State Papers Online - A Resource for Colonialism
State Papers Online, Part I contains the State Papers in the National Archives’series State Papers
Domestic for the sixteenth century. Part II contains the State Papers in the series State Papers
Scotland, Borders, Ireland, Foreign as well as the Registers of the Privy Council and selected State
Papers in the British Library’s Cotton, Harley and Yelverton Collections. SPO Part II completes
the sixteenth-century section of State Papers Online.
People from the earliest times had sought out other lands. By the fifteen century the Portuguese
and Spanish had pioneered oceanic explorations that established links with Africa, Asia and the
Americas in search for an alternative trade route to Asia, moved by the trade of gold, silver and
spices. These explorations in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans were soon followed by France,
England and the Netherlands. With links being made between the Old and New Worlds the
Columbian Exchange was established involving the transfer of plants, animals, foods, human
populations (including slaves), communicable diseases, and culture between the Eastern and
Western hemispheres, in one of the most significant global events concerning ecology, agriculture,
and culture in history.
The foundation of the British Empire was laid when England and Scotland were separate
kingdoms. In 1496 following the successful overseas explorations of Portugal and Spain John
Cabot was commissioned to lead a voyage to discover a route to Asia via the North Atlantic.
Cabot sailed in 1497 and although he successfully landed on the coast of Newfoundland believing
he had landed in Asia no colony was made and 5 years later when he attempted to revisit
Newfoundland he ships were never seen again.
No other major further attempts were made to establish English colonies in the Americas until
well into the reign of Elizabeth I. With relations between Spain and England disintegrating
Elizabeth sanctioned the privateers John Hawkins and Sir Francis Drake to engage in slave-raiding
attacks against African Towns and Portuguese ships off the Coast of West Africa with the aim of
breaking the Atlantic trade system. At the same time influential writers such as Richard Hakluyt
and John Dee who first used the term ‘British Empire’ were pressing for the establishment of
England’s own Empire to rival those of Spain and Portugal.
Though England was relatively late in engaging in the race to establish colonies colonial activities
had occurred with the settlement in Ireland. The 16th Century plantations of Ireland were a
precursor to the colonies established on the North Atlantic seaboard, and several people who were
involved in the projects in Ireland became involved in the early colonisation of North America,
particularly a group known as the ‘West Men’ – Humphrey Gilbert, Walter Raleigh, Francis
Drake, John Hawkins, Richard Grenville and Ralph Lane.
Documents on these people and events can be found in State Papers Online.
Searching SPOI and SPO II
State Papers Online I and II with 329,527 Calendar entries, and 179,348 Manuscripts documents.
Note: all search examples below use the limiter to entries with links to manuscripts.
GENERAL
Search on Full text “Colony” = hits in 17 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Settlement” = hits in 294 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “New World” = hits in 14 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “piracy” = hits in 555 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “slaves” = hits in 123 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “voyage” = hits in 1749 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “expedition” = hits in 1966 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “ship” OR “ships” = hits in 11604 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “natives” = hits in 86 calendar entries/transcript entries
PEOPLE
Search on Full text “Cabot”= hits in 7 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Hugh Willoughby” = hits in 12 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Humphrey Gilbert” = hits in 59 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Raleigh” = hits in 351 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Drake” = hits in 902 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “John Hawkins” = hits in 269 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Richard Grenville” = hits in 7 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Ralph Lane” = hits in 239 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Anthony Jenkinson” = hits in 20 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Richard Hakluyt” = hits in 9 calendar entries/transcript entries
PLACES
Search on Full text “Portugal”= hits in 1668 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Bra?il”= hits in 89 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Spain”= hits in 9007 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Valladolid” = hits in 198 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Lisbon” = hits in 777 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Netherlands”= hits in 236 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Antwerp”= hits in 4047calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “France”= hits in 14015 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Russia”= hits in 181 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Asia”= hits in 20 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “America*”= hits in 28 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “India”= hits in 224 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “West Indies” = hits in 84 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “China” = hits in 98 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Orient*”= hits in 20 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Afric*”= hits in 167 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Newfoundland” = hits in 98 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Virginia”= hits in 10 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Albion”= hits in 4 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “North West Passage”= hits in 9 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Atlantic”= hits in 1 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Guinea*” = hits in 76 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “New Spain”= hits in 23 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “New Granada”= hits in 2 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Peru”= hits in 46 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Hispaniola”= hits in 5 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Ireland” = hits in 31159 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Ireland” AND “plantations” = hits in 12 calendar entries/transcript entries
Search on Full text “Ulster” = hits in 1242 calendar entries/transcript entries
A selection of Volumes of interest to browse
State Papers Online, Part I
SP 3 State Papers Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII: Lisle Papers
SP 12 Vol. 53 Legal papers and appointments of JPs etc. John Hawkins's voyage to the West
Indies: commission of inquiry into the attack by the Spanish at San Juan de Ulloa, Mexico. 1569
July
SP 12 Vol. 196 Miscellaneous. Trade and voyages of discovery: transcript of treaties and grants
from the time of Offa, King of Mercia, to 1586, including those establishing commerce between
Britain and Russia (calendared as 1586)
State Papers Online, Part II
Registers of the Acts of the Privy Council.
The Council's judicial and administrative functions covered colonial policy, commercial and
maritime law, law and order in general, trade and industry and naval and military policy.
State Papers Foreign include:
State papers relating to Turkey, many from the Levant Company, an English chartered company
formed in 1581, which financed diplomatic representation in the Levant until 1804.
Copies of treaties, articles of treaties, secret articles, draft treaties and other formal documents and
papers connected with the various negotiations conducted by English ministers and envoys abroad.
Letter books and correspondence of embassies and legations abroad.
Portugal
SP Foreign: Portugal SP 89/1-3
Cotton Nero B I Portugal, 1559-1604
Spain
SP Foreign: Spain: SP 94/1-9
Cotton Vespasian C VII Spain, 1550-87, Vespasian C VIII Spain, 1588-1600, Vespasian C XIII
Spain, 1500-1603
Russia
SP Foreign: Russia SP 91/1
Cotton Nero B VIII Russia and Persia
Ireland
SP Ireland: Maps: Eliz to James SP 64/1-2
SP Ireland: Eliz SP 63/1-215
SP Ireland: Maps: Eliz to James SP 64/1-2
SP Ireland: Folios, 1536-1603 SP 65/1-13
SP Ireland: Cases 1395-1765 - part only SP 66/A
Yelverton: 48015 Yelverton MS 16: Ireland, 1538-1600
48017 Yelverton MS 17: Administration of Ireland, 1323-late 16th cent.
France
SP Foreign: France SP 78/1-50
Galba E VI France, 1580-89
Cotton: Caligula E V France, 1550-1563, Caligula E VI France, 1567-1576, Caligula E VII
France, 1577-1591, Caligula E VIII France, 1590s, Caligula E IX, Part 1 France, 1590s, Caligula
E IX, Part 2 France, 1590s.
