Cotton MS Vespasian C I

Papers concerning England and Spain between 1511 and 1520. Correspondents include Henry VIII (1491–1547), king of England and Ireland, Thomas Wolsey (1470/71–1530), royal minister, archbishop of York, and cardinal, Ferdinand II (1452-1516), King of Aragon, and Charles V (1500-1558), Holy Roman Emperor. With the Treaty of Lille (1513), and the convention between Charles V and Henry VIII (1520).

f. 1r: Cottonian titlepage.

ff. 2r-18v: Blank, running header only.

f. 18*r-18*v: Letter from King Ferdinand II of Aragon to King Henry VIII. Sending thanks for one thousand archers sent to him, and resolving to take command of his army. Seville, April 20 1511. Latin.

ff. 19r-22v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 22*-22**v: Letter from King Ferdinand II of Aragon to King Henry VIII. Professing great friendship. Burgos, January 3 1512. Latin.

f. 23r-23v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 24r-47v, 50r-51v, 53r-61v, 63r-71*v: Sixteen letters from William Knight and John Stile, ambassadors in Spain, to King Henry VIII. In cipher, with a key (f. 47r). January-December 1512.

ff. 48r-49v, 52r-52v, 62r-62v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 72r-74r: Letter from William Knight and John Stile, ambassadors in Spain (their names not subscribed), to King Henry VIII. Reporting on a conference with King Ferdinand II of Aragon, concerning a treaty of subsidy. c. 1513.

f. 75r-75v: Draft fragment of a letter from King Henry VIII to William Knight and John Stile, ambassadors in Spain. Sending instructions and intelligence. In the hand of Thomas Wolsey. c. 1513.

f. 76r-76v: Letter from an unnamed correspondent to Thomas Grey, second Marquess of Dorset. Complimentary. From the camp near Pampeluna, August 1 [1512]. Latin, with a Spanish addition.

ff. 77r-78v: Letter from King Ferdinand II of Aragon to Thomas Grey, second Marquess of Dorset. Concerning the war in Navarre. Burgos, August 2 1512. Spanish.

ff. 79r-84v: Two letters from William Knight to Thomas Wolsey. Discussing the affairs of Navarre, and negotiations. Fontarabia, August 5, and St. Sebastian, October 4 [1512].

f. 85r-85v: Blank, running header only.

f. 85*r-85*v: Letter from John Stile to Thomas Wolsey. Concerning negotiations. Medina del Campo, February 27 [1512].

ff. 86r-87v: Letter from William Knight to King Henry VIII. Concerning the truce between King Ferdinand II of Aragon, and France, and the restoration of the King of Navarre. Valladolid, May 12 1513.

ff. 88r-89v: Letter from William Knight and John Stile to King Henry VIII. Concerning a proposed treaty of subsidy, without which King Ferdinand II of Aragon will not continue the war. Valladolid, 17 June 1513.

f. 90r-90v: Blank, running header only.

f. 91r-91v: Treaty between Spain, King Charles of Spain, and King Henry VIII. Signed by Spanish officials. Lisle, October 17 1513. Latin. Parchment.

f. 91*r-91*v: Credentials issued by King Ferdinand II of Aragon, to King Henry VIII. In favour of Bernard de Mesa, Bishop of Trinopoli. Ventosilla, May 2 1515. Latin.

f. 92r-92v: Blank.

f. 92*r: Letter from one Carroz de Vilarague to King Henry VIII. Reporting that King Ferdinand II of Aragon has sent a physician, Dr Descoriaça. Burgos, July 21 1515. Latin.

f. 93r-93v: Letter from Bernard de Mesa, Bishop of Trinopoli, to Thomas Wolsey. Requesting an interview. London, August 14 1515. Latin.

f. 93*r-93*v: Blank, running header only.

f. 94r: Safe-conduct issued by King Henry VII in favour of Don John of Aragon, and another unnamed person, sent by King Ferdinand II of Aragon to the Prince of Castile. Greenwich, January 17 1514 [1513]. Latin.

f. 95r-95v: Oath taken by Bernard de Mesa, Bishop of Trinopoli, confirming a treaty between King Ferdinand II of Aragon, Joanna, Queen of Castile, and King Henry VIII. October 3 1515. Latin.

ff. 96r-97v: Blank, running header only.

