Exploring Monk Bretton’s 17th Century Letters Patent 

Barnsley’s Archives contain some fascinating documents, and one gem that makes an appearance at many events and open days is the Grant of King James I by letters patent of the Manor of Monk Bretton to George Wood and John Broadhead. 

Dating back to the 28th February 1610 it was created just five years after King James survived Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot. Written entirely in Latin, its size and impressive appearance, with the monarch’s great seal affixed, means that it always attracts a lot of interest. 

But as well as being visually very interesting, it ranks as one of the most important surviving documents relating to the history of Monk Bretton. 

Read more from Paul Stebbing, the Barnsley Archives Manager, as he examines this  impressive parchment document which casts light on an important part of Monk Bretton’s history: https://barnsleymuseums.art.blog/2025/12/01/monk-bretton/