Catalogue description Secretaries 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.

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.