Download State Papers Online - Gale Cengage Learning

State Papers Online - A Resource for Switzerland
State Papers Online is an online archive of English/British State documents from the 16 th and 17th
centuries. The range of documents is enormous and covers events such as the Reformation in
Switzerland, which began in Germany with the publishing in 1517 of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses.
Huldrych Zwingli lead the Swiss Reformation and had begun his teachings of in Zurich in the 1520s.
The French theologian John Calvin, who had fled to Basel, began the Reformation in Geneva in the
1530s and it continued with his friend, Theodore Beza, another Frenchman who resided in Switzerland
and who succeeded Calvin after his death with his Protestant teachings.
State Papers Online, Parts I & II includes 329,527 Calendar entries, 1,101 Transcripts and
179,348 Manuscripts documents.
Searches performed on the subject of ‘Switzerland’
Search on Full text: “Switzerland” = hits in 334 calendar/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Swiss”= hits in 2121 calendar/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Zurich”= hits in 175 calendar/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Basle”= hits in 177 calendar/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Geneva”= hits in 511 calendar/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Berne”= hits in 148 calendar/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Lucerne”= hits in 49 calendar/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Grisons”= hits in 122 calendar/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Beza”= hits in 88 calendar/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Theodore Beza”= hits in 20 calendar/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “Calvin”= hits in 62 calendar/transcript entries
Search on Full text: “John Calvin”= hits in 7 calendar/transcript entries
Full text searches on Switzerland and other aspects of 16th Century Swiss history include the
following titles:
“News from Switzerland” (Oct 25 1560) SPO Part II
The five Catholic cantons have agreed to a meeting proposed to them by those of Zurich,
which will commence on 28 Oct. The cantons have not granted to the King of France the
troops which he desired to have, but have consented to delay the payment of the sums in
which he is already indebted to them. The inhabitants of Berne and Zurich are enrolling
troops and officers. A league has been concluded between the Duke of Savoy and the cantons
of Lucerne, Schweitz, and Unterwalden.
“The Diet of Spires to the Swiss” (2 April 1544) SPO Part I
Seeing the necessity of resisting the Turk in Hungary, to which the Emperor is unable to
attend because of the unjust war made against him by the king of France, who has impiously
called in the assistance of the Turk and, last year, attacked the Duke of Savoy, a prince of the
Empire, at Nice; express surprise that the Swiss fight for the French king, and beg them to
forbid it and recall their men. Spires.
“Intelligence concerning the war in Italy; fuccesfes of the D. of Milan; motions of the Swiss” [no
date] (SPO Part II)
Intelligence concerning the war in Italy; fuccesfes of the D. of Milan; motions of the Swiss,
&c. declared by the chancellor upon letters from Pavia of March 29 and 30
“Tho. Spinelly, to Card. Wolsey; concerning an alliance with the Swiss cantons; and some money
matters.…” (June 14, 1517) (SPO Part II)
Tho. Spinelly, to Card. Wolsey; concerning an alliance with the Swiss cantons; and some
money matters.
“Henry VIII; instructions to his ambassadors about a treaty for securing the Swiss,…” [no date]
SPO Part II
Henry VIII; instructions to his ambassadors about a treaty for securing the Swiss, and a
marriage between the K. of Castile and a French princess.
“The Swiss” (1516) SPO Part I
That the French lie when they boast of having eight cantons; because two of these are more
friendly to us than to them, and the whole Swiss people are averse to the French and flock to
the pay of our Christian king of England and France. The canton of Zurich and its four
adherents are with us.
[“The article of the comprehension of the Swiss…” (1516) SPO Part II
The article of the comprehension of the Swiss in the league between the Emperor, the Pope,
Henry VIII, and the K. of Aragon.
