Anon

Prose

Leicester's Commonwealth

First published as The Copie of a Leter, Wryten by a Master of Arte of Cambrige, to his Friend in London, Concerning some talke past of late betwen two worshipful and graue men, about the present state, and some procedinges of the Erle of Leycester and his friendes in England ([? Rouen], 1584). Soon banned. Reprinted as Leycesters common-wealth (London, 1641). Edited, as Leicester's Commonwealth, by D.C. Peck (Athens, OH, & London, 1985). Although various attributions have been suggested by Peck and others, the most likely author remains Robert Persons (1546-1610), Jesuit conspirator.

LeC 1
Copy, with other tracts, in an octavo volume. Late 16th century?

Recorded in HMC, 3rd Report (1872), Appendix, p. 184.

LeC 2

Copy, with a title-page.

In: A small quarto volume of state tracts and letters, in a single professional secretary hand, 149 leaves, in contemporary vellum. Early 17th century.
LeC 3

Copy, with a formal title-page subscribed written in the yeare: 1630: Peytons booke, including (pp. 271-3) the meditation of Job, the rear cover of the volume inscribed Leicesters Common Wealth.

In: A folio volume of state tracts and letters, in a single accomplished mixed hand, i + 352 pages, in contemporary limp vellum with ties.

Possibly in the hand of Edward Paynton or Peyton, whose name, dated 1633, also appears in A Discourse of Court and Courtiers in HMC MS No. 266.

c.1630.

Woburn bookplate dated 1873, but probably owned earlier at the time of the fourth Earl of Bedford.

Recorded in HMC, 2nd Report (1871), Appendix, p. 2.

LeC 4

Copy, in several probably non-professional secretary hands, imperfect at the end. Early 17th century.

In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and letters, in several largely professional secretary hands, 372 leaves, differing sizes, in modern half-calf.

Scribbling before and in the first item including Thomas Rastewell hys Booke, Johannes Barker (in court hand), Thomas Tamkine (? Thomas Tomkins), and Thomas Cooke.

LeC 5

Copy, in a secretary hand, annotated by Powle The Ld of Leycester his common wealth coppied of yonge Mr willeam bruwally written... [by my red hedded madde manne added possibly in another hand].

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.

LeC 6

Copy, with a full title-page, headed Leicesters Comon wealth and dated at the top 1616, at the end the inscribed name (? the scribe) Rhoda Kinge.

In: A folio composite volume comprising three state letters or tracts, each in a different secretary hand, 87 leaves (plus some blanks), in contemporary vellum.
LeC 7
Copy, in a single secretary hand, i + 155 quarto leaves. Late 16th-early 17th century.

Later owned by John Somers (1651-1716), Baron Somers, Lord Chancellor, and afterwards by his brother-in-law Sir Joseph Jekyll (1662-1738), lawyer and politician (No. 278 in the sale catalogue of his library, 1759). Probably later owned by the Rev. Philip Bliss (1787-1857), antiquary and book collector (possibly No. 144 in the Bliss sale, Sotheby's 21 August 1858, to C.J. Stewart). James Colman's sale catalogue No. 59, 23 November 1867, item 198.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 8

Copy, untitled.

In: A quarto volume of three tracts (two on the Succession written the 6t [and 4th] of novebr. 1599) respectively), in three different professional secretary hands, 87 quarto leaves (plus two blanks), in contemporary vellum. End of 16th century.

Inscribed twice (f. 1r) Gualterus Johnes verus possessor huius libri.

This MS recorded in Peck. p. 226.

LeC 9

Copy, with (f. [iiir]) a title-page: Greene=Sleeues OR Leicesters Commonwealth...Ex libris Roberti sancti Gerardi 1630. / Nil temere. / transcribed in Anno Dni 1674. by J H.

In: A folio volume of state letters, tracts and verse, 177 leaves, in calf gilt.

Entirely in the hand of John Hopkinson (1610-80), Yorkshire antiquary, of Lofthouse, near Leeds, and comprising Volume 32 of the Hopkinson MSS.

