Abbreviations
Account – An Account of the Baptism, Life, Death and Funeral of the most incomparable Prince, Frederick Henry, Prince of Wales, by Sir Charles Cornwallis, Knt., his Highness’s Treasurer
ASF – Archivio di Stato di Firenze, Florence
BD – www.stoics.com/basilikon_doron.html (1603 edition)
BL – The British Library
CSPD – Calendar of State Papers, Domestic
CSPF – Calendar of State Papers, France
CSPS – Calendar of State Papers, Scotland
CSPV – Calendar of State Papers, Venice
Discourse – A Discourse of the Most Illustrious Prince Henry, late Prince of Wales. Written Anno 1626, by Sir Charles Cornwallis, Knight, sometime Treasurer of his Highness’s House
Hatfield CP – Archive of the Cecil papers, at Hatfield House
HMC – Historical Manuscripts Commission
LPL – Lambeth Palace Library
NRS – National Archives of Scotland, now the National Records of Scotland
RCIN – The Royal Collection
RPC – Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
SPS – State Papers Scotland
TNA – The National Archives
WH – William Haydon, The True Picture and Relation of Prince Henry … (1634)
Preface
made to honour … offspring. MacLeod, 2012, p. 164.
‘Fas est aliorum quaerere regna …’. Nichols, 1828, vol. 2, p. 759.
PART ONE: SCOTLAND, 1594–1603
Chapter 1: Birth, Parents, Crisis
‘son of goodly hability’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 280.
‘great comfort … daft for mirth’. Moysie, 1830, p. 113; Calderwood, 1844, p. 293.
‘peach and parrot-coloured damask’ … and shuddered. Williams, 1970, p. 14.
‘lack of devotion … devil’s bairns’. Melville, 1842, p. 352.
‘the largest and most efficient naval force in northern Europe’. Barroll, 2001, pp. 6–7.
‘venerable and noble matron’. NRS GD 124/10/63/1.
‘In case God call me … command you himself’. NRS GD 124/10/70; Akrigg, 1984, p. 141.
Her son … ate at the ladies’ table. Juhala, 2000, p. 77ff.
‘lewd Lords … to the horn as traitors’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 287.
‘in no case to seek the young Prince’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 308.
‘deeply engaged … in relation to the Catholics’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 337.
‘in my mother’s belly … fearful nature’. His Majesties Speech, 1605; Sommerville, 1994, pp. 147–8.
‘one resulted in the king’s near assassination’. For a more detailed account of the Gowrie Plot, start with Stewart, 2003, p. 150ff.
Chapter 2: Launching a European Prince
‘extreme pleasure … our representative’. CSPS, vol. 11, pp. 410–11.
‘the Ambassadors of France … be reached’. CSPV, vol. 9, p. 143.
‘to renew the ancient friendship … alliance against Spain’. Birch, 1760, p. 3.
‘fair cupboard of plate’. CSPS, vol. 11, pp. 403–4.
‘to cause provision … to his Majesty’s self’. RPC Scotland 5, 167.
On the morning of 30 August 1594 … The following account of the baptism is drawn from Birch, 1760; Fowler, 1594; CSPS, vol. 11; Account, pp. 2–15.
David Cunningham … chapel door. Account, p. 7.
A fanfare sounded. Birch, 1760, p. 8.
as if the king replaced God as an object of worship. John Adamson termed this evolution of court and religious culture a developing ‘liturgy of the monarchy’; Adamson, 2000, pp. 101–5.
‘the lights and torches … commoved his tameness’. Juhala, 2000, p. 213.
‘that their generations may grow into thousands’. Account, p. 14.
‘sensuous and spectacle-loving lady’. Chambers, 1923, vol. 2, p. 272.
‘Those who were divided … space and time?’ Buchanan, 1995, pp. 276–8.
‘… after the decease of her Majesty’. Reid, 2014, p. 62.
‘Your foot … the Capitoline Hill’. Buchanan, 1995, pp. 276–8.
‘It crossed … had no rivals’. Scott, 2000, p. 29.
Chapter 3: The Fight for Henry
‘the question of the Queen … mightily’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 550.
‘dry through sickness … impute this fault to Mar’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 504.
‘Two mighty factions … departure of the King’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 511.
‘What the end will be, God knows’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 545.
‘to the coal … young Prince’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 550.
‘by all appearances … denies it’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 601; Croft, 2003, pp. 24–5.
‘sought nothing but the cutting … treason’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 607.
‘dearest bedfellow’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 609.
‘the Queen very lovingly … yield to her’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 617.
‘a King is as one set on a stage’. BD, p. 41.
‘somewhat crazed … “marvellous secret”’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 627.
‘I fear it will very suddenly … for their advantage’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 627.
‘for the amendment of the present danger’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 683.
‘My Heart … me and my blood’. CSPS, vol. 11, pp. 662–3.
‘obey the King in all things’. CSPS, vol. 11, p. 682.
‘to see him so evidently … they best merited’. CSPS, vol. 11, pp. 626–30.
Chapter 4: Nursery to Schoolroom
‘good sort to attend upon his person’. Account, sigs A 6–A 6v.
‘study to know well … to rule people’. BL, 38.
‘three books … rightly or wrong used’. BD, intro.
‘contain your Church in their calling’. BD, p. 39.
‘Beware with both the extremities … proud Papall Bishops’. BD, p. 24.
‘a loving nourish-father’. BD, p. 24; Rhodes, 2003, p. 225.
‘the art military … placing of batteries’. BD, p. 40.
‘little god … sliddriest to sit upon’. BD, p. 12.
Chapter 5: Tutors and Mentors
‘next his parents … before the pleasing of his fancies’. WH.
Essex meanwhile … Scottish king and his progeny. Gajda, 2012, p. 183.
‘an ancient friend’ of the Essexians. Hammer, 1999, p. 168.
Essex’s codename was ‘Plato’ and the king ‘Tacitus’. BL Add MS 4125, f38r; Hammer, 1999, p. 168.
Mar facilitated … power base near Westminster. LPL, MS 652, f270r.
Mar boasted of his own importance. LPL, MS 659, f368.
name James as her successor in Parliament … Mar come to London. For the political vision of the Essex group as it played out in this crisis, see Scott, 2014, pp. 97–103; Gajda, 2012, p. 180ff, inc. fn 197, Essex to Mar, LPL, MSS 655, f218r; MS 656, f177.
‘sparks of piety … chiefly to strangers’. Account, p. 21.
By the age of six … from Maurice himself. BL Harley MS 6986, f35.
‘began to apply himself … the use of arms’. Birch, 1760, p. 21.
‘“Praetorian” role’. Wilks, 2013, p. 10.
‘no music being so pleasant … any sort of Armour’. Account, p. 20.
‘The one I use as a rapier … dagger’. WH, p. 13.
‘another kind of hunting better … higher than the rest’. WH, p. 12.
Newton gave him Cicero’s De Officiis … in public life. BL C.28.a11.
‘Ye have rather written … your loving father, James R’. BL Harley MS 6986, f40.
Anne of Denmark had converted to Catholicism. Fry, 2013, p. 2.
‘to the hostile times which we have to endure’. Fraser, 2002, p. 19.
‘The King and Queen are in very evil ménage … “mintit” at that he intended’. SPS, vol. 13, p. 721.
‘new troubles arise … finds in his own house’. Chamberlain, 1939, p. 187.
