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Published March 2025. The Deeds of King Henry V, or in Latin Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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Hall's Chronicle 1540 is in Hall's Chronicle.
1540 Marriage of Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves
18 Apr 1540 Thomas Cromwell created Earl of Essex and Great Chamberlain
1540 Arrest and Attainder of Thomas Cromwell
1540 Execution of Thomas Cromwell and Walter Hungerford
On whiche day [01 Jan 140] the kyng whiche sore desired to see her grace accompanied with no more then viii. persons of his prevy chamber, and both he and they all apparelled in marble coates prevely came to Rochester, and sodainly came to her presence, which therwith was sumwhat astonied: but after he had spoken and welcomed her, she with most gracious and lovyng countenaunce and behavior hym received and welcomed on her knees, whom he gently toke up and kyssed: and all that after none commoned and devised with her, and that nyght supped with her, and the next day he departed to Grenewyche, and she came to Dartford.
03 Jan 1540. On the morow being the third day of January, and Saturday, in a faire playne on black heth more nerer the foote of shoters hill then the ascendent of the hyll called blacke heth hyll, was pitched a ryche cloth of gold and divers other tentes and pavilions in the whiche were made fyers and perfumes for her and suche Ladies as should receive her Grace: and from the Tentes to the parke gate of Grenewyche were all busshes and fyrres cutte downe, and a large and ample waye made for the shew of all persones. And fyrst nexte to the parke pale on the East syde, stode the Merchauntes of the Stilyard: and on the West syde stoode the Merchauntes of Jean, Florence and Venyce, and the Spanyardes, in coates of velvet. Then on bothe sydes of the waye stoode the Merchauntes of the Citie of London and Aldermen with the Counsellours of the saied Citie to the nomber of a C.lx. whiche were myxed with the Esquyers: Nexte upward towarde the Tentes stoode Knyghtes: Then the 1. Gentelmen Pencioners, and all this sorte were apparelled in velvet and chaynes of gold, truly accompted to the nomber of xii. C. and above, besyde them that came with the kyng and her grace, whiche were vi. C. in velvet cotes and chaines of golde. Behynde the gentelmen stode the servingmen in good ordre, well horsed and apparelled, that whosoever had well viewed theim might saye that they for tall and comely personages and clene of lym and body, were able to geve the greatest Prince in Christendome a mortall breakefast if he were the kynges enemy: And of this sorte the gentelmen appertainyng to the lord Chauncellor, the lord Prevy scale and the lord Admiral and divers other lordes, beside the costly lyvereis and comely horses, ware chaines of golde.
Thus was the lane ordered in rankes from the parke gate towarde the crosse on the Heth, which was betwene the Rankes and the Tentes, and in this ordre they continued tyll the kyng and she were returned.
About xii. of the clocke her grace with al the company which were of her owne nacion to the nomber of a C. horse, and accompanied with the dukes of Norffolke and Suffolke, the Archebyshop of Caunterbury and other bysshops, lordes and knightes whiche had received and conveyed her as you have hard before, came doune shoters hyl toward the tentes, and a good space from the tentes met her the erle of Rutland her lorde Chamberleyn, syr Thomas Denyce her Chauncellor, and all her councellers and officers, amongest whom, doctor Daye appointed to her Almoner, made to her an eloquent oracion in latin, presenting to her on the kynges behalfe all the officers and servauntes: whiche oracion was aunswered unto by the Duke her brothers Secretarie there being present, whiche done, the lady Margarete Doglas, daughter to the Quene of Scottes, the lady Marques Dorcet, daughter to the Frenche Quene being Nieces to the kyng, and the Duches of Rychemond, and the Countesse of Rutland and Herfford with divers other ladies and gentelwomen, to the nomber of Ixv. saluted and welcomed her grace, whiche alighted out of her Chariot in the which she had ridden al her long journey, and with most goodly demeanor and loving countenaunce gave to them hertie thankes and kissed them al, and after all her counsellors and officers kyssed her hand, which done, she with al the ladies entered the tentes, and there warmed them a space.
