A fragment of the Reforma das Ordenações de D. Afonso V

Abstract

This study examines the first and to date probably the only known fragment of the legislative compilation known as the Reforma das Ordenações de D. Afonso V, [‘Revised Laws of King Afonso V’], accomplished by Doctor Rui Fernandes in the town of Arruda on 28 July 1446. The fact that it is a parchment fragment has given rise to the hypothesis that it is the only known vestige of the original version, which would have been deposited at the central Chancery immediately after the revision was concluded, in order to serve as the matrix for subsequent authentic copies.