Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol. 2, part 1] with an vniuersall history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitiue age to these latter tymes of ours, with the bloudy times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions agaynst the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperours, as nowe lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realme of England and Scotland. Newly reuised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time agayne published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the helpe of Christ our Lord) Iohn Foxe, which desireth thee good reader to helpe him with thy prayer.

*The storie of Queene Katherine Parre late Queene, and wife to King Henry 8 Wherein ap∣peareth in what daunger she was for the Gos∣pell, by the meanes of Steuen Gardiner and other of his conspiracy: and how graciously she was preserued by her kind and louing hus∣band the king.

AFter these stormye stories aboue recited, the course and order, as well of the time, as the matter of storie doeth require nowe somewhat to intreate likewise touching the troubles and afflictions of the vertuous and excellent lady Queene Katherine Parre,* 1.1 the laste wife to king Henrye. The storie wherof is thys.

About the same time aboue noted, whych was about the yeare after the king returned from Bullein, he was infor∣med that Queene Katherine Parre, at that time his wife, was very much geuen to the reading and study of the holy scriptures:* 1.2 & that she for that purpose had retained diuers well learned and godly persons, to instruct her throughly in the same, w^t whom as at al times conuenient she vsed to haue priuate conference touching spiritual matters: so also of ordinarie, but especially in Lente euery day in the after noone for the space of an houre,* 1.3 one of her sayd Chaplains in her priuie Chamber made some collation to her and to her Ladies and Gentlewomen of her priuie Chamber, or other that were disposed to heare: in which sermons, they oft times touched suche abuses as in the churche then were rife. Which things as they were not secretely done, so ney∣ther were their preachings vnknowen vnto the Kynge. Wherof at the first, and for a great time, he semed very wel to like. Which made her y^e more bold (being in deed become very zealous toward the Gospell, and the professors ther∣of) ••ranckly to debate with the king, touching Religion, and therein flatly to discouer her selfe: oftetimes wishing, exhorting and perswading the king,* 1.4 that as hee had to the glorye of God and hys eternall fame, begonne a good and a goolye woorke in banishinge that monsterous Idolle of Rome, so he would throughly perfite and finish the same, cleansing and purging hys Churche of Englande, cleane from the dregges therof, wherin as yet remained great su∣perstition.

* 1.5And all be it the king grewe towardes hys latter ende, very sterne and opinionate, so that of fewe he could be con∣tent to be taught, but worst of all to be contended wyth all by argument: notwythstanding towardes her he refrai∣ned hys accustomed manner (vnto others in like case vsed) as appeared by great respectes, either for the reuerence of the cause, whereunto of hym selfe he seemed well inclined, if some others coulde haue ceased from seeking to peruert hym, or els for the singular affection which vntill a verye smal time before hys death, he alwayes bare vnto her. For neuer handmaide soughte wyth more carefull diligence to please her mistresse, then shee did with all painfull endeuor apply her selfe by all vertuous meanes,* 1.6 in all thynges to please hys humour.

Moreouer, besides the vertues of the minde, shee was endued wyth very rare giftes of nature, as singular beau∣tie, fauour, and comely personage▪ being thynges wherein the King was greatly delyghted: and so enioyed shee the kings fauour, to the great likelihoode of the setting at large of the Gospell within this Realme at that time, hadde not the malicious practise of certain enemies professed against the truth (which at that time also were very great) preuen∣ted y^e same, to the vtter alienating of the kings mind from Religion, and, almost to the extreme ruine of the Queene and certaine others with her, if God had not maruelously suc••oured her in that distresse.* 1.7 The conspirers and practi∣sers of her death, were Gardiner B. of Winchester, Wri∣sley then Lord Chauncellor, and others more aswell of the kings priuie chamber, as of his priuie councell. These see∣king (for the furtheraunce of theyr vngodly purpose) to re∣uiue, stirre vp and kindle euil and pernicious humours in their Prince and soueraigne Lord, to the intent to depryue her of thys great fauour, which then she stoode in wyth the king, (which they not a litle feared would turne to the vt∣ter ruine, of their Antichristian secte, if it shoulde continue) and thereby to stoppe the passage of the Gospell: and con∣sequently,* 1.8 hauing taken away her, who was the only Pa∣tronesse of the professours of the trueth, openlye wythout feare of checke or controlment, wyth fire and sworde, after theyr accustomed maner, to inuade the small remainder (as they hoped) of that poore flocke, made theyr wicked entrie vnto this theyr mischieuous enterprise, after thys manner following.

