Minutes and papers on Commonwealth Secretariat Senior Officials Meeting, Marlborough House, London, 20-23 May 1974; including background papers on comparative techniques for government for Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting in Ottawa, Aug 1973; papers on current and projected work of the Commonwealth Secretariat; paper by Neil Bax and Margaret Priestley 'Forward Planning and Financial Control on the Commonwealth', with associated material; papers on appointment of a consultant to undertake study of financial control and development expenditure; draft minutes of first session of Senior Officials Meeting, 20 May 1974, with manuscript notes on the meeting by J M Lee.

Typescript of paper by Marjorie Caygill 'The British Medical Association and its Overseas Branches: A Short History' on the development of medical links within the Empire and Commonwealth, and variations between the UK pattern and its overseas offshoots. The paper covers the establishment of the BMA in the UK and in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, India and the Colonies; the development of the medical education and General Medical Council recognition; and the establishment of the Commonwealth Medical Conference and the Commonwealth Medical Association. It is a working paper prepared in the 1970s as part of Terry Johnson's project on the Nature and Significance of Professional Links within the Commonwealth.

Copies of documents from the Nigerian Government, concerning Oba of Benin, 1926-1946, including correspondence with the Governor on the revision of the Benin-Warri boundary, 1926; correspondence and papers on links between Eweka II, Oba of Benin and Fio Agbano II, King of Glidji, Togo, 1934; correspondence on request from the Oba for the use of armed Nigerian police during burial ceremony for his mother, 1935; correspondence and papers on alleged libel of Akenzua II, Oba of Benin by H O Davies in article 'My Impressions on Nigeria' in the Daily Service, 1940; correspondence on award of CMG to Akenzua II, 1946.

Pamphlets issued by the International Committee for Solidarity with the Workers and People of Aden - South Yemen.

Material relating to pressure goups in the Caribbean area including statements and leaflets issued by the Caribbean Conference of Churches and the Caribbean Youth Conference.

Resolutions, manifestos and pamphlets issued by the Association of Recognised Professional Bodies (Ghana), the Ghana Young Pioneers and the People's Movement for Freedom and Justice.

Pamphlets, memoranda, bulletins, leaflets, flyers, letters, guides, notices, reports, press releases, programmes, cards and addresses, 1950-1987, issued by the British Guiana Rice Producers' Association, the Civil Liberties Action Council (Guyana), the Committee Against Repression in Guyana, the Guyana Human Rights Association, Guyanese Against Dictatorship, the Pan-African Secretariat, the Women's Progressive Organisation (Guyana), and the Women's Revolutionary Socialist Movement (Guyana).

Material issued by the following groups: Anti-Apartheid Movement; Afro-Asian People's Solidarity Movement; Africa Bureau; Action for Southern Africa; Alf's Imperial Army; Africa Publications Trust; Anti-Slavery International; Association of West European Parliamentarians for Action Against Apartheid; Africa Youth Movement; Catholic Institute for International Relations; Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers; Empire Industries Association; International Association of Democratic Lawyers; Justice and Peace Commission; Monday Club; Movement for Colonial Freedom; Movement for Religious Freedom in Africa; Pan-Africa; Southern African Development Coordination Conference; Union of Democratic Control; World Summit on Sustainable Development; Women's World Summit Foundation.

Pamphlets, letters and press releases issued by the Peoples' Socialist Party (Aden-Southern Yemen).

Manifestos, speeches, constitutions, leaflets, newspapers, convention reports and communiques issued by the Angolan Revolutionary government in exile (GRAE), the Frente Nacional de Libertação de Angola, the Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola and the União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola.

Collection of papers relating to politics, genealogy and slavery in Jamaica, comprising:

1. 'Plott or no Plott; in a dialogue between a clergyman of the city and Mr. A. of Hanover Square', in which the protagonist appears to support the reaction of Sir Robert Walpole's ministry to the Jacobite conspiracy of May 1722. Mentions the reaction to the Quarantine Bill [of 1721], the declaration of the City of London clergy against Quakers [concerning the Affirmation Act of 1722], and the South Sea Bubble, memory of which was 'too fresh to be forgot'. The manuscript possibly dates from 1722.
2. Copy of a legal opinion by Philip Yorke, 1st Earl of Hardwicke, Attorney-General, concerning the claims of John Kynaston to the barony of Powys, 25 Mar 1731. Kynaston's claims were contested by Sir Nathanial Curzon, Bt.
3. A political satire in verse, dating from the 18th century, and beginning 'A Hen, a farmer's pride and care / who lives at W-- or elsewere'. A note in pencil plausibly suggests that the subject of the satire was John Wilkes.
4. Papers, 1832-1868, assembled by Lyndon Howard Evelyn, with a copy of a covering letter (dated 15 Jul 1868) to George Sclater-Booth, Secretary to the Treasury, which supported a claim to compensation for dismissal from the post of Collector of Customs in Jamaica in 1834. Includes testimonials, copies of letters, a printed Statement of certain services...laid before the government by Governor Sir Henry Barkly K.C.B., for its consideration describing Evelyn's role in the slave revolt of Jan 1832 in Jamaica, and 'The entire narrative of Mr. Evelyn's oppression'.

Collection of royal warrants directed to Richard Temple (afterwards Grenville-Temple), Earl Temple, as Lord Privy Seal, directing him to issue letters to the Commissioners of the Treasury under the Privy Seal for the payment of monies to the following persons. The warrants all have duty stamps and an impression of the Signet seals of George II and George III under paper. Some of the warrants have dockets signed by three Commissioners of the Treasury.

1. 1758, 25 Feb. To William Davis, for salaries of former servants of Princess Louisa and Princess Mary of Hesse (names given), £500.
2. 1758, 25 Feb. To Richard [Edgcumbe, 2nd Baron] Edgcumbe, an annuity of £1200.
3. 1758, 22 Mar. To George Augustus Selwyn, as Paymaster of the Works, £40,000. With docket.
4. 1758, 22 Mar. To George Grenville, as Treasurer of the Navy, £1,000,000.
5. 1758, 20 Apr. To William Hall, Viscount Gage, as Paymaster of Pensions, £50,000.
6. 1759, 21 Feb. To John [Hobart, 2nd] Earl of Buckinghamshire, as Comptroller of the Household, a gift of 1,000 ounces of 'white plate' worth £333/6/8.
7. 1759, 12 May. To Francis Gashry, as Treasurer and Paymaster of the Office of Ordnance, £300,000. With docket.
8. 1759, 15 May. To George Grenville, as Treasurer of the Navy, £1,000,000.
9. 1759, 25 May. To William Hall, Viscount Gage, as Paymaster of Pensions, £50,000.
10. 1760, 30 Apr. To George Grenville, as Treasurer of the Navy, £1,000,000.
11. 1760, 13 Dec. To William Hall, Viscount Gage, as paymaster of Pensions, £50,000. With docket.
12. 1761, 15 Jan. Docket of a Privy Seal warrant for the payment to George Grenville, as Treasurer of the Navy of £1,000,000.
13. 1761, 20 Jan. To Henry [Fiennes Clinton, 9th] Earl Lincoln [later 2nd Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne], as Gentleman of the Bedchamber, a pension of £1,000 p.a.
14. 1761, 22 Jan. To George Augustus Selwyn, as Paymaster of the Works, £40,000.
15. 1761, 28 Feb. To John Shelley, as Keeper of the Records in the Tower of London, salary of £500 p.a. With docket.
16. 1761, 7 Mar. To Henry [Herbert, 10th] Earl of Pembroke, as Gentleman of the Bedchamber, a pension of £1,000 p.a. With docket.
17. 1761, 13 Mar. To Thomas [Osborne, 4th] Duke of Leeds, as Cofferer of the Household, £100,000.
18. 1761, 28 Apr. To William Davis, for salaries of former servants of Princess Louisa and Princess Mary of Hesse (names given), £415 p.a. With docket.
19. 1761, 30 Jun. To 'The Justices of Wales' (not named), salary for each of £400 p.a. With docket.
20. 1761, 30 Jun. To Edward Cornwallis, Groom of the Bedchamber, pension of £500 p.a. With docket.

Privy Council letters, 4 Dec 1668, signed by George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle, Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Baron Ashley (later 1st Duke of Shaftesbury), and Thomas Clifford (later 1st Baron Clifford of Chudleigh), directed to Sir Robert Long, Bt, Auditor of the Receipt of the Exchequer, ordering the payment to Sidney Godolphin (later 1st Earl of Godolphin) of £60, the bi-annual instalment of his salary as Page of Honour to Charles II.

