On this Day in History ... 15th May

Annals of Six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet. 1266. The castle of Dover was surrendered to Edward, into which he brought Guy de Montfort to be held in custody. The legate Ottobono, having convened a council at Northampton, pronounced a sentence of excommunication against all bishops and clerics who had given aid or favour to Earl Simon against the king; and specifically against John of Winchester, Walter of Worcester, Henry of London, and Stephen of Chichester. Of these, the Bishop of Worcester soon after died, on the sixth day before the Nones of February [31st January 1266], and Nicholas de Ely, the king’s chancellor, succeeded him. The other three aforesaid bishops, going to Rome, awaited the favour of the pope. By the same sentence he also publicly bound all others opposing the king; there too he published the pope’s grant that a tenth of the English Church should be paid to the king for the following year. The keeper of Guy de Montfort in the castle of Dover, having been corrupted, released him after Easter, and he crossed the sea with him. Guy, going into the parts of Tuscany, attached himself to Count Rufus; and, since he was renowned in warfare, he took as wife his daughter and heiress. His brother Simon, a little earlier, in Lent, having escaped from prison, fled into France. The king appointed in each county a captain who, together with the sheriff, might restrain the violence of robbers, who were very numerous. On the vigil of Pentecost [15th May 1266], Robert de Ferrers, Earl of Derby, was captured near the town called Chesterfield by royal knights, his companions whom he had summoned for plunder being scattered in flight. Some of the disinherited, occupying the Isle of Axholme, were soon compelled to surrender by Lord Edmund, the king’s brother. A certain knight in the parts of Winchester, called Adam, surnamed Gurdon, being disinherited with others who had adhered to Earl Simon, refused to come to the king’s peace and settled with his followers near the road between the town of Alton and the castle of Farnham, which at that time ran winding through wooded heights in a valley, and was therefore well suited to robbers; and he harried the country with raids, especially the lands of those who adhered to the king’s party. Edward, wishing to test the strength and prowess of this man, of which he had heard by report, came upon him with a strong force as he was preparing for battle, and ordered his men that none should interfere with their single combat. Thus engaging, they struck repeated blows, and, with equal fortune, neither yielding to the other, they fought for a long time. At length Edward, delighted with the knight’s valour and spirit, while they were fighting advised him to surrender, promising him life and fortune. The knight agreeing, immediately cast down his arms and surrendered himself; and that same night Edward sent him to Guildford to be presented to the queen mother with earnest recommendation. Afterwards restored to his inheritance, Edward always held him dear and loyal.

1266. CASTRUM Dovoriæ redditum est Edwardo, in quod Guidonem de Monte-forti transtulit sub custodia detinendum. Ottobonus legatus, vocato concilio apud Northamptoniam, sententiam excommunicationis tulit in omnes episcopos et clericos, qui comiti Symoni contra regem præstiterant auxilium aut favorem; et nominatim in Joannem Wintoniensem, Walterum Wigorniensem, Henricum Londoniensem, Stephanum Cicestrensem; de quibus Wigorniensis cito post obiit ’sexto nonas Februarii, cui Nicolaus de Hely, cancellarius regis, successit. Reliqui vero tres præfati episcopi, Romam adeuntes, domini papæ gratiam expectabant. Eadem etiam sententia ceteros quosque regi adversantes publice innodavit; ibi etiam concessionem domini papæ de decima ecclesiæ Anglicanæ solvenda regi per annum sequentem proximo publicavit. Custos Guidonis de Monte-forti in castro Dovoriæ corruptus, ipsum post Pascha liberum dimisit, mare transiens cum eodem. Guido partes Tusciæ adiens, comiti Rufo adhæsit; cujus cum in militia famosus esset, uxorem accepit filiam et heredem. Symon vero frater ejus senior paulo ante, tempore Quadragesimali, de carcere evadens transfugit in Gallias. Rex in singulis comitatibus capitaneum unum constituit, qui una cum vicecomite prædonum, qui plurimum abundabant, violentias coerceret. In vigilia Pentecostes Robertus de Ferrariis, comes Derbeiæ, apud oppidum, quod Cestrefelde dicitur, captus est per milites regios, sociis quos ad prædandum acciverat per fugam dispersis. Exheredatorum quidam, insulam de Axeholme occupantes, per dominum Eadmundum, fratrem regis, in brevi ad deditionem coguntur. Miles quidam in partibus Wintoniæ Adam dictus, cognomento Gurdoun, exheredatus cum ceteris qui comiti Symoni adhæserant, ad pacem regis renuens venire, juxta viam inter villam de Aultonia, et castrum de Fernham, quam tunc in valle promuntoria nemorosa reddebant tortuosam, ac per hoc prædonibus opportunam, cum suis resedit patriam rapinis infestans, et præcipue terras illorum qui parti regiæ adhærebant. Cujus vires et probitatem ex fama cognitas cupiens Edwardus experiri, cum in manu forti supervenisset eidem se ad pugnam paranti, præcepit suis, ne quis inter eos impediret singulare certamen. Congressi itaque mutuos ictus ingeminant; parique sorte, neutro cedente alteri, diutius dimicant. Delectatus tandem Edwardus militis virtute et animo, inter pugnandum consulit ei ut se redderet, vitam pollicens et fortunam. Cui miles adquiescens, abjectis armis se illico reddidit, quem eadem nocte Gildfordiam Edwardus transmisit, reginæ matri cum recommendatione supplici præsentandum, quem postea hereditati restitutum, Edwardus semper carum habuit atque fidum.

Annals of Six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet. 1292. Pope Nicholas IV passed along the way of all flesh [on 4th April 1292], who shortly before, inviting the King of England to recover the Holy Land, had appointed him leader and captain of all the Christians. After Easter of the same year, at the anchorage of ships which is usually at Saint-Mathieu in Brittany, a quarrel arose between the sailors of Bayonne and the Normans, and they began to attack one another both by land and sea¹, and their sides having been strengthened, the conflict grew, while the English adhered to the men of Bayonne, but to the Normans the other sailors who were under the dominion of the King of France. Now ships on both sides were laden not only with merchandise, but with arms, and the calmer the breeze became, the sea lying smooth, the more dangerous shipwrecks they encountered, not dashed upon rocks, but violently overpowered by the enemy. Rudolf, King of the Romans, died, in whose place Adolf, Count of Nassau, was elected as successor, and without opposition was solemnly crowned King of Germany. Alfonso also, King of Aragon, died in this same year.

