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Grafton's Chronicle is in Tudor Books.
25 Apr 1646 Battle of Hedgeley Moor
1483 Richard III elected King by the Three Estates
1483 Disappearance of the Princes in the Tower
1485 Sweating Sickness Outbreak
1504 Henry Tudor created Prince of Wales
1506 Sweating Sickness Outbreak
1528 Sweating Sickness Outbreak
1535 Execution of Bishop Fisher and Thomas More
1540 Catherine Howard Tower of London Executions
1540 Execution of Thomas Cromwell
1540 Catherine Howard Tyburn Executions
1569. A Chronicle at Large, and mere History of the Affairs of England, And Kings of the Same, deduced from the Creation of the World, unto the first habitation of this Island. And so by continuance unto the first year of the reign of our most dear and sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth. Collected out of sundry authors, whose names are expressed in the next page of this leaf. Anno Domini. 1569.
543. When Constantine had thus subdued his enimies and thought himself now in a sure and quiet state: then arose up his own kinsman named Aurelius Conamis and arrered mortal battle against him, and at the last slew him in the Field, when he had reigned three yeres, who was buried at Stonehenge. But some writers say, he died by the hand of God of a great sickness.
[25th April 1464] The Lorde Montacute, forgat not the office of a good Capitaine, and beyng well furnished with such as he knewe would neyther flye backwarde, nor stande still lokyng on, thought no lenger to tract the tyme, but with a valiant courage marched forwarde towarde his enemies, and encountered with the Lorde Hungerford, the Lorde Roos, syr Rauie Percye, and diuers other, at a place called Hegely More. Where sodainly the sayde Lordes in maner without stroke strikyng fled, and onely syr Raufe Percy abode, and was there manfully slain, with divers other, saiyng, when he was diyng: I bauve saved the birde in my bosome: meanyng that he had kept, both his promise and othe to king Henry the sixt.
15th May 1464. The Lorde Montucute sevng fortune thus prosperously leadyng his sayle, was aduaunced with hardie courage towarde his enemies, and then in passyng forwarde, he had by his espialles perfect intelligence, that king Henry with all his power, was encamped in a fayre plaine called Livels [Map], on the water of Dowill in Exhamshire. It was no neede to bid him haste haste, as he that thought not to leese the occasion to him so manifestly geuen, & therfore in good order of battaile, he manfully set on his enemies in their awne campe, which like desperate persons, with no smal courage receiued him. There was a sore fought field, and no partie by a long tract, could getany aduauntage of the other, till at the last, the Lorde Montacute criyng on his men to do valiauntly, entred by plaine force the battaile of his enemies, and brake their array, which like men amased, fled hether and thether, desperate of all succor. In which flight and chase, were taken Henry Duke of Sommerset, which before was reconciled to king Edward, the Lorde Roos, the Lorde Molyns, the Lorde Hungerford, syr Thomas Wentworth, syr Thomas Huse, syr John Finderne, and many other. King Henry was this day the best horseman of his company: for he fled so fast that no man could overtake him, and yet he was so nere pursued, that certaine of his Ilenchmen and folowers were taken, theyr horses beyng trapped in blew veluet: wherof one of them had on his head, the said king Henryes Helinet. Some say his high Cap of estate, called Abococket, garnished with two riche Crownes, which was presented to king Edward, at Yorke the fourth day of Muy. The Duke of Sommerset, was incontinently for his great mutabilitic and lightnesse, beliedled at Exbam, the other Lordes and knightes were had to Newe Castell, and there after a little vespite, were likewise put to execution. Besyde these persons, divers other to the number of XXV were executed at Yorke, and in other places: whereby other fautors of king Henryes partie, should be out of all trust of all victory, considering that theyr Capitaines had hopped hedlesse. From this battaile escaped king Henry the six, syr Humfrey Neuell, William Taylboys, calling himsclfe Erle of Kent, syr Raufe Grey, and Richard Tunstall, and dyvers other, which beyng in feare of takyng, hid themselves and lurked in dennes and holes secretly. They were not so closely hid, but they were espyed: For the Erle of Kent was taken in a close place in Riddesdale, and broughs to New castell, and there with an Axe lost his head. Sir huwmirey Newell after long lurkyng ina Caue, was taken in Holdernesse, and at Yorke behedded. Thus every man almost that escaped, was after taken and scorged: so that it should seeme that God had ordeyned all such persons as rebelled agaynst king Edward, to have in conclusion, death for there rewarde.
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But nowe to the purpose, when Quene Margaret sawe, that to bid battayle was to no purpose, and in maner in dispaire of the welth of her selfe, and her sonne: she with the Prince and her company, departed to a Sentuarie there by called Beauliew [Map] in Hamshyre (where was a Monasterie of Monkes, of the order of Cisterciens) and registred her selfe and hers, as persons there priuileged. When it was knowne that shee was landed, Edmond Duke of Sommerset wyth Lord Iohn hys brother, Thomas Courtney Erle of Deuonshire, the which before euer toke the contrary part, whose sodaine chaunging, shortly turned to his awne confusion, Iasper Erle of Penbroke, Iohn Lorde Wenlocke ( a man made onely by King Edwarde ) and Iohn Longstrother, Prior of saint Iohns in Englande, came in great haste to Beauliew, and presented themselues to the Queene. Although that she were almost drowned in sorrow and plunged in payne, yet when she saw and beheld these noble and princely personages to resorte vnto her presence, she was somewhat comforted and greatly reuiued.
