -ocwpacion ther in. - -Thomas Bone hathe salde all yowyr wole her for xx_d._ a stone, and goode -swerte fownd to yow ther for, to be payid a Myhellmas next comyng; and -it is solde ryth well aftyr that the wole was, for the moste part was -ryte febyll. Item, ther be bowt for yow iij. horse at Seynt Feythys -feyer, and all be trotterys, ryth fayir horse, God save hem, and they be -well kepyd. Item, your myllys at Heylysdon be late [_let_] for xij. -marke, and the myller to fynde the reparacion; and Rychard Calle hathe -let all yowyr londys at Caster; but as for Mawtby londys, they be not -let yet. Wylliam Whyte hathe payid me a geyne thys daye hys x._li._, and -I have mad hym a qwetans ther of, be cause I had not hys oblygacion. - -Ther is gret talkyng in thys contre of the desyir of my Lorde of -York.[239.1] The pepyll reporte full worchepfully of my Lord of Warwyk. -They have no fer her but that he and othyr scholde schewe to gret favor -to hem that have be rewyllers of thys contre be for tyme. - -I have done all yowyr erandys to Syr Thomas Howes that ye wrote to me -for. I ame rythe glade that ye have sped welle in yowyr materys be twyx -Syr Fylyp Wentworthe and yow, and so I pray God ye may do in all othyr -materys to hys plesans. As for the wrytyngys that ye desyirid that -Playter schulde sende yow, Rychard Call told me that they wer at Herry -Barborys, at the Tempyll gate. - -The mayir[239.2] and the mayires sent hedyr her dynerys thys day, and -Jon Dame came with hem, and they dynyd her. I am beholde to hem, for -they have sent to me dyvers tymys sythe ye yed hense. The meyr seyth -that ther is no jentylman in Northefolk that he woll do more for than he -wole for yow, if it laye in hys poer to do for yow. J. Perse is stylle -in prisone, but he wolle not confese more thane he ded when ye wer at -home. Edmond Brome was with me, and tolde me that Perse sent for hym for -to come spek with hym, and he tolde me that he was with hym and examynyd -hym, but he wold not be a knowe to hym that he hade no knowlage wher no -goode was of hys masterys more thane he hade knowlageyd to yow. He tolde -me that he sent for hym to desyir hym to labor to yow and to me for hym -if ye had be at home; and he tolde me that he seyd to hym ayen that he -wold never labor for hym but [_unless_] he myth know that he wer trwe to -hys mastyr, thow it lay in hys power to do ryth myche for hym. I suppose -it schulde do none harme thow the seyd Perse wer remevyd ferther. I pray -to Gode yeve grace that the trowthe may be knowe, and that the dede may -have part of hys owne goode. And the blissyd Trinyte have yow in Hys -kepyng. - -Wretyn in hast at Heylysden the Tuesday next aftyr Seynt Lwke. - - Be yowyrs, - - M. P. - - [Footnote 238.1: [From Fenn, iv. 194.] Reference is made in this - letter, as in the preceding, to the holding of the inquisition - on Sir John Fastolf's lands at Acle, which was on Tuesday the - 21st October 1460, the day this letter was written.] - - [Footnote 238.2: Acle, in Norfolk.] - - [Footnote 239.1: The claim made by Richard, Duke of York, to the - Crown in Parliament on the 17 October 1460.] - - [Footnote 239.2: John Gilbert, Mayor of Norwich.] - - -424 - -PIERS TO MARGARET PASTON[240.1] - -_To myn right reverent and worchipphull Maisterez Paston, be this -delivered._ - -[Sidenote: 1460] - -Right reverent and wurchippfull maisteres, I recomaunde me un to yow, -beseching yow of your good maisteresshipp to be myn good maisteres to -help wit your gracious woord un to myn right reverent and wurchipphull -maister and your to take of me, his pore presoner and your, suerte -queche I xall fynd to be bounde for me to brynge me un to all answere, -in to the tyme that myn maister and ze have dimisse me wit myn suerte. -And bescheche your good maistereschipp to prey myn mayster that he will -yeve yow lycense wit his wurchippfull counsaill and youre, in case that -myn maister may nout tarie, that ze in his absence may take myn seid -suerte. And if it please his heyghnesse and youre, that I may have -answere ayene be the bryngere of this, and here up I xall send for myn -suertes, queche I trust in Good xul be to your plesure. No more att this -tyme. I prey God evyr have yow in kepyng. - - Be your pore presonere, - - PIERS, sum tyme the servaunt of - - John of Berneye. - - [Footnote 240.1: This and the letter following appear to have - been written by the prisoner spoken of in the end of Margaret - Paston's letter immediately preceding. We have accordingly - placed them here as belonging to the same period, though from a - subsequent letter (No. 462) we may rather surmise that this - first of the two was written in 1461.] - - -425 - -PERSE TO SIR ROBERT ROKESBY[241.1] - -_To my right worschipfull Sir, Robert Rokysby._ - -[Sidenote: 1460] - -Ryght wurshipfull Sir, I recomaunde me to you, besechyng you, of your -goode mastership, that ye wol wechesafe to speeke to Richard Kowven that -he myght brynge me or sende me the money that is betwen hym and me in -all the haste that he maye, for in goode feythe I hadde never more neede -for to have help of my goode as I have at this tyme, for, Godwot, it -stonde right straunge with me; for the false chayler that kepeth me -entretethe me worse thanne it weere a dogge, for I am feterid worse -thanne ever I whas, and manacled in the hands by the daye and nyght, for -he is a feerde of me for brekyng a weye. He makethe false tales of me, -throw the means of a false qwene that was tendyng to a Frensheman that -is presoner to my Lord Roose,[241.2] and for be cause of that he bronde -me every day be John of Berney, that is goone to the tother -Lords;[242.1] but I truste to God oonys to qwite hys meede. And, Sir, -I thanke you mekel of that ye have doone for me or seide; and, Sir, -I shal deserve it a yenst yow, be the grace of God, for i' feythe I am -be holden to you more thane to all men that ever I founde syn I cam in -preson. - -No more to you at this tyme, but God have you in His kepyng. - - Be your servaunt and bedman, - - PERSE. - - [Footnote 241.1: [From Fenn, iii. 432.]] - - [Footnote 241.2: Thomas, Lord Roos. He fled to Scotland with - Margaret of Anjou after the battle of Towton in 1461, and was - beheaded at Newcastle after the battle of Hexham in 1464.] - - [Footnote 242.1: The Lords of the Duke of York's party.] - - -426 - -FRIAR BRACKLEY TO JOHN PASTON[242.2] - -_To the rite worshipful esqwyr, John Paston, be this presentid._ - -_Jesus, Maria, Johannes Baptista. Franciscus, cum Sanctis omnibus, -assistant vobis vestris in laboribus. Amen._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / OCT. 24] - -Worschipful and most interely bitrustid mayster and specyal frend, after -dute of al lowly recomendacyon, ze schal conceyve that I certefye zow -for trewthe. I comonyd late with a worschipful and a wele namyd, a good -thrifty man of this cuntre, whiche told me in secrete wyse that he herd -Doctor Aleyn seyn after the Parlement of Covintre[242.3] that yf the -Lords that tyme reynyng and now discessid myte haf standyn in governans, -that Fortesku the justise, Doctor Moreton, Jon Heydon, Thorp and he, -schuld be made for evir; and yf it turnyd to contrary wyse, it schuld -growe to her fynal confusyon and uttyr destruccyon; for why, the -parlyows [_perilous_] writing and the myschevous inditing was ymaginid, -contrivid, and utterly concludid by her most vengeable labour, &c., and -her most malicyows conspiracye ayens the innocent lords, knytis, -gentilis, and comonys, and alle her issu perpetuel, &c. And as I wrote -last to zour maysterschip the text of Jeremias c(o) 8(o) _Vere mendacium -operatus est stilus mendax scribarum_; it folwith in the same place, -_Confusi sunt sapientes, perterriti et capti sunt; verbum Domini -projecerunt, et sapientia nulla est in eis. Propterea dabo mulieres -eorum exteris; agros eorum haeredibus alienis, &c._ I wolde myn Lord -Chaunceler and my specyal Lord Erl, utinam Duke, of Warwyk, with al her -trewe affinyte, schuld remembre this text, which is Holy Scripture, &c., -as I wold do by for the Kyng and hise Lords at the Cros;[243.1] for the -principil of this text hath be contynued in dayly experiens sithe bifore -the Parlement of Bury;[243.2] but the conclusyon of this text came never -zet to experiens, and that is gret rewthe. Consideret discretio vestra -singulorum annorum curricula, et percipietis tunc perplurima exempla de -dominorum fidelium atque communium morte satis injuriosa multiformiter -lamentanda discurrendo per singula. Ex paucis scit discretio vestra -perpendere plura, &c. Et ubi ego semel in ecclesia Pauli palam praedicavi -hunc textum, _Non credas inimico tuo in aeternum_ (Ecc. 12(o)), et quidam -hujus regni doctor et episcopus, utinam non indignus, asseruit eundem -textum Scripturae Sacrae non incorporatum, quid doctor Nicholaus de Lira -super eundem textum dicit, contra audietis, _Non credas, &c._, id est, -Nunquam credas ei quem probasti inimicum, &c. Sequitur in textu:--_Sicut -aeramentum aeruginat malicia illius_, id est, rubiginem odii servat -interius, licet contrarium ostendatur exterius. Ideo in textu -sequitur:--_Etsi humiliatus vadat corvus_ [_curvus_], tibi magnam -reverenciam exhibendo, _affirma, abice_ [_abjice_] _animum tuum ab illo, -nullo modo credendo ei, et custodi te ab illo. Non statuas illum penes -te_ (id est, ipsum tibi familiarem exhibendo); _ne conversus stet in -loco suo_ [should be _tuo_] te supplantando; _et in novissimo agnoscas -verba mea esse vera_, sed nimis tarde. Sequitur: _Quis miserebitur -incantatori a serpente percusso_, &c.; et qui comitatur cum viro iniquo -et obvolutus est in peccatis ejus? _Una hora tecum permanebit; si autem -declinaveris non supportabit. In labiis suis indulcat inimicus, et in -corde suo insidiatur, ut subvertat te in foveam. In oculis suis -lacrimatur inimicus, et si invenerit tempus non saciabitur sanguine. Si -incurrerint tibi mala [invenies] eum illic priorem_, &c. In finem rogo, -videte textum et postillatores super eodem, ex quibus potestis plane -considerare episcopum modernum aliquando Scripturam Sacram ignorare, &c. -Utinam dominorum fidelium provida discrecio amicorum dileccionem -sapienter sic pensaret quod inimicorum dileccionem nequaquam sic amaret, -ut inimicis mortalibus confidenciam exhiberet; quare ut prius sic -replico Jesu Sirach sanum et salubre consilium, _Non credas inimico tuo -in aeternum_. Sapienti, non insipienti scribo. Plura habeo vestrae -reverentiae scribere quae jam non expedit calamo commendare. Uxor Johannis -Berney de Redham jam infra triduum peperit filium, &c. Magistra mea uxor -vestra sana est cum filiis vestris et filiabus ac tota familia. -Conventus noster inter caeteros habet statum vestrum specialissime -recommendatum in missis ac orationibus, consuetisque suffragiis; et cum -jam sitis in parliamento praesenti pro milite electo, uti vobis consulo -verbis Pauli Apostoli, _Labora sicut bonus miles Jesu Christi_;[244.1] -et alibi, Job utendo verbis, _Militia super terram est vita hominis_ -(Job 7). _Viriliter igitur agite et confortetur cor vestrum quia -speratis in Domino_ (in Psalmo).[244.2] _Quis_, inquit Sapiens, -_speravit in Domino et confusus est, et permansit in mandatis Dei et -derelictus est?_[244.3] quasi diceret, nullus. - -Ex Norwico feria sexta post festum Sancti Lucae Evangelistae. - - [_Not Signed._] - - [Footnote 242.2: [From Fenn, iii. 386.] This letter was clearly - written after the battle of Northampton in 1460, by which the - state of parties at the Parliament of Coventry in 1459 was - exactly reversed. - - With regard to this and other letters of Dr. Brackley, the - original editor, Sir John Fenn, has expressed a misgiving that - he may in some instances have misread the contractions used in - the Latin words. This was certainly the case in the present - letter, in which misreadings have been corrected, and some - passages supplied from the MS.] - - [Footnote 242.3: Held in December 1459.] - - [Footnote 243.1: Paul's Cross.] - - [Footnote 243.2: In 1447.] - - [Footnote 244.1: 2 Tim. ii. 3.] - - [Footnote 244.2: Psalm xxx. (xxxi.) 24.] - - [Footnote 244.3: Eccles. ii. 11, 12 (v. 10 of our English - version).] - - -427 - -MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[245.1] - -_To my ryth welbelovyd brodyr, Clement Paston, for to delyver to hys -brodyr Jon, in haste._ - -[Sidenote: 1460 / OCT. 29] - -Ryth w[urshepfu]ll husbonde, I recomande me to yow. Plesyth yow to weet -that I receyvyd a lettyr on Seynt Symondys evyn and J[w]d, that came -frome Jon Paston,[245.2] in the wyche lettyr he wrot that ye desyryd -that I scholde do Jon Paston or Thomas P[layter] looke in the gret -standyng chyste in on of the gret canvas baggys whyche standyth ageyns -the lokk, for the copys of the fals inqwest of ofys that was fownde in -Northefolk, and for the kopy of the comyssyon that came to Jon Andrewys -and Fylpot and Heydon, and othyr thyngys towchynge the same mater, -I have do. Jon Paston sowte all iij. grete baggys in the seyd kofyr at -ryth good leyser, and he can non swhyche fynde. Plesyth it yow to -remembre ye sent me word in the fyrste lettyr that ye sent me, that ye -wolde that Playter scholde asent hem up to yow to London, and I schewyd -hym yowyr wryttyng howe that ye wrote to me ther in. I suppose be cawse -he purposyd to come up to London hym selve hastely, he sent yow none -answer ther of. Rychard Calle tolde me that alle swhyche thyngys were -lefte with Hery Barbore at the Tempyle Gate when the last terme was doo, -and soo I sent yow worde in a lettyr whyche was wretyn on the Twesday -next aftyr Seynt Looke,[245.3] and ther in was an answer of all the -fyrst lettyr that ye sent me. I sent itt yow by yonge Thomas Elys. -I sent yow anothyr lettyr by Playter, the whyche was wretyn on -Saterday[245.4] last past. - -Item, I receyvyd a lettyr frome yow on Sonday,[245.5] of the wyche I -sent yow an answher of ma lettyr on Seynt Symondes Evyn and Jwde by -Edmunde Clere of Stokysby; and as sone as I hade the seyd lettyr on -Sonday, I sent to Syr Thomas Howes for the mater that ye desyryd that he -scholde inqwer of to Bokyng, and I sent a yene sethe to the seyd Syr -Thomas for to have knowlage of the same mater yestyrdaye, and I have non -answher of hym yet. He sent me worde he scholde do hys part there in, -but othyr answer have I none yet of hym. I sende yow in a canvase bage, -inselyd by Nycolas Colman, as many of Crystofyr Hansonys acomptys as Jon -Paston can fynde ther as [_where_] ye sent worde that they were. Rychard -Harbard recomawndyth hym to yow, and prayth yowe that ye wole wychesave -to remembre the lettyr that scholde be sent fro my Lorde of Warwyk to a -man of hys beyng at Lowystofete; and if it be not sent to hym, that it -plese yow to do purvey that it may be sent to hym in haste, if it maye -be, as to morow ther schall be keppyd a day at Bowunggey for Mastyr -Fastolfys londys be for the exchetore, and there schall be Wylliam -Barker and Rychard Call. Ye schall have knowlage in haste what schall be -do ther. And the blyssyd Trinite have yow in Hys kepyng. - -Wretyn in haste at Norwyche on the Wednysday next aftyr Seynt Symond and -Jwde, - - Be yowyr - - M. P. - - [Footnote 245.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] The date of this - letter is ascertained by the statement at the end that, on the - morrow, a 'day' was to be kept at Bungay for Fastolf's lands. - The inquisition on Fastolf's lands in the county of Suffolk was - held at Bungay on Thursday before All Saints, 39 Henry VI., - _i.e._ 30th October 1460.--(Inquisitions _post mortem_, 38 and - 39 Hen. VI., No. 48.)] - - [Footnote 245.2: The elder son of that name.] - - [Footnote 245.3: _See_ No. 423.] - - [Footnote 245.4: October 25th.] - - [Footnote 245.5: October 26th.] - - -428 - -SIR GEOFFREY BOLEYN TO JOHN PASTON, ESQ.[246.1] - -_To my ryght wurschypfull Ser, John Paston, Esquyer._ - -[Sidenote: 1460(?) / DEC. 5] - -Ryght wurschypfull Ser, after ryzth hertely recomendacion, lyke it yow -to wete that my Maister Fastolf, hoose sowle God asoyle, whan I bowth of -hym the maner of Blyclyng, consideryng the gret payment that I payed -therfor, and the yerly annuyte duryng his lyfe after his entent, was to -me gret charge; and the same tyme, in his place at Southwerk, by his -othe made on his primer ther, grauntted and promitted to me to have the -maner of Guton, with all the apportenaunce for a resonable pris afor ony -other man. And, Ser, as I understande ye be that person that my seid -maister, consideryng your gret wysdom, most trosted to have rewle and -dyreccion of his lyfelode and goodes,--and, Ser, trewly, yf I hed ben -nere unto yow, I wold have spoken to yow herof be for this tyme; -neverthelasse I wolde desyre and pray yow to schewe me yowr goode wyll -and favour in this by halve, wher inne ye schall dyscharge my seid -maistres sowle of his othe and promyse, and I schall do yow servyce in -that I can or maye to my power. And of yowr goode wyll and favour -herynne I pray yow to late me have wetyng, and I schall be redy to wayte -on yow at ony tyme and place wher ye wull assyne. And owr blysyd Lord -have yow in his kepyng.--Wret the v. day of Decembre. - - Be youer owyn, - - GEFFREY BOLEYN.[247.1] - - [Footnote 246.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter was - probably written in the year 1460. It is evident some time had - elapsed since Sir John Fastolf's death, but as the subject was - one which the writer wished to bring early before Paston's - notice, it is not likely that he allowed much more than a - twelvemonth to pass by.] - - [Footnote 247.1: The subscription and signature only are in - Boleyn's hand.] - - -429 - -FRIAR BRACKLEY TO [JOHN PASTON][247.2] - -[Sidenote: 1461(?) / JAN. (?)] - -Jhesus help, Marye mercy, et Franciscus cum Sanctis subveniant defuncto -et suis in tribulationibus. Amen. - -Praecordialissime in Jhesu Christo praedilecte, et omissis pro praesenti -singulis vestram amicabilem benevolentiam concernentibus, propter -quasdam materias mihi a fidedignis personis nuper relatas, &c., -equitetis quam cito potestis secure pro corporis vestri conservatione. -Scitote quod commissionarius J. Heydon, vester ac meus capitalis -inimicus, Philippus Wentworth et J. Andrw malignantur maxime contra vos -et M. T. H.[248.1] et me et alios vestros. Et magister Clemens et ego -sequemur vos usque Colcestriam, ibidem expectando donec vos aliquem -nuncium de London illuc miseritis, et tunc ad vos veniemus cum duobus -vel tribus famulis nostro proposito necessariis, R. Botilere Matthaeo -Gowh vel Johanne Lore. Sumus nempe equestres pessimi, nec ascensum equi -seu descensum scientes, sed adjutorium ad minus duorum est nobis duobus -necessarium, &c. Certe si non esset aura tam contraria, et pluvialis -nimis, quare equitare est nobis omnino necessarium; aliter vere melius -profecissem pro me in itinere per ambulare quam per equitare. -W. Y.[248.2] judex cum omni consilio Johanni Heidon faciet contra vos et -me et M. T. H. quicquid potest; quare dicit Gregorius, 'Minus jacula -feriunt quae praevidentur.' Si W. P., vester germanus, et T. Playtere, cum -associatis antecederent, plura percipere possent quae jam non cognoscent, -&c., utinam velletis hoc instancia cordiali considerare in effectu. -Notate q. .