Correspondence leading up to Sir Thomas Dingley's execution

Family > Dingley > IoW > Descendants of John Dingley & Mabel Weston > Correspondence in the period up to the execution of Sir Thomas Dingley

The following are bits of correspondence, between 1534 and 1539, concerning Sir Thomas Dingley. They have been extracted from Calendars of Letters & Papers. (Note that the Calendars are a mixture of precis and quotation/translation.)

The correspondence provides some insight into what was going on at the time, and into the behaviour of the people with whom Sir Thomas came into contact. The personal events in Sir Thomas's life are clearly set against a backdrop of national and international conflict, including:
  -  the king's (Henry VIII) many wives and desire for a son
  - the rift between the king and the church
  -  the suppression of the monasteries
  -  a series of uprisings in the north of the country (the Pilgrimage of Grace)

Sir Thomas came into contact with people of influence and it is perhaps not surprising that he made some enemies. It is likely that the fickle nature of the king's favours meant that few people who wielded influence felt safe for long.

The first letter gives news from the household of Sir Thomas's uncle and from the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.

7 Sep 1534. Letter from Petit Jean Lavaux to Sir Thos. Dingley.

Informs him that his uncle and all the house are well. Has news from St. John's that the auditor Pinfol is dead of the plague, and the wife of Nich. Cokis, and some of the gentlewomen whom madame Marie had given to her to teach; also a little boy. Mons. has made master Morice Denys his maître d'hôtel, and also his receiver-general. Is informed that master Costance is very ill at Melchebourne. Robin, one of the servants of the kitchen, is also dead at St. John's.

Soutton. Addressed: Mons. Le commandeur de Badesley and Mayne, Sire Thomas Dyngley.

Sir Thomas was a brother of the Order of St. John and also the preceptor (commander) of the priory at Baddesley in Hampshire. I think that 'Soutton' is Sutton Place which his uncle Sir Robert Weston had built. His other uncle, Sir William Weston, was Grand Prior of St. John.

1536.

i. Letter from Henry VIII to the Grand Master of the Order of St. John [Perin del Pont?]
Thanks him for his good acceptance of previous letters in favour of Thomas Dingley, brother of the Order of Jerusalem, for the next presentation to the preceptory of Grace in England. Begs him to give Dingley the next preceptory which shall fall vacant.

ii. Same to the Grand Master [Didier de St. Jaille?].
Had recommended Thomas Dingley for the next vacancy of the preceptory of Grace in England to the Grand Master's predecessor, who is now dead. Begs that Dingley may still have that promotion.

The Grand Master was the head of the Order in Malta. It would seem that "a preceptory of Grace" is one that provides a reasonable income. But Sir Thomas was not the only one interested in an additional preceptory:

15 May 1536. Letter from Sir Ambrose Cave to Sir Thomas Dyngle

"A remembrance to my right worshipful brother Sir Thomas Dyngle, knight, commander of Badsley and Mayne, to do for me, Sir Ambrose Cave, knight, at his coming to Malta or elsewhere."

At my departure from England, my lord of St. John's gave me a packet of letters for Malta addressed to myself. I have left them with Mr. Forseto. I beg you will receive it, and deliver the contents at Malta. ...

You know I left England intending to join the convent, "and what case I stand in to meglior you know. Of any commandry that my ancients have I am content to meglior upon, except Slebiche, which I will not meddle with; if my lord master do his grace of Shyngay then I cannot meglior upon it, but else I have wrong if it be not mine for my megliorment." When my lord master doth give his grace I beg you will get me a part thereof, that I be not always put to charges without reward. You know my lord master has made me promises in presence of M. de Manoasque and of the auditor. I beg you will procure me all other offices that may touch me by my ancienty, for which I constitute you my proctor.

Lyons, 15 May 1536.

"meglior" looks like a custom that Sir Ambrose is drawing upon to justify his claim to the preceptory of Shingay. Shingay is in Cambridgeshire, now called Shingay-cum-Wendy. One can speculate upon whether Sir Ambrose knew of Sir Thomas's interest in a second preceptory, but I tend to suspect that it was not a coincidence that he appointed Sir Thomas "his proctor".

