Prose Works by or Attributed to Cotton
Abstract of a Book in Defence of Mary Queen of Scots
Unpublished.
*CtR 1
Autograph draft, with revisions, headed ‘An abstract of a Book wrighten in defence of the Scotts Q Honor deliuered on December 1571 by D Harpsfield and Weston then in the Flete to sergent Barram and Mr Soliciter Bromely and now remaineth with my Lord of Salesbury Principall Secretary .1610.’, on two folio leaves. 1610.
In: A folio composite volume of state papers, in various hands, 468 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco on roan boards. End 16th-early 17th century.
This volume discussed and printed in part, with facsimile examples, in F. Haverfield, ‘Cotton Iulius F. VI Notes on Reginald Bainbrigg of Appleby, on William Camden and on some Roman Inscriptions’, Transactions of the Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society, NS 11 (1911), 343-78.
An Abstract out of the Records of the Tower
See The Manner and Meanes how the Kings of England have from time to time Supported and Repaired their Estates: CtR 272-315.
An Accompt of such Service as was enioyed by your Mats. Comission to me and others concerninge the prsent State of your Navy
An official report by the Navy Commission, to James I, produced principally by Cotton, with corrections by Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton. Unpublished?
Cf also HoH 94.
CtR 2
A formal and official copy, in professional secretary and italic hands, with some bold engrossed lettering, 84 double-folio leaves, in modern calf. Headed (f. 1r) ‘An Accompt of such Seruice as was enioyed by your Mats. Comission to me and others concerninge the prsent State of your Navy’, the initial address to James I subscribed (f. 19r) ‘your Maiesties most loyall and humble Subiecte and Seruante Robert Cotton’, followed by a series of observations on particular subjects (‘Before the Dock’, ‘In the Dock’, ‘In harborow’, ‘At the Sea’, ‘Victualling’, and ‘Trinitie howse’), subscribed (f. 82r) ‘Your Maiestye humble Subiect and Seruant Robert Cotten’, and with (ff. 83r-4v) an index. c.1610.
CtR 3
A formal folio copy, in a professional secretary hand, subscribed ‘Robert Cotton’, stamped foliation [1]-71, penciled foliation [1]-132. c.1609.
*CtR 4
A partly autograph folio draft, with revisions, partly in two other secrerary hands and with added sidenotes in red ink, stamped foliation 76-104, with 109-28 occupied by related documents, the first two leaves in Cotton's hand. c.1609.
CtR 5
Copy, headed ‘An account of such Service as was enioyned by your Matys Commission to me and others concerning ye present state of your Nauy’, incomplete, unsigned, 16 folio leaves, bound with other tracts. Early 17th century.
CtR 6
A formal copy of the report of the Committee appointed by King James I to inspect the Navy, seventeen leaves, bound with another tract. Early 17th century.
An Answer made by Command of Prince Henry, to Certain Propositions of Warre and Peace
A treatise beginning ‘Frames of Policy, as well as works of Nature, are best preserved from the same grounds...’., written in 1609. First published London, 1655. Also published as Warrs with Forregin Princes Dangerous to oyr Common-Wealth: or, reasons for Forreign Wars Answered (London, 1657); as An Answer to such Motives as were offer'd by certain Military-Men to Prince Henry, inciting him to affect Arms more than Peace... (London, 1665); and as A Discourse of Foreign War (London, 1690).
CtR 7
Copy, as ‘Written By Sr Robert Cotton Knight and Baronet’, in a professional hand, v + 101 folio leaves, in contemporary calf gilt. c.1630.
J. & J. Leighton's sale catalogue No. 11 (1928), item 219.
CtR 8
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, imperfect at the beginning. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state and legal tracts and other papers, in various hands, 404 leaves, in half-calf.
CtR 9
Copy, in two or three professional hands, untitled, docketed in another hand (? that of William Fulman (1632-88), antiquary) ‘Sr Rob. Cotton agst Warr. Jac. 1.’
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and letters, in various hands, 297 leaves, in calf (rebacked). Early-mid-17th century.
CtR 10
Copy. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and estate papers, in English and Latin, in various largely professional hands, i + 527 leaves, in modern calf.
Among the collections of Browne Willis, MP, FSA (1682-1760), antiquary, of Whaddon Hall, near Winslow, Buckinghamshire.
CtR 11
Copy, in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, as ‘Written by Sr: Robte Cotton Knight, and Barronett.’c.1630s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various professional hands, 200 leaves, in 19th-century morocco.
Purchased from Thomas Rodd (1796-1849), bookseller, 11 February 1838.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 228 (No. 28).
CtR 12
Copy, in a single professional secretary hand, headings in italic, with a title-page ‘An answere made by Sr Robert Cotton Knight, and Barronet...1628’, xvii + 153 octavo leaves, in contemporary limp vellum. Yelverton MS 104, among papers of Sir Henry Yelverton (1566-1629), Justice of the Common Pleas, and his family. c.1628.
*CtR 13
Part of a copy, in a professional secretary hand, subscribed ‘Robert Cotton Bruceus’, inscribed at the top of f. 67r, apparently in Cotton's own hand, ‘Ks. of Engld R. C. Bruce’, imperfect, much torn away. Early 17th century.
In: An unbound collection of state tracts and speeches, in various hands, 113 chiefly folio leaves.
Volume CLXXIII of the Trumbull Papers, of the Trumbull family, including chiefly William Trumbull (1576/80?-1635), diplomat and government official. Later belonging to the Marquess of Downshire, of Easthampstead Park. Formerly in Berkshire Record Office, in Trumbull Add 5, 8, 37, 42.
*CtR 14
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with some possibly autograph insertions and marginal instructions (such as ‘Leave a space’), headed ‘An Answere to such motiues as were offered by certen mylitary men to prince Henry to incite him to affect Armes mor then Peace mad at his highnes command by R. C. B his humble seruant’, signed by him (f. 3r) ‘Robertus Cotton Bruceus’, dated at the beginning ‘Aprill. 1609’, and subscribed ‘Ro. Cotton. 1609’. 1609.
In: A folio composite volume of state papers and tracts chiefly relating to Crown revenues, in various largely professional hands, 367 leaves (and additions), in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt. Inscribed (f. 1r) ‘A Collection made by Sr Robert Cotton for his Maties Seruice in time of Extremytie’. A list of contents (f. 2v) is in the hand of Sir William Dugdale (1605-86), antiquary and herald.
The copy text for the first (1655) abd subsequent printed editions.
CtR 15
Copy of a version, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘deliured to his Highnes by some of his Millitarie servants’, otherwise unascribed, 68 folio leaves, in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 16
Copy of the second half of the tract, headed ‘Princes: Extremityes, Beyounde: the ease of their people By Reason of Warres &c’, and here beginning ‘Haveinge thus farre, wth as light a hand as I could drawe downe...’, the title-page in the hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, all the rest in another professional secretary hand.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, 285 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco gilt. In various professional hands, including that of the ‘Feathery Scribe’.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 242-4 (No. 57).
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 243 (No. 57.8).
*CtR 17
Notes, partly autograph, largely in the hand of an amanuensis, headed by Cotton ‘Common places for you to observe in the reading over of the storyes of England’, partly relating to war and invasion and relating to this tract.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various hands, 122 leaves (plus blanks), in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt. In various professional hands, including that of the ‘Feathery Scribe’.
Inscribed by Wanley (f. 1r and elsewhere) with date of accession into the Harley library ‘16 October 1725’. In the Harley Library, formed by the politician and book collector Robert Harley (1661-1724), first Earl of Oxford, and his son Edward (1689-1741), second Earl of Oxford; the volume docketed 16 October 1725, a year after the library was moved from Brampton Bryan to London.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 244-5 (No. 59).
CtR 18
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a title-page in another hand, ‘A discourse of Peace shewing that Peace is more fitting for the State and realme of England, than Warre’, unascribed. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, papers and speeches, in various hands, in modern leather gilt. Including some papers owned or annotated by Sir Robert Cotton.
*CtR 19
A series of autograph notes and drafts for the tract, with copious deletions and revisions, an inserted half-folio leaf (f. 59r) in another hand. Early 1600s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various professional hands, 299 leaves, in modern leather gilt.
CtR 20
Copy, in two secretary and italic hands, imperfect, lacking the first part and a title, subscribed ‘Rob: Cotton Barronett’.
In: A folio volume comprising two tracts by Sir Robert Cotton, 49 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco gilt. Early 17th century.
CtR 21
Copy, in a cursive secretary hand. c.1630s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in various professional hands, 211 leaves, in mottled leather.
Bookplate of Algernon Capell (1654-1710), second Earl of Essex, Privy Councillor, 1701.
CtR 22
Copy, in a professional hand, untitled, as by Sir Robert Cotton, on 47 small quarto leaves, in modern boards. Early 17th century.
Owned in 1774 by Thomas Astle (1735-1803), archivist and collector of books and manuscripts.
CtR 23
Copy, a title-page in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, the main text all in the hand of another professional cursive secretary hand, ii + 78 folio leaves, in a paper wrapper. c.1625-30s.
Recorded in HMC, 6th Report (1877), Appendix, p. 313.
CtR 24
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, untitled.
In: A folio volume comprising two independent tracts bound together, in two separate hands, 81 leaves (plus a number of blanks), in contemporary limp vellum. c.1620s-30s.
Inscribed (f. iir)by the second Earl of Bridgewater, misidentifying the first item as ‘A Treatise about Impositions’.
CtR 25
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a formal title-page, as ‘Written by Sr Robert Cotton knight and Barronett’, iii + 62 folio leaves, in red morocco gilt. c.1630.
CtR 26
Copy, as ‘deliuered to his highenes by some of his Millitarie seruants’, 83 folio leaves. Early 17th century.
Formerly among the library of the Carr family, Marquesses of Lothian, at Newbattle Abbey.
CtR 27
Copy, in a single professional secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sr Robert Cotton knight & Barronet’, 195 folio pages, in stiff paper wrappers. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 28
Copy of the second half of the treatise, in the professional secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, with his title-page ‘Princes: Extremityes Beyounde the ease of their people By Reason of Warres &c’, 36 folio leaves, foliated 49-85, unbound. c.1620s-30s.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 254 (No. 85).
CtR 29
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed Propositions presented to Prince Henry...Answered and Confuted by Sr Ro: Cotton Kt & Baronet, on 43 leaves, docketed at the end ‘Plegi Martij 9no 1673/4. Jo: Witham’.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and letters, in professional hands, including that of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, 517 leaves, in reversed calf. No. 11 inscribed ‘Severall Tracts Selected out of a Booke in ye hands of Sir Robert Cotton Knight and Baronnet’.
Collected in 1674 by one John Witham.
CtR 30
Copy, in three secretary and italic hands, unascribed, possibly incomplete. Early 17th century.
In: A tall folio composite volume of state letters and tracts, in various professional hands, with (f. 1r-v) a table of contents, 141 leaves, in contemporary vellum boards.
Old pressmark E. 3. 8.
CtR 31
Copy of the second half of the treatise, with a title-page, ‘A: Shorte Discours, proveinge That princes extremityes haue been Beyound, the ease, of their Subts: by Reason of Warres Wrytten By. Sr: Robte Cotton, knight, and Barronett, &c’, here beginning ‘Haveinge: thus farre, wth as light a hand as I could drawe downe the many and mighty Burthens of the Common Wealth...’, principally in an unidentified professional secretary hand, the title-page (f. 306r), heading and first word of the main text (f. 307r) in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and speeches, in various professional hands, 429 leaves (plus blanks), in old calf.
Bequeathed by Sir Jerome Alexander (c.1600-70), Justice of the Irish Common Pleas. Old pressmark G. 4. 8.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 225-6 (No. 22).
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 226 (No. 22.2).
CtR 32
Copy, in a professional predominantly secretary hand, unascribed, 82 quarto pages, in contemporary limp vellum, with traces of ties. Early 17th century.
Middle Hill bookplate of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector: Phillipps MS 22. Phillipps sale 1893, lot 279, to Ellis. In the library of Sir Thomas Brooke. Sale of Sir John A. Brooke, London, 1921, lot 750, to Last. Purchased in 1926.
CtR 33
Copy in: An octavo volume of tracts by Sir Robert Cotton, 256 leaves (plus blanks, a later table of contents, and a tipped-in genealogy), in 17th-century calf. In a single predominantly secretary hand. c.1640.
From the library of the Harvey family, of Ickwell Bury, Bedfordshire, and Funningley Park, Yorkshire.
Recorded in HMC, 2nd report (1871), Appendix, pp. 90-1.
CtR 34
Copy, on 21 folio leaves, disbound. In the hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, with his cropped annotation about charges made by him, and with reader's corrections. c.1630.
Sold by W.H. Robinson, 1952.
Described in Beal, In Praise of Scribes, pp. 69, 251-2 (No. 80), with a facsimile of the annotation on p. 71.
An Answer to Certain Arguments raised from Supposed Antiquity, and urged by some Members of the lower House of Parliament, to prove that Ecclesiasticall Lawes ought to be Enacted by Temporall Men
Tract beginning ‘What, besides self-regard, or siding faction, hath been...’. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [203]-217.
CtR 35
Copy, the work ‘Written by Sr Rob. Cotton Bruceus Knight Baronet’. c.1620s.
In: A quarto composite volume of state and religious tracts, 375 leaves.
CtR 36
c.1630.
In: A large folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, many relating to ecclesiastical courts, in various largely professional hands, 473 leaves, in calf.
CtR 37
Copy, in a professional predominantly secretary hand, inscribed in the margin ‘By Sr R C.’ and subscribed ‘R. C: B:’.
In: A tall folio volume of papers on parliamentary proceedings, in several professional hands, 109 leaves, in half-calf on marbled boards. c.1630.
Purchased from Lord R. Montagu in 1865.
CtR 38
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, subscribed ‘1626’, unascribed. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in various hands, 263 leaves (plus blanks), in contemporary limp vellum, with ties. In various hands, including the ‘Feathery Scribe’.
Yelverton MS 69, among papers of Sir Henry Yelverton (1566-1629), Justice of the Common Pleas, and his family.
Recorded in HMC, 2nd Report (1871), Appendix, p. 43.
CtR 39
Copy in: A folio volume of state tracts and papers, in a single hand, 80 leaves, in vellum. Constituting Volume LV of the Leeds Papers, chiefly collected by Sir Thomas Osborne (1632-1712), Earl of Danby and first Duke of Leeds, politician. c.1640.
CtR 40
Copy, in the professional secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, subscribed ‘R: C: B.’
In: A folio composite volume of state and antiquarian tracts and letters, in various professional hands, including the ‘Feathery Scribe’, 336 leaves.
In the collection of Francis Hargrave (1740/1-1821), legal writer. Inscribed by him on f. [iv] ‘F. Hargrave A gift made to me this day by my friend George Hardinge Esquire [(1743-1816), judge and writer]. F. H. 16. July 1789.’
Described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 232 (No. 40).
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, No. 40.3 [not there identified] (p. 232).
CtR 41
Copy, subscribed ‘Robertus Cotton Bruceus’.
In: A folio volume of state tracts and speeches, in Latin and English, in several probably professional predominantly italic hands, 78 leaves, in modern quarter crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt. c.1640.
CtR 42
Copy, in a professional secretary and italic hand, subscribed ‘Robertus Cotton Bruceus’, docketed in the margin ‘Parl: ano. 3o. Jacobi regis Sr. R O: Cotton speche deliuered to his Matie after it was spoken in Parlament’. Early 17th century.
In: A folio composite volume of state papers and parliamentary speeches, in various hands, 337 leaves, in modern red morocco gilt.
CtR 43
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, here ascribed on a title-page to ‘Sr Ro: C: B:’.
In: A folio volume of state tracts, in secretary hands, 219 leaves, in contemporary vellum with ties. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 44
Copy, in a professional hand, described as ‘...a speech in Parliamt made in answer to Sr Edwin Sandys’ and subscribed ‘Robertus Cotton Bruceum’. c.1630.
In: A large folio composite volume of state papers, letters and speeches, in English and Latin prose and verse, in various hands, 58 items, i + 449 leaves.
Given by William Moore.
Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, MS 73/40, ff. 162r-4v.
CtR 45
Copy, in double columns, in ‘A Collection of diverse small Treatises written by Sr Robert Cotton Kt: & Baronet...1626’.
In: A large folio volume of ecclesiastical and historical tracts, in a mixed hand, 418 pages (including numerous blanks, plus many blanks at the end), in modern calf. Early-mid-17th century.
Given by William Moore.
Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, MS 291/274, pp. 387-91.
CtR 46
Copy, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton Bruceus’. c.1630s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, ii + 317 leaves (plus numerous ruled blanks), with a table of contents, in contemporary calf, with metal clasps. In various professional hands (including the ‘Feathery Scribe’), one distinctive secretary hand responsible for ff. 1r-141v, 177r-8v, 206r-11r, 230r-5r.
Owned by Sir Richard Grosvenor (1585-1645); later by the Duke of Westminster, Eaton Hall, Cheshire, with his bookplate (inscribed ‘XXI No. 6’) and a label with No. ‘4’ on the spine. Assembled largely from ‘Liber 9’ (= MS 4). Sotheby's, 19 July 1966, lot 486, to Hofmann.
Recorded in HMC, 3rd Report (1872), Appendix, p. 212. Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 218-19 (No. 12). A microfilm of the MS is in the British Library, RP170.
CtR 47
Copy, in two professional mixed hands, as ‘Written by Sr Robert Cotton Bruceus’, six folio leaves (plus two blanks), unbound. c.1630.
National Library of Wales, Herbert of Cherbury Manuscripts and Papers E5/3/33.
CtR 48
Copy, in a professional rounded mixed hand, as ‘Written by Sr: Robert Cotton knight & Baronett’.
In: A folio volume of state tracts, in several professional hands, 176 leaves (plus a few blanks), in contemporary vellum with metal clasps. In various professional hands, including those of the ‘Feathery Scribe’ and Ralph Starkey.
Item 142 in an unidentified sale catalogue.
Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 222 (No. 16).
An Answer to such Motives as were offer'd by certain Military-Men to Prince Henry, inciting him to affect Arms more than Peace...
See An Answer made by Command of Prince Henry, to Certain Propositions of Warre and Peace: CtR 6-34.
The Antiquitye and Offyce of Earle Marshall of England, Written by Sr Robte Cotton, knight, and Baronett
Tract beginning ‘The plentye of this discourse, the last question of Highe Connstables, whereto...’. Hearne (1771), II, 97-103.
CtR 50
Copy, in the hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’.
In: A folio composite volume of state and antiquarian tracts, in probably three professional secretary hands, one of them (on 286 pages, including a title-page (f. 1r), a ‘Table’ of contents (ff. 2r-5r), and foliation throughout) being the ‘Feathery Scribe’, vi + 211 leaves, in late 17th-century calf. c.1625-30s.
Bookplates of Sir John Dolben, second baronet (1684-1756), of Finedon, Northamptonshire, and of ‘The Rev. H.C. Beeching/Yattendon/1897’. Acquired from Maggs.
CtR 51
Copy in the hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’.
In: A folio volume comprising two independent units, foliated as a single series, xii + 246 leaves (plus 12 further blanks). Both parts containing antiquarian tracts:
ff. 1r-29v, ‘Matters of Combat 1609’, predominantly in a professional secretary hand, with additions in other hands, owned in 1612 by William Crispe (name inscribed in court hand several times) and also by Henry Crispe (inscribed f. 20r-v), one or both also probably responsible for trial exercises in decorative lettering. c.1609-12.
ff. 30r-45v, discourses and copies of Latin documents relating to the offices of Lord Steward, Constable, and Earl Marshal of England, with title-page and (incomplete) list of contents, in the hands of professional scribes: ff. 30r-119v, 132r-45v, 150v-61r, 165v to to half-way down f. 205r in the hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’; the remainder in two other scribal hands. c.1630s.
Once owned by the Isham family, of Lamport Hall, Northamptonshire. Sotheby's, 17 June 1904 (‘Library of a Gentleman in the Country’), lot 89, to Quaritch. P.J. and A.E. Dobell, sale catalogue No. 80 (1928), item 719.
Described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 255 (No. 88). Woudhuysen, Sir Philip Sidney, p. 30.
CtR 52
Copy in: A large folio volume of antiquarian tracts relating to high offices of state, including papers delivered to the Society of Antiquaries, in a professional secretary hand, 223 pages, in half-calf. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 53
Copy, in a professional hand, as ‘written by Sr Robt: Cotton’. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of papers on antiquarian and state matters, in various hands, 207 leaves, in half-calf.
CtR 54
Copy, in a professional hand, imperfect, the lower half of f. 2 excised. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of antiquarian tracts, in English and Latin, in various hands, ii + 93 leaves, in marbled boards.
Once owned by Thomas Martin (1697-1771), of Palgrave, antiquary and collector (No. 4556 in the 1773 catalogue of his books). Among the collections of Richard Gough, FSA (1735-1809), antiquary and topographer.
CtR 55
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr: Robert Cotton Knight and Baronette’.
In: A folio volume of state letters and tracts, almost entirely in two professional secretary hands, predominantly that of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, iv + 232 leaves, in reversed calf. c.1628-30s.