Netherlands
SP Foreign: Denmark SP 75/1-4
SP Foreign: Flanders SP 77/1-7
SP Foreign: Holland and Flanders SP 83/1-23
SP Foreign: Holland SP 84/1-64
Yelverton:Yelverton MS 14: Netherlands, 1585-1587 and Leicester's two expeditions
Cotton: Nero B IV Denmark, Elizabeth I
Treaties
SP Foreign: Treaty Papers SP 103/2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 18, 20, 31-36, 55, 64, 72
SP Foreign: Treaties SP 108/194, 291, 542
Yelverton: 48000 Yelverton MS 1: Treaties between England, Spain and Empire
48001 Yelverton MS 2: Treaties, etc., between England, Denmark and Portugal, 14th-16th cent.
48002 Yelverton MS 3: Treaties with France, 1478-1581
48003 Yelverton MS 4: Treaties, etc., concerning France, 1499-1559
48007 Yelverton MS 7, Part 2: Negotiations between England and Spain, 1556-1594
Otho E IX Naval, 1500-1600
Otho E X Mines
Cotton Manuscripts BL
Otho E VII Naval and Maritime
Otho E VIII Naval, 1500-1612
Otho E IX Naval, 1500-1600
Otho E X Mines
Vitellius C VII John Dee Papers
Harleian
296 Affairs of Spain, Italy, Germany, Denmark,
Yelverton
48009 Yelverton MS 9: Trade with Baltic and Northern Europe, 1377-1586
48010 Yelverton MS 10: Relations between England and the Hanseatic League reign John-1587
48011 Yelverton MS 11: Negotiations with Spain and Hanseatic League, 13th cent.-1597
48021A Yelverton MS 24: 'Description generalle de la coste maritime du royaume de France en la
mer Occeane', 1627
48021B Yelverton MS 24 Part: Map of La Coruña, c. 1589
48126 Yelverton MS 141: Foreign affairs and trade, 1551-1602
48152 Yelverton MS 163: Foreign Policy; Denmark and France, 1525-1630; Cadiz
More Detailed Searches and Examples of Documents
Note: all search examples below use the limiter to entries with links to manuscripts.
Searching for ‘British Empire’
Search on Full text (All) “British Empire” = hits in 1 calendar entries/transcript entries.
1. Of famous and rich discoveries of the great…(see image below)
Calendar Volume Title: A Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Cottonian Library deposited in the British
Museum, 1744-1827. .
Entry Number: Vitellius, C. VII, 3 Document Ref.: Cotton Vitellius C/VII f.26 Date: [no date]
Illustration Type: Diagram Gale Document Number: MC4318817561
Vitellius, C. VII, 3. Of famous and rich discoveries of the great…
3. Of famous and rich discoveries of the great Asia's southerly and easterly coasts, of the Oriental and Scythian
ocean, Caspian Sea, &c. of the reformation of the Asiatical topography, and of the Septentrional Islands, that they
appertain to the crown of the British empire; by John Dee: written in the year 1577. Opus imper sectum et
mutilum, quod sane doleudum est: incipit enim à capite sexto.
Portugal and Spain
Portugal was the leading country in the European exploration of the world in the 15th Century. The
Treaty of Tordesillas split the New World into Spanish and Portuguese zones in 1494.
Portugal mainly colonised parts of South America but during the 16th Century the Portuguese
progressed both eastwards and westwards into the Oceans. Towards Asia they made direct contact
between Europeans and the peoples inhabitating present day countries such as Mozambique,
Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, China and Japan. In the opposite
direction the Portuguese colonized the huge territory that eventually became Brazil and the
Spanish conquistadores established the vast Viceroyalties of New Spain, new Granada and Peru.
In Asia the Portuguese met well populated and established societies with guarded trade routes so
had little cultural impact. In the Western hemisphere the colonization involved large numbers of
settlers and the exploitation of the relatively primitive native population.
Searching for ‘Brazil’
Search on Full text (All) “Bra?il”= hits in 89 calendar entries/transcript entries, sorted by
relevance
5. Jehan du Moucheau to Lady Lisle. (see image below)
Calendar Volume Title: Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, of the Reign of Henry VIII. Vol. 7:1534.
Reign: Henry VIII Entry Number: 1489 Document Ref.: SP 3/15 f.89 Date: 29 Nov 1534
Author: Jehan du Moucheau Recipient: Lady Lisle Place of Writing: London Language: French Copyright:
Crown copyright Gale Document Number: MC4301501502
1489. 29 Nov 1534. R. O. Jehan du Moucheau to Lady Lisle
The Admiral has charged me to send his compliments to you and my lord. No man ever made such a high report to
the King as he has of you. He is more bound to you and my lord than to any man. He has had some small animals
brought to him from France, which came from Brazil (Brossil), and your friend Brian went to persuade him to give
them to the Court; but he declared in my presence that no king or queen should be served before lady Lisle. The
two small animals are named sagouins (marmosets); the large one is a quine (?), which is handsome and gentle.
These animals only eat apples, small nuts and almonds, and they must not be given anything to drink but a little
milk, warmed up. The large animal must be kept near the fire, and the little ones must be hung up at night near the
chimney, in their boite (?) de nuit, but by day they should be taken out. I send you the said three animals by the
bearer, a merchant of Rouen.
44. Mendoza to Walsingham (See image below)
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Elizabeth, 1558-1589. Vol. 15:Jan 1581-Apr 1582.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: 501 Document Ref.: SP 94/1 Date: Jan. 8 1582
Author: Bernardino de Mendoza Recipient: Sir Francis Walsingham Place of Writing: London Language:
French Copyright: Crown copyright Gale Document Number: MC4312300505
501. Jan. 8 1582.
Mendoza to Walsingham
I am informed that the ship of the pirate Roberts of Bristol has taken two Portuguese caravels coming from Brazil
with sugar and other goods, one of which he has brought hither to a port beyond Bristol. Considering that these
are the goods of the king my master's subjects, I beg you to signify it to the Lords of the Council, that they may
order the goods to be stayed and detained in the hands of the Queen's officers, until the procurations of the owners
for their recovery can arrive. You will do me singular pleasure herein, for I am much annoyed at having to be
always troubling you about the robberies of pirates, and at seeing that in the four years I have been here, and in
all the similar complaints I have made, it is never settled; on the contrary, they have acquired more, and made no
restitution of the plundered goods.—London, 8 January 1582.
76. A paper on Dutch trade to Spain, Jan. 31.
Calendar Volume Title: List and Analysis of State Papers, Foreign Series, Elizabeth I, preserved in the Public
Record Office. Vol. 2:July 1590-May 1591.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: I. The United Provinces (iii) Relations with England, 274 Date: 1591
Language: English Copyright: Crown copyright Gale Document Number: MC4313601583
I. The United Provinces (iii) Relations with England, 274. 1591. A paper on Dutch trade to Spain, Jan. 31
This long paper [by Howard?] summarised for Her Majesty's consideration what had been done about the Low
Countries' trade with the enemy. It began with the time before she joined them openly, though she had long helped
them covertly, in this unhappy war with its infinite charges and end that no man could see. For three years in
Alba's time and six after, the States allowed no trade to Spain or even to the obedient Low Countries. In 1577
Holland and Zeeland set out 25 sail to stop other nations doing so. They seized English ships and the Queen had to
set forth six of her ships to secure her own Narrow Seas. They had great fights with the Flushingers. In 1582
Holland and Zeeland confiscated corn on 26 Eastland ships and also seized various Frenchmen. In 1583, when
Monsieur was their governor, the King of Denmark retaliated by seizing 120 of their ships at Narva and the
French King arrested some, too. and sent an ambassador.
Searching for ‘New Spain’
Search on Full text (ALL) “New Spain” = hits in 23 calendar entries/transcript entries
16. Hector Nunez to Lord Burghley.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1581-1590.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CCIV, 33 Document Ref.: SP 12/204 f.60 Date: Oct. 16 1587
Language: English
Hector Nunez to Lord Burghley. Communicates news from Portugal. Dealing of the Spaniards towards Bernard
Lewis. Great amount of treasure arrived from New Spain. Spices are greatly increased in value and all the ships
had arrived which were expected from the Indies. Incloses,I. Note of the lading of the St. Thomas, which came this
year from "Callicut," and of the ship called Our Lady.II. Mr. Nunez'...
18. 1587. Note of goods which came this year from the “West Indeas” (See Image below)
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Elizabeth, 1558-1589. Vol. 21:Part 1: June 1586-June
1588 (excluding Holland and Flanders).
