September 22^nd 1460 The Westminster Chronicle Issue 14

The Earl of Essex, in his capacity as Lord Treasurer, announced that due to the state of the Royal finances, most Crown officers are to suffer salary cuts of up to 55%. These cuts are across the board; the Duke of York as President of the Council and the Treasurer himself are both accepting 10% reductions in pay as are all other Great and Lesser Officers of State.

The Royal household was drastically reduced in August in a cost-cutting measure. Those dismissed included many lifelong personal servants of his Grace. "I don't know what things're comin' too!" said Mistress Quickly, the King's laundrywoman. "Who's goin' to be doing his things the way he likes 'em now. It's a pretty thing when not even the king can't have his socks washed."

Among those replaced was the King's confessor, Bishop Lowe of Rochester. His lordship declined to comment save to state it is the king's prerogative to choose his own confessor. Archdeacon John Kingscoate of Carlisle replaces the bishop.

Hearts were moved by the long march in state as the Earl of Devon took the body of his brother, Sir Henry Courtenay, home for burial in the family vault.

Sir Henry died defending the barricades on the outskirts of Dartford against the Earl of Salisbury on February 15^th. He was buried in the small church graveyard the following week but his family reburied his body in the family church at Okehampton and it is understood a chantry will be founded in his name.

Rumours are circulating in Bristol that the Earl of March is feathering a love nest for his mistress. Although unconfirmed, it is known that retainers of the Duke of York spent upward of £50 on buying a house in Bristol, which the Earl of March later visited in the company of Lord Bolebec. Servants refused to comment on whether any ladies visited the lords that one night but neighbours claim a woman was seen leaving at dawn.

In a surprising example of prejudice, it seems that bastards of non magnate families are to be excluded from competing in the prestigious 'Bastards Cup' in the forthcoming Royal tournament at Smithfields this Michaelmas. In fact, England's two greatest knights may be barred from the competition.

The wording of the tournament invitation is ambiguous. In the case of Sir Anthony Wydeville, although merely a knight himself, his father is Lord Rivers and he may be allowed to compete. However, England's other great strength in the tourney is Sir Thomas Fauconberg and the rules of the tourney as published clearly bar any bastard under the rank of earl from competing, though anyone may enter for the lesser 'Lancelot du Lac Cup'. [See Sports column]

In an exclusive interview, Sir Thomas said, "I don't know what's going on. Apparently, Anthony and I are barred from crossing spears with these guys. I'd like to know who's going to beat these bastards if we don't. Until this morning, whoever won out of Anthony and I, I'd have put money on gold and silver for England. Now the cup's going to the continent."

Ricardo of Lincoln, ex-jester to the Earl of Northumberland, is detained at his Grace's pleasure pending trial for singing seditious songs and 'flapping his arms in prison.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Anthony Trollope, Master Porter of Calais. There is, as yet, no news of a reward.

Weather - Father Johannus predicts

The heatwave has continued into August and September, making this the hottest summer of the century. Across the country, farmers are reporting drought and the harvest is now expected to be a poor one. "If rain don't fall soon, it'll be famine!" said a Kentish farmer. Father Johannus says, "It's September, rain's bound to fall soon."

The city was reluctant to take up the new government bonds, worth a guinea on the pound. Critics accuse the Treasurer of severe error in increasing the Royal debt for no return. In answer, the Earl of Essex said, "The reasons behind the offer to increase the credit notes are that at the moment we can not repay them, this means we can either repudiate them and refuse ever to pay them, repay part of them or leave them outstanding, promising to honour them later.... The offer to increase the notes now and maybe in the future will keep the people happy and will make them easier to accept as they will have a chance of an increased value later on. This measure I believe gives the government time to arrange it finances before it has to start paying off its debts."

In reply, the Lord Mayor said, "Cor strike a light! Wot's goin' on 'ere ven? Vey don' care 'ow many buy ver bonds 'cos ver govermint ain't gonna ever pay aht! Stands ter reason, dunit?"

News has arrived that the Emperor Frederick III has ceded Holstein to King Christian of Denmark.

