Marginal Diplomatic Spaces During the Jacobean Era, 1603–25

Abstract

This chapter examines the marginal spaces which were used by foreign representatives to the Court of St James to conduct diplomatic business during the reign of James VI & I of England. James heartily disliked the hustle and bustle of city life and much preferred the retired privacy and ease of the country. What James most wished to escape from was the perplexing and exhausting diversity of counsel, the unending importunity of petitioners and the oppressive and formal etiquette and decorum of Whitehall. When in the country, the restraints of speech, ceremony, even morals, could be cast aside and a relaxed king could enjoy the intimacy, joviality and carefree idleness of life away from court. Thus, it became necessary for ambassadors to find other spaces/ways in which to engage with James, if they were to be able to conduct their business successfully. Diplomats worked in the formal spaces at court, but they also met in informal marginal places such as gardens, parks, private houses and, on occasion, in an informal manner in the Presence Chamber. From an exploration of early modern diplomatic relations, we can identify the types of non-residential spaces of diplomatic exchanges and, from this, it is possible to demonstrate a more subtle understanding of how Ambassadors were able to have the ear of the king, without the necessary formalities essential to diplomatic business at the court.