PART TWO: ENGLAND, 1603–10
Chapter 6: The Stuarts Inaugurate the New Age
she was seen to move her arm to her head. Whitelock, 2013, p. 342.
‘the contentment of the people … spoiled and sacked’. HMC Salisbury, vol. 15, p. 11.
‘but time is so precious … Your loving father, James R’. BL Harley MS 6986, f39.
Henry and Charles and Princess Elizabeth … childhoods. CSPV, vol. 9, p. 541.
‘your Majesty by sight may have … all due reverence’. BL Harley MS 7007, f16
the Mar clan watched as Anne approached. RPC, vol. 6, pp. 571–2; Calderwood, vol. 6, pp. 230–1.
‘prevailed not … when they rose in revolt’. CSPV, vol. 10, p. 40.
‘Her Majesty’s present estate … danger of inconvenience’. Balfour, 1838, pp. 53–5.
Lord Fyvie was given the unenviable task of persuading Anne to depart for England. The drama of this encounter for Fyvie, Montrose and the rest, as well as Anne, is in Balfour, 1838, pp. 53–5.
‘God for the peaceful possession … ascribed to the Earl of Mar’. As well as communicating with Essex until 1601, Mar had carried many of James’s letters to Cecil, and written many of them, in discussions with Cecil during the uncertain times before Elizabeth died.
‘she would rather never see England … for the same’. Spottiswoode, 1847, p. 477.
‘embracing the said Earl, burst forth in tears’. WH, p. 5.
‘brought with her the body … his death was only feigned’. Sully, 1805, vol. 3, pp. 115–16.
‘Leave off these womanly apprehensions … impertinent at this time’. Akrigg, 1984, pp. 213–14.
‘he desired to see her always by him’. WH, p. 4.
‘She was naturally bold … tumult and intrigue’. Sully, 1805, vol. 3, pp. 115–16.
‘Your father gives you here to the service of this Prince’. Nichols, 1828, vol. 1, p. 182.
‘dear Lord, on whom my covetous eye, … the Arctic star’. Jonson, 1941, vol. 7, pp. 130–1.
‘when slow time hath made you fit … better than our words’. Nichols, 1828, vol. 1, p. 187.
Chapter 7: A Home for Henry and Elizabeth
their train numbered over five thousand. Nichols, 1828, vol. 1, p. 197.
‘was some squaring at first … passed over in peace’. HMC Report VIII, Corporation of Leicester, 428b; CSPV, vol. 9, p. 63.
Henry kneeled with Lennox … at such a young age. Stow, 1631, 1, sig. Zzzz5.
‘He is ceremonious beyond his years … meant to learn Italian’. CSPV, vol. 10, p. 74.
‘I most kindly salute you … your most loving sister, Elizabeth’. BL MS Harley 6986, f49.
‘these few lines … I rest, your loving brother, Henrie’. BL MS Harley 6986, f21.
‘delightful memorials of your brotherly love … living together’. BL MS Harley 6986, f52.
‘subtle and fine wit … fit man for the condition of these times’. Somers, 1809, vol. 2, p. 267.
Northampton typified the kind of expert … Peck, 1982, passim.
‘galliards and corantos … like a tennis ball’. Chambers, 1923, vol. 3, p. 280.
The first dynastic marriage … chatting amiably. Winwood, 1725, vol. 2, p. 43.
‘I protest I am not thoroughly reconciled … “No” to the Union’. Cecil to Shrewsbury, quoted in Illustrations of British History, Biography and Manners, in the Reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary, Elizabeth & James I, Edmund Lodge (London, 1838), p. 82.
a conference at Hampton Court on 14 January 1604. Account taken from the records of James’s speeches to Parliament in Sommerville, 1994, passim; of the conference, in Collinson, 1983, passim.
Chapter 8: The Stuarts Enter London
‘We are all Players’. Shapiro, 2006, p. 257.
‘mechanicians … suck the honey dew of Peace’. Nichols, 1828, vol. 1, p. 342.
‘saluted them with many a bend’. Nichols, 1828, vol. 1, p. 416.
‘fair Prince … Since Norman William’s happy conquering’. Drayton, 1931, vol. 1, p. 481.
‘streamers, ensigns … into some bodies’ bellies’. Nichols, 1828, vol. 1, p. 334.
‘that fair shoot … your princely offspring’. Nichols, 1828, vol. 1, p. 128.
‘some enchanted castle … the glittering poisons chew’. Nichols, 1828, vol. 1, pp. 360–70.
‘Our globe is drawn … new faces and new men’. Nichols, 1828, vol. 1, pp. 360–70.
Father Tesimond … in the long run. Edwards, 1973, pp. 28, 93.
Chapter 9: Henry’s Anglo-Scottish Family
Nonsuch Palace. http://www.everycastle.com/Nonsuch-Palace.html.
the keeper of Nonsuch. For Lord Lumley’s collections at Nonsuch, see the Sears and Johnson catalogue, 1956.
marrying into the Puckerings. The late Sir John Puckering had been Speaker for the House of Commons and Elizabeth I’s Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England.
Newton prevailed on the prince … Dean of Durham. Pollnitz, 2007, p. 33; BL Lansdowne MS 1236, f66r.
They bickered like a family too … ‘need be a wise man that would do that’. WH, p. 15.
William Fleetwood, Queen Elizabeth’s Recorder of London. Brooke, 2004, for Fleetwood.
‘militarised ideal of active citizenship’ … monarch and commonwealth. Gajda, 2012, p. 256.
Henry went ‘often to visit … in vain’. WH, pp. 3–4.
Anne and Henry stopped at Oxford … spells, and dreams. Birch, 1760, pp. 48–58.
John Harington looks up at Henry. Both Harington’s father, Sir John, and his sister, Lucy Bedford, patronised Peake.
In the early days of Henry’s new life in England, a painting … The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Art Resource/Scala, Florence: Henry, Prince of Wales and Sir John Harington, Robert Peake the Elder, 1603.
livery colours of the Tudors, not the red-and-white of the Stuarts. I would like to thank Professor John Adamson for pointing this out.
Bales taught Henry for nearly two years before he dared … HMC Salisbury, vol. 24, p. 107.
he commissioned a model ship … as a libation, tossing the bowl in after it. Pett, 1918, pp. 20–2.
‘Mercury with Diana … study with exercise’. BL Harley MS 7007, f69r.
Chapter 10: Henry’s Day
Adam Newton and his team of tutors … Newton’s archive of Henry’s schoolbooks is Wren TC MS R.9.30, R.14.10, R.7.23*; but see also, Pollnitz, 2007, passim; MacLeod, 2012, p. 136, and Wilks, 1987, p. 167.
‘Terence’s Hecyra … and two books of the selected Epistles of Cicero’. BL Harley MS 7007, f14r.
‘deserved to be imprinted in the minds of men’. BL Harley MS 7007, f27r.
‘most powerfully written for the education of princes’. Wren TC MS R.7.23*, VII, fol. 2r; Pollnitz. 2007, p. 32ff.
never showed his father’s great and deep love of learning. Account of King James’s school day is given in Willson, 1956, p. 23.
‘hawking, hunting, running at the ring …’. Account, p. 22.
‘chiefly under his father’s spur, not of his own desire’. CSPV, vol. 10, p. 513.