“The Deputies of the Swiss Cantons, at a diet, to Card. Wolsey.…” (March, 1522.) SPO Part II
The Deputies of the Swiss Cantons, at a diet, to Card. Wolsey. (Lat.) Zuric
“Renewal of the league between Henry III of France and the Swiss” (Dec 1582) SPO Part II
Renewal of the league between Henry III. of France and the Swiss, Commission and treaty.
“Letters from the Council of the Swiss Confederacy; Baden, 1528” (1528) SPO Part II
“Antonio Bonvisi to Cromwell” (3 May 1536) SPO Part I
…The canton of Zurich have refused to serve the Emperor, as they receive a pension from
France. The Lutheran cantons will not serve the French in Italy, as their preachers say they
must not fight, but only stand on the defensive; and the Catholic cantons, being afraid of being
weakened, will also stop at home…
“Proposals made at Zurich by consultation between the ambassadors of England and the
representatives of the Swiss” (1514) SPO Part I
Proposals made at Zurich by consultation between the ambassadors of England and the
representatives of the Swiss, on the occasion of Wm. Knight, LL.D., and Ric. Wodhowse
being sent as the King of England's ambassadors to negociate the designs framed with the
Swiss orators at Greenwich. 1st. Mutual good understanding between the two parties as the
declared enemies of France. 2nd. Right reserved for the Swiss to invade France as shall seem
to themselves most conducive. 3rd. Gratification of the Swiss for their expences. 4th. Liberty
for either party to take a truce with France pending the negociation on condition that the other
party is reserved by being named in it.
“An agreement between Henry VIII, and the K. of Castile, to pay the Swiss 30,000 florins” (July
5, 1517) SPO Part II
An agreement between Henry VIII, and the K. of Castile, to pay the Swiss 30,000 florins a
year to keep them in their interest: confirmed July 5, 1517
“Francis I. and the Swiss” (10 Feb 1543) SPO Part I
Statement of things moved by the French king's ambassadors in the Diet (conventus) of
Switzerland which he convoked at Baden, 4 id. Feb.; viz. the neutrality of the county of
Burgundy; the deferring of the annual payment due at Candlemas until May next, and with it
the wages due for the Perpignan expedition; the injuries done him by the Emperor and the
malicious rumors spread in Germany and [refusal to admit] his embassy there, upon which he
begs their assistance. At the conclusion of the Diet it will be known what the Swiss decide to
do.
“Sir Ric. Wingfield to Wolsey” (27 Sept 1515) SPO Part I
P. S. Has just received a letter from Boulogne, informing him of the French victory over the
Swiss [Marignano].
“Copies of the correspondence between the Prince of Orange and the Estates [Not. 238, 242B],
also of the instructions given to the Prelates of Villars and Marolles [No. 235], followed by
Advices from Basle.” (Sept. 19-22 1577) SPO Part II
…And learning that a Frenchman called the Sieur d'Amours had negotiated in Germany for
the last levy alike of Swiss and Neuchatelese, they followed it up as this letter sent to Mme.
de Longueville in France will show: — Illustrious lady,—Our lords and superiors have heard
that one M. d'Amours, who was heretofore sent by you into the County of Neuchatel to reside
there and plead on your behalf in the cause between yourself and the Margrave of Baden in
regard to the lordship of Rotelin, before the Imperial Chamber at Spires, took the pretext of
his journeys into Germany to practise with the late Count Palatine in the name of the Prince of
Condé, levying reiters and Swiss lands-knechts of Bern and Neuchatel for the Duke John
Casimir to lead iuto France against the King, whom he accompanied into France.
“[Pace] to Maximilian” [Pace] to Maximilian (24 Nov 1516) SPO Part I
Has received the imperial letters commanding him, in his King's name and the Emperor's, not
to leave Switzerland, whatever the peace formed with the French may be, lest the affairs of
the allies go to ruin…The French treaty concluded this day will do no harm, as the Swiss are
not bound to the French. Zurich.
