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S 1784

c. A.D. 704 x 709. Offa, king of Essex, to Waldhere, bishop of London; grant of land at Hemel Hempstead, Herts. Latin

Archive:

London, St Paul's

MSS:

Oxford, Bodleian Library, James 23 (S.C. 3860)(s. xvii)

Printed:

Kelly, St Paul's, London, p. 141, Transcription of Latin text of the charter

Comments:

Kelly, St Paul's, London, p. 50, Document of St Paul's, London only preserved in a 17th century manuscript, p. 74, Document likely based on authentic material, even if some later changes and adaptations were made, p. 87, Lands obtained for St Paul's by Bishop Wealdhere of London, p. 112, Evidence of Bishop Wealdhere of London procuring land for St Paul's, p. 140, Authentic charter with similarities to S 1785, supporting the latter's genuine nature, pp. 141-143, Discussion of the royal status of the "King Offa" mentioned in this document, the place of Middlesex between Essex and Mercia in the early 8th century as revealed through this document, its highly debated authenticity, p. 146, Charter which shows significant West Saxon influence in its wording, similar to S 1787

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  • Metadata

    Text

    • In nomine Domini nostri Iesu Christi salvatoris. Licet sermo sacerdotum et decreta regalium sanctionum inconcussa stabilitate per sæcula durent, attamen quia plerumque tempestates et turbines sæcularium rerum etiam portas ecclesiæ pulsant.... Ego Offa Rex Eastsaxonum aliquam terræ partem in pago quæ dicitur Hæmele tibi Vualdario episcopo Lond’ etc.
  • Metadata

    Translation

    • In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ the Saviour. Although the declaration of priests and the decrees of royal legal sanctions should last forever with unshaken firmness, yet, because commonly the storms and hurricanes of secular affairs beat on the doors of the church…. I, Offa, king of the East Saxons, [grant] a portion of land in the district called Hæmele to you, Wealdhere, bishop of London, etc.