[248.3] literam a me primo vobis scriptam de pigricia, &c., -quanta mala proveniunt ex illa, &c., W. Rokewode est rogatus a W. Y. -judice ut faveat sibi et Tendale contra Wyndham armigerum pro manerio de -Felbrigge, cum pertinenciis, &c., et tunc scietur utrum J. H. favebit -Wyndham vel Judici, &c., cum ejus flatus olim calidus, olimque frigidus -existat, et aliquando nec calidus nec frigidus sed satis tepidus. Sed -oretis cum propheta, 'Confundantur qui me persequuntur et non confundar -ego, paveant illi et non paveam ego; induc super eos diem affliccionis -et duplici contritione contere eos,'[248.4] domine Deus. Et Psalmista -ait 'Averte mala inimicis meis et in veritate tua disperde illos'[248.5] -et sequentia. Et [super] inimicos meos despexit oculus meus. Valete in -Christo Jhesu. Scriptum festinantissime, feria vj^{a}. Recommendetis me -specialissime magistro T. H. et J. Berneye, &c. - - Vester ad vota, - - F. J. B. - - [Footnote 247.2: [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 156.] This letter has no - date, except that it was written on a Friday (_feria sexta_). It - might, perhaps, be a little hazardous to date it Friday the 2nd - January 1461, just after news of the defeat and death of the - Duke of York reached Norfolk; but this date agrees well with the - warning to John Paston to ride to London with all haste for his - safety, which can hardly mean anything else than that the - Lancastrian party, with their Norfolk supporters (several of - whom, indeed, are expressly named here), were now sure to bear - rule.] - - [Footnote 248.1: Magistrum Thomam Howys.] - - [Footnote 248.2: William Yelverton.] - - [Footnote 248.3: A contraction perhaps meant for _quandam_ and - blurred. If so, it should have been struck out altogether; for - the words _a me primo_ (which are an insertion in the margin) - make the sense definite.] - - [Footnote 248.4: Jer. xvii. 18.] - - [Footnote 248.5: Ps. liii. (liv.) 5.] - - [[R. Botilere Matthaeo Gowh vel Johanne Lore - _anomalous "ae" for "ae" unchanged_]] - - -430 - -CLEMENT PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[249.1] - -_To hys rythe worchypfwll broder, John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JAN. 23] - -Rythe reverent and worchypfwl broder, I recomawnde to yow, certyfyyng -yow that yowr letter was delyveryd to me the xxiii. day of Januar -abowthe none seasson, and Rychard Calle rode in the mornyng, and therfor -I brak [_opened_] yowr letter, if ther wer any aftr mater; and I dede -Christofer Hauswan goo to my Lord of Cawnterbure[249.2] to tell him, as -yowr letter rehersyd, and my Lord seyd he hadde spokyn with yowr man -ther of the day be fore, and if the Byshop of Norwyche wod not doo so -mwche for him, he hys the les behold to him. Notwithstandyng, he sayd, -he wold save yow harmles agens John Yowng; but and ye do well remember -thys Lord have many maters to thynge on, and if it be forgeten, the harm -is yowrs, and also if the word [_world_] torn, John Yong will not doo at -hys prayer. - -And my Lord Fitzwater[249.3] is ryden northewards, and it is sayd in my -Lord of Cawnterberys howse that he hethe takyn ij^c. [200] of Andrew -Troloppys[249.4] men. And as for Colt,[249.5] and Sir Jamys Strangwysse, -and Sir Thomas Pykeryng, they be takyn or ellys dede. The comyn voysse -is that they be de dede. Hopton[249.6] and Hastyngs[249.7] be with the -Erle of Marche, and wer no at the fewlde.[249.8] Wat word that ever he -have fro my Lords that be here, it is well doo, and best for yow, to see -that the contre be allweys redy to come bothe fote men and hors men, -qwen they be sent for; for I have herd seyde the ferthere Lords will be -here soner that men wen, I have arde sayde, er iij. weks to an ende; and -also that ye xwld come with more men, and clenlier arayed than anoder -man of yowr cwntre xwld, for it ly the more up on yowr worchyp, and -towcheythe yow more nere than odermen of that cwntre, and also ye be mor -had in favor with my Lords here. In this cwntre every man is well -wyllyng to goo with my Lords here, and I hope God xall helpe hem, for -the pepill in the northe robbe and styll, and ben apoyntyd to pill all -thys cwntre, and gyffe a way menys goods and lufflods in all the sowthe -cwntre, and that wyll ask a myscheffe. My Lords that ben here have as -moche as they may do to kep down all thys cwntre more than iiij. or v. -schers, for they wold be up on the men in northe, for it ys for the -welle of all the sowthe. - -I pray yow recomawnde me to my moder, and that I prayed her of her -blyssyng. I pray yow exscwse me to her that I wryte her no letter, for -thys was y now a doo. I dare not pray yow to recomawnde me to my swster -yowr wyff, and the masenger I trow be so wysse he can not doyt. Ye mwst -pay him for hys labor, for he taryd all nyt in thys town for thys -letter. - -Wrytyn the xxiij. day of Janware in haste, wan I was not well at hesse. -God have [you] in Hys keping. - - By CLEMENT PASTON, - - Yowr broder. - - [Footnote 249.1: [From Fenn, i. 202.] This letter appears to - have been written after the battle of Wakefield, when the - victorious army, led on by Margaret of Anjou, was marching - southwards.] - - [Footnote 249.2: Archbishop Bourchier.] - - [Footnote 249.3: Sir John Radcliff of Attleborough, styled Lord - Fitzwalter in right of his wife, only daughter and heiress of - Walter Fitzwalter, seventh lord. This John was at the battle of - Ferrybridge on the 29th March 1461, and died, probably of his - wounds, on the 6th April following. --_See_ G. E. C.'s _Complete - Peerage_.] - - [Footnote 249.4: Andrew Trollope, whose desertion of the Duke of - York at Ludlow in 1459 caused the dispersion of the Yorkist - leaders. He was killed at the battle of Towton in March 1461, - fighting on the Lancastrian side.] - - [Footnote 249.5: Thomas Colt.--See _Rolls of Parliament_, - v. 348.] - - [Footnote 249.6: Walter Hopton.--See _Rolls of Parliament_, - v. 368.] - - [Footnote 249.7: William, son of Sir Leonard Hastings.--See - _Rolls of Parliament_, _ib._] - - [Footnote 249.8: The battle of Wakefield.] - - -431 - -THE PRIOR OF BROMHOLM TO JOHN PASTON[250.1] - -_Amicabili magistro nostro, Johanni Paston, armigero._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JAN. 31] - -Ful reverend and worshipful, after all dewe reverence and -recommendacion, your pore Preste besecheth humble it plese your good -maystirship to understande be this simple bylle that on the Friday next -after the Feste of the Conversion of Seynt Poule laste paste I was at -your place at Castre to a tolde yow what answer I hadde of Sir Thomas -Howis, parson of Blofeld; and in as moche as ye wer not at hoom, I tolde -it to my mastras your wyfe; and God thanke her of her jentilnes, she -made me grete cher, and mor over a vysed me to sende yow a bille ther of -to Lundon. This was his answer, whan I had talked to hym as I cowde in -lyke wyse as ye averted me to do. He answered a geyn in these wordes, -'Nere is my kyrtyl, but nerre [_nearer_] is my smok.' And this was his -menyng that ye schulde be mor ner us and tender to us than he, and that -ye schulde rather owe us good wyl than he, and that we schulde labour -rather to yowr maystirship than to hym; and also that good that he had -to dispose he had be sette it, and of passel he tolde me he had -delyvered the Abbot of Langele fourescor li., wher of, as he seyd to me, -ye grutched and wer in maner displesed, not withstandyng ye seyd a geyn -to hym ye shulde geve as moche. And he seyd to me ye named the places -wher; and therfor he avysed me to labour effectualy to your good -maystirship, for ye mych [_might_] helpe us[251.1] wele. For he seyd ye -had moche good of the dede to dispose, what of your fader, God blisse -that sowle, what of Berney, and what now of his good Mayster Fastolfe. -And as for Sir John Fastolfe, on hoose soule Jesu have mercy! he seyd to -me ye had of his good four, four, and four mor than he in these same -termes with owte ony summe. - -And after all oder talkyngs he tolde me he shulde be with yow at Lundon -hastyly, and that he wolde sey good worde to yow to releve our poor -place. Sir, I beseche bethe not displesed, for truly and I woste to have -your hevy maystership therfor, I had lever it had bene on thoght. And is -this that whan Sir Thomas Howes and ye be saunne at Lundon, we myght be -so in your good grace, that our place myght be broder to Langele, for -that shulde glade us mor than the commission that the Bysshop of Norwich -sente us on Thrusday laste paste to gader the dymes, for that is a -shrewde labour for us, a grete coste and a shrewe juparde. - -Over mor that hy and myghty celestial Prince preserve yow body and -sowle, and sende yow coumforte of the Holy Goost wele to performe all -your hertis desir in all your materes to his plesaunce, and your -wurship, and solace to alle your welle wyllers. - -Wretyn at Bromholm, on the Saturday next after the Feste of the -Conversion of Seynt Poule laste paste. - - From your Preste and Bedeman, - - JOHN, PRIOUR OF BROMHOLM. - - [Footnote 250.1: [From Fenn, iii. 404.] As executor to Sir John - Fastolf, Paston must have taken possession of Caister soon after - his death. The Duke of Norfolk, however, pretended a title to - it, and, as we shall find hereafter, had dispossessed Paston by - June 1461. This letter, dated on Saturday after the Feast of the - Conversion of St. Paul, must therefore have been written in - January 1461, as in 1460--the only other probable year--that - feast (25th January) fell on Friday, and a letter written on - Saturday after the feast would not have referred to the Friday - after the same feast as a past date.] - - [Footnote 251.1: _us._ The word is _no_ in Fenn's literal copy, - which must be a misprint.] - - -432 - -MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[252.1] - -_A Lettre to J. Paston, ar., from his wife._[252.2] - -[Sidenote: 1461 / MARCH 1] - -Please it you to wytte that it is lete me witte by on that owith you -good wyll that there is leid awayte up on you in this cuntre, yf ye come -here at large, to bryng you to the presence of syyche a Lord in the -north as shall not be for your ease, but to jopardie of your lyf, or -gret and importable losse of your goods. And he that hath take up on hym -this enterprise now was undr-shireff to G. Sayntlowe. He hath gret -favour herto by the meanes of the sone of William Baxter that lyth -beryed in the Grey Freres; and, as it is reported, the seid sone hath -geve gret sylver to the Lords in the north to bryng the matier a bowte, -and now he and alle his olde felaweship put owt their fynnes, and arn -ryght flygge and mery, hopyng alle thyng is and shalbe as they wole have -it. Also it is tolde me that the fadr of the bastard in this cuntre seid -that now shuld this shire be made sewir for hym and his heires hens -forward, and for the Baxsteris heyres also, wherby I conceyve they -thynke that they have none enemy but you, &c. - -Wherfor like it you to be the more war of your gydyng for your persones -saufgard, and also that ye be not to hasty to come in to this cuntre til -ye here the world more sewer. I trowe the berar of this shall telle more -by mowthe, as he shall be enfourmed of the rewell in this cuntre. God -have yow in His kepyng. - -Wretyn in hast, the secund Sunday of Lent by candel light at evyn. - - By yours, &c. - - M. - - [Footnote 252.1: [From Fenn, iii. 412.] 'This letter,' says - Fenn, 'has no direction, and lest it should be opened, the paper - which fastens the seal is, along the edge, marked with lines by - a pen, which communicate with the latter (_qu._ with the - _letter_?), by which means the receiver might easily have - discovered any attempts to have opened it, as the lines would - not then have exactly coincided again. On the back of it, but in - a later hand, is written, "A lettre to J. Paston, ar., from his - wife."' - - Fenn considers, I think with great probability, that this letter - was written 'just before the important crisis that finished - Henry's reign, and placed Edward on the throne,' when Margaret - of Anjou was expected in London after winning the second battle - of St. Albans. Giles Saint Loe was sheriff of Norfolk and - Suffolk in 1458.] - - [Footnote 252.2: This title is taken from an endorsement in a - later hand.] - - -433 - -JOHN DAVY TO JOHN PASTON[253.1] - -_On to my Maystyr Pastone, be this lettre deliveryd._ - -Ryth wurchopful Sere, I recomaund me on to you. And iff it lyke you I -have spokyn with Bussard, and demaundyd hym iff he had ony evydens, -dedys, or copyis, or ony other evydens of ony place or off ony lyflod -that longget on to my mayster,[253.2] and seyth, Nay, be is feyth, and -be is trowthe, for, if he hadde, he wold send hem on to you with a good -wyl; for he seyth it xud don hym non ese. And, Ser, iff it plese you I -askyd hym if he knew ony evydens that he had delyveryd on to William -Wossetyr, bill, or deds, or ony other evydens that xuld longgyn on to -ony purchas or off ony lyfflod on to my maystrys, and he seyth, Nay -trewly; for he seyth the last tyme that he wrot on to William Wusseter, -it was be ffor myssomyr, and thanne he wrot a cronekyl of Jerewsalem, -and the jornes that my mayster dede whyl he was in Fraunce (that God on -his sowle have mercy!); and he seyth that this drow more than xx. -whazerys [20 _quires ?_] off paper, and the wrytyng delyveryd on to -William Wursseter, and non other, ne knowyth not off non other be is -feyth. - - Be your man, - - J. DAVY. - - [Footnote 253.1: [From Fenn, iv. 78.] This letter was written - some time after the death of Sir John Fastolf--not unlikely, as - Fenn imagines, in the reign of Edward IV.; but the exact date is - immaterial.] - - [Footnote 253.2: Sir John Fastolf.] - - -434 - -THOMAS SHOTBOLT TO JOHN PASTON[254.1] - -_To my worshipfull maister, Maister Paston of the Temple._ - -Worshipfull Sir, soo ye will send a polletik person to Ludgate in -secrete wise to comune with me, and lete hym not in no wise speke of you -to hove (?) youre good maistership, and a resonable remedy shall ease -you of a gret part that the criour cleymeth of you for Maister Fastolffs -detts of xiij. or xiiij. yere at the lest, and be that perave[ntu]re of -the hole _qui in uno est reus morbus [in omnibus] reus_ . . . . . . . -Sir, remembreth your worship if y doo to ease you, lete me not be -discoveryd, for ye knewe not your worship y wold not doo thus. What ever -ye have of me, ye may sey it is found in the stywardes boks, and y know -that ye have desired favour to have hym seese for your worship that -procur hym ageyns you; whoo so shall kom to me, he may kom in Maistre -Nevills name, for with hym have y a doo. As for your own servaunts, -y ferd me lest they be knowyn whethir it be servaunt or othir, send -knowleche of my reword and a bille under your seall or your own hands, -or bothe on your worship to have it close that y be not blamyd for that; -y shall telle you her after. Wretyn in Ludgate. - - Your servaunt and there prisoner, - - THOMAS SHOTBOLT. - - [Footnote 254.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] Beyond the evident - fact that this letter was written between the death of Sir John - Fastolf in 1459 and that of John Paston in 1466, there is not - much clue to the date.] - - -435 - -MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[255.1] - -_To my ryth worcepful husbonde, John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: Year uncertain] - -Ryth reverent and worcepfful husbonde, I recomande me to yow, desyryng -hertely to here of yowre welle fare, thankyn yow for yowr letter and for -the thyngys that ye sent me ther with. And towchyn John Estegate, he com -nowdyr non sent hedyr nowt zyt; wer for I sopose I must borrowyn money -in schorte time but zyf [_unless_] ye come sone home; for I sopose I xal -non have of hym, so Godd helpe me. I have but iiij_s._ and I howhe nerr -as meche mony as com to the for seyd some. I have do yowr herrendys to -my modyr and my hunckyl and as for the feffeys of Stokysby, my hunckyll -syth that ther be no mo than he wrot to yow of that he knowit. And also -I hauwe delyvyrit the todyr thyng that ye sent me inselyd in the boxe as -ye comaundit me, and the man seyt, that I delyverid it to, that he wylle -nowt of the bargeyne that ye sent hym, but sweche thynggys be do or he -come ther that ye sent hym worde of, he seyth that he wold nowt be -noysyd with no sweche thyngis of that is, that it wer do in hesse tyme -for xx. marke. I sopose he xal send yow word in shorte time ho he wylle -do. I pray yow that ye wylle weche save to beyn for me swech lacys os I -send yow exsaumpyll of in this letter and j. pesse of blac lacys; as for -cappys that ye sent me for the chylderyn they be to lytyl for hem. -I pray yow bey hem feyner cappys and larger than tho wer. Also I pray -yow that ye wylle weche save to recomaunde me to my fadyr and my modyr -and tellyth heer that alle herr chyldyrryn ben in gode hele, blyssyd be -Godd. Heydonis wyffe had chyld on Sent Petyr day. I horde seyne that -herr husband wille nowt of her, nerr of her chyld that sche had last -nowdyr. I herd seyn that he seyd, zyf sche come in hesse precence to -make her exkewce that he xuld kyt of her nose to makyn her be know wat -sche is; and yf her chyld come in hesse presence, he seyd he wyld kyllyn -he wolle nowt be intretit to have her ayun in no wysse, os I herde seyn. -The Holy Trinite have yow in Hesse kepyn and send yow helth. Wretyn at -Geldiston on the Wedynisday nexte after Sent Thomas. - - Be yowris, - - M. PASTON. - - [Footnote 255.1: [Add. MS. 34,889, f. 199.] The date of this - letter is not clear, and we place it at the end of Henry VI.'s - reign. It is probably much earlier.] - - -436 - -A WHITSUNDAY SERMON OF FRIAR BRACKLEY[256.1] - -Frends, this holy tyme, as owr moder Holy Chirch maketh mension, the -Holy Gost came from hevyn, and lighted in the disciples of Crist, -inflamyng them with connyng, and strenghyng them with grace. And be -cause the doctrine and prechyng of them shuld go thurghought all the -werd, furst thei wer to be enfourmed and taught connyng, and to be -strenth with awdacide and grace, and than to be endewed and yovyn all -manner of langags that thei myght prechyn to all maner of naciones, so -that tho naciones that thei preched to myght understond them, and every -naciones his owyn tonge; and so thees Appostilles, after that thei wern -enspired with the Holy Gost, wher so ever thei preached, were ther never -so many naciones present, ich nacion thought that thei spokyn in ther -owyn langage--etenim illud loquebantur variis linguis Apostoli. - -Frends, iij. thyngs be necessary in prechyng to hym that shall prechyn -thurgh the werd as the Appostell dede--that is to sey, connyng, -boldnesse, and langags. If thei had had connyng and none audacite, but -have fered to have preched, it shuld litill a profited, as we have -examplles dayly at Cambrige, exempli [gratia][256.2] de Clerico quis -studuit sermonem, &c. And if thei have bothyn connyng and audacite, and -have none eloquensye ner copiousnesse of langage, so that he preche that -his audiens is most excercised in, that thei may understand hym, elles -it profiteth not. - -Therfor thes holy Appostill[es], be for thei shuld prechyn, furst thei -wer to be confirmed and strenghed. Our Lord strenghed them be under -nemyng,[257.1] enformyng, and helpyng, culpando ut in Evangelium -recumbentibus, &c. He strenghed them with his help and grace whan he -brethed in them, seyng 'Accipite Spiritum Sanctum; et quorum remiseritis -peccata, remittuntur eis, et quorum retinueritis retenta sunt,'[257.2] -&c. He strenghed them also be his doctrine whan he seid 'Petite et -accipietis; si quid petieritis Patrem in nomine meo, dabit -vobis.'[257.3] How that ye shuld prayn to God and askyn, I taught you on -Estern day. Therfor ye shall pray to God be good werkyng, right full -lebyring, and in good deds perseveryng. - -Frends, ye owe for to ask of God that your joy may ben a full joy and -perfight; we may never have a full joy in this werd, wher as ever among -folwyth hevynesse. A man joyth sumtyme in gold and sylver, and in gret -substaunce of erdly gods, in bewte of women, but this joy is not -perfyght--but this joy is not stabill, but it is mutabill as a shadow; -for he that this joyth in the bewte of his wyffe, it may fortune to -morwyn he shall folwyn her to chirch up on a bere. But if ye wull knowyn -what is a full and a wery joy, truly forgevenesse of synne and -everlestyng blisse, wher as is never sikenesse, hunger, ner thurst, ner -no maner of disseas, but all welth, joy, and prosperite, &c. Ther be -iij. maner of joys, the on void, a nother half full, the thred is a full -joy. The furst is plente of werdly gods, the seconde is Gostly grace, -the threde is everlestyng blisse. The furst joy, that is affluens of -temporall gods, is called a veyn joy, for if a man wer set at a bord -with delicate mets and drynks, and he sey a cawdron boyllyng a forn hym -with pykke and bronston, in the which he shuld be throwyn naked as sone -as he had dyned; for he shuld joy mych in his deliciose mets, it shuld -be but a veyn joy. - -Right so doth the joy of a covetouse man, if he sey what peyn his sowle -shuld suffre in helle for the myskepyn and getyn of his good, he shuld -not joy in his tresore, ut in Libro Decalogorum, 'Quidam homo dives,' -&c. - -Semiplenum gaudium est quando quis in praesenti gaudet et tunc cogitans -de futuris dolet, ut in quodam libro Graeco, 'Quidam Rex Graeciae,' &c. Her -ye may se but half a joy; how [_who_] shuld joy in this werd, if he -remembred hym of the peynes of the toder werd? 'Non glorietur fortis in -fortitudine sua, nec sapiens in sapientia sua, nec dives in divitiis -suis.'[258.1] De quibus dicitur, qui confidunt in multitudine divitiarum -suarum, quasi oves in inferno positi sunt.[258.2] 'Qui gloriatur, in -Domino glorietur.'[258.3] Therfor lete us joy in hope of everlestyng joy -and blis. 