Source:
The girlhood of Queen Elizabeth, a narrative in letters, Frank Arthur Mumby, 1909
Above: Queen Mary I of England, painted by Anthonis Mor.
Above: Sir Henry Bedingfeld, artist unknown.
Above: Princess Elizabeth, artist unknown.
The letter:
May 21, 1554.
First, whereas we have appointed our Sister, the Lady Elizabeth, for divers good considerations, to be removed from our Tower of London unto our Manor of Woodstock, there to remain until we shall otherwise determine. The said Sir Henry Bedingfeld, having in his company such number of persons as we have appointed for that purpose, shall make his abode and give his attendance within our said house of Woodstock about the person of our said Sister and in his service shall govern himself as followeth:
Item: When commodity shall serve, he shall briefly declare to such gentlemen as we have already addressed our letters for his assistance in our service and to such others also as shall have occasion to visit him, the cause of our said Sister's late committal to the Tower, whereof, although she be not at present thoroughly cleared, yet have we, for her better quiet, and that she may be more honourably used, thought fit to appoint that she should remain at our said Manor of Woodstock, until such time as certain matters touching our ease, which are not yet cleared, may be thoroughly tried and examined.
Item: The said Sir Henry Bedingfeld shall cause my said Sister to be safely watch for the safeguard of her person; nevertheless having regard to use her in such good and honourable fashion as may be agreeable to our honour and her estate and degree.
Item: He shall, at convenient times, suffer our said Sister, for her recreation, to walk abroad and take the air in the garden of our said house; so as he himself be present in her company.
Item: He shall cause good heed to be given to our said Sister's behaviour, seeing that she be suffered neither to have conference with any suspected person out of his hearing, nor that she does, by any means, either receive or send any message, letter, or token to or from any manner of person.
Item: He shall generally have good regard, not only to the Princess, according to the trust reposed in him, but shall also do his best to cause the country thereabouts to continue in good and quiet order, using, either for that purpose, or for any other matter that shall occur, the advice and assistance of the said gentleman to whom we have already addressed our letters for that purpose; and if any matter shall happen touching this, his charge, worthy advertisement, he shall immediately signify the same unto our private Council, attending upon our person, to the end that such further order may be taken by them in that behalf as shall be convenient. — MARY, THE QUEEN.
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