The Paston Letters are the surviving correspondence of a prominent East Anglian family from the late Middle Ages. The letters detail all aspects of the family’s life, including their rise through the social ranks, and the cultural life of the period. We learn not only of the development and increase of their property and wealth, but also their trials and tribulations. The history of the Paston family shows them to be determined, but occasionally taking reckless chances, fighting to preserve any benefit that came to their family. Many of their properties, and others to which they were benefactors, survive throughout East Anglia. A brief synopsis of the history of the most important members of the family follows.

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Published 16 March 2005

Citation: Cummings, James. "The Paston Letters". The Literary Encyclopedia. 16 March 2005.
[http://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=2884, accessed 20 November 2009.]