A. Papers arising out of Sir William's positions as a J.P., a sheriff of Surrey and as a member of the Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries and recusants. They are mainly concerned with religious matters and include documents relating to his custody of the Earl of Southampton, 1570-ca. 1575.
L.b.246 The names of the shyrefes of Surye and Susex that did berne the Inosentes with the names of Suche whome they brent. [ca. 1560].
Three lists of the persons burned in the two counties: (1) in the 2nd year of Queen Mary, by John Covert, sheriff; (2) in the 3rd year, by William Saunders; (3) in the 4th year, by Sir Edward Gage. Thirty victims are named; only three were of Surrey (Victoria History of the County of Surrey, I, 376-377). Endorsed in William More's autograph.
2 fols; 30.5 × 20.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.206)
L.b.210 Southwark, England. White lion prison. Prisoners. A petition. To Sir William More at Loseley. White lion prison, Southwark. [ca. 1560].
The prisoners beg for deliverance from prison and state that they will lose the use of their limbs if they continue to be confined there. Hyland (1920, pp. 346-347) who prints this document, implies that these were religious offenders. But the context shows that they were petty offenders confined to a county jail (which the White Lion was). More endorsed the petition, “Egipsyans”, as indications of the type of prisoners who were petitioning.
2 fols; 30.5 × 20.5 cm. Lower portion much decayed; text not affected. (Film Fo 320.170)
L.b.98 More, Sir William. 1520-1600. The [deposiciouns] of Thomas Chaundeler of Wonershe clothier and Robert Sterte of Dunsfolk Clarke made vnto me Willi[am] More Esquire ye 28 of May 1561 tochynge theyre knowledge of certayne Sectaryes and of theyre Doctrynes, practises and wyked Deuyces. [1561].
Sixty-six depositions most of them with the signature of Sterte and the mark of Chaundler concerning the beliefs and practices of a sect of Anabaptists in Surrey. Published in large
part as “A confession” at the end of
The displaying of an horrible sect, by J[ohn] R[ogers], 1578 (STC 21181). HMC, 1879, p. 616.
5 fols; 30 × 21 cm. Paper in poor condition affecting text. (Film Fo 320.58).
L.b.99 A draft of an account of Anabaptists living in and about Guildford, Surrey. Written 1566-1570.
This draft, possibly of an information, listing a number of suspected Surrey Anabaptists, may well be incomplete. For a discussion of this manuscript and a transcript, see Bulletin of the Institute of Historical Research, LI, no. 123 (May 1978), p. 90. Numbered “3”.
1 fol.; 31 × 21 cm. (Film Fo 320.59)
L.b.229 Great Britain. Privy Council. Letter signed by ten members. To the sheriff and justices of the peace of Surrey. Windsor. November 6, 1569.
A copy, with copied signatures. Admonishing the sheriff and justices for not complying with and enforcing the laws regarding church attendance. Orders them to assemble and sign a document enclosed with a letter and to take bond of those who refuse. Summarized in HMC, 1879, p. 622.
2 fols; 31 × 21 cm. Damp stained and much decayed at the folds. (Film Fo 320.189)
L.b.228 Surrey, England. Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants. Letter signed by the Bishop of Winchester and others. To Sir William More and the Justices of the Peace, mayors, constables, etc., of Surrey. Winchester. August 25, 1571.
Robert Horne, Bishop of Winchester, William Overton, and two other members of the commission order the justices of peace and other officers of Surrey to apprehend and imprison Peter Revellard, a French priest, “nowe or late serving the cure of peperharrow”. Printed inaccurately in Hyland, 1920, p. 251.
2 fols; 30 × 20 cm. (Film Fo 320.188)
L.b.253 Surrey, England. Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants. Letter. To the Privy Council. [ca. 1572].
Rough draft of a letter presumably to the Council, but possibly to the Bishop of Winchester. L.b.238, dated April 1572, mentions the receipt of letters from the Council ordering the formation of a Commision “touchinge fugetives” - probably the beginning of the Commision concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants. The present docuemnt, part of which has been cut away, appears to be a report of the first meetings of the
commissioners and the first steps taken in discovering and apprehending the recusants of Surrey. It is undated.
1 fol.; 30.5 × 20.5 cm. Decayed portions cut away, with destruction of much of the text. (Film Fo 320.213)
L.b.238 Effingham, William Howard, 1st baron Howard of. 1510?-1573. Letter. To Sir Thomas Browne. April 7, 1572.
The Lord Lieutenant of Surrey announces the formation of a “Commission ... touchinge fugetives” (the Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants), with Browne, William More, and others, named as members. He asks Browne to communicate to the others his wish to have them all meet at his house soon to formulate plans. The present document is a copy, probably made by Browne and sent to More. Printed in Hyland, 1920, p. 152.
(Film Fo 320.198)
L.b.338 Southampton, Mary (Browne) Wriothesley, countess of. d. 1607. Letter signed by her and Magdalen, viscountess Montague. To William More. Cowdray. July 26, 1573.
The mother of Shakespeare's patron and the Viscountess of Montague, probably her stepmother, beseech More to intercede “for the enlargement” of “an older poore woman one Parkyns ... commytted longe sithence to the whyte lyon by my Lorde of winchester” (no doubt for recusancy). Printed in Hyland, 1920, p. 153.
2 fols; 31 × 21 cm. Wafer seal. (Film Fo 321.54)
L.b.234 Horne, Robert, Bishop of Winchester. 1519-1580. Bond of Edward Banister and others for his remaining in custody. August 6, 1573.
