To the Loving Reader.THesafe and sure recordation of pains and perils past hath present delectation, saithTully. For things, were they never so bitter and unpleasant in the execution, being after in peace and security renewed by report or chronicle, are both plausible [praiseworthy] and profitable, whether they touched ourselves or others.Being thus in this point persuaded, loving Reader, I thought it a travail neither unpleasant for thee, nor unthankful for me, to contrive the late Rebellion practised byWyatin form of a Chronicle, as thou seest. Whereby as I mean not to please the evil, nor displease the good; so I much desire to amend the one by setting before his eye the lamentable Image of hateful Rebellion, for the increase of obedience; and to help the other by setting forth the unspotted loyalty of such as adventurously and faithfully served in this dangerous time, for the increase of knowledge and policy the better to repress the like dangers, if any hereafter happen.And further, although hereby I covet not to renew a fear of a danger past, yet would I gladly increase a care and study in every good man's heart to avoid a like danger that may happen, and most times happeneth; when a danger with much difficulty avoided is not sufficient warning to beware of the next.I have forborne to touch any man by name,Wyatonly except; and a few others which the story would not permit to be left out. Yet take me not that I mean to excuse any man's fault thereby. For what, should I shew myself so ungrate or unnatural unto my natural countrymen; asnamely to blaze them to the World whom, either their own good hap or the Queen's surpassing mercy, would to be covered at this time?And although I touch some by name, terming them in certain places "traitors and rebels," just titles of their deserts: yet, GOD is my witness!, I do it not of malice or envy to any of their persons. I never hated any of them; no, notWyathimself! whom, although he was utterly unknown unto me, yet for the sundry and singular gifts wherewith he was largely endued, I had him in great admiration. And now I rather pity his unhappy case than malice his person: and do much lament that so many good and commendable qualities were abused in the service of cursed Heresy; whose reward was never other than shameful confusion, by one way or other, to all that followed her ways.Finally, if thou suppose I have not fully set forth the whole case, all as it was, I shall not againsay it; neither thought I it necessary so to do; but rather so much as for this time might be both plausible [praiseworthy] and profitable, and should satisfy such points as in theDedicatory Epistleto the Queen's Majesty are expressed.Hereafter it may be that further be said touching this matter. In mean time thou hast no just cause, I trust, to be offended with this my present enterprise, either for the manner of handling or for the matter herein handled: the one having sufficient perspicuity and plainness, the other full truth; for which I have made such diligent investigation, as I have found it and have herein expressed the same, especially so much as concerneth Kent.Vale!Wyat's Rebellion:with the order and manner ofresisting the same.WHata restless evil Heresy is! ever travailingThe dangerous nature of Heresy.to bring forth mischief! never ceasing to protrude all those in whose hearts she is received to confusion! By what plausible allurements at her entry, she catcheth favourable entertainment! With what ways of craft and subtilty she dilateth her dominion! and finally how, of course, she toileth to be supported by Faction, Sedition, and Rebellion! to the great peril of subversion of that State where, as a plague, she happeneth to find habitation: as well the lamentable history of the Bohemians and Germans, with all others treating of like enterprises by heretics, as alsoWyat's late conspiracy practised with open force, doth plenteously declare. Who,Heresy the special ground ofWyat's Rebellion.as it should evidently seem by the trade of his life and the late disclosing of himself, was so fervently affected to heresy, although he laboured by false persuasion otherwise to have coloured it; that, burning inwardly with a prepensed treason in his breast for the continuance of the same within the realm, he persuaded to himself such an impossibility therein (the Queen's Highness prospering and bearing the sceptre of high governance) ascould by no means be brought about without rebellion: theRebellion, the only refuge of heretics.only refuge, as I said, that indurate heretics have always sought, for maintenance of their heresy; living under a Catholic Prince.Wyatpersuaded that the Queen and Heresy could not reign together.Wyat's repair to London to stir others to his Rebellion.He therefore, being thus inflamed, could no longer contain, but immediately upon the beginning of the Queen's most happy reign, forsaking his habitation in the country, went to London of purpose to stir [Henry Grey], the Duke ofSuffolkand his brethren, with others of power in further countries [Counties], whom he knew to be like affected to heresies and consequently to burn in sembable desire for continuance of the same: leaving nevertheless such behind him in Kent, to solicit his and their unhappy case; whom he knew so much addicted thereunto as, in his absence, for their diligence in such a ministry needed no overseer.He remained in London till he thought himself thoroughly furnished every way, and everywhere within the realm, to attempt his determined enterprise; when apt time shouldWyat's return into Kent.serve. Which done, he returned into Kent: not of purpose then to proceed; but, understanding his strength, practised there by his agents to set things in order, and so to return to London; abiding the time appointed therefore by him and his complices.But, so it befell, in the mean time, that, at his being in the country, the [Privy] Council committed a Gentleman of that Shire to ward, one toWyatabove all others most dear: whereby the common bruit grew that he, (suspecting his secrets to be revealed, and upon that occasion to be sent forWyatpreventeth the time.by the Council) felt himself, as it were for his own surety, compelled to anticipate his time. But whether that were the cause or no, doubtful it is.But certain it was thatWyat, then proceeding in his detestable purpose, armed himself and as many as he could: and, giving intelligence of his determination to his complices, as well at London as elsewhere, theThe first day ofWyat's stir, at Maidstone.Thursday after, at Maidstone, in the market time, being the 25th day of January [1554], in the first year of the Queen's reign, by Proclamation in writing, published his devilish pretence.The cause whyWyatmade not Religion the outward pretence of his Rebellion.And considering with himself that to make the pretence of his Rebellion to be the restoring or continuance of the new and newly-forged Religion was neither agreeable to the nature of Heresy (which always defendeth itself by the name and countenance of other matter more plausible); neither so apt to further his wicked purpose, being not a case so general to allure all sorts to take part with him: he determined to speak noThe colour ofWyat's Rebellion.word of Religion, but to make the only colour [pretence] of his commotion, only to withstand Strangers [i.e. the Spaniards], and to advance Liberty.For as he made his full reckoning that such as accorded with him in religion would wholly join with him in that rebellion; so he trusted that the Catholics for the most part would gladly embrace that quarrel against the Strangers; whose name he took to become odible to all sorts by the seditious and malicious report which he and his had maliciously imagined and blown abroad againstWyat's preparative to his Rebellion.that nation, as a preparative to their abominable treason.His Proclamation therefore published at Maidstone, and so in other places, persuaded that quarrel to be taken in hand in the defence of the realm from overrunning by Strangers and for the advancement of Liberty: where, in very deed, his only and very matter was the continuance of heresy: as by his own words at sundry times shall hereafter appear.Wyat's untrue persuasions to further his Rebellion.And to the end the people should not think that he alone, with a few other mean Gentlemen, had taken that traitorous enterprise in hand without comfort or aid of higher powers, he untruly and maliciously added further to his Proclamation, by persuasion to the people:That all the Nobility of the realm and the whole [Privy] Council (one or two only except) were agreeable to his pretensed treason, and would with all their power and strength further the same; (which he found most untrue, to his subversion): and That the LordAbergavenny, [SirThomas Cheyney,] the Lord Warden [of the Cinque Ports], SirRobert Southwell, High Sheriff, with all other Gentlemen would join with him in this enterprise, and set their foot by his, to repel the Strangers.HowWyat's untrue persuasions abused the people.This Proclamation and such annexed persuasions made at Maidstone on the market day, and in other parts of the Shire, had so wrought in the hearts of the people that divers (which before hated him, and he them) were now, as