304ABSTRACT50.2

48.1[From Fenn, i. 114.] This letter was written in 1455, at the time of the King’s second attack of illness, which happened while he was under the control of the Duke of York and the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury, as mentioned at the end of the letter. In the latter part of the letter some words are lost by the decay of the originalMS.48.2Here, says Fenn, follows an account of some law business, etc.48.3Fought in 1403 between King HenryIV.and the rebel Percies.49.1‘Nicolas Radford,’ says Fenn in a note, ‘was an eminent lawyer, and resided at Poghill, near Kyrton.’ In Pole’sDescription of Devonshire, p. 219, we find that one Nicolas Radford dwelled at Upcot in HenryVI.’s time, ‘after whose death controversy arose betwixt John Radford of Okeford and Thomazin, sister of the said Nicholas,’ who had married Roger Prous.49.2A hutch was a coffer or chest standing on legs.49.3A flight was ‘a light arrow formed for very long and straight shots.’—Halliwell.49.4Archbishop Bourchier.50.1The King was at Hertford, as appears by the Privy Seals, in August and September 1455, and not improbably in October also.304ABSTRACT50.2Sir John Fastolf ‘to my right trusty Brother, Nicholas Molyneux.’1455OCT. 30As I come not to London this winter, I beg you to see to my Lord’s matters, and labour to my Lord of Canterbury and Master John Stokys for the recovering of my Lord’s50.3[good]s. No man can say more in the matter than you where his goods are, ‘and where they be disposed,’ especially those that Sir Rob. Whytynham50.4had. Also the Lord Cromwell had ‘a certain number of plate.’ Your costs shall be paid out of the first money received. Hears from John de Leawe, one of Lord Willoughby’s executors, that they will labour to my Lord Beaumont to advance the process for recovery of his part of the reward for the taking of the Duke of Alençon. Fendykes, a learned man of the Temple, will help with his advice. Commend me to my sister your wife.Castre, 30 Oct.In Worcester’s hand, and endorsed by him.— ‘A John Paston et John Bokkyng.’[During the winter of 1455-56 we find several allusions to this claim put forward by Fastolf to the goods of the late Duke of Bedford. Unless we are to infer from the manner in which Lord Cromwell is mentioned that he was dead when this letter was written, it is probably of the year 1455.]50.2[FromMS.Phillipps, 9735, No. 228.]50.3The Duke of Bedford.50.4Sir Robert Whityngham died on the 4th November 1452.—Inq. post mortem, 31 Hen.VI., No. 47.305WILLIAM WORCESTER TO JOHN PASTON AND JOHN BOCKING51.1To the ryght worshypfull Sir, John Paston, and to my brothyr, John Bokkyng.1455NOV. 13Pleaseit yow to have yn knowlege that y veele well my maister takyth gretely to hert the materes whych he hath wryt to you uppon the execucion of my Lord of Bedford ys godes, and in especiall for the recuveryng of hem, as well as of Sir Andreu O.51.2executors as of Sir Robert Whytyngham, &c. to th’entent that it myght be opynly knowe yn hys lyve tyme that they be not yn his gouvernaunce no part of it, and that hys factors after hym shuld not be troubled ne charged for it. And seth the seyd mater ys of so grete wyght and charge, and that he takyth it so gretely to hert, puttyng hys grettist trust yn yow, to remembre thys seyd mater by avyse of hys councell lerned, both spirituell as temporell, that ye wolle not delay it, but wyth all your entencion remembred there, as ye by your wysdoms shall thynk it moste expedient, that som fruyt may grow of it.There ys ynowgh whereoff, and it myght be recuvered, John Bokkyng, ye know ryght moch yn thys mater, and mooste of my maister ys entent hereynne. And therfor, for myne acquytaille, y wryte to you to shew the chieff wrytynges of the copy of endentures of Sir Robert Whytyngham, and of othyr wrytynges concernyng that to Maister Paston, that he may be more rypelyer grounded yn the seyd mater when heshall comyn wyth my Lordz of Caunterburye, Cromewell, and with onye of my maister councell. And our Lord kepe you.My maister carpyth so oft on it dayly, and that meovyth me to wryte to yow both. Att Castre, xiij. day of November.Your,W. Wor-H.R.-cestre.51.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] On the 11th November 1454 Sir John Fastolf wrote to Paston about the goods of the Duke of Bedford, but the subject recurred to his thoughts for more than a year afterwards, and particularly in January 1456, when all the other executors of the Duke were dead. This letter is certainly before the death of Lord Cromwell, and therefore not later than 1455; but it seems to indicate much greater solicitude on the subject than Fastolf showed in the preceding year.51.2Sir Andrew Ogard, who died on the 13th October 1454.—Inq. post mortem, 33 Hen.VI., No. 25.306MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON52.1To my right wurshipfull husbonde, John Paston, be this delivered, in hast.1455NOV. 25Rightwurshipfull husbonde, I recomaunde me unto you. Plesith you to witte that myn aunt Mondeforthe52.2hath desiryd me to write to you, besechyng you that ye wol wochesafe to chevesshe for her at London xxtimarke for to be payed to Mastre Ponyngs, outher on Saterday or Sonday, weche schalbe Seint Andrwes Daye, in discharchyng of them that be bounden to Mastre Ponyngs of the s[ei]de xxtimarke for the wardeship of her doughter, the weche xxtimarke she hath delyvered to me in golde for you to have at your comyn home, for she dare not aventure her money to be brought up to London for feere of robbyng; for it is seide heere that there goothe many thefys be twyx this and London, weche causeth her to beseche you to content the seide money in dischargyng of the matre, and of them that be bounden, for she wolde for no goude that the day were broken. And she thankyth you hertely for the greet labour and besynesse that ye have had in that matre, and in all others touchyng herand hers, wherfore she seithe she is ever bounden to be your bed-woman, and ever wolle be whyle she levethe.My cosyn, her sone, and hese wife recomaundethe them unto you, besechyng you that ye woll weche safe to be her goode mastre, as ye have ben a fore tyme; for they be enformed that Danyell is comen to Rysyng Castell, and hes men make her bost that her mastre shal be a yene at Brayston withinne shorte tyme.Ferthermore, as for the matre that my sone wrote to me for the boxe wheron wretenFalce Carte Sproutethat I shulde enquer of William Wurcestre wher it were, the seide William was not at home sen that I had hes letter; but as sone as he comethe home, I shall enquere of hym, and sende you an answer.As towchyng for your leveryes, ther can noon be gete here of that coloure that ye wulde have of, nouther murrey, nor blwe, nor goode russets, undrenethe iijs.the yerde at the lowest price, and yet is ther not j nough of on clothe and coloure to serve you. And as for to be purveid in Suffolk, it wul not be purveide nought now a yenst this tyme, with oute they had had warnyng at Michelmesse, as I am enformed. And the blissed Trenyte have you in his kepyng.Wreten at Norweche, on Seint Kateryn Day.Be your,Margaret Paston.52.1[From Fenn, iii. 252.] St. Andrew’s day fell on Sunday in 1455 and 1460. This letter must be written in one of these two years, and the probabilities are greatly in favour of the former, as John Paston and William Worcester were not on good terms after the death of Sir John Fastolf.52.2Osbert Moundford, Esq. of Hockwold, married Elizabeth, daughter of John Berney, Esq., and by her had Mary, their daughter and sole heir, who married Sir William Tindale, Knight of the Bath.307ABSTRACT53.1Sir John Fastolf to John Paston.[1455]DEC. 11Thanks him for his pains in the advancement of his ‘chargeable matters.’ Was never so much bound to any kinsman as to Paston, who tenders so much his worship and profit. Sends Worcestre with important letters to my Lord Privy Seal and the Abbot of Bermundsey, and would like Paston to common with them. Thanks him for informing him of the answer made to the bill of Wentworth, ‘which I know had stand in great jeopardy had not ye be.’ Sendshis evidences concerning Bradwell, that the Judges and Parliament may have better consideration of his right, and of the patents granted to Paston and Howys in that behalf. Desires credence for William Worcestre.Castre, 11 Dec.[The date of this letter must be between the year 1454, when Sir John Fastolf settled at Caister, and 1458, as he was not alive in December 1459. The reference to Parliament fixes it more precisely, as 1455 was the only year during this period in which Parliament sat in December.]53.1[FromMS.Phillipps, 9735, No. 262.]308RICHARD BINGHAM TO SIR JOHN FASTOLF54.1Copie of my fader Bynghames lettre to my fadre F.About1455Righthonorable and reverend maistre, after due and hertely recomendacion, I thank yow als hertily as I can that it likith your gode maisterschip, of your godnesse, to let to ferme to my son Scrope the pouer enheritance that he schal enherit after your decesse, if God will that he life therto. And I hafe for my saide son comonde with my maistres of your counsell, that is to sey, Paston and other, and I fynde them not straunge, bot right streyte to dele with in the mater; and therfore my saide sone, and I for hym, must sue to the well of mercy, that is to say, to your honurable person, where is special refuge for my saide son in this cas. My saide son is and hath be, and will be to hys lifes ende, your true lad and servaunt, and glad and well willed to do that myght be to your pleaser, wirschip, and profit, and als loth to offend yow as any person in erth, gentill and well disposid to every person. Wherfore I besech your gode grace that ye will vouchesafe remember the premissez, my saide sons age, his wirschipfull birth, and grete misere for verrey povert, for he hath had no liflode to life opon sithen my lady his moder deed, safe x. marc of liflode that ye vouched safe to gife hym this lastyer, and therfore to be his good maister and fader. And thof he be not worthy to be your son, make hym your almesman, that he may now in his age life of your almesse, and be your bedeman, and pray for the prosperite of your noble person. And if I durst, for your displesance, I wolde besech yow that ye wolde vouchesafe lat my saide son hafe the saide lifelode to ferme for terme of your life, payng to yow therfore yerely CC. marc at ij. festes of the yere, that is to say, Cristemasse and Middesomer, and ye schall be paied hit truly at London, in Hillary terme for the feste of Cristemasse, and Trinite terme for the feste of Midsomer; and I will be bounden for hym and [i.e.if] your maisterschip will vouchesafe to take me, and he and I schall ever pray for yow. And thof the saide lifelode be better to yow in availl yerely then I offer yow therefore, this summe of CC. marc schal be truly paid to yow yerely; and God, that rewardeth every gode dede, schal pey for hym the remenant to yow, for every peny an C., in relesyng of yow in Purgatory, or ellys encresyng of your merite in Heven. And how your maisterschip will that my saide son schall do in this mater, I besech yow that he may be certified be your writing.54.1[From CastlecombeMSS., Add. 28,212, f. 26, B.M.] This letter has been printed by Mr. Poulett Scrope in his privately printedHistory of Castle Combe. From evidences contained in other of the family muniments, Mr. Scrope supposes it to have been written about the year 1455, which is probably not far from the true date. Compare Letter 349 following.309FASTOLF’S CLAIMS AGAINST THE CROWN.