August 24 1582

August 24 1582

August 24

Spenser obtains official lease of the dissolved House of Friars minors, known as New Abbey, Co. Kildare, twenty-five miles from Dublin, one of the forfeited estates of Viscount Baltinglas, who had fled to Spain in 1581. The lease came “with an old waste town adjoining, and its appurtenances” (Fiants, Eliz. no. 3969): “Lease under commission 15 July xii) [sic] to Edmund Spenser Gent., of the site of the house of friars called New Abbey, Co. Kildare, with appurtenances in the Queens disposition by the rebellion of James Eustace. To hold for 21 years. Rent £3. (Provided he shall not alien to any except and shall not charge coyne or livery. Fine £20).” The great bog of Allen was close to this property and influenced Spenser’s writing of insects in the FQ. Spenser is paid by Treasurer Wallop “for rewards to messengers.” This appears to be the final payment of Spenser's secretaryship for the purpose before Grey's recall. (Maley, 36; Judson, 102; Burlinson and Zurcher, 227)