After that the Protector had taken vpon him the royal estate, preheminence and kingdome of this realme, as is aforesaid in the historic of king Edward the fift, he the next day folowyng with a great traine, went on foote to Westminsterhall, & there when he had placed himselfe in the Court of the kings Benche, he declared to the audience, that he would take vpo him the crowne there in that place where the king himselfe sitteth, & ministreth the lawe, because he considered, that it was the chiefest duty of a king to minister the lawes. Then with as pleasaunt an oracion as he coulde, he went about to wynne the hartes of the nobles, the merchauntes, & artificers, and in conclusion all kinde of men, but speciall the Lawyers of this realme. And finally to the entent that no man should hate him for feare, and that his deceytfull clemency might get him the good will of the people, when he had declared the discommoditie of discord, and the commoditie of concord, and vnitie, he made an open proclamacion, that he did put out of his minde all enemities, and that he there did pardon all offences committed against him. And to the entent that he might shew a proofe thereof, he commauded that one Fogge, whome he had deadly hated, shoulde be brought before him, who being brought out of the Sanctuarie, for thether had he fled for feare of him. In the sight of the people he tooke him by the hand, which thing the common people reioysed at, and praysed: But wise men tooke it for a vanitie. And in his retourne homewarde, whom so euer he met, he saluted: for a mind that knoweth it selfe guiltie, is in a maner deiected to a seruile flattery.
[26th June 1483] When he had begonne his reigne the xix. daye of Iune, in the yeare of our Lorde 1483 after this mockish election, then was he procluymed king openly by sounde of trompet the next day folowing, and the sixt day of lulye next ensuyng, was solemply crowned at Westminster. And that solempnitye uas furnished for the most parte with the selfe same prouision that was apoynted for the coronation of his nephew. But forasmuch as the maner of the same coronacion came vnto my hands, & also for that no mencion is made of the maner of the Coronacion of any prince in al this Chronicle, I thought it not amisse in this place to expresse the same.
The fourth day of Iuly he came to the tower by water with his wyfe, and there he created Edwarde, his onely begotten sonne, a childe of ten yeres olde, Prince of Wales, and Iohn Hawarde, a man of great knowlege, and vertue, (aswell in counsaile, as in battaile) he created Duke of Norffolk, and Sir Thomas Haward his sonne, he created Erle of Surrey, & William Lord Barkley was then created Erle of Nottingham, and Fraunces Lord Louell was then made vicount Louell and the kings chamberleyne, and the Lorde Stanley, was deliuered out of ward for feare of his son the Lord Straunge which was then in Lancasshire gathering men (as it was saide) and the sayd Lorde was made stewarde of the kings housholde, and likewise the Archebishop of Yorke was deliuered. But Morton Bishop of Ely was deliuered to the Duke of Buckingham to kepe in warde, which sent him to his manor of Brecknock in Wales, from whence (as ye shall after here) hee escaped to kyng Richardes confusion.
The same night the king made. xvij. knights of the Bathe, whose names were these.
Sir Edmonde the Duke of Suffolkes sonne.
Sir George Gray the Erle of Rentes sonne.
Sir william the Lorde Souches sonne.
Sir Henry Burgany.
Sir william Say.
Sir Christopher Willoughby.
Sir Edmond Bedingfield.
Sir William Barkley.
Sir William Enderby.
Sir Henry Banington.
Sir Thomas Lekenor.
Sir Thomas Arondell.
Sir Thomas of Vernon.
Sir Thomas Boleyn.
Sir Iohn Browne.
Sir Brews of Clifton.
Sir William Barkley.
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The next day beyng the fift day of Iuly the king roade through the Citie of London towarde Westminster with great pompe, beyng accompanied with these Dukes, Erles, Lordes, and knightes, whose names folow.
Edward Prince of Wales the kinges onely sonne.
Dukes.
The Duke of Suffolke.
The Duke of Norffolke.
The Duke of Buckyngham
Erles.
The Erle of Northumberland
The Erle of Arondell
The Erle of Kent
The Erle of Surrey
The Erle of Wilshire
The Erle of Huntingdon
The Erle of Nottyngham
The Erle of Wanvicke
The Erle of Lyncolne.
Lordes.
The Lorde Lisle Vicount
The Lorde Louell Vicount
The Lorde Stanley
The Lorde Audeley
The Lorde Dakers
The Lord Ferrers of Chertley
The Lorde Powes
The Lorde Scrope of Vpsale
The Lorde Scrope of Bolton
The Lorde Gray Cotener
The Lorde Gray of Wilton
The Lorde Sturton
The Lorde Cobham
The Lorde Morley
The Lorde Burgany
The Lorde Sowche
The Lorde Ferrers of Croby
The Lorde Welles
The Lorde Lomney
The Lorde Matreuers
The Lorde Harbert
The Lorde Becham.
Knightes.
