April Flower: A ‘common minstrel’?—NOT William Smith of Headingley

On October 30, 1563, in Headingley (West Riding), young Anne Hobson knew that she had to tell her parents about her contract of marriage to Edward Walker. She would later deny that she had ever entered into such an agreement, but she knew that the rumours of it would soon reach the ears of her […]

‘Modyr Nakett’ (Mother Naked)

Each month, we will post an amusing, interesting, or noteworthy entry drawn from the growing REED-NE evidence. This month’s ‘flower’: ‘Modyr Nakett’ In the Durham Priory Bursar’s annual account running from 11th November for 1433-1434, a number of payments are recorded as having been made to various entertainers, including an entry for 4 pence given […]