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 The
landlord of a manor or town did not get involved in the daily administration of
his property and its inhabitants, he appointed officials to undertake duties
such as collection of rents or the supervision of services due him from his
tenants.
He might select one from his tenants to exercise the office of reeve, the
medieval sheriff was simply the king's shire-reeve. Or he might employ a man to
act as the bailiff of his estates.
The first administrative officers we find in English towns are reeves are in
Anglo Saxon times there are passing mentions of portgerefa and wicgerefa.
After self government was acquired, the term ballivus gradually came to be
preferred in towns, although it is not clear whether there is any real
significance to the change.
In most towns one or more bailiffs acted as the executive officer, presiding
over local courts, at first, and only later were they superseded by mayors.
Jobs People
Almoners Atilliator Blacksmith Barber
Bailiff |
