Cotton MS Vespasian F III

Correspondence and other documents written or attested by the kings, queens and rulers of England, France, Scotland, Castile, Aragon, Spain, Portugal, Florence, Tuscany, the Holy Roman Empire, Bohemia, Denmark, Sweden, Hungary and Russia, including William I of England (1066–1087) and his successors Henry I (1100–1135), Richard II (1377–1399), Henry IV (1399–1413), Henry V (1413–1422), Henry VI (1422–1461, 1470–1471), Edward IV (1461–1483), Richard, duke of Gloucester (Richard III, 1483–1485), Henry VIII (1509–1547), Edward VI (1547–1553), Mary I (1553–1558), Elizabeth I (1558–1603) and James I (1603–1625); Queens Katherine of Aragon (d. 1536), Anne Boleyn (d. 1536), Jane Seymour (d. 1537) and Catherine Parr (d. 1548), wives of Henry VIII; James V, king of Scots (1513–1542), Mary, queen of Scots (1542–1567; d. 1587), and James VI, king of Scots (1567–1625: James I of England); Charles VIII (1483–1498), Louis XII (1498–1515) and Francis I (1515–1547), kings of France, with a letter of Catherine, sister of King Henri IV of France (1589–1610), on gold printed paper (f. 160); King Ferdinand V of Castile and II of Aragon (1479–1516); and the Holy Roman emperors Maximilian I (1493–1519), Charles V (1519–1556; d. 1558), Ferdinand I (1556–1564), Maximilian II (1564–1576) and Rudolph II (1576–1612).

All the documents are originals with the exception of a charter of King Henry I of England (f. 3).

The volume also incorporates three engraved title-pages, namely Jean de Serres, A Generall Historie of France, trans. Ed. Grimeston (London, 1611), engraved by Renold Elstrack (d. in or after 1625) (f. 51); Gerardus Mercator, Galliae tabulæ geographicæ (Duisburg, 1585 and later editions), on which is pasted an engraving of Rudolph II (f. 117: Tite, The Early Records, Annex 8n); an unidentified title-page, on which is pasted an engraving of Christian IV, king of Denmark (1588–1648) (f. 140: Tite, The Early Records, Annex 8j).

ff. 2r–v: A charter in Latin from William I, giving a mansion in Norfolk called Walton, to the monastery of St. Pancras at Lewes.

ff. 3r–v: A charter in Latin from Henry I, granting diverse immunities to the monastery of St Pancras at Lewes.

f. 4r: A memorandum in French concerning the surrender of Brest, probably from the reign of Richard II [1347].

ff. 5r–v: An order in French for apprehending Lady Spencer and her children, who had fled. 6 Henry IV (1404–1405).

ff. 6r–v: A letter in French from [Henry V?] to his son.

f. 7r: A petition of Thomas Hille; a servant of the Queen’s, for a corrody in the abbey of Malmesbury; said to from the 9th year of Henry V's reign (1421–1422).

f. 8r: A memorandum, said to be in Henry V's own hand, concerning the detention of the Duke of Orleans at Pontefract, and the custody of other prisoners.

ff. 9r–v: A letter in French from the high admiral (Thomas Beaufort, Duke of Exeter and Earl of Dorset) to the Bishop of Durham chancellor (Thomas Langley) concerning the defence of the Northern marches, and the custody of the prisoners.

f. 10r: A letters from Richard Duke of York (Earl of Cambridge) to Henry V, imploring his forgiveness: probably from 1415, when Richard was beheaded. It appears to be autograph.

f. 11r: A memorandum in Latin of a church preferment given by Henry, probably Henry VI.

f. 12r: An order in Latin of the privy seal for the payment of money for lances and bows, sent into Normandy. 7 July 1440.

f. 13r: An order signed H. Cardinal of England (Cardinal Beaufort?) to take 2300 marks out of his coffer. 12 March, London.

ff. 14r–v: A petition in French by Rauff Cromwell, to the King, to delay proceedings against him in the court of exchequer during his absence abroad on the king’‘s service. Signed H. (Humphrey) Gloucester, H. Cardinal, and the six archbishops and bishops; probably in the time of Henry VI.

f. 15r: An order from Richard Duke of York (Edward IV's father) to his receiver in Yorkshire, to pay John Langley or bearer, £6 14s 4d. The entirety is in his hand.

ff. 16r–v: A letter signed E. Marche (Edward IV) and Earl Rutlande, to their father (Richard Duke of York), thanking him for green gowns sent to them, requesting some fine bonnets, and complaining of the behaviour of a servant. Ludlow, Saturday in the Easter week. Printed in I Ellis, i. 9.

