File:Cheyne.jpg

This is a letter written by Sir Thomas Cheyne, K.G. (1485-1558). He began his service for the English Crown during the reign of Henry VII (his uncle John was a standard bearer for Henry VII at the Battle of Bosworth) and became a gentleman of the bedchamber for Henry VIII. During his long and glorious service to Henry VIII, he became Lord Treasurer of the King's Household, and a member of the Privy Council. He also became Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in 1536, upon the death of Anne Boylen and her brother, Lord Rochford, the previous Lord Warden. Thomas Cheyne lived in a stately home called Shurland Hall on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. He also served King Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I as Privy Councillor and Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. His astute political acumen kept his head on his shoulders at such a turbulent time in English history.

This letter is signed by Sir Thomas Cheyne. One page, Octavo, Shortland, August 1, [1547-1549], to John Monynge [Monyn]. Scarce letter signed during Edward VI’s reign regarding orders from the Lord Protector, Edward Seymour, the Duke of Somerset, uncle and Regent for the boy King. The letter announces the dispatch of letters by which the Duke directs that 270 “mariners” [sailors] be engages for the royal service, within the liberties of the Cinque Ports, to be at Gillingham by the 12th of the month. To Cheyne, this number seems excessive, because he has never raised more than 50 or 60 at a time, and there were evidently not enough men at Sturbourne available. Monyn is directed to raise 60 men at the very least. He says that John Anthony can give him the names of some mariners available in Thanet, and Cheyne thinks that some can be found at Dover. Letters signed by known persons during this era are scarce, and this letter concerning behind-the-scenes conscription of men for the Royal Service is a fine example. The letter is chipped along the right margin, somewhat stained, and has been trimmed at the top. Still, the ink is very dark, and the signature bold.

Thomas Cheyne was a prominent figure at court, and was one of the Henry's most trusted courtiers and diplomats. He can be found in almost every book about Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary. He died early in the reign of Elizabeth.

It is a very good letter on vellum, and resides over my desk in my office.

Tom Baine Erlanger, KY USA tombaine@aol.com

Own work

22 May 2006

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