Bracton: Thorne Edition: English. Volume 4, Page 50

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Volume 4, Page 50

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[001] delay and according to the custom of our manor of such a vill to do full right to such a
[002] one with regard to much land with the appurtenances in such a vill, of which such a
[003] one deforces him. Lest we hear further complaint for default of right. Witness etc.’ If
[004] a burgage is claimed, let this writ then issue.

The writ to bailiffs of boroughs.

[006] ‘The king to his bailiffs of such a borough, greeting. We order you without delay to do
[007] full right to A. of such a vill with respect to one messuage with the appurtenances in
[008] such a vill, which he claims to hold of us by the free service of so much a year for all
[009] service (or ‘in free burgage,’ or ‘in frank-marriage for all service’) of which such a one
[010] deforces him. And unless you do so the sheriff of such a place shall, lest etc. Witness
[011] etc.’ There is also a writ of right of another kind directed to an heir in the name of a
[012] widow who has received part of her dower, whether it is large or small, which is this.

The writ of right of dower, where the widow has a portion.

[014] ‘The king to such an heir, greeting. We order you without delay to do full right to such
[015] a woman with respect to the third part of so much land (or ‘rent’ or ‘wood’ or
[016] ‘meadow’ or ‘of one’ or ‘two’ or ‘so many messuages’) with the appurtenances in
[017] such a vill which she claims is part of the reasonable dower which falls to her from the
[018] free tenement which belonged to such a one, her former husband, in the same vill (or
[019] another) and to hold of you by the free service of (as above).’ If the dower sought
[020] ought to be defended by the service of the dower which is held, then thus: ‘which she
[021] claims to belong to her free tenement which she holds of you in dower in the same vill
[022] (or another) by such service.’ Or thus: ‘which she claims to hold of you in dower by
[023] such service.’¹

The writ of right of services and customs which is directed immediately to the sheriff.

[025] There is also another kind of writ of right, of services and customs, which is directed
[026] immediately to the sheriff, where a tenant has denied his service in whole or part,
[027] which is this. ‘The king to the sheriff, greeting. Order such a one rightfully and without
[028] delay to do to such a one the customs and right services which he ought to do him
[029] from the free tenement which he holds of him in such a vill. And unless he does so, and
[030] if the same [demandant] has made you secure etc., then summon [the tenant] by good
[031] summoners etc. to be before our justices at the first session etc. to show why he has
[032] not done so. And have etc. Witness etc.’ If one refuses to do the service he acknowledges,

Notes

1. Supra iii, 400