The Parliament holden at WESTMINSTER, the Monday next before the Feast of All-Saints in the seventh year of King RICHARD the 2.

[ 1] *THe same Monday being the 25. of October, sundrie of the Bishops and Lords being assembled, looked for the coming of the others, but for that sundrie of them were not come, and the Sheriffs had not returned their Writs,* the Parliament was adjourned untill the next day ensuing.

*The Thursday after being the next day, the Bishops, Lords, and others of the upper-House came into the Parliament, in the Cham∣ber de-pinct at Westminst. whereunto all the Knights and Burgesses were in the presence of the King called by name,* at which time Sir Michaell de la Poole Knight, being Chancellor,* began first to Page  291 excuse his unworthiness to that place,* and declared that he was forced thereto, which done he sheweth the cause of the Parliament to be as followeth.*

[ 3] For that the great Truce with the Scots was to end at Candlemas ensuing,* for which cause the Duke of Lancaster being sent into Scotland, was returned with answer, that the Scots would send to London certain that should intreate therein, as well for such Peace,* if it might succeed, as for preparation of War;* which more was doubted, was the first cause of consultation.

[ 4] Another cause was, for that the King was to prepare also against three mighty and mortall enemies,* Spain,* France,* and lately Flanders.*

[ 5] Here then he proved by many reasons, that it was better for us to assail,* then to be assailed; to seek them at home, than to suffer them to come to us, and that it would so be manifestly shewed: fur∣ther proving, that they must not lay the cause of these wars to the King, considering that with the Crown the Wars descended to the King also.*

[ 6] Lastly he sheweth another cause to be, for the maintenance of good Laws,* and preservation of the Peace,* and also in his former matter he remembreth them for giving ayd to the King,* for the supportation of these his great charges.

[ 7] Receivers of Petitions for England,* Ireland, Wales, and Scot∣land.

[ 8] Receivors of Petitions for Gascoygn, and other places beyond the Seas, and of the Isls.

[ 9] Tryars of Petitions for England, &c. as above.

[ 10] Tryars of Petitions for Gascoyne, &c. as above.

[ 11] After this the Chancellor declared, the King charged the Lords by their selves,* and the Commons by themselves to consult about these weighty matters, and for mony to serve his necessity,* laying in the mean time all other matters apart.

[ 12] The Lords and Commons granted unto the King, one fifteen to be levyed according to a Schedule enrolled.*

[ 13] The Schedule conteineth the grant of the fifteen, and of the payment, and of the grant of vi d. of every pound of Merchan∣dize, and ii. s. of every Tun of Wine on these conditions,* viz. That the Clergy shall grant the like for their parts,* and that all estates whatsoever be contributary thereto.* And that the service of the Bishop of Norwich,* and of his Captains with the treasure by them received, not of them deserved, nor well imployed, may one∣ly be examined,* and imployed to the use of the King.

[ 14] The Earl of Northumberland promised for himself, and the Earl of Devonshire, Admirall of the West, safely to keep the Seas,* so far as the charge granted by the Commons therefore would serve, viz. of vi. d. of every pound of Merchandize,* and ii. s. of every Tun of Wine.

[ 15] The Bishop of Norwich being accused for not doing his service according to promise,* and for receiving of severall summes,* as well on this side the Seas, as beyond, requireth respit to answer,* prote∣sting earnestly therein to shew his innocency,* and being charged particularly of the receipt of 10000. Francks of gold, for giving up the Castle of Graveling to the French,* he fully purgeth him∣self thereof, And in repeating the matter it fell out, that 5000. Francks of Gold given for the said Castle, were in the hands of Sir Robert Farmers man,* who, charged in Parliament, confesseth the having thereof, but maketh a fair excuse for the secret taking: wherefore he was committed to prison untill he made payment thereof,* and untill further order for his enlargement were taken.

[ 16] At that time Proclamation was made,* that all such as had re∣ceived any mony beyond the Seas of the enemy,* or of any other, for any cause other than for due wages,* should the next day bring the same into the Chancery,* or else to be taken as Traytors; this Pro∣clamation was made the sixteenth of November.

