This deed or grant of land shows that it is genuine as Joan Marshal’s own seal with an image of a dolphin is attached to the document. Joan had some claim to part of a field called ‘the east field’ in Langham, Essex probably as part of her dowry, usually a third of her husband’s money and lands set aside for her to live on after his death, 10 April 1325. Catalogue ref: DL 25/1515.
Transcript
To all Christ’s faithful to whom these present writings come, whether seen or heard, from Joan Marshal, widow of Peter de Raydon, greetings. Know that I have granted, returned and entirely given up for myself and my heirs in perpetuity [for ever] to John
de Langwode the whole right and claim which I had and in any way will have in two pieces of meadow in the village of Langdon, in the part called ‘the east meadow’, which John de Langwode sought to obtain from Master William, the rector [priest] of the church of Raydon. So that I, Joan, and any other, for me or in my name in the name of my dowry or by any other ownership by law, by any in law or claim will not be able to expel, to claim or to sell the said two pieces of meadow with their appurtenances [rights] against [the rights of] John, his heirs and assigns in perpetuity. In testimony of this matter in writing of a quitclaim [deed declaring no claims on the land], I have placed my seal, with these witnesses, Master Benedict de Kokefeld, knight, Gilbert de Dyham, Richard Wenlac, Adam Favel, Robert Vigorous and others. Dated at Langham, 10 April (1325) 18 Edward II.
Simplified Transcript
Written greetings from Joan Marshal, widow of Peter Raydon. I have completely given up my rights, and those of my heirs, to two pieces of land in the village of Langdon, called the ‘east meadow’. John de Langwode tried to buy these from the church at Raydon. Therefore I, Joan and anyone on my behalf, will not claim this land or try and sell it instead of John de Langwode the owner and his heirs. In order to prove this, I have written this deed giving up my claims and added my seal with these people as witnesses.
Task 1 – Women in the countryside
- Why do you think Joan Marshal chose a dolphin for her seal?
- Why do you think Joan has ‘given up my rights’ and sold her land to John de Langwode?
- Why do you think John de Langwode wanted the land?
- What does this document tell you about how medieval villagers farmed their lands?
- Why do you think this document was created and had a seal attached to it?
- What do you think the document shows about Joan Marshal’s position in society?