f. 17r: Note about a book.

ff. 18r–v: An order for the repayment of 100 marks to the bishop of Aberdeen and James Shaw: it is signed at the beginning and end by Edward IV's monogram. [Pr. ii Ellis, i, 142]. Warrant signed by Edward IV for a Lombard or other sufficient person to be bound as security for the repayment of 100 marks due from the King to Thomas Spence, Bishop of Aberdeen and to James Shaw of Sauchie, chamberlain to James III for the composition made with Sir John Colquhoun, Knt. Lord of Luss, Lord Great Chamberlain of Scotland; ambassadors from James III of Scotland in 1474 to negociate a marriage between James, Duke of Rothsay, Prince Royal of Scotland, and the Princess Cecilie of York, youngest daughter of Edward IV. Payment to be made by the first of November 'to such as the said bishop and James wol assigne to receyve the same, be it for the reponsion of the commandeur of Torpischyn (Torplichen) in Scotland to the Rodes (the Knights of Rhodes) by the Lord of St. Johns in England or otherwise', c. June 1474.

ff. 19r–v: An application of Richard Duke of Gloucester [Richard III] for a loan of £100.

f. 20r: Queen Anne wife to James I, recommending Lord Roxburg.

f. 21r: Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia, thanking the nobleman to whom the letter is written, for his good offices, 30 November [1613], Heidelberg.

f. 22r: Henry, Prince of Wales, to his father, James I, with a list of people to be made knights of the Bath, and requesting leave to go to Chatham with the Duke of Brunswick.

f. 23r: Mary I's instructions to the Lord Privy Seal, to obey the king (Philip).

f. 24r: Mary’s proclamation against Thomas Wyatt’s attempts to create a disturbance.

f. 25r: A warrant by Philip and Mary, constituting three persons to the care and management of the revenue. 12 April 1557.

f. 26r: A letter in French from Mary to Philip, before their marriage. 20 April 1554, London.

f. 27r: Letter from Elizabeth to ?, thanking them for good offices, 28 October 1558, Brocket Hall.

ff. 28r–v: Cardinal Reginald Pole to Elizabeth, requesting her to hear his chaplain, the dean of Worcester, on his behalf. 14 November 1558, Lambeth.

f. 29r: Elizabeth I, thanking someone who holds a high office in Ireland (Sir Henry Wallop?) for his faithful services, 24 February 1583, Richmond.

f. 30r: Letter in French from Elizabeth to 'Ma Cousine' [Marie de' Medici, Queen of France], professing her regard and affection, c. 1600.

f. 31r: Memo from Elizabeth [to her ambassador in France] containing some advice, which is obscure on purpose.

f. 32r: Part of an erased letter by James I, which is deliberately enigmatic [c. 1620].

ff. 33r–v: Letter from Katherine of Aragon to Henry VIII, after the battle of Flodden Field, 16 September 1513.

f. 34r: Anne Boleyn to a church patron [Wolsey, requesting the living of Sandridge for Master Barlow [August 1528].

ff. 35r–v: [Jane Seymour to Lord (Cromwell)] as queen, recommending the cause of Thomas Dudley [23 November 1536].

ff. 36r–v: Jane (Seymour) Queen; a warrant for two bucks out of the forest of Havering, to the gentlemen of the king’‘s chapel. Hampton-court, [28 June] 1537.

f. 37r: Letter in Latin from Kathryn Parr, probably to Elizabeth as princess; this appears to be a copy of her handwriting. 20 September [no year], Hanworth.

f. 38r: Letter from Parr as regent, requesting that Henry Webbe might be favoured in his claim to the lands of the nunnery of Hollywell. 23 July 1544, Hampton Court.

ff. 39r–v: Letter from Margaret, sister to Henry VIII, to a friend [Cromwell?] requesting his interest with the King [January 1532].

ff. 40r–v: Letter from Mary the French Queen, wife of Louis XII, recommending John William to be a soldier at Calais. 30 March [1533], London.

ff. 41r–v: Letter from Mary the French Queen to her brother Henry VIII, desiring him to send for her speedily. 6 March, Paris.

f. 42r: Letter in Latin from Prince Edward (afterwards Edward VI), probably to Kathryn Parr, 24 May [1546], Hunsdon.

ff. 43r–v: Letter from Princess Mary (afterwards queen) to Cromwell, recommending sir Rice Mauncell to his favour [1532?].