The kinges Maiestie (as you haue hearde) misliked to be contended with all in any kinde of argument. This hu∣mour of hys, although not in smaller matters, yet in cau∣ses of Religion as occasion serued, the Queene would not sticke in reuerent termes and humble talke, entring wyth him into discourse with sound reasons of Scripture, now and then to contrary. The whych the Kyng was so well accustomed vnto in those matters, that at her handes he tooke all in good part, or at the least did neuer shew coun∣tenance of offence thereat:* 1.9 which did not a litle appall her aduersaries, to heare and see. During which tyme, percey∣uing her so throughly grounded in the kings fauour, they durst not for theyr liues once opē their lips vnto the king in any respect to touch her, either in her presence, or behind her backe: And so long shee continued this her accustomed vsage; not onely of hearing priuate sermons (as is sayde) but also of her free conference with the king in matters of Religion, without all perill,* 1.10 vntill at the last by reason of his sore leg (the anguish whereof began more and more to encrease) he waxed sickly, and therwithall, froward, and difficult to be pleased.

In the tyme of this his sicknes, he had left his accusto∣med maner of comming and visiting the Queene, & there∣fore she, according as she vnderstoode him by such assured intelligence as shee had about him, to be disposed to haue her company, sometimes being sent for, other sometymes of her selfe would come to visite him, either at after dinner or after supper, as was most fit for her purpose. At whiche tymes shee woulde not fayle to vse all occasions to moue him, according to her maner, zelously to proceede in the re∣formation of the Church.* 1.11 The sharpenes of the disease had sharpened the kinges accustomed pacience, so that he be∣gan to shew some tokens of misliking: and contrary vnto his maner, vpon a day, breaking of that matter, hee tooke occasion to enter into other talke, which somewhat amazed the Queene. To whome notwithstanding in her presence, he gaue neither euill word nor countenance, but knit vp al arguments w^t gentle wordes and louinge countenaunce: and after other pleasant talke, shee for that time tooke her leaue of his maiesty. Who after his maner, bidding her fare¦well sweete hearte (for that was his vsuall terme to the Queene) licenced her to depart.

At this visitation chaunced the Bishop of Winchester aforenamed to be present,* 1.12 as also at the Queenes takynge her leaue (who verye well had printed in his memorie the kings sodaine interrupting of the Queene in her tale, and falling into other matter) and thoughte y^t if the yron were beaten whilest it was hotte, and that the kynges humoure were holpen, suche misliking might followe towardes the Queene, as might both ouerthrow her & all her endeuors: and only awaited some accasion to renewe into the kings memory, the former misliked argument. Hys expectatiō in that behalfe did nothing faile him. For the king at y^t time shewed himselfe no lesse prompt and ready to receiue any information, then the bishop was maliciously bent to stir vp the kings indignation against her. The king immedi∣ately vpon her departure from him, vsed these or like wor∣des: A good hearing (quoth he) it is when women become su••h Clerkes, and a thing much to my comfort, to come in mine olde dayes to be taught by my wife.

The Bishop hearing this,* 1.13 seemed to mislike that the Queene shoulde so much forget her selfe, as to take vppon her to stand in any argument wyth his maiestie, whom he to his face extold for his rare vertues, and especially for his learned iudgement in matters of religion, aboue, not only Princes of that and other ages, but also aboue Doctours professed in Diuinitie, and sayde that it was an vnseemely thing for any of his maiesties subiects to reason and argue with him so malapartly, and greuous to him for hys parte and other of his Maiesties Councellours and seruauntes, to heare y^e same: and that they all by proofe knew his wise∣dome to be such, that it was not nedeful for any to put him in mind of any such matters: inferring moreouer how dā∣gerous and perillous a matter it is, and euer hath bene for a Prince to suffer suche insolent woordes at hys subiectes hands: who as they take boldnesse to contrary their soue∣raigne in wordes, so want they no will, but onely power and strength to ouerthwart them in deedes.

Besides thys,* 1.14 that the Religion by the Queene so stif∣ly maintained, did not onely disallow and dissolue the pol∣licie and politicke gouernment of Princes, but also taught the people that all thynges oughte to be in cōmon, so that what colour so euer they pretended, theyr opinions were in deede so odious, and for the Princes estate so perillous, that (sauing the reuerence they bare vnto her for hys Ma∣iesties sake) they durst be bolde to affirme that the greatest subiect in this lande, speaking those woordes that shee dyd speake, and defending those argumēts that she did defend, had with indifferent iustice, by law deserued death.

Howbeit for his part he would not nor durst not, with∣out good warrante from his Maiestie, speake hys know∣ledge

in the Queenes case, althoughe very apparaunt rea∣sons made for hym, and suche as his duetifull affection to∣wardes his Maiestie, and the zeale and preseruatiō of hys estate, would scarcely geue hym leaue to conceyue, though the vttering thereof might thorowe her, and her faction, be the vtter destruction of hym, and of suche as in deede dyd chiefly tender the Princes safetie, wythout hys Maiestie would take vpon him to be their Protector, and as it were theyr Buckler. Whych if he would doe (as in respect of hys owne safetye hee ought not to refuse) he with others of hys faithfull Counsailours, coulde wythin shorte time disclose such treasōs, cloked with this cloke of heresy, that his ma∣iestie should easily perceiue how perillous a matter it is to cherish a Serpent within hys owne bosome. Howbeit he would not for his parte willingly deale in the matter, both for reuerent respect aforesaid, and also for feare lest the fac∣tion was growen already too great, there with the princes safetie to discouer the same. And therewithall with heauie countenance and whispering together with them of y^e secte there present, he helde his peace.

