This is the third of a series of letters that I will be publishing written by Anne Boleyn to Cardinal Wolsey between 1528-1529.
Elizbeth Norton notes that in the past it was stated that this letter was addressed to Archbishop Cranmer and not Cardinal Wolsey although Norton believes this to be unlikely.
Anne Boleyn to Cardinal Wolsey
My Lord in my most humble wise I thanke your grace fot the gyft thys Benefice for Master Barlo howbeit this standithe to non Effecte for it is mayd for Tonbridge and I would have it if your plesure war so for Sonbridge for Tonbrig is in my Lord my fathers gyft be a Vowson that he hath and its is not yet Woyd I do trost that your Grace wol graunt hym Sondrig and considering the payne that he hath takyn I do thynke that it shall be vere well bestowyd and in so doing y Rekyn my selfe moche bownde to your grace for all this that hathe takyn payne in the Kynges Matter it shalle by my daylle study to imagyn all the Ways that I can devise to do them servys and plesur and thus I make an end sendyng you agen the letter that you sent me thankyng your Grace most humbley for the payn that you take for to Wryt to me assuryng you that next the kynges letter there is nothing that can rejose me so moche, with the hand of her that is most bownde to be
Your humble and obedient servant
Anne Boleyn
My lord I besyche your grace with all my hart to Remember the Parson of honelayne for my sake shortly.
Source
Norton, E. In Her Own Words & the Words of Those Who Knew Her, 2010.
Natalie, what does she mean by “the parson of honelayne”?
Hello Alexis, Anne was referring to the Parson of All Hallows Church, Honey Lane, Thomas Gerard (aka Garret) who got into trouble with the law for selling heretical works. Anne obviously sympathised with his cause and interceded with Wolsey on his behalf.
Thank you, Natalie! I had to translate this to modern English and I was quite confused! Your site has been so helpful for my paper.
I’m so glad!