On a Letter of Sir Willium Sharington to Sir John Thynne. 51 
this letter, had about a fortnight to live. Little did he foresee the 
future. ‘The allusion to the forthcoming assizes is explained by the 
fact that he was sheriff at the time. The “ poynen table ” is evidently 
the coping, running up the gable, which was surmounted by the 
pedestal and carved stone animal, or “ beast.” 
Sir W. Sharington to Sir J. Thynne. 
“My very good friend, with like commendations to you and to [your] lady, 
my gossip, understanding how gladly you would that Chapman should work for 
you, as I am no less willing, so must I advise you of his going to Dudley, to be 
sent thither by my Lord of Northumberland his Grace’s commandment, to do 
things there of like effect, and yet not herehence departed; he hath sent all his 
working tools before, with such wains as be gone thither, with the chimney that 
so long he hath been working of. Think not, dear friend, but that he should 
work for you, at your desire, if I might continue with him still, though I had 
never so great business to do, of my own; his time shall not be long there, but 
as he may do all yours within short space, therefore take patience for a time. 
The pedestal, whereon you will set your beast, may be made and set up, well 
enough, before the beast be made, but you must needs have a measure and a 
patron [pattern], with order given of the pedestal herehence, that may be both 
agreeable unto your poynen table, and to the beast, which I do send you by your 
servant and, when it shall like both you and my lady to come and to visit my 
poor house, you shall be like welcome to myself. I trust as well to see you in 
your house, this summer, and you in mine, more times than once, before Michael- 
mas. I do look for you at the assizes and for my Lord Edward, to show both 
yourselves in a matter for the King. Though I have good will you should take 
"your pleasure, yet would I be loth to lack you. It is possible you may sooner be 
missed than another. My ship (thanks be to God) is well come to Brigstowe 
[Bristol], well beaten with the French, but who wept * you shall know when we 
meet. Till which time, God guide you and all your family. I hope you will 
not forget me to my Lord Edward, neither to Mr. Marshall. From my house,. 
this present xxv" of June, 1553. Y*. very friend W. SHarineron. 
To the right worshipful and my very loving 
- friend, S', John Thynne, Knight.” 
(Docketed :—R*, from Sir William Sharington, Knight, xxv Junii, 1553.”) 
Seal small, a scorpion—the crest of Sharington—/and and star 
watermark. 
* I presume this means that, after a hard fight, the French got the worst of it, 
E2 
