The Close Rolls refer to a collection of legal records that document the actions and decisions of the English monarch and their government. These records are typically kept in a roll format and contain information regarding land grants, appointments, and other matters of governance. The Close Rolls serve as an important historical and legal resource for researchers and scholars studying the legal and administrative history of England
Close Rolls are administrative records of the English Chancery that detail various legal transactions and royal commands. They were named “close” because they were originally closed with a seal, distinguishing them from “patent rolls,” which were open to public view. Close Rolls contain a wide range of information, including grants of land, appointments, licences, and other royal decrees. These records provide valuable insights into mediaeval governance, legal affairs, and the exercise of royal authority in England.
Close rolls are a type of legal document used in mediaeval England to record the decisions and transactions of the royal court.
No, close rolls are no longer used in modern legal practice. They are primarily of historical interest and are studied by legal historians.
Close rolls contain a wide range of information, including grants of land, appointments to office, and other royal decisions and transactions.
Close rolls are distinct from other legal documents such as charters and patents in that they were used specifically to record the decisions and transactions of the royal court.
Yes, close rolls are considered public records and are often available for public inspection in archives and libraries.
In some cases, close rolls may be used as historical evidence in legal disputes, particularly in matters related to land ownership and royal grants.
Close rolls were created and maintained by clerks in the royal chancery, who recorded the decisions and transactions of the royal court on parchment rolls.
Close rolls are significant in legal history as they provide valuable insights into the workings of the royal court and the administration of justice in mediaeval England.
There are no direct modern equivalents to close rolls, but similar types of legal documents, such as court records and administrative records, serve similar functions in recording legal decisions and transactions.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 28th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/close-rolls/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Close Rolls. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/close-rolls/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Close Rolls. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/close-rolls/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Close Rolls. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/close-rolls/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts