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Thursday June 1st 1461 The Westminster Chronicle Issue 27

Editor: Master William Caxton of the Worshipful Company of the Merchant Venturers

Address: Westminster, at the Sign of the Red Lion

 

York is Dead; Long Live York!

 

York Memorial Service at Fotheringay

 

Today, 1st June, a fair proportion of the nobility from both sides of the political divide have gathered for the late Duke Richard of York's 'Month's Mind' memorial service.

 

Mourning started yesterday with some guests still to arrive as John Kingscoate, archdeacon of London, sang a placebo last night at vespers. Bells then tolled through to matins early this morning, when Bishop Coppini of Terni, the personal Legate to England of Pope Pius II, officiated at the dirige.

 

Throughout the day, common folk came to lay wreaths, offer prayers and pay their respects. Then, late this afternoon, the young Duke Edward and his brother, Edmund Earl of Rutland, as chief mourners led the procession from the castle to the Collegiate Church of the Annunciation and St. Edward the Confessor, at Fotheringay (see p. 6 c. 5 for description).

 

The immediate family followed: the late Duke's wife, Dowager Duchess Cicely, his daughters: Dowager Duchess Anne of Exeter (now Lady Egremont), Elizabeth Duchess of Suffolk and Lady Margaret, leading her brother, Lord Richard (born here in Fotheringay just nine years ago), to the front pew.

 

Behind them came the in-laws: the Duke of Suffolk, the Duchess of Buckingham (sister to Duchess Cecily), the earls of Warwick and Essex, lords Despenser, Bergavenny, Montagu and Sir Edward Neville.

 

The Earl of Shrewsbury and the Countess of Northumberland led the late Duke's friends and colleagues: Viscount Grey de Ruthyn, lords Clinton, Grey de Powys, Stanley, Hastings, Hungerford (a ward, just appointed squire to the young Duke), Rothwire, Dowager Lady Hungerford, Sir William Blount, Sir Thomas Blount, Sir Anthony Wydeville, Sir Oliver Dudley, Sir William Lucy, Sir William Oldhall, Sir Richard Tempest and Sir William Zouche.

 

Lesser lights and local gentry were followed by children and poor of the parish, in mourning and holding torches. Finally, Dominican, Franciscan, Carmelite and Austinian friars accompanied five men in black, symbolising the Wounds of Christ, and five women in white as the Joys of Our Lady.

 

The Bishop of Exeter was originally to read the sermon but he and lords Fauconberg and Mountjoy had to demur due to matters of state. Instead Bishop Grey of Ely, present as a guest, stepped in at short notice to officiate the Requiem Mass, assisted by the archdeacons of London and Exeter, taking as the text for his sermon John 14:1-4, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."

 

After the service, the congregation returned to Fotheringay castle to feast upon the following menu:

First course: frumenty with venison, maumenye ryalle, boars' heads, fylettys en galentyne and roast swan, followed by a soletie in the shape of the York 'falcon and fetterlock' badge;

Second course: cokyntryce, blandissory, roast pig, roast heron and mutton tarts, followed by a soletie representing John the Baptist anointing Edward the Confessor;

Third course: plover, curlew, snipe, doucettes and junket. A soletie in the shape of the Virgin Mary nursing a white hart preceded the dessert of fruit and wafers washed down with malmsey.

 

Appropriately, there is no entertainment but the archdeacons of London and Exeter take turns reading from books of scripture and prayer while guests, in an atmosphere of solemnity, indulge in avid conversation over dinner.

 

Talk concerns the presence of the Earl of Shrewsbury and the Countess of Northumberland by personal invitation of Duke Edward and his mother. Rumour speaks of the Duke's desire for a rapprochement to Earl Percy, though it's thought not all the York family feel the same way (Edmund of Rutland being the most vociferous regarding events leading to his father's death at Leicester) but Duke Edward and his mother have gone out of their way to ensure all their guests are as welcome and comfortable as possible.

 

However, while manners are at their best and everyone is scrupulously polite in deference to the occasion, there are tensions in the air. Warwick was recently Talbot's prisoner in Gloucester and the two men faced each other in battle just a fortnight ago. It scarce seems possible their houses are about to be joined in alliance, yet here they both are.

 

So why is Talbot here? It is, of course, unseemly and unlucky to discuss matrimonial matters at what is essentially a funeral service but the Duke is said to be close to finalising a betrothal to either Talbot's niece or half-sister. If this proves true, it could signal a profound shift in the political balance of the country.

 

And there are notable absences: Sir Roger Vaughan is still recovering from wounds received at the battle of Rhuddlan; Lord Ferrers of Chartley and Lord Herbert are both busy in south Wales; while Bishop Neville and Lord Fauconberg are involved with the afforced Privy Council meeting in London. All have conveyed their official apologies and no doubt many are genuine. Which are not may prove significant.

 

However, as might be expected, most gossip regards the young Duke's political ambitions. With the Council rumoured to be choosing a Lord Protector, York is mentioned about as often as Beaufort and, despite his evident youth (he is still just twenty), he is regarded as a figure of great potential political significance.

 

And that is what this is all about. Bishop Grey's text for his sermon is perfectly appropriate for the occasion, reminding us all that Christ died for our salvation. But there is a subtext: the sermon can be read as Duke Edward talking about his father's 'political' house and calling his faithful to arms: "whither I go ye know, and the way ye know".

 

Duke Edward moves between tables, smiling, talking to guests, even pouring their wine as he listens to reminiscences about his father, but what we're really seeing is the Yorkist affinity rising like the Phoenix from the ashes of Leicester.

Resurrections can be both spiritual and political and, though genuine grief is present in quantity, this is a political funeral.

 

 

Politics – comment by Peter Hansard

Peter Hansard is unavailable this issue due to pressure of work in Council so Editor William Caxton covers his column.

Despite a lack of official pronouncement, or perhaps because of it, there's an air of watchfulness about the capital.

It's well known the Privy Council met mid-May at the Tower and the King has not been since before the rioting at Windsor. Rumours abound that the King is injured and near death so it came as little surprise when many of the nobility local to the Home Counties rode in to London yesterday to afforce the Privy Council.