Sir Tames Tyrell
Sir William Knyuet
Sir Thomas Aborow
Sir William Standley
Sir William Aparre
Sir George Browne
Sir Robert Middlcton
Sir Iohn Heningham
Sir Nicholas Latimer
Sir Thomas Monghonbrey
Sir Thomas Delamer
Sir Gilbert Debnam
Sir Terry Robsart
Sir William Brandon
Sir Iohn Sauell
Sir Henry Wcntfoord
Sir Edward Standley
Sir Henry Seyntmonte
Sir William Yong
Sir Thomas Bowser
Sir Henry Winkfielde
Sir Thomas Wortley
Sir Iohn Seyntlowe
Sir Charles of Pilkinton
Sir lames Haryngton
Sir Iohn Asheley
Sir Thomas Barkley
Sir Richard Becham
Sir William Hopton
Sir Thomas Percye
Sir Robert Dimock
Sir Iohn Cheyney
Sir Richard Ludlow
Sir Iohn Eldryngton
Sir William Sandes
Sir Richard Dudley
Sir William Seyntlowe
Sir Thomas Twaightes
Sir Edmond of Dudley
Sir Raufe Ashton
Sir Richard Charlyngton
Sir Thomas Graye
Sir Philip Barkley
Sir Robert Harington
Sir Thomas Gressley
Sir Richard Hartcourt
Sir William Noris
Sir Thomas Selenger
Sir Richard Hodylston
Sir Iohn Conyas
Sir William Stoner
Sir Philip Courtney
Sir William Gaskoyn
Sir Richard Amedylton
Sir Roger Fynes
Sir George Vere
Sir Henry Percye
Sir Iohn Wood
Sir Iohn Aparre
Sir Iohn Gray
Sir Iohn Dan by
Sir Richard Taylebushe
Sir Iohn Ridet
Sir Iohn Heryng
Sir William Stoner
Sir Richard Enderby
Sir Iohn Barkeley
Sir lames Strangwishe
Sir Raufe Carubreke
Sir Iohn Constable
Sir Robert Elyard
Sir Richard Derell
Sir Iohn Gilford
Sir Iohn Hewes
Sir Iohn Lekenor
Sir Iohn Boleyn
Sir Iohn Morley
Sir Edmond Shaa Alderman.
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On the morow beyng the sixt day of Iuly, the king with Queene Anne his wife, came downe out of the white Hall into the great Hall at Westminster, and went directly to the kinges Benche. And from thence the king and the Queene goyng vpon rave cloth barefooted, went vnto Saint Edwards Shrine, and all his Nobilitie goyng with him, euery Lorde in his degree. And first went the Trompets, and then the Heraultes of Armes in their rich Cotes, and next folowed the Crosse with a solempne Procession, the priestes hauyng fine Surplesses, and gray Amysses vpon them. The Abbottes and Bishops Mytred and in riche Copes, and euery of them caryed their Crosiers in their handes. The Bishop of Rochester bare the Crosse before the Cardinall. Then folowed the Erle of Huntingdon, bearyng a payreof guilt Spurres, signifiyng Knighthood. Then folowed the Erle of Bedford bearyng Saint Edwardes staffe for a Relique. After them came the Erle of Northumberland bare hedded, with the poyntlesse sworde naked in his hand, which signified mercy. The Lorde Stanley bare the Mace of the Constablesbip. The Erle of Kent bare the second sworde on the right hande of the king naked, with a poynt which signified iustice to the Temporaltie. The Lorde Louell bare the thirde sworde on the left hande with a poynt, which signified iustice to the Clergie. The Duke of Suffolk folowed with y sceptre in his hande, which signified peace. The Erle of Lincolne bare the Ball and Crosse, which signified a Monarchy. The Erle of Surrey bare y fourth sword before the king in a rich skaberd, and that is called the sword of estate. Then went three together, in the middest went Garter king at amies in his riche Cote. And on his left hande went the Maior of London bearing a Mace, and on his right hand went the Gentleman Vsher of the priuie chamber. Then folowed the Duke of Norffolke bearing the kinges crowne betwene his handes. Then folowed king Richard in his robes of purple Veluet, and ouer his head a Canapie borne by foure Barones of the fiue portes, and on euery side of the king there went one Bishop, that is to say, the Byshop of Bathe, and the Byshop of Durham. Then folowed the Duke of Buckyngham bearing the kings trayne, with a whyte staffe in his hande, signifiyng the office of the high Steward of England. Then there folowed a great number of Erles and Barons before the Queene. And then came the Erle of Huntington, who bare the Queenes sceptre, and the Lorde Lisle Viscount bare the rod with the doffe, w*hich signifieth innocencie. The Erle of Wiltshire bare the Queenes crowne before her. Then folowed Queene Anne daughter to Richard Erle of Warwike in robes lyke to the king, and hauing a Canapy ouer her head, and on euery corner of the same was a Bell of Golde. And on her head was a Circlet of Golde, set with manye precious stones. The Countesse of Richmond bare the Queenes trayne. And after them came the Duchesse of Suffolke in her robes of estate, and or. her head a Cronicle of Golde. Then folowed the Duchesse of Norffolke appareled in lyke maner as was the Duchesse of Suffolke, and then folowed twentie Ladies richely apparelled, and after them a great number of knightes and Esquires, and then a great number of Typstaues, and passed forwarde vntill they came vnto Saint Edwardes Shryne to their seates of estate. And shortly the king and the Queene sat downe in their seats of estate. And forthwith there came vp before the King & the Queene both priests and Clarkes, that song most delectable and excellent Musick. And so soone as thys was done, the King and Queene were shifted from their robes, and had dyuers places open fiom the middle vpwarde, in which places they were annoynted. And that beyng done, the King and Queene chaunged their robes into cloth of Golde. And then forthwith the Cardinall beyng accompanied with all the Byshops, crowned the lung and Queene with great solempnity, with the crowne of Saint Edward, and then they sang Te deum and the Organs went, and then they put vpon the king Saint Edwardes Cope (as an holy relique.)