23 Oct 1536. Letter from Constanso Benet to Sir Thos. Dingle.

I hear that my letters to you have not been delivered, but they have been brought to the Religion. Would write oftener, but I am mostly in the country with my lord, who was at Melchebourne last summer well and lusty. I am very glad to hear that you have obtained the commandry of "Grase the which ys Schyngeye". On Oct. 4 a rebellion arose in Lincolnshire and the King summoned the nobles to meet with their power at Ampthill with three days' warning. 200,000 men were ready. My lord of Shrewsbury came out of Wales with a great number of Welshmen and pacified the rebels, and sent certain of them to the King. It is not known what punishment they will have. Many gentlemen were with them, but had been taken and kept against their wills.

Barwycke [Berwick, near Rainham in Essex, a residence of the Prior of St. John's], at my lord's place. Addressed to: Al Signor fr. Thomas Dingle, commandatore de Badsle and Mayne et de Schingey.

13 Jan 1537. Letter from Sir Ambrose Cave to Cromwell.

Doubts not he will be his good lord in the controversy between him and Mr Dyngley for the commandry of Shingay in Cambridgeshire. As it will appear by a writing which my brother the bearer will show you the Religion has given it me for my "melliorment", and has collated the commandry that I have possession of to another young gentleman. If Dingley has it, no man will be preferred but himself, for he would then keep two commandries, besides a member that he has out of the prioralty worth 40l. a year, and a pension out of another commandry of 100 cr. of the sun. No man for so little time serving the Religion is so rewarded. He should be content and not seek means to break the ancient style and custom of the Religion.

My lord of St. John's lately received a letter from Malta, which he should deliver to the King with credence for certain news from those parts. The gentleman who should bring the news is fallen sick in France, and till he come my lord can know nothing. Being troubled with gout he gave the letter to Cave to deliver, and if Cave were in health he would have come himself.

Sends two carpets as a gift. London, 13 Jan. 1536. Add: Lord Privy Seal.

Thomas Cromwell, the lord Privy seal, was a powerful man in the court of King Henry VIII. Amongst other things, he was responsible for overseeing the dissolution of the monasteries at that very time.

"The personal answers of Sir Thomas Dyngley to the positions (sic) of Sir Ambrose Cave."

1,2, and 3 he believes to be true.
4 and 5, Gives his opinion upon the right of the Great Master of St. John's to give away commandries without the advice of the convent.
6 and 7 are true;
8, 9, and 10 utterly untrue.
11. Is in peaceful possession of the commandry of Shingay; otherwise the article is untrue.
12, 13, and 14 he refers to the King's commission, and the acts of the Court.
15 and 16. Is a native of Southamptonshire.

I need to look at the original to be sure which points Sir Thomas is responding to. However, it is clear that Sir Thomas is not about to bow to Sir Ambrose's complaint.

1537. Postscript of a letter from Sir Clement West to Henry VIII

"Moreover, most good and gracious lord, knowledge is given here how Sir Ambrose Cave hath trouble and impeach by Sir Thomas Dyngleye", who refuses him possession of Shyngey, which was given him here "for his meliorement" according to the ancient custom of the Religion. Dyngleye pretends it is his by a grant of the elect master of Sancta Yawle, and maintains his claim by favour of his uncle; which is plain disobedience. Cave applied to the King, who assigned commissioners to hear the cause, but before it was determined Dyngley obtained a confirmation from his Highness. He is thus discharged of all responsibility to the Religion, which they hope Henry will protect as they do their best to resist the Turk. The whole Religion purpose to address Henry on the subject; "and because I am here unworthy head of your nation, holden in and maintained be your high favor, me symethe, for syche dewtye to ynforme the trewthe to your high mageste"...