[ 17] Bryars Crossingham, and Iohn Spickworth Esquires, were accu∣sed for surrendring the Castle of Drinckham in Flanders to the Kings enemies for money,* without the assent of the Kings Lieute∣nant; There Spickworth proveth that the same was not in his keep∣ing, and thereby was discharged. Crossingham answered, that he yeilded the same upon necessity without money,* and submitteth himself to their order: this was thought no good cause, and there∣fore he was committed to prison.*

[ 18] The Chancellor in open Parliament charged the Bishop of Nor∣wich with four chief points,* viz. First, where he promised the King to serve him with a certain number for one whole year, he had served but half a year,* and yet returned with his host spoyled. The second, he promised to muster and shew his Armie at Callice,* which also was not done, and failed of his number.* The third, for that in the last Parliament it was agreed, that the King of Castile, or some of the Kings Uncles, should have gone as Generall for the honour of the Realm,* the same was not done, and thereupon the voyage was lost, for that upon the Bishops promise as good a Generall was promised. The fourth, for that the King appointed to have chosen some other temporall Lords,* or a sufficient Generall, the which was not done, because the Bishop took upon him the same, whereby great villanies, and other displeasures came.

[ 19] *The Bishop answered, that albeit in this case he ought to have Counsell,* yet making his Protestation,* that he might all times avoid his answer, he answered in person as followeth.

*To the first, his Commission was to go speedily to the res∣cue of Gaunt,* the which he did, and this done as well the Gran∣toys, as his own Captains, thought it best to besiege the town of Ipre,* about which he losing many of his men by dint of Sword, and Diseases,* he could not any longer do any good, and therefore upon advice he removed.

Page  293To the second, the speed which he made towards Gaunt,* caused him to make no muster at Callice.*

To the third, he had good Captains,* though not of the best, and the Lord Nevill might have had by his own offer, but that the King denyed him License the last Parliament.

To the fourth, he refused no Lieutenant at the Kings hands,* onely the King writing to the Bishop beyond the Seas touching a Generall,* he therefore gave great thanks to the King for his great care of him, and his, and that otherwise he refused none, as by his Letters may appear.

[ 20] The Chancellor replyed,* taking advantage of the Bishops an∣swer in the end, and said, that the Bishops answer seemed to the King and Lords no sufficient excuse,* for without his Imprisonment,* for what is contained in these four Articles, he ought to make Fine,* and ransome at the Kings pleasure, by seizing of the Tempo∣ralities of his Bishoprick when the King should please.*

[ 21] The Bishop after this, was willed to declare such as were waged to serve him one year,* to the end they might serve the King in o∣ther places,* to accomplish their promise. Thereto the Bishop an∣swered, that upon the delivery of Sir Robert Hulmer his Clarke and Treasurer,* he would do so: Sir Robert was delivered, and two severall dayes at the Bishops intreaty appointed for the case.

[ 22] At the last the Bishop began to answer to the four Articles in manner aforesaid,* with somewhat adjoyned for his Purgation.*

[ 23] The Chancellor by replication disproveth the Bishop,* and con∣cludeth, although the King might pass on the Bishop,* as on a tem∣porall Lord, by reason that he took upon him, to serve him as a Souldier, and had the Sword carried before him, contrary to his profession: yet for that time the King would spare to lay hands on his person, for his Imprisonment, but for his other defaults, and villanies, the Lords by assent of the Parliament had adjudged him to make Fine,* and ransome at the Kings pleasure, whereto he should be compelled by the seizure of his temporalities:* and it was commanded him from thenceforth no longer to have the sword carried before him.

[ 24] Sir William Elinsham, Sir Thomas Trevit, Sir Henry de Ferrers, and Sir William de Hurnedon Knights,* were openly accused in Par∣liament before the Lords, for receiving divers severall summes, for giving up of Holds and Fortresses without the assent of the King, or his Generall,* together with one Robert Fitz-Raph; the summes particularly layed to their charge, amounted in the whole to 20000. Francks of Gold. They all made certain fained excu∣ses,* and submitted themselves to the Kings mercy.*

[ 25] The said Chancellor replyed,* and gave judgement• that they all should pay to the King of what they had received, and remain in prison untill they had made Fine and ransome with the King, Page  294 and with them Sir William Harnedon was committed to prison, his body and goods to be at the Kings pleasure.

Anno Septimo Richardi Secundi. Rex &c. Johi Regi Castellae, &c. Apud Novum Sa∣rum die Veneris post Festum Sancti Marci Evangelistae,*•ertio die Martii.

