EME IN-PERSON Graduate Workshop: Notarial Records as a Source for Early Modern Research

Notaries recorded a broad spectrum of information for clients ranging from contracts and powers of attorney to arrangements for a ward’s education and miscellaneous declarations.  Artists, merchants, ships’ captains, religious orders and the nobility, among others, all utilised the services of the notary.  Because civic and other authorities across continental Europe required notarial acts to be deposited in a central repository, many of these have been preserved and are available for consultation today. 

This workshop, led by Christina M. Anderson (SELCS), will introduce participants to the types of acts and their different structures, strategies for finding and analysing notarial documents, and the potential pitfalls and benefits of utilising these as a source.  Practical exercises carried out in groups will also uncover some of the surprising insights that these documents can provide.  Previous palaeographical training is NOT required.

Refreshments will be provided; please register so we know how many to cater for: https://eme-notarialrecords.eventbrite.co.uk

Sponsored by the British Academy/Leverhulme Trust.

Image: 'A Notary in His Office' by Job Adriaenszoon Berckheyde (1672), via Wikimedia Commons