—I.55.1Billa de debitis Regis in partibus Franciæ Johanni Fastolf militi debitis.1455Theseben the injuries, losses, and damages that the seyd Fastolf hath had, as well withynne this royaume of England as in othir parties in maner and fourme as it ensewith.First, it is to consider how that the seyd Fastolf hath benvexed and troubled seth he came last into this lande by the myght and power of the Duc of Suffolk, and by the labour of his counseill and servaunts in divers wyses, as in grete oppressions, grevous and outrageous amerciemants and manye grete horrible extorcions, as it may appere more pleynly by a rolle of articles thereuppon made, the damages of which entenden to the somme ofV. ml. marc.Item, the seyd Fastolf hath be gretely damaged and hurt by the myght and power of the seyd Duc of Suffolk and his counseill, in disseising and taking awey a maner of the seyd Fastolf, called Dedham, in the counte of Essex, to the value of C. marks of yerly rent which was halden from the seyd Fastolf by the terme of iij. yere day and more, to his grete hurt, with CC. marks in costs exspended in recouvere of the same, the some in all,Vc. marc.Item, there ys cast in to the Kyngs hands by untrew forged offices and inquisicions, supposed to be founde by dyvers eschetours in the countees of Norffolk and Suffolk, iij. certeyn maners of the seyd Fastolf, to the value of C. marks yeerly, which seyd offices and inquisicions were never dewly founde,but forged by untrue imaginacions and meenys of certeyn persones hys eville willers, as it hath be confessed by thos that were appoynted and named to be uppon the enquestys; and by the maliciouse labour of his seyd evylle willers, the seyd maners have ben troubled and put in plee this iiij. yere day and more, to the damage and costs of the seyd Fastolf, the sommeVc. marc.Item, the seyd Fastolf hauying the yeft of the Baronyes and Lordshipp of Sillie Guillem57.1and Lasuze, in the countee of Mayn, to hym and to his assignes for ever, the which weren goten by the seyd Fastolf, and no charge to the King, for the value and denombrement [number] of iiij. ml. saluz57.2of yerly rent, he was commaunded by the Kinges lettres to deliver upp the sayd baronyes and lordshipps to the Kyngs commissioners, promyssyng hym, by the Kyngs commaundement to have be recompensed therefor, as the seyd Fastolf hath to shewe, and he not recompensed nor rewarded no thing for the levyng of his seyd baronyes and lordship, tothe damages of the seyd Fastolf of the somme ofml. ml. v.c[2,500] marc.Item, wher as the seyd Fastolf had a prisonner of his owen taking, called Guill’m Remond,58.1which was raunsonned, and agreed to pay hym for his raunson with the marks the somme of xxxij. ml. saluz, the prisonner, withoute knowelege or licence of the seyd Fastolf, was take awey from hym by the Duc of Bedford, then beyng the Kyngs Regent of Fraunce; and with the seyd prisonner he caused the towne of Compyn, than leyng in the Frensh partye ys gouvernaunce, for to be yeldyn to the Kyng, and to his seyd Regent in his name; and the seyd Fastolf, after long pursewts made to the Kyng and his conseill, was recompensed but to the value of ml. vjc. saluz in lands in Normandye, when they fortuned to falle into the Kyngs hands, which lands he hath also lost. And also the seyd Fastolf hath lost the residue of the seyd raunson, besyde the seyd lands, to the somme ofml. ml. ml. ml. marc.Item, the seyd Fastolf ys yhyt owyng for his porcion and part for the recompens and reward that shuld growand be dewe to hym for the takyng of John, callyng hym Duc of Alauncon, at the batayle of Vernell,59.1which that payd for hys raunson xl. ml. marks, which rewarde, besyde the Lord Wyllughbye ys part, shuld extend to the somme ofml. ml. ml. ml. marc.Item, ys dewe to the seyd Fastolf, by the execucion of the last wylle and testament of John, Duc of Bedford, whos soule God assoyle, for prestys and othir charges for saufgarde and keping of certeyn forteresses, castellys, and townes, and for othir costs, prests, and charges by hym born in his service, as it may appiere in certeyn articles writen in a rolle partic’lerly of the same, the somme ofiiijml. Dc. iiijxx. xix. [4,599] marc, vs.6d.Summa totalis xxjml. iiijxxxix. [21,099] marc, vs.6d.Item, seth the last comyng over of the seyd Fastolf into this royaume, as by the space of xv. yere and more, he hath born grete costs, charges, and expenss, at alle tymes intending uppon the Kyngs highnesse and the Lordes of his counseille, as he hath had in commaundement, and was his part to doo; for the which and for all the service that he hath doo to the right noble Prince Kyng Herry the iiijthe,ayle [grandfather] to our Souvragn Lord that now ys, and to the most victorious Prince and Kyng, his fader, whos soulys God assoyle, and also to our seyd Souvereyn Lord, he hath had, nouther fee, wagys, reward, ne recompense in this his royaume of England, but hath born it of hys own propre godys, at all tymys to the Kyngs honour and prouffit as to his power, which ys to hymright grevouse and chargeable, trusting to have be considered and rewarded as othir men of suche deservyng have be in the tymes of the right noble progenitours of our seyd Souvreyn Lords, late Kyngs of this seyd reaume.There is a corrected draft of the above paper, in William Worcester’s handwriting, among the PastonMSS.in the British Museum, on the back of which are the following additional memoranda:—Thees been the prestys and sommes of money that the [sic] Sir John Fastolf, knyght, hath lent to oure seid Soverayn Lorde that now is, at his commaundement in his grete necesitees, at divers tymes with in this his reaume of England:—Item, the seid Fastolf lent to oure seid Soverayn Lorde, in the moneth of September, the xv. yer of his seid regne, as it appereth at the seid recept of Westminster, the somme ofmlli.It is also to be remembred that the seid Fastolf hath lent to oure seid Soverayn Lord, in the moneth of Feverer, the seid xv. yer of his noble regne, as it appereth at the Kynges receyt of Westminster, the somme ofmlmarc.Item, the seid Fastolf lent to our seid Soverayn Lorde, for the viage of Sir Thomas Kiriel, and of his retinue in to the Duchie of Normandye, in the xxviij. yer of his noble regne the somme of CC. marc. Also afore that tyme in the Kynges grete necessite ageyn the coronacion of the Quene, at his forseid commaundement, the somme of Cli.Somme of botheiijc. xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.60.1Item, the seyd Fastolf lent to the voyage that Thomas Danyell made in to Breteyn, as it is notorily knowen, of which he ys not yhyt payd, the somme ofCli.Item, the seyd Fastolf hath born grete charge and cost of a lone made for the spede and help of a voyage whych the Erle of Shrewysbury now last made in to the Kynges Duchee of Gyen,———60.255.1[From Fenn, iii. 260.] The date of this paper is determined by the last paragraph, showing that it was composed fifteen years after Sir John finally left France in 1440.57.1Sir John took the castle of Sillie le Guillem in 1425, and from which he was dignified with the title of baron.—F.57.2The salute was a gold coin of HenryVI.current in France for £1, 5s. English.—F.58.1In 1423 he took the castle of Pacy, the governor whereof was Guillaume Reymond.—F.59.1This battle was fought in 1424.—F.60.1So inMS.The total should be £100 less.60.2A blank.310FASTOLF’S CLAIMS AGAINST THE CROWN61.1A Declaracion of the Costs which Sir John Fastolf was at, ben without this royaume.Thedeclaracions of certeyn prests, costys, and chargys don and born by Sir John Fastolf, aswel in the tyme of the moste noble and victoryouse Princes of blessed memorie, Kyng Herry the iiijthe,Kyng Herry vth,as in the tyme of our Souvereyn Lord Kyng that now is, in hys werrys by yend the see, as by the articles that folowen more pleynly apperyth:—First, it ys to be remembred that to the sayd Fastolf ys owyng for divers costys and chargis by hym born for the tyme that he occupied th’office of the Constabulrye of Burdeux for the saufgarde of the Kyngys Duchie of Guyen, as it apperith pleynlye by accompt made of the sayd office of Constabulrye, remaynyng in the Kyngs Cheker at Westminster of record, wherof he yet nouther had payement nor assignement of, the somme ofijc. xxvijli.xvs.iijd. ob.Item, in like wyse there ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for wagys for hys service don to the Kyng, and to the Duc of Clarence, beyng the Kyng ysLieutenant in the seyd Duchie of Guyen, as it may appere under suffisaunt writing, the somme ofijcijli.xs.Item, in lyke wyse ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for costys and chargys that he bare when he was Lieutenant of the towne of Harflew62.1in Normandie, as yt shewith by a debentur made to the seyd Fastolf, with hym remaynyng,Cxxxiijli.vjs.viijd.Item, in lyke wyse ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for the keping and vytaylyng of the Bastyle of Saint Anthoyne in Paris, as it apperith by writing suffisaunt and by the creditours of Sir John Tyrell, Knyght, late Tresourier of the Kyngs house, remaynyng in the Escheker of Westminster of record, the somme ofxlijli.Item, there ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for the saufgarde of the toune of Fount Melank62.2in the parties