Letter written by James I and VI
Details
Type of record: Archive
Title: Letter written by James I and VI
Classmark: MS 2299
Creator(s): James I (1566-1625); Anne of Denmark, queen consort of James I (1574-1619); Sophie, Queen consort of Denmark and Norway (1557-1631); Brahe, Steen Ottesen (1547-1620)
Date(s): 14 Dec 1589
Size and medium: 1 folder; 1 manuscript document; 6 typescript documents; 2 photocopies; 2 book plates; 1 postcard
Persistent link: https://explore.library.leeds.ac.uk/special-collections-explore/774665
Description
A letter from James I of England and VI of Scotland to his mother-in-law, Sophie, Dowager Queen of Denmark, formerly Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow.
James was married by proxy to Sophie's daughter, Anne, at Copenhagen on 20th August 1589. Anne set sail for Scotland, but her fleet was forced back to the coast of Norway. She then travelled to Oslo for refuge. Impatient of the delay, James set sail from Leith on 22nd October. He met Anne at Oslo where they were married on 23rd November.
In the letter James describes how he and Anne had planned to travel to Scotland, but bad weather had made them reconsider. The couple were thinking of visiting Sophie and also Anne's family in Denmark. After considering various potential difficulties James writes that he had discussed the matter with the Danish envoy and had decided to fufill Sophie's wish that they should visit. The letter is signed by James.
James sent the letter through the Danish senator, Steen (or Stenon) Brahe. It is addressed to the Serene Princess Sophie.
The letter is written on 2 folio pages in Latin. The remains of a red wax seal bearing the royal coat of arms can be seen. The paper has been slightly damaged by the weight of the seal. The number 68 is written in ink above the addressee's name.
The letter is in a red, four flap folder. Lord Brotherton's bookplate is pasted into the folder.
The folder includes a translation of the letter, a photocopy of it and two plates cut from books, one showing James VI and I, and the other Anne. There are also two typed documents including the postcard used as labels in exhibitions.
Access and usage
Access
This material is not subject to restrictions under Data Protection or other relevant legislation that might limit access. However, other protections, such as donor conditions or conservation considerations, may still apply where advised.