“Cecill to Tho. Windebank” (Nov. 16 1562) SPO Part I
Cecill to Tho. Windebank. Wishes his son Thomas to leave Germany, and to visit, incognito,
Italy, Switzerland, and Geneva. Intends on his return to induce him to marry.
“Theodore de Besze to Walsingham” (May 12 1585) SPO Part II
Praying him in this time of their greatest need—being threatened both on the side of France
and by the Prince [of Savoy] their neighbour—to be a means of obtaining for them the residue
of the great and liberal subsidy which was granted and promised to them by consent of the
Queen and the benevolence of the lords and others and of which they have already felt the
good effect.—Geneva
“Forces for the aid of Geneva” (1582) SPO Part II
…Soleure, Zurich (Seurich), Schaffhausen (Shafenz), Basle, and the Grisons, each … 2,000
footmen…
The note of the forces prepared for the aid of those of Geneva
“Pace to Wolsey” (16 April 1518) SPO Part I
Sends Sir Henry Marney's letters in answer to Richmond herald "upon the criminal cause not
unknown to your grace." He is to persevere as he has begun. In answer to the King, Pace has
shown him that he intends to go disguised with two persons into Switzerland without carriage
of stuff. When there, he is to appear in a manner befitting the King's ambassador, considering
the pomp of the French.
“The Pastors, Professors and Deacons of the Church of Geneva to Walsingham” (Aug. 12 1584)
SPO Part II
…And below, in Bern's hand, “Theodore de Besze, au nom de touts.”
“The Town of Geneva to the Queen” (Oct. 7 1582) SPO Part II
By your Majesty's clemency and liberality towards those who in their distress have had
recourse to you, you have gained the reputation of being the only refuge of the distressed, and
especially of those of the reformed religion, which is our excuse for our temerity in applying
to you, and seeking some relief by informing you of the evils and calamities with which it has
pleased God to visit us this year.
“Rodolphus Gualterus of Zurich” (8 March 1580) SPO Part I
Rodolphus Gualterus of Zurich, to Edmund, Abp. of Canterbury; of the publishing of Pope
Pius the IV th's Bull of excommunication of Q. Elizabeth; of the Spaniards preparing forces
thereupon against England.
“Christopher Mount to the Lord Protector” (June 13 1549) SPO Part II
The general opinion is that a league will be effected between the Swiss and the French, but the
people of Zurich and Berne will not consent unless those who profess the same religion with
them are protected against persecution. The French King will doubtless promise everything,
but will perform according to the Pope's pleasure and discretion. The aforesaid people of
Zurich and Berne openly declare that they will not fight against the English.
“Pronouncement of delegates of the Swiss Cantons at the Diet of Baden on the differences
between Berne, the City of Geneva and the Duke of Savoy” (23 April 1583) SPO Part II
“James Meiger, burgomaster, and the Town Council of Basle, to Henry VIII” (26 Aug 1516) SPO
Part I
Seconding the request contained in their confederates letters touching Daniel de Oringen,
goldsmith of Basle, and the jewels and silver taken from him at Calais by the Daciarii
“Erasmus Rot. to T. Cromwell; thanking…” [no date] SPO Part II
Erasmus Rot. to T. Cromwell; thanking him for a present of twenty angels, and about a
pension. (Orig. Lat.) Basle, March 15, 1536.
“The Deputies of the four towns of the Cantons of the “Ligues” Zurich, Berne, Basle and
Schaffhausen, to the French King” (May 19/29 1586) SPO Part II
They are sent by their lords and superiors to say that the said lords, having heard with great
regret of the troubles arisen in his kingdom, are greatly grieved thereat, but hope that his
Majesty may pacify them by some other means rather than by arms.
“Pietro Bizarri to Burghley” (Sept. 23 1578) SPO Part II
…as in the works I have previously published, especially the work printed at Basle, De Cyprio
et Pannonico bello…
“More to Erasmus” (1516) SPO Part I
Is glad he likes Basle.