A draft prepared by Horne, Bishop of Winchester, and sent, with his initialled autograph subscription, to William More for execution. Banister is to be released from the White Lion Prison and is to give bond (£200), with Henry and George Goring, to present himself to the said prison on November 1, 1573, unless before then he shall show himself, before the bishop, “conformable in matters of relligion”. Meanwhile he is to be in custody of the Gorings. Printed inaccurately in Hyland, 1920, pp. 121-122.
1 fol.; 31.5 × 21 cm. Torn at seal. (Film Fo 320.194)
L.b.244 Great Britain. Sovereigns, etc. 1558-1603 (Elizabeth I). Letters of Commission of the Court of High Commission. [ca. 1576].
The first commission establishing the court was issued in 1559. In 1562, 1572, and 1576 this was augmented and altered by new commissions under the great seal. The present document is an incomplete copy, consisting of the final paragraphs only. The official title of the court, as prescribed to appear on its seal is to be “Comissar: Reg: Ma: ad Casibus
Ecclesiast:”. It is dated at Gorhambury, April 23, 1576. Printed in Prothero, Select Statutes (1894), pp. 227-240.
4 fols; 34.5 × 23 cm. (Film Fo 320.204)
L.b.255 Great Britain. Sovereigns, etc., 1558-1603 (Elizabeth I). The clauses of the grande Comyssyon Ecclesiasticall for the whole Realm. [ca. 1576].
A summary, in William More's autograph and presumable in his words, of the Commission of the Court of High Commission, 1576. Cf. L.b.244. See also Prothero, Select Statutes (1894), pp. 227-240. Printed inaccurately in Hyland, 1920, pp. 113-118.
4 fols; 28.5 × 20.5 cm. Decayed at foot; text slightly affected. (Film Fo 320.215)
L.b.590-594 More, Sir William. 1520-1600. 5 documents relating to the license for an alehouse in Bisley. August 1576.
In More's files as J.P.
L.b.590 Thomas Lashford's petition to the J.P.'s to keep the alehouse. n.d.
L.b.591 Petition of 23 neighbors in favor of Lashford. n.d.
L.b.592 A note of divers disorders of Lashford's, with a plea for John Wysdom, by the Rev. John Hill and 2 others. August 21.
L.b.593 Petition of 21 persons against Wysdom. n.d.
L.b.594 Petition of 6 persons in favor of Widow Woodes. August 6.
L.b.221 Great Britian. Privy Council. Letter. To Francis Gawdy and John Southcote. Greenwich. April 27, 1578.
A copy with copied signatures. Orders the two Justices of Assize for the counties of Herts., Essex, Surrey, and Sussex to require all justices of the peace of these counties to take better sureties of indicted felons than has been the practice. In all probability this copy was sent to Sir William More by the two Justices of Assize. Summarized in HMC, 1879, p. 631.
1 fol.; 30.5 × 21 cm. Decayed and stained by damp along creases; much of the text illegible. (Film Fo 320.181)
L.b.220 Great Britain. Privy Council. Letter signed by six members. To the sheriff and justices of the peace of Surrey. Hatfield. September 5, 1578.
Papish and massing priests go about disguised as serving men and artisans saying mass, reconciling her majesty's subjects to the Church of Rome and subverting their allegiance from her. The justices are to search out these persons especially in houses held suspect. They are to be arrested, mass books seized and their names reported to the council and to
the bishop of the diocese. Printed in Kempe, 1836, p. 246; summarized in HMC, 1879, p. 632.
2 fols; 30.5 × 20.5 cm. Text and signatures affected by stains and decay. (Film Fo 320.180)
L.b.251 Maurice Staular[k]e... Cobler in Southwarke... [ca. 1580]. A Report on the activities and heretical beliefs of this cobler who has been teaching “some hurtefull schismes”. His name could be Staularde. Important words are illegible because of the complete disappearance, in places, of the ink. Presumably the report was made for or sent to Sir William More.
2 fols; 31 × 21 cm. (Film Fo 320.211)
L.b.252 More, Sir William. 1520-1600. Autograph letter. To the Privy Council? [ca. 1580].
A rough draft of a letter “vnto your honorable Lordships”, undated and unfinished. More relates how an “honest neybor”, William Children, had found a book left at the roadside by a stranger and turned it over to him. He sends the book with the letter, probably because of dangerous or unlawful opinions contained in it.
1 fol.; 31.5 × 21 cm. (Film Fo 320.212)
L.b.309 Cole, Robert. Autograph letter signed. To Sir William More. Epsom. April 4, 1580.
The vicar of Ebsam (i.e. Epsom) writes to More as High Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex, asking protection against the persecutions of Nicholas Saunder, who had at his instigation been presented for failing to receive Holy Communion and had sought revenge by slander and other means. Endorsed in More's autograph. Printed inaccurately in Hyland, 1920, pp. 327-328.
2 fols; 30 × 21 cm. Lower margin eaten away, without effect on text. (Film Fo 321.25)
L.b.51 More, Sir William. 1520-1600. Autograph draft of a letter, signed. To Crowley. Loseley. September 17, [ca. 1580].
Concerns the imprisonment of one Allen an Anabaptist and member of the Family of Love. More disclaims responsibility for Allen's imprisonment.
27 × 19.5 cm. Damaged; signature defective. (Film Fo 320.9)
L.b.52 Great Britain. Privy Council. Letter copy. To the justices of the peace of the counties of Surrey and Southampton. Richmond. October 11, 1580.
Orders the arrest of members of the Family of Love. Because of damage, much of the text is wanting or illegible. Noted in HMC, 1879, p. 635.
2 fols; 30 × 20.5 cm. Water stained and defective. (Film Fo 320.10)
L.b.208 Stanton, John. Answers to articles. Egham. 1581.
