You need to go the PRO web site and read their copyright leaflet very
carefully. I think you will find that copyright restrictions start with
publication, so you have to make some attempt to trace the copyright owner,
however perfunctory. When I edited a volume of minutes written by an 18th
century justice (previously unpublished), I had to go through the idiocy of
writing to the person who might have been the copyright owner and wait six
months for no reply. This was thought to be enough to cover a possible
copyright action (best endeavours) if any descendants did emerge from the
woodwork. And as it happens, some descendants have now emerged, but
fortunately have not thought of challenging copyright ...
Ruth Paley
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