of Fraunce, as it apperith by accompt therof made in the Kyngs Escheker of England of record, the somme ofiiijxxixli.xs.iiijd.ob. q.Summa xlij. marc ixs. q.And in semblable wyse, over all this ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for prests and wagys of hym and his retenues beyngin the Kings service in his royaume of Fraunce and duchie of Normandie, as wel abowte the saufgarde and gouvernaunce of his tounys, castell, and forteresses of Alaunson, Fresney Le Vicounte, Vernell, Honneflete, as for othir grete causys and charges born and payd in the Kyng our Souvereyn Lord ys dayes that nowys, for the avauncement of his conquest, the good and utilite of hym, of his seyd royaume and duchie forseid, as it apperyth oppenly by accomptys made in the Chambre of Accompts of Paris and Roon, wherof the vidimus remaynen with the seyd Fastolf, and also by certeyn debentur conteynyng the seyd sommes, redy to shewe, wherof the seyd Fastolf hiderto hath had nouther payement nor assignacion, the somme ofv. ml. iiijxxij. marc, xiijs.iijd. ob.sterling.Summa totalis vj. ml. cxxv. marc, ixs. ob. q.There are two drafts of the preceding statement among the PastonMSS.in the British Museum, besides an imperfect draft hereafter mentioned. These appear to have been drawn up as early as the year 1452. One of these is in William Worcester’s handwriting; the other is a fair copy from it, with further corrections, in his hand. The document printed above embodies all the corrections in the second paper, and corresponds with it almost exactly in every point, except that the latter places the second item relating to the Duke of Clarence at the very end of the account, and contains the following additional entries:—And beside all this, there is yet owyng to the sayd Fastolf uppon the voyage that Thomas Danyell made into Bretayn, as it is openly knowen, the somme ofCli.Item, overe this the seyd Fastolf lent to the voyage that Sir Thomas Kyryell made into Normandye, in the xxviij. yere of the regne of the Kyng our Souverain Lorde, the somme of CC. marc; also lent to the Kyng afore that tyme in his necessite the somme of Cli.The somme of both,ijc. xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.And also the seyd Fastolf hath borne grete charge and cost of alone made for the spede and helpe of the voyage whiche the Erle of Shrowysbury64.1now last made into the Kynges duchie of Guyenne, to whom God graunte good expedicion, as it shewith by suffisaunt writyng, for whiche at the commaundement of my Lord Cardynalle64.2the seyd Fastolf made a chevyssaunce and leyd to wedd [i.e.pawned] the substaunce of his pore juellys, in the whiche chevyssaunce the seyd Fastolf hath lost xxxvijli., and is like to lese more herafter, by cause he is not of poer to quyte hem oute; the seyd juellys lyne as yet to plegge for the somme ofiiijcli.Somme of the prestys and debtys abofe rehersed,ijml. xlv. markes, vjs.vd. ob.The following is written on a separate paper, on the back of which occurs the imperfect draft above referred to.Item, overe all thys grete debtes dew at thys day to the seyd Fastolf, he desyryth and prayth that it may be pondered and concydered the grete lossez and damages that he hath susteyned and born, as well in the parties of Fraunce as in thys land; as at one tyme lost the somme and value of iiijml. mark for Guillem Remond, hys prysonnere, that agreed to pay for hys raunsom xxxijml. salux. The seyd prisonnere was take awey from hym, and delyvered the toune of Compyne in to the obbeissaunce of our Souvereyn Lord. Also the reward that the seyd Fastolf shuld hafe hys part for the takyng of the Duc off Allaunson, whych shuld mount for hys seyd part iiijml. [4000] markes, the grete losse that he hath in delyveryng upp the baronye of Syllye Guillem, in the counte of Mayn, be thout [without] recompense or reward, whych was gevyn to hym and hys assigneez in the value of ml. ml. [2000] salux off yerly rent. Also the lesyng of hys pore lyvelode in Normandie that was of the yerlyvalue of65.1mark. The grete importune lossez and damages that he hath had seth he came into England, whych hys evylle wyllers the officers and servauntes of the Duc of Suffolk have, be thout [without] cause resonable, made hym leese, as in causyng hym to be disseised wrongysly of iiij. of hys maners of Dedham, Beyton, Bradwell, Hykelyng, and Tychewell, to the value of ijc. [200] mark of yeerly rent; besyde othyr damages and lossez by colours of the lawe, and by menys of extorcions, as it may shew by a rolle of articles to the value of vjml. [6000] markes.61.1[From Fenn, iii. 268.] This appears to be a supplementary paper to the preceding. Two other copies or drafts of this paper exist among the PastonMSS.in the British Museum.62.1Sir John Fastolf was Lieutenant of Harfleur in 1415.—F.62.2Pont Meulent was taken in 1422.—F.64.1John Talbot, first Earl, sent to France in 1452 to recover Guienne for the English; killed the following year in endeavouring to relieve Castillon.64.2Cardinal Kemp.—Seevol. ii. p. 160, Note 7.65.1Blank inMS.iiijxxixli.xs.iiijd. ob. q.text has italic “a” for “d” in “iiijd.”311NOTE‘Many of the letters in this collection,’ says Fenn (iii. 261, Note 1), ‘mention the disputes between the Duke of Suffolk and Sir John Fastolf concerning different manors and estates.’ This remark is made with reference to the complaints against Suffolk inNo. 309preceding. Only two of these letters have been seen by the present editor.312ABSTRACT65.2Sir John Fastolf to John Paston.Sends by his servant an instruction to be engrossed, corrected by Paston’s advice, and a remembrance concerning Walsingham, which I hope by your help ‘shall be corryged.’ Certain friends of yours and mine have been here, and desire me to write to you ‘for your friendship and good will, passing all other men’s.’[The date of this letter is quite uncertain, but it was probably written some time during those later years of his life when Sir John Fastolf resided at Caister. The signature, like some others during that period, is not in Fastolf’s own hand.]65.2[FromMS.Phillipps, 9735,No.239.]No. 239.. after “No.” invisible313LORD CROMWELL TO JOHN PASTON66.1To my right trusty ffrend, John Paston, Squier.Before1456Trustyand welbeloved frend, I grete you wele. And for as much as hit is don me to understande that there is a greet straungenesse betwix my right trusty frend John Radcliff and you, withoute any matier or cause of substaunce, as I am lerned; wherfore, in as much as I love you wele bothe, I am not content hit shulde so be.Praying you hertly to forbere the said straungenesse on your partie to suche tyme as I speke with you next my self, leting you wite I have wreten to him to do the same; and that ye faile not herof, as I may do any thing for you herafter. And our Lorde have you in His keping.Wretin at London, the x. day of Fevrier.Cromwell.66.1[From Fenn, ii. 290.] This letter was attributed by Fenn to Humphrey Bourchier, who was created Lord Cromwell in the first year of EdwardIV., and it was accordingly placed by him in that reign. The signature, however, of which Fenn gives a facsimile, is not that of Humphrey Bourchier, Lord Cromwell, but of Ralph, Lord Cromwell, who died on the 4th January 1456.314BOTONER TO JOHN PASTON66.2To my maister, John Paston.1456JAN. 6Pleaseyour maistershyp to wete that I had sent yow word of the god chiere that the persons ye wote off had here uppon New Yeer Day, and how well they toke it, but W. Barker coude playnly enforme yow. AndJohn Sadler of Ocle told me how they avaunted of it when he of Lynne came by hym at nyzt lyeng, that he had neider better chier, &c.My maister demaundyth me sondry tymes when ye shall be here. I coude not sey till thys day be passed. William Geney shall be here to morn, so wold Jesus ye were her then. I asked licence to ryde yn to my contree, and my maistr dyd not graunt it; he seyd hys wille was for to make, &c. Y aunsuerd it fyt not me to know it. God gefe hym grace of holsom councell, and of a gode disposicion;non est opus unius diei, nec unius septimanæ.My Lord Bedford wylle was made yn so bryeff and generall termys, that yn to thys day by the space of xx. yeer can neider hafe ende, but all wey new to constrew and oppynable; so a generallte shall ne may be so gode as a particuler declaracion.I wryte blontly. I had foryete to hafe told yow Maister Fylongley meoved me to enforme my maister to hafe a generalle pease, so it myzt be worshypfull. Y hafe seyd no word, for I can not medle yn hygh maters that passyth my wyt; and therfor yff ye and W. Geney mete to gheders, ye know and can devyne best what ys to be doon. Our Lord be with yow.Wryt hastly, vj. day Januar.W. Botoner, H.R.66.2[From Fenn, iii. 256.] By the reference to the Duke of Bedford’s will as having been in dispute for twenty years, it would appear that this letter was written in the beginning of the year 1456. Bedford died at Rouen on the 14th September 1435.315BOTONER TO JOHN PASTON67.11456(?)Please yow to wete that my maister67.2yn allwyse wille that I ryde to Dedham to speke with Broke as well as wyth the stuard, and to gefe aunsuer to Broke yn whate wyse he wille depart for the reuersyn; he was ryd or I came home. And my maister wille comyn with yow for the moyens of a chauntuarye to be founded of the place ye wote off; y seyd hym such chargeable maters wold be doo betyme to know the certeyntee. And a greter lak ysyn hym, he taryeth so long to put all thynges of charge yn a sure wey; hyt ys for lake of sad councell to moove hym. And I most be at Castre by Thursday next; and I pray yow let me not be lete of my voyage yn to my contree, and I shall kepe Yorkesshyre with Spyrlyng, or such as shall ryde. The parson68.1with yow shall do well sort my maister evidences, and that ys one the grettist thyng nedefull for the seurtee of hys lyfelode; and so it wold be remembred hym, for now all thyng ys sett at appoynt, how it standyth with hys debtys and officers, except that mater of grettist charge, and also to provyde for the approwement of hys lyfelode.W. Botoner.And, syr, yff ye thynke to done (think it to be done), to meofe Cler of the acre lond, but gefe hym no credence yn the contrarye, for I shall preffe it trewe yn my seyng for onye man lyvyng. He that wille dysseyve hys servaunt yn maryage for so litell a thyng, he wold disseyve another frende yn a gretter thyng. He sekyth occasyons and querell to colour hys brekyng off.

