Life of Matthew Parker (Strype, 1821)/Book II/Chapter XVII

This is the enhanced reading edition of Chapter XVII, prepared according to the AnglicanWiki Editorial Guidelines for Historical Texts. It adds descriptive section headings, English translations of Latin passages (with the original preserved), verified internal links, and editorial notes clearly distinguished from Strype's text. Strype's wording, historical spelling, and substance are preserved.

The Archbishop judges a cause of contract of marriage. Fears of a French invasion in Kent. The Archbishop's service, and his letter to Court on this emergence. The evil condition of the nation at this time. The Archbishop's judgments of commendams for St. Asaph and small bishoprics. His care about the bishopric of Landaff, now void.

A Cause of Contract of Marriage

ABOUT this time also came a case before him, as judge thereof; in which a certain young gentleman, named Bernaby Goge, was concerned. He had been a retainer to Sir William Cecil the Secretary, and his relation, now a Gentleman Pensioner to the Queen; and for whom the said Knight had writ to the Archbishop, desiring his case might be heard according to law and equity. The business was; a young gentlewoman, named Mary, the daughter of Mr. Darrel of Kent, had privily contracted herself to Goge, without the knowledge of her parents. Which she seemed to do, to prevent her parents from marrying her to one Sampson Lennard, living at Chevening, a certain rich man, a Protonotary; but a person belike whom she could not affect; being not so much moved with the consideration of his money, as her parents were.

The Secretary's Intercession

The Secretary had writ to Lennard the father, (who depended also upon him,) in favour of his kinsman Goge, who had informed the said Secretary that he was hindered by Lennard's means from his marriage with Mr. Darrel's daughter, by disparaging of him; giving out that he was destitute of friends, and that the Secretary looked upon him but as one of his men. The Secretary wrote, that the matter was made plain to him by the maid's letter and her father's, that she had assured herself to Mr. Goge; and so praying Mr. Lennard to pleasure his honest kinsman, and to order his son to desist his suit, seeing she was engaged already.

Lennard's Answer

But Lennard with some heat answered the Secretary, that for his marriage, he might and must have done with honesty as he did, though it had touched his (the Secretary's) son, or the best subject's in the realm: shewing him, how her parents were very earnest, and more earnest than he, to bring about the match for his son, who indeed had a great amour for her. Whereupon, he said, he had often discoursed with the maid about matching with his son; when she, as well as her parents, seemed very inclinable, and never offered any delay to be his son's wife, but seemed desirous of it in word and gesture. But in truth, of these her two rivals, Mr. Goge had the greater share in her affections: and she entertained young Lennard chiefly in obedience to her parents, who were much for him because of his wealth. But Lennard the father, being by reason of his riches both proud and hasty, plainly told the Secretary at last, that he should be no gainer by this match, but should forego a thousand mark, which he might have had in matching his son with as good a stock in the country where he dwelt. And that now he and his son might give up the suit with honesty, and so would. For that he would have been too mad to match his eldest son, where any entangling was, and no stedfastness at all. And that his son now said, that though she would, he would not; and I say, saith he, he shall not have her. He shewed great offence against Goge, who, he said, seemed to have a hot head and a sick brain: and complained that he had written very disrespectfully to him. But this was after Goge had obtained some words from the gentlewoman, amounting to a promise. Which made him, when he could not draw her father to consent, to speak somewhat indecently to him: as that he would tell the Queen of him, and that a Serjeant at Arms should fetch his daughter from him, or that the Secretary should fetch her within a month.

The Archbishop's Proceeding

The Archbishop, to understand the business more fully, had the young woman before him, to learn from herself the state of the case; who remained firm and stable to stand to that contract which she had made. The father and mother also personally appeared; whom the Archbishop found most earnest against it, and pretended a precontract to Lennard. This he supposed they did, that it might serve as an occasion to draw the case into the Arches, to spend money. Which rich Lennard and the wilful parents would fain have done; thinking thereby to weary out Goge, peradventure not superfluously monied. But the Archbishop not liking these dilatory courses, though in his own Courts, meant to dull that expectation, [of going into the Arches,] resolving himself to go to work plane et summarie ("plainly and summarily"), without the tedious formalities of the law. In the mean time, he sequestered the young gentlewoman out of the parents' hands into the custody of one Mr. Tufton, a right honest gentleman, (for that was the character he gave of him,) until the precontract, which the parents pretended, were produced. I find no more of this business; and so cannot relate the issue thereof.