03 Jan 1540. When the kyng knew that she was arived in her tent, he with all dyligence set out thorough the parke. And first issued the kynges Trompettes, then the kynges officers beyng sworne of his Counsail, next after them folowed the Gentelmen of the kynges prevy Chamber, some apparelled in coates of velvet embroudered: other had their coates garded with chaines of golde, very ryche to beholde, whiche were wel horsed and trapped: after them ensued Barons, the yongest first, and so sir Willyam Hollys knyght Lorde Mayer of London rode with the lord Par beyng yongest Baron. Then followed Bisshoppes apparelled in blacke satten. Then immediatly followed the Earles, and then duke Phylyppe of Bavyer and Countie Palantyne of the Rhyne, rychely apparelled with the lyverey of the Toysant or Golden Fleece aboute hys necke. Then folowed the Ambassadours of the French kyng and themperour, next folowed the lorde Prevy Scale lorde Cromwell and the lord Chauncellor: then Garter kyng of armes, and the other Officers of armes and the Serj antes at armes gave their attendaunce on every side of the lordes: which lordes for the most part were appareled in purple velvet, the lord Marques Dorcet in the same sute bare the kynges sworde of estate. After hym a good distaunce folowed the kynges highnesse mounted on a goodly courser, trapped in ryche clothe of golde traverced latyce wyse square, all over enbroudered with gold of damaske, pearled on every syde of the embroudery, the buckles and pendentes were all of fyne gold. His persone was apparelled in a coate of purple velvet, somewhat made lyke a frocke, all over embroudered with flatte golde of Damaske with small lace mixed betwene of the same gold and other laces of the same so goyng traverse wyse, that the ground litle appered: about whiche garment was a ryche garde very curiously embroudered, the sieves and brest were cut, lyned with cloth of golde, and tied together with great buttons of Diamondes, Rubyes, and Orient Perle, his sworde and swordgyrdle adorned with stones and especial Emerodes, his night cappe garnished with stone, but his bonnet was so ryche of Juels that fewe men coulde value them. Besyde all this he ware in baudrike wyse a coller of such Balistes and Perle that few men ever sawe the lyke: and aboute his persone ran ten footemen all richely apparelled in goldsmithes worke. And notwithstandyng that this ryche apparell and precious Juelles were plesaunt to the Nobles and al other being present to beholde, yet his Princely countenaunce, his goodly personage and royall gesture so farre exceded all other creatures beyng present, that in comparyson of his persone, all his ryche apparell was litle estemed. After hym folowed his Lorde Chamberlain, then came syr Anthony Browne Master of his horse, a goodly Gentelman and a comly personage, well horsed trapped and rychely apparelled leadyng the kynges horse of Estate by a long reyne of golde, whiche horse was trapped in maner lyke a barde with Crymosyn velvet and satten, all over embroudered with golde after an antyke fassion, very curiously wrought. Then followed the pages of honour in coates of ryche tynsell and Crymosyn velvet paled, rydyng on great coursers, all trapped in crymosyn velvet, embroudered with new devyses and knottz of gold whiche were both plesaunt and costly to beholde. Then followed syr Anthony Wyngfeld Capitaine of the Garde, and then the Garde wel horsed and in riche coates. In this ordre the kyng rode to the last ende of the ranke where the speares or pencioners stode: and there every person that came with the kyng placed hymselfe on the one syde or the other, the kyng standyng in the myddes.
