Medieval Family Life includes five major letter collections and associated manuscripts from fifteenth century England: the Paston, Stonor, Cely, Plumpton and Amburgh papers. Full colour facsimiles of the original manuscripts are presented alongside searchable transcriptions from printed editions.
These letters document many aspects of medieval family life, from arranging advantageous marriages and inheritance, to estate management and financial dealings to women and their role within the family. Arguments between parents and children; births; deaths; acts of violence; law suits and everyday social and domestic life are all present in these fascinating manuscripts.
Additional resources include an introductory essay, family trees, an interactive map, and a slideshow of medieval images sourced from the British Library.