1292. NICOLAUS papa quartus viam universæ carnis ingressus est, qui paullo ante regem Angliæ ad recuperandum Terram Sanctam invitans, ducem et capitaneum omnium constituit Christianorum. Post Pascha anni ejusdem in statione navium, quæ solet esse apud Sanctum Matthæum in Britannia, suborta est inter nautas Baionenses et Normannos discordia, cœperuntque se terra marique mutuo impugnare: roboratisque partibus crevit seditio, dum Baionensibus adhærent Anglici; Normannis vero nautæ ccteri, qui erant de ditione regis Francorum. Onerantur jam naves hinc inde non tantum mercibus, sed armis, et quo magis aura placidior defervescebat, strato æquore maris, tanto periculosiora incurrebant naufragia, non cautibus illisæ, sed expugnatæ violenter ab hoste. Moritur rex Romanorum Radulphus, in cujus successorem electus est Adulfus comes de Naasso, et sine contradictione in regem Alemanniæ solemniter coronatur. Alfonsus etltam, Aragonum rex, mortuus est hoc anno.

Note 1. The Battle of Point St Mathieu was fought on 15th May 1293. Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough: 'At last, when the appointed day arrived they came together there fully equipped with weapons of war. And just as there had been a disparity in their spirits, so too on that day there arose the greatest imbalance in the elements, namely, snow, hail, and a fierce wind. A fierce battle was joined between the parties, and at last Almighty God granted victory to our side. Many thousands perished by the sword, besides those drowned with their ships, who were almost beyond number. Our men brought back about 240 ships laden with spoils.' Chronicle of Bury St Edmunds: '... which was the Friday before Pentecost [15th May], a fierce and terrible battle was fought at sea off the Pointe Saint-Mathieu between the English, Irish and men of Bayonne on one side and the Normans on the other. The Normans and their forces having been wiped out, some by drowning in the water, some felled by the sword, the English won a triumphant victory and took a huge spoil without any loss to their army. Nine score Norman ships were captured in the battle and distributed among the victors. Thirty of these ships were allotted to Yarmouth and were taken there laden with immense booty by way of prize. The rest of the ships were divided among the other belligerents according to their number and the amount of help they had supplied. Only three ships from Bayonne took part in the battle'.

Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough. At last, when the appointed day arrived [15th May 1293], they came together there fully equipped with weapons of war. And just as there had been a disparity in their spirits, so too on that day there arose the greatest imbalance in the elements, namely, snow, hail, and a fierce wind. A fierce battle was joined between the parties, and at last Almighty God granted victory to our side. Many thousands perished by the sword, besides those drowned with their ships, who were almost beyond number. Our men brought back about 240 ships laden with spoils. When this was reported to King Philip of France, although his brother Charles had been the chief instigator of this naval battle, he nevertheless sent messengers to the King of England, urgently demanding that reparations be made, that the perpetrators be punished and handed over, and that an enormous sum of money be paid to compensate for the plundering of his merchants. To these demands our king wisely replied that he would respond through his own appointed representatives. And having sent his own envoys, he requested the King of France, as both kinsman and overlord, to name a specific day and place, to which both sides with common counsel might come together to discuss the matter amicably and to proceed according to what the truth of the case would require. But this offer was rejected by the King of France, who, with the advice of his nobles, ordered the King of England to be summoned by writ to appear on a fixed day before his court, to answer for the aforesaid injuries. When the King of England did not appear on the appointed day, it was ordered and judged by the court of the King of France that all his lands across the sea should be seized. He was to be summoned again to appear on another day, under penalty of forfeiting all his transmarine possessions.

Adveniente demum die, convenerunt ibidem armis bellicis sufficienter instructi, et sicut in eis fuerat disparitas animorum sic et eodem die contigit maxima inæqualitas elementorum, nivis scilicet et grandinis ventique validissimi; consertumque est grave proelium inter partes, et tandem victoriam dedit nostris ipse Deus omnipotens, perieruntque gladio multa millia præter submersos cum navibus quasi infinitos, reduxeruntque nostri onustas cum præda naves circiter CCXL. Quæ cum Philippo regi Francourum nunciata fuissent, licet frater ejus Carolus hujus navalis proelii auctor extitisset, missis tamen ad regem Angliæ nunciis obnixe petiit emendas sibi fieri, auctoresque facti puniendos tradi, et infinitam pecuniæ summam pro spoliatione mercatorum suorum liberari. Quibus rex noster prudenter respondit quod per proprios responsales ad interrogata responderet; missisque nunciis rogavit regem Francourum tanquam parentem et dominum ut certos diem et locum nominaret ad quos cum communi consilio hinc inde properarent, amicabiliter super hujusmodi tractaturi, et facturi ulterius quod ipsa rei veritas suaderet. Quod quidem oblatum rex Franciæ non admittens, de communi consilio magnatum suorum præcepit regem Angliæ per brevem vocari, certo die super hujusmodi injuriis in curia sua responsurum. Qui, cum ad diem non veniret, præceptum fuit et a curia regis Franciæ judicatum, quod tota terra sua transmarina seisiretur, et iterum recitaretur ad diem alterum, sub pœna forisfacturæ totius terræ suæ transmarinæ responsurus.

Chronicle of England by Jean de Waurin. [15th May 1464]. Chapter 4.30. Of a battle that took place quite near Newcastle upon Tyne where the Duke of Somerset was captured, along with several other great lords captured and killed by the Earl of Northumberland.

It so happened around this time that between Scotland and Northumberland, the Duke of Somerset, the principal governor of Queen Margaret, had assembled a large force to raid and inflict damage upon the Kingdom of England, particularly targeting those loyal to King Edward. Although the said Duke of Somerset had recently received a pardon from the King and returned to his court, he could not hold himself back. Instead, he preferred to return to King Henry's side rather than remain with King Edward's party. He clearly recognized that King Henry's faction lacked the strength to resist against King Edward's power, who had previously shown him great honour and respect. Despite this, he abandoned King Edward's side to rejoin King Henry and support those who had no power to benefit him, as he had previously experienced.

Chapter 4.30. Dune bataille qui se fist assez pres de Neufchastel sur Thim ou le duc de Sombresset fut prins, plusieurs autres grans seigneurs prins aussi et mors par le comte de Northumbelland.

Or advint environ ce tempore que entre Escoche et Northumbelland le duc de Sombresset, principal gouverneur de la royne Marguerite, avoit de nouvel assamble grans gens pour courir sus et dhommagier le royaulme dAngleterre, et par especial grever auz tenans le party du roy Edouard, ja soit que ycellui duc de Sombresset eust un peu par avant eu son pardon du roy et depuis retourne a sa court; mais toutesfois il ne si scent tenir, ains ama mieulz soy retourner devers le roy Henry que demourer a la partye du roy Edouard, ja congneust il assez et veist bien que ladite partie du roy Henry navoit force ne vigueur pour resister a lencontre de la puissance du roy Edouard qui luy avoit fait grant honneur et grant chiere, lequel toutesfois il delaissa pour retourner au roy Henry et aller levers ceulz quy nulle puissance navoient de lui quelque bien faire, comme bien lavoit paravant experimente.

