Letters and Papers 1509. Apr 1509. Will of Henry VII (age 52):

At his manor of Richmond, Surrey [Map] March 24 Henry VII., the King (age 52) makes his last will, commending his soul to the Redeemer with the words he has used since his first "years of discretion," Domine Jesu Christe, qui me ex nichilo creasti, fecisti, redemisti et predestinasti ad hoc quod sum, Tu scis quid de me facere vis, fac de me secundum voluntatem Tuam cum misericordia, trusting in the grace of His Blessed Mother in whom, after Him, has been all his (testator's) trust, by whom in all his adversities he has had special comfort, and to whom he now makes his prayer (recited), as also to all the company of Heaven and especially his "accustumed avoures" St. Michael, St. John Baptist, St. John Evangelist, St. George, St. Anthony, St. Edward, St. Vincent, St. Anne, St. Mary Magdalene and St. Barbara, to defend him at the hour of death and be intercessors for the remission of his sins and salvation of his soul.

Desires to be buried at Westminster [Map], where he was crowned, where lie buried many of his progenitors, especially his granddame Catharine wife to Henry V and daughter to Charles of France, and whereto he means shortly to translate the remains of Henry IV in the chapel [Map] which he has begun to build (giving full directions for the placing and making of his tomb and finishing of the said chapel according to the plan which he has "in picture delivered" to the prior of St. Bartholomew's beside Smithfield, master of the works for the same); and he has delivered beforehand to the abbot, &c., of Westminster, £5,000, by indenture dated Richmond, 13 April 23 Hen VII, towards the cost.

His executors shall cause 10,000 masses in honor of the Trinity, the Five Wounds, the Five Joys of Our Lady, the Nine Orders of Angels, the Patriarchs, the Twelve Apostles and All Saints (numbers to each object specified) to be said within one month after his decease, at 6d. each, making in all £250 and shall distribute 2,£000 in alms; and to ensure payment he has left 2,£250 with the abbot, &c., of West-minster, by indenture dated (blank) day of (blank) in the (blank) year of his reign.

His debts are then to be paid and reparation for wrongs made by his executors at the discretion of the following persons, by whom all complaints shall be tenderly weighed, viz, the abp of Canterbury (age 59), Richard bp of Winchester (age 61), the bps of London and Rochester (age 39), Thomas Earl of Surrey (age 66), Treasurer General, George Earl of Shrewsbury (age 41), Steward of the House, Sir Charles Somerset Lord Herbert (age 49), Chamberlain, the two Chief Justices, Mr. John Yong (age 44), Master of the Rolls, Sir Thomas Lovell, Treasurer of the House, Mr. Thomas Routhall, secretary, Sir Ric Emson (age 59), Chancellor of the Duchy, Edm. Dudley (age 47), the King's attorney at the time of his decease, and his confessor, the Provincial of the Friars Observants, and Mr. William Atwater, dean of the Chapel, or at least six of them and three of his executors.

His executors shall see that the officers of the Household and Wardrobe discharge any debts which may be due for charges of the same.

Lands to the yearly value of above 1,000 mks have been "amortised" for fulfilment of certain covenants (described) with the abbey of Westminster.

For the completion of the hospital which he has begun to build at the Savoie place beside Charingcrosse, and towards which 10,000 mks in ready money has been delivered to the dean and chapter of St. Paul's, by indenture dated (blank), his executors shall deliver any more money which may be necessary; and they shall also make (if he has not done it in his lifetime) two similar hospitals in the suburbs of York and Coventry.

Certain cathedrals, abbeys, &c., named in a schedule hereto annexed [not annexed now] have undertaken to make for him orisons, prayers and suffrages "while the world shall endure," in return for which he has made them large confirmations, licences and other grants; and he now wishes 6s. 8d. each to be delivered soon after his decease to the rulers of such cathedrals, &c., 3s. 4d. to every canon and monk, being priest, within the same and 20d. to every canon, monk, vicar and minister not being priest. His executors shall bestow 2,£000 upon the repair of the highways and bridges from Windsor to Richmond manor and thence to St. George's church beside Southwark [Map], and thence to Greenwich manor, and thence to Canterbury.