Lennard's riches, I suppose, might accrue to him by a wealthy office held by him and his father. For in King Edward's book of warrants for the seal, under the year 1550, there is specified the grant of the office of Pronotary, or Clerk of the Crown, to John Leonard and Tho. Leonard for life, and the longest liver, of the counties of Glamorgan, Monmouth, Brecknock, and Radnor, in all courts, terms, sessions, &c. together with the making and entering of all manner of writs, processes, declarations, &c. with all fees and profits thereunto belonging, without account making.

His Course in This Cause Justified

In this case our Archbishop may seem to some to be blameworthy: as though he gave too much countenance to children in disposing of themselves in marriage without or against the consent of their parents; and suffered himself to be biassed in his judgment, upon the Secretary's letter to him to favour his kinsman. But the ignorance of the circumstances of this business makes us uncapable of passing a true judgment thereon. Nor did the Secretary desire any thing else at the Archbishop's hands, than to take cognizance of the cause, and to proceed according to law and equity. Which whosoever governs himself by, cannot make an unrighteous decision. Neither did the Archbishop approve of matrimonial contracts made by children without the privity of their parents. But all he was now to do was to pass a judgment, where a contract had been already made; and it may be, to deliver a young woman from being matched with a person whom she loved not: and thereby to rescue both from an unhappy life; which might in all possibility have followed from a forced marriage.

Fears of a French Invasion

This year the French had prosperous success against the English. So that they, or rather the hand of God by a pestilence, which cost abundance of brave captains, as well as other soldiers, their lives, had forced this nation to surrender Newhaven to them, about August or September. In January following, the French forces lay upon the seacoast, over against Kent; which put the country, especially about Canterbury, in great fears and disorders, expecting no less than an invasion every moment. And the castles on that coast, as well as the people of the country, were altogether unprovided. This put our careful Archbishop upon despatching his letters to the Secretary, letting him know the condition of the county, and desiring to receive some comfort from the Court to animate the people.

The Archbishop's Letter to the Secretary

The sum of his letter was, "That the country there was in much perplexity and fear, doubting what might follow of the preparations they heard of, made by the French. That therefore he thought good to write to him privately, how small soever his skill in such cases was, trusting he would bear with it, in respect of his zeal to his country. That the fear indeed arose upon consideration, that Dover castle, Walmer and Deal castles, and Quinborow castle, were as forsaken and unregarded for any provision. The country was destitute of the Lord Warden and of a Lieutenant; whom in such straits men might resort to. The people but feeble and unarmed, and commonly discomforted."

The day he writ his letter, he sent his man to Thanet to Sir Henry Crispe; who, as the Archbishop proceeded to acquaint the Secretary, stood in much doubt. The said Sir Henry had understanding of a French pinnace to have searched as far as the Thames mouth, to know how the Queen's ships were appointed. And he thought they were like to land in Shepy, to keep the Queen's ships within the Thames, and not to come forth: whereby they might be the bolder to arrive where they intended.

The Archbishop added further, "That he feared, that if the country were not comforted, some folks of wealth would be removing their household and substance. Upon which example more might do the like. And, but that he reposed his whole trust and confidence, next to God, in the Queen's carefulness, and their prudent foresight toward that quarter, seeing no great trust in the furniture of men, munition, or artillery, he would else be carried with mistrusts of the worst, as others were most commonly."

As he had sent a servant to Thanet, so he sent another to Dover to the Lieutenant. Who sent word back, that the people in the town were amazed, and had their hearts cold, to hear of no preparation towards this feared mischief. Which caused the Archbishop to add, "That though they [at Court] saw fully all manner of proceedings, and could note the furthest sequel of them, yet in his opinion it were not amiss that some participation of advices proceeded into those quarters, to speed them abroad to the stay of the people. For to whom to go, upon whom to stay, they know not. He said, they had too few Justices; and between Canterbury and Dover none: wishing that Mr. Edward Boyes were one, whom he took to be an honest gentleman."

"He prayed his Honour to send him some information by his servant. Not that he could see any ability in himself to do service that way; yet he could, he said, cause his neighbours to trust well, and cause his Chaplains to comfort the people in their sermons in the poor villages: which was the best they could do in their skill. And so beseeching God to assist the Queen, and all their circumspections, ita maturare consilia sua ("so to hasten his counsels"), that peace and unity might still reign among them in their days." This was writ from his house at Bekesborn, Jan. 20.