* 1.15These and such other kindes of Winchesters flattering phrases, marueilously whetted the king both to anger and displeasure towards the Queene, and also to be ielous and mistrustfull of his own estate. For the assuraunce whereof Princes vse not to be scrupulous to doe any thyng. Thus then Winchester wyth his flattering woordes, seeking to frame the kynges disposition after hys owne pleasure, so farre crept into the king at that time, and wyth doubtfull feares he with other his fellowes, so filled the kyngs mi∣strustfull minde, that before they departed the place, the king (to see belike what they would doe,) had geuen com∣mandement, with warrant to certaine of them made for y^t purpose, to consult together about the drawing of certaine articles against the Queene, wherin her life might be tou∣ched: which the king by their perswasions pretended to be fully resolued not to spare, hauing any rigour or coloure of law to countenance the matter. With this commission they departed for that time from the king, resolued to put theyr pernicious practise to as mischieuous an execution.

Duringe the time of deliberation about thys matter, they failed not to vse al kinds of policies,* 1.16 and mischieuous practises, aswell to suborne accusers, as otherwise to be∣tray her, in seeking to vnderstand what bokes, by law for∣bidden, shee had in her closet. And the better to bring theyr purpose to passe, because they would not vpon the sodaine but by meanes deale wyth her, they thought it best, at the first, to begin with some of those Ladies whom they knew to be great with her, and of her bloud. The chiefest where∣of, as most of estimation, and priuie to all her doings, were these:* 1.17 the Lady Harbert, afterwarde Countesse of Pem∣broke and sister to the Queene, & chiefe of her priuie cham∣ber: the Lady Lane, being of her priuie chamber, and also her cosine germane:* 1.18 the Lady Tyrwit of her priuye cham∣ber, and for her vertuous disposition, in very great fauour and credite with her.* 1.19

It was deuised that these three aboue named shoulde first of all haue bene accused and brought to aunswer vnto the 6. articles: and vpon their apprehension in the Courte, their closet and coffers shoulde haue bene searched, y^t some∣what might haue bene found, wherby the Queene myght be charged,* 1.20 which being found, y^e Queene her selfe present∣ly should haue bene taken, and likewise caried by barge by night vnto the Tower. This platforme thus deuised, but yet in the ende comming to no effecte, the king by those a∣foresayde, was foorthwith made priuie vnto the deuise by Winchester and Wrisley, and his consent therunto deman∣ded. Who, (belike to prooue the byshops malice, how farre it would presume) like a wise politike Prince, was conten∣ted (dissemblingly) to geue his consent, and to alow of eue∣ry circumstance (knowing notw^tstanding in the ende what he would doe. And thus the day, the time, and the place of these apprehensions aforesaide was appoynted: which de∣uise yet after was chaunged.

The king at that time lay at White Hal, and vsed very seldome, being not well at ease, to stirre oute of hys cham∣ber or priuie gallery: and few of his Counsell, but by espe∣cial commandement, resorted vnto him, these onely except: who by reason of this practise, vsed oftner then of ordinary to repaire vnto hym. This purpose so finely was hand∣led, that it grewe now within fewe dayes of the tyme ap∣poynted for the execution of the matter, & the poore Quene knew not nor suspected any thing at all: and therefore vsed after her accustomed manner, when shee came to visite the king, still to deale with hym touching Religion, as before shee did.

The king al this while gaue her leaue to vtter her mind at the ful, without contradiction: not vpon any euil minde or misliking (ye must cōceiue) to haue her speedy dispatch••, but rather closely dissembling with them, to try out the vt∣termoste of Winchesters fetches. Thus after her accusto∣med conference wyth the kyng, when shee hadde taken her leaue of him (the time and daye of Winchesters ••••all day approching fast vpon) it chaunced that the king of himselfe vppon a certaine night after her being wyth him, and her leaue taken of hym, in misliking her Religion, brake the whole practise vnto one of hys Phisitions, eyther Doctor Windy, or els Owen, but rather Windy as is supposed: pretending vnto him, as though he intended not any lon∣ger to be troubled wyth such a Doctresse as shee was, and also declaring what trouble was in working againste her by certaine of her enemies, but yet charging him wythall, vpon peril of his life, not to vtter it to any creature liuing: and therupon declared vnto him the parties aboue named with all circumstances, and when and what the final reso∣lution of the matter should be.