• Charissimo Avunculo Rs. Edward. Com. Cantabr.
• Chariss. Avunc. Rs. Tho. Com. Buck.
• Chariss. Fratri Rs. Tho Com Cancii.
• Dilecto, & fideli Rico. Com. A∣rundell.
• Thomae Com. War.
• Hugoni Com. Staff.
• Edw. de Courtney Com. Devon.
• Will. de Monteacuto Com. Sarum.
• Rob. de Vere Com. Oxoni.
• Hen. de Percy Com. Northumb.
• Tho. de Mowbray Com. Notting.
• Iacobo. de Audley de Hedligh
• Willo. Bardolf de Wormegay.
• Iohi. de Cherlton de Powis.
• Rico. de Poynings.
• Guido de Bryan.
• Iohi. de Clinton.
• Gilberto Talbot.
• Iohi. de Ware.
• Hen. de Scroope Chlr.
• Hen. de Ferrariis de Groby.
• Tho. Roos de Hamelake.
• Iohi. Nevill de Raby.
• Iohi. Gray de Codonore.
• Hen. Gray de Wilton.
• Reginaldo Gray de Ruthin.
• Hen. Fitz-hugh.
• Rico. le Scroope.
• Tho. de Berkley.
• Iohi. de Fallesly Chlr.
• Hugoni Burnell.
• Willo. le Zouch de Harringworth.
• Rogero Clifford.
• Iohi. Botuttort.
• Rogero de Scales.
• Rado. de Cromwell.
• Michaeli de la Poole.
• Willo. de Thorpe.
• Willo. de Windsor.
• Rado Baroni de Greystock.
• Willo. Botteraux Chlr.
• Iohi. de Bello monte.
• Robto. de Harrington.
• Tho. Camois Chlr,
• Tho. Talbot de Blarkend.
• Robto. de Willougby.
• Iohi. de Cobham de Kent.
• Willo. de Daere.
• Page  298Iohi. le Strange de Knokin.
• Hen. de Nevill de Halmshire.
• Willo. de Aldburgh.
• Rico. Seymore.
• Rado. Basset de Dray•on.
• Thomae Darcey.
• Thomae de Morley.
• Iohi. Backier.
• Waltero Fitz-Walter.
• Iohi. Lovell de Hichmerch.
• Iohi de Monteacuto.

Simoni de Burley, Custodi Quinque Portuum.

The Parliament holden at Salisbury on the Friday next after St. Mark the Evangelist, in the se∣venth year of K. Richard the 2.

[ 1] THe same Fryday being the 20 th. of April, for that the Duke of Lancaster and other Lords were not returned from the North,* and for that also certain Sheriffs had not re∣turned their Writs;* the Parliament was adjourned untill the Wed∣nesday following, and in the mean time the Commons were willed to go together to chose their Speaker.

[ 2] The same Wednesday the Parliament was continued untill Thurs∣day following.

[ 3] *The same Thursday the King in person, with all the Bishops and Lords, except such as were with the Duke of Lancaster in Scotland, and the Commons which were assembled in the great Hall of the Bishop of Salisbury in Salisbury, therefore richly hanged, and dressed; Sr. Michaell de la Poole, Lord Chancellor of England,* by the Kings commandement declared the cause of the Parliament.*

[ 4] First, for the maintenance of the Liberties of the Church,* ob∣servations of the Laws,* and preservation of the Peace.

The Second, for treatie of Peace between him and the French:* whereof with opportunity he was to shew to them certain Articles, wherein although the King of himself might well conclude,* yet for good will he would not without their knowledg, and con∣sent.

*He sheweth that if the Peace take effect, yet cannot the same be concluded without the meeting of both Princes, which for his Ho∣nour requireth no small charge; Besides, the King hath spent much,* and daily must more, for the defence against the Scots,* for saving his Peeres beyond the Seas, and for the safetie of Guienne and Ire∣land:* the which how the same should be born, he chargeth them of their allegiance to consult,* and give answer.

[ 5] Receivers of Petitions for England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland.

[ 6] [ 7] *Receivers of Petitions for Gascoyne, and other Places beyond the Seas, and of the Isles.

[ 7] Tryars of Petitions for England, &c. as above.

[ 8] Tryars of Petitions for Gascoyne, &c. as above.

[ 9] The Monday the 10 th. of May, the Commons assembled,* beseeching the King to grant to them for conference,* certain Lords and Nobles there named, which was granted.

[ 10] After that, the Duke of Lancaster with other Nobles were retur∣ned, the Commons besought the King to grant to them the same Duke,* and his two Brothers of Cambridg and Buckingham.

After this, the Lords and Commons granted to the King, a moitie of a tenth,* and of a fifteenth of the laitie: providing further, that if Wars with France and Scotland did continue,* that then the King should have the other moitie of a 15 th. so as the Clergie do pay thereto according to the rate,* and so as if Peace be taken, the last moitie to cease.

