Legal Definitions - view of frankpledge

Definition: View of Frankpledge was a twice-yearly gathering and inspection of every freeman within a district who was more than 12 years old. The purpose was to determine whether each person had taken the oath of allegiance and had found nine freeman pledges for their peaceable demeanor. Frankpledge, on the other hand, was a promise given to the sovereign by a group of ten freeholders (a tithing) ensuring the group's good conduct.

Example: In medieval England, the king's officials would hold a View of Frankpledge to ensure that every freeman had taken the oath of allegiance and had found nine freeman pledges for their peaceable demeanor. This was a way to maintain law and order in the community.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the View of Frankpledge was used to ensure that every freeman in a district was loyal to the king and had found nine freeman pledges for their peaceable demeanor. This was important to maintain law and order in the community and prevent any rebellions or uprisings.

Example: The frankpledge system required a group of ten men to be responsible for each other's good behavior. If one member of the group committed a crime, the others were responsible for producing the wrongdoer for trial.

Explanation: The example shows how the frankpledge system worked. A group of ten men would be responsible for each other's good behavior, and if one member committed a crime, the others would be responsible for producing the wrongdoer for trial. This ensured that everyone in the group was held accountable for their actions and helped maintain law and order in the community.