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Protestant Exiles from France/Historical Introduction - section VI

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2621689Protestant Exiles from France — Historical Introduction - section VIDavid Carnegie Andrew Agnew


Section VI.

NATURALIZATION TO 1680, WITH LISTS OF NAMES.

The historical facts, which I have collected concerning the naturalization of foreigners, may be prefaced by some topics connected with freedom of trade. This will be convenient, because the Calendars in our Public Record Office indicate that this is the subject of the earliest surviving State Papers regarding the social position of foreign refugees.

The terms which first strike the attention of an investigator are the words post and postmaster. The best explanation of the foreigners’ post is contained in the 6th article of the Canterbury Agreement:— “Item, they may have a post with horse or waggons to carry and re-carry their wares, as well to London as elsewheare, for to sell theare or cause them to be sould, without interruption by the waie or other the said places.”[1] The post was an establishment of men and means for the carriage of goods from one part of England to another, and also, apparently, from England to foreign parts. The men connected with such an establishment were called posts. In the census of strangers in London in 1571, we find the following “posts”:—

“Olyver Detrymont, a soiornour, a Frenchman, and haith byne here the space of xxxviii yeres, and lyveth by the trade of a post.”

“John Phillippe, the post betwene this cytie and Sandwiche, borne in Flaunders, who hath byn here iii yeares, and is of the Frenche churche.”

And in the census of 1618, there are the following entries:—

“Daniell Mercer, the sonne of a straunger, born at London, a post.”

“Alexsander Clemment, one of the Dutch poast; he is nowe in the lowe contrey” [the Netherlands].

These are quoted as examples of the use of the word post. But — to return to the reign of Elizabeth — the passion for governmental interference and for patent offices, led to the creation of the office of Postmaster of Foreigners. We meet with this designation for the first time in July 1568, when Sir William Cecil intimated to the merchant-strangers that Raphael Van den Putte should be appointed to the vacant office. This man had been recommended by the French pastor, Jean Cousin, and by the Italian pastor, Hieronymus Jerlicus. Cousin had called him Du Puitz, so that, perhaps, Mr Secretary Cecil had supposed him to be a Frenchman. On July 25, the merchant-strangers, Italian, Spanish, German, and French, protested, and sent to the Secretary the name of Godefroy Marshall, a Dutchman, to be “the master of our posts.” They recommended him as having lived twenty-two years in the country, and having an English wife. They objected to Van den Putte as a total stranger, and a post of Antwerp, subject to the chief postmaster of the King of Spain, and not to the master of our posts here. Hoping for Cecil’s consent, they promise that they all will “praie to the Lord God for your Honour’s felicious succes and good prosperitie.”

I find no materials to carry on the above narrative. The next topic is the provision of English hosts for Protestant strangers. The two subjects which my readers must master are posts and hosts.[2] The regulations as to hosting (or hostings) were not understood by the refugees, who had usually been tolerated in the exercise of a considerable amount of freedom of trade. The law, however, was declared to be as old as 1495, and even fifty years older than that date. The principle was that foreign traders could be recognised in England only as guests, each of whom must trade in the name of some Englishman, who thus became his host. Or (to put the point into legal language) the law was that all merchants, being strangers, aliens, or denizens, should lodge at the tables of free hosts of the city of London, and other cities and towns in England; that every such merchant should sell through a host to be assigned to him by the Mayor, Sheriffs, bailiffs, or other officers of the city or town, the host to receive a commission per pound sterling on every transaction, and it being always understood that no merchant strangers may hire or occupy houses and cellars of their own.

There is a bundle of curious papers on this subject in our State Paper Office which I have read. The date is conjectural; some are supposed to belong to the year 1575; the date of the creation of a new Patent Office, appointing one host for all the strangers, is 1579. William Tipper obtained the patent of this office, farmed to him for £5 per annum. The refugee merchants protested against this interference, and against the whole principle of hosting, so energetically that the office was suspended. Tipper began a prosecution in the Court of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, and the refugees had recourse to the Queen.

The lawyers who were consulted were Dr David Lewes and Dr William Awbrey. They gave no consolation to the refugees, but signed an Opinion to the following effect. Although the name of the office of Host of the Merchant Strangers is new, the practical business of the office is as old as the law, by which every stranger must have a host to receive his poundage, and which enacts, that if a stranger makes a bargain without his host, his goods are liable to forfeiture.

The following was the refugees’ petition (I have modernized the spelling):—

The Copy of the Merchant Strangers’ Supplication exhibited to her Majesty.

