James Raine (1830–96) was chancellor and canon of York Minster and secretary of the Surtees Society, established by his father between 1854 and 1895. He edited this work for the Rolls Series in 1873. Covering the period 1265 to 1415, it illustrates the ecclesiastical history of the north of England through a vast collection of Latin documents taken from the episcopal registers of Carlisle, Durham and York. Material from Durham and Carlisle deals largely with England's tumultuous relationship with Scotland. Significant space is devoted to the mostly complete registers of York, a centre for parochial reform and the dissemination of royal instruction throughout the period covered. The registers of Peckham and Thoresby in particular demonstrate their dedication to the Church and diocese. Overall, the documents provide valuable insight into the northern sees, the personal history of bishops and sovereigns, and the general history of medieval England.