ABSTRACT
In the spring of 1523 Robert Brigandyne retired. On 22 March he was granted the usual release (or pardon) for any embezzlements or misdemeanours committed in office, and was succeeded by Thomas Jermyn.1 Although he remained active to the end, and his account for 1522-3 makes a substantial book, he was no longer as important as he had been in 1495, and his successor is an obscure figure. It appears that Jermyn continued to manage the facilities at Portsmouth, but unlike Brigandyne (who had been involved in a subordinate capacity with shipbuilding at Woolwich) he was not active elsewhere.2 Indeed the phrase which was added to his title in his patent of appointment 'custos de le Doke apud PortismoutrT indicates that such was the intention. John Hopton died in 1524, and the two offices which he had held were then clearly separated. William Gonson became Keeper of the Erith and Deptford storehouses by patent of 25 September 1524, and Thomas Spert became Clerk Controller by warrant dormant to the Chamber.3 Each received the same emoluments as Hopton. Spert was an experienced sea captain, who had been the first master of the Henry Grace a Dieu, while Gonson was a man of many parts. Variously described as 'gentleman usher of the king's chamber'. Teller of the Exchequer' and 'Grocer of London', he was assessed under the latter title in 1535 (probably for a subsidy) at £1 000 and was one of the wealthiest citizens. It may have been for this reason, or because he was a man 1 L and P. 3. 2992. Oppenheim, Administration. 84.
