Cotton MS Vespasian C XII

Papers concerning England and Spain, 1262-1509. Including the marriage contract of Arthur, Prince of Wales (1486-1502), and Katherine of Aragon (1485–1536) in 1497 (ff. 227r-237v), and the marriage contract of Prince Henry, later King Henry VIII (1491–1547), and Katherine of Aragon in 1502 (ff. 261r-270v). With 40 pencil portraits of Spanish kings and queens from the royal palace at Segovia, titled Retratos, letreros e ynsignias reales de los reyes de Oviedo, Leon y Castilla (1594).

f. 2r: Title ‘Matters concerning Castilia and Aragon from the yeare 1280 to 1509’.

f. 3r: Illustrated title-page ‘Retratos, letreros e ynsignias reales de los reyes de Oviedo, Leon y Castilla de la sala real de los Alcaçares de Segovia or de nados pormadado del catolico Rey Don Felipe Segudo Nuestro Senor. Anno MDXCIIII’.

f. 6r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Don Fruela [Froila] II’.

f. 7r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Don Alfonso IV’.

f. 8r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Fernan Gonzales’.

f. 9r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Don Ramiro II’.

f. 10r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Don Ordorno III’.

f. 11r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Don Sancho I’.

f. 12r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Don Ramiro III’.

f. 13r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Don Vermudo II’.

f. 14r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Don Alfonso V’.

f. 15r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Don Bermudo III’.

f. 16r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Don Fernando I’.

f. 17r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Donna Sancha Regina’.

f. 18r: Pencil portrait, unlabelled.

f. 19r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Cid Ruidias’.

f. 20r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Don Enriq de Lorena. Conde de Portugal’.

f. 21r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Ramon de Borbona. Conde de Galicia’.

f. 22r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Alfonso VI’.

f. 23r: Pencil portrait, unlabelled.

f. 24r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Donna Urraca Regina’.

f. 25r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Alfonso VIII’.

f. 26r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Sancho III’.

f. 27r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Alfonso IX’.

f. 28r: Pencil portrait, unlabelled.

f. 31r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Ferdinando II’.

f. 33r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Alfonso X’.

f. 34r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Donna Berenguela Regina’.

f. 35r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Ferdinando III’.

f. 37r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Alfonso XI’.

f. 45r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Sancho IV’.

f. 49r: Treaty of alliance between King Alphonsus X of Castile, and King Henry III of England. By which the former surrenders all claims upon Gascony to the latter. Toledo, May 1292 (1262). Latin.

f. 56r: Contract between King Edward I of England and Peter III, then infant of Aragon. For the marriage of the eldest daughter of the former to the eldest son of the latter. Corduba, October 1273. Latin.

f. 56v: Agreement between King Edward I of England and King Aphonsus III of Aragon. By which the former engages to obtain the Pope’s licence for the marriage of the latter to his daughter Eleanor, and to promote the conclusion of that marriage. Oleron, July 28 1287. Latin.

ff. 57r-58v: Inspeximus of Jasbertus, Bishop of Valencia, of an indenture of Alphonsus, eldest son of King Peter III of Aragon, the Archbishop of Toledo, and Jasbertus on one part, and John de Vesci, in the name of Eleanor, daughter of King Edward I, on the other part. Assigning certain towns as pledges of Eleanor’s dowry. Osca, September 1282. The commission of King Peter III of Aragon, authorising the above persons to agree to the assignment, is recited in the indenture. Port Fangos, June 1 1280. Latin.

ff. 58v-59v: Process of contumacy, issued by Pope John XXII, against Michael de Cesaria, general of the order of Minorities, William Okam, a monk of the order, and others who were charged with heresy and various iniquitous practices, and had fled from the jurisdiction of the apostolical court. Avignon, June 1328. Latin.

f. 59v: Letter from the states of the Agenois (subjects of England) to King Charles IV of France. Complaining of certain outrages committed by his officers, and sending deputies to demand redress. May 4 1324. Latin.

f. 60r-60v: Negotiation between the commissioners of King Edward II of England and King Alphonsus XI of Castile. Concerning the conditions of the intended marriage between the latter and Eleanor, daughter of the former, and between Edward, eldest son of the former, and Eleanor, sister of the latter. Valladolid, May 22 1325. Latin.

f. 62r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Ferdinando IV’.

