Storage and Users

Hi Maggie,

Your page looks really good so far, and I enjoy how thorough you've been in covering the period! Two questions I had while reading, and I apologize if the information simply doesn't exist to answer these. One, have you found any sources discussing how these archives were stored? Chests, bags, etc.? Was there any sort of system attempted to manage and organize the archives? I've run across evidence of this in the early modern period, however I'm just not knowledgable enough to know if any practices of the sort existed in the middle ages. Also, have you found anything on users of these archives? Were they only open to certain groups, the elite, rulers, etc.? Did the public benefit at all from the archives?

Yes, I've come upon some information in regards to how the archives were stored, though they are specific examples (see Christian Monastic Archives and Henry II). I am not sure if I can put it in the general introduction, as the practices were very localised to particular archives.

In terms of system to manage archives, the only evidence is the use of cartularies. Otherwise, there is not much information on practices. There might be something I'm forgetting at the moment.

So far all I have found is that those who kept the archives used them. Since it was usual for copies of records to be made for each person involved in the action, they kept their own records and did not share them publicly.

Still, interesting questions to keep in mind. Will address them more fully in my edits and additions.