Henry VIII,the Reign
|
|
[Instructions for the ambassadors.]
Are to learn from the Archduchess what personages shall attend upon the Emperor, the Prince of Castile and her upon their coming to Calais,—in order that suitable provision may be made. Last year, when the King was at Calais with his army, not only the corn and hay but the grass on the ground was consumed and destroyed, so that, at the King's returning thither, there was no provision, especially of hay, for the horses; and though oats can be brought out of England, hay cannot be had in any plenty; and though hay may be had in those parts sufficient for those resorting to the solemnization of the marriage, as the King must land there at the same time with his army, much hay will be required, and provision shall be made better if the number of horse coming with the Emperor, Prince and her be known. They shall obtain the number in writing with the names of the great personages; and inquire also whether it be usual in that case to bring the apparel for their lodgings. The King will provide all apparel for the chambers of the Emperor, the Prince, and my Lady, except beds, "which it is thought they will for their better ease bring with them." They are to learn what day the company will be at Calais, how long the marriage will be deferred after their arrival, whether the solemnization is to take place in a private chapel or a parish church, who shall be present, and who is to stay after the marriage, as the King must march straight to the war. As the King wishes the Princess to be dressed in the fashion of those parts, he has provided cloth of every sort as shall be shewn her [the Archduchess] "by the said A.B., praying her to devise for the making thereof after such manner as shall best please her"; all things to be queenly and honorable. The said A.B. shall "take a book with him," to be shown to my Lady, containing a provision for the Princess's apparel, her chamber, her offices, her stables, and take my Lady's advice on the same. He shall also take a book, made by the King, of the names of her ladies, officers and servants. Also A.B., taking with him C.D. and [E.F. and shall] require of my Lady a commission for such provision of hoys as shall be necessary for the King's army. He shall have commission for retaining the Count Palatine, Nassou, Lignye, Isilstayne, _ (blank) nephew to Lord Berghes, Emery and his son, and Penes, to the number of 6,000 horse to serve the King this next year; and shall bargain with them by advice of the Archduchess. And likewise for retaining 6,000 Almain foot and especially to retain the Sovereign of Flanders, to whom he shall take the King's letter. Also he shall take with him G., H. and I. to be commissioners for hiring waggoners and mares. Draft in the hand of Fox. Pp. 6, mutilated. 2. "These beth certain articles, comprised in our instructions, as yet kept secret because the King's most honorable Council willed Dr. Knight to abide a further declaration to be made by them." (1) As the King intends the apparel of my Lady Princess to be after the fashion of those parts he has provided cloths of every kind, as the ambassadors will explain to "her" (Lady Margaret), desiring her to choose in what manner they shall be made. The King begs my Lady to let the ambassadors know what else she thinks desirable for my Lady Princess that it may be provided in those parts. As to this, it was said that the King's pleasure should be sent to his ambassadors, at their being with the Lady Margaret. (2) The ambassadors shall take a book with them of all the apparel and provision made by the King for my said Lady, both for her person, her chamber, the houses of offices and her stable, desiring her (Lady Margaret) to say if she sees anything wanting. Knighte says that he received a book containing the apparel of my Lady's chambers and stables and an account of her plate, but not of her own apparel, and that he was expressly commanded to keep the said book secret till the King's pleasure was further known. (3) The ambassadors shall take with them a book made by the King's command of the names and number of the ladies, officers and servants appointed to attend my Lady Princess in those parts, and ask if she is satisfied with the list, and her intention how long they should continue. Knighte was told this book should be sent after. (4) The ambassadors were to take with them the Provost of Valenciennes and _ Prudde, with commissions, one of the King and another of my Lady, to hire waggoners and mares, to the number of _ mares, for the King's great ordnance. It was said this should be no part of the ambassadors' charge, nevertheless it remaineth in their instructions. Pp. 2. In Knight's hand. 3. "Hereafter ensueth such stuff as is nede[ful to] be provided for my lady the Princess of [Castile], and as well for her wardrobe of beds as for her stable, against the solemnisation of her marriage." Showing what articles are required for furniture of her bedchamber and 2nd, 3rd and 4th chambers, what for the stable, what for the three chambers of the Emperor's lodging, one for the Prince of Castile, two for the Lady Margaret, archduchess of Austriche, and four for the King. "The Emperor to be lodged where the late Deputy dwelt in Calais. The Prince in the Staple House. My lady Margaret Archduchess in the Treasurer's house. The King's Grace in the castle." Mutilated, pp. 11, with corrections in Gibson's hand. 4. "For the transporting of my lady Mary Princess of Castill." The King to name some aged person to be her chamberlain; and he to devise for the apparel of her chamber and for officers. Item, some sad person to be treasurer of her chamber; and he to devise plate for her chamber, cupboard and ewery. Item, an almoner and confessor (one person,in margin, ... Edmunde), certain chaplains and a clerk of the closet, the latter to devise furniture for her chapel. Item, a master of her horse (margin ... Jernyngham); and he to provide palfreys, litters, &c. The Queen to name her lady Mistress (in margin "my lady of Oxford"). Item, to appoint other ladies to attend upon her and devise for apparel of her person. Item, to appoint other ladies and gentlewomen, some to attend, some to serve and some "to continue in her service in Flanders." P. 1. Margin mutilated and the names of the first two officers thus lost. 5. List of jewellery for "my lady the Princess of Castill." Pp. 3. 6. "The number of persons that giveth [their attendance] upon Lady Princess with the number of ... house at the King's charge," viz.: Gentlewomen: Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Knevett. Chamberers: Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Gynes. Chaplains: Sirs Wm. Atkynson, John Parker and Ric. Baldewyn. Carver: John Morgan. Sewer: Ant. Coton. Gentleman usher: Hen. Dylcok. Sewer of Chamber: Th. Moreton. Gentlemen waiters: Wm. Haryott, Hugh Penyngton, Th. Preston. And so on, giving the names of two yeomen ushers, five yeomen of the chamber, a groom porter, a groom of wardrobe, and two [grooms of the] chamber. There are also one minstrel, a lady governess with ten attendants (not named) and Lady Katherine Gray and her woman. Mr. Chamberlain, with three servants; Mr. Treasurer, three; Mr. Lenakre, two; and Mr. Hone, schoolmaster, two; Clerk of the Kitchen: Sir Ric. Parker. Cellar: John Rokes. And other officers of cellar, pantry, buttery, &c., mostly named; but some left blank, as that of "amnery" to which there is the note "a good tall substancyall man to furnyshe yt rome." In all 101 persons indicated. |
|