The Huguenot: 1598 – 1649

By Garvin Fitzroy Pollock

This is the sequel to my first book in the Trilogy of "The Huguenot Series" where the Comte Gerard de Gault had to flee Paris the night the French Catholics murdered 20,000 of his fellow Huguenots in 1572.

These are his subsequent adventures, where he helped Drake capture the greatest ever Treasure ship at Cadiz, and the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

This second book of the trilogy carries on with his exploits. The murder of Queen Elizabeth 1, the Civil War, the Execution of Charles 1st and the Gunpowder Plot. All the major events and characters in "The Huguenots" are real. and I have only put modern day words into their mouths. The only fictional person is Gerard de Gault, and I am sure my ancestor would have acted as he did.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jul 24, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481799089

Garvin Fitzroy Pollock

Garvin Fitroy Pollock. Born 1927 Grandson of the late Col. Arthur Fitzroy Gault Educated at Wycliffe College. Suffered from Dyslexia. R.A.F. 1945-1948 Far & Middle East. Managing Director, Engineering Company Hobbies: Inland & Sea Sailing, Bowls, Astronomy, Flying (P.P.L) Artist. Musician. Author.Raconteur.

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© 2013 by GARVIN FITZROY POLLOCK. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 06/21/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-9907-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-9906-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-9908-9 (e)

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter 1 Absent Friends

Chapter 2 Murder Of A Queen

Chapter 3 The King

Chapter 4 To London

Chapter 5 Dangerous Game

Chapter 6 The Trial

Chapter 7 The Fifth Of November

Chapter 8 The Dukedom

Chapter 9 The Plague

Chapter 10 Walter Raleigh

Chapter 11 Spanish Gold

Chapter 12 The Execution

Chapter 13 The Petri Man

Chapter 14 Charles & Henrietta

Chapter 15 The Marriage

Chapter 16 The Grand Tour

Chapter 17 1642 Happy Returns

Chapter 18 Edge Hill

Chapter 19 The Return To Monaco

Chapter 20 1648 The Trial

Chapter 21 The Execution

Chapter 22 The Burial

Chaptetr 23 The Last Adventure

Appendix

My family, the Gaults who were originally French Huguenots, (protestants) escaped to England from France on the night of the Saint Bartholomew’s Massacre in Paris in 1572, when the Catholic’s rose up and butchered 20,000 French Huguenots. They moved onto Canada in the 1700’s, where they helped to open up the West. One founded Canada Life Insurance Co. another became Bishop of Montreal; and another was a Cabinet Minister in the first Canadian Parliament and it is no exaggeration to say, Colonel Hamilton Gault my uncle was a legend in his own lifetime. At his own expense in 1914 he raised 2000 men for the Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry, which later became part of the Canada’s permanent army. They say in Canada There are the rich, there are the poor and there are the Gaults Gerard de Gault in this novel is fictitious, but I have at all times tried to set the story amongst the people and events, that actually happened.

Coinage used in 1600`s, Equivalent buying power £1=£110

Gold Crown = £25 Half Crown = £12.50 Shilling = £5.

Six pence = £2.50. Penny = 41p Doubloon = £50 Ducat = £12.50 Piece-of-eight = £5

The Price of goods in a Gentleman’s household in 1600’s

Doublet .£2.19s. Purse 8d Shoes 1/11 Saddle 13s Pistols 2/6d Hen 4d 12 eggs 1s Bordeaux Wine 6d/gal Sugar 11d lbs

Salt £2/lb Pepper 2/11d /lb Butter 3d/lb Soap 3d/lb

Candle 3d . Broom 3d Frying Pan 1s Kettle 6s

Knife. 1/6d Horse £7.15.6d

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CHAPTER 1 - 1598

ABSENT FRIENDS

On a sunny August afternoon Lord Gerard de Gault, the First Earl of Gravelines, sat in his favourite armchair by a window in his Study at Number One London Bridge, watching the bustling throng of activity on the river below. Downstairs he could hear his wife, Charlotte, trying to make Johnny, their nine-year-old son, wear his school cap. Johnny had to return to school for a special Archery practice and for some unknown reason he just did not want to wear that cap. Kept saying it made him look like a girl. Gerard smiled to himself, then he heard the slam of the front door and at last there was peace in the house.