[ 11] Iohn Ca•endish Fishmonger of London made his complaint first to the Commons,* and after to the Lords in full Parliament, requiring, first, that he might have Surety of the Peace granted a∣gainst Sir Michaell de la Pool Knight,* Chancellor of England, the which was granted, and Sureties for the Peace for the said Chan∣cellor; his Sureties were the Earls of Stafford, and Salisbury.*

[ 12] That done, Cavendish sheweth, that he having a weighty suit de∣pending before the said Chancellor against other Merchants,* and breaking with one Iohn Otier a Clarke of the said Chancellors for good success, Otier undertooke he should be well heard, so he would give him 10 l. for his travell; Cavendish himself became bound to Otier therefore, and shortly brought Herring and fresh Sturgion to Otier in part of payment; which rehearsed, he would not charge the Chancellor withall, but left the Lords to judg thereof:* only he said, that by the Chancellor he was delayed,* and could have no Justice at his hands;* And further he saith, that at a time past the Chancellor caused him to be paid for his Fish,* and his Obligation to be cancelled, but whether of conscience he leaveth it to the Lords Judgment.

[ 13] The Chancellor first before the Lords, and then before the Lords and Commons affirmed himself to be innocent,* and for de∣lay, and not doing Justice objected against him: he avouched the Justices and Serjants that were at the hearing of the cause:* to the rest he said that in accompting with his Servants and Officers, he bolted out the said Herring and Sturgion to have come as a cheat, and understood also of the Obligation;* whereat being greatly mo∣ved, he sent for Cavendish, and ripping up of the matter, caused him to be paid for the Fish, and his Obligation to be cancelled, Swearing by the Sacrament of JESUS CHRIST, that he was not otherwise witting, but altogether ignorant.

[ 14] Hereupon Otier being sent for and examined,* swore that the Chancellor was never privie thereunto; And the parties adverse of the said Cavendish upon their Oaths affirmed, that they never Page  300 gave any reward to the said Chancellor.

*Whereupon the said Chancellor required his remedy against the said Fishmonger for the same so great a Slander; Te Lords therefore troubled with other waighty matters, let the said Fish∣monger to bail,* to answer the said Chancellor, and committed the matter to be ordered by the Justices.*

[ 15] [ 16] In a Schedule thereto annexed is contained, that Sir Robert Tressillian, chief Justice of the Kings Bench, Robert Belknap, chief Justice of the Common Pleas, with other Justices and Counsellors hearing this whole matter, condemned the said Fishmonger Ca∣vendish in a 1000. Marks for his slanderous complaint against the said Chancellor,* and his body adjudged to prison untill he had paid the 1000. Marks,* and made Fine and Ransome to the King also.*

*The Commons for answer to Peace,* said; that it beseemed them not to intermeddle with their Counsel therein, and therefore refer∣reth the whole order thereof to the King and his Councell.

[ 17] The Commons were urged to know, whether they desired Peace of War,* for one must they chose: They answered, an honourable Peace for the King; but for that in the Articles were contained ma∣ny terms of the Civill-Law,* which they understood not;* and for that as they understood, the Articles were, that the King should have Guienne of the French by homage and service,* they knew not what to say; only they hope that the King meant not to hold Callice, and other Terrytories gotten by Sword of the French.

[ 18] Whereto was said, that otherwise Peace could not be granted, and therefore willed the Commons to chose Peace or War, who in the end rather desired Peace*

[ 19] *The Abbot of St. Edmonds Burie, by a long Bill sheweth how the men of the same Town were pardoned for their late Insurre∣ctions,* so as they did find sufficient Sureties for their good Beha∣viour to the Abbot,* and his Successors: and further sheweth that the Towns-men hitherto had shifted the same, and prayeth that they may enter into Recognizance for the same,* which condition they in Record expressed.

[ 20] *The Prior and Covent of Montague being an Alien,* by their Petition declared how Sir William Seymor upon a Sciri Facias to execute a Fine for the Mannour of Omdu-Hall,* with the appurte∣nances in Somerset, brought against the said Prior, and Covent in the Kings Bench, recovered there the said Mannour. He sheweth further how the said Sciri Facias was purchased, hanging a Writ of right against the said Prior, to which Writ the said Prior appeared, and that the said Prior was over ruled to plead further, and no en∣trie thereof made; he further sheweth matter, and prayeth ayde of the King,* and it was over ruled without entrie thereof made: whereupon he beseecheth that the roll may be newly made, and amended,* & due entries made,* as in the roll is mentioned, which by the advise of the Justices, and others their learned Counsell Page  301 was granted and made, wherein for the Prothonotarie or Bean-pleader are goodly forms, and directions.

After which amendment and enrollment granted,* the said Pri∣or and Covent by a Petition sheweth the old matter, and Record; and for certain errors therein contained,* prayeth the Examination, and reversall of the said Judgment in Parliament, and his Sciri Fa∣cias framed upon the said case,* to warn the said Richard to appear at the next Parliament,* to abide the order of the same, and therein no protection be allowed for the said Richard:* and further that the old process and Record be at the same next Parliament: all which were granted.