1674.

Signed bookplate of Frances Mary Richardson Currer (1785-1861), book collector, of Eshton Hall, West Yorkshire. Subsequently owned by her step-father Matthew Wilson.

Recorded in HMC, 3rd Report (1872), Appendix, p. 299.

LeC 10
Copy, in a single secretary hand, 62 folio leaves, in modern quarter-morocco.

Donated in June 1818 by Mary Adams, of Tavistock.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 11
Copy, in several cursive secretary hands, one predominating, with a title-page in a flourished italic hand, 105 quarto leaves, in old calf gilt. Late 16th century.

Inscribed (f. 105v) ffraunces Downes.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 12
Copy, in three predominantly secretary hands, untitled, 57 folio leaves, imperfect, lacking one leaf, formerly in contemporary vellum, in modern half red morocco.

Volume DXCII of the Blenheim Papers, papers principally of John Churchill (1650-1722), first Duke of Marlborough, army commander and politician, his wife Sarah (née Jenyns) (1660-1744), and the related Spencer and Trevor families.

c.1584-1600s.

Inscribed (f. ir) Thomas Edgerly and James Shirley (not the playwright).

LeC 13
Copy, in a neat predominantly secretary hand, on 90 quarto leaves (plus blanks), in contemporary limp vellum with ties. Late 16th century.

Inscribed at the end in the late 17th century notes of debts due to me R. Richardson. Later owned by James P.R. Lyell (1871-1948), book collector, and then by W.A. Foyle (1885-1963), bookseller, of Beeleigh Abbey, Essex. Christie's, 12 July 2000 (W.A. Foyle sale, Part III), lot 311, with facsimiles of two pages in the sale catalogue.

LeC 14

Copy, closely written in a small predominantly italic hand, with a title-page Leicestrensem Rempublicane: Anno Dom: 1584...Leycesters Common wealth...1615.

In: A quarto volume of state and philosophical tracts, in several hands, 75 leaves, in modern quarter crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 15
Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, 81 leaves (plus blanks), with a title-page dated 1584, inscribed (f. 84v) Bonté seueté souuenance sont du Seigneur les sentiers; bound with a separate discourse by Edward Payton, 1633 (Harley MS 3364), in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt. c.1620.

Among papers of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary; subsequently acquired by Sir Simonds D'Ewes, Bt (1602-50), diarist and antiquary. A MS of this work is No. 86 in a catalogue of papers in Starkey's study.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225. See Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes (Oxford, 1998), pp. 254, 273.

LeC 16

Copy, closely written in a cursive secretary hand, dated in the heading 1584. Late 16th-early 17th century.

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.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 245.

LeC 17
Copy, in a probably professional cursive secretary hand, with two other secretary hands at the very end (f. 49r-v), 49 folio leaves, lacking a title-page, in modern half crushed morocco gilt. Late 16th-early 17th century.

Inscribed (f. 1r) by Wanley 3 May 1721, the date of accession into the Harley Library.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 18
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a title-page (undated), 158 leaves (plus some blanks), in panelled calf gilt. c.1620s.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 19

Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a formal title-page in italic script, undated, the last leaf imperfect.

In: A folio volume comprising two independent MSS, in different hands, 135 leaves, in modern mottled leather gilt.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 20

Copy, in a secretary hand, headed Leicesters Commonwealth. 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.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225

LeC 21

Copy, in a secretary hand, lacking a title.

In: A folio composite volume of tracts, in different hands, 100 leaves, in modern calf gilt.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 23

Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a title-page, incomplete.

In: A quarto composite volume of tracts, in various hands, 87 leaves, in modern half red morocco on cloth boards gilt.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 24
Copy, in a professional semi-calligraphic hand, with a lengthy title-page which is subscribed Anno Dni 1616, the Epistle to G.M. in italic, the rest in secretary script, concluding (ff. 96v-7r) with the meditation out of Job, 97 folio leaves, in quarter-calf marbled boards. 1616.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 25

Extracts, headed Some Extracts out of the Earle of Leicesters Common wealth of which the whole booke is att Mr J. Lluyd of Ynisheere.