Stanton (Standon), the vicar of Egham, and Jacob Helhouse and Roger Cross, churchwardens, make answer to five articles exhibited to them and state that Jane Hornyall, alias Hornifall, alias Furnyfall, gentlewoman, refuses to come to church and has done so for four years or thereabouts, and is suspected of having been reconciled to the Catholic Church, but there are no other recusants, massing priests or Jesuits in the parish. There are no schoolmasters in the parish. Printed in Hyland, 1920, pp. 308-309.
1 fol.; 28.5 × 20.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.168)
L.b.241 Surrey, England. Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants. Warrant for the arrest of Jane Hornyall. To the High Constable of the Hundred of Godley and the Petty Constable of Egham. July 7, 1581.
Signed and sealed by William More, Goerge More, and Laurence Staughton. The constables are ordered to produce Jane Hornyall, alias Hornyfall, at Guildford on the following day. They are themselves to appear and to bring with them the vicar and churchwardens of Egham, presumably as witnesses.
1 fol.; 19 × 26.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.201)
L.b.199 Stanton, John. Depositions of John Standon and others. July 8, 1581.
John Stanton (Standon) vicar of Egham. Surrey, James Helhouse, and Roger Cross, churchwardens, Anthony Cowper, high constable, depose that Jane Hornyall, alias Hornifall, alias Furnifal, gentlewoman, of that parish, has for three years refused to attend divine services in the parish church or elsewhere. The deposition is made before Sir William More, George More, and Lawrence Staughton. Summarized in HMC, 1879, p. 636; reprinted in Hyland, 1920, pp. 309-310.
2 fols (1 blank); 31 × 21 cm. (Film Fo 320.159)
L.b.219 Surrey, England. Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants. List of recusants. [1582?].
The list divides the recusants into those indicted for not coming to church and convicted, those indicted but not yet convicted, those indicted but released by letters from the Privy Council, those indicted who had conformed themselves and those committed to the various prisons. In all 101 names. Many, if not all, of these names appear in L.b.214. Printed in Hyland, 1920, pp. 381-384.
2 fols; 31 × 21 cm. (Film Fo 320.179)
L.b.218 Great Britain. Privy Council. Letter. To the sheriff and justices of the peace of Surrey. Greenwich. February 28, 1581/82.
A copy with copied signatures. The council orders the Justices of proceed against prisoners in the Clink and the White Lion and other prisoners in Surrey who refuse to attend church accompanied by their keepers. Summarized in HMC, 1879, p. 535; printed in Hyland, 1920, pp. 335-336.
1 fol.; 30.5 × 21. (Film Fo 320.173)
L.b.202 Catisby, John. Certificate concerning certain prisoners in the prison of Her Majesty's Bench. March 11, 1581/82.
The deputy marshall of the prison certifies that there are two priests in the prison, Thomas Clifton, condemened for a praemunire, and Edward Rishton, “one of the conpaynie that were condemned with Campion for treason.” Summarized in HMC, 1879, p. 648. Here the certificate is wrongly dated as March 11, 1591, and “Clyfton” is transcribed as “Clyston”.
2 fols; 30.5 × 21 cm. (Film Fo 320.162)
L.b.206 Great Britain. Court of high commission. The names of thos which be prisoners yn the Clynke for Religyone the xjth daye of Marche 1581/[82].
Names of three prisoners committed to the clink by the Lord Bishop of London and other members of Her Majesty's high commission: John Brodstocke, Edward Shelley, and Jane Goldwyere. Printed in Hyland, 1920, pp. 380-381; summarized in HMC, 1879, p. 635.
2 fols; (1 blank). 26 × 17.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.166)
L.b.207 Slyfield, Edmond. d. 1590. Letter signed. To Sir William More and other justices of the peace. Slyfield. April 17, 1582.
Sir William More, Sir Thomas Browne, John Wolley, John Skinner, George More and John Cowper had ordered the sheriff of Surrey to have the jailors of the various prisons appear before them with witnesses as to the refusal of recusants under their charge to attend church. Slyfield agrees to have these jailors atten the quarter-sessions court as ordered. He denies having received certain processes mentioned in their letter. Printed in Hyland, 1920, pp. 336-337.
2 fols; (1 blank). 30 × 21 cm. Damaged by damp. (Film Fo 320.167)
L.b.198 More, Sir William. 1520-1600. Letter unsigned. To Sir Francis Walsingham. Guildford. [1583?].
A report that on Hardy of Farnham uttered praises of John Body and John Slade, who had been hanged as recusants in October and November 1583, and spoke well of the cause for which they died. As a letter of Walsingham of January 11, 1583/84 evidently in reply to this, is directed to Sir William More (HMC, 1879, p. 637), we may assume that More signed the letter of which this is a copy. Hardy is almost certainly the John Hardy of Fenham, gent., entered by More in a list of prisoners, probably of the spring of 1585. See Hyland, 1920, p. 402. Printed, ibid., p. 349.
2 fols (1 blank); 24.5 × 16 cm. (Film Fo 320.158)
L.b.213 Josua, Richard. Certificate. To commissioners for recusants of Surrey, West Horsley. January 7, 1582/83.
Josua, probably the minister at West Horslye (cf. British Museum Catalogue), and two laymen certify that Elizabeth Richebell, a recusant whom they had presented “retourninge as wee hope to a better mynde” attended church. They also certify that there are in the parish no Jesuits, Seminarians, fugitives, or others to their knowledge dangerous to the state. Summarized in HMC, 1879, p. 650.