f. 66r: Pencil portrait, unlabelled.

f. 69r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Don Pedro I’.

f. 70r: Record of a truce between King Edward III of England and King John of France on one part, and King Peter of Castile on the other part. Relating to the mutual depredations committed in the Bay of Biscay. London, August 1 1351. French.

f. 70v: Order from King Edward III to the Duke of Lancaster. For the observance of the above truce (f. 70r). 1351. Latin.

ff. 71r-72v: Confirmation of a treaty of peace and alliance between King Edward III and King Peter of Castile. London, June 22 1362. Latin.

ff. 73r-74v: Three commissions of King Edward III. For the delivery and observance of the above treaty (f. 70r). Westminster, February 8 and March 1 1362-3.

f. 75r-75v: Instructions given to certain English messengers sent into Spain to demand aid against the French king in Guyenne, by virtue of an existing treaty. c. 1328. French.

f. 77r-77v: A copy of the above commissions (ff. 73r-74v).

ff. 77v-78r: Cessation of Gascony by King Alphonsus X to Edward, eldest son of King Edward I. Burdos (sic), November 1 1254. Latin.

ff. 78v-88r: Copies of the above commissions (ff. 73r-74v).

f. 95r: Engagement of King Peter of Castile to pay Edward, the Black Prince, five hundred thousand florins. In consideration of his assistance against the Count of Trastamara. Libornia, near Bordeaux, September 23 1366. Latin.

f. 99r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Henricus II’.

f. 102r: Letter from King Peter IV of Aragon to King Edward III of England. Claiming the restitution of a ship of Majorca, seized by some English vessels, and indemnification for the losses thereby sustained. Barcelona, August 15 1374. Latin.

f. 106r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Don John I’.

ff. 109r-110v: Note of four Spanish ships (caraques) seized by English forces in 1373, 1374 and 1376. With a bill for the damages claimed. French.

f. 111r: Instructions from a Queen of Castile, possibly Queen Catherine, in the name of her son the King, possibly John II. For settling disputes with England about navigation. No date.

f. 114r: Two certificates of King John I, the infant Don Martin, and several grandees of Aragon. Attesting a clause in the will of King Charles II of Navarre, by which he directs that the King of England shall return Cherbourg to Charles III, his son. Montisson, September 7 1389.

f. 117r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Henricus V’.

ff. 118r-121v: Instructions given by King Richard II to commissioners sent to negotiate peace with King Henry III of Castile. 1391. French.

f. 122r: Letter from the Bishop of Bordeaux, the Pope’s nuncio, possibly to King Richard II. Concerning the restitution of ships, and reporting the successes of the King of Castile. Barcelona, October 3.

f. 124r: Instructions given by John, Duke of Lancaster, to the Bishop of Aques and others. To negotiate with King Henry III of Castile. French.

ff. 125r-126v: Commission from King Richard II to the Bishop of Bordeaux and others. To negotiate with King Henry III of Castile. Westminster, January 13 1391. French.

ff. 129r-130v: Summary of a letter to be written by King Henry IV of England to his brother in law King Henry III of Castile. Towards the conclusion of a treaty. Agreed upon at a council at Eltham. 1402. Latin. With another similar but not identical article.

f. 131r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘John II’.

f. 135r-135v: Instructions given by King Henry IV to Thomas Swynbyrne and John Scurmynscre. To negotiate with the court of Castile. Leicester, November 29 1411. French.

f. 137r: Instructions given by King Henry IV to John de Samora. Concerning items to propose to Catherine, Queen of Castile, and her son John II. Lambeth, September 26 1411. Latin.

f. 139r: Instructions given by King Henry IV to Thomas Swynbyrne and John Scurmynscre. French.

f. 140r: Letter from King Henry IV to his sister Queen Catherine of Castile. On maritime affairs. August 8.

f. 141r: Copy of the commissions above (ff. 73r-74v). Similar and nearly a duplicate.

f. 143r: Letter from Queen Catherine of Castile to her brother King Henry IV. Expressing friendship and responding to the above letter (f. 140r). Cordesillas, April 17 [1411]. French.

f. 144r: Letter from King Henry IV to his nephew King John II of Castile. Concerning the appointment of new commissioners for the ratification of a truce. [1411]. With a letter to Don Ferdinand, brother to King Henry III of Castile, on the same subject. [1411]. Latin.

