Latin Letters from Scanian Clergymen. A Critical Edition with Introduction, Translation and Commentary.

At the Manuscript Department of Lund University Library I have found a collection of Latin letters and other documents written by Scanian clergymen in the late 17th century. In my thesis I will make an edition of the Latin text, translate it and write a comprehensive commentary.

At the Manuscript Department of Lund University Library i have found a hitherto neglected manuscript containing copies of Latin letters and other documents written by Scanian clergymen in the latter half of the 17th century. The manuscript was probably copied by Frans Leche (dead in 1685), who was the vicar of Barkåkra near Ängelholm. The originals of the letters and other documents seem to have been written mainly by clergymen in the neighbourhood between 1659 and 1680. The collection, which is very varied, contains testimonials, invitations and - most important - other private letters and documents of many different kinds.

Scholars have long regarded the situation and feelings of the Scanian clergy after the Roskilde peace treaty with considerable interest. It may, however, sometimes be difficult to infer the true opinions of the clergymen from the official documents of the time, which were written with extreme diplomacy and caution. An analysis of this collection may give some important information on the private social networks of the clergymen and in some cases perhaps also on their political point of view.