1 fol.; 18 × 20 cm. (Film Fo 320.173)
L.b.225 Browne, Sir Francis. Certificate of the value of his estate. [ca. 1585].
Browne, the brother of the 1st Viscount Montague, signs a statement drawn up for him in the hand of Sir William More of his annual income as part of the process of his compounding for not coming to church. Drawn up before March 9, 1585/86, when the sum is included in a list of compounders. Printed in Hyland, 1920, p. 306.
2 fols (1 blank); 27 × 17.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.185)
L.b.216 Ede, Richard. Information. [1585?].
Ede, the porter of the Marhsalsea prison informs an official, probably a justice of the peace of Surrey, about the financial condition of three recusants, Robert Becket, Thomas More, and John Grey. More has offered £20 a year to obtain his liberty with freedom of conscience. Ede further states that Grey is collecting money for the maintainance of the seminar priests. Hyland, 1920, pp. 311-312.
2 fols (1 blank); 26.5 × 17.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.176)
L.b.233 More, Sir William. 1520-1600. Memorandum of recusants of Surrey. ca. 1585.
Lists 24 recusants, mainly those formerly imprisoned in the Marshalsea. Most of these are said to have been delivered, some moved to other prisoners, eight dead, some at liberty. The whole is in Sir William More's autograph. It is undated, but comparision witha long list of prisoners in L.b.214, and with L.b.237, fol. 4 suggests a date for the present document between May 1585 and May 1586.
1 fol.; 31 × 21 cm. (Film Fo 320.193)
L.b.247 Surrey, England. Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants. Lists of recusants of Surrey. [ca. 1585].
Fifteen recusants are named—chiefly residents of St. Saviour's parish, Southwark. No indication of the origin of the document or of the date is to be found, but comparison with L.b.233, L.b.237, L.b.239, and other manuscripts suggests 1585.
1 fol.; 26 × 17 cm. Lower portion damp stained and decayed; text not affected. (Film Fo 320.207)
L.b.248 Surrey, England. Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants. Lists of recusants of Surrey. [ca. 1585].
Twenty-eight recusants are named (two of them twice). Seventeen of those are women, 16 of whose names are deleted by legible. This document is closely related to L.b.247, the 14 names of which are all here included. No title, heading, or endorsement suggests the origin or purpose of the last or supplies a date.
2 fols; 27 × 18 cm. Damp stained and decayed, text slightly affected. (Film Fo 320.208)
L.b.211 Surrey, England. Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants. List of recusants. [ca. 1585].
Recusants from the parishes of Chertsey, Egham, and Thorpe, Surrey, no doubt a fragment of a larger list. Printed in Hyland, 1920, p. 407.
1 fol.; 18.5 × 16 cm. (Film Fo 320.171)
L.b.50 Great Britain. Privy Council. Letter signed by nine members. To the Justices of the Peace of Surrey. Greenwich. April 27, 1585.
Justices ordered to take away their armor from recusants until they conform to law and resort to church. A list of 28 recusants of Surrey accompanies the letter.
2 fols; 31 × 22 cm. (Film Fo 320.8)
L.b.215 Great Britain. Privy Council. Letter. To Sir William More and other justices of the peace of Surrey. Greenwich. April 27, 1585.
A copy, with copied signatures. The council orders the arms and armor of recusants to be seized, except that they shall be allowed blackbills and bows and arrows for the necessary defense of their houses. An indented receipt for the armor is to be given and the recusant is to be informed that when he conforms and attends church his arms and armor will be restored. A list of recusants known to the council is enclosed, but the justices are admonished not to confine themselves to these names but to examine all suspected persons. Inquiry is also to be made concerning the yearly revenue of the recusants. More's autograph may be seen in a copy of the address as written on what was the outside when folded. Printed in Hyland, 1920, pp. 296-298.
4 fols; 31.5 × 22 cm. (Film Fo 320.175)
L.b.224 More, Sir William. 1520-1600. Certificate of the arms and estate of Sir Francis Browne. May 8, 1585.
A blank certificate intended to list the arms of Sir Francis Browne, brother to the Viscount Montague, also his estate. The blanks for the lists are not filled up. In the autograph of Sir William More. Summarized in HMC, 1879, p. 640.
2 fols (1 blank); 30.5 × 21 cm. (Film Fo 320.184)
L.b.183 Cooper, Thomas, Bishop of Winchester. 1517?-1594. Letter. To all ministers, churchwardens, constables, and other like officers. May 13, 1585.
Orders the suppression of “Church Ales, May games, Morrish daunces, and other vaine pastimes vpon the Saboth dayes” in his diocese. A copy, probably sent to Sir William More, a a justice of the peace in Surrey.
2 fols; 30.5 × 21 cm. Damp stained and somewhat decayed. (Film Fo 320.143)
L.b.245 More, Sir William. 1520-1600. List of recusants of Surrey, with a draft letter to the Privy Council. [1585/86].
A rough list, in More's autograph, of Surrey recusants in four Southwark prisons. The draft letter, probably to the lords of the Privy Council, discusses the financial condition of several of the recusants. Undated, but comparison with L.b.233, L.b.237, L.b.239, L.b.240 and others suggests March 1585/86. Printed inaccurately in Hyland, 1920, pp. 395-396.
(Film Fo 320.205)
L.b.237 Surrey, England. Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants. Lists of Surrey recusants. [ca. 1585/86].
Three lists: (1) of recusants “of habilitie, & of such sommes of money as they offer to paie yearlie” by way of fine; (2) of recusants in four Southwark prisons who “have neither livinges nor goodes”; (3) of those either dead or no longer in Surrey. This third list is virtually identical with More's lists in L.b.233. The first list is dated March 9, 1585/86, and in conformity with orders of the Council dated February 25, 1585/86 (see L.b.240). Printed inaccurately in Hyland, 1920, pp. 402-405.