As the sun emerged from behind a cloud, a flash of light caught Gerard’s eye, reflected from the gold medal hanging above the fireplace below his late father’s sword. Turning his head to look at the medal, memories flooded his thoughts of his other, first son John, that dearly loved young man. John had won the medal at the 1587 Royal Archery Tournament, but lost his life a year later. The fire ship he was steering blew up prematurely, whilst he was attacking the Spanish Armada anchored off the Port of Gravelines on the North Coast of France.

Was it really ten years ago? How time seemed to fly as one grew older.

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The HUGUENOT RING

Gerard leaned back in his chair. His thoughts winged back to all the adventures that had befallen him since that night in Paris in 1572. Raising his left hand, Gerard studied the ring on his little finger engraved with his family crest—the Huguenot ring—given to him by the Admiral on that fateful night. With the secret movement shown him by the Admiral, he flipped the crest over to reveal the Huguenot Cross, and slowly twisted the ring around his little finger. Closing his eyes he recalled the time he nearly lost it. The Spanish Inquisitor-General, Archbishop Juan de Torquemada of Seville, was interrogating him and the ring had sat on the table between them. It was only when he had been found guilty of being a Protestant and condemned to spend the rest of his days in prison, that he managed to snatch it off the table and swallowed it unbeknown to the two guards who were trying to drag him out of the room. He remembered the oath he had sworn to take his revenge on the Catholics. Who had killed over twenty thousand of his fellow Huguenots in Paris on that night, that unforgettable night of the St. Bartholomew Massacre in 1572.

Gerard opened his eyes and shook his head to bring himself back to the present. His forced himself to pick up the parchment in his lap informing him of the death of his old friend, Sir Francis Drake. It had been delivered that morning from Lord Burghley, his wife’s Grandfather and Lord Chancellor of England.

Apparently, Drake had caught a tropical disease in the West Indies which had also killed half his crew. Information received said his body had been interned in a sealed lead lined coffin filled with rum, before being committed to the deep off Puerto Bello. Gerard had to laugh, thinking how much Drake would have appreciated the gesture then let out a deep sigh that his best friend had died. He was going to sorely miss his great laughter and talking over the adventures they had shared together.

He thought back to the first time they had met and tears clouded his vision. It was the night Drake attacked Cadiz where Gerard had been employed as the Secretary to the Commander of the Spanish Armada. John and he had managed to board Drake’s Ship whilst the battle was in progress and made their escape out of the harbour, capturing the Spanish Treasure Ship on the way and taking it back to England

He looked down at the footnote Lord Burghley had added. The messenger who brought him the news of Drake’s death had also told him what the Spanish Ambassador had said, when he heard the news

‘There goes the master thief of the unknown world.’

Gerard laughed, thinking he had not done so badly extracting his revenge on the Catholics for their merciless attacks on, and inhuman treatment of, the Huguenots.

There was a sharp knock at the Study door, which brought him out of his daydream with a jolt. It was Glenys, his Housekeeper, hurriedly pushing the door open and entering with a very worried look on her face. My Lord, I think you should come downstairs. Lord Burnley has just arrived and I don’t think he is too well. He seems to be having difficulties breathing. Gerard jumped up and, pushing aside Glenys in his haste, rushed out of the room and down to the hall, Glenys running after him. He found Lord Burghley lying on the floor gasping for air. Lifting the old man up, he helped him onto a chair. Burghley looked quite blue about the lips, his breathing sounded like he had run a dozen miles, and he was holding his chest as if he were in a great deal of pain. Sorry old boy, he gasped. I just don’t seem to be able to catch my breath. Could you take me home?