Warkworth's Chronicle [1461-1474]. 15th May 1464. Also in the iiij^th yere of the Kynge Edwarde, the monethe of Maij, the Duke of Somersett, the Lorde Roos [aged 36], the Lorde Moleyns [aged 33], Talboys the Earl [Baron] of Kyme [aged 49], Sire Phylippe Wenterworth [aged 40], Sire Thomas Fynderne, gadred a grete peple of the northe contre¹. And Sere Jhon Nevelle, that tyme beynge Earl of Northumberlonde, with 10,000 men come uppon them, and there the comons fleede that were with them, and ther the forseide lordes were takene and afterward behedede³. But thenne the Lorde Montagu [aged 33], the Earl of Warwick [aged 35]s brothere, whiche the Kynge had made Earl of Northumberlonde, was mighty and strong by the same, &c. And for so moche as the Kynge and his counselle thought that he wolde holde with his Earl of Warwick, therfor the Kyng and his counselle made the countre to desire that they might have the ryghtfull heyre Percy, sonne to Henry Percy that was slayne at Yorke Feld, to be the Earl of Northumberlond, and so it was doone. And after this the Kynge made Lorde Montagu, Marquyus Montagu, and made his sonne [aged 3] Duke of Bedford, whiche schulde wedde the princesse, the Kynges heldest doughter, whiche, by possibylite, schuld be Kynge of England, and so he hade many fayre wordys and no lordeschyppys, but alwey he promysed he wuld do, &c,

Note 1. Gadred a grete peple of the northe contre. The following very curious document is from a MS. in the College of Arms (L.9):— "Anno Edwardi quarti quarto et mensis Maij die xxvij. scilicet in die san[c]te Trinitatis.

The Kyng lay in the Palois of York, and kept his astate solemply; and tho there create he Sir John Nevelle, Lord Mowntage, Earl of Northumberland. And than my lorde of Warrewike toke upon hym the jorney, by the Kynges commandement and auctoritee, to resiste the Rebellions of the Northe, acompanyed with hym my sayde Lorde of Northumberland his brother.

"Item, the xxiij^ti, day of Juyne, my saide Lorde of Warrewike, with the puissaunce, cam before the castelle of Alwike, and ad it delivered by appointement; And also the castell of Dunstanboroughe, where that my said Lord kept the feest of Saint John Baptist."

"Item, my said Lorde of Warrewike, and his broder Earl of Northumberland, the xxv. day of Juyn, leyede siege unto the Castelle of Bamburghe, there within being Sir Rauf Grey, with suche power as attendid for to keepe the said castelle ayen the power of the Kinges and my said Lord, as it apperith by the heroudes reporte, by the whiche my Lord sent to charge them to delyvere it under this forme, as ensewithe; Chester, the Kinges heroude, and Warrewike the heroude, had this commaundement, as foloweth, -to say unto Sir Rauf Gray, and to other that kept his Rebelliouse oppynyon, that they shule delivere that place contynent aftyr that summacion, and every man for the tyme being disposed to receyve the Kynges grace, my said Lord of Warrewike, the Kinges lieutenant, and my Lord of Northumbreland, Wardeyn of themarches, grauntith the Kyng['s] grace and pardon, body, lyvelodes, reservyng ij. persounes, is understoude, Sir Humfrey Neville and Sir Rauf Grey, thoo tweyn to be oute of the Kinges grace, without any redempcion. Than the answere of Sir Rauf Grey followithe unto the said heroudes, he clerely determynyng withinne hymself to liffe or to dye within the said place; the heroudes, according to my Lordes commandement, charged hym with all inconveniences that by possible might fall in offence ayenst Allemighty God, and sheding of bloode; the heroude saying in this wise, My Lordes ensurithe yow, upon their honour, to susteyne siege before yowe these vij. yeres, or elles to wynne yowe."

Item, my sayde Lorde Lieutenant, and my Lord Wardeyn, hath yeven us ferther comaundement to say unto yowe, if ye deliver not this Juelle, the whiche the king our most dradde soverain Lord hath so gretly in favour, seing it marcheth so nygh hys awncient enemyes of Scotland, he specially desirethe to have it, hoole, unbroken, with ordennaunce; if ye suffre any greet gunne laide unto the wal, and be shote and prejudice the wal, it shall cost yowe the Chiftens hede; and so proceding for every gunne shet, to the leest hede of any persoune within the said place. Than the saide Sir Rauf Grey deperted from the saide heroud, ant put hym in devoir to make deffence.

And than my Lorde lieutenant had ordennede alle the Kinges greet gonnes that where charged at oons to shute unto the said Castelle, Newe-Castel the Kinges greet gonne, and London the second gonne of irne; the whiche betyde the place, that stones of the walles flewe unto the see; Dysyon, a brasin gonne of the Kinges, smote thouroughe Sir Rauf Grey's chamber oftentimes; Edward and Richard Bombartell, and other of the Kinges ordennaunce, so occupied by the ordonnaunce of my said Lord, with men of armes and archirs, wonne the castelle of Bamburg with asawte, mawgrey Sir Rauf Grey, and tooke hym, and brought hym to the Kynge to Doncastre, and there was he execut in this fourme as followith. My lorde Earl of Worcestre, Connestable of Englond, sitting in jugement, told hym jugement, and remambrid hym, saying unto hym; "Sir Rauf Grey, thou hast take the ordir of Knyghthode of the Batthe, and any soe taking that ordir ought to kepe his faithe the whiche he makes; therfor remembre the[e] the lawe! wilt thou shall procede to jugement? thees maters shewith so evidently agayn the, that they nedithe not to examyn the of them, by certein persounes of the Kinges true subgettes, the whiche thou hast wounded, and shewithe here that thou canst not deny this; thou hast drawen the with force of armes unto the Kyng oure most natural soverain Lorde, the whiche tho wotest wele yave unto the suche trust, and in suche wise mynystred his grace unto the, that thou haddist his castels in the Northe partie to kepe; thou hast betraied Sir John Asteley Knyght, and brother of the gartier, the whiche remaignethe in the hand of the Kynges oure soverain Lord enemyes in Fraunce.