‘his affection to his Majesty did grow with his age’. WH, p. 3.
‘We had a king, Aeneas called … could match him one’. WH, p. 11.
‘Renown is a furtherer of an honest mind’. WH, p. 11.
‘Thou doest thy father’s forces lead … Bellona’s hands’. Alexander, 1604; Wilson, 1946, p. 28.
The king ordered new stables and barns to be built. CSPD, 1603–10, pp. 132, 135.
‘I will give anything that I have to you … Good brother, love me’. BL Harley MS 6986, f85.
‘they whistle and sing to each other for music’. Stuart, 1778, p. xxiv; Harley MS 6987, f24.
‘they would not prove good soldiers … your self was once a boy’. WH, pp. 19, 21.
the king ‘admonished and set down’ Henry … ‘Archbishop of Canterbury’. CSPV, vol. 10, p. 513, my italic; WH, p. 3.
Sibling rivalry never seemed to enter his relationship with Elizabeth. WH, p. 4.
‘My letters follow you everywhere … make them recommended’. BL Harley MS 6986, f66.
‘Your kind love and earnest desire … we must submit ourselves’. Harley MS 7007, f62.
‘preachers around Prince Henry’. McCullough, 1998, pp. 184–5.
Burton sought royal service … on earth in England. TNA SP 14/139 f144.
He wrote a tract for Henry on the Antichrist. McCullough, 1998, pp. 185–7.
Joseph Hall … preach again. Hall, 1845, p. xxix.
Hugh Broughton … exposition of the Lord’s Prayer. Broughton, 1603; Birch, 1760, pp. 44–5; Wilks, 1987, pp. 231–2.
‘Henry the 8 pulled down abbeys and cells …’. HMC Salisbury, vol. 19, p. 242, Sir John Harington to Chaloner in Salisbury.
‘a fishing at my house in Carshalton … weary with waiting on the Prince’. Kenny, 1970, pp. 274, 313.
‘The altar was covered in silver gilt … the King and Prince meanwhile laying their hands on the Gospels’. CSPV, vol. 10, p. 178.
‘a most gracious smile’ but ‘a terrible frown’. Birch, 1760, p. 375.
‘tossed his pike better than in presence of his Majesty and great Ambassadors’. WH, p. 11.
The constable gave Henry a beautifully caparisoned pony. CSPV, vol. 10, p. 178.
‘Taxis is making presents every day … scoff at those who hold a different view’. CSPV, vol. 10, p. 179.
Chapter 11: Union and Disunion
‘I don’t doubt that you have given thanks … I fear nothing man can do’. BL MS Harley 6986, f73.
‘yearly acknowledgment to be made …’. Andrewes, 1606, passim.
‘would never after suffer himself to be prevented … been executed’. Birch, 1760, pp. 61–2.
‘Beware of the Vipers … tied his servants thereunto’. McCullough, 1998, pp. 183–4; Birch, 1760, pp. 62–4, 414–16.
‘the miraculous delivery God sent from Heaven … we have known from our infancy’. BL Harley MS 7007, f76.
analyse an account by … Cyrus the Great of Persia’s rise. Henry’s commentary here is drawn from Wren TC MS 7.23*, VI, fols 1r–12r passim. Henry’s words are from ff5r–11r, and f12r; trans. Pollnitz, 2007, p. 51ff.
‘Every day something new about the plot … a general massacre may take place’. CSPV, vol. 10, pp. 303–4, passim.
Prince Henry must be sent ‘to reside in Scotland’ … CSPV, vol. 10, pp. 304, 309–10.
‘What God hath conjoined … I am the husband and the whole isle is my lawful wife’. King James, Speech to Parliament, 19 Mar 1604.
Hymenaei. Quotations from Hymenaei are drawn from Stephen Orgel’s edition of Jonson’s Works, 1969, p. 76ff; and critical analysis uses Curran, 2009, passim.
‘sound to present occasions … more removed mysteries’. Jonson, 1969, p. 76.
‘May all those bodies … with the Ocean’s streams’. Jonson, 1969, p. 86.
Chapter 12: Europe Assesses Henry
‘his excessive sorrow and grief … in safety with himself’. WH, p. 4.
‘The news spread to the city … Papists, foreigners and Spaniards’. CSPV, vol. 10, p. 333.
‘The State and the Church … each with its own sovereignty’. Kainulainen, 2014. See especially pp. 180–2 for an analysis of the genesis of Sarpi’s thought on this distinction.
The Holy Roman Empire. For good modern histories of the empire and the Thirty Years’ War, see Wilson, 2009 and 2016; Simms, 2013.
‘the fundamental function of monarchy was the making of war’. Scott, 2000, p. 31.
‘he were of age he would come in person to serve the Republic’. BL Harley MS 7007, f117; CSPV, vol. 10, pp. 2, 494.
‘most lovingly in his arms … his heart’s joy in … Henry’. The King of Denmarkes Welcome, 1606.
‘proposed to … prince of greater spirit would probably not have done’. CSPV, vol. 10, p. 519.
‘the Sovereign rights … sought to overthrow them’. Wotton, 1907, vol. 1, p. 78ff; Yates, 1944, pp. 123–43.
‘They had sight of all the ships … pendants, flags and streamers’. Nichols, 1828, vol. 2, pp. 66, 80, 83 for an account of this visit.
the Vice-Admiral, with all her modern weaponry. Nichols, vol. 2, p. 93.
Unable to ‘follow the King …’. Boderie, 1750, vol. 1, p. 60 passim; Birch, 1760, pp. 69–70 passim.
‘Sire and Treasured Uncle … your truly paternal affections’. BL Harley MS 7007, f143; f103.
‘to cultivate that young plant … accounted of him as of his own son’. Sir George Carew to Salisbury, 26 Aug 1607; Birch, 1760, p. 89; Williamson, 1978, p. 36.
‘endeavoured to prejudice … conquer, like Henry V’. Birch, 1760, p. 45.
Henry asked Joinville. BL Harley MS 7007, f148.
‘he was employed by Prince Henry … for such an opportunity’. Birch, 1760, pp. 86–7.
‘The eye of the world … Saint Georges Knight’. Wilson, 1946, pp. 45–6.
‘You would have seen there … everlasting fame’. Birch, 1760, pp. 79–80.
‘the commendations of persons … pray the all-merciful God’. Birch, 1760, p. 78.
‘His discourse … foreign countries as well as his own’. Birch, 1760, p. 86.
Chapter 13: The Collegiate Court of St James’s
‘Here they may obtain his Highness favour … to command in war’. Birch, 1760, p. 97; Cleland, 1607, pp. 35, 36 passim.
‘be homely with your soldiers … devising stratagems’. BD, p. 29.
‘The profiting by other men’s errors … get him to discourse of it’. BL Royal, 18. C. xxiii. f7r: written in the 1620s, the introduction recalled Cecil’s time under Maurice in the early 1600s, when he was also a member of Henry’s circle; also, quoted in Lawrence, 2009, p. 108.
‘who doth yet give such a lustre … in his often practise’. De Gheyn, 1608, introduction.
‘use all other Princes, as your brethren, honestly and kindely’. BD, p. 28.
Barnaby Riche. See Maley, 2004; Riche, 1604.
Prince Charles shared their practice sessions. Lawrence, 2009, pp. 127–30 passim.
‘your absence I visit sometimes your stable … that noble exercise’. BL Harley MS 6986, f87.