'Gaudete quia nomina vestra scripta sunt in caelo,'[258.4] ut -gaudium vestrum sit plenum. A full joy is in hevyn. Et in hoc apparet -quod magnum gaudium est in caelo, quoniam ibi est gaudium quod 'oculus -non vidit, nec auris audivit, et in cor hominis non ascendit, quae Deus -praeparavit diligentibus,'[258.5] et ideo, fratres, variis linguis -loquens [precor] ut gaudium vestrum sit plenum, vel habeatis gaudium -sempiternum. - - [Footnote 256.1: [From Fenn, iii. 392.] The original MS. of this - sermon was endorsed, of course in a much later hand than the - document, 'An ancient Whitsunday sermon preached by Frier - Brackley (whose hand it is) in the Friers Minors Church, in - Norwich.' Of this and the remaining papers of Henry VI.'s time - the dates are very uncertain.] - - [Footnote 256.2: Omitted in Fenn's literal transcript.] - - [Footnote 257.1: _i.e._ reproving.] - - [Footnote 257.2: John xx. 22, 23.] - - [Footnote 257.3: John xvi. 23, 24.] - - [Footnote 258.1: Jer. ix. 23.] - - [Footnote 258.2: Psalm xlviii. (xlix.) 6, 14.] - - [Footnote 258.3: 1 Cor. i. 31.] - - [Footnote 258.4: Luke x. 20.] - - [Footnote 258.5: 1 Cor. ii. 9.] - - -437 - -THE EARL OF OXFORD TO JOHN PASTON[258.6] - -_To owre right Trusty and welbeloved John Paston_ - -Right Trusty and welbeloved we grete yow well. And where as it is not -unknowen to you that we wrot a bille to Maister Brakle, and yaf hym in -comaundement to delyver yow a bille indentyd of x. mark owyng to John of -Fen, as it apperith by a bille indentyd under the seall of Robert -Reppis, jentylman, wich by the will of John of Fen is due un to us, wher -of the sayd Robert shuld paye v. mark by his owne instaunce at Lammesse -next comyng; We pray yow that ye woll receyve the forsayd money for us -and delyver it un to Maister Brakle as we trust yow. Wretyn in owr manor -of Wevenho the xxv^ti. day of Julij. - - [Footnote 258.6: [Add. MS. 34,888, f. 166.]] - - -438 - -THE EARL OF OXFORD TO JOHN PASTON[259.1] - -_To my right trusty and right welbeloved John Paston._ - -Right trusty and right welbeloved, I grete you wele. And I am enfourmed -that William Mathew of Norwich, Bocher, hath brought an accion of dette -agayn Nicholas Hert, a tenaunt of myn, berer hereof, and hath supposid -by his accyon that my said tenaunt shuld ow hym lxx_s._ for his hire of -tyme that he shuld a ben servaunt to my said tenaunt; wher it is said to -me for trouthe that he was aprentyce to my said tenaunt, and never -othrwise with holde but as aprentice, and owith no mony to haf of hym. -I send to yow my said tenaunt to gif yow clere informacyon of the mater, -and I pray you that ye wole calle the jurry before yow that arn -impanellid betwen thaym, and opne thaym the mater at large at myn -instaunce, and desire thaym to do as concyens wole, and to eschue -perjury. And the Trinite kepe yow. If ye take the mater in rule, I pray -therof, and wole be content. - -Wretyn at Wevenho, the xxviij. day of Decembr. - - THE ERLE OF OXENFORD. - - [Footnote 259.1: [From Fenn, iii. 138.]] - - -439 - -SIR JOHN WINGFIELD TO JOHN PASTON[259.2] - -_To my welbelovyd brother, John Paston, Squier._ - -Brother Paston, I recomaunde me unto you, praying you that ye take the -labour to speke with Thomas Ratclef of Frammesden for the delyveraunce -of part of an hous which lythe in his wode at Fraumesden, which hous the -owener hath caryed part therof to Orford, which so departed, the -remenant that remayneth ther in his wode schall do hym lytell good, and -yt schall hurte gretly the warkeman and the owener therof also, which is -my tenaunt, and [_i.e._ if] the hous schuld be set upon my ground. - -I wright unto you in this be halfe, be cause I understood he woll be -moche avised by you, and yf he do ony thynge at my request, I schall do -as moche that schall plese hym; and also the pore man schall gef hym ij. -nobles or xx_s._ rather than fayle. I pray you be as good a mene for hym -as ye may in this be halfe, as my verry trust is in you, and I schal be -redy at all tymes to doo that may be to your plesur. I trust to Jesu, -who have you in His kepyng, and sende you joy of all your ladyes. - -Wretyn at Lederyngham, the Tewesday in Whisson weke. - - Your brother and frende, - - WYNGEFELD J. - - [Footnote 259.2: [From Fenn, iii. 140.]] - - -440 - -[JOHN PASTON?] TO [RICHARD] SOUTHWELL[260.1] - -Brother Suthwell, I comand me to yow, sertifiing yow that, on Thursday -be the morwe, I spak with my cosine Wichingham at London, where he lete -me wet of the letter sent to Lee, wherby I conseyve the stedfast -godlordship and ladiship of my Lord and my Lady[260.2] in this mater, -&c., whech gevith cause to all her servaunts to trost verily in them and -to do hem trew servise. I lete yow wete that the seid Wychyngham, when I -departid from hym, had knowleche that Jane Boys shuld that nyght be come -to London, and he put in a bylle to the Lordis for to have delyverauns -of hyr and to have hese adversarys arestid. And this nyght at Norwiche -was told me newe tydyngges that she shuld on Thursday after my departyng -a be before the Lordis and there asaide untrewly of her selff, as the -berer hereof shal informe yow if ye know it not before; of wheche -tydyngges, if they be trew, I am sory for her sake, and also I fere that -her frendys schuld sewe the more feyntely, wheche Godde defende. For her -seyng untrewly of her selff may hurt the mater in no man but her selff; -and thow she wol mescheve her selff, it wer gret pete but if the mater -were laborid forth, not for her sake, but for the worchepe of the -estatys and other that have laboryd therin, and in ponyshing of the gret -oryble dede. Wherfore I send yow dyvers articlis in a bill closid herin, -wheche preve that she was raveshid ayens hyr wel, what so ever she sey. - - * * * - -Thes be provis that Jane Boys was ravischig [_sic_] ageyn her wil, and -not ber awn assent. - -One is that she, the tyme of her takyng, whan she was set upon her hors, -she revyled Lancasterother[261.1] and callid hym knave and wept, and -kryid owte upon hym pitewly to her, and seid as shrewdly to hym as coud -come to her mende, and fel doune of her hors unto that she was bound, -and callid him fals t[r]aytor that browth her the rabbettes. - -Item, whan she was bounde she callid upon her modyer, wheche folwyd her -as far as she myght on her feet, and whan the seid Jane sey she myght -goo no ferther, she kryid to her modyer and seid that what so ever fel -of her, she shuld never be weddyd to that knave, to deye for it. - -Item, be the weye, at Shraggarys hous in Kokely Cley, and at -Brychehamwell, and in all other places wher she myght see any people, -she kryid owte upon hym, and lete people wete whos dowtyr she was, and -how she was raveshid ayens her wyll, desyeryng the people to folwe her -and reskew her. - -Item, Lancasterotherys prest of the Egle in Lyncolne shire, wheche -shroff her, seid that she told hym in confession that she wold never be -weddyd to hym, to deye for it; and the same prest seid he wold not wedde -hem togedyr for M{^l.}_li._ - -Item, she sent divers tokenes of massage to Sothwell be Robert Inglose, -wheche previth welle at that tyme she lovyd not Lancasterother. - -Item, a man of the master of Carbrokes come dyvers tymes in the weke -before she was raveshid to Wychynghams hous, and inquerid of her mayde -whedyr her mastras was insuerid to Sothwell or nay, the wheche prevyth -well that Lancasterother was not sure of her godwill ne knew not of her -counseyl, for if he had, he ne nedid not to have sent no spyes. - -Whech seen, I avyse yow to move my Lord and my Lady to do in this mater -as affettualy as they have do before, for this mater touchyth hem, -consideryng that they have begonne; and dowt not, what so ever falle of -the woman, well or evel, my Lord and my Lady shal have worchep of the -mater if it be wel laborid, and also ye shall have avayl therof and the -advers parte chall gret trobil. - -Also it were necessarie that Wychyngham were sent to and cofortyd in -hese seute, and that he avysid hym of seche articlis and preves of the -mater as I have sent to yow and put hem in writing, but not to disclose -non tho preves to non creature unto that tyme that it fortune the mater -to be tried be enquest, or other wyse take end, but avyse hym for to -seye to the Lords and all (?) in generall termes that what so ever -Lancasterother or hese douter seyn nowh, it shal be wel prevyd she was -reveshid ayens her wyll; and let him desire of the Lordis that his -dowter mith be in his kepyng, and at large fro Lancasterother un tylle -the mater were duly examynd. I wold this mater sped the bety[r] be cause -my Lady spoke so feythefully to me therin, and that mevyth me to wryte -to yow this long symple lettyr of myn intent. [262.1][Also wher ye be -informyd that vj. men of Osbern Monforthes shuld a be at the seid -raveshing, I certifie yow verily it was not soo; for Osbern Mondeford -wol do in the mater all that ever he can or may to help to punisse the -doer, and desirith to know the grownd of that tale, of whech I pray send -me word if and what ye will ellis.] God kepe yow. - -Wret at Norwich the Soneday nex before the fest of Sent Margret. - -Item, [if] she had be of hes assent affter the time she was in hes -possescion in Lynkoln shire, hit had be bett--[262.2] - - [Footnote 260.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter is printed - from a corrected draft in a hand which may be that of Margaret - Paston, writing in her husband's name. The beginning may perhaps - refer to the impending marriage of Richard Southwell with Amy, - daughter of Sir Edmund Wichingham, which took place, according - to Blomefield (x. 274), about the beginning of Edward IV.'s - reign. From the mention made of Osbert Mundford, however, the - letter cannot be later than 1460. The ravishment of Jane Boys, - as here related, corresponds so closely with that of Dame Joan - Beaumont, of which notice will be found in the _Rolls of Parl._, - v. 269, that we might almost surmise the same person is spoken - of; but this can hardly be.] - - [Footnote 260.2: Probably the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk.] - - [Footnote 261.1: According to Blomefield (viii. 299) Joan - (or Jane), one of the four daughters of Edmund de Wichingham, - married, first, Robert Longstrather, and afterwards Robert Boys - of Honing, in Norfolk.] - - [Footnote 262.1: This passage is crossed out in the MS.] - - [Footnote 262.2: Sentence left incomplete.] - - -441-448 - -ABSTRACTS[263.1] - -The following letters and papers cannot be referred to any certain date, -though probably of the reign of Henry VI. Being of very little interest, -they are noticed as briefly as possible merely for the sake of -completeness. - - [Footnote 263.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.]] - - -441.-- W., Bishop of Norwich, to William Yelverton, steward of his -lands, and John Intwode, his surveyor. --Desires them to inquire at -Bacton into the demand made by Richard Blake in a bill enclosed, and -minister to him as right and law will. --London, 8 Nov. - - -442.-- Memoranda of John Berney against Simon Corbrygg, who obtained -lands by a charter forged by Broke, a scrivener, late owner of Weggs, -and has injured Berney for eight years past or more in the possession of -the manor of Cleyhall. - - -443.-- William Jenney to John Paston, Esq. --Has been shown by his -neighbour, Robert Tylyard, a piece of evidence of certain 'lyfelode' he -has in Whetacre, by which it appears that Lord Wellys should have no -ward of the same, unless he can produce contrary evidence. As Paston is -of my Lord's council, and has the rule of his 'lyflode' in this country, -desires he will write to him that the matter be indifferently -seen. --Theberton, 13 Dec. - - -444.-- J. Burton to Margaret Paston. --Sends hogsheads of wine by -Plumton the carter, etc. Desires her to send the money to 'dawn' William -Dallyng. --Dated, 'Wednesday after I parted from you.' - - -445.-- W. Cotyng[263.2] to Margaret Paston. --Has received to-day L9:0:2 -from Simon Miller, her farmer at Tichwell, for Midsummer payment. Sends -it by Roger, servant of the Parson of Thorp. Simon has paid five -shillings for finding a man to the King for Tichwell, and but for me you -would have paid a mark. Charges for repairs. As for your lining cloth, -my brother is still beyond the sea. --Brankaster, 31 July. - - [Footnote 263.2: He was rector of Swainsthorp, to which he was - presented by William Paston and John Dam in 1444, and which he - exchanged for the living of Tichwell in 1450. --Blomefield, - v. 63.] - - -446.-- ---- to ----. --My father and I bought the reversion of Olton, -etc., of Ralph Lampet and Alexander Kyngyston. They have now made a new -sale of it to William Jenney without giving notice to me or my father. -We ask your mediation with Jenney, whom we trusted most. - - -447.-- Eliz. C[lere] to John Paston. --Concerning a pasture in the town -of N. overgrown with whins. Wants advice as to the conditions of the -right of pasturage. Your mother prays you to think on Horwellebery. ---25 May. - - -448.-- Memoranda to inquire:-- (1) If William Cofe were enfeoffed in -Rothnall Hall? (2) If Tylerd knew William Cofe of Northcofe[264.1] -before the day of his death two years, one year, half a year, or a -quarter, etc.; what seal he used? (3) If Tylerd were not about him, to -common with Gernyngham and such as were about him. (4) Item, in case it -can be understood that he made none estate, 'than lete Wodesyde goo to -Robert Prymer in his owyn name, saying that John P. (Paston) is his good -mayster in hys mater,' etc. - - [Footnote 264.1: William Cove of North Cove, Suffolk. --_See_ - Suckling's _Hist. of Suffolk_, i. 48.] - - - - -THE PASTON LETTERS - -_Edward IV_ - - - - -449 - -JOHN PASTON THE YOUNGEST TO ----[265.1] - -[Sidenote: 1461] - -I recomand me to yow, and lete yow wete that notwythstandyng tydinggs -come down, as ye know, that pepill shuld not come up tyll thei were sent -fore, but to be redy at all tymes; this notwithstandyng, most pepill owt -of this cuntre have take wages, seying thei woll goo up to London; but -thei have no capteyn, ner rewler assigned be the commissioners to awayte -upon, and so thei stragyll abowte be them self, and be lyklynes are not -like to come at London half of them. And men that come from London sey, -there have not passid Thetford, not passyng CCCC.; and yet the townes -and the cuntere that have waged hem shall thynk thei be discharged, and -therfore if this Lords above wayte aftyr more pepill in this cuntre, be -lyklynes it woll not be easy to get with owt a newe comission and -warnyng. And yet it woll be thought ryght straunge of hem that have -waged pepill to wage any more, for every towne hath waged and sent -firth, and are redy to send forth, as many as thei ded whan the Kyng -sent for hem be fore the feld at Lodlowe;[266.1] and thei that ar not -go, be goyng in the same forme. - -Item, ther was shrewd rewle toward in this cuntre, for ther was a -certeyn person forth wyth after the jurney at Wakefeld, gadered felaship -to have mo[r]dered John Damme, as is seyd; and also ther is at the -Castell of Rysing, and in other ij. plases, made gret gaderyng of -pepill, and hyryng of harneys, and it is wele undyrstand they be not to -the Kyng ward, but rather the contrary, and for to robbe. Wherfore my -fadyr is in a dowte, whedir he shall send my brother up or not, for he -wold have his owne men abowte hym, if nede were here; but -notwythstandyng, he wyll send up Dawbeney, his spere and bowes with hym, -as Stapilton and Calthrop or other men of worship of this cuntre agree -to doo. Wherfore demene yow in doyng of yowr erandes ther aftyr, and if -ye shall bryng any masage from the Lords, take writyng, for Darcorts -massage is not verely beleved be cause he browt no wrytyng. - -Item, this cuntre wold fayne take these fals shrewes that are of an -oppynion contrary to the Kyng and his Counsell, if they had no auctorite -from the Kyng to do so. - -Item, my brother is redy[n] to Yarmowth for to lette brybers that wold a -robbed a ship undyr color of my Lord of Warwyk, and longe nothyng to hem -ward. - - [Footnote 265.1: [From Fenn, i. 226.] According to Fenn, this - letter is in the original 'without either date, name, or - direction,' the contents only proving it to have been written by - 'one of John Paston's sons.' Nevertheless, in a very misleading - way, the signature 'John Paston' is inserted at the foot of the - right-hand copy, with a reference to a facsimile of the - signature of John Paston the youngest. There is every - appearance, however, that John Paston the youngest really was - the writer, and that the date is, as Fenn supposes, just after - the accession of Edward IV.] - - [Footnote 266.1: The battle of Mortimer's Cross, near Ludlow, - gained by Edward IV. before he was king, on the 3rd February - 1461.] - - -450 - -W. PASTON AND THOMAS PLAYTERS TO JOHN PASTON[266.2] - -_To my maister, John Paston, in hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / APRIL 4] - -Please you to knowe and wete of suche tydyngs as my Lady of York hath by -a lettre of credens, under the signe manuel of oure Soverayn Lord King -Edward, whiche lettre cam un to oure sayd Lady this same day, Esterne -Evyn,[267.1] at xj. clok, and was sene and red by me, William Paston. - -Fyrst, oure Soverayn Lord hath wonne the feld,[267.2] and uppon the -Munday[267.3] next after Palmesunday, he was resseved in to York with -gret solempnyte and processyons. And the Mair and Comons of the said -cite mad ther menys to have grace be Lord Montagu[267.4] and Lord -Barenars,[267.5] whiche be for the Kyngs coming in to the said cite -desyred hym of grace for the said cite, whiche graunted hem grace. On -the Kyngs parte is slayn Lord Fitz Water, and Lord Scrop sore hurt; John -Stafford, Horne of Kent ben ded; and Umfrey Stafford, William Hastyngs -mad knyghts with other; Blont is knygth, &c. - -Un the contrary part is ded Lord Clyfford, Lord Nevyle, Lord Welles, -Lord Wyllouby, Antony Lord Scales, Lord Harry, and be supposyng the Erle -of Northumberland, Andrew Trollop, with many other gentyll and comons to -the nomber of xx.^ml. [20,000]. - -Item, Kyng Harry, the Qwen, the Prince, Duke of Somerset, Duke of -Exeter, Lord Roos, be fledde in to Scotteland, and they be chased and -folwed, &c. We send no er [_no sooner_] un to you be cause we had non -certynges tyl now; for un to this day London was as sory cite as myght. -And because Spordauns had no certeyn tydyngs, we thought ye schuld take -them a worthe tyl more certayn. - -Item, Thorp Waterfeld is yeldyn, as Spordauns can telle you. And Jesu -spede you. We pray you that this tydyngs my moder may knowe. - - Be your Broder, - - W. PASTON. - - T. PLAYTERS. - - 'On a piece of paper pinned to the above letter,' says Fenn, 'is a - list of the names of the noblemen and knights, and the number of - soldiers slain at the above battle of Towton, as follow:--' - - Comes Northumbriae. - Comes Devon. - Dominus de Beamunde. - Dominus de Clifford. - Dominus de Nevyll. - Dominus de Dacre. - Dominus Henricus de Bokyngham. - Dominus de Well[es]. - Dominus de Scales Antony Revers. - Dominus de Wellugby. - Dominus de Malley Radulfus Bigot Miles. - - Millites. - - Sir Rauff Gray. - Sir Ric. Jeney. - Sir Harry Bekingham. - Sir Andrew Trollop. - With xxviij.^ml. [28,000] nomberd by Harralds. - - [Footnote 266.2: [From Fenn, i. 216.] The date of this letter is - sufficiently apparent from the contents.] - - [Footnote 267.1: 4th April.] - - [Footnote 267.2: The battle of Towton, fought on Palm Sunday, - the 29th March 1461.] - - [Footnote 267.3: 30th March.] - - [Footnote 267.4: John Nevill, Lord Montague, brother of the Earl - of Warwick.] - - [Footnote 267.5: Sir John Bourchier, Lord Berners.] - - -451 - -THOMAS PLAYTERS TO MASTER JOHN PASTON[268.1] - -_To my maister, John Paston, Esquyer._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / APRIL 18] - -Please your Maisterchep to wete, that I have spokyn with Essex, in the -matter that ye wete of, and fynd him be his talkyng wel dysposed, not -withstandyng he woll not falle to no conclusyon to engrose up the mater, -tyll the chef baron[268.2] be com to London, and that he be mad privy to -the mater, which we loke after this same secund Saterday[268.3] after -Esterne; and as for Notyngham he is not yet comyn to London. - -Item, as for tydyng, it is noysed and told for trouth of men of worchip, -and other, that the Erle of Wylchyr is taken, Doctor Morton,[269.1] and -Doctor Makerell, and be brougth to the kyng at York. Maister William -also spak with a man that sey hem. - -Item, sir, I herd of Sir John Borceter and Christofer Hanson, that Herry -the sext is in a place in York schire is calle Coroumbr; suche a name it -hath, or muche lyke. And there is sege leyde abowte, and dyvers squyers -of the Erle of Northumbrelands, and gadered them to geder, a v. or -vj.^ml. [_five or six thousand_] men, to byger [_bicker_] with the sege, -that in the mene while Herry the sexte myght have ben stole a way at a -lytyll posterne on the bak syde; at whiche byker ben slayn iij.^ml. -[3000] men of the North. Sir Robert of Ocle and Conyrs leyth the sege on -our syde, and thei it is that have do this acte. Sum say the Qwen, -Somerset and the Prince schuld be there. Item, it is talked now for -trouthe, the Erle of Northumberland is ded. Item, the Erle of Devenshire -is ded justely.