it seemed, upon this occasion, mutually reconciled; and said unto him, "Sir, is your quarrel only to defend us from overrunning by Strangers and to advance Liberty; and not against the Queen?"The nature of a heretic is to say one thing and think another."No," quodWyat, "we mind nothing less than any wise to touch her Grace; but to serve her and honour her, according to our duties.""Well," quod they, "give us then your hand. We will stick to you to death in this quarrel!"That done, there came to him one other, of good wealth, saying, "Sir," quod he, "they say I love potage well. I will sell all my spoons, and all the plate in my house rather than your purpose shall quail; and sup my potage with my mouth [see p.72]. I trust," quod he, "you will restore the right religion again."Wyat's own words to prove Heresy to be the ground of his Rebellion."Whist!" quodWyat, "you may not so much as name religion, for that will withdraw from us the hearts of many. You must only make your quarrel for overrunning by Strangers. And yet to thee, be it said in counsel, as unto my friend, we mindonlythe restitution of GOD's Word. But no words!"By these his words it appeared that his principal intent was not to keep out Strangers, which commonly do not invade to our hindrance but by rebellion amongst ourselves; nor to advance Liberty, which ever decayeth through treason: but to advance Heresy, the Lady Regent of his life and doings.This same Thursday [25th January 1554] asWyat,Thomas Isley, and others were occupied at Maidstone with Proclamations to stir the people and such like; so were others his confederates occupied in like manner by Proclamations at Milton, Ashford, and other towns in the east parts of the Shire. Through whose allurements, the multitude were grown so earnestly affected toWyat's purpose that they suffered MasterChristopher Roper, a man of good worship and so esteemed of them, to be taken ofWyat's ministers, and carried out of the market place,without any manner of rescue: for that he,The apprehension of MasterChristopher Roperby the rebels.having his heart and eye full fixed upon the Queen, not only withstood the reading ofWyat's traitorous Proclamation at Milton; but also in the same place proclaimed him and all his, traitors. And being roughly charged therewith byWyatand others his gallants,MasterChristopher Roper's words toWyat.when he was brought to Rochester, he answered, "This tongue spake it, and doth now avow it."The apprehension of MasterTuckeand MasterDorrel.They suffered MasterTuckealso, and MasterDorrelof Calehill, being Gentlemen of good worship and Justices of Peace, to be taken out of their houses by the rebels; and conveyed, without any manner of rescue, in the day time, to Rochester, being twenty miles distant: where they, with MasterRoper, were kept as prisoners in great danger of life.In like manner, SirHenry Isley,Anthony Knevet,William Knevet, with others, were at Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, and other towns in the west parts of the Shire, stirring the people by alarms, drums, and Proclamations.Now ye shall understand that the evening afore [24th January 1554] the publishing his pretence atHowWyatwrote to the Sheriff of his intent to stir.Maidstone,Wyatsent a letter, by oneThomas Monde, a man of much honesty, to SirRobert Southwell, being Sheriff of the Shire: unto whom long before, as I can understand, he had neither spoken nor written other than in defiance; they being in contention for matters of religion as it was said. Nevertheless to serve his purpose, dissembling his great malice and haughty courage, he wrote a letter to him of such effect as followeth:The effect ofWyat's letter toSirRobert Southwell, Sheriff of Kent.AFterhearty commendations. There hath been between you and me many quarrels and grudges, and I ever the sufferer; and yet have you sought the end which is now friendly offered unto you, if you be willing to receive it.But whatsoever private quarrel you have to me, I doubtnot but your wisdom is too much, seeing so many perils at hand to us both (this pretensed Marriage [of KingPhilipto QueenMary] taking effect), to dissent from us in so necessary a purpose as wherein we now determine to enter for the common wealth of the whole realm. And that you may the better understand our pretence, I send you the copy of our Proclamation comprehending the sum and effect of our meaning: whereunto if the common wealth shall find you an enemy, say not hereafter but that you were friendly warned.We forbear to write to the LordAbergavenny; for what you may do with him, if you list, we know.The style ofWyat's Proclamation.A Proclamation agreed unto byThomasWyat,George Harper,Henry Isley,Knights; and by divers of the bestof the Shire; sent unto thecommons of the same.Wyat's false presumption ofthe best of the Shire.FOrasmuchas it is now spread abroad, and certainly pronounced by [StephenGardiner, Bishop ofWinchester] the Lord Chancellor and others of the [Privy] Council, of the Queen's determinate pleasure to marry with a Stranger, &c.Because.We therefore write unto you, because you be our friends, and because you be Englishmen, that you will join with us, as we will with you unto death, in this behalf; protesting unto you before GOD, that no earthly cause could move us unto this enterprise but this alone: wherein we seek noSuch Councillors he meaneth, as would favour heresy, &c.harm to the Queen, but better counsel and Councillors; which also we would have foreborne in all other matters, saving only in this. For herein lieth the health and wealth of us all.Lo, loud lie!For trial hereof and manifest proof of this intended purpose, lo now, even at hand, Spaniards be now already arrived at Dover, at one passage, to the number of ahundred, passing upward to London in companies of ten, four, and six, with harness [armour] harquebusses and morians [helmets] with match light[ed]; the foremost company whereof be already at Rochester.We shall require you therefore to repair to such places as the bearers hereof shall pronounce unto you, there to assemble and determine what may be best for the advancement of Liberty and common wealth in this behalf, and to bring with you such aid as you may.The end ofWyat's Proclamation.The messenger that brought the letter, with the Proclamation, fromWyatto the Sheriff, being not privy to the contents thereof and having charge, upon his life, to return an answer with all speed, importuned the Sheriff so much therefore (although he saw him greatly busied in giving advertisement throughout the Shire ofWyat's traitorous determination) as he nevertheless (to satisfy the messenger, whom he knew to be a right honest man; notwithstanding his diligence was abused in so lewd a message), made him answer out of hand as followeth:The Sheriff's answer to the Messengerthat broughtWyat's letter."NEighbour monde, rather to satisfy your importunity than to answerWyat's letter, whom in this case I disdain to answer, or to speak with you apart coming from a traitor, you may say unto him, That as indeed I have been desirous of his friendship for neighbourhood's sake, so have I much more desired his reformation in divers points of great disorder: whereby he certainly knew, as well by my speech to himself as other means coming to his knowledge, that I have sithens the beginning of the Queen's reign holden him and some of his colleges [colleagues] in this conspiracy vehemently suspected for like matters as now they have attempted."Wherein seeing he hath not deceived me, but by opening himself hath manifestly verified mine opinion conceived of him; I purpose not to purchase his friendship so dear[ly] as for the game of him to lose myself and my posterity in perpetual infamy. And if such things which his fond [foolish] head hath weighed for perils, to the condemnation of the whole wisdom of the realm (they allowing the same for good), had been indeed as perilous as he with others, for want of due consideration, deemeth them: his duty had been to have opened his opinion therein as a humble and reverent petitioner to the Queen's Highness, or to some of her Grace's Council. But to press his Sovereign, in any suit or upon any occasion, with weapon and armour, by stirring her subjects to rebellion; that is, and always hath been, accounted the part of the most arrogant and presumptuous traitors: and so do I note him and his mates, as you may tell them; and shall, GOD willing, provide for them accordingly."Now good manMonde, it shall be in your choice whether you will carry this message or no. But, as your friend, I shall advise you to seek out better company."The messenger excusing himself by ignorance, departed toWyatwith answer: and, soon after, returned to the Sheriff; under whom he served the Queen very faithfully.The Sheriff being made privy, as ye have heard, byWyatto his traitorous pretence the night before he stirred; and wanting no good will, as it should seem, with the help of the LordAbergavennywho was as forward as he, to have resisted the reading ofWyat's Proclamation at Maidstone the day following and to disperse his force, sent for Gentlemen and yeomen in all haste to that end.But before he could gather Power meet to attempt the repressing of such a force (sundry of his neighbours of greatest