The Count of Charolais publicly criticised the policies of his father's government earlier this month. "What Burgundy needs is a more aggressive attitude toward France", said the Count. Duke Philip declined to comment upon his son's opinions but assured reporters that his ministers formed policy only with his agreement. "There are no plans to review Burgundian foreign policy at this time."

Bishop Waynefleet has announced that alterations to the nave of Winchester Cathedral are finally completed.

St. Asaphs Cathedral is to be rebuilt. Destroyed by Owen Glendower in 1400, no bishop has since found the cash to repair it. "I thank my brother, the Earl of Pembroke, for restoring this house of God to its rightful state." said Bishop Tudor. The work is expected to finish in time for Easter.

Peter Hansard commentates on the announced budget:

The Treasurer's recent announcement of salary cuts seems to have shocked some Crown officials but many observers saw it coming. Here are the main cutbacks. 

1) Great Offices: salaries reduced to £450 each, saving £350.

2) Lesser Offices: salaries reduced to £335 each, saving £180.

3) Wardenships: salaries reduced as follows - Warden of the Cinque Ports to £330, Steward of Lancaster to £425, Chamberlain of Chester to £330, Chancellor of Cornwall to £330, Constable of Wales to stay the same, Justiciar of Wales to £300, Keeper of the Northern Forests to £90, Keeper of the Southern Forests to £90, saving £265.

4) Military Appointments: Lieutenant of Ireland to £450, Warden of the Northern March to £900, Warden of the West March stays the same at £365, Captain of Calais to £450

Keeper of the Tower of London to £450, Master of the Ordnance to stay the same, saving £950.

5) Royal Constables to reduce all salaries by £5.

6) Stipends to Peers & Pensions: savings of £250.

7) To reduce the Royal Household to the minimum necessary to keep it running.

8) To cut the Court Overheads by as much as possible.

9) Offer to compound Royal debt to overseas creditors as much as possible.

Total calculated savings = £1745 + those from 7, 8 & 9. 

Several points are immediately obvious. Firstly, the last three items are vague and may produce no savings at all though there can be no doubt that the intention is there.

Secondly, the cuts are very uneven. Why is the Captain of Calais to take a 55% cut while the Constable of Wales takes none? Why does the Warden of the North March lose £300 while his colleague in the East March loses nothing?

Finally, the amount saved seems paltry compared to the size of the Royal debt of over £300,000.

The government finances are in desperate straits, clearly the Treasurer is doing all he can to improve the situation. However, I suspect the cuts as proposed will provoke howls of outrage as well as some genuine whimpers of hardship but there is still a lot of time before things become set in stone.

The King spent August and September in seclusion in the Tower of London. The Duke of York announced that, "the King is fasting for peace and will not appear in public until he has finished". The King intends to remain at home but he is not expected to receive visitors until further notice.

The Queen remains abroad, visiting friends.

Robert, heir to Lord Greystoke, married Elizabeth, daughter of Viscount Grey at Ruthyn castle September 1st. Here's a full report from Dame Alicia, our Society correspondent.

"The couple married on a beautiful summer morning under a blazing sky in utterly perfect weather. The bride wore a simple white gown with a minimum of jewellery and an ornate girdle, matching the groom's swordbelt, who wore full armour, cap-á-piéd.

Several hundred guests were present to witness the couple make their vows. Leading the congregation were the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk. The day before the wedding ceremony, the Duke dubbed the groom and the newly knighted Sir Robert maintained vigil throughout night but looked none the worse for wear on the day.

Lord Ferrers of Chartley represented the Duke of York and the government, presenting gifts to bride and groom and their parents. He gave the couple Dutch silver plate of considerable value and a dress for the bride. Viscount Grey received an inspiring painting of 'Doubting Thomas' by an up-and-coming English painter. Lord Greystoke received the title 'Hammer of the Brigands', a sword engraved with this title and a book, the latest edition of 'The Invader's Guide to Scotland'.

Obviously, the Ruthyn estates turned out in force but guests were astounded at the magnificence of the Greystoke retinue. Lady Greystoke wore a sumptuous dress of blue velvet studded with semi-precious stones. Her daughter, Lady Scrope of Masham, also wore a new dress with a daringly low neckline showing the fineness of her jaw to perfection. In contrast, Viscountess Grey chose not to eclipse her daughter by opting for an understated look.