Item, thou hast withstoud and maade fences ageynst the Kynges maiestie, and his lieutenant the worthy Lorde my broder of Warrwike; it apperith by the strookes of the greet gunnes in the Kyng walles of his castell of Bamburghe. For the[se] causes, dispost the to suffre thy penaunce aftyr the lawe. The Kyng had ordenned that thou shuldest have hadd thy sporys striken of by the hard heles, with the hand of the maister cooke, that whiche is here redy to doo, as was promysed at the tyme that he tooke of thy spurres; he said to yee, as ys accustumed, that 'And thou be not true to thy soverain Lord, I shal smyte of thy sporys with this knyf herd by the helys,' and so shewne hym the maistre cooke redy to doo his office, with apron and his knyff.

"Item, Sir Rauff Grey, the Kyng had ordenned here, thou maist see, the Kynge of armes and heroudes, and thine own propre cote of armes, that whiche they shuld teere of thy body, and so thou shuldist as wel be disgraded of thy worshipp, noblesse, and armes, as of the order of Knyghthode; and also here is an oder cote of thin armes reversed, the which thou shuldest have werne of thy body, going to that dethe warde, for that belongethe aftyr the lawe. Notwithstanding, of the disgrading of knygthode, and of thine armes, et noblesse, the King pardons that for thy noble grauntfader, the whiche suffrid trouble for the Kynges moost noble predecesseurs². Than, Sir Rauf Grey, this shal be thy penaunce, thou shalt goo on thy feet unto the towneseend, and there thou shalt be laide downe and drawen to a scaffold maade for thee, and that thou shalt have thyne hede smite of thi body, to be buriede in the freres; thi heede where it pleased the Kyng."

Note 2. Sir Ralph Grey, of Wark, Heton, and Chillingham (lineal ancestor of the Earls of Tankerville, as well as of the present Earl Grey) was the grandson of Sir Thomas Grey, beheaded at Southampton with the Earl of Cambridge, Aug. 5, 1415. See the whole sheet pedigree of Grey in Raine's North Durham. - J.G.N.

Note 3. Were takene and afterward behedede: On the fifteenth day of May, at Hexham, Northumberland [Map], the Duke of Somerset [aged 28], Edmund Fizthu, Bradshaw, Wauter Hunt, and Black Jakis were decapitated. On the seventeenth day of May, at Newcastle, the Lord of Hungerford, Lord Roos, Lord Thomas Fynderum, Edward de la Mare, and Nicholas Massam were decapitated. At Middleham Castle [Map], on the eighteenth day of May, the Lord Philip Wentworth, William Penyngton, Ward of Topcliff, Oliver Wentworth, William Spilar, Thomas Hunt, the footman of King Henry, were decapitated. At York, on the twenty-fifth day of May, Lord Thomas Husye, Thomas Gosse, Robert Merfynn, John Butler, Roger Water, the doorkeeper of King Henry, Thomas Fenwyke, Robert Cocfeld, William Bryte, William Dawsonn, and John Chapman were decapitated. At York, on the twenty-eighth day of May, John Elderbek, Richard Cawerum, John Roselle, and Robert Conqueror were decapitated." — MS. Arundel, Coll. Arm. 5, fol. 170, rº.

Quintodecimo die mensis Maij, apud Exham, decapitati sunt Dux Somersett, Edmundus Fizthu miles, Brasdshaw, Wauter Hunt, Blac Jakis. Decimo-septimo die mensis Maii, apud Novum-Castrum, decapitati sunt Dominus de Hungarforde, Dominus Roos, Dominus Thomas Fynderum, Edwardus de la Mare, Nicholaus Massam. Apud Medetham, xviijo die mensis Maii, decapitati sunt Dominus Philippus Wentworth, Willielmus Penyngton, Warde de Topcliff, Oliverus Wentworth, Willielmus Spilar, Thomas Hunt, le foteman Regis Henrici. Apud Eboracum, xxvº die mensis Maii, decapitati sunt Dominus Thomas Husye, Thomas Gosse, Robertus Merfynn, Johannes Butlerus, Rogerus Water, janitor Regis Henrici, Thomas Fenwyke, Robertus Cocfeld, Willielmus Bryte, Willielmus Dawsonn, Johannes Chapman. Apud Eboracum, xxviijo die mensis Maii, decapitati sunt Johannes Elderbek, Ricardus Cawerum, Johannes Roselle, Robertus Conqueror.

Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. [15th May 1464] The lord Montacute seyng fortune thus prosperously leadyng his saile, was auaunced with hardy corage toward his enemies, & then in passyng forward, he had by his espialles perfite intelligence, that kyng Henry with all his power, was incamped in a faire plaine called Lyuels, on the water of Dowill in Exham shire. It was no neede to bid hym hast, as he that thought not to lese the occasion, to hym so manifestly geven, & to leaue the good port of fortune, to hym opened and vaclosed: and therfore, in good ordre of battail, he manfully set on his enemies, in their awne cape, whiche like desperate persones, with no small corage received hym. There was a sore fought feld, and no partie by a long tract, could get any aduauntage of the other, till at the last, the lord Montacute, criyng on his men to do valiauntly, entered by plaine force, the battaill of his enemies, and brake their array, whiche like men amased, fled hether and thether, desperate of all succor. In whiche flight and chase, wer taken, Henry duke of Somerset, whiche before was reconciled to Kyng Edwarde, the Lorde Roos, the Lorde Molyns, the Lord Hungerford, sir Thomas Wentworth, sir Thomas Huse, sir Thon Fynderne, & many other. Kyng Henry was this day, the beste horseman of his company: for he fled so faste that no man could overtake hym, and yet he was so nere pursued, that certain of his henxmen or folowers wer taken, their horses beyng trapped in blew veluet: wherof one of thé had on his hed, thesaid kysg Henries healmet. Some say his high cap of estate, called abococket, garnished with twoo riche crounes, whiche was presented to kyng Edward, at Yorke the fourth daie of Maie. The duke of Somerset, was incontinently, for his greate mulabilitie and lightnes, heliedded at. Exam, the other lordes and knightes, wer had to New Castle, and there after alitle respite, wer likewise put in execucion. Beside these persones, diverse other to the numbre of XXV wer executed at Yorke, and in other places: wherby other fautors of kyng Henries partie, should be out of all trust of all victory, consideryng that their capitaines, had hopped hedles. Fro this battaill escaped kyng Henry the VI, sir Humfrey Neuell, Willia Taylboys, callyng hymself erle of Kent, sir Raufe Gray, and Richard Tunstall, and diverse other, whiche beyng in feare of takyng, hid themselfes and lurked in denes and wholes secretly. Thei wer not so closly hid, but they were espied: for the erle of Kent was taken in a close place in Riddesdale, and brought to New Castle, and there with an axe lost his life, Sir Humfrey Neuell, after long lurking in a Caue, was taken in Holdernes, and at Yorke behedded. Thus every man almoste that escaped, was after taken and scorged: so that it should seme that God had ordeined, all suche persones as rebelled against kyng Edward, to have in coclusion, death for their reward and guardone.

