Year 1580

Jan. 13th, I gave my wife money for the month. Jan. 16th, Arthur fell sick, stuffed with cold phlegm, could not sleep, had no appetite for food or drink as he had done before. Feb. 26th, this night the fire, all in flame, came into my maidens' chamber again, between eleven and twelve o'clock; it continued half an hour terribly, as it had done a year before to the same maidens, Mary Cunstable and Jane Gele. May 17th, at the Moscovy house for the Cathay voyage. June 3rd, Mr. A. Gilbert and J. Davys rode homeward into Devonshire. June 7th, Mr. Skydmor and his wife stayed at my house and Mr. Skydmor's daughter, and the Queen's dwarf Mrs. Tomasin. June 8th, my wife went with Mrs. Skydmor to the court. June 12th, Mr. Zackinson and Mr. Cater stayed at my house, having supped at my Lady Crofts. June 14th, Mr. Fosku of the Wardrip stayed at my house, and went the next day to London with Mr. Coweller. July 15th, the Lady Croft went from Mortlak to the court at Otlands.

June 30th, paid Jane 20s. for three quarters' wages, so that all that is due is paid, and all other reckonings likewise are paid her, 6s. 8d.; and Mary Constable was paid all old reckonings, 15s., and my wife had eleven pounds to discharge everything for the next thirteen weeks, that is, until the 5th of November: I delivered Mr. Williams, the parson of Tendring, a letter of attorney against one White of Colchester, for a slander.

Aug. 27th, Arthur was weaned for the first time this night. Aug. 28th, my dealing with Sir Humfrey Gilbert for his grant of discovery. Aug. 30th, Nurse Darant was discharged and had 10s. given her, which was the whole quarter's wages due at a fortnight after Michelmas.

Sept. 6th, Her Majesty came to Richemond. Sept. 10th, Sir Humfry Gilbert granted me my request to him, made by letter, for the royalties of discovery all to the North above the parallel of the 50 degree of latitude, in the presence of Stoner, Sir John Gilbert, his servant or retainer; and thereupon took me by the hand with faithful promises in his lodging in John Cooke's house in Wichcross Street, where the three of us dined alone together, it being Saturday. Sept. 13th, Mr. Lock brought his son Benjamyn to me: his eldest son, also called Zacharie, came with him at that time. Sept. 17th, Her Majesty came from Rychemond in her coach by the higher way of Mortlak field, and when she came opposite the church she turned down toward my house: and when she was opposite my garden in the field she stood there a good while, and then came into the street at the great gate of the field, where she spied me at my door making obeisance to Her Majesty; she beckoned me with her hand; I came to her coach side, she very quickly pulled off her glove and gave me her hand to kiss; and to be brief, asked me to come to her court, and to let her know when I came there; at 6¼ in the afternoon. Sept. 14th, I began against Vincent Murphyn. Sept. 15th, I wrote to the bishop of London. Sept. 22nd, my declaration against Vincent Murphin put into the court of Geldhall.

