An Elizabethan manuscript, signed by some of the era's leading figures, will sell at Bonhams' Books, Maps, Manuscripts and Photographs auction in London on November 13.
 The duke feared he would be locked away in the notorious Tower of London |
The privy council letter is addressed to the sheriff and justices of the peace of Kent, to inform them of the Duke of Norfolk's plot to marry Mary Queen of Scots. It is signed by Elizabeth I's favourite suitor, the Earl of Leicester, as well as chief minister, Sir William Cecil, and other councillors.
The letter follows Mary Queen of Scots' unannounced arrival in England in May 1568 which was, to say the least, unpopular with Elizabeth, given Mary's claim to the throne.
To solve the problem a plan was hatched to marry the Duke of Norfolk - England's leading nobleman - to Mary and restore her in Scotland, provided she retain Protestant belief and strong ties with England.
The scheme had gained wide approval, including from the Earl of Leicester himself. However, while the move was supposedly in her favour, Elizabeth had not been aware of their plans and, renowned for her temper, was enraged by the duke's actions.
The 1569 letter sees the council warning of the duke's subsequent escape to Kent and requesting his return to court in London. The duke obviously feared for his safety but nonetheless came back to London, where he was executed in 1572 for his involvement in the Ridolfi Plot to assassinate the queen.
The letter is in "sound presentable condition" and will be sold for £2,000-3,000 ($3,200-4,800).
Paul Fraser Collectibles is currently offering a truly remarkable Queen Elizabeth I signed manuscript, which features her flourishing autograph and the Great Seal of the Realm.