Sir Clement had a position on the island of Rhodes which he describes as "unworthy head of your nation" which I take to be the King's representative, possibly Governor. (Sir Clement is credited with having made the first Christmas pudding in Malta, in 1531 - see www.maltaweb.com/pjazza/curios1.html #29)

19 Apr 1537.

Sir Th. Dingley, a knight of the hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England. To be preceptor of Schingay, vice Edw. Hylles deceased, not withstanding that the said office is in litigation between Ambrose Cave and the said Thomas. The assent of Desiderius de Tholono Sanctae Jallae, the late grand master, was obtained to this request.

So it does not look as though Sir Ambrose found favour with Cromwell or the king. It is also possible that the ongoing dispute served their purposes of undermining the church. The dispute certainly did not lie down...

3 Aug 1537. Letter from Robert Pakenham to Sir Thomas Dingley.

Cousin Dingley, Mr Rogers of your Order has been a great suitor to the lord Privy Seal and other noblemen, but has had small comfort. He has boasted he will have his pennyworth of you, "but I take it spoken but of a young man". The siege of Turwyn is raised by composition and a 10 months' truce. The King goes from Windsor to Ampthill and Grafton Wednesday, 8 Aug., and will be at Windsor with the Queen again, 2 Oct. Mrs Skewes is dead. Commend me to Mr Welche and my lady.

Windsor, 3 Aug. Addressed to: The right worshipful Sir Thomas Dingley, Knight, at Sir John Walchis place in Sadbery.

The following letter is addressed to "me neve [my nephew] Sir Thomas Dyngle" from Sir William Weston, Grand Prior of England:

7 Sep 1537.

"... vostre de par vostre serviteur ne ... m saw laquelle jay bien entendue an ...scavoir que Des Ruyaulx(?) et Soutton et Ambro[se] Cave trouvarent façon avecques Monsieur [du] Prive Seel que le Roy et le dit Prive Seel on escript a Monsieur le Grant Maistre et l[a] Religion que si le Grant Maistre mort n[aurons] poinet dauctorite de vous donner la comman[derie] que ledict Roy est comptant quelle soye mis[e] a la justice. Pourtant je vous advise que [vous] serchies voz amys le mueulx que vous pouv[es]. Mon frere ma dit cecy propre que vous esc[rips]."

Desires commendations to a nephew and niece. Soutton, 7 Sep 1537. Signed.

A rough translation is that Sir William is warning Sir Thomas that Ambrose Cave has found a way to persuade the Privy Seal (Cromwell) and the king. The Privy Seal had written to the Grand Master saying that, if the deceased Grand Master had no authority to give the [Shingay] commanderie to Sir Thomas, the king's edict would be a miscarriage of justice. The penultimate sentence which advises Sir Thomas to "seek out his friends as best he can" points to the gravity of his warning.

Clearly the situation was changing fast because Sir Thomas Dingley was committed to the Tower on 18th September 1537. The King had taken a definite interest in Sir Thomas...

10 Oct 1537. Letter from Cromwell to Sir Thos. Wyat.

I enclose a letter from Mr Pate to an Englishman in the Emperor's court. Take a copy of it and then seal and deliver it and solicit an answer; for the King much desires to try out that matter of Dignely.

Mortlake, 10 Oct.

Fail not to get the matter of Dignely sent with the next post if possible.

Sir Thomas Wyat was the King's Ambassador at the court of the Holy Roman Emperor in Spain(?); Mr Pate was Richard Pate, the archdeacon of Lincoln and Sir Thomas Wyat's predecessor as ambassador. But who was the "Englishman in the Emperor's court" and how did this affect Sir Thomas?

16 Oct 1537. Letter from Sir Thos Palmer to Lord Lisle.

On Monday prince Edward was christened, and on the same day Sir Geo. Frogmorton was sent to the Tower. It is said that Dyngley has impeached him...

London.