Bishop Bird of St. David's performed the ceremony, assisted by Bishop Tudor of St. Asaphs. Bishop Tudor also baptised the baby born to Viscountess Grey in June, naming him Thomas: the Duke of Norfolk standing as Godfather."

The Earl of Northumberland announces that he is requesting from the King a marriage license for a marriage between Richard Percy, Lord Egremont and Anne Holand, Dowager Duchess of Exeter.

It seems there is to be a social event on Michaelmas Eve, September 28^th, as a prelude to the action the next day. It is expected that this event will be in the Royal Presence and there will be opportunities to present young ladies and gentlemen to the King in person. 

INVITATION TO THE PRE-TOURNAMENT BALL BAYNARD'S CASTLE 26.9.1460.

All those who receive a ticket for the tournament (Lords Temporal and Spiritual) will be allowed to attend the Ball with Partners (Bishops/Priors exempt) or eligible wards/ marriageable children. Prizes for best Poetry, Courtly Love Patter, dancing and clothes, to be awarded by Duchess Cecily of York.

Duke of York.

The king created Sir John Neville, brother to the Earl of Warwick, Lord Montagu on August 8^th.

Lord Roos is removed as Keeper of the Forests of the North. A replacement is yet to be announced but sources close to Court tout one of the recent new creations, possibly Lord Montagu, as the most likely recipients. 

Rumours also cite Lord Montagu as soon to be Warden of the Middle March, though this is unconfirmed and would seem to fly in the face of the recent truce with the Scots.

Weddings! It is so easy to get it wrong on the big day. Treat it as a business deal and ensure the purse conquers the heart every time! If you want love, find a mistress and a compliant priest for confessions but remember, getting that right dowry could lead to far greater fortune in future. Write to 'Chevalier SansAmour' for more details and helpful hints. P.O. Box 431

The Tourney:

Of course, the talk of the moment is the Royal tournament scheduled for next week. Excitement has been mounting this week as a magnificent pavilion and stands for noble spectators have gone up in Smithfields.

Thousands are expected to attend, including hundreds of gentle blood and guests from all over Europe. A source close to the Duke of York has revealed the guest of honour to be Charles, Count of Charolais, heir to the Duke of Burgundy.

Organisation is to be unusual and controversial with two separate competitions. Leading stars are the Bastard of Burgundy for Burgundy and the Bastard of Bourbon for France. These are two of the foremost jousters of Europe, feared and respected from Bordeaux to...er...somewhere in Germany and will meet in the 'Bastard's Cup'.

It was expected that Sir Anthony Scales and Sir Thomas Fauconberg would be facing them. But, in news that has been a great disappointment to supporters of English jousting who wanted to see England's best in the lists against the Great bastards of Europe, it now seems these English contestants will only be seen in the lesser 'Lancelot du Lac' cup.

The tournament is expected to draw heavy betting. Anyone wishing to place a bet may do so with the Westminster Chronicle's Wager Brokerage service.

The following is the text of the invitation that went out to all knights and persons of noble blood.

TOURNAMENT INVITATION: Chance your lance and reputation as Prince of the Tiltyard in the London Tournament, 29^th September 1460.

We are looking for the best - no one under the title of a baron or equivalent can put his name forward. Only Bastards who are the sons of Earls and upwards will be allowed to compete for the Bastard's Cup but the Lancelot Du Lac Cup will be for all comers in the event.

All Lords not wishing to take part in the tourney but want to watch can write to the Duke of York C/O Baynards Castle London for tickets. No price on tickets but donations to Saint Bart's Hospital will be expected as this is right along side Smithfield where the Tournament is to take place.

Duke of York

Open letter to the Queen,

I trust your highness is enjoying the comfort of foreign hospitality as we in England take on the responsibilities of government.

Considering the injustices inflicted on ourselves and our supporters, the new Government of Reconciliation has been very tolerant and willing to forgive those who wish to make their peace after the recent spilling of blood.

