1709 Queen Anne Vellum Indenture – Bedfordshire Land Deed – Original Wax Seal
An impressive original English vellum indenture dating from the reign of Queen Anne and executed in February 1709/10—more than three centuries ago.
Written entirely by hand on an exceptionally large sheet of animal-skin vellum, this tripartite indenture records a mortgage-related conveyance among John Butterfield, James Parratt and William Andrew. Butterfield is identified as a Bedfordshire grazier and executor of the last will and testament of another William Andrew. The agreement concerns a cottage or tenement and adjoining pasture ground, buildings, gardens and associated rights in the vicinity of Heath and Reach, Bedfordshire.
The document recites an earlier mortgage and an outstanding obligation of approximately £70 and ten shillings, assigning the mortgage interest and setting forth the conditions under which the property would be reconveyed following repayment. Such extensive language provides a fascinating record of property ownership, inheritance and credit in early Georgian England.
The vellum features a striking calligraphic heading reading “This Indenture Tripartite,” dominated by an enormous ornamental initial. An original blue embossed revenue stamp remains at the left. The lower edge retains its parchment seal tags and one original red wax pendant seal. Contemporary witness attestations and docketing appear on the reverse.
The manuscript is substantially complete and legible, with original folds, general toning, scattered soiling and foxing, edge wear, old reinforcements and fading to the reverse. Several seals are no longer present, but the survival of one original pendant seal considerably enhances the document’s historical and visual appeal.
A handsome and remarkably early British legal manuscript created during the reign of Queen Anne, only a few years after the 1707 union of England and Scotland established the Kingdom of Great Britain.
An impressive original English vellum indenture dating from the reign of Queen Anne and executed in February 1709/10—more than three centuries ago.
Written entirely by hand on an exceptionally large sheet of animal-skin vellum, this tripartite indenture records a mortgage-related conveyance among John Butterfield, James Parratt and William Andrew. Butterfield is identified as a Bedfordshire grazier and executor of the last will and testament of another William Andrew. The agreement concerns a cottage or tenement and adjoining pasture ground, buildings, gardens and associated rights in the vicinity of Heath and Reach, Bedfordshire.
The document recites an earlier mortgage and an outstanding obligation of approximately £70 and ten shillings, assigning the mortgage interest and setting forth the conditions under which the property would be reconveyed following repayment. Such extensive language provides a fascinating record of property ownership, inheritance and credit in early Georgian England.
The vellum features a striking calligraphic heading reading “This Indenture Tripartite,” dominated by an enormous ornamental initial. An original blue embossed revenue stamp remains at the left. The lower edge retains its parchment seal tags and one original red wax pendant seal. Contemporary witness attestations and docketing appear on the reverse.
The manuscript is substantially complete and legible, with original folds, general toning, scattered soiling and foxing, edge wear, old reinforcements and fading to the reverse. Several seals are no longer present, but the survival of one original pendant seal considerably enhances the document’s historical and visual appeal.
A handsome and remarkably early British legal manuscript created during the reign of Queen Anne, only a few years after the 1707 union of England and Scotland established the Kingdom of Great Britain.