48.2Here, says Fenn, follows an account of some law business, etc.

48.3Fought in 1403 between King HenryIV.and the rebel Percies.

49.1‘Nicolas Radford,’ says Fenn in a note, ‘was an eminent lawyer, and resided at Poghill, near Kyrton.’ In Pole’sDescription of Devonshire, p. 219, we find that one Nicolas Radford dwelled at Upcot in HenryVI.’s time, ‘after whose death controversy arose betwixt John Radford of Okeford and Thomazin, sister of the said Nicholas,’ who had married Roger Prous.

49.2A hutch was a coffer or chest standing on legs.

49.3A flight was ‘a light arrow formed for very long and straight shots.’—Halliwell.

49.4Archbishop Bourchier.

50.1The King was at Hertford, as appears by the Privy Seals, in August and September 1455, and not improbably in October also.

Sir John Fastolf ‘to my right trusty Brother, Nicholas Molyneux.’

1455OCT. 30

As I come not to London this winter, I beg you to see to my Lord’s matters, and labour to my Lord of Canterbury and Master John Stokys for the recovering of my Lord’s50.3[good]s. No man can say more in the matter than you where his goods are, ‘and where they be disposed,’ especially those that Sir Rob. Whytynham50.4had. Also the Lord Cromwell had ‘a certain number of plate.’ Your costs shall be paid out of the first money received. Hears from John de Leawe, one of Lord Willoughby’s executors, that they will labour to my Lord Beaumont to advance the process for recovery of his part of the reward for the taking of the Duke of Alençon. Fendykes, a learned man of the Temple, will help with his advice. Commend me to my sister your wife.Castre, 30 Oct.In Worcester’s hand, and endorsed by him.— ‘A John Paston et John Bokkyng.’

Castre, 30 Oct.

In Worcester’s hand, and endorsed by him.— ‘A John Paston et John Bokkyng.’

[During the winter of 1455-56 we find several allusions to this claim put forward by Fastolf to the goods of the late Duke of Bedford. Unless we are to infer from the manner in which Lord Cromwell is mentioned that he was dead when this letter was written, it is probably of the year 1455.]