possessions, and towns most populous, which should have been his chief aid, being contrary bent),Wyataccompanied with a force well armed and weaponed marched to Rochester the same Thursday [25th January 1554];Harperand others meeting him in the way. Where fortifying the east parts of the town, and breaking up the bridge towards the west; he abode the coming of his appointed strength: suffering all passengers to pass quietly through the town, toLondon, or to the sea; taking nothing from them but only their weapons.And being the Friday [26th January] all day at Rochester, and not hearing fromIsley, the town of Tonbridge, and other his conjurates of the west part of the Shire; he addressed an earnest letter the Saturday morning [27th January] toIsley, theKnevets, and others, with the town of Tonbridge, requiring them to accelerate their coming unto him.The rifling of SirHenry Sidneyhis armour.According whereuntoIsley, theKnevets, with others, being newly returned from Penshurst (where they rifled SirHenry Sidney[of] his armour; he being attendant upon the Queen's Highness as a faithful subject), perceivingWyatto long for their coming, resolved to observe their promise and march forwards that night towardsWyat.But understanding that the LordAbergavenny, the Sheriff, andGeorge Clarkehad now gathered a force, and were prest to encounter them: first ere they departed out of the town, they thought it good by some kind of Proclamation, to alienate the people's hearts from them; as they did in the manner following:The copy of the Proclamation made at Tonbridge,by SirHenry Isley,Antony Knevetand his brother, with others.YOushall understand thatHenry[Neville] LordAbergavenny,Robert SouthwellKnight,George ClarkeGentleman, have most traitorously, to the disturbance of the common wealth, stirred and raised up the Queen's most loving subjects of this realm to defend the most wicked and devilish enterprise of certain of the wicked and perverse Councillors, to the utter confusion of this her Grace's realm, and the perpetual servitude of all the Queen's most loving subjects. In consideration whereof, we SirThomas WyatKnight, SirGeorge HarperKnight, SirHenry IsleyKnight,Antony KnevetEsquire, with all the faithful Gentlemen of Kent and trusty commons of the same, dopronounce the saidHenryLordAbergavenny,Robert SouthwellandGeorge ClarkeGentleman, to be traitors to GOD, the Crown, and the common wealth.This done, with all speed calling their company together by noise of drums, and leaving their direct way to Rochester, for that they would not come under the wing of the LordAbergavennyand the Sheriff, they marched that night [27th January] to Sevenoaks. Taking order with such as were left behind in the town [of Tonbridge], that they should be in a readiness to come whensoever they should be sent for byWyat; and that by no ways they should believe any tales. "For," quod they, "the Council will now send abroad flying lies and tales to discredit us and discomfort you: for it is their policy."Antony Knevet, after he was lept to his horse, took one by the hand, and said, "Fare you well. And if you hap to hear that I am taken, never believe it: for undoubtedly I will either die in the field or achieve my purpose." But within four and twenty hours he brake his promise, and ran away no faster than his legs could carry him.The Herald's coming to Rochester.Well, I shall now leave them marching to Sevenoaks; and return toWyatat Rochester. This present Saturday [27th January] came unto him from the Queen's Highness a Herald and a trumpeter.Wyat, at the sound of the trumpet, came to the bridge, where the Herald was with his coat armour carrying the Arms of England on his back. ButWyat, without using any reverence to him either for his coat or office, would not suffer him to come into the town to declare his message; and [the Herald] pressing to come in, he offered to strike him: whereupon the Herald stayed and did his message there, so that onlyWyatwith a few with him heard it. Which, as men could gather by the report of them that heard it, was promise of pardon to as many as would retire to their houses within four and twenty hours after the Proclamation, and become good subjects. ButWyatwould not suffer his soldiers in anywise to hear it, nor any other Proclamation coming from the Queen.The Lord Warden's greeting toWyat.In the mean time also, SirThomas Cheyney, Lord Warden,being a most faithful and noble subject, had sent him such salutations as of honour ought to be used to a traitor. And being very desirous to be doing with him, and to prove on his body what in words of greeting he had affirmed, felt yet by his discretion and long experience great causes of stay. ForWyatdesired nothing more than his coming forth; persuading [himself] that he wanted no friends about him, nor any others that would take in hand to repress him with force gathered in that Shire. And, undoubtedly, doubtful were the hearts of the people, and marvellously bent to favourWyatand his purpose; as by daily events appeared.The LordAbergavennyand the Sheriff who, the Saturday [27th January] next afterWyat's stir, were at Malling in the way towards Rochester (whereWyatlay); having with them a company of well appointed subjects. In whom notwithstanding for the more part they had good opinion of trustiness and honesty: yet having the general case of the people's disposition in their eye; and not without cause suspecting in their Band, amongst so many faithful and good, some such to be, upon trust of whose trustless and brittle aid it were no good policy to adventure far—pondering therewith that this illusion of the people, whereby they were so far drawn from their right course and duty, grew chiefly by such crafty and false persuasions asWyatand his mates had set forth in sundry parts of the Shire, by way of Proclamation in writing: wherein, amongst other gross lies they had set forth also matters of untruth to discredit the LordAbergavennyand the Sheriff; asWyat, in his persuasions, that they would join with him; andIsley, in his Proclamation that they had traitorously assembled the Queen's loving subjects against her Grace and the realm.It seemed unto them very good and necessary to spend some time at Malling in advising and lessening [lessoning] the multitude; and by way of exhortation to impugn those traitorous Proclamations, and refell such gross and false lies therein contained; and finally to dissuade the people, which, that day being market day, were assembled to a great number of all sorts, from the traitors and their attempts.And accordingly the Sheriff had penned an Exhortation to that purpose, which was pronounced out of writing in Malling; and sent after by him into other parts. The hearing whereof did undoubtedly much move the people, as after shall appear.I shall report the same in substance truly; howbeit not fully in the same form and manner as I found it, and as it was penned and pronounced by the Sheriff: who, in the utterance and setting forth thereof, spared not to speak plainly and touch sharply, as then the present time and case employed vehement occasion.An Exhortation made by SirRobert SouthwellKnight, Sheriff of Kent, at Malling, the Satur-day being the 27th day of January, andmarket day there, to a great assemblyof people; refelling and confutingWyatand his complices'traitorous Proclama-tions.Wyatbeingat Rochester,four milesdistant.LOvingneighbours and friends. Where of late there hath been most pestilent and traitorous Proclamations, as ye have heard, set forth byThomas Wyat,George Harper,Henry Isley, and others, as most arrant traitors to the Queen and the realm; some of them the Queen's ancient enemies aforetime, and double traitors: yet notwithstanding accounting themselves to be the best of the Shire in their Proclamations; and in the same reputing and pronouncing others as traitors whom ye can witness to have been, from time to time, true and faithful subjects to the Queen and this our common weal, as the LordAbergavennyherepresent, myself, and other Gentlemen now prest and ready with you, according to our duty, to serve our noble Queen. I shall need to spend the less time to declare unto you how evil they be, or how evil their enterprise is that they have taken in hand: forasmuch as this their arrogant presumption and presumptuous pride in advancing themselves so far from all truth, and in depraving of others so maliciously for executing their bounden duty, ought abundantly to persuade what they be, to all of consideration, without further circumstance."But forasmuch as in their Proclamations they fill the ears of the Queen's liege people with gross and manifest lies to stir them against her Grace, in the utterance whereof they use this demonstration, "Lo!" signifying some notable thing near at hand, for credit worthy impression in their memory, as:—'Lo, a great number of Strangers be now arrived at Dover in harness [armour] with harquebusses morians and matchlight.'"I say unto you, neighbours and friends, upon pain to be torn in pieces with your hands, that it is untrue; and a manifest lie invented by them to provoke and irritate the Queen's simple people to join with them in their traitorous enterprise. And therefore I have perfect hope that you, being afore time abused with their crafty