Westminster Abbey Muniments facts for kids
The Westminster Abbey Muniments are a huge collection of old and important documents, like letters, maps, and records, that belong to Westminster Abbey. Think of them as the Abbey's very own historical library, holding papers from the 900s all the way up to today! These documents tell the story of the Abbey, its land, and the people connected to it. Before they were all gathered in one place, these papers were spread out across different parts of England.
What Special Documents Are Kept Here?
The Westminster Abbey Muniments hold many fascinating items that help us understand history.
- Anglo-Saxon Charters: These are very old official documents from the time of the Anglo-Saxons, who lived in England before the Norman Conquest in 1066. They often describe grants of land or special rights.
- Westminster Abbey Leases: These documents are agreements about renting out land or buildings that belonged to Westminster Abbey. They show how the Abbey managed its property over hundreds of years.
- Coroners' Inquests (1760–1880): These are records from investigations into deaths that happened in the City of Westminster. A coroner is an official who looks into how someone died, especially if it was unexpected. These records give us a glimpse into daily life and events in London long ago.
Who Used These Documents?
Many important people connected to Westminster Abbey and the royal family used or created these documents.
- Lord Steward: This was a very important official in the royal household. They were in charge of managing the royal family's homes and staff. Documents related to their work might be found in the collection.
- Almoner and Cellarer: These were officials within Westminster Abbey itself. The Almoner was responsible for giving help and charity to the poor, while the Cellarer managed the Abbey's food, drink, and supplies. Their records show how the Abbey operated day-to-day.
Westminster Abbey's Old Court Records
For many years, Westminster Abbey had its own special court, called the Court of Burgesses. This court handled local matters for the people living in the area around the Abbey. The Abbey's archives contain many records from these court cases. These records help historians understand how local rules were enforced and how people settled disagreements in the past. They often cover topics like property disputes or local community issues.