“In most humble wise do show unto your gracious Majesty the merchant strangers frequenting the Royal Exchange of London,

“That whereas heretofore, upon the new orders and new impositions lately published touching the exercise of the exchange of merchants, hath [have] been shewed to your Majesty’s Privy Council, and to the Commissioners in that behalf appointed in December last, the most special and evident griefs and inconveniences that would ensue, and grievously endamage not only your orators, but also your Majesty’s revenues in customs, and the very treasures and coins of this your Majesty’s noble realm.

“So it is that for redress therein required your orators, fearing the effects thereof so hard, that (unless one remedy do come from your bounteous Majesty) they are not able to continue in trade and merchandise, chiefly such as be wont to send out much more commodities of this realm than they bring in, to the buying whereof they cannot find here, nor have made over either by exchange beyond the seas, their necessary provision of money, by reason of the impossible orders here to observe, and the excessive charges on both sides growing.

“Beside all these, your orators are credibly informed of a new trouble, heretofore by men’s memory not used, that by certain Letters Patent they should be forced to sell all their wares by brokers only, and to pay them, beside the ordinary certain excessive brokerage whether brokers be thereto occupied or no. Moreover, one William Tipper hath likewise a patent for the hosting of the most part of your orators, not knowing to have given any occasion, wherefore they ought to be restrained and given in ward and keeping, with their families and wares, to such as should please him with money, or by other means get the accons [accommodations?] from him to execute the same patent, for the execution whereof he keepeth a court in every ward within the city of London, examining all strangers, likewise your orators, taking twopence for every foreign-born for registering their names, and twelve pence of every denizen. Beside this, he pretendeth generally of all their wares to have twopence for every pound, and so to be made privy to all your orators’ doings and writings.

“All these extremities being such, your humble orators of very necessity are driven to recur to your Majesty’s clemency, beseeching that of your Majesty’s singular accustomed goodness, always to them shewed, it may please your Majesty to ordain, that of all such new burdens, extremely to them hurtful, and to your Majesty’s realm unprofitable, they may be delivered; and that the Royal Exchange of Merchants may be used without any troublesome orders and impositions, using brokers in exchange, buying and selling (if need be), for usual stipend; and likewise that they may be delivered from the bondage of William Tipp and of his exaction, according as hitherto under your Majesty’s protection they have used.

“And with heart and mind they will continue to pray to God for the increase and endurance of your gracious Majesty, and for this your blessed realm’s prosperity.”

This matter may seem rather uninteresting, but the study of it is rewarded by the discovery of the following valuable paper by Secretary Sir Thomas Smith, which escaped the notice of the indefatigable Strype. I copied it in the original spelling, but it will be better to print it in modern English.

The Copy of Sir Thomas Smith’s Letter against hostage. Among other things in the last docquet there is one — that is, the grant of a certain office of Hostings to one William Tipper, that he only shall lodge all merchants strangers coming into England, paying for that office £5 by year to the Queen’s Majesty. This office seemeth new and strange to me, and contrary to our leagues made with the Low Countries and with France, by which there should be no new grievances or burdens laid upon them. How would we like that one man should lodge all Englishmen throughout all France or Spain? What, if he entreat them evil — compel them unreasonably, he, his ministers or deputies — may they not seek them a new host? Surely to me it seemeth contrary to Magna Charta Anglice touching strange merchants, and to all humanity, and to be indeed inhospitale ac ferum [inhospitable and savage], used in no nation ever yet. I like no monopolies, for they be to the monopolyer tyrannical — to all others, servitude and bondage. There may be some other reason which I see not. Wherefore I thought good to stay it from sealing until I had advertised you of it, which now I send you herewith, if you think so good to move her Majesty in it, or else cause it to be sealed. For, until I be better persuaded, my conscience will not suffer me to put the seal, until I had moved her Majesty in it again, whosoever did obtain it; for so I think it my duty, so long as I keep the seal, in anything that toucheth her Majesty’s honour, or breach of any league.”

With regard to naturalization, there was no public Act of Parliament under which a Protestant stranger could be naturalized on personal application and after compliance with certain regulations. Naturalization depended on the free-will of the sovereign, who could grant the favour and give authority for enrolling the names of favoured individuals as adopted lieges or denizens (quod sint indigenae). The same favour might be obtained by a private Act of Parliament. As to the census of Protestant strangers in London in the year 1571 , it enables us to give a list of denizens. We find also that, in the reign of Elizabeth, James de Bois, of Canterbury, was naturalized in the eighth year of her reign (1566-7), and that in her reign Matthew de Quester,[3] a native of Antwerp, was naturalized by Act of Parliament. In the next reign we have some names on record, but not so many as might have been. The Scotch subjects of the king were aliens in England, and required grants of naturalization. A memorandum in the State Paper Office, of date 1603, notes that the naturalization fee paid by the Earl of Mar was thirteen shillings and fourpence. This amount of coin was valued by some receivers, who did not care about the privilege paid for, or for the privileged persons. And so, instead of names of accepted and gratified denizens, we sometimes find such entries as these:— “22 Aug. 1605. Confirmation to John Stewart of a grant of the fees for making thirty denizens.” “10 Nov. 1618. Warrant for a grant of patents of denization to thirty foreigners to be named by John Bownall — to take effect after a similar grant to John Hall.”

