Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23025 - Historical Documents, Postal History & Autographs
Lot: 135

Great Britain
Ireland
Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658)
1657 Letter, one page, written from Whitehall addressed "For Our Right Trustie and Right Welbeloved the Lord Deputy and Councill in Ireland" signed at the foot "yr lovinge freind, Oliver P", the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland.
Cromwell writes to his son, Henry Cromwell (1628-1674), the Lord Deputy of Ireland at this date, as well as Major General of the Forces and a member of the Irish Council of State.
In this formal letter Oliver Cromwell requests a loan of land to one "George Cooke of Boalstowne in our County of Tipperary (who) did show himself very Active and faithful to the English in the beginning of the late Rebellion and did very good service in holding and defending the Castle of Boalstowne aforesaid against the Rebells and did upon that attempt suffer very good losses by the Enemy...".
The letter has a contemporary notation recording its enrolment in the "Office of the Rolls of his Highness' high court", professionally conserved along the folds, but in fine condition, with an impression of the original red wax seal, no longer present.
Documents signed by Cromwell at the head as Lord Protector are more frequently found than letters signed. This relates to his controversial involvement in Ireland and is an item of major historical significance.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£6,000

Starting price
£6000