Once owned by ‘Ric: Tichbone’, probably Sir Richard Tichborne, second Baronet, MP (c.1578-1652). James Tregaskis, sale catalogue No. 1022 (1948), item 29. Bought from Maggs, 4 November 1948, by Annie Winifred Bryher (née Ellerman, d.1983). Afterwards owned by the Ralegh scholar Agnes Latham (1905-96), of Pickering, North Yorkshire.
Briefly described in Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 229-31 (No. 35).
CtR 56
Copy, in a neat secretary hand, subscribed ‘Robertus Cotton’.
In: A folio composite volume of antiquarian tracts and documents, including original papers of the Society of Antiquaries, in various hands, 485 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.
CtR 57
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton, Knight and Baronett’, and subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton’. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of antiquarian tracts and papers, in several professional hands, 148 Leaves, in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.
Later owned, and inscribed (f. 1*r) by John Anstis (1669-1744).
CtR 58
Copy, subscribed ‘Ro Cotton’.
In: A folio volume of antiquarian tracts, in several professional hands, 208 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt. Late 17th century.
Inscribed (f. 1*r) by Wanley with date of accession into the Harley Library ‘4 May 1721’. An affixed slip inscribed ‘Ane baryngton’, ‘Robarts’, and ‘The Lady Robarts’, all in the same hand.
CtR 59
Copy, as ‘written by Sr. Robert Cotton knight & Bar.’
In: A folio volume of antiquarian tracts, almost entirely in a single professional secretary hand, 175 leaves (plus a two-leaf insertion), with a table of contents (ff. 168r-75r). in mottled leather. c.1630s.
Bookplate of Algernon Capell (1654-1710), second Earl of Essex, Privy Councillor, 1701.
CtR 60
Copy, subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton’.
In: A large folio volume of antiquarian tracts, in a single professional secretary hand, 316 leaves, in modern mottled leather. c.1620s-30s.
Bookplate of Algernon Capell (1654-1710), second Earl of Essex, Privy Councillor, 1701.
CtR 61
Copy in: A folio volume of antiquarian tracts and letters, in two secretary hands, written from both ends, 137 leaves (including blanks), in quarter-calf. End of 16th-early 17th century.
Cambridge University Library, MS Ee. 2. 35, ff. 130r-3v rev.
CtR 62
Copy, as by ‘Ro: Cotton’.
In: A folio composite volume of papers in the hand of Augustine Vincent (c.1581/4-1626), Rouge Croix Pursuivant and Windsor Herald. Early 17th century.
CtR 63
Copy, as ‘Written by Sir Robert Cotton knight and Baronett’.
In: A large folio volume of state and antiquarian tracts and papers for c.1530-1631, predominantly in two professional secretary hands, one of them that of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, 762 numbered pages (lpp. 148-76 blank, lacking pp. 345-56, plus 28 blanks), in old reversed calf.
From the library of William T. Smedley (1851-1934), Baconian. Acquired c.1924.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 265-7 (No. 109).
CtR 64
Copy in: A large folio volume of antiquarian tracts, chiefly relating to the office of Earl Marshal, in a single professional hand. Late 17th century.
Owned in 1685 by Francis Negus, presumably the Francis Negus who was Surveyor of the Mews, secretary to the Duke of Norfolk, and father of the soldier and courtier Francis Negus (1670-1732).
CtR 65
Copy, in a secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sr Robert Cotton knight and Barronet’, on three folio leaves paginated 38-46. Early 17th century.
In: A folio composite volume of state papers and antiquarian tracts, in various hands, ff. 132r-56v comprising a series of antiquarian tracts in a single professional secretary hand, 265 leaves, in red morocco. Early 17th century.
CtR 66
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton Knight and Barronett’.
In: A folio volume of antiquarian tracts, in professional secretary hands, 7 + 133 leaves (plus blanks). c.1630.
Recorded in HMC, 3rd Report (1872), Appendix, p. 120. Microfilm in the British Library, M/346 (3rd item).
Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle, MS 531, ff. 21r-6r (2nd series).
CtR 67
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr. Robt Cotton knight and Baronett’.
In: A folio volume of antiquarian tracts, in three professional hands, 261 leaves (plus numerous blanks), dated in ink on the fore-edge ‘1637’, in contemporary calf. c.1637.
Bequeathed by Sir Jerome Alexander (c.1600-70), Justice of the Irish Common Pleas. Old pressmark G. 3. 5.
The Antiquitie of Parliaments
A tract beginning ‘As touching the nature of the Right Courte of Parliament, It is nothing else but the Kinges greate councell...’. Ascribed to Cotton in MS sources.
CtR 68
Copy in: A folio volume comprising ‘The Severall Opinions of Sundrie Antiquaries’, members of the Society of Antiquaries, concerning Parliament, in a single professional secretary hand, iii + 32 leaves, in modern quarter-vellum. Volume V of the papers of John Scudamore (1601-71), first Viscount Scudamore, politician and diplomat. Early 17th century.
Evans (i.e. Sotheby's), 3 December 1821 (Scudamore sale), various lots, to Thomas Thorpe. Phillipps MS 22282. Sotheby's, 16 June 1896 (Phillipps sale). Dobell's sale catalogue No. 238 (1914), item 603. Presented by Wilfred Merton, FSA (1888-1957), book and manuscript collector.
CtR 69
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, unascribed. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of state, parliamentary and antiquarian tracts and papers, in several professional hands, i + 366 leaves, originally in a recycled vellum indenture (now detached), in modern quarter-calf. Yelverton MS 111, among papers of Sir Henry Yelverton (1566-1629), Justice of the Common Pleas, and his family.
CtR 70
Copy, subscribed ‘Sr Robert Cotton, Kt’.
In: A large folio volume of antiquarian, parliamentary and naval tracts, a formal compilation in professional hand(s), iii + 97 leaves, in contemporary panelled calf. Early 17th century.
Lot 389 in an unidentified sale and two unidentified armorial bookplates. Bought from Davis & Orioli, 10 November 1917.
CtR 71
Copy, unascribed.
In: A folio volume of antiquarian tracts on parliament, in a professional secretary hand, twenty leaves (including two blanks), unbound. c.1620s-30s.
Among the papers of Edward, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, formerly at Powis Castle. Formerly Powis MSS (1959 deposit), Series II, Bundle XVI, ‘Miscellaneous Political Papers’, Part 1, No. 2.
National Library of Wales, Herbert of Cherbury Manuscripts and Papers E5/3/30, ff. 17r-10r.
CtR 72
Copy in: A quarto commonplace book, in contemporary calf. c.1640s.
A microfilm in the British Library, M/331 (last item).
Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle, MS 556, [unspecified page numbers].
CtR 73
Copy, headed ‘The Antiquitie of Parliamt in England Written by some Anonymous Antiquary’.
In: A folio volume of antiquarian tracts on parliament, largely in one secretary hand, ii + 60 leaves, in contemporary vellum gilt. c.1630s.
Once owned by Richard St George (d.1635), Clarenceux Ling of Arms. Sir Henry St George sale, London, 27 November 1738, lot 209. Purchased in 1928 from Dobell.
The Argument made by the Command of the House of Commons, (Out of the Acts of Parliament, and Authority of Law, expounding the same) at a Conference with the Lords, concerning the Libertie of the person of every Freeman
Speech beginning ‘My Lords, Vpon the occasions delivered by the Gentlemen, your Lordships have heard...’. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [219]-250, with ‘The true Copies of the [Latin] Records not printed which were used on either side in that part of the debate’ on pp. 251-69.
CtR 74
Copy, ascribed to ‘Sr. Rob Cotton’ in a later hand.
In: A folio volume of state tracts and parliamentary speeches, in several professional hands, 197 leaves (plus numerous blanks and some additions at the reverse end), in contemporary vellum. c.1620s-30s.
The Authoritie priviledges and punishmts of the Higher and Lower Howse of Parliamt in England Collected out of the Comon lawes of this land and other good Authorities by Sir Robert Cotton knight and Barronett
Tract beginning ‘The most Comon and best meanes for the preservation and conservacon as well of priuate as publique Tranquilities...’. Ascribed to Cotton in British Library, Harley MS 4307, ff. 2r-5r, and in Exeter College, Oxford, MS 145, ff. 1r-[61r], but actually written by Ralph Starkey. Published in London, 1628, as The Privilege and Practice of Parliament.
A Breife Abstract of the Question of Precedencie between England and Spaine: Occasioned by Sir Henry Nevill the Queen of Englands Ambassador, and the Ambassador of Spaine, at Calais Commissioners appointed by the French King...
Tract, relating to events in 1599/1600, beginning ‘To seek before the decay of the Roman Empire...’. First published in London, 1642. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [73]-‘79’ [i.e. 89].
CtR 75
Copy, ascribed to ‘Robert Cotton Esqr’.
In: A folio volume of state papers and treatises, chiefly relating to relations between England and Spain, in a single professional hand, vi + 166 leaves (including some blanks), in half-calf.
CtR 77
Copy, being an expanded and rearranged version of the tract, headed ‘A breefe treatise of the question for Precedencye betwixt England and Spayne, disputed of in the dayes of Queene Elizabeth; and deuided into seuerall Chapters’, on eight quarto leaves, in modern half red leather. In the mixed hand of the Rev. John Rous (1584-1644), incumbent of Santon Downham, Suffolk. c.1620s-30s.
Bookplate of Anthony Keck. Purchased on 3 March 1873 from William Carew Hazlitt (1834-1913), bibliographer and writer.
CtR 78
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with deletions and alterations, as collected by Robt Cotton Esquier at the comaundment of her Matie. Early 17th century.
In: A large folio composite volume of legal tracts and papers, in various hands and paper sizes, 274 leaves, mounted on guards, in modern half red morocco. Collected by Sir Nicholas Lechmere (1613-1701), judge and politician.
Volume DCCXXXIII of the papers of the first four Earls of Hardwicke and other members of the Yorke family.
CtR 79
Copy, headed ‘Precedency of England in respect of the antiquitie of the Kingdome’, incomplete, unascribed.
In: A quarto volume of state papers and tracts, in a single professional secretary hand associated with Robert Beale, with additions at the end in a later hand, 62 leaves (plus numerous blanks), in contemporary calf gilt, with green silk ties. Yelverton MS 96, among papers of Sir Henry Yelverton (1566-1629), Justice of the Common Pleas, and his family, including papers descending from Robert Beale (1541-1601), Clerk of the Privy Council. c.1600.
*CtR 80
Autograph working notes and drafts, docketed on the outer wrapper ‘Proceding of England befor France and Spayne Fragments’, followed (on ff. 120r-1r) by a copy of a tract on precedency in a professional secretary hand.
In: A folio composite volume of state papers and tracts, in several hands, 151 leaves, in modern half-morocco gilt.
*CtR 81
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with some annotations in Cotton's hand, headed ‘A breife treatise of the question of precædency betwixt England and Spaine deuided into seuerall chapters’, here beginning ‘All Predence is of duety to the worthier...’, subscribed ‘finis Rob: Cotton’.
In: the MS described under CtR 80.
CtR 83
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a title-page, as ‘Collected By Sr Robert Cotton Kt. and Baronet Att hir Mats Comandmt’. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in various professional hands, 161 leaves, bound with an independent MS (Harley MS 1853) in mottled leather with gilt lettering and initials ‘M.B.’ on the front cover.
CtR 84
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Collected by Robert Cotton Esquire at the comaundmt of her Matie’. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in professional hands, 199 leaves, in panelled leather.
The wrapper f. 11r is inscribed by Wanley with the date of accession to the Harley Library ‘16 October 1725’.
CtR 85
Copy, as ‘By Sr Robert Cotton, Knt’.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, speeches and letters dating up to 1631, in various professional hands, including the ‘Feathery Scribe’, 313 leaves.
In the collection of Francis Hargrave (1740/1-1821), legal writer. Inscribed by him on f. [iv] ‘F Hargrave A gift to me this day from my friend George Hardinge Esquire [(1743-1816), judge and writer]. F. H. 16. July 1789.’
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes (1998), pp. 232-3 (No. 41).
CtR 86
Copy, followed after f. 10r by a lengthy series of related precedents, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘By Sr: Robert Cotton’, 50 large folio leaves in all, in 19th-century quarter-leather marbled boards. c.1630.
Inscribed (f. 1*r) ‘H.Walter 1811’.
CtR 88
Copy, as ‘Collected: By, Sr: Robte Cotton, Knight; and, Barronett, Att hir Maties: Comaundemte’, 15 folio leaves (plus two blanks), disbound. The first title-page in the hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’; the rest, including a second title-page, in the clear rounded hand of another professional scribe. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 89
Copy, in a probably professional secretary hand, as ‘Collected by Robert Cotton Esquire at the Comandement of her matie:’, imperfect, lacking the ending. Early 17th century.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and parliamentary papers, in three secretary hands and one court hand, 132 leaves (foliated 147-245 plus 33 leaves), disbound.
John Rylands University Library of Manchester, English MS 293, ff. 177r-87v.
CtR 90
Copy, unascribed.
In: A quarto volume of state tracts and papers, in a single professional secretary hand, with (f. 2r) a formal title-page ‘A Missellany Or Collection of Seuerall things 1625’, and (ff. 3r-4r) a table of contents, 194 leaves, in contemporary vellum. 1625.
CtR 91
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Collected by Sr Robert Cotten knight and Baronett at her Mats: Commandmt’, i + 79 folio leaves, in paper wrappers, unbound. Early 17th century.
CtR 92
Copy, as ‘Collected by Sr Robt Cotton Kt at her Mats: Commaundmt:’. c.1600.
In: A folio volume of state papers, in probably professional cursive secretary hands, 74 leaves. c.1620s-30s.
The Marquess of Salisbury, Hatfield House, Cecil Papers 242, ff. 38r-45v.
CtR 93
Copy, in the professional secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, as ‘Collected By Sr Robte Cotton knight, and Barronett’. c.1625-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in several professional hands, largely that of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, 248 leaves (including blanks), in modern half-vellum marbled boards.
Among the papers of the Acland Hood family, of Fairfield, Stogursey.
Recorded in HMC, 6th Report (1877), Appendix, p. 350. Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 261-2 (No. 106).
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 261 (No. 106.1).
CtR 94
Copy, in a secretary hand, on twenty folio pages. Early 17th century.
In: A folio composite volume of tracts and state papers, in various hands and paper sizes, c.281 pages, in quarter-calf marbled boards.
Trinity College, Cambridge, MS R. 5. 15 (James 710), Item 2.
CtR 95
Copy (first of four in this volume), in a professional predominantly secretary hand, as ‘Collected by Ser Robert Cotton Esqr At the Comandment of her Maty Anno dni 1590’.
In: A folio volume of state and antiquarian tracts and parliamentary speeches, in several professional hands, written and paginated from both ends, 238 pages, in contemporary vellum with traces of ties. c.1630s-40s.
Purchased in December 1806 from Mr Mercier. Old pressmark I. 3. 18.
CtR 96
Copy (second of four in this volume), in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Collected by Sr Robert Cotton Esqr at the Comandment of her Maty Anno Dni 1590’.
In: the MS described under CtR 95. c.1630s-40s.
CtR 98
Copy (fourth of four in this volume), in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Collected by Sr Robert Cotton Esqr at the Comandment of her Maty Anno Domini 1590’, incomplete, comprising only the title and first paragraph before the copy was abandoned.
In: the MS described under CtR 95. c.1630s-40s.
CtR 99
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Collected by Sr Robert Cotton Esqr At the Comandment of her Maty Anno dni 1590’.
In: A folio volume of legal and state tracts, in several professional hands, 500 leaves. c.1620s-30s.
Old pressmark F. 1. 21.
CtR 100
Copy, the work described on a title-page as ‘Collected by Robert Cotton Esq Att the Commandment of her Maiestie Anno Domini 1590’.
In: the MS described under CtR 33. c.1640.
A Briefe Discovrse concerning the Power of the Peeres and Commons of Parliament in point of Judicature
Tract, the full title sometimes given as A Brief discourse prouinge that the house of Comons hath Equall power with the Peeres in point of Judicature written by Sr Rob: Cotton to Sr Edward Mountague Ano Dni. 1621, beginning ‘Sir, To give you as short an accompt of your desire as I can...’. First published in London, 1640. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [341]-351.
See also the Introduction.
CtR 101
Copy in: A folio volume of legal tracts, in professional hands, 157 leaves, in contemporary calf. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 102
Copy, in a professional hand, subscribed ‘R: C:’.
In: A folio compendium or entry book of state letters and other documents and memoranda, in various secretary and italic hands, 231 leaves (including numerous blanks), in modern half-calf. Compiled over a period, and partly written, by Sir Stephen Powle (c.1553-1630), Clerk of the Crown.
CtR 103
Copy, as written by ‘Sr Robert Cotton to Sr. Edward Mountague Anno Dni 1621’. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 75.
CtR 104
Copy, in a cursive secretary hand. c.1620s.
In: A quarto composite volume of historical and antiquarian papers by Dodsworth and others, iv + 166 leaves, bound with MS Dodsworth 139, in contemporary calf (rebacked).
Among collections of Roger Dodsworth (1585-1654), antiquary.
CtR 104.5
Copy, in a professional hand, as ‘Written by Sr Robert Cotton Anno 1621’, on six unbound folio leaves, once folded as a letter or packet. c.1620s.
Swann, New York, 15 September 2011 (Eric. C. Caren Collection), lot 147.
CtR 105
Copy, headed ‘The forme and first modell of this State of England in a letter to Sr Edward montague by Sr Robert Cotton...1621’.
In: A folio volume of parliamentary and state tracts and speeches, 112 leaves, in calf gilt. Entirely in the hand of John Hopkinson (1610-80), Yorkshire antiquary, of Lofthouse, near Leeds, and comprising Volume 29 of the Hopkinson MSS. 1662.
Signed bookplate of Frances Mary Richardson Currer (1785-1861), book collector, of Eshton Hall, West Yorkshire. Subsequently owned by her step-father Matthew Wilson.
CtR 106
Copy, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotten to Sr. Edward Mountague Anno Dni: 1621.’ and subscribed ‘R. B.’
In: A folio volume comprising two works by Sir Robert Cotton, in a single cursive predominantly secretary hand, 56 leaves, in half-calf. c.1620s.
Purchased from Mrs Simmons, 27 February 1869.
CtR 107
Copy of a shortened version, as supposedly ‘written by a learned Antiquarie at the request of a Peere of his Realme. 1640.’c.1640.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various hands and paper sizes, 124 leaves, mounted on guards, in 19th-century half red morocco. Collected by members of the Oxinden family, Baronets, of Deane and Barham, Kent, including Henry Oxinden (1609-70) and his brother Richard (b.1613).
CtR 108
Copy, in a stylish professional italic hand, with sidenotes in the hand of Sir Simonds D'Ewes, headed ‘A Relation written by Sr Robert Cotton to Sr Edward Montague to prooue that the House of Commons had equall power with the Peeres in point of Judicature Anno Dom i62i’. c.1620s.
In: A large folio volume of antiquarian and state tracts, in various professional hands, 385 leaves, in modern mottled leather gilt.
annotated by, Dewes.
CtR 109
Copy of the first part, headed ‘The commons right in point of Judicature By Sr. Robert Cotton’.
In: A quarto miscellany of extracts chiefly from historical works, in Latin and English, in a single small mixed hand, compiled by one Thomas Gybbons, armiger, 237 leaves, in modern quarter-morocco gilt. Mid-late 17th century.
CtR 110
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sr Robert Cotton knight and Baronett to Sr Edward Mountague Anno dni 1621’, subscribed ‘R: C: B.’ c.1620s-30s.
In: the MS described under CtR 83.
CtR 111
Copy, headed ‘To my worthy ffreind and Brother Sr Edward Mountague Knight’, subscribed ‘Ro: Cot: Bruc:’.
In: the MS described under CtR 41. c.1640.
CtR 112
Copy of the opening only, as ‘written by Sr Robt: Cotten to Sr Edward Mountague’, incomplete.
In: A folio volume comprising two separate tracts by Sir Robert Cotton, each in a different secretary hand, bound together, i + 45 leaves, in modern leather gilt. c.1620s.
Bookplate (f. 1*v) of John Holles (1662-1711), Duke of Newcastle upon Tyne, politician.
CtR 113
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sr Robert Cotton to Sr Edward Mountague. Anno 1621’, subscribed ‘R. C. B.’ c.1620s-30s.
In: A quarto composite volume of MS and printed state tracts and speeches, the MSS in two hands, 72 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.
CtR 114
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robte Cotton to Sr Edward Mountague Ano 1621’. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various professional hands, 181 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.
CtR 115
Copy. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of antiquarian and parliamentary tracts, in various professional secretary hands, 245 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco in cloth boards gilt.
Inscribed (f. 2r) ‘Sum Edw Umfrevile Juneis. Interioris Templi Studentis 1725. 10o Aprilis’: i.e. by Edward Umfreville (1702?-86), collector of legal manuscripts. Bookplate (as ‘Shelburne’) of William Petty (1737-1805), second Earl of Shelburne and first Marquess of Lansdowne, Prime Minister.
CtR 115.5
Copy, in a professional secretary hand. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of tracts and miscellaneous papers, in English and Latin, in several largely professional hands (the last item printed), 348 leaves, in 19th-century morocco.
CtR 116
Copy, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton to Sr Edward Mountagu...1621’.
In: A folio composite volume of political and legal tracts and speeches, in four professional secretary hands (one predominating), 91 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco. c.1630s.