f. 145r: Instructions given by King Henry IV to the Bishop of Bordeaux and others. On their dispatch to the King and Queen Dowager of Castile, to negotiate for peace. January 1313 [1413]. French.

ff. 147r-148r: Instructions given by King Henry V to Dr John Kenit and John Bacton. On their dispatch to King Ferdinand I of Aragon to negotiate for peace. Southampton, July 28 1415. Latin.

f. 149r-140v: Letter from King Henry V to King Martin of Aragon. On sending John Sturmester to receive a payment, possibly of three hundred thousand livres, due by virtue of a treaty. Westminster, November 3 1414 and October 1 1415. Latin.

ff. 150r-151r: Instructions given by King Henry V to John Seynt, Mayor of Bordeaux. To negotiate with King John II of Castile. December 15 1416. Latin.

f. 152r-152v: Letter from an English agent in Spain, whose name is torn away. Giving an account of French gallies arriving on the coast of Valencia. Valencia, July 23 [1417].

f. 154r: Order from King Henry V to a state officer. To settle the claims of John Hull for his embassy in Spain. Camp near Falaise, February 10 1418.

f. 155r: Credence from King Henry V to negotiate with King Alphonsus V of Aragon. June 1421. Latin.

f. 156r-156v: Letter from King John I of Portugal to King Henry V. Sending a credential in favour of John Naãsq. Dalmadaa, dispatched to negotiate some matters concerning Lisbon. Lisbon, July 25 [1413]. Spanish.

ff. 159r-160v: Fragment of an order of proclamation of a King John of Castile. Spanish.

f. 164r: Order of King Henry V, under the Privy Seal. Directing Thomas Langley, Bishop of Durham and Chancellor, to issue patents for the security of the Spanish ships frequenting English ports. September 24 1418. French.

f. 164r: Order of King Henry VI under the Privy Seal. For a commission to be made for the appointment of Thomas Polton, Bishop of Hereford, and others, to negotiate with the King of Aragon. July 1430. Latin.

ff. 166r-167r: Answers given by the council of King Henry VI to the ambassadors of King Alphonsus V of Aragon, and King John I and Queen Blanca II of Navarre. July 20 1430. Latin.

f. 168r-168v: Order of King Henry VI under the Privy Seal. For a commission to be made appointing William Alnwick, Bishop of Norwich, and others, to negotiate with the commissioners of King John II of Castile. Westminster, November 6 1430. Latin.

ff. 170r-175v: Three articles containing different clauses of answers given by the Privy Council to proposals made by the ambassadors of Aragon and Navarre. 1432. Latin.

ff. 177r-178v: Letter from King Henry IV to Don Ferdinand, uncle of King John II of Castile. Requesting he see to the delivery of a letter to the King. Westminster, February 14 1412. Latin.

ff. 180r-181v: Draft letter from King Henry VI to King John II of Castile. On the provision of safe-conducts for a bishop, a knight, a doctor, and others, to be sent into England. 1435. Latin.

f. 184r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Henricus IV’.

ff. 189r-196r: Treaty of peace and alliance between King Edward IV and King Henry IV of Castile. Edward’s commission to his ambassadors is dated Penley, August 6 1466. Latin.

ff. 198r-202v: Paper possibly containing an affadavit made at Bilbao. August 16? 1466.

f. 203r: Requisition of the ambassadors from Castile in England. For the release of one John Yscotys, confined for having insulted them. [1466]. Latin.

ff. 205r-206v: Licence granted by King Edward IV to the merchants of Biscay. To trade in England. Westminster, June 1474. Latin. With a reciprocal licence in favour of English merchants trading in Biscay, with an attestation of a notary. September 6 1474. Spanish.

f. 207r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Ferdinando V’.

f. 208r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Isabella Regina’.

ff. 209r-210v: Treaty between the states of Guipuscoa and England. Including the powers granted for that purpose to the said states by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile. [Usarraga] October 20 1481. Spanish.

f. 212r-212v: Letter from King Ferdinand II of Aragon to King Edward IV. Authorising the above treaty (ff. 209r-210v). Barcelona, September 16 1481. Spanish.

f. 215r-215v: Letter from the states of Biscay to the Privy Council. On behalf of John Sancius, who claimed redress for some damages. Garnica, August 15 1584 [1484]. Latin.

