SEYMOUR, EDWARD, (C.1500-1552, 1ST DUKE OF SOMERSET, LORD PROTECTOR)
LETTER SIGNED ("E. SOMERSET") AS LORD PROTECTOR TO [RICHARD] BUNNY
£1,625
Rare Books, Maps, Manuscripts & Photographs
Auction: 19 June 2019 at 12:00 BST
Description
1 1/2 page, folio, thanking Bunny for his "paynfull and dilligent service" in "thappraising the tumultes" in York, and promising him "good remembrance to yor contentacon.", address panel overleaf ("To our Lovinge frend/ Mr Bunny Esqr."), contemporary endorsement ("The L Protectors Lre"), 1 page, guard at left hand-edge, some minor creasing and small stains, two paper repairs verso, stitch-holes, but overall in sound and attractive condition, folio, Westminster 6 September 1549
Footnote
Note: Lord Protector Somerset, a month before his downfall. Somerset's regime was at this time coming under increasing strain with civil unrest, or "tumultes" as he styles them in this letter - spreading through nearly half the counties of England. He was to be arrested on 11 October. The protectorate was dissolved on the 13th and Somerset sent to the Tower the following day. One of the features that alarmed his contemporaries was the use of the royal "we", properly the prerogative of his nephew, the King. Indeed, the present letter opens in true regal style, "After our hartie commendacons..." Its recipient appears to have been Richard Bunny who was treasurer for Berwick and had been elected an MP the year before.