Reverend Robert Batte

Robert Batte received his AB from Brasenose College, Oxford Univ., and his AM (29 Apr 1586) and DD (27 Jan 1594) from University College, Oxford Univ. He served as Vice-Master of University College prior to receiving his License to Preach (27 Oct 1595) and assuming the rectory of St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Newtown Tony, Wiltshire.

Letter to father John: Written 1595:

To my very loving father John Batte at Okewell in Birstal l Parish give these. Sir, my dutie remembered unto to you and my mother requesting both your prayers for Gods Blessings to be continued and multiplied upon me. You shall understand that this quarter being at an end, I have taken iii li. X s [%C2%A33.10s] of James Briggs for the discharge of my brothers battles and expences. The excessive deareness of corne with us and all other vitailes as also the mishape of breaking his arme, w[hi]ch one way and another doth stand him in thirtie shillings and above, are causes that his Charges will arise to a higher reckoning then [than] I wish they should; but necessitie hath no lawe. God be thanked his arme is well and without danger, albeit as yet he have not the full use of it, w[hi]ch there is no doubt will come in time when the bone is firmely knitt and made strong.

The small pockes [smallpox] doe still continue amongst us and doe endanger many whereupon most of our schollars are sent home unto their friends. The Bishop of London our countryman Mr. Fletcher, is alreadie deprived of his jurisdiction and like to lose his Bishop rike, as we heare by reason of a dislike w[hi]ch her Majestie hath conceyved of his late marriage w[i]th a ladie in the Courte. There was some talke of it before he was made byshop and her Majestie, hearing thereof, asked him whether there were any such thing or noe. He denying it, her Majestie willed him that if it was not past, it should go no further, w[hi]ch he promised it should not. But immediately after his installing he went on and married her, whereupon her Majestie hath taken high displeasure against him and me thinketh worthily.

It is come hither likewise for newes that one Captain Hawkins hath mett w[i]th the Spanish revenues out of the Indies and Hath sent for aide to bring him homewards safely with it. It is said to be the greatest thing that ever came in to England.

Tell my sister Mary that I heare her brother William is very well recovered of his hurte and was suter for a thing of. .. thowsand M[ar]kes by yeare that everyone that departeth the realme?... into partes beyond the sea he should have sixpence, and... heare have prevailed.

I looke to receave the bookes and other?... things w[hi]ch I left behind me, by... Thomas Briggs by whom....writt unto you. Howbeit if they be not yet sent, then I pray let James bring them at this time.

Thus, requesting you to remember my hartie commendations unto my Brother Richard, my sisters and all the rest of my friends w[i]th you. I commit you unto the most mightie protection of the Almightie who continue his loving favour towards you and yours alwayes. Farewell in hast this iith [2nd] o f March, Your loving and obedient sonne Robt Batte

GEDCOM Note

Brother and heir of John.