Oct. 3rd, on Monday, at 11 o'clock before noon, I delivered my two rolls of the Queen's Majesty's title to herself in the garden at Richemond, who appointed after dinner to hear further of the matter. Therefore, between one and two in the afternoon, I was sent for into Her Highness's Privy Chamber, where the Lord Treasurer also was, who, the matter having been only slightly touched on then in consultation, seemed to doubt much that I had made or could make the argument convincing for Her Highness's title as I claimed. Whereupon I was to declare to his honor more plainly, and at his leisure, what I had said and could say in the matter, which I did on Tuesday and Wednesday following, at his chamber, where he treated me very honorably on his behalf. Oct. 7th, on Friday I came to my Lord Treasurer, and he, being told that I was outside, and also as I stood before him when he came out, did not or would not speak to me, I have no doubt because of some new grievance he had taken. Oct. 10th, Her Majesty, to my great comfort (at five), came with her train from the court and, graciously calling me to her at my door on horseback, urged me briefly to take my mother's death patiently, and also told me that the Lord Treasurer had greatly commended my doings for her title, which he had to examine, that title in two rolls he had brought home two hours before; she remembered also how at my wife's death it was her fortune likewise to call upon me. At 4 o'clock in the morning my mother Jane Dee died at Mortlak; she made a godly end: God be praised for it! She was 77 years old. Oct. 20th, I had £100 damages awarded me by my jury at Geldhall against Vincent Murphyn the swindler. Oct. 22nd, with much ado I had judgment against Murfin at Geldhall. A marvelous hoarseness and near speechlessness came upon me, though I was nothing at all otherwise sick. Oct. 25th, Morrice Kyffin departed from me with my leave. Nov. 2nd, the Lord Treasurer sent me a haunch of venison. Thomas Suttley had the bishop of Canterbury's letter for Sir Richard. Nov. 3rd, I wrote to my Lord Treasurer. Nov. 6th, Helen came to my service. Nov. 12th, somewhat better in my voice. Nov. 22nd, the blazing star I could see no more, though it was a clear night. Dec. 1st, news came by Dr. Deny from Ireland of the overthrow of the Italians whom the Pope had sent, the Queen lying at Richemond. Dec. 6th, the Queen removed from Richmond. Dec. 8th, I received letters from Rome, written by brother Laudervicea.

1581 Feb. 9th, I agreed with Mr. Gentle Godolphin to release the swindler Vincent Murphin. Feb. 11th, Harry Prise, of Lewsam, came to me at Mortlak, and told of his dreams often repeated, and upon my prayer to God this night his dream was confirmed, and better instruction given. Feb. 12th, Sir William Harbert came to Mortlak. Feb. 23rd, I made the acquaintance of Joannes Bodinus, in the Presence Chamber at Westminster, the ambassador being by from Monsieur. Feb. 26th, a very fair calm warm day.

March 8th, it was the 8th day, being Wednesday, at the 10th, 11th hour of the night, the strange noise in my chamber of knocking; and the voice, ten times repeated, somewhat like the screech of an owl, but more drawn out and softer, as it were in my chamber. March 12th, all reckonings paid to Mr. Hudson, £11. 17s. March 13th, Elizabeth Kyrton came to my service. March 23rd, at Mortlak came to me Hugh Smyth, who had returned from Magellan straits and Vaygatz; after that, rainy, stormy wind, S.W.

March 25th, Helen was hired at our Lady day for the year for four nobles' wages; she had her covenant penny, and also 6s. 8d. for her pains taken since she came. April 3rd, I rode toward Snedgreene, to John Browne, to hear and see the manner of the doings. April 14th, I came home from Snedgreene. May 25th, I had sight in +crystal+ offered me, and I saw. June 7th, at 7½ in the morning Katharine Dee was born. June 10th, Katharine was baptized at 5½ in the afternoon. Mr. Packington of the court, my Lady Katarin Crofts, wife to Sir James Crofts, Mr. Controller of the Queen's household, Mrs. Mary Skydmor of the Privy Chamber, and cousin to the Queen, by their deputies christened Katharin Dee. June 17th, young Mr. Hawkins, who had been with Sir Francis Drake, came to me to Mortlake. June 30th, Mr. John Leonard Haller, of Hallerstein, by Worms in Germany, received his manifold instructions for his journey to Quinsay, which journey I urged him into, and instructed him fully on the variation of the compass, observing in all places as he passed.