In the following list of naturalizations we begin with denizens in London, given in the census (or searche for straungers) of 1571. That “search” reveals denizations granted at the very era of the Protestant Reformation. (This shows the antiquity of naturalizations, which appears also in the title of an Act of the last Parliament of the bloody Queen Mary — “An Act for expelling all the French out of this kingdom that are not denizens.”[4]) Next follow the names found in the Calendar of State Papers for the reign of James I., and also (but within brackets) names in the Camden Society lists for that reign. Then we give the naturalizations in the reign of Charles I., taken from the Calendar and from Patent Rolls; and finally, those (before 1681) in the reign of Charles II., copied either from the Patent Rolls in the Public Record Office, or from a list in the Rolls of Parliament in the House of Lords:—

I. — Reign of Elizabeth.

Denizens in London, 1571.

Symon Shevalier,[5] born in Rouen, coppersmith, resident since 1538. (F.C.)[6]

Peter Dowsie, born in Masier, cutler, resident since 1559. (F.C.)

Peter Dellamare, born in Normandy, clockmaker, resident since 1523. (F.C.)

Nicholas Formoyse, born in Lusiers, cutler, came into this realme for religion about x years paste.

Gyllam Barger, born in Tankerfielde [Tankerville], coppersmith, resident since 1533. (F.C.)

Thomas Sherowne, born in Maunter, cutler, resident since 1559. (F.C.)

John Dellamare, sojourner with the above, resident since about 1531. (F.C.)

Michaell Shero, born near Paris, scalemaker, resident since 1556. (F.C.)

Nicholas Kinge, born in Rouen, tailor, resident since about 1531. (F.C.)

Rowland Grushey, born in Normandy, sheath-maker, resident since 1535. (F.C.)

John Marie, born in Pountoys, cutler, resident since 1559.

Herbert Dublier, born in France, a founder of letters for printers, resident since 1551. (F.C.)

William Forrest, born in France, a mouldmaker for buttons [“a mowldmaker for bottons,”] resident since about 1536. (F.C.)

Jervis Sawier, born in France, cutler, resident since 1551. (F.C.)

James Macadie, born in France, was prentice with a joiner, resident since 1511.

Thomas de Shampoyse, born at Bettyns in Burgundy, cutler, resident since 1560. (F.C.)

Gyllam Lamadye, born in France, gardener, resident since 1551.

Gyllam Danway, born in Normandy, “a maker of locketts and chapes,” resident since 1541. (F.C.)

John Pennowe, born in France, bookbinder, resident since 1541. (F.C.)

James Dullaforrest, born in France, “imbroderer,” came into this realme for religion.

John Tyller, born in France, resident since about 1531.

Nicholas Lyon, born in France, thicker of caps, resident since about 1511. (F.C.)

Lewes Caracas, Frenchman, bookbinder, resident since 1535.

Higat Baitram, born in France, button-maker, resident since 1536. (F.C.)

Marian Delawne, Frenchman, blacksmith, resident since 1562. (F.C.)

Thomas Parchment, skinner, came into this realme about xlvi yeares past to learne languages. (F.C.)

Rowlin Bellmare, born in Normandy, came into this realme abowte xxx yeares past for relygion. (F.C.)

Frauncis Lebroyle, born in “Jermanye,” member of the French Church, came into this realme Anno 1566 for relygion.

Michaell Barrat, born in Flanders, cutler, came over for religion about viii yeares paste.

Adrian Redlegge, minister, and Cycelye his wife, born in Holland, came into this realme about xx yeares paste for the word of God. (“Hospitall.”)

Morrys Mable, Frenchman, came into this realme about the third yeare of Kinge Edward the syxt.

John Makennis, Frenchman, pickmaker, resident since 1546. (F.C.)

John Costen [Cousin], minister of the French Church, and Burgoniena, his wife, both French borne. He came into this realme about ix yeares past for religion.

John Dehorse, Frenchman, hatmaker, resident since 1550. (F.C.)

Richard Tanvile, coppersmith, and Collet, his wife, French born. They came into this realme about v yeares past for religion.

Richard Leveret, brushmaker, resident since 1566. (F.C.)

Phillippe Cuttier, Frenchman, bookbinder, resident since 1551. (F.C.)

Peter Forrest, French-born, goldbeater, resident since 1552. (F.C.)

Glode Benvoys, Frenchman, crossbow-maker, came into this realme about iiij yeares past for religion.

