09 April, 2013
Edward II's chamber account of 1325/1326
For no particular reason except that I completely and utterly love it, here are some pictures of the last journal of Edward II's chamber, which covers the period from July 1325 to October 1326 and is now held in the Society of Antiquaries of London. The journal is written in French and lists the expenses out of Edward's chamber; they give a remarkably illuminating perspective on his life, as I've detailed in previous blog posts here, here, here and here.
It's interesting to look at the edits, corrections, strike-outs, etc. because it humanizes the accountant or scribe. And just think, Edward probably at least glanced over, if not read, these very pages. Maybe HE suggested the changes!
ReplyDeleteExactly, Christy! I love all the different handwriting in it, the errors and so on, and Edward must surely have seen it often and maybe touched it himself!
ReplyDeleteAh, a post on your fav thing to do - scrutinise Edward II's chamber accounts. Did you get actual access yourself? or do you have to write begging letters to the Queen?:> Seriously, would anyone be allowed access if they gave a valid reason? or are they all on-line?
ReplyDeleteare those actually your fingers on them?! If so, how did you manage it?
ReplyDeleteAnerje, I contacted the chief librarian of the Society - a lovely man - in advance to ask if we (Jules and I) could see the document, and the day we'd like to come. I think if you do the same, explaining why you'd like to see it, it should be totally fine! Jules and I spent all day with it, and it was absolutely amazing.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, those are my fingers or Jules' :)
ReplyDeleteKathryn (and Jules), lucky you!
ReplyDeleteI wish the chamber account of Henry the Young King survived so that I could take the simillar photo, with my fingers immortalized on it :-)
How amazing that you got to handle those precious documents! It must havebeen a very special day for you!
ReplyDeleteHow amazing that you got to see and touch the original document! I thought access would be almost impossible.
ReplyDeleteIt must give you a shivery sort of thrill to touch a document and think that Edward himself might have handled it; perhaps to imagine yourself as the clerk and Edward leaning over your shoulder :-)
Ah, you all understand how wonderful it was and how I felt ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing opportunity! I bet you had fun, the both of you! thanks so much for sharing this wonderful insight!
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