Autographs and Manuscripts
CROMWELL, Oliver (1599-1658). Lord Protector 1653-8.] ()
Document in his name, a plea concerning a dispute between John Locksley and Thomas Stones over land at Mortomley Chapel, Levitt, Slade Hooton and Maltby [Yorkshire] "inrolled at Westminster before Oliver St. John and his ffellowe Justices of the Common Bench of the terme of St. Michael . . .".1 page large oblong folio on vellum, c. 18 x 26 ins, with elaborate pen and wash decoration to the first four words ("Oliver Lord Protector of") slightly oxidized and therefore creating the illusion of gilt, with the Seal of the Court of Common Bench in brown wax, [slightly chipped at the top] attached by the original vellum tag. Westminster, 28 November 1656.
An elaborate and attractive document, with the rare Seal of the Court of Common Bench, showing the House of Commons on the recto and the outline of England, Wales and Ireland on the verso.". . .John Locksley in his proper person demandeth against Thomas Stones seaven messuages . . . gardens one hundred and twenty acres of Land fforty acres of Meadow and sixty acres of pasture with the appurtenances in Mortomley Chappell . . ."The justice presiding over the trial, Oliver St. John, had been king's solicitor to Charles I, but he was also a supporter of Parliament and a key figure in bringing Archbishop Laud to trial for treason. In 1648 he was appointed Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, a post which he only lost in 1660 with the Restoration.In fine condition, with clear text and decoration. Some fold wear, with one or two tiny holes. The seal impression is more distinct than is usually found in such documents.
Stock Code: AU5222