Grafton's Chronicle [1507-1573]. 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.

On 15th May 1536 Queen Anne Boleyn [aged 35] tried at the King's Hall in the Tower of London [Map].

Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 63] was appointed Lord High Steward and presided. Henry Howard Earl of Surrey [aged 20] attended. Henry Pole 1st Baron Montagu [aged 44] was one of the judges. Elizabeth Browne Countess of Worcester [aged 34] was the principal witness.

The jurors were:

Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 52].

Edward Clinton 1st Earl Lincoln [aged 24].

Thomas Fiennes 9th Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 21].

George Hastings 1st Earl Huntingdon [aged 49].

Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland [aged 44].

John Mordaunt 1st Baron Mordaunt [aged 56].

Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 38].

Henry Parker 11th Baron Marshal 10th Baron Morley [aged 55].

Edward Stanley 3rd Earl of Derby [aged 27].

Thomas Stanley 2nd Baron Monteagle [aged 28].

John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford [aged 65].

Thomas Wentworth 1st Baron Wentworth [aged 35].

Henry Somerset 2nd Earl of Worcester [aged 40].

Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland.

Thomas Burgh 7th Baron Cobham 5th Baron Strabolgi 1st Baron Burgh [aged 48].

Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 40].

William Fitzalan 11th or 18th Earl of Arundel [aged 60].

Henry Fitzalan 12th or 19th Earl of Arundel [aged 24].

Thomas Audley 1st Baron Audley Walden [aged 48].

Edward Powers Lord Powers.

William Sandys 1st Baron Sandys of the Vyne [aged 66].

Thomas Ware.

Andrew Windsor 1st Baron Windsor [aged 69].

George Brooke 9th Baron Cobham [aged 39].

She was found guilty and sentenced to be beheaded. John Spelman [aged 56] signed the death warrant.

After Anne's trial her brother George Boleyn Viscount Rochford [aged 33] was also tried and found guilty.

Letters and Papers. 15th May 1536. R. O. 876. Trial of Anne Boleyn [aged 35] and Lord Rochford [aged 33].

Record of pleas held at the Tower of London before Thomas Duke of Norfolk [aged 63], treasurer and Earl marshal, lord high steward, citing:—

1. Patent appointing the said Duke steward of England hac vice for the trial of queen Anne and Lord Rochford. Westm., 12 May 28 Henry VIII.

2. Mandate to Sir John Baldewyn, Sir Richard Lister, Sir John Porte, Sir John Spelman, Sir Walter Luke, Sir Anth. Fitzherbert, Sir Thos. Englefeld, and Sir William Shelley, special commissioners of Oyer and Terminer for Middlesex, to return all indictments found against queen Anne and Lord Rochford. Westm., 13 May 28 Henry VIII.

3. Similar mandate to Sir John Baldewyn, Sir Walter Luke, Sir Anth. Fitzherbert, and Sir William Shelley, special commissioners for Kent. Westm., 13 May 28 Henry VIII.

4. Mandate to Sir William Kyngestone, constable of the Tower, to bring queen Anne and Lord Rochford before the Lord High Steward when required. Westm., 13 May 28 Henry VIII.

5. The Lord High Steward issued his precept, 13 May, to Sir John Baldewyn and his fellows in Middlesex, to return the indictments at the Tower before him on Monday, 15 May, and a similar precept to Sir J. Baldewyn, Luke, and his fellows in Kent; a third precept to the constable of the Tower to bring queen Anne and Lord Rochford that day before him; and a fourth to Ralph Felmyngham, serjeant-at-arms, to summon such and so many lords of the kingdom, peers of the said queen Anne and Lord Rochford, by whom the truth may appear.

6. Pleas held before the Duke of Norfolk, steward of England, at the Tower, on Monday, 15 May 28 Henry VIII.

The justices bring in the indictments for Middlesex and Kent, Sir William Kingston [aged 60] produces the prisoners, and Ralph Felmyngham declares that he has summoned the peers. Proclamation being then made, the peers answer to their names; viz., Charles Duke of Suffolk [aged 52], Henry marquis of Exeter, William Earl of Arundel, John Earl of Oxford [aged 65], Henry Earl of Northumberland [aged 34], Ralph Earl of Westmoreland [aged 38], Edward Earl of Derby [aged 27], Henry Earl of Worcester, Thomas Earl of Rutland [aged 44], Rob. Earl of Sussex, George Earl of Huntingdon, John lord Audeley, Thos. lord La Ware, Henry lord Mountague, Henry lord Morley, Thos. lord Dacre, George lord Cobham, Henry lord Maltravers, Edward lord Powes, Thos. lord Mount Egle, Edward lord Clynton, William lord Sandes, Andrew lord Wyndesore, Thos. lord Wentworth, Thos. lord Burgh, and John lord Mordaunt.

7. Indictment found at Westminster on Wednesday next after three weeks of Easter, 28 Henry VIII.¹ before Sir John Baldwin, &c., by the oaths of Giles Heron [aged 32], Roger More, Richard Awnsham, Thos. Byllyngton, Gregory Lovell, Jo. Worsop, William Goddard, William Blakwall, Jo. Wylford, William Berd, Henry Hubbylthorn, William Hunyng, Rob. Walys, John England, Henry Lodysman, and John Averey; who present that whereas queen Anne has been the wife of Henry VIII. for three years and more, she, despising her marriage, and entertaining malice against the King, and following daily her frail and carnal lust, did falsely and traitorously procure by base conversations and kisses, touchings, gifts, and other infamous incitations, divers of the King's daily and familiar servants to be her adulterers and concubines, so that several of the King's servants yielded to her vile provocations; viz., on 6th Oct. 25 Henry VIII., at Westminster, and divers days before and after, she procured, by sweet words, kisses, touches, and otherwise, Henry Noreys, of Westminster, gentle man of the privy chamber, to violate her, by reason whereof he did so at Westminster on the 12th Oct. 25 Henry VIII.; and they had illicit intercourse at various other times, both before and after, sometimes by his procurement, and sometimes by that of the Queen. Also the Queen, 2 Nov. 27 Henry VIII. and several times before and after, at Westminster, procured and incited her own natural brother, George Boleyn, Lord Rochford, gentleman of the privy chamber, to violate her, alluring him with her tongue in the said George's mouth, and the said George's tongue in hers, and also with kisses, presents, and jewels; whereby he, despising the commands of God, and all human laws, 5 Nov. 27 Henry VIII., violated and carnally knew the said Queen, his own sister, at Westminster; which he also did on divers other days before and after at the same place, sometimes by his own procurement and sometimes by the Queen's. Also the Queen, 3 Dec. 25 Henry VIII., and divers days before and after, at Westminster, procured one William Bryerton, late of Westminster, gentleman of the privy chamber, to violate her, whereby he did so on 8 Dec. 25 Henry VIII., at Hampton Court, in the parish of Lytel Hampton, and on several other days before and after, sometimes by his own procurement and sometimes by the Queen's. Also the Queen, 8 May 26 Henry VIII., and at other times before and since, procured Sir Fras. Weston, of Westminster, gentleman of the privy chamber, &c., whereby he did so on the 20 May, &c. Also the Queen, 12 April 26 Henry VIII., and divers days before and since, at Westminster, procured Mark Smeton [aged 24], groom of the privy chamber, to violate her, whereby he did so at Westminster, 26 April 27 Henry VIII.