f. 98r-99v: Oration held by one J. Tayler, to the Spanish ambassadors in the presence of King Henry VIII and his nobility. March [9] 1515. Latin.

f. 100r-100v: Blank, running header only.

f. 101r-102v: Letter from the Bishop of Siguenza, possibly Fadrique de Portugal Noreña, to King Henry VIII. Mentioning his appointment to the post following Bernardino López de Carvajal y Sande, a schismatic. Desiring the King intercede with King Charles of Spain, to maintain him in the post. Majoretti, April 8 1516. Latin.

f. 102*r-102*v: Letter from King Ferdinand II of Aragon to King Henry VIII. Professing friendship, and sending credentials in favour of the Bishop ‘Eunensis’, possibly Helva. Xarayzelo, December 30 1516. Latin.

ff. 103r-108v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 109r-110v: Letter from the Bishop of Helva to Thomas Wolsey. Requesting that a sum be allowed to King Ferdinand II of Aragon be paid to the King’s treasurer, a Mr Aron. London, August 10 1517. Latin.

ff. 111r-113v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII. Reporting a voyage with the King of Spain, giving an account of the country around Villa Viciosa, and the Spanish court. St. Vincent, Asturias, September 29 1517.

ff. 113*v-114v: Letter from King Charles of Spain, to Margaret of Savoy. Concerning the motions of his army. St. Vincent, October 1 1517. French.

f. 115r-115v: Letter from the Bishop of Helva to Thomas Wolsey. Sending intelligence, enclosing the above letter (ff. 113*v-114v), and desiring a payment. October 27 1517. Latin.

ff. 116r-116*v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. Bezzarryll, October 31 1517.

ff. 117r-119v, 122r-124v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII. Valladolid, January 7 1518.

f. 120r-120v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. Valladolid, January 6 1518.

f. 124*r: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. Valladolid, February 9 1518.

ff. 125r-126v: Letter from John Stile to King Henry VIII. Sending intelligence from the Spanish court. The beginning wanting. Valladolid, February 11 1518.

ff. 127r-134v: Two letters from Sir Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII. March […], and April 2 1518.

ff. 134*-135v: Letter from one De Hesdin to Thomas Wolsey. Soliciting some reward for his endeavours to recover the town of Mortaigne from the Prince of Ligne. Malignes, April 16 1518. French.

ff. 136r-138v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. Barcelona, April 13 1518.

ff. 139r-140v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII. Aranda, April 18 1518.

ff. 141r-145v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII. Calatayud in Aragon, May 3 1518.

f. 145*r-145*v: Blank, running header only.

f. 145**r-145**v: Letter from one Ch. De Croy and J. le S[…] to Thomas Wolsey. Sending Thanks for a favour from the King. Saragoça, May 11 1518. Latin.

f. 146r-146v: Letter from the English ambassadors in Spain, possibly John Kite, Archbishop of Armagh, and John Bourchier, to Thomas Wolsey. Acquainting him with a report received from France concerning dissentions in England. Saragoça, May 12 1518. In the hand of Ralph Starkey.

ff. 147r-150v: Letter from John Kite, Archbishop of Armagh, and John Bourchier to King Henry VIII. Reporting their audience with King Charles V. Almasana, May 12 1518.

f. 150*r-150*v: Blank, running header only.

f. 151r-151v: Letter from John Bourchier to an unknown correspondent. Sending intelligence on negotiations for the restitution of Navarre. May 1518. In the hand of Ralph Starkey.

ff. 152r-153v: Letter from Cuthbert Tunstall to Thomas Wolsey. Reporting the arrival of Spanish ambassadors at Oxford, one being the provost of Cassel. Desiring instructions regarding their treatment, and sending intelligence from Spain obtained from them. Oxford, May 18 1518.

ff. 154r-160v: Two letters from Sir Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII. Saragoça, May 20 and 25, 1518.

ff. 161r-162v: Paper containing intelligence from Rome, gathered from letters of the de Medicis. May 20 1518. In the hand of Thomas Spinelly [May 30 1517].

ff. 163r-163*v: Notes containing intelligence from Spain and the Low Countries. No date.

ff. 164r-166*v: Two letters from Sir Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII and Thomas Wolsey. Saragoça, June 8 1518.

