1537. out of that shire, the revenues of which went to the finding of Berwick, but now the profits of abbeys suppressed, tenths and first fruits went out of those parts, so that in a few years there would be no money left, either for the tenant to pay his rents or for the lord to do the King service; for in those parts was neither the presence of his Grace, execution of his laws, nor much recourse of merchandise," so that of necessity the said country should either patyssh with the Scots or of very poverty enforced to make commotions," which the lords knew to be true. After divers arguments on both sides lord Darcy desired licence to keep the castle till Saturday after, the interview being on Thursday: and Aske, knowing that the earl of Shrewsbury intended to rescue it, refused, and only gave respite till 8 a.m., against which hour he prepared for the assault. At that hour Darcy again desired. longer time, which Aske would not give him; so the castle was yielded, and the lords spiritual and temporal, knights and esquires, were sworn. After which the country daily assembled of all parts, and Aske tried out the men. The lords Nevyll, Latymer, and Lumley then came in, and 10,000 men with them, with the banners and arms of St. Cuthbert, and the band of Blakamore and Pekeryng Lythe, with the knights and gentlemen thereabouts, 5,000 men, and Yorkswold and Houderness and about 2,000 or 3,000 with them, and then the West [and North]* Riding of Yorkshire; so that in all there were at a place called Stuping Sysse, near Doncaster, about 34,000 or 35,000 men well tried on horseback. Aske would not suffer the herald Lancaster to declare the persuasion to the people for two reasons. First, that even then news had come that the commons of Lincolnshire were down, and that by like persuasion by the same herald, and if he had declared his message to the people they would have killed him. 2. There was nothing contained in the same, either of pardon or of any demand as to the cause of their assembly. The herald came to Doncaster, where the commons were in two wards; the vanward being with St. Cuthbert's banner, accompanied with the lords Nevyll, Lumley, and Latymer, Sir Thomas Hilton, Sir Thomas Percy, and all the band of the Bishopric, Cleveland, and part of Richmondshire. In the second ward was the lord Darcy, the said Aske, Sir Robert Constable, and all the knights and esquires of the East Riding, Holderness, the Ainsty, and North and West Ridings of Yorkshire. The rear ward then coming forward with Lord Scrope, Sir Chr. Danby, Sir Wm. Maloore, the Nortons, Markynfelds, and others of Richmondshire, Wensladale, Swadale, Netherdale, Kirkbyshire, Massamshire, and the liberties of Ripon, to the number of 12,000 men on horseback well furnished. And being at or nigh Pomfret, the herald, being there with the host, declared how the duke of Norfolk desired that they would declare the causes of their assembly by four of the discreetest men of the North, and come to him at Doncaster, when he would give pledges for their safe return. And though such persons might not be well spared, they offered to send four, six, eight, or twelve persons to meet a like number between the hosts and declare their grievances. The Duke was not content, but sent word by the herald that if they refused he would give battle in place convenient; which the lords would have accepted, but Aske told them that it was no dishonour but a duty to declare their grievances to their Sovereign, that evil counsellors might be removed who were in "arror" of the people and dangered the person of their Prince. It was then agreed to send Sir Ralph Ellerker, Sir Thos. Hilton, Robt. Bowes, and Robt. Chaloner to the said duke and earls, which was done, and Aske received the pledges for them within night, viz., Mr. Herington, Mr. Vellers, Mr. Litilton, and another knight not now known to the said Aske, whom he conveyed that night to Hampall. The appointment was to deliver both the said parties at noon, then being Friday, which was done accordingly. Sir Ralph Ellerker and the others reported how they had declared five articles at large to the Duke and earls, who wished to have the intent thereof declared in articles by the baronage and worshipful men of the North by their own mouths. On this a number on both sides were appointed to have communication at Doncaster Bridge, of whom on the side of the North were lords Latymer, Lumley, and Darcy, Sir Robt. Constable, Sir Thos. Hilton, Sir Ralph Ellerker, Sir John Bulmer, Robt. Bowes, Robt. Chaloner, and others, who met at the place appointed. Aske was not with them, but ordered the whole host standing in perfect array "to within night" till the return of the said lords, and what they spake or concluded he knows not other than the said five articles to him reported. This further order was taken that the host at Pomfret should depart