 

The Privy Council is afforced typically when there is a perceived need for greater authority. With Parliament just over a fortnight away, the question to be asked is what matter demands afforcing the Privy Council that cannot be left for the Lords in Parliament?

 

There could be several answers but the most obvious is the appointment of a Lord Protector. If the King is indisposed, then someone must assume a degree of Royal privilege to open Parliament and it seems very likely that this is the case.

 

But some conjecture that the matter is more serious; that the King is on his death bed and what we are seeing is the run-up to a succession event. Of course, with the Prince of Wales still under-age, a Lord Protector will still be needed to govern in his name for a few years yet but the King's death would be a very different event to a mere temporary incapacitation and some clearly fear the established succession protocols may not be observed. However, whichever the case, the greatest question still remains 'who could serve?'

 

With the death of the late Duke of York, the only man with direct experience of the Protectorship has passed away. Those who could replace him are few, the Royal dukes, of which we have but five.

 

With questions still hanging over the Duke of Norfolk regarding his health and the known distaste of the Duke of Suffolk to become involved in matters outside East Anglia, opinion a fortnight ago seemed roughly equally divided between the dukes of York, Somerset and Buckingham. But in the last few days it seems Buckingham has fallen by the wayside and Somerset is edging ahead of York.

 

Of course, matters are far from settled but someone will have to open Parliament.

 

Other Home News

 

A merchantman, the St Nicholas of London, was boarded and taken as a prize off Sheerness in the Thames estuary yesterday. The pirate is rumoured to have been a Frenchman out of Boulogne. The attack follows the spread of rumours that the Earl of Warwick is no longer to be involved in the defence of merchant shipping not directly in Calais waters. Sir Thomas Fauconberg, Captain of the King's Ships, commented, "My uncle is Captain of Calais, had this happened in Calais waters, we would have intercepted the pirate but an attack elsewhere needs to be addressed by the Lord Admiral, now the Duke of Somerset."

Further attacks are expected once it becomes generally known that the Neville fleet is not to be involved in policing the waters away from Calais.

Public opinion is divided: many blame the current situation on the new Lord Admiral failing to get to grips with the job while others, principally London merchants, put the blame on the Nevilles for deliberately inciting piracy in an attempt to extort 'protection' charges for escorting merchantmen across the Channel. However, some shrewd observers say it was a mistake to remove the Earl of Warwick as Lord Admiral as he has proven himself to be the most effective Keeper of the Seas England has seen in the last decade.

 

The Earl of Worcester is likely to be charged with the murder of Sir Christopher Talbot in Parliament, say rumours in Bristol, Gloucester and York.

 

Lord Stafford of Grafton and Sir Richard Dymoke, sheriff of Gloucester, have acted firmly against the bandits who have been wreaking terror in the eastern borders of the county. However, crime elsewhere is spreading. A new group of vicious thugs is reported as operating out of the woods around Oxford, preying on merchants using the roads to Bristol, Gloucester and London and a rash of crime has broken out in a broad swathe stretching from Hounslow to Staffordshire. "Oi be blaiming demub'd sudders", complained one resident of the Chilterns, and a lady from Oxfordshire observed, "Well they're frightfully rough, not our sort at all, and some of them wear these red arrows on yellow, I suppose they're the sergeant-types? Well they seem no better: quite uncouth; from the North, I dare say."

 

Bills have been posted all over York: "Beware those who wear the Mulberry badge, for they seek to plant their master in place of the Royal Oak. Remember traitor Thomas whose head was stuck on Bootham Bar and see those traitors who would now help the Scots by striking at England's heart." Archbishop Booth and the Mayor confess themselves mystified but the mulberry is sometimes associated with the house of York.

 

Leicester has started rebuilding but repairs are hampered by a lack of a suitable director. Said archdeacon William Witham, "We've oodles of cash but no one to direct the bricklayers".

 

 

The Scots War

Percy is still subduing the Tweed valley and reclaiming the castles taken by the Scots, many of which have been deliberately damaged by the enemy to weaken England's northern defences in preparation for future attacks.

 

 

The Weather: Father Johannus Predicts - 67% Accuracy!

After several days of showers, a brief cold and windy spell heralded heavy downpours from the 26th to 29th, hampering travel considerably, particularly off road. The subsequent unseasonable cold snap remains in effect.

Father Johannus achieved 67% this time; and tomorrow? He says, "Tomorrow's weather will be just like today's."

 

 

Church News

John Shirwood is appointed archdeacon of Exeter. Already chancellor of Exeter cathedral, his appointment is seen as a sign of favour by Bishop Neville.

 

As one of the most lucrative archdeaconries in the country, Exeter was always expected to be the first to be filled but there remain three others still waiting nominations: Essex (£72), Gloucester and Huntingdon (both £84). With all three worth more than most, competition is expected to be hot. Please send all nominations to bishops Kemp of London, Carpenter of Worcester and Chedworth of Lincoln, respectively.

 

West Country News: – the Beaufort Wedding

 

The wedding between Henry Duke of Somerset and Elizabeth Lady Beauchamp de St. Amand in Salisbury at Pentecost, May 24th has to be the Society event of the year.

 

All the guests had assembled the previous evening. (in fact the groom himself did not arrive until quite late). The turnout was stellar: Queen Margaret and Prince Edward; the Dowager Duchess of Bedford Lady Rivers, the earls of Pembroke, Wiltshire, Essex; the Dowager Countess of Richmond; the Count of Évora (as envoy from the King of Portugal on matters of international import, nonetheless, this event was his first call on specific orders of his sovereign); viscounts Beaumont, Berners; bishops Chedworth of Lincoln, Waynefleet of Winchester, Hales of Coventry & Lichfield, Kemp of London, Tudor of St. Asaph's; lords Harington, Delaware, Strange, Montagu; Lady Roos; the abbots of Glastonbury and Cerne; the Prior of Easton; Sir Michael de Burgh, Sir Walter Chidiock, Sir George Fauntleroy, Sir Anthony Grosvenor, Sir William Mohun, Sir Anthony Rivers, Sir Charles Somerset, Sir Robert de Vere, Sir Edward Wadham and Sir Maurice Wrottesley as well as many lesser gentry from Dorsetshire.

