Collection of British indentures, 1607-1769 | Purdue University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections

Scope and Contents: The Collection of British Indentures (1607-1769; 18 cubic feet) documents 17^th and 18^th century British land laws and the transfer or renting of land between individuals and/or family members.  All of the indentures are handwritten in English on vellum, which was standard for legal documents during this time.  The indentures were written during the reigns of eight monarchs and exemplify British land law during the 17^th and 18^th centuries.  Most of the indentures have either a blue Sixpenny Royal tax stamp or a Schilling Sixpence tax stamp that are sometimes punched with a tin alloy tab to prevent the reuse of the stamp.  Some of the indentures have red wax seals bearing the impression of the lawyers’ or parties’ signet rings to demonstrate its authenticity.  Postage stamps are present on some of the indentures, as well as addresses and signatures of the parties.  Copper plate engravings have been used for some of the indentures to create an Armorial heading at the beginning of the indenture; the engraved indentures in this collection all include the arms of the Royal Order of the Garter.  This collection also demonstrates the development of English court-hand during the 17^th and 18^th centuries, a useful collection for anyone interested in paleography or British land law during this time.