And
the men of Lichfield complain that likewise they have taken
toll from them, more especially in Staffordshire. And the
bailiffs deny that they take anything from the knights in
Staffordshire. And for that they cannot [be heard to]
contradict the jurors, the bailiffs are in mercy. As to the
men of Lichfield, [the Tamworth bailiffs] say that they
ought to have, and in King Henry's time had, toll of them,
more especially of the merchants, as well in Staffordshire
as in Warwickshire. And the burgesses of Lichfield offer the
king a half-mark for an inquest by the county. And the
county records that in King Henry's time the men of
Lichfield did not pay toll in Staffordshire. Therefore the
bailiffs are in mercy.
- - - Chapter 7 - - -
- The Times 1215-1272 -
Baron landholders' semi-fortified stone manor houses were improved
and extended. Many had been licensed to be embattled or
crenellated [wall indented at top with shooting spaces]. They were
usually quadrangular around a central courtyard. The central and
largest room was the hall, where people ate and slept. If the hall
was on the first floor, the fire might be at a hearth in the
middle of the floor. Sometimes the lord had his own chamber, with
a sleeping loft above it. Having a second floor necessitated a
fireplace in the wall so the smoke could go up two floors to the
roof.
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