[269.2] Item, my Lord Chaunceler is to York. Item, the -King and the Lords com not here before Whitsontyde, as it is sayde. -Item, sir, sone uppon the chef baron comyng I schall send you a lettre, -with Godds grace, who preserve you, and have you in His blyssed kepyng. - - Your, - - THOMAS PLAYTERS. - -At Cokermouthe was the Erle of Wylchire taken, and these other Doctors. -Item, som men talke Lord Wellys, Lord Wyllouby, and Skales ben on lyve. -Item, Sir Robert Veer is slayn in Cornewayll, as it is tok for trouthe. - - [Footnote 268.1: [From Fenn, i. 222.] This letter relates mainly - to occurrences just after the battle of Towton in April 1461.] - - [Footnote 268.2: Peter Arderne.] - - [Footnote 268.3: 18th April in 1461.] - - [Footnote 269.1: Afterwards Cardinal, the Minister of Henry - VII.] - - [Footnote 269.2: He was beheaded at York after the battle of - Towton.] - - -452 - -THOMAS PLAYTERS TO JOHN PASTON[270.1] - -_To my rigth reverent and worchipfull John Paston, Esquyer, or to my -maytres his wyf._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / MAY] - -After my most special recommendacion, lyke your maisterchip wete that -the mater for you and my maistrez, your moder, ayens Powtrell and -Tanfeld hath ben called uppon as dylygently and as hastely this terme as -it mygth be; and al way dayes yeven hem by the Court to answer, and than -thei toke smale excepcions, and trifeled forth the Court, and al wey -excused them by cause the bylle is long, and his councell had no leysur -to se it. And they prayed heryng of the testament of my maister your -fader,[270.2] and therof made a nother mater, and argued it to putte hem -fro it, be cause they had emparled to us by fore; and than Hyllyngworth -to dryve it over this terme, allegged varians be twyx the bille and the -testament that John Damme was named in the testament John Dawme, in -whiche cas now the Court must have sigth of the said testament. Where -fore ye must send it up the begynnyng of the next terme, or elles we -schall have no sped in the mater. And therfor, Maistres, if my maister -be not cum hom, and ye have not the sayd testament in your kepyng, that -than it plese you to speke un to my maistres, your moder in lawe,[270.3] -for the seyd testament, that I mygth redely have it here, and that it be -sealed in a box, and sent to me, and I schall kepe it safe, with Godds -grace. - -And as for tytyngs, in good feyth we have non, seve the Erle of -Wylchir[271.1] is hed is sette on London Brigge. - -Mayster William is reden hom to my Maistrs Ponyngs; and as for Maister -Ponyngs hymself, sche letteth as thow sche wyst not where he were. -A gentylman that kam fro York told me my maister was heyl and mery, and -rode to mete the Kyng comyng fro Mydlam Castell. - -Berwyk[271.2] is full of Scottys, and we loke be lyklyhod after anoyther -batayll now be twyx Skotts and us. - -And I pray Jesu have you in His blyssed kepyng. - - Your, - - THOMAS PLAYTER. - - [Footnote 270.1: [From Fenn, iv. 2.] The reference to the Earl - of Wiltshire's head having been set on London Bridge shows this - letter to have been written not very long after the battle of - Towton. The exact date is probably about the beginning of May, - as it appears, by the Privy Seal dates in the Record Office, - that Edward IV. was at Middleham on the 6th of that month on his - way southwards, having gone on to Durham and Newcastle after the - victory.] - - [Footnote 270.2: William Paston, the Judge, who died in 1444.] - - [Footnote 270.3: Agnes Paston, the widow of the Judge.] - - [Footnote 271.1: James Butler, Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond.] - - [Footnote 271.2: Henry VI. and his Queen after the battle - escaped to Berwick, and from thence retired to Edinburgh.--F.] - - -453 - -JOHN SMYTH TO JOHN PASTON, SENIOR[271.3] - -_To hys worschepfull mayster, John Paston the Eldest, Esquier._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / MAY 10] - -Ryght worschepfull and my synguler mayster, I recomaunde me to you. If -it plese your maysterschepe to wete, the cause of my wryghtyng is thys. -I have understande be comunyng with othyr credybell men that many and -the more part of the feffeys of the landys late Sir John Fastolf, and -also thei that pretende to ben executores of the seyd Sir John, purpose -them to sell to my Lord of Suffolk, thow he recuver not be tayle, or to -othyr myghty lordys, a gret part of the landys of the seyd Sir John, to -the entent that ye schal not have them; upon wech sale thei wole make -astate and entre and put you to your accion, and thow ye recuver in the -lawe, as I am enformyd, ye schall recuver of hard and but a part, the -qwech schuld be dere of the sute. Qwer it semyth to me, yt wer -necessarye to you to se remedy for thys mater, and eyther putt it in -award or elles that my Lord of Wa[rwick], the qwech is your good Lord, -may meve that the Kyng, or hym sylf, or my Lord Chawmbyrleyn or sum -othyr wytty me[n], may take a rewle betwexe you and your adversaryes; -for yf ye may not holde the forseyd landys ther schal growe [great] -losse bothe to the dede and to you, and men schal putt you in defawte -therof; your frendys schal be sory. It is [better to] bere a lyttell -losse than a gret rebuke. Your mater hangyth longe in the audyens. Yf ye -hadde ther your entent your ad[versaries should] cese the rather. -I beleve veryly yf ye do your part to have pees, God of Hys gret grace -schal graunte it to you, the q[wech give] you the speryte of wysdam to -gyde you on to Hys pleser. Amen. - -We desyre to se your maysterschep in Norffolk; your pr[esens] there be -necessarye. - -From Norwych the x. day of May. - - Your clerk, - - [JOHN] SMYTH. - - [Footnote 271.3: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter was - evidently written in the beginning of Edward IV.'s reign; and as - it appears by No. 458 that Paston had already been dispossessed - of Caister, not indeed by the Duke of Suffolk, but by the Duke - of Norfolk, as early as the 5th June 1461, we may presume that - this letter, dated in May, belongs to that year. The margin of - the letter is slightly mutilated, but the words which are lost - are obvious, and have been supplied in brackets.] - - -454 - -THOMAS DENYES TO JOHN PASTON[272.1] - -_To my maister Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1461] - -I lowly recomaund me to your maistership, thankyng you as a pouer man -may do his maister for soccuryng my wyf, which I wete wele is wo begone; -praying you for love of our Lord Jhesu Criste to take no displesir -though I not sent ne wrote to you herbeforn in this troble that I haf. -For parde ye may conceyve that I was besy j nogh to shifft my self til -now. Truly the noise cam sodeynly and I was withynne the walles of your -Cite, God sauf the governour therof, for he was besy to trappe me, more -besy than he wole be a know, _et per fenestram in sporta dimissus sum -per murum, et sic effugi manus ejus_; but he shal abye, by God, if I -lyf, for serchyng myn house. And, Sir, as for the fals noise, sauf your -reverence, that he leyth on me and on tweyn servauntz of myn, he lyeth -falsly, your reverence savid; for I may haf an C. persones notable and -thrifty, whan tyme comyth, that wole prove and make good by every meane, -that my servauntz, which he nameth, wer that same our at Brisle which is -thens more than xvj. myle, and that the same our and the same day and a -greet space bothe beforn and afftir. But ever I besech your maistership -of contynuaunce, and that ye like to do my wif help and comfort in hir -dissese; for if she wer not, God knowith, I shuld soone shyfft. And -truly I haf no thought ne sorwe but for hir. Wherfore I beseche you -lowly for His love that all socourith and susteyneth to be good maister -and comfort to her. It shal not be long to but that I shall send to hir -to labour hir to other place, as for ony thyng touchyng me ellis but -that. I pray you also, if the boy that is hurt dey, to meve your -tenauntz in that hundrid wher he was bete to do for me and myn; ellis -can I not desire ne write at this tyme for lak of remembraunce, for I am -not yet myn own man. Besechyng yow alwey of good maistership, for -Almyghty God knowith that the mater was falsly begunne on me and usurie -it is and acursid, so wold our Lord I never had knowyn it; but sith I -delid therwith I myght never reche it to handle the mater to trouth or -reson. Wherfore I am compellid to do therwith unresonably. But, gentill -Sir, socour my wif, and be not displesid with me, and than shal I do -wele with Goddis mercy, Who Almyghty preserve yow for His mercy. Wretyn -onavised, &c. - -I pray you socour my wif, for she is wedow yet for me, and shal be til -more is done, sith I se that neyther plee, trety ne werre may make my -peas; for I leve hir undir your proteccion til I write to hir to go -thens, which shal be hastily, I suppose, praying you to be alwey hir -good maister, for I purpose not to se hir of a while, though she remeve. -Wrete with sorwfull hert, &c. - - Yours, - - DENYES. - - [Footnote 272.1: [Add. MS. 34,888, f. 175.] The date of this - letter is probably a little earlier than that of the next - (No. 455).] - - -455 - -THOMAS DENYES TO JOHN PASTON[274.1] - -_To my Maister Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / MAY] - -Right wurshipfull and myn especiall good maister, I recomaund me to yow -with all my service, besechyng you hertily, at the reverence of God, to -helpe me now in the grettest extremite that I cam at sith my greet -trobil with Ingham.[274.2] It is not oute of your remembraunce how Twyer -in Norff[olk] vexith me bothe by noise and serchyng myn house for me, so -that theer I can not be in quyete; and all that, I am verily acerteyned, -is by Heydens crafft. And heer in the Kyngs house annenst Howard,[274.3] -wher I had hopid to a' relevid myself, I am supplanted and cast oute -from hym by a clamour of all his servaunts at onys, and ne wer oonly -that his disposicion acordyth not to my pouer conceyte, which maketh me -to gif lesse force, be cause I desire not to dele ther [_where_] bribery -is like to be usid, ellis by my trouth this unhappy unkyndenes wold I -trow a' killed me. I pray yow, at the reverence of Jesu Criste, to -enfourme my Lord of Warwyk of me. Parde I haf do hym service; I was with -hym at Northampton, that all men knew; and now agayn at Seynt Albones, -that knowth James Ratcliff; and ther lost I xx_li._ wurth horse, -herneys, and mony, and was hurte in diverse places. I pray yow to gete -me his good Lordship, and that I may be toward hym in Norffolk in his -Courts holdyng, or ellis, if ony thyng he haf to do; and that ye wole -gete me a letter to Twyer to late me to sit in rest. For now if I made -any felaship agayn Twyer, I can haf no colour now the Shirref and I be -oute, so I must kepe me aparte, which I am lothe to do, be God, if I -myght better do. - -I besech yow to send me your intent by the next man that come from yow. -I shuld a' come to zow, but, so help me God, my purs may no ferther. The -Holy Trinite preserve yow. - -Wretyn hastily at York, &c. - - Your to his power, - - DENYES. - - [Footnote 274.1: [From Fenn, iv. 10.] The writer of this letter - speaks of having served with the Earl of Warwick at the battle - of Northampton in July 1460, and again at the second battle of - St. Albans in February 1461. We know from later letters that he - was murdered in the beginning of July following. As he dates - from York, and speaks of being 'here in the King's house,' the - date would appear to be about the 10th of May, on which day we - find by the dates of the Privy Seals that Edward IV. was at - York.] - - [Footnote 274.2: _See_ vol. ii. Nos. 238, 239.] - - [Footnote 274.3: Sir John Howard, who was sheriff of Norfolk - this year.] - - -456 - -THE EARL OF OXFORD TO JOHN PASTON[275.1] - -_To owre right trusty and welbeloved John Paston._ - -TH'ERL OF OXENFORD. - -[Sidenote: 1461 / MAY 31] - -Right trusty and welbeloved, we grete yow well, and pray yow, as oure -trust is in yow, that if ye or any of yowre men here that Howard -purposith hym to make any aray at owre manor of Wynche, that ye woll -lete John Keche, owre kepere ther of, haue wetyng by tymes, for and he -have warnyng he will kepe it in to the tyme that we come thedir, with -the grace of God, wiche have yow in His kepyng. Wretyn in owre manor of -Wyvynho the last day of May. - - OXENFORD. - - [Footnote 275.1: [Douce MS. 393, f. 85.] The date of this letter - may, with great probability, be attributed to the year 1461. It - certainly cannot be later, as the writer was executed for high - treason in February 1462. He was found to have been - corresponding with Margaret of Anjou for the restoration of - Henry VI., but the discovery must have been much later than May - 1461. Sir John Howard, who, for his services to the House of - York, was afterwards made Duke of Norfolk, appears to have had - great influence just after the accession of Edward IV., which he - used in a very overbearing manner; and we have already seen, by - the last letter, that the Earl of Oxford's servant, Thomas - Denyes, was at this very time suffering much persecution at his - hands.] - - -457 - -THOMAS PLAYTER TO JOHN PASTON[276.1] - -_To my right good maister, John Paston, in all hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1461] - -After my most special recommendacion, please your maisterchip wete, the -Kyng, be cause of the sege a boute Carelylle, chaunged his day of -Coronacion to be upon the Sunday[276.2] nexst after Seynt John Baptyste, -so the'ntent to spede hym northward in all hast; and how be it, blyssed -be God, that he hath now good tydynggs, that Lord Mountagu hath broken -the sege, and slayn of Scotts vj.^ml. [6000] and ij. knyghes, whereof -Lord Cliffords brother is one, yet not wythstandyng he wol be crowned -the sayd Sunday. And John Jeney enformed me, and as I have verely lerned -sethen, ye ar inbylled to be made knygth at this Coronacion.[276.3] -Wheder ye have understandyng before hand, I wot not; but and it lyke you -to take the worchip uppon you, consyderyng the comfortable tytynggs -afore seyd, and for the gladnesse and plesour of al your welwyllers, and -to the pyne and dyscomfort of all your ille wyllers, it were tyme your -gere necessarye on that by halfe were purveyd fore, and also ye had nede -higth you to London, for as I conceyve the knygthes schuld be made uppon -the Saterday by for the Coronacion; and as moche as may be purveyed for -you in secrete wyse wythouten cost I schall by speke for you, if nede -be, ayens your comyng, in trust of the best; neverthelesse, if ye be -dysposed, ye had nede send a man by fore in all hast, that no thing be -to seke. William Calthorp is inbylled, and Yelvertoun is inbylled, -whiche caused Markham; because Yelverton loked to have ben chef juge, -and Markham thynketh to plese hym thus. And as for the mater ayens -Poutrell, we can no farther procede, tyl we have my maister your faders -testament. I sent my maistres a letter for it. No more, but I pray Al -myghty Jesu have you in His kepyng. - - Your, - - THOMAS PLAYTER. - - [Footnote 276.1: [From Fenn, i. 230.] It is evident from the - contents that this letter was written some time before the - coronation of Edward IV.] - - [Footnote 276.2: 28th June.] - - [Footnote 276.3: John Paston was not made knight at the - coronation of Edward IV., but his eldest son was made knight, - probably as a substitute for himself, within two years after.] - - -458 - -RICHARD CALLE TO JOHN PASTON[277.1] - -_To my right reverent worschipfull master, my Master John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JUNE 5] - -Right reverent and worschipfull master, I lowly recomande me unto your -good masterschip. Plesith you to witte that I have ben at Framelyngham, -and spake Ric Sothwell to hafe hes advice in this mater; wherin he wolde -geve me but litell councell, and seide ze were straungely disposed, for -ye trusted no man, and had moche langage, weche the berer herof schal -enforme your masterschip. - -And as for the letters, they were delivered my Lorde[277.2] at the -Logge, but I cowde not speke with hese Lordeschip. And suche tyme as -they were delyvered Fitz William whas there, weche is now keper of -Castre; and what tyme as my Lorde had sene the lettres, he comaunded hym -to avoide, and so he did. And thanne my Lorde sent for Sothwell. And in -the meene tyme my Lorde sent a man to me, and axed me where ye were, and -I tolde hem ye were with the Kyng; and so he sent me worde that an -answere schulde be made be Sothwel to the King, seyng that ii. or iij. -eyers [_heirs_] had ben with my Lorde, and shewed her [_i.e._ their] -evidence, and delyvered it to my Lorde, seyng they have had gret wrong, -besechyng my Lorde that it myght be reformed. Wherfor he comaunded me -that I shulde go hom, for other answer cowde I non have. So I aboude -uppon Sothwel to a' know my Lordes answer to the Kyng; weche answere -Sothwel tolde me was, that he writeth to the Kyng that certeine points -in your lettres be untrew, and that he schal prove suche tyme as he -cometh befor the Kyng, besechyng the Kyng to take it to no displesur; -for he is advised to kepe it still unto the tyme that he hath spaken -with his Highnesse, for he trusteth to God to schewe suche evidence to -the Kyng and to the Lords, that he schulde have best right and titill -therto; and so he sent a man forthe to the Kyng this day. It were right -wele don ye awayted upon hes man comyng, that ye myght knowe the redy -entent of my Lordes writyng. - -Berthelmew Elysse hathe ben with my Lorde, and made a relesse to my -Lord; and Sir Will Chamberleine was ther ij. dayes afore I come thirder, -I can thynke for the sam mater. And Thomas Fastolf whas there the same -tyme that I was ther; and as I am enformed, they have delyvered my Lorde -serteine evidence. Wherfore me semeth it were right wele don, savyng -your better advice, to com hom and sele up your evidence, and have hem -with you to London, to prove his titill noght. Ther be but ii. or iij. -men with in the place, and if ye thynke it best to do it, send word, and -I suppose a remedy schal be had. - -Also I here no word of Master William, nor of the writts for the -Parlament. Also it is tolde here that Tudenham[278.1] and Heydon have a -pardon of the Kyng, and that they schal come up to London with the Lady -of Suffolk to the Coronacion. Also as for the letter that ye sent to -Thomas Wyngfeld, I have it still, for he is at London. Some men sey he -meved my Lord for to entre, and some sey Fitz William is in defaute. So -I can see ther is but fewe goode. Also my master Sir Thomas Howys schol -send a letter to the person ye wote of, for to deliver you the gere at -London the next week. My right wourschipfull and reverent master, -Almyghti God preserve you. - -Wreten at Norweche, on the morwe after Corpus Christi Day. - - Your pore servant and bedman, - - R. C. - - [Footnote 277.1: [From Fenn, iv. 6.] The date of this letter, - like that of the last, is shown by a reference to the - approaching coronation of Edward IV.] - - [Footnote 277.2: The Duke of Norfolk, who appears by this time - to have taken possession of Caister, and appointed a keeper for - it.] - - [Footnote 278.1: Sir Thomas Tuddenham was beheaded in February - following.] - - -459 - -ROBERT LETHUM TO JOHN PASTON[279.1] - -_A tres reverent Sire, John Paston, Esquier, demouraunt ou lostell le -Roy soit d[onne]._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JUNE 19] - -Right worshipfull sir, I recomaund me to you. And, sir, yesterday I -resceived of you a lettre from oure sovereign lord the Kyng directe to -John Fulman, dyvers othir, and me, by the quych, for certeyn causes that -meved hym, and for the well and save gard of his person and this his -realme, he desired we chuld fynd men for kepyng of the see. I said to -you that I hade beyn dyvers tymes spoled and robbed, as ye have herd, -and also gretely vexed and sued to me [_my_] unportab[l]e -[charges];[279.2] nevir the les, to my pouer, with my body and my gode, -I chall be redy to do hym servyce in resistyng his enmyse and rebelles. -Also I said I dwelled uppon the cost of the see here, and be langage hit -were more necessare to with hold men here than take men from hit. The -said the Kyng hade wreton to dyvers persones here quych hade promysed -men, queruppon I promysed a man, quych chall be redy at such tyme I have -knowelege quere the shippyng chall be, to waite uppon yow, or quane the -Kyng comaundes. I write to you of my promyse as ye comaund me, and pray -you I may have a copy of the said lettre. And I pray Godd kepe you. -Wrete at Plumsted on the Fest of Seynt Gervaise and Prothase.[279.3] - - Your, - - ROBT. LETHUM. - - [Footnote 279.