2 fols; 26.5 × 17.5 cm.(Film Fo 320.197)
L.b.240 Great Britain. Privy Council. Letter signed by seven members. To Sir William More and other members of the Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants. Greenwich. February 25, 1585/86.
The council orders the Commission to call before them all such Surrey recusants “as ar named in the inclosed schedules, or any other not named” and obtain statements from them as to their property and incomes and offers of what they are willing to pay annually in respect of their recusancy. The schedule mentioned is not present. L.b.237 probably represents More's first steps in compliance with this order.
2 fols; 31 × 21 cm. Marginal damage caused by seal not affecting text. (Film Fo 320.200)
L.b.239 Gardyner, William. List of Recusants in several Sothwark prisons. March 7, 1585/96.
A total of forty recusants (including 16 priests) lying in King's Bench, Marhsalsea, Clinke, and White Lion prisons. Signed by William Gardyner. Printed inaccurately in Hyland, 1920, pp. 394-395.
2 fols; 31 × 21 cm. (Film Fo 320.199)
L.b.232 Wolley, John. d. 1596. Autograph letter signed. To Sir William More. April 27, 1586.
Wolley, at More's request, endeavoured to learn the Lord Admiral's pleasure whether Southcote should be certified as a recusant. But Charles, Lord Harold of Effingham, afterwards the Earl of Nottingham, the Lord Admiral, refused to meddle in the case. Wolley believes it best to pass him over uncertified. The recusant was probably John Southcote of Westham who had offered to compound for his non-churchgoing. (Victoria History of the County of Surrey, I, 384.) Westham may be a misreading of Merstham. Printed in Hyland, 1920, p. 318.
2 fols, with wafer seal; 30 × 21 cm. (Film Fo 320.192)
L.b.226 More, Sir William. 1520-1600. Letter unsigned. To Sir William More. “My house in the Blackfriers.” May 9, 1586.
An unidentified member of the Commission for Religion in Surrey writes to More concerning the recusants of various parishes. He is particularly concerned with the searching of barns for supplies of grain there hidden. On fol. 2 is a draft of a reply, presumably, to this letter, in which More discusses the recusancy of one Reynolde Homeden. Printed inaccurately in Hyland, 1920, pp. 299-300.
2 fols; 30 × 20.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.186)
L.b.223 Middlesex, England. Justices of the peace. Certificate. To Sir William More and other Commissioners for Religion in Surrey. London. May 17, 1586.
Henry Clarke, Clerk of the Peace in Middlesex, certifies that Thomas Fryer, M.D., a recusant, has compounded, before Sir Gilbert Gerard, Master of the Rolls, and Sir Owen Hopton, Lieutenant of the Tower, to make an annual payment “for his nott cominge to churche”. Summarized in HMC, 1879, p. 642.
1 fol.; 30.5 × 20.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.183)
L.b.227 Fryer, Thomas. Autograph letter signed. To Sir William More and other Commissioners for religion in Surrey. May 18, 1586.
Offers excuses for not appearing before the Commission at Dorking, as ordered. He is afflicted with sore eyes, is not resident in Surrey, and furthermore has compounded with the Master of the Rolls and the Lieutenant of the Tower. Cf. L.b.223.
2 fols; 31 × 20.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.187)
L.b.235 Young, Richard. Autograph letter signed. To William More and Laurence Staughton. London. August 9, 1586.
Conveys the thanks of “Mr Secretary” (Cecil) for searching the house of Francis Browne of Hanley Park. Young is glad that “other mens harmes make Mr Browne wary”. He has discharged Anthony Medcallfe and hopes More will discharge Browne of his bond. Printed inaccurately in Hyland, 1920, p. 188.
2 fols; 30.5 × 20.5 cm. Marginal damage (caused by seal) and at folds affects address and text. (Film Fo 320.195)
L.b.214 Austen, George. d. 1621. The Names of all such persons both Men and Women as have ben presented and indyted as recusantes at the generall Sessions of the peace holden within this county of Surrey together with a Note of such proces as have ben sent forth agaynst them as foloweth. [1587].
Some 15 quarter sessions are listed, with places and dates (1582-1587) and lists of recusants presented, over 100 in all. The dispositions of the presentments are noted. Cf. L.b.219, which lists many of the same persons. George Auste, who signs, was clerk of the Commission of the Peace for Surrey. Printed inaccurately in Hyland, 1920, pp. 384-389.
8 fols (3 blank); 30 × 20.5 cm. Damp stained in upper margin. (Film Fo 320.174)
L.b.100 Great Britain. Privy Council. Letter signed by ten members. To the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey (Charles Lord Howard of Effingham, later Earl of Nottingham). The Court. January 4, 1587/88.
The council orders, in connection iwth the great preparations made to defend the realm that the recusants be examined and that the most noted and obstinate of these be committed to prisons. Addressed “To our verie good L: the Lord Admirall L: Leivetenate of her majesties Countie of Surrey And in his absence to the Deputie Leiventenantes [Sir William More]”. In the date the original “December” is crossed out.
2 fols; 31 × 21 cm. (Film Fo 320.60)
L.b.97 Leicester, Robert Dudley, Earl of. 1532?-1588. Circular letter, signed. To the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey. The court at St. James. August 24, 1588.
The Lord Lieutenant, the Lord Admiral, Charles Howard, Lord Howard of Effingham, afterwards Earl of Nottingham, is orders to hold shire forces in readiness.
