A67926:4138
Acts and monuments of matters most special and memorable, happening in the Church. [vol. 2, part 1] with an universal history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitive age to these latter times of ours, with the bloody times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions against the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperors, as now lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realm of England and Scotland. Newly revised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time again published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the help of Christ our Lord) John Fox, which desireth thee good reader to help him with thy prayer.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.
London: printed by John Daye, 1583London: printed by Iohn Daye, 1583
No title page in the transcription: set from the catalogue record.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
It happened that the same time came in Doctor Barnes and Master Barlow,1 who understanding the matter by Lobley's wife, went up to the Lord Cromwell, and certified him thereof: who upon their request, sent for the Major of the City of London: but what was said unto the Lord Major, is unknown, saving that in the after noon of the same day, •he wife of the person aforesaid resorted again unto the Lord Major, suing to get her husband delivered out of prison, declaring how that she had 2. small children, and had nothing to help her and them, but only her husband, who laboured for their livings. Unto whom the Major answered, what come ye to me? You are taken up with the Kings Council. I supposed that you had come to desire me that your husband should not stand upon the Pillory in Cheapside on Monday next, with the one half of the pig on his one shoulder and the other half on the other▪ Also the Major said unto her, that he could not deliver him without the consent of the rest of his brethren the Aldermen. Wherefore he bade her the next day following, which was Sunday, to re•ort unto Pauls to Saint Dunstan's Chapel, and when he had spoken with his brethren, he would then tell her more. Other answer could she get none at that time. Wherefore she went unto M. Wilkenson, then being Sheriff of London, desiring him to be good unto her, and that she might have her poor husband out of prison. Unto whom M. Wilkenson answered: O woman▪ Christ hath laid a piece of his cross upon thy neck,2 to prove whether thou wilt help him to bear it or no, saying moreover to her, that if the Lord major had sent him to his Counter, as he sent him to his brothers, he should not have tarried there an hour, and so commanded her to come the next day unto him to dinner, and he would do the best for her he could. So the next day came, & this woman resorted again to M. Wilkenson's, according as he bad her, who also had bidden divers guests: unto whom he spake in her behalf But as they were set at dinner, and she also sitting at the table, when she saw the hot fish come in, she felt down in a swoon, so that for the space of two hours the could keep no life in her.
It happened that the same time came in Doctour Barnes and Mayster Barlowe,1 who vnderstandyng the matter by Lobleys wife, went vp to the Lord Cromwell, and certified him thereof: who vpon their request, sent for the Maior of the City of London: but what was sayd vnto the Lord Maior, is vnknowne, sauing that in the after noone of the same day, •he wife of the person aforesayd resorted agayne vnto the Lord Maior, suyng to get her husband deliuered out of prison, declaring how that she had 2. small children, and had nothing to helpe her and them, but onely her husband, who laboured for theyr liuings. Unto whom the Maior aunswered, what come ye to me? You are taken vp with the Kinges Counsell. I supposed that you had come to desire me that your husbande shoulde not stand vpon the Pillary in Cheapeside on Monday nexte, with the one halfe of the pyg on his one shoulder and the other halfe on the other▪ Also the Maior sayd vnto her, that he could not deliuer him without the consent of the rest of his brethren the Aldermen. Wherefore he bade her the next day folowing, which was Sonday, to re•ort vnto Paules to Saint Dunstones Chappell, and when he had spoken with his brethren, he woulde then tell her more. Other answere could she get none at that time. Wherfore she wēt vnto M. Wilkenson, then being Sheriffe of London, desiring him to be good vnto her, and that she might haue her poore husband out of prison. Unto whom M. Wilkenson answered: O woman▪ Christ hath layd a piece of his crosse vpon thy necke,2 to proue whether thou wilt helpe hym to beare it or no, saying moreouer to her, that if the Lord maior had sent him to his Counter, as he sent him to his brothers, he should not haue taryed there an houre, and so cō maunded her to come the next day vnto him to dinner, and he would do ye best for her he could. So the next day came, & this woman resorted again to M. Wilkensōs, according as he bad her, who also had biddē diuers gestes: vnto whō he spake in her behalfe But as they were set at dinner, and she also sitting at the table, whē she saw the hote fish come in, she felt downe in a swound, so that for the space of two houres the could keepe no life in her.
