Tales of 16th century life restored
A FASCINATING historical manuscript, lost from public view for more than one hundred years, has recently been donated to the Derbyshire Record Office.
The manuscript book, a survey of the manors in Derbyshire and their owners in the 16th century, has been given to Derbyshire County Council's Record Office.
The book, complete with its parchment wrapper, was on loan to Abney and Wirksworth antiquarian Charles E B Bowles in the 1900s when it disappeared.
It did not resurface until a history professor at Sheffield University donated it to the Record Office in December 2008.
The manuscript was in fragile condition, but has now been repaired by archive conservation staff.
One of the most detailed entries on the book is for Eckington Manor in 1544.
At the time, the manor consisted of 60 houses, two pigeon houses, 800 acres of land, 100 acres of meadow, 700 acres of pasture, 400 acres of woodland, 500 acres of open land or moorland and cost 24 per year in rent.
It is a welcome addition to other manorial records available to researchers in the Record Office's search room on New Street, Matlock.
Derbyshire County Council's cabinet member for cultural services Bob Janes said: "This is a fascinating record of 16th century life.
"It is an interesting historical source with many references to major Derbyshire families such has the Cavendish family and the manners family including John Manners and his wife Dorothy."
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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