50.2[FromMS.Phillipps, 9735, No. 228.]50.3The Duke of Bedford.50.4Sir Robert Whityngham died on the 4th November 1452.—Inq. post mortem, 31 Hen.VI., No. 47.

50.2[FromMS.Phillipps, 9735, No. 228.]

50.3The Duke of Bedford.

50.4Sir Robert Whityngham died on the 4th November 1452.—Inq. post mortem, 31 Hen.VI., No. 47.

To the ryght worshypfull Sir, John Paston, and to my brothyr, John Bokkyng.

1455NOV. 13

Pleaseit yow to have yn knowlege that y veele well my maister takyth gretely to hert the materes whych he hath wryt to you uppon the execucion of my Lord of Bedford ys godes, and in especiall for the recuveryng of hem, as well as of Sir Andreu O.51.2executors as of Sir Robert Whytyngham, &c. to th’entent that it myght be opynly knowe yn hys lyve tyme that they be not yn his gouvernaunce no part of it, and that hys factors after hym shuld not be troubled ne charged for it. And seth the seyd mater ys of so grete wyght and charge, and that he takyth it so gretely to hert, puttyng hys grettist trust yn yow, to remembre thys seyd mater by avyse of hys councell lerned, both spirituell as temporell, that ye wolle not delay it, but wyth all your entencion remembred there, as ye by your wysdoms shall thynk it moste expedient, that som fruyt may grow of it.

There ys ynowgh whereoff, and it myght be recuvered, John Bokkyng, ye know ryght moch yn thys mater, and mooste of my maister ys entent hereynne. And therfor, for myne acquytaille, y wryte to you to shew the chieff wrytynges of the copy of endentures of Sir Robert Whytyngham, and of othyr wrytynges concernyng that to Maister Paston, that he may be more rypelyer grounded yn the seyd mater when heshall comyn wyth my Lordz of Caunterburye, Cromewell, and with onye of my maister councell. And our Lord kepe you.

My maister carpyth so oft on it dayly, and that meovyth me to wryte to yow both. Att Castre, xiij. day of November.Your,W. Wor-H.R.-cestre.

51.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] On the 11th November 1454 Sir John Fastolf wrote to Paston about the goods of the Duke of Bedford, but the subject recurred to his thoughts for more than a year afterwards, and particularly in January 1456, when all the other executors of the Duke were dead. This letter is certainly before the death of Lord Cromwell, and therefore not later than 1455; but it seems to indicate much greater solicitude on the subject than Fastolf showed in the preceding year.51.2Sir Andrew Ogard, who died on the 13th October 1454.—Inq. post mortem, 33 Hen.VI., No. 25.

51.2Sir Andrew Ogard, who died on the 13th October 1454.—Inq. post mortem, 33 Hen.VI., No. 25.

To my right wurshipfull husbonde, John Paston, be this delivered, in hast.

1455NOV. 25

Rightwurshipfull husbonde, I recomaunde me unto you. Plesith you to witte that myn aunt Mondeforthe52.2hath desiryd me to write to you, besechyng you that ye wol wochesafe to chevesshe for her at London xxtimarke for to be payed to Mastre Ponyngs, outher on Saterday or Sonday, weche schalbe Seint Andrwes Daye, in discharchyng of them that be bounden to Mastre Ponyngs of the s[ei]de xxtimarke for the wardeship of her doughter, the weche xxtimarke she hath delyvered to me in golde for you to have at your comyn home, for she dare not aventure her money to be brought up to London for feere of robbyng; for it is seide heere that there goothe many thefys be twyx this and London, weche causeth her to beseche you to content the seide money in dischargyng of the matre, and of them that be bounden, for she wolde for no goude that the day were broken. And she thankyth you hertely for the greet labour and besynesse that ye have had in that matre, and in all others touchyng herand hers, wherfore she seithe she is ever bounden to be your bed-woman, and ever wolle be whyle she levethe.

My cosyn, her sone, and hese wife recomaundethe them unto you, besechyng you that ye woll weche safe to be her goode mastre, as ye have ben a fore tyme; for they be enformed that Danyell is comen to Rysyng Castell, and hes men make her bost that her mastre shal be a yene at Brayston withinne shorte tyme.

Ferthermore, as for the matre that my sone wrote to me for the boxe wheron wretenFalce Carte Sproutethat I shulde enquer of William Wurcestre wher it were, the seide William was not at home sen that I had hes letter; but as sone as he comethe home, I shall enquere of hym, and sende you an answer.

As towchyng for your leveryes, ther can noon be gete here of that coloure that ye wulde have of, nouther murrey, nor blwe, nor goode russets, undrenethe iijs.the yerde at the lowest price, and yet is ther not j nough of on clothe and coloure to serve you. And as for to be purveid in Suffolk, it wul not be purveide nought now a yenst this tyme, with oute they had had warnyng at Michelmesse, as I am enformed. And the blissed Trenyte have you in his kepyng.

Wreten at Norweche, on Seint Kateryn Day.Be your,Margaret Paston.

52.1[From Fenn, iii. 252.] St. Andrew’s day fell on Sunday in 1455 and 1460. This letter must be written in one of these two years, and the probabilities are greatly in favour of the former, as John Paston and William Worcester were not on good terms after the death of Sir John Fastolf.52.2Osbert Moundford, Esq. of Hockwold, married Elizabeth, daughter of John Berney, Esq., and by her had Mary, their daughter and sole heir, who married Sir William Tindale, Knight of the Bath.

52.2Osbert Moundford, Esq. of Hockwold, married Elizabeth, daughter of John Berney, Esq., and by her had Mary, their daughter and sole heir, who married Sir William Tindale, Knight of the Bath.

Sir John Fastolf to John Paston.

[1455]DEC. 11

Thanks him for his pains in the advancement of his ‘chargeable matters.’ Was never so much bound to any kinsman as to Paston, who tenders so much his worship and profit. Sends Worcestre with important letters to my Lord Privy Seal and the Abbot of Bermundsey, and would like Paston to common with them. Thanks him for informing him of the answer made to the bill of Wentworth, ‘which I know had stand in great jeopardy had not ye be.’ Sendshis evidences concerning Bradwell, that the Judges and Parliament may have better consideration of his right, and of the patents granted to Paston and Howys in that behalf. Desires credence for William Worcestre.Castre, 11 Dec.

Castre, 11 Dec.

[The date of this letter must be between the year 1454, when Sir John Fastolf settled at Caister, and 1458, as he was not alive in December 1459. The reference to Parliament fixes it more precisely, as 1455 was the only year during this period in which Parliament sat in December.]

53.1[FromMS.Phillipps, 9735, No. 262.]

Copie of my fader Bynghames lettre to my fadre F.

About1455

Righthonorable and reverend maistre, after due and hertely recomendacion, I thank yow als hertily as I can that it likith your gode maisterschip, of your godnesse, to let to ferme to my son Scrope the pouer enheritance that he schal enherit after your decesse, if God will that he life therto. And I hafe for my saide son comonde with my maistres of your counsell, that is to sey, Paston and other, and I fynde them not straunge, bot right streyte to dele with in the mater; and therfore my saide sone, and I for hym, must sue to the well of mercy, that is to say, to your honurable person, where is special refuge for my saide son in this cas. My saide son is and hath be, and will be to hys lifes ende, your true lad and servaunt, and glad and well willed to do that myght be to your pleaser, wirschip, and profit, and als loth to offend yow as any person in erth, gentill and well disposid to every person. Wherfore I besech your gode grace that ye will vouchesafe remember the premissez, my saide sons age, his wirschipfull birth, and grete misere for verrey povert, for he hath had no liflode to life opon sithen my lady his moder deed, safe x. marc of liflode that ye vouched safe to gife hym this lastyer, and therfore to be his good maister and fader. And thof he be not worthy to be your son, make hym your almesman, that he may now in his age life of your almesse, and be your bedeman, and pray for the prosperite of your noble person. And if I durst, for your displesance, I wolde besech yow that ye wolde vouchesafe lat my saide son hafe the saide lifelode to ferme for terme of your life, payng to yow therfore yerely CC. marc at ij. festes of the yere, that is to say, Cristemasse and Middesomer, and ye schall be paied hit truly at London, in Hillary terme for the feste of Cristemasse, and Trinite terme for the feste of Midsomer; and I will be bounden for hym and [i.e.if] your maisterschip will vouchesafe to take me, and he and I schall ever pray for yow. And thof the saide lifelode be better to yow in availl yerely then I offer yow therefore, this summe of CC. marc schal be truly paid to yow yerely; and God, that rewardeth every gode dede, schal pey for hym the remenant to yow, for every peny an C., in relesyng of yow in Purgatory, or ellys encresyng of your merite in Heven. And how your maisterschip will that my saide son schall do in this mater, I besech yow that he may be certified be your writing.