and deceitful treason, will not now once again (having experience of their former evil) be trapped, for any persuasion, in so heinous a snare as this most vile and horrible crime of treason."Do you not see and note that, as in the beginning of the Queen's most gracious reign, some of them sought to deprive her Grace of her princely estate and rightful dignity, minding to advance thereunto the LadyJane, daughter to the Duke ofSuffolk; so are they and others newly confedered [confederated] with the Duke and his brethren, being in arms at this present for the same purpose, and daily looking for aid of these traitors and others of their conspiracy: as by the Queen's most gracious letters, signed with her own hand, and ready to be read here, may plainly appear unto you? And will you now nevertheless aid them any ways, or sit still whilst they go about thuswrongfully and traitorously to depose their, and our, most gracious Sovereign Lady and Queen! the comfort of us all! the stay of us all! the only safeguard of us all! to whom can no displeasure or danger chance, but the same must double [doubly] redound to all and every of us!"No, friends and neighbours, I trust never to live to see you so far abused. They go about to blear you with matters of Strangers, as though they should come to overrun you and us also. He seemeth very blind, and willingly blinded, that will have his sight dimmed with such a fond [foolish] mist! For if they meant to resist Strangers, as they mind nothing less: they would then prepare to go to the sea coasts; and not to the Queen's most royal person, with such a company in arms and weapon[s]."Ye can consider, I trust, this noble Gentleman, the LordAbergavennyhere present, being of an ancient and great parentage, born among you; and such other Gentlemen as you see here, which be no strangers unto you; myself also, although a poor Gentleman (who I trust at no time hath abused you), hath somewhat to lose as well as they; and would be as loth to be overrun with Strangers as they; if any such thing were meant. But for that we know most certainly that there is meant no manner of evil to us by those Strangers; but rather aid profit and comfort against other strangers, our ancient enemies [the French]; with whom they, as most arrant and degenerate traitors, do indeed unkindly and unnaturally join: we, in her Grace's defence, will spend both life and what we have beside, to the uttermost penny, against them."Well, I can no more now say unto you, but (understanding the Queen's Highness, as a most merciful Princess, to be once again determined to pardon as many as, by their traitorous and deceitful Proclamations and other illusions, were allured to this last treason; so they repair to their habitations within four and twenty hours after her Grace's Proclamation read, and become true subjects to her Grace) to advise such as hath taken part with those traitors, or have withdrawn themselves (contrary to their allegiance) from aiding and serving of their Sovereign, according to their duties, against her enemies, thankfully to accept and embrace her most gracious pardon; and usemeans of themselves to apprehend those arrant and principal traitors, and make a present of them to the Queen's Highness; or leave them to themselves, as most detestable traitors: who being once so graciously and mercifully forgiven could not but carry the clemency of the same in their hearts to the furtherance of all obedience whiles they lived, if there had been any spark of grace in them."And further I have to say unto you that as these traitors, by their Proclamations without authority, have moved you to stir against the Queen your Sovereign; and appointed you places where to meet and consult for the furtherance of their traitorous purpose and to bring with you such aid as you can: so shall I require you, and in her Grace's name charge you that be here present, not to come there; but that you, and such as be absent, taking knowledge hereby, repair to such places as I, the Queen's Sheriff and Officer, shall appoint you, with such aid as you can bring for the better service of the Queen and the Shire: where you shall be assured to receive comfort, thanks, and honesty to the end of your lives and your posterity. And the other way but endless shame and utter undoing to you and yours; which shall be worst to yourselves, and yet a great grief to us your neighbours: whose advice in all other your private causes you have been content to follow; and now in this weightiest that hath, or may, happen to you will refuse us, and follow them that hath ever abused you to your and their utter confusion.At Malling, the 27th of January [1554],anno Mariæ primo.GOD save QueenMaryand all her well willers!"The Sheriff reading this Exhortation, caused oneBarram, a Gentleman and servant to the LordAbergavenny, to pronounce it, as he read it, so loud and so distinctly as the people assembled round about him, to a very great number, in manner of a ring, might easily hear and understand every word proceeding fromBarram: who of his own head cried out unto them, "You may not so much as lift up your finger against your King or Queen!"And after the people had heard the Sheriff's Exhortation;and cried "GOD save QueenMary!" which they did most heartily, spending therein a convenient time; the Sheriff used these words unto them:The Sheriff's speech to the multitude."Masters," quod he, "although I alone did speak unto you; yet what words were spoken to you by me were also spoken to you by the LordAbergavennyand all the Gentlemen here present: in whose persons I then spake; and now require at your hands a plain and resolute answer. Will you now therefore join with such as you see evidently to be arrant traitors; or else with the LordAbergavennyand such Gentlemen as you see here present, that will live and die with you in defence of our rightful Queen against these traitors?"The people's answer to the Sheriff.The people with one voice defiedWyatand his complices as arrant traitors, and said that they now well espied they had but abused them. Wherefore in defence of QueenMary, they would die upon them: expressing their minds with such earnest shouts and cries as shewed to proceed unfeignedly from their hearts; which after was confirmed by a better experience the day following, as ye shall anon hear.Wyat's promise ofBarram's reward.But by the way ye shall understand thatWyathearing of this Proclamation, said, "I know thatBarramwell; but yet I never took him to have so wide a throat. If I live, I may happen to make him crow a higher note in another place." What trow you should then have become of the author?In the Sunday following [28th January 1554], the LordAbergavenny, the Sheriff, and the rest of the Gentlemen were determined to have marched in the morning earlyThe Duke ofNorfolkand SirHenry Jerningham's coming to Gravesend.towards Rochester, to have aided the Duke ofNorfolkand SirHenry JerninghamCaptain of the Guard, then being at Gravesend, towardsWyat; with a certain Band [Regiment] of White Coats, to the number of 600, sent unto them from London; whereofBretand others were their Captains.Roger AppultonandThomas Swantrusty Gentlemen.Roger AppultonGentleman was also at Gravesend with the Duke, attendant to serve: wherein likewise wasThomas SwanGentleman.The LordAbergavennysets the watch in person.This Saturday [27th January] at night, the LordAbergavennysuspectingWyatand his complices (living within four miles of them; and being so much provoked in that they were, in the day, so rightly set forth in their colours [illusions] at Malling) would, for revenge, work some annoyance to them or his Band that night, either by acamasado[night attack] or by some other means; did therefore, to prevent the same, set a strong watch in the market place at Malling and other parts of entry into the town: and gave the watch-word himself before he would take any rest.A larom at Malling.But between one and two of the clock in the night, when everybody was taken to rest save the watch, there happened a larom [an alarm], sundry crying, "Treason! Treason! We are all betrayed!" in such sort that such as were in their beds or newly risen thought verily that, eitherWyatwith his Band had been in the town, or very near.The thing was so sudden and happened in such a time as men not acquainted with like matters were so amazed that some of them knew not well what to do: and yet in the end it proved to [be] nothing.For it grew by a messenger that came, very late in the night, desiring to speak with the LordAbergavennyor Master Sheriff, to give them certain advertisement, That SirHenry Isley, the twoKnevets, and certain others, with 500 Wealdish men [i.e.,from the Weald of Kent] were at Sevenoaks; and would march in the morning early from thence towards Rochester, for the aid ofWyatA meaning of the rebels to burn MasterGeorge Clarke's house.against the Duke ofNorfolk: and in their way, burn and destroy the house ofGeorge Clarkeaforesaid.Whereupon the LordAbergavennyand the Sheriff, by the advice of the Gentlemen before named, for that the saidClarkehad been a painful [painstaking] and serviceable Gentleman, changed their purposed journey from Rochester, to encounter withIsleyand his Band, to cut them [off] fromWyatand saveClarkefrom spoil.
