Volumes documenting centuries of Northumberland town's history snapped up at auction
Historic records that document the history and growth at Morpeth have been procured by Northumberland County Council at an auction.
There are ten volumes in total, the first of which dates back to 1608 and the accession of James I of England, the country's first Stewart Monarch. They record the activities of the "Company of Merchants and Tailors of Morpeth" until the early 20th century.
The company was one of seven craft guilds in the town which oversaw the practice of certain trades and provided a support network for guild members and their families. The volumes cost £1,800 at auction, with the majority paid by a grand to Northumberland Archives from the Friends of the Nation's Libraries.
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Jeff Watson, councillor and cabinet member for culture, heritage and libraries said that the hand-written records gave insights into the lives of ordinary tradesmen. He said: "Guild members formed the unelected council or corporation of the town and were involved in important decisions about its development and governance.
"The volumes are an important source for family and community historians and include details such as apprenticeships, payments to widows and for funerals, along with decisions made by the company that influenced the development of Morpeth. It is wonderful to know these ancient documents have been secured for posterity for our residents."
It is not yet known when or if the volumes will go on display. However, the records of four more guilds can be viewed free of charge in the search room at Woodhorn, Queen Elizabeth II Country Park in Ashington, with no appointment necessary.