Product Ref: FHF-240
Sin, Sex and Probate by Colin Chapman
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Sin, Sex and Probate by Colin Chapman is a fascinating and accessible guide to the workings of England’s ecclesiastical courts. These Church Courts were responsible for a surprising range of duties: they granted probate (wills and letters of administration), issued marriage licences and honorary degrees, and presided over cases involving sexual misconduct, slander, and clerical discipline.
What makes this book especially compelling is its use of vivid, often graphic witness depositions—mostly in English—which earned these courts the nickname “Bawdy Courts” in the 18th century. Chapman not only demystifies the complex structure and procedures of these courts but also highlights their value for family historians and migration researchers. The book includes diocesan maps and details on where to find surviving records, making it a practical resource as well as an engaging read.
FHF-9781873686164