“Th. Beza, to John Cousin, a French minister in London; representing with horror the per
secutions of protestants at Lyons” [no date] SPO Part II
Th. Beza, to John Cousin, a French minister in London; representing with horror the per
secutions of protestants at Lyons; and desiring that the English bishops and clergy may be
applied to for relief. (Lat.) Geneva. Sept. 23, 1572.
“Anth. Bacon, to the E. of Leicester; acquaints him with…” [no date] SPO Part II
Anth. Bacon, to the E. of Leicester; acquaints him with his arrival at Geneva, &c. (Orig. Fr.)
Geneva, Nov. 24, 1581.
“An account of the reasons for the attack on Geneva in May 1589 by Charles Emmanuel, Duke of
Savoy, and his allies, Dec. 1589” [no date] SPO Part II
An account of the reasons for the attack on Geneva in May 1589 by Charles Emmanuel, Duke
of Savoy, and his allies, Dec. 1589.
“The Magistrates of Zurich to Henry VIII” (21 March 1517) SPO Part I
Acknowledge the letters of his majesty to them and their confederates, approving of their
answer to his ambassador at Zurich. As the letters were addressed to all the cantons, they
have been sent on to the diet at Lucerne, which will be very glad to receive them and confirm
the promises already made to the King. Zurich
“Cobham to Walsingham” (Jan 20 1582) SPO Part II
The thirteen Commissioners for the Swiss arrived on the 17th They were met and conducted
into this town by M. Lansac and la Mothe-Fènelon… It is said in Court that the king is giving
order to pay 500,000 crowns to the ‘Canton Swisses….’
“Masino del Bene to Walsingham” (June 21 1582) SPO Part II
I wrote lately to you, and tried to refute with the best reasons I knew the opinion which you
wrote me was held concerning the king's mind in regard to the affair of Geneva and also of
Scotland. In order that you may see with regard to Geneva how his Majesty proceeds, you
must know that Lucerne was the place where live Catholic—that is, fanatically Papist—
cantons held a diet.
“Henry Unton to Walsingham” (April 13/23 1583) SPO Part II
The Duke of Savoy has sent commissioners to Baden in Switzerland to treat either of peace
or war with Geneva, where they of Geneva and the Cantons are meeting… The Bernese have
made new galleys for the lake and all other necessary provision. The Grisons have offered
much money, and the rest of the Cantons will join with both money and forces.
“Guido Gianetti to The Queen” (Oct 11 1561) SPO Part II
On 16 Sept. was held a diet of the Grisons, at which were given answers to two requests, one
by the Pope, the other by King Philip.
“More to Erasmus” (1516) SPO Part I
The Cardinal has received with pleasure the letters and books of Erasmus. Is glad he likes
Basle.
“Throckmorton to The Queen” (August 30 1561) SPO Part II
On the 23rd Theodore Beza came to the Court, and on the 24th preached at the Prince of
Condé's lodging in open audience, whereat was great press. Since his coming the Cardinal of
Lorraine and he have reasoned together, whom the Cardinal confessed to be a great personage,
and greatly to his liking, and so much in his good opinion that he minds to commune further
with him.
“A letter from Theodore Beza, at Caen, to Sir Wm. Cecill” (16 March 1562) SPO Part I
A letter from Theodore Beza, at Caen, to Sir Wm. Cecill, on the ill state of the French
Protestants.
“Collections from the Latin Epistles of Calvin” [no date] SPO Part I
Collections from the Latin Epistles of Calvin, Beza, and other learned Protestants.
“John Calvin to the duke of Somerset” (October 22 1549) SPO Part I
We must thank God for befriending you in setting up the purity and rule of His service in
England. But present circumstances, man's nature and the workings of Antichrist put you in
need of holy exhortations. Your late troubles were doubtless very hard, especially because
many have taken them as an occasion of slander, as they were partly provoked under colour of
changing religion. Recall the tribulations of King Ezechias when he purged Judaea of idolatry.
