JURIES OF INQUISITION zrj
Sometimes they presented their verdict there and then, but
frequently they are ordered to present their findings at the next
Court, or are told, or they ask to view the site and buildings, or
to deliberate as to the lord's rights, etc., before making their
decision.1 If such permission is not granted they are unwilling
to give their verdict,2 just as we find them uneasy about speaking,
by reason that several of their more senior members were absent
on the King's wars,3 or because they want the aid of the serfs of a
neighbouring manor before they decide.4 In short the jury of
inquisition was a thoroughly practical straightforward way of
enquiry into facts, and it was very widely used by the lord and
by his tenants.
When any of the tenants wanted to use this means of enquiry
he was usually forced to pay for it, and gave the lord sixpence, or
a shilling, or even more, up to considerable sums such as 6s. 8d.
for the privilege.5 It was worth their while to do this, for not
only did they get a decision, but further it was enrolled on the
record of the court, and could be appealed to if necessary at any
later date.6 What does seem strange to our ideas is the fairly
common practice of paying at double rates for a satisfactory
verdict: A. B. comes and pays the lord for an inquisition con-
cerning. .. and he will give the lord 4$. if he is successful in his
claim, otherwise only 2$.7
The duties of such juries were manifold. They had to enquire
into all matters of fact, and to declare what was the custom of the
manor. When a dispute had to be settled between two parties it
was the jurors who deliberated and finally returned their verdict,
and upon this the court acted. They made surveys and reported
on ancient rights. They were empowered to draw up by-laws for
the due regulation of the meadows and common fields, and to
make inquisitions, as to the state of various holdings or the con-
dition of houses and barns.8 They were not always limited in
1 Hales Rolls, 43, 56, 65, 198, 219, etc. * Ibid. 87.
1 Ibid. 377. * Ibid. 500.
6 Selden Soc. ir, 17, 20,21,22,24,25; Hales Rolls, 108, 212,447, 476,484,
493, etc.; Ramsey Rolls, 267, 280.
8 Hales Rolls, 372, 459, 502, 512; cf. Selden Soc. rv, 112.
7 Hales Rolls, 219; and cf. Selden Soc. n, 17: " J. H.*s son gives 3$. and if
he recovers will give 3 marks for having a jury of twelve to inquire*...**
See also p. 20.
8 See for example, Durham Halmote or Hales Rolls, passim.