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IMC 2015: Sessions

Session 313: Fathers and Families in Early Medieval Charters

Monday 6 July 2015, 16.30-18.00

Sponsor:Medieval & Ancient Research Centre (MARCUS), University of Sheffield
Organiser:Rachel Stone, University of Bedfordshire
Moderator/Chair:Julia Hillner, Department of History, University of Sheffield
Paper 313-aSharing Land: Fathers and Families in Merovingian Charters
(Language: English)
Hannah Probert, Department of History, University of Sheffield
Index terms: Charters and Diplomatics, Daily Life, Law
Paper 313-bFathers and Sons in a Charter Database: Statistics and Stories
(Language: English)
Rachel Stone, University of Bedfordshire
Index terms: Charters and Diplomatics, Computing in Medieval Studies, Mentalities
Paper 313-cFathers, Sons, and Property Transfer in 10th-Century North Western Italy
(Language: English)
Ross Balzaretti, Institute for Medieval Research, University of Nottingham
Index terms: Charters and Diplomatics, Law
Abstract

The session will use charters from a variety of early medieval societies (Merovingian Francia, the Carolingian Empire, and both rural and urban areas in 10th-century Italy) to explore the experience and power of fathers. One main focus is the law and practice around families' management of property. How much did control did fathers maintain over adult sons? Are changes over time or between regions visible? When do sons appear in charters and in what roles? The session will also explore the more intimate side of family life. What can charters tell us about tensions within the nuclear family and possibly even about the emotions that fathers might feel towards their household?