Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) writes to Sir John Thynne, informing him that she has been unsuccessful in convincing her husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, to grant Thynne's suit.

Elizabeth Wingfield writes to her half-sister, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), to confirm that her husband (Anthony Wingfield) has delivered Bess's venison to the queen and spoke with her for 'a long hour', during which time the queen expressed her 'love and affection' for Bess and her husband George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury. The queen is looking forward to seeing Bess. On the overleaf, in Bess's hand, there is a list of noblewomen and noblemen.

Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) writes to one Henry Foljambe, concerning a recently widowed woman, Elizabeth Flint, who has asked that her brother Roland, currently in Bess's employment, be sent to her for 'urgent cause to employ him otherwise'. Bess asks Foljambe to favour the woman's cause.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), to let her know of his safe arrival at Wingfield. He forwards letters from his son Gilbert Talbot, and hopes to be with Bess at Chatsworth the next day.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), thanking her for her letter, and for venison and puddings she sent. He describes a conversation he had with the queen (Elizabeth I), in which she hinted at her trust in him, which he suspects to be connected with Mary Queen of Scots (for whom custodianship has yet to be determined). He hopes to be with Bess, his 'greatest joy', for Christmas. The plague rages in London and the queen therefore intends not to go to Greenwich for Christmas as was previously planned. Lady Frances Cobham wishes Bess were there. He's been up late playing cards in the Privy Chamber. In a postscript, he asks Bess to tell his daughter Mary to write to him.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes an affectionate letter from court to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), with various news: acknowledging receipt of her letter and mapping his movements; reports uncertainty about the situation with Mary Queen of Scots, then (in a postscript) that the latter will come to Tutbury to his charge; and on suits of 'leases in reversion' against which he is defending his lands. Lord (John) Sheffield is dead and Lord (Henry) Paget is soon to follow.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes briefly from Wingfield to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), to let her know of his health and that 'I will not suffer the gout to settle himself in me'.

Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) writes to Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, complaining about the delayed delivery of his latest letters concerning the imminent arrival of Mary Queen of Scots at Tutbury Castle.

Hugh Fitzwilliam writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) with news he has heard second-hand, as he himself has seen little of note. He writes about Bess's husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, who is now the custodian of Mary Queen of Scots; a Dutch ambassador to the duke of Alba; the duke of Alba's army; an allegiance between the kings of Sweden and Denmark; France and the 'house of Guise'; and other political news from around Europe.

A later (nineteenth-century) copy of a letter from Mary Queen of Scots to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), in which Mary relates details of plots against her, asking Bess to send a commission.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), to say that he is sorry to hear she is unwell and he thinks it long since he has seen her. He plans to travel to London soon.

Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) writes to her husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, accusing him of forgetting 'your none [a pet name for herself]', as he has not sent the plumber she requested and the provision for beer and ale have been so poor of late. She mentions 'a letter of all the news I received', which she asks him to return once he has read it. Also enclosed are 'some lettuce and butter'.

Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) writes to Lord Thomas Paget, reprimanding him about persuading her son Henry to negotiate an agreement with unspecified contemptible parties, which has been to Henry's disadvantage. She asks Paget to 'stand the more [Henry's] friend' for the conclusion of the matter.

Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), regretting that he is not there to greet her (at an unspecified location), as he is attending the queen at 'Nonsuch'; but invites her to 'command & dispose of house & all that is in it even as you would of your very own'.

Henry Cavendish writes to his mother, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), regrettably reporting a squabble between some of his servants which has resulted in a sword duel and the death of one of them. Bess forwards the letter to her husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, expressing her own sentiments in a postscript to him (and asking that he 'return this').

Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) writes to her husband George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, letting him know that the wine he sent is no good, suggesting they get someone else to buy it before it is undrinkable. She also discusses details regarding several servants of their household.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), thanking her for her letters, which he likes so well 'they could not be amended' and he has forwarded them to his son Gilbert (Talbot). He mentions a recent letter containing sensitive information, which he burned according to her instructions. He also describes a conversation with 'this lady' (presumably Mary Queen of Scots) concerning the sending of letters.

Edward Manners, third earl of Rutland, writes to Bess (countess of Shewsbury), to recommend the bearer, one Mistress Higgens, who was servant to Manner's late aunt (Lady Gertrude, the former countess of Shrewsbury). Manners asks Bess to show Mistress Higgens 'good furtherance' (that is, help or aid) and to consider her claim to 'aparaunt' (that is, her right to remain employed in the family's service).

Richard Cavendish writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), asking her to take his niece into her service.

Hugh Fitzwilliam writes an account of current news to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), covering politics and conflicts across Europe. He also writes of England and the court, chiefly to do with Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots and the Northern Rebellion.