To divers lords, as well of his blood as other, and also to knights, squires and other subjects, he has, for their good service, made grants of lands, offices and annuities, which he straitly charges his son, the Prince (age 17), and other heirs to respect; as also the enfeoffments of the Duchy of Lancaster made by Parliaments of 7 and 19 Henry VII. for the fulfilment of his will.

Bequests for finishing of the church of the New College in Cambridge and the church of Westminster, for the houses of Friars Observants, for the altar within the King's grate (i.e. of his tomb), for the high altar within the King's chapel, for the image of the King to be made and set upon St. Edward's shrine, for the College of Windsor, for the monastery of Westminster, for the image of the King to be set at St. Thomas's shrine at Canterbury, and for chalices and pixes of a certain fashion to be given to all the houses of Friars and every parish church not suitably provided with such.

Bequest of a dote of 50,£000 for the marriage of Lady Mary (age 13) the King's daughter with Charles Prince of Spain (age 9), as contracted at Richmond (blank) Dec. 24 Henry VIII., or (if that fail) her marriage with any prince out of the realm by "consent of our said son the Prince (age 17), his Council and our said executors.".

Letters and Papers 1509. 24 Jun 1509. The Bishop of Canterbury, Chancellor, the Bishop of Winchester, Privy Seal, the Bishop of Durham, Secretary, my Lord Treasurer, the Master of the Rolls, the Lord Herberd, King's Chamberlain, Sir David Owen, first carver, Richard Hastynges, first cup-bearer, Sir William Vampage, first sewer, Henry Wyott, Master of the Jewel House, William FitzWilliam (age 19), second cup-bearer, Sir Thomas West, second carver, Sir Andrew Wyndesore, Master of the Great Wardrobe. The King's Bench:—Sir William Fyneux, Chief Justice, Robert Brudenell and Humphrey Conysby, justices. The "Comyn Place":—Sir Robert Redd, Chief Justice, Sir John Fyssher, John Butteler, and William Greveld, justices. Barons of the Exchequer:—Sir William Hoody, Chief Baron, Barth. Westby, William Bollyng, John Aleyn. The King's serjeants:—Ric. Elyott, Lewis Pollard, John Ernley, King's attorney, William Porter, Clerk of the Crown, Edward Lewkenour, gentleman usher.