ff. 44r–v: Complimentary letter from Henry [Fitzroy, Duke of ] Richmond, Henry VIII's illegitimate son, to his godfather Cardinal Wolsey.

f. 45r: A passport of Edward VI for three ambassadors who were returning home, countersigned by Somerset and nine privy counsellors, 8 March 1547, Westminster.

ff. 46r–v: Edward VI's proclamation to arm against those involved in Kett's rebellion, 1 August 1549, Westminster.

f. 47r: Complimentary letter from Princess Mary (later queen) [to Lord ?] [14 December 1536].

f. 48r: Letter from Princess Elizabeth (later queen) to Edward VI, with her picture. 15 May [1550], Hatfield.

ff. 49r–v: Letter in Latin from Philip and Mary to Pope Marcellus II, recommening Nicholas Hethe [Heath] to the Archbishopric of York. 5 May 1555, Hampton Court.

ff. 49r–v: Mary (the French Queen) to Henry VIII, thanking him for his protection, 15 November [1514], Paris.

f. 51r: Decorative title-page.

ff. 52r–v: Letter in French from Francis I King of France to [Jean de Guise, Cardinal of Lorraine] signifying his intention to come to Amiens to meet Cardinal York (Wolsey?) 27 July [1527], Paris.

ff. 53r–v: Complimentary letter from Louise (mother to Francis I King of France) [to Henry VIII on the return of Tayler Archdeacon of Buckingham] an English ambassador [17 May 1529].

ff. 54r–v: Complimentary letter in French from Claude (Queen of France) to Henry VIII, 15 February [1521], Romorentin.

ff. 55r–v: Francis and Henry II, sons of Francis I, to Henry VIII, after their release from Spain. August 1530, Cognac.

ff. 56r–v: Letter in French from Henry [II of France] [to Edward VI] requesting the addressee to stand godfather to his newborn son [19 September 1551].

ff. 57r–v: John VI Duke of Brittany, requesting the release of some pilgrims taken on board a vessel. December 1416, Nantz.

f. 58r: Letter in French John Duke of Britanny (perhaps John V) to ?, with compliments and recommending John de Bavalan. 16 February, Vannes.

ff. 59r–v: Complimentary letter in French from Francis II Duke of Brittany to [Henry VII?], 28 September 1475, Nantz.

ff. 60r–v: Letter in French from Philip Count de Charolois, in the name of his father (John Duke of Burgundy) requesting of the King of England the release of some merchants. 29 August 1415, Ghent.

ff. 61r–v: Letter in French from Philip Duke of Burgundy, father of Charles the bold, with credentials of ambassadors (probably to Henry V) 15 June, Arras.

ff. 62r–v: Letter in French from Charles (VI?) king of France to [Henry IV], with credentials of ambassadors. 13 April, Troyes.

ff. 63r–v: Letter in French from Charles VII, King of France, ordering that the revenues which churches in the possession of Henry VI hold in his dominions, should be paid. 24 February 1445.

f. 64r: Letter in French from Charles Duke of Orleans, father of Louis XII; a list of persons for whom he wishes to have safe conduct, from the reign of Henry VI.

ff. 65r–v: Minutes of an agreement in French between the King of France (Louis XI) and English ambassadors, concerning the ransom of Margaret daughter of the King of Sicily (Henry VI's wife), signed by Louis. 2 October 1475.

ff. 66r–v: Charles (VII) as regent of France; a proclamation in French urging the peace of the realm, between 1418 and 1422.

ff. 67r–68r: Charles Duke of Guyenne (and of Berry) brother to Louis X; an engagement in behalf of the King and himself to assist Henry VI, Queen Margaret, and Edward Prince of Wales, against Edward IV,and approving the marriage of Edward with Anne, daughter of the earl of Warwick. 31 July 1462 [Angers?]

f. 69r: Charles VIII, King of France, ratifying the treaty made at Etaples with Henry VII of England, 1492. In French.

ff. 70r–v: Letter in French from Louis (XII?) King of France to Monsieur d’York (probably Wolsey), requesting intelligence about his wife Mary and Henry VIII (her brother). 5 September [1514?], Etampes.

f. 71r: A short invocation, beginning 'God save prince Arthur', perhaps written by Henry VIII.

ff. 72r–v: Henry VIII's warrant confirming John Wellys in the office of bowbearer in the forest of Gawtres, York. 2 April [no year], Greenwich.

f. 73r: Letter from Henry VIII, to Wolsey, on Katherine's pregnancy and his reasons for not wishing to come to London. The entire letter is in Henry's hand. [July 1518].

