John Lydford's Book

This work provides insights into the legal practices of the medieval English church through the writings of John Lydford, a notable canon lawyer.

In the fourteenth century, John Lydford emerged as a notable canon lawyer and cleric, serving as an advocate within the church court at Canterbury. His extensive involvement in various official roles within the English church provided him with a unique perspective on ecclesiastical law and its applications. This book serves as a compilation of Lydford's notes and documents related to canon law, meticulously edited to offer readers a glimpse into the legal frameworks of the time.

John Lydford's Book includes a wealth of information, such as legal formulas that were employed in court cases, insightful notes on specific points of law, and detailed records of particular cases that originated from the church courts in Oxford, Hereford, Winchester, and Exeter. These documents not only reflect Lydford's legal expertise but also illustrate the complexities and nuances of medieval ecclesiastical justice.

Through this collection, readers gain an unusual insight into the inner workings of the medieval English church and its judicial processes. The introduction provides context for Lydford's contributions and highlights the significance of his work in understanding the legal landscape of the period. Overall, John Lydford's Book stands as an important resource for anyone interested in the history of canon law and the ecclesiastical courts of medieval England.