2nd Letter from CRANMER to CROMWELL, after the death of Hugh PAYNE at Marshalsea Prison, dated 5 Feb. 1538 CCXV. To CROMWELL: My very singular good lord, in my most hearty wise I commend me to your lordship. And whereas the benefice of SUTTON MAGNA, within the county of ESSEX, of the patronage of Margaret WYATE, widow, and George COVERTE, alternis vicibus, being void this last year, came in controversy of the law, which of them should present the incumbent, so that either of them presented one to the said benefice; the said Margaret WYATE presenting Sir John GYLDERDE of RAYLEY, in the county of ESSEX, a man, as I am credibly informed, both for his literature, good judgment, and honest conversation, worthy of commendation and preferment; and the said George COVERTE presenting one Sir Hugh PAYNE, late observant, whom I knew neither to be of good learning nor judgment, but a seditious person, and I suppose your lordship knew the same: of the which two persons so presented, the bishop of London [STOKESLEY], notwithstanding that the matter was then in controversy, and not favouring so much the learning and judgment of the said Sir John of RAYLEY as he did Sir Heugh PAYNE'S, gave the institution unto the said Sir Heugh PAYNE, leaving the patroness in suit at the common law for the same; which said suit hath ever since continued, until now that at this time the said Sir Heugh PAYNE, being in the Marshalsea for his demerits, is departed: and now, forasmuch as the said Margery WYATE, pretending the maintenance not only of her just title unto the said benefice, but also the discharging of her conscience in the same, hath once again presented the said Sir John of RAYLEY, being very loth that the benefice should be bestowed upon such as afore time have been drowned in superstitious religion, as partly she feareth that one ROCHE, late observant, will promote himself thereunto as much as in him lieth: these shall be therefore to beseech your lordship, in consideration of her godly mind in this behalf, and to the intent that the said bishop of London may with better will accept the said Sir John of RAYLEY, to direct your letters in his favour unto the said bishop of London, requiring him to induct the said Sir John without further interruption; forasmuch as the said COVERTE can claim no more at the most, but to present once against the said Mistress WYATE twice; and therefore it seemeth to me, that he can have no colour of interest in the said benefice at this time, Sir Heugh PAYNE dying in possession, who was by him last presented. And in thus doing your lordship shall do for the advancement of God's word, which I think is but easily set forward in ESSEX. Thus, my lord, right heartily fare you well. At Ford, the viith day of February, [1538.] Your own assured ever, T. CANTUARIEN. To the right honourable and my singular good lord, my lord privy seal.