10 April 1461. Letter from the Bishop of Elphin
The Bishop of Elphin had earlier relayed news that he, among others, had received about the Battle of Towton. He was well placed to hear the Yorkist accounts, having previously noted that he was in the presence of Cecily Duchess of York.
George and Richard safe in the court of the Duke of Burgundy
In this letter he adds nothing on the battle itself. However he makes it clear that King Edward’s younger brothers, George and Richard, were then being hosted by the Duke of Burgundy. Other matters raised include the desire for the Duke of Milan and/or his council to write directly to the Bishop of Salisbury.
82. Nicholas O’Flanagan, Bishop of Elphin, to Francesco Coppino, Bishop of Terni, Legate of the Apostolic See.
All the things that I wrote to you before about the most dread King Edward have been confirmed, as I believe the Lord Chancellor and the Bishop of Salisbury have written to you. It is reported among the English lords that the Duke of Burgundy is treating the brothers of the king with respect. This pleases them wonderfully, and they believe that there will be great friendship between the duke and the English by an indissoluble treaty, and that one of these brothers will marry the daughter of Charles. I gather from what the Bishop of Salisbury says that he would like the duke and his council to write to him specially, as the king’s privy councillor, for what is to be done between them, and by their diligence he intends to labour with effect (et ipsorum sedule intendat laborarum cum effectu).
I have just this moment heard of the Bishop of Meath, but Master John Aleyn is still in Warwick Castle.
Do not delay writing to my lords by the bearer of these presents. May the Most High preserve you.
London, the sixth holiday of Easter week, 1461.
To be delivered at Bruges.
Endorsed:—Copy of letters from London, sent to Master Falcone at Rome.
[Latin; copy.]
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This letter is part of our series on the Road to Towton as told by the Milan State Papers.