2 fols; 30.5 × 21 cm. (Film Fo 320.57)
L.b.222 More, Sir William. 1520-1600. Autographed letter. To the Privy Council. [ca. 1590].
A draft in More's autograph. Answers a letter from the Privy Council demanding information as to the soundness in religion of the members of the “Comyssyon consernyng Iesuytes”. More gives assurance of their soundness, discusses the composition of the commission, and proposes that Sir Edmond Bowyer be aded to it. Undated, but members Dr. [Martin] Heton as Dean of Winchester, and office which he received in 1589.
1 fol.; 31.5 × 20.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.182)
L.b.254 Staughton, Sir Laurence. d. 1615. Autograph letter signed. To Sir William More. “Thersday 1591”.
Stuaghton writes that certain warrants for Ash and Send were defectively drawn and discusses the effect of this. He is probably writing as a member of the Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants.
2 fols; 30.5 × 20.5 cm. Part of text and most of signature destroyed by cutting away of decay from damp. (Film Fo 320.214)
L.b.610 Hopton, Sir Owen. Letter. To Sir William More and others. April 24, 1591.
Letter signed. William Mawgine owes Hopton for 12 weeks' diet for the time he was prisoner in the custody of Hopton as Lieutenant of the Tower.
L.b.49 Great Britain. Privy Council. Letter signed by four members. To Sir William More. “From the Court”. June 14, 1581.
Orders More to hunt down “One morgan sometymes of her maiesties chappell, an obstinat and seditious papist”.
2 fols; 31.5 × 21.5 cm. Stained and deteriorated. (Film Fo 320.7)
L.b.212 Fleetwood, William. 1535?-1594. Letter signed. To Sir William More. London. July 10, 1591.
The writer, the Recorder of London, informs More that according to Mr. Marbury a prisoner in the King's Bench, Clypsham, is lurking in a parsonage house in Surrey where he may be found by search. Martin Clypsham had been curate of Merrow and an “old massing priest”. He was informed against for speaking privately against the establishment. Marbury, the parson of Merrow, had been his superior. Clypsham also went by the alias of Clyfton (Hyland, 1920, pp. 329-331, 472). Summarized in HMC, 1879, p. 649.
2 fols; 30.5 × 21 cm. (Film Fo 320.172)
L.b.201 Saye, William. d. 1615? Autograph letter signed. To Sir William More and George More at Loseley. Winchester. December 18, 1591.
Dr. Say, Chancellor to the Bishop of Winchester, replies to a letter form various justices of the peace of Surrey dated from Leatherhead December 7, 1591, inquiring the names of persons presented to him as recusants. Say does not have these records but refers the justices to Dr. Thomas Ridley and other ecclesiastical officials who have them in their possession. Printed in Hyland, 1920, p. 204.
2 fols; 30 × 20.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.161)
L.b.205 Shaw, John. 1559-1625. Certificate. “To her maiesties Commissioners ... for the Inquisition of Seminarie Priestes Jesuites, fugitives, recusantes etc.” of Surrey. Working, Surrey. December 19, 1591.
Shaw, minister of the church at Woking with six layment, states that James Hobson of Woking, gentleman, has not attended church according to the laws of the realm for one full year, but that there are no other recusants or any priests or Jesuits known to be in the parish. Printed in Hyland, 1920, p. 210.
1 fol.; 30.5 × 20.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.165)
L.b.204 Ridley, Thomas. 1550?-1629. A trew certificate ... made by Thomas Ridley...unto the com[mission] apoynted ... for the countye of Surrey for the inquy[sition] forthe of suche persons as refuse to come to churche ... December 27, 1591.
Lists recusants by parishes in some detail. Prepared by the official to James Cottington, Archdeacon of Surrey. Printed in Hyland, 1920, pp. 204-206.
4 fols (1 blank); 30.5 × 21 cm. Fore-edges and fols 3 and 4 damaged by damp; text affected. (Film Fo 320.164)
L.b.197 Howard, Sir William. Letter signed. To the Privy Council. Leatherhead. January 4, 1591/92.
Howard, Sir William More and Sir Francis Carew, all of whom sign the letter, acknowledge appointment to a commission concerning Jesuits, recusants and similar matters. They testify that all members of the commission are “sound & well affected”, and point out that certain suggested fellow-commissioners are non-residents of Surrey and suggest others. Printed in Hyland, 1920, pp. 202-203. Sir William Howard of Lingfield was brother to Lord Admiral, the future Earl of Nottingham (Victoria History of the County of Surrey, I, 394; DNB, 2nd ed. vol. X, p. 79).
2 fols; 30.5 × 20.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.157)
L.b.209 Surrey, England. Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants. Warrant signed. To the high constables of Woking. January 7, 1591/92.
Sir William More, George More, Lawrence Stoughton, and John Agmondesham direct the constables to bring before them Roger Borrow, Thomas Thorp, George Malbancke, and Rose Foster dwelling at the lodge in Henley Park, who refuse to go to church. Printed in Hyland, 1920, p. 210.
1 fol.; 30 × 20.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.169)
L.b.217 Hogge, Thomas. Certificate concerning recusants. January 8, 1591/92.
Hogge, the minister of Seale, Surrey, and two layment, no doubt churchwardens, certify to the justices that there are no Jesuits, seminary priests, recusants, or any strangers whatsoever in the parish.
1 fol.; 20.5 × 15 cm. (Film Fo 320.177)
L.b.249 Key, Thomas. Information against recusants. January 8, 1591/92.
