February 20, 2025, by Chloe

New book shines light on seventeenth-century collections

Manuscripts and Special Collections was excited to host the launch of a new book, ‘Change and Continuity in Seventeenth-century Nottinghamshire’ by Dr Peter Seddon,  last week. Attendees had the chance to hear Dr Seddon discuss his work and to purchase a copy, but in a unique twist, they also had the opportunity to view some of the rare documents which formed the backbone of his research for themselves.  

Photograph of Dr Seddon discussing the role of items from Manuscripts and Special Collections in the writing of his book; 11 February 2025

These sources not only shed new light on the history of the county but also reveal Nottinghamshire’s central role of some of the century’s most explosive events. The Midlands conspirators who orchestrated the Gunpowder Plot lit the fuse on what would prove to be a tumultuous few decades, characterised by bitter divisions over religion and politics, culminating in the moment that Charles I raised his standard at Nottingham Castle on 22 August 1642, marking the start of the English Civil War. The conflict left a legacy of animosity between the various aristocratic families who dominated the county, ultimately influencing the formation of the first modern political parties at the end of the century.  

Particular highlights include the oldest surviving map of Nottingham, which is inset within a map of the county produced in 1610  by John Speed (1552-1629). The plan of the town shows, with reasonable accuracy, of the layout of Nottingham in the early 17th century, when it was home to approximately 3000 people. It provides valuable evidence of features which no longer exist, such as the then-standing stretch of town wall and the stocks and pillory in Market Square.    

The countie of Nottingham described by John Speed; 1610.   
EMSC Not 1.B8.C76

Skipping forward to the middle of the century, we hold a document which records a declaration of service to Charles I by ‘the gentlemen of the county of Nottingham’ made at Newark on 12 July 1642; which is particularly notable since it actually predates the outbreak of war by over a month. In this document, Charles’ supporters aren’t just pledging their fealty, they’re also putting their money where their mouth is:  their names are listed alongside the number of horses to be put to the service of the King’s cause that each has funded. The fact that this was deemed necessary indicates that it must have been clear to many at the time that the country was marching inexorably towards war – and that Newark, at least, had already chosen a side. Indeed, it did go on to be a major Royalist stronghold. 

Hi 2 M1, Minute Book of the first presbyterian classis in Nottingham, 1654-1660; and birth and death register for members of the chapel, 1691-c.1720

Nottingham, on the other hand, had more Parliamentarian leanings due to the concentration of Protestant nonconformists in the town. Following the end of the war, during the Protectorate, those who wished to practice variants of Protestantism outside of the established Anglican church gained greater freedom of worship. This allowed the Presbyterian Church to operate openly, leading to the creation of records such as this Minute Book of the first Presbyterian classis (a regional ruling council) in Nottingham. Following the restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, the Presbyterian system was abolished and the Episcopalian Church was re-established.

If you missed the launch, there’s no need to worry – our treasure trove of original documents relating to seventeenth-century local history are freely available for members of the public to view at Manuscripts and Special Collections! To find out more, or to book an appointment today, please contact us at mss-library@nottingham.ac.uk.

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