The king had told Henry to make himself familiar with ‘the art military’. BD, p. 40.
‘Besides exerting his whole strength … management of his affairs’. Boderie, 1750, vol. 1, pp. 400–01; Birch, 1760, pp. 75–6.
Salisbury sent Henry … ‘will not easily sever’. Birch, 1760, p. 129.
Chapter 14: Money and Empire
‘that it was ready to be overwhelmed with the burden and charge of itself’. Birch, 1760, p. 97.
The royal coffers were as bare as ever, he explained. Birch, 1760, p. 83.
It was arranged for Henry to be inducted into the Merchant Taylors’ Company. Account given in Stow, Annales, sig. Ffff1v; Wilson, 1946, p. 50.
‘Haberdashers of hats … maps or prints, Girdlers, etc’. TNA SP 14/44/5.
‘fitted up one of the shops very beautifully’ … “here all is given for love”’. The account of this day is drawn from Knowles, 2002, pp. 182–9.
Thomas Harriot. For Harriot see Shirley, 1974.
receive ‘projectors’ and ‘mechanicians’. Examples are in BL Harley MS 7009, ff12, 14.
He wanted to discover the Northwest Passage sea route. Canny, 2009, p. 54.
Between them they documented the life of the Algonquin. Petworth Harriot MSS, MS HMC, pp. 240, i–v; 241, i–x; BL Add MSS 6782–9.
mathematical puzzles for his student to solve. BL Add MS 6782–3.
a ruling council in Virginia. On the first governing bodies of Virginia, see Gardiner, 1883, vol. 2, p. 52; Armstrong, 2007, p. 129.
Tindall’s first reports … ‘to the use of your royal father’. BL Harley MS 7007, f139.
‘set up a cross and called the place Cape Henry’. http://friendsoffirstlandingstatepark.com/History_of_First_Landing.html; https://www.virginia.org/listings/historicsites/firstlandingcross.
Tindall created the first map of the Chesapeake Bay. BL Cotton MS Augustus, I, ii, p. 46; Brown, 1890, vol. 1, pp. 108–9; Canny, 2009, pp. 45–55.
‘the Patron of the Virginia Plantation … as well as his good word’. HMC Portland, vol. 9, pp. 8–11.
Henry returned to dine at Salisbury House. HMC Salisbury, vol. 24, p. 150.
‘Prometheus, devoured by the eagle, done by Giacoba Palma’. Prometheus chained to the Caucasus, Giovane de Palme, RCIN 406075.
Everything … showed him what power looked like from the top of the heap. Smuts, 1991, pp. 99–112.
‘Short, crookbacked, but with a noble countenance and features’. CSPV, vol. 10, p. 515.
Zeus shackled Prometheus to a rock. Bracken, 2002, p. 122. There are variations on the Prometheus myth; this is one account.
Chapter 15: Friends as Tourists and Spies
The Continent buzzed with ‘intelligencers’ of all kinds. A good introduction to spies and tourists in this period is Chaney and Wilks, 2014.
‘What hast thou done, John,’ … ‘his Highness is the lover’. CSPV, vol. 10, pp. 215–16.
Each evening Harington recorded his deeds … understood the code. Birch, 1760, p. 118; Harington, 1792, vol. 3, pp. 163–4. Both make use of Stock, 1614.
Then headed down into Italy. Birch, 1760, p. 123.
He asked the prince if he had received any of his letters. For examples of this correspondence, see BL Harley MS 7007, ff215, 221, 223, 224 passim; Birch, 1760, p. 124.
Salisbury sent copies to his son. Birch, 1760, p. 168.
‘most gloriously shine’. Birch, 1760, pp. 174–5.
‘Although I know your Highness expects not much from me’. HMC Salisbury, vol. 20, p. 285.
‘During this your absence … so worthy patterns’. HMC Salisbury, vol. 20, p. 286.
‘attain to trusty knowledge … acceptable servant to your Highness’. BL Harley MS 7007, f189.
Rich foreigners went away with shipments of glass. Strachan, 1962, p. 41.
‘He carried folly (which some call merriment) in his very face’. Fuller, 1662, p. 30ff.
Wherever he went, he recorded. Henry’s copy of Coryate’s account, Coryat’s Crudities is BL G.6750.
an umbrella – a word Coryate introduced into the English language. Strachan, 1962, p. 117.
‘And to the end she may minister … stronger temptations’. Strachan, 1962, pp. 51–2.
He went back along the Rhine to enter the Dutch-Spanish conflict zone. Strachan, 1962, p. 101.
Harington told Henry … he missed him sorely. BL Harley MS 7007, f241.
Chapter 16: Henry’s Political Philosophy
‘Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power’. Seneca, Epistles, 2:2, A.S., pp. 63–4.
‘to be instructed and corrected by his judgement’ … ‘in the sense of which I could not satisfy myself’. Transcriptions of these exchanges are in Birch, 1760, pp. 120–1.
Henry chose passages on how to resist corruption … amid a decadent court. Pollnitz, 2007, p. 52; BL Harley MS 7007, f226v.
‘other than the one thing, not moving’. Coriolanus, IV, 7, line 42.
‘our virtues/Lie in the interpretation of the times’. Coriolanus, IV, 7, lines 49–50.
‘Stoicke insensible stupidity’. BD, p. 41.
Henry’s courtly college had become the centre of neo-Stoic thinking. For more on neo-Stoicism and its popularity with Henry’s circle, see Brooke, 2012, p. 60ff.
‘the present state of affairs’. BL Harley MS 7007, f185; Wotton, 1907, vol. 1, pp. 425–7.
the prosperous German city of Donauwörth. See Anderson, 1999, pp. 14–15, for the crisis in Donauwörth and the lead up to Jülich-Cleves.
Prince Louis Frederick, his secretary Wurmsser. Rye, 1865, p. cxiii, for an account of Württemberg’s visits.
‘to play the wise King’s part’. BD, p. 29.
Chapter 17: Favourites
‘a fair complexion, equally sharing the beauty of both sexes’. Osborne, 1811, p. 6.
‘the maligners of true virtue’. Discourse, p. 218.
‘how many are there … “yours, in the way of honestie”, is little cared for’. Riche, 1606, p. 6.
‘Eschew to be effeminate in your clothes’. BD, p. 46.
Carr knew ‘his taste and what pleased’. Weldon, 1650.
‘Sure, no King but my father … would keep such a bird’. Coke, 1694, p. 37.
‘According to your commandment, I made your excuse unto the Queen’. From here to the end of this exchange is taken from BL Harley MS 7007, f. 316.
‘had them removed by his people’ … the bedchamber coterie. CSPV, vol. 11, para 393.
The Privy Council ‘pointed out to the King … an office of such weight should not lie outside the Royal House’. CSPV, vol. 11, pp. 227, 430.
Chapter 18: Henry’s Supper Tables
Lumley’s exceptional library … passed to Henry. E.403.2728; CSPD, 1603–10, vol. 58, No. 87.
Father and son added shelves … ordering new desks and chairs. CSPD, 1603–10, vol. 58, No. 55. For the contents of Lumley’s library see Jayne and Johnson, 1956.
practical body of work on mathematics, cosmography, and navigation. MacLeod, 2012, p. 137.