ff. 167r-168v: Letter from John Kite, Archbishop of Armagh, and John Bourchier to Thomas Wolsey. Sending intelligence from the Spanish court. Saragoça, June 14 1518.

f. 168*r-168*v: Letter from King Charles of Spain, to King Henry VIII and Thomas Wolsey. Sending credentials in favour of Claude de Botton, Lord Corbaron. Barcelona. April 2 1518. Latin.

ff. 169r-170v: Letter from John Kite, Archbishop of Armagh, to Thomas Wolsey. Sending intelligence. Saragoça, June 21 1518.

ff. 171r-176v: Two letters from Sir Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII. Saragoça, June 21 and June 30 1518.

f. 177r-177v: Letter from the English ambassadors in Spain, possibly John Kite, Archbishop of Armagh, and John Bourchier to King Henry VIII. Describing a feast held at Saragoça. July 2 1518. In the hand of Ralph Starkey.

ff. 178r-179v: Letter from John Kite, Archbishop of Armagh, and John Bourchier to King Henry VIII. Reporting matters charged to them by King Charles of Spain. Saragoça. July 12 1518.

f. 180r-180v: Blank, running header only.

f. 181r: Letter from John Bourchier to Thomas Wolsey. Sending intelligence concerning the Spanish court. Saragoça. July 26 1518. In the hand of Ralph Starkey.

ff. 182r-183v: Letter from John Kite, Archbishop of Armagh, to King Henry VIII. Reporting a friendly message from King Charles of Spain. Concerning a report of a marriage between Princess Mary, future Queen Mary I, and Francis, Dauphin of France, and relating the affairs of Navarre. Saragoça, August 16 1518.

ff. 184r-158r: Blank, running header only.

ff. 185*r-186v: Letter from King Charles of Spain, to Thomas Wolsey. Sending a credential in favour of the Bishop of Helva. Saragoça, August 16 1518. Latin.

ff. 187r-189*v: Letter from Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII. Saragoça, August 16 1518.

f. 190r-190v: Letter from Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. Saragoça, August 16 1518.

ff. 191r-192v: Letter from Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII. Saragoça, September 7 1518.

ff. 192*r-193v: Letter from King Charles of Spain, to King Henry VIII. In answer to a communication he received from King Henry VIII’s ambassadors concerning the treaty between France, the Pope, and the Emperor. Saragoça, December 16 1518. French.

ff. 194r-195v: Letter from John Kite, Archbishop of Armagh, to King Henry VIII. Sending intelligence concerning their negotiations. Saragoça, September 17 1518.

f. 195*v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. Saragoça, September 18 1518.

f. 196r-196v: Letter from John Bourchier to Thomas Wolsey. Sending intelligence concerning King Charles of Spain. September 18 1518. In the hand of Ralph Starkey.

ff. 197r-198v, 199r-199v, 201r-202v: Two letters from Sir Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII. Saragoça, September 18 and October 4 1518.

f. 198*r-198*v: Blank.

f. 200r-200v: Blank, running header only.

f. 203r-203v: Letter from John Bourchier to Thomas Wolsey. Sending intelligence concerning the Spanish court. Saragoça, October 8 1518. In the hand of Ralph Starkey.

ff. 204r-205v, 207r-211v: Two letters from Sir Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII. Saragoça, October 16 and January 20 1518.

f. 206r-206v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 212r-212v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. Saragoça, October 16 1518.

f. 213r-213v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 214r-216v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII. Saragoça, October 31 1518.

ff. 216*r-217v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. Saragoça, October 31 1518.

f. 218r-218v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 219r-221v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII. Saragoça, November 18 1518.

ff. 222r-223v: Letter from John Kite, Archbishop of Armagh, and John Bourchier to King Henry VIII. Concerning the preparations made in Naples against the Turkish forces by King Charles of Spain. Saragoça, November 20 1518.

ff. 224r-229v: Letter from Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. Saragoça, November 29 1518.

ff. 226r-227v: Letter from John Kite, Archbishop of Armagh, to Thomas Wolsey. Concerning an answer from the Spanish council, and sending intelligence. Saragoça, December 6 1518.

ff. 228r-231v: Letter from John Kite, Archbishop of Armagh, John Bourchier, and Thomas Spinelly to King Henry VIII. Sending intelligence concerning treaty negotiations. Saragoça, September 17 1518.