July 6th, my wife churched. July 7th, in the morning at 1¾ after midnight, Mr. Hinde's son was born. July 10th, my right shoulder and elbow joint were in such extreme pain that for 14 days I could not lift my arm outward, not even an inch; the pain was extreme; I used Mr. Larder, Mr. Alles, and Alise Davyes, and about the 25th day I got better. July 12th, about half past ten in the morning, Roger's incredible stubbornness and ingratitude against me, to my face, almost ready to lay violent hands on me; mager [word unclear in the source], Henrik can partly tell. On the same day the Earl of Leicester fell out foully with the Earl of Sussex, Lord Chamberlain, calling each other traitor, whereupon both were commanded to keep their chambers at Greenwich, where the court was. July 19th, Mr. Henrick went to London to visit his wife and children. July 26th, Mr. Haylok came, and goodman King with him. July 28th, Mr. Collens did ride into Lincolneshire.

Aug. 3rd, all the night very strange knocking and rapping in my chamber. Aug. 4th, and this night likewise. Katharin was sent home from nurse Maspely, of Barnes, for fear of her maid's sickness, and goodwife Benet nursed her. Aug. 11th, Katharine Dee was moved to nurse Garret at Petersham on Friday, the next day after St. Lawrence day, being the 11th day of the month; my wife went on foot with her, and Ellen Cole, my maid, George and Benjamin, in very heavy showers of rain. Aug. 12th, I received letters from Doctor Andreas Hess, a student of hidden philosophy, through the diligence of Richard Hesketh my friend, who was acting at Antwerp, in my affairs; and I received, together with the letters, the *Mensitam* of Mercury [sic; not an attested Latin word, so the meaning is uncertain], or Seal of the Planets. Aug. 26th, about 8½ (at night) a strange meteor in the form of a white cloud crossing the galaxy, when it lay north and south over our zenith; this cloud was in length from the S.E. to the S.W., sharp at both ends, and at the west end it was forked for a while; it was about sixty degrees high, it lasted an hour, all the sky clear around, and fair starshine.

Sept. 5th, Roger Cook, who had been with me from his 14 years of age until 28, of a melancholy nature, picking and devising occasions of just cause to depart suddenly, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon asked me for leave to depart, whereupon hot words rose between us; and he, imagining to himself that he had deserved my great displeasure on the 12 of July and finding himself barred from seeing my philosophical dealings with Mr. Henrik, thought that he was utterly cut off from the goodness intended toward him. Despite Roger Cook's unseemly behavior, I promised him, if he conducted himself toward me during this absence, one hundred pounds as soon as I could spare so much out of my own clear ability; and moreover, if he conducted himself well in life toward God and the world, I promised him some neat alchemical experiments, upon which he might live respectably. Sept. 7th, Roger Cook went away from me altogether. Sept. 29th, Robert Gardner, of Shrewsbury, came to my service.

Oct. 8th, I had news of the chests of books found by Owndle in Northamptonshire; Mr. Barnabas Sawle told me of them, but I found no truth in it. Oct. 9th, Barnabas Saul, lying in the … hall, was strangely troubled by a spiritual creature about midnight. Oct. 13th, I rode to Sowth Myms. Oct. 14th, to St. Nedes. Oct. 16th, at Mr. Hikman's. Oct. 20th, at Tosseter. Oct. 21st, Oxford, Dr. Cradocke. Oct. 23rd, from Oxford to Wyckam. Oct. 24th, I came home. Robert Hilton came to my service.

Nov. 16th, the Queen removed to White Hall, and Monsieur with her. Nov. 27th, I rode to Greensede. Nov. 28th, to goodman Wykham, 2 miles beyond Chayly by Lewys. Nov. 29th, I made the acquaintance of Mr. George Kylmer for Sir George's books. Nov. 30th, I came home. Dec. 1st, Katharyn Dee's nurse was paid 6s., so nothing is owed to her. Dec. 5th, Elen my maiden fell sick. Dec. 7th, George my man had a great fall from the ladder, about 10 in the morning. Dec. 8th, I sent a letter to Mr. Kylmer. Dec. 22nd, my Lord Chancellor's son, Mr. Bromley, and Sir William Herbert came to me. Helen Cole was paid her wages and reckoning until this Christmas, and so discharged from my service, being newly recovered of her ague. Her desire was to go to her friends.

