Simon Fish

Simon Fish wrote this fourteen page book castigating the clergy, who he said were responsible for turning the common folk of England into beggars. What is significant about the book was that it found its way into the hands of King Henry VIII and Sir Thomas More was moved to write a vitriolic counter argument to the book.

The English Scholars library edition contain an extract from Sir Thomas Mores refutation, a couple of short pieces from the 16th century as to how the book got into the kings hands, a brief biography of Simon Fish and the whole of his "A Supplication for the beggars".

It would appear that Fish got into trouble for satirising Cardinal Wolsey as part of a playing group and had to flee to the continent. His book was imported into England and either got into Henry's hands via Anne Boleyn or a couple of German Merchants. Fish's wife made representation to the king on behalf of her husband and he was allowed to return to England and Henry looked favourably on his book. Simon Fish died in 1530 from the plague.

A supplication for the beggars lists those responsible for the state of Beggary in England and it is the entire clergy: Bishops, Abbots, Deacons, Priors, Archdeacons, Suffraganes, Priests, Monks, Friars, Pardoners and Sumoners. Fish claims they own one third of the land of England and by a ruthless taxation system keep the common folk poor. He gives examples of great nations from history who could not have succeeded if they had such a rapacious clergy (he continually refers to them as bloodsuppers). He goes on to say that no woman is safe and that the land is full of cuckolds and bastards. Anybody standing against them is denounced as a heretic, which can lead to excommunication and death. The clergy are so powerful at court and in parliament that they can stand against the king himself. He suggests that the idle clergy should be tied to the wheels of carts to be whipped naked in every market town, until they are forced to do some work. The case of Richard Hunne a respectable merchant who was imprisoned after an argument with his priest and became a cause celebre in 1514 is twice mentioned. Hunne died in his cell and suspicion fell on the clergy.

It is a privilege to be able to read this slice of history free on the internet, probably as close to a primary source as I am liable to get. Well worth the time for those with an interest in Henry VIII and the reformation.… (más)