The Queene all this while compassed about wyth ene∣mies and persecutours, perceiued nothing of all thys, nor what was working against her, and what trappes were layde for her by Winchester and his fellowes: so closely the matter was conueied.* 1.21 But see what the Lorde God (who from his eternall throne of wisdome, seeth and dispatcheth all the inuentiōs of Achitophel, and comprehendeth y^e wi∣ly beguily themselues) did for his pore handmaiden, in re∣scuing her from the pit of ruine, whereunto she was ready to fall vnawares.

For as the Lorde would, so came it to passe, that the bill of Articles drawen againste the Queene, and subscribed with the kings own hand (although dissemblingly ye must vnderstand) falling from the bosome of one of the foresayd Councellours,* 1.22 was founde and taken vp of some godly person, and brought immediately vnto the Queene. Who reading there the Articles comprised against her, and per∣ceiuing the kings owne hand vnto the same, for the sodain feare thereof, fell incontinent into a great melancholy and agonie, bewailing and taking on in suche sorte, as was la∣mentable to see: as certaine of her Ladies and Gentlewo∣men beyng yet aliue, whiche were then present about her,* 1.23 can testifie.

The king hearing what perplexitie she was in, almost to the pearil and danger of her life, sent his Phisitions vn∣to her. Who traueling about her, and seing what extremity shee was in, did what they coulde for her recouerie.* 1.24 Then Wendy, who knew the case better then the other, and per∣ceiuing by her words what y^e mater was, according to that the king before had told him: for the comforting of her hea∣uy minde, began to breake with her in secrete maner, tou∣ching the said articles deuised against her, which he himself (he sayde) knewe right well to be true: although he stode in danger of his life, if euer he were knowen to vtter the same to any liuing creature. Neuertheles, partly for the safety of her life, and partly for the discharge of his owne conscience, hauing remorse to consent to y^e sheding of innocent bloud, he could not but geue her warning of that mischief that hā∣ged ouer her head,* 1.25 beseching her most instantly to vse al se∣crecie in that behalfe, and exhorted her somewhat to frame and conforme her selfe vnto the kings minde, saying he did not doubt, but if she wold so do, and shew her humble sub∣mission vnto him, shee shoulde finde him gracious and fa∣uourable vnto her.

It was not long after this, but the king hearing of the daungerous state wherin she yet stil remained: came vnto her hymselfe. Unto whome, after that shee had vttered her griefe,* 1.26 fearing lest his maiestie (she sayd) had taken displea∣sure with her, and had vtterly forsaken her: he like a louing husband wyth swete and comfortable wordes so refreshed & appeased her careful mind, that she vpon the same began somewhat to recouer, and so the king after he hadde taryed there about the space of an houre, departed.

After this the Queene remembring with her selfe the wordes that M. Wendy had said vnto her, deuised how by some good oportunitie she myght repaire to the kings pre∣sence. And so first commanding her ladies to conuey away theyr bookes, which were against the lawe, the next nyght following after supper, shee (waited vpon only by the lady Harbert her sister and the Lady Lane, who caried the can∣dle before her) went vnto the kings bed chamber, whome she found sitting and talking with certaine Gentlemen of his chamber. Whom when the king did beholde, very cur∣teously he welcomed her, and breaking of the talke, whych before her comming he had wyth the Gentlemen aforsaid, began of himself, contrary to his maner before accustomed to enter into talke of religion, seming as it were, desirous to be resolued by the Queene of certaine doubtes which he propounded.

The Queene perceiuinge to what purpose thys talke did tend, not being vnprouided in what sort to behaue her selfe towards the king, with such aunsweres resolued hys questions as the time and oportunitie present did require, mildly, and with a reuerent countenaunce aunswering a∣gaine after thys maner.

Your Maiestie (quoth she) doth right well know, neither I my selfe am ignoraunt,* 1.27 what great imperfection and weakenesse by our first creation, is allotted vnto vs women, to be ordained and appoynted as inferiour and subiect vnto man as our heade, from which head all our direction ought to proceede, and that, as God made man to his owne shape and likenesse, whereby he being in∣dued with more speciall giftes of perfection, might rather be stir∣red to the contemplation of heauenly things, and to the earnest endeuour to obey his commaundements: euen so also made hee woman of man, of whome and by whome shee is to be gouerned; commanded and directed. Whose womanly weakenesse & natu∣rall imperfection, ought to be tollerated, aided and borne wyth∣al, so that by his wisedome such things as be lacking in her, ought to be supplied.

Sithens therefore that God hath appoynted suche a naturall difference betwene man and woman, and your Maiestie beyng so excellent in giftes and ornaments of wisedom, and I a seely pore woman so much inferiour in all respects of nature vnto you: how then commeth it nowe to passe that your Maiestie in such diffuse causes of religion, will seeme to require my iudgement? Whyche when I haue vttered and sayd what I can, yet must I, and will I re∣ferre my iudgement in this and all other cases to your Maiesties wisedome, as my onely anker, supreme heade and gouerner heere in earth next vnder God, to leane vnto.

