Gould Genealogy and History

The author make skilful use of examples to illustrate the uses and value of deeds, ranging from 13th century family trees, though 15th century fishmongers' shops and 17th century friendships, to 19th century cottages and factories. he explains the intricacies of locating the right deeds for a particular problem, whether in the nearest county record office, a local solicitor's office, a Californian library, or in one of the vast series of enrolled copies among the public records.

The most important section of the book is a comprehensive and detailed discussion, explaining how to extract the historical evidence from individual deeds or deed bundles, without being overwhelmed by legal jargon and technicalities. Ranging from the 12 to the 20th centuries, it covers deeds from all types, from feoffments and quitclaims to bonds and reconveyances, as well as fines, recoveries and court rolls. The full texts of many deeds are included as examples, together with an invaluable glossary.

The first edition in 1986 was very well received as a major source of information about an important part of our archival heritage, not previously provided in a full and systematic way. This extensively re-written and enlarged edition is the essential guide, particularly for local and family historians, to the rich harvest of information stored away in old title deeds.

Contents:
List of Illustrations
List of Text Tables
Abbreviations
Acknowledgements
Preface to Second Edition
1. Introduction
2. Why?
 - Deeds for Places and for Things
 - Deeds for People
 - Deeds and Computers
3. Where?
 - What to Look For
 - Where to Look
4. How?
 - Post-Medieval Deeds
 - Medieval Deeds
 - Related Documents
 - Copies of Court Roll and Manorial Court Rolls
Appendix 1: Texts of Deeds
Appendix 2: Sample Deeds Record Sheet
Appendix 3: Post-Medieval Letter Forms
Further Information
Glossary of Deed Terms
Index of Subjects
Index of Persons and Places