When her grace was advertysed of the kynges commyng, she issued out of her tent beyng apparelled in a riche goune of cloth of golde reysed, made rounde without any trayne after the Duche fassyon, and on her head a kail, and over that a rounde bonet or cappe set full of Orient Pearle of a very proper fassion, and before that she had a cornet of blacke velvet, and about her necke she had a partelet set full of ryche stone whiche glistered all the fielde. And at the dore of the tente, she mounted on a fayre horse rychely trapped, with her fotemen about her in goldsmithes worke embroudered with the blacke Lion, and on his shoulder a Carbuncle gold, and so she marched towarde the kyng: which perceiving her to approche came forwarde somewhat beyonde the crosse on Blacke Heth, and there paused a litle in a faire place tyll she came nerer: then he put of his bonnet and came foreward to her, and with moste lovely countenaunce and Princely behaviour saluted, welcomed and embrased her to the great rejoysyng of the beholders: and she lykewyse not forgettyng her duty, with most amiable aspecte and womanly behaviour received his grace with many swete wordes and greate thankes and praisynges geven to hym. And while they two were thus communyng, the fyftie Pencioners and the Garde departed to furnyshe the Courte and Halle of Grenewiche. And when the kyng had talked with her a lytle whyle, he put her on his ryght hande, and so with their footemen they roade as though they had bene coupeled together. O what a syght was this to se so goodly a prince and so noble a kyng to ryde with so fayre a Lady of so goodly a stature and so womanly a countenaunce, and in especial of so good qualities, I thynke no creature could se them but his herte rejoysed.
Nowe when the kyng and she were mette and bothe their companyes joyned together, they returned thorough the rankes of Knyghtes and Esquyers whiche stode styll all this while and removed not, in this ordre: Fyrst her Trompettes went forwarde, whiche were twelve in nomber besyde two kettle Drommes on horsebacke, then followed the Kynges Trompettes, then the Kynges Counsaylours, then the Gentlemen of the Prevy Chamber, then the Gentelmen of her Graces Countrey in coates of velvet, all on great horses: after them the Mayor of London in crymosyn velvet with a riche collor, coupled with the yongest Baron, then all the Barons, nexte folowyng Bysshoppes, then Earles, wyth whom roade the Earles of Oversteyn and Waldocke, of her countrey, then Dukes and the Archebysshop of Caunterbury and Duke Phillip of Bavire, nexte folowed the Ambassadours, then the Lorde Prevye Scale and the Lorde Chauncellor, then the Lorde Marques wyth the Kynges sworde, nexte folowed the kyng hymselfe equally rydyng wyth his faire lady, and behind hym rode sir Anthony Browne with the kynges horse of Estate as you hearde before, and behynde her roade syr John Dudley Master of her Horses leadynge her spare Palferaye trapped in ryche Tyssue downe to the grounde: After them followed the Henxemen or Pages of Honoure, then folowed the Ladye Margarete Doglas, the Ladye Marques Dorset, the Duches of Richemond and Suffolke, the Countesses of Rutland and Hertforde, and other Countesses: then followed her Graces Chariot in the whiche she rode all her journey, well carved and gylte with Armes of her countrey curiously wrought and covered with cloth of gold, all the Horses were trapped with blacke velvet, and on them rode Pages of Honor in coates of velvet, in the which Charyot rode ii. auncient ladies of her countrey: nexte after the Chariot folowed vi. ladies and gentelwomen of her countrey all richely apparelled with cappes set with Pearle, and great chaynes of divers fassions after the usage of their countrey, whiche were very fayre of face, and with them rode vi. ladyes of Englande well besene. Then folowed another Chariot likewyse gilte and furnished as thother was: after that Chariot folowed x. Englishe ladyes well apparelled, next them another Chariot al covered with blacke cloth, and in that iiii. gentlewomen whiche were her Graces Chamberers: then folowed all the remnaunt of the ladies, gentlewomen and Maydens in a greate nomber whiche dyd weare that daie Frenche whodes: last of all came another Chariot all blacke with iii. Launders appertaynyng to her grace: next after folowed a Horselytter of cloth of golde and Crimosyn velvet upon velvet paled, with horses trapped accordyngly whiche the kyng sent her. Then followed the servyng men of her trayne, all clothed in blacke and on great horses.
In this ordre they rode thorough the rankes, and so thorough the parke and at the late Freers walle all men alyghted savyng the kyng the twoo Masters of the Horses and the Henxmen whiche rode to the halle dore, and the Ladies rode to the Courte gate. And as they passed they behelde on the wharfe howe the Citezens of London were rowyng up and down on the Thames even before them, every crafte in his barge garnished with Banners, Flagges, Stremers, Pencelles and Targettes, some paynted and beaten with the kynges armes, some with her Graces Armes, and some with the armes of their crafte or Mistery. Beside the Barges of every crafte, there was a Barge made like a ship, called the Batchelers barke, decked with cloth of gold, penons, pencels, and targettes in great nomber, on whom wayted a Foyst that shot great peces of Artillary. And in every barge was diverse sortes of Instrumentes and children and men syngyng, whiche sang and plaied altogether as the kyng and the Lady passed on the wharfe, whiche sight and noies they muche praised and allowed.