Not so by Saint Marye, quoth the King. You are be∣come a Doctor, Kate, to instruct vs (as we take it) and not to be instructed, or directed by vs.

If your Maiestie take it so (quoth the Queene) then hath your Maiestie very much mistaken me, who haue euer bene of the opi∣nion, to thinke it very vnseemely & preposterous for the woman to take vpon her the office of an instructer or teacher to her Lord and husband, but rather to learne of her husband, & to be taught by him. And where I haue with your Maiesties leaue heeretofore bene bolde to holde talke with your Maiestie, wherein sometimes in opinions there hath seemed some difference, I haue not done it so much to maintaine opinion, as I did it rather to minister talke, not onely to the ende that your Maiestie mighte with lesse griefe passe ouer this painefull time of your infirmitie, beinge intentiue to oure talke, and hoping that your Maiestie shoulde reape some ease thereby: but also that I hearing your Maiesties learned dis∣course, might receiue to my selfe some profite thereof. Wherein I assure your Maiestie I haue not missed anye parte of my desire in that behalfe, alwayes referring my selfe in all suche matters vnto your Maiestie, as by ordinaunce of nature it is conuenient for me to doe.

And is it euen so sweete hart, quoth the king? And ten∣ded your arguments to no worse end? Then perfect fren∣des we are now again,* 1.28 as euer at any time heretofore: and as hee sate in hys chaire embracing her in his armes & kis∣sing her, hee added thys saying: That it did him more good at that time to heare those wordes of her owne mouthe, then if hee had heard present newes of an hundreth thousand pounds in mo∣ney fallen vnto him. And wyth greate signes and tokens of marueilous ioy and liking, with promises and assurances, neuer againe in any sort more to mistake her, entering in∣to other very pleasaunt discourses wyth the Queene & the Lords, and Gentlemen standing by, in the end (being ve∣ry farre on the night) he gaue her leaue to departe. Whome in her absence to the standers by, he gaue as singulare and as affectuous commendations, as before time to the Bish. and the chancelor (who then were neither of them present) he seemed to mislike of her.

Now then (God be thanked) the Kings mynde was cleane altered, and he detested in his heart (as afterwards he plainly shewed) this Tragicall practise of those cruell Caiphases:* 1.29 who nothing vnderstanding of the kings wel reformed minde; & good disposition towarde the Queene, were busily occupied about thinking & prouiding for their next dayes labour, which was the day determined to haue caryed the Queene to the Tower.

The day & almost the houre appoynted being come, the K. being disposed in the after noone to take the aire (waited vppon wyth two Gentlemen onely of hys bed chamber) went into the garden,* 1.30 whether the Queene also came, be∣ing sent for by the Kinge hymselfe, the three Ladies aboue named, alone waiting vppon her. Wyth whom the king at that time disposed himself▪ to be as pleasant as euer he was in all his life before: When sodainly in the middest of theyr myrth, the houre determined being come, in commeth the Lord chauncellour into the garden with a 40. of the kings garde at his heeles,* 1.31 with purpose in deede to haue taken the Queene together with the 3. Ladies aforesaide, whom they had before purposed to apprehende alone, euen then vnto the tower. Whome then the kyng sternly beholding, breaking of his myrth with the Queene, stepping a little a side, called the Chauncellour vnto hym. Who vppon hys knees spake certaine wordes vnto the king, but what they were (for that they were softly spoken, and the King a good pretie distance from the Queene) it is not well known,* 1.32 but it is most certaine that the kings replying vnto hym, was knaue, for his aunswer: yea arrant knaue, beast, and foole, and with that the king commāded hym presently to auant out of presence.* 1.33 Which words although they were vttered somewhat lowe, yet were they so vehemently whyspered out by the king, that the Queene did easely with her La∣dies aforesayd ouer heare them: which had bene not a litle to her comforte, i•• shee had knowen at that time the whole cause of hys comming so perfectly, as after shee knewe it. Thus departed the L. Chācellor out of the kings presence as he came, with all his traine, the whole mould of all hys deuise being vtterly broken.

The king after his departure, immediatly returned to the Quene. Whom she perceiuing to be very much chafed▪ (albeit comming towardes her, he inforced himselfe to put on a mery countenance) with as swete words as she could vtter, endeuoured to quallify the king his displeasure with request vnto his maiestie in the behalfe of the L. Chaunce∣lor, whom he seemed to be offended with all: saying for his excuse,* 1.34 that albeit she knew not what iust cause his maiesty had at that time to be offended with him, yet shee thoughte that ignoraunce not will, was the cause of his error, and so besought hys maiestie (if the cause were not very hainous) at her humble suite to take it.