Sir Francis Bacon … wrote little advices to himself on how to get a toehold close to Henry. Wilks, 1987, p. 40; Bacon, vol. 4 (ii), p. 63; for Russell’s projects see CSPD, 1611–18, pp. 111, 250, 468.
commandeer part of the Savoy hospital. Chamberlain, 1939, vol. 1, p. 251.
A tavern wit … and Sir Robert Dallington. O’Callaghan, 2007, p. 4ff.
One of them wrote a long … ‘silken scarves and their spangles’. BL Harley MS 4931, ff22–5.
‘Sweet-meats and Coryate … as hard knocks as it received’. Fuller, 1662, p. 31.
Chapter 19: Henry’s Foreign Policy
the only claimants ‘whose pretensions were not absolutely ridiculous’. Gardiner, 1883, vol. 2, p. 94.
A tremor of unease threatened the nascent peace. For the background to the Thirty Years’ War, see Anderson 1999, Simms 2013; and Wilson 2009 and 2016.
‘For the King of England … would like to do everything with words’. Livesey, 1965, pp. 109–17.
‘I find every week … the countries as he passes’ through. BL Lansdowne MS 108, f94.
‘a slow-working poison … they might destroy their bodies’. Harington, 1792, vol. 3, p. 158.
Henry wrote to ‘My Good Fellow … your Friend, Henry’. Harington, 1792, vol. 3, p. 305.
‘like to draw no less after it than a general War in Christendom’. Winwood, 1725, vol. 3, p. 76.
‘Your Grace’s name … King Edward the third’s son’. Birch, 1760, pp. 42–3.
‘Hate the Whore … and pernicious sects’. Crashaw, 1609.
‘there were now as many men and able … a rare vigilancy’. HMC Portland, vol. 9, p. 9.
Sir Charles Cornwallis, wrote to Henry. Birch, 1760, pp. 172–73; BL Harley MS 7007, f 266.
‘Propositions for War’. Williamson, 1978, p. 61.
Cotton’s argument against war was ten times as long. Birch, 1760, pp. 186–7; Cotton, 1657.
An Answer made by Command of Prince Henry. Ralegh, 1655, p. 2.
Chapter 20: Heir of Virginia
‘There is a world elsewhere’. Coriolanus, III, 3, line 145.
Excellent Observations and Notes Concerning the Royall Navy and Sea-Service. This essay used to be included in Ralegh’s Works. Both Ralegh and Gorges had a low opinion of Pett as a naval engineer.
‘Where be now these perjured fellows’. Pett, 1918, pp. 50, 62; Williamson, 1978, pp. 54–5.
‘Though I do not respond to all … being far from you’. BL Harley MS 7007, f284.
‘Not at all ignorant of the disposition of their son’. Birch, 1760, pp. 109–10.
Robert Johnson’s sermon, ‘Nova Britannia’. Johnson, 1609, and for the discussion of it in the context of establishing the New Jerusalem, see Zakai, 1992.
put some money in … have a claim over the Colony. CSPV, vol. 11, para 449.
‘There has been gotten together … deeper and deeper into the business’. Brown, 1890, vol. 1, pp. 245–6.
‘there being diverse knights … at their own charge’. HMC Salisbury, vol. 21, p. 276.
‘Never was there more need’ … than what had gone on here. BL Harley MS 7009, f58ff; Strachey, 2010, pp. xxv–xxvi. For more on the starving winter see historicjamestowne.org/history/history-of-jamestown/the-starving-time.
PART THREE: PRINCE OF WALES, 1610–12
Chapter 21: Epiphany
‘barriers’. Jonson’s text is in Jonson, 1969, p. 142ff.
‘where true Virtue triumphed most’. Account, p. 23.
‘a livery of crimson velvet and broad gold lace’, HMC Downshire, vol. 2, p. 216.
Moeliades was an anagram. Drummond, 1913, vol. 1, p. 75.
Next evening, washed and rested … three in the morning. Chambers, 1923, vol. 4, p. 124n; CSPD, King James I, vol. 1, p. 587.
Henry’s ‘Oratio Serenissimi Principis ad Regem’. The fullest discussion, with translations, is in Pollnitz, 2007, pp. 49–53, and I draw on that for my analysis of it. The original is BL Harley MS 7007, ff229r–231v.
‘required more in a prince … greater good of the public’. Pollnitz, 2007, p. 50.
‘so many things of Civil Policy … Government of Kingdoms’. BL Harley MS 7002, f87r. Other letters on this theme between Salisbury and Newton/Henry are in BL Harley MS 7002, fol. 95r; BL Lansdowne MS 90, ff61r and 59r.
Sir Charles Cornwallis … ‘touch upon the verge of vice’. BL Egerton MS 3876, ff1r–3v.
Henry thanked Cornwallis for his ‘observations’. BL Harley MS 7007, f266r.
Robert Dallington … a pension for life from the prince. Dallington, 1613.
He summoned Richard Connock … begged Henry to protect him. Trinity College Cambridge MS 720; and Connock, 1747, pp. 69–71.
Henry said he ‘will rather trust your Lordship with the care of his creation than any other’. Hatfield CP 128/13.
‘he makes himself already very much respected …’. HMC Downshire, vol. 2, p. 211.
‘The Prince now begins … many things that may hereafter ensue’. HMC Downshire, vol. 2, p. 199.
‘toiled … yield some large contributions for the maintaining of future charges’. Croft, 1992, p. 186; HMC Downshire, vol. 2, p. 199; CSPV, vol. 11, p. 401.
‘The time of creation of my Son … himself here speaks for him’. The Kings Majesties Speech to the Lords and Commons, xxj, March 1609, ns 1610.
‘Our gift I wish liberal … The court is the cause of all’. HMC Portland, vol. 9, p. 113.
‘on whom the king your father hath bestowed great and bountiful gifts’. Gorges, 1610.
Chapter 22: Prince of Wales
Henry was determined … written commitment to the alliance. BL Harley MS 7007, f338; CSPV, vol. 12, pp. 31, 51, 234, 239.
Württemberg’s party arrived in April … the young Landgrave of Hesse. BL Add MS 20,001; Rye, 1865, p. 58ff.
‘Though the beast be but little, yet are the members worth enjoyment’. Countrye Contentments, 1615, p. 31.
Henry gave him another £20 for his expenses. Henry’s Privy Purse expenses are in CSPD, vol. 57–8; for Drebbel, see Rye, 1865, pp. 234–420.
He ‘was athirst for glory if ever any Prince was’. CSPV, vol. 12, pp. 449–50.
‘what should move the French King … be content to put water in his wine’. Winwood, 1725, vol. 3, pp. 154–5ff.
‘my second father is dead … marched on Cleves’. Birch, 1760, pp. 189–90; CSPV, vol. 11, p. 506.
‘I think it was never more needful to make a League of those of the Religion’. HMC Downshire, vol. 2, p. 290.
‘we are all at a stand, until we understand what his Majesty will counsel’. HMC Downshire, vol. 2, 291.
Henry now lived ‘every day five or six hours in armour’. Chamberlain, 1939, vol. 1, p. 330.
His ‘whole talk was of arms and war’. CSPV, vol. 12, p. 450.
After the French king’s assassination … an assassin’s attack. CSPV, vol. 11, p. 496; Boderie, 1750, vol. 5, p. 268; CSPD, 1603–10, p. 611; BL Stowe MS 171, f23.
