Legal Definitions - hayward

Definition: A hayward is a historical officer who was responsible for maintaining fences and hedges in a town or manor. Their main duty was to prevent cattle from breaking through to an enclosed pasture. They were also known as cattle herdsman.

1. In medieval England, the hayward was an important figure in the community. They were responsible for ensuring that the cattle did not damage the crops or wander into the wrong fields.

2. The hayward would often patrol the boundaries of the town or manor, checking for any breaches in the fences or hedges. If they found any, they would repair them immediately.

3. The hayward was also responsible for impounding any stray cattle that were found wandering around the town or manor. They would keep them in a pound until the owner came to claim them.

These examples illustrate how the hayward was an important figure in medieval England, responsible for maintaining the boundaries of the town or manor and ensuring that the cattle did not cause any damage. They were also responsible for impounding any stray cattle, which helped to keep the community safe and prevent disputes between neighbors.