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IMC 2007: Sessions

Session 110: Problems and Possibilities of Early Medieval Diplomatic, I: Formulas and Realities - Did Charters Reflect Real Life?

Monday 9 July 2007, 11.15-12.45

Organiser:Allan Scott McKinley, Department of History, University of Birmingham
Moderator/Chair:Allan Scott McKinley, Department of History, University of Birmingham
Paper 110-a'Charters in Plenty, if Only they Were Good for Anything': The Origins of the Charter and the Emergence of Bookland in Early England
(Language: English)
Martin Ryan, School of Arts, Languages & Cultures, University of Manchester
Index terms: Charters and Diplomatics, Law
Paper 110-bUncertain Origins: Comparing the Earliest Documentary Culture in Carolingian Catalonia
(Language: English)
Jonathan Jarrett, Fitzwilliam Museum University of Cambridge 1 Lingholme Close CAMBRIDGE CB4 3HW
Index terms: Charters and Diplomatics, Politics and Diplomacy
Paper 110-cThe Reality of Medieval Dispute Settlement: Problems with Formulae
(Language: English)
Alexander Ralston, School of Arts, Histories & Cultures, University of Manchester
Index terms: Charters and Diplomatics, Law
Abstract

This session will concentrate on the way charter formulas interact with reality. Ryan will question whether the introduction of charters into Anglo-Saxon England reflects a change in legal procedures or simply a differing way of recording negotiation and compromise. Jarrett, using the evidence of where the formulas employed in Catalan charters of the 9th century, will draw conclusions about the Carolingian takeover of north-eastern Spain. Ralston will consider if the formulas used in records of dispute settlements are merely formulaic, or whether they reflect procedure.