James was to create new Knights of the Bath … Daniel, 1610, p. 15ff.
Monday dawned and guests … the Palace of Westminster. I have recreated this day from John Noies’s account in HMC Reports, vol. 3, pp. 259–63; CSPV, vol. 11, para 945; Daniel, 1610, and Croft, 1992, pp. 177–93; BL Cotton MS Vesp. F III, No. 20; and HMC Downshire, vol. 2, 296ff.
An exquisitely ornamented patent … the right tone. TNA SP14/53/71, 73, 75; SP 14/55/10; BL Add MS 36932.
A sword, a ring, a golden vierge. TNA SP 14/55/12; Bray, 1806, pp. 18–20; and BL Cotton MS Vesp. CXIV f135, which is the list for ‘Things to be provided for creation of the Prince of Wales for his principality, Dukedom and Earldom’.
Spem in Alium Nunquam Habui – ‘Hope in any other, I have never had’. The earliest extant MS version of Spem in Alium is BL Egerton MS 3512, almost certainly made for this day, with English words beneath the Latin text; Willetts, 1968, pp. 38–41.
Sing and glorify Heaven’s high Majesty … BL Egerton MS 3512.
‘During the whole dinner time … most exquisite music’. HMC Downshire, vol. 2, p. 316.
Tethys, goddess of the sea. Daniel, 1610, p. 29ff.
His mother’s masque told Henry … ‘A chemic secret, and change fish to gold’. Barroll, 1991, p. 123ff; Butler, 2008, chapter 6.
Chapter 23: Henry’s Men Go to War
Henry ordered Captain George Waymouth to keep a journal … BL Royal MS 17 B XXXII. All quotations by Waymouth in the following account of the siege are from this manuscript.
‘We press him [the enemy] so nighly … in all my endeavours’. Birch, 1760, 198ff; BL Harley MS 7007, f398; Chamberlain, 1939, vol. 1, p. 369.
‘blown a pike’s length … Only one soldier was blown quite away’. BL Royal MS 17B XXXII, f15.
‘a boat full of artificial fireworks’ … old soldiers pushed it away. BL Royal MS 17B XXXII, f19v.
‘has called to parlay … in so high and so thick a wall’. Birch, 1760, p. 202.
‘tranquillity, peace and repose’ … to assure them of their importance. CSPV, vol. 10, p. 513.
His flagship, the Prince Royal … was ready to launch. Pett, 1918, pp. 76–86.
Chapter 24: Henry Plays the King’s Part
‘obscure, and nothing … Are there any Nymphs to woo?’ Oberon quotations: Jonson, 1969, p. 159ff; analysis draws on Butler, 2008, pp. 188–94; Butler, 1998, p. 24ff; Barroll, 1991, p. 129ff; HMC Downshire, vol. 3, p. 1ff.
‘tall, … strong and well proportioned … the motion of his eyes composed’. Bacon, 1861, p. 327ff.
‘The Prince … took the Queen to dance … each of the rest his lady’. Downshire, vol. 3, pp. 1–2.
‘for a corranto … which was something to see and admire’. HMC Downshire, vol. 3, pp. 1–2.
‘How sour sweet music is … now doth time waste me’. Richard II, V, 5, lines 42–4, 49.
‘The players do not forbear … any would be afraid to hear them’. Nichols, 1828, vol. 1, p. 500; Butler, 1998, pp. 20–1.
Love Freed from Ignorance and Folly. Quotations are drawn from Jonson, 1969, p. 174ff; analysis benefits from Craig, 2010, pp. 400–11.
‘Notwithstanding the inestimable … who reaped the first fruits’. Halliwell (ed.), 1845, vol. 1, pp. 90–1.
Henry was ‘captivated by her eyes, which then found no match but themselves’. BL Add MS 25348, f4v. This rumour has persisted, although this observation is from a play written after Henry’s death.
‘The most beautiful and specious ladies … yet did he … cover them’. Discourse, p. 262.
His ‘more heroic innate qualities … soon raised him out of the slumber of that distemper’. Wilson, 1653: p. 56, my italic.
‘The Commonwealth engrossed by so few … Enjoy and defile her’. Catiline I. 1. 346–9. All quotations from Catiline, from here to the end of the chapter, are from Act I, Scene 1.
Chapter 25: From Courtly College to Royal Court
Henry ‘is delighted to rule … and some new buildings’. CSPV, vol. 12, p. 106.
Edward Wright … ‘a very poor man’. TNA SP 14/71/17.
‘with a look that said: “Sir, you must hear me diligently”’. Birch, 1760, p. 377.
eight ‘tons of Indian coloured wood transported from beyond the seas’. TNA E.351/2793.
‘They ha’ their change of houses, manors, lordships … At price of provinces’. Catiline, I, 1, lines 381–7.
‘bring unto your coffers … without wrong to the public’. BL Harley MS 7007, f357.
‘be not tempered, it will be of ill sound … directly repugnant’. Birch, 1760, p. 134.
‘I mean to give him a composition … if you will give me reasonable’ terms. Hatfield CP 134/163.
Chapter 26: Court Cormorants
He handed over substantial money gifts. TNA SP Warrant Book, ii, 191.
‘An Instruction to Princes, to know how to Govern state well’. Wren TC MS R.7.23*, II, f16v.
The going rate for a baronetcy was set at £2,000. Many of the oldest extant baronetcies began here, in this way.
Henry carried the banner … disgust and self-control. CSPV, vol. 12, pp. 153–4.
Rochester was ‘further in the King’s graces … secure his favour and good will’. CSPV, vol. 12, pp. 142, 135.
‘more suitors following him than my Lord Treasurer’. HMC Buccleuch, vol. 1, pp. 101–2.
‘graciously on everyone … just as he thinks best’. CSPV, vol. 12, p. 265.
Rochester’s slighting of the queen increased Henry’s determination. The details of this incident come from Wilson, 1653, p. 79; CSPV, vol. 12, p. 142; Tillières, 1863, p. 4; Huntington Library: Ellesmere MS 5979, f6.
his father, ‘walked up and down … how public the matter is now,’ said Anne. Goodman, 1839, vol. 1, p. 216, and vol. 2, p. 145; HMC Downshire, vol. 3, p. 83.
It was rumoured, wrongly, he ‘is President’ … ‘in the conduct of important affairs’. HMC Downshire, vol. 3, p. 155; CSPV, vol. 11, para 364.
Rochester was seen ‘grappling … opposition to’ the poisonous growth. Wilson, 1653, p. 56.
Henry was ‘almost always with the Earl of Salisbury’. CSPV, vol. 12, p. 227.
‘dangerous to … invest the son with the authority of the father’. Birch, 1760, p. 254.
Henry once again found himself caught … never, ever entered the queen’s line of sight. See Goodman, 1839, vol. 2, pp. 143–4; HMC De L’Isle, vol. 5, p. 65, wrongly dated; HMC Downshire, vol. 3, pp. 138–9, 180; Chamberlain, 1939, vol. 1, p. 314, for further comment on this friction.
Rochester ‘carries it handsomely … not well satisfied with him’. HMC Mar and Kellie, 1930, p. 41.
Chapter 27: The Humour of Henry’s Court
Thomas Coryate’s request for an audience at St James’s. Coryate 1611, contains the poetic sketches by friends, and Coryate’s addresses to the royal family, that I quote from here. Other commentary benefits from Strachan 1962 and Pritchard 2004.