A Second Letter to the Secretary

These fears still continued among them, and little was done at Court to the satisfying of the country. Only sixteen days after the Archbishop's letter, the Lord Cobham went to Dover castle; but a naked man, without strength of men. This put his Grace, now at Canterbury, upon writing a second letter to the Secretary: "Requesting him to be an instant means, to have special respects of the country there, to the Queen's Majesty and her Council: assuring his Honour that he feared the danger, if it were not speedily looked to, would be irrecuperable; if the enemy should have an entry, as by great considerations of our weakness, and their strength, of their vigilancy, and our dormitation and protraction, was like. And then the Queen's Majesty would never be able to leave to her successors that which she found delivered her by God's favourable hand. He said, that posts and letters with requests were sent, but little return was made, as he heard, and small aid and comfort came to the Lord Warden, a good gentleman, and that meant honourably. But what, saith he, can a man do more than may be done, by a man almost destitute of men, money, and arms?" He also desired to put it to their consideration, what were best to be done at that juncture with his two guests, which they had sent him; meaning Thirlby and Boxal. What order was sent back concerning them I do not find: but I suppose they still remained with him, and returned with him to Lambeth when he returned.

But by good providence these fears and dangers went off without any other harm done. For the Court was at this very time busily transacting a peace with the French: which about the beginning of the next year was concluded between both nations. And probably the French had made this great show of arms almost in the sight of England, thinking thereby to procure to themselves a more advantageous peace.

The Evil Condition of the Nation

In truth, about this time, the gravest and wisest men apprehended the kingdom to be in a very ill condition, not only in respect of France and enemies abroad, but of the loose and bad order of things at home. The Queen's subjects lived dissolutely, vainly, and luxuriously, with little fear of God and care of honesty, and in a neglect of that honour and obedience that was due to her. So that now the clouds gathered thick over the nation. Which Sir John Mason, an old and wise counsellor, Treasurer of the Queen's Chamber, well perceiving, exhorted much to the striking up a peace with France upon this necessity; that so the Queen might the better look after her concerns within the realm.

Sir John Mason's Letter

In March, being retired for his health into the country to Gonelsbury, he signified these his apprehensions, and suggested this counsel to the Secretary. The Secretary had in a former letter spoke of the present infirmities of the kingdom. The said Sir John in his answer told the Secretary, "That the cure of his own sickness was much lessened by his great care of the many sicknesses that he saw in the commonwealth; which was to him more dear than was either health or life. He wished to God they were but infirmities, as the Secretary had termed them, ac non potius xaxońlıs, seu quod genus morbi iis sit magis immorigerum, et ad sanandum rebellius. ("and not rather malignant corruptions, or what kind of disease may be more intractable to them, and more rebellious to healing.") And, (that worse was,) cum universæ partes corporis nobis doleant, a vertice capitis usque ad plantam pedis. ("while all the parts of the body ache, from the top of the head to the sole of the foot.") Dolorem tamen (for any care was seen to be had thereof) sentire non videmur: quod mentis agrotantis est indicium. ("Yet we do not seem to feel the pain (for any care was seen to be taken thereof): which is a sign of a sick mind.") A great argument whereof was, that in tot reip. difficultatibus, editur, bibitur, luditur, altum dormitur, privata curantur, publica negliguntur, ceu riderent omnia, et pax rebus esset altissima. ("in so many difficulties of the commonwealth, they eat, drink, play, sleep soundly; private affairs are cared for, public ones neglected, as though all things were laughing, and peace were most profound in the state.") The fear of God, whereby all things were wont to be kept in indifferent order, was in effect gone, and God seemed to weigh them, and to conduct their doings thereafter. The fear of the Prince went apace after, whereof they saw daily proof both by sea and by land. It was high time therefore for her Highness to take some good way with her enemy, and to grow with him to some reasonable end, yielding to necessity; cui ne dii quidem resistunt, et non ponere rumores ante salutem: ("which not even the gods resist; and not to place rumors before safety"): and to answer their friends in reason. So as rebus foris constitutis, ("foreign affairs being settled,") she might wholly attend to set things in better order at home. The looseness whereof was so great, as being not remedied in time, the tempest, he said, was not a little to be feared, cum tot coactæ nubes nobis minantur. ("while so many gathered clouds threaten us.") Which God of his mercy by the prayer of decem justi a nobis longissimè avertat. ("may He by the prayer of ten just men turn far from us.")"

