Intelligence and Espionage in the Reign of Charles II, 1660–1685

Alan Marshall

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511522680

This is the first history and analysis of the intelligence and espionage activities of the regime of Charles II (1660–85). It is concerned with the mechanics, activities and philosophy of the intelligence system which developed under the auspices of the office of the Secretary of State and which emerged in the face of the problems of conspiracy and international politics. It examines the development of intelligence networks on a local and international level, the use made of the Post Office, codes and ciphers, and the employment of spies, informers and assassins. The careers of a number of spies employed by the regime are examined through a series of detailed case studes. The book provides a balanced portrait of the dark byways of Restoration politics, particularly in the 1660s and 1670s, and fills an important gap in the current literature.

‘… a wide ranging account of the intelligence service under Charles II. It is interesting and often illuminating, and it will probably be a long while before it is superseded as a study of this subject.’

Source: Royal Stuart Review

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Contents

Frontmatter
pp i-viii
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Contents
pp ix-ix
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Acknowledgements
pp x-xi
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List of abbreviations
pp xii-xvi
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Introduction
pp 1-27
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1 - The Restoration secretariat and intelligence, 1660–1685
pp 28-77
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2 - Intelligence and the Post Office
pp 78-95
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3 - Local intelligence networks in the north of England
pp 96-115
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4 - ‘Taking the ruffian's wage’: spies, an overview
pp 116-141
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5 - The spies of the early Restoration regime, 1660–1669
pp 142-185
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6 - The spies of the later Restoration regime, 1667–1685
pp 186-243
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7 - The foreign and diplomatic scene
pp 244-278
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8 - Assassination: ‘an Italian trick, not used in England’
pp 279-300
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Conclusion
pp 301-305
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Bibliography
pp 306-321
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Index
pp 322-334
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Cambridge Studies in Early Modern British History
pp 335-337
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Intelligence and Espionage in the Reign of Charles II, 1660–1685

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Contents

Frontmatter
pp i-viii

Contents
pp ix-ix

Acknowledgements
pp x-xi

List of abbreviations
pp xii-xvi

Introduction
pp 1-27

1 - The Restoration secretariat and intelligence, 1660–1685
pp 28-77

2 - Intelligence and the Post Office
pp 78-95

3 - Local intelligence networks in the north of England
pp 96-115

4 - ‘Taking the ruffian's wage’: spies, an overview
pp 116-141

5 - The spies of the early Restoration regime, 1660–1669
pp 142-185

6 - The spies of the later Restoration regime, 1667–1685
pp 186-243

7 - The foreign and diplomatic scene
pp 244-278

8 - Assassination: ‘an Italian trick, not used in England’
pp 279-300

Conclusion
pp 301-305

Bibliography
pp 306-321

Index
pp 322-334

Cambridge Studies in Early Modern British History
pp 335-337

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Intelligence and Espionage in the Reign of Charles II, 1660–1685

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