Thomas Key, Parson, of St. Nicholas Church, Guildford, Peter German, Minister of Trinity Church, Guildford, George Austen, and Francis Loesley sign this information against Ridall, late inhabitant of the manor house of Guldeford Park as a recusant. They state they know of no other recusants in Guildford. Summarized in HMC, 1879, p. 648; printed in Hyland, 1920, p. 321. William Ridall, the recusant, was also know as Reddal and as Rider (ibid. p. 208).
2 fols; 27.5 × 18 cm. (Film Fo 320.209)
L.b.203 More, Sir William. 1520-1600. Warrant signed. To the High Constables of the Hundred of Blackheath, Surrey. January 12, 1591/92.
Constables are to warn Richard Lumleigh of Wyntershall in the parish of Shalford, gent., to appear before the commissioners and answer for his refusal to come to church and other matters. With others the constable is to make diligent search of his house and other places for popish books, instruments, and relics and for persons suspected or unknown. Signed by William More, George More, Lawrence Stoughton, and Agmondesham. Printed in Hyland, 1920, p. 323.
1 fol.; 24.5 × 20 cm. (Film Fo 320.163)
L.b.231 Surrey, England. Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants. Warrant for the arrest of William Ridall of Send. To the High Constables of the Hundred of Woking. January 12, 1591/92.
The High Constables are command to summon Redall, alias Ridall, and his wife to appear before the commision at Guildford on January 15 “to aunswere to such matters as ... shalbe obiected & demaunded of them”. Signed by Sir William More, George More, and three other members of the commission. L.b.230 is substantially identical with this, but later. Printed inaccurately in Hyland, 1920, pp. 321-322.
1 fol.; 31 × 20.5 cm. (Film Fo 320.191)
L.b.230 Surrey, England. Commission concerning Jesuits, seminaries, and recusants. Warrant for the arrest of William Ridall of Send. To the High Constables of the Hundred of Woking. March 7, 1591/92.
The High Constables are commanded to summon Ridall alias Rider and Redall and his wife to appear before the commission at Guildford on March 9 “to answere such matters as ... shalbe obiected agaynst them”. Signed by Sir William More, George More, and three other members. Summarized in HMC, 1879, p. 648.
1 fol.; 28 × 18 cm. Two marginal excisions, not affecting text. (Film Fo 320.190)
L.b.250 Send, Surrey. Parish. Certificate of the parson that William Ridall had conformed and attended divine service. April 1, 1592.
On March 7, 1591/92, Ridall was summoned to appear before members of the Surrey Commission as a recusant (L.b.230). Here it is certified that he attended divine service in the parish church on March 29, 1592, “Accordinge to your worshipps Commaundement to him gyven”. A signature, presumable that of the parson of Send, and the marks of two persons, presumably churchwardens, have been cut away.
1 fol.; 31 × 20.5 cm. Decayed portions cut away with destruction of signatures and part of text. (Film Fo 320.210)
L.b.48 More, George. fl. 1595-1600. Autograph letter signed. To Sir William More and Sir George More. [ca. 1600].
More is committed to prison because he maintains that he has the power to dispossess those who are possessed of devils. Asks the two knights to aid him to be heard. Fraying at bottom of sheet has destroyed the surname of the signer, but an endorsement reads “georg more mynster”. The letter is undated, but was written between 1597, the year in which Sir George More was knighted, and 1600, the year in which Sir William More died. The year 1600 is the most probable year. In that year, George More, describing himself as a “minister and preacher of the word of God” published
A true discourse concerning the certaine possession and dispossession of 7 persons ... in Lancashire, on the title page of
which the author stated that he was “now for bearing witness unto this and justifying the rest, a prisoner in the Clinke where he hath continued almost for the space of two years.” This book, however, was entered on August 29, 1597.
1 fol.; 30 × 20 cm. Stained, frayed at bottom. (Film Fo 320.6)
Papers relating to the Earl of Southampton
L.b.564 Great Britain. Privy Council. Letter. To Henry Becher, sheriff of London. Hampton Court. June 16, 1570.
Letter (copy). Instructions from the Council (Howard, Knollys, and Cecil), accompanying Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton, sent as a prisoner to lodge in Becher's house. With a note by Becher.
L.b.565 Great Britain. Privy Council. Letter. To Henry Becher, sheriff of the city of London. Oatlands. July 15, 1570.
Letter (copy). The sheriff is to deliver his prisoner, the Earl of Southampton, into the charge of Mr. More of Guildford, “upon occasion of the sickness growing nearer to your house”. When More calls for the Earl, Becher is to tell him the council's rules respecting his custody. Signed by Leicester, Clinton, Howard, Knollys, Croft, and Cecil.
L.b.566 Great Britian. Privy Council. Letter. To William More. Oatlands. July 15, 1570.
Autograph letter signed. The Council, hearing that the plague approaches the house of Becher the sheriff in London and that the sheriff's prisoner, the Earl of Southampton, is not well, orders More to remove the Earl to Loseley. The Earl is to pay his own expenses. Signed by Leicester, Clinton, Howard, Knollys, Croft, and Cecil.
L.b.567 Becher, Henry. Letter. To william More. July 16, 1570.
Autograph letter signed. A note sent with the Council's letter. The Earl of Southampton desires to be out of London on account of the plague. Though there were 24 deaths in the city last week, the sheriff's parish has not been stricken. With the sheriff's seal.
L.b.568 Southampton, Henry Wriothesley, Earl of. 1548-1581. Letter. To William More. London. July 16, 1570.
Autograph letter signed. Desiring More to come to London for him the next day since the Privy Council has commanded him to More's custody. Printed in Kempe, 1836, p. 231, with several errors (now corrected in the library copy).