Gerard hurriedly despatched Glenys to fetch Tiny and tell Davie Boy to get the boat ready. Greatly concerned, but without wishing to cause Burghley further distress as he helped him onto his feet, Gerard said, I think it is this humid weather we are having at the present time. A moment later Tiny appeared and placed his arm around the old man’s waist, practically carrying him down to the boat. They settled him into the stern cabin and started out for Burghley’s house in the Strand. Gerard watched Burghley as he slumped in his seat with his eyes closed. He was very fond of the old boy and hoped that there was nothing seriously wrong but feared there was.

He had not seemed to be his usual self for sometime and Gerard felt that there was something more than his 78 years to account for the change in him. Gerard turned his attention to Tiny and noted he was making every effort to row as quickly as possible up the river. He thought again of Drake, dying in foreign parts, without his close friends beside him but, then, Drake always loved adventure and exploring foreign parts with the added bonus of finding gold, not just for himself, but for his Queen and England. Tiny had been Drake’s Bosun when Gerard had first seen him. Whilst making their escape from Cadiz pursued by two Galleys and Tiny had loaded the Bow Chaser and fired it, hitting the leading Galley’s oars, causing it to turn over on its beam end and sink, so saving all their lives.

The sudden bump of the barge against the mooring platform of the landing stage brought Gerard back to the present. He gently shook Burghley to let him know they had arrived whilst Tiny went up to the House and brought back some of the servants. They placed his Lordship on a chair and carried him up the steps of the Terrace and into the House where Lady Mildred was waiting. One glance at her husband and she instructed them to take him up to his bedroom and put him to bed, sending another servant to urgently fetch the Physician.

Whilst Gerard waited anxiously in Burghley’s Study, Robert Cecil walked in. I was just on my way to Westminster Palace when I saw your barge pull in with father on board. Is there anything wrong? Gerard placed his hand on Robert’s shoulder.

Your father came to my house and collapsed on the floor. He seemed to be having a bit of a problem breathing. We thought it best to bring him straight back home. He saw the distress in Robert’s face and added thoughtfully. Somehow, I have the idea in my mind that it is to do with all this smoking; he always seems to have a pipe in his mouth these days. Robert sadly nodded his head in agreement, turned to look out across the river so that Gerard would not see the tears in his eyes. I agree. Whenever he is at the Palace, both he and the Queen are always smoking. I have come to the conclusion that even if a smoker desired to give it up they don’t seem to be able to stop Father’s room smells like a Tavern.

Wanting to change the subject Robert added, by the way, I am writing to you to ask whether you will allow Charlotte to become the Queen’s Lady of the Bedchamber. It is the only position Her Majesty will allow a married women to occupy. Gerard laughed, glad of the happy change of subject. I’m sure she will be greatly Honoured but you can ask her yourself as she has just landed.

It was not long before Charlotte came running into the room. Glenys told me; how is Grandpa? Gerard put his arms around his wife. We don’t know my dear; we are waiting for the Physician to tell us. He has only recently arrived. By the way, Robert has some interesting news for you. Charlotte joined her uncle by the window as he was opening it. I don’t know about you two but I find it very hot in here. Smiling at Charlotte and taking her hand, he said. Her Majesty has asked me to inform you that she wants you to take Lady Ann’s place as Lady of the Bedchamber. Ann is going to have another baby. Before she could reply, the door opened and the Physician came in with a weeping Lady Mildred. He bowed to the three of them. I am sorry to have to inform you but his Lordship is dying. Charlotte let out a little cry. How can you be so certain? He was fine yesterday. Taking her husband’s arm she held on to it very tightly. The Physician placed his open Black Bag onto the nearest table. My dear, I know how hard this must be for you, but I have seen many deaths from what I call the smoking sickness. It has become worse since nearly everyone is now smoking or chewing that damn weed that Raleigh brought back from the Americas.