Ah poore soule (quoth he) thou little knowest how euill he deserueth this grace at thy hands. Of my worde (sweete heart) he hath bene towardes thee an arrant knaue,* 1.35 and so let him go. To this the Queene in charitable maner reply∣ing in few wordes, ended that talke: hauing also by Gods onely blessing happely for that time and euer, escaped the dangerous snares of her bloudy and cruell enemies for the Gospels sake.

The pestiferous purpose of this Bishop, & of suche like bloudy aduersaries practising thus against the Queene, & proceeding of gods gospel (as ye haue heard) putteth me in remembrāce of such an other like story of his wicked wor∣king in like manner, a litle before: but much more perniti∣ous & pestilent to the publick church of Iesus Christ, then this was daungerous to the priuate estate of the Queene. Whyche storie likewise I thought heere as in conuenient place, to be adioyned & notified, to be knowen to all poste∣ritie, according as I haue it faithfully recorded and storied by hym, which heard it of the Archbishop Cranmers own mouth, declared in order and forme as foloweth.

*A discourse touching a certaine pollicie vsed by Ste∣uen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, in staying king Henrie the 8. from redressing of certaine abuses of ceremonies in the church, being Ambassadour beyonde the seas.

Also the communication of king Henrye the 8 had wyth the ambassador of France at Hampton Court concerning the refor∣mation of religion, as wel in France, as in Englande. Anno 1546. Mens August.

IT chanced in the time of K. Henrie the 8. when his high∣nes did lastly (not many yeres before his death) conclude a league betwene the Emperor, the French king and him∣selfe, that the B. of Winchester Steuē Gardiner by name, was sent in Ambassage beyonde the seas, for that purpose. In whose absence the Archbishop of Cāterbury Thomas Cranmer, attending vpon the kings Court, sought occa∣sion somwhat to further the reformation of the corrupt re∣ligion▪ not yet fully restored vnto a perfection.* 1.36 For lyke as the sayd Archb. was alwaies diligent and forward to pre∣fer and aduaunce the sincere doctrine of the Gospel: so was that other byshop a contrary instrument, cōtinually spur∣ning against the same, in whatsoeuer coast of the worlde he remained. For euen now he being beyond y^e seas in y^e tem∣poral affaires of y^e realme forgate not, but foūd the meanes as a most valiant champion of the B. of Rome, to stop and hinder, aswel the good diligence of the sayd Archbishop,* 1.37 as the godly disposition of the kings Maiestie in that behalfe▪ whych thus chaunced.

Whilest the sayde B. of Winchester was nowe remai∣ning beyond the seas, about the affaires aforsaide, y^e kings maiesty and the saide Archbishop, hauing conference toge∣ther for reformatiō of some superstitious enormities in the Church: amongst other things, the king determined forth∣with

to pull downe the Roodes in euery churche,* 1.38 and to suppresse the accustomed ringing on Alhalow night, wyth a few such like vaine ceremonies: And therefore, when the said Archb. taking his leaue of the king, to go into Kent his dioces, his highnes willed him to remember that he shuld cause 2. letters to be deuised: for me (quoth the King) to be signed, the one to be directed vnto you my Lorde, and the other vnto the Archbishop of Yorke, wherein I will com∣maund you both to send forth your precepts vnto all other Byshops wythin your prouinces,* 1.39 to see those enormities and Ceremonies reformed vndelaidly that we haue com∣muned off.

So vppon this, the kings pleasure knowen, when the Archbishop of Canterburye was then come into Kent, hee caused his Secretarye to conceiue and write these Letters according to the kings minde, and being made in a readi∣nesse, sent them to the Courte to Syr Anthony Denie, for hym to get them signed by the king, when maister Denie had mooued the king thereunto, the king made answere: I am now otherwayes resolued, for you shal send my Lorde of Canterburye worde, that sithence I spake with hym a∣bout these matters, I haue receiued letters from my Lord of Winchester, nowe being on the other side of the Sea, a∣bout the conclusion of a league betweene vs,* 1.40 the Emperor and the Frenche king, & he wryteth plainely vnto vs, that the league wil not prosper nor go forward, if we make any other innouation, change, or alteration, either in Religion or ceremonies,* 1.41 then heretofore hath ben already commen∣sed and done. Wherefore my Lorde of Canterburye must take patience heerein, and forbeare vntill we may espye a more apt and conuenient time for that purpose.

Which matter of reformation began to be reuiued again, at what time the great Ambassador from the French king, came to the kings Maiestie at Hampton Courte not long before his death.* 1.42 Where then no Gentleman was permit∣ted to waite vpon his Lord and maister,* 1.43 wythout a veluet coate and a chaine of golde. And for that entertainment of the Ambassadour, were builded in the parke there, 3. very notable great and sumptuous banketting houses. At the which it was purposed, that the sayd Ambassadour should haue bene 3. sundry nightes very richly banketted. But as it chaunced, the French kings great affaires were then so∣denly such, that thys Ambassadoure was sent for home in post hast, before he had receiued halfe the noble entertaine∣ment that was prepared for him, so that he hadde but the fruition of the first banketting house.