In: A folio volume of ten state tracts, in a single professional hand, 437 leaves, in modern quarter-vellum. c.1620s-30s.

In the collection of Francis Hargrave (1740/1-1821), legal writer. Inscribed by him on f. iv A present to me from my friend Charles Butler Esqr. Fra: Hargrave 15 Jan. 1792. Inscribed on f. 1r in a different hand, Given me by Mr: S. Baker, Bookseller, Whit-. May 26. 74 in XII. f. 1. my way home from Woodfd. Church, with another Fol. Ms. Halfd:.

This MS recorded in Peck. p. 226.

LeC 26

Copy in a single hand, with a title-page, Leicesters Common wealthe..., annotated by readers By some thought to haue been written by Sr. Walter Raughley, By some thought to bee written by ffather Parsons the Jesuite, and Rhoda kinge.

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.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 27

Extracts, headed Obseruations out of Leisters comon=welth:.

In: A folio commonplace book of extracts, in a single cursive hand, written with the volume in oblong format, inscribed in another hand (f. 1r) Historical Collections by the Earl of Derby. c.1646.

Inscribed (f. 6v) i645: n.$. ne turba Opera meas L Derby and (f. 114v) Finis Ja: i3: i645: at Castle Rushen in ye Ile of Man. L Derby: i.e. compiled by James Stanley (1607-51), seventh Earl of Derby, royalist army officer.

This MS recorded in Peck. p. 226.

LeC 28

Copy, with a title-page.

In: A folio volume of tracts and poems, in a single secretary hand, 73 leaves. c.1600.

Inscribed (f. 1r) Sum liber Johannis Botterilli, Ano Dni 1600. Nouembris 27 don Me 18 Augusti 1602 Myles B.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 29
Copy, in a single professional secretary hand, entitled Leicesters Respublica, 83 folio leaves, in half mottled calf on marbled boards. Late 16th century.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 30
Copy, in a non-professional secretary hand, with a title-page, 82 quarto leaves, in modern half crushed morocco gilt. Early 17th century.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 31

Copy, in a roman hand, entitled (f. 108v) Robert Dudley Erle of Leicester his life & gournmt, commonly called his Comon Wealth.1584.

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.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 32
Copy, the main text in a single professional secretary hand, 73 quarto leaves, in modern crushed morocco.

Formally inscribed (f. 1r) De. Re / Priuata et Publia / RCL / Pecet nouisse malum facisse nefandum / Lectori / Emenda Legendo menda / Vale, with a full title-page in secretary and italic scripts (f. 2r), subscribed (f. 71r) finis. written Anno. 1594.

c.1594.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 33

Copy, in a secretary hand, untitled.

In: A small folio volume containing two works, the second (ff. 49v-79r) a tabular summary of a philosophical Encyclopædia, 79 leaves, in modern crushed morocco. Early 17th century.

Inscribed (f. 1r) Edri Umfreville: i.e. Edward Umfreville (1702?-86), collector of legal manuscripts.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 34
Copy, in a secretary hand, on 48 folio leaves, imperfect at the end, in quarter-calf. Late 16th-early 17th century.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 35

Copy, headed The Earle of Leicester his Common Wealth, without the dedication.

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.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 36

Copy, with a title-page, in a secretary hand. End of 16th century.

In: A small folio composite volume of state tracts and genealogical papers, in various hands and paper sizes, 146 leaves, in old calf (rebacked).

This MS recorded in Peck. p. 226.

LeC 37
Copy, with a title-page bearing at the foot the date 1648, in a professional cursive hand, on 190 large folio leaves, in quarter-calf. c.1648?

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 38
Copy, in a single cursive secretary hand, with a title-page dated 1584, 170 folio pages (plus 34 blanks), in quarter-calf on marbled boards. Late 16th-early 17th century.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 39

Copy, with a title-page.