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: 540 Document Ref.: SP 101/90 f.69 Date: 1587
Language: English Copyright: Crown copyright Gale Document Number: MC4312900544
540. 1587. Note of goods which came this year from the “West Indeas”
Note of goods which came this year from the “West Indeas” for the King of Spain; viz. from the Mainland and
New Spain, gold, silver, plate, pearls, emeralds, cochincal, hides, anneyle; and from St. Domingo, hides, sugar,
ginger, ebony, sarsaparilia, and ‘linuum vite.’ Total value, 12,900000 ducats.
Searching for ‘Spain and the West Indies’
Search on Full text (ALL) “Spain” AND “West Indies” for both = hits in 53 calendar
entries/transcript entries
3. An unnamed person's offer to Lord Burghley; to deprive the King of Spain of his
possessions in the West Indies, on condition of a grant of certain islands near the Bay of
Mexico. (see image below)
Document Ref.: Lansdowne Vol /112 f.91 Folio Numbers: ff. 91-93 Date: [no date] Source Archive: British
Library Copyright: Sourced from the British Library Gale Document Number: MC4305089463
8. Petition of Henry Oughtred to the Council
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1581-1590.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CLIII, 73 Document Ref.: SP 12/153 f.144 Date: May ? 1582
Language: English
Complaining of the losses he had sustained in Spain and the West Indies
12. Device proposed for the occupying of a naval station in the Straits of Magellan, to
intercept the trade of the Spanish West Indies, and so to reduce the power of Spain, and to
effect the restoration of Don Antonio to his kingdom
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1581-1590.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CLXIX, 53 Document Ref.: SP 12/169 f.120 Date: March ? 1584
Language: English
Device proposed for the occupying of a naval station in the Straits of Magellan, to intercept the trade of the
Spanish West Indies, and so to reduce the power of Spain, and to effect the restoration of Don Antonio to his
kingdom.
14. 1586. Copy (in 17th century hand) of a minute of letter from her Majesty
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Elizabeth, 1558-1589.Vol. 21. : Part 1: June 1586June 1588 (excluding Holland and Flanders).
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: 214 Document Ref.: SP 78/16 f.200 Date: Dec 1586 Language: English
1586. Copy (in 17th century hand) of a minute of letter from her Majesty to Sir E. Stafford.“If it be true that is
reported, that the King of Spain by the favour of the Pope shall be made Emperor of the East and West Indies, then
shall France lose his prerogative of precedentship, and the rest of the princes of Christendom the benefit they
received by the said crown, which always heretofore hath served...
16. Advertisements sent by Sir John Gilberte touching the preparations in Spain
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1581-1590.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CXCIX, 94 Document Ref.: SP 12/199 f.177 Date: March? 1587
Language: English
Advertisements sent by Sir John Gilberte touching the preparations in Spain. Report that Sir Fr. Drake had taken
St. Jago. A great fleet intended for the West Indies were all stayed for fear of Drake. The English merchants in
Spain were allowed their liberty, but the masters of ships and mariners were kept close prisoners. Great want of
mariners in Spain...
Searching for “Portuguese Voyages”
Search on Full text (ALL) “Portu*” AND “Voyages” = hits in 11 calendar entries/transcript
entries
3. Second Replication of the Portuguse Ambassador (See Image Below)
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Elizabeth, 1558-1589.Vol. 5. : 1562.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: 222 Document Ref.: SP 70/38 f.146 Date: June 19 1562 Language:
French
1.
As the Ambassador has already given his master's titles at full, he does not think it necessary to name
every single place over which he has dominion. The Crown of Portugal will never consent to share with
others the discoveries and conquest which have been so dearly purchased. It has converted to
Christianity more countries during the last hundred years than all the Princes of Christendom together...
England
Humphrey Gilbert and Sir Francis Drake
1578 Elizabeth I granted a patent to Humphrey Gilbert for discovery and overseas exploration.
That year he set sail for the West Indies intending to set up a colony in North America but the
mission was aborted. He tried again in 1583 but never returned. His half brother Walter Raleigh
was granted a patent by Elizabeth in 1584 and later that year he headed off to the coast of North
Carolina going ashore the small island of Roanoke. He christened the new territory Virginia in
honour of the Queen– lack of supplies caused the colony to fail.
Searching for ‘Humphrey Gilbert’
Search on Full text (ALL) “Hum* Gilbert” = hits in 108 calendar entries/transcript entries
80. Petition of divers gentlemen of the West parts of England to the Queen. (see image
below)
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reigns of Edward VI, Mary, Elizabeth,
1547-1580. .
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Elz Vol. XCV, 63 Document Ref.: SP 12/95 f.136 Date: March 22 1574
Language: English Copyright: Crown copyright Gale Document Number: MC4304106611
63. Petition of divers gentlemen of the West parts of England to the Queen. Soliciting her to allow of an enterprise
for discovery of "sundry ritche and unknowen landes." [Indorsed, "Sir Humfrey "Gilbert, Sir Geo. Peckham, Mr.
Carlile, and Sir Ric. Grenvile, and "others, voyages."]
Searching for ‘the West Indies’
Search on Full text (ALL) “West Indies” = hits in 92 calendar entries/transcript entries
2. A journal of Sir Walter Raleigh's “last?” voyage to the West Indies (see image below)
Calendar Volume Title: A Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Cottonian Library deposited in the British
Museum, 1744-1827. .
Entry Number: Titus, B. VIII, 19 Document Ref.: Cotton Titus B/VIII f.162 Date: [no date]
Gale Document Number: MC4318822261
Titus, B. VIII, 19. A journal of Sir Walter Raleigh's “last?” voyage to the West Indies:…
19. A journal of Sir Walter Raleigh's “last?” voyage to the West Indies: said to be written in his own hand.
7. Mr John Hawkyns.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reigns of Edward VI, Mary, Elizabeth,
1547-1580.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Elz Vol. XLVIII, 49 Document Ref.: SP 12/48 f.117 Date: Fowey 1568
Language: English
49. Relation by a Spaniard of the course of Mr. John Hawkyns' voyage to the West Indies.
11. Estimate of the charge for victualling and setting forth to sea in warlike manner.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1581-1590.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CXLVIII,, 43 Document Ref.: SP 12/148 f.189 Date: April 3 1581
Language: English
Estimate of the charge for victualling and setting forth to sea in warlike manner, eight ships and six pinnaces for
four months, for 1,000 men, under the command of Francis Drake, to intercept the Spanish galleons from the West
Indies.
17. A Memorial for Sousa.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Elizabeth, 1558-1589.Vol. 15. : Jan 1581-Apr 1582.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: 481 Document Ref.: SP 89/1 f.213 Date: 1581 Language: English
“There be seven Islands, whereof the principal be the Isles of Tercera, 7 1. B. 8 [qy. 7 leagues by 8]; St. Michel
18. B. 4; Fayal 41. B. 1.““To these islands the ships that come from the East and West Indies, Brazil, St. ‘Thomer’,
and the Mine [Elmina] resort of necessity.”
Searching for ‘Virginia’
Search on Full text (ALL) “Virginia” = hits in 10 calendar entries/transcript entries
1. A note of articles ready, or to be provided, for exportation by the Virginia company.
Calendar Volume Title: A Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Cottonian Library deposited in the British
Museum, 1744-1827.
