ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book investigates what happened to the inner workings of the Elizabethan writing offices during the interim period of vacancy of the post of secretary of state 1590-1596. The deaths of Sir Francis Walsingham, Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, and Sir Christopher Hatton between 1588 and 1591 brought about a significant generational and political change. The administration was the central machinery of government which comprised institutions dealing with judicial and administrative functions. The administration of government practically translated in the production, issue, and despatch of written rules and orders to be communicated to the subjects of the realm. Rivalries were played on the field of patronage more broadly, and attempts to secure offices were paralleled by active opposition to grants and favours to the rival's supporters. A direct link with the secretariat was a coveted asset in the context of Elizabethan politics.