Lord Lisle was the Deputy of Calais. Jane Seymour had just given birth to Prince Edward, the legitimate son and heir that King Henry VIII had long been waiting for. But matters did not look so happy for Sir George Throckmorton; and Sir Thomas Dingley was still occupying the King's mind:

20 Oct 1537. Letter from Cromwell to Sir Thos. Wyat.

The King desires answer by Mr Dudley [bearer of the letter] of the matter touching Digneley, which his Grace has specially to heart.

Addressed to: Ambassador.

Oct 1537.

About six or seven years ago conversed with Sir Thos. Dyngley in the garden at St. John's about the Parliament matters. Dyngley wondered that the Act of Appeals should pass so lightly, and Throgmorton said it was no wonder as few would displease my lord Privy Seal. Told Sir Thomas he had been sent for by the King after speaking about that Act, and that he saw his Grace's conscience was troubled about having married his brother's wife. "And I said to him that I told your Grace I feared if ye did marry Queen Anne your conscience would be more troubled at length, for it is thought ye have meddled both with the mother and the sister. And his Grace said 'Never with the mother'. And my lord Privy Seal standing by said 'Nor never with the sister either, and therefore put that out of your mind.'" This was in substance all their communication. Intended no harm to the King, but only out of vainglory to show he was one that durst speak for the common wealth; otherwise he refuses the King's pardon and will abide the most shameful death...

Sir George was clearly one to speak his mind. However, relating the conversation which he had had with the King and Cromwell, to Sir Thomas (and others, as Sir George also reveals) was perhaps not so clever.

3 Nov 1537. Letter from Sir John Wallop to Lord Lisle.

The King is in good health and merry as a widower may be, the Prince also. The Queen is to be buried at Windsor at the end of this week. My lord Thomas died in the Tower four days ago of an ague. What shall become of Dyngley I cannot yet tell, but his two commandries are bestowed, the one in Hampshire on Sir Thos. Semour and the other on Sir Ric. Long. How Frogmorton shall do I know not ...

Addressed to: Deputy of Calais.

The dates on the next two letters look odd as they refer to Sir Thomas's execution which had not yet taken place. However the purpose of the letters looks obvious.

6 Feb 1538(?) Sir Clement West, in Malta, to Cromwell.

"... Here is come letters that Sir Thomas Dyngle has been executed. The "osspeteler" told me on the 28th ult. that Dyngle said to him in France that the King "sought avanys moreskys to put men to death". I answered his Highness did but maintain his laws. Some have written hither that the confirmations of this Religion had not been so strait, but for my "noyus" letters being importune to the king. I wrote to the King that such as should be of this Religion should be sworn to his Grace, and be of good condition and personable. My letters may be "noyus" for lack of learning, but I shall not fail to write the news till I know the King or your lordship would no more of mine..."

Signs. "umble varlet". From the Religion of Rodes.

The "osspeteler" may be the Grand Master on Malta. "avanys moreskys" may mean something like "any mere excuse". Sir Clement writes the next day to the King again referring to what Sir Thomas had allegedly said about the King:

7 Feb 1538(?) Sir Clement West to Henry VIII.

... days past the Great Master received letters that Dyngle had suffered death by your laws. He deserved it if only for what he said in France against your honour, which on the 28th ult. was reported to me by the hospitaller that now is, i.e. that "your hygh[nes.] put men to death with avanys moreskes". It has been "written hither that my writing to your Highness hath been cause of some things more strait than they should have been." Protests he will always do his duty.

Malta 7 Feb m.v^c, xxxv[iii].

The following letter, from the Grand Master in Malta, also takes the side of Sir Ambrose:

6 May 1538. Fr. John Homedes, Master, and the Council of the Hospital of Jerusalem, to Henry VIII.

In times past Desiderius de S. Jalla, Master elect, while in France, gave the commandery of Schingey to Thos. Dingley, contrary to the laws of the order, as he had not yet taken the oath ... hear that the King has confirmed the collation of Dingley, whereas, by their law Cave is the rightful holder. Beg that Cave and Rogers may enjoy the commandries. Malta.

Signed by Homedes.