THesafe and sure recordation of pains and perils past hath present delectation, saithTully. For things, were they never so bitter and unpleasant in the execution, being after in peace and security renewed by report or chronicle, are both plausible [praiseworthy] and profitable, whether they touched ourselves or others.
Being thus in this point persuaded, loving Reader, I thought it a travail neither unpleasant for thee, nor unthankful for me, to contrive the late Rebellion practised byWyatin form of a Chronicle, as thou seest. Whereby as I mean not to please the evil, nor displease the good; so I much desire to amend the one by setting before his eye the lamentable Image of hateful Rebellion, for the increase of obedience; and to help the other by setting forth the unspotted loyalty of such as adventurously and faithfully served in this dangerous time, for the increase of knowledge and policy the better to repress the like dangers, if any hereafter happen.
And further, although hereby I covet not to renew a fear of a danger past, yet would I gladly increase a care and study in every good man's heart to avoid a like danger that may happen, and most times happeneth; when a danger with much difficulty avoided is not sufficient warning to beware of the next.
I have forborne to touch any man by name,Wyatonly except; and a few others which the story would not permit to be left out. Yet take me not that I mean to excuse any man's fault thereby. For what, should I shew myself so ungrate or unnatural unto my natural countrymen; asnamely to blaze them to the World whom, either their own good hap or the Queen's surpassing mercy, would to be covered at this time?
And although I touch some by name, terming them in certain places "traitors and rebels," just titles of their deserts: yet, GOD is my witness!, I do it not of malice or envy to any of their persons. I never hated any of them; no, notWyathimself! whom, although he was utterly unknown unto me, yet for the sundry and singular gifts wherewith he was largely endued, I had him in great admiration. And now I rather pity his unhappy case than malice his person: and do much lament that so many good and commendable qualities were abused in the service of cursed Heresy; whose reward was never other than shameful confusion, by one way or other, to all that followed her ways.
Finally, if thou suppose I have not fully set forth the whole case, all as it was, I shall not againsay it; neither thought I it necessary so to do; but rather so much as for this time might be both plausible [praiseworthy] and profitable, and should satisfy such points as in theDedicatory Epistleto the Queen's Majesty are expressed.
Hereafter it may be that further be said touching this matter. In mean time thou hast no just cause, I trust, to be offended with this my present enterprise, either for the manner of handling or for the matter herein handled: the one having sufficient perspicuity and plainness, the other full truth; for which I have made such diligent investigation, as I have found it and have herein expressed the same, especially so much as concerneth Kent.
Vale!
Wyat's Rebellion:with the order and manner ofresisting the same.
WHata restless evil Heresy is! ever travailingThe dangerous nature of Heresy.to bring forth mischief! never ceasing to protrude all those in whose hearts she is received to confusion! By what plausible allurements at her entry, she catcheth favourable entertainment! With what ways of craft and subtilty she dilateth her dominion! and finally how, of course, she toileth to be supported by Faction, Sedition, and Rebellion! to the great peril of subversion of that State where, as a plague, she happeneth to find habitation: as well the lamentable history of the Bohemians and Germans, with all others treating of like enterprises by heretics, as alsoWyat's late conspiracy practised with open force, doth plenteously declare. Who,Heresy the special ground ofWyat's Rebellion.as it should evidently seem by the trade of his life and the late disclosing of himself, was so fervently affected to heresy, although he laboured by false persuasion otherwise to have coloured it; that, burning inwardly with a prepensed treason in his breast for the continuance of the same within the realm, he persuaded to himself such an impossibility therein (the Queen's Highness prospering and bearing the sceptre of high governance) ascould by no means be brought about without rebellion: theRebellion, the only refuge of heretics.only refuge, as I said, that indurate heretics have always sought, for maintenance of their heresy; living under a Catholic Prince.
Wyatpersuaded that the Queen and Heresy could not reign together.
Wyat's repair to London to stir others to his Rebellion.
He therefore, being thus inflamed, could no longer contain, but immediately upon the beginning of the Queen's most happy reign, forsaking his habitation in the country, went to London of purpose to stir [Henry Grey], the Duke ofSuffolkand his brethren, with others of power in further countries [Counties], whom he knew to be like affected to heresies and consequently to burn in sembable desire for continuance of the same: leaving nevertheless such behind him in Kent, to solicit his and their unhappy case; whom he knew so much addicted thereunto as, in his absence, for their diligence in such a ministry needed no overseer.
He remained in London till he thought himself thoroughly furnished every way, and everywhere within the realm, to attempt his determined enterprise; when apt time shouldWyat's return into Kent.serve. Which done, he returned into Kent: not of purpose then to proceed; but, understanding his strength, practised there by his agents to set things in order, and so to return to London; abiding the time appointed therefore by him and his complices.
But, so it befell, in the mean time, that, at his being in the country, the [Privy] Council committed a Gentleman of that Shire to ward, one toWyatabove all others most dear: whereby the common bruit grew that he, (suspecting his secrets to be revealed, and upon that occasion to be sent forWyatpreventeth the time.by the Council) felt himself, as it were for his own surety, compelled to anticipate his time. But whether that were the cause or no, doubtful it is.
But certain it was thatWyat, then proceeding in his detestable purpose, armed himself and as many as he could: and, giving intelligence of his determination to his complices, as well at London as elsewhere, theThe first day ofWyat's stir, at Maidstone.Thursday after, at Maidstone, in the market time, being the 25th day of January [1554], in the first year of the Queen's reign, by Proclamation in writing, published his devilish pretence.
The cause whyWyatmade not Religion the outward pretence of his Rebellion.
And considering with himself that to make the pretence of his Rebellion to be the restoring or continuance of the new and newly-forged Religion was neither agreeable to the nature of Heresy (which always defendeth itself by the name and countenance of other matter more plausible); neither so apt to further his wicked purpose, being not a case so general to allure all sorts to take part with him: he determined to speak noThe colour ofWyat's Rebellion.word of Religion, but to make the only colour [pretence] of his commotion, only to withstand Strangers [i.e. the Spaniards], and to advance Liberty.
For as he made his full reckoning that such as accorded with him in religion would wholly join with him in that rebellion; so he trusted that the Catholics for the most part would gladly embrace that quarrel against the Strangers; whose name he took to become odible to all sorts by the seditious and malicious report which he and his had maliciously imagined and blown abroad againstWyat's preparative to his Rebellion.that nation, as a preparative to their abominable treason.
His Proclamation therefore published at Maidstone, and so in other places, persuaded that quarrel to be taken in hand in the defence of the realm from overrunning by Strangers and for the advancement of Liberty: where, in very deed, his only and very matter was the continuance of heresy: as by his own words at sundry times shall hereafter appear.
Wyat's untrue persuasions to further his Rebellion.
And to the end the people should not think that he alone, with a few other mean Gentlemen, had taken that traitorous enterprise in hand without comfort or aid of higher powers, he untruly and maliciously added further to his Proclamation, by persuasion to the people:
That all the Nobility of the realm and the whole [Privy] Council (one or two only except) were agreeable to his pretensed treason, and would with all their power and strength further the same; (which he found most untrue, to his subversion): and That the LordAbergavenny, [SirThomas Cheyney,] the Lord Warden [of the Cinque Ports], SirRobert Southwell, High Sheriff, with all other Gentlemen would join with him in this enterprise, and set their foot by his, to repel the Strangers.
HowWyat's untrue persuasions abused the people.
This Proclamation and such annexed persuasions made at Maidstone on the market day, and in other parts of the Shire, had so wrought in the hearts of the people that divers (which before hated him, and he them) were now, as it seemed, upon this occasion, mutually reconciled; and said unto him, "Sir, is your quarrel only to defend us from overrunning by Strangers and to advance Liberty; and not against the Queen?"
