South London

3

At this distance of time, it is difficult to say what this was.

4

Her Father had been treated with the same Deference. It is mentioned by Fox in his 'Acts and Monuments,' that when the Lord Chancellor went to apprehend Queen Catherine Parr, he spoke to the King on his Knees. King James I. suffered his Courtiers to omit it.

5

Jack Cade and his followers encamped on Blackheath on June 11, 1450, and again from June 29 to July 1. Payn refers to the latter occasion.

6

Sir John Fastolf (who is dead at the date of this letter) left Paston his executor, as will be seen hereafter.

7

Jack Cade.

8

Henry Holland, Duke of Exeter. During the civil war which followed, he adhered to the House of Lancaster, though he married Edward IV.'s sister. His herald had probably been seized by Cade's followers, and pressed into their service.

9

Robert Poynings, who, some years before this letter was written, had married Elizabeth, the sister of John Paston, was sword-bearer and carver to Cade, and was accused of creating disturbances on more than one occasion afterwards.

10

'A kind of mixed grey woollen cloth, which continued in use to Elizabeth's reign.' – Halliwell.

11

A brigandine was a coat of leather or quilted linen, with small iron plates sewed on. —See Grose's Antient Armour. The back and breast of this coat were sometimes made separately, and called a pair. – Meyrick.

12

Milan was famous for its manufacture of arms and armour.

13

'Skye or bluish grey. There was a kind of cloth so called.' – Halliwell.

14

Budge fur.

15

Frieze. A coarse narrow cloth, formerly much in use.

16

The battle on London Bridge was on the 5th of July.

17

Fenn gives this name 'Rosse' with two long s's, but translates it Rochester, from which it is presumed that it was written 'Roffe' for Roffensis. The Bishop of Rochester's name was John Lowe.