Entry Number: Otho, E. X, 14 Document Ref.: Cotton Otho E/X f.121 Date: [no date]
14. A note of articles ready, or to be provided, for exportation by the Virginia company
9. Warrant by the Queen to the Lord Deputy Perrot and to Wallop (see image below)
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of the State Papers relating to Ireland, of the reigns of Henry VIII., Edward VI.,
Mary, and Elizabeth, 1509-[1603].Vol. 2. : 1574-1585.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CXIV, 71 Document Ref.: SP 63/114 f.161 Date: Feb. 8 1585
Language: English
Warrant by the Queen to the Lord Deputy Perrot and to Wallop. For the government of Kerry and Clanmorris, with
20 horse and 40 foot, to have been delivered to Rafe Lane, to be supplied by substitute, in consideration of his
undertaking the voyage to Virginia for Sir Walter Rawley. [Copy.]
10. List of the Persons executed for the Rebellion in Virginia.
Calendar Volume Title: A Catalogue of the Harleian Manuscripts, in the British Museum: With Indexes of
Persons, Places, and Matters.
Entry Number: 6845, 54 Document Ref.: Harley 6845 f.196 Date: [no date]
54. List of the Persons executed for the Rebellion in Virginia.
Francis Drake
The challenges to the Iberian claims to the Americas primarily came from the Netherlands, France
and England. This challenge initially came in the form of piracy such as those actions taken by
Francis Drake on Spainish Treasure fleets or coastal settlements in such places as Aruba,
Martinique and larger islands.
Searching for ‘Francis Drake and Spain’
Search on Full text (ALL) “Drake” AND “Spain” = hits in 276 calendar entries/transcript entries
1. MAP OF LA CORUÑA (See detail and image below)
Calendar Volume Title: The British Library Catalogue of Additions to the Manuscripts: The Yelverton
Manuscripts; Additional Manuscripts 48000-48196.
Entry Number: 48021 B (Yelverton MS. 24 part), [1] Document Ref.: Add. Mss 48021B Date: [no date]
MAP OF LA CORUÑA and its surroundings in Galicia, north-west Spain, including El Ferrol, Puentedeume and
Betanzos; c. 1589. Made probably in connection with the 1589 expedition to La Coruña, on which see J. S.
Corbett, Drake and the Tudor Navy, ii, 1899, pp. 309-318, and R. B. Wernham, ‘Elizabeth I and the Portugal
Expedition of 1589’, EHR, lxvi, 1951, pp. 203-205. Notes mention the size of the ship that could reach Betanzos,
etc., ‘A sandy Bay good for landing with Boats if nede require’, and ‘The poole of Groyne.’ A note ‘In this poole
the fleete rode…’ could refer to 1588, see Corbett, ii, pp. 164, 169, 177. A less finished, perhaps earlier version of
this map, Cotton MS. Augustus I.ii.112, has been connected with the expedition of 1597 (Catalogue of the
Manuscript Maps … in the British Museum, iii, 1861, p. 23), but both maps mention as governor the Marqués de
Cerralbo, who died bef.
PageBreak
19 June 1592, see SP Ven. 1592-1603, p. 40. The present map is endorsed ‘Mr Harbets Plott of the Citie of
Groine’, but he remains to be identified as owner or cartographer. Outlines in ink over pencil, wash in several
colours. Towns marked by carefully drawn figurative groups of buildings. The inland hill terrain is shown
symbolically, with no pretence to topographical accuracy. South at the top.
3. Lord Burghley's minutes of instructions to Anth. Ashley.
Calendar Volume Title: A Catalogue of the Lansdowne Manuscripts in the British Museum: With Indexes of
Persons, Places and Matters.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Num. 104, 46 Document Ref.: Lansdowne Vol /104 f.112 Date: 1571[?]
Language: English
46. Lord Burghley's minutes of instructions to Anth. Ashley, Esq. to accompany and assist with his advice the Sir
John/Norris and Drake in their voyage towards Spain.
7. English version (not very literal) of Drake in the South Seas.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Elizabeth, 1558-1589.Vol. 13. : 1578-1579.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: 616 Document Ref.: SP 94/1 Date: 1579 Language: English
English version (not very literal) of the above. In the hand of one of Walsingham's secretaries. Endd. by L.
Tomson: Depositions taken by the King of Spain's ministers in the India touching the spoils supposed to have been
committed there by Mr Drake.
12. Considerations touching the right of the King of Spain to prohibit the trade of English
merchants to the Indies.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reigns of Edward VI, Mary, Elizabeth,
1547-1580.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Elz Vol. CXLVI, 12 Document Ref.: SP 12/146 f.54 Date: 1580
Language: English
12. Considerations touching the right of the King of Spain to prohibit the trade of English merchants to the Indies.
[Probably with reference to Drake's operations against the Spaniards in South America.] ...
Looking for the North-West Passage
On his voyage up the coast of the New Albion Drake had not found any trace of the North-West
passage. His desire to find this passage lay in the rewards it offered regarding trade. It would
enable the relatively easy transportation of goods to England without the threat of piracy.
Searching for the ‘North-West Passage’
Search on Full text (ALL) “North West Passage” = hits in 11 calendar entries/transcript entries.
1. Wolsey to Sampson and Jerningham.
Calendar Volume Title: Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, of the Reign of Henry VIII.Vol. 3. : Part II:
1521-23.
Reign: Henry VIII Entry Number: 3281 Document Ref.: SP 1/28 f.181 Date: 30 Aug 1523 Language:
English
Has received their letters dated Valladolid, and seen those addressed by them to the King, and the original treaty
lately passed there with the Emperor's commissioners for the enterprise this summer against France. Had
advertised them already of the arrival of Beawrayn, the instructions of Russell, and the King's willingness to
contribute 100,000 crowns towards the entertainment of Bourbon.
3. Memorial addressed by Anthony Jenckynson to the Queen.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reigns of Edward VI, Mary, Elizabeth,
1547-1580.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Elz Vol. XXXVI, 60 Document Ref.: SP 12/36 f.134 Date: May 30 1565
Language: English
60. Memorial addressed by Anthony Jenckynson to the Queen, on the navigation of the Northern seas. Urges the
probability of the existence of a north-west passage, from the fact of a unicorn's head having been discovered on
the island of Vagatts, near the mouth of the river Obbe. ...
4. Thomas Page's narrative of the adventures of his journey on the Continent.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reigns of Edward VI, Mary, Elizabeth,
1547-1580.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Elz Vol. CVIII, 51 Document Ref.: SP 12/108 f.119 Date: July 2 1576
Language: English
51. Thomas Page's narrative of the adventures of his journey on the Continent, having failed to induce Sir Edward
Kelly to favour the attempt of a discovery of a north-west passage to China and Cathay. Honours conferred on
Kelly by the Emperor; and practices used to deprive him of the philosopher's stone, which he possessed. ...
5. Instructions given to Martin Furbisher.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reigns of Edward VI, Mary, Elizabeth,
1547-1580.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Elz Vol. CXIII, 12 Document Ref.: SP 12/113 f.31 Date: May 22 1577
Language: English
12. Instructions given to Martin Furbisher, to be observed in the voyage now recommended to him for the Northwest passage and Cathay, in the Ayde, the Gabriel, and the Michael. ...
8. A consideration of such things as shall be necessary for the advancement of the discovery
of the North-west passage.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reigns of Elizabeth and James I,
Addenda, 1580-1625.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. XXVIII, 53 Document Ref.: SP 15/28/1 f.118 Date: Jan.? 1584
Language: English
53. "A consideration of such things as shall be necessary for the advancement of the discovery of the North-west
passage":-A grant to Adrian Gilbert of the same privileges as were not long since granted to Sir Humphrey
Gilbert.The Muscovy Company having a grant for the discovery of the North-west passage, that they be moved to
grant Gilbert liberty to make the said discovery, and to have the sole...
