Welsh Journals

NLW ROLL 135: A SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY PEDIGREE ROLL FROM HEREFORDSHIRE. IN September 1962 the National Library of Wales took charge of a seven- teenth-century pedigree roll deposited by the archivist of the Worcester county record office, Harry Sargeant.1 But for this act of foresight the pedigree might well have languished in a Midlands repository where its importance might have been overlooked. In truth, even the National Library may have underestimated its true value: it listed it as a pedigree of Gruffydd ap Nicholas and ascribed to it a completion date of 1623, yet it is considerably more than the former and has substantial additions more recent than the latter. This little-known pedigree contains a wealth of genealogical, historical and other information touching the more prominent families of Herefordshire, the borderland and south-west Wales a scope far beyond that traditionally associated with genealogical works of that period. This fact was noted by Mr. Sargeant who, on transferring the pedigree to the National Library, was moved to declare in writing to the Librarian, Mr. Evan D. Jones, that he had 'never seen one quite like it before! Herein lies its significance for it exhibits the hallmarks of a skilled, cultured and enlightened author at ease with his social environment and fully versed in a critical and scientific approach to genealogical and historical research. Though not unique this remarkable document is unusual and has much to recommend it for publication. Two notable features immediately set this document apart from the common run of seventeenth-century pedigree rolls, namely, its size and the volume and diversity of its content. Measuring an impressive 309 cm by 68 cm, it may be counted as one among a select group of the largest surviving pedigrees of that period and it is worth noting that it is exceeded in size only by those produced by professional heralds for the nobility and greater gentry.4 It consists of five separate parchment membranes of superior quality sewn together to form one continuous roll, and while the membranes share a common width they vary in length from between 76 cm (m.l, 2) and 55cm (m.3). Apart from the first membrane which exhibits signs of age and excessive wear, the roll appears to have been generally well cared for and has escaped serious deterioration. Stylistically the pedigree is a rather crude affair which entirely eschews decoration, heraldic or otherwise. No attempt has been made to emblazon the roll or to add colour to contrast the stark black ink (though now faded to brown) in which the pedigree is written.5 It is clear that the pedigree (additions included) is the work of a single individual and is written in a clear, sophisticated secretary