1 Controlling the flow of diplomatic information
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David Coast
Abstract
The first chapter examines the circulation of information at the centre of Jaobean government. It argues that Jacobean secretaries of state and diplomats played a larger role in the formation and realisation of policy than has previously been recognised. They delayed or altered his instructions, but James encouraged such ‘excuseable disloyalty’ and welcomed the opportunity to disown unpopular policies. Towards the end of the reign, this news bureaucracy was hijacked by Prince Charles and the Duke of Buckingham, who used it to pressure him into war with Spain. James was not simply a dupe, however, and remained suspicious and sceptical about the news he received.
Abstract
The first chapter examines the circulation of information at the centre of Jaobean government. It argues that Jacobean secretaries of state and diplomats played a larger role in the formation and realisation of policy than has previously been recognised. They delayed or altered his instructions, but James encouraged such ‘excuseable disloyalty’ and welcomed the opportunity to disown unpopular policies. Towards the end of the reign, this news bureaucracy was hijacked by Prince Charles and the Duke of Buckingham, who used it to pressure him into war with Spain. James was not simply a dupe, however, and remained suspicious and sceptical about the news he received.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Editorial conventions ix
- Abbreviations x
- Introduction 1
- 1 Controlling the flow of diplomatic information 12
- 2 Secrecy, counsel and ‘outward shows' 48
- 3 Political rumours 82
- 4 Rumour in court politics 115
- 5 Managing the news during Prince Charles’s trip to Madrid, 1623 139
- 6 The politics of rumour during Buckingham’s illness, 1624 180
- Conclusion 211
- Bibliography 219
- Index 231
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Editorial conventions ix
- Abbreviations x
- Introduction 1
- 1 Controlling the flow of diplomatic information 12
- 2 Secrecy, counsel and ‘outward shows' 48
- 3 Political rumours 82
- 4 Rumour in court politics 115
- 5 Managing the news during Prince Charles’s trip to Madrid, 1623 139
- 6 The politics of rumour during Buckingham’s illness, 1624 180
- Conclusion 211
- Bibliography 219
- Index 231