Moreover, the said Lord Rochford, Norreys, Bryerton, Weston, and Smeton, being thus inflamed with carnal love of the Queen, and having become very jealous of each other, gave her secret gifts and pledges while carrying on this illicit intercourse; and the Queen, on her part, could not endure any of them to converse with any other woman, without showing great displeasure; and on the 27 Nov. 27 Henry VIII., and other days before and after, at Westminster, she gave them great gifts to encourage them in their crimes. And further the said Queen and these other traitors, 31 Oct. 27 Henry VIII., at Westminster, conspired the death and destruction of the King, the Queen often saying she would marry one of them as soon as the King died, and affirming that she would never love the King in her heart. And the King having a short time since become aware of the said abominable crimes and treasons against himself, took such inward displeasure and heaviness, especially from his said Queen's malice and adultery, that certain harms and perils have befallen his royal body.

And thus the said Queen and the other traitors aforesaid have committed their treasons in contempt of the Crown, and of the issue and heirs of the said King and Queen.

8. Record of indictment and process before Baldewyn, Luke, and others, in co. Kent.

The indictment found at Deptford, on Thursday, 11 May 28 Henry VIII., is precisely similar in character to the Middlesex indictment, except as regards times and places; viz., that the Queen at Estgrenewyche, 12 Nov. 25 Henry VIII., and divers days before and since, allured one Henry Noreys, late of Est Grenewyche, to violate her, whereby he did so on the 19 Nov., &c.; that on 22 Dec. 27 Henry VIII., and divers other days, at Eltham, she allured George Boleyn, Lord Rochford, &c., whereby he did so, 29 Dec., &c.; that on the 16 Nov. 25 Henry VIII., and divers, &c., at Est Grenewyche, she allured one William Bryerton, late of Est Grenewyche, &c., whereby he did so, 27 Nov., &c.; that on the 6 June 26 Henry VIII., &c., at Est Grenewyche, she allured Sir Fras. Weston, &c., whereby he did so, 20 June, &c.; that on the 13 May 26 Henry VIII. &c., at Est Grenewyche, she allured Mark Smeton, &c., whereby he did so, 19 May 26 Henry VIII.

And further that the said Boleyn, &c. grew jealous of each other; and the Queen, to encourage them, at Eltham, 31 Dec. 27 Henry VIII., and divers times before and since, made them presents, &c.; that the Queen and the others, 8 Jan. 27 Henry VIII., conspired the King's death, &c., and that she promised to marry one of the traitors whenever the King was dead, affirming she would never love him, &c.

And afterwards, Monday, 15 May, queen Anne comes to the bar before the Lord High Steward in the Tower, in the custody of Sir William Kingston, pleads not guilty, and puts herself on her peers; whereupon the said Duke of Suffolk, marquis of Exeter, and other peers, are charged by the High Steward to say the truth; and being examined from the lowest peer to the highest, each of them severally saith that she is guilty.

Judgment:—To be taken to prison in the Tower, and then, at the King's command, to the Green within the Tower, and there to be burned or beheaded as shall please the King.

The same day, Lord Rochford is brought before the High Steward in the custody of Sir William Kingston, and pleads not guilty. The peers are charged, with the exception of the Earl of Northumberland, who was suddenly taken ill, and each of them severally saith that he is guilty.

Judgment:—To be taken to prison in the Tower, and then drawn through the city of London, to the gallows at Tyburn, &c., as usual in high treason.

R. O. 2. Originals of the above indictments, commission to the Lord High Steward, mandates and precept, with the original panel of peers. Several of these documents are a good deal injured.

Note 1. See Report III. of Dep. Keeper of the Pub. Records, App. ii. 243. The whole of the proceedings are printed by Mr. Hamilton in the Appendix to Vol. I. of Wriothesley's Chronicle.

Letters and Papers. 15th May 1536. Hannaert has written to Granvelle on the 9th that he had just heard that the king of England's Concubine [aged 35] had been surprised in bed with the King's organist [aged 24]. If this be so, as it is very probable that God has permitted it after her damnable life, we think the King will be more inclined to treat, especially as regards our cousin; but you must use great dexterity lest the King intend a marriage in France, and that he should rather choose one of his own subjects, either the one with whom he is in love or some other. We trust that if there be anything in it you will let us know with diligence. We send letters of credence for you for the dukes of Richmond, Norfolk, and Suffolk, and also for Cromwell, such as you will see by the copies. Pontremulo, 15 May 1536.

P.S.—Since the above was written your man George has arrived, who confirms the news touching the King's Concubine, and, as we suppose that the King will put her and her accomplices to death and take another wife, as he is of amorous complexion and always desires to have a male child, and as on the side of France they will not fail to offer him a match, you will suggest, when you can, to him or Cromwell, a marriage with the Infanta of Portugal, daughter of our sister the queen of France, who has 400,000 ducats dowry by testament. Another marriage might be arranged for the Infant Don Loys of Portugal, our brother-in-law, with the princess of England. You must point out to them that these matches would be very expedient, both to remove past scruples and to promote strict amity between us, him, and Portugal, and would be very advantageous to England in case the King should have a male child by this marriage, as he may reasonably hope from the youth and bringing up of the Infanta. If you see the King not inclined to these marriages you might propose one between the King and our niece, the duchess dowager of Milan, a beautiful young lady, well brought up and with a good dowry; treating at the same time of the other marriage between Don Loys and our cousin. But we should greatly prefer the former match with the Infanta, for the good of both, and in order to be able to dispose of our niece of Milan otherwise. Bersel, 15 May 1536. Fr., from a modern copy, pp. 3.