The King's Household:—The Earl of Shrewsbury (age 41), steward, Sir Thomas Lovell, keeper of the Great Wardrobe of the Household, Sir Edward Ponynges, controller. Counting House: John Shurley, cofferer, William Atlyff, Thomas Byrkes, John Miklowe, clerk controller, John Robyns, clerk of records, Edward Welden, clerk cofferer, Thomas Darell, yeoman usher. Bakehouse: Richard Guyll, serjeant, John Bartilmewe, clerk, John Downer, yeoman "for the mouth," Henry Freyne, yeoman furnour, John Skern, purveyor, Henry Perkyn, groom purveyor, Hugh Mathewe, yeoman garnetor. Pantry: Stephen Coope, serjeant, Edward Addeley, yeoman for the mouth, Griffith Gwyn, groom for the mouth, Richard Bendon, William Busshe and Robert Rochester, yeomen of the Hall, John Knolles, yeoman "brewer," Richard Carpenter, John Egleston and Robert Johnson, grooms of the Hall, Thomas Blythe and Thomas Brampton, pages of the Hall. Cellar: Roger Mynors, serjeant, Thomas Bell, yeoman for the mouth, John Brent, groom for the mouth, Edward Atwood, yeoman "brewer," Ralph Annesley and Thomas Parker, grooms at the bar, Henry Hakker and Noel Loveday, pages, Alen Kyng, yeoman purveyor, Maurice Apparrey, yeoman for the bottles. Buttery: William Hogeson and William Bawdy, yeomen, Edward ApJohn, John Gylmyn and John Saulkyll, grooms, Thomas Annesley and Richard Parker, pages, William Kerne, yeoman ale taker, Thomas Cooke groom ale taker, William Bowman, groom ale taker. Pitcher House: Thomas Orme and George Vanhorn, yeomen, William Depyng, John Parre and John Man, grooms, John Stanbanke and Thomas Peper, pages. Spicery: Nicholas Hill, chief clerk, Nicholas Uddelston, second clerk, John Mery, under-clerk, William Herd, yeoman powderbeter. Confectionary: Richard Babbam, serjeant, Robert Dowker, yeoman, John Wolbaston, groom, William Towres, page. Wafery; Robert Lee, groom. Chaundry: John Ketilby, serjeant, John Symond, and William Rutter, yeomen, Richard Merston and William Coterell, grooms, Robert Spurnell, page. Ewery: George Brocas, serjeant, Edm. Lovesey and William Wymbysshe, yeomen, Roger Bedyll, yeoman for the Hall, William Davy and John Edwardes, grooms, Thomas Pacheford and Thomas Wyldyng, pages. Laundry: Hugh Deane, yeoman, Robert Bryce, Thomas Morres and Thomas Judde, grooms, John Sutton and John Mylt, pages. Kitchen: Ant. Legh, chief clerk, Edward Atclyff, 2nd clerk, John Cony, 3rd clerk, Thomas Barowe, master cook, John Case, yeoman for the mouth, William Meryman, Pero and John Hunt, yeomen, William Bolton and George Nelson, grooms, Robert Elys, yeoman for the Hall, Gilbert Alenson, Nicholas Lenton, and James Dewam, yeomen, William Beryman, groom of the Hall, Lancelot Clerk and William Mayo, grooms. Larder: John Ricroft, serjeant, William Blaknall, clerk, John Forster, yeoman for the mouth, John Gogh, yeoman usher, John Dale, yeoman of the larder, Richard Appulby, groom usher, Thomas Assheley, Robert Warner and James Michell, grooms, John Grove, page. Boiling House: Roger Elys, yeoman, William Stephyns and Thomas Russell, grooms. Accatry: Brian Roche, serjeant, Gervas Buklond, clerk, Edm. Sherp, yeoman for the mouth, John Stratton, yeoman of the store, William Honnyng, yeoman fisher, John Plome, yeoman butcher, Thomas Randolff and Robert Newman, yeomen, Thomas Raven, groom butcher, Robert Steyneford, groom, Richard Cudd and Richard Gybons, herds, James Huddylston, keeper of Creslowe, William Atkynson, pig taker. Poultry: Thomas Ynglysshe, serjeant, William Bonde, clerk, William Burwell, Thomas Strode and Nicholas Warde, yeomen purveyors, John Lylle, Thomas Shalford and John Botyll, grooms. Scaldinghouse: William Thomson, yeoman, Richard Hill, Rog. Kylward, Thomas Hervy, Rob. Lewesham, and John Proctour, grooms. Squyllary: John Sterkey, serjeant, Richard Anyden, clerk, John Dey, yeoman for the King, John Spokesman, yeoman, John Lovedey, yeoman for the Hall, John Harreson, yeoman, Boyt Joys, James Skelton and William Foly John, grooms. Saucery: Richard Pyttour, serjeant, Ant. Neele, clerk, John Fulmer and John Congell, yeomen, Ralph Holyn, John Summan, Gilbert Borowe and William Seynt, grooms. The Hall: Chr. Vyncent, John Stephyns, John Lytcote, John Gyttons and Morgan Holand, marshals, William Lathebury, serjeant, Richard Lee, clerk, William Chace, Richard Benson, John Hewett and Edward Ouseley, yeomen, John Kyllyngworthe, John Parker, John Savell, John Henkyn and Robert Bowyngton, grooms, Robert Clerk and John Tirrill, pages. Porters: Thomas Fogg, serjeant, Evan ap Rice, Thomas Greves, John Lynsey, John Passey, Robert Maunger and Robert Thornhey, yeomen, Hugh Jeynyng and John Jely, grooms. Harbingers ("Harbegeours"): Thomas Mathewe, gentleman, Humphrey Wylede, William Treswell, Thomas Ward and Richard Twety, yeomen. Almonry ("Amnosnery"): Doctor Ednam, great almoner, Sir John Hawkesfeld, under-almoner, John Hether and Thomas Dey, yeomen, Ric Dyves and John Dey, grooms. Mr. Robert Yong, confessor of the Household, William Edwardes, surveyor for the King, Edward Otheney, sewer of the Hall, William Fynall, John Segysmond and John Lloyd, sewers, Thomas Rider, surveyor for the Hall, Thomas Mangall, surveyor. Cart takers: John Ewdale, yeoman, and John Sherp, groom. Servitors of the Hall: Robert Whitlok, Thomas Dederygh, Edm. Sampson, Richard Stylbarnd, John Gogh, Robert Colle, Robert Dyker, Henry Kyghley, Reynold Hylles, Maurice Kydowen, Simon Symms, Roland Roosse.

