Mary I (1516-1558) was the oldest daughter of King Henry VIII who ruled as Queen of England and Ireland from 1553 until her death at which time her half-sister, Queen Elizabeth I, ascended to the British throne. Her brutal persecution of Protestants earned her the nickname 'Bloody Mary.' Manuscript DS, signed “Marye the Quene,” one page, 7.75 x 5.75, June 22, 1557. Royal warrant ordering the livery of her plumber and naming four of her residences, Newhall, Hunsdon, Havering-atte-Bower, and Pirgo, addressed at the foot to Sir Edward Waldegravey, a courtier and administrator who, for his loyalty following the succession crisis of 1553, had been rewarded with a knightship and a position as keeper of the great wardrobe. The plumber would have been responsible for all work in lead on the various buildings, comprising a considerable amount used in roof coverings, drainpipes, and conduits. The Worshipful Company of Plumbers was one of the original livery companies of London. Boldly signed at the head by Queen Mary I.
In full: "We woll and com'aunde youe upon the sighte hereof to delyver or cause to be delyvered unto paule Bocher—oure plumer attendinge our workes from tyme to tyme as neyde shall requyre at our howses of newehalle hunsden haveringe at bower and pyrgo withe in our Counties of Essex and hertford yearely frome hensforthe during our pleasure at or against overy Feaste of Saynt John Baptiste theis parcells followinge First thre yeards of read clothe for a Coate at xd the yerd and two yerdes of velvett for gardinge the same coat at xvd the yerd for the enbrauderinge of the said coat withe our lettres of M and R upon the breast and the backe foure shillinges and theis our lettres shalbe youre sufficient warraunt and dischardge in this behalf geven undre our signe manuell at our palace of Westm the xxth day of June in the fourthe yeare of oure Reigne." In fine to very fine condition. A superb, immaculately well-preserved document signed by the notorious 'Bloody Mary.'
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