William Yollone, Frenchman, joiner, came into this relme for religion about xi yeares past.

Mathewe Renison, Frenchman, hatmaker, came into this realme for religion about twentye yeares past. (F.C.)

Jane Tyrret, Frenchwoman, howsholder, victualler, came into this reahne xxxvi yeares paste with her uncle, who was servant to Kinge Henrye the VIIIth.

Gyllymes Sage, Frenchwoman, resident since 1557.

Peter Bowes, Frenchman, hatband-maker, resident since 1551.

Nowell Gobert, jerkenmaker, resident since 1559. (F.C.)

James Sarmoys, Frenchman, cutler, resident since 1559. (F.C.)

Peter Devangia, millener, resident since 1531. (F.C.)

Margaret Crahane, widow, Frenchwoman, tailor, resident since 1551. (F.C.)

John Hanocke, Frenchman, feather-dresser, resident since 1558. (F.C.)

Peter Bonevalt, Frenchman, feather-dresser, resident since 1551 . (F.C.)

John de la Myer, Frenchman, goldsmith, came into this realme about ix yeares past for religion.

Bastian Bonnfoye, Frenchman, feather-dresser, resident since 1553.

Peter Barizar, Frenchman, feather-dresser, resident since 1559. (F.C.)

Thomas Votrollyer, Frenchman, bookbinder, came into this realme about vii yeares past for religion.

John Osanna, Frenchman, joiner, came into this realme for religion about xii yeares past.

Valentyne Shavetier, Frenchman, box-gilder, came into this realme for religion about Hi yeares past.

John Marchaunt, Frenchman, turner, came into this realme for religion about fyve yeares past.

Richard Locye, Frenchman, leather-dresser, came into this realme fur religion about xx yeares past. (F.C.)

Launcelot Lardye, goldsmith, came into this realme for religion about ix yeares past.

James Scrusier, cook, came into this realme about vi yeres past for religion.

Martyn Drewe, Burgundian, shoemaker, came for religion about v yeres past.

Benula de la Courte, Burgundian, hatband-maker, came into this realme about xiii yeares past for religion.

Lewis de la Mare, Burgundian, goldsmith, resident since 1542. (F.C.)

Christofer Lardenoys, Burgundian, goldsmith, came into this realme for religion about x yeares past.

Gabriel Martyn, Burgundian, sylkwever, came into this realme for religion about a yeare and halfe past.

Aungelo Victoris, Sardinian, schoolmaster, came into this realme for religion about vi yeares past.

Nicholas Lardenoys, Burgundian, goldsmith, came into this realme for religion about x yeares past.

Peter Swallow, Dutchman, locksmith, resident since 1541. (F.C.)

James Mort, locksmith, came into this realme for religion about xxx yeares past. (F.C.)

Adrian Tressell, schoolmaster, came into this realme for religion about iii yeares past.

Dennys Durland, Frenchman, currier, resident since 1521.

John Deboys, Frenchman, morris pike-maker, resident since 1535.

Marcye Bysmer, Frenchman, silk-weaver, resident since 1521 or 1531.

Martyn Demont, came into this realme for religion about v yeares past.

Gyles Corner, born in France, silk-weaver, resident since 1561.

Dennys Demaster, Burgundian, silk-twister, came into this realme for religion about vii yeares past.

John Edwyn, born in Flanders, silk-weaver, came into this realme for religion about iiii yeares past.

Peter Crater, Burgundian, hatband-maker, came into this realme for religion about a yeare and halfe past.

John Millorn, Burgundian, silk-weaver, came into this realme for religion about xii yeares past.

Ammon Molton, Burgundian, silk-weaver, came into this realme about x yeares past for religion.

Henrye Leycocke, born in Tournay, marchant, came into this realme for religion about vii yeares past.

Peter Philator, born in Normandy, “came into this realme for religion about xii yeares past and lyveth by sylkworkinge.”

James Lemure, born in Artois, goldsmith, came into this realme about iiii yeares past for religion.

Michaell Corseills, born in Flanders, merchant, resident since 1563.

Gyles de Mylcam, born at “Newfell by Ricell” in Flanders, “occupieth weavinge of silke,” resident since 1559.

Denneys Veille, born at “Nosvoñ Suzandall” in Normandy, silk weaver, resident since 1561.

Peter Apple, born at Ypres in Flanders, merchant, who cam for religion.

Peter de Puys, born in France, stationer, resident since 1566.

William Brunnam, Frenchman, “embroderer,” cam hither xii yeares agoo for the persecutions sake in Fraunce.

John de Blancques, Frenchman, bookbinder, cam into this realme about half a yeare agooe for religion.

Adrian Brickpott, born in Antwerp, goldsmith, “hath byn resident in this citie many years;” “his cominge was for religion.”