f. 74r: A note signed York: 'My lord Saturday is the day/ let 4 great barrels of powder come away.' This appears to be the handwriting of Charles I when young. This item is explained by an entry in Additional MS 28625 f. 8, Lord Carew’s letter book. Henry Prince of Wales gave his brother, then Duke of York and afterwards Charles I, a pinnace called the Disdain, and that this gunpowder was required for an expedition of the two young princes on May 1608 in the pinnace.

f. 75r: Letter from Arabella Seymour (Stuart), soliciting the person she writes to, to use his interest with Lord Northampton to intercede for her with the King.

f. 76r: Letter from James I to Blake, about his disputes with the puritans.

ff. 77r–v: Complimentary letter from James IV, King of Scotland, to Henry VIII, 11 June [1509], Holyroodhouse.

ff. 78r–v: Margaret, Queen of Scotland to Wolsey, requesting his aid.

f. 79r: James V, King of Scotland to Henry VIII, on behalf of the Archbishop of Glasgow, [28 May 1525].

f. 80r: Letter in French with credentials from James V of Scotland and his mother Margaret to ?, 20 February [1525], Edinburgh.

f. 81r: Letter from Henry Darnley to Mary [I], 24 March 1554, Temple Newson (Printed in ii Ellis ii. 249.)

ff. 82r–v: Letter in French from Mary Queen of Scots, to Bess Pierpont (daughter of Sir George Pierpont), 13 September [1583].

f. 83r: James (VI and I) to Elizabeth, requesting her to proceed against the conspirators (Bothwell, etc.), 5 July 1592, Edinburgh.

ff. 84r–v: Letter in Spanish from Henry III, King of Castile to Henry IV King of England, 1402.

f. 85r: Letter in Spanish from John II King of Castile, during his minority, to Henry IV; a fragment, countersigned by his mother Catherine daughter to John of Gaunt, queen regent. 8 July 1412, Segovia.

f. 86r: Letter in Latin, partly defaced, from Alphonsus V, King of Aragon, to Henry VI, 2 September 1442.

ff. 87r–v: Letter in Spanish from Catherine Queen Regent of Castile to her brother Henry IV, with compliments and credentials, 5 July 1412, Valladolid.

ff. 88r–v: Credential letter in Latin from Ferdinand of Aragon, Naples, etc. (the Catholic) to Henry VIII, 3 September 1512, Logrono.

ff. 89r–v: Order in French from Philip, Duke of Burgundy to a nobleman to join John of Pinterville his ambassador to Henry VI, King of England. 29 December 1435, Brussels.

ff. 90r–v: Letter of credential in French from Charles (the bold?) to his father; 18 December, Malines.

ff. 91r–v: Letter in French from Charles (V?) to [Henry VIII], ratifying a treaty. 20 April [1516], Malines.

f. 92r: Letter in Spanish from Philip II King of Spain, to Alexander Farnese duke of Parma, governor of the Netherlands, recommending Jacob Ficq, a German, to a company. 28 August 1590, Escorial, San Lorenzo.

ff. 93r–v: A Spanish paper, with a seal but no signature; dated Pardos, Saturday.

ff. 94r–v: Letter in Latin from Wolfgang, Count Palatine of Deuxponts to Elizabeth, congratulating her on her peace with France, and assigning his reasons for not sending his eldest son to her court. 20 October 1564, Newburg.

f. 95r: Letter in French from J[ohann] Casimir (son of Frederick III Elector Palatine) to Elizabeth, assigning reasons for not coming to her court. 30 July 1568, Cassel.

f. 96r: Letter in Latin from Frederic (V Elector Palatine King of Bohemia) to some English Earl, congratulatory on the health of James I and his family, and mentioning the safe arrival of his wife (Elizabeth.) 10 August 1613, Heidelberg.

f. 97r: Letter in Latin from Philip (III King of Spain) to Oneill and Odoneill, on his father’s death. 31 October 1598, Escorial.

ff. 98r–v: Letter in French from Philippa Queen of Portugal to her brother Henry IV, requesting that he would remit the fine imposed on the Earl of Arundel for leave to marry, 4 November, c. 1405, Lisbon.

ff. 99r–v: Complimentary letter in Portuguese from John III King of Portugal to Q. Mary of ?, 4 August 1528, Lisbon.

ff. 100r–v: Congratulatory letter in Latin from Mary, Infanta of Portugal, daughter of King Emmanuel to Queen Mary of England, 19 Cal. Oct. 1553, Lisbon. Printed in ii Ellis, ii. 48.

