The Tower Of London

The Tower Of London

THE LIBRARY OF CLASSICAL HISTORICAL FICTION

Blow the dust off the pages of history: The 1873 Press is pleased to bring you thousands of lost treasures from the golden age of historical fiction, from the early nineteenth century to the early twentieth century.

For as long as novels have been written, readers have thrilled to delve into the past through the pages of fiction. Usually appearing as serials in scores of publications, these tales were the popular entertainment of their time, much as television is today, crafted to lift their audience above their ordinary existence with exotic locales, heroic deeds, and driving narrative. Hundreds of authors, many of them still household names, learned their craft by mixing documented events, period details, and liberal measures of imagination. Napoleon and Josephine, Oliver Cromwell, Robespierre, Dick Turpin (the greatest highwayman of all time) - these and countless others, and the events that they shaped, emerged from history as full-blooded characters in stories of intrigue, crime, passion, and adventure, with motley supporting casts including swashbucklers, cavaliers, courtesans, dutiful servants and dedicated ministers.

Yet for more than a hundred years, most of these volumes have been unavailable - until now. The editors of the 1873 Press have assembled a unique collection, and, utilizing the newest publishing technology, have the privilege of offering these books to modern readers in a variety of printed and electronic formats at prices anyone can afford.

Now you can treasure your own copies of these long-lost works. Join us in relishing the stories of the exciting lives and struggles of famous, infamous, and barely remembered men and women.

Welcome to unforgettable reading.

William Harrison Ainsworth (1805-1882) was among the most popular novelists of the Victorian era. A brilliant student, he intended to join his father's prominent law firm until his ambition turned to publishing and literature — in particular the genre of historical fiction. His first novel, Sir John Chiverton, was published in 1826. After traveling in Europe in 1830, Ainsworth returned to England and began work on Rookwood (1834), based largely on the life of the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin. This "Newgate" novel (referring to the prison) enjoyed extraordinary success and launched the author into London's highest social and literary circles. Strikingly handsome and rather dandified, Ainsworth counted Charles Dickens, William Thackeray, and William Wordsworth among his many friends.

A tireless writer and editor, Ainsworth produced thirty-nine novels, and directed and owned a succession of prominent literary journals, including Bentley's Miscellany, Ainsworth's Magazine, and the New Monthly Magazine. His historical novels, noted for their accuracy and pageantry, were usually first published in serial form, many of them illustrated by George Cruikshank and "Phiz" (Hablot Knight Browne), both outstanding 19th century illustrators. Ainsworth took great care in reproducing historical settings, and his vigorous and pleasing style is punctuated with broad, farcical humor. His works give readers a true taste of the pleasures and conventions of the Victorian novel, and they will reward and satisfy those who seek an intimate look into England's past.

The Tower Of London. First published serially in thirteen monthly installments (1840), then in numerous subsequent editions with illustrations by Cruikshank, The Tower of London is marked by a gothic style in the manner of Anne Radcliffe, but also features scenes of broad comedy. The story, set in 1553 and 1554, focuses on the tragic story of Lady Jane Grey's hopeless conspiracy and execution, with accounts of Northumberland’s execution and Wyatt’s Insurrection. Supporting the novel’s style and historical content is the reverent, carefully researched portrayal of Old London. While the outstanding figure is Lady Jane Grey, Queen Mary and the Princess Elizabeth also play prominent roles, along with Cranmer, Ridley, Gardiner, Courtenay (Earl of Devonshire), and Roger Ascham. The climactic execution of Lady Jane shows Ainsworth at his best.

The Tower Of London

W. Harrison Ainsworth

1873 Press

First Published 1909

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions.

Published in the United States by 1873 Press, New York.

1873 Press and colophon are trademarks of Barnes & Noble, Inc.

Book Design by W. Harrison Ainsworth, Elm Design

www.elmdesign.com

INSCRIBED
TO
THE MEMORY
OF
THOMAS AINSWORTH, ESQUIRE
OF
BEECH HILL
Near Manchester
BY HIS SON

Multis ille bonis flebilis occidit;

Nulli flebilior quam mihi

HOR.