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] As we find by the last - letter that John Paston was with the King in the beginning of - June 1461, this may with great probability be attributed to the - same year.] - - [Footnote 279.2: Omitted in MS.] - - [Footnote 279.3: 19th June.] - - -460 - -JAMES GRESHAM TO JOHN PASTON[280.1] - -_To my right worshipful maister, John Paston, at Heylesdon in Norfolk, -in hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JUNE 21] - -After due recomendacion hadde; please it your Maistership to witte, that -as for Plaiter he shall excuse the writte of the parlement, &c. As -touchyng my maister Howard,[280.2] I cannot yet speke with hym, ne with -Moungomerye[280.3] nether. But as for the day of Coronacion of the Kyng, -it shall be certeynly the Moneday next after Mydsomer, and it is told me -that ye among other ar named to be made knyght atte Coronacion, &c. - -Item, it is seid that the Coronacion do, the Kyng wole in to the north -part forthwith; and therfor shall not the parlement holde, but writtes -shall goo in to every shire to gyve them, that ar chosyn knyghtes of the -shire, day after Michelmesse; this is told me by suyche as arn right -credible. Maister Brakle shall preche at Poules on Sunday next comyng as -he tolde me, and he told me, that for cause Childermesse day[280.4] fal -on the Sunday, the Coronacion shall on the Moneday, &c. - -Wretyn in hast at London, the Sunday next tofore Mydsomer, - - Your right pouere servant, - - JAMES GRESHAM. - - [Footnote 280.1: [From Fenn, i. 232.] Like Nos. 457 and 458, - this letter refers to the approaching coronation of Edward - IV.] - - [Footnote 280.2: Sir John Howard.] - - [Footnote 280.3: Sir Thomas Montgomery.] - - [Footnote 280.4: Childermas, or Holy Innocents' Day, the 28th of - December, fell on Sunday in the year 1460. The day of the week - on which it fell used to be considered ominous or unlucky during - the whole ensuing year. This superstition seems to have - continued as late as the beginning of the eighteenth century, - and is alluded to by Addison in the seventh number of the - _Spectator_. It is not true, however, that Edward's coronation - was put off till Monday. It took place on the Sunday which had - been originally appointed for it, but the processions and - pageantry were deferred till next day. The following is the - account of the matter given in a contemporary chronicle in the - Cottonian MS., Vitellius, A. xvi:-- - - 'And upon the morn, Sunday, which was St. Peter's Even, and the - 28th day of June, he was crowned at Westminster with great - solemnity of bishops and other temporal lords. And upon the morn - after, the King went crowned again in Westminster Abbey, in the - worship of God and St. Peter. And upon the next morn he went - also crowned in St. Paul's in the worship of God and St. Paul; - and there the angel came down and censed him. At which time was - as great a multitude of people in Paul's as ever was seen afore - in any days.'] - - -461 - -CLEMENT PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[281.1] - -_To my rythe worchypfull broder, John Paston, be thys delyveryd in -hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JUNE 26] - -Broder, I recomawnde me to zow, desyeryng to here of yowre welfare, the -qwyche I pray God mayntene. Plesse yow to wette that I have sent my -moder a letter for mony for my swster;[281.2] and if ze wyll agre that I -may have xx^{ti}_li._ [L20], I xall zeve zow acowmpts ther of, and ze -xall be payyd azen of the obligacyon that my moder hathe, or ellys I -xall take a swerte of my suster. I wysse obligacion mwste nedes be swyd, -and a doseyn accions more in her name, and sche doo well thys terme; and -it wyll be doo with in fowertenyut. The Cowntas of Northumberlond[281.3] -and Robarde Fenus[281.4] ocupie all her lond, and that is a gret -myscheffe. I prey zow spe[ke] to my moder her of, and lat me have a -awnswer within this sevenyut. Also, broder, Wyndham is come to town, and -he seyd to me he wyll goo gett hym a mayster, and me thowte by hym he -wold be in the Kynges servise, and he saythe that he wyll have Felbryg -azen or Myhelmes, or ther shal be v.^c. [500] heds broke ther fore. -Brodere, I pray zow delyver the mony that I xwld have in to swm prior of -swm abbey to swm mayster of swm colage to be delyveryd qwan I can espy -ony londe to be porchasyd. I pray zow send me word wyder ze wyll doo -thus or no. No more, but owre Lord have zow in Hys kepyng. Wrytyn on -Fryday nexst after Seynt John is day. - - By zour broder, - - CLEMENT PASTON. - - [Footnote 281.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] Elizabeth Paston, who, - as we have seen (No. 374), had been married to Robert Poynings - by the beginning of the year 1459, became his widow in 1461, her - husband having been killed in the second battle of St. Albans on - the 17th February. It would appear by this letter that she was - immediately after dispossessed of her husband's lands by - Eleanor, Countess of Northumberland, who was Baroness Poynings - in her own right.] - - [Footnote 281.2: Elizabeth Paston, now widow of Robert - Poynings.] - - [Footnote 281.3: Eleanor, widow of Henry Percy, third Earl, who - was slain at Towton in 1461.] - - [Footnote 281.4: Fenys.] - - -462 - -MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[282.1] - -_To my right worchepfull hosbond, John Paston, be this letter deliveryd -in hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JUNE] - -Right worchepfull hosbond, I recommand me to you. Please you to wete -that thys day in the mornyng the parson of Snoryng came to Thomas Denys -and fechyd hym owt of hys hows, and beryth hym a hand,[282.2] that he -shuld a mad byllys agayns Twyer and hym, and hathe a leed hym ferthe -with hem. Hys wyf hathe no knowlege of it. Ferther more the seid parson -seythe that the seyd Thomas Denys shuld a take sowdyors owt of hys -felachep whan he went to Seynt Albons;[282.3] that hys a nother of hys -compleynts. Item, anothyr of hys compleynts ys, a beryth the seyd Thomas -a hand,[282.2] that he had awey a hors of John Coppyng of Bryslee, and a -nother of Kyng of Donham, the wyche hors were stole be the seyd ij. -personys. Wher for the seyd Thomas toke hem as a comyshaner and -delyveryd hem to the exchetor, Frances Costard, and one of them he bowt -of the seyd Fraunces. And the seyd parson hathe a wey the seyd hors, and -seyth that he wolle the seyd thevys shuld be recompenst be Thomas Denys. -Thys I am enformyd of all thesse maters be hys wyffe, and sche prayythe -yow in the reverence of God ye wolle be hyr good maister, and helpe that -hyr hosbond may have sume remedy be your labor in thys mater, [for she] -seythe syn that hyr hosbond ys the Kyngs offycer, that they owt to spar -hym the rather. But they that hathe hym take no . . . . . . told me that -they hope to have a newe chonge in hast. - -Item, Pers that was with my unkyll Barney[283.1] sent you a l[etter] -. . . . . . er desyryng to have your good masterchep, and he woll fyynd -sufficient suerte[283.2] for hym for to com . . . . . . whan som ever ye -woll require hym. I' good feyth it ys told me hys leggs ar all . . . -. . . [Send] me word, encas the suerte be sufficient, in what sum ye -woll have hem bownd for hy . . . . . . te in bayle. Item, it ys told me -that ther be many Freynche shyppys of se a geyns Yamothe, a[nd . . . -. . . t]hey woll do harme on the coste. I pray yow hertely that ye woll -send me word in hast howe that ye do with my [Lord] of Norffolk, and -with your adversaryys. Item, I have do purveyed in thys wareyn xj.^xx. -[_eleven score_] rabets and sent up be the berer herof. The blyssyd -Trinite have yow in Hys kepyng, and send yow the better of all your -adversariis, and good sped in all your maters. Wretyn in hast, the same -day that ye departyd hens. - -Item, I pray yow that ye wolle remembre my unkyll Barneys mater tochyng -the executyng of his wylle, and how ye wolle that we be demenyd for -kepyng of hys yerday, and that it lekyth you to send me word be Mr. John -Smy[th]. - - [Footnote 282.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter appears - from internal evidence to have been written some time after the - second battle of St. Albans, which was fought in February 1461, - and before the murder of Thomas Denys in July following. But to - all appearance it was not very long before the latter date. The - MS. is mutilated, and a few words are lost in eight consecutive - lines.] - - [Footnote 282.2: _i.e._ accuses him. _See_ vol. ii. p. 110, - Note.] - - [Footnote 282.3: Thomas Denys was at the second battle of St. - Albans in February 1461. _See_ No. 455.] - - [Footnote 283.1: John Berney.] - - [Footnote 283.2: _See_ Letter 424.] - - -463 - -THOMAS DENYES TO MARGARET PASTON[284.1] - -_To my right noble and wurshipfull mastresse, my Mastresse Paston, or to -William Paston if she be absent._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JULY] - -Right noble and wurshipfull mastresse, I recomaund me to yow with my -pouer servise. And for so moche as I here no thyng of my maister your -husbonds comyng hastly home,--and though he cam or come not, it were -expedient that the Kyng were infourmed of the demenyng of the -shire,--therfore I send to yow a testymonyall, which is made by a greet -assent of greet multitude of comons, to send to the Kyng. I pray you for -the good spede therof that in all hast possible ye like to send it to my -said maister, if he be with the Kyng; ellis fynde the meane to send it -to the Kyng, thogh my maister be thens; beside forthe that ye vouchsauf -to late diligent labour be made to a sufficient nombir to assele for my -Maister Paston allone, for if bothe holde not, I wolde oon helde. - -I pray yow that it lyke you to send for my Maister William Paston, and -shew hym all thys, and that it were hastid; for on the adversaire parte -Judas slepith not. - -Berney promised to a' sent, but for our Lords love trust not that; for I -se his slouthe and sely labour, which is no labour. And I wold ful fayn -speke with yow, &c. - -My maister your husbond wole peraventure blame us all, if this mater be -not applied; for he may not of reson do so largely heryn by his myght, -be cause he is elyted, as the Comons myght wisely do with help of his -favour, if it wer wisely wrought. If my Maister William Paston ride -hastly from a x. daies to London, I wole with hym, if he send me word. -The Holy Trinite preserve yow. Wretyn rudely in hast the Sunday, &c. - -Men sey, send a wiseman on thy erand, and sey litell to hym, wherfor I -write brefly and litell. - - THOMAS DENYES. - - [Footnote 284.1: [From Fenn, iv. 18.] This letter speaks of the - county of Norfolk as being in an unquiet state, and of John - Paston as having been elected knight of the shire. It will be - seen by No. 458 that writs for an election were expected as - early as the 5th of June in 1461, and as I find that the writer - of this letter was murdered on the 4th of July following, the - date is probably about the very beginning of that month. From - what is said at the beginning of the letter about Paston's - absence from home, it was evidently some time after the last, - which was written on the very day of his departure.] - - -464 - -RICHARD CALL TO MARGARET PASTON[285.1] - -_To my most reverent and worshipfull mastresse, my Mastresse Margaret -Paston, this be delyuered._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JULY 3] - -Plesith it your mastresseship that my mastre[285.2] wolde that ye alowe -the berer hereof for hes costs, in asmoch as he come hether for that -matre, and for non other; but ye must lete Thomas Denys wif be prevy -therto, for my mastre wol that she bere the cost, for it is her matre; -and that ye make her goode cheere, and if ye wol have her hom to you for -a seacon, unto the tyme sche be out of her trouble, my mastre is agreed. -And if sche sende to my mastre for any matre, let her sende her owne man -upon her owne coste, thowe ye paye the money for a secon, unto the tyme -that sche may pay you a yein, mastre holdeth hym content. My right -wurshipful mastresse, Almyghti Jesu kepe you. Wreten at London the iij. -day of Jul. - - Your poore seruaunt and bedman, - - RIC. CALL. - - On the back of this letter is the following memorandum:-- - 'Memorandum of j. comb whete, whereof was mad iiij.^xx. and x. - [_fourscore and ten_] brown lovis and iiij.^xx. and xvj. white - lovis, after vj. j.^d. price the . . . .' - - [Footnote 285.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter seems to - have been written in 1461, just before Thomas Denys was - murdered, in consequence of the occurrences mentioned in No. - 462.] - - [Footnote 285.2: John Paston.] - - -465 - -WILLIAM LOMNER TO JOHN PASTON[286.1] - -_To the right worchipfull and my good maister John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JULY 6] - -Ryght worchipfull and my good mayster I recomaunde me to yow. And, sir, -yf the Coronacion had be on Relik Sunday,[286.2] as it was apoyntyd, -I shuld have waytid on yow. And as for my Lord of Norffolks mene, I told -my mastres your wyfe, here disposission as I coude know, the wheche I -sopose she told yow, as I can espye some of his meny was grette cause of -T. D.[286.3] deth, &c. Also ye have knowlych how Fastolff[286.4] is com -yn to my Lord of Norffolks hous, for ij. causez, as I understande; on is -to enfors my Lords entre yn Castre be his cleym; an other is to helpe -his fader yn lawe[286.5] ayens Felbrigge, &c. For love of Good take good -awayte to your person, for the word [_world_] is right wilde, and have -be sythyn Heydonz sauffe gard was proclamyd at Walsyngham; for yn good -feyth I trow, but if [_i.e._ unless] he be ponysshid the countre wille -rise and doo moche harme, and also for the comyssion Sir Miles Stapilton -and Calthorp, that arn among the comunes ought of conseite and reputid -the Kyngs enmez, as the brenger of this bille can telle yow, to whom I -beseche yow to be good mayster, for he hath doo the Kyng good servyse as -ony pore man of our contre, and yet is he callid traitor be sweche as he -can telle yow, soportid be Roger Bolwer and Aleyn Roos, Heidonz owyn men -[chif constablez].[286.6] And it plese yow that John Yve and John Brigge -myght have your warentez for cheffe constable, &c., for they ocupye yn -Kyng Herris name. Forther, sire, I am gretly yn your danger and dette -for my pension, for it is told me ye have paied, and at your comyng I -shalle make amendez with your good maistreship, and suche servyse as -lith yn my pore powere is, and shalbe, redy at alle tymez with Godds -grace, how have yow yn His kepyng. Wretyn yn hast at Dallyng, on Sent -Thomas Even, &c. - - Be your Servaunt, - - L. - - [Footnote 286.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] From the reference to - the coronation, it is quite evident that this letter must have - been written in the first year of King Edward the Fourth.] - - [Footnote 286.2: 12th July in 1461.] - - [Footnote 286.3: Thomas Denys.] - - [Footnote 286.4: Thomas Fastolf of Cowhaw.] - - [Footnote 286.5: This would seem to be John Wyndham, but I find - no mention of such a relationship between him and Fastolf.] - - [Footnote 286.6: Interlined.] - - -466 - -MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[287.1] - -_To my ryth worchepfull hosbond, John Paston, be thys deliverid in -hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JULY 9] - -Right worchepful hosbond, I recommand me to yow. Please yow to wete that -I have spoke with Thomas Denys wyffe, and she recommand hyr to your good -masterchep, and she prayeth yow to be her good master, and prayet yow of -your good masterchep, that ye wolle geve her your advice howe to be -demenid for hyr person and hyr goodes. For as towchyng hyr owne person, -she dare not goo home to hyr owne place, for she is thret if that she -myght be take, she shuld be slayne or be put in ferfull place, in -shortyng of hyr lyve dayes, and so she standyth in gret hevynes, God her -helpe. Ferther more she is nowe put be her brother in Norwich with -Awbry, and she thynkyth the place is right conversaunt of pupyll for hyr -to abeyd in, for she kepyth hyr as close as she may for spyyng. Item, as -I went to Seynt Levenard ward, I spake with Maister John Salet, and -commonyd with hym of hyr, and me thowgt be hym that he howyth hyr ryght -good wylle. And than I haskyd hym howe she myght be demenyd with -hys[287.2] goodes and hyr. He cownseld me that she shuld get hyr a -trosty frend, that war a good, trewe, poor man, that had not moche to -lese, and wold be rewlyd after hyr, and to have a letter of -ministracion; and so I told hyr. Than she seyd she wold have hyr broder -advice therin. Item, she seyth ther be no mor feffes in hys londes but -ye and Rokwood, and she prayeth yow that it please yow to speke to -Rokwood that he make no relesse but be your advice, as she trostyth to -yowr good masterchep. Item, the last tyme that I spake with hyr she mad -suche a petows mone and seyd that she wost ner howe to do for mony, and -so I lent vj_s._ viij_d._ Item, I sent my cosyn Barney the bylle that -John Pampyng wrot be yowr commanddement to me, and he hath sent a letter -of hys entent to yow and to Rokwod therof, and also but if it please yow -to take better hed to hys mater than he can do hym self, I can thynk he -shall ellis fare the wors for i' feyth he standyth daly in gret fere, -for the false contrary party ageyns hym. Item, at the reverence of God, -be ware howe ye ryd or go, for nowgty and evyll desposyd felacheps. I am -put en fere dayly for myn abydyng here, and cownsellyd be my moder and -be other good frendes, that I shuld not abeyd here but yf the world wher -in mor quiete than it is. God for hys merci send us a good world, and -send yow helthe in body and sowle, and good speed in all your maters. -Wreten in hast the Thursday next after Seynt Thomas. - - By your, - - M. P. - - [Footnote 287.