ff. 101r–v: Letter in Portuguese from Don Antonio of Portugal to [Leicester, 8 September 1582]

ff. 102r–v: Letter in French from Manuel Prince of Portugal, requesting a friend at a queen’s court (probably Elizabeth's) to solicit her to stand godmother to his newborn daughter. 4 May 1599.

ff. 103r–v: Isabella of Aragon, widow of Frederick King of Naples, who signs herself 'Infelicissima' to a queen [Mary of England, Queen of France], imploring her assistance for herself and her sons Ferdinand and Alphonsus. 11 Calends April 1515, Ferrara. Printed in ii Ellis i.

ff. 104r–v: Letter in Italian from Lorenzo de Medicis, probably to the magistrates of Florence, interceding on behalf of Laurence Jacopo. 5 September 1475, Florence.

f. 105r: Letter in Latin from Cosmo I, Duke of Florence, to Henry VIII, on behalf of Florentius Diacetus, a Florentine. 8 June 1545.

f. 106r: Letter in Latin from Cosmo I, probably to Edward VI of England, thanking him for an award concerning corn. 14 July 1551, Florence.

f. 107r: Letter in Spanish of credential from Eleanor of Toledo, Duchess of Florence and wife of Cosmo I to Mary I, also mentioning a marriage. 15 May 1554, Florence.

ff. 108r–v: Letter in Italian from Cosmo to Elizabeth, requesting her protection of the Tuscan subjects in England. 13 August [1560?], Florence.

ff. 109r–v: Letter in Italian from Ferdinand I Cardinal and Duke of Tuscany to Elizabeth on behalf of Antonio Velluti, a merchant who had been taken and mistreated by the English. 20 February 1587, Florence.

ff. 110r–v: Letter in Italian from Ferdinand I, Duke of Tuscany to Elizabeth, claiming some seizures made by English ships off Leghorn. 15 August 1590, Florence.

ff. 111r–v: Letter in Italian from Ferdinand I, Duke of Tuscany to some private individuals, requesting their interest with Elizabeth for the recovery of some seizures. 13 October 1601, Florence.

ff. 112r–v: Letter in French from Henry II King of Navarre to Henry VIII, on behalf of his subject Michel Sardara, who had a lawsuit in England. 16 June 1528, Paris.

ff. 113r–v: Letter in French from Margaret Queen of Navarre, sister of Francis I, to Wolsey; informs him of her pregnancy and gives compliments [16 May 1528].

ff. 114r–v: Letter in French from Charles III Duke of Savoy to Wolsey, on behalf of Vincent Aymard, who had a certain claim. 5 May, Turin.

f. 115r: Letter in French from Emmanuel Philibert Duke of Savoy to Mary I, with compliments, 4 May 1554, Brussels.

ff. 116r–v: Letter in French from Henrie de Savoye to the Duke of Bouillon, about the ransom of an English prisoner, no date.

f. 117r: Engraved title page.

f. 118r: Copy of a letter (from cipher) in French from Emperor Maximilian I to his daughter Margaret, Governess of the Low Countries, informing her that he will come as soon as 10,000 florins is paid at Treves. 4 December [1518?].

f. 119r: Complimentary letter in French from [Maximilian I?] to someone he calls his son [Henry VIII?, 1516].

ff. 120r–v: Complimentary letter in French from Margaret Governess of the Low Countries, probably to Henry VIII, 12 January [1522], Ghent.

ff. 121r–v: Letter in French from Mary (probably daughter of Charles V) to Mary I, on the the conclusion of her marriage with Philip, 19 February [1554], Brussels.

ff. 122r–v: Letter in French from Charles (V?) to Wolsey, expressing his regard, 30 June [no year], Brussels.

f. 123r: Letter in French from Eleonor (probably sister to Charles V and widow of Francis I) to Mary I, congratulating her on suppressing a rebellion [1553?]

f. 124r: Letter in French from Ferdinand King of the Romans, afterwards Emperor to Mary I, congratulating her on her intended marriage. 7 February [1554?], Vienna.

f. 125r: Letter of credential in Spanish from Mary, Queen of Bohemia and Hungary, sister of Charles V to Mary I, 23 August 1554, Vienna.

ff. 126r–v: Letter in Latin from Emperor Ferdinand I to Elizabeth, in favour of the Roman Catholics in England. 24 September 1563, Bratislava.

f. 127r: Letter in Spanish from Emperor Maximilian II to Elizabeth; complimentary and about religion. 19 July [1567], Vienna.

