Course Handbook - Faculty of History

5.4 Diplomatic of the Central Middle Ages: compulsory for Option 2
Dr T Webber, Dr P Zutshi and Prof D S Abulafia
These classes, given on Tuesdays 2 - 4 pm, in the Faculty, are intended principally to
provide a general introduction to medieval diplomatic, although it may be possible briefly
to cover topics relating specifically to the research interests of those attending. The
lecturers will also be pleased to discuss particular problems individually with MPhil or
PhD students.
Classes 1, 3 and 4 are given by Dr Webber, class 2 by Dr Zutshi and class 5 by Prof D S
Abulafia
8 February Introduction to medieval diplomatic: its definition and purposes. Sketch of
the history of the discipline, from Jean Mabillon to the 21st century. The
forgery of documents in the Middle Ages.
15 February The papal chancery, mainly 12th-15th century. Types of papal documents.
The papal registers in the Vatican Archives.
22 February Royal chanceries and documents, mainly England, France, Germany.
1 March Episcopal documents and private documents: England and the Continent.
2 March Notaries public in Southern Europe, especially Italy.
5.5 Medieval Book Production, Codicology and Libraries: optional for Options 2 and 3 but
compulsory for Option 1
Dr T Webber and others
This course is optional but you may well find it of great interest, and anyone intending to
use manuscript (as opposed to record) sources would be well advised to attend. The course
covers the whole medieval period, but if you do wish to go you should follow the entire
course, not just the part that covers your Option. If in doubt about the course’s suitability
for you, you should consult your supervisor, and you may also wish to contact the director
of the course, Dr T Webber, in Trinity College, or by email (mtjw2@cam.ac.uk). Numbers
may have to be limited; those who wish to attend should therefore give their names and
colleges to Dr T Webber either in writing, to Trinity College, or by email
(mtjw2@cam.ac.uk) before 8 October.
The course consists of six classes in Michaelmas Term (Part I) and four classes in Lent
Term (Part II). Part I focuses on the nature of medieval manuscripts themselves; Part II in
the Lent Term deals with particular categories of book. All classes will take place between
2 and 4 pm on Wednesday afternoons. They will begin on the third Wednesday of the
Michaelmas Term. Part I Classes will take place in the History Faculty, the Parker Library
in Corpus Christi College, and the Wren Library, Trinity College. Please see below for
details. Part II class 7 is in the Fitzwilliam Museum and class 9 in the University Library.
Michaelmas Term
Part I - Using and Describing Medieval Manuscripts.
Class 1 (27 Oct) Materials and Structure I (Dr de Hamel) Parker Library,
Corpus
Class 2 (3 Nov) Materials and Structure II (Dr de Hamel) Parker Library,
Corpus
Class 3 (10 Nov) Materials and Structure III (Dr Webber) Faculty
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