CtR 117
Copy, headed ‘A briefe discourse proveinge yt. the house of Commons hath equall power wth. ye. Peeres’.
In: A folio volume of legal and political tracts and papers, in professional secretary hands, written from both ends, 211 leaves.
In the collection of Francis Hargrave (1740/1-1821), legal writer. Inscribed by him on f. ir‘F. Hargrave / A present to me from Dan. Jones of Fakenham Esqr 29. Sept. 1789 F.H.’ and (on f. 1r-v) with a table of contents in Hargraves's hand.
CtR 118
Copy, headed ‘That ye house of Comons hath equall power with ye Peers in poynt of Judicature by Sr: Robert Cotton’.
In: A folio volume of two works, namely Henry Elsinge's Modus Tenendi Parliamentum and a tract by Cotton, in a single cursive mixed hand, 68 leaves. c.1630.
In the collection of Francis Hargrave (1740/1-1821), legal writer.
CtR 119
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘A veiw of Sr Ro: Cottons vpon ye iudicature of Parliaments’. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and letters, in various hands and paper sizes, 257 leaves (plus blanks), in 19th-century diced calf gilt. Volume 8 of the papers of Sir John Eliot (1592-1632), politician, and partly in his hand.
Among the papers of the Eliot family, Earls of St Germans, of Port Eliot, Cornwall.
Recorded (as Vol. 1) in HMC, 1st Report (1870), Appendix, p. 42.
CtR 120
Copy, headed ‘A vew of Sir Rob: Cottons vppon the iudicature of Parlimts’. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 119.
CtR 121
Copy, headed ‘A View of Sir Robert Cotton's upon the Judicature of Parliaments’.
In: A portion of a tall folio volume of state tracts, in a professional rounded hand, 40 pages (in three series of pagination and including blanks), unbound. A fragment of the same volume to which Cornwall Record Office, EL/725 belongs. c.1700.
Among the papers of the Eliot family, Earls of St Germans, of Port Eliot, Cornwall.
CtR 122
Copy, in a professional hand, headed ‘To my worthy freind and Brother Sr Edward Mountague knight’ and subscribed ‘R. C. B.’ c.1630.
In: the MS described under CtR 44.
Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, MS 73/40, ff. 165r-6v.
CtR 123
Copy, in double columns, the discourse dated 1621, in ‘A Collection of diverse small Treatises written by Sr Robert Cotton Kt: & Baronet...1626’.
In: the MS described under CtR 45. Early-mid-17th century.
Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, MS 291/274, pp. 383-6.
CtR 124
Copy, as ‘written by Sr Robt Cotten to Sr Edward Mountague Anno: i621’, on eight leaves. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of political and legal tracts, in various professional hands, 107 leaves, in contemporary vellum boards.
Bookplates of Francis Wilkinson and of the Rt. Hon. George Rose (d.1818). From the library of Hugh Campbell, Earl of Marchmont.
Baker, No. 538 (pp. 111-12).
Harvard Law School Library, HLS MS 149 (Hollis No. 005513301), Last item.
CtR 125
Copy, headed ‘A Relation written by Sr Robert Cotten to Sr Edward Mountague to prove that the howse of Commons had equall power wth the Peeres in poynt of Judicature Ao Dni 1621’, with a continuation on ff. 102r-3r headed ‘Sr Robert Cotton goes noe further what follows is from some other hand’.
In: A folio volume of three tracts relating to jurisdiction in Parliament, in a single professional secretary hand, 60 leaves foliated 100-159, in contemporary vellum boards. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 126
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘A Relation to prove that the House of Commons had equall power with the Peers in point bof Judicature’, as ‘Written by Sr robert Cotton knight & Barronet to Sr: Edward Mountague Anno Dni 1621’.
In: A tall folio volume of state and parliamentary tracts, in four professional secretary hands, 110 leaves (plus blanks), in stiff paper wrappers. c.1620s.
CtR 127
Copy, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton to Sr Edward Mountague Ao: 1621’, subscribed ‘R: C: B:’.
In: A folio volume of parliamentary proceedings and state tracts, in several professional secretary hands, with (f. iiir) a table of contents, iv + 200 leaves, in contemporary calf with remains of metal clasps. c.1635.
Once owned by Sir Richard Grosvenor (1585-1645); later by the Duke of Westminster, Eaton Hall, Cheshire, with his bookplate (inscribed ‘XXI no. 21’) and a label with No. ‘24’ on the spine. Assembled largely from ‘Liber 8’ (= MS 24). Sotheby's, 20 February 1967, lot 263. Formerly House of Lords Record Office, Historical Collection No. 53.
Recorded in HMC. 3rd Report (187-), Appendix, p. 214b.
CtR 128
Copy in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, headed ‘A: Breiffe: Discours: proveinge that the Howse of Comons, hath equall power wth the peeres, in poynte of Judicature’, docketed by Barlow ‘This was printed (but falsely) in 1640, but noe authors name to it’.
In: A folio composite volume of tracts, 342 leaves, in boards. In various hands, including that of the ‘Feathery Scribe’.
Assembled by Thomas Barlow (1607-91), Bishop of Lincoln, book collector.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 260 (No. 100).
CtR 129
Copy, in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, as ‘wrytten by Sir Robte Cotton to Sr: Edward Mountague, Anno Dni: 1621:’.
In: A folio volume of state tracts dating up to 1641, in various professional hands, 381 leaves (plus blanks), in old calf. c.1625-41.
Bequeathed by Sir Jerome Alexander (c.1600-70), Justice of the Irish Common Pleas. Old pressmark G. 4. 13.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 226-7 (No. 23).
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 227 (No. 23.7).
CtR 130
Copy, in a professional rounded mixed hand, as ‘Written by Sr: Robert Cotton knight & Barronet to Sr: Edward Mountague Anno Domini 1621’, subscribed ‘R: C: B:’.
In: the MS described under CtR 48.
CtR 131
Copy, headed ‘A breife discourse proving that the house of Comons hath equall power wth the Peeres in point of Judicature’, as ‘Written by Sr Robert Cotton to Sr Edward Mountague Anno 1621’. c.1620s-30s.
In: Two folio composite volumes of state tracts and papers, in various hands and paper sizes, in 19th-century half-vellum marbled boards gilt.
Mostyn MS 177: from the library of the Mostyn family, of Mostyn Hall, Flintshire, and Gloddaeth, Denbighshire, whose notable book and manuscript collectors included Sir Thomas Mostyn (1651-1700?) and his grandson Sir Thomas Mostyn, fourth Baronet (1704-58).
Recorded in HMC, 4th Report (1874), Appendix, p. 355.
Baker, No. 1095 (p. 266).
CtR 132.5
Copy, item 52 in a folio volume, in contemporary binding.
Covers bearing arms of the Russel family, Earls of Bedford, Woburn Abbey. Thomas Thorpe's sale catalogue for 1831, item 4236. Later in the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), manuscript and book collector.
CtR 132.6
Copy, on folio leaves.
Thomas Rodd's sale catalogue for 1849, item 614.
CtR 132.8
Copy, on 11 leaves.
Mullock's, Church Stretton, Shropshire, 25 June 2008, lot 170.
CtR 133
Copy in: A folio guardbook of state tracts and papers, in various hands, c.1160 pages (plus blanks), in half-morocco. c.1601-40.
Owned in 1709 by Browne Willis, MP, FSA (1682-1760), of Whaddon Hall, near Winslow, Buckinghamshire, antiquary. Later in the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), manuscript and book collector: Phillipps MS 11936. Bookplate of W.A. Foyle (1885-1963), of Beeleigh Abbey, Essex, bookseller. Christie's, 12-13 July 2000 (W.A. Foyle sale, Part III), lot 317.
Certaine generall rules Collected concerning money and bullion out of the late Consultacion at Court
Unpublished?
CtR 134
Copy of the treatise, as ‘by Sir Robert Cotton kt and Barronett and delivered to his Majesty at the Bord’, incomplete, [1626].
In: A folio composite volume of parliamentary papers, in various professional hands and paper sizes, c.440 pages. 17th century.
Formerly among the Braye Manuscripts, descending from John Browne (1608-91), Clerk of the Parliaments, whose daughter Martha married Sir Roger Cave, Bt, of Stanford Hall, Rugby, seat of successive Lords Braye. Christie's, 23 June 1954, lot 111.
Recorded in HMC, 10th Report, Appendix VI. A complete photocopy is in the Parliamentary Archives, Braye MS/51.
The Courte of Chauncerye
Tract, in two parts, the first beginning ‘There is a Booke called the Myrror of Justices mentioned in Plowden's Commentaries...’, the second beginning ‘There be Two manner of Powers & Process...’.
CtR 135
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘A learned Treatise concerning the High and honble. Court of Chancery with an Excellent dyscipcon of every pticuler office and officers duty in theire severall places belonging therevnto &c Written by the Right woorthy Sr Robert Cotton Knight devided into two partes’. c.1630.
In: A tall folio volume comprising two treatises on the Court of Chancery, in different hands, 162 leaves, mounted on guards, in modern half red morocco.
Inscribed (f. 1r) ‘Wm Salkeld’: i.e. William Salkeld (1671-1715), sergeant-at-law and law reporter. Volume CCLVIII of the papers of the first four Earls of Hardwicke and other members of the Yorke family.
CtR 136
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, largely on rectos with versos retained for sidenotes in another secretary script, unascribed.
In: A composite collection of legal tracts, in several hands, now bound in two folio volumes (ff. 1-399, 400-711 respectively), each in modern half-morocco on cloth boards gilt.
CtR 137
Copy of the first part, in a professional secretary hand, unascribed, on 50 folio leaves, in modern half crushed morocco gilt. c.1620s.
CtR 138
Copy of the first part.
In: A tall folio volume of tracts relating to the Court of Chancery, apparently based on collections of William Lambarde, in a professional mixed hand, with (ff. 258v-63v) a table of contents, 263 leaves, in old calf now within 19th-century half-morocco. Mid-17th century.
Arms of the Wright family of Essex on the original cover.
CtR 139
Copy, the first part (ff. 3r-40r) headed ‘The Court of Chancery’, the second part (ff. 41r-72r) ‘A Learned Treatise concerng the high and Honourable Court of Chancery written by the Famous Sr Robt Cotton Pars Secunda’; subscribed in Francis Hargrave's hand ‘(Note that in another Copy which I have of this Mss. bound separately, there is an addition of 14 or 15 pages to yt. part where the mss. as concluded here.)’.
In: A folio volume of treatises and papers relating to the Court of Chancery, in a professional predominantly italic hand, with a list of contents and some marginal annotations probably by Hargrave, 341 leaves, in late 19th-century morocco. Mid-late 17th century.
In the collection of Francis Hargrave (1740/1-1821), legal writer. Inscribed by him on f. [1v] ‘F. Hargrave Bot. by me of Mr Lynch of Dublin with [?]t manuscripts for which together I gave £60 F. H.’ and with his list of contents (f. 2r-v).
CtR 139.5
‘Extracts taken out of a Copy of a MS of Sr Robt Cotton relating to ye Court of Chauncery compiled or framed in 2 parts’, beginning ‘The Chanceller hath no Commission by Letters Patents...’, with numerous sub-headings, predominantly in a single neat hand, the title in a later hand, 144 folio leaves (plus blanks), in modern cloth. Late 17th-early 18th century.
In the collection of Francis Hargrave (1740/1-1821), legal writer and book collector. Inscribed ‘lent me by MrGoldesborough ye Deputy Regr of ye Court of Chauncery & ye original was lent to him by Mr Grimes ye Late Usher of ye Rolls’, and including (ff. 115r-144v) material from ‘A copy of papers in ye hands of Mr Holforde...Sr Robt Cotton, headed De Magno Cancellario Angl et Cancellaria ac Cojudicibus ejus ey Authoritate eorundem’.
CtR 140
Copy in: A folio composite volume of tracts relating to the Court of Chancery, in professional hands, including that of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, vi + 97 leaves (including 51 blanks).
Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 260 (No. 101).
CtR 141
Copy, in the professional secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’.
In: A large folio volume of tracts on Chancery, entirely in the hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, 570 leaves (some misnumbered, plus loose inserts), in half-calf marbled boards. c.1630.
Inscribed (f. 1r) ‘J Trevor’, probably Sir John Trevor (1637-1717), Speaker of the House of Commons and Master of the Rolls. Later in the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), manuscript and book collector: Phillipps MS 15141. The MS cited as ‘in the possession of Mr. Rooke’ in a four-page index added c.1839. Acquired from Sweet & Maxwell on 14 February 1950 together with MSS belonging to Thomas Powys (d.1671), Sergeant at Law. Formerly MS 1034.
Recorded in J. H. Baker, English Legal Manuscripts in the United States of America, Part II: 1558-1902 (London, 1990), pp. 117-19 (No. 559). Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers (Oxford, 1998), pp. 219-21 (No. 13), with a facsimile of f. 32v on p. 100.
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 221 (No. 13.10).
Harvard Law School Library, HLS MS 1026, Vol. I (Hollis No. 003758283), ff. 490r-505v.
The Danger wherein this Kingdome now Standeth, and the Remedy
Tract beginning ‘As soon as the house of Austria had incorporated it self into the house of Spaine...’. First published London, 1628. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. 308-20.
CtR 142
Copy, in a professional predominantly secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton Knight and Barronett in January 1627’. c.1630.
In: A quarto composite volume of state tracts, in various hands, 92 leaves, in half-calf marbled boards.
Inscribed (f. [1r]) ‘Nar. Luttrell: His Book 1682’ and (f. 31r).‘Nar. Luttrell: His Book 1680’: i.e. by Narcissus Luttrell (1657-1732), annalist and book collector.
CtR 143
Copy in: A folio volume chiefly of speeches and proceedings in the House of Commons chiefly from March to June 1628, in a professional secretary hand, iv + 64 leaves (plus blanks), in later half calf. c.1630.
CtR 144
Copy in: A quarto volume of speeches and proceedings in the House of Commons from March to April 1628, in a professional hand, 353 pages, in contemporary calf. c.1630.
Once owned by John Somers (1651-1716), Baron Somers, Lord Chancellor, and by his brother-in-law Sir Joseph Jekyll (1662-1738), lawyer and politician (No. 387 in the sale catalogue of his library, 1759).
CtR 145
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, subscribed by Hannibal Baskervile ‘I think this was Sr Rob. Cotton’. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of miscellaneous letters and other papers of the Baskervile family, in various hands, 164 leaves (with omissions). c.1590-1636.
Assembled by Hannibal Baskervile, of Sunningwell, Berkshire.
CtR 146
Copy, in a professional predominantly secretary hand, on seventeen quarto leaves (plus blanks), in contemporary limp vellum within grey paper wrappers. c.1620s.
CtR 147
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, endorsed ‘Danger of the state conc. ye Bohem. & Palatine Cause’. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 9. Early-mid-17th century.
CtR 148
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, the tract dated 1627. c.1630.
In: A quarto composite volume of state letters and tracts, 168 leaves, in contemporary calf.
CtR 149
Copy, in a professional predominantly secretary hand, ascribed to Cotton. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of miscellaneous papers, in various hands, ix + 121 leaves, in modern cloth.
Among collections of Roger Dodsworth (1585-1654), antiquary, passed on to Lord Fairfax, who donated them to the Bodleian.
CtR 150
Copy, in a secretary hand, ascribed to Cotton. c.1620s.
In: A quarto composite volume of partly Oxford-related historical notes and papers, state tracts, and an academic play, in English and Latin, in various hands, c.700 pages. c.1665-93.
Among collections of Anthony Wood (1632-95), Oxford antiquary.
CtR 151
Copy, in a secretary hand, unascribed.
In: A folio volume of miscellaneous tracts and papers, in several professional secretary hands, written from both ends, 287 leaves, in modern calf gilt. c.1630s.
Thomas Thorpe, ‘Catalogue of a most important collection of ancient manuscripts’ (1839), item 184. Purchased 8 June 1839.
CtR 152
Copy of a ‘Contracted’ version, as by ‘Robertu Cotton’.
In: A small quarto diary, in a single secretary hand, 89 leaves, bound with a separately acquired continuation or companion MS (ff. 90r-153r, now Add. MS 28640), in modern half-morocco. Compiled by the Rev. John Rous (1584-1644), incumbent of Santon Downham, Suffolk, and relating, retrospectively, chiefly to public events and to literary texts in circulation in 1625-42. c.1625-42.
Later owned by Dawson Turner (1775-1858), banker, botanist and antiquary. Turner sale, 7 June 1859, lot 253. The second MS purchased at Sotheby's, 15-25 March 1871 (library of the bookseller Joseph Lilly).
The first MS edited in full in Diary of John Rous, incumbent of Santon Downham, Suffolk, from 1625 to 1642, ed. Mary Anne Everett Green, Camden Society No. 66 (1856).
CtR 153
Copy, in a secretary hand, on two foliio leaves, imperfect, lacking the ending. c.1620s-30s.
In: A double-folio composite volume of miscellaneous state papers, in various hands and paper sizes, 53 leaves, mounted on guards, in 19th-century half brown leather. Volume XXV of collections relating to Ramsey Abbey, Huntingdonshire, and the Williams, alias Cromwell, family.
CtR 154
Copy, in a secretary hand, as ‘by Sr Robert Cotton’. c.1630.
In: A quarto composite volume of theological and parliamentary tracts and a play, in various hands, 186 leaves, in quarter red morocco.
Bookplate of Sir John Dolben, second Baronet (1684-1756), of Finedon, Northamptonshire, clergyman. Purchased from Sotheran, 13 June 1893.
CtR 155
Copy, in a probably professional predominantly secretary hand, as by ‘Sr Robt Cotton: feb. 1627’. c.1627-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state papers, in various hands, mostly in the hand of Thomas Birch (1705-66), biographer and historian, 276 leaves, in 19th-century half-morocco.
CtR 156
Copy, as ‘described by Sr Robert Cotton’.
In: A folio volume of speeches and proceedings in Parliament from 17 March 1627/8 to 26 June 1628, in several professional secretary hands, 387 leaves, with (ff. 2r-11r) a neat table of contents, in contemporary vellum boards. c.1630.
Christie's, 12 June 1881 (Fairfax sale).
CtR 157
Copy, in a secretary hand, headed ‘Febr 1627. A Treatice of Sr Ro: Co: prsenting to the Lordes of his Mats prevy Counsell The danger wherein the kingdome of England now stands and the Remedie thereof’, on eight pages in a sewn gathering of three pairs of folio leaves, with endorsements apparently by Richard Evelyn and by John Evelyn. c.1630.
In: An unbound collection of chiefly financial papers, in several hands, 56 leaves. Papers of Richard Evelyn (d.1640), of Wootton.
Volume CX of the Evelyn Papers, of John Evelyn (1620-1706), diarist and writer, of Wootton House, Surrey, and his family, also incorporating papers of his father-in-law, Sir Richard Browne, Bt (1605-83), diplomat, and his family. Formerly preserved at Christ Church, Oxford. Purchased March 1995
Formerly Evelyn MS 291.
CtR 158
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, unascribed. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various professional hands, 254 leaves, in modern crushed morocco gilt.
CtR 159
Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, endorsed (f. 178v) ‘Sr Robart Cottons Relacon of the dangers wherin the kingdom nowe standeth wth the Remedyes’.
In: A folio composite volume of state papers, tracts and verse, 242 leaves (plus some blanks), in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt. In professional hands, including those of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), merchant and antiquary, and John Stow (1524/5-1605), historian.
Later owned, and annotated, by Sir Simonds D'Ewes.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 238-9 (No. 50).
CtR 160
Copy, in a professional secretary hand. c.1620s.
In: A large folio composite volume of state papers, in various chiefly professional hands, 192 leaves (foliated to 178), in modern half crushed morocco gilt.
CtR 161
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a lengthy heading in the hand of Sir Simonds D'Ewes ‘A discourse penned by Sr Robart Cotton concerning our present dangers at home & the desolation of Gods church abroad....succinctlie done by comand ffro the Counsell this present yeare 1627’. c.1627.
In: the MS described under CtR 108.
CtR 162
Copy, as ‘by Sr Robert Cotton Knight, Ano: Dni: 1627’.
In: A folio volume comprising chiefly a parliamentary journal, 1627-8, in a single professional secretary hand but for a tipped-in calendar (f. [305 bis]), 401 leaves, in mottled leather gilt. c.1630.
CtR 163
Copy, docketed in the margin ‘Sr R: Cotton’ and dated 10 March 1627.
In: A folio volume of parliamentary proceedings and speeches, 1623-8, in a single professional secretary hand, with a table of contents (ff. 2*r-5*r), 731 pages, in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt. c.1630.
Inscribed (f. [ir]) ‘Humfry Burton’.
CtR 164
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, docketed in a later hand ‘By Sr Robert Cotton...Printed 1672...’. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of parliamentary speeches and proceedings, 1620/1-28, in various professional hands, 395 leaves, in half morocco gilt.
CtR 165
Copy, in a secretary hand, unascribed. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of tracts and papers, in various hands, 432 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco gilt.
CtR 166
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, subscribed ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton knight and Baronet in January Aoo 1627’. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of political, legal and antiquarian tracts, 500 leaves. In various professional hands, including that of the ‘Feathery Scribe’.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 245 (No. 62).
CtR 167
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, on four folio leaves, unascribed, heavily damaged and imperfect, in modern half crushed morocco gilt. c.1620s.