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter clearly - relates to the affairs of Thomas Denys's wife, after the murder - of her husband in 1461. John Paston and William Rokewood were - trustees of his lands, and Margaret's cousin, John Berney of - Witchingham, it will be seen, wrote more than one letter to them - about this time.] - - [Footnote 287.2: _i.e._ her husband's.] - - -467 - -JOHN BERNEY TO JOHN PASTON AND WYLLIAM ROKEWODE[288.1] - -_To the worshipfull John Paston and Wylliam Rokewode, Squyeris, and to -everych of them._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JULY 10] - -Right worshipfull cosynes, I recummaund me to yow. And for as mech as I -am credybilly informyd how that Sir Myles Stapylton knyght with other -yll dysposed persones, defame and falsly noyse me in morderyng of Thomas -Denys the Crowner, and how that I intend to make insurexyones contrari -unto the law; and that the seyd Stapylton ferthermore noyseth me with -gret robries; in whech defamacyones and fals noysyngs the seyd -Stapylton, and in that his saying he is fals, that knowith God, &c. And -for my playn acquitayll, yf he or any substancyall gentylman wyll say -it, and avow it, I say to it contrari, and by lisens of the Kyng to make -it good as a gentylman. And in this my playn exskeus, I pray yow to opyn -it unto the Lords, that the seyd Stapylton, &c., makyn gret gaderyngs of -the Kyngs rebelyones, lying in wayte to morder me. And in that I may -make opyn proff. Wretyn in hast the x. day of July anno regni Regis E. -iiij. primo. - - JOHN BERNEYE. - -Remembre to take a wryht to chese crowneres in Norffolk. - - [Footnote 288.1: [From Fenn, i. 236.]] - - -468 - -JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON[289.1] - -_To my cosyn, Margaret Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JULY 12] - -I recomaund me to yow, letyng yow wete tha the Undershreve doughtyth hym -of John Berney; wherfore I pray yow bryng hem to gedyr, and set hem -acord, if ye can, so that the seyd Ondershreve be sure that he shall not -be hurt be hym, ner of hys cuntrymen. And eyf he woll not, lete hym -verely understonde that he shall be compellyd to fynd hym suerte of the -pes to agry in thys heed, and that shall nowther be profitabyll, ner -worchepful. And lete hym wete that there have be many compleynts of hym -be that knavyssh knyght, Sir Miles Stapilton, as I sent yow word before; -but he shall come to hys excuse wele inow, so he have a mannys hert, and -the seyd Stapylton shall ben ondyrstand as he ys, a fals shrewe. And he -and hys wyfe and other have blaveryd here of my kynred in -hedermoder;[290.1] but, be that tyme we have rekned of old dayes and -late dayes, myn shall be found more worchepfull thanne hys and hys -wyfes, or ellys I woll not for hys gilt gypcer. - -Also telle the seyd Berney that the Shreve ys in a dought whedyr he -shall make a newe eleccion of knyghts of the shyre, be cause of hym and -Grey; where in it were bettyr for hym to have the Shreves good wyll. - -Item, me thynkyth for quiete of the cuntre it were most worchepfull that -as wele Berney as Grey shuld get a record of all suche that myght spend -xl_s._ ayere, that were at the day of eleccon, whech of them that had -fewest to geve it up as reson wold. Wretyn at London, on Relyk Sonday. - -Item, that ye send abought for sylver acordyng to the old bylle that I -sent yow from Lynne. - - JOHN PASTON. - - [Footnote 289.1: [From Fenn, iv. 20.] This letter and the next, - which is an answer to it, are evidently of the same year as No. - 471. Relic Sunday (the third Sunday after Midsummer Day) was the - 12th July in 1461.] - - [Footnote 290.1: In hugger-mugger, _i.e._ clandestinely.] - - -469 - -MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[290.2] - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JULY 15] - -I recomand me to yow. Please yow to wete that I have sent to my cosyn -Barney, acordyng to your desyr in the letter that ye deed wright on -Relec Sonday to me, wheropon he hathe wreten a letter to yow and anothyr -bylle to me, the wyche I send yow. He tolde the masanger that I sent to -hym that the Undershereve nedyth not to fer hym nor non of hys; for he -seyd, after the aleccion was doo, he spak with hym at the Grey Fryers, -and prayyd hym of hys good masterchep, and seyd to hym that he feryd no -man of bodely harme, but only Twyer and hys felachep. - -Item, Sir John Tatersalle and the baly of Walsynsham and the constabyll -hathe take the parson of Snoryng and iiij. of hys men, and sete hem fast -in the stokkys on Monday at nyght; and, as it is seyd, they shuld be -carryyd up to the Kyng in hast. God defend yt but they be shastysyd as -the lawe wolle. Twyer and hys felachep beryth a gret wyght of Thomas -Denys dethe in this contry abowght Walsynham; and it is seyd ther yf -John Osberne hade owght hym as good wylle, as he deed befor that he was -acqueyntyd with Twyer, he shuld not adyyd [_have died_] for he myght -rewlyd al Walsynham as he had lyst, as it ys seyd. - -Item, Will Lynys, that was with Master Fastolf, and swyche other as he -is with hym, goo fast abowght in the contr, and ber men a hand,[291.1] -prests and others, they be Skotts, and take brybys of hem and let hem -goo ageyn. He toke the last wek the parson of Freton, and but for my -cosyn Jarnyngham the younger,[291.2] ther wold a led hem forthe with -hem; and he told hem pleynly yf they mad any suche doyngs ther, but -[_i.e._ unless] they had the letter to schewe for hem, they shuld aley -on her bodyys. It wer welle do that they wer met with be tymys. It is -told me that the seyd Will reportyth of yow as shamfully as he can in -dyvers place. Jesu have yow in Hys kepyng. Wreten in hast, the Wednysday -after Relec Sonday. - -Yf the Undershereve come home, I woll a say to do for hym as ye desyryd -me in your letter. As for mony, I have sent abowght, and I can get non -but xiij_s._ iiij_d._ syn ye went owght. I wolle do my parte to get mor -as hastely as ye may. - - By yowr, - - M. P. - - [Footnote 290.2: [From Fenn, iv. 24.] See note to preceding - letter, p. 289, Note 1.] - - [Footnote 291.1: That is to say, make imputations against them. - _See_ vol. ii. p. 110, Note 1.] - - [Footnote 291.2: John Jerningham, junior, son of John - Jerningham, senior, of Somerleyton, Suffolk.] - - -470 - -JOHN BERNEY TO JOHN PASTON[291.3] - -_To the worshipfull John Paston, and to my cosyn, Wylliam Rokewode, -Squyer, with my Lord of Cantyrburi._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JULY 16] - -Right worshipfull sir, I recummaund me to yow, praying yow hertyli to -labour for that the Kyng may wryte unto me, gevyng me thankyng of the -good wyll and servyse that I haff doo unto hym, and in beyng with hym a -yens his adversaries and rebelyones, as well in the North, as in this -cuntre of Norffolk. And in that the Kyng shold please the Comynnes in -this cuntre; for they grudge and sey, how that the Kyng resayvith sych -of this cuntre, &c. as haff be his gret eanemyes, and opresseors of the -Comynes; and sych as haff assystyd his Hynes, be not rewardyt; and it is -to be consederyd, or ellys it wyll hurt, as me semyth by reason. And in -ayd of this chaungebyll rewle, it wer nessessary to move the good Lords -Spiretuall and Temperall, by the whech that myght be reformyd, &c. And -in cas that any of myn olde enemyes, Tudynham, Stapylton, and Heydon, -with theyr affenyte labur the Kyng and Lords unto my hurt, I am and -wylbe redy to come to my souverayn Lord for my exskeus, soo that I may -come saff for unlawfull hurt, purveyed by my seyd ennemyes. No more at -this tyme, but God preserve yow in gras. Wretyn at Wychyngham the xvj. -day in the moneth of July, anno regni Regis E. iiij^ti. primo. - - JOHN BERNEYE. - -Please it yow to move this unto my Lords Cauntyrburi, Ely, Norwych, &c. - - [Footnote 291.3: [From Fenn, i. 238.]] - - -471 - -JOHN BERNEY TO JOHN PASTON[292.1] - -_To the ryght worshipfull John Paston, Squyer, in hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JULY 17] - -Sir, I recomaund me to zow, &c. And as for my playn dysposyssyon towards -the Undyrshrewe, I wyll hym no bodyli hurt, nor shal not be hurt by me -nor by noo man that I may rewle. But the Comynnes throw all the schyer -be movyd agayn hym, for cause of his lyght demeanyng towards them for -this elexsyon of knygtts of the shyer for the Parlement. And I suppose -yf that he wyll, he may be hastyli easyd as thus:--lat hym make notys -unto the seyd Comynnes that this theyr eleccyon shall stande, or ellys -lat hym purchas a new wryt, and lat hym make wrytyng unto them what day -they shall come, and they to make a new eleccyon acordyng unto the law. -And, sir, I pray zow, sey to hym that it is nott his oneste to lye upon -too many men, noysyng them rebyliones of Norff[olk], and Berney theyr c -. . . No more to zow at this tyme, but I naff sent zow ij. letteris -within this viij. dayes. Wretyn the xvij. day of July anno regni Regis -E. iiij^ti. 1^mo. - - JOHN BERNEY. - - [Footnote 292.1: [From Fenn, iv. 28.]] - - -472 - -MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[293.1] - -_To my worchepful hosbonde, Jon Pastun, this letter be delyvered in -hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JULY 18] - -Ryth worchepful husbond, I recomawnd me to yow. Plesyt yow to wete that -I am desyrid be Sir John Tatersale to wryte to yow for a comyssion or a -noyr in termyner [_oyer and terminer_][293.2] for to be sent down in to -this cuntre to sit uppon the parson of Snoryng, and on soche as was -cause of Thomas Denyssys dethe, and for many and gret horebyl robryys; -and as for the costs ther of the cuntre wele pay therfor, for they be -sor aferd but [_i.e._ unless] the seyd dethe be chastysed, and the seyd -robryys, they ar aferde that mo folks xal be servyd in lyke wyse. - -As for the prest and vj. of hese men that be takyn, they be delyveryt to -Twer [_Twyer_], and iiij. be with hem of the cuntreys cost, for to be -sent with to the Kyng; and yf they be browt up at the reverens of God, -do yowr parte that they schape not, but that they may have the jugement -of the lawe, and as they have deservyd, and be comytyt to prison, not to -departe tyl they be inqueryd of her forseyd robery be soche a comyssion -that ye can get, that the Keng and the Lords may hondyrstonde wat rewle -they have be of, not hondely for the moderys and the robbryys, but as -wele for the gret insurrexsin that they were lyke amade within the -shyre. The preests of Castyr they be streytely take hede at be Roberd -Harmerer and hoder, so that the seyde prestys may have no thyng out of -ther owne, ne of hodyr menys, but they be rassakyt, and the plase ys -watchyd bothe day and nyth. The prestys thynk ryth longe tyl they -tydynggs fro yow. At the reverens of God, be ware hou ye goo and ryde, -for that ys told me that ye thret of hem that be nowty felawys that -hathe be inclynyng to them, that hathe be your hold adversarys. - -The blyssyd Trenyte have yow in hys kepyng. Wretyn in hast, the Saturday -nex be fore Sent Margarete. - - Be yours, - - M. P. - - [Footnote 293.1: [From Fenn, iv. 30.] The date of this letter is - certain, as it refers to the murder of Thomas Denys.] - - [Footnote 293.2: _See_ vol. ii. p. 161, Note 3.] - - -473 - -GRANT FROM THE CROWN[294.1] - -_Pro Johanne Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / JULY 27] - -Rex omnibus ad quos &c. salutem. Cum Nos indebitati sumus Johanni Paston -armigero et Thomae Hows clerico in septingentis marcis legalis monetae -regni nostri Angliae eisdem Johanni et Thomae solvendis juxta formam -cujusdam billae manu nostra signatae cujus tenor sequitur in haec verba:-- - -Edward, Kyng of Inglond and of Frauns, Lord of Irlond, recorde and -knoweleych that we have receyvyd of John Paston, Squyer, and Thomas -Hows, clerk, be the assent of oure trusty and welbelovyd cosyn Thomas -Archebysshop of Caunterbury, [and?] Mayster John Stokys, clerk, an -nowche of gold with a gret poynted diamaunt set upon a rose enamellid -white, and a nowche of gold in facion of a ragged staff with ij. ymages -of man and woman garnysshed with a ruby, a dyamaunt and a gret perle, -which were leyd to plegge by oure fader, whom Crist assoyle, to Sir John -Fastolff, knyght, for CCCC. xxxlvij_li._; and also an obligacion wherby -oure seid fader was bound to the seid Sir John Fastolff in an C. marc; -for which we graunt and promitt in the word of a kyng to pay to the seid -John Paston and Thomas Hows, clerk, or to her assignez, D.CC. mark of -lawfull money of Englond at days underwritte, that is to sey; att the -Fest of All Seyntes than next folowyng after the date of thys bille CC. -mark, and other CC. mark at the Fest of All Seyntis than next folowyng, -and other CC. mark at the Fest of All Seyntes than next folowyng, and an -C. mark at the Fest of All Seyntys thanne next folowyng. And also we -graunte that the seid John Paston and Thomas Hows shall have a signement -sufficient to hem aggreabill for the seid payment. And if it fortune -that the same John and Thomas be unpayd by the seid assignement of any -of the seid paymentis at any of the seid Festis, thanne we graunt upon -notice made to us therof by the same John or Thomas to pay hem or her -assignez that payment so behynd onpaid oute of oure cofirs withoute -delay. In witnesse werof we have signed this bill with oure hand the -xij. day of Jule the first yere of [our] reign. - -Nos solutionem summae illius praefatis Johanni et Thomae fieri et haberi -volentes, ut tenemur, concessimus et per praesentes concedimus eisdem -Johanni Paston et Thomae Hows septingentas marcas monetae praedictae -percipiendas modo et forma subsequentibus, videlicet, centum marcas inde -annuatim percipiendas de primis denariis provenientibus et crescentibus -de feodi firma civitatis nostrae Norwici et de omnibus aliis firmis, -exitibus, proficuis et reventionibus de eadem civitate provenientibus -per manus majoris, custodis, vicecomitum, civium seu ballivorum ejusdem -civitatis pro tempore existentium aut aliorum receptorum, firmariorum -seu appruatorum eorundem feodi firmarum, exituum, proficuorum et -reventionum dictae civitatis pro tempore existentium, et centum marcas -inde annuatim percipiendas de firmis, redditibus, exitibus, proficuis et -aliis commoditatibus quibuscumque de comitatibus nostris Norff' et Suff' -provenientibus per manus vicecomitum eorumdem comitatuum pro tempore -existentium quousque septingentae marcae eisdem Johanni Paston et Thomae -Hows plenarie persolutae fuerint. In cujus &c. Teste Rege apud -Westmonasterium, xxvij. die Julii. - - _Per ipsum Regem oretenus._ - - [Footnote 294.1: [From _Patent Roll_, 1 Edw. IV., Part 3, No. - 13.]] - - -474 - -THOMAS PLAYTER TO JOHN PASTON[296.1] - -_To maister John Paston Esquyer in hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / AUG. 1 (?)] - -Please your maistership wete that Danyell of Grayes In enfourmed me that -Kyng of Dounham whiche slewe Thomas Denys is arested and in hold at -Wysbyche and had ben delyvered nor had Fraunceys Costard a taken suerte -of pees of hym; and so he is kept in by non other meane but al onely by -suerte of pees. And as I felt by the said Danyell if he be craftyly -handeled he woll accuse many other; but Danyell is loth to name hem, but -I suppose he ment by Twyer and yet other mo, right sufficient, and -kalled of substans. Item, Haydon hath payed ccccc. marks and is -delivered. Item it is talked the parlement schal be proroged tyl the -iiij. day of Novembre and the kyng wol in to Scotland in al hast. Wretyn -in hast uppon the day of the Advencion.[296.2] - - Youris, - - THOMAS PLAITER. - - [Footnote 296.1: [Add. MS. 34,888, f. 181.] The year in which - this letter was written is certain, not only from the reference - to the murder of Thomas Denys, which was in July 1461, but also - from the mention of the prorogation of Parliament to the 4th of - November.] - - [Footnote 296.2: Probably meaning the Feast of St. Peter ad - Vincula (1st August).] - - -475 - -JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON[296.3] - -_To my mastres Paston and Richard Calle._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / AUG. 1] - -First, that Richard Calle fynde the meane that a distresse may be taken -of such bestes as occupie the ground at Stratton, and that cleyme and -contynuauns be made of my possession in any wise, and that thei be not -suffrid to occupie withowt thei compoune with me; and that aftir the -distresse taken the undirshreve be spoke with all that he make no -replevyn with out agrement or apoyntement taken, that the right of the -lond may be undirstand. - -ij. Item, I here sey the peple is disposed to be at the shire at Norwich -on Sen Lauerauns Day for th'affermyng of that thei have do afore, wherof -I hold me wele content if thei do it of her owne disposicion, but I woll -not be the cause of the labour of hem, ner bere no cost of hem at this -tyme, for be the lawe I am suer befor, but I am wel a payed it shall be -on han halyday for lettyng of the peples werk. I undirstand ther shall -be labour for a coroner that day, for ther is labour made to me for my -good wyll here, and I wyll nothyng graunt withowt the under shreves -assent, for he and I thought that Richard Bloumvyle were good to that -occupacion. Item, ye shall undirstand that the undirshreve was some what -flekeryng whill he was here, for he informyd the Kyng that the last -eleccion was not peasibill, but the peple was jakkyd and saletted, and -riottously disposid, and put hym in fere of his lyfe. Wherefore I gate -of hym the writte whech I send yow herwith, to that entent, thow any -fals shrewe wold labour, he shuld not be sure of the writ, and therfore -ye most se that the undirshreve have the writ at the day, in case the -peple be gadered, and thanne lete th'endentures be made up or er they -departe. - -iij. Item, that ye remembyr Thomas Denys wyfe that her husbond had -divers billes of extorcion don be Heydon and other, whech that he told -me that his seid wyfe beryid whan the rumour was, so that thei were ny -roten. Bidde her loke hem up and take hem yow. - -iiij. Item, as for the seyd distreynyng at Stratton, I wold that -Dawbeney and Thomas Bon shuld knowe the closes and the ground, that thei -myght attende ther to, that Richard were not lettyd of other -occupacions, and I wold this were do as sone as is possibill, or I come -home. Notwithstandyng, I trowe I shall come home or the shire, but I -woll nat it be knowe till the same day, for I will not come there with -owt I be sent fore be the peple to Heylisdonne. Notwithstandyng, and the -peple were wele avertised at that day, they shuld be the more redy to -shewe the oribyll extorcions and briberys that hath be do upon hem to -the Kyng at his comyng, desyring hym that he shuld not have in favor the -seyd extorcioners, but compelle hem to make amendes and sethe -[_satisfaction_] to the pore peple. - -v. Item, that Berney and Richard Wright geve suche folkys warnyng as -wyll compleyne to be redy with her billes if thei list to have any -remedy. - -vj. Item, that the maters ayens Sir Miles Stapilton may at Aylesham be -remembyrd. - -vij. Also if ye can be any craft get a copy of the bille that Sir Miles -Stapilton hath of the corte rolles of Gemyngham, that ye fayle not, but -assay and do yowr devyr, for that shuld preve some men shamefully fals. -Master Brakle seyd he shuld a get oon of Freston. I wold he shuld assay, -or ellys peraventure Skypwith, or ellys Master Sloley; for if Stapilton -were boren in hande that he shuld be founde fals and ontrewe, and first -founder of that mater, he wold bothe shewe the bille and where he had -it.[298.1] - -viij. Item, I wold the prestis of Caster were content for Midsomer term. - -ix. Item, ther is a whith box with evidens of Stratton, in on of the -canvas baggis in the gret cofir, or in the spruse chest. Ric. Calle -knowith it well, and ther is a ded of feffement and a letter of atorne -mad of the seyd londs in Stratton to John Damm, W. Lomner, Ric. Calle, -and John Russe. I wold a new dede and letter of atorne were mad owth -theroff be the feffees of the same laund to Thome Grene,[298.2] Thome -Playter, the parson of Heylisdon, Jacobo Gloys, klerke,[298.3] Johanni -Pamping, and that the ded bere date nowh, and that it be selid at the -next shire; for than I suppose the seyd feffes will be ther if it may -not be don er that tyme. I wold have the seyd dedis leyd in a box, both -old and new, and left secretly at Ric. Thornis hows at Stratton, that -whan I com homwar I mygh fynd it ther, and mak seson [_seisin_] and stat -to be take whil I wer ther. Wret at London on Lammes Day. - - [Footnote 296.3: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter is printed - from a draft which is partly in John Paston's own hand. The - contents clearly refer to, first, the Norfolk election of 1461, - which it was proposed to confirm by a new meeting of the - electors at the shire-house; and secondly, the necessity of - electing a new coroner after the murder of Thomas Denys. The - date is therefore certain.] - - [Footnote 298.1: Between this and the next paragraph is the - following sentence crossed out:-- 'Item, I send yow a writ - direct to the Meyer and Shreves of Norwich for to receyve of hem - an C. [_hundred_] mark yerly for suche jowellys as the Kyng hath - of me.'] - - [Footnote 298.2: This name is substituted for three others - crossed out, viz. 