Between Public and Private Spaces: Jacobite Diplomacy in Vienna, 1725-1742

Abstract

This article assesses Jacobite activities at the Habsburg court in Vienna from the mid-1720s to the early 1740s. Three Jacobite diplomatic agents belonging to the Stuart court in exile were sent to Vienna during this time. Although the emperor did not recognise the head of the Stuart court, its representatives were sometimes able to partake in the diplomatic rituals and ceremonies of court. By analysing correspondence between the Stuart court and its agents, one can identify how they operated in and used public and private spaces in Vienna to influence and gain the support of the Habsburg court. The agents were granted private audiences with Imperial ministers and could communicate informally with courtiers at public gatherings. Such contacts led them to gain access to the Imperial chambers to witness public events, to obtain news, and to communicate with members of the Imperial family. By examining these activities it is also possible to gain further insight into relations between these two courts. Despite the emperor’s refusal to engage with them, Jacobites maintained active public lives in Vienna, and they continuously made use of their opportunities both inside and outside of court to further their private diplomatic missions.