f. 218r-218v: Order by King Ferdinand II of Aragon. Relating to negotiations with England. Medina, July 28 1584 [1484]. Spanish.

ff. 220r-221v: Financial accounts. 1493. Spanish.

ff. 227r-237v: Marriage contract between Arthur, Prince of Wales and Katherine of Aragon. October 1 1497. Latin.

ff. 239r-246r: Commission of Katherine of Aragon to Roderic Gondisalvus de Puebla. To conclude a marriage between her and Arthur, Prince of Wales. Seville, December 20 1499. Latin.

ff. 247r-248v: Consent of King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile to the marriage of Arthur, Prince of Wales, and Katherine of Aragon. Promising to send her to England, and pay her portion. Granada, October 2 1500. Latin.

ff. 250r-251v: Letter from Katherine of Aragon, possibly to Arthur, Prince of Wales. Signing herself Princess of Wales. [1501?]. In her own hand, Spanish.

ff. 253r-260r: Patent of Arthur, Prince of Wales. For the settlement to be made in favour of Katherine of Aragon. London, November 14 1501. Latin.

ff. 261r-270v: Contract between King Henry VII and King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile. For the marriage of Henry, Prince of Wales, and Katherine of Aragon. September 24 1502. Latin.

f. 274r-274v: Letter from King Ferdinand II of Aragon to King Henry VII [VIII]. In favour of some merchants of Burgos. Madrid, November 26 1503 [1513]. Spanish.

f. 277r-277v: Letter from King Ferdinand II of Aragon to King Henry VII. Reporting the death of his wife Isabella, and stating that according to her will he is appointed administrator of her dominions. Medina del campo, November 26 1504. Spanish.

f. 280r: Pencil portrait, labelled ‘Johanna Regina’.

ff. 281r-287v, 292r-294v: Paper on King Philip of Castille and Queen Joan. A narrative of their being driven by storm into Weymouth, their entertainment by King Henry VII at Windsor, and Philip’s investment with the Order of the Garter. 1505/6. In the hand of Ralph Starkey.

ff. 288r-290v: Treaty of peace, amity and commerce between King Henry VII, King Philip of Castile, and the sovereign of the Low Countries. Reciting several previous commissions and other instruments, the last ratification dated Westminster, May 15 1506. Signed by King Henry VII, with a silk string for the seal. Latin.

ff. 296r-298v: Treaty of amity between King Henry VII and King Philip of Castile. Windsor, February 9 1505/6. Latin.

ff. 299r-308v: Treaty between King Henry VII, Emperor Maximilian I, and his grandson Charles. With some instruments for the promulgation of the same. [1507]. Latin.

ff. 310r-311v: Treaty binding King Henry VII to observe the former treaties of 1495 and 1506 with Spain and the Low Countries. No date.

ff. 313r-315v: Original counterpart of the above treaty (ff. 299r-308v). Signed by King Henry VII, with a silk string for the seal. Dated Richmond, May 18 1506. With a patent confirming the same. Latin.

f. 317r-317v: Engagement of Flor. De Efmond to contribute his power towards the observance of a marriage treaty concluded between King Henry VII and King Philip of Castile, March 20 1505. Sworn before three notaries and several witnesses at Valladolid, July 13 1506. Latin.

ff. 318r-319r: Statement by Thomas Isaac (Toyson d’or Herald). Concerning his delivery of the jewel called ‘La riche fleur de lis’ to King Henry VII as a pledge for fifty thousand crowns, which Henry was to lend to Emperor Maximilian I. Also of his having received the said payment. Latin.

ff. 321r-322r: Treaty for the marriage of Prince Charles of Spain to Mary, daughter of King Henry VII. [1506].

ff. 323r-330v: Three instruments. In which King Ferdinand II of Aragon and his daughters Joan and Katherine renounce all claim to the twenty thousand crowns given as a marriage portion to Katherine when she married King Henry VIII. June 9 1509. Latin.

ff. 332r-333v: Commission of King Ferdinand II of Aragon. Appointing Guter Gomez de Fucusalida as his ambassador with King Henry VIII, with powers to renew all former treaties. Valladolid, May 11 1509. Latin.

f. 286r-286v: Draft letter from an emperor’s son, possibly Charles of Castile, to a king, possibly King Henry VIII, whom he calls uncle. [11 May 1517]. French.