Queen Anne Letters Patent [?], circa 1702-1707

This collection consists of a single item: a Queen Anne letters patent [?] on a single membrane of parchment (69 x 77 cm). It is written in court hand, a script commonly used for legal documents in England prior to 1733. It is probably in Latin, and includes a large printed initial letter portrait of the queen, and a printed top border, ornately decorated, with the queen's coat of arms and her name, "Anna Gratia Dei Angliae Scotiae." It may be a contemporary copy rather than the original, since it lacks the monarch's great seal normally included on letters patent.

It is now flattened, but shows evidence of prior folding and delivery by post. On the verso, it is addressed to Mr. Oliver Marton, No. 25 King's Place, Chigwell, Essex. This may be Oliver Marton, Esq. (1688-1744) of Capernwray.

As yet undeciphered at the time of processing, the document includes several occurrences of "Jacobus and Johannes Holland." The name Johannes may refer to Sir John Holland of Quiddenham, Norfolk, who was Comptroller of the royal household under Queen Anne from 1709 to 1711.

The document is endorsed "Barrett," possibly William Barrett, solicitor of the royal treasury under Queen Anne.