and the other host repair thither, and that the duke of Norfolk should repair in haste to the King with our general articles, accompanied by Sir Ralph Ellerker and Robt. Bowes, and next day the whole host should disperse from Pomfret and the earl of Shrewsbury in like manner from Doncaster; which promise was performed on both sides," and so seen and viewed by the herald." When Aske was at Pomfret word came to him from the men of Craven that the earl of Derby was assembling a number of men to put out the monks of Salley abbey before suppressed, "being the charitable relief of those parts and standing in a mountain country and amongst three forests," and how the commons of Craven, Dent, Setbaurgh, Kendall, Furness, Boulond, and part of the edge of Lancashire, intended to withstand his coming, and prayed for help from Aske's men if need were. Aske immediately sent posts to the knights and commons there, declaring the order taken at Doncaster, and how they should not meddle with the said earl although he invaded them, but withdraw to the mountains unless he raised fire, and then to send Aske word by post. Aske then caused lord Darcy to write to the earl of Shrewsbury to stay the earl of Derby; but the commons before the delivery of Aske's letter had attained Whallay abbey, where the said earl by his letter had, the same night, appointed to lodge. Aske at the same time sent another letter to the commons that on no account they should assault or besiege the earl of Cumberland until the King's answer was known, and the earl should use himself towards them in likewise according to the order taken at Doncaster. Next day, Sunday, Aske repaired to York and remained there all night, declared the order, and stayed the country. Next day he repaired to Wresill castle to the earl of Northumberland, "to have agreed him and his brother Sir Thomas Percy." On his way he was informed by the commons how Sir Marmaduke Constable was come to his own house, and they would either have him sworn or else spoil him. On this Aske wrote to Sir Marmaduke to come to him at Wresill, hoping to save his goods and to show him "how the commons might in his favour have been persuaded." Sir Marmaduke departed that night into Lincolnshire. Next day Aske went to Watton abbey, 14 miles off, to stay the commons, who would have chosen a new prior there because the prior had fled to the lord Cromwell, being one of his promotion, and had left three or four score orethren and sisters of the same house without 40s. to succour them. Aske pacified the commons and deputed the subprior to manage the house in the prior's absence. He then went to Hull to Sir Robert Constable, whom he made ruler there to protect the town against the duke of Suffolk, who had kept his garrison direct against the same contrary to the appointment. This put the country to great charge in finding 200 soldiers in Hull, and caused the siege of Scarborough and the taking of Edward Walter and his ship, which nearly occasioned new commotions. Aske, however, says he knew nothing of the commons that went to Scarborough till they were there and had besieged the place. He then repaired to Wresill, where he remained till the letter came from Mr. Bowes 1537. to lord Darcy explaining the cause "of the tarrying so long, apertly comparing cause of new commotions supposed to be made by the said Aske, which was untrue." Wrote an answer to this and repaired home to the said castle, and sent out letters summoning a council at York upon Mr. Bowes' letter, to be ready against his coming with the King's answer on the 21st November. On the coming of Mr. Bowes to lord Darcy, Aske went and met him and then repaired to the Council at York. There it was debated whether to meet the duke of Norfolk at Doncaster or not; 1, because the lord Cromwell had written to Sir Ralph Evers, jun., threats that if the commons were not pacified such vengeance should be taken as should make them an example to the whole world; and 2, because the commons of Lancashire and elsewhere favoured our cause, " which after much deceding in to our articles would not so generally join in their quarrel.” At last it was concluded to meet the Duke at Doncaster with 300 persons. And so there came some of the most discreet from every country, and at the same time order was taken for spoils, casting down of enclosures of commons, and letters to be sent to the clergy to study for the articles profitable for the faith of the Church and liberties of the same, also that all learned counsel and wise men should consult for remedy of evil laws. "And at the said Council at York, lord Cromwell, by occasion of the same letters, and for the extreme punishment of the great jury of Yorkshire for Wykclyf's cause* and for the extreme assessment of their fines, was, and yet is, in such horror and hatred of the people in those parts, that in manner they would