ff. 128r–129r: Complimentary letter in Latin from Emperor Rudolf II to Elizabeth, 20 July 1593, Prague.

f. 130r: Letter in Latin from Mathias, afterwards emperor, to Elizabeth, asking for a loan of £20,000. He had a command in the Netherlands at this time. Casimir Palatine is mentioned. 5 May 1578, Antwerp.

f. 131r: Letter in Spanish from Rudolf II (Governor of the Netherlands) to Captain de Aguilar de Alvarado; an order about troops. 10 September 1597, Sercamp.

ff. 132r–v: Complimentary letter in French from Andrew Cardinal of Austria (grandson to Charles V) to Elizabeth, 20 March 1600, Guebwiller, Alsace.

ff. 133r–v: Letter in Spanish from Mary Queen of Bohemia, 27 April [1554?], Vienna. See f. 125r.

f. 134r: Letter in French from Catherine de Medicis (widow of Henry II of France) to Elizabeth, informing her about the pacification of the kingdom under her son Francis II, 1568.

f. 135r: Letter in French from Henry and Henry de Bourbon (probably Henry Prince of Condé and Henry King of Navarre, later Henry IV) to a relation, requesting aid in favour of the Protestants after a battle (Montcontour.) October 1569, Saintonge.

ff. 136r–v: Letter in Latin from Christian IV King of Denmark to James I, claiming satisfaction for the seizure of a ship. 23 March 1604, Copenhagen.

ff. 137r–v: Letter in Latin from 'Anna Sueciae Princeps' (sister of Sigismund) to Elizabeth, recommending Henry Franklein, an Englishman, who had been in her brother’s service. 17 December 1590, Uppsala.

f. 138r: Letter in Latin from Charles (Duke of Sudermania, regent, and afterwards Charles IX King of Sweden) to an English envoy in Sweden, concerning some disputes with Elizabeth. 14 September 1598, from the fort.

ff. 139r–v: Letter in Latin from Sigismund I of Sweden and III of Poland, to Elizabeth, demanding satisfaction for the seizure of a ship. 30 April 1594, Stockholm. Faded.

f. 140r: Engraving of Christian III of Denmark, pasted in.

ff. 141r–v: Letter in Latin from Christian II of Denmark and Sweden (then dethroned) to Wolsey, with credentials for Melchior Herman. 15 August 1523, Brussels.

f. 142r: Letter in Latin from Isabella, Queen of Denmark, wife of Christian II and sister of Charles V, to Henry VIII, demanding satisfaction for the seizure of a ship. 4 March 1518, Copenhagen.

ff. 143r–v: Letter in Latin from Christian III King of Denmark, to Edward VI, declaring his friendly disposition, and granting some privileges to English ships. 21 October 1551, Copenhagen.

f. 144r: An order in Danish by Christian III, 1544.

ff. 145r–v: Letter in French from Chrestienne (probably daughter to Christian II of Denmark) to Elizabeth, congratulating her on a victory, perhaps over the Spanish Armada. 18 February [1589?], Brussels.

ff. 146r–v: Letter in Latin from Frederick II King of Denmark to Elizabeth, informing her about his application to several German princes, concerning the Reformation, and of the answers from some of them. 4 September 1585, Warnburg.

ff. 147r–v: Letter in Latin from Anna Catharina Queen of Denmark (wife of Christian IV) to Elizabeth, in answer to Elizabeth’s congratulations on her marriage. (10 July 1598, Copenhagen.

f. 148r: Letter in French from Frederick III Elector Palatine to Elizabeth, lamenting the executions of the counts Egmont and Horn, and recommending his son John Casimir. 12 July 1568, Heidelberg.

f. 149r: Letter of credential in Latin from Georgius Johannes (Count Palatine and Duke of Bavaria, of the branch of Veldentz) to Elizabeth, 9 February 1568 [Heidelberg?]

ff. 150r–v: Letter in Latin from Frederick IV, Elector Palatine, to Elizabeth, inviting her to send a minister to the diet at Ratisbonne. 31 January 1594, Heidelberg.

ff. 151r–v: Letter in French from Francis (probably the Duc d’Alençon) to the [Earl of Sussex], requesting his good offices towards his marriage with Elizabeth, 3 March [1579], Alençon.

ff. 152r–153v: Letter of credential in French from Francis II King of France and his wife Mary Queen of Scots to Elizabeth, 12 May 1559, Paris.

