Document from momentous era takes us back over 500 years
IT COMES from a time when the ill-fated King Richard III was on his way to losing his crown – and the inhabitants of "Darbyshire" were known as "North Mercians".
This flimsy 527-year-old piece of paper was written out in a momentous era – but held the key to the future of a humble family.
The historic document secured Repton woman Eleanor Vernon her fortune upon her father's death.
It includes all of Robert Bradshaw's assets that he built up while living in Idridgehay – including land.
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After the rare slip came to light, it is to be auctioned by Hansons next month.
Valuer Elizabeth Bailey, from Hansons, said it was difficult to estimate how much it would fetch as the document was so rare.
She said: "It is remarkable to think that this slip of paper dictated the fate of a Derbyshire lady 527 years ago.
"Even to handle this sort of history, so close to home, is a truly uncanny experience."
The year 1485 was a tumultuous one for Britain. The Battle of Bosworth and the consequent death of Richard III, the last King to die in battle, was a formative event in England.
Catherine of Aragon was also born in this year and there was the first outbreak of a mystery fatal "sweating sickness" – a 66 year pandemic which struck England, and which eventually died out and vanished without a cause being established.
Locally, "Darbyshire" in 1485 was strikingly different to the county it is today.
The inhabitants of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire were called the "North Mercians" and these two counties long continued to be connected as they had one sheriff between them through to 1569.
Many recognisable Derby landmarks had been constructed by 1485. Buildings that existed in the late-15th century included All Saints' Church, which became Derby Cathedral in 1927.
St Michael's Church, St Peter's Church, St Werburgh's Church and St Mary's Church had also been built.
Also constructed was the Market Place, including St James' Street, Sadler Gate, Walker Lane and Full Street.
Mrs Bailey said: "Within this hotbed of almost simultaneous religious and commercial innovation, Reppyngton – or Repton as it is now known – was a highly important district.
"It is understandable, then, for the need of local lady Mrs Eleanor Vernon to secure her inheritance in a time of such commercial and social turbulence."
The document is being sold by an anonymous family from Burton.
It will go under the hammer at Hansons' three-day antique and collectors' sale on March 14, 15 and 16. Viewing for the sale will be held on March 13 from 11am to 7pm.
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