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And the Byshops deliuered to the king the sceptre in his right hande, and the Ball with the Crosse in his left hande, and to the Queene the sceptre in her right hand, and the rod with the Doue in her left hande. And then the Cardinall and Byshops went to Masse, and the King and Queene went to their sealcs agayne. And shortly after came vp before the king two Byshops and kneeled downe before him a little whyle, and then they arose vp and kissed the King one after another: on euery side of the king stoode a Duke, and on euery side of the Queene stood a Byshop. And before the king stood the Erle of Surrey with a sword in hys hande, and before the Queene was a Lady kneeling. And there kneeled before the Queenes seate the Duches of Norffolke and sundrie other Ladies. And so they sate still vntill the Paxe was geuen, and then the King & Queene dissended and came downe to the highe aultar, and there receyued the Sacrament, the same beyng dcuided betweene them. And then they went vp vnto S. Edwards Shryne, and there the king offi ed saint Edwards crowne with many other reliques. And then the king returned agayne to his seat, and the Lordes set hys awne crowne vpon his head. And so in order as they came they departed to Westminster hall, and so to their Chambers for a season. During which time the Duke of Norffolke came into the hall, his horse being trapped to the ground in cloth of Golde as high Marshall, and voyded the Hall.
About foure of the clock the King and Queene entred the Hall, and the King sate in the middle, and the Queene on the left hande of the table, and on euery side of her stoode a Countesse, holding a cloth of pleasaunce when she list to drinke. And on the right diande of the King sate the Archebyshop of Caunterburie. All the Ladies sate on one side at a table, in the middle of the hall, and at the table agaynst hym sate the Chauncelour and all the Lordes. At the table next the Cupbord sat the Maior of London. At the table behind the Lordes sate the Barones of the hue Portes. And at the other bords sate dyuers noble and worshipfull personages.
When all persons were set, the Duke of Norffolke Erle Marshall, the Erle of Surrey Constable for that day, the Lorde Stanley Lorde steward, syr Wylliam Hopton Treasorer, and syr Thomas Percy Comptroller came in and serued the Kingsolempnly with one dishe of Golde, & another of Syluer, and the Queene all in guilt Vessel, and the Byshop in Siluer. At the second course came into the hall syr Robert Dymmock the kings Champion makyng proclamation, that whosoeuer would save that king Richard was not lawfuli King, he woulde fight with him at the vtteraunce, and threwe downe his gauntlet, and then all the hall cryed King Richard, King Richard. And so he did in three partes of the hall. And then one brought him a Cup of Golde with Wine couered, and when he had dronke as much as he woulde, he threwe out the rest and departed with the Cup. After that the Heraultes cryed a largesse thrise in the hall, and so went vp to their stage. At the ende of dynner the Maior of London serued the king and Queene with Ipocras, and had of eche of them a Cup of Golde with a couer of Golde. And by that tyme all was done it was darke night, and so the King and Queene returned to their Chambers, and euery man to his lodging.
Incontinent after thys feast he sent a solempne Ambassade to Lewys the French king to conclude a league and amity with him, trusting also to obteyne the tribute that king Edwarde his brother had before out of Eraunce. But the French King so abhorred him and his crueltie, that he woulde neyther see nor here his Ambassadors, & so in vaine they returned home againe.
Now after this triumphant coronation", there fell mischiefes thick and thick, & as the thing euill gotten is neuer well kept, so through all the time of his vsurped reigne, neuer ceased their cruel murtber, death, and slaughter, till his awne destruction ended it. But as he finished his time with the best death and most rightwise, that is to say his awne, so began he with the most pitteous and wicked, I meane the lamentable murther of his innocent Nephews the yong king and his tender brother, whose death and finall fortune hath neuerthelesse so farre come in question that some remayned long in doubt whether they were in his dayes destroyed or no. Not for that one'.y that Parkyn Warbeck by many folkes malice, and mo folkes folly so long space abusing the worlde, was as well with princes as with poore people reputed and taken for the yonger of these two: But for that also that all things were in late dayes so couertly demeaned, one thing pretended and another ment, tbat there was nothing so playne and openly prooued, but that yet for the Close baling is common custome of close and couert dealing, men had it euer inwardly suspect, as many euer su *i" C10 well counterfeit Iewels, make the true mistrusted. Howbeit, concerning y opinion, with the occasions moiling either party, we shall haue place more at large to intreate, in the storie of the late Noble Prince of famous memorie king Henry the seuenth, in the processe of Parkyn. But in the meane season, for this present matter I shall reherse to you the dolorous ende of these two Babes, not after euery waye that I haue heard, but after that waye that I haue so heard by such men and such meanes as me thinketh it were harde but it should be true.
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[August 1483] Kyne Richarde after his coronacion, taking his waye to Glocester, to visite in his newe honour, the towne, of which he bare the name before of old, deuised as he rode to fulfill that thing which he before had entended. And forasmuch as his minde gaue him that his neuewes lyuing, men woulde not recon that he coulde haue right to the realme: he thought therefore without delay to ridde them, as though the killyng of his kynsmen might ende hys cause, and make him a kindly king. Where vpon he sent one Iohn Greene, whome he specially trnsted. vnto Sir Robert Brakenburie, constable of the tower, with a letter and credence also, that the same
Sir Robert in anye wyse shoulde put the two children todeath. This Iohn Greene did his errand to Brakenbury, kneeling before our Ladye, in the Towre, who plainely aunswered that he would neuer put them to death, to die therefore. With y which aunswere Iohn Greene returned, recompting the same to king Richarde at Warwike yet on his iourney, wherwith he toke such displeasure, & thought, that the same night, he sayd, to a secret page of his: Ah, whome shall a man trust? they that I haue brought vp my selfe, they that I went would haue most surely serued me, euen those favle me, & at my commaundement wyll do nothing for me.