The first bundle, 1916-1926, is concerned with the legal case of Kofi Numah vs. Kojo Pamping, before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, on appeal from the Supreme Court of the Gold Coast Colony (Ghana). The second and third bundles, 1937-1938, relate to the case of Sifton vs. Sifton, on appeal from the court of Appeal for the Province of Ontario.

Letters written by Robert George Bruce, engineer in charge of fortifying Dominica, to General Robert Melville, responsible as Governor of the Ceded Islands for the defence of the island. The letters are endorsed in Melville's hand. The letters refer to battlements, the purchasing of estates, and potential granting of official appointments.

Manuscript volume containing a Jacobite tract, [1715] attacking the partisans of Holland and the Dutch alliance, urging the peers of England to follow the example of the Scots and rise up in support of James Edward Francis Stuart (the Pretender) to the throne of England, and protesting against his expulsion from the country.

Copy letter book of William Scott, Commissioner [of the Board of Control], mainly to Richard Rocke, Acting President of members of the East India Company Board of Revenue at Fort William (Calcutta), 1817-1827. Scott details the collection of accounts of the East India Company's revenue, referring to revenue due from agricultural holdings (land tax, tenantry holdings) in Calcutta, Chardpore, Shahpore and Bindhnapore. Scott also writes about the economic condition of the Indian people.

Manuscript volume containing three memoranda by Joshua Gee on colonial trade, 1721-1728, namely a memorial relating to the trade and the plantations, 1721, particularly with respect to iron, copper, hemp, flax, boards, timber, and to the enumerated commodities which are now restrained to be first imported into Great Britain, endorsed 'Received 27 Oct 1721, Read 8 Nov 1721'; a memorial to the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, 1728, respecting the trade, raw produce and the manufactures of the colonies, and the production of naval stores there; a paper giving Gee's answers to several queries sent to him regarding African trade, 1726, which is endorsed 'Received March 30, Read March 31, 1726'. An endorsement by George Chalmers, written on a fly-leaf at the beginning of the volume, gives a brief biography of Gee and states that the three pieces in the manuscript were written on subjects referred to Gee by the Board of Trade, and were never printed.

French revolutionary pamphlets collection comprises pamphlets by the Interior Ministry, the Police Ministry and other official bodies in the French republic. Pamphlet by the Chief of Police Sotin warns citizens that the enemies of the revolution are regrouping (c1794). A pamphlet of 1795 also urges vigilance.

A typescript of King George VI and correspondence written by Henry Hector Bolitho.

The papers in this collection comprise official documentation issued by the authorities in New Spain (specifically, in Mexico). They include the appointment of José Gracida y Bernal (1760?-1815) as one of the Protomedicatos who were in charge of medical matters in New Spain (WMS/Amer.96); three certificates issued by Protomedicatos giving individuals licence to practice medicine (WMS/Amer.51, 64 and 97); a copy of a notice suspending quarantine procedures in the city of Mexico during the fever epidemic of 1813 (WMS/Amer.3); and a order authorising payment to F.X. de Balmis (1753-1819) for work on indigenous plants in the treatment of syphilis (WMS/Amer.62).

Administrative records relating to the foundation of the Society, its premises and individual members, 1906-1979, including correspondence, diaries, notebooks, obituaries and photographs.

Papers of members, formerly held by the Society, including Sir Patrick Manson (1844-1922), Sir David Bruce (1855-1931), and Sir Philip Manson-Bahr (1881-1966).

Papers on independent political movements in the Soviet Union, 1982-1991, comprising:
Subject files on independent political movements in the Soviet Union (general), 1987-1991; subject files on independent political movements in the Baltic republics, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, 1987-1991; subject files on independent political movements in the Cenral Asian republics, Kazakstan, Kirgizia, Turkmenia and Uzbekistan, 1987-1991; subject files on independent political movements in regions of the Russian Soviet Federation of Socialist Republics (RSFSR) including Bashkiria, Dagestan, Ingushia, Leningrad, Moscow, Siberia, Tatarstan, the Urals and Iaroslav, 1987-1991; subject files on politics and independent political movements in the Russian Soviet Federation of Socialist Republics (RSFSR), 1987-1991 - subjects covered include the 1989 and 1990 elections and left wing and labour movements; subject files on non official newspapers in the Russian Soviet Federation of Socialist Republics (RSFSR), 1988-1991, publications include "Anti-Sovetskaia Pravda", "Doverie", "Panorama", "Pozitsiya" and "Referendum"; subject files on political and social organisations in the Russian Soviet Federation of Socialist Republics (RSFSR), 1988-1993, subjects covered include Christian democrat, democrat, green, liberal, nationalist/conservative and peasant organisations; subject files on independent political movements in the Transcaucasus, Armenia, Azerbaijan including Nagornyi-Karabakh and a large amount of material on Georgia including Abkhazia and South Ossetia, 1982-1991; subject files on independent political movements in Belorussia, 1988-1991; subject file on independent political movements in Moldova, 1988-1991; subject files on independent political movements in Ukraine, 1984, 1986-1991