The nature of a heretic is to say one thing and think another.
"No," quodWyat, "we mind nothing less than any wise to touch her Grace; but to serve her and honour her, according to our duties."
"Well," quod they, "give us then your hand. We will stick to you to death in this quarrel!"
That done, there came to him one other, of good wealth, saying, "Sir," quod he, "they say I love potage well. I will sell all my spoons, and all the plate in my house rather than your purpose shall quail; and sup my potage with my mouth [see p.72]. I trust," quod he, "you will restore the right religion again."
Wyat's own words to prove Heresy to be the ground of his Rebellion.
"Whist!" quodWyat, "you may not so much as name religion, for that will withdraw from us the hearts of many. You must only make your quarrel for overrunning by Strangers. And yet to thee, be it said in counsel, as unto my friend, we mindonlythe restitution of GOD's Word. But no words!"
By these his words it appeared that his principal intent was not to keep out Strangers, which commonly do not invade to our hindrance but by rebellion amongst ourselves; nor to advance Liberty, which ever decayeth through treason: but to advance Heresy, the Lady Regent of his life and doings.
This same Thursday [25th January 1554] asWyat,Thomas Isley, and others were occupied at Maidstone with Proclamations to stir the people and such like; so were others his confederates occupied in like manner by Proclamations at Milton, Ashford, and other towns in the east parts of the Shire. Through whose allurements, the multitude were grown so earnestly affected toWyat's purpose that they suffered MasterChristopher Roper, a man of good worship and so esteemed of them, to be taken ofWyat's ministers, and carried out of the market place,without any manner of rescue: for that he,The apprehension of MasterChristopher Roperby the rebels.having his heart and eye full fixed upon the Queen, not only withstood the reading ofWyat's traitorous Proclamation at Milton; but also in the same place proclaimed him and all his, traitors. And being roughly charged therewith byWyatand others his gallants,MasterChristopher Roper's words toWyat.when he was brought to Rochester, he answered, "This tongue spake it, and doth now avow it."
The apprehension of MasterTuckeand MasterDorrel.
They suffered MasterTuckealso, and MasterDorrelof Calehill, being Gentlemen of good worship and Justices of Peace, to be taken out of their houses by the rebels; and conveyed, without any manner of rescue, in the day time, to Rochester, being twenty miles distant: where they, with MasterRoper, were kept as prisoners in great danger of life.
In like manner, SirHenry Isley,Anthony Knevet,William Knevet, with others, were at Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, and other towns in the west parts of the Shire, stirring the people by alarms, drums, and Proclamations.
Now ye shall understand that the evening afore [24th January 1554] the publishing his pretence atHowWyatwrote to the Sheriff of his intent to stir.Maidstone,Wyatsent a letter, by oneThomas Monde, a man of much honesty, to SirRobert Southwell, being Sheriff of the Shire: unto whom long before, as I can understand, he had neither spoken nor written other than in defiance; they being in contention for matters of religion as it was said. Nevertheless to serve his purpose, dissembling his great malice and haughty courage, he wrote a letter to him of such effect as followeth:
AFterhearty commendations. There hath been between you and me many quarrels and grudges, and I ever the sufferer; and yet have you sought the end which is now friendly offered unto you, if you be willing to receive it.
But whatsoever private quarrel you have to me, I doubtnot but your wisdom is too much, seeing so many perils at hand to us both (this pretensed Marriage [of KingPhilipto QueenMary] taking effect), to dissent from us in so necessary a purpose as wherein we now determine to enter for the common wealth of the whole realm. And that you may the better understand our pretence, I send you the copy of our Proclamation comprehending the sum and effect of our meaning: whereunto if the common wealth shall find you an enemy, say not hereafter but that you were friendly warned.
We forbear to write to the LordAbergavenny; for what you may do with him, if you list, we know.
A Proclamation agreed unto byThomasWyat,George Harper,Henry Isley,Knights; and by divers of the bestof the Shire; sent unto thecommons of the same.
Wyat's false presumption ofthe best of the Shire.
FOrasmuchas it is now spread abroad, and certainly pronounced by [StephenGardiner, Bishop ofWinchester] the Lord Chancellor and others of the [Privy] Council, of the Queen's determinate pleasure to marry with a Stranger, &c.Because.We therefore write unto you, because you be our friends, and because you be Englishmen, that you will join with us, as we will with you unto death, in this behalf; protesting unto you before GOD, that no earthly cause could move us unto this enterprise but this alone: wherein we seek noSuch Councillors he meaneth, as would favour heresy, &c.harm to the Queen, but better counsel and Councillors; which also we would have foreborne in all other matters, saving only in this. For herein lieth the health and wealth of us all.
Lo, loud lie!
For trial hereof and manifest proof of this intended purpose, lo now, even at hand, Spaniards be now already arrived at Dover, at one passage, to the number of ahundred, passing upward to London in companies of ten, four, and six, with harness [armour] harquebusses and morians [helmets] with match light[ed]; the foremost company whereof be already at Rochester.
We shall require you therefore to repair to such places as the bearers hereof shall pronounce unto you, there to assemble and determine what may be best for the advancement of Liberty and common wealth in this behalf, and to bring with you such aid as you may.
The end ofWyat's Proclamation.
The messenger that brought the letter, with the Proclamation, fromWyatto the Sheriff, being not privy to the contents thereof and having charge, upon his life, to return an answer with all speed, importuned the Sheriff so much therefore (although he saw him greatly busied in giving advertisement throughout the Shire ofWyat's traitorous determination) as he nevertheless (to satisfy the messenger, whom he knew to be a right honest man; notwithstanding his diligence was abused in so lewd a message), made him answer out of hand as followeth:
"NEighbour monde, rather to satisfy your importunity than to answerWyat's letter, whom in this case I disdain to answer, or to speak with you apart coming from a traitor, you may say unto him, That as indeed I have been desirous of his friendship for neighbourhood's sake, so have I much more desired his reformation in divers points of great disorder: whereby he certainly knew, as well by my speech to himself as other means coming to his knowledge, that I have sithens the beginning of the Queen's reign holden him and some of his colleges [colleagues] in this conspiracy vehemently suspected for like matters as now they have attempted.
"Wherein seeing he hath not deceived me, but by opening himself hath manifestly verified mine opinion conceived of him; I purpose not to purchase his friendship so dear[ly] as for the game of him to lose myself and my posterity in perpetual infamy. And if such things which his fond [foolish] head hath weighed for perils, to the condemnation of the whole wisdom of the realm (they allowing the same for good), had been indeed as perilous as he with others, for want of due consideration, deemeth them: his duty had been to have opened his opinion therein as a humble and reverent petitioner to the Queen's Highness, or to some of her Grace's Council. But to press his Sovereign, in any suit or upon any occasion, with weapon and armour, by stirring her subjects to rebellion; that is, and always hath been, accounted the part of the most arrogant and presumptuous traitors: and so do I note him and his mates, as you may tell them; and shall, GOD willing, provide for them accordingly.
"Now good manMonde, it shall be in your choice whether you will carry this message or no. But, as your friend, I shall advise you to seek out better company."
The messenger excusing himself by ignorance, departed toWyatwith answer: and, soon after, returned to the Sheriff; under whom he served the Queen very faithfully.
The Sheriff being made privy, as ye have heard, byWyatto his traitorous pretence the night before he stirred; and wanting no good will, as it should seem, with the help of the LordAbergavennywho was as forward as he, to have resisted the reading ofWyat's Proclamation at Maidstone the day following and to disperse his force, sent for Gentlemen and yeomen in all haste to that end.
