Some months later “the joyfullest tidings that ever came” were conveyed in a letter from the queen.  It was the herald of his longed-for “discharge":—­

“Marye The Quene.  By the Quene.

“Trusty and well-beloved, we greet you well.  And for as much as we have resolved to have the lady Elizabeth to repair nearer unto us, we do therefore pray and require you to declare unto her that our pleasure is she shall come to us to Hampton Court in your company with as much speed as you can have things in order for that purpose; wherein you shall not need to make any delay for calling of any other numbers than these, which be yourself and those now there attendant upon her.  And of the time of your setting forwards from thence, and by what day you shall think you may be there, we require you to advertise us by your letters with speed.

“Given under our signet at our honour of Hampton Court, the 17th of April the 1st and 2nd of our reign.”

On their arrival at court Sir Henry Bedingfeld was relieved, Sir Thomas Pope being appointed to replace him.  Elizabeth was soon afterwards allowed to retire to Hatfield, where she remained under supervision till her accession.  In the meanwhile, Bedingfeld was appointed Lieutenant of the Tower, and the following selection of letters from the family archives at Oxburgh not only affords us a further insight into his character, but shows at the same time in what manner the State prisoners were treated by the Queen, the Council, and the Lieutenant.

The two first letters relate to Sir John Cheke who, together with Sir Peter Carew, had been arrested in Flanders, and brought to the Tower for implication in Wyatt’s rebellion.  Carew was released in October 1555.

“Sir Robert Rochester to Sir Henry Bedingfeld.

“Mr. Lieutenant,—­My Lord Cardinal his Grace* being gone to Lambeth of express purpose, there to have before him Mr. Cheke, hath required me to write unto you, and to require you that the said Mr. Cheke may be sent unto him unto Lambeth, in the company and with the Dean of Paul’s.  Wherefore I pray you take order with the said Dean so as he may convey him thither accordingly.  The meaning is that no officer of the Tower should be troubled with his conveyance thither, but only the Dean to be charged by you with his person to bring to my Lord Cardinal’s presence, and he to bring him again when it shall please my said Lord to command him, who hath the whole order and disposition of this case.  This must be done when Mr. Dean he cometh to you for the man.  And so bids you most heartily well to fare, from the Court this present morning, your assured friend, R. Rochester.”

Cardinal Pole.

“Sir John Feckenham, Priest,* to Sir John Cheke.

* Abbot of Westminster, who was appointed to examine Cheke in matters of religion.