Eventually the gospel will pacify men; as in the early days of Christendom its spreading has
been followed by universal upheavals… Geneva
“A French letter from John Calvin to the Duke of Somerset” (25 July 1551) SPO Part I
A French letter from John Calvin to the Duke of Somerset, thanking him for presenting his
book to the King, and other favours: advising him also concerning church matters; from
Geneva.
“Throckmorton to Calvin” (Sept. 18 1561) SPO Part II
Has informed him by letter of the 12th of August that the Queen has commanded the writer to
proceed in the matter of the book which he [Calvin] sent. Has accordingly complained to the
King and the Queen Mother, who have promised to suppress it, and to punish the author,
which will greatly strengthen the friendship between them and the Queen. The Queen has
directed him to thank Calvin for the great zeal which he has shown in her service, and to
assure him of her favour when the occasion shall offer.
“Dr. William Whitaker to Burghley” (Aug. 13 1583) SPO Part I
Dr. William Whitaker to Burghley. Submits his answer to "Campion's Questions" for his
approval. That he had defended as far as possible the proceedings of Luther, Calvin, Beza,
and the other Reformers.
“Proclamation by James VI” (Oct. 3 1572) SPO Part II
“The copie of the Proclamatioun set furth be the Kingis Majestie and his Counsall, for ane
Conventioun of the Professouris of the trew Religioun within the realme, to consult and
deliberate upoun the imminent dangeris and conspiracies of the Papistis.”
…(5) All assisters of the Church of Luther and Calvin shall be condemned to death…
“Theodore Beza” (27 Sept 1586) SPO Part I
Theodore Beza, to Lord Burghley; for help from England, as Geneva was threatened by the
Pope, King of Spain, and Duke of Savoy.
“Theodore Beza” (1592) SPO Part I
Theodore Beza, of Geneva, to Abp. Whitgift, of his sense of church discipline.
“Theodore Beza and A. Sadeel of Geneva” (14 Sept 1589) SPO Part I
Theodore Beza and A. Sadeel of Geneva, to Lord Burghley; for speedy relief against their
enemies
“Theodore Beza and Andrew Sadeel of Geneva thank the Queen for relief when distressed by
war and famine” (8 Feb 1590) SPO Part I
“Dr. Mundt to Cecil” (July 9 1566) SPO Part II
1. There is to be a meeting at Erfurt of the Protestants on 1st September, to settle the question
about the Lord's Supper, as the Papists do all they can to cause a schism amongst them.
2. The Papists endeavour to have the doctrine of Zwinglius and Calvin condemned, and to stir
up a persecution against their followers, but by the intervention of the Princes that has been
prevented.
“ Lucas' (?) discourse of the dealings of Papists in Durham and Lancashire” (Aug. 30 1586) SPO
Part I
Lucas' (?) discourse of the dealings of Papists in Durham and Lancashire. Sundry persons in
the Bishoprick strongly affected towards the Earl Westmoreland; their names. Intimation of a
general massacre. Revelations by Marwood, Anth. Babington's man, while possessed with the
devil, who being demanded what had become of Zwinglius, Jerome of Prague, Luther, and
Calvin, answered with a full voice that they were all damned; and as to Campion, Sherwyn,
Throgmorton, and others, answered ragingly and repiningly that they were saints in heaven.
“Roger Edwards to Walsingham” (Aug. 10 1586) SPO Part II
…Whereupon he sent unto … … learned gentleman of his own [?] named Georgius Erasmus
Schregelius, who for answer …. said: that Calvin, Beza and OEcolampadius, with others had
so sufficiently written in the cause that they need not deal with it. Which I reproved as a fable,
for that the question was not handled before this time…
Nikki Chard for Julia de Mowbray, Publisher. August 2009
Enquiries or questions to [email protected]