9. Captain John Davys. (see image below)
Calendar Volume Title: A Catalogue of the Lansdowne Manuscripts in the British Museum: With
Indexes of Persons, Places and Matters.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Num. 46, 21 Document Ref.: Lansdowne Vol /46 f.41 Date: 3 Oct 1585
Language: English
21. Captain John Davys, to Mr. Secretary Walsingham, concerning his discovery of a North-West passage, Oct. 3,
1585.
Sir Hugh Willoughby, Richard Chancellor and Russia
In 1553 Sir Hugh Willoughby with Richard Chancellor of Bristol as his second in command set
asail for China and the artic Waters in a north-eastery direction. During the Voyage Willougby
was separted from Chancellor and he and his crew perished when caught in ice off Lapland.
Chacellor however reached Russia and he met the Tsar Ivan the Terrible at the Kremlin and this
meeting opneend the first trading links between the two countries. The Muscovy Company was
formed to develop the Russian market.
Searched for ‘Hugh Willoughby’
Search on Full text (ALL) “Hugh Willoughby” with Fuzzy Search low= hits in 13 calendar
entries/transcript entries
1. A licence of K. Edward VI, to Sir Hugh Willoughby, to discover strange countries.
Calendar Volume Title: A Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Cottonian Library deposited in the British
Museum, 1744-1827.
Entry Number: Faustina, C. II, 26 Document Ref.: Cotton Faustina C/II f.116 Date: [no date]
26. A licence of K. Edward VI, to Sir Hugh Willoughby, to discover strange countries.
12. Ivan Vasalovich, Emperor of Russia, to King Edward VI (see image below)
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Edward VI, 1547-1553. .
Reign: Edward VI Entry Number: 613 Document Ref.: SP 68/11 f.33 Date: Feb. 2 1552 - 3 Author: Ivan
Vasalovich, Emperor of Russia Recipient: King Edward VI Place of Writing: Castle of Moscow Language:
English Gale Document Number: MC4310700684 613. Feb. 2 1552 - 3. Ivan Vasalovich, Emperor of Russia,
to King Edward VI
Castle of Museow.
Ivan Vasalovich, Emperor of Russia, to King Edward VI. In accordance with his Majesty's request conveyed by
one Richard and his company, the Emperor permits the English merchants to have free market within his
dominions. Orders have been given that if Hugh Willoughby shall land or touch in the said dominions he shall be
well entertained. Will be glad to receive one of his Majesty's Council to treat with and settle commercial
intercourse between the two countries.
[Copy. Translation.]
Searching for ‘the Muscovy Company’
Search on Full text (ALL) “Muscovy” with low fuzzy search = hits in 128 calendar
entries/transcript entries
8. The navigation of Ochther. (See images below)
Calendar Volume Title: A Catalogue of the Lansdowne Manuscripts in the British Museum: With Indexes of
Persons, Places and Matters.
Entry Number: Num. 119, 1 Document Ref.: Lansdowne Vol /119 f.2 Date: [no date] Language: English
The navigation of Ochther, a Norman, in the time of King Alfred.
Translated out of the Saxon language; whereby it may appear that the passage by sea towards Moscovy was then
discovered, although not followed as in our day. With a neat chart of the voyage. This is printed in Hakluyt's
Voyages, Vol. I. p. 4.
10. List of 207 noblemen, knights, aldermen, esquires, gentlemen, and merchants, forming
the Russia or Muscovy Company.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1601-1603 with
Addenda 1547-1565.
Reign: Philip and Mary I Entry Number: Vol. VII, 39 Document Ref.: SP 15/7 f.115 Date: May 1 ? 1555
Language: English
39. List of 207 noblemen, knights, aldermen, esquires, gentlemen, and merchants, forming the Russia or Muscovy
company. Among the names are most of the chief officers of State, Sir Wm. Cecil, Sir Rich. Sackville, Sir John
Gresham, Thos. Gresham, Sir George Barnes, and Sebastian Cabot; among the aldermen is Mrs. Margaret Kirton,
and among the merchants, Eliz. Wilford and Katherine Wigmore. [3 pages.]
John Hawkins
John Hawkins desired to break into the West Indian Trade. He came up with the plan to provide
labour for the Spanish sugar plantations and mines. In 1562 after callinginto tenerfie he set off for
Sierre Leone where he seized about 400 black people and set off for the Carribean. He found a
buyer for his wares at Hispoaniola.
Although slaves being brought back to England hand been recorded before the time of John
Hawkins. He is widely acknowledged to be the pioneer of the English slave trade, because he was
the first to run the Triangular trade, making a profit at every stop.
First voyage (1562–1563)
Second voyage (1564–1565)
In 1564, Queen Elizabeth I partnered with him by renting him the huge old 700-ton ship Jesus of
Lubeck , and he set forth on his second longer and more extensive voyage. By the time he reached
Borburata, he had captured around 400 Africans. After Borburata, Hawkins sailed to Rio de la
Hacha. The Spanish officials tried to prevent Hawkins from selling the slaves by imposing taxes.
Captain Hawkins refused the taxes and threatened to burn the towns.
Third voyage (1567–1569)
Searching for ‘Slaves’
Search on Full text (ALL) “Slaves” = hits in 123 calendar entries/transcript entries then sorted by
relevance
1. An estimate of the charge for manning the galley Bonavolia, when she serveth at the seas,
besides the slaves or rowers: there will be fifty banks in the galley which will require 150
slaves. (see image below)
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1581-1590.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CCXXIXI, 77 Document Ref.: SP 12/229 f.134 Date: 1589
Language: English
An estimate of the charge for manning the galley Bonavolia, when she serveth at the seas, besides the slaves or
rowers: there will be fifty banks in the galley which will require 150 slaves. [In the handwriting of Sir John
Hawkyns.]
2. Sir Thos. Fane to Henry Lord Cobham. I have examined the slaves out of the Spanish
galleys here in custody.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1601-1603 with
Addenda 1547-1565.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CCLXXXV, 17 Document Ref.: SP 12/285 f.34 Date: Sept. 28 1602
Language: English
17. Sir Thos. Fane to Henry Lord Cobham. I have examined the slaves out of the Spanish galleys here in custody,
upon the following articles :-Whether Spinola went on shore in February or went along in the galleys ?-Ans. The
latter.How many soldiers and rowers each galley carried ?-Ans. 200, and 25 rowers on a side, and four men to
every oar. In Spinola's galley five men to each oar, but no difference…
12. John Meade, Mayor of Cork, to Secretary Cecil.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of the State Papers relating to Ireland, of the reigns of Henry VIII., Edward VI.,
Mary, and Elizabeth, 1509-[1603].Vol. 11. : 1601-3 (with addenda 1565-1654).
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: State Papers: Ireland, 102 Document Ref.: SP 63/209/1 f.264 Date: 26
Sept 1601 Language: English
Ward was not the pilot of the Spaniards, but one Lambert. They are not above 3,000, of which 1,000 are Italians.
The rest are poor slaves not worth the reckoning. They have many women and children. One they call Siriago is by
them expected. After their surprising of Kinsale they dare not look out and, for all their brags, I doubt not they will
be met there before they come hither.P.S.—I send news...
16. Edmond Harvel to Henry VIII.
Calendar Volume Title: Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, of the Reign of Henry VIII.Vol. 19. : Part II:
1544.
Reign: Henry VIII Entry Number: 23 Document Ref.: SP 1/191 f.28 Date: 3 Aug 1544 Language: English
Wrote on 13 July. Letters from Naples report that Barbarossa took Lipari in Calabria upon conditions which he
did not observe but made all the Liparotts slaves, to the number of 2,000 or 3,000. Piero Strozi is at Plaisance
assembling men, with the help of the Bishop of Rome, to pass into France. They are bruited to number 12,000 or
15,000
Searching for Hawkin’s ship he sailed on his second voyage ‘Jesus Lubeck’
Search on Full text (ALL) “Jesus Lubeck” = hits in 9 calendar entries/transcript entries
1. The Privy Council to Sir Thomas Seymour.
Calendar Volume Title: Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, of the Reign of Henry VIII.Vol. 19. : Part II:
1544.
