Exchequer Collection
We hope you enjoyed watching our Education Service video with Kathryn Maude, Medieval Records Specialist at The National Archives looking at legal documents from our Exchequer Collection held at The National Archives. In this video, we focus on documents and source objects that examine the life of Thomas Becket, the murdered Archbishop who became a saint.
Now try and answer the following questions:
- What was the role of Exchequer in the medieval and early modern period?
- What period does the ‘E’ collection cover?
- What type of information is contained in this collection?
- What is one of The National Archives’ most famous ‘E’ records?
- What is parchment?
- What is the usual language used for legal documents?
- What is a deed? Why did they include lists of witnesses?
- What are the limitations of deeds as historical sources?
- Why are ‘E’ collection records valuable sources for historians?
- What other factors should we consider when using them for research?
Document 1
This document is called a charter [written in Latin]. It is grant of land from Archbishop Thomas Becket to Walter, Bishop of Rochester. Catalogue ref: E40/4913.
It can be dated from 1162 to Becket’s death in 1170. The charter confirms forever, the land granted by previous Archbishops of Canterbury, William of Corbeil (1123-1136) and Theobald of Bec (1138-1161), to the canons [church officers] of the priory of Holy Trinity Aldgate in London of the church of St Mary, Bexley. The religious community also gained the right to graze ten animals at pasture [allowed to roam to find food] and ten hogs in the wood without having to pay for pannage [the right to feed pigs or other animals in woodland.]
- Describe what you can see in this image.
- What do you think is contained in the decorative fabric pouch attached to the document?
- Why do you think a pouch has been used with this document?
- This document in Latin starts with these words: ‘Thomas by the grace of God, minister of the Church of Canterbury’. According to this statement, how did Thomas Becket see his role as Archbishop of Canterbury?
- What was Thomas Becket’s previous role in Henry II’s government?
- From your knowledge, did Thomas Becket combine his previous job with his role as Archbishop of Canterbury?
Source object 2
The seal of Archbishop Thomas Becket. This was contained in the fabric pouch attached to Document 1. The legend, or wording on seal says: ‘sigillum tome lund’ which means ‘the seal of Thomas of London’. Catalogue ref: E40/4913.
- What is the purpose of a personal seal on a document?
- What does the wording on the seal reveal about Thomas Becket?
- Can you remember why fingerprints were discovered on the seal by the Collection Care Department at The National Archives mentioned in the video?
- This seal became a ‘contact relic’, which means an item that was owned, used, or touched by a saint or holy figure during their lifetime. How does this explain the pouch used for it shown in Document 1?
Source object 3
The seal of Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury, (from 1213 to 1215), showing the obverse (front) and the reverse (back). This was attached to a document from 1214 concerning a land grant, Catalogue ref: DL 27/4.
Obverse
Reverse
The reverse (back) of the seal has Latin words which say: ‘Mors expressa foris tibi vita sit intus amoris’ meaning ‘May death to your body be your spirit’s life of love’.
- Look carefully at both sides of the seal [The front is called the obverse; the reverse is the back of the seal.]
- Who do you think is depicted on the obverse of the seal?
- Who are the figures shown on the reverse of the seal? Where is the scene taking place?
- How does the design of seal on the reverse suggest the sanctity or holiness of Thomas Becket?
- Why do you think that Archbishop Stephen Langton wanted to show Thomas Becket’s story to anyone who saw his seal?
- Find the legend/motto around the edge of the reverse of seal. Can you explain its meaning? [Clue: see Document 3 caption about the seal.]
- What does the seal show about the importance of religious faith in medieval times?
- What other original sources could help us find out more about the importance of religion at the time?
Source object 4
Alabaster panel showing martyrdom of Thomas Becket circa 1450-1500, England, British Museum. Credit: Wikimedia commons.
Alabaster is a soft, light-coloured stone, rather like marble. It is often used for carvings and sculptures. English carved alabaster was an important export in medieval times. This panel might have been part of a larger altarpiece.
The knights who killed Thomas Becket were Reginald Fitzurse, Richard le Bret, Hugh de Moreville and William de Tracy. Henry II, argued with Thomas Becket over the rights of Church and State. Henry II denied ordering the death of Thomas Becket who was later canonized as a saint in 1173. Thomas Becket’s shrine at Canterbury Cathedral became a significant centre of medieval pilgrimage.
- Take a close look at the panel.
- Where is Thomas Becket placed in the panel. How does he appear in this sculpture?
- How many knights can you find in the panel. Describe these knights.
- Find the figure holding the cross, Edward Grim, a clerk from Cambridge who witnessed the death of Thomas Becket. Why do you think he is included in the sculpture?
- The murder was committed in a side chapel of Canterbury Cathedral, a sanctified holy place. What protection should this have given Thomas Becket?
Extension question:
What is the value of all the original sources in this lesson for understanding medieval social and religious history?
Connections to Curriculum
Key stage 3
National Curriculum: the development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509: the struggle between Church and crown.
Related resources
Lesson on Medieval Seals
Also, here is a lesson on The Great Seal