The Diplomatic Anatomy of an Early English Charter
Structural formulas and rhetorical legal components marked up in the TEI XML edition — click any card to explore
1. Invocation (Invocatio) 359 Charters
Pious opening invoking the Holy Trinity or Christ (e.g. In nomine Domini Dei nostri Jesu Christi, Regnante in perpetuum).
Browse Invocations →2. Proem (Arenga) 172 Charters
Theological or philosophical preamble justifying the gift, reflecting upon the transience of earthly riches and heavenly rewards.
Browse Proems →3. Dispositive Word 418 Charters
Operative legal verb conferring tenure, immunity, or possession (e.g. dono, concedo, trado, libenter largior).
Browse Dispositives →4. Vernacular Bounds 183 Charters
Topographical estate bounds (often in Old English) describing ditches, barrows, ancient oaks, streams, and ridgeways.
Browse Bounds →5. Sanction / Curse (Sanctio) 233 Charters
Solemn anathema threatening transgressors with eternal excommunication and damnation alongside Judas Iscariot.
Browse Curses →6. Dating Clause (Eschatocol) 389 Charters
Formal recording of time and context classified by system: Anno Domini, 15-year Roman Indiction, or Regnal Year.
Browse Dating Clauses →Treasury of Early Insular Diplomas
Milestone single sheets, synodal settlements, and royal chanceries — click any charter card