Now what princelike order was there vsed in the fur∣niture of y^e banket, as well in placing of the noble estates, namely the kings Maiestie, and the French Ambassadour w^t the noble men both of England and Fraunce on the one parte, and of the Queenes highnesse and the Ladye Anne of Cleeue with other noble women & Ladyes of the other part, as also touching the great & sumptuous preparation of both costly and fine dishes there out of number spent, it is not our purpose heere presently to entreate thereof, but onely to consider the note of the conference and communi∣cation had the first night after the sayd bāket was finished,* 1.44 betweene the kings Maiestie, the sayde Ambassadour, and the Archbishop of Canterburye (the kings highnesse stan∣ding openly in the banketting house, in the open face of all the people, and leaning one arme vpon the shoulder of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the other arme vppon the shoulder of the Ambassadour) touching the establishing of godly religion betweene those two Princes in both theyr realmes: As by the report of the sayd Arch. vnto hys secre∣tarie vppon occasion of his seruice to be done in king Ed∣wards visitation, then being register in the same visitati∣on,* 1.45 relation was made on that behalfe in thys sorte.

When the sayd visitation was put in a readines, before the Commissioners should proceede in their viage, the said Archb. sent for the sayde Register his man vnto Hampton Courte, and willed him in any wise to make notes of cer∣taine things in the sayde visitation: whereof hee gaue vn∣to hym instruction,* 1.46 hauing then further talke with hym touching the good effect and successe of the sayde visitation. Upon which occasion the Register sayde vnto hys maister the Archbyshop: I doe remember that you not long agoe, caused me to conceiue and write letters, which king Henry the 8. shuld haue signed and directed vnto your grace, and the Archbishoppe of Yorke, for the reformation of certayne enormities in the churches, as taking down of the roodes, and forbidding of ringing on Alhalow night, and such like vaine ceremonies. Whiche letters your grace sent to the Courte to be signed by the kinges Maiestie, but as yet I thinke that there was neuer any thing done therein.

Why, quoth the Archbishop againe, neuer hearde you how those letters were suppressed and stopped? Wherunto the Archbyshops seruaunt aunswering againe: as it was (sayde hee) my duetie to wryte those letters: so was it not my part to be inquisitiue what became thereupon. Marye, quoth the Archbishop, my Lord of Winchester then beyng beyond the seas, about a cōclusion of a league betwene the Emperour, the Frenche king, & the king our maister, and fearing y^t some reformation should here passe in the realme touchinge Religion in hys absence, againste hys appetite, wrote to the kinges Maiestie, bearing hym in hande,* 1.47 that the league then towardes, woulde not prosper nor go for∣wardes on his Maiesties behalfe, if he made any other in∣nouation or alteration in Religion, or Ceremonies in the Church, then was already done: which hys aduertisement herein caused the king to staye the signing of those letters, as Syr Anthonie Denie wrote to me by the Kinges com∣maundement.

Then said his seruaunt againe vnto hym: Forasmuche as the kings good intent tooke no place then, nowe youre grace may goe forward in those matters, the oportunity of the time much better seruing thereunto then in king Hen∣ries daies.

Not so, quoth the Archbyshop. It was better to at∣tempt such reformation in king Henry the viij. his dayes, then at thys time, the King beinge in hys infancie. For if the kings father had set foorth any thyng for the reformati∣on of abuses, who was he that durste gainesay it? Marye, we are now in doubt how men will take the change or al∣teration of abuses in the Church, and therefore the Coun∣saile hath forborne specially to speake thereof, and of other thyngs, whych gladly they woulde haue reformed in thys visitation, referring all those & suche like matters, vnto the discretions of the visitours. But if King Henrye the viij. had liued vnto this day, w^t the french king, it had bene past my L. of Winchesters power, to haue v••sured the kynges highnes as he did, when he was about the same league.

I am sure you were at Hampton Courte, quoth the Archb. when the French kings ambassador was entertai∣ned there at those solemne banketting houses, not long be∣••••re the kings death: namely, when after the bankette was done the first night, the king leaning vpō the Ambassador and vpon me, if I should tel what communicatiō betwene the kings highnes and the said Ambassador was had, con∣cerning the establishing of sincere Religion then, a manne would hardly haue beleued it. Nor I my selfe had thought the kings highnes had ben so forward in those matters as then appeared. I may tell you it passed the pulling downe of Roodes, and suppressing the ringing of bels, I take it y^t few in England would haue beleued, that the kings Ma∣iestie, and the French king had bene at thys poynt,* 1.48 not on∣ly within halfe a yeare after to haue chaunged the masse in both the realmes into a communion, as we now vse it, but also vtterly to haue extirped, and banished the Byshop of Rome and his vsurped power, out of both their realms and dominions.