CtR 168
Copy, as by ‘Sr. Robert Cotton’, dated ‘1627’. c.1630.
In: A quarto composite volume of state papers and speeches, in several hands, ff. 153r-97r in a single professional hand, 197 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards. c.1630s.
Once owned by John Hart and John Ashton.
CtR 169
Copy, in an italic hand, as by ‘Sr Ro: Cotton’. c.1630s.
In: A quarto composite volume of speeches and tracts, in several hands, 85 leaves, in modern crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.
CtR 170
Copy, in a secretary hand, as ‘By Sr Robt Cotton’. c.1630.
In: A quarto composite volume of state tracts, parliamentary speeches and plays, in Latin and English, in several hands, 157 leaves, in modern mottled leather gilt.
CtR 171
Copy, as ‘by Sr. Robert Cotton’.
In: A folio volume of state tracts and papers dating up to 1628, almost entirely in two professional hands, including the ‘Feathery Scribe’, 179 leaves, in modern reversed calf.
Once owned by ‘Ric: Tichbone’, probably Sir Richard Tichborne, second Baronet, MP (c.1578-1652).
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 247 (No. 71), with a facsimile of f. 1r on p. 83.
CtR 173
Copy, unascribed.
In: A small quarto volume of state tracts and papers, in one or more cursive secretary hands, 236 leaves, in modern half-morocco. c.1620s.
CtR 174
Copy, headed Sr Robt Cottons speeche to ye lls: of ye Councell being (as was thought) ye ground & occasion of calling ye pliamt, holden soone after .1628. relating to ye danger wherein ye kingdome standes & ye remedy.
In: A folio volume of state tracts, speeches, and verse, closely written from both ends in a single hand, 260 pages, lacking a number of pages and some fragments (pp. 25-38, 48-64) now removed to MS Gg. 4. 13*, in quarter-calf. Mid-17th century.
CtR 175
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, on five folio leaves (plus one blank), in half-calf on marbled boards. c.1620s.
CtR 176
Copy, in a secretary hand, on nine quarto leaves, the work dated 1627. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in various professional hands, 124 leaves (including blanks), in half-calf on marbled boards.
CtR 177
Copy, in a professional secretary hand.
In: A folio volume of speeches and proceedings in Parliament 1625-9, in several professional hands, 222 leaves (including six blanks). c.1630.
CtR 178
Copy, in a cursive secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton’.
In: A double-folio-size volume of state papers, royal revenues, verses and other writings, partly relating to Flintshire, in various secretary hands, ix + 125 leaves (including blanks and a tipped-in bifolium), in modern vellum boards. Compiled, at least in part, by Robert Davies (1616-66), of Gwysaney, and his father. c.1630s.
CtR 179
Copy, in an unaccomplished predominantly secretary hand, the tract dated 1628.
In: A quarto composite volume of state papers, tracts and speeches, 183 leaves, in half-vellum on marbled boards. Compiled, and written, mostly by William Fulman (1632-88), Oxford antiquary.
CtR 180
Copy, in a closely written secretary hand, the tract ascribed to Cotton and dated 1627, on three folio leaves, docketed by Fulman. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, 314 leaves (plus blanks), in reversed calf. Compiled, and partly written, by William Fulman (1632-88), Oxford antiquary.
CtR 180.5
Copy, in two cursive secretary hands, subscribed with a note about the tract's presentation to the King on 29 January and Council meeting on 17 March, inscribed in the margin ‘By Sr Robt Cotton’ and ‘i Car R 1625’.
In: A quarto volume of state and antiquarian tracts and papers, in various secretary hands, x + 523 pages, in contemporary limp vellum inscribed ‘Liber B’. Some of the items copied from manuscripts of Roger Dodsworth (1585-1654), antiquary, and of the Aske family. A list of books at the end, with dates 1642-54, includes references to Robert Cotton, Sir Hugh Cholmley, and Sir Gervase Clifton (who ‘hath ye booke’). c.1627-52.
Owned by the Fairfax family of Yorkshire. Partly compiled by Charles Fairfax (1597-1673) and with annotations by his brother Ferdinando (1584-1648), second Lord Fairfax. Later in the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps (1792-1872), manuscript and book collector: Phillipps MS 11138. Sotheby's, 8 June 1898 (Phillipps sale), lot 406, sold to Downing. Bonham's, 18 March 2008, lot 250.
Facsimile of p. 282 in Bonham's sale catalogue, p. 102.
CtR 181
Copy, on thirteen pages. c.1620s-30s.
Among papers of the Smyth family of North Nibley, Gloucestershire, and the Cowper family of Lancashire.
CtR 182
Copy of the beginning only, headed ‘Sr: Robert Cottons speech to the Lords discoueringe of the Danger wherein the kingdome now stands & the remedies’, subscribed ‘The rest of this speech followes in the Printed Copie’.
In: A quarto volume of speeches in Parliament 1627-8, in a single professional secretary hand, 388 pages (plus numerous blanks), bound with a twenty-page printed pamphlet, in contemporary calf (repaired). c.1630.
Harvard Law School Library, HLS MS 4124 (Hollis No. 005349085), pp. 43-4.
CtR 183
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, the first page foliated ‘53’, incomplete. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of state letters, tracts, parliamentary speeches, etc., in various professional hands, c.160 leaves, in contemporary calf.
A flyleaf inscribed ‘This belongs to Mrs Carewe of Crowcombe, Co. Somerset / T Philli’: i.e.formerly among the Carew MSS at Crowcombe Court, Somerset, and borrowed at some time by Sir Thomas Phillips, Bt (1792-1872), manuscript and book collector.
Recorded in HMC, 4th Report (1874), Appendix, p. 373.
CtR 184
Copy, as ‘By Sr Robert Cotton Kt & Baronet’. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of speeches in Parliament 1627-8, in two or three professional secretary hands, 101 pages, in 19th-century diced russia.
From the Fairfax papers. Phillipps MS 10305. Given to the library by William Appleton Coolidge.
CtR 185
Copy in a cursive secretary hand, on four quarto leaves, numbered ‘16.’ by the Earl of Bridgewater, in paper wrappers. Early 17th-century.
CtR 186
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘By Sr Robte Cotten Knt and Barronet’, imperfect, lacking the ending. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of state papers and proceedings in Parliament, in various hands, 448 leaves (plus blanks), in red morocco gilt.
CtR 187
Copy, in a secretary hand, as ‘Sr Robt Cotten his opinion’. c.1630.
In: the MS described under CtR 186.
CtR 188
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, unascribed, dated 1628. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of antiquarian and state tracts and papers, in various hands, 264 pages, in a contemporary vellum wrapper within modern quarter red morocco. Partly in the hand of Robert Vaughan (1591/2-1667) of Hengwrt, antiquary.
CtR 189
Copy, the heading superscribed ‘Sr Robert Cottons speach in the Parlyament- Anno tertio et 4 Charoli Regis Anoque Dom: 1617’, correctly dated in the margin ‘Ano Dom 1627’.
In: A folio ‘book of parliament speeches’ in 1627/8-1629, in a professional secretary hand, on thirteen pages, in a folio composite volume of state papers and printed tracts. c.1630s.
The Marquess of Salisbury, Hatfield House, Cecil Papers 253/3, ff. [2r-3r].
CtR 190
Copy, the normal heading superscribed ‘Sr Robert Cottons Speech as it is said deliuered to the priuy Councell somewhat before the parliamt Ao 1627’.
In: A quarto volume of speeches in Parliament 1626-9, in one or possibly two secretary hands, iv + 87 leaves, in half-calf on marbled boards. c.1630s.
Signature (on a slip affixed to f. [iir]) of Thomas Martin (1697-1771), of Palgrave, Suffolk, antiquary and collector.
CtR 191
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with alterations in another secretary hand, unascribed. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and speeches, in various professional hands, 121 leaves (plus blanks), in modern half-vellum marbled boards.
Among the papers of the Acland Hood family, of Fairfield, Stogursey.
CtR 192
Copy, in a secretary hand, unattributed, on seven pages of four folio leaves. c.1620s.
In: A collection of unbound state papers, now in folders. c.1628.
Donated in 1921 by Dr J. R. Tanner.
CtR 193
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr. Robert Cotton’. c.1625-30s.
In: A tall folio composite volume of state tracts, in several professional hands, 201 leaves, in contemporary blind-stamped calf.
Bequeathed by Sir Jerome Alexander (c.1600-70), Justice of the Irish Common Pleas. Old pressmark E. 1. 10.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 224-5 (No. 20).
CtR 194
Copy, in a secretary hand, subscribed in another hand ‘Copia vera’, unascribed. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various hands and paper sizes, with a table of contents, 599 leaves. Inscribed (f. 141r) ‘John: Saunders is the trew owner of this booke’, ‘Captaine Christo: Blounte’, and ‘Valentine LLawless’.
Owned by John Madden, MD (1649-1703/4), physician and manuscript collector. Old pressmark F. 1. 20.
CtR 195
Copy, closely written in a secretary hand, as ‘layd downe by Mr Cotton’. c.1628-30s.
In: the MS described under CtR 194.
CtR 196
Copy, in a rounded hand, a title-page in another hand, as ‘By Sr Robert Cotton / Printed: 1628: & written 1639’. c.1639.
In: the MS described under CtR 31.
CtR 197
Copy, a quarto.
From the papers of the Isham family, of Lamport Hall, Northamptonshire.
Recorded in HMC, 3rd Report (1872), Appendix, p. 253.
CtR 198
Copy.
Recorded in HMC, 7th Report, Part I (1879), Appendix, p. 467
CtR 200
Copy, in a professional hand, on 23 quarto pages, the work dated 1628, followed (pp. [25-7]) by Charles I's speech in parliament 17 March 1627, lacking covers. c.1630.
CtR 201
Copy in: A folio composite volume of state tracts, speeches, etc., in various professional hands, 375 pages, in 17th-century calf (rebacked). c.1620s-30s.
Scribbling on several pages including the names ‘Mrs Anne WM Quinney’, ‘Oner Ormen’, ‘Ormeson’, and ‘Rumney’.
CtR 202
c.1628-30s.
In: A folio volume principally of proceedings in Parliament from 17 March to 26 June 1628, in various professional hands, 476 pages (plus blanks), in 17th-century reversed calf. 17th century.
The name Thomas Cole inscribed on front pastedown. Later owned by the Rev. Dr Cox Macro (1683-1767), antiquary, and subsequently by Hudson Gurney (1775-1864), antiquary and banker.
CtR 203
Copy, on 25 folio leaves, bound with a parliamentary journal for 1628. c.1630.
A declaracon how the king by assent of Parliamt should publish himself against the two treatyes with the King of Spaine touching the Mariage & deliverye of ye Palatinate Written by Sr Robt. Cotton. March 27th. 1624
A tract beginning ‘by these precedent passages...’. Ascribed to Cotton in MS and apparently unpublished.
CtR 204
Copy, on one page, incomplete.
In: A quarto miscellany of verse and prose, in English, French, Latin and Greek, written from both ends in various hands, with a list of contents, 117 leaves, in half-calf. Late 17th century.
Bookplate of Charles W.G. Howard, ‘The Gift of the Rt. Hon. Sir David Dundas Knt. of Ochtertyre 1877’. Formerly Chest II, No. 13.
A Discourse of Foreign Wars
See An Answer made by Command of Prince Henry, to Certain Propositions of Warre and Peace: CtR 7-34.
A Discovre of Lawfvllnes of Combats to be performed in the presence of the King, or the Constable and Marshall of England. Written...1609
Tract beginning ‘Where difference could not be determined...’. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [59]-[71]. Hearne (1771), II, 172-80.
CtR 205
Copy in the hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’.
In: A folio volume of antiquarian tracts, in two or three professional hands, including that of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, 266 leaves. c.1630s.
Once owned by Sir Robert Oxenbridge, MP (1595-1638) of Hurstbourne Priors, Hampshire; later by Thomas Tanner (1674-1735), Bishop of St Asaph, ecclesiastical historian, scholar and book collector. It was once bought from John Jackson of Tottenham High Cross.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 258-9 (No. 96).
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 258 (No. 96.1).
CtR 207
Copy, in a professional predominantly secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr. Robert Cotton knight...1609’.
In: A folio volume of tracts and papers relating principally to the Earl Marshall of England and the protocols of duelling, in two or more professional secretary hands, 318 leaves, in half-calf on marbled boards. c.1630s.
Acquired from Lord R. Montagu, MP, 27 June 1863.
CtR 208
Copy, headed ‘Sr Robert Cotton's Discourse of the Lawfulnes of Combats to bee performed in the Kings presence &’. Mid-late 17th century.
In: A folio volume of papers relating to duels and combats, in probably several hands, one predominating, with indexes (ff. 2r-8r, 184r-8v), 188 leaves (with insertions), in a recycled vellum document, within modern half red morocco.
Bearing notes by Peter Le Neve (1661-1729), Norroy King of Arms and antiquary. Le Neve sale, 1730, bought by Nicholas Hardinge. Volume XXXXLXXI of the papers of the first four Earls of Hardwicke and other members of the Yorke family.
*CtR 209
Autograph draft, with deletions and revisions, headed ‘of Single Combat’, on two folio leaves; delivered 22 May 1601. c.1609.
In: A folio composite volume of original papers of the Society of Antiquaries, in various hands, 221 leaves, in modern half-morocco on cloth boards gilt.
CtR 210
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, untitled, headed in another hand ‘Duellum’, subscribed ‘R. Cotton B. 1609’. 1609.
In: the MS described under CtR 56.
CtR 211
Copy of the beginning, untitled, subscribed ‘R: Cott: B: 1609’.
In: the MS described under CtR 58. Late 17th century.
CtR 212
Copy, untitled, subscribed ‘R. Cott: B. 1609’.
In: the MS described under CtR 60. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 213
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr. Robert Cotton Knight’, subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton. B: 1609’. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of tracts, in several professional secretary hands, 234 leaves (plus blanks), in contemporary boards.
A Discourse Of the Antiquitye, and Offyce of the Earle Marshall of England, written by Sr Robte Cotton, knight, Att the request of the Lord Henrye Howard, Earle of Northampton [25 November 1602]
A dedicatory epistle beginning ‘Sir, Yor small tyme, I must Ballance, wth as sclendr Aunswere...’ followed by a tract beginning ‘Because the Jurisdiction att the Comon Lawe was vncertayne...’.
CtR 220
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Ro: Cotton Kt:’.
In: the MS described under CtR 55. c.1628-30s.
*CtR 221
Autograph copy, with a few revisions, of the dedicatory epistle to Northampton, signed ‘Robert Cotton’ and dated 25 November 1602.
In: the MS described under CtR 56.
CtR 222
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sir Robert Cotton Knight’ and subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton’. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 57.
CtR 223
Copy of the dedicatory epistle, untitled, subscribed ‘Ro. Cotton’.
In: the MS described under CtR 58. Late 17th century.
CtR 224
Copy of the dedicatory epistle to Northampton, 25 November 1602, headed ‘A Letter to the Earle Howard of Northampton from Sr Ro: Cotton, Concerning Limitations of Arrests, & dispositions of ffellons goods’.
In: the MS described under CtR 59. c.1630s.
CtR 225
A copy of the dedicatory epistle to Northampton [25 November 1602], untitled, subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton’.
In: the MS described under CtR 60. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 226
Copy, untitled., subscribed ‘25 Nouembr: 1602. Yor assured friend: Ro: Cotton’.
In: the MS described under CtR 62. Early 17th century.
CtR 228
Copy in: the MS described under CtR 64. Late 17th century.
CtR 229
Copy of the dedicatory epistle to Northampton and the beginning of the tract, as ‘Written by Sir Robert Cotton Knight’, on two folio leaves paginated 47-9, imperfect, lacking the rest of the tract. Early 17th-century.
In: the MS described under CtR 65. Early 17th century.
CtR 230
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as written by Sr Robert Cotton Knight at the request of the Lord Howard Earle of Northampton.
In: the MS described under CtR 66. c.1630.
Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle, MS 531, ff. 1r-2v (2nd series).
CtR 231
Copy, complete with letter to Northampton, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robt Cotton knight’.
In: the MS described under CtR 67. c.1637.
Discourse of the descent of James I from Saxon Kings
CtR 232
Copy of a genealogy headed ‘A Discourse of ye descent of The Ks My from to [sic] the Saxons’, up to 26 March 1603.
CtR 233
Copy. Copy of a genealogy, docketed ‘A Discourse of ye Descent of The King's Maty K. James from ye Saxons’, up to 26 March 1603 c.1603.
A Discourse Of the Offyce of the Lord Highe Connstable of England, written by Sr: Robte Cotton, knight, and Baronett
Tract beginning ‘Yff wee curiouslye will looke the Roote of this question...’. Hearne (1771), II, 65-7.
CtR 237
Copy, in a professional hand, as written by ‘Sr Robert Cotton knt and Barontt’. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 53.
CtR 238
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton knight & Baro:’.
In: the MS described under CtR 55. c.1628-30s.
*CtR 239
Autograph(?) fair copy, the heading partly cropped, signed ‘RO: Cotton’; the paper delivered on an unspecified date to the Society of Antiquaries. c.1600.
In: the MS described under CtR 56.
CtR 240
Copy, in the hand of a professional secretary hand, subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton’. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 57.
CtR 241
Copy, untitled, subscribed ‘Robert Cotton’.
In: the MS described under CtR 58. Late 17th century.
CtR 242
Copy, as ‘written by Sr. Robert Cotton Kt. & Bar’.
In: the MS described under CtR 59. c.1630s.
CtR 244
Copy in: the MS described under CtR 61. End of 16th-early 17th century.
Cambridge University Library, MS Ee. 2. 35, ff. 129r-30r rev.
CtR 245
Copy, as by ‘Ro: Cotton’, followed (ff. 20r-5r) by a collection of details relating to the offices of Constable and Earl Marshal subscribed ‘R: Cott:’ and dated ‘1609’.
In: the MS described under CtR 62. Early 17th century.
CtR 246
Copy, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton knight & Baronett’, subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton’.
In: the MS described under CtR 63.
CtR 247
Copy in: the MS described under CtR 64. Late 17th century.
CtR 248
Copy, in a secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton Knight & Barronet’, on three folio leaves paginated 34-7, subscribed ‘Robert Cotton’. Early 17th century.
In: the MS described under CtR 65. Early 17th century.
CtR 249
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton Knight & Barronett’.
In: the MS described under CtR 66. c.1630.
Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle, MS 531, ff. 18r-20r (2nd series).
CtR 250
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robt Cotton knigh [sic] and Baronett’.
In: the MS described under CtR 67. c.1637.
A Discourse Off the Offyce of the Lord Steward of England, Written by Sr Robte Cotton, knight, and Baronnett
Tract beginning ‘For the Clearinge whereof wee will intreate off the name...’. Hearne (1771), II, 1-12.
CtR 254
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sir Robert Cotton knight and Barronett’.
In: the MS described under CtR 55. c.1628-30s.
CtR 255
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton, Knight & Baronett’. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 57.
CtR 256
Copy, headed ‘Seneschallus Angliæ / Of the office of Steward of England’, subscribed ‘Robert Cotten’.
In: the MS described under CtR 58. Late 17th century.
CtR 258
Copy, headed ‘Seneschallus Angliæ. Of the Office of Steward of England’.
In: the MS described under CtR 60. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 259
Copy in: the MS described under CtR 61. End of 16th-early 17th century.
Cambridge University Library, MS Ee. 2. 35, ff. 126r-9r rev.
CtR 260
Copy, headed ‘Seneschallus Angliae: Of the office of Steward of England’
In: the MS described under CtR 62. Early 17th century.
CtR 261
Copy, as ‘written by Sir Robert Cotton Knight & Baronnett’, subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton:’.
In: the MS described under CtR 63.
CtR 262
Copy, in a secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sir Robert Cotton knight & Baronett’, on five folio leaves paginated 17-25. Early 17th century.
In: the MS described under CtR 65. Early 17th century.
CtR 263
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton knight & Barronett’.
In: the MS described under CtR 66. c.1630.
Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle, MS 531, ff. 5r-10v (2nd series).
CtR 264
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robt Cotton knight and Baronett’.
In: the MS described under CtR 67. c.1637.
The Etymologie, Antiquity and Privilege of Castles. By Sir Robert Cotton
Tract beginning ‘This question maketh in it self aptly three parts...’. First pub in Hearne (1720), pp. 166-73. Hearne (1771), I, 100-5.
CtR 265
Copy, apparently a transcript of ?, made by Thomas Smith.
In: A quarto composite volume of antiquarian tracts, xvi + 167 pages (plus five blanks), in early 18th-century half-calf. Chiefly compiled by Thomas Smith (1638-1710), Oxford scholar and editor.
Owned on 10 March 1710/11 by Thomas Hearne (1678-1735), antiquary.
*CtR 266
Autograph draft, with deletions and revisions, on three pages of two folio leaves, endorsed ‘Mr Cotton’.
In: the MS described under CtR 209.
An Exact Abridgement of the Records in the Tower of London, from the reign of Edward the Second unto Richard the Third, of all the Parliaments holden in each King's reign
First published, as ‘Collected by Sr. R. Cotton’, in London, 1657. Probably collected rather by William and Robert Bowyer, Keepers of the Records in the Tower, and revised and edited by William Prynne.
