SP 801578-1780Secretaries of State: State Papers Foreign, Holy Roman Empire
Correspondence and papers of the Secretary of State concerning the Holy Roman Empire (Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bohemia, etc.).
The records are mainly in-letters and despatches (with some copies) from the British representatives (often designated envoys extraordinary or ministers plenipotentiary) at the court of the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. The letters are usually dated at Vienna, though there are a number from Prague, particularly during the reign of Emperor Rudolf II (1576-1612) who made Prague his principal residence.
Some letters or copies of letters from other special envoys or agents acting on behalf of the British government are included, together with a number of draft letters or letters in copy form from the Secretary of State. Several original letters or memorials from the Emperor's court, from generals, and other prominent and less prominent persons within the Empire are amongst the papers, particularly during the turbulent years of the Counter Reformation and the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). During these years the Emperors were often in conflict with their Protestant princes, who looked for support from the British monarch.
Many despatches contain military intelligence, or plans or maps.