Letters and Papers. 15th May 1536. 908. Chapuys [aged 46] to Charles V.

On the 15th the said Concubine and her brother [aged 33] were condemned of treason by all the principal lords of England, and the Duke of Norfolk [aged 63] pronounced sentence. I am told the Earl of Wiltshire [aged 59] was quite as ready to assist at the judgment as he had done at the condemnation of the other four. Neither the putain [aged 35] nor her brother was brought to Westminster like the other criminals. They were condemned within the Tower, but the thing was not done secretly, for there were more than 2,000 persons present. What she was principally charged with was having cohabited with her brother and other accomplices; that there was a promise between her and Norris [aged 54] to marry after the King's death, which it thus appeared they hoped for; and that she had received and given to Norris certain medals, which might be interpreted to mean that she had poisoned the late Queen and intrigued to do the same to the Princess. These things she totally denied, and gave to each a plausible answer. Yet she confessed she had given money to Weston [aged 25], as she had often done to other young gentlemen. She was also charged, and her brother likewise, with having laughed at the King and his dress, and that she showed in various ways she did not love the King but was tired of him. Her brother was charged with having cohabited with her by presumption, because he had been once found a long time with her, and with certain other little follies. To all he replied so well that several of those present wagered 10 to 1 that he would be acquitted, especially as no witnesses were produced against either him or her, as it is usual to do, particularly when the accused denies the charge.

I must not omit, that among other things charged against him as a crime was, that his sister had told his wife [aged 31] that the King "nestoit habile en cas de soy copuler avec femme, et quil navoit ne vertu ne puissance¹." This he was not openly charged with, but it was shown him in writing, with a warning not to repeat it. But he immediately declared the matter, in great contempt of Cromwell and some others, saying he would not in this point arouse any suspicion which might prejudice the King's issue. He was also charged with having spread reports which called in question whether his sister's daughter was the King's child. To which he made no reply. They were judged separately, and did not see each other. The Concubine was condemned first, and having heard the sentence, which was to be burnt or beheaded at the King's pleasure, she preserved her composure, saying that she held herself "pour toute saluee de la mort²," and that what she regretted most was that the above persons, who were innocent and loyal to the King, were to die for her. She only asked a short space for shrift (pour disposer sa conscience³). Her brother, after his condemnation, said that since he must die, he would no longer maintain his innocence, but confessed that he had deserved death. He only begged the King that his debts, which he recounted, might be paid out of his goods.

Although everybody rejoices at the execution of the putain, there are some who murmur at the mode of procedure against her and the others, and people speak variously of the King; and it will not pacify the world when it is known what has passed and is passing between him and Mrs. Jane Semel [aged 27]. Already it sounds ill in the ears of the people, that the King, having received such ignominy, has shown himself more glad than ever since the arrest of the putain; for he has been going about banqueting with ladies, sometimes remaining after midnight, and returning by the river. Most part of the time he was accompanied by various musical instruments, and, on the other hand, by the singers of his chamber, which many interpret as showing his delight at getting rid of a "maigre vieille et mechante bague⁴," with hope of change, which is a thing specially agreeable to this King. He supped lately with several ladies in the house of the Bishop of Carlisle, and showed an extravagant joy, as the said Bishop came to tell me next morning, who reported, moreover, that the King had said to him, among other things, that he had long expected the issue of these affairs, and that thereupon he had before composed a tragedy, which he carried with him; and, so saying, the King drew from his bosom a little book written in his own hand, but the Bishop did not read the contents. It may have been certain ballads that the King has composed, at which the putain and her brother laughed as foolish things, which was objected to them as a great crime.

Note 1. "was not skilful in case of copulating with a woman, and that he had neither virtue nor power".

Note 2. "for every death salute".

Note 3. to dispose of one's conscience.

Note 4. skinny old nasty ring

Note 5. This part of the letter was written on the 17th. See further on, at the beginning of the last paragraph.

Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. 15th May 1536. And first the Kinges commission was redd, and then the Constable of the Tower [aged 60]^e and the Lieutenant [aged 56] brought forthe the Queene [aged 35] to the barre, where was made a chaire for her to sitt downe in, and then her indictment was redd afore her,^g whereunto she made so wise and discreet aunsweres to all thinges layde against her, excusinge herselfe with her wordes so clearlie, as thoughe she had never bene faultie to the same,^a and at length putt her to the triall of the Peeres of the Realme, and then were 26 of the greatest peeres there present chosen to passe on her, the Duke of Suffolke beinge highest, and, after they had communed together, the yongest lorde of the saide inquest was called first to give verdict, who sayde guiltie, and so everie lorde and earle after their degrees sayde guiltie to the last and so condemned her. And then the Duke of Northfolke [aged 63] gave this sentence on her, sayinge: Because thou haste offended our Sovereigne the Kinges grace, in committinge treason against his person, and here attaynted of the same,' the lawe of the realme is this, that thou haste deserved death, and thy judgment is this: That thow shalt be brent here within the Tower of London on the Greene [Map], els to have thy head smitten of as the Kinges pleasure shal be further knowne of the same; and so she was brought to warde agayne, and two ladies wayted on her, which came in with her at the first, and wayted still on her, whose names were the Ladie Kingstone [aged 60] and the Ladie Boleyn [aged 56], her aunte.

Note e. Sir William Kingston.

Note f. Sir Edmond Walsingham.

Note g. Her indictment, which comprised six several charges, is preserved in the Public Record Office, with the subsequent proceedings thereon.

Note a. Upon her examination she positively denied she had ever been false to the King; but, being told that Norris, Weston, Brereton, and Smeton had accused her, she said she ought not to conceal certain things which had passed between her and them. See Burnet, tom, i. pp. 191, 280, &c.

Calendar of State Papers Foreign Series Elizabeth I 1558-1559 Volume 1. [15th May 1536] 25. The Queen was accused of having danced in the bedroom with the gentlemen of the King's chamber [cum cubiculariis regis] and of having kissed her brother, Lord Rochfort. When she made no answer to these accusations, the King's syndic or proctor, Master Polwarck, produced certain letters and bawled out that she could not deny she had written to her brother, informing him that she was pregnant. Still she continued silent.

26. When the sentence of death was pronounced, the Queen raised her eyes to heaven, nor did she condescend to look at her judges, but went to the place of execution. Kneeling down, she asked that time for prayer should be granted her. When she had ceased praying, she herself arranged her hair, covered her eyes, and commanded the executioner to strike.

27. The Queen exhibited such constancy, patience, and faith towards God that all the spectators, even her enemies, and those persons who previously had rejoiced at her misfortune out of their hatred to the doctrine of the religion which she had introduced into England, testified and proclaimed her innocence and chastity.