54.1[From CastlecombeMSS., Add. 28,212, f. 26, B.M.] This letter has been printed by Mr. Poulett Scrope in his privately printedHistory of Castle Combe. From evidences contained in other of the family muniments, Mr. Scrope supposes it to have been written about the year 1455, which is probably not far from the true date. Compare Letter 349 following.

Billa de debitis Regis in partibus Franciæ Johanni Fastolf militi debitis.

1455

Theseben the injuries, losses, and damages that the seyd Fastolf hath had, as well withynne this royaume of England as in othir parties in maner and fourme as it ensewith.

First, it is to consider how that the seyd Fastolf hath benvexed and troubled seth he came last into this lande by the myght and power of the Duc of Suffolk, and by the labour of his counseill and servaunts in divers wyses, as in grete oppressions, grevous and outrageous amerciemants and manye grete horrible extorcions, as it may appere more pleynly by a rolle of articles thereuppon made, the damages of which entenden to the somme of

V. ml. marc.

Item, the seyd Fastolf hath be gretely damaged and hurt by the myght and power of the seyd Duc of Suffolk and his counseill, in disseising and taking awey a maner of the seyd Fastolf, called Dedham, in the counte of Essex, to the value of C. marks of yerly rent which was halden from the seyd Fastolf by the terme of iij. yere day and more, to his grete hurt, with CC. marks in costs exspended in recouvere of the same, the some in all,

Vc. marc.

Item, there ys cast in to the Kyngs hands by untrew forged offices and inquisicions, supposed to be founde by dyvers eschetours in the countees of Norffolk and Suffolk, iij. certeyn maners of the seyd Fastolf, to the value of C. marks yeerly, which seyd offices and inquisicions were never dewly founde,but forged by untrue imaginacions and meenys of certeyn persones hys eville willers, as it hath be confessed by thos that were appoynted and named to be uppon the enquestys; and by the maliciouse labour of his seyd evylle willers, the seyd maners have ben troubled and put in plee this iiij. yere day and more, to the damage and costs of the seyd Fastolf, the somme

Vc. marc.

Item, the seyd Fastolf hauying the yeft of the Baronyes and Lordshipp of Sillie Guillem57.1and Lasuze, in the countee of Mayn, to hym and to his assignes for ever, the which weren goten by the seyd Fastolf, and no charge to the King, for the value and denombrement [number] of iiij. ml. saluz57.2of yerly rent, he was commaunded by the Kinges lettres to deliver upp the sayd baronyes and lordshipps to the Kyngs commissioners, promyssyng hym, by the Kyngs commaundement to have be recompensed therefor, as the seyd Fastolf hath to shewe, and he not recompensed nor rewarded no thing for the levyng of his seyd baronyes and lordship, tothe damages of the seyd Fastolf of the somme of

ml. ml. v.c[2,500] marc.

Item, wher as the seyd Fastolf had a prisonner of his owen taking, called Guill’m Remond,58.1which was raunsonned, and agreed to pay hym for his raunson with the marks the somme of xxxij. ml. saluz, the prisonner, withoute knowelege or licence of the seyd Fastolf, was take awey from hym by the Duc of Bedford, then beyng the Kyngs Regent of Fraunce; and with the seyd prisonner he caused the towne of Compyn, than leyng in the Frensh partye ys gouvernaunce, for to be yeldyn to the Kyng, and to his seyd Regent in his name; and the seyd Fastolf, after long pursewts made to the Kyng and his conseill, was recompensed but to the value of ml. vjc. saluz in lands in Normandye, when they fortuned to falle into the Kyngs hands, which lands he hath also lost. And also the seyd Fastolf hath lost the residue of the seyd raunson, besyde the seyd lands, to the somme of

ml. ml. ml. ml. marc.

Item, the seyd Fastolf ys yhyt owyng for his porcion and part for the recompens and reward that shuld growand be dewe to hym for the takyng of John, callyng hym Duc of Alauncon, at the batayle of Vernell,59.1which that payd for hys raunson xl. ml. marks, which rewarde, besyde the Lord Wyllughbye ys part, shuld extend to the somme of

ml. ml. ml. ml. marc.

Item, ys dewe to the seyd Fastolf, by the execucion of the last wylle and testament of John, Duc of Bedford, whos soule God assoyle, for prestys and othir charges for saufgarde and keping of certeyn forteresses, castellys, and townes, and for othir costs, prests, and charges by hym born in his service, as it may appiere in certeyn articles writen in a rolle partic’lerly of the same, the somme of

iiijml. Dc. iiijxx. xix. [4,599] marc, vs.6d.

Summa totalis xxjml. iiijxxxix. [21,099] marc, vs.6d.

Item, seth the last comyng over of the seyd Fastolf into this royaume, as by the space of xv. yere and more, he hath born grete costs, charges, and expenss, at alle tymes intending uppon the Kyngs highnesse and the Lordes of his counseille, as he hath had in commaundement, and was his part to doo; for the which and for all the service that he hath doo to the right noble Prince Kyng Herry the iiijthe,ayle [grandfather] to our Souvragn Lord that now ys, and to the most victorious Prince and Kyng, his fader, whos soulys God assoyle, and also to our seyd Souvereyn Lord, he hath had, nouther fee, wagys, reward, ne recompense in this his royaume of England, but hath born it of hys own propre godys, at all tymys to the Kyngs honour and prouffit as to his power, which ys to hymright grevouse and chargeable, trusting to have be considered and rewarded as othir men of suche deservyng have be in the tymes of the right noble progenitours of our seyd Souvreyn Lords, late Kyngs of this seyd reaume.

There is a corrected draft of the above paper, in William Worcester’s handwriting, among the PastonMSS.in the British Museum, on the back of which are the following additional memoranda:—

Thees been the prestys and sommes of money that the [sic] Sir John Fastolf, knyght, hath lent to oure seid Soverayn Lorde that now is, at his commaundement in his grete necesitees, at divers tymes with in this his reaume of England:—Item, the seid Fastolf lent to oure seid Soverayn Lorde, in the moneth of September, the xv. yer of his seid regne, as it appereth at the seid recept of Westminster, the somme ofmlli.It is also to be remembred that the seid Fastolf hath lent to oure seid Soverayn Lord, in the moneth of Feverer, the seid xv. yer of his noble regne, as it appereth at the Kynges receyt of Westminster, the somme ofmlmarc.Item, the seid Fastolf lent to our seid Soverayn Lorde, for the viage of Sir Thomas Kiriel, and of his retinue in to the Duchie of Normandye, in the xxviij. yer of his noble regne the somme of CC. marc. Also afore that tyme in the Kynges grete necessite ageyn the coronacion of the Quene, at his forseid commaundement, the somme of Cli.Somme of botheiijc. xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.60.1Item, the seyd Fastolf lent to the voyage that Thomas Danyell made in to Breteyn, as it is notorily knowen, of which he ys not yhyt payd, the somme ofCli.Item, the seyd Fastolf hath born grete charge and cost of a lone made for the spede and help of a voyage whych the Erle of Shrewysbury now last made in to the Kynges Duchee of Gyen,———60.2

Item, the seid Fastolf lent to oure seid Soverayn Lorde, in the moneth of September, the xv. yer of his seid regne, as it appereth at the seid recept of Westminster, the somme of

mlli.

