State Papers Online – Part III
A Resource for France
State Papers Online is an online archive of English/British State documents from the 17th
century. The great range of documents demonstrates the extent to which French history
fundamentally changed not only the rest of Europe, but also the world, with the growth of
Empire and subsequent spread of conflict to the Americas. Throughout the period of 16031714, France rose to become one of the region’s most powerful kingdoms, exhibiting its
military prowess in, among others, the Thirty Years War, the War of the Grand Alliance and
the War of Spanish Succession. France, tied by blood to the Stuart monarchs after the
marriage of Charles I to Henrietta Maria, was to play a crucial role in influencing Britain’s
foreign policy for many years.
Searches performed on the subject of ‘France’___________________________________
Search on Full Text: “France” = hits in 4728 entries with manuscripts
Search on Full Text: “French” = hits in 9483 entries with manuscripts
Search on Full Text: “King of France” = hits in 676 entries with manuscripts
Search on Full Text: “French King” = hits in 1344 manuscript entries
Search on Full Text: “Queen of France” = hits in 134 entries with manuscripts
Search on Full Text: “French Queen” = hits in 132 entries with manuscripts
Search on Full Text: “Henry IV” = hits in 45 manuscript entries
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Search on Language: “French”= hits in 1991 manuscript entries
Full text searches on France and other aspects of 17th French history include the
following titles with manuscripts:
France_____________________________________________________________________
“Proclamation by the Lord Mayor
of London and Privy Council,
declaring the hereditary right of
King James to the Crowns of
England, France, Ireland” March 24
1603.
SP 14/187 f.6
Proclamation by the Lord Mayor of
London and Privy Council, declaring the
hereditary right of King James to the
Crowns of England, France, Ireland.
Printed.
“Bill to enable the subjects of England
and Wales to trade freely into the
dominions of Spain, Portugal, and
France” March 29 1606.
SP 14/19 f.175
Bill to enable the subjects of England and
Wales to trade freely into the dominions of
Spain, Portugal, and France.
Proclamation by the Lord Mayor of London and Privy Council,
declaring the hereditary right of King James to the Crowns of
England, France, Ireland” March 24 1603. SP 14/187 f.6
“Bill to enable the subjects of England
and Wales to trade freely into the
dominions of Spain, Portugal, and France”March 29 1606.
SP 14/19 f.175
Bill to enable the subjects of England and Wales to trade freely into the dominions of
Spain, Portugal, and France.
“Earl of Salisbury's speech in the House of Commons, conveying tidings of the murder
of Henry IV. of France; it is another argument to provide for his Majesty, and supply
his wants” May 8 1610.
SP 14/54 f.58
Earl of Salisbury's speech in the House of Commons, conveying tidings of the murder
of Henry IV. of France; it is another argument to provide for his Majesty, and supply
his wants.
Verses by the Sieur de Maillet, in praise of the grace, eloquence, liberality, &. of James Lord Hay, Ambassador in France. SP
14/198 f.115
“Verses by the Sieur de Maillet, in praise of the grace, eloquence, liberality, &. of James
Lord Hay, Ambassador in France” [Aug.] 1616.
SP 14/198 f.115
“Anonymous to the King. Deplores the late assassination of a monarch so much
resembling His Majesty in virtue, wisdom, and valour [Henry IV. of France].
Recommends His Majesty to guard” June 25 1610
SP 14/55 f.112
Anonymous to the King. Deplores the late assassination of a monarch so much
resembling His Majesty in virtue, wisdom, and valour [Henry IV. of France].
Recommends His Majesty to guard against any similar attempts upon his own person.
Has been suspected of a leaning to popery, from being educated at Rome; but this
horrid deed were alone enough to deter him.
“Proclamation by the Protector of the peace with France” Nov. 20 1655.
SP 25/76A f.75
Proclamation by the Protector of the peace with France. Having by God's blessing
concluded a treaty of peace and friendship with France, whereby all acts of hostility,
by sea or land, are at once to cease, and all letters of marque and reprisal to be
recalled, we charge all persons to take notice hereof, and require all ships of war and
privateers to observe the said agreement. And that none may pretend ignorance, the
Admiralty Commissioners are to give notice of the premises to all the ships at sea or
in port, and the Admiralty Judges to call in upon their securities all privateers who
have commissions against subjects of the King of France.