 

The groom led the wedding party in procession from the Bishop's Palace to Salisbury Cathedral liberally distributing silver coin amongst the cheering throng along the route, which was richly decked for the occasion.

 

Security was much in evidence with several hundred men-at-arms, wearing the impaled arms of Beaufort and St. Amand, on guard against rumoured intrusion by followers of the Earl of Devon (rumoured to be unhappy with the Duke's examination of his administration of the Duchy of Cornwall). But such precautions proved unnecessary on this joyful day.

 

Once the groom and guests were in the church, fanfares announced the arrival of the bride. The crowd gasped to see her rich ivory dress brocaded with silver and gold thread; her gossamer veil allowed her beautifully arranged hair to show, kept in place with jewelled pins. Her demure manner, the epitome of the chaste bride, drew admiring comment as she confidently made her way into the cathedral accompanied by several maids of honour representing respected local families; wives and daughters of guests.

 

The bride's uncle, Richard Beauchamp, Bishop of Salisbury conducted the service. Well delivered and not overlong, the sermon proved a homage to the ideal of the family with the hope that the peace and joy of the marriage will spread across the realm.

Her son by previous marriage, the young Lord Beauchamp de St. Amand gave the bride away and the couple exchanged vows before kissing to great cheers throughout the cathedral.

 

The Queen then conferred the honour of lady-in-waiting on the bride before bride and groom left the cathedral under the crossed swords of a hundred ducal retainers.

 

The subsequent wedding feast at the Bishop's Palace was a scene of courtly grace: many courses of well-prepared dishes (including some purely for distribution to the almshouses and deserving poor) were eaten to fine music and singing.

 

The speeches, while not notable, were amusing, with the odd jest at the failure of the Earl of Devon to attend.

 

Then came the giving of presents: the Duke of Buckingham sent a damask wall hanging; the Earl of Oxford, a silver bed warmer; the Earl of Warwick, plate; the Earl of Pembroke, two superb palfreys; the Earl of Essex, a gold toast rack; Lord Herbert, a shawl and a book to bride and groom, respectively.

 

The Queen gave a gold sculpture of a hind inscribed ‘For the beauty that you have captured’, worth a fortune, Prince Edward of Wales gave the presentation speech: "To our sweet cousin of Beaufort who on this day has been joined to the beautiful Lady Elizabeth - she whose descent may be traced from William the Great Conqueror and Charlemagne, the sire of chivalry; accept this gift of gold that shall endure as long as your love, in the form of a hart which is as noble as thy blood. May God bless thy union, son of Lancaster and dearest Duke of England."

 

Only one minor incident threatened to mar the day, when Bishop Waynefleet savagely cut Lord Montagu, who was addressing the Queen. However the Earl of Wiltshire quickly smoothed ruffled feathers and drew away Lord Montagu for a long and pleasant discussion. Lord Montagu later told our reporter that Neville and Montagu are great friends of Beaufort and genuinely wish to be reconciled to the Queen.

 

Finally, bride and groom retired to the bridal suite to consummate their vows but the festivities continued into the night with much joy had by all.

 

News from Windsor

The Neville retainers, in high spirits after their recent victory near Maidenhead, have started singing a new song in their barrack room, “Marching through Berkshire”, part of which is given below for the information of minstrel troupes and the like:-

“Ring the good ol' bugle, boys, we'll sing another song,
Sing it with the spirit that will start the world along,
Sing it as we used to sing it near 3000 strong,
While we were marching through Berkshire.”
“So we made a thoroughfare to Windsor through the rain,
Hardly any fighting; we were laughing just like drains,
Treason fled before us, for resistance was in vain,
While we were marching through Berkshire.”
The words “near 3000 strong” are sung with heavy irony and much raucous laughter. Lord Warwick and his men are highly amused that their actual numbers are exaggerated by a factor of more than ten in the public mind. They recognise, however, that this is no more than a realistic estimate of their man-to-man capability.
There is another song popular among them, Gary Owen, possibly referring to one of their number responsible for capturing Lord Grey de Wilton. The stamping and clapping that accompanies this number makes the words too indistinct to be reported but includes a strange and repeated reference to “Gary Owen in Glory”.
 

 

Business News

The Polo Trading Company reports the Spice Road is being flooded by a new product – paper sheets for the purpose of sanitary ablutions while voiding the bowels. Apparently, far Cathay has abandoned its 500 year pilot scheme involving the use of money made from paper.

 

 

Foreign News

Westminster Chronicle exclusive – news from fabled Cathay! Korea, an exotic far eastern realm in fabled Cathay, seized the pirate haven of the Tsushima Islands (wherever they are) late last year.

 

The latest medical bulletin on King Charles of France reports no change but are hopeful for a recovery before Christmas.

 

Letters

 

Open Letter to the Mayor and Aldermen of London:

Worshipful sirs, since your right worshipful Mayor, though doubtless an honourable man and one of good business sense, appears to have failed his comprehension tests at grammar school, I shall write again in plain terms.

I perceive a threat to your trade between London and Calais and offer the protection of my private fleet. These ships are not financed from the Royal treasury but from my private purse, which contrary to popular opinion is not bottomless, especially after recent heavy expenditure I have endured due to criminal disturbers of the King’s Peace; hence my request for modest contributions to the ships’ maintenance. The protection is not compulsory and I have given specific orders that vessels refusing it are to be allowed to proceed at their own risk without let or hindrance. For men of business such as yourselves, it should be blindingly obvious that I am offering a business service (it is in truth something of a loss leader, as I believe you fellows describe such things). Sirs, I think you should rather criticise the disturbers of the peace and upstart rebels of no family; the low born meddlers and persons of malice that do constant harm to your trade, rather than lords such as I who love the Commons and seek their welfare, especially with regard to the maintenance of peace and accord and the security of good government by the King and his natural advisers, the great lords of Ancient Blood.

