Item genre: historical

Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F33
Diary, Volume 5 (1709-1711)
(Author, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 31 (historical, Narrative), pp.27-29[rev]


Anon. (Author)

An account of the Duke of Monmouth's trial

In his trial we are told, that when the Duke of Monmouth was to be executed, his present Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury with others were appointed by the King to attend him.

...

Then my Lord, we can only recommend you to the mercy of God; but we cannot pray with that cheerfulness and encouragement as we should if you had made a particular acknowledgement ----

Methinks, this was barbarous teasing of a dying man.

[The final rubric appears to be a note added by Cowper.]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F36
Miscellany (1670-1710)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 5 (Verse, historical), fols [3r-47v]


Abraham Cowley (Author)

The Civil War

By Abraham Cowley

[

The poem itself is in a semi-formal italic that might be the work of a professional scribe. The attribution to Cowley has been added in the informal, shaky hand characteristic of Cowper's writing after 1705.

Preceded by blank fol.[2v].

]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F36
Miscellany (1670-1710)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 54 (Prose, historical, Topographical writing), fols [3r-18v][rev]

Britain

Cornwall plenteous in tin mines.

...

wonders of the peak and other parts, hath a peculiar nature, almost miraculous to other countries, as the natural wonders of their regions are to us.

[In between fols [8] and [9] [rev] a small folded diagram has been inserted with the heading, "A Pattern of the Indian Pipe made of Stone". This probably was meant to accompany item 62.]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F37
Commonplace Book (1673-1710)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 20 (historical, Notes), pp.127-133

Notes about opposition to Lady Jane Grey and King Edward VI

Let it be noted that on the 19 of July. of Dukes Peers etc. to the number of 27 all of her council engaged to stand true to Queen Jane.

...

Whereupon were sent two of their emissaries from Rotterdam into England who were to pretend themselves Anabaptists and preach against baptism of infants. and preach up a fifth Monarchy upon Earth.

[Followed by blank pp.128-133.]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F37
Commonplace Book (1673-1710)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 68 (historical, Narrative), pp.367-368

The signal victory obtained by Charles the 3d King of Sweden over the Czar.

His Swedish Majesty thoroughly sensible of the vast disproportion that there was between his own army and the numerous forces of the enemy,

...

Let us praise famous men.

King Sweden December 1700 Victory

I have writ this narration as an evident instance of the works of providence, and to observe that in this degenerate age there are those who do acknowledge and implore the help of divine assistance

[

The king in question actually was Charles XII of Sweden.

The final rubric appears to be a note added by Cowper.

]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F39
Commentary on the Bible (1680-1685)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 5 (Compilation, historical), fols [494r-499v]

Heretics

1 Simon Magus In the ninth year of the reign of Domitian, St John the Apostle was banished into the Island of Patmos, where he wrote his Revelations.

...

Maronites The Maronites believe that the souls of men were all created together from the beginning.

[Followed by blank back flyleaf and pastedown. The flyleaf v and pastedown are marbled.]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F40A
Miscellany (Started in 1683)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 10 (Compilation, historical), pp.228-273

Collections out of History

The first Olympiad was 779 before the era of Christ.

...

Montaigne will hardly allow any physician competent but only for such diseases as himself had passed through.


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F40A
Miscellany (Started in 1683)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 12 (Compilation, historical), pp.273-280

Collections out of History, continued

Anciently some good Catholic Bishops excommunicated and damned others for holding there were Antipodes.

...

He wrote Anecdota, or a Secret History which is generally obnoxious to impertinencies and disadvantages.


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F40A
Miscellany (Started in 1683)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 16 (historical, Narrative), pp.345-346

Sleeping Preacher

In the reign of King James a strange fancy possessed the brains of a professed physician one Richard Haidock of New College in Oxford who pretended to preach at night in his sleep

...

the king granted upon condition that in all places he should openly acknowledge his offence because many were brought into belief that his nightly preaching was either by inspiration or by vision.


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F40A
Miscellany (Started in 1683)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 17 (historical, Narrative), pp.346-347

Lions

King James to observe the nature of the lion went to the Tower and caused two lions a male and female to be put forth and then a live cock to be cast afore them which they (as being their natural enemy) presently killed and sucked his blood.

...

yet it seems they were his matches in courage and so much superior as that they were the first assailants with whom otherwise perhaps the lion would not have offered to meddle.


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F40A
Miscellany (Started in 1683)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 20 (Compilation, historical), pp.353-361

Siege of Rochel

The misery of the siege of Rochel was almost incredible but to such only as have seen it.

...

A barbarous pastime it was at feasts where men stood upon a rolling globe with their neck in a rope fastened to a beam and a knife in their hands ready to cut it when the stone was rolled away, wherein if they failed they lost their lives to the laughter of the spectators.


