16th-century letter from Elizabeth I to Ghent leader returns to city hall
A letter from England’s Queen Elizabeth I to a Ghent politician has been unveiled at Ghent city hall. The document, dated 30 December 1578, was addressed to Jan van Hembyse, a prominent leader in the Calvinist Republic of Ghent.
The letter turned up at an auction house in Edinburgh last summer. The City of Ghent negotiated with the owner and bought it directly. A ceremony marked the letter’s arrival on Tuesday, before it was safely stored in the city archives.
Written in French, the letter is addressed to Jan van Hembyse, urging him to give imprisoned Catholic nobles, who had been detained in Ghent for more than a year, a fair trial before a competent court. Signed by the queen, the letter is a unique example of her diplomatic involvement in the Ghent political context during the turbulent Eighty Years’ War.
Historical research shows that English envoy and spy Daniel Rogers handed the letter to Van Hembyse. It directly links Ghent to a crucial moment in European political history and Elizabeth’s attempts to maintain a balance of power.
It also provides insight into the diplomatic relations of the 16th century. Although the original document is not publicly accessible, a replica will be displayed in the city hall until April 2025.
#FlandersNewsService | The unveiling of the historic letter at Ghent's city hall, 17 December 2024 © BELGA VIDEO JONAS D'HOLLANDER
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