Legal Definitions - hundred rolls

Definition: Hundred Rolls were records created in medieval England that listed the different feudal tenancies and obligations between lords and tenants. These records were compiled in 1274-1275 by royal commissioners who asked hundred-court juries about feudal relationships that infringed on royal prerogatives and revenue.

Example: If a lord owned a piece of land, they could grant parts of it to tenants who would then owe the lord certain obligations, such as providing military service or paying rent. The Hundred Rolls would list all of these obligations and relationships between lords and tenants in a particular area.

Explanation: The Hundred Rolls were important for the Crown to keep track of feudal relationships and ensure that lords were not infringing on royal prerogatives or revenue. By compiling these records, the Crown could also identify areas where they could potentially increase their revenue by imposing new taxes or fees on feudal relationships.