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1796 Westminster London Bray & Graham St James Final Concord Indenture
DescriptionAn original 1796 vellum parchment indenture dated from Easter Day in fifteen days in the thirty-sixth year of the reign of King George the Third (c. April/May 1796), detailing the final agreement (chirograph / feet of fines indenture) of a property situated within the Liberty of Westminster, Middlesex/London. The manuscript records proceedings before Justices of the King’s Court at Westminster—specifically naming Sir James Eyre, Francis Buller, John Heath, and Giles Rooke. The transaction is settled between Edward Bray, plaintiff (\"pet.\"), and Richard Robert Graham and Ann his wife, deforciants (\"deforce.\"). The subject property comprises one messuage with appurtenances situated in the Parish of Saint James within the Liberty of Westminster, granted to Edward Bray from the fourteenth day of June last past for a term of twenty years (if the said Richard Robert Graham and Ann, or either of them, shall so long live), with warranty against all persons claiming under them. The consideration recorded is two hundred pounds sterling. Written across 16 lines in a formal English legal court hand, with an indented wavy top margin and decorative flourished initial letter mark to the upper-left corner. Dimensions measure approximately 44 cm by 24 cm.
Background InformationIn English legal history, a Final Concord (or \"Fine\") was a legal fiction operated through the Court of Common Pleas at Westminster to effect a virtually unchallengeable, state-sanctioned transfer and barring of title, particularly valuable when dealing with married women\'s dower rights (as here with Ann Graham). The Parish of St James within the Liberty of Westminster was one of London\'s most fashionable and rapidly solidifying aristocratic and commercial districts during the late Georgian era, encompassing St James\'s Square, Piccadilly, and Pall Mall. The presiding judges listed—Chief Justice Sir James Eyre alongside noted jurists Sir Francis Buller, John Heath, and Sir Giles Rooke—were among the preeminent figures of the late 18th-century English bench.
Condition ReportSingle skin of antique vellum parchment with characteristic light waviness, natural creasing along original folds, and minor edge dusting consistent with age. The handwritten manuscript text in iron gall ink remains remarkably bold, dark, crisp, and fully legible throughout. Retains its distinct indented / scalloped top edge. See Photos for Condition.
Shipping InformationWill be packaged flat inside a rigid, board-backed envelope to guarantee it arrives safely without bending.
This description has been prepared with the assistance of AI. Please rely on the photos to judge condition and details before offerding, as errors can occur. I’m happy to answer any questions if needed.