I hope this makes the matter clear. However, as your esteemed, worshipful Mayor has asked me to withdraw this protection, it is withdrawn. You must not blame me if subsequently your trade is disrupted by pirates, rebels or servants of the Adversary of France. Kindly note you should not assume it will necessarily be convenient for me to offer any further assistance if these circumstances arise. I can find profitable work for my ships elsewhere, and a more grateful home for any prizes that are taken.

For those more cautious I have arranged an alternative service, details of which will be found in an advertisement in the Westminster Chronicle. Your good friend, R. Warwick.

 

Editor: I think Mayor Lee was expressing a reluctance to pay again for a service theoretically covered by the customs and import duties. Shouldn't all this be the Admiral's job?

 

 

Sir, I wish to respond to the scurrilous letter in your issue of 17th May, 1461, from Jasper Tydder, Earl of Pembroke. As is well known, or ought to be, I was specifically asked to attend the Privy Council at Windsor by His Grace the noble Prince, Humphrey, Duke of Buckingham, and brought with me no more than the retinue that was lawful at the time I began my journey. At no time did I receive any command from the King, or any other person purporting to exercise authority on his behalf, to avoid Windsor or go “on my way” to some other place. On the contrary, The Duke of Buckingham subsequently requested my urgent assistance.

On my way to Maidenhead (which for those who don’t know is a principal bridging point over a minor obstruction known locally as the Thames) I was informed by report of the violent assault upon Windsor and the established Government by Pembroke and his confederates in enormous force. I hastened to secure the bridge at Maidenhead and sent warnings to various parties of the treason that was obviously being attempted. I secured such reinforcement as was available in the district – very limited because of the cowardice of the local peasantry – and was about to advance to the aid of the Dukes of Buckingham and Norfolk at enormous personal risk to myself when at the last moment, and without any prior arrangement, I was met by the most noble Duke of Somerset and his modest retinue. We agreed to advance to Windsor together for mutual protection and were almost immediately assailed by Pembroke and his entire pack of rebels.

It should be noted that Pembroke attacked, Somerset and I were merely making our way peaceably to Windsor. Is it credible, or even within the remotest bounds of possibility, that Pembroke would have dared attack my brother Montagu and me if we had had the 2500 men he claims were at my back? (I am not sure whether the Duke of Somerset’s men were included in this mythical total, but Somerset’s men were of course under his command, not mine. Our combined force certainly did not exceed Pembroke’s array and I estimate that it was smaller by some hundred at the least.)

As it is now well known, the righteous judgement of God was visited upon Pembroke and his friends. The Lord arose, and his enemies were scattered. I wish to publicly commend the great courage and manly virtues of the noble Duke of Somerset and my brother, Lord Montagu, for their part in crushing this hydra of sedition. Both are more than worthy of advancement and may reasonably expect reward from the Public Purse.

As for Pembroke, I am advised that it would be within my competence as High Constable to have him summarily beheaded. However that is too light a punishment, and so it is my purpose to have him brought before the Privy Council in due course by the good means of the right noble Duke of Somerset, whose prisoner he is.

(Signed) R. Warwick, High Constable, etc.

 

Editor: amazing the difference a matter of perspective brings.

 

 

Dear Mr Caxton,

Once again I find my self laying a dear brother to rest. Such is my sadness and dismay at his assassination (for that is what it was), I am considering withdrawing from the political arena and staying on my estates and flying my falcons for the hunt. I would only consider leaving if the Crown or realm where in danger such is my present feeling towards my brother peers.

Regarding Sir Christopher’s death: I have a name of the creature responsible and will do all in my power to bring him to justice even at the ruination of my estates and reputation! As to My Lord Arundel, this man I would not trust as far as I can throw him, for he above a few only is responsible for the mess at Windsor in my opinion. I look forward to the inquiry and hearing his excuses for attacking and murdering my men, also as to naming the creature who slew my dear brother.

It appears there are dark forces at work in the realm and I pray for His Majesty’s health and survival. I have also spoken to Lord Warwick and it seems we may have some common ground on certain things despite the recent events. We have both been manipulated by unseen forces. As I write, we have tried to reconcile our differences and start anew for the good of the realm. Yours in Sadness, J.Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury.

 

Editor: Talbot and Warwick manipulated? I wonder how long the good Earl's retirement will last? Not too long I hope if these 'dark forces' are to be resisted.

 

 

Dear Mr. Caxton

I would like to express my thanks to Viscount Carlisle for attempting to set the record straight in your last issue with regard to the Scottish campaign. In addition I offer my congratulations to all those involved in the Eastern front fighting for their outstanding efforts against the Scots.

As commander of the forces on the Western front I offer this report on the fighting for your interest.

Viscount Grey de Ruthyn and I led our forces through the counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland towards the borders where we witnessed the terrible destruction wrought by the raiders. We encountered and destroyed several raiding parties as we moved northward. The Scots seemed surprised to meet any resistance. The commander of the Western Scots forces was the Earl of Argyle whose army was besieging Carlisle as we approached. He withdrew north of the border and our army pursued - I was determined that he should not escape unscathed. We sacked the town of Canonbie and caught up with Argyle near Langholm where battle was joined. The battle was short and bloody, the Scots being disorganised and outnumbered. The fiercest fighting was centred around Argyle himself who was captured, but not without losses, amongst them my dear brother Sir William the Sheriff of Lancaster. After the victory at Langholm we made all speed to the east to assist in the fighting there, but upon our arrival at Jedburgh we heard of the success of the Lords Northumberland and Carlisle and of the capture of King James.

I trust your readers will find this account of interest - like Viscount Carlisle I believe people have the right to know the truth of these events from those on the spot who have risked their lives and lost those close to them.

Thomas, Lord Stanley and Man.

 

Editor: and on behalf of the commonalty, may I thank Lord Stanley not only for his kind words and eloquent description of the vicious and bloody fighting on the borders; not only for his personal bravery and leadership or the gallant sacrifices of his men (including his own brother), but also for the immense hard work he brings to every task he sets himself. If paired with the Duke of Somerset, they would be unstoppable.