CtR 267
Extracts, made by Theophilus Hastings (1650-1701), seventh Earl of Huntingdon. 1682-3.
In: A folio composite volume of correspondence and papers of Philip, fourth Baron Wharton (1613-96), and Thomas, first Marquess of Wharton (1648-1715), between 1665 and 1699, 759 leaves.
CtR 268
Extracts, relating to the Ports and Calais, transcribed from the printed edition of 1657, on five pages, in a guardbook of miscellaneous papers relating to Sandwich. 18th century.
CtR 269
Extracts.
In: A folio composite compilation of extracts from various works, in a single cursive hand, originally on folded and docketed pairs of conjugate leaves of differing sizes before being opened out and mounted, the pages unnumbered, in contemporary calf. Mid-late 17th century.
Harvard Law School Library, HLS MS 1169 (Hollis No. 005905616), ff. [3r-4v].
CtR 270
Copy, almost entirely in a single professional secretary hand, untitled and unascribed (inscribed by a later reader as ‘collected by Sr Robt. Cotton, & publish'd by Will. Prynn’), imperfect, lacking the first half, here beginning with the reign of Henry IV, 265 folio leaves (plus blanks), originally foliated 300-572, 574, in old calf (rebacked). Early-mid-17th century.
CtR 271
Copy, in a single professional secretary hand, the headings in italic, with a title-page ‘An Abridgement of the Parliamentary Rolls from Ed: 2: to Rich: 3. Collected by Sr Robt Cotton’, 634 leaves, in contemporary calf. c.1630s.
Old pressmark G. 1. 5.
The Forme of Governement of the Kingdome of England collected out of the Fundamental Lawes and Statutes of this Kingdome
See That the Kings of England have been pleased usually to consult with their Peeres in the great Councell, and Commons in Parliament, of Marriage, Peace, and Warre. Written...Anno 1611: CtR 463-486.
The Manner and Meanes how the Kings of England have from time to time Supported and Repaired their Estates. Written...1609.
Tract beginning ‘The Kings of England have supported and repaired their Estates...’. First published, as An Abstract out of the Records of the Tower, touching the Kings Revenue: and how they have supported themselves, London, [1642]. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [161]-‘200’[i.e. 202].
CtR 272
Copy in: A folio volume containing two tracts (the second a discourse on bishops), in a single secretary hand, 47 leaves (plus blanks), in later calf gilt.
Mostyn Hall MS 155 (formerly MS 63). Bookplate of Thomas Mostyn 1744. G.H. Last's sale catalogue No. 213 (1936), item 672.
HMC, 4th Report (1874), Appendix, p. 353.
CtR 273
Copy in: the MS described under CtR 101. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 274
Copy, in a professional hand, untitled. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various hands, 302 leaves, in 18th-century half-calf.
CtR 276
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, imperfect at the end. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 8.
CtR 277
Copy, entitled ‘Records Collected by Sr Robert Cotton Kt. & Barrontt:’.
In: the MS described under CtR 106. c.1620s.
CtR 278
Copy, headed ‘Extractes out of the Records, wherein may be collected by what meanes the Kings of England have and may rayse moneyes’, unascribed, the last leaf imperfect.
In: A quarto volume comprising two antiquarian works, in a single prdominantly secretary hand, 116 leaves, in remains of contemporary vellum within 19th-century half green morocco. c.1630.
CtR 279
Copy, in a secretary hand, headed ‘Extracts of Recordes and meanes whereby kings and Queenes of England haue raised, moneys collected and comprized by Sr Robert Cotton knt and Baronet’. Early 17th century.
In: the MS described under CtR 78.
CtR 280
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a title-page in a roman handunascribed. c.1620s-30s.
In: the MS described under CtR 38.
CtR 281
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, imperfect, lacking the beginning. c.1620s-30s.
In: the MS described under CtR 13.
CtR 282
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, untitled and unascribed. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 158.
*CtR 283
Autograph draft, with revisions, written largely with the broadsheet paper turned sideways in oblong format, untitled; docketed by Cotton (f. 99v) ‘Anno 8 Jacobi Regis [i.e. 1610/11] for the Earl of Northampton’; endorsed (f. [101v]) in the hand of Ralph Starkey ‘An Abstract howe to Aduance the Revenues of the Crowne, devysed for the better defrayence of the kinges Charge Ano 1606’. c.1611.
In: the MS described under CtR 160.
CtR 285
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘A Treatise how Kinges of England have here from time to time Supported and Repaired their Estates. Written by Sr Robert Cotton knight and Baronett’. c.1620s-30s.
In: the MS described under CtR 83.
CtR 286
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a formal title-page, in italic with partly engrossed lettering, ‘Extracts of Records where in may be collected by what meanes the Kings of England haue and may raise moneys. Written by Sr Robert Cotten knt: & Barronet’, with related tables on f. 18r. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of state and antiquarian tracts, in several professional hands, 133 leaves, in modern calf gilt.
CtR 286.5
Copy, headed ‘Records Collected by Sir Robert Cotton knt and Baronet’, followed (ff. 235r-42r) by nineteen “Ordinances for the warre”.
In: the MS described under CtR 115.5.
CtR 287
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a title-page ‘Extracts out of the Records, wherein, may bee Collected, by what meanes the Kings of England have and may raise moneys Written by Sr. R.: C. Knight and Baronett’. Mid-17th century.
In: A large folio composite volume of state tracts, in various hands, 275 leaves, in modern half red crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt. Early-mid-17th century.
Later inscribed (f. 141r) ‘CB [or PB]: gen: Med: Tem: 24o: De: No: 1663’ and (ff. 142r and 166v) ‘C[or P]Billingsby’, with a list of books in the same hand (f. 141v) dated ‘March 19o. 1672’.
CtR 288
Copy, 24 small folio leaves. Headed Extracts Out of the Records, wherein it may be collected by what meanes the kings of England have and may rayse moneys. Written by Sr Robert Cotton, knight and baronett. Early 17th century.
CtR 289
Copy, headed ‘A Declaration how a Kinge of England haue from tyme to tyme supported and repaired their estates Collected out of the Records of the Tower by Sr Robt Cotton knight and Barronett Anno nono Jacobi’.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, letters and speeches, in various professional hands, with a table of contents (f. 1r-v), 247 leaves. c.1630.
In the collection of Francis Hargrave (1740/1-1821), legal writer.
CtR 290
Copy, in a professional hand, on fifteen folio leaves (plus blanks). c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, 438 pages, now disbound in folders. In various professional hands, including those of the ‘Feathery Scribe’ and Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628).
Bookplate of John Moore (1646-1714), Bishop of Ely.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 215-16 (No. 4).
CtR 291
Copy, headed ‘Anno 9o. Jacobi Regis. Collections out of the Records, declaring the manner howe the Kinges of England haue from time to time supplied theire Necessities with Moneyes, without the helpe of Parliamentes’. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and speeches, in various professional hands (including that of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary), 257 leaves, in old calf (rebacked). c.1634-41.
CtR 292
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, headed ‘Extracts out of Records wherein may be collected by what meanes the Kings of England haue and may raise money’. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of legal and state tracts, in various largely professional hands (including the ‘Feathery Scribe’), 216 leaves (including some blanks), in modern half-calf.
Bookplate of John Moore (1646-1714), Bishop of Ely.
Described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 218 (No. 8).
CtR 293
Copy, in an ungainly secretary hand, headed ‘Extracts out of Records wherin may be collected by what meanes the kings of England haue and may raise moneies’, inscribed in a subsequent hand ‘...written by Sr. Robt. Cotton...’. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of state and legal tracts, in various largely professional hands, 472 leaves, in half calf on marbled boards.
Bookplate of William Constable, FRS, FAS.
CtR 294
Copy, ff. 73r-84v in another professional hand, headed ‘Extractes out off the Recordes wherein it maye bee Collected by whatt Meanes the kinges of England, haue, and maye Rayse monyes, Written by Sr Robte Cotton, Knight, and Barronett: &c’.
In: A folio volume of two tracts, the first (ff. [1r-61r]) John Selden's Englandes Epiniomis, 89 leaves, in contemporary vellum. Largely in the hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’ (ff. [1r-72v, 85r-9r]).
Formerly MS 5035. Acquired from Sweet & Maxwell, 11 April 1949.
Baker, p. 183
Harvard Law School Library, HLS MS 1238 (Hollis No. 005085445), ff. [63r-89r].
CtR 295
Copy, untitled, on 20 folio leaves. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in various hands, in calf (rebacked). Early-mid-17th century.
Bearing a list of contents in the hand of John Egerton, first Earl of Bridgewater (1579-1649).
CtR 296
Extracts, headed ‘Notes taken out of a mascpt written by Sir Robert Cotton’.
In: A folio memorandum and commonplace book of legal and political notes and extracts, in a single cursive hand, written from both ends, 96 leaves (plus numerous blanks), in contemporary calf. Compiled by Sir William Drake, MP (1606-69), of Shardeloes House, near Amersham, Buckinghamshire. c.1632-41.
Phillips, 18 March 1993, lot 23.
Cited frequently in Kevin Sharpe, Reading Revolutions: The Politics of Reading in Early Modern England (New Haven & London, 2000), passim, with a facsimile of f. 35v on p. 150.
CtR 297
Copy, with a title-page, ‘Extracts out of the Records wherein may be collected by what meanes the kings of England haue, and may raise Moneye Written by Sr Robert Cotton, Knt. & Baronett’.
In: A folio composite volume of proceedings in Parliament and the Exchequer, in several professional largely mixed hands, one predominating, 321 leaves (plus blanks), in red morocco gilt.
CtR 298
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, untitled, unascribed. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in several professional hands, 302 leaves (plus blanks), in red morocco gilt.
Inner Temple Library, Petyt MS 538, Vol. 19, f. 150bis-179r.
CtR 299
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘Extracts out of the Records wherein...’[&c.], inscribed in the margin ‘Per Cotton milit et Barronett nuper defunct’. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of tracts and papers, in various hands, 486 leaves, in red morocco gilt.
CtR 300
Copy, principally in a professional secretary hand, the title-page and ‘ffinis’ subscription at the end in another professional hand, entitled ‘A declaracon how kinges of England have...collected out of the Recordes of the Tower by William Noye Esqr and then Attorney generall. / Anno decimo Caroli Regis’ [i.e. 1634-5]. c.1635.
In: A folio composite volume of legal and historical tracts, in several professional secretary hands, 200 leaves (plus blanks), in modern cloth.
Among collections bequeathed by Sir Mathew Hale (1609-76), Chief Justice of the King's Bench, legal writer.
CtR 301
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, unascribed. c.1620s.
In: A folio volume comprising four state tracts, in several professional secretary hands, v + 101 leaves, in old reversed calf.
Among collections of Sir John Maynard, MP (1604-90), lawyer and politician.
CtR 302
Copy, in three or four secretary hands, one predominating, as ‘By Sr Robt Cotton Ano Dni i6’. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 301.
CtR 303
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘Extracts out of the Records wherein may be collected by what meanes the kings of England haue and may rayse moneys’, ‘per Cotton milit et Baronett’ added at the side in another hand. c.1630s.
In: A folio composite collection of legal and state tracts, in various hands, now bound in two volumes, foliated 1-307 and 308-617 respectively, in modern quarter-calf vellum boards.
Among collections of Sir John Maynard, MP (1604-90), lawyer and politician.
Lincoln's Inn Library, Maynard MS 59, Part I, ff. 289r-307r.
CtR 305
Copy, headed ‘Extracts out of the records, wherein may be collected by what means the Kings of England have and may raise money, written by Sir R C Knight and Baronet’. Early 17th century.
CtR 306
Copy, in a professional mixed hand, with a title-page ‘A collection out of Records of many Charges occasions of State haue ledd diuerse Princes to lay vppon theire people by supreame powers and not by Parliament. Written By Sr Robert Cotton knight and Barronet at his Mats: command for the Lords of his highnes Priuie-Counsell’, inscribed on the title-page with the price ‘1l 5s’, vii + 77 folio leaves, in a paper wrapper. Mid-17th century.
National Library of Wales, Herbert of Cherbury Manuscripts and Papers E5/3/32.
CtR 307
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘Extracts out of the Records wherein may be collected by what meanes the kings of England haue & may rayse moneys’, as ‘per Cotton milit et Baronett nup defunct’, on twenty folio leaves, in paper wrappers. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 308
Copy, in at least two secretary hands, headed ‘Extracts out of the Records wherein may be Collected by what meanes the Kinges of England haue, and maye rayse moneys’, ascribed to Sir Robert Cotton, on 28 folio leaves, in paper wrappers. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 309
Copy, largely in a professional secretary hand, a title added in red ink ‘Extracts out of the Records wherein may be collected by what meanes the Kings of England haue and may raise Moneyes’. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in four secretary hands, 55 leaves, in boards.
CtR 310
Copy of ‘Extracts out of the Records of the Tower wherein may bee collected by what meanes the Kinges of England have from tyme to tyme and may raise moneyes’, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sr Robert Cotton knight and Baronett’.
In: the MS described under CtR 66. c.1630.
Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle, MS 531, ff. 108r-33v.
CtR 311
Copy/Extracts, in the hand of John Browne, Clerk of the Parliament, 230 octavo pages (plus 150 blanks), in contemporary sheepskin.
CtR 312
Copy, in two professional predominantly secretary hands, as ‘Written by Sir Robert Cotton knight and Baronett Jacobi Regis Annoque Dni 1609’.
In: the MS described under CtR 95. c.1630s-40s.
CtR 313
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘A Declation how Kinges of England have from tyme to tyme Supported and repared their Estates collected out of the Records remaining in the Tower of London by Sr Robert Cotton Knight & Barronett Anno: 9o: Jacobi Regis’. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in several professional secretary hands including that of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, ii + 281 leaves (including blanks), in calf.
In the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector: Phillipps MS 10464. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 250-1 (No. 78).
University of London, Senate House Library, MS 308, ff. 1r-29r.
CtR 314
Copy, headed ‘Extracts out of the Recordes wherein may be collected by what meanes the Kinges of England haue and may raise moneys’.
In: A folio composite volume of four tracts, including SiP 205, 48 leaves, in contemporary limp vellum. c. 1625-30s.
William H. Robinson's sale catalogue No. 72 (1940), item 147. Subsequently broken up into separate MSS.
Means to repayr the kings Estate 1612 Jacob Rex collected by Sr Robert Cotton for the Earl of Northampton
A tract or compilation beginning ‘Hen: the 4. ao. 12. when the revenues and profittes of the Kingdome...’. Unpublished?
*CtR 316
Copy, possibly a composite of more than one MS; the first part (ff. 41r-3v) almost entirely in a professional secretary hand, with copious marginal annotations in the hand of Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton; a second professional hand on ff. 44r-5v, and 51r; the first scribe again on ff. 46r-49r; a third secretary hand on ff. 46r-9v, and signed and dated at the end by Cotton himself ‘Ro. Cotton 1612. Sept. 25’. 1612.
In: the MS described under CtR 14.
Of Dimension of land, By Sir Robert Cotton
Tract beginning ‘This word measure is by some defined to be quicquid pondere...’. First published in Hearne (1720), pp. 178-81. Hearne (1771), I, 107-9.
Of the Antiquity and Office of Herald in England
Tract beginning ‘The office, by opinion of Vigener and Tillet is older than the name...’.
First published, as anonymous, in Hearne (1720), pp. 93-6. Hearne (1771), I, 57-8.
*CtR 319
Autograph draft, with deletions and revisions, on one side of a single folio leaf; possibly the paper delivered on an unspecified date to the Society of Antiquaries. c.1600s.
In: the MS described under CtR 209.
Of the Antiquity, Etymology, and Privilege of Towns, By Sir Robert Cotton. 23. Junii 42 [1600]
Tract beginning ‘For the first branch of this question, the antiquity of Towns...’.
First published in Hearne (1720), pp. 174-7. Hearne (1771), I, 105-7.
CtR 320
Copy, apparently a transcript of ?, made by Thomas Smith, with a sidenote ‘23 Junij 42’: i.e. 23 June 1600, when the paper was read at the Society of Antiquaries.
In: the MS described under CtR 265.
*CtR 321
Autograph draft, with deletions and revisions, on both sides of a single folio leaf; the paper delivered on 23 June 1600.
In: the MS described under CtR 209.
Of the antiquity of motts and words, with Arms of Noblemen and Gentlemen of England
Tract beginning ‘If I strait this question, to the common acceptance, my discourse must be...’. First published in Hearne (1720), pp. 182-5. Hearne (1771), I, 110-12.
*CtR 323
Autograph fair copy, on one side of a single folio leaf, docketed ‘Cott’. c.1600s.
In: the MS described under CtR 209.
CtR 324
Copy, subscribed ‘Robte Cotton’.
In: A folio composite volume of tracts on parliament, in various professional hands (including the ‘Feathery Scribe’), 262 leaves, in contemporary calf.
Inscribed in court hand by one ‘M: Bayley’. Later Phillipps MS 15141. Sold by James Tregaskis, 4 June 1902. Formerly MS 1054.
Described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 221 (No. 14).
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 221 (No. 14.1).
Harvard Law School Library, HLS MS 1039 (Hollis No. 003750674), ff. [37r-9r].
Of the Antiquity of the Christian Religion in this Island, By Sir Robert Cotton Nov. 29th 1604.
Tract beginning ‘Consent of all authors and pregnant circumstances manifest that Austyn the monk...’. First pub in Hearne (1771), II, 155-60.
CtR 325
Copy, in a professional italic hand, untitled but docketed ‘Sr. Robert Cotton / Nouemb 1604 / Antiquity of Christian Religion in this Island’; probably the paper delivered to the Society of Antiquaries. 1604.
In: A folio composite volume of state and antiquarian tracts and papers generally relating to the history of the Church in Great Britain, including a few original papers delivered by the Society of Antiquaries, in various hands, 312 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt (earlier vellum bound-in).
Of the steward of the King's household by Sr. Robt Cotton Kt. & Bart.
A tract beginning ‘Which office because it was neuer hereditary...’. Unpublished?
CtR 328
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, subscribed ‘Ra: Cotton’.
In: the MS described under CtR 55. c.1628-30s.
CtR 329
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton:’. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 57.
CtR 331
Copy, headed ‘Of the Steward of ye Household’, subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton’.
In: the MS described under CtR 60. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 332
Copy, in a secretary hand, on two leaves paginated 27-9. subscribed ‘Robert Cotton’. Early 17th century.
In: the MS described under CtR 65. Early 17th century.
CtR 333
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton’.
In: the MS described under CtR 66. c.1630.
Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle, MS 531, ff. 11r-14r (2nd series).
On the Precedence of the Speaker
An opinion beginning ‘The Speaker in Parliament called to be Sergant hath precedenc to all other of that brotherhood...’.
CtR 334
Copy, transcribed from ‘Cotton Library, Julius C.IX.22. Fol. 129 The whole in Sir Rob. Cottons own hand’, subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton’, on three pages of two tipped-in conjugate folio leaves, endorsed ‘Sr Robert Cotton upon the Precedence of the Speaker’.
In: A large folio volume of parliamentary records 1547-1642, comprising a precedent book under subject headings, in a single rounded hand, with annotations in two other hands, 527 pages (plus a few blanks). Compiled and annotated by Arthur Onslow (1691-1768), Speaker of the House of Commons. Mid-18th century.
Parliamentary Archives, HC/CL/JO/12/1, After p. 526, pp. [vii-viii].
Other Descriptions and occurrences of the Parliament
A tract beginning ‘That we nowe agreeinge wth the Scottes doe name a Parliament...’. Ascribed to Cotton in MS sources.
Reasons to maintain the navigation of the English merchants with the East and West Indies
Unpublished tract beginning ‘I doubt not my honourable lord...’. Ascribed to Cotton in MS.
CtR 338
Copy, as ‘by R. Cotton’, on nine pages. Early 17th century.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various hands, over 500 leaves.
Formerly belonging to Sir Andrew Fountaine of Narford. Among the manuscripts of the Coke family, Earls of Leicester, including collections of Sir Edward Coke (1552-1634), lawyer and politician.
Recorded in HMC, 9th Report (1883), Appendix, pp. 364-7.
A Relation of the Proceedings against Ambassadors who have miscarried themselves, etc. ...[27 April 1624]
Tract, addressed to George, Duke of Buckingham, beginning ‘In humble obedience to your Grace's Command, I am emboldned to present my poor advice...’. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. 1-9.
CtR 339
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, the last page in another hand. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of legal and state tracts and papers, in professional hands, ii + 266 leaves, in contemporary calf gilt.
Inscribed (f. 1v) ‘Nar. Luttrell: His Book 1682’ [i.e. by Narcissus Luttrell (1657-1732), annalist and book collector], with similar inscriptions throughout the volume with dates ranging from 1678 to 1685.
CtR 339.5
Copy, on six folio leaves, in modern grey boards.
Acquired from Maggs Brothers, 20 January 2006.
CtR 340
Copy, in a professional hand. c.1630.
In: A quarto composite volume of historical tracts and papers, in various hands, viii + 618 pages, in calf.
Evans, 16 November 1842 (George Chalmers sale), lot 1647. Afterwards owned by James Orchard Halliwell (from 1872 Halliwell-Phillipps) (1820-89), literary scholar and book collector. J.W. Jarvis & Son, sale catalogue No. 59 (July 1889), item 181.