How long do you give him? Gerard asked, putting his arm around Charlotte’s waist. Before closing his Bag, the Physician removed a small bottle and handed it to Lady Mildred. Your Ladyship, if you give His Lordship a small teaspoon, mixed in with whatever drink he fancies whenever the pain becomes too great, this will help to relieve the worst of it. I am afraid he only has a few days at the most left, so it is advisable to make all the necessary arrangements. He knows as he made me tell him. I have just given him a large dose, so he will be feeling quite good at the moment.

The Physician bowed solemnly, picked up his Bag and left the room.

All this time Robert had not said a word, on hearing his father was dying, went over to his Mother and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Don’t worry mother, he said. I will take care of all the arrangements. I must inform the Queen. In fact, I must leave immediately as Father was due to hold a meeting with the Privy Council this afternoon. Robert put his arms around his Mother and kissed her cheek again before hastily picking up his cloak and leaving.

A tearful Lady Mildred, assisted by Charlotte and Gerard, followed Robert out of the room and went upstairs to his Lordship’s bedroom. They found him sitting up going through some papers. Lady Mildred sat on the edge of the bed holding his free hand. I am so sorry my dearest. I didn’t know you had been in pain. Why didn’t you tell me? Burghley put down the papers and gently stroked the back of his wife’s hand. My darling, I didn’t want to worry you. It always used to go away if I had a large glass of brandy. I can’t complain. I have had a good innings. Most people die at thirty these days and I am seventy-eight. The tears rolled down Lady Mildred’s face. Oh, my dear, how am I going to cope without you? Burghley raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. You have all your grandchildren to keep you busy; you just won’t have time to miss me. He had hardly finished speaking before giving a moan and clutching his chest. I am so sorry my dear. It took me by surprise. Lady Mildred picked up the bottle the Physician had given her and poured out a generous spoonful into a glass, then topped it up with brandy. Handing it to her husband, he quickly drank the rather unpleasant liquid despite the brandy, then handed back the empty glass and laid back against his pillows. That is better my dear. I think I will have a little snooze. Lady Mildred tidied the bedclothes and tucked them in around him, stroking his forehead and leaving with a kiss before closing the curtains around the Four Poster. They all tiptoed out of the room, went back downstairs to Burghley’s Study, and sat discussing how they were going to carry on without his Lordship. Gerard suggested that when the time came, Lady Mildred should come and live with them, until she had made up her mind what she wanted to do. He did not think it a good idea for her to be on her own, with only the servants, in such a large house. If she so wished, Charlotte and he could help her with the running of the Estates, but in any event if she had any problems she should not hesitate to ask their help. They were interrupted by a great commotion from outside. The doors burst open and Her Majesty, the Queen, strode in. They all jumped to their feet and Gerard bowed. Well, where is he? a querulous Queen asked. A hesitant Lady Mildred went forward and curtsied. Your Majesty, you do us a great Honour by visiting our home. I know, the Queen retorted. Where is he? she repeated, stamping her foot. I’m afraid he is in bed, Your Majesty. The Queen turned, and walked out of the room with all following behind. She went up the stairs two at a time and into the first room which happed to be a broom closet. Your Majesty, if you will allow me, I will lead the way, said Lady Mildred as she caught up with her. The Queen gave a snort but followed Lady Mildred down the corridor into Burghley’s bedroom. She went straight over to the bed, drew back the curtains and, as she stood gazing down at the old man, a look of tenderness crossed her face. She put out her hand and carefully moved a wisp of hair which had fallen over one of his eyes. The touch of her fingers woke him with a start and, seeing the Queen looking down, he tried to sit up. Your Majesty, you do my house a great Honour. I am sorry I could not attend our meeting this morning. Before the Queen could utter a word the door of the bedroom opened, and a servant brought in a tray laid with a bowl of soup and some bread. Without a word, the Queen took it from him and sat down on the edge of the bed, placing a napkin around Burghley’s neck. Smiling at him, she then commenced to feed him spoonful by spoonful until the bowl was empty.