Chapter 28: Marital Diplomacy
‘the Spanish olive’, as Salisbury called her. Williamson, 1978, p. 133.
‘Disagreement in religion … taking their example from your family’. BD, p. 35.
the leading French Huguenot prince, the Duke of Bouillon … formal proposal before he could reply. CSPF, Privy Council to Edmondes, Feb 1611; Edmondes to Salisbury, Jan 1611.
Henry asked … Ralegh, for his opinion … Just what Henry wanted to hear. Ralegh, 1829, vol. 8, pp. 223–36; TNA SP 14/70 ff163–6.
Another ‘faithful’ prince … secure Princess Elizabeth for himself. These 1611 marital goings on, also cite Nichols, 1828, vol. 2, p. 424; CSPV, vol. 12, p. 196; Rye, 1865, p. 143ff; BL Harley MS 7008, ff81–2, 89, 138.
‘good grounds to believe that the Palsgrave will get the golden fleece’. HMC Portland, vol. 9, p. 26.
‘Five heirs, true youths, five kinsmen and five Princes …’ Fennor, 1616.
‘Our brethren … overrun, spoiled and forcibly handled’. Publicke Declaration, 1610, p. 8.
The French Herald, 1611 passim; Werner, 1996, p. 124.
‘Here is the Alexander of Great Britain … My Young Caesar, and great Alexander’. Marcelline, 1610, sig. A2r.
‘intended to marry a subject and a beauty, to avoid keeping a mistress’. Strong, 1986, p. 67; ASF 4189.
John Webster said … ‘we stood as in some spacious theatre’. Webster, 1612, sig. B.
Chapter 29: Supreme Protector
For investors and general comment on the Northwest Passage Company, see Brown, 1890, passim; Birch, 1760, p. 264; CSPD, James I, p. 139; BL Harley MS 7009, f168; CSPV, vol. 12, pp. 233, 265, 299–300, 333, 361; Chamberlain, 1939, vol. 1, pp. 321–32.
‘Let there be a religious care’ … He expected them to be gone for up to two years. Button, 1849, pp. 81–94.
The prince sent ‘a spy … the royal navy was ordered’. Goodman, 1839, vol. 1, p. 250.
‘with diligence and authority … Admiral who is decrepit, can hardly do’. CSPV, vol. 12, p. 227.
a general review of the navy with a view to its complete refit and modernisation. CSPD, James I, pp. 85–6, 99.
‘no doubt, but he had others’ … Henry took a mile. Goodman, 1839, vol. 1, p. 250.
‘to execute [the position] during his brother’s minority … of Inferiors’. HMC Downshire, vol. 3, p. 147.
Henry pressed his fellow councillors … They stonewalled. CSPV, vol. 12, pp. 240, 264–5; BL Harley MS 7009, ff30–47.
‘For whosoever commands the sea commands the trade’. Ralegh, 1829, vol. 8, p. 325; though this is now thought to be Gorges’s work.
‘with Spain … become the executor of that noble attempt’. Discourse, p. 261.
‘The Prince has managed so cleverly … the greatest post in this kingdom’. CSPV, vol. 12, pp. 226–7.
‘those who are interested in this colony … his support and assistance towards it’. Brown, 1890, vol. 2, p. 554.
Henrico … ‘much better and of more worth than all the work ever since the colony began’. Wilson, 1946, p. 119.
Henry’s ‘royal heart was ever strongly affected to that action’. Hamor, 1615, sig. E3; Land, 1938, pp. 453–98, for a discussion of the college more generally.
‘discourage them not in growing religious nor in gathering riches’. Johnson, 1612.
‘unpathed waters, undreamed shores’. The Winter’s Tale, IV, 4, line 572.
Henry asked Robert Sidney, Viscount Lisle … slip through his fingers. HMC De L’Isle, vol. 4, p. 239.
Chapter 30: Selling Henry to the Highest Bidder
‘The god of money … has stolen Love’s ensigns’. Ben Jonson, Love Restored, 1612. Quotations from Jonson, 1969, p. 193ff, and comment on it draws on Parry, 1993, pp. 87–117.
‘why should the heir of England be sold?’ … a powerful tool of foreign policy. HMC Portland, vol. 9, pp. 41–5.
doubling the huge dowry offered by Tuscany. ASF Misc. 293, inserto 28, n21.
‘Rome shall reap thereby great honour’ … Anne and the other court Catholics. HMC Portland, vol. 9, pp. 41–5.
‘does not show many signs of stirring himself … defer to the judgement of his father’. TNA PRO 31/3/45; BL Harley MS 6986, f103.
‘I would advise the Prince to keep his own ground … some terrible tempest’. Ralegh, 1829, vol. 8, p. 250.
‘resolved that two religions should never lie in his bed’ … Protestant for most of his life. BL Stowe MS 172, f284; BL Harley MS 7002, ff149–51.
Ambassador Lotti remained buoyant … before Henry could give his decision. ASF Misc. 293, inserto 29, n10; Strong, 1986, p. 72.
Lord Roos … No one knew Henry’s heart better than David Murray. Birch, 1760, p. 321.
Signor Cioli had had enough … ‘I am in a state of such mental confusion’. Strong, 1986, pp. 72–3; ASF Misc. 293, inserto 28, n20 and 38, my translation.
Chapter 31: A Model Army
Maurice introduced one of his own engineers, Captain Abraham van Nyevelt. BL Harley MS 7008, f112; pension in Harley MS 7009, f1–2.
Palma, ‘the finest in the world as far as fortification goes’. CSPV, vol. 12, p. 194.
He commissioned Van Nyevelt to make ‘patterns’ for England’s new fortifications. TNA E 351/2794: AO 1/2021, No. 2.
‘the very practise of everything either defensive or offensive’ … a huge sum. CSPD, 1611–12, p. 53; Dalton, 1885, pp. 234–6; Edward Helwis to Henry, BL Harley MS 7009, f10.
Crates and crates of models arrived … ‘2 carriages for mortar pieces; one sledge’. After Charles I’s execution, the sale of the contents of St James’s included this model army: Millar, 1972, pp. 153–4.
‘battles of Head-men … sent to him from all Countries’. Account, p. 26.
‘Ordained to make thy eight great Henries nine … his Fame shall strike the Starres’. Drayton, 1612.
Henry, in profile, dressed as a Roman general. Williamson, 1978: p. 67; Henry, Prince of Wales, in Profile, Isaac Oliver (1611–12) in MacLeod, 2012, p. 117.
he was painted … with an army camp in the background. RCIN 420058, Isaac Oliver, Henry, Prince of Wales in MacLeod, 2012, p. 102.
‘he had the most unserviceable tongue of any man living’ … to concentrate for hours. Discourse, p. 263; Bacon, 1868, vol. 6, pp. 328–9.
His master had ‘a close disposition, not easy to be known or pried into’. Account, 1751, p. 51.
‘His forehead bore marks of severity’ … at this stage of his life. Bacon, 1868, vol. 6, p. 327.
Chapter 32: End of an Era
‘my audit is made’ – appropriately for a Lord Treasurer. Croft, 1991b, p. 794.
Some of Pembroke’s clients built up the Herbert–Pembroke. Petyt MS 538, vol. 36, fol. 81v.
