Probate Inventories of French Immigrants in Early Modern London by Parker, Greig (review)

The volume that Greig Parker has compiled makes a valuable contribution to the discourse on material culture circulating in early modern London. It also adds to the thinking on lifestyles of French immigrants to early modern London. His well-considered introduction reflects upon the evidence probate inventories provide, offering pros and cons for understanding French immigrant domestic material culture. I found his thoughts around the use of these documents insightful and reflective of his archaeological background. Challenges of providing a balance sample, given the paucity of such evidence for women, has been addressed, as far as possible, and the resulting probate transcriptions of ninety-two inventories include fifteen for women. The sample spans the dates from the 1660s to 1740s, and the transcriptions are arranged chronologically. The spread of wealth and investment in material goods is well demonstrated by the inventories Parker has chosen to include. The volume includes a number of appendices that support the inventories. These appendices start with lists of names; firstly of the deceased, followed by the compiler of the inventory, names of debtors, and finally other names mentioned. This arrangement is valuable for quick reference. The list of occupations, too, assists in providing context for the reader. Finally, the glossary of terms used within the probate inventories is a welcome addition. With the progress towards digitizing manuscript material by archives for mass consumption, the importance of publishing transcriptions within a contextual framework remains crucial to the continued progress of scholarly enquiry in the field. This book is a useful reference volume for those of us interested in the material culture of early modern London and the difference immigrants brought with them when they settled in their new homeland.