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Reilly, S. A.

"Our Legal Heritage : 600-1776 King Aehelbert - King George III"


This is a lawsuit regarding rights to feed pigs in a certain
woodland:
"In the year 825 which had passed since the birth of Christ, and
in the course of the second Indiction, and during the reign of
Beornwulf, King of Mercia, a council meeting was held in the
famous place called Clofesho, and there the said King Beornwulf
and his bishops and his earls and all the councilors of this
nation were assembled. Then there was a very noteworthy suit about
wood pasture at Sinton, towards the west in Scirhylte. The reeves
in charge of the pigherds wished to extend the pasture farther,
and take in more of the wood than the ancient rights permitted.
Then the bishop and the advisors of the community said that they
would not admit liability for more than had been appointed in
AEthelbald's day, namely mast for 300 swine, and that the bishop
and the community should have two thirds of the wood and of the
mast. The Archbishop Wulfred and all the councilors determined
that the bishop and the community might declare on oath that it
was so appointed in AEthelbald's time and that they were not
trying to obtain more, and the bishop immediately gave security to
Earl Eadwulf to furnish the oath before all the councilors, and it
was produced in 30 days at the bishop's see at Worcester. At that
time Hama was the reeve in charge of the pigherds at Sinton, and
he rode until he reached Worcester, and watched and observed the
oath, as Earl Eadwulf bade him, but did not challenge it.


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