The collection includes correspondence; notes and draft chapters of Jones' translation of Eötvös' work 'The dominant ideas of the nineteenth century and their impact on the state'; photographs; educational and other certificates. The correspondence chiefly relates to Jones' work, including letters of congratulation.

The papers chiefly consist of background research and notes to publications especially to Professor Keane's work 'Václav Havel: a Political Tragedy in Six Acts' (1999), and include background research and draft chapters.

Additionally, the archive includes notes and offprint articles relating to nationalism and citizenship; fear and politics; democracy; as well as the general background to political change in Czechoslovakia, including Charter 77, the Velvet Revolution, and the Velvet Divorce leading to the foundation of the Czech and Slovak republics.

Papers of Mano Konyi and Count Menyhert Lonyay, 1848-1916, comprising:
Lonyay's political diaries, 1865-1872; Lonyay's official and private correspondence, 1848-1884 mainly copies of letters sent by Lonyay, 1876-68, but including telegrams from Count Julius Andrassy the elder and Ferencz Deak; papers on the 1867 constitutional agreement creating the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary; correspondence between Lonyay from E von Becke, Austrian Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, 1867-1869; letters from M Vengraf, Austrian political journalist to Lonyay, 1867-1869; copy of political diary of Count Julius Andrassy the younger, 1908-1913; article by Konyi on Count Julius Andrassy the elder, 1890; manuscript of play ?by Konyi Doczi Lajos which is presumably re Lajos Doczi (1845-1919), 1889; papers of Konyi on the 1867 settlement, including telegrams from Count Julius Andrassy the elder; letters to Konyi, 1880-1917; printed material (newspapers, periodicals and offprints), mainly relating to the events and politicians of the 1867 settlement

Posters from the Latvian general election, 1993.

Texts of lecture given by King Michael I (former King of Romania) at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, 1991; "Romania: moral and economic renewal" and vote of thanks given by Anthony J Bailey; list of guests present at the visit.

Videotapes containing mainly excerpts from British news and documentary programmes concerning events in and about the former Yugoslavia. Broadcasts are included from British terrestrial stations such as the BBC as well as satellite and cable broadcasters including CNN, Sky, Replay Productions

Typescript by N V Zisserman entitled "Rukovodyashchie nachala koloizatsii Sibiri i Priamurskogo kraia", 1937. [Guiding the beginning of colonisation in Siberia in the Priamurskogo region]

Papers compiled by the Komitee ehemaliger politischer Gefangener, 1945, including original reports and personal accounts concerning conditions in concentration camps with special reference to Neuengamme and Dachau and papers on topics including political resistance to Nazism and plans for creating a free, democratic Germany.

Directive of the Government of Italian Somaliland to the commandant of Danane concentration camp, near Mogadishu, concerning discipline of inmates, 22 Feb 1941, bearing the stamp of Danane Concentration Camp and the signature of the commandant, Colonel Eugenio Mazzucchetti.

Letter from Charles Mason stating that: 'in Captn Reddie's time (1860/62) there was a destruction of records in India in all the Departts and some were sent home as waste paper', [late 19th century].

Letter from Jean Pellerin of Amsterdam to an unknown recipient, [1699]. Urging the English to combine with the Scots in founding a colony at Darién [Panama]. 'Je voy bien qu'il n'y a point de nation a présent dan L'europe que Les anglois.'

Autograph, with signature.