Reign: Henry VIII Entry Number: 573 Document Ref.: SP 1/195 f.30 Date: 8 Nov 1544 Language:
English
The King understands by your letters of the 6th inst. your desire, after taking order in all things according to the
memorial delivered here, to pass to the coasts of Bretayne; and therefore "to have the greater number of the ships
appointed by the later order to keep the Narrow Swas to meet with you about the Wight," thinking that six ships
should suffice for the Narrow Seas "according to the first...
4. The Navy. A list of ships with their tonnage and the letters. (see image below)
Calendar Volume Title: Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, of the Reign of Henry VIII: Addenda.Vol. 1. :
Part II.
Reign: Henry VIII Entry Number: 1698 Document Ref.: SP 1/245 f.28 Date: 1545 Language: English
A list of ships with their tonnage and the letters "b" (for battle ?) or "w" (for wing ?) in the margin opposite each.
The ships are the Henry, Maryrose, Petre, Jesus of Lubeck, Mathew Gonston, Great Galley,** Paunsey,
Strewse,** Marye of Hamboroughe,** Swepestake,** Mynyon,** Swallowe, Salamander,** Unicorne, Lesse
galley,** Venitian, Arragousye, Saviour, Painted Hulke, ship of Dover,** ship of Montrego,...
5. The Navy.
Calendar Volume Title: Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, of the Reign of Henry VIII.Vol. 21. : Part I:
1546.
Reign: Henry VIII Entry Number: 498 Document Ref.: SP 1/216 f.45 Date: March 1546 Language:
English
"Ships appointed for the Narrow Seas, mens. Marcii anno xxxvijmo regni d'ni n'ri Regis Henrici Octavi." [Giving
captain's name, tonnage, and number of "soldiers, mariners and gunners" in each.]The lord William, the Greate
Venician, 800 (700 in iii) tons, 450 men. Sir Wm. Woddehouse, the Jesus of Lubeck, 700 t., 350 m. The lord
Admiral, the Pauneye, 450 t., 360 m. Sir Ric. Wingfelde, the Morian, 450...
Searching for ‘John Hawkins’
Search on Full text (ALL) “John Hawkins” = hits in 269 calendar entries/transcript entries,
sorted by relevance
1. Mr. John Hawkins.
Calendar Volume Title: A Catalogue of the Lansdowne Manuscripts in the British Museum: With Indexes of
Persons, Places and Matters.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Num. 43, 11 Document Ref.: Lansdowne Vol /43 f.20 Date: July 1584
Language: English
11. Mr. John Hawkins, Treasurer of the Admiralty, to Lord Burghley; with a project for distressing the Spaniard,
July, 1584. ...
4. Sir John Hawkins.
Calendar Volume Title: A Catalogue of the Lansdowne Manuscripts in the British Museum: With Indexes of
Persons, Places and Matters.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Num. 70, 65 Document Ref.: Lansdowne Vol /70 f.153 Date: 30 Sept
1592 Language: English
65. Sir John Hawkins, to the Lord Treasurer and Lord Admiral; with inclosed discoveries of more diamonds and
spices, Sept. 30, 1592. ...
14. Q. Elizabeth's patent, conftituting Benj. Tonson and John Hawkins, joint treasurers
Calendar Volume Title: A Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Cottonian Library deposited in the British
Museum, 1744-1827.
Entry Number: Otho, E. IX, 53 Document Ref.: Cotton Otho E/IX f.125 Date: [no date]
53. Q. Elizabeth's patent, conftituting Benj. Tonson and John Hawkins, joint treasurers of the marine. Westm. Nov.
18, 1579.
18. The Duke of Feria to Sir John Hawkins. (see image below)
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Elizabeth, 1558-1589.Vol. 9. : 1569-1571.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: 1916 Document Ref.: SP 70/119 f.86 Date: August 11 1571 Language:
Spanish
Promises to use his influence for the liberation of the prisoners taken in the Indies. Assure him that he may esteem
him as a friend and good Englishman.—Escurial, 11 Aug.2. P.S. by Don Lorenzo, his son, “I pray you to know mi
for your good frind as mi father is.”
Richard Hakluyt
Richard Hakluyt thought colonizing other areas of the world would solve over population and
unemployment.
Search on Full text (ALL) “Hakluyt” = hits in 82 calendar entries/transcript entries
2. The navigation of Ochther.
Calendar Volume Title: A Catalogue of the Lansdowne Manuscripts in the British Museum: With Indexes of
Persons, Places and Matters.
Entry Number: Num. 119, 1 Document Ref.: Lansdowne Vol /119 f.2 Date: [no date] Language: English
1. The navigation of Ochther, a Norman, in the time of King Alfred.Translated out of the Saxon language; whereby
it may appear that the passage by sea towards Moscovy was then discovered, although not followed as in our day.
With a neat chart of the voyage. This is printed in Hakluyt's Voyages, Vol. I. p. 4
15. Minute of a commission to the Archbishop of York, Earl of Rutland, Bishops of Durham
and Carlisle.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1601-1603 with
Addenda 1547-1565.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. XI, 11 Document Ref.: SP 15/11 f.13 Date: May 8 1561
Language: English
1. Remembrance given by the governors, consuls, and assistants of the Company of Merchant Adventurers trading
in Russia, to 0519-510--0520-511-- Anthony Jenkinson, at his departure towards Russia, and so to Persia, in this
eighth voyage. [See Dom. Eliz. Vol. CXCVI., ff. 89-93. Copy. Printed in Hakluyt's Voyages, Vol. I. pp. 382-384.]
19. Commission by Thos. Randolph.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, Addenda 15661579.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. XIV, 18 Document Ref.: SP 15/14 f.43 Date: Aug. 1 1568
Language: English
Commission by Thos. Randolph, ambassador in Russia, to Jas. Bassendine, Jas. Woodcock, and Rich. Browne, to
undertake a voyage of discovery from the river Peckora eastward.
28. Account of the voyage of the English corsair, Francis Drake, through the Straits of
Magellan to the South Sea (see image below)
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reigns of Elizabeth and James I,
Addenda, 1580-1625.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. XXVIIB, 95 Document Ref.: SP 15/27/2 f.172 Date: 1580
Language: Spanish
95. Account of the voyage of the English corsair, Francis Drake, through the Straits of Magellan to the South Sea,
and particulars of the amount of treasure seized by him and his ships. [Spanish, 2 pages. This voyage is detailed in
full in Hakluyt, Vol. IV., pp. 232-245.]
32. Richard Hakluyt, preacher, to Sir Fr. Walsyngham.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1581-1590.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CLXVII, 7 Document Ref.: SP 12/167 f.11 Date: Jan. 7 1584
Language: English
Richard Hakluyt, preacher, to Sir Fr. Walsyngham. His opinion on the intended voyage of Western discovery. The
trade in furs and hides was very rich. Would be willing to accompany the expedition, and to employ all his simple
observations and reading in it, and upon intimation being given, with the wings of Pegasus he would soon fly into
England. Has talked with Don Antonio, of Portugal, and others.
Searching for ‘Walter Raleigh and Discoveries’
Search on Full text (ALL) “Raleigh” AND “Discover*” = hits in 32 calendar entries/transcript
entries
1. Westminster. Letters patent incorporating the company of merchant adventurers [The
Russia company]
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Mary I, 1553-1558.