John Carr, born at Arras, glassmaker, “hath byn here iiii yeares;” “cam hither for religion.”

Francis Crocosan, born in Flanders, cordwainer, “hath dwelt in London and Norwiche these ii yeares.”

Peter Fuckal, born in the Bishopric of Chartres in France, and Collecketour, his wife, born in Valmont in Normandy; resident since 1544. (F.C.)

James Vinion, born at Paris, resident since 1558.

James Ditwighte, born in Rouen, resident since 1541. (F.C.)

Garrett Clargy, born in “Trocheampy,” resident since 1521. (F.C.)

John Bowrey, born in Rouen, resident since 1521. (F.C.)

Sampson Leaver, born in Rouen, resident since 1535.

Gyllam Norrey, born in “Mountidey” [Montdidier?] in Picardy, resident since 1533.

Guillam Pullen, born in Paris, resident since 1523.

John Nicoll, born in Paris, hosier, resident since 1521.

Charles Dyrrant, born in Paris, smith, resident since 1535. (F.C.)

John Sharfe, born in Rouen, goldsmith, resident since 1559.

Boneventure Leney, born in Paris, resident since 1541. (F.C.)

Robert Shalwaye, born at Rouen, resident since 1551. (F.C.)

Nicholas Bunmarey, born at Rouen, resident since 1547. (F.C.)

Francis Derickson, born in Friesland, resident since 1527.

John Powkes, born in Valencye, resident since 156T.

John Cowtree, born in “Bydorne in Gascoyne,” resident since 1550. (F.C.)

Nicholas Byshowe, born in Burgundy, silk-weaver, resident since 1560.

Tussyn Vyot, born in France, resident since 1561.

Gyles Seres, born in France, resident since 1555. (F.C.)

Lewes Seneor, Frenchman, resident since 1564.

Nicholas Deporte, born in France, leather-dyer, resident since 1534. (F.C.)

John Mylner, “Frenche person,” resident since 1533.

Gabryell Hemman, Frenchman, resident since 1561.

Peter Bennett, Frenchman, resident since 1562.

Nicholas Heblen, born in France, resident since 1551. (F.C.)

Powyll Tyttyll, Frenchman, resident since 1547.

Andrian Butlera, born in Tournay, silk-worker, resident since 1535. (F.C)

Thomas Farsyvyll, born in Armentieres in Flanders, goldsmith, resident since 1564.

Garret Falck, born at “Grube” in Brabant, resident since 1559. (F.C.)

Balthaser Lote, born in Antwep, resident since 1566.

Gyles Bar, born in “Valencye in Burgonye,” silk-weaver, resident since 1551. (F.C.)

Michael Arte, Dutchman, resident since 1564, “of the Frenche Church.”

Richard Beckett, tailor.

John Mahewe, Burgundian, silk-weaver, resident since 1561.

John Pyttaine, born in Artois, silk-weaver, resident since 1566.

Adam Hoyat, born in Artois, parchment-maker, cam for religion, “hath byn in Englande iiii yeares.”

Victor Colyn, born at Rouen, silk-weaver; he cam into England about viii yeares past for religion.

Peter Demowbre, born in Burgundy, silk-weaver, resident since 1561.

John Barbe, born at Tournay, silk-weaver, “hath byn in England x tenne years; he cam for religion.”

Peter Foye, of Tournay, silk-weaver, “hath byn in Englande about xi yeares past, and cam for religion.”

Antonatt Adam, widow, Burgundian, silk-weaver; cam into Englande about v yeares past for Religion.

Isaak de Eurges, born in Doucheland, bookbinder; “he hath byn in Englande twentie yeares and is of the French Churche.”

Peter Eger, born in France, tailor, resident one year and a half.

Jakes Laboor, Frenchman, tailor, resident since 1531.

Stering Race, Frenchman, resident since 1546. (F.C.)

Gillam Dillimer, Frenchman, tailor, resident since 1551. (F.C.)

John de Sotlatt, Frenchman, resident since 1547.

Nicholas Pyggott, Frenchman, resident since 1546. (F.C.)

Nicholas Hollingcourte, Frenchman, resident since 1543.

James le Forsey, Frenchman, resident since 1551.

Robert Howell, Frenchman, merchant, resident since 1555. (F.C.)

Galliard Tasson, Frenchman, soldier, resident since 1561.

Jaques Fyssher, Frenchman, resident since 1541. (F.C.) Another denizen is a lodger in his house, viz., Arnolde de Mynew, merchant. (F.C.)

John Janne, Frenchman born, sackcloth-weaver; cam for religion.

Thomas Chappell. Dutchman, butcher.

John Large, silk-weaver, “in England fyve yeares, he came for religion and ys of the Frenche Churche.”

