Courts began recording their proceedings in plea rolls and filing writs from their foundation at the end of the 12th century.
Most files were kept by the Custos Brevium (established in 1246) but files of writs of covenant were kept by the chirographer because of their association with feet of fines, which were kept separately by the chirographer (established by King John's reign).
From 1288 to 1731, non-current records, plea rolls, files of fines, and writs were transferred from the court to the Treasury of the Receipt of the Exchequer; and thence, eventually, to The National Archives at Kew.
They are in Latin, though some items, such as indentures and direct quotations in cases of defamation, are in English.
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