I will suggest that in this situation it is important that the King's government be allowed to see the Prince of Wales to see for ourselves that news that he is dead or disfigured by robbers is true. If you be in Scotland, this can be so arranged now. If you are in some place other, then that to can be arranged through the necessary parties.

Duke of York, Lord President of the Council. 

Editor - With the exceptions of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Viscount Beaumont, the new administration does seem more tolerant than the last. The Westminster Chronicle echoes the Duke's call for forgiveness and we add our own plea for the heir to the Throne to return to his father's bosom.

Open letter to the Privy Council,

My good lords of the King's Privy, I ask that you reconsider your recent imposition of the Earl of Oxford upon the people of Ireland as Lieutenant. Although right honourable and well meaning, he lacks the grace and understanding of our ways of some previous officers. For example, his current choice of the Earl of Kildare as his deputy has been criticised by many as political and he recently gave a banquet for the express purpose of publicly insulting a right noble family before all the nobility of Ireland.

I ask you lords, appoint one more in tune with our manners before my country erupts into open dissent, causing only grief and unhappiness for us all, on both sides of the Sea.

Yours in Loyalty, James, Earl of Desmond. 

Editor - So it seems the Irish are bitching about another Lieutenant. Some things never change. There seems little to worry about here, it's when they fail to complain that you know the Lieutenant isn't doing his job.

To the Cur Who Calls Himself Editor,

If I was in Prussia, I could have you torn into four quarters for your comments to my letter printed in your last issue.

You accuse of me of paganism for wishing to trade outside Christendom? Would you call the Venetians, Genoese and others pagans for trading with the Saracens?

I also understand that you have stolen your printing press from Herr Gutenberg in Germany. If I can prove this to be true, I will look forward to seeing you in the stocks.

In Westminster at the very least!

Conrad 'the Merciless" Schwarz of Peterborough, Imperial Knight of the Holy Roman Empire, Resident Alien and all round hard man. 

The Cur - Ah! When you said 'our future', you meant our commercial futures. Well that makes things a lot clearer, Sir, and I'm left with a profound relief that I moved back to the country of my birth when I did.

Incidentally, on the matter of theft of printing machines, I can say in my defence: a) I use a totally different method of printing to Gutenberg called 'ye bubble jet', b) the good man himself got the idea from places far abroad and c) even in those places there is no patent on printing machines. I have to say I respect and admire Gutenberg's work and I recommend everyone to pick up a copy of his bible. It's a work of art and may be worth a bob or two, one day.

To the Westminster Chronicle,

What is happening on the Scottish borders? Are we not men? The King of the Scots wishes to make merry with our recent misfortunes and conspires to invade us when our guard is down.

Let the noble Marcher Lords take fire and sword into that accused land - friends of our enemy in France. They shall not pass - go get them Harry Northumberland!

William Hague of Richmond 

Editor - Indeed, it does seem that King James sought to take advantage of our troubles when he besieged Berwick but have you ever heard the phrase 'better to jaw, jaw, jaw than war, war, war'? His Grace the Duke of Buckingham certainly put King James in his place without spilling English blood.

Wanted: mining engineer to work with varied types of situations. Skills with explosives an added bonus. Permanent position, will suit someone with plenty of imagination and vision. Accuracy a must. Please apply to Box X. Westminster Chronicle

Merchants from Burgundy have proof that the recent piracy has been caused by pirates operating out of Calais, and that these pirates have been operating under the protection of the Earl of Warwick. Unless compensation is received, the merchants feel that they will be obliged to petition for an increase in tariffs on English goods. Replies to: the Guild of Merchants, Court of the Duke of Burgundy. 

Why pay to have unused shipping sitting uselessly in dock? The company of Maritime Adventurers will pay you what you are paying, in exchange for the use of your vessel(s) for a new trading project. All replies considered. Reply to box #1001 at the Westminster Chronicle. 

Sir John Hotspur - He's Off !!? Says join him for a night of special prayer at Greyfriars Monastery in London. No alcohol, No Women, No Music and No Profane Language but Sir John says it should be a good chance for some wholesome piety instead. 

