Charles and Thomas Frankland Legal Record Books, ca. 1740 - 1811

This collection contains two handwritten commonplace books compiled by two generations of lawyers in Bedale, Yorkshire, Charles and Thomas Frankland. Three of the functions of these volumes appear to be: to have available all information relevant to Frankland property (land, debtors, etc.); to have available a wide range of legal information, precedents, cases, forms of words, etc.; and to have available information about important clients and matters affecting the district (tithes, enclosure, etc.). The material includes:

a. Copies of promissory notes, receipts, indentures, re. Frankland’s property.

b. Copies of correspondence concerning Frankland’s affairs.

c. Copies/models of numerous articles, affidavits, notices, legal precedents, cases, etc., including Bail Sheriff’s Warrant, Articles for Running a horse race, a warrant of attorney to acknowledge Satisfaction Generall, a release of Dower, The Clerk’s Oath, Articles in making a Cock Match, Form of Discharge of a Prisoner out of Gaol, notes on “Hue and Cry,” “Dower,” “Declarations,” “Prisoners,” etc.

These books comprise more than 500 closely written pages and give full insight into the concerns and practice of an 18th Century solicitor.