Peter Derones, born in “Henego,” silk-weaver, “in England x yeares, he came hither wth his howshold for religion.”

Nicholas Remy, born at “Mouse in Hennego,” silk-weaver, “in England xii yeares, and came for religion.”

James Turvvin, born in “Hennego,” silk-weaver, “in this realme ix yeares, and came for Religion.”

James Clary s, born at “Lyle” [Lille] in Flanders, silk-weaver, “in England viii yeares at Marche last, and came for religion.”

Thomas Byggen, born at Rouen, quiltmaker, resident since 1561.

Jasper Holliard, Frenchman, printer, resident since 1538. (F.C.)

John de Grandsare, Burgundian, silk-weaver; “he came for religion, and goethe to the Frenche Churche.”

Matthew Prelio, born in Anjou, hat-maker, resident since 1531, “he resorteth unto the Frenche Churche, and sometimes to his parishe churche.”

John Petiawe, born in Constance in Normandy, “he makethe hatt bandes;" resident since 1551. (F.C.)

Onor Seneshall, born in Vallauncey, silk-weaver, resident since 1551. (F.C.)

Giles Florey, born in France, hat-maker, “haith bynne here a longe tyme.”

Phillipp Denoise, born in Paris, brazier, resident since 1531.

Simon Percey, born in Normandy, coppersmith, resident since 1519. (F.C.)

John Gardiehogs, Frenchman, cap thicker, resident since 1523.

Rowland Michaells, of Normandy, thicker of caps, resident since 1531.

John Launce, of Normandy, feltmaker, resident since 1538. (F.C.)

John Pynell, of Normandy, file-beater, resident since 1525.

Christopher Riall, of Normandy, brazier, resident since 1513.

Guilliame Mowbert, of Normandy, a currier of leather, resident since 1531, one of the deacons of the French Church in 1571.

Terrey de la Hey, of Tournay, silk-weaver, “in England ix years, came over for religion.” (His servant, Frauncis de la Pyne, aged 22, born at Cambray, “haith byne in England vi wekes, came for religion.") (F.C.)

Thomas Gwertyn, of Roane, comb-maker, resident since 1545.

Peter Wood, Frenchman, merchant, resident since 1541.

James Tabey, of Valencienne, silk-weaver, resident since 1563.

Peter Harvie, Frenchman.

Andrewe Mullenbeck, Hollander, gunmaker resident since 1531.

Michaell Baynarde, born in Rouen, silk-dyer, resident since 1554.

Anthonie Daullyn, alias Becque, Frenchman, resident since 1549.

Remye Le Clerke, of Hainault, resident since 1561. “French Church.”

Andrewe Morell, Frenchman, “tradeth merchandise,” resident since 1521. (F.C.)

John de Graves, born in Brabant, joiner, and Hereanne, his wyf, “they came hether for religion, the Mr. and his men of the Frenche Church.”

John de Howssey, born in Valence, gunstockmaker, has been here iii yeres, came for religion.

Ewstace Valen, born in Burgundy, silk-weaver, “bynne in England vi years,” came for religion.

Laurance Farran, Frenchman, resident since 1541.

Olyver Detrymont, Frenchman, “lyveth by the trade of a post,” resident since 1533.

Peter Shatelyn, born in Artois, silk-weaver, came hither for religion in 1559.

Martyn Broke, Frenchman, resident since 1566. (F.C.)

Martyn Founteyne, Frenchman, resident since 1521. (F.C.)

Devicke, of Rouen, bookbinder, resident since 1541. (F.C.)

Thomas Hacket, of St. Nicholas in Normandy, bookbinder, resident since 1541. (F.C.)

Jane Varrye, of Rouen, merchant, resident since 1551. (F.C.)

Noe de Bock, born in “Henago,” merchant, “hath bynne in England theis three yeres, and came over for Religion.”

Anthony Pouncell, merchant, resident since 1541. (F.C.)

Henrye de la Haie, sackcloth-weaver, “has byne here iiii yeres and came for religion.”

Thomas Founteyn, born in Lyle, silke dier, “hath bynne in England theis tenne yeres, came over for Religion.”

James Remy, born in Burgundy, silk-weaver, “hath bynne in England theis xviii years and came over for Religion.”

Denizens in Suburbs of London, 1571.[7]

Dennys Larshar,
Gylles Beckar,
dwellinge in Hallywell streate in the parishe of St Leonardes in Shoreditche.
Robert Bustort,
Andrew Morren,
in habiting wt in the parishe of St Marye Matfellon als Whytchapell.
John Cottell,
Dionice Shriverie,
John Sinowe,
Peter Orrett,
John Dehorse,
Nicolas Furnier,
John de longe,
Peter Lambert,
Tussen Vassale,Michaell Tuvell,
Ector Harte,
Vyncart Flamyn,
dwellyng remayninge and abiding wt in ye precinke of saint Katherin’s by ye towre of London, taken by ye balif and ye constable of the same precinckt the 19 daie of December Ao 1571 and in ye 14 yeare of ye raigne of oure soveraigne ladie Elyzabeth by ye grace of God of Englonde Fraunce and Irelonde Queene defendor of ye faith &c.
Geferye Delapin,
Johne Graunte,
dwellinge in Finsburye, Golding lane, White Crose streate and Grub streate.
John Du Pont, St Giles in the Fylds.