Proclamation by the Protector of the peace with France. SP 25/76A f.75
“Memorandum concerning the state of
religion and giving the principle articles of
the Grand Alliance; requesting that the
queen plead for the reformed church in
France and for the religious refugees in
England and Holland” Undated
SP 34/33 f.56
Memorandum concerning the state of religion and giving the principle
articles of the Grand Alliance; requesting that the queen plead for the
reformed church in France and for the religious refugees in England and
Holland SP 34/33 f.56
French_____________________________________________________________________
“Observations [by a Scotchman] on the treaties between Scotland and France;”
[undated] 1605? SP 14/17 f.190
Observations [by a Scotchman] on the treaties between Scotland and France; the
command of the Scotch Guard in France; reciprocal naturalization of French and
Scots; privileges of merchants, &c.
“Observations touching the commercial treaty with Francs …”
[undated] 1613 ? SP 14/75 f.130
Observations touching the commercial treaty with Francs, the necessity which
compelled the establishment of a French commercial company, and the advantages
that have accrued therefrom.
“M. Du Moulin to the King. Points out the fallacies in M. du Tilloy's refutations of
objections in the King's book to the authenticity of the Charter of the Abbey of St.
Medard of Soissons” French. Sept. 29 1615. SP 14/81 f.204
M. Du Moulin to the King. Points out the fallacies in M. du Tilloy's refutations of
objections in the King's book to the authenticity of the Charter of the Abbey of St.
Medard, of Soissons. French.
“Report of a tumultuous assemblage, on Oct. 28, before the house of the French
Ambassador…” Nov. 15 1619
SP 14/111 f.46
Report of a tumultuous
assemblage, on Oct. 28,
before the house of the
French Ambassador,
resulting from a quarrel
between his boy and a
carman, in which his
servants and other
passers-by took part; a
constable who went to
appease them, being taken
into the Ambassador's
house, a report was
circulated that he was
slain there, and much
uproar arose, which was
stilled by his reappearance, when the
people dispersed.
“List of French men-ofwar, said, in the
indorsement of Capt
John Pennington, to be
the French ships [which joined the fleet of Lord Lindsey] at Plymouth” [Sept. ?] 1628
List of French men-of-war, said, in the indorsement of Capt John Pennington, to be the
French ships [which joined the fleet of Lord Lindsey] at Plymouth SP 16/117 f.130
SP 16/117 f.130
List of French men-of-war, said, in the indorsement of Capt John Pennington, to be
the French ships [which joined the fleet of Lord Lindsey] at Plymouth.
“Advertisement of sale by Ambrose Isted, of Fleet Street, of a new play called “Charles
VIII. of France, or the Invasion of Naples by the French,” as acted at the Duke of York's
theatre” [undated] 1661
SP 29/47 f.232
128. Advertisement of sale by Ambrose Isted, of Fleet Street, of a new play called
“Charles VIII. of France, or the Invasion of Naples by the French,” as acted at the
Duke of York's theatre, written by Mr. Crowne.
“M. Blancard to the Prince of Orange, revealing details of the secret intrigues of the
French and English Courts during the reign of Charles II. Printed in part in Darlymple”
January 1687
SP 8/2/2 f.205
M. Blancard to the Prince of Orange, revealing details of the secret intrigues of the
French and English Courts during the reign of Charles II. Printed in part in
Darlymple, op. cit. pp. 117-23 and p. 201.
“J Long to Lord Dartmouth, from Brighthelmston. Passing on information about
French naval preparations” Dec 30 1710
SP 34/14 f.50
King of France______________________________________________________________
“Certificate of the Mayor and Justices of Penryn, of all passages between the companies
of the King of France and Mons. de Soubise, since their arrival at Falmouth” Dec. 23
1625
SP 16/12 f.83
Certificate of the Mayor and Justices of Penryn, of all passages between the
companies of the King of France and Mons. de Soubise, since their arrival at
Falmouth.