In: A quarto volume of state tracts and letters, largely written in one secretary hand, entries at the reverse end in a different hand, 281 leaves (including 90 blanks). Early-mid-17th century.

Inscribed at the end T ed: Kenett.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 40

Copy, in a single secretary hand, imperfect at both ends. Late 16th-early 17th century.

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).

This MS recorded in Peck. p. 226.

LeC 41
Copy.

Copy, in a secretary hand, lacking a title-page, inscribed by the copyist at the end Cutbert Crooke, 133 quarto leaves, in vellum.

Late 16th-early 17th century.

Among papers of the Sidney family, Viscounts De L'Isle, of Penshurst Place, Ashford, Kent.

LeC 42
Copy, in a single professional secretary hand, the Epistle dated 1592, 157 folio leaves, in contemporary vellum, the date 1598 on the spine changed to 1639. Early 17th century.

Among papers of the Newdegate family, Viscounts Daventry, of Arbury Hall, Nuneaton.

Warwickshire County Record Office microfilm, M1 351/6, item 33.

LeC 43
Copy, in a professional hand, 62 folio leaves, in a recycled limp vellum membrane comprising earlier accounts. Early 17th century.
LeC 44
Copy, in a single secretary hand, with (f. iir) a formal title-page with the treatise as by Sr Anth. Brown, dated 1584 and subscribed J. K., with (f. iiir) a further title Leic: Comon wealth, v + 76 quarto leaves (an additional note on f. 77r deleted), in contemporary vellum. Late 16th-early 17th century.

Inscribed (f. ir) empt de Mra Blakeston. Among the collections of Christopher Hunter (1675-1757), Durham antiquary and physician.

LeC 45

Copy, closely written in a single small secretary hand, the heading in italic, annotated in a later hand Having compared this Copy with the latter [printed edition of 1640], I find ye M.S to be fuller, 49 leaves. Late 16th-early 17th century.

In: A quarto composite volume of miscellaneous tracts, including (item 1: 20 leaves) a verse miscellany, in several largely secretary hands, 210 unnumbered leaves.

Among the collections of Christopher Hunter (1675-1757), Durham antiquary and physician.

LeC 46
Copy, in a professional italic hand, headed The Earl of Lesters Commonwealth, 87 leaves (plus some blanks), in contemporary vellum with ties. Late 16th-early 17th century.

In the library of John Cosin (1595-1672), Bishop of Durham.

LeC 47
Copy, in a single predominantly secretary hand, the normal title preceded (f. [iiv]) by a supplied heading Leycesters Commonwealth in another hand, iv + 84 pages, in old speckled leather. Late 16th century.

Recorded in HMC, 6th Report (1877), Appendix, p. 307.

LeC 48

Copy, with a title-page, side-notes added in another hand, and subscribed L. Daneidis.

In: A quarto miscellany, largely in a professional secretary hand, i + 59 leaves (plus numerous blanks and some loose papers), in contemporary vellum. Late 16th-early 17th century.

Once owned by the Draycott family.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 49
Copy, in the hands of Sir John Harington (including, pp. 203-26, an addycion), of his servant Thomas Combe, and of Harington's brother Francis, viii + 226 quarto pages, in contemporary vellum with ties. c.1585.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226, and the addycion edited from this MS on pp. 229-44. Harington's hand identified by Peter Beal and the MS discussed in Gerard Kilroy, Advertising the Reader: Sir John Harington's Directions in the Margent, English Literary Renaissance, 41/1 (Winter, 2011), 64-110, with facsimiles of pp. 111, 119 and 203 on p. 89-90. 93.

LeC 50
Copy, in a single secretary hand, 143 quarto leaves, in later calf gilt.

With an initial title-page (f. 1r) De Re priuata & Publica R C L ... before (f. 1v) a second title-page with the usual title, subscribed (f. 141v) ffinis, Written Ano 1594, and with (ff. 142r-3r) the Meditation from Job.