She sat conversing with him for a short while in a low voice until she saw he was tiring. As she stood up, the others in the room could see she had been crying. For a moment or two she remained by the bedside looking down at Burghley who had fallen asleep. She touched his face once again, turned to leave the room, indicating for the rest of them to follow.

When they were all once again in Burghley’s study the Queen, having taken the seat at the desk, looked around at all of them. Mildred, I am deeply sorry my Chief Minister and dearest friend is so ill. I will miss him more then I can convey to you. He has been my guide and friend for over forty years. In fact, if they ever say I was a great Queen, it was only because of My Spirit. Lady Mildred wiped her eyes. Your Majesty, please accept our thanks for taking the time to visit my husband. The Queen smiled. I have decided to make your son Robert my Chief Minister, his father has trained him well. Also Lady Charlotte, I want you to take the position of Lady of my Bedchamber until Lady Ann has had her baby, and you My Lord, looking at Gerard, I still want you to run my Privy Purse and I expect to hear of any plans my cousin Philip is hatching. I am sure he will have another go at invading my country. Gerard bowed. On behalf of my wife and I, we are deeply Honoured, and trust we can give you our best endeavours in the future. The Queen nodded her head and prepared to leave accompanied by her two Courtiers. Gerard escorted the Queen along the Terrace and down to the Landing Stage and her waiting Barge, leaving Charlotte to look after Lady Mildred. He handed the Queen onto her Barge and bowed. Just before the Barge moved off, she looked up at Gerard and, with a twinkle in her eye, said I believe, they say this is where you had your duel with the Spanish Ambassador, and he met his Agincourt? Gerard bowed once again, touching the scar on the side of his face. So I have been led to believe, Your Majesty. As the Royal barge left the landing stage and began its journey back to the Tower, Gerard bowed again and remained standing there until the barge was out of sight. Returning to the house, he discovered that light refreshments had been laid out for them. Linking arms with both Charlotte and her grandmother he took them through to the Dining room. Lady Mildred brushed a tear from her eye, and blew her nose very loudly. "Wasn’t that kind of Her Majesty to take the time and trouble to call on us?

Especially to feed William." No one else spoke, each only picking at the food set before them, each bound up in their own thoughts.

Gerard finally broke the silence, pushing back his chair and going around the table to kiss Lady Mildred on the cheek. I am afraid Charlotte and I must return home. We have to collect Johnny from school. If anything happens send us a message and we will come straight away, night or day. Please try not to worry; remember you will come and stay with us, and Robert and I will make all the arrangements. Lady Mildred smiled sadly, gently touching Gerard’s face. Thank you my dear. It is very kind of you. The servants were sent to fetch their hats and cloaks and, bidding Lady Mildred farewell with another parting kiss, they hurried back to the landing stage where Tiny and Davie Boy were waiting to row them back to London Bridge.

Two days later at five o’clock in the morning there was a hammering at the front door. Gerard jumped out of bed and grabbed his sword He met Tiny on the landing, and together they silently crept down the stairs. Tiny put his finger up to his lips, indicating to Gerard to stand back He slide the bolts quietly back and quickly opened the door. Burghley’s Chief Steward confronted them. My Lord, Lady Mildred sent me to fetch you urgently. His Lordship is dying. The man was quite out of breath as if he had run all the way Gerard led him to a chair in the hall as Glenys came down the stairs holding a candle. She immediately took charge of the exhausted man whilst Tiny went out to get the boat ready, leaving Gerard to rush upstairs to wake his wife and get dressed. As he entered the bedroom he found Charlotte already up and dressing. I heard what was said downstairs. Poor Grandpa. I will pack a few things as I am sure I will have to stay with Grandmamma until after the funeral. Gerard hurriedly dressed and joined Charlotte downstairs where she was giving instructions to Glenys and asking her to see Johnny got to school.

