Description
Book SynopsisThe accounts of Joyce Jeffreys offer a rare opportunity to enter the social world of the early modern spinster - her daily life, personal circumstances, social activities and family relationships are all reflected through the entries in her manuscript. The accounts also reveal extensive evidence of Joyce''s business dealings, most prominently as a moneylender in and around the Hereford and Worcestershire region, but also as a farmer, market gardener, landholder, and horse and livestock dealer. The income or receipts section details loan arrangements and provides evidence of rental and other income. The expenditure or disbursements section provides a wealth of information on a range of contemporary expenses, including the cost of wages, food, drinks, clothing, textiles, medicines and medical care, the training and care of horses, and even stud fees. Further entries relate to amounts paid out in the form of gifts and gratuities, litigation fees, local and national assessments, and church
Trade ReviewThis volume presents valuable evidence of provincial everyday life in mid-seventeenth-century England in a way that is accessible, informative and stands as an example for other editors to follow. * Jane Whittle, Journal of Continuity and Change *
we find thoughtful and well-contextualized short discussions on such issues and money-lending, patterns of consumption, family and household concerns, charity, medical knowledge and practice and hobbies and pastimes. ... Students and their mentors alike will benefit from the broad scope and considerable importance of both text and commentary. * Robert Tittler, Journal of Urban History *
It is an exemplary edition, and relects Judith Spicksley's diligence, analytical skills and empathy. ... This edition of Jeffrey's accounts brings many features of that age into clear relief, providing insights into the minutiae of the business and personal life of an impressive woman, and allowing one almost to touch the very fabric of seventeenth-century local society. * Nigel Goose, LPS *
Spicksley's edition makes available for the first time one of the most important account books of the seventeenth century, setting it in its economic, social and geographic context * Amy L. Erickson, History *
Table of ContentsLIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS; ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS; LIST OF ABBREVIATED REFERENCES; EDITORIAL METHOD AND COMMENTARY ON THE TEXT; INTRODUCTION; THE BUSINESS AND HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS OF JOYCE JEFFREYS; RECEIPTS; DISBURSEMENTS; APPENDIX I. HEREFORD CITY DOCUMENTS; APPENDIX II. PERSONS LISTED AS DEBTORS IN JOYCE JEFFREYS' ACCOUNTS; APPENDIX III. TRANSCRIPT OF JOYCE JEFFREYS' WILL; APPENDIX IV. TIMELINE FOR DESIGNATED SERVANTS AND WAGED EMPLOYEES; GENEALOGICAL TABLE I. GENEALOGY OF JOYCE JEFFREYS (MALE LINE); GENEALOGICAL TABLE II. GENEALOGY OF JOYCE JEFFREYS (FEMALE LINE); GENEALOGICAL TABLE III. GENEALOGY OF SIR THOMAS CONINGSBY; GLOSSARY; BIBLIOGRAPHY; INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES; INDEX OF PLACE NAMES; INDEX OF SUBJECTS