Wherefore they sent her home to her house in Pater noster row, and then they sent for the Midwife, supposing that she would have been delivered incontinent of her child that she went with, but after that she came somewhat again to herself, where she lay sick and kept her bed the space of xv. weeks after, being not able to help her self, but as she was helped of others, during the time of xv. weeks.
Wherefore they sent her home to her house in Pater noster row, and then they sent for the Midwife, supposing that she would haue bene deliuered incontinent of her childe that she went with, but after that she came somewhat agayn to herselfe, where she lay sicke and kept her bed the space of xv. weekes after, being not able to helpe her selfe, but as she was helped of others, during the time of xv. weekes.
Now to show further what became of this Pig, whereof we have spoken so much, it was carried into Finsburye field by the Bishop of London's Sumner,1 at his masters commandment, and there buried. The Monday following, being the fourth day after that this prisoner aforesaid was apprehended, the Major of London, with the residue of his brethren being at Guild hall, sent for the prisoner aforenamed, and demanded sureties of him for his forth coming, what so ever hereafter should or might be laid unto his charge,2 but for lack of such sureties as they required upon his own band, which was a Recognisance of twenty pound, he was delivered out of their hands. But shortly after that he was delivered out of this his trouble, master Garter, of whom we have spoken before, being his landlord, warned him out of his house, so that in four years after, he could not get an other, but was constrained to be within other good folks, to his great hindrance and undoing.
Now to shew further what became of this Pig, wherof we haue spoken so much, it was carryed into Finsburye field by the Bishop of Londons Sumner,1 at his maisters commaundement, and there buried. The Monday folowing, being the fourth day after that this prisoner aforesayd was apprehended, the Maior of London, with the residue of his brethren being at Guild hall, sent for the prisoner aforenamed, and demaunded sureties of him for his forth cō ming, what so euer hereafter should or might be layd vnto his charge,2 but for lacke of such suretyes as they required vpon his owne band, which was a Recognisaunce of twenty pound, he was deliuered out of theyr handes. But shortly after that he was deliuered out of this his trouble, mayster Garter, of whome we haue spoken before, beyng his landlord, warned him out of his house, so that in foure yeares after, he could not get an other, but was constrayned to be within other good folkes, to his great hindrance and vndoing.
Hard it were and almost out of number to rehearse the names and stories of all them, which felt the gentle help of this good man in some case or other. Where might be remembered the notable deliverance of one Grey, a Smith of Bishops Starford,1 who being accused for denying the sacrament of the altar to be our Saviour, was sent up for the same to London and there should have been condemned to be burnt, but that by the means of the L. Cromwell, he was sent home again and delivered. One other example, though it be somewhat long with the circumstances and all, I will declare, how be helped the Secretary that then was to Doctor Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, which Secretary is yet alive, and can bear present record of the same.
Hard it were and almost out of number to rehearse the names and stories of all them, which felt the gentle helpe of this good man in some case or other. Where might be remembred the notable deliueraunce of one Gray, a Smyth of Bishops Starford,1 who being accused for denying ye sacramēt of the aulter to be our Sauior, was sent vp for the same to Londō and there should haue bene condemned to be burnt, but that by the meanes of the L. Cromwell, he was sent home agayne and deliuered. One other example, though it be somewhat long with the circūstances and all, I will declare, how be helped the Secretary that thē was to Doctor Cranmer Archbishop of Caunterbury, whiche Secretary is yet aliue, and can beare present record of the same.
Mention was made before how king Henry in the year of his reign 21. caused the 6. Articles to pass, much against the mind and contrary to the consent of the Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer,1 who had disputed three days against the same in the Parliament house, with great reasons and authorities. Which Articles after they were granted and past by the Parliament, the king for the singular favour which he ever bare to Cranmer, and reverence to his learning, being desirous to know what he had said and objected in the Parliament against these Articles, or what could be alleged by learning against the same, required a note of the Archbishop of his doings, what he had said and opposed in the Parliament touching that matter. And this word was sent to him from the king by Cromwell, and other Lords of the Parliament whom the king then sent to dine with him at Lambeth, somewhat to comfort again his grieved mind, and troubled spirits as hath been above recited. pag, 1136.