'John Grenefeld, Thomas Playter, Water - Wrottisle, Squyer.'] - - [Footnote 298.3: Here occurs the name, 'Christofere Grenacre,' - crossed out.] - - -476 - -JOHN RUSSE TO JOHN PASTON[299.1] - -_To my right worshypfull and reverent maistyr, John Paston, at Norwich._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / AUG. 23] - -Ryght worshypfull sir, and my right honourable maister, I recomaunde me -louly to you. And plese youre maistirshyp to wete that my Maister -Clement, youre brothyr, and Plater, wrot a letter to my mayster yore -sone[299.2] yistirday, the tenure of whych was how ye were entretyd -there. And as ye desyred me, so I enformyd hem the mater along, for they -wist not of it til I told hem; and they wrete the more pleynerly -inasmych as a worshypfull man rood the same day, and bare the letter to -my seyd maister youre sone. - -The Lord Bourgcher is with the Kynge, and my Lord Warwyk still in the -North, &c. - -Item, sir, thys day cam on John Waynflet from the Kyng streyt weye, and -he is of myn aqueyntaunce; and he teld me there was no voyse nor spekyng -aboute the Kyng of that mater; and I teld hym all the mater along hou ye -were intretyd, whych he wyll put in remembraunce in ony place that he -cometh in in Suffolk or Esex as he goth homward, for he owyth no good -wil to youre adversary. And the seyd Waynflet teld me that he knowyth -for serteyn that the Kyng cometh not to Northefolk til he hathe been -upon the Marchys of Walys, and so there is no serteynte of hyse comyng -thys many dayez. He teld me he lefte the Kyng with a smal felashyp -aboute hym. - -And I enqueryd hym of the gyding of my maystyr yore sone, whiche he -comendyd gretly, and seyd that he stood well inconseyt, and dayly shuld -increse; and he was well in acqueyntaunce and be lovyd with jentilmen -aboute the Kyng. But he seyd ther shal no thyng hurte hym but youre -streytnesse of mony to hym, for withoute he have mony in hyse purse, so -as he may resonably spende among hem, ellys they wyll not sette by hem; -and there be jentilmen sones of lesse reputacion that hath mony more -lyberal x. tymez than he hath, and soo in that they seyd Waynflet seyd -it were full necessary for you to remembre, &c. - -As for tydyngs here bee noon newe, &c. I truste I shal brynge you a -letter from my mayster your sone, or thanne I come, for whych I shal -rather thanne fayle abyde on day the lenger. And Jesu have you, my right -honourable maister, in Hyse mercyfull governaunce, and preserve you from -adversyte. Wretyn at London, on Seynt Bertylmewys Evyn. - -I can speke with noo man but that thynke the gydyng of youre adversary -hath been in many causez ryght straunce, and as it is soposyd that he -shal undyrstonde at the Parlament; but for Gods sake have men inow -aboute yow, for ye undyrstonde is on manerly dysposecion. - - Your bedeman and servaunt, - - JOHN RUSSE. - - [Footnote 299.1: [From Fenn, iv. 42.] Edward IV. went into the - Marches of Wales, as mentioned in this letter, in the autumn of - 1461. He was at Gloucester on the 11th September, and at Ludlow - on the 21st, as appears by the dates of his privy seals. The - matter mentioned in the postscript is doubtless Howard's - contention with Paston in the shire-house at Norwich, to which - allusion is made in the letter following.] - - [Footnote 299.2: John Paston, the eldest son.] - - -477 - -JOHN PASTON, THE ELDEST SON, TO HIS FATHER[301.1] - -_To my rythg reverent and worchypfoll fader, John Paston, Esquyer, -dwellyng in Heylysdon, be thys letter delyvered in haste._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / AUG. 23] - -Most reverent and worschepfull fadyr, I rekomawnd me hertyly, and -submytt me lowlely to your good faderhood, besechyng yow for cheryte of -yowr dayly blyssyng. I beseche yow to hold me ascewsyd that I sente to -yowe none erste no wrythgtyng, for I kowd not spede to myn intent the -maters that ye sent to me for. I have laboryd dayly my Lord of Essexe, -Treserer of Ynglond, to have mevyd the Kyng bothe of the maner [of] -Deddham and of the byll copye of the Corte Roll, everye mornyng ore he -went to the Kyng, and often tymys inqueryd of hym and he had mevyd the -Kyng in these matyers. He answeryd me naye, seyyng it was no tyme, and -seyd he wold it war osse fayne spedd os I myselfe, offed tymys de -layding me that in trouthe I thowt to have send yowe word that I felyd -by hym that he was not wyllyng to meve the Kyng ther in. Neverthe lesse -I lawberyd to hym contynually, and prayed Barronners hys man to remembyr -hym of it. I told offten tyms to my seyd Lord that I had a man teryyn in -town, that I schuld a sente to yow for othyr sundry maters, and he -teryid for no thyng but that I mythg send yowe by hym an answer of the -seyd matyers; othyr tyms besechyng hym to spede me in theys matyers for -thys cawse, that ye schulde thynke no defawte in me for remembryng in -the seyd maters. - -And nowe of late, I, rememberyng hym of the same mater, inqueryd if he -had mevyd the Kyngs Hythgnes therin; and he answeryd me that he hadde -felte and mevyd the Kyng ther in, rehersyng the Kyngys answer therin; -how that, when he had mevyd the Kyng in the seyd maner of Dedham, -besechyng hym to be yowr good Lord ther in, konsyderyng the servyse and -trewe part that ye have done, and owthg to hym, and in espesyal the -rygth that ye have therto, he seyd he wold be your good Lord therin as -he wold be to the porest man in Inglond. He wold hold with yowe in yowr -rygth; and as for favor, he wyll nogth be under stand that he schal -schewe favor mor to one man then to anothyr, nowgth to on in Inglond. - -And as for the bille copyd of the Cort Rolle, when he mevyd to him of -it, he smylyd and seyd that suche a bylle ther was, seyyng that ye wold -an oppressyd sundreys of yowr contremen of worchypfull men, and the for -he kepyd it styll. Never the lesse he seyd he schuld loke it uppe in -haste, and he schuld have it. - -Baronners undertoke to me twyes ore thryes that he schuld so a' -remembred hys lord and master,[302.1] that I schuld au had it with inne -ij. or iij. dayes. He is often tyms absent, and therfor I have it nowthg -yyt; when I kan gete it, I schall send it yowe, and of the Kyngs mowth, -hys name that take it hym. - -I scend you home Pekok a geyn. He is not for me. God send grace that he -may do yow good servyse, that be extymacion is not lykelye. Ye schall -have knowleche aftyrward how he hathe demenyd hym her with me. I wold, -savyng yowr dysplesure, that ye were delyvered of hym, for he schalle -never do yow profyte ner worchyp. - -I suppose ye understand that the monye that I hadde of yowe att Londun -maye not indur with me tyll that the Kyng goo in to Walys an kome ageyn, -for I under stand it schall be long or he kome ageyn. Wher for I have -sent to Londun to myn onkyl Clement to gete an C_s._ of Christofyr -Hansom yowr servaunt, and sene [_send_] it me be my seyd servaunt, and -myn herneys with it, whyche I lefte at Lundun to make klene. - -I beseche yowe not to be dysplesyd with it, for I kowd make non othyr -cheysaunce [_arrangement_] but I schuld a boruyed it of a strange man, -sum of my felawys, who I suppose schold not lyke yowe, and ye herd of it -a nothyr tyme. I ame in suerte wher as I schall have a nothyr maun in -the stede of Pekoke. - -My Lord of Estsexe seythe he wyll do as myche for yowe as for any -esquyer in Inglond, and Beronners hys man telht me, seyy[n]g, 'Yowr -fadyr is myche be holdyng to my Lord, for he lovyth hym well.' Bernners -mevyd me ons, and seyd that ye must nedys do sum wate for my Lord and -hys, and I seyd I wost well that ye wold do for hym that laye in yowre -powar. And he seyd that ther was a lytyl mony be twyxe yowe and a -jantylman of Estsexe, callyd Dyrward, seyyng that ther is as myche be -wern [_between_] my seyd Lord and the seyd jantylman, of the wyche mony -he desieryth yowr part. - -It is talkyd here how that ye and Howard schuld a' strevyn togueder on -the scher daye, and on of Howards men schuld a' strekyn yow twyess with -a dagere, and soo ye schuld a ben hurt but for a good dobelet that ye -hadde on at that tyme. Blyssyd be God that ye hadde it on. No mor I -wryth to yower good faderhod at thys tym, but All myghty God have yowe -in Hys kepyng, and sende yowe vyttorye of yowr elmyes [_enemies_], and -worschyp in cressyng to yowr lyvys end yn. Wrytyn at Lewys, on Seynt -Bertylmwes Eve. - - Be yowr servaunt and elder sone, - - JOHN PASTON. - - [Footnote 301.1: [From Fenn, iv. 46.] Allusion is made in this - letter, as in the last, to Edward IV.'s going into Wales in - 1461. The writer appears to have been with the King, and - expecting to accompany him on the journey. Edward was at Battle - on the 21st August 1461, according to the dates of his privy - seals.] - - [Footnote 302.1: Henry Bourchier, Earl of Essex.] - - -478 - -CLEMENT PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[303.1] - -_To hys rythe reverent and worchypfwll broder, John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / AUG. 25] - -Rythe reverent and worchypfwll broder, I recomawnde me to yowr good -broderhood, desieryng to herre of zour welfar and good prosperite, the -gwyche I pray God encresse to His pleswr and zowr herts hesse [_heart's -ease_]; certyfyyng zow that I have spok with John Rwsse, and Playter -spok with him bothe, on Fryday be for Seynt Barthelmw. He tolde us of -Howards gydyng, gwyche mad us rythe sory tyl we herde the conclusion -that ze hadde non harme. - -Also I understond by W. Pekok that my nevew hadde knowleche ther of also -up on Saterday nexst be for Seynt Barthelmwe, in the Kyngs howse. Not -with standyng, up on the same day Playter and I wryte letters on to him, -rehersyng al the mater, for cause if ther wer ony questionys mevyd to -hym ther of, that he xwlde telle the trowthe, in cas that the qwestions -wer mevyd by ony worchypfwll man, and namyd my Lord Bowcher,[304.1] for -my Lord Bowcher was with the Kyng at that tyme. - -I fele by W. Pekok that my nevew is not zet verily aqweyntyd in the -Kyngs howse, nor with the officers of the Kyngs howse he is not takyn as -non of that howse; for the coks [_cooks_] be not charged to serve hym, -nor the sewer[304.2] to gyve hym no dyche, for the sewer wyll not tak no -men no dyschys till they be comawndyd by the cownterroller. Also he is -not aqweyntyd with no body but with Weks;[304.3] and Weks ad told hym -that he wold bryng hym to the Kyng, but he hathe not zet do soo. Wherfor -it were best for hym to tak hys leve and cum hom, til ze hadd spok with -swm body to helpe hym forthe, for he is not bold y now to put forthe hym -selfe. But than I consyderyd that if he xwld now cum hom, the Kyng wold -thyng [_think_] that wan he xwld doo hym ony servie som wer, that than -ze wold have hym hom, the qwyche xwld cause hym not to be hadde in -favor; and also men wold thynke that he wer put owte of servic. Also W. -Pekok tellythe me that his mony is spent, and not ryotesly, but wysly -and discretly, for the costs is gretter in the Kyngs howse qwen he -rydythe than ze wend it hadde be, as Wyllam Pekok can tell zow; and -therof wee must gett hym jC_s._ at the lest, as by Wyllam Pekoks seyyng, -and zet that will be to lytill, and I wot well we kan not get xl_d._ of -Christifyr Hanswm. So I xall be fayn to lend it hym of myn owne silver. -If I knew verily zour entent wer that he xwld cum hom, I wold send hym -non. Ther I wyll doo as me thynkithe ze xwld be best plesyd, and that me -thynkythe is to send him the silver. Ther for I pray zow hastely as ze -may send me azen v. mark, and the remnawnte, I trow, I xall get up on -Christofir Hanswm and Lwket. I pray zow send me it as hastely as ze may, -for I xall leve my selfe rythe bare; and I pray zow send me a letter how -ze woll that he xull be demenyd. Wrytyn on Twsday after Seynt -Barthelmwe, &c. Christus vos conservet! - - CLEMENT PASTON. - - [Footnote 303.1: [From Fenn, iv. 52.] The references to Howard's - conduct, and to John Paston the son being with the King, prove - this letter to be of the year 1461. Compare the last paragraph - of the letter immediately preceding with the first of this.] - - [Footnote 304.1: Henry, Viscount Bourchier, who had been created - Earl of Essex on the 30th June preceding. The writer had - forgotten his new dignity.] - - [Footnote 304.2: An officer who had the ordering of the dishes, - etc.] - - [Footnote 304.3: John Wykes was an usher of the King's chamber, - and a friend and cousin of J. Paston's.--F.] - - -479 - -LORD BEAUCHAMP TO SIR THOMAS HOWES[305.1] - -_To myn welbeloved frende, Sir Thomas Howys, Parson of Blofeld._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / AUG. 28] - -Welbeloved frende, I grete you well. And for as muche as I understonde -that William Wurcester, late the servant unto Sir John Fastolf, Knyth, -whois soule God assoyle, ys not had in favour ne trust with my right -welbeloved frende, John Paston, nether with you, as he seyth, namely in -such maters and causes as concerneth the wylle and testament of the said -Sir John Fastolf; and as I am informed the said William purposeth hym to -go into his cuntre, for the whiche cause he hath desired me to wryte -unto you that ye wolde ben a special good frend unto hym, for his said -mastris sake, to have alle suche things as reason and consciens -requireth, and that ye wolde be meane unto Paston for hym in this mater -to schewe hym the more favour at thys tyme for this my writyng in doyng -of eny truble to hym, trusting that he wole demeane hym in suche wyse -that he shal have no cause unto hym, but to be his good master, as he -seyth. And yf ther be eny thing that I can do for you, I wole be right -glad to do it, and that knoweth Almyghty God, whiche have you in his -keping. Wretin at Grenewyche, the xxviij^th day of August. - - J. BEAUCHAMP. - - [Footnote 305.1: [From Fenn, iv. 96.] This letter was probably - written in the year 1461, if not in the year preceding. The - disputes about Fastolf's will came before the Spiritual Court in - the year 1465; but at the date of this letter they could not - have proceeded very far.] - - -480 - -LORD HUNGERFORD AND ROBERT WHITYNGHAM TO MARGARET OF ANJOU[306.1] - -_A la Reyne D'Engleterre [en] Escote._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / AUG. 30] - -Madam, please it yowr gode God, we have sith our comyng hider, writen to -your Highnes thryes. The last we sent by Bruges, to be sent to you by -the first vessell that went into Scotland; the oder ij. letters we sent -from Depe, the ton by the Carvell in the whiche we came, and the oder in -a noder vessell. But, ma dam, all was oon thyng in substance, of puttyng -you in knolege of the Kyng your uncles[306.2] deth, whom God assoyll, -and howe we sta[n]de arest [_arrested_], and doo yet; but on Tuysday -next we trust and understande, we shall up to the Kyng, your cosyn -germayn.[306.3] His Comyssaries, at the first of our tarrying, toke all -our letters and writyngs, and bere theym up to the Kyng, levyng my Lord -of Somerset in kepyng atte Castell of Arkes,[306.4] and my felowe -Whityngham and me, for we had sauff conduct, in the town of Depe, where -we ar yete. But on Tyysday next we understand, that it pleaseth the said -Kyngs Highnes that we shall come to hys presence, and ar charged to -bring us up, Monsieur de Cressell, nowe Baillyf of Canse, and Monsieur -de la Mot. - -Ma dam, ferth [_fear_] you not, but be of gode comfort, and beware that -ye aventure not your person, ne my Lord the Prynce,[307.1] by the See, -till ye have oder word from us, in less than your person cannot be sure -there as ye ar, [and] that extreme necessite dryfe you thens; and for -God sake the Kyngs Highnes be advysed the same. For as we be enformed, -Th'erll of March[307.2] is into Wales by land, and hath sent his navy -thider by see; and, Ma dame, thynketh verily, we shall not soner be -delyvered, but that we woll come streght to you, withaut deth take us by -the wey, the which we trust he woll not, till we see the Kyng and you -peissible ayene in your Reame; the which we besech God soon to see, and -to send you that your Highnes desireth. Writen at Depe the xxx^ti dey of -August. - - Your true Subgettes and Liege men. - - HUNGERFORD. - - WHITYNGHAM. - -_At the bottom of the Copy of the Letter is added:_-- - -These ar the names of those men that ar in Scotland with the Quene. The -Kyng Herry is at Kirkhowbre with iiij. men and a childe. - -Quene Margaret is at Edenburgh and hir son. - -The Lord Roos and his son. - - John Ormond. - William Taylboys. - Sir John Fortescu. - Sir Thomas Fyndern. - Waynesford of London. - Thomas Thompson of Guynes. - Thomas Brampton of Guynes. - John Audeley of Guynes. - Langheyn of Irland. - Thomas Philip of G[i]ppeswich. - Sir Edmund Hampden. - Sir Henry Roos. - John Courteney. - Myrfyn of Kent. - Dauson. - Thomas Burnby. - Borret of Sussex. - Sir John Welpdalle. - Mr. Roger Clerk, of London. - John Retford, late Coubitt. - Giles Senctlowe. - John Hawt. - - [Footnote 306.1: [From Fenn, i. 246.] That this letter was - written in the year 1461 is sufficiently evident from its - contents. The MS. from which it was printed by Fenn was a copy - in the handwriting of Henry Windsor, and was manifestly the - enclosure referred to in his letter No. 483. It bore the same - paper-mark as that letter.] - - [Footnote 306.2: Charles VII. of France. He died on the 22nd - July 1461.] - - [Footnote 306.3: Lewis XI., son of Charles VII.] - - [Footnote 306.4: Arques, in Normandy, south of Dieppe.] - - [Footnote 307.1: Edward, son of Henry VI.] - - [Footnote 307.2: Edward IV., whom the Lancastrians did not yet - recognise as king.] - - -481 - -JOHN PAMPYNG TO JOHN PASTON, SENIOR[308.1] - -_To my right worshipfull master John Paston, the older, Squier._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / SEPT. 6] - -Please your mastirship to wete that I have be at Cotton, and spoke with -Edward Dale, and he told me that Yelverton and Jenney were there on -Friday,[308.2] and a toke distresse of xxvj. or more bullokks of the -seid Edwards in the Park, and drofe hem to a town therby; and a -neyghbore there undirstandyng the bests were Edward Dalis,[308.3] and -bond hym to pay the ferme, or ellis to bryng in the bests be a day. And -whan the seid Edward undirstod the takyng of the seid bests he went to -Yelverton and Jenney, and bond hym in an obligacon of x_li._, to pay hem -his ferme at Mighelmes; whech I told hym was not well do, for I told hym -ye had be abill to save hym harmeles. And because of discharge of his -neyghbour he seid he myght non other wise do. Nevirthelesse as for mony -thei get none of hym redely, ner of the tenaunts nowthyr, as he can -thynk yet. The seid Yelverton dyned on Friday at Cotton, and there -chargid the tenaunts thei shuld pay no mony but to hym, and hath -flaterid hem, and seith thei shall be restorid ayen of such wrongs as -thei have had be Sir Philip Wentworth and other for Master Fastolff; and -because of such tales, your tenaunts owe hym the bettir will. And I -purposid to have gon to Cotton and spoke with the tenaunts, and Edward -Dale told me he supposid thei wold be this day at Nakton. And because -[I desired][308.4] to speke with hem as ye comaundid me, I terid not but -rod to Ipwich to my bed, and there at the Sonne was the seid Yelverton -and Jenney and Thomas Fastolff; and myn ost told me, that the same aftir -none thei had be at Nakton, but what thei ded there I can not telle, and -whan I was undirstand your man, Hogon, Jenneys man, askyd suerte of pes -of me; and Jenney sent for an officer to have hed me to prison; and so -myn ost undirtoke for me that nyght. And this day in the mornyng I wente -to Sen Lauerauns Chirche; and there I spak to hem and told hem ye -merveylid that thei wold take any distresse or warne any of your -tenaunts that thei shuld pay yow no mony. And Yelverton seid ye had take -a distresse falsly and ontrewly of hym that ought yow no mony ner hem -nowther. And he seid he was infeffid as well as ye; and as for that I -told hym he wost odre [_knew the contrary_], and thow he were it was but -your use, and so I told hym that men were infeffid in his lond, and that -he shuld be servid the same withinne fewe dayes. And he seid he wost -well ye were not infeffid in his lond, and if ye toke upon yow to make -any trobill in his lond ye shall repente it. And also he seid that he -wold do in like wise in alle maners that were Sir John Fastolffs in -Norfolk as thei have begonne, and other langage as I shall telle yow. -And so I am with the gayler, with a clogge upon myn hele for suerte of -the pees; wherefore please your mastirship to send me your avise. - -Item, John Andrews was with hem at Cotton, and thei have set a man of -the seid Andrews to kepe the plase. - -Item, Wymondham, Debenham and Tympirle come to Yelverton this day at -masse and speke with hym; and I speke to Tymperle in your name that he -wold not comforte ner be with hem ayein in this mater; and he seid he -undirstod no such thyng, ner it was not his comyng hedir. Wretyn at -Ipwych the Sonday next before the Nativite of Owr Lady. - - Yowr servaunt, - - JOHN PAMPYNG. - - The back is covered with some rough memoranda in Richard Calle's - hand, of moneys received at different times of year by Richard - Charlys, Thomas Howys, William Berton, baker, of Southwark, Ralph - Lovel, John Prentyng, Richard Coomber, and John de Dorylot. Some of - these payments are made through Dawbeney, John Paston, junior, and - John Paston, senior (_per manus Johannis Paston Senioris_). - - [Footnote 308.