It is also to be remembred that the seid Fastolf hath lent to oure seid Soverayn Lord, in the moneth of Feverer, the seid xv. yer of his noble regne, as it appereth at the Kynges receyt of Westminster, the somme of

mlmarc.

Item, the seid Fastolf lent to our seid Soverayn Lorde, for the viage of Sir Thomas Kiriel, and of his retinue in to the Duchie of Normandye, in the xxviij. yer of his noble regne the somme of CC. marc. Also afore that tyme in the Kynges grete necessite ageyn the coronacion of the Quene, at his forseid commaundement, the somme of Cli.Somme of bothe

iijc. xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.60.1

Item, the seyd Fastolf lent to the voyage that Thomas Danyell made in to Breteyn, as it is notorily knowen, of which he ys not yhyt payd, the somme of

Cli.

Item, the seyd Fastolf hath born grete charge and cost of a lone made for the spede and help of a voyage whych the Erle of Shrewysbury now last made in to the Kynges Duchee of Gyen,

———60.2

55.1[From Fenn, iii. 260.] The date of this paper is determined by the last paragraph, showing that it was composed fifteen years after Sir John finally left France in 1440.57.1Sir John took the castle of Sillie le Guillem in 1425, and from which he was dignified with the title of baron.—F.57.2The salute was a gold coin of HenryVI.current in France for £1, 5s. English.—F.58.1In 1423 he took the castle of Pacy, the governor whereof was Guillaume Reymond.—F.59.1This battle was fought in 1424.—F.60.1So inMS.The total should be £100 less.60.2A blank.

55.1[From Fenn, iii. 260.] The date of this paper is determined by the last paragraph, showing that it was composed fifteen years after Sir John finally left France in 1440.

57.1Sir John took the castle of Sillie le Guillem in 1425, and from which he was dignified with the title of baron.—F.

57.2The salute was a gold coin of HenryVI.current in France for £1, 5s. English.—F.

58.1In 1423 he took the castle of Pacy, the governor whereof was Guillaume Reymond.—F.

59.1This battle was fought in 1424.—F.

60.1So inMS.The total should be £100 less.

60.2A blank.

A Declaracion of the Costs which Sir John Fastolf was at, ben without this royaume.

Thedeclaracions of certeyn prests, costys, and chargys don and born by Sir John Fastolf, aswel in the tyme of the moste noble and victoryouse Princes of blessed memorie, Kyng Herry the iiijthe,Kyng Herry vth,as in the tyme of our Souvereyn Lord Kyng that now is, in hys werrys by yend the see, as by the articles that folowen more pleynly apperyth:—

First, it ys to be remembred that to the sayd Fastolf ys owyng for divers costys and chargis by hym born for the tyme that he occupied th’office of the Constabulrye of Burdeux for the saufgarde of the Kyngys Duchie of Guyen, as it apperith pleynlye by accompt made of the sayd office of Constabulrye, remaynyng in the Kyngs Cheker at Westminster of record, wherof he yet nouther had payement nor assignement of, the somme of

ijc. xxvijli.xvs.iijd. ob.

Item, in like wyse there ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for wagys for hys service don to the Kyng, and to the Duc of Clarence, beyng the Kyng ysLieutenant in the seyd Duchie of Guyen, as it may appere under suffisaunt writing, the somme of

ijcijli.xs.

Item, in lyke wyse ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for costys and chargys that he bare when he was Lieutenant of the towne of Harflew62.1in Normandie, as yt shewith by a debentur made to the seyd Fastolf, with hym remaynyng,

Cxxxiijli.vjs.viijd.

Item, in lyke wyse ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for the keping and vytaylyng of the Bastyle of Saint Anthoyne in Paris, as it apperith by writing suffisaunt and by the creditours of Sir John Tyrell, Knyght, late Tresourier of the Kyngs house, remaynyng in the Escheker of Westminster of record, the somme of

xlijli.

Item, there ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for the saufgarde of the toune of Fount Melank62.2in the parties of Fraunce, as it apperith by accompt therof made in the Kyngs Escheker of England of record, the somme of

iiijxxixli.xs.iiijd.ob. q.

Summa xlij. marc ixs. q.

And in semblable wyse, over all this ys owyng to the seyd Fastolf for prests and wagys of hym and his retenues beyngin the Kings service in his royaume of Fraunce and duchie of Normandie, as wel abowte the saufgarde and gouvernaunce of his tounys, castell, and forteresses of Alaunson, Fresney Le Vicounte, Vernell, Honneflete, as for othir grete causys and charges born and payd in the Kyng our Souvereyn Lord ys dayes that nowys, for the avauncement of his conquest, the good and utilite of hym, of his seyd royaume and duchie forseid, as it apperyth oppenly by accomptys made in the Chambre of Accompts of Paris and Roon, wherof the vidimus remaynen with the seyd Fastolf, and also by certeyn debentur conteynyng the seyd sommes, redy to shewe, wherof the seyd Fastolf hiderto hath had nouther payement nor assignacion, the somme of

v. ml. iiijxxij. marc, xiijs.iijd. ob.sterling.

Summa totalis vj. ml. cxxv. marc, ixs. ob. q.

There are two drafts of the preceding statement among the PastonMSS.in the British Museum, besides an imperfect draft hereafter mentioned. These appear to have been drawn up as early as the year 1452. One of these is in William Worcester’s handwriting; the other is a fair copy from it, with further corrections, in his hand. The document printed above embodies all the corrections in the second paper, and corresponds with it almost exactly in every point, except that the latter places the second item relating to the Duke of Clarence at the very end of the account, and contains the following additional entries:—

And beside all this, there is yet owyng to the sayd Fastolf uppon the voyage that Thomas Danyell made into Bretayn, as it is openly knowen, the somme ofCli.Item, overe this the seyd Fastolf lent to the voyage that Sir Thomas Kyryell made into Normandye, in the xxviij. yere of the regne of the Kyng our Souverain Lorde, the somme of CC. marc; also lent to the Kyng afore that tyme in his necessite the somme of Cli.The somme of both,ijc. xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.And also the seyd Fastolf hath borne grete charge and cost of alone made for the spede and helpe of the voyage whiche the Erle of Shrowysbury64.1now last made into the Kynges duchie of Guyenne, to whom God graunte good expedicion, as it shewith by suffisaunt writyng, for whiche at the commaundement of my Lord Cardynalle64.2the seyd Fastolf made a chevyssaunce and leyd to wedd [i.e.pawned] the substaunce of his pore juellys, in the whiche chevyssaunce the seyd Fastolf hath lost xxxvijli., and is like to lese more herafter, by cause he is not of poer to quyte hem oute; the seyd juellys lyne as yet to plegge for the somme ofiiijcli.Somme of the prestys and debtys abofe rehersed,ijml. xlv. markes, vjs.vd. ob.

And beside all this, there is yet owyng to the sayd Fastolf uppon the voyage that Thomas Danyell made into Bretayn, as it is openly knowen, the somme of

Cli.

Item, overe this the seyd Fastolf lent to the voyage that Sir Thomas Kyryell made into Normandye, in the xxviij. yere of the regne of the Kyng our Souverain Lorde, the somme of CC. marc; also lent to the Kyng afore that tyme in his necessite the somme of Cli.The somme of both,

ijc. xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.

And also the seyd Fastolf hath borne grete charge and cost of alone made for the spede and helpe of the voyage whiche the Erle of Shrowysbury64.1now last made into the Kynges duchie of Guyenne, to whom God graunte good expedicion, as it shewith by suffisaunt writyng, for whiche at the commaundement of my Lord Cardynalle64.2the seyd Fastolf made a chevyssaunce and leyd to wedd [i.e.pawned] the substaunce of his pore juellys, in the whiche chevyssaunce the seyd Fastolf hath lost xxxvijli., and is like to lese more herafter, by cause he is not of poer to quyte hem oute; the seyd juellys lyne as yet to plegge for the somme of

iiijcli.

Somme of the prestys and debtys abofe rehersed,

ijml. xlv. markes, vjs.vd. ob.

The following is written on a separate paper, on the back of which occurs the imperfect draft above referred to.

