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Southwell papers

 Collection
Call Number: OSB MSS 41

Scope and Contents

The papers consist of correspondence and other documents mostly pertaining to Southwell's diplomatic career and his landholdings in Ireland. Subjects of the correspondence include his negotiations during his missions to Lisbon and Brandenburg; trade with the East Indies; the Revolution of 1688; unrest in Ireland; and the management of Southwell's Irish estates. Major correspondents include Don Marco Barry, Sir Richard Bulstrode, Francis Holbeck, and Bernardo de Salinas. The collection also contains memoranda and notes by Southwell on diplomatic and religious subjects.

Other papers include a 1670 auction list from Charing Cross; Archbishop Sancroft's declaration concerning the nonjuring bishops; an account of the state of South Sea Stock in 1720; and a memorandum on trade with Sweden.

Dates

  • ca. 1660-1750
  • Majority of material found within 1660 - 1700

Creator

Language of Materials

In English, Portuguese, French and Spanish.

Conditions Governing Access

The materials are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Southwell papers is the physical property of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. For further information, consult the appropriate curator.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Bequest of James Marshall and Marie-Louise Osborn.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by author or title.

Extent

1.5 Linear Feet (3 boxes)

Catalog Record

A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog

Persistent URL

https://hdl.handle.net/10079/fa/beinecke.south

Abstract

The papers consist of correspondence and other documents mostly pertaining to Southwell's diplomatic career and his landholdings in Ireland. Subjects of the correspondence include his negotiations during his missions to Lisbon and Brandenburg; trade with the East Indies; the Revolution of 1688; unrest in Ireland; and the management of Southwell's Irish estates. Major correspondents include Don Marco Barry, Sir Richard Bulstrode, Francis Holbeck, and Bernardo de Salinas. The collection also contains memoranda and notes by Southwell on diplomatic and religious subjects.
Other papers include a 1670 auction list from Charing Cross; Archbishop Sancroft's declaration concerning the nonjuring bishops; an account of the state of South Sea Stock in 1720; and a memorandum on trade with Sweden.

Biographical/Historical Sketch

Robert Southwell was born near Kinsale, Ireland, and educated at Queen's College, Oxford. Knighted in 1665 and appointed envoy to the court of Portugal, Southwell successfully concluded the Peace of Lisbon in 1668. He held several other diplomatic posts under James II, including envoy to Lisbon again, and then to Brussels and Brandenburg. In 1690 he accompanied William III to Ireland and was named principal secretary of state for that kingdom, an office he held until his death. In 1690 he was elected President of the Royal Society. He died at King's Weston in Glocestershire.

Processing Information

This finding aid was produced from a previously existing card set in the Manuscripts Catalog, or from another inventory. All pertinent bibliographical information has been retained. This list is subject to revision once final folder numbering and labeling have been completed. If this collection contains unlisted or unsorted material, this has been noted.

Title
Guide to the Southwell Papers
Author
by Beinecke staff
Date
2009-03-19
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Part of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library Repository

Contact:
P. O. Box 208330
New Haven CT 06520-8330 US
(203) 432-2977

Location

121 Wall Street
New Haven, CT 06511

Opening Hours

Access Information

The Beinecke Library is open to all Yale University students and faculty, and visiting researchers whose work requires use of its special collections. You will need to bring appropriate photo ID the first time you register. Beinecke is a non-circulating, closed stack library. Paging is done by library staff during business hours. You can request collection material online at least two business days in advance of your visit, using the request links in Archives at Yale. For more information, please see Planning Your Research Visit and consult the Reading Room Policies prior to visiting the library.