Manuscript volume containing a metrical chronicle composed by the Chandos Herald in French verse, commemorating the life and feats of arms of Edward the Black Prince, [1385]. The poem is a valuable authority for certain events of the Hundred Years War, and gives a brief description of Edward III's French campaign of 1346, culminating in the Battle of Crecy, and followed by the Battle of Calais, with some details of the plot for the recovery of the latter at the end of 1349. Next comes a very detailed description of the Battle of Poitiers (1356), and an eyewitness account of the Spanish Campaign of the Black Prince on behalf of Don Pedro (Peter) of Castile, culminating in the Battle of Nejera (1367). A brief overview is given of the end of the Black Prince's government in Gascony, and of the war which led to the loss of almost all the possessions gained at Brétigny, followed by a comprehensive account of the last years of the Prince's life. After the poem, the author also gives a list of the chief officers of the Black Prince in Aquitaine, and copy of the epitaph on his tomb in Canterbury Cathedral.

The manuscript contains a full-page miniature illuminated in gold and colours, which is divided into two compartments. The upper compartment contains a representation of the Three Persons of the Holy Trinity; God the Father is here portrayed in a blue robe on a background of gold. He is seated on a throne and holds in His extended arms a crucifix, above which a dove is introduced to symbolise the Holy Ghost. In the lower compartment the Black Prince is depicted kneeling in adoration on a red cushion. His hands are joined in prayer, and his special devotion to the Holy Trinity is indicated by a scroll proceeding from his mouth bearing the words 'Et hec tres unum sunt' (1 John v.7). The Prince is clad in armour, covered by a tight-fitting leather jupon without sleeves, finished along the bottom edge with a border of escallops, and emblazoned with the arms of England and France. He wears a sword and dagger, golden elbow and knee cops, and golden spurs. On each side of the kneeling Prince, standing in a golden socket, is a large ostrich feather in silver, his personal badge assumed after the Battle of Crecy, with the motto 'Ich dene' on a scroll below. The text of the poem commences on the next page with a large illuminated initial O, containing the Royal Arms emblazoned, and this leaf is surrounded by a border of strap work and flowers in gold and colours. There are also a number of small initial letters in gold on a coloured background.

Broadside ballad, sold at the time of the coronation of King George VI, printed and published by The Raven Press, Middlesex (1937).

Manuscript volume containing answers from James Glen, Governor of South Carolina, to queries from the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, giving details of the country's geography, weather, neighbours, constitution, shipping and trade, and an account of exports for 1747-1748. This letter was possibly the one from Glen read by the Lords Commissioners on 9 Nov 1749 - see the Journal of the Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, 1742-1749.

Manuscript volume containing a tract entitled 'A concise account of the present state of the Spanish American colonies', [1805]. The manuscript appears to be a copy of a document written by a Spanish American, and is written with a view to invoking English intervention as a means of escape from the oppressive colonial policy of Spain, which it describes.

Manuscript volume, 1590, entitled 'A generall collection of all offices of England with their fees in the Queenes gifte', giving details of the offices in the courts at Westminster, the Royal Household, military posts, and posts connected with royal houses, parks and forests. The manuscript also includes a valuation of clergy livings and the tithes payable to Queen Elizabeth I. An eighteenth century index is included.

Manuscript volume concerning the expenditure of the royal household of King Edward III, [1550], namely an abstract from the accounts of Walter Wentwage of 'the rates of wages of peace and warre, expenses necessarie of officers and other charges concerning the household', dating from 21 Apr 1344-23 Nov 1374 and mainly relating to armed forces. Includes a statement of the costs of diplomatic, military and naval activity taken from the accounts of William Norwell, Keeper of the King's Wardrobe, for the period 15 Jul 1348-25 May 1350.

