Letters of legitimisation

[Kylie B]

Hi
I  have found mention of presentation of 'letters of legitimisation' and wondered if anyone out there can tell me more??

The story in my situation is the father was a goldsmith- he paid an increased fee to apprentice his son as he was illigitimate, and then there is an entry later in the Goldsmiths Incorporation minutes talking of him presenting letters of legitimisation- in favour of the son.

Can anyone tell me more about these? And if they would be likely to be archived anywhere that I can somehow access copies- it was in Edinburgh in 1593.

THanks!
Kylie

[davidft]

There is an interesting article here that may explain a bit what was going on

(eg the child was born illegitimate but the parents later marry and legitimise the child)


http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/LAP_LEO/LEGITIMACY.html