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The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History

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THE 'WHITE BOOK'

Any reader of Plymouth history will at some time come across references to the 'Black Book', the 'White Book' and the 'Widey Court Book'.  This explains the origins of the 'White Book.'

This book was given to the Town by Mr John Ford, who was Mayor in 1555.  It was used from 1560 until 1754 for the entry of bye-laws and orders of the Corporation and lists the names of aldermen and councillors.   The orders are for the most part signed by those who made them.  In addition, contains many entries of a miscellaneous interest affecting the Borough.

The 'White Book' takes its name from the vellum cover, upon which is inscribed 'The Book of Constitutions'.

Extracts from all these Books were published by Mr R N Worth FGS in a "Calendar of the Municipal Records", 1893.

Next in importance to the 'White Book' is the 'Widey Court Book'.

 

Page created: 13 January 2005

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