CtR 341
Copy, in an accomplished professional hand, imperfect, lacking the ending (despite a note at the foot of f. 60v ‘For ye remainder of this see p. 36’). c.1630.
In: A folio guardbook of separate state papers, in various hands, 271 leaves (but some removed to MS Tanner 89*).
CtR 342
Copy, in a professional hand, with a title-page, ascribed to ‘Sr Robert Cotton knight and Barronett. 1629’. c.1630.
In: the MS described under CtR 9. Early-mid-17th century.
CtR 343
Copy in: A folio volume of state tracts, in a single professional hand, 255 leaves, in reversed calf. c.1630.
A flyleaf annotated by William Sancroft.
CtR 344
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton the 27th of Aprill 1624’, imperfect at the end. c.1624-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state and antiquarian tracts, in several professional predominantly secretary hands, 194 leaves, in half-calf on marbled boards.
Acquired from Lord R. Montagu, MP, 27 June 1863.
CtR 345
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, with a title-page, as ‘written by Sr. Robert Cotton’. c.1624-30s.
In: the MS described under CtR 69.
CtR 347
Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, as ‘written by Sr Robarte Cotton the 27 of Aprill, 1624’. 1624-8.
In: the MS described under CtR 160.
CtR 348
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr: Robert Cotton the 27th: of Aprill. 1624.’c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, with (f. 1*r-v) an ‘Index’ of contents, 247 leaves, in modern half morocco gilt. In various professional hands, including those of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary, and the ‘Feathery Scribe’.
Later owned by Peter Le Neve (1661-1729), herald and antiquary. Then by Robert Harley.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 239-41 (No. 53).
CtR 349
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with (f. 211r) a lengthy title-page (‘Coppies of Records howe Ambassadors in England and els where haue been dealt with...’), and (f. 212r) the usual heading, as ‘written By Sir Robert Cotten’, and dated 27 April 1624. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state and legal tracts and speeches, in various professional hands, 229 leaves, in modern calf gilt.
CtR 350
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a title-page, as ‘Written by Sr. Robert Cotton Knight & Baronett...the 27th of Aprill 1624’. c.1620s-30s.
In: the MS described under CtR 83.
CtR 351
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sr Robert Cotten the 27th of Aprill 1624’.
In: the MS described under CtR 83.
CtR 352
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sir Robert Cotton the 27th of Aprill Anno 1624’. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state and antiquarian tracts, in various professional hands, 240 leaves, in old calf.
Several items inscribed by Wanley with the same date of accession into the Harley Library ‘13 August, 1724’.
CtR 353
Copy, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton the 27 of Aprill 1624’.
In: A folio composite volume of miscellaneous tracts, in several professional secretary hands, 198 leaves, in modern half-morocco. c.1620s-30s.
Later in the library of Edward Umfreville (1702?-86), collector of legal manuscripts.
CtR 354
Copy, as ‘written by Sir Robt Cotton knight and barronet’, dated 27 April 1624. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio volume of state and miscellaneous tracts, dating from 1572 to 1635, in various professional secretary hands, 386 leaves.
Bookplate of Algernon Capell (1654-1710), second Earl of Essex, Privy Councillor, 1701.
CtR 355
Copy in: A folio volume of legal and political tracts, in professional secretary hands, 194 leaves. c.1630.
In the collection of Francis Hargrave (1740/1-1821), legal writer.
CtR 356
Copy, headed ‘Sr Rob. Cotton touching ye Spanish Ambassador’.
In: A long narrow ledger-size volume of transcripts of state letters and papers, written from both ends, 156 pages (including blanks), in contemporary limp vellum. The first 79 pages in a single mixed hand; pp. 1-19 comprising political tracts; pp. 19-79 devoted to material relating to Milton; pp. ‘150’-144 and 154 containing a few legal notes in Latin and a list of ‘English Phrases derivd from ye Latine tongue. &c:’ in another hand, with other notes chiefly at the reverse end in later hands c.1703. Late 17th century.
Owned by, and with later entries in the hand of, Bernard Gardiner (1668-1726), Warden of All Souls College, Oxford. Later owned and inscribed by Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector: Phillipps MS 3993. Sotheby's, 27 June 1919, lot 819, and 1 June 1921, lot 1003.
Cited in IELM, II.ii (1993) as the Columbia MS. This MS used in Columbia (Vols. XIII, XVIII). The anonymous essays ‘of Statues & Antiquities’ (pp. 3-4) and ‘A breif description of Genoa’, as well the legal notes and vocabulary, are edited in Columbia (XVIII, 258-62, 221-7) as ‘doubtfully’ by Milton. Iin fact there is no evidence that they have any connection with him unless, perchance, they were among the general state papers to which he had access. The MS also described in LR, IV, 277-9, and, with the text of the legal index, in Yale, I, 954-60.
CtR 357
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘A vewe of the priuiledge of Ambrs. Written by Sr Robert Cotton the 27th of Aprill 1624’. c.1624-32.
In: the MS described under CtR 119.
CtR 358
Copy, headed ‘A View of the Privilege of Ambassadors Written by Sir Robert Cotton the 27th: of April 1624’.
In: the MS described under CtR 121. c.1700.
CtR 359
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sir Robert Cotton: 27 Aprill: 1624 by Express Comand from the Duke of Buckingham’, iv + 32 folio leaves, in modern boards. c.1624-30s.
Recorded in HMC, 6th Report (1877), Appendix, p. 307.
CtR 360
Copy, in mixed and italic scripts, probably a single professional hand, with a title-page in roman lettering, as ‘by Sr Robert Cotton knt and Barronett’, 8 + ii folio leaves, unbound. c.1624-30s.
Inscribed on the last blank page ‘a A Alice Heyman’. Among family papers of the Earls Cowper, of Cole Green House and Panshanger, Hertfordshire, including those of Sarah Cowper (née Holled, 1644-1720), Lady Cowper, and her husband Sir William Cowper, MP (1639-1706). Received from Lady Ravensdale.
CtR 362
Copy, on nine of twelve quarto leaves, numbered ‘15.’, disbound.
Numbered by John Egerton, second Earl of Bridgewater.
CtR 363
Copy, in a professional mixed hand, untitled, inscribed later ‘Two Discourses of Sr Rob. Cotton ye 2d not printed wth his posthuma’. c.1624-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various hands, 407 leaves (plus blanks), in modern half-morocco.
CtR 364
Copy, as ‘written by Sr Robte Cotton the xxvijth: of Aprill 1624’.
In: A folio volume of state letters and tracts, in a single professional secretary hand, 88 leaves, in old quarter-calf marbled boards. Entirely in the hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’. c.1625-30s.
Bookplate of James Buckley (1770-1839), of Bryncaerau Castle. From the library of Captain James Buckley (1869-1924), of Castell Gorfod, St Clears, Carmarthenshire, which incorporated books and manuscripts collected by Theophilus Jones (1759-1812), Brecknockshire historian, by William Owen Pughe (1759-1835), antiquary and lexicographer, and by Joseph Joseph, FSA (1890), of Brecon, collector.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 211-14 (No. 1), with a facsimile example of f. 32v on p. 65.
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 212 (No. 1.9).
National Library of Wales, Castell Gorfod MS 1, ff. 40v-4v .
CtR 365
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a title-page, as ‘Written by Sir Rob. Cotton the 27th of Aprill 1624’.
In: the MS described under CtR 309.
CtR 366
Copy, in a professional secretary hnd, with a title page, as ‘Written by Sr Robert Cotton knight the xxvijth of Aprill. Anno Domini 1624’.
In: the MS described under CtR 66. c.1630.
Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle, MS 531, ff. [ir], 1r-6v (1st series).
CtR 367
Copy, as ‘Written by Sr Robert Cotton the 27th of Aprill 1614’. c.1630s.
In: A folio volume of manuscript and printed state tracts, almost entirely in a single professional secretary hand, 106 leaves, in contemporary calf.
CtR 368
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sr: Robt Cotton 27th: of Aprill 1624’. c.1624-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in several professional secretary hand, with a table of contents, i + 221 pages (including some blanks), in old vellum boards. Early-mid-17th century.
Old pressmark E. 1. 36.
CtR 369
Copy, in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, as ‘Wrytten by Sr: Robte Cotton, Knight, and Barronett, xxvijo: Aprill, 1624: By expresse Comaund, ffrom the Duke: of Buckingham’.
In: A folio volume of state tracts and speeches, in several professional hands, 586 leaves, in old calf. c.late 1620s-30s.
Bequeathed by Sir Jerome Alexander (c.1600-70), Justice of the Irish Common Pleas. Former pressmark G. 4. 9.
Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 222-3 (No. 17A).
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 223 (No. 17A.4).
CtR 370
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sr Ro: Cotten knight vppon command of Georg Duke of Buckingham 27 April (1624’.
In: A folio volume of state tracts and papers, in several professional hands, 184 leaves, in later calf. c.1640.
Old pressmark G. 1. 9.
CtR 371
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton the 27 of Aprill 1624’. c.1625-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in several professional secretary hands, 76 leaves (plus blanks), in later calf gilt.
Inscribed (f. 76v) ‘good mr / Mr W / Mr Wally’. Bookplate of James P. R. Lyell (1871-1948), book collector. Afterwards in the library of Charles Kay Ogden (1889-1957), psychologist, linguist, and book collector
CtR 373
Copy, in a bold professional secretary hand, as by ‘Sir Robert Cotton 27: Aprill. 1624’. c.1624-40.
In: the MS described under CtR 313.
University of London, Senate House Library, MS 308, ff. 273r-81r.
CtR 374
Copy in: the MS described under CtR 133. c.1601-40.
Untraced, Phillipps MS, MS 11936, [unspecified page numbers].
A Remonstrance of the Treaties of Amitie and Marriage before time, and of late, of the House of Austria and Spaine, with the Kinges of England, to advance themselves to the Monarchy of Europe
Tract beginning ‘Most excellent Majesty, Wee your Lords Spirituall and Temporal, and the Commons of your Realm assembled...’. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [91]-107.
CtR 376
Copy, entitled ‘A Declaration Against the Spanishe matche propounded betweene Prince Charles and the Infanta Maria of Spaine penned By that vnmatched Antiquarie Sir Robert Cotton by the Command of King Iames during The Parliament Ao Do 1624. Ao. 22o. Jacobi’; subscribed by Sir Simonds D'Ewes ‘And thus far onlie as Sr Robert Cotton himselfe tolde mee he proceeded, leauing the rest, that concerned the treatie of marriage between Prince Charles & the Infanta...’. c.1620s.
In: A duodecimo composite volume of one printed and three MS tracts, chiefly in one scribal hand, 169 leaves, in calf stamped with arms (a dog's head) in gilt and with silver clasps. The volume entitled ‘BAZILEGAMVS or Roial Marriages discussed approoued improued Betweene Queene Mary & King Philip finished Ao.Do. 1554. fol. i. Queene Elizabeth and Mounsieur frustrated Ao.Do. 15. fol. 3i.’.
Owned, 2 April 1627, and annotated by the diarist and antiquary Sir Simonds D'Ewes (1602-50). Book label with the motto ‘Virtute et Fide’.
CtR 377
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton Knight and Baronett’. c.1620s-30s.
In: the MS described under CtR 84.
CtR 378
Copy, in double columns. ‘A Collection of diverse small Treatises written by Sr Robert Cotton Kt: & Baronet...1626’.
In: the MS described under CtR 45. Early-mid-17th century.
Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, MS 291/274, pp. 392-6.
CtR 379
Copy, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton Knight and Baronett’. c.1630s.
In: the MS described under CtR 46.
CtR 381
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘A declaration against the Spanish Match penned by Sir Robert Cotton by the command of King James during the Parliament 1624, Ann: 22 Jac:’.
In: the MS described under CtR 48.
Report on the Election in Cornwall
*CtR 383
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with autograph additions by Cotton, headed ‘Comittee appointed to pervse and consider of the letters written by the Deputie lieutenants & Justices of peace of the Countie of Cornwall concerninge the election of knights & Burgesses for that Countie’, on two folio leaves, dated 20 March 1627[8] and inscribed ‘Meeting of the Comittee 9o Maij’. c.1628.
In: A folio composite volume of state letters, parliamentary speeches and other papers, in various hands and paper sizes, 283 leaves, in 19th-century diced calf gilt. Volume 9 of the papers of Sir John Eliot (1592-1632), politician.
Among the papers of the Eliot family, Earls of St Germans, of Port Eliot, Cornwall.
Recorded (as Vol. 9) in HMC, 1st Report (1870), Appendix, p. 42.
Seriovs Considerations for Repressing of the Increase of Iesvites
See Twenty-four Argvments, Whether it be more expedient to suppress Popish Practises against the due Allegeance of His Majesty, by the Strict Execution touching Jesuits and Seminary Preists? Or, to restraine them to Close Prisons, during life, if no Reformation follow?: CtR 497-522.
A Short View of the Long Life and Reign of Henry the Third, King of England
Treatise, written c.1614 and ‘Presented to King James’, beginning ‘Wearied with the lingering calamities of Civil Arms...’. First published in London, 1627. Cottoni posthuma (1651), at the end (i + pp. 1-27).
CtR 384
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, on 13 quarto leaves. c.1620s.
In: A quarto composite volume of sixteen tracts and papers, in contemporary calf (rebacked).
CtR 385
Copy, in a professional predominantly secretary hand. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, 79 leaves, in vellum covered boards. In various professional hands, including that of the ‘Feathery Scribe’.
Once owned by James Brydges (1674-1744), first Fuke of Chandos, politician and music patron, of Cannons, Middlesex (lot 1426 in the house sale there in 1747). Among collections of Richard Rawlinson (1690-1755), nonjuring bishop and topographer.
Described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 255-6 (No. 91).
CtR 387
Copy, as ‘By Sr Robert Cotton’.
In: A duodecimo volume of legal and historical tracts, chiefly in two or more secretary hands, written from both ends, 174 leaves (ff. 100-52 blank), in contemporary calf, with remains of ties. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 388
Copy, in a probably professional secretary hand, unascribed, with a letter (f. 46v) in the same hand, signed ‘Wal: Jeffes’, sending this tract to Caesar because it is ‘soe well written’.
In: A folio composite volume of state and legal papers, in various hands, i + 393 leaves, in 19th-century half-morocco. Papers of Sir Julius Caesar (1558-1636), Master of the Rolls.
CtR 388.5
Copy, in a professional mixed hand. c.1640.
In: A folio volume of state tracts, papers and pariamentary proceedings, in professional hands, 295 leaves, in contemporary calf.
Signed (f. 1r) by Elias Ashmole (1617-92), astrologer and antiquary. Purchased at Payne & Foss's sale, 30 April 1857, lot 130.
CtR 389
Copy, in a small secretary hand, with some deletions and alterations in another hand, dated 29 April 1614, probably subscribed with Cotton's name but heavily deleted, endorsed in yet another hand ‘HEN 3 by Sr R. Cotton’. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of political tracts, chiefly French, in several hands, 200 leaves, in brown morocco.
Owned by the Rev. William Cole, FSA (1714-82), antiquary.
CtR 390
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sr Ro: Cotton’, subscribed ‘Finis: A: D: i622’, ii + 16 quarto leaves, in paper wrappers within modern half-morocco. Volume XII of the Castle Ashby Manuscripts formerly owned by the Earl Compton. Christie's, 8 March 1978, lot 295. c.1622-30s.
CtR 391
Copy, headed ‘A shorte View of Henrie the Thirde and his raigne cum ceteris’, unascribed.
In: A tall folio volume of state and historical tracts, letters and speeches, largely in a single rounded hand, ff. 35v-6r in an italic hand, with (f. 92v) a later index, ii + 92 leaves, frayed and damp-stained, in contemporary limp vellum. Volume CCCLVII (Series II) of the Dropmore Papers: papers of William Wyndham Grenville, Baron Grenville (1759-1834), Prime Minister, of Dropmore House, Taplow, Buckinghamshire, and associated families. c.1620s-40s.
Inscribed on the rear cover the name of Sir Henry Anderson, Bt (d.1653).
CtR 392
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘A shorte Viewe of Kinge Hen: the 3: his Raigne’, unascribed, iii + 14 folio leaves, in contemporary paper wrappers. Volume CCXXIX of the Trumbull Papers, of the Trumbull family, including chiefly William Trumbull (1576/80?-1635), diplomat and government official. Later belonging to the Marquess of Downshire, of Easthampstead Park. Formerly Berkshire Record Office Trumbull Add 19/1. c.1620s-30s.
Formerly Berkshire Record Office, Trumbull Add. 19(1).
CtR 393
Copy, headed ‘A short vewe of the Reigne of K. Hen: the 3’.
In: An octavo volume of transcripts of state tracts and letters, iii + 227 leaves (including blanks) in all, in calf. Mainly in three hands, with later additions in c.1683-99.
Inscribed names including Anthony, Thomas and John Marshall, Jonas Ramsden, Jenkinson, Thomas Maleverer, and Lawson. Owned c.1670s-90s by the family of Sir Thomas Seyliard, third Baronet (d.1701), of Delawarre, Kent. Later note: ‘Bought this Manuscript at Montague's Book warehouse near Queen Street Lincoln's Inn Fields Tuesday Feb: 12 1739’. Later armorial bookplate apparently of the Appleyard family of either Yorkshire or Norfolk. Phillips, 20 March 1998, lot 467, to Quaritch.
CtR 394
Copy, in three professional secretary hands, headed ‘A short view of Hen: 3 life’, inscribed by the second hand ‘written by Sr Robarte Cottone in Ano 1614 and presented to kinge James the same yeare’. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, 170 leaves, in mottled panelled leather gilt. In professional hands, including Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), merchant and antiquary, the ‘Feathery Scribe’, and John Stow (1524/5-1605), historian.
Later owned by Sir Simonds D'Ewes, Bt, MP (1602-50), diarist and antiquary.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 238 (No. 48).
CtR 395
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed in the hand of Sir Simonds D'Ewes ‘A fragmentarie discourse touchinge H. 3. raigne penned by Sr Robert Cotton’. c.1620s-30s.
In: the MS described under CtR 108.
CtR 396
Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, as ‘written by Sr Robert Cotton Knight & Barronet in ano: 1614’.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, 207 leaves, in modern half-morocco gilt. In professional hands, including those of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), merchant and antiquary, and the ‘Feathery Scribe’.
Once owned by Sir Simonds D'Ewes, Bt, MP (1602-50), diarist and antiquary.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 239 (No. 52).
CtR 397
Copy, headed ‘A shorte veiwe of Henry 3 his life’, dated at the end ‘29 April: 1614’, unascribed. c.1620s.
In: A folio volume, comprising two manuscripts of tracts bound together, in two different professional secretary hands, 60 leaves, in half calf on marbled boards.
Inscribed (f. [i*r]) by Humfrey Wanley with date of accession into the Harley Library ‘24 die Martij. A.D. 1723/4’.
CtR 398
Copy, in a secretary hand, headed ‘A short veiwe of the life of Henrie the 3. kinge of England’, unascribed. Early 17th century.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in several professional hands, 192 leaves, in modern calf gilt.
Inscribed (f. [ir]) by Humfrey Wanley with date of accession into the Harley Library ‘25 Novembris, A.D. 1723’.
CtR 399
Copy, headed ‘A short viewe of Henry the thirde his Reygne’, unascribed.
In: A small octavo pocketbook of miscellaneous tracts, in a single small italic hand, 57 leaves (plus blanks), in contemporary vellum within modern quarter morocco. Early 17th century.
CtR 400
Copy, in an accomplished secretary hand, subscribed ‘Written by Sr. Robert Coton knight Anno 1614 and presented to the kinge’. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 165.
CtR 401
A two-leaf fragment of a copy of Cotton's tract, bound in at the end of the volume. Early 17th century?
In: A quarto volume of nine 15th-century sermons, 77 pages.
CtR 402
Copy, in a secretary and italic hand, on rectos, with facing notes on versos in another hand or style, headed ‘A Short view of K. Hen. ye third his Raigne’. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of state and miscellaneous papers, in prose and verse, in various hands, 303 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco gilt.
CtR 403
Copy, in a secretary hand, headed ‘A shorte view of Henry the Thirds Lyfe’, subscribed ‘R. C. B. 29 Aprilis 1614’.
In: the MS described under CtR 20. Early 17th century.
CtR 404
Copy, in a neat talic hand, with a title-page ‘The Life of King Henrie the third / Written (as they saie) by Sir Robert Cotton’, 16 quarto leaves, in modern half crushed morocco gilt. c.1620s-30s.
Inscribed (f. 1v) ‘Elizabeth Caldicott 1665’.
CtR 405
Copy, as ‘written p Sr Robert Coton Knight & Baronet’. c.1630s.
In: the MS described under CtR 173. c.1620s.
CtR 406
Copy, on twelve of 23 long narrow ledger-size leaves.
In: A folio miscellany of tracts, letters, plays and verse, for the most part in a single secretary hand, partly on inserted sheaves of long narrow ledger-size leaves, written from both ends, 248 leaves, in contempoary vellum with metal clasps. Compiled by a University of Cambridge man. Early 17th century.
Inscribed at the end ‘Josephus Diggins me possedit’: i.e. by Joseph Diggins, of Clare Hall, Cambridge (matric. 1607, d.1658). Christie's, 5 December 1973, lot 84, to Hofmann & Freeman.
CtR 407
Copy, in a secretary hand, on 36 leaves, described as ‘Written by Sr Robert Cotton, knight Baronnett in anno 1614’. c.1620s.
