What is the source of this quotation please Karl? Ruth in Hampshire > -----Original Message----- > From: cheshire-bounces@rootsweb.com > [mailto:cheshire-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of KARL HELD > Sent: 12 April 2014 16:43 > To: CHESHIRE-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: [CHS] Meaning of 'black nephew' ? > > Hi all, > > William Malbank (c. 1125-1176), baron of Nantwich, gives > notice that he has received of Robert de Bracy, his black > nephew, homage and 3 knights' fees. > > Anyone know what is meant by 'black nephew' ? > regards > Karl L Held Hi Ruth, The sources for this are: http://www.1066.co.nz/library/battle_abbey_roll1/chap01.htm (scroll down to Bracy surname) http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=n8U_AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA822&lpg=PA822&dq=%22his+black+nephew%22&source=bl&ots=dNQW_udlA5&sig=3O4K_au0UvAgN9GcqmppcaZLJp8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=_I9JU-TdEan17AakwoDQBg&ved=0CEwQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=%22his%20black%20nephew%22&f=false Magna Britannia: Being a Concise Topographical Account of the ..., Volume 2 (page 822) http://genforum.genealogy.com/bracy/messages/81.html regards Karl

I have asked the question "What is a black nephew?" to assorted knowledgeable people who have an interest in mediaeval English history, but no-one can come up with an answer. However, what is suggested is that something may have been lost or confused in the translation from the latin, and that the original charter be identified and consulted, either at The National Archives or Cheshire RO. Sorry not to have anything more definite. Ruth