 

Fotheringay Church

 

The Collegiate Church of the Annunciation and St. Edward the Confessor was founded by Papal Bull in 1412 in the parish church at Fotheringay with one Master of the College (currently Doctor Thomas St Just), one Master of Grammar, one Master of Singing, twelve fellows, eight clerks and thirteen choristers.

The Church tower is built of solid square blocks of stone, each level pierced with magnificent windows decorated with lancets, traceries and transoms. The top of the square part of the tower has four small turrets at the corners but the most striking feature is the beautiful octagonal lantern on the top of the tower. This is crowned with a crenellated parapet with eight pinnacles and decorated with a flagpole topped by the gilded falcon and fetterlock badge of the House of York.

The choir and nave of the church are vast, with side aisles and supporting buttresses. A porch connects the church with the College cloister that runs parallel to the nave. The cloister alone has eighty-eight magnificent stained glass windows. Throughout the College the use of glass is spectacular and lavish; the dominant colours are the House of York’s blue and murray and the imagery both ecclesiastic and heraldic.

The hexagonal pulpit is a masterpiece of its type. It has a slender plinth and narrow stair. The back features the Plantagenet Arms of England flanked by the Bull of Clare and the White Lion of March. Other heraldic displays within the church are the arms of Mortimer and de Burgh, of Lionel of Antwerp, Edward of Langley, Edward of York, Richard of Cambridge and of Castile. With the burial of Richard of York in the vault under the chancel, his arms too now decorate the walls.

 

Fotheringay Castle

Though Fotheringay Castle is a large edifice, its archaic motte-and-bailey design coupled with a comparative lack of flanking towers renders it weaker than it appears and it cannot be ranked at the forefront of England's military architecture. However, what it lacks in strength it makes up for in comfort and Fotheringay should better be viewed as a palace than a fortress. It has long been one of the principal seats of the House of York since Edward III gave it to his son, Edward of Langley and Duchess Cecily has taken it to be her widow's retreat.

 

Reviews & Entertainment News

Southwark Bear Garden reports that business has been very brisk with lots of bets going in last month. The owner was also pleased to report that he was able to loan out some bears for the latest play at 'The Fleapit' which needed them for the production of 'Grin and Bare It' by the celebrated ‘New Lewd’ playwright Piers Ploughman-Luncheon.

 

Lord Percy’s Players are to appear in York for the said Parliament. The latest shows will include ‘Stand Up and Be Mounted – an ode to a horse’, 'The Northern Light Shines the Brightest' and 'Take No Revenge the March of Hare.' Sir Percival Percy will again be performing all the main roles.

 

Sir Thomas Malory admits that his attempts to interest anyone in his projects has come to naught and has asked to be taken into protective custody to escape his creditors. It is understood Master William Caxton of Westminster has secured the exclusive publishing rights to Malory’s book ‘My Uncle Mort Arthur’.

Editor: not a bad read, actually, though I'll probably have to rejig a plot a little and the title definitely won't do. Malory does all his best work in prison so I'd better hold on to his contract.

 

The all-wench performing band ‘Winchester Geese’ tours Bristol in the very near future. They will be performing for a certain Lord who has asked them to go there specially.

 

Barry Potter & the Prisoner of Gloucester: thrill as three magical children thwart the evil Lord Talbotmort again – hilarious!

 

Master William Caxton and family will be visiting the parish of Sheen this Saturday, September 18th, for the annual opening of stately houses across London and Middlesex. He is looking forward to hob-nobbing and name-dropping with the highest in the land and is always open to bribes involving ice-cream.

He would also like everyone to know that his home address has changed and that they should pay particular attention to the last page of this publication when sending him cheques.

 

The Mechanisms of Government – Crown Finances

 

The King is personally responsible for running the country, which requires he maintain the machinery of government, consisting of his household and the essential offices of state.

But of course all this has to be paid for and it does not come cheap. The King's regular income comes from these sources:

Revenues                       Gross           Net

Shire Farms                                  £1372

County Boroughs                             £3280

Crown Lands                  £5779        £2369

North Wales                  £1782           £75

South Wales                  £1890         £567

Duchy of Cornwall            £2439        £1464

Duchy of Lancaster          £5413        £3872

County Palatine of Chester   £916         £209

Chancery, Mints, etc        £2814         £567

Ireland                        £2340         -£19

Total                                        £13776

Customs & Subsidies                       £30450

Grand Total                                 £44226

 

To tackle these in order:

Shire Farms: these are the annual returns from the various crown officers in the shires: coroners, escheators, bailiffs and sheriffs, plus the ancient feudal dues to the king and fines levied in the shire courts.

 

County Boroughs: 27 cities (counting the recent addition of Oakham) have been granted the status of shires in their own right, in return for an annual payment theoretically reflecting their worth. Unfortunately, these payments are based on estimates made at the time of charter and are rarely changed to take account of increases in valuation. Towns frequently petition to have their fees reduced due to penury caused by short or long term fluctuations in the local economy but there has been little attempt to update the original valuations. Furthermore many towns are adept at avoiding even their minimal obligations: London and Norwich being currently the worst culprits, so generally this is a seriously undervalued source of income.

 

Crown Lands: lands in the shires owned directly by the King brought in over £10,000 net before 1284, but have been reduced by a steady haemorrhage of grants over the centuries.

 

North Wales: the estates of the Principality of Wales are in theory very productive but most revenue has to be sunk back into administration and castle maintenance.

 

South Wales: a more settled area and therefore more productive, however Wales can be a severe drain on the Crown in times of rebellion, as with Glendower.

 

Duchy of Cornwall: the stanaries provide a good steady source of income provided the price of lead, tin and copper stays high.

 

Duchy of Lancaster: believed to have grossed over £14,000 in the time of John of Gaunt, it was still worth £11,000 60 years ago. Since then its value has declined steadily, again due to grants of land to Royal favourites. Last Parliament's Act of Resumption clawed back over £3000 in grants by Henry VI alone but nothing can be done about earlier grants.