‘If I might advise, I would you could rather devise how to grow in with the Prince’. Chamberlain, 1939, vol. 1, pp. 352, 357, 359.
Rochester wanted to be seen as building bridges … he craved old Salisbury’s offices more. Barroll, 2001, p. 134; Chamberlain, 1939, vol. 1, pp. 359–60.
‘As matters go here now … not leave one of that family to piss against the wall’. Birch, 1760, p. 256; Osborne, 1811.
Chapter 33: Wedding Parties
Henry called in his servant … Thomas Campion. Parry, 1993, pp. 101–2.
‘Let the British strength … God the helper will be at their side’. Strong, 2000, p. 137; Winwood, 1725, vol. 3, pp. 403–4. Ironically, Elizabeth’s German descendants made her this ‘mother of kings’ by ousting her own brother’s Stuart heirs to establish the Hanoverian dynasty.
George Chapman created a second show, the Memorable Masque. Chapman, 1613, passim; Strong, 2000, pp. 132–3; Marshall, 1998, ch. 3.
Informally called the Masque of Truth … when the Spanish ambassador received his wedding invitation, he refused it. Jocquet, 1613, passim; Norbrook, 1986, pp. 81–109; Parry, 1993, pp. 103, 105–6; Strong, 2000, pp. 135–7. In 1613, Elizabeth and Frederick carried the text of the Masque of Truth back to Heidelberg and there published it in French.
‘excessive in continuance … in the water for some hours together’. WH, p. 33.
He posted sixty miles in nine hours … in the middle of a heatwave. BL Add MSS 30075, B6v–B7v; Wilson, 1946, pp. 122–3.
‘like to a Princely Bridegroom … and Greatness thereof’. BL Add MSS 30075, sigs B7v–B8v.
James complimented … ‘he could never do so much in his own house’. WH, p. 9.
Henry shrugged … they teased him ‘with one jest or other’. Birch, 1760, pp. 471–2.
They want to know … ‘my marriage with the second daughter of France’. BL Stowe MS 172, f284v.
Henry took his time, as always, then replied. Henry’s words all from BL Harley MS 6986, f103.
‘My master’ sought to heal … ‘a sure haven to the distressed Church abroad’. HMC Portland, vol. 9, pp. 8–11.
The Palatine wedding party … ‘“I take pleasure in nothing”’. Birch, 1760, p. 472ff. Birch’s narrative draws on WH, and Cornwallis’s Account and Discourse.
Chapter 34: Henry Loses Time
Charles came to Whitehall Stairs … Henry sitting … in front of the arms of Britain. HMC Downshire, vol. 3, pp. 391–2.
Henry remained seated … a good impression on everyone, except the queen. Winwood, 1725, vol. 3, pp. 403–4; Birch, 1760, p. 466.
‘He seems to take delight in nothing but her company and conversation’. Chamberlain, 1939, vol. 1, pp. 383–4.
‘As though his body had been of brass,’ he played … as they fought to win. Birch, 1760, p. 473; Account, p. 30.
Wilkinson took Job 14:5 as his text. Wilkinson, 1614, p. 21.
At around 3 p.m. … a spasm of ‘sudden sickness and faintness of the heart’. From here to the end of Henry’s life, the narrative draws on Birch, 1760, p. 475ff, and Account, p. 30ff; Discourse, except where cited below.
‘a deserved punishment … for having ever opened his ears to admit treaty of a Popish match’. HMC Buccleuch, 1899, vol. 1, p. 118.
Desperate, Princess Elizabeth … she was sent home in distress. Chamberlain, 1939, vol. 1, p. 390; Oman, 2000, p. 66.
Henry ‘was not able to say anything’ … perhaps an attempt to protect his followers. Chamberlain, 1939, vol. 1, p. 391.
‘Where is my dear sister?’ he whispered. Chamberlain, 1939, vol. 1, p. 390.
Out ‘of mere pity’, Death suddenly ‘thrust the dart quite through … and Restorer’. Account, pp. 43–4.
Chapter 35: Unravelling
no sign ‘of poison appeared … over-violent exercise at tennis and over-eating of grapes’. HMC Downshire, vol. 3, p. 419.
‘quite consistent with variegate porphyria’, which famously afflicted his family, including, very likely, his father James, and certainly his sister Elizabeth’s great-great grandson, George III, see Rushton, 2008, p. 63.
On Monday, he rode to ‘Sir Walter Cope’s … but again in Theobalds’. HMC Downshire, vol. 3, pp. 419–20.
‘But Henry is dead! Henry is dead!’ CSPV, vol. 12, pp. 449, 469, 521, and passim.
‘The news of the death of the Prince of Wales has stunned us all … others rejoice at such news’. Buwinckhausen to Trumbull, HMC Downshire, vol. 3, pp. 415–17.
‘there could scarce anything have happened whereat these people would have grieved less’. HMC Downshire, vol. 3, p. 432.
James encouraged the elector to stay … could encourage her to talk to him. HMC Downshire, vol. 3, p. 420.
Sir John Holles ‘attended my dear master’s bowels to the grave’ … was agony. HMC Portland, vol. 9, pp. 35–6.
Silence fell on the prince’s vibrant, busy household … the first time in history a crown prince had earned this honour. Woodward, 1997, p. 149.
Henry’s death ‘came so sudden … in the likeliest of human beings’. BL Harley MS 7004, f68.
Daniel Price’s sermon to ‘that Princely family … rusts, good spirits’. Price, 1613, pp. 3, 24–5; McCullough, 1998, p. 193.
‘not compatible with the safety of the King and State … drowse out the sorrow for his lost child’. HMC Portland, vol. 9, p. 11.
‘A young fellow came stark naked to St James’s … spoken with the King’. HMC Downshire, vol. 3, p. 414.
Ralegh had been busy writing a History of the World for the prince. Quotations from Ralegh are in Ralegh, 1829, vol. 7, chapters 4–6.
Chapter 36: Endgame
the prince, just ‘as he went in life’. He was a waxwork over a wooden frame. Details of the funeral are drawn from Birch, 1760, p. 475ff; Account, p. 30ff; Discourse, passim, except where cited.
confident ‘each would be readmitted to his old post’. CSPV, vol. 12, p. 453.
The king simply turned most of them out ‘to seek their fortune elsewhere’. Chamberlain, 1939, vol. 1, p. 405.
Charles ‘interceded earnestly’ for Murray … ‘seducing his late master to their schism’. BL Add MS 32464f.
the king readmitted the Puritan court divine, Henry Burton. NA SP 14/139 f144. Burton might have got back in because Charles’s guardian, Carey, patronised Burton. I would like to thank Professor John Adamson for bringing this letter to my attention. For the destiny of Burton and Prynne, see Adamson, 2007, p. 115.
Richard Stock, the godly minister of All Hallows … linked Harington and Prince Henry. Stock, 1614, passim.
John Donne lamented ‘thou dids’t intrude on death, usurps’t a grave’ before time. Donne, ‘Obsequies on the Lord Harington’ (London, 1614).
The monarchy betrayed what Henry’s political heirs believed both they and their prince stood for. Scott, 2014, pp. 102–3; Adamson, 2007, more generally, for his account of the English noblemen, who challenged Charles I’s movement towards absolute, authoritarian monarchy.
‘The stage stands, the actors alter … revolutions in Christendom’. Fuller, 1655, quoted in Werner, 1996, p. 132.