ff. 154r–v: Letter in French from Charles IX King of France to [Mary Queen of Scots], concerning a peace between her and Elizabeth [1568?]

ff. 155r–v: Letter in French from Henry IV, King of France to Elizabeth, requesting the continuation of her friendship and assistance. 9 July [1590?], Fere (in Champagne).

f. 156r: Letter in French from Henry (III, later King of France, whilst Duc d’Anjou) to Elizabeth, expressing friendship, 20 July [1572?], Paris.

f. 157r: Letter in French from Francis (Duc d’Alençon?) to a count; thanking him for his good deeds. 20 April 1578 [Mont...?]

f. 158r: Letter in French from Henry IV King of France to Elizabeth, requesting the continuation of her friendship and assistance. 9 July [1590?], Fere (in Champagne).

ff. 159r–v: Letter in French from Mary de Medicis (wife of Henry IV of France) to Elizabeth, expressing friendship. 7 February 1603.

ff. 160r–v: Original letter in French from Catherine (sister of Henry IV of France, afterwards married to the Duke of Lorraine) to Elizabeth, thanking her for a picture. 18 April [190?], Pau.

ff. 161r–v: Letter from Ludovicus II, King of Hungary to Henry VIII, soliciting his assistance against the Turks. 21 June 1526, Buda. Printed in II Ellis i. 341.

ff. 162r–v: Letter of credential in Latin from Johannes (de Zapolia), King of Hungary, to Henry VIII, 16 May 1528, Tarnow.

f. 163r: Letter of credential in French from Emperor Ferdinand I to Mary I, and on her marriage, 12 March [1555?], Vienna.

ff. 164r–v: Letter in Latin from Mary, Queen of Hungary (Louis II’s widow and Charles V’s sister) to the commissary general of the order of St Francis, requesting that the father guardian of the convent of Ghent might not be sent away into England. 29 December 1532, Mons.

ff. 165r–166r: Letter from Elizabeth, Dowager Queen of France (Charles IX’s widow and Maximilian II’s daughter) to Elizabeth, in answer to her condolence on Maximilian’s death. 6 April 1577, Prague.

f. 167r: Letter in French from George Jehan (Count Palatine Duke of Bavaria, of the line of Veldentz) to the Earl of Leicester; recommending his son George Gustavus. 7 July 1582, Pfalzbourg.

ff. 168r–v: Letter in Latin from Frederic William (Duke of Saxe Altenburg, administrator of the electorate of Saxony during the minority of Christian II) to Elizabeth, demanding restitution of some merchandise seized from a Saxon subject. 1 October 1593.

ff. 169r–v: Letter of credential in Latin from Albert of Brandenburg (grand master of the Teutonic order in Prussia) to Henry VIII, 8 September 1521, Konigsberg.

f. 170r: Letter in Latin Albert of Brandenburg to Elizabeth, sending her 10 falcons. 7 October 1566, Konigsberg.

ff. 171r–v: Letter in French from the Elector of Cologne (Gebhard II Truchess de Waldburg, who had married Agnes de Mansfeld, and was driven from his electorate) to Lord Burghley, soliciting his good offices with Elizabeth, 7 May 1587, Utrecht.

f. 172r: Letter in Spanish from Eric (II, Duke of Brunswick Luneburg, of the Calenberg line) probably to Philip II, King of Spain, expressive of duty and friendship. N. B. Eric had been in the Spanish service. 7 January 1563, Enero (Antwerp?)

f. 173r: Letter in Latin from Otto (Junior Duke of Brunswick Luneburg of the Harburg line) to [Mr Bodley?]; recommendatory. 7 September 1585, Harburg.

ff. 174r–v: Letter in Latin from Sophia of Brunswick Luneburg (wife to George Frederick Margrave of Brandenburg Anspach) to Elizabeth, recommending Dr Peiscer and sending a present of an amber cup. 7 Nona Junii 1593, Anspach.

ff. 175r–v: Letter in Latin from Ernest Duke of Brunswick Luneburg to Elizabeth, in favour of William Lubbing, a merchant. 7 March 1594, Luneburg.

ff. 176r–v: Letter in Latin from Christopher Duke of Wurttemberg to Elizabeth, recommending his resident, and sending her some books. 28 December 1560, Stuttgart.

f. 177r: Letter in French from Frederick Duke of Wurttemberg (first cousin to Christopher) to Elizabeth, informing her that he had succeeded to, and taken possession of Montbelliard. 17 August 1593, Stuttgart.

