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.

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), 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.

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.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), to confirm his receipt of a flagon, 'conserve of roses' and '34 dozen [woolen cloths]', 20 of which he has delivered to Mary Queen of Scots, who thanks Bess for them. He also writes that he plans on sending 'one up with my tame stag [a horse] if you will have any letters up in haste'.

Alexander Gordon, bishop of Galloway, writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) regarding the removal of Mary Queen of Scots' chaplain and the allowing of Gordon's eldest son to remain in Mary's presence. He has spoken of the matter with Bess's husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, but writes for her approval as 'I will have all things concerning me obtained by your Ladyship's procurement'.

William Cecil, Lord Burghley, writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) to report that one 'Hersey Lassels' has been implicated in dealings with Mary Queen of Scots and claims to have been doing so with Bess's knowledge. Cecil asks Bess 'to let me understand the truth of such matter'.

Thomas Kniveton writes to his sister-in-law, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), regarding the health of her husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, who 'is reasonably well but cannot continue'. He also reports on information sent to Shrewsbury regarding the taking of Edinburgh castle and the movement of Scottish lords, which may have implications for the safety of the Shrewsbury's 'charge' (Mary Queen of Scots). This letter is undated but was apparently written during Shrewsbury’s collapse with gout in June 1571.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife and 'sweetheart', Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), thanking God for sending her to him in his 'oldest years'. He returns a letter by Elizabeth Wingfield concerning his custodianship of Mary Queen of Scots, which contains rumours 'of this queen's going from me'; and forwards a letter by John Kniveton, so she may hear the rumours 'of the young king'. Thanking her for the 'fat capon', he sends along with the letter 'a pheasant cock'.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), addressing her requests for 'iron [from] my smithies' and 'oats for seed'. Also relates how 'this lady [presumably Mary Queen of Scots] has been sick since you went'. He too has been ill as 'I have been too bold with herring which has made me sick all night'.

George Talbot, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, sends news to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), regarding the health of 'this lady' (probably Mary Queen of Scots) and mentions others' health as reported in a letter from Elizabeth (née Cavendish), countess of Lennox. He advises that the latter be advised to eat fruit, 'which she loves well' (probably in reference to her pregnancy with Arbella Stuart at the time).

Elizabeth I writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) and her husband George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, thanking them for entertaining Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, at Chatsworth and Buxton; as well as for 'the charge commited to you both [i.e. Mary Queen of Scots]'. She writes that the debt owed them is 'as great as a sovereign can owe to a subject'. This letter is endorsed in Shrewsbury's hand as 'the dearest jewel'. For a significantly different, earlier draft version of this, see letter ID 221.

Gilbert Talbot writes to his stepmother and mother-in-law, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), with apologies for his blunt style in reporting conversations he has had with his father (Bess's husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury) regarding herself - Gilbert acting as an intermediary between the two during a period of marital discord. A postscript advises about certain Scottish sellers of linen who carry letters of importance for Mary Queen of Scots.

Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) writes to Sir Francis Walsingham, assuring him of her loyalty towards him and the queen. She reports that her husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, has pronounced articles sent to Mary Queen of Scots, who has grown 'lean and sickly'. Mary will write her own answer to the accusations, but Bess cautions that whatever Mary says 'in excuse of her self I hope there will be advised considerations in believing her'.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), in reply to a letter in which she has asked him to 'send up again', which he fears will not be permitted by the queen (Elizabeth I). He will send the wine she has requested and some of the money. He also expresses his best wishes for 'the great belly', i.e. Bess's pregnant daughter Mary Talbot (née Cavendish), and suggests that they do Elizabeth (née Cavendish), countess of Lennox, wrong by not having her at Chatsworth for her sister Mary's delivery.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), touching her recent illness, advising her that 'sweating is the surest remedy'; and thanking her for asking after his hand, which is now much better. He also describes 'foolish letters' he has intercepted from one Bagshaw, and relates details of a spy network acting within their household(s), advising Bess to take further action.

This letter consists of copies of two extracts taken from two letters written to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury). The first extract is from a letter by Charles Cavendish to his mother, Bess, in which he asks that Mary Queen of Scots write a letter on his behalf to acknowledge she knew an unspecified person ('him') 'in the duke's time'. The second extract (which is described as a 'secret letter') is by Mary Queen of Scots and is written to Bess in response to Charles's letter. The Scots Queen begins by saying she is glad to hear of 'my little niece' (Arbella Stuart) and by emphasising how much she would like to help Bess's son Charles, before going on to refuse Charles's request to write the letter he has asked for. The Scots Queen explains that for her to admit an 'acquaintance with the old man which I never had' would do more harm than good in this 'time full of jelousy and suspition' and risks putting both Charles and Bess 'in hazard by my lettres'.