 

County Palatine of Chester: originally created as an apanage for the King's eldest son, it has since been joined by the Duchy of Cornwall and the Principality of Wales. When Prince Edward attains his majority, these sources of income will support his estate rather than the King's.

 

Chancery, Mints, etc: many of the various offices of government produce income of their own, but much has to be ploughed back into government at source so the net gain remains small. With the steady rise of traffic in Chancery, the income from this source is set to rise but it will be a long time before it becomes a leading source of revenue.

 

Ireland: typically produces over £2000 of which every penny goes to maintain the administration of the Pale.

 

Customs & Subsidies: by far the largest source of income since the late 13th Century. Customs are the 'ancient' duties on exports levied constantly without need for renewal since 1303. Subsidies are additional duties granted, in theory, for short periods, though in practice they have been all but continuous for more than a century.

One major subsidy is tonnage and poundage on wine but most important are the wool subsidies, a complex battery of duties that produced around £70,000 a year under Edward III, declining to £50,000 over the next few decades and to a little over £30,000 forty years ago. It has continued to fall, partly due to the depressed economy of Europe, partly because the very subsidy itself encourages wool to be used in the home textile industry and exported as finished cloth, which is taxed far less. If the returns continue to fall at the current rate, by 1500 the wool subsidy will be worthless. Presumably the Crown will then have to look at other forms of taxation but that's a knotty point, as will be seen.

Collection of all duties is by appointed officials in sixteen major ports (wool is traded only in Calais). Largely unpaid merchants; there's obviously some smuggling, evasion and corruption but it is surprising how efficient the system is and 70% of the Crown's regular revenue comes from this source.

 

Direct Taxation: but the Crown also has access to occasional income from direct taxation, the 'tenth & fifteenth' as it is known. This became standardised by custom and now yields typically £30,000, a dramatic fall from its early years when many complained of hardship. A similar tax on the clergy, granted by convocation, can yield up to £17,000.

Obviously this would double the Crown's disposable income if levied on an annual basis but the King may only levy the 'tenth & fifteenth' at intervals with the permission of both houses of Parliament to meet costs incurred in the defence of the realm. (The wool subsidies also have to be granted in Parliament by both houses though they are usually granted at the beginning of a reign for the life of the King).

 

Loans and Credit: because it takes time to mobilise funds raised by taxation of any sort, the King has to resort to loans. These are intended to tide the Crown over crises but with the disasters of the recent wars with France have come huge costs reflected in the rising Crown debt: £164000 in 1437; £372000 in 1450 (Epiphany 1451, Windsor merchants refused to supply food for the Royal table). York's sporadic administration in the 1450s managed to claw this back to £331,000 and Treasurer Essex' oversight in the last year has reduced it further to £325,442. A splendid performance but still a very long way to go with the prospect of the principal source of Crown revenue drying completely within decades. Experiments with novel forms of taxation such as the poll taxes of 1377 and 1381 provoked mass riot so perhaps the only solution is a massive overhaul of the whole system – perhaps necessary but definitely unpopular; it will need an accomplished Treasurer backed by the strongest of Kings.

[Next issue: Parliament]

Court Gossip

Overheard between the King and the Queen while discussing Lord Essex’s attitude to the treasury: "He only works when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap!"

 

Talbot discussing the Sheriff of Gloucester with his brother Sir Humphrey: "This man is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot!"

 

Somerset discussing Arundel with Warwick: "If we were to kill everyone who hates Arundel, it wouldn't be murder; it would be genocide!"

 

Herbert to Essex after their escape from Windsor: "Don't you realize that there are enough people to hate in the world already without you working so hard to give them another?

 

An anonymous Peer about the Earl of Devon: "He is as strong as an ox and almost as intelligent."

 

Lord Sudeley's widow in a reply to a letter from Lord Essex: "We think of you when we are lonely. Then we are content to be alone."

 

Essex speaking to Herbert about Norfolk: "He has a lot of well-wishers; they would all like to throw him down one."

 

 

Court & Social

The King continues to reside in his London residence where he will continue to be indisposed to visitors for the immediate future. However, the Court and government continue to function efficiently and there is no truth to the rumours that the realm is ungoverned.

 

The Queen and Prince Edward were in Salisbury where they graced the wedding between Henry Duke of Somerset and Elizabeth Lady Beauchamp de St. Amand at Pentecost.

 

It is understood the Queen and Prince of Wales will remain in Salisbury during the Duke and Duchess' honeymoon. Their itinerary is not known after June 2nd.

 

The Dowager Duchess of York wishes to offer her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who laid or sent flowers for her late husband's memory at Fotheringay Collegiate Church today.

 

The next red mark on the social calendar is the wedding at Farnham on June 6th between Catherine, daughter to Sir Robert Howard, and Sir John Stafford, son of Humphrey Duke of Buckingham.

 

Parliament is summoned to York for June 18th; this is now certain and all shires are to return MPs in good time to attend.

 

 

Births, Marriages & Deaths

Died May 21st: John Lord Neville of Brancepath, County Durham, of wounds received at the Siege of Leicester.

He leaves a wife, Anne, née Holand (46), a daughter, Anne (12) and an heir, Ralph (7), who also inherits his father's claim of heir to the earldom of Westmorland. The situation is complicated by the current Earl's illness, which caused him to be in ward to the late Lord Neville. Three wardships must therefore be considered, involving property worth more than £500 and considerable estates in Cumberland and Durham.

