The population of foreigners residing in London outstripped that of any other city in England. Their economic and financial importance to the city was considerable, and this was reflected in the government's efforts to maintain a careful record of their presence. Also, the government was anxious to keep an eye on them, in case they indulged in activities hostile to the interests of the realm. Reproduced here is an extract from a register of aliens compiled in December 1571 for the parish of Christchurch, in London. The register includes such interesting individuals as William Treasurer, instrument maker to the Queen, who came into the country with Sir John Wallop, presumably at the end of Wallop's spell as resident ambassador in France in 1537.
Catalogue reference: SP 12/82, f. 12r (1571)