eat him, and esteems their griefs only to arise by him and his counsel," as they declared to Lancaster Herald nigh Hampall in Yorkshire, who can report their words "to your Highness." It was at the same time determined that the lords, knights, and squires, and the commons there appointed, should meet at Pomfret two days [before] the meeting at Doncaster to decide particulars, when every man brought in his bill. Upon which the articles now concluded at Doncaster were drawn up. Cannot now remember the names of the lords and gentlemen assembled, but there were at Pomfret the lords Nevill, Scrope, Latymer, Conyers, Lumley, ard Darcy, Sir Robt. Constable, Sir James Strangwich, Sir Chr. Danby, Sir Thos. Hilton, Sir Wm. and Sir John Constable, Sir Peter Vavasour, Sir Ralph Ellerker, Sir Chr. Hilliard, Sir Robt. Nevill, Sir Oswold Willisthorpe, Sir Edward Gower, Sir George Darcy, Sir Wm. and Sir Nich. Fairfax, Sir Wm. Maliore, Sir Ralph Bulmer, Sir Wm. Bulmer, Sir Stephen Hamerton, Sir John Dawney, Sir George Lawson, Sir Ric. Tempest, Sir Thos. Johnson, Sir Henry Gascoign, and other knights whom he does not remember, besides esquires of Yorkshire, as John of Norton, Ric. Norton, Roger Lassells, Mr. Place, Mr. Fulthorpe, Robert and Richard Bowes, Dalerever, Barton of Whynby, Ric. Lassells, Mr. Redman, Hamerton, Mr. Ralph Bulmer, Rither, Metham, Saltmarsh, Palmes, Aclom, Rudston, Plumton, Myddilton, Mallevere of Weddersome, and Allerton, with most of the gentlemen of the said shire and the sons and heirs of those who were absent. After each article was read and agreed to, fiat was written at the head. The articles were then declared to the commons, who agreed to every one. In like manner Aske took the opinion of the clergy, and next day sent 10 knights and esquires of every part of the country, each accompanied by three persons, to the duke of Norfolk at Doncaster to receive the King's answer, having received the King's safe conduct, delivered to them by the herald, to deliver the said particulars and discuss them openly. The said knights and esquires accordingly repaired again to Pomfret, and the Lords Scrope, Latymer, and Darcy, and the said Aske, accompanied by 300 knights, gentlemen, and commons from every quarter, repaired to Doncaster to the said Duke and earls. *See Vol. VIII., No. 457. 1537. 6. ROBERT ASKE-cont. Next day, at the Grey Friars in Doncaster, the said Aske and lords chose 20 knights and esquires and as many commoners to go to the White Friars at Doncaster to the said Duke and earls. At their coming the said Aske, by consent of the lords and knights and in the name of them all, made three low obeisances, and all kneeling on their knees requested of the lords to have the King's free pardon for their offences. They then began to discuss the particulars of their petitions, and after order therein taken, by command of the Duke and earls, Aske went to the rest of the commons at the Grey Friars to declare it. Afterwards, by the Duke's desire, he went to Pomfret to the residue of the lords, knights, and commons there, viz., the lords Nevill, Lumley, and Conyers who were left for the staying of the commons, and early in the morning caused the bellman to warn the commons to come to the market cross and receive knowledge of the King's free pardon which they were to have under the Great Seal. The commons were very glad of it and gave a great shout, and Aske, accompanied by lord Nevill, returned in haste to Doncaster to the Duke and earls, declaring the effect of the premises. A letter immediately came from lord Lumley declaring the commons would not be content unless they saw the King's pardon under seal and that the abbot[s] new put in of houses suppressed should not avoid their possession to the Parliament time, and also that the Parliament should be at York or they would burn beacons and raise the whole country. This letter was displeasant to all the lords and worshipful men of both parts. The rumour proceeded of certain private commoners not yet known to the said Aske. After long debate, Aske desired leave to go to the said commons to Pomfret, who were about 3,000 men or more and persuaded them that same night to consent to abide the order at Doncaster. Thereupon he sent for the King's free pardon, which came the same night by Lancaster Herald. And next day all the lords and knights at Pomfret assembled on St. Thomas Hill outside the town and most lowly received the King's pardon and departed to their houses. Afterwards the said lords and knights by the Duke's command repaired to him at Doncaster where, after declaration of the premises, the Duke and earls desired answer of these articles following: 1. How the King should be answered of his rents and farms in Yorkshire. To which they replied they were ready for his Grace. 