MEntion was made before how king Henry in ye yeare of his reigne 21. caused the 6. Articles to passe, much agaynst the mind and contrary to the consēt of the Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Crāmer,1 who had disputed three daies against the same in the Parliament house, with great reasons and authorities. Which Articles after they were graunted and past by the Parliamēt, the king for the singuler fauor which he euer bare to Cranmer, and reuerence to his learning, being desirous to know what he had sayd and obiected in the Parliamēt agaynst these Articles, or what could be alleged by learning agaynst the same, required a note of the Archbishop of his doings, what he had sayd and opposed in the Parliament touch••g that matter. And this word was sent to him from the king by Cromwell, and other Lordes of the Parliament whom the king then sent to dine with him at Lambeth, somewhat to comfort agayne his greued mind, and troubled spirits as hath bene aboue recited. pag, 1136.
Whereupon when his dinner was finished, the next day after the Archbishop collecting both his arguments, authorities of scriptures, and Doctors together, caused his Secretary to write a fair book thereof for the king, after this order. First the Scriptures were alleged, then the Doctors, thirdly followed the Arguments deducted from those authorities. This book was written in his Secretaries Chamber. Where, in a by Chamber lay the Archbishops Almoner. When this book was fair written,1 and whiles the Secretary was gone to deliver the same unto the Archbishop his master, who was (as it then chanced) rid to Croydon: returning back to his chamber, found his door shut, and the key carried away to London by the Almoner.
Wherupon when his dinner was finished, the next day after the Archbishop collecting both his argumēts, authorities of scriptures, and Doctors together, caused his Secretary to write a fayre booke therof for the king, after this order. First the Scriptures were alleadged, then the Doctors, thirdly folowed the Arguments deducted from those authorities. This booke was written in his Secretaryes Chamber. Where, in a by Chamber lay the Archbishops Almosiner. When this booke was fayre writtē,1 and whiles the Secretary was gone to deliuer the same vnto ye Archbishop his maister, who was (as it then chaunced) rydde to Croydon: returning backe to his chamber, found hys doore shut, and the key caryed away to London by the Almosiner.
At this season also chanced the father of the said Secretary to come to the City, by whose occasion it so •ell out, that he must needs go to London. The book he could not lay into his chamber, neither durst he commit it to any other person to keep, being straitly charged in any condition of the Archbishop his master, to be circumspect thereof, so that he determined to go to his father and to keep the book about him. And so thrusting the book under his girdle, he went over unto Westminster bridge with a sculler, where he entered into a wherry that went to London, wherein were 4. of the Guard, who meant to land at Pauls wharf and to pass by the kings highness, who then was in his Barge with a great number of Barges and boats about him, then baiting of Bears in the water over against the bank.
At this season also chaūced the father of the sayd Secretary to come to the Citty, by whose occasion it so •ell out, that he must nedes go to London. The booke he could not lay into his chamber, neither durst he commit it to any other person to keepe, being straitly charged in any cōditiō of the Archbishop his maister, to be circumspect thereof, so that he determined to go to his father and to keep the book about him. And so th•usting the booke vnder his girdle, he went ouer vnto Westminster bridge with a sculler, where he entred into a whirry that went to London, wherein were 4. of the Garde, who ment to land at Paules wharfe and to passe by the kinges highnesse, who then was in hys Barge with a great number of Barges and boates about him, then baiting of Beares in the water ouer agaynst the banke.