But before he could gather Power meet to attempt the repressing of such a force (sundry of his neighbours of greatest possessions, and towns most populous, which should have been his chief aid, being contrary bent),Wyataccompanied with a force well armed and weaponed marched to Rochester the same Thursday [25th January 1554];Harperand others meeting him in the way. Where fortifying the east parts of the town, and breaking up the bridge towards the west; he abode the coming of his appointed strength: suffering all passengers to pass quietly through the town, toLondon, or to the sea; taking nothing from them but only their weapons.
And being the Friday [26th January] all day at Rochester, and not hearing fromIsley, the town of Tonbridge, and other his conjurates of the west part of the Shire; he addressed an earnest letter the Saturday morning [27th January] toIsley, theKnevets, and others, with the town of Tonbridge, requiring them to accelerate their coming unto him.
The rifling of SirHenry Sidneyhis armour.
According whereuntoIsley, theKnevets, with others, being newly returned from Penshurst (where they rifled SirHenry Sidney[of] his armour; he being attendant upon the Queen's Highness as a faithful subject), perceivingWyatto long for their coming, resolved to observe their promise and march forwards that night towardsWyat.
But understanding that the LordAbergavenny, the Sheriff, andGeorge Clarkehad now gathered a force, and were prest to encounter them: first ere they departed out of the town, they thought it good by some kind of Proclamation, to alienate the people's hearts from them; as they did in the manner following:
YOushall understand thatHenry[Neville] LordAbergavenny,Robert SouthwellKnight,George ClarkeGentleman, have most traitorously, to the disturbance of the common wealth, stirred and raised up the Queen's most loving subjects of this realm to defend the most wicked and devilish enterprise of certain of the wicked and perverse Councillors, to the utter confusion of this her Grace's realm, and the perpetual servitude of all the Queen's most loving subjects. In consideration whereof, we SirThomas WyatKnight, SirGeorge HarperKnight, SirHenry IsleyKnight,Antony KnevetEsquire, with all the faithful Gentlemen of Kent and trusty commons of the same, dopronounce the saidHenryLordAbergavenny,Robert SouthwellandGeorge ClarkeGentleman, to be traitors to GOD, the Crown, and the common wealth.
This done, with all speed calling their company together by noise of drums, and leaving their direct way to Rochester, for that they would not come under the wing of the LordAbergavennyand the Sheriff, they marched that night [27th January] to Sevenoaks. Taking order with such as were left behind in the town [of Tonbridge], that they should be in a readiness to come whensoever they should be sent for byWyat; and that by no ways they should believe any tales. "For," quod they, "the Council will now send abroad flying lies and tales to discredit us and discomfort you: for it is their policy."
Antony Knevet, after he was lept to his horse, took one by the hand, and said, "Fare you well. And if you hap to hear that I am taken, never believe it: for undoubtedly I will either die in the field or achieve my purpose." But within four and twenty hours he brake his promise, and ran away no faster than his legs could carry him.
The Herald's coming to Rochester.
Well, I shall now leave them marching to Sevenoaks; and return toWyatat Rochester. This present Saturday [27th January] came unto him from the Queen's Highness a Herald and a trumpeter.
Wyat, at the sound of the trumpet, came to the bridge, where the Herald was with his coat armour carrying the Arms of England on his back. ButWyat, without using any reverence to him either for his coat or office, would not suffer him to come into the town to declare his message; and [the Herald] pressing to come in, he offered to strike him: whereupon the Herald stayed and did his message there, so that onlyWyatwith a few with him heard it. Which, as men could gather by the report of them that heard it, was promise of pardon to as many as would retire to their houses within four and twenty hours after the Proclamation, and become good subjects. ButWyatwould not suffer his soldiers in anywise to hear it, nor any other Proclamation coming from the Queen.
The Lord Warden's greeting toWyat.
In the mean time also, SirThomas Cheyney, Lord Warden,being a most faithful and noble subject, had sent him such salutations as of honour ought to be used to a traitor. And being very desirous to be doing with him, and to prove on his body what in words of greeting he had affirmed, felt yet by his discretion and long experience great causes of stay. ForWyatdesired nothing more than his coming forth; persuading [himself] that he wanted no friends about him, nor any others that would take in hand to repress him with force gathered in that Shire. And, undoubtedly, doubtful were the hearts of the people, and marvellously bent to favourWyatand his purpose; as by daily events appeared.
The LordAbergavennyand the Sheriff who, the Saturday [27th January] next afterWyat's stir, were at Malling in the way towards Rochester (whereWyatlay); having with them a company of well appointed subjects. In whom notwithstanding for the more part they had good opinion of trustiness and honesty: yet having the general case of the people's disposition in their eye; and not without cause suspecting in their Band, amongst so many faithful and good, some such to be, upon trust of whose trustless and brittle aid it were no good policy to adventure far—pondering therewith that this illusion of the people, whereby they were so far drawn from their right course and duty, grew chiefly by such crafty and false persuasions asWyatand his mates had set forth in sundry parts of the Shire, by way of Proclamation in writing: wherein, amongst other gross lies they had set forth also matters of untruth to discredit the LordAbergavennyand the Sheriff; asWyat, in his persuasions, that they would join with him; andIsley, in his Proclamation that they had traitorously assembled the Queen's loving subjects against her Grace and the realm.
It seemed unto them very good and necessary to spend some time at Malling in advising and lessening [lessoning] the multitude; and by way of exhortation to impugn those traitorous Proclamations, and refell such gross and false lies therein contained; and finally to dissuade the people, which, that day being market day, were assembled to a great number of all sorts, from the traitors and their attempts.
And accordingly the Sheriff had penned an Exhortation to that purpose, which was pronounced out of writing in Malling; and sent after by him into other parts. The hearing whereof did undoubtedly much move the people, as after shall appear.
I shall report the same in substance truly; howbeit not fully in the same form and manner as I found it, and as it was penned and pronounced by the Sheriff: who, in the utterance and setting forth thereof, spared not to speak plainly and touch sharply, as then the present time and case employed vehement occasion.
LOvingneighbours and friends. Where of late there hath been most pestilent and traitorous Proclamations, as ye have heard, set forth byThomas Wyat,George Harper,Henry Isley, and others, as most arrant traitors to the Queen and the realm; some of them the Queen's ancient enemies aforetime, and double traitors: yet notwithstanding accounting themselves to be the best of the Shire in their Proclamations; and in the same reputing and pronouncing others as traitors whom ye can witness to have been, from time to time, true and faithful subjects to the Queen and this our common weal, as the LordAbergavennyherepresent, myself, and other Gentlemen now prest and ready with you, according to our duty, to serve our noble Queen. I shall need to spend the less time to declare unto you how evil they be, or how evil their enterprise is that they have taken in hand: forasmuch as this their arrogant presumption and presumptuous pride in advancing themselves so far from all truth, and in depraving of others so maliciously for executing their bounden duty, ought abundantly to persuade what they be, to all of consideration, without further circumstance.
"But forasmuch as in their Proclamations they fill the ears of the Queen's liege people with gross and manifest lies to stir them against her Grace, in the utterance whereof they use this demonstration, "Lo!" signifying some notable thing near at hand, for credit worthy impression in their memory, as:—
'Lo, a great number of Strangers be now arrived at Dover in harness [armour] with harquebusses morians and matchlight.'
'Lo, a great number of Strangers be now arrived at Dover in harness [armour] with harquebusses morians and matchlight.'
"I say unto you, neighbours and friends, upon pain to be torn in pieces with your hands, that it is untrue; and a manifest lie invented by them to provoke and irritate the Queen's simple people to join with them in their traitorous enterprise. And therefore I have perfect hope that you, being afore time abused with their crafty and deceitful treason, will not now once again (having experience of their former evil) be trapped, for any persuasion, in so heinous a snare as this most vile and horrible crime of treason.
