What is “a medieval charter” usually written on?

The story behind the answer

Medieval charters—formal records of grants, rights, or privileges—were written on treated animal skin (parchment) because it was tough, long‑lasting, and held ink well. Unlike fragile papyrus and erasable wax tablets used for drafts, this material withstood handling and damp European climates. Paper, though known from the 12th century via the Islamic world, did not become common for durable legal deeds in Western Europe until much later.

Scribes in royal, episcopal, and monastic chanceries penned charters in Latin and authenticated them with hanging wax seals. Calfskin “vellum” was prized, but sheep or goat were common too; some sheets were cut with matching “indentures” to deter forgery. Thanks to this sturdy medium, thousands of medieval charters survive, anchoring our knowledge of landholding, governance, and everyday legal life.