Jan. 13th, I gave my wife money for the month. Jan. 16th, Arthur fell sick, stuffed with cold phlegm, could not sleep, and had no appetite to eat or drink as he had before. Feb. 26th, this night the fire, all in flames, came into my maid's room again, between eleven and twelve o'clock; it went on terribly for half an hour, as it did a year before to the same maids, Mary Cunstable and Jane Gele. May 17th, at the Moscovy house for the Cathay voyage. June 3rd, Mr. A. Gilbert and J. Davys rode homeward into Devonshire. June 7th, Mr. Skydmor and his wife stayed at my house, and Mr. Skydmor's daughter, and the Queen's dwarf, Mrs. Tomasin. June 8th, my wife went with Mrs. Skydmor to the court. June 12th, Mr. Zackinson and Mr. Cater stayed at my house, having supped at my Lady Crofts. June 14th, Mr. Fosku of the Wardrip stayed at my house, and went to London the next day with Mr. Coweller. July 15th, the Lady Croft went from Mortlak to the court at Otlands. June 30th, I paid Jane 20s. for three quarters' wages, so that all that is due is paid, and all her other reckonings likewise paid, 6s. 8d.; and Mary Constable was paid all old reckonings 15s., and my wife had eleven pounds to settle everything for the next thirteen weeks, that is, until the 5th of November: I gave Mr. Williams, the parson of Tendring, a letter of attorney against one White of Colchester, for a slander.

Aug. 27th, Arthur was weaned for the first time this night. Aug. 28th, my dealings with Sir Humfrey Gilbert for his grant of discovery. Aug. 30th, Nurse Darant was dismissed and given 10s., which was the whole quarter's wages due a fortnight after Michelmas.

Sept. 6th, the Queen's Majesty came to Richemond. Sept. 10th, Sir Humfry Gilbert granted my request to him, made by letter, for the royalties of discovery all to the North above the parallel of the 50 degree of latitude, in the presence of Stoner, Sir John Gilbert, his servant or retainer; and thereupon he took me by the hand with faithful promises in his lodging at John Cooke's house in Wichcross street, where only the three of us dined together, it being Saturday. Sept. 13th, Mr. Lock brought Benjamyn, his son, to me: his eldest son, called Zacharie, also came with him then. Sept. 17th, the Queen's Majesty came from Rychemond in her coach, by the higher way over Mortlak field, and when she came right opposite the church she turned down toward my house; and when she was opposite my garden in the field she stood there a good while, and then came into the street at the great gate of the field, where she saw me at my door bowing to her Majesty; she beckoned her hand to me; I came to her coach side, she very quickly pulled off her glove and gave me her hand to kiss; and to be short, she asked me to come to her court, and to let her know when I came there; at a quarter past 6 in the afternoon. Sept. 14th, I began against Vincent Murphyn. Sept. 15th, I wrote to the bishop of London. Sept. 22nd, my declaration against Vincent Murphin was put into the court of Geldhall.