Table of Contents

BOOK THE FIRST

JANE THE QUEEN

Of the Manner in which Queen Jane entered the Tower of London

Of the Indignity shown to the Privy Council by the Duke of Northumberland; and of the Resolution taken by Simon Renard to avenge them

Of the three Giants of the Tower, Og, Gog, and Magog; of Xit, the Dwarf; of the fair Cicely; of Peter Trusbut, the Pantler, and Potentia, his Wife; of Hairun, the Bearward; Ribald, the Warder; Mauger, the Headsman; and Nightgall, the Jailer; and of the pleasant Pastime held in the Stone Kitchen

Of the mysterious Occurrence that happened to Queen Jane in Saint John’s Chapel in the White Tower

Of the Misunderstanding that arose between Queen Jane and her Husband, Lord Guilford Dudley

Of the solemn Exhortation pronounced to the Giants by Master Edward Underhill, the "Hot-Gospeller," at their Lodging in the By-ward Tower; and of the Effect produced thereby

How Cuthbert Cholmondeley was thrown into a Dungeon near the Devilin Tower; and how a mysterious Female Figure appeared to him there

How Gilbert escaped from the By-ward Tower, and swam across the Moat; how Og hung Xit upon a Hook; and how Lawrence Nightgall brought the token to Cicely

Of the mysterious Manner in which Gunnora Braose was brought to the Tower

How the Duke of Northumberland menaced Simon Renard in Saint Peter’s Chapel on the Tower Green; and how Queen Jane interposed between them

How the Duke of Northumberland was prevailed upon to undertake the enterprise against the Lady Mary

How Magog became enamoured of a buxom Widow, ycleped Dame Placida Paston; how he went a-wooing; and how he prospered in his Suit

Of the Stratagem practised by Cuthbert Cholmondeley on the Jailer

How Simon Renard and the Lords of the Council were arrested by Lord Guilford Dudley

How Gunnora Braose sought an audience of Queen Jane

How the Council deposed Queen Jane; and how she fled from the Tower

In what Manner Jane was brought back to the Tower of London

BOOK THE SECOND

MARY THE QUEEN

Of the Arrival of Queen Mary in London; of her Entrance into the Tower; and of her Reception of the Prisoners on the Green

How Jane was imprisoned in the Brick Tower

How Simon Renard ascended to the Roof of the White Tower; and of the goodly Prospect he beheld therefrom

Of the Tower of London;its Antiquity and Foundation; its Magnitude and Extent; its Keep, Palace, Gardens, Fortifications, Dungeons, and Chapels; its Walls, Bulwarks, and Moat; its royal Inmates; its Constables, Jailers, Warders, and other Officers; its Prisoners, Executions, and secret Murders

How the Duke of Northumberland was arraigned of High Treason in Westminster Hall; and how he made four Requests after the Judgment

By what Means the Duke of Northumberland was reconciled to the Church of Rome

How the Duke of Northumberland was beheaded in Tower Hill

Of Queen Mary’s Attachment to Courtenay

Of the Duel between Courtenay and Simon Renard; and how it was interrupted

Of the Conference held between Bishop Gardiner and Lady Jane Grey in the Beauchamp Tower

How Cuthbert Cholmondeley revisited the Stone Kitchen; and how he went in search of Cicely

How Edward Underhill, the "Hot-Gospeller," attempted to assassinate Queen Mary; and how she was preserved by Sir Henry Bedingfeld

How Magog nearly lost his Supper; how his Beard was burnt; how Xit was placed in a Basket; and how he was kicked upon the Ramparts

Of the Masque given by Courtenay in honour of Queen Mary; and how Xit was swallowed by a Sea-monster

By whose Instrumentality Queen Mary became convinced of Courtenay’s Inconstancy; and how she affianced herself to Philip of Spain

What befell Cicely in the Salt Tower

Of the Conspiracy formed by De Noailles; and how Xit delivered a Letter to Elizabeth, and visited Courtenay in the Lieutenant’s Lodgings

How Courtenay escaped from the Tower

How Queen Mary visited the Lion’s Tower; how Magog gave his Dame a Lesson; and how Xit conquered a Monkey, and was worsted by a Bear

How Edward Underhill was burnt on Tower Green

How Lord Guilford Dudley and Lady Jane were arraigned and attainted of High Treason; and how they were pardoned by Queen Mary

Of Jane’s Return to Sion House; and of her Endeavours to dissuade her Husband from joining the Conspiracy against Queen Mary

How Xit was imprisoned in the Constable Tower; and how he was wedded to the "Scavenger’s Daughter"

How Xit escaped from the Constable Tower; and how he found Cicely

Of the arrival of the imperial Ambassadors; and of the signing of the Marriage Treaty between Mary and Philip of Spain

By what Means Gardiner extracted the Secret of the Conspiracy from Courtenay; and of the Consequences of the Disclosure

Of the Insurrection of Sir Thomas Wyat

Of the Queen’s Speech in the Council-chamber; and of her Interview with Sir Thomas Wyat

