This volume contains transcriptions of rolls 1 to 20 (1466-1500) of the 105 (1466-1636) extant rolls of churchwardens’ accounts from the parish of St Botolph without Aldersgate, London. These financial records, along with assorted memoranda, are filled with information about the church, its operations, and the numerous people who repaired, maintained, and provisioned it. The churchwardens dealt with local problems and kept track of money they believed they were owed. These records not only present very detailed insights into a vanished world, but the resulting evidence augments and challenges existing theories about the fifteenth-century parish.

These fifteenth-century churchwardens' accounts provide a window into the late medieval operations of a busy parish on the margins of London. The editors provide paratextual material to explain local history, archaic words and concepts, and the heavily abbreviated Latin.

This collection of essays raises the profile of churchwardens’ accounts, much beloved by many local historians, yet not as well-known as the parish registers and poor law material that also comprised the contents of the celebrated ‘parish chest’. Churchwardens’ accounts survive for only a minority of parishes of England, Wales and Ireland, meaning they are ‘treasure trove’ where they do exist. They afford an invaluable source for information about the maintenance of church fabric, furnishings, liturgy, music, and the nature of parish worship and community life in general. We are fortunate to possess such records for over 3,750 parishes, and for the most part, they are thankfully carefully stored in over 125 record offices. This collection illustrates what may be achieved in use of these records, poses questions about the many technical and conceptual problems that will be encountered, and provides invaluable context in terms of changes in record keeping practice over time and location. Essays deal with such matters as the nature of the church year, the impact of the Reformation, local rituals, parish customs, the particularities of survival in Wales and Ireland, the impact of Civil Wars, and what may be gleaned about the history of music. This wide-ranging collection of essays, covering a long period, will spark new research on the many issues raised by a team of experienced experts in the field.

The primary focus of this collection by leading medieval historians is the laity, in particular the ideas and ideals of lay people. The contributors explore lay attitudes as expressed in legal cases, charters, chronicles and collective activities. Highlights the centrality of kinship, whilst stressing its limitations as an all purpose social bond. Ranges chronologically and geographically from the seventh century to the eve of the Reformation, from Western Britain to papal and urban Italy, from Carolingian dynastic politics to the decline of medieval pilgrimage in the sixteenth century, and from the courts of twelfth-century France to the fifteenth-century wards of London.

"South London" by Walter Besant is a comprehensive and illuminating journey that takes readers on a captivating exploration of the rich tapestry of history, culture, and landmarks that define South London. With meticulous research and a genuine passion for the subject, Besant's narrative unfolds as an invaluable guide for readers eager to uncover the hidden gems and untold stories of this remarkable region. Besant's profound insights provide readers with a deep understanding of South London's historical significance, its evolving landscape, and the unique charm that sets it apart from other locales. As readers traverse the pages of this book, they are invited to embark on a virtual tour, where every street, building, and community comes to life with vivid descriptions and historical anecdotes. "South London" is not merely a book; it is a gateway to the past, a celebration of the present, and an invitation to explore the region's rich heritage. It serves as a testament to the enduring allure of South London and its capacity to capture the hearts and imaginations of all who venture within its borders. For those seeking to delve into the soul of a diverse and vibrant part of the world, Walter Besant's work is an indispensable resource that both informs and inspires, ensuring that the legacy of South London endures for generations to come.