Oct. 3rd, on Monday, at 11 o'clock before noon, I delivered my two rolls of the Queen's Majesty's title to her in person in the garden at Richemond, who set a time after dinner to hear further of the matter. So between one and two in the afternoon I was sent for into Her Highness's Privy Chamber, where the Lord Treasurer also was, who, taking the matter only briefly in consultation then, seemed to doubt much that I had or could make the argument for Her Highness's title probable as I claimed. Whereupon I was to explain to his honor more plainly, and at his leisure, what I had said and could say in the matter, which I did on the following Tuesday and Wednesday, at his chamber, where he treated me very honorably on his part. Oct. 7th, on Friday I came to my Lord Treasurer, and he, being told that I was outside, and also as I stood before him when he came out, did not or would not speak to me, no doubt over some new grievance he had taken. Oct. 10th, the Queen's Majesty, to my great comfort (at five o'clock), came with her train from the court and at my door graciously called me to her; on horseback, she briefly urged me to take my mother's death patiently, and also told me that the Lord Treasurer had greatly commended my work on her title, which he had to examine, the title in two rolls that he had brought home two hours before; she also remembered how at my wife's death it was her fortune likewise to call on me. At 4 o'clock in the morning my mother Jane Dee died at Mortlak; she made a good end: God be praised for it! She was 77 years old. Oct. 20th, my jury at Geldhall awarded me £100 in damages against Vincent Murphyn the cheat. Oct. 22nd, with much trouble I got judgment against Murfin at Geldhall. A strange hoarseness and near inability to speak came over me, when I was not otherwise sick at all. Oct. 25th, Morrice Kyffin left me with my leave. Nov. 2nd, the Lord Treasurer sent me a haunch of venison. Thomas Suttley had the bishop of Canterbury's letter for Sir Richard. Nov. 3rd, I wrote to my Lord Treasurer. Nov. 6th, Helen came into my service. Nov. 12th, somewhat better in my voice. Nov. 22nd, I could no longer see the blazing star, though it was a clear night. Dec. 1st, news came by Dr. Deny from Ireland of the defeat of the Italians whom the Pope had sent, the Queen staying at Richemond. Dec. 6th, the Queen moved from Richmond. Dec. 8th, I received letters from Rome, written by Brother Laudervicea.

1581 Feb. 9th, I agreed with Mr. Gentle Godolphin to release the cheat Vincent Murphin. Feb. 11th, Harry Prise, of Lewsam, came to me at Mortlak, and told me of his dreams, often repeated, and on my prayer to God that night his dream was confirmed, and better instruction given. Feb. 12th, Sir William Harbert came to Mortlak. Feb. 23rd, I made the acquaintance of Joannes Bodinus, in the Presence Chamber at Westminster, the ambassador from Monsieur being present. Feb. 26th, a very fair, calm, warm day.

March 8th, it was the 8th day, a Wednesday, at 10, 11 at night, a strange noise in my chamber of knocking; and a voice, ten times repeated, somewhat like the screech of an owl, but drawn out longer and softer, as if in my chamber. March 12th, all reckonings paid to Mr. Hudson, £11. 17s. March 13th, Elizabeth Kyrton came into my service. March 23rd, Hugh Smyth came to me at Mortlak, having returned from the Magellan straits and Vaygatz; after that, rainy, with a stormy wind, S.W.

March 25th, Helen was hired at our Lady day for the year at four nobles wages; she had her covenant money, and also 6s. 8d. for the work she had done since she came. April 3rd, I rode toward Snedgreene, to John Browne, to hear and see how things were done. April 14th, I came home from Snedgreene. May 25th, I was offered a sight in +crystal+, and I saw. June 7th, Katharina Dee was born at half past 7 in the morning. June 10th, Katharina was baptized at half past 5 in the afternoon. Mr. Packington of the court, my Lady Katarin Crofts, wife of Sir James Crofts, Mr. Controller of the Queen's household, Mrs. Mary Skydmor of the Privy Chamber and cousin to the Queen, by their deputies christened Katharin Dee. June 17th, young Mr. Hawkins, who had been with Sir Francis Drake, came to me at Mortlake. June 30th, Mr. John Leonard Haller, of Hallerstein, by Worms in Germany, received many instructions for his journey to Quinsay, which journey I urged him to take, and I instructed him fully on the variation of the compass, observing it in every place as he passed.

