Lancaster's Charters
A list of the Charters granted to Lancaster
Click on the charter dates below to view a description of that individual Charter. (In PDF format.)
John, Count of Mortain's Foundation Charter, granting Lancaster the liberties of Bristol.
King John's Charter, granting Lancaster the liberties of Northampton, replacing those of Bristol.
A copy of the Bailiffs of Northampton's Charter, granted by King John.
King Henry III's Charter confirming Lancaster's 1199 Charter.
Edmund, Earl of Lancaster's grant of extra pasturage in Quernmore Forest, in exchange for his right to make a park therein.
King Edward III's confirmatory Charter granting a new market, a new fair and the Gild Merchant.
Sir Robert de Neville's release of all actions against Lancaster, for harm to his market.
King Edward III's charter, at the request of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, granting all Pleas and Sessions in the County, to be held only in Lancaster.
King Richard II's Charter reciting and confirming the 1337 and 1362 Charters.
King Richard II's Charter confirming his 1383 Charter, with a warning.
A copy of Northampton's 1189 Foundation Charter, enrolled at the Gildhall, London.
King Henry IV's Charter confirming King Richard II's 1389 Charter.
King Henry IV's directive to Irish officials, to enquire if Lancaster burgesses were free from toll in Ireland.
King Henry V's confirmatory charter which was recited in full, in Charters granted in 1430 and 1563.
King Henry V's general pardon to the Mayor and Burgesses for offences against the Statute of Liveries.
King Henry VI's Charter reciting and confirming the 1413 Charter.
King Henry VI's end fragment of Charter granting the privileges of the Statute Merchant.
King Richard III's Licence for the foundation of Gardyner's Chantry and Almshouse.
King Henry VII's Precept to certain local gentlemen to assist the Bailiffs of Lancaster to collect the tolls of Cowan Bridge.
King Henry VII's Precept to Richard Gardyner, the Mayor and the two Bailiffs of Lancaster against taking Liveries.
King Henry VIII's Charter confirming freedom from tolls, as recorded in the 1552 Constat.
King Henry VIII's confirmatory Charter which included that of 1430.
A deed relating to the enclosure of 80 acres in Quernmore Forest.
King Edward VI's charter granting freedom from tolls to all tenants of the Duchy of Lancaster.
King Philip and Queen Mary's charter restoring the Pleas and Sessions to Lancaster.
King Philip and Queen Mary's Precept against taking liveries.
Queen Elizabeth I's charter confirming all Lancaster's other charters.
Queen Elizabeth I's charter confirming the boundaries of Quernmore and Lancaster.
King James I's charter of INCORPORATION.
King James I's charter confirming freedom from tolls to all tenants of the Duchy of Lancaster.
King James I's charter confirming his 1608 charter.
King Charles II's charter confirming the Charter of Incorporation, the Statute Merchant charter of 1432, etc. and placing restrictions on the borough officials.
King Charles II's charter confirming the Charter of Incorporation, nominating all the officers and members of the council and reserving the right of the Crown to remove any of them at will.
King George III's Licence in Mortmain to erect a Shambles in Lancaster.
King George III's confirmation charter regularising the elections and duties of the council and its officers.
Garter Principal King of Arms, Clarenceux King of Arms and Norroy King of Arms granted and registered to Lancaster Arms and a Crest; and on the following day Garter Principal King of Arms granted and registered Supporters to the Arms.
King George VI's charter granting to the Borough of Lancaster the status and dignity of a City.
Queen Elizabeth II's Charter conferring the status of City on Lancaster, as defined under the boundary changes which came into effect on the 1st April 1974.