Studies in English Official Historical Documents

This 1908 work introduces historians to the categories of official records found in English archives, and how to interpret them.

Hubert Hall (Author)

9781108010641, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 July 2010

428 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.4 cm, 0.63 kg

This 1908 book was a ground-breaking guide for historians in the use and interpretation of official documentary sources. Hubert Hall examines the topic under three headings – archives, diplomatics, and palaeography. In the first part he treats the history, classification and analysis of English archives. He argues that the user should take into account what once existed as well as what survives. The second part deals with diplomatics, from Anglo-Saxon to the sixteenth century. He calls for greater critical analysis of the different types of official documents, something lacking in England when compared to European scholarship. The final part introduces the student to palaeography, and the different kinds of handwriting and contractions met with in official documents. While the book makes no claim to be the definitive work on the subject, it raised the profile of a neglected tool of scholarship, and offers a starting point for further research.

Preface
Part I. The Sources of Official Historical Documents: Introduction to the study of official documents
The history of the archives
The classification of archives
The analysis of archives
The bibliography of English official historical documents
Part II. The Diplomatic of Official Historical Documents: Introduction to the diplomatic study of official documents
The Anglo-Saxon charters
Anglo-Norman charters and writs
Later charters and diplomatic instruments
Letters, state papers and departmental instruments
Royal surveys, inquisitions and assessment
Royal accounts, Judicial proceedings
Part III. The Palaeography of Official Documents: Introduction to the palaeography of official documents
Palaeography
Appendices
Index.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]