Medieval Physicians and Clergy

[Sue Simonich]

Does anyone know anything about the term "cautions?"

I have a book out titled "Medical Practitioners in Medieval England" in which the two individuals that I am studying, tendered cautions at the college where they were studying. See below.

John Sparwell (Sperwell, Sparvell), physician, Dorset, c. 1445-1489.
John Sparwell made his first recorded appearance when he took his degree of Bachelor of Arts at Oxford in 1445.(1) In the same year he began to rent a school from University College, (2) so it appears that he had taken up teaching as a career. Two years later, in 1447, he tendered a caution on 25 April, for Nun Hall, now within the site of Corpus Christi College.

This is a new term to me. I also noted that many of the physicians were also clergy.

Thanks for your replies. . . .Sue

[Jan1954]

I had a look at ardictionary.com/ (put http:// in front) and one definition was: "security, guaranty or bail". Now, on further research, the meaning of guaranty can be: An undertaking to answer for the payment of some debt, or the performance of some contract or duty.

So..... maybe they put forward offers for a contract of tenure?

Just my thoughts....

[Browneyes]

I believe it means he had an interest in the property. See Chapter Two, http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2002...9_en_2#pt2-ch2
(Modern day interpretation of course)
Browneyes

[Sue Simonich]

Thanks to all of you!

Sue