These foresaid yeomen of the guard, when they came against the kings Barge, they durst not pass by towards Pauls wharf, least they should be espied, & therefore entreated the Secretary to go with them to the Bearbaiting, and they would find the means being of the guard to make room and to see all the pastime, the Secretary perceiving no other remedy, assented thereto. When the wherry came nigh the multitude of the boats,1 they with poleaxes got in the wherry so far, that being compassed with many other wherries and boats there was no refuge if the Bear should break loose and come upon them, as in very deed within one pater noster while, the Bear brake lose and came in to the boat where the yeomen of the guard were and the said Secretary. The guard forsook the wherry and went into an other barge, one or two of them leaping short, and so fell into the water. The Bear and the dogs so shaked the wherry wherein the Secretary was, that the boat being full of water, sunk to the ground, & being also as it chanced an ebbing tide, he there sate in the end of the wherry up to the middle in water. To whom came the Bear and all the dogs. The Bear seeking as it were aide and succour of him, came back with his hinder parts upon him and so rushing upon him, the book was loosed from his girdle and fell into the Thames out of his reach.
These foresayd yeomen of the gard, when they came agaynst the kinges Barge, they durst not passe by towards Paules wharfe, least they should be espyed, & therfore entreated the Secretary to goe with them to the Bearebayting, and they would finde the meanes being of the garde to make rowme and to see all the pastime, the Secretary perceiuing no other remedy, assēted therto. Whē the whirry came nye the multitude of the boats,1 they with pollaxes got in the whirry so farre, that being compassed with many other whirryes and boates there was no refuge if the Beare should breake loose and come vpon them, as in very deede within one pater noster while, the Beare brake lose and came in to the boate where the yeomen of the gard were and the sayd Secretary. The gard forsook the wherry and went into an other barge, one or two of them leaping short, and so fell into the water. The Beare and the dogs so shaked the whirry wherin the Secretary was, that the boate being ful of water, soncke to the ground, & being also as it chaūced an ebbing tide, he there sate in the end of ye whirry vp to ye middle in water. To whō came the Beare and all the dogges. The Beare seking as it were aide and succor of him, came backe with his hinder parts vpon him and so rushing vpō him, the booke was losed frō his girdle and fell into the Thames out of his reach.
The flying of the people, after that the bear was lose, from one boat to an other, was so cumbrous, that divers persons were thrown into the Thames, the king commanding certain men that could swim, to strip them selves naked and to help to save them that were in danger. This pastime so displeased the king that he bad away away, with the Bear, and let us all go hence.
The flying of the people, after that the beare was lose, from one boat to an other, was so comberous, that diuers persons were throwne into the Thames, the king commaunding certayne men that could swimme, to strip them selues naked and to helpe to saue them that were in daunger. This pastime so displeased the king that he bad away away, with the Beare, and let vs all go hence.
The Secretary perceiving his book to fleet away in the Thames, called to the Bearward to take up the book,1 When the Bearward had the book in his custody, being an errant Papist, far from the Religion of his Mistress (for he was the Lady Elizabeth's Bearward, now the Que•nes majesty) ere that the Secretary could come to land,2 he had delivered the book to a Priest of his own affinity in Religion standing on the bank, who reading in the book and perceiving that it was a manifest refutation of the 6. Articles, made much a doe and told the Bearward that whosoever claimed the book, should surely be hanged. Anon the Secretary came to the Bearward for his book. What quoth the Bearward, dare you challenge ⟨p. 1186⟩this book? Whose servant be you? I am servant to one of the Council, said the Secretary, and my Lord of Canterbury is my master. Yea marry, quoth the Bearward, I thought so much. You belike I trust, quoth the Bearward, to be both hanged for this book. Well (said he) it is not so evil as you take it, and I warrant you my L. will avouch the book to the kings Majesty. But I pray you let me have my book, and I will give you a Crown to drink. If you would give me v.C. crowns, you shall not have it, quoth the Bearward. With that the Secretary departed from him, & understanding the malicious frowardness of the Bearward, he learned that Blage the Grocer in Cheapside might do much with the Bearward, to whom the Secretary brake this matter, requiring him to send for the Bearward to supper, and he would pay for the whole charge thereof, and besides that rather than he would forgo his book after this sort, the Bearward should have xx. shillings to drink. The supper was prepared. The Bearward was sent for, and came. After supper the matter was entreated of and xx. shillings offered for the book. But do what could be done, neither friendship, acquaintance, nor yet reward of money could obtain the book out of his hands, but that the same should be delivered unto some of the Council that would not so slightly look on so weighty a matter, as to have it redeemed for a supper or a piece of money. The honest man M.
