Wills and Testaments in Medieval England from the Thirteenth to the Sixteenth Century

Edited by Robert A. Wood

Book cover: Wills and Testaments in Medieval England from the Thirteenth to the Sixteenth Century

Extent: 122 pages

Publisher: Medieval Institute Publications

Subjects: Medieval Studies

Series: TEAMS Documents of Practice Series

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(April 2023)

ISBN: 9781580445290

6.14 x 9.21 inches

Price: $34.95

In stock

A text book on Wills and Testaments in Medieval England, casting a light on many aspects of medieval life, including gender distinctions and the heavy influence of the church. For use by students of medieval English history.


This volume explores the will-making process in late medieval England for all levels of society. Wills are some of the most studied records of the late Middle Ages and capture the evidence of what people owned and the patterns of family relationships. These documents, compiled from several archives and city records, cast a light on many aspects of medieval life, including gender distinctions and the heavy influence of the church. Included are wills from widows, tradespeople and artisans, clergy, and high-ranking wealthy people, and through these sources he shows how wills, inventories, and testaments prepared people and their souls for the afterlife.

Illustrations
Abbreviations
Acknowledgements
Roman Numerals
Medieval Currency
The Spending Power of Medieval Money
Measurements and Weights
The Social Hierarchy in Late Medieval England
Introduction: Wills and Will Making
List of Testators
The Wills and Inventories
Glossary
Suggestions for Further Reading

  • Edited by Robert A. Wood