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Medieval book from 1300s earns Unesco honor
9 Jun
Summary
- A 14th-century register from England is now a Unesco recognized item.
- The Red Register contains records of King's Lynn during the Black Death.
- It details men sent to fight in the Hundred Years' War.
A remarkable medieval register, believed to be one of England's earliest surviving archival paper books, has received recognition from Unesco. The Red Register, dating back to the 1300s, is written in abbreviated Latin and provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.
This historic document from King's Lynn includes records such as wills from the time of the Black Death and lists of men dispatched to fight in the Hundred Years' War. Archivists note its value in understanding the town's evolution and governance from 700 years ago. The council's purchase of 200 pages of paper for its creation signifies an early adoption of new technology.
The Red Register joins other esteemed items in the Unesco archive, such as the Magna Carta and the Domesday Book. Local officials have emphasized the book's significance, noting it underscores the historical wealth of King's Lynn, formerly known as Bishop's Lynn. This recognition is seen as a major boost for tourism and the local economy.