Continues ...

Letters and Papers 1528. 30 Jun 1528. R. O. 4442. Sir William Compton (age 46).

Will of Sir William Compton, made on 8 March 1522, 14 Henry VIII. Desires to be buried at Compton Wynyates [Map] in Warwickshire, beside his ancestors: That is if his wife (age 28) die before he return home from his journey, she be afterwards brought to Compton and buried there. Bequeaths to his wife (age 28) movables at Bettyschorne, and at the great park of Windsor, and the plate which belonged to Francis Cheyny, "my predecessor." If his wife be delivered of a son, bequeaths to him all his household stuff at Compton, with the plate which was given him by the French king in a schedule. His wife to have the control of it till the child be of age. If he have a son, bequeaths to each of his daughters 1,000 marks for their marriages, and 100 marks in plate. Wills that 40 pair of vestments be made of one suit, to be distributed to the parish churches in the counties of Warwick and Worcester, adjoining to Compton. All his apparel to be used in making vestments and other works of charity. Bequeaths to the abbey of Winchcomb his wedding gown of tynsen satin, to make a vestment that they may pray for the souls of his ancestors. Wills his executors to release to the monastery of Denny all the debts they owe him, and bequeaths to them £10 for an obit. Bequeaths goods to the value of 200 marks to be distributed to poor householders, and to the marriages of poor maids in the counties of Warwick and Worcester. Wills that a tomb of alabaster be prepared for his father, with his arms graven upon it. Bequeaths to the King (age 37) his little chest of ivory with gilt lock, "and a chest bourde under the same, and a pair of tables upon it," with all the jewels and treasure enclosed, now in his wife's custody; also "certain specialties to the sum of 1,000 marks, which I have of Sir Thomas Bullen (age 51), knight," for money lent to him. Wills that his children have their plate on coming to their full ages; i.e., on the males coming to the age of twenty-one, and the females to the age of eighteen.

Bequests to his sister [Elizabeth] Rudney, and his cousin John Rudney, her son. Wills that his mother's body be taken up and buried at Compton Wynyates [Map]. Bequest to the daughter of his aunt Appulby. £20 to be put in a box at the abbey of Winchecombe, to make defence for all such actions as may be wrongfully taken against his wife or his executors. Two chantries to be founded in his name at Compton Wynyates [Map], to do daily service for the souls of the King, the Queen, my Lady Anne Hastings (age 45), himself, his wife and ancestors. The priests to be appointed by the Abbot of Winchecombe, or, failing him, the Abbot of Evesham. 5 marks a year to be paid to the parson of Compton to keep a free grammar school. £100 a year to be paid to his wife during her life, for her jointure, besides her inheritance in Barkeley's lands. Bequests to the monasteries of Evesham, Hayles, Winchecombe, Worcester, Croxton, the charterhouses of Henton and Coventry, for obits; to Sir William Tyler, Sir Thomas Lynne, Thomas Baskett and George Lynde; to his servants who happen to be with him this journey; to John Draper, his servant, and Robert Bencare, his solicitor; to Griffin Gynne, now with Humphrey Brown, serjeant-at-law, for his learning; and to Lady Anne Hastings (age 45). Executors appointed: Dame Warburgh my wife (age 31), the bishop of Exeter (age 66), Sir Henry Marney, Lord Privy Seal, Sir Henry Guildford (age 39), Sir Richard Broke, Sir John Dantsy, Dr. Chomber, Humphrey Brown, serjeant-at-law, Thomas Leson, clk., James Clarell and Thomas Unton. Appoints my Lord Bishop of  Canterbury (age 78) supervisor of his will. Gifts to the executors.

3. Bargain and sale by Sir Henry Guildford (age 39), Humphrey Brown, Thomas Hunton and Thomas Leeson, as executors of Sir William Compton, to Sir Thomas Arundell, of certain tenements in St Swithin's Lane [Map], [London,] lately in the possession of Lewis... and Humphrey... as executors of Sir Richard Wingfield.

