Original Hanoverian era 1716 English Legal Indenture Manuscript on Vellum

Overview An authentic, hand-written legal indenture document dated in the reign of King George I (1716). This historic manuscript offers a fascinating window into early 18th-century property law, land tenure, and social history.

Item Specifications

• Date: 30th May 1716

• Document Type: Legal Indenture / Deed (e.g., Lease and Release, Mortgage, or Assignment)

• Material: Hand-inscribed dark brown iron gall ink on animal vellum / parchment

• Language: Early 18th-century English legal script

• Geography: Stockport- Cheshire

• Parties Involved: John Warrell and others...

• Dimensions: 68 cm x 45 cm

Historical & Collector Highlights

• Authentic Seals: N/A

• Signatures: Features contemporary autograph signatures and witness attestations on the verso.

• Display Potential: Excellent visual appeal for framing, academic study, or inclusion in an antique manuscript collection.

Condition Report

• Vellum: Stable condition consistent with a 310-year-old artifact, featuring natural folds and minor edge wear.

• Legibility: Text remains legible throughout, with clear ink contrast.

• Condition: Minimal fading, clean vellum with natural aging rather than heavy damp or pest damage. 

•  The Historical Context: In 1716, Stockport was a bustling market town straddling the borders of Cheshire and Lancashire. The town was primarily governed by its ancient feudal burgesses and the Baron of Stockport. Legal transactions from this year are particularly fascinating as they occurred right after the local turmoil of the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion (which culminated nearby at the Battle of Preston).