XXXVII. Observations on some antient Methods of Conveyance in England; by Henry Ellis, Esq. F.R.S. Secretary: in a Letter addressed to Matthew Raper, Esq. F.R.S. V.P.

Extract

In the third volume of the Archaeologia I find a partial illustration of a passage in the History of Ingulphus. Speaking of the Customs introduced into this country after the Norman conquest, the historian says, “Conferebantur etiam primo multa prædia nudo verbo, absque scripto vel charta, tantum cum domini gladio, vel galea, vel corñu, vel cratera: et plurima tenementa cum calcari, cum strigili, cum arcu; et nonnulla cum sagitta. Sed hæc initio regni sui; posterioribus annis immutatus est iste modus.” “At first, many estates were conveyed by bare word, without any writing or charter, but merely by the sword, helmet, horn, or cup of the possessor. Many tenements were transferred by a spur, a horse-comb, a bow, or even an arrow. This was at the beginning of the Norman reign. In later years the custom has been changed.”