Define: Cartulary

A cartulary is a collection of legal documents, charters, and deeds that are compiled and preserved by a church, monastery, or other institution.

The purpose of a cartulary is to provide a record of the legal rights, privileges, and obligations of the institution that compiled it, as well as the individuals and communities with whom it interacted.

Access to a cartulary is typically restricted to authorised researchers, scholars, and historians who have obtained permission from the institution that owns it.

Yes, cartularies are considered legal documents because they contain records of legal transactions, agreements, and disputes.

Yes, cartularies can be used as evidence in court to support claims of legal rights, ownership, and other legal matters.

Cartularies are authenticated through a process of verification and certification by the institution that compiled them, as well as by legal authorities and experts in the field.

Cartularies are typically preserved and maintained by the institution that compiled them, using specialized techniques and materials to ensure their longevity and accessibility.

Yes, many cartularies have been digitised and made available online, providing greater access to researchers and scholars around the world.

Cartularies are important historical sources that provide insights into the legal, social, and economic structures of mediaeval and early modern Europe, as well as the interactions between institutions and communities during this period.