1594.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 51
Copy, in a single neat secretary hand, with (f. 1r) the arms of the Earl of Leicester in pen and ink, 109 quarto leaves, imperfect, lacking a title-page, f. 54, and the ending, in contemporary limp vellum, with ties. Late 16th century.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 52
Copy, in a single secretary hand, with an initial title-page in roman script Robert Dvdley Earle of Leicester, his Life and Gouernment commonly called His Commonwealth before (f. 2r) the usual title dated 1584, 221 quarto leaves, imperfect, a number of leaves defective and lacking the ending, in modern vellum boards gilt, with ties. Early 17th century.

First title-page inscribed J Strutt.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 53
Copy, in a single cursive secretary hand, on 56 tall folio leaves, including (f. 55r) the meditation from Job, inscribed (f. 56v) in a different hand a booke of many Extraordinary thinges concerne ye lord of Lester in ye time of Queene Elisabeth, in old calf gilt (rebacked). Late 16th-early 17th century.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 54
Copy of a version, in a single professional secretary hand, with some (faded) rubrication, 42 tall folio leaves, lacking a title-page, in modern boards.

Including at the end (ff. 40v-2r) Certaine Notes taken out of some other Authors Concerning my Lord of Leycesters Comon wealth.

Early 17th century.

From the library of George Dunn, of Woolley Hall, near Maidenhead. Item 8 in an unidentified sale catalogue.

This MS text recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 55
Copy of a version, in a single small, probably professional, mixed hand, 46 folio leaves, in contemporary limp vellum.

With no title-page or heading, but with a title written on the front cover in a roman hand A conference in which is described the wickedness, baseness, and Treasonous Designs of Robt. Dudley E. of Lecester, some time the cheif Minister to Q. Elizabeth. written at the time of his highest elevation.

Early 17th century.

This MS text recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 56

Copy, in a professional secretary hand, untitled.

In: A large volio volume of state papers, tracts and speeches, in several professional largely secretary hands, 484 pages (including numerous blanks), in half calf on marbled boards. c.1630.

Bookplates of Captain Henry B.H. Beaufoy, FRS (1786-1851), and of William T. Smedley (1851-1934), Baconian.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 57

Copy, in a predominantly italic hand, complete with a title-page (possibly in another secretary and italic hand), dedicatory epistle, and meditation from Job.

In: A large folio volume comprising two tracts in different hands, the second (ff. [31r-42r]) Vox Populi, 43 leaves, in contemporary limp vellum. Early 17th century.
LeC 58
Copy, in a probably professional secretary hand, iii + 73 folio leaves, in contemporary limp vellum, with traces of ties.

With a title-page, Leicestrenseni Rempublicane Anno Dom. 1584, the dedicatory epistle, and the meditation from Job.

Late 16th century.

Acquired in 1960 from Hamill & Barker, Chicago.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 59
Copy, in three secretary hands, 63 folio leaves (plus blanks), in contemporary vellum. Late 16th-early 17th century.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 60
Copy, in a probably professional secretary hand, i + 84 + ii quarto leaves, in contemporary vellum. End of 16th-early 17th century.

Bookplate of Ham Court, [Oxfordshire].

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 61

Copy.

In: A folio volume of state tracts, in three secretary hands except for an addition on the last leaf in italic, c.125 leaves, in contemporary vellum. Early 17th century.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 62

Extracts.

In: An octavo commonplace book of miscellaneous extracts, 54 leaves (plus blanks), in contemporary vellum. c.1660.
LeC 63

Copy, in a cursive secretary hand, with a supplied title (f. 275r) The History of ye Earle of Leicester and incorporating further notes at the end, including An Additon agreable to ye history Writtne in uerse.

In: A folio composite volume of tracts and papers, in various hands, 486 leaves, in red morocco gilt.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 826.

LeC 64

Copy, with full title and date 1584, subscribed ffinis./31. August 1633. EA, with the meditation from Job on f. 200r-v, subscribed ffinis. 1 Sept 1633. EA., inscribed in the margin by a reader (f. 88r) This is the same bock with that intitul'd Leicesters Common wealth wrote by Father Robart Parsons.