In: A small quarto volume comprising two tracts bound together, in different hands, rebound in modern quarter-calf on marbled boards.
The old cover inscribed ‘Geo Davenport 1652’.
CtR 408
Copy, headed ‘A Short veiw of K: Henry the third his Raigne written by sr Robt Cotton: 1624’, subscribed ‘R. C. B. 29 Aprill 1614’.
In: A folio volume comprising four works, all in one secretary hand, 93 leaves (plus 115 blanks), in contemporary calf (rebacked). Early 17th century.
Inscription (f. 1r) ‘Samvell Sandys’.
CtR 409
Copy, in a neat italic hand, with a title-page ‘A Short View of The Raigne of King Henry The third’, 56 duodecimo leaves (on rectos only, plus blanks), in contemporary calf gilt (rebacked). c.1630.
Bookplates of John Towneley Esqr, and Aldenham Noyse Nares. Purchased from Dawson, 1942. Inscribed on a flyleaf ‘Henry H. Gibbs / St Dunstans 1883’. Formerly C 8515M3 S559 [16--] Bound.
CtR 410
Copy, in two professional secretary hands, headed ‘A short viewe of the life of H. the third’, unascribed, on fifteen quarto leaves. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 119.
CtR 411
Copy of a Latin version of the tract, headed ‘Contractior Speculatio Diuturni Imprij Henrici Tertij’, in a probably professional hand, the title-page in another hand, with a note in the hand of William Fulman ‘This is printed in English, Lond. 1651. in 8vo. under the name of Sir Robert Cotton. The Latine seems to be a Translation’. Mid-17th century.
In: A quarto composite volume of ecclesiastical and state tracts, in various hands, v + 397 leaves, in half-vellum boards.
Owned, and partly written, by William Fulman (1632-88), Oxford antiquary.
CtR 412
Copy, in an italic hand, 31 pages, subscribed ‘R.O.B.’
In: A folio volume of political tracts, unfoliated. c.1620s-30s.
Bookplate of Sir Richard Newdigate, 1709. Among papers of the Newdegate family, Viscounts Daventry, of Arbury Hall, Nuneaton.
Warwickshire County Record Office, microfilm M1 351/2, item 12.
CtR 413
Copy, in a professional predominantly italic hand, with a title-page (f. 1v) ‘A Shorte View of the Raigne of King Henrie the third. 3.’, unascribed, 56 octavo pages (plus some blanks), in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards. c.1620s.
Spedding MS 27. Bookplate of W.T. Smedley.
c. 1627.
CtR 414
Copy, headed ‘A short view of the life of Henry the third’, unascribed, incomplete.
In: A quarto volume of two tracts, in a professional cursive mixed hand, viii + 18 leaves, with three octavo leaves in another hand loosely inserted, in modern half crushed morocco on marbled boards. c.1620s-30s.
Bookplate of Sir Walter Wilson Greg (1875-1959), bibliographer, with his notes dated November 1897 when at Trinity College, Cambridge. Item 288 in an unidentified sale catalogue.
CtR 415
Copy, in a secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr: Robert Cotton knight and Barronnett’.
In: the MS described under CtR 180.5. c.1627-52.
Facsimile of p. 283 in Bonham's sale catalogue, p. 102.
CtR 416
Copy, as ‘by Sr Robert Cotton’, in a professional secretary hand, on thirteen folio leaves. In a volume also containing numerous blanks and a one-page Italian text at the reverse end, in contemporary limp vellum. c.1620s.
Bookplate of Thomas Philip, Earl de Grey, of Wrest Park, Bedfordshire.
CtR 417
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘A Short view of the Raigne of Kinge Henry the third’, unascribed. c.1620s.
In: A collection of state tracts and verse, in various professional hands (including the ‘Feathery Scribe’), now bound in two volumes, Vol. I comprising 249 leaves (plus blanks), Vol. II 247 leaves (plus blanks), each in modern half-morocco gilt.
Among the collections of Thomas Tenison (1636-1715), Archbishop of Canterbury.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 349 (No. 75).
CtR 418
Copy, in a professional rounded hand, as by ‘Sr Robert Cotton’, on eleven large folio leaves (plus two blanks), frayed and stained, unbound. c.1630s.
Among the muniments of Lord Mexborough, descended from the Savile family formerly of Methley Hall, near Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
CtR 419
Copy, in a secretary hand, headed ‘A short veiwe of the Raigne of King Henry the Thirde of England composed by Sr Robte Cotton’, on ten folio leaves. c.1620s.
In: A folio guardbook of independent Jacobean state papers, stamped foliation 1-42.
CtR 420
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘A short view of the raigne of King Henry the Third written by Sr. Robert Cotton Knt. & Baronett & by him presented to his Matie:’. c.1630.
In: the MS described under CtR 188.
CtR 421
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘A short view of the raigne of Kinge Henry the Third written by Sr Robert Cotton knight Baronet in Anno 16i4 and by him presented to his Maty: in ye same yeare’, 22 quarto leaves (including blanks), in contemporary vellum with blue ties. c.1620s.
CtR 422
Extracts.
In: An octavo parliamentary notebook, neatly arranged under commonplace-book headings, c.40 pages, in calf gilt. c.1620s-40s.
From the library of Bertram Ashburnham (1797-1878), fourth Earl of Ashburnham, book collector. Sotheby's, 11 December 1997, lot 81.
Parliamentary Archives, HL/PO/RO/1/14, [unspecified page numbers].
CtR 423
Copy, as ‘Written by Sir Robert Cotton’.
In: A folio miscellany of verse and prose on state matters, entitled Ephemeris Chirographoru quorudam Memorabiliam Succincta, 703 pages, in modern calf gilt. A formal compilation written throughout in a calligraphic hand, in black and red inks with elaborate black and coloured decorations and patterned layouts, associated with one Henry Feilde, with his inscription (p. 1) ‘No 4. Henry Feilde 1642’. c.1642.
Bookplates of Joseph Haslewood (1769-1833), bibliographer and antiquary, and of the Rev. Charles Winn (1795-1874), of Nostell Priory, Yorkshire. Christie's, 2 July 1975, lot 229, to H.P. Kraus. Sotheby's, New York, 17 December 1992, lot 95.
Facsimile example in Sotheby's sale catalogue.
CtR 424
Copy, in a small professional predominantly secretary hand, headed ‘A Shorte view of Henrie ye Third and his Raigne’, docketed in a later hand ‘By Sr Robert Cotton’. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, letters and speeches, in various hands, 614 pages (including blanks), in contemporary vellum.
CtR 425
Copy in: A folio volume of state tracts and speeches, in professional secretary hands, iv + 311 pages, in contemporary vellum gilt. Largely (but not entirely) a duplicate of MS 121. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 426
Copy, in a rounded secretary hand, headed ‘A short view of ye Rayne of King Henry ye third’, unascribed.
In: A quarto miscellany, in several hands, iii + 286 leaves (including numerous blanks), in old brown calf gilt. c.1620s-30s.
Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
University of London, Senate House Library, MS 304, ff. 150r-64r.
CtR 427
Copy, 40 pages (127 x 90 mm.).
Owned in 1799 by Thomas Crane, Minister of St Olave's, Chester (bookplate and inscription). Bookplate of Robert Offley Ashburton Milnes, afterwards Crewe- Milnes (1858-1945), first Marquess of Crewe. Christie's, 26 November 1997, lot 74.
CtR 428
Copy, in a professional hand, untitled and unascribed, thirteen folio pages, unbound. c.1620s.
Among papers of the Troyte-Bullock family, formerly of Zeals House, Mere.
CtR 429
Copy, headed ‘A short view of ye raigne of Henry ye third. written by Sir Robert Cotton Knight Barronet 1614 and by him presented to his Matie the same yeare’.
In: MS of two works, in two different hands, the second written from the reverse end, 84 octavo leaves, in 17th-century calf. c.1620s.
Once owned by Sir Norton Knatchbull, first Baronet (1602-85). Scribbling on a flyleaf includes the name ‘M Baldacke’.
CtR 431
Copy, in an italic hand, ii + 40 quarto leaves, in 19th-century cloth. c.1620s.
Owned in April 1799 by Thomas Crane, antiquary, of Chester, who on the verso of the title-page incorrectly describes the MS as being in Cotton's own hand. Later owned by Robert Ashburton Milnes, afterwards Crewe-Milnes (1858-1945), first Marquess of Crewe, politician.
Sr Robert Cottons Speeche to his matie: on Sonday ye .3. of September at the Councell table aboute the alteracion of the moneys. 1626
Speech, beginning ‘Gold and silver haue a twofoeld estimacon in extrinsicke as they are moneyes...’, relating to Cotton's principal speech on coinage. Cottoni Posthuma (1651), pp. 303-7.
CtR 432
Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, headed Sr Robert Cottons Speeche to his matie: on Sonday ye .3. of September at the Councell table aboute the alteracion of the moneys. 1626, follwed (ff. 229r-31r) by the ‘Answer’ of the Council. 1626-8.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in various professional hands, 283 leaves, in modern morocco gilt.
CtR 433
Copy, in a cursive secretary hand, headed ‘Certaine Generall rules collected concerninge Money and Bullion out of ye late Consultatio at Court by Sr: Rob: Cotton in ye presence of ye Kinge at Whitehall 3o Septemb: 1626’, subscribed ‘Rob: Cotton’. c.1630.
In: A folio composite volume of state papers and tracts, in various hands, 391 leaves, in modern half crushed moroccoo on cloth boards gilt.
*CtR 434
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with alterations, headed ‘1626 Septemb Sir Robert Cotton speech to his Maty...’ [etc.], subscribed with his autograph signature ‘Ro: Cotton’. c.1626.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers relating to coinage, in various hands, v + 339 leaves, in a recycled 15th-century vellum fragment of a philosophical treatise within later brown calf. Owned by Sir Robert Cotton, with (f. vr) his engraved plate, his autograph signatures (ff. 50r, 61r, 159r), and his occasional annotations throughout.
Later owned by Thomas Baker (1656-1740), Cambridge antiquary. Acquired in 1751 by Joseph Massie. Including part of a letter about the MS by W. Herne, 30 March 1752. Purchased from Massie in 1761.
CtR 435
Copy, as ‘Sir Robt. Cotton's speech...’, on three pages of a pair of conjugate quarto leaves. Mid-18th century.
In: An unbound and unnumbered bundle of papers relating to coinage.
CtR 436
Copy, in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, headed ‘In the presence Off the Kinge att Whitehall: Certayne: generall Rules Collected Conscerninge Monye, and Bullyon, out of the Late consultacon att Cort by Sr: Robte Cotton’.
In: the MS described under CtR 48.
CtR 437
Copy, headed ‘Certaine genall rules Collected concerning Money and Bullion out of the late Consultacon at Cort by Sr Robert Cotton kt and Barronett and deliuered to his Maty. at the Bord. 1626.’, incomplete. c.1626-30s.
In: A folio volume of state tracts and papers, in several professional secretary hands, 257 pages.
From the Braye Manuscripts, descending from John Browne (1608-91), Clerk of the Parliaments, whose daughter, Martha, married Sir Roger Cave, Bt, of Stanford Hall, Rugby, seat of successive Lords Braye.
A bound set of photocopies of this volume is in the Parliamentary Archives, BRY/51.
A Speech Delivered in the Lower House of Parliament Assembled at Oxford: In the first year of the Reign of King Charles [6 August 1625]
Speech beginning ‘Mr. Speaker, Although the constant Wisdome of this House of Commons...’. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [271]-281.
CtR 438
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, as ‘by Sr R. Cotton Kt and Bart’, and dated 1625. c.1625-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of parliamentary tracts, in various hands, written from both ends, 370 pages (plus blanks), including a table of contents, in contemporary limp vellum. Owned by, and occasionally annotated in the rugged italic hand of, Francis Russell, MP (1593-1641), fourth Earl of Bedford, politician.
Recorded in HMC, 2nd Report (1871), Appendix, p. 3.
The Duke of Bedford, Woburn Abbey, HMC MS No. 198, pp. 24-31.
CtR 439
Copy in: the MS described under CtR 39. c.1640.
CtR 440
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, the speech dated ‘1625’ and as ‘Written by Sr: Robert Cotton Knight and Barronet’, i + nine folio leaves, in paper wrappers. c.1625-30s.
CtR 441
Copy, in a professional rounded predominantly secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sir Robert Cotton Knight and Baronett’, dated ‘Anno dni 1625’.
In: the MS described under CtR 95. c.1630s-40s.
CtR 442
Copy in: the MS described under CtR 133. c.1601-40.
Untraced, Phillipps MS, MS 11936, [unspecified page numbers].
A Speech Made by Sir Rob Cotton Knight and Baronet, before the Lords of his Majesties most Honorable Privy Covncel, At the Councel Table being thither called to deliver his Opinion touching the Alteration of Coyne. 2. Sept. [1626]
Speech beginning ‘My Lords, Since it hath pleased this Honourable Table to command...’. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [283]-294, with related texts (‘The Answer of the Committees Appointed...2 September 1626’ and ‘Questions to be proposed’, etc.) on pp. 295-307. W.A. Shaw, Writers on English Monetary History, pp. 21-38.
CtR 444
Copy of a version, in a professional secretary hand, annotated by the fourth Earl of Bedford, headed ‘A speech by Sr. Robert Cotton, before ye lords of the Councill 1626 2o Caroli Regis’, followed (pp. 13-17) by the ‘answere’ of the Committees.
In: A folio commonplace book, in several hands, begun 18 May 1626, written from both ends, with two tables of contents, 415 pages of text, in contemporary leather with traces of metal clasps. Compiled by, and partly in the rugged italic hand of, Francis Russell, MP (1593-1641), fourth Earl of Bedford, politician. c.1626-30s.
Recorded in HMC, 2nd Report (1871), Appendix, p. 1.
CtR 445
Copy, in a single hand, a title-page added in a different hand ‘The inconvenience of altering the Standard of Money by Sr Rob: Cotton’, headed ‘at the concell table Aug: 1626’, on seven octavo leaves. c.1630.
In: A quarto composite volume of state tracts, 72 leaves, in later grey boards.
Owned in 1721 by Thomas Hearne (1678-1735), antiquary, who has inscribed f. [ir] ‘Given to me by Richard Graves, of Mickleton near Campden in Gloucestershire, Esq.’
CtR 446
Copy, in a professional secretary hand. c. late 1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 8.
Once in the library of James Brydges (1674-1744), first Duke of Chandos, politician and patron of music, of Cannons, Middlesex (lot 280 in the house sale there in 1747).
CtR 447
Copy, in a professional hand. c.1630s.
In: A folio composite volume of papers on Parliamentary subjects, in various hands, some printed, 195 leaves, in half-calf.
CtR 448
Copy, in two neat hands, endorsed by Walpole ‘Copy of a discourse at ye Council table concerning moneys, agst infeebling Coyn: by Sr R: Cotton’, on five folio leaves. c.1730.
In: A tall folio composite volume of letters and papers, in various hands and paper sizes, several hundred unnumbered pages, in contemporary half-calf on marbled boards. Volume CCXCVII of the papers of Horatio Walpole, MP (1678-1757), first Baron Walpole of Wolterton, diplomat.
CtR 449
Copy in: the MS described under CtR 39. c.1640.
CtR 450
Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, headed ‘Sr Robart Cottons Speeche to his matis: Councell at whitehall touching the abating of the Goulde and Siluer proiected by the officers of the Mint, wherby is proued, it is to be agains the Honour, Profitt & Justice of the State: in Ano. 1626’. 1626-8.
In: the MS described under CtR 432.
CtR 451
Copy, in a cursive secretary hand, headed ‘At the Counsell table. 3o Septemb: 1626’, subscribed ‘Rob: Cotton’. c.1630.
In: the MS described under CtR 433.
CtR 452
Copy, with a title-page, followed (ff. 139r-48r) by the answers of the committee, etc.
In: A folio volume of state tracts and papers, dating up to 1663, in a single semi-calligraphic hand, except for ff. 224r-95r in two other professional hands, 445 leaves, in 19th-century half-morocco gilt. The principal scribe associated with Henry Feilde. c.1660s.
CtR 452.5
Copy, headed ‘A Discourse touching Alteracon of Coyne. By Sr Robte Cotton Knt & Baronet’, dated 2 September 1626, with related texts on ff. 148r-56r.
In: the MS described under CtR 353. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 453
Copy, in two professional secretary hands (changing partway down f. 90r), as ‘by Sr Robt Cotton Kt: and Baronett...2o Sept 1626’.
In: the MS described under CtR 116. c.1630s.
CtR 454
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, including (ff. 8v-16v), ‘The Answere by the Comittees’, 17 folio leaves, disbound. With a title-page: ‘The Opinion of Sr Robert Cotton Kt & Baronet touching the alteration of Coyne deliuered at the Councell Table before the Right Honble, the Lords of his Maties: most Honble: Priuie Counsell 2do: die Septembr Ano: Regni Caroli Regis 2do Annoque Domini 1626’, and another heading on f. [2r]: ‘A discourse pronounced by Sr Robert Cotton,,,And since by him reduced into writinge’. c.1630.
CtR 455
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, including (ff. 7v-15v) ‘The Answer by the Committees’, on fifteen folio leaves, in old calf. Headed ‘A Discovrse Pronounced by Sr: Robert Cotton Knight & Baronet, before the Lords...secundo die Mensis Septembris...Annoque Dni 1626 & sithence by him reduced into Writing’. c.1630.
Inscribed ‘Mary Arms Edmonds, New York, 1936’.
CtR 456
Copy, in double columns, the discourse dated 2 September 1626 and described as ‘since by him reduced into writeinge’, followed (pp. 377-9) by the Council's ‘Answers’, in ‘A Collection of diverse small Treatises written by Sr Robert Cotton Kt: & Baronet...1626’.
In: the MS described under CtR 45. Early-mid-17th century.
Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, MS 291/274, pp. 374-7.
CtR 457
Copy, followed (on ff. 120r-8v) by the ‘Answere by the Comittees appointed’, etc. c.1630s.
In: the MS described under CtR 46.
CtR 458
c.1630.
In: the MS described under CtR 424.
In a small mixed hand, headed ‘Sr Robert Cottons opinion concerning the Diminution of Coyne. 1627’.
CtR 459
Copy, in two professional cursive secretary hands, headed ‘Sir Robert Cottons opinion Concerninge the Diminucon of Coyne’.
In: the MS described under CtR 129. c.1625-41.
CtR 460
Copy, in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, with some alterations in another hand, headed ‘A: Speech Deliuered by Sr: Robte Cotton, knight, and Barronett att the Councell Table the < > daye of September, 1626: Touchinge debaseinge of Coyne:’.
Followed, in the same scribe's hand, by related texts: (ff. 119r-21r: see CtR 436), (ff. 121v-2r) ‘Questions proposed to the Marchants Myntmaisters, and Goldsmithes Conscerninge the Alteracon of Silver Monyes’; and (ff. 122v-3r) ‘The State of Goulde and Silver as it is att this prsent The ffirst of September 1626’.
In: the MS described under CtR 48.
Facsimile of f. 117v in Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 97.
The tract on ff. 121v-2r is in Cottoni Posthuma (1651), pp. 302 -3. That on ff. 122v-3r is apparently unpublished.
CtR 461
Copy, as ‘A Discourse Pronounced by Sr Robert Cotton’, sixteen folio pages. c.1630.
Among papers of the Newdegate family, Viscounts Daventer, of Arbury Hall, Nuneaton.
That the Kings of England have been pleased usually to consult with their Peeres in the great Councell, and Commons in Parliament, of Marriage, Peace, and Warre. Written...Anno 1611
Tract beginning ‘To search so high as the Norman Conquest...’. First published, as The Forme of Governement of the Kingdome of England collected out of the Fundamental Lawes and Statutes of this Kingdome, London, 1642. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [11]-39.
CtR 463
Copy, in a professional hand, the title in another hand, incomplete. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 274.
CtR 464
Copy, in several professional hands, subscribed ‘Robert Cotton’, on 26 quarto leaves (plus a few blanks), in contemporary calf. c.1630.
*CtR 465
Copy, in a cursive secretary hand, with autograph corrections and revisions by Cotton and signed by him at the end (‘Ro: Cotton’). c.1611.
In: A folio composite volume of miscellaneous and state tracts and speeches, in Greek, Latin and English, in various hands, 335 leaves, in near-contemporary panelled calf.
CtR 466
Copy, in a professional hand, headed ‘The Antiquitie and Dignitie of Parliaments. Script p Sr Robt: Cotton’. c.1630.
In: the MS described under CtR 447.
CtR 468
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, unascribed. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state papers and tracts, in various hands, c.410 leaves, in a recycled vellum document, now disbound. Yelverton MS 110, among papers of Sir Henry Yelverton (1566-1629), Justice of the Common Pleas, and his family.
CtR 469
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a title-page ‘Kings of England have vsuallie consulted wth theire Peeres and Comons in Parliamt concerninge peace and warr’, ‘by Sr. Robt: Cotton’ added in another hand, 20 folio leaves, in modern half red morocco.
Later owned by Thomas Sidney Blakeney.
CtR 470
Copy, in a professional mixed hand, as by ‘Sr: Ro: Cotton Kt: & Baronet. made at the begining of the pliamt Ao Dni 1623’, subscribed ‘Ro: Co: Bt:’. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of state pqpers, in various hands, 295 leaves, in 19th-century calf gilt.