When the kyng and she were within the utter court, they alyghted from their horses, and the kyng lovyngly embrased her and kissed her, byddyng her welcome to her owne, and led her by her lyfte arme thorough the Halle whiche was furnished beneth the harth with the kynges Garde, and above the harth with the fyftie Pencioners with their batel Axes, and so brought her up to her prevy chamber, where he lefte her for that tyme.
And assone as the kyng and she was entered the courte, was shot out of the Tower of Grenewiche and there about, a great peale of Gonnes.
When the kynges company and hers was entered the parke, as you have hearde, then all the horse men on Blacke Heath brake their aray and had licence to departe to London, or to their lodgyng. To se howe longe it was or the horsemen coulde passe, and howe late it was in the nyght yer the footemen coulde get over London brydge, I assure you it was wonderous to beholde, the nomber was so great.
This the noble lady remained unmaried untill the tuesday folowing beyng the daie of the Epiphany [06 Jan 1540]: on whiche daie about viii. of the clocke in the mornyng, his grace beyng appareled in a gowne of clothe of gold, raised with great flowers of sylver, furred with blacke Jenettes, his cote Crimosyn sattyn all to cutte and enbraudered and tied with great Diamondes, and a ryche coller about his necke, came solemply with his Nobilitie into the galery next the closettes, and there paused.
Then the Lordes went to fetche the Ladie Anne, whiche was apparelled in a gowne of ryche cloth of gold set full of large flowers of great and Orient Pearle, made after the Duche fassion rownde, her here hangyng doune, whiche was faire, yellow and long: On her head a Coronal of gold replenished with great stone, and set about full of braunches of Rosemary, about her necke and middle, Juelles of great valew and estimacion. In this apparell she goyng betwene the erle of Oversteyn and the Graunde Master Hostonden, whiche had the conduitie and ordre of the performaunce of her mariage, with moste demure countinaunce and sad behaviour, passed thorough the kynges chamber, all the Lordes goyng before her till they came to the galery where the kyng was, to whom she made thre low obeysaunces and curtesies. Then the Archebishop of Caunterbury received them and maried them together, and the erle of Overstein did geve her: and about her mariyng ryng was written: God send me welto kepe.
When the Mariage was celebrate, they went hande in hande into the Kynges closet and there hard Masse and offered their tapers, and after Masse had wyne and spyces, and that done, the kyng departed to his chamber, and all the Ladies wayted on her to her chamber, the Duke of Norffolke goyng on the ryght hande, and the Duke of Suffolke on the lefte hande on her grace.
After nyne of the clocke, the Kyng with a gowne of ryche Tyssue lyned wyth Crymosyn Velvet embroudered, came to his closet, and she in her here in the same apparell that she was Maried in, came to her Closet with her Serjant of Armes and all her Officers, lyke a Quene, before her. And so the kyng and she went openly on Procession and offered and dyned together. And after dyner she chaunged into a gowne lyke a mannes gowne, of Tyssue with longe sieves gyrte to her, furred wyth ryche Sables, her narrowe sieves were very costly, but on her head she had a cap as she ware on the saterdaie before with a cornet of laune, whiche cap was so ryche of Perle and Stone, that it was judged to bee of greate valew. And after her fassion, her Ladies and Gententlewomen were appareled very riche and costly with chaynes of divers fassyons, and in this apparell she went that nyght to Evensong, and after Supped with the kyng: and after Supper were Bankettes, Maskes, and diverse dysportes, tyll the tyme came that it pleased the kyng and her too take their rest.
12 Apr 1540. The xii. daie of Aprill began a Parliament, and sir Nicholas Hare (age 56) restored to the office of speaker, in the whiche was frely graunted, without contradicions, foure fiftenes and a Subsedy, of twoo s. of landes, and xii. d. of goodes, toward the greate charges of Bulwarkes.
