The Origins of Mortgages in Anglo-Saxon England

This chapter explores the concept of mortgages in Anglo-Saxon England, highlighting their existence before the word 'mortgage' came into use. It discusses the use of Latin charters and the need for simpler legal documents written in English, as well as the invention of writs to communicate with illiterate populations. The chapter also examines the role of Latin and English in legal documents and the sophistication of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom in the 10th century.