Item, overe all thys grete debtes dew at thys day to the seyd Fastolf, he desyryth and prayth that it may be pondered and concydered the grete lossez and damages that he hath susteyned and born, as well in the parties of Fraunce as in thys land; as at one tyme lost the somme and value of iiijml. mark for Guillem Remond, hys prysonnere, that agreed to pay for hys raunsom xxxijml. salux. The seyd prisonnere was take awey from hym, and delyvered the toune of Compyne in to the obbeissaunce of our Souvereyn Lord. Also the reward that the seyd Fastolf shuld hafe hys part for the takyng of the Duc off Allaunson, whych shuld mount for hys seyd part iiijml. [4000] markes, the grete losse that he hath in delyveryng upp the baronye of Syllye Guillem, in the counte of Mayn, be thout [without] recompense or reward, whych was gevyn to hym and hys assigneez in the value of ml. ml. [2000] salux off yerly rent. Also the lesyng of hys pore lyvelode in Normandie that was of the yerlyvalue of65.1mark. The grete importune lossez and damages that he hath had seth he came into England, whych hys evylle wyllers the officers and servauntes of the Duc of Suffolk have, be thout [without] cause resonable, made hym leese, as in causyng hym to be disseised wrongysly of iiij. of hys maners of Dedham, Beyton, Bradwell, Hykelyng, and Tychewell, to the value of ijc. [200] mark of yeerly rent; besyde othyr damages and lossez by colours of the lawe, and by menys of extorcions, as it may shew by a rolle of articles to the value of vjml. [6000] markes.

61.1[From Fenn, iii. 268.] This appears to be a supplementary paper to the preceding. Two other copies or drafts of this paper exist among the PastonMSS.in the British Museum.62.1Sir John Fastolf was Lieutenant of Harfleur in 1415.—F.62.2Pont Meulent was taken in 1422.—F.64.1John Talbot, first Earl, sent to France in 1452 to recover Guienne for the English; killed the following year in endeavouring to relieve Castillon.64.2Cardinal Kemp.—Seevol. ii. p. 160, Note 7.65.1Blank inMS.

61.1[From Fenn, iii. 268.] This appears to be a supplementary paper to the preceding. Two other copies or drafts of this paper exist among the PastonMSS.in the British Museum.

62.1Sir John Fastolf was Lieutenant of Harfleur in 1415.—F.

62.2Pont Meulent was taken in 1422.—F.

64.1John Talbot, first Earl, sent to France in 1452 to recover Guienne for the English; killed the following year in endeavouring to relieve Castillon.

64.2Cardinal Kemp.—Seevol. ii. p. 160, Note 7.

65.1Blank inMS.

iiijxxixli.xs.iiijd. ob. q.text has italic “a” for “d” in “iiijd.”

‘Many of the letters in this collection,’ says Fenn (iii. 261, Note 1), ‘mention the disputes between the Duke of Suffolk and Sir John Fastolf concerning different manors and estates.’ This remark is made with reference to the complaints against Suffolk inNo. 309preceding. Only two of these letters have been seen by the present editor.

Sir John Fastolf to John Paston.

Sends by his servant an instruction to be engrossed, corrected by Paston’s advice, and a remembrance concerning Walsingham, which I hope by your help ‘shall be corryged.’ Certain friends of yours and mine have been here, and desire me to write to you ‘for your friendship and good will, passing all other men’s.’

[The date of this letter is quite uncertain, but it was probably written some time during those later years of his life when Sir John Fastolf resided at Caister. The signature, like some others during that period, is not in Fastolf’s own hand.]

65.2[FromMS.Phillipps, 9735,No.239.]

No. 239.. after “No.” invisible

To my right trusty ffrend, John Paston, Squier.

Before1456

Trustyand welbeloved frend, I grete you wele. And for as much as hit is don me to understande that there is a greet straungenesse betwix my right trusty frend John Radcliff and you, withoute any matier or cause of substaunce, as I am lerned; wherfore, in as much as I love you wele bothe, I am not content hit shulde so be.

Praying you hertly to forbere the said straungenesse on your partie to suche tyme as I speke with you next my self, leting you wite I have wreten to him to do the same; and that ye faile not herof, as I may do any thing for you herafter. And our Lorde have you in His keping.

Wretin at London, the x. day of Fevrier.Cromwell.

66.1[From Fenn, ii. 290.] This letter was attributed by Fenn to Humphrey Bourchier, who was created Lord Cromwell in the first year of EdwardIV., and it was accordingly placed by him in that reign. The signature, however, of which Fenn gives a facsimile, is not that of Humphrey Bourchier, Lord Cromwell, but of Ralph, Lord Cromwell, who died on the 4th January 1456.

To my maister, John Paston.

1456JAN. 6

Pleaseyour maistershyp to wete that I had sent yow word of the god chiere that the persons ye wote off had here uppon New Yeer Day, and how well they toke it, but W. Barker coude playnly enforme yow. AndJohn Sadler of Ocle told me how they avaunted of it when he of Lynne came by hym at nyzt lyeng, that he had neider better chier, &c.

My maister demaundyth me sondry tymes when ye shall be here. I coude not sey till thys day be passed. William Geney shall be here to morn, so wold Jesus ye were her then. I asked licence to ryde yn to my contree, and my maistr dyd not graunt it; he seyd hys wille was for to make, &c. Y aunsuerd it fyt not me to know it. God gefe hym grace of holsom councell, and of a gode disposicion;non est opus unius diei, nec unius septimanæ.

My Lord Bedford wylle was made yn so bryeff and generall termys, that yn to thys day by the space of xx. yeer can neider hafe ende, but all wey new to constrew and oppynable; so a generallte shall ne may be so gode as a particuler declaracion.

I wryte blontly. I had foryete to hafe told yow Maister Fylongley meoved me to enforme my maister to hafe a generalle pease, so it myzt be worshypfull. Y hafe seyd no word, for I can not medle yn hygh maters that passyth my wyt; and therfor yff ye and W. Geney mete to gheders, ye know and can devyne best what ys to be doon. Our Lord be with yow.

Wryt hastly, vj. day Januar.W. Botoner, H.R.

66.2[From Fenn, iii. 256.] By the reference to the Duke of Bedford’s will as having been in dispute for twenty years, it would appear that this letter was written in the beginning of the year 1456. Bedford died at Rouen on the 14th September 1435.

1456(?)

Please yow to wete that my maister67.2yn allwyse wille that I ryde to Dedham to speke with Broke as well as wyth the stuard, and to gefe aunsuer to Broke yn whate wyse he wille depart for the reuersyn; he was ryd or I came home. And my maister wille comyn with yow for the moyens of a chauntuarye to be founded of the place ye wote off; y seyd hym such chargeable maters wold be doo betyme to know the certeyntee. And a greter lak ysyn hym, he taryeth so long to put all thynges of charge yn a sure wey; hyt ys for lake of sad councell to moove hym. And I most be at Castre by Thursday next; and I pray yow let me not be lete of my voyage yn to my contree, and I shall kepe Yorkesshyre with Spyrlyng, or such as shall ryde. The parson68.1with yow shall do well sort my maister evidences, and that ys one the grettist thyng nedefull for the seurtee of hys lyfelode; and so it wold be remembred hym, for now all thyng ys sett at appoynt, how it standyth with hys debtys and officers, except that mater of grettist charge, and also to provyde for the approwement of hys lyfelode.W. Botoner.And, syr, yff ye thynke to done (think it to be done), to meofe Cler of the acre lond, but gefe hym no credence yn the contrarye, for I shall preffe it trewe yn my seyng for onye man lyvyng. He that wille dysseyve hys servaunt yn maryage for so litell a thyng, he wold disseyve another frende yn a gretter thyng. He sekyth occasyons and querell to colour hys brekyng off.

And, syr, yff ye thynke to done (think it to be done), to meofe Cler of the acre lond, but gefe hym no credence yn the contrarye, for I shall preffe it trewe yn my seyng for onye man lyvyng. He that wille dysseyve hys servaunt yn maryage for so litell a thyng, he wold disseyve another frende yn a gretter thyng. He sekyth occasyons and querell to colour hys brekyng off.

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