The Secretary perceiuing his booke to fleete away in the Thames, called to the Beareward to take vp ye booke,
Blage with many good reasons would have persuaded him not to be stiff in his own conceit, declaring that in the end he should nothing at all prevail of his purpose, but be laughed to scorn, getting neither penny nor praise for his travel. He hearing that, rushed suddenly out of the doors from his friend M. Blage without any manner of thanks giving for his supper, more like a Bearward then like an honest man. When the Secretary saw the matter so extremely to be used against him, he then thought it expedient to fall from any farther practising of entreaty with the Bearward, as with him that seemed rather to be a Bear himself then the Master of the beast, determining the next morning to make the L. Cromwell privy of the chance that happened.
Blage with many good reasons would haue perswaded him not to be stiffe in his owne conceit, declaring that in the end he shoulde nothing at all preuayle of his purpose, but be laught to scorn, getting neither peny nor prayse for his trauel. He hearing that, rushed sodenly out of the doores from his friend M. Blage without any maner of thankes geuing for his supper, more like a Beareward then like an honest man. Whē the Secretary saw ye matter so extremely to be vsed against him, he then thought it expedient to fall from any farther practising of entreaty with the Beareward, as with him that seemed rather to be a Beare himselfe then the Maister of the beast, determining the next morning to make the L. Cromwell priuy of the chaunce that happened.
So on the next day, as the Lord Cromwell went to the Court, the Secretary declared the whole matter unto him & how he had offered him xx.s for the finding thereof. Where is the fellow, quoth the Lord Cromwell? I suppose, said the Secretary, that he is now in the Court attending to deliver the book unto some of the Council. Well said the Lord Cromwell, it maketh no matter: go with me thither and I shall get you your book again. When the Lord Cromwell came into the hall of the Court, there stood the Bearward with the book in his hand, waiting to have delivered the same unto Sir Anthony Browne, or unto the Bishop of Winchester,1 as it was reported. To whom the Lord Cromwell said, come hither fellow. What book hast thou there in thy hand? and with that snatched the book out of his hand, and looking in the book, he said, I know this hand well enough. This is your hand, said he to the Secretary. But where haddest thou this book, quoth the Lord Cromwell to the Bearward? This Gentleman lost it two days ago in the Thames said the Bearward. Doest thou know whose servant he is, said the Lord Cromwell? He saith, quoth the Bearward, that he is my Lord of Canterburies servant. Why then diddest not thou deliver to him the book, when he required it, said the L. Cromwell. Who made thee so bold as to detain and withhold any book or writing from a Counsellors servant, specially being his Secretary? It is more meter for thee to meddle with thy Bears than with such writing, & it were not for thy masters sake, I would set thee fast by the feet, to teach such malepert knaves to meddle with Counsellors matters. Had not money been well bestowed upon such a good fellow as this is, that knoweth not a Counsellors man from a Cobblers man? And with those words the Lord Cromwell went up into the kings chamber of presence and the Archbishops Secretary with him, where he found in the chamber the Lord of Canterbury. To whom he said, my Lord I have found here good stuff for you (showing to him the paper book that he had in his hand) ready to bring both you & this good fellow your man to the halter,2 namely if the knave Bearward now in the Hall, might have well compassed it. At these words the Archbishop smiled and said, he that lost the book is like to have the worse bargain, for besides that he was well washed in the Thames, he must write the book fair again:
So on the next day, as the Lord Cromwell went to ye Court, the Secretary declared the whole matter vnto him & how he had offered him xx.s for the finding therof. Wher is the felow, quoth the Lord Cromwell? I suppose, sayd the Secretary, that he is now in the Court attēding to deliuer the booke vnto some of the Counsell. Well sayd the Lord Cromwell, it maketh no matter: go with me thether and I shall get you your booke agayne. When the Lorde Cromwell came into the hall of the Court, there stood the Beareward with the booke in his hand, wayting to haue deliuered the same vnto Syr Anthony Browne, or vnto the Bishop of Winchester,
& at those words the Lord Cromwell cast the book unto the Secretary saying, I pray thee Morris go in hand therewith by & by with all expedition, for it must serve a turn. Surely my Lord, it somewhat rejoiceth me, quoth the L. Cromwell, that the varlet might have had of your man xx. s. for the book, and now I have discharged the matter with never a penny. And shaking him well up for his overmuch malepar•nes, I know the fellow well enough (quoth he) there is not a ranker Papist within this realm, than he is, most unworthy to be servant unto so noble a Princess. And so after humble thanks given to the Lord Cromwell, the said Morris departed with his book, which when he again had fair written, was delivered to the kings Majesty by the said Lord Cromwell, within 4. days after.
