| Administrative History | George Talbot (1522-1590 ) Earl of Shrewsbury, Earl Marshal of England |
| Description | Abstract:
Beale has recently returned from a visit to Mary, Queen of Scots. He had not been able to see the Queen (Elizabeth) before as she seemed fully occupied with the business of Monsieur. He had now informed her of Mary’s wish to send a messenger to Scotland. This, Beale thought would be difficult as “the unkindness continueth still and the Scottish King refuseth to admit any that shall be sent from her Majesty”. The Queen has referred the matter to Walsingham to whom Mary’s requests are to be put in writing. A decision is not likely till the holiday season is over. Beale has also taken up the question of Mary’s dowry with the French Ambassador, who has approached Monsieur, who gave a favourable reply. Beale has given the Queen Shrewsbury’s letter asking permission to come up to London in the Spring; his request is likely to be granted. Give news of what is being said at Court about the business of Monsieur. Has seen Mr. Clarenceux and Mr. Somerset regarding the decoration of a gallery at Worksop. He also has got Shrewsbury some “maps and description of countryes”. Beale is concerned about Shrewsbury’s gout and willing to help. “And so having nothing els to troble your Lordship with, with remembrance of my most humble duty to your good Lordship, my very good Lady, my Lady Len<n>ox and my little Lady Favour I humbly take my leave”. [Abstract by James D. George]
Jams D. George adds the following notes to his anstract:
[MS 1009/1/ comprises 4 pages of the draft, No. 29 is the fifth and last page of the same letter.
A letter from Shrewsbury to his man Baldwin dated 1 Dec. 1581 shows that Beale, who had gone on a mission to Mary, Queen of Scots, was then at Sheffield, (G.R. Batho, Calendar of Shrewsbury and Talbot Papers, Vol II, p. 117).
There seems to be a reference to this letter in B.C. Hardy “Arabella Stuart: A Biography” (London, Constable & Co. 1913) p. 34. It seems unlikely that she knew of this draft, so presumably saw the fair copy, which I have not traced.
Mr Clarenceux is Robert Cooke, Clarencieux King of Arms. In 1571 he was commissioned to direct decorations in the gallery at Shrewsbury House in London. (Batho, op. cit. pp 104,379). Mr. Somerset is the Somerset Herald. Shrewsbury was Earl Marshal from 1572.
'My very good Lady' is Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury (“Bess of Hardwick”). 'My Lady Lenox' is Elizabeth Cavendish, Shrewsbury’s step-daughter and widow of Charles Stuart, Earl of Lennox.
'My little Lady Favour' – Arabella Stuart, Lady Lennox’s daughter, aged 6 in December, 1581. “Favour” is the reading given by Hardy.
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