• Preface iii

• Introduction

• The Manuscript ix

• Contents and Sources x

• The Author xi

• Editions and Translations xiv

• A Note on the Text xiv

• Text and Notes I

• Index 69

1188 Gift in free alms by Simon son of Nicholas and Isabel his wife to Reading Abbey of the whole land which Thomas son of Alan sometime gave them in the vill of Ufton [Nervet] (Huffinton'). To be held freely by rendering annually to the said Thomas and his heirs 1d at Easter and to Richer Neirnut, lord of the fee, and his heirs ys sterling at Michaelmas for all custom, demand, suit and secular service, saving such foreign service as pertains to the said tenement, which the abbey will acquit. Warranty and sealing with their seals.

These arguments are in Hatton's own hand and bear his indorsement. They have reference to certain negotiations for a treaty between Elizabeth and Mary which contemplated Mary's liberation and which had been resumed in May, 1584. Apparently Elizabeth hoped to use Mary's influence in favor of the discomfited English party in Scotland and of the leaders of that party who had been forced to flee into England earlier in the year. Hatton's notes should not be interpreted to mean that he was in favor of liberating the Scottish Queen at this time. He simply sets down arguments in favor of such a policy just as the year before (cf. Document V) he had set down arguments opposing it.

Friday 15 January The official Coronation Programme was issued today. It would be idle to pretend that the change of monarchs has not taken the fire out of the national interest in the Coronation. King George VI and his consort are popular enough in a quiet way, but they do not arose any great enthusiasm. In society itself, the Queen is definitely unpopular. As Duchess of York she was regarded as a rather quiet, uninteresting, highly domesticated person, a little too Scots, if anything. But as Queen she is a little derided as lacking in glamour.

These notes are in Hatton's hand. He was the spokesman for the government at the trial of Babington and his accomplices and probably he drew up these notes for use on that occasion. The various projects against the government enumerated here seem to have been entertained at one time or another by the conspirators, as appears from the summary of their confessions in the Record Office (S.P. Mary Q. of S. xix, no. 91). They were embodied by Hatton in the general charge which he made against Babington and his fellows at their trial (State Trials, I, p. 1140).