18 Apr 1540. The xviii. daie of April, at Westminster was Thomas lorde Cromewell (age 55), created Erle of Essex, and made greate Chamberlain of England, whiche ever the Erles of Oxenford had, whiche promocions he enjoyed short tyme, as after in the next yere maie appere.
01 May 1540. The first day of May, Sir John Dudley, Sir Thomas Seymour, Sir George Carew, Sir Thomas Poynings, Sir Richard Cromwell (age 45), Sir Anthony Kingston knights, enterprised a Royal Joust, Tourney, and Barriers, which were in white velvet barded and based. The Jousts began the first day of May, the Tourney the third day, and the Barriers the fifth which challenge they valiantly performed, against allcomers, and also they kept open household at Duresme Place, and feasted the King and Queen, and all the Lordes. Beside this, on Tuesday in the Rogacion Weke, they feasted all the Knights and Burgesses of the Common House and the morrow after they had the Mayor, the Aldermen and all their wives to dinner, and so the Friday they broke up household.
In this Parliament which began the xviii. day of April, as is afore rehearsed, the religion of Saint Johns in England, which of most men was named the Knights of the Rhodes, was dissolved, whereof hearing sir Willyam Weston (age 70) knight, Prior of Saint John's, for thought died on the Ascencion day, being the fift day of May.
In this month was sent to the Tower, Doctor Wilson, and docter Sampson Bishop of Chichester, for relieving of certain traitorous persons, which denied the King's Supremacy and for the same offence was one Richard Farmer Grocer of London, a riche and wealthy man, and of good estimation in the City, committed to the Marshall See [Map], and after in Westminster Hall was arraigned and attainted in the Premunire, and lost all his goods.
19 Jul 1540. The xix. day of July, Thomas Lord Cromwell (age 55), late made Earl of Essex, as before you have hard, being in the counsel chamber, was suddenly apprehended, and committed to the Tower of London [Map], the which many lamented, but more rejoiced, and especially such, as ether had been religious men, or favoured religious persons, for they banqueted, and triumphed together that night, many wishing that that day had been seven years before, and some fearing least he should escape, although he were imprisoned, could not be merry. Other who knew nothing but truth by him, both lamented him, and heartily prayed for him. But this is true that of certain of the clergy, he was detestably hated, and specially of such as had borne swinge, and by his meanes was put from it, for in deed he was a man, that in all his doings, seemed not to favour any kind of Popery, nor could not abide the snoffing pride of some prelates, which undoubtedly whatsoever else was the cause of his death, did shorten his life, and procured the end that he was brought unto which was that the xix. day of the said month, he was attainted by Parliament, and never came to his answer, which law many reported, he was the causer of the making thereof, but the truth thereof I know not. The Articles for which he died, appear in the Record, where his attainder is written, which are too long to be here rehearsed, but to conclude he was there attainted of heresy, and high treason.
On Saint Peters even [28 Jun 1540], was kept the Serjeant's feast at Saint John's with all plenty of victuals. At which feast were made ten Serjeants, three out of Grey's Inn, and three out of Lincoln's Inn, and of every of the Temples two. At which feast were present, all the lords and commons of the Parliament, beside the Mayor and the Aldermen, and a great number of the commons of the cite of London.
29 Jun 1540. The morrow after Midsomer day, the king caused the Queen (age 24) to remove to Richmond, purposing it to be more for her health, open air and pleasure: but the sixth day of July, certain Lordes came down into the neither house, which expressly declared causes, that the marriage was not lawful, and in conclusion, the matter was by the Convocation clearly determined, that the king might lawfully marry where he would, and so might she: and so were they clearly divorced and separated, and by the Parliament enacted and concluded, that she should be taken no more as Queen, but called the Lady Anne of Cleve.