Reign: Philip and Mary I Entry Number: 158 Document Ref.: SP 11/5 f.8 Date: February 26 1555
Language: English
Whereas the marquess of Winchester, lord treasurer and others11 *[have at their own adventure and costs
provided ships, pinnaces and other vessels to discover lands unknown and not commonly frequented before by
subjects of the crown, sailing north, north-west, north-east or any course which other Christian monarchies have
not frequented, to the glory of God and the increased wealth of the realms of...
3. Similar paper, but with differences in the details. The company is to be called The
Colleagues of the discovery of the Northwest passage.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reigns of Elizabeth and James I,
Addenda, 1580-1625.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. XXVIII, 55 Document Ref.: SP 15/28/1 f.122 Date: Jan.? 1584
Language: English
55. Similar paper, but with differences in the details. The company is to be called "The Colleagues of the discovery
of the Northwest passage." They are to allow Her Majesty one-forth of all gold, silver, pearls, &c. To unload at
London, Plymouth, and Dartmouth. If they abide in those parts, and have issue born there, the children are to be
denizens of England. Adrian Gilbert, Walter Raleigh, and…
4. A brief note concerning the effect of Her Majesty's grant passed unto her servant, Walter
Raleigh, Esq. (see image below)
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1581-1590.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CLXIX, 35 Document Ref.: SP 12/169 f.55 Date: March 25 1584
Language: English
A brief note concerning the effect of Her Majesty's grant passed unto her servant, Walter Raleigh, Esq., for the
discovery of all such remote heathen and barbarous countries as are not actually possessed by any Christian
Princes or people...
5. Heads of the letters patents granted to Walter Raleigh, Esq.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1581-1590.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CLXIX, 36 Document Ref.: SP 12/169 f.60 Date: March 25 1584
Language: English
Heads of the letters patents granted to Walter Raleigh, Esq., for the discovery of unknown parts. With an
additional note, that since the passing of the grant the said Raleigh had discovered a land called Wingandocoia,
from whence some of the people are brought into this realm
12. Notes concerning Sir Walter Raleigh's discovery of Dorado.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1581-1590.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CCXXXV, 43 Document Ref.: SP 12/235 f.87 Date: 1590
Language: English
Notes concerning Sir Walter Raleigh's discovery of Dorado, translated out of the natural and moral History of the
Indies, written by Joseph Acosta, and printed in Seville, 1590: translated out of the Spanish by Richard Hackluyt.
Ireland
Following a series of failed military expeditions aimed at dislodging the Scots from Ulster, Queen
Elizabeth agreed to support an English colonial settlement in the region. In 1571 Sir Thomas
Smith, the Queen’s Principal Secretary of State was given a royal grant in Clandeboye and the
Ards Peninsula. Smith envisaged a settlement led by the younger sons of English gentlemen who
would develop the urban and commercial infrastructure of the Ards and exploit its natural
resources of fish and timber. The indigenous Irish community were to be employed as labourers in
the colony. The scheme was financed partly through private investment and partly through state
sponsorship, largely in the form of military support. Smith’s natural son, Thomas, was given the
task of implementing his father’s plans and he travelled to the Ards Peninsula in August 1572.
Smith encountered considerable local opposition particularly from Sir Brian MacPhelim O’Neill,
the Gaelic lord of Clandeboye who was supported by other lords in Ulster, notably Turlough
Luineach O’Neill. In October 1573, Smith was killed by a supporter of Sir Brian having failed to
make any progress with his father’s colonial scheme.
Searching for ‘Ireland and colonisation’
Search on Full text (ALL) “Ire*” AND “colonies” = hits in 11 calendar entries/transcript entries
1. Certain notes and observations touching the deducing and planting of colonies; relating to
Ireland. (see image below)
Calendar Volume Title: A Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Cottonian Library deposited in the British
Museum, 1744-1827.
Entry Number: Titus, B. X, 57 Document Ref.: Cotton Titus B/X f.402 Date: [no date]
57. Certain notes and observations touching the deducing and planting of colonies; relating to Ireland.
3. Secretary Sir Thomas Smith to the Lord Deputy.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of the State Papers relating to Ireland, of the reigns of Henry VIII., Edward VI.,
Mary, and Elizabeth, 1509-[1603].Vol. 1. : 1509-1573.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. XXXVIII, 30 Document Ref.: SP 63/38 f.69 Date: Nov. 8 1572
Language: English
“Secretary Sir Thomas Smith to the Lord Deputy. Necessity of planting colonies in Ireland. As soon as his patent
was sealed be was sent to France, and it was against his will that the reports of the enterprize were spread.
Colonies not intended to destroy the Irish race, but to teach them virtuous labour “' and to leave rob-byng and
stealyng and killyng one of another.”
Another document of interest
A discourse for the reformation of Ulster by colonies. 1598. (see image below)
Calendar Volume Title: A Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Cottonian Library deposited in the British
Museum, 1744-1827.
Entry Number: Titus, B. XII, 26 Document Ref.: Cotton Titus B/XII f.112 Date: [no date]
26. A discourse for the reformation of Ulster by colonies. 1598.
France
France’s attempted to colonize Canada, Brazil, and Florida in the 16th century but these attempts
failed. Jacques Cartier’s second voyage of exploration in 1535-36 gave birth to the idea of a
colonial settlement across the Atlantic.
Searching for ‘France and Bra?il’
Search on Full text (ALL) “France” AND “Bra?il” = hits in 20 calendar entries/transcript entries
1. Jehan du Moucheau to Lady Lisle.
Calendar Volume Title: Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, of the Reign of Henry VIII.Vol. 7. : 1534.
Reign: Henry VIII Entry Number: 1489 Document Ref.: SP 3/15 f.89 Date: 29 Nov 1534 Language:
French
The Admiral has charged me to send his compliments to you and my lord. No man ever made such a high report to
the King as he has of you. He is more bound to you and my lord than to any man. He has had some small animals
brought to him from France, which came from Brazil (Brossil), and your friend Brian went to persuade him to give
them to the Court; but he declared in my presence that no king or queen.
2. France and Portugal. (See Image below)
Calendar Volume Title: Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, of the Reign of Henry VIII.Vol. 13. : Part II:
1538.
Reign: Henry VIII Entry Number: 1125 Document Ref.: SP 1/140 f.148 Date: 22 Dec 1538 Language:
French
Mandate of Francis I. to the president of the parliament of Rouen and others to forbid French subjects sailing to
Bresy (Brazil) or Malaguete (Malacca), in consequence of a remonstrance of the Portuguese ambassador. St.
Germain en Lay, 22 Dec. 1538, 24 Fras. I.
18. Richard Dane to Walsyngham.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1581-1590.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CCXXIV, 11 Document Ref.: SP 12/224 f.15 Date: May 6 1589
Language: English
Richard Dane to Walsyngham. Extracts of letters written from Lisbon to Antonio Fernandez in Brazil, giving an
account of 0597-595--0598-596-- the losses sustained by the Spanish fleet. The trade ships from Brazil in sugars to
go round about Scotland to Hamburgh. Death of the Prince of Ascula, and John Martinez de Recald, the great
Admiral of Spain. News from France.
In the decade between 1555 and 1565, two, more southerly regions of the New World--Brazil and
Florida, revived the colonial idea, undertaken by an influential member of the royal entourage,
Gaspard de Coligny (1519-1572). In 1555 Nicolas Durand de Villegagnon (1510-1571), vice
admiral of Brittany, ordered the construction of a fort, christened Coligny, on an islet in the Bay of
Guanabara (Rio de Janeiro), establishing the base of a projected colony called France Antarctique.
But the little colony, weakened by dissensions between Catholics and Protestants, was defeated by
a Portuguese flotilla in 1560.
