12th May 1553 – Spanish Ambassador mentions Lady Jane’s upcoming marriage

Sire: The King is still indisposed, and it is held for certain that he cannot escape. The physicians are now all agreed that he is suffering from a suppurating tumour (apostème) on the lung, or that at least his lung is attacked. He is beginning to break out in ulcers; he is vexed by a harsh, continuous cough, his body is dry and burning, his belly is swollen, he has a slow fever upon him that never leaves him. A rumour was spread recently that the King was on the way to recovery and his illness was decreasing, to appease the people who were disturbed; and such things were being said, that three citizens who were accused of saying that the King was dead or dying had their ears torn off. The Marquis of Northampton, under colour of going to hunt and of carrying out a bet, has gone to Windsor, one of the principal fortresses in the kingdom, to set it in order and make it safe. It appears that my Lord Cobham has gone to a place called Romney Marsh, between Dover and Rye. He is to get it provisioned. It is a place of easy access and a convenient spot for landing troops.

This Whitsuntide the marriage of the Duke of Northumberland’s son to the eldest daughter of the late Duke of Suffolk is to be celebrated. They are making preparations for games and jousts. The King has sent presents of rich ornaments and jewels to the bride; moreover, by means of the Duke of Northumberland’s intercession, the Earl of Pembroke’s eldest son, who is at present very ill, is to marry the said Duke of Suffolk’s second daughter, and the third is to wed Lord Grey’s son. The Duke of Northumberland will give his daughter to the son of the Earl of Huntingdon, Knight of the Order, and a member of the Council. These lords were not of the Duke’s following and party. On every side, then, plans and preparations are being made to strengthen and consolidate the position. All dues are being collected wherever it is possible to do so, even to the smallest sums and fines owing to the Treasury and Court of Exchequer. The church furniture and ornaments have all been sold for cash. They have laid hands on plate and revenues, and it seems that the bells will be taken soon. The French ambassadors went to Court two days ago. They were received middling well, and according to what some people say, admitted to make their reverence to the King. M. de Boisdauphin took leave of his Majesty. The ceremony was so lightly gone through, I am told, that they did no more than go in and come out. This might have as an object to quiet the common people. It is believed that those in power are making attempts to induce the Lady Mary to come to Court to visit the King, her brother.