"Do you not see and note that, as in the beginning of the Queen's most gracious reign, some of them sought to deprive her Grace of her princely estate and rightful dignity, minding to advance thereunto the LadyJane, daughter to the Duke ofSuffolk; so are they and others newly confedered [confederated] with the Duke and his brethren, being in arms at this present for the same purpose, and daily looking for aid of these traitors and others of their conspiracy: as by the Queen's most gracious letters, signed with her own hand, and ready to be read here, may plainly appear unto you? And will you now nevertheless aid them any ways, or sit still whilst they go about thuswrongfully and traitorously to depose their, and our, most gracious Sovereign Lady and Queen! the comfort of us all! the stay of us all! the only safeguard of us all! to whom can no displeasure or danger chance, but the same must double [doubly] redound to all and every of us!
"No, friends and neighbours, I trust never to live to see you so far abused. They go about to blear you with matters of Strangers, as though they should come to overrun you and us also. He seemeth very blind, and willingly blinded, that will have his sight dimmed with such a fond [foolish] mist! For if they meant to resist Strangers, as they mind nothing less: they would then prepare to go to the sea coasts; and not to the Queen's most royal person, with such a company in arms and weapon[s].
"Ye can consider, I trust, this noble Gentleman, the LordAbergavennyhere present, being of an ancient and great parentage, born among you; and such other Gentlemen as you see here, which be no strangers unto you; myself also, although a poor Gentleman (who I trust at no time hath abused you), hath somewhat to lose as well as they; and would be as loth to be overrun with Strangers as they; if any such thing were meant. But for that we know most certainly that there is meant no manner of evil to us by those Strangers; but rather aid profit and comfort against other strangers, our ancient enemies [the French]; with whom they, as most arrant and degenerate traitors, do indeed unkindly and unnaturally join: we, in her Grace's defence, will spend both life and what we have beside, to the uttermost penny, against them.
"Well, I can no more now say unto you, but (understanding the Queen's Highness, as a most merciful Princess, to be once again determined to pardon as many as, by their traitorous and deceitful Proclamations and other illusions, were allured to this last treason; so they repair to their habitations within four and twenty hours after her Grace's Proclamation read, and become true subjects to her Grace) to advise such as hath taken part with those traitors, or have withdrawn themselves (contrary to their allegiance) from aiding and serving of their Sovereign, according to their duties, against her enemies, thankfully to accept and embrace her most gracious pardon; and usemeans of themselves to apprehend those arrant and principal traitors, and make a present of them to the Queen's Highness; or leave them to themselves, as most detestable traitors: who being once so graciously and mercifully forgiven could not but carry the clemency of the same in their hearts to the furtherance of all obedience whiles they lived, if there had been any spark of grace in them.
"And further I have to say unto you that as these traitors, by their Proclamations without authority, have moved you to stir against the Queen your Sovereign; and appointed you places where to meet and consult for the furtherance of their traitorous purpose and to bring with you such aid as you can: so shall I require you, and in her Grace's name charge you that be here present, not to come there; but that you, and such as be absent, taking knowledge hereby, repair to such places as I, the Queen's Sheriff and Officer, shall appoint you, with such aid as you can bring for the better service of the Queen and the Shire: where you shall be assured to receive comfort, thanks, and honesty to the end of your lives and your posterity. And the other way but endless shame and utter undoing to you and yours; which shall be worst to yourselves, and yet a great grief to us your neighbours: whose advice in all other your private causes you have been content to follow; and now in this weightiest that hath, or may, happen to you will refuse us, and follow them that hath ever abused you to your and their utter confusion.
At Malling, the 27th of January [1554],anno Mariæ primo.GOD save QueenMaryand all her well willers!"
The Sheriff reading this Exhortation, caused oneBarram, a Gentleman and servant to the LordAbergavenny, to pronounce it, as he read it, so loud and so distinctly as the people assembled round about him, to a very great number, in manner of a ring, might easily hear and understand every word proceeding fromBarram: who of his own head cried out unto them, "You may not so much as lift up your finger against your King or Queen!"
And after the people had heard the Sheriff's Exhortation;and cried "GOD save QueenMary!" which they did most heartily, spending therein a convenient time; the Sheriff used these words unto them:
The Sheriff's speech to the multitude.
"Masters," quod he, "although I alone did speak unto you; yet what words were spoken to you by me were also spoken to you by the LordAbergavennyand all the Gentlemen here present: in whose persons I then spake; and now require at your hands a plain and resolute answer. Will you now therefore join with such as you see evidently to be arrant traitors; or else with the LordAbergavennyand such Gentlemen as you see here present, that will live and die with you in defence of our rightful Queen against these traitors?"
The people's answer to the Sheriff.
The people with one voice defiedWyatand his complices as arrant traitors, and said that they now well espied they had but abused them. Wherefore in defence of QueenMary, they would die upon them: expressing their minds with such earnest shouts and cries as shewed to proceed unfeignedly from their hearts; which after was confirmed by a better experience the day following, as ye shall anon hear.
Wyat's promise ofBarram's reward.
But by the way ye shall understand thatWyathearing of this Proclamation, said, "I know thatBarramwell; but yet I never took him to have so wide a throat. If I live, I may happen to make him crow a higher note in another place." What trow you should then have become of the author?
In the Sunday following [28th January 1554], the LordAbergavenny, the Sheriff, and the rest of the Gentlemen were determined to have marched in the morning earlyThe Duke ofNorfolkand SirHenry Jerningham's coming to Gravesend.towards Rochester, to have aided the Duke ofNorfolkand SirHenry JerninghamCaptain of the Guard, then being at Gravesend, towardsWyat; with a certain Band [Regiment] of White Coats, to the number of 600, sent unto them from London; whereofBretand others were their Captains.
Roger AppultonandThomas Swantrusty Gentlemen.
Roger AppultonGentleman was also at Gravesend with the Duke, attendant to serve: wherein likewise wasThomas SwanGentleman.
The LordAbergavennysets the watch in person.
This Saturday [27th January] at night, the LordAbergavennysuspectingWyatand his complices (living within four miles of them; and being so much provoked in that they were, in the day, so rightly set forth in their colours [illusions] at Malling) would, for revenge, work some annoyance to them or his Band that night, either by acamasado[night attack] or by some other means; did therefore, to prevent the same, set a strong watch in the market place at Malling and other parts of entry into the town: and gave the watch-word himself before he would take any rest.
A larom at Malling.
But between one and two of the clock in the night, when everybody was taken to rest save the watch, there happened a larom [an alarm], sundry crying, "Treason! Treason! We are all betrayed!" in such sort that such as were in their beds or newly risen thought verily that, eitherWyatwith his Band had been in the town, or very near.
The thing was so sudden and happened in such a time as men not acquainted with like matters were so amazed that some of them knew not well what to do: and yet in the end it proved to [be] nothing.
For it grew by a messenger that came, very late in the night, desiring to speak with the LordAbergavennyor Master Sheriff, to give them certain advertisement, That SirHenry Isley, the twoKnevets, and certain others, with 500 Wealdish men [i.e.,from the Weald of Kent] were at Sevenoaks; and would march in the morning early from thence towards Rochester, for the aid ofWyatA meaning of the rebels to burn MasterGeorge Clarke's house.against the Duke ofNorfolk: and in their way, burn and destroy the house ofGeorge Clarkeaforesaid.
Whereupon the LordAbergavennyand the Sheriff, by the advice of the Gentlemen before named, for that the saidClarkehad been a painful [painstaking] and serviceable Gentleman, changed their purposed journey from Rochester, to encounter withIsleyand his Band, to cut them [off] fromWyatand saveClarkefrom spoil.