The Harrowing of Hell. Church authorities are worried that the torments of the damned look too lurid for common consumption and may encourage the feeble minded and those of ill breeding to emulate what they see on stage. Please ensure that this is enforced. 

Back copies of "Jousting Today, " "International Tourney" and "The Good Wench Guide" available. Will swap with anyone who has the issue of 'One Man and His Lance" with the Bastard of Orleans on the cover. PO Box 901. 

Trips Abroad. Latest luxury cruise in our best Cog "Queen of the Seas" is ready to sail. We have even cleared out the rats this time. Book early to avoid disappointment. We will be embarking from just below London Bridge. P.O. Box 621

New Eating House. ''Gluttons for Punishment ". Eat until your guts explode and then go back for more. We are located just above the tomb of the Duke of Gloucester, St. Paul's London. Our restaurant will supply you with anything you so desire. (See also our sister restaurants "Feast or Famine", "You are What You Eat", "The Four Horsemen'... and their Mother..." and " McDonaldze".) 

'Confessions of a Defrocked Friar'. Add a new bawdy book to your collection. If you have 'Shameless Under My Habit', 'Lord of the Stewes', 'Tales from the Privy' and 'The Tattooed Nun', then you must have our new publication. To obtain a copy, write to P.O. Box 321 

Emblems and Liveries. We stock all the most important badges and emblems for the politically astute gentleman and Lord about town. Take some with you but make sure you have the right one on when the going gets tough and the tough give you a good going over!

Well it's clear that many of you appreciate that Rosewar is entering a diplomatic phase after all the thud and blunder previously. Anyone not conniving may find themselves losing ground to the natural negotiators. J

With Christmas approaching, you should all be thinking, "How shall I handle my finances?" This point is important. With the recent changes in officials and the planned salary cuts, practically every one of you will have a different income to the start of the game. On top of that, 1461 looks like being a poor year for income anyway: everyone will probably find their income from landed estates down from the given.

You must decide how you're going to handle your cash. I think you have at least one turn before the crucial Christmas/ New Year but I thought I'd warn you all well in advance.

I am, of course, as ever, available to answer questions and ease the troubled mind. J

Real Life continues to impinge upon the much more interesting worlds of fantasy and regretfully we have to say goodbye to Simon Price. Simon's put a lot of effort into the game since he took over from Pauly and has been one of the best at getting orders to me on time. I'm sorry to see him go.

But that means we've a new player for Wydeville; please welcome Stuart Fieldhouse to the game as the new Lord Rivers. I'm sure you'll make him feel at home.

OK, I have to make the usual gripe about late orders. This turn was a little weird, though. About half of you got your orders to me roughly on time; most of the others were very late; three never got orders in at all, unlike Simon, who did.

The people I don't understand at all are those who send ginormous cheques for subs but no orders. Please! One without the other is pointless. If have to mail subs back, we all wind up paying money to the PO for nothing.

Now I'm working close to a full week and Claire's writing up at evenings and weekends, my opportunities to adjudicate are limited and if your orders are late, my adjudication will be late and everything just drags on and on. I know some of you are frustrated by the slow turnaround, well about half the turnaround is waiting for orders. I always remind you a week before the deadline, so you really can't claim surprise. Please, do everyone a favour and get those orders in on time. J

Claire continues the hard work of writing up. She's just started a post-doc so she has to work 9-5 in the lab and then come home to work evening and weekends. The schedule gets her down from time-to-time but about once a month we take a break and do something fun.

On October 23^rd, we spent a weekend in a very nice hotel in Cockermouth to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary. Despite some execrable weather, we had a couple of enchanting walks and a drive round the northwest lakes, which neither of us knows that well.

About three weeks ago, we drove out to Llangollen and let the freezing cold winds blow the cobwebs away.

Talking about freezing cold winds, we'll be spending Christmas in Grimsby, with Claire's grandmother. I hope you all enjoy your seasonal festivities, wherever you have them and with whom.

Merry Christmas and a Magic Millennium.J

There's absolutely no chance of getting turn 15 out before Christmas so the deadline for turn-15 orders is January 13^th 2000.