Lincoln Cathedral Charters c.1904 2-Vol Set by W. O. Massingberd Extremely Rare
 
Lincoln Cathedral Charters Translated with Notes by W. O. Massingberd – c1904 – EXTREMELY RARE 2 Volumes
 
Bibliographic Details
 
Title: Lincoln Cathedral Charters: Translated with Some Notes
Author: W. O. Massingberd (William Oswald Massingberd, 1848–1910)
Publication Date: 1904
Series: Associated Architectural Societies’ Reports and Papers, Vol. 27, pp. 1–91
Format: Two rebound hardback volumes (incomplete, missing middle section)
Pages: Vol. I: 1–80; Vol. II: 131–221
Approx. Dimensions: 22.6 × 14.4 cm; combined width ~ 1.8 cm
Weight: c. 478 g total
 
Description:
 
An exceptionally rare pair of early 20th-century ecclesiastical history volumes: Lincoln Cathedral Charters, translated with notes by Rev. W. O. Massingberd.
This scarce publication appears to have been issued as part of the Associated Architectural Society’s report for 1904 (Vol. 27). Very few references to it exist, and no full copies, digital scans, or reprints have been located. These two volumes cover the Lincoln Cathedral Charters numbered 242–426 and 554–760, believed to form part of a larger, now-lost run.
 
Although this work appears to have been issued as part of the Associated Architectural Society’s Report for 1904 (Vol. 27), there is no publication date or publisher’s name stated within the volumes themselves, only the title: “Lincoln Cathedral Charters: Translated with some Notes by W. O. Massingberd, M.A.
 
Each volume has been later rebound in sturdy cloth over boards, possibly replacing the original staple-bound wrappers. Volume I contains pages 1–80 and Volume II pages 131–221, suggesting a missing middle section. Despite this, these texts remain of significant documentary value, preserving unique translations and commentary not otherwise accessible.
 
About the Author
 
Reverend William Oswald Massingberd (1848–1910) was Rector of Osmsby-cum-Ketsby in Lincolnshire. A noted antiquarian and local historian, he authored several works of Lincolnshire interest, including History of the Parish of Ormsby-cum-Ketsby (1893) and Lincolnshire Records (1896). His publications, often privately printed, reflect his deep engagement with the region’s ecclesiastical and archival heritage.
 
Rarity and Provenance:
 
This set is extremely rare – no complete or digital versions have been found through major bibliographic databases, archives, or antiquarian catalogues. It appears to have been privately printed in very small numbers, possibly only for local or diocesan circulation.
 
The first volume bears a handwritten annotation on the title page: “B19 – Presented ’43”, adding provenance interest. Each volume also includes an ex-libris label on the front pastedown, further supporting early institutional or private ownership.
Given the lack of surviving copies and its connection to Lincoln Cathedral’s medieval documentation, this represents a notable and possibly unique surviving example.
 
Physical Condition:
 
Both volumes are structurally sound and in good condition for their age.
Covers: Later cloth bindings in two different colours, intact and robust, with light wear, faint marks, and minimal rubbing.
Volume I: Title page heavily marked and with a tear to top edge; pen note to upper margin; small staple-related holes on several leaves (pages 72–79). Minor foxing and tanning throughout; light crack between pages 2–3 and 78–79.
Volume II: Light foxing only; clean pages with occasional small folds; minor gutter crack to first and last leaves.
Both volumes: Pages tanned but largely clean and well-preserved. Text remains entirely legible.
 
Contents:
 
Volume I: Charters 242–426 (pages 1–80)
Volume II: Charters 554–760 (pages 131–221)
Both include pedigree diagrams within the text.
 
Summary:
 
An extraordinarily rare pair of ecclesiastical Lincolnshire history volumes, representing part of Rev. W. O. Massingberd’s 1904 translation and commentary on the Lincoln Cathedral Charters. Though incomplete, these rebound volumes preserve valuable original content and exemplify the private scholarly printing practices of early 20th-century cathedral historians.
 
An important acquisition for collectors of Lincolnshire history, cathedral archives, or privately printed antiquarian works.