Sir quod the page, there lieth one in the palet chambre without, that I dare well say, to do your grace pleasure, the thing were right hard that he would refuse, meanyng this by
Sir Iames Tirrell (age 28), which was a man of right goodly personage, and for the giftes of nature worthy to haue serued a much better Prince, if he had well serued God, & by grace obteyned to haue as much truth and good will, as he had strength and witte. The man had an high hart, and sore longed vpwarde, not risyng yet so fast as he had hoped beyng hindered and kept under by Sir Richard Ratcliffe (age 53), and Sir William Catesby (age 33), which longyng for no more partners of the Princes fauour, namelye not for him, whose pride they knewe woulde beare no pere, kept him in secret driftes out of all secret trust: which thing this page had well marked, and knowen: wherefore, this occasion offered, of very speciall friendship spied his time to set him forward, and in such wise to doe him good, that all the enemies that he had (except the Deuill) coulde neuer haue done him so much hurt and shame, for vpon the Pages wordes, king Richard arose (for this communication had he sitting en a Iaques, a cotmenient carpet for such a counsuyle) and came out into the palet chambre, where he did find in bed the sayd Iames Tyrrell, and
Sir Thomas Tyrrell, of person like, & brethren of blood, but nothing of kinne in condicions. Then sayde the king merely to them, what Sirs, be you in bed so sone? and called up Iames Tyrrel and brake to him secretly his minde, in this mischeuous matter, in the which he founde him nothyng straunge. Wherfore on the morowe he sent him to Brakinburie with a letter by the which he was commaunded to deliuer to the sayd Iames all the keyes of the Towre for that night, to the ende that he might there accomplishe the kings pleasure in such things as he there had geuen him in commaudement. After which letter deliuered and the keyes receyued, Iames appointed the next night ensuing to destroy them, deuisyng before & preparyng the meanes.
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The Prince assone as the Protectour toke vpon him to be king, and left the name of Protectour, was thereof aduertised and shewed, that lie shoulde not raigne, but his vncle shoulde haue the crowne. At which word the prince sore abashed began to sighe, and sayde: Alas I woulde mine vncle woulde let me haue my life, although I leese my kingdome. Then he that tolde him the tale vsed him with good wordes, and put him in the best comfort that hee coulde, but forthwith he and his brother were both shut vp, and all other remoued from them, one called blacke Wyll, or William Slaughter onely except, which were set to serue them, and foure other to see them sure. After which time, the Prince neuer tyed his pointes, nor any thing rought of hymselfe, but with that yong babe his brother lyngered in thought & heauinesse, till this traiterous dede deliuered them of that wretchednesse.
[August 1483]. For James Tyrrell (age 28) deuised that they should be murthered in their beds and no blood shed: to the execution whereof, he appointed Miles Forest one of the foure that before kept them, a felow flesh bred in murther before time, and to him he ioyncd one Iobn Dighton, his awne horsekeper, a big, broade square, and strong knaue. Then all the other beyng remoued from them, this Miles Forest, and Iolm Dighton about midnight, the siely children liyng in their beddes, came into the chambre, and sodculy lapped them vp amongest the clothes, and so bewrapped them,.and entangled them, kepyng downe by force the fetherbed & pillovves hard vnto their mouthes, that within awhile they smored, and stiried them, & their breathes faylyng, they gaue vp to God their innocent soules, into the ioyes of beauen, leauing to y tormentors their bodies, dead in y bed, which after the wretches perceiued, first by the strugling, with the pangs of death, & after long liyng stil to be throughly dead, they layd the bodies naked out vpon the bed, & fetched Iames Tyrell to see them, which when he saw them perfitely dead, he caused y murtherers to bury them at the stayre foote, metely deepe in the ground vnder a great heape of stones.
Then rode lames Tyrrell in great haste to king Richard, and shewed him all the maner of the murder, who gaue him great thankes, and as men say, there made him knight, but he allowed not their buriall in so vile a corner, saiyng that he would baue them buried in a better place, because they were a kinges sonnes: Lo the honourable courage of a king, for he would recompence a detestable murther with a solempne obsequie. Wherevpon a priest of Sir Robert Brakenburies toke them vp, and buried them in such a place secretly as by the occasion of his death (which was very shortly after) which onely knew it, the very truth coulde neuer yet be well and perfective knowen. Some say that king Richard caused them to he taken vp, and closed them in lead, & to put them in a Coffin full of holes, hooked at the endes with two hookes of yron, and so cast them into a place called the black deepes, at the Thames mouth, so that they should neuer rise vp nor he seene againe. This was the verve truth vnknowen by reason that the sayde priest died so shortly, and disclosed it neuer to any person that would vtter it. And for a truth, when sir lames Tyrrell was in the Tower for treason committed agaynst king Henry the seuenth: both he and Dighton were examined together of this poynt, and both they confessed the murder to be done in the same maner as you baue heard, but whether the bodyes were remoued, they both affirmed lhev neuer knewe. And thus a^ I haue learner! of them that much knewe, and little cause had to lye, were these two noble Princes, these innocent tender children, home of the most royal! blood, and brought vp in great welth, likely long to line, 10 reigne & rule in the realme, by trayterous tirannie taken and depriued of their estate, shortly shut vp in prison, and priuilye slaine and murdered by the cruell ambicion of their natu.rall Vncle and hys dispiteous tormentors: which ihinges on euery part well pondered, God gaue this worlde neuer a more notable example, either in what vnsuretie standeth this worldes weale, or what mischiefe worketh the prowde enterprice of an high heart, or finally what wretched aide ensueth of such dispiteous crueltie. For first to begin with the ministers, Myles Forest, at Saint Martines le graund, by peece ineale miserably rotted away, Iohn Dighton lined at Calice long alter, no lesse disdeyned and hated then poynted at, and there dyed in great misery: But Sir James Tirrell was behedded at the Tower hill for treason: And king Richard himselfe was slaine in the fielde, hacked, and hewen of his enemies hands, haried on a horseback naked being dead, his heare in dispite torne and tugged like a curre Dogge. And the mischiefe that he tooke in lesse then three yeres, of the mischiefe that he did in three monethes be not comparable, and yet all the meane time spent in much trouble and paine outwarde, and much feure, dreade, and anguishe within. For I haue heard by credible report, of such as were secret with his chamberers that after this abhominable deed done, he neuer was quiet in his mind, he neuer thought himselfe sure where he went abroad?, his bodie priuilye fainted, his eyen whirled aboute, his hande euer on his dagger, his countenaunce and maner like alwayes to strike again, he toke euill rest on nightes, lay long wakyng and musyng, foreweried with care and watch, rather slumbred then slept, troubled with fearefull dreames, sodeinly sometime start vp, leapt out of his bed and loked about the Chamber, so was his restlesse heart continually tossed and tombled with the tedious impression and stormie remembraunce of his abhominable murther and execrable tirannie.
