Displaying 1 glossary term in Diplomatic Anatomy starting with N
Diplomatic Anatomy
Latin
Narratio (Exposition of Circumstances)
Lat. narratio ('story, relation, exposition')
The narrative section of a diploma explaining the factual background, monetary consideration, royal dispute, or synodal lawsuit that prompted the grant.
In dispute charters (*wiðermal*), the narratio recounts vivid trials, oath-swearings, stolen cattle, and the compensation paid to reclaim lost family estates.
“…quam terram quondam Aethelheardus rex dederat sed postea per contentionem ablata fuerat, nunc vero redditur…”
S 1251 — Settlement of the Council of Brentford
Read in charter →