Henry VIII.

commanding that William Vernon of Middlewich ("...reputed of good and honest conversacion...") should be appointed a burgess of the town ("...for thentertaynyng of good rule and advancement of Justice within the same...") upon payment of the usual fine to the exchequer in Chester, 1 page, oblong folio (220 x 260 mm.), address on verso, "under our Signet at our Palays of Westminster", 17 March 1512, creases, nicks at edges, professional repairs

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate. If you require further information please contact one of the specialists for the sale.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

a firm and clear signature on a letter concerning the county palatine of chester, the administration of which concerned the King directly as the earldom of Chester was vested with the crown. This letter is addressed to a leading Cheshire gentleman, Sir Randolph Brereton (d.1530), who was also a significant figure at court, as signified by his positions of knight of the body and later knight-banneret. His son William was also a courtier - ending his life on the executioner's block for alleged adultery with Anne Boleyn in 1536 - and the family remained prominent locally for many generations.