The decoration has rosettes of white enamel centred by rubies and diamonds; the sides with stylised leaves around a hinged clasp, length 6.8cm, depth 1.4cm.
Despite its date, the book, which is probably English, is traditionally called Queen Elizabeth’s Pocket Book.
It came to Burghley as part of a massive bequest from Elizabeth, Countess of Devonshire (1619-1689), to her daughter Anne, Countess of Exeter (1649-1703).
The bequest is recorded in an inventory known as the 1690 Devonshire Schedule, or Deed of Gift, which lists: ‘One Table Booke Enamel’d sett with Diamonds and Rubies in Roses.’