Reign of James I.

4th November 1611. Pet. Anthoine Bourdin, Sieur de St Anthoine — Julien Bourdin, Sieur de Fontenay — in France.

18th March 1617. Francis Merlin, of Ypres, in Flanders.

7th July 1618. John Buck, carver, a native of Rouen in France.

10th November 1618. Anthoine Barlatier, born in Languedoc in France, with license to plant and sell mulberry trees and other trees and herbs.

[Free Denizens in London, reported by the authorities in consequence of an order of the Privy Council, dated 6th September 1618.

Stephen Sampson, goldsmith, born in Morles in Brittanie.

James Droet [query, Druett?], merchant, born in Roane [Rouen].

Jasper Tion, born in London, son of a free denizen.

Anthony Trian, born in Flanders.

Arnold Cappell, born in London, son of a free denizen.

Robert Howell, born in St Peter’s in France.

Peter Marineer, goldsmith, born at Orleans, aged 50 and upwards, wife and two children.

Seager Corcellis, merchant, born at Rouscaer in the dukedom of Cleves.

John Lulles, merchant, born at Antwerp.

William Bayarde, merchant, born at Eiper in Flanders.

Jacob Lucas, born at Amsterdam.

Philip Burlemachi, born at Sedan in France.

Sara Ducaine, widow of John Ducaine [Du Quesne].

John Minon, merchant, born in Newport in Flanders.

James Le Tour, merchant stranger, born in London, son of a free denizen.

Robert Betram (aged about 72), hatband-maker, born in the city of Roane.

Lucas Corcellis, born in London.

Giles Van de Put, merchant, born “in the towne of Per” in Flanders.

James de la Roye, born in London, merchaunt, tradeing altogether to Fraunce.

David Carpreau, merchant, aged about 60, born at Tournay.

John Lores (or Loreo), merchant stranger, aged about 50, born at Digeon [Dijon].

John De Caine [Du Quesne], merchant, born “in Henoughe in Ath;” John, his son, born in London.

David Papillion [Papillon], born in Paris — has been in London 30 years.]

[Some Denizens in London, reported 11th March 1622 (n.s.), being Master-Cutlers, and their servants.

Peter Brocke
Oudenall Cratch, servant.
George Scate.
Henry Lyskens.
Widowe Lambert.
John Paull.
John Haunce.
Jonas Melshar, servant.
Peter Spetzy.
Peter Garret.
Haunce Spright.]

Reign of Charles I.

13 January 1626.
Meric Casaubon.

11 January 1637.
Isaac Du Laurie.
James Onesuoyde.
Roger Ariaeus.
Gervais Laundree.
George Albert.
Francis de la Fosse.
Francis de la Fountaine.
John Du Huesne.
Katherine Garnier.
Daniel Toreau.
David Angell.
Balthazar Le Marqui.
John De Lilliens.
John Le Laoust.
John Le Marq [Marg?]
John Piren.
Gideon De Laune.
John Jacob Millen.
James Roberts.
Mathew Vandyke.

7 March 1637, Christiane Marie De Lez de Vantelet.
18 December 1638, Anne De Petain.

Reign of Charles II.

8th August 1661.
Armand de Caumont, Marquis de Monpuillon, in the kingdom of France.

20th September 1661.
Peter Petit.
James Du Congett.

16th February 1662.
John Izard.

2nd August 1662.
Samuel Daveigar.
David Gabay.

6th March 1663.
Nicolas de la Fontaigne, alias Wicart.
Anthony Cognart.

20th March 1663.
Bon Coulon.
David Dollett.
Nicolas Maubert.
John de Cley.

5th April 1663.
John Colladon, armiger, doctor of medicine.
Aymée Colladon, wife.
Theodore, Gabriel, Isabella, and Susanne, children.

28th April 1663.
Paul Docque-Mesineque.
Isaac Maubert.
John Bovillett.

1st November 1663.
Peter Blondeau.
Abraham Hobert.
Peter Morisco (of Lisle).
Mary Barrington.

27th December 1663.
Henry Meyer.
Louis Chenerier.
Bastian Byer.
Nicolas Byer.
Rowlasse Janson.
Vincent Resselet.