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F40A
Miscellany (Started in 1683)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 32 (historical, Narrative), p.384

Plague

In the year 1541 the plague reigning at Geneva, covetousness so prevailed with the poor people who were employed to attend the rich in their sickness and to cleanse their houses,

...

It is almost incredible what envy and reproach this act brought upon Geneva and especially upon Calvin, as if the Devil should rule there altogether where he was most opposed.

[The rubric is in the shaky hand characteristic of Cowper's writing after 1705.]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F40A
Miscellany (Started in 1683)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 33 (historical, Narrative), pp.384-385

Observe

Luther fell sick of a congealing of blood about his heart, but by the drinking of the water of Carduss Benedictus he recovered.

...

This was beheld with great admiration and carried to the Vice Chancellor and after reprinted.

[The rubric is in the shaky hand characteristic of Cowper's writing after 1705.]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F41
History of the World (1686)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 5 (Compilation, historical), pp.[1]-753

The History of the World

In the year of the world 1757 after the flood 101. the Earth was divided among the sons of Noah.

...

Beside the greatness of it being such as it labours with nothing more than its own weight, it must needs (after the manner of worldly things) of itself fall.

[

Between pp.713 and 714 is a loose clipping, showing the head of a young boy, with the surrounding printed notice: "Anno Domini 1623 Morat Aut Amurathes IV. Achmeti filius turcarum imperator undecimus". A note on the clipping in the shaky hand characteristic of Cowper's writing after 1705 reads, "I think this picture liker Mrs. Cooper than that which was drawn for her".

Preceded by blank pp.[vi-vii]

]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F44
Miscellany (Started in 1700)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 7 (historical, Narrative), pp.342-347

Thoughts on China, ending with some maxims of Confucius

History of China For the well succeeding in judicial astrology, it sufficeth to be an able deceiver, and to have a knack of lying handsomely, which no nation can dispute with China.

...

It would be an unhappiness for us to be like the wicked that fall but once, because the first precipice stops them, but honest good men that continue walking, fall often.


Folger Library: MS E.a.1
Prose miscellany of recipes, prayers, meditations, accounts, and a description of the trial, execution, and funeral of Mary Queen of Scots (c. 1550-c. 1590)
Anne Denton (scribe)

Item 19 (Panegyric, historical, Scaffold speech), fols 6v-22v

An account of the trial, execution, and burial of Mary Queen of Scots

[Much of this account is sympathetic to Mary, suggesting Roman Catholic sympathies on the part of the compiler. This section is written on fols 6v-8v, 12v-16v, 17v-22v, working around the Latin commentary (see msItem 20) which was written first.]


Folger Library: MS E.a.1
Prose miscellany of recipes, prayers, meditations, accounts, and a description of the trial, execution, and funeral of Mary Queen of Scots (c. 1550-c. 1590)
Anne Denton (scribe)

Item 19.1 (historical), fols 6v-7r

25 Septembris. 1586.

[This section describes Mary Queen of Scots's trial: by whom she was brought to the trial, the sermon which was preached there (fols 6v-7r), and the commissioners and where they were sitting.]


Folger Library: MS E.a.1
Prose miscellany of recipes, prayers, meditations, accounts, and a description of the trial, execution, and funeral of Mary Queen of Scots (c. 1550-c. 1590)
Anne Denton (scribe)

Item 19.2 (historical), fols 7v

At her appearing

[This section describes the appearance of Mary Queen of Scots, her entrance into the room, and speeches by the Lord Treasurer on Queen Elizabeth 's enemies in Scotland plotting to kill her.]


Folger Library: MS E.a.1
Prose miscellany of recipes, prayers, meditations, accounts, and a description of the trial, execution, and funeral of Mary Queen of Scots (c. 1550-c. 1590)
Anne Denton (scribe)

Item 19.3 (historical, Speech), fols 8r-15v

Some speeches uttered upon the summoning and her appearing before the Lord Commissioners

[Mary finally agreed to appear at court on Friday. They read out the evidence against her. On the second day she continued to protest her innocence and part of her oration is written here. This section seems to contain additions by later hands (see fol. 12v). More evidence was brought forward against her. A speech spoken by the Dean of Peterborough (Dr. Richard Fletcher ) at Fotheringhay Castle at the time of her execution, on 8 February 1586/7, turned into a sermon, urging her to repent. The portions on Mary Queen of Scots have been written around some earlier material, written on fols 9r-12r, and 13r (see msItem 20).]


