Chapter 54: Royals Dance
October, 1552
Her belly swelled with child, but there were other things she had to worry about. Mainly what to do about the land that had once belonged to the Earl of Warwick. The man had acquired vast estates during his time serving as a General and Admiral for her father, and then as a regent for her brother and sister. So much land and so much money. Some of it was church land of course, which meant something needed to be done.
“John Dudley, was a man who acquired much. Much of was ill gotten, he stole from those less fortunate than he and bribed others who were from better families. As such, his title has been declared forfeit but the issue of the land remains.” Mary said. “His sons are all young and not yet of an age to stake a full claim to all of it, however, we decided to allow his eldest son Jon to keep his father’s title of Viscount Lisle and the remaining lands and incomes therein. However, that leaves the question of what to do with the rest of the land. We would hear your thoughts on this matter.”
As always, Edward spoke first. “Sire, I think that that land should remain part of the crown’s territories. When the surveyor returned from valuing it, he put it at some £3,000. That would be more than enough to help run the household and bolster other incomes without need of Parliament.”
Mary considered that. The Parliament of her reign had met first shortly after she had been crowned Queen and had been a friendly one, passing the laws needed to persecute the outright heretics who called themselves Puritans, before being prorogued. She had recalled it on Edward’s advice to try John Dudley. But she suspected that if she did not call it again, it would not make much difference. “And what of those lands that Dudley acquired that once belonged the Mother Church? It would be a sin not to take those lands and given them back to the church.” She knew her duty as a Good Catholic.
Edward seemed at a loss to this, but Cranmer, that man who had recanted his faith and had Edward to speak for him, as the only reason he had not burned at the stake, spoke then. “Your Majesty, I have been in contact with the Papal ambassador here, and His Holiness has said that he is willing to allow those lands to remain in the hands of the crown or whoever shall possess them next, for a small fee.”
There was some coughing then. “How much is this small fee?” Mary asked, she suspected it might be some amount that would make the members of her council balk.
“£200, Your Majesty.” Cranmer said.
Mary raised an eyebrow. She suspected that there might be a catch to it, but she decided not to antagonise Cranmer unnecessarily. “Very well. We shall pay it.”
“A wise decision, Sire.” Edward said then.
There was a brief pause. As they all digested this information, then William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke spoke. “Sire, there is one matter I wished to bring to your attention.”
“And what matter is that?” Mary asked. She liked Pembroke he spoke honestly and did not mince his words. It made a nice change.
“The Scottish marriage. Your Majesty declared that Lady Jane would be treated as a member of the Royal Family. Therefore, that means she must be dowered as if she were a Princess. Consequently, I was thinking that perhaps some of the lands collected from others who supported Dudley, could be used as a dower for her.” Pembroke said.
“It is a smart suggestion, Sire.” Edward said. “For it would then give the Scottish King lands in England, and ensure that he would need to keep on your good side so as not to lose them.”
“It would also make him a vassal of us, and therefore ensure he would meddle in our affairs. We do not wish for that.” Mary responded.
“Then perhaps Your Majesty would consent to selling the lands and using that money raised for the dower?” Pembroke asked.
“How much are these lands valued at?” Mary asked.
“Combined? £750.” Pembroke replied.
“More than enough for a lower ranking Princess, Sire.” Edward said.
“Then sell the lands to people who are loyal, and dower her accordingly.” Mary said.
“Yes Your Majesty.” Edward said.
With that Mary rose, and walked out of the chamber. She was feeling tired already and she’d only be active for less than a full sun’s turn.