2. When delivery should be made of the ship, ordnance, and men taken at Scarborough. Replied that they were all ready to be delivered except the money, which was divided, to every soldier at the taking 3s. And after reasonable answer to other demands the said Aske making his obeisance and kneeling desired the Duke and lords of his part to request the lords of the North parts not to name him captain any longer; which being promised, he pulled off his badge and crosses with the Five Wounds, and in like manner did all the others there present, saying "We will all wear no badge nor sign but the badge of our sovereign lord." That done the Duke took order for the putting in of the King's farmers. After which the lords departed and Aske repaired to his brother's house, where he had not been since the beginning of the premises, and there remained still, all but one day when he went to Sir Robert Constable to meet Sir Ralph Ellerker for the putting in of the King's farmers into the abbeys of Haltenprice and Feryby, and also to inake an end between the said Sir Robert and one Hodlow. And so he remained at his brother's house till the coming of the King's letter. Aske affirms, "to try to the death," that he was neither of counsel with lord Darcy nor to his knowledge spoke with him before he came to Pomfret Castle, nor shall it be proved that before his first taking he "patisshed" with any person. He says that in all parts of the realm men's hearts much grudge at the suppression of abbeys and the first fruits, which would be the 1 1537. R. O. R. O. destruction of religion in England.* and there is special grudge against lord Cromwell as the destroyer of the Commonwealth, and surely if he continue in favour it will endanger new commotions, "which will be very dangerous to your Grace's person;" for as far as Aske can see there is no man so ill-beloved, albeit, the said Aske saith the said lord Cromwell never gave him occasion thus to report of him, but he only declares the hearts of the people. Also most part of the realm greatly impugneth against certain bishops of the New Learning whom they regard as heretics and great causers of this late commotion, and also against the Lord Chancellor "for so general granting of injunctions and for playing of ambidexter in granting and dissolving of injunctions." Moreover he says that when he had taken Pomfret Castle and sworn the lords there, he would have yielded up his white rod and name of captain to the nobility there, but they refused and willed him to continue captain, as there was likely to be disdain among them if any of them had taken that office upon them. Pp. 18. Rough draft with marginal notes. Slightly mutilated. ii. "A brief ing whereby his Grace may a[tta]igne the hearts of his subjects in the North parts, and that before the coming down of the duke of Norfolk." 1. To direct with Aske a proclamation declaring that the King is content his subjects in those parts shall have free election of the knights of the shire and burgesses, and like liberty to the spiritualty to show their learning and free mind in Convocation without the King's displeasure. 2. That he is content to confirm his pardon and reputes them as his true subjects. 3. That the duke of Norfolk will declare to them when and where the Parliament shall be. 4. That his Highness is content, as the shire of York is great and hath no burgesses except at Scarborough, that there shall be burgesses in Beverley, Ripon, Richmond, Pomfret, Wakefield, Skipton, and Kendal, provided they will declare at the coming of the duke of Norfolk what circuit will bear the charges of the burgesses. Also a letter should be written to lord Darcy to stay the country and West Riding about him, affirming the King's pardon before granted, and that he means to extend it to offices and fees. Like letters also to be written to Sir Robert Constable, to Sir Ralph Bulmer to stay Swadale, to Sir John Bulmer to stay Cleveland, to the earl of Westmoreland and Sir Thos. Hilton, to Mr. Richard Duket of Kendal to Sir John Townley, Sir Stephen Hamerton . . P. 1. In the same hand as the preceding. Mutilated. Endd: Liber qu[intus?]. 2. Another copy of § i. Pp. 17. Endd.: "[R]emembr weale Ruddiston (?) letter." 7. EDMUND PARKER to DARCY. "My lord, for news in Lancashire there is none but that my lord of [Derby is at ?] Latham and has kept a great Christmas, and with his guns and ston[es] the walls repaired and if there should fall any business. And of Setturdey [in Christ]mes week my lord Mownte Hegyll rode to my lord of Derby to [tell] my lord all Blaykeburne shire, Kendall and Craven . . . country is in a readiness if any man would put howtte th[e monks] of Salley. My lord, my lord of Cumberland sent in Christmas wey[ke to] Sir Staven Hammertown to come speak with him, and he durst * Here it is added in § 2 -"And against the visitors, and specially against Drs. Legh and Layton, which Laton is the nigh kinsman of the said Aske,' |