1. Between Magna Carta and the Parliamentary State: The fine rolls of King Henry III 1216–1272 and the project

A fine in the reign of King Henry III (1216–1272) was an agreement to pay the king a sum of money for a specified concession. The rolls on which the fines were recorded provide the earliest systematic evidence of what people and institutions across society wanted from the king and he was prepared to give. They open a large window onto the politics, government, economy and society of England in the hinge period between the establishment of Magna Carta at the start of Henry’s reign and the parliamentary state which was emerging at its end. This Project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, makes the rolls freely available to a wide audience while at the same time, in the Fine of the Month feature, providing regular comment on their historical interest.

Users of the website are also invited to follow and contribute to the Fine Rolls blog.

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1.Fine of the Month

The Chenduits in the Fine Rolls – A Gentry Family in the Reign of Henry III by Christopher Tilley

Read this essay [PDF].

The winners of the Fine of the Month Competition for 2011 are Jeremy Ashbee for his article ''Gloriette' in Corfe Castle, 1260' and Evyatar Marienberg for his article 'The Stealing of the “Apple of Eve” from the 13th century Synagogue of Winchester'.

Users are advised that the material on this site is subject to review and refinement, and any comments upon it are welcome via the Feedback form.

  • AHRC
  • King's College London
  • NA
  • CCH
  • Canterbury Christ Church University