July 6th, my wife was churched. July 7th, in the morning at 1¾ after midnight, Mr. Hinde's son was born. July 10th, my right shoulder and elbow joint were so extremely painful that for 14 days I could not lift my arm outward even an inch; the pain was extreme; I used Mr. Larder, Mr. Alles, and Alise Davyes, and about the 25th day I got better. July 12th, about half past ten in the morning, Roger showed incredible stubbornness and ingratitude against me, to my face, almost ready to lay violent hands on me; mager [word unclear in the source], Henrik can partly tell. That same day the Earl of Leicester fell out badly with the Earl of Sussex, Lord Chamberlain, each calling the other a traitor, whereupon both were ordered to keep their chambers at Greenwich, where the court was. July 19th, Mr. Henrick went to London to visit his wife and children. July 26th, Mr. Haylok came, and goodman King with him. July 28th, Mr. Collens rode into Lincolneshire.

Aug. 3rd, all night very strange knocking and rapping in my chamber. Aug. 4th, and this night likewise. Katharin was sent home from nurse Maspely, of Barnes, for fear of her maid's sickness, and goodwife Benet fed her. Aug. 11th, Katharine Dee was moved to nurse Garret at Petersham on Friday, the next day after St. Lawrence day, being the 11th day of the month; my wife went on foot with her, and Ellen Cole, my maid, George and Benjamin, in very heavy showers of rain. Aug. 12th, I received letters from Dr. Andrea Hess, a student of occult philosophy, through the diligence of my friend Richard Hesketh, agent at Antwerp, in my affairs, and I received, together with the letters, the *Mensitam* of Mercury [sic; not an attested Latin word, so the meaning is uncertain], or Seal of the Planets. Aug. 26th, about 8½ at night a strange meteor in the form of a white cloud crossing the galaxy, when it lay north and south over our zenith; this cloud ran in length from the S.E. to the S.W., sharp at both ends, and at the west end it was forked for a while; it was about sixty degrees high, it lasted an hour, with all the sky clear around and fine starshine.

Sept. 5th, Roger Cook, who had been with me from when he was 14 years old until 28, of a melancholy nature, looking for and inventing occasions of just cause to leave all at once, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon asked me for permission to go, whereupon hot words rose between us; and he, believing that on the 12 of July he had earned my great displeasure and finding himself shut out from watching my philosophical work with Mr. Henrik, thought he was completely cut off from the good I intended for him. Despite Roger Cook's unseemly conduct, I promised him, if he behaved toward me now in my absence, one hundred pounds as soon as I could spare so much out of my own means; and moreover, if he conducted himself well in life toward God and the world, I promised him some modest alchemical experiments, by which he could honestly live. Sept. 7th, Roger Cook went away from me for good. Sept. 29th, Robert Gardner, of Shrewsbury, came into my service.

Oct. 8th, I had news of the chests of books found by Owndle in Northamptonshire; Mr. Barnabas Sawle told me of them, but I found no truth in it. Oct. 9th, Barnabas Saul, lying in the … hall, was strangely troubled by a spiritual creature about midnight. Oct. 13th, I rode to Sowth Myms. Oct. 14th, to St. Nedes. Oct. 16th, at Mr. Hikman's. Oct. 20th, at Tosseter. Oct. 21st, Oxford, Dr. Cradocke. Oct. 23rd, from Oxford to Wyckam. Oct. 24th, I came home. Robert Hilton came into my service. Nov. 16th, the Queen removed to White Hall, and Monsieur with her. Nov. 27th, I rode to Greensede. Nov. 28th, to goodman Wykham, 2 miles beyond Chayly by Lewys. Nov. 29th, I made the acquaintance of Mr. George Kylmer about Sir George's books. Nov. 30th, I came home. Dec. 1st, Katharyn Dee's nurse was paid 6s., so nothing is owed to her. Dec. 5th, Elen my maid fell sick. Dec. 7th, George my man had a great fall from the ladder, at about 10 in the morning. Dec. 8th, I sent a letter to Mr. Kylmer. Dec. 22nd, my Lord Chancellor's son, Mr. Bromley, and Sir William Herbert came to me. Helen Cole was paid her wages and reckonings till this Christmas, and so left my service, having just recovered from her ague. She wanted to go to her friends.