Item 1989-069-9 - Philip II of Spain (1527-98) and Mary Tudor (1516-58)

Royal Letters Patent granting to William Babington, Esquire of the Body, the Lordship and Manor of Broadway in Worcestershire. 1 page large oblong folio on vellum, ca. 19 1/2x30 ins. [495x763 mm], 54 lines in Latin in a good departmental hand. Initial letter is a double portrait of Philip and Mary enthroned as King and Queen of England and Spain, ca. 5 1/2x4 ins., in ink and wash within the initial letter "P" of interlacing strapwork. The calligraphic first line is attractively decorated with large strapwork initial letters, and the upper margin is adorned with heraldic emblems. Richmond, 27 July, 5 and 6 Philip and Mary (i.e.1558). The unusual form of dating derives from the fact that Mary had reigned alone for a year before her marriage to Philip. One light brown stain and a small hole in the blank right margin. A good impression of the great seal of Philip and Mary, with on one side the king and queen enthroned, on the other side on horseback, is attached by the original green and white plaited laces. The seal is complete apart from minor peripheral chips, but is scored by heat from a diagonal repair. [Maggs catalogue 1071, item 180a]