L.b.569 Montagu, Anthony Browne, 1st Viscount. ca. 1528-1592. Letter. To William More. July 24, 1570.
Autograph letter signed. Writing to know the health of the Earl of Southampton, having understood from his daughter, the Countess, that he is as closely confined “as before with Mr. Becher”. Printed in Kempe, 1836, p. 232.
L.b.570 Montagu, Anthony Browne, 1st Viscount. ca. 1528-1592. Letter. To William More. August 5, 1570.
Autograph letter signed. With a letter for the Earl of Southampton (missing).
L.b.571 Effingham, William Howard, Earl of. 1510?-1573. Letter. To William more. Bletchingley. August 9, 1570.
Autograph letter signed. Excusing More from visiting Bletchingley and from serving on a commission because of his charge over the Earl of Southampton.
L.b.572 Becher, Henry. Letter. To William More. August 14, 1570.
Autograph letter signed. With a letter to the Earl of Southampton (missing). Becher explains how the apparently contradictory statements he made about the plague near his house can be reconciled. News of the spread of plague in the home counties.
L.b.573 More, Sir William. 1520-1600. Letter. To Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. [September 1570].
Autograph draft. More asks Leicester to continue his suit to the Queen for the Earl of Southampton's enlargement, alleging that the latter's sorrow will injure his health. Cf. L.b.574. Printed in Kempe, 1836, p. 236. There are further notes on the original which Kempe does not include.
L.b.574 Montagu, Anthony Browne, 1st Viscount. ca. 1528-1592. Letter. To William More. September 5, 1570.
Autograph letter signed. Montagu thanks More for writing to the Earl of Leicester for the Earl of Southampton's liberty. Cf. L.b.573.
L.b.575 Great Britian. Privy Council. Letter. To William More. Windsor Palace. October 23, 1570.
Letter signed. Does the Earl of Southampton come to Common Prayer? If not, More is to try to persuade him to. Cf. L.b.576. Printed in Kempe, 1836, p. 23, as of October 28. Signed by Northampton, Bedford, Leicester, Howard, Knollys, Croft, Cecil, and Mildmay.
L.b.576 More, Sir William. 1520-1600. Letter. To the Privy Council. October 1570.
Autograph draft. Printed in Kempe, 1836, p. 233. In reply to the Council's enquiry (L.b.575), More reports that his prisoner Southampton did listen to one learned sermon and has now agreed to attend Common Prayer regularly.
L.b.577 Montagu, Anthony Browne, 1st Viscoutn. ca. 1528-1592. Letter. To William More. October 31, 1570.
Autograph letter signed. Montagu marvels that Southampton has not been released, considering his late actions. Asks More to send news at once so that Lady Southampton may press her suit. Printed in Kempe, 1836, p. 235. Defective.
L.b.578 Great Britian. Privy Council. Letter. To William More. Hampton Court. November 11, 1570.
Letter signed. Instructions to send the Earl of Southampton to appear before them. Signed by Leicester and Cecil, with Cecil's wafer seal.
L.b.579 More, Sir William. 1520-1600. Letter. To William Cecil. [1571 or 1572].
Autograph draft. A suit for Cecil's help to be freed from keeping the Earl of Southampton.
L.b.580 Burghley, William Cecil, Baron. 1520-1598. Letter. To William More. From the court. May 3, 1573.
Letter signed. The Queen grants that the Earl of Southampton, with More's company, may visit his mother in her illness.
L.b.581 Great Britain. Privy Council. Letter. To William More. Star Chamber. May 5, 1573.
Letter signed. The Queen grants greater freedom to the Earl of Southampton. His wife, servants, and friends may visit him, and he may go out for the day in More's company to various places, including Dogmersfield, the house he is building in Hampshire. The letter bears autograph corrections by William Cecil, Lord Burghley, the Lord Treasurer. Signed by Burghley, Lincoln, Sussex, Leicester, Thos. Smith, Sadler, and Mildmay. Printed in Kempe, 1836, p. 237.
L.b.582 Great Britain. Privy Council. Letter. To Henry Wroithesley, Earl of Southampton. Greenwich. July 14, 1573.
Letter signed (copy). Copy certified by Southampton, giving him permission to stay at Cowdray withh Viscount Montagu, his father-in-law, and to make overnight trips to Dogmersfield, his own new house in Hampshire. Original signed by Burghley, Sussex, Bedford, Leicester, Knollys, and Thos. Smith. Printed in Kempe, 1836, p. 239, without the Earl's certification.
L.b.584 Southampton, Henry Wriothesley, 2nd Earl of. 1548-1581. Letter. To William More. [October 5], 1573.
Autograph letter signed. News of the birth of his son, Henry, who became the third Earl of Southampton in 1581. An invitation to Mrs. More to visit Cowdray. Printed in Kempe, 1836, p. 240.
L.b.585 Southampton, Henry Wriothesley, 2nd Earl of. 1548-1581. Letter. To William More. November 1, 1573.
Autograph letter signed. The Earl accepts an invitation to stop at Loseley with his entourage on the way to London, and requests that More hasten to send him his glasier for Dogmersfield.
L.b.586 Southampton, Henry Wriothesley, 2nd Earl of. 1548-1581. Letter. To William More. [November] 1573.
Autograph letter signed. Written a few days after the preceding letter, L.b.585. Lord Montagu's illness prevents his journeying to London, but the rest of the party have not changed their plans.
L.b.587 Southampton, Mary (Browne) Wriothesley, Countess of. d. 1607. Letter. To Mistress Margaret More. n.d.
Autograph letter signed. The Countess asks Mrs. More to send home her little daughter, Moll, as soon as she has rested one whole day at Loseley after her journey.