Folger Library: MS E.a.1
Prose miscellany of recipes, prayers, meditations, accounts, and a description of the trial, execution, and funeral of Mary Queen of Scots (c. 1550-c. 1590)
Anne Denton (scribe)

Item 19.4 (historical, Speech), fols 15v-16r

The description of the Queen of Scots both of her person as also for the manner of her apparel as she came to suffer death the 8th of February 1586

[This section describes her physical appearance, including what she wore, in great detail.]


Folger Library: MS E.a.1
Prose miscellany of recipes, prayers, meditations, accounts, and a description of the trial, execution, and funeral of Mary Queen of Scots (c. 1550-c. 1590)
Anne Denton (scribe)

Item 19.5 (historical, Scaffold speech), fols 16r-20r

The manner of th' execution performed the 8.th of February 1586. in the great hall within the Castle of Fotheringhay

[This section describes in detail the execution: how Mary entered the hall supported by her servants, her speech, how she rejected attempts to convert her to Protestantism, how she prayed, and how it took three blows from the axe to sever her head from its body. The portions on Mary, Queen of Scots have been written around some earlier material, written on fol. 17r (see msItem 20).]


Folger Library: MS E.a.1
Prose miscellany of recipes, prayers, meditations, accounts, and a description of the trial, execution, and funeral of Mary Queen of Scots (c. 1550-c. 1590)
Anne Denton (scribe)

Item 19.6 (historical), fols 20v-22v

The manner of the solemnity of the Scottish Queen's funeral at Peterborough. 1 Augusti: 1587.

[This section begins with a description of preparations for the funeral. On 31 July the body was brought from Fotheringhay Castle. The next day, Monday, the Lords and Ladies and other assistants had a great supper at the Bishop of Lincoln's palace. On Tuesday morning the chief mourners marched from the Bishop's palace (fol. 21v lists the lords and ladies in order). The Bishop of Lincoln preached and then the mourners made their offering and the sacraments were received by the Bishop of Peterborough. The ceremony of burial was carried out after the mourners departed. This description of the queen's funeral is nearly identical to the account in Symon Gunton, The History of the Church of Peterburgh (London, 1686), sigs L3r-M1r. According to Pitcairn (see bibliography), p. 46, ""This interesting Tract, appears to have been transcribed, by Gunton, from the attested account, drawn up by Dr. Fletcher, Dean of Peterborough; who was present, at the whole solemnity, in his official capacity"".]


Cambridge University Library: MS Dd.1.18
Partial translation of Zonaras's Epitome historion (Epitome of History) (This presentation copy of part of Wenman's translation must have been made after 1628)
(Translator) Agnes Wenman
(Author) Zonoras

Item 3 (Translation, historical, Narrative), fols. 3-241v


(Author)Joannes Zonaras
(Translator)Jan de Maumont
(Translator)Agnes Wenman

Not without some reason, may any man reprehend me

...

Then followed the Egyptian bondage, where all cruelty was exercised against

[The text is incomplete. It continues in the companion manuscript, Cambridge University MS Dd 1.19. ]


Cambridge University Library: MS Dd.1.19
Partial translation of Zonaras's Epitome historion (Epitome of History) (copy, section 2) (This presentation copy of part of Wenman's translation must have been made after 1628)
(Translator) Agnes Wenman

Item 2 (historical, Narrative), fols. 1r-241v

Epitome of History


(Author)Joannes Zonaras
(Translator)Jan de Maumont
(Translator)Agnes Wenman

The two Armies being now come to a clear entreview

...

and reserve the encounter for the history following.

[The manuscript has been misbound. Fols. 95-241 properly belong before fols. 1r-94v. Fols. 95v-241v pick up the text at the point in History 16 where Dd.1.18 breaks off and conclude at the end of History 19. Fols. 1-94 contain the first part of History 20. The continuation of History 16 starts in Hand B (fols. 95v-108v). The rest of the manuscript (fols. 109v-190v and fols. 1r-94v) is in Hand A. Fols. 1r, 95r and and 190v are badly discoloured, suggesting that they functioned as wrappers for the manuscript at various stages in its history.]


British Library: MS Harleian 2311
Miscellany compiled by Anna Cromwell Williams
A Book of Several devotions collected from good men by the worst of sinners ()
Anna Cromwell Williams (Author, scribe)

Item 82 (historical), fol. 186r


Anonymous (Scribe)
Charles I (Author)

His majesty's receiving the sacrament on Whitsunday from the hands of the Archbishop of Armagh, used these public expressions; immediately, before the blessed elements, he rose up from his knees, and beckoning to the Bishop for a short forbearance, made this protestation

my Lord, I espy many resolved protestants

...

do not join with my lips in this protestation

[

Kind Charles's declaration of intent to establish a Church of England without connivance at popery. The source text is as yet unlocated.

This item is transcribed by Hand B.

]

[fols. 186v-187r are blank.]