Finding his Feet, Finding a Role

Abstract This chapter moves from 1563 to 1569 and discusses Beale’s activity in Germany and France during these years. It investigates Beale’s first real ‘job’ in working for the earl of Hertford regarding the legitimacy of his marriage to Katherine Grey and, accordingly, claim in the royal succession. John Hales, Beale’s step-uncle, played a major role in the drama both by way of his activity in the House of Commons and in corresponding with Beale while Beale was in Germany surveying legal opinion on the matter. Beale’s connections with civil lawyers in high places are examined, including the Reichskammergericht (Imperial Chamber Court) at Speyer. His subsequent work in the English embassy in Paris is discussed, as are his contact with William Cecil and his continued knowledge and expertise in German affairs. Beale’s most significant work to 1569, ‘the State of Germany’, is contexualized and analysed.