Subversive acts: the early charters of the borough of Beverley
December 2018
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Journal article
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History
Three charters for the men of Beverley, in Yorkshire, appear at first sight to be products of the first half of the twelfth century, and so among the oldest surviving borough charters. As such, they have been repeatedly printed or referenced in books which consider the origins of English civic institutions. Careful analysis of their script and text, however, reveals that they were forged during the last quarter of the twelfth century. This article establishes the circumstances behind the forgeries, and shows how the men of Beverley developed their borough privileges in the face of opposition from their feudal overlords, the archbishops of York.
The marriage of Richard Basset: an undetected forgery in the name of Henry I
March 2018
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Journal article
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Historical Research
A charter of Henry I, king of England from 1100 to 1135, allowed the marriage of Richard Basset to a daughter of Geoffrey Ridel, who had died in November 1120. Through the detailed provisions of the act, Basset acquired the lands that became known as the honour of Great Weldon, which passed to his descendants through many generations. Careful consideration of the terms of the charter and the circumstances surrounding its production leads to the conclusion that it is a fabrication, confected to ensure that the Ridel lands passed exclusively to the descendants of Richard Basset.
Harehope Hospital and the arrival of the Order of St Lazarus in England
March 2017
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Journal article
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Northern History
A previously unknown deed of the mid-twelfth century significantly changes our understanding of the foundation of the leper hospital at Harehope (Northumberland), which belonged to the Knights of St Lazarus. The deed prompts a reexamination of the introduction of the order of St Lazarus to England. A rereading of contemporary evidence allows parallels to be drawn with the introduction of the order to France, clarifies the founding role of Roger de Mowbray, and opens the possibility that the order’s first establishment in England was at Harehope rather than at Burton Lazars in Leicestershire.
St Lazarus, Harehope, Roger de Mowbray, Edgar son of Gospatric, leper, hospital