Trevor Foulds – författare

First complete edition of an invaluable and extensive collection of medieval documents.with contributions from Neil Bettridge, Jean Cameron, Paul Cavill and Teresa Webber.The White Book of Southwell derives its name from its white vellum cover. Compiled between c.1350 and 1460, with a few later additions, its 500 pages record 620 individual documents from c.1100 onwards. They range widely from papal bulls and royal charters, quo warranto inquiries, privileges granted by many archbishops of York to the Chapter at Southwell,individual canons (or prebendaries) and the parishes where the Minster held lands or controlled livings. The majority date from c.1200-1460 and concern properties which the Chapter owned and administered through its courts, for which some rare proceedings are preserved. Because of their variety, the documents it contains are important not simply for ecclesiastical history but for broader social and economic trends in medieval Nottinghamshire either side of the Black Death. The volume also furnishes a remarkable amount of little-studied onomastic and linguistic evidence in medieval Latin, Anglo-Norman French and Middle English as well as strong traces of earlier Anglo-Scandinavianinfluences on Nottinghamshire.First brought to attention by the pioneering county historian Robert Thoroton (d. 1677), the White Book has been consulted in all subsequent generations. However, while some of its contents havebeen published in their original language or in translation, this is the first systematic, complete scholarly edition. A substantial introduction sets the White Book in context, describing its structure and content. Extensive commentary helps to date many undated individual documents and identify persons and places named, a detailed Fasti provides details on the personnel of the Minster and its appendant churches, while detailed indexes assist consultation.

Thomas Farr compiled a weekly account of expenditure and a book of receipts for Henry, Second Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. They offer fascinating insights into their household, building and landscape projects.Thomas Farr, 'The Great Mogul', was the trusted man of business of Henry Cavendish, second duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Farr reorganised the estate's business along professional lines. Every Saturday between 23 December 1676 and 29 July 1691, he compiled a weekly account of expenditure, of which the fair copy was subsequently bound in two volumes. Together with Farr's book of receipts, these materials provide fascinating insights into the income and expenditure of a great ducal estate.The book provides crucial evidence concerning Newcastle's family and household and their building and landscape projects, chiefly at Nottingham Castle and Welbeck Abbey. This edition includes detailed commentaries on Newcastle and his family relationships, explores the political and social context within which he operated, and illustrates Farr's importance as man of business. It will particularly appeal to readers interested in social, family, and political history.