1709 Sidney Godolphin, Queen Anne’s Lord High Treasurer—Signed Treasury Document
Original portion of a British Treasury document boldly signed “Godolphin” by Sidney Godolphin, 1st Earl of Godolphin, one of the dominant English statesmen of Queen Anne’s reign.
Dated at Whitehall Treasury, January 17, 1709, the surviving manuscript concerns a financial transaction totaling six hundred pounds and refers to repayment of principal and related terms. It represents the lower portion of a larger Treasury warrant or authorization issued while Godolphin served as Lord High Treasurer.
As Lord High Treasurer from 1702 to 1710, Godolphin effectively directed Britain’s financial and domestic government. Working closely with his friend and political ally John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, he maintained the finances required for Britain’s campaigns during the War of the Spanish Succession. He was also a leading minister during the creation of the Kingdom of Great Britain through the 1707 union of England and Scotland.
The document is signed with Godolphin’s bold official signature at the lower right. “Whitehall Treasury” and the date remain clearly visible. Under the English calendar then in use, the date may correspond to January 17, 1710 by modern New Style reckoning.
Accompanied by two earlier dealer descriptions identifying the manuscript and showing a former retail price of $145.
A desirable early eighteenth-century British state document signed by the leading financial minister of Queen Anne’s government and a principal architect of the celebrated Godolphin–Marlborough ministry.
Manuscript fragment on laid paper. Cut from a larger document, with irregular edges, toning, scattered staining and minor handling wear. The signature is complete, dark and exceptionally prominent.
Original portion of a British Treasury document boldly signed “Godolphin” by Sidney Godolphin, 1st Earl of Godolphin, one of the dominant English statesmen of Queen Anne’s reign.
Dated at Whitehall Treasury, January 17, 1709, the surviving manuscript concerns a financial transaction totaling six hundred pounds and refers to repayment of principal and related terms. It represents the lower portion of a larger Treasury warrant or authorization issued while Godolphin served as Lord High Treasurer.
As Lord High Treasurer from 1702 to 1710, Godolphin effectively directed Britain’s financial and domestic government. Working closely with his friend and political ally John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, he maintained the finances required for Britain’s campaigns during the War of the Spanish Succession. He was also a leading minister during the creation of the Kingdom of Great Britain through the 1707 union of England and Scotland.
The document is signed with Godolphin’s bold official signature at the lower right. “Whitehall Treasury” and the date remain clearly visible. Under the English calendar then in use, the date may correspond to January 17, 1710 by modern New Style reckoning.
Accompanied by two earlier dealer descriptions identifying the manuscript and showing a former retail price of $145.
A desirable early eighteenth-century British state document signed by the leading financial minister of Queen Anne’s government and a principal architect of the celebrated Godolphin–Marlborough ministry.
Manuscript fragment on laid paper. Cut from a larger document, with irregular edges, toning, scattered staining and minor handling wear. The signature is complete, dark and exceptionally prominent.