f. 178r: Letter in French from Frederick Duke of Wurttemberg to Elizabeth, requesting an exemption of duties for 1000 pieces of cloth he had ordered to bought in England. 20 February 1594, Montbelliard.

f. 179r: Letter in Latin from Philip (the magnanimous) Landgrave of Hesse Cassel to Elizabeth, informing her that he had permitted the free exportation of the arms she had purchased in his dominions. 20 September 1560, Cassel.

ff. 180r–v: Letter in Latin from Mauritius Landgrave of Hesse Cassel to Elizabeth, concerning the Irish affairs, and some application from Scotland. 6 January 1599, Cassel.

ff. 181r–182v: Letter in Latin from William IV Duke of Bavaria to Henry VIII, recommending Wolfgang Richart, who had perfected an ‘opus musicale.’ 12 January 1516, Munich. Printed in ii Ellis, i. 271.

ff. 183r–v: Letter in Latin from Philip II Duke of Pomerania to Elizabeth, . expressing great regard and admiration. 19 May 1593, Barth near Stralsund.

ff. 184r–185r: Letter in Latin from Bogislaus XIII Duke of Pomerania to Elizabeth, thanking her for her protection of one of his subjects, and further intercession for the same. 18 May 1594, Barth.

f. 186r: Letter in Latin from John Albert I, Duke of Mecklenburg to Elizabeth, desiring passports for three ships he had fitted out for Lisbon. 8 April 1569, Schwerin.

f. 187r: Letter in French from Erard de la Marck, Duke of Bouillon, Prince-Bishop of Liege; a passport for Thomas Killingworth, steward to Edmund Duke of Suffolk. 15 March 1506, Huy.

f. 188r: Letter in Latin from Frederic of Wirsberg, Prince-Bishop of Würzburg to Elizabeth, recommending Caspar Seeler, who mints money. 4 September 1560, Würzburg.

ff. 189r–v: Letter in Latin of credential from Charles Duke of Guelders and Julich to Henry VIII, 6 November 1525, Arnheim.

ff. 190r–v: Letter in Latin of credential from William Duke of Julich and Cleves (brother to Anne of Cleves) to Henry VIII, 4 September 1539, Dussseldorf. (Henry married Anne in 1540.)

ff. 191r–v: Letter in Latin from William Duke of Julich to Elizabeth, in answer to her recommendation of Dr Walter Bailie. 7 September 1568. Hambuch.

ff. 192r–v: Letter in Latin from Anne (born Countess of Oldenburg and Delmenhorst, and married to Enno II, Count of East Friesland) to Elizabeth, consenting to a purchase of arms in her territories, signed ‘Anna Mynhant.’ 5 August 1559.

ff. 193r–v: Letter of credential in Latin from John Count and Prince of East Friesland to an English statesman, perhaps Leicester; credential. 21 February 1570, ex arce Grethana.

f. 194r: Letter in French from William I, Prince of Orange, probably to Leicester, informing him of the birth of a son (Frederick Henry) 31 January 1584, Delft. (He was assasinated at Delft the 10th of July following.)

ff. 195r–v: Letter in Latin from Christophorus A. B. (Archbishop of Bremen, Duke of Brunswick) to Wolsey, recommending J. Reyneking. January 1528, Vordi, Jan, 1528.

ff. 196r–v: Part of an address, unconnected to the previous letter.

ff. 197r–198r: Letter in Latin from Johannes Langnoverus and five others, perhaps merchants and magistrates at Augsburg, to Elizabeth, concerning some miners, and a trade of metals. 21 April 1572, Augsburg.

f. 199r: Letter of credential in Italian from William Duke of Mantua to Mary I, 8 July 1554, Mantua.

f. 200r: Letter in Italian from Margaret duchess of Mantua (widow of Frederick II) to Mary I, informing her of the marriage of her daughter Isabel to Ferdinand Francis, Marquis of Pescara. 5 October 1553, Mantua.

f. 201r: Letter in Italian from Anne Marchioness of Montserrat to Mary I, congratulating her on her marriage. 7 July 1553, Mantua.

f. 202r: Letter in Latin from the Duke of Urbino (Francis Mary I?) to Henry VIII, excusing himself for an omission at Rome. 8 February 1516, Rimini.

f. 203r: The doge and senate at Genoa to Elizabeth, requesting the release of a ship loaded with corn. 29 March 1597, Genoa. Latin.

ff. 204v–205r: Demetrius, imperator et magnus dux totius Russiae; a passport in favour of Oliver Lisset, an English merchant. 28 December 1605, Moscow. Latin.