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[30th October 1485]. After thys, he wyth great pompe was conueyed to Westminster, and there the thirtie King Henry the daye of October was wyth all ceremonies accustomed, annoynted and crowned Kyng by seuenth crowned the whole assent as well of the commons as of the Nobilitie, and was named king Henry the seuenth of that name, Frederike the thirde then beyng Emperour of Almayne, Maximilian hys sonne then beyng newely elected king of Romaynes, Charles the eyght reygning ouer the French nation, and Iames the thirde rulyng the realme of Scotlande. Which Lames the thirde kingdome he obteyned and enioyed as a thing by God elected and prouided, & by hys king of Scottes, especiall fauour and gracious aspect compassed and acheeued. In so much that men commonly reported that. 797. yeres passed, it was by a heauenly voyce reuealed to Cadwalader last king of Brytons that his stock and progeny should reigne in thys land and beare dominyon agayne: Wherevpon most men were perswaded in their awne opinion that by this heauenly voyce he was prouided and ordeyned long before to enioy and obteyne this kingdome, which thing king Henry the sixt did also shew before, as you haue heard declared. Wherefore he beyng by right and iust tytle of temporall inheritaunce, and by the prouision of deuine purueyaunce thus crowned and proclaymed king: First of all vsyng the antique example of the Athenians, which is to pardon and put out of memorie all crymes and offences before tyme agaynst hym or hys lawes perpetrated or committed, he called hys high court of Parliament at Westmynster the seuenth day of Nouember for boldeeranwest the stablyshing of all things as well concerning the preseruation and mayntenaunce of hys general pardo royall person, as the admynistration of iustice and preferment of the common welth of A parliamēt graunted. thys realme and dominion, in the which he caused to be proclaymed that all inen were pardoned acquyted and cleerely discharged of all offences, paynes of deathe and executions, and should be restored to their landes and moueable goodes, which would submit themselues to his clemencie & by othe be bound truely to serue and obey him as their souereigne Lord, & who so would be obstinate and refuse to returne to hys part, should be accepted and taken as a publike enemy to him and his Countrey. By reason of which proclamation, a great number that came out of dyuers Sanctuaries and priuileged places obteyned grace, forgettyng clerely the diuersitie of factions and voyce of partaking. After this he began to remember his especiall friends and fautors, of whom some he aduaunced to honour and dignity, and some he enriched with possessions and goodes, euery man according to his desert and merite. And to begin, Iasper his Vncle Erle of Penbrooke, he created Duke of Bedforde, Thomas Lorde Stanley he promoted to the Erle of Darby, and the Lorde Chandew of Britayne his especiall friend he made Erle of Bathe, Syr Gyles Dawbeny was made Lorde Dawbeny, syr Robert Wylloughby was made Lorde Brooke which be in their degree Barons and Peeres of the realme. And Edwarde Stafford eldest sonne to Henry late Duke of Buckyngham, he restored to his name, dignitie and possessions, which king Richard did confiscate and attainted. Beside thys, in this Parliament was this notable act assented to and concluded as foloweth.
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September 1485. In this same year a new kinde of sickness came suddenly through the whole region, even after the first entering of the King into this Isle, which was so sore, so painefull and sharp, that the like was never heard of, to any man's rememberance before that time. For suddenly a deadly and burning sweat invaded their bodies and vexed their blood, and with a most ardent heat infested the stomach, and the head grieviously: by the tormenting and vexation of which sickness, men were so sore handled, and so painfully pangued, that if they were layed in their bed, being not able to suffer the importunate heat, they cast away the sheets and all the cloths lying on the bed. If they were in their apparell and vestures, they would put of all their garments even to their shirtes. Other were so dry that they drank the cold water to quench their importunate heat and insatiable thirst. Others that could or at the least would abide the heate and stench (for indeed the sweate had a great and strong savour) caused clothes to be laid upon them as much as they coulde bear, to drive out the sweat, if it might be. All in maner as soon as the sweat took them, or within a short space after yielded up their ghost. So that of all them that sickened, there was not one amongst an hundredth that escaped. Insomuch, that beside the great number which deceased within the City of London, two Mayors, successively died of the same disease within eight days and six Aldermen. And when any person had fully and completely sweat twenty-four hours (for so long did the strength this plague hold them) he should be then clearly delivered of his disease. Yet not so clean rid of it, but that he might shortly relapse and fall again into the same evil pit, yea again and twice again, as many a one indeed did, which after the third time died of the same. At the length by study of Physicians and experience of the people driven thereunto by dreadful necessity, there was a remedy invented. For they that survived, considering the extremity of the pain in them that deceased, devised by things mere contrariant, to resist and withstand the furious rage of that burning furness, by luke warm drink, temperate heat, and measurable clothes. For such persons as relapsed agayn into the flame after the first deliverance, observed diligently and marked such things as did them ease and comfort at their first vexation, and usyng the same for a remedy and Medicine of their pain, adding ever somewhat thereto that was comfortable and wholesome. So that if any person ever after fell sick again, he observing the regimen that amongst the people was devised could shortly help himself, and easily as have the temper and avoid the strength and malice of the sweat. So that after the great losse of many men, they learned a present and a speedy remedy for the same disease and malady, the which is this: If a man on the day time were plagued with the sweat then he should straight lie down with all his clothes and garments, and lie still the whole twenty-four hours. If in the night he were taken, then he should not rise out of his bed for the space of twenty-four hours, and so cast the clothes that he might in no wise provoke the sweat, but so lie temperately that the water might distill out softly of the own accord, and to abstain from all meat if he might so long sustain and suffer hunger, and to take no more drink neither hot nor cold, then will moderately quench and delay his thirsty appetite. And in this his amending, one point diligently above all other is to be observed and attended, that he never put his hand or foote out of the bed to refresh or coole himselfe, the which to do is no less pain than short death. So you may plainely see what remedy was by the daily experience devised and invented for this strange and unknowne disease, the which at that time vexed and grieved onely the realme of England in every town and village as it did diverse times after. But fifty-five years after, it sailed into Flanders, and after into Germany, where it destroyed people innumerable for lack of knowlege of the English experience.
