The lost cartulary of Bolton Priory
by Katrina Legg
"The house of regular canons of the order of St Augustine, originally founded at Embsay in 1120-21, was refounded at Bolton within forty years. The new site, next to the river Wharfe, offered far better farming conditions, and by the early fourteenth century the estate was largely complete, lying mainly in the Craven area of West Yorkshire. It was at this point that the 'lost' cartulary was created - roughly contemporary with the Compotus (The Bolton Priory Compotus 1286-1325, YAS 154). Both documents recorded essential administrative detail, vital for reference and information, and documenting legal claims on property." "The main evidence for the cartulary derives from two sources: the Coucher Book, held at Chatsworth, which is a partial copy with some additional material; and an incomplete transcript made by Roger Dodsworth in the seventeeth century (Dodsworth MS144). Also drawn on for this edition are other documents which shed light on the lost cartulary and on Bolton Priory: extra transcripts relating to the priory made by Roger Dodsworth, and numerous surviving original charters." "This book brings together the texts of the existing documents in a comprehensive and accessible
For young readers
Book data: Open Library