Legal Definitions - faldworth

Definition: Faldworth (pronounced fahld-wərth) is a term used in history to describe a person who lives in a rural community where everyone above a certain age is responsible for the good behavior of all other members of the community. This responsibility is part of the frankpledge system, where people pledge to uphold the law and maintain order in their community.

Example: In medieval England, a faldworth was someone who had reached the age of responsibility and was part of a group of ten households called a decenary. Each decenary was responsible for keeping the peace and reporting any crimes to the authorities.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a faldworth was part of a larger system of community responsibility. By being part of a decenary, they were accountable for the actions of their neighbors and had to work together to maintain order. This system helped to ensure that everyone in the community was held accountable for their actions and that law and order were maintained.