Elizabeth I charter and seal

The charter or letters patent is in the form of an inspeximus which confirms that an earlier charter which is usually quoted has been examined and its validity upheld. This charter was issued by Elizabeth I on 21 September 1598. It concerns the inquisition post mortem held in around 1594 in York, after the death of George Woodrove or Woodruff on 20 August 1592.

George Woodrove outlived his son, Francis Woodrove (1517-1573). The post mortem was held to determine the new tenant of land in Notton and Royston that George held at his death. The new tenant was deemed to be Francis, his eldest son, meaning that his heirs were entitled to hold the land.

This inspeximus confirms the decision of the inquisition post mortem. People involved in carrying out the enquiries include George Wentworth, Robert Key, Robert Bradford, William Dyneley and Thomas Bland, all of whom had local connections.

The charter is on vellum with Elizabeth's wax seal attached. It is written in Latin.

The charter was stored in a wooden box covered in leather. The box is lined with pages from an almanack for 1626.