Collection of charters and documents of English interest, in Latin, English and French, on paper and vellum

11 items, including (a) a document issued by 'Johan filz au Roi Conestable Dengleterre et Gardein del Estmarche des Escoce' (ie. John, duke of Bedford, 1389-1435, the owner of the celebrated Bedford Hours: British Library Add.18,850, who is famously depicted kneeling before St. George on fol. 256v of the manuscript) appointing John Bonyngton to an office in Northumberland, 315mm. by 152mm., 12 lines of dark brown ink in a fine secretarial hand, in French, outstanding condition, Durham Castle, 22 September 1405; (b) two copies of a marriage contract between Richard Burdett and Isabel Shirwode made in a chamber of the Mitre Tavern in Cheapside, London, one on vellum, 285mm. by 185mm., 18 lines in fine secretarial hand and with the marriage vows in Middle English, in excellent condition, the other on paper, 385mm. by 285mm., with notarial witness of Nicholas Colles, public notary of Canterbury, and scribbled note in Middle English by the bride's brother, identifying this as the original copy made in the Mitre Tavern before the married couple, some damage to upper edge with folding and a small tear, else good condition, both London, 22 November 1478; with eight other documents on vellum, dating from the fourteenth to the early sixteenth century, and all in a good and presentable condition (full list available below)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"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."

Two items in this collection are of significant interest. The first was issued by the bibliophile John, duke of Bedford while in the earlier offices of Constable of England and Warden of the East March (both held from 1403). The second is of a more domestic nature and includes two copies of the same marriage contract, one a fair copy on vellum, the other a more rough copy on paper, the latter of which is evidently the original document written out before the newly married couple in the chamber of the Mitre Tavern in Cheapside, London, on 22 November 1478. The presence of the marriage vows in Middle English in these documents is an extremely rare feature, and may well reflect the couple's personal wishes.

Full list of items in this lot:

1. Charter issued by 'Johan filz au Roi Conestable Dengleterre et Gardein del Estmarche des Escoce' (ie. John, duke of Bedford, 1389-1435, the owner of the celebrated Bedford Hours: British Library Add.18,850, who is famously depicted kneeling before St. George on fol. 256v of the manuscript) appointing John Bonyngton to an office in Northumberland, in Latin, on vellum, dated Durham Castle, 22 September 1405, 315mm. by 152mm., excellent condition

2. Two copies of a marriage contract between Richard Burdett and Isabel Shirwode made in a chamber of the Mitre Tavern in Cheapside, London, both dated 22 November 1478; one on vellum, 285mm. by 185mm., 18 lines in fine secretarial hand in Latin and with the marriage vows in Middle English, in excellent condition; the other on paper, 385mm. by 285mm., with notarial mark of Nicholas Colles, public notary of Canterbury, and a scribbled note in Middle English by the bride's brother, identifying this paper copy as the original made in the Mitre Tavern before the married couple; good condition

3. Record of Nicholas Love, a receiver of Lady Margaret Hungerford and Botreaux (d. 1478) of her lands in Cornwall and Devonshire, in Middle English, on vellum, dated Haytesbury, Wilts. 16 May 1476, 200mm. by 80mm., laid down on card

4. Grant of Robert Dighere of Crewkerne, Somerset, and his wife Avicia, to Philip Holman clericus and John Swaldale in Weycroft in hundred of Axminster, in Latin, on vellum, dated 1 October 1397, 285mm. by 100mm., with seal tags in situ; with the related grant of Philip Holman clericus and John Swaldale to Thomas Brook junior (later, after 1413, an MP., a Lollard sympathiser, and confined to the Tower of London after the uprising of 1414, later acquitted and returned to office) of Weycroft, in Latin, on vellum, dated 20 October 1407, 285mm. by 80mm., witnessed by Sir Thomas Beauchamp, laid down on card

5. Bond from Christopher Davenport, Hugh Davenport of Henbury, Richard Newton and William Bradley, to John Fitton and others, regarding lands in Fulshaw, Cheshire, in Middle English, on vellum, dated 5 December 1463, 345mm. by 90mm., with remains of two small red wax seals on suspended tag, somewhat rubbed with discolouration to left hand edge

6. Agreement between Geffrey de Bingham and John de Leyk de diverses choses qui furent en debatz entre eus, in French, on vellum, dated Nottingham 27 September 1316, 350mm. by 250mm.

7. Mortgage contract for lands at Bradwell in parish of Hope, Derbyshire, given by Nicolas Garlyke to John Eyre for 20 marks sterling to be settled before Michaelmas 1551, in Middle English, on vellum, dated 16 August 1538, 420mm. by 300mm., with signature of Eyre and substantial part of a red wax seal present, fine and presentable condition

8. Letter of attorney from William Bonyngton to William Robert to deliver to seisin in lands in Kynston (Kingston, north of Sutton Bonington in Nottinghamshire), in Latin, on vellum, dated 4 May 1443, 265mm. by 125mm., fragment of red wax seal

9. Contract between Sir Thomas Brook and William Damerle regarding lands in Castle and Langmoor (east Devon), in Latin, on vellum, dated 1408, 285mm. by 110mm.