& at those wordes the Lord Cromwell cast the booke vnto the Secretary saying, I pray thee Morice go in hād therwith by & by with all expedition, for it must serue a turne. Surely my Lord, it somwhat reioyseth me, quoth the L. Cromwell, that the verlet might haue had of your man xx. s. for the book, and now I haue discharged the matter with neuer a peny. And shaking him wel vp for his ouermuch malepar•nes, I know the felow wel enough (quoth he) there is not a rancker Papist within this realme, thē he is, most vnworthy to be seruaunt vnto so noble a Princesse. And so after hūble thanks geuen to the Lord Cromwell, the sayd Morice departed with his booke, which when he agayne had fayre written, was deliuered to the kinges Maiesty by the sayd Lord Cromwell, within 4. dayes after.
IT is commonly seen, that men advanced once from base degree, to ample dignities do rise also with fortune into such insolency and exaltation of mind,1 that not only they forget themselves what they were, & from whence they came but also cast out of remembrance all their old friends and former acquaintance, which have been to them before beneficial. From which sort of men, how far the courteous condition of this christen Earle did differ, by divers examples it may appear As by a certain poor woman keeping some time a victualling house about Hounslow, to whom the said Lord Cromwell remained in debt for certain old reckonings, to the sum of xl.s. It happened that the L. Cromwell with Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, riding through Cheapside toward the Court, in turning his eye over the way, and there espying this poor woman, brought now in need & misery, eftsoons caused her to be called unto him. Who being come, after certain questions asked of her if she were not such a woman, and dwelling in such a place. At last he demanded, if he were not behind for a certain payment of money between him and her. To whom she with reverent obeisance, confessed that he ought her money for a certain old reckoning which was yet unpaid, whereof she stood now in great necessity, but never durst call upon him nor could come at him for to require her right. Then the L. Cromwell sending the poor woman home to his hou•e▪ and one of his servants withal,2 that the Porter should see her in, after his return from the Court, not only discharged the debt which he ought, but also gave her a yearly pension of four pounds, and a livery every year while she lived.
IT is commonly sene, that men aduaūced once from base degree, to ample dignityes do rise also with fortune into such insolency and exaltatiō of mind,1 that not only they forget themselues what they were, & from whence they came but also cast out of remembraunce al their old frendes and former acquayntance, which haue bene to them before beneficiall. Frō which sort of men, how farre the curteous cō dition of this christen Earle did differ, by diuers examples it may appeare As by a certain poore woman keping some time a vitailing house about Hownsloe, to whom the said Lord Cromwell remayned in debt for certayne old reckonings, to ye summe of xl.s. It happened that the L. Cromwel with Cranmer Archbishop of Cāterbury, riding thorow Cheapeside toward the Court, in turning his eye ouer the way, and there espying this poore woman, brought now in need & misery, eftsones caused her to be called vnto him. Who being come, after certayn questions asked of her if she were not such a womā, and dwelling in such a place. At last he demaunded, if he were not behind for a certayne payment of mony betwene him and her. To whō she with reuerent obeisance, confessed that he ought her money for a certayn old reckoning which was yet vnpayd, wherof she stoode now in great necessity, but neuer durst call vpō him nor could come at him for to require her right. Thē the L. Cromwell sending the poore woman home to hys houe and one of his seruants withall,