4. Inventory of the goods of Sir William Compton in his house in London.

Ready money, gold and silver, 1,£338 7s. 0½d. Jewels of gold and silver, £898 6s. 2d. Gilt plate, £85 5s. 3d. Parcel gilt plate, £31 12s. 2d. White plate, £90 0s. 3½d. Silks, £210 13s. 6d.=2,£654 4s. 5d.

5. Names of the officers upon the lands late Sir William Compton's.

[Note. Lots of names of Steward and Bailiffs and values.].

6. Inquisition taken in Middlesex on the death of Sir William Compton, 20 Henry VIII.

Found that Richard Broke, serjeant-at-law, [Walter Rodney] [Names in brackets crossed out], William Dyngley and John Dyngley, now surviving, with [Sir Rob. Throgmerton and William Tracy,]* deceased, were seized of the manors of Totenham, Pembrokes, Bruses, Daubeneys and Mokkyngs, with lands in Tottenham, Edelmeton and Enfeld, to Compton's use; and that George Earl of Shrewsbury (age 60), Henry Earl of Essex, John Bourchier Lord Bernes (age 61), [Sir Rob. Ratclyf,]* Rob. Brudenell (age 67), justice of the King's Bench, Richard Sacheverell (age 61) [and Thomas Brokesby],* now surviving, with [Sir Ralph Shyrley,]* deceased, were seized of the manor of Fyncheley and lands in Fyncheley and Hendon to his use. His son, Peter Compton (age 5), is his heir, and is six years old and over.

7. Citation by Wolsey (age 55), as legate, of Sir William Compton, for having lived in adultery with the wife (age 45) of Lord Hastings (age 41), while his own wife, dame Anne Stafford Countess Huntingdon (age 45), was alive, and for having taken the sacrament to disprove it.

4443. Sir William Compton.

Inventory of the goods of Sir William Compton at his places in London, Compton, Bittisthorne, the Great Park of Windsor, Sir Walter Stoner's place. Total of moveables, 4,£485 2s. 3½d. "Sperat dettes," estimated at 3,£511 13s. 4d. "Chatell Royall," £666 13s. 4d.

Wards.-One ward that cost £466 13s. 4d.; another of 500 marks land; the third, "Sir George Salynger's son and his heir." There is at Windsor Great Park plate embezzled to the value of £579 2s. 6d., as appears by a bill found in Sir William's place at London. Desperate debts estimated at 1,£908 6s. 8d. Debts owing by him estimated at £1,000

Hall's Chronicle 1536. Around Oct 1536. After that the King’s highness was credibly certified of this new insurged insurrection, he making no delay in so weighty a matter, caused with all speed the Dukes of Norffolke (age 63) and Suffolke (age 52), the Marques of Exeter (age 40), the Erle of Shrewsbury (age 68) with other, accompanied with his mighty and royal army, which was of great power and strength, forthwith to set upon the rebels: but when these noble captains and counsellors approached, the rebels and perceived their number and saw how they were bent to battle, they practised with great policy to have pacified all without bloodsheding, but the Northern men were so stiff necked that they would in no wise stoop, but stoutly stood and maintained their wicked enterprise, wherefore the nobles above said perceiving and seeing none other way to pacify these wretched rebels, agreed upon a battle, the battle was appointed, and the day was assigned: but, se the same night which was the night before the day of the battle appointed, fell a small rain nothing to speak of but yet as it were by a great miracle of god, the water which was but a very small ford, and that men in manner the day before might have gone dry-shod over, suddenly rose of such a height, deepness and breadth that the like no man that there did inhabit could tell that ever they saw it so afore, so that the day, even when the hour of battle should come it was impossible for the one army to come at the other.

After this appointment made between both the armies (disappointed as it is to be thought only by God, who extended his great mercy and had compassion on the great number of innocent persons, that in that deadly slaughter had like to have been murdered) could take no place: Then by the great wisdom and policy of the said captains, a communication was had, and a pardon of the King’s Majestic obtained, for all the captains and chief doers of this insurrection, and they promised that such things as they found themselves aggrieved withall they should gently be heard, and there reasonable petitions granted and that their articles should be presented to the King’s Majesty, that by his highness authority, and wisdom of his counsel, all things should be brought to good order and conclusion: and with this order every man quietly departed, and those which before were bent as hot as fire to fight, being letted thereof by God, went now peaceably to their houses, and were as cold as water. A domino factum est istud [This was done by the Lord].