In a short space of time they were on their way to Burghley’s house. The Steward sat beside Tiny, whilst Gerard and Charlotte huddled together in the stern cabin, warming themselves over the brazier fire Tiny had thoughtfully lit for them.

Gerard put his arm around Charlotte and pulled her nearer to him. He felt her give a slight shiver, despite the warmth of the fire. The night sky was just beginning to give way to a new day and, by the time they reached their destination, the sun had risen and was sucking up the mist which lay on the water like a thick blanket. They were met at the landing stage by the servants. Gerard and Charlotte left them to bring the baggage ashore whilst they hastened up the steps to the house. As they mounted the stairs, they could hear sobbing. On reaching Burghley’s bedroom, they found the senior servants, Lady Mildred and Lady Winifred, Burghley’s sister, kneeling beside the bed. Gerard and Charlotte joined them, and they all quietly prayed for the departed soul. A servant came in, bent down, and whispered something into Lady Mildred’s ear. She nodded her head, got up and in a very quiet voice said that the undertakers had arrived and they should all go downstairs. After everyone had left, Charlotte kissed her fingers and gently placed them on her grandfather’s lips, before following the others down to the dining room. A light breakfast had been laid out on the sideboard for anyone to help themselves.

Gerard joined Robert who was standing by the window going through some papers he had taken from his father’s desk. I suppose you have heard that I have been made Her Majesty’s Chief Minister in place of my father. We will be in greater contact with each other in the future I want you to report directly to me on any information you receive from your Huguenot friends in Europe. I have taken over my father’s and the late Walsingham’s Agents who, he added rather sanctimoniously, if you remember, was murdered by one of his boyfriends. Together with your information, I will have an overall picture of what is happening. Gerard asked Robert if he wanted anything to eat. When Robert nodded his head, Gerard went to the sideboard and helped himself to two plates of ham and eggs, and returned to Robert handing him one of them. They both sat down and started eating. When Gerard had finished, he wiped his mouth on his serviette and courteously said, I used to report directly to the Queen. Is there any reason why I cannot continue to do so?

Robert looked somewhat annoyed that anyone should query his orders. The reason, he replied rather pompously, is that the Queen, in her old age, is becoming forgetful and I need to have an overall picture. Gerard nodded his head. As you say. Shall we discuss the funeral arrangements? It was some while later that Gerard looked across at Charlotte who was talking to her grandmother, and heard her making arrangements for her to remain with them at least until after the funeral. Three days later they were all once again at Burghley’s house. The coffin, draped with Burghley’s Knight of the Garter Heraldic Flag, was placed on a funeral barge with black palms at each corner, and Burghley began his last journey to Westminster Abbey. There were at least thirty other boats filled with relations, who one never saw from one year’s end to another, following like a flock of vultures that gather around a dead carcass, in case there were any scraps for them. Slowly the long procession wound its way down the river. As they passed, a solitary cannon was fired from each moored merchantman on either side of the river. At last they came to Westminster Pier where Gerard helped Charlotte her grandmother and her Aunt up the slippery steps. Where Robert was waiting to receive them. Taking his mother’s arm he led her into the great Cathedral where Burghley’s coffin was already in place at the high alter, watched over by four soldiers of the Queens Personal Guard in full armour.

Sitting next to the Archbishop of Canterbury was the Queen, who nodded her head as Lady Mildred, Lady Winifred and Charlotte curtsied while Gerard and Robert bowed to her before taking their seats. The Cathedral was filled with all the members of the Privy Council, Members of Parliament and the Aristocracy. With a signal from the Queen, The Archbishop mounted the pulpit and began the eulogy. Half an hour later, the Archbishop stepped down and the four Guards carried the coffin out to the waiting hearse for transportation