The Register Of Richard De Kellawe Bishop Of Durham 1311-1316

The Register of Richard de Kellawe, Bishop of Durham 1311-1316 In 4 Volumes

Please Note The Registers are in Latin

Step into the heart of the turbulent 14th century and discover the world where your ancestors lived. This is not just a book; it is a time capsule. The Register of Richard de Kellawe, Prince-Bishop of Durham, offers an unparalleled glimpse into a pivotal era of war, political intrigue, and social change on the volatile Anglo-Scottish border.

For the dedicated genealogist, local historian, or medieval scholar, this volume is an indispensable key. Between 1311 and 1316, the Palatinate of Durham was a semi-independent kingdom, ruled by a bishop who was both a spiritual leader and a secular prince. His register is the official day-to-day record of this unique domain, capturing the names of ordinary people, landholders, and clergy against the backdrop of momentous national events.

What You Will Discover Within These Pages:

Names of Your Ancestors: Uncover the names of local clergy, land tenants, and witnesses to legal documents. While not a modern civil registry, these entries provide the precious names and places that form the bedrock of medieval research.

Parish & Village Life: Gain insight into the administration of the parishes where your family may have lived. Discover who was the parish priest, which families held land, and the local disputes that shaped community life.

Legal & Social History: Read records from the Bishop's court, including cases over wills, tithes, marriage licenses, and moral transgressions. These entries reveal the social structures, concerns, and daily realities of your forebears.

Land & Property: Trace the history of land ownership and tenancy through records of institutions and collations (the appointment of clergy to specific benefices, which often came with land).
Famous Faces & Events of the Era

This register was created during a dramatic period in English history, and its pages echo with the actions of famous figures who shaped the nation. While your ancestors may not have been kings or nobles, their lives were directly impacted by their decisions.

King Edward II (Reigned 1307-1327): The register covers a period of immense political instability during Edward's reign. Bishop Kellawe was a key figure in the North, responsible for implementing the King's will and raising troops for his campaigns.

Robert the Bruce, King of Scots (c. 1274-1329): This is the era of the Wars of Scottish Independence. Durham was on the front line. The register is filled with the consequences of Bruce's relentless raids into Northern England. You will find references to the defense of the Palatinate, the devastation of border communities, and the constant threat of warfare that your ancestors would have endured.

Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster (c. 1278-1322): As the leader of the baronial opposition to King Edward II, Lancaster's rebellion dominated English politics. The political machinations and shifting loyalties of the time would have directly affected the governance and security of the Durham region.

Piers Gaveston (c. 1284-1312): The controversial favourite of King Edward II, Gaveston's rise and brutal execution occurred just before this register begins. The political fallout and civil strife from this affair set the stage for the years recorded by Kellawe.

Who Is This Essential Resource For?

Genealogists with ancestors in Durham, Northumberland, and the North Riding of Yorkshire.
Local Historians researching the history of villages and parishes within the historic Palatinate of Durham.
Academics and Students of medieval English history, ecclesiastical history, and the Anglo-Scottish Wars.
Anyone fascinated by the real history of the Middle Ages and the people who lived through it.