The Paston Letters

The Paston's Letters span three generations and most were written during the reigns of Henry VI, Edward IV and RIchard III, in a period of political turmoil, local anarchy, and war aroad and at home. They reveal personal hopes and anxieties and contain as well as business matters a wealth of information on leisure pursuits, eduation and domestic life. The writers express theselves with a clarity and vigour that is remarkable at this early date and the letters illustrate as no other documents can, the state of teh language in daily use immediately before and after the introduction of printing.

This project aims to bring together the Paston family members and those other persons mentioned in the letters.