BC - RECORDS OF BATH CITY COUNCIL AND BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
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Inspeximus of 6 Edward II confirming lost charter of 40 Henry III

Reference Number: BC/1/1/1/6
Level of Description: Item
Title: Inspeximus of 6 Edward II confirming lost charter of 40 Henry III
Date: 12 March 1312/13
Extent: Extent: 1 item
Description: Inspeximus and confirmation of the of charter of 40 Henry III, 24 July [1256], which is no longer extant.

It recites and confirms the grant to citizens of the City of Bath and their heirs and successors that they shall have the return of writs regarding the city [this grants the city the power to execute writs instead of the King’s appointed Sheriffs or Bailiffs]. There should be no interference from outside authorities unless the citizens or Bailiffs of Bath fail to execute the writs.

Bath is also granted the right to elect its own coroners, who shall be accountable to the Crown's itinerant Justices.
Citizens’ goods and chattels are protected from confiscation due to trespasses or forfeitures committed by their servants. Upon death, whether there is a valid will or not, citizens' property should pass to their heirs rather than be confiscated, if it can be determined that the said goods belonged to the deceased. Anyone who interferes with these liberties will be subject to a penalty of £20.

Language: Latin

Physical Description:
The initial ‘E’ in ‘Edwardus’ at the start of the text is embellished in pen and ink and the ascenders and certain initial letters in the top line are elongated.

Width 40cm x height 28cm.

Seal:
The Great Seal is pendent by cords. The impression is good, although damage to one side of the edge has resulted in the partial loss of the legend.