Collection of transcripts, [1560]-1624, mainly relating to Privy Council matters, notably a petition presented to King James I by Sir Robert Heath, Solicitor General, 1624; a survey of the Forests and Chaces [Chases] of Bringwood, Mocktree and Darvell, with the Manor of Buriton, 1604; a letter from King James I to the Peers of England and the Privy Council concerning the composition of the Privy Council and the replacement of the ailing Lord Chamberlain by Thomas Howard, Lord Howard of Walden, 1603; copies of documents relating to the French conquest of Guiana, South America, including commissions granted by King Henry IV of France to Renée Marie, Lord Mountbarrot, and Daniel de la Touche, Lord of Raverdiere, for the conquest of Guiana, 1605 and 1609, the appointment of Robert Le Brette, Lord Dubosc, as Raverdiere's lieutenant in Guiana and other parts of America, including Brazil, 1609; the commission of Sir John Digby, Vice-Chamberlain, to negotiate a marriage between Prince Charles of England and the Infanta Maria, daughter of King Philip III of Spain, 1615; a letter written by Captain Charles Parker, one of Sir Walter Raleigh's company at Guiana, to Captain Alley, 1607; a declaration of proceedings in the Star Chamber against John Wrenham, who charged the Lord Chancellor of injustice against the King, 1618; a discourse of marriage written by Charles Blount, Earl of Devonshire, in defence of his wedding to Penelope, Lady Rich, [1605]; a discourse written by Dr Lancelot Andrewes, Bishop of Ely, against second marriage following a divorce, 1601; a discourse made by merchant adventurers on the occasion of a bill preferred to the High Court of Parliament, requiring free trade to all kingdoms and countries, [1610]; a consideration of the office and duty of a herald in England by John Dodridge, the Solicitor General, 1605; proceedings in the Star Chamber against Mary Countess of Shrewsbury for her refusal to give evidence against Arabella Seymour, Duchess of Somerset, 1618; an Act of Council upon the proceedings against James Whitlocke and Sir Robert Mansell for speaking against the King's Commission for reform of the Navy and also against the King's power and prerogative, 1609; speeches, and a memorandum on the union of England and Scotland, by Sir Francis Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, 1617; a copy of 'The present state of things as theye nowe stand, betweene the three greate kingdomes, France, England and Spayne, [1623], and 'A breviarie of the historie of England from William I, intitled the Conqueror, both written by Sir Walter Raileighe, Knight'; a speech by John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln and Keeper of the Great Seal of England, on the occasion of the collecting of the subsidy, Aug 1621; two versions of instructions by William Cecil, Lord Burleigh, Lord Treasurer to his son, Robert Cecil, 1561 and [1598]; letters from Sir Henry Sidney to his brother and to his son, Phillip, [1560]; a treatise entitled 'Toucheinge the Antiquities of Baronies delivered in the College of Antiquaries', [1600].

Manuscript volume relating to English territorial possessions in the East Indies, entitled 'Mémoire sur l'État actuel de l'Angleterre dans l'Inde', [1785], with corrections and notes said to be in the hand of Abbé Guillaume Thomas François Raynal (1713-1796), who altered the title to read 'Mémoire sur les possessions territoriales de l'Angleterre dans l'Inde'. The work is written on the left hand half only of each page, the other half containing [Reynal's] manuscript notes.

Manuscript volume, 1606, containing a list of all the Offices of England, with the fees belonging to them in the gift of King James I. It contains particulars of the offices connected with the Law Courts, the Court, the Royal Household, garrisons, towns, fortresses, castles, parks, forests, and bishoprics. Of the King's artificers, the Sergeant Paynter was at the head with £100, while the Keeper of the Libraries was at the bottom with £3 6s. 8d.

Manuscript volume containing a report relating to public administration in Peru, [1796], entitled 'Relacion de Govierno del Exmo. Sçnor Virrey del Peru, Frey Don Francisco Gil de Taboada y Lemos, presentada á su Sucesor el Exmo. Sçnor [Ambrosio O'Higgins] Baron de Vallenari y Marques de Osborno'. Includes a table of contents.

Manuscript volume, c1527, containing translations into English of a collection of treatises and diplomatic documents, mostly of the fourteenth century, comprising a list of coronation claims of Richard II, [1377]; a treatise on the form and manner of holding the English Parliament; a treatise on the office of Earl Marshal, described in the table of contents as 'The Erle Marshal's Boke', with details of Henry VIII's reform of the office and its duties in time of war; a collection of documents relating to ordinances for war, [1350-1514], notably the Scottish campaigns of 1350 and 1385, the statutes of the Order of the Garter as renewed by Henry VIII in 1522, and the creation of dukes and earls, including the creation of Charles Brandon, Viscount Lisle, as Duke of Suffolk (1514); an incomplete history of the kings of England, ending with the coronation of Richard II in 1378; a collection of treaties concerning diplomatic events during the reign of Edward III, notably documents relating to the Treaty of Brétigny (October 1360), documents relating to treatises between Edward and John II, King of France (1360-1366), letters of Alfonso X, King of Castile (1254), letters of Edward concerning a treaty with Peter the Cruel, King of Castile (1369), and an indenture recording the terms of the treaty of Berwick between Edward and David II, King of Scotland (1357). A table of contents shows that the manuscript is unfinished, and that it lacks several folios.

