Catalogue description Secretaries of State: State Papers Foreign, Hamburg and Hanse Towns

Mainly original in-letters and despatches (with some copies) to the Secretary of State from the British diplomatic representatives (often designated envoys extraordinary, ministers, or residents) responsible for the 'Hanse Towns'. The representatives usually resided at Hamburg, though they were separately accredited to Hamburg, Bremen and Lübeck.

The papers include those of James Cresset (Envoy Extraordinary to Brunswick-Lüneburg who resided almost entirely at Hamburg during 1697-1700) and Dr John Robinson (Envoy Extraordinary to Sweden who resided at Hamburg on business of mediation from October 1707 until August 1709).

A large number of original letters and memorials from the governments of the Hanse Towns, The Merchant Adventurers of England residing in Hamburg and other institutions and individuals are included. Draft letters or letters in copy form from the Secretary of State (or occasionally one of his assistants) to the British representatives are also to be found.

Selected documents dated before August 1589 are described in the Calendar of State Papers Foreign Series of the Reign of Elizabeth I ed A J Butler S C Lomas and R B Wernham (London 1901-1950). For references to the more important papers for the period August 1589 to December 1595 see the List and Analysis of State Papers Foreign Series Elizabeth I I-VI ed by Richard Bruce Wernham (London 1964-1993). Please speak to staff at the Map and Large Document Room enquiry desk for the precise location.