The marriage of Richard Basset: an undetected forgery in the name of Henry I

A charter of Henry I, king of England from 1100 to 1135, allowed the marriage of Richard Basset to a daughter of Geoffrey Ridel, who had died in November 1120. Through the detailed provisions of the act, Basset acquired the lands that became known as the honour of Great Weldon, which passed to his descendants through many generations. Careful consideration of the terms of the charter and the circumstances surrounding its production leads to the conclusion that it is a fabrication, confected to ensure that the Ridel lands passed exclusively to the descendants of Richard Basset.