In: A quarto volume of state and miscellaneous tracts, two by women, in a single predominantly secretary hand, one EA, 274 leaves, in contemporary calf (rebacked), with traces of clasps. 1631-9.

Later owned by the Rev. Dr Cox Macro (1683-1767), antiquary (his No. 98), and then by the Gurney family of Norfolk. Sotheby's, 31 March 1936 (Gurney sale), lot 159.

LeC 65
Copy, in a probably professional secretary hand, lacking a title, 83 folio pages, in contemporary vellum. End of 16th-early 17th century.

Among the collectionss of Thomas Tenison (1636-1715), Archbishop of Canterbury.

LeC 66

Copy, imperfect, lacking approximately half the text.

In: A folio volume of state tracts and works associated with the Royal Court, in a single formal secretary hand except for an addition by a cursive secretary hand on p. 61 and subsequent scribbling on the first three pages, i + 90 pages, imperfect, all leaves damaged and lacking some text, all now in window mounts. c.1597.

A complete facsimile of the volume, with transcriptions, in Burgoyne, Alnwick MS (1904).

This MS recorded in Peck. p. 226.

LeC 67
Copy, in a single secretary hand, with a title-page Licesters Comon Wealth, on 24 folio leaves, incomplete, followed (ff. [25r-6r]) by Certaine notes taken out of some other authour concerninge my Lor: of Leicesters Comon wealth, in modern morocco gilt. Early 17th century.

This MS recorded in Peck. p. 226.

LeC 68
Copy, 230 folio pages, imperfect, disbound.

Pages numbered 4-230 in the hand of the Feathery Scribe; sixteen unnumbered preliminary pages supplied in another, apparently non-professional hand on a different stock of paper, presumably to replace text missing from the original copy; with many corrections, alterations and sidenotes in other hands, a series of addresses scribbled in the margin of p. 10 and on an end-leaf suggesting possible use in a professional London scriptorium.

c.1620s-30s.

This MS text recorded in Peck, p. 226. Discussed in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 74-7, 254 (No. 84), with facsimile examples on pp. 75-6.

LeC 69

Copy, closely written in a cursive mixed hand.

In: A quarto miscellany, containing eleven texts in verse and prose, in several hands, including seven poems by Donne in a single hand, 114 pages (plus blanks), in a vellum wrapper. Early 17th century.

Inscribed on the cover Mich: Heneage: A Paris: i.e. probably either the son (fl.1640) or the grandson (1632-c.1707) of Michael Heneage (1540-1600), antiquary. Formerly Somerset Record Office DD/WHb/3086, among the Button-Walker-Heneage MSS.

Cited in IELM, I.i (1980) as the Heneage MS: DnJ Δ 34.

LeC 70
Copy, entitled The Book called the lord of Leicesters Comon wealthe with the date 1584 on the title-page, 111 folio pages, in modern vellum boards.

In probably two or more hands, a neat predominantly italic hand (pp. 1-7) and at least one cursive mixed hand (pp. 7-111), with a secretary hand adding the meditation on Job on the last page.

Late 16th-early 17th century.

Donated 15 May 1938 by Miss Mary de Winton and Miss Katherine Ede Winton, of Priory Hill House, Brecon, having been owned nearly sixty years earlier by Mrs Lewes Gibbs.

LeC 71
Copy, in a single seceretary hand, 53 folio leaves, in contemporary limp vellum (a recycled deed of 1568 between Thomas Wentworth and Robert Darly).

The tract is here untitled, the initial epistle set out separately on f. 1r, and the deed cover inscribed inside in large letters Have mercye on vs Lord amen, as if to conceal, or at least minimize detection of, the true character of the work.

Late 16th century.
LeC 72
Copy, in two probably non-professional secretary hands, the title-page bearing the date 1584, 294 quarto leaves, in old reversed calf. Early 17th century.

Inscribed Ex dono Dignissimi viri Joannis Bagford noti in Historiâ Typographica [i.e. by John Bagford (1650/1-1716), bookseller and antiquary], and Ex dono T. Baker [i.e. by Thomas Baker (1656-1740), Cambridge antiquary].

