Afterword

Abstract

In a now famous letter, written around 1465, Agnes Paston granted forgiveness to her eldest son John following a period of strained relationships. This letter both follows convention and elaborates upon it. While Agnes’s letters to her sons typically open with a greeting followed by a blessing, in this case the elaborate benediction is tied into an invocation of her husband William’s death, and a reminder to her son of his responsibilities concerning William’s salvation and the prosperity and health of John’s brothers:

Son, I greet you warmly and let you know that since your brother Clement tells me that you sincerely desire my blessing, may that blessing that I begged your father to give you the last day that he spoke and the blessing of all saints under heaven and mine come to you all days and times. And truthfully only believe that you have it, and you shall have it, provided that I find you kind and minded towards the well-being of your father’s soul and for the welfare of your brothers.¹