The Siege of the Tower

How Queen Mary comported herself during the Siege; how Lord Guilford Dudley was captured; and how Sir Thomas Wyat and the Duke of Suffolk were routed

How Jane surrendered herself a Prisoner; and how she besought Queen Mary to spare her Husband

How the Princess Elizabeth was brought a Prisoner to the Tower

How Nightgall was bribed by De Noailles to assassinate Simon Renard; and how Jane’s Death-warrant was signed

How the Princess Elizabeth was confronted with Sir Thomas Wyat in the Torture-chamber

How Xit discovered the Secret of his Birth; and how he was knighted under the title of Sir Narcissus Le Grand

How Cholmondeley learnt the History of Cicely; how Nightgall attempted to assassinate Renard; and of the terrible Fate that befell him

How Jane was imprisoned in the Martin Tower; how she was visited by Roger Ascham; how she received Feckenham’s Announcement that the Time of her Execution was fixed; and how she was respited for three Days

How the Princess Elizabeth and Courtenay were delivered out of the Tower to further Durance; and how Queen Mary was wedded, by Proxy, to Philip of Spain

Of the Wedding of Sir Narcissus Le Grand with Jane the Fool, and what happened at it; and of the Entertainment given by him, on the Occasion, to his old Friends at the Stone Kitchen

Of the Vision seen by Mauger and Sorrocold on the Tower Green

Of the Union of Cholmondeley with Angela

The Execution of Lady Jane Grey

BOOK THE FIRST

JANE THE QUEEN

CHAPTER I

OF THE MANNER IN WHICH QUEEN JANE ENTERED THE TOWER OF LONDON

ON the 10th of July, 1553, about two hours after noon, a loud discharge of ordnance burst from the turrets of Durham House, then the residence of the Duke of Northumberland, grand-master of the realm, and occupying the site of the modern range of buildings, known as the Adelphi; and, at the signal, which was immediately answered from every point along the river where a bombard or culverin could be planted, from the adjoining hospital of the Savoy, the old palace of Bridewell, recently converted by Edward VI., at the instance of Ridley Bishop of London, into a house of correction, Baynard's Castle, the habitation of the Earl of Pembroke, the gates of London-bridge, and, lastly, from the batteries of the Tower, a gallant train issued from the southern gateway of the stately mansion above named, and descended the stairs leading to the water's edge, where, appointed for their reception, was drawn up a squadron of fifty superbly-gilt barges, some decorated with banners and streamers, some with cloth-of-gold and arras, embroidered with the devices of the civic companies, others with innumerable silken pennons to which were attached small silver bells, "making a goodly noise and a goodly sight as they waved in the wind," while others, reserved for the more important personages of the ceremony, were covered at the sides with shields gorgeously emblazoned with the armorial bearings of the different noblemen and honourable persons composing the privy council, amid which the cognisance of the Duke of Northumberland—a lion rampant, or, double quevée, vert—appeared proudly conspicuous. Each barge was escorted by a light galley, termed a foist or wafter, manageable either by oar or sail as occasion demanded, and attached to its companion by a stout silken tow-line. In these galleys, besides the rowers, whose oars were shipped, and in readiness to be dropped, at an instant's notice, into the tide, and the men-at-arms, whose tall pikes, steel caps, and polished corslets flashed in the sunbeams, sat bands of minstrels provided with sackbuts, shalms, cornets, rebecs, and other forgotten musical instruments. The conduct of the whole squadron was entrusted to six officers, whose business it was to prevent confusion, and who, in the small swift wherries appointed to their use, rowed rapidly from place to place, endeavouring by threats and commands to maintain order, and keep off the crowd of boats and craft of all sorts hurrying towards them from every quarter of the river. It was a brilliant and busy scene, and might be supposed a joyous and inspiriting one—more especially, as the object which had called together this assemblage was the conveyance of a young and lovely sovereign to her throne within the Tower. But it was not so. Young and lovely as was that sovereign, rich, richer, perhaps, than any of her sex, in endowments of mind and person, illustrious and royal in birth, professing and supporting a faith, then newly established throughout the country, and which it was feared, and with reason, might be greatly endangered, if not wholly subverted, if another and nearer claimant of the crown, the Princess Mary, had succeeded to the inheritance; still, with all these high recommendations, though her rights were insisted upon by the ablest and most eloquent divines from the pulpit, though her virtues, her acquirements, and her beauty were the theme of every tongue; as she was not first in the succession, and, above all, as she had been invested with regal authority by one who, from his pride, was obnoxious to all men, her father-in-law, the Duke of Northumberland, the Lady Jane Dudley's accession was viewed by all ranks and all parties with mistrust and apprehension.