28. "Without being questioned they themselves answered the accusations brought against the Queen. It is no new thing, said they, that the King's Chamberlains should dance with the ladies in the bedchamber. Nor can any proof of adultery be collected from the fact that the Queen's brother took her by the hand and led her into the dance among the other ladies, or handed her to another, especially if that person was one of the royal chamberlains. For it is a usual custom thougliout the whole of Britain that ladies married and unmarried, even the most coy, kiss not only a brother, but any honourable person, even in public. It is the custom also with young women to write to their near relatives when they have become pregnant, in order to receive their congratulations. The King also was most anxious for an heir, and longed for nothing more than to know that the Queen was pregnant.

29. From such arguments as those which were advanced against the Queen they affirmed that no probable suspicion of adultery could be collected; and that therefore there must have been some other reason which moved the King. Possibly it might be the same as that which induced him to seek for a cause of divorce from his former Queen, namely, the desire of having an heir.

30. He was still further strengthened in his desire for a new marriage by perceiving that all the male children to which the Queen gave birth came into the world dead, and that for some years past she had not conceived. For the King was apprehensive that after his own decease civil wars would break out, and that the crown would again be transferred to the family of the White Rose if he left no heir behind him.

31. And further, the King was angry with the Queen because of the want of success which attended the embassy which, at her instigation, he had despatched into Germany, the Princes of which would not enter into a league with him against the Emperor, unless for the defence of the purer doctrine. They demanded more money than he was willing to give, nor would they permit Philip [Melanctlion] to come into England. And the King was exceedingly indignant because the Princes of Germany doubted his faith.

Letters and Papers. 24th May 1536. Add. MS. 8,715, f. 252. B. M. 956. Bishop of Faenza [aged 36] to Mons. Ambrogio.

According to information from England, received by the King yesterday, on the 15th inst. the Queen [deceased] was degraded, and the following day was to be executed,—either burnt or beheaded; but first her brother [deceased], four gentlemen, and an organist [deceased], with whom she had misconducted herself, were to be quartered in her presence. It is not true that her father [aged 59] and mother were imprisoned, but the former, being on the Council, was present at his daughter's sentence. All was done in the presence of the French ambassador only. It is said that the King has been in danger of being poisoned by that lady for a whole year, and that her daughter [aged 2] is supposititious, being the child of a countryman (villano); but these particulars are not known for certain, according to what the King said today. The discovery was owing to words spoken by the organist from jealousy of others. They are expecting now the declaration of the true daughter to reinstate her and annul what was done in favour of the other. Has not omitted to show what may be done on this occasion for the honor of God, &c. The French king answered that he ardently desired to bring back Henry to the Church, and that he would not fail in endeavouring to do so. He knows that the Imperialists have offered the king of England the queen of Hungary as a wife, but it is thought he will not take her, as she is in bad health, and not fit to bear children. He has today sent a person to his Ambassador about these affairs. He thinks it would be easy to bring back the King if it were not for his avarice, which is increased by the profit he draws from Church goods. The English ambassadors here are in very great joy. Knowing that one of them was a good man, and a friend of his, caused the opportunity and advantage of the King's coming back to the Pope to be shown to him; and that he should be neutral, and give the Emperor and (French) king to understand that he would oppose whoever refused peace; that there was not a better opportunity of wiping out the stains on his character, and making himself the most glorious King in the world; that every one should do his duty, and they would find in the Pope that true piety and goodness which ought now to be known to all the world. The Ambassador, and Winchester also, who is the other, thanked him, saying, with many tears, that this was their only desire, and they would do their part, so that they hoped we should soon embrace each other.

Ital., modern copy, pp. 6. Headed: Al Signor Protonotario Ambrogio, Da Lione, li 24 Maggio 1536.

The Newgate Calendar Volume 2. On the 15th of May, 1812, four days after the death of Mr Perceval, the trial of the prisoner came on at the Old Bailey. The judges at ten o'clock took their seats on each side of the Lord Mayor; and the recorder, the Duke of Clarence, the Marquis Wellesley and almost all the aldermen of the City of London occupied the bench. The court was crowded to excess, and no distinction of rank was observed, so that Members of the House of Commons were forced to mingle in the throng. There were also present a great number of ladies, all led by the most intense curiosity to behold the assassin, and to hear what he might urge in defence or in palliation of his atrocious act.

At length Bellingham appeared, and advanced to the bar with a firm step, and quite undismayed. He bowed to the Court most respectfully, and even gracefully; and it is impossible to describe the impression which his appearance, accompanied by this unexpected fortitude, produced. He was dressed in a light brown surtout coat and striped yellow waistcoat; his hair plainly dressed, and without powder.

Before the prisoner was called on regularly to plead, Mr Alley, his counsel, made application to have the trial postponed, for the purpose of procuring proofs of his client's insanity, which was alleged in two affidavits he held: he said that he had no doubt, if time were allowed, that the prisoner could be proved to be insane. Mr Alley was here interrupted by the court, who refused to hear him until the prisoner had first pleaded.

The indictment was then read, and the usual question, 'Guilty, or not guilty?' was put to Bellingham, when he addressed the court: 'My lords — Before I can plead to this indictment, I must state, in justice to myself, that by hurrying on my trial I am placed in a most remarkable situation. It so happens that my prosecutors are actually the witnesses against me. All the documents on which alone I could rest my defence have been taken from me and are now in possession of the Crown. It is only two days since I was told to prepare for my defence, and when I asked for my papers, I was told they could not be given up. It is therefore, my lords, rendered utterly impossible for me to go into my justification, and under the circumstances in which I find myself, a trial is absolutely useless. The papers are to be given to me after the trial, but how can that avail me for my defence? I am, therefore, not ready for my trial.'

The Attorney-General was proceeding to explain to the court what had been done with reference to the prisoner's papers, when Chief Justice Mansfield interrupted him, observing, it was necessary the prisoner should first plead.

The prisoner was again interrogated, when he pleaded 'Not guilty' to both counts of the indictment.

The Attorney-General — 'I will now answer what has fallen from the prisoner. He says that he has been denied access to his papers. It is true that Government, for the purposes of justice, has retained them — but it is also true that he has been informed that if he asked for them at the time of his trial they should be ready, and any of them, which he might think useful to his defence, should be given to him: and in the meantime, if he considered it necessary, he might have copies of them. This we are ready to verify on oath.'

The clerk of the arraigns, Mr Shelton, then read the indictment, which charged the prisoner in the usual way with the murder of the Right Hon Spencer Perceval, with which he was also charged on the coroner's inquisition.