St John's College MS K.61

Papers relating to the trial of Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford. English, 17th century.

 

Thomas Wentworth, first Earl of Strafford (1593-1641), Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (see ODNB). The entries in this manuscript are arranged chronologically, covering the period 12 Nov. 1640 to 27 May 1641. The early entries refer to messages, orders and petitions relating to Strafford's case being 'Oblitterated'. Thereafter the text summarises the progress of the case: the swearing of witnesses, the proceedings, decisions and orders of the House of Lords, the proceedings of the Commons, Strafford's petitions, proceedings during his trial, and the bill of attainder.

Manuscript extra information

340 x 220mm. 133 folios + 4 blanks. Paper. Single neat contemporary hand throughout. Binding: 17th-century blind-tooled calf over pulpboard; gold-tooled edges; red label on spine with gilt lettering: E. of Straffords triall 1641.

A pencil note inside the front board reads: From the library of H.F.H. Foley, Stoke Edith, Hereford. Sold at Sotheby's, 21 June 1948, to Myers & Co., London, from whom this was bought December 1948. Another note reads: S. 21 June /48 Lot 62. The minutes of the Library Committee for 2 Feb. 1949 record that 10 pounds 10 shillings was paid for this manuscript. College bookplate, 1937, inside front board.