The next letter explains the matter that the King had been awaiting a reply from Sir Thomas Wyat. Robert Bransetur is the "Englishman in the Emperor's court" and he is replying to the letter from Pate.

31 May 1538. Letter from Robert Bransetur to Pate.

... The words spoken by Mr Dingley at table openly in Pate's house at Genoa [Oct or Nov 1536?] in presence of Mons De Bridon and Memoransie. Viz. "If anything should fortune to the King otherwise than good in this insurrection [in the north of England], then lady Mary, the King's daughter, might marry with the marquis of Exeter's son and so they to enjoy the realm". Reported these words, not as a discloser, for they were said openly and not in secret manner as Pate suggests, but that he might admonish him to take better heed. Sees no malice in the communication under the circumstances, and cannot testify otherwise. As to the assurance you give me of the King's kindness and his desire for my service, I am constrained to ask pardon as I have so long served the Emperor, with whom I desire leave to continue.

Villa Franca. 31 May. Addressed to: Master Richard Pate, archdeacon of Lincoln.

The Marquis of Exeter was a grandson of Edward IV and had a claim to throne if King Henry had died. In the West country there were stirrings of a rebellion in order to declare Exeter the heir apparent. Whilst Sir Thomas Dingley's comments exhibited a pragmatic logic towards the question of succession, they did not go down well with the King.

Robert Bransetur was not tempted to accept the King's invitation to return to England, doubtless with good reason.

Meanwhile Sir Clement is still arguing the case between Sir Ambrose and Sir Thomas over Shingay.

10 Jul 1538. Letter from Sir Clement West to Cromwell.

... The Great Master and Council are writing to the King and Council "to testify the truth between Sir Ambrose Cave and Dyngle, the which to favour as one of your simple varlets [I do] beseech your good Lordship." ...

[Malta] 10 July.

16 Jul 1538. Letter from Sir Clement West to Henry VIII.

..."Moreover at this time the lord Master and Council [write] to your Majesty testifying that the master Saunta Ya[lle had] none authority to give the commandery of Schyngey to [Sir Thomas] Dyngle. Wherefore, most good and gracious lord, it may be your high pleasure to tender of your most gracious ... the right of your faithful subjects Sir Ambrose Ca[ve] [and] Sir Anthony Rogerys who hath provision of that c[ommandry] ... first had ...".

Malta.

There is then a gap in references to Sir Thomas - I assume that he was still locked up in the Tower.

In November 1538 the Marquis of Exeter was committed to the Tower, condemned for treason and beheaded in December.

E.J. King refers to the trial of Sir Thomas on 20 Apr 1539, but I have not yet found this documented. An act of parliament follows:

28 Apr 1539. Parl. Roll. (R.O.) Begun at Westminster 28 Apr, 31 Hen VIII [1539], and continued there until 28 Jun following. Acts passed:
...
Cap. 15. Attainder of the marquis of Exeter, ... "and divers other abominable traitors" who have suffered execution... of Sir Adrian Fortescue, of Brightwell, Oxon, who has refused his duty of allegiance, Thomas Dingley, late of London, one of the freers of the order of Jerusalem and Robert Braunceter, late of London, merchant and now in Italy devising the King's destruction, who having knowledge of the late rebellion made by Darcy and others, moved divers outward princes to levy war against the King...

7 Jul 1539. John Husee to Lord Lisle.

Sends four rolls of proclamations of the Acts last past; one concerning the Sacraments, another concerning vagabonds; a third concerning fishing, a fourth concerning hawks and hunting in the King's ground. Thinks my lord Chancellor will send copies, as the King's printer has delivered him 1,500 books of the statutes. Sir Adrian Fortescue and Dingley will suffer to-morrow...

London 7 July.

Sir Thomas Dingley and Sir Adrian Fortescue were beheaded at Tower Hill. I have seen different dates (1, 8, 9, 10 July 1539) for the execution in different sources. (Sir Adrian Fortescue was beatified in 1895.)

See London Dingleys for earlier DINGLEYS who were associated with the Order of St. John.

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