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The next yere after Queene Elizabeth, livng within the Tower of London [Map], was brought abed of a fayre daughter on Candlemasse day, which was there christened and named Katheryn, and the xj [11] day of the same moneth, the sayde most vertuous Princes and gracious Queene there deceassed, and was with all funerall pompe caryed through the Citie of London to Westminster, and there buried, whose daughter also taryed but a small season after her mother.
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The Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough, a canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: "In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed." Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.
After the death of this noble Princes, which for her great vertue was commonly called good Queene Elizabeth, departed Sir Reignolde Bray knight of the Garter, a very father of his Countrie, a sage and a graue person, and a feruent louer of iustice. In so muche that if any thing had beene done agaynst good lawe or equitie, he would after an humble fashion plainly reprehende the king, and geue him good aduertisement how to reforme that offence, & to be more circumspect in another lyke case.
Of the same vertue and honest John Morton plainenesse was lohn Morton Archebishop of Cauntorbury, which Bishop dyed as (it is shewed aboue) two yeres before. So these two persons were euer restrayners and refrayners of the kinges wilfull scope and vnbrideled libertie, where as the rude and ignorannt people say and affirme, that their counsaile infected and corrupted the kinges cleane and immaculate conscience, contrary to his princely disposition & naturall inclination. Such is euer the error of the comon people: but surely as long as the king would heere and obey such as warned him of his offyce royall and kingly dutie, he coulde in no wise erre or swarue asyde. About this tyme also dyed Henrye Archebishop of Cauntorbury, rowme Doctor William Warram Bishop of London supplyed. And to the Bishopricke of London was elected William Barnes, after whose death succeded Richard Fitziames.
18th February 1504. In which yeare the eighteenth day of February, the King (age 47) at his Palace of Westminster, with all solemnity created his only son Henry Prince of Wales (age 12), Earl of Chester, &c. which noble youngling succeded his father, not only in the inheritance and regality, but also was to him equal in honour, fame, learning and policy.
1506. After this, the King having peace aswell with foreign Princes, for the term of three years, as disburdened and purified of all domestic sedicion, began to be diseased with a certeine infirmity and weakenesse of body, which arose in the yere, but specially in sickness came the spring time sore vexed and tormented him. And because for the most part the harm and evil that chanced to the Prince, is parted and communicate to his subiects and people, the old sweatyng disease whereof you heard before amongst the Commons of the realm, came again. Howbeit by the reason of the remedy that was invented by the death of many a creature in the beginning, it did less hurt and displeasure to the people at this time then it did before. But now the third plague equal with the pestilence ensued by the working of the Masters of the forfeitures, by the king appointed as I showed you before. By whose means many a rich and wealthy person, by the extremity of the lawes of the realme, were condemned and brought to misery.
July 1517. After this, suddenly there came a plague of sickness, called the swetyng sicknesse. This malady was so cruell that it killed some within three hours, some within two hours, some merry at dinner, and dead at supper. Many dyed in the King's Court, the Lord Clinton (deceased), the Lord Grey of Wilton (age 20), and many Knightes, Gentlemen, and officers. For this plague Michaelmas term was adiourned, and because that this malady continued from July to the middle of December, the King kept himself ever with a small company, and kept no solemn Christmas, willing to have no resort for fear of infection but much lamented the number of his people, for in some one town half the people died, and in some other town the third part, the Sweat was so fervent, and the infections so great.
May 1528. In the very end of May began in the City of London the sicknesse called the sweating sickness, and afterward went through all the realm almost, of the which many died within five or six hours. By reason of this sickness the terme was adjourned and the circuits of Assize also. The King was sore troubled with this plague, for diverse died in the court, of whome one was Sir Francis Poyntz (age 43), which was Ambassador in Spain, and other, so that the king for a space removed almost euery day, till at the last he came to Tyttenhangar [Map] a place of the Abbot of saint Albones, and there he with a few determined to bide the chance that God would send him, which place was so purged daily with fires, and other preservatives, that neither he nor the Queen nor none of their company was infected of that disease, such was the pleasure of God. In this great plague died Sir William Compton (age 46) knight, and William Carey (age 28) Esquire, which were of the kings privy chamber, and whom the king highly favoured and many other worshipfull men and women in England.