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 73

Copy, the main text in probably a single secretary hand, the title-page supplied by Thomas Baker.

In: A quarto miscellany of verse and prose, probably in several hands, ii + 176 leaves, in contemporary calf gilt.

Inscribed inside the front cover Beinge Boughte of Joh grocer. 1617 [vnwritten added in different ink]. Later owned by Samuel Newton (d.1718), antiquary and Mayor of Cambridge, and then by Thomas Baker (1656-1740), Cambridge antiquary.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 74
Copy, in a probably professional secretary hand, with a modern title-page (otherwise untitled), 142 folio pages (plus blanks), in later calf. Late 16th-early 17th century.

Inscribed (f [ir]) Ed: Rud S.T.B. Trin: Coll: Cant: Soc: 1712.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 75

Copy, in at least two secretary hands.

In: A folio composite volume of state tracts and letters, in several hands, 121 leaves, in 17th-century calf.

With a later title-page (f. [iiir]), Leycesters Common-wealth...Together with other Political Papers written or Collected by Mr Beaupre Bell...De Beauprè Hall in Com: Norf: 1726. Inscribed inside the front cover by Thomas Hearne (1678-1735), Oxford antiquary, Sept. 1. 1733. This MS. belongs to Beaupré Bell Junior, Esq. Tho: Hearne.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.

LeC 76
Copy, in at least two probably professional cursive secretary hands, with a formal title-page Leicesters Comon=Wealth / The Coppie of a Letter...[etc.], 65 tall folio leaves, in contemporary vellum. Early 17th century.

Old pressmark E. 1. 25.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 77
Copy, in a single professional secretary hand, untitled, with a supplied title roughly inscribed in another hand Leycesters comonwealth a Better Copy see (*: 3 :/, 53 folio pages, in later calf. Late 16th-early 17th century.

Former call number E. 2. 18.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 78
Copy, in a single secretary hand, with a title-page Leicesters Comon Weale / The Coppie of a letter...Anno Dni. 1593, including the meditation of Job, 60 small quarto leaves, in old blind-stamped calf.

The title-page subscribed John Aynworth, probably the copyist of the MS.

c.1593.

Old pressmark E. 5. 27.

This MS recorded in Peck. p. 226.

LeC 79
Copy, mainly in a probably professional secretary hand, a mixed hand on ff. 48r-50v, on the first 69 leaves in a quarto volume comprising two MSS bound together, 109 leaves in all (plus blanks) including (ff. 69v-109v) notes, tracts and a catalogue in later hands, with additions dated 1693/4, in old vellum boards. Mid-17th century.

Scribbling (f. 1r) including the name Ai Bealken. Old pressmark F. 4. 21.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.

LeC 80

Extracts, headed Leicesters Commonwealth.

In: A duodecimo commonplace book of extracts, in one cursive hand, written from both ends, 117 leaves (plus numerous blanks), in contemporary vellum boards gilt. c.1630.

Owned by William Drake, MP (1606-69), of Shardeloes, near Amersham, Buckinghamshire. Later in the library of Charles Kay Ogden (1889-1957), psychologist, linguist, and book collector.

Drake's commonplace books discussed in Stuart Clark, Wisdom Literature of the Seventeenth Century: A Guide to the Contents of the Bacon-Tottel Commonplace Books, Transactions of the Cambridge Bibliographical Society, 6, Part 5 (1976), 291-305; 7, Part 1 (1977), 46-73, and in Kevin Sharpe, Reading Revolutions (New Haven & London, 2000).

LeC 81

Copy, the decorated title-page dated 1592.

In: A folio volume of legal and state tracts, 246 leaves (including blanks), in contemporary vellum boards, with initial H in a gilt lozenge on the front cover and F on a similar lozenge on the rear cover.

Folios 5r-217r, 225r-31r in a semi-calligraphic secretary hand, formal title-pages and headings with heavily inked borders and decoration, associated with one Henry Feilde; folios 217v-24v in a different secretary hand; folios 232r-5v in a third hand.

c.1630s.