In Florida–a vast area claimed by the Spanish and comprising the Floridian peninsula and the two
Carolinas–the objective of Coligny, who converted to Protestantism in 1559, was to harass
Spanish galleons in the Caribbean while assuring a French presence in America. This colonizing
attempt was the work of French Protestants, known as Huguenots.
Searching for the ‘French Huguenots’
Search on Full text (ALL) “Huguenots” = hits in 214 calendar entries/transcript entries, sorted by
relevance
8. Remonstrance of the Huguenots.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Elizabeth, 1558-1589.Vol. 11. : 1575-1577.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: 505 Document Ref.: SP 70/136 f.129 Date: Dec. 19 1575 Language:
English
1. The Huguenots, and especially those out of the kingdom and in doubt of their fortune, fear that if the truce is
agreed on, and their reiters and other mercenaries are dismissed, it will imperil the obtaining of such conditions
as an army could enable them to demand.2. When it is said to them that the King will deliver six towns to Monsieur
and give their pay to troops under his command, and 500,000.
14. Wars of the Religion.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Elizabeth, 1558-1589.Vol. 11. : 1575-1577.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: 79 Document Ref.: SP 70/133 f.223 Date: March 1575 Language:
French
List of towns and castles held by the Huguenots in Dauphiny, Provence, Languedoc, Querey, Gascony, Agenois,
Comtè de Foix, Albigeois, Lauraguais, Perigord, Vivarais, Limousin, Auvergne, Bourbonnais, and Poitou .
23. Massacre of St. Bartholomew.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Elizabeth, 1558-1589.Vol. 10. : 1572-1574.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: 684 Document Ref.: SP 70/125 f.149 Date: 1572 Language: French,
Latin
An exhortation to Charles IX. to manfully proceed in the course which he has wisely begun against the Huguenots,
with epitaphs on Coligny and Pierre Ramus, translated into French verse from the Latin of M. Legier
Duchesne.Printed at Paris, with frontispiece representing men escaping from a city in flames, with the motto
“Omnia mea, mecum porto.”
In April 1564 the second expedition, under Laudonnière’s command, departed from Le Havre on
the Normandy coast. It included 3 ships carrying 300 soldiers and tradesmen. The French
established themselves on the River of May (St. John’s River), where they constructed Fort
Carolina. The colony, tormented by internal quarrels, famine, and heightened tensions with the
Timucua Indians, was near abandonment when a third expedition arrived in August 1565. This last
expedition, led by Ribault, was fortified with 7 ships and 600 colonists, but that was insufficient to
save “French Florida.” In September 1565 on the orders of Philippe II of Spain, Pedro Menéndez
de Avilés (1519-1574), heading an armada of 10 ships, massacred most of the Huguenots settled
in the colony.
Searching for the ‘River of May’
Search on Full text (ALL) “River of May” = hits in 45 calendar entries/transcript entries, sorted
by relevance
1. Questions to be demanded of David Ingram, sailor, touching his knowledge of a newly
discovered land on the north of the River of May. (see image below)
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1581-1590.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CLXXV, 95 Document Ref.: SP 12/175 f.163 Date: 1584
Language: English
Questions to be demanded of David Ingram, sailor, touching his knowledge of a newly discovered land on the
north of the River of May. The inhabitants adorned with hoops of gold and silver on their limbs. Abundance of
gold, silver, and pearls. Pieces of gold lying at the head of springs and in small running brooks. Strange animals.
4. WALSINGHAM to ST. ALDEGONDE.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Elizabeth, 1558-1589.Vol. 19. : Aug 1584-Aug 1585.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: 203 Document Ref.: SP 83/23 f.111 Date: Nov. 12 1584 Language:
English
Her Majesty sending Mr. Davison over about some matters which concern the welfare of the country, I have
desired him, as the danger of the passage of the river may prevent you from meeting, to communicate to you by
some confidential person whom you may send to meet him, the purpose of his mission, in order that you may be
thoroughly informed thereof. London, 12 November, 1584.
Searching for Florida
Search on Full text (ALL) “Florida” = hits in 31 calendar entries/transcript entries, sorted by
relevance
1. Fair copy of Advices.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Elizabeth, 1558-1589.Vol. 8. : 1566-1568.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: 127 Document Ref.: SP 70/82 f.140 Date: Feb. 23 1566 Language:
Italian
Fair copy of the above, with intelligence from Spain of February 15th, of the defeat of certain Frenchmen in
Florida
10. Details of a plan for intercepting the Spanish fleet from the West Indies.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, 1601-1603 with
Addenda 1547-1565.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. CCLXXIX, 46 Document Ref.: SP 12/279 f.64 Date: March ? 1601
Language: English
46. Details of a plan for intercepting the Spanish fleet from the West Indies, viz., as the fleet of seven or nine
vessels is expected to be earlier than usual this year, and generally reaches the islands before July or August, our
ships should go at once to the islands, and steer for 39 degrees, 20 or 30 leagues west of Florida, to intercept them
there, because they give three per cent. on their...
22. Sir Thomas Smith to Cecil.
Calendar Volume Title: Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Elizabeth, 1558-1589.Vol. 7. : 1564-1565.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: 230 Document Ref.: SP 70/69 f.35 Date: March 9 1564 Language:
English
1. The French make ready all the ships they can, although they have no war nor mistrust of war, but they say it is
to go to Terra Florida.2. That false alarm the Flemings gave Cecil of the French coming came not of nothing,
although nothing then was to be seen nor is greatly yet. Trusts the English will prepare their navy, and if, peace
following, the French send theirs into Terra Florida, they may...
East India Company
The East India Company was an early English joint-stock company that was formed initially for
pursuing trade with the East Indies. The oldest among several similarly formed European East
India Companies, the Company was granted an English Royal Charter, under the name Governor
and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East Indies, by Elizabeth I on 31
December 1600.
Searching for the East India Company
Search on Full text (ALL) “East India* Company” = hits in 6 calendar entries/transcript entries
1. [Meeting] At the Court at Whitehall, the fourth of January. (See image below)
Calendar Volume Title: Acts of the Privy Council of England: A.D. 1542-[June 1631].Vol. 31. : 1600-1601.
Reign: Elizabeth I Entry Number: Vol. XVII, [62] Document Ref.: PC 2/26 f.32 Date: 1601 Language:
English [Meeting] At the Court at Whitehall, the fourth of January
Present:
Lord Archbishop of, Mr. Comptroller., Canterbury., Mr. Secretary Cecyll., Lord Keeper., Sir John Fortescue.,
Lord Treasurer., Lord Cheife Justice., Lord Chamberlen., Mr. Secretary Herbert.
A letter to Mr. Attorney Gennerall. Whereas Mr. Thomas Knevett, Warden of the Mynte, hathe ben with us this day
and informed us that he fyndeth the commission given by her Majestie to himselfe and others under the Greate
Seale for the making of a newe coyne to be used by the merchantes in the newe intended voyage to the East Indias
to be defective in some pointes, as the same doth not sufficiently warrant them howe to proceed to the making and
deliverie of the said coyne, forasmuch as it ymporteth greatly that there should be no delay used in the dispatche of
the said coyne because the staying thereof maie endanger the breaking of the whole voyage, wee have appointed
Mr. Knevett to resort unto you with the commission and to acquaint you with the excepcions he maketh, whereof
wee praie you to consider, and yf you fynde any suche materiall omissione therein as he pretendeth, then to
prepare a newe commission that may supply the said defectes and to send us the same with speede.
Signed by all the Lords but the Lord Admirall.
For further information contact:
Julia de Mowbray
Publisher: History and Politics
Gale, Cengage Learning EMEA
email: julia.demowbray@cengage.com
(Created by Alexandra Martin for Julia de Mowbray, December 2009)