We will shortly provide search functions which will enable users to perform both simple and sophisticated searches on the people, places and subjects mentioned in the Fine Rolls, and to limit the search results by date.

Underlying the search functions is a rich information structure using some of the new technical approaches more commonly associated with the 'semantic web' and other methods for representing data which are under development in the cultural heritage sector. You can find more information about this in the technical introduction.

This structure allows us to perform a wide range of complex scholarly queries on the material, such as the following:

3. Basic combined search: combination of a person/place/subject.

Consider for instance the example shown in the image below where a search is carried out on all the places associated with a particular person - in this case Stephen d'Evreux.

  All the places associated with ‘Stephen d’Evreux’, as shown through the system
          which is behind the search function. The pop up shows the details related to the location
          called ‘Trumpington’.
All the places associated with ‘Stephen d’Evreux’, as shown through the system which is behind the search function. The pop up shows the details related to the location called ‘Trumpington’.
Template that shows how the simple search will look like once in place. You could
          search for a combination of person, place, subject (selecting from the relevant thesaurus)
          and year.
Template that shows how the simple search will look like once in place. You could search for a combination of person, place, subject (selecting from the relevant thesaurus) and year.

4. Advanced search

The advanced search functions enable very complex queries about individuals, places, subjects and dates to be carried out, taking advantage of a wider range of information in the system, e.g. about careers, kinship relations, roles.