 

 

The Muckraker

Extracts from a document found on a midden near Windsor

Dear Diary,

Margaret is so good with the boy: she helps him with his schoolwork, not only by teaching him the proper French names for things such as London or the Channel, but also with geography. I saw her help him colour in a map of Europe just the other day (it was blue with pretty little fleurs-de-lis on it). She helps Edward practice his letters - his notebook is full of nicely written warrants and things which Margaret insists he keep neat and tidy because she says you never know when they will come in useful. She even bought him that mask and toy axe so they could play dressing up together. I am jolly glad to see the lad out of all that nasty armour stuff and Margaret says 'Executions' is much more fun and far safer…

 

Dear Diary,

Just heard about the King of the Scots being a prisoner. Hope he will be at York because this is the perfect opportunity to talk to him about that horrid 'football' thing. That is bound to cheer him up as I know being locked in one’s room all day is not much fun, as I tell Margaret, though she says, "it is good for you and certainly good for me"…

 

Dear Diary,

Looking forward to the wedding. I could give the bride and groom advice on married life if they needed it because Margaret tells me that I am both very lucky and happily married so I must be doing something right. Of course, I should tell them that if they tried really hard to be good and pure, without sinful thoughts, then after a decade or so, God might reward them with the surprise gift of a son, such is the wonderful mystery of His ways, but I remember Margaret doesn’t like me to talk about our own little miracle…

 

Dear Diary,

Heard the boys playing outside today but didn't feel up to joining in the fun. The young lads do enjoy their boisterous games but "kings must maintain their dignity", as Margaret tells me. Actually, not feeling very well; hope it's not my 'old trouble'. I remember last time…well, actually I don't! Good job old Dickie was on hand to cover for me; I hope he's still available…uble…blubble…wibble…

 

 

A scribbled note found under the Duke of Buckingham’s window by The Westminster Chronicle's own fearless investigative reporters …

To:                             Self

Subject:                       A List of Possible Chairmen for Inquiry into the Windsor Fracas

Justice Jeffries:             too bloody!

Sergeant-at-Law Scott:     too independent!

Justice Pickles:               too mad!

Justice MacPherson:          too Scottish and too mad!

Sergeant-at-Law Widgery:  too obvious!

Sergeant-at-Law Saville:    too slow!

Justice Scarman:             too old!

Justice Harman:              who?

Justice Hutton:               ah!

 

 

Announcements

 

The Earl of Warwick regrets that due to his urgent need to “labour” various Parliamentary constituencies, beginning in Buckinghamshire. Noble lords and others may find it difficult to contact him during the next few weeks. Correspondence should be directed via Lord Warwick’s Political Agent and Principal A.D.C., R. de Legh, Esquire, c/o Warwick Castle, Warks, who will forward it on by the swiftest means possible.

 

Celebrated Crusader and man about Christendom Sir John Hotspur returns to England for his lecture tour after his recent sojourn in the Holy Land. We understand it will include highlights about how the Saracens robbed him of his all his money, tried to lure him from God with a lurid belly dancing contest in Alexandria and that after all, he finally got to the Holy City. Attendances will be strictly limited so book early.

 

Southerners are Plague Bearers!: early warning that the 'Alnwick Arms' will refuse to serve any one with a poncy southern accent. We fear disease will come with unwanted visitors. No one from west of the Pennines either…or Scots…or Irish. Honest northerners should write to Box 123 to book.

 

Found: a magic ring in a river. Has a bad riddle engraved on the inside (only the true owner will know what this is). No short people need apply. Box 732

 

Classified Advertisements – For Sale!

 

Neville Line Shipping plc (a wholly owned subsidiary of Beauchamp Estates Ltd.): Merchants! Have your goods conveyed safely to and from Calais by ships of the Neville Line. Moderate rates; assured delivery. Armed escorts also provided at request. Contact The Shipping Agent, c/o The Erber, London, for immediate quote. Get the strength of the Warwick fleet around your cargo! You know it makes sense! A Warwick Business Service…

 

Plague Repellent: Doctor of Physik’s famous remedies to keep yourself healthy. Especially effective if in a city when the population increases for a special event. Box 998

 

Doctor of Physik’s wonder remedies for sexual problems. You need to rub more live toads over your body!! Find out how the experts do it. Box 96

 

Assassin Kit: special offer from the Stiletto Guild of Florence. Box of blades extra. Box 9921

 

Genuine false beards: useful for a quick disguise. Also available: instant beggar’s costume to stuff in a saddlebag in case you get stranded supporting the wrong side. All enquiries treated with the strictest confidence. Box 1122

 

Treason is my name: apply box 223 to discover who I am.

 

Treachery is my name: apply box 225; find out who 223 is.

 

Jerkins: all sizes catered for. Old stock of ‘Richard II’ style, pointy shoes available for the seriously 14th C. Box 1399

 

Perjury is my name: write to me and I will tell you everything. Also a free toad available. Box 234

 

Archdeaconries: sold by auction, just put your bid in to Archbishop of Canterbury to secure a high church benefice!

 

Sin no more: easy terms absolution available to help rebuild Rome. Officially sanctioned. Write or make a mark to box 800 and state your annual income.

 

New ballads on sale: 'Oh Sir Jasper you Cannot Touch Us'. 'Tudor in a Hole' and 'I am only here for De Vere'. No more copies of 'A Warwick, Warwick' and 'The Grand Old Duke of York, He Once had 10,000 Men'. Box 1892

 

Devil’s Prayer Mats: tarot cards, apply box 234 for readings with discretion.

 

 

Wanted!

Broad back serving wenches: extra business expected with the opening of Parliament. Apply box 100

 

What the Other Papers Say

 

My Liege! claims that there are plans afoot for the marriage of Prince of Wales with his cousin Margaret of York – sister to the Duke. The magazine claims it has seen the ‘letters’ outlining the attempt to re-unite the royal family.

 

The Westminster Intelligencer says it was justified in smuggling one of its reporters into Windsor to report on the appalling poverty of the Royal Household. The issue, which also contains details of the King’s eating habits, favourite ballads and what Queen Margaret wears in bed, is available only in Scotland.

 

The respected medical journal ‘The Leech’ has a report on ‘malaises’. A copious amount of bleeding, eating voles' feet and standing barefoot in horse dung are recommended. It also has a handy page of answers to frequently asked questions on what happens when a member of your family believes he or she is made of glass.

 

Courtly Love has an interview with the Count of Charalois. The count expresses his admiration for the Duke of Somerset ‘the Lion of the West Country’. It also features an ‘at home’ interview with the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick III. It notes that he likes to wear shabby clothes to appear poor and talks about the new family motto A.I.E.O.U., which also appears to be a football chant! However since the issue went to press the house has been taken over by the King of Hungary!