“Abstract of a despatch from the King of France to the French Ambassador in England
[Mons. Senneterre] received this day” June 27 1635
SP 16/291 f.152
Abstract of a despatch from the King of France to the French Ambassador in
England [Mons. Senneterre] received this day. The Admiral of England [the Earl of
Lindsey] called to him a Holland ship and demanded of the captain if he had seen the
French fleet, saying in French, “ we are going to make them lower their colours.” The
Holland captain communicated this remark to Capt. Renier (sent to see if the Holland
ships were ready), who reported the same to the King of France. That King directed
his ambassador in England to see the King, to endeavour to discover his intentions,
and to propose to him, that if the French fleet should meet that of England on the
English coast the French should veil and salute, if the English fleet should meet that
of France on the French coast the English fleet should do the like, if the two fleets
should meet in mid-sea they should pass without veiling or saluting, or the weaker
fleet should first veil and salute the stronger. If the King of England liked none of
these propositions, then that he should make some other.
Queen of France/ French Queen________________________________________________
“Earl of Salisbury to Sir Thos, Lake. Asks where the fruit-trees sent to the King by the
French Queen are to be planted…” Nov. 25 1611
SP 14/67 f.82
Earl of Salisbury to Sir Thos, Lake. Asks where the fruit-trees sent to the King by the
French Queen are to be planted. The apples and pears are inferior to the English, the
Poire Chretienne excepted. Has received the King's letters for France, Spain, &c.
“[Duke of Buckingham to the Queen of France ?]” [August ?] 1648
SP 16/540/1 f.3a
[Duke of Buckingham to the Queen of
France ?]. I knew well that since you
ordered my destinies I should
overcome my enemies, who are now
dispersed. Nothing is wanting after
this storm but the continuance of your
kindness to enable me to reach my
supreme felicity. I send you this little
ass and beg you to load him with
commissions. It is not his merit which
enables him to enjoy sooner than I do
the presence of Rosa Bella, and I
should not envy him, except as you
did the letter of yours which fell into
my hands, if it were not that, unlike
the paper, he has the gift of sight. I
trust it will only serve to make him on
his return a mirror wherein I may
behold
the
present
state of
her who
is the
preserv
ation of
“[Duke of Buckingham to the Queen of France ?]” SP 16/540/1 f.3a
my life,
whose
last sparks have often been almost extinguished by this long separation. I can now
assure myself of [life's] continuation and of the felicity which should crown it, for I
have only to arrange an object for my journey, and to know by the bearer if I may still
hope to reach my supreme desire. I adjure you, give me some assurance that will
soften the wounds which my long deprivation has caused. French.
[Copy. 1 p. Amongst the Conway Papers. Probably written soon after the dissolution
of Parliament, 12th August 1625.]
Richelieu___________________________________________________________________
“Robert Earl of Lindsey to the King” Oct 7 1628
SP 16/118 f.36
Robert Earl of Lindsey to the King. Since his letter on the 3rd, sent Walter Montagu
and Colonel Kniphausen, accompanied by Sir Robert Deal, about the exchange of
some prisoners, which gave occasion afterwards to a conference with Cardinal
Richelieu, who pretends that King's inclination to a peaceable end. Sends his
propositions …
“Copy of the propositions for
peace above mentioned to have
been suggested by Cardinal
Richelieu…” [Oct 7.] 1628
SP 16/118 f.38
Copy of the propositions for peace
above mentioned to have been
suggested by Cardinal Richelieu,
and sent with the preceding letter.
“Information of intelligence
carried on between Cardinal
Richelieu and the Scotch
nobility…”
[undated] [1639 ?]
SP 16/439 f.105
Information of intelligence carried
on between Cardinal Richelieu and
the Scotch nobility by means of Friar
Chambers, almoner to the cardinal,
to whom a letter was written by his
brother, a captain, containing the
following passage: “That he rejoiced
much at the favour his brother, the
almoner, had with his master, and
that thereby he had so obliged the
nobility of Scotland, which was a
great contentment and expectation
too for them all.” The words, the
writer observes, are suspicious, and seem to relate to some letter concerning good offices
done by Chambers, the almoner, between the cardinal Richelieu and the nobility of Scotland,
Halstead.
