Antique Legal document dated December 1850 relating to Lancaster, on Vellum.

It is an Acknowledgement of a Deed by a Married Woman - between John Watkinson and Richard Claye, relating to Ann Brundswell, the wife of James Brundsrell.

It has two signatures to the bottom of the document - Watkinson and Claye.   

My understanding of this document is that from around 1833 vellum certificates were issued thanks to a clause in the Fines and Recoveries Act of that year. A married woman selling or mortgaging a property jointly with her husband had to be interviewed separately by a public official to certify that she was of full age and competent understanding to confirm that she was not being forced into agreeing to the sale. Effectively an early start to women's legal rights in this country relating to property. 

This document is part printed and part hand written. It measures 14" wide by 10" tall (35 cm x 26 cm). Folded as originally issued and still in reasonable condition for its age - see photos.

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