In regard to choice of subject-matter, while trying to satisfy the natural demand for certain "stock" documents of vital importance, we hope to introduce much fresh and novel matter. It is our intention that the majority of the extracts should be lively in style--that is, personal, or descriptive, or rhetorical, or even strongly partisan--and should not so much profess to give the truth as supply data for inference. We aim at the greatest possible variety, and lay under contribution letters, biographies, ballads and poems, diaries, debates, and newspaper accounts. Economics, London, municipal, and social life generally, and local history, are represented in these pages. The order of the extracts is strictly chronological, each being numbered, titled, and dated, and its authority given. The text is modernised, where necessary, to the extent of leaving no difficulties in reading. We shall be most grateful to teachers and students who may send us suggestions for improvement. S. E. WINBOLT. KENNETH BELL. NOTE TO THIS VOLUME. The purpose of this volume is to supply several of those documents which are of great historical importance, and which, at present, find no place in the series of documents published by the Oxford University Press. Further, while most of the more important historical events are dealt with, an attempt has been made to introduce the student to the Tudor Atmosphere, and to reproduce as much as possible, both the mental and bodily energy, the prosperity, and the general virility of the period. F. W. B. ST. PAUL'S SCHOOL, _September 1912_. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION v 1485. DEVICE FOR THE CORONATION OF HENRY VII. _Rutland Papers_ 1 1486. INTRODUCTION OF THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD. THE SWEATING SICKNESS _Holinshed_ 3 1486. INSURRECTION OF LAMBERT SIMNEL " 4 1490. THE LEVYING OF BENEVOLENCES " 9 1496. THE REBELLION OF THE CORNISHMEN " 10 1499. PERKIN WARBECK'S CONFESSION " 14 1500. RECEPTION OF PRINCESS CATHARINE _Paston Letters_ 16 1504. CARDINAL MORTON'S FORK _Holinshed_ 17 1506. THE MEETING OF HENRY VII. AND THE KING OF CASTILE _Paston Letters_ 18 1509. SUPERSTITION _Erasmus_ 20 1516. THE MAKING OF BEGGARS AND THIEVES _More_ 22 1520. ENCLOSURES _Holinshed_ 26 1522. VISIT OF CHAS. V. TO ENGLAND _Rutland Papers_ 28 1522. CARDINAL WOLSEY _John Skelton_ 31