Coweper (2 results)

Condition: Good. Volumes 2 Series 10. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. No dust jacket. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,1000grams, ISBN:

Two manuscripts on vellum, in English and Latin (the larger in English), attached to each other; one measuring approx. 220 x 300mm, with single seal attached; the other measuring approx. 80 x 240mm, also with single seal attached; somewhat cockled and with a few waterstains, and with two small holes; nevertheless in usable and unrestored condition, and sound. A most interesting Yorkshire marriage settlement drawn up between Richard Coweper (normally, one assumes, spelt Cowper) of Dalton, and Johannet his daughter and heir apparent, of the one part, and George Thewles (or Thewlis) and his son Robert, of Lindley of the other part. There are several places called Dalton in Yorkshire, but there is one close to Lindley, now a suburb of Huddersfield, and it seems very probable that this is the locality of the present agreement. Furthermore, the family of Thewles or Thewlis was settled at Lindley - the name is apparently especially common in the West Riding. The name Cowper, pronounced Cooper, is also well represented in Yorkshire (although more so in Lancashire). This contract arranges that when Johannet and Robert are married, Richard her father will give them the 'land & meydowe callyd hancrofte' - and there is much more, amounting to almost 40 lines of cramped text. The date at the end is clearly 3 November, in the 18th year of Henry VII, which was 1502. Marriage settlements are uncommon survivals, particularly at this modest social level: it is clear that this was not a grand arrangement between rich parents, but a local bargain between two middle-class landowners.