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] In the letter of James - Gloys, which follows (No. 482), will be found an allusion to a - recent 'revel done in Suffolk' by Yelverton and Jenney. That the - affair alluded to was the same which is described in this letter - will appear beyond doubt if the reader will refer to Letter - 487.] - - [Footnote 308.2: 4th September.] - - [Footnote 308.3: Apparently the writer has omitted a word or - more here.] - - [Footnote 308.4: Omitted in MS.] - - -482 - -JAMES GLOYS TO JOHN PASTON[310.1] - -_To the right reverent and wurchepfull Sir, and my gode mayster, John -Paston, Esquyer._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / SEPT. 24] - -Right reverent and wurchepfull sir, I recomand me to your gode -maystershep, prayng you to wete that I was at Blakkes, and spake with -his wiffe; and she seth he was not at hame this iij. weks,--he ridith up -the countre to take accompts of balys [_bailiffs_],--and that this day -sevennyght he shuld have satyn in Caystr by you up on accounts, and fro -thens he shuld have redyn to Lynne, and that he shall be at home un -Monday at nyght next comyng. Wherfor I have left my heraund with her. -But she seth that he shall not mown comyn [_be able to come_] to you, -for my Lady[310.2] have sent for hym in gret hast, bothyn be a letter -and be a tokyn, to comyn to her as hastly as he may; notwithstandyng she -shall do the herand to hym. - -As for Yelverton, I dede a gode fele to enquer of Yemmys Skynner whan -the seid Yelverton shuld go to London. He seid not this sevynnyght. He -cowde not tell what day till he had spokyn with his son. His sone shuld -come to hym or his master shuld ridyn. I shall enquer mor at Walsyngham. -And for Godds love be not to longe fro London, for men seyn ther, as I -have be [told], that my Lord of Glowcetir[310.3] shuld have Cayster, and -ther is gret noyse of this revell that was don in Suffolk be Yelverton -and Jeney; and your wele willers thynkyn that if thei myght prevayle in -this, thei wold attempt you in other. But seas ther pore and malyce, and -preserve you from all evill. And at the reverence of God lete sum -interposicion go a twix you and my mastres your moder or ye go to -London, and all that ye do shall spede the better; for she is set on -gret malyce, and every man that she spekith with knowith her hert, and -it is like to be a fowle noyse [over] all the countre with aught it be -sone sesid. - -Also, sir, it is told me that my Lord of Norfolk is comyn to -Framlyngham, and that ye be gretly comendyd in his howshold. Therfor it -wer wele do, me semyth, that ye spake with hym. The Holy Trynyte kepe -you. - -Wretyn at Norwich, the Thursday next after Sent Mathewe. - - Your pore prest, - - JAMES GLOYS. - - [Footnote 310.1: [From Fenn, iv. 58.] On the back of this letter - is the following memorandum in a contemporaneous hand:-- 'De - Ric'o Calle pro ordio (_i.e._ hordeo) ibidem pro ij. annis - terminatis ad Mic' anno primo regni Regis E. iiij., xxvj_s._ - viij_d._' This shows that the letter itself could not have been - written later than 1461, and as there was no 'Lord of - Gloucester' before that year, it could not have been earlier.] - - [Footnote 310.2: Alice, Duchess of Suffolk.] - - [Footnote 310.3: Richard, the King's brother, afterwards Richard - III.] - - -483 - -HENRY WYNDESORE TO JOHN PASTON[311.1] - -_To my full worshipfull, speciall gode maister, John Paston, Squyer, -abidyng at Norwich._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / OCT. 4] - -Right worshipfull sir, and some tyme my moost speciall gode master, -I recommaunde me unto your gode maistership, with all my pour service, -if it may in any wise suffice; and farthermore, sir, I beseche you, nowe -beyng in your countre, where ye may deily call unto you my maister Sir -Thomas Howys, ones to remembre my pour mater, and by your discretions to -take such a direction theryn, and so to conclude, as may be to your -discharge and to my furtherance, accordyng to the will of hym that is -passed unto Gode, whose saull I pray Jesu pardone! for truly, sir, ther -was in hym no faute, but in me onely; yf it be not as I have remembred -your maistership affore thy[s] tyme. For truly, sir, I der say I shuld -have had as speciall and as gode a maister of you, as any pour man, as I -am, withyn England shuld have hadd of a worshipfull man, as ye ar, yf ye -had never medulled the godes of my maister F., and as moche ye wold have -done, and labored fore me, in my right, if it hadde byn in the handes of -any oder man than of your self anely. But, I truste in Gode, at your -next comyng to have an answere, such as I shalbe content with. And yf it -may be so, I am and shalbe your servaunt in that I can or may, that -knoith our Lord Jesu, whom I besech save and sende you a gode ende in -all your maters, to your pleiser and worship everlastyng. Amen. Writton -at London, iiij^to die Octobris. - -As fore tidyngs, the Kyng wolbe at London withyn iij. deies next comyng; -and all the castelles and holdes in South Wales, and in North Wales, ar -gyfen and yelden up into the Kynges hand. And the Duc of Excestre[312.1] -and th'erle of Pembrok[312.2] ar floon and taken the mounteyns, and -dyvers Lordes with gret puissans ar after them; and the moost part of -gentilmen and men of worship ar comen yn to the Kyng, and have grace, of -all Wales. - -The Duc of Somerset, the Lord Hungerford, Robert Whityngham, and oder -iiij. or v. Squyers are comen into Normandy out of Scotland, and as -yette they stand strete under arest; and as merchauntes that ar comen -late thens sey, they ar like to be demed and jugged prisoners. My Lord -Wenlok, Sir John Cley, and the Dean of Seynt Severyens, have abiden at -Cales thise iij. wikes, and yette ar there, abidyng a saufconduit, goyng -uppon an ambassate to the Frenshe Kyng; and Sir Wauter Blount, Tresorer -of Cales, with a grete feleship of souldeours of Cales, and many oder -men of the Marches, have leyn, and yette doo, at a seege afore the -Castell of Hampmes, by side Cales, and deily make gret werre, either -parte toother. - -Item, I send unto you a copy of a letter that was taken uppon the see, -made by the Lord Hungerford and Whytyngham. - -Item, we shall have a gret ambassate out of Scotland in all hast of -Lordes. - - At your comaundement, and Servaunt, - - HENRY WYNDESORE. - - [Footnote 311.1: [From Fenn, i. 240.] For the date of this - letter, compare No. 480.] - - [Footnote 312.1: Henry Holland. He married Anne, sister of King - Edward IV., but remained a steady Lancastrian, and was attainted - this year in Parliament.] - - [Footnote 312.2: Jasper Tudor, half-brother of Henry VI.] - - -484 - -CLEMENT PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[313.1] - -_To his right reverent and worshipfull broder, John Paston, Esquier, be -this delivered in great haste._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / OCT. 11] - -Brother, I recommende me to you. After all dewe recommendacions, &c. -Sir, it was tolde me by rythe a worshipfull man that loveth you rythe -well, and ye him, and ye sall knowe his name hereafter, but put all -things out of doubt he is such a man as will not lye: on the xj^th day -of October the Kinge said, 'We have sent two privy sealys to Paston by -two yeomen of our chamber, and he disobeyeth them; but we will send him -anoder tomorrowe, and by Gods mercye, and if he come not then he sall -dye for it. We will make all oder men beware by him how they sall -disobey our writinge. A servant of our hath made a complainte of him. -I cannot thinke that he hath informed us all truely, yet not for that, -we will not suffer him to disobey our writinge; but sithen he disobeyeth -our writinge, we may beleve the better his gydinge is as we be -informed.' And therwith he made a great avowe that if he [_ye_] come not -at the third commandement ye xulde dye therefore. This man that told me -this is as well learned a man as any is in England; and the same xj^th -day of October, he advised me to send a man to yow in all the hast that -might be to lett yow have knowlache, and that ye xulde not lett for none -excuse, but that ye xulde make the man good cheere and come as hastily -ye might to the Kinge, for he understandeth so much that the King will -keep his promise. Notwithstanding, by mine advice, if ye have his letter -or the messenger come to you, come to the Kinge wards or ye meet with -him, and when ye come ye must be suer of a great excuse. Also if ye doe -well, come right stronge, for Howards wife made her bost that if any of -her husbands men might come to yow ther yulde goe noe penny for your -life; and Howard hath with the Kinge a great fellowship. - -This letter was written the same day that the Kinge said these words, -and the same day that it was told me, and that day was the xj^th day of -October as abovesaid; and on the next morning send I forth a man to yow -with this letter, and on the same day send the Kinge the third privye -seale to you. Also he that tolde me this seid that it were better for -yow to come up than to be fotte out of your house with streingth, and to -abide the Kings judgement therin, for he will take your contumacy to -great displeasure. Also, as I understand, the Duke of Norffolk hath made -a great complaint of yow to the King, and my Lord of Suffolk[314.1] and -Howard and Wyngfelde helpe well to every day and call upon the King -against yow. The Kinge is at this day at Grenewich, and ther will be -still till the Parliament beginne. Some say he will goe to Walsingham, -but Mr. Sotyll seid in the aulle in the Temple that he harde no worde of -any such pilgrimage. No more, &c. Written the xj^th day of October at -midnight. - -My nevew John tolde me also that he supposed ther were out proclamacions -against yow, &c. the same day. - - By CLEMENT PASTON, - - your broder. - - [Footnote 313.1: This letter is reprinted from the _Norfolk - Archaeology_, vol. iv. p. 26, where it is edited from a - transcript contained in a MS. genealogy of the Paston family - drawn up by Sandford, author of the _Genealogical History of - England_. The references to Howard's animosity against Paston, - and to an approaching Parliament, prove clearly that this letter - is of the year 1461.] - - [Footnote 314.1: John de la Pole, son and heir of William, Duke - of Suffolk, who was attainted in 1450, was not restored to the - Dukedom till the 23rd of March 1463; but being in favour at - court, and having married Edward IV.'s sister, he seems even at - this time to have been popularly called 'my Lord of Suffolk.'] - - -485 - -RICHARD CALLE TO JOHN PASTON[315.1] - -_To my ryght reverent and wurschipfull maystre, my mastre John Paston._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / OCT. 13] - -Plesith it your maystreschip to witte that Mr. John and I, with other -mo, have ben at Cotton on Friday[315.2] last passed, and there Jenney -had do warned the corte there to be the same Friday, and he was at Eye -at the cescions the Thorsday before; and on the Friday in the mornynge -he was comyng to Cotton to hoolde the corte there. And it fortuned we -had entred the place or he come; and he herd therof and turned bac a -yein to Oxon[315.3] to my Lorde of Norwiche, and there dyned with hym. -And my Lorde sent Mr. John Colleman to Cotton Halle to speke with you; -and at hes comyng he undrestode ye were not there, and if ye had, my -Lorde desired you to come and spoken with hym, and that my Lorde desired -to put your matre in a trety; in so moche that Mr. John Colleman tolde -to my master, John Paston, that diverse of your elmees [_enemies_] had -labored to my Lorde to have a trety if he cowde brynge it aboute, &c. -And as for the tenaunts they wolde not come at the place on to the tyme -that I sent for hem, for they sey pleynly they woll not have a do with -hem; and so the corte whas holden in your name, and the tenaunts ryght -weele plesed ther of, excepte Thurnberne and Agas, and as for any -socour, they have there ryght noone at all. And so Mr. John whas ther -Friday all day and Saterday tyll none; and than he toke hes horse with -xxx. men with hym and rode to Jeney place, and toke there xxxvj. heede -of nete, and brought hem in to Norfolk; and so whas I left still at -Cotton with xij. men with me, be cauce they reporte and we abode there -ij. dayes we schulde be pult out be the heeds. And so we a mode [? -_abode_] there v. dayes and kepte the place, and I walked aboute all the -lordeschippes and spake with all the fermours and tennaunts that longen -to the maner to undrestande her disposessyon and to receyve money of -hem; and I fynde [them] ryght weele disposed to you. And be cauce the -corte whas warned in ther name and not in youre, therfore they purvey no -money; but they have promysed me to pay no money to no man but to you, -so that ye woll safe hem harmeles; and I told hem ye wold safe hem -harmeles. They have apoynted with me to make redy her money withinne a -fornyght aftre Halowemesse, &c. I have receyved of the tenaunts that I -undrestod out [_owed_] you werst wyll viij. marc, &c. And as for Edward -Dalys money it is redy, so that your maistreschip woll se that he be not -hurt be hes obligacion. Ferthermore, plesit your maistreschip to sende -worde if they entre into the maner ayein, how we schall be rwled and -gidyd; for the tenaunts fere hem they wol entre whan we be gon, and than -wol they distreyne the tenaunts, for they sey there that my Lorde of -Cauntyrbury and other Lords woll relese to hem, notwithstandyng that I -have enformed hem other wice; wherfore, savyng your better advice, me -semethe it were ryght weele doo that ye had a letter of my Lorde of -Cauntirbury, and other to the tenaunts of Cotton that it is her wyll and -entent that ye schulde have the rwle and gouernaunce, and receyve the -money of that maner, and other that were Sir John Fastolff, on whom God -have mercy, for I dought not and suche a lettre came downe to the -tenaunts there schulde no man sey nay to it. Besechyng your maystreschyp -to have an answere of how we schall be gided and rwled, &c. Item, to -sende worde howe we schall doo with the geere that wee toke out at the -Wyght Freris, wether it schall be sent to you or nought. And Jesu -preserve you. Wreten at Norwiche upon Sein Edwards Day. - - Be your servaunt and bedman, - - RIC. CALLE. - - _Endorsed in a hand nearly contemporaneous:_ 'Litter' sirca anno - (_sic_) E. 4 iij. vel iiij^{o.}' - - [Footnote 315.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] On comparing this - letter with No. 481, no one will doubt that both were written in - the same year.] - - [Footnote 315.2: 9th October.] - - [Footnote 315.3: Hoxne.] - - [[RICHARD CALLE TO JOHN PASTON[315.1] - _footnote tag missing_]] - - -486 - -WILLIAM NAUNTON TO JOHN PASTON, SENIOR[317.1] - -_To my Master Paston, the elder, be thys letter delyveryd in hast._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / OCT.] - -Ryght wurchypful sir, I recommend me to zour good masterchyp. The cause -qwy I wryth I let zour have knowlech of the mene that be in Cotton -Halle, how they be strangely dysposyd ageyns zow; for, as I here say, -they make revell there. They melt led and brek down zour bregg, and make -that no man go in to [the] place but on a ledder, and make them as -strong as they kan a geyns zow be the supportacion of Jeney and -Debenham, and hys sone; for they seye ther that Jeney hath sold the -lyflod on to Debynham, and that hys son the knyth shall dwell ther, and -ther forr they have warnyd a cort ageyns Munday, and now they ar a vysed -to kepyt on Saturday be forr Munday. Qwat they mene therby I wot never, -but as for the felechyp in the place that ys there now, and have be here -al thys weke, there ys no man of substans, as we here, and there have be -but vij. or viij. al thys wyke; but there wyll be a gret felechyp thys -nyth or to morwe up on Saturday, for than they wyl kepe the cort. And as -for Edward Dale, he dar not abyde wyl at horn, they thret hym so, be -cause he wyl send them no vytaly. And as for me self, Edward Dale dar -not let me wyll [_well_] be there for takyng in suspecyon. And jas for -the tenaunts, they be wel dysposyd except j. or ij., so that ze wyl -support them in hast, for they may nowt kepe of ther katel of the ground -long; and specyally they desyr to have zowr owne presens, and they wold -be of gret cownfort. No mor I wryth to zour, but the Holy Gost have zour -in kepyng. Wretyn on the Fryday after my departyng. - - Be your Servaunt, - - WYLLYAM NANTON. - - [Footnote 317.1: [From Fenn, iii. 414.] This letter corresponds - so closely with the next in what is said about the occupants of - Cotton Hall, that it is clear they were both written about the - same time.] - - -487 - -RICHARD CALLE TO JOHN PASTON, JUNIOR[318.1] - -_To the right worschipfull sir and maistre, John Paston jun., esquyer._ - -[Sidenote: 1461 / OCT.] - -Ryght worschipfull sir, I recomaunde me unto your mastreschip, -certifiyng you that Jenney and Yelverton hathe certified up in to the -Kynges Benche inssurrecions [and] congregacions a yenste me; wherupon -they have sente to the scheryff a writte chargyng hym in peyne of C_li._ -to brynge me in to the Kyngs Benche the morwe after Sein Marteyn. And -this daye the seide Jenney hathe sent doune to the scheryff an other -writte called an _habeas corpus_ retornable _crastino Animarum_, weche -schalbe on Twesday next comyng be cauce they were in dought and in -greete feere that I schulde have ben aquytte of the inditement of -fellony now at this gayle delyverye. And also my maistre hathe sente an -other writte for me retornable at the seid _crastino Animarum_. And so I -am like to ride to London warde to morwe. And the scheryff wold make me -to fynde suerte that I schulde appere in the Kyngs Benche the seid daye; -and yet, that notwithstandyng, he wolde send me with strengthe of men as -a presoner; and if any thynge schall cauce me that I goo not up to -London, it schalbe be cauce I woll fynde no suerte; for in cas he wold -have suffred me to have gon up be my selfe at myn owne coste, I wolde -have founde hym suertee. And so at the makyng of this bille we were not -fully condesended hough we schulde doo. My mastre is in goode hele, -blissed be Godd, and dothe and schall doo ryght weele in alle hes -maters. Ther is an ongracious felaschip of hem and a fals. They have -sent for Fitzraff and Schipdam, be a citacion for the proffe of the -testement, and alle is but for to delay it; yet it were weele done ye -rode over to Fitzraff and felte hes disposicion how he woll be disposed, -and in like wice with Schipdam, for I have spoken with hem of that -matre, in cas that any citacion come doun for hem, how they wolde be -disposed, and I have founde the too straunchely disposed. God send us a -good scheryf thys yere, and thanne we schalle do weele inough, be the -grace of God. - -And, sir, your man tolde me that ye desired to knowe the demenyng at -Cotton of the tenaunts and other. I lete you wete the moste parte of -alle the tenaunts have bene here with me for to see me, and they have -tolde me all the demenyng as it is undrewrete. Furst, as for the money -that they receyved there it drwe upon a xxiiij^ti _li._ and more silver, -for the tenaunts myght not cheese but they moste nedes paye, for they -distreyned on my Lords of Suffolk fee, my Lords of Norwich fee, and on -all men grounde, so that they myght not have her catell in reste, weche -cauced hem to paye her money. I knowe weele i nough who payed and wo -paied not. All the grete fermours have payed. And as for the kepyng of -the place ther be therin iiij. men, and on of Debenham men, called -Sokelyng, and hes wyff, and on Mannyng, a tenaunt, a fals knave; and -they have enforced them as stronke as they kan, and they have broken -doune the brigge and have leide a planke over, in cas that ye go theder -ye may not come at Dale is howce in no waie, for he have had meche -trouble for my mastre and for me; but and ye wolde gete my Lords meane -and pulle the knaves out be the heede, it were weele done. I purpose me -to com hom warde that same wey. Item, I lete you witte that the gayle -delyverye holdeth not this daye, and alle is doone be cauce of mee, -Jenney wolde not lete the clerke of peas come hether this daye for feere -that I schulde have been aquytte of the felonye, for in trouthe and tho -it had holden, I had founde the meane for to have ben quytte, for I whas -through with the scheryff and panel made aftyr myn avice; but though the -gayle delyver had holden, I cowde not have ben delyverd, becauce of thes -writtes that be come downe. Item, the scheryff hathe a grete losse that -this daye holdethe not, for ther schulde have ben quytte xl. men this -daye. Item, the scheryff tolde me that my maistre tolde hym that I whas -assent to my takyng at Scoolys, weche was to me ryght greete hevynes and -discomforture nough in my trouble. And God knoweth it was never my wylle -ner myn entent, as I mot be saved at the dredful day of Dome; for ther -is no man so sore hurte as I am be the takyng, bothe in losse, and also -in reprefe of myn owne persoune and of my frends, withoute that my -mastre be my good maistre, as I truste he wolle be, or elles I am -disseyved. He hathe my trewe servyce and shal have whylle that I leve, -what so ever his mastreschip do to me, but I can thynke he hathe be -enformed be myn elmyes [_enemies_] that wold make hym disp[l]esed with -me, and to be myn evy [_heavy_] mastre, but dissimulacion dothe muche -harme, &c. I reporte me, &c. No more to you at this tyme, but Jesu kepe -you, and send you as much fortune and grace as I wolde ye had, &c. -I beseche [you] to be my goode mastre as ye have be, for I never -deserved nor wol deserve the contrary. - - Your servaunt, RIC. CALLE, - - presoner. - - [Footnote 318.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter was - written in a year in which the morrow of All Souls' Day (_i.e._ - the 3rd November) fell on Tuesday. The Dominical letter of the - year must therefore be D. This was the case in 1461, and no - other year will suit a letter addressed to John Paston, junior. - For if we go back there is no earlier year in which D was the - Dominical letter till we come to 1450, when John Paston, junior, - was only ten years old; and if we go forward the next is 1467, - which was after John Paston the father's death.] - - - - - END OF VOLUME III - - - Printed by T. and A. 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