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Auction: 22016 - Important Stamps and Covers of the World
Lot: 55

(x) Great Britain
Mail Carried by Royal Messenger
Elizabethan Post Hast, Hast, Post Hast
1598 (19 August) entire letter signed twice "Ro: Cecyll", once on the integral address panel and once at the foot of the letter alongside "Tho. Egerton. C.S.", "G Hundsdon", "R: Nor(?)th" and "Notingham"; from the Privy Council, "At the Courte at Greenwich ye 19 of August at 12 of ye Clocke in the forenoon", addressed "For Her Majesty's especiall affaires To our verry good Lord the Lord Archbishop of Yorke, the President of her Majesty's Counsell established in the northe", marked "Post hast, hast, Post hast" and further "Ware 20: after XIJ in the daye". Contents concern that of the treatment of Scottish pledges; the filing endorsement reads "18 August 98 Lordes of the Counsell concern Scottish pledges at Carlisle to be brought to Yorke. Recep. 22". Some general foxing to the outer panels mostly as to be expected. An immensely powerful item of postal significance and represents an important period in the Monarchy's history; one of the most significant items of G.B. postal history. Photo

Notes: During this period Queen Elizabeth's health declined giving rise to James VI of Scotland prominence as the next Monarch of England - he would succeed to this throne in March, 1603

Robert Cecil (1 June, 1563 – 24 May, 1612), Secretary of State (1596-1612), Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1597-1599), Lord Privy Seal (1598-1608), Lord High Treasurer (1608-1612). A hugely important figure in British history and a very scarce signature.


Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£8,000

Starting price
£8000