Manuscript volume, [1720], containing an account of the negotiations for the return of King Louis XIV of France to the city of Paris in 1652, following the civil disturbances known as The Frondes, with details of the return of Bordeaux to the control of the King in 1653.

Manuscript book containing various tracts and writings concerning the monarchy, constitutional history and royal revenue compiled by Sir Richard Grosvenor, 1637, and copied 'at Sir Roger Mostyn of Mostyns house at my being there from Christmas to May, which was drawen out of the books of . . . Richard Grosevenor Esqr sole son and heire until Sir Richard Grosevenor Knight and Barronett of Eathen [Eaton]-Coate in Cheshsire . . . finished and bound upp the 25th of Aprill 1637". A list of contents shows 23 items: 'An appollogy for the raigne of Queene Eliz'; 'A discourse of Courte and Courtiers'; 'Consideracions of Intercourse dedicated to the Kinge'; 'De sepultura by Sir Hen.Spelman'; 'A tracte sheweinge howe all the kings of England . . . have made meanes for money in their wants, with an Abstracte of the Revenue of most of the Princes of Christendome'; 'The Cause of the Marches of Walles'; 'Off the office of Composicions for Alienacions by Sir Francis Bacon'; 'A Treatise of the Lawe of wrecke of the sea, of the Inundation of the sea, and Cases uppon the Comission of Sewers'; 'The oppinion of the Judges uppon divers questions Concerninge parishes, and . . . toucheing the Comission, by which the Comissioners sitt at Newegate, 1633'; 'Letters of Sir Francis Bacon uppon several occacions'; 'Mr Cuff his letter to Secretary Cecill declareinge the Instruccions [of] the Earle of Essex, to the scottishe Ambassador touchinge the Kings Tytle to the Crowne of England'; 'The Lord Norris his letter to the Kinge after hee had slayne a servant of the Lord Willoughbies; 'The Lord Chancellor Ellesmore his letter to King James desireinge to bee dischardged of his office'; 'A Letter by the Lords of the Counsell to King James toucheinge meanes to advance the Kings Revenues by unusuall wayes soe as the Kinge would take the Acte uppon himself'; 'A Letter from the Bishopp of Lincolne to the Minister of Grantham concerninge the placeinge of the Communion Table' [1636]; 'Twoe Lettres . . . one from the States of Bohemia to the Elector of Saxony, the other from the Pope to the Emperor concerninge the Trobles of Germany'; 'Sir Tho. Smythe his protestacion toucheinge the speeche used to the Earle of Essex'; 'An admonition from a friend nameles to Sir Edward Cooke after his degradation 1616'; 'A Speech of Sir Francis Bacon Lord Keeper at the takeinge of his place in Chancery 1617'; 'Sir Edw.Cooke his speech at the instellation of 11 Serjeants 1614'; 'The lyfe of Sir Tho. Bodley'; 'The death of Queene Eliz'; 'Mr Seldens discourse of the twoe greate offices of state, the Chancellorshipp and Keepeinge of the greate seale of England 1617'.

Manuscript containing an account of the revenue of King Charles I, entitled 'A briefe view of the State of his Majesties ordinary Receipte for the yeare ensueing 1642 together with the ordinary paymente unprovided for, for the said yeare', 1642.

Manuscript relating to customs duties on alcoholic spirits imported to Quebec, Canada, 1762, entitled 'Account of all Spirituous Liquors paying Duty to His Majesty Entered inwards in the Port of Quebec in Canada between the 26th May & 31st August 1762, with the particular Quantity & Quality of Spirits & the Duties Levied thereon'. Signed by John Gray, Collector of Customs, and dated 31st Aug 1762. The manuscript is endorsed 'Amount of Duties on Spirituous Liquors. Quebec 31st Aug 1762.' The following ships are mentioned, together with their masters' names and the ports whence they had come: William and Sarah, Union, Sally and Lucy, William and Elizabeth, Juno, Hope, American, Success and La Rette.

Manuscript correspondence and other papers relating to the financial administration of Barbados and the Leeward Islands, 1669-1682, mostly concerned with the auditing of the accounts for the farm of the 4½% duty collected during the years 1670-77. The correspondents include: two farmers of the 4½% duty, Sir Charles Wheler and Colonel John Strode; [William Blathwayt], Auditor General of H.M. revenues in America; [Henry Guy], Secretary to the Treasury; and the governors of the Leeward Islands and Barbados.