By reason of this plague the watches which were wont to be kept yearly in London on Saint John's eve [23rd June] at Midsummer and Saint Peter's eve [28th June], whereby the king and his counsel commanded to be left for that year, wherefore the Armourers made great suit to the king and declared their great hinderance which was not so much considered as the mischief that might have ensued if that so great a number should have assembled together in the hot time, and the plague of sweating reigning. Now let us leave England all this summer season troubled and vexed with this sweating sicknesse, and let us return to the affaires of Italy.
6th July 1535. Also the sixt day of Iuly was syr Thomas More (age 57) behedded for the like treason before rehearsed, which as you haue heard was for the deniyng of the kings Maiestie supremitie. This man being learned as you haue heard before, was Lorde Chauncelour of Englande, and beside his learning he had a great wit, and in talking verie pleasant and merie conceited, and that euen to his last hower: Insomuch as at hys comming to the Tower, one of the officers demaunded his vpper garment for his fee (meaning hys Gowne) and he aunswered, he should haue it, and toke him his Cap, saiyng it was the vppermost garmēt that he had. Likewise, euen going to his death at the Tower gate, a pore woman called to him and besought him to declare that he had certayn euidences of hers in the time that he was in office (which after he was apprehended she could not come by) and that he would intreat she might have them agayne, or else she was vndone. He aunswered good woman haue pacience a little while, for the king is so good vnto me that eue within this halfe houre he will discharge me of all businesses, and help thee himselfe. Also when he went up the stayres on the Scaffolde, he desired one of the Shriefes officers to geue him his hande to helpe him vp, and sayde, when I come downe agayne, let me shift for my selfe as well as I can. Also the hangman kneeled downe to him asking him forgeuenesse of his death (as the maner is) to whome he sayde I forgeue thee, but I promise thee that thou shalt neuer haue honestie of the stryking of my head, my neck is so short. Also euen when he should lay downe his head on the block, he hauing a great gray beard, striked out his beard and sayde to the hangman, I pray you let me lay my beard ouer the block least ye should cut it.
The twentie and eight day of July [1540] as you have heard before in this yeare, was the Lord Cromwell behedded, and with him likewise was behedded the Lorde Hungerford of Heytesburie, which Lorde Hungerford at the time of his death, seemed to be verie unquyet in his minde, and rather in a frensie then otherwise.
At this time the Queene late before maried to the king called Queene Katheryn Hawarde was accused to the king of dissolute living before her maryage, with Fraunces Diram, and that was not secretely, but many knew of it. And sith her mariage shee was vehemently suspected with Thomas Culpeper, which was brought to her chamber at Lincolne in August last in the progresse time, by the Lady Rocheford, and were together alone, from a xj. of the clocke at night, till foure of the clocke in the morning, and to him shee gaue a Chayne, and a rich Cap. Vppon this the king remoued to London, & she was sent to Sion, and there kept close, but yet serued as Queene. And for the offence confessed by Culpeper and Diram, they were put to deth at Tiborne, the tenth day of December [1540]. And the two and twentie day of the same moneth, were arreyned at Westminster, the Lorde William Hawarde and his wife, which Lorde William was Vncle ‘to the Queene, Katheryne Tilney which was of counsayle of her bauving to do with Diram, Elizabeth Tilney, Boulmer, Restwoulde, the Queenes women, and Walgraue and William Asby, and Damport Gentlemen, and seruaunts to the olde Duches of Norffolke, and Margaret Benet a Butter wife, all indited of misprision, for concealing the euill demeanor of the Queene, to the slaunder of the king, and his succession: all they confessed it, and had judgement to perpetuall prison, and to lose their goodes and the profite of their landes, duryog their lives: howbeyt shortely after, diverse of them were delivered by the kinges pardon. oo
To the which peticions the king graunted, saiyng that he thanked the Commons, that they tooke his sorow to be theirs. Wherevpon the Queene and the Ladie Rocheford were attainted by both the houses. And on Saterday beyng the xj. day of February, the king sent his roial assent, by his great Seale: and then all the Lordes were in their Robes, and the common house called vp, and there the acte read, and his assent declared. And so on the thirtene daye [Feb 1540], these two Ladies were behedded on the greene, within the Tower with an axe, and confessed their offences, and died repentaunt. And shortly after the maryed the Lady Katheryn Parre that had bene wife to the Lorde Latimer, and she was sister to the Marques of Northampton.
20th March 1549. And in this Parliament also was attainted sir Thomas Seymer, called Baron Seymer of Sudley, brother to the Lorde Protector, high Admirall of England. The causes and articles obiected against him, are expressed in the booke of statutes. And the xx day of March next folowyng, which was in the thirde yere of the king, he was behedded at the Tower hill, and then it was commonly talked, that the fall of the one brother, would be the overthrow of the other, as soone after it came to passe.
April 1551. In this Parliament the booke of common prayer, which in some part had bene corrected and amended, was newly confirmed and established. And in the end of this Parliament there chanced a great and contagious sicknesse to happen in the realm, which was called the sweatyng sicknesse, wherof a great number of people died in a time, namely in the City of London. And it seemed that God had appointed the sade sickness only for the plague of Englishmen, for the most that died thereof were men and not women nor children. And it so folowed the Englishmen, that such Merchants of England as were in Flanders and Spain, and other Countries beyond the sea were visited therewithall, and none other nation infected therewith. And it began first in April in the North parts, and so came through the realm, and continued until September next followyng. The disease was sudden and grievous, so that some being in perfect health in one houre, were gone and dead within four hours next following. And the same being whote and terrible enforced the people greatly to call upon God, and to do many deeds of Charity. But as the disease ceased, so the devotion quickly decayed.