When he came to review the situation, Henry found that it was not very bad, but required caution. With regard to the monasteries, he did not consider himself as bound in any way, but he wished to create a good impression. Since March 1536, when the act for the suppression was passed, exemptions from its operation had been granted from time to time. From June to December 1536 eighteen monasteries had been permitted to stand, the greatest number exempted in any one month being six in August. It must be due to something more than a coincidence that in January 1536–7 the number of exemptions was seventeen[117], only one less than the total previously exempted in the course of seven months. There is an undated list of 123 monasteries which were to be allowed to stand. Of these twenty-four are in Yorkshire, twenty-four in Lincolnshire, and not more than six in any other one county[118]. So great was the uncertainty as to the King’s real intentions with regard to the monasteries that in Norfolk and Somerset the commissioners for the suppression suspended their work until they received further orders[119]. Although he was angry at being forced to make a definite promise, Henry had no objection to holding a parliament. It was characteristic of him that he was not in the least afraid of his parliaments, and never doubted that he could do anything he liked with them. In this case he was prepared to be even better than his word, for though he had not promised to do so, he intended to hold the parliament at York[120]. After Norfolk’s report had been laid before the King, a minute was drawn up, containing suggestions for the settlement of the north. It is undated, but probably belongs to the last days of 1536. There was every intention of holding a parliament in the north, but as “there remain persons who desire, either by Parliament or else by another rebellion, to compass a change from their present state ... means ought therefore to be devised for the maintenance of perfect quiet in the future.” When the King went north, loyal noblemen must be put in authority to keep the southern counties in order, especially in certain counties where there was much disaffection[121]. A mass of treasure must be raised, “as money is necessary for the enterprises of princes and adds heart and courage in danger to all men.” Garrisons must be planted in the disaffected regions, but “so ordered as not to offend the people.” The King’s ordnance must be reviewed and properly bestowed, and a supply of weapons of all sorts must be laid in[122]. These were not very encouraging preparations for holding a free parliament where every man should speak his mind openly, though of course the King was justified in taking precautions for his own safety and he can hardly be blamed for trusting the north less than he pretended.