In this yere the lord Leonard Gray, brother to Thomas lord Marques Dorset, being the King's Lieutenant in Ireland, practised sundry feats for his profit, as in delivering traitors being hostages, and especially his nephew Fitzgerald, brother to Thomas Fitzgerald before executed, and also caused such of the Irishe men, as he had intelligence with all, to invade such of the King's friends, which he favoured not. Wherefore the king sent for him, and he mistrusting and seeing no refuge wrote to the King's enemies, to invade the English pale after his departure. And also he kept the King's treasure, to his own use, without retaining soldiers, according to his commission whereupon, when he came to London, he was sent to the Tower [Map].
In July the Prince of Salerno, in the realm of Naples, and the Lord Lois Devola, came into England to see the king which had high cheer and great rewards, and so departed. And after them came Done Fredericke Marques of Padua, brother to the Duke of Ferrara, and the Prince of Macedonia, and the Marques of Tarra Nova, and Monsieur de Flagy and sixteen other gentlemen, from the Emperor's Courte into England, to see the King, which on the day of Mary Magdalene, came to the Court to Westminster, and were highly feasted and well entertained, and with great rewards departed.
And the xxviii. day of July [28 Jul 1540] was brought to the scaffold on the Tower Hill, where he said these words following.
I am come hither to die, and not to purge myself, as may happen, some think that I will, for if I should so do, I were a very wretch and miser. I am by the Law condemned to die, and thank my Lord God that hath appointed me this death, for mine offence: For sithence the time that I have had years of discretion, I have lived a sinner, and offended my Lord God, for the which I ask him heartly forgiveness. And it is not unknown to many of you, that I have been a great traveller in this world, and being but of a base degree, was called to high estate, and sithens the time I came thereunto, I have offended my Prince, for the which I ask him heartily forgiveness, and beseech you all to pray to God with me, that he will forgive me. O father forgive me, O son forgive me, O holy ghost forgive me. O three persons in one God forgive me. And now I pray you that be here, to bear me record, I die in the Catholic faith, not doubting in any article of my faith, no nor doubting in any Sacrament of the Church. Many hath slandered me, and reported that I have been a bearer, of such as hath maintained evil opinions, which is untrue, but I confess that like as God by his holy spirit, doth instruct us in the truth, so the devil is ready to seduce us, and I have been seduced: but bear me witness that I die in the Catholic faith of the Holy Church. And I heartly desire you to pray for the King's Grace, that he may long live with you, in health and prosperity. And after him that his son Prince Edward, that goodly imp, may long reign over you. And once again I desire you to pray for me, that so long as life remains in this flesh, I waver nothing in my faith.
And then made he his prayer, which was long, but not so long, as both Godly and learned, and after committed his soul, into the hands of God, and so patiently suffered the stroke of the axe, by a ragged and butcherly miser, which very ungoodly performed the office.
The twenty and eighth day of July [1540], as you have heard before in this year, was the Lorde Cromwell (age 55) beheaded, and with him likewise was beheaded the Lord Hungerford of Heytesbury (age 37), which certainly at the time of his death, seemed to be very unquiet in mind and rather in a frensy then otherwise.
30 Jul 1540. The thirtieth day of July, were drawn on hurdles out of the Tower to Smithfield, Robert Barnes Doctor in Divinity, Thomas Garard, and William Jerome Bachelors in Divinity, Powell, Fetherston, and Abell. The first three were drawn to the stake, there before set up, and were burned: and the latter three drawn to the gallows, likewise there set up, and were hanged, beheaded, and quartered. Here you must note, that the first three, were men that professed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and were preachers thereof. But wherefore they were now thus cruelly executed, I know not, although I have searched to know the truth. But this I find in their attainder, for you must understand, that after they had Preached at Saint Mary Spittle, as before I have declared, Barnes for learning his lesson no better was committed to the schoolhouse before prepared, which was the Tower, where he was kept, and never called to examination, till his rod that he should be beaten withall, was made, which was a sharp and great fire in Smithfield and for company sake, was sent to the schoolhouse with him, the afore named Caret, and Jerome, which drunk all of one cup. And as I said before, thus much I find in their attainder, that they were detestable and abominable heretics, and that they had taught many heresies, the number whereof was to great in the attainder to be recited, so that there is not one alleged, which I have often wondered at, that their heresies were so many, and not one there alleged, as special cause of their death. And indeed at their death, they asked the Sheriffs, wherefore they were condemned, who answered, they could not tell. But if I may say the truth, most men said it was for preaching against the Doctrine of Stephen Gardiner (age 57) Bishop of Winchester, who chiefly procured this their death, God and he knows, but great pity it was, that such learned men should so be cast away, without examination, neither knowing what was laid to their charge, nor never called to answer.