10th April 1666.
Jane Gazange.
Pierre Novelle.
Etienne Quonian.
Isaac Guillachon.

20th September 1669.
Cornelius De Lancourt.
John Paston.
Casper Braon.

7th November 1669.
Abraham Jaques Gubay.

19th June 1670.
Isaac Perrot.

31st August 1672.
Augustus Samuel Baron.
Baudouen Classin.
Peter Boussie.
Philip Pires.Jacob De Torres.
Samuel Girard.

1st January 1673.
Isaac Vassius [Vossius].

6th April 1675.
Noel Marlier.

11th May 1675.
Jacob Chartier and wife.

27th June 1675.John Bodart.

4th October 1675.
Henrietta Queroualle.

16th December 1676.
Francis Mayott.

5th July 1677.
Thomas De Verigney.

2nd November 1677.
Gerard Barons.

16th November 1677.
Abraham Girard.
Edmond Helott.

16th November 1679.
Francis La Motte.
Hippolite Luzancy.
Mary De L’Angle, now the beloved and faithful wife of John Durell, D.D., Dean of our free chapel at Windsor, and one of our chaplains in ordinary.

29th November 1680.
Arnold Bouchery.

The following were naturalized in an Act of Parliament in the year 1677, 29 Charles II.

Peter Reneu, son of Peter, born in Bordeaux.

Francis La Besse, son of Isaac, born at Bergerac in Perigord.

Philip Musard, son of John, born at Geneva.

Laurence Uppendorf, son of Henrich, born at Tunderen in Holoteyn.

Michael Savary, son of Peter, born at Diepe.

John Westerbane, son of Cornelius, born at Catwick near Leyden.

Adam Altensleben, son of Hance, born at Magdeburg.

Anthony Cousteil, son of Isaac, born at Montauban, Province of Quircy.

Katherine Pryor, daughter of Jacob Young, born at Hamburg, wife of Arthur Pryor, of Westminster, vintner.

Peter Vigorons, son of John, born at Nismes.

Catherina, now wife of Matthew Chitty, of London, merchant, daughter of John de Mouson, born at Amsterdam.
Hubert Vickenstein, son of John, born at Rotterdam.

Theodore Hofstadt, son of Theodore, born at Frankfurt-on the-Maine.

Isaac Testard, son of Paul, born at Bloye in France.

Constance Corsellis, daughter of Zegar, born at Amsterdam.

Abraham Drochart, son of Dirick, born at Catwick in Leyden.

Henry Pelat, son of Jeane, born at Croix in Chevenes in Languedoc.

Peter Raoul, son of Isaac, born at Bourdeaux.

Note.

The Comte de Schomberg (afterwards Duke), and his youngest son Charles, were probably naturalized in 1673, when it was proposed that they should be admitted into the English army. The surname is properly Schonberg. The French form, Schomberg, belongs to them as Protestant exiles from France.[8] The Marquis De Ruvigny, his wife, and his sons, Henri (afterwards Earl of Galway), and Pierre, Sieur de La Caillemotte, had lettres de naturalité in England, granted by Charles II. before 1680.

I have found no record of the naturalizations of the Marquis de Mircmont and his comrades.


  1. Burn, p. 275.
  2. “1571, Oct. 3. — William Herrle solicits to be appointed Surveyor of Foreigners— proposes that every Stranger, in his entering or going out of the kingdom, should receive a ticket with a seal attached.” — Calendar of State Papers.
  3. Extract from the Searche, London, 1571:— “Mathewe de Quester, householder and notarye-publick, Corutha his wyfe, Mathewe, John, and Cornelys, his children, borne in the lowe countryes, hath remayned here these iii yeares, and cam into England v yeares ago for religion sake, and is of the Italian churche.”
  4. “The British Chronologist,” vol. i. page 151.
  5. The Christian names only of the wives having been recorded, I omit them.
  6. (F.C.) means “member of the French Church.” I append the initials to the names of old residenters who stood by their church.
  7. Here we find only the names of individuals, and some lists seem to be missing.
  8. Schomberg is the French form of the German name Schonberg, and the form adopted by all our historians; their usage the Author of a Huguenot Memorial volume is not called upon to abandon. The German and French pronunciations must have been almost identical. The German pronunciation of the first syllable is Shon (the c being mute), not unlike the French prefix champ, in which we see the shape of M, but hear the sound of N (c having the sound of s, and p being mute). The name was known in France before our hero’s days.

    In much more ancient times Schomberg, Due d'Hallvin, a Roman Catholic, was a marshal of France. To the same family belonged Gaspard Schomberg, Comte de Nanteuil, who contributed to the accession of Henri IV. to the throne by drafting the plan of an accommodation with the factious party of the League.

    The Protestant Schombergs were a distant branch of the family, settled in the Diocese of Treves on the Rhine.