THE ANNALS OF BURTON BRIDGE 61 
Sicily belonged to the Emperor, and both he and after his death, Man- 
fred, who claimed it, had been ex-communicated and the kingdom was 
offered by the Pope to Henry who was foolish enough to accept it for 
his second son : this being an expensive undertaking and coming at 
a time when barons and clergy were exceedingly sore from repeated 
taxation had a good deal to do with bringing on the civil war. 
One of the most interesting things in the Annals is the “ Articles 
of Enquiry before the Justices Itinerant at Lichfield.” I give a few 
of these as they throw a light on the social conditions of the times. 
Articles of Enquiry : 
“Concerning Ladies who are or should be in the gift of the King, whether 
they are married or should be married, and if they are married, to whom: 
and by whom they hold their lands and of what value there lands are.” 
“ Concerning measures made and sworn to in the kingdom, if they are 
kept as they should be. And if the guardians of the measure take a bribe 
from anyone so that he may be able to buy with one measure and sell with 
another. And if the assize of bread is kept as it should be and if anyone 
has taken a bribe for selling wine or bread contrary to the assize. And of 
found treasure.” 
“Concerning the hue and ery raised, and not followed up.” 
Later on in the reign it was definitely laid down for what crimes 
the hue and cry should be raised and followed up. 
“Concerning dead Christian usurers who they were and what goods they 
had and who should have them.” Usury was for a long time considered 
as being contrary to Christian principles. 
“Concerning forgerers and clippers of coin.” 
The coinage was very bad in this reign and a new coinage was 
issued. 
“Concerning money and exchange and who coins money without the 
permission of the King and his justiciars.” 
“Concerning those through whose lands outlaws or thieves passed and 
who did not make pursuit with hue and ery as the law is.” 
‘Concerning outlaws and their goods, who return after flight without 
the warrant of the King.” 
“Concerning sheriffs and other bailiffs who have taken ransom from 
widows holding a whole knight’s fief or land worth £20 for not supplying 
