Rediscovering Lincoln’s Past through a Rare Survival

Marie
Nov 14
4 min read

Exploring the Extremely Rare 1904 Lincoln Cathedral Charters by W. O. Massingberd

For anyone passionate about the history of Lincoln, it is always exciting when a work surfaces that sheds new light on the region’s ecclesiastical and archival heritage. The two volume set Lincoln Cathedral Charters translated with notes by Reverend W. O. Massingberd is one such discovery. This scarce early twentieth century publication offers an unusual glimpse into the cathedral’s medieval documentation and stands out as one of the rarest Lincolnshire related works I have ever handled, allowing readers to begin rediscovering Lincoln’s past through a rare survival.

These volumes are now available on my website, and because of their rarity and significance, I wanted to explore their background in more detail for readers who share a love of Lincoln’s history.

Rediscovering Lincoln’s Past through a Rare Survival: What These Volumes Actually Are

These two hardback volumes contain Massingberd’s translations of a large run of the Lincoln Cathedral Charters. They were originally part of the Associated Architectural Societies Reports and Papers for 1904, specifically Volume 27. Within that publication they appear to have formed a long sequence, but the surviving set here includes only two sections.

Volume I covers charters 242 to 426 and contains pages 1 to 80.
Volume II covers charters 554 to 760 and contains pages 131 to 221.

The middle section is missing, which suggests that the original publication was larger and possibly printed in discrete parts. No complete copy has yet been located through any major library catalogue or digital archive, which adds to the significance of the surviving sections.

Why This Set Is So Rare

A search through major bibliographic databases, antiquarian listings, and digital repositories has revealed no complete version of Massingberd’s work. No scans, reprints, or full reference copies appear to exist. Everything points to the likelihood that this translation was privately printed in very small numbers, possibly for diocesan or local scholarly circulation.

The two volumes I have listed were rebound at some point in sturdy cloth boards, replacing the original staple bound wrappers. Each also includes an ex libris label, and Volume I bears a handwritten note that reads B19 Presented 43, which adds further provenance interest.

Given the scarcity of surviving copies and the absence of any fully intact version, this set may be one of very few remaining examples and is therefore a valuable resource for Lincolnshire historians and collectors of early cathedral studies.

About the Translator Reverend W. O. Massingberd

William Oswald Massingberd was an important Lincolnshire antiquarian whose work focused on local ecclesiastical and archival history. He served as Rector of Ormsby cum Ketsby and produced several respected historical works including History of the Parish of Ormsby cum Ketsby and Lincolnshire Records. His publications were usually privately printed in small numbers, which helps explain why so many of them are scarce today.

The translations and notes he produced for the Lincoln Cathedral Charters preserve material that is not widely available elsewhere. These volumes therefore represent an important part of his scholarly contribution to Lincolnshire studies.

What the Charters Represent

The charters collected in this set form part of the cathedral’s medieval and early modern administrative record. They include grants, confirmations, legal transactions, land holdings, and additional documentation relating to the governance of the cathedral and its estates.

Charters such as these are essential for understanding the structure of ecclesiastical authority, the evolution of local landholding, and the relationship between the cathedral chapter and the wider community. The material translated by Massingberd is not only valuable for historians but also deeply engaging for anyone who enjoys uncovering Lincoln’s past through original documentary sources.

Physical Features and Condition

The two volumes are later rebindings in cloth over boards. They are structurally sound and present well for their age.

Volume I: Title page heavily marked with a tear at the top edge, pen note in the margin, and small staple related holes on several leaves. Some foxing and tanning throughout, plus light gutter cracks at a few points.
Volume II: Light foxing, clean pages, and only minor folds. There is a slight gutter crack at the beginning and end.
Both volumes: Tanned but clean pages throughout. The text remains fully legible.

Although incomplete, the surviving content is intact and extremely valuable.

Why This Set Matters for Lincoln’s History

Lincoln is a city with a rich documentary tradition. The cathedral has been central to the administration of the historic diocese and its estates for centuries. Charters such as those translated by Massingberd illuminate the legal and social history of the region, revealing how the cathedral acquired property, administered its lands, and interacted with the local population.

Because the original records are stored in archives and are not always easily accessible, Massingberd’s translations are an important bridge for researchers, students, and collectors. Even in their incomplete form, these two volumes preserve content that is very difficult to find anywhere else.

This makes the set not only a rare physical object but also a meaningful contribution to Lincolnshire heritage.

Final Thoughts

For collectors of Lincolnshire history, cathedral archives, or privately printed antiquarian works, this pair of volumes represents a remarkable survival. Although incomplete, they contain substantial sections of Massingberd’s 1904 translations and notes on the Lincoln Cathedral Charters and are among the rarest items I have listed.

You can view the full listing here:Lincoln Cathedral Charters c.1904 2 Volume Set by W. O. Massingberdhttps://www.literarytreasures.co.uk/product-page/lincoln-cathedral-charters-c-1904-2-vol-set-by-w-o-massingberd-extremely-rare