 

The Tourney Business Review speculates that the days of tournaments may be passing their peak. It is very critical of the English scene – and regrets the passing of the old Duke of York. "He was always up for a good tourney!"

Editor: the Lawn Tourney Association of England is pressing for an English venue (possibly Smithfields, if it can be made annual) to be included in the European circuit as a Grand Slam event.

 

The Daily Chainmail has an interview with a French archer called Pierre Blaybourne who claims he is the father of the current Duke of York.

 

Campaign Matters

 

Parliament– how it will work

 

Parliament will work through the debating of bills in the Lords and Commons. Which of these a particular bill goes to depends a lot on the subject matter. Any bill designed to prise money out of the King's subjects must come before the Commons, but it's perfectly fair for the Lords to debate it first. Questions entirely involving the Lords shouldn't go before the Commons as neither house is happy with Commoners debating matters that don't concern them.

 

A bill should not be couched in formal language as it would take up far too much room. What we need is a title (as short as possible with the proviso that it describes the bill well and is not confused with other bills) and a description of what it's intended to do. Frex: 'Bill of Attainder - Duke of Brent and Earl of Wessex be attainted for high treason for fighting against the King at the battle of Clapham'.

 

The title is very important as every post to Parliament will be via the Rosewar mailing list and the subject lines must give the house and subject so I can keep track of debates, (e.g. 'Lords - Bill of Attainder'). It also helps everyone know what's being debated. As the first line of the body of the e-mail, you'll have to put who's speaking (e.g. Lord Bloxwich or the MP for Littlehampton) or it won't be credited.

 

The description should be a rough outline, though make sure it's not too 'rough'; it has to make sense and not leave any blank spots - anything like that will get the bill attacked by

NPCs who may either force changes you don't want or kill the bill entirely (or may just turn a bit of whimsy into a working political reality). If you have any real doubts, your best bet is to send your bills to me beforehand for comment before presenting them to Parliament officially.

 

How you get a bill introduced depends on which house is involved. Any Lords bill has to be passed by the Privy Council, especially the President of the Council, who 'chairs' the Lords. Get your Lords bills in this turn coming!

 

It's easier to get a bill into the Commons. The Speaker can in theory veto any bill but he exercises his prerogative quite rarely (basically only if the bill is likely to be massively unpopular with the entire house). This means you can still get a subject brought before the Lords, even if blocked by the Privy Council, by presenting it as a bill for the Commons to petition their lordships. The Commons can do this; it's how Suffolk was impeached in 1450. What you need to introduce a bill to the Commons is one MP to propose and another to second. Obviously, if you have at least 2 MPs, any bill is guaranteed a proposer and seconder but it will generally look better to the house if it's seconded by a different 'faction' (and I will probably give it better base support at 'A', below).

 

The way the debate works is almost entirely subjective. [A] I start by subjectively assessing roughly how popular a particular motion is. This governs how the 'neutrals' split. If in debate, [B], you make a pithy point that I think scores with whichever house you're addressing, I credit your side of the debate with a point that shifts the 'split' in your favour. Obviously, anyone who fails to maintain strict subject line discipline or who fails to give their name will get no credit and will simply be wasting their breath. You can only speak and vote in the name(s) of people of your faction, of course.

 

As to the nature of your posts: I like short punchy debates with pithy points (alliteration optional). If you drone on for 4 pages, I won't bother reading the thing and I'll assume the honourable members also dozed through it: again, a waste. Above all, do not stray from the subject matter of the title. In practical terms, right at the start of Parliament, I'll allot a week for all players to introduce any bills they fancy. The Privy Council will then get the opportunity to veto any Lords bills they don't like (it may be an idea to run your Lords bills past the Privy Council before it even starts) and I'll decide whether the Speaker is going to throw out any bills from the Commons (unlikely - though I may use it to kill anything introduced frivolously or to waste time as we did get some of that sort of thing last time and I want to keep things tight). Then week 2 will be proposing and debating amendments and so on. I do intend to keep to a strict timetable to ensure it takes no more than 6 - 8 weeks, as opposed to the 3 - 4 months last time.

 

 

General Chat

 

I've had a couple of requests regarding background: nobility, character names, titles and current appointed officers of the Crown. This should be in your portfolio but I appreciate that things get lost and some of this info changes with each turn. Remember everything you need, including a glossary, should be on the website. Why not log on and surf? J

 

I've also had queries about when I contact people during a turn. I generally do this when events occur not covered in your orders, but remember all PCs are nobles, ie proud, and tend not to respond well to ultimata. Also examine your aims, if they seem to put any emphasis on, for example, fighting battles, you may find your character happily charges in without orders as it is in his character to do so.

 

Rob and Michelle have also fallen in to the parenthood trap with the birth of Alexander Edward March 10th weighing 2.25lb. Despite being 5 weeks early, both mother and baby are well.

 

And the Brewer family also gained a son, weighing 9lb 3oz. Regretfully, various commitments, not least the new family member, means Lee can no longer play Wydeville. I'm sorry to lose him but luckily an old player returns as Keef Allen takes over in the role of Lord Rivers. I know Keef is a very competent player so expect to see Rivers move up the charts.

And regretfully Bill has decided he can no longer handle Tiptoft but in this case the change is pretty minimal as Bill's shoes are filled by his wife. Welcome to Rosewar, Louise! J

Holidays: Claire and I spent Easter in County Durham, visiting Barnard Castle, Brancepath, Raby, Brough and Bowes. Raby is externally very forbidding and dour but inside is a Georgian palace. The hotel staff adored Rhiannon.

 

July saw us in Scotland, visiting Stirling (so like Edinburgh), Doun, Kilchurn, Dunstaffnage, Aros Mains (Mull), Holyrood Palace, Lochmaben and Caerlaverock, the latter being the best of the lot. The weather was poor but we've had worse and Rhiannon took to camping with no trouble, a natural.

 

We'll be staying in the Lake District in October when we hope to see Muncaster Castle but we'll be in London this Saturday, Sept 18th, so come on down! J

 

Next Deadline: orders in for turn 28 by October 16th.

 

 

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