I - First Naval Business in the State Papers

Summary

The first specifically naval paper found in the Elizabethan State Papers [1] is a ship list drawn up four months after the Queen's accession, and a month before the more substantial ‘Book of Sea Causes’. Since the latter is printed in British Naval Documents, it is not repeated here. Both documents were part of the general stocktaking at the start of the new reign. The first list also includes incidental information, affirming that operational costs should not be charged against the ordinary, and listing the seven merchant ships at that time in royal service. Cecil's marginalia show an attention to maritime affairs proper in an old shiplord, and are the only evidence for Minion being given away to Lord Admiral Seymour. In the case of Trinity Henry the verdict ‘decayed utterly’ seems a little premature, since the Quarter Book shows this vessel was still maintained afloat, albeit relentlessly leaky, four years later. But although it is instructive, the February 1559 list is no more than a memorandum.

From about a year later come the first ordinances for the Admiralty officers [2], which are mainly a systematic record of the changes which had been introduced after the 1557 review. They are important because they mark a stage in the bureaucratisation of naval administration, and because they emphasise the interdependence of the marine officers, particularly the extent by which they were required to check up on each other. The most notable omission is any reference to the Lord Treasurer, who by terms of the earlier reforms was supposed to be in overall charge. Perhaps the Marquess of Winchester, though retained in office by Elizabeth, had no desire to continue his involvement as established under Mary; or perhaps his role in the formation of policy was simply taken for granted in an administrative directive. However, every officer is described as being responsible to the Lord Admiral, or the Vice-Admiral in his absence, for the discharge of his regular duties, and policy decisions are to be taken by the whole council, reporting to the Lord Admiral. There is no mention of the Lord Treasurer in that context either.

The ordinances, however, do not present a complete picture. The Treasurer (of the Navy), in addition to the detailed procedures described here, was also required to render an annual account to specially appointed commissioners. Similarly the accountability of the Surveyor-General of the Victuals is incomplete.