Copy of the propositions for peace above mentioned to have been
suggested by Cardinal Richelieu… SP 16/118 f.38
Henrietta Maria_____________________________________________________________
“Commission for George, Duke of Buckingham, to proceed to Boulogne as the King's
agent to fetch over his bride, Henrietta Maria, with her attendants numbering 50
persons, to join the King” [May 10] 1625
SP 16/521 f.51
Commission for George, Duke of Buckingham, to proceed to Boulogne as the King's
agent to fetch over his bride, Henrietta Maria, with her attendants numbering 50
persons, to join the King at Dover.
“Queen Henrietta Maria to Lord Treasurer Marlborough” Aug. 3 1627
SP 16/73 f.31
Queen Henrietta Maria to Lord Treasurer Marlborough. At her coming from
London she expected to receive by his order 2,000l. for her private use, but had only
received 1,000l., and is much “incommodated” for want of money. Puts him in mind
of his promise and her wants. Recommends unto him also the payment of the other
moneys due to her, without which her servants' wages cannot be paid.
Queen Henrietta Maria to Lord Treasurer Marlborough SP 16/73 f.31
“Letters Patent whereby the King grants to
Queen Henrietta Maria …” [undated] 1631
SP 16/186 f.76
Letters Patent whereby the King grants
to Queen Henrietta Maria all manner
of regal and other rights, liberties, and
franchises whatsoever to be appurtenant
to all the lands and tenements granted to
her and to others for her. Latin.
[Attested copy]
Letters Patent whereby the King grants to Queen Henrietta Maria …
SP 16/186 f.76
Duc________________________________________________________________________
“Aug 4 1709. 13 f 20. Sir Edward Whitaker to Earl of Sunderland, from aboard the
Humber in Roses Bay [?Golfo de Rosas]. Reporting the capture there of 30 enemy ships
carrying provisions for the Duc de Noailles' forces” 1709 Aug 4
SP 34/11 f.20
“Printed. French… Certificate
by Capt Devillar de Ste Croix
of the Duc de Montmorency,
that he captured and ransomed
the Glocester (Richard Fortune
master) for 5,000 livres; with
certificate by Richard Coulston
of the Glocester acknowledging
capture of the vessel, and
payment of the ransom” 1711
Nov 22
SP 34/16 f.225
“Lord Bolingbroke to Lord
Treasurer, from Whitehall.
Desiring him to direct the
Commissioners of Customs to
permit the Duc d'Aumont's
horses to pass through customs
free of charge” 1713 Nov 12
SP 34/22 f.91
“Commissioners of Customs to
Lord Treasurer, from Custom
House, London. Their opinion
as to whether the Duc
d'Aumont's horses should be
permitted to pass through
customs free of charge” 1713
Nov 14
SP 34/22 f.90
Certificate by Capt Devillar de Ste Croix of the Duc de Montmorency…
SP 34/16 f.225
(Madame de) Maintenon______________________________________________________
“Lord Portland to William III” Jan. 30/Feb. 9 1698
SP 8/18 f.40
Lord Portland to William III. I have been to Versailles again to-day to present my
respects to the Most Christian King, from whom I received every possible mark of
honour, and everyone at Court was most anxious to show respect for your Majesty.
But it seems to me that they are trying to flatter me by giving me personally a
welcome which I can only receive on your Majesty's account: moreover the English
followers of King James are admitted to the Court every day, even in my presence,
and to-day I met there the Duke of Berwick, Lord Midleton and many others; and
they avoid discussing business with me, hinting that, as the King had allowed me to
come to Court and had received me with such marked kindness, I had better not
discuss business before my public audience. This increases my distrust and will force
me to ask that the Most Christian King's gracious assurances and promises may be
carried into effect without delay; for if I let things go on like this, without showing
that in my view such behaviour is incompatible with a professed desire to establish
and maintain union and a good understanding, and if I get into the habit of seeing
such people at Court every day, perhaps they will make this an excuse for making
difficulties about the requests which your Majesty has commanded me to make. I
don't think I shall be allowed to see Made, de M[ainteno]n; I saw the Comtesse de
Grammont to-day, who would wish me to do so, but so far as I could understand this
lady [? Madame de Maintenon] and she are on the side of the Court of St.