The last three which were Powell, Fetherston, and Abell, were put to death for treason, and in their attainder, is special mention made of their offences, which was for the denying of the King's Supremacy, and affirming that his marriage with the Lady Katherine was good. These with other were the treasons, that they were attainted of, and suffered death for.
04 Aug 1540. The fourth day of August Thomas Epsom, sometime monk of Westminster, which had been prisoner for treason, three years and more in Newgate, came before the Justices of Gaol delivery at Newgate, and would not ask the King's pardon, nor be sworn to be true to him wherefore his monks garment, was plucked from his back, and he repried till the king knew his malicious obstinacy and this was the last monk that was seen in his clothing in England.
In this month were certain Commissioners, sent by the king into Ireland, to inquire of the Lord Leonard Gray, which certified diverse articles against him, as ye shall here in the next year following.
The eight day of August [08 Aug 1540], was the Lady Catherine Howard (age 17), niece to the duke of Norfolk (age 67), and daughter to the Lord Edmund Howard, showed openly as Queen at Hampton Court [Map], which dignity she enjoyed not long, as after you shall hear.
In the latter end of this month, was universally through the realm great death, by reason of new hot agues and fluxes, and some pestilence, in which season was such a drought, that wells and small rivers were clean dried, so that much cattle died for lack of water and the Thames was so shallow, and the fresh water of so small strength, that the salt water flowed above London Bridge, till the rain had increased the fresh waters.
22 Dec 1540. On the twenty-second day of December, was Ralph Egerton servant to the Lord Audley, Lord Chancellor, hanged, drawn, and quartered, for counterfeiting of the King's great scale, in a signet, which was never seen, and sealed a great number of Licenses for Denizens, and one Thomas Harman that wrote them, was executed for the statute made the last parliament, sore bound the strangers, which were not Denizens, which caused them to offer to Egerton, great sums of money, the desire whereof caused him to practise, that which brought him to the end, that before is declared.
In the end of this year, the French King made a strong castle at Arde, and also a bridge over into the English pale, which bridge the crew of Calais did beat down, and the Frenchmen re-edified the same and the Englishmen beat it down again. And after the King of England sent fifteen hundred workmen, to wall and fortify Guines, and sent with them five hundred men of war, with captains to defend them. The news ran in France, that there were fifty thousand Englishmen landed at Calais with great ordnance wherefore the French king sent in all haste, the Duke of Vendome, and diverse other captains, to the frontiers of Picardy, to defend the same. The king of England hearing thereof, sent the Earls of Surrey and Southampton and the Lord Russell, his great Admiral, into the Marches of Calais, to set an order there and after them sent two hundred light horsemen, of the borders of Scotland whom the Frenchmen called stradiates, which Lordes when they had set all things in a good order, shortly returned.
Dec 1540. In this yere was burned in Smithfeld [Map], a child named Richard Mekins, this child passed not the age of fifteen years, and somewhat as he had heard some other folks talk, chanced to speak against the Sacrament of the Altar. This boy was accused to Edmond Boner (age 40) Bishop of London, who so diligently followed the accusation, that he first found the means to indite him, and then arraigned him, and after burned him. And at the time he was brought to the stake, he was taught to speak much good, of the Bishop of London, and of the great charity, that he showed him and that he defied all heresies, and cursed the time that ever he knew Doctor Barnes, for of him had he learned that heresy, which he died for. The poor boy would for the safeguard of his life have gladly said that the twelve Apostles taught it him, for he had not cared of whom he had named it, such was his childish innocence and fear. But for this deed many spoke and said, that it was great shame for the Bishop, who they said ought rather to have laboured to have saved his life, then to procure that terrible execution, seeing that he was such an ignorant soul, as knew not what the affirming of an heresy was.