The State of London

London also, the metropolis of the kingdom, was in ill case, by reason of the late plague, poverty, and other judgments: "There being, as the said Sir John Mason wrote, in the said city and about it, numbers of men in much necessity; some for lack of work, and some for lack of will to work. So that if they, with others that possessed the highest ways round about, were not by some good means kept in awe, he feared there would be ill dwelling near unto London." And therefore, whereas the Queen was intending to take a progress northward that summer, he advised to the contrary; and "he thought no good man would counsel her thereunto. That the Prince's face, turned towards these loose citizens, must needs be a great bridle to them. Whereunto he trusted her Highness would have good respect. Besides the great discomfort that needs must be to many of her good subjects there, to see her Majesty to turn her countenance from them."

Commendams for St. Asaph

Our Archbishop had an occasion offered him now in March, whereby to shew his wisdom and his care, both of the Church, and of the credit of those that were preferred to the government of it. The Bishop of St. Asaph, Dr. Thomas Davies, consecrated in the year 1561, enjoyed some benefices, together with the bishopric, without any legal warrant, or royal indulgence, as it seems, so to do. Whereupon, it being discovered, endeavours were made by certain persons to get themselves presented, and invested into those livings. This put the Archbishop upon suing to the Queen and her Council, that he might not be deprived of his small benefices, considering the smallness and incompetency of his bishopric. This being the cause of a Bishop within our Archbishop's province, and the Council valuing his judgment in matters of this nature, referred the thing unto him, to consider how meet and convenient it were to yield to his suit, and by what means his benefices might be legally continued to him. Concerning this he wrote his judgment unto the Secretary to this purpose: "That to the maintenance of his hospitality it were needful for him to obtain so much favour, for the commendam of his benefices, at the Queen's Majesty's hands, as to have her warrant to the faculties. Which grace, he said, was such as was commonly heretofore granted, when livings were better, and victuals cheaper. And though these commendams seemed, as he said, to be a kind of appropriation, yet that inconvenience might be thought less, than that the order of godly Ministers in that function should be brought to contempt for lack of reasonable necessaries. Which though before God it made no great matter, nor needed honest Ministers to be abashed within themselves, to expend no more than they may; yet the world looked for port agreeable. And wise grave men thought, there was done already enough toward that state for bringing superfluity to moderation."

The Archbishop's Judgment on Commendams and Pluralities

It was his judgment, that the port of a Bishop ought to be preserved, for his better countenance in the world; which is apt to despise the function when those that are of it are poor and live nearly. And though he did not like of commendams nor pluralities; yet in small bishoprics and preferments he thought them a less inconvenience, than that hospitality and the credit and esteem of the Clergy should be lost. Whereby religion itself might be subject to the contempt of the people: and lest any might object, that the Clergy were to be kept poor upon political accounts, he thought the Church had been sufficiently stripped, to prevent any evil that might arise to the commonwealth at any time from their pride or faction.

His Care about the See of Landaff

And as it was a piece of his paternal care that the Church should be full, and that the revenues thereof might not be more diminished, so the bishopric of Landaff, being now to be provided for, and the house called Mathern, belonging thereunto, being alienated, whether by Dunstan, the late Bishop, a monstrous dilapidator of that see, or by some other means; our Archbishop earnestly reminded the Secretary to procure some to be preferred to it, and to get the house restored back to the bishopric; that so it might be a means to oblige to residence such as should be admitted Bishops there. And signifying how highly convenient it were that Bishops should reside in their dioceses, he used these words; "That how little soever they did severally in their dioceses, it was a good stay in divers respects to the insolent affection of the people." Meaning that they would be awed by the presence of a spiritual father among them. This letter makes it evident, that Godwin's Catalogue is misprinted, where this Bishop is made to decease anno 1566, which should be 1563.

Editorial Notes

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Source: John Strype, The Life and Acts of Matthew Parker, the First Archbishop of Canterbury in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1821), Vol. I. Enhanced reading edition: section headings, Latin translations, verified internal links, and editorial notes added per the AnglicanWiki Editorial Guidelines for Historical Texts. Strype's text faithfully transcribed from the Google Books scan; spelling and substance as in the original.