Doddridge's History

Scope and Content

The volume is entitled 'A discourse or relation both of the Ancient and Moderne Estate of the Principalitie of Wales, Duchie of Cornewall and Earldome of Chester, penned and collected by Mr Serjant Doddridge oute of Recordes of the Tower of London and by him presented to the Kings Majestie at Hampton Courte in January anno Domini 1603'. The first published edition of this work appeared in 1630. Considering the early date, and Doddridge's signature, this would appear to be a fair copy made by him in his own hand for presentation to the King.

Administrative / Biographical History

Sir John Doddridge (1555-1628), judge and antiquary, was the son of a Barnstaple merchant. Educated at Exeter College Oxford and at the Middle Temple. Member of the Society of Antiquaries. MP for Barnstaple 1588, MP for Horsham (Sussex) 1603-1611. Knighted 1607, Justice of the King's Bench, 25 November 1612. Buried in Exeter Cathedral.

Access Information

Usual EUL arrangements apply

Acquisition Information

Devon&Exeter Institution

Conditions Governing Use

Usual EUL arrangements apply

Custodial History

The voume bears notes of previous keepers, including Weston Hellyar. A note, which is virtually illegible, reads 'This book was placed in my hands by Ed [?Dight], W [?Grant].

Bibliography

The work was first published after Doddridge's death with the title The History of the ancient and moderne Estate of the Principality of Wales, Dutchy of Cornwall, and Earldome of Chester. Collected out of the Records of the Tower of London, and divers ... authors (London, 1630) and has been published twice since, in 1714 and 1973.