Medieval Letter-writing (Class notes)

Aelflaed of the Weald (India Ollerenshaw), 2000.

Letter-writing in the Middle Ages was a form of rhetoric as much as a personal communication between people.
The art had been formalized by the mid 12th century and was the basis of university rhetoric courses in the 12th and 13 centuries.
Several treatises on the art survive. The earliest ones are continental, although they were known in England, and similar works of English origin appear later in medieval times. The major sources available in English are found in J. Murphy's The Medieval Rhetorical Arts and Lauder and Traugott's Poetria Parisiana of John of Garland. These works contain suggestions for composition and word-choice, as well as samples appropriate to every business situation, which could be inserted into a new letter by those without skill or leisure to compose for themselves.
There are no love letters or instructions pertaining to romantic letter-writing in the treatises. Types of letters which do come within this sphere relate to requests for money or position, letter of recommendation, notices of appointment, stern letters offering chastisement for various offenses.
Austin in her article states that the medieval Ars Dictaminis disappeared with the close of the 15th century, although the Lisle letters, from the mid 16th century, display matching characteristics.
The content and style of a letter depended greatly upon the relative social positions of both sender and recipient.
Letter-writing was not restricted by class, gender or occupation. The treatises examined by Austin contain examples appropriate to all walks of life, and actual letters survive from people of many different types. Minimal education would have been required, but certainly many who had not had the benefit of a university education were expected and able to use the treatise examples in composing their own correspondence.
According to Austin, dating of correspondence was not usual. However, both the Lisle and the Paston documents frequently mention the date on which they were written - by no means always, but among these two families at least - separated as they are by a century - dating seems to have been quite usual.
Austin also states that a closing salutation such as 'yours sincerely' or 'in service' would not have been used, especially as such a hanging phrase (incomplete sentence) would have appeared to be the mark of an uneducated person and was therefore undesirable. Again, this theoretical guideline stems from the treatises which are the basis of her research, and is not borne out when looking at either the Lisle or the Paston letters. As with dating, signatures are not always present, but neither can they be said to be rare.
Austin notes that titles, where used at all, are usually written after the personal name ie: 'Peter, King of ', rather than 'King Peter'

The Components of a Theoretically Perfect Medieval Letter

Lots of flattery. Lots. This is called RESPECT, not boot-licking. Lay it on as thick as you like. Or thicker.

Salutation - contains the names of both parties. Among equals, or from an inferior to a superior (or to show extra respect), the recipient should be mentioned first. From a superior to an inferior, put the sender's name first.

General rule: the highest rank receives the most politeness and therefore goes first.

Feel free to add flattering epithets to their name, and suitably humble ones to your own. Refer to the recipient's rank or office, to their superior skills and personal attributes, or to their relationship to you. The master of Bologna wrote: "These additions should be selected so that they point to some aspect of the recipient's renown and good character"

Some examples(from the Bologna manuscript):

"To the vigorous soldier and noble friend, Earl David, Richard, the Duke of Venice, sends greetings and wishes for every good fortune."

" to Nathan, I wish an increase of true piety in Christ"

"Peter the father and Mary the mother, to John most beloved son, send fresh greetings and eternal blessings."

(from the above son to his long-suffering parents) "To Peter and Mary his parents, John, once dear to them but now without cause become worthless "

Securing of Goodwill - judicious flattery, influencing the reader to evoke the desired response.

John of Garland recommends the use of a suitable proverb at this stage: "a brief statement, moral in purpose, setting forth what is good or what is bad in an important matter". For example, if your matter is a request for money or gifts, a proverb or biblical quotation dealing with generosity would be appropriate.

Here is another chance to prepare the reader to look kindly upon you and the substance of your letter. Emphasize your own humility, praise the recipient, mention your achievements on their behalf or your worthy motivation. Say how important the letter is, how weighty its matter. The first sections of a letter are vital in securing the reader's interest in your topic. They are not for talking business.

Narration - a clear and concise narration of the matter. State your request, announcement, whatever. This is less important than the previous sections, despite the fact that this is the reason for the letter. The question can only be posed after you have secured the positive interest and goodwill of the recipient. First impressions count. If you haven't been sufficiently polite by now, you won't get anywhere.

Petition - this can be omitted if the letter is not requesting any favours. This is where you can offer prayers, advice, threats if necessary. Put in a reproving (and improving) example, or a stern admonishment for bad behaviour. If you have written a begging letter, this is an excellent place for even more fulsome praise of the reader's generosity.

Conclusion - don't repeat the subject matter. Salute the recipient again if you wish. You may also wish to 'affirm' - state your loyalty, write about the pleasant effects to result from their compliance with your desire (ie: "Believe me your most loyal servant and humble petitioner while I live."). Alternatively, you may wish to 'deny' - state the evil consequences of ignoring your request (ie: "If you fail in this, you will surely lose our friendship").

Austin, T., Article in Tournaments Illuminated Vol. 131, pp 6-10.

St Clare Byrne, M., (ed) The Lisle Letters

Davis, N (ed), The Paston Letters

This article is a set of class notes, and was published in issue 9 of Cockatrice.

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