CtR 472
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, unascribed. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various professional hands (including, f. 33r, the ‘Feathery Scribe’), 456 leaves, in half mottled leather on marbled boards gilt.
Later owned by Edward Stillingfleet (1635-99), Bishop of Worcester. Bought by Robert Harley in 1707.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 241-2 (No. 54).
CtR 473
Copy in: A folio volume of legal and state tracts and papers, 165 leaves. In a single professional secretary hand.
In the collection of Francis Hargrave (1740/1-1821), legal writer and book collector. Also inscribed on f. 2r ‘Tho Manby’.
CtR 474
Copy, lacking title, imperfect, subscribed ‘Robt. Cotton’. Indexed in the table of contents (f. 336) as ‘The relacon of Sr. Tho Cotton shewing yt...’.
In: the MS described under CtR 40.
CtR 474.5
Copy, as by ‘Sr Robert Cotton knt & Baronett’.
In: the MS described under CtR 353. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 475
Copy in: A folio volume of state tracts and parliamentary speeches and proceedings in 1628/9, in a single professional hand, 91 leaves, in quarter-calf. c.1630.
CtR 476
Copy, in a professional secretary hand.
In: A folio volume of state tracts, in several professional hands, including the ‘Feathery Scribe’ and Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), 374 leaves (plus blanks), in modern quarter-calf. c.1620s-30s.
Bookplate of John Moore (1646-1714), Bishop of Ely.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 216-17 (No. 6).
CtR 477
Copy, in a professional predominantly secretary hand, subscribed ‘Ro: Co: Br.’, on 21 quarto leaves. c.1611-20s.
In: the MS described under CtR 119.
CtR 478
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, subscribed ‘Ro: Co. Br.’. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 119.
CtR 480
Copy, in a professional secretary hand.
In: the MS described under CtR 324.
Harvard Law School Library, HLS MS 1039 (Hollis No. 003750674), ff. [68r-84v].
CtR 481
Copy, in a professional predominantly secretary hand, subscribed ‘Rob. Cotton’. c.1620s.
In: the MS described under CtR 363.
CtR 482
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, the title-page beginning ‘The Antiquitie and Dignitie of Parliamts. Or An Extraccon out of Records Shewing...’, as ‘Written by Sr Robte Cotton’, and undated. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of legal and antiquarian writings, in various hands and paper sizes, 540 leaves (plus blanks), in modern half-morocco.
Assembled, at least in part, by John Selden, MP (1584-1654), lawyer and historian. Among collections bequeathed by Sir Mathew Hale (1609-76), Chief Justice of the King's Bench, legal writer.
CtR 483
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, the normal heading preceded by a title-page ‘Parliaments Antiquity and Dignity written by Sr. Robert Cotton’, and subscribed ‘Robert Cotton’, 19 + i leaves, disbound. c.1620s.
Presented by J. Stanley Holmes, July 1948. Formerly House of Commons Library MS 5.
CtR 484
Copy, in a professional italic hand, subscribed ‘Rob: Cotton’, and docketed ‘8 Febr. 1623’. c.1623.
In: A folio composite volume of parliamentary speeches, in various professional hands, 389 pages, in contemporary calf.
CtR 485
Copy. c.1621.
Among the family papers of Rachel Wolriche-Whitemore (1908-96), Lady Labouchere, of Dudmaston Hall.
That the Soveraignes Person is Required in the Great Covncells, or Assemblies of the State, aswell at the Consultations as at the Conclusions
Tract beginning ‘Since at these Assemblies few Diaries, or exact Iournall Books are remaining...’. First published as A Treatise, shewing that the Soveraignes Person is Required in the great Councells or Assemblies of the State, aswell at the Consultations as at the conclusions, London, 1641. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [41]-57.
CtR 487
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sr R. Cotton Kt. and Baronett’. c.1625-30s.
In: the MS described under CtR 438.
The Duke of Bedford, Woburn Abbey, HMC MS No. 198, pp. 268-80.
CtR 488
Copy, in a professional hand. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite guard book of political letters and papers, i + 227 leaves.
Bought from E. Williams, 13 October 1917.
CtR 489
Copy, in a professional hand. c.1630.
In: A folio volume of miscellaneous collections, ii + 124 leaves.
Among collections of Sir William Dugdale (1605-86), antiquary and herald. Once owned by Sir Henry Spelman (1564?-1641), historian and antiquary. Later owned by Cox Macro (1683-1767), antiquary. Christie's, February 1820 (Macro sale, Part VI). Then owned by Hudson Gurney (1775-1864), banker and antiquary (Gurney MS XXX, Vol. 2). Sotheby's, 30 March 1936 (Gurney sale), lot 108
CtR 490
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as by ‘Sir Robert Cotton Knight and Baronett’. c.1620s-30s.
In: the MS described under CtR 83.
CtR 492
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, with a title-page, as by ‘Ser Robert Cotton Knt, & Baronet’. c.1630.
In: the MS described under CtR 166.
CtR 493
Copy, as ‘By Sr Robert Cotton’. Mid-17th century.
In: A folio composite volume of political and parliamentary tracts, in professional hands, c.400 leaves, in contemporary speckled calf gilt.
Bookplate of Algernon Capell, Earl of Essex, 1701.
CtR 494
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, headed A Treatise Written by Sr Robert Cotton knight and Barronett concerning the Soueraignes presence in the great Councells or assemblies of State of the Kingdome by Comand from King James. c.1630s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in several professional hands, 273 leaves, in contemporary calf. c.1635-40.
Old pressmark E. 2. 7.
CtR 495
Copy, in the secretary hand of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary, as ‘written by Sr Robarte Cotton knight & Baronet in Januarie. 1623’, and subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton’.
In: the MS described under CtR 48.
A Treatise against Recusants
See Twenty-four Argvments, Whether it be more expedient to suppress Popish Practises against the due Allegeance of His Majesty, by the Strict Execution touching Jesuits and Seminary Preists? Or, to restraine them to Close Prisons, during life, if no Reformation follow?: CtR 497-522.
Twenty-four Argvments, Whether it be more expedient to suppress Popish Practises against the due Allegeance of His Majesty, by the Strict Execution touching Jesuits and Seminary Preists? Or, to restraine them to Close Prisons, during life, if no Reformation follow?
Tract beginning ‘I am not ignorant, that this latter age hath brought forth a swarm of busie heads...’, dated 11 August 1613. First published in two editions, as respectively Seriovs Considerations for Repressing of the Increase of Iesvites and A Treatise against Recusants (both London, 1641). Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [109]-159.
CtR 497
Copy, unascribed. c.1630.
In: A double-folio-size composite volume of historical tracts and papers, many relating to state arraignments, in a single professional secretary hand up to p. 527, xxiv + 552 pages (plus blank pp. 553-684), in red morocco elaborately gilt. c.1610 [with addition to c.1630].
Presented to the Bodleian in 1620 by Sir Peter Manwood (1571-1625), judge and antiquary.
CtR 498
Copy, in a professional hand, 55 quarto leaves (plus 3 blanks), ruled margins, in contemporary vellum gilt. Headed ‘The point handled is Whether it be better to suppresse Popish practises by the strict execution of Lawes touching Jesuites and seminary priests, or to restraine them to close Prison during life, &c.’, the tract dated 11 August 1613 and subscribed ‘Robertus Cotton’. c.1615-20.
CtR 499
Copy, headed ‘Considerations for the repressing of priests, Jesuits, and recusants without drawing of bloode’. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of state papers and tracts relating to Roman Catholicism in England, in various hands, 179 leaves.
CtR 500
Copy, in several secretary hands, headed ‘Sr Robert Cottons speech 1628. Against recusants in defence of the oath of allegiance or execucons of consideration of repressing of the increase of Papists’.
In: the MS described under CtR 151. c.1630s.
CtR 501
Copy, headed ‘Consideracons ffor the Repressing of ye increase off preists Jesuites and Recusants without drawing of Bloode. Written by Sr Robt Cotton, Knight and Barronett’.
In: A square-shaped folio volume of antiquarian and state tracts, with a table of contents (ff. 374r-7v) and occasional engraved borders by John Sudbury and George Humble, 377 leaves, in modern half-morocco. In a single calligraphic hand, employing various scripts, a scribe identified or associated with one Henry Feilde. c.1640s.
Later owned by the Rev. Philip Bliss (1787-1857), antiquary and book collector. Sotheby's, 21 August 1858 (Bliss sale), lot 140.
This MS discussed in Van Strien.
CtR 502
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘Considerations for the repressinge of the increase of Preists Jesuits and Recusants without draweinge of bloud collected by Sr Ro: Cotton’. c.1620s-30s.
In: the MS described under CtR 468.
CtR 503
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘Considerations for the represinge of the increase of Treists Jesuites and Recusants wthout drawinge of bloud’, unascribed. c.1620s.
In: A folio volume of state tracts, in various professional hands, 522 leaves, in modern half-morocco gilt.
CtR 504
Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey. headed ‘A Discours against Recusants & in defens of the oathe of Allegeans written by sr Robart Cotton Knight and Baronet the .xj. Day of August Anno: 1613’. c.1620.
In: the MS described under CtR 396.
CtR 505
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘Considerations for the repressing of the increase of Preists, Jesuits and Recusants, wthout draweinge of Blood Written by Sr. Robte Cotton Kt and Baronett’. c.1620s-30s.
In: the MS described under CtR 83.
CtR 506
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘Consideracons for the repressing of Preists Jesuits Semynaries, and Recusants without draweing of blood by Sr Robert Cotton’. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts, in several hands, 110 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.
CtR 507
Copy, with a title-page: ‘Considerations for the Suppressing of the increase of Priests, Jesuites and Recusants, without drawing of Blood, written Aug. 11th Ano. Domi. 1613. By Sr Robt: Cotton Bruceus’.
In: the MS described under CtR 452. c.1660s.
CtR 508
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘Considerations for the repressinge of the Encrease of Preests Jesuits and Recusants without Drawinge of Blood written by Sr Robert Cotton Kt. & Barontt:’. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of four treatises, in different hands, 162 leaves, in brown calf gilt.
Later in the library of John, first Baron Lumley (c.1533-1609), collector.
CtR 509
Copy, headed ‘A Discourse...Whether it be better to suppresse Popish Practises by the strict execution...’ [&c.], the tract dated 11 August 1613. Early 17th century.
CtR 510
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, headed ‘Considerations for the Repressinge of the increase of Preistes Jesuits and recusants without Drawinge of Blood: Written by Sir Robert Cotton Knight and Barronett’. c.1620s-30s.
In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various hands, 273 leaves (plus blanks), in red morocco gilt.
CtR 511
Copy, in a professional cursive mixed hand, headed ‘Considerations for the repressinge of the Encrease of Preests, Jesuites and Recusants without drawinge of Blood written by Sir Robert Cotten Knight and Baronett’, 25 folio leaves, the last two imperfect having been gnawed by rodents, in a stiff paper wrapper. c.1620s-30s.
From the library of the Ormsby Gore family, Barons Harlech, of Brogyntyn (or Porkington), Oswestry, Shropshire.
Recorded in HMC 2nd Report (1871), Appendix, p. 86, No. 39.
CtR 512
Copy, in two predominantly italic hands, headed ‘Sr Robert Cottons advise concerning the executing or Imprisoning of Jesuits 1613’, subscribed ‘Anno Dom 1613 Aug: 11. R: C:’, i + nine folio leaves, unbound. c.1620s.
CtR 513
Copy, in a small predominantly italic hand, unascribed, with a sidenote ‘ex MS. Bib. Bod. Archive’. c.1630s-40s.
In: the MS described under CtR 424.
CtR 514
Copy, in a professional predominantly secretary hand, with a title-page ‘Sir Robert Cotton's Advise concerning ye executing or imprisoning of Iesuites 1613’, on twenty folio leaves, subscribed ‘Ano Dni 1613. Aug 11. R. C.’, and docketed at the end ‘pelegi. febr. 2. 1673 Jo: Witham’.
In: the MS described under CtR 29.
CtR 515
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘Considerations for the repressing of the increase of Preists Jesuitts & recusants without drawing of blood written by Sir Robert Cotton Knight and Barronett’. c.1625-30s.
In: the MS described under CtR 193.
CtR 516
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘Consideracons for the repressinge of the increase of Preistes Jesuites and Recusantes without drawinge of blood’, stained. c.1620s.
In: A folio composite volume of state papers and tracts chiefly relating to Ireland, in various hands, 545 pages, in vellum boards.
Old pressmark F. 3. 17.
CtR 517
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘Consideracons for the repressing of the encrease of priests Jesuits and Recusants, without drawing of blood written by Sr. Robt: Cotton Kt and Baronett’, a separate title-page supplied in another hand. c.1630s.
In: the MS described under CtR 31.
CtR 518
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, headed ‘Considerations for the represseing of the increase of Preistes Jesuites and Recusantes without Draweinge of Blood by Sr Robt Cotton’. c.1630s.
In: the MS described under CtR 371.
CtR 519
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘Considerations for the repressing of the encrease of Preists Jesuits and Recusants wthout drawinge of blood written by Sr. Robert Cotton Knight and Barronett’, 27 + ii folio leaves, unbound, imperfect, two leaves gnawed by rodents. c.1620s-30s.
CtR 520
Copy, headed ‘Considerations for the repressing of the increase of priests and Jesuits and recusants without drawing of blood, by Sir R. C.’
Recorded in HMC, 7th Report, part I (1879), Appendix, p. 509.
CtR 521
Copy, the work dated ‘August: 11. Anno Domini 1613’.
In: the MS described under CtR 33. c.1640.
CtR 522
Copy in: A folio volume of state tracts, in various hands, 273 pages. Early-mid-17th century.
Once owned by Sir Richard Grosvenor (1585-1645). Formerly owned by the Marquis of Westminster, Eaton Hall, Cheshire (‘Liber 5’ = MS 8). Sotheby's, 19 July 1966, lot 485, to Dobell.
Recorded in HMC, 3rd Report (1872), Appendix, p. 212. A microfilm of the MS is in the British Library, RP 45.
Warrs with Forregen Princes
See An Answer made by Command of Prince Henry, to Certain Propositions of Warre and Peace: CtR 7-34.
Miscellanea
Miscellaneous
CtR 523
Notes out of Cottoni posthuma (octavo edition of 1672).
In: A quarto volume of antiquarian and miscellaneous extracts, compiled by John Stansby, written from both ends, 34 leaves, in half-calf. Late 17th century.
CtR 524
Extracts from Cottoni posthuma (1651).
In: A folio comonplace book of extracts from different authors, 81 leaves. Mid-17th century.
Inscribed ‘Th. Crewe, pret. 3s 6d’.
*CtR 525
Autograph draft, listing historical cases and precedents up to Henry VII, beginning ‘Odo Byshop of Bayeux and Erl of Kent’, and citing sources, on both sides of a single folio leaf.
In: A folio composite volume of tracts and papers, in various hands, one predominating, 428 pages, in contemporary calf.
Among the collections of Elias Ashmole (1617-92), astrologer and antiquary.
CtR 526
Copy of Cotton's opinion concerning the course to be pursued with respect to the false charges against the Duke of Buckingham made by the Spanish ambassador Inojosa, beginning ‘In humble Obedience of yor Graces Comaunde, I am imboldened to present my poore Aduise in this the greatest and most important Cause that ever happened in this State...’; docketed on blank f. 426 bis‘Apr. or May 1624’ and endorsed on f. 532 bisv‘Sr Rob: Cotton touching Inojosa’. c.1624.
In: A folio composite volume of original state papers, in numerous hands, 529 leaves, now in two volumes foliated 1-264 and 265-529 respectively, in half-calf.
CtR 527
Copy of a series of extracts and aphorisms, headed ‘A Colectyone of preceptes & phrases verye Choyse gathered by Sr Robarte Cotton knyght & Baronete’, with a subheading ‘Daunger in Fauorites’ and beginning ‘ffaithe & merite ought to be the attractives of Princes affectyones...’, in a secretary hand, imperfect, lacking the remainder after a catchword ‘His’. Early 17th century.
In: the MS described under CtR 9. Early-mid-17th century.
CtR 528
Several autograph or partly autograph papers by Cotton, who signs f. 3r ‘Robertus Cottonus Conningtonensis 1602’, including two autograph pedigrees showing the descent of Conington Manor, Huntingdonshire (f. 2r-v); his apparently autograph preamble to an inspeximus of the will of Edward VI (f. 70r); and a scribal copy of the will of Henry VIII inscribed by Cotton in 1604 ‘Adulterina voluntas’ (ff. 70r-7v). c.1602-4.
In: A folio composite volume of miscellaneous papers chiefly relating to court ceremonies, in various hands and paper sizes, 94 leaves.
Afterwards owned by Sir Richard St George (1554/5-1635), Clarenceux King of Arms, and possibly by his grandson, Sir Henry St George (1625-1715), Clarenceux and Garter King of Arms. Presented by William Guthrie (1708?-70), historian and political journalist, 24 April 1764.
*CtR 529
Autograph or partly autograph drafts, including memoranda on ‘Means to repair the kinges Estate’ (ff. 66r-70v), on ‘Resumption of Graunts’ (ff. 125r, 127v), and on ‘Subsidies’ (f. 213r-v). c.1600s-14.
In: the MS described under CtR 14.
*CtR 530
Autograph notes and drafts, including notes on ff. 87r-91v, 94r-100v, 131r-2v; a scribal copy of a letter to James I on f. 78r beginning ‘It was a custome amonge the Romans (Most high most mighty) that such officers...’.
In: the MS described under CtR 80.
*CtR 531
Autograph drafts, with copious revisions, relating to royal revenues, and money matters, headed ‘This belogeth to the Tabl Roll’, with a wrapper (f. 188r) inscribed ‘A Table Directory how ye Kingkes of England hau supplied ther wants by Parlements: R. St. 1615’ (the ‘signature’ here doubtfully ascribed underneath to Ralph Starkey). Early 17th century.
In: the MS described under CtR 470.
*CtR 532
Autograph drafts, with revisions, headed ‘The Charges of severall Kinges & Queenes of England wth meanes to raise aides both by men & monie’. Early 17th century.
In: the MS described under CtR 470.
*CtR 533
Autograph drafts, relating principally to ‘wayes and meanes vsed to fylle the Tresurye by the kinges prerogative’ and commissions for men and shipping. Early 17th century.
In: the MS described under CtR 159.
*CtR 540
Autograph draft concerning the precedency of peers in parliament, subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton’.
In: the MS described under CtR 42.
*CtR 543
A group of miscellaneous drafts of one or more historical narratives by Cotton, including references to Henry III and Thomas Cromwell, chiefly autograph, with copious revisions, and with additions in one or possibly two other hands (including ff. 101r, 102r-3v. and 105r-v), the leaves once folded as letters or a packet. Early 17th century.
In: A folio composite volume of antiquarian and miscellaneous tracts and papers, in various hands and paper sizes, 226 leaves, in modern half-morocco gilt.
Several of the leaves (ff. 105r, 112v, 113v) endorsed by Humfrey Wanley (1672-1726), scholar and Harley's librarian, ‘Bought of H. W.’
CtR 544
An octavo volume of extracts from Cotton's works, in three closely written hands, 85 leaves, affected by seepage of ink, in contemporary vellum. Early-mid-17th century.
CtR 545
Copy, in a neat secretary hand, untitled, of a motion relating ‘To the full contentment of both States effectinge of peacefull vnion’, endorsed ‘Ro: Cotton: 26: March: 1603.’ 1603.
CtR 546
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, of a motion relating ‘To the full contentment of both States effectinge of peacefull vnion’, subscribed ‘Ro: Cotton: 26: Mar. 1603.’ 1603.
CtR 547
Copy, in a secretary hand, of ‘The abstract of Sr Ro: Cottons speech at the Comittee on Wensday last concerning a petition for restitution of deprived ministers intended to be offered to the king’, beginning ‘In this busi[nes]se layed vpon vs by the howse...’, on the first two pages of a pair of conjugate folio leaves. Early 17th century.
CtR 548
A collection of papers relating to Cotton's arguments for admitting witnesses in defence, headed ‘The Speeches in the Commons House of Parliamt concerning that Clause in the Bill for repeal of Hostill Lawes for Admitting the Accused to have Witnesses in their part to be Examined uppon Oath...’.
CtR 549
Copy of the ending, in a professional hand, imperfect, all the beginning excised. c.1630.
In: the MS described under CtR 54.
*CtR 551
A list of parliamentary speeches during the reigne of Queen Elizabeth, in the hand of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary, subscribed by Cotton ‘All thes that I haue marked I desier to se and Examin by my book and the shalbe safly retorned you with many thanks / your assured frend / Robert Cotton’.
In: A large folio composite volume of state tracts, papers and parliamentary speeches, in various hands, 452 leaves, in 19th-century half morocco gilt.
Humphrey Wanley's inscription (f. 1r) on his date of accession ‘26 August 1724’.
*CtR 552
Autograph draft notes, including ‘Mr Speaker from the king about Composition for Purueour and releuing the kings wants’ and references to Sir Edwin Sandys. Early 17th century.
In: the MS described under CtR 551.
*CtR 553
Autograph draft, with revisions, for a speech about the naturalisation of foreigners. Early 17th century.
In: the MS described under CtR 551.