Germains, the former by a conscientious scruple and a pretence of pity…
“Col Robert Lundy to [Hedges]” October 15 1706
SP 34/8 f.92
Col Robert Lundy to [Hedges]. As commanded, he has put in writing what he saw in
France… [Report by Lundy about French fortifications and protestant opinion in
Normandy and Brittany]… They protested greatly against Mme de Maintenon and
the maladministration of the ministers. An abbé had told him that four marshals and a
fifth person had been named as a council to take on the future management of the
ward. Signed.
(Madame de) Montespan______________________________________________________
“[H. Muddiman] to Mr. Norman” April 19 1670
SP 29/274 f.306
[H. Muddiman] to Mr. Norman. News-letter… The French King's voyage is deferred
until 4 May, Madame Montespan being lately brought to bed.
[H. Muddiman] to Mr. Norman. News-letter. SP 29/274 f.306
Paris_______________________________________________________________________
“G. T——, to Father Gaspar Seguiran, Superior of the College of Jesuits at Paris…”
June 18 1606 SP 14/22 f.28
G. T——, to Father Gaspar Seguiran, Superior of the College of Jesuits at Paris.
Knows not whom the Father-General intends to send as successor [to Garnet]. Has to
be cautious of showing himself in London, where he is known. Is going to Italy. The
Superior of Scotland knows not what has become of Mortimer. Scotland much
dissatisfied, and in danger of separating from the English Crown. French.
“Advertisement out of letters from Paris” Jan. 25 1628
SP 16/91 f.86
Advertisement out of letters from Paris. Spinola, after spending some days at Paris,
had gone to the camp before Rochelle. The dyke intended to be built across the haven
had been broken down by tempest, whereupon ships were sunk in the channel. Those
being found to be of no use, the dyke is undertaken again, but larger and more sloping
towards the sea. Junction of the French and Spanish fleets. Interference of the
Ambassadors of Denmark to bring about a peace.
“Robert Hoyau, jeweller in Paris, to
the King” [undated] 1671
SP 29/295 f.111
Robert Hoyau, jeweller in
Paris, to the King. Petition
stating that there is a suit against
him in Paris, wherein he is
accused of having had in his
possession a diamond as large
as a pigeon's egg, and several
other jewels alleged to have
been stolen from the King's
father by one Fontenay, and that
he had been formerly cleared
thereof to the satisfaction of
Ambassador Lord Holies, and
Robert Hoyau, jeweller in Paris, to the King SP 29/295 f.111
praying that he would cause the
keepers of the jewels or other officers to examine and report concerning any jewels of
the late King stolen or alleged to be stolen by the said Fontenay.
[In Petit's hand, and perhaps referred to in the previous letter. Ibid. No. 81.]
“Journal of Sir J. Williamson from 28 Feb. 1671—2 to 23 March 1672—3”
April 17 1672 SP 29/319A f.29
King of France left Paris, beginning his journey towards Charleroi. Lords Arlington
and Ashley created earls, Mr. Treasurer created a baron …
Journal of Sir J. Williamson... SP 29/319A f.29
Dunkirk____________________________________________________________________
“Chart of the coast of Essex near Harwich and Landguard, with its bearings in relation
to Dunkirk and the adjacent harbours” [Oct. ?] 1625
SP 16/8 f.150
Chart of the coast of Essex near Harwich and Landguard, with its bearings in relation
to Dunkirk and the adjacent harbours.
Chart of the coast of Essex near Harwich and Landguard, with its bearings in relation to Dunkirk and the adjacent harbours SP
16/8 f.150
“Notes upon Dunkirk:—” [Dec. ?] 1625
SP 16/12 f.175
Notes upon Dunkirk:—The ships building there; the pay of the sailors; their share of
prize ships; strength of the fleet there; and mode of access to the harbour. [Written by
Sec. Coke on the blank pages of a cover of a letter addressed to him from the Downs
on Dec. 26, by Sir Henry Palmer.]
Bethany Coombs for Julia de Mowbray
Please contact Julia de Mowbray with any questions (julia.demowbray@cengage.com)