Yea they were so throughly and firmely resolued in that behalfe, that they ment also to exhort the Emperour to doe the like in Flanders and other his Countreis and Senio∣ries, or els to breake of from him. And heerein the kyngs highnes willed mee (quoth the Archbishop) to pen a forme thereof to be sent to the Frenche king to consider of. But the deepe & most secrete prouidence of almighty God, ow∣ing to this realme a sharpe scourge for our iniquities, pre∣uented (for a time) this theyr most godly deuise and intent, by taking to his mercy both these Princes.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Anno 1546.
• * 1.2

  Queene Katherine Parre.
• * 1.3

  The religi∣ous ••eale of Queene Katherine toward God•• word.
• * 1.4

  The exhor∣tation of Queene Katherine to the king.
• * 1.5

  The king toward his latter ••nd waxed more impa∣cient.
• * 1.6

  The vertu∣ous inclina∣tion of Q. Katherine toward the king.
• * 1.7

  Enemyes & conspirers agaynst the Gospell.
• * 1.8

  Queene Katherine a patronesse of Gods truth..
• * 1.9

  The king some∣tyme contra••y to the king in argument.
• * 1.10

  The king wa••∣eth sickly and difficult to please.
• * 1.11

  The king begin∣neth to misly•••••• of the Queene.
• * 1.12

  The Bishop of Winchester ta∣keth his occasi•• to worke his mischiefe.
• * 1.13

  The Bishop o•• Winchester•• wordes to th•• king.
• * 1.14

  Winchesters ac∣cusation against the Queene.
• * 1.15

  Winchester a∣buseth the king with his flatte∣ring.
• * 1.16

  How Winche∣ster and his fel∣lowes deuise a∣gainst the Gos¦pellers.
• * 1.17

  Lady Harbert.
• * 1.18

  Lady Lane.
• * 1.19

  Lady Tyrwitte.
• * 1.20

  Winchesters plateforme.
• * 1.21

  The wiles of this Achi∣tophell Wynchester dispatched.
• * 1.22

  The articles drawen a∣gaynst the Quene how they came 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her hande••.
• * 1.23

  The Que•••• in an ago••••
• * 1.24

  D. Wendy the kinges Phisition sent to the Queene
• * 1.25

  The exhor∣tation of D. Wendy to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪
• * 1.26

  The kinges comming to the Queen•• to comfort her.
• * 1.27

  The Quenes 〈…〉〈…〉 the ••ing.
• * 1.28

  Perfecte a∣greement betweene the K. and the Quene.
• * 1.29

  The K. ab∣••o••••ed the malicious workings of the bloudy Papistes.
• * 1.30

  This pur∣pose being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that the Ladyes should be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 taken, it was then appoynted that they with the Queene
• * 1.31

  should altoge∣ther be appre∣hended in maner as is here decla∣red.
• * 1.32

  The 〈…〉〈…〉 W••isley L▪ Chauncellour.
• * 1.33

  The L Chaun∣cellour com∣maunded to a¦uaunt out of the K. sight. Wrisleis deuises & Wynchesters platforme lye in the duste.
• * 1.34

  The Q. maketh excuse for her enemye.
• * 1.35

  The Queene b•• Gods meruelous blessing deliue∣red of al her ad∣uersitye.
• * 1.36

  Steuē Gardiner Ambassadour.
• * 1.37

  Winchester a great hind••rer of the course of the Gospell.
• * 1.38

  The kinges con∣ference with D. Cranmer about reformation of the Ghurch. Rood loftes. Ringing on Alhallow night
• * 1.39

  Lettets of refor∣mation to be sent by the king.
• * 1.40

  The kinges minde altered by Wint.
• * 1.41

  Reformation of Religion stop∣ped by Steuen Gardiner.
• * 1.42

  Anno. 1546.
• * 1.43

  This Ambassa∣dour was admi∣rall of Fraunce whose name was Mounsieur de Annebault, he came to Hampton Court the 20. day of Aug. an. 1546. The matter of reformation a∣gaine renued a little before the kinges death. The kinges bancket for the French Ambas∣sadour.
• * 1.44

  Secrete commu∣nicatiō betwene the king the French Ambas∣sadour, and the Archb. of Cant.
• * 1.45

  The testimony and credite of the story.
• * 1.46

  The name of this Register was M. Morice secretarye some∣tymes to the Archb. Thomas Cranmer.
• * 1.47

  Marke the mische•••••••• fetches of this olde Foxe W••••∣chester.
• * 1.48

  The purpo•••• of K. Hen•••• and of the French king little be∣fore their 〈◊〉〈◊〉.