ff. 232r-234v: Letter from John Kite, Archbishop of Armagh, to Thomas Wolsey. On the treaty negotiations. Saragoça, September 17 1518.

ff. 235r-239v: Letter from Thomas Spinelly to Bryan Tuke. Concerning the proceedings of the ambassadors. Saragoça, January 10 1518.

ff. 238**r-239v: Letter from King Charles of Spain, to King Henry VIII. Notifying him of the death of his grandfather, Maximilian. Montserrat, February 6 1519. French.

f. 239*r-239*v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 240r-241v: Letter from King Charles of Spain, to Thomas Wolsey. On the above death, and soliciting King Henry VIII’s interest in the election to the empire. Montserrat, February 6 1519. Latin.

f. 242r-242v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 242*-243r: Letter from King Charles of Spain to King Henry VIII. Desiring him to favour Charles V’s election to the empire. Barcelona, February 22 1519. French.

f. 243*r-243*v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 244r-245v: Letter from King Charles of Spain to Thomas Wolsey. Concerning the election to the empire. Barcelona, February 22 1519. Latin.

f. 246r-246v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 247r-265v: Four letters from Sir Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. Barcelona, February 24, March 9, 20, and 21 1519.

ff. 266r-268v: Blank, running header only.

f. 268*r-268*v: Letter from King Charles of Spain to King Henry VIII and Thomas Wolsey. Sending a credential in favour of Claude de Botton, Lord Corbaron. Barcelona, April 6 1519. Latin.

f. 269r-269v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 269*r-269**v: Letter from King Charles of Spain to King Henry VIII. Reporting that the Pope opposes his election, favouring the French king. Barcelona, April 20 1519. French.

f. 270r-270v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 271r-273v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. Barcelona, April 22 1519.

f. 273*r-273*v: Letter from Laurence de Gorrevod, governor of Brescia, to King Henry VIII. Complimentary. Barcelona, May 26 1519. French.

ff. 274r-281v: Two letters from Sir Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. The first from Barcelona, June 16 1519, and the second wanting the end.

f. 282r-282v: Letter from the Bishop of Siguenza, possibly Fadrique de Portugal Noreña, to King Henry VIII. Complimentary. Barcelona, June 30 1519.

ff. 282*r-284v: Letter from King Charles of Spain to King Henry VIII. Reporting his election as Holy Roman Emperor, and thanking King Henry VIII for his cooperation. Barcelona, July 7 1519.

f. 284*r-284*v: Blank.

ff. 285r-289v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. Barcelona, July 15 1519.

ff. 290r-291v: Abstracts of letters from Sir Thomas Spinelly. October 30 and November 21 1519.

f. 291*r-291*v: Letter from Charles de Croÿ to Thomas Wolsey. Delivered by Joanné de Sault, whom he recommends. Professing his desire to maintain good harmony between their two masters. Barcelona, 17 August 1519. Latin.

ff. 292v-293v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. A copy or decipher. Molyndery, December 11 1519.

ff. 294r-295v: Commission of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, to the Lord of Berghes and others, for settling the post in England and making preparations for his interview with King Henry VIII. Burgos, February 25 1520. Latin.

f. 296r-296v: Blank, running header only.

f. 296r-296v: Letter from Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, to Thomas Wolsey. Recommending the Spanish commissioners. Burgos, February 25 1520. Latin.

ff. 298r-299v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. Ponferrat, March 19 1519/20.

ff. 299*r-301v: Commission of King Henry VIII to Thomas Ruthall, Bishop of Durham, and others, in preparation for his interview with Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. Greenwich, April 8 1520. Latin.

ff. 302r-304v: Letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly to Thomas Wolsey. Corunna, May 3 1520.

f. 305r-305v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 305*r-306v: Letter from Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, to Thomas Wolsey. Reporting that he has been detained by contrary winds, and requesting that the interview take place despite any impediment. May 4 1520. Latin.

ff. 307r-308v: Record of the convention held between King Henry VIII and Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, at their interview. The original counterpart of the Emperor, dated Calais, June 14 1520. Latin.

ff. 309r-310v: Blank, running header only.

ff. 311r-312v: Extracts from a letter from Sir Thomas Spinelly, containing news from Spain. Valladolid, September 12 1520.

f. 313r-313v: Blank, running header only.