Later in the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector: Phillipps MS 8989. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.

LeC 81.5

Copy, largely faded.

In: A folio miscellany, entitled A Booke of Memorable Accidents and famous Arraignements with other worthy matters touchinge great personages agitated wthin this Realme of England in the Reignes of Queene Elizabeth and Kinge James, compiled by William Bull, of the Middle Temple, 104 leaves, bound with other material by Henry Bull, Jr, and others, in half-calf. c.1620s.

Puttick & Simpson's, 11 November 1887, lot 1050. Briefly owned by James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps (1820-89), literary scholar and book collector. Bequeathed to his nephew and executor Ernest E. Baker. Acquired in 1960 from Emily Driscoll, manuscript dealer, New York.

LeC 82

Copy.

In: A quarto volume containing at least two tracts. Early-mid-17th century?

Formerly among the papers of the Isham family, of Lamport Hall, Northamptonshire. (Not among the Isham papers in the Northamptonshire Record Office.)

Recorded in HMC, 3rd Report (1872), Appendix p. 253.

LeC 83
Copy, dated on the first page 1620, c.300 small quarto pages, in vellum wrappers. Early 17th century.

Contemporary ownership inscription of Robert Hesketh. Also inscribed by Robert Scaliger, 1630. Phillips, 15 June 1989, lot 48.

LeC 84
Copy, quarto. Late 16th-17th century.

Later among the MSS of Ralph Thoresby (1658-1725), Yorkshire antiquary and topographer.

Recorded in Ducatus Leodiensis, 2nd edition (Leeds, 1816), Appendix, p. 85, No. 121.

LeC 85
Copy.

Copy.

Early 17th century.

Inscribed Ex libris Rbti Setgri 1630. Later in the library of the Towneley family, of Towneley Hall, near Burnley, Lancashire. Sotheby's, 18 June 1883 (Towneley sale), lot 54.

LeC 86

Observations and extracts.

In: A duodecimo commonplace book, compiled by James, Earl of Derby [presumably James Stanley (1607-51), seventh Earl of Derby], x or xii + 295 pages. 17th century.

Formerly among papers of the Rev. T.W. Webb, of Hardwick Vicarage, Herefordshire.

Recorded in HMC, 7th Report, Part I (1879), Appendix, p. 682.

LeC 87
Copy, in a single secretary hand, densely written on 53 folio pages, imperfect, lacking the beginning and ending, disbound. Late 16th century.

Sold at Sotheby's to Dobell.

This MS recorded in Peck. p. 226.

LeC 88

Copy.

In: A folio volume of state tracts and speeches, 380 leaves, in contemporary calf gilt, now disbound. Early-mid-17th century.

Includes arms and genealogy of Helsby Cherleton & Acton Co. Lestr and of The Lords of Hatton Co. Lestr. Inscribed Thomas Helsby Lincoln's Inn London 1855.

LeC 89

Copy.

In: A folio volume comprising two tracts relating to the Earl of Leicester (the second The Earle of Lecisters Ghoast), probably in a single mixed hand with variations, 292 pages, in contemporary calf gilt. Early 17th century.
LeC 90
Copy, in a single secretary hand, on 283 quarto leaves, in contemporary vellum. 1620.

Inscriptions on a flyleaf include Robt. hesketh oweth this book. Later in the collection of Laurence Heyworth.

LeC 91
Copy, in a single cursive secretary hand, 93 quarto leaves, in contemporary calf. Late 16th-early 17th century.

Later owned by Ralph Thoresby (1658-1725), Yorkshire antiquary and topographer; by George Steevens (1736-1800), literary editor and scholar; given by him 19 March 1780 to Isaac Reed (1742-1807), literary editor and book collector; then in the libraries of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector (Phillipps MS 9544); and of Sir Thomas Brooke, Bt, FSA (1830-1908), Yorkshire antiquary and book collector, of Armitage Bridge.